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Skagen

Fredrikshavn  >  Denmark

The north point of Denmark is one of the best places for birdwatching in Denmark. More than 380 bird species have been seen here.

Added* by Lasse Bjørn Nilssen
Most recent update 17 September 2023

Description

North of the town of Skagen and reaching out to the coast is a nature reserve, where the landscape is flat and dominated by heath and boggy areas. North of this is a wide sandy beach that ends in the narrow sandspit called Grenen, which stretches out eastwards and is a popular target for tourists. South of the town, the landscape is a mixture of plantations and sand dunes. Some of the dunes are good viewpoints for observing migration. Skagen is a great point for watching bird migration, especially in autumn, but also in other seasons. On good days hundreds of thousands of birds pass over the area, Common Chaffinch and Brambling are some of the dominating species. Divers, ducks, waders, terns and gulls move along the coast. Among the other birds that can be seen in the area are Common Crane, Great Bittern, Sparrowhawk, Rough-legged Buzzard, Osprey, Merlin and White-tailed Eagle. But many more, see the birdlist below.

Details

Access

It is easy to get to Skagen either by car or by train from Frederikshavn. There are many different places to visit in the area, they are pointed out on the map below. Click on any P in the map below to get directions to that point. Because so many nice places are spread over the area it can also be a good idea to get around the area by bicycle (they can be hired at the tourist office).

Terrain and Habitat

Grassland , Beach , Sea , Scattered trees and bushes

Conditions

Flat

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

Spring , Autumn

Best time to visit

Spring , Autumn , Autumn migration , Spring migration

Route

Paved road

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Extra info

Skagen Fuglestation is located in the area (see the map). It is operated by Dansk Ornitologisk Forening (Birdlife Denmark).

Skagen Bird Festival takes place every year during the second weekend in May, with many activities. See the link below for more info.

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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Comments & Tips

Click on the little bird icon () to insert bird names in your own language. The birdnames will automatically be translated for other users!