klippor

Klippor is the Swedish plural noun for rocky coastlines or cliff faces. It is derived from klippa, meaning rock or cliff, and is used to describe exposed coastal outcrops along Sweden’s shores and in other Nordic regions where bedrock emerges at the coastline. Klippor are shaped by long-term weathering and by sea action, forming sheer faces, ledges, sea stacks, and sometimes sea caves.

The geology of klippor varies by location and can include igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary rocks. Erosion by waves, ice, and wind creates niches for shoreline ecology and produces features such as tide pools during low tide. Lichens, mosses, and hardy plants often cover the surface, while seabirds and marine invertebrates may use crevices and ledges for habitat.

For people, klippor are notable for scenery and recreation. They are common in coastal walks, rock climbing routes, and boating areas, though sections can be unstable or slippery, and waves may reach the base of the cliffs.

The term also appears in place names and regional literature as a descriptor of the landscape.