There are different ways to shape a stay in Skagen: explore the history of the artists’ community of the late 19th century, or discover the landscape, trails and birdlife around Grenen.
Art and the history of the artists
Skagens Museum houses the world’s largest collection of works by the Skagen Painters. It comprises 20,000 objects, including sculptures, interiors and arts and crafts. The museum’s guided tours explore the artists’ community that emerged in Skagen at the end of the 19th century.
Kystmuseet Skagen combines an open-air museum with exhibition spaces. Visitors can see reconstructed houses from three periods in the town’s history. The Black Period lasted until around 1875, the Yellow Period from around 1875 to 1907, and the Red Period began after 1907. The approximate dates are part of this classification.
Drachmanns Hus preserves Holger Drachmann’s original interiors, his art collection and many objects he collected on his travels. A guided tour around the house explores his life and work in Skagen. A guided outdoor tour follows in the footsteps of Anna, Michael and Helga Ancher in the area around Anchers Hus and Brøndums Hotel. Tour dates may change; check the information before your visit.
Anchers Hus is a small, listed house with challenging access conditions. Take this into account when planning if you would like to include a visit.
Historic sites in and near Skagen
Near Grenen, the Skagen Bunkermuseum is housed in an authentic German bunker from the Second World War. It is set up in a Regelbau 638 bunker, a medical bunker built during the occupation to treat wounded German soldiers.
Tilsandede Kirke, also known as Sankt Laurentius Kirke, was built at the end of the 14th century. Its surroundings are suitable for walks, photography and quiet reflection.
The Vippefyr in Skagen, Denmark’s first pivoting beacon, was built in 1627. The Vippefyr standing at the same site today is a faithful reconstruction of the original lighthouse. Every year on Midsummer’s Eve, 23 June, the fire basket is lit again; annual events may vary. Check the details for your planned date.
Grenen: landscape and trails
The landscape around Grenen is designated as a nature reserve and is open to everyone. Shallow lagoon pools often form on the outer beach, attracting large flocks of wading birds. If you would like to explore the area on foot, Grenensporet offers more than 20 kilometres of trails through the hinterland of Grenen.
The shortest route on Grenensporet is three kilometres long. Its gravel surface is suitable for wheelchair users and families with strollers. Surface conditions may change, so check before your visit whether the trail is suitable for your needs. The shortest route and the network’s total of more than 20 kilometres offer different distances to choose from when planning.
Nordsøstien is a longer route with a specific municipal connection: within Frederikshavn Municipality, it runs for 132 kilometres along the entire east coast, circles Skagen’s Gren and continues along the west coast to Skiveren. You can also take the Sandormen from the car park at Grenen to the tip—from Easter through and including calendar week 43. Check the exact dates before travelling.
Lighthouse and birdlife
The old lighthouse keeper’s house at the Grey Lighthouse houses the “Wingbeat” exhibition about Skagen’s unique landscape, wildlife and birdlife. The exhibition name may change; if this particular offering matters to you, check before your visit. The Grey Lighthouse organises guided birdwatching tours with the Skagen Bird Observatory. Dates may change.
At the Skagen Bird Observatory, you can join bird-ringing tours and learn more about ringing migratory birds. Advance registration may be required. The birdwatching tours and bird-ringing tours have different focuses: the former centre on guided birdwatching, while the latter focus on ringing.
Visitors who climb the Grey Lighthouse can ascend 210 steps to the top and look out over the tip of Grenen and the town of Skagen. Check the current access conditions before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Østervrå, Strandby, Ålbæk, Nielstrup, Nordby, Frederikshavn, Kandestederne, Skiveren
Return to the main travel overview: Frederikshavn Municipality.
