Danish farmer wants to turn barn into guest lodging but faces planning law hurdles

A Danish farmer’s plans to transform his barn into a tourist accommodation and event space are being blocked by strict planning laws, reports DR. Anders Krogsgård from Lemvig wants to redefine rural land use by offering overnight stays in his hayloft, alongside a ceramics workshop and farm shop—but current regulations make such projects nearly impossible.

Krogsgård, whose family has owned the farm for five generations, argues that “landbrug” (agriculture) should be reinterpreted as “brug af land” (use of land). “I seriously believe there’s a future for many local communities if we can work with tourism,” he told DR. While he still plans to maintain some food production, he hopes to generate multiple small income streams from visitors.

The case highlights broader calls for reform. Liberal Alliance’s rural growth spokesperson, Ole Birk Olesen, points to Sweden as a model, where old farms have been converted into vineyards, wellness retreats, and hotels—projects he says are “impossible” under Denmark’s current planning laws. “What are people supposed to live off in rural areas if agriculture no longer employs them?” he asked, noting that Denmark’s new green tripartite agreement will further restrict farming on sensitive lands.

Steffen Damsgaard, chair of the Rural Districts Council, agrees that diversifying rural economies is critical. “Where we’ve moved away from traditional agricultural use, we need to open up to other businesses. It creates jobs, development, and benefits the areas,” he said. Both emphasize that agriculture will remain important but must coexist with new opportunities.

The debate follows a recent decision in Ringkøbing-Skjern Municipality, where a majority voted to allow a former pig farm near Hvide Sande to become a “landscape hotel” called Bjerregård Resort. Liberal Alliance now seeks to amend planning laws to make such conversions easier nationwide.