What makes Faxe Kalkbrud truly unique and worth a visit?
We provide the answers in this guide, covering:
• What makes the place special?
• How to find fossils
• The history of the quarry
• Map and walking trail
• Swimming rules - is it allowed?
• Where to find the best parking
• Opening hours
• Admission prices for Geomuseum Faxe
• What other visitors say
• Films shot on location
• Frequently asked questions
Intro to the limestone quarry in Faxe
We asked the director of Geocenter Faxe, Jesper Milan, what makes this place so special.
Listen along here:
At Faxe Kalkbrud, limestone is quarried daily for many different industrial purposes. The quarry is open to everyone around the clock, though it still serves as an active workplace on weekdays.
63 million years ago, the bottom of the quarry was covered by a 100-metre-deep sea, where a rich variety of marine fauna and flora created the vast deposits of limestone you see today.
The quarry offers a fascinating hike through an extraordinary landscape. The stunning azure water forming the lakes in the quarry is completely free of planktonic algae and nutrients, which otherwise make natural lake waters murky.
It is a good idea to wear sturdy hiking shoes when exploring the quarry, as the limestone can be slippery. In addition, bringing a bottle of water and perhaps some sunscreen is always recommended when hiking.
Fossil hunting in the quarry
Have you got an inner amateur archaeologist?
Then read on!
If you fancy a truly unique experience, you are allowed to dig out animal fossils from the limestone yourself and take them home as a souvenir of your visit to Faxe Kalkbrud.
Guided fossil hunt
You can join a guided fossil hunt organised by Geomuseum Faxe (located right next to the quarry). We have tried it ourselves and highly recommend it to get the most out of your visit. Here you can check prices and read more about schedules and ticket purchases. Please note that guided fossil hunts only take place on weekends.
Prices for a guided fossil hunt:
Adults: DKK 90,-
Seniors and students: DKK 75,-
Children and youth aged 6-17: DKK 50,-
Children aged 0-6: Free
Fossil hunting on your own
You can borrow a hammer and chisel from Geomuseum Faxe, even if you do not join the guided tour. Just make sure to visit during the museum's opening hours (10:00–17:00 on weekdays, 11:00–15:00 on weekends) if you are interested. The rental price for a hammer and chisel set is DKK 25,-.
The history of Faxe Kalkbrud
The limestone quarry has been an active workplace for many years, and back in the day, it was far from powered by heavy machinery.
In 1911, roughly one in five men in the Faxe area worked in the quarry. They worked on piece rates and were increasingly employed full-time. The quarrying was done by blasting with dynamite, after which loose rock fragments were broken down and sorted. The quarry workers usually worked in pairs. Typically, two workers could quarry two cubic fathoms (just under 13.5 m³) per week.
Map and walking trail
You can easily explore Faxe Kalkbrud on your own.
However, if you would like a map and want to follow an official trail, you can use the Naturstyrelsen map shown here: (click the image for a larger map)
The map is from Naturstyrelsen's leaflet, which also includes route descriptions along the way.
You can download the leaflet here
Swimming
Can you swim in the quarry's azure lakes?
Many visitors ask this, and while the crystal-clear water looks inviting for a dip, swimming in the quarry is unfortunately not recommended.
Swimming in the water is strongly advised against.
This is due to health and safety hazards such as cold shock (the water is freezing just below the surface, which can cause sudden shock). In addition, some visitors have reported developing skin rashes after bathing in the clear water.
Fortunately, the spectacular sight of the turquoise lakes alone makes the trip well worthwhile.
Admission prices for Geomuseum Faxe
Access to the quarry itself is completely free of charge.
However, paying a visit to Geomuseum Faxe is well worth it to learn more about prehistoric Denmark. Advance booking is not required; simply show up.
Adults: DKK 90,-
Seniors and students: DKK 75,-
Children and youth aged 0-17: Free admission when accompanied by an adult.
A popular film set
Faxe Kalkbrud has served as a filming location for numerous feature films and music videos thanks to its extraordinary terrain, which easily passes for an alien planet or a sun-drenched Mediterranean setting. Because of this, the quarry has featured in a Star Wars project as well as music videos for Danish artists Christoffer and Medina.
The Danish Star Wars project, Shrouded Destiny, stars Lars Mikkelsen, and it is fun to spot the quarry's prominent role:
Frequently asked questions about Faxe Kalkbrud
Below, we have gathered a list of all the questions we frequently receive from visitors – as well as anything else you might wonder about.
Can you swim in Faxe Kalkbrud?
Swimming in Faxe Kalkbrud is not illegal, but it is strongly discouraged as it is both dangerous and potentially harmful to your health. The water is extremely cold just beneath the surface, which can cause sudden cramping and drowning. Swimmers have also reported skin rashes caused by the water's high pH level.
What are the opening hours?
The quarry itself is open around the clock. The museum's opening hours are 10:00–17:00 if you wish to explore the exhibits indoors, join a guided fossil hunt in the quarry, or rent a hammer and chisel to try your hand at fossil hunting on your own.
Where can I park?
There are parking facilities at Geomuseum Faxe (Østervej 2b, 4640 Faxe), including accessible parking spaces.
What is good to bring along?
If you are venturing into the quarry, it is a good idea to bring:
1. Sturdy hiking shoes
2. A bottle of water during summer, when it can get extremely hot
3. Sunscreen, as the bright white chalk reflects the sun's rays
Are there public toilets?
Standard and accessible toilets are available inside the museum. However, there are no toilets down in the quarry itself, so it is wise to go before heading down. For this reason, visiting the quarry during the museum's opening hours is also recommended.
How deep is the quarry?
It reaches a depth of approximately 45 metres.
Where is it located?
You will find the quarry right by the town of Faxe in southern Sjælland.
Is it still in operation?
Yes, it is still an active workplace, so stay alert and keep an eye out for heavy machinery when visiting during weekdays.
Are dogs allowed?
You are welcome to bring your dog into the quarry when exploring on your own, provided it is kept on a leash. Dogs are not permitted inside the museum or on guided fossil hunts, where only assistance dogs are allowed.
Why is it sometimes spelt 'Fakse Kalkbrud'?
Many people spell it Fakse Kalkbrud with a "k" instead of Faxe with an "x". The official spelling changed to Faxe in 2007, but many still stick to the older version. If you come across "Fakse Kalkbrud", it refers to the exact same place.
