Den Tilsandede Kirke

Skagen


The 'sand-covered church', built during the late 14th century, was once the region's biggest church. It fell victim to a sand drift that began in the 17th century and became progressively worse – so much so that churchgoers eventually had to dig their way in. In 1795 the relentless sand drift broke the will of the congregation and the church was closed. The main part of the church was torn down in 1810 but the photogenic whitewashed tower still stands.

The tower and the surrounding area comprise part of Skagen Klitplantage, a nature reserve. It’s about 5km south of Skagen and well signposted from Rte 40. The nicest way to get here is by bike; take Gamle Landevej from Skagen.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Skagen attractions

1. Tilsandede Kirke Tower

The photogenic whitewashed tower is all that still stands of Den Tilsandede Kirke (the sand-covered church). You can enter and climb the stairs for a…

2. Skagen Kystmuseet

0.92 MILES

Evocatively presented, this open-air museum, 200m southwest of the harbour, depicts Skagen’s maritime history and gives an insight into the traditional…

3. Drachmanns Hus

1.07 MILES

West of the town centre, this sweet museum was the home of renowned Skagen painter (and poet) Holger Drachmann.

4. Gammel Skagen

1.45 MILES

There’s a touch of Cape Cod in refined Gammel Skagen ('Old Skagen', also known as Højen), renowned for its gorgeous sunsets, upmarket hotels and well…

5. Skagens Museum

1.88 MILES

This wonderful gallery showcases the outstanding art that was produced in Skagen between 1870 and 1930. Artists discovered Skagen's luminous light and its…

6. Anchers Hus

1.92 MILES

Time stands still at the atmospheric former home of renowned Skagen painters Anna and Michael Ancher, its interiors unchanged since Anna Ancher's passing…

7. Skagen Odde Naturcenter

2.47 MILES

In a beautiful Utzon-designed building on the northern outskirts of town, this centre gives an insight into the natural elements that surround Skagen and…

8. Grenen

4.28 MILES

Appropriately enough for such a neat and ordered country, Denmark doesn’t end untidily at its most northerly point, but on a neat finger of sand just a…

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