Ever since the first inhabitants settled on the Grenen, there has been a fishing industry here. And fishing is still the main industry in Skagen. The Port of Skagen, inaugurated in 1907 by King Frederik VIII, is the largest fishing port in Denmark measured in the amount of landings. Herring, mackerel and Norway lobster in particular are landed here, plus protein fish for processing into fishmeal and fish oil. The port area also has a remarkable marina with enchanting open-air fish restaurants serving sumptuous dishes. Each year approximately 16.000 yachts and leisure boats visit the marina, and the ever-popular vibrating atmosphere here attracts many visitors, who enjoy a wide variety of fresh fish and shellfish in front of the famous red fishermen’s cottages, designed by the Danish architect Thorvald Bindesbøll back in 1907, when the port was inaugurated.
Strolling through the old quarters of Skagen, a market town since 1413, leads you pass picturesque cottages, formerly fishermen’ s homes painted in "Skagen Yellow", with red roofs and the characteristic white edges, white fences and well kept gardens.
Fancy shopping? – then make time to stroll through St. Laurence Road or the Marina and browse around Skagen’s exclusive boutiques, shops and galleries – you’ll delight in the assortment of unique arts and crafts, handmade amber jewellery, glassware, pottery, Royal Danish porcelain, the famous Skagen watches or top quality fabrics and fashion.