Campsite for sale: New legislation paves the way for an exclusive holiday resort

In the middle of the scenic dune landscape of Northwest Jutland and directly next to the North Sea, Hanstholm Camping is now for sale. EDC Poul Erik Bech will broker the sale of the campsite, which is not just a campsite, but also an investment project sold as a corporate transaction, and with an upcoming change in legislation has the potential to become a magnificent holiday resort for both Danish and foreign tourists.

Hanstholm Camping, with 450 pitches, 325 of which have their own water, electricity and drainage, is now for sale. The site is set in a unique dune landscape, and many of the pitches offer panoramic views of the North Sea and Vigsø Bay. Bent Thodsen, owner of Hanstholm Camping, says: “We have operated the campsite for 23 years, and during that time the camping habits of Danes have changed significantly. That is why we have continuously modernised the site and built cabins, which have now become our main source of income. We have also received a number of enquiries from affluent guests who are looking for something quite different from the traditional camping experience.”

“That led us to begin developing something new, Thy Seaside Resort, a distinctive holiday destination with the potential to become the leading resort in northwestern Denmark for both Danish and international guests. The resort is planned in harmony with the surrounding nature and includes the possibility of building 160 forest cabins, dune houses and seaside villas, as well as a luxury hotel that will be an attraction in itself, featuring elegant rooms, conference facilities, a gourmet restaurant, a spa and rooftop infinity pools. Much of the groundwork has already been completed, but a buyer will of course have the opportunity to shape the project and decide whether to develop it on a full or smaller scale.”

Change in legislation on the way

Thisted Municipality has, on behalf of Hanstholm Camping, applied for a trial permit to transform the campsite into a holiday resort. Repeatedly, the law has stood in the way because of the site’s unique location. First there was a reservation, then a refusal, and most recently a visit from the Minister for Urban and Rural Affairs, Church and Tourism, Morten Dahlin (V), who announced that the government, prompted by Hanstholm Camping’s application, plans to introduce relaxations to the Planning Act so the campsite can resubmit its application.

“The bill was presented in October, and the amendment is expected to be passed. This is naturally a positive development in relation to the sale of our campsite. The resort will help address the municipality’s shortage of high quality accommodation and the area’s lack of a conference hotel, while fitting perfectly into Hanstholm’s wider development, including Home of Cold Hawaii, which is expected to attract many surfers and tourists,” says Bent Thodsen.

Various purchase options

Frank Jensen, Partner at EDC Poul Erik Bech North Jutland, is managing the sale of the campsite, which covers a total land area of 127,658 m². He says: “Hanstholm Camping is priced at DKK 19.5 million and is situated right by the North Sea, on the edge of Thy National Park and Cold Hawaii, in a unique and protected natural setting. It is an incredibly exciting project, and we look forward to assisting with the sale of the site. We expect considerable interest once the legislative amendment is in place at the beginning of 2026.”

The campsite is available for purchase now, and there is also an opportunity to acquire the neighbouring plot of approximately 130,000 m², which includes a 220 m² house. This plot is a prerequisite for the realisation of the Thy Seaside Resort project. EDC Poul Erik Bech currently has 14 campsites for sale, along with a number of discreet listings, representing a total value of around DKK 250 million. Nationwide, we are seeing a strong and growing interest in hotels, inns and campsites.

More information

Frank Jensen, Director and Partner, EDC Poul Erik Bech • +45 5858 7572 • frje@edc.dk