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Which is the highest point in Denmark: Ejer Bavnehøj, its rival Yding Skovhøj, or the newly discovered Møllehøj? This question is undoubtedly a popular choice for bets and quizzes throughout the country. Opinions are divided, as they have been for many years.

Right up until 1847, Himmelbjerget – or “Sky Mountain” – was officially the highest point in Denmark at 147 metres, and still is as far as many foreigners are concerned. Ejer Bavnehøj then enjoyed first place up until 1941, when Yding Skovhøj claimed the title. However, with a lead of only 6 cm Ejer Bavnehøj reclaimed the throne in 1953 after a heated dispute. Back then, a professor declared that man-made elevations do not count – including burial mounds such as that on Yding Skovhøj.

It is only the natural surface that is of consequence. As a result, another professor started making borings to establish the natural levels. In 2005, he declared the previously overlooked hilltop Møllehøj as the winner and demoted Ejer Bavnehøj, which is also built on a burial mound, to third place. Then the debate intensified again.

All this explains why there are so many varying height measurements in encyclopaedias, travel books and on the Internet. But a good Solomonic judgement is that Møllehøj and Ejer Bavnehøj are, with only 200 metres between them, one and the same hilltop with a height of 170.86 metres. At least, that is how the situation stands in 2007.

For centuries, beacons have been lit throughout Denmark when its enemies were on the move. A simple warning system which was used up until the nineteenth century – also on Ejer Bavnehøj. Apart from serving as a beacon, the hilltop received little attention until 1917, when the private limited company “Aktieselskabet for Ejer Bavnehøj” was formed and which managed to have the hill protected. In 1920, a huge stone was erected to mark the reunion of Southern Jutland with the rest of Denmark. The following year, King Christian X visited the hilltop and popular activities drew thousands of people.

Following an ambitious national fund-raising campaign, local men constructed the 12.5-metre-high reunion tower in 1924. A double triumphal arch dominates the tower – with each arch facing each of the world’s four corners. To the south is the distinctive portrait bust of King Christian. Rumour has it that the king snorted: “It resembles a bull’s head like those above a butcher’s door!" However, the bronze work was allowed to remain, and the artist, Rathsack, was later made a knight of the Dannebrog.

There was another royal visit on the occasion of the tower’s 60th anniversary when Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik participated in the annual open-air meeting. This traditional event, which is held each August, continues to be popular with speeches, songs, gymnastics and country dancing.

In 1979, the tower was given to the Municipality of Skanderborg. In collaboration with the “Friends of Ejer Baunehøj” society, an extensive and timely restoration of the tower has been carried out. The brickwork has been given a facelift, granite surfacing has been laid and lighting, railings and information boards have been installed. The tower has been equipped with the highest lift of its kind in Denmark. Throughout the project, accessibility for everyone was a key issue.

New and extensive improvements are currently being implemented. For example a new access road, more car parking, a playground and a kiosk. The project is financed through funding from the municipality and various foundations, the aim being to boost tourism and make the visit a memorable one.

If you have not made it up to the top yet, it is well worth a visit – the views are magnificent. The spectacular moraine landscape, formed during the last Ice Age, twists away to the south of Ejer Bavnehøj. Here you will also be able to find Denmark’s highest “traces in the landscape”, a beautiful, challenging foot trail over Møllehøj to Møgelhøj. The route is part of the outdoor activities at the BestigBjerge.dk website – ClimbHills – which encourages everyone to explore hilltops and collect height metres in the Danish Lake District.

Viggo Rasmussen
Friends of Ejer Baunehøj