The highest "mountain" in Denmark
Ejer Bavnehøj is together with Møllehøj “The Mill Top” the highest natural point in Denmark, 170.86 metres above sea level. A characteristic tower 13 metres high is placed on the top. The tower was built in 1924, as a memorial of the reunion of the south of Jutland which was lost to Prussia in 1864, and reunited with Denmark after the First World War.
From the top is a magnificent view over an unique moraine landscape developed in the latter part of third ice age. Here the ice borderline of the east of Jutland is very clear. The ice flowed around the high plateau of Ejer. In bright weather it’s possible to see the island of Samsø, and even the bridge over Lillebælt 50 kilometres away.
Highest!
Until 1847 people thought that Himmelbjerget (‘Sky Mountain’) was the highest point in Denmark, but it’s only 147 metres above sea. At that time Ejer Bavnehøj was declared to be higher, and in 1874 it was measured to be 170.95 metres above sea level. Nevertheless Yding Skovhøj, only 3 kilometres away, was declared to be even higher, due to several new measurements in the middle of the 1900’s. This was a great disappointment for people involved in Ejer Bavnehøj. The Danish authorities finally decided in 1953 that a burial mound on Yding Skovhøj from the bronze age didn’t count. That reduced Yding Skovhøj to 170.89 metres, and means that Ejer Bavnehøj wins this height competition by only 6 centimetres!
In 2002 the heights were adjusted due to the new general measure method DVR90. Ejer Bavnehøj has sunk 6 centimetres to then 170.89 metres, but the same applies to Yding Skovhøj measured at 170.83 metres.
Nevertheless, the battle of heights took a dramatic turning in February 2005. A panel of experts selected as referees in the battle proclaimed their winner.
The panel, made up of a geography professor, an archaeologist, and an office head at Denmark’s National Geographical Survey, determined that Denmark’s highest point, measuring in at a height of 170.86 metres is Møllehøj. The winner came in exactly nine centimetres higher than the second highest point, Rodebuske in Yding Skov, and 51 centimetres higher than the third highest, Ejer Bavnehøj. But Møllehøj is located only 270 metres west of Ejer Bavnehøj on an ordinary field belonging to a farmer. There is only a minor slope between the two tops. According to the international principle of primary factors they are defined as one complete top.
The actual top ten is announced to be:
- Møllehøj/Ejer Bavnehøj, Ejer, Jutland: 170.86 metres
- Yding Skovhøj/Rodebuske, Yding, Jutland: 170.77 metres
- Rytterknægten, Almindingen, Bornholm: 162 metres
- Rye Sønderskov, Gl. Ry, Jutland: 157 metres
- Them Bavnehøj, Them, Jutland: 153 metres
- Sorring Loddenhøj, Sorring, Jutland: 148 metres
- Himmelbjerget, Gl. Ry, Jutland: 147 metres
- Ottehøje, Bryrup, Jutland: 145 metres
- Aborrebjerg, Møn: 143 metres
- Alvildas Høj, Gl. Ry, Jutland: 142 metres
All measurements are according to DVR90 based on information from Kort & Marikelstyrelsen and the Norwegian author Roger Pihl in his book “Guide to Denmark’s mountains”, published in 2005.
In order to get en reasonable view of Møllehøj you are recommended to climb the tower of Ejer Bavnehøj.
History
Ejer is the name of a nearby village. Bavnehøj means hill where people burned bonfires – also called beacons. Throughout history fires have been lit on highpoints in the landscape to warn of unrest and to mobilize the army. Men fit for military service had a duty to assemble at designated spots, when the beacon was lit.
This warning system was last used in the wars of 1807 against England and perhaps also Prussia in 1848-51 in north Germany. Thereafter the function of the beacon was taken over by telegraph and signal rockets.
For many years Ejer Bavnehøj was unknown, without any road connection. In 1917 the area was protected and The Ejer Bavnehøj Company was established. A big stone, in memory of the reunion of the south of Jutland after the First World War was raised in 1920. In addition a collection made it possible to build the present tower which was dedicated in 1924 at a huge assembly. The tower is 13 metres high and consists of a double triumph bow – one bow turned to each direction of the world.
The Borough of Skanderborg bought the tower and the surrounding area in 1979.
Activities and events
Celebration of the Danish constitution (Grundlovsdag) 5th of June.
Every 4th Sunday in August there is a meeting to celebrate Danish traditions and customs as well as the connection with the Danish minority south of the German border.
Furthermore you can join a number of cultural events throughout the year – for instance geocachcing, music concerts, entertainment and guided tours.
Location
By car on the motorway E45, turn off at junction 54, and follow the signs for Ejer Bavnehøj, about 3 kilometres.
Association
In 1999 a new association Ejer Bavnehøjs Venner (Friends of Ejer Bavnehøj) was established in order to promote the ‘roof of Denmark’. The aim is to make the tower and its surroundings more attractive to visitors, to create activities relating to the area, and to supply information about the areas significance in geology and history. It’s an NGO and non-profit making association for private persons and other organisations.
The association has been working on restoration of the tower and development of the area in collaboration with the Borough of Skanderborg. This includes a lift installed in 2002, enabling people with disabilities access to the tower. Walking paths and facilities for resting, lightning og plants has been established. In 2010, a new kiosk, information boards and toilet house was built supported by Realdania. And in 2011 the the high lands around Ejer Bavnehøj was officially named Ejer Bjerge (Mountains). On Møgelhøj you are welcome to use two shelters, cfire, picnic tables, benches and information boards.
