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Højerup Kirke: The Cliffside Church Overlooking the Baltic

Experience history and nature where the medieval Højerup Kirke meets the dramatic cliffs of Stevns Klint, offering panoramic Baltic views and geological wonders.

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Perched dramatically on the white chalk cliffs of Stevns Klint, Højerup Kirke is a medieval church with breathtaking sea views and a compelling history. Built in the early 13th century, the church became famous after part of it collapsed into the sea due to coastal erosion in 1928. Visitors can marvel at the surviving nave, the atmospheric churchyard, and panoramic vistas that reveal centuries of natural and human history.

A brief summary to Bornholmertarnet

  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early or late in the day for the most atmospheric light and fewer visitors, especially in summer.
  • Combine your visit with a short walk along Stevns Klint for stunning photographic opportunities.
  • Access to the church is free, but donations are welcome to support ongoing preservation.
  • The cliff edge paths can be slippery or windy; wear sturdy shoes and mind children closely near drop-offs.
  • Parking is available nearby but can be limited in peak season. Arriving by bike allows for a scenic approach.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the main hubs of South Zealand like Næstved or Køge, regional trains and local buses connect travelers to Store Heddinge. From the town’s center, a local bus service or taxi brings visitors to Stevns Klint, where Højerup Kirke is nestled above the cliffs. The final journey offers glimpses of rolling farmland and the dramatic white bluffs as you approach. Expect the local bus segment to cost around 24–30 DKK one way, with taxis typically charging 80–120 DKK for the short ride from Store Heddinge. Services may be less frequent on weekends and holidays.

  • Driving

    Those arriving by car follow scenic rural routes through open countryside, with the last stretch arriving at a modest parking area near the cliff edge. Parking is generally free, but availability can be tight in high season. From the lot, it’s a brief walk with gradual elevation, and the iconic church is visible above the treetops, perched right on the cliff.

  • Cycling

    Cyclists can enjoy picturesque routes via quiet roads and bike paths passing traditional Danish villages and farmland. The approach is manageable for most fitness levels, with gentle slopes leading to the site. Dedicated bike racks are provided near the visitor center, making it a rewarding and eco-friendly way to reach the cliffs.

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Discover more about Bornholmertarnet

Højerup Kirke stands as a sentinel over the edge of Stevns Klint, its sturdy stone walls shaped by nearly 800 years of history and the relentless force of the Baltic Sea. Constructed around 1250, this church once served as a spiritual heart for local villagers and seafarers navigating the treacherous coastlines. The setting is unforgettable: atop the UNESCO-listed white chalk cliffs, with endless views stretching across the water, the church invites both quiet contemplation and wide-eyed awe. A unique chapter of its story unfolded in 1928, when the erosion of the cliffs carried away the eastern choir, leaving the church literally open to the sky and sea. There's a raw drama in witnessing the truncated chancel, a powerful reminder of nature’s unpredictability. Today, visitors explore the preserved nave, filled with sunlight and silence, which still hosts occasional services and concerts. The adjacent churchyard, dotted with old gravestones and wildflowers, adds to the sense of timelessness. Nearby, the Stevns Klint area offers striking geological features and traces of the asteroid that ended the age of dinosaurs. Interpretive signs reveal the site’s international value for geologists and naturalists. The church itself, with its blend of medieval stonework, seaside atmosphere, and extraordinary location, is an enduring symbol of the region's natural and cultural heritage, making it a highlight of any journey through South Zealand.

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