Denmark is proud of having the lowest highest mountain of the whole European Union. Despite that, it’s very difficult to reach the peak. Why? Even Danish people are confused about their highest point and most of them don’t know which point is the highest. In fact, there are four mountains in Denmark where a sign claims it’s the highest one. In this article, I will explain everything you need to know before you “climb” the real highest point of the country – Møllehøj.
What is the highest point of Denmark?
Let’s start with the most important and actually a pretty complicated question. It’s funny because many Danes regard Himmelbjerget as the highest point of Denmark these days. The mountain’s name in English means “the heaven mountain” and it actually really looks like a mountain which is very unique for the Danish landscape. It also offers a surprisingly beautiful view (from Denmark’s perspective). All Danes regarded this place as the highest point until the end of 19th century and many still do these days.
It is however 30 m lower than Møllehøj, situated 30 km away. You might think now that here the complicated story of the highest Danish point finishes but it actually just starts. Møllehøj is not easy to reach either. The problem is that there is another hill called Ejer Bavnehøj only 300 m away with a majestic observation tower. It was built in 1924 to celebrate the new discovery of the new highest point of the country. Unfortunately, it was the highest only until until 2005 when a thorough research and measurements were made. The research found out that the highest peak is Møllehøj with 170.86 m compared to only 170.35 m at Ejer Bavnehoj.
To make it even more complicated, there is one more mountain called Yding Skovhøj which is 172.54 m high. You might think: “Omg. So they changed the highest point for the third time!” Here, the story goes another way though. It is the highest but it was man-made. There is a Bronze Age burial mound on the top without which Yding Skovhøj is a little lower than Møllehøj and therefore isn’t accepted as the highest point of the country.
Important information for reaching Møllehøj
Short description of the ascent : Short walk Essential equipment: No special equipment needed Best time to visit: All year around Fees or restrictions: No Camping allowed: No Nearest accommodation/food supply: Food and drinks in a shop at Ejer Bavnehøj Accommodation: Den Hvide Farm (nearest), Fredensholm Annex (better review) Height of the peak: 171 m Distance to the top: 291 m (one way) Time to ascend from Ejer Bavnehøj to Møllehøj: 5 min Elevation climbed: 5 m Water availability on the mountain: A shop or a toilet at Ejer Bavnehøj Difficulty level: * (6 stars maximum) Personal rating of the mountain: * (6 stars maximum) Beer on the peak: Klosterbryg (fusion of an English Strong Ale and a Danish Strong Lager) **** (6 stars maximum)
Map of the walk to Møllehøj
My story of reaching the highest point of Denmark including personal tips
I visited the highest point of Denmark as a part of the European Peaks project during which I climbed the highest point of every European country. My arrival from Lithuania to Denmark was a bit sad. My plane landed in Billund, just next to the famous Legoland and that’s a dream of every boy. Unfortunately for little Jarda, I had another mission – to climb the highest point of Denmark.
We are at a wrong mountain
I didn’t plan to visit the highest point of Denmark on my own. I met my friend Alča and my girlfriend Joanne in Aarhus and together with Alča’s Danish boss we set out for our journey towards the Danish highest peak. The only Dane of our group took the lead and drove us to the highest peak. The problem occurred when I checked the map. We ended up on the wrong highest peak. My friend Alča and her boss thought the highest mountain of Denmark is Himmelbjerget. It makes sense. It actually really looks like a mountain and you have a nice view from there. All Danes regarded this place as the highest point until the end of 19th century.
They wanted to start a picnic there to celebrate reaching the highest point but I had to be against it. I explained them the whole problem of the highest point of Denmark (see above) and we continued towards Møllehøj.
Smelly Møllehøj
We parked the car at the second highest point of the country Ejer Bavnehøj which boasts of a huge observation tower and headed towards Møllehøj. There we found out that there is only a small stone on the highest peak and next to it you can find a large cow farm. You can choose then. Either take a view from the second highest point and its tower or listen to loud cow’s moo and enjoy a great rural atmosphere on the highest peak.
A pity that we witnessed the typical Danish weather with strong wind, clouds and occasional rains. We planned a picnic on the peak but instead we decided to have it at Alča’s place. Anyway, it was fun to hunt the highest peak of Denmark and I am glad we made it.
My tips for Møllehøj
- Read beforehand which mountain is the highest. On each peak they will claim that their mountain is the highest.
- Be careful about the Danish weather.
- If you want to stay in Danish country side overnight, book accommodation nearby Møllehøj at Den Hvide Farm (nearest), or at Fredensholm Annex (better review)