29+ Authentic Danish Souvenirs to Buy in Copenhagen (Recommended by a Local)

What is better than reliving an amazing trip you took by unpacking your souvenirs once you get home? Copenhagen and Denmark have so much to offer culturally, there are plenty of Danish souvenirs you can bring home from Copenhagen. After living here for nearly 2 years, I believe we now have the most comprehensive list of the best Danish souvenirs to buy in Copenhagen. We’ve tried to include souvenirs for all budgets, which, to be honest, is a bit of a challenge in Denmark 😉 Below you can also find our insider tips on where exactly to find the best Copenhagen souvenirs.

Where to Find the Best Copenhagen Souvenirs?

You can find regular souvenir and gift shops pretty much all over Copenhagen, but especially on Strøget and around Kongens Nytorv. Some are of the ‘Made in China’ variety and are a good option for picking up postcards (but you’ll need to buy stamps from 7Eleven).

There are also a couple of ‘upscale’ souvenir shops which sell smaller designer pieces. One of my favorite ones is Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs at Kongens Nytorv.

For specialized items, I recommend that you check out Magasin du Nord, Copenhagen’s famous department store (also at Kongens Nytorv) or Illums Bolighus on Østergade. For interior design pieces, Imerco is also a good address.

If you are looking for something that represents the simplicity of Danish design with a touch of whimsical, head over to Flying Tiger Copenhagen. I love browsing through their ever-changing assortment of goods. It’s a good place to pick up cheap gifts, especially for children.

For something a little more muted, visit Søsterne Grene. If I could, I would literally move into one of their stores and live there for the rest of my life. Surprisingly, their prices are very fair and affordable.

Now that you know where to find them, it’s time to check out the 29 best souvenirs from Denmark. We have split them into three categories so you can find the perfect gift from Denmark at any budget.

100 DKK or Less: Cheap Danish Souvenirs

I have to be honest with you – finding ‘cheap’ souvenirs in Copenhagen is no easy feat. Unless you’re content with fridge magnets and keychains, you should set a few extra kroner aside for your souvenirs. That being said, we do have a couple of recommendations 🙂

We’ve tried our best to come up with souvenirs you can buy for less than 100 DKK and some of them you can even pick up from the nearest supermarket!

1.Toms Chocolates & Candy

Founded in 1924, Toms is to Denmark what Cadbury is to Britain. However, while Cadbury is known for its classic chocolate bars, Toms is best known for its whimsical creations.

You simply cannot leave Denmark without trying the iconic Skildpadder, turtle-shaped chocolates filled with runny rum caramel. One of my favorite products of theirs is the Yankie bar, reminiscent perhaps of a Mars bar, but better 😉

Danes particularly enjoy the Pingvin brand, a line of licorice candies that I just love to hate. Nonetheless, licorice is so ingrained in Danish culture, it’s the perfect souvenir.

2. Anthon Berg Marzipan

When I first moved to Denmark I couldn’t help but notice that simply everything I bought somehow seemed to contain marzipan. At the time, I hated every bit of it, but I have truly come to love it.

As a matter of fact, marzipan is an integral part of Danish holiday traditions, found in the shape of a pig for Christmas, as eggs for Easter, or as a cake on New Year’s Eve. Those make excellent souvenirs and you can find them in supermarkets and specialty stores alike.

However, if you are visiting outside the festive season, you can simply pick up a box of Anthon Berg marzipan. Anthon Berg started producing marzipan in 1884 and was awarded the title ‘”Purveyors to the Royal Danish Court’ in 1957. Very Danish, indeed.

I really like their chocolate & marzipan bars and often pick them up as a snack from 7Eleven. As you see, Anthon Berg treats are easy to come by and you can even pick them up for a reasonable price at the airport.

I like to bring the Mini Marzipan Bar Box as a gift for friends and family. It costs about 65 DKK in supermarkets and the duty-free shop alike. Fancier boxes can cost upwards of 200 DKK.

3. Pålægschokolade

This is a weird one. After we moved here, I spent quite a bit of time in Danish supermarkets, and this product stood out to me every single time.

Found in the ‘breakfast’ section of most supermarkets, Pålægschokolade basically consists of very thin ‘sheets’ of chocolate. They are available in dark or milk chocolate, although the latter is more common.

You put it on a slice of bread, very much like you would Nutella. Unless it’s solid. Perhaps you’re supposed to toast the bread first?

Costing only about 30 DKK, the products by Galle & Jessen make the perfect souvenir and conversation starter!

4. Flæskesvær

I picked up a bag of Flæskesvær on our very first day in Denmark because I thought it was just the weirdest thing. Danes love pork and, in fact, the tiny country of Denmark is among the world’s largest pig meat exporters. Apparently, they love it so much, they would eat it as a snack the way a normal person would eat potato chips. Enter Flæskesvær.

Flæskesvær are pork rinds or pork scratchings. They are quite salty and probably horrible for your cholesterol, but I have to admit that I don’t mind eating them… once a year or so 😉 You can pick up a big for about 10 DKK from any supermarket.

5. Lego

Without a doubt the biggest Danish brand, Lego toys simply makes the perfect souvenir from Denmark. The iconic building bricks have been in production since 1949 and become one of the most popular toys in the world.

Invented by Danish carpenter Ole Kirk Christiansen, Lego bricks are perhaps the quintessential Danish souvenir. A visit to their flagship store on Strøget (Vimmelskaftet 37) is worth it just for the ginormous Lego displays themselves. But it is also a great place to pick up a cheap souvenir.

While Lego can be quite expensive, a simple keychain only costs 40-50 DKK. They also have a Pick-a-Brick wall where you can fill your pockets with any kind of bricks you like. Just remember to pay for them 😉 A small tub costs only 75 DKK while the big tub is 150 DKK.

6. Christmas Ornaments

Danes are insanely patriotic when it comes to their flag. I mean, they put the Danish flag on their birthday cakes, and they put it on their Christmas trees. Of course, Dannebrog, as the Danes call it, is the oldest flag in the world. So why wouldn’t it be a matter of pride?

Go ahead and pick up a Dannebrog ornament to put on your Christmas tree 🙂 They are most easy to come by in the winter, but with a little bit of luck, you may even find one in the summer.

Alternatively, you could pick up a traditional Danish nisse. In Nordic folklore, a nisse is a kind of elf or gnome and acts as a kind of guardian over a household. Smaller ornaments are available pretty much everywhere, including supermarkets, during the months leading up to Christmas. They make a cute Scandinavian souvenir and can be as cheap as 20 DKK.

7. Graphic Prints

There are probably dozens of graphic designers illustrating Copenhagen as they see it. It’s hard to recommend just one, which is why I suggest you head over to one of my favorite stores in Copenhagen – Posterland (Gothersgade 45). Here, you can easily find smaller posters or postcards for less than 100 DKK.

They are so intrinsically pretty, they’ll brighten up your home without much effort. Some of the designers with outstanding Copenhagen subjects are Sivellink, Nonsense, Finn Nygaard, Viggo Vagnby, Jacob Sneum, and more.

8. Danish Craft Beer

I couldn’t very well write this list without at least mentioning some of the amazing craft beers available in Denmark. Now, I know they aren’t exactly easy to transport and if you’re traveling hand-luggage only, you will need to pick them up at the airport.

One of the most outstanding craft breweries in Denmark is Mikkeller. Founded by Mikkel Borg Bjergsø and Kristian Klarup Keller, their beers are known for being unconventional and innovative.

Thankfully, Mikkeller has an around-the-clock bar at Copenhagen airport (found in Terminal 2), where they sell various different creations in either bottles or cans. They also have gift boxes and other merchandise available.

A bottle or can of beer will cost you about 35-50 DKK. Alternatively, you can pick up a couple of bottles of Braunstein beer from the duty-free shop for only 19 DKK per piece.

9. Danish Butter Cookies

Have you actually ever seen a tin of Danish Butter Cookies that contained actual cookies rather than sewing supplies? If not, now is your chance! Danish butter cookies simply consist of butter, flour, and sugar. They are so crumbly, they practically melt on your tongue as you eat them.

You can get them almost everywhere, including supermarkets and shops at the airport for about 50-60 DKK. The tins depict various Copenhagen landmarks. However, I prefer to buy mine from Flying Tiger simply due to the cute graphic design on their tins.

10. Little Book of Hygge

There is a number of books covering Denmark or the Danish lifestyle. However, none have captured the public’s attention quite like the Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking.

It introduces readers to ways of bringing a little more hygge into their lives, covering topics such as Scandinavian design, food, and more abstract concepts.

By buying this book, it will almost be as if you brought the essence of Denmark home with you. And while you’re at it, also take a look at the Little Book of Lykke. This ‘sequel’ takes a closer look at Danish society and what exactly makes the Danes the happiest people on the earth.

You can find the books in better souvenir shops, or at bookshops such as Bog & Idé or Arnold Busck, for about 130 DKK each (a little over the 100 DKK limit, I know).

11. Works by Hans Christian Andersen

H.C. Andersen is without a doubt one of Denmark’s most famous authors and beloved by adults and children alike. Among others, Andersen is known for fairytales such as The Ugly Duckling, The Little Match Girl, and, of course, The Little Mermaid. So instead of buying a little mermaid snowglobe, why not buy the original story?

Most bookstores stock illustrated children’s books for around 90 DKK. A more complete and/or grown-up collection of H.C. Andersen’s works usually costs between 200 and 300 DKK. Good addresses are Bog & Idé as well as Arnold Busck.

12. Akvavit

Akvavit is a traditional Danish spirit, usually distilled from either grain or potato. More importantly, it is flavored with dill or caraway seed. The name derives from Latin and translates to “water of life”. Yes, Danes sure take this spirit seriously. It is generally drunk during parties or holidays.

In Denmark, it is commonly served alongside smørrebrød. The most popular brand sold in stores is Aalborg Taffel Akvavit, a 0.5L bottle of which will cost you about 70 DKK. You can find it in supermarkets or at the duty-free shop at the airport.

13. Bülow Lakrids

Did I mention that Danes LOVE licorice? Johan Bülow has been making luxury licorice (yes, there is such a thing) successfully since 2007. In 2009, the company started adding chocolate-covered licorice to their range which has been all the rage ever since.

Even though I love to hate licorice, I have to admit that Bülow’s products almost converted me. The most recent flavor I tried was their blueberry licorice which is probably a good ‘entry-level’ kind of licorice.

Bülow Lakrids can be found all over Copenhagen, but you can most easily pick it up at Magasin or at their dedicated shop at the airport (between Terminals 2 and 3). A small box of 125g costs between 65 and 80 DKK.

14. Danzka Vodka

Alright, when you think ‘vodka’, Denmark probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. However, Danzka has been distilling vodka successfully since 1989. Unlike regular vodka, Danzka vodka is distilled from wheat rather than from potatoes.

It regularly contains 40% alcohol, although a 50% version is also available. I particularly like the bottle as it embodies the simplicity of Danish design. It was created with portability in mind which is why it is made from aluminum rather than glass. It also means you’ll have it chilled in no time after you return home 😉

You can easily pick up a 0.5 L bottle of Danzka vodka at the duty-free shop at the airport for about 90 DKK or even a minipack with 4 different flavors for about 80 DKK. The regular-sized 1 L bottles cost around 150 DKK.

15. Christiania Merchandise

What could be better than to take home a great souvenir and support the local economy alike?! Never has this thought been more relevant than when buying souvenirs in Christiania.

Now, I don’t mean the illegal kind, but rather merchandise carrying on the spirit of the Freetown Christiania to the outside world. T-shirts and hoodies are among the most popular items, but you can simply pick up a small pin or a badge.

Neither would cost you more than maybe 30 DKK. You can find the merchandise at Bevar Christiania Boden. If you are visiting in December, I highly recommend that you visit the Christiania Christmas Market to pick up your perfect Copenhagen souvenir.

16. Sømods Bolcher Candy

Even though we already have Toms candy on this list, I still wanted to mention Sømods Bolcher. Sømods Bolcher has been making traditional hard candies since 1891 and you can still watch them make the candies the old-fashioned way today.

In their shop at Nørregade 24, they still heat sugar to exactly 180 C before shaping it into intricate designs by hand. Since 1991 they have been an official Purveyor to the Danish Court.

So if it’s good enough for the royal family, surely it’s good enough for us? 😉 At their shop, a small jar of candies costs about 50-70 DKK. You can also make your own mix of candies for 45 DKK per 100g.

1000 DKK or Less: Affordable Danish Quality

In this category, we have included items traditionally Danish or by Danish companies which, although they cost a little bit more, don’t quite fall into the luxury segment.

Who knew you could get a piece of Danish design at an affordable price?! 🙂 And by that we mean between 100-1000 DKK. Damn you, Denmark!

17. Fancy Chocolates

Apart from your regular supermarket variety, Denmark actually has a surprisingly large luxury chocolate segment. Popular brands include Summerbird, Peter Beier, and Frellsen. Out of these, Peter Beier is quite possibly the most popular one among Danes, despite the fact that the company only started its journey in 1996.

They have the most stunning chocolate Easter eggs, a pretty can of which only costs 140 DKK. You could also get a few better quality pieces of the aforementioned pålægschokolade.

On the other hand, Frellsen has been around since 1897 and is more of an “old-school” chocolatier. Their flødeboller are immensely popular! Nonetheless, I don’t recommend that you take them on the plane as they tend to succumb to changes in pressure.

18. Hoptimist

‘Hoptimist is all about smiles’ is what it reads on their official website. And it is true – I cannot help by smile at their whimsical yet down-to-earth designs. Although the company’s history started in the 1960s, it was dramatically increased in popularity since its re-launch in 2009.

The Hoptimists are basically little figurines to be put on your desk and meant to brighten your day. They are typically made from plastic, although I personally prefer their wooden and metallic versions. Today, there is a Hoptimist for nearly every occasion.

The smaller Baby Bumble figures (7 cm) cost around 150 DKK, the Junior Bumbles (10 cm) about 175 DKK, and the regular Bumbles (13.5 cm) about 200 DKK. Apart from the airport, you can find them in interior design shops such as Illums Bolighus or Imerco or at some of the better souvenir shops.

19. ECCO Shoes

Even though both Mihir and I have been wearing ECCO shoes forever, we only realized it was actually a Danish brand once we moved to Denmark. Of course, the neutral design should have been a dead giveaway 😉 What makes me happy personally, that the company has remained in Denmark since its foundation in 1963.

Of course, you can find ECCO shoes nearly anywhere in the world, but I still enjoy shopping at their flagship store on Østergade in Copenhagen. A pair of sneakers will set you back between 700 and 1300 DKK.

20. Pandora Charms

Speaking of popular brands you didn’t know originated in Denmark – Pandora. Founded in 1982 by Danish goldsmith Per Enevoldsen and his wife Winnie Enevoldsen, Pandora is a global phenomenon, primarily known for its customizable charm bracelets.

Most of their smaller pieces are available for well below 1000 DKK and you can even purchase your very first very own charm bracelet including two charms for 750 DKK.

They even have a Copenhagen charm for 350 DKK, in case you were wondering 😉 They have 5 outlets in Copenhagen, including one at the airport.

21. DAY by Birger et Mikkelsen

If you have a close look at Danish women walking in the streets, I bet you that 99% of them are carrying a DAY ET bag. Ok, that may be a slight exaggeration, but they are immensely popular. I don’t know what it is about them, but between the understated design and the durable materials, this is the perfect bag to carry in the Danish environment.

Their smaller tote bags cost as little as 300 DKK while the mid-sized bags cost between 400 and 500 DKK. If you’re lucky like me, you can snag a pretty model on sale!

DAY has a designated shop at the airport. Actually, coming out of the duty-free shop, you really can’t miss it. They often have a few models on sale (that’s where I got mine!). Otherwise, you can find a large variety of models at Magasin.

22. Tromborg Cosmetics

Unlike the more serene Nordic countries, Denmark isn’t particularly known for its cosmetics. However, in recent years several brands have emerged, focusing especially on organic ingredients. One such success story is Tromborg, universally beloved by Danes.

While their signature cremes cost upwards of 2000 DKK, they have a large range of more affordable products as well. Personally, I really like their flight kit which includes everything you need to survive those dreaded Basic Economy flights. Plus, it’s only 280 DKK!

Naturally, you can find a selection of Tromborg cosmetics at the duty-free shop at Copenhagen airport. There is no designated Tromborg shop in Copenhagen, but you can find their product in most Matas stores, as well as at Sephora and Magasin.

23. Pilgrim Jewelry

Pilgrim is yet another international jewelry brand with roots in Denmark. Considering that Annemette Markvad and Thomas Adamsen first started selling their jewelry at festivals, it comes as no surprise how fun and carefree their designs are.

You can pick up a nice pair of earrings or perhaps a necklace for between 100 and 150 DKK or splurge on a cute watch for 600 DKK. As far as jewelry brands go, Pilgrim is very affordable.

You can find their stores all over town, including all shopping malls, Strøget, and of course you can buy it at the Magasin department store.

24. Stelton Kitchenware

Stelton, founded by Niels Stellan Høm and Carton Madelaire, started its journey as a retailer of sports shoes and furniture. Finally, they ventured into stainless steel consumer goods.

Around that time, famous Danish designer Arne Jacobsen created several designs for the company. Today, they are known for their timeless kitchen and tableware.

A favorite among Danes is Erik Magnussen’s EM77 Thermos. At only 450 DKK it is probably one of the pieces of Danish design you would get the most use out of. They do also have stylish coffee tumblers for less than 300 DKK. Stelton kitchenware can be found at stores such as Imerco, Illums Bolighus, and Magasin.

1000 DKK or more: Danish Design Souvenirs

Over the last couple of years, I have developed a certain appreciation for Nordic design, and Danish design, in particular, is renowned worldwide.

Unfortunately, unique design pieces come with a certain price tag. Occasionally, a hefty price tag. But to be honest, these are pieces which you are going to cherish for a lifetime and as such well worth the investment.

25. Royal Copenhagen Porcelain

Dating back to 1775, hardly any Danish manufacturer has remained as relevant as Royal Copenhagen. Even though their original monopoly on the production of porcelain has expired, Royal Copenhagen is still part of most Danish households.

They are known especially for their ‘Blue Fluted’ line of dinner service which hasn’t been changed since its first and only revision in 1880. Each item is hand-painted which reflects in its price. After all, a single espresso cup costs 590 DKK.

I personally prefer their minimalistic ‘White Fluted’ series which is also a little more affordable. However, a single cup still costs a minimum of 270 DKK. Their flagship store is located on Strøget, at Amagertorv, but you can also find their products in pretty much all interior design shops such as Illums Bolighus and Imerco.

26. Bang & Olufsen Speakers

As far as electronic stores go, Bang & Olufsen probably have one of the most interesting stories out there. Founded in 1925, Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen started building prototypes in Olufsen’s attic.

Their business slowly took off but hit a major setback during World War II when their factory was destroyed by pro-Nazi groups. After the rebuild, they manufactured anything from radios to electric razors.

Today, they primarily produce audio speakers in a sleek Danish design. In fact, in 1978 one could even admire some of their best designs at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Of course, outstanding acoustics and modern design come with an exorbitant price tag.

A ‘simple’ pair of earphones can set you back about 2200 DKK and their wireless speakers never cost less than 10,000 DKK. Their Copenhagen flagship store in located on Østergade, only a few meters from Kongens Nytorv.

27. Georg Jensen Silverware

Because we already but a goldsmith on this list, I thought we should also talk about one of Denmark’s best-known silversmiths, Georg Jensen.

You can hardly walk into any Danish house without coming across one piece by Georg Jensen or another. Of course, there is traditional silverware such as cutlery, but candlesticks are also popular.

While some of the latter can cost 4000 DKK, there are plenty of appealing pieces in a more affordable price range. I personally like their bread baskets and bonbonnieres. Definitely check out Illums Bolighus and Imerco for your favorite pieces!

28. Kay Bojesen Toys

Although Kay Bojesen is another trained silversmith, he is best known for his wooden toys. Hardly any piece of Danish design is as iconic as Kay Bojesen’s monkey. It is even exhibited at the Danish Design Museum and was once part of the collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

The larger-sized monkeys cost upwards of 2000 DKK, but smaller versions are available for about 900 DKK and are available in various kinds of wood, such as maple and oak.

Also popular with Danes are Bojesen’s songbirds, costing around 600-700 DKK. Unfortunately, there is no flagship store in Copenhagen, but you can find the toys in better souvenir shops, and of course at Illums Bolighus and Imerco.

29. Louis Poulsen Lamps

Ok, a lamp isn’t exactly the easiest souvenir to cram into your carry-on. However, a Louis Poulsen lamp may just be worth hauling as your personal item. Founded in 1874, Louis Poulsen lighting solutions have been around for a long time.

However, the company only rose to international fame in 1925 when designer Poul Henningsen was awarded a gold medal at the ‘Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs & Industriels Modernes’ for this innovative lamp design.

The lamps with the iconic three-shade design, also known as PH Lamps, went into production the following year and are still part of the Danish design scene today.

Their cheapest (and maybe most portable) table lamp costs about 5,400 DKK. You can find the lamps either at Illums Bolighus or selected retailers. Alternatively, you can visit their showroom at Kuglegårdsvej 19-23.

Further Reading For Your Copenhagen Visit

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Now, what do you think? What are your favorite Copenhagen souvenirs? Any other Scandinavian souvenirs we should be putting on this list? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

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