Are there earthquakes in Denmark?
Small quakes, a big one is unlikely.
Short answer
Yes, Denmark has earthquakes, but they are small and most are not felt. The national list of registered Danish earthquakes has 28 events in 2023, 34 in 2024 and 28 in 2025. Denmark is not a real earthquake zone, except for the southern Kattegat, and the small quakes in the Skagerrak mark the southern edge of an earthquake zone in western Norway. There are no earthquakes in the middle of Denmark and towards the southwest, and a large earthquake in Denmark is not likely.
Why
- Earthquakes are triggered by stresses inside the Earth.
- Most quakes in the list happen at sea, in the North Sea, Skagerrak and Kattegat.
- Five permanent seismograph stations in Denmark pick up even very small quakes.
Details
The stations are on Bornholm, at Lille Linde near Stevns, at Vestvolden in Copenhagen, in Mønsted Kalkgrube and in Sdr. Stenderup Statsskov, and instrument records go back to 1930.
Tip
If you feel an earthquake in Denmark, you can report it to GEUS with the online form or by email to [email protected].
What may differ
Times, positions and sizes of the latest earthquakes in the list can still be revised, and some recent entries may turn out to be blasts.
Common misconception
Many believe a series of small quakes in Denmark means a big one is coming.
What actually happens
Small quakes are normal in Denmark, and a large earthquake here is not likely.
People also ask
- What is the largest earthquake in Denmark?
- Where do earthquakes happen in Denmark?
- How do you report an earthquake in Denmark?
Sources
- GEUS: Frequently asked questions about the dynamic EarthChecked at:
- GEUS: Table of registered Danish earthquakesChecked at:
- GEUS: Monitoring of seismic activityChecked at:
- GEUS: Earthquakes and seismologyChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Weather varies a lot from year to year, so check the DMI forecast before you travel.
Weather and seasonsRelated questions
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Is there an official weather app for Denmark?
The official weather app for Denmark is DMI Vejr, made by the Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI).
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What should you do in a thunderstorm in Denmark?
In Denmark 85 % of thunderstorms come in June, July and August, so they matter most for summer trips.
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How do I know if the water is clean enough to swim in Copenhagen?
The City of Copenhagen publishes the daily bathing water quality for its bathing spots on badevand.dk, with the weather and a three day forecast for each place.
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When are there lifeguards at the Copenhagen harbour baths?
Copenhagen has three municipal harbour baths: Islands Brygge, Fisketorvet and Sluseholmen.