Just an hour’s drive from Copenhagen, Stevns Klint is a magnificent limestone cliff that’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its “outstanding universal value.” Spanning 17 kilometers along the coast, the cliff rises up to 40 meters and is composed of layers of white-grey limestone, chalk, and flint, built over millions of years.
The cliffs are famous for the Fish Clay layer (Fiskeleret), where traces of the mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs 66 million years ago can be found. If you’re lucky, you might even discover small fossils on the beach!
Having visited Stevns Klint many times, I’m always struck by its beauty, no matter the season—whether it’s frozen cliffs on a harsh winter day, waves crashing against the rocks during a storm, or the cliffs glowing in the light of a setting sun with the Milky Way stretching overhead at night.
Attractions
While many tourists flock to Møns Klint, few make their way to Stevns Klint, which is just as stunning and far less crowded. On clear days, you can even spot Møns Klint from Stevns Klint.
The area is perfect for hiking, with the Stevns Klint Trampesti, a 22-kilometer trail along the cliffs, as well as scenic bike paths.
Højerup Gamle Kirke
One of the standout attractions is Højerup Gamle Kirke, a charming old church that sits right on the edge of the cliff. Part of the church collapsed into the sea long ago, but the remaining structure still offers breathtaking views from a small balcony. During the summer, the church is open during the day, and it’s even a popular spot for weddings.
Next to the church, steps lead down to the beach, where you can walk beneath the cliffs (depending on the tide and weather). We love strolling along the shore, searching for fossils, and drawing with chalk from the stones before heading back up the stairs.
Stevns Fyr
The original Stevns Lighthouse dates back to 1818 and was considered one of the most modern in Europe at the time. Nearby, a taller 27-meter lighthouse was built in 1878. Visitors can explore the old lighthouse keeper’s residence, which now houses an exhibition on the lighthouse’s history, local nature, and geology.
Holtug Kridtbrud
The Holtug Kridtbrud (Holtug Chalk Quarry) was an active site until 1972. Now a protected Natura 2000 area, the quarry is a designated area of outstanding natural beauty. It’s also a prime spot for fossil hunting. Although I haven’t had the chance to fully explore it yet, it’s easily accessible from the Stevns Klint Trampesti trail.
Stevnsfort Cold War Museum
Located at the forefront of Denmark’s Cold War defenses, Stevnsfortet is a fascinating underground fort carved into the limestone of Stevns Klint. With 1.7 kilometers of corridors designed to withstand nuclear attacks, it played a crucial role in NATO’s defense strategy. Above ground, you’ll find an authentic American HAWK missile system from the Cold War era. I haven’t visited yet, but it’s high on my to-do list!
