What To Do At Stevns Klint UNESCO World Heritage Site

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Stevns Klint is an area of major scientific interest and the perfect place for nature lovers and anyone interested in geology.

Stevns Klint is a coastal formation spanning 15 kilometres (9 miles) of chalk and limestone cliff, which still contains traces of the meteor, which is believed to have wiped out the dinosaurs. The cliff can be viewed from several locations along the coast, with access down to the beach.

Stevns Klint is situated on the Danish island of Zealand, 75 km (46 miles) south of Copenhagen and can easily be enjoyed as a day trip.

What Is Stevns Klint?

Stevns Klint (klint meaning cliff in Danish) was created when a meteor crashed into the earth over 65 million years ago. It is believed the meteor crash wiped out the dinosaurs and over half the earth’s animal species.

Traces of the meteor can be found in the thin grey/black layer between the white chalk and yellow limestone.

You will also notice manufactured ledges in the cliff, intentionally done to loosen the limestone for use in construction. This practice was stopped in 1950.

All the churches around the area were built using limestone from the cliffs. And the ledges were used to keep fishing boats safe from the sea.

Stevns Klint was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014.

The Best Place To View Stevns Klint

Because the cliffs stretch over 15 km (9 miles), unless you plan on hiking from end to end, you need to decide which place is the best for you to visit.

If you only visit one area, I would suggest Højerup, where you can see the lighthouse, two churches and have a fantastic cliff view.

Højerup is a quaint Danish village where, if you get there early in the morning, the only sound you will hear is birdsong.

There are open areas where you can look down on the cliffs, take photos, or even have a picnic on one of the many seats dotted around.

The path along the first 500 metres (546 yards) of the cliff top at Højerup is flat, wide and suitable for people with mobility issues.

However, there are no fences along the path, so keep dogs on a lead, and if you have small children, don’t let them out of your sight.

It’s possible to visit both Højerup and Rødvig in one day, and I recommend it if you have the time.

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How To Get Down To The Beach At Stevns Klint

There are steep steps down to the beach at various points along the coastline.

The steps at Højerup are just past the Fisherman’s Cottage (Fiskerhuset), built in 1820, which has been converted into a craft shop.

Visit The Old Church At Højerup

A big draw at Højerup is the old church which is over 700 years old.

As a result of a rockslide on 16th March 1928, this tiny church lost its chancel (the section with the altar and where the choir would sit) when it fell into the water below.

Luckily, the church had been closed because of the fear of collapse since 1910. But after the disaster, it attracted many sightseers, and the church became a tourist attraction. So it was quickly rebuilt, which is the church you see today.

There is now a balcony where the chancel used to be, allowing you to step out and look over the water for a stunning view of Stevns Klint.

There is no charge to visit Højerup Old Church.

Højerup Old Church Opening Hours

During the summer, Højerup Church is open from 10 am – 5 pm

The church is closed on weekdays from November 1st until March 31st but is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am – 5 pm.

Højerup Old Church Address

Højerup Bygade 30, 4660 Store Heddinge

Have A Look At Højerup Church

Højerup Church, constructed from chalk stone from Stevns Klint, was consecrated in 1913. It’s an eye-catching church close to the old church that’s worth stopping to admire.

Højerup Church Opening Hours

From the 1st of May until the 1st of September, Højerup Church is open from 10 am – 5 pm.

Højerup Church Address

Højerup Bygade 37, 4660 Store Heddinge

Collect Fossils At Stevns Klint

As long as you don’t use tools or chip away at the cliff, you can collect fossils found on the beach and take them home with you.

Book publisher Dorling Kindersley has produced an informative book, Fossils, available from Amazon, specifically aimed at beginners, simply explaining fossil identification with over 1,000 photos.

Rules You Must Observe At Stevns Klint

Rockslides and landslides can happen at any time. Visits to the beach and cliff edge are at your own risk-

• Dogs must be on a lead.
  
  
• Stay away from the edge of the cliff.
  
  
• Do not chip at the cliff wall. You can take fossils found on the beach, but you can not use tools or take them from the cliff.
  
  
• No drones.
  
  
• No bicycles on the Trampesti Trail.
  
  

Visit Stevns Lighthouse

At the beginning of the 19th century, Stevns Klint had one of the most modern lighthouses in Europe. However, shipping traffic increased, so in 1878, the lighthouse you can visit today was built. Even though it’s almost 150 years old, it’s still one of Denmark’s most powerful lighthouses.

The lighthouse can be visited by road or along the Trampesti Trail.

Stevns Klint Lighthouse (Stevns Fyrcenter in Danish) is 1.5 km (just under a mile) along the trail from Højerup Old Church. However, halfway along, the trail becomes impassable for wheelchair users and some people with walking difficulties.

You can view the lighthouse from the cliff top or climb 27 metres (88 feet) to the top and admire the view of the cliffs and surrounding area from there.

There is no charge to visit Stevns Lighthouse.

Stevns Lighthouse Opening Hours

Stevns Lighthouse is open from 11 am – 3 pm daily.

Stevns Lighthouse Address

Stevns Fyrcenter, Fyrvej 2, Tommestrup, 4660 Store Heddinge.

Food And Drink At Højerup

If you arrive early, make sure you bring snacks and water. There is a restaurant, Traktørstedet Højeruplund and an ice cream parlour, but neither is open before midday. So make sure you arrive prepared.

Toilets At Højerup

There are free-to-use public toilets behind Traktørstedet Højeruplund restaurant.

Where To Park At Højerup, Stevns Klint

Parking is available opposite Højerup Church.

It costs 40 kr to park between 10 am – 6 pm and 20 kr between 6 pm – 10 am.

Hire A Bicycle At Højerup or Rødvig

Donkey Republic bicycles are available for hire at Højerup and Rødvig. While there are plenty of places to cycle in the surrounding areas, cycling on the Trampesti Trail is forbidden.

Hike The Trampesti Trail

The Stevns Klint footpath, known as the Trampesti Trail, is a designated conservation area that follows the coastline along the cliff top. It’s well signposted, but as it’s not a maintained path, it can be overgrown in places and appear as if it’s hardly used. But there are plenty of people hiking the trail every day.

Dotted along the trail, you’ll find seats to rest and admire the view, and you’ll also pass the Cold War Museum between Højerup and Rødvig.

The trail often crosses private land, so be respectful and don’t use the private stairs leading down to the beach.

It’s not a strenuous hike, but remember to take water with you.

Dogs must be kept on a lead.

What You Need To Know About Hiking The Trampesti Trail

The Trampesti Trail is 21 km (13 miles) long and runs from Bøgeskov Harbour to Rødvig.

• It gets windy and cool, even in summer when you’re close to the open cliff, so bring layers of clothes.
  
• Bring a hat.
  
• Take food and drink.
  
• The Trampesti Trail passes through private land, so don’t stray from the path or take photos of people’s property.
  

Visit Stevnsfort The Cold War Museum

Built by the Danish Navy in 1952, Stevnsfort was active as an underground fortress and surveillance unit from 1956 – 2000. It was strategically placed to protect Denmark and NATO.

Stevnsfort, now the Cold War Museum, contained missiles and radars (which you can still see in the museum) to protect Copenhagen against air raids. In addition, the underground fortress was used to monitor naval traffic and, if needed, stop enemy boats.

A tank with a firing range long enough to reach Sweden can be seen inside the perimeter of the Cold War Museum as you walk the Trampesti Trail.

The Cold War Museum focuses on the defence of Denmark, and the big draw is the underground tunnel. However, you can only visit the tunnel with a guided tour, and, unfortunately, the tours only take place in Danish.

But you can use the audio guide on the Useeum app on both the underground tour and above ground. The free app features many museums and attractions around Denmark and is worth downloading for your visit.

Stevnsfort Cold War Museum Opening Hours

Stevnsfort is closed from the middle of December until the middle of February. Hours vary from 10 am – 5 pm and 11 am – 3 pm, so check the Cold War Museum website when planning your visit.

Ticket Price For Stevnsfort Cold War Museum

A ticket for the Cold War Museum costs 80 kr.

However, there is an additional charge of 180 kr for the underground tour, which lasts for 90 minutes.

Birdwatching At Stevns Klint

Stevns Klint is on a bird migratory flight path. In the spring, you can see cranes heading north and birds of prey flying south in the autumn.

You could also have the chance to hear a nightingale or spot a rare to Denmark rose finch around the bunkers at the Cold War Museum.

And you’ll have an excellent chance of seeing barn swallows nesting in the old church at Højerup.

Drones are not allowed at Stevns Klint because of the Peregrine falcons nesting on the cliff.

The area around Stevns Naturcenter at Mandehoven is good for birding throughout the year, but in autumn, it’s an excellent spot for watching the birds of prey migration.

This article about birding around Mandehoven by Lars Juul is an excellent resource for birding in the area.

I can also recommend this article, 18 Of The Best Bird Books With The Most Stunning Photos, which features popular bird books with amazing images. It’s not an article about how-to or where to find bird books, but the books featured are stunning.

Fishing At Stevns Klint

The waters around Stevns Klint are good for sea trout fishing from March to late autumn. It’s also a good area to catch garfish and cod.

Visit The Fishing Port Of Rødvig

You can walk to Rødvig along the Trampesti Trail or take the bus from Store Heddinge. As the local service bus only runs once an hour, your best bet is to walk and enjoy the view.

Rødvig is a small fishing port with a busy harbour, lighthouse, swimming, camping, parking, restaurants and places to stay.

It’s also the easiest way to start your journey back to Copenhagen, as the local trains run every 30 minutes.

Take The Cliff Bus (Klintebus)

During the summer, from the end of June to the middle of August, there is a free bus, the Klintebus, which travels a circular route between Rødvig Harbour and Bøgskov three times a day.

Eleven stops include the Cold War Museum, Stevns Lighthouse, the old church at Højerup, and Store Heddinge station. Just wave it down, and the bus will stop for you.

Use this link for the Klintebus timetable (the second page is in English).

How To Get To Stevns Klint

Stevns Klint is on the south coast of Denmark on the island of Zealand (Sjælland in Danish) and is approximately 75 km (47 miles) from Copenhagen.

Driving is the quickest and easiest way to reach Stevns Klint, but it’s also the most expensive. Use these Google directions for the best route.

Public transport is the cheapest way to get to Stevns Klint, but because there are a couple of changes involved along the way, I have put together all the information you need into a separate article titled Copenhagen To Stevns Klint Using Public Transport.

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