Copenhagen Bans 13 Hotels to Fight Overtourism

Femi A.

Writer

March 18, 2026
11:55 am

Copenhagen Municipality is moving to block up to 13 planned hotels in the city center, citing concerns about overtourism and the loss of residential space. A committee vote is set to decide the fate of projects across prime locations, including Rådhuspladsen and Kultorvet, as hotel applications have surged 475 percent since 2020.

A Push to Preserve the Inner City

Copenhagen politicians are taking aim at what they see as unchecked hotel growth in the heart of the capital. The Climate, Technology and Environment Committee is scheduled to vote on whether to halt 13 hotel projects already on the drawing board in Indre By. These developments are planned for high profile addresses such as Kultorvet, Rådhuspladsen, and Halmtorvet.

Rising Concerns About Livability

The move reflects growing unease among local politicians and residents about the rapid transformation of central Copenhagen. With 11.8 million tourist overnight stays recorded in the city in 2025 alone, the pressure on infrastructure and housing has become impossible to ignore. Conservative group leader Morten Melchiors argues that the city center should not become a mere backdrop for tourists.

He emphasizes the need to maintain space for actual residents and everyday services like grocery stores. The concern is that hotels are crowding out the possibility for people to live and work in Indre By. This debate comes at a time when Copenhagen continues to attract international visitors in record numbers.

Not All Projects Face the Axe

Despite the sweeping nature of the proposal, politicians are not calling for a blanket ban on all 13 projects. Melchiors notes that each case will be evaluated individually. Some hotels may still make sense depending on location, noise considerations, and the potential for alternative uses like residential housing.

The Conservative party is pushing for a nuanced approach rather than an outright rejection. This reflects an attempt to balance tourism interests with the quality of life for residents. Other parties, including Enhedslisten, have also voiced support for reining in hotel development.

A Dramatic Surge in Hotel Applications

The debate over hotel growth is rooted in hard numbers. Applications for hotel projects in Copenhagen have skyrocketed 475 percent since 2020. The surge has been particularly concentrated in Indre By, raising alarm bells among city planners and politicians alike.

The Discovery That Sparked Action

The issue came to a head when politicians discovered that 12 new hotels had been approved without widespread awareness. One project in particular slipped through the approval process unnoticed, prompting a closer look at the full list of pending developments. This revelation accelerated calls for stricter controls and a more transparent planning process.

The municipality has since compiled detailed documentation on hotel application trends, consultation responses, and tourism data spanning 2017 to 2025. These materials are part of the agenda for the upcoming committee meeting. The goal is to introduce formal prohibitions on hotel use for properties already subject to temporary building bans.

Tourism Recovery Fuels Development

The boom in hotel applications reflects the broader recovery of tourism following the pandemic. Developers see Copenhagen as a lucrative market, with strong demand for short term accommodations. However, this investor interest has come at the expense of long term housing in some of the most desirable parts of the city.

Several major hotel projects have already opened or are nearing completion. These include 1 Hotel Copenhagen with 282 rooms, which opened in August 2025, and Hotel Hans with 91 rooms, which launched in November 2025. Additional projects like Locke at Postbyen, featuring 234 rooms, are set to open in early 2026.

Local Voices and Industry Pushback

The proposed restrictions have drawn strong reactions from both residents and the hotel industry. Local community groups have been vocal in their support for limits on new hotels, while business representatives warn of economic consequences.

Residents Feel the Strain

Bent Lohmann, spokesperson for the Indre By local council, expresses frustration with the proliferation of hotels and short term rentals. He describes the area as overrun with accommodation options, which has led to increased congestion from delivery vehicles and rising rents. The result, he argues, is a hollowing out of the medieval city center.

Lohmann points out that finding everyday services like grocery stores has become increasingly difficult in some parts of Indre By. The transformation of residential and commercial spaces into tourist accommodations has altered the character of the neighborhood. Local residents hope the committee will approve restrictions on at least some of the 13 planned projects.

Hotel Industry Defends Growth

Jeppe Møller Herskind, managing director of Horesta, the industry association for hotels, restaurants, and tourism, takes issue with the proposed ban. He argues that limiting hotel development undermines Copenhagen’s position as a leading destination. The city should be embracing tourism as an economic driver, not restricting it.

Møller Herskind suggests that hotels can be integrated into neighborhoods without harming local quality of life. He acknowledges that not all 13 projects may be appropriate, but he criticizes what he sees as a broader pattern of anti tourism sentiment among Copenhagen politicians. This includes earlier debates over alcohol licensing and outdoor dining restrictions.

The Path Forward

The upcoming committee vote represents a critical juncture for Copenhagen’s urban planning strategy. The outcome will determine whether the city prioritizes residential space and local services over continued tourism expansion in its most central areas.

Balancing Growth and Preservation

Morten Melchiors insists that the proposed restrictions apply only to a small part of Copenhagen. He points out that the municipality continues to support hotel projects in other districts. The focus on Indre By is meant to protect the unique character of the historic city center while allowing development elsewhere.

The municipality has compiled extensive data to support its case, including information on property specific risks and public consultation feedback. These materials will inform the committee’s decision on each of the 13 projects. The goal is to establish clearer guidelines for future hotel development.

What Happens Next

If the committee votes to block some or all of the 13 hotel projects, developers may face significant financial setbacks. Some may challenge the decision through legal channels, arguing that the municipality is changing the rules after investments have been made. The extent of any legal pushback remains uncertain.

The broader question is whether Copenhagen will adopt a formal ban on new hotels in Indre By and possibly other central areas like Vesterbro. Such a policy would represent a significant shift in the city’s approach to tourism and urban development. The decision could also influence how other Danish cities manage similar pressures from tourism growth.

A Personal Take

The 475 percent surge in hotel applications since 2020 suggests something has gone off the rails, and residents deserve to live in a functioning neighborhood rather than a tourist theme park. On the other hand, tourism brings economic benefits and jobs, and a blanket ban risks signaling that Copenhagen is closed for business. I think the key is evaluating each project individually, as Melchiors suggests, rather than resorting to sweeping prohibitions.