Rubjerg Knude is a dramatic stretch of coastline on the North Sea, a few kilometres west of Hjørring in northern Jutland. Natural forces are constantly at work here. Sand drifts across the landscape, dunes move, and the sea continues to eat away at the cliffs. The landscape is never quite the same from one visit to the next.
Rubjerg Knude is part of Lønstrup Klint, a coastal cliff system stretching for around 15 kilometres between Lønstrup and Løkken. The cliffs reach approximately 70–90 metres at their highest points.
The lighthouse at Rubjerg Knude dates from 1900. It was built on a cliff around 200 metres from the sea and approximately 60 metres above sea level. Over the years, the coastline eroded and the dunes advanced, gradually burying the base of the lighthouse.
Not far away is the old Rubjerg churchyard, which dates back to around 1100. Its history is connected with sailors who lost their lives at sea. One of the interesting gravestones features a Romanesque granite cross on one side and a pagan sun wheel on the other. It is believed to be as old as the church itself.
Historical note: This visit took place in 2016. The lighthouse was moved inland in 2019 to protect it from coastal erosion, so the landscape and access arrangements have changed since these photographs were taken.
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