Faxe Limestone Quarry is a site of a former coral reef that existed in a sea covering Denmark 63 million years ago.
The limestone extracted here is chemically pure and contains distinct layers of fossilized coral and bryozoa.
Fossilized shark teeth from the prehistoric species Carcharias are frequently found by visitors in the quarry soil.
The quarry has been in operation for centuries, providing materials for major construction projects across Denmark.
The geological strata at Faxe provide significant evidence regarding the recovery of marine life following the K-Pg extinction event.
The quarry reaches depths that expose unique geological features not visible anywhere else in Northern Europe.
KALK is a museum located at the edge of the Faxe Limestone Quarry, an expansive industrial site carved from 63-million-year-old bryozoan limestone. The museum interprets the geological history of the area, which was once a tropical coral reef in the Paleocene sea. Visitors can explore the fossil-rich grounds where remains of ancient sharks, crocodiles, and sea turtles have been discovered. The facility serves as the primary gateway to the active quarry, allowing supervised access to the massive open-pit excavation. It highlights the cultural and industrial significance of limestone mining in the region. The site provides insights into how the local landscape evolved after the extinction of the dinosaurs. Scientific exhibitions focus on the taxonomy of the marine fossils found within the local limestone strata.
The elevated viewing platform overlooking the turquoise-tinted meltwater lakes at the bottom of the quarry.
Bring a sturdy chisel and a small hammer to search for fossils in the designated screening areas.
Wear closed-toe shoes with thick soles as the ground is uneven, sharp, and often muddy.
Bring a small container or bag to store any fossil specimens you find.
Check the daily guided tour schedule upon arrival to access the deepest parts of the quarry safely.
Do not attempt to enter the active industrial mining zones where heavy machinery operates.
Closed during the winter season; operates primarily from spring through early autumn.
Stay on marked trails while in the active quarry area and do not climb on unstable rock faces.
