Toves Gavebod, Nordby, Fanø
A tiny, time‑honoured gift shop on Nordby’s main street, filled with woven textiles, hornware and handmade pieces that capture the quiet craft spirit of Fanø.
Toves Gavebod is a tiny, much‑loved gift shop on Hovedgaden in Nordby, the main town of Fanø. Behind a charming old facade, shelves are filled with handcrafted textiles, jewellery, hornware and Danish decorative pieces that reflect island traditions. Open since the 1950s under the same owner, this is as much a living local institution as a shop, ideal for picking up characterful souvenirs and glimpses of Fanø’s craft heritage.
A brief summary to Toves Gavebod
- Hovedgaden 41, Fanø, 6720, DK
- +4575162462
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Budget
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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-2 pm
Local tips
- Visit in the late morning on a weekday to enjoy a calmer atmosphere and plenty of time to chat about the stories behind the textiles and hornware.
- Bring a small day bag or leave bulky backpacks elsewhere; the shop is cosy and space between displays can be narrow.
- If you are interested in hornware or woven pieces, ask about care instructions so your souvenir lasts as long as the craft traditions it represents.
- Combine a stop here with a gentle walk along Hovedgaden to appreciate Nordby’s historic facades and other small independent businesses.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Toves Gavebod 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 Toves Gavebod
A small doorway into Fanø’s craft tradition
Step off Hovedgaden in Nordby and Toves Gavebod feels more like entering someone’s private parlour than a typical shop. The space is compact, with low ceilings and shelves lining the walls, but that intimacy is part of its charm. Every surface seems to hold something tactile and handmade: woven textiles folded in neat stacks, delicate jewellery glinting under glass and small decorative objects that invite closer inspection. The shop has occupied this address on Hovedgaden since the mid‑20th century, quietly becoming one of Nordby’s familiar fixtures. While other storefronts have modernised, the character here has remained reassuringly consistent, rooted in the island’s love of craft and practical beauty.Stories woven into textiles and hornware
Many visitors come first for the textiles. Scarves, shawls and garments are woven in soft, natural fibres, with patterns that echo traditional Scandinavian design. Colours tend toward muted earth tones and sea‑inspired blues and greys, the palette of Fanø’s dunes and shoreline. These are pieces made to be used and worn, not just admired. Another distinctive feature of Toves Gavebod is its hornware. Everyday items fashioned from cow horn – such as spoons, hair accessories or small decorative pieces – embody a very old Nordic craft, where every part of an animal was turned to use. The smooth, polished surfaces show natural striations of amber, cream and dark brown, making each piece unique. Alongside them you may find ceramics and other small objects that complete the sense of a curated, personal collection.The woman behind the counter
The soul of the shop is its long‑time owner, Tove Husted Nordgaard, who has stood behind the counter here for decades. The business was founded in the 1950s and has stayed in her hands ever since, a remarkable span that makes Toves Gavebod part of Fanø’s living memory. Her presence adds a human dimension to the shelves of gifts. This is a place where you can ask questions about materials, motifs and techniques and expect a direct, experienced answer. The continuity of one proprietor over such a long period has allowed the shop to evolve gently, without losing its original personality.Atmosphere on Nordby’s main street
Being set right on Hovedgaden, the main street of Nordby, means the shop is wrapped in the daily rhythm of the island’s ferry town. Outside, bicycles rattle over cobblestones and visitors drift between cafes and small businesses. Inside, the pace slows. The wooden floor may creak softly as you move, and the air often carries a hint of fabric, paper and polished horn. Natural light from the street window mingles with warm indoor lamps, creating a cosy, slightly nostalgic atmosphere. Displays are arranged with a certain old‑fashioned care; this is not a minimalist boutique but a place where your eye wanders from one item to the next, discovering things rather than having them presented by a strict concept.Picking out a meaningful souvenir
Toves Gavebod is especially suited to travellers looking for souvenirs that feel specific to Fanø rather than generic. A woven scarf that recalls the island wind, a piece of hornware that nods to traditional craftsmanship or a small piece of jewellery can carry the memory of your time on the North Sea island in a tangible form. Prices vary depending on the materials and hours of work behind each object, but there is usually a range that spans from small, affordable mementoes to more substantial handmade pieces. The modest size of the shop means you can comfortably browse in a short visit, though it is easy to linger as you compare textures and colours.Practical visiting rhythm
Toves Gavebod typically keeps straightforward daytime opening hours on weekdays, with a shorter trading window on Saturdays and closures on Sundays. That rhythm mirrors everyday life on Fanø, where mornings and early afternoons are often the best times to explore independent shops. The location on Hovedgaden makes it simple to combine a stop here with a stroll through Nordby’s historic streets, a café break or a walk toward the harbour. Whether you leave with a carefully wrapped package or simply with impressions of a small, enduring business, the visit offers insight into the quieter, craft‑focused side of the island.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Fano Bed and Boats
0.1 km
Charming seaside bed & breakfast and boat rental in Nordby, Fanø—offering cozy rooms and authentic maritime experiences on Denmark’s storied North Sea island.
Fanø Krogaard
0.2 km
Experience the timeless charm of Fanø Krogaard, a historic inn blending Nordic cuisine, island tradition, and warm hospitality in the heart of Nordby harbour.
Fanø Tourist Office
0.3 km
Centrally located on Fanø, the Tourist Office is the ideal starting point for discovering authentic island charm, local culture, and practical travel advice.
FanøFærgen, Esbjerg
2.8 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.
Esbjerg Water Tower
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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
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Urban beachfront serenity meets Danish royal heritage at Marselisborg Strand, Aarhus’ favorite local escape for swimming, sunbathing, and seaside strolls year-round.
Denmark
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Namaste Esbjerg
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Vadehavskysten
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Begravet bunker
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Hjerting Badehotel
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Sønderho Church
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Æ Kåver
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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.
Kammerslusen Ribe
21.0 km
Discover Copenhagen's Black Diamond: A fusion of modern architecture and cultural heritage on the waterfront.
Queen Dagmar of Bohemia
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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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Fanø Museum
0.1 km
Step into an 18th-century skipper’s home in Nordby and discover how Fanø’s seafaring families lived, worked and kept island traditions alive by the North Sea.
Galleri Kirsten Rudiengaard
0.2 km
Intimate island gallery in Nordby showcasing the atmospheric coastal paintings and personal studio world of Danish artist Kirsten Rudiengaard.
Fanø Lokalhistorisk Forening
0.3 km
Small but rich local archive where Fanø’s seafaring past, village life and family stories are preserved in photos, papers and quiet, absorbing detail.
Kikkebjerget
0.9 km
Slotsgaden in Møgeltønder: A fairytale street of thatched cottages, noble vistas, and rural calm leading to the historic Schackenborg Castle in southern Denmark.
Fanø Bryghus
1.0 km
Denmark's westernmost craft brewery, where sea-inspired beers and vibrant community meet.
Hotel Fanø Bad
1.2 km
Unpretentious beachside base on Fanø’s dune fringe, where simple rooms, sea air and vast North Sea sands set the tone for slow, outdoorsy island days.
Nördlich Odden (Let flakbatteri)
1.7 km
Evocative WWII bunkers and flak remains hidden in Fanø’s dunes, where Atlantic Wall history meets the wide skies and shifting sands of the Wadden Sea.
Fanø Vesterland Festival
1.8 km
Step into the historic world of duck decoy trapping at Sønderho Gl. Fuglekøje, where Fanø’s coastal landscape and folk ingenuity come vividly to life.
Skovhaven Torp Plantage
2.3 km
A sheltered woodland garden with fairy-tale sculptures, forest lake, and picnic areas perfect for families.
Gedenkstein
2.3 km
Experience Fanø's historic waterfowl trapping site amidst serene heathland, offering deep insights into Danish hunting heritage and the ecology of the Wadden Sea.
Mindesten for Det Økumeniske Kirkemøde 1934
2.8 km
Set off across wild tidal flats from Fanø’s tranquil south end to witness unforgettable seal colonies and the windswept beauty of the Wadden Sea coastline.
Danland Fanø
2.9 km
Unfussy seaside holiday apartments with pools and dunes-on-the-doorstep access to Fanø’s wide North Sea beach and Wadden Sea landscapes.
The Beach on Fanø
2.9 km
A vast, wind‑shaped ribbon of sand where you can drive on the shore, chase kites across tidal flats, and feel the full, wide‑open spirit of Denmark’s North Sea coast.
Club Fanø
2.9 km
Island adventure hub offering seal safaris, beach sports, and coastal experiences on Denmark's famous Fanø.
Club Fanø Rindby
2.9 km
Fanø's premier hub for kite sports, beach adventures, and Nordic coastal experiences with expert instruction and welcoming spirit.
Essential places to dine
Den Lille Cafe
0.0 km
A snug, inexpensive cafe on Fanø’s main street where simple Danish cooking, warm lighting and local conversation create an easygoing island living-room feel.
Konsulen nordby
0.1 km
Intimate, candlelit dining on Nordby’s historic main street, where simple Scandinavian comfort meets the relaxed rhythm of island life on Fanø.
Jimmy's Køkken
0.2 km
Casual pizza and grill in the middle of Nordby, serving hot, hearty favourites to locals and island visitors from lunch through to the evening.
Pandekagehuset Fanø
0.2 km
Cosy island creperie in Nordby serving generous sweet and savoury pancakes with a hygge-filled courtyard and relaxed Fanø village atmosphere.
Haven Fanø
0.2 km
Cosy 1849 island house turned boutique hotel, café and garden retreat, serving organic breakfasts and Fanø’s own flavours in the heart of Nordby.
Fanø Pizza
0.2 km
Straightforward Danish-style pizza and takeaway favorites in Nordby, offering an easy, kid-friendly dinner option after a day exploring windswept Fanø.
Restaurant Aroma - Fanø øko Øl
0.3 km
Cosy island restaurant and organic microbrewery in a historic skipper’s villa at the heart of Nordby, pairing house‑brewed Fanø beers with relaxed European plates.
Seaside Food
0.3 km
Fresh panini sandwiches with local seafood and island ingredients, served casual and quick by the Wadden Sea.
Cafe Nord
0.3 km
Harbourfront Danish home cooking on Fanø, serving traditional fish dishes, smørrebrød and cakes in a relaxed café-restaurant by the Nordby ferry.
Tacobørsen
0.3 km
Colorful Mexican-inspired street food on Fanø’s main street, perfect for easy takeout, casual meals and beach picnics between dunes, harbor walks and village strolls.
Rudbecks Fanø
0.4 km
Cosy family-run café, deli and wine bar on Fanø’s main street, celebrating local organic produce, Fanø salmon and cheeses in a warm, relaxed village setting.
VadeMad
1.0 km
Casual food‑truck dining paired with island‑brewed craft beer, set in the laid‑back courtyard of Fanø Bryghus just a short stroll from the Wadden Sea.
Restaurant Dino
1.1 km
Casual island restaurant in Fanø Bad serving pizzas, Bosnian specialities and Danish comfort food just steps from the North Sea dunes.
Axel's Kitchen
2.4 km
Authentic Italian pizzeria with indoor playground, celebrating local Fanø ingredients and family moments.
Kellers Badehotel
2.7 km
Historic beachfront hotel on Fanø combining coastal Danish charm, gourmet dining, and immersive island hospitality with sweeping North Sea views and a storied heritage.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Toves Gavebod
0.0 km
A tiny, time‑honoured gift shop on Nordby’s main street, filled with woven textiles, hornware and handmade pieces that capture the quiet craft spirit of Fanø.
Huset Fanø
0.0 km
Curated Danish design and local artistry in the heart of Fanø's charming Nordby.
Den lille Ravbutik
0.0 km
Cosy island amber shop on Fanø’s main street, blending Danish design with North Sea heritage in warm, well-priced jewelry and seaside-inspired keepsakes.
Fanø-Ring
0.0 km
A tiny Nordby shop where Denmark’s first sea mark is reimagined as a modern ring, turning Fanø’s maritime history into a wearable island keepsake.
Fru Sørensen
0.0 km
Intimate Nordby gift shop where Scandinavian design, cosy homewares and Fanø’s gentle maritime spirit come together on the island’s historic main street.
AGAVANZA
0.1 km
Handcrafted Danish silver jewellery from Fanø, where minimalist design and subtle maritime inspiration create timeless pieces that carry the spirit of the North Sea.
Fanø Boghandel
0.1 km
Compact island bookstore and post office in the middle of Nordby, mixing books, games and stationery with the practical pulse of Fanø’s daily life.
Rikke Sandford
0.1 km
Intimate Fanø boutique for Scandinavian children’s clothing, offering carefully curated outfits, shoes and accessories for girls in a cosy, owner-run setting.
Fanø keramik
0.1 km
Intimate island pottery studio on Nordby’s main street, where hand-thrown stoneware captures Fanø’s dunes, sea tones and understated Nordic everyday life.
GOLDSCHMIDT ART GALLERI
0.3 km
A small, intimate gallery on Nordby’s main street, Galleri Goldschmidt captures Fanø’s coastal light and village life in contemporary paintings steps from everyday island bustle.
SALT
0.3 km
A small-but-stylish fashion and lifestyle shop in Nordby’s former bank building, SALT blends island charm with Scandinavian design on Fanø’s main street.
Christel Seyfarth Butik
0.3 km
A vivid studio-store on Fanø where bold fair-isle inspired knitwear, quality yarns and island traditions come together in a richly coloured creative universe.
Westwind
0.4 km
Coastal clothing hub on Nordby’s main street, equipping you with practical sports and leisure wear for Fanø’s ever‑changing North Sea weather.
Kulturfabrikken, frkToft
0.4 km
Playful island ceramics with vintage prints, crooked edges and plenty of humor, crafted and displayed in a characterful studio-shop on Fanø’s main street.
Fanø Brugsforening
0.5 km
Fanø’s friendly SuperBrugsen co-op in Nordby, keeping islanders and visitors stocked with fresh food, Danish staples and everyday essentials near the harbour.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Hjørnekroen
0.3 km
Cosy corner bar in Nordby where Fanø’s island life, live music nights and classic Danish bodega charm come together over draught beer and easy conversation.
Kabyssen
2.9 km
Fanø's cherished community bar serving authentic Danish island hospitality with live music and genuine warmth.
Dokken City Beach
3.0 km
A pocket of sand, deckchairs and drinks on Esbjerg Harbour, Dokken City Beach turns the working waterfront into a relaxed urban seaside escape.
Havkatten
3.4 km
Old-school Esbjerg harbour bar with 80s tunes, pool, darts and everyday prices, offering a relaxed window into the city’s down-to-earth nightlife.
Horns Rev Bodega & Bar
3.6 km
A no-frills Danish bodega in central Esbjerg, where wood-panelled warmth, affordable drinks, and local camaraderie capture the city’s everyday pub culture.
Pioner Bar Esbjerg
3.7 km
Late-night Esbjerg bar on Torvet with cheap cold beer, classic party hits from the ’80s to today, and a lively dance floor packed with locals and visitors.
SoHo - Bar & Cocktails
3.7 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.
HomeRun Esbjerg
3.7 km
Lively gastro sports bar above Esbjerg’s main square, with wall-to-wall screens, bar games, casual bites and late-night energy on weekends.
Pappi's pub
3.8 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.
Corners Pub
3.8 km
A cozy neighborhood pub where cold beers and warm hospitality define the Danish experience.
Dowdi Pub Bar
3.8 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.
James Bond Esbjerg
3.8 km
Late-opening dance bar on Skolegade in Esbjerg, where a mature crowd sings along to classic hits and keeps the party going until early morning.
Kasket Karl
3.8 km
Legendary Esbjerg pub on Skolegade, pouring beer and hosting darts, dice and laid‑back evenings since 1975 in a warmly lit, unpretentious setting.
Vinbaren
3.8 km
Intimate, dimly lit and disarmingly casual, Vinbaren is Esbjerg’s brown-bar style wine hangout for late-night chats, cheap pours and the occasional close-up concert.
Industrien
3.8 km
Historic Danish bar where 130+ years of tradition meets contemporary hospitality on Esbjerg's vibrant Skolegade.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
No.31 - Bar & Natklub
3.8 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.
Romo Golf Links
41.3 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.
NewsBar - Shakespeare Nightclub & Eventhouse
42.8 km
Ølgod's premier nightclub and event venue, where celebration and community connection meet.
Crazy Daisy Vejen
46.3 km
High-energy disco club in central Vejen, bringing late-night music, dancing and big-city nightclub vibes to a compact South Jutland town.
Liglad Day & Nightlife
47.7 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.
Fishi
53.3 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.
Rotes Kliff
55.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Rotes Kliff in Sylt, a premier disco club and cocktail bar perfect for unforgettable evenings.
P2 Champagne & Cocktail Tønder
64.0 km
Intimate champagne and cocktail lounge bringing late-night sparkle and city-style glamour to the historic heart of Tønder.
Al Capone
64.0 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.
Koldingtivet Engen
67.0 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
67.5 km
Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.
Mørks Kælder
67.7 km
Modern basement nightclub in central Kolding, pouring drinks and classic dance tunes for a grown-up crowd late into the weekend night.
Pitstop
67.9 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.
Jazz 6000
68.1 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.
Boldts Bar
71.9 km
Boldts Bar in Haderslev is the region’s top venue for live music, cocktails, and buzzing nightlife, merging Danish conviviality with vibrant contemporary energy.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- 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