Møns Klint, A Not Boring Day trip from Copenhagen

Feb 1

Møns Klint transcends the superficial allure of a seascape; instead, it serves as an elemental odyssey, a geological masterpiece, and a space for profound contemplation.

On the eastern fringes of Denmark’s Coast, Møns Klint reveals itself as an achingly beautiful natural wonder. Towering 128 meters high, these ethereal chalk cliffs sit nestled against the Baltic Sea, and the two, working in tandem, create an awe-inspiring turquoise shoreline. An icy cold version of the Caribbean in Northern Europe. This UNESCO heritage site is so transcendently sublime, so filled with unadulterated grandeur, it can cause even the most seasoned travelers to momentarily lose their bearings. It’s the scenery, sure, but there’s just something about this place that gives it an undefined mystical quality. It’s a place that seems to evolve even in the stillness, as if with every sea breeze, every rustle of leaves, Møns Klint is perpetually changing. Møns Klint transcends the superficial allure of a seascape; instead, it serves as an elemental odyssey, a geological masterpiece, and a space for profound contemplation. Quite simply, it's one of the most not boring places you could ever find yourself.

There are a few ways to visit Møns Klint from Copenhagen. You can book a tour through one of the big online travel sites like Viator or Airbnb experiences. You can take trains and buses, but the easiest and most not boring way to visit is to rent a car and drive yourself. Central Copenhagen has several large car rental services you can book with before your trip. We used Sixt, and for less than $100, we got a very large, very comfortable, but very ugly Renault. If traveling from the US, you only need to present them with your valid US driver's license (check to ensure nothing has changed before you go). While it's slightly more money, opt for the most full coverage insurance option they offer. While you likely won't need it, it's a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Start your day early. We recommend aiming for an 8AM - 9AM pickup for your car. Depending on traffic, the drive typically takes an hour and a half to two hours. And while the first part of your drive is all freeway and relatively boring, once you exit the motorway, you’ll find yourself driving through charming small Danish town after charming small Danish town. We traveled in October, right before Møns closed for the season, so lots of the shops were shuttered, but if you’re visiting during high season, explore and antique to your heart's content.

Set your GPS for the GeoCenter; it’s the closest parking to the cliffs and trails. The visitor’s center offers ticketed exhibits on the area's geological history, but anyone can access the restrooms, cafe, and gift shop. It’s not a bad idea to talk to the staff inside the Geocenter if you have any hesitation about which trails to take to take. They could not be more friendly and excited to talk about the site’s awe-inspiring scenery.

Things To Do On Your Not-Boring Day Trip

Take In the View From Above

These chalk cliffs are 70 million years old and slowly crumbling into the Baltic Sea below, so take them in while you can. Seriously though, the panoramic views are breathtaking from any of the many viewpoints along the cliffside trails. Use the maps to hike to various scenic points for the full Mons experience.

Forest Bathing

It may not be true forest bathing, but the cliffside trails that offer such pristine views of the Baltic also move inland, immersing you into what’s best described as an almost fairy tale-like forest. The trails offer wonderfully tranquil or strenuous hiking, depending on your fitness level and desire. Still, either way, you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful foliage, depending on the time of year you visit. We’ll never forget the enchanted atmosphere of the forest just above Møns highest peak, with its trees covered in white chalk from the cliffs that made it seem like you were walking through a Hans Christian Andersen story.

Head Down To The Shore

Descend the staircases from the cliffside trails down to the shoreline. Just remember, once you go down, there's only one way back up. The view from the shore allows you a completely different perspective of the cliffs and puts their colossal size into proper focus. The shoreline in parts is rocky, and depending on the tide, you may get wet, but there's nothing more invigorating than the cold waters of the Baltic. In the summer, tide permitting, bring a blanket and enjoy the Scandinavian Sun. If you're more into the educational aspects of traveling, know that the shoreline, with its hidden coves and geographical secrets, is full of ancient fossils. The GeoCenter above organizes tours to the shore where they'll help you find your own piece of 70 million-year-old history.

From The Water

This is a warm weather activity, but to truly take in the vast scenery, we can't think of a better way of seeing Møns Klint than from the Baltic itself. There are boats and Kayaks you can hire on your own, but if you're like us and renting a car in another country was a big step, you can opt for a hired tour aboard the boat of a local guide. This is 100% how we would see Møns on a warmer weather visit.

Picnic Up Top

There are several nearby seaside towns where you can stop along your way to pick up provisions and Danish delicacies and enjoy a cliffside picnic. You can also visit the cafe at the visitor center, but it's expensive and not very good. Either way, you'll be hard-pressed to have a meal with a better view.

If you’ve had enough of nature and are looking to sit down and enjoy a meal inside, here are a few nearby options on your drive back to Copenhagen.

Restaurant ND122 - Thyravej 10, 4791 Borre, Denmark

David’s - Storegade 11 , 4780, Stege, Denmark

Stege Sushi - Storegade 36, 4780 Stege, Denmark

Robyn Schmutte