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.