Stevns Municipality: Stevns Klint, Fossils and Nature

Stevns Klint is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because the fish clay layer documents the asteroid impact associated with the extinction of the dinosaurs and half of all animal species.

Cliff and coast

Stevns Klint stretches for approximately 17 kilometres from Bøgeskov Havn in the north to Rødvig Havn in the south. The cliff is up to 40 metres high and consists of layers of whitish-grey limestone, white chalk and flint. Along the cliff runs the 22-kilometre Stevns Klint Trampesti, offering panoramic views and traces of the extinction of the dinosaurs.

Cycling is not permitted along the cliff; the Stevns Klint Trampesti may only be used on foot. At Boesdal Limestone Quarry, visitors can walk through the cliff to the sea via a former opening through which flint was once tipped onto the beach.

River valley and nature

Over its final 15 kilometres, the Tryggevælde Å runs through Stevns in a broad river valley towards Køge Bugt. Tryggevælde Ådal is designated as a Natura 2000 site and is therefore under special protection. The Ådal has two viewing towers with benches and information boards; from the southern tower, Fuglebroen leads to a birdwatching site.

Every year in spring and autumn, millions of birds pass Stevns Fyr. Typical fossils at Holtug Chalk Quarry include flint, various sea urchins and corals. Shark teeth as well as teeth or parts of a mosasaur can also be found; the thin fish clay layer above the chalk marks the K/T boundary.

In 2011, Stevns Municipality created walking trails and picnic areas in a forest and established a dog forest and a fitness trail there.

Culture and history

Stevns Klint Experience serves as the primary arrival and interpretation centre for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stevns Klint. Stevns Fyrcenter houses a permanent, free exhibition about the World Heritage Site and fossils found at Stevns. Guided World Heritage tours depart from Højerup in summer.

Gjorslev Castle offers guided tours that convey 600 years of history and the development of the medieval castle into a manor house. The grounds of Gjorslev Castle are laid out in the English garden style and are freely accessible during the day.

The Stevns Folklore Museum presents local legends, myths and folk beliefs from Stevns and the surrounding area through exhibitions, storytelling and activities for the whole family. The museum can be reached by car, public transport and bicycle.

Maritime and military heritage

The Rødvig Ship Engine Museum displays 150 ship and boat engines dating back to 1903, as well as model ships and maritime equipment. Museum visitors can experience engines being started and board the cutter Vivi.

The Stevnsfort museum ticket also includes access to the missile, gun, fighter aircraft and radar areas during the museum's opening hours. The underground section of Stevnsfort can only be visited on a guided tour. The FORT Museum brings the 1.7-kilometre tunnel network of Stevnsfort and its underground operations room to life.

Places in the municipality

The municipality includes the towns of Rødvig, Strøby, Strøby Egede, Tureby, Tåstrup, Klippinge, Store Heddinge and Hårlev.

For the overview of the wider travel region: Zealand.