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Højerup Kirke: The Cliff-Edge Church Overlooking the Baltic

Discover Højerup Kirke—South Zealand’s legendary cliff-edge church with panoramic Baltic vistas, medieval heritage, and a dramatic coastal setting near Stevns Klint.

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Perched dramatically on a chalk cliff above the Baltic Sea near Stevns Klint, Højerup Kirke is an ancient church dating to 1250. A relic of medieval Denmark, it is famous for its breathtaking panoramic sea views—and for partially tumbling into the sea following coastal erosion. The atmospheric interior and preserved ruins reflect centuries of religious and maritime history, making this a must-see historic and natural landmark on South Zealand.

A brief summary to Glade Anders

  • J5J9+RQ, Hedehusene, DK
  • 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

  • Bring a windproof jacket—the cliff-top setting can be breezy even on sunny days.
  • Climb down the staircase to access the shore and experience the cliffs from sea level.
  • Public toilets are available near the car park beside the church.
  • Visit on a weekday morning for the quietest experience and best light for photography.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along the UNESCO-listed Stevns Klint coastal path.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Arriving by car from the South Zealand region, visitors should navigate toward the Stevns Klint area near Store Heddinge. Ample parking is available in a dedicated lot beside Højerup Kirke, typically free of charge. During peak summer months, the lot can fill quickly—arriving earlier in the day is recommended.

  • Public Transport

    Regional trains connect to Store Heddinge from major South Zealand hubs. From Store Heddinge station, local buses run toward Stevns Klint with a stop close to the church; the journey from the station takes around 15–20 minutes. Single fares for local buses are usually 24–36 DKK, and the final segment includes a short, signposted walk through quiet rural scenery.

  • Walking

    For those exploring the area on foot, the Stevns Klint cliff path provides scenic access; reaching Højerup Kirke this way involves a gentle walk along marked trails with sweeping Baltic views. Plan for variable terrain and bring sturdy footwear for the chalky, often uneven path.

  • Taxi

    Taxis from Store Heddinge station or central South Zealand towns offer a convenient final approach, with the ride typically taking 10–15 minutes and costing around 120–160 DKK depending on the pick-up point and traffic.

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Discover more about Glade Anders

Standing sentinel on the plunging chalk cliffs of Stevns, Højerup Kirke is a place where Denmark’s natural forces and human history collide in spectacular fashion. Built around 1250, this small stone church commanded both spiritual reverence and maritime vigilance, for sailors regularly navigated these treacherous Baltic waters guided by its silhouette. Over centuries, the sea steadily gnawed at the cliff, and in 1928, the church choir and eastern wall famously tumbled into the waves—today, visitors can gaze from a specially built balcony that juts above the void, offering dizzying views along the coast and out across the shifting blue-green sea. Inside, the main nave is preserved, its timeworn walls and modest furnishings a testament to centuries of village life, from fishermen’s prayers to wedding celebrations. The site is steeped in legend: it is said locals once carted earth from the cemetery each Christmas Eve to postpone the church’s inevitable fate. The juxtaposition of the church’s calm interior with the raw drama of its coastal setting is unforgettable. Outside, pathways wind through wildflowers and into the dramatic Stevns Klint UNESCO Global Geopark, where fossil-bearing layers record an extinction event that felled the dinosaurs. Entry is free, and visitors are welcome year-round, though opening hours for interior access may be reduced in winter. Højerup Kirke effortlessly blends cultural richness, haunting history, and supreme natural spectacle, making for a deeply memorable visit in South Zealand’s rolling, sunlit countryside.

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