There’s no question that the land that gave the world Hans Christian Andersen's stories and fairy tales, the concept of hygge, and the iconic blue tin of the Royal Dansk butter cookies, among other cultural exports, would have souvenirs galore. From mementoes of "The Little Mermaid" to Scandinavian furniture, you can buy all sorts of trinkets and tchotchkes to take back home that captures the essence of Danish culture.
Here are five souvenirs from Denmark you should consider purchasing during your trip.
Tour any one of Denmark’s amazing museums, and you will find displays of Viking artefacts, including original jewellery. Thus, one of the top souvenirs you can bring back from Denmark is replicas or modern pieces inspired by the Vikings. This type of jewellery has a long history and comes in many distinct varieties, like Thor's hammer or serpent shapes for necklaces. You can find them in museum shops (like the National Museum of Denmark) or specialist stores like Ydale Smykker.
Traditionally eaten during December, brunkager is a Danish Christmas gingerbread cookie. With a long history dating back to the late 1400s, it makes for the ideal gift for loved ones back home. The delicious cookie is loved for it signature lemon and ginger flavour. You can also buy it online from speciality stores if you are unable to visit Denmark during Christmas.
A bottle of Gammel Dansk will go down a storm at an evening get-together with loved ones. It is a type of bitters liquor that is traditionally drunk by Danes at festive occasions, like wedding anniversaries and birthday celebrations, or during breakfast and brunch. The name translates directly from Danish as “Old Danish.” The secret behind the unique bitter flavour comes from the mixture ratio of 29 different herbs, spices, and flowers, which include angelica root, nutmeg, aniseed, ginger, and rowanberries. The bottle is also aesthetically pleasing, with its soft, well-shaped curves making the flask easily recognisable.
Invented in the 19th century under the name flødeboller (cream buns), these chocolate-coated marshmallow treats consist of a biscuit base topped with marshmallow-like filling and coated in a hard shell of chocolate. The confection is traditionally handed out in school by children on their birthday and is found in any supermarket. The largest Danish producer is Elvirasminde, who makes roughly 650 million flødeboller every year. You can buy them in several varieties ranging from white chocolate and dark chocolate to liquorice coating with or without sprinkles.
You cannot visit the land of Lego and not buy a set or two. The name is derived from the Danish phrase leg godt which means “play well.” In 1968, the Legoland Billund Resort was launched, a theme park made entirely of plastic blocks. It features mini models of famous buildings and sites from around the world, like the Acropolis of Greece and Egypt's Abu Simbel. You can purchase sets of train tracks, animals, and houses from any of the company’s stores throughout Denmark; our recommendation is to opt for toy sets that simulate the Royal Life Guards.