Højerup Old Church

A 13th-century church ruin teetering on the edge of destiny, where half a building tells the story of nature's unstoppable force.

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Højerup old church

A dramatic 13th-century church ruin perched on the edge of Stevns Klint's chalk cliffs, 30 meters above the Baltic Sea. Built around 1250 and consecrated in 1357, the church lost its choir and altar to coastal erosion in 1928—a catastrophic event that transformed it into one of Denmark's most haunting and historically significant landmarks. Now stabilized and open to visitors, the church offers an unforgettable experience where you can stand inside and gaze directly out to sea through an open balcony.

A brief summary to Højerup old church

Højerup Bygade 30, Store Heddinge, 4660, DK
Visit website
Duration: 1 to 3 hours
Budget
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

Parking costs 50 DKK and supports maintenance of the memorial grove and surrounding areas. Arrive early in spring and summer to secure parking, as the site becomes very busy during peak tourist season.
Walk the Trampestien (Rambling Path) along the cliff edge for stunning panoramic views. The path extends north to the old lighthouse and south toward Rødvig, passing through dramatic chalk landscapes.
Maintain safe distance from the cliff edge at all times. Coastal erosion is ongoing, and the chalk is unstable. Stay within designated areas and follow all safety signage.
Visit during clear weather for the best views of the sea and surrounding cliffs. Winter visits offer stunning photography opportunities with fewer crowds, though daylight hours are shorter.
Combine your visit with the nearby Cold War Museum Stevnsfort (2.8 km away) or explore the geological exhibits at Geomuseum Faxe (20.6 km) to deepen your understanding of the region's unique heritage.

Getting There

Car from Copenhagen

Drive south from Copenhagen toward Store Heddinge, approximately 50 km, taking 50–70 minutes via the E20 motorway and regional roads. Follow signs to Højerup village. Parking is available on-site for 50 DKK. The road is well-maintained and suitable for all vehicles year-round, though winter conditions may occasionally affect travel times.
Train and Local Bus from Copenhagen

Take the regional train from Copenhagen Central Station toward Køge, then transfer to a local bus service toward Store Heddinge or Højerup. Total journey time is approximately 90–120 minutes depending on connections. Service runs daily; check local timetables for frequency. This option is cost-effective and avoids parking concerns.
Hiking via Trampestien Trail

If staying in the Stevns area, access the church via the Trampestien (Rambling Path), a scenic coastal hiking trail that runs along the cliff edge. The path connects Rødvig in the south to Bøgeskov Havn in the north, passing the church and old lighthouse. Hiking duration varies depending on starting point; allow 2–4 hours for a moderate section. The trail is well-marked but exposed to wind and weather.
Guided Tour from Rødvig

Rødvig, a historic fishing village 5–7 km south, offers organized tours and local guides who can arrange transport to Højerup Old Church. This option provides historical context and local insights. Journey time from Rødvig is approximately 15–20 minutes by car or guided walk.

Højerup old church location weather suitability

Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures
Any Weather

Discover more about Højerup old church

A Church Built on Legend and Defiance

Højerup Old Church stands as a testament to human determination against the relentless forces of nature. According to local legend, the church was built by a sailor who, caught in a violent storm at sea, vowed to construct a chapel if his life were spared. Whether this tale is true or folklore, the church that emerged around 1250 was built from bricks made of chalk extracted from the very cliffs upon which it stands—making it quite literally part of the landscape it occupies. The church was formally consecrated in 1357, and for over five centuries, it served as a spiritual center for the local community. The building itself represents Romanesque architectural traditions, with religious frescoes painted by Johannes Malling adorning its interior walls. These medieval murals represent important examples of Danish ecclesiastical art from the 13th century, offering visitors a window into the artistic sensibilities of the period.

The Slow Erosion and the Legend of Christmas Miracles

From the moment it was built, Højerup Old Church faced an invisible enemy: the sea. The chalk cliffs upon which it stood were constantly being undermined by coastal erosion, a process so gradual that it went largely unnoticed for centuries. Local legend held that each Christmas Eve, the church would miraculously move a small distance inland, away from the cliff's edge—a yearly reprieve from the encroaching waters. Yet these supposed miracles were never enough to save the structure from its ultimate fate. By the 1600s, the erosion had become so severe that the cemetery began to collapse into the sea, creating a macabre sight: coffins and skeletal remains protruding from the cliff face. The church remained in use for religious services until 1910, when the danger became too great to ignore. For the next 18 years, the building stood abandoned, a hollow shell waiting for the inevitable.

The Catastrophe of 1928 and Its Aftermath

On the morning of March 16, 1928, at 5 o'clock, the cliff finally gave way. The entire choir, the altar, and a substantial portion of the cemetery plunged into the Baltic Sea below. The event was dramatic and sudden, yet fortunately no lives were lost. Within three days, approximately 40,000 to 50,000 visitors descended upon Højerup, drawn by the morbid fascination of seeing a church torn in half, with the remains of the altar, coffins, and skeletal remains visible on the beach below. The partially ruined church quickly became one of Denmark's most compelling tourist attractions. Rather than demolish the remaining structure, authorities made the decision to stabilize and preserve it. The building was underpinned and reinforced with modern sea defenses, ensuring its safety for future generations. The missing choir was replaced with an observation balcony that juts out toward the sea, transforming the loss into an architectural feature that offers visitors an extraordinary vantage point.

A UNESCO Heritage Site and Geological Treasure

In 2014, Stevns Klint—the chalk cliff system of which Højerup Old Church is the most iconic feature—was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition reflects the cliffs' extraordinary geological significance. The white chalk layers contain a thin band of dark fish clay rich in iridium, marking the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary—the layer deposited by the meteor impact approximately 65 million years ago that is believed to have caused the extinction of the dinosaurs. This makes Stevns Klint one of the most important geological sites on Earth for understanding this pivotal moment in planetary history.

The Church Today: A Living Monument

Today, Højerup Old Church stands proudly at the extreme edge of the cliff, its white walls and remaining structure preserved as a national treasure and integral part of Danish cultural heritage. The interior retains its sacred character, with remnants of the original altarpiece displayed in the sacristy. Visitors can stand inside the church and look directly out through the open balcony to the sea, creating a surreal and deeply moving experience—a space where history, geology, and human resilience converge. The church has become a popular venue for civil wedding ceremonies, with couples drawn to its dramatic setting and romantic history. Up to 100 weddings are held here annually, with ceremonies taking place year-round, though spring and summer months see the highest demand. The church's transformation from a place of worship to a symbol of survival and renewal reflects its enduring power to move and inspire those who visit.

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Unmissable attractions to see

Stevns Klint UNESCO World Heritage

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Højerup Kirke

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Cliff-edge medieval church above Stevns Klint, where a vanished choir, Baltic sea views and centuries of coastal history meet in one dramatic stop.

Stevns Lighthouse

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Cold war museum Stevnsfort

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Stevns Kridtbrud

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Cafe Borre

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Nightclubs & after hour spots

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Højerup Old Church

A brief summary to Højerup old church

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Car from Copenhagen

Train and Local Bus from Copenhagen

Hiking via Trampestien Trail

Guided Tour from Rødvig

Højerup old church location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Højerup old church

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Højerup old church

A Church Built on Legend and Defiance

The Slow Erosion and the Legend of Christmas Miracles

The Catastrophe of 1928 and Its Aftermath

A UNESCO Heritage Site and Geological Treasure

The Church Today: A Living Monument

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Vallø Slotskro

Comwell Køge Strand

Mindesmærke for slagene i Køge Bugt

“Slaget i Køge Bugt”

Befrielsessten i Køge

Køge St.

Køge Torv

VisitKøges selvbetjente turistbureau

Visit

Køge Nord

Høje Møn

Pension Elmehøj

Pangea Park

Rose Stege Restaurant

Restaurant pizzeria Delfino

Unmissable attractions to see

Stevns Klint UNESCO World Heritage

Højerup Kirke

Stevns Lighthouse

Cold war museum Stevnsfort

Boesdal Kalkbrud

Stevns Klint Experience

Stevns Kridtbrud

Rødvig Beach

Gjorslev

Køge Sønakke

Den blå sø

Mindesten for greve Christian Moltke

Vallø Castle

Vallø Slotspark

SEBG Badebro - Strandparksvej

Essential places to dine

Mad & Ro

Café Bliss

Cafe Skov & Strand

Elverhøi

Restaurant Kulhuset

Pakhuset Braunstein

Bournonvilles Wild West - cowboyfest.dk

Limone

Bossa Nova

Rib House Køge

Skippers Dreng

Chiang Mai Thai Cuisine Restaurant & Take Away

Jenners Dockside

Siesta Prime Grill

Sandwich Cafeen

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

My Apartment Køge

Den Blå Dør

VILA

Miss O

Kings & Queens Køge

NORMAL Køge, Strædet

Strædet Køge

Zizzi - Køge

JACK & JONES

Pioneer V/søren Marsner Hansen

køge butikker brogade