Scan Magazine, Issue 112, May 2018

MAY 2018 ISSUE 112 PROMOTING BRAND SCANDINAVIA

SANNIE – NO MORE WHIGFIELD BUILDING BRIDGES: SEASON FOUR OF THE BRIDGE NORDIC CULTURE AND MUSEUM HIGHLIGHTS A SUMMER IN SWEDEN – OUR TOP TIPS

w w w. j o h a . d k

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Your Shortcut to Scandinavia Bergen

NORWAY

Oslo Stockholm Bromma

SWEDEN Aalborg

Gothenburg

Aarhus

UNITED KINGDOM

DENMARK Billund

Manchester

London City

GERMANY Brussels

Düsseldorf

BELGIUM

SWITZERLAND

Munich

Zürich

S n a cks

Me al s

Drinks

ba.com

Pap ers

Lounges

Smiles

Scan Magazine | Contents

Contents COVER FEATURE 40

52

If you are a fan of fishing, you may have your eyes set on Norway already – and you certainly should.

But in addition, Norway boasts generous golf courses, excellent odds for spotting the northern lights, top-class gigs and a chance to get close to some of the sea’s most fascinating residents.

Here is how to make your next trip to Norway magnificent.

Sannie – Whigfield With A Tie Two and a half decades after reaching worldwide fame with the super hit Saturday Night, Sannie, as the Whigfield star is called, is working away on dance tracks from her home in Italy. Scan Magazine spoke to the Dane about handling fame, trying out the Eurovision, and making a comeback.

40 14

DESIGN 8

60

66 Cheese for the Ears and the Taste Buds

SPECIAL THEMES 20

From user experience and tone of voice to motion graphics and exhibition stand design, these creative teams from Norway are leading the way. We set out to find out how it is done.

60 74

Top Creative Agencies in Norway

Top Summer Experiences in Sweden Red wooden cottages, botanical gardens, waterside cycling paths and open-air history lessons – what more could you want from a summer paradise? Of course: castles, cake and a scenic round of golf. Sweden has it all and more. Here is our guide to the best summer experiences for your holiday in Sweden.

SPECIAL FEATURES Food lovers as we are, we often let the taste buds guide us in our selection of special features, and that was very much the case when we got to know cheese brands Jarlsberg and Wernersson Ost a little better. For those less interested in eating cheese and more keen on listening to it, Karl Batterbee aka Scandipop ponders the phenomenon that is Nordic Eurovision success (well – everyone is allowed to have an off year).

Norwegian Must-See Museums Did you know that the most performed playwright in the world, alongside Shakespeare, is from Norway?

Indeed, you can visit his home at Ibsenmuseet.

Other unmissable Norwegian museums allow you to explore Norway’s controversial oil industry and take part of ground-breaking northern lights research. We list inspiring museum options for all tastes and ages.

Pastels and Penguins Pastels are all the rage this spring, and our resident design editor shows how to wear the trend well.

We also hunt down a few covetable Scandi brands, including the most Nordic-looking winter boots ever and stunning design items from ARCHITECTMADE and Mater.

34

Experience Norway 2018

BUSINESS 90

From Farm to Sea Among our business profiles this month are an internationally renowned farming school and a designer of frankly life-changing houseboats.

Our keynote writer, meanwhile, advises on how to protect your reputation.

CULTURE 122 Farewell to The Bridge

44

Nordic Culture Think child-friendly festivals, live music by the sea, interactive exhibitions and historical experiences. For anyone looking to be entertained in the name of culture this summer, we decided to list some highlights from Finland’s and Denmark’s culture scenes.

The time has come: the fourth and final season of The Bridge has started, and we prepare to bid farewell to Saga Norén with a reportage from London and a recent visit by Sofia Helin and Thure Lindhardt, among others. Karl Batterbee, unsurprisingly, has nothing on his mind but ABBA.

REGULARS & COLUMNS 8 Fashion Diary | 11 We Love This | 99 Restaurants of the Month | 107 Attractions of the Month 109 Activity of the Month | 110 Hotels of the Month | 114 Wellness Profile of the Month 116 Architect of the Month | 118 Artist of the Month | 120 Inn of the Month | 121 Humour

Issue 112 | May 2018 | 5

Scan Magazine | Editor’s Note

Dear Reader, What does your idyllic summer dream look like? Mine has wild strawberries on a straw, bare feet on morning-damp grass, a barbecue with fresh salads and a dip in a local lake. In Sweden, of course. In reality, I only spend a few weeks every summer in Sweden, but childhood memories and Astrid Lindgren narratives die hard.

This month’s issue presents a list longer than my arm of things to do and places to visit for those perfect Swedish summer memories. Think old castles, ice cream by the canal, botany and a stunning round of golf – whether you have a month’s holidays still to plan or will just nip to Sweden for a short weekend, this guide will help make it magical.

For those heading west and looking for a history lesson or two, we also present a guide to the best museums Norway has to offer, in addition to a list of unforgettable experiences and destinations to make your Norwegian summer holiday just perfect – whether you are looking for fjord views, golfing or cultural highlights.

kind. Moreover, our resident Scandi music expert reflects on the biggest, greatest music news we have had all year and also ponders why it is that us Nordics are so immensely brilliant at winning the Eurovision (OK, I know... maybe next year).

Our cover star, Sannie, also known as Whigfield and the voice of a certain 1994 earworm, did not make it through in Denmark’s Melodi Grand Prix Eurovision qualifier, but she is older and wiser now and takes it in her stride: “If something doesn’t work, it’s not the end of the world,” she told me. Of course, she has a brand-new single to keep her busy – and is contemplating taking up gardening. I know just the botanical gardens in Sweden to send her to…

Linnea Dunne, Editor

And speaking of cultural highlights, we decided to share a few of our favourites in Finland and Denmark, just in case the weather disappoints or you are just not the wild-strawberry picking

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Framework for life It takes people to build for people. At Aarstiderne Arkitekter we aim to design beautiful and sustainable conditions for people’s lives and social interaction. We create dynamic environments in the city and affect people’s opportunities for living and working, for learning and leisure – every aspect of our daily lives.

To us, every project is an investment in the future. Our architects and consultants meet our client’s financial investment and fulfil the architectural ambition and quality of the project. We develop value-adding projects based on client - and user expectations and the character and potential of the location.

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Scan Magazine | Design | Fashion Diary

Fashion Diary…

Pastels are a huge trend this season. Wear pale hues and dusty tones of yellow, purple, green or pink for a sweet, fun and fresh look. The best part is that pastels can be combined with almost any other colour, making it easy to update your current wardrobe by adding a few new pieces.

By Ingrid Opstad | Press photos

Get the pastel look with this double jacquard knitted pullover from Tiger of Sweden. Made with high-twist cotton with a stripe pattern, it will keep you looking cool but feeling warm on chilly days. Pair with trainers for a laidback vibe.

Tiger of Sweden ‘Emrys’ pullover, £179 www.tigerofsweden.com

It is always good to have a soft and comfortable jumper in your wardrobe. Add a touch of pastel purple with this classic sweatshirt from Norse Projects, featuring a simple ‘N’ logo embroidery.

Norse Projects, ‘Ketel Crew’ sweatshirt, £115 www.norseprojects.com

The Kånken backpack from Fjällräven is versatile and durable, and therefore equally suited for journeys to and from work as it is for trekking and travelling. With a classic look that never goes out of style, it has become an iconic backpack with the perfect Scandinavian design.

Fjällräven ‘Kånken’ backpack, £80 www.fjallraven.com

We love colour, and we especially love it on shoes.

Pairing pink suede sneakers with light grey or navy trousers will certainly show that you are up-todate with the latest trend. These Arne TS clean-cut sneakers from Tiger of Sweden have a full leather interior and rubber outsole, a great option whether you are looking for a casual or dressy pair of shoes.

Tiger of Sweden ‘Arne TS’ sneaker, £169 www.tigerofsweden.com

8 | Issue 112 | May 2018

Scan Magazine | Design | Fashion Diary

This simple and elegant bag is made from soft suede and is a great way to add a touch of pastel to your outfit. Fastened with a hidden magnet at the front flap, it has a concealed inner side pocket, tonal painted edges and an adjustable shoulder strap.

COS gathered suede shoulder bag, £89 www.cosstores.com

We love this elegant, dotted suede leather jacket. With its modern expression and casual fit, it is an ideal piece that can be worn with your favourite jumper or a simple T-shirt underneath. What is so great about leather jackets is that they become even softer and more comfortable with time.

Selected Femme suede leather jacket, £320 www.selected.com

Be pretty in pink with this classic pair of five-pocket jeans with straight and slightly cropped legs. The overdyed denim is dyed repeatedly to produce an overtone of colour in the fabric and fades beautifully over time.

Arket fitted overdyed jeans, £55 www.arket.com

Team several pastel pieces of the same colour together for the ultimate on-trend look as shown here by Copenhagen-based brand Ganni. This yellow, high-waisted patent mini skirt with button and large pockets goes great together with the knitted blouse in the same shade. Wear with funky yellow socks and you are ready to shine.

Ganni ‘Monterey’ mini skirt, approx. £172 Ganni ‘Mercer’ pullover, approx. £129 Ganni ‘Classon’ embroidery ankle socks, approx. £16 www.ganni.com

Issue 112 | May 2018 | 9

Scan Magazine | Design | Street Style

Nordic Humans of London Scan Magazine’s brilliant Sanna Halmekoski has once again hit the streets of London to find out what the Scandinavian fashion fanatics are wearing. Cool, sleek, and full of statements, this is a little piece of Scandiland in the United Kingdom.

Text and photos by Sanna Halmekoski | www.nordichumans.com

Elina Priha Finnish freelance seamstress and designer, @elinapriha

Mathia le Fèvre Danish visual content creator and social media consultant for luxury menswear and lifestyle brands, @ mathiaslefevre

“I like quite Nordic colours: black, grey, and navy. I like to wear oversized jumpers and jackets. I often mix sportswear with denim. My shoes are by Caterpillar, the jacket is my own design, my trousers are vintage British-tailored wool trousers, and the jumper is second hand.”

“My style is sartorial menswear, influenced by Italian and English heritage.

My shoes are by Herring, the suit is by Suit Supply, the tie is by Parsley, the cufflinks are by Bows and Ties, the watch is

by Certina, and the pocket square and bag are by Tiger of Sweden.”

Mathia le Fèvre Elina Priha

Michelle Thorsbrenner Danish founder of a baby-changing bag company, @thorsbrenner

Michelle Thorsbrenner

10 | Issue 112 | May 2018

“My style is casual, Scandinavian, functional, and based on good quality. I would say it is very representative of the manner in which I try to create my own designs. My bag is my own design by Thorsbrenner, the jacket is by Brøgger and is designed by a good friend, my sunglasses are by Lindex, and my jeans are by H&M.”

Scan Magazine | Design | We Love This

We love this…

Have you heard that Finland is the happiest place on earth, according to the 2018 World Happiness Report? To celebrate, we have selected a few of our Finnish design favourites to add a bit of joy to your home.

By Ingrid Opstad | Press photos

Create a pleasant ambiance with the peaceful and harmonious Victo 4250 pendant lamp from Secto Design. Handmade of form-pressed birch in Finland, the wood provides a soft luminosity for both atmosphere and appeal. The Varsi 1000 suspension arm allows you to attach your pendant to the wall whenever ceiling installation is not an option, and the length of the arm is adjustable all the way to 230 centimetres, and can rotate 180 degrees.

Secto Design ‘Victo 4250’ lamp, £724 Secto Design ‘Varsi 1000’ suspension arm, £484 www.finnishdesignshop.com

The core idea behind Finnish brand Iittala is to offer aesthetically and functionally durable products that bring enjoyment and pleasure to everyday life. In the Nappula candleholders, designed by Matti Klenell, the combination of vintage and modern forms gives it an interesting shape. Its soft design makes it a beautiful and iconic decorative object, available in brass, steel and a selection of colours.

Iittala ‘Nappula’ candleholder set of two, £55 Iittala ‘Alvar Alto’ vase, £119 www.iittala.com

You might have seen the Pieni Unikko classic poppy print before. It was created in 1964 by artist Maija Isola and has now become one of Marimekko’s most famous designs. Cushions are an easy way to freshen up your home, and these bright, colourful ones will add an element of fun.

Marimekko ‘Pieni Unikko’ cushion, £39.50 www.skandium.com

The Artek Mademoiselle rocking chair is a prime example of Scandinavian simplicity. It was designed in 1956 by lmari Tapiovaara for the Finnish brand Artek, and is today as relevant as ever thanks to its pared-down aesthetic, which gives it a timeless and modern appeal. Available in three colours – black, sage green and white – this rocking chair adds a timeless Nordic look to your home’s interior.

Artek ‘Mademoiselle’ rocking chair, £1,188 www.utilitydesign.co.uk

The Moomins are the central characters in a series of books and films by Finnish writer Tove Jansson.

Both children and adults fall in love with the sympathetic characters living in Moomin Valley. This cute pink mug featuring Snorkmaiden and Moomintroll hugging has become a classic since it was released in 1996.

It has been elegantly illustrated by Arabia artist Tove Slotte, in keeping with the original drawings.

Arabia Moomin ‘Love’ mug, £16.50 www.cloudberryliving.co.uk

Issue 112 | May 2018 | 11

Scan Magazine | Design Profile | Ernst Alexis

Ernst Alexis is one of Scandinavia’s largest producers of high-quality professional shirts. Photos: Patrik Hagborg

Four generations of passion for shirt making In a small village outside Borås, in the west of Sweden, brothers Johan and Thobias Pettersson have drawn on over a hundred years of tradition to create one of Scandinavia’s largest producers of high-quality professional shirts.

By Liz Longden

‘We are shirt makers.’ It is fairly simple, as company mottos go. Certainly, no one could accuse Swedish tailors Ernst Alexis of over-complicating things. However, for CEO Johan Pettersson, it sums up his business perfectly. It is what they do. They craft shirts with an expertise that has been nurtured over four generations, and they are proud of it.

The company takes its name from Pettersson’s great grandfather, born in 1891 and the first in the family to take 12 | Issue 112 | May 2018

up the scissors and measuring tape. His skills were passed down from father to son, and finally down to brothers Johan and Thobias, who founded Ernst Alexis in 2006 with the aim of producing highquality shirts for the service and sales industries. Since then, from their base in an old textile factory in the village of Aplared, near Borås, the company has grown and now offers one of Scandinavia’s largest in-warehouse range of shirts, with an annual turnover of over 30 million SEK (approximately 2.5 million GBP).

An invaluable inheritance For Johan Pettersson, the family legacy upon which Ernst Alexis is founded informs the company’s values and its philosophy that there can be no shortcuts in the pursuit of quality. But it is also about practical experience. “We have been working in high-quality tailoring for generations, and when you’re talking about choice of fabric and stitching and the whole process of constructing a shirt and creating new models and fits, that experience is very important.”

It is that experience, he says, which teaches that there is no such thing as ‘just a shirt’ and it takes a master tailor to understand the myriad variations that can alter a shirt’s shape, fit, performance

Scan Magazine | Design Profile | Ernst Alexis

and aesthetic appeal – not least in the choice of fabric.

“There are huge differences between one shirt and another, and above all when it comes to material,” he says. “It’s hard to convey it in words; you really have to see it and feel it between your fingers to understand the differences between the yarns, the weaving, the way in which the fabrics are constructed. The choice of fabric alone can make a completely different shirt.”

It is for this reason that Ernst Alexis offers shirt models in a broad range of fine-quality textiles, from traditional 100-per-cent cottons and mixed-cotton blends, to performance fabrics such as CoolMax, Stretch and Easy Care. For those customers demanding the absolute premium in textile quality, there is also the possibility of custom-made orders made from Sea Island Cotton, prized for its luxurious, silken texture and widely considered to be the best-quality cotton in the world.

Strength, craft, quality Choice of material is only half the art, however. The rest lies in the crafting. It takes at least 21 pieces of fabric stitched together in a 55-stage process to make a shirt, and Pettersson says that here too, experience and an obsession with quality are paramount, with tight stitching and threads specially chosen for their strength, to ensure that an Ernst Alexis shirt lasts longer.

Much of this is done in the company’s main production facility in Lithuania, a location close enough to ensure that rigorous quality control can be carried out within days of a shirt being completed.

However, custom orders and personalisation requests, such as embroidered details, are carried out in the workshop at the headquarters in Aplared, which also houses the company’s offices, exhibition and warehouse. A former shirt factory dating back to the early 1930s, it is a building that breathes history and a tradition of textile excellence – the perfect home for the Pettersson brothers’ vision.

Export markets today account for around 20 per cent of Ernst Alexis’s turnover, and the company is hoping to increase its presence in Norway, Denmark and Finland, with further expansion into the Netherlands, the UK and Germany potentially on the horizon. Yet the old Aplared factory, and the values of which it serves as a symbol and reminder, remains the heart of the business. And although the company produces a small range of complementary clothing in addition to their shirts, Pettersson insists there are no plans to diversify into other clothing ranges. “We have a small selection of knitted jumpers and accessories designed to complement our shirts, but it is our shirts that will always be our main product,” he says. “Our plan and our aim are simply to make the best-quality shirts possible.”

It makes sense. After all, they are shirt makers.

Web: ernstalexis.se

Top: The perfect shirt requires attention to detail. Photos: Anders Engström. Bottom left: Born in 1891, Ernst Alexis was the first in the Pettersson family to learn the trade of tailoring. Photo: Ernst Alexis. Bottom right: The old shirt factory in Aplared has been producing high-quality textiles since the 1930s. Photo: Anders Engström.

Issue 112 | May 2018 | 13

Scan Magazine | Design Profile | ARCHITECTMADE

One of ARCHITECTMADE’s newest pieces is Hans Bunde’s Penguin. It was originally designed for his beloved sisters and will become more beautiful each year as the wood ages.

Producing buried treasures Pop into any Danish design store, and you are likely to see a stand featuring a zoo of small wooden characters as well as some elegantly simple home decorations and utilities in metal, glass and other natural materials. These beautiful objects have in common top-notch design pedigrees, high-quality craftsmanship, and a small but rapidly expanding company called ARCHITECTMADE.

By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: ARCHITECTMADE

ARCHITECTMADE was founded in 2004

by Morten Thonsgaard Jensen in an effort to bring back to life some of the forgotten musings and concepts of Denmark’s most beloved architects and designers, including Jørn Utzon, Paul Kjærholm and Finn Juhl. Kristian Vedel’s Bird and Peter Karpf’s Gemini candelabra were the first to be produced.

“Some of our objects were little meticulous drawings of a thing that the architect just had to get down while working on a building or other bigger project,” 14 | Issue 112 | May 2018

CEO Maria Tsomanis explains. “Others, like Finn Juhl’s FJ Essence tea set, were projects that had to be put on hold due to their uncompromisingly simple lines and aesthetics – they were just too difficult to make at the time.”

ARCHITECTMADE searches through archives, museums and other collections to recover objects deserving of new life.

“Many places like the Danish Design Museum have wonderful archives full of treasures just waiting to be rediscovered. When we find something timeless

or unique, we then turn to investigating how – and whether – it can actually be produced.”

A star-studded production The people behind ARCHITECTMADE care deeply about their objects and everyone involved with creating them. “When we hit upon a new potential object, we first have to test whether putting it into production is actually feasible, of course,” Tsomanis adds. “The organic, playful forms of that Finn Juhl tea set were what caused a lot of heartache originally – just how do you make that out of porcelain? As we sit and grapple with those challenges, our research team goes on the hunt to find the people who can make that happen, no matter where they are in the world.”

With their minimalist forms and essential lines, the famous Danish architects and

Scan Magazine | Design Profile | ARCHITECTMADE

designers of the 20th century strived towards simple perfection in their sketches, drawings and ideas. “That is something we have to emulate – so we have to find the best craftspeople who know the ins and outs of their particular trade and, not least, of the materials that they work with,” Tsomanis explains. The materials that ARCHITECTMADE’s products are made of span everything from glass to porcelain to stainless steel to stone.

Quality control “Even with the wooden objects that we have quite a lot of experience with by now, each type of wood is different, but each individual piece of wood is too. The knowledge and skill of our producers are outstanding and invaluable, and we couldn’t do it without them,” says the CEO, explaining that ARCHITECTMADE works closely with its producers throughout the production process, from the initial tests and experiments to each final product. “We make sure that conditions are good for workers everywhere we Bird by Kristian Vedel.

work and that their rights are upheld, of course, and we’ll often work with smaller family businesses. This helps us have a close relationship to the workers themselves, but also helps us make sure that each individual design piece is crafted to the highest quality without falling victim to an uncaring production line.”

Each individual piece is carefully looked over in Denmark to make sure that it is perfect. “The objects can have their own character – those made of wood or stone in particular always have individual patterns,” says Tsomanis, “but each piece must adhere to the exact requirements and materials of the original designs.”

ARCHITECTMADE also works with some current designers, including Hans Bølling, father of beloved objects such as the Duck and the Discus. “That makes it a little easier to negotiate if something in the process turns out to be impossible to actually make – there’s no negotiation with the older pieces where we can’t talk to the designer. If we can’t figure out

how to make something exactly, then it doesn’t get made.”

The company’s commitment to its products is proven by its repair facilities: if a piece is damaged, the owners can send it to ARCHITECTMADE for a stay at the ‘hospital’. “We get a lot of lovely requests from people who were given one of our pieces as an anniversary or confirmation present and have fallen in love with its particular markings, for example, and who are distraught that they accidentally knocked it over. It means a lot to us that they care as deeply for the product as we do, so we’ll gladly repair them,” says Tsomanis. “They’re built to last – hopefully they become modern-day heirlooms that’ll continue to make people happy for generations to come.”

Web: www.architectmade.com Facebook: ARCHITECTMADE Instagram: @ARCHITECTMADE Twitter: @ARCHITECTMADE

Bird by Kristian Vedel.

Bird by Kristian Vedel.

FJ Clock by Finn Juhl.

Owl by Paul Anker Hansen.

Though the objects are perfectly produced and minimalistic, each individual piece gains a life of its own through individual markings and small surprising touches such as head-turning.

Issue 112 | May 2018 | 15

Scan Magazine | Design Profile | Topaz Arctic Shoes AS

Topaz delivers high-quality products that will keep you warm in the coldest of climates.

Defeat the winter in functional design When facing the freezing, Arctic winters of Scandinavia, having the proper footwear is essential. Quality, the right materials and expertise are essential in creating something that will last for more than one season. Topaz of Norway combines all these traits with traditional design, making their shoes a product that stands out from the rest.

By Kari Larsen | Photos: Topaz

Established in 1989, Topaz of Norway is a family-run business founded by one of the last shoe technicians in Norway, Knut Reigstad. He named the factory after the precious stone Topaz and focused the production around traditional sealskin slippers and shoes. In 2005, Reigstad retired, transferring ownership to his four children, who still run it today.

Though the technology and production have changed and improved over time, the design of the products is still based on tradition, according to managing director Helge Reigstad. “A Topaz should always look like a Topaz,” he says, “We never try to copy other brands when making a shoe; you should always be able to tell that it’s a Topaz.”

16 | Issue 112 | May 2018

Ethically, Topaz take their responsibility very seriously. Many of their products are made of sealskin, and Reigstad says that it is important for people to know that this is a choice based on ethical, environmental and sustainable reasons.

“Seals live their whole lives freely in their natural habitats,” he says. “Hunting them is similar to hunting deer or moose, and they are not a threatened or endangered species.”

Topaz are aware that they might not be everybody’s cup of tea. “The materials we use are expensive because of the enormously high quality, and our design is so particular that people either love it or hate it,” says Reigstad. Among the people in favour of the design, however, are quite a few notable names. Uma Thurman bought

five pairs when she was in Norway, and the Norwegian royals have been spotted wearing the design as well. “Our products are both souvenirs and functional,” Reigstad adds. “Tourists buy them because they’re Norwegian design, but people have also used our boots on expeditions to the poles because of the quality.”

Want to head to the North Pole, fight the winter freeze, or just look stylish while sporting traditional design? Topaz of Norway has your back.

Web: www.topazofnorway.com Facebook: topazofnorway Instagram: @topazofnorway

Scan Magazine | Design Profile | Mater A/S

Left: The Mater High Stool is regarded as a new Danish classic and was designed by Space Copenhagen. The wood is FSC certified and the upholstery is genuine leather.

Middle: The Ray lamp collection was designed by the Danish studio PEDERJESSEN and has a strong Nordic aesthetic and a low energy usage. Right: The Mater Terho Lamp is named after the Finnish word for acorns and designed by Finnish Maija Puoskari. The wood is FSC certified and the glass is mouth-blown in Portugal. Bottom: The Mater Bowl Table combines Indian craftsmanship and Scandinavian design. The table top is made of mango wood turned on a lathe, showcasing and supporting the skill of Kharadi, an Indian wood-turning community.

Designed to be special In a world where our resources are limited, it is important to think about how to make the most of what we have. The Danish company Mater took matters into their own hands with their line of conscious, ethical and beautifully crafted furniture and lighting.

By Josefine Older Steffensen | Photos: Mater

In 2006, Henrik Marstrand took a hard look at the many industries turning to more conscious and ethical production, and found that within furniture and lighting, no one was really doing much. “This was our opportunity. We wanted to be different and create something that would be beautiful, that would last, but that also carried with it a good story about where it started its life,” explains Marstrand.

Today, Mater works with designers and producers across the world. “Designers often come to us with ideas about designs and materials, and then we work with them to make their visions come to life.”

Transparent and timeless

says Marstrand. “Ultimately, we’re honest about what we put into our products.

All our products have an agenda where responsibility is the top priority, and really what we want to create are beautiful things that people can have in their home, which they’ll still enjoy in 20 years’ time.”

Most importantly, the piece needs to be functional and beautiful. “For us, sustainability doesn’t mean reducing your life quality or compromising on design, but it means that the product you have bought hasn’t negatively impacted on a climatic or societal level.”

Mater has spent many years finding producers across the world who know exactly what to do with a particular material. “We work closely with smaller workshops in Slovenia, who can do amazing things with FSC certified wood and get LEDs from Poland and Portugal to put in our lamps,”

Web: www.materdesign.com Facebook: materdesign Instagram: @materdesign

Issue 112 | May 2018 | 17

Scan Magazine | Design Profile | Risskov Møbelsnedkeri

A shared passion for high-quality furniture Furniture joinery Risskov Møbelsnedkeri has always made a virtue out of making furniture with passion and perfection.

By Nicolai Lisberg | Photos: Kasper Hornbæk

Every now and then, unforeseen and coincidental moments end up changing history. A few years back, the Danish furniture joinery Risskov Møbelsnedkeri experienced one of those moments. Risskov Møbelsnedkeri had for many years been a small joinery making high-quality furniture for private customers and furniture stores in Denmark, until an Australian furniture salesman showed up on its doorstep alongside Danish architect Kai Kristiansen.

from the ‘50s and ‘60s, with iconic models such as the Dining Chair KK 42 and the Lounge Chairs KK 121 and KK 161.

His designs are famous for their functionality and sublime aesthetic, and so his ideas fit perfectly together with those of Risskov Møbelsnedkeri.

A partnership for the future

“He owned two shops in Australia called Great Dane, and he was looking for someone to cooperate with. He wanted us to manufacture the design of some of Kai Kristiansen’s furniture for his shops in Australia, as he had heard good things about us and how we worked with the materials,” says cabinetmaker Per Andersen, who owns Risskov Møbelsnedkeri together with his partner, Leif Jensen.

“After meeting with Kai Kristiansen on several occasions, we quickly realised that we both shared the same passion for creating high-quality furniture, so we began discussing the idea of expanding the partnership. We ended up getting the rights to making the iconic Lounge Chair KK 161, the Table KK 160 and the Couch KK 163, which we will launch at the annual design event 3daysofdesign. We have added a new interpretation and some sophisticated details to the original designs, which make the products rather spectacular and ambitious,” says Andersen.

Kai Kristiansen’s furniture design is among the most well-known designs

Andersen and partner Jensen both hope that the upcoming launch is just the

18 | Issue 112 | May 2018

beginning of the partnership with Kai Kristiansen. In the future, they would like to bring more of the architect’s classic designs back to life, as the meeting with the architect has changed their history. They are no longer just a local furniture joinery, as their products are now being sold all over the world. “Let’s see who shows up on our doorstep in the future,” Andersen smiles.

Leif and Per.

Web: www.risskovmøbelsnedkeri.dk

Scan Magazine | Design Profile | Pagurus

A Norwegian seafood invention ready to take on the world

By Henriette Skarderud | Photos: Pagurus The crab cutlery is made of stainless steel and therefore very durable.

It all started over 30 years ago on the west coast of Norway, with a young inventor’s simple desire to make crab-eating easier. Since then, the Norwegian brand Pagurus™ has, with its high-quality crab cutlery, experienced a steady growth in the domestic market and is now ready to take on the rest of the world.

“We are very entrepreneurial,” says Kjell Harald Aartun, managing director of Pagurus’ mother company, Arkos AS. “We feel driven by the possibility of doing something big outside of Norway and see that now is the time to take our products to shellfish lovers abroad.”

If you have ever eaten crabs, you will be familiar with the challenges that Pagurus™ now seamlessly solves: the power required to break open a crab shell, the difficulty of clearing the crab claws of their delicious juices, and the inevitable mess from the whole procedure.

With inspiration taken from professionalindustry crab equipment, the company produces high-quality crab cutlery suiting

both a professional-restaurant market and consumers. The Pagurus™ cutlery consists of a crab cracker, a claw plier and meat picks in stainless steel, making the brand one of a kind globally. “I don’t think anyone knows more about crab equipment than us,” Aartun says proudly.

The UK and Canada were the first two markets entered, after the decision of going international was made earlier this year, and more markets await. “The goal is to become the leading shellfish cutlery brand in the world,” Aartun enthuses.

Web: www.pagurus.no

Pagurus aims to make crab eating easier with their practical cutlery.

e:

Y VE WA I AT OR cia e E N Sp CR IN P TO CIES EN G A m he

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Montaag’s designs aim to be functional as well as eye-catching.

Norwegian minimalist design meets American playfulness Based in the Norwegian cities of Oslo and Stavanger, as well as in Berkeley in San Francisco, California, the multidisciplinary design studio Montaag is changing the world around you one piece at a time. From office building entrances to restaurants and art exhibitions, they aim to give ordinary buildings character and identity in ever-expanding cities.

By Alyssa Nilsen

If you have ever been to the BIT restaurant at Oslo Airport or the new shop at the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, or you have used the beautiful escalator at the Arkaden mall in Skien, you will have been fortunate enough to enjoy the designs of Norwegian-American design studio Montaag Oslo.

Montaag, one of the top creative agencies in Norway, was founded by Norwegian car designer Per Ivar Selvaag in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, in 2013. Since then, two 20 | Issue 112 | May 2018

Norwegian offices have been added to the company, each working within their own field of expertise.

The Oslo branch specialises in architecture, lighting design and industrial design, and CEO and partner Karoline Sandnes Bommen says that the mindsets of the two countries play integral parts in Montaag’s design. It benefits from Scandinavian minimalism and natural materials such as wood, concrete, and cork, as well as American playfulness

and the courage to think outside the box and to explore and expand boundaries.

They have also adopted the Silicon Valley mentality of always keeping up-todate on new technology and materials, as well as the American way of thinking that everything is possible. No task is too difficult and no problem is so big that it cannot be solved. “We’ve just designed a stove for Nordpeis, called ME, which will be the first ever wood-fired stove that’s resting on a glass base,” she mentions as an example. “Everybody thought it would be impossible, but we decided to explore the idea, and it worked.”

Sandnes Bommen says that Montaag’s job is essentially problem-solving. The task every day is to find solutions to complex problems and challenges. Clients

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Creative Agencies in Norway

often contact the company with specific issues such as a building nobody wants to rent or loss of customers, and Montaag’s job is to find a way to make people want to use those spaces again.

“That’s how we help them stay competitive in a global market,” Sandnes Bommen explains. One solution was to create an eye-catching and inviting facade for an office building, with the design continuing inside its halls and staircases, making people want to step through the door and rent an office.

Creating spaces for people to interact, evolve and thrive The most important thing for Montaag, however, is that their design is humancentred. They believe that a space is more than floor plans, measurements, and angles; it is also a place for people to interact, evolve and thrive. Partner and

designer Hannah Nordstrøm Berg says that it is important that people know that designers do more than just make things look a certain way. “We’re not stylists,” she explains. “We do not come in towards the end and spray on the glitter. Our main task isn’t the appearance of a product, but rather that it is user-friendly, functional, and will make our customers happy.”

With clients ranging from department stores to office complexes and restaurants, Montaag places focus on functionality as well as the visual aspect of each piece they create. Not only should the designs enhance and fit seamlessly into their surroundings, but they should also draw people in, and draw attention to themselves. They should give the space they occupy character and personality. “A lot of new areas in cities look very

similar, and it can be disorientating and bland,” Sandnes Bommen says, “so for us to come in and help create an identity for buildings is helpful for architects who have enough on their plates as it is.”

And with Montaag’s help, those buildings and areas become a little bit more memorable, a little bit different to all the rest, and a little bit more intriguing – one piece at a time.

Visit Montaag’s website and social media channels to find out where you can experience their designs.

Web: www.montaag.com Instagram: @montaagdesign_oslo Facebook: montaag Twitter: @MontaagDesign

The beautiful escalator at the Arkaden mall in Skien.

Issue 112 | May 2018 | 21

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Creative Agencies in Norway

Left: Poster design with motif from the medieval wooden church Urnes Stavkirke. Photo: Shutterstock. Right: The Lom pillow featuring the Norwegian medieval wooden church Lom Stavkirke.

A focus on Norwegian heritage With modern design, high quality and ancient traditional craftsmanship in perfect harmony, designer Mone Brimi showcases a part of Norwegian history with her enchanting products for the home.

By Ingrid Opstad | Photos & styling: Hilde Brevig

Growing up in an artist family in Steinkjer in Trøndelag, Mone Brimi was greatly inspired by her grandfather and Lom, where the Brimi family originally came from. “As a wood carver and artistic soul, my grandfather taught me to see all the beauty we surround ourselves with in nature and old buildings. He used to take me to his cabin in Lom every summer as a child, which I today own and visit often,” she says. Currently working as a graphic designer, her love for the Norwegian cultural heritage has been a big factor in the next step of creating her own interior brand.

ARV – heritage After several years of concept development, she proudly presents the ARV series – a word that translates to heritage in Norwegian. The first three motifs in the collection are from famous heritage sites around Norway: the captivating medieval wooden churches Urnes Stavkirke and Lom Stavkirke, and the Viking ship Osebergskipet. “I have always had an interest 22 | Issue 112 | May 2018

in our cultural heritage and the old craftsmanship, it is an irreplaceable source of knowledge, joy, and inspiration. This is the foundation of our identity, and it must be taken care of for posterity,” says Brimi.

Currently, Brimi has a beautiful selection of decorative pillows, silk scarves, posters and trays available in her online shop, while working further on developing the brand with several new products and motifs from other well-known Norwegian cultural sites.

When it comes to the mysterious, dark expression in her designs, Brimi explains that she wanted to reproduce the original motif as naturally as possible. “These are old works of art and wooden structures, and the way they have been treated and preserved over the years is something I aim to have visible in the print. I want my products to have a timeless, versatile style, making sure they fit in most homes and interior styles,” she explains.

Commitment, belonging and environmental considerations The idea behind ARV is about so much more than just design. Brimi is consciously working with Scandinavian suppliers to create products based on both social commitment, belonging and environmental considerations. The motifs on her products are printed in Sweden, while the textiles are produced in Oslo by OsloKollega, a company helping people with recruitment and employment. “These issues are important to me – making sure that people who need a job get the assistance they require to guide them back to work so they feel they have a place in life where they belong,” says Brimi.

She is also happy to support the National Trust of Norway and its important work, and therefore, some of the proceeds from the sales of the ARV series are donated to the association.

Online shop: www.monebrimi.design Web: www.monebrimi.no Facebook: monebrimidesign Instagram: @monebrimidesign

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Mone Brimi modelling the Oseberg silk scarf from the ARV series.

Issue 112 | May 2018 | 23

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Creative Agencies in Norway

StudioGeist was founded by a group of experienced and dedicated designers wanting to do things differently.

Show the world your soul Based on trust, research and long-term perspectives, StudioGeist helps its clients get to and visualise the essence of their brand. Founded last year by five experienced designers, the studio has already won international recognition for its simple craftsbased designs.

The approach has already won the young firm national and international design awards.

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Studio Geist

When embarking on a new project, Geist likes to challenge the client. “When placing ourselves between the brand and its users, it gives us a unique position to determine the obstacles that prevent the brand from expanding,” says Skarpås. “Often, we meet ‘untold truths’ within a company – elements that have never really been questioned before – and by pinpointing these, we make room for the brand to find or rediscover its meaningful purpose.”

Two years ago, five experienced designers decided that they wanted to do things differently – with heart and soul.

A year later, StudioGeist was created.

As a young company with many years of experience between them and multiple awards behind it, Geist works with a broad range of clients, from small family businesses to large government organisations. But, no matter how small or big, getting to the heart of the business is at the essence of the studio’s work.

“The client always brings the business perspective; they are focused on presenting products to a market or selling more, 24 | Issue 112 | May 2018

but we strive to uncover the stories and soul within the brand. With these stories, we can create distinct visual communication that engages the target audience,” says Linda Skarpås, one of Geist’s founders. “Together, we set values and goals for the success of the brand. We believe in building heroes: behind every brand, big or small, there are always people with the best intentions – they want their brand to shine. By giving them distinct and strong visuals, along with a clear strategy and a set of guidelines, they will lead on with a compelling and appropriate communication. This is how we, together, can build strong and smart brands over time.”

Trust and long-term perspectives

Once the core and soul of the company is uncovered, Geist works to visualise it through a simple, sustainable and essentially Nordic expression. Fredrik Temte, another of Geist’s founders, explains: “We

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Creative Agencies in Norway

are a bit Nordic in our choice of solutions and materials; a sustainable approach is important for a lasting solution – brands should be resistant to the wear and tear of the gaze. That’s why we prefer to work with long-term perspectives.”

The results are timeless and durable designs, such as the award-winning design for Plankejens. The small family-owned toy producer manufactures wooden toys inspired by past times, and the company’s visual identity combines a modern playfulness with nostalgia and craft. “Craft is a large part of our delivery. Good design is a craft,” stresses Temte. “It is all about delivering a controlled set of signals, for the right audience at the right time.”

Wooden toys and IT In a completely different category to Plankejens is the Norwegian Agency for Public Management and eGovernment (Difi), for which Geist created a new visual profile to unify the many different units and target groups of the agency. “The visual profile has a clear red line that,

while opening up for variety, sets strict boundaries. It shows digital muscles and helps Difi appear both clearer and more unified in all types of communication, across all platforms,” explains Skarpås.

In the process of creating this allencompassing graphic identity, Geist interviewed 50 people and the final solution was applied on 25 web portals, postal template systems, office furnishing, and more. “In many ways, Difi required a somehow more in-depth approach to that of Plankejens,” explains Temte. “It’s a far more official handling with a large and mixed audience, but still with the same aim to evoke feelings.”

Ambitions beyond borders While Geist has chosen to be located in Fredrikstad and not Oslo, it does not mean the studio is aiming for a local audience. On the contrary, the studio has high ambitions and aims to transcend boundaries nationally and internationally. “What is important is to deliver what the client and brand not only demands,

but deserves, and the only way we can do that is by working together with the client and not just for the client,” says Skarpås and rounds off: “And, of course we need to be proud of what we deliver. This is our calling – it’s a lot of hard work but it’s all worth it when you see something you’re building with clients come to life.”

Geist won Gold for their packaging for Plankejens at the 2018 Dieline Awards in Boston and at Visuelt in Norway.

The design is also nominated for The European Design Awards 2018.

Geist [‘gaist] is a German word that loosely translates to “mind, wit, erudition; intangible essence, spirit or ghost”. The term has also been used more widely in the sense of an intellectual or aesthetic fashion or fad (Zeitgeist), which prescribes what is acceptable or tasteful.

Web: www.studiogeist.no

Direktoratet for forvaltning og ikt

Hvordan skal vi lykkes med å digitalisere offentlig sektor Difi-notat

Organisering

2017:1

Styring Tilsyn

— Steffen Sutorius Direktør Difi Oslo 15.11.2016

Difi-notat.

Statlige forvaltningsorganer mer uavhengige av politisk ledelse

Difi-rapport

Organisering

2017:19

Styring Tilsyn

Statlig styring av kommunene.

En kartlegging av virkemiddelbruk og utviklingstrekk på tre sektorer i perioden 1999-2015

Difi-veiledning

Organisering

2017:19

Styring Tilsyn

Veiledning i risikovurdering av elektronisk kommunikasjon.

Dette er en veiledning i risikovurdering og i bruk av rammeverket for autentisering og uavviselighet i elektronisk kommunikasjon med og i offentlig sektor. Veiledningen gir en innføring i hvordan offentlige virksomheter kan gjennomføre risikovurdering. Risikovurderingene skal sikre at virksomheten velger riktig sikkerhetsnivå når den legger til rette for elektronisk kommunikasjon.

Deres dato

Vår dato Vår referanse

Deres referanse

Docdate

Refnr

Docnr ¶

Mottakers navn Adresse Postnummer/sted ¶ Kontaktperson

Saksbehandler: Unntatt offentlighet iht. pragraf

Tittel Vi viser til oppsigelsen fra deg DD.MM.ÅÅ, og bekrefter at du fratrer stillingen din som [stilling] [DD.MM.ÅÅ]. [Vi ber om tilbakemelding på sluttdato når du har avtalt det med din leder.]

Vedlagt finner du sluttskjema som vi ber deg fylle ut og levere til Seksjon for HR før du slutter.

Det vil også være fint om du svarer på noen spørsmål om årsakene til at du slutter, undersøkelsen er anonym.

Vi takker for samarbeidet og din innsats i Difi, og ønsker deg lykke til videre.

Vennlig hilsen for Difi

Fyll inn underskriver 2 Tittel

Fyll inn underskriver 1 Tittel

Dokumentet er godkjent elektronisk og har derfor ingen håndskrevne signaturer

Direktoratet for forvaltning og ikt

Besøksadresse Oslo:

Besøksadresse Leikanger:

Postboks 8115 Dep, 0032 Oslo

22 45 10 00

Grev Wedels plass 9

Skrivarvegen 2

Org.nr: NO 991 825 827

postmottak@difi.no

0151 Oslo

6863 Leikanger

www.difi.no

Top left: Geist’s award-winning design for Plankejens combines a nostalgic retro packaging with a modern design and finish. Bottom left: The new visual profile for the Norwegian Agency for Public Management and eGovernment aims to clarify and gather a directorate with several units with differing communication needs and target groups.

Bottom middle: For Fudigo, a new Swedish concept that allows users to collect dietary guidelines, recipes, ingredients, shopping lists and home delivery in one app, Geist created an identity in line with a Scandinavian expression – pure, simple and delicate.

Issue 112 | May 2018 | 25

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Creative Agencies in Norway

TV3.

Award-winning motion design Creating content across all platforms, for television, film, online and social media since the early 2000s, there is no doubt that Racecar Oslo has significant, broad experience in creating engaging, animated, illustrative and informative films.

ed, or a beautiful execution of a poor story is a missed opportunity. It is a constant balancing act.

By Synne Johnsson | Photos: Racecar

“There are many good stories out there, but a good story still needs to be told well,” says Fabritius. “We believe that success is often the result of trust. We need to trust the client, because they know their story.

But we also need them to trust us, because we know how to tell their story. The results will always reflect this.”

Racecar Oslo is a motion graphics design studio that produces adverts and informational films, which sometimes blend into what you might call ‘infotainment’ or ‘infomercials’, for private and public companies and departments. They have been in the business since 2002 and use their experience in design and animation to help their national and international customers tell their stories in a clear and thoughtful way.

“We are a pretty diverse group of people working here. Coming from a variety of different backgrounds spanning architecture, animation, graphic design, illustration and music, we all have very 26 | Issue 112 | May 2018

different input, which creates a good dynamic,” says manager and creative producer Anders Fabritius. “What we all have in common is a love for making things move and being focused on the conceptual aspect of each project. We always begin by gaining a good understanding of what the customer wants to communicate, and to whom, before we start any visual process.”

Racecar believes that good storytelling is about two things: firstly, the conceptual, the what and the why, or the bigger picture; and secondly, the visuals, the craft and the details. One without the other is not enough. A great story poorly execut-

Award-winning products Racecar has an impressive portfolio, having done everything from completely rebranding TV channels to creating animated adverts for big brands and informational videos for both private and public services.

Every project they do is different, and every product they produce is tailor-made spe-

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Creative Agencies in Norway

cifically for what their customers need.

No project is the same, which is why when asked if they have a trademark, the only reply they can think of is quality.

The motion design studio has been prized both nationally and internationally. Over the years, they have won several awards in the biggest design-award competition in Norway, Visuelt, as well as in Gullblyanten. Internationally, they have won gold in the European Design Awards, where they are also nominated this year, and received the global Bass Awards for their independently produced short film Kiss – A Love Story.

However, they point out that it is not necessarily the films that win awards that they are the most proud of. Some stories have a greater purpose, where the intention is to inform and educate – films that you might call educational storytelling, like a project for the Norwegian Health Department about the overuse of antibiotics. Another example is an international information video for Doctors Without Borders about the dangers of methanol poisoning. “It is incredibly special when the feedback you get is that this job helped in saving lives, which is of course a lot more important than winning an award,” says Fabritius.

Vestre.

Power Office Go.

Racecar is much more than just a production company. When a client has a product or service they want to promote, Racecar will produce everything from idea to script through to final delivery, working on all aspects of the project. “We are passionate about telling engaging stories through thoughtful design, direction, illustration and animation, regardless of the size or scope of the job,” says Fabritius. “It is often challenging work, which we love doing. Always creative, and no two days are ever the same.”

TV Norge.

TV Norge.

Web: www.racecar.no Facebook: RacecarOslo Instagram: @racecaroslo

Vestre.

Kiss - A Love Story.

Issue 112 | May 2018 | 27

Gassco stand winner in 2014. Photo: Joachim Bjerk

Out of the ordinary Playful, curious and creative design is at the core of Garp Design, aiming to challenge existing beliefs when it comes to conceptual design and visual communication. This is displayed through award-winning stands, impressive exhibitions and innovative design.

with a playful, creative approach. We work with clients based on their needs, market and budget. The final product presents the concept and message they want to convey in the best possible way,” explains Müller.

By Marte Eide | Photos: Garp Design

The name of Garp Design, based in Haugesund on the west coast of Norway, was not a coincidence. The word ‘garp’ derives from Norse mythology and the word ‘garpr’, which means ‘fearless’ or ‘tough fellow’. “In our region, ‘garp’ is used for describing a mischievous, cheeky youngster. When we established the new name of the company after some changes in 2014, we felt that the word described who we are and the work we do – being very serious, but also curious, playful, pushing boundaries and challenging established truths,” says general manager Anne Grete Müller. The essence 28 | Issue 112 | May 2018

in their philosophy has been useful in their innovation process and has resulted in a large network of loyal customers. “The best compliment we can get is when a client returns year after year, or recommends us to others. It speaks volumes about their satisfaction both with the process and the final product.”

Expo expertise With a strong liking for three-dimensional and spatial design, Garp Design has developed a unique expertise in the expo field. “Our core expertise is in stand design, trade fairs and exhibitions, always

Some of Garp Design’s most impressive stands include elements of modern innovation, with games and interactive screens, complex light installations and unique design solutions. Their biggest project to date has been designing the permanent exhibition at Røvær Havbrukssenter. The local attraction – a learning centre for children, adolescents and tourists – opened at the beginning of May. “It was important for the exhibition to be thorough and educational in order to reach its target audience. We have received feedback from teachers who look forward to using the centre in their teaching,” says Müller.

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The process of creating stands or exhibitions can start a year before the event, and includes a great deal of logistics. “We work with clients from all over the world, and the logistics concerning shipping is a big part of the job. Many exhibitions and fairs do not allow you to build on-site, so we have to make sure the stands arrive ready to be assembled.”

Garp Design’s main clients are from the maritime industry and the oil and energy sector, and one of the major events is the fair for the oil industry, ONS, which takes place every second year in the city of Stavanger in Norway.

Ready for the future With many years of experience and a team with extensive expertise, Garp Design has also won multiple awards for their work.

The installation Nerves of Steel at Norsk

Poster for Sykkelbyen.

Oljemuseum in Stavanger won first prize in the category of ambient design for its creative use of aluminium, an interactive map, a digital timeline and a knowledge game. “In 2014, we won both prices at the same event, ONS. The stand we made for Gassco won us the award for best stand over 50 square metres, while the one for Centrica Energy won best stand under 50 square metres. The key to our success has always been to meet the needs of the clients and for their profile to be conveyed, down to the smallest detail,” Müller enthuses.

Another important element of Garp Design’s work is graphic and digital design. They have worked on everything from websites and branding to developing logos and corporate identities for companies. “Among the projects we have been working on is branding and promo-

Amundsen olive oil.

tion of Sykkelbyen Haugesund-Karmøy, creating the logo and graphic profile of Gründerloftet, and doing the graphic profile and packaging design for deli-chain Amundsen Spesial.”

Garp Design are planning on expanding the in-house team and recently gained a local collaborator, Appex. “We want to work more on digital platforms and be more present in social media. The future is digital and we are ready,” says Müller.

Garp Design has a bright future ahead of it, and the team will always maintain their unique approach to design and visual communication.

Web: www.garpdesign.no Facebook: Garp design Instagram: @garpdesign

Grunderloftet logo.

Opening day Røvær havbrukssenter.

Photo: Jørgen Freim

Centrica stand close-up 2016.

Photo: Jørgen Freim

Centrica stand winner in 2014. Photo: Joachim Bjerk

Issue 112 | May 2018 | 29

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Creative Agencies in Norway

Logo created for Moss Kulturhus.

Design for the private-home care company Seniorstøtten AS.

CEO, photographer, and graphic designer Lene Stamnes Sandaunet with colleague, graphic designer and illustrator Mari Kolsrud Hustoft.

Moss’ very own full-service creative agency Though small, Sandaunet Design Agency is a full-service firm with broad expertise in design, digital communication, advertising, and photography. With the ambition to create ideas and concepts that engage, attract attention, and help create business, the Norwegian company engages in any project with great enthusiasm and creativity.

By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Sandaunet Designbyrå

“We are small in size but have a wide network of skilled partners we work closely with, because nobody can be best at everything. This way, we have access to expertise in every aspect, making sure we handpick the best suitable competence for each project,” says CEO, photographer and graphic designer Lene Stamnes Sandaunet. She established the agency in Oslo in 2008 and moved the growing business to the nearby town Moss five years ago. Sandaunet notices a great advantage of being located outside of the capital, while still only 40 minutes away by car. “Even though our main focus is quality, we are also competitive compared to Oslo-based design agencies in terms of price,” says Sandaunet.

Sandaunet Design Agency knows the importance of good marketing and 30 | Issue 112 | May 2018

branding. Working on developing creative concepts and building comprehensive visual profiles for both small and large companies, the agency has a broad range of clients in its portfolio. With an in-house photographer and studio, Sandaunet also sees the benefit when it comes to efficiency across multiple purposes. “We help our clients every step of the way, and our aim is to guide them in the right direction for their brand, whether that is how to stand out, what social channels to use, or how to gain more visibility online.”

A new focus is on helping businesses to cope with the new general data protection regulation, GDPR, commencing in July. “We talk a lot about how to maintain the privacy of employees and customers, but how the contacts are

stored is important. If you do nothing, or store the assets the wrong way, you might lose all your contacts lists. Some companies have large contacts lists of up to 100,000 entries, which they use, for instance, to send newsletters to, and they now need to get permission to use those,” Sandaunet explains. “We have created a package for our clients to collect and store consent for these contacts according to the law.”

Recently, the design agency completed an exciting branding project for the cultural arena in Moss. “By creating a brand-new profile for Moss Kulturhus, we want the locals to discover the arena while utilising the many cultural opportunities available,” says Sandaunet.

“The logo will work for the cultural city of Moss as a whole, to help maintain the city’s position as one of the best cultural municipalities in Norway. The style reflects the people living here: vibrant and diverse.”

Web: www.sandaunet.no

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Uncovering identity At AN:NA Design, design is not just about visualising identity, but about uncovering and awakening it. Using cross-field collaborations, research and user analytics, the small west-coast-based firm specialises in transforming ideas into distinct visual identities, service designs, graphic designs and digital content.

Founded by Anna Tokle Amundsen in 2013, AN:NA design today comprises a service designer, an interaction designer, a graphic designer, a content strategist and a web developer. Pooling together their highly different skill sets, the team has helped a number of public and private organisations create distinct visual identities and user experiences. One project saw the company work with Rauma municipality to design an engaging user experience for refugees. The aim was to help refugees learn Norwegian, enable them to build networks and prepare for the job market.

The process ended in a refugee-run popup shop named Bazar.

“We used service design as the method, and in the process, ended up designing a pop-up store that would give refugees work

By Signe Hansen | Photo: Mathias Bøe Jansen

tities for major organisations and bodies, and has, among other projects, created the visual identity for Møre and Romsdal Fylkesmann (County).

experience and also work as a meeting place for integrating with the locals,” exWeb: www.annadesign.no plains Amundsen. “The way we approach our projects is that we talk with all involved parties to find out who needs the service and who needs to know about it. That way, we create cross-field collaborations and a service that is built around the user rather than around a system or organisation.”

AN:NA design employs this method at ‘Mapping and visualising user experiences are methods from service design all levels, also when that help us understand the real needs before we design solutions,’ says Anna creating visual iden- Tokle Amundsen of AN:NA Design.

Scan Magazine | Travel / Culinary Feature | Sdr. Vissing Torvehal / LaplandWildFood

A taste of the countryside

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Sdr. Vissing Torvehal

Located in beautiful surroundings just 45 minutes from Aarhus, Toften B&B offers visitors a convenient getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Adjoining the bed and breakfast is Sdr. Vissing Torvehal, a farm shop selling speciality food and handicraft from the area.

Sourcing meat, beer, wine, flowers, bread, ceramics and more from small, local quality producers, the owner of Sdr. Vissing Torvehal and Toften B&B, Inge Kunz, offers her visitors literally a taste of the local area.

The charm of the farm shop as well as the beautiful surroundings and convenient location make many people come back year after year. ”If you are into nature, we have the perfect location; people come here to canoe, cycle and be outside in general, but also to explore nearby attractions in Aarhus and Horsens – and Legoland, of course,” explains Kunz. ”It’s central to everything but at the same time relaxed, peaceful and away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.”

The five small flats of the B&B are all equipped with tea kitchens, but many

guests also opt to enjoy and prepare products from the farm shop on the barbecue in the garden. Furthermore, the shop’s small café offers breakfast for B&B guests as well as homemade coffee and cake.

Facts: Toften B&B and Sdr. Vissing Torvehal are located in a converted former nursing home.

The B&B has four mini flats with two beds and one family-sized flat for five people.

The former nursing home is also the centre of Klostergaard Flowers, which has nine ‘pick your own flowers’ fields around the area.

Web: www.torvehallen.com

Harnessing the goodness of wild, Arctic berries Finnish Lapland’s unpolluted nature and clean air provide the perfect environment for Arctic berries to grow and thrive – and LaplandWildFood is on a mission to spread berry goodness across the globe.

By Ndéla Faye | Photos: LaplandWildFood

Above the Arctic Circle, the midnight sun shines throughout the summer, and the northern lights colour the skies in the winter. Under the snow, berries and plants are left to hibernate for the winter, absorbing the pure water as the snow melts in the spring. LaplandWildFood’s range of dried organic berries includes dried lingonberries and bilberries, otherwise known as Arctic wild blueberries. “Rather confusingly, the bilberry is often referred to as a blueberry – however, blueberries are farmed, whereas bilberries grow in the wild,” explains Jukka Taskinen, CEO of LaplandWildFood.

Filled with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, these berries are hand-picked and organic – and packaged without add32 | Issue 112 | May 2018

ing any sugar. The dried berries make an ideal snack for adults and children alike, and they can be used in desserts, baking and smoothies. “Our products are pure, healthy and unique. Our berries are packed in 30-gramme bags, perfect for a healthy snack on the go,” says Taskinen.

“We want to continue Finland’s long-standing tradition of berry picking and have made it easy for people to enjoy what our beautiful nature has to offer. We have some of the world’s cleanest air and water, and we want to share these Arctic superfoods with the rest of the world,” Taskinen concludes.

Web: www.laplandwild.com Facebook: LaplandWildFood

13-17 Jun i www.kortfilmfestivalen.no

Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature | Jarlsberg

Jarlsberg® is as perfect for a sandwich as it is on pizza or as a nice addition to a fresh salad.

The Norwegian cheese taking the world by storm No Norwegian breakfast table is complete without the addition of the delicate, yellow cheese Jarlsberg®. With its nutty, round, and easily recognisable mild taste, as well as its characteristic holes and soft texture, it has been one of Norway’s favourite foods for decades. But also outside Norway, the cheese has become a must-have on people’s tables.

By Alyssa Nilsen

The recipe for Jarlsberg® cheese is one of Norway’s most closely guarded secrets, but that does not stop other cheese brands from regularly trying their luck in replicating the popular product, which has become one of the leading brands in its home country. To this day, nobody has quite managed to figure out what exactly it is that makes Jarlsberg® the cheese it is, what it is that makes it so smooth and tasty, and how it gets its perfectly round holes throughout.

34 | Issue 112 | May 2018

The cheese that would go on to become Jarlsberg® first saw the light of day in a small Norwegian village called Ås in the 1950s, invented by professor Ole Martin Ystgaard as a result of a long-term research project at the Dairy Institute of the Agricultural University of Norway.

He wanted to create a brand-new type of cheese based on a mix of long-forgotten traditions and up-to-date modern technology. A group of his students played an important part in developing the concept of adding propionibacterium to Gouda

cheese, and thus the holes in the cheese were born.

The rest, as they say, is history, and more than 60 years later, Jarlsberg®’s success is undeniable. International marketing manager Silje Lindborg says that the current method of production is the same as when it all started back in the ‘50s. “It takes a lot of work, resources and knowledge when creating new production facilities, to ensure that the famous Jarlsberg® taste is exactly the way it’s supposed to be,” she explains, highlighting the importance of the Jarlsberg® taste being the same no matter where the cheese is produced.

It is, after all, the mild and nutty taste, loved by children and grown-ups alike, that has made Jarlsberg® people’s num-

Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature | Jarlsberg

ber one choice of cheese. “But it is not only perfect as part of a spread on the breakfast or lunch table,” says Lindborg.

“In addition, it is ideal for cooking, since it doesn’t burn very easily and stretches nicely when it melts.”

A versatile cheese for all occasions Thinly sliced for a sandwich, added to a delicious pasta sauce, diced in a fresh and healthy salad, melted goodness in a grilled cheese sandwich, as topping on biscuits or as the perfect finishing touch on a smoking hot pizza – Jarlsberg® is as versatile as it is popular. Recently, the Jarlsberg® cheese has also become available as cheese sticks, bite-sized snacks perfect for lunchboxes or as a treat full of protein and calcium.

But not only Norway has embraced the cheese. Internationally, Jarlsberg® sells over 16,000 tonnes per year and is available in large supermarkets across the UK. “We started the export of Jarlsberg®

in the early ‘60s,” says Lindborg, “and it has been well established in several countries for years.” Tine, the producer of Jarlsberg®, now has daughter companies in the United Kingdom, the United States and Sweden, as well as partners in a long line of other countries. Australia is the country with the second highest consumption of Jarlsberg® per capita, after Norway, while the biggest market for the cheese is the US, where Jarlsberg® is available in an impressive nine out of ten supermarkets. It is completely integrated as an essential part of daily life both as a food item and as snacks in the shape of crisps and cheese sticks.

In the United Kingdom, you can also find Jarlsberg® mini cheese-wheels, as well as a ready-to-cook Jarlsberg® cheese fondue, perfect for dark candlelit evenings in, or at a party with good friends.

Even Hollywood has opened their hearts for Jarlsberg®, and the popular cheese has had several surprise guest appear-

ances, in both TV series and films, most notably in the Meryl Streep blockbuster The Devil Wears Prada, and in a dream sequence of The Sopranos’ character Silvio Dante – a nice surprise for both the makers and fans of the cheese.

With summer coming up, there will be plenty of chances to explore the world of Jarlsberg®, whether you are already familiar with the products or want to try them for the first time. Garden parties, long lazy breakfasts with the family, or a barbeque on the beach – Jarlsberg® is an essential ingredient lifting the taste and experience of any meal. And do not forget: you are absolutely allowed to eat a couple of slices of the cheese by itself when nobody is watching!

Web: www.jarlsberg.com Facebook: jarlsberg Instagram: @jarlsberg_

Issue 112 | May 2018 | 35

Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature | Wenersson Ost Danmark

The key to ageing tastefully Just like wine, people or a good steak, most cheeses need to undergo a carefully managed process of maturation before they reach their optimal state. Unbeknown to most, much of the cheese eaten in the Nordic countries is tenderly cared for and ripened at one huge 7,000-square-metre facility in Ulricehamn, Sweden, where the precision and exactness of modern science dovetail with the age-old cheesemastering traditions of the Wernersson and Tølløse families to create perfect examples of cheeses such as Jarlsberg, Kolibrie or Danablu.

maturation process is proceeding well and nothing unbecoming is happening.

So the whole process depends on a careful balance of leaving the different cultures within the cheese to do their thing and monitoring them closely at the same time, helping them out with environmental adjustments along the way.”

By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Wernersson Denmark

Every year, young and immature wheels of cheese from 67 suppliers from across Scandinavia and Europe enrol at Ulricehamn. The cheeses are waxed and may be ennobled with a certain ingredient or flavour, such as Steffo’s alcohol-infused cheeses, which the Swedes have come to love. Depending on their disposition, the cheeses then spend anything between two weeks and two years reaching their full potential under Wernersson’s watchful eye.

36 | Issue 112 | May 2018

Ripe for the picking “There’s a certain amount of time that you might expect a particular kind of cheese to need to ripen for,” explains Jesper Jakobsen, general manager for Wernersson Denmark. “But it’s not as easy as leaving them for, say, six months exactly and then packing them up.” He reveals what sounds like an all-round top-notch job: “We have someone at the facility who has to constantly oversee and taste the cheese to make sure that the

Then, suddenly, the cheese reaches its optimal stage, where the flavour, smell, consistency and texture are perfectly aligned with the ideals of, say, a cheddar or a camembert. This might happen weeks or even months earlier or later than the previous batch of the same cheese. Once it is there, the cheese masters have to act quickly. “Unlike wine, which continues to improve for years in the bottle, cheese can only be kept at its optimum flavour and consistency for a set amount of time, so it is important to distribute it as soon as

Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature | Wenersson Ost Danmark

possible so that the consumer may enjoy it for as long as possible,” Jakobsen explains. Wernersson then distributes the cheeses to supermarkets, caterers and cheese shops all over the Nordic countries, reaching places that its founders would never have dreamed of.

The cheesy life In 1930, Tage Wernersson began to dabble in selling home-made cheeses from his home in the little town of Marbäck on the outskirts of Ulricehamn. Five years later, his cheese had become so popular that the family would load up their Ford T with ‘Wernersson Ost’ and drive it to market in Ulricehamn every Wednesday and Saturday, all year round.

Having endured one too many Swedish summers, Tage finally decided to buy a house in Ulricehamn, which was soon decked out with a shop. The naturally cool basement was bestowed the great honour of being converted into a cheese cellar, and soon friends and neighbours saw their own basements hired out to the Wernerssons. The family continued sales at the local market as well until

the 1960s, when the business rapidly expanded as Swedes near and wide caught a whiff of Wernersson’s cheeses.

Under the leadership of Tage’s sonin-law, the business moved to purpose-built storage facilities. Factors such as temperature and humidity could be controlled more precisely and experimented with, and in 1983 the family sold off the cheese-making side of the business in order to focus on perfecting the art of ripening and ennobling cheese.

Sweden’s entry into the EU in 1995 meant freedom of movement for the cheeses of Europe, leading to a massive boom in cheese trading and lower costs for the consumer. In 2006, Wernersson merged with the Danish Tølløse Ost, now Wernersson Danmark. “That’s where I come into the picture,” Jakobsen announces. “I’m from an equally cheesy family with a pretty similar history to Wernersson’s, actually, except Tølløse began in 1942. My dad headed the company when I was young, so it’s fair to say that I’ve grown up around cheese. It’s lucky that I like it!”

More recently, Wernersson was acquired by Norwegian dairy giant Tine.

The result is cheese mastery on a truly grand scale, with Wernersson looking set to rake in one billion Swedish kronor this year. The 2000s saw Wernersson respond to the cheese boom by moving into their brand-new, IKEA-like storage facilities, measuring 10,000 square metres all in all, which now ships off 16,900 tonnes of cheese per year, creating a turnaround of 891 million SEK (approximately 76 million GBP). “It’s a truly impressive place,” says Jakobsen. “Not just the size and quantity, but the variety: we currently distribute more than 600 different products and everything from Tine’s traditional Norwegian brown cheese, Gudbrandsdalsost, through lovely sliced cheeses like Havarti to classic Italians like mozzarella and Parmagiano can be found there. Take it from me, Ulricehamn is a cheeselover’s paradise.”

Web: www.wernerssonost.se Instagram: @wernersson_ostmastare

Issue 112 | May 2018 | 37

Benjamin Ingrosso performing Dance You Off for Sweden in 2018’s contest. Photo: Andres Putting

We are the heroes of our time The Eurovision Song Contest has wrapped for another year. And while it was Israel who got the win (congratulations to Netta!), once again the Nordic nations featured high up on the final scoreboard, with both Sweden and Denmark gaining a top-ten finish, and Norway and Finland turning in two of the most memorable performances on the night. In the last ten years, Scandinavia has been responsible for four of the contest’s ten wins. An impressive track-record for the northern territory in a competition that sees up to 43 different countries from all over Europe (and beyond, hello Australia!) compete for that coveted win. So what is it that makes the Nordic nations so good at the game? Scan Magazine spoke to some of the artists and songwriters behind the champion songs, to get to the bottom of it.

By Karl Batterbee

The most recent Scandinavian win came in 2015, when Sweden won with Heroes, performed by Måns Zelmerlöw. The song went on to become a big hit in most of Europe, including the UK, and one of the song’s writers, Linnea Deb, was also behind the Finnish entry to the 2018 contest earlier this month – the big fan favourite, Monsters, performed by Saara Aalto.

“I believe that Sweden is well known for its pop music in general. We have music in school, music schools that aren’t expensive, and maybe there really is something in the water,” Linnea says with a 38 | Issue 112 | May 2018

wink, and continues: “That goes for our neighbour countries too, I guess. There is a studio in almost every basement.”

Perhaps the most iconic Eurovision song of our generation is Euphoria by Loreen – another Swedish winner, from 2012.

The song’s writer and producer, Peter Boström, believes that we can go way back when trying to pinpoint why Scandinavia gets it so right, in terms of pop: “I think the Nordic countries have an edge over many other nations in the Eurovision because of the strong legacy

of our traditional folk music. I guess we have the simple melodies in our blood.”

Loreen herself puts it less down to melodies in her blood, and more down to the very real chill that she feels in her blood.

“I don’t know if it’s because it’s so cold in Sweden that people don’t have anything else to do really, but to sit in the studio and write. We can’t go to the beach, let’s write.

We can’t do this, let’s write. Everything is closed at six, let’s write,” she says. “But I’m happy that there are so many great writers and producers that still create so much nice music that is so global and which everyone can enjoy.”

A certain sound and tune After Loreen’s win for Sweden in 2012, the contest was held in Malmö the following May. And thanks to yet another Scandinavian win that year, the contest did not have very far to travel in 2014, crossing the bridge to Copenhagen, after Emmelie De Forest’s win for her native Denmark, with Only Teardrops. “I don’t know what it is,” says Emmelie, when attempting

Scan Magazine | Culture Feature | Nordic Success at the Eurovision

to explain it. “I just think that there are a lot of great artists in Scandinavia. It’s a mysterious, Nordic thing. I think that in Scandinavia, we appreciate a certain sound and tune.”

A certain sound and tune is all very well, but these days at Eurovision, it is more important than ever to execute those two elements correctly in the staging of the song. If you watched this year’s contest earlier in the month, no doubt you will have noticed one performance in particular. Dance You Off was the Swedish entry, performed and co-written by Benjamin Ingrosso. The song brought to the contest a performance that looked more like an expensive music video. And when asked why the northern nations always do so well in the Eurovision, Ingrosso tells Scan Magazine that the Nordics understand the performance element better than most. “My guess is because they think very familiarly and they make a show that should work for everyone, no matter the the age. That they think about the whole picture, with the performance, the music and the show.”

Could it be that Nordic writers and artists are actually already thinking of how to win the Eurovision when they are creating songs and crafting the staging concepts?

Ingrosso is coy: “No, not at all. I just thought I wanted to put on the best show I could possibly do.” Linnea Deb agrees

Måns Zelmerlöw won Eurovision for Sweden in 2015 with Heroes.

Photo: Joakim Reimer.

with that sentiment, recalling when she wrote Heroes: “We just wanted to do what we thought would be a great song. I think we were fortunate enough to have made a song that was very current with an exciting build-up and huge chorus that fitted just great that year. And of course, Måns is an extremely professional artist that I think people liked and felt secure with.”

Euphoria’s producer, Peter Boström, looks at it another way: “2012 was a year when people wanted something different, yet modern, so one could say that the Eurovision took Euphoria into consideration and not the other way around.”

With Sweden having just delivered their seventh top-ten finish in the last eight

years, it is not surprising that other nations across Europe have already started turning to them for assistance. Five Swedish songwriters were behind the Cypriot entry this year, Fuego, and its staging was directed and choreographed by a Swedish team (Australia and Bulgaria hired the same team too). If you watched the show, you will remember Fuego, which finished runner-up behind the Israeli entry. A fierce diva performance of a song that is going to receive heavy rotation around the continent this summer.

And so at next year’s contest, the fun part will not just be waiting for the Nordic entries, it will be checking to see which other countries have gone and hired themselves a bit of that Nordic know-how too!

Emmelie De Forest won Eurovision for Denmark in 2013 with Only Teardrops.

Photo: Michael Søndergaard

Saara Aalto performed Monsters for Finland in 2018’s contest. Photo: Ville Paasimaa

Loreen won Eurovision for Sweden in 2012 with Euphoria. Photo: Valter Frank.

Alexander Rybak gave Norway a Eurovision win with a record-breaking points tally in 2009, and competed for Norway again in the 2018 contest. Photo: Andres Putting

Issue 112 | May 2018 | 39

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Sannie

40 | Issue 112 | May 2018

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Sannie

Sannie

Whigfield with a tie When Saturday Night became a worldwide hit in 1994, Sannie Charlotte Carlson became known as Whigfield in all corners of the globe, and eurodance fans were miming along to the legendary ‘di di na na na’ line on dancefloors everywhere.

Two and a half decades on, Sannie reveals to Scan Magazine that she started out wanting to be a fashion designer and that, initially, all the record labels refused the now classic hit.

By Linnea Dunne | Press photos

“Labels don’t decide about hits – people do,” she says as she answers the phone in Italy. She has had a late recording session in the studio the night before and asked if we could postpone the call by an hour. “It took a good while before it really hit it big and entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the first debut single to go straight to number one in the UK Top 40. But it just goes to show – it was released in Spain in 1993, but none of the major labels wanted it. Then all the Brits returned from their holidays and started calling radio stations requesting it. That’s how it happened.”

Asked if it is ironic that a singer from a part of the world renowned for producing global pop hits chooses to work with an Italian producer, she protests. “You see, back in the ‘90s there was a lot of Italo pop coming out. What we were doing was all quite light and a bit cheesy… But anyway, I moved to Italy to study to become a fashion designer and thought that’s what I was going to do, but all my friends were working as DJs and one of my friends introduced me to who was to become my

producer – and then I ended up staying.

I’ve been based in Barcelona for a while and then London as I was producing a lot and writing with people there, but I have my dogs in Italy. It’s my home.”

‘You can get too much chocolate’ Back when Saturday Night became a global hit, Sannie, which is the name she goes under now, was only in her early 20s and, she recalls, not really able to say no.

“I didn’t know how long it’d last, but as a solo artist it’s not like in a band where you have other members to take the pressure off, and in the early days when I was still testing the terrain I didn’t even really have management, so it did get to a point where I overworked myself,” she says. “It was quite confusing but great fun as well – a lot of work and not a whole lot of sleep. I mean for any musician it’s an amazing experience to get that, but a lot of young people just want to be famous without knowing why, and I remember that in the ‘90s that definitely wasn’t my favourite part of the job.” She talks about being able to go to the supermarket without being recognised as a sort of luxury.

Issue 112 | May 2018 | 41

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Sannie

“When you’re famous, people feel like they own the right to disturb you. These days, I’m older and more relaxed about it, but I think back then maybe I lost contact with reality for a bit. I’m quite a simple person.

I’m bubbly and joke a lot, but I was pushed into all these emotions and always smiling, and it became too much. You can get too much chocolate too, you know.”

It would be easy to think that the comedown after such huge success would be hard, but Sannie does not describe it as such. After a few years, things died down – “you start selling less and less and realise it doesn’t last forever,” she says – but the creative life never stopped for her. “Music was my way of living; it wasn’t really a job, it was something I had to do, so I started writing and producing for other artists and sort of worked behind the scenes for a few years. I learnt a lot from my previous producer – he taught me a lot about songwriting and all that. And so, one day, I was sitting there with some material and thought that ‘hey, I’d really like to do this and see how it goes’.”

She pauses. “Doing a comeback is really difficult if you’re known as doing something different – it takes a while before people accept it.”

From Eurovision to Gay Pride Still, Sannie has had what can only be described as an illustrious career, with five albums and countless global hits in her bag including songs penned for established artists such as Benny Benassi, Adam K and Ann Lee. The past few years have seen her produce house music and release singles with Holland’s Armada Music among other things, and now her latest single is out – initially presented through the perhaps unlikely channel of the Danish Eurovision Song Contest qualifier, Melodi Grand Prix. “It was quite a strange experience, having people voting for you… Unfortunately, while the rehearsals went really well, 15 minutes before I was going on stage I had the most surreal moment with a panic attack, like an outof-body experience, and I couldn’t control the song – I don’t know what happened.

But hey, I’m glad to have been part of it.

Maybe it was for the best anyway as I’m 42 | Issue 112 | May 2018

free to tour and do what I like instead of being in Portugal now!” she laughs.

The song, Boys on Girls, is a steamy, pounding dance banger likely to get frequent spins in outdoor clubs this summer.

Gay Pride festivals in particular might become avid fans, as the track is somewhat of what the singer calls “a rainbow song” about being free to love who you want. “It’s incredible that in 2018 you still have other people deciding if you can get married or not,” she says, adding that her new, more gender-fluid look with ties and suits might be appealing to the LGBTQ+ crowd. Having just turned 48 this year, she has chosen to reinvent herself, and miniskirts were never an option. “Of course in a country like Italy, where we have the Vatican, there’s a lot less freedom, whereas in the rest of Europe it’s quite normal and you don’t really have to hide it so much. I just like to celebrate life, and my fan base can feel that. They know that I’m honest with the music; it’s not like I write especially for them, but maybe there’s a part of me that’s a bit gay…”

With a fast-changing music scene, Sannie has chosen to keep focusing on strong songs and releasing singles, as few people buy into the concept of full-length albums these days anyway. “I finished another track last night!” she enthuses, adding that Boys on Girls has had a great reception among radio pluggers and that an EP might be on the cards if things go well. Her new sound is best described as electro-pop with simple hooks, perfect for clubs as well as radio. “Every time I have a new track, it’s like my baby; every time a single is out, it’s fun and it’s what I enjoy doing. I’m just going to keep making music. I love writing and producing, and maybe I’ll learn some gardening or get a hobby… I tend to throw myself into work but I’m trying to enjoy it more now than I did when I was young. You live a different way when you get older. You understand things – if something doesn’t work, it’s not the end of the world.”

For updates on tour dates and new releases, keep an eye on Facebook: sanniepop

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Sannie

Issue 112 | May 2018 | 43

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Photo: Reino Aholainen

Photo: Veini Suuronen

Delightfully diverse fun for the whole family Since 1995, Vekara-Varkaus festival has been entertaining children and their families by combining art and play. The countless workshops, performances and activities, ranging from kart racing to theatre performances, bring the whole family together.

By Ndéla Faye

Located in eastern Finland, the town of Varkaus is situated on the idyllic lake Saimaa. Running from 11 to 17 June this year, the Vekara-Varkaus festival, organised by the City of Varkaus, is a community event that brings together all ages.

Covering a wide range of topics, such as art, science and physical education, Vekara-Varkaus is bound to have an activity to keep everyone entertained.

The festival believes in accessibility, and all activities are either free of charge or affordable. This year’s festival theme is nature, and there is a number of workshops and activities tailored specifically to pique little ones’ interest in the nature around them. “In one of our workshops, children pick a tree and give a presentation on who lives in it, how old it is and so on. This will help create a sense of empathy and love toward nature. As with all our activities, the children are the focal point, and everything is done from the child’s 44 | Issue 112 | May 2018

point of view,” explains Heli Sutinen, event producer at the festival.

In addition to various workshops, local businesses rally to offer their services, often free of charge. This summer’s festival activities include everything from a fishing trip on the lake and kart racing to nature walks, disc golf and visits to the local planetarium. “The festival is a community effort,” says Sutinen.

Featuring some of Finland’s best children’s entertainers, musicians and ac-

Photo: Juhani Valtola

tors, this much-respected festival offers a number of high-quality activities that are bound to appeal to the whole family. “The festival plays host to a nationwide singing competition finale, as well as a children’s book award, where children are on the judging panel. In one of the workshops, children practise a play that culminates in a performance at the town’s theatre. “The festival is truly all about children. We want to bring them to the forefront,” says Sutinen. “There’s a real community spirit here; a genuine togetherness that creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We look forward to welcoming everyone – from babies to grandparents – to this year’s festival.”

Web: www.vekara-varkaus.fi

Photo: Heikki Hirvonen

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Nordic Culture – Finland

Top left: The New York Times described Kari Kriikku as “a physically flamboyant player of Olympian virtuosity”. Photo: Marco Borggreve. Top middle: Soprano Soile Isokoski.

Photo: Heikki Tuuli. Below left: The seaside location is part of Crusell’s charm. Photo: Uusikaupunki. Right: A tango concert: Night of Lanterns. Photo: Crusell Music Festival

A musical gem by the sea Crusell Music Festival is a unique experience for classical music lovers, offering a programme of international artists and rarely performed pieces. Held in summer in the picturesque seaside town of Uusikaupunki, Finland, Crusell is the only festival dedicated to woodwind instruments in Europe.

By Anne Koski-Wood

When Tuulia Ylönen was asked to become the new artistic director of the Crusell Festival, she was surprised, even though she had been attending the festival for years: first as a master class clarinettist student, and then as a teacher and performing artist. Now, in her role as artistic director, she is excited about the upcoming festival. “There’s a positive buzz in town during the festival. Concerts are within walking distance, which makes the festival feel very intimate,” she says.

The location by the sea near the Turku archipelago – arguably one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world – adds its own special touch to the musical experience. The festival is also known for its master classes, where talented students are taught by internationally acclaimed artists, inspiring the next generation of musicians.

On Your Own Track This year’s theme, On Your Own Track, inspired by Bridget Allaire’s painting by the same name, brings together an exciting mix of different types of music, composers and artists. Even though the emphasis is on classical music, the programme is spiced up with some tango and jazz too.

“The festival is for everyone,” says Ylönen.

Every day at noon, the festival kicks off with a free concert in the marketplace.

From there, festival goers are spoilt for choice with the repertoire on offer: they can choose from pieces such as Peteris Vasks’ Music for a Deceased Friend and Kari Kriikku’s Orient Express, which have never before been performed in Uusikaupunki. “Expect no conductor, but a belly dancer instead,” says Ylönen when describing the unusual experience of Orient Express.

There is music for those who want to experience it in the peace and solitude of a church, and there are concerts designed around social gatherings, like an evening picnic. One of the main events is the performance by soprano Soile Isokoski, singing works by Henri Duparc and Il Tramonto by Ottorino Respigni, conducted by Hannu Lintu with the Festival Orchestra.

The festival closes with a Finnish tango quintet, Nuevo Quinteto Ozra Vez with visiting artists Martin Alvarado and Marcelo Nisinmann from Argentina. “We have many gems in our programme that have rarely been heard before. The works

by Arvo Pärt and a selection from French composers are very emotional and touch the soul. I hope the concerts will leave people hungry for more,” Ylönen smiles.

The 37th Crusell Music Festival takes place 28 July to 4 August this year in Uusikaupunki, Finland.

Web: www.crusell.fi Facebook: crusellmusicfestival

Issue 112 | May 2018 | 45

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Nordic Culture – Finland

Bringing the world’s leading pianists to the Finnish lakeside From 1 to 5 August 2018, the idyllic town of Mänttä-Vilppula will play host to renowned pianists and promising young talent. Celebrating its 20th year this summer, the festival will feature a number of special performances and gather piano-music lovers from across the world.

The festival’s co-founder, artistic director and distinguished pianist, Niklas Pokki, initially wanted the festival to showcase young Finnish piano talent – but the festival has since snowballed into an internationallyrecognised event. “We’re Finland’s only annual piano festival, and when I first founded it, I had no idea it would one day become this big. We’re constantly trying to develop the festival further and have been privileged to host some of the best pianists and rising stars here,” says Pokki.

This year’s line-up includes internationally recognised names such as Sergei Babayan, Jeremy Denk and rising star Mackenzie Melemed, as well as a number of Finnish pianists. With some ticketed performances, as well as a number of

free-of-charge events, the music festival is a fantastic opportunity for people interested in exploring the area. The idyllic Finnish lake and forest landscape offers the perfect setting for a relaxed atmosphere, where audiences can enjoy the music in a range

The festival’s co-founder, artistic director and distinguished pianist, Niklas Pokki.

By Ndéla Faye | Photos: Jari Neuvonen

of stunning venues, such as the Vilppula and Mänttä churches and the Serlachius Museum Gösta.

“The festival just keeps growing: we want this to be a place for lovers of piano music to come together and enjoy themselves while listening to some of the world’s best talent,” Pokki concludes.

Web: www.mantanmusiikkijuhlat.fi

Audiences can enjoy the piano concerts in a range of stunning venues, such as the Serlachius Museum Gösta.

Viking ships in Roskilde History for all the senses – year round

Experience five original Viking ships and see our impressive boat collection in the scenic Museum Harbour.

Look, feel, smell - and try!

The Viking Ship Museum focuses on the Vikings’ maritime craftsmanship and their impressive ships.

Exciting exhibitions – Films about the Viking ships and Sea Stallion from Glendalough – Dress as a Viking Activities for children – Go on board Viking ships Boatyard – Museum Shop – New Nordic Viking Food Scenic harbour life with Viking ships and historical wooden boats.

Go sailing on Roskilde Fjord: May 15 - September 30.

SPECIAL EXHIBITION 2014 The World in the Viking Age

– Seafaring in the 9th century changed the world! vikingshipmuseum.dk

Under the age of 18 admission free Open daily 10:00 - 16:00

(May 16 - Aug. 24: 10:00 - 17:00)

Transport:

Free car park. Train to Roskilde. From Roskilde Station bus route about walk.

46 203 | or Issue 112 20 | minutes’ May 2018

Aalborg Århus

Roskilde

Odense

København

Vindeboder 12 • DK-4000 Roskilde • vikingshipmuseum.dk

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Nordic Culture – Denmark

Top left: Naturhistorisk Museum is experiencing a transformation from a classic experience museum to becoming more interactive and coexisting with its visitors. Below left: Naturhistorisk Museum in Aarhus offers a variety of experiences for kids – for instance, ‘A night at the museum’, an enjoyable evening at the savannah. Right: The exhibition Habitat:Aarhus showed the natural life in the city as the citizens of Aarhus see it. Bottom: The museum engages hundreds of volunteers. Some help with the maintenance of exhibitions, while others greet and provide information to visitors.

Taking responsibility for the future Naturhistorisk Museum in Aarhus is facing the most significant change yet, in its long history. Over the next few years, the museum will transform into a more open, modern and interactive museum, which strives to create coexistence with its users.

By Nicolai Lisberg | Photos: Naturhistorisk Museum Aarhus

In 2017, Aarhus was the European Capital of Culture, and it left a legacy. It gave the entire city a boost, showing what can be achieved when institutions and citizens cooperate on projects, using culture as the driving force. It also gave the city’s Naturhistorisk Museum the courage and curiosity to ask themselves what they want to bring to the table in the future.

“We have a strategy for the next many years to make a transformation from a traditional natural history museum that looks at the past, to a modern and inviting museum that looks at and engages with tomorrow. We want to create real value for our society in the future, and in order to do that we have to leave our comfort zone. Instead of being an experience museum, we aim to be a coexisting

one,” says Bo Skaarup, museum director at Naturhistorisk Museum.

Interactive and involving Last year, the museum hosted an exhibition called Habitat:Aarhus, supported by Nordea-fonden, where local citizens took pictures of the nature in the city and described it. People from all over the world came to see the exhibition in the city centre, and according to Skaarup, this is a great example of what the museum needs to do more of in the future.

“It showed that we can act as a catalyst for something that’s both beautiful and relevant, without the museum itself having to invent it. Human overpopulation, scarcity of resources, loss of habitats, threats to biodiversity and climate change concern

us all, and we want to take an active part in discussing these issues. In fact, it is our duty as a cultural institution, the way I see it. The museum has to be of gain to society,” says Skaarup and adds: “One of the ways we can do that is by making our exhibitions more interactive and involving for the citizens, so it becomes a dialogue and not a monologue. If we manage to do so, we can move from what we are to what we can achieve, and thereby take responsibility for our common future.”

Web: www.naturhistoriskmuseum.dk Twitter: @Naturhistorisk

Issue 112 | May 2018 | 47

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Nordic Culture – Denmark

Left: Niels Skovgaard: Women dancing in Megara, 1919. Top right: Niels Skovgaard: Udsigt fra vor bolig i Naxos, 1895. Photo: SMK Foto. Below right: Skovgaard Museum.

Drawing up Danishness Why is a family of 19th and early 20th century artists relevant today? The Skovgaard Museum in Viborg answers that question in a fun, engaging and thought-provoking way, which situates the Skovgaard family in their time as well as our own through their life experiences, acquaintances and art.

By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Ole Misfeldt

The Skovgaard Museum centres on the art and lives of Peter Christian Skovgaard and his children Joakim (1856-1933), Niels (1858-1938) and Susette (18631937). Though his name may have faded slightly from the national memory today, Peter Christian Skovgaard was one of the most important painters of Denmark’s Romanticist ‘Golden Age’. “He was both a direct influence on his time and an interesting reflection of it,” says museum director Anne-Mette Villumsen. “But he didn’t just influence his own time; he and his fellow Romanticists have had a huge impact on modern Denmark.”

Peter Christian Skovgaard primarily specialised in painting the bright green beech trees that have come to be seen as quintessentially Danish. “Before 1800, the common tree in Danish nature and art was the royal oak. After losing the 48 | Issue 112 | May 2018

navy to the Brits, hoping to rebuild the ships, we planted the equally strong but much faster-growing beech instead.

By Skovgaard’s time, they were everywhere and could be used as a symbol of the reinvented, democratic, small-butlovely perception of Denmark which we’ve inherited today. That’s a direct consequence of Skovgaard and his fellow Romantics,” Villumsen reveals.

Like their father, the younger generation’s lives were deeply intertwined with Danish history. Susette, a Modernist ceramicist and painter, became part of the women’s rights movement and fought to gain entrance to the Royal Academy of Fine Arts that both her brothers attended. Joakim gained fame as a painter who bridged the gap between the religious, National Romantic and Modernist art of the period.

The Skovgaard Museum was founded in

appreciation of his landmark decoration of the neighbouring Viborg Cathedral.

The museum’s new temporary exhibition, however, displays the younger brother’s art from museums and private collections, including Queen Margrethe’s.

“Niels lived in the shadows of Joakim and their father, but he was an excellent, influential painter, ceramist and sculptor in his own right,” explains Villumsen.

Niels travelled extensively, challenging Danish artistic conventions with his enthusiasm for French impressionism; he explored light and colour in entirely new ways, experimenting with Norwegian landscapes and variations on the same motif of Greek dancers through several decades. Starting in June, the exhibition will allow visitors to discover Niels’ personal and artistic journey from his early French and Dutch-inspired art to his decorative mastery of Nordic storytelling and poetic landscapes.

Web: www.skovgaardmuseet.dk Facebook: @SkovgaardMuseet Instagram: skovgaardmuseet

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Nordic Culture – Denmark

Lyngvig Lighthouse.

Bunker.

Bork Viking Harbour.

Living history Despite its location outside of Denmark’s largest metropolitan areas, a museum in the idyllic coastal West Jutland region of Ringkøbing-Skjern has become a huge success with more than 200,000 visitors per year. The museum’s employees put their success down to their emphasis on ‘living history’, which allows visitors of all ages to meet the region’s historical residents, from the Vikings to the resistance fighter Kaj Munk, in the places where they once lived.

By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Ringkøbing-Skjern Museum

“In a traditional open-air museum, the objects and buildings on display have been moved from their place of origin,” says communications officer Betina Bach Nielsen. “Ringkøbing-Skjern Museum, on the other hand, is an ‘organic museum’: we keep the buildings and sites in their original setting, allowing visitors to experience them in a way that helps to explain their original role in, impact on and connection to the surrounding space.

We may be geographically peripheral, but our history is central to Denmark’s history, and we have our own fascinating cultural heritage to show people.”

Ringkøbing-Skjern Museum comprises 14 separate sites around Ringkøbing Fjord, spanning more than 2,000 years

of history. The sites feature their own experts providing tours in Danish, German and English, and invaluable volunteers who help bring the past to life. “They’re amazing: at the Iron Age village of Dejberg and at Bork Viking Harbour, some volunteers are even here for several weeks at a time, living at the site and interacting with visitors as real but fairly well-behaved ancient people,” Nielsen enthuses. “At Bork, our most visited attraction, children are free to roam around and explore, but there’s just as much and as many Vikings for adults to see and talk to.”

Other volunteers share their hobbies and special interests with the public, such as the butter-churning, blacksmithing, lace-making and traditional music night

events lined up at the 19th century farmstead Abeline’s Gaard, named after the young bride who lived there between 1890 and 1957. Every Wednesday, curious or clumsy visitors also have the chance to be saved from the farm’s neighbouring water-site thanks to the Victorian sea rescue station that Abeline’s fatherin-law manned. If you do not want to go so far overboard, however, you would be well-advised to visit the still-working Lyngvig Lighthouse, located on the gruesome Iron Coast, instead.

“All this history is part of us,” Nielsen concludes. “Everyone who helps out and visits, helps connect our past and present communities.” Other attractions include the home of Denmark’s famous resistance hero Kai Munk and the amazing story of a World War II bunker rediscovered in 2008 by an elderly German soldier who had been stationed there.

Web: www.levendehistorie.dk Facebook: Levendehistorie Instagram: @levendehistorie

Issue 112 | May 2018 | 49

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Nordic Culture – Denmark

Left: The David Collection’s collection of European 18th century art is presented in the original setting of the collection’s founder C. L. David’s 19th century bourgeois Copenhagen home. Right: The Dervish from Faryab Crosses the River on His Rug. Miniature from a copy of Sadi’s Bustan (The Flower Garden). Iran, Isfahan; c. 1600-1608.

Islamic art in the heart of Copenhagen Located in a beautiful old townhouse in the heart of Copenhagen, the David Collection exhibits one of the ten largest collections of Islamic art in the western world. The museum also presents a collection of works by Danish painter Vilhelm Hammershøi and, this summer, a special exhibition with photos from the Islamic world by the Danish photographer Torben Huss.

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Pernille Klemp

Founded in 1945 by the Danish lawyer C. L. David, the David Collection is not an ordinary art museum. The collection is exhibited within its founder’s old townhouse in Kronprinsessegade and gives visitors a broad range of different and unexpected experiences. “The Islamic collection has a range and scope that is not matched in many places in the west; it’s on a level with that of institutions such as the Metropolitan, Victoria & Albert, and the British Museum,” curator Joachim Meyer explains, adding: “For visitors from abroad, it’s also a chance to experience what a Danish home looked like in the 19th century, and that, together with the collection of Danish art, is something many appreciate.”

When C. L. David died in 1960, he left his entire art collection and home to 50 | Issue 112 | May 2018

the C. L. David Foundation and Collection, which runs the museum today. The Islamic collection has since been expanded considerably and it is today the largest collection of Islamic art in Scandinavia, including a wide range of characteristic calligraphies, ceramics, textiles and miniature paintings from all eras and corners of the Islamic world.

Besides this, the museum also presents regular photo exhibitions exploring the Islamic world. “The photo shows are part of our regular programme, and we use them to illustrate and continue the story of the Islamic world of art into our time,” explains Meyer. This summer, the Danish photographer Torben Huss’ Hippie Trail exhibition will be on display. The exhibition portrays the Islamic world and the westerners travelling through it towards

India in search of enlightenment, in the ‘60s and ‘70s.

The David Collection also comprises collections of European 18th century art and Danish art from the 19th century’s Golden Age, as well as 12 paintings by the early Danish modernist Vilhelm Hammershøi.

Vilhelm Hammershøi (1864-1916), Open Doors, 1905.

Torben Huss’ Hippie Trail exhibition is on between 8 June and 28 October.

Admission to all exhibitions is free.

Web: www.davidmus.dk

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Nordic Culture – Denmark

Dervish.

Cara Dillon, Cambridge Folk Festival 50th Anniversary.

Karan Casey.

Traditional Irish music and craic in the heart of Copenhagen In November, you can experience some of Ireland’s best artists, atmospheric jam sessions and traditional Irish drinks such as hot Irish coffee with Tullamore Dew and Irish beers from O’Hara’s Brewery. Martin O’Hare, professional bodhrán player and programmer of the Copenhagen Irish Festival, is just about to put the finishing touches to this year’s buzzing programme.

By Heidi Kokborg | Photos: Copenhagen Irish Festival

“I was born in Belfast and grew up in County Down, went travelling and spent time in France, Germany and Sweden, and by pure chance when passing through, got the opportunity to start work in Copenhagen,” says O’Hare. “37 years later, I’m still here.”

In 1978, a weekend of Scottish, English and Irish folk music was arranged for the first time by local band Scrumpy at a small Copenhagen venue called Vognhjulet (‘the Wagon Wheel’). Word spread and expectations grew year on year, but ahead of its ten-year anniversary, the festival found itself facing a crossroads.

“That’s when I ended up in Copenhagen, so I decided to try to save the festival,” O’Hare explains. The event was extend-

ed from two days to four and moved to a city centre location, and in addition, it got itself a new name: the Copenhagen Irish Festival.

“We now have about 1,000 people attending over the weekend. It is a very informal family event with a cosy atmosphere,” says O’Hare. “Many people travel not just for the concerts, but to join the jam sessions. Getting together, that’s the heart of it. A lot of the artists get off stage and go straight to the sessions.”

While providing a platform for new, Irish bands is a part of O’Hare’s mission, the Copenhagen Irish Festival is known for high-quality and now-famous bands who have been on previous years’ bills, such as Altan, Dervish, Danú, Lúnasa, De

Dannan, Paul Brady and Sharon Shannon.

If you like jigs, reels and céilí dancing and you want to get the chance to experience the best musicians, dancers and singers out there, what better way to spend a dark November night in Copenhagen than at a world-class Irish trad festival?

‘Craic’ means good fun.

The Copenhagen Irish Festival 40th Anniversary 2-3 November 2018 Artists include Altan, Dervish, Karan Casey and Cara Dillon.

Sponsors of the festival include STATENS KUNSTFOND, Copenhagen Council, Tourism Ireland, Irish Embassy, Guinness and Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey.

Web: www.irishfestival.dk Facebook: copenhagen.irish.festival

Issue 112 | May 2018 | 51

Indre Ă˜stfold Close to the action Situated between the capital of Norway, Oslo and the border to Sweden, this is a very exciting border area with so much to offer. Indre Ă˜stfold guarantees both special experiences and fantastic adventures such as, golf, outdoor recreation (unspoiled nature and tranquility), hiking, biking, canoeing, stand up paddle boarding, fishing and motorsport. For cultural activities there are a wide variety of museums and several events and festivals during the year. We have overnight accommodation ranging from spa hotels to camping.

Find out more www.visitindre.no www.visithaldenkanalen.no

Photo: Arne Engelhardt Olsen

S

EX pecia NO PE l Th RW RIE eme AY NC : 20 E 18

Left: Geir Sivertzen, Jeanett Bersaas, Torunn Handeland and Asgeir Alvestad (from top left). Photo: Asgeir Alvestad. Right: Torunn Handeland and Jeanett Bersaas.

Photo: Asgeir Alvestad. Below right: The son of the house, Bilal Alexander Saab. Bottom right: Mona Saab. Photo: Marie Louise Somby

Catch the big fish Norway’s fourth-largest island, Sørøya, is one of the best Arctic fishing destinations in the world. If you want to get the biggest catch, then the Big Fish Adventure fishing camp in Hasvik is the place for you.

By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Big Fish Adventure

Sørøya has always been the place for world records, and is seen as an optimal location for the serious deep-sea fishermen. The scenery is rough, beautiful and raw, while the water is pure and full of fish. “Those who visit us are not satisfied with tiny fish, but want to wrestle the really big whopper. You will catch big fish with us – in fact, we have had so many records beaten here that it’s hard to keep count sometimes,” says owner and general manager Mona Saab. Saab and her husband, Ahmad Saab, took over Big Fish Adventure from her parents in 2000, and have since expanded the business. “We are currently working on a new exciting project to develop our accommodation offering further. This means improving the quality and offering our guests more comfortable places to stay while visiting us.”

Big Fish Adventure is the name of a services portfolio offered by Hasvik Hotel & Housing. The stunning Arctic landscape surrounding the fishing camp offers mid-

night sun and around-the-clock light in the exotic summer months, and polar nights with magical northern lights during the winter, making it a perfect destination all year long. With the goal to offer visitors from around the world the fishing adventure of their lifetime, Saab believes that the friendly northern Norwegian hospitality, along with the spectacular location, is key.

taking and the people are so friendly and warm,” says Bersaas. She is the 2017 Norwegian fishing champion, and proudly caught a 30.3-kilogramme cod when visiting Big Fish Adventure. “I would highly recommend fishing enthusiasts visit. It is simply a magical place and an amazing adventure to be a part of!”

30.3-kilogramme cod on the rod Four of Norway’s best sea fishers – Jeanett Bersaas, Torunn Handeland, Geir Sivertzen and Asgeir Alvestad – travel near and far on the hunt for the biggest catch. This Easter, they visited Big Fish Adventure and all managed to break their own personal records in the deep sea at Sørøya.

“This trip has been one of the best experiences in my life. As soon as I stepped off the plane I started crying because it was just so beautiful. The nature is breath-

Web: www.bigfishadventure.no Facebook: BigFishAdventure Instagram: @bigfishadventure

Issue 112 | May 2018 | 53

On the different islands of Karlsøy, there are many unique accommodation opportunities in quiet and beautiful settings. Photo: Visit Helgøy

Experience the Arctic lifestyle and spectacular north-Norwegian nature Northern Norway offers some of the most incredible nature experiences. Welcome to the islands of Karlsøy, where you can discover the Arctic lifestyle through everything from sea fishing, kayaking and skiing, to mountain hiking and locally produced food.

By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Visit Karlsøy

At 70° north, you will find the municipality of Karlsøy, encompassing about 600 islands and islets. Each island has its own distinctive character, ranging from rough coastal landscapes with steep mountains and long sandy beaches to wooded valleys, rivers and lakes. Ringvassøy, Vannøy, Reinøy, Rebbenesøy and Karlsøya are still inhabited today. The islands offer their visitors the possibility to experience north-Norwegian coastal culture and explore how life with nature, between northern lights and midnight sun, has shaped the people who live here today.

Local products and hospitality The local farms in Karlsøy focus on a natural food production that is symbi54 | Issue 112 | May 2018

otic with the environment. The ingredients harvested from both land and sea are then prepared in both traditional and modern ways. “We are very proud of the local farms and fishermen that provide such high-quality produce. If you want, you can visit the farms, which are idyllically embedded in the landscape, to meet the animals living there and enjoy a homemade meal in a cosy environment,” says Franziska Wentzlaff, project manager at Visit Karlsøy. “We also have a great selection of accommodation facilities, making it possible for our visitors to stay in everything from modern houses or apartments to traditional fisherman huts or even in an old, charming lighthouse.”

Hunting the northern lights “Seeing the colours of the Arctic lights and the aurora borealis is best during the autumn and winter months,” says Wentzlaff. In Karlsøy, you are surrounded by fantastic landscape with excellent conditions for seeing the lights dancing in the sky. “To see the aurora, you can start in Tromsø with one of our guided tours, which leads you to one of our local basecamps at the Skogsfjordvannet lake.

There, you can enjoy a hot cup of coffee next to the fireplace in a cosy hut while waiting for one of nature’s most spectacular shows to start. It is also possible to try ice fishing on the nearby frozen lake, and get expert tips from our guide on how to take the best photos of the northern lights,” she recommends.

Another possibility is to stay at one of the local accommodation options, where you just need to step out the door to view the lights. Either way, it is a great experience,

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Experience Norway 2018

Wentzlaff promises. To be far away from crowded cities and hear and feel the silence and peacefulness of the landscape is an amazing feeling in itself.

ing at a comfortable house or apartment and having your own boat frees you up to go fishing whenever you want,” says Wentzlaff.

Deep sea fishing

Kayaking adventures

- Vang Gård

The islands of Karlsøy are directly located at the open sea, creating excellent conditions for deep-sea fishing enthusiasts. The season usually starts at the beginning of May and lasts until the end of September. But moreover, fishing in winter and spring is growing in popularity, since the quality of the fish is best during that time. If the weather is rough, the surrounding islands offer protection from the wind. It is common to get halibut, cod, wolfish, monkfish, redfish and haddock on the fishing rod.

Karlsøy municipality offers a varied landscape and a rich bird and wildlife, and a wonderful way of getting a close-up experience is sea kayaking. The islands of Karlsøy offer numerous excursions of varying length, suitable for both beginners and advanced paddlers. You can paddle around idyllic islets and stop at hidden sandy beaches, or if you prefer a greater challenge, you can paddle out to exposed areas or surf on the waves. “Due to the clear water, you can get a glimpse of the life under the surface, and it is not unusual to see porpoises, seals or eagles while being out on tour,” says Wentzlaff.

- Elements Arctic Camp

“We have had some of the biggest halibut caught by fishing rod here in the region, at about 194 kilogrammes. Fishing is a great activity for groups and families who want to get out on their own. StayPhoto: Bull Gård

Web: www.karlsoy.kommune.no/ visit-karlsoey

Visit Karlsøy consists of these partnering tourism organisations offering transport, accommodation, events, food and activities:

- Torsvåg Havfiske - Bull Gård - Mikkelvik Brygge - Dåfjord Havfiske - Visit Helgøy - Ringvassøy Havfiske - H. Hoel Sjøtransport - Karlsøyfestivalen - Vannøy Sport & Havfiske - Karlsøy Buss & Amazing Aurora - Hansnes Havfiske - Vannøy Seacamp - Direktør’n Bistro & Dans I Karlsøy - Nordhavet Guesthouse

Photo: Vang Gård.

Photo: Torsvåg Havfiske

Photo: Vannøy Sport & Havfiske

Top middle and left: The rich nature has great biodiversity that provides good pasture of grass, forest, herbs and mushrooms and makes it possible for the animals to roam free. Top right: Experience the northern lights in untouched nature. Photo: Amazing Aurora. Bottom right: A way to experience the beautiful islands with steep mountains and long sandy beaches as well as a rich animal and birdlife, as close to nature as you can get. Photo: Elements Arctic Camp

Issue 112 | May 2018 | 55

Eva Weel Skram. Photo: Stine Raastad

Swedish Lisa Ekdahl will be on stage in October.

Unmissable cultural experiences Providing you with great experiences courtesy of famous artists while also surprising you with unknown performers and unique productions, Nøtterøy Kulturhus is a place where you are welcomed as a good old friend every time you visit.

By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Nøtterøy Kulturhus

“We want to be a culture house that offers something for almost everyone, with great diversity in the programme, ranging from the popular and famous to the up-and-coming, covering all the different performing arts,” says the director at Nøtterøy Kulturhus, Einar M. Schistad.

Since the regional culture house for central Vestfold opened in 1994, it has become one of the key players on the culture scene in the eastern part of Norway, arranging everything from concerts and 56 | Issue 112 | May 2018

theatre and dance performances to new circus, stand-up shows and talks.

Focus on quality and innovation With a focus on presenting entertainment of different genres, quality and innovation have always been integral at Nøtterøy Kulturhus, making sure that there is something for all ages to enjoy.

“For many years, we have been focusing on international productions in the field of the contemporary style of circus

and physical theatre. These modern and exciting visual performances are more physical and include acrobatics to different degrees, as well as elements of dance. They often have little or no dialogue, which makes them more accessible for everyone,” says Schistad. He travels around Europe on an ongoing quest to discover new, original experiences to bring home to his audience in Vestfold. “We want to create a versatile programme, making sure that the locals can experience all the latest performances without having to travel far.”

The newly renovated venue hosts shows on two different stages: a large stage for the main events and a smaller, more

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Best Norwegian Culture Experience

intimate stage in the foyer. A homely bar and café area offers the audience snacks and beverages before, during and after the performances. With two primary seasons each year, from mid-January to Easter and from the end of September to Christmas, the culture house usually stays closed during the summer months. “However, this year we will venture out of the house and arrange a big outdoor concert, something we are very much looking forward to,” Schistad smiles.

Wake up with the sunrise at the Worlds End This summer, Nøtterøy Kulturhus invites guests to enjoy a magical sunrise concert on the edge of Norway, by the archipelago with the great blue ocean right by your side at the Worlds End. Located on the southern tip of the island of Tjøme, Worlds End is a fantastic recreational area with beautiful surrounding landscape and a view of the fjord. This is the perfect setting to welcome the magical sunrise with enchanting music by Eva Weel Skram, one of Norway’s most beloved artists, while being literally at the edge of the world.

After touring for the last few years and selling out in every major town in Norway, Eva Weel Skram is joined by strings to create an extraordinary happening for the audience. “The sunrise concert will start bright and early, at four in the morning, and I can guarantee a fantastic dawn and a magical atmosphere as the sun starts to rise about ten minutes into the concert. It will truly be a unique experience sitting on the smooth rock slopes, watching the sunrise while listening to the soothing music. An unmissable event and a pleasant way to wake up,” says Schistad. He further explains that this is not the first time Nøtterøy Kulturhus has taken a production outside of their own venue. “We are always working hard to create the best shows. Sometimes this means finding exciting places that best suit the artist or performance, in terms of the desired mood and expression, to make sure that the audience gets the best experience possible with us.”

Web: www.notteroy.kulturhus.no Facebook: NotteroyKulturhus Instagram: @nkulturhus Twitter: @nkulturhus

2018 programme highlights: - 8 July: Magical sunrise concert with Eva Weel Skram at the Worlds End. - 20 September: A Simple Space by Gravity & Other Myths, acrobatic/ circus (Australia) - 22 September: Pulse of Floyd, concert - 29 September: Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of the Dubliners (England) - 5 October: Lisa Ekdahl, concert (Sweden) - 8 October: Ingvard Wilhelmsen, lecture in Norwegian - 28 October: Fauna, contemporary circus - 1 December: Christmas concert with Dresdner Kreuzchor (Germany) - 14-15 December: Jul i Blåfjell, family Christmas show in Norwegian

How to get there: Airports: Torp Sandefjord Lufthavn or Oslo Lufthavn Gardermoen.

Train: Arrive at Tønsberg station.

Five minutes by car or bus 02 Hvasser/Tenvik to Borgheim stop.

The Norwegian family Christmas show, Jul i Blåfjell. Photo: John Andresen

A Simple Space. Photo: Gravity & Other Myths

Director at Nøtterøy Kulturhus, Einar M. Schistad.

Issue 112 | May 2018 | 57

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Best Norwegian Farm Experience

The perfect setting for your event Staur Gård is set in stunning surroundings overlooking Mjøsa and the beautiful landscape of Stange in Norway. This traditional and homely farm offers hospitality, delicious food and comfortable beds, and is the perfect setting for conferences, weddings and other events.

By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Staur Gård

“Staur Gård is a living farm with long traditions, and our focus on harvesting and results started many hundred years ago,” says manager Ola Qvale. “In fact, the farm’s history dates back all the way to the 11th century, when it was first mentioned in the Separate Saga of St. Olaf.”

After changing ownership several times thoughout the years, the Norwegian Grain Corporation bought the farm in 1960. It is currently state-owned and managed by the Royal Norwegian Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Constantly evolving, the farm operates today both as a facility for research and development in Norwegian agriculture and as a popular course and conference venue.

Attractive course and conference venue Idyllically situated in an area of 100 hectares and dating all the way back to the Viking era, Staur Gård truly is a unique 58 | Issue 112 | May 2018

location for corporate courses and conferences. With a manorial yet relaxed atmosphere and a touch of the past, this hidden gem is strategically located near the capital. “Even though we are situated away from the busy city, it takes no more than 40 minutes to get here by train from Oslo airport. Our guests benefit from getting out of their offices and into new surroundings that bring them peace of mind,” says Qvale. “We also understand their different needs and wishes and can tailor a conference package for each group’s purpose and programme. You can hire the whole farm for a more private setting, and we also help with arranging excursions and local activities.”

The six different meeting rooms available on the premises have a comfortable, warm atmosphere, providing the perfect frame for new ideas and fruitful discussions to flourish.

Tranquil, scenic surroundings Staur Gård has 35 newly renovated, homely bedrooms spread across five buildings, all of high standard and decorated in a rustic, romantic style that transports you 150 years back in time.

With a kitchen and dining room located on the farm, locally sourced and carefully handpicked food is served.

“When visiting us, not only can you focus on the work at hand while enjoying the picturesque and tranquil surroundings, but we are proud to offer the full package to make sure that you have a pleasant and productive stay,” Qvale smiles.

Web: www.staur.no

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Norwegian Golf Experience

Fun and challenging golf in the wild With numerous high-quality golf clubs around, what sets one apart from the other?

At Kjekstad Golf Club, they have embraced the rural surroundings of wildlife, forests and lakes to the full and integrated it into the courses. The result is two entertaining and challenging courses loved by semi-professionals and beginners alike.

By Helene Toftner | Photos: Kjekstad Golfklubb

This year, the golf club celebrates 42 years of establishing itself as one of the finest clubs in the region with an 18-hole and a nine-hole course. When kicking off last month, it was one of the first in the area to open for the season – and it will be one of the last to close too. “Ours are known for being fun and challenging courses, where you may very well end up playing your way across forest ponds,” says managing director Bjørn Lohne.

be surprised if a rabbit or two come jumping onto the course. “Our slogan is ‘you get the nature experience for free’,” says Lohne. “I once asked a couple how the day had been. They replied that they had an amazing time but could not remember how the actual game had ended.”

Kjekstad Golf Club is located in Røyken, approximately half an hour south of Oslo. It is easily reached by public transport, although a car is recommended to bring your treasured gear along. It is also possible to rent full equipment at the club. “We have 1,200 eager members, but more and more tourists and day visitors stop by for a round or two,” Lohne ends.

For inspiration and booking, please visit: www.kjekstad-gk.no

While the two impeccable courses are the focal points, the thing that really sets Kjekstad Golf Club apart is the surroundings. Located in the middle of the forest, the courses are integrated into the original scenery with trees, lakes and hills. Do not Issue 112 | May 2018 | 59

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Walk in the footsteps of Henrik Ibsen Get a more intimate look into the life of the most famous Norwegian playwright and poet of the late 19th century, by visiting his home and taking a walk down memory lane in his footsteps.

By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Ibsenmuseet / Haakon Harriss

Henrik Ibsen is not only recognised as the founder of modern drama but, alongside William Shakespeare, he is the most performed playwright in the world. His plays, including classics such as A Doll’s House, Ghosts, Hedda Gabler, The Wild Duck and Peer Gynt, have been around for generations and are still as relevant today as they were when they were written.

Founded by Knut Wigert in June 1990, the Ibsen Museum contains Henrik Ibsen’s home along with exhibitions presenting his life and works. Beautifully located between the Royal Castle and the Nobel Peace Center, the museum has become an important part of Oslo and its history.

The museum’s main attraction is Henrik Ibsen’s home, where he lived the last 11 years of his life and wrote his final dramatic works, John Gabriel Borkman and When We Dead Awaken. The apart60 | Issue 112 | May 2018

ment is now restored to its original and authentic interior with Ibsen’s furniture, original colours, and decor. “We have guided tours once every hour, giving visitors a true behind-the-scenes insight into his remarkable life and how he lived,” says consultant at the museum, Bergljot Øyrehagen Geist.

On the Contrary, a testament to his last words before passing away, is a permanent feature at the museum’s visitor centre. Here, the topics range from the purely personal to Ibsen as a man of the theatre, and social issues, connecting the threads in terms of both cultural history and the period. “This year, we also have a temporary exhibition focusing on the secret behind Peer Gynt, as well as an interesting display showcasing the special relationship between Ibsen and the famous painter Edvard Munch, which I highly recommend,” says Geist.

Stepping outside, you can literally follow in Ibsen’s footsteps between the museum and the Grand Hotel, where his quotes can be read on the sidewalk.

“Ibsen had his regular morning walks here. Every day at 11.30 am, he put his pen down and his hat and coat on, before strolling from his apartment to the Grand Café, where he could be seen at his usual table with a snaps in his hand, reading foreign newspapers and watching the world go by,” Geist smiles.

Web: www.ibsenmuseet.no Facebook: Ibsenmuseet Instagram: @ibsenmuseet

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Must-See Museums

Magic in the north The northern lights, the Sámi people, a very old chewing gum and trash from the ocean all have a space at Tromsø University Museum, where science and history meet.

By Marte Eide | Photos: June Åsheim

Recent scientific research plays a big part for Tromsø University Museum. “We keep updated with developments when presenting our six to 12 new exhibitions every year,” says exhibition manager Per Helge Nylund. This summer, the exhibition Heritage explores the distinction between rubbish and cultural heritage, based on the research project Unruly Heritage, where artists have gathered rubbish from the shoreline and displayed it as art in the museum.

exhibitions on the topic in the world. “One of them focuses on the traditional Sámi culture; living by the coast from fishing or inland from reindeer herding,” says Nylund. “The second one is called Sapmi – Becoming a Nation. It concerns the period after the 1950s, when the Sámi people found their own identity and gained rights as an indigenous people in Norway.”

The museum is particularly well-suited to children and families. “We want it to be interactive and exciting, with buttons to push, objects to touch, and guided tours,’’ says Nylund. One popular attraction is Norway’s first chewing gum, which is on display. “The gum is over 3,000 years old and made from birch tar. Analysing the tooth imprints, we know that a five-year-old child was chewing it.”

These exhibitions show Sámi traditions and history as well as the community today. “A common question we get is: ‘Where can I see the Sámi?’” says Nylund and laughs. Sámi people are everywhere in Tromsø, but tourists often expect them to walk around in their native costumes, which they do not. “We have a photography exhibition of Sámi people, representing their modern everyday appearance.” Outside, on the grounds of Tromsø Museum, a traditional Sámi hut is open to visitors during the summer.

Humans of Sámi

DIY northern lights

Another important aspect of Tromsø University Museum is how it represents the Sámi people through two of the best

Tromsø is the capital of northern lights research, and the museum aims to bust some of the myths surrounding the phe-

nomenon. “The northern lights are there all year long – the summers are just too bright to see it,” explains Nylund. With magnetic measuring instruments, researchers have studied the lights since 1918. At Tromsø Museum, visitors can try to create northern lights in a plasma chamber, making Tromsø Museum a place where you are guaranteed to see the magical lights all year round.

Tromsø University Museum is northern Norway’s oldest scientific institution, established in 1872. The four branches are Tromsø Museum, The Polar Museum, MS Polstjerna and Tromsø Arctic-Alpine Botanical Garden.

Web: www.uit.no/tmu Facebook: tromsouniversitymuseum

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Must-See Museums

Photo: Fredrik Ringe

Behind the scenes of the Norwegian oil adventure Have a peek behind the scenes of the Norwegian petroleum adventure and experience its history, from the very beginning of how oil and gas are created, to the modern platforms in the North Sea, and how Norway has become one of the leading countries in the oil and gas industry.

By Synne Johnsson | Photos: ElizabethTonnessen

Norwegian Petroleum Museum opened in Stavanger, the oil capital of Norway, in 1999 in a beautiful building symbolising the Norwegian bedrock, the open coastal landscape and the offshore oil installations in the sea. “We show everything from the origin of oil and gas to what petroleum resources have meant to Norway. We also talk about the environmental dilemma.

Should we be proud? Is it good? Is it bad?

All those questions and topics are things you can explore here,” says Siri Vinje, department head of visitor services.

The museum is for all age groups and nationalities. There are activities and a large play area for children as well as three films and exhibitions showcasing the various aspects of the petroleum industry.

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The museum also offers paper guides in 11 languages, and everything is available in English as well as Norwegian.

The exhibitions cover topics ranging from geology and the history of the origin of petroleum to the history of the North Sea Divers and up to modern times. They also show the development of the petroleum industry and the oil fields with different models and objects.

“We have safety training where you can go through a dark labyrinth and we portray the environment on both an old drilling rig and a modern version. People can dress up in survival suits and try the escape chute from one deck to another,” says Vinje.

In addition to the permanent exhibitions, there is also an area for temporary exhibitions. Right now, there is an award-winning photography exhibition

by Marie Von Krogh, called Offshore ID. It portrays the life of offshore workers and how they live one life at home with their families and another life at work offshore. Included in it is a video installation by Sigmund Trageton. This will be open until October.

“Many people say that at first they assumed this would be a very technical museum, but when they come here they get a pleasant surprise because of the modern and interactive exhibitions we have,” says Vinje. “It’s a museum for everyone, both people that are especially interested in the petroleum industry and those who just want to come for a day to explore.”

Web: www.norskolje.museum.no Facebook: oljemuseet Instagram: @norskoljemuseum

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Must-See Museums

Top left: Viewing machine by Olafur Eliasson. Photo: Knut Arne Breibrenna. Below left: Food from the cafe Consulen. Photo: Didrick Stenersen. Right: Veien til Stillhet (Road to Silence) by Jeppe Hein. Photo: Knut Arne Breibrenna

Interactive and fun learning Visiting a museum does not always require quiet whispers or in-depth knowledge.

Kistefos-Museet in particular is a destination for fun, learning and experiences tailored to the whole family.

By Marte Eide

“The museum is a voyage of discovery combined with interactive instalments to captivate audiences of all ages,” says conservator and press officer Lena Brune. “Everyone can find something interesting or learn something new.”

Kistefos-Museet is open from May to October, changing the art every season to give visitors new experiences. “The Art Hall has a new selection each year to exhibit important contemporary artists,” says Brune. This year, the Polish artist Wilhelm Sasnal, with pop-art inspired paintings and drawings, was chosen.

“The graphic pictures are painted from photography, which makes for an interesting expression.”

Kistefos-Museet is home to Scandinavia’s largest outdoor sculpture park for con-

temporary art, with almost 40 sculptures.

“As the visitors walk around, they discover new sculptures, some of them in the water and others dotted around the woods.

It is a magical way of combining the two elements of nature and art,” says Brune.

For the opening on 27 May this year, a new sculpture made specifically for Kistefos-Museet by American artist Lynda Benglis will be unveiled.

Operating the machinery Kistefos Træsliberi was founded by Consul Anders Sveaas in 1889, and was a factory for the production of mechanically produced wood pulp, which was used to produce inexpensive paper products. The production ended in 1955, but the pulp mill is still intact, as the only one remaining in Scandinavia, and is the heart of the industrial museum at Kistefos-Museet.

Machinery has been brought back to life to give visitors the opportunity to see how they operate. “By pushing different buttons, the machinery is activated and the visitors also learn what function they used to have back in the day. This is particularly popular among kids, who have fun while learning,” explains Brune.

Next summer, Kistefos will open a brand-new museum building, which will be built across the river Randselva. “The design is amazing and has been created by the architecture firm BIG. The building will replace the current art hall and will have three different galleries, including a panoramic gallery with glass walls.”

Located an hour north of Oslo, the museum is easily accessible by car, perfect for a day out with the family, with the option of bringing a picnic or enjoying a break at the museum café.

Web: www.kistefos.museum.no Facebook: Kistefos-Museet

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Must-See Museums

The museum building. Photo: Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum.

Artworks: Rose-Marie Huuva – Grandmother’s 448 Treasures, and in the background og Iona (1997) and og Niono (1989). Photo: Marius Fiskum.

A ground-breaking museum with art that makes you think and feel Through a unique mix of innovative exhibitions of both traditional and contemporary art, Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum in Tromsø brings remarkable art up north. Presenting everything from artworks related to the north, by both regional and national artists, to internationally renowned names such as British David Hockney and Norwegian Edvard Munch, the collection is bound to make visitors both think and feel.

By Åsa Hedvig Aaberge

“We might be a small museum, but we are an extraordinary one too,” says museum director Jérémie McGowan. With a constantly evolving selection, the museum collection consists of over 2,000 artworks that date back to the romantic period in the early 19th century and all the way up until today. Work by Norwegian artists including Peder Balke, Anna-Eva Bergman, Olav Christopher Jenssen and Adolph Tidemand adorn the walls next to videos, sculptures and historic Sámi artworks. In addition, the museum puts on temporary exhibitions ranging from retrospectives to group shows, thematic exhibitions and contemporary art by present-day artists.

nature of the north. “The museum exhibits a range of great art and focuses on displaying art from, or related to, northern Norway, but also to make art a natural part of life in northern Norway by being a regional centre of art,” says McGowan.

Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum displays its collection in innovative, thoughtprovoking and creative ways, with a focus on the idea that art moves. Emotions, ideas, politics, knowledge and society go hand in hand, and art is presented with a northern perspective, much of it inspired by the lively society, wild landscape and

Located in the centre of Tromsø, in a former police station and telegraph from 1917, the museum is an accessible art destination for people of all ages and nationalities. This year, it is 30 years since the museum first opened its doors. Throughout the years, the collection has grown, yet the vision remains

64 | Issue 112 | May 2018

The collection is presented thematically and is not curated in a chronological, traditional way. “One room is about people, one about stories, and one about places. Art from different areas and artists is mixed. Paintings inspired by the same scenery, but with 150 years between them, are placed next to each other,” McGowan explains.

the same: to always display art in new and creative ways.

For its forward-thinking and national importance in arts and culture in Norway, Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum has earned prestigious awards. In 2017, the museum received the prestigious prize as Museum of the Year in Norway, as well as the Norwegian art critics’ award for the museum performance Sámi Dáddamusea, a project the jury described as groundbreaking. The same year, they also won the Audiences Norway award in the category of Next Practice.

Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum is a stronghold for art in northern Norway, with international quality, ambitions and perspectives. Thanks to active and constructive programming, the museum is enjoying international collaborations with places ranging from Anchorage to Japan and Russia. The museum is also present in Longyearbyen on Svalbard, where they run the satellite Kunsthall Svalbard, focused on bringing art and artists even further north.

Web: www.nnkm.no Instagram: @nordnorskkunstmuseum Twitter: @NNKunstmuseum

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Must-See Museums

Spectacular Arctic wilderness

By Marte Eide | Photos: Svalbard Museum

Presenting the history of Svalbard and showing how to preserve the nature on the island today, Svalbard Museum is a must-see for anyone visiting this magical place in the Arctic north.

Svalbard is located in the Arctic Ocean, halfway between the North Pole and Norway. Untouched wilderness and unique wildlife make it a destination quite different from anywhere else. The natural and cultural history museum Svalbard Museum was founded in 1979 and today exhibits the rich wildlife and history of Svalbard.

“There is an incredible variety of marine mammals and whales, as well as the flora and fauna on the mainland here. We want to show the history and beauty of Svalbard while making tourists aware of our joint preservation responsibility,’’ says director Tora Hultgreen.

Their understanding of European cultural heritage was acknowledged when they won the Council of Europe Museum prize in 2008. Centrally located in new modern premises in Svalbard Forskningspark, the

museum welcomes around 50,000 visitors every year. “Our goal is for tourists to walk through the museum first, before they start exploring the islands. The cultural remains, Arctic nature and the animals living here are dependent on people leaving as small a footprint as possible, and there are different rules to follow,” explains Hultgreen.

The Svalbard archipelago was discovered in 1596 by the Dutch explorer Willem Barentz and is now an integrated part of Norway. The over 400-year-long history is presented in the permanent exhibition through authentic artefacts, models and a reconstructed environment. “It chronologically outlines the development from hunting and mining to research and tourism, as well as highlighting the many different nationalities that have been involved over the years,” says Hultgreen.

Web: www.svalbardmuseum.no

Scandinavian simplicity Designed and handcrafted in Norway

www.freywood.no

@freywood.no Freywood

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Öland. Photo: Tina Stafrén Photo: Clive Tompsett

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden

Photo: Helena Wahlman

A summer in Sweden: Lose yourself in the magical world of castles, botany and idyllic outdoor experiences From the plains of Skåne to the rolling hills of Dalarna and the deep woods and mountains of further up north, Sweden is full of summer secrets to explore. There are royal castles, water adventures, picturesque cycling paths and renowned ice cream parlours – all complemented by well-designed, welcoming accommodation options and award-winning eateries.

Swedish as a day out at Skansen when the singalong evening is on – especially if you get the boat out in the morning and end the day with a bite to eat at Vassa Eggen or Hotel Hansson, presented later on in the magazine.

Photos: imagebank.sweden.se

Whether you are bringing the kids or going for a long weekend away with the work mates, this guide to the best things to see and do in Sweden this summer is sure to inspire. How about 190 kilometres of waterside cycling alongside one of Sweden’s largest construction works, Göta Kanal?

Perhaps you are a fan of golf and want the best of both worlds – both links and lakes?

Look no further than to the southern tip of Sweden and PGA Sweden National. Want botany and a few tips on how to save the planet? We present not just one but two botanical gardens, depending on whether Göta Kanal brings you east or west. Oh, and did you know that Stockholm boasts the world’s oldest open-air museum? Few summer activities are as quintessentially

Come rain or shine, Sweden is a summer idyll, full to the brim with everything you have ever seen in Astrid Lindgren’s stories and more. Read on to plan your next adventure.

To find out more about destinations, travel and accommodation, please go to www.visitsweden.com

Issue 112 | May 2018 | 67

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden

Quintessentially Swedish

– 190 kilometres of boats, bikes and shrimp sandwiches Think waffles, water, endless cycling paths and children busy enjoying ice cream in the sun. Along Göta Canal, one of Sweden’s largest construction works, you can experience all of this and much, much more.

By Linnea Dunne | Photos: Göta Canal

Göta Canal was originally built as a transportation route between east and west, from Stockholm to Gothenburg, starting in 1810. It was based on an idea from the 1500s and later became crucial to the defense forces, but today it is a tourist attraction above all else, attracting three million visitors every year.

In recent years, the canal has been undergoing somewhat of a facelift, as it became apparent that maintenance had been neglected for some time and the security had to be looked at. “Security is crucial to us,” says Anna Adolfsson, marketing coordinator. “Now the Swedish 68 | Issue 112 | May 2018

state, which owns the canal, has invested 500 million SEK in a project dubbed Göta Canal 2.0 to fund all the work necessary to guarantee that the canal is in top shape and will remain so for future generations.

Among other things, visitors during the off-peak season have been able to watch some fascinating projects including an entire house in Forsvik being lifted and relocated and the build of a brand-new canal bank in Söderköping.”

A typical Swedish summer experience The 187th canal season kicked off on 2 May this year, opening the door to pure nature experiences, ferry package deals,

reasonably flat cycling paths along the canal and a long line of cafés and restaurants for pit-stops. “We get all kinds of visitors: families with children who go cycling and stop to look at the boats and chat to the sheep or play a round of mini golf, and older visitors who are fascinated by the history and interested in the technical side of things, or perhaps they have memories of family members who have spent time by the canal,” Adolfsson explains.

Nine passenger boats operate on the canal, ranging from classical boats such as M/S Juno and M/S Diana, running between Stockholm and Gothenburg, to those taking passengers on day trips or just out for a couple of hours. Extended cruises come with all-inclusive deals while the shorter trips come with the option of buying a traditional coffee and

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden

‘fika’ or lunch on board if you so wish.

In many ways, this is a quintessentially Swedish summer experience, mirroring many Swedes’ dearest childhood summer holiday memories and famous Swedish film settings alike.

Canal-side activities and picturesque nature “A campaign project we undertook last year showed that this is exactly what people love about Göta Canal: the experiences by the water, whether by bike or boat, complete with waffles or a shrimp sandwich,” says Adolfsson. The WilhelmTham ferry, traditional Swedish food and canal-side cycling came back as visitors’ top-three picks from a holiday at Göta Canal, closely followed by popular activities such as fishing, canoe paddling and Färjan Lina, the shortest ferry line in the world. “Of course, many people also mention Bergs Slussar, the biggest flight of locks, and Söderköping is also a

hugely popular pit-stop in the summer, renowned for, among other things, its ice cream parlour.”

With 190 kilometres of canal-side experiences, Göta Canal could not possibly be more accessible – you simply cannot travel north or south through Sweden without crossing it. If cycling the whole way seems like an impossible or too time-consuming mission, driving is a good way of hand-picking the destinations you want to visit. A large number of visitors from both Sweden and beyond choose to experience the canal as part of a caravan holiday.

Adolfsson, who herself lives right by the canal, shares her personal favourite hidden gem: “There’s a little place called Lanthöjden in the county of Västergötland where our highest point has been marked with an obelisk. It’s almost like an island as a result of the canal being

dug one way and then having to be moved around the other side,” she says. “It’s a little bit different from the classic wide fields of around here, almost more like a magical troll’s forest. I love it there!”

For top tips of set-down locations, quaint boutiques, historic boats and other things you should not miss, see the website, where you will also find interesting facts and all the information you need to plan your trip.

The destination guide is also available to download in English and Swedish for iOS as well as Android.

Web: www.gotakanal.se Destination guide: www.gotakanal.se/ destinationsguide Facebook: gotakanal Instagram: @gotakanalofficiell Twitter: @Gotakanal YouTube: TheGotakanal

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden

Swedish culture and history in the open air At Gamla Linköping Open-Air Museum, visitors can stroll through over 100-year-old wooden houses, cobblestone alleyways and gardens in the old town neighbourhood.

With its combination of activities and small shops, cosy cafés and restaurants, this popular destination has something for everyone.

By Malin Norman | Photos: Friluftsmuseet Gamla Linköping

Being one of Sweden’s biggest open-air museums, Gamla Linköping is also the main tourist attraction in Östergötland with around 400,000 visitors per year.

“People appreciate the genuine setting and glimpse of Swedish culture and history,” says museum director Tina Karlsson.

“The old city blocks have so many interesting places to explore. For example, Solliden house and garden from the 1920s is fantastic, and well worth a visit.”

Gamla Linköping is open throughout the year, with 20 separate museums telling the story of people’s everyday lives in the past. Visitors can learn traditional crafts such as rope making, try old-fashioned ways of cooking, and experience what it was like to go to school or work in a town shop – or, suggests Karlsson, take part 70 | Issue 112 | May 2018

in a guided tour of the authentic homes from the early 1900s.

Plenty to see and do A walk through the nearby Valla Woods nature reserve is also highly recommended, with the experiential Forest Path teaching curious explorers about animals and nature in their native environment. At Valla Farm, visitors can see the railway and wagon museums and, of course, the farm itself with tractors and pony riding as well as horses, goats, rabbits and other animals. During the summer, the museum expands its programme and becomes a true centre for living history.

New attractions this year include LillValla, Linköping’s biggest playground,

and an electrical choo-choo train that will run from the old city blocks to Valla Farm – a fantastic opportunity to get a guided tour with information about the attractions and several stops on the way. From this month, the new bank museum will present the story of Sweden’s bank history with images and films by photographer Elisabeth Ohlsson Wallin.

Last but not least, an old soldier cottage will be moved to the museum, showing what rural life was like at the beginning of the 19th century.

Web: www.gamlalinkoping.info Facebook: gamlalinkoping

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden

Welcome to the cake castle Imagine a table filled with at least 65 different types of cakes, biscuits, puddings and simply the crème de la crème of all things dessert. Just south of Stockholm, this dream becomes reality in a beautiful castle overlooking Lake Mälaren. It goes by the rather self-explanatory name ‘the cake castle’.

explains. It therefore comes as no surprise that the ‘cake castle’ has been included in various lists of bakeries around the world to visit during your lifetime.

By Pia Petersson | Photos: Taxinge Slott

Ask almost any Stockholmian for advice on where to go on a daytrip from the capital and they will suggest you pay a visit to Taxinge. Set in a stunning landscape dotted with old Viking graves, natural springs and leafy woodlands, this charming old parish is mostly known these days for its castle and its magnificent cake buffet.

The last occupiers of the castle moved out in 1969 and, by the time CEO Anne-Marie Fimmerstad took over the maintenance in the late 1970s, the building was neglected and in dire straits. “It rained in and the water trickled down all three floors and made a mess of the lovely parquet floors,” Fimmerstad recalls. After a lengthy renovation, the castle now looks as wonderful as it must have done when it was first built in 1813. Every year, the 200,000 visitors to the castle can, apart

from eating cakes, take a walk in the parks, go swimming in the lake and pop into the old stables of the castle, which have been turned into striking art galleries. This summer, there is a number of special exhibitions to look forward to.

Taking visitors on a scenic journey around Lake Mälaren before arriving in Taxinge, a steamboat departing three days a week from Stockholm is the transport mode of choice to reach this destination.

The decision to focus on all things cake-related came out of a personal passion of Fimmerstad’s. “Me and my family have always been enthusiastic bakers, so it wasn’t difficult to take that interest into the business,” she says. Naturally, everything is baked on site by skilled pastry chefs. “We only use natural ingredients, and everything is made by hand, like you would do at home,” Fimmerstad

Web: www.taxingeslott.se Instagram: @taxingeslott

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden

Photo: Eva S Andersson

View from Håberget.

Photo: Eva S Andersson

World-class wildness, cherry blossom and a celebration of biodiversity Set on 430 acres of land in the heart of the city, the Gothenburg Botanical Garden boasts a range of extraordinary collections and rare species. With art exhibitions and wild fauna to boot, it is a place bursting with natural exploration and beauty.

By Linnea Dunne | Photos: Gothenburg Botanical Garden

“This time of year, the Smithska Valley is at its most beautiful. The rhododendron is in full bloom,” says head gardener at the Gothenburg Botanical Garden, Anders Stålhand. “Kids especially love the koi carps, who are let out from hibernation into the Spegeldammen pond by the entrance during Hanami here at the Botanical Garden, Sweden’s largest cherry picnic and our biggest event. Hanami means ‘to behold flowers’ in Japanese and is a celebration of spring in Japan every year as the cherry trees bloom.”

The Gothenburg Botanical Garden was founded in 1923 with the aim of presenting botany and biodiversity to the public in a beautiful way. Spread out across 430 acres, it boasts 16,000 plant species and hybrids – one of the largest collections of its kind in Europe – alongside one of 72 | Issue 112 | May 2018

the world’s greatest collections of bulbs and tubers. Add a spectacular waterfall, a herb garden, a Japanese valley and a multifaceted programme of events and exhibitions, as well as in excess of 1,500 species of tropical orchids, and you will see why botany and horticulture enthusiasts are impressed.

Since 2016, the Gothenburg Botanical Garden boasts a new organic café and restaurant, AnyDay. Located right at the heart of the garden, only around 400 metres from the entrance, it serves lunch and coffee with homemade cakes and biscuits. In the coming two years, the garden will focus on pollination and this year in particular the importance of bees for biodiversity. Three bee hives are situated right by the entrance, and there will be a range of related activities throughout the year.

Those who wish to familiarise with the wilder side of nature can walk straight through the garden and out into the Änggårdsbergen nature reserve, which surrounds the garden and helps to challenge the boundaries between the tame and the wild. “What amazes many visitors is how close to wild nature you get here despite being in the heart of the city. The Smithska Valley is that wildness turned up to eleven – we’ve even had to reinforce the fencing to prevent wild boar from coming in and eating the bulbs and plants. We get the odd moose too,” says Stålhand and smiles.

The Spegeldammen pond.

Web: www.botaniska.se

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden

The world’s oldest open-air museum While visiting Stockholm, you can also explore all of Sweden’s cultural heritage at the world’s oldest open-air museum, Skansen. Here, you can visit houses and farmsteads from every part of the country and get a chance to feast with the locals as festive occasions are celebrated throughout the year.

By Sara Wenkel | Photos: Marie Andersson

At Skansen, situated on the island of Djurgården in central Stockholm, visitors can stroll through five centuries of Swedish history, with a real sense of the past enhanced by the interaction with numerous living history guides in period costumes. “Skansen is something entirely genuine and a must-see for anyone visiting Stockholm,” says Kylliki Hellström, marketing manager at Skansen. “Here you can enjoy Swedish fika and meatballs, you can celebrate Midsummer together with all the locals, you can check out wild Nordic animals such as wolves, moose, lynxes, seals and more, and you get an authentic taste for what Sweden really is.”

Summer at Skansen Planning your visit to Skansen is easy, as the park is open every day, all year round.

“It’s also really helpful to check our website, where we post specific activities for each day. For example, for someone

visiting the zoo it can be fun to know at what hour the animals are fed. That information is all available online,” says Hellström.

This summer is filled with activities, kicking off with Sweden’s National Day on 6 June, when the Swedish Royal Fami-

ly attends the celebrations at Skansen.

Throughout the summer, you can take part in guided tours, watch skilled glassblowers give life to glowing glass mass, try old-fashioned games, create beautiful pottery, interact with the many animals in the zoo and much more. Towards the end of the season, in August, the early harvest begins and you can watch how beautiful linen fabrics are made from the crop.

Highlights this summer: 2 June-28 August: Performances by traditional folk dancers and musicians.

6 June: Sweden’s National Day. 22-24 June: Midsummer (main programme on 22 June).

Every Tuesday 26 June-14 August: Sing-along evenings with famous Swedish artists.

Every Sunday 1 July-19 August: Singalong for children.

Every Monday 2 July-20 August: Jazz Mondays.

11-13 July: Haymaking with scythes.

18 August: Evert Taube day.

Web: www.skansen.se/en

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden

An active holiday in spectacular surroundings For all those who turn down the type of holiday where the main activity consists of sipping drinks on a beach and instead opt for a more active holiday, a place like Gotland Sports Academy (GSA) is heaven on earth. Since its foundation, it has seen visitor numbers grow annually, and the trend looks set to continue.

By Pia Petersson | Photos: Gotland Sports Academy

For many Swedes, nothing signifies summer more than the island of Gotland.

Plonked in the middle of the Baltic Sea, this island presents a magnificent natural environment with its long beaches, rauk rock formations and picturesque villages. Known for its distinctive light and unique geology, Gotland continues to be a highly rated tourist destination. The village of Slite and its adjoining archipelago – the only one on Gotland – is located on the northern part of the island. This is also where the sporting paradise GSA can be found.

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An active holiday Lina Ringvall, marketing coordinator at GSA, has just enjoyed some cake in the spring sunshine together with her colleagues. “GSA celebrates its third birthday today,” she begins. During its three years in existence, the concept of an active holiday has become more and more popular. “People who are active in their daily life want to be active during their holidays as well,” Ringvall explains.

GSA certainly has a lot to offer those who enjoy the outdoors, sports and a

healthy lifestyle. Many Swedes have at some point in their lives enjoyed a cycling holiday on Gotland, a tradition that is cherished and sustained at GSA. “We offer great opportunities both for those who prefer some leisurely cycling on the roads around here and for those who are more into high-intensity off-road cycling,” says Ringvall.

Gotland being an island, all things water sports are naturally a vital part of GSA – everything from kayaking to sailing and, of course, swimming. “We have a swimming pool here, but, as expected, as we’re located right next to a long sandy beach, heading straight for the sea is also a popular option,” Ringvall continues. In addition to cycling and water sports, the sports options are almost endless. There are tennis courts, ice

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden

hockey rinks and an 18-hole golf course, to mention a few.

A room with a view During their visit, holiday makers can choose to stay in one of the 77 cottages at Slite Strandby. All come equipped with all modern conveniences imaginable, as well as a nice little bonus: every single cottage has a sea view. Slite Strandby also includes a camping site, which has just opened again after undergoing renovation.

For those who fancy a day off the bike, boat or tennis court, there are a number of other things to keep visitors occupied during their stay here. Starting this year, a few times every day, a bus will go back and forth between Slite Strandby and Visby, the biggest town on Gotland and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a journey that takes 35 minutes. Additionally, Slite archipelago is unquestionably a wellliked destination.

“If you don’t feel like hiring a kayak and exploring the archipelago that way, we offer daily tours to the island of Enholmen onboard a local fishing boat,” says Ringvall. With a bit of luck, visitors might even be able to spot a few of the archipelago’s inhabitants, such as seals and eagles.

Visitors should also take this opportunity to see one of the natural wonders for which Gotland is famous, namely the rauks or, as they are sometimes known, stacks. A rauk is a geological, often vertical, landform of rock in the sea near the coast, which over time has been isolated by erosion. “Why not rent a bike and go out to Asunden, which is a car-free nature reserve close to Slite Strandby, and see the rauks?” Ringvall suggests.

All seasons of the year If you thought this place was only open in the summer, think again. There are

plenty of activities taking place within the framework of GSA that do not require the presence of sunshine and warm weather. “We welcome cycling enthusiasts all seasons of the year, not only in the summer, as it rarely snows here. We have an agreement with the Swedish Cycling Federation, which means that the national cycling teams come here to practice all year round,” says Ringvall.

Furthermore, the sauna is a popular place for visitors to spend time regardless of the season. The bravest might even finish off with a dip in the sea. And regardless of what you get up to, the surroundings are truly breathtaking, irrespective of the season. “Many visitors come just to experience the nature around here, which is incredibly beautiful all year round,” Ringvall concludes.

Web: www.gotlandsportsacademy.se

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden

New romantics

By Liz Longden | Photos: Tommy Durath

It is over 100 years since visionary Rudolf Abelin founded Norrviken, realising his dream of creating a living garden museum. This summer, the historic house and gardens will be transformed by a series of romantic exhibitions and installations.

With its seven elegant gardens, each reflecting a different style or historic period, and set in the grounds of Abelin’s stately home, Norrviken has long been a popular destination for a day out. This summer, its elegance is set to be shown off at its very best with the introduction of a programme of exhibitions, events and botanical installations to intrigue and inspire, all tied together by the theme of ‘Romance’.

Norrviken’s gardens offer a sensory treat for hopeless romantics.

Highlights include an exhibition of sketches by renowned designer Hannah Wendelbo, top-class photography exhibitions by Terry O’Neill and Anna Lauridsen, artistic flower displays and guided tours of the gardens – including one on the theme of ‘the Wild Pantry’, where visitors can learn how to forage for wild plants. Food lovers will also find inspiration with the inauguration of a substantial market garden, complete with large, Victorian-style greenhouse.

For Camilla Berthilsson, Norrviken’s CEO, the introduction of an annual theme is a means of celebrating the gardens’ beauty, while also offering something new. “Our aim has been to build on Rudolf Abelin’s work and vision to create the world in a garden.

And working with a theme gives us a way to generate some curiosity and give our visitors a reason to come back year after year.”

Get on board the floating museum

Rudolf Abelin’s stately home sits elegantly at the heart of Norrviken.

For details of Norrviken’s summer programme, visit www.norrvikenbastad.se

By Malin Norman | Photos: Maritiman

At Maritiman, visitors can learn about life at sea in a playful and exciting way, without leaving the dock. Take the chance to climb into a real submarine, get on board a massive destroyer, or play with the mascots Tim and Virvelina.

The floating maritime museum Maritiman is moored at Packhuskajen in central Gothenburg. Its collection of ships, boats and barges are all floating on the Göta Älv river and, according to museum educator Johannes Olsson, the museum is part of the city’s cultural heritage. “Maritiman represents Swedish maritime history, both military and civilian,” he says. “For more than 30 years, we have been displaying the living conditions at sea and the experience of being in the navy.”

The destroyer Småland is particularly popular. The largest vessel on display, she is as long as a football field and eight floors high. Many also take the opportunity to climb into the submarine Nordkaparen, where the periscope is the only contact with daylight and the outside world. “We 76 | Issue 112 | May 2018

encourage our visitors to explore,” says Olsson and elaborates on the importance of experiencing as a way of learning. “This is not an ordinary museum building on land; you can actually enter most of our vessels and feel what it was like to live and work on board.”

Last year, the mascot Tim was introduced to conduct exciting maritime experiments with children. He is accompanied

by Virvelina, an adventurous character who hides treasures for the young ones to search for. Maritiman also has an excellent programme of events and offers guided tours for adults as well as families with children, and Matrosen snack bar provides plenty of refreshments so that sea explorers can throw themselves into more discoveries on board with renewed energy.

Web: www.maritiman.se/en Facebook: maritiman Instagram: @maritimangbg

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden

Explore Sweden by train Do you want to see a lot of Sweden but struggle to decide where to go or which means of transportation to use? Why not experience 1,300 kilometres of the Swedish inland by train? Inlandsbanan takes you to destinations where you step right into the wilderness.

By Sara Wenkel | Photos: Håkan Wike

Inlandsbanan runs for 1,300 kilometres, from Kristinehamn in the south to Gällivare in the north. “If you’re in a hurry, you can do the trip in two days, but I recommend stopping over along the railway so that you can get to know all the fantastic things that this sparsely populated region of Sweden has to offer,” says Eva Palmgren, destination manager at Inlandsbanan AB. Along the way, the train hosts act as local guides, and you can choose to stop over in beautiful hotels or in your own tent right in the middle of the Swedish wilderness. The Swedish inland offers adventurous activities, hiking and biking trails, fantastic fishing water and a rich fauna. “Why not go foraging for berries and mushrooms in August?” Palmgren suggests.

ternative is preferable. The Inlandsbanan Card entitles you to unlimited travel for two weeks. “And you can naturally purchase a ticket between only two of our destinations,” Palmgren adds.

Wilderness Train and continues: “Many of our guests prefer our package tours, which have numerous different themes. Regardless of whether you are travelling with small children, if you are adventurous or if you want to get to know the Sámi culture better, we have something for you.”

The package tours include accommodation at the various stops and are simply an easy and comfortable way of making the most of what Inlandsbanan has to offer.

But for those who like to be more flexible and spontaneous, the hop on/hop off al-

New this year is the Wilderness Train, which Inlandsbanan presents in collaboration with the Railway Museum. It runs from Stockholm to Gällivare, and passengers travel in comfortable firstclass carriages from the mid-20th century. “This week has a big focus on good food, and we will visit many well-known restaurants and end with a tasting experience in Jokkmokk, involving plenty of local specialities,” says Palmgren.

Web: www.inlandsbanan.se/en

Photo: Mikael Dunker, Järnvägsmuseet

Package tour or hop on/hop off?

“There are many different ways to experience Inlandsbanan,” explains Palmgren, Issue 112 | May 2018 | 77

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden

The Lakes course at PGA Sweden National.

As a matter of course Almost as far south as you can get in Sweden without getting your feet wet in the southern Baltic Sea, you will find PGA Sweden National. Here, golf and the community are the two fundamental components that make the place what it is. Essential at this haven for golfers is to ensure that quality permeates every aspect of the operation.

That, and making all guests feel welcome – those arriving with golf clubs, just as much as hotel guests, those visiting to take part in a conference and those who just fancy some lunch in the restaurant.

By Pia Petersson | Photos: PGA National Sweden

With two courses of equally high standard, one with a distinctive Scottish feel to it and the other being somewhat reminiscent of Florida, the golf facilities at PGA Sweden National are exceptional in a Swedish context – perhaps even in a European context. “Having one course of this standard is fairly common, but to have two is rare,” says CEO Thomas Stenberg.

The Scottish course is more commonly known as the Links course and has a timeless, classic appeal. It is characterised by vast greens and deep bunkers 78 | Issue 112 | May 2018

with steep edges. The Florida one is officially known as the Lakes course. This parkland course offers players quite a few hazards and challenges, often – as the name indicates – in the shape of water. Naturally, as both Links and Lakes are championship courses, a number of big competitions have been played here.

For instance, Nordea Masters, which is a part of the European Tour, was played here in 2014 and 2015, and praised by both players and audiences. “Here at PGA Sweden National, we attract a good mix of visitors and, although we have two championship courses, we offer differ-

ent prices so that you’ll be able to find something that suits you. Our aim is to have a wide appeal and catch the attention of a lot of different people,” Stenberg explains.

A stone’s throw from the city The location of PGA Sweden National also contributes to this golf mecca being one of a kind. With Sweden’s thirdbiggest city, Malmö, only 15 minutes away, and Copenhagen in quite close proximity too, PGA Sweden National certainly has an international appeal. Being that near to not only one but two big cities makes this place rather unique in comparison to most other golf courses, which are commonly quite tricky to get to from big towns and cities.

Fantastic facilities Adding to PGA Sweden National’s attractiveness are all the available facilities. In addition to the magnificent clubhouse, there is a hotel with 16 rooms, brilliant

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden

conference facilities, a spa, a golf shop and a restaurant overlooking the golf courses. The restaurant, which serves classic Swedish food, welcomes golf aficionados and mere mortals alike and has become a popular lunch option for a lot of people working in the area. The focus is on solid, organic, locally sourced ingredients.

The wonderful natural surroundings around PGA Sweden National come as an extra bonus. “Skåne isn’t exactly wellknown for its deep, lush woods, but we do actually have some really marvellous beech woods around us here,” says Stenberg. In addition to the leafy woods, the long-distance walking trail, Skåneleden Trail, which extends all over the beautiful countryside in Skåne, is just

around the corner, as are fantastic bike routes and a number of lovely lakes.

Open all seasons Even though winter is not normally a very busy period in the Swedish golf calendar, PGA Sweden National stays open for as long as is possible. Due to the fact that it is located far south in Sweden, where it rarely snows, Stenberg and his colleagues have been able to welcome guests well into January most years.

“Although, playing golf in the winter in Sweden is a different experience from playing in the summer,” he admits.

Only the best Absolutely vital to how PGA Sweden National is run is the emphasis placed on hospitality and inclusivity. “We really

want people to get a great feeling when they come here, irrespective of whether they’re here to play golf, to visit the restaurant, to stay at the hotel or take part in a conference held here. We work really hard to make people feel welcome,” Stenberg insists.

It is apparent that, at PGA Sweden National, the aim is not to blend in and be like the rest. Whether it has to do with golf, the restaurant or the accommodation, quality is the defining feature. When only the best is enough, there is only one place that gives you everything – PGA Sweden National.

Web: www.pgaswedennational.se

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden

Photo: Johanna Bakos

Photo: Johanna Bakos

An excellent stop on your road trip Along one of the most lengthy roads in Sweden, the E4 in Småland, you will find the beautiful and tranquil Toftaholm Herrgård. “What’s so amazing is that we are not located in the middle of nowhere, yet once you’ve pulled over to us, you will experience complete peacefulness and a welcoming ambiance,” says Pelle Hjortblad, CEO at Toftaholm Herrgård.

By Sara Wenkel | Photos: Toftaholm Herrgård

When Hjortblad and his wife Eva took over the management of Toftaholm Herrgård, they became the 27th owners. The manor has a long history dating back to the 14th century, and kings, Nobel Prize winners as well as famous artists have enjoyed the hospitality over the years. Today, the Hjortblad couple are putting their own creative touch to the residence and making sure that guests are very well looked after.

“We are welcoming a lot of Europeans on road trips in Sweden. Our location in southern Sweden often makes Toftaholm Herrgård the perfect first night’s stop. Since we are so close to the E4, it is a convenient choice,” says Hjortblad. But to many people, Toftaholm Herrgård becomes much more than just a stop on the way to somewhere else. The open landscape, the crystal-clear, blue 80 | Issue 112 | May 2018

lake just next to the manor, and the sun, which shines on the terrace all afternoon and evening, are key reasons why many guests decide to stay an extra night and keep coming back year after year.

“Toftaholm has become a home away from home,” Hjortblad smiles.

A new eco-spa New this season is an eco-spa, which has been built with an organic and sustainable approach. “Our two saunas and

two Jacuzzis are heated with wooden fire, and our new relaxation room by the lake is heated with solar panels,” says Hjortblad. All in all, around 25 people can enjoy the new spa at the same time, and for those who prefer more privacy there is also a sauna and a Jacuzzi in the main building, which can be pre-booked.

A popular activity while visiting Toftaholm Herrgård in the summer is rowing and paddling on the nearby lake. “You can even take our boat out to an island and spend a night in a tent. Our amazing chefs will make sure you won’t go hungry, as we will send you off with a scrumptious picnic basket,” concludes Hjortblad.

Web: www.toftaholm.se

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden

Photo: Christer Larsson

Photo: Jenny Magnusson

Photo: Erik Edvardsson

Meet the wild creatures Nordens Ark attracts heaps of curious visitors who want to learn more about our endangered species. Located in one of the most beautiful areas in Scandinavia, everything there is set up for intriguing encounters with some of the wild creatures of the world.

By Malin Norman

Foundation Nordens Ark is a non-profit organisation working for the future of endangered animals. The foundation runs a wildlife park, which has around 80 different species, mostly from climates similar to Scandinavia, as well as old native farm breeds. Here, visitors can get up close with wild animals such as the world’s largest feline, the Amur tiger, and many other creatures including snow leopards, Pallas’s cats, wolverines, dohls, reindeer, birds, reptiles and amphibians.

“We can see a growing trend with more visitors coming every year,” says CEO Mats Höggren. “This is not a standard zoo. We also have a huge eco-park with a fantastic range of wild species and hab-

itats and lots of exciting activities, and we’re located in one of Scandinavia’s most beautiful environments, on the west coast of Sweden.”

New this year are, for instance, the three dohl puppies, born in the park in March and sure to become a hit among visitors this summer. In addition to the many new animals born, there is plenty happening in the wildlife park, including opportunities to feed the farm animals as well as hikes and guided tours, and of course the popular Midsummer festivities in June.

In addition to running the park, the foundation is engaged in conservation projects, research and training for schools

and universities, to increase public awareness of biodiversity. This year, Nordens Ark is taking steps to protect Europe’s biggest mammal, the European bison. But the park is also safeguarding smaller animals, such as the critically endangered diving duck, Baer’s pochard, whose survival very much depends on this type of conservation project.

Nordens Ark is located at Åby säteri, one of the oldest estates in Bohuslän. The nearly 400-hectare estate, owned by Foundation Nordens Ark, also hosts a high-quality conference facility, restaurant and shop.

Höggren recommends that visitors arrive by boat to experience the stunning coastline and, if they so wish, spend the night at the hotel, in a caravan or perhaps in one of the small cabins on site.

Web: www.nordensark.se Facebook: Nordensark Instagram: @nordensark

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden

From humble beginnings to a hive of activity What in the 1950s began as a small campsite with a few pitches scattered around a little kiosk, owned by the married couple Sixten and Clary Grytfors, has since grown to become a five-star camping holiday resort on the Swedish west coast. For those looking for an energetic holiday with a great variety of activities on offer, this might just be the perfect place.

By Pia Petersson | Photos: Hafsten Resort and Camping

Roughly 60 years after the Grytfors couple opened their little kiosk close to the sea, Hafsten Resort and Camping is now a large campsite made up of 360 pitches, 60 cottages, three restaurants, a shop, a newly built pool area with four swimming pools and an 86-metre-long water slide, to name but a few things. Hafsten Resort and Camping is still owned and managed by the same family, but these days Sixten and Clary’s daughter Ingela is at the helm of the operation.

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“My father was still involved and supported me for a few years after I took over in 1990,” Ingela Grytfors begins. The morning Scan Magazine talk to her, she has just had a meeting with some of the staff and, together, they have counted the number of activities currently available at Hafsten Resort and Camping. “We came to the conclusion that there are 65 different things to do here, either on your own or with one of our staff in charge of an organised activity,” Grytfors explains. She

starts listing some of them: “You can go swimming in one of our pools, there’s water aerobics, you can rent a kayak, canoe or why not go jet skiing? There’s the Flying Fox, which with its 900 metres is the longest zip line in northern Europe, 100 metres above ground and with a top speed of 90 kilometres per hour. We have a music quiz in one of the restaurants, you can go hiking in the woods, play beach volleyball, go fishing, we have a very popular mini spa…

I mean, I could go on,” she says. Message received: it is evident that no one needs to be bored during a holiday at Hafsten Resort and Camping. When it comes to accommodation, guests also have a wide selection to choose from. In addition to the campsites and cottages, guests can opt to stay in any of the hotel cottages or beach villas available at the resort.

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden

Everything you might wish for Having been closed during the winter months up until 2002, Hafsten Resort and Camping now runs an increasingly busy schedule during winter as well as summer. “School classes, conferences and training courses – these days we’re quite busy all year round,” says Grytfors.

This is also the main area in which Grytfors and her team look to develop the resort. Instead of being seasondependent, the aim is to turn Hafsten into a resort that has the same attraction in December as it does in July.

“We strive to be at the forefront in our field, constantly developing new ideas and understanding what guests want. We aim to be a wide-ranging facility, where everything our guests might need is available on site, irrespective of the time

of the year,” Grytfors explains. One important aspect of creating an all-seasons appeal is of course to offer food throughout the year. Out of the three restaurants, one stays open all year round. “All the meat in restaurant Corallen is locally produced,” Grytfors adds.

A holiday resort with a little extra The location of Hafsten Resort and Camping is in itself remarkable. Given that its next-door neighbour is an astonishing archipelago, this naturally constitutes an important part of any holiday spent here. Apart from renting a kayak and going out to explore it, there are several hiking trails from which visitors can enjoy the view of the archipelago and its surroundings. “On the way to the hill tops and the stunning views of the archipelago, visitors should take the opportunity

to do a little bit of foraging. The woods around here are full of blueberries, lingonberries and mushrooms,” Grytfors recommends.

Hafsten Resort and Camping is still a family affair. In addition to Ingela Grytfors’ husband, two of her four children work full-time at the resort, whereas the other two help out when needed. And there will probably be many instances when a bit of extra help is required in the near future. “This autumn, we’ll start building a 14-room hotel with an indoor pool and conference rooms,” Grytfors reveals.

With such ambitious plans, the future for Hafsten Resort and Camping certainly looks bright.

Web: www.hafsten.se

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden

A gem of a castle in the Arts and Crafts style An astonishing sight on the Swedish west coast, Tjolöholms Slott (Tjolöholm Castle) has welcomed visitors for almost 50 years. Make sure not to miss this marvel, which makes the perfect day trip, should you be passing by this summer.

By Pia Petersson | Photos: Will Rose

In the early 1970s, the ownership of Tjolöholm Castle was passed on to the local municipality, having belonged to the same wealthy merchant family since it was built in the Arts and Crafts style around the turn of the last century. “For many years, the castle stood largely untouched, as the family that owned it didn’t spend much time here,” says deputy manager Elisabeth Elfström, adding that it still retains many of its original features, including the former workers’ cottages, a village hall and a church.

This year, Tjolöholm hosts a fascinating new exhibition called Downton – For better or worse, in which costumes from the popular British TV series, Downton Abbey, are on display. The focus of the exhibition is love and marriage – a fitting theme as

several fairytale weddings are held yearly at the castle.

Around Tjolöholm, visitors will find wonderful paths passing leafy woods, beaches and spectacular viewpoints. Given that Tjolöholm is located next to the sea, visitors can take a dip just below the castle, and there is also a small sandy beach suitable for the youngest visitors.

Detail from the exhibition Downton – For better or worse.

The gardens at Tjolöholm are something out of the ordinary. The impressive kitchen garden supplies the restaurant with vegetables and herbs. Additionally, there are some exciting developments worth noting. “The castle garden is currently being restored by castle gardener John Taylor to become the Arts and Crafts garden the original landscape architect intended it to be over 100 years ago,” Elfström concludes.

Web: www.tjoloholm.se

A summer destination for your senses Against all odds, considering the northern location, Wij Gardens is blossoming with six unique show gardens and seasonal theme days. It offers a getaway full of experiences for those who want to learn more about gardening, nature and crafts.

Easily accessible yet hidden in Ockelbo, this leafy haven has something for everyone.

By Kristine Olofsson | Photos: Wij Trädgårdar

A stroll around the many gardens of Wij is more than just a visual experience. “We like to call them inspirational gardens,” explains Malin Hermansson, director at Wij Gardens. “We aim to inspire our guests.

For example, descriptive signs are present on the grounds, and the vegetables used in the restaurant come directly from the kitchen- and herb gardens. The other in-

gredients are locally sourced in line with the season.”

After wandering around the lush gardens, guests may choose to unwind and relax in the one-of-a-kind garden spa. Submerged in the calmness of nature rather than a bubble bath, and with activities such as yoga in the rose garden, guests are given the chance to completely disconnect.

With its open, green spaces and themed activities, Wij Gardens is also an excellent destination for families. “Connecting and having fun with nature can be very engaging, not only for children but for parents as well,” Hermansson smiles. With its flourishing nature and diversity, the description given by founder Lars Krantz could not be more accurate: “Wij Gardens is a large workshop where life is the material.”

Web: www.wij.se Facebook: wijtradgardar Instagram: @wij_tradgardar

The rose garden: Pernilla Hed

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden

Visit Gotland’s modern resort, with two theme parks For a chance to see Pippi Longstocking’s house Villa Villekulla, have splashing fun in the two theme parks, or just chill out by the sea, head to Kneippbyn at the heart of Gotland.

By Malin Norman | Photos: Kneippbyn

Right next to the sea and around three kilometres south of Visby on Gotland is Kneippbyn Resort. With its beautiful location and plenty of activities on offer, this is a popular spot for holiday-makers during the summer months. The modern resort hosts Kneippbyn Sommar- & Vattenland with the Theme Park and the Water Park, welcoming a whopping 90,000 visitors per year. “Kneippbyn has a fantastic location, and many visitors appreciate the beautiful nature as well as the closeness to Visby,” explains Kneippbyn’s CEO, Bobbo Werkelin.

Originally set up as a spa by Dr. Kallenberg at the beginning of the 1900s, Kneippbyn historically had many visitors who came for health reasons.

Since 1976, the resort has been run by the Werkelin family and is still a place to relax and unwind, but the modern-day

Kneippbyn also boasts plenty of fun activities for the whole family.

Pippi Longstocking’s home Villa Villekulla At the centre of the Theme Park you will find Villa Villekulla, the original house from the Swedish films about Pippi Longstocking. The last two films made, Pippi Långstrump på de sju haven (Pippi in the South Seas) and På rymmen med Pippi Långstrump (Pippi on the Run), were recorded here. The different and a little bit quirky Villa Villekulla has been renovated several times to recreate the setting from the classic films, most recently in 2015.

In addition to exploring Pippi’s home, visitors can see the ensemble of the Pippi theatre perform seven days a week, as well as take part in song hours and other family entertainment. Or why not try

the approximately 40 attractions in the Theme Park or the 17 slides alongside seven pools in the Water Park? The resort also maintains its focus on health and wellbeing, with lots of training opportunities and classes such as aqua aerobics.

Kneippbyn has a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget to comfortable, including caravans, romantic fishing cottages, tree houses, apartments and a hotel with a sea view – in total 750 beds. Located in the village is also Gotland’s only five-star camping site with around 200 camping spots.

This year, Kneippbyn is expanding the Water Park with a new pool area, adding an outdoor gym as well as new fishing cottages in the typical Gotland style and self-catering cottages. Moreover, visitors can now try Glamping Deluxe, a new concept with exclusive tents for the ultimate safari atmosphere.

Web: www.kneippbyn.se Facebook: kneippbyn Instagram: @kneippbynresort

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Left: The dance group Branicula entertains at the Linnaean Garden Party. Photo: Ana Vera Burin Burrata. Top right: Buff-tailed bumble bee. Below right: At Linnaeus Hammarby, visitors can enjoy flowering apple trees, spring flowers, and unique prints of flowers, pasted onto the walls by Linnaeus himself.

Celebrating Linneaus and our pollinators This month, as usual, The Linnean Gardens of Uppsala celebrate the birthday of Carl Linneaus with their annual garden party. Throughout the summer, the beautiful gardens also have a special focus on pollinator-friendly gardening.

By Malin Norman | Photos: Jesper Kårehed, Uppsala University

The Linnean Gardens of Uppsala have been combining botany and horticulture for more than 350 years. These days, they consist of the Botanical Garden, the Linnaeus Garden with the Linnaeus Museum, and Linnaeus’ Hammarby with an authentic 18th century milieu.

Carl Linnaeus is mainly known as the father of modern taxonomy, due to his creation of a system for naming organisms. He lived and worked in Uppsala for more than 50 years, and his birthday is celebrated annually at the Linnaean Garden Party. On 19 May, visitors can head for the Linnaeus Garden to time travel back to the 18th century, hear the rustle of silk skirts, see silver shoe buckles glisten, and sample artisan foods. Moreover, they can find rare plants and seeds for their garden and 86 | Issue 112 | May 2018

pick up advice on how to grow them, meet scientists from Uppsala University, experiment, and learn more about Linnaean science.

Lotta Saetre, communications officer at the Linnaean Gardens of Uppsala University, explains that the popular event has around 6,000 visitors per year. “Our garden party is a great event for families and really kicks off the summer!”

Pollinate more Throughout 2018, the gardens are focusing on pollinator-friendly gardening. For instance, they are building bee hotels and nests for bumble bees, and the botanists are sharing information on which plants are especially beneficial for pollinators and other small garden workers. Visitors can meet beekeepers,

learn about beekeeping and taste honey.

The initiative is part of Buzzing Gardens, a campaign run by the Swedish Society of Public Parks and Gardens – a network with 35 of the foremost parks and gardens in the country.

On the day of the Linnaean Garden Party, the Pollination Week also begins with activities and events to raise awareness of the importance of pollinators, such as bees. For example , World Bee Day takes place this week, on 20 May. In Uppsala, the week will be packed with school activities, talks, guided tours and family excursions. According to Saetre, “bees are dying and the number of wild pollinators in Europe is decreasing, partly because of the use of pesticides. Therefore, at our three Linnean Gardens, we want to help promote non-toxic gardening.”

Web: botan.uu.se Facebook: uppsalalinneanska Instagram: @uppsalalinneanska

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden

New discoveries at Europe’s most beautiful park Thousands of visitors come to Sofiero Palace & Park every season to explore the blooming beauty, the royal tradition and the wonderful view of Öresund – and there is something new to discover, every time.

Jennie Ekström, Beata Boucht and Morten Schelde. And every year for over 20 years, the popular Grand Garden Festival attracts visitors during the last weekend in August.

By Malin Norman | Photos: Sofiero Slott

It all began when Crown Prince Oscar II and his wife Sofia of Nassau visited Helsingborg. The couple fell in love with the view and close proximity to Denmark and decided to buy Skabelycke estate, where they built their summer residence Sophie-Ro. It was later passed on to their grandson, Crown Prince Gustav VI Adolf, and his first wife Crown Princess Margaret of Connaught, who both had a keen interest in gardening and together created a stunning garden with extensive flowerbeds, greenhouses and pathways.

These days, knowledgeable gardeners and garden designers work to preserve their heritage, with the same desire to experiment and try new compositions.

Sofiero is striving to be a leader in modern gardening and has been selected as Europe’s most beautiful park. “It’s amazing to see how the work of the Crown Prince couple can be appreciated by visitors still to this day,” says manager Annika Malmgren.

Rhododendrons in bloom King Gustav VI Adolf planted more than 500 types of rhododendrons. Nowadays, Sofiero hosts one of Europe’s most respectable collections with more than 10,000 rhododendron bushes and azaleas, which blossom from mid-May to mid-June. “It’s an explosion of colours that everyone should experience at least once in their life!” Malmgren says of the popular attraction.

New this year is Sofia’s Bridge, where visitors can cross the northern ravine and marvel at the beautiful rhododendrons and the view. On 25 May, the truly unique exhibition Street Art Garden will open. Here, garden designer Sara Bratt will transform a painting by world-famous Italian street artist Francesco Camillo Giorgino, also known as Millo, into a three-dimensional experience with plants and flowers.

Another highlight is Drawing Nature, available from 16 June, which will showcase work by artists and illustrators

At the royal playhouses, Sofiero for Children is a place of fairy tales and uproarious fun, and Malmgren also recommends Sofiero Palace Restaurant, which is rated as one of the top restaurants in Sweden and mentioned in the White Guide. “Everything is created from scratch, using local produce in new and unexpected ways.”

Opening hours: Sofiero Palace and Park 13 April-16 September Daily from 10am to 6pm

Web: sofiero.se Facebook: sofieroslottstradgard Instagram: @sofieroslott

Issue 112 | May 2018 | 87

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden

Discover one of the many hiking trails in Tiveden.

Dense fog over Tiveden national park.

Untouched wilderness in the heart of Sweden Easily accessible, right between Stockholm and Gothenburg, lies the mythical forest region of Tiveden. With its dense wild forest, steep rock formations, picturesque villages and closeness to Sweden’s largest lakes, Vättern and Vänern, this hidden gem has something for everyone.

By Kristine Olofsson | Photos: P.Soderberg

Tiveden offers a diverse getaway for visitors looking for a taste of wilderness.

“Located between Laxå, Askersund and Karlsborg, Tiveden is often referred to as Sweden’s most southerly wilderness area,” says Sebastian Sjöberg, project manager in the Tiveden region. “Part of our vision is for visitors to enjoy stunning nature in combination with locally produced food and cultural experiences, also in the late summer and autumn, when nature has the most to offer.”

This particular region of Sweden was uninhabited for a long period of time, allowing nature to evolve in peace, which contributes to the thrilling atmosphere of the forest. “One of the most popular activities in this area is hiking in the national park,” says Sjöberg. The national park of Tiveden boasts miles of beautiful, serene hiking trails in almost completely untouched nature, and is free for everyone to enjoy all year round. “The national 88 | Issue 112 | May 2018

ing to spend one or more nights in the area have plenty of accommodation options to choose between. With everything from hotels and spas to cottages and camping sites, Tiveden truly has something for everyone, all year round.

park is a spectacular place to visit later in the year, and the entry is now open and staffed until October,” explains Sjöberg.

“In my opinion, Tiveden is at its finest during the autumn. The colours of the forest are incredibly vibrant, and there are plenty of activities taking place.”

Aside from striking hike views, Tiveden offers fishing opportunities, tranquil paddling tours, yoga and horseback riding.

For a walking tour out of the ordinary, visitors can take the so-called Walking with Wolves tour, where they are accompanied by wolfdogs, or participate in beaver, wolf or red deer safaris, organised by one of the 20 knowledgeable nature guides in the area. For more rural experiences, a visit to one of the small villages surrounding the forest is a must. Organic farms, a coffee roastery and rural shops selling locally produced charcuterie and delicacies are just a few examples of cultural attractions to discover. Guests look-

Tiveden offers a diverse wildlife.

Join a real moose safari in the forests of Tiveden.

Web: www.tiveden.se Facebook: visittiveden

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden

A summer dream worthy of royals For generations, Solliden Palace has been the Swedish royal family’s summer paradise. It is not hard to understand why, as the surrounding park is an oasis of lush greenery, winding pathways and exciting stories from the past.

By Malin Norman | Photos: Solliden Palace

Solliden Palace was built on the island of Öland by Queen Victoria in 1906. Today, the stunning estate is owned by King Carl XVI Gustaf and is a favourite amongst members of the royal family, who regularly come to stay at the palace and private guest houses.

The surrounding park is open to the public and is a popular summer destination.

“Solliden is amazing with its lush greenery and blossoms,” explains marketing manager Susanna Stenborg, “and we are fortunate to mostly have fantastic weather here!” The main attraction is the annual celebration of Crown Princess Victoria’s birthday, which takes place on 14 July. Another highlight is the harvest festivity Öland Spirar, on 10-13 May, when the old playhouse will also be open to show 6 2_1_Canodal_Advert_May_2014.qxp:Layout

140,-

/week

where King Carl XVI Gustaf and his sisters played as children.

On 2-3 June, Solliden will host a weekend around an Italian theme, with guided tours in the park to see the marble sculptures as well as the many beautiful plants and flowers. The annual exhibition Idea

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Gardens is another must-see, opened this year by King Carl XVI Gustaf on 1 July, on the theme of ‘The Good Garden’.

Solliden also has a special children’s map for exploring hidden areas in the park, and for hungry visitors, the picturesque Coffee Cottage offers home-cooked food and delicacies from its own bakery and crepe shop.

Web: www.sollidensslott.se Facebook: Sollidensslott Instagram: @sollidensslott

Scan Magazine | Business | Keynote

Scan Business Keynote 90 | Business Profiles 91 | Business Column 98 | Business Calendar 98

91

92

Reputation risk:

94

By Lani Bannach

The question is not whether you might be held liable, but whether you are being responsible The Weinstein Company has filed for bankruptcy and Facebook lost 35 billion dollars in market value following reports that Cambridge Analytica, a data firm that worked with US President Donald Trump in the 2016 elections, had unauthorised access to an estimated more than 80 million Facebook user accounts in one of its largest breaches yet.

Why is this of interest to business leaders?

Because business leaders are the top risk managers of their organisations.

Reputation risk is a risk that is hard to quantify, as is a good reputation. It is one of the more difficult risks to respond to, if you are unprepared, yet not managing your reputation and the subsequent consequent damages can be devastating.

You, your management team and your organisation can gain an advantage by focusing on building and maintaining a good reputation.

ceived as a good corporate citizen? Then, if we add a sprinkle of CSR, corporate social responsibility, are we not home and dry? Well, not quite.

A major threat to your reputation lies in inconsistencies between corporate conduct and public perception of said conduct. This is seen as lack of corporate integrity and therefore swiftly punished by customers and investors. As such, it can be very costly or even threaten your corporate existence, as seen in the examples above. The old adage that perception is reality still applies.

You might ask: Is it not sufficient to comply with the law?

However, there are two other major aspects that should be taken into consideration in managing reputation risk for your organisation: firstly, the speed of communication, and secondly, the sense of fairness. Regarding speed of communication, no good spin doctor can control social media and the speed with which news is spread. Once an organisation’s reputation has been badly damaged or lost, it is very difficult to fully recover.

Your organisation’s business practices are in compliance with the law and hence, is it not sufficient to then be per-

As Nobel prize winner Daniel Kahneman’s research has shown, understanding what

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is perceived as fair is key to understanding behaviour. While you might not be able to predict what incidents will get you into trouble, as an excellent business leader you will understand that one of the best ways to protect your organisation’s reputation is to focus on corporate integrity, ensuring responsible conduct and consistently acting fairly.

Lani Bannach leads Essenta – delivering organisational change: neuroscientifically based tools combined with business acumen and experience. www.essenta.dk

Scan Magazine | Business Profile | Koustrup & Co.

All the beautiful art prints, books and interior design items from Koustrup & Co. pass on a small piece of knowledge about the world of nature, biology and organic living.

More than just pretty flowers The prints, tea towels and books from Koustrup & Co. are as romantic and beautiful as a Jane Austen novel; and, just like in Austen’s novels, there is great insight to be found in the beauty. In the hands of the Koustrup family, the Danish company has specialised in classic interior design based on nature, ecology and biology.

those things,” says Koustrup and rounds off: “We want to contribute to creating a higher awareness of nature, because I think the more people know, the more likely they are to appreciate it.”

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Koustrup & Co.

“It is beautiful and it is educational – we call it beautiful learning,” explains Ulla Koustrup, who founded Koustrup & Co. with her husband, Søren Koustrup, seven years ago. “It all originated from the fact that we thought the design market was missing something natural, something that wasn’t just a random flower but had some kind of thought or idea behind it,” she explains.

Though 70-year-old Koustrup has a degree in biology, both her and her husband have long careers in publishing behind them. When they retired, they decided to start a small publishing company to pass on knowledge about plants, gastronomy and organic living.

Thanks to the couple’s wide network of writers, illustrators and artists, the business quickly grew to include cards, art prints and posters, and, after a couple of years, the couple’s two daughters,

textile designer Anne Katrine Koustrup Søborg and sales manager Lise Marie Abildgaard, joined. This led to a further expansion into textile prints and trays, all based on aesthetics, quality and knowledge about subjects such as the Renaissance garden, edible plants, Danish garden birds, organic gardening and so on. “Not all of our products are educational as such, but all of them include the name of the plant, and it will never just be a random plant; there’s always a reason, some story behind it,” explains Koustrup.

One of the first books published by Koustrup & Co. was a book on organic gardening, and the care for the environment has always been at the heart of the company. The cotton used for tea towels is organic and all paper and wood is FSC approved. “I think it’s natural when working with nature to try to connect

Web: www.koustrupco.dk

Issue 112 | May 2018 | 91

Scan Magazine | Business Profile | Zunshine Living

The newly introduced Danish Zunshine Living 114 houseboat is set to make the dream of living on a houseboat achievable to a much wider audience than previously.

Live the dream of life on a boat For many people, living on a houseboat is a lifelong dream, but unfortunately for most, the cost of achieving it means it never becomes reality. With a brand-new, module-made houseboat, Danish company Zunshine Living is set to change that.

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Zunshine Living

Having been four years underway, Zunshine Living’s new houseboat, Zunshine Living 114, has finally reached the waters – and it has made quite a splash. With people streaming in for the official introduction of the houseboat, owner and founder of the company, Peter Poulsen, could confirm that many people, like himself, dream of life on a houseboat.

“We had upwards of 300 people come by every day, and I must admit, I was a little surprised at how many came by and told me that they had dreamt of a houseboat all their life. One even told me, ‘I haven’t only dreamt of it but tried to realise it several times, but every time I failed because of the price’,” he says. “But now it’s 92 | Issue 112 | May 2018

achievable for the wider part of the population, not just the few and the rich.”

Indeed, based on a platform of 160 square metres and priced at 2,200,000 DKK (approximately 260,000 GBP), including 25 per cent VAT in Denmark, the price of a Zunshine Living 114 is comparable to the price of property on land.

A houseboat for everyone When many people, especially couples in their 40s and 50s, dream of moving into a houseboat, it is often based on a mix of practical and romantic ideas – the wish for lower maintenance and the beauty and serenity of life on water. However,

while many companies before Zunshine Living have attempted to create a solution to make the dream come true, none have succeeded at making it achievable for more than a few.

“Previous projects have been wellintentioned, but what has happened is that so many expensive compromises have been made that, in the end, the products have been out of reach for the wider audience,” explains Poulsen.

“That’s why we have spent significant resources on developing a beautifully designed houseboat with unique qualities at a price within reach for everyone – and we have succeeded!”

Quality and safety That the Zunshine Living 114 can be produced at prices significantly lower than other houseboats is in large part due to the fact that both the residential part and

Scan Magazine | Business Profile | Zunshine Living

the platform are composed of modules constructed in factory production. The process means that boats can be built safely and efficiently all year round and are easily transportable. “The streamlined process means that the quality and efficiency are always the same; from the moment we lay down and prepare the concrete platform until the finished houseboat is ready is just a matter of days,” explains Poulsen.

Another advantage of the Zunshine Living 114 houseboat’s streamlined design is that the legislative process will be the same for all boats. Furthermore, with a total weight of 73 tonnes, the boat is a remarkably stabile houseboat and, most importantly, thanks to built-in polystyrene in the platform, 100 per cent unsinkable and without any need for onland maintenance.

Energy efficient Available in three different models with different room layouts, Zunshine Living

114 can be used as both a second and primary home. Noticeably, however, the boat is equipped with all the comforts and conveniences of a primary home and comes with a number of high-quality fittings, such as a Svane kitchen, Siemens appliances, and hardwood floors. Besides all this, the boat is serviced by a complete heating and cooling system with individually adjustable units in each room, as well as built-in solar panels, making it highly energy efficient. “The boat is a topinsulated, low-energy construction with an estimated heating cost of just 1,940 DKK yearly,” says Poulsen.

Most importantly, of course, the boat is designed with a wonderfully open glass façade and prepared for a roof top terrace so that, despite its comforts, its habitants will not forget that they are, indeed, living the dream.

Web: www.zunshineliving.com

Facts: Zunshine Living 114 is a BR15 lowenergy structure, supported by a solar panel system.

A Zunshine Living 114 is priced at 2,200,000 DKK (including 25 per cent Danish VAT) excluding delivery costs.

The Zunshine Living 114 is available in three different models with different room layouts. It is sold with high-quality interiors including a Svane kitchen, hardwood floors and Siemens appliances. Boats come with a complete heating and cooling system and are, thanks to high insulation and built-in solar panels, highly energy efficient.

Issue 112 | May 2018 | 93

During Dalum Academy of Agricultural Business’ 40-week-long Livestock Management programme, students from all over the world learn how to manage a livestock farm sustainably and efficiently.

Danish farming in the 21st century Leadership, efficiency and sustainability – farming in the 21st century is about much more than practical skills. Based on 130 years of experience, Danish standards, and global dedication, Dalum Academy of Agricultural Business is leading a new generation of farmers from all over the world into the future.

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Dalum Academy of Agricultural Business

While farming has always, to some extent, been affected by international changes and demands, succeeding in today’s agricultural industry requires new levels of global insight and understanding. With more than 20 per cent of production managed by Danish farmers being performed outside of Denmark’s borders, an internationally orientated education is vital to the farmers of the future. This is why Dalum Academy of Agricultural Business not only ensures that its Danish students acquire inter94 | Issue 112 | May 2018

national experience, but also works with partners all over the world to transfer and adapt the knowledge, methods, and standards of the successful Danish agricultural industry to the rest of the world.

Eric C. O. Wanscher, vice president at the academy, explains: “All over the world, Danes are owning and participating in different agricultural ventures. 20 per cent of Danish agricultural business is done abroad, and if you want employees to work abroad, you need them to be introduced to

international work early on in their education,” he says. “Also, if you want to be in farm management in Denmark, it’s good to open your eyes to other production methods and, for instance, experience large-scale farming in Australia, Ukraine or Africa; it’s about an intense agricultural learning experience, but also about personal development.”

The international focus means that all students at Dalum Academy of Agricultural Business are strongly encouraged to do two or three weeks of their practical training on a European farm. On top of this, students will be introduced to the international farming community at the college, as they meet and study with the students of the international courses offered there.

Scan Magazine | Business Profile | Dalum Academy of Agricultural Business

From the past to the future While Dalum Academy of Agricultural Business is Denmark’s oldest agricultural college, it is by no means stuck in the past. But, despite being first movers in many areas, all new ideas are implemented with respect for the college’s strong heritage. “We have a legacy going back more than 130 years, and this is something that gives us opportunities and knowledge, but also a responsibility that we have to lift,” stresses Wanscher.

“We need to be sure that the things we do are correct and proper in all aspects.

That’s why, while we try to be first movers on many things, it is always done with big consideration. We are very aware that our name is known politically, publicly and internationally, and there is a weighty accreditation linked to it. That’s why, when we do something or accredit a partner, we do it with great care.”

The dedication to preserving Dalum Academy of Agricultural Business’ national and international reputation also means that, whether teaching Danish Said about Dalum Academy of Agricultural Business:

“The knowledge and skills imparted in each of us have opened our eyes to the world of opportunities available to develop and start something new, which can have a positive impact on South African agriculture. One of the most valuable lessons was character education.”

Nokukhanya Zamazwide Nxumalo

“The programme brought a lot of change in my life, both professionally and personally. The programme made me understand what leadership means. I really appreciate the programme as it played a big role in the person I am today.”

Thembelihle T. Ngiba

“We see that participating farms and companies increase the production significantly when cooperating with us.”

Eric Wanscher Through its many international programmes and partnerships, Dalum Academy of Agricultural Business, Denmark’s oldest and largest agricultural college, transfers Danish standards and expertise to farms and farmers all over the world.

Issue 112 | May 2018 | 95

Scan Magazine | Business Profile | Dalum Academy of Agricultural Business

or international students, the college’s training and education strictly adhere to the standards of the Danish agricultural industry. Today, this means a strong focus on circular economy, animal welfare and sustainability. “We believe that we need to look at the environmental perspective of agricultural production; we need to focus on how to do things in more sustainable ways – treat animals better and decrease the amount of medicine and antibiotics used. That’s one of the big areas,” says Wanscher. “It’s about taking small steps in the right direction, but we can see that it’s working, and that’s a cornerstone in everything we do. It makes me incredibly happy when we see that people change their production methods to better the welfare of the animals. We’ve a long way to go, but things are moving in the right direction.”

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Efficiency in farming This approach is also reflected in the college’s international courses, one of which is the Livestock Management programme. This is a 40-week-long course including a ten-week apprenticeship on farms where students can exchange production and management tips with experienced Danish farmers.

The course was recently attended by a group of South African students, including Cebolenkosi Mahlaba, who says: “I’m learning a lot about livestock management and sustainable agriculture.

What I can say about Denmark is that they don’t consider anything as waste.

Like the manure, they can actually reuse it to generate energy and also for the plants and crops, so I think nothing goes to waste. Even the dead pigs are not just thrown away but reused to make energy; it’s very good.”

Said about Dalum Academy of Agricultural Business:

“There is a reduction in piglet mortality by up to 50 per cent on the participating farms and an overall reduction in medication use.”

ATRI, Taiwan

“We see that our customers increase production results and acknowledge the need for education and training – not only production hardware.”

Bjarne K. Pedersen, CEO Danish Farm Design

“Operating in Asia, South America and Africa, each programme is tailor-made to transfer the knowledge relevant and applicable to the individual region.”

Eric Wanscher

Scan Magazine | Business Profile | Dalum Academy of Agricultural Business

In addition to livestock production, management of large-scale farms and productions is a strong focus at the college.

And this is, says Wanscher, one of the areas where Denmark has a lot of expertise to share. “It’s about how you run the farm on a management level; it’s not just production, but also leadership and how to work with people.”

All the courses aim to bringing maximum value to students in their individual region and are thus offered on a group basis to students from the same region.

Danish farming tailor-made to the world Dalum Academy of Agricultural Business not only offers courses for international students at the college in Denmark, but also works with partners around the world.

Operating in Asia, South America and Africa, each programme is tailor-made to transfer the knowledge relevant and applicable to the individual region. “We always tailor-make the courses and send teachers to the country to look at production and how things are done there, before we start,” explains Wanscher. “Of course,

we could just show the Danish way of producing and doing things, but if you can’t transfer that to the area you are in, you are just wasting time and money. The process of transferring knowledge is the most important thing for us; that’s where the key is. We don’t believe in off-the-shelf products, or ‘one solution fits all’.”

Working with partners all over the world, Dalum has successfully transferred the Danish ‘Sandwich Model’, alternating between college education and farm apprenticeships, to many countries.

Facts: Founded in 1886, Dalum Academy of Agricultural Business (DAAB) is Denmark’s largest and oldest agricultural college.

For Danish students, Dalum Academy of Agricultural Business offers a full range of agricultural courses, from the basic Farm Assistant to Skilled Farmer and the unique Management course, which is only offered at five academies in Denmark.

For international students, Dalum offers a number of shorter courses in management, production and agriculture, as well as MBA agricultural programmes.

Dalum has developed its international profile through a broad global network of farm enterprises, colleges, politicians and organisations. The school has helped develop vocational training systems in the Baltics and Eastern Europe.

Eric C. O. Wanscher, vice president at Dalum Academy of Agricultural Business, with a group of the college’s South African students.

Web: www.dalumls.com

Issue 112 | May 2018 | 97

Scan Magazine | Business | Column / Calendar

Coaching capital of the UK This is an unashamed plug for an organisation I used to be involved with – Coaching York – or at least for what it represents.

York is a beautiful, historic city in the north of England with a population of about 200,000 and the sadly standard mix of prosperity and deprivation.

About five years ago, a group of business and life coaches in York got together to create a network to make contact between coaches in the area easier, to share experiences and ideas, and to provide a common platform for the provision of coaching services. I was part of the steering committee.

Out of this, Coaching York was born. It is now a thriving organisation that holds meetings, talks and practice sessions for members; and annually celebrates International Coaching Week with a programme of events that include free taster sessions for members of the public and lots more,

including one this year intriguingly entitled ‘Coaching with horses’.

The initial impetus for all this was professional and commercial, but what quickly emerged was a strong social focus as well. We met with the local council, which was excited by the idea of bringing coaching to the city’s unemployed and socially disadvantaged. We talked to the city’s MPs, one of whom became greatly supportive once we had explained to him that we had nothing to do with buses. Members of Coaching York now offer a certain number of free hours per year as their way of giving something to the community.

Coaching York aspires for York to be the coaching capital of the UK and to create a coaching culture across the city. They have not reached their goal yet, but they are working hard at it and I think it is a great aspiration. It could only do good for other British cities to compete for the ti-

Business Calendar

By Steve Flinders

tle and for similar competitions to start up across the globe. Everyone can benefit from coaching.

Steve Flinders is a freelance trainer, writer and coach, based in Malta, who helps people develop their communication and leadership skills for working internationally: steveflind@aol.com.

By Sanne Wass | Photo: DUCC

Scandinavian business events you do not want to miss this month Brexit Update: Where are we now?

The Finnish-British Chamber of Commerce invites visitors to attend a vibrant discussion with industry professionals and speakers about Brexit and its implications. What will a future relationship between Britain and Finland look like? This question will be addressed by the keynote speaker, Tom Dodd, the British ambassador to Finland, followed by talks by Bob Doyle from London & Partners, Chandru Iyer from Kingston Smith, and Nicola Richards from Doyle Clayton.

Date: 24 May 2018, 6-9pm Venue: London & Partners, 2 More London Riverside, London SE1 2RR, UK www.fbcc.co.uk

Nordic Next Investor Summit The Nordic Next Investor Summit was founded six years ago with the aim of strengthening the investor community and to celebrate entrepreneurship in the Nordic region. The event is described by the organisers as “24 hours with some of the greatest minds in technology and investing from the Nordics and beyond”, and an 98 | Issue 112 | May 2018

opportunity to connect with like-minded people, share ideas, be vulnerable, be challenged and build authentic, long-lasting relationships.

Date: 4-5 June 2018 Venue: High Court, Malmöhusvägen 1, 211 18 Malmö, Sweden www.nordicnext.com

The Entrepreneurship Forum Hosted by the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK, the Entrepreneurship Forum is one of the organisation’s biggest and most popular events of the year. Under this year’s theme, ‘Start, Scale, Fail?’, speakers will touch upon the various phases of starting and running a business: from start-up to growth and maturity, as well as the oftenneglected topic of failure. Among the speakers is Peter Popovics, a PhD researcher at the Stockholm School of Economics, whose research focuses on innovation failures.

Date: 12 June 2018, 6-9pm Venue: Google UK HQ, 6 Pancras Square, London, N1C 4AG www.scc.org.uk

UK-Nordic and Baltic Trade Forum Every month, the Trade Bridge Group hosts international trade forums, bringing together entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors, trade bodies, policymakers and diplomats, with a view to help businesses develop the capacity to sell, invest or start up overseas. Hosted in partnership with the Oxford Business Group, the next event will specifically focus on the Nordic and Baltic countries. A panel discussion will be followed by a pitching session and networking.

Date: 12 June 2018, 6.30-10pm Venue: RationalFT, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AB, UK www.eventbrite.co.uk

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Sweden

The meat-tenderising fridge.

The bar has a lively atmosphere and cool vibe with upbeat music by established DJs.

Restaurant of the Month, Sweden

Cool vibe at the steakhouse For the best meat in Stockholm, head to Vassa Eggen. This steakhouse has the perfect combination of fantastic food, a lively atmosphere and great entertainment – a clear hit with the Stockholm crowd.

over the bar. Do not miss the opportunity to experience this mix of inspiring art and great music!

By Malin Norman | Photos: Vassa Eggen

Considered one of Sweden’s top restaurants, Vassa Eggen is run by Christian Olsson and Kristofer Sandström since 1999, and in 2015, previous head chef Niklas Odin joined as a partner. This team has transformed the restaurant over the past ten years from fine-dining into a sleek New York-style steakhouse with a more chilled-out vibe.

Situated next to the beautiful park Humlegården next to Stureplan in central Stockholm, the restaurant is a popular spot for lunch, dinner and after-work, and praised for its excellent and friendly service. The menu includes, for instance, Nebraska beef, flat iron steak and suckling pig, as well as fish and seafood such as grilled lobster and sea bass, and the raw bar serves up tasty options including oysters and tataki of tuna.

Vassa Eggen serves the best meat in town, cooked with care for fantastic results. In 2014, the restaurant installed a special fridge for tenderising meat, and it now has

the ability to serve own-cured meat from farms around the country. “Vassa Eggen has always had Swedish meat on the menu, but now we can cure the meat ourselves,” says co-owner Christian Olsson.

“Our dedicated butcher selects the best cuts, and the meat is then cured in the fridge for four to five weeks. This means that we can control the whole process and offer our guests even better-quality meat.”

The dining hall on Birger Jarlsgatan 29 is a modern venue with dim lighting, muted colours and dark mirrors, displaying art by talented Swedish artist Christian Saldert. While the restaurant offers a cosy ambience, the bar has a lively atmosphere and cool vibe with upbeat music by established DJs. Vassa Eggen’s terrace is also open for the season with a range of activities during the summer, and the team has introduced a new concept for its after work on Thursdays.

The idea with Pop T/art is to invite wellknown and up-and-coming artists to take

Vassa Eggen is located on Birger Jarlsgatan 29, 103 95 Stockholm.

Web: www.vassaeggen.com Facebook: VassaEggen Instagram: @vassa_eggen

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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Denmark

Restaurant of the Month, Denmark

Fresh fish and fast food Denmark’s food scene has become world-renowned in the last decade, but while many might associate Denmark, and Scandinavia as a whole, with fish, Danes eat a surprisingly small amount of it. Hooked has tried to change this by making fish accessible for all, initially through their food truck and now also at their restaurant in Copenhagen.

By Josefine Older Steffensen | Photos: Hooked

“We actually started thanks to Matthew, our British co-founder, wanting to start a fish-and-chip shop in Copenhagen.

That, as a dish, wasn’t really available, and those he could find weren’t up to scratch. Every time we’d meet up, we’d discuss this dream, and then one day we went out and bought a food truck,” explains Kasper Christensen, co-founder of Hooked.

After some trial and error and a steep learning curve in their own kitchen, they had created a menu that included everything from fish and chips to a lobster 100 | Issue 112 | May 2018

roll. It was based around the idea of making the fish the star of the show, where speed and quality were also added bonuses. They travelled throughout Denmark and even some of Sweden, and people quickly got on board with the concept.

From then to now After the establishment of the food truck in 2016, Hooked added a restaurant in the trendy Nørrebro area of Copenhagen in 2017. Today, their food truck travels around Denmark to various festivals over the summer, while the restaurant is open every day – apart from five days

over Christmas and New Year – for lunch and dinner.

The menu has remained pretty much the same, but has been perfected over the years. “We’re a fast-food place, but what’s important to us is making food that tastes really good,” says Christensen. “Due to high demand, we do occasionally have a little bit of a wait, but the restaurant has long tables and a little bar, so it’s nice to sit with others and share a drink while you wait.”

As the weather gets warmer, Copenhagen also changes. As soon as the sunshine hits, the Danes move outside and soak up every last ray of it. Hooked then gets an outdoor seating area as well, from which you can not only enjoy the sunshine, but also see cyclists whizzing past on their bikes, all while relishing some delicious, fresh fish and really

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Denmark

getting a sense of what Copenhagen is all about.

people understand what we’re trying to do and continue to make it happen for us.”

Ups and downs

Hooked’s concept of delicious, fast fish for the masses has taken Copenhagen by storm, and there are always customers in the restaurant. The casual atmosphere makes it feel almost like an extension of your own kitchen, but without having to worry about what to have for dinner.

It has not always been plain sailing for Hooked, however. “I honestly don’t think we would have done many of the things we have done, if we’d thought more about it,” says Christensen with a smile. “Our worst day was definitely when we took our food truck to a festival in Sweden at the beginning and thought we were going to sell a lot. It was raining and no one was buying anything, so instead we ended up throwing away 50,000 DKK worth of lobster. That was hard.”

He continues: “Having said that, there is nothing more amazing than seeing people eat our food and enjoy it. It was a tremendous relief when we opened the restaurant and we really just hoped that people would turn up and eat there, and they did.

When you’ve put everything into a shop and a concept, it’s incredibly nice that

Dreams do come true The dream was to make a fish-and-chip shop, and Hooked has certainly excelled at that. Still today, fish and chips is the most popular dish on the menu. “It’s a dish everyone can get on board with, and let’s be honest, it is really good. Fried fish, chips and a dip – it’s hard to go wrong really, and I think our twist on the classic dish is the best there is,” says Christensen.

The future looks very bright for Hooked.

They are looking to expand their brand,

but for now, the focus is on continuing to make incredible food. “This summer will be all about making good food in the restaurant and travelling across Denmark to various festivals. The autumn will be when we put our heads down and see where we might end up,” concludes Christensen.

Festivals where you can find the Hooked food truck this summer: 31 May-2 June: Heartland Festival 28-20 June: Tinderbox 2018 30 June-7 July: Roskilde Festival 19-21 July: Musik i Lejet 10-11 August: Haven Festival The food truck can also be rented for private events throughout the year.

Web: www.gethooked.dk Facebook: hookedkbh Instagram: @hookedkbh

From left to right: Matthew Jeffrey, Louis Abraham Ortega, Kasper Bundgård Christensen and Lasse Bundgård Christensen. Kasper and Matthew started Hooked together, and Lasse and Louis have been part of the team since the beginning. Louis is the restaurant manager and Lasse became co-owner when the restaurant opened in 2017.

Today, the entire team consists of 15 people, none of whom are trained chefs.

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Viking Restaurant Harald offers a wide selection of Nordic food made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Restaurant of the Month, Finland

Feast like a Viking If eating Nordic-inspired food served on medieval swords and shields, brought to your table by Lovely Ljúf or Smiley Sigrid, sounds like your thing, then Viking Restaurant Harald is the place for you. Catering for romantic dinners and big feasts alike, the themed restaurant in Helsinki gives diners a unique way to switch off and dive into Viking world.

By Ndéla Faye | Photos: Viking Restaurant Harald

Inspired by Nordic forests, lakes, air and earth, Viking Restaurant Harald’s menu offers interesting taste combinations served in a unique way: from tar ice-cream to a selection of meats skewered on a sword, the restaurant puts a new spin on everything it does. Founded in 1997, the company has restaurants in Helsinki, Turku, Lahti, Jyväskylä, Tampere, Kuopio and Oulu.

Last year, a new branch opened in the Iso Omena shopping centre in Espoo, a short metro ride away from the centre of Helsinki. The shopping centre boasts a number of restaurants, cafés and 102 | Issue 112 | May 2018

services, such as a public library. “Iso Omena is one of Finland’s largest shopping centres, and we’re happy and proud to have found such a great home for one of our restaurants,” says Raine Verho, development director and partner at Viking Restaurant Harald.

Viking Restaurant Harald restaurant prides itself on using fresh, seasonal Scandinavian and Finnish produce, and the team is constantly developing the menu to come up with new ideas.

Titled Voyages, Viking Restaurant Harald’s menu takes customers on a culinary journey through time. The menu

draws inspiration from Nordic food and puts a unique twist on many traditional Scandinavian dishes. “We’ve created a selection of the best tastes northern forests and lakes can offer, and we use good-quality ingredients and try to source our produce from local producers as much as possible,” says Verho.

Getting into character A Viking theme is reflected throughout the restaurant’s décor and menu down to every last detail: animal pelts and cave drawings adorn walls and cover the ceiling, and the interior of the restaurant is designed to look like a Viking village. In Helsinki, customers can even dine in a Viking boat.

A Viking feast would not be complete without the full Viking costume: all kinds of props are at hand for diners who wish to immerse themselves fully into the Viking world. Ranging from animal pelts

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Finland

to horn helmets, every minute detail has been carefully thought of to add to this unique dining experience – and humorous limericks and Viking puns on the menus create a playful atmosphere.

But the Nordic theme does not stop at the décor and props; waiters are also dressed in full Viking costume. “Our staff members choose their own Viking name and come up with a backstory to their Viking character. We focus on providing great customer service, which is a big part of the Viking experience,” Verho explains. “We’re giving people a different kind of dining experience. It’s a great way for people to sit back, enjoy great food and have fun.”

Viking baptisms and village feasts Guests in the Viking village feast on meals designed to appeal to the senses.

Not only are the surroundings and the décor adding to diners’ experience; dish-

es are served from shields, swords, and clay pots to give an authentic feel to the dining experience.

Harald’s Viking Baptism, which involves eating a piece of fermented shark meat, an Icelandic delicacy.

Catering for corporate parties and quiet romantic dinners alike, Viking Restaurant Harald has set-menu packages for each occasion, allowing customers to switch off and embrace their inner Vikings. Harald and Helga’s Love Package is ideal for couples, including a Love Drink and a number of shared dishes served by candlelight.

Leave your worries at the door

The restaurant’s signature menu, the Chief’s Feast, is a dinner with a twist.

Aimed at larger parties, the Chief’s Feast provides diners with their own Viking characters, each divided into clans. Diners are given all the props required to get into character, horn helmets and all, and have a number of tasks they have to complete during the dinner.

The culmination of the feast includes

In the spirit of true Viking-ness, Viking Restaurant Harald’s mission is to provide good-quality, Nordic-inspired meals in a quirky and unique setting. “We’re giving customers the chance to relax and let loose for a while: our clients are able to switch off and leave their everyday lives at the door when they come in,” says Verho. “The focus is on ensuring that diners enjoy themselves and have fun.”

For those wanting to let their hair down and enjoy a fun evening while trying exciting foods made from fresh local produce, Viking Restaurant Harald offers a thrilling journey into the world of Vikings.

Web: www.ravintolaharald.fi

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Skarvens Steakhouse takes care of the meaty side of the menu. Photo: Per Wollen

Restaurant of the Month, Norway

Arctic cuisine on the menu Originality, authenticity and a friendly environment are all words that come to mind when stepping inside VertsHuset Skarven. In these historic buildings by the waterfront, you will find that regional and local ingredients have been the basis for the Arctic menu served ever since the first restaurant opened in 1986.

strong desire to mix the traditional with contemporary, the local landmark is now an important part of the city.

By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: VertsHuset Skarven

The newly renovated Arctandria Seafood restaurant – with ‘Arctandria’ often translated as the gate to the Arctic ocean – offers customers a step into the Arctic kitchen, as the word suggests. “We recently updated the interior in this traditional restaurant, and now it has reappeared with a new look. Our aim was to give the restaurant a modern expression but still maintain the same original concept and idea behind it, which is to focus on Arctic cuisine while serving fresh and local seafood with a smile,” says Andersen.

What started in an old, white brick house in 1986 as Arctandria Seafood Restaurant and Skarven Kro & Pub, has since been transformed into a homely inn with 65 employees. “VertsHuset Skarven has today become a popular all-around establishment at which locals love to gather, with a cosy and warm atmosphere for our guests to feel at home in. We have created an authentic and unique setting by focusing on Arctic culture and history in our premises, something we are proud to showcase,” says general manager Gunnar Marelius Andersen. He took over 104 | Issue 112 | May 2018

the ownership of the inn along with Jan Bremner Klev in 1992.

VertsHuset Skarven is located by the harbour in Tromsø with a view out across the sea, the perfect setting for serving and enjoying Arctic cuisine and drinks. Today, the inn consists of five restaurants spread across two neighbouring premises: Arctandria Seafood Restaurant, Skarvens Steakhouse, Skarven Kro & Pub, Skarven Bar and Skarvens Culinary Theatre. With a focus on the typical northern Norwegian coastal culture and hospitality, and a

The gate to the Arctic Ocean

With room for 80 guests in comfortable surroundings, the restaurant offers a

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Norway

wide variety of flavours. On the menu, you can discover regional delicacies from the sea, everything from grilled dry-fish, ‘boknafish’ (a variant of stockfish) and clipfish, to a selection of mature and fresh fish, shellfish, whale and seal, reindeer and, last but not least, a number of good desserts. “Many of our guests think that it’s odd that a seafood restaurant serves reindeer meat, but our explanation for that is that the reindeer is caught with a fishing rod while swimming home from summer pasture,” Andersen jokes.

Whether you want to believe that or not is up to you.

Next door, you can find Skarvens Steakhouse, taking care of the meaty side of the menu and serving steak in several sizes and varieties in addition to pork, mutton, chicken, duck, goat and sheep.

Newly renovated Arctandria Seafood Restaurant. Photo: Per Wollen

“The heart of the kitchen at the steakhouse is our Josper grill, which is the best indoor grill available. Not only does the meat get its taste from the charcoal used, but temperatures up to 500°C quickly give the meat a deliciously roasted crust and juicy flavours. You will taste the difference,” says Andersen.

Warm and cosy environment Skarven Kro & Pub is the most informal place. Here you can relax and get cosy while sipping on a drink or two. “We have a large selection of beer, almost 400 kinds of beer on bottle and 16 on tap, as well as a generous wine menu and other drinks available behind the bar. Here you can also taste simple, light dishes such as shellfish and seaweed soup, fresh mussels and delicious sandwiches, as well as fresh waffles, pastries and much

more,” says Andersen. In the summer, you can sit outside in the sun and enjoy a drink or food while taking in the beautiful surroundings, and in the winter months it is possible to warm up by the fireplace inside.

In addition to the Kro & Pub, it is also possible to enjoy a drink in Skarven Bar, located in the charming, yellow wooden building, a small and intimate area within the premises. The focus here is on serving the guests of the house good drinks, while offering a space to unwind before or after a meal.

Modern twist Located above Arctandria Seafood Restaurant is the latest addition to the establishment: Skarvens Culinary Theatre, a guest kitchen rented out for

At Skarvens Culinary Theatre, guests can attend food courses or wine tastings.

Photo: Yngve Sæbbe

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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Norway

Photo: Yngve Sæbbe

parties, courses and meetings. “Here we primarily test our own dishes, but the space is also used to arrange food courses and wine tastings for our guests, where they can prepare their own food while learning more about seafood and wine,” says Andersen. “At the Culinary Theatre, we take a step back from the typical north Norwegian cuisine by experimenting more and developing new and creative flavours, which adds a modern twist to the classic Arctic cuisine.”

The small and intimate Skarven Bar. Photo: Per Wollen

Skarven Kro & Pub.

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Location: Strandtorget 1, 9008 Tromsø, Norway Web: www.skarven.no Facebook: vertshusetskarven

Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Sweden

‘Bergmans Filmstaden’ is the first exhibition dedicated to the director’s work in Råsunda’s historic studio.

Attraction of the Month, Sweden

A homage to the maestro To mark the 100th anniversary of Ingmar Bergman’s birth, ‘Sweden’s Hollywood’ is paying tribute to the great director with a photo exhibition and series of tours.

Together, they highlight the importance of the historic studio to his work.

that even those unfamiliar with Bergman can enjoy the exhibition. “And, of course,” she adds, “it could also be a great way of opening someone’s eyes to his work.”

By Liz Longden | Photos: Stiftelsen Filmstadens Kultur

In 1944, a young screenwriter made his debut with a controversial film about passion and murder. Hets (Torment), which went on to win the Cannes film Festival Grand Prix in 1946, was made at the Filmstaden film studios in Råsunda, Solna and the screenwriter was Ingmar Bergman.

Over the next 25 years, Bergman would shoot 24 more films at Filmstaden, including classics such as Sommaren Med Monika (Summer With Monika), Smultronstället (Wild Strawberries) and Det Sjunde Inseglet (The Seventh Seal), making the site one of the most significant in the history of world cinema.

Now, in the centenary of Bergman’s birth, Filmstaden is hosting an exhibition and a series of tours and film screenings to celebrate its links with the three-times Oscar winner. “Bergman is truly one of the world’s great directors and this is one of the most important places in terms of the history of his work,” explains Annica Johansson, operations manager at Film-

stadens Kultur. “So we really want to show what he did here and share the unique legacy that we have in this historic site.”

25 giant stills and behind-the-scenes shots, one from every film made at Filmstaden, are displayed around the site, offering film lovers a fascinating overview of Bergman’s oeuvre. For those wanting to quite literally tread in his footsteps, there are guided tours of the locations of his most famous scenes.

And for the ultimate goose-bumpraising moment, visitors who book a tour can enjoy a screening in the same small auditorium where Bergman himself reviewed his own work. Johansson says it makes for a unique experience: “There is nowhere else where he made so many films, so it is only here that this can be experienced.”

The exhibition offers an undeniable treat for film buffs, but Johansson says that the sheer beauty of the images means

Bergman and cameraman Gösta Roosling, on the set of Kris, 1946.

Press photo (Aftonbladet, 1946)

Bergmans Filmstaden, 12 April to 21 December 2018.

Guided tours in English at 3pm: 3, 10 and 17 June and 5, 12 and 19 August.

Web: www.filmstadenskultur.se/ bergman

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Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Denmark

Attraction of the Month, Denmark

A spa experience to remember Sofiebadet in Copenhagen is focussing on ecology, sustainability and social responsibility and offers you a unique experience with its famous hamam treatments.

By Nicolai Lisberg | Photos: Sofiebadet

You will notice it right away: Sofiebadet is not like any other spa you will ever set foot in. The tiles and floor are made of marble and the aesthetic decoration on the walls gives the place a special and authentic feel. The bath house dates back to 1909, and though it was renovated in 2009 it has preserved the original interior. People from all around the world have travelled to Sofiebadet, and many come to experience the well-known hamam treatment that they offer.

“On the navel stone in the hamam, guests are resting on a bed of suds and completely covered by a layer of foam from the organic olive soap. The body is massaged and then scrubbed with a ‘kese’, before the body is finally rinsed. We have all kinds of people coming here just to try this special treatment. We’ve even had a woman from New York visiting, who said that Sofiebadet was one of her two favour108 | Issue 112 | May 2018

ite spa places in the world,” says Anne Poulsen, who has been working at Sofiebadet for over 12 years. “People are so relaxed after getting a hamam treatment. It’s difficult to explain, so you’ll have to come and experience it for yourself.”

“Other than these events and our hamam treatment, we also offer a more traditional spa experience with a sauna, steam bath and different hot or cold tubs. You can get an oil massage, lie in our tub with herbs, get a facial mask or try our classic mint-salt scrub, which exfoliates the skin. There is something for everyone,” says Poulsen.

Sustainability, concerts and private events Another aspect that makes Sofiebadet stand out is its sustainability and cultural profile. All toilets in the building use rainwater for flushing; the heat in the hamam room is reused as much as possible, and all cleaning products are organic.

The bath house also hosts intimate concerts, lectures, midnight bathing and joined hamam sessions, and on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, it is possible for guests to book the place for themselves for a few hours if they want to host a private event.

Web: www.sofiebadet.dk Instagram: @sofiebadet_christianshavn

Scan Magazine | Activity of the Month | Denmark

Activity of the Month, Denmark

A taste of jazz When the Riverboat Jazz Festival was established in 1966, it consisted of two boats cruising on the lakes in Silkeborg, Denmark. Today, the music festival is spread throughout the city, with three large stages and performers in many of the city’s cafés, bars and restaurants. For five days, Silkeborg becomes a jazz hub where young and old get to enjoy this legendary genre of music.

By Josefine Older Steffensen | Photos: Riverboat Jazz Festival

“We wanted to create an open festival where people could get a taster of the many aspects of jazz. Out of 160 concerts, 130 are free, which means that people are able to go and see a huge variety of artists without having to worry about the cost of it all,” explains Steffen Juul Hansen, who has been organising the festival for many years.

As the name suggests, the festival still has riverboats with bands playing jazz; however, with around 45,000 people visiting throughout the week, the boats were not sufficient. “It’s amazing to see how the city really comes to life during the week.

There are things happening at every corner, and people come from near and far to experience it all,” Hansen enthuses.

An international festival There is always a great variety of acts playing at Riverboat Jazz Festival. Bands

and artists come from Denmark, the US, Sweden, Norway, Brazil and many other countries to perform in Silkeborg.

The festival is organised by two people and supported by numerous sponsors, while over 350 volunteers descend on Silkeborg to ensure the smooth running of the whole arrangement. The festival is one of the best places to experience the many nuances of jazz, whether you are a jazz aficionado already, or someone simply looking for a nice day of exploring Silkeborg to a soundtrack of jazz.

“We don’t want close-minded jazz, where four people stand and play for each other rather than the crowd. Our festival is all about casual jazz and getting people involved in the music and the rhythm. There’s always a very positive attitude at the festival and a good vibe,” says Hansen.

The festival runs 27 June-1 July.

To volunteer, please call +45 8680 1617 or email info@riverboat.dk Web: www.riverboat.dk Facebook: RiverboatSilkeborg

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Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Norway

Hotel Alexandra is situated between towering mountains and the long, deep Norwegian fjords in idyllic Loen.

Hotel of the Month, Norway

A place to relax surrounded by Norway’s beautiful nature Known for its distinctive and personal atmosphere, Hotel Alexandra has an eye for style and comfort. Traditions have been combined with modern hotel operations at this peaceful gem located on the inner reaches of Nordfjord in Norway.

By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Hotel Alexandra

Situated between towering mountains and the long and deep Norwegian fjords, this family-run hotel in Loen has been welcoming guests for more than 130 years.

“When Hotel Alexandra was opened by Anders Markusson Loen in 1884, it could accommodate 20 guests. The hotel is still run by the same family, but it has since been renovated and expanded many times,” says hotel manager Ingri Grov Kämpf. She believes that the idyllic surroundings, the historical charm and the complete wellness and activity offering are the key reasons why the hotel has become such a favoured tourist spot.

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Alexandra today has 206 rooms with eight different room categories spread over eight floors. Focusing on good quality and comfort, the hotel has a calming combination of traditional and timeless style. “Our aim is to create a cosy and warm setting where our visitors can relax and feel at home,” says Kämpf, explaining that the rooms with a fjord view are extremely popular.

Explore Loen Loen offers fantastic scenery and excursions in impressive surroundings, and while staying at Alexandra, guests have

ample opportunities to take part in activities in and around the hotel. The area offers plenty of possibilities to experience nature, with everything from glacier walks and mountain climbing at Via Ferrata Loen, to guided tours of the area, as well as fishing and skiing. “Our company, Loen Active, helps you plan your adventures in the area. In 2013, we opened the Gjølmunnebridge, a suspension bridge across a 160-metre-deep canyon. The bridge is the longest via-ferrata bridge in Europe, a breathtaking activity in beautiful surroundings above the fjord landscape in Norway, which simply must be experienced,” Kämpf enthuses.

Kämpf also recommends exploring Loen Skylift, where you are lifted 1,011 metres above sea level with a cable car to the top of Hoven. Here, you can enjoy views of the

Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Norway

fjord landscape from the restaurant table, or while hiking in the mountains. “This new attraction takes you from the hotel and up on a little adventure – an impressive excursion worth a visit,” says Kämpf.

Within the premises of the hotel, you can get a drink in Markus Café and Bar, enjoy a delicious, local meal in Restaurant Andrine or Restaurant Charlotte, experience exquisite tastes in the Markus Winecellar or enjoy lively piano music at the Ida Lounge. “For guests wanting a good culinary experience, we create a menu based on local produce available that day. We also have a large buffet, which is very popular among our visitors, as well as an à la carte menu and a number of cafés and places to have a drink,” Kämpf explains.

Time to unwind The hotel provides a complete wellness offering with something for everyone, catering for guests who want a quiet time but also for families. “What better way to unwind after a day of outdoor activi-

Gjølmunnebridge at Via Ferrata.

Photo: Sverre Hjørnevik

Photo: Kristin Stoylen

ties than in our large bath and spa area, where you can enjoy the lovely feeling of relaxation and wellbeing. Our highly qualified therapists present a wide range of spa treatments suitable for both women and men, with the goal of providing both body and soul with care and relaxation,” says Kämpf.

The large indoor and outdoor pool is heated throughout the year, while you can also find Jacuzzis, a sauna and sunareas to keep everyone happy. “Swim from the indoor pool through a gate and end up in a large, beautiful garden with the most spectacular view of the majestic mountains surrounding the hotel,” continues the hotel manager.

get to us is by flight, but there are also other options for travelling by boat and bus, all great ways to discover rural Norway,” says Kämpf. “If you fly via Sandane or Ørsta–Volda you are guaranteed a pleasant journey.”

Location: Hotel Alexandra, 6789 Loen, Nordfjord, Norway

Web: www.alexandra.no Facebook: hotelalexandraloen Instagram: @alexandraloen

The journey is an experience in itself With its dramatic and impressive scenery, Loen has been attracting tourists for more than a century, and Alexandra is magnificently situated in this majestic landscape. “For many of our visitors, the journey to Loen is an experience in itself. The easiest and fastest way to

The swimming pool is heated throughout the year.

At the bath and spa you can enjoy the lovely feeling of relaxation and wellbeing. Photo: Kristin Stoylen

Sledding in the snow at Loen Skylift. Photo: Bård Basberg

Loen Skylift is a spectacular adventure. Photo: Sølvi Dybevold

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Hotel of the Month, Sweden

Cosy boutique hotel in central Stockholm Hotel Hansson is a cosy boutique hotel in central Stockholm. Still family-owned and praised by its loyal clientele, this is also a popular spot for trying delicacies from the west coast of Sweden.

to-die-for ramen and spring chicken.

Not just open for hotel guests, Hansson Bar & Matsal is definitely worth a detour.

By Malin Norman | Photos: Hotel Hansson

Since 2009, the vibrant bar serves oysters and is hosting an exclusive course in oyster tasting with Champagne on the last Friday of every month during oyster season, which runs from September to April. The oysters come from the Swedish west coast, of course, and the course takes 90 minutes, covering three different techniques for opening oysters in addition to the actual tasting, and participants will be able to enjoy a scrumptious dinner in the restaurant afterwards. Every Sunday, the hotel offers one of the best brunches in town, also in line with the oyster tasting season.

Established in 1885, Hotel Hansson is one of Stockholm’s few remaining family-owned hotels. Originally set up next to a spring on Surbrunnsgatan 38, this was a popular spot for achieving health and wellness back in the olden days.

Hotel manager Henry Freeland explains the significance of the location. “Traditionally, guests came here to drink water from the well down the street, spend a few nights at the hotel and get some well-deserved relaxation.”

Nowadays, Hotel Hansson is a hotspot attracting guests from Sweden and around the world, who are still in need of a good night’s sleep but now in a more modern setting. Guests appreciate the 112 | Issue 112 | May 2018

intimate atmosphere and friendly service provided by the hard-working team, which makes Hotel Hansson one of the most liked in town.

West coast influence Run by the Hansson family from Grebbestad since 1992, the four-star boutique hotel has a deeply rooted connection to the Swedish west coast. For instance, its restaurant Hansson Bar & Matsal serves typical dishes from the Grebbestad area, beer from Grebbestad Brewery and coffee from a roaster in Gothenburg. The seasonal cross-over menu, combining international cuisine with a Swedish touch, also includes signature dishes such as Grebberöra toast,

Hip vibes in Vasastan The hotel’s architecture is typical for the 1850s, while the interior has been carefully updated, yet still displaying some

Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Sweden

features such as high ceilings, wooden beams and decor from the era. Each of the 58 rooms has a unique design, also contributing to the special atmosphere. The Hansson family is updating the hotel continuously, with the addition of four new rooms this year, and also offers exclusive facilities for up to 20 people, ideal for meetings or private dinners. Free, super speedy Wi-Fi and a continental breakfast buffet are always included in the rate.

Conveniently located close to Odenplan in the hip area of Vasastan, Hotel Hansson provides a great mix of city buzz and greenery. Right next to the hotel is the city library as well as a great selection of wonderful shops, cosy cafés, trendy bars and restaurants. “This is a meeting place

for locals,” explains Freeland. “Along the same street is comedy club Norra Brunn, and further down, a golf bar with mini golf and a laser dome. There’s plenty to do, just around the corner!”

Close by are a few of Stockholm’s most beautiful parks, Vasaparken, Hagaparken and Observatorielunden, and further afield awaits Vanadislunden and Bellevueparken. Hotel guests travelling to Stockholm by plane can easily catch the commuter train from Arlanda Airport to Odenplan, which only takes 30 minutes.

Web: www.hotelhansson.se/en Facebook: Hotel-Hansson Instagram: @hotelhansson

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Scan Magazine | Wellness Profile of the Month | Denmark

Wellness Profile of the Month, Denmark

Seaside ‘hygge’ with a touch of luxury Combine the laidback luxury of the Maldives with Denmark’s stylish minimalism and ‘hygge’, and what you get is Hvidbjerg Strand. Located by the coast of the North Sea, the holiday resort offers guests an all-embracing choice of accommodation as well as soul-soothing surroundings and deluxe spa and dining experiences.

Scandinavian interiors. All hotel flats also have a small kitchen as well as a private balcony or terrace and – from the flats on the top floor – sea views.

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Hvidbjerg Strand

Flexible ‘hygge’

Nominated as one of the best in its category in Europe last year, Hvidbjerg Strand took its already enchanting holiday experience up another notch. With 23 new luxurious beach villas, a new hotel, and a gourmet restaurant, the holiday resort can today satisfactorily accommodate even the most discerning holiday-makers – with or without children. Owner Steen Slaikjær, who runs and owns the resort with his sister, Lene Grønlund, explains: “For many years, we have been broadening our offer to 114 | Issue 112 | May 2018

accommodate the guests who want a bit more luxury while holidaying at the North Sea. We’ve often travelled with children and been annoyed by the fact that, while you might be able to get the hotel experience by having an extra bed for the children in your hotel room, it’s not fun – it’s not a holiday experience.”

Founded in 1976 by Lene and Steen Slaikjær’s parents, Hvidbjerg Strand has been steadily developed into one of Denmark and Europe’s best camping resorts. In 2009, the spa and wellness centre Blåvand Kurbad & Wellness opened and, in 2016, Hvidbjerg Strand was the first campsite in Denmark to receive a ‘superior’ rating.

At the new Beach Hotel, on the other hand, families can get the full hotel experience with two-bedroom flats stylishly decorated in minimalistic but warm

But the beach villas are taking things to another level. “Our beach villas all have a private Jacuzzi and fireplace on the terrace – a lovely place to enjoy a glass

Scan Magazine | Wellness Profile of the Month | Denmark

of wine if that takes your fancy. Moreover, the villas are built in connection to the restaurant, so you can order breakfast – but it’s not a must. You can also bring and cook your own food if that’s your preference,” explains Slaikjær.

Like the Beach Hotel, the beach villas ooze Scandinavian design, but with a warm, slightly nostalgic maritime feel to it.

A healthy dose of indulgence With access to Blåvand Kurbad & Wellness as well as an indoor water park, indoor playground and horseback riding, Hvidbjerg Strand has everything needed for a fun, restoring and romantic getaway for families, friends and couples. Surrounded by nature and with multiple opportunities for water sports, cycling, riding and walking, the resort is also popular with guests looking for an

active and healthy getaway in beautiful surroundings.

Completing the pampering, fun or romance, activities can be followed by dinner in one of Hvidbjerg Strand’s three restaurants. One of them is the newly opened Høfde4. Treating its guests to a menu of seasonal French and Nordic food in rustic Nordic interiors, the brasserie offers the finishing touch to the complete holiday experience, according to Slaikjær. “We have a lot of guests who are really thrilled to be able to come and stay right by the sea and have this experience of wellness and luxury, just for a night or two. Many use it as a quick weekend getaway without the children, to recharge and relax without the hassle of flying – it’s very flexible in every way.”

Web: www.hvidbjergstrand.com

Facts: Hvidbjerg Strand is located on the coast of the North Sea, a two-hour drive from Aarhus and three hours from Copenhagen.

The resort’s 85-square-metre beach villas each have room for up to six people, and all have a private terrace with a fireplace and a Jacuzzi.

The 50-square-metre flats of the Beach Hotel all have two bedrooms, a small kitchen and a private balcony or terrace.

The villas as well as the hotel are located right by the sandy beach of the North Sea, with water sports such as windsurfing, stand-up paddle (SUP) boarding and open-water swimming available.

Guests staying at the Beach Hotel and beach villas have free access to Blåvand Kurbad & Wellness, the indoor waterpark, the indoor playground, and all the other facilities.

Issue 112 | May 2018 | 115

Scan Magazine | Architect of the Month | Denmark

Top: RUM has, in collaboration with Ejendomme A/S and COWI, won the right to design and develop Jernlageret, a 70,000-square-metre construction for residential, business and commercial spaces between Horsens and Horsens Fjord. Below: Located on the edge of Grejsdal and the surrounding hills, Filterværket’s 47 homes are adapted to the architecture of the landscape and the surrounding villas.

Architect of the Month, Denmark

Beautifully functional At Danish architecture practice RUM, architecture is a tool for social sustainability – greater diversity and beautifully functional spaces furthering wellbeing. With flexible and durable structures, the Horsens-based firm aims to create maximum value for developers as well as present and future users.

By Signe Hansen | Photos: RUM

Created by the merger of two wellestablished firms ten years ago, RUM has a long history of creating high-quality architecture through an open and thorough planning process. Partner Anders Johansen explains. “We work a lot with aesthetics and beautiful buildings – we just believe that it’s something that arises from the combination of other core elements. Architecture is about structures that are suited to the people using them; it’s about flexibility and technical quality and ensuring that the structures will last. And, it’s about optimising the value for the developer through a balance of all those things.”

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Throughout the years, RUM has applied these principles in numerous projects within the sectors of education and culture, health, residential and workplace.

Building diversity Among RUM’s most remarkable current projects is Jernlageret, a 70,000-square-

metre development that will combine residential, business and commercial spaces on the border between Horsens and Horsens harbour. Rather than creating an exclusive, expensive waterfront area, the project aims to reconnect the town centre to the water by incorporating new passageways and recreational areas as well as varied living spaces that, with rental, social and owned homes side by side, accommodate people from all walks of life.

The ideals of social inclusivity and diversity are also leading factors in

Scan Magazine | Architect of the Month | Denmark

cess. This was essential to the success of Filterværket, 47 new homes at the edge of the forest and hills surrounding Grejsdal

by Vejle. “We were building at the end of a cul-de-sac road with detached villas, and a lot of the residents didn’t like the idea initially,” explains Johansen. “But the way the project was created, it ended up providing a nice uplift and finish to the neighbourhood, with terraced houses stacked up against the hillside and adapted to the architecture of the landscape.”

work, attracted by the inviting work environment. “It’s about getting all the pieces to click into place and creating a more natural aesthetic,” says Jensen and rounds off: “We think the beauty of a building is when everything comes together.”

Like all other buildings created by RUM, Filterværket was also designed to avoid creating shade on neighbouring properties.

The beauty of functionality

Generationernes Hus (‘the House of the Generations’), a project underway in the new Aarhus Ø city quarter. The project will combine flats for families, youngsters, disabled people and elderly as well as a large day care institution.

“Bringing people together across income, age and ability is part of the idea of social sustainability,” explains partner Claus Jensen. “It’s about creating contact with the people that we don’t usually connect with privately and, by doing so, creating an active and sustainable living environment.”

While functionality, flexibility and sustainability are at the heart of RUM’s work, that does not mean that beauty is not created; but often aesthetically pleasing exteriors and interiors stem from the combination of other elements. Jensen explains: “We are not a practice that starts out by talking about beauty; we look a lot at the function and context, and the factors that create a good building – flexibility, light, climatology, and in- and outdoor spaces for people to meet.”

In this way, when designing Atea’s new domicile in Kolding, RUM aimed to create a new office building prepared for the future with lots of light, open spaces and meeting rooms. The effect was that employees who had previously preferred to work from home started coming into the office to

With its open spaces, meeting rooms and pleasant light environment, the new Atea domicile has meant that fewer employees choose to work from home.

Facts: RUM is owned by Anders Johansen, Claus Jensen and Karin Elbek.

The practice’s headquarter is located in Horsens.

RUM specialises in architecture within the sectors of health, workplace, residential, and education and culture.

The practice has approximately 50 employees.

Web: www.rumarkitektur.dk

Both feet on the ground When planning projects, RUM works to incorporate and involve all relevant parties as early as possible in the process.

This not only gives the developer a greater insight into the project’s process and finances, but also more security, says Johansen. “If we, for instance, make sure to involve the relevant authorities as early in the project as possible, it will give our clients greater certainty that the realisation of the project is actually feasible.”

That same way, the surrounding landscape and neighbouring buildings are taken into account at the very start of the pro-

Generationernes Hus in Aarhus Ø – developed in collaboration with JFP KPF Arkitekter, Kragh & Berglund and SWECO – is a socially innovative project aimed at bringing together different generations in one building.

Issue 112 | May 2018 | 117

Scan Magazine | Artist of the Month | Norway

Sammen (Poised), acrylic on canvas, 70x90 cm.

Artist of the Month, Norway

‘Sometimes I catch myself thinking, ‘I wish I was here’’ Norwegian artist Anne Kristin Hagesæther depicts the places she has been or passed by, to remind herself that she was really there.

By Line Elise Svanevik | Photos: Anne Kristin Hagesæther

Hagesæther has a special relationship with the outdoors, despite not being the sort of person who grabs a backpack and goes hiking in the wild for days on end.

However, all her life she has crossed the mountains, travelling from Oslo to Bergen to visit her family.

“I am a sort of window-seat-on-the-train passenger, drawing my way through my 118 | Issue 112 | May 2018

travels. I often step off a train on a platform with a spectacular view and think, ‘I wish I was here’, which is peculiar because I am there in that moment,” she laughs.

“In my painting and printmaking practices, I have made various pictures of mountains and snow. Recently, I have focused on the forestry landscape and

the peculiarities of the individual trees,” she says. “Some periods I work in an abstract way, and other periods in a more representational way.”

Hagesæther finds that the most challenging aspect of her work is to embark on landscape pictures. “There are unlimited ways of interpreting Norwegian nature, and I wish to evoke both emotions and recognisability,” she says.

“If I paint from a specific area like Dovre or Haukeli, and add a mountain that is not actually there – they will ‘catch’ me.

Scan Magazine | Artist of the Month | Norway

People know their mountains. But I have no hesitation placing a see-through, iconic mountain on top of an abstract background or below a colourful sky.”

Hagesæther says that when it comes to woodland pictures, she mixes depictions of trees she has seen in different locations. “Then I can pick out the aesthetically interesting trees and combine them – even in unrealistic colours,” she adds.

It started with a poster of a tree Hagesæther recalls a strong childhood memory of when she was sitting in front of a poster of a large tree on the wall.

“It was drawn with a pencil, and at 11 I wondered how on earth you would draw a tree like that. For me, drawing trees and hair have always been mind-boggling – where do you even begin?”

In 2014, she partook in an Artist-inResidence programme, which takes artists out of their usual environments.

Hagesæther was placed at Atelier Austmarka in the deep forests of Finnskogen for a few weeks, where she captured her surroundings in sketchbooks and on paper. She painted with melted blueberries and lingonberries, and pegged her pictures to the heather.

– most branches point upwards,” she explains. “I became fascinated with these trees. They were warped, had personalities and life stories – I even read poems about trees. I have done the same with mountains, and these experiences are now in my visual treasure chest.”

Hagesæther studied in the UK in the early ‘90s and recently turned to London for mentorship, becoming part of an international peer group. “We have weekly contact through social media, showing our work and giving each other feedback.

We have also held group exhibitions together,” she says.

Hagesæther did not always simply paint.

She has previously illustrated many books, for which she has received a number of awards, and she has created stamps for the Norwegian Post and Sus (Breeze), acrylic on canvas, 100x100 cm.

Cooperation is key Hagesæther has decided to leave the admin side of her art business to an art coordinator she has employed. “As an artist working with dozens of galleries, I could easily spend my whole day doing admin and not necessarily get to paint at all. I cooperate with Elsa Einarsdottir/ Kunst i Rom, so that I can devote my time to painting and printmaking, which I am better at,” Hagesæther smiles. “It is good for business, too.”

She continues: “Cooperating with the international peer group, the printer at the lithographic workshop and Elsa, brings energy into my otherwise lonely studio life. I enjoy the mountains, trees, colours and paint brushes, but I need people too.”

Upcoming exhibitions 2018 7-21 April: Group exhibition at Galleri EKG, Hamar.

14 April-13 May: Solo exhibition at Galleri SG, Trondheim.

2 June-2 September: Group exhibition at Ringebu Prestegard.

Web: www.annekristin.no Facebook: annekristinart Instagram: @annekristin_no

“That was where I really got to study the big spruce trees – and they are not like in the Disney films where they drape down

Utsyn (Outlook), lithograph, 62.5x49.5 cm.

worked with overseas clients such as TIME Asia and BBC Music Magazine.

Trolla, acrylic on canvas, 100x100 cm.

Anne Kristin Hagesæther in her studio.

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Scan Magazine | Inn of the Month | Denmark

Hotel Gjerrild Kro welcomes both twoand four-legged guests with open arms.

Though the main building is new, Hotel Gjerrild Kro is a traditional, royally privileged inn, established in 1843.

Inn of the Month, Denmark

Holidays for horses and humans At Hotel Gjerrild Kro, two- and four-legged guests are equally as welcome as each other. Located in the beautiful natural surroundings of Djursland, the traditional Danish inn has been sought out for its recreational and welcoming atmosphere for centuries – and now it is possible to enjoy it on horseback too.

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Hotel Gjerrild Kro

With an adjoining stable, a newly completed riding hall, and a highly qualified riding master, Hotel Gjerrild Kro is ready to welcome both two- and four-legged visitors with open arms. Part of Small Danish Hotels, the inn is run by husband and wife Hilding and Helle Hvid, while the riding centre and stables are managed by their daughters, Michelle and Sabina Hvid. Hilding, whose father bought the inn in 1968, explains. “It’s very much a family business. I’ve been here for just about 50 years; my children are establishing the horse hotel, and now we also have the fourth generation, my grandchildren, roaming the halls.”

Located just five minutes from Djursland’s beautiful coast and Sostrup forest, the area around Hotel Gjerrild Kro is full of beautiful places to explore on horseback, foot or bike. As well as this, the equestrians who wish to improve their skills 120 | Issue 112 | May 2018

within dressage or jumping can do so in the very capable hands of Michelle Hvid, an experienced riding master and instructor who worked and trained abroad for many years.

A chance to switch off Due to the proximity of the beach and Djursland’s many family activities, Hotel Gjerrild Kro is also a popular place for a family getaway. Whether at the inn, Hilding Hvid, who took over Hotel Gjerrild Kro from his parents in 1987, runs the inn with his wife, Helle Hvid.

the stable or the traditional Danish restaurant, everyone is met by the special open-armed atmosphere that has characterised the place for decades. “My wife and I meet our guests with traditional inn hospitality and dedicated co-workers.

We want to give guests a chance to just switch off and enjoy being together,” explains Hilding, adding: “From many of our rooms you can view the grass folds where the horses are frolicking about. It’s part of the experience; where other hotels have wellness, we have horses.”

Facts: Dogs, horses and humans are all equally welcome at Hotel Gjerrild Kro. Gjerrild Kro was established in 1843 and is a royally privileged inn.

In 1982, the old main building was destroyed by fire, and the current main building was constructed the following year.

The inn is located in Gjerrild, a small village 35 minutes from Ebeltoft, surrounded by beautiful landscape and coastline.

Web: www.hotel-gjerrild-kro.dk

Scan Magazine | Humour | Columns

IS IT JUST ME…

By Mette Lisby

Who has become increasingly aware of the cacophony that characterises modern life? The symphony of sounds we are exposed to on a daily basis? Or said straight up: the huge amount of noise our everyday lives are subjected to?

I started noticing after a recent visit to Las Vegas. My husband and I were strolling casually down The Strip when the phone rang with work-related questions that needed answering right away, and thus we – phone in hand – started looking around to find a quiet spot where we could have a phone conversation.

That was not possible. Every store had music blasting, and every coffee shop had espresso machines growling at us. We were looking for indoor places because, you see, the street in Vegas features loudspeakers playing festive swing music. Yes – on the street.

The city of Las Vegas has simply decided to add a soundtrack to your life – every second of it. And it may be an alluring thought to have your life at all times accompanied by swing music, but I can tell you that, after 26 hours, it does get tiresome.

But hey, that is Vegas. Party! Entertainment! Or, as you start referring to it as you get older: noise.

Coming back home, I started to notice the wallpaper of sounds we face on a daily basis. The ever-growing traffic, the accidental helicopter, construction work, the beeping from reversing trucks, loud music from passing cars, car alarms, ringing phones and people talking on them.

Even in the private sphere, we are met with this tapestry of modern-life sounds.

Kids playing video games. The TV is on.

The blender, the dishwasher. That is in your own home – then there are other people in surrounding homes. People who have leaf blowers!

Why are people with leaf blowers always oddly enthusiastic about using them?

What is the deal with leaf blowers, anyway?

“Look! I’m blowing these leaves over on this side of the street.” What are you, wind?

Form Every five years, I traipse up to the Swedish embassy in London to renew my passport. If you have to travel any distance, and therefore cannot attend morning visiting hours, you are presented with a one-hour visiting slot, once a week. You will be unable to enter the building until that exact time, which means that you are left standing in the rain, clutching your soggy paperwork, along with the other visiting, wet Swedes.

This year, I opted for renewing my passport at a police station in Sweden, which comes with many added benefits, such as indoor queueing and more than one opening hour. It did, however, throw up a different, unexpected obstacle: a Swedish form.

The woman behind the counter could not have been more helpful. She explained in great detail what information needed to go where and what boxes I had to tick. Except – of course – in Sweden you do not tick. You

And why – why – would you assume that the leaves that look messy on your side of the street would look any less messy when they land on my side of the street?

So that is it. I am heading back to Vegas.

If my life must have an ongoing soundtrack, I prefer swing music over random traffic and leaf blowers. Plus, I might get a bit of quiet time on the plane.

Mette Lisby is Denmark’s leading female comedian. She invites you to laugh along with her monthly humour columns. Since her stand-up debut in 1992, Mette has hosted the Danish version of Have I Got News For You and Room 101.

By Maria Smedstad

woman asked. “DAD!”, I screamed across the police station. “WHAT’S YOUR ADDRESS?” My panic at this stage must have been infectious, because dad suddenly had no idea. It seemed a miracle that I left with a completed application submitted. The triumph, however, was short lived – because where did I have to collect my new passport?

At the embassy in London of course – during the weekly, one-hour slot, in the rain. cross. Too late for me: I had already filled the form with ticks, which the woman eyed in confusion.

Then came the dates. Suddenly I had no memory of which way to write them. Year first? Day first? The more she told me, the more my mind stopped working. I was becoming increasingly convinced that I would end up arrested for being a fake Swede. “Do you have a contact address in Sweden?” the

Maria Smedstad moved to the UK from Sweden in 1994. She received a degree in Illustration in 2001, before settling in the capital as a freelance cartoonist, creating the autobiographical cartoon Em. Maria writes a column on the trials and tribulations of life as a Swede in the UK.

Issue 112 | May 2018 | 121

Bridging cultures all over the world When it comes to cultural collaborations, few have had the resounding success of the Danish/Swedish TV-series The Bridge. Celebrating the BBC’s forthcoming release of the show’s fourth season, the team behind the drama paid a visit to London to talk about cultural differences, how TV can make the world a better place and where the final season might leave the two protagonists (no spoilers).

By Signe Hansen

Hosted by the Danish and Swedish embassies in London, the team behind The Bridge was met by an impressive number of journalists and Nordic 122 | Issue 112 | May 2018

Noir enthusiasts. With Swedish Sofia Helin (Saga Norén) and Danish Thure Lindhardt (Henrik Sabroe) among the guests, the discussion quickly turned

to the challenges and lessons learnt from the Danish/Swedish collaboration.

“We learned that we’re all humans; it doesn’t matter if we’re from Denmark or Sweden,” Helin enthused smilingly, showing everyone that Saga is very much the result of great acting and writing rather than a natural part of Helin’s own open-hearted persona. Lindhardt had a slightly different take and dryly joked: “Yes, I think it’s only 600 words that are actually different between Danish

Scan Magazine | Culture Feature | The Fourth and Final The Bridge

The Swedish/Danish TV drama The Bridge has reached a global audience. Photo: Baldur Bragason/SVT

and Swedish; the rest is just accents, dialects and weird behaviour.”

British people, the fourth and final season will be aired on BBC Two.

While Lindhardt joined the series in season three, the forthcoming season is Helin’s fourth, and final, spell as Saga.

Her portrayal of the highly intelligent but emotionally pent-up police officer has been accredited with much of the success of the show, which is BBC Four’s highest-rated drama ever. With season three watched by more than one million

Can a TV show change the world?

While the Danish/Swedish The Bridge is coming to an end, new versions of the drama are airing all over the world. On top of The Tunnel – the British/French remake of the Bridge – American/ Mexican, German/Austrian and Russian/ Latvian versions have been, or are to be, produced. At one point, a South/North

Korean version was even on the cards, but was eventually abandoned. Hence, it is natural to ask, can TV actually help build bridges across cultures?

Lindhardt believes that the broader cultural scope of TV can, at the very least, help change the way we see the world.

“I think it’s really interesting what’s going on for actors all over the world at the moment. You can record something in a hotel room in Spain and, two months Issue 112 | May 2018 | 123

Scan Magazine | Culture Feature | The Fourth and Final The Bridge

The Swedish/Danish TV drama The Bridge has reached a global audience. Photo: Baldur Bragason/SVT

124 | Issue 112 | May 2018

Scan Magazine | Culture Feature | The Fourth and Final The Bridge

Swedish Sofia Helin (Saga Norén) and Danish Thure Lindhardt (Henrik Sabroe). Photo: Carlstrom Photography

The team behind The Bridge paid a visit to London. Left to right: Executive producer Anders Landström, producer Lars Blomgren, actress Sofia Helin, actor Thure Lindhardt, writer Hans Rosenfeldt and broadcaster Dr. Matthew Sweet.

later, you’re shooting in New York,” said the actor, who has played in several Hollywood films. “It’s changing the whole idea of how we perceive and see human beings, because the scripts are becoming so much better and are helping promote and show human beings of different race, sexuality and so on; I think it can change the world.”

However, Swedish producer Lars Blomgren revealed that the ambition was initially not at all as big as such; the producers just wanted to get the show on Danish TV. “It seemed to us that while all the Danish shows were airing on primetime on Swedish TV, none of ours made it to Denmark. We thought, if we just create something that looks Danish, then we can at least get it onto Danish TV,” he said and added, laughing: “and then we just overshot the target a bit.”

What happens next?

While the big finale was something everyone kept tight-lipped about, the

show’s writer, Hans Rosenfeldt, opened the lid a little on the process that brought the show to an end. “We wanted to give them [the characters] a good ending, the ending they deserved,” he said. “All the other seasons we wrote as a part of a series – we didn’t know if we would be commissioned again. But this time, we knew we could actually write an ending, and that was truly helpful.”

Sadly, for those of us hoping that this might not, after all, be the very end, the producers agreed that it is “100 per cent sure” that it is. Hence, all there is left to do is savour every bit of it, and from what we heard, it is going to be more Nordic Noir than ever. “It’s very emotional; the first time I pitched it to my wife, I started crying,” admitted Blomgren.

Time to get the tissues out.

The fourth and final season of The Bridge starts on BBC Two on 11 May.

Issue 112 | May 2018 | 125

Scan Magazine | Culture |

Column

Scandinavian music Is there really any news more important this month, or even year – not just in Scandinavian music, but in music in general – than the news that ABBA are to reunite and release brand new music? No, there is not.

ABBA. Reuniting. New music. Words none of us ever thought we would see written together. But on that last Friday in April, we all scrolled through headline after global news headline, with that very message beaming out at us loud and clear.

Having gotten together recently to iron out plans for an avatar tour project (if they fail to use the term ‘Abbatar’ somewhere along the line, they will have failed all of us), the Swedish/Norwegian foursome did the unthinkable – the thing they said they would never ever do again: record some brand-new music.

Releasing a joint statement, the group said: “The decision to go ahead with the exciting ABBA avatar tour project had an unexpected consequence. We all four felt that,

126 | Issue 112 | May 2018

after some 35 years, it could be fun to join forces again and go into the recording studio.

So we did. And it was like time had stood still and that we had only been away on a short holiday. An extremely joyful experience!”

Continuing with even more eye-opening news: “It resulted in two new songs and one of them, Still Have Faith In You, will be performed by our digital selves in a TV special produced by NBC and the BBC aimed for broadcasting in December. We may have come of age, but the song is new.

And it feels good.” They signed off: “Agnetha, Benny, Björn, Anni-Frid – Stockholm, Sweden, 27 April 2018.”

And there we have it. Two new songs, 35 years later, and the best news of all is that we will not even have to scramble for tickets to see them. Everyone with a TV set or a broadband connection will get to witness the spectacle, and hear new ABBA music. Music which, according to ABBA’s spokesperson Görel Hanser, has a sound that “will be familiar, but also modern”.

By Karl Batterbee

December cannot come soon enough. I, for one, need to dance, jive, and have the time of my life.

www.scandipop.co.uk scandipop@gmail.com

Scan Magazine | Culture | Calendar

Scandinavian Culture Calendar – Where to go, what to see? It’s all happening here!

Sámi – First Nation Culture in Northern Europe (23 May) Dash Café is gathering Sámi artists, activists and musicians for an evening of conversation, art and performance.

Among them are Finnish Sámi musician Hildá Länsman, Helsinki-based sound designer Tuomas Norvio, academic Neil Kent (author of The Sámi Peoples of the North) and multi-instrumentalist Jouna Lansman, who in each their way will explore contemporary culture of the indigenous people of the north and its impact worldwide. 7.30pm. Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA, UK. www.dasharts.org.uk

By Sanne Wass

NeoArctic by Hotel Pro Forma.

Photo: Andreas Sommer

NeoArctic by Hotel Pro Forma (24-25 May) NeoArctic is the result of artistic collaboration between composers, writers, NeoArctic by Hotel Pro Forma.

Photo: Andreas Sommer

Issue 112 | May 2018 | 127

Scan Magazine | Culture | Calendar

artists, designers, filmmakers and scientists from the Danish performance house Hotel Pro Forma and the Latvian Radio Choir. Together they have created what they call an “evocative and poetic visual music performance” that explores the Anthropocene, a new geological age defined by human disturbance of the ecosystem, and which will premiere in the UK in May. Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX, UK. www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Distortion (30 May-3 June)

Distortion, Copenhagen.

Photo: Nikolaj Brünnich

Hilda Länsman. Press photo

The concept of Distortion is simple – and one that has become quite a phenomenon over the last two decades. For five consecutive days, Copenhagen will be turned into one huge street party, with massive daytime events, underground nightclubs, a grand two-day finale – Distortion Ø – followed by Sunday ‘hygge’ in the park. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the festival is once again set to push the limits of street life and party culture. Various locations, Copenhagen, Denmark. www.cphdistortion.dk

Brighton Fringe Finnish Season (until 3 June) Finnish Season takes over the openaccess arts festival Brighton Fringe in May. A result of a partnership with the Finnish Institute, the festival will bring you a whole month of rich and surprising events by some incredible Finnish artists in action. According to the organisers, it is “a perfect chance to try something a little bit different”, and maybe even learn a thing or two about why Finns are so happy. Most of the events are either non-verbal or performed in English. Various locations, Brighton, UK. www.brightonfringe.org

a-ha on the Electric Summer tour in UK (7-17 June) Norwegian band a-ha is returning to its classic electronic sound when the group embarks on an ‘Electric Summer’ tour across Europe and beyond. Formed in Oslo in 1982, the three-man band rose to fame in the mid-1980s with top interna128 | Issue 112 | May 2018

Scan Magazine | Culture | Calendar

Dark Side of the Mime is deemed to be the most controversial show of the Brighton Fringe Finnish Season, mixing together clowning with classic pantomime, porn, splatter and violence on 28-29 May. Photo: Jouni Harala

tional hits such as Take On Me and The Sun Always Shines on TV. Its summer tour will start with seven concerts across the UK and Ireland in June, after which the band will continue its tour in Israel, Scandinavia, the Netherlands, Germany and France, among other places. Various locations, UK and Ireland. www.a-ha.com

Bergenfest (12-16 June) Over the course of five days in June, Bergenfest will once again present a diverse programme of Norwegian and international names from an eclectic mix of genres, spanning rock, R&B, hip hop, Issue 112 | May 2018 | 129

Scan Magazine | Culture | Calendar

EDM and blues. One of the largest music festivals in Norway, the event takes place in the picturesque and historic surroundings of the medieval Bergenhus Fortress.

Vågen, 5003 Bergen, Norway. www.bergenfest.no

Secret Solstice Festival (21-24 June) For the fifth year, Iceland’s midnight-sun music festival offers another great reason to go to Iceland this summer. Over the course of four days, the Secret Solstice Festival will showcase established artists as well as exciting up-andcoming talent – with a line-up including Slayer, Stormzy and Gucci Mane. But that is not all: because Iceland is situated close to the Arctic Circle, the festival guarantees a truly unique experience of the 24-hour midnight sun during the summer solstice. Laugardalur & Laugardalshöll, Engjavegur 7, 104 Reykjavík, Iceland. www.secretsolstice.is Top left: All City Movement is a series of street paintings sited around Brighton as part of the Brighton Fringe Festival, which serve to link the natural world to the urban environment. Photo: Jussi Koistinen. Top right: Milla Virtanen and Jaakko Toivonen will perform Blackpool, a dance performance, on 23-25 May as part of Brighton Fringe Festival. Photo: Leevi Lehtinen. Bottom left: Bergenfest, Bergen. Photo: Mats Neset

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Scan Magazine | Culture | Calendar

NeoArctic by Hotel Pro Forma.

Photo: Andreas Sommer

Issue 112 | May 2018 | 131

BLIV EN DEL AF FREMTIDEN 11.-13. SEPT. 2018 -- ODENSE THREE DAYS TWOCONGRESS TRADECENTER FAIRS

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ROBOTBRANCHEN THE ROBOT SAMLES INDUSTRY IS I ODENSE MEETING IN ODENSE

I 2016 satte Elektronikmessen den faglige barre højt med Inend 2016, we set the standard than 75 flere 75 konferenceindlæg, somwith 80% more af de besøgende presentations, which more than 80 per cent of our deltog i. Den udvikling fortsætter vi selvfølgelig på E-18!

R-18 bringer robotbranchen og erhvervslivet sammen, R-18 will expose the industry to the business så robotproducenter ogrobot softwareleverandører møder sector, encouraging robotics manufacturers beslutningstagere, indkøbere, iværksættere og and specialister!

• Big Data, IoT, Industri 4.0 & Cloud • Big Data, IoT, Industry 4.0 & Cloud • Sensorteknologier og MEMS • Technologies and MEMS • Embedded High Performance Computing

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guests took part in. We are of course continuing that development at E-18!

• Embedded High Performance • Linux og operative systemer Computing • Linux and operating systems • Wireless

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• Wireless Security • Security Power elektronik • Power electronics Sourcing • Sourcing

Det faglige program på E-18 bliver skabt i samarbejde med Morten Block fra Arrow, has Runebeen Domsten The E-18 Kreiberg conference programme developed fra in Indesmatech, Henrik Valentin Jensen fra DI Digital og close collaboration with Arrow’s Morten Kreiberg konsulent Per Bach.

Block, Indesmatech’s Rune Domsten, Henrik Valentin

Jensen from DI Digital and consultant Per Bach.

Book din stand og tilmeld på Book your stand and sign up at elektronikmesse.dk www.elektronikmesse.dk

software providers to engage with decision makers, purchasing agents, entrepreneurs and specialists!

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Collaborative robots Collaborative robots Machine learning Machine learning Human-robot Interaction Human-robot interaction Drones Drones AGV AGV Odense Investor Summit: Odense Summit: RobotsInvestor meet Capital Robots meet Capital AI AI

Robotmessen R-18 understøttes af et fagligt stærkt konferenceprogram og bakkes af Odense Robotics, The R-18 robotics fair will beopunderpinned by a UAS Denmark, Odense Seed and Venture og Odense Kommune. strong conference programme and is supported by

Odense Robotics, the City of Odense and Odense Seed and Venture.

Book din stand og tilmeld på Book your stand and sign up at robotmesse.dk www.robotmesse.dk