Offline dating event offers 16 singles a retreat from apps

A new dating concept inspired by DR’s Hotel Romantik will bring 16 singles to a summer house in Ebeltoft in week 37 for a week of in-person connections, free from swiping or digital distractions.

Anne Bjerg Pedersen, a nurse from Skanderborg, developed the idea with a co-organizer after noting frustration among younger singles with the superficiality of dating apps. Applicants, including Louise Mortensen, a self-described loyal viewer of Hotel Romantik, cite the desire for deeper interactions beyond first impressions.

“I’m in my early 30s, and online dating isn’t working well for me,” Mortensen said. “I remember how much better it is to meet people in real life. You invest more and are more present in the conversation, whereas online dating often involves low effort.”

Henriette Jürgensen, 68, who participated in this year’s Hotel Romantik and left single, said the experience clarified what she seeks in a partner. “It made me reflect on what I really want. Now I have the motivation to take time and go through some approaches,” she said.

The event, called Offline Dating, will include activities like salsa, footgolf, and ice cream outings. Organizers have received over 60 applications and selected 34 for interviews to ensure compatibility. A pool and sauna will be available, but the infamous Hotel Romantik love shack will not, as organizers believe it could cause tension.

“We want to see if there’s interest in this concept,” Pedersen said. “So far, it’s clear there is.”