Viggo Nielsen, pipemaker, Fåborg

Viggo Nielsen was born in 1927. During World War 2 he started making pipes at a now closed factory. These pipes were made of birch due to the lack of briar (because of the war).
In 1948 Viggo started his own pipe factory, "Bari". But it wasn't until 3 years later he could actually acquire Briar wood for his pipes. The business was very successful producing both classic shapes and freehand models.

This year (2001) Viggo has 50 years anniversary with pipes in briar, and rumor has it, that there might be a few very special anniversary pipes from him, so stick around if you want to lay your hands on one of them....

In 1978 Viggo sold the business to a German tobacco manufacturer and he began making the "Faaborg Pipe" together with his two sons Jørgen and Kai. Although Viggo has reached the age of retirement, he can't quite leave his workshop and he still makes about 100 pipes a year. Some of them are based on the famous "Fåborg Pibe" but he also makes a few "Jewels of Denmark".
The name "Jewel of Denmark" is reserved for the very few 100% perfect blocks with no stains and with straight grain and birds eye.


The Faaborg Pibe is sculptured by hand, from the best materials. Each lump of briar is carefully selected and seasoned before shaping begins. By following the structure and the fine grains of the briar root the pipes are formed to become the pride of any particular pipe owner. You can choose a sandblast or smooth surface.
You will find the models from the "Faaborg Collection" by clicking "where to get the pipes" in the top-menu.