Insights – April 2026: Holidays are no longer just about switching off or relaxing. For many Danes, they are also about staying active, much like they do at home. This shift is reflected in an emerging travel trend known as runcation, where holidays are combined with running and physical activity.
As more travellers lace up their running shoes while away, running is increasingly becoming an integral part of the holiday experience rather than a routine left behind. Data and recent surveys suggest that this is not a niche, but part of a broader shift in how Danes approach travel and well-being.
In this blog post, we explore why runcation is gaining traction, what the data tells us about Danes’ running habits while on holiday, and how the trend may connect to wider shifts in travel behaviour.
Active holidays aren’t new – but running is gaining ground
Being active while travelling is nothing new. But the runcation trend is gaining broader traction, and with running already a popular pastime among Danes, it is hardly surprising that running shoes are increasingly packed alongside swimwear and sunscreen.
According to a poll conducted by Danish broadcaster TV2, a growing share of travellers choose to run while away. Internationally, the phenomenon has been labelled runcation – a blend of running and vacation. The trend reflects broader shifts in Danish travel behaviour.
Active travel has long been a popular holiday format among Danes. Data from the tourism intelligence platform Travellyze shows that more than one in five Danes (21.1%) enjoy being physically active while on holiday, while 40% state that hiking holidays, cycling holidays, or other active forms of travel are their preferred choice of activity.
What stands out, however, is the growing interest in running. A survey conducted by Spies in 2025 found that running is now the third most popular physical activity among Danes while travelling, only surpassed by hiking and yoga.
Nearly one in three Danes run while they’re on holiday
TV2’s poll offers further insight into how widespread the trend has become. At the time of writing, more than 8,800 respondents had participated, with 28% stated that they run while on holiday.
The motivations vary. 1 in 10 say they always run when travelling and actively identify with the runcation concept, while 19% describe their runs as shorter, more leisurely outings: less about performance and more about enjoyment. Overall, the results suggest that as running has grown in popularity in Denmark for multiple years, it is now increasingly becoming part of the holiday experience as well.
Running as a way to experience a destination in another light
The rise of runcation appears to be closely linked to wider shifts in how Danes choose to travel. Regardless of a trip’s length, going for a run offers a new and alternative way of experiencing a destination, beyond traditional sightseeing routes and crowded attractions. Recent research into Danish travel behaviour indicates a growing preference for unique and authentic experiences, where travellers seek out places away from tourist hotspots and explore destinations more independently.
The rise of runcation highlights a broader transformation in travel priorities. For many Danes, holidays are increasingly about balance. Combining physical activity, mental well-being, and meaningful experiences of place.
Running offers a simple yet powerful way to connect with a destination on one’s own terms: setting the pace, choosing the route and experiencing surroundings beyond traditional tourist paths. As travellers continue to seek more authentic, self-guided and experience-driven holidays, runcation may well move from trend to travel norm.
