The 'Fish Clay' layer at Stevns Klint contains high concentrations of iridium, a metal rare on Earth but common in asteroids.
The 1928 collapse of the Old Højerup Church occurred during a storm, leaving the altar area precariously close to the cliff edge.
The cliffs rise up to 41 meters above the level of the Baltic Sea.
Unlike many other geological sites, the K-Pg boundary here is accessible at eye level in the cliff face rather than buried deep underground.
The site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage property in 2014.
During the Cold War, the limestone cliff was hollowed out to create the underground Stevnsfort Fortress, which is currently a separate museum experience.
The chalk cliffs are composed of bryozoan limestone, formed by microscopic sea organisms millions of years ago.
Stevns Klint is a 15-kilometer stretch of coastal chalk cliffs that serves as the world’s clearest geological record of the K-Pg boundary. A distinct dark layer of fish clay marks the asteroid impact site 66 million years ago that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs. The site is a designated UNESCO World Heritage area featuring fossilized marine remains embedded within the limestone. Visitors can explore the cliff tops via the Trampestien coastal path which traverses the entire length of the formation. The Old Højerup Church is situated on the cliff edge where a portion of the original structure collapsed into the sea in 1928. The Boesdals Kalkbrud site includes an abandoned limestone quarry now repurposed for public access. The site exhibits clear evidence of the mass extinction event that eliminated 50% of all living species. Exposed geological strata provide a visible timeline of the earth's biological history.
The viewpoint near the Old Højerup Church providing a panoramic perspective of the coastline and the church perched on the edge.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the coastal paths can be uneven and occasionally slippery after rain.
Bring binoculars to spot fossils embedded in the rock faces without needing to climb or touch the unstable cliffs.
Check local weather forecasts, as high winds on the cliff tops can significantly reduce visibility and comfort.
Avoid walking too close to the cliff edges, as coastal erosion makes the ground stability unpredictable.
Outdoor walking paths remain accessible year-round, though some local museum facilities follow seasonal operating patterns.
Do not climb, dig, or remove fossils from the cliff face to ensure safety and preserve the geological integrity.
