Den Blå Sø at Faxe Limestone Quarry
A vivid turquoise lake framed by towering white chalk walls, Den Blå Sø transforms Faxe Limestone Quarry into one of Denmark’s most surreal and photogenic landscapes.
Den Blå Sø is a striking turquoise lake set in the vast Faxe Limestone Quarry on South Zealand, where white chalk walls plunge towards intensely blue, crystal-clear water. Formed in a former extraction pit now filled with groundwater, this industrial landscape has transformed into a dramatic, otherworldly nature spot. Visitors come for the sweeping views, the unusual color contrasts, and walks along the quarry edge or down into selected areas of the pit, often combined with fossil hunting at nearby Geomuseum Faxe.
A brief summary to Den blå sø
- 747M+J3, Faxe, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Do not swim in Den Blå Sø: the water is extremely cold and alkaline, which can cause cramps and skin irritation. Enjoy the view from the shore and marked paths instead.
- Wear sturdy, closed footwear and clothes you do not mind getting dusty; the chalk surface is uneven and can be slippery, especially after rain.
- Bring sunglasses, a hat and plenty of drinking water on sunny days, as the bright white chalk strongly reflects light and heat.
- Combine your stop at Den Blå Sø with a visit to Geomuseum Faxe to join a guided fossil hunt and learn more about the ancient sea that formed the limestone.
- Keep an eye on any signage about quarry operations and stay within publicly accessible areas, as parts of Faxe Kalkbrud remain an active industrial site.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train and local walk from Copenhagen
From Copenhagen, take a regional train towards Næstved and get off at Faxe Ladeplads or Haslev depending on the current timetable; typical journey time is about 1–1.5 hours. From the nearest station, expect roughly 30–40 minutes on foot or a short local taxi ride to the quarry area, where access to Den Blå Sø is free. Standard off‑peak second‑class tickets from Copenhagen to the Faxe area usually cost around 120–180 DKK one way. Trains run regularly during the day, but evening and weekend services can be less frequent, so check departure times in advance.
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Car from Copenhagen and Zealand
Arriving by car from Copenhagen or other parts of Zealand typically takes about 1–1.25 hours, depending on traffic. There is free outdoor parking near the quarry and Geomuseum Faxe, from where you can walk to viewpoints over Den Blå Sø. Access to the lake area itself does not require a ticket, but the nearby museum and guided fossil hunts are paid activities. In busy summer periods, parking can fill up late in the morning, so early arrival is advisable.
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Regional bus within South Zealand
From nearby towns such as Næstved or Køge, regional buses connect to Faxe town in around 30–60 minutes, with typical single fares in the range of 30–60 DKK depending on distance and ticket type. From central Faxe, you can walk to the quarry area in about 20–30 minutes or use a local taxi. Bus frequencies vary by weekday and season, with fewer departures in the evening and on Sundays, so plan your return journey before you set out.
Den blå sø location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Den blå sø
A Turquoise Lake in a Giant Chalk Landscape
Den Blå Sø lies in the middle of Faxe Kalkbrud, Denmark’s largest limestone quarry, a man‑made basin covering around 150 hectares and dropping up to about 45 meters deep. Here, steep white chalk walls enclose pockets of intensely blue water, giving the small lake its name and lending the entire landscape an almost surreal character. The contrast between the blindingly pale rock and the saturated turquoise surface is what draws most visitors to this spot. The lake is fed by clean groundwater that seeps into the quarry floor. Because the water is extremely clear and holds very few algae or plant remains, sunlight penetrates deeply and is scattered by the fine chalk particles, producing the extraordinary blue color. On bright days, the reflections can be dazzling, and the lake shifts from milky turquoise near the edges to deep, inky blue where the quarry is at its deepest.From Ancient Sea to Modern Quarry
Long before Den Blå Sø appeared, this entire area lay under a warm, tropical sea. Around 60–65 million years ago, coral reefs, bryozoans and other marine life settled on the seabed here, slowly forming thick layers of limestone. Over geological time, the sea retreated and the deposits were uplifted, leaving the rich chalk strata that would later be quarried at Faxe. Industrial extraction shaped the dramatic amphitheatre you see today. As the quarry expanded and deepened, abandoned pits filled with groundwater, creating a series of small lakes, including Den Blå Sø. The quarry is still an active workplace in parts, but designated areas are open for visitors to explore and to see the exposed rock faces, where fossils from the prehistoric seabed can still be found.Visiting Den Blå Sø Safely
The lake’s clear water looks inviting, but bathing here is strongly discouraged. The quarry lake is very deep and the water is extremely cold just below the surface, which can lead to cramps or cold shock. In addition, the high pH value, caused by dissolved limestone, may irritate skin and eyes. For these reasons, Den Blå Sø is best enjoyed from the shore and surrounding viewpoints. Paths lead along parts of the quarry edge and down into selected sections, though the terrain can be uneven, dusty and slippery in wet weather. Solid footwear is essential, and in sunny conditions the bright chalk can make the light almost glaring, so sunglasses, a hat and drinking water are highly recommended. Visitors should pay attention to signs and respect any restricted zones linked to ongoing quarry operations.Walking Routes and Fossil Adventures
A marked walking route managed by the Danish nature authorities explores the publicly accessible side of Faxe Kalkbrud, passing viewpoints where you can look across Den Blå Sø and the surrounding chalk landscape. The walk is not long in distance, but the constant visual drama of high walls, blue pools and exposed rock layers makes it memorable. For a deeper dive into the site’s story, many combine a visit to Den Blå Sø with time at Geomuseum Faxe, located by the quarry. The museum offers fossil hunting tours down into the pit, where you can borrow or rent tools and learn to recognize corals, sea urchins and other remains from the ancient sea. Even on a self‑guided visit, it is common to spot fossil fragments in the rubble around the lake.Atmosphere Through the Seasons
Den Blå Sø has a different mood in each season. On bright summer days, the chalk reflects heat and light, and the lake glows almost tropical in color, even though the water stays cold. In spring and autumn, the air is cooler, and the sharp outlines of the quarry walls stand out under clear Scandinavian skies, ideal conditions for photography. In winter, thin layers of frost or snow on the chalk can make the slopes appear even more otherworldly. Despite its industrial origins, the area around the lake is gradually being reclaimed by nature. Grasses, wildflowers and hardy shrubs colonize ledges and plateaus, while birds use the quarry walls and quiet water as resting and feeding spots. This slow softening of the landscape adds an extra layer to a visit: it is a place where geology, industry and natural regeneration all meet in one compact, dramatic scene.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Vallø Slotskro
16.0 km
Explore Denmark's largest private engine collection and maritime heritage at Maskinrummet in Skagen.
Genforeningssten i Næstelsø
19.2 km
Experience the vibrant history and charm of Copenhagen's iconic Nyhavn waterfront.
Comwell Køge Strand
20.8 km
Historic lighthouse and world-class bird observatory at Denmark’s northern tip, with sweeping sea views, immersive exhibitions, and a welcoming café.
Befrielsessten i Køge
21.5 km
A solemn memorial to Denmark's liberation from Nazi occupation, standing in Køge's historic market square.
Mindesmærke for slagene i Køge Bugt
21.5 km
Harbourfront monument where stone, sea breeze and maritime symbols keep the naval battles of Køge Bugt and their admirals alive on Køge’s working waterfront.
“Slaget i Køge Bugt”
21.5 km
Harbourfront monument on Køge’s quay, quietly marking the dramatic naval battles once fought in the bay where today only fishing boats and leisure craft glide.
VisitKøges selvbetjente turistbureau
21.6 km
An iconic 19th-century lighthouse at Denmark’s northern tip, famed for panoramic views, migrating birds, and immersive maritime and nature exhibits.
Køge Torv
21.6 km
Denmark's largest medieval town square, where seven centuries of history unfold on cobblestones.
Visit
21.8 km
Historic lighthouse and bird observatory at Denmark’s northern tip, with panoramic sea views, interactive nature exhibits, and a vibrant café in wild coastal surroundings.
Køge St.
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Experience Skagen’s iconic Det Grå Fyr, an elegant lighthouse offering breathtaking views, unique birdwatching, and local culture at Denmark’s northernmost edge.
Næstved Station
23.5 km
Explore the evolution of Danish and international design at Copenhagen's historic Designmuseum Danmark.
Visit Sydsjælland & Møn
23.8 km
Discover the stunning landscapes and rich culture of Sydsjælland & Møn, a unique Danish destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Museum Sydøstdanmark
24.1 km
Nyhavn’s historic canal is the beating heart of Copenhagen’s waterfront, where colorful houses, lively terraces, and storied sailing ships celebrate Danish maritime heritage.
Boderne
24.2 km
Experience the vibrant history and culture of Copenhagen at Nyhavn's colorful waterfront.
Mindesten for A. M. Kristensen
24.2 km
A humble memorial to Næstved's visionary first elected mayor and architect of the harbor that transformed the city.
Unmissable attractions to see
Geomuseum Faxe
1.1 km
Stand on the brink of a vast white quarry, handle fossils from a 63‑million‑year‑old coral sea, and see how geology and industry shaped this corner of Denmark.
Bregentved
9.5 km
Historic estate parkland where baroque geometry, sweeping lawns and quiet woodland come together on the edge of Haslev’s rolling countryside.
Camp Adventure
9.7 km
Spiral into the Danish canopy on a sculptural forest tower, then trade the view for ziplines, rope bridges and hours of treetop adventure in South Zealand’s woods.
Skovtårnet (Forest Tower)
9.9 km
A striking hourglass tower rising above the Gisselfeld forest canopy, offering a gentle spiral climb to Zealand’s highest accessible viewpoint and sweeping South Zealand horizons.
Roneklint Fyr
14.8 km
Small historic lighthouse at the mouth of Præstø Fjord, with shallow child‑friendly beaches, rich snorkelling waters and tranquil coastal scenery.
Rødvig Beach
15.8 km
A gentle, family-friendly strand on South Zealand’s Stevns coast, where soft sand, shallow Baltic waters and harbour life meet in an easygoing seaside setting.
Vallø Castle
16.1 km
A red-brick Renaissance castle in a tranquil park south of Køge, where noble history, towers and moat reflections meet open lawns and quiet woodland paths.
Mindesten for greve Christian Moltke
16.3 km
Discover Køge Church, a stunning Gothic landmark with historic interiors, breathtaking architecture, and centuries-old maritime connections at the heart of Køge.
Vallø Slotspark
16.3 km
A 15-hectare English landscape garden surrounding a historic red-brick castle, where Danish noble history blooms among rare heritage trees.
Dyrehaven
16.8 km
Ancient forest sanctuary where Danish kings hunted and 2,000 wild deer still roam beneath centuries-old oaks.
Stevns Klint Experience
17.1 km
Jægersborggade: A lively fusion of artisan shops, gourmet delights, creative studios, and local culture at the vibrant heart of Copenhagen’s Nørrebro district.
BonBon-Land
17.1 km
Cheeky candy characters, looping coasters and green picnic lawns combine at BonBon-Land, Denmark’s quirky countryside theme park for all ages.
Boesdal Kalkbrud
17.2 km
A dramatic former limestone quarry where industrial heritage meets 66-million-year-old geological secrets.
Cold war museum Stevnsfort
17.6 km
Descend into a former NATO stronghold carved into the cliffs of Stevns Klint, where underground tunnels, heavy guns and Baltic Sea views bring the Cold War vividly to life.
Mindesten for Kvinders Valgret,Egeøje
18.1 km
A modest village stone and oak tree that quietly commemorate the 1915 breakthrough granting Danish women the right to vote and shape the nation’s democracy.
Essential places to dine
Bournonvilles Wild West - cowboyfest.dk
7.0 km
A full-throttle Wild West saloon near Haslev, serving hearty buffets, strong drinks and cowboy-themed fun for groups, celebrations and company parties.
Restaurant Villa Gallina
11.8 km
Historic forest inn by a tranquil lake at Gisselfeld, pairing rustic 1852 charm with Danish, Italian and French‑inspired cooking in a uniquely scenic woodland setting.
Fjordkroen
12.4 km
Cosy fjordside country inn on South Zealand, blending classic Danish kro charm, water‑view rooms and traditional cooking in a peaceful rural setting.
Frederiksminde hotel og restaurant
16.4 km
Romantic fjordside pavilion in Præstø where classic Danish charm meets New Nordic fine dining, intimate gardens and slow, atmospheric escapes from everyday life.
Restaurant Sommers
16.6 km
Relaxed harbourfront restaurant in Præstø serving generous Danish comfort dishes and seafood, with bright Nordic interiors and a terrace overlooking the marina.
Cafe Mocca
16.6 km
Relaxed harborfront café-restaurant on Præstø Fjord, serving hearty classics, brunch and drinks with wide fjord views and an easygoing small-town atmosphere.
Café Bliss
17.1 km
A homely, hygge‑filled café‑restaurant in the heart of Store Heddinge, blending colourful conscious cooking, a leafy courtyard and a relaxed community living‑room vibe.
Cafe Skov & Strand
18.8 km
Affordable beachside café where forest meets coast, serving generous Danish fare and ice cream.
Elverhøi
19.8 km
Cosy neighbourhood Italian on Vordingborgvej in Køge, serving generous pizzas, comforting pasta and relaxed hygge vibes from late afternoon into the evening.
Muldiverset
20.1 km
Organic farmhouse restaurant and regenerative garden by the sea, where slow-paced Nordic cooking, wild greenery and a curated eco shop reconnect you with nature.
Mad & Ro
20.4 km
Hearty Danish coastal cooking beside Stevns Lighthouse, where homemade lunch plates, open sandwiches and a grassy lawn meet sweeping views of cliff and sea.
Marios Pizza Bar & Grill
20.5 km
Casual neighbourhood pizzeria and grill in Køge serving generous pizzas, kebab and classic fast-casual dishes from a no-fuss counter by Marksvinget.
Restaurant Kulhuset
21.3 km
Harbourfront steakhouse in Køge where you grill your own cuts at custom tables, pairing hearty meat dishes with marina views and a relaxed social vibe.
Pakhuset Braunstein
21.4 km
Waterfront Danish taphouse in Køge’s harbor, pouring Braunstein craft beers alongside casual food in a light‑filled, architect‑designed social space by the quay.
Restaurant Il Gallo
21.4 km
Authentic Italian cuisine and fine wines in Køge's charming pedestrian quarter since 1997.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Veras Verden
12.0 km
Curated design and countryside charm in a historic Danish farmstead.
Pink vibes
12.8 km
Contemporary gifts and lifestyle finds in the heart of Haslev's charming town center.
Den Blå Dør
21.5 km
A cosy blue-doored boutique in Køge’s old town, blending Scandinavian interiors, fashion and small everyday luxuries in a colourful, carefully curated setting.
Zhenzi
21.5 km
Curve-friendly Scandinavian women’s fashion in the heart of Køge, offering modern everyday styles and occasion outfits with a relaxed, boutique feel.
køge butikker brogade
21.5 km
A cosy antiques haven on historic Brogade, where pewter, brass and pre‑1900 treasures from South Zealand fill creaking rooms with stories from another era.
Zizzi - Køge
21.5 km
Modern Scandinavian plus size fashion in the heart of historic Køge, offering curve-friendly styles, relaxed fitting rooms and personal styling help on Brogade.
Miss O
21.5 km
Contemporary women's fashion in a hidden courtyard boutique at the heart of Køge's historic shopping district.
Pioneer V/søren Marsner Hansen
21.5 km
Owner-led menswear boutique in Køge’s historic center, offering curated Scandinavian-inspired clothing and a calm, personal shopping experience.
La Belle
21.6 km
Contemporary women's fashion in the heart of Køge's charming old town.
Krybben V/helle Frost
21.6 km
Atmospheric women’s fashion boutique in a historic Køge courtyard, blending Scandinavian style, leather and fur pieces, and curated accessories right on Torvet.
Johs. Clausen Køge
21.6 km
A welcoming women’s fashion boutique on Køge’s historic main square, blending Scandinavian elegance, quality brands and personal service in a cosy town-centre setting.
My Apartment Køge
21.6 km
A cosy, apartment-inspired fashion boutique in central Køge, blending Scandinavian style, curated brands and a relaxed, home-like shopping atmosphere.
Vitrinen og vitrinens Købmandshandel
21.6 km
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Mom and me
21.6 km
Cozy Køge boutique for mums and kids, blending soft Nordic style, gentle products and a relaxed, family-first atmosphere on charming Vestergade.
Rokkjær-Køge
21.6 km
A contemporary Scandinavian womenswear boutique on Køge’s historic market square, blending modern style, local brands and a building marked by centuries of town history.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bykroen
12.7 km
Cozy local bar and live music hangout on Haslev’s main street, offering simple drinks, late-weekend nights and an authentic small-town Danish atmosphere.
Sussis Bodega ApS
20.0 km
Rural Danish bodega in an 1800s house along Stavreby Strandvej, offering simple drinks, informal company and a quietly coastal countryside atmosphere.
Grillen
20.5 km
Casual grilled fare in the heart of Køge, open daily for straightforward dining and drinks.
Ellemarkens Bodega Drøvlen
21.2 km
Unpretentious local bodega and community hangout in Køge’s Ellemarken district, serving inexpensive drinks, sports on TV and a relaxed slice of everyday Danish life.
Vinbaren Køge
21.5 km
Intimate wine bar in Køge’s old town, serving well-chosen bottles, tapas-style plates and plenty of Danish hygge from relaxed afternoons to late-night last pours.
Ibsens Pub & Vinbar
21.5 km
Waterfront wine bar and pub where Nordic hospitality meets harbor views and live entertainment.
The Old Irish Pub
21.5 km
Køge's benchmark for weekend nightlife with live music, cocktails, and authentic Irish pub atmosphere.
Den høje stue
21.6 km
Cosy sportspub on Køge’s historic Torvet, pairing classic bar vibes with big-screen matches and relaxed small‑town atmosphere late into the evening.
Café Asti
21.7 km
Intimate wine and tapas bar in Køge's heart, where Italian flavors meet European sophistication.
RICHTERs Ølstue
21.7 km
Characterful beer hall in Køge’s historic centre, pouring quality specialty brews and serving hearty Danish smørrebrød in a warm, wood-accented pub setting.
Bodega Slap A
21.9 km
Køge's electric nightlife hub where quality drinks meet vibrant DJ sets and dancing until dawn.
Grønvej 2 Næstved ApS
23.2 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bodega in Næstved serving cold beer, simple spirits and everyday local atmosphere on a quiet side street off the town’s commercial core.
Bodega Dueslaget
23.2 km
Traditional Danish neighborhood bodega in Næstved, serving cold beers, simple drinks and plenty of local atmosphere from morning until late on weekends.
Birk´s Bar
23.5 km
Næstved's authentic neighborhood pub where community, billiards, and genuine hospitality thrive.
Champagne Riget
23.8 km
Næstved's premier champagne bar where curated bubbles meet refined gastronomy in elegant surroundings.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Adventurous
- Tranquil
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Industrial
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
- Viral Moments
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Cultural Heritage
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly