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What is the largest earthquake in Denmark?

Two quakes share the top spot.

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Short answer

In the register of Danish earthquakes, which starts in 1995, the largest reached magnitude 4.3 on the Richter scale. One was on 19 February 2010 in the North Sea off northwest Jutland, the other on 6 August 2012 in the Kattegat. Other quakes of 3.5 or more were in 2015 (3.7, North Sea), 2018 (3.6, West Jutland) and on 20 May 2026 (3.9, under Køge Bugt south of Copenhagen). Most Danish earthquakes are far smaller, often between 1 and 2.

Weather and seasons

Why

  1. The register only starts in 1995, so older quakes are not in it.
  2. Both 4.3 quakes happened at sea.
  3. The quake on 20 May 2026 was about 29 km deep, under Køge Bugt.

Details

In 2026 the list has many small quakes in the North Sea west of Jutland, the largest of them 2.5 on 3 October 2026.

Tip

If you felt a quake, report it to GEUS; the reports help map where it was felt and how strong the shaking was.

What may differ

Sizes and positions in the list are revised over time, so recent values can change.

Common misconception

Many think Denmark has never had an earthquake that people could feel.

What actually happens

Quakes of around 4 on the Richter scale have been registered, most recently 3.9 under Køge Bugt in May 2026.

People also ask

  • Are there earthquakes in Denmark?
  • Was there an earthquake on Zealand in 2026?
  • How is the size of an earthquake measured?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Weather varies a lot from year to year, so check the DMI forecast before you travel.

Weather and seasons
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