Skagen (Denmark)

Skagen is Denmark's northernmost port town (aka The Scaw), located on the east coast of Skagen Odde peninsula. Port Skagen is located approx 41 km (25 ml) north of Frederikshavn and approx 108 km (67 ml) 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 the headland at Grenen, Denmark's northernmost point, the North and the Baltic Sea meet. Because of the different densities of the seas, a clear dividing line is seen. As a result of turbulent seas, shipwrecks were common. The frequent losses combined with the strategic location of the town as the gateway to Baltic led to Skagen being site of one of the earliest lighthouses in Denmark, Vippefyr, a lever light constructed in 1627. A copy has now been constructed on the site of the original.

Det Hvide fyr (The White Lighthouse) just north of the city is Denmark's oldest brick-built lighthouse. It was designed by Philip de Lange and initially lit in 1747. In 1858, it was replaced by det Grå fyr (Grey Lighthouse) 2 km further north. The White Lighthouse was restored in 1960, and now houses art exhibitions.

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

Skagen cruise terminal