100 Years of the Swedish Seamen's Church in Skagen - An Unforgettable Anniversary 14 September 2025
This year we're celebrating a very special milestone: 100 years of the Swedish Seamen's Church in Skagen! An event that reflects not only the history of the town, but also the deep connection between Denmark and Sweden - and for me personally, it was a real highlight.
The Swedish Seamen's Church was completed in 1925, on the initiative of chaplain Karl Norberg. Architects Gustav Ljungman and Ulrik Plessner designed the building, which was made possible thanks to generous donations from Swedish fishermen and communities. From the very beginning, the church was much more than just a house of worship - it was a home away from home for the many Swedish fishermen who came regularly to Skagen after the expansion of the harbour in 1907.
You have to imagine it: sometimes up to 100 Swedish cutters lay in the harbour at the same time! The church offered the fishermen a place to call home, read Swedish newspapers and meet fellow countrymen. Here they could draw strength, experience community - and at the same time it helped to ease tensions with fishermen from other nations.
In 1964, the church was expanded - with a television room, cafeteria, library, table tennis room and a separate building as a youth hostel. Today it is run with great dedication by volunteers. Weddings, visitor groups, the traditional Lucia festival in December - all of this still makes the Seamen's Church a vibrant place.
And so the big anniversary arrived: 100 years of the Seamen's Church! On Saturday I unfortunately couldn't be there, but the festive service on Sunday, 14 September 2025, was an unforgettable experience.
Because the Seamen's Church itself is so small, the service took place in Skagen Church. And what a celebration it was! The Bishop of Gothenburg, Susanne Rappmann, was present, as was the Bishop of Aalborg, Thomas Reinholt Rasmussen. Plus four Swedish and three Danish vicars - a truly impressive ecumenical gathering.
The musical programme was simply breathtaking. Skagen Kirke Motetkor under the direction of Rikke Kursch and the Swedish Högsbo Vokalensemble with Magnus Wassenius filled the church with heavenly sound. In particular, the "Hallelujah" chorus from Handel's Messiah was so moving that many - myself included - had tears in their eyes.
A very special moment was the musical connection of the two countries: the hymns were sung simultaneously in Swedish and Danish. For example, the well-known psalm "Now thank we all our God" - in Swedish "Nu tacka Gud, allt folk" and in Danish "Nu takker alle Gud". It was overwhelming to hear how the two languages wove together into one great song of praise.
The sermons and addresses also alternated between Swedish and Danish. A beautiful sign of how we can meet each other halfway. Both languages, both traditions - equally side by side. And thanks to the perfectly organized programmes in Swedish and Danish, everyone really knew where we were.
For me personally, there was an extra joy: I reunited with Hanne! She was the one who examined me when I applied to become a guide. I still remember how nervous I was - and today I'm all the more pleased that we could meet so warmly.
All in all, this Sunday was a complete success: festive, moving, warm and deeply connecting. An anniversary you won't forget anytime soon.
