Top of Denmark celebrates
120 years

1906 – Pioneer spirit and brushstrokes

At the beginning of the 20th century, Skagen was already known as an artists' haven. Painters such as P.S. Krøyer and Anna Ancher had long since fallen in love with the special light, and their works made the town famous far beyond the country's borders.

Did you know?

• The journey to Skagen was an adventure in itself. The railway to the town only became a reality in 1890, and many guests arrived by steamship – often in rough seas. Seasickness was almost part of the experience.
• The seaside hotels flourished, and bathing in the sea took place with changing rooms on wheels pulled right down to the water's edge – decency above all else!
• At Brøndums Hotel, artists could, at times, pay for their stays with paintings. Today, many of them still hang on the walls.

In 1906, Skagen was still a small town with big ambitions. The tourist association was born out of the need for structure amidst the excitement – for how do you ensure that visitors feel welcome when they come from afar to experience something truly special?

1956 – Holiday Dreams and People's Cars

The post-war period brought new times – and new types of tourists. In 1956, holidays became a whole family project. The car made its debut, and summer house areas truly began to take shape.

Did you know?

• The VW Beetle – that iconic bubble – became a symbol of freedom. Many Danish families packed the car to bursting point and drove north with tents, a thermos, and optimism.
• Standing with one leg in each ocean at Grenen became a “must-do” experience long before the word existed.
• Postcards from Skagen were among the most frequently sent summer greetings in Denmark – often featuring motifs of the characteristic yellow houses with red-tiled roofs.

During these years, the tourist association worked with mapping, information and visibility. It was about making it easy for guests – showing the way to the beaches, the nature, and the town's cultural offerings. Skagen became a symbol of the Danish summer.

2006 – Experience Economy and Year-Round Tourism

In 2006 – precisely 100 years after its founding – tourism found itself in a new reality. Digital visibility, international guests and the experience economy characterised its development.

Did you know?

• The internet had fundamentally changed the way people planned holidays. Websites and online booking became essential.
• The tractor, “Sandormen,” at Grenen had become an attraction in itself – a modern equivalent to the horse-drawn carriages of the past.
• Focus on year-round tourism grew. The raw nature of winter and the clear light of autumn were marketed as experiences on par with summer beach life.

Skagen had by now long since cemented its position as one of Denmark's strongest destinations – not only because of its history, but because the area continues to manage to reinvent itself.

2026 – 120 years looking forward

Today, Skagen and the rest of the Top of Denmark stand as living proof that strong roots and the courage to change can go hand in hand. From the pioneers in 1906 to the digital age and on towards 2026, the Tourist Association has helped to shape the narrative of the place where the seas meet – and where people meet.

Skagen remains a natural starting point for unforgettable holiday experiences. Here, nature is magnificent, history is palpable, and the atmosphere is truly something special.

120 years is not just an anniversary

• There are 120 years of memories
• It is 120 years of guests
• 120 years of love for the Top of Denmark