At the Convergence of Two Seas

After a day at sea heading northward, we reached the tip of Denmark by mid-morning. We arrived at the port town of Skagen and set off on an excursion that was quite unique. We sat back and relaxed on a leisurely drive through the idyllic fishing village of Skagen, famous for its picturesque yellow houses with red tile roofs.

Then we boarded the Sandormen (Sandworm) - a unique tractor-pulled bus that would take us to Denmark's northernmost point. We slowly traversed sandy beaches, crossing water-filled crevices left by recent rains, en route to witness a remarkable natural phenomenon: the meeting of two seas. At the tip of Skagen Odde, also known as the Skagen Spit, we found ourselves at the convergence of the North Sea (Skagerrak) and the Baltic Sea (Kattegat). This sandy peninsula is a dynamic landform, constantly reshaped by strong winds and currents depositing sediments from both seas. Standing at this unique geographical point, we observed the stark contrast between the two bodies of water. The North Sea churned with rough waves, while the Baltic appeared comparatively calm. The collision of these distinct waters created a mesmerizing spectacle of waves crashing into each other from different directions.

As if nature hadn't provided enough wonder, our visit was made even more memorable by an unexpected guest - a baby seal that chose this moment to bask in the sunshine. Its presence delighted the gathered crowd, adding a touch of wildlife charm to our experience of standing between two seas.

We stopped at the Grey Lighthouse, a 46-meter high structure that was lit for the first time on November 1, 1858 and is Denmark's highest lighthouse. There are many migratory birds in the area and great views of the sand dunes and surrounding countryside.

Rather than climbing the 365 steps to the top of the tower, we opted to enjoy some local cuisine including a beer and some Danish Fishcakes (Fiskefrikadeller). These are made from white fish like cod or haddock, mixed with onions, eggs, flour or breadcrumbs, milk, and seasonings. The ingredients are blended into a smooth paste, formed into small patties, and then pan-fried until golden brown. These were served with remoulade sauce, a Danish version of tartar sauce, and lemon wedges. The dish was accompanied by boiled potatoes, a fresh salad and Danish rugbrød, similar to German pumpernickel.

Our journey culminated at a local nature center, where we delved deeper into the fascinating phenomenon of the wind-driven sands that constantly reshape the Skagen Spit's landscape. These relentless winds continue to sculpt and extend the peninsula, offering a living example of geological processes in action.

The excursion reached its conclusion with an unexpected encounter: a brief but captivating moment when Jeff came (literally) face-to-face with the center's resident owl, providing a fitting end to our exploration of this dynamic ecosystem.

Our upcoming itinerary will take us on a journey around the Baltic Sea, with visits to several of its coastal nations. We'll explore Germany, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, and Lithuania, each offering its unique perspective on this shared body of water. Following a short stay in Copenhagen, Denmark, our voyage will extend to Norway. Although Norway doesn't directly border the Baltic, it maintains a connection to these waters via the Skagerrak strait, adding an interesting geographical twist to our upcoming Baltic adventure.