Nordens largest scout camp opens in Denmark

Denmark’s largest-ever scout camp opened today in Hedeland Nature Park near Roskilde, transforming 100 football pitches of land into a temporary city for 30,000 scouts and 60,000 visitors.

Organised by Foreningen Spejderne every four or five years, the 2026 edition runs from 18 to 26 July and is the fourth instalment since the event’s inception. More than 1,000 volunteers have prepared the site over the past three weeks.

Lejrchef Marie Torp Christensen said the gathering highlights the scale of the global scouting movement and the strength of its community.

“It’s the chance to bring scouts from across Denmark—and indeed the world—together,” she said. “You get a sense of how big the movement really is and how strong the fellowship is.”

Bue Bejer Heckmann, communications manager for Foreningen Spejderne, described the camp as functioning like a municipality providing services to residents. Underground infrastructure includes power, water and internet connections.

The temporary city features a hospital, supermarket, restaurants, a town square and multiple stages, covering an area equivalent to Denmark’s fifth-largest city.

Among the logistics: 6,000 tents have been erected, 6,000 rolls of toilet paper—enough to stretch 3,600 km—have been stocked, and 10,000 bags of sweets purchased. Sixty municipalities are represented, with roughly 40 sending mayors.

Birthdays are also being marked: 634 participants will celebrate, including 26 who turn 18 during the camp. Ages range from two months to 83 years. No beef or lamb will be served.