PostNord: We know that the red postbox holds a special meaning for many people in Denmark
After more than 170 years as a permanent feature of the Danish streetscape, the iconic red postbox is now getting a new lease on life – in support of a good cause. At the end of this year, PostNord will deliver its final letter in Denmark, and therefore PostNord has chosen to donate 1,200 postboxes to Danmarks Indsamling (Denmark’s National Collection). This gives Danes a unique opportunity to own a piece of Danish cultural heritage while simultaneously supporting the fundraising campaign.
“We know that the red postbox holds a special meaning for many people in Denmark. That’s why it has been important for us to ensure that the red postboxes get a new life when they are retired. We are pleased that we can now both help make a difference through Danmarks Indsamling – and at the same time meet the great interest we have seen among Danes in acquiring a small piece of Danish cultural heritage,” says Kim Pedersen, CEO of PostNord Denmark.
From Monday, 15 December, it will be possible to purchase one of the 1,000 postboxes that will be put up for sale online. In January 2026, an additional 200 postboxes will be offered at auction – including postboxes from selected locations around the country as well as postboxes that have been decorated by a number of Danish artists.
About the red postbox
The Danish postbox was introduced together with the postage stamp in 1851, when 13 postboxes were installed in Copenhagen and subsequently spread throughout the country. The first boxes varied in size and color, but from 1860 they became more uniform and red. The red color is attributed to Louis Pio, who at the time was a postal employee. In 1876, the characteristic postbox with the curved top and bottom-emptying design was introduced, and it has since been a strong national symbol, adorned with the crowned postal horn.