Flagbakken Viewpoint, Skagen

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.

4.5

Looking to book tours, experiences or hotels? Let me help you...

Home
Denmark
Skagen
Flagbakken

Flagbakken is a low, windswept hill on the edge of Skagen Klitplantage that offers one of the finest open panoramas of Skagen and the surrounding dune landscape. A short but steady walk brings you to benches and a simple flagpole at the top, where you can look across the old and new town, glimpse the Buried Church and Højen (Old Skagen), and follow bird migration in season. It is an easy, free, year-round scenic stop close to Skagen yet wrapped in heath and plantation tranquility.

A brief summary to Flagbakken

Gamle Landevej 34, Skagen, 9990, DK
Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Bring a windproof layer; the top is exposed and often breezy even on warm, sunny days.
Pack a small picnic or coffee to enjoy at the bench-and-table sets near the flagpole.
If you enjoy birdwatching, visit during spring or autumn migration and bring binoculars.
Combine the viewpoint with the short marked loop that also passes the Buried Church for a varied walk.
Wear sturdy shoes; paths are sandy and slightly uneven, especially after rain.

Getting There

Car from central Skagen

From central Skagen, driving to the Flagbakken area typically takes about 10–15 minutes, following local roads toward Skagen Klitplantage. Expect straightforward navigation on paved roads and a short stretch on smaller access roads near the plantation. Parking is generally free in nearby small lots or roadside spaces, but capacity is limited in peak summer and during holiday periods. No entrance fee applies at Flagbakken itself.
Bicycle from Skagen town

Cycling from the harbour or town centre to Flagbakken usually takes 20–30 minutes, depending on your pace and wind conditions. The route makes use of local roads and cycle-friendly stretches leading toward the plantation; surfaces are mostly paved, with the final part on compacted gravel. There is no dedicated bike parking at the viewpoint, so plan to lock your bike discreetly near the trailhead. Using a rented city bike typically costs around 80–150 DKK per day in Skagen.
Walking from Skagen outskirts

If you are staying near the southern edge of Skagen, you can reach Flagbakken on foot in roughly 30–50 minutes. The walk follows a mix of pavements, forest tracks and sandy paths through Skagen Klitplantage. Terrain is generally gentle, but the final ascent to the hilltop is on an uneven, sandy slope, which may be challenging for wheelchairs and strollers. There is no cost to access the area, and the route is pleasant in mild, dry weather.

Flagbakken location weather suitability

Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures
Hot Weather
Cold Weather
Windy Conditions

Discover more about Flagbakken

A Windswept Hill Above Denmark’s Northern Tip

Flagbakken is a modest rise in the dune plantation just southwest of Skagen, but from its crest you gain a surprisingly wide sense of the landscape at the very top of Jutland. The hill sits within Skagen Klitplantage, a patchwork of pines, low heath and sandy tracks that feels far removed from town, even though the red roofs of Skagen are clearly in view. A single flagpole marks the summit, a simple landmark that has given the hill its name. From here, the meeting of town, sea and shifting sands becomes easy to read. To the north, you trace the outline of Skagen itself; to the west, your gaze runs towards Højen (Old Skagen) and the distant shimmer of Skagerrak. The view is open but not extreme, making Flagbakken a gentle introduction to the wider dune landscapes that define this coast.

Reading the Landscape: Old Skagen and the Buried Church

One of Flagbakken’s quiet fascinations is how many stories the view contains. Looking south and southwest you can pick out the white tower of Den Tilsandede Kirke, the Buried Church, half-swallowed by sand drifts over centuries. From this vantage point, the church appears exactly as it is: a stubborn remnant in a landscape constantly reshaped by wind. Turn slightly and you can distinguish between the compact, older core of Skagen and its newer districts reaching into the plantation edge. On clear days, sunlight catches red-tiled roofs and yellow facades that inspired generations of Skagen painters. Seen from above, the town feels small and almost fragile, tucked between dune ridges and water on both sides.

Birdlife and the Changing Skies

Flagbakken is also a subtle but rewarding spot for birdwatching. The northern tip of Denmark forms a natural funnel for migrating birds, and during the main migration periods spring and autumn, the skies above the hill can be busy. Keen observers bring binoculars to follow passing raptors, seabirds and flocks riding the wind along the coast. Even if you are not focused on wildlife, the constantly changing light is part of the appeal. Clouds sweep in from Skagerrak, shafts of sun break through over town and plantation, and evenings can bring lingering pastel tones typical of Skagen. The hill is exposed, so wind is almost a given, but that only adds to the sense of being out in the elements.

A Short Walk With a Big Reward

Reaching the top of Flagbakken involves only a brief walk on sandy and sometimes slightly uneven paths. It is not a demanding hike, but the final short ascent can feel steep if you are pushing a stroller or have limited mobility. At the summit, simple bench-and-table sets offer a place to rest, unpack a picnic or sip a thermos of coffee while you take in the view. Because there is no formal entrance, ticket booth or fence, you can come whenever the light and weather appeal: a bright winter morning for crisp air and long shadows, a mild summer evening for a quiet outlook after the beaches, or an autumn day to watch clouds racing overhead. It works as a quick leg-stretch on a day full of other sights, or as an unhurried hour of doing nothing in particular.

Part of a Wider Network of Trails

Flagbakken is not an isolated spot; it forms a natural pause on walking routes threading Skagen Klitplantage. One marked circular trail of just over 2 km loops around the hill and passes close to the Buried Church, combining forest, open heath and dune views. This makes it easy to weave the viewpoint into a half-day exploration without complex planning. Despite the trail network, the area rarely feels crowded. You share the paths with a mix of locals out for daily exercise, bird enthusiasts, and travelers looking beyond the harbour and town centre. There are no facilities at the top beyond seating and the flagpole, so the atmosphere remains low-key and close to nature.

A Quiet Counterpoint to Busy Skagen

In a town best known for beaches, museums and bustling summer streets, Flagbakken provides a contrasting experience: calm, airy and slightly removed. Standing here helps you understand the geography that shaped Skagen’s fishing heritage and its artistic allure. It is an easy recommendation for anyone who enjoys viewpoints, simple walks and a sense of space. Whether you come for a quick panorama, a sunset, or to follow the seasonal movement of birds across the sky, Flagbakken offers a small but memorable window onto Denmark’s northern edge.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Kiosk v / The Buried Church

0.5 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

0.9 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.

Sømærket Vin- & CiderBar

1.7 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.

Solnedgangspladsen, Gammel Skagen

1.8 km

Denmark's premier sunset gathering place where the North Sea horizon ignites with daily natural drama.

Enjoy Skagen

2.5 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.

Galleri Bo

2.6 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 Havn

2.8 km

A bustling North Sea harbour where fishing fleets, cruise liners and a cosy marina meet under Skagen’s famous northern light.

Skagen Station

2.8 km

Denmark's northernmost railway station, where historic yellow architecture meets the gateway to two seas.

Brøndums Hotel

3.2 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

5.4 km

Denmark's second-tallest lighthouse where two seas meet, now a hub for bird migration science and coastal heritage.

Bunker Ved Palmestranden

28.8 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

30.5 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.

30.9 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

31.0 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

31.3 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

Dino Minigolf

0.2 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

0.5 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.

Natural history museum Skagen - Skagen Nature center

Den Tilsandede Kirke

0.7 km

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.

Skagen Sports Club

1.4 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

1.8 km

Open‑air village, coastal history and hands‑on stories of Skagen’s fishermen and sea rescuers at Denmark’s windswept northern tip.

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.

Drachmanns Hus

1.9 km

The eccentric poet's intimate studio where Danish literary genius met artistic vision

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.

Maskinrummet

2.1 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.

Skagen Festival

2.2 km

Denmark’s oldest folk and roots music festival, filling Skagen’s seaside streets and stages with songs, stories and summer light each July.

Befrielsessten i Skagen

2.3 km

Experience the powerful beauty of Skagen Lighthouse—where history, nature, and the meeting of two seas create Denmark’s most northern adventure.

Sandmilen

2.3 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 Kirke

2.4 km

A warm yellow seaside church where maritime heritage, Nordic light and thoughtful architecture meet in the historic heart of Skagen.

Skagen Marina

2.5 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

2.7 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.

Essential places to dine

Restaurant Holger

0.8 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.

Hyttefadet Gl. Skagen

1.6 km

Upscale Nordic dining where coastal tradition meets Danish hospitality in charming Gammel Skagen.

Okê Restaurant

1.7 km

Intimate fine dining at the edge of Denmark, where Nordic coastal ingredients meet polished technique inside the historic seaside setting of Ruths Hotel.

Ruths Brasserie

1.7 km

Classical French gastronomy meets Nordic seafood in Skagen's most refined brasserie.

Ruth's Hotel

1.7 km

Historic beachfront luxury where Scandinavian design meets century-old hospitality on Denmark's northern coast.

SkawGrillen Tinas grill

2.0 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

2.2 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

2.3 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.

Skagen Bryghus A/S

2.3 km

Historic brewery and restaurant in a converted power plant, serving craft beer and coastal Scandinavian cuisine.

Genki Sushi & Bubble Tea

2.3 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.

Jørgens Spisehus

2.3 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.

Mammas Pizza Skagen

2.4 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

2.4 km

Casual pizzeria blending Italian, Turkish, and Mediterranean flavors in Skagen's heart.

Luna Ristorante Skagen

2.4 km

Authentic Italian pizzas and traditional recipes in a modern harbor-front setting, family-owned and warmly welcoming.

Pakhuset

2.5 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.

Nordic elegance meets European designer craftsmanship in Skagen's premier fashion boutique.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Linie 74 af 2019

2.4 km

Authentic Danish pub with hidden courtyard garden and live music in Skagen's harbor heart.

Kompasset

2.5 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

2.6 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

2.6 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

2.6 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

2.8 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

2.8 km

Authentic French bistro and champagne bar in a historic railway station, blending Parisian elegance with Nordic charm.

DK-Café

30.1 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

30.5 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

30.5 km

Authentic maritime bar where Frederikshavn's harbor spirit flows through every conversation and drink.

Café Pitstop Frederikshavn

30.7 km

Relaxed café-bar hybrid on Skippergade blending sports, karaoke and pub vibes in a down-to-earth local hangout in Frederikshavn.

Sportsbaren Frederikshavn

30.9 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

31.0 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

31.3 km

English-style harbor pub blending maritime character with classic pub hospitality in Frederikshavn's waterfront district.

Freddy´s Bar

31.3 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.

Colorful cocktails, neon vibes, and electrifying nights—The Drunken Flamingo is Aalborg’s playful party hotspot in the heart of Denmark’s most famous bar street.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

Discover Flagbakken with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease and convenience.

Flagbakken Viewpoint, Skagen

A brief summary to Flagbakken

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Car from central Skagen

Bicycle from Skagen town

Walking from Skagen outskirts

Flagbakken location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Flagbakken

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Flagbakken

A Windswept Hill Above Denmark’s Northern Tip

Reading the Landscape: Old Skagen and the Buried Church

Birdlife and the Changing Skies

A Short Walk With a Big Reward

Part of a Wider Network of Trails

A Quiet Counterpoint to Busy Skagen

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Kiosk v / The Buried Church

Mindesten for Klitplantør Thygeson

Sømærket Vin- & CiderBar

Solnedgangspladsen, Gammel Skagen

Enjoy Skagen

Galleri Bo

Skagen Havn

Skagen Station

Brøndums Hotel

Skagen Gray Lighthouse

Bunker Ved Palmestranden

Cafe' Feen

Frederikshavn St.

Frederikshavn Church

Fisketorvet

Unmissable attractions to see

Dino Minigolf

Natural history museum Skagen - Skagen Nature center

Den Tilsandede Kirke

Skagen Sports Club

Kystmuseet Skagen

Skagen Klitplantage

Drachmanns Hus

Escape skagen

Maskinrummet

Skagen Festival

Befrielsessten i Skagen

Sandmilen

Skagen Kirke

Skagen Marina

Sommerhus Skagen

Essential places to dine

Restaurant Holger

Hyttefadet Gl. Skagen

Okê Restaurant

Ruths Brasserie

Ruth's Hotel

SkawGrillen Tinas grill

Pavarotti Pizzeria

Skagen Rooftop

Skagen Bryghus A/S

Genki Sushi & Bubble Tea

Jørgens Spisehus

Mammas Pizza Skagen

Mammas Pizza & Restaurant

Luna Ristorante Skagen

Pakhuset

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Skagen Antik og Genbrug

Skagen Lagersalg

Røde Kors Butik

Rehnquist Collection

Blue Cross Op Shop

Tøjbutikker

Westwind

lysetsland Skagen

Galleri Bo Bendixen

Pier1 ApS

Skagen Toys