half of locals leave as folk festival arrives on bornholm
Thursday 11th June 2026 on 06:45 in
Denmark
About half the residents of Tejn, a town near Allinge on Bornholm, leave during Folkemødet, the island’s annual democracy festival, according to the local civic association.
Lars Christiansen, a long-time Allinge resident, is among them. As festival tents rise near his garden and thousands of politicians, lobbyists, and visitors descend on the area, he prepares to depart for Skagen, as far from the event as possible on Danish soil. He returns only after it ends.
“You have to be glad for Folkemødet,” Christiansen said. “There’s a huge synergy effect for Bornholm.”
In Tejn, Brita Hansen, chair of the civic association, estimates roughly half the town’s population leaves during the festival, citing heavy traffic and disruption to daily routines. Many, like Julie Jacobsen and her family, offset the inconvenience by renting out their homes. The Jacobsens charge 1,000 kroner per person per night, earning 18,000 kroner over the event’s duration.
“We try to turn it into something positive,” Jacobsen said. “We take it with a smile because we know what Folkemødet means for the town.”
Demand for accommodation is intense. Danny Christensen, a pensioner in central Allinge, receives unsolicited inquiries every year—letters, emails, notes in his mailbox, even knocks on his door. He could easily earn 35,000 kroner by renting out his home but chooses to stay.
“It’s hectic, with life day and night, but I go out and participate. It’s a huge pleasure,” he said.
Folkemødet organisers acknowledge the strain on locals and urge rental prices to reflect Bornholm’s standard peak-season rates. Maria Obel Billeskov, the event’s press and communications officer, said participants should expect to pay typical high-season prices.
DR will broadcast live from Folkemødet on DR1 and DRTV, with programmes such as P1 Debat, Sara & Monopolet, and Damerne først airing directly. Other shows, including Stjerner og striber, Debatten med Clement Kjersgaard, Magten, Første række, and Krigens døgn, will be recorded and available later on DR LYD and DRTV.