A picturesque fishing village on Bornholm island remains deeply divided over housing policies. The community splits between those wanting to preserve flexible vacation homes and others fighting for year-round vitality.
Local elections have intensified this long-standing debate. Full-time residents in Listed hope to influence politicians shaping Bornholm's future housing strategy.
The timing appears perfect for those seeking restored residency requirements. November marks the start of the dark season when seasonal homeowners leave their properties vacant.
Gallery owner Helge Ăstergaard described the winter reality. "It's frightening, unsafe and lonely. Some of our best friends moved away because they couldn't bear growing old in this darkness," he said.
"The past ten years have grown progressively darker in our town. During evening walks, I see light in only every third house because they're sold as seasonal homes."
Local voter meetings focus overwhelmingly on one issue. Henning Berg, chairman of the Listed Residents Association, explained the division.
"Since the last municipal election, our small town has split between two opinions. Some want to sell properties for substantial profit, while others want to maintain a living community year-round," he noted.
Berg recognizes both perspectives but believes the situation has escalated. "We cannot ignore the result we constantly see - it grows darker and darker. The empty houses are our reality," he added.
Most meeting attendees were permanent residents seeking more community life throughout the year.
The dynamic might differ if organized by Listeds Venner, the other local association counting many seasonal homeowners as members.
Seasonal owner John-Erik Jensen, a Bornholm native who purchased his Listed property ten years ago, understands resident concerns but questions the approach.
"There was originally a reason for creating this system that people seem to have forgotten. Many empty houses were decaying and neglected," he recalled, noting his house had been unsold for three years before his purchase.
"It's equally concerning when people see only one side. I wish we could collaborate positively about how seasonal homeowners might contribute."
The Left party's Helle Munk Ravnborg, currently serving on the municipal council, prioritizes residency requirements in the election.
"We lose housing opportunities for ordinary people who create community cohesion. When half a town consists of seasonal homes, that cohesion disappears," she argued, advocating for limits on future seasonal home permits.
Venstre's lead candidate Frederik Tolstrup opposes changing the current system, creating clear political divisions.
Listed resident Karen Heerfordt fears the consequences if residency requirements aren't restored.
"I'm afraid we current residents will grow old and many good things will disappear, not just in Listed. The associations, small libraries - everything that maintains life in our towns," she shared.
Though commonly described as abolished, the residency requirement technically remains with widespread exemptions across Denmark, including outside Bornholm's largest towns.
Election results determining whether to remove these exemptions could decide if future buyers must occupy properties themselves or rent them for minimum 180 days annually.
The situation reflects broader Nordic challenges balancing tourism economies with sustainable community development, where short-term gains sometimes undermine long-term vitality.