Where the North Sea meets the Baltic

Dusk in Skagen

All over the planet we can find natural wonders that leave us in awe, with our mouths wide open in surprise and our hearts full of illusions. Wherever we look there are paradisiacal places where disconnecting from the routine is as easy as close and open your eyes.

One of those places that seem taken from a story is the tourist town of Skagen. Located at the northernmost tip of mainland Denmark, it is surrounded by sandy beaches that have nothing to envy those of the tropical regions, as it is washed by the waters of two seas: the North Sea and the Baltic, which collide giving rise to an incredible show.

As if of two friends who shook hands without actually squeezing it tightly, andThese two seas coexist in perfect harmony without disturbing each other.

Skagen, a picturesque Danish city that you cannot miss

Skagen Houses

Only from this city can you go to see it, from Skagen. It is found in the north of Denmark, specifically in the North Jutland region. It is a small fishing town that kindly welcomes anyone who wishes to visit it.

Until not long ago it was not very populated, but little by little the population has been increasing, especially in recent years, because once you see this little wonder with your own eyes, you can no longer forget it.

What to do in Skagen?

Skagen Harbor

Despite its total area, it can offer a lot to tourists, regardless of their tastes. For example:

  • Skagen Museum: If you like to see art drawn in a painting, you cannot miss the museum. It was founded in 1908 at the Brøndum Hotel. It currently houses more than 1950 works by different painters, such as Anna Ancher or Christian Krohg.
  • Port: the perfect place to get fresh fish, as it is auctioned every day. You can also stay in one of its houses, which are painted in a characteristic yellow color.
  • Rabjerg Mile: in the surroundings of the city there are white sand beaches and almost crystalline water. This is a paradise where the whole family can enjoy a pleasant walk, or contemplate the Råbjerg Mile, better known as a moving dune.
  • Cape Skagen: But if you prefer to see birds of prey doing what they do best, then you must go at the end. Good vantage points are difficult to find, but here you will find one: the Skagens Odde.

Climate of Skagen

Skagen wildlife

When going to an unfamiliar place one of the first things to do is to know what the weather will be like when we hit the ground. In Skagen the temperatures are between -2ºC in February and 18ºC in August, therefore, We will have no choice but to take warm clothes to protect ourselves from the cold, and also some umbrellas especially if you go in October which is the rainiest month.

Skagen, where two seas meet ... but they don't mix

Skagen Seas

Photo for Wanderspots

Without a doubt, it is the main attraction of this part of the world. The Skagerrak Strait is a wide strait that separates the south of the Scandinavian peninsula (in Norway) from the Jutland peninsula (in Denmark), connecting the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. It is a historical place that left its mark: with a length of 240km and about 80km in width, it was a strategic location during the two world wars, especially for Germany, since it was one of the reasons why the Nazis invaded Denmark and Norway.

How does the "clash of the seas" occur?

Skagen Beach

The "clash of the seas" occurs when one of the two is much less saline than the other. In this case, the Baltic has a lower salt concentration than the North Sea, which is much sweeter due to the huge amounts of fresh water constantly supplied by the rivers that flow onto its shores.

In fact, if it weren't for that small opening in the North Sea, called the Skagerrak, the Baltic would be a gigantic freshwater lake.

Things you should know before traveling to Skagen

Skagen dunes, Denmark

As we have seen, Skagen is a very cold city but with many possibilities to make us have an unforgettable vacation. However, we must take into account a number of things if we want our trip to really go as we had imagined ... at the very least. Write down these tips so you don't miss anything:

  • Travel from May to September: During those months you will find all the tourist attractions open to the public.
  • Apply for the European Health Card (TSE): Obviously, we do not expect to end up with injuries or anything like that, but just in case it is preferable to ask for it because of what might happen.
  • Take a dictionary and a translator: the default language they speak is Danish, although the tour guides also speak English. If you are not very good at languages, a dictionary and a translator can be very helpful.
  • Exchange euros for local currency (Danish krone): in some places they will accept euros, but it is preferable not to risk it and buy with local currency or with a credit card.
  • Have your camera always ready: To preserve your memories and relive them again and again when you return home, have your camera ready for use.

So now you know where to set the course for your next trip: Skagen, Denmark.


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