Red Cross Op Shop, Samsø
Cozy island thrift store on Samsø where secondhand finds, local volunteers and a quiet sense of purpose turn everyday shopping into low-key, sustainable giving.
Tucked along Aavej in the heart of Samsø, the Red Cross Op Shop is a cozy, volunteer-run thrift store where island life and Danish design quietly meet. Racks of pre-loved clothing, shelves of books, kitchenware and small furnishings create a treasure-hunt atmosphere, with every purchase supporting humanitarian work. It is an easy, low-key stop to browse between island explorations, step into local everyday life, and practice sustainable shopping on this tranquil Danish island.
A brief summary to Red Cross Op Shop
- Aavej 16, Samsø Municipality, 8305, DK
- +4586590422
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-1 pm
Local tips
- Plan your visit for a weekday late morning or early afternoon, when the full opening hours make it easier to browse without rushing.
- Bring a reusable tote bag, as secondhand shops often have limited packaging and it makes carrying unexpected finds much easier.
- If you need seasonal clothing for Samsø’s changeable weather, check the outerwear racks first; you can often pick up a warm layer cheaply.
- Have a small list in mind—books, kitchenware, textiles—so you can scan the shelves methodically and spot the best-quality items.
- Consider donating items at the end of your stay on Samsø, closing the circle by passing along things you no longer need.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Red Cross Op Shop location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Red Cross Op Shop
A small island shop with a big heart
The Red Cross Op Shop on Aavej is one of those modest places that quietly anchor daily life on Samsø. Set in a simple ground-floor retail space, it feels more like a neighborhood living room than a traditional store. Local volunteers greet you from behind the counter, chatting in Danish with regulars and switching to warm, practical English when visitors step through the door. This is both a charity shop and a social hub, where the pace of an island afternoon naturally slows. Inside, fluorescent light and daylight from wide windows reveal a compact but carefully organized floor. Clothing stands in neat rows, with handwritten signs marking sizes and sections. Everything is secondhand, but curated to be clean, wearable and affordable, from seasonal jackets to children’s clothes and the occasional piece of sharp Scandinavian tailoring.Thrift treasures with a Danish twist
Beyond the clothing rails, shelves are stacked with a shifting assortment of household finds. You might run your hand across a line of ceramic mugs, vintage glassware, enamel bowls or small brass candlesticks that could easily sit on the table of a Danish summerhouse. There are usually a few stacks of books, some in Danish, sometimes a scattering of German or English titles left by holidaymakers. Look closer and you may discover textiles like tablecloths, crocheted blankets and cushions with patterns that echo earlier decades of Nordic design. Small pieces of furniture occasionally appear: a bedside table, a simple armchair, perhaps a wooden stool that would fit perfectly on a cottage terrace. Because stock depends entirely on donations, no two visits feel the same; part of the pleasure here is the sense that any shelf might hold an unexpected, useful souvenir.Every purchase supports humanitarian work
Although the shop feels quietly local, its impact reaches far beyond Samsø. As part of the national Red Cross network, the store channels proceeds into humanitarian efforts, from social projects in Denmark to international relief. The volunteers sorting clothes in the back room and steaming shirts on a rack are contributing to that wider mission as they work. Signs on the wall and small displays sometimes explain where support is directed, giving a gentle reminder that a pair of jeans or a set of plates carries a second value. The model is simple: people donate items they no longer need, volunteers give their time, and travelers and locals turn those donations into funds that help others. It is a practical, down-to-earth expression of community solidarity more than a polished retail concept.A window into Samsø’s everyday rhythms
Visiting on a weekday, you will likely share the space with island residents running errands between other commitments. Seniors linger over knitwear, parents browse children’s sections, and farmers pop in wearing work clothes, scanning for sturdy outerwear or kitchen odds and ends. Conversations drift across the aisles about weather, ferries and harvests, giving a more intimate glimpse of island life than most formal attractions can offer. The atmosphere is unhurried: you can take time to examine a coat or turn over a vase without feeling observed or rushed. Volunteers are happy to answer questions about how the shop works or how to donate, and may offer tips about other local spots on Samsø. It is an everyday place, but precisely for that reason, it offers a sense of belonging that many travelers value.Practical stop between island explorations
The op shop makes a convenient pause during a day of cycling or walking between villages. Opening hours are focused on daytime, particularly midweek, which aligns well with leisurely sightseeing. The shop is modest in size, so even a quick 20–30 minute browse can be rewarding, but it is easy to linger longer if you like to inspect every rail. Because prices are low, it is a useful stop if you have misjudged the weather and need an extra sweater, a rainproof layer or a spare scarf. For travelers staying in self-catering accommodation, it can also be a source of practical extras like bowls, glassware or a forgotten kitchen utensil, all of which you can later re-donate on the island to keep the loop of reuse going.Slow, sustainable shopping on a Danish island
In a destination known for its farms, coastal landscapes and sustainable energy projects, the Red Cross Op Shop adds another, quieter strand to Samsø’s green story. Buying secondhand is an easy way to travel more lightly, avoiding new production while still bringing home something tangible from the island. Whether you walk out with a single paperback, a bundle of children’s clothes, or a carefully chosen piece of vintage tableware, you leave knowing your purchase has had several lives already. The satisfaction is part aesthetic, part ethical: a small, thoughtful choice made in a simple shop on a small island, connected to a global network of care.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The small Summer Hotel
0.0 km
Experience authentic Danish seaside charm at The Small Summer Hotel in Ballen, Samsø, offering cozy accommodations and a perfect base for exploring the island's natural beauty and vibrant culture.
Ballen Strandpark - Ferielejligheder og feriehus
0.5 km
Experience coastal bliss at Ballen Strandpark on Samsø: stunning sea views, direct beach access, and charming apartments near Ballen harbor, perfect for a relaxing island getaway.
Samsø Sogn
3.6 km
A modest whitewashed parish in Tranebjerg where Samsø’s island history, everyday rituals and quiet faith meet along bustling Langgade.
Hotel Vadstrup1771
4.8 km
Experience the tranquil charm of Hotel Vadstrup1771, a perfect retreat in the heart of Samsø, blending comfort with local culinary delights.
Ilsemade Helligkilde
7.1 km
A Bronze Age sacred spring where fresh water flows from an ancient hollow oak, connecting modern visitors to 3,000 years of spiritual tradition.
The Kanhave Canal
10.4 km
A 1,300-year-old Viking shortcut carved across an island to control Denmark's seas.
Restaurant Mårup Havn
14.6 km
Experience fresh, locally sourced seafood with stunning harbor views at Restaurant Mårup Havn, a culinary gem on the scenic island of Samsø, Denmark.
Oasen Samsø
16.1 km
Discover tranquility and island charm at Oasen Samsø, a unique retreat offering comfortable accommodations, natural beauty, and a rich cultural experience on Denmark's sustainable island.
Mindesten - Morten Madsen
18.5 km
A modest memorial stone set in Samsø’s quiet countryside, offering a brief, reflective pause amid open fields, island sky and centuries of local history.
Landmarket Horsedalen
23.3 km
Rare flora and exceptional light in a protected Danish valley.
Befrielsessten i Kallerup
27.7 km
A solemn Danish liberation memorial honoring the end of Nazi occupation in May 1945.
Danhostel Kalundborg
31.4 km
Experience the vibrant heart of Helsingborg at Sundstorget, where culture, dining, and shopping converge in a picturesque square.
Our Lady Church
31.6 km
A medieval masterpiece with five towers symbolizing the Heavenly Jerusalem—architecturally unique and spiritually profound.
The eltest city hall
31.7 km
A modest medieval town hall in Kalundborg’s Højbyen, where centuries of local power, trade and everyday life still echo in cobbled streets and weathered walls.
Kalundborg Slot
31.9 km
An invisible castle at the centre of Kalundborg, where streets, stories and subtle traces reveal the outline of a vanished medieval stronghold.
Unmissable attractions to see
Tidselkorridoren
1.8 km
A winding botanical art corridor celebrating Samsø's wildflowers and native plants.
Festivalpladsen
1.8 km
Open-air festival grounds at the edge of forest and fields, where quiet island scenery transforms into a cozy Danish music celebration each summer.
Brundby Stubmølle
1.9 km
One of Denmark’s oldest post mills, Brundby Stubmølle pairs centuries-old milling history with wide Samsø views from a peaceful hill just above the village.
Dansebjerg
2.3 km
Creative hilltop retreat on Samsø with wide Kattegat views, flexible communal spaces and a calm, homely atmosphere made for groups, workshops and slow island days.
Samsø Island Distillery
3.3 km
Craft spirits infused with island heritage—where juniper, potatoes, and orange ants tell Samsø's story.
Samsø Museum
3.5 km
Distributed cultural museum exploring 16,000 years of Samsø's landscape, heritage, and human connection to nature.
Falkecenter Samsø ApS
3.8 km
High‑speed falcons, soaring eagles and silent owls in a one‑hour open‑air show that brings the ancient art of falconry to life on the island of Samsø.
Stakladen Besser
5.2 km
A rustic island barn transformed into a light-filled gallery, with weekly changing art and craft exhibitions in the heart of Besser on Samsø.
Besser Udsigtstårn
5.3 km
A modest island lookout tower on the ruins of an old mill, offering wide Samsø panoramas, quiet rural atmosphere and glimpses of distant Kalundborg on clear days.
The Morgan Garage
5.4 km
A tiny village workshop turned Morgan treasure-trove, blending hand-built British sports cars, quirky automobilia and Samsø’s quietly green island backdrop.
Samsø Egnsarkiv
5.6 km
Samsø's historical archive preserving centuries of island records and family heritage.
Husmandsstedet Fredensdal
6.4 km
An intimate Samsø smallholder’s farm where thatched roofs, animals and kitchen gardens bring Denmark’s rural past to life in a single charming homestead.
Samsø Badehotel Ilse Made
6.6 km
Nordic luxury meets coastal serenity on Samsø's quietest shore, where exceptional food and genuine hospitality define every moment.
Samsø Badehotel
6.6 km
Luxury seaside retreat blending Danish bathhouse tradition with contemporary comfort and celebrated cuisine.
Yduns Have ApS
7.0 km
Organic farm, self-serve shop and rustic cabins on Samsø’s quiet east side, where you taste the island’s vegetables right where they’re grown.
Essential places to dine
I Haven Bistro
0.0 km
Cosy Samsø bistro in Ballen’s holiday heart, serving relaxed, seasonal comfort food a short stroll from the harbour and sandy beaches.
Pizzeria Maya
0.1 km
Cozy island pizzeria in Ballen serving creative stone‑baked pizzas, pastas and wine in a relaxed, harbor‑side setting on Denmark’s vegetable‑rich Samsø.
Ballen Badehotel
0.1 km
Classic Danish seaside hotel on Samsø, blending nostalgic bath-hotel charm, local gastronomy and harbor life just steps from the marina and beach.
Don Juan Restaurant & Pizzaria
0.1 km
Relaxed Italian comfort food and takeaway favourite in Tranebjerg, serving stone‑baked pizzas, pastas, meat and fish dishes after long Samsø days outdoors.
Molevitten
0.1 km
Lively Samsø hangout in Ballen mixing local-produce dinners, a friendly bar and live music, where islanders and visitors share long evenings by the harbour.
Røgeriet
0.1 km
Harbourside smokehouse on Samsø serving freshly smoked fish and Danish seafood classics with local island produce and wide views over Ballen’s lively marina.
Restaurant Skipperly I/S
0.2 km
Island harbor dining where local ingredients and Nordic tradition meet genuine warmth and refined technique.
Restaurant Dokken
0.2 km
Harbourfront restaurant in Ballen blending Samsø’s maritime shipyard heritage, local Danish classics and lively summer terrace vibes right on the water’s edge.
Ballen Fisk
0.2 km
Relaxed harborfront fish shop and seafood eatery on Samsø, serving fresh catch, smoked specialties and classic Danish fish dishes beside Ballen Harbour.
Den Gamle Butik
0.2 km
Cozy harbor dining with award-winning local beef, island potatoes, and an exceptional wine cellar on Samsø.
Samsø Værftet
0.2 km
Easy-going wharfside restaurant, coffee bar and cocktail hangout on Ballen’s harbourfront, blending seaside leisure, local flavour and Samsø’s laid-back island energy.
Syv Ni 13 på Strandlyst
1.2 km
Seasonal social dining in a Nordic seaside hotel, where Samsø’s vegetables, local seafood and thoughtful pairings shape an intimate island evening.
rumogrooms.dk - Hotel og Madhus Rumogrooms
2.2 km
Bright Nordic rooms and a seasonal madhus in a quiet Samsø village, blending minimalist design, local flavours and island calm in an intimate hotel setting.
Den Gule Parasol
3.2 km
Sunny, laid-back café-restaurant in Tranebjerg serving tapas, sandwiches and coffee, perfect for a relaxed lunch stop amid Samsø’s village life.
Carlo's Corner
3.3 km
Cosy Samsø wine shop and smørrebrød hideaway where generous open sandwiches, characterful bottles and relaxed village charm meet on Langgade.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Red Cross Op Shop
0.0 km
Cozy island thrift store on Samsø where secondhand finds, local volunteers and a quiet sense of purpose turn everyday shopping into low-key, sustainable giving.
Svane
0.0 km
A calm, Scandinavian-style multibrand boutique in Ballen, where curated fashion and cozy homewares meet Samsø’s laid-back harbour atmosphere.
MoltkeDesign
2.0 km
Design-forward village boutique and intimate three-room B&B in Brundby, blending Scandinavian style, local art and relaxed Samsø island living under one roof.
Eskehus Samsø
2.1 km
Island design boutique and gallery on Samsø, blending BY BJORKSTRAND fashion, sustainable interiors, ceramics and botanical art in a charming village house.
Huge Market on the island
2.2 km
A cavernous Samsø flea and antique market where vintage furniture, island curios and second-hand treasures gather under one relaxed, rummage-friendly roof.
DanChurchSocial Op Shop
3.0 km
Cosy Samsø charity op shop where island life, reuse and social responsibility meet in a volunteer-run treasure trove of second-hand finds.
Hobbyboden Scrapworld – Din onlline hobby butik indenfor scrapbooking, kort og mixed media
3.0 km
A cozy island outlet of a major Danish scrapbooking webshop, packed with papers, stamps and mixed-media supplies for creative travelers on Samsø.
SuperBrugsen
3.2 km
The practical heart of Tranebjerg and Samsø’s go-to supermarket for fresh local produce, Danish staples, and everyday essentials throughout your island stay.
Buur - Items & Clothing - Coffee
3.2 km
A cosy Samsø hybrid of Scandinavian fashion, design objects and aromatic coffee, Buur turns a simple village storefront into an inviting island living room.
Ny Form Samsø
3.2 km
Sporty, island-ready clothing and gear for all ages, keeping you comfortable in Samsø’s breezy coastal weather from village streets to windswept beaches.
Imerco
3.3 km
Scandinavia's trusted home goods destination bringing quality kitchenware, tableware, and interior design to Denmark's charming island.
Tøjhuset
3.3 km
Cosy Samsø clothing boutique offering friendly, personal service and a practical yet stylish mix of clothes, shoes and accessories in Tranebjerg’s main street.
El-Salg Bissø ApS
3.3 km
Island electronics expertise with white goods, appliances, and personal tech backed by professional service.
Samsø Grej
3.4 km
Compact island hunting and fishing shop in Tranebjerg, ideal for gearing up and getting local advice before exploring Samsø’s coasts and countryside.
P II Samsø, kunst - antik - design, Langgade 38, 8305 Samsø
3.5 km
Eclectic art, antiques and Danish design in a cosy summer shop on Samsø, where decades of collecting meet the easygoing rhythm of island village life.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
rullen
1.8 km
Casual festival bar in the heart of Samsø Festival, where cold drinks, sea air and relaxed island vibes create a warm pause between concerts.
Vinkapellet Samsø
2.0 km
Cosy island wine bar in Brundby specialising in organic, biodynamic and natural wines, where intimate surroundings and slow Samsø evenings invite lingering conversations.
Garagen
2.0 km
Laid-back island bar in the woods of Strandskoven, blending rustic charm, simple drinks and live music with the easy coastal rhythm of Samsø.
Ræven
3.5 km
Rural Samsø bar and eatery with relaxed island vibes, simple hearty fare, and late-week pub energy in a low-key farmhouse-style setting.
Samsø Bryghus
17.4 km
Organic farm brewery and countryside café on Samsø, serving house beers and field‑fresh dishes in a relaxed courtyard of converted farm buildings.
Kalundborg Jazzclub
31.9 km
Intimate volunteer-run blues and jazz club in central Kalundborg, keeping a 1960s live music legacy alive with close-up concerts and warm community spirit.
Cafe Lillebælt
32.0 km
Cozy Kalundborg café-bar blending everyday Danish hygge, simple comfort food and drinks, and a neighborhood atmosphere a short stroll from the harbor.
Kontoret
32.0 km
Kalundborg's inclusive waterfront bar where locals and visitors gather for drinks, food, and genuine social connection.
King's Pub
32.1 km
Traditional small-town pub on Kalundborg’s main street, serving straightforward drinks, local character and unpretentious evening atmosphere.
Slotskældergården
32.3 km
Unpretentious Danish bar on Kalundborg’s main street, offering cold beer, warm light and a glimpse of everyday local life along Kordilgade.
Shooters
32.4 km
Kalundborg’s lively bar and disco club serving up music, drinks, and authentic small-town Danish nightlife on weekends.
Next Door Pool Bar
32.4 km
Casual pool and sports bar on Kalundborg’s Kordilgade, mixing easygoing drinks, live games on screen and friendly competition around the pool tables.
Delfinen Bodega
41.4 km
Unpolished village pub in rural Eskebjerg, where cold beers, card games, and casual conversation capture the essence of classic Danish bodega culture.
Umage Ølbar
42.1 km
Craft beer bar in Ebeltoft with 14 taps, 50+ bottled beers, and comfort food.
Stockfleths Østers & Bobbelbar
42.1 km
Former oyster and bubbles bar on Ebeltoft’s old fishing harbour, where luxury shellfish, sparkling wine and maritime history came together in a relaxed coastal setting.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
- Bohemian Styles
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- 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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly