What Are You Doing in Denmark?

Denmark added 25% VAT to gym memberships and personal training, and it’s already changing the fitness landscape. In this episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark, Derek and Annie sit down with personal trainer and educator Mikkel Valgreen to unpack what’s happening, why it’s happening, and who’s most affected.The change stems from an EU classification that defines fitness services as “commercial” rather than healthcare. That means higher prices for gym memberships, personal training, and classes while taxes on things like sugar and alcohol are being reduced.We break down:Why the VAT was introducedHow gyms and trainers are respondingWho is exempt (and who isn’t)The political debate around whether fitness should count as healthcareWhat it means for Denmark’s long-term public healthPlus, Mikkel shares practical advice for actually sticking to your fitness goals in 2026 without burning out by the end of February.If you live in Denmark, work in fitness, or just care about how policy affects your daily life, this episode is for you.Mikkel Valgreen (guest):https://www.mikkelvalgreenpt.dk/https://www.instagram.com/valgreen_pt

Denmark’s Highest Point Isn’t the Point. Denmark doesn’t have mountains, but it’s residents do have opinions about hills. Strong ones. Derek and Conrad are here to unpack why a modest hill called Himmelbjerg became one of Denmark’s most famous landmarks, even though it’s not the country’s highest point. Along the way, they explore how definitions, measurements, and perspective shape what we think is true and why a flat country spends so much time debating elevation. The story reveals more than geography. It offers a window into Danish humor, identity, and the quiet art of not taking yourself too seriously. Derek Hartman: https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandk https://youtube.com/c/robetrottinghttps://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandkwww.facebook.com/robetrottingConrad Molden:https://instagram.com/conradmoldencomedyhttps://youtube.com/c/conradmoldenhttps://tiktok.com/@conradmolden https://facebook.com/conradmoldenhttps://www.conradmolden.dk

If you’re in Denmark in February, you’ll probably notice children in costumes, wooden barrels being hit with bats, and an alarming number of cream-filled buns in every bakery window. That’s Fastelavn, one of Denmark’s most beloved and confusing traditions.In this episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark, Derek and Brooke break down what Fastelavn actually is, where it comes from, and what you should expect as an international living in Denmark. From its roots as the Northern European version of Carnival, to historic Fastelavn processions, children singing for treats, and the very strange tradition of “hitting the cat out of the barrel,” we explain how this holiday evolved and why it still matters today.We also talk about Fastelavn songs, costumes, and most importantly fastelavnsboller, the cream-filled buns that quietly turn February into Denmark’s sweetest month.Whether you’re new to Denmark or just wondering why everyone suddenly cares so much about pastries, this episode will help Fastelavn make a little more sense.Derek Hartman: https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandk https://youtube.com/c/robetrottinghttps://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandkwww.facebook.com/robetrottingBrooke Black:https://instagram.com/brookeblackjusthttps://www.tiktok.com/@brookeblackjustReferenced:Check out Ilana Buhl for fastelavnsboller contenthttps://www.instagram.com/the_lykke_charmhttps://www.tiktok.com/@the_lykke_charm

How does hunting work in Denmark and how can a country with strict gun laws also have a strong hunting culture?In this episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark, Derek and Brooke sit down with David Carsten Pedersen, author, founder of Always Hunting, and host of the Danish podcast Jagt Radio, to unpack what hunting really means in Denmark for those looking in from the outside.Together, they explore how Danish hunting culture grew out of land ownership and farming traditions, why gun ownership in Denmark is treated as a privilege rather than a right, and how extensive education, testing, and safety requirements shape the way Danes think about firearms. David explains the rituals, ethics, and community-driven nature of hunting in Denmark, as well as how respect for animals, food, and shared responsibility are central to the tradition.The conversation also looks at why hunting has become more accepted in Danish society in recent years, how Danes generally view hunters and guns today, and what internationals, especially those from the U.S., often misunderstand about Danish gun laws, gun violence, and trust in public institutions.This episode offers internationals living in Denmark a deeper understanding of Danish gun culture, hunting ethics, and the broader values around safety, education, and social trust that shape life in Denmark.David Carsten Pedersen (guest):Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alwayshunting.dkDavid's podcast: https://www.instagram.com/jagtradio/Hunting License Course: https://alwayshunting.dk/

No one plans to lose their job in Denmark, but knowing the rules ahead of time can make a stressful moment a lot less scary. Derek and Conrad know and they’re here to unpack a topic most internationals quietly worry about but hope they’ll never need. They walk through what happens to your work and residence status if a job ends, covering how the rules differ for non-EU and EU residents, with a few notes for students too. This conversation is about preparation, just in case.Along the way, they talk about garden leave, A-kasse, common misunderstandings, and the very real difference between being told you’re losing your job and officially being unemployed. With personal stories, a bit of humor, and plenty of practical context, this episode is designed to help you feel more prepared and less panicked, whether you're facing layoffs now or just want to understand the system better before you need to.Relevant Links:Visa Information (english): https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/Contact SIRI (english): https://nyidanmark.dk/pl-PL/Contact-us/Contact-SIRI/Call-SIRIBorger Service (english): https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/More on A-kasse: https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/working/work-rights/unemployment-benefitsJob seeking episodes: 29 | Help! I’m in Denmark and I can’t find a job! https://pod.link/1704607322/episode/NjVmOTkwOTg2MTNlNzgwMDE2MDRjNGI330 | They asked you WHAT?! Job interviews in Denmark, Danish work culture myths, and much more. https://pod.link/1704607322/episode/NjYwMTJmM2NlNDE0YTYwMDE2YTU3YzA4Derek Hartman: https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandk https://youtube.com/c/robetrottinghttps://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandkwww.facebook.com/robetrottingConrad Molden:https://instagram.com/conradmoldencomedyhttps://youtube.com/c/conradmoldenhttps://tiktok.com/@conradmolden https://facebook.com/conradmoldenhttps://www.conradmolden.dk

Denmark is changing. Here’s what matters. Derek and Brooke highlight what’s changing in Denmark in 2026 and why it matters, with the goal of helping you feel more grounded in your adopted home. No matter if top-top SKAT is in your future or not, these changes shape daily life in ways that are worth understanding. This conversation connects the dots between everyday costs, small policy shifts, and the rhythms of living in Denmark long term. Some changes show up quickly, like prices or routines. Others are easier to miss but still influence daily life. Together, they offer context, perspective, and a sense of where things are heading.Derek Hartman: https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandk https://youtube.com/c/robetrottinghttps://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandkwww.facebook.com/robetrottingBrooke Black:https://instagram.com/brookeblackjusthttps://www.tiktok.com/@brookeblackjustNew rules on medicine: https://laegemiddelstyrelsen.dk/da/nyheder/2025/nye-regler-for-privatpersoners-indfoersel-af-medicin-til-danmark-fra-1-januar-2026/

Living in Denmark doesn’t usually change you overnight; it sneaks up on you and quietly rewires your brain. Derek and Mike share listener responses and their own “wait, when did I start doing that?” moments as they talk through the small cultural shifts that stick over time. The conversation wanders through everyday life, work, and unspoken social rules that slowly reshape how internationals move through the world. By the end, there’s a good chance you’ll recognize a few of these changes in yourself and realize Denmark’s been working on you too.Derek Hartman:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandkYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/robetrottingTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandkFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/robetrottingMike Walsh:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phillymike999

What should you expect from your first New Year’s Eve in Denmark? Couch-jumping? Royal speeches? Fireworks that feel slightly… unregulated?In this end-of-year episode, Derek and Conrad break down Danish New Year traditions from the perspective of internationals who’ve learned them the hard (and funny) way. From watching the King’s speech at 6 pm and playing speech bingo, to the cult classic Dinner for One, jumping into the new year at midnight, and surviving Denmark’s famously intense fireworks, this episode is your practical (and humorous) guide to doing New Year’s “the Danish way.”They also share personal New Year routines, cozy dinner-party culture, parenting hacks to fake midnight for small kids, and a few classic cultural misunderstandings, including what happens when you accidentally perform comedy at the wrong julefrokost.Whether this is your first New Year in Denmark or your tenth, this episode will help you feel a little less like the odd one out and maybe even a bit more Danish.Happy New Year, or as we say in Denmark, Godt nytår! 🎆Derek Hartman: https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandk https://youtube.com/c/robetrottinghttps://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandkwww.facebook.com/robetrottingConrad Molden:https://instagram.com/conradmoldencomedyhttps://youtube.com/c/conradmoldenhttps://tiktok.com/@conradmolden https://facebook.com/conradmoldenhttps://www.conradmolden.dk

With Christmas just around the corner, we’re revisiting one of our favorite holiday episodes from last year. In this festive roundtable, Derek, Conrad, Brooke, Annie, and guest Steven Feraru, talk about the big and small culture shocks that come with celebrating Christmas in Denmark as an international.From julekalenders and gløgg to julefrokost chaos, gift-opening traditions, and why Christmas seems to start very early here, we share personal stories, laughs, and a few moments of genuine confusion about how things are done Danish-style. Steven also brings his unique perspective growing up in a multicultural family and since recording this episode, he’s gone on to win the Danish reality show Double Up, making this the perfect time to bring it back.Whether you’re traveling for the holidays, waiting at an airport, or enjoying a quieter week at home, we hope this episode keeps you company and gets you into the holiday spirit. We’ll be back next week with a brand-new episode answering a listener’s question, and calming a few fears, about what to expect for your very first New Year’s Eve in Denmark.Glædelig jul and happy listening!Steven Feraru (guest):TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stevenferaruInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenferaru/Derek Hartman: Instagram: https://instagram.com/robetrottingYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/robetrottingTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@robetrottingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/robetrottingConrad Molden:Instagram: https://instagram.com/conradmoldencomedyYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/conradmoldenTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@conradmolden Facebook: https://facebook.com/conradmoldenKing Carrot Tour Information: https://www.conradmolden.dkBrooke Black:Instagram: https://instagram.com/brookeblackjustTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookeblackjustAnnie Samples:Instagram: https://instagram.com/annieineventyrland TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@annieineventyrland