Any other patch collectors out there with advice on where to find them in Europe? In the US, I'm usually able to pick them up in gift shops attached to museums, national parks, and historic landmarks. But my European trips have been another story. Haven't seen a single one. They must exist, after all they show up on eBay and Amazon and such, but just ordering online feels like cheating. I'd prefer to have some idea where to look before I go on another trip. Are there particular types of shops I should be looking for? General advice and suggestions pertaining to specific places are both appreciated. Thanks!
Posted by
Nashville, TN, USA
795 posts
I have lived in several cities in Europe and have never seen then but then I am not one to go into touristy places. I would try stores that cater to tourists and have all sorts of souvenirs. Ask your hotel concierge.
Posted by
Edinburgh
2637 posts
must admit that i don't see as many of them around as i used to when i was much younger. I still see a few in gift shops in main toursit areas but nothing compared to the amount i used to see in the 70's and 80's.
Posted by
Edinburgh
2637 posts
might be worth asking this on the destination froums of the place you may visit as there may be someone on the ground there that can advise or even have a look for you.
I live in Edinburgh Scotland so will have a look around next time i am anywhere near the main tourist shops.
Posted by
Genesee, ID
1840 posts
I have seen, and bought, souvenir patches in Tourist Information shops in several cities in Europe. Also pins. Two particular cities come to mind, Cologne and Tubingen. There have been others. I can remember because I usually buy pins.
Posted by
Greeley, co, usa
2394 posts
I collected patches on my first couple of trips. I found them at almost every places. Switzerland had especially good embroidered ones.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16190 posts
I have seen them in Switzerland and Bavaria---little patches meant to be sewn on your backpack or rucksack. Maybe it's an alpine cultural thing.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
I agree with Lola. I haven't ever specifically looked for these things, but I can easily remember seeing them at various souvenir shops in southern Germany, Switzertland and Austria.
Posted by
San Francisco
14503 posts
Hi,
If you are interested in finding patches of the city you're visiting, they are sold in Germany. Look in the book stores at the train stations, esp in the big cities, souvenir shops near the train station as well as the tourist office where one goes to inquire on tourist info, make reservations, etc. In Berlin esp the souvenir shops on Kurfürstendamm, Unter den Linden, Friedrichstrasse; in Munich on Bayerstrasse, Goethestrasse. These are the places where lots of postcards are sold. I don't go after patches, prefer only postcards, lots of them.
Posted by
Medford, OR, USA
5835 posts
Flag patches sown onto your backpack let you boast of your travels and give you a reason to keep the old pack. Many mountain lodges/huts have their own patches for sale as do many outdoor associations.
The patch I regret not buying is the "No Kangaroos in Austria" patch that I saw in a small town outside of Salzburg.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
^ROFL, Edgar! :)