A steep drop in Norwegian overnight stays in Danish holiday homes has been recorded in 2024, with only 366,000 overnight stays — a significant fall from 543,000 the year before and a halving compared to the 783,000 registered in 2017. The primary culprit, experts say, is the weak Norwegian krone, which makes holidays in Denmark increasingly expensive.
The latest data from Danmarks Statistik, cited by NRK and DR, highlight a sustained decline in Norwegian tourism since the COVID-19 pandemic. With the exchange rate now sitting around 100 DKK = 156 NOK, the economic burden of a Danish vacation has become harder to justify for many families.
From week-long holidays to weekend escapes
The effects are being felt across the tourism industry. Color Line, the ferry company connecting Norway and Denmark, reports that Norwegian travelers are increasingly choosing shorter stays of 2–3 days rather than traditional week-long holidays. According to Nina Moland Andersen, sales and marketing manager at Color Line, attractions like Legoland, Fårup Sommerland, and Tivoli (København) remain popular, but visitors now prefer brief trips to cut costs.
Danish tourism boards push for off-season visits
To counter the decline, tourism agencies like VisitDenmark and VisitNordvestkysten are launching new campaigns to entice Norwegians to travel outside the peak season. According to Peter Krusborg, director of VisitNordvestkysten, even shifting the holiday by a week could save Norwegian tourists over 2,000 DKK (approx. €268) on accommodation.
However, convincing Norwegians to travel outside of Fellesferie — the traditional three-week July vacation — remains a challenge. “Norwegians prefer to travel during high season when everything is more expensive,” Krusborg admits.
Personal finances take priority
Many Norwegian families are feeling the squeeze. Emilie Hageland, a young mother from Kristiansand, recalls fond childhood trips to Denmark, but now chooses Sweden for affordability. She says, “We still want to visit Denmark, but for now it’s just too expensive.”
Other Norwegians are even selling their holiday homes. Hallgeir Oftedal, a retired journalist from Kristiansand, recently sold his vacation house in Sæby, citing the unfavorable exchange rate and the burden of maintaining two properties. “I don’t think Norwegians will return in big numbers until the krone regains strength,” he says.
Competition from cheaper destinations
The weak Norwegian krone is also pushing travelers toward alternative options. According to Krusborg, the rise of affordable charter flights to southern Europe is making destinations like Turkey or Spain more attractive than ever. “For many Norwegians, flying south is now cheaper than staying in Denmark,” he warns.
Hope for seasonal recovery
Despite the bleak numbers, tourism boards remain optimistic. Hege Fredlund Hoff, Norway’s market director for VisitDenmark, says the focus now is on reviving interest in Danish holiday homes during the shoulder seasons like Easter and autumn break. “We believe there is untapped potential outside the busiest weeks,” she explains.
While it may still be “deilig å være norsk i Danmark” (nice to be Norwegian in Denmark), it has undeniably become more expensive. And until the exchange rate improves, many Norwegians may choose to look elsewhere for their summer adventures.
