Denmark is set to crack down on camper van tourism, which has now increased to the extent it is causing disputes between holidaymakers and locals in some areas of the northwestern European nation.
“Coolcations” and “van life”
As southern European nations swelter under summer heatwaves, a rise in so-called “coolcations” has seen growing numbers of vacationers heading to more temperate climes and Nordic countries for their summer holiday. That phenomenon, combined with the increasing popularity of camper van breaks and “van life” culture means that some parts of the world are experiencing a huge influx of visitors in mobile homes and recreational vehicles.
Denmark is no exception. The last five years have seen a 27% surge in camper vans in the kingdom. Figures for 2022 from Visit Denmark show 2.3 million people spent at least one night in a camper van under the Danish stars.
Wild west for camping
In fact, problem camping is now so frequent in Denmark that locals are fed up with views at beauty spots being hogged by campers, as well as the litter and parking issues rafts of campers bring. Peter Krusborg Pedersen, CEO of tourist company Visit Northwest Coast (Visit Nordvestkysten), has gone so far as to describe the situation as the “wild west”.
Camping is almost a way of life in Nordic nations, with a perception that the right to roam and camp is enshrined in law and society in general. But there is a common misconception that “wild” or “free” camping is allowed anywhere on Danish soil – and that is not the case.
“You can always park and sleep in your campervan and motorhome in official campsites in Denmark. There are also rest stops around the country, including public car parks, where you can pull up, refresh, refill water, sleep overnight and use the services, provided you don’t make a camp. If this is not allowed at specific car parks, you will see signs stating this,” Visit Denmark, the country’s tourism agency, notes.
Check the signs
Making a camp, whether you’re driving off the road into the forest or staying put in a layby, includes activities such as putting up an awning, making a fire and setting up chairs or bedding outside the vehicle, but many camping enthusiasts remain unaware of what they can and can’t do. For this reason, new regulations are being proposed in some municipalities to tackle the issue and better inform people about where and when they can pull over and take time to enjoy the scenery.
