🇳🇴 Top 10 unique souvenirs from Scandinavia
The Candy Islands destination is not cheap – it’s true, but you almost always want to bring gifts from your trip to your family, friends, and even your loved ones. Don’t worry, there are souvenir options to suit every taste and budget. I’ll tell you about this.
Liquorice candy
I'll start with the most budget-friendly, but controversial. When I went to Sweden for the first time, they advertised licorice candies to me, and, of course, I dreamed of trying them. I won’t keep the intrigue: I didn’t like it. To put it mildly. This black viscous something tasted like tar. But the delicacy is very popular among Scandinavians.
You can find bright dark candies in any supermarkets, not just in souvenir shops. And for an exotic gift such a box is perfect. It’s worth trying licorice at least once for the sake of experimentation. And there is always a chance that your family and friends will like the candy. My aunt, for example, turned out to be a fan of them – the souvenir was to my liking. Perfect match.
Vikings
Magnets, postcards, figurines, plates, toys, amulets, ships, helmets, even pepper shakers (I bought two of these) – you can find dozens of things with the theme of “warriors of the north”. It doesn’t matter what exactly you choose, the main thing is that the Vikings will be unambiguously associated with Scandinavia. Although historians advise not to take souvenirs with horns, they say this has never happened before, it was all made up by film makers.
Trolls
These creatures are an important element of Norse mythology. Wooden carved figurines have been a good gift, and sometimes a talisman, for many centuries. Should we change traditions? After all, there are also a lot of options for the cutest trolls: soft toys, glass, metal, jewelry and dishes.
Trolls used to be portrayed as fearsome giants who turned to stone in the light of day. Nowadays, souvenirs look more like funny little figures: shaggy trolls with ridiculous facial expressions, sly smiles and characteristic big noses.
Moomins
Bring safely from Finland and Sweden. Stories about “mummies” originated in Finland, but in Swedish, so they are secretly symbols of two countries at the same time. Although souvenirs with them can be found throughout Scandinavia.
The work of Tove Jansson is a huge contribution to world culture. In addition to the stories themselves, the writer’s own illustrations are also known, where they are not yet printed: bed linen, dishes, clothes, playing cards, board games.
In addition, Scandinavia has a huge selection of standard souvenirs with “mummies”. For example, I brought a huge candle, a painted metal bowl and a couple of magnets from Finland. I was looking at a pillow and a soft toy, but my friend somehow managed to stop me, but don’t hold back. The Moomins are adorable in any design.
Cloudberry products
In Norway, I tried potato pancakes with cranberry jam for the first time, but cranberries won’t surprise us, but cloudberries are a symbol of the north. They make everything from it: jam, liqueurs, traditional desserts, sauces. Try it yourself and bring it as a gift.
Brunost
I have already talked about this sweet brown cheese. Although some people do not even classify it as cheese, but rather as a sandwich paste. Many Scandinavians eat it this way – spread on toast or waffles. Brunost is sold in packages of various sizes. There are very stylish packages that can be perfectly used as a gift. If you are in Norway, try other unusual local cheeses, for example, with the addition of cloves or with a nutty taste.
- Dine at a water restaurant, walk on the roof of the opera house and visit the Troll's language – Norwegian checklist
- Lots of fish, but also sweets: the most unusual Scandinavian dishes
- 10 things that surprise you in Finland
Cheese slicer
In addition to cheese souvenirs, you can also buy a cheese slicer, invented in Norway in the 20th century. There are regular versions, and there are gift versions: with decorated handles, with flags, in the form of a moose head (these animals are also very popular in Scandinavia). You can buy such a gift at almost any grocery store. The special shape of this kitchen device allows you to cut cheese as evenly and thinly as possible, although the shape of the cheese slicer may not fit the standard sizes of cheese that are sold in our grocery stores. But cheese is different, right?
Capelin caviar
Take it for yourself and as a gift. Caviar is often sold in tubes; it almost looks like a space souvenir. The tubes are convenient, made of tin, and a special device helps to squeeze out the caviar completely, down to the last egg. Scandinavians love to eat caviar for breakfast, spread on sandwiches. In appearance, caviar looks more like mustard, but according to taste, you can choose what you like best: there are salted options, if smoked.
Canned game
A great gift for lovers of new tastes and sensations. Try it yourself and bring it to your friends. Scandinavian stores offer a large selection of canned elk and venison. I repeat, elk are generally popular souvenirs: moose on keychains, magnets and in the form of soft toys will begin to attack literally from the station.
Glög
If you want something hotter, take a closer look at glög. This light alcoholic drink is no less popular than mulled wine, although it is similar to it, but it evokes much more associations with Scandinavia. There are regular bottles, there are souvenir bottles, there are sets with different tastes, depending on spices and additives.
Akvavit
If you need something stronger, then choose aquavit – a traditional Scandinavian alcohol up to 50% strength. This is a potato-based alcohol that is infused with spices. The drink is aged in barrels from several months to a year. Aquavit color: from yellow to hazel.
Knitted sweaters
From Scandinavia (especially Norway and Iceland) you can safely bring authentic sweaters with national patterns made from natural wool. It can come in handy even during a trip, and it’s a great gift. These are very warm, comfortable and high quality things. But the price tag can sting. If you want something related, colorful, but cheaper, choose socks, in this context they will no longer be a banal gift.
Eco-accessories
Scandinavians are extremely careful about nature and recycle materials. They are sincerely concerned about climate and environmental issues. If you actively support them, you will like the selection of products. You can find bags made from recycled rubber or shoes made from car tires.
Of course, the range of gifts may vary from country to country; each region is famous for something of its own. Explore, explore, ask locals for advice, and most importantly, enjoy your travels. May all the souvenirs you bring always evoke warm feelings among your family and pleasant memories for you.