Weekend in Skagen, Denmark | best things to do & see
This summer (okay, end of spring), we kicked off our Scandinavian road trip at the very top of Denmark — Skagen. It’s where two seas meet, the light feels extra special, and everything is painted in shades of soft yellow. Skagen might be small, but it’s packed with charm, history, and that calm coastal vibe Denmark does so well. We spent two days here exploring everything from ghostly churches to seaside restaurants — here’s how to make the most of a weekend in Skagen.
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Visit the Sand-Covered Church (Den Tilsandede Kirke)
We started our weekend with something a little eerie: Den Tilsandede Kirke, also known as the Sand-Covered Church. It was late, but still light out (Scandi summers are wild), and we somehow ended up completely alone on the path through the woods and dunes. At first, the silence felt peaceful — until birds suddenly flew out of the trees and we realized we may have listened to a few too many crime podcasts lately (we binged almost the entire Mord i Nord series on the drive).
The church itself dates back to the 14th century, but over time, shifting sands slowly swallowed it. By the late 1700s, the congregation gave up trying to dig it out, and today only the tower remains above ground. It’s strange and beautiful at the same time — a quiet reminder of how powerful (and stubborn) nature can be.
Wander Around the Town of Skagen
After our spooky stroll through the dunes, we spent the rest of our time exploring the town — and yes, it’s just as cute as everyone said! Everything here is painted in soft yellow with red-tiled roofs and white trim.
We stayed at Skagen Apartment, right in town, and explored everything on foot — popping into small shops, art galleries, and cafés. It’s compact enough to walk everywhere, but there’s plenty to fill a relaxed couple of days.
Things to Do in Skagen Town:
→ Visit the yellow-and-pink Skagen Church
→ Pop into Skagens Museum and smaller galleries — the light here inspired an entire art movement
→ Browse the boutiques for Danish design finds
→ Rent a bike or just wander around like we did
Grab Smørrebrød at Dit Smørrebrød
You can’t come to Denmark and not have smørrebrød — those open-faced sandwiches that somehow manage to be both rustic and fancy at the same time. We found the best ones at Dit Smørrebrød, a cozy little spot in town.
The toppings were fresh, perfectly balanced, and beautifully presented — think smoked salmon, shrimp, and herring with all the right garnishes. When you look at the menu, there’s a good chance you’ll end up saying “just one more” (which we absolutely did).
Dinner at Skagen Fiskerestaurant
I’d been talking about eating mussels pretty much since we crossed the Danish border, so of course that’s what I ordered at Skagen Fiskerestaurant. It’s right by the harbour and has such a good vibe: clinking glasses, the whole floor covered in sand, and that relaxed, seaside feel.
I got my mussels, a glass of (yep, pricey) wine, and just sat there thinking, this is exactly how a day in Skagen should end.
See Two Seas Meet at Grenen
This is what brings most people all the way to Skagen: watching the Skagerrak and Kattegat seas collide at Grenen. You can walk or take one of the Sandormen tractor buses to the very tip of the beach, where the waves literally crash into each other.
It’s a surreal sight — standing with one foot in each sea, watching the water move in opposite directions. Keep an eye out for seals, too! We spotted a few just lounging around.
Stop by Det Grå Fyr Lighthouse
On the way back to town, stop at Det Grå Fyr, the Grey Lighthouse. At 46 meters tall, it’s Denmark’s second-highest lighthouse and offers panoramic views over the coastline. You can climb to the top (weather permitting) and visit the seabird center below.
Visit Råbjerg Mile (next time for us)
We had planned to visit Råbjerg Mile afterward — Denmark’s giant moving sand dune — and we’d definitely recommend adding it to your list. Unfortunately, the weather had other plans for us. Think sideways rain, wind strong enough to make you question your life choices, and sand everywhere. We decided to skip it this time and save it for next time..
Where We Stayed in Skagen
We stayed at Skagen Apartment, which was perfectly located for a short weekend stay. Everything in town was within walking distance — restaurants, cafés, and shops were all just around the corner. But there’s a lot of options!
Wrap up & some quick tips
Best time to visit: May–September for long daylight hours and mild weather
Getting there: About 5 hours’ drive from Copenhagen or 1 hour from Aalborg
Getting around: Walking or biking is easiest — everything’s close by
Don’t miss: Grenen, Den Tilsandede Kirke, Skagens Museum, and a seafood dinner at the harbour
Skagen might be small, but it’s the kind of place that sticks with you. Between the yellow houses, the wild coast, and that mix of calm and chaos the wind brings, there’s just something about it.
We spent two days here — mostly fighting the wind (so much wind) — but it was the perfect start to our Scandinavian road trip. We left already planning a return visit to the Danish coast.. hopefully with slightly calmer weather next time.
Save for later!
