Hanklit – Denmark’s Towering Moler Cliff on Mors
Walk at the foot of a 60‑metre moler cliff, trace 55 million years of volcanic ash and fossils, and gaze across the wide Limfjord from windswept Hanklit on Mors.
Hanklit is a dramatic 60–61 m high moler cliff on the north coast of Mors, rising steeply above Thisted Bredning in the Limfjord. Its pale, finely layered diatomite is sliced by dark bands of volcanic ash more than 55 million years old, making the cliff a textbook display of Earth’s deep past. Protected since the 1930s, Hanklit is part of a wider conservation area shared with Salgjerhøj and is a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status. Visitors come for wide Limfjord views, fossil hunting along the beach, and rewarding coastal hikes in a landscape of big sky and quiet drama.
A brief summary to Hanklit 60 m høj
- Hanklitvej 23, Nykobing Mors, 7900, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Wear sturdy shoes with good grip; paths can be steep, and the beach below the cliff is uneven with loose stones and wet patches.
- Bring windproof layers even in summer; the exposed ridge and fjord-side position mean strong breezes are common.
- Fossil hunting is best done among loose stones on the beach; do not dig into the standing cliff or break bedrock, as the formation is protected.
- Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby Moler Museum to see fossils and exhibits that explain the layers you see in Hanklit’s cliff face.
- If you plan to watch paragliders or photograph the sunset, allow extra time around late afternoon and early evening for the best light.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Nykøbing Mors
From central Nykøbing Mors, driving to Hanklit typically takes 20–25 minutes via the main northbound roads across Nordmors. The route follows paved two-lane roads through open countryside, with clear signposting to the cliff area near the end. Parking at Hanklit is free but limited to small gravel areas that can fill on sunny weekends and in July–August, so arrive early in the day if you want a closer space. There are no entrance fees to visit the protected cliff or the surrounding trails.
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Bicycle from Nykøbing Mors
Cyclists can reach Hanklit from Nykøbing Mors in about 45–70 minutes, depending on pace, using minor country roads that undulate gently across the island. The distance is roughly 15–20 km and includes some exposed stretches where headwinds can be strong. Surfaces are almost entirely paved, but the final approach uses a smaller road where traffic is lighter yet occasional farm vehicles pass. This option is free and well suited to reasonably fit riders comfortable with moderate hills and changing weather.
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Regional bus plus short walk
In season, regional buses on Nordmors connect Nykøbing Mors with villages in the northern part of the island in about 20–30 minutes, with single tickets typically costing around 20–40 DKK depending on zones and discounts. From the closest practical stop, expect a walk of at least 1–2 km along quiet rural roads and tracks to reach Hanklit itself, which can take 20–30 minutes. Service frequency is lower on weekends and outside school terms, and buses may run only a few times per day, so check current timetables and plan for limited return options.
Hanklit 60 m høj location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Windy Conditions
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about Hanklit 60 m høj
A towering wall of time above the Limfjord
Hanklit rises like a pale stone curtain on the north side of Mors, a 60–61 m high cliff dropping almost sheer to the waters of Thisted Bredning. At its base, a narrow strand curves around the foot of the slope; above, the sky feels unexpectedly vast for such a small island. The cliff is the most famous of Mors’ moler formations, built from soft diatomite that has been tilted and eroded into a striking amphitheatre of light and shadow. What makes Hanklit so distinctive are the dark, almost ink-like bands that slice through the pale cliff face. These are layers of ancient volcanic ash, preserved as fine stripes that stand out clearly even from a distance. Together, the alternating bands of moler and ash read like an open book of geological history, each line recording an eruption or a quiet phase in the Eocene seas that once covered this part of Denmark.Fossils and ash from a 55‑million‑year story
The moler that forms Hanklit began as countless microscopic shells from single‑celled algae, slowly settling on the seabed more than 55 million years ago. Over time, this siliceous mud was compacted into soft, easily carved rock. Between the algae-rich layers lie more than a hundred distinct ash horizons from distant volcanoes, a reminder that this apparently peaceful landscape was once shaped by violent forces far away. Along the beach below the cliff, small landslides and wave erosion continually expose fresh material. It is here, in loose stones and fallen blocks, that lucky searchers may find fossilised fish, insects, and plant remains, all sealed in fine detail by the moler. Collecting from the standing cliff is prohibited to protect the formation, but the shoreline offers plenty of opportunity for discovery. Many of the most remarkable finds from Hanklit are displayed at the nearby Moler Museum, where the delicate fossils place the cliff’s abstract layers into vivid life.Protected landscapes and the path to World Heritage
Hanklit has been a cherished landmark for generations of islanders. In the 1930s, local initiatives raised funds to purchase the cliff and shield it from raw material extraction, turning it into one of Denmark’s early nature conservation successes. In 1937 the area was formally protected, and in the 1960s the protection zone was expanded to include the broader ridge connecting Hanklit with Salgjerhøj, the highest point on Mors. Today, Hanklit and its sister cliffs form part of a larger landscape of moler deposits around the Limfjord. Their exceptional scientific value has led to inclusion on Denmark’s tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage, recognising the cliffs as one of the world’s finest accessible records of early Cenozoic marine life and volcanism. Simple information boards on site explain the geology and conservation, helping visitors understand why this seemingly quiet stretch of coast matters far beyond the island.Walking the ridge and shoreline
For visitors, Hanklit is as much about atmosphere as it is about science. Paths lead up over the back of the cliff to a broad ridge where the land rolls gently towards Salgjerhøj. From the top, the Limfjord opens in all directions: to the west over Thisted Bredning, to the east towards Livø Bredning, and inland across the varied farmland and church spires of Mors. On clear days the light over the water feels almost weightless, especially in the long evenings of summer. Down below, a shoreline path follows the foot of the cliff, sometimes on pebbly beach, sometimes on firmer sand. The towering wall of moler beside you and the rhythmic wash of the fjord create a sense of walking through a natural gallery. Bird calls echo off the slope, and in windy weather the cliff can shelter you from an easterly breeze, making the area attractive for coastal walking outside the warmest months.A playground for quiet adventure
Although the setting is calm, Hanklit offers a gentle taste of adventure. The steep slopes and exposed top make it a favoured site for paragliders when conditions are right, bright canopies occasionally circling in front of the cliff face. Hikers can use Hanklit as a highlight on longer circuits around Nordmors, linking coastal stretches with inland viewpoints. The constantly changing light on the cliff makes it a rewarding place for photographers, whether you are drawn to tight studies of the ash bands or wide panoramas across the Limfjord. Despite its significance, the infrastructure remains low‑key. A small parking and access area, basic facilities and simple waymarked trails are designed to keep the focus on the landscape itself. This combination of scientific importance, big‑sky views and understated development is part of Hanklit’s appeal: a place where deep time, coastal weather and human-scale exploration all meet on one windswept headland.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Eshøj gravhøj
6.6 km
A Bronze Age burial mound preserving 3,000 years of Danish prehistoric heritage on a windswept Jutland plateau.
Thisted Vandtårn
8.6 km
A glowing beacon of Thisted's industrial heritage, this iconic 1939 water tower illuminates the night sky.
SOLTEGNET af billedhugger og professor Bjørn Nørgaard
16.0 km
A radiant sculpture of oyster shells celebrating art, sustainability, and fjord culture.
Battery Hanstholm 1
25.6 km
Wind-beaten dunes, concrete giants and sweeping sea views meet at Battery Hanstholm 1, an open-air World War II strongpoint on Denmark’s remote northwest coast.
Spøttrup Borg Velkomstcenter
28.4 km
Experience authentic Danish medieval history at Spøttrup Borg, North Jutland’s best-preserved castle, surrounded by moats, gardens, and sweeping views of Limfjord.
Jegindø
28.5 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Jegindø, Limfjord’s peaceful island retreat, celebrated for its rich fishing heritage, scenic coastal walks, and abundant birdlife.
Limfjords Camping & Vandland I/S
30.0 km
Experience family-friendly camping with modern amenities and a tropical water park by the Limfjord in Spøttrup, Denmark.
Lodbjerg Fyr, National Park Thy Visitor centre
30.5 km
Historic lighthouse beacon offering North Sea views, organic café, and access to Denmark's largest wilderness trails.
Limfjordsmuseet Løgstør
30.9 km
Explore Denmark’s maritime heritage and fjord culture at Limfjordsmuseet in Løgstør, with hands-on exhibits, heritage ships, and unique oyster and fishing traditions.
The Holy source
31.0 km
A timeless medieval spring flowing steadily through Danish countryside since 1360.
Limfjordsmuseets bådebyggeri
31.0 km
Experience the living world of Danish wooden boatbuilding at Limfjordsmuseets Bådebyggeri—a vibrant, hands-on tribute to maritime heritage in scenic Løgstør.
Thyholm Egnsmuseum
32.8 km
Experience the rural heritage, crafts, and community of Limfjord at Thyholm Egnsmuseum—a living museum on Thyholm showcasing local history and traditions.
Aggersborg
32.8 km
Experience the awe-inspiring scale of Aggersborg, Denmark’s best-preserved Viking ring fortress, set amid sweeping Limfjord landscapes and centuries of history.
Bulbjerg
33.9 km
Discover Bulbjerg: Denmark's only mainland bird cliff, offering dramatic coastal views, rich history, and diverse birdlife in the heart of Thy National Park.
Vesterhavet Nationalpark Thy
36.8 km
Denmark's wild coastal wilderness where towering dunes, pristine beaches, and ancient heaths meet the powerful North Sea.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hanklit
0.5 km
Dramatic moler and ash cliffs plunging into the Limfjord, where fossils, wind, and wide North Jutland skies create a raw yet peaceful coastal escape.
Mindesten Clous Jensen
2.5 km
Lindholm Høje combines Denmark’s largest Viking-era burial ground with a state-of-the-art museum, offering visitors a unique blend of archaeology, culture, and panoramic fjord scenery.
Skibsted Strand
2.6 km
Peaceful Limfjord shoreline northwest of Nykøbing Mors, where stone and sand meet calm waters, sea trout fishing, gentle walks and wide horizons.
Thisted Museum
7.6 km
Compact but full of character, Thisted Museum opens a vivid window onto the landscapes, lives and stories of Thy and Vester Hanherred from prehistory to modern times.
Thisted Lilleby - autentisk seværdighed...
7.9 km
A hand-built miniature of Thisted’s historic center, frozen around 1950 in 1:10 scale, where streets, stories and craftsmanship bring a small Danish town to life.
Glass4U
7.9 km
Hands‑on glass art in a cosy village studio on Nordmors, where you can browse colourful pieces or design and create your own unique work to take home.
Mors
8.3 km
A gentle Limfjord island of moler cliffs, quiet fjord shores and rural Danish life, connected by graceful bridges yet feeling worlds away from the mainland.
Jazz I Thy
8.6 km
Volunteer-run jazz association in Thisted bringing intimate, high-quality live concerts to the windswept Thy region on carefully curated evenings.
Fossil- og Molermuseet
9.5 km
Step into a 55‑million‑year‑old seabed on Mors, where delicate fossils, mo‑clay cliffs and hands‑on digs turn Denmark’s deep geological past into a vivid day out.
Aalborg by
9.5 km
Step into a 55‑million‑year‑old seabed on the island of Mors, where world‑class fossils, hands‑on hunts and mo‑clay landscapes bring Denmark’s deep past to life.
Tørreladen ved Moler Museet
9.5 km
Ancient burial mound enveloped in legend, set on tranquil Mors with sweeping views of Limfjord—where Danish history, myth, and raw scenery intersect.
Bjørndrup Strand
10.3 km
A quietly beautiful Limfjord bathing beach on Mors, where shallow waters, open skies and simple coastal scenery invite unhurried swims, walks and peaceful pauses.
Skyum Stenen
10.5 km
A lone Ice Age boulder on the Limfjord shore, Skyum Stenen unites deep geological history, soft coastal hills and calm waterside views toward the island of Mors.
Thypaca Alpaca Farm
10.8 km
A small alpaca sanctuary in rural northwest Jutland, pairing gentle farm encounters with the big skies and wild coastal landscapes near Thy National Park.
Udsigt over Feggesund
10.9 km
Simple, windswept viewpoint above the Limfjord where Mors looks across to Thy and the Feggesund ferry glides through a wide panorama of water, fields and sky.
Essential places to dine
Gullerup Strand Kro
1.0 km
Classic Danish coastal inn on the Limfjord, blending simple rooms, hearty regional cooking and wide-open views towards Hanklit and Thisted.
Restaurant Bryggen Anno 2019
7.3 km
Waterfront Nordic dining in Thisted’s harbour, where shareable seasonal dishes, Limfjord views and candlelit hygge create a relaxed yet polished evening out.
Det Gamle Røgeri Thisted
7.8 km
Authentic Danish smoked fish and seafood in a working smokery and casual dining space.
Den Blå Lagune
10.9 km
Waterfront dining where Kurdish spices meet Nordic ingredients, framed by a stunning blue lagoon and ancient moler cliffs.
No.1 cafe og bistro
12.8 km
Cosy French-inspired bistro on Lilletorv in Nykøbing Mors, pairing Limfjord seafood and classic dishes with candlelit charm and a carefully chosen wine list.
Cafe Sult
13.0 km
Harbourside brasserie in the heart of Nykøbing Mors, serving modern comfort food, vegetarian options and seasonal dishes in a relaxed Nordic-style setting.
Restaurant Limfjorden - Byens Bøfhus
13.0 km
Grilled perfection and fresh seafood by the harbor in charming Nykøbing Mors.
Cafe Holmen
13.1 km
Historic waterfront café in a charming old station building with Mediterranean summer terrace and homemade Danish cuisine.
Limfjorden
14.1 km
Casual fjordside dining on the island of Mors, where local seafood, simple Nordic comfort and wide Limfjorden views meet at the edge of the water.
Fur Bryghus
14.8 km
Craft beer, local Nordic cuisine and Limfjord views come together in a historic red brewery on the tiny island of Fur.
Limfjordens hus
16.0 km
Modern Nordic coastal dining on the very tip of Glyngøre, where Limfjordens Hus pairs local seafood and fjord produce with sweeping views of water, sky and Mors.
Danish Oyster Bar - Østersbar & Glyngøre Shellfish
16.0 km
A tiny Limfjord-side oyster bar where wild Danish shellfish, working harbour life and fjord views come together in a quietly memorable tasting experience.
Kjøwenhavner Kokken
16.1 km
Casual harborfront barbecue and Danish comfort food with generous portions, sea air and Limfjord views in the small coastal town of Glyngøre.
Limfjordens Pizzaria og Grill
16.2 km
Authentic waterfront pizzeria with harbor views and warm Danish hospitality in charming Glyngøre.
Livø Kro & Købmandscafe
20.8 km
Cozy island inn and café at the heart of car-free Livø, serving comforting Danish fare, simple treats and fjord views to walkers, sailors and overnighters.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Køkkencenter Mors-Thy ApS
5.0 km
Compact Danish kitchen showroom in rural Mors, offering quiet inspiration, personal design advice and a glimpse of everyday Scandinavian home life.
MIN KØBMAND
7.9 km
A small but essential village supermarket on Mors, Min Købmand Sejerslev keeps locals and visitors supplied with everyday groceries and a glimpse of rural Danish life.
Nørhå Antik og Retro
18.4 km
A sprawling countryside antiques and retro design haven with orangery, garden pavilions and a cozy café overlooking fields and Nørhå Lake in Thy.
Alt for Hunden - Hundeklipning, Hundesalon, Hundetrimming, Negleklip og Hundefrisering i Thisted.
22.9 km
Professional dog grooming by a certified cynologist in Thisted's trusted pet care salon.
Ayoe Vintage
23.4 km
Intimate vintage showroom in dune-fringed Stenbjerg, pairing handpicked quality garments with the calm, coastal atmosphere of Thy National Park.
Meny
23.5 km
A welcoming supermarket where quality, service, and local character converge in coastal Vorupør.
Vorupør Slagterforetning v/Søren Odder Jensen
23.8 km
Three generations of Danish butchery craft, sourcing local meats with personal expertise and regional pride.
VØ Skateshop I Jibe Longboards
24.0 km
Coastal skateshop blending surf culture with longboarding lifestyle in northern Denmark.
Shaped by the Tides
24.1 km
A calm, design-led coastal boutique in Vorupør, where Nordic minimalism meets North Sea surf culture in a carefully curated selection of ocean-inspired goods.
Surf Pro Cold Hawaii - Vorupør
24.1 km
Surf Pro Cold Hawaii in Vorupør is the ultimate hub for surf rentals, lessons, and gear—right in the wild heart of Denmark’s coastal Thy National Park.
Den Gamle Butik I/S
24.1 km
A cosy, nostalgia-filled shop in coastal Vorupør where Nordic design, year-round Christmas magic and the scent of freshly ground coffee create a timeless hygge retreat.
Danmission Op Shop
24.2 km
Cosy coastal thrift store in Vorupør where second-hand finds, from warm knitwear to well-loved books and furniture, support Danmission’s wider charitable work.
Vorupør Røgeri
24.2 km
Sample the flavors of Denmark’s North Sea coast at Vorupør Røgeri, a beloved smokehouse blending tradition, local seafood, and warm hospitality in Thy’s seaside village.
Klitmøller Collective
24.2 km
A calm, coastal-chic clothing store in the heart of Cold Hawaii, blending Nordic design, surf-town spirit, and practical style for life by the North Sea.
Rav& Sten
24.2 km
Premium amber and gemstone treasures from Denmark's North Sea coast, nestled in historic Vorupør.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
SwagHouse
2.8 km
Casual nightlife hub in the heart of Nykøbing Mors, where locals and travelers gather for drinks and social connection.
Heidi's Bier Bar
7.6 km
Loud, lively and drenched in Tyrolean après‑ski flair, Heidi’s Bier Bar Thisted turns coastal North Jutland nights into all‑season Oktoberfest parties.
Harmonien
7.6 km
Thisted's welcoming bar and restaurant serving generous brunches and curated drinks in the town centre.
Café Børsen
7.7 km
Casual harbor-side café where locals gather for drinks and genuine Danish social warmth.
Cafe Nytorv v/ John Nielsen
7.7 km
Unpretentious bodega-style bar on Thisted’s central square, serving cold beers, simple drinks and everyday hygge from late morning to late night.
Nabo
12.9 km
Cozy neighbourhood wine bar on Nykøbing Mors’ Lilletorv, pouring characterful wines, easygoing drinks and relaxed hygge in an intimate, candlelit setting.
Farmors Bodega
12.9 km
Authentic Danish bodega where locals gather for beers, aquavit, and genuine Limfjord hospitality.
Don Muss
13.0 km
Cozy harborfront bar in Nykøbing Mors, blending everyday beers, late-night live music and local Limfjord charm in one unpretentious hangout.
FJORD Bryggeri og Destilleri
13.0 km
Harbourfront microbrewery and distillery in Nykøbing Mors, serving small-batch beer and gin that capture the flavour of Mors in a cosy historic setting.
Stalden Klitmøller
21.8 km
A timeworn village bar on Klitmøller’s main street, where North Sea surf culture, local life and simple drinks come together in a cosy, unpretentious setting.
Haandpluk Kaffebar og delikatesse
22.4 km
Intimate Klitmøller hangout blending specialty coffee, craft beer, curated wine and deli treats in a cosy garage-style space near the windswept northwest coast.
Lagunen
22.9 km
A cozy village bar in Bedsted Thy, Lagunen offers simple drinks, local company and a warm slice of North Jutland everyday life in a relaxed, no-frills setting.
Gården Klitmøller
23.0 km
Cozy farmhouse café, bar and lodge at the heart of Klitmøller’s Cold Hawaii coast, steps from surf, sand and the wild edges of Thy National Park.
Inside v/Gabriele Steinke
23.2 km
Unpretentious bar and grill on Thisted’s coastal edge, serving hearty burgers, fish and chips and cold beers to locals and holidaymakers in a laid-back setting.
Pusterummet
25.5 km
A relaxed local bar and eatery in the heart of Hurup Thy, where billiards, cold beer and simple comfort food create an easygoing small-town social hub.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Adventurous
- Unique
For the architecture buff
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Nature Escape
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
