The beautiful nature around Gl. Skagen offers ideal opportunities for a fresh walk or run.
As extra motivation to get out into nature, we have prepared a map with different routes.
Whatever it will be a shorter or longer trip, it can be in any case
good for both body and soul with all the fresh air.
The 2.5 km route is from Ruths Hotel up to Sømærket with a magnificent view of Gl. Skagen, Skagerrak and the dune landscape. From Sømærket, follow the path down past the summer house Fellen, from where you can head along the beach up to the sunset square and back to Ruths Hotel.
The 5.0 km route is from Ruths Hotel along Flagbakkevej and then to the right along Kanalvej down to the beach. At Fellen turn right and follow Rævehulevej back to Flagbakkevej and to Ruths Hotel.
You can also choose to combine the two routes or head towards Den Tilsandede Kirke (7km in total). Place any the road past Flagbakken, where there is a nice view of the Skagen Klitplantage.
Sømærket
When staying at Ruths Hotel, it is almost mandatory to give yourself the experience of enjoying the view at Sømærket. With a location a few minutes' walk from the hotel, it is also a "hike", most people should be able to find time for it. At the top of the hill, where Gl. Skagen's proud landmark stands, there is an unrivaled panoramic view. A breathtaking view of Skagerrak, and across the characteristic yellow houses and red roofs with white painted edges. To the east you can make out the Kattegat, and in a southern direction the hilly terrain meanders with mare straw and the huge dune plantation.
The sea mark no longer has a function, but it is one of 23 sea marks that were placed along the west coast as far back as 1884 to guide the sailors of the time. These seamarks are up to 12 meters high and the "heads" can be a circle, a triangle, a square or some other easily recognizable shape, all of which were drawn as signatures on charts so that navigators could determine the exact positions of ships. Today there are 11 left, spread over the entire beautiful Danish west coast.
Skagen Klitplantage
After enjoying the breathtaking view at Sømærket, the route can obviously continue south to where the Skagen Klitplantage unfolds. A large area with countless paths that lead through steep dunes and dense forest as well as the large areas covered by marsh straw, sand and untamed nature. The plantation was established in 1888 as protection against sand drift, which plagued the area. If you are interested in birds, the plantation is definitely worth a trip, as it is described as one of the finest places to spot migratory birds. The total area covers 1,475 hectares, so there is plenty of opportunity to wander out into the blue - whether you are looking for birds or simply enjoying the scenic surroundings.
Den Tilsandede Kirke
In the eastern part of Skagen Klitplantage lies one of the most visited sights in North Jutland – The Sand Church with the official name St. Laurentii Church. The original church is believed to have been built in the latter half of the 14th century, when it was the largest in Vendsyssel. The church was hit by the aforementioned sandstorm at the beginning of the 16th century, which started the church's sinking into the sand. Strong men from the congregation then tried again and again to rid the church of sand, but in 1795 they gave up the fight. At that time, they probably did not foresee that the church would eventually become one of the most visited in the country. The interesting prehistory and not least the beautiful landscape in which it is located make it definitely worth a walk - even if it requires a little over half an hour's walk from Ruths Hotel.
Through the streets of Gl. Skagen
At first glance, it may seem a bit like stepping into a time warp when you walk through Gl Skagen. Everything from the yellow color of the houses and the characteristic red roofing to the untamed rose bushes as well as white pickets that form sinuous lines through the crooked and whimsical streets.
The striking uniformity might even bring to mind a film set, where everything is done according to a manual without deviations. On closer inspection, however, the character traits of each house will be clear, with plenty of individual character and charm. The large number of well-preserved, albeit newly renovated, houses are no longer inhabited by local fishermen and their families, they are instead a favorite holiday residence, and the whole thing exudes a Danish idyll. The roads and paths wind with the terrain, and there are plenty of quiet oases and cozy corners to explore.
Solnedgangspladsen
A natural meeting place for everyone in Gl. Skagen, which attracts lots of holidaytourists. It is certainly not solely due to the popular ice cream kiosk, as this place has its own all-natural appeal, which the name clearly indicates. It is almost like a show in a well-planned backdrop when the sun goes down and covers Gl. Skagen in a picturesque setting. In 2019, the area at the Sunset Square was rebuilt, and a functional masterpiece was created by the artist Ingvar Cronhammar, A simple solution that does not in itself overshadow the nature and the special light in Skagen, but complements the scenery to a greater extent. The sunset square consists of two parts: a sun disk and a series of small newly created dunes. The sun disk is about 20 meters in diameter and is decorated with reflective granite flakes, so that the clouds and the sun's rays are reflected. The establishment of a number of new dunes is not only an extension of the coastal protection off Gl. Skagen, but also provides shelter. This makes it an ideal place to view the sea, the waves and the light all year round.
Gl. Skagen beach
Along the meandering coastline there are several fixed points to orientate yourself in relation to. If you choose to walk north from the Sunset Square, the beach meanders after a few minutes' walk at the historic Hollændershus. After this, the landscape is adorned exclusively by dunes, sand and sea. If you have the time and desire, you will be able to follow the beach all the way to Grenen.
If you head south, you will pass Fellen on the walk, a summer house with more than 100 years of history, but now left to nature and the sea in the middle of the beach. From here it is possible to walk away from the beach and follow Rævehulevej inland - if you should have had plenty of fresh sea breeze. If you continue along the beach, no houses will appear until Kandestæderne on the other side of Hulsig Hede. In other words, there is a high probability of having the magnificent beach all to yourself.
Note: Please stay on the paths when walking through the dunes around Gl. Skagen. We support the work with coastal protection - it is in our nature.