- Early History
- Skagen is Denmark's northernmost town, located 41 km north of Frederikshavn
- Settlement began as a fishing village during Middle Ages
- First documented as Skaffuen in 1284, meaning narrow, high point of land
- Artistic Development
- Became popular with Skagen Painters in late 19th century
- Group of artists painted en plein air following French Impressionism
- Artists settled in town, including Anna and Michael Ancher
- Modern Era
- Railway opened in 1890, connecting town to rest of Denmark
- Modern fishing harbour opened in 1907
- Population grew from 4,048 in 1930 to 14,050 in 1980
- Now attracts 2 million visitors annually
- Economy and Culture
- Fishing industry remains main economic driver
- Tourism developed from artists' colony to luxury resort
- Town known for seafood restaurants and art galleries
- New harbour expansion planned for 2015
- Natural Features
- Located on Skagen Odde peninsula between North Sea and straits
- Home to 367 out of 471 bird species in Denmark
- Features two significant migratory dunes
- Known for cool oceanic climate with 306 hours of sunshine annually