An old proverb says of the Danes "Every man his own flagpole". But you could almost add "Every man his own holiday cottage"! In fact, the Danes are so keen to spend holidays in their own holiday cottage that there are no fewer than 200,000 such houses in private ownership. Of these about 40,000 are let out to tourists, and they go like hot cakes!

There are many advantages to rent a holiday cottage for the holiday. For starters, the cottages are always situated in pleasant surroundings. Most of them were purpose-built or bought for personal use by people who chose a pretty spot near woods or the beach and fitted the house out very comfortably in their own personal style.

When time is not a luxury....

What a liberating thing it is to be able to "borrow" a holiday cottage for the holiday. Liberated from all worries and obligations. Liberated from lawns that have to be mown, roofs that have to be patched, walls that need painting, and bills that have to be paid. You arrive, spread yourself and all your stuff and start a week or three of absolute freedom.

You can do your shopping either in the nearest town or at the local supermarket. Summer opening hours are very flexible! If you go to the baker's for fresh bread, then why not take a quick detour past the harbour? The trawlers have just come in, so you will have every hope of catching your lunch! And do not forget the small, unmanned stands along the roadside, full of fresh vegetables and farm eggs. Just pay for the goods and drive on - it is that easy.

A home away from home

With a holiday cottage you will be able to make the most of the whole day and come back to your "own" bed? Your time is your own, whether you spend it on the long sandy beaches and swim or build sandcastles, or prefer to take off and visit the local sights and attractions. Or play golf or go fishing. And how about just lazing on a sun lounger in the garden? Whatever you spend your time on and no matter how long you are away for, the house will still be there to come home to!

As most holiday homes are privately owned, you cannot expect everything to be brand new. On the other hand, the house will always be fully equipped with kitchen utensils, tableware, duvets, pillows, etc. But do not forget that you will need to bring bedlinen, tea towels, and towels with you. In addition to rent you pay for electricity and if you do not feel inclined to set to work with duster and mop at the end of the holiday - then there is a bill for thorough cleaning of the property.

There is hardly anywhere on the map of Denmark where you cannot rent a holiday cottage. The great majority of Danish holiday cottages are let through letting agencies or tourist offices, whose thick, glossy catalogues are full of colour photos and a detailed description of house locations and facilities. Many of the larger agencies have their own homepages, so you can take your time to browse through these, make your choice and then book your holiday home. You will be doing yourself a favour by booking well ahead as Danish holiday homes are in great demand! 

NOVASOL - Denmark's largest cottage provider