Det Gamle Apothek, Ribe
A historic former pharmacy in the heart of Ribe, now a cosy Nordic shop filled with atmospheric décor, seasonal treasures and a touch of old-town magic.
Det Gamle Apothek in Ribe is a charming shop set in a historic former pharmacy on Overdammen, right in Denmark’s oldest town. Inside, creaking floors, period details and soft lighting frame shelves of Scandinavian homeware, decorative objects and seasonal gifts, with a particular flair for Christmas ornaments and cosy Nordic touches. It is as much about browsing the atmospheric interior as it is about buying something to take home.
A brief summary to Det Gamle Apothek
- Overdammen 5, Ribe, 6760, DK
- +4576881300
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- No-frills
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Friday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Saturday 10 am-3 pm
- Sunday 11 am-3 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least 30–45 minutes to wander through all the rooms; the shop is deeper than it looks from the street.
- Visit in late autumn or early winter if you enjoy Christmas décor, when seasonal displays are at their most elaborate.
- Bring a small backpack or tote; many items are fragile, and it helps to carry purchases comfortably as you continue exploring Ribe.
- Look up and around as you browse—the historic details of the ceilings, beams and windows add as much character as the products themselves.
- If you are sensitive to crowds, aim for a weekday morning when the narrow rooms are usually quieter.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Det Gamle Apothek location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Det Gamle Apothek
Historic walls in Denmark’s oldest town
Det Gamle Apothek occupies an old-town building on Overdammen in Ribe, surrounded by cobbled streets and gabled facades that tell the story of Denmark’s oldest city. Once a working pharmacy serving the local community, the house still hints at its past through tall windows, panelled rooms and a slightly formal street presence softened by displays in the panes. Stepping through the door feels like crossing from the everyday bustle of the centre into a slower, more nostalgic Ribe. Inside, you notice how the space stretches back farther than expected, with low ceilings, timber details and rooms that reveal themselves one after another. The historic shell is carefully preserved, giving the shop the feel of a small museum of town life as much as a place of commerce.A curated world of Nordic decoration
Today the former pharmacy is devoted to Scandinavian decoration and home accessories, with a special strength in seasonal items. Tables and shelves are laid out with candles, glassware, textiles and small design objects that lean toward the cosy, understated side of Nordic style. Colours tend to be soft and muted, with occasional brighter pieces offering contrast. Around Christmas the character intensifies: garlands, ornaments and tiny decorative houses appear everywhere, turning several rooms into a festive maze. Outside the holiday season, you find more general home décor, from vases and lanterns to kitchen and living-room details that are easy to pack as souvenirs.Atmosphere over urgency
Part of the appeal here is the gentle pace. The building’s sequence of rooms encourages slow exploration rather than quick in-and-out shopping. You can move from a slightly darker, wood-lined space into one bathed in window light, then on into more intimate nooks where smaller objects are displayed at eye level. Soft background music and the muffled sounds of the street outside add to the calm, and the historic setting invites you to imagine how remedies and tinctures were once dispensed across counters where candleholders and ceramics now stand.Finding a souvenir that feels local
If you are looking for something that feels rooted in the region rather than generic, this is a strong place to browse. Many pieces reflect Nordic traditions of craftsmanship and seasonal decorating, from simple candle cuffs to more intricate figurines. Even everyday items such as storage jars, mugs or textiles can carry a distinctly Danish sense of form and colour. Because the rooms are arranged thematically and seasonally, it is easy to focus: one area might be all about table settings, another about lanterns and outdoor cosiness, another devoted to the year’s Christmas collection.A short but memorable stop in central Ribe
Det Gamle Apothek is compact enough that a visit does not require much time, yet rich enough in detail that you may linger longer than planned. Its central location makes it an effortless stop while exploring Ribe’s cathedral, riverfront and side streets. Whether you leave with a single ornament or a carefully wrapped bundle of gifts, the impression that stays is the combination of historic surroundings and curated Nordic charm. It is a small, atmospheric counterpoint to the town’s grander architectural sights, and a pleasant way to bring a piece of Ribe’s mood back home.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Queen Dagmar of Bohemia
0.4 km
A contemplative statue on Ribe’s former castle hill, honouring the gentle 13th‑century Queen Dagmar where her life and legend became entwined with Denmark’s history.
Kammerslusen Ribe
5.5 km
Discover Copenhagen's Black Diamond: A fusion of modern architecture and cultural heritage on the waterfront.
Sønderho Church
18.9 km
An 18th‑century island church filled with Denmark’s largest flotilla of votive ships, anchoring Sønderho’s seafaring history in a tranquil Wadden Sea village.
Æ Kåver
18.9 km
Reborn wooden seamark on Fanø’s southern edge, Æ Kåver recalls 17th‑century seafaring in a wild Wadden Sea landscape of wind, sand and wide horizons.
Bunker
24.7 km
A concrete relic of World War II occupation, standing silent in Denmark's westernmost forest.
Namaste Esbjerg
24.8 km
Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’ vibrant urban beach, blending sandy coastline, tranquil bay views, and easy access to city highlights and lush forest parks.
Esbjerg Water Tower
24.9 km
Historic red-brick water tower on a Bronze Age mound overlooking Esbjerg’s harbour, blending medieval-inspired architecture with the story of a young, ambitious port city.
Dronning Louise
24.9 km
Urban beachfront serenity meets Danish royal heritage at Marselisborg Strand, Aarhus’ favorite local escape for swimming, sunbathing, and seaside strolls year-round.
Christian IX statue, Esbjerg
24.9 km
Historic equestrian monument and central meeting point on Esbjerg’s main square, celebrating the king who founded Denmark’s youngest major North Sea port.
Vadehavskysten
24.9 km
An iconic copper bridge tower turned cultural gem, offering harbor panoramas, intimate events, and a taste of Copenhagen’s creative spirit on Knippelsbro.
Landgangen
24.9 km
Step inside a piece of Copenhagen’s iconic bridge architecture, now transformed into a creative hub for art, music, café culture, and panoramic city views.
Gangbroen over Toldbodvej, Esbjerg Havn
25.0 km
A converted harbor tower blending industrial heritage with contemporary art, panoramic views, and creative events on Copenhagen’s iconic Knippels Bridge.
Denmark
25.0 km
Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’s urban beach escape, offering sandy shores, a classic pier, family-friendly facilities, and beautiful views right at the city’s edge.
Esbjerg Museum
25.0 km
Iconic harbor-view cultural tower on Knippelsbro, blending Copenhagen’s bridge heritage with art, events, and sweeping views across Indre By and Christianshavn.
FanøFærgen, Esbjerg
25.1 km
Compact harbor terminal in Esbjerg serving the fast 12‑minute Fanø ferry, linking mainland bustle with island calm in the Wadden Sea UNESCO landscape.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hex! Museum of Witch Hunt
0.1 km
Explore the chilling history of witch hunts in 16th–17th century Denmark through immersive audio and artifacts in historic Ribe.
P Dovns Slippe
0.1 km
Explore the Wadden Sea's unique ecosystem and cultural heritage at Vadehavscentret near Ribe, Denmark.
Ribe Cathedral
0.1 km
Explore Denmark's rich glass and ceramic heritage at Holmegaard Værk, featuring live demonstrations and interactive workshops.
Ribe Domkirkeplads
0.1 km
Tiny but central parking right on Ribe’s cathedral square, putting you only steps from Denmark’s oldest town’s historic heart, shops and cobbled lanes.
Den Gamle Arrest, Ribe
0.1 km
Stay the night in Ribe’s old town prison, a 16th‑century listed house on the cathedral square where chaplains, schoolgirls and inmates once shared the same walls.
Det Gamle Rådhus Ribe
0.1 km
Compact in size but rich in stories, Ribe’s Old Town Hall reveals centuries of justice, ceremony and civic life within an atmospheric medieval shell.
Kannikegaarden
0.1 km
Award-winning parish hall and archaeological showcase where contemporary Nordic architecture hovers above Ribe’s oldest brick ruins beside the cathedral.
Stormflodssøjlen
0.2 km
Experience Danish creativity at Holmegaard Værk, where heritage glassmaking, live demonstrations, and cutting-edge design exhibitions come together in a vibrant historic setting.
Flood column in Ribe
0.2 km
A slender wooden column on Ribe’s harbour that turns tranquil waterfront views into a powerful, six-metre-high lesson in storm surges, memory and resilience.
Faldne fra Sønderjyske Krige, Ribe
0.2 km
Step into Viking-era life at Vikingborg near Ribe, where interactive exhibits, reconstructed buildings, and live reenactments reveal Denmark’s ancient Norse heritage.
Taarnborg
0.2 km
A contemplative Renaissance townhouse in Ribe’s cobbled centre, where historic clergy once lived and today’s cultural life unfolds in quietly atmospheric rooms.
Buste af Jacob A. Riis
0.2 km
A modest bronze bust in Ribe’s old town honouring Jacob A. Riis, the local boy whose New York photographs and journalism helped change urban social history.
Wooden bridges
0.2 km
Simple timber footbridges over Ribe’s quiet river, offering gentle views, soft light and a tranquil pause just beyond the medieval streets.
St. Catherine's Priory, Ribe
0.2 km
A beautifully preserved Dominican priory in Ribe, where brick cloisters, a serene church and a quiet garden reveal nearly eight centuries of Danish monastic history.
Ribe Kloster
0.2 km
A serene former convent tucked into Ribe’s cobbled centre, where brick Gothic walls, quiet courtyards and layered history evoke centuries of monastic life.
Essential places to dine
Pinocchio
0.0 km
Casual Italian pizzas and pastas served all day in a cosy, family-friendly restaurant right in the historic heart of Ribe’s medieval old town.
Quedensgård Cafe Og Krambod
0.0 km
Historic café and krambod in a crooked old merchant’s house in Ribe, blending Danish comfort food, a leafy courtyard and shelves of characterful curios.
Restaurant Vægterkælderen
0.0 km
Hearty steaks and classic Danish flavours served in a candlelit 16th‑century cellar beneath historic Hotel Dagmar on Ribe’s storybook main square.
Weis Stue
0.0 km
Centuries-old timber inn and restaurant on Ribe’s main square, serving classic Danish dishes and simple rooms in a wonderfully crooked historic house.
Hotel Dagmar
0.0 km
Denmark's oldest hotel since 1581, blending Renaissance charm with modern hospitality on Ribe's historic square.
BØFFEN Restaurant
0.1 km
Homemade burgers and ice cream on Ribe's historic square—casual comfort food at unbeatable prices.
Kolvig - by Skovmose
0.1 km
Historic riverside dining in Denmark's oldest city, where Nordic cuisine meets industrial heritage.
Restaurant Jacob A. Riis
0.1 km
Square-side steakhouse and brasserie in Ribe’s historic heart, named after reformer Jacob A. Riis and serving generous, familiar dishes from morning through evening.
Restaurant Sælhunden
0.1 km
Historic riverside dining in Denmark's oldest town, where 400 years of character meet fresh Danish cuisine.
Pizza Express
0.1 km
Casual pizzeria on Ribe's main square serving traditional Italian pizzas in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Terpager & Co
0.1 km
Historic 16th‑century café, wine bar and deli in Ribe’s old town, blending Nordic hygge, plant‑forward cooking and small‑producer wines in a cozy courtyard setting.
Peking House Restaurant
0.1 km
Authentic Chinese buffet in historic Ribe's pedestrian heart—diverse flavors, fresh ingredients, family-friendly.
Monza Pizza
0.2 km
Authentic Italian pizza handcrafted on Ribe's historic main square
Brorsonsminde -by Skovmose
0.2 km
Historic 1899 mission house turned warm Danish restaurant and celebration hall in Ribe’s old town, serving hearty, seasonal cuisine with a sense of occasion.
Huset Ribe
0.2 km
Casual café-brasserie and gourmet deli on a cobbled street in Ribe’s old town, perfect for light meals, good coffee and local delicacies in a relaxed setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Det Gamle Apothek
0.0 km
A historic former pharmacy in the heart of Ribe, now a cosy Nordic shop filled with atmospheric décor, seasonal treasures and a touch of old-town magic.
Overdammens Idebutik
0.0 km
A cosy Ribe gift shop where Scandinavian homewares, seasonal decorations and thoughtful souvenirs are tucked into a warm, cobbled-street setting.
NEW FORM Ribe
0.0 km
Sporty, pet-friendly clothing store in Ribe’s historic center, stocking practical outdoor and casual wear for the whole family near the Wadden Sea coast.
Janne K Ribe
0.0 km
Bright, comfortable women’s fashion in inclusive sizes, tucked into a historic townhouse on Ribe’s cobbled main street.
Den Lille Ravbutik
0.0 km
A cosy amber specialty shop in Ribe’s medieval heart, where warm golden stones, Scandinavian design and coastal heritage come together in wearable souvenirs.
Biti v/Tina Haugsted Larsen
0.1 km
Long-established Ribe corner boutique mixing Scandinavian-inspired women’s fashion, gifts and souvenirs in the atmospheric setting of the town’s central square.
Garnslusen
0.1 km
Specialty yarn and embroidery shop in the heart of Denmark's oldest city
CHANGE Lingerie
0.1 km
Scandinavian fit-focused lingerie and loungewear in a cosy boutique on Ribe’s historic Mellemdammen, blending everyday comfort with a touch of indulgent elegance.
Imerco
0.1 km
Denmark's premier homeware destination offering Scandinavian design, kitchen essentials, and exclusive collections in historic Ribe.
Habengood
0.1 km
Ribe's intimate vintage and vinyl destination where personal service meets curated second-hand treasures.
Ribes Embroidery And Yarn (M Svendsen)
0.1 km
A cozy, floor‑to‑ceiling yarn and embroidery cave in Ribe’s historic center, where more than fifty years of color, fiber and patterns invite you to start a new project.
Butik B
0.2 km
Inviting women’s fashion boutique in Ribe’s historic center, blending Scandinavian style, everyday practicality and a relaxed, personal shopping atmosphere.
Tøjeksperten
0.2 km
Contemporary menswear in Ribe's historic pedestrian district, backed by Denmark's most generous return policy.
Made in Ribe
0.2 km
Independent clothing and fabric boutique in Ribe’s medieval center, pairing Scandinavian style with personal tailoring and find-it-here-only souvenirs.
Tip Top I/S
0.2 km
A small, local clothing shop on Ribe’s historic Nederdammen, offering practical Scandinavian-style fashion in the heart of Denmark’s oldest town.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Stenbohus
0.1 km
Cosy, timeworn bar in the heart of Ribe, blending historic surroundings with easygoing drinks, local character and relaxed late‑night atmosphere.
Strygejernet
0.1 km
Intimate corner pub in Ribe’s old town, pairing rustic coziness, smoke-free comfort and friendly bar life with simple drinks, games and unhurried evenings.
Klubben 1811
0.2 km
Casual, spacious bar in Ribe’s old town, mixing sports, pool and cold beer in a bright, easygoing setting just steps from the city’s medieval streets.
Termansens
0.2 km
Intimate jazz and live music in a centuries-old townhouse, where Ribe’s historic charm meets cozy, small-scale culture house vibes after dark.
Café Valdemar
0.3 km
A compact late‑night bar and disco in the heart of historic Ribe, blending casual drinks, chart‑driven beats and a friendly weekend crowd on Sct Nicolaj Gade.
Vin For Dig Ribe
0.3 km
Cosy neighbourhood wine shop and intimate vinbar in Ribe, pairing curated bottles with generous takeaway tapas and relaxed Danish hygge.
Grosmann's
7.8 km
Small-town Danish hygge in a tiny cocktail bar on Kirkegade, where classic drinks, warm lighting and everyday village life meet in laid-back South Jutland style.
Mødestedet
19.0 km
Cozy wine bar on Skærbæk’s main street, where locals and visitors share unhurried glasses of wine, simple snacks and relaxed conversation from day to evening.
Bodega Pubs v/ Kim
19.0 km
Cozy local bodega in Skærbæk serving cold beer, simple drinks, and laid-back Danish bar culture in a friendly, down-to-earth neighborhood setting.
Dowdi Pub Bar
24.7 km
Old-school brown pub in central Esbjerg with inexpensive beers, wood‑panelled charm and a relaxed, local crowd from daytime regulars to late‑night lingerers.
Pappi's pub
24.8 km
Unpretentious, drinks-first bar on Kongensgade offering a simple Danish pub vibe, easy prices and a central stop-off point in the heart of Esbjerg.
Bjælkehytten - En Vestjysk BierBar
24.8 km
Timber-clad, late-opening beer hut on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, serving easygoing brews and shots in a cosy, West Jutland party atmosphere at the heart of nightlife.
Rustik - Bar & Natklub
24.8 km
High‑energy bar and nightclub on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, mixing industrial style, cocktails and a tightly packed dance floor late into the night.
SoHo - Bar & Cocktails
24.8 km
Adults-focused cocktail bar tucked inside Esbjerg Street Food’s old theatre hall, pairing crafted drinks, modern design and a lively, central city atmosphere.
King George
24.8 km
Esbjerg's beloved beer hall where Danish tradition, lively atmosphere, and authentic hospitality converge on Skolegade.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
No.31 - Bar & Natklub
24.9 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, blending late-night bar vibes, loud DJ sets and a youthful dance floor in the heart of the city.
Club Fanø Rindby
26.1 km
Vital hub for kite sports, fatbiking, and Nordic coastal adventure on Fanø, pairing local expertise with welcoming spirit in the island’s scenic Rindby beach area.
Bilka-søen
28.2 km
Esbjerg's energetic nightclub delivering vibrant music, dancing, and social entertainment in a lively atmosphere.
Crazy Daisy Vejen
28.7 km
High-energy disco club in central Vejen, bringing late-night music, dancing and big-city nightclub vibes to a compact South Jutland town.
Romo Golf Links
30.2 km
Romo Golf Links offers an authentic coastal golf experience amid the windswept dunes and wild beauty of Rømø, blending challenging play with stunning North Sea views.
Fishi
35.5 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub in Vejen with loud beats, simple drinks and a friendly small-town crowd that keeps the dance floor moving late into the night.
Al Capone
44.2 km
Tønder’s sole nightclub, Al Capone blends a rustic 1920s‑inspired mood, late‑night beats and strong drinks into an intimate speakeasy‑style party den.
P2 Champagne & Cocktail Tønder
44.3 km
Intimate champagne and cocktail lounge bringing late-night sparkle and city-style glamour to the historic heart of Tønder.
Koldingtivet Engen
47.9 km
Compact Kolding disco where locals pack the dance floor, mainstream hits fill the speakers and late-night energy turns a modest venue into a full-bodied club night.
Discoteque Tordenskiold
48.3 km
Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.
Mørks Kælder
48.5 km
Modern basement nightclub in central Kolding, pouring drinks and classic dance tunes for a grown-up crowd late into the weekend night.
Pitstop
48.7 km
Small, central and loud, Pitstop is Kolding’s alternative live music stronghold, blending intimate gigs, late-night dancing and laid-back bar vibes in a historic building.
Liglad Day & Nightlife
48.7 km
Compact late-night club on Grindsted’s main street, mixing local vibes, DJs and simple drinks for weekend nights that run into the early hours.
Jazz 6000
48.9 km
An essential stop in Kolding for jazz lovers, Jazz 6000 brings world-class live music, community spirit, and a cozy club atmosphere to southern Denmark.
Rotes Kliff
49.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Rotes Kliff in Sylt, a premier disco club and cocktail bar perfect for unforgettable evenings.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly