Hiking Møns Klint and Store Klintskov on the island of Møn
Hiking Møns Klint and Store Klinteskov in Møn, Denmark, was nothing short of spectacular. It felt like stepping into a natural wonderland. The dramatic white cliffs, lush forests, and sparkling Baltic Sea create a breathtaking backdrop for an unforgettable adventure. From the vibrant beach scene to the serene forest paths, each moment of the hike offered a unique and captivating experience.
Our hiking adventure began with a two-hour drive to Møns Klint GeoCenter, where the final stretch of the road transformed from asphalt to a manageable gravel path. Arriving at the bustling parking area, we paid a reasonable fee of 45 DKK (6€) for the day.
View from the Gråryg Fald stairs
From Geocenter Møns Klint to the Beach
Excited and energized, we made our way to the GeoCenter, teeming with eager tourists. The adventure truly began as we discovered the stairs leading down to Møns Klint beach. These wooden stairs, thoughtfully constructed with supportive handrails and flat sections for rest, allowed us to comfortably descend to the beach. The moment we caught sight of the iconic white cliffs and the mesmerizing blue Baltic waters, we were captivated by the unexpected beauty.
The geology of Møns Klint
Møns Klint is a remarkable 6 km stretch of limestone and chalk cliffs along the eastern coast of the Danish island of Møn in the Baltic Sea. These cliffs are composed of the remains of millions of microscopic creatures, known as coccolithophores, which lived on the seabed over 70 million years ago. Over time, the pressure from glaciers moving westward compacted and pushed the terrain upwards, creating the hills and folds we see today. When the ice melted at the end of the last ice age about 11 000 years ago, the cliffs emerged, revealing the stunning landscape. Fossil enthusiasts can find various types of shellfish fossils along the cliffs, as the sea continues to erode the chalk.
Store Klintskov Forest Unique Charm
Exploring the Lively Beach and Cliffs Up Close
Reaching the beach, we found ourselves amidst a lively scene. People of all ages were soaking up the sun, taking refreshing dips in the water, and hunting for fossils along the shore. The beach offered two paths: a northern route, where one had to wade through shallow water, and a more accessible southern path. Choosing the latter, we strolled southward, marveling at the picturesque landscape and the cheerful beachgoers.
Southern Path and Climbing Up Again
As we continued, the southern path treated us to serene ponds formed by sea water and hilly sections created from the chalk rocks. The cliffs on our right, with their striking white hues and unique formations, were a constant source of awe. Soon, we arrived at the southern side of the beach, where there was another set of well-crafted wooden stairs. We were ready to ascend into the surrounding forest park and complete our loop hike through the Store Klintskov natural park. The climb, though exhausting, was made bearable by the shaded rest areas and occasional benches.
Hiking Through the Forest
Reaching the top at stairs that were along the Gråryd Fald, we continued southward through a path lined with tall grass and shaded by trees. The narrow trail required us to step aside into the tall grass for oncoming hikers. Emerging from this trail section, we were greeted by a breathtaking view of Møn’s southern coastline and the expansive sea. This scenic spot made for a perfect lunch break, where we enjoyed homemade sandwiches while admiring the cliffs.
Venturing Deeper into Store Klinteskov
After lunch, we ventured further south, only to find the paths less exciting on our AllTrails map. Near a tall station or tower (we are not sure what its function is), we found a promising path, but it was blocked by an electric fence, making us retrace yet again our steps north. Instead of retracing our steps all the way to the stairs, we climbed earlier from the beach, we headed deeper into the forest westward.
This new route led us through a series of hilly terrains, making us feel accomplished as we were finally able to continue on the trail without having to retrace our steps. The forest path was a pleasant surprise, offering ample shade and a serene atmosphere. It was a welcome change from the open cliffs and fields, providing a tranquil and refreshing experience as we continued our loop hike through Møns Klint and Store Klinteskov.
By the Dusty Road and Store Geddesø
Walking along this part of the hike was easy and pleasant up until we had to pass alongside the dusty gravel road shared with cars. As we were passed by few cars that kicked up dust, we were eager to escape the dusty road and we took the first turn leading us away from this road. Not far from there we discovered the beautiful Store Geddesø, a lake surrounded by lush greenery and a little boat making the perfect picture. Skirting Camp Møns Klint, we continued on our path, noting signs for official trails and one pointing towards Aborrebjerg.
Along One of Denmark’s Picturesques Coastal trails
Aborrebjerg and the Beautiful Fields
The trail to Aborrebjerg led us through an open field, offering panoramic views of the area. We really wanted to stay there for longer to admire the view, but it was very hot and sunny day, so we were looking for a shade. Descending the hill, adorned with wildflowers, we encountered friendly German hikers seeking directions towards the beach. The path leading towards the coastline was between fields, flat and easy, eventually leading us back into the cool shade of the forest.
Returning Along the Coastal Path
Approaching the coastline again, we debated visiting Liselund Castle but opted to continue along the rewarding coastal path. This trail provided intermittent, stunning views of the cliffs, while the dense trees occasionally obscured the scenery. Along the way, we encountered signs indicating closed access points due to a past storm. Luckily these signs were from last year devastating storm surges in entire Denmark over two meters higher than usual, leading even some places in Denmark to be evacuated due to the record-high water levels. Luckily for us, the stairs have been repaired since then and locals and tourists were allowed to use the stairs.
Back to the GeoCenter Møns Klint and a Sweet Treat
As we neared the GeoCenter, the path became busier with people and tourists, signaling our proximity to the starting point. The final stretch offered numerous vantage points for observing the white cliffs and the tranquil Baltic waters. We even spotted boats and kayakers enjoying the serene environment. Finally, the stairs led us back to the bustling GeoCenter, where we treated ourselves to ice cream and coffee to celebrate the end of our hike.
Our journey concluded with a relaxing drive home, a delicious dinner, and a cozy evening, reminiscing about our unforgettable adventure at Møns Klint and Store Klinteskov. It has been on our wish list of places to visit in Denmark for a long time now and we felt accomplished of doing this in this special sunny day. This hike, with its stunning landscapes, varied terrain, and vibrant atmosphere, was an experience we will cherish forever.
Start
GeoCenter Møns Klint
End
GeoCenter Møns Klint
Duration
4 hours
Length
13 km
Difficulty
Intermediate
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