Several Danish cities are turning down their streetlights to help protect local wildlife, introducing red and orange tones that are softer on the environment and friendlier for bats, birds, and insects.
Cities Dim the Lights for Nature
Across Denmark, municipalities are changing the way they light up the night. Instead of traditional white streetlights, several cities are now installing red-orange lamps that reduce light pollution and help wildlife thrive. The move is part of a growing awareness about how artificial lighting can disturb the natural behavior of species living near urban areas.
Odense is leading the effort with a 1.3-kilometer stretch of walking and biking path near Lindved Stream now illuminated by orange lamps. These lights adjust to the rhythm of the day and dim significantly at night. Their softer glow aims to protect species like the kingfisher, the European tree frog, the red-headed cardinal beetle, and the green-veined white butterfly, which are all active in the area. Some of these species are even protected under national conservation law.
Balancing Urban Life and Wildlife
City officials in Odense say finding a balance between safety and sustainability is essential. People still need light to walk or cycle safely in the dark, but nature too needs space to exist undisturbed. The city’s approach reflects a wider Danish effort to blend urban planning with environmental responsibility.
On the other hand, not everyone feels completely comfortable with the reduced lighting. Some cyclists report that the dim orange glow can make parts of the trail feel eerie. Still, many agree that slightly darker paths are worth it if it means protecting animal habitats.
Interestingly, locals often notice more animals near the paths, including deer and hares crossing at night, suggesting that the gentler light may already be making a difference.
Gladsaxe Paints the Night Red
In another example, the municipality of Gladsaxe north of Copenhagen introduced red lighting back in 2022 along a wooded section near Frederiksborg for the benefit of local bat colonies. The red tones give bats a better chance to hunt and rest without being disturbed by brighter lights.
The response has been positive. Residents walking or cycling through the forested paths have welcomed the new atmosphere, and city officials have been encouraged by how well it blends into the natural surroundings. Because of that, Gladsaxe now plans to expand the use of these “biodiversity lights” to other green areas in the city.
Elsewhere, new projects are planned in Næstved and Norddjurs. Near Lake Glumsø in Næstved, red lighting will be installed as part of a new development area to protect bats. In Norddjurs, a 2-mile path connecting the towns of Auning and Alling Åbro will be lit with lamps that dim throughout the night, following the same concept.
Less Light, More Life
Experts emphasize that even minimal lighting can cause animals to change their behavior. Many species feed less, rest poorly, or avoid lit areas altogether. By dimming or shifting the color of lights, cities can drastically reduce this effect.
Still, ecologists caution that these new systems must be used wisely. Installing lights in untouched areas just to encourage nighttime activity could backfire by attracting more people and disturbing nature further. The goal is to light where necessary and leave the rest of nature in darkness.
As Denmark works toward greener urban living, initiatives like these reflect a new understanding of how technology, policy, and ecology can coexist. The approach fits well with Denmark’s environmental goals and its sensitivity to natural rhythms, which are also influenced by long winter nights and short summer evenings, typical of the Denmark climate.
National Guidance and Next Steps
The Danish Road Directorate has recently issued guidelines highlighting the need to address light pollution, encouraging municipalities to consider wildlife-friendly lighting solutions. With more cities showing interest, the country is gradually rethinking how light is used in public spaces.
Even though long-term studies are still missing, early signs show that people appreciate safer and greener solutions that also protect biodiversity. For cities like Odense and Gladsaxe, dimmer nights may well mean brighter prospects for nature.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Denmark Weather – A Guide to the Climate
The Danish Dream: Best Electricians in Denmark for Foreigners
DR: Flere byer skruer ned gadelygterne til fordel fugle og flagermus
