Since 1969

The history of The Danish Pipe Shop

The beginning

The Danish Pipe Shop is one of the few shops in Europe that is 100% dedicated to pipes and tobacco. The shop has its origins in 1969, when Steffen Nielsen (1939–2011) took over the shop and made it into what it is today. Now his son, Nikolaj L. Nielsen, is at the helm, but his daughter Louise also owns a share. In 2014 the world-famous pipe maker Tom Eltang additionally became a co-owner with a 20% share.

Craftsmanship, passion and tradition

Since 1969 we have sent around 550,000 pipes out to happy customers all over the world – in every price range. For years our shop has been a gathering point for some of the most renowned Danish pipe makers, such as Poul Ilsted, Vigen, Tao, Bjarne Pipes, Tom Eltang, Winsløw, Neerup and Nørding.

For us it has always been, above all, about supporting independent pipe makers and their handmade pipes – a philosophy Steffen Nielsen laid the foundation for, and which we still hold on to.

We are known for our enormous selection of pipes, with prices ranging from €10 to €12,000. We know that a pipe is a personal matter, and we do our best to have something for everyone. Our shop has more than 5,000 pipes in stock, plus a large assortment of pipe tobaccos.

From Strøget to Vester Voldgade

For almost 50 years The Danish Pipe Shop was located on Strøget in Copenhagen and was a place everyone passed by – especially pipe enthusiasts, tourists and regular customers from near and far.

But in 2016 we decided to move to Vester Voldgade, just behind Copenhagen City Hall. Here we got more room for the growing online business, and here we had the opportunity to expand the shop. Among other things we gained more storage space, an optimised packing department and a cosy little lounge where customers can relax. The move was celebrated with a huge opening party where 500 guests turned up, and a short documentary about the process was produced for the occasion.

Recognitions and awards

2013
Named 'Dealer of the Year' by My Own Blend for our strong sales and support of the brand.
2014
Became an official Tom Eltang Flagship Store when Tom became a co-owner and board member.
2015
Our director, Nikolaj Nielsen, was named 'Pipe Man of the Year' in Denmark by the Nordic Tobacco College for his work for the pipe and tobacco world.
2016
Received Børsen's Gazelle award for strong financial growth.
2025
On 28 June the Confrérie des Maîtres-Pipiers de Saint-Claude inducted Nikolaj Nielsen as a Maître pipier.

Dealership agreements and acquisitions

2016
Became the official Danish distributor of Dunhill and Peterson pipe tobaccos.
2017
Started a collaboration with 4th Generation Pipe Tobaccos and launched a new web shop.
2020
Became the Danish distributor of Nørding tobacco products and continued with Peterson and Dunhill.
2023
Secured a dealership agreement with the American pipe-tobacco brand Cornell & Diehl.
2025
Expanded again on 1 March 2025 by acquiring the Danish website Piber.dk.

What the future brings

We have now run the business for more than half a century, and we intend to continue with the same passion and dedication as always. Whether you are new to the pipe universe or a seasoned pipe enthusiast, you are always welcome here with us at The Danish Pipe Shop!