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Højerup Old Church: The Cliff-Edge Sanctuary

A medieval church perched on the cliffs of Stevns Klint, offering breathtaking views, fascinating geology, and a dramatic story of nature’s power on South Zealand.

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Højerup Kirke is a dramatic medieval cliff-top church overlooking the Baltic Sea on Stevns Klint. Built in the 13th century, this historical landmark is famed for its partially collapsed choir, which tumbled into the sea in 1928. The remaining structure, perched at the brink of the chalk cliffs, offers magnificent panoramic views and a poignant glimpse into local heritage, geology, and natural forces shaping Denmark's coastline.

A brief summary to Hammershus Castle Ruins

Local tips

  • Bring a windproof jacket—even in summer, the cliff edge is breezy and exposed to sudden weather changes.
  • Combine with a walk along Stevns Klint’s UNESCO trail for spectacular coastal scenery and fossil hunting.
  • Best times for photography are early morning or late afternoon, when the light accentuates the cliffs and sea.
  • Free parking is available nearby, but it can fill quickly on sunny weekends and holidays.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From the main towns of South Zealand, regional roads lead towards Stevns Klint. Approaching the coastline, follow signs for Stevns Klint and Højerup Kirke, a well-recognized local landmark. The journey passes through gentle rural landscapes with views of the cliffs ahead. Free parking is available within a short walk of the church, but it can fill quickly in peak periods.

  • Public Transport

    Buses connect from the regional hub at Køge or Faxe Ladeplads to Store Heddinge, a market town known for its historic square. From here, local buses or a taxi ride bring you to the Stevns Klint area, with Højerup Kirke clearly signposted. Expect the last segment by bus or taxi to take roughly 10–20 minutes, with public transport tickets costing around 24–36 DKK. Note that service can be limited on weekends.

  • Bicycle/Walking

    Cyclists can follow the national cycle routes that trace the coast from the South Zealand towns up to Stevns Klint. The final approach climbs gently through fields and woodland before the church appears ahead at the very cliff edge. This scenic route is suitable for most, but watch for occasional steep stretches near the cliffs.

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Discover more about Hammershus Castle Ruins

Poised on the white edge of Stevns Klint, Højerup Kirke stands as both a monument to faith and a testament to the power of nature. This early 13th-century church was originally built several hundred meters from the Baltic Sea. But over centuries, the relentless erosion of the soft chalk cliffs crept closer, culminating in 1928 when the choir section dramatically collapsed into the sea below. The church has since been stabilized, but its exposed cliff-top setting makes each visit uniquely spectacular. Inside, you can see the westward-facing nave filled with light, simple wooden pews, and a beautiful altarpiece. The open side where the choir once stood now serves as a striking panorama point, protected by a railing, offering uninterrupted views over the crashing waves and sprawling landscapes of South Zealand. The churchyard is tranquil, dotted with historical gravestones, and the site is marked with informative panels that unravel the compelling story of Stevns Klint's geology and the region’s connection to UNESCO World Heritage status—thanks to the visible traces from the meteor impact that wiped out the dinosaurs. The atmosphere at Højerup Kirke is both serene and stirring, inviting contemplation amid the sound of wind and sea. It's a favorite for walkers, fossil hunters, amateur geologists, and photographers seeking the perfect vantage point. Visitors often combine a visit here with Stevns Klint's other highlights, such as the lighthouse and the secluded pebble beaches below the cliffs. Access is free, and while the church itself is typically open to visitors during daytime hours in spring through autumn, the breathtaking views are accessible year-round.

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