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Things You Can Only Buy in Denmark

Denmark is known for interior design, pieces of which make for a great souvenir
Denmark is known for interior design, pieces of which make for a great souvenir | © Vadym Andrushchenko / Alamy Stock Photo

There are many typical Danish souvenirs you can buy, but if you’re looking for something a little different in Denmark, this guide is for you. From Freetown Christiania souvenirs to Viking jewellery, these Danish products will take you right back to your time in this special northern European destination.

Royal Copenhagen china

Royal Copenhagen has been producing porcelain goods for more than 240 years

Royal Copenhagen is renowned for creating delicate blue-and-white porcelain products – think plates, mugs, teapots and bowls – inspired by similar tableware exported from China during the Ming and Qing dynasties. While the Copenhagen factory was founded in 1775 by Queen Juliane Marie, it was not officially “royal” until King Christian VII became financially responsible for it in 1779.

Viking jewellery

As jewellery was a big part of Viking culture – either because it showed wealth or was used to fasten clothing – many Danish museums display original Viking jewellery. You can take a piece of Scandinavian history with you by buying replicas from museum shops and other stores around the country.

Scandinavian interior-design items

Renowned 20th-century designers such as Kaare Klint and Verner Panton made Denmark famous for interior design. Today, talented artists continue their legacy. You’ll discover many design stores with stylish items, such as sleek cutlery and ergonomic chairs, all over Denmark and especially in Copenhagen.

Danish-designed scarves

Due to low temperatures, scarves are an invaluable accessory in Denmark. But they’re not just practical, scarves are a fashion statement here. After Henrik Vibskov released his designs, colourful baggy scarves have become a must in Denmark. So keep your eyes peeled while window shopping, especially if you’re visiting during winter.

Freetown Christiania souvenirs

Freetown Christiania, an area in Copenhagen, has a unique logo and attracts thousands of visitors each year

The autonomous district of Freetown Christiania, sits in Copenhagen and has become a certified tourist attraction. The Christiania logo (a red banner with three yellow dots) adorns pencils, ashtrays, umbrellas and T-shirts, making excellent souvenirs for the thousands of tourists who visit every year.

The Danish Nisse

In Denmark, Nisse is a mischievous yet good-spirited elf causing trouble at Christmas. Some locals leave rice pudding or porridge for him on Christmas Eve, hoping he’ll be nicer to them. That little guy in the grey woollen clothes, the white clogs and the red bonnet and stockings has a shelf in every souvenir shop. So, if you like the story of Nisse, buy one of those elves as a cute memento.

Lakrids by Bülow products

You can find sweet and salty liquorice in Denmark, and it’s used in ice creams, beers, cocktails, sweets and many other products. In 2007, Johan Bülow thought of making delicious chocolate bites in different flavours but using liquorice as the main ingredient. Today, his company, Lakrids by Bülow, is a great success, and any of his products would make a perfect gift for liquorice-loving family and friends back home. You’ll find it in stores around the country.

Hans Christian Andersen items

About 167km (104mi) southwest of Copenhagen, you’ll find the HC Andersen Museum at the writer’s birthplace in Odense. Here, you’ll learn about Andersen’s journey, beginning with his childhood through to his life in the Copenhagen waterfront district of Nyhavn. The museum shop sells miniatures of the writer’s fairytale characters and replicas of items that he used during his life. He used to make paper cuttings to entertain his guests at festive gatherings, and in the museum shop, you can find various Christmas decorations by the Danish company Nordahl Andersen that are based on these paper cuttings.

Toms Skildpadde

Toms Skildpadde is one of the most popular chocolates in Denmark. It translates to Tom’s Turtle in English and is a chocolate turtle filled with rum, cream and caramel. Since appearing on the Danish market in 1948, Toms Skildpadde has become a Danish favourite. You can find it in every supermarket in the country – take a couple of them back home because you’re going to miss them.

Butter cookies

Who can resist a Danish butter cookie?

You’re probably familiar with that blue tin that contains two layers of delicious Danish butter cookies. And while these cookies are available in other countries, they’re best sampled in their country of origin. Over the past 50 years, they have become part of Danish culture and are one of the best-loved Danish treats. Plus, in Denmark you’ll find the cookies for sale in a wider variety of blue tins, often decorated with paintings of famous Danish scenes, so once you’re done with the tasty delicacies, you can use the tin as a decorative item.

About the author

When she doesn't have her headphones on, Aliki likes to talk about cinema, the peculiar stories she has experienced during her various travels around the world, and her desperate attempts to capture landscapes and people with her lens. Originally from Athens, Greece, Aliki moved to Copenhagen to find out if Denmark is actually the happiest nation in the world (still looking into it) and at the same time study Film and Media.

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