MAY 2019 ISSUE 124 PROMOTING BRAND SCANDINAVIA
ADA HEGERBERG – NORWAY’S BALLON D’OR WINNER TOP TIPS FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP TO BERGEN SWEDISH SUMMER SPECIAL 2019’S MUST-SEE DESTINATIONS IN FINLAND
Contents COVER FEATURE 42
Ada Hegerberg – Norway’s Remarkable Footballer She scored a record-breaking 15 goals in the 2017/18 Champions League, and last December, she became the first ever woman to be awarded the Ballon d’Or. Scan Magazine spoke to Norwegian pro footballer Ada Hegerberg about authenticity, growing up in a football family, her engagement to footballer Thomas Rogne, and what gender equality really means.
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A summer in Sweden promises picturesque coffee breaks, swims in pristine lakes and most likely a red cottage or two. We list a few more tips for those planning an unforgettable Swedish summer holiday: think botanical gardens, beautiful castles, archipelago adventures and legendary faces from the world of politics as well as music.
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Finnish Finds and ‘90s Fashion Our resident Scandinavian design expert, Ingrid Opstad, goes all in for the current ‘90s fashion trend and takes a moment to celebrate all things Finnish design. We also chat to the creatives behind some of our current design favourites, including Le Cord, Fiumano Clase, and Pål Ross of Ross Architecture & Design.
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Top Destinations in Finland 2019 Finland already tops countless global charts, covering everything from education to happiness, but now the land of a thousand lakes is on the up as a travel destination too. We list some notto-miss cottages, nature destinations and sauna and spa experiences.
SPECIAL FEATURES
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Art, Food, Travel and Golf Discover Norway’s most fascinating art laboratory, and come with us on a journey full of the most delicious Scandinavian cheese, some fishy – in a good way – travel destinations, and the best golf courses in Norway.
SPECIAL THEMES 46
Visit Bergen Of all the amazing destinations Norway has to offer, our current favourite has to be Bergen. Charming, picturesque, and always full of fun – this city on the coast boasts everything from maritime exploration and water adventures to musical experiences and much, much more. Here’s our guide.
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Top Cultural Experiences in Denmark Come for the ceramics, stay for the stunning beaches. Or indeed, come for live jazz, natural history, wonderful art and a charming nation of people. Denmark is a true cultural hot-spot right now, and we help you make the most of it.
DESIGN 8
Top Summer Experiences in Sweden
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Museums in Norway – Our Picks While in Norway, why not tick off some of the hightech, well-designed museums on offer? Learn about Oslo’s past, women’s role in writing world history, Sami culture and more, in these four top tips of ours.
BUSINESS 102 Preparing for An Unpredictable Future While keynote writer Nils Elmark reflects on the importance of a strong vision at times of unpredictability and fast changes, columnist Steve Flinders ponders the greatest challenge of our times. Among our business profiles, we also feature some leaders in executive coaching – because how can you actualise a vision if you cannot lead?
CULTURE 129 From the Inside Out and the Outside In British Danny Robins went to Sweden and made a sitcom about it, while Swedish Gabi Frödén moved away only to find her way back through writing. For more perspectives on Scandinavia and Nordic culture, don’t miss our culture calendar.
REGULARS & COLUMNS 8 Fashion Diary | 10 We Love This | 112 Restaurants of the Month 118 Hotel of the Month | 120 Attractions of the Month 124 Gallery of the Month | 125 Artists of the Month | 128 Humour
Scan Magazine | Editor’s Note
Dear Reader, It’s not easy to get a six-year-old boy to believe that women are great at football too, when the Match Attax collection cards he obsesses over only feature the men’s teams. Therefore, I was extra pleased to confirm this month’s cover star, Ada Hegerberg – because even my young sons know that you can’t argue with the Ballon d’Or.
With summer only around the corner, we decided to create a few travel inspiration guides this month, in addition to the aforementioned destinations. Discover Danish culture, Finnish calm and our very favourite Swedish gems. And, with the month that’s in it and Norwegians up and down the country donning the bunad and waving flags, we join in with the celebration and list some must-see Norwegian museums, as well as some tips for your next trip to Norway’s perhaps hottest city right now: Bergen.
In fact, as Steve Flinders points out in his business column this month, we could probably do with listening to young people’s logic more. The leading face of the climate action movement has in the past year been that of a 16-year-old Swedish girl, Greta Thunberg, whose speech to the UK parliament arguably contributed to convincing the country’s leaders to declare a climate emergency. And it struck me while editing this issue of Scan Magazine that great things often happen when we listen to children and think about what’s best for them. Kolding’s creative activity house, Nicolai for børn, is a perfect example, as are some of the design brands and travel attractions featured this month, such as NOMA, Daftö Resort, the Gothenburg Botanical Garden, and the endlessly charming Gårdsjö Moose Park. Turns out, thinking about our children and their future can help boost both innovation and our sense of connection to planet Earth.
Finally, if you are feeling as culturally philosophical and curious as we are, don’t miss the culture section, where perspectives on Sweden from someone who left and someone who arrived provide food for thought for anyone thinking of a move, or just wondering how we can all learn from each other across Europe to become better and stronger together.
Linnea Dunne, Editor
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Scan Magazine | Design | Fashion Diary
Fashion Diary… With nostalgia for the ‘90s running high at the moment, the fashion scene is full of sporty, oversized silhouettes, unisex designs and statement pastel colours. Comfort is a top priority, and we suggest staying up-to-date on the latest ‘athleisure’ wear trend with these key items. By Ingrid Opstad | Press photos
Sporty does not have to mean a tracksuit. The Celest skirt from Custommade has a stretchy waistband that sits high on your frame and falls flattering to your silhouette, perfect for a sporty style. Give your outfit even more of an athletic look by wearing socks in your pumps and dress it up with a slouchy, cute blouse in a pastel colour palette. Custommade, ‘Celest’ skirt, £109 Custommade, ‘Cami’ blouse, £130 Custommade, ‘Majah’ glitter pumps, £175 www.custommade.dk
Happy Wifey is a Norwegian lifestyle brand for women, expressing a mix of retro style and Scandinavian design. Their signature sweatshirt, available in dusty pink, grey, white and black, is soft and comfy – a classic wardrobe staple that you can wear over and over again. Happy Wifey, Sweatshirt, approx £81 www.happywifey.com
Swedish bag brand Sandqvist will help you not only look sporty but to also be sporty with its yoga mat made with a TPE base and a cork surface, giving the mat great stability and grip. Carry your yoga mat with you anywhere in the convenient Julia bag, which features a small zipper pocket inside for those small items that are easily lost while on the go. Available in powder and black. Sandqvist, yoga mat, £49 Sandqvist, ‘Julia’ yoga mat bag, £49 www.sandqvist.com
For their Spring/Summer 19 collection, Swedish fashion brand House of Dagmar has done a collaboration with the Italian shoe brand Superga. Combining sporty and classic design inspired by femininity, the classic Superga-style trainers have been recreated in a polyknit material available in white, with soles in lilac, brown or white. Limited Ed. Superga X Dagmar, trainers, £100 www.houseofdagmar.com
Scan Magazine | Design | Fashion Diary
Stand out from the crowd by wearing these cool Blue Skate sunglasses from Scandinavian menswear brand ZLCOPENHAGEN. Where fashion meets fitness, they create classic designs that have a timeless appeal for the fashionable man who leads a healthy and active lifestyle. ZLCOPENHAGEN, ‘Blue Skate’ sunglasses, £48 www.zlcopenhagen.com
The light performance Gaspar jacket from Wood Wood, in mint, features a ‘90s sport-inspired colour-blocked pattern on the front and back, which will make you look right on-trend this season. Complete the set with the matching Elliott trousers for a stylish and comfortable vibe. Wood Wood, ‘Gaspar’ jacket, £175 www.woodwood.com
The polo takes us back to urban fashion in the ‘90s. This regular-fit Björn Borg polo shirt in pique fabric made from 100 per cent organic cotton features an iconic BORG embroidery on the chest and comes in a range of this season’s colours. An essential item that completes your wardrobe and will look great both inside and outside of the gym. Björn Borg, ‘Yonder’ polo shirt, £40 www.bjornborg.com
Jump straight into the ‘90s with this energetic outfit. We love the oversized and relaxed fit, retro track-inspired patterns and bold colour choices teamed with a simple slogan tee. The trousers and T-shirt, both from Stockholm streetwear brand WeSC, are unisex. WeSC, ‘Marcel Calypso’ trousers, approx £69 WeSC, ‘Mason Wasted Youth’, approx £34 Tiger of Sweden, ‘Cross’ bag, approx £34 www.wesc.com
Issue 124 | May 2019 | 9
Scan Magazine | Design | We Love This
We love this… Yet again, Finland has been named the happiest place on earth according to UN’s 2019 World Happiness Report. We have selected a few of our Finnish design favourites to add a bit of joy to your life the Finnish way through nature and self-care. By Ingrid Opstad | Press photos
Nikari’s December XL chair has a natural Scandinavian design with a combination of a wooden frame and leather seat. Thanks to its simple Nordic design, the sleek lounge chair suits both modern and traditional interiors. It is a part of Project 2012 Designs for Nature, where Nikari cooperates with WWF Finland and part of the sales price is donated to help protect rainforests and forests globally. Nikari, ‘December XL’ chair, £1,647 www.finnishdesignshop.com
In Finland, the sauna is an important part of the culture and daily routine. Everybody deserves to own a stylish bathrobe, and the Kivi bathrobe is elegant yet distinct. Lapuan Kankurit only uses absorbent natural materials, which pamper your skin. Bath time is your own time – so why not make the most of it? Lapuan Kankurit, ‘Kivi’ bathrobe, approx. £197 Lapuan Kankurit, ‘Kivi’ towel, approx. £20.50 www.lapuankankurit.fi
Chao & Eero represents a love story: the love of two people for each other, and their love of creating jewellery. Metsä means ‘forest’ in Finnish, and the collection reflects Eero’s personal relationship with the forest, which was his childhood playground and is now a legacy to pass on in the family. Eero and his siblings have planted over 45,000 seedlings in their land over the past few years. In return, these little birch, pine and spruce trees have become the themes for his jewellery, made in the studio in Lahti, Finland. Chao & Eero, ‘Koivu’ earrings, approx. £82 Chao & Eero, ‘Koivu’ pendant, approx. £108 shop.chaoandeero.com
Sagalaga Design sees beauty in each moment, and creates products that are delicate and inviting, inspired by the simple aesthetics of the Nordic nature. With this beautiful minimalist wooden candle holder you can have a small piece of the Finnish forest on the table. Tuike is the Finnish word for ‘twinkle’, and indeed, this will bring a special Nordic atmosphere to your home with its twinkling light. Available in natural wood or black. Sagalaga Design, ‘Tuike’ candle holder, £33.69 www.sagalaga.com
After moving to Finland, author Katja Pantzar discovered ‘sisu’: the Finnish approach to wellbeing defined by a special kind of resilience, grit and courage. She embraced this way of living and experienced a dramatic turnaround in her health and happiness. In Finding Sisu, Pantzar offers an honest and uplifting account of her physical and psychological health transformation while examining the link between sisu and the Nordic reputation for excellent wellbeing and overall life satisfaction to find the ways in which we, too, can apply sisu to our lives – wherever we may be. Hodder & Stoughton, Finding Sisu: In search of courage, strength and happiness the Finnish way by Katja Pantzar, £9.24 www.amazon.co.uk
10 | Issue 124 | May 2019
Looking out over the cliffs of Altea in Spain, this Ross villa is a home with a capital H, with all the exceptional standards of any Ross Architecture & Design build. A second home in the sun such as this can easily become a first home in years to come, with plenty of space for children and grandchildren to visit.
Because life is not square He is the architect who refuses to put life in a box, designing beautiful, exclusive homes with organic curves since 1996. Now, Pål Ross of Ross Architecture & Design is bringing his internationally award-winning services abroad – and onto Swedish TV screens.
ing to Ross, in a location with plenty of sun hours also in the winter, making it not just comfortable but also incredibly cost-effective.
By Linnea Dunne | Photos: Ross Architecture & Design
At the time of writing, the team at Ross Architecture & Design is busy with its first ever project in Spain, a classic Ross house on the beautiful hills of Altea, north of Alicante – “an absolutely magical project that really makes the most of the context and the stunning views,” says Ross. With three out of six team members fluent in Spanish, the firm has been able to assist the customers seamlessly with everything from planning permission to construction liaison, and Ross is excited about the prospect of expanding further afield. Another current project
The people who turn to Ross Architecture & Design for their second home in the sun are people who want not just any second home, but a home with a capital H. “Maybe if you’re going to be spending every day on the golf course, you don’t mind under-door draughts and cold floor tiles,” ponders Pål Ross, founder and lead architect, “but if you want the same quality as at home and envisage spending more and more time in your home in the sun, with 12 | Issue 124 | May 2019
your kids and grandkids visiting a lot – then we can offer that.” When he talks about the same standard as at home, he talks, of course, about the same exceptional Ross standard. This means, for instance, that lifts are a given, because “you’ll still want to get up to that roof terrace when you’re 99”. A recent project in Turkey, meanwhile, was one of the first to install under-floor heating, an obvious solution, accord-
Scan Magazine | Design Profile | Ross Architecture & Design
has brought the firm to Denmark, while conversations with a client in Florida are ongoing. “Working in new markets means that we have to fine tune our routines as we work with people who bring questions from a different cultural context, and that allows us to grow and improve,” the architect says.
Living life with a tailwind Ever since he founded his Stockholm firm back in 1996, Ross has been guided by a keen belief that life is not square – one that has shaped his work and made his creations stand out in unmistakable ways. “There are no straight lines in nature. No rivers flow in perfectly straight lines; it’s only we humans who make straight ditches,” he explains. “So you either build straight, square houses and expect humans to adapt, or you pay attention to natural human moving patterns and build accordingly. Take spiral staircases, for instance: they can flow the right way so that you just keep moving as you get up, or they can require sudden stops and awkward turns. Both bring you up – but with one, you just dance on. It’s like living life with a tailwind.” Moreover, Ross insists that quality is always cheaper in the long-run. “It’s OK to spend 50 per cent more on a house that will stand more than five times longer – actually, it’s much cheaper,” he says. This mindset means that the firm is always thinking ahead, including features that you might otherwise miss ten years down the line. In the early days, they
imported central vacuum systems from the States as you couldn’t get them in Sweden, something Ross finds incredible, considering their superiority with regards to pollen allergies and similar. The same goes for features such as lifts, guest spaces and raised washing machines. “It may be OK to bend over to do your laundry now, but it won’t be when you’re older,” Ross asserts. “It just makes so much financial sense. You spend more now and reap the benefits forever.”
Founder and lead architect Pål Ross. Photo: James Holm.
Grand Designs As if he needed proof of the grandness of his creations, Pål Ross and one of his new Swedish projects have now been selected to be featured in the first ever Swedish season of the successful TV show Grand Designs, giving viewers insight into a radically different kind of architecture and construction. That’s in addition to a long list of awards and accolades, including Best Single Residence Sweden at the European Property Awards in 2014 and Sweden’s Most Beautiful Villa in 2009. With an impressive portfolio of customers who are still happy and loving their homes as much as 18 years later, none of this is surprising – not to the architect himself, nor to anyone who’s ever come across his passionate, pedagogical plea for better-quality, smarter, more healthy homes for people who dare to think outside the box. Or, as Ross himself would put it, for people who dare to dream of living in a work of art.
About Pål Ross: Pål Ross was born in Stockholm in 1961. He grew up the grandson of a mechanical engineer and the son of an artist. As a boy, he loved creating elaborate designs and entire little towns with LEGO, and building cardboard spaceships. When Pål Ross was six years old, his mother got a stipend to go to Spain and work on an exhibition, and so they spent a number of years there. Ross is now fluent in Spanish. Before his career in architecture, Ross worked as a teacher in mathematics and physics, and he admits to having considered studying psychology at one point. A pedagogical streak and a keenness to listen to his customers are still evident in everything he does. Ross founded Ross Architecture & Design in 1996 and has since drawn well in excess of 300 exclusive villas. Ross houses are characterised by organic shapes and a luxurious feel.
Don’t miss out – register your interest now! Ross Architecture & Design is busy and fully booked all spring and summer, so if you want to discuss a project for the autumn or winter, make sure to get in touch now.
Villa Casa Blanca. Photo: Ossian Tove
Web: www.ross.se Facebook: rossarkitekturdesignab Instagram: @designbyross
Issue 124 | May 2019 | 13
Trendy Norwegian hair accessories for all occasions “NOMA is a result of my passion for fashion and trends,” says creative director and owner Trine Nilsen. But it was in fact her twins’ names, Nora and Markus, that inspired her when it came to naming her brand. After working as a hairdresser and stylist for 30 years, Nilsen saw the need for better options when it came to hair accessories available, which developed into a popular business that keeps on growing. By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Pia Sønstrød
It was hair-clips that started it all ten years ago. The basic construction of the clip has been compiled by Nilsen herself, and they are thoroughly customised to 14 | Issue 124 | May 2019
sit equally well in thin Nordic hair and in thick hair. “It is important for me that my products not only look good, but are functional and work the way they should,” she
explains, adding: “My knowledge from being a hairdresser, along with my passion for trends, has been a huge advantage when designing our collections.” Today, all her trendy hair-clips are available in a variety of styles and colours, suitable for all occasions and needs. And the busy entrepreneur is not stopping at hair-clips, but constantly expanding her assortment by adding new items such as headbands, scarves and hats. With
Scan Magazine | Design Profile | NOMA
a new 180-square-metre showroom in Drammen and a big rise in demand, NOMA is at the forefront in Norway when it comes to hair accessories. As a supporter of the Norwegian pink ribbon campaign raising breast cancer awareness, NOMA has also been a popular supplier of fashionable and affordable headgear and turbans for those who need them.
Hair-clips you can wear with your bunad The idea behind the best-selling bunad hair-clips came on the Norwegian national day, when Nilsen discovered that children and adults were dressed in their national costumes with beautiful silver but with no matching decoration for their hair. “I decided that it was time to create hair accessories that would look just as beautiful as the silver jewellery worn along with the bunad. So now you can get everything from hair-clips to scrunchies and headbands that even the strict bunad police, as we call the critics in Norway, approve of,” she smiles. With the aim to make products that look typically Norwegian and traditional, yet still fashionable, Nilsen succeeded in creating the first and only hair-clips and accessories made specifically for wearing with your bunad. The decorative clips
are made of nickel-free steel and come in the colours silver, oxidised silver and old gilded, with different motifs to match the variety of national costumes throughout the country.
Focus on Norwegian heritage NOMA also produces scarves with Edvard Munch motifs, with approval from and in cooperation with the Munch Museum in Oslo. These beautiful scarves are produced in different sizes and are also available as kerchiefs for men in pure silk. “We recently got the go-ahead to start selling the Munch scarves at the British Museum in London, which I am thrilled about! They are not only beautiful, but a lovely piece of Norwegian heritage that I am so happy to be able to provide to Norwegian design lovers,” Nilsen says.
Always ahead of the trends In addition to being well-established in Norway, NOMA’s unique hair-clips and accessories can now also be found in Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany and the US. “We have ambitions to reach even more countries and are always working hard to supply the bestquality products that follow the changing trends. This means always being one
step ahead of the fashion, and I am always searching for the latest,” she adds. “Currently, we are seeing a big focus on beads, and since pastels are a big trend, we have the hair-clips available in many different pastel shades and also bright, strong colours for the summer. Yellow, orange, red… all very fresh. We also see a lot of animal prints, as well as clips with words on, in the fashion world right now. We are currently working on new designs of our popular hair-clips – so stay tuned!” Nilsen has over the years developed a good working relationship with her agents and producers in China, South Korea and India. The result is that NOMA can deliver products of a high standard, and you can be sure of a safe purchase. “I travel several times a year to check the quality as well as get inspiration for upcoming products and styles. It is important to always be on top of everything, especially now when the competition is growing,” she says. “Competition is always good; it makes me work even harder to reach my goals and constantly think of new ideas for creating unique products.” Web: www.nomanorge.no Facebook: nomanorge Instagram: @nomanorge
You can get everything from hair-clips to scrunchies and headbands that match the bunad, the Norwegian national costume.
Creative director and owner Trine Nilsen wearing a headband that can be worn both for the everyday and to parties.
Issue 124 | May 2019 | 15
Scan Magazine | Design Profile | Fiumano Clase
View over the lake of Molkom, 2019.
Dawn by the Lake, 2019.
Nordic Tales, 2019.
An exploration of light and nature This month sees the first UK solo exhibition of London-based Swedish artist Herman Lohe, at London’s Fiumano Clase gallery. Through a combination of painting and video art, Nordic Tales pays homage to the unique natural beauty of northern Sweden, while also touching on universal themes of joy, sorrow, life and death. By Liz Longden | Photos: Herman Lohe
The relationship between humanity and nature, and the power of nature to evoke and resonate, have been dominant themes in Lohe’s work, which spans 25 years and multiple disciplines. Nordic Tales continues this exploration with a combination of recent and previous works, united by the theme of light and reflection. “Perception of light is one of the themes I often come back to when painting,” Lohe explains. “And there is a special sort of light and atmosphere A video still from Dies Irae, 2017.
in the northern parts of Sweden during summer, especially the summer nights, when the sun never sets.” Lohe compares his art to music in its ability to communicate feelings on a non-verbal level; much of his work strives to evoke his own emotional connection to nature. “Music is such a powerful art form – when you listen to it you could feel joy, sorrow, excitement, calmness, but seldom would you
ask yourself the question ‘why?’,” he notes. “I paint with a similar approach in mind.” Among the emotions which Lohe explores is a palpable sense of nostalgia and longing, possibly fuelled by the fact that his paintings are often started in the midst of nature itself, and then finished far away, in his London studio. In addition to paintings, Nordic Tales also presents video art and Andrés Clase, co-owner of Fiumano Clase gallery, states that the inclusion of such inherently non-commercial works is indicative of the gallery’s ethos. “We have a philosophy of supporting artists whom we believe in, and the primary goal is to show their work, not to put on a sell-out show.” Co-director Francesca Fiumano adds: “Herman’s exhibition, like most of those we mount, is not about just getting people in to look at and buy paintings. It’s a much more immersive experience. We want people to feel that they have the time and space to really connect with the work, and to look at it in a different way.” Nordic Tales by Herman Lohe is showing until Saturday 6 July at Fiumano Clase gallery, London, and is kindly supported by Hernö Gin of Sweden.
Web: www.fiumanoclase.com
16 | Issue 124 | May 2019
Scan Magazine | Design Profile | Le Cord
Recharge the oceans Many of us are painfully aware that our dear phones do not have a great battery life and need to be charged quite often. So why not put a slightly more dazzling and stylish touch to this mundane everyday routine? This is exactly what brothers Axel and Christian Isberg thought, and so Le Cord was born. By Pia Petersson | Photos: Le Cord
The Le Cord charger cords come in many different colours and textures: leather, textiles, even wood. “Our customers are generally into design and high-quality products,” explains Axel Isberg. “Oh, and also, some find it practical to make sure all family or team members have different-colour charging cables, in order to end the never-ending arguments over them.” Driven by an urge to find sustainable ways to produce unique, high-quality design products, Le Cord was founded by the Isberg brothers in 2014. The company began its life as a project under the
Axel Isberg.
umbrella of their Stockholm-based art and research studio, Local Electronics. Despite not being quite as old as the hills, Le Cord has already more than found its feet. The brand has rapidly grown in the fashion and lifestyle segment, doing collaborations with well-known brands and resellers like Alexander Wang, Colette and Maxfield. Occupying the space between art, technology and design, Le Cord aims to create artistic details for the masses. All charging cables are certified by Apple and can be found in no less than 800 different high-tier department shops, se-
Christian Isberg.
lect shops, museum shops, hotels and Apple Premium Resellers all across the world. “Our proof of concept has led to requests from other businesses needing help with Asian-based sustainable production, product design and product customisation. Our b2b projects include collaborations with hotels, and lifestyle and luxury fashion brands,” Isberg says. In addition to its charger cords, Le Cord makes earphones, a limited-edition denim shirt, and a soon-to-be-released, unique wireless charger collection. Also in the pipeline is a collection of charging cables made from recycled fishing nets. This goes hand in hand with a vital aspect of Le Cord’s activities, namely to work towards more environmentally friendly production methods and materials in future collections. “Sure, creating well-designed mobile accessories is lots of fun, but ultimately, what’s important is trying to change consumer behaviour towards more sustainability and longevity – especially within the consumer electronics segment, which is typically driven by volume rather than sustainable values,” Isberg reflects. Web: www.lecord.com
Issue 124 | May 2019 | 17
Scan Magazine | Design Profile | Difficult by P.
Patrick Ekwall.
Difficult sneakers — designed in Sweden, handmade in Venice Sports journalist and entrepreneur Patrick Ekwall has had an interest in fashion ever since he started working in TV. “I wanted to look good, and none of my colleagues seemed to make an effort. I guess that’s where I started to stand out,” says Patrick Ekwall. This interest developed and led to what has now become the sneakers brand Difficult by P. By Hanna Andersson | Photos: Difficult by P.
“The name, Difficult by P., is a reference to my writing. I used the word difficult a lot,” Ekwall says, and laughs. “I didn’t want the brand to be called Ekwall – it felt too boring.” Difficult by P. has been around for a long time, but did not take on the world for real until recently. “I started this brand because I like doing this; it is fun. It started as a hobby in 2012 – something I did because I wanted to bring a bit of style to my industry. But ten months ago, after a successful crowdfunding effort, it became more of a full-time job. I still create all the designs from scratch. I sketch, and when I’m happy with my design, I send it to the factory in Venice where a family-owned business makes the shoes by hand. I visit the factory four or five times a year and have a very good relationship with them. My favourite thing 18 | Issue 124 | May 2019
about our products is that they are of the highest quality. Our shoes are made in the same factory as Louis Vuitton and Dior, so no one can say our quality is bad. I also want this brand to be independent, that no one will think that I just put my name on a shoe, because it’s much more than that. I am genuinely interested in the industry,” says Ekwall. Ekwall is an outsider in this industry and feels that he can bring something new into it. “I find inspiration from, I don’t know, everywhere,” he continues. “I design stuff that I think is cool, but I also look at what’s out there and what other brands are creating. But mostly it’s just a feeling. I discuss my designs with the factory, and they have had to stop me a few times because my ideas can be a bit too crazy. They’ve got the experience, so I listen to them, but it’s important that it has my touch.”
So, who can wear Difficult by P.? “I want our sneakers to be shoes you can wear in the office, but also instead of heels on a night out. You can get married in them, or simply wear them in your everyday life. I have most of my designs at home, and wear them for every occasion. My favourite shoe, although I love all of them – they are like my children – is the velvet Madison. It’s smart, simple, but not ordinary. However, the one shoe that sells the best is the White Madison, which is a bit sad when you spend all these nights coming up with exciting designs,” Ekwall smiles. Moving forward, Ekwall wants his sneakers to be acknowledged and worn by many. “This industry is tricky,” he ponders. “We are still not accepted as a brand, and people might not take us seriously. I’d say the future looks bright, but I also know that we will have to work hard to really make it.”
Web: difficultbyp.com Facebook: DifficultByP Instagram: @difficultbyp
NOKO Y3 DZEN - There's Something in the World, 2019. Cut-up gallon containers stitched together. Variable dimensions. Site-specific work, Vestfossen Kunstlaboratorium.
Modern art laboratory in a historic setting Situated inside a former cellulose factory, Vestfossen Kunstlaboratorium welcomes visitors to discover contemporary art by Norwegian as well as international artists in a truly spectacular and historic setting. With its unique and rough character, the building itself provides an interesting historical frame for the modern artistic expressions of our time. This season, we are invited to experience a varied programme with the three exhibitions Kubatana (33 contemporary African artists), Natura Morta (Christer Glein) and From Evening in Oudenaarde to Summer Evening in Hokksund (Frits Thaulow). By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Nina Ansten and Vestfossen Kunstlaboratorium
Vestfossen Kunstlaboratorium (VKL) is an art centre that exhibits contemporary artwork by Norwegian as well as international artists. Open from May to October every year, the modern art laboratory has a goal to make art interesting and available to everyone. “We believe everyone can benefit from art, no matter their age or taste: that it can have an important effect on your life, and needs 20 | Issue 124 | May 2019
in 2001. “He wanted to create a unique space to display art. Between 2001 and 2003, work was initiated towards transforming the old building into a modern exhibition space,” Kristiansen recalls. “It is such a beautiful and historic place – many visitors are blown away by the building itself when they walk through the doors. It creates a great backdrop for the art.”
to be easily accessible,” says director Lars-Andreas T. Kristiansen. Looking back at the history of VKL, it is truly remarkable. The former cellulose factory that today houses the art space was founded back in 1886. Later, in 1973, the factory was closed down, and it was empty for almost 30 years, until the artist Morten Viskum bought it
Café Cellulose offers a relaxing and elegant environment in exciting architectural surroundings – the perfect place for a break from exploring art.
Scan Magazine | Art Feature | Vestfossen Kunstlaboratorium
Varied programme showcasing contemporary art Today, VKL is known for being a modern art laboratory. “Our aim is to be literally like a laboratory for contemporary art. In fact, contemporary art can itself be seen as a laboratory for the study of the modern world, taking it apart and putting it together in new ways – first and foremost as themes or metaphors, but also more directly,” he says. Kristiansen is delighted to present this season’s main events, a varied programme with three very different exhibitions he believes the public will enjoy. “This is a wide-ranging programme, as reflected both in the themes of the exhibitions and in the cultural and geographic roots of the selected artists,” Kristiansen explains.
Kubatana – ‘togetherness’ The main exhibition this year, Kubatana, is one of the largest presentations of contemporary African art seen yet in Scandinavia, bringing together 33 artists ranging from 25 to 89 years old, representing 18 countries. Four of the participating artists are also taking part in this year’s Venetian bienniale: Joël Andrianomearisoa, Gonçalo Mabunda, Zanele Muholi and Ibrahim Mahama. The exhibition is curated by the Londonbased Norwegian gallery owner, Kristin Hjellegjerde, who has brought boundless
Amadou Sanogo (Mali), Sans Tête, 2018. Acrylic on fabric, 200 x 160 cm. Courtesy of Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery.
Kubatana is an exhibition with contemporary African artists, curated by Kristin Hjellegjerde.
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Scan Magazine | Art Feature | Vestfossen Kunstlaboratorium
and genuine enthusiasm as well as her enormous knowledge of the field to make it happen. Several of the artists taking part in Kubatana have visited VKL’s guest studio in Vestfossen and produced site-specific works for the exhibition. One piece that has already garnered interest is the gigantic, yellow installation on the façade of the VKL building, the creation of Ghanaian Serge Attukwei Clottey. “We are very excited about this exhibition and to show the importance of African contemporary art on an international level,” says Kristiansen. “The word Kubatana means ‘togetherness’, which is the feeling Hjellegjerde took with her back from her travels throughout the African continent. It is the hope of everyone at VKL that our visitors will also feel this sense of communality with the artists taking part in this year’s main exhibition.”
Norwegian artwork on display
Gonçalo Mabunda (Mozambique), The Throne of the Shining Dream, 2016. Decommissioned arms, 71 x 55 x 93 cm. Courtesy of Jack Bell Gallery, London.
At Galleri Star, the public is invited to discover works by Frits Thaulow, one of Norway’s foremost landscape painters of the 19th century, through From Evening in Oudenaarde to Summer
Aboudia (Ivory Coast), Untitled, 2013. Acrylic and mixed media on canvas, 125 x 200 cm. Courtesy of Jack Bell Gallery, London.
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Scan Magazine | Art Feature | Vestfossen Kunstlaboratorium
Dawit Abebe (Ethiopia), Gap 8 – Liminal in the Age of Mobility, 2018. Acrylic and collage on canvas, 210 x 150 cm. Courtesy of Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery.
Evening in Hokksund. “The art selected includes different Norwegian scenery and even one motif with a local connection, the 1891 painting Summer Evening in Hokksund. While Thaulow is still wellknown among most Norwegians, the attention devoted to his art by institutions and scholars has been slight, compared with its compass and the recognition it had initially achieved. It is therefore with great enthusiasm that we are able to now make it possible to enjoy his works in an institutional context,” says Kristiansen. Furthermore, in the exhibition hall, the Oslo-based artist Christer Glein is showing his new works, large-scale oil paintings with motifs borrowed from art history, including figures by Picasso and the Norwegian artists Bjarne Melgaard and Sverre Bjertnes. Since VKL was founded in 2003, it has opened its doors to 32 large and small exhibitions, and complemented these with 16 substantial publications. Today, you can also visit its very own bookstore as well as the cosy Café Cellulose, which offers a relaxing and elegant environment perfect for taking a break from exploring art. “We are still a relatively young art centre that is ceaselessly striving to find ever better ways to promote contemporary art, something we will continue to do while also focusing on expanding our offering as well as adding digital elements,” Kristiansen concludes.
Gerald Chukwuma (Nigeria), ‘Ishi kote ebu’ – The Victim’s Journey, 2018. Mixed media, 213,4 x 170,2 cm. Courtesy of artist and Jon Harald Nilsen.
Serge Attukwei Clottey (Ghana), NOKO Y3 DZEN – There’s Something in the World, 2019. Cut-up gallon containers stitched together, variable dimensions. Site-specific work for Vestfossen Kunstlaboratorium. Courtesy of Gallery 1957. Photo: Nii Odzenma.
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Scan Magazine | Art Feature | Vestfossen Kunstlaboratorium
Vestfossen Kunstlaboratorium is located in Buskerud, between Drammen and Kongsberg, with easy access both by car and train, approximately 50 minutes from Oslo. The art laboratory is located inside a former cellulose factory that now contains a 2,500-square-metre space and shows international contemporary art of high quality.
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Opening hours: 4 May to 22 September: Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 6pm.
Abdoulaye Konaté (Mali), Composition bleue orange Aly 1, 2017. Textile, 222 x 219 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Blain | Southern.
2019 exhibitions: The main building: Kubatana – an exhibition with contemporary African artists. The exhibition hall: Natura Morta – Christer Glein. Galleri Star: From Evening in Oudenaarde to Summer Evening in Hokksund – Frits Thaulow.
Web: www.vestfossen.com Facebook: Vestfossen Kunstlaboratorium Instagram: @vestfossen_kunstlaboratorium
Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature | Svartsö Krog
A high-quality restaurant in the middle of Stockholm’s archipelago Stockholm’s archipelago is something special. It is a paradise of islands that you can only get to by boat, and which is inhabited by only 10,000 people during the winter. But during summer, the islands transform into a well-visited gem, perfect for a summer house or simply a day out. On one of the islands, Svartsö, you can visit Svartsö Krog, a Swedish restaurant in the middle of the archipelago. By Hanna Andersson | Photos: Svartsö Krog
“One of the charms with our restaurant is that you can only get here by boat. We have a dock where you can moor your own boat, or you can take the Waxholms ferry boat,” says founder and head chef Henrik Sauer. Sauer and his business partner, Mikael Fredriksson, bought the restaurant seven years ago and have always had a clear vision. “This will be our seventh season, which is fantastic. Our ambition has always been to run this restaurant like one in Stockholm, to keep it at the highest level and not fall into the ‘archipelago kitchen’. We have less meat on the menu, we love vegetables, and we never use anything ready-made. Our menu is our food, made from scratch. We want our food to be as locally produced as possible, but sometimes it’s tricky because it’s still a big restaurant where we want to have high quality,” says Sauer. “However, we do pick a lot of berries and
mushrooms ourselves, especially during spring and autumn, and we buy fish from a fisherman on an island nearby and buy our meat from Swedish farms. The restaurant is quite big, warm, and modern, and we want to keep both service and the overall experience on a high level without it being too posh or difficult.” So, what makes Svartsö Krog special? “Because of the clear change of seasons in Sweden, and the wide food palate available, we have chosen to change our menu often throughout the season: almost weekly, actually! We keep it short, but there is something for everyone. We also update our wine and beer list with products from microbreweries and small vineyards and spend a lot of time combining good food with good drinks. And all of this makes our guests want to come back and try more. We are also proud of our connected canvas tents that we have decorated as hotel rooms, but the pressure is
high and the rooms are already booked for the summer,” Sauer explains. Although it can be tricky to run a restaurant on an island, Sauer knows it will work out. “In the beginning, the consistency of turnout depended on the weather, but now we have built up a reputation, which means that we stay busy throughout the season. We want to have people coming in from town, but we also want Svartsö Krog to be a place where the people of Svartsö can come in and have a meal. Svartsö is one of the busier islands in the archipelago, because the school is located here, where kids from the other islands come every day. It feels more alive that way, and we want to be a part of that.”
Henrik Sauer and Mikael Fredriksson.
Web: svartsokrog.se Facebook: Svartsökrog Instagram @svartsokrog
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Norway’s international cheese sensation Norway’s most successful international cheese product, Jarlsberg, is deliciously creamy with an irresistibly nutty flavour. These nutty notes, combined with its soft, mild texture, not only make it a staple in every Norwegian household, but also internationally – from the US and Canada to Australia and the UK. By Sunniva Davies-Rommetveit | Photos: TINE Jarlsberg
Few cheeses combine looks and taste as well as Jarlsberg: its scrumptiously mild yet nutty taste merges seamlessly with its aesthetically pleasing, almost cartoonesque holes – known to cheese connoisseurs as ‘eyes’. It is this heady combination that has taken TINE’s Jarlsberg cheese on the 63-year adventure that has not only transformed it into an essential topping on Norwegian breakfast tables, but also seen it conquering international cheese markets. “From the US and the UK, to Australia and Sweden, TINE’s Jarlsberg has cap26 | Issue 124 | May 2019
tured imaginations globally,” explains international marketing manager at TINE, Silje Lindborg. “It is amazing that what was essentially an experiment in the 1950s resulted in such a recognisable and delicious taste, which millions have been unable to get enough of ever since.”
The father of Jarlsberg cheese The experiment Lindborg is referring to was one conducted in the 1950s by professor Ole Martin Ystgaard, considered the father of Jarlsberg cheese as we know it. Starting in 1956 and stretching over the next ten years, he conducted
the cheese-making experiments at the Agricultural University of Norway’s Dairy Institute. This painstaking research resulted in a cheese with a gorgeous, nutty flavour, along with salty hints, plus those famous holes – becoming known as Jarlsberg cheese. Though TINE’s recipe for creating the famous holes is a well-kept (and long sought-after) secret, the process of getting the delectable combination of mild, nutty taste and perfectly-formed holes comes from mixing lactic acid bacteria and Propionibacterium. Exactly how this works is kept under lock and key, with TINE having dedicated an entire factory in Trondheim to producing the culture that makes Jarlsberg cheese so unique. Since Jarlsberg cheese rolled onto the Norwegian culinary scene in the
Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature | TINE – Jarlsberg
swinging ‘60s, its versatility not only meant that the stereotypically humble Norwegian lunchbox was transformed, but also led to Norwegians experimenting with different dishes. “The Jarlsberg cheese is great in many different dishes,” explains Lindborg. “It can be put on a salad to make it even tastier, added to a pasta sauce, and similarly sprinkled generously onto pizza – because it has this mouth-watering property of becoming stringy when melted.”
From Norway to Hollywood Norway is not the only nation that has become smitten with Jarlsberg cheese, though, with it present in key markets such as the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, Germany and Sweden already as early as the 1960s. In the US, Jarlsberg’s popularity is hard to overstate. It is present in an impressive nine out of ten American supermarkets, and is also a
staple on the menus of Brooklyn’s hip and trendy grilled-cheese trucks – a testament to its capability to melt sumptuously like only the best cheeses do. Even Hollywood has acquired a taste for Jarlsberg, it being referenced in the chic film The Devil Wears Prada, as well as the extremely popular TV series The Sorpranos. “These mentions by some of today’s top actors cement Jarlsberg as a must-have international product. It proves that we deliver on taste, texture and looks – so much so, that the trendiest scripts in the world have paid homage to Jarlsberg cheese,” Lindborg says. With such Jarlsberg fever already present in key international markets, TINE’s aim of further growing the brand internationally in the coming years shouldn’t prove too challenging. “There is still huge potential for growth inter-
nationally, especially in the US market,” Lindborg explains. “We expect to reach many more households outside of Norway in the next few years, and really look forward to introducing people to this brilliant cheese.” With its beautiful texture, enviable appearance and exquisite taste, Jarlsberg cheese undoubtedly continues to take the international cheese market by storm. “We think more people should have the chance to try Jarlsberg,” Lindborg says. “Whether it be eaten as part of a sumptuous grilled cheese toastie, melted on pizza or as a sneaky few slices on its own, this cheese is as versatile as it is delicious.” Web: www.jarlsberg.com Facebook: jarlsberg Instagram: @jarlsberg_
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A cheesy tale of passion, innovation and tradition Strong, sweet or a little nutty – like with people, the individual characteristics of a cheese determine how to optimally handle and promote its best features. However, just as with its human counterpart, there is no exact science that will promise the right result – the secret is human passion, tradition, and innovation. Having had almost 90 years to perfect this art, Wernersson is today responsible for the ennobling and ripening of a number of Scandinavia’s most famous cheeses.
Despite this, the most popular brands ripened by Wernersson are still consumed in staggering amounts. For instance, more than 1,600 tonnes of Wernersson’s biggest brand, Jarlsberg, is consumed in Scandinavia each year.
By Signe Hansen | Photos: Wernersson Ost
The perfect time for enjoying
Jarlsberg, Kolibrie, Gudbrandsdalen and Danablu – unbeknown to most, many of Scandinavia’s most loved cheeses are ripened, waxed, hand-turned and ennobled at a huge 7,000-square-metre facility in Ulricehamn, Sweden. The facility is owned and managed by Wernersson, a company that dates back to 1930. Today, the company ships off approximately 18,000 tonnes of cheese every year. But, according to Jesper Jakobsen, general manager of Wernersson Ost Danmark, despite the huge amounts, it 28 | Issue 124 | May 2019
is not about quantity, but quality. “There’s a growing demand for cheese that’s been ripened for longer, seven to eight months,” he says. “In general, there’s a tendency for people to want to eat a little less, and that often means going for something with a better taste. We all know how it is – if there’s no taste, we just add an extra slice, but actually that doesn’t give you more taste, just more calories. I think that’s why quality is on the way up; people don’t mind spending a bit more money on something that’s better quality and then eating a bit less of it.”
Ripening cheese from approximately 70 cheese producers across Scandinavia
Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature | Wernersson Ost Danmark A/S
and Europe, Wernersson has no single recipe for how to achieve the optimal taste, texture and tang – not even when it comes to the same cheese, as everything depends on natural interactions between the cheese’s micro flora, protein and fat. Depending on their disposition, the cheeses spend between two weeks and two years reaching the perfect time for eating. And, while Wernersson has decades of experience as well as advanced temperature and testing technology, finding the right time to cut, wrap, and ship off the cheese requires something more. Employing 130 people at the storage facility in Ulricehamn and a new ripening facility, Wernersson makes sure that each cheese is carefully watched, handturned and tested. “We have some very experienced cheese masters who make sure that everything is right. It takes passion to do their job – passion and a lot of knowledge. They make sure the cheese is stored correctly, turned and waxed – we don’t play music to them, but it’s pretty close,” jokes Jakobsen. “Our three keywords are passion, innovation and tradition, because that’s what it takes to ripen good cheese.” To pinpoint when the cheese has reached its optimal state, the facility’s cheese masters have the enviable job of testing and tasting the cheese. When found to have the perfect taste and texture, they are shipped off as quickly as possible, because once cheese has reached perfection, it needs to get to customers as quickly as possible for them to enjoy that perfect creamy brie, fragrant camembert or nutty Jarlsberg. “Even though we’re located in Sweden, we do day-to-day delivery. If you order in Copenhagen before half past eight, you’ll have the cheese by noon the next day,” Jakobsen stresses.
A truckload of cheese While Wernersson today uses a fleet of refrigerated trucks to distribute cheese to shops, supermarkets and caterers all over Scandinavia, it all started out with a single Ford T and a stand at a local market. In 1930, Tage Wernersson began Issue 124 | May 2019 | 29
Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature | Wernersson Ost Danmark A/S
Wernersson ships off approximately 18,000 tonnes of cheese every year.
dabbling at making homemade cheese from his home in Marbäck, a small town in the outskirts of Ulricehamn. In the following years, he and his family would load up their car, a Ford T, to drive to a local market in Ulricehamn and sell the increasingly popular cheese. When Tage and his family eventually decided to move their home and business to Ulricehamn, the wheels really began spinning in the cheese-making business. Soon, the family was renting basements to store and mature their popular cheeses all over town. Having perfected the technique to do so, in the 1970s and 1980s, under the leadership of Tage’s son-in-law, the focus of the busi30 | Issue 124 | May 2019
Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature | Wernersson Ost Danmark A/S
ness gradually shifted to the ripening and ennobling of cheese, and in 1983, Wernersson sold off the cheese-making part of the business completely. The following two decades, two major events further increased the company’s slice of the cheese market: Sweden’s entry into the EU in 1996, and Wernersson’s merger with the Danish Tølløse Ost, today Wernersson Ost Danmark. The merger is what brought Jakobsen into the picture. Having taken over Tølløse Ost from his dad in 2000, he merged the company with Wernersson in 2007. “Actually, it wasn’t really on the cards for me to take over, as I was an electrician, but I grew up among cheese, and what I said to myself was that I’m good at remembering so surely I can also remember how to take care of the cheese business – and it’s gone alright since,” Jakobsen says rather modestly.
Facts: In 2018, Wernersson oversaw and managed the maturation and ennobling of nearly 18,000 tonnes of cheese. The company delivers 2,500 truckloads of cheese every year. Wernersson delivers cheese to Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland and the Baltic countries. Wernersson’s premium seller is the Norwegian Jarlsberg, which was created in 1956 and is today one of Norway’s biggest exports. Wernersson’s master brands are: the French Kolibrie brie, the Italian Michelangelo, the British Ilchester, the classic Norwegian Gudbrandsdalen, and Wernersson’s alcohol-infused cheeses. Danes consume, on average, 16kilogrammes of cheese from Wernersson each year. They are topped by theSwedes, who consume 19 kilogrammes of cheese from Wernersson every year. Wernersson was founded in 1930. In 2007, Wernersson merged with the Danish Tølløse Ost, today Wernersson Ost Danmark. In 2020, Wernersson will celebrate its 90th anniversary.
Web: www.wernerssonost.se
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Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature | Radius Distillery
Kristian Larsen
Hand-crafted Danish spirits In 2016, two friends found themselves in southern Germany having bought a distilling apparatus. This marked the start of Radius Distillery, which has been making hand-crafted spirits in small batches since then, even winning an award in its second year of production. By Josefine Older Steffensen | Photos: Andreas Houmann, Retouch: Werkstette
After the initial purchase of the distilling apparatus, Flemming Jensen and Kristian Larsen joined forces with three friends and started making their first gin. “Flemming and I are from the pharmaceutical industry and enjoy the science behind distilling and making new flavours. In fact, we have to stop ourselves from making too many varieties,” explains Larsen with a smile. In 2017, Radius made 1,500 bottles, while the prediction for 2019 is 10,000. “It’s gone faster than fast, and we’re loving every step of the process.” The different spirits are simply named by their batch number, and Batch 18, a delicious apple gin, won a prestigious silver medal at the San Francisco World Spirit Competition. Gin was just the beginning, however, and recently Radius 32 | Issue 124 | May 2019
has teamed up with August Hage, a land owner with a passion for apples.
Apple brandy Hage and Radius have worked together to collect upwards of 20 different old varieties of Danish apples. 4,500 trees are now being planted on Hage’s family estate. “Some of the apple trees were the last of their kind, and we’ve even got the Hage apple, bred by August’s great grandfather, which makes for an excellent flavouring for our apple brandy,” explains Larsen. In August, Radius will move its production to the estate, because as the name Radius suggests, they want to make the production as local as possible. The apple brandy takes three years to make, but the 2017 batch has sold out and the 2018 batch is also nearly gone, despite not being finished yet.
Radius wants to share its passion for distilling, and from August it will be possible to visit the distillery at the estate. They also host private events with talks about distillation as well as giving people and companies the opportunity to make their own gin with its own label. Radius brings out at least one or two new spirits every season, so there is always something new to try. The passion that the people behind Radius have for what they do shines through in their products, which all have creative, fun and distinct flavour profiles. “We live off being innovative. We’re not afraid to try something new and different, and honestly, the whole process from initial idea to bottling is just fascinating and fun,” concludes Larsen.
Web: www.radiusdistillery.com and www.oremandsgaard.dk Facebook: radiusdistillery Instagram: @radius_distillery
Scan Magazine | Travel Feature | Ishavskatedralen
A unique concert venue in the Arctic When visiting northern Norway, a striking landmark in Tromsø appears to take one’s breath away. Thanks to its wonderful acoustics and impressive architecture, the Arctic Cathedral, also know as Tromsdalen Church, is a unique and wonderful place to experience spectacular performances during all seasons, with the midnight sun or northern lights as a backdrop. By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: The Arctic Cathedral
With musical performances almost every night all year round, the Arctic Cathedral is at the forefront when it comes to concerts in Tromsø. “We are proud to be one of Norway’s most-used concert venues, with a suitable and varied programme of beautiful Norwegian folk tunes, classical music, traditional hymns and ballads,” says Åse Dons Lindrupsen, congregation worker in Tromsøysund. The cathedral offers captivating concerts and spectacular performances every day – on bright, tender summer nights under the midnight sun, or during the winter months while the aurora borealis dances across the sky, both creating a stunning backdrop for magical events. Many tourists and locals visit the church
to see and feel for themselves the beautiful ambiance with candles and sound, and to draw inspiration from the deeply moving musical experiences on offer. “There is hardly a better way to experience Tromsø than to be present at one of our midnight sun or northern lights concerts in the Arctic Cathedral. Here, you can listen to beautiful music performed by our talented musicians in a truly unique and unforgettable setting,” Lindrupsen says. “Its the perfect way to end the day.” The midnight sun concerts are happening every night from 1 June to 15 August at 11pm, offering a combination of vocals, piano and organ music, as well as additional trumpet, flute, saxophone and cello performances. In addition, every day this summer, the
cathedral will host organ concerts, with musicians who have made their mark locally, nationally and internationally. Built in 1965 and designed by Norwegian architect Jan Inge Hovig, the cathedral is today both an important symbol and a landmark for the city of Tromsø itself. The magnificent stainedglass window is 23 metres high, covering 140 square metres, and was designed by Viktor Sparre to give more soul to the church. In 2005, the new and impressive modern organ was inaugurated during the church’s 40-year anniversary. The Arctic Cathedral has become a masterpiece of architecture, which was designed to reflect the nature, culture and faith in its region. “It is a multifaceted church with a lot of activity for all age groups, but has also become one of Tromsø’s largest tourist attractions with more than 100,000 visitors each year,” says Lindrupsen. Web: www.ishavskatedralen.no
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Fishing fun in unforgettable Nordic nature Whether you are a lifelong fisher, a complete beginner looking to learn how to cast and catch, or you are simply after an enjoyable day in beautiful nature, Salmon Finland will fulfil your wishes on their full-service fishing trips. By Mari Koskinen | Photos: Salmon Finland
“I have been fishing since I was a kid,” says Toni Kuusisto, founder and head guide of Salmon Finland. “I come from Muonio, Lapland, so I am very familiar with the area and know its rivers and lakes thoroughly. First, fishing was just a hobby to me and a way to relax, but once my expertise grew, I wanted to share it and the beautiful spots I know so well with others too. The nature is unique here – it is a very memorable experience to spend time in the quiet, 34 | Issue 124 | May 2019
undisturbed nature of Lapland. Respect for the nature is always at the heart of all our trips.” Salmon Finland has been arranging fully catered fishing trips since 2006. The trips take guests to Kuusisto’s favourite spots in Finland, Sweden and northern Norway. Once you arrive at the airport, Salmon Finland’s guide will take care of the rest from there. “It does not matter if you are a beginner or an experienced
Toni Kuusisto with a salmon he caught weighing 15.4 kilogrammes and measuring 121 centimetres. Photo: Toni Kuusisto
Scan Magazine | Travel Feature | Salmon Finland
fisher – the trip will be always rewarding. If necessary, the group of six guests can have three or four seasoned guides to help them get started,” promises Kuusisto. “We have always caught some fish on our trips, so it is satisfying also for beginners.” The fishing equipment will be provided by the guide, or guests can bring their own gear, too.
Top catering and cosy lodging Kuusisto also runs a restaurant in Rovaniemi, so he is accustomed to taking care of guests and delivering top-quality meals. “I am proud of our high-level catering on the trips; we want the guests to enjoy culinary delights, like glow-fried salmon, porcini mushroom risotto or reindeer fillet, during their time with us. We use local ingredients and our guides are professional cooks who know the art of cooking tasty meals, also on campfires.” All the fish from the fishing trips are either cooked during the trip or brought to the restaurant in Rovaniemi to be prepared and served there. “We respect the nature; it is our top priority to make sure that we do not harm the environment on our trips. We do not cut down trees for fire wood or leave any litter behind.” Salmon Finland’s base, Camp Visanto, is located on the banks of the scenic and peaceful river Muonio in Ylimuonio village. Some of the trips take place in that
area, and some travel further afield, depending on the season and the guests’ wishes. Camp Visanto is open all year round for other groups also, such as skiers, campers and bus groups. It is a versatile and affordable camping centre offering Bed & Breakfast accommodation. To reach Camp Visanto, guests can arrive at Kittilä or Rovaniemi airports, or by train to Kolari.
Different catch in different seasons There are fishing trips to different destinations and using different fishing methods, and the catch varies according to the season. In Lapland, the salmon season runs from June to August. The largest catch Kuusisto ever had was an astonishing 19-kilogramme salmon from the river Muonio.
During the winter season, Salmon Finland organises ice fishing trips to the great fells in Finland, Sweden and Norway. There, guests also get to enjoy speedy travelling by snow mobiles through the snow-covered Nordic nature. It is quite an exotic experience for anyone to venture out in the cold and harsh nature, yet being safe and protected by the right equipment and thermal clothing. Salmon Finland can also arrange exclusive full-service fishing trips to the Arctic Ocean in Norway at any time of the year. Web: wwww.salmonfinland.com Facebook: Salmonfinland Instagram: @salmon_finland Email: toni@salmonfinland.com
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Scan Magazine | Travel Feature | Andenes Hotel
Northern delights A visit to Andøya in the north of Norway guarantees a close encounter with the many faces of nature – from a silence so quiet it will calm your senses, to roaring storms that will most definitely make you feel alive. By Marianne Heen Johnsgård | Photos: Andenes Hotel
“It’s been many years since I moved here from London, and I’m still mesmerised by this place,” says Alison Olsen. She is the hotel manager at Grønnbuene Rorbu Hotel, Lankanholmen sea cabins and Bleik sea cabins, all located on the island of Andøya, which is a nature lover’s dream destination. “Step out your front door, and you might very well spot a seal in the harbour, or witness how an orca playfully dives into the Northern Sea,” she describes enthusiastically. The three different kinds of accommodation make it easy to choose the right one according to your specific needs, and Andøya makes it equally easy to take part in what nature has to offer, whether you want to experience it alone or as part of a group. 36 | Issue 124 | May 2019
The newly refurbished sea cabins at Bleik are superb for those who truly want to get away from civilisation, yet are situated only a ten-minute drive from Andenes, where you’ll find shops and restaurants. “Bleik and Lankanholmen are popular among those who want to see the northern lights, as there are no street lights. But, in all honesty, you’ll most likely experience the aurora borealis no matter where you stay. The companies that host guided tours even operate with a northern light guarantee!” Grønnbuene Rorbu Hotel offers both family rooms and a suite with an outdoor jacuzzi. The latter is the perfect choice for newlyweds ready for their first adventure together, suggests Olsen. The
hotel and Lankanholmen sea cabins are located just a few steps from each other, which is useful for larger groups who want to stay in the same area. “And we are more than happy to put together a tailor-made programme for our guests, ranging from whale safaris and fishing trips to skiing or hiking in the mountains,” says the hotel manager. A trip above the Arctic Circle is exhilarating and exotic, and a rare opportunity to experience the forces of nature first-hand.
Web: andeneshotell.no
Scan Magazine | Travel Feature | Hove Atelier
Roderic Graeme Read.
Energies series.
Underpass, oil painting.
Janne Rebecca Read. Photo: Roderic Read
Artists of light Nestled-in idyllically on the island of Tromøy, just outside of Arendal on the south coast of Norway, you will find Hove Atelier. It is the home, gallery and studio of the Reads – an artist couple who share a passion for light in their art.
Park with its boulders, woodlands, beaches and coastal footpaths. This is a place where one can let all the senses be fully indulged,” Janne ends.
By Lisa Maria Berg | Photos: Janne Rebecca Read
The Norwegian-Welsh couple, Janne Rebecca Read and Roderic Graeme Read, has brought the world onto their very own island off the south coast of Norway. They share a long history together. It is a story of love: a love for each other and for the art. The couple first met in Wales, where Janne moved from Norway to study. Their art tells a story of a journey of transition from cities to nature, from urban brush strokes interpreting life in English and Welsh cities they journeyed through in 2000, as we broke into the new millennium, back to Janne’s home country in search of different motifs.
The light Just across the Skagerrak, the coast of Denmark was home to the famous Skagen Painters. The Reads, however, argue that those are not the only ones who can claim special natural lighting. “It is truly amazing walking along the coastal
footpaths of the island. No two days are the same. Studying the change in light throughout the seasons inspires our work tremendously,” explains Roderic. “Being totally present in the moment and connecting with the energies of nature on a sensory level creates a sense of bliss and opens up endless opportunities when working with paint, print or photography,” continues Janne. The ongoing series Coastal Light, which can be seen in the gallery, represents both artists’ interpretations of the many walks undertaken and enjoyed.
An open invitation A visit to Hove Atelier is not just a stroll through a gallery, but an invitation to truly enter into the artist hub. The couple’s studio is open to the public, making it possible for guests to gain insight into their process. “Our atelier finds itself in such a beautiful place, surrounded by English roses and the Raet National
Coastal Light, Raet National Park series.
See and purchase Janne Rebecca Read’s and Roderic Graeme Read’s artwork in their studio and gallery, Hove Atelier on Tromøy, by appointment or during the official opening hours.
Web: www.hoveatelier.com Facebook: Hove Atelier. Art by Read E-mail: hoveatelier@yahoo.com
Issue 124 | May 2019 | 37
Scan Magazine | Golf Feature | Kjekstad Golfklubb
Where golf and beautiful nature meet As one of the finest golf clubs in the eastern part of Norway, Kjekstad Golf Club has truly embraced its rural surroundings of wildlife, forests and lakes. The result is two entertaining and challenging courses, giving semi-professionals and beginners the nature experience for free, along with a game with magnificent scenery from start to finish. By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Kjekstad Golfklubb
After its kickstart, 43 years ago, the golf club has established itself as one of the finest clubs in eastern Norway, with two impeccable courses: an 18-hole and a nine-hole course. “Ours are known for being fun and challenging courses, where you may very well end up playing your way across forest ponds and might encounter a rabbit or two along the way,” says managing director Bjørn Lohne. While the courses are the focal points, the thing that really sets Kjekstad Golf Club apart from the rest is its beautiful surroundings. Located in the middle of the forest, both courses are integrated into the original scenery with trees, lakes and hills. The main course was completed as a fully-fledged 18-hole
course in 1988. This is a distinctive forest course, designed by Jan Sederholm, giving the player a complete nature encounter. “We have a strong focus on providing high-quality courses, and our slogan is ‘you get the nature experience for free’,” Lohne explains. “I once asked a couple how the day had been. They replied that they had an amazing time
but could not remember how the actual game had ended.” Situated in Røyken, approximately half an hour south of Oslo, Kjekstad Golf Club is easily reached by public transport, although Lohne recommends bringing your treasured gear along in a car. “If you don’t have equipment, it is also possible to hire everything you need. We are proud to offer a wide range of courses and trainings, so whether you are a beginner or a semi-professional player, everyone is welcome to join in.”
Web: www.kjekstad-gk.no Facebook: kjekstadgolf
Issue 124 | May 2019 | 39
The driving range.
Norway’s largest and most-visited year-round golf centre ToppGolf is Norway’s largest fitness centre for golfers of all levels, with a ninehole outdoor golf course, Norway’s largest driving range, and 12 top-of-the-range indoor golf simulators. By Sunniva Davies-Rommetveit | Photos: ToppGolf
While for many, the very idea of golfing brings up connotations of summer outfits and warm weather, ToppGolf chief executive Thomas Amundsen points out that Norway has had its share of golfing champions. “From Suzann Pettersen, who was world number two in 2013, to emerging champion Viktor Hovland, Norway is definitely up there with the world's top golfers.” In a country with markedly fewer summer months than most competitive golfing nations, Amundsen credits such notable successes to the use of technology in centres like ToppGolf. As a result, golfers need not worry about a bit of snow – instead being able to opt for state-of-the-art full-swing golf simulators indoors. 40 | Issue 124 | May 2019
Come rain, shine or snow At ToppGolf, these simulators boast the latest E6Golf software, ensuring excellent image quality and accuracy, plus an enviable list of some of the world’s most sought-after golf ranges. “In the height of winter, our golfers can still practise their game and choose to play on world-famous courses such as St Andrews and Pebble Beach,” Amundsen explains. Four out of ToppGolf’s 12 simulators also have ION Performance Camera installations, which provide an overview of speed, clubhead angle, and ball track information. “This technology gives our golfers the highest accuracy, allowing them to shape each stroke just as they would do outdoors,” Amundsen adds.
The innovation doesn’t stop indoors, either. Outside of the centre, ToppGolf boasts Norway’s largest driving range – with over 80 covered golf bays spread across two floors – bookable via a mobile app or at the centre. Target ranges are provided, with accurate distances measured from each tee, enabling every golfer to perfect their game in their own time and comfort. Alongside a proactive committee, Amundsen has given ToppGolf a new offensive attitude – always looking for new opportunities to develop the centre further. “We now have a long-term plan over the next five years. This includes expanding our offering for all visitors, with more pro coaches as well as a new studio and academy opening soon.”
First-rate training In order to play at Nordhaug Golf Club, the nine-hole outdoor course administered by ToppGolf, beginners must take an introductory course to get to grips
Scan Magazine | Golf Feature | ToppGolf AS
ToppGolf is based in Oslo suburb Bærum, on the west side of the city. Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 8am to 10pm Friday: 8am to 7pm Saturday: 9am to 6pm Sunday: 10am to 8pm
Web: www.toppgolf.no For more information, email: thomas@toppgolf.no Phone: 0047 67 14 13 13 or 0047 93 01 59 59
Nordhaug Golf Course.
with the basics. “This is a golf course that is suitable for everyone – from beginners to experts in the field," explains Amundsen. “We also have great offers for juniors aged ten to 18 to encourage uptake of the sport, while also providing group training for our retirees, who make up a very important part of the centre's core.”
plains. “We want to build even more on this reputation, so that we will always be the natural choice for golfing events in Norway.” People also have the option of getting private golfing lessons with top professional trainers. One such trainer, for instance, Mark Davies, coached Norwegian professional golfer Espen Kofstad for five years.
At the other end of the expertise scale, ToppGolf collaborates with Norges Golfforbund (the Norwegian Golfing Association) to develop some of Norway's best young golfing talent. The Norwegian national team and the association hold their meetings at ToppGolf, while the Norwegian Golf Federation, Team Norway Landslaget and Norges Toppidrettsgymnas all train at the centre. “This was the dream when we set up back in 1995, to be the hub of Norway's golfing scene,” Amundsen ex-
Socialising while keeping fit
The indoor range.
In addition to its impressive facilities, ToppGolf also invites its members to enjoy club evenings. “This is a chance for our members to enjoy our facilities together – to play golf while getting to know each other,” Amundsen explains. “In many ways, socialising with others is a huge part of what makes ToppGolf so enjoyable for many.” The centre also caters for private parties and events year-round – from birth-
days to conference days and weekends. “Guests really enjoy playing simulator golf and using our facilities, like our restaurant and cafe. This is often a completely new experience for many, they love the novelty of it,” Amundsen explains. ToppGolf offers golfers of all abilities – from total novice to professional – the chance to make the most of the Norwegian summer, while offering topnotch indoor training facilities when the weather gets colder. This, combined with great social events year-round, has cemented the centre's reputation as a brilliant place for all golfers. “We already have 100,000 visitors a year from far and wide,” Amundsen says, adding: “We want to build on that, and evolve into becoming recognised as the best all-year golf training facility in northern Europe.”
The practice area.
Issue 124 | May 2019 | 41
42 | Issue 124 | May 2019
Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Ada Hegerberg
Ada Hegerberg
Remarkable full stop Ambitious, undeniably endearing, and guided by strong values, Norwegian Ada Hegerberg has redefined what it means to be a female football player in the 21st century. In December 2018, the 23-year-old became the first woman ever to be awarded the French football award Ballon d’Or, but Hegerberg is not just a remarkable striker – and woman. She is remarkable full stop. By Signe Hansen | Photo: Ivar Andreas Waage Johansen
Talking to Hegerberg is like talking to a good friend. Even though she has been inundated with media enquiries since the Ballon d’Or – and the incident with French DJ Martin Solveig – there is not even the slightest weariness in her voice. On the contrary, she bubbles with energy and what feels like a deeply grounded joy. Maybe it is partly because we do not actually ask her about Solveig (who, when handing her the award, asked Hegerberg if she could twerk, prompting a rather displeased expression on the footballer’s face and a, some might say, rightly indignant media outcry). After all, the unfortunate joke was not the biggest moment of the night; clearly, it is not what Hegerberg prefers to talk about. Instead, she points out the significance of the award being
given to a woman for the first time in its more than 60-year-long history. “Being at the centre of such a huge event was amazing, but the whole thing was bigger than me; it was symbolic for women all over the world – in sports and beyond,” she stresses. “I was really emotional about the whole night because it felt like we got the respect we deserved. I felt this mutual respect between women and men; I felt at home, and I felt respected, and that’s what I’d worked for since my youth.” Hegerberg received the prestigious award after her team, Olympique Lyonnais, won three consecutive UEFA Women’s Champions Leagues. In the 2017/18 Champions League, the Norwegian scored a record-breaking 15 goals. Issue 124 | May 2019 | 43
Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Ada Hegerberg
Private photo.
Ada Hegerberg: Full name: Ada Martine Stolsmo Hegerberg Born: July 1995 Hometown: Hegerberg was born in Molde but grew up in Sunndalsøra, Norway.
A family of footballers Growing up with two parents who both played and coached football, it was perhaps not a complete coincidence that Hegerberg and her two siblings all fell in love with the game (Hegerberg’s sister Andrine now plays at Paris St.-Germain). “My sister and I wouldn’t have made it as far as we have without our family. They have supported us since day one and made us feel confident that we could succeed,” she says and, with a big laugh, adds: “I remember one day, coming home from handball, and I was so excited chatting away about it, and no one said anything. It was like, no, you’re sticking with football.” Obviously Hegerberg did indeed stick with football. Loving the game and spending every night playing outside, at around nine years old she slowly began to realise that she had become somewhat of a lethal force in front of the goal. “I was always scoring goals,” she says, and when she was 11, it was, in her own words, “all about football”. 44 | Issue 124 | May 2019
At 15, Ada made her debut on the Norwegian national team, and two years later, she made headlines scoring in the quarter-final against Spain in the UEFA Women’s Euro. However, it soon became evident for the young player that playing in the top league of Norwegian football would not give her what she wanted, which was for her and her sport to be taken as seriously as men’s football and male footballers are. “I grew up in a family where equality was a natural thing – it wasn’t even a subject. Norwegian society is very equal, but in the football world it’s quite different. That’s why I left for Germany at 17 – I knew that if I wanted to succeed at the highest level in football, I couldn’t play in Norway.”
Golden moments Moving from Germany to France in 2014, Hegerberg became part of Olympique Lyonnais – the most successful team in the history of Division 1 Feminine – and the top scorer of the league. However, when asked what part of her career she is proudest of, it is not the number of goals scored (set to surpass 300 this year). “What I appreciate the most is that I managed to succeed and at the same time maintain my values. I had some tough choices to make, but I’m proud to look back and know that I had the courage to make them,” she says. “It’s easy to lose yourself, so that’s the part I’ve been most proud of – I kept my authenticity, the way I am as person.” It is not just Hegerberg’s professional life that seems to be going from one shining moment to the next; privately, too, there are golden moments on the horizon. Last year, the striker’s equally stunning boyfriend, Thomas Rogne, proposed to her, with a resounding yes as the answer. But though Norwegian Rogne also makes his living as a professional football player, there’s not going to be a football-themed wedding. “No, absolutely not. We’re not going to have the kind of football cake that your mum used to bake as the wedding cake – it’s not even a possibility!” she exclaims with a big laugh when the question comes up. “When we’re together, of course we discuss football too, but
in general we put that aside to just be us – we have much more important things to talk about.”
Being the best person possible At just 23, Hegerberg has plenty of time ahead of her to break even more records and win more awards, but with a hat trick of UEFA Women’s Champions League trophies and the Ballon d’Or under her belt, what is left? “In the short term, I would say winning the Champions League again. It’s going to be a challenge, but we’re capable, and if we manage to do that, it’ll be massive – a historical win. And, of course, I’d like to stay at the top of the French League and the French Cup and to keep scoring goals,” she says matter-of-factly. Then, after a short moment’s reflection, she rounds off: “In the long term, you need to analyse yourself – I always want to develop and make the best of me and my career. You don’t know how long it will be, but I’m set on trying to stay on top as long as possible; to reach the highest level; to become the best person I can be.” Career highlights: At 15, Hegerberg helped Norway to the 2011 UEFA European Women’s Under-19 Championship final. In 2013, Hegerberg captured headlines at UEFA Women’s Euro, where she scored in the quarter-final defeat of Spain as Norway finished runners-up. In her first season at Olympique Lyonnais (in 2014/15), Hegerberg became the league’s top scorer with 26 goals in 22 matches for the champions. In 2016, Hegerberg was named UEFA Best Women’s Footballer in Europe. In 2016, Hegerberg scored more goals than anyone else in UEFA competitions, topping Cristiano Ronaldo. In 2017, Hegerberg was named BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year (she is nominated again this year). In 2018, Hegerberg’s team Olympique Lyonnais won its third consecutive UEFA Women’s Champions League trophy. In 2018, Hegerberg became the first woman ever to receive France’s most prestigious football award, the Ballon d’Or.
Issue 124 | May 2019 | 45
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Fireworks from ‘Bryggen’. Photo: Eivind Senneseth
A maritime adventure in the heart of Bergen Beneath idyllic mountains, on the Hanseatic harbour in Bergen, Norway, The Tall Ships Races invites you to take part in Europe’s biggest free event, where people can experience 70 of the world’s most beautiful sailing ships, local food and live music.
time slots where people can go on board to have a look, completely free of charge. There will also be a market with local food and handicrafts for people to buy.
By Synne Johnsson | Photos: Valery Vasilevskiy
The ships that will dock by the UNESCO-listed Hanseatic harbour in July, will be from all over the world – from five different continents. 2019 will be the fifth year The Tall Ships Races comes to Bergen, and project manager Morten Dahl Sebjørnsen is convinced that this will be the best one yet. “Bergen has arranged this four times already, so we know what works and what doesn’t. It is a great city and the locals are welcoming and lively. I am convinced that this will be the best Tall Ships Races Bergen has ever seen,” he says. 46 | Issue 124 | May 2019
The Tall Ships Races is a sailing regatta and has been arranged every year since 1956 at different locations around Europe. The purpose of the event is to promote sail training for young people across genders, religions and ethnicities. On board the ships that will be in dock, there will be 2,500 crew members between the ages of 15 and 26.
An event for the entire family The festival will take place in Bergen on 21 to 24 July, and those days will be full of life and different events for people of all ages. Every day, the ships will have
“The main area will be between the dock and the Hanseatic harbour, which is such an idyllic and historic location,” says Sebjørnsen. “When the ships come in on 21 July, there will be an opening ceremony on the main stage at the old wharf, ‘Bryggen’. This stage will be filled with live music and entertainment throughout the entire event. By the quayside, there will also be market stalls with close to 100 vendors.” The market and main area will be heavily influenced by tradition and the maritime history of Bergen. Different maritime organisations and companies, like
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit Bergen
the Maritime Museum in Bergen, will take part to inform about Bergen’s long history as a maritime city. Only a five-minute walk from the ships and the harbour, there will be a festival area at Bergen’s main concert venue, Koengen. During the day, this area will be specially organised for children. Tall Ships Yngel, a part of the festival area, will focus on letting children experience the fun and excitement when the ships come into the harbour. A maritime village, pirate show, fun fair, inflatables and concerts with Melodi Grand Prix Junior artists are only some of the activities on offer.
An affordable festival experience In the evening, Koengen will go from family field to festival, on every day of The Tall Ships Races. From 5pm to 7pm, up-and-coming, young bands will take to the stage and play, completely free, for the audience. “With the festival, we really want to reach out to the young people of Bergen. We want to involve people of all ages, and we wish for everyone to take part in this event,” says Sebjørnsen. “We have some great artists that I think will really lift The Tall Ships Races in Bergen. Now we just have to hope for the sun to come out!” From 8pm onwards, more established names will take the baton. Artists like Kjartan Lauritzen, Boy Pablo, LeMaitre, Kakkmaddafakka, Myra, Halie, Jez_ebel and more will take part, and promise the
There will be ships from all over the world in the dock in Bergen.
best possible experience for the people of Bergen and all other visitors. There will be a ‘tivoli’ and a barbecue to guarantee the perfect festival feeling. Prices are held at a reasonable level, making it an excellent activity for highschool pupils, students and everyone else who likes a lively atmosphere at an affordable price. However, the event is not only for spectators. Most of the crew members on board the ships are teenagers and young adults, and the event planners have made sure that they will have a great time also. With sports tournaments and a crew parade, as well as an allocated space for them at the festival area, they get to celebrate and enjoy their time in Bergen to the fullest.
“Bergen is a very welcoming place, which is one of the things that makes it so special to organise this event here. We want to show the crew members this, by letting them take part in the event alongside the locals,” Sebjørnsen explains. “It is a unique location, with the event taking place between the Hanseatic harbour and the 70 traditional ships by the dock. I am really looking forward to it and, as I said: this will be the best The Tall Ships Races in Bergen ever!”
Web: tallshipsbergen.no Facebook: The Tall Ships Races Bergen 2019 Instagram: @tsrb2019
The crew parade in Bergen 2014. Photo: Eivind Senneseth
Issue 124 | May 2019 | 47
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit Bergen
The tough get going For some, visiting the west coast of Norway means stepping off a cruise ship, taking a photo of a crab or its ilk, slurping on some fish soup and gazing at picturesque, old wooden houses. For others, however, that just won’t do: travelling to one of the most epic coastal landscapes in the world means experiencing more than just lobster in a bowl of cream. By Lisa Maria Berg | Photos: Magnus R Furset
If you happen to visit Bergen or Balestrand in Sognefjorden this year, and you have the mentality and physicality of a bold explorer, Gone Paddling will greet you with open arms. With them, you can do just that: go! Why just look at the fjord when you can kayak through it? And why just stare at a mountain when you can climb it? The breath-taking nature in the west of Norway represents a whole set of opportunities for the thrill-seeking visitor. Here, you are faced with battling your own fears, pushing your own limits, and reaching for that horizon. And then, the summit brings with it its own, inimitable form of zen, to balance out all of that adrenaline you’ve just sought-out. 48 | Issue 124 | May 2019
The A-team If the thought of climbing the walls of Sognefjorden seems somewhat daunting to you, fear not. There is a team – the best team – and they’ve got kayaks. Yes, that is correct: you don’t have to bring your own. In fact, you can pretty much walk right in and pick up a ready-packed rucksack, a climbing rope and a tent to go, which makes going big a little easier, logistically speaking – because the west coast is big, and its fierceness should not be taken lightly. It takes knowledge to safely manoeuvre your way around it, whether it’s on the fjord itself, climbing up a mountain side or biking on the winding roads around it. Local guides can always hand-hold you whenever the bridge goes over too troubling a water.
Any occasion Whether you are looking for a romantic two-night stay in a tent next to the fire (yes please: what a place to propose!), or a different take on a birthday party, Gone Paddling tailor-makes your trip in any fashion you’d like. If your colleagues are sick of the yearly golfing excursion with matching canapés, perhaps a specially made team-building experience could help kickstart the year. Nothing boosts the team spirit like chucking everyone in matching climbing gear and heading for the top.
Web: www.gonepaddling.no
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit Bergen
The 217 rooms are all designed in collaboration with award-winning designer Karim Rashid.
The lobby is the social hub of the hotel, and a great place to meet up for a chat and a drink from the bar.
At the restaurant Bergtatt you can have a great meal while taking in the views of Bergen and the mountains that surround the city.
Design hotel with a view Guests at the Magic Hotel Solheimsviken are in for a rare treat. The hotel is created by international design star Karim Rashid, and combines a one-of-a-kind interior with first-class views of Bergen, Norway’s second largest city. By Marianne Heen Johnsgård | Photos: Magic Hotel Solheimsviken
The hotel is futuristic in a colourful and approachable way, and combines comfort and style. “We are very happy about our collaboration with Rashid, whose signature style runs through the entire hotel. The aim was to create a distinct look for the Magic hotel group. We focus on technology, comfort and a dedicated staff in order to give our guests a memorable stay with us,” says general manager Mona Sandvik. “Many feel that entering the hotel is like entering another dimension, which is exactly the experience that Karim Rashid wants to create with his design.”
well as benefit from the hotel’s close proximity to undisturbed nature by taking an invigorating walk uphill to the nearby Løvstakken mountain.
The hotel is located in Damsgårdssundet, a popular residential and recreational area with predominantly young inhabitants. From here, you can take a leisurely stroll through the city streets or along the seafront to downtown Bergen, as
When not exploring the city, the design hotel itself is well worth getting to know better. It has plenty to offer its visitors: the hotel’s roof terrace is the perfect spot to take in the surroundings, and there are ample opportunities to satisfy your
The hotel is part of Magic Norway, which includes three other Magic Hotels in the heart of Bergen as well as restaurants, bars, nightclubs and shopping centres. “As a Magic guest, you get benefits and discounts at all of our affiliate sites. Make sure to take advantage of this during your stay at Magic Hotel Solheimsviken,” recommends the general manager.
appetite with great food in the restaurant Bergtatt, which also offers panoramic views. You can choose between socialising in the lobby bar with other guests, or withdrawing to your private quarters for a relaxing timeout. The 217 rooms, including standard doubles, family rooms and three spacious suites, are all designed for an enjoyable stay, whether you are in Bergen on holidays or business. Both guest rooms and public areas are equipped with free WiFi and Chromecast, and the location close to the city’s light rail makes for a short and convenient commute to other parts of Bergen. A modern facade is the perfect fit for the hotel’s futuristic interiors.
Web: www.magichotels.no
Issue 124 | May 2019 | 49
Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and Bergen Cathedral Choir, conducted by Kjetil Almenning in Bergen Cathedral. From Bergen Kirkeautunnale 2018.
Diversity, tradition and innovation Every autumn, diversity, tradition and innovation meet at Bergen Kirkeautunnale, a festival showcasing the best of church art and music from Norway and beyond. This year’s programme is full of captivating church music performed in beautiful surroundings, creating unforgettable experiences. By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Bergen Kirkeautunnale
“Bergen Kirkeautunnale is a showcase for the great and diverse art and cultural activity from our churches – a stage where tradition and creative renewal go hand in hand,” says festival manager Kjetil Almenning. He explains that the art and music are based on both new innovations and old traditions to stay relevant, yet in keeping with the important heritage of the church. “We want to create cultural events that everyone can enjoy, not just the regular church-goers, but also those who are not used to visiting the church. The church is an open and inclusive ven50 | Issue 124 | May 2019
ue with things happening all year round, something we want to remind the audience of with the festival,” he says.
Captivating church music and unforgettable experiences Established in 2012, Bergen Kirkeautunnale has become a yearly tradition and an exciting scene for art and music of high quality. Every autumn, the festival combines its own events with collaborative productions, this year with a focus on choral hymns as the programme title KORAL indicates.
“We have a varied festival programme that has just been released, which will provide plenty of captivating church music and unforgettable experiences. Everything from Bergen’s professional vocal ensemble, Edvard Grieg Kor, and the pop musician Julian Misic, to an organ marathon,” says Almenning. In addition, there will be an exhibition focusing on books containing old Norwegian hymns, as well as art in-
Jazz in St Mary's Church (2018).
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit Bergen
Bergen’s professional vocal ensemble, Edvard Grieg Kor. Photo: Jan Henning Aase
Soprano Beate Mordal singing Haydn in 2018.
stallations, including an interactive box situated outdoors, where the public can experience choral hymns in a new way. Bergen Kirkeautunnale is celebrating the 175th anniversary of the French composer and virtuos organist CharlesMarie Widor this year, with a marathon of concerts in Bergen Cathedral. The free concerts will include all of Widor’s ten organ symphonies, performed by prominent Norwegian organists. “The concerts begin every hour – first out is Symphony No.1 at one o’clock. It all finishes at 11pm in the evening, but guests can come and go as they please during the show. This is
the first time we will host an organ marathon of this calibre, and we believe it will be a unique and interesting event that the audience will enjoy!”
'God is a maestro – his music divine' One of the highlights of the 2019 programme is the closing concert, performed by Julian Misic with band and choir. “Misic is a rather extraordinary character in a church context. He is a curious man with an interesting story that represents something completely different to what one might expect at a church music festival,” Almenning explains.
The closing concert with Julian Misic is one of the highlights of the 2019 programme.
Web: www.autunnale.no Facebook: BergenKirkeautunnale
“Misic’s music is playful and inspired by his Balkan roots, and the lyrics are both beautiful and provoking.” The concert will mark the release of Misic’s new album, AngelsDiary, with, among others, the remarkable Norwegian folk singer Berit Opheim, the Bergen Cathedral girls' choir, and Årstad church choir joining him on stage in Bergen Cathedral. The 2019 programme, 25-29 September Bergen Cathedral Choir – ten-year anniversary concert with the iconic Concert for choir by the Russian composer Alfred Schnittke. Organ Marathon – all ten organ symphonies by the great French organist and composer Charles Marie Widor. Julian Misic – Norwegian singer/songwriter with Macedonian roots performs from his new Balkan-influenced album, AngelsDiary.
Julian Misic with the Bergen Cathedral girls’ choir.
As a boy when I gazed at the moon “I’ll figure it out”; that was my vow These days I figure life is a tune Just like the tune that I’m singing now
Pzalm – chorals and hymns for and by kids in rock, pop, afro and electronica beat. JSB Ensemble – newly established group from Oslo, who will perform Johann Sebastian Bach and Luciano Berio in St Mary’s Church, Bergen’s oldest remaining building from 1180. Edvard Grieg Kor (Edvard Grieg Choir) – Bergen’s professional vocal ensemble.
We are all instruments I do believe God is a maestro – his music divine Our lives are movements in a symphony, each galaxy is a note on a line
Himlaleite – Gabriel Fliflet (song, piano, accordion), Berit Opheim (song), Jorunn Marie Kvernberg (fiddle and zither). Poetic and melodical folk music.
- From Maestro by Julian Misic
Full programme at www.autunnale.no
Issue 124 | May 2019 | 51
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit Bergen
Norwegian findings from the Iron and Viking Age.
The museum’s atrium at night time. The panorama windows give a view into the museum from almost any angle.
All at sea In the heart of Bergen lies the ideal museum for anyone who grew up wanting to be a captain – or a pirate; a place for all things connected to ships and boats, and the people who know the difference; a place for everything neatly nautical, right in the centre of a seafaring mecca. By Lisa Maria Berg | Photos: Bergens Sjøfartmuseum
Of all the museums in town, Bergens Sjøfartsmuseum (Bergen Maritime Museum) might just be the one that suits Bergen the most: a city whose history not only has a connection to the ocean, but which pretty much finds itself having been built on rum and sea water. “A trip to Bergen Maritime Museum is an insight into a town with a rich and diverse history. Its connection to the ocean has made Bergen a maritime hub of its own. It resembles no other Nordic town,” explains director Per Kristian Sebak.
The history Beginning in the 1100s, the trade with Europe started shaping the small, 52 | Issue 124 | May 2019
Norwegian west coast town. Fish and other produce was shipped down from Norway to the continent. In return, trade was made with textiles, metals, spices and different handicraft products made out of ceramics, glass, leather and wood. This made Bergen into somewhat of a hot-spot up north. “The European influence made it into a cosmopolitan city, with a diversity in nationalities, food, produce, music and culture – all due to the ocean, which makes its way in between the mountains,” explains Sebak. As one of four main bureau cities for the Hanseatic League, the German trade and commerce confedera-
tion, Bergen became an important logistical piece of a very large international shipping puzzle throughout the Middle Ages.
The right city The museum depicts the very city and port that it finds itself in. Sometimes, you go to an art museum, look at a Picasso and wonder what Picasso’s house might have looked like. But unless you’re in Madrid, you won’t find out. When visiting Bergen Maritime Museum, you’ll see boats and high-quality ship models in all sizes, entire cabins, ship saloons and sails, until it almost makes you sea sick. And then, when you’ve devoured the whole maritime history of the city, you can head for the museum’s ‘promenade deck’ and gaze out onto the very ocean that made that history possible. The perfect location to best enjoy a unique experience like this. Web: www.sjofartsmuseum.no
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit Bergen
Kilo&Gram founder Lena Widen at the café.
Delicious and guilt-free drinks.
Sugar and gluten-free cakes.
Delicious vegan food in Bergen Kilo&Gram is an innovative café and restaurant serving scrumptious vegan and vegetarian food. This, along with its zero-waste ethos, makes the café as innovative as its food is delicious. By Sunniva Davies-Rommetveit | Photos: Kilo&Gram
Located in the heart of Norway’s trendy second city, Bergen, Kilo&Gram decided to offer a new and refreshing take on a normal Bergenese breakfast and lunch menu. Given that veganism and vegetarianism is not yet a concept with a firm foothold in Norway, Kilo&Gram’s founder Lena Widen decided that the time was right to introduce Bergen to the wonders of vegan food. “I got the inspiration for the café from my children,” she explains. “My son has been vegan for several years, and my daughter and her partner have always been very focused on the environment and the concept of zero waste.” The café serves delicious vegan soups, main courses, desserts and snacks – all from organic fruit and vegetables sourced locally from Voss. Its dishes have resoundingly positive reviews online, from the mouth-wateringly good peanut butter
fat balls covered in desiccated coconut, to its delicious raw brownies. “We have some really great food at the café: you can enjoy a vegan burger and wash it down with a healthy smoothie, or try some guilt-free dessert,” Widen explains, adding: “We are also the only café in Scandinavia to sell Carmien rooibos tea. It is organic, fair-trade and caffeine-free, and the tea leaves aren’t blended into other ingredients, but instead infused with flavour, making the taste last longer.” Not only is Kilo&Gram’s food delicious, but the café also has a zero-waste concept, which means that 99 per cent of its takeaway containers are totally compostable. People also have the option of filling up their own bags, or taking along their own reusable coffee cup. “We be-
lieve it’s important that people contribute what they can to the environment,” Widen explains. “It doesn’t have to be a full-time job for people to make a difference though – every small action, like taking your own reusable mug, makes a big difference in the long-run.” Kilo&Gram has left no stone unturned with its innovative approach to serving excellent vegan food, which is sourced locally and follows a zero-waste ethos. “In 2019, we are going to expand with a vegan restaurant and shop in a modern and trendy setting, as we can see that there is huge appetite for vegan food in Bergen,” explains Widen. And, as more vegan places pop up in Norway’s second city, Kilo&Gram will undoubtedly be remembered as one of Bergen’s vegan food pioneers for years to come. Web: kilogram.no Facebook: kilogrambergen Instagram: @kilogram.no Email: info@kilogram.no Phone: +47 9100 6714
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit Bergen
As you like it
By Lisa Maria Berg | Photos: Kristian Pletten
In the heart of Bergen lies the vibrant and versatile restaurant that is Theatro: a place to enjoy a meal, a drink, a dance and great conversation over a good glass of wine. Whether you are looking for a light meal before a show, a lunch as part of your shopping spree, a three-course dinner, or a night out, Theatro will provide you with everything you need. With a varied menu – highlights include the fish soup and the duck confit – it brings you fine dining without you having to break the bank. If you pop in during the weekend and wish to stay well into the long hours of the night, you can enjoy a DJ set with your delicious cocktails. Or, if you would rather not miss out on the gloriously
long hours of Nordic daylight, you could opt to make the most of the outside terrace for a nightcap. With a location that is the very definition of central, it is the perfect restaurant to combine with whatever event you are off to in Bergen. Pop in before you head to the theatre and come back for the best cocktails in town, post-show. If you’re in town with colleagues, why not book yourself into the chambre separée, for a little more privacy and a chat in comfortable surroundings?
It must also be said that Theatro is a fine choice of location if you are looking for a place to bring a date for a spot of potential romance over a great meal and a wellcrafted drink. Equipped with the best mixologists in town, this is the place to be for an afternoon spritz in the sun, a social night out or a casual hangout with friends in an international atmosphere.
Web: www.theatro.no
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AY W R iT NO S in IN K M S PIC M EU OUR S U – M e:
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The Women’s Museum building as seen from the garden. The women’s museum is located in bohemian writer Dagny Juel’s childhood home. Photo: Mona Holm.
Restoring women’s role in history Throughout the ages, women have been overlooked as contributors to all aspects of society, from homemaking to arts and science. The idea that women should not be seen or heard despite being an essential part of history, and the resulting lack of women in history books and museums, is something Kvinnemuseet in Hedmark, Norway is doing its best to correct. By Alyssa Nilsen | Photos: Kvinnemuseet
Kvinnemuseet is the only women’s museum in Norway with national responsibility and considers itself a protest museum. Traditionally, museums and history books have neglected to display and showcase women’s contribution to society, instead highlighting warlords, kings and portraying history as an allmale accomplishment. Kongsvinger, the town in which the museum is located, is a military centre, and the town’s history and local pride is centred 56 | Issue 124 | May 2019
around the town’s characteristic fortress and the events that have taken place there. The idea of a museum focusing on women’s history, museum leader Mona Holm explains, was born in the ‘80s, when a new museum was founded in the city, with employees coming straight out of university. They brought along a completely different tradition and approach to viewing history to what was previously taught, in that history also happens quietly, below all the kings and warriors. The first exhibitions that were displayed in the new museum
were all about local women’s history. They then realised that the potential of something bigger and more comprehensive lay right there in front of them, and after travelling the country talking to experts and museums about women’s history, they decided to establish Norway’s first Women’s Museum in Kongsvinger. The Women’s Museum found its location in the beautiful childhood home of historically prominent writer and bohemian Dagny Juel. In 1995, the museum was officially opened by HM Sonja Queen of Norway, who has later revisited the museum and highlighted the importance of the museum and its agenda in official speeches to the nation. Having started out as an independent museum, it is now leading the network
Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Museums in Norway – Our Picks
for Norwegian museums on how to promote women’s history, and also has ties to The International Association of Women's Museums (IAWM). In addition, it runs the project Nå begynner ‘a med det der igjen! (There she goes again), a project researching gender representation in museums’ collection and dissemination practices. The title points to the general reaction received when drawing attention to the lack of female representation in recorded history and society.
Interactive and educational exhibitions The museum currently has three main exhibitions running simultaneously. Playing For Life is all about childhood and gender, exploring how stereotypes, culture, upbringing and toys shape gender according to the sex we are assigned at birth. It also teaches us how these cultural roles and traditions have changed with time, like how the colour pink used to be considered a masculine colour, reserved for boys, and how horses were a hobby and interest for boys, not the pas-
tel-coloured girls' toys we know them to be today. The exhibition is interactive with toys and activities, letting children and other guests take part in shaping the result of polls, research and information. Another exhibition is The public “I”, highlighting the Norwegian women who weren’t afraid of taking up space and letting their voices be heard in the public space – a space dominated by male ideas and voices. The exhibition starts in the 1840s and runs chronologically through the 1800s, through the war era to the ‘70s and all the way to modern times and the current political climate. Lastly, there’s Your Dagny, an exhibition focusing on Dagny Juel Przybyszewska (1867–1901), a bohemian writer, pianist and poet who lived a short and intense life amongst the avant-garde in Berlin. How did she, a young woman from Kongsvinger in Norway, end up in such a position? Dagny was shot and killed at the age of 33 while on holiday in Tbilisi, Georgia. She is buried there, and a whole
From The public “I”. Photo: Bård Løken.
fan cult dedicated to her and her life and work has sprung to life as a result. This summer, there will also be an exhibition called Duket for forundring, focusing on the soft history of fabrics and needlework. The exhibition is a collaboration with Makeløs designer Kristin E. Halkjelsvik, aiming to inspire people to care for and keep the old treasures of women’s needlework, and to upcycle these items by using them in new and unique outfits. Visitors are invited to take part in the exhibition, by bringing along old needlework treasures for the museum to borrow and display.
Visit Kvinnemuseet at: Web: kvinnemuseet.no Facebook: Kvinnemuseet Twitter: @kvinnemuseet Instagram: @kvinnemuseet Visit women’s museums globally at: iawm.international
Toys from Playing For Life. Photo: Bård Løken.
Photo of Dagny Juel from spring 1901 in Warsaw.
Gate from Kongsvinger fortress. Photo: Lisbeth Chumak
Café Dagny. Photo: Lisbeth Chumak.
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Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Museums in Norway – Our Picks
The museum offers a range of scientific, historical and cultural exhibitions. Photo: Adnan Icagic
A bottlenose whale skeleton. Photo: June Aasheim
At the museum, visitors can learn about and experience the Sami culture. Photo: June Aasheim
A Polar bear baby. Photo: The Arctic University Museum of Norway
An Arctic museum adventure Beneath snow-covered mountains and the northern lights or midnight sun, The Arctic University Museum of Norway offers diverse and insightful exhibitions from northern culture, including everything from Norway’s oldest chewing gum to the northern lights and Vikings.
day brim-full of objects, a true chamber of curiosities from the heyday of Arctic hunting and Polar exploration,” Nylund explains.
By Synne Johnsson
Next to Tromsø museum, you will find their Sami goahti, a traditional turf hut, which is open for visitors every day during the summer months. Visitors can go inside to have a cup of bonfire coffee, all free of charge, while the host talks about the Sami people past and present. The museum offers a range of exhibitions with historical and scientific gems like a Sami reindeer caravan, a bottlenose whale skeleton, a Viking rune stone and the oldest chewing gum in Norway, which was chewed by a five-yearold 3,000 years ago. Every day at 1.30pm, there is a guided tour at no extra cost.
“‘It seems one cannot fully understand the Nature of the North only through Summer Excursions from the South’. These words began the process that in 1872 led to the foundation of our museum,” says Per Helge Nylund. “When visiting northern Norway, there is no better place for an introduction to this part of the country than The Arctic University Museum of Norway.” Located in Tromsø, a city Nylund describes as 'The Port to the Arctic Ocean', the museum is a place for cutting-edge research in subjects ranging from mosquitos and Vikings to fossils, Polar exploration and the indigenous Sami people. The museum offers three different attractions: Tromsø Museum, the Polar 58 | Issue 124 | May 2019
Museum and the Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden. If you visit during the summer, you can see the Botanic garden at any time you like, since it is open 24 hours, and the midnight sun lets you see all the plants at any given hour. “Coming to the garden in the morning hours, when the rich collections of mountain flowers from around the world all unfold their petals to greet the sun, is a treat for all garden lovers,” Nylund says. From the mid 1800s, Tromsø became a central base for Polar Expeditions, science and tourism, which is what The Polar Museum conveys and preserves. It is easy to find, right at the waterfront in downtown Tromsø. “The old customs warehouse from the 1830s was the starting point for many, and is to-
Web: uit.no/tmu Facebook: Tromsø Museum – Universitetsmuseet Instagram: @tromsomuseum
Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Museums in Norway – Our Picks
The OsLove exhibition opening.
A ‘70s living room. Photo: Rune Aakvik
‘70s orange. Photo: Rune Aakvik
Frogner Hovedgård. Photo: Christina Krüger
Showcasing Oslo’s rich past Set in the beautiful Frogner Park in the heart of the city, Museum of Oslo guides visitors through the city’s rich history, allowing them to gain insight into how Oslo became the great metropolis it is today. By Sunniva Davies-Rommetveit | Photos: Oslo Museum
Part of the award-winning Oslo Museum, the Museum of Oslo (Bymuseet) is a platform for Oslo’s vibrant past, with numerous exhibitions focusing on different points throughout the city’s long history. One exhibition, OsLove, takes visitors on a thousand-year journey in 20 minutes – with audio guides available in eight different languages. Another, called Seventies, explores a decade of rebellious transformation, which saw fashionable city dwellers donning Afghan coats in the height of the hippy movement, as well as the very first slices of pizza being served in Oslo’s restaurants. “Museum of Oslo really takes people on a journey into the history of Oslo,” explains director Lars Emil Hansen. “It shows our visitors how this city has evolved and transformed over the centuries, and allows them to gain a deeper
understanding of the people who have lived in and used Oslo over the years.” Being based in one of the city’s most popular green spaces, Museum of Oslo is housed in a beautiful 18th-century mansion, where guests can enjoy a coffee and cake in the idyllic courtyard. This June, the museum will also open a brand-new exhibition, called Urban Creatures. “This will highlight the fact that Oslo is home to many different creatures, and the importance of the relationship between humans and animals,” Hansen says. The museum also uses innovative technology in order to showcase the city’s past and present. Along with the audio guides provided in eight different languages, there is also an augmented reality app for children, called City
Detective. “We believe that this technology really enhances the museum experience for children. For instance, they can see a family of 19 crammed into a one-bed flat, or they can witness how the main street of Oslo, Karl Johan, has transformed over the years,” Hansen explains. Locals and tourists alike continue to flock to Museum of Oslo, with its everchanging exhibitions piquing interests in a city with deep roots and an equally rich past. “We are proud that Oslo Museum was awarded Museum of the Year for 2019 by Norway’s Museum Association,” Hansen says, adding: “We feel that Museum of Oslo allows people to learn about and reflect on this great city, and to therefore appreciate it fully.” Museum of Oslo is open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 4pm.
Web: www.oslomuseum.no Phone: 0047 23 28 41 70
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Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Museums in Norway – Our Picks
A new gaze
By Lisa Maria Berg | Photos: Andreas Harvik
Preus Museum’s dig through the wartime archives has come up with findings where women are at the centre, both on and behind the camera. The findings are nothing short of remarkable. The National Museum of Photography in Norway is not a passive bystander to the history of photography. It works with an urge not only to take part in the current debate, but to use the photographic history to set the agenda. “How humans chose and choose to document their time is an interesting thing. It is a selective process, and a lot has not been allowed into the history books,” explains head of communications, Ingri Østerholt. Together with four other museums, the team at Preus has become good at finding those as yet unselected pieces of history and bringing them into the discussion. What began as a look through the archives has started to resemble a treasure hunt. The wartime efforts might be among the most documented as far as curation goes. We have seen so many photos of soldiers at the front, one would almost think that every
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trooper was equipped with a camera; but one side of war that has not received the attention it deserves is the documentation of it by unknown female photographers. “Lee Miller was brought into the light and was for many years thought to be one of few women who had held a camera out of peace time. Later
discoveries show a sea of unfound treasures. This summer, Lee Miller’s photographs go hand in hand with other female photographers and their depictions of war at home and abroad,” Østerholt concludes.
Web: www.preusmuseum.no
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N R EDE E i M W M S ec p S SU S IN P E TO NC IE ER P EX h
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Photo: Gösta Reiland, Visit Sweden
A summer in Sweden — from castles and botany to archipelago and wildlife adventures From the plains of Skåne to the rolling hills of Dalarna and the deep woods and mountains of further up north, Sweden is full of summer secrets to explore. There are royal castles, wildlife experiences, archipelago adventures and museums telling the stories of renowned cultural personalities – all complemented by welldesigned, welcoming accommodation options and award-winning eateries. Whether you are bringing the kids or going for a long weekend away with the work mates, this guide to the best things to see and do in Sweden this summer is sure to inspire. Perhaps you are a fan of golf and want the best of both worlds – 62 | Issue 124 | May 2019
both links and lakes? Look no further than to the southern tip of Sweden and PGA Sweden National. Or how about a tribute to and lesson in all things pollination, or a journey through the life and work of a true Nobel Peace Prize legend?
Come rain or shine, Sweden is a summer idyll, full to the brim with everything you have ever seen in Astrid Lindgren’s stories and more: friendly moose, fresh fish, island hopping in the archipelago and the world’s most famous vodka. Read on to plan your next adventure. To find out more about destinations, travel and accommodation, please go to www.visitsweden.com
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden
Photo: Magnus Carlsson, Visit Sweden
PGA. Photo: Stafan Andersson
Photo: Sara Ingman, Visit Sweden
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Like a wild African lodge in the Garden of Scandinavia At Eriksberg Hotel & Nature Reserve, in the beautiful Scandinavian archipelago, you can combine a visit in the wilderness with luxury accommodation and fantastic gastronomy. This is an ideal spot for a relaxing detox in our fast-paced times. By Malin Norman | Photos: Eriksberg Hotel & Nature Reserve
With around 925 hectares and some 1,500 wild animals, Eriksberg is the largest safari park in Scandinavia. The estate offers a unique experience with a focus on beautiful nature, great accommodation and fantastic gastronomy. It has been described by the White Guide as “a wild African lodge in the middle of Blekinge”, which seems a suitable take on it. “Our visitors appreciate the peace and quiet here. This is when being 64 | Issue 124 | May 2019
away from home is at its best,” confirms Per-Arne Olsson, CEO. A stay at Eriksberg certainly is something out of the ordinary. Buildings from five centuries ago have been renovated and extended over the years, each with its own unique character. A particular gem is Lily Croft, a 750-square-metre safari villa with high ceilings, large windows and a lovely veranda with views of
the bay. Located in a secluded part of the estate, it is ideal for hideaway meetings or relaxation. New this year is the so-called ‘glamping’ and a luxury chalet, where hotel guests will be able to get even closer to the animals.
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden
In 1938, Eriksberg was purchased by the famous writer, zoologist and nature photographer Bengt Berg. Since 2008, the estate has been owned by Rune Andersson’s Mellby Gård, which is proactively working in the footsteps of the Berg family to develop the diverse wildlife.
Eriksberg and ICEHOTEL develop their restaurant concepts together in a project called Wild Gourmet food, with the ambition to grow on the international market.
Web: www.eriksberg.se Facebook: eriksbergviltochnatur Instagram: @eriksbergviltochnatur
Digital detox “Today, many of us feel stressed. But in this peaceful environment close to nature, it really is possible to recharge your batteries,” says Olsson. “Some guests tell us that as soon as they enter through the gates, they start to relax. It’s a bit like a digital detox, with plenty of rest and good food, and activities for those who want to take part.” The two restaurants at Eriksberg serve up a gastronomic experience for all the senses, with local produce as the basis for everything on the menu, a pleasant atmosphere, and an appreciated per-
sonal touch. “We serve great, traditional Swedish food in line with the seasons,” says Olsson. “Of course, we use game and fish from the estate, and we have some fantastic vegetarian alternatives too.” Both restaurants are included in the White Guide. Havsörnen Restaurant offers classic, understated elegance with a five-course dinner menu as well as afternoon tea. Visenten Restaurant, meanwhile, is considered one of the best in the area, with an excellent à la carte menu, daily lunch specials, and customised menus for special events.
Protected wildlife Best of all, however, is that the beautiful nature and animals are everywhere. At nine square kilometres, Eriksberg is one of northern Europe’s largest protected areas for wildlife. Guests can join one of the safaris to see the wild animals in their own environment. Red deer, fallow deer, Père David’s deer, European bison, wild boar and mouflon roam freely, and there is a rich variety of birds, as well as what is among the world's largest stocks of the protected red water lily. In addition to wildliferelated activities, guests can take part in, for instance, hiking, wine tasting and cooking courses.
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World-class golfing in the heart of Skåne PGA Sweden National has taken Swedish golf to another level, offering championship-standard golf courses alongside premium service and facilities. But you don’t have to be a golfing champion to enjoy them. Situated just a stone’s throw from Copenhagen, with non-members welcome and open all year round, it has never been easier to tee off like a pro.
playing surface. So you get a great finish all year round.” This, combined with the resort’s relatively southern geographical location, means that the courses are often playable throughout the year.
By Liz Longden | Photos: Staffan Andersson
In fact, situated just ten kilometres east of Malmö, the resort is arguably one of northern Europe’s easiest to get to and, in addition to local residents, attracts a large number of visitors from Denmark and other parts of Sweden.
It is ten years since PGA Sweden’s first golfing resort opened its doors and, in that time, it has gone on to establish itself as one of northern Europe’s finest. The centre has two world-class 18-hole courses, both designed by renowned golf-course architect Kyle Phillips and each with its own distinctive feel: while the Links course is inspired by the classic Scottish style and characterised by vast greens and deep bunkers, the Lakes course follows a Florida-inspired aesthetic and incorporates water hazards 66 | Issue 124 | May 2019
among its challenges. Together with a further nine-hole course, they offer a playing experience to rival some of the best found internationally. “To have two courses of such high quality in one location is pretty rare. And what’s unique about our courses is that the whole playing area is sand capped to 20 centimetres,” explains PGA Sweden National CEO, Jonas Edberg. “That means that they can take a lot of water without it impacting on the quality of the
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden
It is a testament to the quality of PGA Sweden National that the Nordea Masters, a part of the European Tour, was played here in 2014 and 2015, to acclaim from both players and spectators. However, you don’t have to be a brilliant golfer to enjoy the courses. All standards of player are welcome, including non-members. Indeed, the centre offers a world-class training facility and, with illuminated practice areas and courses for absolute beginners, even the most tentative players will be swinging with confidence in no time. “Everyone can play here with us, and we are open to all,” Edberg says.
A holistic offering It isn’t just about the golf, however. Away from the fairway, PGA Sweden National also aims to set a new standard in hospitality. “We’re very much invested in providing the whole package, a world class holistic experience,” Edberg says. “We don’t just want our guests to have a great time out on the green, but also to have the highest standard of service, food and accommodation too.”
The resort’s hospitality offerings are based at its magnificent clubhouse and include 16 spacious suites, each fully equipped and offering a view over one of the championship courses, a wellstocked golfing shop, lounge bar, conference facilities and restaurant. The latter has recently undergone a complete revamp, including the appointment of Martin Morand at the helm in February this year. One of Sweden’s most respeced chefs, Morand has won the Nordic Pastry
Cup and was part of the Swedish team, which was last year crowned European champions at the Coupe Européenne de la Pâtisserie in Turin. “We’re going to have an even higher standard across all our menus, with a particular focus on more locally produced and more sustainable ingredients,” Edberg explains. And if championship-standard golf courses and internationally renowned cuisine aren’t enough, PGA Sweden National’s prime location means there is also plenty to explore in the local region, including neighbouring beech forests and picturesque lakes. For those who enjoy walking, the Skåneleden long distance walking trail, which weaves its way across the beautiful Skåne countryside, is just around the corner, while there is no shortage of cycle routes either. Those more attracted to the bright lights, on the other hand, can easily escape to Copenhagen, which is just 45 minutes away. The past ten years have, without a doubt, been an incredible journey for PGA Sweden National, but the resort has no intention of sitting on its laurels – 2022 will see the opening of a new 170-room hotel and adjoining spa, while there are also plans in the pipeline for a nearby horse racing track. “We’re always looking forward, to try to offer our visitors an even better experience,” Edberg says. “And there are certainly exciting times ahead.” Web: www.pgaswedennational.se
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden
Photo: Brandy Kraft
Photo: Brandy Kraft
A summer of colourful bulbs and curious nature The Linnaean Gardens of Uppsala have been combining botany and horticulture for more than 350 years. This summer, visitors can now feed their imagination further with the amazing illustrations from Rudbeck’s Book of Flowers and creative paintings by Brandy Kraft. By Malin Norman | Photos: Uppsala University
In May, the Linnaeus Garden opens the exhibition Bulbi Rudbeckii, with a selection of beautiful illustrations from Olof Rudbeck the Elder’s Book of Flowers, originating in the late 17th century. Rudbeck was a Swedish scientist and writer, a professor at Uppsala University, and also the founder of Sweden’s first botanical garden, which was later dedicated to his son’s student, the botanist Carl Linnaeus. “Most of the extensive botanical work of Rudbeck was destroyed in the Uppsala City Fire of 1702. Fortunately, the coloured illustrations of the Book of Flowers survived,” explains Lotta Saetre, communications officer at the Linnaean Gardens of Uppsala University. “It features incredible botanical illustrations with a strong historic heritage and reminds us of the tulip and plant mania in Europe in the late-17th century.” His 68 | Issue 124 | May 2019
children, Olof Rudbeck the Younger, Johanna Christina Rudbeck and Wendela Rudbeck, as well as his students and other relatives and friends, helped draw the sketches.
A world of invented flora Another gem is Linnaeus’ Hammarby, the private summer house of Carl Linnaeus. It was built in 1762 outside Uppsala and now houses a museum with exhibitions, as well as a popular café and shop. This summer, the exhibition
Natura Curiosa will showcase oil paintings, botanical drawings and watercolour paintings by the American artist Brandy Kraft. She combines parts from real flowers to make new creations, evoking the imagination of the audience. The series, rooted in the tradition of Dutch floral still-life painting, is further inspired by systematic and scientific documentation: specifically, the naming system put into place by Carl Linnaeus. “By giving the flowers new binomial nomenclature, I am anchoring them into reality,” says Kraft. Both of these extraordinary exhibitions certainly have a strong connection to the botanical gardens, which further strengthens the experience of a visit. Linnaeus’ Hammarby and the Linnaeus Garden are open from May to September.
Web: www.botan.uu.se Facebook: uppsalalinneanska Instagram: @uppsalalinneanska
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden
With one foot in the past and one foot in the future Sofiero Castle was once the summer home of the Swedish royal family, established by Crown Prince Oscar, later King Oscar II, and his wife Sofia of Nassau in 1866. 40 years later, Crown Prince Gustav Adolf and his first wife, Margaret of England, took over, and Sofiero became their safe place where gardening was always in focus. Nowadays, the estate is a tourist attraction and one of the most beautiful gardens in Europe, visited by around 23,000 people every year. By Hanna Andersson | Photos: Sofiero Slott
“The thing that impacts the whole garden is curiosity. The royal family was constantly looking for innovative ways to explore gardening, and we want to preserve this in our establishment. You could say that we have one foot in the past and one in the future,” says manager Annika Malmgren. “We have a couple of events and exhibitions going on at the same time throughout the summer,” she continues. “This year’s main exhibition will be about Carl Milles, who is Sweden’s most famous sculptor. He lived during the same time as Crown Prince Oscar, and his family established Sofiero, so it will be a great feature at our grounds.”
Malmgren is proud of how much Sofiero has to offer its visitors. “We have the Spring fest in May, followed by our famous flower blooming season, with 10,000 rhododendrons. I think one of the most exciting things
about Sofiero is that you’ll always find something new to discover. We’ve got a forest area, big grass areas where you can have a picnic, a huge variety of flowerbeds, and there’s the rhododendron ravine, which kids find very exciting. We want to keep the private and low-key feeling the royal family wanted back when they built the castle. It is intimate and personal, and we want to honour their original plan of a summer house,” says Malmgren.
Web: sofiero.se
A memorable getaway to the pirate way of life Summer is getting closer and so too is the scent of the ocean, sun cream and adventure. After a successful spring, Daftö Resort is changing its attire for yet another summer as one of the best camping sites in Sweden.
and attractions that the entire family can experience together,” Kempe says. “We want to create joyful moments for people to look back on and give them memories for life.”
By Hanna Stjernström | Photos: Daftö Resort Storm at Daftöland.
The first thing that greets you when you approach the resort is a picturesque location. Daftö Resort is located on the west coast of Sweden, close to the town of Strömstad, with Kosterhavet sea on one side and peaceful nature on the other. When entering the extensive area, you are surrounded by different types and sizes of cottages, and several camping sites with tents and caravans. The five-star resort has a pirate theme that begins at the resort itself and continues in its adventure park, Daftöland, which is filled with rides, entertainment and restaurants in the same spirit. “Our vision is to compete with the entire world and give children and young people an opportunity for world-class experiences here,” says Lena Kempe, CEO of Daftö Resort, and goes on
to highlight their focus on the meetings between guests and staff. The pirate theme is not only a visual experience, as it is also incorporated into the activities at the resort. Entertainers walk around the resort, both hosting activities and interacting with families in full pirate costume. “Everything is built on activities The rollercoaster Skutan at Daftöland.
Web: www.dafto.se/en
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden
A blooming marvellous summer in store Its sumptuous gardens have long been a must-see, but botanical delights are only a part of Norrviken’s charm. With a packed programme of events, the coming summer and autumn promise something for everyone. By Liz Longden | Photos: Norrviken
Created over 100 years ago by visionary Rudolf Albin in Båstad, eastern Skåne, Norrviken is an oasis of natural beauty that is renowned for its elegant, themed gardens. In recent years, the gardens have also become a spectacular setting for an exciting programme of exhibitions and celebrations. This year’s highlights include an exhibition by Agneta and Carolina Gynning, who will be exhibiting a selection of sculptures, jewellery, paintings and photography in the stunning Victoria glass house; a Rolls Royce and Bentley exhibition, featuring every model of Rolls Royce ever made; a retrospective of images from beauty photography pioneer Fernand Fonssagrives; and the inauguration of Hasse Andersson’s children’s garden, to name just a few.
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In keeping with Norrviken’s tradition of celebrating a different theme from its gardens each year, visitors will this year find themselves transported back to the spirit of the 1600s, with art displays, music, floral experiences and food and drink all taking inspiration from the theme of ‘the Baroque’.
“The gardens and grounds have undergone a lot of development over the last few years, with the aim of opening them up to a broader audience,” explains Norrviken’s CEO, Camilla Berthilsson. “Our events programme is also part of that philosophy — we have so much going on over the summer, and something for all ages and interests.”
Web: www.norrvikenbastad.se
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden
Soul-soother With the stunning Baltic coastline as a neighbour, and surrounded by a marine nature reserve, a former pilot station, now converted into an elegant holiday home, is the perfect place to recharge the batteries and revive the senses. By Liz Longden | Photos: Andreas Nilsson
Imagine the scent of the salty sea air, the sound of waves lapping against rocks, and the warmth of the sun on your face as you relax on the decking of your historic seaside retreat. If it sounds tempting, then perhaps you should plan a trip to Lotshuset. Originally built in 1861, the Lotshuset pilot station was moved to the Västerbotten village of Järnäsklubb in 1904, and for over 50 years served as a base and lodgings for state-employed marine pilots. It was bought by the Järnäs community association in 2012 and, after many discussions and suggestions from locals, was taken on by Paula Quinones and her husband, Fredrik Karlsson. Together, the couple have converted the historic building into a three-bedroom holiday cottage, restoring a turn-of-the-century aesthetic of elegant simplicity, which beautifully complements its majestic natural setting.
The cottage is surrounded by the Örefjärden-Snöanskärgården marine nature reserve, and there is no shortage of nature-inspired activities, whether it be exploring the local area on foot or by bike, foraging for mushrooms or berries, going for a dip, or hiring a boat. “We have lowlying rocks that are perfect for sunbathing on and swimming from, as well as sandy beaches, and the best thing is that you can always find a secluded spot where there are no other people,” Quinones says. “It’s the same if you take a boat out. You’ll always find your own little island, where no one else has landed.” The list of things to do is not limited to the immediate local area, either, with the nearby town of Nordmaling, the 2014 European Capital of Culture, Umeå, and the High Coast all easily accessible by car. However, Quinones says that many visitors underestimate the pleasure of
simply being in the midst of such breathtaking natural beauty. “Our guests always think that they’re going to do loads of different activities, and we always give them lots of tips and ideas, but then quite often, when they leave and we ask them what they did, they say, ‘Oh, well, we just hung around the house and relaxed,” she laughs. “It’s that sort of a place.”
Web: www.lotshuset.se
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden
Majestic meetings with moose With great enthusiasm for caring for animals, Leif ‘Leffe’ Lindh opened up Gårdsjö Moose Park. As the summer approaches, the park now invites visitors to meet the kings of the forest. By Hanna Stjernström | Photos: Gårdsjö Moose Park
In 1876, the first ground for Gårdsjö farmstead was broken in the small village called Vansjö. Two generations later, the farm with the red houses and white corners was passed down to Leffe, the founder of Gårdsjö Moose Park. “I have been interested in animals since childhood and dreamed of opening a moose park for a long time,” he says. Known as The Moose Man, Leffe became
famous as the man who swims with moose. “I try to be with them as much as I can, especially when the calves are born, which has led to a great connection between me and them,” he says. The moose park opened in 2007, and today, the park is spread out over 25 hectares of forest and has been explored by visitors from 174 countries. Last year, a video of
the full-grown moose Olivia went viral after she ate tulips from the family’s kitchen table. Olivia had been living with the family for five months, after her mother rejected her. “For the first few weeks, I slept on a mattress next to Olivia to feed her every three hours. She became a family member,” Leffe says, and concludes: “The moose give you so much energy, and we want to give our guests a chance to experience that.”
Leffe and Holger the moose.
Over 10,000 guests visit the park every year. Photo: Tobbe Lektell
Web: www.gardsjoalgpark.se/en Facebook: Gårdsjö Älgpark
Explore Stockholm from a unique perspective There is an abundance of sights to visit when you find yourself in the capital of Sweden, and Stockholm Adventures gives you the opportunity to see the highlights from a variety of perspectives, under the guidance of experienced locals. By Nina Bressler | Photos: Stockholm Adventures
Stockholm is a city built over a multitude of islands, with water and wild nature easily accessible to everyone. Joakim Malm, owner and guide, had a dream to give every visitor the chance to experience this sense of nature within the city when he founded ICEguide in 2007, later acquiring Stockholm Adventures and today offering a variety of guided tours and experiences all year around. “I want to show everyone the greatest city on earth from its best side,” says Malm, and he does just that with an exciting range of activities and a great team of guides. You can enjoy Stockholm from the water on a Kayak Tour – both in the city and in the archipelago – or immerse yourself in nature on a Wildlife Safari Tour with the chance to spot a moose and try an authentic Swedish 72 | Issue 124 | May 2019
Midsummer meal, or why not take a bicycle ride around central Stockholm to see the cultural and historical highlights? Aiming to be a leader in sustainable tourism, Stockholm Adventures takes great measures to minimise its environmental impact while touring and makes ecological choices wherever possible.
The majority of tours start from the Adventure Café, conveniently located in the heart of Stockholm. All tours are in English as standard, with the addition of German and Dutch available on Bike Tours and special requests for private touring. Tour bookings can be made easily through the website, with staff on hand daily, for most of the year, to help in person, over the phone or via email.
Stockholm Adventures offers the chance to see Stockholm from a different point of view.
Web: www.stockholmadventures.com Facebook: Stockholm Adventures
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden
Sample the good life in an iconic setting With its natural beauty and bustling charm, the former fishing village of Fjällbacka has been enchanting visitors for almost 200 years. In prime position near the harbour front, Stora Hotellet Bryggan not only makes the perfect spot from which to explore, but also offers an exciting range of culinary experiences. By Liz Longden | Photos: Linda Otterstedt
There is something about Fjällbacka that captures both hearts and imaginations. Ingrid Bergman fell in love at first sight and spent almost every summer here for 24 years, while the village is also the setting for many of Camilla Läckberg’s crime novels. The famous associations might be one reason why visitors continue to flock to this gem on the Swedish west coast. Other reasons might be the stunning natural scenery, with spectacular views out onto one of Sweden’s most beautiful archipelagos, and its picturesque, historic harbour. Nestled in amongst the harbour buildings, beneath the magnificent Vetteberget cliffs, Stora Hotellet Bryggan has been at the heart of Fjällbacka since it opened in 1834. Its waterside setting makes it the perfect base for exploring the coast, while
all the amenities of the vibrant village centre are quite literally on its doorstep. It isn’t all purely about location, however. The hotel also offers a range of top-class cafés and restaurants to cater for every taste and occasion. “We are passionate about food,” says Susanne Maxvall, Stora Hotellet Bryggan’s managing director. “Increasingly, we’ve seen that guests are coming not just for a single night, but for three or four, and so it’s important for us that we can offer them a variety of culinary experiences so that they’re not having to just go down to the hotel dining room every evening.” For those with a penchant for fine dining, the Matilda restaurant, which features in Sweden’s renowned White Guide of outstanding restaurants, is a must. Other options include a bistro, tapas bar, grill,
café, and the Harbour House restaurant, which takes inspiration from the American east coast. Alternatively, for a more hands-on approach, why not head out into the sea and catch your own food? “You can fish for crayfish all year round and for lobster in the autumn, and you can also explore the archipelago with kayaks, or take a boat trip, so there is lots to do around the sea,” Maxvall explains. “But Fjällbacka itself is also full of life, with lots of beautiful small shops. So there is plenty to explore.”
Web: www.storahotelletbryggan.se
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden
Striking a blow for pollination Set on 430 acres of land in the heart of the city, the Gothenburg Botanical Garden boasts a range of extraordinary collections and rare species while bursting with natural exploration and beauty. This year, with the new exhibition What is pollination?, the garden joins in with the global rallying cry for biodiversity and to save the bees. By Linnea Dunne
Without pollinating insects, there is no biodiversity – but it is easy to feel powerless in the face of the current global environmental crisis. What can you do? This and much more, the Gothenburg Botanical Garden is aiming to answer with its new exhibition this season. “There are many, often simple ways in which we can all help save the bees and biodiversity,” says Agneta Green, head of marketing and communications. “Everything from not mowing the entire lawn in your garden but letting a meadow grow, to choosing to grow plants that bees and bumblebees like.” Boasting 16,000 plant species and hybrids and one of the world’s greatest collections of bulbs and tubers, the Gothenburg
Botanical Garden is somewhat of a pollinators’ paradise, and among the first things you see as you enter the garden is its series of beehives, honey from which is for sale in the shop. In addition to exploring these, as well as the rock garden with its waterfall, the herb garden, the Japanese valley and the more than 1,500 tropical orchids, visitors young and old will this season get the
chance to take part in competitions, exhibitions and talks about all things biodiversity. Local schools as well as artists and photographers have been roped in to take part in this rallying cry for increased awareness and collective action. If there was ever a place that could make a convincing case, it would surely be this world-class horticulture haven in the heart of Gothenburg.
Photo: Eva S. Andersson
Photo: Gothenburg Botanical Garden
Web: wwww.botaniska.se/en Facebook: goteborgs.botaniska.tradgard Instagram: @botaniskatradgarden Twitter: @botaniska
Sun, crêpes and wine — all summer essentials gathered in one place What happens when two experienced sommeliers get their hands on a small locale in the midst of the bustling summer town of Borgholm? Behold: a french crêperie with a local twist – and indeed, an exquisite wine list. By Nina Bressler | Photos: Anna Sjögren
Borgholm is the biggest town on the island of Öland, a beloved summer spot and the place where Charlotte and Daniel Norring met in 2006, having both moved there to pursue their passion for food and drink. In 2017, they decided to start their very own venture after they had stumbled across the perfect location and wanted to create something that was missing on the restaurant scene in Borgholm. “The kitchen was small and we needed to find a concept that could work well with it,” Charlotte says. And so, Norrings Crêperie was born. With a beautiful outdoor terrace with space for 50 guests, and an additional 24 inside, this is where you can enjoy an exten74 | Issue 124 | May 2019
sive list of galettes – savoury pancakes – and crêpes – the sweet variety – always served in a warm and familiar atmosphere to hungry tourists, locals and regulars alike. Quality, sustainability and local produce are the top priorities. Everything is made from scratch and, wherever possible, they buy local: meat, vegetables, cheese and dairy all come from local farms around the island.
The Norrings also put great focus on wine and cider – both being qualified sommeliers – and provide a small but hand-picked list that changes regularly, always matched perfectly with the food they serve. Open six days a week and awaiting another busy summer, they stand ready to make you feel at home and serve a little bit of France mixed with a big part of Öland.
The owners, Charlotte and Daniel Norring.
Try genuine French galettes and crêpes in beautiful surroundings at Norrings Crêperie on Öland.
Web: www.norringscreperie.se Facebook: Norrings Crêperie Instagram: @norringscreperie
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden
A small country house with a large legacy The country farm Backåkra lies embedded in the postcard-like scenery in southern Sweden. This is the place which Swedish legendary United Nations secretarygeneral, known for his modern mediation style, and posthumously winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Dag Hammarskjöld, had chosen as his personal sanctuary. Today, it is an inspiring place that arranges day conferences and cultural activities. By Kristine Olofsson | Photos: Lars Lennartsson
With 180-degree views of the Baltic Sea and green hills as far as the eye can see, it is understandable why Hammarskjöld wanted to live here. “Our visitors are stunned when seeing the views,” says Karin Erlandsson, curator at Backåkra. Hammarskjöld had planned his retirement at this farm, but after a tragic plane crash during a UN mission
in 1961, this never happened. He had willed Backåkra to the Swedish Tourist Association, and today, it is owned by the foundation Dag Hammarskjölds Backåkra and holds a museum with his personal possessions, gifts and art collections. The house re-opened in March last year, and three weeks later, the first meeting
outside the US for the UN Security Council was held here. “The representatives visited the meditation ring on the heath, inspired by the meditation room implemented by Hammarskjöld in the UN house in New York,” Erlansson says. “The Security Council simultaneously placed their hands on the stone in the middle with the inscription PAX, which means peace – a moment that symbolises the fact that the legacy of Dag Hammarskjöld continues to be carried out here at Backåkra.”
The Scupture of Dag Hammarskjöld outside Backåkra.
Backåkra. Photo: Kristina Erlandsson
The meditation circle and PAX stone.
Web: www.dhbackakra.se
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden
At home with the world’s favourite vodka Are you curious to look behind the scenes and find out how one of the finest vodkas in the world is made? During the new Absolut Home Experience, you have the chance to get to know Absolut from the inside. By Malin Norman | Photos: Absolut Home
The history of Absolut starts with the founder, Lars Olsson Smith, also called The Vodka King. He was a modern entrepreneur and brave politician who challenged the establishment, especially if it meant better quality and better conditions for his employees. These values still hold true today. The new guided tour, Absolut Home Experience, is a unique opportunity to get to know Absolut from the inside: the philosophy, the people, the ambitions. In a villa across the street from the distillery in Åhus, where every single drop of the famous vodka has been distilled, you can find out how Absolut conquered the world.
A personal experience “Absolut is the vodka with nothing to hide,” says Frida Trieb, sales and marketing manager at Absolut Home. “We are proud to be able to tell the story in a fun and informative way, where you can experience it with all your senses. And more importantly, it’s a great way of socialising with old and new friends. Here, you can be yourself – everyone is welcome.” In groups of 15, visitors from across the world are guided through the history of Absolut during a 90-minute tour. In the villa, the skilled guides tell the story of the One Community of the people behind
Absolut and the One Source production philosophy, with complete control from grain to finished product. You will also see a bit of the distillery and the tapping line, before ending the tour with a cocktail-making session and the imaginative Absolut Art and Absolut Creative campaigns. Another fun experience is the Cocktail Class, a one-hour lesson on the tips and tricks of the trade, how to mix different flavours and make some cocktail classics. And for those who want to get a quick taste of the tipple, why not try the 25-minute Flavour Tasting? Trieb also recommends a meal in Restaurant Villan, which reflects the southern Swedish culinary tradition with locally-sourced ingredients served, or a drink in the stylish cocktail bar. This month, the garden opens with an outdoor restaurant and a programme of events for the summer. Absolut Home: Vallgatan 5, Åhus Phone: +46 44 590 59 59 Email: info@absoluthome.com Web: www.absoluthome.com Facebook: absoluthomeahus Instagram: @absoluthome
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden
Relax in an oasis of natural beauty With its 18th-century grandeur and magnificent grounds, Asa Herrgård could be mistaken for an idyllic museum. Yet, top-class facilities and an outstanding restaurant place this former manor house very much in the 21st century, helping to make it an unforgettable setting for any special occasion. By Liz Longden | Photos: Asa Herrgård
Asa Herrgård was built in 1793, but the forest that surrounds the house has been famed as one of Småland’s finest since medieval times. In fact, the hotel today boasts around 500 hectares of idyllic, wildlife-rich woodland. Add the fact that it is situated in an officially designated ‘quiet zone’, completely undisturbed by urban noise, and you can begin to understand the magic of the place. “It’s incredibly peaceful. You feel as if you can actually hear the silence here,” says managing director Emma Ekaremål. Despite its tranquillity, the hotel’s proximity to nature means there is plenty to do, from taking a dip in Lake Asasjön, to clay pigeon shooting, hiring a canoe, or even enjoying a guided crayfish fish-
ing expedition. This combination of secluded beauty and almost endless possibilities for activities means that Asa Herrgård has become a very popular venue for both conferences and team-building events, while its privacy, historic elegance and stunning grounds make it an unforgettable setting for a wedding. For the latter, in addition to the 31 rooms available for guests, couples have a choice of three beautiful venues for the ceremony itself. Whether guests are staying for a conference or wedding or enjoying a romantic break, however, one experience they can all share is Asa Herrgård’s exquisite, nature-inspired, ultra-local cuisine. “Our whole kitchen is built on the prin-
ciple of using as many local ingredients as possible, and almost all the meat we serve is meat that we have produced ourselves,” Ekaremål explains. This means plenty of wild game from the surrounding woodland, as well as foraged foods such as mushrooms and berries, with most other produce coming from surrounding farms. Guests can even explore the culinary possibilities of the forest themselves with the ‘Edible Country’ experience. Equipped with a cooking kit and optional guidance from one of the manor house’s expert chefs, why not spend a day foraging and preparing your own magnificent ‘wild food’ outdoor banquet? “The idea is to show how the woods can be your own personal larder,” Ekaremål says, adding: “We’re very proud of the fantastic nature that surrounds the hotel, and we love to share that with our guests.” Web: www.asaherrgard.se
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden
From Svenstad in the south of Sweden, and out onto the world’s stage Birgit Nilsson was one of the world’s greatest opera singers and has performed everywhere from Moscow, through Europe, to New York. However, she always looked out for her native village, where a museum about her life is about to open for the tenth year. “This year’s theme is Birgit Nilsson and The Met. 60 years ago, she made her debut at the Metropolitan opera, which is a milestone in any opera singer’s career,” says Gitte Lindström-Harmark, manager at Birgit Nilsson Museum. “She performed everywhere; she sang at the opening of the opera house in Sydney, and in Buenos Aires in the middle of the revolution, when Juan Perón was overthrown. She was loved, partly because of her unique voice, but also because she was humble and generous. After her debut at The Met, one of the many reviewers wrote ‘Birgit is a sensation. The audience staggering out after the performance was wide-eyed and almost numbed’,” says Lindström-Harmark.
So, how does the museum represent Birgit? “We are proud to preserve her legacy here at the museum, and with private mementos, recordings, pictures and an excellent audio guide, you can learn more about Birgit’s life. Birgit also founded the world’s biggest classical music prize before she died – giving one million US dollars for outstanding achievement by an active performing artist or institution every second year,” explains Lindström-Harmark “We are happy to have a so-called ‘living museum’, where we host master classes and organise events throughout the season. In August last year, we celebrated Birgit with a fantastic concert, and we will continue to host it this year. A choir of 150 singers, the
By Hanna Andersson
Helsingborg symphony orchestra, and eight international soloists will perform in front of an audience of 2,000. It is exciting that we can continue this, and in true Birgit Nilsson spirit,” Lindström-Harmark smiles.
Courtesy of the Metropolitan Opera Archives. Photo:Louis Mélançon
Web: www.birgitnilsson.com Facebook: Birgit Nilsson Museum
Balcony life and royal maps at Solliden Palace Solliden Palace has been the Swedish royal family’s summer paradise for generations. The surrounding park is an oasis of lush greenery, winding pathways and stories from the past, and an exciting programme of events awaits visitors this season. By Malin Norman | Photos: Solliden Palace
Solliden Palace was built on the island of Öland by Queen Victoria in 1906. Today, the stunning estate is owned by King Carl XVI Gustaf and is a favourite among members of the royal family, who regularly come to stay at the palace and its private guest houses. The surrounding park is open to the public and is a popular summer destination. The annual exhibition Idea Gardens, now running for the fifth time in King Gustav V’s old croquet field, is one not to miss. The theme for this year’s show is Balcony Life, with eight exhibitors creating garden designs and competing for both the Solliden Award and the Visitors’ Award. Another new seasonal exhibition offers old maps and posters from the royal archives. Colourful maps with ships and sea 78 | Issue 124 | May 2019
monsters from the 17th century are mixed with detailed maps of land and battle fields from the era of King Karl XIV Johan. Many of the maps have been used – some even made – by the royals, while others have been purchased as souvenirs on trips abroad. This summer, the garden also hosts a series of sculptures by Swedish artists such as
Asmund Arle, Olle Baertling and Eva Lange, and there are plenty of other events throughout the season. The highlight is of course the celebration of Crown Princess Victoria’s birthday, which takes place on 14 July. For young adventurers, Solliden has a special children’s map for exploring hidden areas in the park, and for hungry visitors, the picturesque Coffee Cottage offers home-cooked food and delicacies from its own bakery and crepe shop. Queen Silvia and King Carl XVI Gustaf.
Web: www.sollidensslott.se Facebook: Sollidensslott Instagram: @sollidensslott
e:
K L MAR A R N ia TU DE ec L p S CU S IN P E TO NC E I ER P EX em
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Visit Denmark — enjoy ceramics, natural history and jazz-filled nights With impressive art history, countless buzzing harbour towns, a penchant for charming festivals and nature that never disappoints, Denmark is a great choice for your next cultural weekend away. From the breathtaking Vendsyssel in the north and the naturally stunning Thy in the north-west, to the lush greenery of Geografisk Have in Kolding further south, CLAY Museum of Ceramic Art in Middelfart and, of course, the Natural History Museum in Aarhus, you really don’t have to leave Jutland for a culturally stimulating visit to Denmark. Should you want to experience the buzz of the 80 | Issue 124 | May 2019
Read on for our top tips of where to go and what to see on your next cultural visit to Denmark.
popular capital on Zealand, however, you will still be spoilt for choice. The David Collection in particular is worth a visit. Add countless award-winning eateries, picturesque towns and city streets, and charming festivals such as Riverboat Jazz Festival, and you’ll see why culture vultures rate Denmark as a top destination all year round.
Photo: Kim Wyon, Visit Denmark
Web: www.visitdenmark.com
Photo: Mette Johnsen, Visit Denmark
Photo: Thomas Rousing, Visit Denmark
Photo: Kim Wyon, Visit Denmark
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Displayed in CLAY’s new 15,000-square-metre exhibition space, The Treasury comprises 250 years of ceramic history. Photo: Hennie Raaymakers
A craving for ceramics With works by 23 ceramic artists from five different countries, CLAY’s new special exhibition, CERAMIC MOMENTUM – Staging the Object, is a must-see for anyone with an interest in ceramics. Celebrating the museum’s 25th anniversary, the exhibition will be the culmination of recent years’ expansions and investments.
centre of our social interactions, sharing a good meal or a cup of coffee. It’s something that binds us together and tells a story of a shared identity across generations.”
By Signe Hansen
Ceramics plays a significant role in Danish history and culture, but it is also an increasingly visible part of modern life. This is reflected in the visitor numbers of CLAY Museum of Ceramic Art Denmark, which focuses on ceramic art, craft and design. Located in Middelfart, the museum has more than tripled its visitor numbers since reopening after a major extension in 2015. In other words, despite its long history, ceramics just keeps getting hotter and hotter. “There’s an intense and growing interest, and not just among the old, loyal au82 | Issue 124 | May 2019
dience – it’s very much the young generation who are turning their attention to ceramics,” says museum director Pia Wirnfeldt. “It seems that as the world becomes more fast-paced, the lasting expression and materiality of ceramics have become extra significant, but that’s just one of many explanations for the interest. In a Danish context, clay is present everywhere – we live in a country where the underground is filled with clay, and throughout our history we have dug up that clay and used it for all kinds of purposes: roof tiles, bricks and so on. But in porcelain, it has also become the
Further adding on to the growth of interest in ceramics is the use of social media to share and spread images of ceramic art. The contrast and interplay between the virtual and visual medium and the material side of ceramic art
Photo: Thomas Mølvig
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Cultural Experiences in Denmark
are what’s at the centre of CERAMIC MOMENTUM – Staging the Object.
A treasury of ceramics Founded in 1994 as the Museum of Ceramic Art – Grimmerhus, the museum reopened as CLAY Museum of Ceramic Art Denmark in May 2015 after a major extension. The extension came after the museum received a huge donation of works from three of Denmark’s renowned ceramic manufacturers, combined in the famous collection of Royal Copenhagen. The donation expanded the museum’s collection from 3,000 to 60,000 works. “Receiving the historic collection of ceramics was a huge step in the development of the museum. It has meant that we can today present our modern ceramic exhibitions in a unique, historic perspective,” explains Wirnfeldt. To be able to do so, the museum expanded the original museum building from 1857 with a new 1,500-square-metre exhibition space. The extension houses The Treasury, where guests can walk through 250 years of ceramic history. “Piece after piece, you can see the development of Danish ceramics over 250 years. It’s a true treasury, an intensive presentation of the craft as a whole,” says Wirnfeldt. “It’s set up to create a dialogue with the changing exhibitions
Photo: Thomas Mølvig
of contemporary ceramic artists – to explore how their expression draws back to the long and proud traditions and techniques that characterise Danish ceramics.”
An international outlook Originated by a group of internationally inspired Danish ceramicists, CLAY was founded on the ambition to explore and highlight both Danish and international ceramics. With 23 internationally recognised ceramic artists, CERAMIC MOMENTUM – Staging the Object is unequivocally fulfilling that ambition.
as both a condition and inspiration for the exhibiting ceramicists. “CERAMIC MOMENTUM is the most ambitious exhibition we’ve curated so far. Having the works, many of which are huge and very fragile, shipped to Denmark has been a lot of work,” says Wirnfeldt, and rounds off: “But we also expect it to be rather spectacular – it really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see so many of these world-class artists exhibiting together.” CERAMIC MOMENTUM – Staging the Object opens 11 May.
Presenting the current trends and developments within the international world of ceramics, the exhibition explores the contrast and interaction between the materiality of the ceramic objects and the extensive use of social media by contemporary artists. “It’s important for us to show the development, because it also means that ceramics is no longer as anchored in national trends and culture as it used to be, but is rather inspired by a virtual, global interchange of visuals,” stresses Wirnfeldt. The title and design of the exhibition – which is done by Johan Carlsson/ JAC Studios Denmark – refer to the exchange and staging of images and objects on social media. It’s a reality that serves
Peter Brandes’ almost five-metre-tall vase, Isak Vasen (1992), has become the symbol of the museum. Photo: Ole Akhøj
CLAY is beautifully situated in Middelfart. Photo: CLAY
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Cultural Experiences in Denmark
Among the 23 artists exhibiting works at CERAMIC MOMENTUM – Staging the Object are: Takuro Kuwata: Bridging the historical tradition of Japanese pottery and contemporary culture, Japanese ceramic artist Kuwata is very aware of both his material and the significance of social media. He is one of the most followed ceramicists on Instagram.
Takuro Kuwata (b. 1981), Tea Bowl, 2013. Porcelain, pigment, gold, platinum. Photo: Takuro Kuwata, Courtesy of KOSAKU KANECHIKA
Nils Erichsen Martin (b. 1969). Cody Lundin in Norway, 2018. Stoneware. Photo: Andrew Barton
Nils Erichsen Martin: Norwegian ceramic artist Martin has exhibited his humoristic and poetic works all over the world and has received a number of international grants. Linda Sormin: Born in Bangkok, Sormin emigrated to Canada at the age of five. Through her work, Sormin, who is a Professor of Ceramic Art at the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, explores vulnerability, upheaval and change through sculpture and site-responsive installation. 84 | Issue 124 | May 2019
Linda Sormin (b. 1971). Sketch for Wet Dream Architecture, 2017. Glazed ceramic, discarded 3D prints. Copyright: Brian Oglesbee
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Cultural Experiences in Denmark
Steen Ipsen (b. 1966). Organic Movement 3/2015. White earthenware with black transfer decoration. Photo: Ole Akhøj
Steen Ipsen: Born in Denmark, Ipsen lives and works in Copenhagen. From 1996 to 2004 he was head of the Institute of Glass and Ceramic at the Danish Design School. Steen is part of the avant-garde group of cutting-edge Danish ceramic artists, and his works are represented in permanent collections all over the world.
Matt Wedel: Having grown up around his father’s pottery studio, the American ceramic artist Wedel works with the intrinsic properties of the material and the element of chance that accompanies the process of firing and glazing the clay. Intent on recreating the world from mud or clay, he enters the realm of mythological creation stories.
About CLAY and CERAMIC MOMENTUM – Staging the Object: CLAY opened as the Museum of Ceramic Art – Grimmerhus in October 1994. From 2013 to 2015, the museum was closed due to a major extension and refurbishing. In May 2015, it reopened under the new name, CLAY Museum of Ceramic Art Denmark.
CERAMIC MOMENTUM – Staging the Object opens on 11 May and runs until 3 November 2019. The exhibition will present works by 23 artists from the US, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Canada and Japan. The exhibition is curated by Copenhagen Ceramics.
Web: www.claymuseum.dk Instagram: @claykeramikmuseumdanmark
Matt Wedel (b. 1983). Flower Tree, 2015. Stoneware. Photo: Courtesy of L.A. Louver, Venice, CA
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Cultural Experiences in Denmark
The world of jazz in Denmark Silkeborg in Denmark transforms into a jazz hub in the last week of June, when thousands of people flock to the city to hear more than 160 jazz concerts spread out across stages in the city, on riverboats and in cafés, bars and restaurants. The Riverboat Jazz Festival has, since 1966, been giving its many visitors a taste of jazz, with old and young enjoying the many, mostly free, concerts.
in jazz, which is also what makes it amazing, so there will be something for everyone to enjoy at the festival. It’s really a time for just pure enjoyment of life,” says Valentin.
By Josefine Older Steffensen | Photos: Riverboat Jazz Festival
Riverboat Jazz Festival is one of the best places to explore more about the infamous genre of music, and where young and old, aficionado and newbie can stand side by side and have an amazing jazz experience.
The festival brings together the best of jazz, with acts travelling in from across the world, including Cuba, the US, Spain, Sweden and, of course, Denmark. There are smaller, intimate concerts in some of the city’s cafés, while some of the big stages gather hundreds of people. Over the course of the five days, more than 60,000 people will visit Silkeborg to listen to jazz. “It’s an amazing festival in the sense that the whole city is really behind it. The city comes to life during the week, and at every corner there are things happening and people enjoying themselves. We’ve always focused on the fact that it should be a festival for everyone, with easy access for both young and old,” explains Trine Valentin, festival manager. 86 | Issue 124 | May 2019
Getting involved Out of around 160 concerts, 130 are free. The ones that are not, often sell out quickly, including the original riverboat jazz cruises that sail through Silkeborg. This year, there will also be a Jazzland, where children can enjoy some slightly more funky and interactive jazz and get a feel for the music genre. “The festival is about getting people involved in jazz. Everything’s allowed
Evan Christopher.
Riverboat Jazz Festival Dates: 26-30 June To volunteer or buy tickets, please visit the website. Web: www.riverboat.dk Facebook: riverboatsilkeborg
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Cultural Experiences in Denmark
Artist: Svend Hammershøi
Artist: Jens Ferdinand Willumsen
Artist: Agnes Lunn
The David Collection’s special exhibition From Philipsen to Salto presents a small but remarkably representative introduction to Danish art from 1850 to 1950.
An eye for art Set in the heart of Copenhagen, the David Collection is, for a limited time, curating a special exhibition showcasing the museum’s characteristic collection of early modern Danish art. Like all of the museum’s exhibitions, From Philipsen to Salto is free to enjoy within the settings of the original collector’s beautiful old townhouse next to the King’s Garden.
od from the seventh to the 19th century, it covers all aspects of Islamic art and highlights unique characteristics such as calligraphy, textiles, ceramics, and miniature paintings.
By Signe Hansen | Photos: Davids Samling/Pernille Klemp
While the Islamic collection has grown considerably since the founder’s death in 1960, the collection of Danish modern art contains almost only its original pieces. It is worth noting that, as a large number of the paintings by Vilhelm Hammershøi are being shipped off to exhibitions in Japan next year (the rest of the Danish works can be seen until the closing of the exhibition in 2020), now is the time to go see them.
There is no doubt that the late lawyer C.L. David (1878-1960) had a remarkable eye and passion for art. Inspired by his godmother, Agnes Lunn, a recognised sculptress, David began collecting at a young age. Among his first purchases, made in 1910, were works by J. F. Willumsen, the brothers Joakim and Niels Skovgaard, as well as Vilhelm Hammershøi. Today, the collection constitutes a near-perfect introduction to Danish art from 1850 to 1950, according to curator Peter Wandel. “What is noteworthy is that David picked a number of characteristic works from most of the prominent artists of his time. It was something he had an eye for. He could have, like many others did, dedicated himself to just one or two artists, but instead, he had a very broad scope and collected a handful of works from each artist. It represents a very nice mini introduction to the top artists of that period.” Moreover, the collection presents a number of works that expand the usual
perspective on the early modern period. These include, for instance, works by Vilhem Hammershøj’s brother Svend as well as sculptures and watercolour paintings by David’s godmother Agnes Lunn, one of the few recognised female artists of the time. And, while David was, says Wandel, slightly conservative in his approach to art, the exhibition’s 50 pieces also include works by some of the period’s more modern artists, such as Svend Rathsack and Alex Salto. Despite its significance, the Danish collection is just a small part of the David Collection, which is known for its large collection of Islamic art, one of the ten largest in the world. Spanning the peri-
Artist: Theodor Philipsen
From Philipsen to Salto opens on 24 May 2019 and runs until autumn 2020.
Artist: Vilhelm Hammershøi
Web: www.davidmus.dk
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Cultural Experiences in Denmark
Photo: Naturhistorisk Museum Aarhus
Through the special exhibition Oceans of Freedom, the Natural History Museum in Aarhus explores the life and adventures of Troels Kløvedal. Photo: Martin Andersen
Photo: Naturhistorisk Museum Aarhus
Exploring life’s big issues The Natural History Museum in Aarhus is not just about dusty old bones and snakes in formaldehyde, but about our role in, and effect on, the natural world. Currently, the museum’s special exhibition Oceans of Freedom is exploring the life and voyages of late Danish adventurer Troels Kløvedal. By Signe Hansen
Located in Aarhus’ large University Park, the Natural History Museum gives visitors an opportunity to explore the world of the past, present, and future. But unlike the museum of the past, today’s Natural History Museum is not just about the world that surrounds us, but also about the world inside us. Museum director Bo Skaarup explains: “The museum has become a space that tells the story not just of animals, nature and everything around us, but also about what’s inside us. It’s about Danish nature and wildlife, and it’s about the humans who visit us – we’ve all become part of the exhibitions.” Exemplified in the museum’s current special exhibition, Oceans of Freedom, the new approach has expanded the museum’s traditional audience significantly. Through the life and adventures of Kløvedal, the exhibition explores some of the most remote regions in the world as 88 | Issue 124 | May 2019
well as life’s big issues, like love, freedom, and interconnectedness. “The exhibition has attracted a grown-up audience, including private and business groups, and that has meant that we’ve doubled our visitor numbers, but also that we’ve gained a much broader visitor profile, and that’s something we’re very happy about,” stresses Skaarup. The exhibition is just one of many initiatives to renew the museum’s profile. Inspired by the city of Aarhus’ green profile, it is Skaarup’s ambition for the museum to act as a driving force, both in Aarhus and nationally, for green transition and
sustainable development. In other words, the goal is, says Skaarup, to be a museum about and for life. “It’s about all the big issues of life, also the troublesome ones and the technological possibilities and developments that follow our attempts to change the order of nature,” he says. As part of this ambition, the Natural History Museum is hoping to relocate to a new, more central location at the waterfront of Aarhus in the coming years.
Museum director Bo Skaarup. Photo: Naturhistorisk Museum Aarhus
Oceans of Freedom ends on 8 September 2019.
Photo: Axel Schüt
Web: www.naturhistoriskmuseum.dk
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Cultural Experiences in Denmark
With its characteristic dune landscape and strong winds, Thy is a natural haven for wildlife lovers and surfers.
Thy — shaped by the wind Shaped by the wind, powered by the wind, and with the wind as its playground; the unique landscape of Thy and Thy National Park is not just a haven for surfers and wildlife enthusiasts, but also for those with an interest in renewable energy, food, and military history. By Signe Hansen | Photos: VisitThy
Founded in 2008, Thy National Park was Denmark’s first of its kind. The park’s characteristic sand dune moorland has been shaped through centuries as strong winds have created continuous sand drifts and forced people to move further inland. Today, with more than 200 miles of hiking and cycling paths running through the park, the landscape constitutes the perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts. “Thy National Park is Denmark’s most impressive wilderness and dune moorland,” says head of tourism Ole Riis Christensen. “A lot of people come to enjoy the wildlife – there are lots of red deer – and then we have the areas around the park, Klimøller; the surfer paradise known as Cold
Hawaii; and Østerild, the test centre for the world’s biggest wind turbines. In a way, it’s all tied together – the landscape, the windmills and the surf centre. The wind is the power behind it all.” In addition to boasting wind-shaped attractions, Thy is also the home of Denmark’s first organic brewery, Thisted Bryghus. Using hand-picked bog-myrtle from the park, the brewery has, for the last three years in a row, won the title of Brewery of the Year. It is one of a number of local food and drink attractions open to visitors. Another is the organic farm Gyrup, which produces organic whiskey, milk and meat. “It’s a very special place, run by the fifth generation of the same
family,” explains Christensen. “They make their own organic malt, which is used for their whiskey and for the beer at Thisted Bryghus, as well as fodder for the animals that graze in the national park – it’s all beautifully connected in the area, the food, the nature, and the outdoor experiences.” On top of all the natural experiences, the area also boasts a number of historic and cultural attractions, including the Bunker Museum Hanstholm, part of the largest Second World War fortification in northern Europe. In the coming years, the area will also see the opening of the first branch of the National Gallery of Denmark outside Copenhagen (set to open at Doveroddet Købmandsgård in 2020) and a large, new visitor centre (set to open in Vorupør in 2021).
Web: www.visitthy.dk
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Cultural Experiences in Denmark
A garden with many corners of the world to indulge in Kolding’s Geografisk Have is a haven for anyone searching for a little bit of the outdoors – whether you are visiting with younger children or looking for a quiet spot to relax with a book. Aksel Olsen, who founded Geografisk Have in Kolding in 1918, had not originally intended to arrange it any differently from other botanical gardens – according to species and type, that is. “He soon learned, however, through experience, that the plants simply thrive better if you arrange them according to where in the world they normally grow,” explains Lene Holm, who has been managing director of Geografisk Have since 2016. This has earned it its name, ‘geographical garden’, along with the very special quality of being able to stroll through Asian, American and European sections. Here, the visitor can appreciate the indigenous plants of these continents, and in particular, the strong passion Olsen had for plants from Asia. What also makes Geografisk Have special
is how family-friendly it is. There are plenty of animals for younger children to pet, and pony rides are often on offer. A special treat this season are the new alpaca foals, born in early April. Child-free visitors in search of seclusion need not worry, however, as the garden’s 14 hectares offer plenty of corners for meditation and quiet – whether taking a walk or revising for an exam on a sunny day. The garden is especially proud of its roses, which have won international prizes, and boasts several thousand specimens. The garden also offers events, including talks and workshops. Worth mentioning here is the garden’s plant market, which takes place each year on 5 June, Constitution Day. More than 100 stall holders from all over
Seeing the light
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Denmark as well as from abroad take part. “It really is a fantastic atmosphere,” says Lene Holm, “and without doubt one of the high points of the year.” Refreshments are also available, as the garden runs its own slow food café, Lykkefund, where guests can enjoy locally produced snacks, coffee and ice cream. Kolding mini town.
Web: www.geografiskhave.dk Facebook: geografiskhave Instagram: @geografisk_have
By Louise Older Steffensen
Northern Jutland’s sharp, ethereal light made famous by Skagen’s painters 150 years ago still shines on the changeable and dramatic landscapes of the region. With its wild coastline, sandy beaches and rolling hills and dunes, it is no wonder that the uppermost tip of Jutland continues to be a mecca for modern artists. From Niels Larsen Stevns to Poul Anker Bech, Vendsyssel Museum of Art in Hjørring shows off the best of them. “The nature outside has certainly inspired our artists,” says museum director Sine Kildeberg, “but their art also shows us entirely new ways of seeing the landscape surrounding us.” Vendsyssel Museum of Art was opened in the 1960s in order to showcase modern artists with a local connection. With its emphasis on 20th and 21st-century art, it manages to showcase both the exhibitors’ ingenuity and their inheritance from previous generations of artists. The museum features the largest collection of 'the artist of light', Niels Larsen Stevns. His colourful modernist landscape paintings and frescoes helped bring a whole new, expressionist way of seeing, to
By Jane Graham | Photo: Geografisk Have
Denmark. The celebrated surrealist Poul Anker Bech, meanwhile, takes the region’s famed landscape tradition and turns it on its head, sometimes quite literally, mixing the ordinary with the extraordinary and humour with seriousness. “We’re currently very excited about our new Poul Winther exhibition! It shows off the multi-faceted emotions that Winther brought out in his quirky paintings of washed-up objects he discovered on the beaches of Skagen,” Kildeberg enthuses. In 2003, the museum moved into a converted industrial building in the middle of Hjørring, brought triumphantly into the 21st century by C.F. Møller and architect Anna Maria Indrio, famous for the revamp
of the National Gallery of Denmark. With a glass prism ceiling, Vendsyssel Museum of Art is full of interesting windows and surprising angles, bringing in that famous northern Jutland light to illuminate the art that celebrates it.
Poul Anker Bech, Den sidste sommer, 1987. Photo: Benny Rytter
Web: www.vkm.dk Facebook: Vendsyssel Kunstmuseum Instagram: @vendsysselkunstmuseum
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Cultural Experiences in Denmark
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S ON 9 I i AT 01 ec IN D 2 p T S S N DE LA P IN TO N F I h
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It is safe to camp in the nature at Lake Saimaa. Photo: goSaimaa Ltd/Mikko Nikkinen
Clean, calm and quiet combined with great activities Lake Saimaa has quickly become a must for anyone who enjoys easy travelling, unforgettable landscapes and great activities – without queues or traffic jams. What makes the area stand out is its authentic local experiences, easy access to the services and unique nature. By Mari Koskinen | Photos: goSaimaa Ltd
Saimaa is now a trending destination for both international and Finnish tourists who want to nourish their soul and wellbeing and stay away from the busy and noisy metropoles. When you look at the map, it seems that the area is covered by more water than land. There are four towns, Lappeenranta and Imatra in the south and Savonlinna and Mikkeli in the north, and over 13,000 islands in the region. “The area is easy to reach as it is just about 200 kilometres – or two hours – 92 | Issue 124 | May 2019
from either Helsinki or St. Petersburg,” says Juha Sorjonen, chief of brand and marketing officer at the destination marketing company goSaimaa Ltd. “You can travel here easily by car, bus or train without any fuss or traffic jams. And another advantage of leaving the metropolitan area and travelling to Saimaa is the price level; here, you get more value for your money.” Another big bonus for travellers is the Lappeenranta airport, located just two kilometres from the city centre. The
small and smoothly operated airport offers visitors easy and convenient access to the local services, whether it is a hotel, a cottage, or the railway station with great connections even to St. Petersburg. There are direct international flights to Lappeenranta from major European hubs like Berlin, Milan, Budapest, Thessaloniki and Athens. There is also a variety of high-quality accommodation options in the area. You can choose from top-level hotels or spas, fantastic farm stays, cosy B&Bs and fully-serviced camping sites. Another great way to enjoy the lake is staying at a traditional Finnish cottage. The cottage gives you a peaceful hide-away, from where you can make excursions to the sights and activities, all within easy reach. “Many travellers like to stay here
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Destinations in Finland 2019
and make daytrips to, for example, St. Petersburg, or other destinations in the area,” says Sorjonen.
Just relax, or get adventurous Some people arrive in the area to relax and enjoy the fresh air and water, and the Saimaa region gives the perfect opportunity for that, while others are looking for cultural highlights or outdoor action. The local cultural events include, among other things, concerts, an annual ballet gala and an international theatre festival. The oldest attraction in Finland is the Imatrankoski rapids; the daily show of the magnificent rapids is a popular event every summer. When you want to get away from the city, there is plenty to do in the small villages in the area, which are easily accessed by car or even by bikes. There are local events like charming village festivals, farmer’s markets and summer night dances at local dance pavilions. Farmer’s markets and local restaurants offer many local delicacies, like famous Karelian pies, clean fresh-water fish, traditionally baked bread, and clean, locally-produced grains and vegetables. The pure and peaceful forests of Lake Saimaa offer opportunities for adventures too. You can go on a shorter hike along the marked routes or do a longer hike with a tent and camp in the forest. If you want to get on wheels, you can rent a bike and cycle in the beautiful Lake Saimaa landscape. For the motor sport
The castle hotel Scandic Imatran Valtionhotelli is situated right by the Imatrankoski rapids.
fans there is Imatranajo, the international road racing cup, organised in the streets of Imatra in June. Lake Saimaa gives a unique opportunity for water activities. “The cruises along the Saimaa Canal give travellers a stressfree way to enjoy the picturesque sights of Saimaa,” Sorjonen says. If you want to explore the lake more closely, you can rent a canoe and explore the lake quietly at you own pace, or on a guided tour. There are many beautiful beaches and you can go on a fishing trip, or just rent a boat for yourself. “Most of our events and activities are suitable for all ages, including children and seniors,” Sorjonen adds. “Our authentic experiences also include unique excursions, where you can visit the locals at their cottage, where they show travellers their knowledge of the
Finnish cottage culture and how to connect with nature,” Sorjonen explains. The area does not quieten down for winter, either. As nature gets dressed up in its winter gear, it reveals completely new opportunities. The versatile skiing routes make cross-country skiing a relaxing way to exercise, for example. The Imatra Spa Resort features a first-snow track as its speciality, complete with snow from the previous winter season. There are also guided ATV-safaris on the weekly programme. When it gets freezing, you can go skating on the lake, ice-fishing or even – if you have what it takes – ice swimming! Web: www.gosaimaa.com/en Facebook: LakelandFinland Instagram: @gosaimaa
In the winter, the lake is frozen and offers unique experiences. Photo: goSaimaa Ltd/Mikko Nikkinen
Lappeenranta is situated right at Lake Saimaa. Photo: City of Lappeenranta
Calm and quiet combined with great activities are the keywords at Lake Saimaa. Photo: goSaimaa Ltd/Mikko Nikkinen
Issue 124 | May 2019 | 93
Photo: Elisa Karhula
Culture and nature combine to give an unforgettable experience of the Nordic summer Who says you can’t have the best of both worlds? The small town of Pietarsaari gives you the chance to enjoy both the stillness of the untouched nature in the north of Finland and the culture of a town where a spontaneous jazz concert is never far away. By Nina Bressler
For those who can’t choose whether to go for a city break or a serene natural escape this summer, Pietarsaari, or Jakobstad in Swedish, might provide the perfect answer. Situated along the northern coastline of Finland, this small town makes up for what it lacks in size via a multitude of events and beautiful nature. With 20,000 inhabitants, it may look small at first glance, but with a rich entrepreneurial history, worldwide fame for its ship building, and a bustling cultural offering, you may find yourself surprised by what is waiting to be discovered. “We 94 | Issue 124 | May 2019
have just about everything: shopping, restaurants, and an abundance of cultural events, concerts and museums – and what’s more, is that with its small size, you can cycle or walk everywhere,” says Linda Lindroos, tourism coordinator for the Pietarsaari region.
Culture and nature always within reach While the town provides a rich cultural offering all year round, Lindroos does admit to some of the extra benefits available during the summer months. It being a
coastal town, you are always close to the beach, and with never-ending daylight, you have all the time you need to take in the sights. Take a stroll through the old town, Skata, with idyllic wooden houses, narrow streets, and “the best cinnamon bun on the planet” – as Lindroos herself describes them – at one of the local cafés. For a dose of culture, pay a visit to one of the many museums and reward yourself at one of the local restaurants, where musical happenings occur on a regular basis, be it a scheduled gig or a spontaneous gathering of skilled musicians. For an immersive nature experience, Fäboda, about seven kilometres from the town centre, provides a secluded natural spot. Forests, cliffs and sandy beaches
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Destinations in Finland 2019
The Arctic Museum Nanoq. Photo: Elisa Karhula
Photo: Elisa Karhula
Photo: Nicklas Storbjörk
come together to form the ideal destination for a day out. With over 30 kilometres of nature trails and a restaurant at the ready when hunger catches up with you, this is the place to enjoy a full day of summer activities.
Discover the Arctic life Hidden deep in the woods, there is a rare chance to learn more about the Arctic culture and customs. Nanoq Arctic museum was founded by an adventurous fireman, Pentti Kronqvist, who made numerous excursions to Svalbard, Greenland and Siberia, among other places, and brought home items gathered during his trips to the most rural parts of our northern hemisphere. Visit permanent and temporary exhibitions, listen to the experienced guides who will share exciting stories from various excursions, or wander around in the small village of houses all built in the exact
style to showcase precisely what the Arctic lifestyle looks like. “What Nanoq wants to show is how humans can live in harmony with nature, and demonstrate a path to a more sustainable way of living, taking advantage of what nature offers without destroying its ecology,” Lindroos says. Should you wish to have the full Finnish experience, there is also, of course, a smoke sauna available for pre-booking.
Enjoy the summer in full blossom Another top destination not to miss, according to Lindroos, is the Rosenlund rectory and botanical garden. Just a five-minute walk from the town centre, this is an oasis where you are welcome to relax in the blossoming haven of herbal plants and flowers, reconstructed in the original, symmetrical style from when it was built during the 18th century by par-
son Gabriel Aspegren. Stroll through the lush surroundings and get to know the history at the local museum; go on your own, or pre-book one of the drama tours, where you will be guided by staff in traditional attire from the foundational days of the rectory. The lunch restaurant is open all year round, providing a perfect spot to refuel on energy and sample plants and greens straight from the garden. Pietarsaari is a vivid region with 50,000 inhabitants and a town built firmly on the roots of its Finnish-Swedish heritage, shaped as much by history as by current times. With a fantastic musical scene and enthusiastic locals, expect music around every corner – from a small gig to a fullscale rock concert – convivial restaurants, events and a buzzing atmosphere, all served with a fresh, clean summer breeze transported directly from the wild nature of Finland.
Getting there: Flights depart daily from Helsinki to Kokkola-Pietarsaari airport. Trains leave from Helsinki-Vantaa airport to Pännäinen railway station.
Web: www.pietarsaari.fi Nanoq Arctic Museum: www.nanoq.fi Rosenlund Rectory and botanical garden: www.rosenlund.fi Instagram: @Visitjakobstad
Photo: Visit Pietarsaari
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Destinations in Finland 2019
Enjoy some of Finland’s most scenic views. Photo: SaimaaHoliday Oravi
Spot the endangered Saimaa ringed seal. Photo: SaimaaHoliday Oravi
Go back to the 17th century in the Järvisydän restaurants. Photo: Hotel & Spa Resort Järvisydän
The buildings at Järvisydän are made of old timber. Photo: Hotel & Spa Resort Järvisydän
Take in the scenery from the comfort of your room. Photo: Hotel & Spa Resort Järvisydän
Try catching and smoking your own meal. Photo: SaimaaHoliday Oravi
In the heart of the Finnish lakeland If you are keen to fish for your own dinner, spot an endangered seal species or simply enjoy magnificent lakeside scenery, the Linnansaari National Park in Saimaa offers plenty of options. By Hanna Heiskanen
In the land of 1,000 lakes, Saimaa takes the top spot when it comes to size – and, if you talk to the Heiskanen family, who run the Hotel & Spa Resort Järvisydän on its shore, also when it comes to looks. The roots of the family business date back to 1658, when a forefather was tasked by the Russian tsar with running an inn. Visitors have been flocking to enjoy the serene views, water-based activities and delicious cuisine ever since. Markus Heiskanen, the 11th generation to run the business, was introduced to entrepreneurship early on. “Aged six, I began to sell worms to passersby. I took over the company from my father in 2005.” A respect for the history and story of the place make Hotel & Spa Resort Järvisydän special. “The buildings are made of natural stone and old timber. Inside, there are open fires and cast-iron candlesticks,” Heiskanen describes. 96 | Issue 124 | May 2019
The dishes served take inspiration from the Middle Ages, transporting the visitor back in time to the original inn. It’s not all ancient, though: Heiskanen is working on entirely new accommodation, including houseboats, which allow you to both sleep and travel on the lake, and scenery suites for star gazing.
Get your toes wet On the opposite shore of the Linnansaari National Park lies SaimaaHoliday Oravi: the village of Oravi, the Linnansaari island with its eco hostel and summer café, and the paddling rental in Kolovesi. In winter, the Porokylä reindeer village offers safaris and walking tours. CEO Marie Louise Fant is a biologist by training and committed to both enjoying and protecting the area’s delicate nature. “The highlights of the year are spotting the endangered Saimaa ringed seal
sunbathing on rocks in May, the midnight sun, making the most of the season’s pickings in the autumn, and skating on the frozen lake in the winter,” she advises. “The lake setting makes all the seasons worth experiencing.” Fant, who continues to run the guided nature tours that started the company in 1997, says that as much of the resources used by the resort as possible is sourced locally, including fish and game. For many of the foreign visitors, fishing for your own meal or going berry picking are novel adventures. In addition to the more action-packed activities, you can enjoy peace and calm through yoga in the warmth of a sauna. “There must be something special to this place, as many return year after year,” Fant concludes.
Web: www.jarvisydan.com/en and www.oravivillage.com/en Facebook: Hotel & Spa Resort Järvisydän and SaimaaHoliday Oravi Instagram: @jarvisydan and @oravivillage
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Destinations in Finland 2019 House Paulala chairs.
Tupula.
Kalliola in summer.
A hidden treasure for your next holiday With Finland known for its gorgeous landscapes and architecture, it’s only fitting that spending your next holiday at Okkola Holiday Cottages by Lake Saimaa lets you enjoy both. Scan Magazine spoke to owner Paula Okkola about the secret to their charm and how the family-owned business was even praised on the BBC. By Maria Pirkkalainen | Photos: Okkola Holiday Cottages
Located on the Niinisaari island in Puumala by the beautiful Lake Saimaa, Okkola Holiday Cottages offers 17 idyllic rental villas and cottages, each with their own beach, a rowing boat and a woodheated sauna. A free cable ferry takes you to the island in only five minutes, operating around the clock. There’s also plenty of space in between the cottages, so you can’t even see from one to another. “What makes these cottages really unique is that they have been individually designed for the sites where they are built,” owner Paula Okkola describes. “No two cottages are the same.” The fully equipped cottages have been designed by trained architect Heikki Okkola, whose parents originally started the business five decades ago. You can also stay for as long as you want, whether it’s for one night or a longer
holiday. “We don’t require week-long bookings, but have a lot of visitors returning every year for several weeks,” says Okkola.
The place that charmed the BBC
It’s no wonder that the place has been featured on the BBC’s The Hairy Bikers’ Northern Exposure programme, where the presenters fell in love with the tranquility of Okkola Holiday Cottages. “They went so far as to say that this is probably the best place in the world!” Okkola laughs. On your next holiday, come and enjoy some incredible peace and quiet at this hidden treasure.
There’s no shortage of activities on the island either. How about spending the day picking berries or fishing? The cottages are right in the middle of the most beautiful part of Finland and its wilderness. “In late spring, you can even spot rare Saimaa ringed seals nearby,” Okkola says. While the town of Puumala and its shops are only 15 minutes away, you don’t have to go further than the island’s own Restaurant Niinipuu to enjoy a fantastic, traditional Finnish meal. “We make everything from scratch,” Okkola describes. “I’m especially proud of the rye bread we make in our own bread oven.”
Web: www.okkolanlomamokit.com/en Facebook: okkolanlomamokit Instagram: @okkolanlomamokit
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Nuuksio drone footage. Photo: dspmedia
Experience the unforgettable treasures of Espoo With all the beautiful nature, vibrant culture and incredible design attractions that can be found across Finland, it’s no small feat to be selected as the country’s travel region of the year. Located right next to the capital Helsinki, the enchanting city of Espoo got the honour in 2018. Scan Magazine highlights a few reasons why this world-class destination should be on your radar this year.
Exhibition Centre WeeGee, an events hub that hosts four permanent museums under its roof. During the summer time, you can also visit the iconic 1960s Futuro House in their yard, designed by architect Matti Suuronen.
By Maria Pirkkalainen | Photos: Visit Espoo
Selected as Finland’s travel region of the year in 2018, the city of Espoo offers you everything from gorgeous landscapes to unique activities. The second-largest city in Finland, it is located right next to the capital and is also just a stone’s throw away from Helsinki Airport.
natively, hop on a train or bus from the airport to travel here directly.
Perfect for a daytrip or an extended stay, spending a few nights in one of the lovely hotels, Espoo can be reached by bus, car or even the new underground line from Helsinki in less than half an hour. Alter-
Events and activities throughout the year
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Often referred to as ‘Finland in miniature’, Espoo is a top choice if you only have time for one destination or want to organise a business conference somewhere exciting.
A university city, Espoo buzzes with events and attractions all year round. The biggest cultural attraction of them all? The
One of the WeeGee museums is EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art, which was selected as Finland’s museum of the year in 2018. EMMA boasts a selection of impressive permanent collections: for example, from Finnish design luminaries Tapio Wirkkala and Rut Bryk, as well as special exhibitions. From August 2019, EMMA will be the next stop for the National Portrait Gallery’s touring exhibition Michael Jackson: On the Wall. Consisting of almost 100 artworks examining the influence controversial pop icon Michael Jackson has had on contempo-
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Destinations in Finland 2019
rary art, the exhibition will display works from Andy Warhol to Isa Genzken. There are also plenty of activities for sports fans. The city just finished hosting the Women’s Ice Hockey World Championships, and this summer, Espoo will set the scene for the 15th FIMBA World Maxibasketball Championships. In the spring, Espoo is filled with festivals such as April Jazz and Espoo Ciné International Film Festival, attracting visitors from all over Finland and the world. If you’re an architecture lover, there are also plenty of buildings designed by Alvar Aalto and other famous Finnish architects to feast your eyes on. Ahead of your visit, make sure to check Visit Espoo’s website for any upcoming events. You can also try the new, free Tripsteri App Espoo, to find out more about this charming destination.
Nature, sea and islands In Espoo, there’s no shortage of amazing outdoor activities either. If you’re looking to spend the day exploring breathtaking Finnish nature, a top spot for this is the Nuuksio National Park and its Finnish Nature Centre Haltia. There are also companies that organise guided tours to help you with this, making sure you have an unforgettable experience enjoying the magic
Photo: dspmedia
of the Finnish wilderness and the National Park’s gorgeous nature. Espoo is also known for its beautiful waterfront and archipelago. Various boats leave and arrive regularly throughout the day, giving you an excellent opportunity to explore Espoo’s islands. One great destination is the Pentala Archipelago Museum, located on an old fisherman’s estate on Pentala island in Espoonlahti Bay. Or, why not marry your love for nature and activities? The Water Sports Centre Laguuni at Keilaniemi offers top-notch conditions for paddling, wakeboarding and
canoeing, to name a few. Espoo is also a great city if you love trail running. Why not enjoy the beautiful views of a National Park while participating at the Nuuksio Classic Trail Marathon this September? At Espoo, you can experience it all. On your next trip to Finland, be sure to enjoy everything that this versatile city has to offer. Web: www.visitespoo.fi/en Facebook: VisitEspoo Twitter: @visitespoo Instagram: @visitespoo
Photo: Marjaana Tasala
Photo: Joni Viitanen
Laguuni. Photo: dspmedia
Espoo Museum of Modern Art. Photo: Discovering Finland
Photo: Heikki Vahtola
The Exhibition Centre WeeGee. Photo: Joni Viitanen
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Destinations in Finland 2019
A charming farm stay with action for the whole family In the picturesque landscape of northern Saimaa lies the Resort Naaranlahti, offering accommodation and fun farm and water activities in an exceptional landscape all year round. By Mari Koskinen | Photos: Kimmo Ervola, Resort Naaranlahti
Resort Naaranlahti is located in Punkaharju by Lake Puruvesi in eastern Finland. Most guests arrive by car or motorbike, but the resort can also be reached by water from the many towns in the Saimaa area. Its charming atmosphere attracts both Finnish and international guests. The family-owned resort welcomes guests warmly and ensures that everyone will have a refreshing stay. “This is also our home, and we want to welcome our guests as if they were family,” says Janne Hänninen, owner of the resort. “It was my grandfather who started the resort, and we have been open for 55 years now and are constantly developing the area. We live respecting the nature’s cycles and the four seasons. We invite the guests to take part in our down-to-earth lifestyle, if they want – or they can just 100 | Issue 124 | May 2019
unwind and enjoy the beautiful nature and picturesque landscape.” In the peaceful and relaxing Naaranlahti, a good night’s sleep is guaranteed. The cosy B&B rooms and apartments have their own kitchenette and bathrooms, and guests have access to the beach, rowing boats and traditional Finnish sauna. Naaranlahti also has well-equipped cottages for rent, which have their own beach, rowing boats and plenty of privacy, but are still within walking distance of the main building. The resort can accommodate up to 90 people, and they cater also for private events. The wonderful, pure nature of Naaranlahti offers plenty of options for great activities. “You can, for example, go swimming, horse riding, cycling, paddle boarding or canoeing,” reveals Hänninen, when asked
about some of the activities. “You can explore the Lake Puruvesi closer up by hopping on one of our motor boats, and go fishing or take a drive to the cute islands nearby for a picnic.” The surrounding forests offer other activities, like hiking on marked routes, or guests can truly experience the Finnish way of living and go berry or mushroom picking – an unforgettable experience for the whole family. The resort stays open all year round. There are many activities available also in the winter, like cross-country skiing, snow mobile rides, ice fishing and ice swimming. “We also arrange events, like Puruvesi Swimrun this summer,” Hänninen adds. “It combines trail running with open-water swimming, and it will be a memorable race running through little islets – set in the picturesque Saimaa scenery.” The event takes place on Saturday 29 June. Web: www.naaranlahti.com Facebook: naaranlahti Instagram: @matkailutila_naaranlahti
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Destinations in Finland 2019
A haven of tranquility by crystal-clear waters Located in eastern Finland, only a few hours away from the Helsinki-Vantaa airport, Holiday Village Kuus-Hukkala offers rental cottages in a breathtaking lakeside location. Scan Magazine spoke to sales and marketing executive Pia Hindell, about what makes it a must-try destination this summer. By Maria Pirkkalainen
Imagine spending your holiday in perfect solitude, by a lake that is crystal clear, its water pure enough to be drinkable. Holiday Village Kuus-Hukkala offers rental cottages that come with their own sauna and a private beach by Lake Kolkonjärvi, fit for swimming, fishing, rowing and sunbathing. Peace and quiet are guaranteed,
Photo: Markku Huopalainen
making the cottages a relaxing destination for everyone from solo travellers to couples and families. There are also plenty of different activities you can try at Kuus-Hukkala, from hiking and cycling to berry and mushroom picking. Or why not drive a Lada Niva at the Off Road Safari? After a day of outdoor ac-
Photo: Jari Kankkunen
tivities, you can rest and relax in the gentle heat of a traditional wood-heated sauna. During the summer season, the Holiday Village’s restaurant is open every day, and it can cater to groups of different sizes throughout the year on request. Here, you can enjoy fresh local food and tasty dishes made from fish caught from their clean, clear lake.
Web: www.kuus-hukkala.com Facebook: kuushukkalainfo Instagram: @kuushukkala
Photo: Pia Hindell
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The art of navigating an unpredictable future By Nils Elmark, Incepcion
100 years ago, Louis Cartier launched his famous tank watch. It was a design that broke all rules within watch-making. Until then, most watches had been round and carried in a waistcoat pocket. If you wanted to know what time it was, you stopped whatever you were doing and took out your watch, switched it open and looked at it. Time wasn’t that important then – but that was not the future Cartier envisaged. He understood that the world was heading for a modern industrial age, where time was important and you needed both hands to control machinery. A waistcoat watch was out of the question – so he created his functional wristwatch. Almost at the same time, an Italian artist and philosopher, Filippo Tomasso Marinetti, gave some amazing music performances. He played loud industrial noise recorded from factory machinery and motor cars while blowing heavy smoke into the room, leaving the audience with ringing ears, and coughing. This was how the future would be, according to him, and he found it beautiful. He was right, in a way. Everything he foresaw happened: we are now caught in 102 | Issue 124 | May 2019
a gigantic global traffic jam, suffocating in smoke and pollution, and industrialism is threatening life on earth. Cartier was right, too. For a century, his square tank watch has been sported by celebrities and trend-setting women from Jackie Kennedy to Michelle Obama. Cartier and Marinetti both provide a wonderful recipe for how to navigate in a seemingly unpredictable future. Firstly, you need a vision; you need to be able to imagine your future completely differently to what you know now. And if you can’t, you must surround yourself with people more imaginative than you. ‘But can’t you just adopt to change as it happens?’. In most cases, no. The world is changing so fast that when you notice the change, it’s too late. If you don’t have a vision that stretches beyond what you can see today, you can’t make strategic decisions. At best, you can make tactical decisions. Secondly, you need to be able to interpret trends correctly. Marinetti didn’t make any practical applications – he just predicted a
noisy and smoky future. Louis Cartier was smarter; he took Marinetti’s scenario and asked himself, if the future will be defined by an industrial revolution, how can I design a watch that will be in sync with time? His watch stayed modern for a century. This is the dilemma most business leaders face today.
Nils Elmark is a consulting futurist and the founder of Incepcion, a London-based consultancy that helps organisations develop new and braver dreams.
Creating the best IT solutions for their clients Having a good and secure IT infrastructure is essential for any business or organisation. Credocom, a specialist within network, security and data centres, works with some of Denmark’s biggest companies to provide bespoke IT solutions for them, ensuring their data is safe and secure and that their networks are optimised. By Josefine Older Steffensen | Photos: Credocom
In 2006, Thomas and Alice Grønne established RespektIT A/S, while René Bukrinsky started Credocom A/S. The two companies joined forces in 2012 and have since then become one of the leading and most trusted Danish consultancy firms within network and security. “Over the years, we’ve seen a huge variety of issues in a wide range of industries, which means that we today have many solutions up our sleeves in order to help in a way that is suitable for each individual company,” explains Thomas Grønne. Credocom is focused on three main areas: security, network and datacentres. “Our view on cyber security is wide ranging. We’re used to working with IT threats and continuously keep updated on any new threats, and we have among the market’s safest IT security,” says Grønne. Cybercrime is often not thought 104 | Issue 124 | May 2019
about until there is a breach in the security, but working with Credocom will prevent many losses. IT is impossible without having a good network. Credocom provides everything from the physical set-up of the network to NAC-solutions on an established network. Each solution is built specifically for the individual client and their requirements, ensuring that they are not left with an excessive set-up that does not meet their needs.
Working in the cloud Data in the modern age is increasingly being stored on cloud-based infrastructure, which requires an increased focus on security, back-up and recovery. “A lot of companies can gain something from using cloud-based infrastructure and services. One of the greatest advantag-
es is business agility: the possibility to quickly, and without a huge investment, offer services to customers, staff and partners on a platform that is easily customised,” says Grønne. “Another benefit is definitely the fact that it eliminates the boring and time-consuming task of maintaining the platform.” The cloud, however, does also come with its own set of security and safety issues, as it is not immune to cyber-attacks. In fact, the cloud is more visible and accessible than the traditional physical data centre would be. “These cloud-based services are something we’re using and working with on a daily basis. We know about the various weak links and pitfalls of them, and have come up with a variety of solutions that actually make these solutions cost-effective, versatile and extremely secure. The cloud isn’t immune, but we’ve learnt to vaccinate it effectively.”
Zero trust Trust is one of the biggest vulnerabilities of IT infrastructure, which is why Credocom has taken a zero-trust approach to its designs and solutions. Us-
Scan Magazine | Business Profile | Credocom
ing their zero-trust strategy, they work from the inside out, protecting what is most valuable to each company and building a secure network around that. Zero trust is built on three main principles: secure access to all resources; reduced, specified access; and inspection and logging of all traffic. “A company’s resources should only be accessed through secure networks, irrespective of time and place of the person trying to access it. It is therefore often only certain units that will be able to gain access. We also almost always adopt a ‘least-privileged’ strategy. That way, we ensure that only those people who actually need access get access. It reduces the vulnerability of certain resources. It is much easier to identify potential threats if all traffic to and from a site or resource is logged and inspected, something that is often done through an automated process. That way we can catch things before it escalates,” explains Grønne.
Thomas S. Grønne.
A partnership Credocom works with each individual company to create a solution that suits them. “There isn’t one set way of doing something. We use similar principles and frameworks, like CIS 20, to ensure a broad range of topics are covered, but it is definitely also the expertise and experiences we’ve had over the many years of working with different companies that have helped us to be able to provide the best solutions for our clients.”
Alice Grønne.
No one company provides the full spectrum of products within IT security, so instead, Credocom has hand-picked the companies that they work with to ensure that their clients are getting the best products on the market. “We can build solid solutions that combine the different products we get from our partners. Our aim is always to make it as easy as possible for our clients, so our solutions bring together the different products and make them work together to create a solution that is focused on automisation and ease of use,” concludes Grønne. Web: www.credocom.dk
René Bukrinsky.
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Create your own independent, mobile business TMP is specialised in building a wide range of street food service trucks for almost every purpose imaginable. This year, a full electrical coffee van, allowing indoor use, has just been launched.
compact size provides excellent flexibility. There is the traditional Chassis model or the slightly bigger Ape 50 box, providing more space for the business.
By Nicolai Lisberg | Photos: TMP
The concept of street food is rather simple: your personal food service truck allows you to bring your business directly to your customers, instead of the other way around. It is all about flexibility, and the opportunity to run your own independent business. Few people understand this better than TMP, who since 2013, have operated with the mantra ‘more with less’, designing and building street food service trucks for their customers. “Our customers need to fit a lot of things into a very limited space. Therefore, cre106 | Issue 124 | May 2019
ating an enticing, charming and compact unit with great mobility is one of our key ambitions. Put simply, our clients want to run an independent, flexible business, fully rent-free, and where they can decide when and where to meet their customers,” says Thomas Møller Pedersen, CEO at TMP.
Whatever you want Many of the street food trucks use the Italian icon Ape 50 as their base. It is used for the production of coffee, waffles, beer, juice, pizza and more, and the
TMP have also started making bigger models, such as the Ape Classic 400, for bigger-capacity needs, and electricengine vehicles to meet the increasing eco-friendly branding needs as well as
Scan Magazine | Business Profile | TMP
the need for indoor use. The Ape Classic 400 can be built with two stations, allowing the business owner to fit a coffee bar on one side and, for instance, a juice bar on the opposite side. One of the new inventions from TMP is a fully electric coffee van of exceptionally compact size, making it fit through doors and into elevators in shopping centres and larger office buildings. “There are places such as airports and offices where you can’t use a traditional petrol engine, and we’ve seen an increasing demand for this new fully electric model, as it can be used indoors as well,” says Møller Pedersen. “Over the years, we’ve acquired extensive experience of designing a wide range of street food service trucks to fulfil the specific needs of the customer. We have, for
instance, designed a coffee truck for a library that wanted a coffee machine combined with some book shelves, and we’ve also built a street food truck with corner tables for a client who wanted a coffee machine on one side and the possibility to serve cakes from the other side, when using the truck for promotions at petrol stations. If you can imagine it – we can build it.”
Delivering quality The trucks can vary a lot in design, but they all have one thing in common: the quality of the materials TMP uses. Stainless steel and real wood are very often integrated in the solutions. The coffee machines are among the best on the market, all with electrical grinders. The business owners can adjust the amount of coffee the machine makes from time
to time, and all coffee machines are delivered with water filters as well. “Quality is very important to us, but it is equally important to keep the pricing competitive. We recently had a customer who was impressed by the quality of the materials and how affordable the price actually was. Depending on the exact model, you can get a truck from around 12,000 euros. One customer’s simple calculations, based on the cost of materials needed for making a good cup of coffee, showed that if he could sell 15 cups of coffee a day, he would have paid off the truck in a year,” Møller Pedersen concludes. You can read more about the vehicles, the company and the different solutions at www.streetconcept.dk
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Scan Magazine | Home and Garden Profile | OneLeg by Susanne Schmidt
The stool has a timeless, Scandinavian design and is made from beautiful, sustainable materials.
OneLeg comes in a variety of sizes for both indoor and outdoor activities and is made from beautiful, sustainable materials.
A better way to sit Susanne Schmidt has always been the entrepreneurial type. When she had a problem sitting while doing her gardening, she came up with a sustainable solution that turned into a full-time business. By Emilie Kristensen-McLachlan | Photos: OneLeg
To Susanne Schmidt, a problem is always simply an opportunity to come up with a solution. When she experienced back pain and sore legs when doing her gardening, she came up with the idea that has now grown into a small company. “I’ve never worked in the health industry, and I’m not a designer. But I needed a better way to sit. That was the beginning of OneLeg,” says Schmidt. With the help of a friend with the right knowledge and training, she created a stool in a timeless, classic design that ensures good and healthy sitting postures. The stool has a round bottom that makes it easy to move around freely without straining your back, and it doesn’t leave any marks on your lawn or floor. In just over a year, OneLeg grew from a side project into a full-time business. “It started out as a product mainly for gardeners, but I quickly found out that it would be 108 | Issue 124 | May 2019
useful for a range of people, from healthcare professionals to nursery children and people who simply want to sit better when working,” says Schmidt.
Sustainable for the body and the environment OneLeg now comes in a variety of sizes for both indoor and outdoor activities. The model for the garden is made from polyethylene, a type of plastic that can be reused over and over again. Sustainability is important for Schmidt, whether it’s in relation to her products’ materials or their functionality. “You shouldn’t worry about
using certain types of plastic. If recycling is optimised and dealt with properly, these materials can be used again and again. The material is incredibly strong. Our products can be passed on from generation to generation,” she says. In the past few years, Schmidt has started to produce stools in wood, as well. Right now, she’s experimenting with creating a model made from recycled materials. “Our focus is on continuing the Scandinavian tradition of having a sustainable design in beautiful materials, which really makes a difference to how people sit and work, whether it’s at home, in the garden or at work,” Schmidt concludes.
Web: www.oneleg.dk
Scan Magazine | Leadership and Executive Coaching Profile | Vidar Davidsen
Vidar Davidsen.
Tailored leadership training With leadership and team-development programmes that are adapted and scaled up and down as needed, Vidar Davidsen works closely with companies’ strategies, business ideas and objectives in order to achieve the best possible result for his clients. “To sum it up, my job is to inspire, challenge and train management teams and individuals to develop teams that exploit their best qualities and communicate, collaborate and solve challenges effectively.” By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Vidar Davidsen
Vidar Davidsen has obtained 15 years of experience of development and change processes in the business world. Previously, he was a top-level professional football coach for 16 years, which contributed to his knowledge of team building. “As a pro trainer, your aim is to change and develop the team as well as analysing skills, which is linked to the leadership development work I do – especially the development of peak-performance culture and handling change, so that one can understand and make the right demands of people in the process,” Davidsen explains.
resulting in tailored leadership development solutions. “The programme must be tailored and relevant to the particular company and individuals working there in order to have the desired effect. Therefore, development of the management team happens through a programme based on real-life situations and the current needs of the company. Changes seem to occur faster than before, and I believe digitisation and robotisation make the need for effective human interaction even more important in utilising new technology within companies,” says Davidsen.
When working with businesses, Davidsen always considers the company’s needs and operates in line with what he refers to as the tailor-made principle. This means that content, angling and methodology are adapted to each individual organisation,
The leadership developer and coach trains both Norwegian and international clients, predominantly around Scandinavia, offering specific changemanagement courses, cultural development, value creation, peak-performance
training, team-building, as well as coaching. “I use reputable methods for developing effective management teams and have exciting experiences and references from different industries, both nationally and internationally,” he states. In his latest project for seafood group Insula, Davidsen is working closely with consultant colleagues and will be visiting more than 20 subsidiaries around the Nordic region to implement a leadership change programme linked to an ongoing Enterprise Resource Planning implementation. Today, Davidsen is also frequently used as a speaker on topics related to motivation, feedback, cultural change and performance boost. “It was how I started in leadership development: while working as a coach I was often asked to hold lectures about peak-performance culture, which resulted in a passion for development processes and the desire to share my knowledge and explore successful business people in a ‘never stop learning’ process.” Web: www.vidardavidsen.no
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Scan Magazine | Leadership and Executive Coaching Profile | Ergo;Ego
Hanne Lindbæk. Photo: Stephen Hutton
The communication code Ergo;Ego aims to help, coach and inspire leaders, teams and politicians to find their best qualities so that they can influence their environment. “We want to show how you can communicate with greater conviction, clarity and courage, to achieve better impact and understanding, which results in a better outcome,” says founder, instructor and facilitator Hanne Lindbæk. By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Ergo;Ego
In addition to being a professional actress, Lindbæk has also obtained specialist expertise in management communication, strategic communication, process management and speech writing. After starting her company 20 years ago, Ergo;Ego has provided communication and leadership training to a range of companies in the Nordic region and internationally. “We retrieve our methods and tools from theatre, social psychology and rhetoric, which we have combined into one formula to help and inspire individuals,” Lindbæk says. “I believe that it is possible to train and practise to become a better communicator. Anyone can obtain the right skills, regardless of who they are or where they are from.” She further explains that it is important to think 110 | Issue 124 | May 2019
about not just the words you use to express yourself, but also the non-verbal aspects: your body language and how it relates to the message you are trying to express. Lindbæk recently published the book Communication Code with the publishing house Kagge Forlag. It is a guide to understanding the power of your own communication. “If you manage to crack the code, I can guarantee you’ll get the desired breakthrough. In a working world where everything is rapidly changing, good communication skills are more important than ever to succeed. The book is here to lead you on your way, whether it is in a work situation or a private one,” she says. Communication Code is in the process of being translated and will be available in English this summer.
Earlier this year, Lindbæk and her team had the pleasure of joining the UN in co-creating solutions for sustainable development. “100 leaders from no less than nine countries across Europe were able to learn the communication code through our first digital learning journey, which was very exciting,” says Lindbæk. “A big trend now is training – everybody needs more knowledge, and especially in the digital world. At Ergo;Ego, we see a big demand for learning, and it is fun to be able to help with that development.”
Web: www.ergoego.no
Scan Magazine | Business | Column/Calendar
We must not enslave the future While British politicians fiddle, the planet burns. At the time of writing, Caroline Lucas, the UK’s only Green MP, has just tabled a motion in Parliament calling for a UK-wide climate emergency, as a number of councils have already done. “We need to invest in a Green New Deal to rapidly decarbonise the UK,” she says. The national media, and most people, simply look the other way. Others are having more success. In the vanguard of the call for action on climate change is a Scandinavian – unblinking, unflinching 16-year-old Greta Thunberg, initiator of the school strikes that brought out 1.4 million students across 2,000 cities in mid-March. They are not looking the other way. Greta says in her TED talk: “Instead of looking for hope, look for action [...] Everything needs to be changed and it has to start today”. Please take 11 minutes of your time to watch this.
May these children shame us into action: they will inherit the diabolical mess that we have created. Public philosopher Roman Krznaric confirms this when he writes: “... future generations are disenfranchised in the same way that slaves or women were in the past [...] Modern democracy [...] has enabled us to colonise the future. We treat the future like a distant colonial outpost devoid of people, where we can freely dump ecological degradation, technological risk, nuclear waste and public debt, and that we feel at liberty to plunder as we please”. We must all engage with the long-term future and every company must do so too. Workplace debates about the organisation’s impact on the future could and should help to transform our societies in the same way that trade union struggles won victories for work-
Business Calendar
By Steve Flinders ers’ rights in the 19th and 20th centuries. This column is supposed to be about business communication. Confronting climate change head-on is the most important kind of business communication that I know of.
Steve Flinders is a freelance trainer, writer and coach, based in Malta, who helps people develop their communication and leadership skills for working internationally: steveflind@aol.com
By Sanne Wass
Scandinavian business events you do not want to miss this month Brexit briefing: Contracts Brexit could have a huge impact on commercial contracts and the costs of doing business. This breakfast event, organised by the Norwegian-British Chamber of Commerce, will guide you through the uncertainty of the UK’s departure from the EU. Speakers, including representatives from Haynes and Boone, G4S and Transition Dynamics, will explore options available from a legal and contractual perspective and highlight the capabilities that businesses can acquire to better deal with the complexities ahead. Date: 14 May 2019, 8-10am Venue: Haynes and Boone, 29 Ludgate Hill, London EC4M 7JE, UK www.nbccuk.com
Workshop: Non-verbal communication for client meetings Join the Finnish-British Chamber of Commerce for what it describes as a “fun and interactive workshop” for body language and non-verbal communication. Through participatory exercises with physicality, status and different non-verbal interaction situations,
the event will give you tools to communicate confidently, naturally and effectively with your clients. The workshop is conducted by Suvi Koivusalo, a London-based Finnish trainer and professional actor specialising in creativity, communication and presentation skills. Date: 16 May 2019, 6-9pm Venue: Danske Bank UK, 75 King William Street, London EC4N 7DT, UK www.fbcc.co.uk
Business breakfast: Michael Sheren of Bank of England The Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK continues its business breakfast series, this time featuring Michael Sheren, senior advisor at the Bank of England, as the guest speaker, to talk about the financing of the transition to a sustainable global economy. Sheren advises on governance, banking supervision and policy, and is actively involved in domestic and international green finance activities. He is also the co-chair of the G20 Sustainable Finance Study Group with China. Date: 21 May 2019, 8-10am
Venue: DNB Bank, 25 Walbrook, London EC4N 8AF, UK www.scc.org.uk
Conference: The Liveable City More and more people live in ever-larger cities around the world. This comes with a host of challenges and has made the question of how to create liveable cities ever more urgent. To help further the discussion, the Danish Embassy in London invites businesses, politicians, professionals and the general public to take part in talks, seminars and debates on everything from architecture and urban planning to creativity and happiness. Date: 18-20 June 2019 Venue: The Royal Danish Embassy, 55 Sloane Street, London SW1X 9SR, UK www.dkuk.org
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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Sweden
Restaurant of the Month, Sweden
Home comforts in an idyllic setting Situated on the beautiful island of Donsö, Isbolaget is housed in a former ice factory. But don’t be fooled by the history – with its down-to-earth, rustic charm, this is one restaurant which guarantees a warm welcome.
speciality and a favourite over the summer months, and in addition to burgers, steaks and fish, the restaurant is also planning to extend its vegan provision.
By Liz Longden | Photos: Andreas Silverblad
Isbolaget sits at the end of the pier in Donsö harbour, looking out onto Gothenburg’s southern archipelago. It is a breath-taking setting in which to enjoy a meal or a drink, but the location originally had a practical purpose – the building used to be an ice factory and warehouse, catering for the local fishing boats taking their catch to market. And even today, the building’s history continues to make itself felt. “It’s a really special building, with a unique atmosphere. You can still see the marks where ice has worn down the walls over the years, and it’s fantastic that that hasn’t been painted over, because that’s what gives it its character,” explains Lisa-Lotte Steen, who 112 | Issue 124 | May 2019
owns and runs the restaurant. “It’s very beautiful, but in a kind of rough way, and we’ve taken inspiration from that. When people come in, we don’t want it to feel polished or stuffy. I want them to feel welcome, as if they were invited to my home.” Accordingly, there will be no ‘nouvelle cuisine’ on offer at Isbolaget any time soon. Instead, Steen and her team pride themselves on a hearty menu based on Swedish and European classics. “We don’t do fine dining, or have a wine list with 17 wines,” Steen warns. “Instead, we serve food that is simple, good and filling, with a slightly rustic feel. It’s food that we’d like to eat ourselves.” Locally caught and warm smoked salmon is one
While many visitors take the boat from the mainland purely to visit the restaurant, Isbolaget also makes a stunning location for weddings, private parties and conferences. And this summer, the restaurant will also become the first hotel on Donsö, which is not accessible by car, with ten double rooms initially available, rising to 14 in the autumn. “We’re surrounded by fantastic nature, with plenty of walking trails and great spots for swimming,” Steen points out. “So having overnight accommodation here will give our guests the chance to properly explore and discover the island.” Web: www.isbolaget.com
Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Denmark
Restaurant of the Month, Denmark
The local in Svendborg Børsen has, since its establishment in 1984, been at the heart of the community in Svendborg, Denmark. Throughout the years, it has been expanded and developed to today being a gastropub where it is possible to grab a delicious meal, host a party or simply sit by the bar and enjoy a cold beer.
on the big screen and the beer is always cold. “When people go out, they should have a great experience. That’s what we aim to provide every time someone walks through the door,” concludes Lindahl.
By Josefine Older Steffensen | Photos: Børsen Bar
To get a sense of the local community in Svendborg, Børsen should be a first stop on the tour. “Everyone kind of knows everyone here. We’ve got our regulars who come in a for a beer or the brunch on the weekend. A lot of people also visit who have celebrated some kind of milestone with us, be it a birthday or a retirement party,” explains owner Mette Lindahl, whose parents established the gastropub. The historical development of the pub is clear to see, as different parts of it have been bought over the years and bring with them their own persona. The pub today occupies five rooms with space for 300 people. There are three event rooms that can be hired, each of which has its own cultural Danish theme: one celebrates Matador, a historical Danish TV series, another the film Martha, and the last John Mogensen, a Danish sing-
er. The rooms are decorated with memorabilia and make for a fun event space where up to 70 people can sit.
Making something delicious “We put a lot of effort into our food and making it good. Whether it’s the Danish classics, a burger or our three-course meal, you can be assured it’s all of the highest quality and with a lot of love behind it,” explains Lindahl. Børsen makes everything from scratch and takes a great deal of care with the food served. The menu is varied and includes everything from a traditional open sandwich to steaks and also the gourmet three-course meal that changes every two months according to the seasons. The relaxed atmosphere at Børsen makes it a place you will want to keep returning to. Once a month, there is a pub quiz, the football is often showing
Web: www.borsenbar.dk Facebook: Borsensvendborg Instagram: @gastropub_borsen
Issue 124 | May 2019 | 113
Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Norway
The merging of Fish & Cow and Tango invites guests to choose which experience they want – or to have both.
Restaurant of the Month, Norway
Two worlds under one roof — step inside the universe of two of Stavanger’s top restaurants For several years, Fish & Cow and Tango have been staples on the Stavanger restaurant scene, serving up pure and delicious food to locals and tourists alike. Now, the two restaurants have come together to offer people the two different worlds of cuisine under the very same roof. By Alyssa Nilsen | Photos: Arne Bru Haug
Having previously existed in separate locations in the picturesque Norwegian coastal city of Stavanger, Fish & Cow and Tango recently opened the doors to their very own universe, merging the two restaurants into one common venue. But even though they exist in the same space 114 | Issue 124 | May 2019
under the same roof, they’re still separate restaurants, allowing people to choose exactly which concept they want to experience — or to experience them both. Guests are greeted at the shared entrance by a butler who will guide them to their
restaurant of choice. Separated not only by physical soundproof walls and curtained windows, the two restaurants have their own distinct styles, design and vibe: one for a more low-key experience, and one for the special occasions that demand a little bit more.
Different styles and different vibes For a modern brasserie vibe, you’ve got Fish & Cow with their rougher edges, honest and pure produce and ingredients, and a relaxed, down-to-earth atmosphere. It’s an everyday restaurant
Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Norway
perfect for an after-work meal, a brunch with friends on the weekends, or a place to relax after a stressful day. Honest cooking is their mantra, and you’ll be able to recognise the food on your plate; a potato should look like a potato and fish should look like fish. Their cocktails are renowned and work just as well with a meal as they do as an aperitif or a relaxing after-dinner drink. If you want to take the experience one step further and enjoy an evening of fine dining, Tango is the place for you. Located inside the original venue of Fish & Cow, Tango now has its very own space within the restaurant. With an intimate and stylish space seating 30 guests, a formal but relaxed atmosphere and some of the most comfortable restaurant chairs in the country, the seven-course menu is tailored to the seasons and the currently available produce. “This is the chef’s playground,” managing director Tommy Oppedal Raanti says. “It is a dynamic menu that changes whenever new and exciting produce comes in, or a certain product comes into season. It can happen almost overnight.” Should seven courses be too much, you also have the option of a smaller meal consisting of four courses, or a Saturday lunch menu consisting of three courses from the evening menu, plus the option to choose dessert. The meals can also be tailored to meet the requirements of
food allergies or vegetarian or vegan diets. Having gained attention far beyond the local area, Tango is one of only three Stavanger restaurants recommended in the Michelin Guide. Though their menus and concepts are vastly different and focus on completely different aspects of food, taste, experiences and expectations, both restaurants enjoy the benefits of being located in Rogaland. It is one of the warmest regions of Norway, with a climate that allows for an abundance of locally grown fruits and vegetables, wild herbs and plants, and with meats and seafood available right outside the door.
Fish & Cow.
Pick and choose — or have both If you can’t decide which one to go to, you don’t have to choose just one. Why not turn it into a full-day experience? Whether you’re a local or a tourist, set aside a day for a gastronomical experience where you start early with lunch at Fish & Cow, move over to Tango for dinner, and end the evening at the bar with a few cocktails and a meat or cheese platter. From 11am until 2am the Fish & Cow and Tango universe is there for you to explore and experience, to relax, to enjoy, and to dive into everything they’ve got to offer.
Fish & Cow.
Find Fish & Cow online: Web: www.fishandcow.no Facebook: restaurantfishandcow Instagram: fishandcow Find Tango online:
The restaurants are immensely popular and booking a table in advance is highly recommended, particularly for Tango, with its intimate space.
Web: www.tango-bk.no Facebook: tangobk Instagram: tangobk
Tango.
Tango.
Tango.
Issue 124 | May 2019 | 115
Restaurant of the Month, Finland
Seaside restaurant offering seafood and super views, and soon a floating terrace The restaurant Meripaviljonki – meaning sea pavilion – has anchored itself in the hearts of seafood lovers and anyone enjoying the top location, surrounded by the sea and the city. With its unique architecture and seaside location, the restaurant is quickly growing into somewhat of a landmark in Helsinki. Now it is opening a new terrace, which will float on the water – just like the restaurant itself. By Mari Koskinen | Photos: Restaurant Meripaviljonki
In four years, the Meripaviljonki restaurant, located in Hakaniemi in the centre of Helsinki, has established itself as one of the go-to restaurants in the city. It was designed by Simo Freese, and his innovative design allows the restaurant to be fully afloat, yet keeps it stable and easily accessible along a wide walkway. Meripaviljonki’s facade is made of glass from floor to ceiling, offering panoramic views of the cityscape and the sea from each table. “Our restaurant is an excel116 | Issue 124 | May 2019
lent example of Finnish know-how, and a real piece of architectural art. We have managed to carve ourselves a spot as part of the trendy and exciting cosmopolitan Helsinki, and we are very proud of what we have achieved,” says restaurant manager Jani Korpihete. Meripaviljonki’s acclaimed menu, by head chef Janne Stenström, offers fish, shellfish and lobster from their very own tank, and also a good selection of vegetarian and meat dishes. The restaurant
is deeply rooted in water, and the menu boasts the very best quality in seafood dishes and seasonal ingredients. “Our dishes are inspired by pure and authentic Finnish and Nordic flavours. We are one of the few restaurants in Helsinki that serves fresh lobster. All our seafood is fresh, and we use local ingredients whenever possible. We believe a first-class service, delicious food and carefully-selected wines in a unique milieu contribute to the ultimate recipe for our success,” Korpihete states. On Sundays, the restaurant draws in the crowds with its renowned brunch, where the wide selection of dishes varies according to the season. “Currently, we are serving asparagus and prawn brunch every Sunday until 16 June. The only exception to this is on 12 May, when we
Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Finland
The new floating terrace opens in May.
celebrate Mother’s Day and offer an extended brunch menu for this special occasion,” says Korpihete. The restaurant can also be booked for private events, like weddings, birthday parties or corporate events for up to 200 guests.
Opening of the terrace The upcoming opening of the terrace is yet another achievement, and a remarkable milestone for the restaurant. “It was already quite an event when the 200-square-metre terrace structure was towed here by water; the local newspapers were streaming it live on their newsfeeds,” explains Korpihete. Since then, the terrace has been connected to the restaurant and is undergoing the final touches before opening by the end of May.
Listening to the birdsong and water lapping against the side, guests will really get the feeling of being afloat, and the glass railing lets them take in the view fully. “Guests can enjoy our refreshing summer drinks and cocktails, and the full á la carte menu is available at the terrace too. I recommend, for example, local flavours like white fish and rhubarb and lightly smoked Finnish trout with currant beurre blanc. They, like many other options too, create the perfect meal at the terrace, accompanied by our quality wines,” Korpihete explains. Midsummer is quite an event in Finland, and Meripaviljonki, with its new terrace, will offer the perfect spot to celebrate this highlight of the season. “We will be open every day during the Midsummer
weekend, and the terrace will stay open all day, if the weather permits,” promises Korpihete. Guests can reach the restaurant also by boat, as the restaurant offers its own boat dock. It can also be easily accessed by foot, car or local transport. By opening the terrace, Meripaviljonki will become a truly unique venue that will certainly attract both locals and tourists. “The exceptional milieu combining both indoor and outdoor spaces, paired with our high-quality dishes and drinks, means a meal at Meripaviljonki will always be an unforgettable and enjoyable experience,” Korpihete concludes. Web: www.meripaviljonki.fi Facebook: ravintolameripaviljonki
Issue 124 | May 2019 | 117
The exterior of the mountain lodge is originally from 1829.
Hotel of the Month, Norway
A little gem on the mountain If you head towards the north of Norway to a little place called Aunegrenda in the Røros region, you can discover a charming gem on the mountain. Here, Nordpå Fjellhotell welcomes you to relax and take in the stunning scenery, while offering a wide range of activities and events all year round. By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Nordpå Fjellhotell
Situated in Holtålen municipality just a one-hour and 45-minute drive from Trondheim city centre, the traditional Norwegian mountain lodge Nordpå Fjellhotell is waiting for you to come and discover everything it has to offer. The farmhouse was built back in 1829 and has since been renovated, and wings have been added, but it has kept its original charm. Surrounded by magnificent nature with the soul and history of a century-old mountain farm, modern comforts and delicious local cuisine, you 118 | Issue 124 | May 2019
will find everything you need for a pleasant stay on the mountain.
Homely atmosphere Nordpå Fjellhotell offers a homely and inviting atmosphere, a place to feel welcome, where you can slow down away from the stresses of everyday life. “Here, you can take the time to switch off and find stillness,” says manager Karin Mol. “Aunegrenda is such an idyllic little area with a scenic landscape and stunning views – perfect if you want to enjoy the
peace and quiet, but at the same time a great location for adventures,” she adds.
Enjoy the peace, yet stay active With plenty of activities available, there is something for everyone to enjoy while visiting the cosy hotel in any season. You can, for instance, find ski tracks and marked hiking routes for all levels of fitness just outside your door, apBlåstua, a cosy and charming space to relax and dine in.
Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Norway
pealing to anyone who is after an active holiday while discovering the stunning Norwegian scenery. “Whatever the guests wish to experience, whether that is dog sledding, swimming, fishing trips or mountain hikes, we try our best to meet their requests,” Mol explains. “We also offer courses and retreats that focus on mindfulness, where we ask guests to leave their technology behind and be present in the moment. I recommend trying one of our yoga weekends, a nice way to calm down from everyday life.”
Traditional Norwegian style and food The interior and style at the mountain lodge are typically Norwegian, where old and new are closely linked. “You can choose to stay in one of our 12 comfortable and modern hotel rooms in the newest addition, or in one of the ten charming Fjellstue rooms. It is also possible to be on your own in the more traditional Hytta på Tunet: a self-catering cottage in a charming setting,” Mol says. The hotel also has a fully-equipped wellness area with sauna and jacuzzi for guests to make use of during their stay. The menu at Nordpå Fjellhotell is based on traditional Norwegian food, using locally sourced ingredients from the region as much as possible. “We mostly serve dishes that are typically Norwegian, which means, for instance,
a hearty meat stew followed by a creamy rice pudding. But we also prepare plates with modern and international influences,” says Mol. “It all depends on what our guests want.”
Perfect place for social gatherings With 45 beds, a light and modern, fully equipped meeting room and the possibility to have the whole hotel at your disposal, it is also a popular place for companies and groups to host their seminars and courses. The beautiful and unique event space Låven has recently been renovated and is suitable for everything from corporate conferences and atmospheric concerts to art exhibitions and other events such as weddings and parties. “I would like to think that everyone can benefit from a trip here,” says Mol. “We are a bit hidden away, but when you get to Nordpå Fjellhotell, you can really have an enjoyable and unforgettable stay.”
How to get there: Train or bus to and from Trondheim or Røros. Stop at Haltdalen.
Facebook: nordpaafjellhotell Instagram: @nordpaafjellhotell Contact: nordpaa@nordpaa.as
Issue 124 | May 2019 | 119
At Nicolai for Children, children get the space and tools to create their own art, whether it is a theatre play or painting.
Attraction of the Month, Denmark
When children become creators With a myriad of possibilities and only a few rules, Nicolai for børn (Nicolai for Children) is a bit of a Pippi Longstocking house. Located in Kolding, the activity house’s theatre, jungle room, and workshops are designed to awaken the creator in all children.
kids quickly get started on creating their very own make-up, costumes and roleplays on the professionally set stage.
By Signe Hansen | Photos: Peberman
Social, physical or creative – it’s all play
When adults enter the Nicolai for Children house, there might be a moment of hesitation – but not so for the children who are immediately drawn in by the foam blocks, climbing tower and floor-to-ceiling ropes of the jungle room. However, the jungle is just one of the centre’s many engaging activity areas. “The whole design of the house is centred around the wish to create a universe where the children become creators – it’s not about the result, but about the process,” explains head of 120 | Issue 124 | May 2019
Nicolai Culture, Mette Strømgaard Dalby. “When parents see the theatre’s make-up table, for instance, they often expect that an adult will draw pretty butterflies on the kids’ faces, but no, we’d rather that the kids do it themselves. And they do, wholeheartedly! The result might not always be too pretty, but they love it.” The theatre, like all the other activity spaces, has no rules and no adults to guide the fun. But, as Dalby explains, the
Designed by the award-winning architecture firm Dorte Mandrup Arkitekter, Nicolai for Children is a multi-layered universe of fun and creation for children aged two to 12. In addition to the different activity rooms, the house includes several creative workshops, including a woodwork workshop. “The activities appeal to different groups – those who like physical play, those who like social interaction and those who are into using their hands,” explains Dalby. “Of course, all children
Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Denmark
have a little of all of it in them, but there’s always one thing that appeals more than the others.” Noteworthy of all the offers and activities is the fact that they are not made with toys and children’s tools, but in many cases professional props and utensils. This goes for the theatre, too, which has a professionally set stage with turning pieces and costumes designed by a professional film-costume maker, as well as the creative workshops and events. “Children are little people, and of course we take their age into consideration when we have artist workshops with children, but we don’t differentiate between art experiences for children and for adults, and not in materials either,” says Dalby. “That might sound a bit intellectualised, but it’s important to remember that we’re also just a place where parents and children can come and cosy up. It’s a place to create and have fun – a bit of a Pippi Longstocking house where you get to do a lot of things you’re probably not allowed to do at home.”
No need for rules While there are not a lot of rules at Nicolai for Children, all children have to be accompanied by adults – and all adults must be accompanied by children. Most of the time it is, however, not the adults, neither parents nor staff, but the children who lead the activities. “We don’t experience that there’s much need for us to help the children get started. Once the kids get
into the theatre room, for instance, some of them start running up and down this big staircase on the stage, then someone discovers the make-up table, and then the costumes, and slowly a play begins to take shape,” explains Dalby. “It’s not like a kindergarten where there’s an adult to tell everyone when it’s time to play or paint.” This goes for the more active experiences as well as the calmer ones, such as the drawing room, a room with the whole floor covered in paper, and the reading corner where children can cosy up and listen to the storytelling robot. Indeed, the many facets of the house ensure that there is something that appeals to everyone, from local children to architects and tourists, says Dalby. “We have a lot of people coming by to see the house, including a lot of city planners and archi-
tects, but the most spontaneous surprise and astonishment comes from tourists, many of whom have never seen anything like it. A 1,300-square-metre culture centre for children, and designed for children – that’s not something you’ll find in many places.” Nicolai for Children in brief: Nicolai for Children is an activity house offering a variety of creative activities for children aged two to 12. Children have to be accompanied by an adult. Nicolai for Children is part of the Nicolai Culture Centre in Kolding. Entrance: 40 DKK (around 4.60 GBP)
Web: www.nicolaiforborn.kolding.dk
The two-storey jungle room is the perfect place for fun and gambolling.
Issue 124 | May 2019 | 121
The Sagastad building and the King. Sagastad lets visitors explore and learn about the Viking Age and the Myklebust ship using modern technology. Illustration: Francisco photography
Attraction of the Month, Norway
Exploring the Viking Age through modern technology The history of Norway throughout the ages is a rich and colourful tapestry, with events and traditions that have had a huge impact reaching far beyond the country’s own borders. The Vikings brought Norwegian and Scandinavian traditions and people to the world, then brought foreign traditions and people back home, and changed the course of world history as a result.
them surprisingly well-kept after centuries in the ground. Quite a few excavated ships, items and artefacts can be seen in museums
By Alyssa Nilsen
They might be known for their appearance, their ruthlessness in battle and raids, for their berserkers and warriors and for their kings and earls, but equally important were their trade, religion, art, politics and handy-work. Ships, jewellery, detailed weapons, clothes, leather and artefacts make up some of 122 | Issue 124 | May 2019
the treasures that would all have been lost in time, had it not been for the Vikings’ burial traditions. Kings, earls and other important or powerful people were buried with their ships, assuring them a safe and worthy journey to Valhalla. They were buried along with their belongings and assets, many of
Drone picture of the building. Photo: Thomas Bjørlo
Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Norway
around the country, and the largest ship discovered so far is finally getting its rightful place in the spotlight in Nordfjordeid, in the west of Norway. Traces and remnants after the ninthcentury Myklebust ship were discovered in 1874 by archaeologist Anders Lorange, in a large burial mound locally known as Rundehogjen. The ship is estimated to have been approximately 30 metres long, with a crew of at least 44 people, though probably closer to 90. Along with the ship, a full set of weapons, jewellery, gaming pieces and a Celtic bronze bowl with the burnt remains of human bones were discovered, indicating that the person buried must have been a rich and powerful man, most likely a local king. Experts believe this to be King Audbjørn (ca. 840-870) who fell at the Battle of Solskjel. Rundehogjen is one of five Viking gravemounds in Nordfjordeid, cementing the region’s importance during the Viking era in Norway.
Learn about the Viking age through text, images, audio and visual installations Sagastad is a brand-new museum and knowledge centre in Nordfjordeid, foShip building. Photo: Jorn Loset
cusing on the Myklebust ship and the surrounding history. There, you’ll be able to explore a full-size reconstruction of the ship, built by local boat-builders the traditional way, and learn about the journeys, traditions, rituals and culture of the people of the Viking era. Collaborating with the University of Bergen, the museum is ensuring that every little detail is as accurate as possible. There’s also a digital audio-visual exhibition using interactive screens and text, where the visitors will be greeted by a volva, a female shaman and seer in Norse religion, as well as King Audbjørn. They will take you on a journey through their day and age, and show you what happened to them. The exhibit is adapted to different types of visitors, making it possible for guests of all ages and levels of knowledge to take part. This also allows for people with a greater interest to dive further into the different subjects. A dedicated exhibition app is currently being developed, letting visitors experience the exhibition in their own native language. The exhibition is divided into three parts: Nordfjordeid in the Viking Age, exploring everyday life in the local area during the
The Myklebust ship. Photo: Jorn Loset
Viking Age; The findings of Myklebust, telling the story of The Last Voyage, binding together the death of the King and the burial at Myklebust, as well as the Vikings’ way of viewing their own world and the world of the gods and cosmology; and, finally, The Myklebust Ship, which explores the story of the ship and its journeys across the world, of trade and plundering, and the travels to the east, the west and the colonisation of the North-Atlantic. The different interactive modules let the guests learn actively, by taking part in the exhibition rather than being passive spectators. The museum is open to groups and individual guests alike, though groups must book in advance.
Visit Sagastad at: Web: www.sagastad.no/en Facebook: sagastad Instagram: sagastad_official
The Myklebust funeral. Illustration: Arkikon
Burial mound. Illustration: Arkikon
Issue 124 | May 2019 | 123
Scan Magazine | Gallery of the Month | Norway Vase installation by Irene Nordli. 2018. Photo: Preben Holst
Untitled by Wendimagegn Belete, 2018. Photo: Preben Holst
Installation by Irene Nordli. 2018. Photo: Preben Holst
The exhibition Nouveau Naive by Lene B. Ørmen. Photo: Istvan Virag
Gallery of the Month, Norway
A gallery space where art, craft and design meet At RAM, the focus is on contemporary art, craft and design. Celebrating 30 years of practice this year, the gallery has the pleasure of inviting art lovers from near and far to the new space in the latest art district in Oslo. By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: RAM Galleri
RAM is a multidisciplinary gallery focusing on the intersection between contemporary art, craft and design. Founded in 1989, the gallery was reformed and became an independent, self-governing institution in 2015. With the aim to be a platform for emerging and mid-career artists and makers from Scandinavia and beyond, RAM is a truly unique place. “We try to create a place where art and crafts meet in dialogue. It is important for us to be a broad-based gallery, showing different generations and practices,” says director Joakim Borda-Pedreira. He is optimistic on behalf of Norwegian contemporary art. “There are a lot of exciting things happening in the art world now. Our focus on quality and making art more accessible will be a great advantage in the years to come.” 124 | Issue 124 | May 2019
The exhibition programme features six to eight exhibitions annually, as well as a great number of temporary events such as artist talks, performances and lectures. This year, RAM is celebrating its 30th anniversary by moving to new premises, as well as hosting the new exhibition MÅ this May. “The gallery has gone through a renewal process this year, and we are very excited to finally invite guests to our brand-new space in Kongensgate. We have an interesting programme and promise that MÅ will be this year’s great art happening,” Borda-Pedreira smiles. The exhibition is curated by the renowned glass artist Vidar Koksvik and will show a selection of 18 contemporary craft artists. With a new web shop presenting a carefully curated selection of unique artwork
and artist editions by highly collectable Scandinavian as well as international artists, the gallery aims to provide affordable art for emerging collectors. “We want art to be accessible to everyone, and this is a low-threshold offer for those who are maybe not used to buying art, or young people decorating their own home,” he explains. “My idea is that when you visit an exhibition at RAM, there should be something available to purchase for everyone, no matter their budget.”
From left: Hanne Cecilie Gulstad, Preben Holst and Joakim Borda-Pedreira. Photo: Danby Choi.
Web: www.ramgalleri.no Facebook: ramgalleri Instagram: @ramgalleri
Scan Magazine | Artist of the Month | Finland
Left: Unbearable Joy, 120 cm x 75 cm, 2019, gouache painting and etching collage, cold leaf. Second from left: Layers of Miracles, 2019, 30 x 80 cm, gouache painting and etching collage, cold leaf. Middle: Fan of Joy, 2019, 80 x 50 cm, etching collage. Second from right: Lightness of Insights, 2019, 30 x 80 cm, gouache painting and etching collage. Right: Bowl of Grandmother’s Outlook of Life, 2019, etching collage, cold leaf.
Artist of the Month, Finland
Colourful life in joyful art Hanna Varis is a Finnish graphic artist and painter. She describes herself as a storyteller, and she gets inspiration for her colourful and graphic work both from the security of a balanced everyday life and from her travels to places like Italy, for instance. By Mari Koskinen | Photos: Jorma Vänttinen
“I like to use traditional methods, but still bring new ideas forward in my work,” explains Varis. “I like to create something beautiful and joyful, with lots of colours.” Varis is celebrating the 35th anniversary of her career this year. She has held over 70 solo exhibitions and participated at over 140 group exhibitions during her long career, and her works are part of major art collections both in Finland and abroad. Currently, until 25 May, her work is on display at Galleria Bronda in Helsinki, and later this year she will have exhibitions in Oulu, Hämeenlinna, Jyväskylä, Vaasa and Turku. “I made a conscious decision not to have retrospective exhibitions this year, because I want to look forward rather than back. My focus is in the now; I want to create something new from this moment,” she says. Varis wants to challenge people’s thinking around being an artist by providing a
different perspective. “Being an artist is not just about mixing colours and creating paintings; it also means hard work, and juggling many different roles, like any entrepreneur,” she explains. “Even though I feel that it is my calling and I have always known that I want to be an artist, it still requires determined, disciplined work.” Varis has lived through some dramatic events in her life: first, when she was seriously injured at the age of 19, and again years later, when her eight-year-old son was injured in a car accident. In both cases, the recovery took years. “I want to break the mystical idea that all artists work best during difficulties. I find that having a certain level of security and balance in my life helps me to work. Another thing that keeps me going is feedback from the people who have seen my work. I’m touched when someone has found
my work significant to them and it has left a mark in their lives.” As an artist, she is always at work. “I write down ideas all the time and save them for later. When I am ready to start, I lay the notes in front of me on a table and just look at them. Then, some of them feel more important than others, and that’s how the story begins – and from the story, the motif for the new picture.”
Artist Hanna Varis and Self Portrait as the Nomad.
Web: www.hannavaris.com Facebook: hannavaris.artist Instagram: @hannavarisart
Issue 124 | May 2019 | 125
Artist of the Month, Norway
Art that puts a smile on your face She has custom-made art by appointment for the Royal Family of Norway and spent years of her life in the metropoles of San Fransisco and Rio de Janeiro. But no matter how many miles from home, textile artist Benita Tornholm always longs for what inspires her the most – Norwegian nature.
same. I choose to express myself in a different manner, with textile, a scissor and a sewing machine,” she says. Photo: Tanya Tornholm
By Åsa H. Aaberge | Photos: Benita Tornholm
With a sewing machine, colourful fabrics and creative stitching, Tornholm creates what she describes as “textile paintings”. The motifs are her impressions of Norwegian nature and architecture – always with a humorous and naive undertone and with an aim to make people smile. “My wish is that my pictures get people in a good mood. I wish for my work to be a contrast to all the sad and 126 | Issue 124 | May 2019
painful things happening in the world,” says Tornholm.
Art in the blood Creativity is in Tornholm’s blood, and her career started already when she, as a little girl, got a sewing machine and started to make her own clothes. “My mother, Thorhild Augensen, is a landscape oil painter, and her father did the
Scan Magazine | Artist of the Month | Norway
Tornholm is a qualified teacher, but after working for 13 years in the education system, she chose to take a leap and focus on her lifelong passions, textile and art, full time. “I haven’t regretted that decision for a second,” she says.
A personal technique Tornholm’s pictures are created with a blend of textiles, paint and stitches. “Through 30 years, I have developed a personal technique. That technique is what leaves a unique mark on my work,” she explains. Tornholm’s favourite motif is the Norwegian coastline with its old, white houses and many lighthouses. “I love the lighthouses along the Norwegian coastline and have an aim to sew them all. I have up until now sewn about 30 of them.” The artist gets inspiration everywhere from the mountains to the sea, and captures what she sees with her camera. “I take photos of houses with interesting windows, doors and wrought-iron details. Through a transformation process in my head, what I see comes to life in my textile paintings.” With a steady hand and creative mind, Tornholm recreates everything from fences and windows to flowers, flags, waves and trees. Instead of using people as motifs, she gives the houses an almost human-like personality. “I sew small houses that lean onto each other and that tell each other that life is good.”
Tornholm rarely makes sketches; her pictures evolve as she works. “I always start with the sky, which I paint with a brush and textile paint. Then I mix it together with the textile. It is an exciting process – I never know how it will evolve,” she explains.
Award-winning art Tornholm’s pictures have earned awards, and over the years she has participated in hundreds of exhibitions in Norway as well as Denmark and Germany. Her art technique is so unique, some people even mistake them for being computer-made at first glance. “I normally carry the sewing machine with me whenever I am invited to an exhibition, because people are curious to see how the pictures come to life.” This summer, Tornholm’s work can be seen at various galleries throughout Norway, and a selection of her pictures are always on display at Galleri Kunstverftet in Stavern. Upcoming exhibitions: • Galleri Kunstverftet in Stavern • Lillestrøm Galleri • Glesvær Café in Sotra (July and August) • Kystkulturdagene i Lysøysundet (August) • Rennebumartnan (August)
Web: www.benitasbilder.com Facebook: Benitas Bilder Instagram: @benitatornholm
Issue 124 | May 2019 | 127
Scan Magazine | Humour | Columns
IS IT JUST ME…
By Mette Lisby
…who’s getting very mixed signals from the times we are living in? In an article about how online dating has made us less truthful, this statement struck me: “Everybody lies a little on their online profile. But if you come out and are open about it on the actual date, people like it. People respond well when someone is honest about their lying.” Huh? Very confusing times, aren’t they? We crave authenticity but watch reality TV, where every conflict is carefully crafted and every scene is edited and manipulated. We to go to great lengths to eat organically because we don’t want to fill our bodies with toxins, but we happily stuff our faces with botox, injections and line-fillers. We want to live our lives to the fullest and wish to stay alive for as long as possible, but no one wants to look like they have actually lived a life. We pant for pureness yet we keep trashing the planet. We want quality but require instant gratification, so on social media we’d rather follow someone who
posts mediocre stuff constantly than someone who posts quality updates once a month. We want our superstars to be human but we want humans to be flawless. We yearn for intimacy, yet mainstream porn has put the most intimate act on display to such a degree that we accept the presence of it without raising an eyebrow – this level of intimacy on display has become ordinary. We ache to connect but spend our time looking at screens in the company of people we could actually connect with. We long for something to believe in, yet more and more we disconnect from the thought of a God. We call for leadership but prefer leaders and politicians with no prior experience of how to actually lead a country. We thirst to find something ‘bigger than ourselves’, yet increasingly we become centres in our own universes, evolving around ourselves, building our own narratives, our own personal truth and reality.
Look like other people “You’re Big Smithy’s daughter!” a man in a dusty top hat shouted delightedly at me across a pub last night. I reassured him that my dad is not Big Smithy, but a rather slim Swede, but he was having none of it. “You’re definitely a relative of Big Smithy’s. There’s no mistaking you lot, you all look the same.” It’s rare that I get mistaken for someone else in England. In Sweden, on the other hand, I frequently spot people who look like me. They’ll have the same kind of body frame and facial features; they’ll dress and even move in a way that seems familiar. There’s something incredibly reassuring about looking like other people, a safety in numbers kind of thing. It’s also undeniably a balm to the selfesteem. I cannot criticise myself without also criticising the strangers who look like me, and that would be rude, even by Swedish standards. 128 | Issue 124 | May 2019
I only hope people respond to me being confused about the confusion, as well as they respond to liars admitting to their lies.
Mette Lisby is Denmark’s leading female comedian. She invites you to laugh along with her monthly humour columns. Since her stand-up debut in 1992, Mette has hosted the Danish version of Have I Got News For You and Room 101.
By Maria Smedstad
tion of shouting “sorry!” until, naturally, I was obliged to tell him that the fault was all mine. Because this is what becomes of a person who has lived in the UK for a long time: I might not look like a Brit, but by God can I solve a problem by engaging in a game of endless apology, until everyone forgets what the initial issue actually was. This, to me, is just about the best national look there is.
Actually, thinking about it, it does happen that I get confused with someone else in the UK. “Adults only!” a doorman at a venue yelled after me a little while ago. When I turned to face him, revealing that I am not in fact a child, but a very short grown-up, he resorted to the British solu-
Maria Smedstad moved to the UK from Sweden in 1994. She received a degree in Illustration in 2001, before settling in the capital as a freelance cartoonist, creating the autobiographical cartoon Em. Maria writes a column on the trials and tribulations of life as a Swede in the UK.
Scan Magazine | Culture Profile | Herbarium
Nordic botanic history now on your wall It is now possible to acquire single sheets of plants from prehistoric times, through a website dedicated to an herbarium created by the largest Nordic botanists during the Golden Age of Botany, 1820-1850. The new website tells the history of the plants and opens up the opportunity for a rare investment.
est in the shape of grasshoppers, the smallest the size of pinheads.” No doubt, the experience inspired him to write the fairy-tale A Drop of Water.
Text & photos: Herbarium
The Herbarium is of great significance in a Danish floral context, not least because there is a large selection of plants that are close to or have reached extinction in Denmark. Significant exemplars have been shared with many beloved museums. The Danish Botanical Museum has received items of botanical significance, and The Hans Christian Andersen Museum has been presented with exemplars dating from 1830, coinciding with the visit that most likely prompted him to write A Drop of Water. A few exemplars are also available at the National Museum of Denmark.
The family who built the Hofmansgave estate near the Funen coastline in rural Denmark in 1784 was always going to make its mark on Danish history. Between them, they left invaluable contributions to agriculture, the arts and, certainly not least, the natural sciences. Their significance is also evident in the fact that they regularly played host to the famous fairy-tale writer, Hans Christian Andersen. Niels Hofman Bang made the family home the centre of Danish botanical research from the early 1800s up until his death in 1855. This largely coincided with the era that has been called the Golden Age of Botany. Niels had the great honour of having the Bangia algae named after
him, and in 1840, he was knighted for his immense contributions to agricultural refinement and the science of botany. His son, Niels Erik, and his foster daughter, Caroline Rosenberg, shared his passion for flora, and along with other famous botanists of their time, they collected thousands of specimens, not just around the estate, but also all across Europe. Being a true scientist, Niels Hofman Bang used an early microscope in his work. When Hans Christian Andersen visited the estate in 1830, he was offered a chance to view a single drop of water in the powerful microscope. He wrote in a letter to a friend: “Would you imagine. Just a tiny drop of water on glass, but it was a whole world of creatures, the larg-
Now, a limited selection of the sheets are available for sale: you can own a piece of this herbarium as well. Simply visit the website, which carries the name of the original owner of the herbarium, Niels Hofman-Bang, in the header, where you can view the fascinating antique sheets available for sale. Web: www.herbarium.one Instagram: @herbarium.one
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Gabi Frödén’s latest musical project is the band Fires of May with her old Norrköping friend Gustaf Spetz.
Love and belonging through the nostalgic shimmer of exile Gabi Frödén left Sweden for London in 2006, but she wrote her debut novel in Swedish – and set in her home town, Norrköping. Scan Magazine spoke to the multitalented artist about escapism, the art of freelance life, and returning to your roots. By Linnea Dunne | Photo: Rebecca Frödén, Artwork: Gabi Frödén
“There’s something nostalgic about getting to use the language you grew up with, a way of being poetic that I can 130 | Issue 124 | May 2019
master in Swedish,” says Gabi Frödén about her debut novel, Trädhjärta (‘Tree heart’). But her half-Swedish, half-Irish,
Glasgow-raised toddler daughter, she admits, favours play dates with Englishspeaking children. Her Swedish brother, meanwhile, who has a PhD in creative writing and lectures at Glasgow University, insists he couldn’t write in Swedish – and neither does Gabi when she writes song lyrics. There certainly is something multi-cultural about her – and she is
Scan Magazine | Culture Profile | Gabi Frödén
multi-talented too. While much of her recent focus has been on the book, her professional career has previously consisted mostly of vocal performance gigs and freelance illustration work, the former including an LGBTQ circus show at the Roundhouse and the latter work with charities such as Positive Negatives, telling stories from all over the world about everything from sex trafficking to migration. “It’s been such a joy to get to use my skills and my art for something that feels important,” she says. There is little doubt that her inner compass is quite forceful, not only in its capacity to attract paid work that serves to make the world a little more beautiful. “As soon as there’s some cleaning to be done, then I’d rather do anything else, so art and writing provide an escape to another reality,” she laughs. Drawing was always her favourite pastime as a child, but when talking about that escapist form of survival now, she describes it as somewhat of a curse. “I can try to put something aside, but I’ll always be pulled back. It might sound exciting, but if there’s something you simply have to do, then you can’t just not do it and go do something else, or you’ll be miserable. And yet you need to earn a living, which isn’t always easy in a world where people don’t like to pay for music and art,” she says. “It’s not always a choice; I can’t live in this world and not work like this, and that’s a curse. It’s complicated.” She has warned in advance that she needs to be told to shut up, because she never stops talking – and it is true that she talks fast, but it comes across as genuine passion more than overbearing anxiety. “At the same time,” she continues, “now that I’ve had a couple of years of being able to live off my art, it’s an incredible feeling to think that I can have a decent quality of life and get to draw and write, and then I get this huge wave of gratitude – that I get to do this. My husband, Phil, is a drummer and producer, and this freelance lifestyle can be stressful sometimes – but it’s self-inflicted. We could always choose to do something else, which is a huge privilege. Really, only rich people can be artists.”
Ironically, perhaps, Gabi veered off the traditional artist path when she held off from going to art college as encouraged by her peers and teachers at a Swedish folk high school. Instead, she took up art teaching before moving to London and meeting her now husband, ending up on the music scene where she found her voice, quite literally. She released some music under the moniker Foreign Slippers and started touring, all while working as a barista at the renowned Monmouth Coffee – but eventually, it all became too much. “I was worn out,” she says. “Every holiday, every weekend, it was all gigging – I never got to rest. It wasn’t enjoyable anymore, so I called my manager and said ‘don’t call me until I call you!’. I felt quite lost.”
Room to write Cursed or not, the Gabi that chats away on the phone from her home in Glasgow sounds more contented than she sounds lost. “We can divvy up the days and say Wednesday is your day and Thursday is my day,” she says about the perks of the freelance lifestyle when you have small kids. Recently, as she has been busy wrapping up her latest musical project – an album with her old Norrköping friend Gustav Spetz, under the band name Fires of May – she has been making the most of the evenings, too. “We’ve been sending files back and forth. I like working alone, so it’s suited me,” she says. “I’ve been blessed with kids who sleep really well, so I sit in this wardrobe singing at night – we have a small home studio with coats everywhere in our old tenement flat with thick stone walls, so you can’t hear a thing from one room to another.” And somewhere along the road, from the streets of north London to the makeshift wardrobe studio in Glasgow, the seeds were sown for her first novel: a piece of young adult fiction that takes the reader back to Gabi’s home town, Norrköping, and to the 1970s. There, the young Karin, the tree-loving daughter of a chain-smoking journalist, falls in love with Anja, who comes from a strict, religious home and suddenly disappears. “I think when you live in exile, you recall your childhood and your hometown
through some sort of nostalgic shimmer. Plus, I’m really fascinated by that time – I think the ‘70s feel like a bit of a golden era,” she ponders. “But other than listening to a lot of ‘70s music, I haven’t done all that much research. The themes are universal: love and loneliness, belonging and sexual awakening – these are constant human struggles that 16-year-old girls will always be dealing with.” Having spent the first few years of her life as part of a free church in Norrköping, Gabi writes about Anja’s reality as well as the geographical environments in the book with ease. “To write about the promenades and the parks, the places we used to sit drinking cans when I was 16… it was nice not to have to think too much,” she explains and goes on to talk about the mysticism throughout the book, specifically in relation to Karin’s deep connection with trees – another apparent link to Gabi herself, whose illustrations often feature twigs, plants and trees. And perhaps, in a way, between the rekindling of her mother tongue and the opportunity to explore that rosetinted memory of the Sweden of her youth, Trädhjärta, more than just a story of love and belonging, is a way to come home.
Trädhjärta is out now on Natur & Kultur.
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Scan Magazine | Culture Profile | Danny Robins
Danny Robins ‘I find Swedes’ refusal to make small talk confusing’ As a BAFTA-winning comedy writer, Danny Robins has worked alongside the likes of Lenny Henry and Dara O’Briain, and he currently stars in the BBC Radio 4 sitcom The Cold Swedish Winter, a semi-autobiographical account of his time living in Sweden. Scan Magazine spoke to the Brit about his take on lagom, silence, and the Swedes. By Alexander Brett | Photo: Willie Runte
What inspired you to start this project?
Robins: In 2005, I was performing a comedy gig when my eyes met those of a girl in the audience. I can say without overstatement that it was love at first sight. When we spoke later in the bar, I couldn’t place her accent, but it turned out to be Swedish. The rest, as they say, is history, and we are now married, with two Anglo-Swedish children. As time went by and we spent more and more time in Eva’s home country, I found myself becoming fascinated with Sweden, a country simultaneously similar yet very different to Britain. This coincided with a growing interest with Scandinavia in the UK, which gave me the confidence that if I was to put some of the things I’d started noticing and wondering about Sweden into the form of a sitcom, other Brits might be interested too. Being such a homogeneous nation, do you think Swedes are welcoming to other cultures, including your own?
Robins: Yes. I think it’s a hugely welcoming and tolerant country, and while I think the Swedish government’s decision to start sending some refugees back to their, often still dangerous, countries as a knee-jerk response to the rising far-right is misguided, I still think the response of most Swedes to asylum seekers has put my own country to shame. I’ve seen first-hand how refugees in Sweden are treated, as my parents-in-law work closely with young parentless asylum seekers, and I wrote an episode of The Cold Swedish Winter about it. As for how they treat us Brits, with a degree of bemusement now I think, since we have been in the throes of Brexit, but I think Swedes are definitely anglophiles. In the first episode of The Cold Swedish Winter, you talk a lot about silence. How
disconcerting was it to begin with and have you grown used to it over time?
Robins: It’s still disconcerting. I find the Swedes’ refusal to make unnecessary small talk and their preference to sit in silence rather than fill gaps in conversation impressive, yet confusing. Have I offended them or are they silently agreeing? It’s hard to tell. I think it’s a result of Sweden being such a huge country with few people. There’s not that same pressure to get on with your neighbours, and you can easily keep yourself to yourself. The Swedish concept of ‘lagom’ is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. Why do you think Brits are so attracted to it, and are there other Swedish concepts that could make it over here?
Robins: I think most non-Swedes fundamentally misunderstand lagom. After the success of marketing the Danish hygge as a sort of lifestyle manifesto, lagom was pushed as some form of decluttering, minimalist philosophy. I believe lagom is really about fairness, a principle central to the Swedish psyche and enshrined in Swedish social policy and law, that people should take only what they need and that this should be available for all. It’s a concept I connect with. I have always admired and envied the fairness at the heart of Swedish society. Scandinavians live according to the strict demands of Jantelagen, the Law of Jante. Did you find these laws constricting or helpful as a foreigner hoping to assimilate?
Robins: Jantelagen is something that most younger Swedes would perhaps play down now, but I am always struck by how much that mindset persists subconsciously. Swedes don’t like displays of over-
confidence. I know American friends who have found this extremely hard to deal with, at job interviews, for example, where they’ve gone in to sell themselves and fallen flat as the Swedish interviewer found them too pushy. I think that still hanging on to Jantelagen can breed a celebration of mediocrity, but then it’s hard to argue with the achievements of Swedes on the world stage, so it’s clearly not holding them back. Sweden consistently features among the top of the global rankings for happiness and freedom. Why do you think this is, particularly bearing in mind they produce such dark works of literature, film and television?
Robins: Quite simply, life is good in Sweden. Whatever changes have gone on there, and clearly Swedish society has changed massively, there’s still an impressive degree of social cohesion and collectivism. I see this as one of the major differences between Sweden and the UK which, now more than ever, seems sadly driven by a very shorttermist, selfish, individualistic mindset. I think if you are living well and you are not in conflict with those above, below and around you, the chances are, you’re going to be happy. What do you like and dislike most about life in Sweden?
Robins: I like that people are kind – kinder than in Britain, I’m afraid to say. And I also love the landscape: the huge expanses of forest, the seemingly endless lakes and the easy access people have to this landscape, manifesting itself in an enduring relationship with nature that we Brits have largely lost. But I dislike a certain prudish mindset that hovers over Swedish society. As far as I have been able to ascertain, there is no adequate way to say ‘I’m excited’, and I think that says something. Sometimes I wish Swedes would step forward from the group, let their hair down and dance like nobody is watching...
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Scan Magazine | Culture | Music
Scandinavian music It’s been a whole year since the last time Swedish artist Sabina Ddumba released a song, last year’s big radio hit, Small World. Now though, she returns with Blow My Mind: a futuristic r&b tune with an eccentric electronic production and an appearance by Afrobeats star Mr Eazi. It is best checked out via watching the video on YouTube: she says that she was inspired by the gloss of MTV in the ‘90s when she made it, and it shows! Making us wait even longer for new music, however, is the once emerging (and now re-emerging, I suppose) talent Alessandra, who releases her first track in over two years. She comes back to the fore with Summer’s Not My Season, a pensive number which she says is about “daring to be true to yourself and your emotions even when they might feel like an inconvenience”. It’s got a chorus so good, it makes that two-year wait she made us sit through seem like a minor artistic transgression. And to make up for it, her debut EP is on its way very soon.
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By Karl Batterbee
Superstar producer Mark Ronson has recruited Sweden’s own Lykke Li to front his latest single Late Night Feelings. The song is a decadent slice of retro-tinged disco glamour, on which Li’s vocal conjures up the sounds and styles of a long-gone era beautifully. After hearing this, I only wish she would pursue disco for an entire album. She is perfect for it. Disco is clearly on trend in recording studios up and down Sweden right now, and to wake yourself from the blissful haze of Lykke Li’s despondent take on the genre, let’s finish on an upper. Swedish duo Klara & Jag released their debut EP last year, and return in 2019 with the utterly joyous Måste Jag Dö. It’s infectiously upbeat, irresistible to move to, and pays a cheeky nod to a ‘90s club classic in its chorus. If you can spot the reference, you’ll feel at home listening to this song too. Web: www.scandipop.co.uk
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Issue 124 | May 2019 | 135
Scan Magazine | Culture | Calendar
Maja Bugge. Photo: Jill Jennings
Scandinavian Culture Calendar – Where to go, what to see? It’s all happening here! Henning Kraggerud performs Beethoven (20 May)
Maja Bugge at Manchester Jazz Festival (25 May)
Award-winning Norwegian violinist Henning Kraggerud will appear at Wigmore Hall together with cellist Adrian Brendel and pianist Imogen Cooper. The three exceptional musicians, who are long-time collaborators, will perform the first and last piano trios by Beethoven. 7.30pm. Wigmore Hall, 36 Wigmore Street, London W1U 2BP, UK. www.wigmore-hall.org.uk
Norwegian cellist and composer Maja Bugge is bringing her latest project, Northern, to Manchester for the first time. Together with the audience, the piece explores the sonic identity of a place through audio and visual interpretation that reflects how we see, hear and relate to our surroundings. 4pm. Royal Exchange Studio, Old Bank Street, Manchester M2 7PE, UK. www.manchesterjazz.com
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By Sanne Wass
World Village Festival (25-26 May) The World Village Festival is one of the largest annual events in Finland. Over three days, cultures of the world come together in Kaisaniemi Park and the Railway Square in Helsinki to celebrate multiculturalism, tolerance and cooperation through art, dance, music, film, theatre, debates, literature and exotic food. The theme of this year’s event is climate change. Kaisaniemi Park and Railway Square, Helsinki, Finland. www.maailmakylassa.fi
Scan Magazine | Culture | Calendar
Distortion (29 May-2 June) Over the last two decades, Distortion has become quite a phenomenon. For five consecutive days, Copenhagen will be turned into one huge street party with massive daytime events; underground nightclubs; and a grand two-day finale, Distortion Ø, followed by Sunday ‘hygge’ in the park. Various locations, Copenhagen, Denmark. www.cphdistortion.dk
Hang Massive on UK tour (30 May-1 June) Hang Massive, a UK-Swedish Hangplaying duo, is currently touring Europe and will arrive in the UK in late May. The band was formed in 2011 by Danny Cudd from the UK and Markus Offbeat from Sweden, after the two met on the shores of Goa, India. The two initially started playing together on the streets of Europe, and today perform at venues and festivals all over the world. Bristol and London, UK. www.hangmusic.com
Hang Massive. Photo: Press photo
Prose, Poetry & Debate: Queer Writing from Europe (6 June) With Europe going through political and social upheaval, this event will host a number of LGBT+ writers from across the continent to discuss what these trends mean for queer people and queer writing. Among the writers will be Lilja Sigurðardóttir, an Icelandic crime writer and playwright best known for the successful book Snare, the first of her novels to appear in English in 2017. Brixton Library, Brixton Oval, London SW2 1JQ, UK. www.eventbrite.co.uk
Bergenfest (12-15 June) One of the largest music festivals in Norway, Bergenfest takes place in the picturesque and historic surroundings of the medieval Bergenhus Fortress. Over the course of four days, the festival will once again stage a mix of Norwegian and international artists representing a variety of genres, from straight-forward pop and rock to R&B, hip-hop, EDM and
Henning Kraggerud. Photo: Robert Romik
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Scan Magazine | Culture | Calendar
blues. Vågen, 5003 Bergen, Norway. www.bergenfest.no
Copenhell (19-22 June) Said to be the wildest metal party in the north, Copenhell is returning to Denmark in June, attracting metal fans from the across the country and abroad. Copenhagen’s peninsula, called Refshaleøen, and its raw, industrial surroundings, will form the epicentre of the festival, or, as the organisers call it, four days of ‘hell on earth’. Refshaleøen, Copenhagen, Denmark. www.copenhell.dk
Hang Massive. Photo: Press photo
Copenhell. Photo: Press photo
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Lilja Sigurðardóttir. Photo: Gassi