Voderup Klint

Terraced cliffs at the edge of Ærø

Voderup Klint unfolds as a sequence of broad, grassy steps cascading from farmland down to the Baltic Sea. Stretching roughly 3–3.5km along Ærø’s south coast and rising up to about 33m, the cliff forms one of the island’s most striking natural landmarks. From above, the land seems to break off in slow motion, terrace by terrace, until it meets the narrow belt of stony shore. Standing near the top, you look across patchwork fields before the ground suddenly falls away in green ledges and pale bands of clay. On clear days the views run unbroken over the Langeland Belt, with ships sliding quietly across the horizon and seabirds riding the breeze below you.

Ice Age story written in clay and landslides

The landscape here owes its unusual shape to the last Ice Age. Glacial deposits of clay and sand were later undercut by the sea and loosened by groundwater, causing large sections of the slope to slowly slide seaward. Over thousands of years these movements created the giant staircases you see today, a textbook example of a landslide-terraced coastline. Erosion still works at the base of the cliff, exposing soft layers in gentle pastel tones. After rain, the clay can gleam in muted greys and browns, while small springs seep from the slope and feed pockets of lush vegetation. The constant interplay between sea, gravity and soft sediments gives Voderup Klint its distinctive sculpted profile.

Protected coastal nature and quiet wildlife

Voderup Klint is part of a protected area recognized for both its geological and landscape value. The terraces are carpeted in grass and wildflowers, with patches of scrub that offer shelter to birds and insects. Skylarks rise from the fields in spring, and you may spot hares darting across the slopes or grazing cattle quietly maintaining the natural open character. Away from roads and buildings, the soundscape is dominated by wind, waves and bird calls. In summer the air is often full of buzzing insects and the scent of warm grass, while in autumn the sea can feel more powerful, sending a deeper roar up against the cliff foot.

Walking the steps between land and sea

A network of simple paths lets you explore the terraces at different levels. You can follow the upper edge for sweeping panoramas, wander down onto the broad ledges to feel surrounded by slopes on both sides, or continue towards the rocky beach for a low-angle view back up the cliff face. None of the routes are technically difficult, but the ground is uneven and can be muddy or slippery after rain. Benches and well-trodden spots invite you to pause and simply watch the sea. Many visitors bring a picnic to enjoy on the grass, using the terraces as natural amphitheatre seating with the Baltic as a live backdrop. As the day wears on, the light shifts across the stepped slopes, throwing long shadows that emphasise their sculpted forms.

Island light, changing seasons and long sunsets

The open setting on Ærø’s south coast gives Voderup Klint a particularly luminous quality. On bright days the contrast between deep blue water, green terraces and wide sky is intense, perfect for photography and contemplative walks. In spring and early summer, fresh foliage and wildflowers soften the clay bands; in winter, the structure of the landscape stands out more starkly against low sun and bare earth. Evenings are especially atmospheric. As the sun drops towards the western horizon, the terraces glow gold and the sea takes on bands of silver and pastel colour. It is the kind of place where time stretches, encouraging you to linger until the last light fades and the first lights of distant ships appear offshore.