Royal Copenhagen’s trademark, three wavy blue lines, has come to symbolize quality. Founded in 1775, the factory was a royal possession for a century before passing into private hands in 1868. Royal Copenhagen’s Christmas plates are collectors’ items. The factory has turned out a new plate each year since 1908, most of the designs depicting the Danish countryside in winter.
There’s a huge selection of seconds on the top floor, and unless you’re an expert, you probably can’t tell the difference. Visitors are welcome at the factory at Søndre Fasanvej 5 (tel. 38-14-48-48), where tours are given Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm. (These tours can be arranged by contacting the Royal Copenhagen store at the phone number listed above.) Purchases cannot be made at the factory.
There are also various porcelain and silver retailers in this same location, as well as the Royal Copenhagen Antiques shop, which specializes in buying and selling antique Georg Jensen, Royal Copenhagen, Bing & Grøndahl Porcelain, and Michelson Christmas Spoons.