Am I allowed to light a bonfire in Denmark?
Yes — you may light a bonfire on your own land or the beach if you keep distances and there is no active fire ban. The distances depend on the bonfire's size. A large bonfire over 120 cm in diameter, such as a Midsummer bonfire, must be at least 30 m from buildings with a hard roof and 200 m from coniferous forest, heath and easily ignitable vegetation. A small bonfire of at most 80 cm needs at least 15 m to easily ignitable roofs and plants. The distances double downwind, and you must not burn in strong wind. In dry periods the municipality can impose a fire ban — check the fire-danger site.
📋 The rules
- Large bonfire (over 120 cm): 30 m from buildings, 200 m from coniferous forest
- Small bonfire (max 80 cm): 15 m to easily ignitable things
- The distances double downwind
- No burning in strong wind
- The municipality can impose a fire ban
🔓 Exceptions
- Midsummer bonfires are allowed under the large-bonfire distances, but a ban takes priority
- Small cosy fires and disposable grills follow the small-bonfire rules
- Municipalities can have local rules, for example beach-fire bans on certain beaches
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Breaching a fire ban or causing a fire is punishable with a fine and can bring liability for damage.
📎 Official sources
- Danish Emergency Services · Bonfire rules →
- Emergency Management Agency · Midsummer →
- Brandfare.dk · Fire ban →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I light a bonfire in Denmark?
Yes, with distance rules and no active fire ban. The distance depends on the bonfire's size.
How far must a large bonfire be from buildings?
At least 30 m from buildings with a hard roof and 200 m from coniferous forest, heath and easily ignitable vegetation.
What applies to a small bonfire?
A small bonfire of at most 80 cm needs at least 15 m to easily ignitable roofs and plants.
Can I light a bonfire in the wind?
No, not in strong wind, and the distances double downwind. If the wind rises, you must extinguish it.
What is a fire ban?
A ban the municipality can impose in dry periods. Check the fire-danger site before you light a bonfire.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “can I light a bonfire denmark”
- “bonfire distance 30 m 200 m”
- “small bonfire 15 m”
- “fire ban municipality”
- “midsummer bonfire rules”
- “bonfire on the beach”