Where European finds meet New England comfort.
There are shops you stop into once, and then there are shops you build a little relationship with. Viking House in Concord is definitely the second kind. It’s a small, welcoming space packed with thoughtful finds – and it’s become a quiet favorite for all of us at Simply Birkenstock.
Emma, who’s been on our team for years, has been visiting Viking House since she was a kid. Every December, she makes her way back to pick up the Swedish holiday treats they bring in – the ones that only show up once a year and somehow taste exactly like they used to. She always says the smell hits you the moment you walk in – cardamom, cinnamon, a little sugar in the air – and suddenly, it feels like Christmas.
But this isn’t just a holiday stop. Viking House is worth visiting any time of year. They carry beautiful housewares from across Europe, enamel mugs, cozy scarves, functional travel outfits, and some of the best candy and chocolates we’ve found locally. Nothing feels overdone – it’s the kind of place where every item has a bit of a story, and you can tell it was picked with care.
A few months ago, Madhan picked up a backpack from Viking House before heading out on a long trip to India. He’s used it daily ever since – through airports, long commutes, and hectic travel days – and it’s still in great shape. A solid, well-made piece that’s done its job without fuss.
That’s what we appreciate most about Viking House. It’s not trying to be trendy or over-curated, it just delivers quality at every corner. Every time we go in, we find something useful, something special, or something we didn’t even realize we needed. Sometimes they surprise us with a box of treats and it’s always gone in minutes!
If you’re ever in or around Concord, you should definitely check it out. And if you happen to be there in December – don’t leave without the Swedish caramels.
Viking House is part cozy tradition, part global adventure – and full of unexpectedly perfect finds.