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Skagen town centre

Skagen is a town in North Jutland.

In the Danish language, the town is namesake of the very sand spit it is located on, and the name 'Skagen' can refer to both. In the English language, the spit is known as the Skaw Spit.

Understand[edit]

Skagen (Danish: [ˈskɛˀjn̩]) is the northernmost town in Denmark, with the northernmost point in Denmark, Grenen. This is where Kattegat (waters between Denmark and Sweden) and the Skagerrak (part of the North Sea) meet.

It is a town where the main turnover are the fishing fleet and the connected industries - food industries and different industries supporting the fleet. Second income is tourism. There are 8,900 habitants in the town but in the main tourist season the inhabitants increase up to 50-60,000 persons.

Get in[edit]

Skagen train station. This yellow old-style architecture is typical for Skagen.

By bus[edit]

By train[edit]

The semi-private Nordjyske Jernbaner railway runs between Frederikshavn, interchange with the national railway system, and Skagen.

  • 1 Skagen railway station (Skagen banegård), Sankt Laurentii Vej 22. Skagen station (Q3111405) on Wikidata Skagen station on Wikipedia

By car[edit]

The easiest option is following the E45 highway to Frederikshavn and take national road 40 from there. To the port of Hirtshals with ferry connections to Norway, catch road 597 Skagensvej/Hirsthalsvej and make a turn in the village Ålbæk.

Get around[edit]

Map
Map of Skagen

A very popular way of transport in the area is by bicycle on a distributed net of bicycle paths. Between Easter and wk43, there is also a "sand train" at Grenen, called Sandormen, carrying tourists between the parking lot and the northernmost point of Denmark. It is a sort of a special vehicle driving through the sand, so it can be an experience taking it. You can only pay cash and the first run starts at 10am. It also makes the hike between Skagen and Grenen shorter, if you decide to do this by foot.

See[edit]

  • Bolcheriet, Havnevej 6, +45 9899 0007, fax: +45 9899 0607, . Tu-Su 10AM-5PM. Here you can see how candy is made, taste the sweets and buy some to take home. Free.
  • 1 Grenen (use road 40 to get there, there is 2-3km from the parking lot). The northernmost point in Denmark where Baltic sea and North sea meet. Grenen (Q1537592) on Wikidata Grenen on Wikipedia
  • The Harbour. The main spot in summer where thousands of tourist frequents the different restaurants on the quay. The harbour itself is a big marina with many guesting boats from Norway, Sweden and Germany.
  • 2 Råbjerg Mile (right south of town). One of the biggest migrating dunes in Europe. It is moving about 15 meters pr. year eastward leaving a new land to be populated by plants and animals on the western side. Råbjerg Mile (Q486202) on Wikidata Råbjerg Mile on Wikipedia
  • The Buried Church (Den tilsandede kirke), +45 9844 4371. This church from the 14th century became buried by the moving sand dunes and is not in use anymore. Inside is now a tourist shop. small fee.
  • 3 [dead link] Skagen Lighthouse, Corner of Markvej & Sct. Laurentii Road. 10:00-16:00. Built in 1858. 46 metres high and thereby the highest in Denmark. (Only open on weekends from April 1st till May 31st and from September 16th till October 31st) 10kr (5kr children). Skagen Lighthouse (Q12000806) on Wikidata Skagen Lighthouse on Wikipedia
  • 4 Grenen Kunstmuseum, Fyrvej 40, +45 9844 2288. A very good art museum showing a vast collection of paintings from the famous school of artists from the late 19th century, the Skagen Painters. free. Råbjerg Mile (Q486202) on Wikidata Råbjerg Mile on Wikipedia
  • Water Tower, Markvej/Sct. Laurentii Vej. 11AM-5PM. Built in 1934 and was in use until 1983. It is 34 metres high and contained 150,000 litres of water. 120 steps will take you to the top with a fantastic view of town. 10 Kr, children 5 Kr.

Do[edit]

Bunken plantation. The Skaw Spit presents some good nature experiences.
  • Fishing: The harbour in Skagen is a good place to fish, because of the two seas meeting at Grenen.
  • Bird watching: 'Grenen' and the areas right south west of it is one of the best spots in Denmark watching migrating birds and the town is visited by hundreds of bird watchers in spring and fall.
  • Beach Life: Skagen is surrounded of fine white beaches.

Sports[edit]

  • Skagen Kultur & Fritidscenter: Indoor swimming, Handball, Volley, Badminton. Does also have a small restaurant.
  • SkawBowling: A bowling center with 8 bowling lanes, pool tables, slot machines and a restaurant.

Tours[edit]

Buy[edit]

Amber and different handicrafts

Eat[edit]

Skagens Fiskerestaurant and Pakhuset. Restaurants in refurbished old fishing warehouses.

Skagen is well known for its fish products in general and for its fresh cooked shrimps in particular. Enjoy them on the quey at the small restaurants in the old fishing houses or bring them with you home.

Drink[edit]

Sleep[edit]

Brøndums Hotel (1891). One of many beach hotels in Skagen.

Connect[edit]

Go next[edit]


This city travel guide to Skagen is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.