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Denmark is a fantastic place to visit (and live!). It’s also a fantastic place to bring things home from, to fill your house with that distinctive Scandinavian flavor.
I mean, this is the land of Danish design, hygge, Hans Christian Andersen, adorable canals, and incredible pastries.
Truthfully, your main problem when shopping for souvenirs from Denmark is what to choose, what will fit into your suitcase, and what you can afford (‘cause Denmark isn’t known for being a budget destination).
Lucky for you, I’ve compiled this list to make your life easier! I’ll discuss some of the best souvenirs from Denmark, at all price points, that are also authentic to Denmark itself (aka I will do my best to avoid things made in China!).
Read on for 30 of the best Denmark souvenirs to bring home with you!
Table of Contents
1. Gnomes (Nisser)
Is there a cuter symbol of Denmark anywhere else? You’ll find little gnomes (nisser) all over Denmark. Nearly every Danish home has a “nisse,” who protects the household (at least if you appease him!).
Nisser are especially important in December, when, on Christmas Eve, you must leave him some sweet rice porridge (“risengrød”) to ensure he’s “sweet” to you during the next year—and not mischievous!
You’ll especially see these little gnomes all over during Christmas, but you can find them year-round.
2. Han Christian Andersen’s stories
Hans Christian Andersen, famous for his literary fairy tales, hails from Odense in Denmark and wrote most of his famous stories in Copenhagen.
Many of his fairy tales were based on stories his grandmother told him as a child, and others, like “The Little Mermaid” and “The Snow Queen,” were of his own invention. Find yourself a beautiful H.C. Andersen book to bring home, or artwork of his stories to remind you of Denmark forever.
3. Little Mermaid replica
As Hans Christian Andersen, the author of “The Little Mermaid,” lived and worked in Copenhagen, you can find tributes to him all over the city. The most famous one is a statue of said Little Mermaid, which sits on a rock in the Copenhagen harbor.
A great souvenir is a little replica of said mermaid. There are many versions at various price points (although I recommend not finding the cheapest one!).
Also read: 33 Fun Facts About Denmark You Will Love to Know
4. Christmas ornaments
I collect ornaments from everywhere I go, and of course, Denmark is no exception (in fact, I may have more than one from Denmark…). You will find an amazing array of gorgeous, locally made (and designed) ornaments all over the city.
Keep an eye out for local favorites, such as stars, snowflakes, Danish flags, and natural elements.
5. Hygge book
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve heard the term hygge (hue-guh). It’s a Danish concept that means, essentially, coziness, and Americans are all over this lately (yay!).
To really learn how to embody the hygge lifestyle, pick up a book in Denmark. The most popular one currently, by Meik Wiking, is The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way To Live Well.
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6. Tee shirt
Okay, I know what you’re thinking (what’s so special about a tee shirt?). It’s true, you can find them anywhere, and mass-produced, at that. However, in the land of Danish design, you can do better than that!
If you’re feeling touristy, check out the Hygge shirts from the Hygge Original Shop, or for slightly-less-touristy options, visit Moss Copenhagen. For the ultimate in price and design? Henrik Vibskov!
7. Hoptimist
Denmark often wins the title of the “Happiest Country on Earth,” and they also make the world’s happiest souvenir.
The Hoptimist, originally designed in the late 1960s, is now a fun little symbol of Denmark. The little bobbleheads come in a lot of versions, such as a Danish flag, kings/queens, graduates, brides, various animals, holiday editions, and oh so many more.
The wooden ones are particularly cool, although will cost you more (of course).
8. Stelton thermos
Stelton is an award-winning kitchen design brand from Denmark (and it’s also known for its sustainability!). One of their best products is their sleek vacuum jug (aka thermos), followed by their to-go cups.
They keep your beverages hot (or cold) for hours, and are eco-friendly, beautifully designed, and leak-proof!
9. Danish butter cookies
Everyone’s grandma has an old blue tin that says “Danish butter cookies.” Although it’s been years since Grandma’s tin actually saw one of these cookies, trust me when I say, you gotta pick some up in their homeland!
Retro and yet classic, and clearly, the tins are the gift that keeps on giving (seriously, I think my grandma has had hers for 60+ years). These little bite-sized pieces of buttery pastries will be a favorite for you and whoever you so generously gift them to.
10. Artwork
From traditional Scandinavian folk art to minimalist modern art to famous posters, artwork is one of the best Danish souvenirs you can bring home.
For cheaper versions of the most famous prints, hit up Posterland in Copenhagen for a huge variety of designs and sizes. Pro tip: bring your art home in a cardboard tube, so it doesn’t get ruined on the way home.
11. LEGOs
LEGOs were invented in Denmark! The name “LEGO” is a combination of a Danish phrase: “leg godt” which means “play well.” And whoever you buy a LEGO set for will certainly be playing well (even if that person is you).
LEGOs are easy to find all over Denmark, at the store in Copenhagen or at the OG Legoland in Billund.
It’s worth going to these shops just to see the incredible LEGO scenes, such as the Nyhavn harbor in Copenhagen.
12. Mads Nørgaard hat
Everyone in Denmark has an air of effortless cool. Now, I don’t have the magic to make you into a stylish Dane, but you can give it a shot with Danish fashion!
An easy way to look effortless and cool is to wear a baseball cap. The coolest of all (in my completely millennial opinion, so take it with a grain of salt) is from Denmark-based brand, Mads Nørgaard.
13. Knitwear
Who doesn’t love some classic Scandinavian knitwear? It gets cold up there in Scandinavia, and the Danish have perfected the art of knitting. A traditional sweater, some gloves, a hat, a scarf, or socks…you get to choose.
My favorites have the Nordic rose pattern (that looks more like a snowflake if you ask me).
14. Aquavit
Aquavit, also known as akvavit or snaps, is a traditional Danish liquor that means “water of life.” Often considered to aid with digestion, the Danes will drink aquavit during holiday meals or with heavier dishes.
Found all over Scandinavia, the Danish version is clear, served cold, and has notes of caraway and dill. Try it with a meat-and-potatoes Danish dish, and bring some home to share with your people!
15. Licorice
If Denmark had an official candy, it would be licorice. All of Scandinavia loves licorice so much, it’s known as “the black gold of Scandinavia.”
There are generally three main types of licorice: sweet, salty, and spicy. I’ll warn you that salty and spicy licorices are most definitely acquired tastes!
Bring back a bag of salmiak licorice (salty) to truly shock your senses (and your friends), or bring back some chocolate-covered licorice (from iconic brand Lakrids by Bülow).
16. Toms Skildpadde chocolate
If you really can’t get on the licorice train (no one would blame you!), but still want to bring home a sweet souvenir, go for chocolate! Denmark has some seriously good chocolate.
There are some smaller artisan chocolate makers or go for the biggie, Toms (which is one of the largest chocolate makers in Northern Europe).
Pro tip: Toms Skildpadde or mini Skildpadde, are caramel-and-rum cream-filled turtles are a classic Danish chocolate you must try (and buy! And bring home!).
17. Pickled herring
This one falls under the “acquired tastes” umbrella as well, but for a true Danish delicacy, grab yourself a tin or jar of pickled herring.
Just maybe don’t open it on the plane, otherwise, you might get banned from flying forever!
The Danes often put pickled herring on rye bread for their traditional smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches). Pick up some rye bread to recreate the experience back home.
18. Rye bread
Another way to bring home the taste of Denmark with you? Buy a loaf of traditional Danish rye bread!
This dense, brown, seedy bread, known as rugbrød in Danish, is used for everything from open-faced sammies (see above) to toast to a side dish with bigger meals.
And, bonus, rye bread is super healthy for you—even better than 100% whole wheat bread.
19. Royal Copenhagen porcelain
For a truly timeless gift from Denmark, Royal Copenhagen porcelain is the way to go. Royal Copenhagen has been making porcelain since 1775 and has always been known for its quality (and its long-lasting commitment to the color blue).
To buy authentic porcelain, visit the Flagship Store in Copenhagen, the outlet store in Fredericksberg, or keep an eye out for a “back stamp” on the piece at antique shops.
20. Wooden figurines by Kay Bojesen
Almost every Danish home has a wooden figurine or toy made by Kay Bojesen. These wooden figurines are iconic symbols of Danish design, usually made in the shape of animals, but sometimes soldiers or cars.
Although the designer himself died in 1958, his designs are still widely available, both retro and new, throughout Denmark.
21. Jewelry
Yes, yes, you can buy jewelry everywhere: but can you buy Viking jewelry anywhere? Nope, just in Scandinavia, especially Denmark.
Although the OG Viking jewelry is mostly in museums (as it should be), there are plenty of jewelry designers making replicas or modern pieces inspired by the Vikings.
If Viking jewelry isn’t your thing, try the classic looks from Georg Jensen. Founded in 1899 by a silversmith, Georg Jensen is another iconic Danish brand. Peep the famous Daisy collection, which supposedly every Danish woman (and girl) has in her possession.
22. Danish Kringle
The Danish Kringle is a pretzel-shaped pastry filled with currants and a type of almond paste. It’s been a symbol of Danish bakeries since the Middle Ages, and you’ll still see it hanging outside famous bakeries today.
I admit, it may be a bit of a beast to get home, but it’s so good, you just have to try!
23. Danish cheese
I know what you’re thinking—traveling with cheese? It’s possible and even easy: just make sure it’s vacuum sealed and pasteurized!
There are a lot of cheeses that are unique to Denmark, such as Danbo and Havarti, that you will want to share with your family back home.
24. Glerups slippers
What do you have when you mix Danish design and wool? The amazing felted-wool slippers from Glerups! They come in slipper boots, “shoe” style or with open heels, and a variety of soothing colors.
They’ll last you for years and keep your feet cozy and warm, yet never sweaty.
25. Shoes
We’ve already discussed some amazing Danish slippers, but if you need something a little bit more suited for the elements, there are plenty of local brands to be found in Denmark.
ECCO makes hip sneakers and dress shoes, GANNI somehow makes adding a rubber sole to every type of shoe stylish (and practical), and Duckfeet makes boots that are ready for a foggy stroll.
26. Maps
Even with the invention of Google Maps, it’s still handy to have a paper map. It also makes a great souvenir from your trip!
Keep your city maps, your metro maps, and your country maps to pin up on the wall or find illustrated maps that tell more of a story.
27. Fashion & accessories
I know, I know, you get it: Denmark is cool (and so are its people). Copenhagen even has its own fashion week!
So make sure to leave room in your suitcase for fashion and accessories from Danish brands.
Sweaters and scarves, watches and purses, you’re sure to find some unique pieces from local designers all over Denmark.
28. Homegoods & decor
Danish design is known the world over for its clean lines and minimalistic beauty. It’s probably not practical to refurbish your house with everything you can find in Denmark (bummer, I know!), but there are smaller things you can pick up for the road.
Candles and small lights can help you embody that hygge spirit wherever you are, for instance, and there are tons more options for Danish decor.
The best spots are in Danish department stores, like Illums Bolighus and Imerco.
For surprisingly inexpensive (yet still well-made) home goods, find a Søstrene Grene and go to town (if I could marry a store, it would be Søstrene Grene).
29. Bang & Olufsen electronics
Danish design paired with the height of technology has created the electronics brand, Bang & Olufsen. Although you can buy a B&O television, I recommend buying things that are a little easier to bring home.
Try a pair of headphones or a portable speaker. They practically look like art, don’t you think? And yet they’re speakers! Gotta love those geniuses over in Denmark.
30. Paper goods
I think paper is such an underrated souvenir! In fact, I think it makes one of the best Danish gifts.
The term “paper goods” covers a lot here, such as stationary and notebooks, but also paper cutouts. You’ll be amazed at the decor items that can be made from paper!
For more unexpected paper products, look for calendars, cut-out trees, and wrapping paper.
Where to buy souvenirs in Denmark
Now that you know what Danish souvenirs to buy (if you can choose!), you need to know where to buy all of these awesome Danish gifts.
Of course, that depends on what you want!
For food items, go to the Torvehallerne Market Hall in Copenhagen. For home goods, Illums Bolighus (with several locations) or the chain Søstrene Grene are your best bet.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen, with locations all over the country, is a great stop for everything from candy to toys, to kitchenware, and a huge variety of seasonal items.
For Danish souvenirs like postcards, visit Welcome Giftshop for locally made items. For art prints (pretty much any print you could ever hope to find) check out Posterland.
Conclusion
Denmark souvenirs run the gamut from delicious food items to intriguing food items (looking at you, licorice), fancy watches and headphones, and everything in between.
You will be able to find a unique item to commemorate your Denmark trip, no problem! And along the way, you’ll be able to enjoy the happiest country on Earth to the fullest.
Enjoyed reading your story. Leaving for Denmark in a couple weeks, and loved seeing your gift options.