Gammel Skagen

Top choice in Skagen


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-heeled summer residents.

It was a fishing hamlet before sandstorms ravaged this windswept area and forced many of its inhabitants to move to Skagen on the more protected east coast. It’s a pleasant bike ride 4km west of Skagen: head towards Frederikshavn and turn right at Højensvej, which takes you to the waterfront.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Skagen attractions

1. Den Tilsandede Kirke

1.45 MILES

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…

2. Tilsandede Kirke Tower

1.45 MILES

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…

3. Skagen Kystmuseet

2.1 MILES

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

4. Drachmanns Hus

2.13 MILES

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

5. Anchers Hus

2.73 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…

6. Skagens Museum

2.75 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…

7. Skagen Odde Naturcenter

2.79 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

4.84 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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