Scan Magazine | Issue 24 | November 2010 by Scan Client Publishing

NOVEMBER 2010 ISSUE 24 PROMOTING BRAND SCANDINAVIA

LIZA MARKLUND: CRIME WRITER EXTRAORDINAIRE THE SCANDINAVIA SHOW REVISITED WINTER ADVENTURES IN NORWAY & SWEDISH LAPLAND SCANDINAVIAN EDUCATION AT ITS BEST

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Scan Magazine | Contents

Contents COVER FEATURE 8

with magnificent fjords and mountains as the perfect backdrop, or try your hand at thrilling snow activities.

Liza Marklund Liza Marklund is a Swedish author, publisher, journalist, columnist and goodwill ambassador for UNICEF. Her books have sold over 11 million copies in 30 languages to date.

SCANDINAVIA SHOW 8

The Scandinavia Show 2010 revisited The Scandinavia Show 2010 took place at the Olympia Conference Centre on 9-10 October. And what an event it was! The exhibitors turned up in full force with cheerful expectancy and boxes full of Scandinavian quality goods.

Oiva Toikka Oiva Toikka is a household name in Finland and renowned worldwide for his unique and huge contribution to Finnish art glass over the past half century.

EDUCATION THEME 42

FOOD FEATURE 82

Lobster Safaris The autumn is high season for lobster safaris in Western Sweden. In the glittering waters in the skerries live some of the best lobsters in the world.

TRAVEL THEMES 20

Scandinavian education at its best In our education theme, we have put together a list of schools from Denmark, Norway and Sweden, including two Scandinavian schools situated in the UK. It is a real mixed bag of highquality educational institutions, ranging from preschool to higher education.

Maxjenny Forslund She has dressed Madonna, designed carpets for IKEA and shown her furniture at major international design shows. Based in Copenhagen, this Swedish fashion designer now creates a buzz around her colourful, patterned, original creations.

Swedish Lapland Do you long for somewhere that offers new experiences and insights? A place where you can let your thoughts wander and discover new horizons? In that case Swedish Lapland is your next destination.

DESIGN 16

Medieval Turku meets contemporary art Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova, which translates from Latin as ‘old Turku’ and ‘new art’, is a museum located in the centre of Turku, Finland. It brings together a museum of archaeological history as well as a museum of contemporary art.

Winter adventures in Norway Norway is a mecca for winter activities – whether you want to see the spectacular Northern Lights in northern Norway, ski down slopes

REGULARS & COLUMNS 14 80 98

Scan Business

FEATURES 90

Back to the future for the Saab 9-5 Nearly 13 years after the first generation was introduced, Saab has redesigned its executive 9-5 saloon for the 21st century.

88 92

Brains are the tools of today Key Note by Pekka Huhtaniemi, Ambassador of Finland to the United Kingdom

Can the private sector mop up the slack after the Government cuts? By Annika Åman-Goodwille

REGULARS & COLUMNS 87

“Green Tea” at Corren Troen By Paul Corren, Corren Troen Law Firm

Chamber News News from the Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish and Danish Chambers of Commerce for the UK.

Issue 24 | November 2010 | 3

Scan Magazine | Editor’s Note

Dear Reader, I know it’s a tired platitude, but where has this whole year gone? The last 10 months or so have just whizzed past, and now it’s almost time for Christmas present shopping again. I’ve bought myself a new winter coat and a set of pink thermal socks (not by choice I might add), but I don’t know whether I’m ready for this again. There is one comforting fact about the onset of winter, which makes me feel a bit giddy inside, and that is snow. Perhaps not in London, or England for that matter, but most of Scandinavia will soon be (and in some places already has been) covered in layers and layers of powdery snow. It’s comforting, it’s homey, and it’s what makes Christmas truly atmospheric. For our readers, we have put together some great winter holiday destinations, where there will definitely be no lack of snow, or Northern Lights. Swedish Lapland as well as the winter wonderland of Norway have so many winter activities and resorts to offer, that you’re pretty much spoiled for choice. Just have a look at some of the remarkable northern destinations we’ve managed to compile for you. At least for me, it’s not really Christmas unless you’re as close to Santa Claus as possible. And us Finns, we know that he lives at Korvatunturi in Rovaniemi. There’s no doubt about it, unless, of course, you ask the other Scandinavians or, well, the North Americans, but let’s leave it at that. We have also taken a look back at the success that was The Scandinavia Show on 9-10 October. We had no idea what to expect from this event, as it was the first of its kind in the UK, but we were all positively surprised as both visitors and exhibitors seemed to enjoy themselves immensely. And what a crowd of vis-

Scan Magazine Issue 24 | November 2010 Published 09.11.2010 ISSN 1757-9589 Published by Scan Magazine Limited Design & Print Liquid Graphic Limited Executive Editor Thomas Winther Creative Director Mads E. Petersen Editor Nia Kajastie Copy-editor Mark Rogers

4 | Issue 24 | November 2010

Contributors Emelie Krugly Sara Schedin Mette Lisby Maria Smedstad Ray O’Connor Julie Guldbrandsen Karl Batterbee Stine Daugaard Dyveke Nilssen Linnea Dunne Yane Christensen Jenny Olsson Laura Greenman Anette Berve Annika Åman-Goodwille Victoria Lagnehag Ingrid Marie Holmeide Lasse Berg Sørensen Sakarias Frohm

itors we had! Next year we are going to need a bigger venue. Liza Marklund, who was our special guest at the show, is also gracing this month’s cover. She’s one of Sweden’s most popular crime authors, and she has recently published a book together with American thriller writer James Patterson. Her star is definitely on the rise here in Europe as well as in the US. Stieg Larsson might have helped pave the way for more Swedish authors gaining mainstream international success, but Marklund has already been an established writer in Sweden for some time now. And to top it off, the November issue has thoroughly delved into the theme of Scandinavian education. We have looked at schools in Norway, Denmark, Sweden and the UK, and covered everything from international pre-schools to non-formal adult education. The standard of Scandinavian education is extremely high, and we’re proud to present a diverse collection of forward thinking educational institutions. I hope you enjoy reading about all our special themes this month as well as our regular columns. And now let’s get ready for Christmas!

Nia Kajastie, Editor

SCAN

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Scan Magazine | Contributors

Regular Contributors Nia Kajastie (Editor) was born and raised in Helsinki, Finland, and moved to London in 2005 to study writing. With a BA in Journalism & Creative Writing, she now describes herself as a full-time writer and grammar stickler.

Swedish Sara Schedin has lived in London for four years. She is currently studying Journalism in her second year at City University and is covering Scandinavian culture in the UK.

Emelie Krugly has worked on a number of Swedish newspapers. After travelling extensively, she has been based in London since 2006. Her particular interests are news and current affairs within Sweden and the export of Scandinavian culture to the UK.

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. She writes a column on the trials and tribulations of life as a Swede in the UK.

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 versions of “Have I Got News For You” and “Room 101”.

Hailing from Ireland, Ray O'Connor has been living in London and advising on all things wine since 2006. He teaches, consults and writes regularly on the subject and won the “Young Wine Writer of the Year Award in 2007.”

Stine Daugaard is a Danish journalist living in Copenhagen. She has a degree in journalism from the Danish School of Media and Journalism and City University and has been freelancing since 2007. Travel and tourism are close to her heart, and she is happiest when the next plane ticket is booked.

Karl Batterbee is devoted to Scandinavian music and knows exactly what is coming up in the UK. Apart from writing a monthly music update for Scan Magazine Karl has also started the Scandipop Club Night and its corresponding website: www.scandipop.co.uk.

Linnea Dunne has been writing professionally for over 10 years. Having started out on a local paper in Sweden, she is passionate about Scandinavian music and culture, and currently works in London as a full-time writer and translator. Julie Guldbrandsen is Scan Magazine’s fashion and design expert; she has worked in the fashion industry for more than 10 years, and advised various Scandinavian design and fashion companies. Besides, Julie has a BA in business and philosophy and has lived in Copenhagen, Singapore and Beijing before settling down in London.

6 | Issue 24 | November 2010

Swedish entrepreneur Annika Åman-Goodwille Chartered Secretary (FCIS), and a multi-linguist, is the Chairman of Goodwille. She is a born business networker with a multinational academic and professional track record spanning the globe from the Swedish Foreign office to diplomatic postings in the Middle East. Victoria Lagnehag is a freelance writer. She is native Swedish and has spent the last 7 years in London, but is currently residing in Stockholm. She is a writer with vast experience and has covered a broad spectrum of topics over the years. Although a keen globetrotter, she always has her Scandinavian roots at heart and is a regular contributor to Scan Magazine.

Constantly curious, no subject is too difficult or too dull to dig into for freelance journalist Jenny Olsson. Based in Stockholm, she writes for some of the major monthly trade magazines and popular press in Sweden as well as international media. Samantha Wong is a freelance journalist, who studied Icelandic Literature as part of her Literature and Myth degree which ignited her passion for Scandinavian culture. She’s also a keen surfer, snowboarder and horse rider. Dyveke Nilssen from Norway fell in love with London in 2007. She has since finished her BA in Journalism at City University, and now works as a freelance journalist and photographer. Danish Yane Christensen has lived in London half her life. She's a designer, illustrator and mother of twin girls. She also has an on-line shop www.fleamarketfloozy.com and writes to exercise her brain. Lasse Berg Sørensen is a Danish journalist currently studying for a Masters in Business and Finance Journalism at City University, London. He has previously studied in Aarhus, Missouri and Amsterdam. Apart from journalism, he is very interested in photography, web culture and is a major music geek. Ingrid Marie Holmeide came to London from Norway to study creative writing. She is currently working as a freelance writer and translator, while publishing her first novel. Anette Berve is a Norwegian freelance journalist based in London. She has previously worked in Buenos Aires for a cultural newspaper and is currently back in London to finish her degree in journalism and Spanish.

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Liza Marklund

Liza Marklund â&#x20AC;&#x201C; An unstoppable force in Swedish crime fiction By Emelie Krugly | Cover photo: Peter JĂ¸nsson

8 | Issue 24 | November 2010

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Liza Marklund

The long and dark winters “definitely have some kind of magic about them, what else is there to do than develop creativity?

”

Author, publisher, journalist, columnist and goodwill ambassador for UNICEF. Her books have sold over 11 million copies in 30 languages to date. The majority of us know her as the blonde crime author, and recently Liza Marklund visited London to promote her latest crime novel The Red Wolf, and appeared at this year’s Scandinavia Show. She is stereotypically Swedish, tall and blonde, but forget about the shy nature of the Swedes, as Liza Marklund is bubbly and smiley and during our interview it feels a little like talking to an old friend.

same bowl. The water obviously became more and more dirty, and customers would look horrified towards the end of the day. I was probably the worst waitress they had ever experienced.”

Born in 1962 in Pålmark near Piteå in northern Sweden, she soon became in her own words, “an itching and restless 16-year-old”. As an antidote, she bravely took off on a round-the-world trip, and in fact for a short while London was her home.

Liza Marklund knew she wanted to become a writer from a very young age and began studying journalism on her return to Sweden. She then became a mother to firstborn Annika, whom she went on to name a fictional character after in her crime novels, featuring the passionate and courageous reporter Annika Bengtzon. The first, entitled The Bomber, released in 1998, was the result of a crime novel competition, which Liza thought she would have a good chance of winning. Female crime writers simply did not exist in Sweden at that time, but it was not just a happy coincidence, as Liza had already decided to give crime fiction a go by then.

“I worked as a waitress at Adams's Original Barbeque Rib House on the corner of Earl’s Court Road and Old Brompton Road. I remember how the customers were given a bowl of water to clean their hands after they'd eaten. But instead of refilling the bowl with fresh water for the next customer, I would keep using the

“It was a political decision as I had seen a gap in the market,” she explains. “The Bomber was far from a success when it came out, only 4,000 copies were printed. My publisher was doubtful, as there was a strong feministic undertone to the book. Soon after I was invited to a talk show on television and the sales figures suddenly went up.” No rest for Sweden’s number one crime author Liza has produced 12 books in 12 years, eight of them featuring her most famous character, Annika Bengtzon. Marklund's literary debut came in 1995 with Gömda (Buried Alive), also known as The Maria Eriksson novels. These caused a real stir as it brought up unknown issues within Swedish society. Partly based on a true story, the book is about a woman who is abused by her boyfriend and forced into hiding. It has become one of the bestselling books of all times in Sweden. A second book in the series, Asylum Granted, was published in 2004. It describes how Maria Eriksson is forced to flee abroad with her family, when she is granted asylum in the

Issue 24 | November 2010 | 9

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Liza Marklund

ple of an opposite, where there is no such thing as crime fiction. If you have grown up in a society handling violence and evil, then you have no need to reflect upon these subjects. We are lucky to have been well educated with the freedom and right to criticize our own society. Also, the long and dark winters definitely have some kind of magic about them, what else is there to do than develop creativity?” Liza Marklund shares her time between Marbella in the south of Spain and Stockholm these days. She is currently working on the next book in the Annika Bengtzon series. Swedish production company Yellow Bird, together with TV4, Nordisk Film and the German ARD Degeto, has begun developing a series of films based on her books about Annika Bengtzon. And as if that was not enough, she is also putting together an anthology of journalistic work from the past 25 years, which will be released in March 2011. Her series about Annika is soon coming to an end after 12 successful but intense years. “We need a break from each other,” she says and smiles. “We are both tired!” Last question, did she ever manage to take that course in Spanish after all? “Si, Hablas español?” she says with a grin.

United States on grounds of domestic violence. The story received a lot of attention in Sweden, and was even debated in the Swedish Parliament. Last year Liza was planning a well deserved break with the intention of studying Spanish for a year, when she was contacted by American crime author James Patterson, who had read all of Marklund’s books and was interested in a collaboration. The result, The Postcard Killers, was released in January earlier this year. “I thought about if for let's say one second and then I said sure, I would love to! It turned out to be a very successful collaboration, with few hiccups along the way, and a great experience.”

10 | Issue 24 | November 2010

The Postcard Killers reached number one on the New York Times best-seller list, making Liza the second Swedish author ever to have reached the top spot; the first being Stieg Larsson with his Millennium Trilogy. Liza has now released her fifth book in the Annika Bengtzon series, The Red Wolf. There is simply no rest for this busy author. Secret to success It is no secret that Sweden is the proud producer of a number of successful crime authors. I ask Liza to shed some insight on this. “First of all, we’re all privileged to have been brought up in a stable democratic society. Take South America as an exam-

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A weekend full of Scandinavian design, travel, food, fashion & fun The Scandinavia Show 2010 took place at the Olympia Conference Centre on 9-10 October. And what an event it was! The exhibitors turned up in full force with cheerful expectancy and boxes full of Scandinavian quality goods. Nobody knew really what to expect, as this event was the first of its kind in the UK, but all our doubts were quickly swept away, when we saw a queue gathering outside the centre on Saturday at 10am – and this was only the beginning. By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Yiannis Katsaris

On Saturday, as the day went on, the crowd just kept on pouring in. We were delighted and amazed by the enthused visitors crowding the exhibitor stands. Big instant hits included: Norwegian waffles at the Norwegian Church’s stand, Swedish Rekorderlig Cider, Finlandia Vodka cocktails, frikadeller from Madsen Restaurant, rye bread from the Finnish Church, cinnamon buns from Scandinavia Kitchen and many more.

12 | Issue 24 | November 2010

But after the first impulse to taste and smell the tempting Scandinavian flavours and aromas was overcome, the visitors continued onwards to the design section full of exciting pieces of Scandinavian ingenuity. I must confess that a lot of the items at the Skandium stand had already previously found their way into my home – there are just some classic pieces of Nordic design that no one should have to live without, including Iittala’s elegant

Maribowls that come in multiple different colours. Other exciting design and fashion exhibitors included Ekornes, Orrefors, Kozi Kids, Nordic Elements, BoConcept, Bang & Olufsen etc. There was something for everyone! And for the Scandinavia enthusiasts who wanted to go on to experience the real thing first-hand, all the different Nordic tourist boards where there to help plan

perfect holidays to Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland or Iceland. One of the highlights of the Saturday entertainment programme was definitely the fashion show, which was witnessed by a full auditorium of visitors and members of the press. It was a gorgeous show that exceeded all our expectations, and we have the fashion show organisers, Wild Swans, and sponsors, PANDORA, to thank for that.

merised by the Clas Ohlson presentations and prize giveaways, managed by none other than Big Brother 1 winner Craig Phillips.

Show Directors Thomas Winther and Mads Petersen sum up the event: “We were positively surprised when the management at Olympia told us that during The Scandinavia Show the Conference Centre was the busiest they could remember it being. They also told us that we would need a bigger venue next year.”

Our celebrity visitors on Saturday included crime writer Liza Marklund and Danish chef Trina Hahnemann, who were both able to fully capture the attention of our visitors. Hahnemann’s cooking demonstrations were a big hit with everyone. Sunday began on a quieter note, but by noon the corridors were once again jampacked with bright and happy faces in search of the best things that Scandinavia has to offer. The children were cautiously approaching the Vikings and their encampment, while the adults were mes-

terest and curiosity that people have in Brand Scandinavia. If there was a downside, then it might have been that the exhibition space just was not big enough: people wanted more exhibitors and more space to roam around in. This is, of course, a blessing in disguise, as it means that next year’s event will be even bigger and better.

Thank you to all the great exhibitors and our wonderful sponsors for all their support. And see you again next year!

The number of visitors that we ended up with was simply remarkable (4900 altogether) and further emphasised the in-

www.scandinaviashow.co.uk

Issue 24 | November 2010 | 13

Scan Magazine | Design | We Love This

We love this...

By Julie Guldbrandsen

December is just around the corner, and so it’s time to start preparing for the coziest month of the year. Light some candles and cuddle up with a warm throw and a good book to begin with…

Tine K Napkins Leather Stars Cool star decorations in leather with ceramic pearl and silver disc. £9.50 at www.nordicelements.com

Large and thick organic napkins by Tine K - perfect for a dinner plate. There are 50 in each packet. £10 at www.wild-swans.com

Tea and Coffee Cosy Keep your teapot warm with this fun cosy by By Nord. £49.95 at www.nordicelements.com

Knitted Throw Lovely soft hand-knitted throw in cotton. £157 from www.nordicelements.com.

Tine K - Xmas Candle The customary Scandinavian ‘calendar candle’ is a lovely December tradition. Light it every day, and burn one number at a time till the 24th. £16 at www.wild-swans.com

14 | Issue 24 | November 2010

Tree Bomb Thermo Mug A very pretty thermo mug with gold tree print. £19.95 at www.95percentdanish.com

Scan Magazine | Design | Fashion Diary

Fashion Diary... Cooler Days There are so many cool new winter items in the shops right now. From fair isle knits to sexy leather (a great combi by the way) and feminine blouses. Get started with these Scandi-chic pieces. By Julie Guldbrandsen

Black suede ankle boots with wedge heels and lace detailing by SofieSchnoor. App. £155 at www.schnoor-shop.dk

Blouses are back – big time. Sheer beige blouse by Weekday. App. £40 at www.weekday.se

These rabbit fur mittens from Onstagewill add a luxe touch to your outerwear ensemble. App. £106. www.onstage.dk

Knit is it! Snow sweater by Weekday. App. £45 at www.weekday.se

A simple and classic coat in a warm wine colour by Diana Orvingfor Weekday. App. £135 at www.weekday.se

A leather skirt really is a must this season. One of the most versatile items and it will last forever. A-line leather skirt by Acne, £475 at shop.acnestudios.com

Issue 24 | November 2010 | 15

Scan Magazine | Design | Oiva Toikka

Designs as clear as crystal Oiva Toikka is a household name in Finland and renowned worldwide for his unique and huge contribution to Finnish art glass over the past half century. By Emelie Krugly | Photos: Press photos/Courtesy of Vessel Gallery

Toikka is best known for his designs for the Iittala glass birds range. This humble and extraordinary man has created no less than 700 birds over the last 35 years. The soonto-be 80 year old designer is celebrating 50 years with his design company Iitala throughout 2010. The Notting Hill based Vessel Gallery recently presented Toikka’s artworks and is the first gallery to present his glassware collection internationally. The exhibition included every single glass bird creation, each bird individually mouth blown and unique and sought after by collectors globally. We had a chance to meet Mr Toikka to talk about his long career. Oiva was born on a farm in Karelia, near Viipuri in eastern Finland. He started off working for the pottery factory Arabia; he then took a job as an art teacher in Finnish Lapland, something he truly enjoyed. But Oiva has also worked in performing arts, and designed stage settings and costumes for operas and plays for the Finnish National Opera. For a few years he worked as professor at Konstfack, the University College of Arts Crafts and Design in Stockholm. “All the jobs I’ve had have been creative, and I’ve enjoyed all of them. I like the idea

16 | Issue 24 | November 2010

of working within a team, creating something unique together,” says Oiva.

year Helsinki is Design Capital of the world, which means more new challenges.

We carry on talking about what makes his work unique compared to other glass designers.

France, Holland and Japan are next on Oiva’s destination list. He enjoys travelling and in particular coming to London.

“I never know what my end product is going to turn out to be; it all happens in the heat of the moment and that is a part of the excitement. Nor do I throw any of my creations away; there is beauty in all of them, and one day they might suddenly develop a use,” says Oiva.

“I like the way the Brits are and the polite way you talk to each other here. I‘m being very well looked after; London is an amazing and inspiring city,” he sums up with a smile.

“I think this part of me makes me unique as a glass designer, we can be quite a vain crowd of people and we don’t normally like to admit our mistakes,” he adds. Oiva has received numerous awards, among them the Lunning Prize, Pro Finlandia Medal, the World Glass Now 85 Award, the Kaj Franck Design Prize and the Prince Eugen Medal. Today Oiva is a so-called pensioner, but work has far from ended for this busy man, and he is planning to carry on blowing glass for as long as he feels inspired. Next

Oiva Toikka

For more information visit www.vesselgallery.com/oivatoikka www.iittala.com

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In the middle: Maxjenny Forslund surrounded by her designs.

Maxjenny Forslund: To the max By Jenny Olsson | Photos: Maxjenny Forslund

She has dressed Madonna, designed carpets for IKEA and shown her furniture at major international design shows. Based in Copenhagen, this Swedish fashion designer now creates a buzz around her colourful, patterned, original creations. For Maxjenny Forslund there are no boundaries. Rather the opposite.

mother, Margareta Forslund, is a textile/clothes designer and her father, Owe Johansson, an industrial designer and silversmith. Strong-willed already as a child, Maxjenny chose to go her own way and has managed to create a completely unique style under her eponymous brand MAXJENNY.

Since graduating from the Danish School of Design in Copenhagen in 2003, she has been in great demand for her avant-garde creations. Starting out as a furniture designer with a range of tactile products including carpets, textiles and furniture, Maxjenny Forslund is today one of Scandinavia´s most innovative new fashion designers.

She describes her design as innovative and feminine, timeless and generous without losing that high fashion touch. Her specialty is experimenting with the fabric’s own will, bringing forward bold graphic shapes and drapings that enhance and embellish the female body. Nor does this multi-creator fear strong accentuating colours or using sustainable material or printing techniques such as dye sublimation and screen printing.

You could say that her career was meant to be. Born and raised in the small village Vik in the Swedish countryside in Scania, and now residing in the bustling metropolis Copenhagen, this 36-year-old autodidact grew up in a very creative home. Her

18 | Issue 24 | November 2010

And she is a busy lady. Barely having closed last season, trying to complete the sales for the coming spring, and in the midst of ordering fabric for the autumn

2011, Maxjenny Forslund finds herself in a euphoric state of mind. What drives you in your work? I want to invent that “soup bowl” again. There are so many designers making stuff that we’ve seen already, they just add a new touch to it. Of course there are distinguishing shapes in my design too, but I want to make new things. You have to challenge yourself all the time. But it is not easy! Every designer has their own creative process. Tell us about yours! Our collections run continuously and are not seasonal and that feels very liberating. I start by looking at previous collections and pick parts that I like. This forms the small basis which is the hotbed for the coming collection. Then you just start adding to it. We drape the fabric straight on to the lay figure or the body and see how it moves. I

try to work as “voluminously” as possible with wings and flounces, and then combine it with something really tight. I think volume is very beautiful. You have designed a collection made purely out of old PET bottles. What are your thoughts on recycling and sustainability? Already from the beginning I started working with extremely durable models, shapes and fabric. So, that is not new to me. Recycled material is a really interesting area where I constantly search for new material. I work with highly technical, intelligent fabric such as bamboo, coconut, fabric made out of PET bottles or old cassette tapes. On the softer side, we adamantly try to bring forward durable viscose together with different manufacturers. We also try to keep the wastage as low as possible. Out of left-overs from the PET fabric I make MAXJENNY for Minis, rain ponchos for small kids. And we make really yummy necklaces from jersey left-overs. So everything sort of emerges into a higher unit. In your design you often use strong, accentuated colours. What does colour mean to you? Colour to me means boosting myself, getting that energy. In our jackets and coats we use a lot of colour but we also have a

black collection with only black and gray. Myself, I almost exclusively wear black, but I think it is absolutely smashing to combine it with a dashing hot colour on your shoes, your coat or your lips. Colour is invigorating, energizing, and we need that. For spring/summer 2011, wings, drapes and squares are the forms of inspiration. Tell us more about the MAXJENNY collection soon to be out. We continue on the chosen route. There will be a lot of beautiful black; we’ve added a really nice creamy grey nuance.

QUIRKY FACTS ABOUT MAXJENNY FORSLUND • Maxjenny’s big break-through came in 2006 when pop icon Madonna chose her eccentric jackets and silver coloured bikinis for the video of the song “Sorry”. The year after, Maxjenny successfully launched her first fashion collection under her own name. • Her favourite colours are bright grassgreen, shocking pink and strong, shiny orange. “Nude tones are just not my thing. When it gets too natural and plain it gets boring.” • Maxjenny lives in Copenhagen, is married to the art director Lars Svensson

We’ve got blue and red. In the jackets we have added two large prints, one kaleidoscope and one zebra à la MAXJENNY, which looks really hot. It is still my lines with a lot of volume and draping. Aesthetical yet a bit crazy. I am devoted to my design and I don’t think I will ever stop this concept.

For more information visit www.maxjenny.com

with whom she has a soon to be 3-year old daughter. When not working she enjoys spending time with her family, attending art exhibition openings, having a beer and dining out, or looking for bargains at flea markets.

Shop MAXJENNY Maxjenny Forslund’s clothes can be found in her store Kompagni29 on Kompanistraede 29 in Copenhagen. MAXJENNY is also sold in selected stores in Denmark, Norway, Germany, Holland, UK, China, Italy, Japan and the US.

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Y WA : R E O EM IN N H T EL URES V A TR ENT L V CIA R AD E SP NTE WI

Feel Powered by Nature in Norway By Visit Norway | Photo: Andrea Giubelli/Innovation Norway

Norway is a mecca for winter activities – whether you want to see the spectacular Northern Lights in northern Norway, ski down slopes with magnificent fjords and mountains as the perfect backdrop, or try your hand at thrilling snow activities. Suitable for all age groups, experiences such as dog sledding, going on a reindeer safari, or spending the night in one of Norway’s Ice Hotels are extremely popular. Most visitors wake up after a relaxing night of sleep feeling surprisingly warm and rested. More than a third of Norway is above the Arctic Circle and its latitude makes it one of the best spots in the world to see the Northern Lights – why not go in search of Aurora Borealis on board Hurtigruten, the magnificent coastal cruise, to the Lofoten peninsula, or go skidooing at night outside Tromsø to maximise your chances. A visit to Finnmark offers a unique chance to hear the tales of Sami life around the

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crackling fire in their lavvu. And remember, a visit to northern Norway is only three hours away thanks to direct flights from Gatwick to Tromsø. The western part of Norway is called Fjord Norway – with good reason. The many fjords are the main features in a fantastic landscape found nowhere else in the world. In winter, the landscape is dramatic, with snow-covered mountains and frozen waterfalls. Skiing is part of the Norwegian heritage and history, and we often say Norwegians are “born with skis”. It is a great way to enjoy the spectacular mountain landscape, and even at low altitudes and late in the season, the snow quality and quantity is great. The ski season usually lasts six months, and all the Norwegian resorts are known for being family-friendly and modern.

Although the snow is the same, the resorts offer somewhat different experiences. Geilo, an old mountain town, combines modern facilities and varied skiing with the charm of tradition, whereas Hemsedal has been nicknamed ‘the Scandinavian Alps’ for its raw and wild beauty, with some of the most challenging skiing in Northern Europe. Beitostølen is a true family resort – the gentle, uncrowded slopes are safe and fun for beginners and in a stunning setting. Gaustablikk starts the season in October, with off-piste skiing off southern Norway’s highest mountain in addition to plenty of beginners’ slopes. From December through April, the ski resorts in Fjord Norway, such as Voss and Røldal, offer excellent skiing at all levels. For more information visit: www.visitnorway.co.uk www.fjordnorway.com/ski

Scan Magazine | Travel Theme | Norway

Embark on a winter adventure in Norwegian Lapland’s wilderness North Adventure offers a unique variety of exciting winter activities in Finnmark, the most northerly point of Norway. With experienced and knowledgeable guides to show you nearly every nook and cranny of this rugged part of the country, Finnmark is bursting with hidden gems waiting to be explored. By Samantha Wong | Photos: North Adventure

When visiting Norway, you will most probably get to see the spectacular Northern Lights. “I would certainly recommend ‘Hunting for the Northern Lights’ as it is an educational experience,” says Henriette Bismo Eilertsen, Manager of North Adventure. “We teach guests where to go and what to look for so that if they can’t find it that day, they will know how to find it next time.” North Adventure can arrange trips to take you to the best places to see this unique display: this could involve an exhilarating safari on snowmobiles or even dog sleds. Accommodation can be arranged by North Adventure as well as flights and transfers. “We do not charge more to arrange everything for the guests,” says Eilertsen. “We have a large number of suppliers and can offer a high level of customer service. Our office is always manned which makes it easier for the customer should they wish to book a dog sledding activity rather than having to

wait for the sledders to come back and answer their queries.” While the Northern Lights are a popular activity for most travellers, many also choose to spend a night in the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in Alta or the Snow Hotel in Kirkenes. Not only are the buildings made out of ice and snow (including the glasses in the bar!), there are also ice sculptures dotted about and even live reindeer roaming around the Kirkenes Snow Hotel. During your arctic exploration do not forget to visit the Sami camp Karasjok, home to the indigenous people of the arctic. More than half of the Sami population reside in Norway and with renewed interest in their culture, there is also the opportunity to sample a traditional Sami meal and visit the Sami parliament. Whether you are looking for the impressive Northern Lights or a breathtaking

ride through the Norwegian landscape, North Adventure will ensure your trip goes smoothly from start to finish. Things to do in Finnmark • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Dog sledding Snowmobiling Ice fishing Skiing Riverboat tours Trips to Alta Canyon Walking Visiting a Sami camp Reindeer safari Staying in the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel Capturing the Northern Lights Snow bath Snowshoeing King crab safari Staying in the Kirkenes Snow Hotel Day trip to Russia

For more information visit www.northadventure.no

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Scan Magazine | Travel Theme | Norway

A close encounter with wolves By Anette Berve | Photos: Visit Bardu

Named the last wilderness of Europe, the National Parks of Bardu leave you breathless. In a few words, Bardu is mountains, lakes, rivers, forest, wilderness and cold. Given its geographical location, Bardu is guaranteed winters one could only dream of with freezing temperatures and plenty of snow. As a municipality without a coastline, the focus of activities is directed inland to the vast plateaus and mountains towards the Swedish border. The spectacular landscape is flourishing with wildlife in the National Parks of Dividalen and Rohkunborri. Using the river as a main means of transport, one can reach even the most secluded places for that perfect moment of peace in the wild. Trout and char Fjellguiden is a team of local guides who navigate you up the streams and rivers

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and happily point out the great fishing spots. At the lakes of Altavatn and Leinavatn fishing flourishes in every season, and ice fishing in the winter is almost considered a lifestyle. When the lakes and rivers freeze over, the snowmobiles take over from the boats to take you to those out-of-reach places. And driving past snow-covered mountains is an experience in itself. “Fjellguiden creates a unique experience for visitors,” explains Sigurd Sørensen from Visit Bardu. “One can’t get that far out into the wilderness without local knowledge.” The excitement of fishing for trout and char in the Bardu River and seeing what you might get for dinner is an adventure. Trout weighing more than two kilograms and char weighing around one kilogram are not uncommon. Sørensen explains that the local tour operator works with

hotels and has cabin rental to secure total comfort for those visiting. Hunting Villmarkstur is another local tour operator that also tailor-makes that exceptional winter experience. As an area flourishing with wildlife such as bear, glutton (the wolverine Gulo gulo) and lynx and maybe even wolves, the setting is superb for wildlife hunting. “Depending on the season, the guides take you out and introduce you to Norwegian wildlife and fauna,” says Sørensen. Hiking in the mountains is just as much a winter activity as a summer one, and mountain top hiking is a popular sport for experiencing stunning views and endless horizons. Trips are made easy by using snowmobiles to navigate through the mountains and get to places it would take hours to walk to.

As fishing is considered the national sport of the North, Villmarkstur also offers a chance to cast a line and try your luck. With lakes such as Altevatnet and Leina just waiting to be visited, dinner is not far away. Dancing with wolves In the world’s northernmost wildlife park, Polar Zoo, the encounter with Arctic wildlife is that of a closer kind. “The term zoo is a bit misleading,” says Sørensen. “There are no cages, just fences around their natural habitat, so one is not always guaranteed to see all the different animals. If you are lucky, there are bears, moose, reindeer and arctic fox amongst others to see.” A very personal meeting with wolves is the park’s main feature. With a socialised wolf pack, visitors can enter the closed area and come up close to the wolves. Here, the normally people-shy and feared beast has been tamed and grown accustomed to people. “One can even get a wet wolf kiss,” says Sørensen. “It’s a real goose bump experience”. In addition the park offers photo safaris in some of the closed areas for those who wish to get even closer and practise a hobby that usually requires a great deal of patience. Here, that perfect shot of a bear is closer than you think. As darkness approaches fast in the park, torches are lit to create just the right atmosphere, and a late night meeting in the dark with the wolves is sure to be an experience that will stay with you forever.

For more information visit: www.visitbardu.no www.fjellguiden.net www.villmarkstur.net www.polarzoo.no

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Scan Magazine | Travel Theme | Norway

Björn Klauer Huskyfarm An authentic outdoor experience in the mountains of the Northern wilderness By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Björn Klauer Huskyfarm

North of the Arctic Circle, in a valley close to Dividal National Park, lies Björn Klauer Huskyfarm, a true gateway to the Norwegian wilderness. The farm has been running for 22 years now and specialises in guided husky sled tours that take you to unspoilt and otherwise unreachable territories. It is all about seclusion from technology and any other interference, as well as experiencing the serenity of this spectacular part of the world with a hands-on approach: something for all adventure lovers. Over 20 years ago, Björn Klauer, a German outdoor enthusiast, took it upon himself to spend a whole year on a 3,500 km hiking tour from Oslo to Kirkenes near the Russian-Norwegian border. For the last 1,000 km of his journey, he was ac-

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companied by a husky. When he decided to settle in northern Norway together with his wife Regina Elpers, it came naturally to them that they would start working with the dogs. The huskies have also helped realise some more of Klauer’s outdoor dreams, as in 2001 he organised and guided an international expedition over the main island of Spitzbergen. Long expeditions over a distance of 1,000 km over four weeks are still part of the tour programme. “The dogs are working animals, our friends and part of the team,” explains Elpers, who is also originally from Germany. “They help us reach places we normally couldn’t, as snowmobiles aren’t allowed here. Instead you get to remote places by dog sledding or skiing. The dogs

give us the possibility to go very far out into nature for days or even weeks, as they help carry supplies. There is no extra support from anyone else once we’re out in the wilderness. It is a great experience to get to work so closely with the dogs.” A winter wonderland for the active traveller The Huskyfarm offers an authentic outdoor experience for all travellers, who wish to be active in nature. “You will not just be sitting in a sled with bells ringing, while the dogs do all the work. However, there is no need to be the most experienced sportsman out there either. You just have to enjoy taking care of yourself and working in a team together with the dogs. You will also be warming up the snow to get your water and cutting your

own wood, which makes it a very special outdoor experience. It’s very important for people to understand this side of it,” says Elpers. The tours can last anywhere from five days to four weeks, and the size of one camp is normally around five people plus the guide, which makes six sleds altogether pulled by about 45 huskies. In the awe-inspiring Norwegian landscape of steep mountain ranges and rich woods, the possibilities for exploration are endless, as the tours do not follow any preset trails.

Björn Klauer and Regina Elpers

The farm offers a range of different types of longer tours with, for example, daytrips and family packages. You can also stay at the farm itself and enjoy nature from a comfortable base camp. You can go on day tours on snowshoes, skis or with the dogs. And the family holidays are especially designed to create a safe retreat full of fun activities for the little ones as well as the grown-ups. Nature calling Lonely nature and the varied, rough landscapes in the very north of northern Europe might not seem like a hospitable place to settle down. But many people have fallen in love with this fascinating and peaceful part of the world and decided to stay there, including Björn Klauer and Regina Elpers. Their farm is located at the end of a valley together with a handful of private holiday cabins, but beyond their little retreat, it is the wilderness that prevails. It is the perfect setting for a truly authentic outdoor experience.

The Björn Klauer Huskyfarm is located 60 km from the closest airport (Bardufoss). A holiday package includes pickup from the airport. You can reach Bardufoss by flying via Oslo.

For more information and details on holiday packages, please visit: www.huskyadventure.com

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Scan Magazine | Travel Theme | Norway

Svalbard – Experience a new universe By Emelie Krugly | Photos: Svalbard

Svalbard, an archipelago in the Arctic and the northernmost part of Norway, is about midway between mainland Norway and the North Pole. Here live no less than 3,000 polar bears in a symbiosis with the 2,500 people who reside in this far corner of Norway. Experiencing the outdoors in Svalbard will make you feel small in comparison to the mighty arctic landscape. Constance Andersen is the Tourism Coordinator of Svalbard Reiseliv AS, a destination company established in 2001. She immigrated to Norway from the Netherlands in 1970 because of her fascination with the climate and culture of Svalbard, which has been her home since 1999. It was love at first sight, although life in this mighty winter wonderland can be challenging. “It was the Northern Lights that drew me to this part of the world. It’s a magical

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place to live in, although the long winter period can be testing at times,” she says. From 14 November until the beginning of February there is no daylight. This is when you can experience the winter and polar night. “It's hard to describe life up here, you need to experience it with your own eyes,” Constance adds.

The winter season offers opportunities for combining, for example, longer skiing trips with snowmobile or dog sledding transport. To ascend Svalbard's highest peaks by ski may be a dream for some, whilst others prefer to explore the winter wonderland with dog teams or snowmobiles.

As the sun returns around 8 March in Longyearbyen, the days become increasingly longer, and by 19 April, the midnight sun has returned. People from all over the world travel to Svalbard to experience dog sledding, hiking, skiing, snowmobile safaris and kayaking, with possibilities of seeing polar bears and walruses, although a walrus is quite a rare sight, according to Constance Andersen.

In terms of accommodation, there is plenty to choose from: everything from small, cosy guesthouses to full-service, high quality hotels.

There is a wide range of tour alternatives available in Svalbard. It is possible to combine activities; in some cases these tours can last several days.

Accommodation is also available at Isfjord Radio, in the Russian settlements of Barentsburg and Pyramiden, or on a boat frozen in the ice.

For more information visit www.svalbard.net

Lyngen Havfiske Og Tursenter – The Norwegian Alps At 70°degrees north, the mighty Lyngsalps provide a breathtaking backdrop to any wilderness experience. Enjoying the view from your picturesque, red rorbu, the Norwegian fisherman’s hut, can be quite a morning treat in Lyngen. With the clear and quiet fjord on one side and steep mountain ranges on the other, you should not have to choose which you prefer. In the winter, northern Norway is known for the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis as they are also called. Lyngen Havfiske and Tursenter organize trips to experience the phenomenon with the majestic Lyngenalps as the background. “The lights are very strong over the mountains, and there is an excellent chance to see them,” explains Laila-Anita Westby.

skiing, extreme off-piste or hiking in the mountains. “Especially exciting are mountain top hikes for an even better experience of the amazing views,” Laila continues. For the average thrill-seeker a snowmobile ride between the mountains in all white terrain is the perfect way to take in the scenery. With seemingly endless tracks, local guides can take you far into the mountain terrain and show you hidden treasures. An activity that is proving very popular is being pulled by the snowmobile while on cross-country skis. “It is a fun and different way to see the mountains, and not that difficult,” Laila explains.

Scooter ride with a twist

Ice fishing

The Lyngsalps are a great setting for any winter sport, whether it be cross-country

During winter, the bottom of the fjord freezes over and becomes ideal for ice

By Anette Berve | Photos: Lyngen Havfiske

fishing. Equipped with an ice drill and local knowledge of where and how to fish, you are almost guaranteed a catch. To go straight from the comfort of your rorbu to the ice and return with your freshly caught dinner for you to prepare yourself, is a great way to unwind and leave stress and hassle behind. “At Lyngen you are so close to nature, surrounded by peace,” Laila says. With a 1 ½ hour drive from Tromsø and collaborating with Nordic Gran Hotel in Tromsø, your search for serenity is complete. Now, will it be catching you own fish for dinner, skiing behind a snowmobile or watching the Northern Lights? Why not try all three? For more information and details, visit www.lyngenhavfiske.no

Issue 24 | November 2010 | 27

Scan Magazine | Travel Theme | Norway

Combine canine friends with speed and adventure at Tromsø Villmarkssenter By Samantha Wong | Photos: Tromsø Villmarkssenter

For dog lovers and adventure seekers, Tromsø Villmarkssenter offers the ultimate dog sledding experience. Based on Kvaløya Island, approximately 24km from Tromsø, Norway, Managers and experienced dog sled racers, Tove Sørensen and Tore Albrigtsen, welcome you to their centre which is home to 250 huskies. Specialising in dog sledding, Tromsø Villmarkssenter is home to Tove Sørensen and Tore Albrigtsen, who recently took part in the Finnmarkrace, Europe’s toughest dog sledding race. “We have both raced for 15 years and generally race at least once a year,” explains Sørensen. “We are very experienced and the centre is one of the oldest and biggest around.” For a taster session, why not embark on a husky day trip? You get the opportunity

either to drive a team of canine friends or ride on a sledge driven by one of the centre’s guides. “We pick up guests and pro-

Sami tent and listen to the guides who have plenty of stories to tell about the Northern Lights and Sami people.” If you are after a thrilling journey, Tromsø Villmarkssenter also organise five-day dog expeditions, where you get the chance to drive your own sled with six huskies through the heart of the Norwegian landscape. “In the winter we have 24 guides and many of the dogs have been used in sledging races,” says Sørensen. “We are well organised with lots of years of experience, and we do our best to ensure everyone has a good time.” For anyone with an outdoor inclination, a ride through Norway’s snowy countryside with a pack of huskies is not to be missed.

vide warm clothing before going out to ride with the huskies,” says Sørensen. “Afterwards you get a chance to meet the dogs, have lunch or dinner in a traditional

For more information visit www.villmarkssenter.no

Tromsø Friluftsenter – a place to return to By Victoria Lagnehag | Photo: Tromsø Friluftsenter

tivities in a friendly environment, which makes customers return year after year. Tromsø Friluftsenter is situated on Kvaløya, Norway’s 5th largest island. The centre as it now stands started up in 2004 and has been in the same family for generations. The original idea behind the centre was to combine a retreat with an adventure in beautiful Norwegian scenery, something they have without a doubt accomplished. Are you looking for a retreat in beautiful surroundings? Have you always been curious about Norwegian culture? Well perhaps Tromsø Friluftsenter is what you are looking for. This is the perfect place to experience the north of Norway and its beautiful scenery combined with Sami culture. Tromsø Friluftsenter is a familyoriented retreat that offers diverse ac-

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Trine Risvik is a professional guide and the current manager at Tromsø Friluftsenter. She says the centre is the perfect retreat for anyone who is looking to experience the magical Northern Lights in a native culture. The centre also delivers tailormade packages to fit anything from teambuilding activities to private parties. This is

also the perfect spot for romance, and she reveals that they have been witnesses to quite a few proposals over the years. In a time of stress and hectic lifestyles, Tromsø Friluftsenter is the perfect getaway. Picture yourself on a reindeer safari across the Norwegian landscape with the Northern Lights painting the sky above you. Wrapped in warm reindeer fur and pulled by the grand reindeers, you are sure to experience the ride of a lifetime. Intimate, genuine and cosy are words that spring to mind, and you cannot help being smitten with the warmth of these people, who, with such passion, are willing to share their culture with you. For more information, please visit www.tromso-friluftsenter.no

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Scan Magazine | Travel Theme | Norway

Lyngsfjord Adventure One of the true Northern Lights of Norway By Linnea Dunne | Photos: Lyngsfjord Adventure

Described as a jaw-dropping, mystical moment, the Northern Lights never disappoint their audience. Situated in the perfect spot for experiencing this magical phenomenon, Lyngsfjord Adventure might just be a mystical discovery of its own - especially if fjords, untouched nature and reindeer sledding are your cup of tea. Another log is thrown onto the fire, creating a crackling sound, and a tiny, glowing piece of ember dances on top of the flames. The wind howls, and somewhere in the distance an eagle screeches. Everybody is tired after a day of fjord fishing, but the silence in the wilderness cabin is one of excitement. Tomorrow, if the weather forecast turns out to be right, everyone will get to experience the Northern Lights. “That's definitely the main reason why people come here, to see the Northern Lights,” says Morten Pettersen, General Manager of Lyngsfjord Adventure. “You won't see it every day, as it depends on the weather, but around three or four nights per week. This really is the ideal place to watch them.” Adventures for all Founded in 2007 and situated in the Troms region, Lyngsfjord Adventure provides adventure packages all year round. It offers so called 'soft adventures', meaning that anyone can participate and is guaranteed

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to be looked after from the very moment they arrive. “Whether you want to stay in the comfort of a hotel in Tromsø, or spend the night with us in a timber cabin, or a lavvu, the traditional Sami tent, we'll get our local chef to cook up a traditional Norwegian meal with all locally-sourced ingredients,” says Pettersen. And as if locally-sourced and traditional was not enough, Lyngsfjord Adventure gives the expression 'the real deal' a whole new meaning: forget about electricity and tap water; here, it is all bottled water and open fires, surrounded by fjords, mountains and untouched nature.

“You really feel that you're in the wilderness, far away from civilisation; it's pure nature, no public roads, no street lights.” The number of extreme sports fans who visit Camp Tamok is on the rise, but neither experience nor equipment is a must if you want to try out some reindeer sledding in the winter or glacier hiking in the summer. “Turn up in your business suit if you like,” says Pettersen and laughs. “We provide everything, including the clothes.” Skiing fanatics will have to bring along their own gear, but the circumstances

Scan Magazine | Travel Theme | Norway

could barely be better, whether it is downhill or cross-country skiing that makes you tick. For those who prefer to stick to the programme and need a helping hand, there is no shortage of activities either: choose between snowmobile safaris, snowshoeing, husky wagon driving and mountain peak hiking to name but a few. A success story It is an adventure tourism business with a difference, and it has been awarded as such. In January this year, Lyngsfjord Adventure bagged a Corporate Internationalisation Scholarship of 500,000 NOK (around £55,250) for its contribution to the tourism industry in the Troms region. Morten Pettersen, who ran his own business before joining the company two years ago, loves his job and the lifestyle it promotes. “Spending so much time outdoors and travelling a lot is great,” he enthuses. “Even more so, it's genuinely delightful to meet so many people and look after our guests. There's such a positive atmosphere about it all.” Situated about a 90 minute drive away from the city of Tromsø, Lyngsfjord Adventure offers both one-day adventures and package deals suitable for couples and families as well as larger groups. Though handy to get to, Camp Tamok benefits from complete isolation. “Nowhere else in the world is like this,” says Pettersen. “You really feel that you're in the wilderness, far away from civilisation; it's pure nature, no public roads, no street lights.” Perhaps it is, after all, the best of both worlds. Few types of scenery have more of a “wow” factor than the arctic mountains and fjords of Norway, and what could be better than curling up in a warm bed in one of Tromsø's stylish hotels after a day of dog sledding? Add to that the Northern Lights or the midnight sun, and you might just start to wonder if you have found yourself a slice of heaven. For more information, please visit http://lyngsfjord.com/

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Photo: Frank Andreassen

Scan Magazine | Travel Theme | Norway

Region Arctica – A truly Nordic collaboration By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Region Arctica

Region Arctica is an EU-financed project that brings together tourism operators and companies from the northern areas of Finland, Sweden and Norway. Running from the summer of 2009 until the end of 2011, the project aims to raise awareness of the area as a tourist destination, as well as to create a bond between small to medium-sized tourism companies in the north of all three countries. “There has always been some cooperation between tourism operators in the Nordic countries across the borders. However, this project aims to bring some new actors together and make the cooperation stronger,” says Project Manager Laura Vilander. “The project and the Nordic partnership it provides add a lot of extra value to the tourism in the area for entrepreneurs as well as their customers.”

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“The distances between the borders of each country are very short, so you can pretty much travel to each country within one day. However, the scenery changes quite drastically, from the rounded Finnish mountain landscapes to the Norwegian fjords surrounded by steep cliffs,” she adds. The municipalities taking part in this initiative are Muonio and Enontekiö in Finland, Kiruna in Sweden, and eight municipalities from the Troms and Finnmark counties in Norway. With the help of the different companies that are a part of the project, Region Arctica offers nature-loving tourists an amazing holiday package that can take you to each country for a special experience, whether it is a husky safari, a night snowmobile safari to hunt for the Northern Lights or a cultural visit to a Sami village.

“The project creates more trading possibilities for local companies and increases their opportunities to grow and expand. It’s all about holiday packages that go beyond the borders of just one Nordic country. The project also organizes international press trips and tour operator visits, and without EU-support, this would not be possible,” explains Vilander.

For more information, please visit: www.regionarctica.com Contact information: Project Manager Laura Vilander Enontekiön Kehitys Oy Tel. +358 (0) 40 183 2915 Email: laura.vilander@enontekio.fi www.facebook.com/reagionarctica

Scan Magazine | Travel Theme | Norway

Arctic Adventure Tours – Take The Lead By Anette Berve | Photo: Mark Hannaford

selves usually regret it afterwards. It’s great fun,” Per adds.

Arctic Adventure Tours offer you a oncein-a-lifetime wilderness experience ensuring that you have an adventure you will never forget.

Though the days are short in winter, the trips are just as special, as sliding through the powder snow becomes even more mysterious as the light dims and the darkness approaches.

Having a go at steering a dog sled is one of the few things you can try out while visiting. Per will gladly put you in charge and teach you how to manage the powerful huskies through the snow. “Most people who declined steering the sled them-

“We are the total entrepreneur of wilderness expeditions north of the Polar Circle I dare to say,” states Per Thore, cofounder of AAT. Alongside his wife, they started an arctic adventure tour company based on their passion for nature and a desire to share their excitement for the arctic wilderness with others. “We are all very experienced guides and have much fun doing what we do,” Per explains.

“For those apprehensive about taking the wheel, there is the option of sitting up front and just taking in the scenic view,” says Per. “For couples, it’s great. The missus can relax and stay warm under a thick blanket and let her man do the steering.” Besides husky rides, AAT offers kayak trips, hiking and longer expeditions through the most stunning scenery in Europe. For more information, please visit www.arcticadventuretours.no

Arctic Pathfinder – Experience Arctic Scandinavia your way By Nia Kajastie | Photo: Anja Jenssen

Tour operator Arctic Pathfinder was established in the spring of 2005 by Owner Anja Jenssen, who has eight years of experience in the industry. Jenssen believes specifically in tailoring all products and tour packages to the exact specifications of the customer. Arctic Pathfinder is a small operator with acute local knowledge regarding the best activities and accommodation that Tromsø and its surrounding areas have to offer. In order to experience arctic Scandinavia the authentic way, you need the help of the locals. Arctic Pathfinder is able to offer its customers just that, as they use small local suppliers and run some of the activities themselves. “For example, we can take you kicksledding on a search for the Northern Lights.

to little fishing villages or even small islands off the coast. The opportunities for different holiday packages and activities are endless, and Jenssen and her colleagues are happy to help you put together your perfect arctic adventure. We’ll take you on a tour into the woods, and finally relax at an open fire, grilling sausages and roasting marshmallows,” says Jenssen. “Other Northern Light tours include an evening boat cruise, which will take you further away from the city lights. We’ve been able to see the Northern Lights for around three hours this way. You can also chase them by car on a jeep safari.” Arctic Pathfinder cooperates with Region Arctica when planning tours and programmes into Finland and Sweden. In Norway, they can take you on excursions

Arctic Pathfinder is a member of the Reisegarantiforndet (www.rgf.no), which offers a guarantee and security for travellers. It is also a legal necessity for tour operators.

For more information, please visit: www.arcticpathfinder.no Also follow their daily blog, which introduces you to the Norwegian Santa “Nissen”: http://arcticpathfinde.livejournal.com

Issue 24 | November 2010 | 33

Scan Magazine | Travel Theme | Norway

Svinøya Rorbuer – do something different The Lofoten Islands are without doubt one of the most amazing, unspoilt regions in the world. Far out in the North Atlantic Ocean, Lofoten is an archipelago on the North West coast of Norway just north of the Arctic Circle. Lofoten is one of those hidden, secret places on Earth with an untouched coastline and pristine clear beaches, where mountains meet sea, and there are millions of tons of fish and an incredible wildlife. The Lofoten Islands are as close to an environmental paradise as you can get. By Emelie Krugly | Photos: Svinøya Rorbuer

Svinøya Rorbuer – Basecamp Lofoten is your place to stay for the ultimate short break adventure which will tantalize all your senses. How about a nature safari by big boat, to get closer to the elements, to be amazed by the arctic light and to watch the sea eagles when they grab the fish just a few metres from you. Remember to keep your eyes open for the orcas as well. Perhaps you are looking for a skiing destination with a difference instead? The Lofoten Alps are some of Europe’s most spectacular mountains. This is the place where you can go skiing down some of the steepest peaks imaginable. Lofoten Islands and Svinøya Rorbuer Hotel are where it all really happens and 300,000 visitors every year can vouch for that. Picturesque Svinøya Rorbuer Hotel is situated on the island of Svinøya in the har-

34 | Issue 24 | November 2010

bour of the main town of The Lofoten Islands, Svolvær.

biggest population of white tailed sea eagles in the world

“The wild nature and the mysterious wonders will mesmerise you,” says Anders Løvik, born and raised in the area. He has an everlasting love for his home and has been a part of the team Svinøya Rorbuer - Basecamp Lofoten since 2003. “Nothing compares to the surroundings and nature here, the light and silence you can experience are unmatched. I've travelled and lived elsewhere for a few years but this is where I truly belong.”

Discover Svinøya in the wintertime

From October until March, you can take part in the “Winter Lofoten Nature Safari”, a spectacular outdoor experience. A variety of sea birds and sea mammals can be observed, and you will witness the

Svinøya is the oldest district of the town where trading activities began in 1828. During the early 19th century, a row of cabins was built to accommodate the visiting fishermen during the Lofoten winter cod season. These cabins have been restored to perfection and include from one to three double bedrooms, a wellequipped kitchen-cum-lounge, and a modern bathroom with shower and toilet. One of these 30 cabins could potentially be your home during your stay in this exotic part of the world. Located between the fish landing station, quayside buildings, fish racks and other traditional local buildings, here you can enjoy the sea on

Scan Magazine | Travel Theme | Norway

Photo: John Stenersen

Watch the sea eagles as they grab the fish just a few metres from you, and remember to keep your eyes open for the orcas as well.

one side, and the spectacular Lofoten mountains on the other. The peak season to visit this wondrous place is during the summer, but Anders Løvik and his colleagues have focused on attracting visitors during the wintertime as well. “Coming to Lofoten in the wintertime is a different experience altogether and is recommended for the advanced traveller; it requires research and experience as the climate can be challenging, as well as the adjustment to the limited hours of daylight.” British actress Joanna Lumley recently pursued a lifelong dream and experienced the Northern Lights for herself. This publicity resulted in a boom in the number of new visitors. People travel from all corners of the world to experience the famed Aurora Borealis, often with a great longing to see what is said to be one of the world's most stunning spectacles. Anders Alsvik is in charge of the late winter activities, with the peak season lasting from March until April, when the days are already longer and brighter than in southern Europe. This is the time when snow is

guaranteed, and it is no secret that Lofoten is the one-stop destination for alpine skiing and climbing, and a much loved passion for Mr Alsvik, who will guide you down the peaks, if needed. “Visiting Lofoten in the wintertime is very much more relaxed than in the summertime, as it's less crowded and you will pretty much have the mountains to yourself,” says Alsvik. Activities for all levels of experience But do not worry; you can also do easy Nordic cross-country skiing or snowshoe travelling in the beautiful backcountry. These are activities that also suit people with little experience. Svinøya Rorbuer has all the equipment for hire. Svinøya Rorbuer – Basecamp Lofoten welcomes everyone from the single traveller to large groups. There are excellent conference facilities and events packages available for companies. Brits, Germans, Italians and French are the predominant nationalities that come to Lofoten. Fishing is another big part of the activities during the late winter and a “must” is to try the traditional cod fishing experience.

The fisheries are still of primary importance for this area, and the Lofoten Cod Fishery has always formed the basis of existence for the people here. Having the opportunity to observe these activities at close quarters in Svinøya and, of course, to try the dried codfish, is an unforgettable experience.

General information about The Lofoten Islands: Due to the temperate waters of the Gulf Stream, Lofoten has a much milder climate than other parts of the world at the same latitude, such as Alaska and Greenland. The coastal climate in Lofoten makes the winters mild and the summers relatively cool. January and February are the coldest months, with an average temperature of -1°C.

For more information, please visit: www.svinoya.no Gunnar Bergs vei 2 N-8300 Svolvær +47 76 06 99 30

Issue 24 | November 2010 | 35

Scan Magazine | Travel | Turku, Finland

Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova:

Where Medieval Turku meets contemporary art

By Nia Kajastie

Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova, which translates from Latin as ‘old Turku’ and ‘new art’, is a museum located in the centre of Turku that integrates two different types of theme. It brings together a museum of archaeological history as well as a museum of contemporary art, and it is maintained by the private Matti Koivurinta Foundation. Aboa Vetus or the ‘old Turku’ section of the museum is centred around the medieval ruins excavated in the old Convent Quarter of the city. Together with the Cathedral Quarter this is one of the oldest districts in Turku. The area used to be populated by wealthy, middle-European merchants, who lived in imposing stone dwellings, which were not typical in Fin-

land at the time. Aboa Vetus is a museum that exhibits the medieval Convent Quarter as well as items found in the area. “In connection with the ruins, we have a permanent exhibition about the Middle Ages,” says Museum Director Johanna Lehto-Vahtera. “In the summer, we offer guided tours in three different languages. You can also book a tour in advance. However, we do also get a lot of people, who just pop by on their own. The exhibition includes a lot of material to read and listen to as well as activities for children.” The Ars Nova side of the museum consists of changing exhibitions and the museum’s own collection of both Finnish and international modern and contemporary

art. The art museum’s biggest event is the Turku Biennial Exhibition of Contemporary Art, which takes place every alternate odd-numbered year. For more information, please visit: www.aboavetusarsnova.fi

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SP SW ECIA ED L T ISH RA LA VEL PL TH AN EM D E:

Lapland fells on the Kungsleden hiking trail, near Kebnekaise.

Enjoy the Colours of Swedish Lapland By Swedish Lapland | Photo: imagebank.sweden.se © Alexandre Buisse

Do you long for somewhere that offers new experiences and insights? A place where you can let your thoughts wander and discover new horizons? In that case Swedish Lapland is your next destination. Swedish Lapland is a place where nature has been the director and created the Northern Lights, the midnight sun, mountains and rivers, and other natural phenomena. As a visitor you will experience a variety of authentic experiences built upon these natural wonders all year around. You can drink the water direct from the rivers, and you will find the air very fresh. If you visit Swedish Lapland during the summer or the winter, you will enjoy different experiences, but one thing is con-

stant and that is the delicious food cooked from genuine local ingredients such as reindeer, elk, fish, and the exclusive Kalix whitefish roe. The menus from Swedish Lapland are frequently served at the Nobel Prize dinner and other prominent occasions – the true taste of Swedish Lapland. The region is also known for its sauna culture, where you go into a warm sauna with comfortable steam to enjoy the friendship of others. This is a place for new thoughts and storytelling. There is an old saying: “If schnapps, tar and a sauna don’t work, death is close.” If you arrive from a big city, you will find the silence deafening and the darkness

during winter a completely new experience. Maybe you will experience the Northern Lights? During summer the sunlight is constantly present, and you will experience the midnight sun, and wonder how to get to sleep – the true adventures of Swedish Lapland. There are three international airports in Swedish Lapland with flights from London, Munich, Hannover and Stuttgart, depending on the season, and about 14 scheduled flights to Stockholm every day all year around so it is fairly easy to travel there. For more information, please visit: www.swedishlapland.com

Issue 24 | November 2010 | 37

Aerial view of Mariebergs Viltfarm

Mariebergs Viltfarm – an adventure out of the ordinary A visit to Mariebergs Viltfarm in Kalix in Swedish Lapland combines scenic beauty with a fascinating military history and abundant wildlife. This eco-farm and adventure centre offers its visitors an insight into the region's military gems as well as a unique nature experience. The Kalix line was built as a defence zone against threats from the east in the years leading up to the Second World War and it was classified as a military restricted area well into the 90s. Anders Enström, who runs Mariebergs Viltfarm as well as the Kalix line military museum, organizes military history tours in the region, where guests get the chance to drive armoured cars and visit places such as the mines in Kiruna and the Norwegian town Narvik. “In 1940 Hitler ordered the invasion of Narvik. His reason for invading the town was to secure the transport of iron ore from the mines in Kiruna. At the same time Churchill had been planning to blow up the mines to prevent Hitler from getting access to them,” explains Enström.

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An array of activities Mariebergs Viltfarm is the perfect place to retreat to after your adventurous excursion. The eco-farm can accommodate 85 people, and guests can choose whether they want to stay in a hotel room or one of the farm's modern cabins. For conference groups the farm has several different conference facilities for between 8 to 80 people. There is also a large sauna and spa section as well as a cinema.

By Sara Schedin | Photos: Mariebergs Viltfarm

culinary adventure we organize wine and whisky tasting, and the food at our restaurants Viltkrogen and Skogskrogen is made of locally produced organic produce,” says Enström. Mariebergs Viltfarm also organizes trips to the famous ice hotel in Jukkasjärvi and the Santa Claus village in Rovaniemi.

Mariebergs Viltfarm is situated by the beautiful and unspoiled Kalix River, where you can go boat fishing or ice fishing depending on the season. In the game enclosure you will get the opportunity to see deer and boars, and you can also go on off-track adventures in tracked vehicles or snowmobiles. For horse riding enthusiasts the farm offers equine activities all year round as well as activities such as dog-sledding and rafting. Locally produced food “For guests who are looking for more of a

For more information, please visit: www.viltfarmen.se

Scan Magazine | Travel Theme | Swedish Lapland

Furunäset Hotel & Conference – Spa, conference and romance By Sara Schedin | Photos: Furunäset Hotel & Conference

“The building was designed in 1887 by the renowned Swedish architect Axel Kumlien, who is the man behind the Grand Hotel in Stockholm,” says Managing Director Carina Holmqvist. “The 45 rooms are very spacious with large windows and can sleep up to 120 guests.” Furunäset arranges conferences for anything between 2-130 participants. The beautiful amphitheatre hall used to be a church and is ideal for big lectures. For

smaller groups there are seven other conference rooms to choose from.

The two newly decorated luxury suites, which have their own Jacuzzi, sauna and balcony, are perfect for lovebirds and honeymooners. If you are looking for some well-deserved pampering together with your friends or colleagues, the hotel's spa offers treatments such as classical massage and facials. “We arrange a wide variety of both indoor and outdoor activities such as wine

and food tasting and snowmobile safaris. Our newest addition is the Murder at Furunäset,” says Holmqvist. Furunäset is situated only 3 km (a 25 minute walk) from the main pedestrian street in Piteå. It has a beautiful courtyard and is surrounded by a park. The hotel also has a large car park with engine preheaters for the colder winter months. Photo: Maria Fäldt

Furunäset Hotel & Conference, which is situated in the town of Piteå in the north of Sweden, offers its visitors a relaxing stay as well as a wonderful slice of history. The hotel is beautifully located by the Piteå River and provides a perfect setting for both conferences and romantic weekends.

For more information, please visit: www.furunasethotell.se

Ebbenjarka – Quiet, wild and mysterious By Emelie Krugly | Photos: Ebbenjarka

Ebbenjarka Conference and Activity Centre is beautifully situated on its own promontory at Stora Antnästräsket in Swedish Lapland. Here you can experience a tailored wild and exotic adventure, featuring crosscart, curling, driving Porsche cars on ice, snowmobile safaris and dog sledding. Anders Englund took over the business in 1999, but the concept had already been running since 1985, making Ebbenjarka the oldest activity centre in Sweden. Around 6000 people visit this spectacular setting every year. “What makes us unique is the location, which is both isolated yet also near Luleå city, just a short distance away. Luleå and Kallax airport are only 10 minutes away. What you get here is pure quality and a perfectly tailored adventure; your

wallet decides, and we will tailor-make it for you,” Anders Englund says. “Also, Sweden is an easy country to get around in as a foreigner, most people speak good English, and you also get good value for your money.” Ebbenjarka has an impressive logcabin (a huge wooden Sami tepee) at the far end of the peninsula and a restaurant that seats up to 75 people. Ebbenjarka is famous for its exquisite food, and it holds a wine cellar of high quality. The sauna alone is well worth a visit and seats an impressive 40 people. With a ceiling height of 4 meters, you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views over lake and forest. The magic of relaxing in the hot tub, where the starry sky is the roof is indescribable – and if you are lucky, the sky will be filled with the spectacular Northern Lights.

For more information, please visit: www.ebbenjarka.se

Issue 24 | November 2010 | 39

Scan Magazine | Travel Theme | Swedish Lapland

On the left: Top: Pool and large sundeck made for relaxing; Bottom: Pool on the roof skydeck with views over Torne River and Finland

Cape East – Enjoy the Midnight Ice “Cape East is more than just a hotel, more than a spa, more than a conference venue and more than a restaurant,” says General Manager Jean-Paul Pozzi. It combines all of these into an exquisite lifestyle experience that offers comfort and luxury to all guests. Midnight Ice is their latest creation, a combination of a spa and the biggest sauna in the world. Located in Haparanda, at the easternmost point on the Swedish mainland, and across the river from Finland, Cape East is surrounded by striking nature. And from the seats of the world’s largest sauna or from their pool on the roof skydeck, you can admire the view over Torne River and Finland on the other side. The spa area is full of interesting details and quirky inventions that will delight all guests. The sauna consists of ten rising benches with varying degrees of heat, starting with 40°C and climbing up to 100°C. The sauna leads you directly into their large pool as well as into an ice hole with 4°C water and 3cm of real ice all year round. And if the ice hole is not refreshing enough, then why not stand under the waterfall shower that will

40 | Issue 24 | November 2010

drench you with 100 litres of ice-cold water. There are, of course, less extreme ways of getting your body to relax, as the spa offers beauty treatments and high-tech gym equipment, as well as several different types of sauna and shower experiences. During the short winter days, you can retreat to the top floor of the building and gaze at the stars from their warm rooftop pool – you might even catch the Northern Lights. And in the summer, you can admire the awe-inspiring midnight sun from their stylish pink Clicquot loveseat designed by Karim Rashid. And the luxuries do not end there... The four-star hotel at Cape East consists of 145 rooms, with 80 new stylish double

By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Cape East

rooms. Their largest conference room has space for up to 150 people with theatre seating – or 120 in classroom seating. Whereas the restaurant offers a menu that fuses local produce with products from the world's great kitchens. And getting there? You can get a plane to Luleå Airport in Sweden or to Kemi in Finland, which is only 20 minutes away. “We can even arrange a little bit of a different way to get to our hotel from Kemi Airport,” explains Pozzi. “You can get an icebreaker from Kemi harbour, and then a snowmobile drives you directly to us.”

For more information, please visit: www.capeeast.se

Heart of Lapland – Silence to be discovered By Emelie Krugly | Photos: Swedish Lapland

Ann-Louise Larsson is handing out earplugs at this year’s Scandinavia Show at Olympia together with AnnaLena Karlsson, both Representatives from Heart of Lapland, when I first meet them. “The sound of Lapland,” they smile to explain. In November, SAS is establishing a new weekly route between London Heathrow and Swedish Lapland. The new access to this magical wonderland excites AnnLouise and her colleague AnnaLena, as it will add a new dimension to their work as representatives for the area. “Finally,” Ann-Louise says. “We've been looking forward to this for a long time! Swedish Lapland is simply about the pure quality of life that hits everyone who comes to visit us; they can't stop commenting on how clean and how silent it is or how untouched the landscapes are. In our corner of the world, it is all about re-

ducing stress, and we often tell our guests to stop looking at their watches; it should be all about relaxing when you get here.” Heart of Lapland is in many ways a unique tourist organization, consisting of five municipalities: Kalix, Pajala, Haparanda, Överkalix and Övertorneå, located between the mountains and extensive forests, grand steppes and thousands of lakes. “We are working across borders and bringing the best out of each municipality, building on unique packages and experiences for all ages, and making sure everything is as convenient as possible, starting from booking your trip online to flying back home.” Two powerful national rivers run through the area, the river Torne älv, which makes up the border between Sweden and Finland, and the river Kalix älv, with its world-

renowned salmon fishing. A fascinating cultural landscape has emerged ever since the first inhabitants settled here more than 6,000 years ago. Both rivers flow out into an enchanting archipelago with hundreds of islands and islets. There are many different winter packages to choose from, for example, Arctic Circle, Cross Border, Lapland Week and Rajamaa Stugby, containing everything from thrilling snowmobile safaris to dog sledding, snowshoe excursions, reindeer sled tours with a Sami, creating show sculptures and tracing the splendour of the magical Northern Lights, the Aurora Borealis, over Lapland's starry skies. The adventure normally last 7-8 days and most of the packages are all inclusive. Starting price is 11,170 SEK.

For more information and booking online, visit: www.heartoflapland.com

Issue 24 | November 2010 | 41

E: TION M HE DUCA T E E RG IAN EST A L AV B IN ITS D AN AT SC

Scandinavian education at its best By Nia Kajastie | Photo: imagebank.sweden.se © Johnér

Scandinavian educational institutions are known for the high quality of their teaching and learning methods. Students are encouraged to be independent, self-reflective, diligent and critical in their work. And this applies to all schools, whether it is an international primary school or an institution for adult education. Scandinavian culture and democratic way of life make our schools equally liberal and welcoming. Even at international schools (or international departments), which draw influences from other educational systems, the teacher-student relationship is very important, as there has to be a line of communication between them. Naturally each Nordic country has its own distinctive school system; however, they are all very flexible and internationallyminded. In our education theme, we have put together a list of schools from Denmark, Norway and Sweden, including two Scandinavian schools situated in the UK.

42 | Issue 24 | November 2010

It is a real mixed bag of high-quality educational institutions, ranging from preschool to higher education. In Denmark, there are multiple different educational routes that students can follow once they finish primary school. Some schools we have profiled contain everything all the way up to upper secondary education, but other options include, for example, the efterskole: a unique Danish residential school for students from the age of 14 to 18. These schools lay great emphasis on the personal development of students and offer them a lot of tangible life experience. Another specifically Danish school is the højskole or the ‘folk high school’, a residential school which offers non-formal adult education. All schools, of course, offer international education in some shape or form, whether it is through an international department or a specific programme. In Sweden, we have looked at schools that offer primary education up to upper

secondary education, while in Norway, we have put an emphasis on international schools from pre-school to lower secondary school as well as adult education. All educational institutions provide a typically Scandinavian way of looking at things, as the education emphasises proactive and fun learning that shapes the whole human being rather than just their academic background. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Denmark: www.eng.uvm.dk www.efterskole.dk www.hojskolerne.dk studyindenmark.dk Norway: www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/kd www.studyinnorway.no Sweden: www.sweden.gov.se/sb/d www.sweden.se/eng/Home/Education

Charlotte Sahl-Madsen, Danish Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation

High level education with an international outlook Inter-disciplinarity and an international focus, combined with a high academic level is the cornerstone of Danish education. By Charlotte Sahl-Madsen, Danish Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation | Photo: Martin Mydtskov Rønne

Denmark is a small country lacking in high mountains. There are approximately 5 million Danes and the highest peak in the country is 170 metres. However, our educational ambitions tower above and beyond our country's borders. The majority of Danish university courses contain international elements. Hundreds of our courses are even taught through English, because cultural understanding and cross-border cooperation is increasingly crucial for both the private and public sectors. When students today acquire new knowledge, they must compare it with what is happening in the rest of the world. And it is important that higher education reflects this.

The atmosphere at Danish universities is often emphasised as one of the strengths of our educational system. Teachers and students share an informal and close relationship, and group work with fellow students makes up a substantial part of their studies. Knowledge does not halt at national borders, but flows freely – and very quickly – across the internet. Similarly, I believe that students should not be limited by borders, but utilise the opportunity to study abroad and experience another culture from within. This applies to both Danish and international students. Every year, almost 17,000 international students come to Denmark to pursue part or all of their studies here. Likewise, approximately 8,500 Danish students travel

abroad. I would like to see that figure increase even more – as international cooperation has become one of the keywords for the future. In Denmark, we focus greatly on our educational opportunities, matching the needs of society. It means we must have a high academic level, good interpersonal skills and an international perspective. An education at a Danish university can only open doors to an exciting future.

For more information, please visit: http://en.vtu.dk

Issue 24 | November 2010 | 43

: ME ARK E TH NM N E TIO IN D A UC L S ED HOO SC

International Department at Viborg private Realskole – Creating global citizens of tomorrow By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Viborg Realskole

The process to establish an International Department at Viborg private Realskole was started two years ago, when there were still no international primary or secondary schools accessible in Central Jutland. The municipality decided that in order to assist and enhance the multinational businesses in the area, they needed an educational option for families moving to Viborg from abroad. The school has continued to grow from this foundation. In January this year, the large companies in the area agreed to help sponsor the school for the next three years, giving huge financial relief to the institution that is sorely needed in Viborg. The International Department is an equal and integrated part of Viborg private Realskole, a school with a long history and respected

44 | Issue 24 | November 2010

standing in the community. With 580 pupils, the Realskole is quite a large Danish private school. “The International Department is part of that school,” says Head of Department Joakim Philipsen. “We share the same premises, even though we have our own building. We share facilities, like the gym hall, creative classrooms and science facilities for the youngest pupils.” Two days a week the oldest students travel to the House of Natural Science in Bjerringbro for their science classes. The House is a totally new and purpose-built facility with one clear goal: to enhance the science and technology skills of pupils and teachers in primary and secondary education. The House, with its fantastic laboratories and learning environment, is a hub for practis-

ing innovative science teaching: “A true gift for our academic students,” says Philipsen. “The link to the old private school is also very important, as it is crucial for foreign students to learn Danish and make Danish friends, so they don’t feel isolated when coming to Denmark. We offer them Danish lessons three times a week, and we mix them together with the Danish department whenever it is possible. We want them to be able to speak Danish so they can function in the community on a normal level,” he adds. Bright future and bright students The International Department currently teaches 20 pupils, and there is no set upper limit for their capacity. They are expecting around 50 students next year. The school offers education starting from

Joakim Philipsen - Head of Department

nursery all the way up to the IGCSEs (5-16 year old pupils). At the moment the students are divided between 5 classes, with 2 year groups together in one class, and out of the students approximately 2/3 are international and 1/3 Danish. “As a Cambridge International Centre, the curriculum is based on Cambridge CIE. All subjects are taught in English by qualified teachers. Our teaching approach, however, is very Danish. We want to create a close relationship between student and teacher. We don’t use titles like Mr and Mrs or school uniforms. Although homework and studying are important, we still want to encourage verbal communication between student and teacher,” explains Philipsen. “We definitely also believe in multiple learning styles. We want to figure out the best ways to do specific types of work: It could be in a comfortable chair, on a computer, interactively, in a group or just by listening to the teacher. Our classrooms are built in a way that will accommodate different learning styles.” The pupils from the Danish and International departments travel together once a

year in age groups. This helps to further integrate the departments as well as the pupils, and assures that everyone gets to enjoy themselves. The school especially targets international families who might be staying in Denmark for 1-3 years. However, Danish children are also accepted into the International Department, but there has to be a real reason or need for this to happen. For example, the parents of a Danish pupil might be planning on moving abroad and thus need more internationally-minded education for their child.

profiles, from nursery to University. The network meets on a regular basis and works together to create a more international Viborg. “This network is very important for us and a strong support for the International Department. It’s one of the reasons why the school has been able to develop so quickly,” says Philipsen. “It’s a very good thing for Viborg and the people moving here as well, as we can offer international teaching starting from nursery going all the way up to higher education.”

“Our objective is to be a leading academic international school, where students do well and grow as whole human beings. It’s not all about academic skills: we are teaching them to become global citizens, with the ability to work together in a diverse group of people from different cultures and backgrounds. We want to develop these skills especially,” says Philipsen. The idea behind the International Department is supported by the Viborg Municipality, which is also the founder and organiser of a network that includes 12 educational institutions with international

For more information, please visit: www.viborgrealskole.dk http://viborg.dk

Issue 24 | November 2010 | 45

Scan Magazine | Education Theme | Schools in Denmark

Diversity equals value at Bjørn’s International School Bjørn’s International School, located in Copenhagen, is an independent school with 155 pupils between the ages of 6 and 16 from around 55 different countries. It has both a Danish and an English department, which work very closely together. The school in itself is a very tightknit community, where differences are celebrated and respect for others is emphasised in the teaching. In the 1940s Karen Bjørnsby (a Montessorian known as Bjørn – Danish for bear) founded a musical kindergarten, partly to accommodate the children from families working at the local foreign embassies. She wanted everyone to speak Esperanto, but in the end had to settle for English, as she could not find anyone to teach it. This was the original incarnation of Bjørn’s International School, which even kept her name in the title when the Ministry of Education accepted it as a school in 1967. The Danish department of the school caters mostly to Danish children with a

46 | Issue 24 | November 2010

By Nia Kajastie Photos: Bjørn’s International School

foreign parent or parents planning on moving abroad, while the English department includes pupils staying in Denmark for a shorter period of time (0.5-4 years). “With students from varied cultural backgrounds, we have to look at their individual needs. We have a very close relationship with our students, as we normally teach in a class with a maximum of 20 students,” explains Principal Pia Drabowicz. “It’s very cosy and homey here; we’re like a big family that takes care of each other.” These values come across in many facets of the school, e.g. the school runs a “Play patrol”, which is a buddy system, where older students teach and play different games with the younger children. BIS also puts a lot of emphasis on teaching empathy and respect to their students. And they use Jennifer Mosley’s “Quality Circle Time” model to accomplish this, which at BIS includes a weekly class meeting used to discuss and mediate issues between pupils in a positive way.

• BIS is a member of the ECIS (European Council of International Schools) as well as the centre for the Cambridge IGCSE (the International General Certificate of Secondary Education) in Copenhagen. • In the English department, students can take the IGCSE’s in their final year, and Danish is taught from Grade 4. • In the Danish department, students complete the Danish School Leaving Certificate, and English is taught from school start.

For more information, please visit: www.b-i-s.skoleintra.dk

NGG – a complete school Staying in the same school from childhood to the end of secondary school is not usual in Denmark, but it is possible at Nordsjællands Grundskole og Gymnasium samt HF. By Stine Daugaard | Photos: Nordsjællands Grundskole og Gymnasium samt HF

“I dare say that I can ask any child at this school if they like being here, and the answer will always be yes,” Principal at Nordsjællands Grundskole og Gymnasium samt HF (NGG), Jan Thrane, is confident of his school’s success. Not surprisingly, as during its 27 years of existence, Jan Thrane has been one of the cornerstones in creating the largest independent private school in Denmark. Today the school has more than 1,400 students and 136 employees. One of the major successes is the international department, which is based on the International Baccalaureate programme, offering the curriculum from both the Primary Years (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP). This means that children can attend the school from the age of 4 to 17. 300 students of 23 nationalities The international department has existed

for more than a decade and consists now of approximately 300 students of 44 nationalities. Staff also have a varied background, as all teachers at the international department must be native English speakers. Having both a Danish and an international department is a great advantage for all the students. “The interaction helps teach Danish culture, which has a lot to offer: our liberal thinking, our way of cooperating and our freedom of speech,” says Thrane.

enough,” Thrane emphasises. Therefore the activity calendar at NGG is usually packed with concerts, sports days and other social events, giving the students and parents good opportunities for getting together outside school hours.

A full social calendar Apart from broadening the cultural horizon for both the international and Danish students, Jan Thrane mainly focuses on providing his students with the classic virtues of working hard to achieve the best results, but at the same time ensuring that their time at school is as enjoyable as possible. “The best motivation for learning is to feel good. A great teacher is not

Find more information about NGG at www.ngg.dk.

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Scan Magazine | Education Theme | Schools in Denmark

International education helps put Ikast-Brande on the map By Nia Kajastie | Photos: ISIB

The Municipality of Ikast-Brande, located in mid-Jutland, is home to many large international companies such as Siemens and Bestseller, and soon it will also be one of the first areas, outside of Copenhagen, to provide education in English for students from the age of 3-19. Accordingly, the area is capable of welcoming a foreign workforce and families into an internationallyminded community that offers the best jobs and high-quality education. ISIB The International School Ikast-Brande (ISIB) only opened its doors to students in August last year, but it has already managed to put its stamp on the area. “We started out with 12 students and now we have 58. We have grown massively in the past year,” says Head teacher Helen Pearson, who believes that international education coupled with great work opportunities will put IkastBrande on the map. “We have children from

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all over the world: Mexico, India, Sudan and a lot of countries in Europe.” The school teaches children between the ages of 3-16 and utilises the renowned Cambridge International Curriculum. “We put an emphasis on individual teaching, taking into account the needs of every child. We try to cover all the learning styles, including visual, auditory and tactile, as people learn in different ways,” explains Pearson. “Our sponsors, who include local investors, enable us to have a great learning environment. We have interactive whiteboards in all classrooms, and we can teach in smaller groups.” Ikast-Brande Gymnasium ISIB and Ikast-Brande Gymnasium are two separate educational institutions that work together very closely. The head teacher at the gymnasium also works as the inspector for ISIB, which helps keep the standard of education very high. It also

makes it easier for students to move on to the gymnasium, once they reach the right age. The gymnasium will be starting its IB programme next August, creating a strong division where children can move seamlessly from ISIB to the gymnasium, and later on to an excellent university. “This is very important to the area, as Danes are moving abroad and international families are moving here. The standard of education in English is very high here, which is quite fantastic for a small area. The schools are helping develop this area internationally. We might be rural, but we are also forward-thinking and can offer great education, work and support for international families,” says Pearson. For more information, please visit: www.isib.dk www.ikast-gym.dk

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An active and academic year As the second largest efterskole in Denmark, BGI Akademiet has a lot to offer. By Stine Daugaard | Photos: BGI Akademiet

Size does matter – at least at BGI Akademiet, which is the second largest efterskole (independent boarding school for lower secondary students) in Denmark. This allows the school to offer its 380 pupils a wide range of facilities. “The school is very focused on sports. All students practise sports every day, often several times a day,” Headmaster Helle Vestergaard states. The school offers many different types of sport but mainly focuses on gymnastics, tumbling, dancing, handball and football. “The size of the school makes it possible for us to offer great facilities and highly specialized and skilled teachers,” Vestergaard says, mentioning the new gymnasium for tumbling, the Astroturf field and the newly built school building.

Emphasis on social interaction Great emphasis is also placed on social interaction between pupils, where especially comfort and closeness between them are key elements, and a great effort is made to give all pupils a secure and stable social network. “This gives the pupils the best prerequisites for academic, sporting and social success,” Vestergaard explains. Every year the school caters for pupils whose parents live abroad, and next year another step will be taken in the international direction, as the school will be offering an FCE (First Certificate in English) in a special Cambridge Class. “As with everything else, we want to have the best possibilities on offer for our pupils,” Vestergaard concludes.

For more information, please visit: www.bgiakademiet.dk

Plain Sailing Fiskeri- og Søfartsefterskolen (The Fishing and Navigation School) is an active school for teenagers aged 15-17, who are interested in sailing, navigation or fishing. By Yane Christensen | Photos: Fiskeri-og søfartsefterskolen In addition to the national curriculum, the school has several obligatory subjects such as swimming, health and safety, first aid, cordage, coastal rescue and mechanics. Students learn to sail motor boats, sail boats and dinghies, and they can also learn water sports such as surfing and diving. Students over 16 years of age may try out for a speed boat licence. The school is situated in a beautiful part of North West Denmark, just 300m from the North Sea, which is where the students go fishing and sailing. The school is equally close to a canal where currents of up to 5 knots create exciting sailing conditions, and it is also close to lakes with much calmer sailing conditions. So with sea, canal, fjords and lakes right on the doorstep, there are plenty of

opportunities to experience different kinds of water. It is a small school with less than 40 students, and the students are taught in small groups. There are plenty of activities to keep the teenagers busy in their spare time. Many go fishing and there is plenty of opportunity to do so, both from land and mole and of course from the boats.

The school provides an excellent foundation for students who want to go on to further education, but it would also be an enjoyable experience for anyone who loves the sea and all it has to offer.

For more information, please visit: www.sejlogfisk.dk

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A year outside the box Ranum Efterskole is among the most visionary of its kind in Denmark. The pupils are given a large degree of independence, and this year the school added an international line offering an IGCSE-exam to both Danish and international pupils. By Stine Daugaard | Photos: Ranum Efterskole

while Imagination puts emphasis on the creative subjects like music, storytelling and design. The pupils choose a new profile course three times during the year and are always welcome to suggest new courses.

Secondary Education also known as the IGCSE-exam. This exam provides access to more than 800 educational establishments in 150 countries worldwide and is an obvious choice for students wanting an international edge to their education. “Our aim is to provide our pupils with a broader understanding of other countries and cultures as well as a strong grasp of the English language,” Olav Storm says of the new line, which Ranum Efterskole is only the sixth school in Denmark to offer.

Active or creative

“Our main focus is to allow the young people to put their fingerprints on their individual school year,” Storm Johannsen explains. The result is independent, responsible young people with a great sense of self-esteem. “This is where the efterskole really shows its worth. We have the opportunity to focus hard on individual development,” Storm says.

Instead of having the pupils follow a specific line, they choose from a range of profile courses within the two principal lines: Nature Sport or Imagination. Nature Sport focuses on sport with a meaning and challenges the students to try their strengths against a wide range of sports,

The school itself also keeps developing and this year added a completely new line to its portfolio: Ranum International Class, which offers a Cambridge University’s International General Certificate of

A year at a Danish efterskole – which is an independent boarding school for lower secondary students – will always be something special. But at Ranum Efterskole in northern Jutland, they excel in making the year unforgettable. And it works. During the last four years, Ranum Efterskole has been the efterskole in Denmark with the most rapid growth, having increased the number of pupils from 86 to 235. “Our main characteristic is that our pupils have a vast influence on shaping the school during the year,” says Principal Olav Storm.

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A new international angle

The line applies both to Danish students wanting a more international angle on their final year of lower secondary school as well as students from abroad wishing to study a year in Denmark. “The international students are a great advantage to the Danish pupils, who use their English differently,” says Coordinator of the International Line, Mette Støttrup Jensen.

Scan Magazine | Education Theme | Schools in Denmark

Three trips abroad during a school year Both the Danish and international students will benefit from a high level of teaching, as all teachers on the international line must have international experience and be fluent English-speakers. As part of the international course, the class joins a college in Wales for a week and travels to the USA for two weeks to study social science, cultural understanding and language. Finally the pupils will be joining their profile courses for a third trip. All students at the school will be travelling abroad three times during the year to test the skills they garner from their profile courses, making Ranum Efterskole the most travelling efterskole in Denmark. “We want to really challenge the pupils to use their skills. This could be by going diving in the Red Sea, river rafting in Iceland or mountain climbing in Norway,” Olav Storm explains. FACTS: 230 students 50 employees 28 teachers 16,000 square metres Sports centre 4 science labs 12 active IT classrooms 2 music rooms Theatre and hall for 270 Library, TV lounge and reading rooms Activities: Diving, Sailing, Adventure sports, Horse riding, Golf, Karate, Media and Computer science, Design, Music, Performance, Gastronomy, Dance etc. The school travels 3 times every year all over the world, including: Turkey, Norway, Ireland, Spain, France, Greece, USA, Greenland, Nepal, London, Berlin, Egypt etc. Contact information: Ranum Efterskole, Kærvej 6-8, 9681 Ranum Denmark, Mail: info@ranumefterskole.dk

For more information, please visit: www.ranumefterskole.dk

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A different way to learn a language Working together with a German school helps pupils in Borremose Efterskole’s international class learn English. By Stine Daugaard | Photo: Borremose Efterskole

For more than ten years Borremose Efterskole (an independent boarding school for lower secondary students) in northern Jutland has offered a school year with an international perspective. This gives the pupils a chance to place a greater emphasis on the language aspect of their education and gain a broader international outlook. The class offers extra English lessons every week, as well as having the pupils collaborate with others from Markgraf-Ludwig Gymnasium in the German city of Baden-Baden, who will also be visiting the school and vice versa. “This way English will be the second language for all,” Headmaster Poul Johansen explains. Better language, broader perspective The classes will be collaborating before, during and after their mutual visits, al-

lowing the pupils to make the most out of practising their English skills. “The pupils realize their abilities by using the language, as well as learning to work together across borders,” Johansen says. The pupils also gain a broader perspective on the world by visiting a foreign country and staying with a local family. Apart from the international class, the school also offers a wide range of subjects from many different types of sports to music, media and even a course focusing on working with metal. The pupils work with laptops and a wireless network as the ITfacilities are entirely up to date. For more information, please visit: www.borremose.dk

Rebild Efterskole Action, community and life-changing experiences. According to principal Troels Schrøder, these are the words which best encapsulate “Rebild Efterskole – sport and adventure”. Rebild Efterskole is one of Denmark’s 263 popular independent boarding schools for lower secondary students, but Rebild Efterskole seperates itself from the other schools by focussing on sports and adventure. “We are situated in Rold Forest and Rebild Hills, so it was a clear-cut choice to offer adventure and sports-minded education and focus on health and well-being. This gives our pupils an opportunity to challenge themselves physically,” says Troels Schrøder. Schrøder believes that a stay at an independent boarding school gives something which a regular elementary school cannot. “The pupils learn how to stand on their

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By Lasse Berg Sørensen | Photos: Rebild Efterskole

own feet in a safe environment, and they learn how to deal with the other pupils and create a community. By doing this, they learn not just to think of themselves, but of others too,” says Schrøder. “Unlike regular schools, we focus on the whole human being: the intellectual aspects, so-

cial life, health, feelings, romance and family issues. This means that we are there for the pupils whenever they need it.” Although the “efterskole” is a Danish concept, Rebild Efterskole has students with

roots in many different countries, ranging from Greenland, France, Sweden, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia to Brazil. “This way our pupils learn that although you come from different parts of the world, everybody is equal, no matter the religion or skin colour,” says Schrøder.

FACTS ABOUT REBILD EFTERSKOLE: • It opened in 1980 and has 83 pupils. • It is located in Skørping, in the northern part of Jutland. • Learn more about Rebild Efterskole at www.rebildefterskole.dk

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A unique school for classical music enthusiasts

By Yane Christensen | Photo: Orkester Efterskolen

At Orkester Efterskolen, the teenagers prefer Beethoven to Beyoncé, and they are offered the chance to fully immerse themselves in the world of classical music amongst like-minded contemporaries. The small school is situated in a beautiful part of west Denmark, near the stunning North Sea coast and just 59 miles (95km) from the country’s second biggest airport. The school offers three programmes: The Orchestra Programme, where students join a symphony orchestra; The Vocal Programme, where students sing both solo and in a chamber choir; and The Piano Programme, where chamber music is practised daily. All students get weekly supervision in playing their chosen instrument. But there is more to Orkester Efterskolen than music: there is the national curricu-

lum to get through, and the school achieves great results. The school is aimed at 15-17 year olds (Danish school year 9-10), and a year here is an excellent springboard for students who want to go on to study for A-levels or the International Baccalaureate. Whenever possible the obligatory subjects are given a musical angle, and the students regularly go on trips, for instance to the Royal Theatre or the Symphonic Orchestra in Copenhagen. The school has recently added a programme intended for international students. To qualify for a scholarship, the students must have a certain level of musical competence. Students should also be willing to learn some Danish. The friendly staff ensure that students, particularly foreign ones, feel part of the community.

Students live in shared accommodation – eight per cottage and two per room. Everyone has to muck in when it comes to cleaning and washing the dishes. There are no classes during the weekends, and the students are free to go home, but many choose to stay as there is a variety of activities on offer. A recurring comment from past and present students is that they really enjoy being part of a community where everyone shares the same interest – and an interest that is not all that common amongst teenagers. So whether you want a career in classical music, or just enjoy playing music and fancy a change of scenery, a year at Orkester Efterskolen is ideal for any young music lover. For more information, please visit: www.orkesterefterskolen.dk

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Scan Magazine | Education Theme | Schools in Denmark

Hørby Ungdomsskole in Denmark By Samantha Wong | Photos: Hørby Ungdomsskole

Established in the early 1970s, the 9th and 10th grade school currently has over 150 pupils and 17 teachers. As well as ensuring its students receive a wellrounded education, the school focuses on drama, music and sport, while also following Howard Gardner’s educational theory on multiple intelligences. Hørby Ungdomsskole (Hørby Youth School) is located in Frederikshavn, Denmark, and Mogens Vestergård has been school principal for nine years. “We have a different style of learning for the pupils which makes the school different,” explains Vestergård. “Our specialist subjects, drama, music and sport, are one of the reasons many parents choose to send their children to our school, but we also have a good reputation and follow the philosophy of Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences.”

Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences has revolutionised the way some schools run their education programmes. Instead of traditionally assessing a pupil’s intelligence through mathematical and linguistic tests, Gardner’s philosophy also extends to musical intelligence, bodily-kinesthetic intelligence (body movements), spatial intelligence (problem solving) interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligence (empathy). By following the principle of multiple intelligences, Hørby Ungdomsskole tailors each pupil’s educational needs to his or her preferred way of learning to ensure they each get the best out of their education. Although Hørby Ungdomsskole is a private school, grants are available from the Danish government. The school offers a unique learning environment for students to develop and grow in.

For more information visit www.hørbyungdomsskole.dk Hørby Ungdomsskole Snedkergårdsvej 11 Hørby 9300 Sæby Tel. +45 98 46 63 00 kontor@hu-ungdom.dk

Have fun while learning at Himmerlands Ungdomsskole

By Yane Christensen | Photos: Himmerlands Ungdomsskole

Himmerlands Ungdomsskole is a large Grundtvigian school with 150 students aged 15-17. It follows the curriculum for Danish school year 9-10, where English, maths and Danish are obligatory subjects. In addition to those, the school offers a huge selection of extra-curricular subjects (see website for details) in order to allow the students to develop. The school’s values are based on equality and engaging in conversation. The aim is to create a community with committed, caring members. A community where freedom and responsibility go in tandem and where there is room for individuality. Students are encouraged to be creative in developing their skills - both social and professional skills. They are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and to respect other

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people’s differences. They should emerge from the school, not just wiser, but also more confident, open and accepting. Students are required to speak Danish, but the management is currently planning an exchange scheme with Iceland, where all teaching will be conducted in English. The school is situated in the North of Jutland, steeped in stunning countryside. Students are invited to stay during weekends as there is an array of activities available. Often a whole weekend will be dom-

inated by a specific fun theme, such as ‘Karaoke’ or ‘Outdoors’. Anyone who might consider applying for a place at Himmerlands Ungdomskole should check out the website where they will find a YouTube link to a film produced by last year’s students. There is no doubt that this is a fun school! For more information, please visit: www.himmerlands-ungdomsskole.dk

Roskilde University – teaching critical thinking the Scandinavian way By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Roskilde University

Roskilde University was founded in 1972 as an alternative-style institution introducing new methods of teaching and novel ways of student-based learning. The state university now provides research and education in the fields of natural science, humanities, social sciences and technical humanities. It also offers programmes in English as well as an exchange programme for international students. The educational objective of RUC has always been about breaking with traditional practices and setting new standards in the way students should work together and conduct their research. “We are a research-based and less traditional university,” says current Pro-Rector Hanne Leth Andersen. “Our students learn how to work in groups, and they are very independent. They are given the right analytical tools for problem solving, and our strong research

methods enhance their creative, critical and self-reflective thinking.” Career prospects Accordingly, RUC graduates often secure jobs, where they can eventually make a real difference in society. “Our students are very engaged from the beginning. They are interested in making a difference, and they want to change and build society. RUC students are very strong at managing projects and combining thoughts in new ways,” says Andersen. “We train future teachers, politicians, entrepreneurs, state officials, researchers and so on, as our students are active, creative and innovative individuals.” Flexibility Roskilde University is also recognised for its distinct structure, which allows students to wait a year before choosing a specific study programme to continue with. In

their 1st year, they only have to select one of the fields of study (natural science, humanities, social sciences or technical humanities) as a basis for their education. In addition, RUC is well-known for the programmes it offers in communication studies and social sciences, and programmes such as global studies, international development studies and performance design are also very popular. There are numerous different course combinations that students can choose from, as almost everything can be combined. It is a great place for international students who want to experience the Danish way of teaching and learning, which differs greatly from the education in many other European countries: it is learner-based and constantly evolving in innovative ways. For more information, please visit: www.ruc.dk

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Askov Residental Folk High School treasures the old virtues and values By Lasse Berg Sørensen | Photos: Mathias Christensen

Askov Residental Folk High School is a clear-cut example of a typical Danish folk high school, which emphasises classic folk high school virtues like enlightenment, democracy, freedom and national culture and language. Founded in 1865, Askov Residental Folk High School is one of the oldest folk high schools in Denmark, a unique Scandinavian type of boarding school, where adult students spend 3 to 6 months studying various courses. The core values in Askov are based on the thoughts of the Danish writer, philosopher and pastor N.F.S. Grundtvig, the father of the Danish folk high school, and Principal Ole Kobbelgaard emphasises freedom, democracy and community as the main values. He hopes that students in Askov will learn how to be enlightened citizens after their stay. “We need to contribute to breeding democracy, and teach our students to take part in society. A way of doing this is by encouraging the students to be enthusiastic in the things they do. Students need to be dedicated and find the joy in their work. They need to feel the passion

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in their hearts. I believe a child needs to be interested in the subject in order to learn,” Kobbelgaard says. Askov offers courses in journalism, theatre, film production and design plus general subjects like religion, politics, philosophy and psychology. For international students, Askov has courses in Danish language, culture, history and politics. But they have to be prepared to speak in Danish. “I believe that the only way to learn Danish is by speaking it. Maybe we start off in English, but we usually switch into Danish. But we will speak slowly and clearly, and avoid tricky words,” Kobbelgaard promises. Being in a folk high school is not all about learning. Ole Kobbelgaard points out: “The most important part is the friendship. A folk high school is typically a place where young people network and make friends for life. Communities are strongly challenged in today’s society, and I think that we need folk high schools more than ever.”

Principal Ole Kobbelgaard FACTS ABOUT ASKOV: • Founded in 1865, a year after the Second Schleswig War. • Located in the southern part of Jutland. • 50-100 students enrolled in the folk high school, and 130 in the independent boarding school for the lower secondary students department.

For more information, please visit: www.askov-hojskole.dk

Vrå Højskole – a school for life Learning for life is the essence of Vrå Højskole, a boarding school with a philosophy that culture and social skills are key, and where equal rights are prevalent regardless of background or nationality. By Victoria Lagnehag | Photos: Vrå Højskole

Vrå Højskole is situated in the small village of Vrå with a modest 2,500 inhabitants. The school was founded in 1872 and is built as a farmhouse with three wings. The building promotes a special intimacy and instantly embraces you with familiarity and domestic harmony. The school has been a home for many famous Danes, one being the late James Knudsen, poet, author and pastor. Rumour has it that he had such love for this place that he is still very much present. Søren Ottzen is the headmaster at Vrå Højskole and has, together with his wife, created that special homely atmosphere that is the distinctive feature at Vrå. Søren believes in learning for everybody and prides himself with having a diverse group of students under his wings. Vrå Højskole is different from many boarding schools as it has a clear student focus. The school represents equality, personal development and encourages the students to question, and enhances academic immersion and creativity. It is clear that the Ottzen couple has contributed to the at-

mosphere at Vrå and played an important part in making the students from all over the world feel at home. The school offers different length of courses throughout the year with the core subjects being photography and music along with art, textile and design. There is also a focus on traditional subjects such as Danish, English, mathematics, social studies and Danish as a second language to give students a chance to choose from a variety of subjects. Vrå Højskole is very much a school in transition and has a fair mixture of old descent and modernism. It offers a tranquil atmosphere where there is room for personal growth and individuality. This is a place which students can call home whilst building the perfect platform for multicultural learning and understanding. Vrå Højskole is a school for life. For more information, please visit: www.vraahojskole.dk

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Scan Magazine | Education Theme | Schools in Denmark

Højskolen på Kalø – Learning languages by doing By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Højskolen på Kalø

language, but this can often be very theoretical. Instead we want to make it as practical as possible. Students can learn languages by learning about the National Park themes and vice versa. The National Park is a real gift, as it gives us the opportunity to study our beautiful surroundings.”

Højskolen på Kalø, located in Djursland and the Mols Bjerge National Park, is a so-called Danish “folk high school”, which accepts students over the age of 18 looking for an alternative style of education. It is a language school, focusing on Danish, German, English, French and Spanish. But there is a practical twist to the normal language teaching methods, as students take on another subject from the National Park topics, which will also be taught and discussed in the specific language they are there to learn. Højskolen på Kalø was established in 1952, but before that it actually operated as an agricultural school for farmers. However, after the Second World War, there seemed to be a need and wish for education that would help the Danish population become more internationallyminded. Accordingly, the school became a

separate folk high school with this mission in mind. “The school is very special,” says Chair of the School Board Søren Nicolaj Iversen. “Our original concept is learning a foreign

The students at Højskolen på Kalø do not take any exams, as it is more about the learning experience itself. The new concept allows students to choose one language and one National Park topic, and there will be 15 lessons on each subject per week (30 altogether). The National Park topics include learning about, e.g. wildlife, geo-design, and food and health.

For more information, please visit: www.kalohojskole.dk

Explore your interests and prepare for life at Højskolen Snoghøj

By Nia Kajastie | Photo: Højskolen Snoghøj

Højskolen Snoghøj is a unique Danish folk high school and boarding school, which offers Danish and international students a set of artistic ‘base camps’ to choose from: these include musical, film, theatre, dance and global studies. Students, who have to be 18 or over, are treated to a thorough learning programme in their chosen ‘camp’, while also making new friends from all over the world. Snoghøj is located right in the middle of Denmark on the outskirts of historic Fredericia, Denmark’s largest seaport. The school is surrounded by scenic landscapes and is situated directly beside the water, giving students the perfect setting for concentration and peace of mind while learning. For international students the school of-

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valuable life experience at the same time,” says Head of the school Torben Egeris. “We give them the ‘basis’ for going forward with their lives (hence ‘base camps’).”

fers a special ‘global base camp’, where they, among other things, learn about Danish, English, culture, media, art, sports and outdoor activities. Foreign students can also take part in the ‘film camp’, but the musical and theatre courses are only taught in Danish at the moment.

And even though the school does not have any exams, it still actively prepares the students for their future. The teachers are professionals, who have genuine experience in their respective fields, whether as filmmakers, actors or musicians. Accordingly, students are helped to prepare for auditions for, e.g. theatre school. The students get to learn a lot of useful skills for their future careers as well as gaining solid and inspiring life experience.

Life experience “The big force behind our school is that people live together 24 hours a day and work on their subjects 25 hours a week, gaining

For more information, please visit: www.snoghoj.dk

Testrup Højskole – a unique experience By Victoria Lagnehag | Photos: Testrup Højskole

In the village of Maarslet, just south of Aarhus in Denmark is a school where individuality is in focus and where students are encouraged to form opinions, to question and to develop. Testrup Højskole is a traditional Danish boarding school, which, however, offers something very different from your average education.

Danish tradition, language and culture. Approximately 90% of the students are Danish and they all share a curiosity about people with different ethnic, national and cultural backgrounds. It is a welcoming environment and a place where the distinctive focus on personal development creates that special atmosphere.

Testrup Højskole was founded in 1866 and was inspired by one of the most influential Danish cultural figures, the poet and clergyman N.F.S Grundtvig. The school is situated close to Aarhus, the second largest city in Denmark, and with the city buzz just around the corner it is a popular choice for students.

It is in the light of the teaching style that the various subjects have been chosen, and music, theatre, philosophy, art and creative writing have all been a primary focus from the very beginning. A new addition to the school is the exciting subject, Focus (Brændpunkt), where you gain a qualified insight into the conditions of democracy: locally, nationally and internationally.

You might be surprised to learn that the school does not apply traditional grades or constitutional restraints; instead they focus on education at a deeper level. The students are individuals and are treated as such. They are encouraged to focus on themselves, form opinions, take a stand and develop. Knowledge is treated as a tool in the process of reaching a higher level of understanding and not as a goal itself. Studying at Testrup Højskole is a lifetime opportunity to surround yourself with

If you have aspirations to get to know Danish culture and mentality and learn the Scandinavian tradition of liberalism, democracy and welfare thinking, then the teaching and the social life at Testrup Højskole is a unique experience made just for you.

For more information, please visit: www.testrup.dk

Principal Jørgen Carlsen

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Scan Magazine | Education Theme | Schools in Denmark

Idrætshøjskolen Bosei

By Lasse Berg Sørensen Photos: Idrætshøjskolen Bosei

Where Japanese philosophy meets Danish folk high school tradition Idrætshøjskolen Bosei (Bosei Sport High School) takes a slightly different approach to the Danish folk high school traditions. The school, which was originally a Japanese boarding school, is now the newest sports folk high school in Denmark, which combines Japanese studies and martial arts with the folk high school’s ideas of learning and personal development. “I believe that we have found a niche. No other folk high school does what we do at Bosei and because of that we have a market,” says Principal Erling Joensen. At Bosei you can study both Japanese culture and different fighting sports like taekwondo, judo, karate as well as other kinds of sports. According to Joensen this goes

perfectly well with studying. “The discipline from the martial arts can be transferred to other aspects of life, especially the meditative and mental strength. I believe that both the physical and psychological parts need to be connected and that you need to live and be awake in order to learn,” he says. According to Erling Joensen martial arts is a positive, rather than negative, sort of fighting: “In the martial arts you get to learn more about yourself, since you fight both your opponent and yourself. And it breaks down barriers between people, also when it comes to sex, religion and skin colour,” he says and adds that Bosei is both for advanced fighters as well as beginners, who have never practiced martial arts before.

Facts about Bosei: • It opened in 2009 and is located in the Southern part of Zealand, an hour from Copenhagen. • It offers courses in English and Danish language and culture for international students. • 70 students: 50 Danish and 20 international. • Visit Bosei at www.bosei.dk

Nordjyllands Idrætshøjskole – passion for sports

By Emelie Krugly | Photo: Nordjyllands Idrætshøjskole

Nordjyllands Idrætshøjskole is a folk high school focusing on sport, located in Brønderslev, 30 kilometres north of Aalborg. The school was set up in 1986 by local and passionate promoters, who began raising money specifically for a sports school in the area. Today the school is proud to be celebrating 25 years in operation. Thousands of students have studied at the school as part of an educational journey to become policemen, physical therapists, teachers and so forth. Every year around 150 to 200 students are accepted, the average age being between 18 to 25 years old. The majority of the students are Danish, but the school welcomes a lot of international students. Norwegians, Icelanders, Hungarians, Americans and Swedes are among the

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most common nationalities to have studied at Nordjyllands Idrætshøjskole. “The students choose us for many different reasons: maybe because they simply would like a break so they can focus on a hobby for six months or longer, or perhaps they want to find out what they are good at. What they all have in common is a passion for sports,” says Communications Manager Karen Kjørvel. “Our students really appreciate the time they spend with us and often reflect

on this time, as they were able to build their confidence and grow on a personal level. It has a lot to do with teambuilding and challenging yourself when you study here, and instead of exams, you will face different tasks such as leading classes and teaching other students,” Kjørvel explains. The school is offering both long courses of up to 42 weeks and short oneweek courses during the summer. There are plenty of exciting subjects to choose from: ballgames, fitness, outdoors and education. A skiing or adventure trip to France is also a part of the course agenda as well as a fun packed trip to Lanzarote. For more information, please visit: www.nih.dk

Scan Magazine | Education Theme | Schools in Denmark

DEA helps Denmark back into the know-how lead The new think-tank DEA helps Danish companies regain their ability to compete with thorough research and analyses focusing on education, research and innovation. By Stine Daugaard | Photo: DEA

Education, research and innovation are all key factors that ensure Denmark’s competitive edge now and in the future, and to help facilitate this, the independent think-tank DEA was established. This is essential in a time when statistics show that one in five Danish youngsters do not receive higher education, product development is decreasing and the well-known Danish welfare state is under pressure. Knowledge puts Denmark back in the lead “Knowledge is Denmark’s main export good, but we need to find our feet again to avoid being overtaken on the inside,” says Managing Director of DEA, Stina Vrang Elias. She is leading a team of about 20

people, who are all dedicated to analyzing and researching how to make Denmark more competitive through education, research and innovation. “It is imperative that we produce useful knowledge that can help Denmark back into the lead,” Vrang Elias exclaims. Aim to influence politicians DEA aims to do this, not only through research and analyses, but also by channelling the produced knowledge into the political system to help improve the quality of political discussions. “We need to ensure that policies are based on facts instead of ideologies or feelings, and we are already seeing an impact on the debate,” Vrang Elias says.

Only one way for the future As a think-tank DEA also provides knowhow for educational institutions to help them streamline their courses towards what Denmark will need in the future. “We need to get back onto the innovation track and regain our position in the lead,” Vrang Elias says. Any companies with ideas for projects or an interest in the work already being done by DEA are more than welcome to get in touch.

For more information, please visit: www.dea.nu

Issue 24 | November 2010 | 61

Niels Brock Copenhagen Business College By Lasse Berg Sørensen | Photos: Niels Brock Copenhagen Business College

“A global perspective, innovation and a strong connection to the business world are the key factors to being a successful business student in 2010,” says Anya Eskildsen, Managing Director at Niels Brock Copenhagen Business College. The world is inevitably becoming a more globalised place, bringing people and businesses from all over the world together. This certainly creates a great number of new opportunities, but also entails some challenges. This also seems to be the outlook at Niels Brock Copenhagen Business College, one of the biggest business schools in Denmark, which tries to address these opportunities and challenges by offering a wide range of internationally-focused degrees in business and commerce for both Danish and international students at upper secondary school and higher education levels.

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“We believe that there are two core competences, which students need to have these days: they need to be internationally-minded, and they need to have an innovative mind-set. This makes Niels Brock Copenhagen Business College stand out,” says Eskildsen. “The world is getting smaller, and it is crucial for us that our students are aware of this and regard the whole world as their workplace. Moreover, we need to generate some creative minds, which are able to think outside of the box. We need entrepreneurs, not just wage earners. Otherwise, we as a country will end up on the outskirts lacking behind the development. The pressure on Denmark is not getting smaller.” Suits the business world One of the ways Niels Brock Copenhagen Business College tries to foster these creative minds is by offering business degrees that are closely connected to the

business world. One of the higher degrees offered is a two-year Academy Profession (AP) programme in finance, marketing or logistics management. The AP programmes are very hands-on and rooted in the business world. “Some of the other higher education programmes offered today are very academic and far from what businesses are looking for. Our programmes are much more practically focused and are designed to fit the businesses, and all degrees include six months of business internships. Basically, the students become ready-made and can use their studies in a job right away,” Eskildsen points out. “As a society in general we need to urge more people to get an education, but not all have to be strictly academic. We also need practically minded students with a drive who want to create things. Our AP programmes are aimed at these students.”

Scan Magazine | Education Theme | Schools in Denmark

According to Anya Eskildsen, the degrees fit the needs of a lot of students too. “It only takes two years to get the degree, which is a quite manageable time-span for students, who are not ready to start on a bachelor’s or a master’s degree at the age of 18,” says Eskildsen and adds that it is possible to pursue further degrees if the students are keen on more years in school. A global perspective All AP programmes are taught in both English and Danish, which gives international students an opportunity to take part in the studies at Niels Brock Copenhagen Business College. There are currently 300 international students at Niels Brock and this pleases Anya Eskildsen. “We take pride in being an international place of study. And it is a great opportunity for our students to work in an international context. Speaking English is no longer sufficient to be truly global. You also need an understanding of other cultures and relations. And it is fun seeing how the different nationalities have different strengths when they are working together,” says Eskildsen. Besides getting the world to come to Denmark, Danish students also get the opportunity to study abroad. “I strongly recommend our students to take a semester abroad. It is great for their personal development, and they learn how to manage themselves in a foreign country,” says Eskildsen. Besides offering programmes in Denmark, Niels Brock Copenhagen Business College is running similar business programmes in China and Vietnam, and is working on expanding to countries like Poland, Russia and Brazil. “It is extremely interesting to see what is happening in these countries, and it is a great opportunity to bring this know-how back home to Denmark. It’s like a shot in the arm,” Eskildsen concludes. For more information, please visit: www.brock.dk

FACTS ABOUT NIELS BROCK: • Founded by grocer Niels Brock in 1888. • Offers higher commercial courses,

vocational education, higher education and adult education. • Has 25,000 students in Denmark, 1,500 in China and 40 in Vietnam.

Issue 24 | November 2010 | 63

: ME EN E TH ED N O SW I AT S IN C U L ED HOO SC

Futuraskolan By Linnea Dunne Photos: Futuraskolan

– progressive, energetic and respectful Summarised by the acronym PER, Futuraskolan's key values paint the picture of a forward-thinking, open-minded school. Progressive, energetic and respectful, the school opens the doors to free international education with a reputation for excellence. “We want to be a springboard for the world citizens of the future,” says Marie Burman, Futuraskolan's Director, who is passionate about making international education free and accessible. “Stockholm is becoming more globalised by the day, and it needs a greater choice in terms of international schools.” Founded in 2002, Futuraskolan is funded by the Swedish government as part of its commitment to so-called free schools. As such, it offers free education, free books and free, nutritious lunches something most families from abroad would never take for granted. “Futuraskolan offers a truly international education,” says Curriculum Director Stephen Castledine, who explains that

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“We want to be a springboard for the world citizens of the future.” the education can be either bilingual or wholly in English, depending on the grade. Furthermore, thanks to an internationally recognised, portable curriculum, students who live in Sweden temporarily can transfer their educational experience to many other international and national schools. Coupled with the environmental splendour of the Swedish capital, it might sound just a little bit too good to be true. But no bar is set too high for Futuraskolan, as Marie Burman says: “We promise that every child will be seen and challenged. Futuraskolan will lead the way in progressive education.”

The curriculum: Grades 0-5: International Primary Curriculum (IPC) • Portable to many other international schools • Focus on combination of academic, personal and international learning • Teachers around the world share ideas online • Bilingual education Grades 6-9: International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IBMYP) • Portable to many other international schools • Fastest growing international curriculum • Teaching in English with a focus on Swedish culture • Focus on connections between traditional subjects and the real world • Quality of programme monitored externally

For more information, please visit: www.futuraskolan.se

• Swedish language offered as second language or mother tongue

Scan Magazine | Education Theme | Schools in Sweden

International School of Helsingborg takes your future seriously

By: Emelie Krugly | Photos: International School of Helsingborg

The International School of Helsingborg was established in 1995. The main reason was a growing demand for international education at the Primary and Secondary levels. ISH is a non-fee paying public international school in Sweden and the only one to offer all three IB programmes. The 450 students aged between 3 and 19 years come from countries in Europe, North and South America, Asia, Oceania, the Middle East and Africa. The school's curriculum follows the International Baccalaureate guidelines and is taught in English at all levels. With an excellent location, in the centre of the Øresund region in north-west Scania, Helsingborg is Sweden's closest point to Denmark and lies roughly 33 miles from Malmö, and 27 miles from Copenhagen. Shane Tastad, Principal/Coordinator for

the Middle Years and Diploma Programmes, joined ISH in January this year, after 15 years of teaching at international schools in Norway. “The atmosphere is very exciting in an international school with students and teachers from all parts of the globe,” Tastad says. The school is fully accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organisation and also by the Swedish Department of Education.

SSHL

The IB programmes offered are: The Primary Years Programme (IBPYP) for the 3 -11 year age group, the Middle Years Programme for the 11-16 year age group, and the Diploma Programme for the 1619 year age group.

For more information, please visit: www.helsingborg.se/internationalschool

By: Emelie Krugly | Photo: SSHL

– Where tradition and innovation are equally important Sigtuna is Sweden's oldest town situated 50 kilometres outside Stockholm. Two boarding schools were established in the area in the 1920s: Sigtunastiftelsens Humanistiska Läroverk, founded by Bishop Manfred Björkquist, and Sigtunaskolan, founded by the theologian Harry Cullberg. The two schools were then merged in 1980 and were given the name: Sigtunaskolan Humanistiska Läroverket, SSHL. “48 nationalities are currently represented in the school, creating an interesting mixture of international and national students; our teachers also contribute to this uniquely multi-cultural learning centre. English is the main educational language in several of our programmes,” says Conny Lindberg, Vice School Director.

Around two-thirds of the 550 pupils at the school are boarders. Many of them are Swedish nationals whose parents work abroad. “We have excellent facilities for sports, music, drama and art to ensure a wide range of leisure and extracurricular activities; we believe this is very important for the teenagers that are boarding here,” adds Conny Lindberg. The Middle Years Programme, grades 7-10, was introduced in 1998. In grades

11-12, the following university preparatory programmes are offered: the Natural Sciences Programme of the Swedish national curriculum with most courses taught in Swedish; the Social Sciences Programme of the Swedish national curriculum, taught in English and/or Swedish; and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, taught in English. Famous students include the Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf and former Swedish Prime minister Olof Palme. The school year runs from mid-August to mid-June. It has forty weeks of instruction and is divided into two periods. SSHL is located close to Stockholm, Uppsala and Arlanda airport. For more information, please visit: www.sshl.se

Issue 24 | November 2010 | 65

Europaskolan – your key to Europe By Victoria Lagnehag | Photos: Europaskolan

Picture yourself cycling the distance from Beirut to Tel Aviv or driving an ambulance from Strängnäs to Nepal. You are sure to lack the comfort of travelling by plane, but in return you will have a journey of endless possibilities, fantastic experiences and take networking to a new dimension. Europaskolan in Strängnäs is similar: it is not convenient but it is equally rich in experiences and networking. Some people who can vouch for that are cyclists Philip Hafstad and Viktor Pettersson along with ambulance drivers Joakim and Christian Larson, all former students at Europaskolan in Strängnäs. Europaskolan thrives on ambition and motivation, and guarantees three years of hard work. Studying at this school is not a walk in the park but the rewards are many. Field trips to Athens, Berlin and

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Brussels are just a few examples of the exciting opportunities that are offered to their students.

sonal as well as on an educational level are only some of the key words that represent this school.

Europaskolan has a European student focus and is an educational institution preparing the students for international universities and higher education. Social skills, norms and values are important. Europaskolan focuses strongly on preparing their students to be valuable members of society. The school accentuates a positive atmosphere and has a clear international focus, includes digital learning and offers a campus environment.

So what happened to the cyclists and the ambulance drivers? Well, Philip has been awarded the 2010 Anders Wall scholarship for an internship at the Swedish Chambers of Commerce in Shanghai. Victor is studying Politics and International Business at the Copenhagen Business School. Joakim is the management assistant for the Standard Hotels in New York, and Christian is dividing his time between Stockholm and London where he is directing film and music videos.

Europaskolan was named one of Sweden’s foremost gymnasiums in 2006 and has been awarded top marks again this year. The students all agree that studying at Europaskolan is a choice for life and an experience they will treasure forever. Independence and development on a per-

These are only four examples of careers that all began at Europaskolan in Strängnäs. For more information, please visit: www.europaskolan.se

ED SC UCA HO TIO OL N T SI N N HEM OR E: WA Y

British International School of Stavanger – The Best of Britain and Norway By Nia Kajastie | Photo: British International School of Stavanger

The British International School of Stavanger was established in 1977 and currently teaches 400 pupils from 30 different nationalities, ranging between the ages of 2 and 16. The school has three departments – pre-school, primary (British National Curriculum) and secondary (International Baccalaureate), delivering a curriculum which is designed to meet the needs of a very diverse group of children. Since August 2008 the British International School of Stavanger has offered students aged 11 to 16 the opportunity to complete studies in the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP). The programme provides students with exciting challenges as well as a lot of support through the help of a broad cur-

the school makes excellent use of all that Norway has to offer.

riculum that creates a truly Norwegian experience within the British educational system. The students are encouraged to explore the school’s natural surroundings and take part in community workdays, so that they can fully engage with their environment and work together in fun and exciting ways. Teambuilding days such as the one experienced recently at Landa Iron Age Village in Forsand ensure that

In addition, all BISS students participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award scheme. Taking responsibility for the planning and organising of overnight expeditions amidst some of the wildest countryside Norway has to offer, means that the students are challenged to solve problems by themselves. Developing community awareness and taking responsibility means that students are encouraged to make a valuable contribution to society. For more information, please visit: www.cobis.org.uk/accredited/britishinternational-school-of-stavanger.html www.biss.no

Creative learning in Kongsberg By Anette Berve | Photo: Kongsberg International School

With dance classes taught by top London choreographers and mountain climbing field trips both on the schedule, Kongsberg International School is taking a new approach to traditional teaching. Kongsberg International School (KIS) is a non-profit foundation that opened its doors in August 2003. The purpose of the school is to serve Kongsberg and its surrounding communities with high-quality international education for students, based on the International Baccalaureate Programme. KIS offers education from pre-school all the way through to middle school and Diploma in collaboration with Kongsberg Videregående Skole. Principal Catherine Jolly explains that KIS started as an initiative from large, local companies employing ex-pat workers to

enable their engineers to bring along their families while working in Norway. “For foreign students it is difficult to jump in and out of the Norwegian school system, but as we follow the International Baccalaureate System, it makes the process easier,” Jolly explains. “The idea was that the workers could bring along their families with confidence.” Today, the school has mainly Norwegian students from the local area, but the IB system is proving popular and KIS now has students from as far away as Oslo. Their modern take on education is an attractive feature. Jolly explains that they focus on having a creative curriculum and aim to stimulate their students both mentally and physically.

“By taking our students out of the traditional school setting the teachers get a greater insight into who the students really are,” Jolly says. “We pride ourselves in having a good teacher–student relationship and very small classes that make our students comfortable and create a good environment. Here teachers and students learn together.” For more information, please visit: www.kischool.org

Issue 24 | November 2010 | 67

Scan Magazine | Education Theme | Schools in Norway

The Skagerak Experience By Dyveke Nilssen | Photos: Skagerak International School

At Skagerak International High School in Sandefjord, each student is treated as an individual. They wish to educate the whole person, and help them realise and fulfil his or her full potential. “We get a lot of positive feedback on using the systems in school to help our students individually. We want our students to develop more sides of themselves, and we want them to fulfil their potential when it comes to the academic side, but it is just as important to do so on a personal level,” says high school Principal Lars Ask. The Skagerak International School in Norway has students from the age of 4 to 18. The high school is an authorised International Baccalaureate Diploma school, which provides students with a qualification that is receiving increasing acclaim around the world.

Through activities in the school environment, such as participating in humanitarian work, the students are encouraged to be more creative, service minded and to take action. At present there are 175 students at the high school. “Our students wish to do something different. Many find that attending a smaller school is an advantage, as we know all our students,” says the principal.

To help their students, Skagerak, for example, offer “late night duty” after school, to give students extra tuition from subject teachers. Accordingly, 99 percent of the students end up going into higher education. “The main advantage of attending an international school in Norway is that you are fluent in two languages, which prepares our students for further studies either here in Norway or in a different country,” says Ask. For more information, please visit: www.skagerak.org

“Love of learning” at Arendal International School By Ingrid Marie Holmeide | Photo: Arendal International School

Arendal centre, this school offers stunning surroundings for its students and staff, and makes sure to take advantage of what nature offers.

Snug between the North Sea and southern Norwegian woods, Arendal International School welcomes primary and middle school students to learn, master and achieve in an environment that focuses on the joy of education. “Love of learning is what we promote here,” Head of School Bente Pedersen says. When opening in August 2006, Arendal International School (AIS) was the first English state primary and middle school in Norway funded by the government. The demand for an international school was addressed by the local government as the growing industry called for international employees. To be able to accept students and adjust learning to children from other parts of the world is one of AIS’s goals. After a trial period of 4 years, Arendal International School is now in its 5th and has

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experienced a steady growth from the beginning. “AIS follow the International Baccalaureate System,” Pedersen explains, “and it is very student-oriented. The joy of achievements is extra great when it comes from the students themselves.” Arendal International School currently has 110 students with roots in 30 different nationalities. Based on the tip of Tyholmen in

“We go on bicycle rides to the ocean, arrange ski days in winter and go on field trips to the surrounding woods. The students bring their skis, snowboards and skateboards to school, we play sports and have very good gymnasium facilities,” Bente Pedersen says. Based in the middle of everything beautiful Norwegian nature has to offer, joy is sure to be found at Arendal International School. For more information, please visit: www.aischool.no

Photo: Valeri Belov

Placing Tromsø International School on the map – right under the Northern Lights By Ingrid Marie Holmeide | Photos: Tromsø International School

Tromsø, the ‘Paris of the North,’ is now the home of the world’s most northern International School: Tromsø International School (TIS). The school, approved by the Norwegian government in April 2010, will invite its first ever students through the doors in January 2011.

to be great: more opportunities for international industry; it will be a positive factor when companies apply for a foreign workforce; TIS will help establish the northern part of Norway as an attractive option for people and families seeking employment.

With its business community and workforce from outside the borders of Norway, a school that followed suit was the natural next step. “We saw Tromsø International School as an important step in the process of sustaining the workforce,” Coordinator Birgitte Hansen says. “This is an international city; we were only missing an international school.”

With private school status, TIS still has the advantage of being financially supported by the government and can therefore boast low private fees. Tromsø International School is a primary and middle school, with education based on the International Baccalaureate Programme. Together with Finnfjordbotn Vidaregående Skole [www.finnfjordbotn.vgs.no], which offers the Diploma Programme, the region hosts a complete IB Diploma Programme. Within this programme the children’s natural curiosity is a factor much focused on, and where better to do this than in the land of the Northern Lights?

The purpose of the school is to offer international education at a high level while at the same time serving the local community of Tromsø. The effects of the school’s presence in the city are expected

“We have access to a botanical garden, the ocean, snow and outdoor teaching, all of which we will use in our education,” Hansen says, “and of course we have the Northern Lights!” In January 2011, 25 to 30 children and youths will be the first to call themselves students of Tromsø International School. During the following three years the school hopes to gradually expand to 150 students. As word spreads through the vibrant channels of industry and business, more eyes will turn to rough, dramatic and colourful northern Norway. And see Tromsø International School.

For more information, please visit: www.tromsointernationalschool.org

Issue 24 | November 2010 | 69

Folkeuniversitetet – Adult education in Oslo By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Folkeuniversitetet

Folkeuniversitetet Oslo has 140 years of solid experience in teaching and sharing knowledge to all those who crave it. Located in the centre of the city, the institution offers adult education at secondary and university levels, with courses in vocational training, language, culture and leisure activities as well as tailormade courses for businesses. Folkeuniversitetet Oslo is part of an association that organises adult education all around Norway, separated into different regions. All regions work together to provide the best education possible, but the institutions also work independently of each other to a certain extent. “As we are situated so centrally in Oslo, we offer one of the best locations for foreign students,” says Curriculum Manager Irene Nikolaisen. “A lot of international students and immigrants come here for our Norwegian and English courses, which run all year round during the day and in the evenings. We are one of the biggest institutions to run Norwegian courses, and many people find out about us when they first move to Oslo, as we are so well-known.” Tailor-made courses “A lot of people identify us with hobby courses and languages, but we also help

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people sign up for university courses and higher education. We can also tailor-make courses for private and public sector companies and organisations that want to offer extra training for their staff,” explains Nikolaisen. “It might be for learning languages or computer skills or some other requested field. We will try to provide our clients with the type of course that they need. We want to meet them halfway by being efficient and organising the right kind of course structure and teacher.” Folkeuniversitetet has a very wide range of different courses on offer, and they are also very flexible with their programme planning. They try to keep in mind that they are dealing with adults, who might be working or have already studied to a certain degree. Accordingly, their students or clients might know exactly what they want out of their education, and the staff will thus be able to tailor a course around these specifications especially.

For more information, please visit: www.fuost.no www.folkeuniversitetet.no

The Swedish School in London By Samantha Wong | Photo: The Swedish School in London

Based in Barnes in south-west London, the Swedish School in London has over 260 pupils and 36 teachers. This independent school offers a high quality education system, which not only follows the Swedish national curriculum, but also provides cultural enrichment for exchange students from Sweden.

and go on to sixth form without ever having lived in Sweden.” By following the Swedish educational system, the Swedish School gives its pupils the opportunity to go on and study at a Swedish university, where the education system is free.

Set up in 1907, the Swedish School has been based in Barnes since 1976. “It’s a small school, and we have small classes with high teacher-to-student ratios,” says Jan Dackenberg, who is in his fifth year as Headmaster. Its sixth form (gymnasium) is integrated with Richmond University

Additionally 80% of the students in sixth form are exchange students from Sweden, studying one or more years at the school. They get the opportunity to experience English culture and practise their English. “The school provides host families for those students as well as full boarding with the university in Richmond,” says Dackenberg.

“By using the Swedish school curriculum students do not lose any time in their education, if they have been studying in Sweden,” adds Dackenberg. “However, we even have some students who attend pre-school

In its most recent Ofsted report, the Swedish School’s quality of education was described as ‘outstanding and directly relevant to the needs of the pupils.’ The report also notes that the pupils ‘develop[ed]

ED SC UCA HO TIO OL N T SI N T HEM HE E: UK

high levels of self-esteem’ and outstanding behaviour. The Swedish School not only offers excellent education for its pupils but also ensures they develop and grow into responsible and confident individuals.

For more information, please visit: www.swedishschool.org.uk Swedish School 82 Lonsdale Road, Barnes, London SW13 9JS +44 (0) 20 8741 1751 office@swedishschool.org.uk

The natural choice for Norwegian families in London By Dyveke Nilssen | Photo: Norwegian School in London

At the Norwegian School in London the students are surrounded by a familiar environment, but still get to experience the best of England. “Most of our students are from Scandinavian families, who are living in London for a short period of time. New students will realise that the routines and traditions at the school make the transition to a new country easy and safe,” explains Head Teacher Geir Johansen. The independent school in Wimbledon follows the Norwegian national curriculum for education, and incorporates this into an English framework. Since 1982, it has offered a kindergarten and school for children aged 3-16. UK officials have admired the way the school manages to have one foot in each

country, and teach in both English and Norwegian. “We try to integrate English to provide the pupils with a good knowledge of the life and culture here,” says Johansen. The school arranges trips around the capital and country to maximise the experience of living in England. “We have a multitude of museums, theatres and exhibitions in the city which we visit, providing a wide range of stimulating learning opportunities.” The students achieve great results, and most sit the EFL examinations even though this is not mandatory. “We have close connections between our teachers and students, which helps

them improve and develop,” says the head teacher. The mid-19th century Victorian villa is situated close to the beautiful Wimbledon Common, where the school encourages physical activities. The children also bring their own lunch, often containing an open sandwich, a much-valued Norwegian tradition. For more information, please visit: www.norwegianschool.org.uk

Issue 24 | November 2010 | 71

Kilafors Herrgård includes art deco elements, and the lay-out for some parts was designed by famous Swedish artist Isaac Grünewald.

Hotel of the Month, Sweden:

Kilafors Herrgård – History and charm right under your pillow By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Kilafors Herrgård

Kilafors Herrgård is a hotel with a long history as well as an idyllic location by the rippling waters of lake Bergviken, and amidst the imposing mountains and valleys in the scenic county of Hälsingland. With stunning views and a homely atmosphere, the hotel offers the perfect setting for a weekend getaway, business meeting or family celebration. In November 2009, Bitti Alvin Lehmann and her husband Jörg Lehmann took over the running of the atmospheric hotel set in a historic manor house. The main building of Kilafors Herrgård was built in 1936, while the wings date back to the 18th century. It also contains a lot of interesting design qualities, as every room has a distinct look to it as well as its own strong character. No two rooms are the same in this building (except when it comes to facilities), and this is part of the intrinsic Ki-

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lafors Herrgård charm. The house includes art deco elements, and the lay-out for some parts was actually designed by famous Swedish artist Isaac Grünewald. Accordingly, it is no wonder that the Lehmanns were so enamoured with the estate, even though it was 700km northwards from where they originally thought they would be settling down. “We felt instantly that this was it: exactly what we had been looking for,” says Bitti, who is herself from the south of Sweden. “However, we are not as far from Stockholm as people think. It’s just 2.5-3 hours drive from there and 2 hours from Arlanda airport. We have great connections from here.”

our own beach. We are also close to forests that are perfect for picking mushrooms. Other outdoor activities that we can arrange for our guests are ice-skating, skiing, fishing and so on. We also have a wooden heated sauna located on the beach with the possibility for ice hole swimming afterwards. For the ones who are not brave enough to jump into the lake, a big indoor sauna is available.” They also work together with a spa located a few minutes’ walk from the hotel. In addition to the leisure options, Kilafors Herrgård offers tailor-made conference packages for small to medium groups as well as the ideal venue for family parties and weddings.

Enjoy yourself outdoors & indoors “The surroundings of the hotel are absolutely beautiful,” Bitti continues. “We are surrounded by nature, and we have

For more information, please visit: www.kilaforsherrgard.se

Hotel of the Month, Denmark:

Hotel Kong Arthur – Responsibility, passion and care By Samantha Wong | Photos: Hotel Kong Arthur

Hotel Kong Arthur is part of the familyowned Brøchner Hotels, the world’s first CO2 neutral hotel group. Located in Copenhagen, just five minutes from the city centre, the four-star hotel takes inspiration from the legend of King Arthur and is fittingly based among tranquil lakes. Its 155 rooms, of which 11 are suites, have a medieval yet homely atmosphere that will ensure any traveller is well rested and looked after.

Rest and Relaxation Hotel Kong Arthur is also home to Helle Thorup Spa, which features 850 sq metres of spa luxury. There is a sauna, a steam room and also a hydro pool along with plenty of beauty treatments. “The spa uses Dr Murad products and also Danishborn Californian resident Ole Henriksen’s products, which are known for treating film stars,” explains Marketing Coordinator Marie Louise Thyssen.

Hotel Kong Arthur was inaugurated by the Danish King in 1882 and once housed the city’s apprentices. The charming hotel offers guests a comfortable and relaxed stay, boasting three excellent restaurants to satisfy any food connoisseurs. There is La Rocca, serving Italian dishes; or why not sample a selection of delicious tapas from Pintxos, cooked by an experienced Spanish chef? If you are after some Asian cuisine, head for Sticks’n’Sushi for some Japanese-inspired dishes. Food can be served on the hotel’s stunning courtyard, which is a perfect way to spend a summer evening.

Business to Business As well as catering for guests, Hotel Kong Arthur offers conference packages for corporate clients. The hotel’s conference centre is found outside the hotel in converted stables, and services and facilities include AV equipment, a mini bar, midmorning refreshments, buffet lunch at La Rocca as well as free parking.

Jeppe Kjærgaard. The family behind Brøchner Hotels outlined five climate change aims in 2008 in limiting its four hotels’ CO2 emissions. As well as ensuring the hotel group is CO2 neutral in its energy consumption, the hotels also allow guests to carbon offset their stay by purchasing a CO2 quota as well as working with ecological products. Whatever your stay involves in Copenhagen, be it business or pleasure, Hotel Kong Arthur ensures you feel at home. “It is very important for us to treat all our guests individually. We don't want to be a hotel that always does things the same way, but instead try to adapt to the needs of the guests,” adds Kjærgaard. “We have a saying: ‘responsibility, passion and care’. That is what our staff take with them to work every day.”

Eco Hospitality “Our CO2 policy is very important to us, and we were the first CO2 neutral hotel chain in the world,” says Hotel Manager

For more information, please visit: www.kongarthur.dk

Issue 24 | November 2010 | 73

Scan Magazine | Hotel of The Month | Norway

Hotel of the Month, Norway:

Bjorli Snow Hotel - Ice and Warmth By Anette Berve | Photos: Bjorli Snow Hotel

“I cannot even attempt to describe the feeling you get when you are inside the ice chapel and the absolute silence you experience,” says Trond Jansen. Imagine walking down the aisle hand in hand with your loved one: a beautiful white dress, surrounded by your family, feeling chills run down your spine as you walk through the dim blue light created through the ice and the muted sound of music. Getting married in an ice chapel is an unforgettable experience, and at Bjorli Snow Hotel you can be ice princess for a day. Buckets of ice Regarded as the area in Norway with the most stable weather, Bjorli was the perfect location for building an ice hotel, and some four years ago the owners of Bjorligard Hotel did just that.

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Every year a new hotel is created, and every year it melts away as spring arrives and only the memories remain. It takes between 20,000-25,000 tons of snow to construct the basic structure of the hotel and another 30-40 tons of ice for the chapel and the furniture. Led by the renowned sculptor Peder Istad, ice sculpting artists from all over the world put in a year worth of working hours in just three or four weeks to complete the hotel in time. “Weather conditions and temperature decide when we can start the building process,” says Jansen. “This year has been very good and we have already begun the building process now in late October. Everything in the hotel is carved by hand: all the furniture, beds and sculptures are made from huge bricks of ice. No room is the same, and there are ice sculptures to enjoy everywhere.”

On the rocks Bjorli Snow Hotel is a part of Classic Norway Hotels, a chain of ten distinct hotels that all have a completely unique location, whether it is on the mountainside or by the coastline. The hotel is situated next to Bjorligard Hotel, which provides guests with the alternative of a night in a warm bed following a night at the Snow Hotel. With the choice of alternating between the two hotels one can get the whole experience. For those who fear the cold, a tour around the hotel or a visit to the bar is equally impressive without having to dread jumping into a cold sleeping bag at the end of the night. Jansen is quick to point out that no one has ever complained about the cold. “It is between minus 2 and 3 degrees Celsius here, but since it is inside it does not feel cold. But we do have a lot of woollen garments at hand if anyone feels chilly.”

Also on site is a Norwegian ‘gamme’, a large, solid tent made up of wood, rocks and pea gravel, which can accommodate up to 80 people. With a fire in the middle of the ‘gamme’ where a chef prepares traditional food, the outdoor experience becomes complete. For those who are not the outdoorsy type a bit of pampering might sound inviting. With a modern well-being centre with a heated pool to slip into and a sauna it is easy to warm up after a cold day. “By offering people a hotel experience, wilderness and well-being, we feel we can make everyone happy,” says Jansen. Finally, so that no ice is wasted, the hotel is even equipped with glasses made of ice to match their equally cool bar, giving the phrase “on the rocks” a new meaning. New season, new design Bjorli Snow Hotel has proved to be very popular with families and groups of friends and not only couples seeking a romantic getaway. “Because of this we have decided to make larger rooms to accommodate groups and families wanting to stay together.” Jansen further describes how the muted sound created by the ice is the perfect setting for good conversations and thoughts after a day out. For obvious reasons, the hotel melts each spring and has to be rebuilt over and over again. However, because of the Bjorli’s geographical location, the hotel has a longer season than other snow hotels. It is usually the first to open and the last to close. “Last year we were open until Easter was over, so we had a long and good season,” Jansen says. “Now we are anxiously awaiting this year’s opening. It is always an exciting time when we first start building the hotel. We have been looking at launching on December 11. Or we at least have to open by December 18 as that is when we have our first wedding,” Jansen ends with a nervous laugh. Please log onto www.snowhotels.no for more information about Bjorli.

Issue 24 | November 2010 | 75

Attraction of the Month, Denmark:

Økolariet – where sustainable development comes alive Learn more about the environment, climate change, innovation and sustainable development at Økolariet, a unique exhibition centre in Vejle. By Stine Daugaard | Photos: Økolariet Do you want to learn more about nature, energy and the environment in an interesting and interactive way? Then Økolariet is the place to go. The knowledge and exhibition centre opened in 2003 and has since been a flagship for focusing on sustainable development within this area. Manager Ole Due is also the creator of the place and is happy to see how it has ended up being both an entertaining and stimulating experience for children and youngsters as well as adults; it is also often visited by foreign tourists. “As far as I know, we are the only knowledge and exhibition centre dealing with sustainable development within energy and climate,” Due says. Visit a sewer Økolariet offers a range of permanent and

76 | Issue 24 | November 2010

changing exhibitions, where the visitor enters a world of sensory impressions and adventures. How about taking a walk on the bottom of the bay and seeing the plants and animals living there, or going for a ride in a sewer amongst rats and wastewater? See how waste is turned into useful products and learn how to cook wholesome food and use fewer resources. “Økolariet is a wonderful way to obtain knowledge in a way that is both entertaining and educational,” Due says. Take a closer look at the energy sector Økolariet is closed in December and January, but will afterwards open its doors for a range of special exhibitions. One focuses on robot technology, while another takes a closer look at the energy sector. “We

are taking a closer look at energy from different perspectives: agriculture, transportation, production and housing,” Due explains with regard to the series of special exhibitions, which will focus on one sector at a time, looking into the perspectives and challenges the future holds for the four sectors. The exhibitions are created in collaboration with Danish businesses to ensure the highest level of relevance. Økolariet is situated in the middle of Vejle, close to the bus terminal and train station and is free of charge to visit. For more information, please visit: www.okolariet.dk.

Attraction of the Month, Sweden:

Tom Tits Experiment – The world's largest playhouse By Emelie Krugly | Photos: Tom Tits Experiment

Tom Tits Experiment, Sweden’s largest science centre, is located in Södertälje, just south of Stockholm. Tom Tits is an exciting place to play, inquire and interact with the whole family. There are more than 600 experiments that children and adults can engage in, experimenting with water, air and optical illusions, for example. Around 200,000 visitors make their way to this spectacular place each year. Ulrika Askengren, Marketing and Sales Manager at Tom Tits, enjoys her working environment immensely. “It is a truly fascinating mix of hands-on science and technology fun for all ages. Here you will find 16,000 square metres of experiences that engage, challenge and inspire visitors. It's great to see how a 3-

year-old and a 60-year-old interact differently with the exhibits,” she says. Tom Tits consists of four floors filled with hundreds of stations, as well as a large garden, which is closed during the winter. The space features a few computers and other multimedia installations to guide one’s movements through the stations. On top of this, the individual experiments are simple, hands-on, intuitive and can be explored in any order. Just when you think you are done, you will find another floor or room to explore. Imagine a Willy Wonka-style scientific playground; you simply do not know what is waiting for you around the corner. Ulrika Askengren adds: “There is no need to worry about everything being in

Swedish as the science speaks for itself. We see Tom Tits as a scientific smorgasbord, where you won’t have time to see everything, but everyone will find their personal favourites.” Opening hours: Tuesday-Friday 10am-4pm Weekends: 11am-5 pm Prices: Adults: 195 SEK; Children 3-17: 145 SEK Children 0-2: Free entrance Family price: 595 SEK

( 4 pers. incl. 2 adults 18+) Address: Storgatan 33 in Södertälje; 35 km south from Stockholm, near motorway E4 and E20.

For more information, please visit: www.tomtit.se

Issue 24 | November 2010 | 77

Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Norway

Attraction of the Month, Norway:

North Cape – the northernmost point of mainland Europe “North Cape is amazing, just like being on top of the world”. “A Long trip but well worth the wait”. The reactions are often strong and emotional when facing the mighty 307 metres above the Barents Sea. For many visitors it is a dream come true to visit the northernmost point of mainland Europe, and it is a much-loved adventure. It is usually a celebratory moment to have reached this spot and often a bottle of champagne is cracked open before exploring the surroundings. By Emelie Krugly | Photos: North Cape

Hans Paul Hansen, Marketing & Communication Manager at the Rica Hotels in Honningsvåg, the northernmost city in Norway and the world, tells me how each year 220,000 tourists from all corners of the world visit this extraordinary part of Norway, and that it is among the top 15 tourist destinations in Norway. “To reach the North Cape is a sensation of achievement, a feeling that you can go no further. “

From the darkness to the midnight sun Life around the North Cape is fascinating. People have lived here for more than 10,000 years. Now there is a population of 3,300 in permanent settlements on Magerøya island, which was not connected to the mainland until ten years ago, when a seven kilometre tunnel was constructed. Here you may meet some of the indigenous Sami people, and their reindeer herds.

Born and raised in the area, located in the region of Finnmark, also called Norwegian Lapland, Hans Paul Hansen has an in-depth knowledge of the history of the North Cape. “The very first tourists arrived here some 400 years ago,” he says and continues to describe some of the historic milestones. “In 1553 an English expedition of three ships set out to seek the North East passage to China. They were parted in a storm. The 'Edward Bonaventura' under the command of Captain Richard Chancellor passed what was then known as Knyskanes (steep cliff) and named it North Cape. Later, in 1664, the Italian priest Francesco Negri visited and got so carried away that he wrote a book about his adventure. In 1873, King Oscar of Norway and Sweden also invited journalists to write about North Cape. Later Thomas Cook became the first travel agent to organise cruises here, and the story continues.”

charm and whenever you choose to visit North Cape, it will always be a unique experience as it is so different from everything that you are normally used to.” Cruise your way to the North Cape Most travel agents offer all-inclusive cruise ship packages to the North Cape. The cruises often include remote and beautiful postcard landscapes such as the Lofoten Islands, which are also north of the Arctic Circle, and, of course, sights of breathtaking fjords and awe-inspiring glaciers. While the North Cape is a wonderful experience in itself, travellers can also enjoy bird safaris at a nature reservation with over 2 million seabirds, or why not try an exciting king crab safari. It is said that if you dream of a really big catch, fishing land North Cape is a must to visit.

Although summer starts in mid-June and continues until late August, there are fascinating experiences awaiting you the whole year round. You may be curious to know what life is like here so far north during the dark winter months, or you might want to experience the midnight sun, the storms and the silence in all their dramatic splendour. “The weather is pretty rough all year around, but it rarely gets colder than minus 10 degrees, due to the Gulf Stream that warms up the sea,” explains Hans Paul Hansen. “All seasons have their

Nordkapphallen (North Cape Hall) is open all year round and offers a host of facilities. There are also exhibitions in the underground tunnel about North Cape's long history as a destination for travellers.

For more information, please visit: www.nordkapp.no

Issue 24 | November 2010 | 79

Alberto K – Dinner with a view The food fights for attention against the magnificent view from the 20th floor, and both are equally noteworthy at Alberto K. By Stine Daugaard | Photos: Alberto K/Radisson Blu

A feast for all the senses is what you get at a dinner at Alberto K. The restaurant is situated on the top floor of the 5-star Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, with an amazing view from every table. The hotel is famous for being completely designed by the world-renowned Danish designer and architect Arne Jacobsen, whose fingerprints can be seen on everything from the stylish façade to the specially designed interior. Jacobsen was hired by legendary Alberto Kappenberger, who was the first Managing Director at the hotel and who has since been immortalized by having the gourmet restaurant named after him.

Danish ingredients can be used for a gourmet result. “Our kitchen is extremely seasonal with a definite focus on the very best Danish ingredients,” explains the restaurant’s Chef Søren Selin, who at the moment is spoiling his guests with king crab, zander, turbot, pumpkin, chestnuts, plums and other typical autumn ingredients. When creating the menu he chooses one main ingredient to be the focal point and builds the dish around it. “My philosophy is to allow each ingredient to shine, so I am very conscious of my combinations,” Selin says.

The best of Denmark on a plate

Open to international influences

Whereas the hotel is a brilliant ambassador for Danish design, the restaurant is an equally fine example of how brilliantly

He aims to use as many Danish ingredients as possible but refuses to be fanatic or dogmatic about it.

80 | Issue 24 | November 2010

“I also use caviar, truffles and olive oil. I have recently made a dessert of a sublime olive oil sorbet, which just would not be the same with Danish rapeseed oil,” Selin explains. However, whenever possible he chooses to use local produce, which he handpicks from selected suppliers. “Denmark has so much to offer. It would be a shame not to take advantage of it.” The restaurant is open for dinner MondaySaturday. Due to high demand, reservations are highly recommended.

For more information, please visit: www.alberto-k.dk

Scan Magazine | Food | Wine

Wines fit for a king Situated in the North Eastern pocket of Italy, Piedmont is home to some of the country’s finest wines. Literally meaning ‘foot of the mountains’, the region sits at the base of the Alps, bordered by France and Switzerland on either side. The cold morning mists may keep the grapes from overheating, but they also assist in the growth of friendly fungi known as truffles which make an appearance between the months of October and December.

By Ray O’Connor

garded, often referred to as “the wine of kings, king of wines”. Nebbiolo is the unique grape variety used here, and its big tannins and high acidity play a major role in the aging capacity of these wines. They are not cheap, ranging from £25 upwards and my advice would be to buy them from independent wine shops rather than supermarkets to ensure that you experience the true qualities which they bespeak.

You will find an abundance of these delicacies in the town of Alba, which the fragrant wines of Barbera D’Alba call home. Wines from the Barbera grape are usually low in the tannins that dry your mouth out, but high in the kind of acidity that makes you salivate, in a good way of course! The neighbouring town of Asti is similarly synonymous with this grape variety and also bears its name. The finest wines of the region come from the towns of Barolo and Barberesco. The former is more highly re-

The most famous white wines of Piedmont undoubtedly come from the area of Gavi, where the Cortese grape produces refreshing wines with pear and apple aromas. Unlike their more illustrious red neighbours, these should be drunk young.

Ray O’Connor runs tailored wine tastings for groups and individuals. For more information visit www.rayoconnorwine.com

Tesco Finest Barbera d’Asti Superiore, 2007

Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Gavi, 2009

A wonderfully smooth red wine with soft red berries and clove spice. These easy tannins and crisp acidity are a perfect match for autumnal dishes like game.

This has some great floral aromas with citrus fruits on the nose. Some flavours of green pears and a nice rounded palate make this a real easy drinker.

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Issue 24 | November 2010 | 81

Scan Magazine | Food | Lobster Safaris in Western Sweden

On the hunt for Sweden’s black gold of the sea The autumn is high season for lobster safaris in Western Sweden. In the glittering waters in the skerries live some of the best lobsters in the world. Text & photos: Stine Daugaard

At first the work is easy. The line glides effortlessly through my hands and the pile of blue nylon rope at my side grows. But 25 metres is a lot, especially as the other people on the boat are watching my work eagerly hoping that the trap will be teeming with lobsters. Finally the lobster trap breaks the surface and is pulled on board the ship. And it was really worth the effort. Two lobsters are clattering around in the trap, obviously unhappy to be pulled from their usual wet element. Per Karlsson from Everts Sjöbod in Grebbestad, who has arranged the trip, checks the lobsters using his measuring device in red plastic to ensure that both lobsters are above the minimum measurement! Luckily – for us, not the lobsters – both

82 | Issue 24 | November 2010

are large enough to be eaten and are gently placed in a wooden crate. High season right now It is high season for lobster safaris in Bohuslän north of Gothenburg right now. Each year, the locals eagerly await the arrival of the first Monday after 20 September, when the lobster season commences and seafood enthusiasts can gorge themselves on the succulent lobsters, which supposedly are among the best in the world. But even for those who do not enjoy shellfish, the experience is worth a try. The area is beautiful in the crisp autumn light, the rounded granite rocks and the colours slowly changing from green to golden. All Swedish citi-

zens are allowed to have up to 14 lobster traps, but luckily there are a broad range of possibilities for others to try their hands at lobster fishing. Every second Swedish lobster is from Bohuslän We are cruising with M/S Tuffa, a gorgeous wooden boat from 1952 with ample room to relax in the autumn sun and enjoy watching the others taking turns in landing lobsters. Some traps have been invaded by crabs instead and others come up empty, but the chances of good luck are high. No less than every second Swedish lobster is landed here along with as much as 90 percent of the entire Swedish oyster catch, which are hand-

picked from the oyster banks in the skerries. This abundant wildlife is further confirmed a couple of times during the trip, when slick seals frolick not far from the boat, and it is tempting to claim that they shoot us disapproving glances as much as to say that we should leave their feeding ground alone. Luckily there is plenty for both us and the animals. Exceptional seafood Awaiting us back on dry land is a lavish shellfish feast. Rarely have I regretted my shellfish allergy as much as when Per Karlsson starts opening the fresh caught oysters and serving them al fresco with a squeeze of lemon and a glass of champagne. Especially when hearing comments like “a perfect taste of salt”, “marvellous texture” and “the best oysters I have ever had”. The excitement even reaches new heights when dinner is served on the first floor of the 18th century boathouse: half a lobster, several Norway lobsters, a variety of mussels and freshly boiled shrimps were fighting for room on the plate. The smiles are just growing wider. “Exceptionally juicy and tasty,” is one of the delighted statements I can coax The lobster safaris take place until the end of November and once again in the spring. Find more information at www.vastsverige.com

Scan Magazine | Columns | Humour

IS IT JUST ME...

By Mette Lisby

Or has anyone else lived in a fantasy world, blissfully ignorant of the harsh reality of calorie-counters? I mean, I knew about calories counts, I was just very generous in counting what burned them off. Among calorie-burning activities I had made startling efforts such as “being awake” and “sitting up”, accounting for at least a thousand calories a day. Each. My previous attempts to work out clearly reflected the same imprudence. I would sometimes go to extremes, join a gym and a couple of times even actually go there. But I never bothered to do a proper workout and adjust the machines. I would simply be on the treadmill until I couldn’t be bothered anymore. It’s amazing how slowly 90 seconds pass when you are literally going nowhere. See, this was the carefree world, which came to a shattering halt when I started working out with my husband. He’s the

Snow

My last winter in Sweden was pretty much like any other winter in the north. I was 14, and my friends and I trudged to school every day through drifts of snow. Refusing (naturally) to wear sensible clothes, our jeans would paste to our legs, our hair would freeze to crisp icicles, and my rebellious friend would try to light her cigarette in vain, taking shelter behind the

84 | Issue 24 | November 2010

ambitious type and insists on feeding the work-out machines all kinds of information. Weight, height, what kind of exercise you need etc. Surprisingly the machine does not handle information well. Instead of just congratulating you on your efforts it starts spitting out all kinds of useless facts. My pulse, how many (or few!!) miles I have been biking or running and worst of all – how many (or few!!) calories my efforts are burning off. That sparked a whole new interest for me: reading food declarations. And this is what sent my world hurtling out of balance. These are truly disturbing facts! Turns out you have to work really hard to burn off a ridiculously low number of calories. A tiny cracker is 80 calories. 80 calories equal 3 minutes on the treadmill. No cracker is worth that! That is the bru-

tal truth. I look at things differently now. Seeing something tasty that normally would have me elated by its sheer deliciousness now causes me to frown with a disheartened: “Naah, It’s not worth it.” PS: Does anybody know how many calories you burn off by reading food declarations? 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 versions of “Have I Got News For You” and “Room 101”. Mette currently lives in London.

By Maria Smedstad

chubby kid we got to walk in front of us as a windbreaker. Then my family moved. I remember the frenzy in my teacher’s eyes as the first, flimsy specks of snow fell on my new English school. The electricity instantly failed. The youngest pupils were spared and sent home, whilst the rest of us had to make do with Bunsen burners for warmth. Chaos ensued. Everything broke. The country ground to a standstill. I remember mistakenly assuming that the British must be distraught by all this. I hadn’t yet realised how much the Brits appreciate situations that enable them to demonstrate just how brilliantly stoical they are. When we got our TV to work again we found that the ordinary news had been replaced by Snow News. Snow News begins with rednosed reporters reporting giddily how everything has broken down and ends with a multitude of shots and home videos of people enjoying this fact, building dirty snowmen, using road signs as sledges, certainly NOT

trudging to school with frozen hair etc. A couple of years ago I crashed my car into a snow-bank, having never learnt proper winter driving. As my windscreen slowly iced over, I realised how I had brought shame on my Scandinavian roots. Then my mind suddenly filled with cheer. My stranded Ford made an excellent picture for Snow News. 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. She writes a column on the trials and tribulations of life as a Swede in the UK.

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Scan Business | Key Note | Brains are the tools of today

Scan Business “Green Tea” at Corren Troen 88 | Saab 9-5 90 | News from the Chambers of Commerce 93

Brains are the tools of today By Pekka Huhtaniemi, Ambassador of Finland to the United Kingdom | Photo: Courtesy of Embassy of Finland, London

Globalization and the global economic downturn have increased economic tensions. This does not benefit small countries. How is it possible, then, that Nordic countries, Finland among them, have been able not just to survive, but to become world leaders in many fields of culture and technology? One could say that these countries have been lucky. This may be true, but there is more to it than that. To me, the cornerstone of their success has been, and is, education. Free to everyone to the highest levels. Minister of Trade of Sweden Ewa Björling wrote earlier in this magazine that “Swedish companies are known around the world for products and services characterized by quality, innovative technology and modern design” (Scan Magazine Issue 21, August 2010). This is also certainly true for many of our leading Finnish companies. Both Finland and Sweden have worked hard to gain this reputation and position in the world. Although there are many factors behind this success, my strong conviction is that the most important reason for it is the decision to build and keep up

a high class education system, a decision to invest in brain power.

people who believe in the future and can solve the problems that lie ahead.

The OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) surveys 15year-olds in the principal industrialized countries every three years. It has now ranked Finland at the top twice in a row, in 2003 and 2006. Results for 2009 will be released on 7 December 2010, a day after Finnish Independence Day.

Invest in kids, invest in schools: invest in being smart.

PISA tries to explore whether students are well prepared for future challenges: can they analyze, reason and communicate effectively? Do they have the capacity to continue learning throughout life? Capacities and skills like these are the building blocks of the future. Minister Björling also wrote that successful Swedish companies are contributing to building the Swedish national brand, while at the same time benefiting from the image of Sweden as a country characterized by equality, sustainability and transparency. How very true. Nations, their social infrastructures and companies need bright

Pekka Huhtaniemi, Ambassador of Finland to the United Kingdom

For more information about the writer, please visit: www.finemb.org.uk

Issue 24 | November 2010 | 87

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“Green Tea” at Corren Troen By Paul Corren, Corren Troen Law Firm

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There was an overwhelming response to the breakfast. The 45 guests who attended were a mix of market participants and investors, as well as several well placed intermediaries. Corren Troen was greatly honoured by the presence of Birger Riis Jørgensen, the Ambassador to Denmark, at the event. Dan Morrell of the Carbon Advisory Service gave a fascinating presentation. During the course of the morning, Dan discussed the origin of the voluntary carbon market and described the excitement of watching a voluntary market becoming compliant. He also discussed the evolution of the various new markets including the Carbon Bond market. Finally, he explained how his organisation can transform a building within its refurbishment cycle, reducing the building’s cost and carbon status dramatically. The presentation was enthusiastically received and generated many interesting questions from the audience.

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The breakfast provided an excellent opportunity for Corren Troen to bring together many of its Scandinavian Clean Tech clients and contacts, giving them the opportunity to network with one another throughout the morning. Please contact Nikki Woolf on 020 7592 8900 if you would like to speak to one of Corren Troen’s Clean Tech team or if you would like to be invited to the next event.

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G ET T ING HER E You can fly direct from Heathrow to Luleå. An alternative is to fly via Stockholm, from where you can fly on to Luleå. The transfer from Luleå to Haparanda by coach or taxi takes 1½ hours. S PA PAC KAG E Riverside 1 NI GHT Overnight stay with spa. Spa Experience Midnight Fire, bed in superior twin/double room, Two-course dinner, breakfast buffet, free access to spa and work out gym. From 1,490 SEK per person.

90 | Issue 24 | November 2010

Scan Business | Business | Saab 9-5

Back to the future for the Saab 9-5 Nearly 13 years after the first generation was introduced, Saab has redesigned its executive 9-5 saloon for the 21st century. Taking inspiration from its aviation roots, Saab ensures the 9-5 fits into modern life with its innovative exterior design, aircraft cockpit style driver seat and latest gadgetry. By Samantha Wong | Photos: Yiannis Katsaris

Marketed as ‘Anything but Ordinary’, the Saab 9-5 is striking to say the least. Compared to other vehicles in its class, the Saab has a strong presence with its aerodynamic design and sleek curves. The 95 has all the characteristics of a saloon but can still be driven like a sports car. Despite being wider and longer than some vehicles of its class, the 9-5 is surprisingly

easy to drive thanks to its adaptive technology. The steering is light and the suspension adapts to road conditions due to its ‘DriveSense’ system. The 9-5 suspension lightens along the motorway to ensure a smooth ride, which is ideal for commuters, but once the car hits the town it adapts to city driving and transforms into a more responsive ride. Saab has also applied some of its adaptive technology to the 9-5’s wing mirrors. These adjust themselves when the car goes into reverse to ensure you get the best angles for parking and reversing. Additionally for those less confident with parallel parking, the 9-5 also has a ‘parking assist’, which not only works out if a space will fit the car, but will also give in-

structions on how to park into the space. The 9-5 also has adaptive LED headlights that sense speed, traffic and weather conditions – which is one less thing for the driver to worry about.

seconds. This model’s fuel consumption is 33.6 mpg for general driving with a CO2 fuel emission of 194. The 9-5 also has the maximum five star Euro NCAP safety rating and prices start at £26,495.

On top of all these features, the Saab has a head-up display on the wind screen which comes as standard with all 9-5 models. It displays a digital speedometer,

The 9-5 is a forward-thinking vehicle that has plenty to offer as an executive saloon. It has a spacious, leather interior and generous boot space, as well as Bluetooth

the revs and also pictorial directions from the sat nav so there is no need to take your eyes off the road.

phone integration, rain sensors and USB connection as standard. For an alternative executive saloon complete with plenty of technology, the Saab’s new 9-5 will satisfy most modern day drivers’ needs.

Tech Heads In addition to its slick and aerodynamic design, Saab has ensured the 9-5 does not scrimp on up-to-date tech for its road users. In addition to the ‘parking assist’ and head-up display, the centre console is touch sensitive, which makes it much easier to navigate through the menus. The front seats are also adjustable in six ways, not only to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible when driving the car, but also to adapt to different drivers.

With a top speed of 149mph, the Saab 95 Aero 2.0T can go from 0-62mph in 7.9

www.saab.co.uk

Saab 9-5 2.0T Manual Four cylinders Front wheel drive Manual 6 speed 70 litre fuel tank Top speed 149mph 0-62 mph in 7.9 seconds Fuel consumption: 22.7 mpg city driving, 44.8 mpg motorway driving, 33.6 mpg combined driving - CO2 Fuel emission 194g

Issue 24 | November 2010 | 91

Scan Business | Column | Annika Åman Goodwille

Can the private sector mop up the slack after the Government cuts? By Annika Åman-Goodwille

It’s the big questions. The cuts will reduce the deficit but will they stall any chance of getting back to a growth economy and land us in a “double-dip”? Far better economists than I am disagree on the outcome: but one thing is certain, and on this the British Chancellor agrees, if anything is going to get the economy steaming again it has to be the private sector. In mid-October, I went on a most inspiring business trip to Småland, where I visited a Goodwille client, Axelent. What got my head spinning, considering the current economic climate and the strength of global competition, is just how they manage to succeed internationally. Axelent AB manufactures machine guards and warehouse partitioning – nothing particularly complex or sophisticated, but very useful. Their competitive edge is to be the quickest to act and deliver, even to Australian clients!

George Osborne has just delivered his spending review. According to the BBC’s Robert Peston the private sector had shed surprisingly few jobs through the creditcrunch recession, given job sharing, parttime working and so on – solutions the public sector may now need to adopt. The private sector, according to some analysts, needs to pick up ‘just 2%’ to absorb all the public-sector job losses – not unfeasible as long as economic recovery is sustained. After my nearly 30 years in the UK, I am confident that the Brits will reinvent themselves yet again. The UK’s economic problems are somewhat different to those of Southern Europe and especially the Euro-zone countries. When you look at the success of a modestly sized company like Axelent, operating from the depths of the Småland forests, in the land of IKEA where you are used to looking after your pennies, you

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If you are interested please send your CV, with reference ʻScanʼ to Valerija@mindbench.co.uk 92 | Issue 24 | November 2010

can see imaginative enterprise has been necessary for sheer survival. In Anderstorp, another small town in Småland, with only 5,000 inhabitants, they have 140 companies! I do hope that the spirit of enterprise will once more flourish in the UK and, as the saying goes, ‘Get going when the going gets tough!’

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Scan Business | News | Chambers of Commerce

Danish-UK Chamber of Commerce

But before moving on to Christmas events and holidays, we still have some interesting autumn events coming up. On 17 November, Maersk Line UK’s Managing Director, Annemette Jepsen will be giving a Business Briefing on Maersk Line’s activities in the UK. Ms Jepsen will furthermore give an insight into how the container industry has developed over the last couple of years, how Maersk sees it developing, and their preferences for the fu-

meet fellow Nordic colleagues, expand your network and get a taste of Scandinavian food specialties.

Photo: Magnus Arrevad

Christmas is just around the corner and so is the DUCC Annual Christmas Lunch. Again this year members, colleagues and clients are invited to enjoy a traditional Danish Christmas buffet in the beautiful surroundings of DUCC member, HYATT Regency London Hotel – The Churchill. Don’t forget to mark 10 December in your calendar!

UPCOMING EVENTS 2010 12 Nov 17 Nov

25 Nov ture. This event is generously hosted by Pannone LLP and will take place in Manchester.

10 Dec

Young Professionals Party, Boujis Business Briefing with Annemette Jepsen, Maersk Line UK, Manchester Nordic Thursday Drinks, Scandinavian Kitchen DUCC Christmas Lunch, Hyatt Regency -The Churchill, London

Another date to keep in mind is 25 November. This is the day the lovely Scandinavian Kitchen will open its doors to the Joint Nordic Chamber Event “Nordic Thursday Drinks” – your opportunity to

Danish-UK Chamber of Commerce | Phone: +44 (0) 20 7259 6795 | Email: info@ducc.co.uk | www.ducc.co.uk

Norwegian-British Chamber of Commerce Join us on 11 November when we arrange our Taste and Travel Networking Event in Aberdeen. The event is open to anyone with an interest in Norway and Scotland, and companies from a variety of sectors will be represented. On 12 November we have a treat for those of you in the young professionals’ category, when we arrange a joint Nordic Young Professionals party in London. This time we are heading to Boujis in South Kensington. The event is guestlist only so make sure you register ahead on our website. On 25 November there will be another opportunity to network and meet potential business partners during our joint Nordic Thursday drinks at Scandinavian Kitchen. Get a free welcome drink and mingle with people from the Norwegian, Finnish, Danish and British business community.

Check our website for fresh updates. UPCOMING EVENTS 2010

Get in the Christmas spirit by joining us at the Norwegian Church in Southwark for a Young Professionals Christmas dinner. The joyful event will take place on 26 November and traditional Norwegian food and drink are on the menu. In Aberdeen, we will be finishing off the season with Christmas drinks on 8 December. In London, the last event of the season will be our Christmas lunch at the Ambassador’s residence for NBCC members.

11 Nov Taste and Travel: Mini Exhibition & Networking Event in Aberdeen Venue: Skene House Hotel Suites, Rosemount 12 Nov Joint Nordic YP Party Venue: Boujis, South Kensington 25 Nov Nordic Thursday Drinks Venue: Scandinavian Kitchen 26 Nov Young Professionals Christmas Dinner Venue: Norwegian Church in Southwark 8 Dec Aberdeen Christmas Drinks Venue: TBC 9 Dec Christmas lunch Venue: The Norwegian Ambassador’s residence in London

Norwegian-British Chamber of Commerce | Phone: +44 (0) 20 7930 0181 | Email: info@nbccuk.com | www.nbccuk.com

Issue 24 | November 2010 | 93

Scan Business | News | Chambers of Commerce

Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK The year is coming to an end shortly, and the Chamber will probably be summarising it as an eventful one. In October, the Chamber hosted a number of events on a range of topics, including how to achieve success in your career, how to do business in Sweden and in the north east of England, as well as paying a visit to Saab City where the new Saab 9-5 was shown off, and arranging a company visit to Bloomberg, to name but a few. The Chamber also launched its new Chapter in the north east of England, in Newcastle, with a seminar. Watch out for the Chamber’s activities in November and December and prepare for an even more active spring 2011. The Chamber is happy to have welcomed so many new members in 2010, adding to a great existing network, as well as creating an even more dynamic place to exchange ideas. The Young Professionals, the JCC, are re-launching the Entrepreneurship Forum, aimed at giving hands-on advice and shar-

The Swedish Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1906 and has around 400 Member companies, representing not only Swedish but also British and European companies interested in strengthening their existing ties with Sweden and the UK or expanding into new markets.

ing experiences on setting up your own business, with an event in November entitled “From Banker to Entrepreneur”. The JCC is also launching a new forum, the Management Forum, aiming to provide members with a range of experiences within the area of management and leadership. The first event goes under the heading “Climbing the Ladder” and will enable JCC members to interact with inspirational leaders. Read more about this on www.scc.org.uk/jcc

UPCOMING EVENTS 2010 9 Nov Vodka Vintage Tasting 10 Nov Industrial Forum with Jan Åke Jonsson, President & CEO, Saab Automobile 15 Nov Home House Monday 18 Nov Joint SCC/JCC Reception at Älva 23 Nov JCC Entrepreneurship Forum: From Banker to Entrepreneur 27 Nov JCC & McGuireWoods Christmas Party 3 Dec The Annual Christmas Luncheon at Whitehall Palace/Banqueting House More events will be listed on www.scc.org.uk

Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK | Phone: +44 (0) 20 7224 8001 | Email: info@scc.org.uk | www.scc.org.uk

The Finnish-British Chamber of Commerce, together with the other Nordic Chambers, organized a networking evening on 29 September in the City of London, with Björn Wahlroos as the keynote speaker. Mr Wahlroos, currently Chairman of Europe’s eighth largest insurer, Sampo, and Vice-Chairman of Nordea, attracted over 100 guests to the historical setting of the prestigious Armourers’ Hall.

Photo: Maria Sorvari

Finnish-British Chamber of Commerce

Björn Wahlroos event 29.9

When this magazine is out, all of you will have learned what is included in the government’s Spending Review. On 11 November FBCC offers you a rare opportunity to hear from the insider – Geoffrey Dicks from the Office for Budget Responsibility – what it really means for companies in the UK and to all of us.

November is the month for Young Professionals as on 12 we’ll have a joint Nordic party at prestigious Boujis, and on 18 it’s the time to find out how you can make sure that your career is a success in the UK – you’ll have the chance to learn the tricks from the accomplished speakers representing various industries.

UPCOMING EVENTS 2010 11 Nov Economic Outlook with Geoffrey Dicks (OBR) 12 Nov Joint Nordic YP party at Boujis 18 Nov How to succeed in the UK job market – Finnish perspective 25 Nov Joint Nordic Drinks at Scandinavian Kitchen – Christmas special 31 Nov Patrons’ Dinner at the Ambassador’s Residence – invitation only 3 Dec Independence Day Dance together with Finn-Guild

OFFICE MOVE: Please note our new address, which is 149 Hammersmith Road, London W14 0QL.

Finnish-British Chamber of Commerce | Phone: +44 (0) 20 8741 6352 | Email: events@fbcc.co.uk | www.fbcc.co.uk

94 | Issue 24 | November 2010

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Scan Magazine | Scan News

SCAN NEWS If you have a news story for Scan Magazine you can contact our news desk at scannews@scanmagazine.co.uk

Swedish moral dilemmas: Involuntary, the award-winning film By Sakarias Frohm | Photo: Courtesy of SWCP

The wave of successful Swedish films, such as The Millennium Trilogy and Let the Right One In, keeps on hitting the international film scene, and on 29 October 2010 it was time for yet another multiaward winning Swedish production, Involuntary, to be released in London and selected cities throughout the UK. The critically acclaimed social comedydrama got a grand reception from the Swedish press and was the highest rated Swedish film of 2008. First-time director Ruben Östlund has carried on

the good reputation of Swedish film, with Involuntary charming critics around the globe and picking up awards from established Film Festivals, such as Cannes, Stockholm and Geneva. The inventive drama uses a tragicomic tone to tell the story of ordinary people facing moral dilemmas. The audience gets to meet a group of men at a reunion, a righteous grade school teacher, an injured man at a party, two pre-teen girls exploring alcohol and a principled bus driver. Involuntary is a humorous display of lessons to learn, lines not to cross and what happens when lack of will, peer pressure and uncertainty get the upper hand. “Involuntary looks at those who attribute too much importance to the opinions of others and are terrified by

Madsen Restaurant

the idea of losing face,” Östlund states in an interview. The film addresses Swedish silence and mentality, but also raises interesting questions about today's society, where individualism and social constellations are high on everyone’s agenda. Title: Involuntary Runtime: 98 minutes Genre: Drama Release date: 29 October Official selection: Cannes Film Festival Audience Award, Best Screenplay: Stockholm Film Festival Best Director: Geneva Film Festival Golden Iris: Brussels Film Festival

By Charlotte Kany | Photo: Madsen Restaurant

– A taste of traditional Scandinavian Christmas The leading Scandinavian restaurant in London, Madsen, is offering an appetizing Christmas lunch buffet with all the tasty dishes that a true Christmas buffet requires. Book now and ensure your Christmas will be celebrated in the authentic Nordic way. The Nordic kitchen has a strong tradition of serving a delicious Christmas buffet, and Madsen is happy to welcome you to a banquet of delectable Scandinavian specialities. Madsen is the leading Scandinavian restaurant in London, and from November 21 until December 22, they will be serving a Swedish and Danish Christmas buffet. The buffet includes three kinds of different marinated herring, home baked rye bread, roast pork crackling

96 | Issue 24 | November 2010

with red cabbage, the Swedish speciality Jansons Frestelse – and no Christmas buffet is complete without the heavenly dessert ris a l’amande with warm cherry sauce. As an option you can also book the Christmas buffet for catering (for the full menu, please visit: www.madsenrestaurant.com). Fancy a private dining room? At Madsen it is possible to book a dining

room with a capacity of up to twelve guests. This year Madsen is also offering a special three or four course menu for New Year’s Eve. If you crave more delightful delicacies made according to Nordic Christmas traditions, the Head of Madsen, Charlotte Kruse Madsen, happily announces: “Come and have a nice cup of Glögg, the Scandinavian Christmas punch, served with homemade biscuits throughout December.”

Madsen 20 Old Brompton Road SW7 3DL Tel: 020 7225 2772 www.madsenrestaurant.com

Scandinavian Christmas Fairs in London By Anna Lindgren | Photos: Courtesy of the Scandinavian Churches

Christmas is rapidly approaching, and there are several Scandinavian events coming up to help you get into the wintery Christmas spirit. Whether you are an ex-pat Scandinavian in London or a Brit looking for something a little different, I can highly recommend the forthcoming Christmas Fairs. Take your pick and join in the charming Nordic fun for all ages. First out is the Swedish Church Bazaar with its lovely genuine atmosphere and a range of products for sale, including traditional decorations for your julgran (Christmas tree), speciality foods, gifts, candles, candy and a grand lottery. Head to this church if you are looking for a bit of ambient winter warmth, and try not to miss the opening when the Swedish Ambassador will be there to mark the occasion. A day later the Norwegian and Finnish Fairs open their doors. If it is “a little piece of Norway” you are after, try this very traditional and cultural bazaar at the Norwegian Church: their biggest event of the year has been running for over 30 years.

Tickets cost one pound on the door. Expect to meet staff in traditional costume, and enjoy a variety of Norwegian groceries and products as well as a great, authentic atmosphere. Ismo Peltonen says the Finnish Bazaar will be a great family event, and when I hear his 8-month-old child in the background, I believe him. You will find traditional foods, arts and crafts, Christmas decorations, casseroles with swede and potato as well as ham, glögi* and much more at this event. There will also be a pianist from Finland adding to the atmosphere. Last but not least is the Danish Bazaar at the YMCA (Dansk KFUK), where you will find Christmas decorations along with a range of Danish specialities such as gløgg*, open sandwiches, frikadeller (meatballs) and of course, pølse (hot dogs). Every year “helpers” from Denmark come to assist with this genuinely heartwarming and traditional event. Lea Becker at the YMCA summed up this bazaar up as a “hyggelig” occasion. We

both struggle to find a good, English translation, but my best shot is “charming” and “cozy”. *gløgg, glögi a term used for mulled wine in the Nordic countries.

The Swedish Church Christmas Fair at 6 Harcourt Street London W1H 4AG. 18 Nov, 11am - 8pm as well as 20 Nov; 11am - 6pm and 21 Nov; 12pm - 5pm. The Norwegian Church Bazaar at 1 St Olavs Square London SE16 7JB. 19 Nov; 11am - 6pm, 20 Nov; 10am 5pm and 21 Nov; 12.30pm - 5pm. The Finnish Church Bazaar at 33 Albion St, London SE16 7HZ. 19 Nov; 12pm - 8pm, 20 Nov; 10am 6pm, 21 Nov; 12pm - 6pm, 24 - 26 Nov; 12pm - 8pm and 27 Nov; 10am - 4pm. Danish Christmas Bazaar at the YMCA at 43 Maresfield Gardens Hampstead NW3 5TS 27Nov; 12pm - 5pm and 28 Nov; 12pm - 4pm.

Issue 24 | November 2010 | 97

Scan Magazine | Culture | Music & Culture Calendar

Scandinavian Music Denmark has produced a new pop boy with what sounds like a very promising talent in crafting a tune. Xander released his debut single Det Burde Ikk Være Sådan Her last month, and it is already burning its way up the Danish singles chart. It’s an irresistibly sweet record that sounds like a cross between Owl City’s Fireflies, and an early 90s Michael Jackson track. Definitely one to watch out for in the future. The single is on YouTube, should you wish

to investigate further - and you definitely should! Robyn finalises her Body Talk trilogy this month, when she releases the third instalment in the UK on November 29. It will be preceded a week before by the single Indestructible. An acoustic version of the song appeared on Body Talk Pt2, but a full-on disco arrangement is being launched as the new single. The new version is an epic number with gorgeous 70s strings and 80s synths, building up to a clubland crescendo for the final blow out chorus. And finally, dansband music is continuing to weave itself into a new generation of music society in Sweden with the start of the latest series of Dansbandskampen. The much loathed genre has seen its

By Karl Batterbee

stock rise in recent years, as younger people start to realise that it’s actually a perfectly acceptable outlet for music, through which musicians can build a sustainable career, and where record sales are still quite high. Dansbandskampen is like X Factor, but for dansbands. And one of the contestants in this year’s series, CC & Lee, has just released a fantastic single called Better Best Forgotten. It sounds exactly like you would imagine an Abba song to sound if they were still making music today, and you HAVE to check it out!

www.scandipop.co.uk scandipop@googlemail.com

Scandinavian Culture Calendar – Where to go, what to see? It’s all happening here! NOVEMBER A-ha on UK tour (Nov) After nearly 30 years together the world famous Norwegian pop group A-ha have announced that the band will split at the end of this year. As part of their last world tour they will play at various venues in the UK this month. www.a-ha.com

Experiments in Black by Lotta Antonsson (Until 14 Nov)

John Storgårds conducts the Scottish Chamber Orchestra (16 Nov)

Permanent Gallery presents Swedish artist Lotta Antonsson’s first UK solo exhibition at the Regency Town House in Hove. The installation incorporates photography, collage and found objects. The Regency Town Hall, 13 Brunswick Square, Hove BN3 1EH. www.permanentgallery.com

A Scandinavian-themed evening of music with Finnish conductor and violinist John Storgårds and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. Three renowned Scandinavian composers’ work will be featured here: Nielsen’s Little Suite Op 1, Sibelius’s Rakastave and Grieg’s Holberg Suite. St Cuthbert's Parish Church, Edinburgh. www.sco.org.uk

Lisa Ekdahl (13 Nov)

Oddjob (19 Nov)

Swedish singer and composer Lisa Ekdahl is back in London this month. She will be performing at the Shepherd's Bush O2 Empire, Shepherd's Bush Green, London W12 8TT. www.lisaekdahl.com

Swedish eccentric jazz group Oddjob will play at the Vortex this month. It is jazz with a twist and a nice beat, inspired by 60s and 70s soul jazz. The Vortex Jazz Club, 11 Gillett Square, London N16 8AZ. www.oddjob.cd

Emilia Mårtensson (15 Nov) Emilia Mårtensson will perform at Oliver's Jazz Bar this month as part of London Jazz Festival 2010. Her jazz is influenced by Swedish folk melodies. Oliver's Jazz Bar, 9 Nevada St, SE10 9JL. www.londonjazzfestival.org.uk

98 | Issue 24 | November 2010

Scan Magazine | Culture | Culture Calendar

John Storgårds conducts the Scottish Chamber Orchestra (20 Nov) John Storgårds and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra will perform music by Beethoven and Schuman as well as a piece by contemporary Swedish composer Albert Schnelzer. Queen's Hall, 85-89 Clerk St, Edinburgh EH8 9JG. www.sco.org.uk

The Thing (21 Nov) Norweigan/Swedish legendary jazz trio The Thing will perform at the Vortex this month. The Vortex Jazz Club, 11 Gillett Square, London N16 8AZ. www.vortexjazz.co.uk

Malin Christensson (29 Nov) Swedish soprano Malin Christensson will play 2 music by Strauss, Wolf and Brahms together

with pianist Simon Lepper. A lunchtime concert at Wigmore Hall, 36 Wigmore Street, London, W1U 2BP. www.wigmore-hall.org.uk

Scandinavian Christmas Bazaars (Nov) Yes, it's already that time of year! The Scandinavian Churches are holding their annual Christmas Bazaars between the 18–28 November where you will be able to stock up on Scandinavian Christmas food, gifts, crafts, sweets etc. See page 97 for details.

Christmas Carol Concert at the Finnish Church (11 Dec) The Do-Mi-Nutz choir from Finland will perform Finnish Christmas carols. Tickets can be bought at the Finnish Church in London, 33 Albion St, London SE16 7HZ. Tel 020 7237 4668

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Issue 24 | November 2010 | 4

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