Appropriately enough for such a neat and ordered country, Denmark doesn’t end untidily at its most northerly point, but on a neat finger of sand just a…
Getty Images/Robert Harding World Imagery
Skagen
Located at Jutland's northern tip where the Baltic meets the North Sea, Skagen (pronounced 'skain') lures with its rich art heritage, fresh seafood, photogenic neighbourhoods and salubrious summer crowds. Here, museums and art galleries conspire with bike-rental outlets, ice-creameries and harbour-side restaurants to create a bewitching summertime atmosphere adored by countless Danes.
In the mid-19th century, artists flocked to Skagen, charmed by the radiant light’s impact on the ruggedly beautiful landscape. Now tourists come in droves, drawn by the area's long sandy beaches and buzzing holiday vibe. Although the town gets packed in summer, it thankfully maintains its charm. This is especially true in Skagen's intimate, older neighbourhoods, where distinctive yellow houses are crowned by red-tiled roofs and framed by white-picket fences.
Explore Skagen
- Grenen
Appropriately enough for such a neat and ordered country, Denmark doesn’t end untidily at its most northerly point, but on a neat finger of sand just a…
- SSkagens Museum
This wonderful gallery showcases the outstanding art that was produced in Skagen between 1870 and 1930. Artists discovered Skagen's luminous light and its…
- GGammel Skagen
There’s a touch of Cape Cod in refined Gammel Skagen ('Old Skagen', also known as Højen), renowned for its gorgeous sunsets, upmarket hotels and well…
- DDen Tilsandede Kirke
The 'sand-covered church', built during the late 14th century, was once the region's biggest church. It fell victim to a sand drift that began in the 17th…
- RRåbjerg Mile
Denmark’s largest expanse of drifting sand dunes, Råbjerg Mile is an amazing natural phenomenon. These undulating, 40m-high hills are fun to explore and…
- AAnchers Hus
Time stands still at the atmospheric former home of renowned Skagen painters Anna and Michael Ancher, its interiors unchanged since Anna Ancher's passing…
- SSkagen Odde Naturcenter
In a beautiful Utzon-designed building on the northern outskirts of town, this centre gives an insight into the natural elements that surround Skagen and…
- SSkagen Kystmuseet
Evocatively presented, this open-air museum, 200m southwest of the harbour, depicts Skagen’s maritime history and gives an insight into the traditional…
- DDrachmanns Hus
West of the town centre, this sweet museum was the home of renowned Skagen painter (and poet) Holger Drachmann.
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Skagen.
See
Grenen
Appropriately enough for such a neat and ordered country, Denmark doesn’t end untidily at its most northerly point, but on a neat finger of sand just a…
See
Skagens Museum
This wonderful gallery showcases the outstanding art that was produced in Skagen between 1870 and 1930. Artists discovered Skagen's luminous light and its…
See
Gammel Skagen
There’s a touch of Cape Cod in refined Gammel Skagen ('Old Skagen', also known as Højen), renowned for its gorgeous sunsets, upmarket hotels and well…
See
Den Tilsandede Kirke
The 'sand-covered church', built during the late 14th century, was once the region's biggest church. It fell victim to a sand drift that began in the 17th…
See
Råbjerg Mile
Denmark’s largest expanse of drifting sand dunes, Råbjerg Mile is an amazing natural phenomenon. These undulating, 40m-high hills are fun to explore and…
See
Anchers Hus
Time stands still at the atmospheric former home of renowned Skagen painters Anna and Michael Ancher, its interiors unchanged since Anna Ancher's passing…
See
Skagen Odde Naturcenter
In a beautiful Utzon-designed building on the northern outskirts of town, this centre gives an insight into the natural elements that surround Skagen and…
See
Skagen Kystmuseet
Evocatively presented, this open-air museum, 200m southwest of the harbour, depicts Skagen’s maritime history and gives an insight into the traditional…
See
Drachmanns Hus
West of the town centre, this sweet museum was the home of renowned Skagen painter (and poet) Holger Drachmann.
Guidebooks
Learn more about Skagen
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