Skagen is a pretty small town, with a population of approximately 8000 people. It is the northernmost township in Denmark, on the east coast of the peninsula. Because of that, the town of Skagen is the main fishing port in all of Denmark. Another reason why this place is popular is because of its beautiful turquoise blue waters and the vast endless expanse of the sea – it is frequently visited by tourists who come to enjoy the scenic view. They stay in amazing hotels and Airbnb vacation rentals in Skagen. Plus, there is the old-charm of the streets and the architecture of the houses which really draws tourists. If your idea of a holiday means watching the sun setting over the water, enjoying a panoramic view of the sea and eating some delicious and freshly caught seafood, then you need to visit Skagen! Don’t forget to check out this list of things to do in Skagen, Denmark.
1. Check out sea mammals in their natural habitat, at Grenen
Grenen is one of the best places in Denmark to observe sea mammals in their natural habitat. It is basically a long sandbar spit where you’ll see many common seals and porpoises just laying around and probably catching up on their sleep. A natural stretch of land that is created between two clashing seas, it’s really beautiful to watch as the water covers and uncovers the piece of land depending on the sea current – a rare sight indeed. The best time to visit is in the afternoon as the tide is low and the sea mammals are usually clearly visible.
Grenen
Address: Grenen, 9900 Skagen, Denmark
Website: Grenen
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
2. Visit the famous Skagen's Vippefyr
Skagen’s Vippefyr is a navigation light mechanism that was originally built in 1627. What exists now is a very good replica, but this historical landmark is definitely worth the visit. This is basically a tipping lantern which was used to light up the path in the olden days. One of its kind, it is a structure that will leave you applauding the capabilities of the engineers in the 16th century.
Skagen's Vippefyr
Address: Fyrstuevej 17, 9990 Skagen, Denmark
Website: Skagen’s Vippefyr
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
3. Learn about the history of Skagen through art at Skagens Museum
Skagens Museum is actually an art museum which will give you a fair idea of the history of Skagen. This museum showcases paintings that have been created by various members of the Skagen Painters colony, which includes famous artists like Laurits Tuxen Viggo, Johansen, Anna and Michael Ancher and many more. These paintings depict the lives of the people of Skagen during the 19th and 20th century. Visit the website to know more about the ongoing exhibitions and upcoming events.
Skagens Museum
Address: Brøndumsvej 4, 9990 Skagen, Denmark
Website: Skagens Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 15 USD
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4. Try your hand at fishing at Skagen Marina
Skagen Marina is the main harbor of the city. This is where various cruise boats and private boats set sail. You’ll also see various fishing boats which will set sail from here – given that this is the main fishing port in all of Denmark, you’ll see quite a few fishing boats coming and going. There is also a fishing harbor for any individual who wants to try their hand at fishing! There are also quite a few seafood restaurants and cafes nearby, so you can go grab a bite!
Skagen Marina
Address: Rødspættevej 10, 9990 Skagen, Denmark
Website: Skagen Marina
5. Visit the Råbjerg Mile
Råbjerg Mile is a migrating coastal dune – how cool does that sound? This dune migrates between Skagen and Frederikshavn. This is supposed to be one of the largest moving dunes in all of Europe! Think of this as a sand dune right in the middle of Denmark – with sand all around, you can just walk to the top of this dune and feel like you’re in the middle of a desert. The vast sea on one side and a desert dune in the same city – how extraordinary is that?
Råbjerg Mile
Address: Råbjerg Mile Vej, 9990 Skagen, Denmark
Website: Råbjerg Mile
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
6. Take in the beauty of the Skagen peninsula atop Flagbakken
Flagbakken is undoubtedly one of the most scenic spots in all of Skagen, nay, all of Denmark. You’ll get a view of all of Skagen – the new and the old. On one side, you’ll see a buried church while on the other you’ll see the vast expanse of the blue water. You’ll basically get a panoramic view of the whole peninsula – how beautiful does that sound? You can also enjoy bird watching here – if you’re interested, that is.
Flagbakken
Address: Gamle Landevej 34, 9990 Skagen, Denmark
7. Spend a day at the Natural History Museum Skagen - Skagen Nature Center
As the name suggests, Natural History Museum Skagen - Skagen Nature Center, is a natural history museum which is very famous in Skagen. The exhibits at this museum are rather informative – you’ll get a detailed history about the formation of Skagens Odde as well as a history of the nature of Raabjerg Mile. There is also an exhibition which is dedicated to the mammals on the North Sea. This museum also provides tours of the countryside and the forest, so it is a great way to take in nature and enjoy the scenic nature all around the town. To know more about the tours and ongoing exhibitions, as well as the opening hours, check out the official website.
Natural History Museum Skagen - Skagen Nature Center
Address: Flagbakkevej 30, 9990 Skagen, Denmark
Website: Natural History Museum Skagen - Skagen Nature Center
Price: 5 USD
8. Step inside the Skagen Bunker Museum
Skagen Bunkermuseum is another popular museum in town. This private museum is actually located in an old German bunker which was used during the second world war to treat wounded soldiers – does a museum get any more interesting than this? There is a small entrance and you have to climb a ladder to get in. Inside, you’ll see crew rooms, film rooms, a weapon room and operating rooms. Go here for the experience, if nothing else. After all, how many people can say they’ve been inside a bunker which was used during the second world war?
Skagen Bunkermuseum
Address: Fyrvej 59, 9990 Skagen, Denmark
Website: Skagen Bunkermuseum
Opening hours: 11am - 3pm (daily)
Price: 5 USD
9. Enjoy a delicious meal at Skagen Fiskerestaurant
Skagen Fiskerestaurant is one of the best seafood restaurants in Skagen – as the name might have hinted. If you want to enjoy some freshly-caught seafood which has been cooked to perfection, then head over here. Located at the port of Skagen, this restaurant has been around for over 50 years! If you’re heading here with a big group, then try as many dishes as you can – you’re going to absolutely love the food. This restaurant also has an extensive wine list – ask your server which wine will pair the best with your dish.
Skagen Fiskerestaurant
Address: Fiskehuskajen 13, 9990 Skagen, Denmark
Website: Skagen Fiskerestaurant
Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)
10. Step into the lives of famous Skagen Painters at Anchers Hus
Anchers Hus literally translates to the house of the Anchers or Ancher’s house. It was a former residence which has now been converted into a museum. This attraction was home to the famous Scandinavian painters Anna Ancher and Michael Ancher. A historical landmark of Scandinavian art history, this house is worth the visit – the interiors are untouched and unchanged since the death of Anna Ancher in 1935. Think of this as walking into a piece of history – this is where Anna Ancher and Michael Ancher created their works of art! You’ll gain insight into the life of this couple, their experience and their paintings.
Anchers Hus
Address: 4, Markvej 2, 9990 Skagen, Denmark
Website: Anchers Hus
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 12 USD
11. Enjoy a night out at Buddy Holly Skagen
Buddy Holly Skagen is one of the most happening bars in the areas. This bar is divided into two parts which are then connected by a backyard, which means you have three areas to chill and hang out. If you just want to enjoy a night out with your friends or you’re in the mood to go dancing, then head over to Buddy Holly Skagen. This bar also has two upper floors which pretty much have a cult status – you cannot even enter these upper floors without being 18 years or above. Open till the wee hours of the morning, the vibe here is so different and exciting you just have to check it out!
Buddy Holly Skagen
Address: Havnevej 16, 9990 Skagen, Denmark
Website: Buddy Holly Skagen
Opening hours: 9pm - 5am (daily)
12. Take a tour of Kystmuseet Skagen to learn about the town's history
Kystmuseet Skagen is an open-air museum which sheds light on the history of Skagen. This museum has various permanent exhibits which showcase the houses from three different periods of Skagen history. You can see the home of a poor fisherman in the 1800s in this unique museum! You can also read about the various tales of the sea that the locals faced as well as some rescue missions. There is even a Viking exhibit in the museum, as historians found proof that the Vikings once settled in Skagen!
Kystmuseet Skagen (museum)
Address: P. K. Nielsens Vej 10, 9990 Skagen, Denmark
Website: Kystmuseet Skagen
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)
13. Visit Drachmann Hus, the original house of a famous painter
Drachmanns Hus, which translates to the house of Drachmann, is one of the major houses in Skagen. This house, which is also called Villa Pax, was the house of poet and painter Holger Drachmann. Originally built in 1829, this former home has now been converted into a museum – a famous historical landmark in Skagen. The house looks like its former self, with over 200 paintings on the wall which are mostly by Drachmann, and some by other popular artists of that era. Visit this attraction to get an insight into the life of this famous painter and writer!
Drachmann Hus
Address: Hans Baghs Vej 21, 9990 Skagen, Denmark
Website: Drachmann Hus
Price: 7 USD
14. Go shopping in the Skagen pedestrian precinct
For the best shopping experience in Skagen, head on over to the Skagen pedestrian precinct. With charming shops such as Danish fashion stores, gifting and souvenir shops, Skagen watch shops, stores that sell handmade amber jewelry and so much more, you’ll get everything you could want to buy here. One of the nicest shopping areas in the city, you can easily spend your whole afternoon here just browsing through the shops. You can buy your loved ones back home some really nice gifts.
Skagen Pedestrian Precinct
Address: Skagen pedestrian precinct, Skagen, Denmark
15. Bring your children to Skagen Bamsemuseum
The Skagen Bamsemuseum translates to the Teddy Bear Museum – who wouldn’t want to go there? This is one of those museums that will put a smile on your face. Whether you’re visiting Skagen with your kids or you’re there with your friends, Skagen Bamsemuseum is definitely worth the visit. It’s like a fantasy world – you’ll see some really new bears, some old bears and some historical bears, all of which live their Skagen-style homes. You can also go stay at the Teddy Bear Hotel, which is a part of this museum, to really enjoy the whole experience.
Skagen Bamsemuseum
Address: Oddevej 2A, 9990 Skagen, Denmark
Website: Skagen Bamsemuseum
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 6 USD
16. Gorge on some delicious food at Restaurant De 2 Have
Restaurant De 2 Have is a European restaurant that serves some mouth-wateringly good food! This restaurant is located next to the water, so you have a view of the bay no matter where you’re sitting. How beautiful does that sound? The specialty here is the seafood which is cooked to perfection. Other than that, this restaurant is also vegetarian-friendly. Do try the decadent desserts, especially the carrot cake! Great food, great ambiance, great vibes and overall, an amazing experience. It is best that you book a table here before it fills up.
Restaurant De 2 Have
Address: Fyrvej 42, 9990 Skagen, Denmark
Website: Restaurant De 2 Have
Opening hours: 12pm - 11pm (daily)
17. Admire paintings by famous artists at Grenen Kunstmuseum
This attraction might be called a museum, but it is actually a sales exhibition! The Grenen Kunstmuseum or the Grenen Art Museum exhibits paintings by Danish / Swedish Skagen painter Axel Lind, prints by Spanish painter Salvador Dali as well as some international artists. The art here is mostly very modern, so it will interest people of all ages. You can buy any painting you like or just walk around taking it all in. Once you’re done admiring the artwork, head to the restaurant located on top of the museum and enjoy a meal with a view.
Grenen Kunstmuseum
Address: Fyrvej 40, 9990 Skagen, Denmark
Website: Grenen Kunstmuseum
Opening hours: 11am - 3pm (daily)
Price: 3 USD
18. Dig into a delicious meal at Jørgens Spisehus
Så er vi klar til 2019
Posted by Jørgens Spisehus on Tuesday, 15 January 2019
Think of Jørgens Spisehus as a sea-view cafe, except you don’t have a beach. This popular cafe is located next to the Marina, so you get to enjoy a beautiful view of the marina, the ships and the bay while eating your meal. Fish and chips is probably the most recommended dish, and for good reasons! Your trip to Skagen is incomplete if you don’t try the fish and chips at Jørgens Spisehus – it’s just that good. Great vibe, great view and extraordinary food!
Jørgens Spisehus
Address: Sardinvej 7, 9990 Skagen, Denmark
Website: Jørgens Spisehus
Opening hours: 10am - 7:30pm (daily)
19. Take a tour of Skagen Lighthouse
Skagen Lighthouse, popularly known as Skagen’s Grey Lighthouse, is an active lighthouse which has been operational since 1858! The best way to actually see the lighthouse is by opting for the Skagen Lighthouse tour – you get to climb to the top where you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the peninsula. If you’re lucky, you might even see some migratory birds! Keep in mind, this is a self-guided tour – all you have to do is climb the few hundred steps of the lighthouse to get to the top and enjoy a view like no other!
Skagen Lighthouse
Address: Skagen Lighthouse, Skagen, Denmark
Price: 4 USD
20. Enjoy a horse-riding experience at Langagergaard
Langagergaard is a horse rental service near Skagen – It is located a few kilometers away from the main town, near the North Sea. You can go for an Icelandic tour on horseback – how cool is that? You will go in a group with a tour guide – choose between a forest tour, a beach tour or both! You don’t need to be a professional horse rider to go on this tour, even a beginner is allowed. Enjoy the view of the beach, the sea breeze in your hair and listen to the sounds of the water all while riding your horse of choice – a unique experience indeed! Plus, the younger kids get to ride a pony!
Langagergaard
Address: Kandestedvej 76, 9990 Skagen, Denmark
Website: Langagergaard
A good time in Skagen
While this town might seem small, there is so much to do here! You can visit the various museums, check out the former houses of famous painters, visit a rare coastal dune, eat some delicious seafood and basically just have a great holiday! As long as you follow our list of things to do in Skagen, you’re going to have a good time.
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