Højerup Old Church - The Church on the Edge

The history of the Church dates all the way back to the 13th century. At the time people said that “kirken flyttede sig et hanefjed ind i landet hver julenat” (the Church moved an inch inland every Christmas Eve). But nature caught up with the Church. The ocean washed away the soft chalk at the base of the cliff, and in 1910 people ceased using the Church because it became too dangerous. A new church was built further away from the cliff in 1913, a beautiful chalk-stone building next to the restaurant in Højerup.

As a result of major cliff subsidence in 1928, the quire of the Church and part of the graveyard crashed into the sea. The Church was subsequently secured against further collapse. Where the quire used to be, there is now an observation terrace, where you literally hang on the cliff with a spectacular view of the Baltic Sea and the World Heritage Site. The Church is decorated with stunning frescoes. To read more about the Church and the frescoes, visit the Selskabet Højeruplund website.

Although the Church no longer officially serves as a church, it is a popular place to get married in. Every year, about 150 civil wedding ceremonies take place in the Church: many of them involving foreign couples who are looking for a special experience.

Opening Hours

The Church is open to the public from 1 April to 31 October between 10.00 am and 5.00 pm. Admission is free. During wedding ceremonies, the Church is closed to the public.

The Area

The entire area is idyllic and a perfect place to pass the time of day. You can take a walk in the Mindelunden memorial park, there is a playground and ice cream kiosk, and benches and tables for picnics. You can also enjoy a cup of coffee at the Traktørstedet Højeruplund restaurant. A short distance from the edge of the cliff, you can see the village pond, surrounded by cherry trees, and the village’s charming houses.

Højerup Old Church, the car park and the area are managed by the association, Selskabet Højeruplund.

If you happen to have caught a fish or need to rinse your boots, there are facilities and toilets behind the restaurant. Just follow the signs.

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