Swedish Passport Company

Scandinavian and Nordic imports and specialty items in Downtown Norway

If you visit Norway, Michigan, you might expect to find Nordic and Scandinavian influence. The Swedish Passport Company immerses you in a Scandinavian state of mind.  

Swedish Passport gift shop specializes in Scandinavian and Nordic imports. Whether you are looking to reconnect with your Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, or Finnish roots or are an avid fan of Viking culture or Scandinavian design, the shop has a wide variety of specialty items ranging from lingonberries and herring to gnomes and Viking books, shirts, and decor.

Owners Rob and Barb Thorne are celebrating 36 years in 2024 on the corner of Iron Street and US2 in Downtown Norway. Barb is originally from the area, and after meeting Rob in Chicago, they migrated north to Norway, where they opened the shop in 1988. 

The couple also operates a wholesale business, importing and distributing fine Scandinavian brands, such as Scandlights, scandcloth, and the kladdkaka cake pan.

What you’ll find when you visit:

• Imported wool sweaters, cardigans, pullovers, hats & socks 

• Novelty Nordic and UP t-shirts

• Vintage and new mugs, tableware, cookware

• Imported food products

• Scandinavian travel and art posters, puzzles, postcards, decals, patches, and magnets

• Swedish crystal

• Dala products, including horses, outdoor signs, clogs, necklaces, and jewelry

• An area devoted entirely to traditional ScandiChristmas decor, including scandlights, ornaments, tomtes, and hanging stars

For those looking for a taste of the Nordic or to stock the pantry for Fika, look no further than the imported foods section. Here you will find: 

• Lingonberries, so many varieties of lingonberries

• Swedish pancake mixes, including Al Johnson’s mix

• Tins of cookies

• Dark roast and medium roast coffee and tea

• Herring and crispbread

• Candy and sweets

• Jams & preserves

• Yellow peas

• Glogg

Grab a package of napkins or a cookbook and make a gift for the Scandophile in your life. 

In October 1992, the Thornes held a promotional in-store event - Leif Erikson Fest. Its purpose was to invite people into the store and visit Norway during a quiet time of the year. 

The following year, a local business association asked to expand Leif Erikson Fest to a community event. 

Today, the event takes place every year around the 2nd week of October.

Stop in and say Hej to Barb and Rob, Monday-Saturday, 10 AM - 5 PM at 626 Iron Street, Norway, MI 49870. 

Follow them on Facebook for the latest information.