Have you booked your trip to Copenhagen yet? Air travel accounts for roughly 70% of the art world's total carbon footprint, but because of the global nature of the art industry, for many people it is unrealistic to cut out air travel all together.
When you travel to CHART, there are a number of different option to consider that will effect the sustainability of your visit. We have gathered a selection of tips for travelling to and staying in Copenhagen to help you make informed decisions when it comes to monitoring environmental impact.
Adopt a train first mentality
The train is the most climate-friendly way to travel long distances and is ideal for avoiding short-haul flights when train or bus options exist. So, if your itinerary allows, always ask: “Can I travel by land?"
As a Nordic art fair, many CHART visitors arrive from within Europe. Train travel is often the fastest, most comfortable, and climate-friendly option for continental routes. While the journey time may be longer, intercity train journeys that take you from centre to centre can save time spent travelling to and from airports and time spent in transit. For some routes, the overall difference is therefore negligible.
It’s also worth considering how we think about our journeys. With more comfortable seating, extra space, WiFi connectivity, and power sockets available, train journeys can be treated as a scenic day in the office. Therefore, taking the train isn’t just a lower-emission choice—it can often be the most efficient and comfortable way to travel.
Visualisation comparing the difference in carbon emissions, cost and travel time between flying and taking the train from Stockholm to Copenhagen
Data courtesy of Ecotree
Artwork by HuskMitNavn at Copenhagen Airport, curated by Creator Projects
Courtesy of the artist and V1 Gallery. Photo by David Stjernholm. © Copenhagen Airports A/S
If you must fly, fly better
For international visitors from regions where train travel isn’t a practical option — such as Iceland or Finland — flying may be unavoidable. However, there are still choices you can make to minimise the environmental impact of your journey:
- Choose economy over business or first class. Economy class travellers are responsible for up to 5 times less CO₂ than those in premium seats as they take up less space.
- Combine trips when possible to avoid multiple flights.
- Fly direct whenever possible, as take-off and landing produce a large share of flight emissions — avoiding stopovers helps reduce your overall impact.
While air travel is a major contributor to carbon emissions, small, conscious decisions still matter. Thoughtful flying like choosing more efficient routes and seating is a meaningful step towards more sustainable travel.
Find out more information on responsible flying practices via Gallery Climate Coalition here.
Make use of public transport during your stay
Copenhagen has an efficient and well-managed public transport system. If arriving from Copenhagen Airport or the Central Station, the easiest way to get to CHART is to take the metro to Kongens Nytorv — approximately a 15-minute journey. The metro runs frequently, and tickets can be purchased at kiosks in the airport as well as at all train and metro stations. From Kongens Nytorv, it’s just a 1-minute walk to Kunsthal Charlottenborg.
During your stay, we encourage you to use public transport such as busses, trains, or the metro.
The Copenhagen Metro is quite unique, as many of the stations include artworks by leading contemporary artists. At Enghave Brygge you can experience artist Pernille With Madsen's works consisting of light installations, abstract reliefs and concrete decoration integrated into some of the station’s concrete structures.
Find out more about contemporary art in the Copenhagen Metro here.
Artwork by Pernille With Madsen installed at Enghave Brygge Metro
Courtesy of the artist and Galleri Susanne Ottesen. Photo by CHART
Interior view of Hotel Sanders
Photo by Hotel Sanders
The way you stay makes a difference
At every stage of travel, our choices have the potential of making a difference — and that includes where and how we stay. Even the smallest actions, when taken collectively, can have a meaningful impact on the environment. As a guest, you have the power to support more sustainable practices simply through your day-to-day habits during your visit. By making thoughtful decisions — from conserving energy to reducing waste — you contribute to a more responsible way of travelling:
- Reuse towels and bed linen to save water and energy
- Switch off lights, heating, and air conditioning when leaving your room
- Use recycling bins and avoid single-use plastics
- Choose locally sourced, plant-based meals whenever possible
How you stay matters — mindful choices during your stay can turn any accommodation into a more sustainable one.
"When I travel by train, I’m not just commuting — I’m using my time more efficiently. It turns travel into productive office hours and sustainability into a smart choice."
Director, CHART
CHART is an Active Member of the Gallery Climate Coalition (GCC) in 2024. Please read our Environmental Responsibility Statement here.
