Stevns Klint UNESCO World Heritage Cliff

A dramatic chalk coastline where a thin dark line in the cliff records the asteroid impact that ended the age of dinosaurs, framed by seaside paths, a cliff‑top church and Cold War tunnels.

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Stevns Klint UNESCO World Heritage

Stevns Klint is a spectacular 15 km chalk cliff on the southeastern coast of Zealand, where science, scenery and deep time meet. Rising up to 40–41 m above the Baltic Sea, its pale walls clearly show the thin dark layer left by the asteroid impact that ended the age of the dinosaurs around 66 million years ago. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site combining dramatic coastal views, fossil-rich beaches, Old Højerup Church on the cliff edge, and Cold War relics in a compact, walkable landscape.

A brief summary to Stevns Klint UNESCO World Heritage

Boesdalsvej 14, Rødvig Stevns, 4673, DK
+4530342279
Visit website
Duration: 2 to 8 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

Wear sturdy, closed shoes with good grip; beach sections involve loose shingle and chalk boulders, and cliff‑top paths can be uneven after rain.
Allow time both for the Stevns Klint Experience centre and at least one longer walk along the cliff to see the K–Pg boundary clearly in the rock face.
Bring windproof layers even in summer; the exposed coastline catches breezes from the Baltic that can feel much cooler than inland.
Check current safety advice and stay well back from the cliff edge, as sections can be undercut and erosion occasionally causes sudden collapses.
If you are interested in fossils, read up on local guidelines beforehand and focus on loose material on the beach rather than the protected cliff face.

Getting There

Train and local bus from Copenhagen

From central Copenhagen, take a regional train towards Køge and onward to Store Heddinge; the full rail journey typically takes 1–1.5 hours with a simple change. From Store Heddinge, local buses connect to stops near Højerup or Rødvig in around 10–20 minutes. Standard adult tickets for the combined train and bus trip usually fall in the range of 80–130 DKK one way, depending on zones and discounts. Services run regularly during the day, though evening and weekend frequencies are lower, so checking timetables in advance is important.
Car from Copenhagen or Køge

Driving from Copenhagen to Stevns Klint via the motorway network and local roads generally takes about 1–1.5 hours, and around 40–50 minutes from Køge, in normal traffic. There are signed parking areas near key access points such as Højerup, Stevns Lighthouse and the Stevns Klint Experience centre. Parking is often free or low‑cost, but some lots may charge a modest daily fee, typically under 50 DKK. Narrow country roads, agricultural vehicles and occasional congestion near popular spots in summer can slow travel, so allow a time buffer.
Bicycle from Store Heddinge or Rødvig

For a slower approach, you can cycle from Store Heddinge or Rødvig along minor roads and signed routes; the ride to main viewpoints at the cliff usually takes 20–40 minutes each way. The terrain is mostly gentle with small rolling hills, but can be exposed to wind from the sea. Bicycles can be brought on many regional trains for an additional fee, typically around 20–30 DKK, subject to space and any seasonal restrictions. Surfaces are a mix of asphalt and compacted gravel, so standard touring or hybrid bikes are suitable.

Stevns Klint UNESCO World Heritage location weather suitability

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Discover more about Stevns Klint UNESCO World Heritage

Ancient cliffs where the dinosaurs’ story ends

Stevns Klint stretches for roughly 15 kilometres along the Baltic coast of eastern Zealand, its white chalk walls rising up to about 40 metres above the sea. Here the cliff face is more than a scenic backdrop: it is a readable timeline of Earth’s history. A thin, darker band running through the pale chalk marks the so‑called K–Pg boundary, the fallout from the asteroid impact that ended the age of the dinosaurs around 66 million years ago. Geologists and students come from around the world to study this exposed layer, but you do not need specialist knowledge to appreciate the drama of standing in front of the place where a mass extinction is written in stone. Beneath the boundary, soft Cretaceous chalk holds an extraordinarily rich marine fossil record. Above it, harder limestone and later deposits show how life slowly recovered and diversified after the catastrophe. The cliff is still subject to erosion, so the profile is constantly renewed as blocks break off and tumble to the shore, revealing fresh surfaces and fossils. It is this combination of clarity, continuity and accessibility that led UNESCO to inscribe Stevns Klint as a World Heritage Site in 2014.

Layers of stone, tales of faith and fortresses

The geological story at Stevns Klint is interwoven with human history. The pale limestone has been quarried for centuries, supplying stone for churches across Zealand and fortifications in Copenhagen. At several points you can see old quarry faces and traces of the industry that once shaped the cliff edge. High above the sea near Højerup, Old Højerup Church stands astonishingly close to the brink. Parts of the churchyard have already collapsed in earlier cliff falls, an eloquent reminder that this coast is always on the move. Hidden within the chalk further north lies another chapter: the Cold War. Stevnsfort, a former underground fortress dug deep into the cliff, was positioned here to watch over the Baltic and monitor Warsaw Pact movements. Today, its tunnels and command rooms can be visited on guided tours, adding military history to the site’s geological and cultural layers. Together, church, quarries and fortress demonstrate how the same resilient chalk that records an ancient disaster has served as a resource and refuge for people.

Experiencing the cliff on foot and from the water

For visitors, Stevns Klint is as much a landscape to move through as a cliff to observe. A coastal path follows the rim, offering open views across the Baltic and frequent glimpses of the sheer drop below. Sections range from broad grassy tracks to narrower earth paths along field edges, with benches and informal stopping points at viewpoints. Down at beach level, stretches of shingle and chalk blocks invite slow exploration, with the white wall towering above and the dark K–Pg line clearly visible in many places. Boat tours from nearby harbours reveal a different perspective as you look back at the cliff from the sea, tracing its full height and subtle changes in form. Inland, gentle farmland and small villages provide a quiet backdrop, so even on busy days parts of the route feel tranquil. The varying access points mean you can choose anything from a short stroll around a single viewpoint to a full‑day hike linking churches, lighthouses and former quarries along the edge.

Stevns Klint Experience and family‑friendly discovery

Near Boesdal Quarry, the Stevns Klint Experience centre introduces the site’s stories through exhibits, films and interactive displays. Inside, you can follow the chain of events from asteroid impact to recovery of life, examine fossils, and see how the cliff has shaped the surrounding region. The architecture makes inventive use of the old quarry landscape, with views back out towards the chalk walls that supplied so much building stone. Families find plenty to engage younger visitors, from hands‑on activities and models to outdoor play areas woven into the chalky terrain. The centre also acts as a practical hub, with information on trails, viewpoints and safety. It is a useful starting point if you want context before heading out along the paths or down to the beach, or if the weather encourages more time indoors.

Atmosphere, seasons and practical impressions

The mood at Stevns Klint changes subtly with the seasons and light. On clear days, the contrast between white chalk, green fields and deep blue sea is striking, and you may see as far as Sweden across the water. In softer weather, mist and low cloud can lend the cliff a quieter, more introspective character, while the steady sound of waves against the base of the rock is a constant presence below. Birdlife is active along the rim and on the cliff face, and the surrounding fields and hedgerows add a rural calm. Underfoot, expect a mix of grass, dirt and loose stones on the cliff‑top paths, and uneven shingle and chalk boulders on the shore, so sturdy footwear is advisable. Simple facilities such as restrooms, small cafés or kiosks and information boards are clustered at key access points including the church area, lighthouses and the experience centre, while longer stretches between them feel pleasantly undeveloped. Many visitors spend half a day here, but with museum visits, a longer walk and time simply watching the changing sea, it is easy to fill a full day along this remarkable edge of Denmark.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Vallø Slotskro

20.1 km

Explore Denmark's largest private engine collection and maritime heritage at Maskinrummet in Skagen.

Comwell Køge Strand

24.8 km

Historic lighthouse and world-class bird observatory at Denmark’s northern tip, with sweeping sea views, immersive exhibitions, and a welcoming café.

Mindesmærke for slagene i Køge Bugt

25.6 km

Harbourfront monument where stone, sea breeze and maritime symbols keep the naval battles of Køge Bugt and their admirals alive on Køge’s working waterfront.

“Slaget i Køge Bugt”

25.6 km

Harbourfront monument on Køge’s quay, quietly marking the dramatic naval battles once fought in the bay where today only fishing boats and leisure craft glide.

Befrielsessten i Køge

25.8 km

A solemn memorial to Denmark's liberation from Nazi occupation, standing in Køge's historic market square.

Køge St.

25.8 km

Experience Skagen’s iconic Det Grå Fyr, an elegant lighthouse offering breathtaking views, unique birdwatching, and local culture at Denmark’s northernmost edge.

Køge Torv

25.9 km

Denmark's largest medieval town square, where seven centuries of history unfold on cobblestones.

VisitKøges selvbetjente turistbureau

26.0 km

An iconic 19th-century lighthouse at Denmark’s northern tip, famed for panoramic views, migrating birds, and immersive maritime and nature exhibits.

Visit

26.1 km

Historic lighthouse and bird observatory at Denmark’s northern tip, with panoramic sea views, interactive nature exhibits, and a vibrant café in wild coastal surroundings.

Køge Nord

30.0 km

A soaring timber‑lined footbridge and high‑speed rail hub turning everyday commuting into a slice of contemporary Danish architecture and panoramic landscape.

Høje Møn

31.2 km

Denmark's tallest white chalk cliffs rise 128 meters above the Baltic, crowned by legendary tales and ancient forests.

Pension Elmehøj

31.7 km

Experience Møn's charm at Pension Elmehøj: Affordable comfort near Stege, close to Møns Klint, Elmelunde Church, and the Camønoen hiking trail, perfect for families and budget travelers.

Pangea Park

34.3 km

Experience global wildlife up-close in Zealand’s countryside, with interactive exhibits, animal encounters, and a strong conservation focus at Pangea Park near Bjæverskov.

Rose Stege Restaurant

34.4 km

Discover the authentic tastes of Denmark at Rose Stege Restaurant, where delicious pizzas and local dishes await in a cozy atmosphere.

Restaurant pizzeria Delfino

34.5 km

Experience authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of Stege at Restaurant Pizzeria Delfino, where fresh ingredients and a warm atmosphere create a memorable dining experience for all.

Unmissable attractions to see

Højerup old church

0.1 km

Experience the harmony of nature and history in Solgårdsparken—a scenic public park on the Køge coast, perfect for peaceful walks, family outings, and cultural events.

Højerup Kirke

0.2 km

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

1.4 km

Historic lighthouse on the edge of Stevns Klint, blending maritime heritage with wide Baltic Sea views and windswept chalk‑cliff scenery near Store Heddinge.

Cold war museum Stevnsfort

2.8 km

Descend into a former NATO stronghold carved into the cliffs of Stevns Klint, where underground tunnels, heavy guns and Baltic Sea views bring the Cold War vividly to life.

Boesdal Kalkbrud

3.5 km

A dramatic former limestone quarry where industrial heritage meets 66-million-year-old geological secrets.

Stevns Klint Experience

3.5 km

Jægersborggade: A lively fusion of artisan shops, gourmet delights, creative studios, and local culture at the vibrant heart of Copenhagen’s Nørrebro district.

Stevns Kridtbrud

4.7 km

A raw chalk quarry on the Stevns peninsula, where bright white walls, industrial cuts and coastal light reveal the geology that underpins the Stevns Klint landscape.

Rødvig Beach

4.9 km

A gentle, family-friendly strand on South Zealand’s Stevns coast, where soft sand, shallow Baltic waters and harbour life meet in an easygoing seaside setting.

Gjorslev

9.5 km

One of Denmark’s oldest inhabited medieval castles, Gjorslev combines Gothic stonework, moats and beech forest walks in a quietly atmospheric manor landscape.

Køge Sønakke

14.2 km

Quiet coastal reef on Køge Bay with wide horizons, leopard-bottom shallows and renowned sea trout fishing, offering a low-key slice of Denmark’s Baltic shoreline.

Den blå sø

19.9 km

A vivid turquoise lake framed by towering white chalk walls, Den Blå Sø transforms Faxe Limestone Quarry into one of Denmark’s most surreal and photogenic landscapes.

Mindesten for greve Christian Moltke

20.2 km

Discover Køge Church, a stunning Gothic landmark with historic interiors, breathtaking architecture, and centuries-old maritime connections at the heart of Køge.

Vallø Castle

20.2 km

A red-brick Renaissance castle in a tranquil park south of Køge, where noble history, towers and moat reflections meet open lawns and quiet woodland paths.

Vallø Slotspark

20.4 km

A 15-hectare English landscape garden surrounding a historic red-brick castle, where Danish noble history blooms among rare heritage trees.

SEBG Badebro - Strandparksvej

20.5 km

A simple wooden bathing jetty on Køge Bugt, SEBG Badebro at Strandparksvej offers relaxed, everyday Danish sea-swimming in a quiet coastal neighbourhood.

Essential places to dine

Mad & Ro

1.4 km

Hearty Danish coastal cooking beside Stevns Lighthouse, where homemade lunch plates, open sandwiches and a grassy lawn meet sweeping views of cliff and sea.

Café Bliss

5.1 km

A homely, hygge‑filled café‑restaurant in the heart of Store Heddinge, blending colourful conscious cooking, a leafy courtyard and a relaxed community living‑room vibe.

Cafe Skov & Strand

15.9 km

Affordable beachside café where forest meets coast, serving generous Danish fare and ice cream.

Elverhøi

25.2 km

Cosy neighbourhood Italian on Vordingborgvej in Køge, serving generous pizzas, comforting pasta and relaxed hygge vibes from late afternoon into the evening.

Restaurant Kulhuset

25.3 km

Harbourfront steakhouse in Køge where you grill your own cuts at custom tables, pairing hearty meat dishes with marina views and a relaxed social vibe.

Pakhuset Braunstein

25.4 km

Waterfront Danish taphouse in Køge’s harbor, pouring Braunstein craft beers alongside casual food in a light‑filled, architect‑designed social space by the quay.

Bournonvilles Wild West - cowboyfest.dk

25.4 km

A full-throttle Wild West saloon near Haslev, serving hearty buffets, strong drinks and cowboy-themed fun for groups, celebrations and company parties.

Limone

25.5 km

Harbourfront Italian cooking in Køge, where candlelit tables and marina views meet generous pastas, grilled meats and classic desserts in a warm, relaxed setting.

Bossa Nova

25.5 km

Cozy harborfront restaurant in Køge blending relaxed bossa nova vibes, generous seafood and steaks, candlelit interiors and marina views ideal for slow, lingering meals.

Rib House Køge

25.5 km

Casual harborfront steakhouse in Køge serving hearty ribs, grills and buffets in relaxed, family-friendly surroundings by the waterfront.

Skippers Dreng

25.6 km

Casual harbourfront brasserie and bar in Køge, blending Danish comfort food, steaks and brunch with long, relaxed evenings by the waterfront.

Chiang Mai Thai Cuisine Restaurant & Take Away

25.6 km

Authentic Thai cuisine with generous portions on Køge harbour—casual, friendly, and excellent value.

Chiang Mai Thai Cuisine Restaurant & Take Away

Jenners Dockside

25.6 km

Harborfront Danish dining in a yellow half-timbered house, combining smørrebrød, smoked seafood and sunny terrace views over Køge’s atmospheric old quay.

Siesta Prime Grill

25.7 km

Casual grill house in the centre of Køge serving hearty Mediterranean‑inspired comfort food, ideal for laid‑back lunches, relaxed dinners and social evenings.

Sandwich Cafeen

25.7 km

Hearty, freshly made sandwiches in the heart of Køge’s old town, ideal for a quick, tasty stop between historic streets and harbour strolls.

Køge's premier destination for curated fragrances, skincare, and beauty accessories.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

The Old Irish Pub

25.5 km

Køge's benchmark for weekend nightlife with live music, cocktails, and authentic Irish pub atmosphere.

Ibsens Pub & Vinbar

25.5 km

Waterfront wine bar and pub where Nordic hospitality meets harbor views and live entertainment.

Vinbaren Køge

25.7 km

Intimate wine bar in Køge’s old town, serving well-chosen bottles, tapas-style plates and plenty of Danish hygge from relaxed afternoons to late-night last pours.

Grillen

25.8 km

Casual grilled fare in the heart of Køge, open daily for straightforward dining and drinks.

Den høje stue

26.0 km

Cosy sportspub on Køge’s historic Torvet, pairing classic bar vibes with big-screen matches and relaxed small‑town atmosphere late into the evening.

Bodega Slap A

26.0 km

Køge's electric nightlife hub where quality drinks meet vibrant DJ sets and dancing until dawn.

RICHTERs Ølstue

26.1 km

Characterful beer hall in Køge’s historic centre, pouring quality specialty brews and serving hearty Danish smørrebrød in a warm, wood-accented pub setting.

Café Asti

26.1 km

Intimate wine and tapas bar in Køge's heart, where Italian flavors meet European sophistication.

Ellemarkens Bodega Drøvlen

26.2 km

Unpretentious local bodega and community hangout in Køge’s Ellemarken district, serving inexpensive drinks, sports on TV and a relaxed slice of everyday Danish life.

Sussis Bodega ApS

29.0 km

Rural Danish bodega in an 1800s house along Stavreby Strandvej, offering simple drinks, informal company and a quietly coastal countryside atmosphere.

MC 19 Køge

30.6 km

Unpretentious roadside bar on the edge of Lille Skensved, blending motorcycle-club spirit with classic Danish pub hospitality and a relaxed, locals-first atmosphere.

Bykroen

31.0 km

Cozy local bar and live music hangout on Haslev’s main street, offering simple drinks, late-weekend nights and an authentic small-town Danish atmosphere.

Cafe Borre

31.4 km

Homemade pastries and genuine warmth in a charming Borre village café.

Mølleporten Øl- og Vinstue

34.0 km

A classic Danish “brown pub” on Stege’s main street, pairing local atmosphere, simple drinks and small-town charm just down from the town’s medieval gate.

Ba'ryhl Bar & Café

34.1 km

Cosy café by day, intimate cocktail bar by night, Ba'ryhl brings small‑town warmth, good drinks and relaxed conversation to the heart of Stege on Møn.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

Bloom Nightclub

25.5 km

Late-night harborfront beats and a compact dance floor bring big-night energy to small-city Køge every Friday and Saturday.

The Flame

25.5 km

Compact, high-energy nightclub by Køge’s harbor, serving up youthful beats, live acts and weekend dance-floor vibes in an intimate, no-frills setting.

LUSIO

25.5 km

Compact harbor-side nightclub in Køge with late Friday hours, a tight dance floor, and an intimate, no‑frills setting for Danish weekend nights out.

Avenue Næstved

43.5 km

Lively nightspot and flexible event hall in central Næstved, mixing dancefloor energy, festive dinners, stand-up comedy and themed parties under one roof.

KB3

43.7 km

Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.

Crazy Daisy Næstved

43.7 km

High‑energy weekend nightclub in central Næstved, packing loud beats, flashing lights and a late‑night local crowd into a compact, classic Danish town‑club setting.

The Union

43.9 km

Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.

Baggen

44.0 km

Discover the electrifying atmosphere of Baggen, where Copenhagen's nightlife comes alive with vibrant music and unforgettable experiences.

Tropicana DC

44.1 km

Compact Latin-flavoured nightclub on Roskilde’s industrial edge, delivering loud beats, simple drinks and a late-night dancefloor focused purely on partying.

Klubhuset

44.2 km

Low-key local clubhouse turned disco-style nightspot, where a simple bar, small dance floor and regulars’ vibe create relaxed, unpretentious nights in Roskilde.

Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub

44.2 km

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub, where adult entertainment meets unforgettable performances.

CristalClubCopenhagen

44.2 km

Dive into Copenhagen's nightlife at Cristal Club, where upscale ambiance meets electrifying music and unforgettable experiences.

Vela Lesbian Lgbtq+ NightClub

44.3 km

Experience the inclusive spirit and vibrant nightlife at Vela Lesbian LGBTQ+ Nightclub in Copenhagen, where every night is a celebration of love and diversity.

Haven - Events

44.5 km

Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.

Never Mind

44.7 km

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.

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Stevns Klint UNESCO World Heritage Cliff

A brief summary to Stevns Klint UNESCO World Heritage

Local tips

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

Getting There

Train and local bus from Copenhagen

Car from Copenhagen or Køge

Bicycle from Store Heddinge or Rødvig

Stevns Klint UNESCO World Heritage location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Stevns Klint UNESCO World Heritage

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Stevns Klint UNESCO World Heritage

Ancient cliffs where the dinosaurs’ story ends

Layers of stone, tales of faith and fortresses

Experiencing the cliff on foot and from the water

Stevns Klint Experience and family‑friendly discovery

Atmosphere, seasons and practical impressions

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

Højerup old church

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

La Belle