The sights and spectacular views come thick and fast on this section of the route. Fortunately, this part of the route is not very long which means there is (almost) time to explore them all.
The picture above shows the view across Stevns Klint (Stevns Cliffs) from Højerup Gl. Kirke (Højerup Old Church).
Stevnsfort Cold War Museum. Photo: VisitStevns
The route passes Boesdal Kalkbrud (Boesdal Limestone Quarry) which was closed down at the end of the 1970s. It has now become a recreation area. Cycle down the hills and into the Pyramid – the 25-metre-high and 3,000-square-metre conical warehouse seems enormous from the inside.
Koldkrigsmuseum Stevnsfort (Stevnsfort Cold War Museum) tells the story of one of Denmark's most secret locations. During the Cold War, Stevnsfort would have been the front line if war had ever started between east and west, and for 40 years Stevnsfort was on alert around the clock. Now Stevnsfort is open to the public and there is a great deal to see – both above and below ground.
Stevns Cliffs. Photo: The Museum of East Zealand
Højerup is an excellent place to experience Stevns Klint (Stevns Cliffs). The Cliffs tell the dramatic story of how the dinosaurs and half of all species of animal were wiped out 65.5 million years ago when the Earth was hit by an asteroid. Stevns is the best place in the world in which to see the thin layer of fish clay hidden between chalk and limestone which bears witness to the impact of the asteroid. Get the whole story at Stevns Museum.
Højerup Gl. Kirke (Højerup Old Church) opened in 1357 – far from the edge of the cliffs, but the sea has eaten away at the cliffs to such an extent that in 1928 the chancel fell into the sea. The church has now been secured and the missing chancel replaced by a viewing terrace with a fantastic view of the cliffs and the sea.
Behind the new church and Traktørstedet, you will find a memorial grove with a memorial to the people to whom the population of Stevns owes a debt of gratitude.
Take a trip up to Stevns Fyr (Stevns Lighthouse) just north of Højerup and enjoy another fantastic view. Both the lighthouse, which dates back to 1878, and the lighthouse keeper's cottage are open to the public.
Photo: Peer Nørgaard, Stevns
During the Cold War, Flagbanken at Mandehoved formed part of the air defence of Copenhagen. It is now a recreation area with several rare plants that thrive in the chalky soil. Visit the exhibition about the geology of Stevns Cliffs or do some bird-watching (or just enjoy the view) from the bird-watching tower.
Limestone is still quarried at Stevns Kridtbrud (Stevns Limestone Quarry). Stop and take a look down into the dramatic hole with its azure waters.
Until 1972, chalk and limestone were quarried at Holtug Kridtbrud (Holtug Limestone Quarry) which has now become a recreation area. Here you will find many rare and protected plants and amphibians, reptiles, fossils and petrifactions.
Gjorslev Castle. Photo: Peer Nørgaard, Stevns
Gjorslev Gods (Gjorslev Castle) is Denmark's only inhabited medieval castle. The park, designed in the English style with many large, free-standing trees, is open to the public. Enjoy a walk here and become enchanted by the well-preserved castle.
Gjorslev Gods (Gjorslev Castle) also owns Gjorslev Bøgeskov (Gjorslev Beech Forest) which is open to the public. The forest has 55 burial mounds, and Møllesøen is home to rich bird life.
Vallø Castle
At sundown on a quiet and clear summer's evening, take a trip up to the Ranes Banke burial mound. The fantastic view across Køge Bugt (Køge Bay) encompasses Copenhagen to the north and the coast all the way down to northern Stevns.
Vallø Slot (Vallø Castle) has a history going back to the middle of the 16th century. In 1893, the castle burnt down. Only the walls were left standing and many cultural treasures went up in smoke. Vallø Slot (Vallø Castle) was inhabited by unmarried aristocratic maidens. The English castle gardens are open to the public. The gardens create a spectacular and elegant 15-hectare framework around the castle.
In Strøby Egede, you will find Solgårdsparken – a park that still has the characteristics of the abundance of previous times. The gardens have artificial lakes, canals and avenues with artworks scattered around the park.
If you prefer a less formal landscape, take a detour to Tryggevælde Ådal (Tryggevælde River Valley) which offers beautiful scenery all year around.
Photo: VisitDenmark/Henrik Stenberg
Køge is an old market town with an impressive old town around its central square. Here you will find well-preserved and interesting buildings, e.g. many impressive half-timbered farm houses and courtyard environments dating back to the Middle Ages. Køge also has the oldest functioning town hall building in Denmark. It dates back to 1567. Køge also boasts Denmark's oldest dated half-timbered house which was built in 1527.
Kjøge Miniby is a fun experience for all the family. See the town as it looked in 1865 – from above.