The Weak Krona: A Shift in Danish Tourism Dynamics
«In Norway’s summer hotspots, it’s becoming increasingly common to hear “bitteschön” and “auf wiedersehen” rather than the usual “be kind” and “have a great time”.»
Such observations were shared by Denmark’s national broadcaster, Danmarks Radio, recently.
The decline in Norwegian holidaymakers has altered the traditional fabric of summer tourism in Denmark.
This shift has meant that the Germans are now the ones indulging in red sausages and ice cream topped with “guf” on Danish beaches.
Sounding the Alarm: – Cheating and Fraud
– Spending Tightens
Aalborg Zoo has also felt the impact of fewer Norwegian visitors, who once constituted more than 70 percent of its international guests. Now, that number has dropped to less than half.
Henrik Vesterskov Johansen, director of Aalborg Zoo, remarked, “If the low exchange rate persists and the influx of German tourists continues, they might compensate for the decline in Norwegian visitors within a year or two,” as reported by DR.
The Danish krone is tied to a fixed exchange rate against the Euro, while the Norwegian krone has sharply weakened in recent years. In 2012, one could exchange about 7.50 kroner for a single euro; today, that rate hovers around twelve kroner.
As a result, the delightful Danish treats have become significantly more expensive for Norwegian travelers.
Euro Grip: – No Joy in the Krona
The Danes have observed a marked change in spending among the Norwegian visitors who do arrive.
Peter Dam, managing director of Sol og Strand, a Jutland holiday home rental agency, noted, “Historically, Norwegians have been the biggest spenders in Denmark. However, recently, their spending habits are beginning to align more closely with the rest of us,” as reported to DR.
A Glimmer of Recovery
Despite a notable decline in Norwegian visitors to North Jutland over the past years, the influx of German tourists shows no signs of slowing. Recent statistics reveal over half a million overnight stays from Norwegian guests in North Jutland during 2024.
In stark contrast, nearly 2.8 million German tourists enjoyed stays in Denmark during the same period.
A Turn in the Tide: A Rush of Tourists
Last summer, Børsen reported an alarming 40 percent drop in bookings from Norwegians seeking holiday homes in Denmark.
However, there are small signs of recovery, as Peter Dam expressed hope for the future.
“We are witnessing a modest uptick in Norwegian arrivals this year, which is encouraging, as it marks the first increase we’ve seen in several years. Still, we have a long way to go before reaching the levels we once enjoyed in North Jutland,” Dam told DR.
