Stevns Municipality (Danish: Stevns Kommune) is a kommune in the Region Sjælland on the southeast coast of the island of Zealand in south Denmark. The municipality covers an area of 250 square kilometres (97sqmi), and has a population of 23,842 (1 January 2026). The municipality covers most of Stevns Peninsula.
The third largest town and the site of its municipal council is the town of Hårlev.
The town of Store Heddinge came into existence during the 13th century, and Saint Katharina Church (Sct. Katharina kirke) is also from that time. The town received privileged status as a merchant town in 1441. A Latin preparatory school was founded in the town in 1620, but was closed down in 1739.
Politics
Municipal council
Stevns' municipal council consists of 19 members, elected every four years.
The area is known for its white chalk cliffs, which are quite rare in Denmark. Stevns Klint (Stevns' Cliffs), a popular tourist attraction, is one of these. The old town church by the small village of Højerup collapsed partially over the cliffs in 1928 due to erosion.
In 2008 the Cold War Museum Stevns Fortress opened to the public. It features a large exhibition of military equipment and a 1.5-hour guided tour in the large underground system of the fortress. The underground system of the fortress features 1.6 kilometres (0.99mi) of tunnels, living quarters, command centers, hospital and even a chapel. And in addition two ammunition depots for its two 15 centimetres (5.9in) cannons. The tunnels are 18–20 metres (59–66ft) below surface excavated in the chalk of Stevns. This top secret fortress was built in 1953 and remained operational until 2000.
Stevns is also home to Elverhøj (Elves' Hill), while not much of an attraction, it is famous for the fairy tale The Elf Mound by H.C. Andersen and the Danish national play Elves' Hill, both of which in Danish share the name Elverhøj.
Notable people
Jens Juel-Vind
Peder Syv (1631–1702), philologist, folklorist and parish priest at Hellested from 1664 until 1702
