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 introduced
• How gyms and trainers are responding
• Who is exempt (and who isn’t)
• The political debate around whether fitness should count as healthcare
• What it means for Denmark’s long-term public health

Plus, 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

📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F

📢 Send your questions and/or comments.

voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydid

email: hello@robe-trotting.com

👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast.

👀 More living in Denmark tips:

https://instagram.com/waydidpod

https://www.facebook.com/RobeTrotting/

🎧 #VoteHome podcast: https://pod.link/1742152076

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/robetrotting

https://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandk

www.facebook.com/robetrotting

Conrad Molden:

https://instagram.com/conradmoldencomedy

https://youtube.com/c/conradmolden

https://tiktok.com/@conradmolden

https://facebook.com/conradmolden

https://www.conradmolden.dk

📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F

📢 Send your questions and/or comments.

voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydid

email: hello@robe-trotting.com

👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast.

👀 More living in Denmark tips:

https://instagram.com/waydidpod

https://www.facebook.com/RobeTrotting/

🎧 #VoteHome podcast: https://pod.link/1742152076

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/robetrotting

https://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandk

www.facebook.com/robetrotting

Brooke Black:

https://instagram.com/brookeblackjust

https://www.tiktok.com/@brookeblackjust

Referenced:

Check out Ilana Buhl for fastelavnsboller content

https://www.instagram.com/the_lykke_charm

https://www.tiktok.com/@the_lykke_charm

📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F

📢 Send your questions and/or comments.

voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydid

email: hello@robe-trotting.com

👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast.

👀 More living in Denmark tips:

https://instagram.com/waydidpod

https://www.facebook.com/RobeTrotting/

🎧 #VoteHome podcast: https://pod.link/1742152076

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.