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Skagen is thought to have been founded in the 13th century. After crises in terms of fishing, flooding and sand migration in the 17th and 18th centuries, Skagen once again began to flourish during the course of the 19th century. At the same time, painters, poets and writers discovered Skagen, which at that time was regarded as the country's most fashionable holiday destination.
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Skagen is thought to have been founded in the 13th century. Archaeological finds indicate an early settlement in the area around Fyrbakken and in Vesterby.
Sct. Laurentii Kirke - the church that is now buried in sand - is assumed to have been built in the middle of the 14th century. In 1413 Skagen received the privileges of a royal borough, and the town must therefore have had a certain degree of economic and political importance.
Fish formed the basis of the town's wealth, including dried, salted fish that was sold to most of Europe and then on to Southern Europe.
After crises in terms of fishing, flooding and sand migration in the 17th and 18th centuries, Skagen once again began to flourish during the course of the 19th century due to the development of new fishing gear and later the new harbour.
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The golden age artists "conquer" Skagen.
At around the same time, painters, poets and authors discovered Skagen. Anna and Michael Ancher, P.S. Krøyer and Drachmann headed the colony of impressionists who at the end of the 19th century fell in love with Skagen and added glamour to the town. They were fascinated by the light, the landscape, the people and their difficult living conditions.
Life as it was lived here is depicted in many of the famous paintings that can be seen at Skagens Museum and in Michael og Anna Anchers Hus.
Skagen was regarded - then as now - as the country's most fashionable holiday destination. |
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The town's architecture
The town's architecture is distinctive and beautiful. The typical 19th century house was located close to the sea and was a detached longhouse, whitewashed with a red tile roof, and sometimes also clad in timber.
The colours were white, yellow and red with white chimneys and white roof decoration. The building customs are seen in the old districts and maintained in new residential areas.
Some of the town's big, striking buildings from the beginning of the 20th century were designed by the architect Ulrik Plesner, who was inspired by the characteristic building tradition. Other excellent architects such as Thorvald Jørgensen and Thorvald Bindesbøll have also made their influence felt on the town's architecture.
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Why are the houses yellow?
The houses in Skagen are whitewashed every year at Whitsun with a mixture of whitewash and the dry earth pigment ochre. The ochre was purchased and sold by the local grocers, who purchased it in casks and had it delivered in casks of 240-250 kg.
Owing to Skagen's isolated location and the fact that the coastal road was often impassable, large amounts of ochre were stored.
One year one of the grocers received a French golden ochre by mistake, which gives a deep yellow colour. The term "Skagen yellow" originates from this "mistake". |
"Skagen By- og Egnsmuseum"
Skagen's history featuring the poor fishermen's frugal existence and their dangerous occupation can be seen and experienced here.
The museum features houses belonging to both rich and poor fishermen, shipwrecks and stories of ships running aground, special collections featuring fishing, shipping and the lifeboat services.
”Den tilsandede Kirke”
was built in the 14th century and at the time was the biggest church in Vendsyssel. Sand migration, which began in the 17th century, reached the church at the end of the 1700s.
The congregation had to dig their way in when there was a service. This struggle lasted until 1795, when the church was abandoned. Only the tower remains as a visible remnant.
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