When I think back to my childhood summers, one place immediately comes to mind: our family summerhouse. Every Friday during the summer, we’d pack up the car and head 1.5 hours away from Copenhagen to Sejerøbugten (the Sejer island Bay), to a cozy little wooden house surrounded by nature. It wasn’t fancy, but it was magical.
Our summerhouse was a classic Danish setup. A small kitchen where the smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the air every morning. A snug living room where we’d play cards endlessly (Uno was a favorite!), and a couple of tiny bedrooms. My parents had a decent-sized one, while my sister and I shared a room with a bunk bed and not much else. But that never mattered. Because the magic of the summerhouse wasn’t inside. It was outside.
The beach just a bike ride away, endless hours of giggling and exploring outdoors, and that irreplaceable feeling of family time. It was a place to disconnect from everyday life and reconnect with those who mattered most. Golden memories, indeed.
Fast forward to today, and nothing much has changed. Danes still have a love affair with their summerhouses. But where does this tradition come from, and why are these charming getaways so significant in Denmark? Let’s take a closer look.
A Nation of Summerhouses
Danes have a serious love for their summerhouses. Did you know there are more than 224,000 summerhouses across this small Scandinavian country? That’s a lot for a nation of around 5.8 million people!
Owning a summerhouse is almost a rite of passage for Danish families. According to Statistics Denmark 7% of Danish households own a summerhouse, and the rest often rent one for a carefree week or weekend. This tradition is deeply rooted in Danish culture as a way to escape the hustle and bustle and reconnect with nature and loved ones.
But the Danish love for summerhouses doesn’t stop with the locals. Tourists, especially Germans, are also big fans. In fact, in 2024, Danish summerhouses saw a total of 23.5 million overnight stays, with German visitors accounting for more than half of them. It’s mainly the Jutland west coast, with its long, sandy beaches and rugged landscapes, which draws so many German visitors every summer. Many Danes rent out their summerhouses, ensuring they’re used year-round, and it’s become a win-win for everyone!
Who’s spending time in these cozy cabins? 🤔
Families
Summerhouses are family havens. For parents, they’re a chance to put away the laptop and phone, taking a step back from the grind to focus on quality time. For kids? It’s freedom like no other! Imagine running barefoot through the garden, jumping off sand dunes, and making ‘snobrød’ over the fire.
Couples
For couples, summerhouses create the perfect romantic setting. Quiet mornings on the porch with a cup of coffee, and long walks on a nearby beach hand in hand. It’s all about slowing down and savoring the simple joys of life.
Tourists
Local and international tourists rent summerhouses to experience authentic Danish ‘hygge’ in its purest form. Coastal areas like Bornholm, Samsø, and Fanø offer stunning landscapes and a slower pace of life that visitors love.
Best destinations for summerhouses in Denmark
Looking to experience this Danish tradition for yourself? There are plenty of fantastic places to stay, whether you’re renting or looking to buy. Here are some of the best summerhouse hotspots in Denmark:
- North Zealand
Close to Copenhagen but full of charm, this area boasts beautiful beaches and idyllic countryside.
- Sejerø Bay
Located on the west coast of Zealand, Sejerøbugten (Sejerø Bay), just 1 hour away from Copenhagen, is known for its calm waters and beautiful coastal views.
- Bornholm
This unique island is known as the “sunshine island” thanks to its warmer weather and stunning rock formations, so unlike the rest of Denmark.
- Langeland
Perfect for nature enthusiasts, Langeland offers tranquility with rolling landscapes and picturesque villages with traditional thatched houses.
- Jutland West Coast
One of the most popular destinations, especially for German tourists. The long, uninterrupted coastline is breathtaking.
- Samsø
This charming island is stunning and famous for its locally grown produce, like sweet strawberries.
- Ærø
With its postcard-perfect villages and quiet beaches, Ærø is a spot straight out of a fairy tale.
- Fanø 🐚
This tranquil island is ideal for those who adore unspoiled beaches and wildlife spotting.
Escape to a Danish summerhouse this year
Whether you own one or rent one, everyone should try a summerhouse in Denmark at least once. Imagine disconnecting from the stresses of everyday life and spending uninterrupted time with family or friends. Picture waking up to the sound of birdsong, heading to the beach, and capping off the day under a sky full of stars.
There’s something truly magical about these spaces. They’re not just homes; they’re havens. A chance to pause, reconnect, and recharge.
This summer, why not give it a go? Whether it’s booking a rental or planning a getaway to one of Denmark’s most beloved destinations, a summerhouse stay could be just what you need to reset.
Golden memories are waiting to be made!
This article was written by Sigga Nordgaard Hansen, founder of and Danish teacher at Lingua Danica – an online learning platform that has helped thousands speak a more active and confident Danish.
👉 Follow @linguadanica on Instagram (instagram.com/linguadanica) for almost daily tips and tricks on learning the Danish language and understanding Danish culture.
_______________________
Meta data
Meta title
Why Danes Love Their Summerhouses (And Why You Should Too)
Meta description
Discover why summerhouses are a Danish tradition. From family getaways to coastal escapes, explore top spots like North Zealand, Bornholm, and Jutland.
