A 27-year-old Dane has decided to spend half a year living with strangers across the country, offering his help in return for food and lodging. His project has sparked hundreds of invitations and reminded people of the simple power of kindness.
A Journey Built on Help and Humanity
When Jonas Viktor Køppen quit his job on New Year’s Day, he also made a bold decision for 2026: to move in with a new stranger every week for six months. Each week, he would arrive at a different home somewhere in Denmark, ready to help out with everyday tasks like carpentry, cooking, or childcare, while living alongside the people who welcomed him.
His trip began on the island of Funen, where he helped a woman build a wall. She was only the first of 24 hosts who will open their doors to him. The idea came from his own experiences of receiving compassion and support after battling addiction and alcoholism in the past.
According to Køppen, the project is his way of giving back some of the care he once received — and to remind people that Danes can still be generous and open despite their reputation for keeping to themselves. For those trying to connect in the country, knowing how to make friends in Denmark can make a big difference.
From Instagram Post to Nationwide Support
In December, Jonas posted an open invitation on Instagram: “If you want me to stay with you, write me.” He promised to lend a hand with anything needed in return for food and a place to sleep. Within days, more than 500 Danes reached out, offering him a room.
He was overwhelmed by the enormous response, which he saw as proof that Denmark’s reputation for privacy doesn’t mean people are unwilling to help when asked. “We are kinder than we sometimes think,” he reflected in an interview with TV 2.
Jonas shares his experiences with his 17,500 followers under the handle “mr.makingmemories.” His posts show everything from helping homeless people to cleaning up parks and repairing homes. His goal is not only practical help but also human connection — the kind that grows between strangers who decide to share their time.
Becoming Part of a Family
In Munkebo, one of his stops so far, the Winther family hosted him for a week. For them, the experience was surprisingly natural — like having an extra family member. Jonas fixed small things around the house, folded laundry, and joined them in daily life.
Host Berit Bach Winther says the experience reminded her how much good can come from opening one’s door. She saw it as a “win-win” experience, where both sides offered something valuable. She hopes her children will carry that spirit forward by helping others without hesitation.
Køppen’s story resonates with many Danes who want deeper human connection but are unsure how to find it. It shows that even small gestures — sharing space, offering help, or simply trusting a stranger — can make communities feel closer. For foreigners trying to settle in Danish towns, learning how to make friends in Denmark is one of the best ways to embrace this same sense of openness.
Finding Meaning in Connection
For Jonas, the project is as much about self-discovery as it is about helping others. Living week after week in new homes is teaching him to listen, adapt, and appreciate each person’s uniqueness. He says the experience is helping him feel more grounded and hopeful.
He also hopes the project can inspire something bigger. He believes Denmark needs more stories about community, generosity, and real human contact. In a time when many people feel isolated, his journey is a small reminder that connection still matters.
Jonas believes that the more people share their lives, even briefly, the stronger the social fabric becomes. To him, that sense of togetherness is just as valuable as the work he does in each home.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Make Friends in Denmark
The Danish Dream: Best Relocation Services in Denmark for Foreigners
TV2: 27-årig flytter ind hos et nyt fremmed menneske hver uge
