“We are taking an example from very clean Copenhagen,” says Berlin Social Democratic politician Franziska Giffeyová. Berlin wants to imitate the Danish project CopenPay, launched in 2024. It rewards tourists for environmentally friendly behavior. Instead of money, visitors pay for cultural experiences, food or bike rentals with sustainable activities, such as cycling, collecting garbage, riding the train or working in parks, Bild daily reminds.
Berlin City Hall is now trying to find partners who would reward tourists for their “cleaning vacation” on and around Berlin’s waterways. He is also considering the introduction of a special “packaging tax”. Neighboring Potsdam has already decided, and starting this July, everyone who wants to take refreshments with them will pay 50 cents (12 CZK) for a cup and 20 cents (five crowns) for cutlery.
Visitors to the capital should be careful about littering. Fines have increased sharply since the end of last year and should increase even more. For example, a fine of 250 euros (6,100 crowns) will come for a discarded disposable cup, and dog excrement that is not cleaned up during a walk costs from 80 euros (2,000 crowns).
In the coming weeks, 12 city districts will have a full 68 officials with the authority to punish sinners for pollution, whether it is throwing away cigarette butts, bags, paper, cups and the like.
“If we manage to clean up Berlin and make it more livable, it will be perceived on an international level and will certainly attract more visitors,” says Mayor Kai Wegner.
