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Højerup Kirke: South Zealand’s Dramatic Cliffside Church

Discover Højerup Kirke, the cliffside church balancing on the edge of Stevns Klint—an iconic South Zealand landmark with breathtaking views and dramatic history.

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Perched atop the white cliffs of Stevns Klint, Højerup Kirke is a centuries-old church renowned for its breathtaking sea views and dramatic history. Visitors can explore the partly ruined sanctuary, learn how coastal erosion has shaped its fate, and discover the unique blend of tranquil beauty and geological wonder that makes this one of South Zealand's most iconic landmarks.

A brief summary to Bornholm Butterfly Park

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early in summer to enjoy the peaceful grounds before the tour buses start arriving.
  • Don’t miss the glass-fronted balcony at the cliff’s edge—it offers some of the region’s best photo opportunities.
  • Pair your visit with a walk along the Stevns Klint UNESCO trail, which starts near the church.
  • Beware of windy days—the exposed cliffside can be quite blustery, so bring an extra layer.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From central South Zealand, trains run to Køge or Store Heddinge, where regional buses connect toward Stevns Klint. Alight at the stop for Højerup, just a short walk through open countryside to the church. Expect a combined travel time of 45–70 minutes and a single ticket cost in the range of DKK 50–80 per adult, depending on route and transfer. Services are less frequent on weekends, so plan accordingly.

  • Car

    Driving from the South Zealand area to Højerup Kirke follows main routes leading north toward Stevns Klint, passing through pleasant rural scenery. On-site parking is available close to the church, typically free of charge, though spaces can fill by midday in high season. No tolls apply on the approach, and the final leg offers clear signage as you near the cliffs.

  • Taxi

    Taxis from key hubs such as Køge or Store Heddinge provide a direct and comfortable option, with the ride to Højerup Kirke usually taking 20–30 minutes and costing between DKK 200–350 depending on pickup point and traffic. Consider pre-booking, especially outside major towns.

  • Cycling

    For those enjoying the Danish countryside by bike, local cycling routes link villages throughout South Zealand to Stevns Klint and Højerup Kirke. The journey finishes along gently rolling terrain with spectacular sea views. Bicycle racks are provided at the site, and the final approach is refreshingly car-light—ideal for cyclists.

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Discover more about Bornholm Butterfly Park

Few sights in Denmark are as instantly captivating as Højerup Kirke, an early 13th-century stone church sitting at the very edge of the famous Stevns Klint cliffs. The church was founded around 1250, likely by local fishermen and farmers, at a time when the land stretched much farther into the Baltic Sea. For hundreds of years, its congregation gathered with the elements of wind and salt swirling outside—a testament to Danish seafaring resilience. The atmosphere at Højerup is at once serene and charged with the grandeur of nature. Inside, simple stonework and an almost intimate nave contrast with the dramatic story that played out in 1928, when a massive section of the cliff collapsed beneath the chancel, sending part of the church tumbling into the sea. Today, visitors can stand at the modern reinforced balcony, gazing out over endless blue waters and the UNESCO-listed cliffs that record 65 million years of Earth’s history—including evidence of the asteroid that doomed the dinosaurs. Equally compelling are the churchyard and grounds, where wildflowers and sea breezes provide a perfect picnic setting. Interpretive signs tell the story of the church’s precarious survival and the ongoing battle between land and sea. Many travelers linger for the views alone, as migrating birds wheel below and the horizon seems to stretch forever. Højerup Kirke is not only a site of faith and folklore, but a living reminder of nature's power, human endurance, and the timeless pull of the coast. With free entry and a setting that rivals any in Denmark, it’s a place to pause, reflect, and marvel—whatever your beliefs.

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