Danes do more exercise than other EU nations

Country ranks second in a new Eurostat survey, lagging just a bit behind Finland

A new Eurostat survey has found that, among the EU countries, Denmark has the second highest proportion of people who spent at least 2.5 hours per week exercising.

Some 53.4 percent of Danes aged over 18 spend at least 150 minutes each week doing some physical activities in their leisure time, including cycling as a form of transportation.

It is more than 23 percent above the EU average (29.9 percent).

Finland tops the EU comparison with 54.1 percent and Sweden ranks third (53.1 percent), while Romania (7.5 percent) and Bulgaria (9 percent) are at the bottom of the ranking.

READ MORE: Danes in rural areas not doing enough exercise

Part of Danish lifestyle
According to Henrik Brandt, the head of the sports analytical centre Idrættens Analyseinstitut, exercise is an inseparable part of the Danish lifestyle and the country has more sports facilities than other EU nations, including a large network of cycling paths.

The Eurostat survey has also found that nearly half (49.8 percent) of the EU population does not do any sport.

Men (34.5) exercise more than women (25.6 percent), and young and highly-educated people do more sports per week than older people or those with low level of education.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends adults aged 18–64 do at least 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity (such as brisk walking) per week to improve their cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, bone health, and reduce the risk of depression.




  • Cross-border moves on the rise in the Øresund region

    Cross-border moves on the rise in the Øresund region

    The number of relocations across the Øresund Region is rising. As highlighted by 2023 numbers, Sweden benefits from a growing interest, especially among younger generations.

  • Tunø: An island running out of time

    Tunø: An island running out of time

    The island of Tunø harbors a community of 74 adults and one child. There are no cars and only one connection to the rest of the world. Now, climate change threatens it

  • In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    He’s tickled our funny bone with countless wisecracks and clever wordplay, and in the process, made Denmark feel a little more personable to many expats. An international import himself, funny man Conrad Molden has successfully carved out a niche for himself on the Danish stand-up scene, but it’s taken a solid 13 years, much trial and error, and heaps of Danglish

  • Here Comes The Sun…

    Here Comes The Sun…

    I escaped from Denmark this winter to the south of France, where I was convinced that the sunshine would inspire me to write this year’s Crazy Christmas comedy show.

  • Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rhymes with integrating

    Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rhymes with integrating

    On Wednesday, April 30, from 17:00 to 20:00, Studenterhuset will host Volunteer Night 2025, a free event organized by the organization International House Copenhagen, which goal is to ease the relocation process for newcomers in Denmark

  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.