More Danish farms open their doors to holidaymakers

More Danish farms are offering farm holidays, with the number rising from 455 in 2007 to 686 in 2023, Danish broadcaster DR reports, citing figures from Statistics Denmark.

Siobhan Kristensen, chair of the National Association for Rural Tourism, which also offers holidays at her farm near Kibæk in western Jutland, said the trend was being driven mainly by demand for nature and a slower pace of life.

“People want nature, and everything does not have to run at 100 kilometres per hour when you are on holiday,” she said.

Asta Laila Jensen, from Rødkærsbro, is another farm owner who welcomes holidaymakers. She said time among hay, straw and chickens could help both children and parents relax.

“The children can relax and enjoy being on holiday. They can help look after the calves and go for a ride on the tractor,” Jensen said.

Among the guests at her farm are Jytte Hansen and her grandchildren from Djursland. Hansen said she wanted her grandchildren to experience the farm life she had known herself, including caring for a calf.

“Life on a farm is different from working life,” she said.

The National Association for Rural Tourism expects the holiday form to have a bright future.