Øster Nykirke Church

Øster Nykirke, also known as Saint Peder’s Church, is a rural church standing on the top of a ridge and is recognised as Denmark’s highest-lying church. From the road you drive up to an exposed position with wide views over the surrounding landscape. The church itself is a simple, traditional village church, and the elevated setting gives it a quiet, slightly remote feel despite being close to the route. It is an easy, short stop where you can stretch your legs, look around the churchyard and take in the height of the location.

Stop at Øster Nykirke if you are curious to see Denmark’s highest-lying church and experience how a country church feels when placed high on a ridge. The visit is short but offers a sense of space, fresh air and a clear view of the landscape you are driving through.

A straightforward, worthwhile stop to see Denmark’s highest-lying church on its exposed ridge.

Planning your visit

How long to stay

15–30 minutes

Best time to visit

Daytime in clear weather is best, as the appeal is largely the elevated position and views from the ridge. On bright days you see further across the landscape, and the churchyard is more pleasant to walk around. In poor visibility or heavy rain the stop is brief and mainly for those specifically interested in the church itself.

Around here

Nearby on the Margueritruten

• The source of the Gudenå

  Park · 2.8 km

• Hammer Church

  Church · 4.2 km

• Rørbæk Lake, Tinnet Krat and the Gudenåen spring

  Park · 5.3 km

• The Yvonne Stone

  Attraction · 5.6 km

• Tørring Church

  Church · 7.4 km

• Studefold syd for Nr. Snede (Steer fold)

  Park · 7.9 km

Frequently asked

What is special about Øster Nykirke Church?

Øster Nykirke, also called Saint Peder’s Church, stands on top of a ridge and is known as Denmark’s highest-lying church. The main attraction is this elevated position in otherwise gentle countryside, which gives wide views and a slightly exposed feel around the churchyard. It is a simple, rural church rather than a large town or cathedral church.

How much time should I plan for a visit to Øster Nykirke Church on a road trip?

Most visitors only need a short stop at Øster Nykirke. Many people are satisfied with 15–30 minutes to park, walk up to the churchyard, look at the building and take in the views from the ridge. If you like to sit quietly or take photographs, you might stay a little longer, but it is not a long visit.

Can I visit Øster Nykirke Church as a quick stop from the Margueritruten?

Yes. Øster Nykirke lies very close to the Margueritruten, so it works well as a brief pause on a longer driving day. You can turn off, walk around the church and churchyard, and be back on the road quite quickly. Its main draw is the high location, so even a short stop gives you the essence of the place.

Is Øster Nykirke Church suitable to visit with children or older travellers?

Øster Nykirke is a straightforward stop with a single church building and churchyard on a ridge. There are no complicated facilities to navigate, and the visit mainly involves a short walk and time outdoors. This simplicity can suit families and older travellers who want a calm, manageable stop rather than a long, busy attraction.

What can I combine with a visit to Øster Nykirke Church in the surrounding area?

You can easily combine Øster Nykirke with other nearby stops along the Margueritruten. The source of the Gudenå and the area around Rørbæk Lake and the Gudenåen spring offer short walks and a change from the church to more overtly natural scenery, all within a short driving distance of the ridge-top church.

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