Ahead of New Year’s Eve, a disabled pensioner on Falster faces losing both water and electricity at his home on a local campground. The closure leaves him scrambling to find new housing in the middle of winter.
Short Notice Shuts Down Life on the Campsite
Just before Christmas, residents at Family Fun Park Marielyst on southern Falster received an unexpected message: water and power would be cut off starting December 31. The campsite’s current manager had quit, and the owners were unable to find a replacement before the new year.
One resident, Frank Saaby, has lived in his camper there since August. The notice came only two weeks before the deadline, upending his plans for a quiet holiday season. Without water, heating, or the ability to shower, staying put through the winter is simply not possible.
Limited Options for Permanent Campground Residents
Camping sites in Denmark are meant for vacation stays, not for permanent living. They fall outside the country’s rental law, which means people who live year-round on such sites have minimal legal protection. Most agreements depend on whatever contract exists between the site owner and the resident.
Finding a new place is not easy. Saaby receives about 9,000 kroner a month in disability pension, which leaves him with few realistic options. Affordable places suitable for year-round living are scarce, especially given Denmark’s high property prices and limited availability of rentals. For people in his situation, guides such as an expat guide to renting in Denmark are often essential just to understand the complexities of the housing system.
No Legal Safety Net
Experts in property law note that residents on campsites like Marielyst have few rights under Danish law. Because camping sites are regulated differently from ordinary rentals, the standard notice periods and tenant protections do not apply. If the contract or agreement does not state otherwise, the owner can often end the arrangement at short notice.
This legal gap leaves residents like Saaby without time to plan or access alternatives, especially when closures happen during the coldest months of the year.
Camping Union Calls Case ‘Regrettable’
According to the Danish Camping Union, such a case is highly unusual and unfortunate. The organization points out that while some campsites allow for winter stays, these are not designed for permanent residency. Once a site closes or loses management, people living there long-term can quickly end up without essential utilities.
Saaby’s case highlights how difficult it becomes to separate leisure use from permanent living on Danish campgrounds. Despite the existence of clear regulations, the economic reality often pushes individuals with low income or on benefits to seek unconventional housing arrangements.
Frustrating Search for a New Home
In the days between Christmas and New Year, Saaby has struggled to find a new place to live. Few landlords are available over the holidays, and with limited funds, temporary rentals are mostly out of reach. Even if something suitable appears, deposits and moving costs make matters worse.
He has asked for a temporary solution to stay through the winter, but so far, nothing indicates that will happen. The owners of Family Fun Park Marielyst have not made public comments about the situation.
On the broader level, this case reflects growing housing insecurity among vulnerable Danes. Rising rental prices and stricter regulations are pushing people toward nontraditional living setups, including year-round stays in campers or summer houses. For those unfamiliar with local rules, resources like guides to renting in Denmark can offer critical insight into legal housing options.
Regulations vs. Reality
Municipal authorities supervise camping grounds according to the Danish Camping Regulation, ensuring that sites operate as seasonal holiday areas rather than residential settlements. However, enforcing that boundary can be difficult. When ownership changes or management ends, people living on these sites can lose essential services with little or no warning.
While rare, these cases serve as reminders of the country’s strict housing distinctions: between vacation stays and permanent homes. As Saaby tries to find new housing before winter deepens, the situation exposes how gaps in Danish housing law can put vulnerable residents in crisis.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: An Expat Guide to Renting in Denmark and Find Affordable Housing
The Danish Dream: Renting in Denmark for Foreigners
TV2: 1. januar står førtidspensionist uden vand og varme: Jeg aner ikke, hvad jeg skal gøre
