Yes, crossbows are legal in Denmark for recreational use, but their possession and use are strictly regulated under the Weapons and Explosives Act (Våbenloven) and overseen by the Danish Police Authority. Private ownership requires a valid weapon license, and crossbows exceeding 120 Joules of kinetic energy are classified as firearms, necessitating additional permits. Recent 2026 amendments tightened storage requirements for licensed owners.
Key Regulations for Crossbows in Denmark
- License Mandate: Crossbows with draw weights below 120 Joules may be owned without a license only if used exclusively for sport shooting at licensed ranges. Owners must register crossbows exceeding this threshold with local police, who verify compliance with storage and transport rules under Bekendtgørelse nr. 1259 af 2023.
- Prohibited Use: Crossbows cannot be carried in public spaces, including forests or urban areas, unless transported directly to/from a licensed shooting facility. Violations trigger confiscation under Straffelovens § 192, with penalties up to DKK 10,000 for unauthorized possession.
- Age and Training Restrictions: Minors under 18 may only use crossbows under adult supervision at approved ranges. Mandatory safety courses, certified by the Danish Shooting Union (DDS), are required for license applicants, reflecting 2026’s enhanced competency standards.
Crossbow ownership for hunting is prohibited under the Hunting Act (Jagtloven), as the Danish Environmental Protection Agency classifies them as inhumane for wildlife dispatch. Police inspections of storage facilities occur randomly, with non-compliance risking revocation of weapon licenses.