Faxe (also spelled Fakse in some contexts, derived from Old Norse meaning "horse mane," likely referring to its position on a long hill) is a charming market town in eastern Denmark, located on the island of Zealand. It serves as the administrative center of Faxe Municipality in Region Zealand (Sjælland). With a population of around 4,139 in the urban area as of 2025, Faxe embodies a blend of industrial heritage, natural wonders, and rural tranquility. Situated about 50 km southwest of Copenhagen, it offers easy access via train (e.g., the Østbanen line from Køge, opened in 1879) or car, making it a popular day-trip destination for those seeking a quieter escape from the capital. The town's economy revolves around brewing, limestone extraction, and agriculture, while its attractions draw geology enthusiasts, history buffs, and outdoor lovers. Faxe Municipality as a whole spans 406 km² and has a larger population of 37,820, governed by a 25-member council led by Mayor Ole Vive of the Venstre party.
Faxe lies at coordinates 55°15′19″N 12°07′10″E, with an elevation of
just 8 meters (26 ft) above sea level, covering an urban area of 2.8 km²
and a population density of 1,500/km². The town is nestled in a gently
rolling landscape typical of southern Zealand, characterized by fertile
farmlands, dense forests, and proximity to the Baltic Sea coast. To the
east, the Feddet peninsula features pristine beaches like Fed Beach,
Faxe Ladeplads Beach, and Vemmetofte Beach, which are family-friendly
and popular for windsurfing due to consistent breezes.
The
surrounding Faxe Municipality includes diverse terrain: limestone-rich
hills from ancient coral reefs, expansive forests like those around Camp
Adventure, and agricultural plains supporting dairy and crop farming.
The climate is temperate maritime, influenced by the North Sea and
Baltic, with mild summers (average highs of 20–22°C in July) and cool,
wet winters (lows around 0°C in January). Annual precipitation hovers at
600–700 mm, fostering lush greenery but occasional foggy mornings. This
geography has shaped Faxe's identity as the "Kingdom of Limestone," home
to Scandinavia's largest open-cast limestone quarry.
Faxe's roots trace back to the Middle Ages, with the first historical
mention in 1280. The original settlement likely formed around limestone
quarrying, a vital resource shipped across Denmark for construction. The
Faxe Church, a Romanesque structure from the 13th century (rebuilt in
the late 15th century), stands as one of the town's oldest landmarks,
featuring simple brick architecture and a peaceful cemetery. In 1633,
Rasmus Svendsens Skole was established as a half-timbered village
school—Denmark's oldest surviving one—highlighting Faxe's early emphasis
on education.
The 19th century marked industrial growth: A
narrow-gauge railway connected the quarry to Faxe Ladeplads harbor in
1865 for efficient limestone transport, followed by the Østbanen railway
from Køge in 1879 (linked to the quarry line in 1880). This spurred
economic booms in brewing and mining. The Faxe Brewery, founded in 1901,
became a cornerstone, evolving into Royal Unibrew. A Haribo Licorice
factory opened in 1935, adding to the town's confectionery legacy.
Post-WWII, Faxe modernized while preserving its heritage; the quarry's
narrow-gauge railway closed decades ago, but a preserved train now sits
in the Faxe Ladeplads Mini By park.
In broader Danish context, Faxe
reflects the nation's shift from Viking-era raiding (c. 8th–11th
centuries) to agrarian prosperity in the 19th century and EU integration
in 1973. The municipality formed in 2007 through mergers, blending rural
traditions with contemporary sustainability efforts.
Key
Historical Milestones in Faxe
1280: First historical mention of the
settlement.
13th Century: Construction of original Romanesque Faxe
Church.
1440: Current Faxe Church built.
1633: Rasmus Svendsens
Skole established as Denmark's oldest village school.
1865:
Narrow-gauge railway opens between quarry and harbor.1879: Østbanen
railway connects Faxe to Køge.
1901: Faxe Brewery founded.
1935:
Haribo Licorice factory opens.
2007: Faxe becomes seat of the modern
municipality.
Faxe's economy is a mix of traditional industries and modern
services, with a strong agrarian base. Agriculture dominates the
municipality, focusing on livestock (dairy and pork) and forestry,
supported by cooperative movements that propelled Denmark's post-WWI
rural boom. The town is synonymous with brewing: Royal Unibrew's
headquarters and Faxe Brewery produce popular beers, Faxe Kondi energy
drinks, and soft drinks, exporting globally and employing hundreds.
Limestone extraction at Faxe Kalkbrud (owned by Belgian Lhoist Group
since the quarry's 1 km² expansion) remains pivotal, yielding
high-quality calcium for construction and industry—Scandinavia's largest
such site. Danish Agro, an agricultural cooperative, also bases
operations here. Tourism contributes via attractions like the quarry and
forests, while smaller sectors include manufacturing (e.g., Haribo) and
retail. Unemployment is low (around Denmark's national 5–6%), bolstered
by proximity to Copenhagen's job market. The local economy benefits from
EU subsidies for green farming and renewable energy initiatives in
Zealand.
Faxe's urban population stands at 4,139 (2025), roughly split evenly between males (2,086) and females (2,053), within a municipality of 37,820. The demographic is predominantly Danish (over 85%), with small immigrant communities from Eastern Europe and the Middle East, reflecting national trends. The median age is around 42, higher than Copenhagen's due to rural appeal for families. Education levels are solid, with local schools like Prins Carls Skolemuseum preserving history. The town operates on Central European Time (UTC+1), with postal code DK-4640 and area code (+45) 49. Community life centers on markets, festivals, and churches like Braaby, Haslev, and Vemmetofte.
Faxe's attractions highlight its geological, historical, and natural
treasures, drawing over 100,000 visitors annually.
Faxe Kalkbrud
and Geomuseum Faxe: The star attraction—a vast limestone quarry with
crystal-blue lakes amid white cliffs, evoking a tropical oasis. Formed
63 million years ago from a coral reef teeming with sharks, crocodiles,
and 500+ species, it's a paleontological hotspot. The Geomuseum offers
fossils (many named after finders), educational trails for
fossil-hunting (shovels rentable), and exhibits on ancient marine life.
Entry: ~100 DKK; open year-round.
Camp Adventure Forest Tower: In
nearby forests, this 135m-high tower (Zealand's highest point) offers
panoramic views via a 330m zipline and treetop walks—perfect for
adrenaline seekers and birdwatchers.
Gisselfeld Kloster: A
16th-century Renaissance castle (one of Denmark's best-preserved), set
in manicured gardens. Explore the abbey, parade house for coffee, and
trails; owned by the Moltke family since 1746.
Faxe Church and Rasmus
Svendsens Skole: The late-15th-century church features Gothic elements
and a historic cemetery. The 1633 school building now houses a museum on
rural education.
Faxe Ladeplads Mini By and Park: A miniature town
replica with the preserved quarry train, harbor views, and beaches for
picnics.
Other Churches and Estates: Over a dozen historic sites,
including Vemmetofte Monastery (17th-century convent-turned-castle),
Jomfruens Egede estate (from 1346), and Blaabaek Møller (a scenic mill
complex).
Outdoor activities include hiking in Gisselfeld Park,
birdwatching on Feddet, and beach days. For culture, visit the Prismet
cultural center or Vinkaeldertorvet square.
Faxe exudes quintessential Danish hygge—cozy, community-focused living. Festivals like the annual Faxe Bryggeri beer event celebrate brewing heritage, while markets sell local cheeses and crafts. The population enjoys high quality of life: excellent healthcare, bike-friendly paths, and green spaces. Sports figure Jesper Olsen (born 1961 in Faxe), a former footballer with 43 Denmark caps, embodies local pride. Dining highlights brewery tours with tastings, fresh seafood at harbors, and farm-to-table spots. Accommodations range from B&Bs (~500 DKK/night) to campsites; budget travel peaks September–November.
Getting There: 45-min train from Copenhagen (Lolland-Falster line);
drive via E47 (50 km).
Best Time to Visit: Summer for beaches/quarry
swims; spring/fall for fewer crowds.
Tips: Wear sturdy shoes for
quarry trails; book tower ziplines ahead. Pickpocketing is rare but
watch valuables in tourist spots. Sustainable travel: Use public
transport and support local farms.
Faxe offers an authentic slice
of Denmark—where ancient reefs meet modern brews in a landscape of quiet
beauty.