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Højerup Kirke: The Cliffside Church Lost to the Sea

Experience history on the edge at Højerup Kirke, the iconic cliffside church overlooking the Baltic, where Denmark’s past meets dramatic coastal scenery.

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Perched dramatically on the edge of Stevns Klint, Højerup Kirke is a medieval church whose choir has famously toppled into the Baltic Sea. Visitors experience centuries-old stonework, panoramic coastal vistas, and the poignant story of nature reclaiming history at one of Denmark’s most evocative landmarks.

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Local tips

  • Arrive early or late in the day for the most atmospheric lighting and fewer visitors—sunset transforms the Baltic view.
  • The cliff-side stairs to the shore are steep and uneven; sturdy shoes are recommended, and they may be closed in icy conditions.
  • Parking can fill up quickly on sunny weekends and holidays—consider coming midweek for a quieter experience.
  • No admission fee, but donations for the church’s conservation are encouraged in the onsite box.
  • Combine your visit with the UNESCO-listed Stevns Klint Experience Center nearby for deeper insight into the cliff’s geological importance.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Traveling from the heart of South Zealand, follow signs toward Stevns Klint and Store Heddinge until you reach the village of Højerup, where the church stands on the prominent cliffs overlooking the Baltic Sea. Parking is available on site with no fee, but spaces can be limited during peak season and weekends.

  • Public Transport

    Regular regional trains connect from Køge or Næstved to Store Heddinge. From Store Heddinge station, local buses operate toward Højerup; the journey to the cliff area typically takes about 15-25 minutes, with a single adult fare around 24-30 DKK. From the bus stop, it’s a short walk through scenic countryside up to the church on the cliff.

  • Bicycle

    A popular cycle route leads from Store Heddinge through rolling farmland to Stevns Klint, with clearly marked signs for Højerup. The approach is an invigorating ride of about 20-40 minutes, ending with inspiring views of the church’s dramatic setting. There are bike racks available by the site.

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Discover more about Holmegaard Værk

Højerup Kirke, standing above the chalk-white cliffs of Stevns Klint in South Zealand, is a monument both to faith and the relentless passage of time. Built in 1250, this modestly sized medieval church has witnessed more than seven centuries of community life—and the slow, inexorable erosion of the cliff beneath it. This erosion dramatically culminated on March 16, 1928, when the choir of the church broke away and tumbled into the sea below. Today, a viewing platform extends from where the choir once stood, offering sweeping views of the Baltic and a visceral sense of the power that shapes Denmark’s coastline. Inside the church, visitors step on ancient flagstones where villagers once gathered for baptisms, marriages, and holy days. The interior is sparse but atmospheric, with plaques commemorating the church’s trials and the remarkable rescue efforts to stabilize what remains. Artifacts and exhibits recount the collapse, placing Højerup into the broader narrative of Stevns Klint—a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its unique geological layers and crucial evidence from the time of the dinosaurs’ extinction. The grounds are tranquil, and the churchyard evokes a sense of timelessness as gravestones gaze out toward the Baltic horizon. In spring and summer, wildflowers dot the grassy bluff. Below, a steep staircase (not suitable for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility) descends toward the rocky shoreline and the base of the cliffs, rewarding intrepid explorers with an up-close look at the layers of chalk and flint. Højerup Kirke is particularly atmospheric in early morning or towards sunset, when the light glints off the sea and the church’s silhouette frames the drama of land meeting water. Equally powerful, though, is the sense that this place stands quite literally on the edge—caught between the permanence of faith and the impermanence of the earth.

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