Skagen (Denmark)

Skagen is Denmark's northernmost port town (aka The Scaw), located on the east coast of Skagen Odde peninsula. Port Skagen is approx 41 km (25 mi) north of Frederikshavn and approx 108 km (67 mi) northeast of Aalborg. The well-developed Skagen Harbour is Denmark's main fishing port. The tourist industry is also thriving, attracting around 2 million tourists annually. Town's population is around 8,000.

Originally the name "Skagen" was applied to the peninsula but today usually refers to the town itself. In the Middle Ages the settlement began as a fishing village, famous for its herring industry. Thanks to the seascapes, evening light and fishermen, towards the end of 19th century Skagen became popular with a group of Impressionist artists known as the Skagen Painters.

At Grenen (Denmark's northernmost point) meet North Sea and Baltic Sea. As the seas have different water densities, a clear dividing line is seen. As a result of turbulent seas, shipwrecks in this area were common in the past. The frequent marine accidents combined with the town's strategic location led to the building of the Vippefyr (Rock Lighthouse) - one of the oldest in Denmark (constructed in 1627). The current-day lighthouse is a copy built on the site of the original.

Det Hvidefyr (The White Lighthouse) is located north of Skagen and is Denmark's oldest brick-built lighthouse (opened in 1747). In 1858, it was replaced by Det Grafyr (The Grey Lighthouse) located approx 2 km (1 mi) further north. Det Hvidefyr was restored in 1960 and currently serves as art gallery (houses art exhibitions).

Port Skagen's cruise season runs from early-April through late-September. In 2017, the port handled 31 cruise ship calls and around 33,00 passengers. 2018 was a record season with 42 ship calls and around 68,500 tourists. Maiden calls in 2018 made Viking Ocean Cruises (Viking Sun ship) and Princess Cruises boat (Sapphire Princess).

In 2019, the cruise port handled 44 ship calls and ~73,000 tourists (15% increase over 2018).

Skagen cruise terminal