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Højerup Kirke: The Cliffside Church of Legends and Sea

A cliffside medieval church at Stevns Klint, famous for its dramatic erosion story, panoramic Baltic views, and links to Denmark’s natural and cultural heritage.

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Perched dramatically atop chalk cliffs above the Baltic Sea on Stevns Klint, Højerup Kirke is a centuries-old church steeped in legend and natural wonder. It offers sweeping sea views and a unique story: part of the medieval structure famously tumbled into the sea in 1928. Here, visitors find a captivating blend of local history, geological significance, and atmospheric beauty—a must-see for heritage seekers and nature lovers exploring South Zealand.

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Local tips

  • Bring a windbreaker or jacket—the cliffside is breezy even on sunny days.
  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for quieter moments and stunning light for photography.
  • Combine a visit with a walk along the UNESCO-listed Stevns Klint coastal path.
  • Parking is available but can fill up quickly on weekends and during summer months.
  • Restroom facilities are basic; plan ahead if visiting with children or larger groups.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the main transport hub in South Zealand, travelers can take a regional train toward the nearest station in Store Heddinge. From there, buses connect to Højerup, with stops near the Stevns Klint visitor center. It's typically a 20–30 minute ride from Store Heddinge, and a walk of around 5–10 minutes from the bus stop to the church along the clifftop. A combined ticket for the train and bus between South Zealand’s center and Højerup is usually in the range of 50–80 DKK one way for adults.

  • Taxi

    Taxis can be arranged from most towns in South Zealand, including store Heddinge or Køge. The journey from a regional town center generally takes 15–25 minutes, depending on season and traffic, and costs typically range from 160–250 DKK each way. Taxis can drop visitors at the parking area near the church and clifftop.

  • Driving/Parking

    Those arriving by car will follow rural roads toward Stevns Klint. Parking lots are situated a short stroll from the church, convenient for families or those with limited mobility. There is no charge for parking, but spaces may be limited during peak times, so consider visiting earlier in the day to secure a spot.

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Højerup Kirke, also known as the Old Højerup Church, is an iconic sight on Stevns Klint, where both history and geology take center stage. Founded around the year 1250, the church’s original nave stood close to the unfenced edge of Denmark’s iconic white chalk cliffs. Over centuries, parishioners watched as the sea slowly eroded the headland beneath their beloved church—a story entwined with local lore, including the tale that a stone falls from the cliff every Christmas Eve at midnight. This legend became reality when, in 1928, a large section of the church—its chancel—dramatically plummeted into the Baltic below, leaving the structure partly open to the elements and the sea breeze. Today, visitors can peer over the edge where the sanctuary once stood, gaze across an endless horizon, and stand amidst one of Denmark’s most photogenic and storied ruins. The church’s surviving walls now protect a memorial and offer a spectacular vantage point over the UNESCO-listed Stevns Klint, an area recognized for its visible geological markers from the time of the dinosaurs’ extinction. Volunteers and historians have stabilized the remaining structure, and inside, interpretive panels share the legacy of both catastrophe and community resilience. The sensation here is one of standing at the border of time: with wildflowers growing around ancient gravestones, the roaring wind and the elemental drama of sea meeting stone. Højerup Kirke is not only a place of faith but also of reflection, geotourism, and a beautiful symbol of Denmark’s relationship with the sea—memorable for visitors of all ages. Facilities are modest but practical, typically maintained by the local parish, making it suitable for a quick visit or a peaceful stroll along the dramatic coastline.

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