The iconic Skagen Lighthouse in north Jutland will be transformed into a modern nature and tourism centre thanks to a 12 million kroner donation from the Nordea Fund.

The centre – which will offer exhibitions and a scientific bird and ringing station, along with tourism information – is scheduled to open in 2016.

“The Skagen Lighthouse holds a special place in people’s minds here in the northern part of Denmark,” said Jesper Blom-Hansen, a forester from the nature authority Naturstyrelsen.

“It’s long been a wish to make a bird experience centre in the old lighthouse that can provide us all with more insight into the bird migrations by Skagen.”

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Bird migration hot spot
The Skagen Lighthouse first sent a beacon of light to help sailors in Skagerrak and Kattegat Straits back in 1858, but in 2013 it was shut down and sold, and it is now leased out to Naturstyrelsen.

Skagen is considered a hot spot of European bird migration from where thousands of birds of prey can be viewed during spring and autumn when many birds migrate to and from Africa.

“The Skagen Lighthouse will become a landmark for nature experiences and an El Dorado for bird lovers,” said Henrik Lehmann Andersen, the head of the Nordea Fund.

“Birds are fascinating and the project will strengthen the Danes’ understanding of bird life and motivate them to seek out more nature experiences.”