Den Tilsandede Kirke (Sand-Covered Church), Skagen
A solitary white tower in Skagen’s dunes tells the haunting story of a medieval church slowly buried and defeated by centuries of drifting sand.
Rising alone among heather, dunes and maritime pines just southwest of Skagen, Den Tilsandede Kirke is all that remains of a once-mighty 14th-century church dedicated to Saint Lawrence. Over centuries, drifting sands from the surrounding dune landscape slowly buried the building, forcing worshippers to dig their way in until the church was finally abandoned and demolished in 1795. Today only the stark white tower survives, a poignant landmark in Skagen Klitplantage that fuses coastal nature, history and quiet contemplation.
A brief summary to Den Tilsandede Kirke
- Gamle Landevej 63, Skagen, 9990, DK
- +4572543000
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Budget
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Wear sturdy shoes; the final approach and paths around the tower are sandy and can be soft or uneven, especially after wet or windy weather.
- Bring a windproof layer even in summer, as the exposed dunes and plantation can feel significantly cooler than sheltered parts of Skagen.
- If you want to climb the tower, visit in the main summer season when the small kiosk is typically open and tickets are sold on-site.
- Allow extra time to follow the marked outlines of the vanished nave and cemetery to better visualise the size of the original church.
- Photographers should aim for early morning or late afternoon when low light adds texture to the dunes and emphasises the tower’s stark white walls.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bicycle from central Skagen
From central Skagen, cycling to Den Tilsandede Kirke typically takes 10–20 minutes along lightly trafficked local roads and signposted paths, with only gentle inclines. Standard city bikes are adequate and can be rented in town; expect daily rental prices in the range of 80–150 DKK. This option is well suited to most visitors comfortable with road cycling and allows easy combination with other nearby sights.
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Local bus from Skagen
Regional buses between Skagen and Frederikshavn generally stop near the access road to Den Tilsandede Kirke, with a short walk on a sandy path from the nearest stop. The ride from Skagen town takes around 10–15 minutes. Single tickets on local buses are usually in the range of 20–35 DKK per adult depending on zones. Services run more frequently on weekdays and in summer; outside peak periods, check timetables in advance as evening and weekend departures can be limited.
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Car or taxi from Skagen
By car, the drive from central Skagen to the main parking area for Den Tilsandede Kirke takes about 5–10 minutes on paved roads. Parking near the site is typically free, but spaces can fill quickly in July and August. From the car park, allow a 10–15 minute walk on a wide sandy track to reach the tower. A taxi from Skagen has a similar travel time; short local trips in the area often cost around 120–200 DKK depending on company and time of day.
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On foot from Skagen
Walking from Skagen town centre to Den Tilsandede Kirke usually takes 30–45 minutes each way, covering roughly 3–4 kilometres. The route follows established paths and minor roads through a mostly flat landscape, with the final section on sand that may be challenging for strollers or wheelchairs. This is a good option for visitors who enjoy a relaxed stroll and want to experience the transition from town to forest and dune environment.
Den Tilsandede Kirke location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Den Tilsandede Kirke
A lonely tower in a shifting sea of sand
Set a short distance inland from Skagen’s windswept coast, Den Tilsandede Kirke is a striking sight: a crisp white tower rising from low dunes and scrub, with no nave, no roofline and no village clustered around it. The tower once anchored Sct. Laurentius Church, built in the late 14th century and for a long time the largest church in the Vendsyssel region. Its simple crow-stepped gables and robust brickwork speak of a time when seafaring, faith and survival on Jutland’s exposed tip were closely entwined. Today, the tower stands alone in a sandy clearing within Skagen Klitplantage, a planted dune landscape of pines and heath. The absence of the rest of the church is part of the fascination: what you see is both fragment and monument, at once incomplete and utterly compelling.The story of a church slowly swallowed
From around 1600, sand began drifting inland from the great moving dunes between Skagen and Frederikshavn. Over generations, fields disappeared, tracks were buried and the approach to Sct. Laurentius became an ever more exhausting struggle. By the 18th century, parishioners were regularly forced to dig out the entrance before every service, shovelling drifts clear just to reach the door. On a blustery day here it is easy to imagine that effort: wind tugging at your clothes, fine sand pricking your skin, the landscape shifting grain by grain. After decades of resistance, a royal decree in 1795 finally allowed the church to close. The body of the building was demolished, its furnishings removed to the new Skagen Church, and the tower left as a navigational mark and a silent reminder of the battle with the elements.Traces of the vanished nave beneath your feet
Although the nave is gone, careful studies have mapped out its original floor plan around the surviving tower. Low markers and posts in the sand now trace the former walls and cemetery boundary, making it possible to picture the full 45-metre-long Gothic church that once stood here. Beneath the surface, foundations, sections of flooring and even a baptismal font remain buried. Walking the outlines gives a tangible sense of scale. Where there is now open sky, there were once vaulted ceilings and rows of pews facing an ornate altar. The visual simplicity of the site hides an archaeological richness that continues to reveal details about medieval Skagen and its community.Nature reserve calm and coastal atmosphere
The church site is wrapped by Skagen Klitplantage, a protected dune plantation of contorted pines, juniper, heather and coarse grasses. Paths weave through low dunes and sandy clearings, making the visit as much a small nature walk as a historical exploration. In summer, larks and other birds provide a soundtrack; in winter, the landscape feels spare and almost austere, the white tower standing out starkly against grey skies. Because the surrounding forest and dunes are managed as a nature area, the atmosphere remains largely tranquil even in busier seasons. It is a place that invites slow wandering, quiet pauses on a bench and time to absorb the interplay between human structures and the relentless forces of wind and sand.Visiting today: simple facilities and seasonal access
Access to the site and the area around the tower is generally open, with a sandy approach path suitable for most visitors who are comfortable walking on uneven ground. In the main season, a small kiosk near the entrance sells tickets for climbing the interior of the tower, offering elevated views over the plantation and towards the coast. Basic facilities, including a parking area a short walk away, toilets, benches and picnic tables, serve as a low-key base for exploring. The experience changes markedly with the weather: on clear days, the tower gleams against deep blue skies; in mist, it appears suddenly out of the haze, reinforcing its almost otherworldly character. Whatever the conditions, Den Tilsandede Kirke captures a uniquely Danish story of landscape, faith and resilience in the face of a restless coast.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Kiosk v / The Buried Church
0.4 km
Delve into Esbjerg’s evolution from coastal hamlet to harbor city at this immersive museum, blending archaeology, wartime history, and lifelike local scenes in Denmark’s West Jutland.
Mindesten for Klitplantør Thygeson
1.0 km
A modest granite stone in Skagen Klitplantage honouring the dune inspector who planted millions of pines and transformed the shifting sands south of Skagen.
Enjoy Skagen
2.3 km
Esbjerg Museum reveals the city’s story through immersive exhibits on maritime legacy, archaeology, and daily life—offering an interactive journey into Danish west coast history.
Sømærket Vin- & CiderBar
2.3 km
Explore Jutland’s fascinating history, authentic old streets, and a unique amber collection at Esbjerg Museum in the city center—a showcase of local culture and heritage.
Skagen Havn
2.4 km
A bustling North Sea harbour where fishing fleets, cruise liners and a cosy marina meet under Skagen’s famous northern light.
Solnedgangspladsen, Gammel Skagen
2.4 km
Denmark's premier sunset gathering place where the North Sea horizon ignites with daily natural drama.
Galleri Bo
2.4 km
Explore Denmark's vibrant west coast heritage at Esbjerg Museum, where local history, archaeology, and immersive exhibits bring Esbjerg's dramatic story to life.
Skagen Station
2.7 km
Denmark's northernmost railway station, where historic yellow architecture meets the gateway to two seas.
Brøndums Hotel
3.1 km
Discover Esbjerg’s transformation from Viking outpost to modern port through atmospheric exhibits, lifelike street scenes, and powerful wartime stories at Esbjerg Museum.
Skagen Gray Lighthouse
5.3 km
Denmark's second-tallest lighthouse where two seas meet, now a hub for bird migration science and coastal heritage.
Bunker Ved Palmestranden
28.2 km
Second World War bunkers half-buried in the dunes behind Frederikshavn’s palm-lined city beach, blending coastal history with a relaxed seaside setting.
Cafe' Feen
29.9 km
Aalborg’s beloved Kildeparken blends music, art, and green tranquility, offering a vibrant escape in the city center for relaxation, exploration, and community events.
Frederikshavn St.
30.3 km
Compact, coastal rail terminus linking Frederikshavn’s harbor, ferries and town center, and a relaxed stepping stone to beaches, bunkers and northern Jutland landscapes.
Frederikshavn Church
30.4 km
Frederikshavn’s red-brick landmark church, blending National Romantic architecture, a Michael Ancher altarpiece and war graves into one evocative town centre stop.
Fisketorvet
30.7 km
A modest central square in Frederikshavn where everyday small-town life, summer tourist hosts and a hint of maritime character quietly meet by the harbor.
Unmissable attractions to see
Flagbakken
0.7 km
A low dune hill with a wide panorama, Flagbakken offers calm views over Skagen, the Buried Church and Skagen Klitplantage on an easy, wind-brushed walk.
Dino Minigolf
0.9 km
Forest-fringed fairways, towering dinosaurs and easygoing family competition on one of Europe’s largest outdoor mini golf courses in holiday-town Skagen.
Natural history museum Skagen - Skagen Nature center
1.0 km
Compact, family-friendly gateway to Skagen’s wild dunes, birds and seas, turning the harsh northern tip of Denmark into an accessible natural story.
Skagen Sports Club
1.1 km
Grassroots football and everyday Danish sports life at the northern edge of Jutland, where local passion plays out under Skagen’s wide, wind-swept skies.
Kystmuseet Skagen
1.5 km
Open‑air village, coastal history and hands‑on stories of Skagen’s fishermen and sea rescuers at Denmark’s windswept northern tip.
Drachmanns Hus
1.7 km
The eccentric poet's intimate studio where Danish literary genius met artistic vision
Maskinrummet
1.8 km
Industrial nostalgia, roaring engines and maritime stories come together at Skagen’s harbour-side Maskinrummet, where Denmark’s engine heritage is brought vividly to life.
Sandmilen
1.8 km
A one‑kilometre ribbon of drifting sand between forest and sea, Sandmilen is Skagen’s quietly spectacular miniature desert on the Kattegat coast.
Skagen Klitplantage
1.9 km
A wind-shaped dune forest south of Skagen, where pines, heath and drifting sands tell the story of Denmark’s fight against the sea and sand.
Escape skagen
2.0 km
Atmospheric escape rooms in a real World War II bunker beneath Skagen, where coastal history, clever puzzles and teamwork blend into a one-hour underground adventure.
Befrielsessten i Skagen
2.1 km
Experience the powerful beauty of Skagen Lighthouse—where history, nature, and the meeting of two seas create Denmark’s most northern adventure.
Skagen Kirke
2.2 km
A warm yellow seaside church where maritime heritage, Nordic light and thoughtful architecture meet in the historic heart of Skagen.
Skagen Marina
2.3 km
A bustling mix of yachts, fishing boats and seafood sheds, Skagen Marina captures the maritime soul and golden light of Denmark’s far northern tip.
Sommerhus Skagen
2.5 km
Discover Maskinrummet—Skagen’s harbor-side maritime museum where historic ship engines, nautical stories, and hands-on exhibits bring Denmark’s seafaring past to life.
Skagen Festival
2.6 km
Denmark’s oldest folk and roots music festival, filling Skagen’s seaside streets and stages with songs, stories and summer light each July.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Holger
1.1 km
Seasonal Nordic cuisine, Danish design and a walk‑in wine cabinet come together in a calm, elegant restaurant framed by Skagen’s dunes and northern light.
SkawGrillen Tinas grill
1.7 km
Classic Danish grill bar in seaside Skagen, serving hearty chicken, burgers and local fish favorites just a short stroll from the town’s beaches.
Pavarotti Pizzeria
2.0 km
Casual Italian-style pizzeria in the heart of Skagen, serving generous, freshly baked pizzas by an Italian chef in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Skagen Rooftop
2.0 km
Expansive harbor views, contemporary dining and a sweeping rooftop terrace bring big‑city rooftop energy to the windswept northern tip of Denmark in Skagen.
Jørgens Spisehus
2.1 km
Casual harbour-side café in Skagen serving hearty Danish classics and fresh local fish in a bright, unfussy setting right by the working fishing port.
Genki Sushi & Bubble Tea
2.1 km
Relaxed Japanese bites and colourful bubble teas bring a modern, playful twist to Skagen’s classic seafood scene in this cosy mid-range sushi spot.
Luna Ristorante Skagen
2.2 km
Authentic Italian pizzas and traditional recipes in a modern harbor-front setting, family-owned and warmly welcoming.
Hyttefadet Gl. Skagen
2.2 km
Upscale Nordic dining where coastal tradition meets Danish hospitality in charming Gammel Skagen.
Skagen Bryghus A/S
2.2 km
Historic brewery and restaurant in a converted power plant, serving craft beer and coastal Scandinavian cuisine.
Pakhuset
2.2 km
Historic harbor warehouse in Skagen transformed into a relaxed fish-focused restaurant with marina views, lively summer events and an upstairs fine-dining gem.
Mammas Pizza Skagen
2.2 km
Straightforward neighborhood pizzeria in central Skagen, serving hearty takeaway-style pizzas, pastas and kebab plates for easy, budget-friendly evening meals.
Mammas Pizza & Restaurant
2.2 km
Casual pizzeria blending Italian, Turkish, and Mediterranean flavors in Skagen's heart.
Havnens Grill Og Takeaway
2.2 km
Casual harborfront grill in Skagen serving hearty Danish fast food and fish dishes to enjoy on the quay or take away as you explore the waterfront.
Havnegrillen Skagen, Pier 1
2.3 km
Casual harborfront grill on Skagen’s Pier 1 serving classic Danish fast food and fried fish with working‑harbor views and laid‑back, no‑frills charm.
Okê Restaurant
2.3 km
Intimate fine dining at the edge of Denmark, where Nordic coastal ingredients meet polished technique inside the historic seaside setting of Ruths Hotel.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Skagen Antik og Genbrug
1.6 km
Characterful Skagen thrift and antiques shop where seaside nostalgia, Scandinavian vintage and everyday bargains meet in one relaxed local treasure trove.
Skagen Lagersalg
1.9 km
A low-key clothing outlet in Skagen’s everyday quarter, offering Scandinavian-style wardrobe upgrades at sharply reduced prices away from the tourist bustle.
Røde Kors Butik
1.9 km
A cosy Red Cross charity shop in Skagen where second-hand treasures, local warmth and global humanitarian work come together under one modest roof.
Blue Cross Op Shop
1.9 km
Community-minded thrift store in Skagen where budget-friendly finds, friendly volunteers and a charitable mission turn everyday shopping into a feel-good pause.
Rehnquist Collection
2.0 km
Scandinavian fashion with a coastal twist, curated in an intimate boutique setting on a quiet Skagen street near Denmark’s windswept northern shores.
Tøjbutikker
2.0 km
Contemporary clothing retail in Skagen's vibrant harbor-front shopping district.
Westwind
2.2 km
Harborfront general store on Skagen’s quay, blending everyday essentials with salty air, seaside light and the low-key rhythm of Denmark’s northern tip.
Pier1 ApS
2.2 km
Atmospheric harbourfront lifestyle store in Skagen, blending New England interiors, curated fashion and homeware, and a cosy fireside lounge just steps from the quay.
lysetsland Skagen
2.3 km
Custom digital printing and locally-crafted clothing in Skagen's creative heart.
Galleri Bo Bendixen
2.3 km
Bright, playful Danish design in the heart of Skagen, where colourful illustrations, textiles and prints turn Nordic motifs into cheerful, packable art and gifts.
Skagen Toys
2.3 km
Independent toy store in Skagen offering quality playthings and games for children in a welcoming community setting.
VERO MODA
2.3 km
Contemporary women's fashion with joyful designs in Skagen's heart
Fleurie & Delux Skagen
2.3 km
A calm, curated clothing boutique in central Skagen, where soft Nordic colours, quality fabrics and feminine silhouettes echo the town’s coastal light.
Butik Skagen
2.4 km
A cosy coastal boutique on Skagen’s main street, blending relaxed Scandinavian fashion with the yellow-hued charm of a classic Skagen house.
Mop Shop
2.4 km
Nordic elegance meets European designer craftsmanship in Skagen's premier fashion boutique.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Linie 74 af 2019
2.2 km
Authentic Danish pub with hidden courtyard garden and live music in Skagen's harbor heart.
Kompasset
2.3 km
Traditional harbor pub in Skagen where locals and visitors meet year-round for beer, coffee, live music and laid-back hygge by the waterfront.
Havnekroen
2.4 km
Cosy harbourfront bar on Skagen’s quay, pairing simple drinks with close‑up views of fishing boats, sea air and the ever‑changing light over Denmark’s northern port.
Buddy Holly Skagen
2.4 km
Late-night bar and nightclub in Skagen’s harbor district, where rock ’n’ roll vibes, live music, and an easygoing crowd keep the party going into the small hours.
Tørst Cocktailbar
2.5 km
Inventive Nordic-inspired cocktails, cosy harbour-side hygge and shareable tapas boards in a stylish, candlelit bar at the heart of Skagen.
Apéro hos Bellevue
2.7 km
An intimate Skagen bar where Nordic light, coastal calm and well‑poured drinks create a slow, sophisticated pause between sea, town and evening plans.
Apéro Champagne & Kaffebar
2.7 km
Authentic French bistro and champagne bar in a historic railway station, blending Parisian elegance with Nordic charm.
DK-Café
29.5 km
Local gaming den meets casual bar in a low-key Frederikshavn café where slot machines, screens and simple drinks create an everyday, untouristy hangout.
Munken v/Aase Pedersen
29.9 km
Traditional Danish bar in the heart of Frederikshavn, offering straightforward drinks, long opening hours and a cosy glimpse into local everyday pub life.
Rkt v/Rudy Finn Kristensen
30.0 km
Authentic maritime bar where Frederikshavn's harbor spirit flows through every conversation and drink.
Café Pitstop Frederikshavn
30.1 km
Relaxed café-bar hybrid on Skippergade blending sports, karaoke and pub vibes in a down-to-earth local hangout in Frederikshavn.
Sportsbaren Frederikshavn
30.3 km
Lively central Frederikshavn sports bar with wall-to-wall matches, cold beers, betting, slot machines and pool in a relaxed, down-to-earth Danish pub atmosphere.
My Nordisk Mjød
30.4 km
Intimate mead bar and micro‑meadery in Frederikshavn, serving handcrafted Nordic honey wines inspired by a garden apple tree and regional Danish ingredients.
John Bull
30.7 km
English-style harbor pub blending maritime character with classic pub hospitality in Frederikshavn's waterfront district.
Freddy´s Bar
30.7 km
Cozy harbourfront bar in Frederikshavn with live music, a generous beer selection, and laid-back Danish pub vibes just steps from the ferry terminal.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Romantic
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Mindfulness
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
