Skagen, Denmark´s northernmost destination, is the name of a small tongue of land in North Jutland, lying in between the Skagerrak (North Sea) and the Kattegat (Baltic Sea), and it is also known as “the Skaw”.
The view of the clashing streams of the two seas in front of the Grenen beach is a unique sight, but the whole scenery, characterized by heaths and sand dunes surrounded by the sea, is impressing. This untouched land also enjoys a privileged climate: Skagen is Denmark´s destination with more hours of sunshine and it is often described as an ocean of light suspended between the sea and the sky.
It is no surprise that the Skaw attracted tourists since mid 1800, and that many artists chose this picturesque spot as their place of residence and work. The town is still most known for the masterpieces of the Danish naturalist painters known as Skagen painters, whose canvasses are nowadays traded at leading auction houses, in Denmark and all over the world. Here you can admire many of their works in their own environment; not only the Skagens Museum hosts an extraordinary collection of paintings, but you can also visit the houses where world-famous painters such as Drachmann and the Anchers lived at the turn of the last century.
The Skaw has much more to offer, and it can also be used as a base to explore the whole region of North Jutland. Skagen is itself a beautiful and picturesque town living in harmony with the surrounding nature, and its distinguished romantic character has been preserved throughout the centuries (most houses are painted in a colour which is known in Denmark as “Skagen yellow”).
Culture and nature blend together in harmony, and the travellers interested in active holidays will find several opportunities to enjoy themselves, whether it is spending a day on beautiful sandy beaches like Grenen, or biking, horse riding, or simply taking a stroll in one of the woods which were planted at the end of 1800, and have since then grown unspoiled.