Skagen – the northern tip of Denmark

Skagen at a glance

Denmark’s northernmost city is a popular holiday destination for many Danes because it can be something very special. The magical light combined with white long sandy beaches, traditionally built houses and wild nature is something that cannot be found anywhere else in Denmark.

It’s like a beach getaway in the heyday of the 1930s where you can feel the calm and relaxed holiday atmosphere and feel like anything can happen at the same time. Discover this city, which ranks first in our survey of the most sought-after Danish summer destinations.

The cozy city at the top of Denmark has something to offer for everyone. The charming cityscape with the yellow-washed houses and the lively harbor area is a very special experience. Stand with one leg in the North Sea and the other in the Kattegat, follow in the footsteps of the Skagen painters and try wonderful fish dishes in the beautiful red warehouses by the harbor.

Welcome to Skagen – the northernmost point in Denmark, where the Baltic Sea and the North Sea meet. Skagen offers unique experiences all year round: fascinating nature, authentic Danish and Scandinavian culture, exciting events and much more. 65 km of white sandy beaches backed by dunes seduce visitors to experience all the activities that live with life by the sea.

Skagen has an art history

The city has been a center for music, literature and art since the 19th century. Painters came here to reproduce the coveted light in their works of art and paintings. Some of these famous paintings by the famous Skagen painters are in the Skagen Museum. One of them is, for example, Anna Ancher’s work ‘Sunshine in the Blue Living Room’ from Brøndums Hotel. Experience the blue living room in the museum and then watch the sun shine through the window when you visit the hotel.

Skagen’s own art is world famous and abundantly shows the history of the city. Some of Denmark’s most famous and valued artists have distinguished themselves with Skagen and its development as a vacation spot. The artists were drawn to the wonderful light, landscape and harsh conditions that kept the inhabitants of the fishing villages entertaining.

At the end of the 19th century there was an artist colony here, populated by artists from all over Europe. Many of her works can be seen in the Skagen Museum. In Skagen, visitors can get a lively impression of art and life in two authentic artist houses: “Drachmanns Haus”, the home of the poet and ship painter Holger Drachmann and the home of the married couple “Anna and Michael Ancher’s House”.

Vacation in Skagen

Drive to the top of Denmark and you will find the idyllic village of Skagen. The 700 year old fishing village not only exudes Danish “hygge”, but also offers a perfect atmosphere for contemplation and relaxation with its rich cultural and culinary history. Outside the city limits, wild nature joins great adventures.

The colliding seas at Grenen

At the top of Skagen you will find a unique natural phenomenon. Here the two seas Kattegat and Baltic Sea meet and fight in the waves. The branch is part of the 30 km long headland, which is one of the largest in the world. The flat and beautiful coastal landscape is protected and is home to an abundance of wildlife and unique flora. This natural wonder of colliding seas, which can only be experienced in a few places in the world, creates a unique spectacle and allows you to get so close to such a strong natural force that bathing in Grenen is actually forbidden. But don’t hesitate to dip your toes in shallow waters where the seas come together. There are those who swim around freely in greens: the seals, who are now so used to tourists that they have no problem resting under them.

Miles of beaches

Bathing in Skagen

If you enjoy going for a swim or just want to soak up the sun while you relax with a good book, Skagen is surrounded by a number of great beaches. The wide sandy beaches and the beautiful dunes are ideal for the Danish summer or for a short walk outside of the high season.

You can’t visit Skagen without spending time on the beach. The city has some of the best beaches in Denmark. The beaches are of course divided according to interest. If you’re looking for kid-friendly beaches with calm and shallow waters, stick with the beaches on the east side.

Skagen Sønderstrand to the east is called Skagen’s original beach. This is where the Skagen painters stood and looked out over the sea to capture the magical light in their paintings. The beach has light waves and is close to town. The dam sites and beaches of Hulsig / Bunken are further south to the east and are perfect for fishing. They have large open spaces and the dunes as a playground.

The beaches on the west side of the peninsula can have strong winds. Therefore, they are less attractive for sunbathing and swimming. Instead, you will find the perfect conditions for water sports activities such as wind and kite surfing. Try the beaches at the end of Højensvej , Kandestedvej and Råbjergvej.

Swimming in the rushing North Sea of Løkken has something absolutely fantastic. The seaside resort has the most beautiful sandy beach, and here you move between fishing boats, bunkers from the Second World War and small, white, characteristic bathing huts on the dunes. Feel the fresh breeze on the beach – you might be one of the lucky ones and find a lump of amber. Or enjoy the cozy atmosphere and eat freshly caught fish in one of the local restaurants or cafes.

Surfing in Skagen

There is also the opportunity to experience the wild waves up close. If you need an adrenaline rush, there are plenty of surfing opportunities – both in Løkken and south of Hanstholm, where you can find the well-known and popular Cold Hawaii surfing area. You can easily spend an entire vacation here – it is a surfer’s paradise and one of the best surfing spots in Europe.

Climb the Danish desert from Råbjerg Mile

A living desert landscape is this incredible sand dune located west of Skagen. The dune moves about 15 to 20 meters northeast each year when there is strong wind. Be amazed by the tall sand dunes in the barren mini-desert and get sand between your toes as you make the journey across the mile. Famous for its size and popular with hikers, this is an attraction not to be missed.

Rubjerg Knude Fyr

If you are enthusiastic about the wild coast and the spectacular nature in this area, drive past Rubjerg Knude, which is located between Lønstrup and Løkken. An iconic sand landscape rises 90 meters above sea level and the world-famous Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse stands on the shifting dune. (Lighthouse)

Ålbæk

The idyllic little fishing village of Ålbæk is located between Frederikshavn and Skagen – originally a fishing village. Today it houses a fishing port and a marina. Get the wind in your hair and experience the beautiful and untouched nature. Here you will find everything from a golden bathing beach to lush areas of forests, meadows, and plant and bird life.

Tip: Hike in Ålbæk Klitplantage or visit one of the largest shifting dunes in Europe, the Råbjerg Mile.

The buried church

Another popular attraction in Skagen is the Buried Church. Built in the second half of the 14th century, this church was the largest in the region. However, drifting sand slowly covered the church, which the congregation left to dig into. When this became increasingly impossible, the church was abandoned by royal decree in 1795. Today only the church tower is visible, which is an unusual sight and a beautiful setting for cultural events, such as the annual world ballet with performances by dancers from the Royal Ballet of London.

The Skagen artists and the land of light

When you visit Skagen you will see the effect that artists had on the village. In the 19th century, Skagen enjoyed great success as a fashionable holiday destination. This drew a large number of poets, writers and painters to the area and Skagen developed into an international meeting place for artists. Today you can see the works of famous artists such as Anna and Michael Ancher, PS Krøyer, Holger Drachmann and many others in the Skagens Museum. What attracted the many artists and tourists was the fantastic light of Skagen. Skagen is also known as the “Land of Light” because the light is particularly pure due to the sun and the meeting of sky and sea. This light is bathed in a magical blue in September, where the twilight between day and night seems to merge sea and sky. This natural phenomenon is celebrated during the “Blue September” festival.

Festivals

A number of festivals take place in Skagen throughout the year, including the free herring buffet, the large fish buffet, the Skagens Quality Food Fair, the “Træf på Toppen” motorcycle rally, the Skagen marathon and a number of Christmas events. And for those who aren’t afraid to brave the cold, don’t miss the annual winter bathing festival.

Gastronomic Skagen

Many of the festivals and events revolve around Skagen’s culinary experiences. Skagen is known for its great seafood, and the city has many chefs competing to make the most delicious seafood. The local seafood is presented in the restaurants in a delicious and original way, but in many places the Danish classic “Shooting Star” is also served with fried and steamed plaice, fresh prawns, asparagus and caviar. The local Skagen Bryghus brewery delivers great beers to wash down the delights.

Sailing city and cruise destination

The locals’ connection with the sea is evident in Skagen. Many of the locals still go out to sea and are employed in fishing. This combination of hard working locals and dependence on the sea make Skagen a fascinating place to dock your boat and experience local life. The charm of Skagen was also discovered by an increasing number of cruise lines docking at the port. However, the small fishing port is not optimally equipped for the large cruise ships and that is why Skagen recently expanded the port to welcome the cruise ships.

Hotels and holiday homes in Skågen

The tourist attraction of Skagen, which has been around for more than a century, has ensured that there is a wide variety of beautiful hotels and guest houses in the city. From 5 star Ruths Hotel, Bed & Breakfast, Campgrounds and Beach Cabins, the area has the right accommodation for your budget and preference.

Brøndums Hotel

Skagen is the epitome of seaside hotels. And you can’t go wrong in town at the authentic Brøndums Hotel. The hotel is known for its fascinating history and full of tradition and soul. Skagen painters and other famous cultural figures met here.

>Find a room in Broendums Hotel

Næsbydale Bathing Hotel

If you are traveling from Rønbjerg and Løgstør you probably don’t expect to get to a natural gem as you drive down the steep road towards Næsbydale. Here is a spectacular V-shaped erosion valley that ends abruptly in a 35 meter high coastal slope. As one of the few places in North Jutland, the cliff changes its appearance when the sea gnaws into the landscape. Take a walk through the fascinating and protected valley and feel the magical tranquility to finally stand on the beach and enjoy the view of the Limfjord.

With a view of the water and the green valley you will find the Næsbydale Badehotel – a small rustic hotel by the sea, which is located as far as the Limfjord and with a view of the Schmelzwassertal. The hotel has an exciting history: the development of the valley, the varied flora and, last but not least, the construction of the “Barons Hus”, today’s Næsbydale Badehotel. Here it stands for pure relaxation in the quiet and beautiful surroundings of Næsbydale.

>Find a room in Næsbydale Badehotel

Glenholm Winery

Glenholm Vingård deserves at least one visit for its ability to grow grapes as far as North Jutland! In the beautiful hilly landscape of Vesthimmerland you will find this little gem, one of Denmark’s oldest wineries. It’s almost like being in Tuscany strolling through the vines during a tour and wine tasting.

Limfjord – fossil hunting prehistoric rarities

Go to Fur and play geologist for a day. Take a closer look at the island’s pillars and chair cliffs. This is where you’ll find the best chances of finding unique fossils like the contours of prehistoric plants and insects, creepy fish, sea urchins, and even sea snakes and turtles.