Nordisk since 1901
Founded in 1901 Northern Feather was the first Danish company to focus 100% on down and feathers. From simple trading to development of own products like duvets, quilts and pillows Northern Feather developed into one of the leading world wide players within the down and feather business.
In 1967 Nordisk Freizeit was founded as a subsidiary of Northern Feather focusing on the growing outdoor market. During the 70’s and 80’s Nordisk played a key role in building the still new European outdoor sector, through own companies in Germany, Denmark, Sweden and the UK and under the brand name Caravan. In the years to come Nordisk and Caravan became major players in the business, being recognized for its innovative and very fashionable products.
In 1991 we changed our brand name to Nordisk, being true to our story and heritage. Nordisk is still a European brand, but the last few years we have also expanded beyond the European continent, and now you will also find Nordisk products in faraway countries such as Japan and Korea.
1901: The rise of Nordisk
On March 20, 1901 Nordisk Fjerfabrik A/S (Northern Feather) was founded in Copenhagen by H.O. Lange – a 23 year old son of a danish grocer. Based on the idea to buy and sell raw and semi-manufactured materials primarely related to feathers and down Nordisk Fjer developed rapidly into a world wide player.
1908: Worldwide expansion
As early as in 1908 Nordisk Fjer established a local unit in China, and in 1917 Northern Feather Works Ltd. Was established in New York. The production had been expanded with bedlinen and related products, and from 1969 this area of the business came in focus, and Nordisk Fjer became a brand developing, producing and selling feather- and down-related products.
1941: The first Sleeping Bags
In the early 40’s Nordisk Fjer started developing and producing the first sleeping bags. From the beginning the sleeping bag range included down as well as synthetic filled bags, and the construction was at first based on the knowledge from the production of pillows and blankets. This however quickly changed into a distinct area of development, and the outdoor range was soon expanded
1967: Focus on outdoor
Realizing the importance of the growing outdoor market, the subsidiary Nordisk Fritid is founded in Malmö, Sweden – and the goal is to produce products with high focus on innovation, quaity and functionality to the growing outdoor market. This evolves into what later is known as Caravan – one of the first dedicated outdoor brands in the World.
1974: The rise of Caravan
The first catalogue under the brand name Caravan mainly consisted of sleeping bags and mats spiced up with informative articles about the products as well as exciting travel stories. In 1977 the first tents appeared as did apparel, and in 1979 backpacks were launched as the catalogue changed its name to ”Caravan Backpacking”.
1980: The first Outdoor Fashion Brand
During the 80’s also cookware, footware, compasses, knifes and bike-bags were added, and Caravan becomes a full range outdoor brand. Furthermore Caravan puts intensive focus on design and hereby becomes one of the first outdoor fashion brands in the world.
1991: Nordisk Freizeit without Nordisk Fjer
After the bankruptsy of Nordisk Fjer in 1991, Nordisk Freizeit continued alone under the previous management with a strong focus on the North German market. The brand name ”Caravan” was lost, and the products were now named ”Nordisk” for the first time.
2005: A new beginning
In 2005 danish Erik Møller together with two others buys the company with a renewed focus on product development, logistics, procurement and not least intense focus on the brand ”Nordisk” creates a strong platform for once again conquering the world – now under the brand name ”Nordisk”.
2010: Conquering the World
Since 2010 focus has been on the many potential markets primarely in Europe and Asia, and with the establishment of a chinese office, Nordisk are now able to control and optimise the entire value chain from production to the final destination in the shop. A strong product development programme has been launched as has the renewal of the entire visual identity of Nordisk. The whole look and feel of Nordisk has been updated to match the renewed focus on Danish and Scandinavian design, values and heritage.
2012: Bering – Nordisk redefined
Nordisk launches a whole new sleeping bag range lead by the unique Bering, which receives both the German, Danish, iF, OTS, Outdoor and Red Dot Design Award.
Check out all of our awards
2013: The launch of Telemark
A complete update of all tents are lead by the launch of Telemark 1 ULW who also receives a lot of prizes and award – and gains a lot of attention.
Go to Telemark 1 ULW
2014: Glamping is growing
With the relaunch of the whole cotton tent range a new focus on glamping has appeared – not least in Asia, where Nordisk is gaining a lot of fans.
Be inspired by glamping
2015: Sustainable sleeping bag
Nordisk launches a sleeping bag made of bottles. It makes good sense to choose nature friendly products, when sleeping out in nature. But apart from that, fibre filing made from recycled PET bottles has a special structure that ensures you a good nights sleep outdoors.
2016: Nordisk Japan
Responding to the huge interest in Nordisk in especially Taiwan and Japan, Nordisk opens a local office in Japan to improve the presence in Asia.
2017: Launch of the worlds lightest tent
With a race weight of a mere 490 g Lofoten is probably the lightest tent in the world – and with a pack size of only 11x22 cm it is definitely the smallest when packed! Tipping the scale for a fully functional two layer tent the bar has once again been pushed for light weight enthusiasts.
Go to Lofoten
2017: First Nordisk village
In May we are really excited to be opening Italy’s first Nordisk Village, just 35 minutes by boat to St Mark’s square, heart of one of the world’s most famous cities; Venice. The first village of its kind in Southern Europe, this project marks the start of an adventure which sees the Vanaheim tent pave the way for a brand new concept dedicated to Nordisk luxury camping.
2018: Nordisk cares for nature
Nordisk joins the UN Global goals - these goals have the power to create a better world by 2030, by ending poverty, fighting inequality and addressing the urgency of climate change.
Nordisk are focusing on goal no. 8 (Decent work & economic growth) and goal no. 12 (Responsible consumption & production).
2020: Nordisk Hygge Circles
An unconventional Danish-Japanese team launches an ambitious plan for a sustainable theme park, promoting outdoor adventure, the UN Global Goals and the renowned Danish Hygge-concept.
The Park will be named Nordisk Hygge Circles // Ugakei and is a manifestation of the demand for hygge, sustainability and Danish Design in Japan.
Read more
2020: Yeti becomes part of Nordisk
After 15 years of close collaboration and joint ownership, Yeti and Nordisk are now formally joining forces to become one united brand. The merge will allow Nordisk to add premium garments and down sleeping bags to their existing outdoor equipment range.
Read more
Learn about Yeti's story
2021: “Die Manufaktur” in Germany
By opening “Die Manufaktur” in Germany, Nordisk Outdoor makes a strong statement on their commitment to sustainability, community craftmanship.
Read more
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