Danish folk high schools see surge in family summer courses

Demand for family summer courses at Denmark’s folk high schools has surged, with many institutions reporting fully booked programs and waiting lists, according to a report by Danish broadcaster DR.

Sønderborg Idrætshøjskole in southern Denmark has sold out all its summer family courses, with three to seven families on waiting lists for each week. Due to high demand, the school has added an extra session during the autumn school holiday, which is already fully booked, said principal Nanna Blankschøn.

The school is running three one-week family courses this summer. Blankschøn noted that the institution has offered family courses for years, primarily during the summer break, and has consistently seen strong interest.

Family stays include planned daily activities, meals, and programs tailored for both children and adults. Anne Rose Simonsen, attending with her sons Bertel and Ville, said the experience offers an all-inclusive alternative to traditional holidays abroad.

“You get activities and everything included here. And it’s great because you’re challenged a bit and your perspective shifts when you meet so many different people,” Simonsen said.

Her son Ville Nørr added: “You can do things here you can’t do in Mallorca. Here, you can walk around and talk to everyone you meet.”

Nationwide, folk high schools report similar trends. Lisbeth Trinskjær, chair of Højskolerne, the interest organization for folk high schools, said all family courses are fully booked.

“In recent years, we’ve seen growing interest in families attending folk high schools together,” Trinskjær said. She views the development as both a benefit for the schools and a sign that more families are seeking alternative holiday experiences.

“It suggests people are looking for depth, for something authentic. And there’s a willingness to spend time with families you don’t know,” she said.