Ejer Bavnehøj: Denmark's Third-Highest Peak

Denmark's Highest Natural Summit and Its Historic Tower

Ejer Bavnehøj rises to 170.35 meters above sea level, making it Denmark's third-highest natural point when measured on solid ground. The distinction matters: nearby Yding Skovhøj reaches 172.54 meters, but that height includes a Bronze Age burial mound constructed by ancient peoples. Møllehøj, located just 200 meters away, stands at 170.86 meters and holds the title of Denmark's highest purely natural point. The three peaks form part of the Ejer Bjerge ridge system, a dramatic moraine landscape sculpted during the final phase of the last ice age. Atop Ejer Bavnehøj stands the Genforeningstårn, a distinctive 12.5-meter tower completed in 1924. The structure commemorates the reunification of South Jutland with Denmark following the First World War, an event that reshaped the nation's geography. The tower features a double triumphal arch oriented toward all cardinal directions, with a prominent portrait bust of King Christian X facing south. According to legend, the king himself remarked that the sculpture resembled a bull's head rather than his own likeness.

Vistas Across the Moraine Landscape

The panoramic views from the summit extend across the distinctive undulating terrain of the Ejer Bjerge region. The moraine landscape—formed by glacial deposits during the Pleistocene epoch—creates a series of rolling hills and valleys that stretch toward the horizon. On clear days, visibility extends far beyond the immediate surroundings: the island of Samsø appears across the water, and the Lillebælts Bridge, connecting Funen to the Jutland peninsula, becomes visible in the distance. The vista from the tower encompasses the Elling valley and the Gudenå river valley, offering perspectives unavailable from ground level due to surrounding vegetation.

A Site of Beacon Fires and Public Gathering

Historically, Ejer Bavnehøj served a defensive purpose long before the modern tower was erected. The name itself derives from the Old Norse word "bavne," meaning beacon, and "høj," meaning hill. During medieval and early modern periods, signal fires burned from this elevated position to warn military forces and local populations of approaching enemies. The strategic location made it an ideal watchtower across the Danish landscape. In more recent centuries, Ejer Bavnehøj evolved into a gathering place for civic occasions. For generations, the summit has hosted Constitution Day celebrations, public speeches, folk meetings, and cultural events. Today, the site continues to attract visitors seeking both historical connection and physical challenge, drawing fitness enthusiasts who test themselves against the terrain.

Hiking and Exploration in Ejer Bjerge

The Sporet ved Ejer trail offers a 1.5-kilometer hiking route through the varied topography west of Ejer Bavnehøj, leading toward Møllehøj. The path traverses challenging, undulating terrain that rewards walkers with views unavailable from the tower itself, particularly across the Elling valley and distant Gudenå landscape. The trail is well-marked and accessible to most visitors with reasonable fitness levels, though the uneven ground demands attention and sturdy footwear. The broader Ejer Bjerge region encompasses four of Denmark's highest points within close proximity, making it possible to visit multiple summits in a single outing. The area has been recognized as part of a national initiative tracking Denmark's highest peaks, with Sporet ved Ejer included among fifteen significant hill-top routes across the country.

Facilities and Year-Round Access

A large free parking area accommodates cars, motorcycles, campervans, and buses without time restrictions. During the summer season, the Møllehjulet kiosk provides ice cream, food, and beverages. Year-round, visitors may bring their own provisions and use the numerous picnic tables and benches scattered across the summit area. Modern toilet facilities operate daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. A shelter site located 80 meters from the summit allows overnight stays for those wishing to experience the landscape at different times of day. Access to the Genforeningstårn tower costs 10 Danish kroner per adult, with children admitted free. Payment is accepted via card or MobilePay at terminals positioned at both the staircase and elevator entrance. An elevator option operates from April through October for 20 kroner per person (round trip), regardless of group size. All revenue from tower access goes directly toward maintenance and preservation of the structure.