'De blev derude'

‘De blev derude’ is a white marble memorial in Skagen Kirkegård, dedicated to the fishermen and sailors from Skagen who lost their lives at sea. The monument was presented by local citizens as a collective tribute, and each person who drowned is remembered by name and date engraved into the stone. Set among the graves in the town cemetery, it offers a quiet place to pause and reflect on how closely Skagen’s history is tied to the sea and the risks faced by those who worked on the water.

Visit ‘De blev derude’ if you want a more reflective stop in Skagen, away from the busier streets. The marble monument and its engraved names highlight the human cost of life at sea and the community’s wish to remember those who did not return home.

A thoughtful, quiet stop in Skagen for those interested in the town’s maritime stories and local remembrance.

Planning your visit

How long to stay

15–30 minutes to view the memorial and walk a short loop through the cemetery.

Best time to visit

Daytime, when the cemetery is easiest to navigate and the engraving on the marble monument is clearly visible.

Around here

Nearby on the Margueritruten

• 

  Skagen Kirke

  Church · 190 m

• Galerie Wolfsen Skagen

  Art gallery · 324 m

• Skagen Rådhus (Town Hall)

  Attraction · 366 m

• Galleri Bo

  Art gallery · 372 m

• Galleri Skagen

  Art gallery · 374 m

• The lifeboatman and fisherman at Skagen Harbor

  Attraction · 452 m

Frequently asked

What is the ‘De blev derude’ memorial in Skagen?

‘De blev derude’ is a white marble monument in Skagen Kirkegård honouring local fishermen and sailors who drowned at sea. It was given by citizens of Skagen as a collective memorial, and each person is remembered by name and date engraved on the stone. It is a quiet, reflective place rather than a large tourist attraction.

Where in Skagen can I find the ‘De blev derude’ monument?

The ‘De blev derude’ memorial stands inside Skagen Kirkegård, the town cemetery. Once you are at the cemetery, you can walk through the grounds to find the white marble monument with the engraved names and dates. There is no separate building or visitor centre; it is part of the cemetery setting.

How long should I plan to spend at ‘De blev derude’?

Most visitors will only need a short stop, around 15–30 minutes, to see the white marble memorial, read some of the engraved names and dates, and take a quiet walk through the cemetery paths. If you are combining it with time in nearby Skagen Kirke, you might want a little longer.

Is ‘De blev derude’ suitable to visit with children?

The memorial is in a cemetery and commemorates people who drowned at sea, so the tone is reflective rather than entertaining. Older children interested in local stories or the dangers of life at sea may find it meaningful, but it is best approached with some explanation about respect and quiet behaviour in the cemetery.

Can I combine a visit to ‘De blev derude’ with other sights in Skagen?

Yes, the memorial is close to central Skagen sights. You can easily combine it with Skagen Kirke, as both are within the same area, and with other locations in town such as galleries or the harbour if you want to see more of Skagen before or after your visit to the cemetery.

Is there any special etiquette I should follow at ‘De blev derude’?

As ‘De blev derude’ stands in Skagen Kirkegård, it is important to treat it like any other cemetery: keep noise low, avoid stepping on graves, and behave respectfully around the memorial and other plots. Photography is generally acceptable, but it is considerate to avoid disturbing anyone visiting graves nearby.

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