Højerup Kirke at Stevns Klint
Cliff-edge medieval church above Stevns Klint, where a vanished choir, Baltic sea views and centuries of coastal history meet in one dramatic stop.
Perched dramatically atop the 30 m high white chalk cliffs of Stevns Klint, Højerup Kirke is a small medieval church with a missing choir and an unforgettable story. Built in the 13th century in Romanesque style, its eastern end collapsed into the Baltic Sea in 1928 when the cliff gave way. Today the ruined choir has been replaced by a sea-facing terrace, turning this cliff-edge sanctuary into a powerful blend of history, geology and sweeping coastal views.
A brief summary to Højerup Kirke
- Højerup Bygade 37, Store Heddinge, 4660, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Bring a windproof layer even in summer; the viewing terrace is exposed and the breeze on top of the 30 m cliff can feel much cooler than inland.
- Allow time to walk a short distance along the cliff-top paths to appreciate Stevns Klint’s white chalk face and changing perspectives on the church.
- If you plan to use the nearby restaurant, check current opening times in advance, especially outside the main summer season.
- Wear sturdy shoes with good grip if you intend to descend to the beach via the local access paths, as slopes and steps can be uneven or slippery.
- Photographers get soft light and fewer people in the early morning or late afternoon, ideal for capturing both the church and the cliff.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, driving to Højerup Kirke typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic, following main roads across South Zealand before smaller country routes lead toward Stevns Klint. The final approach is on paved roads suitable for ordinary cars. Near the church there is a paid parking area with a day fee of around 50–60 DKK per vehicle, which helps fund maintenance of the memorial grove and surrounding grounds. Spaces can fill on sunny weekends, so arriving earlier in the day provides a calmer experience.
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Train and bus via Store Heddinge
Public transport from Copenhagen involves a regional train followed by a local bus and usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours in total. First, regional trains run to the town of Store Heddinge on South Zealand, generally at least once an hour during the day. From there, a local bus route continues toward Stevns Klint and stops within walking distance of Højerup Kirke; combined fares for train and bus are typically in the range of 120–180 DKK one way, depending on ticket type and time of day. Services are less frequent in evenings and on weekends, so checking current timetables and planning connections is important.
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Cycling from Store Heddinge area
For a more active approach, many visitors cycle from Store Heddinge or nearby villages to Højerup Kirke, following quiet rural roads across gently rolling farmland. The ride from Store Heddinge generally takes 20–35 minutes each way at a relaxed pace, with only moderate hills but some exposure to wind near the coast. Standard city or touring bikes are sufficient, and several train services in Zealand allow bicycles on board for a small additional fee of about 20–30 DKK. Surfaces are mostly paved, but visibility gear and lights are advisable in cloudy or low-light conditions.
Højerup Kirke 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
Discover more about Højerup Kirke
A medieval church on the edge of a Danish cliff
Højerup Kirke, often called Højerup Old Church, sits improbably on the very rim of Stevns Klint in South Zealand, its weathered stone walls rising almost directly above the Baltic Sea. Built around 1250 in solid Romanesque style and consecrated in 1357, it was once the parish church for the tiny village behind you. Inside, the nave is modest and intimate, with whitewashed walls and simple details that hint at centuries of quiet services and coastal storms. Despite its small size, the church commands a setting that feels far larger than itself. Step through the thick doorway and you find yourself between land and sea, in a place where sacred architecture and raw geology meet in a single, striking line along the cliff edge.The day the choir fell into the Baltic Sea
For hundreds of years the sea gnawed at the base of the chalk cliff below Højerup. By the 1600s the erosion was so severe that the churchyard began to crumble away, leaving coffin ends and bones exposed in the cliff face. The last regular service was held in 1910, when it became clear that the building could no longer be safely used. At dawn on 16 March 1928, the inevitable happened: a major cliff collapse tore the entire choir off the east end of the church and sent it plunging into the sea along with parts of the cemetery. The torn wall left behind turned the church into a dramatic open-ended shell, abruptly cut off where the altar had once stood. The sight quickly drew national attention and cemented Højerup as a symbol of the power of the sea.From ruined sanctuary to cliff-top viewpoint
Soon after the collapse, engineers underpinned the surviving structure, stabilising it on the cliff and preventing further loss. Where the choir once extended, a steel and concrete platform was later added, projecting out over the vertical drop. Now, instead of an altar, there is a viewing terrace with railings, letting you stand where the chancel stood and gaze straight out across the Baltic. From this exposed balcony you get a sweeping view along Stevns Klint, part of a UNESCO World Heritage coastline known for its layered chalk and dark bands of clay that record the asteroid impact which ended the age of the dinosaurs. Look down and you can trace the line where the cliff meets the narrow beach, constantly reshaped by waves that continue the slow work that once claimed the church’s choir.Legends, memorials and the surrounding landscape
Local tradition tells of a sailor caught in a storm who vowed to build a chapel here if he reached shore alive, a promise that gave birth to the first church on this exposed headland. Another folk tale claims the building moved a rooster’s step inland each Christmas night, as if trying to escape the hungry sea. Myths aside, the surrounding area has been carefully laid out as a memorial grove and park, with paths winding between trees, stone markers and viewpoints. Near the old church stands the newer Højerup church from the early 20th century, built further inland to replace the threatened original. Together with the nearby restaurant and picnic spots, they form a small cultural landscape where village life, remembrance and the dramatic coastline all intersect in a compact area.Experiencing Højerup Kirke today
Visiting Højerup Kirke is as much about atmosphere as it is about history. Inside, the small nave feels sheltered, almost introspective, before you step through to the open end and the sudden rush of light and sea air. On calm days the water below may appear glassy and benign; in rough weather the wind whips around the walls and the surf booms against the chalk, underlining how precarious the church’s position still is. Simple information panels help you piece together the story of the collapse, the geological significance of Stevns Klint and the efforts to stabilise the building. Whether you stay briefly to enjoy the view from the terrace or linger to explore the paths and memorials around the cliff-top, Højerup Kirke offers a concentrated encounter with Danish coastal history in one unforgettable vantage point.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
- Reel-Friendly
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Myth & Legends
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
