Stevns Klint: What To See And Do And Why You Should Visit
Stevns Klint is a coastal formation spanning 15 kilometres (9 miles) of chalk and limestone cliffs. It still contains traces of the meteor that is believed to have wiped out half the species on the planet, including dinosaurs.
While Stevns Klint’s big draw is the cliffs, there’s plenty more to enjoy. Visit Stevns Lighthouse, collect fossils from the beach, spot the birdlife, hike the scenic Trampesti Trail, discover the past at The Cold War Museum, and end the day with good food and a view at Rødvig harbour.
Stevns Klint is a UNESCO World Heritage site, an area of significant scientific interest and the perfect place for anyone with an interest in geology and nature lovers. Located on the Danish island of Zealand, 75 km (46 miles) south of Copenhagen, the area can easily be visited as a day trip.
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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. The meteor crash is believed to have 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. The ledges were used to keep fishing boats safe from the sea.
All the churches around the area were built using limestone from the cliffs.
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 to visit.
If you only visit one area, I would suggest Højerup, where you can see the lighthouse and two churches, have a fantastic cliff view and take the steps down to the beach.
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 sight.
It’s possible to visit both Højerup and Rødvig in one day, and I recommend it if you have the time.
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), originally built in 1820 and now 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 since 1910 because of the fear of collapse. But after the disaster, it attracted many sightseers and 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, and it’s such a beautiful old church in a stunning location it’s well worth a look.
Use this link to learn more about Højerup Old Church.
Højerup Old Church Opening Hours
| Dates | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Easter – 31st Oct | 10 am – 5 pm |
| 31st Oct – Easter | 10 am – 4 pm |
Højerup Old Church Address
Højerup Bygade 30, 4660 Store Heddinge
Take 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 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.
Dorling Kindersley has produced an informative book, including a Kindle version called Fossils, available from Amazon. The book is specifically aimed at beginners and simply explains 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.
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 Fyrtårn 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. If you are there at the right time, you can experience the spring and autumn bird migrations from the lighthouse as millions of birds pass Stevns.
There is no charge to visit Stevns Lighthouse.
Stevns Lighthouse Opening Hours
Stevns Lighthouse opening hours vary, so check the Stevns Klint Lighthouse website for up-to-date information.
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. Don’t do what I did on my first visit and arrive expecting to buy a snack; 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. However, plenty of people hike 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.
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.
As you walk the Trampesti Trail, you can see a tank with a firing range long enough to reach Sweden inside the perimeter of the Cold War Museum.
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.
However, the Useeum app offers an audio guide for both the underground tour and the above-ground tour. The free app features many museums and attractions around Denmark and is worth downloading.
Stevnsfort Cold War Museum Opening Hours
Stevnsfort is closed from mid-December until mid-February. Hours vary from 10 am to 5 pm and 11 am to 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 85 kr.
However, there is an additional charge of 190 kr for the underground tour, which lasts 2 hours.
Visit The Stevns Klint Experience
The Stevns Klint Experience, located just 4 kilometres (2½ miles) from the cliffs at Højerup and 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) from Rødvig Station, offers an award-winning interactive exhibition that educates visitors about the impact of the asteroid that led to the extinction of half the species on the planet, including dinosaurs 66 million years ago.
In addition to the exhibition, there is also a cafe serving tasty local food and a good view of The Øresund Sound and Bøesdal Limestone Quarry.
The Stevns Klint Experience is generally open from 10 am to 5 pm, but it is not open every day, so check the website before planning your visit.
Stevns Klint Experience Ticket Prices
| Adults aged 12 – 65 | 140 kr |
| Children 3 – 11 | 70 kr |
| Senior 65+ | 120 kr |
| Students (with a valid student card) | 120 kr |
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 prohibited 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 to watch the birds of prey migrate.
This article about birding around Mandehoven by Lars Juul is an excellent resource for birding in the area.
Fishing At Stevns Klint
The waters around Stevns Klint are good for sea trout fishing from March to late autumn. It’s also an excellent 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 pool, camping ground, parking, restaurants, and accommodation.
It’s also the easiest way to start your journey back to Copenhagen, as the local trains run every 30 minutes.
A free bus travels a circular route between Rødvig Harbour and Bøgskov in the morning and early afternoon from Friday to Sunday and on public and Danish school holidays.
During the Danish school summer holidays, from the end of June until the 11th of August 2024 the bus runs every day with an additional bus travelling the route in the early evening.
Check this Andel Bus timetable to learn more. Scroll down to the second page for information in English.
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.
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 is also the most expensive. Use these Google directions for the best route from Copenhagen Station.
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.
Looking For Accommodation Around Stevns Klint
Take a look at booking.com for the best choice of accommodation in and around Stevns Klint.
I’m Happy To Help If You Have Any Questions
If you have any questions regarding your travels, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I know how difficult it can be to plan a trip, and I’m happy to help.
