Faxe Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Faxe with our travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, restaurants to try, and where to stay in Faxe, Denmark.


Introduction to Faxe

Faxe, a small town in South Zealand, Denmark, is known for its distinctive chalk cliffs and limestone quarries. With a population of just over 7,000, Faxe is a peaceful and charming destination for travelers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of larger cities. The town is located in a historic and scenic region, surrounded by idyllic countryside, forests, and lakes, with several cultural attractions and outdoor activities to explore.

List of Places to Visit in Faxe

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Faxe Museum - located in a restored manor house, the museum showcases the town’s history and cultural heritage with exhibits on art, local traditions, and industry.
  • Faxe Kirke - a beautiful 12th-century church with Romanesque and Gothic features and notable frescoes and altarpieces.
  • Kongernes Nordsjælland National Park - a vast protected area with forests, lakes, and coastline, with several historic sites, castles, and gardens.

Natural Attractions of Faxe: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Stevns Klint - a UNESCO World Heritage site, Stevns Klint is a striking coastal cliff formation with geological significance and scenic views of the sea and countryside.
  • Lake Faxe - a picturesque freshwater lake surrounded by forests and hiking trails, with opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and wildlife watching.
  • Møns Klint - another impressive cliff formation and nature reserve, located about an hour’s drive from Faxe, with hiking trails, beaches, and bird watching spots.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Faxe

Faxe is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with several hiking and biking routes to explore around town and in the surrounding countryside. Among the most popular options are:

  • Faxe Ådal - a scenic valley with a river, woods, and meadows, offering peaceful trails for hiking and biking.
  • Rønnede Plantage - a vast forested area with several marked trails for all levels, including a 15-km route around Lake Faxe.
  • Stevns Klint Stien - a challenging 23-km trail that follows the coastline from Rødvig to Højerup, passing through Stevns Klint and other scenic spots.

Best Things to Do in Faxe: Activities and Tours

  • Visit the limestone quarries - Faxe is known for its rich limestone deposits, and visitors can take guided tours of the quarries and learn about the local mining industry.
  • Explore the art scene - Faxe has several galleries and studios showcasing the work of local artists and artisans, with opportunities to purchase unique souvenirs and gifts.
  • Enjoy a picnic at Faxe Ladeplads - a charming seaside village with a sandy beach and a harbor, ideal for a relaxing afternoon with family or friends.

Week-Long Itinerary for Faxe

Day 1: Arrival and settling in at a local guesthouse or hostel. Day 2: Cycling and hiking around Faxe Ådal. Day 3: Visit the Faxe Museum and Kongernes Nordsjælland National Park. Day 4: Explore Stevns Klint, enjoy a picnic and a swim at Boesdal Strand. Day 5: Take a guided tour of the Faxe Limestone quarry and visit local galleries. Day 6: A day trip to Møns Klint, hike along the coast, and relax at the beach. Day 7: Departure from Faxe.

Food and Drink Scene of Faxe

Must-Try Dishes

  • Smørrebrød - a traditional Danish open-faced sandwich, usually served with pickled herring, eggs, or liver pate.
  • Flæskesteg - a roasted pork dish, typically served with potatoes, gravy, and red cabbage.
  • Rødgrød med Fløde - a delicious dessert made with red fruit like strawberries, cherries, and raspberries, served with cream.

Local Beverages

  • Danish beer - try local brews like Tuborg or Carlsberg, or explore the growing craft beer scene in Denmark.
  • Aqua Vitae - a strong Danish liquor made from potatoes or grain, usually served as a digestif after a meal.
  • Coffee - Denmark is known for its high-quality coffee culture, with several cafes and roasteries in Faxe and nearby towns.

Where to Stay in Faxe: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Faxe offers a range of accommodations to suit different tastes and budgets, from cozy guesthouses to modern hotels and family-friendly hostels. Some popular options are:

  • Hotel Faxe - a centrally located hotel with comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.
  • Danhostel Faxe - a hostel with shared and private rooms, located on a farm with a garden and playground, ideal for families and children.
  • Bakkegaarden Bed & Breakfast - a charming guesthouse with homely rooms and a large garden, serving organic breakfast and offering bike rental.

What to Buy in Faxe: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Fossilized seashells and other fossils from Stevns Klint or Faxe Limestone Quarry.
  • Handmade pottery, ceramics, and glassware from local artists.
  • Danish design and fashion items, like furniture, textiles, or jewelry.

Local Culture and Customs of Faxe

  • Danish culture is known for its emphasis on hygge, a concept of cozy and comfortable surroundings, good food, and pleasant company.
  • Danes are usually reserved and polite, but also welcoming and helpful to visitors.
  • Tipping is not mandatory in Denmark, as service charges and taxes are already included in most bills.

Best Time to Visit Faxe

The best time to visit Faxe is in the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is mild and sunny, and outdoor activities are at their best. However, Faxe has a lot to offer year-round, with different festivals and events, and plenty of cozy indoor attractions for colder months.

Do’s and Don’ts of Faxe

Do:

  • Drink Danish beer and aquavit
  • Try local specialties like smørrebrød and flæskesteg
  • Explore the outdoors, hike and bike around Faxe Ådal or Stevns Klint
  • Take a guided tour of the Faxe limestone quarries and learn about the mining industry
  • Buy souvenirs from local artists and craftsmen

Don’t:

  • Be too loud or boisterous in public places
  • Smoke indoors or litter in natural areas
  • Forget to pack comfortable shoes and clothing for outdoor activities
  • Assume that everyone speaks English, try to learn some Danish phrases.

Safety and Health

Safety in Faxe

Faxe is a relatively safe destination, with low crime rates and a friendly and welcoming local community. However, visitors should exercise common sense and follow basic safety guidelines, like keeping track of their belongings, avoiding dark or deserted areas at night, and respecting local rules and customs.

Health in Faxe

Denmark has a high standard of healthcare, with several public and private hospitals and clinics throughout the country. Visitors can access emergency medical care by dialing 112. However, it is essential to have travel insurance and necessary medication with you while traveling.

Getting to Faxe: Transportation Options and Logistics

From Copenhagen, visitors can take a train or bus to Faxe, with frequent departures and a travel time of about an hour. Driving is another option, with easy access via the E47 or national roads. Faxe is also located near several airports, including Copenhagen and Roskilde, with connecting flights to major European destinations.

Airports Near Faxe

  • Copenhagen Airport - located about 1 hour from Faxe, with direct flights to international destinations.
  • Roskilde Airport - a smaller regional airport with connections to select European cities.

Bus Stations Near Faxe

  • Faxe Bus Station - located in the center of town, with regular services to neighboring towns and cities.
  • Copenhagen Bus Station - a major transportation hub with connections to all parts of Denmark and Europe.

Other Options

  • Car rental - several car rental companies are available at the airports or in town, with competitive rates and a wide range of vehicles.
  • Bicycle rental - visitors can rent bikes from local shops or guesthouses and explore Faxe and nearby areas at their own pace.

How to Get Around in Faxe

Faxe is a small town that can easily be explored on foot or by bike. Buses and taxis are also available for longer distances or quick transfers. Car rental is a good option for those planning to explore the surrounding countryside or take day trips to nearby destinations.

Where to Go Next from Faxe: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Copenhagen - Denmark’s capital and largest city, known for its charming architecture, cultural landmarks, and vibrant nightlife.
  • Roskilde - a historic and picturesque town with a magnificent cathedral and Viking Ship Museum.
  • Gavnø Slot - a magnificent castle and garden, located on an island in the middle of the lake, with an impressive collection of art and antiques.

Conclusion

Faxe is a hidden gem in South Zealand, Denmark, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and outdoor adventures. Whether you are interested in hiking, biking, history, art, or gastronomy, Faxe has something to offer for everyone, with plenty of options for relaxation, exploration, and adventure. Plan your trip to Faxe today and experience the charm and tranquility of this beautiful Danish town.