Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Denmark Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Denmark Property Pack
Thinking about running an Airbnb in Denmark in 2026? The market offers real opportunities if you understand the rules and numbers.
This article covers legal requirements, night caps, realistic revenue expectations, and neighborhood competition across Danish cities.
We update this post regularly to reflect the latest data and regulations for short-term rentals in Denmark.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Denmark.
Insights
- Copenhagen Airbnb listings generate roughly DKK 102,000 monthly, about double what hosts earn in Aarhus or Aalborg, making location the single biggest factor in Denmark's short-term rental returns.
- The 70-night annual cap for entire-home rentals means hosts need roughly DKK 1,400 per night to match what a year-round Copenhagen rental could generate.
- Denmark's typical Airbnb occupancy sits between 55% and 62% nationally, but well-run Copenhagen listings hit 67% to 72%, showing operational quality matters as much as location.
- Summer houses can generate 2 to 4 times more revenue in peak summer compared to winter, but this seasonality means many hosts only break even annually.
- The most saturated Copenhagen neighborhoods like Indre By, Vesterbro, and Nørrebro have highest competition but also strongest year-round demand.
- Multi-unit operators face increasing scrutiny from Copenhagen municipality and national parliament, with enforcement targeting professionalized short-term rental activity.
- Roskilde Festival brings around 130,000 visitors between June 27 and July 4, 2026, creating massive demand across the Copenhagen corridor.
- Top-performing hosts achieve 8 to 15 percentage points higher occupancy than average, translating to DKK 15,000 to 30,000 more monthly revenue.
- The EU's 2024 short-term rental transparency regulation signals Denmark's strict reporting requirements will likely tighten further by 2027.
Can I legally run an Airbnb in Denmark in 2026?
Is short-term renting allowed in Denmark in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, short-term renting through platforms like Airbnb is legal in Denmark, but it operates within a structured framework designed around "home sharing" rather than commercial hotel-style operations.
The main legal framework governing short-term rentals in Denmark combines national tax reporting requirements through Skat (the Danish tax authority) and local enforcement, with Copenhagen being the most actively regulated municipality.
The key restriction is the annual night cap: entire-home rentals of primary residences are limited to 70 nights yearly, extendable to 100 nights if you use a platform reporting to Skat and complete the unique code registration.
Hosts must also navigate building-level rules from co-ops, HOAs, or lease agreements, which can be stricter than national law.
Operating illegally, particularly exceeding the night cap or failing to report income, can result in tax penalties and fines, especially in Copenhagen where enforcement pressure is strongest.
For a more general view, you can read our article detailing what exactly foreigners can own and buy in Denmark.
If you are an American, you might want to read our blog article detailing the property rights of US citizens in Denmark.
Are there minimum-stay rules and maximum nights-per-year caps for Airbnbs in Denmark as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Denmark does not impose a national minimum-stay requirement, but entire-home rentals of primary residences are capped at 70 nights per year, extendable to 100 nights when using platforms that share data with Skat and following the proper registration process.
These rules apply specifically to entire-home rentals of primary residences, while holiday homes (sommerhuse) are treated differently under Danish tax law with separate allowances, and renting out a single room while you remain in the home has no night cap.
Hosts track rental nights through Airbnb's built-in counter, with compliance facilitated by the "unique code" system linking your listing to Skat for automatic reporting and tax benefits.
Exceeding the cap can trigger tax audits, loss of deductions, and potential fines, with Copenhagen actively discussing enforcement mechanisms.
Do I have to live there, or can I Airbnb a secondary home in Denmark right now?
Denmark's short-term rental framework is most favorable for primary residences, where the annual night cap and tax benefits are clearly defined, making this the cleanest path for Airbnb hosting.
Holiday homes (sommerhuse) represent a distinct and well-established category in Denmark with their own tax treatment and no night cap, making them a legitimate option for short-term rental outside primary residence rules.
For "normal" secondary homes that aren't primary residences or holiday homes, no permits are required, but this setup attracts the most policy scrutiny as it resembles professionalized activity policymakers are targeting.
Primary residences benefit from clear night caps and automatic tax reporting through Skat, while secondary investment properties face greater enforcement risk and less regulatory clarity.
Don't buy the wrong property, in the wrong area of Denmark
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Can I run multiple Airbnbs under one name in Denmark right now?
You can legally own multiple residential properties in Denmark and list them on Airbnb, but running multiple year-round short-term rental units is where the regulatory environment becomes practically risky and politically sensitive.
Denmark does not have a hard legal cap on the number of properties one person can list, but the system is designed around home sharing principles, and multi-unit operators are exactly the kind of activity that enforcement discussions in Copenhagen and national parliament explicitly target.
No additional licensing applies to multiple listings, but operating at scale may trigger business registration and will attract greater tax authority attention.
The regulatory concern is converting long-term housing into tourist accommodation, which policymakers view as contributing to housing pressure in Copenhagen.
Do I need a short-term rental license or a business registration to host in Denmark as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, typical hosts don't need a tourism license but must complete tax registration through Skat's "unique code" system, linking their Airbnb account for automatic income reporting.
Registration involves creating a unique code through Skat and connecting it to your Airbnb account, taking about 30 minutes online.
Required documents include proof of ownership or rental rights, your Danish CPR number (civil registration number), and Skat account access, with no special qualifications needed.
There's no license fee for individual hosts, but scaling to multiple properties or hotel-like services may require business registration and additional commercial compliance.
Are there neighborhood bans or restricted zones for Airbnb in Denmark as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Denmark has no formal neighborhood bans at the national level, but enforcement intensity varies by city and building, with Copenhagen most actively scrutinized.
Within Copenhagen, Indre By, Vesterbro, Nørrebro, and Christianshavn face highest enforcement attention due to strong tourist demand combined with housing pressure and community concerns.
Restrictions stem from municipal enforcement priorities, co-op and HOA rules, and lease agreements that may forbid subletting, rather than zoning laws.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Denmark compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
How much can an Airbnb earn in Denmark in 2026?
What's the average and median nightly price on Airbnb in Denmark in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the average nightly price for an Airbnb in Denmark is approximately DKK 950 (around $150 USD or 140 EUR), while the median sits slightly lower at DKK 850 (roughly $135 USD or 125 EUR) because Copenhagen's premium listings pull the national average upward.
The typical nightly price range covering about 80% of Airbnb listings in Denmark falls between DKK 600 and DKK 1,400 ($95 to $220 USD), with prices below this range usually indicating basic rooms or peripheral locations and prices above indicating premium Copenhagen apartments or large family properties.
Location is the biggest pricing factor: Copenhagen averages DKK 1,240 nightly compared to DKK 810 to 940 in regional cities like Odense or Aalborg, a 30% to 50% premium for the capital.
By the way, you will find much more detailed profitability rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Denmark.
How much do nightly prices vary by neighborhood in Denmark in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Airbnb prices vary 50% to 100% between expensive neighborhoods like Copenhagen's Indre By or Frederiksberg (DKK 1,400 to 1,600 or $220 to $250 USD) and affordable areas like outer Amager (DKK 700 to 900 or $110 to $140 USD).
The highest-priced neighborhoods are Indre By (DKK 1,500 or $235 USD), Christianshavn (DKK 1,450 or $230 USD), and Frederiksberg (DKK 1,400 or $220 USD), all benefiting from central locations and strong year-round demand.
Lower-priced areas include Ørestad (DKK 750 or $120 USD), Amagerbro (DKK 800 or $125 USD), and suburban Aalborg (DKK 700 or $110 USD), though these still attract value-seekers, families, and business travelers.
What's the typical occupancy rate in Denmark in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the typical occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Denmark averages between 55% and 62% nationally, with Copenhagen performing notably higher at around 67% due to its year-round business and tourism demand.
The realistic occupancy range covering most listings in Denmark runs from 45% for seasonal or peripheral properties up to 72% for well-optimized listings in prime urban locations, with the middle 80% of hosts landing between 50% and 65%.
Denmark's occupancy compares favorably to Scandinavian averages, running slightly higher than Norway because Copenhagen functions as a year-round destination.
The biggest factor for above-average occupancy is response time and booking flexibility: hosts responding within an hour with instant booking enabled see 8 to 12 percentage points higher occupancy.
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What's the average monthly revenue per listing in Denmark in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the average monthly revenue per Airbnb listing in Denmark is approximately DKK 55,000 to 70,000 (around $8,600 to $11,000 USD or 8,100 to 10,300 EUR), though this varies dramatically by city, with Copenhagen averaging around DKK 102,000 and regional cities like Odense closer to DKK 42,000.
The realistic monthly revenue range covering roughly 80% of Airbnb listings in Denmark falls between DKK 35,000 and DKK 90,000 ($5,500 to $14,000 USD), with listings below typically being seasonal summer houses during off-peak months or underperforming urban properties.
Top performers, particularly well-located Copenhagen apartments or premium summer houses in peak season, achieve DKK 110,000 to 150,000 monthly ($17,000 to $23,500 USD). At DKK 130,000 with 60% occupancy, that's over DKK 7,200 per booked night.
Finally, note that we give here all the information you need to buy and rent out a property in Denmark.
What's the typical low-season vs high-season monthly revenue in Denmark in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, high-season revenue (May through August) ranges DKK 70,000 to 120,000 ($11,000 to $19,000 USD), while low season (November through February) drops to DKK 40,000 to 70,000 ($6,300 to $11,000 USD), a 40% to 70% swing.
High season runs May through August with June and July peaking; low season spans November through February, though Copenhagen events like Fashion Week in late January create mini-peaks for urban listings.
What's a realistic Airbnb monthly expense range in Denmark in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, realistic monthly operating expenses for an Airbnb in Denmark range from DKK 7,000 to 28,000 ($1,100 to $4,400 USD), depending on property type, with apartments at the lower end and detached houses or summer houses requiring higher maintenance and utility budgets.
Cleaning and turnover costs typically represent the largest single expense category for Airbnb hosts in Denmark, ranging from DKK 3,000 to 10,000 monthly ($470 to $1,570 USD) depending on property size and booking frequency, followed by utilities which can spike significantly in winter for older properties.
Hosts in Denmark should typically expect to spend between 25% and 40% of gross revenue on operating expenses, with the lower end achievable for efficiently run urban apartments and the higher end typical for larger properties or summer houses with seasonal maintenance needs.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Denmark.
What's realistic monthly net profit and profit per available night for Airbnb in Denmark in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, realistic monthly net profit for an Airbnb in Denmark ranges from DKK 25,000 to 55,000 ($3,900 to $8,600 USD) for typical listings, translating to roughly DKK 830 to 1,830 ($130 to $290 USD) profit per available night when spread across a 30-night month.
The realistic monthly net profit range covering most Airbnb listings in Denmark spans from DKK 15,000 for modest regional properties to DKK 90,000 for top-performing Copenhagen listings, with the middle 80% of hosts landing between DKK 20,000 and 60,000.
Net profit margins typically run 45% to 65% of gross revenue, with urban apartments higher due to lower maintenance and summer houses lower due to seasonal income concentration.
Break-even occupancy sits around 35% to 45%, meaning hosts need 11 to 14 booked nights monthly to cover operating expenses.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Denmark, we explain the best strategies to improve your cashflows.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Denmark versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How competitive is Airbnb in Denmark as of 2026?
How many active Airbnb listings are in Denmark as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Denmark has approximately 55,000 active short-term rental listings, with Copenhagen accounting for roughly 19,000, followed by Aarhus (2,500), Aalborg (2,000), and Odense (1,500).
This represents 5% to 8% growth compared to 2025, continuing a trend that roughly doubled Denmark's inventory over five years, though growth has slowed as regulatory pressure and saturation increase.
Which neighborhoods are most saturated in Denmark as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the most saturated neighborhoods for Airbnb in Denmark are concentrated in Copenhagen: Indre By, Vesterbro, Nørrebro, Østerbro, Christianshavn, and Frederiksberg, where listing density is highest and competition for guests is most intense.
These neighborhoods became saturated because they combine walkable access to Copenhagen's major attractions with historic housing stock and vibrant cafe culture, creating a feedback loop where high demand attracted hosts until supply caught up with and sometimes exceeds demand.
Relatively undersaturated neighborhoods offering better opportunities for new hosts include Copenhagen's Nordhavn (newer development, growing appeal), Valby, and Vanløse, as well as emerging areas in Aarhus like Åbyhøj and Frederiksbjerg where demand is growing faster than supply.
What local events spike demand in Denmark in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the main local events that spike Airbnb demand in Denmark include Roskilde Festival (June 27 to July 4), Copenhagen Fashion Week (January 27-30 and August dates), Copenhagen Pride (August), Copenhagen Marathon (spring), and Distortion Festival (early June), each drawing tens of thousands of visitors who need accommodation.
During these peak events, Airbnb hosts in Denmark typically see booking rates increase by 30% to 60% compared to normal periods, while nightly rates can jump 50% to 100% for well-positioned listings, with Roskilde Festival creating the most extreme spike affecting both Roskilde and the greater Copenhagen corridor.
Hosts should adjust their pricing and availability at least 4 to 8 weeks before major events in Denmark, with savvy hosts setting event pricing 3 to 6 months in advance for predictable annual events like Roskilde Festival or Pride, as early bookers often secure accommodation well ahead of time.
What occupancy differences exist between top and average hosts in Denmark in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, top-performing hosts achieve 70% to 77% occupancy, roughly 8 to 15 percentage points above average, with best Copenhagen performers exceeding 80% in peak seasons.
Average hosts see 55% to 62% occupancy; the gap translates to 2 to 4 additional booked nights monthly, representing DKK 15,000 to 30,000 in extra revenue at typical Danish rates.
New hosts typically take 6 to 12 months to reach top-performer levels, though starting with professional photos, competitive pricing, and instant booking can accelerate this to 4 to 6 months.
We give more details about the different Airbnb strategies to adopt in our property pack covering the real estate market in Denmark.
What amenities do nearly all competitors offer in Denmark right now?
Nearly all competitive Denmark listings offer fast Wi-Fi, self check-in via lockbox or smart lock, well-equipped kitchens, reliable heating with clear instructions, and washer access.
Top performers add dedicated workspace, blackout curtains for summer nights, quality bedding, and family-friendly extras like high chairs for relevant segments.
For summer houses, competitive amenities include outdoor furniture, barbecue facilities, and increasingly hot tubs or saunas enabling shoulder-season bookings.
Which price points are most crowded, and where's the "white space" for new hosts in Denmark right now?
The most crowded price range is DKK 800 to 1,200 ($125 to $190 USD), the mid-market sweet spot where most urban apartments cluster.
White space exists at premium above DKK 1,500 ($235 USD) for design-forward luxury properties, and budget below DKK 600 ($95 USD) for clean, well-located private rooms undercutting hotels.
Premium success requires distinctive design, high-end finishes, and prime locations; budget success requires excellent cleanliness, fast responses, and flexible check-in.
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What property works best for Airbnb demand in Denmark right now?
What bedroom count gets the most bookings in Denmark as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, one-bedroom and compact two-bedroom properties get the most bookings in Denmark, accounting for roughly 55% to 60% of all Airbnb reservations, driven primarily by couples, solo travelers, and small groups visiting Copenhagen and other urban centers.
The booking rate breakdown by bedroom count in Denmark shows studios capturing about 10% of bookings, one-bedrooms around 30%, two-bedrooms around 28%, and three-bedroom-plus properties around 32%, with larger properties booking less frequently but generating higher revenue per stay.
One and two-bedroom properties perform best in Denmark because they match the dominant traveler profile of couples and small groups seeking urban experiences, while also hitting the pricing sweet spot that balances nightly rate with perceived value compared to hotel alternatives.
What property type performs best in Denmark in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, apartments and flats perform best for Airbnb in Denmark when measured by consistent year-round occupancy, achieving 60% to 67% occupancy in urban areas compared to 45% to 55% for detached houses and highly variable rates for summer houses that can swing from 20% in winter to 90% in peak summer.
Occupancy rates across property types in Denmark show apartments averaging 62%, townhouses and terraced houses around 58%, detached houses around 52%, and summer houses averaging 48% annually, though extreme seasonal variation makes annual averages misleading for the latter.
Apartments outperform in Denmark because they dominate the high-demand urban markets of Copenhagen and Aarhus, offer lower operating costs per booking, and match the expectations of travelers who prioritize location and convenience over space.
What location traits boost bookings in Denmark right now?
The location traits that boost Airbnb bookings in Denmark include walkability to central attractions and cafes, proximity to public transit like Copenhagen's metro or S-train stations, quiet nighttime environments despite central locations, and for summer houses, direct or easy access to beaches, forests, or cycling paths.
In Copenhagen specifically, properties within 10 to 15 minutes walking distance of landmarks like Nyhavn, Tivoli, or Strøget see 15% to 25% higher booking rates than otherwise similar listings in peripheral areas, while easy metro access can partially compensate for less central locations.
For summer houses in Denmark, the traits that boost bookings include proximity to recognized beach destinations, presence of a sauna or hot tub for shoulder-season appeal, adequate parking including EV charging for the growing electric vehicle market, and pet-friendly policies which remain relatively rare and highly sought after.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Denmark, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used and how we used them.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| Danmarks Nationalbank - Exchange Rates | Denmark's central bank with official exchange data. | We anchored all DKK/USD/EUR conversions throughout the article. |
| Danmarks Nationalbank - Housing Analysis | Central bank housing market analysis. | We framed Copenhagen versus regional market dynamics. |
| Statistics Denmark - Housing Stock | National statistical agency with official dwelling data. | We identified common property types for analysis. |
| StatBank Denmark - BOL101 | Official housing database with classifications. | We cross-checked housing categories by type and tenure. |
| Statistics Denmark - Tourism | Official tourism data and methodology. | We grounded seasonality analysis with measurable patterns. |
| Airbnb - Denmark Hosting | Official compliance summary for Denmark. | We identified baseline hosting rules including night caps. |
| Airbnb - Danish Unique Code | Official Skat registration process guide. | We explained the tax reporting workflow and benefits. |
| Skat.dk - Rental Income | Tax authority explaining treatment and deductions. | We built realistic net profit ranges with tax implications. |
| Skat.dk - Property Tax 2026 | Tax authority with 2026-specific guidance. | We included property taxes in operating cost ranges. |
| Vurderingsportalen - Property Tax | Official portal explaining property tax mechanics. | We explained why expenses vary by municipality. |
| Copenhagen Municipality | Official meeting records on policy discussions. | We confirmed the 70-day ceiling is actively enforced. |
| Folketinget - Parliamentary Q&A | Parliament documenting enforcement replies. | We showed enforcement is a live policy issue. |
| Retsinformation - Proposed Rules | Official legal information system. | We provided context for regulatory direction. |
| Council of the EU - STR Regulation | EU institution with adopted transparency framework. | We explained stricter requirements trending across Europe. |
| AirDNA - Copenhagen | STR analytics with consistent methodology. | We sourced core performance metrics for Denmark's largest market. |
| AirDNA - Aarhus | Same consistent methodology for second city. | We triangulated regional market performance. |
| AirDNA - Odense | Same methodology for mid-sized city. | We avoided over-generalizing from capital data. |
| AirDNA - Aalborg | Same methodology for North Jutland. | We widened national range beyond Copenhagen. |
| Inside Airbnb - Copenhagen | Transparent listing-level snapshots. | We analyzed neighborhood patterns and host concentration. |
| VisitDenmark - Events | Official tourism organization with verified dates. | We named concrete 2026 demand spikes. |
| Roskilde Festival | Official festival organization. | We quantified Denmark's biggest annual demand shock. |
| Copenhagen Pride | Official 2026 schedule page. | We named a predictable summer demand peak. |
| Copenhagen Marathon | Official marathon organizer. | We cited a spring demand driver example. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Denmark. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.