Berlin, Germany | Image credit:
Florian Wehde/Unsplash
Berlin is ready to introduce the ‘BerlinPay’ programme, which will reward tourists with vouchers for helping with litter picking.
The initiative draws inspiration from Copenhagen’s ‘CopenPay’ scheme and aims to promote mindful travel by keeping the city clean.
Berlin is preparing to introduce an initiative this summer to encourage tourists to pick up litter in exchange for free or discounted access to some of the German capital’s most popular attractions. The programme, called ‘BerlinPay’, is expected to launch in summer 2026 and aligns with the city’s annual theme: Water Tourism. The initiative aims to combine tourism with environmental responsibility.
Also, check out our story on 26 practical tips for responsible travel in 2026.
Litter picking in Berlin: How travellers can benefit
Representational image credit: Thirdman/Pexels
According to a news report by The Berliner, tourists will be rewarded with vouchers for helping fish out garbage from the city’s waterways. The city is currently seeking suitable partners for the initiative to ensure meaningful rewards for every traveller who participates in the ‘BerlinPay’ programme. The exact details about the vouchers and the rewards are expected to be shared before the Pentecost holiday.
Backed by the Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises, full details of the ‘BerlinPay’ programme will roll out by mid-May, according to a news report by Euronews.
The ‘BerlinPay’ programme draws inspiration from Copenhagen’s ‘CopenPay’ scheme, launched in 2024. Under this scheme, tourists visiting the Danish capital are rewarded with free entry to local attractions, guided tours and complimentary coffee/cocktails for picking up litter and contributing to making the country cleaner.
Berlin’s cleanliness initiatives
Berlin’s growing focus on cleanliness is also highlighted in its rising investment in public sanitation. This year, the city increased the budget for its cleaning company by nearly 14 percent compared to last year.
The ‘BerlinPay’ initiative signals a broader commitment to keeping the city both livable for residents and appealing to visitors.
(Feature image credit: Florian Wehde/Unsplash)
Related | We Put Together A Compact Berlin Travel Guide For First-Time Travellers
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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A writer by passion, Vanya loves spending time in nature and exploring new places. Her inquisitive side ..Read Moreled her into the travel space. If not on her laptop, she\’s usually reading a book or creating a new artwork. Read Less