A thin layer of fish clay tells the story of a profound turning point in Earth’s history in Stevns Municipality: it documents the asteroid impact associated with the extinction of the dinosaurs and half of all animal species. At Stevns Klint, this World Heritage site is visible in a landscape of white-grey limestone, white chalk and flint. The cliff is up to 40 metres high and stretches for about 17 kilometres from Bøgeskov Havn in the north to Rødvig Havn in the south.
Chalk cliffs, walking trail and fossils
The 22-kilometre Stevns Klint Trampesti runs along the cliff. The walking trail offers panoramic views and traces of the extinction of the dinosaurs. The two distances describe different things: about 17 kilometres is the length of the cliff, while 22 kilometres is the length of the trail. The Trampesti is for walking only; cycling is not permitted along the cliff. If you would rather explore geological history at individual sites, Holtug Kridtbrud also offers tangible points of interest.
Typical fossils at Holtug Kridtbrud include lightning stones, sea urchins and corals. Shark teeth, as well as teeth or parts of a mosasaur, can also be found there. The thin layer of fish clay above the chalk marks the K/T boundary. At Boesdal Kalkbrud, a former opening leads through the cliff to the sea. Flint was once tipped onto the beach through this opening; today, visitors can walk through it.
River valley and bird migration
The Tryggevælde Å valley has a different landscape character. For its final 15 kilometres through Stevns, the Å flows through a broad river valley towards Køge Bugt. Tryggevælde Ådal is designated a Natura 2000 site and is therefore under special protection. Two observation towers with benches and information boards help visitors find their way around the valley. From the southern tower, Fuglebroen leads to a birdwatching spot.
The time of year also shapes what you can experience in the landscape: millions of birds fly past Stevns Fyr every year in spring and autumn. In summer, guided World Heritage tours depart from Højerup. For seasonal tours, it is advisable to check the dates before your trip.
Stories, technology and history
Stevns Folklore Museum focuses on local legends, myths and folk beliefs from Stevns and the surrounding area. Exhibitions, storytelling and activities for the whole family explore these themes in different ways. The museum is accessible by car, public transport and bicycle. Rødvig Skibsmotormuseum offers a different perspective on local history: its collection includes 150 ship and boat engines dating back to 1903, as well as model ships and maritime equipment. Visitors can see engines being started and board the cutter Vivi. These visitor experiences may depend on museum operations; check in advance whether they are available.
At Stevnsfort, the history of the military site is paired with a look underground. The FORT Museum brings the 1.7-kilometre tunnel network and the underground operations room to life. The underground part of Stevnsfort can only be visited on a guided tour. During the museum’s opening hours, the museum ticket also includes access to the missile, artillery, fighter aircraft and radar area. As ticket terms may change, it is worth checking the latest visitor information.
Guided tours at Gjorslev Slot tell 600 years of history and trace its development from a medieval castle to a manor house. The park is laid out in the English garden style and is freely accessible during the day. Stevns Fyrcenter has a permanent, free exhibition about the World Heritage site and fossils found on Stevns. The region can therefore be explored in different ways: through geological traces, stories and technology, as well as a castle park or an exhibition.
Discover more destinations: Rødvig, Strøby, Strøby Egede, Tureby, Tåstrup, Klippinge, Store Heddinge, Hårlev.
For the broader travel overview: Zealand.
