Scan Magazine, Issue 122, March 2019 by Scan Client Publishing

MARCH 2019 ISSUE 122 PROMOTING BRAND SCANDINAVIA

HELENA & SOFIA MATTSSON: HOLLYWOOD SWEETHEARTS CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS IN SWEDEN AND DENMARK NORWEGIAN TRAVEL SPECIAL JESPER JENSET â&#x20AC;&#x201C; NORWEGIAN IDOL FINDING HIS GROOVE

Scan Magazine | Contents

Contents COVER FEATURE 22

Helena and Sofia Mattsson: Hollywood Sweethearts Helena and Sofia Mattsson are the sisters who are working the Hollywood circuit simultaneously, both successfully, and without even an ounce of rivalry. Scan Magazine spoke to the Swedes about Hollywood antics, what home really means, and their brand-new vegan handbag venture.

brewed craft beer. There are endless reasons to visit Norway, stunning fjords and adventurous activities being just some of them. Let our guide lead the way.

To say that Lofoten is magnificent would be an understatement. With majestic mountains shooting straight up out of icy fjords and cosy fisherman’s huts just waiting for you to make them your home for a little while, this place is like no other – Scan Magazine shows you why.

DESIGN 10

Wearing Blue, Living Green Instead of feeling blue, we suggest wearing blue. Instead of going rogue, try to live a greener life. This month’s design section presents the brands that help you look good, spruce up your home, and bring good karma straight back to you.

Culture in Sweden What do a sunken ship, world-renowned rugs, and a Prince with a penchant for fine arts have in common? They are all featured in this month’s Swedish culture special, where we advise on where to go and what to see on your next cultural visit to Sweden.

Culture in Denmark Thousands of migratory birds and the most honest critics of all, young children, cannot be wrong: Denmark is the place to be if you want a cultural holiday with a relaxing twist. We look at how Denmark’s stunning coastlines have inspired the country’s culture, and help you figure out where to go.

Destinations to Visit in Norway in 2019 – Our Top Picks Kayaking, whale watching, camping under the northern lights – all topped off with delicious, locally

Destination Trondheim

A Taste of Finland

A Spotlight on Finnish Start-ups Speaking of self-care: why not spread the love and enjoy it with your colleagues? Alternatively, put a ring on it – or get inspired by ethical brands and sustainable fashion, straight from Finland.

SPECIAL THEMES 26

BUSINESS 99

Re-value Your Business and

Put Women at The Top Nils Elmark makes a convincing case for why you should look to the Swiss watch industry and revalue your business, while Steve Flinders dreams of a world where women are at the top. Meanwhile, we present a beautiful social enterprise and discover a business hub in the heart of Finland.

CULTURE 122 Finnish Art and a Norwegian Rising Star Find out how dance can break down boundaries and learn more about the pop empire that Norway is in the middle of building. This and more – including this month’s unmissable cultural events – you will find in the culture section.

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Gin inspired by mythology, berry-packed juices and protein-rich foods – both those on a health buzz and those looking for a special treat will find a new favourite from Finland.

From Iconic Whisky to Digital Transformation The entrepreneurs and passionate people behind this month’s special features are all ambitious and admirable. From iconic whisky and a restaurant that thinks outside the box to educators who change both lives and businesses, we hope these stories will inspire.

Continue down the coast from the Lofoten islands, and you will eventually end up in Trondheim – a charming place full of quality food and buzzing entertainment. We list what to drink, what to eat, and where to stay.

SPECIAL FEATURES 14

Destination Lofoten

Scan Magazine | Design Profile | Solamagic Scandinavia

Danish eventing rider of the year (2017), Cecilie Eriksen, uses Solamagic’s AniMA® technology with infrared heat to keep her horse Calvin comfortable and injury free.

Heating up the market In less than seven years, Solamagic Scandinavia has gone from a yearly turnover of less than 400,000 DKK (46,000 GBP) to a turnover close to 100 million. Peter van A. Bjerke, the CEO behind the success, tells Scan Magazine how he turned the company into a market leader within electric, energy-efficient outdoor heating, and why he thinks the newly developed AniMA® technology – heating for horses – is the next big step. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Solamagic

“Basically, what we have done, and what has been incremental to our success, is that we, as the first company to do so, went into the market and took on the responsibility of structuring it and making it navigable for the customers,” explains Bjerke, who as part of the Zeetec Technology group took over Solamagic and created Solamagic Scandinavia at the beginning of 2013. While broadening the company’s customer base from the hotel and restaurant 6 | Issue 122 | March 2019

industry to private retail, the 50-year-old business generator used his many years of experience of working with long-term client relationships to build a different approach to the market, one that has turned out to be hugely successful. “Our successful start in Solamagic was definitely furthered by our industrial background – there’s a big difference, in that in industrial client relationships you work on creating long-term benefits for all partners, and that’s the approach we took with us into Solamagic,” says Bjerke.

Turning around a bad image With a background in Roxtec, one of the fastest-growing industrial companies in Europe, Bjerke’s approach to business management and result generation has not been pulled out of the blue. Taking over a company that already produced high-quality products, his main ambition was to make sure that the qualities became better known to the customer base. “When taking over, we sat down and looked at why people’s perception of electrical heating lamps was as far from the reality as it was. Generally speaking, people thought of electrical outdoor heaters as an incredibly energyconsuming product with little effect, and hence, most hotels and restaurants chose gas solutions. It’s a mentality that we’ve all been brought up with – that heating through gas or oil is good and heating through electricity is bad.”

Scan Magazine | Special Brand Feature | Solamagic Scandinavia

With the increased focus on reducing C02 emissions within cities, the advantages of Solamagic’s products, which – unlike gas heaters – emit no C02 on site, are plainly evident. Furthermore, when the recognised German magazine Selber Machen tested outdoor heaters from six leading European producers, Solamagic’s heaters were the only ones to achieve the overall rating ‘very good’. Since 2012, the demand for Solamagic’s electrical heaters for both private and business use has increased dramatically. About 50 per cent of sales now go to private buyers, and with most of that sales increase having taken place within Denmark, the potential for expansion is still big.

Improving the technology for humans and horses Obviously, the improved image of Solamagic has not been all down to improved communication, but also a focused effort to expand and refine the technology behind the products. Since taking over Solamagic, Bjerke has continuously increased the company’s research and development budget by more than 100 per cent annually. This has

resulted in a number of new patented technologies, including the No-glare®, Zero-glare® and AniMa®. The AniMa® technology has been developed in close collaboration with professional equestrians and has led to the new product line Solamagic HORSE, a heating solution that reduces recovery time and the risk of injuries in horses. “When I looked at the market and what was currently available, it was clear to me that there was great potential for our product. The alternative was big, immobile and very expensive solutions and didn’t provide the same quality of heat penetration as we can do with the AniMa® Technology,” stresses Bjerke, and rounds off: “And, I don’t think it necessarily stops at horses; I’m looking at heaters for dogs as well. Now we have the foundation and the unique technology to build on, and that means that rather than trying to copy someone else, we can enter the market and offer something that’s completely new. My guess is that by 2023, solutions of this type will be generating a yearly turnover of about three to five million euros for us.” Web: www.solamagic.dk

About Peter van A Bjerke: Peter van A. Bjerke studied at and graduated from Copenhagen Business School and the University of Columbia, City of New York, USA. He started his career as a product manager in Boliden, a major Swedish mining and smelting company. In 2001, Bjerke, Trond Klementsen and Tore Wennerberg founded Zeetec Technology, a company aimed at helping to grow the market for ‘products with potential’. From 2001 to 2012, Bjerke was a member of the management team of Roxtec, one of the fastest growing industrial companies in Europe. In 2011, Bjerke and Zeetec Technology bought the rights to Solamagic’s products and entered a strategic partnership with Solamagic GmbH. Bjerke is the CEO of Solamagic Scandinavia, which has divisions in Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Ireland, with new divisions in Norway and the Baltic countries under way. In Bjerke’s own words, there have been two dominant themes to his career: top-level management and results generation.

Peter van A. Bjerke is the CEO behind the success of Solamagic Scandinavia.

Investment in research and development has helped strengthen Solamagic’s brand as an energy- efficient heat solution for outdoor spaces.

The last decade has seen a remarkable growth in the popularity of Solamagic’s electric heaters.

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Scan Magazine | Editor’s Note

Dear Reader, On the day after going from 16 degrees and sunshine to a sudden snow storm in 24 hours, I edited the article about Weecos.com for this issue, and let me tell you, I needed it. Anxiety is not going to stop global warming, but some days, it is hard not to feel paralysed by the sense of helplessness. And on those days, knowing that a lot of people do more than worry, actually put their money where their mouth is – it is heartening. In fact, while it is easy to look at what we do as mostly fun and entertainment, it struck me this month that the job of Scan Magazine – shouting from the rooftops about all the beautiful, conscious products and experiences coming out of Scandinavia – can be said to have far wider a remit. Because many a start-up bangs on about sustainability, but those who do it with the same conviction as most of the brand ambassadors we speak to on a monthly basis are few and far between. The Nordic countries are world-leaders in design, equality and education, sure – but perhaps most importantly right now, we are leaders in sustainability. Just ask this month’s cover stars, sisters Helena and Sofia Mattsson, who spend most of their time on Hollywood film sets but have found the time to develop stylish handbags made out of vegan leather – just to make them a truly clean-conscience design choice.

The most sustainable of all conscious consumption, however, is probably that of experiences: be it mind-blowing dining, inspiring cultural events or adrenaline-inducing nature adventures. And that, if I do say so myself, is what Scan Magazine does best. This issue is no exception, packed full of Norwegian travel tips and Swedish and Danish cultural experiences, in addition, of course, to a few of our current favourites on the culinary and distillery scene. Read it, enjoy it – and pass it on. In true sustainable spirit, each copy can inspire countless readers to a more eco-conscious holiday or treat.

Linnea Dunne, Editor

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Scan Magazine | Design | Fashion Diary

Fashion Diary… They say that you should dress for your mood. Well, instead of feeling blue, we suggest wearing blue! If you are feeling a bit stressed and down, the colour blue can actually help you feel more relaxed and calm. Many of us need a bit of help during the colder and darker times of the year, so here are some of our blue picks to steer you in the right direction. By Ingrid Opstad | Press photos

We adore this light-blue, menswearinspired, front-buttoned shirt in an oversized fit from Sand Copenhagen. Made in pure silk satin with stretch for extra comfort, it looks both stylish and relaxed. Team it up with a pair of these cropped, straight-leg linen trousers with a self-tie belt and blue heels for a classy and sophisticated look. Sand Copenhagen, ‘Aveline’ shirt, £199 Sand Copenhagen, ‘Aileen C’ Trousers, £199 www.sandcopenhagen.com

This small clutch with double chain in dove blue from Danish brand Decadent is perfect for everyday use as well as for going out. Inside the bag are a compartment and a small side-pocket for all your daily essentials. The chain can be used as a long cross-over or you can make it double and wear it over the shoulder. Decadent, ‘Madelyn’ clutch bag, approx. £328 www.decadentcopenhagen.com

On a cold and miserable day, what better way to feel good than to wrap up in a large and cosy scarf? This Claudine scarf from By Marlene Birger is woven with a bucket list of must-see travel destinations to make you dream of holidays and fun. Layer the rectangular piece over your shoulders or wear it looped around your neck. By Marlene Birger, ‘Claudine’ scarf, £135 www.bymalenebirger.com

Designed with a fitted top and a fluid skirt silhouette, this long-sleeved dress from Arket is cut from a super soft twill weave made from a blend of cotton and linen – the perfect item to see you into springtime and beyond. Arket, denim dress, £59 www.arket.com

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Scan Magazine | Design | Fashion Diary

Vega is a classical crew neck jumper with a design reminiscent of the pullovers popular in Norway in the early 19th century. At that time, hand-knitted jumpers like this were the main garments worn during the cold season. With Vega, Norlender wishes to revisit memories of the Norwegian heritage and craftsmanship. Norlender, ‘Vega’ sweater, £151.33 www.norlender.no

This classic watch strap from Swedish fashion brand Sibirien Stockholm will add that little extra to your outfit. It is handmade with beautiful Scandinavian salmon leather and lined with incredibly high-quality French calf skin by Daniel Ankarstrand. Sibirien Stockholm, salmon watch strap, £266 www.sibirienstockholm.com

Checks is a pattern we cannot get enough of, so make sure you stay on trend with these elegant slim-fit suit trousers in dark navy blue from Selected Homme. With added stretch for free range of motion, they are classic and smart but still comfortable. Style tip: wear them with a leather jacket for an edgy, less polished look. Selected Homme, suit trousers, £65 www.selected.com

Look casual and cool in this outfit from Arket this season. The knitted wool vest in dark blue offers good insulation with its light-padded quilted lining. It looks great layered on top of this striped fine-knit jumper, which is inspired by old sailor’s garments. Arket, knitted wool vest, £135 Arket, ‘Marinière’ jumper, £79 www.arket.com

Issue 122 | March 2019 | 11

Scan Magazine | Design | We Love This

We love this… Time to give your home an updated look with a few new additions? By getting a few statement pieces from the latest interior trends, maybe something as simple as a cosy pillow, a cool coffee table or some striking wall art, your home will feel fresh and ready for spring. By Ingrid Opstad | Press photos

Terrazzo has recently become a popular pattern and a huge trend among interior lovers worldwide. Get the Scandinavian look and be in with the trendy with this beautiful Verde coffee table by Woud. Danish designer Rikke Frost has created a timeless and simple look with a focus on colours, details and function, to provide a sense of a solid design. The terrazzo details give the table a playful and organic feel. Woud, ‘Verde’ table, £1,370 www.finnishdesignshop.com

Like birds feathering their nests with tiny twigs, us humans wing home with cards, keys and other small items in our pockets. Quick and easy storage solutions help keep these items at hand, which is why Nest by Norwegian brand Northern provides a container and a coat hook all in one. This clever wall hook and storage is available in five colours and, like a nest in nature, blends into its surroundings. Northern, ‘Nest’ wall hook & storage, £39 www.northern.no

Another trend this season is bold, minimal graphic line drawings, and this ‘Onnenma’ cushion by Saana Ja Olli will look great on the sofa in any Scandinavian-style home. Featuring an organic pattern formed by human figures, plants and other elements of nature, painted loosely with brushstrokes, it is made from durable, European, 100 per cent hemp fabric and manufactured transparently in Finland. The print is also available as fabric by the metre, if you want to get creative. Saana Ja Olli, ‘Onnenma’ cover, approx £60 Saana Ja Olli, ‘Onnenma’ cover with inside pillow, approx £69 store.saanajaolli.com

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A great way to add something new to your home is by hanging up a new print on the wall. We love this simple artwork portraying the silhouette of a mother and her children, by the graffiti-inspired artist from Stockholm, Peytil, who explains: “I was painting a woman’s face and noticed how the lines resembled the profile of a child’s face on the opposite side. It made me think of how we’re shaped by the ones we love and I wanted to paint it all in one.” Paper Collective, ‘Mother’ by Peytil, 30x40, £25 Paper Collective, ‘Mother’ by Peytil, 50x70, £45 www.papercollective.com

Pimp your sofa with a new accessory. Sunday is a tray that has been tailor-made to hang on the armrest of your sofa and make your Sunday that bit more fun. The tray is designed by Sanna Völker for Bolia and fits an armrest measuring between 15.5cm and 22cm, creating a cosy hygge spot for you to enjoy your coffee and everything that goes with it, without ever leaving your sofa. Bolia, Sunday tray Ø30, £99 www.bolia.com

Scan Magazine | Design Profile | 15:21

Good karma in your pocket With its wallets, mobile phone cases and other accessories made from sustainably harvested Portuguese cork, Swedish design company 15:21 has taken more than just inspiration from nature. The results are not only tough, waterproof, and gorgeously tactile, but also help to protect the natural world. By Liz Longden | Photos: 15:21

Taking its name from the train that founder Fredrik Stenvinkel was supposed to take to work, it is no exaggeration to say that the 15:21 brand was literally born out of a desire for change. “I was working in a monotonous job, and when I missed that train, instead of feeling frustrated, I felt relieved,” Stenvinkel says. “That’s when I realised that something was wrong and that I had to work on something I had a passion for.” A philosophy of breaking out from unhealthy behaviours and returning to something more essential is at the heart of the Stockholm-based company. “For me personally, it was about a change in my life and job, but in a wider sense, it’s about changing patterns of how we use materials,” Stenvinkel explains. “I think people often just presume that their wallet or phone case has to be made of plastic or silicon and aren’t really aware that there are alternatives.”

In fact, cork has impressive credentials, not least environmentally. It is sustainably harvested from the bark of the tree, which then grows back, making it a truly renewable material. Furthermore, commercial use of cork supports the survival of the forests, which not only absorb large amounts of C02 but are also teeming with life and second only to the Amazon rain forests in terms of biodiversity. Even the production process is green — 90 per cent of the energy required to process the cork comes from the burning of cork dust, a natural by-product of the

harvesting process, and the trees need no irrigation or pesticides. 15:21’s accessories are about more than just a guilt-free conscience, however. With its sleek, suede-like feel and minimalist elegance, cork offers a timeless aesthetic appeal. Yet, it is also extremely durable, waterproof and easy to clean, making it the perfect material to withstand the rigours of everyday use. Stenvinkel explains: “Our concept is about combining Scandinavian simplicity with nature’s own aesthetics, great, practical functionality, and a production method that actually protects nature, instead of exploiting it.”

Web: www.1521store.com

Issue 122 | March 2019 | 13

Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature | Restaurant Abstrakt

Cooking out of the box Located in the small town of Hirtshals in North Jutland, Restaurant Abstrakt and its young owners offer guests a surprisingly innovative and artistic menu. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Restaurant Abstrakt

In August last year, chef Simon Emil Christensen and his fiancée Kamilla Schiøtt had their second baby, a little boy. Their first baby, Restaurant Abstrakt came into existence in November 2017, when the young couple, then 28 and 29, opened up the doors to a large, refurbished machine shop in the harbour of Hirtshals. Since then, the restaurant has been surprising locals and visitors to the small town in North Jutland with its innovative and artistic menu, which follows no rules. “My dream was to create a restaurant that was not confined by the boundaries and rules you usually have to follow when working in a place with a narrowly defined style. I don’t like fixed boundaries and small boxes,” says chef Christensen. “We might make something that’s inspired by the Asian kitch14 | Issue 122 | March 2019

en one day and the French another day. We make the food we’re passionate about and change the style from menu to menu. However, you’ll probably always be able to see that it’s a Restaurant Abstrakt menu.” With the machine hall’s old pipes still exposed and wall cladding created from old driftwood, Restaurant Abstrakt presents a raw maritime atmosphere well-suited to its seaside location. The unique setting and innovative menu have earned the restaurant praise by both regular guests and reviewers and, last year, Den Danske Spiseguide (The Danish Food Guide) nominated Restaurant Abstrakt in the category of Best Breakthrough Restaurant in Denmark. “That was a major honour and surprise, just to be nominated in a category where many of the other nomi-

nees were located in Copenhagen,” says Christensen. “However, being located in a small town like Hirtshals is not a bad thing. The locals have been very positive since we opened, and other guests also seem to be more surprised and appreciative when they discover us here than they would in a bigger city.” Based on local ingredients, Restaurant Abstrakt’s menu changes every six weeks and offers guests the choice of a set three-, five- or seven-course meal – although it is also possible to choose just one of the Chefs’ Favourite Dishes.

Chef and co-founder Simon Emil Christensen (middle) and his kitchen team.

Web: www.restaurantabstrakt.dk Facebook: Restaurant Abstrakt

A whisky with no secrets In Denmark, Stauning Whisky is already iconic. Why? It is not just because it is a single malt whisky made in Denmark, though to be honest, that might have been reason enough. No, it is because it is a Danish whisky made by nine guys with no previous experience of whisky making, who today, with the backing of Diageo and Distill Ventures, produce 900,000 litres of whisky per year. This spring, the company’s new distillery opens up for visitors and shares the secrets of its success. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Stauning Whisky

Located right next to its new awardwinning distillery, opened last winter, Stauning Whisky’s old distillery has been turned into a visitor centre. Combined, the two sites offer guests not just a peek, but full disclosure of the secrets behind what could, in the words of whisky legend Jim Murray, “go on to be one of the best smoked whiskies in the world”. Murray tasted the whisky in 2006, shortly after the nine friends behind Stauning Whisky had tapped their first batch. “At 16 | Issue 122 | March 2019

that point, we had actually put the production on pause. We had made our first batch, proved that we could do it, and we were quite happy to leave it at that,” explains Alex Munch, one of the nine founders and CMO of Stauning Whisky. “If it hadn’t been for our meeting with Jim Murray, I’m not sure Stauning Whisky would have existed today.” However, Murray’s enthusiastic response when tasting their whisky convinced the

nine friends that their whisky distillery might have the potential to become more than a hobby.

Taking the old craft to new levels When the founders of Stauning Whisky first decided to try out their skills with whisky making, it was simply a quest to see if it was possible to produce a whisky in Denmark at all. Never had the nine friends, none of whom had any experi-

Scan Magazine | Distillery Feature | Stauning Whisky

ence with more than drinking whisky, imagined that their hobby project would become a world export. So, what is it about Stauning Whisky that has enabled the distillery to achieve this iconic status in such a short time? It is, thinks Munch, the same playful and daring revival of old methods and ingredients that has also driven the success of the New Nordic Cuisine movement. “We have revived the old traditional craft and twisted and pushed it to its limits – the same way the New Nordic kitchen is doing with food,” he says. “To do that, the way we have done from the beginning, we have ensured that our new distillery has the same quality and production methods as the old one. It’s very different from most other distilleries, because everything is done the way it was done in Scotland in the old days: all the different processes take place in-house.” Some of the distinct characteristics preserved from the distillery’s humble start-up in an old abattoir in Stauning are the open-fire pots, the floor malted grain, and the use of local grain and peat from the old Klosterlund Museum. At Klosterlund, peat is produced the same way it has been since the Iron Age, explains Munch. “The history and the revival of the old production methods are very important to us, and that has been preserved in the new distillery, which has 24 small pots heated by open fire to create a more intense taste.”

This spring, Stauning Whisky’s new distillery and an adjoining visitor centre will open up to visitors.

Stauning Whisky was founded by nine friends with no previous experience of whisky production.

Come inside the distillery As Stauning Whisky waits for the 900,000-litre batch produced at its new distillery to reach the age for sale (this will take three years), the currently produced bottles are snapped up as soon as they are released. Among

the distillery’s larger customers are three of Denmark’s Michelin-starred restaurants, including the worldfamous Noma. Meanwhile, guided tours will give visitors a thorough understanding of the production process behind the eagerly awaited new batches. “You’ll be able to experience one of the world’s most iconic distilleries and get up close with every step of the whisky making,” says Munch, and rounds off: “That’s something you won’t see in a lot of places. Once you’ve been here, you’ll actually understand whisky production.” Stauning Whisky’s new distillery opens to visitors at the beginning of April. The centre is located just outside Stauning, about an hour’s drive from Billund Airport.

Web: www.stauningwhisky.com

Issue 122 | March 2019 | 17

Scan Magazine | Education Profile | Venø Efterskole

Despite its small size, Venø Efterskole brings together students with a great variety of interests.

An island above the rest At Venø Efterskole, the sea is never far away. Located on the beautiful island of Venø, the small boarding school offers ninth and tenth graders the chance to experience all the unique aspects of island life while studying and pursuing their passions. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Venø Efterskole

the water offer obvious advantages. But it is not just students in the outdoor classes who benefit. “For our creative students, there is a lot of inspiration to be found in the beautiful nature,” stresses Jepsen.

Connected to the town of Struer by Denmark’s shortest ferry route (the ride is just two minutes!), Venø provides a peaceful and inspiring environment away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. “It’s a completely different feeling – as soon as you get off that ferry, everything slows down,” explains principal Tage Jepsen. “But even though it feels like we’re far away from everything, it’s very easy for students to get to and from the school.”

subjects means that the school attracts students with a broad range of interests and backgrounds. “You have students who are jumping around on their surf board all day, some who are buried in books, and others who spend all day hiking or climbing,” says Jepsen. “I think that the diversity is one of the best things about our school – meeting people who are not like ourselves is one of the most essential parts of growing up.”

All students also get to experience and become part of the small island community, as the school was founded by and works in close collaboration with Venø’s 200 inhabitants.

Venø Efterskole offers four main subjects: surf and sail, outdoor life, creative writing, and art and design. The variety of the

For those into activities such as hiking, surfing and biking, the island’s natural landscape and the school’s proximity to

The school’s facilities include a new gym, fitness centre and climbing wall.

In brief: Venø Efterskole was founded by the local community in 1997. The school has 96 students living in shared four-person rooms.

Students get a free annual pass for the ferry to Struer, and free bus transport to and from the ferry is available on Fridays and Sundays. The school offers four main subjects: surf and sail, outdoor life, creative writing, and art and design.

Students at Venø Efterskole can enjoy the many benefits and unique experiences of life on a small island.

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Web: www.venoe-efterskole.dk

Scan Magazine | Education Profile | Digitaliseringsinstituttet

Former professor at Aalborg University and IT University of Copenhagen, Pernille Kræmmergaard is behind Digitaliseringsinstituttet’s popular Masterclass in Digital Transformation.

Digital transformation in real life For many business leaders, the term digital transformation is one teamed with more fear than potential. While many experts offer stories of utopian successes and ‘the danger of falling behind’, finding someone who can illuminate the transformation to go from fear to actual change is trickier. Based on two decades of research and expertise, Digitaliseringsinstituttet does just that. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Digitaliseringsinstituttet

Founded by former professor at Aalborg University and IT University of Copenhagen, Pernille Kræmmergaard, Digitaliseringsinstituttet has helped more than 200 leaders from the public and private sectors turn digital fear and hope into concrete ambitions and actions. Klaus Larsen, IT director at Region Nordjylland, took part in the institute’s Masterclass in Digital Transformation two years ago. “At that time, the market was teeming with experts telling us that digitalisation was the 20 | Issue 122 | March 2019

new big thing and that if we didn’t catch up with it, we wouldn’t have a future. Now, that’s very easy to say, but no-one was offering to teach us how to catch up,” he says. “I searched the market to find someone who could help us with a technological transformation, and Digitaliseringsinstituttet’s masterclass was the only offer I could find which combined theory with real possibilities.” Having taken the six-day programme alongside three other leaders from his

organisation, Larsen was so impressed that he recommended the entire chain of management to do the masterclass.

Putting theory into practise When Kræmmergaard, after 20 years in research, decided to found Digitaliseringsinstituttet, she was driven not just by the increasing requests she got from business leaders, but also by her own desire to provide companies with a realistic starting point in their digital transformation. “Our starting point is the current reality of the companies that take part in our course – we aim to meet them where they are and lead them forward on their own terms,” she explains. “People are tired of hearing about big international corporations doing amazing things when they’re struggling just to get a CRM system up and running.”

Scan Magazine | Education Profile | Digitaliseringsinstituttet

Thanks to her many years in academia, Kræmmergaard, who teaches the majority of the masterclass herself, has connections to a host of global experts in the field. However, being an expert is not enough to qualify lecturers for the course. “I redesign the course every half year. I revisit the literature and look at new technology and interesting, new real-life achievements. It’s not just about what’s happening now, but also what will happen tomorrow,” she explains. “I also bring in new lecturers, but when I invite people to be part of the course, it’s not just because they are experts – it’s also because they can deliver something specific that the course needs. And, it’s not enough that they have the knowledge – they need to be able to convey it to people facing the practical issues behind their theories.”

Shared experiences Another distinct feature of Digitaliseringsinstituttet’s masterclass is that it is not just concerned with digitalisation, but also with transformation management, strategy, and value realisation.

This means that it is relevant not just for IT managers but for managers at all levels. “The diversity of the people taking part in the course is part of its beauty,” says Larsen. “It creates a platform for an exchange of experience and, even though you work within completely different sectors, you can easily use each other. I was very inspired by the way some of the other participants worked with digitalisation in their company – when you digitalise, the core task and the core requirements are the same.” Indeed, one of the main ambitions of the course is to open up a constructive dialogue about digitalisation and to enable participants to continue that dialogue when returning to their organisation. Larsen has done exactly that. “When I got back, I went to the top management and told them that if they wanted to get the best from our organisation, we, the IT department, had to get a seat at the table. I managed to secure that because, thanks to the masterclass, I could explain to them exactly what advantages it could bring. That’s the difference between this course and others: it’s not

just dry knowledge – you can actually go home, do some things differently and create results.” Facts: Digitaliseringsinstituttet’s Masterclass in Digital Transformation covers three modules: Digital Transformation, Business Development with Technology and Data, and Organisational and Management Competencies. Each module has a duration of two days. The course is offered thrice yearly, twice in Copenhagen and once in Aalborg. Digitaliseringsinstituttet also offers tailor-made courses and seminars as well as a flexible and expansive online learning platform with compressed lectures, question-and-answer sessions, and more. Pernille Kræmmergaard is the author of the book Digital Transformation – 10 evner din organisation skal mestre (Digital Transformation – 10 capabilities that your organisation needs) published by Djøfs Forlag. The book will be available in English in summer 2019.

Web: www.dinst.dk

Participants.

‘It’s not just dry knowledge – you can actually go home, do some things differently and create results,’ says Klaus Larsen, IT director at Region Nordjylland and a former participant in Digitaliseringsinstituttet’s masterclass.

Participants.

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22 | Issue 122 | March 2019

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Helena & Sofia Mattsson

Helena & Sofia Mattsson

Hollywood highs and a vegan venture From their childhood home in the Swedish capital to the toughest auditions in the heart of Hollywood, sisters Helena and Sofia Mattsson are both stars in their own right – but they have always been each other’s keenest supporters. After being seen together on the screen in My Husband’s Secret Wife last year, they are now joining forces on another exciting venture: a handbag collection to change the face of vegan fashion forever. By Linnea Dunne | Photos: Christopher Ardell

Two Swedish sisters with a penchant for acting, both making waves on the Hollywood scene – what are the odds? “I was inspired by Helena,” says Sofia Mattsson, the younger of the two sisters. “I came to visit and got to experience film shoots, and it sparked that interest in me too. She paved the way – it seemed exciting, and now here we are, both stuck!” Older sister Helena had studied drama in London and was cast for a TV series in Los Angeles in 2004. “The years fly by,” she reflects. “I was here for a few years before Sofia came along and decided to give it a try and see what it was like. She stayed with me for a few years, and then

it became a permanent thing, and now we both almost feel American.” As two young professionals, aged 34 and 27 respectively, it seems only natural that they would say that: if you have barely even had a job in your home country, perhaps the place where you put roots down shapes you more? But that is not what Helena meant. “I feel at home here, but I’m more Swedish than I’m American. You get a very strong emotional bond to where you grow up – that never goes away. Sweden will always be home,” she says, adding that she speaks Swedish to her two children – Stella and Xander – and that they celebrate all the Swedish traditions.

Hollywood sweethearts Helena is nothing short of a Hollywood household name at this stage. Since starting out starring as Lena in Sweden, Ohio in 2004, she has been seen in CSI, Species: The Awakening, Two and a Half Men, Rules of Engagement, Desperate Housewives, Iron Man 2, The Mentalists, Seven Psychopaths, Fargo, American Horror Story, and much more. Last year, she made headlines in both her homes and beyond as she played a young Britt Ekland – Sweden’s much-loved actor and singer – in My Dinner with Hervé, a feature film about the life of the French actor Hervé Villechaize, something she says was “a little nerve-wracking but really enjoyable”. Sofia, while a few years behind, is quickly building up an impressive showreel as well, having started out with a few shorts in 2012, followed by TV series such as Campus Security and NCIS and high-profile gigs as part of Jurassic City and Becoming Bond. Lazy reporters might dub the sisters lucky for Issue 122 | March 2019 | 23

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Helena & Sofia Mattsson

being one blonde and one brunette, in preventing rivalry for the same jobs – but it does seem an obvious potential issue. “Not at all!” laughs Sofia. “I think the chances that we would both be right for the same role are quite slim, unless someone’s after a Swede in particular. We’re quite different, after all. But even if that was to happen, I think we’d probably just have fun with it.”

and designing and brainstorming, creating 3D images and patterns, researching and testing materials,” says Helena, adding that the nature of their jobs means that they always have blocks of time off and a good bit of sporadic spare time. Her sister adds: “It was a case of learning by doing. We don’t have the qualifications, we didn’t have the experience – but we’ve learnt so much.”

Changing vegan fashion

The result is a collection of stylish handbags with a clean conscience – all made of vegan leather, without compromising on aesthetics. The Swedish heritage is very much present too, and not only in the fact that the line is named after a woman from the sisters’ maternal grandmother’s many stories from her extensive travels through America. “Europe is known for its style, and Scandinavia even more so. We’re hoping that it’ll be evident that there’s a touch of Scandi expression in our collection too,” says Helena.

The sisters have been known to talk a lot about their ongoing support for each other and lack of rivalry, and the latest evidence is in an entirely new venture far from the world of film and drama. This May, they are launching their very own vegan design handbag collection: Ava Carrington. “It started when we realised that pretty much all high-quality design handbags are made of animal leather,” says Sofia. “Like us, many people want a sustainable quality option that is kind to animals as well as the environment, but so many alternatives are either lacking in quality or style, or both. Generally speaking, vegan fashion is not exactly known for being stylish.” When they found a vegan quality leather, they knew that they were onto something. “We spent weekends sketching 24 | Issue 122 | March 2019

Strong women The sisters both laugh when talking about the benefit of being busy at different times, not only in knowing that one of them is always there to keep things ticking along, but also in getting a break from each other every now and then.

And yet, there does not seem to be an ounce of tension between them, and they both insist that part of the joy of working on the handbag collection has been in the opportunity – even by necessity – to spend so much time together. Lucky that, since not even time on set meant time apart last year, as they were seen together in My Husband’s Secret Wife. “Super fun and practical,” they say, plainly – not least since they got to stay in the same house for the duration of the recording and could practise lines together. Asked about their dream roles, they both take a moment to think before answering – perhaps a sign that they are quite content as things are. “Period pieces and playing around with costumes and the like is always loads of fun, and doing a Marvel film would be great,” says Sofia, before Helena insists that her sister would make the perfect superhero. “Yes!” Sofia exclaims. “Strong women – I definitely want to play strong women.” Follow the Mattsson sisters’ handbag venture and be the first to know when the collection launches. Web: www.avacarrington.com Instagram: @carringtonava

Issue 122 | March 2019 | 25

m he

RE N U LT EDE U C SW IN lT

ia ec

Nationalmuseum Jamtli. Photo: Jamtli.

Swedish democracy is 100 years old! It is now 100 years since women were given the vote in Sweden, and in 2021, the country celebrates the 100th anniversary of its democracy, marking a century since the first time equal suffrage was put into practice. The centenary celebration will present an opportunity for KulturrĂĽdet (The Swedish Arts Council) to highlight the role played by the arts and culture in freedom of expression and democratisation. By Staffan Forssell, director general of The Swedish Arts Council

Sweden's culture policy has been developed over these 100 years, and from the outset has been centred around the aim of making the arts and culture available to everyone. Every year, The Swedish Arts Council receives around 8,000 applications. These do not merely complement other functions in society; the arts and culture reaching out to everyone across the country is seen rather as a precondition for our countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s democracy. 26 | Issue 122 | March 2019

At The Swedish Arts Council, we are proud that our mission is based on freedom of expression and the right of everyone to participate. The Swedish culture policy promotes opportunities for personal creativity and cultural experiences. This is important for the individual, the development of society, and democracy. The Swedish Arts Council has a number of national mandates, which aim to reach

Staffan Forssell, director general of The Swedish Arts Council. Photo: Hans Alm

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Sweden

new and broader target groups. This concerns collaboration between schools and the professional arts and culture sector, as well as investment in schools of art and culture throughout the country. High priority is given to libraries as meeting places, and to projects that enable many individuals to be creative and to experience the arts and culture in their own neighbourhood. We have also set in motion projects to stimulate early language development in children. We are now investing even more in developing our work to widen participation and increase diversity. We are linking this with targets for social sustainability and global sustainability in Agenda 2030. Ultimately, it expresses the importance of equal opportunities for everyone to learn and to involve themselves in arts and culture as a human right and the role of arts and culture in the development of society.

Not Quite. Photo: Malin Robertson Harén

Web: www.kulturradet.se

Swedish Chamber Orchestra. Photo: Nikolaj Lund

Vasamuseet. Photo: Anneli Karlsson /Swedish National Maritime and Transport Museums

Photo: Åsa Lundén/Moderna Museet

Issue 122 | March 2019 | 27

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Sweden

A time capsule of culture, engineering and the sea With masts rising tall from her home in Djurgården, the Vasa ship is a real landmark in the Swedish capital. But the salvaged 17th-century ship that never made it past her maiden voyage boasts more than just impressive engineering and beautiful craftsmanship: she is also a window to a very different time and culture. By Linnea Dunne | Photos: Anneli Karlsson /Swedish National Maritime and Transport Museums

“Visiting the Vasa Museum is like going on a journey through time, like peeking through to the 1600s,” says Catrin Rising, communications manager at the Vasa Museum. “Just walking through the doors and seeing her in all her glory, being hit by that particular smell… It’s really powerful – even for me, and I work here every day!” That the tragic destiny of Vasa turned into a success story is quite the lucky coincidence. She only made it 1,300 metres before she sank during her maiden voyage in 1628, spending over 300 years at 28 | Issue 122 | March 2019

the bottom of the sea; but thanks to the brackish water of the Baltic Sea, she was well preserved, as the type of mussel that eats into the wood can only survive in salt water. Then persistent wreck researcher Anders Franzén came along, finding the first piece of the ship in 1956 – and after five years of preparation, she was finally salvaged. “The stories of the build and the ship and the people on board, those are all obviously truly fascinating things – but the salvaging story is quite remarkable too,”

says Rising, adding that there is a small exhibition at the museum dedicated to exactly this. “Sweden was at the forefront of engineering at the time, and in a way, the fact that Vasa could be salvaged at all is an extraordinary testament to the true engineering artistry on display. If the ship had been discovered at a different time, later on, she might not be here today – but there was this amazing enterprising spirit in Sweden during the late ‘50s. Moreover, Franzén wasn’t just a gifted entrepreneur; he was a skilled lobbyist too, capable of convincing the right people that this was a good idea and that Vasa needed to be salvaged.”

Writing women’s history Most exhibitions at the Vasa Museum – that about the salvaging of the ship included – are permanent, but there is one

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Sweden

there – it’s just that history wasn’t written about them.” With the stories of four women, the Vasa Museum is changing that. There is Brita Gustavsdotter Båth, the landowner and wood supplier at Ängsö Castle who sold timber to the shipyard where Vasa was constructed – so successful, that she is regularly referred to by her own name, as opposed to as somebody’s wife, which was otherwise commonly the case back then. Then there is Margareta Nilsdotter, the head and property manager of the Stockholm shipyard who, when her husband passed away, assumed responsibility for the construction of Vasa and Skeppsgården, Sweden’s second largest employer at the time. “She was a complicated person who left a hodgepodge of unfinished business behind her when she died. In the words of the head of research, ‘not a very nice person’,” Rising laughs.

Photo: Mikael Dunker, SMTM

temporary exhibition on display at the moment, which was due to finish up in the next couple of months but has been extended and will be available for another year at least: Vasa’s Women. “In the past, it was believed that women weren’t allowed on board the ship, but we know now that that wasn’t the case,” says Rising. “They’ve been invisible for a long time, but not because they weren’t

The other women in the exhibition, Beata and Ylva, were on board the Vasa ship when she sank – the former believed to have been a guest, and the latter likely a working-class woman, quite possibly a waitress on the ship.

Almost 400-year-old symbols and stories From the people on board to the items found and restored, Vasa is a remarkable history guide indeed. In addition to the social and cultural clues hidden in the nooks and crannies of the impressive build, Rising suggests paying attention to the in-

teresting symbols found in various parts of the wood. “She really is an art treasure, full of fantastic sculptures and symbols,” she explains. “You can take a guided tour to learn about the stories behind the symbols, or explore and ponder yourself. Down at the beakhead, for example, where the staff toilets were situated, there is a sculpture of a man crouching down under a table. He’s supposedly a Polish man, and Sweden was at war with Poland at the time, so this is supposed to be degrading and humiliating for those who have to look at him. The figurehead, meanwhile, is a lion, likely referring to the king who was called the Nordic Lion. Leading up to the lion, there is a row of Roman emperors in chronological order, which would logically end with Emperor Augustus – but instead, the lion is there. The king is supposed to have said something along the lines of, ‘let’s skip Augustus and place the Nordic Lion at the top instead’, which perhaps says a thing or two of his self-image…” Her immediate beauty may be striking, but she is a true time capsule indeed – and this, Rising believes, is one of the museum’s most fascinating aspects. “To get so close to the lives of those who built and travelled on board the Vasa ship, to these stories of almost 400 years ago – it’s quite thrilling.” Web: vasamuseet.se Facebook: Vasamuseet Twitter: @thevasamuseum Instagram: @vasamuseet

Issue 122 | March 2019 | 29

The unique exhibition Look at the rugs – find me opens in the Hall of State at the Royal Palace in Stockholm on 13 October this year. Photo: Emma Fredriksson

Look at the rugs — find pioneering entrepreneurship, worldrenowned artistry and a fascinating textile history “Look at the rugs – find me,” said world-renowned Swedish textile artist Märta Måås-Fjetterström when asked to describe her artistry. Scan Magazine spoke to Kerstin Hagsgård, curator at the Royal Palace in Stockholm, about the fascinating artist and the rugs that took the world – and many a royalty – by storm. This year, the rugs will be on display at the Royal Palace as part of a unique exhibition about Måås-Fjetterström’s inspiration, life and work. By Linnea Dunne | Photos: Royalpalaces.se

“She compared the rugs to works of musical composition, where she was the composer and the weavers the musicians,” says Hagsgård. “And, of course, 30 | Issue 122 | March 2019

a musical piece is worth repeating. Just because you’ve woven something once, that’s not to say you shouldn’t weave it again, she used to say. These creations

Märta Måås-Fjetterström was one of the foremost textile designers of her time, and her rugs are hugely popular across the world still today. Photo: Märta Måås-Fjetterström AB

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Sweden

made 100 years ago are still very relevant, still loved the world over.”

Major exhibition in the Hall of State Ever since the artist set up her workshop in 1919, the Swedish Royal Family has been purchasing rugs from her, starting with the King’s grandfather, who was a big fan and commissioned a large number of rugs for the private rooms of the royal palaces. In fact, there is still today a large number of MååsFjetterström rugs at the royal homes – but only one is available for public view, at Ulriksdal Palace. This October, coinciding with the centenary of the birth of Måås-Fjetterström’s weaving business, a major exhibition will open in the Hall of State at the Royal Palace, named after MååsFjetterström’s own saying: Look at the rugs – find me. Showcasing cultural heritage and craft this way is nothing new; it has been a regular occurrence since 1921, when the Hall of State was dressed in an impressive collection of tapestries. This is the first time, however, that Måås-Fjetterström’s work will be on display at the Royal Palace in Stockholm. “All the benches and furniture will be removed, and the entire hall will become an expose with woven pieces on the walls and floors. You’ll get to go for a stroll through Märta Måås-Fjetterström’s world,” Hagsgård enthuses, explaining that the rugs from the permanent Royal Collections will form the basis of the exhibition, complemented by borrowed pieces that help showcase the sheer variation in the artist’s work and skill, as well as her life and personality. “It’ll be a diverse, varied world, in terms of both pattern and colour – perhaps more so than many might expect. You’ll find everything from 40-square-metre pieces to very small rugs, and patterns ranging from bold, folkloristic styles to traditional, oriental expressions.”

tant figure in terms of her role as business woman and employer. She started out riding the wave of women’s suffrage being voted through, with more and more women being seen on the labour market. The textile industry, meanwhile, was already a woman’s domain, and with a boom in the construction of new hotels, courts and other official buildings around this time, the demand for durable textiles was huge. It became an important, natural way for women to work and earn a living, and MååsFjetterström played an important role in training and employing these women. Abroad, however, few people thought of her as an entrepreneur; she was simply considered one of the world’s foremost textile artists. From the big world exhibitions in Paris, Chicago, London and New York to prestigious commissions for royalties and luxurious design hotels, her portfolio demonstrates what a global star she really was – including some collaborations with her friend, the renowned designer Carl Malmsten, on a suite at the New York Waldorf

Astoria, the interiors of the living room at Ulriksdal Palace, and the luxurious cruise ship M/S Kungsholm.

‘Broke new ground as designer and entrepreneur’ In a universe built up of 60 rugs, the unique exhibition at the Royal Palace allows spectators to experience all this and more. “It shows not only her rugs, but also her sources of inspiration, her career and the conditions under which business women worked during the first half of the 20th century,” says Hagsgård. “She broke new ground, both as a designer and as a female entrepreneur.” The exhibition Look at the rugs – find me opens at the Royal Palace in Stockholm on 13 October 2019 and runs until 19 April 2020.

Web: www.royalpalaces.se Facebook: Kungligaslotten Instagram: @kungligaslotten YouTube: Kungligaslotten

The Ulriksdal rug in the famous living room, designed in 1924. Photo: Sanna Argus Tirén

Pioneering entrepreneur and celebrated artist While renowned for her exceptional skill in textile design in particular, Märta Måås-Fjetterström was also an impor-

King Gustav VI Adolf visits Märta Måås-Fjetterström’s workshop in Båstad, 1970. Photo: Hans Karlsson/Royalpalaces.se

Issue 122 | March 2019 | 31

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Sweden

Beardary, 2016. © Gilbert & George

Gilbert & George — two men, one artist For more than 50 years, the iconic duo Gilbert & George have challenged all conventions with a disregard for what might be considered ‘good taste’. Now showing at Moderna Museet in Stockholm, Gilbert & George: The Great Exhibition is a manifesto of their life and work. By Malin Norman | Photos: Åsa Lundén/Moderna Museet

Gilbert & George met at Saint Martin’s School of Art in London, fell in love and have since then dedicated their life to their art. “They have been working together for over 50 years and have created their own style and way of being artists,” says Olle Eriksson, exhibition producer at Moderna Museet. “It’s not possible to draw a line between their life and their art.” The art of the married couple is centred around their life in London, a mix of misery and luxury. Since the late 1960s, they have resided in Spitalfields, at the time a run-down area and now a diverse hub in the East End. Eriksson explains: “Gilbert 32 | Issue 122 | March 2019

& George have documented London and its inhabitants from the 1960s to today. You can see a fantastic change in the city by looking at their pictures. And instead of criticising change in society, they are embracing and celebrating it.”

Eventually, they started creating pictures under the motto ‘Art for All’. With their unique printing technique developed in the 1970s, the art grew larger and bolder, often dealing with existential questions in works such as Death, Fear, Hope, Life (1984), Shitty, Naked, Human, World (1994) and Sex, Money, Race, Religion (2016).

Living sculptures From the start, Gilbert & George became a form of living sculptures to communicate their artistic vision, as they simply could not afford a studio. In the 1970s, they became known as The Singing Sculpture, with a performance of the song from 1932 by Flanagan and Allen called Underneath the Arches, about homelessness during the Depression.

Armed Faith, 1982. © Gilbert & George

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Sweden

The new exhibition at Moderna Museet is a manifestation of their life and work. The space is filled with pictures from floor to ceiling: surreal, thrilling and perhaps also frightening. Most pictures portray the artists themselves with themes such as sex, race and religion. “This is a form of letter from Gilbert & George to the audience in Stockholm,” says Eriksson. “The pictures appeal to a wide audience, give us new perspectives and change us.”

Accessible art(ists) Promoting free speech, the artists continuously strive to reach a wider audience in London and elsewhere. And Gilbert & George are certainly accessible in contrast to some other celebrities in the art world. Impeccably well-dressed in near-matching suits, they still walk the neighbourhood in Spitalfields on a daily basis. In a film introduction to the exhibition, Gilbert & George guide us through Spitalfields while sharing their past and present. “We still live much the same as we lived 40 years ago,” says George, and continues: “I think we do lead very orderly, quiet lives. I think in that way, we are able to be more clean-headed. We have more space for creating.”

Life, 1984. © Gilbert & George

Gilbert & George

Gilbert & George timeline: 1967 Gilbert & George meet at Saint Martin’s School of Art and Design in London. George describes it as “love at first sight”. The two young sculptors soon begin seeing themselves as “living sculptures”.

1984 AIDS is a new and terrifying disease. The tabloids run alarming headlines about “the gay plague”. Many friends of Gilbert & George are diagnosed with the terminal disease.

1968 Gilbert & George rent a room on 12 Fournier Street in the East End, then a run-down outskirt. Years later, they buy the building and make it their home, studio and a part of their art.

1994 Gilbert & George achieve technical perfection with their unique printing process. Their images are composed from detailed sketches. The result appears only when each image is developed and assembled.

1977 “We left our house. We opened the door and went into the world. And what did we see? Big piles of shit. Big piles. And we saw all this aggression. The world was in turmoil.” – Gilbert & George

2003 Negatives, fixatives and darkrooms are replaced with computers. Gilbert & George unsentimentally change technique, and the only thing they miss is the rubber gloves, which are no longer needed.

Gilbert & George: The Great Exhibition is showing at Moderna Museet in Stockholm until 12 May 2019. Curators of the exhibition are Hans Ulrich Obrist and Daniel Birnbaum.

Web: www.modernamuseet.se Facebook: ModernaMuseet Twitter: @ModernaMuseet Instagram: @modernamuseet

Issue 122 | March 2019 | 33

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Sweden

Discover the joy of literature with Alfie Atkins A house full of fun, interactivity and curiosity, Alfons Åbergs Kulturhus (Alfie Atkins’ Cultural Centre) also has a more serious, honourable ambition – to be a champion of reading and early learning. And so Alfie Atkins acts as a helpful, inquisitive and friendly companion during a child’s journey towards discovering the wonderful world of literature. By Pia Petersson

“Children who are introduced to books, reading and acting early in life have a greater chance of developing a lifelong relationship with literature,” begins CEO Anna Forsgren. The vision of this creative cultural centre is to make all children relax and feel at home. “One of the major societal challenges today is exclusion, be it as a result of disability, social status or language. We want to help, simply by aspiring to be as inclusive as possible,” Forsgren explains.

issues facing Alfie and his dad engage children and adults alike. Perhaps this is why the books have never gone out of print in Sweden, ever since they were first published in 1972. Due to the humanity, curiosity and happiness permeating these stories, they clearly have a universal appeal. It is no wonder, then, that this mischievous little chap and his kind-hearted dad have charmed readers all over the world; the books have been translated into 30 languages.

Author Gunilla Bergström writes and also illustrates the books about Alfie Atkins – or Alfons Åberg, as the Swedish original is called – and is known for her remarkable ability to capture everyday drama and common problems. “Alfie isn’t big, strong and brave – he’s just like us,” Forsgren says. The universal

At this lively cultural centre, familiar milieus and characters from the world of Alfie Atkins, such as his recognisable flat, the marvellous helicopter and the scary monster, greet children and their accompanying adults. There is always something going on and at least two different theatre performances are

34 | Issue 122 | March 2019

presented daily. In addition, there is also storytelling, singing and much more. “We also regularly offer sign language interpreted performances,” Forsgren adds. Of course, there is a quirky café in which children and adults can relax after a long day of playing and learning. “We have an important role as a playful social actor, and we aspire to live up to the good values Alfie Atkins stands for. We want to contribute to children’s development through playing and learning. That’s how we can make a difference together,” Forsgren concludes.

Web: www.alfonskulturhus.com

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Sweden Julia Beck, Vid kanalen, Grez. 1883. Photo: Stockholms Auktionsverk

The gallery terrace at Prince Eugen’s Waldemarsudde. Photo: Prins Eugens Waldemarsudde

Boundary-breaking art and royal friendships Between lush greenery and the waters of the Stockholm archipelago, a stronghold for culture presents world-class art, architecturally admirable reception rooms, rare flora and a fascinating past – all thanks to a passionate prince. And this year, visitors get the opportunity to get closer to his gifted friends and acquaintances. By Linnea Dunne

“The Prince created his ‘gesamtkunstwerk’, this holistic work of art, with collaboration and integration of different art forms in mind. That was also central to the artist community Grez-surLoing, south-east of Paris, at the end of the 1800s,” says Karin Sidén, superintendent and director at Prince Eugen’s Waldemarsudde in Stockholm’s archipelago, about the new exhibition that showcases work by Scandinavian and Anglo-Saxon artists who spent time in the artists’ colony, including Carl Larsson, Julia Beck and Frank O’Meara. The Prince was friends with many of the artists personally, and relationships – including friendship as well as different forms of romantic relationships – are depicted in many of the pieces. “Personal inspiration, including across national borders, is a theme in the exhibition,” Sidén continues. “It’s a wonderful exhibition with plein air painting, landscapes, friendship portraits and much more.”

Later this autumn, another of the Prince’s acquaintances gets to inspire visitors at Waldemarsudde, as the Edward BurneJones – the Pre-Raphaelites and the Nordics exhibition opens its doors. Around 50 pieces borrowed from Tate Britain and elsewhere in the UK and Europe will show how the legendary Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones inspired others, in particular Nordic artists. “Prince Eugen met him in 1896 during a trip to London,” says Sidén. “His work is an exciting mix of striking portraits and pieces alluding to fairytales and myths. He and the other PreRaphaelite artists were very influential in the Nordics at the time, and this exhibition will also touch on the work of some of the Prince’s artist friends and acquaintances whom they inspired, including Georg Pauli and Edvard Munch.” This cross-border, cross-genre fluidity, so evident in both these exhibitions, is integral to Prince Eugen’s Waldemarsudde

– not only in its identity as a ‘gesamtkunstwerk’, but also in its reputation as a world-class hub for classic as well as contemporary art. The place has been deemed so inspiring, in fact, that it has won countless awards and accolades, winning Best Exhibitions and Most Enjoyable Atmosphere this year when the people of Stockholm voted on all the city’s museums. “We’re very proud,” says Sidén, “not just because the competition is fierce, but also because if people appreciate our exhibitions, it means that they will function as a vehicle and make sure that people keep coming back.”

Edward Burne-Jones, Love and the Pilgrim, 1896-7. Oil on canvas, 1575 x 3048 mm. Photo: Tate Britain

Web: www.waldemarsudde.se Facebook: Prins Eugens Waldemarsudde Instagram: @prinseugenswaldemarsudde

Issue 122 | March 2019 | 35

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Sweden

The art of glass Since its founding, The Glass Factory has continuously broken new ground. With an innovative and interactive approach to the art of glass, the glass museum is creating a meeting place for visitors, international artists and designers. By Hanna Stjernström | Photos: The Glass Factory

The Glass Factory was founded in 2011 and is home to Sweden’s largest collection of art glassware, consisting of over 50,000 pieces. The glass museum focuses on interaction and invites visitors to take part in workshops, shows and activities for children. “We have two permanent and ten temporary exhibitions during the year,” says museum director Maja Heuer. “There is always something new for both the regular and the firsttime visitor.” The Glass Factory also works as a meeting place for product development and international collaborations. The dedication to research and new techniques is stressed as Heuer describes the museum’s work: “Our vision is to develop and strengthen the position of glass by encouraging collabora-

tions where people from different countries meet,” she explains. “There is so much knowledge that could contribute to a sustainable development for glass.” The factory has a history of exciting programmes, and this year is no different. Heuer highlights two temporary exhibitions: Knowing-seeing-painting and Blomsterbuketten. Contemporary 3D-

Knowing-seeing-painting 9/3-26/5.

printed objects and painted glass are showcased in the international exhibition Knowing-seeing-painting, which features glass by 17 artists from five different countries. Blomsterbuketten, meaning ‘the flower bouquet’, is an exhibition by the artist Zandra Ahl and shifts attention to the cultural context of the flower vase. Together, they are a part of an exciting and dynamic museum that puts the visitor at the centre.

Web: theglassfactory.se

One of the most popular attractions in Jämtland Jamtli is the regional museum of Härjedalen and Jämtland, located in Östersund. It includes an open-air museum with recreations of historical buildings as well as an indoor museum that has both permanent and temporary exhibitions. Since the 1980s, Jamtli has been working on the living history project Jamtli Historyland, which has helped to make Jamtli – literally translating as ‘hillside of Jämtland’ – one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region.

at Jamtli’s own hostel, which is located in the centre of the 1895 quarters of Jamtli.

By Sofia Scratton | Photos: Jamtli

During the summer, Jamtli Historyland takes place in the open-air museum, brought to life by actors and animals. Visitors are invited to take part in various role-playing activities that demonstrate how people lived in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. The new arena for art and design, Nationalmuseum Jamtli, opened officially at Jamtli in June 2018 and is a branch of the Swedish National Museum. The current exhibition, Sex sekler av samtid (Six centuries of contemporary art) offers art from six centuries, including works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Alexander Roslin, Ulrica Fredrika Pasch, Jenny Nyström and Carl Larsson. 36 | Issue 122 | March 2019

The exhibition takes visitors through art from the 16th century right up to the present day. It will be exhibited until May, when it will be replaced by the new exhibition Från gryning till skymning (Dawn to dusk) from Nationalmuseum’s collection. Guests can also enjoy a visit to Jamtli’s cafe at the heart of the museum. In the summer, the doors open to a lovely courtyard, which is very popular on sunny days. The museum shop has been described as Östersund’s best gift shop, and the restaurant Hov, Östersund’s oldest restaurant, at the heart of Jamtli, serves up tasty lunch and dinner. Guests can also stay overnight

Web: www.jamtli.com Facebook: jamtlimuseum Instagram: @jamtli_ostersund

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Sweden

Celebrating humanity The Nobel Prize was founded to recognise individuals whose achievements have conferred ‘the greatest benefit to humankind’. 119 years later, the Nobel Prize Museum plays an important role in helping to share the knowledge, principles and innovations that represent the best of human endeavour. By Liz Longden | Photos: Nobel Prize Museum

Situated in Stockholm’s picturesque Gamla Stan, the Nobel Prize Museum has become a popular tourist attraction, yet it is much more than just an interesting place to pass a few hours. As museum director Erika Lanner explains, the museum’s principal purpose is to educate and spread a message of inspiration: “We believe that research, science and humanism can change the world. And by explaining and sharing the achievements of our Laureates, we hope to show how we all can contribute and make a positive difference to the world we live in.” One way in which the museum does this is through its exhibitions, with one current highlight a powerful and moving temporary exhibition celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King. Public talks are another important part of the museum’s activity, and April will see the premiere of a new performance lecture

in collaboration with The Royal Dramatic Theatre, Dramaten, on the neuroscience of happiness. “There is a desire in our society for more depth of understanding about science and research, and we see that as something that we can help with,” says Lanner. One naturally curious group on which the museum directs a particular focus is children, making it a great destination for families. Here, young visitors can learn about the prize’s history and highlights in the Bubble Chamber, explore on their own with the help of a specially tailored booklet, or take part in open workshops. Children are also the focus of much of the museum’s international outreach programme: through travelling exhibitions and talks, often with the participation of Nobel Laureates, it collaborates extensively with schools and teachers across the world.

It is partly in order to bring together all of its public outreach activities in a single space that the Nobel Prize Museum is hoping to move to new and larger premises in the near future. “The space in our current building is limited and we have had to decline many school groups, which is obviously very disappointing,” Lanner explains. “As we continue to expand our outreach activities, therefore, we’re hopeful of being able to find a new, better suited home in the heart of Stockholm.”

Bernice A. King, the youngest daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King and CEO of the King Centre, speaks at the opening of the museum’s Dr. Martin Luther King exhibition.

Web: www.nobelprizemuseum.se

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Sweden

Don Carlo by Giuseppe Verdi.

Summer opera with Mozart’s magic flute Sweden’s leading summer opera experience is Opera på Skäret in Bergslagen. With world-class performances in a stunning setting, it is truly an unmissable experience. This summer, visitors will be able to enjoy the fantastic The Magic Flute by Mozart.

11 countries, it was an extraordinary musical experience under the guidance of Michael Balke.

By Malin Norman | Photos: Opera på Skäret

This year, visitors can see Mozart’s The Magic Flute from 27 July to 25 August. It is one of the world’s most popular operas, where the Queen of the Night persuades Prince Tamino to rescue her daughter, Pamina, from captivity. “Musically, this is an incredibly interesting piece,” says Niclasson. “It’s not a pure opera as such, but includes spoken dialogue as well, which makes it more accessible.”

Deeply embedded in the great mining district, Bergslagen, by Lake Ljusnaren, is a historic environment with an old sawmill, which has been transformed into an opera house with unique acoustics. Opera på Skäret has seen a number of outstanding international performances and some 90,000 visitors since the start in 2004. Artistic leader Alexander Niclasson elaborates on the opera house's success: “The setting is unique with the old building, and the acoustics are phenomenal,” he says. “And we keep the artistic focus high when choosing the performers.” Instead of handpicking singers, the opera arranges open auditions where everyone 38 | Issue 122 | March 2019

is welcome. “It’s quite unusual, and as a result, we’ve had singers from all over the world. They are present for the entire summer, which means that they have the opportunity to influence the production – it’s a collaborative performance.”

Playful production for the family The Opera Festival was first founded in 2004, and since then, every year a new opera has impressed the audience. A number of the world’s most-loved operas have been performed here, such as Madame Butterfly, Tosca, Carmen and La Traviata. Last year, Don Carlo, the dramatic masterpiece by Giuseppe Verdi, became one of the most praised performances so far. With singers from

Opera house.

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Sweden

The Magic Flute is Mozart’s last opera and borders on what comes later with Beethoven and Romanticism. Director is Roberto Recchia from Italy, known for his excellent productions and fantasy. According to Niclasson, “it will be a playful performance, suitable for the whole family!”

The great mining district Bergslagen In addition to its celebrated performances, Opera på Skäret is involved in efforts to increase tourism in the region via a project financed by Region Örebro, Ljusnarsberg Municipality, Adolf Lindgren Foundation and the Swedish Arts Council. The vision is to offer Europe’s best experience of summer opera, with the addition of activities and accommodation in the area. The Opera Train is a popular vintage train service from Stockholm Central Station straight to Opera på Skäret, with the possibility to lunch before and enjoy a three-course dinner after the performance.

Don Carlo by Giuseppe Verdi.

Orchestra.

The region of Bergslagen was an industrial powerhouse in Sweden from the 17th century up to the recession in the 1970s. “There are a lot of exciting things to see and do here,” says Niclasson. For instance, visitors can take the opportunity to go fishing, canoeing or swimming in Lake Ljusnaren. “Stay for a few days and discover Örebro, visit nearby Falu Mine, and enjoy a delicious dinner at Grythyttan. And come to see The Magic Flute at Opera på Skäret!” Web: www.operapaskaret.se Facebook: operapaskaret Instagram: @operapaskaret

Carmen by Georges Bizet.

The Magic Flute by Mozart.

Madame Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini.

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Sweden

Both Worlds by Celia Paredes

Art for the people Over the past 13 years, Supermarket – Stockholm Independent Art Fair has grown from plucky rebel to major event on the international contemporary art calendar. This year’s fair will see more than 150 artists from 45 cities across the globe descend on Sweden’s capital for four days of glorious, chaotic, immersive art – and everyone is welcome.

only galleries run by artists themselves, with the stated aim of focusing on artists, not saleability, and of making contemporary art more inclusive and more accessible.

By Liz Longden

The term ‘alternative’ is bandied about often, but in the case of Supermarket, Stockholm’s only independent and international art fair, it is quite literally true. The event was founded in 2006 in playful opposition to the Market contemporary art fair, which also opened in the city in the same year. “When Market started, they had a very aggressive marketing 40 | Issue 122 | March 2019

approach, which made it clear that their focus was all about the buyer, not the artist. But our belief is that art becomes less important when you treat it as a commodity,” explains Pontus Raud who, along with Andreas Ribbung, is Supermarket’s founder and project director. Minimarket, later renamed Supermarket, was the result – an independent art fair, showcasing

From left: Andreas Ribbung, Alice Máselníková and Pontus Raud. Photo: Diana Agunbiade-Kolawole

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Sweden

13 years on, Supermarket has become a role model for independent art fairs across the world and gained an international reputation for its anarchic, interactive approach. “We want to help bring contemporary art to a broader audience, and to do it in a way that gives a fun, dynamic experience,” Raud says.

Reaching out Described by one major Swedish national newspaper as ‘punky, political, creative chaos’, Supermarket is partly about challenging norms of how art can and should be experienced. This is evident in the physical set-up of the fair – a cluster of individual booths which together form a vibrant hub of artistic activity, where both the public and artists can mingle and share in artistic experiences that can be alternately surprising, disturbing, moving or amusing. In addition to encouraging spontaneous interactions between artists and the public, the art fair also organises an extensive programme of performances and talks. “There are performances going on everywhere, all the time, onstage, off-stage, so you have this really fun, inclusive, and somewhat unpredictable feel,” Ribbung explains. “Part of the reason for doing it like this is to make it more accessible and to reach out to people from different backgrounds and different ages. And, actually, the great thing is that everyone finds something they like, and something that speaks to them, because there is such diversity.”

across the world, who might not otherwise be able to share their work internationally. “Many of the smaller artist-run spaces that we exhibit are working quite locally and do not have the funding to take part in the more commercial art fairs. And they might also not be interested in presenting their projects to that kind of audience, who are mostly collectors,” explains project manager Alice Máselníková. “So it is also about bringing in those artists who do not fit in the traditional art fair, and, in doing so, offering a wider perspective.”

through our public programmes, the venues, or through other initiatives, helping to bring contemporary art to more people and to make it more accessible is going to continue to be our focus.” Supermarket 2019 – Stockholm Independent Art Fair will run 4-7 April at Sickla Front, Uddvägen 7, Sickla.

Web: www.supermarketartfair.com

The result is a fascinating snapshot of international contemporary art, with the 2019 programme including artists from cities as diverse as Izmir, Tbilisi, Tel Aviv, Puebla, Saint Petersburg, Birmingham and Montreal. Supermarket will this year move to a new venue near Hammarby Sjöstad in the southern part of Stockholm, and, for the first time, will also see a number of exhibitions and events in artist-run spaces across the city. The move is the latest step in the development of an event that has by now gained international renown within the contemporary art world. “We want to keep reaching out to new audiences, and to a more inclusive audience, with people from different backgrounds and ages,” explains Máselníková. “Whether we do that

Supermarket is set up to encourage interactions between artists and the public. Photo: Besik Kurashvili

The TALKS seminar programme is an important part of Supermarket. Photo: Diana Agunbiade-Kolawole

Public outreach is also a motivation behind the Supermarket magazine. Published each year in conjunction with the art fair, and included in the price of the entry ticket, the magazine shares ideas, discussion and debates from the artist-run art world, giving a voice to artists and connecting them to a wider audience.

Bringing in The principle of outreach and inclusivity is not limited to the public, however. One of the stated aims of Supermarket is to give exposure and networking opportunities to contemporary artists from

Vanessa Donoso in the booth of Ormston House gallery. Photo: Joakim Erixon Flodman

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Sweden

The Orchestra.

Gregor Zubicky.

A distinct musical dialect A strong belief in what they do, hard work, and a surprisingly strategic geographical base are part of the formula for success behind The Swedish Chamber Orchestra. Touring internationally, recording albums and introducing music fans all over the world to its inimitable sound, the orchestra now finds itself at an exciting crossroads. By Pia Petersson | Photos: Nikolaj Lund

“The difference between a chamber orchestra and a symphonic orchestra are two buses,” chuckles Gregor Zubicky. He is explaining why the Swedish Chamber Orchestra, of which he is artistic manager, has become one of the world’s most successful chamber orchestras. Zubicky emphasises how this comparatively new but decidedly thriving orchestra has turned something that could have been a disadvantage into an advantage, namely its relatively small size compared to its symphonic cousin. The seventh-largest city in Sweden, Örebro was not the most obvious choice as home to The Swedish Chamber Orchestra but has become a key component of its success story. “There were many sort of left-over bits of different orchestras here when we started in 1995, so the foundation of our orchestra 42 | Issue 122 | March 2019

happened quite naturally, organically,” Zubicky says. Again, the orchestra utilised its eminent ability to turn potential drawbacks into advantages. “Örebro has been significant to us. In a big city, there’s so much that jostles for attention, but here, we’re able to really focus on what we’re doing. We’re definitely made in Örebro,” Zubicky stresses. The town has made sure to return the love of its cherished orchestra. For instance, each of the 39 members of the orchestra has their own rehearsal room at the Örebro Concert Hall, which is rare. “This type of security means we have lots of freedom,” says Zubicky. Clearly, the orchestra has used this freedom the only way it knows how – by proving its potential. Zubicky explains that, unusually, The Swedish Chamber Orchestra has only

had one chief conductor since its foundation. However, they now find themselves at a bit of a juncture, as Thomas Dausgaard is going to hand over the baton to Martin Fröst. “Of course, after 22 years, this marks a new era for us. We have developed our own particular musical dialect. Now we must write a new chapter, developing our dialect further still. Exciting times ahead”, Zubicky concludes.

Facts: Home: Örebro Concert Hall, built in 1932 and rebuilt in 2015. Seats 724 people. Recordings: An impressive 64 CDs, including complete Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann and Brahms cycles. Composers: Among those who have recently composed for the orchestra are Brett Dean, Olga Neuwirth, Uri Caine, Anders Hillborg, Mark Anthony Turnage, Steven Mackey, Helen Grime and Betsy Jolas.

Web: www.orebrokonserthus.com

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Sweden

Photo: Jose Figueroa

Dada Masilo, from South Africa, is one of the internationally renowned dancers who will be performing at Dansens Hus in 2019. Photo: Kevin Parry

Liberating movement By presenting the work of some of the world’s most innovative and dynamic dancers and choreographers, Dansens Hus aims to inspire, challenge and bring the joy, power and freedom of dance to an ever-wider audience. By Liz Longden

Dansens Hus has a wide-ranging remit, but it is one which artistic director Annelie Gardell is able to summarise succinctly: to support dance as an art form and to enable as many people as possible to enjoy the unique experience of watching contemporary dance performances. “Dance is an art form that gives us another way of understanding ourselves and others, not through words, but through the body and its movement,” Gardell explains. “When you watch a performance, you can feel that something of what is happening on stage is passed to the audience, and that they feel that energy and emotion in their own bodies. It’s a kind of coming together of body and soul, which can be a very deep and moving experience.”

As Sweden’s largest stage for guest performances of contemporary dance, Dansens Hus functions as a national hub, supporting Swedish artists and participating in outreach projects across the country. But the venue has also gained international renown, enabling it to attract some of the most exciting talents from across the world. And, with 2019’s programme including performances from South Africa, Canada and Lebanon, Gardell says that the theatre makes a conscious attempt to also give a platform to nonEuropean dancers and choreographers. “For us, it’s very important that we also show works from other continents, because it’s about offering different perspectives,” she explains. “Just in the same way that we have works by

well-established artists alongside more experimental pieces by newcomers, it’s about showing and encouraging diversity.” It is also, she adds, another important way of supporting dance as an art form. “Not only the audience, but also the dance industry, need that nourishment of new ideas and alternative perspectives.” That diversity is also reflected in Dansens Hus’ audience. Gardell notes that ticket sales have doubled in recent years, with both genders and a broad spread of age groups well represented within the audience profile. “There is something about dance that works on a very intuitive level,” says Gardell. “You don’t need to understand a text; there may not even be a narrative. You can simply experience and feel it and create your own meaning. And that can be very liberating and makes it something that everyone can enjoy.” Web: www.dansenshus.se

Issue 122 | March 2019 | 43

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Sweden

Wildlife safaris at Elk Hill At the Royal Hunt Museum – Elk Hill, fantastic nature is accessible only a short distance from Gothenburg. It is an ideal destination to explore, and a place to meet the wild creatures of the forest. West Sweden’s only eco-park is located close to Lake Vänern, and its mountains Halleberg and Hunneberg offer rare geology and biological diversity with fascinating wildlife. The Royal Hunt Museum – Elk Hill is ideal for families with children, with opportunities to smell, touch and explore – practical learning in a museum environment. There is an interactive display about Swedish nature and hunting history as well as the royal hunt, which was introduced by King Oscar II in 1885 and is still active today.

Photo: Elk Hill

A highlight is the popular wildlife safaris. From Midsummer to the end of August, visitors can take part in the elk safari on Mondays and Thursdays, with opportunities to see the impressive king of the forest. “The tour lasts at least three hours and also includes a visit at the museum, where we can show the elk up close,” says nature guide Ola Selin. On Wednesdays during the summer months, visitors can join the beaver safari with canoeing on the lake to get even closer. There is also great fishing here.

Photo: Roland Johansson

By Malin Norman

Hunneberg’s fishing waters include lakes with rainbow trout, and Selin recommends the waters with natural populations of perch and pike. “It should be easy to get outdoors,” he concludes. “Sitting in a small boat on a lake is peaceful – it shouldn’t be about what gear you are using. Here, you can get back to basics with a simple fishing rod and bait.”

The Royal Hunt Museum – Elk Hill is open all year round with plenty of activities throughout. Web: www.algensberg.com Facebook: kungajaktmuseetalgensberg Instagram: @kungajaktmuseet

Photo: iStock

Where art, nature and people meet On the island of Tjörn on Sweden’s west coast hides a cultural hub, namely Nordiska Akvarellmuseet (The Nordic Water Colour Museum). The museum, elegantly streamlined in line with its natural surroundings, attracts people from all corners of the globe through its world-class exhibitions and events, celebrating the beauty of water colour. By Emma Rödin

Since opening its doors in 2000, Nordiska Akvarellmuseet has welcomed over three million visitors to a range of exhibitions, including the works of Salvador Dalí, Bill Viola and Louise Bourgeois. In addition to displaying top-class art, the museum hosts attractive events such as workshops, lectures and concerts. Additionally, the museum has a strong relationship with other actors in the Gothenburg region, including local schools. Everyone is invited to explore and benefit from the museum’s wide offering. “The heart of our museum has always been our fantastic exhibitions. At the same time, we work hard to enrich these with activities around them. It heightens the 44 | Issue 122 | March 2019

experience,” says Bera Nordal, director of Nordiska Akvarellmuseet. Visitors to the museum also get to soak up the establishment’s stunning surroundings. “When you visit us, you get to be close to nature. There is the gorgeous sea and

smooth cliffs just outside, and there’s a wonderful balance between the land and the museum. Some would call it symbiosis,” says Nordal. In our modern, often stressful society, Nordal believes that people are simply longing for harmony. “We help them find that here, be it by looking at art or by creating it themselves,” she concludes. For a great dose of culture and an experience that feeds the soul, the choice of destination is clear.

Photo: Anders Arena Nordiska Akvarellmuseet is a leading museum in the realm of water colour art. Photo: Kalle Sanner

Web: www.akvarellmuseet.org

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Sweden

Left: Four robots (Sitting Robot, Cygan, George and Eric). Photo: Plastiques Photography, courtesy of the Science Museum. Top right: Robots from the Science Museum. PAL Robotics. Photo: WSM Art – Walter Schulze-Mittendorff. Bottom right: Play Beyond Play. Photo: Anna Gerdén.

A robot invasion in Stockholm The London Science Museum’s exhibition Robots is going on its world tour, and the first stop is Stockholm, at the National Museum of Science and Technology. With a mission to inspire us to think more about the role of robots, and what they mean for our future, Robots is a mind-blowing interactive exhibition of a unique collection of robots.

able to interact with. Terminator T-800 and Maria 1927 are two of many robots that will be part of the exhibition. It runs until 15 March 2020, and a 15 per cent discount is available when purchasing tickets online before the exhibition opens.

By Sofia Scratton

The National Museum of Science and Technology is situated in the northern part of Royal Djurgården – a green oasis in the centre of Stockholm – and is part of a group of museums known as Museiparken. It is Sweden’s largest museum of technology and attracts around 350,000 visitors annually. Its main audience is families, but also tourists from overseas. It is both a museum and an interactive science centre, where visitors can explore exhibitions with tricky challenges and mind-blowing facts and vast collections of objects, images and records. The exhibition Play Beyond Play premiered in October 2018 and is an immersive experience about video games, featuring game stations, imaginative game environments and workshops. “Sweden is a big contributor to the gaming industry. One in ten of all people who play computer games have played a Swedish game,” 46 | Issue 122 | March 2019

says Åsa Marnell, head of collections and exhibitions at the National Museum of Science and Technology. The exhibition covers 1,000 square metres and celebrates the Swedish gaming industry and the world of gaming.

Artificial intelligence and the role of robots For those planning a visit to Sweden this summer, the exhibition Robots premieres on 17 July. “It is a definite must-see for those visiting Stockholm this summer. We live in a time when we talk a lot about artificial intelligence and the role of robots. Why have we decided to develop robots that can take over from us humans? Will there be a robot invasion and will robots take over? It is both a fascinating and a scary thought,” says Marnell.

Robots will exhibit a unique collection of humanoid robots, which visitors will be

Tekniska by Pontus is the museum’s highly rated restaurant, nominated as Best Cultural Restaurant in Sweden last year. Head chef Pontus Frithiof presents a modern food concept with an emphasis on innovation, sustainability, playfulness, and technology. The dishes are based on fresh seasonal produce and are mainly vegetarian, although meat and fish dishes are also available. The restaurant has the same opening hours as the rest of the museum. Opening hours: Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays through Sundays: 10am to 5pm Wednesdays: 10am to 8pm Extended hours 2019: 17 July to 31 August, 10am to 7pm daily

Web: www.tekniskamuseet.se Facebook: tekniskamuseet Instagram: @tekniskamuseet

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Sweden

An artistic co-operative All over Sweden, countless fantastic, old, industrial buildings are abandoned, derelict and unloved. The old paper mill in Fengersfors in the county of Dalsland is a refreshing exception, however. These old brick buildings are enjoying a second life as a cultural hub, where febrile artistic activity is going on around the clock. By Pia Petersson | Photos: Malin Robertson Harén

“Not Quite is a co-operative consisting of just over 60 members: artists and craftsmen such as photographers, blacksmiths, carpenters, ceramists, designers, textile artists, metal artists, silver crafts, visual artists and so on,” says Malin Robertson Harén, marketing manager and herself a member of the co-operative, specialising in photography. Established in 2001, Not Quite is the brainchild of a group of local art students, blacksmiths and carpenters who needed workshop space. From the very beginning, they hoped to create an international art and culture centre, hosting exhibitions, a café and a shop, something that, 18 years later, has become a

reality. Not Quite welcomes 30,000 visitors per year, which is a rather remarkable number, keeping in mind that the population of Fengersfors is 400.

galleries, concerts, workshops and author talks taking place regularly, there is both a café and bistro… the list goes on. This is a place that keeps evolving, provoking new ideas and activities. “We always try to improve Not Quite, and right now, we’re developing our shop, including looking into opening pop-up shops in other parts of Sweden or even the rest of the world,” Robertson Harén concludes.

Visitors to this vibrant cultural centre, plonked in the mysterious forests of Dalsland, do not need to fear boredom. At Not Quite, there are five different art

Web: www.notquite.se

Issue 122 | March 2019 | 47

m he

RE RK U LT MA U C EN D IN lT

ia ec

Photo: Robin Skjoldborg

Discover Denmark

— seafood, science and a rich maritime heritage If stereotypes and platitudes are to be believed, Sweden is the straight and serious equality enthusiast in the Nordics, Denmark is the fun foodie, and Norway is the sporty nature fanatic. Finland is a place to sit by a lake and eat healthy berries after a sauna. But, as it happens, one of the wonderful things about Scandinavia is how the countries all have so many strengths in common, yet show them in such varied and different ways. Look at Denmark through the lens of natural beauty, then, and you will discover its culture in a whole new way.

With a significant maritime heritage, Denmark can tell fascinating stories with the help of old seamen, vessels and fisheries. Still today, this industry is important to the Danish economy, and tourists get the added benefit of enjoying fresh-by-the-minute seafood with great beverages to boot. The long, sandy beaches, meanwhile, may not be as immediately breathtak48 | Issue 122 | March 2019

ing as some of Norway’s fjords, but few places are quite as peace-inducing, inspiring visitors to take things down a notch, kick back and fully relax. Whether you choose to explore the sand dunes freely and on your own or learn from one of many local experts at destination hubs and museums, you are sure to get used to a little bit of sand between your toes – in a good way.

Alongside these gifts from nature, Denmark offers well-designed, highquality museums and art galleries that fit right into the natural scenery and keep visitors entertained regardless of age. That includes the only science centre in the world to have been included on the TIME Magazine list of World’s 100 Greatest Places last year. Why not forget about the platitudes and make this the year for discovering Danish culture the genuine way, from the inside and out, letting nature lead the way?

Web: www.visitdenmark.com

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Denmark

M/S Museet for Søfart (the M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark). Photo: Thijs Wolzak

Photo: Kim Wyon

Kunstrunden Sydvestjylland. Photo: Business Region Esbjerg

Photo: Kim Wyon

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Denmark

Designed by Danish architects CEBRA in 2017, the new Experimentarium re-opened with a three-storey space that more than doubled the old Experimentarium’s exhibition area. Photo: Adam Mørk

Science — the Danish way According to TIME Magazine, Denmark’s Experimentarium is nothing less than one of the World’s 100 Greatest Places. Scan Magazine takes a look at what makes the science centre and its Danish approach to science so special. Clue: it has more to do with soap bubbles, laughter and kissy faces than science books. By Signe Hansen

Just a short bike ride north of central Copenhagen lies Experimentarium, a huge science centre built to celebrate and stimulate the inherently curious human mind. Through intuitive and playful hands-on exploration, the centre brings science to life – all the visitor has to do is jump right in and get started. “What I love about Experimentarium is that the kids just naturally get it. In a mat50 | Issue 122 | March 2019

ter of seconds, they get busy exploring and experimenting – it’s all completely intuitive and there is so much to discover,” says Anders, father of Lily and Ellen. They are all visiting Experimentarium to celebrate Lily’s eighth birthday. The exhibits and activities are accompanied by easy instructions – in Danish and English – as well as scientific background information. “There is enough

knowledge to satisfy even the most curious mind,” says Kim Gladstone Herlev, CEO of Experimentarium. “But for the most part, Experimentarium is all about experimenting and using your body and brain to explore the wonders of natural science.”

One of the world’s 100 greatest places In August 2018, TIME Magazine placed Experimentarium on its new list of the World’s 100 Greatest Places. Tivoli, the world-famous restaurant Noma, and Experimentarium were the only Danish attractions to make the cut. Furthermore, Experimentarium is the only science centre in any country on the list.

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Denmark

The distinction comes after a complete renovation more than doubled the science centre in size. Re-opening in 2017, Experimentarium now covers three indoor floors sprawling with interactive exhibitions on science and technology. On top of this, guests will find an interactive rooftop with a spectacular view as well as daily science shows, a restaurant, and a science-themed gift shop. In other words, Experimentarium is not just great – it is also huge.

Its engaging and interactive approach to science and play has earned Experimentarium in Copenhagen a place on TIME Magazine’s new list of the World’s 100 Greatest Places. Photo: David Trood

At every point, guests are confronted with exhibits to fire their curiosity. In one exhibition, they can play a tune on the Laser Harp, in another, compete with the Robot Arm, and, in a third, explore all the senses in the Tunnel of Senses, in which you are ‘born’ in one end and ‘die’ in the other. “The exhibitions are designed and built right here at Experimentarium – so they really are one of a kind,” says Gladstone Herlev. In the Bubblearium, Lisa, her younger brother Oscar, and their mother Ida, are busy experimenting with soap bubbles. “As a parent, you really get sucked into the activities. It’s so much fun – we have laughed, danced and had a great time together. It is just pure ‘hygge’,” says Ida. “We have been here for close to five hours, and we still haven’t seen everything. The kids just keep on going. They get a lot of exercise, and they don’t tire or get bored.”

Photo: David Trood

Meanwhile, Lisa has figured out that if her hands are wet with soap bubble solution, she can grab and hold a soap bubble. “Quick, take a picture!” she yells out, making a kissy face.

‘Can we go again?’ Striking in their creativity and highly intuitive, the science centre’s 18 interactive exhibitions ensure that all of the family can and will take part in the fun. Regardless of age and nationality, you see no one walking around with their eyes on their mobile phones. In Experimentarium’s water exhibition, The Beach, a mysterious copper-clad submarine draws the eye. Playing and splashing around with the water, kids and grown-ups explore

If you ask the young science explorer Lisa, soap bubbles, science, and kissy faces go hand in hand. Photo: Christian Yssing

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Denmark

the science of water. Some are racing rubber ducks and learning about water currents, others are busy trying to make an underwater tornado. It takes quite a lot of effort, but in the end, the tornado forms in the tube in a beautiful silvery burst of air bubbles. Close by, some kids are rubbing life into a giant flashing yeast cell and learning about making bread and beer while a father is working up a sweat in a giant hamster wheel. Ida, Lisa and Oscar run to join the short line in front of the Interactive Film Theatre. It is the world’s first cinema based on movement sensor technology. Forget about popcorn and relaxing in soft chairs – in this cinema you have to jump, shout and dance to help the girl, Anna, fight a mysterious fog. Twelve minutes later, Ida and the kids emerge from the darkness laughing and out of breath. “Can we go again?” begs Oscar.

Photo: David Trood

Facts: In 2018, TIME Magazine listed Experimentarium as one of the World’s 100 Greatest Places. The science centre is located in Hellerup, six kilometres northwest of central Copenhagen, easily accessible by bicycle or public transport. The exhibition area comprises 11,000 square metres of hands-on, intuitive science and technology. Admission: Children (3-11): 115DKK (approx. 13GBP). Adults (12 years and up): 195DKK (approx. 22GBP). Visitors with the Copenhagen Card city pass get free entrance. Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 9.30am-5pm. Friday: 9.30am-7pm. Saturday and Sunday: 10am-7pm.

Photo: Adam Mørk

52 | Issue 122 | March 2019

Photo: Christian Yssing

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Denmark

Miniverset – science for toddlers Experimentarium’s Miniverset is a special universe designed for the youngest members of the family (one-to-fiveyear-olds). But the grown-ups both can, and should, play along too, says CEO Gladstone Herlev. “It’s a fun, inspiring and safe environment that nurtures children's basic understanding of science while they are busy having the time of their lives. Children are natural scientists – they are in fact born to learn through play, and every day they discover new things and learn about the world by experimenting and playing.” At Miniverset, the little scientists can experience and explore natural phenomena such as wind, light and reflections. But science is also explored through classic children’s games, like playing shop, catch or hide and seek. This makes it easy for the children to get started. “They already instinctively know what to do,” Gladstone Herlev points out. Miniverset consists of seven little universes. All have their own particular charm and distinct visual design and make for a diverse and inspirational visit. And, for those in need of a breather, the cosy reading corners offer the chance to cuddle up with one of the Miniverse books, which can help the children anchor their experiences and develop their vocabulary.

In Miniverset, even the family’s youngest members can explore and have fun in the world of science. Photo: David Trood

Photo: David Trood

Miniverset also has a large area with a cloakroom, stroller parking, picnic tables and a nursery room. In short, says Gladstone Herlev, “it’s everything you need for a wonderful day of playing science”. Web: www.experimentarium.dk/en Facebook: Experimentarium Instagram: @experimentarium

Photo: Anders Bruun

Photo: David Trood

Issue 122 | March 2019 | 53

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Denmark

Photo: Maria Dønvang

Photo: Thijs Wolzak

Photo: Iwan Baan

Photo: Rasmus Luckmann

Board a literal dreamboat From the Vikings to Maersk container carrier captains, the Danes have a long history as a seafaring people. Therefore, it is only right that M/S Museet for Søfart (the M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark) in Helsingør (Elsinore) is one of the country's most striking and engaging museums. The museum's recent launch, DRØMMESKIBET (THE DREAM SHIP), allows younger visitors to experience life on the seven seas, adding yet another layer of enjoyment to the museum. “We aim to give an overview of Danish maritime history as well as provide opportunities to dive deeper into each story we tell,” says the museum's head of communications, Frederikke Møller. “We're lucky enough to receive a wide range of visitors, so we need to work for all ages, knowledge-levels and nationalities, whether they already have an interest in maritime history or not. The maritime world is as relevant for everyone on this planet as ever. Did you know that around 90 per cent of international goods are transported by ship today?”

“The building is an integral part of the exhibitions,” Møller says. “The two feed into each other – our look at navigation takes place in bright and wide surroundings, while the dark, narrower passages explore the world wars.” Drawers and cabinets tell people's individual stories throughout the museum. Special effects and interactive games let young and old curious souls explore the materials in new ways, like planning out trade routes, designing traditional sailors' tattoos and revealing how global or local you are when shopping.

The museum's architecture and modern exhibitions made waves when it opened in 2013, appearing on both the New York Times' and the BBC's lists of the best new museums. Designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), it is built into the walls of Helsingør's old ship-shaped dry dock.

The museum's new play area, built up around the ‘dream ship’, has proven a huge hit with the museum's younger audience and their families. “We've gone all out to make learning fun and provide real things that can be touched, worn and played with,” Møller explains. “During

54 | Issue 122 | March 2019

By Louise Older Steffensen

weekends and holidays, our 'dream ship' captains are there to assist with knot-tying and such. We're also sometimes visited by sailors from Denmark's training ships or sailmakers, who share their stories of the seven seas. One of the loveliest things we find is granddads having their own tales to tell too.” Once everyone has finished dressing up, completed the sailors' karaoke and learnt every single sailors' knot, they may retire to the café, which peddles an impressive collection of canned fish as well as more everyday café items. Photo: Iwan Baan

Website: www.mfs.dk/en Facebook: mfsdk Instagram: @maritimemuseumdenmark

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Denmark

Celebrating shellfish at a festival Throughout the year, and in particular the summer, Denmark’s festival scene springs into action with something to suit all tastes and interests. In the selfproclaimed shellfish capital of Denmark, the three-day long shellfish festival in Nykøbing Mors brings more than 16,000 visitors looking to eat and discover more about Danish shellfish. By Josefine Older Steffensen | Photos: Skaldyrsfestivalen

Nykøbing Mors is surrounded by Limfjorden, a beautiful fjord in which shellfish and seafood thrive, and it is exactly this that is celebrated at Skaldyrsfestivalen. “It was a local group of people who initially started the festival back in 2005. We knew what we had around us and how delicious the food on our doorstep was, and we wanted to make it available to more people and showcase the fantastic shellfish,” says Lars Tang, chairman of the festival. Over the past 14 years, the popularity of the festival has continued to grow and people now travel from far and wide to taste some of the delicacies. 56 | Issue 122 | March 2019

The festival takes place from 30 May to 1 June this year. There is no admission fee for the festival: however, some of the events do require a ticket, and it is always a good idea to book in advance, as the events are often sold out on the day. Skaldyrsfestivalen takes place in Nykøbing Mors harbour. Stalls with fresh produce, prepared food and gifts to take home line the side of the harbour with the backdrop of the sea and the fishing boats that have helped to bring the shellfish in. Among the local delicacies are oysters, which are sought-after by the best restaurants in London and

rarely come fresher than those found at the festival.

An exquisite shellfish buffet “The festival provides an opportunity to explore what the sea has to offer,” explains Tang. “There is something for everyone, whether you’ve come specifically for the festival or you’re on your way home from work and would like some delicious fresh food for dinner. Last year, we actually had two couples celebrating their weddings with us, with one eating from the stalls and the other joining in with the buffet.”

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Denmark

The buffet is a definite highlight of Skaldyrsfestivalen. Hosted on the Friday and Saturday of the festival, there is an abundance of exquisite dishes. The buffet is created by two local chefs, who make the most of the shellfish and seafood. On the Saturday, over 700 people sit down throughout the evening to enjoy what is on offer, and it is essential to book a place in advance due to the popularity.

“Our aim is to connect people to the sea and what we’re eating from there. Having these kinds of activities, along with exploring a fishing boat, helps to give a better understanding of our natural environment. Seafood and shellfish are sometimes viewed as maybe a bit weird or foreign, but it’s actually a very natural and nutritious thing to eat, and it is also quite a sustainable protein.”

If a full buffet seems a bit too much, the stalls outside sell seafood platters, presenting a smaller but nonetheless delicious selection of fish and shellfish that can be enjoyed on the harbour in the fresh sea breeze.

For those looking for more from the shellfish universe, there is also The Oyster and Mussel Premiere 2019 on 12 October in Nykøbing. “The autumn festival provides a chance to enjoy the start of the oyster and mussel season, with gourmet chefs as well as the Danish championships in sabering Champagne bottles and oyster opening.”

From fjord to chopping board The festival is not just for eating, but also for exploring. During the three days, there are events where both adults and kids can learn more about the sea and its offerings. Skaldyrsfestivalen works closely with Denmark’s Technical University (DTU), who put on an event where kids and adults alike can play with their food and learn where it comes from. Kids can pick out their own crab, which they then cook and eat, or they can try to fry a jellyfish.

Shellfish capital of Denmark

Skaldyrsfestivalen: When? 30 May to 1 June in the harbour in Nykøbing Mors. Time? The festival is open from 10am to 5pm, and the buffet opens at 6pm on the Friday and Saturday. Top tip? Book your accommodation and tickets to events well in advance as the festival is very popular. Make your reservation on: www.visitmors.dk/mors/ skaldyrsfestival-2019 Skaldyrsfestivalen is still putting its full programme together and is always interested in hearing from people who may be interested in a stall or in collaborating with the festival.

Web: www.skaldyrsfestival.dk Instagram: @skaldyrsfestival

Although initially self-proclaimed, it is hard to deny that the area is indeed the shellfish capital of Denmark. With Limfjorden as the backdrop, the festival shows off everything this region has to offer in a comfortable, family-focused and relaxed atmosphere. Whether you are a seafood lover or simply exploring, the festival is bound to be a wonderful, and very tasty, experience.

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Denmark

Niels Kongsbak. Photo: Business Region Esbjerg

Discovering art in a new way Kunstrunden Sydvestjylland will open up the world of art, when over 100 artists once again invite everyone into their studios during the Easter holidays. By Nicolai Lisberg

It all began back in 2012, when a few local artists came up with the idea to create a ‘kunstrunde’ in the south-western part of Jutland – an art crawl, so to speak, where artists invite spectators into their studios for a cup of coffee and to see and talk about the art. “We got the inspiration from Sweden, where the first kunstrunde dates back to the 1960s. It was an initiative to get some focus on art and, more specifically, art as a profession and a business. In the beginning, we were about 80 artists, but every year the number increases, and it has turned out to be something truly unique – not just for the artists, but for the guests as well, who come to visit us during these days,” says Niels Kongsbak, himself an artist and 58 | Issue 122 | March 2019

the chairman and one of the founders of Kunstrunden Sydvestjylland. Kunstrunden Sydvestjylland takes place every year during Easter, and this year, 113 local artists will be participating in the event, welcoming people from all over the country into their studios. There are all kinds of different art, such as paintings, sculpture, textile and video installations, and external censors have validated all of the artists in order to guarantee the quality level.

A view into the life of an artist It is free to visit Kunstrunden Sydvestjylland, and many guests decide to make a weekend trip out of it so they can visit

as many studios and artists as possible. “People in general often think of the art world as closed, but we hope that this can help to open it up for everyone. As an artist, you often live an isolated life working on your projects, so almost every artist is more than happy to have people visiting them and talking about their work. It’s also a great opportunity for the guests to get a view into an artist’s studio, smell the paint or the clay and ask the artist whatever questions they might have. It’s not like visiting a museum, where the artist isn’t present. Here, you actually have the opportunity to talk to the people behind the work,” says Kongsbak. Kunstrunden Sydvestjylland has people coming from all over the country, and not just people already involved in the art world. In fact, a lot of families with children spend their Easter holidays visiting the local artists. “Last year, we had a fam-

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Denmark

ily from Aarhus where the children made their own kunstrunde in their house afterwards, hanging up artwork they had made and inviting their parents to come and see them. For me, this is a great example of how we can inspire people and get them interested in art,” says Kongsbak.

The nature as constant change It is not just Kunstrunden Sydvestjylland that attracts a lot of people to the south-western part of Jutland during Easter, but also the area’s cultural history and the picturesque nature the area has to offer. This time of year, you might be able to see the ‘sort sol’ phenomenon, also known as the Black Sun, where up to a million migratory starlings dance in the evening sky during their stop at the Wadden Sea on their way south, making it one of the world’s biggest pantries. You can also join one of the many oyster walks, organised by local guides. “The nature here is quite spectacular, and that’s also what attracts so many artists to this area. The light and the landscape work as inspiration for many of the artists, and so too does the Wadden Sea, which is constantly changing. It never remains the same, so you always see it in a new way,” says Troels Larsen, who works at Business Region Esbjerg.

Piece of art by Else Pia Martinsen Erz © Galerie ERZ, Kunstrunden

Photo: Ulrik Pedersen

Kunstrunden Sydvestjylland will take place 19-21 April every day from 11am to 5pm. All museums in the area, including some of the famous churches, are also part of this year’s event. At the art museum in Tønder, there is an exhibition with the well-known Wegner chairs, while Ribe cathedral shows its church art.

Web: www.kunstrunde.dk and www.southwestjutland.com Facebook: KunstrundenSydvestjylland

Piece of art by Lars Bollerslev. Photo: Kunstrunden

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Denmark

Klitferie’s 225 holiday homes on Jutland’s west coast offer peace, comfort and beautiful natural surroundings.

The luxury of peace Run and owned by a local family, Klitferie offers guests on Jutland’s scenic west coast the choice between 225 individual high-quality holiday homes. Located north of Ringkøbing Fjord, the company’s houses offer direct access to two major attractions: the white-sand beaches and the area’s distinct, luxurious peace. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Klitferie

Jutland’s west coast is one of Denmark’s most popular holiday destinations, and for good reason. The broad sandy beaches, dramatically changing landscape, sun, wind, and charming local towns all add up to create perfect holiday bliss. Hence, all you need is a comfortable base from which to safely explore it all, and that is where Klitferie comes into the picture. “The people who come and stay in our houses should feel like our guests, and as such, we make sure that 60 | Issue 122 | March 2019

they feel welcome and comfortable in their house,” says Henrik Olesen, one of Klitferie’s owners. “We buy flowers and a football for the kids, make sure the windows are clean, and, if it’s necessary, we make sure the house is heated when they arrive. It’s about creating the perfect setting so that, when our guests arrive after a long drive – many of them drive up from Germany – they can sit down, have a cup of coffee, watch the children kick the ball around, and feel the peace

set in.” Olesen runs the company together with his parents, his brother and one long-term employee. As such, guests are always sure to be greeted by someone who knows all about their booking when picking up the keys.

Peace of mind Located on a peaceful stretch of the west coast, Klitferie’s holiday homes offer guests peace and natural beauty. However, most houses also add their own charm and a bit of luxury to the experience. Most of the houses have fireplaces, and over half have Jacuzzis and saunas. “There’s a great diversity within the price range and style of the houses we offer,” says Olesen. “There’s the small, romantic, thatched-roof cabin

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Denmark

located just 80 metres from the beach, but there’s also the large villa for 14 people with pool, Jacuzzi and sauna.” While the holiday homes rented out by Klitferie are privately owned, the Olesen family does not include all homes offered to them. The houses have to live up to a certain quality and standard, and when guests arrive, Olesen and his family will have ensured that the house is clean and ready for its guests. However, should something be amiss, help is just a quick phone call away. “As a small family company, it’s natural for us to provide an individual service, but it is also a question of making our guests, especially the elderly, feel safe. They know that if they call with a problem, we will help them out. We had a couple last year where, unfortunately, the husband ended up in hospital and the wife didn’t have a driving license, so while he was there, my parents drove her back and forth to the hospital,” says Olesen.

Natural tranquillity While the area’s biggest attraction is undoubtedly its beautiful nature, there are also plenty of attractions to explore. In fact, Klitferie produces its own half-yearly magazine about things to do. Available in all houses, the magazine presents an updated selection of profiles of the area’s charming towns, farm shops, local crafts, art and food producers, and special natural or historic attractions. That way, hopefully, guests should have everything they need for the perfect holiday, says Olesen. “When we hand out the keys on the Saturday, we like to go back home, open a bottle of wine and put the steaks on the barbecue, and, for us to do that, without the phone ringing, we need to make sure that our guests have everything they need,” he jokes. “It’s simple, really – we come out if they need us, but we prefer to exceed their expectations so that they feel right at home and we too can enjoy our steaks in peace.”

Facts: Klitferie offers a diverse selection of holiday houses located on a stretch of approximately 15 kilometres, north of Ringkøbing Fjord. The company was founded in 1985 by Johannes and Anna Grethe Olesen. Today, Klitferie is run by Johannes and Anna Grethe and their sons, Søren and Henrik Olesen. The houses vary in price from €600 to €2,000 per week in high season, and from €275 in low season.

Web: www.klitferie.com

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T SI VI 9 TO 201 l S ia c N IN KS e Sp ATIO AY PIC N W P TI OR TO S N R DE IN OU – em

Christmas in Røros offers markets, artisan products and local foods. Photo: Destination Røros

Experience Norway’s centre for living cultural heritage Having gained UNESCO World Heritage site status in 1980 for its historical importance as a 17th-century mining town, Røros offers a historically rich and culturally abundant destination with a thriving local community. Showcasing an authentic town centre with its characteristic wooden houses, as well as a plethora of local shops and delicacies, Røros invites you to experience the cultural heritage at this unique destination. By Julie Linden

“World heritage is not seasonally contingent – so Røros offers something for everyone all year round,” says Tove Martens, director of tourism at Destination Røros. “The legacy of the mining town can be enjoyed throughout the seasons, with the added benefit of several museums that tell the town’s story – from the smelter museum to the Olav’s Mine. To this day, the community is very much informed by an industrious spirit. It’s kept alive and thriving by a keen business culture and a wealth of inviting restaurants, shops and cafés.” 62 | Issue 122 | March 2019

Conveying the past with a look to the future Tracing its mining history back to 1644, Røros is a location formed by its importance as a historical copper-mining hub – one of only two such historically designated mining towns in Norway. Before mining activity commenced, there were only a few farmsteads and settlements of the indigenous South Sámi people, who still reside in Røros and maintain the region’s cultural heritage. UNESCO assigned the site World Heritage status, citing outstanding universal value in

the area, with special attention placed on the relict mining landscape as well as the mining town – built entirely out of wood. “The feedback we get is that Røros feels authentic and real. I think that’s highly related to its history, but also the way the past merges with the present – with a look to the future,” says Martens. “Nothing feels unnatural, like a set or a prop – everything you see is real: the famous, preserved wooden buildings, culture, culinary traditions and craftsmanship. At the same time, Røros has

Photo: Terje Rakke

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Destinations to Visit in Norway in 2019 – Our Top Picks

very much grown as a modern society. Its uniqueness lies in the conservation of historically important sites that are maintained without causing stagnation to the contemporary Røros, where people live and make a living today. This town merges old and new into something distinct, and we’re very proud of that.”

Fairs and festivals – markets, dog sleds and cured meats A centre for several nationally important festivals and events, such as the Røros Winter Fair, The Femund Race and Norsk Spekematfestival (a Norwegian festival of cured meats), Røros boasts a varied and multifaceted annual programme. The Winter Fair dates back to 1854 and transforms the entire town into an abundant market for five days each February. Drawing scores of visitors from home and abroad, the festival offers traditional dishes prepared over open fires, craftsmanship stalls, horsedrawn sleds, lively dance halls and artisan cafés. The Femund Race, the world’s largest dog sled race, garners the same interest. And, known for its top-quality cured meat products, specially made by local reindeer meat, the Røros area naturally hosts a summer festival dedicated to cured meats.

Food safaris and local delights Røros is a sustainable destination, and one of the first four to become a certified sustainable destination in March 2013. “Part of the immense cultural heritage is the food tradition, which we must preserve for generations to come,” says Martens. “The sparse and often barren nature in the Røros area often posed challenges to cultivation and food production, and it made people into both creative and knowledgeable producers,” she says, explaining that new initiatives

Photo: Frontal Media

are harnessing local resources for production in new, innovative ways. For instance, Terroir Røros receives and processes berries, mushrooms and herbs from the Røros area, making locally certified products intended for consumption with other local delicacies. Destination Røros offers local food safaris of the area, where guests are taken on a guided tour to several producers, before feasting on a plate of local delights. “The Røros cultural heritage is strong and ever growing. We invite each and every visitor to experience this living village for themselves,” concludes Martens.

Travelling to and staying in Røros: Røros is reachable from Trondheim or Oslo Airport, and Widerøe flies to the local Røros Airport. The destination is also reachable by train and bus. Several types of accommodation are available, including hotels, conference hotels, historical guesthouses and log cabins.

Web: www.roros.no Facebook: destinationroros Instagram: @destinationroros

Annual events in Røros: February: The Femund Race – the world’s largest dog sled race February: Røros Winter Fair – national event with more than 70,000 visitors annually March: Røros Winter Chamber Music Festival – annual festival in the old mining town June: Norsk Spekematfestival – threeday festival dedicated to the traditional Norwegian delicacy of cured meats December: Christmas Market – purchase artisanal and craftsman creations at the markets For information on event dates, please visit: www.roros.no/en/whats-on

Photo: Frontal Media

Photo: Thomas Rasmus Skaug

Photo: Frontal Media

Issue 122 | March 2019 | 63

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Destinations to Visit in Norway in 2019 – Our Top Picks

Admire the views of Ålesund – Norway’s Art Nouveau city. Photo: Arnfinn Tønnesen

Sunnmøre and Ålesund — coastal adventures from city to fjord Coined as an adventure capital of the fjords, the northwestern Norwegian coastal region of Sunnmøre boasts high mountains, glorious fjord sceneries and a wide range of dynamic activities. Add the impressive Art Nouveau architecture of regional capital Ålesund, its impressive music scene and innovative culinary expansions, and you are guaranteed an ambitious, well-rounded yet unspoilt Nordic holiday destination that will leave you in awe.

Indeed, an adventure capital of the fjords, Sunnmøre has long been hailed as the ultimate destination for those longing for a dynamic getaway – perhaps due to the unique offering of urban, countryside and traditional ele-

By Julie Linden

“It’s nearly impossible to narrow down our offerings to specialties and characteristics – there’s simply too much to choose from,” says Grethe Loe of Destination Ålesund & Sunnmøre. “The region of Sunnmøre and the city of Ålesund have grown immensely over 64 | Issue 122 | March 2019

the past few years, and we’re seeing new businesses opening and old ones expanding into new, exciting territories. There’s an impressively innovative vibe that’s taking hold, most certainly,” she says enthusiastically. “And the nature, well, it’s simply breathtaking.”

Trandal Blues festival, set in stunning nature at Christian Gaard, is a favourite among locals. Photo: Christian Gaard

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Destinations to Visit in Norway in 2019 – Our Top Picks

ments. Ålesund Airport, situated a mere 15-minute drive north of the city, puts you right in the middle of the action. The Sunnmøre Alps are one hour away, and the famous fjords can be reached within a one-hour drive. Opting for a city break in combination with a nature adventure will naturally show you the fullest spectrum of what the region has to offer – from picturesque, historical Ålesund to spectacular nature reserves, islands and, of course, fjords.

A UNESCO fjord and powdery Sunnmøre Alps Known as one of the crown jewels of the Norwegian fjords, and included on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites, is the famous Geirangerfjord. Providing truly unmatched, dramatic landscapes of sapphire-blue water, spectacular cliffs, waterfalls, free-flowing rivers and rocky mountains, the fjord is scenically exceptional and a must on every tourist’s must-see list. The unspoilt and gorgeous nature is of course available all year round. “Visitors ask when they should visit the fjords and mountains, and while summer is fantastic, winter is even better. The towns and villages in the mountains and fjords are very much inhabited and the people there live regular lives year-round. It can be a

The gorgeous sceneries make for excellent hiking and nature experiences. Photo: Mattias Fredriksson

jaw-dropping moment for those who are not accustomed to that,” Loe laughs. “Of course, for us, the beauty of nature is that it’s always there – free to be enjoyed by all.” For those wanting to make even more out of their encounter with the stunning northwestern coast of Norway, there are plenty of activities to choose from. During winter and spring, the Sunnmøre Alpine mountains are in splendid condition for powdery off-piste skiing and ski touring, and the gentler landscapes are perfect for cross-country skiing trips with the whole family. Warmer months

present an ideal opportunity to see the fjords by bicycle, or to see Ålesund city, the fjords and coastal islands from a kayak. The Sunnmøre Alps are excellent for summit tours and hiking year-round, either by yourself, with your own group, or with one of many experienced guides from the area. And, for a taste of the locals’ preferences, Loe suggests the 35 kilometre-long Hjørundfjord – a hidden gem that tourists often miss. “It’s a lovely fjord to hike alongside, a relatively short distance from Ålesund. It’s not far from historical hotels, lodges and guesthouses, for those wanting a break from the city,” she says.

Photo: Mattias Fredriksson

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Destinations to Visit in Norway in 2019 – Our Top Picks

Experience Sunnmøre and Ålesund from a kayak. Photo: Mattias Fredriksson

A great fire, an Art Nouveau town and historical hotels The city, however, is the perfect place to start your Sunnmøre holiday. Noted for its Art Nouveau construction style, informing the architecture and skyline of the city, it does not take more than a stroll through town to understand that you are in a unique spot. “Many people come here to see the architecture alone, which is a testament to its historical importance,” Loe notes. The city was rebuilt after a fire ravaged the town in 1904, burning down 850 houses and rendering 10,000 people homeless. In a remarkable effort, the town was rebuilt in only three years, showcasing the

Photo: Sverre Hjørnevik

66 | Issue 122 | March 2019

architectural preferences of the young, Norwegian architects of the time – the Art Nouveau style, informed by national romantic ideas. “Today, the Art Nouveau Centre offers insight into this style by means of authentic interiors and objects as well as temporary exhibitions. There are also guided city walks, with a separate walk for children,” says Loe. With eight city centre hotels and other accommodation nearby, as well as an enormous culture offering and nightlife, Ålesund is a gem of a city destination. Stay in the heart of the city at historical hotels designed in the Art Nouveau style, or a boutique hotel such as Hotel Brosundet

XL Diner serves fresh seafood delicacies, with bacalao as a regional favourite. Photo: XL Diner

– designed by renowned architectural firm Snøhetta. Hotel 1904 bears testament to the fateful fire and the rebuilt town, telling its fascinating story. “Special for the Sunnmøre region is that there are so many different types of accommodation to choose from, from the luxurious Storfjord Hotel with magnificent views, to the award-winning Juvet Landscape Hotel offering an escape and ‘digital detox’, and romantic Hotel Union Øye, which offers an historical flair,” says Loe.

A growing culinary scene and countless festivals The Ålesund culinary scene has experienced a true revival in the past few

Atlanterhavsparken is one of Scandinavia’s largest saltwater aquariums. Photo: Atlanterhavsparken

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Destinations to Visit in Norway in 2019 – Our Top Picks

years, with a wealth of new, innovative restaurants, microbreweries, bars and cafés opening their doors to locals and visitors alike. From artisanal chocolate shops and noted microbrewery MOLO, to JACU, a specialty coffee roastery, shop and brew bar set in a former transmission substation, Ålesund showcases an impressive entrepreneurial spirit. And, with access to some of the best seafood and fresh produce Norway has to offer, it comes as no surprise that restaurants in town offer sublime dishes – straight from sea and nature. “There are cosy restaurants such as gourmet eatery Bro and bacalao restaurant XL Diner; the new Apotekergata No 5 with its ‘topographic’ menu; and Polarbjørn, offering panoramic views and French-inspired dishes. Fjellstua, situated 418 steps up town mountain Aksla, has the most gorgeous views and delightful menus. There are also international offerings such as Zuuma, a modern Japanese restaurant serving sushi and grill dishes on the quayside using fish from the waters outside. It doesn’t get more local than that!” says Loe. For a cultural top-up, Ålesund presents a thriving music scene, with several local

Enjoy a wealth of concerts, clubs and festivals throughout the year. Photo: Momentium

clubs and shows and, above all, a lively festival scene, including the familial potluck festival of Sommerfest, and the youthful Jugendfest. The popular Trandal Blues festival at Christian Gaard, accessed by boat or hike only, is a favourite among locals and guests. And, for the youngest, there are activity parks and Atlanterhavsparken – one of Scandinavia’s largest saltwater aquariums and a leading attraction in the region. “No matter what you choose to fill your days with,

we invite you to ‘go Viking’,” says Loe. “For us, that means doing as the locals do. You’ll find friendly people who want to show you what their city and region has to offer – all to make it the best possible experience,” she says warmly. “Join the locals! We’d love to have you.” Web: www.visitalesund.com Facebook: VisitAlesund Instagram: @VisitAlesund

Sample local beers at MOLO. Photo: Kristin Stoylen

Issue 122 | March 2019 | 67

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Destinations to Visit in Norway in 2019 – Our Top Picks

The entrance to GT Bike Park and Gullia. Photo: Vegard Breie

Go pedalling on new paths in Trysil Many people associate Trysil with winter and skiing, but did you know that in recent years it has also become an attractive place to visit during the warmer seasons? Since 2014, Destination Trysil has been focusing on expanding its family-friendly summer activities to become a year-round holiday destination, and today it is the top location in Norway when it comes to mountain biking.

regardless of whether you are a beginner or experienced mountain biker, Trysil has become the go-to place for adventureseeking families and mountain bike enthusiasts from all over the globe.

By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Destination Trysil

It was during a trip abroad, in Scotland, that Lohne and her colleagues noticed how popular mountain biking was and decided, after consulting the firm Bike Solutions, to start facilitating biking in forests and fields in Trysil. “We are well on

A comfortable two-and-a-half-hour drive northeast of Oslo will take you to the largest skiing destination in all of Norway: Trysil. Here, surrounded by unspoiled nature, tourists have been coming to experience the great outdoors in the winter for years. However, with its deep forests, wild rivers, and impressive mountains, Trysil is also an ideal destination for summer activities, such as family-friendly mountain biking, white-water rafting, hiking, and fishing.

by 2020. We have already added over 50 kilometres of purpose-built trails, graded from easy to very difficult, as well as two bike parks, and we have over 100 kilometres of natural trails, which are well used by our visitors,” says Gudrun Sanaker Lohne, destination manager at Destination Trysil. “We have already seen an increase in visitors, with 30 per cent just in the last year. There were over 200,000 rounds done in our bike arena during 2018!”

“Our aim is to invest 25 million Norwegian kroner in Trysil and become the leading mountain bike destination in Scandinavia

For sporty and outdoorsy people

68 | Issue 122 | March 2019

Proud to offer exciting biking opportunities with a varied selection of challenges,

During last year’s Family Day in Gullia at Trysil Bike Festival in June. Photo: Are Tallaksrud

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Destinations to Visit in Norway in 2019 – Our Top Picks

our way to creating an optimal setting for mountain biking in an exciting and familyfriendly environment. I always say that as long as you are sporty and outdoorsy, you will have an amazing time here!” There is something for everyone at Trysil Bike Arena, and a visit to Gullia is almost compulsory. This completely unique bike area is full of playful and fun trails for the whole family to enjoy. It offers several impressive wooden bridges and custom-built bike elements. Another exciting area is Magic Moose, one of the longest flow trails in Europe. The sevenkilometre-long trail is located right in the middle of the ski area, which is easily accessed via the chair lift. “In addition, we have two other exciting bike areas: GT Bike Park, which has four jump lines, and the other, which is super popular: a paved Pump Track,” says Lohne.

Essentials When pedalling on new paths, maps are essential to plan your ride. “We have

Minigolf is one of the many popular summer activities in Trysil. Photo: Hans Martin Nysæter

new, updated maps available in the app Singletracker. They include more than 100 kilometres of colour-graded trails, both natural and built,” says Lohne and explains that the area also has rental places where you can find everything needed for your adventures. “You can rent bikes and accessories for the whole family. If you are a beginner, a great way to start is by getting a bike instructor or a guide to help you have the best and safest experience possible.”

Happenings this summer in Trysil: Trysil Bike Festival: 20-30 June Utflukt Mountain Bike Festival: 20-23 June

Something exciting and new every day Trysil is not only for biking; there are plenty of other active experiences to enjoy during the summer. “The climbing park Høyt & Lavt Trysil is very popular and special, because it runs over and along the bike trails. We also have a large 18-hole golf course in addition to many family-friendly hiking trips and river activities such as rafting. You can stay in Trysil for a long time and do something exciting and new every day.”

Rafting is fun for the whole family. Photo: Hans Martin Nysæter

When planning your next summer holiday, make sure to consider Trysil and everything this idyllic location in eastern Norway has to offer. “Whether you’re going on a trip with your family or with your partner or a group of friends, you’ll find plenty of things to do here. I can guarantee that you will never have a dull moment,” Lohne smiles.

Terrengsykkel Ungdomscamp (Mountain Bike Youth Camp): 23-28 June Stijakta – an interactive and exciting trail hunt in the bike arena: 29 June Family day in Gullia: 30 June

Web: www.trysil.com Facebook: trysilcom Instagram: @trysilcom

The climbing park Høyt & Lavt Trysil is very popular. Photo: Jacob Gjerluff

A good tip when riding with the kids in Gullia: bring water and a little fuel (meaning chocolate). Photo: Vegard Breie

Cycling and climbing simultaneously on the Pump Truck. Photo: Vegard Breie

Issue 122 | March 2019 | 69

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Destinations to Visit in Norway in 2019 – Our Top Picks

Photo: Trym Ivar Bergsmo / nordnorge.com / Sortland

Photo: ToFoto / www.nordnorge.com / Hadsel

Photo: Marten Bril / www.nordnorge.com / Andøy

A world of Nordic adventures awaits Whale safari under the midnight sun, hikes in lush green hills, randoné skiing on snow-covered mountain tops or sailing into narrow fjords – with Visit Vesterålen, you can experience all these things and more. By Alyssa Nilsen

In the Norwegian archipelago, north of the Arctic Circle, you will find the region of Vesterålen. Despite its location in the far north of Norway, the climate is maritime and relatively mild even in winter, making it the perfect location for adventures all year round. Visit Vesterålen offers a wide range of experiences, from nature and wildlife safaris under the midnight sun in the summer, to the opportunity of seeing the magical northern lights in the winter. And if you would like to get a little closer to the beautiful natural phenomenon, you can visit Andøya Space Center and join a virtual mission on Spaceship Aurora to explore the northern lights up close. For those wanting an active holiday, there are 159 marked hiking trails, sports diving, and nature safaris with the possibility of spotting various birds and animals like puffins, white-tailed sea eagles or moose. Vesterålen is also one of the very few places in the world where you can go on whale safaris all year long, giving you the opportunity of a 70 | Issue 122 | March 2019

tors a chance to learn about and experience the Sami culture, listen to their joik, hear their story, and taste traditional Sami meals. You can also meet reindeer up close and even go reindeer sledging in the winter time.

once-in-a-lifetime experience under the midnight sun. As well as all of this, Vesterålen has several mountains that are rounded and slightly more accessible than elsewhere in Norway, making them ideal for hiking or biking, even for inexperienced visitors. “We recommend that people delay their sleeping pattern,” says tourism director Astrid Berthinussen. “Biking under the midnight sun gives a completely different experience than what you get during the day. It’s a different kind of calm, and you get to see all the wildlife that is in hiding during the day.” This summer, international stage race Arctic Race of Norway will also be coming through Vesterålen. Dubbed ‘The World’s Most Beautiful Bike Race’, day three will start in Sortland and end up in Stokmarknes. Another essential part of Vesterålen is its Sami population, with its rich history and culture. The local family gives visi-

Photo: Marten Bril / www.visitvesteralen.com / Sortland

Photo: Magnus Ström / www.nordnorge.com / Sortland Visit Vesterålen offers a wide range of experiences and activities in Arctic surroundings.

Web: visitvesteralen.com Facebook: visitvesteralen Instagram: @visitvesteralen

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Destinations to Visit in Norway in 2019 – Our Top Picks

Top left: Rustic Haaheim Gaard offers a welcoming space for romantic getaways. Photo: Haaheim Gaard. Bottom left: Historic Bekkjarvik Gjestgiveri offers a serene break in gorgeous fjord sceneries. Photo: Bekkjarvik Gjestgiveri. Right: Enjoy an adventurous holiday in the spectacular fjords and mountains of Sunnhordland. Photo: Jan Rabben.

Sunnhordland — a multifaceted coastal adventure The coastal gem of Sunnhordland offers an endlessly varied landscape, perfectly suited for a wide range of activities and experiences. Boasting historical locations like the idyllic Bekkjarvik Gjestgiveri and the picturesque Haaheim Gaard, Sunnhordland guarantees a stay that breathes relaxation, authenticity and adventure. “You’ll find dramatic nature sceneries, from glaciers and mountains to islands and beaches. The breadth and variety of experiences is characteristic of our region,” says Bodil Haga from Visit Sunnhordland of the western, coastal region, south of Bergen. The extraordinary range of nature experiences includes the mouth of the worldfamous Hardangerfjord and surrounding islands, mountains with unmatched hiking opportunities, bike routes along the fjords, and Folgefonna National Park with its stunning glaciers. The new Folgefonn Centre in Rosendal provides an immersive and interactive centre for knowledge building on the National Park, aquatic life in the Hardangerfjord, sustainable use of natural resources, and climate change. “We’re all about fantastic, contrasting experiences: from relaxing stays at a cosy guesthouse to kayaking on the fjord with views of the glacier and visiting the

Folgefonn Centre’s exhibitions, there is something for everyone,” says Haga.

Bekkjarvik Gjestgiveri – a romantic retreat in the fjords As for that relaxing stay, Sunnhordland offers plenty of options. Established in 1600, the idyllic Bekkjarvik Gjestgiveri boasts an impressive historic timeline that stretches back to King Christian IV’s reign. This welcoming retreat offers a serene break in gorgeous fjord sceneries, with local activities such as island hopping, fishing and historic walks. As for dining, your every need is catered to by the excellent kitchen. Having won gold at Bocuse d’Or in 2015, head chefs Ørjan and Arnt Johannessen create menus of the highest quality, using local and seasonal ingredients – including seafood from local fishermen.

Haaheim Gaard – the ultimate rustic chic getaway Romantic and rustic Haaheim Gaard offers a welcoming space for couple geta-

By Julie Linden

ways and group trips, including conferences. Relax in the manor’s bar or salon, and enjoy some well-deserved rest in one of the country-chic rooms, decorated with historically accurate designs and rustic details. Enjoy Haaheim’s farm shop with local produce and gifts, and the restaurant’s immaculate tasting menu of local foods. The winter garden and concert salon offer additional spaces to come together and enjoy the peaceful bliss of Sunnhordland’s finest gems. Bekkjarvik Gjestgiveri and Haaheim Gaard are part of De Historiske – Norway’s historic hotels and restaurants.

Web: www.visitsunnhordland.no www.bekkjarvikgjestgiveri.no www.haaheimgaard.no Facebook: visitsunnhordland Bekkjarvikgjestgiveri haaheimgaard Instagram: @visitsunnhordland @bekkjarvikgjestgiveri @haaheim.gaard

Issue 122 | March 2019 | 71

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Destinations to Visit in Norway in 2019 – Our Top Picks

Vegaøyan archipelago is known for its spectacular views and unspoilt nature. Photo: Hanne Pernille Andersen

Vegaøyan — the World Heritage archipelago The cluster of more than 6,500 islands in northern Norway that make up Vegaøyan (the Vega islands) has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. Beyond its famous Stone Age settlements, this Arctic Circle archipelago is known for its historic practice of eider down harvesting, a sweeping, untouched landscape, and a growing milieu of thriving businesses. By Julie Linden

“For an area of slightly more than 1,200 inhabitants, we’re both productive and innovative,” says Hilde Wika from Visit Vega. “Though the majority of our visitors and tourism can be traced back to our history and World Heritage status, it’s motivating to see new shops, artisan producers and small businesses pop up. Each year, there is something new to be discovered. It’s clear to us that the island mentality is one of hard work, that fosters long-standing, sustainable businesses.”

A unique cultural landscape With a long history of supplying down – by the ninth century, the islands were 72 | Issue 122 | March 2019

an important centre for down supply and trade – it is perhaps not surprising that Vegaøyan’s business tradition is still thriving. The prestigious placement on the UNESCO World Heritage list is due to the unique cultural landscape, resulting from centuries of symbiosis between human and nature, where the tradition of eider down harvesting has held immense importance. While men supplied fish, women collected and cleaned the down of eiders, making for an exclusive export at the time. As life was mainly based on fishing and the harvesting of down, there are many fishing villages, quays, eider nesting houses and lighthouses left on

the islands, providing a particular experience of Norwegian ancient history weaved in with culture and tradition. “The World Heritage Site status is certainly an immense source of pride,” says Wika. “It lays the foundation for the maintenance of the cultural landscape and propels tourism, which in turn lets us share this historic gem with a wider range of visitors.” The area in Vega mu-

A wide range of nature experiences and activities are available at Vegaøyan. Photo: Hanne Pernille Andersen

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Destinations to Visit in Norway in 2019 – Our Top Picks

nicipality that is not defined as a World Heritage Site functions as a buffer zone, where the vast majority of construction, development, business activities and tourism is centred. This way, the area can proceed with responsible development by the protected zone, without compromising the historic framework.

local creation and development. Large areas around the centre will be available for outdoor activities for families. “A lot has happened in the past few years, and we’re excited to see additions to the islands that contribute to furthering learning and exchange, for young and old,” says Wika.

enjoy the particular atmosphere of the archipelago around the clock, with views of spectacular nature as well as fine dining based on local ingredients and the finest of seafood. The hotel kitchen prepares five-course menus each day, based on the freshest of produce from land and sea.

Contributing to local creation and development

Ravnfloget Via Ferrata, Vega Havhotell and a thriving business life

Today, Vegaøyan has something for all – whether you are looking for a calm getaway or an adrenaline rush. The archipelago is ideal for explorations on, by and below sea level, including hiking, cycling, kayaking, boating, snorkelling, and diving in crystal clear waters. To experience the World Heritage Site, opt for a boat trip to Lånan and Emårsøy islands, and in June this year, you will be able to visit the brand-new World Heritage Centre. Here, visitors will be able to learn more about the natural and cultural values represented by Vegaøyan, and the centre will also act as an arena for discussion for the local community, contributing to

Also opening in June this year is the Via Ferrata at Ravnfloget, complete with two different mountain climbing routes of different levels of difficulty. The green route is 510 metres long and the more challenging black route, 550 metres. The two meet at the centre of the cliff where a bridge is crossed. Ravnfloget offers unmatched views of the archipelago and the sea, making for a special experience, and memory, for avid mountain climbers.

Complete your stay with a stop at the old wharf run by Vega Coastal Association, boasting exhibitions, a summer café and original, historic shops. At Vika, Studio Vega ANS showcases handmade ceramics, paintings and glass art, and there is even a cinema with an adjacent pub, serving your favourite tipples accompanied by live music. “At Vegaøyan, there is truly something for everyone. We welcome you to discover this spectacular part of Norway,” says Wika.

As for accommodation, why not stay in one of the refurbished fisherman’s cottages or at Vega Havhotell, a seaside hotel run by the Aga family? Here, you may

Web: www.visitvega.no Facebook: visitvega Instagram: @visitvega #visitvega #verdensarvvega

The archipelago has a long history of eider down harvesting. Photo: Hanne Pernille Andersen

Photo: Ina Andreassen

In June this year, a brand-new World Heritage Centre will open at Vega. Photo: Ina Andreassen

Photo: Hanne Pernille Andersen

Issue 122 | March 2019 | 73

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Destinations to Visit in Norway in 2019 – Our Top Picks

Voss Active offers tailored rafting adventures for everyone.

Try tandem skydiving with Skydive Voss and experience Voss from above.

Visit VossVind and enjoy Scandinavia’s first wind tunnel.

Voss — Norway’s adventure capital Boasting stunningly beautiful nature and close proximity to Norway’s second largest city, Bergen, Voss has emerged as the ultimate easy-to-reach adventure destination. Enjoy splendid hiking routes in wild nature, world-class rafting, guided mountaineering and air sports – including Scandinavia’s first wind tunnel. By Julie Linden | Photos: Visit Voss

“Voss has truly made a name for itself as an outdoor sports hub,” says CEO of Visit Voss, Mona H. Hellesnes. “There’s really no end to the type of adventures you can experience here. We’re easily reached from Bergen airport, and offer inclusive adventures for the whole family.” A welcoming region for adventure tourists of all kinds, backgrounds and ages, Voss presents a long line-up of activities attuned to your level of skill. Hike in mountain and fjord sceneries characteristic of western Norway, an experience that will – quite literally – be heightened by the opening of a brandnew cable car in June this year. The cable car, starting at Voss Station and ending at Hangurstoppen (820 metres above sea level), will have a capacity of more than 1,000 passengers per hour, providing gorgeous views and an effi74 | Issue 122 | March 2019

cient way for tourists to see Voss and surrounding areas. “From Voss, you can hike to the Sognefjord and the Hardangerfjord with an experienced guide, or perhaps enjoy one of the Bike the Fjords cycling trips covering the area,” Hellesnes suggests, adding that the area is known internationally for its water, river and air sports. “Rafting in Voss is a once-in-alifetime experience suitable for individuals, groups and families, as we offer rafting on several levels, in all types of weather. Children from the age of five can participate in the calmer rafting experiences. Voss is definitely the place to try new sports in stunning nature!” Showcasing Scandinavia’s very first wind tunnel, Voss provides ample chances to spread your wings and try something

new. Enjoy an indoor experience of simulated skydiving with skilled instructors – or, why not take your adventure one level higher, experiencing Voss from above while tandem paragliding or skydiving? At the end of a long, adventurous day, Voss offers superb, internationally noted microbreweries, traditional Norwegian food, and a wide range of accommodation – from log cabins and hostels to historic and trendy boutique hotels. Located a 1.5-hour drive from Bergen, Norway’s adventure capital awaits your visit.

Voss offers all types of accommodation, for example the boutique hotel Store Ringheim.

Web: en.visitvoss.no Facebook: visitvoss Instagram: @visitvoss

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Destinations to Visit in Norway in 2019 – Norwegian Coastal Experiences

A stay in the land of the midnight sun Combining striking nature, high-quality meals and stunning midnight sun experiences, Garsnes Brygge offers a wealth of opportunities to revel in Norwegian delights. The welcoming hotel and cabin complex is located in Sagfjord in the Salangen municipality, northern Norway, an oasis of idyllic surroundings and calm spaces equally suitable for a relaxing retreat or an active getaway. “We’re quite central, even though we’re also tucked away,” explains owner Andreas Utstøl, adding: “We’re now quite a well-known area – both nationally and internationally. People come to us for several reasons: the location, the facilities and the Photo: Garsnes Brygge

food. We’re on the southern side of the fjord, where we also get the midnight sun.” Garsnes Brygge started up nearly 13 years ago, and today, the cabins can accommodate a total of 40 guests, in addition to the camping area. Here, visitors may park their caravans and mobile homes with excellent proximity to, and view of, the beach. Nearby sights and activities include the popular Polar Park in Bardu and sign-posted hiking trails. Guests may also take full advantage of

By Julie Linden

local amenities, which include the possibility of renting fishing gear and boats. At the end of a long hike or excursion, Garsnes Brygge boasts a high-quality restaurant with seasonal, locally sourced meals. “We have an excellent head chef who has been with us for many years, cooking up fresh seafood and other dishes. The menu reflects seasonal offerings, bringing our guests only the freshest of foods,” concludes Utstøl. Photo: Garsnes Brygge

Photo: Garsnes Brygge

Web: www.garsnes.no Facebook: garsnes Instagram: @garsnes_brygge

76 | Issue 120 | January 2019

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Destinations to Visit in Norway in 2019 – Norwegian Coastal Experiences

Exciting adventures and unique dining experiences With its stunning nature and thriving tourism, Hitra in Trøndelag is an idyllic location you will never forget. If you want to make the most of your stay, Ansnes Brygger can help you by offering exciting experiences, delicious seafood, comfortable accommodation and so much more. By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Ansnes Brygger

During the summer season, the area of Hitra offers plenty of activities and events for the whole family, such as concerts and festivals. The surrounding nature also provides fantastic opportunities all year round, both on land and in water. Here, you can experience guided tours, hunting and fishing, as well as a variety of water sports. “The most popular activity is the fast and thrilling RIB boat trips – a great way to observe sea eagles, whales and other wildlife creatures up close in the impressive nature,” says marketing manager Venke M. Glørstad. Offering everything from short trips just outside Ansnes to half- or full-day trips, for example, to Øyrekka outside Frøya, tourists get the chance to efficiently dis-

cover the idyllic hidden gems the area has to offer. Once back on shore, Glørstad recommends stopping by their lovely restaurant to taste the delicious food. “The menu consists of locally sourced ingredients and seafood. Even though Hitra only has about 5,000 inhabitants, we are actually one of Norway’s largest seafood restaurants,” she states, proudly. “Every other month, we have gourmet evenings. One of our most spectacular dishes is ‘havets festbord’, a seafood extravaganza served right on the table itself along with plenty of other small plates – a truly unique, unforgettable fine-dining experience for seafood lovers.” A bestseller in the summer months is the seafood box, full of

fresh shellfish such as shrimp, crab, sea crayfish and mussels, served on the tables outside, right by the sea. The chefs have a genuine passion for, and interest in, food and drink culture, which has resulted in their very own microbrewery on the premises. Here, visitors have the opportunity to taste and learn more about the 17 different beers produced, or get tips for their own beer production by attending a class. “We offer varied activities and programmes for companies, family holidays or groups of friends. There is something for everyone to do here,” says Glørstad. With bright and pleasant apartments available right on the seafront, Ansnes Brygger is also a great place to unwind after an eventful day. Web: www.ansnesbrygger.com Facebook: ansnesbrygger Instagram: @ansnesbrygger

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e: mScan Magazine | Special Theme | Destination Lofoten e h N

O TI A N N Sp TI OTE S DE LOF lT

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The small restaurant with local food at heart In the middle of the food mecca that is Lofoten, a place bursting with fresh fish and meat of all kinds, is a small restaurant with a big love for local food and history. The menu changes with the seasons, and excellent cookery, along with the captivating stories told as part of the dining experience, makes the restaurant a popular and well-visited spot all year round.

is open because I like to feel connected with our guests, but also so that they can feel safe and see the food being prepared,” she explains. “We care about our

By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Lofotmat

A shared passion for celebrating local ingredients and traditions led Siv-Hilde Lillehaug and her husband Geir Robertsen, who are both skilled chefs, to taking on a small location in the fishing village of Henningsvær in northern Norway’s Lofoten islands in 2010. After taking the leap from being a small delicatessen boutique with three tables to becoming a restaurant in new, beautiful premises in 2015, Lofotmat is today a popular place among both the 450 locals and tourists who are looking for great, authentic Norwegian food in 78 | Issue 122 | March 2019

pleasant, homely surroundings. With seating available for about 40 guests and catering for up to 60 people on the roof terrace, the restaurant also offers events such as wine-makers' dinners in collaboration with its wine suppliers.

Generous, honest and local “Our motto is to be generous, honest and local,” says manager and master chef Lillehaug. Lofotmat strives to be a place where you feel like home, where customers are seen as guests and greeted with a smile. “Our kitchen

Owner and chef Siv-Hilde Lillehaug harvesting seaweed.

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Destination Lofoten

guests and want to tell stories about the food, the premises and Lofoten, to make their experience here optimal.” Her passion and dedication shine though when she talks about her restaurant and its cuisine, and as a result, Lofotmat has seen a considerable increase in both customer visits and satisfaction.

Menu changes with the seasons Along with its idyllic location in Lofoten comes great access to the best locally sourced seafood and meat, and the little restaurant is proud to offer everything from stockfish and dried and salted cod to lamb from the area. The chefs are experts at transforming the fresh ingredients into culinary delights that end up on the plates of the happy guests. “Everything is cooked from scratch by us, and we use local ingredients as often as it is possible. Our focus is on the seasons and making sure that the menu changes along with them, to offer the best-quality food possible,” says Lillehaug. Her husband, who is also a chef at the restaurant, gets up early every morning to prepare the freshly baked bread. Running an eco-conscious restaurant, the couple are also concerned with being sustainable and taking care of the environment around them. “We can tell you everything about the ingredients. We know where and when the fish was caught and which field the bulls have grazed in,” says Lillehaug. This also results in the restaurant being skilful when adapting the food for guests’ special requirements, whether it is an aller-

gy or someone requesting a vegetarian version of a dish.

Taking inspiration from travels “Even though our menu changes regularly, you can always find our classic signature dishes, like the delicious fish soup with our own little touch and the gratinated, dried stockfish,” says Lillehaug. “If we would ever remove the fish soup from the menu, I just don’t know what would happen!” she laughs. The ingredients are typically Norwegian and local, but the experienced chefs enjoy playing around and getting creative with the food to prepare exciting dishes inspired by their travels. “Geir and I travel around Norway and abroad several times a year to get inspiration – in a small business like ours, we have to do that to develop and keep evolving,” says Lillehaug, explaining that, while on the road, they may discover anything from little details to enhance flavours and methods to prepare the food, to interesting ways of plating and serving it and even interior trends for the restaurant.

Representing the essence of northern Norway In January this year, Lofotmat was invited to the world’s largest food and agricultural fair, International Grüne Woche in Berlin, together with other chefs from Nordland, Troms and Finnmark. Cooperatively, they represented the essence of northern Norway with exciting food from the area to help people discover this booming culinary destination. “We are incredibly proud to have been part of the team this year and really had an amazing experience in Germany. It was so inspiring to meet so many people and a great way to show the world what we have to offer in Lofoten,” says Lillehaug. “It was a real boost for a small restaurant like ours!” In the last few years, this small restaurant has truly marked its place on the Lofoten food scene and become an important part of the thriving archipelago. If you want to enjoy a great dining experience in a charming, typically Norwegian atmosphere, Lofotmat is the right place to visit. Facebook: Lofotmat

Issue 122 | March 2019 | 79

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Destination Lofoten

Visit Reine to get a taste of true adventure. Photo: Simon Fraser

Photo: Jack Mac

Escape to the edge of the world Surrounded by blue seas and majestic mountains, you will find Reine, the iconic fishing village of northern Norway’s spectacular Lofoten archipelago, home to historic hotel Reine Rorbuer. By hosting breathtaking northern lights in winter and 24-hour sunshine in summer, Reine Rorbuer guarantees visitors memories that last a lifetime. By Emma Rödin

Despite housing just 300 inhabitants, the village of Reine is and has always been the beating heart of Lofoten’s humble yet thriving economy. Reine has a long history of fishing and is known mainly for its cod and stockfish. The Sverdrup family runs the village’s main fishery, a business founded four generations ago by Otto Sverdrup, a Norwegian sailor and Arctic explorer. “Reine is tiny – it’s a very honest place with friendly people. It allows visitors to experience the real lives of people in the north,” says Alicja Kass, hotel director at Reine Rorbuer. The Reine-based hotel prides itself on being certified sustainable by the Eco-Lighthouse Foundation and is part of the Classic Norway chain, which includes 16 distinctive resorts throughout the country. Rorbuer is composed of sev80 | Issue 122 | March 2019

eral converted cabins, all with panoramic mountain views. These modest dwellings were originally home to fishermen who migrated to Reine to fish Arctic cod during the winter months. “We have put a lot of effort into retaining the cabins’ traditional charm, but have also incorporated modern luxuries such as highspeed Wi-Fi,” says Kass. The hotel also boasts its own restaurant, originally the first grocery shop in Reine. Much like the cabins, the restaurant has been carefully restored and is today a place where guests can enjoy innovative fusions of new and historic cuisine. Why not try the locally sourced, grilled cod sprinkled with Lofoten’s own seaweed? It is no secret that a trip to Lofoten is an attractive entry on the bucket lists of most travellers, but they do not come

solely to soak up the area’s majestic views. They come to experience the abundance of local activities such as hiking, cycling, fishing, diving, kayaking, surfing and even guided tours on how best to photograph the famous northern lights. Rorbuer’s team of dedicated professionals helps guests tailor their own special adventures and is constantly innovating to come up with new ways for them to experience Lofoten’s natural beauty. With their help, Reine is today so much more than just a flourishing fishing community – it is a source of life. “In all honesty, the main thing our guests regret is not staying here longer,” concludes Kass.

Photo: Reine Rorbuer

Web: www.reinerorbuer.no

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Destination Lofoten

Scandic Svolvær is the ideal base for experiencing northern adventures.

The city hotel surrounded by water In the north of Norway, Scandic Svolvær is situated on the island of Lamholmen, right in the middle of Svolvær town centre and surrounded by the wild and wonderful archipelago. By Alyssa Nilsen | Photos: Kjell Ove Storvik

Built in 1995 and renovated in 2017, the hotel boasts 146 rooms, a restaurant, and conference facilities for up to 200 guests. Sitting on an island in Svolvær town centre, the hotel is surrounded by water, which makes for spectacular views from the hotel’s panorama windows. The proximity to the ocean, the mountains and all of Svolvær’s restaurants and shopping opportunities makes it the ideal place for a varied holiday. Parking at the hotel is free, there are plenty of chargers for electric cars, and the island is connected to the mainland by a bridge. Should you get the urge to go on a bike ride but have not come prepared, the hotel also has a few rental bikes for guests to borrow for free. For those who travel up north to seek out adventure and nature experiences, Scandic Svolvær is the perfect base to travel out from and return to. With

immediate access to mountains and the ocean, guests can experience snowshoe hikes, biking or fishing, and the hotel is happy to help through collaborations with local companies. For those who want to try out randoné skiing, the area is ideal, with the opportunity to start out at sea level and climb up to 700 metres straight uphill for amazing views of the area. Should you want to try fishing without having to leave the comfort of the hotel, part of Scandic Svolvær is built on top of the water, featuring two indoor fishing

holes: one in the restaurant and another in one of the hotel rooms. A different and exotic view for international guests and non-locals alike might be the stockfish hanging at the harbour, right outside the door. Lamholmen is a modern fishing community, and the fish is dried and preserved in the traditional manner of hanging on wooden racks outside. “Another landmark is The Fisherman’s Wife,” general manager Gunhild Elisabeth Laundal enthuses. “It’s a floodlit sculpture by Per Ung, which waves to the open sea, and the hotel has a full view of the statue.” In March, the sister hotel Scandic Vestfjord Lofoten will be opening in the town.

Web: www.scandichotels.com/ hotels/norway/lofoten/ scandic-svolvaer Facebook: ScandicSvolvaer

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Destination Lofoten

An Arctic gem by the Norwegian Sea In a rebuilt factory from 1914 that once made cod liver oil and later stored stockfish, restaurant Maren Anna serves locally sourced food with a unique atmosphere and views over the ocean as well as the Arctic scenery of Sørvågen. The restaurant is located in the harbour, where guests can view the fishing boats bringing in the catch of the day. The interior is homely and warm with exceptional views of the ocean. During the winter, you may be lucky and see the northern lights from the restaurant, and during the summer, you can sit outside and enjoy a cold beverage and the sea breeze. “We opened in 2003, with a wish to give our guests an experience that would be remembered as a highlight of their travels Maren Anna serves locally sourced, fresh fish. Photo: Maren Anna

to Lofoten. We are working hard to be able to serve delicious, local food that gives our guests a unique food experience,” says Anette Morrison, general manager. The philosophy is straightforward: tasty dishes with local products and good service. Maren Anna wants for the food to reflect the unique, local resources Lofoten has to offer, inspired by French and Asian cuisine. The restaurant is located between the Norwegian ocean and spectacular, Arctic mountains, and Morrison explains Photo: Maren Anna

By Synne Johnsson

that Sørvågen is like a door to several popular hiking routes. “Sørvågen and Maren Anna have something for everyone who wants to experience Lofoten: the locals, fresh fish, the mountains, the ocean and the incredible flavours in our dishes,” Morrison says. “We are focusing on maintaining our high quality, and I am really proud to be sharing this authentic experience with our guests.” Website: www.marenanna.com Facebook: MarenAnnaLofoten Instagram: @marenanna.lofoten

Photo: Maren Anna

A guided tour like no other Arctic Guide Service was the first company to offer tailored excursions in one of Norway's best-known areas of outstanding beauty, the Lofoten Islands. By Sunniva Davies-Rommetveit | Photos: Eric Fokke

“We saw an unmet need in the tourist market, so we first set up in Lofoten back in 2001," explains product and marketing manager June Remmen. “We wanted to give visitors a completely memorable experience of the archipelago, and many now know us as the leading tour guide service here.” In order to provide first-class tours, Arctic Guide Service works hand in hand with local suppliers and trains its guides to make sure that their knowledge of the archipelago's nature and local cultures is second to none. “This area is rich in history and steeped in culture − we want to convey all of this to our visitors, so that they come away with a true understanding of Lofoten,” Remmen says. Depending on the season, Arctic Guide 82 | Issue 122 | March 2019

Service offers trips to photograph the northern lights, or takes guests hiking in fantastic nature before heading for an Arctic beach bonfire. “It's something you'd never think to do above the Arctic Circle, but the gulf stream makes Lofoten relatively temperate considering its latitude,” explains Remmen. Tours come highly personalised, and the firm caters to individuals on their own

Arctic adventure, while also working with tour operators and cruise companies, including Hurtigruten. “We listen to the interests and needs of our customers and tailor trips to suit them,” Remmen explains, adding: “That's why we love doing this − we offer totally unique experiences with expert guides.”

Uttakleiv beach.

Web: www.arcticguideservice.com/ en/lofoten Email: lofoten@arcticguideservice.no Call: +4791553153

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Destination Lofoten The stairs in the living room lead to the upstairs bedrooms.

The cabin is filled with nautical decor.

Nordlysbua is an original fisherman’s cottage from 1874 located in northern Norway. Photo: Trygve Valla Lydersen

On the dock of the bay A visit to the Nordlysbua fisherman’s cottage in Norway’s Lofoten archipelago leaves you in the land of the northern lights, while the cabin’s location has you staying not just next to the sea, but actually on top of it. By Marianne Heen Johnsgård | Photos: Nordlysbua

“Let me take you back to the 19th century,” says Michael Pettersen, one of the cabin’s owners. “Fishermen spent long periods away from home. Rather than sleeping on board their boats, many rented a small shack – a ‘bu’ in Norwegian – in one of the harbours along the coast. These buildings were small shelters placed partly on land, partly on poles in the water.” Today, Nordlysbua is one of very few remaining original fisherman’s huts in Stamsund, the small northern coastal village you can reach by car, plane (to nearby Leknes) or ferry. The hut is situated at the very end of the dock, with its own garden, and a stay there feels private, while at the same time you are very much part of the community. The cabin from 1874 sleeps six, in addition to two baby beds, and has been modernised 84 | Issue 122 | March 2019

without losing its old-time charm. Both bathroom and kitchen were installed only a few years ago, so that you can take a warm shower or prepare a meal after a day of enjoying the great outdoors. The cabin’s closeness to nature is a key reason to stay at Nordlysbua. “Climb up the Tinderekka mountain range to look at the midnight sun during the summer, or try downhill skiing in winter,” Pettersen recommends. The northern lights, which the cabin is named after, are frequently seen in the area, and are spectacular to

The cabin is located on the sea shore.

watch from a mountain top or from the cabin itself. It is also possible to get your sea legs. “Many guests rent a boat and go fishing. If you are lucky, you might even catch some fish for your dinner.” Back on land, you can stroll along the dock, watch the fishing boats unload their fresh finds or welcome the Hurtigruten ferry on its daily stop in Stamsund. You find the grocery shop close by, as well as the Skjærbrygga restaurant and bar. “The food is really good and the locals are friendly, often encouraging visitors to take part in the weekly quiz on Fridays,” says Pettersen. The northern lights are a welcome sight over Stamsund. Photo: Carina Hansen

Web: www.nordlysbua.no Contact: booking@nordlysbua.no

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Destination Lofoten

Welcome to the charming Anker Brygge With comfortable accommodation in typical Norwegian ‘rorbuer’, local food on the menu, and fun experiences to boot, a visit to Anker Brygge will provide everything you need for an idyllic stay in the heart of Lofoten. By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Anker Brygge

Anker Brygge is a tourism facility situated on the island of Lamholmen in idyllic settings in the very middle of the harbour, only 150 metres from the town centre of Svolvær. Here, you will not only discover great food and drinks in pleasant surroundings; you also have the possibility to stay in traditional yet luxurious fisherman cabins – or ‘rorbuer’, as they are called in Norwegian. After formerly being known as a fish factory, dating back to around 1880, the main building was completely renovated in 1996, with the décor and furnishings still very much in keeping with the original style found on the island more than a century ago. Today, locals and visitors alike can pay a visit to the charming resort’s old Seaside Bar & Pub, with seating for 200 people in-

doors and a further 450 outdoors. “It is the perfect place to get together with friends and listen to live music, something we have been doing every weekend for the last 22 years, or to simply relax with a drink while you watch the boats passing by,” says sales and marketing manager Oddrun Glad.

In addition, Anker Brygge also boasts its own gourmet restaurant, named Kjøkkenet (the Kitchen). Serving traditional dishes from northern Norway, based on high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, the small restaurant has become a popular place guests keep coming back to again and again. “We want people to experience renowned specialties and seafood from Lofoten along with its history. The objective was to recreate the inviting and homely atmosphere of a typical northern Norwegian mum’s kitchen,” says Glad.

Web: www.anker-brygge.no

ON I T M i M NA HEI I ST ND E D RO T em

T ni

Ramp Pale Ale is brewed as a tribute to the Lademoen neighbourhood.

The beer Gullvåg is named after the artist and is a collaboration between Håkon Gullvåg, Brooklyn Brewery and E.C. Dahls Brewery.

For the love of beer E.C Dahls Brewery is a brewery with a long history, extensive knowledge, and great passion. Founded in 1856, it still to this day remains the pride of Trondheim. Stop by for a guided tour, to taste the extensive selection of craft beers found in the pub, or to eat a delicious meal in the restaurant the next time you are in town, and see for yourself how much they know about, and love, beer. By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Anne Reisch

Beer has been brewed and enjoyed in Norway for centuries, so it is no surprise that Norwegians have a big fondness for it. After quenching the thirst of beer lovers for the last 163 years and beyond, E.C Dahls Brewery sure knows a thing or two about this beloved beverage. “We have long brewing traditions, and after re-launching the brewery in 2016, we have taken the history along with us, but also taken a step into modern times with new techniques and additions to our portfolio of products,” says brewery ambassador Kristian Berger.

Erich Christian Dahl – an important figure in Trondheim When it comes to history, Berger cannot go without talking about the man behind 86 | Issue 122 | March 2019

the brand, namely Erich Christian Dahl. “Dahl was known for his generosity to his staff as well as his city; he was an important and visible figure in Trondheim,” he explains. The businessman was very involved in the local community, and as well as brewing, he started enterprises in insurance, banking and spirits to further enrich his hometown. His aim was to promote and improve the brewing environment by allowing other brewers to learn, but also sharing his yeast to help. “It’s a heritage we have taken with us. Firstly, we share our yeast with home brewers and, secondly, our brewmaster Wolfgang Lindell arranges technical conferences to help give something back to the brewery community. We also have

a laboratory for brewers who can’t afford their own facilities to utilise,” says Berger.

Welcome to the brewery Today, Dahl’s legacy is known as Norway’s second-oldest brewery and the largest brewery in the region. Located in Lademoen, situated about two kilometres east of the city centre of Trondheim, the historic brewery welcomes visitors curious to learn more. “You can stop by the brewery anytime, with or without book-

Brewery ambassador Kristian Berger (left) and brewmaster Wolfgang Lindell.

Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Destination Trondheim

ing in advance. We have new and exciting events happening both in the brewery and in our own renowned dining area, E.C. Dahls Pub and Kitchen, which is a low-key and homely place,” says Berger. The open brewery offers guided tours, beer courses and tastings, as well as beer dinners: a popular option for a gettogether with a delicious four-course meal, where each dish is accompanied by a different beer. “Spreading knowledge and love for beer is an important part of what we do,” Berger smiles.

From Trondheim to Brooklyn

Gullvåg. It all started after an enjoyable meeting between the artist, the brewmaster from Brooklyn Brewery, and our brewmaster Lindell,” says Berger. The unique blend is characterised as dark, dry and strong, with a hot and rich scent of coffee, dark chocolate and dried fruits such as figs and dates – perfect paired with red meat such as roast beef or bonfire grilled entrecote. “Our flagship beer, the crisp and fruity Ramp Pale Ale, is brewed as our tribute to the Lademoen neighbourhood, which, after having a somewhat frayed reputation, is today seen as a creative, hard-working

and pleasant place,” he says. This light brew can be enjoyed on its own, but also thrives very well alongside tacos, pizza or burgers. “I have to also mention our classic, Dahls Pils, which is among Norway’s oldest pilsners. With a fruity flavour and low bitterness, it has been brewed on the same yeast strain that has been used here for over 70 years and is to this day still our best-seller,” the brewery ambassador enthuses. Web: www.ecdahls.no Facebook: ecdahlsbryggeri Instagram: @ecdahlsbryggeri

With a growing selection available on tap and also bottled, the popular brewery is proud to offer high-quality beer not only to the Norwegian beer market but also in Sweden, Switzerland, London and New York – the latter, a place with strong connections to E.C Dahls. “We have a running partnership with Brooklyn Brewery, and Gullvåg is a beer we created in collaboration with them as a tribute to one of Norway’s most recognised artists, Håkon Facts: Founded by Erich Christian Dahl in 1856. Rebuilt in 2016, and has brewed close to 50 different types of beer since then. Retains its own dining area, E.C. Dahls Pub and Kitchen. The most famous brews are Ramp Pale Ale, Bolt IPA, Kyoto and Dahls Pils. Owned by Carlsberg and Brooklyn Brewery.

E.C. Dahls Brewery is located at Lademoen in Trondheim.

E.C. Dahls is also an important cultural arena in town. Photo from a concert with Sugarfoot in the brewery backyard last summer.

The historic brewery is open for visits.

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Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Destination Trondheim

Stig Børge Strømsvåg (left) and Thomas Borgan. Photo: Marius Rua

Svele, a Norwegian pancake, with dry-aged tartar and chicken skin. Photo: Elisabeth Sofie Hovde.

Photo: Marius Rua.

Great food with a sprinkle of humour While visiting Trondheim, why not take a walk down the harbour? Here, you will discover Kraft Bodega, a new restaurant with high ambitions and no set rules. Situated in a modern venue overlooking the picturesque Norwegian fjord, this chilled-out eatery has steadily become a favoured place to find peace while enjoying tasty food.

can expect it to be strong flavoured, fresh and always tasty – a mix of modern and classic plates, served in a creative way that intrigues and excites.”

By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Kraft Bodega

Kraft Bodega is a great place for anyone looking to discover new culinary delights in an enjoyable, relaxed environment: a fun, new addition to Trondheim’s growing food scene.

“We wanted to create a place we would like to go ourselves. Somewhere peaceful but fun, where you can drop by anytime and taste great food with a sprinkle of humour,” says Thomas Borgan, one of the owners at Kraft Bodega. Along with a group of three friends, who have 45 years of experience from top kitchens in both Norway and New York between them, he decided to open up a new restaurant in April last year. The friends were then already running the catering firm Kontrast Catering together, delivering food to all types of parties and events since 2013.

The menu draws its inspiration from all over the world, regardless of trends, and is playful, innovative and delicious. You can put together your own menu, drop by for some light snacks and a glass of wine, or simply trust the chefs and let them surprise you with something new. However, Borgan highly recommends diners to take back the control, hence not offering an à la carte option. “When it comes to the food, we don’t want to set strict rules, but rather focus on high quality and exciting dishes that will take you around the world,” he explains. “You

Upon entering Kraft Bodega, one can sense the calm atmosphere, but quickly also notice the fun vibe. The word ‘bodega’ was chosen because of its diffuse and intriguing connotations, something that helps set an unpretentious and light-hearted tone.

The Kraft Bodega chef crew. Photo: Marius Rua.

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Crab cake with harissa mayonnaise. Photo: Elisabeth Sofie Hovde.

Web: www.kraftbodega.no Facebook: KraftBodega Instagram: @kraftbodega

Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Destination Trondheim

The perfect meeting point Located in the middle of Norway, 25 minutes from the centre of Trondheim and 147 easy steps from the terminal, Radisson Blu Hotel Trondheim Airport is a great place to meet up from different parts of the country. By Marianne Heen Johnsgård | Photos: Radisson Blu

“Thanks to our proximity to the airport, you can arrive at Trondheim Airport in the morning and start your conference shortly afterwards in one of our 11 meeting rooms,” explains Eva Brevik-Samstad, the hotel’s operational manager. Want to have fun after a busy day? The hotel will help arrange anything from beer-tasting events to a visit at the air traffic control tower. And make sure to stop by the hotel’s restaurant: “We love serving local specialities. The reindeer hamburger is popular, as is our sharing menu, where dishes are served family-style at the table.” The hotel has an elegant Nordic look with cosy touches such as a fireplace in the lobby. “Many guests drink their

morning coffee by the fire,” says BrevikSamstad. Those with less time on their hands appreciate details like the takeaway breakfast, check-in machines and the very short walking distance to both airport and train station. “The hotel is all about our guests’ needs, whether it is a smooth and The reindeer burger is served with stewed mushrooms and lingonberry jam.

efficient departure, successful meetings, great food or comfortable surroundings to relax in.” Though the 180 rooms all guarantee a pleasant stay, an insider tip is to book a corner room for the full airport hotel experience. “That way, you will get a front-row view of the runway.”

The hotel is located next to Trondheim Airport.

Web: www.radissonblu.com Facebook: RadissonBluHotelTrondheimAirport Contact: info.trondheim.airport@radissonblu.com

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ND A NL FI

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Sharing the spirit of Kalevala with the world While studying biochemical engineering, Moritz Wüstenberg set up a small distillery in a disused barn. Fast-forward nearly a decade, and he runs the successful Kalevala Distillery, producing handmade organic gins. Named after the Finnish poetry epic, Kalevala gin offers the perfect balance between old traditions and new innovation, with a hint of magic thrown into the mix. By Ndéla Faye | Photos: Northern Lights Spirits Oy

Wüstenberg first took an interest in distilling because of the history of his mother’s hometown, Kitee, in easternmost Finland: the town is renowned for having been a major bootlegging hub during the 1930s prohibition in Finland. He decided to name his gin after the Kalevala, the poetry epic that consists of Finnish folklore and mythology. “I used the Finnish national epic as a source of inspiration for Kalevala gin, because its story is based near here, in Finnish Karelia,” Wüstenberg explains. Kalevala gin has a four-strong team, consisting of, in addition to Wüstenberg himself: Kirsi, in charge of bottling and labelling; Tatyana as head of production and product development; and Pantteri the cat, who has been assigned the title of head of happiness. In recent years, Finnish gin has gone through a bit of 90 | Issue 122 | March 2019

a boom. However, Kalevala is the only organic spirit made in Finland, and the gin is handmade from start to finish: even the water used in the distilling process comes from their own well. In addition to juniper, ingredients used in Kalevala gin include sea-buckthorn, blackcurrant, rose bud and Jerusalem artichoke. The main aim is to source as many ingredients as possible from the Karelia region. The company is also launching a barrelaged gin later this year, as well as a birch-sap vodka – all handmade and made from organic local ingredients, and produced in small batches, of course. “The birch sap was collected from local birches last spring. Gin is incredibly versatile: juniper is used as a base, but the sky is the limit when it comes to flavouring gin with botanicals,” Wüstenberg

explains. His gins have gained success and a following around the world, and the company is always looking to expand its horizons further. “We’ve had a lot of success in the Far East as well as the Nordic countries, and we’re keen to share some of the legend and the spirit of Kalevala with the rest of the world,” he concludes.

Web: www.kalevalagin.com

Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | A Taste of Finland Seabuckthorn-orange juice.

Bilberry juice.

Bredcheese.

Natural delicacies from Finland The family-owned manufacturer Riitan Herkku has innovated and brought tasty delicacies to Finnish dinner tables for over three decades now. Scan Magazine spoke to the company’s managing director, Marina Sabel, about what makes their growing line of berry juices and soups so unique. By Maria Pirkkalainen | Photos: Riitan Herkku

Proudly inspired by traditional, natural Finnish ingredients and the company’s own roots, Riitan Herkku, in English ‘Riitta’s delicacy’, has always had its headquarters in the picturesque Mustasaari, near the Baltic Sea. “My parents started the company over 30 years ago. Riitta is my mother’s name – my father always says he must be the delicacy then!” Sabel laughs. Having started with the manufacturing of traditional Finnish ‘leipäjuusto’, squeaky cheese, the company has recently extended its wide portfolio to include berry juices and, excitingly, berry soups, a cold delicacy that is popular in Finland as a snack or as part of a healthy breakfast.

Only the highest-quality berries Berry products are close to the forwardthinking company’s heart, something that is highly understandable if you know that Finland is home to the world’s largest organic-certified forest berry areas. Also, as in mid-summer there is an abundance of natural light, since the sun does not set at all in the northern Arctic Circle region and only for a few hours in the south, these Finnish berries are even healthier, as they have higher levels of a beneficial antioxidant, anthocyanin. The berries that Riitan Herkku uses are special in themselves. For example, instead of using cultivated blueber-

ries, which you can easily find in nearly any shop, Riitan Herkku uses handpicked Arctic bilberries. “Imagine – these berries grow ecologically in wild forests, with no carbon or water footprint,” Sabel explains. “An Arctic bilberry also offers five times more anthocyanins than a high-bush blueberry.” Riitan Herkku’s high-quality berry soups and juices are made from 100 per cent pure berries and without concentrate. “You can really taste the difference,” Sabel asserts. Next time you visit Finland, try some bilberry soup with oat porridge or on its own – both quintessential Finnish snacks that you cannot go wrong with. Web: www.riitanherkku.fi/ briefly-in-english Facebook: riitanherkkuoy Instagram: @riitanherkku

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Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | A Taste of Finland

Quality food on the go “Our products range from traditional Finnish delicacies such as rye-crust fish pies, ‘Kukko’ in Finnish, to new modern multi-purpose products like smoked salmon in sweet chilli sauce,” says Raimo Vähäsarja, co-founder and CEO of Kala-Kallen Kalaherkut. “All our products are ready to eat, but they can also be used in cooking.” These delicacies come from a seaside factory on the island of Pohja-Kalliokari in northern Finland. The company was founded by Raimo and his wife, Päivi Vähäsarja, in 1992, and their team of five is soon going to grow. “Now we also have a capital investor on board, so we are ready to upscale our production. We have an up-to-date 1,100-square-metre EU-approved factory to also handle large orders.”

Vähäsarja is also the passionate inventor behind the recipes. He is always trying out new things and developing new recipes. “We use only high-quality ingredients in our products,” he explains. “We use Norwegian salmon, and our other ingredients come mainly from Finland. We do not use any artificial preservatives or additives.” The products stay fresh in room temperature. This, and the fact that they contain

Left: The new smoked chicken cubes can also be used in cooking. Middle: The famous Lohikukko, smoked salmon in a rye crust, is a tasty take-away. Right: New chicken products are now available.

92 | Issue 120 | January 2019

By Mari Koskinen | Photos: Kala-Kalle

a good amount of protein and slow carbs, makes them the perfect food to take to a hike or a camping trip. Currently one of the brand’s most popular products is Lohikukko, smoked salmon in a rye crust. An experienced mountain climber once described it as 'the Ferrari of trekking food'. “We are also planning to launch new flavours: there will be chicken, as well as a vegetarian option,” Vähäsarja reveals, when asked about future plans.

Web: www.kalakalle.com Facebook: kalakallenkalaherkut

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N S O T -UP iT H in G T M LI AR T O ST P S H A NIS N FI m he

Exercise your way to happier and healthier employees Cuckoo Workout is an application that encourages workers to stay active through fun exercise videos. The game-like app reminds employees to take regular breaks and step away from their desks for a few minutes, which has several health benefits. From improving posture to relieving neck and shoulder pain, the app has been proven to lead to happier employees who take fewer sick days. By Ndéla Faye | Photos: Cuckoo Workout

With over 13,000 users across the globe, Cuckoo Workout is taking the world by storm, and revolutionising the office environment. Cuckoo includes over 400 short exercise videos, ranging from posture and brain challenges to lower back, neck and shoulder exercises and mindfulness. Each video contains three exercises and takes around three minutes to complete.

Fun and interactive break times The app is game-like and includes several levels where players can progress, depending on how many exercise videos they complete. The workout videos are fun and designed to encourage users to take a break wherever they are: at work, working from home or on business trips. Users gain extra points for cycling or walking to work, or keeping track of their water consumption, for example. The app is designed to encourage col94 | Issue 122 | March 2019

leagues to compete among themselves – and there are even prizes, ranging from gift vouchers to electronics, to incentivise staying active. “Our app injects an often much-needed shot of fun into the office. It improves wellbeing and social interaction within the workplace. Physical and mental wellbeing go hand in hand, and employees’ overall wellbeing is reflected in work satisfaction and levels of productivity. Alert and healthy employees are better and more efficient workers,” states Veera Lehmonen, Cuckoo Workout’s managing director. “The idea for Cuckoo Workout began when we started a challenge of doing 100 jumping jacks daily with my colleague at the office. At first, the others called us crazy, but we argued that we might be ‘cuckoo’ but not crazy. Soon, everyone joined in, and we found that it was a fun way to boost morale at the

office, providing a great opportunity for a break and some exercise. We then started to look at funding opportunities and began developing the app – and everything just took off from there,” Lehmonen explains.

Promoting wellbeing and productivity “The positive effects of Cuckoo have been well documented, and using the app makes financial sense for companies as it promotes a more collaborative, healthier and happier work culture,” says Janna Lampinen, head of sales at Cuckoo. Recently, the Institute

Veera Lehmonen

Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | A Spotlight on Finnish Start-ups

of Occupational Health in Finland published a study – based on office workers using the app for a few minutes a day for six months – on the effects of the Cuckoo Workout exercise, and found a number of ways in which the app helped office workers. Among other things, the findings indicated that Cuckoo helps to improve recovery times after illness, while increasing work productivity and promoting community spirit among active users. Cuckoo Workout also reduced pressure and pain in the muscles and spine, tackled sedentary lifestyles, improved memory and reduced fatigue and absence from work. “Regular exercise has a number of health benefits – we all know that, and a sedentary lifestyle is considered a health risk. It’s usually quite difficult to maintain a good level of activity when you are spending the majority of your day sitting in front of a computer. That’s where Cuckoo comes in. The results of the study showed that taking a break and doing the Cuckoo Workout for just a few minutes a day for a period of six months had drastic and long-lasting positive effects within the work environment,” Lehmonen explains.

Expanding horizons This year, Cuckoo Workout’s main aim is to develop and extend their reach further afield. Currently available in Finnish, Swedish and English in 15 countries, the brand is aiming to expand into other Nordic countries. There are around 100 organisations – ranging from Nokia to Lumene, among others – currently using Cuckoo Workout, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. “Cuckoo has started off brilliantly here: in a very short amount of time, we have received information from our occupa-

tional health team saying that Cuckoo users have reported relief from neck and shoulder pain,” says Lumene’s human resources manager, Nina Ylitalo. Cuckoo’s exercises are designed to make everyone smile. “The key is not to take yourself too seriously. Our app offers practical advice on healthy sleep practises and nutrition. The idea is that small actions can have a big impact,” Cuckoo’s managing director concludes. Web: www.cuckooworkout.com Facebook: cuckooworkout Twitter: @cuckooworkout

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Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | A Spotlight on Finnish Start-ups Photo: Eveliina Mustonen

Photo: Jan Lönnberg

Photo: Tommi Hynynen

From baby steps to growing global Last year, Scan Magazine wrote about Gugguu, a start-up that was born when two sisters, Anne Valli and Miia Riekki, wanted to create high-quality children’s wear. Gugguu’s simple collections continue to be a huge success and have also since been showcased in the fashion capital of the world, Paris. In December, Gugguu launched its collection designed by Minttu Räikkönen, and now the brand is taking big steps forward, as investors have come in to take Gugguu to the next level. By Mari Koskinen

“We have partnered with the reputable investment company Panostaja,” says Anne Valli, co-owner and chief operating officer at Gugguu. “They bring us their perspective and in-depth expertise to help us grow and go international. Together, we have been working on a new international business strategy, which will concentrate on our online presence and sales. Designer Minttu Räikkönen has also invested in the company and works as an international ambassador for the brand.” Valli continues: “We feel that we are now ready for this next phase. We have also had another big project behind the scenes; we have migrated our online store to a new platform. This ensures 96 | Issue 122 | March 2019

that we are now ready to upscale our business to a whole new level. Also, our office and storage facilities are moving to larger premises during this spring.”

our values, building a responsible and transparent business – and our new investors share our vision,” explains Valli. “We use organic, safe materials that we test for durability. Our clothes are produced either in Finland or in the Baltics, under our careful watch to ensure excellent working conditions. The end products are tested too, to ensure that they are also comfortable for the kids to wear. We will continue to keep up the high standards and to listen to our customers also in the future.”

Building a responsible, transparent business “We could not have reached this point without our loyal customers,” says Valli. “We really value their ideas and feedback. That’s why we want to make contacting us as easy as possible, and are committed to responding as quickly as we can. Many products and processes have been improved based on customer feedback.” Gugguu’s success is built on their idea of being true to their values. “Right from the start, everything has been based on

Photo: Tommi Hynynen

Web: www.gugguu.com Facebook: gugguukidsfashion Instagram: @gugguukidsfashion

Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | A Spotlight on Finnish Start-ups

Photo: TAUKO / Weecos.com

Photo: Hicca / Weecos.com

Photo: AARREKID / Weecos.com

Towards a more sustainable future In today’s crowded markets, finding the ecological and ethical option is not always easy. This is where Weecos.com, an online market platform focusing on sustainable products, comes into the picture. We spoke to CEO Hanna Lusila about how the platform is aiming to change the future of fashion. By Maria Pirkkalainen

The Finnish start-up Weecos.com started from a need to find an alternative to fast fashion and disposable shopping culture. Founded by life-long friends Hanna Lusila and Anna Kurkela, Weecos.com focuses on products that respect both people and the planet. “We want sustainable brands to be easy to find for customers who want to purchase products and services reliably and according to their values. Moreover, we want to change people’s attitudes towards conscious consumption and a sustainable lifestyle,” says Lusila. Now Weecos.com, the online market platform, brings together over 270 brands, selling over 6,500 different products from clothing to interior design. The common denominator? Each brand and all their products have passed Weecos.com’s sustainability auditing, where their sustainability is evaluated from an economic, social and environmental point of view.

Something for every style The majority of the brands on Weecos.com are Finnish, but more international brands are coming on board every month. You can find a wide range of sustainable clothing, wellness, jewellery and interior design products.

“In the end, what we really want to do is create a community for people who believe in a more responsible future,” Lusila asserts. “Over 80 per cent of our customers choose Weecos.com as they know they’ll always make a sustainable choice with us.” Weecos.com is not only a marketplace, but also a digital hub and journal of a sustainable lifestyle. Take a look and join Weecos.com on their exciting journey. Photo: Ester Visual / Weecos.com

“Interesting brands, for instance, include MEM by Paula Malleus and TAUKO,” says Lusila. TAUKO’s high-quality clothes are made from recycled hospital textiles, with the results being incredibly soft and durable. Recycled textiles are also a key material of the pioneering upcycle collections of MEM by Paula Malleus. Weecos.com also offers a large selection of children’s clothing brands, such as the charming Aarrekid and Hicca. Photo: Weecos.com

Website: www.weecos.com/en Facebook: weecos Instagram: @weecos Twitter: @weecos_com

Issue 122 | March 2019 | 97

Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | A Spotlight on Finnish Start-ups

A smart ring to health and happiness Ever wondered what time you should eat dinner to maintain a healthy weight, or when your optimal bedtime should be? Wonder no more: the Oura ring is a unique wearable gadget that tracks your daily activity and sleep – and helps to find the perfect rhythm for a happier, healthier, balanced life. By Ndéla Faye | Photos: Oura Health

With daily feedback to improve your health, Oura helps its users to better understand their bodies and reach their goals, whatever they may be. What makes Oura unique is its ability to uncover patterns, and make recommendations on how to optimise your lifestyle habits. Unlike other wearables, Oura is able to provide actionable guidance to its users, by learning their unique lifestyle and daily rhythms. “The information gathered by the smart ring gets updated onto our app, which will gather sleep and body signal data, and give advice on when the optimal bedtime window is for a particular user, for example,” says Petteri Lahtela, Oura Health’s co-founder, president and chief innovation officer. The Oura ring’s sleek design has been carefully crafted to be as comfortable and discreet as possible to its wearers. With 98 | Issue 122 | March 2019

high-profile backers and wearers ranging from Prince Harry to actor Will Smith and Steve Chen, founder of YouTube, the smart ring is set to take the world by storm and bring us a new understanding of how our bodies function.

Providing unprecedented insight into our bodies Oura ring’s tracking is second to none, analysing data on sleep quality and the heart’s rhythm and electrical activity with close to the same precision as electrocardiograms (ECGs). Restorative sleep is key to healthy weight management, optimal mental and physical performance, productivity and core body functions, such as stable blood sugar and blood pressure levels. “The average person spends more than 26 years of their life sleeping. Restorative sleep is essential to our mental and physical wellbeing. Humans operate according

to a circadian 24-hour rhythm, which means there is an optimal time for everything: sleeping, eating, relaxing, and performing. Figuring out what that optimal daily rhythm is for you, opens up doors into a well-balanced, happy life,” explains Lahtela. Oura ring is used in over 100 countries around the world by all kinds of masters in their own field, from top athletes to business owners and office workers. “Whatever your job is or your goals in life are, everyone needs to be productive and healthy; it is the key to success and happiness,” Lahtela concludes.

Web: www.ouraring.com

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | xxxxxx

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It is time to re-value your business By Nils Elmark, consulting futurist, Incepcion

18 years ago, in my first book, I predicted the collapse of the music industry – one of my lucky moments! Shawn Fanning’s P2P music-sharing platform, Napster, had just been stopped by the lawyers, but the genie was out of the bottle. Napster had introduced a new business model where music could be distributed for free on the Internet. After this, how could a 22-billion-dollar music industry hope to maintain its revenues by selling CDs at 14 pounds apiece? It couldn’t. The music market today is deflated to a third of what it was. The music industry has been YouTubed and Spotified.

When I heard McCartney on the radio, I realised that digitisation is not necessarily for the better. But how can we beat disruptive, young tech companies that offer anything cheaper and better? We can learn from the Swiss watch industry. In the ‘80s, legendary Swiss watch makers were threatened on their very existence by cheap Japanese digital watches. Since the beginning of time, Swiss watches had been considered the most precise in the world – then, suddenly, ugly 40-pound quartz watches from a tech company were more precise. Over five years, the Swiss watch industry shrunk to a third of its former size.

Digitisation has not been good for the music industry, nor for the music lovers. I heard an interview with Sir Paul McCartney on the radio, where he recalled how, as a boy, he used to take the bus to Lewis’ department store to buy a new record. On the way back, he un-wrapped his new record and studied it and could not wait to get home to listen to it. This experience was why The Beatles decided to spend a fortune on the cover of their Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album. As anyone with a turntable knows, playing your vinyl is not like listening on Spotify: you have to get up from your chair, choose a record, and put it on without scratching it.

Then the industry re-valued! It was no longer about precision. The new keywords were ‘fashion’ and ‘tradition’. Cheap, fashionable plastic Swatches emerged and became accessories; suddenly you needed many watches in different colours to look sharp. And the expensive brands forgot about precision too. They started to focus on tradition: when your fancy, techy Japanese timepiece is obsolete, my Swiss watch will still tick on the wrist of my son. Now the Swiss watch industry is healthier than ever.

There is an endless line of companies in industries such as finance, retail, media, mobility and entertainment that are threatened by digital disruption. The lesson from Switzerland is that a technological arms race is not the only solution; new values may be a better way into the future.

Nils Elmark is a consulting futurist and the founder of Incepcion, a London-based consultancy that helps organisations develop new and braver dreams.

Issue 122 | March 2019 | 99

Scan Magazine | Business Profile | Blindes Arbejde

This March, Blindes Arbejde is releasing its super stylish, handcrafted dustpan, designed by Søren Rose Studio.

Handcrafted and sustainable since 1929 Celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, Blindes Arbejde (Blind at Work) has created jobs for hundreds of blind and visually impaired people. In recent years especially, the company has flourished as its sustainable, handmade household designs have caught the eye of socially and environmentally conscious shoppers from all over the world. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Blindes Arbejde

Founded in 1929, Blindes Arbejde has had its ups and downs. In the 1980s, interest in the organisation’s handcrafted, high-quality products dwindled as the ‘buy-and-throw-away’ mentality meant that most consumers opted for cheap, factory-made alternatives. In the recent decades, however, the increasing focus on sustainability, quality and social responsibility has brought the social enterprise’s handcrafted products back in favour, explains CEO Kristin Espedal: “In the 1990s, we saw the beginning of 100 | Issue 122 | March 2019

a new current, a growing awareness of the value of creating a more inclusive labour market with room for everyone. At the same time, we expanded our shops to include both a shop and a workshop, and that created a completely different experience for the visitors. It means you can now see how everything is created, get close to the people and their craft.” Indeed, after having closed down all of its 12 original shops in the 1980s, Blindes Arbejde now has five shops as well as a

Søren Rose Studio.

Scan Magazine | Business Profile | Blindes Arbejde

thriving web shop, which is introducing delivery to all of the world this spring.

Creating opportunities with a dustpan Throughout the years, Blindes Arbejde has collaborated with a number of companies and designers to create everything from specialty cleaning brushes to hand-woven mesh for designer chairs. In 2016, the organisation won the Danish Design Award in the Feel Good category for its stylish H.O.W. (Hands On Woven) textiles. The graphic patterns of the textiles are partly created by designer Rosa Tolnov Clausen and partly by the visually impaired or blind weavers. This year, to celebrate its anniversary, the organisation has created a minimalist and super-stylish dustpan and brush. The dustpan is designed by designer Søren Rose Studio, who has been a fan of the handcrafted quality of Blindes Arbejde ever since he, as a young man, visited the organisation’s shop in Copenhagen. The minimalist brush and dustpan are designed in metal and Danish wood, cut and hand-sanded in a small millwork in Stenlille. “Everything then gets assembled at Blindes Arbejde – they manually pull the horsehair in place, trim it and put the product together,” explains Rose. “And, it is all socially responsible, not for profit. Everything For almost 90 years, Blindes Arbejde has handcrafted household designs and products.

goes back into the organisation to create new jobs and new opportunities for blind people.”

A sustainable approach While Blindes Arbejde’s main purpose is to create jobs for the blind and visually impaired, another aim is to create products that are both appealing and environmentally sustainable. This is done not just by trying to pull away from throwaway consumerism, but also by creating products in sustainable and, as far as possible, locally sourced materials. “We think about using natural materials, and we think about creating products that will last. Brushes, for instance, are made through manual brush binding rather than just glued on, and as such, will last much longer,” explains Espedal. The appeal of the organisation’s products has not just caught the eyes of the design fanatic Danes. Though the products are not yet officially sold outside of Denmark, the web shop gets regular requests from people as far away as Japan, who are fascinated by the products’ design and craft quality. However, while Espedal enjoys the attention the organisation’s products are getting, the most important result of the organisation’s success is, she stresses, that it creates the opportunity for more blind and visually impaired people to

get back into work. “We have one guy who has been training with us for three months – he had been forced to leave his old job because of his deteriorating sight and hadn’t worked for 15 years when coming here,” she explains. “Now we’re hoping to hire him. It might be that losing your sight means you can’t do what you used to do, but it’s still possible to learn something new, and that’s crucial – that hope of becoming part of something new again is essential.” Facts: The social enterprise, Blindes Arbejde, was founded in 1929. The organisation employs approximately 75 people, of whom around 70 per cent are blind or visually impaired. All the company’s profits are reinvested into training and getting more visually impaired people into work. Blindes Arbejde has shops in Copenhagen, Aarhus, Ikast, Horsens, and Odense. From mid-March, it will be possible to buy products from Blindes Arbejde’s website from all over the world. Søren Rose Studio and Blinde Arbejde’s stylish dustpan will be released for sale at the same time.

Web: www.blindesarbejde.dk Facebook: blindes.arbejde Instagram: @blindesarbejde

In 2016, Blindes Arbejde won the Danish Design Award in the Feel Good category for its stylish H.O.W. (Hands On Woven) textiles.

Issue 122 | March 2019 | 101

Scan Magazine | Business Profile | Business Kuopio

Photo: Soile Nevalainen

Kuopio sets businesses on the path to growth “Kuopio is a dynamic and constantly growing business city,” says Mikko Juuti, project manager for Business Kuopio, the centre point for business development in the Kuopio region. “We are strong in building solid partnerships between the city, local companies and the universities and other colleges, in order to create excellent opportunities for high-level research and thriving business.”

companies to London, UK, to participate in Future Healthcare 2019. There, the companies will showcase their healthcare products and services to global buyers and investors.

By Mari Koskinen

Creating a new smart city district

“I find that Kuopio has an open and international flair; it is a great environment to build a successful business in. Many kinds of industries are already well represented in Kuopio; we have top expertise in, for example, bio-economy, health and wellbeing, IT as well as environmental and construction technology. Kuopio has a lot to offer to both new start-ups and well-established companies looking for a location that supports them in growing their business and going international. This attracts many 102 | Issue 122 | March 2019

new companies to the area,” project manager Juuti explains.

Kuopio goes to London “Under the theme ‘Kuopio goes’, our goal is to create new opportunities both for the city of Kuopio and for the local companies in joint events,” says Juuti. “This helps all participants to find new business partners, get new ideas, and also to gain more visibility together.” The next event is in March this year, when Business Kuopio leads eight local

“The most significant urban development in Kuopio is the Savilahti area,” says Juuti. “Just a short walking distance from the city centre, we are buildFinland Ice Marathon (20-23 February 2019) is an annual ice-skating event on natural ice. Photo: Vicente Serra

Scan Magazine | Business Profile | Business Kuopio

ing a new district which will focus on research, education, business and living.” Sustainable building and living are key aspects in this massive undertaking. “There are several projects around this topic; an example is the Savilahti Smartest Solutions, which aims for smart, energy-efficient and low-carbon solutions for the new area,” Juuti continues. “They will not just put these themes into practise in Savilahti, but will also create scheduled roadmaps, which can be applied in similar projects in the future.” There will be also new opportunities for students and scientists in Savilahti, as Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Savo Vocational College, University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, together with the local companies, create an open campus that enables a modern learning environment. This will also create opportunities for multidisciplinary research, development and innovation projects between different colleges, the local companies and research institutes. Web: www.businesskuopio.fi Facebook: businesskuopio Twitter: @businesskuopio Instagram: @businesskuopio

Tahko Ski Lift Pitch. Photo: Vicente Serra

Kuopio offers beautiful lake-side spots for its residents. Photo: City of Kuopio

Savilahti. Illustration: Arkkitehtitoimisto AJAK

Tahko Ski Lift Pitch 4-5 April 2019

Savilahti in numbers

Another exciting business event in the Kuopio Region is Tahko Ski Lift Pitch. The entrepreneurs have a chance to pitch their innovative business ideas to investors during a ride in a ski lift. The winner receives 20,000 euros.

The groundbreaking Savilahti area by the lake Kallavesi is a unique project in its versatility in Finland. In the 2020s, the number of students in Savilahti will reach 15,000. The area will provide jobs for 16,000 experts and homes for up to 8,000 residents.

Web: www.tahkoslp.com

Web: www.savilahti.com

Väinölänniemi. Photo: Aleksi Rajala

Savilahti. Photo: Soile Nevalainen

Issue 122 | March 2019 | 103

Scan Magazine | Business Profile | Ejendomstorvet

Creating transparency through the use of data Ejendomstorvet.dk uses its enormous amount of data to create intelligent solutions and deliver an overview when looking for your next commercial real estate. By Nicolai Lisberg | Photos: Ejendomstorvet

The way of searching for commercial real estate has changed radically in the last few years. It used to be rather complicated to find the necessary information, until Ejendomstorvet.dk created a portal that gathers all information and instantly gives you a unique overview. “We’ve come up with a solution where we’ve created transparency by collecting all information on brokers and estate owners on one platform. You won’t have to search anywhere else for commercial real estate, as you can find information on everything on our portal and choose only what’s relevant for you. It’s free and everything is shown in a comparable way that quickly allows you to get a complete overview of what’s on the market,” says Simon Birch Skou, director at Ejendomstorvet.dk. The portal has about 10,000 commercial properties on its webpage, and the amount of users has doubled within the last two years.

Data is key Besides delivering a portal for free, Ejendomstorvet.dk has gathered a significant amount of data, providing an in104 | Issue 122 | March 2019

depth knowledge that ultimately benefits the users. “We are able to see trends in the market, what the price level is in a specific geographical area, how many shops in the same business as you there are in the area, traffic patterns and so on. We are experiencing a demand from our users to get more knowledge to base their decisions on, and that is what we are providing them with through our data,” says Birch Skou. Ejendomstorvet.dk is collaborating with Gilling ApS when it comes to gathering and using the data, and according to Birch Skou, they are planning on using more data in the future to help their customers make a more informed decision when it comes to buying commercial real estate. “We are experiencing an increased interest in property investment, and we aim to help our clients with information on what yield to expect in certain geographical areas, based on the data we have available. It’s all about making it as transparent as possible in order to give our users the best chance of success.”

Simon Birch Skou.

Ejendomstorvet.dk is Denmark’s leading business portal for commercial real estate, offices and investment property. It was founded in 1999 and was formerly known as Oline.dk. Ejendomstorvet.dk is run by the organisation Foreningen Erhvervsmæglerbasen (F.M.B.A), which consists of 225+ real estate brokers. In 2016, they changed the name to Ejendomstorvet.dk and re-launched their new portal. In parallel, Ejendomstorvet.dk is running a valuable database with supply and revenue data for rental and transaction, including space, prices, yield, geographical information, category and more.

Web: ejendomstorvet.dk

Scan Magazine | Business | Column/Calendar

Imagine After the Maltese investigative journalist, Daphne Caruana Galizia, was assassinated by a car bomb in October 2016, thousands of shocked Maltese citizens assembled twice in the following fortnight to demonstrate against governmental corruption and cover-up. The organisers chose Lennon’s Imagine as the song of hope for both protests. The organisers were predominantly women.

ten women board members, instead of the opposite, as today, these claims will sound less hollow. “Imagine all the people, sharing all the world.” It’s easy if we all try.

By Steve Flinders

Since the last male-dominated millennium has brought us to the brink of environmental catastrophe, I have been imagining how women might get us out of this mess. I am encouraged by all the stories I see about women mobilising across the world. Just this week, I have read that in January, five million women in Kerala, India, formed a 620-kilometre-long wall to demonstrate for gender equality. How can we support the massive shift needed to achieve real gender equality and fairness? Imagine a female US President committed to a Green New Deal – I am not the only one who does; and a woman

in charge of Russia; imagine the seven members of the Chinese Communist Party Politburo were all women, not men. France and Norway have quotas for women in the boardroom, but we can take that a lot further. It should not be difficult to legislate for women in big companies to constitute approximately the same proportion of senior management as for the workforce as a whole. 57 per cent of Tesco’s 440,000-strong workforce are women, but only 25 per cent of its senior management are, despite its declared commitment to equal opportunities. If in five years, Tesco has a female chair, CEO and seven out of

Business Calendar

Steve Flinders is a freelance trainer, writer and coach, based in Malta, who helps people develop their communication and leadership skills for working internationally: steveflind@aol.com.

By Sanne Wass

Scandinavian business events you do not want to miss this month Culinary adventure through the Nordics The Norwegian, Danish, Finnish and Icelandic chambers of commerce are inviting members and friends to a gastronomic evening inspired by the Nordics. This intimate event will give participants the ideal networking opportunity as well as a unique chance to sample a variety of cuisine from around the region. Date: 20 March, 6.30-10.30pm Venue: The Harcourt, 32 Harcourt Street, London W1H 4HX, UK www.eventbrite.co.uk

Seminar: Cleantech opportunities in Scandinavia If you are a cleantech or smart city company looking to break into or grow your business in Scandinavia, this event is for you. The free workshop, led by the UK’s department for international trade, will explore market trends and opportunities in the Scandinavian markets. The networking lunch also provides a chance to meet buyers and sellers within this sector.

Date: 21 March 2019, 9.30am-3pm Venue: Arthur Rank Hospice, Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge CB22 3FB, UK www.events.great.gov.uk

Business breakfast: Social media and influencer marketing As the role of social media continues to grow in society, this business breakfast will look at how to engage, influence and inspire on social media using influencer marketing and other strategies. The event is organised by the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK, with Patrick Smith joining as the guest speaker. Smith is the mind behind @londonfoodboy, an Instagram account that showcases London’s best food and drink, and is also the founder of Adwaiz, a social media marketing agency. Date: 27 March 2019, 8-10am Venue: Adwaiz Ltd, 71-73 Carter Lane, London EC4V 5EQ, UK www.scc.org.uk

Gender diversity with a Norwegian twist The need for driving diversity and inclusion in business has never been more important. Organised by the Norwegian-British Chamber of Commerce, this evening event will focus on the Norwegian model for tackling gender diversity issues. A panel will discuss gender pay gap reporting and specific inclusion initiatives such as Equinor’s and DNB Bank’s international paid paternity leave. Date: 10 April 2019, 6.30-9.30pm Venue: DNB Bank, 25 Walbrook, London EC4N 8AF, UK www.nbccuk.com

Issue 122 | March 2019 | 105

Scan Magazine | Venue of the Month | Denmark

Venue of the Month, Denmark

Smoking hot music Tobakken in Esbjerg is not just any old local music venue – in fact, it is one of Denmark’s largest indoor concert halls, with a capacity of 1,300. Since its establishment in 1993, Tobakken has featured a wide range of well-known Danish and international artists, including, D-A-D, Lucas Graham, Nephew, The Savage Rose, Jackson Browne, Deep Purple and Slash. They have developed a strong track record with folk music and Americana of both Danish and international origin, and this spring’s performances include Cordovas, Hayseed Dixie, Alan Doyle, Eric Lindell and Jacob Dinesen. By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Tobakken

The old tobacco factory in Esbjerg has played an important role in the local community since 1896, first as one of the city’s largest employers and, since 1993, as a broad-ranging music venue and community centre known as Multihus Tobaksfabrikken, or ‘Tobakken’ for short. “We’re a regional community centre, so we have a lot of different activities going on,” says Tobakken’s event coordinator Erik Lodberg, who also happens to be a musician. “We have regular arts and crafts classes at the student house Huset, talks by various experts, and a cinema as well as all our music events. Konfus, our centre for younger audiences, is also very active with its own list of speakers, bands and events.” 106 | Issue 122 | March 2019

Every August, Tobakken hosts Made in Esbjerg, a week-long festival that showcases the best of local musicians. “One of our top duties is to nurture and support the next generation, be that our local youngsters or talented musicians who are just starting out,” Lodberg adds. “We’ve got to a point where we’re able to attract both big names and some of the most talented up-and-coming artists out there, and it makes Tobakken a very exciting and dynamic place to be. The people who work here and play here really care.” Over the years, Tobakken has developed strong ties to Americana and folk music. “Roots, blues, jazz – we love that kind

of thing, whether it be Danish, American or something else entirely. These kinds of events also attract some of our most diverse audiences; those types of concerts on this scale are pretty unusual in northern Europe.” The Southern Jutland area is home to many of Denmark’s most popular natural and cultural sites, from the Wadden Sea to Legoland, and the German border is less than two hours away from Esbjerg, so folk fans visiting from Germany, the Netherlands and Copenhagen are far from an unusual sight at Tobakken. “Hayseed Dixie are returning this year, and Alan Doyle, Blackberry Smoke and Cordovas are swinging by as well,” Lodberg concludes. “We hope to see you there too!”

Web: www.tobakken.dk/en Facebook: tobakkenspillested Instagram: @tobakkenspillested

Scan Magazine | Shopping Hotspot of the Month | Denmark

Shopping Hotspot of the Month, Denmark

Shopping in the heart of Copenhagen Frederiksberg Centret is the most award-winning shopping centre in Denmark, well known for its fashion and design and located in the marvellous municipality of Frederiksberg. By Nicolai Lisberg | Photos: FRB.C Shopping

It is often referred to as ‘the green city within the city’. For some people, Frederiksberg might just be a part of Copenhagen, but the fact is that it has its own municipality and is very much an independent town. And right in the middle of this town, in what is northern Europe’s most densely populated area, right next to the former Frederiksberg railway station, you will find Frederiksberg Centret, also known as FRB.C Shopping. 108 | Issue 122 | March 2019

The shopping centre has 90 shops across three floors, where you can find everything your heart desires, including a chocolate boutique serving as a Purveyor to Her Majesty. You can get inspired by the latest trends, whether you are passionate about lifestyle, home decor, sports, outdoor activities or, in particular, fashion and design. In fact, almost 50 per cent of the shops in FRB.C Shopping are fashion stores, and there is an entire floor just for fashion.

Many of the shops are well-known Danish brands, as Danish and Scandinavian design is a cornerstone at FRB.C Shopping – not just in terms of the composition of shops, but also in the architectural look of the shopping centre itself, which is just one of the reasons why FRB.C Shopping has won several awards throughout the years, including a prize in the category Design & Development at the prestigious award show VIVA Best-of-the-Best-Award in Las Vegas – the first Nordic shopping centre ever to win such an award. The interior design of FRB.C Shopping is also very different from other shopping centres. The common areas allow you to

Scan Magazine | Shopping Hotspot of the Month | Denmark

relax and take a break in peaceful surroundings, and there is a baby lounge with panoramic views facing Solbjerg Square, which makes the shopping centre ideal for families as well. FRB.C Shopping has also won prizes for its sustainability as well as its service, won Best Shopping Centre in both Denmark and the Nordic countries, and is now the most award-winning shopping centre in all of Denmark.

Frederiksberg – the destination

the famous Frederiksberg Palace – which used to be the summer residence for the royal family back in the day – with its picturesque garden where you can enjoy a lovely stroll, is one of the reasons why Frederiksberg is described as ‘the green city within the city’. Frederiksberg has a long and rich history with plenty of old, historical buildings, including the former railway station and Frederiksberg Church, which gives the town a rather unique look and separates

it from Copenhagen. It is only a few stops on the metro from the centre of Copenhagen, but its rural areas, its recreational zones, Frederiksberg Avenue and the many green parks all over the town make you feel like you are much further away from the city, leaving you with a feeling of relaxation. Web: www.frbc-shopping.dk Facebook: frbcshopping Instagram: @FRBCSHOPPING

Other than its mix of shops, the geographical location also makes the shopping centre worth a visit. It is easily accessible from both the airport and the central train station, with buses and the metro stopping right in front of the centre. Inside the shopping centre you will find a tourist information point, where you can purchase a Copenhagen Card, which allows you to use public transport and visit museums in the capital. FRB.C Shopping also boasts plenty of restaurants and cafés, where you can be guaranteed a rich dining experience. The town of Frederiksberg itself is worth seeing too, as it offers everything you might need during a visit. For instance,

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Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Finland

Solo Sokos Hotel Torni Tampere is a local favourite.

Hotel of the Month, Finland

A tribute to Tampere Solo Sokos Hotel Torni Tampere delivers on many fronts: there is the rock-themed beer heaven, the display and sale of the work of a mix of local artists, and the cocktail bar with a view that celebrates those reaching for the top. A sense of pride in and respect for the past binds it all together. By Hanna Heiskanen | Photos: Aki Rask

“The inspiration behind the hotel is the classic Eagles song: ‘you can check out any time you like / but you can never leave’,” says hotel manager Mikko Kankaanpää. “We want to create an experience that makes our guests feel something that stays with them long after they’ve left.” The hotel, which opened in 2014 close to the city’s main railway station, is deeply 110 | Issue 122 | March 2019

rooted in Tampere, its history and culture. One of the two buildings that make it up dates back to 1874 and was originally a railway roundhouse, and local artists are on prominent display on every floor. The design of the hotel was a collaboration between architecture agency Sampo Valjus and design agencies Gullstén & Inkinen and Stylt Tramboli AB. Having an outsider on board was helpful in establishing the genius loci and bringing it to life.

Celebrating history and culture “The entire building is a tribute to our way of life,” Kankaanpää says. There are 14 different meeting spaces that can be combined flexibly to create the right platform for any event – named after either the types of steam locomotives that used to be maintained there from the 19th century until the 1960s, or various train tracks. The ground floor’s Paja Bar is dedicated to the vibrant local rock music scene that has produced many of the country’s most loved songs. Visual arts feature in every hotel room, and if you develop a liking for the painting in yours, simply go ahead and purchase it. All in all, works of art by 22 art-

Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Finland

ists, all members of the Tampere Artists’ Association, are on display, making it the largest show and sale of its kind in the Nordics. The top floor of the 88metre-high tower is reserved for the Moro Sky Bar and Tampere-bred Olympicmedal-winning athletes. “It’s the most popular place in town for enjoying a cocktail and fantastic views over the centre of Tampere,” describes Kankaanpää.

A local favourite In addition to passing tourists, the hotel is also an important landmark and living room for the city’s inhabitants. “It’s common for locals to mention with pride to their friends that they’ve visited one of our restaurants or event spaces,” Kankaanpää says contentedly. “You see a lot of people in the Moro Sky Bar scanning for the roofs of important buildings in their lives.” The bar does not take bookings, which contributes to its feel of inclusivity. The hotel manager himself was born a stone’s throw from the hotel he now

spearheads. “I moved away for 25 years only to return to where it all started. As someone who grew up here, I would describe the spirit of Tampere as relaxed, down to earth and congenial. I’d like to think we resemble Australians in that respect,” he muses. He was particularly pleased to be tasked with taking on the new hotel in 2014. “I’m proud to be from Tampere and proud to be able to bring Tampere to this hotel and its visitors.”

Beer, books and bands To finish off its innovative approach, Solo Sokos Hotel Torni Tampere is not only in the hospitality business: it is also involved in brewing beer and publishing books. The downstairs Paja Bar serves five beers developed in close collaboration with the award-winning Pyynikin Craft Brewery that were originally not available anywhere else. “One of them turned out to be so popular that the alcohol retailer Alko wanted to start selling it too, as people kept asking for it,” says Kankaanpää.

The hotel cuts an impressive figure in the skyline of the city. Photo: Joonas Tähtinen

If you want to take some of the Tampere pub and music culture with you, you can even acquire a collection CD named after the bar. The city is also famous for its crime novelists, many of whom have contributed to a collection of short stories that all take place in Tampere, available in all the rooms. “I would like to think that we provide something for everyone. Our hotel comes with bucketloads of personality, and it’s not afraid to be itself. Personally, my goal is to provide a space that inspires as many people as possible to visit. And it’s all topped off by excellent service, of course.”

Web: www.sokoshotels.fi/en/tampere/ solo-sokos-hotel-torni-tampere Facebook: tornitampere Instagram: @solosokoshoteltornitampere

The Moro Sky Bar offers fantastic views and a cosy atmosphere.

Works by local artists are on display on every floor.

The meeting spaces are easy to modify.

The Moro Sky Bar is famous for its cocktails.

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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Finland

Restaurant of the Month, Finland

Culinary highlights in Kuopio In the centre of Kuopio is an elegant restaurant, famous for its exquisite lunches that leave everyone impressed by the beautifully decorated dishes and harmonious tastes. Restaurant Urban combines traditional French cuisine with modern international twists – yet always keeping it elegant and simple. By Mari Koskinen | Photos: Pavel Kasinski

“We have now been open for six years,” says Anssi Kantelinen, co-owner and head chef of the restaurant. “In the beginning, it was just two of us here. I was working in the kitchen and my wife, Anna, waiting tables.” His wife, Anna Marttinen, co-owner and restaurant manager, has broad experience from the restaurant and catering business. Urban has been popular since its opening. “We were surprised at how quickly people found us,” Kantelinen says of the beginning of their story. “It made us happy that our cuisine attracted so 112 | Issue 122 | March 2019

many people.” Urban serves lunch on weekdays, and one of the two lunch options is always vegetarian. “Vegetarian food has always been close to my heart, and I am happy if I can turn a meat lover into a veggie lover, even for just one lunch.” In the evenings, Urban caters for private functions of 20 to 50 people. Once or twice a month, they open the restaurant on the weekends, serving five-course surprise menus – evenings that have proven to be a real success and are fully booked months in advance.

Kantelinen himself is a familiar face to many, as he won the Top Chef Duels in 2015. It was the season when previously successful competitors came back to compete in passionate culinary duels, and his visually tempting and flavoursome dishes won over the judges. Another achievement under his belt is his own cook book, which received a nomi-

Anssi Kantelinen was the winner of the Top Chef Duels in 2015.

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Finland

nation in the Gourmand Awards in 2017. The recipes come from Urban’s kitchen and are all suitable for home cooking. The restaurant has also reached some significant milestones already: in the spring of 2016, the restaurant became a member of the prestigious Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, and later in the year, they were voted best restaurant by the readers of the renowned food and wine magazine Gloria Ruoka & Viini.

Life-long inspiration So how did Kantelinen become a chef, and where did he originally get his inspiration from? “I remember when I was 12 years old, I already knew I wanted to work with food,” he says. “My roots are here in Kuopio. As a child I spent a lot of time with my grandmother; we went fishing and berry picking and worked in her garden, growing potatoes and vegetables. I also helped her with storing and preserving the harvest. That way, I learnt to appreciate basic ingredients, like vegetables. Today, they are the key ingredients in many recipes.”

He continues: “Another big influence was my father. He often took me out to eat, which gave me many opportunities to taste lots of different dishes – and this definitely fuelled my curiosity for food. I remember one time, when I was just a little boy, the chef brought our food to the table wearing the chef’s whites and the tall white hat.” He pauses. “That made quite an impression on the small boy – and perhaps took him a step closer to this career,” Kantelinen reminisces on this precious moment. He is now a father himself. “At home, we cook ordinary food – but I want to pass on this tradition to my own children, and we eat out a lot; it does not need to be a special occasion.”

for example, the beginning of a new season can give me an idea for a new dish.” Until now, the restaurant has been closed for the family’s holidays, but now, with the help of the strong, professional team of four, they plan to keep the restaurant open all summer. When asked about other future plans, Kantelinen does not have to think long. “The most important thing is to continue to keep up the high standards. We are proud of our artisan food; we prepare everything ourselves and will not compromise on that. We keep our minds open and inspired for new things and update our recipes constantly to maintain a fresh feel.”

Today, Kantelinen looks for inspiration in many places. “To balance the hectic months, we like to take a break from the routines and travel. Italy has always had a strong impact on my recipes. Our latest trip was to Vietnam, and their cuisine impressed me too. But I don’t always have to get far away for inspiration; just strolling down the local streets or,

Restaurant manager Anna Marttinen.

New pizzas in the block: Kantelinen’s new restaurant, Blocco, is a Napolese-style pizzeria serving artisan pizza and antipasto. It is located next door to Urban in Puijonkatu 17, Kuopio. There, you can choose to either eat in or take away. Web: www.blocco.fi Facebook: pizzeriablocco Instagram: @pizzeriablocco

Web: www.ravintolaurban.fi Facebook: Ravintola Urban Instagram: @ravintolaurban TripAdvisor: Restaurant Urban

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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Denmark

Restaurant of the Month, Denmark

Dine amongst the stars The staff at Kokkeriet were thrilled to receive a star when the newest results of the Nordic Michelin guide were announced in February. It is far from the first time they have been included; in fact, Kokkeriet was first blessed with a Michelin listing back in 2006, 13 years ago. While the accolade is encouraging, however, co-founder and owner Sammy Shafi still gets his biggest thrill from working at the restaurant of his dreams every day. By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Mikkel Adsbøl

“I dreamt about Michelin stars when I was a little boy, but the most consistent dream I had was the one about owning my own cosy, shiny restaurant in this area,” Shafi says. “I’m very grateful that both came to fruition. I grew up just down the road from here and my father owned a restaurant, so I feel a very strong attachment to Kokkeriet, to the area and to the restaurant industry as a whole.” Shafi began working as a waiter at a local fish restaurant at the tender age 114 | Issue 122 | March 2019

of 13, before joining his father’s Restaurant Harlekin. After extensive training abroad, he returned to Denmark and purchased Kokkeriet with his brother in 2001.

Danish deliciousness “I love that Kokkeriet has a history and a well-established tradition, not just as a great restaurant but as part of the local community,” Shafi says. “She brings with her a lot of responsibility: this classy lady has survived for so long and

managed to reinvent herself again and again in a city in constant change.” In her current form, Kokkeriet presents itself as a modern but cosy and intricate restaurant. The kitchen is viewable from the street, and it is recommended that guests go and have a peek as they wait for their food to be prepared. The dishes are respectful of Danish cuisine, but playful, offering guests an experience

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Denmark

far out of the ordinary. “We have a huge underlying ambition – we want to show that the old-school Danish culinary tradition deserves a Michelin star too.” Some flavours are familiar, while others are so old that few people will have tried them: the kitchen uses plenty of exciting new techniques and approaches, but the chefs also search through ancient cook books to uncover forgotten bits of Denmark’s culinary legacy. This results in a continually evolving set menu – with vegetarian and pescatarian cousins – made up of several individual dishes. Coupled with the wine or juice menu, guests can experience most of the kitchen’s offerings in one sitting, and once a week, guests can even help decide what will go on the menu next. “Tuesdays are the neglected middle child of the week, so we want to make them special.” The restaurant adds extra dishes to the set menu free of charge but allows the chefs to go wild with new ideas. “It’s a really fun experience for both the guests and the kitchen, and a great way for us to actually make sure people will love what’s on our menu,” Shafi explains. In 2017, Morten Krogholm became head chef at Kokkeriet, following stints at other Copenhagen gourmet restaurants, including Noma. “Morten’s a fan-

tastic addition to Kokkeriet,” Shafi says. “He’s obviously great in the kitchen, but he’s also a great creative partner to me and a lovely, engaging host to our guests in the restaurant, where he spends a great deal of time. Equally important for a head chef, he understands his kitchen and his colleagues and is an excellent and nurturing leader for the guys who work with him.”

Giving back Giving back to the community is a priority for Shafi and Kokkeriet. “As said, I grew up around here, and it was always very important to me that Kokkeriet continues to be an active part of Kronprinsessegade. We benefit from the location we’re in, and we want others to benefit from us being here too, including people that we might not reach through our day-to-day work.” Over the past few years, Kokkeriet has initiated several projects and events in support of good causes and good people, including a weekly cooking class for students at a nearby school as well as participation in Copenhagen’s ‘En til væggen’ events, where up to 80 homeless people are given a makeover, clean clothes and a Michelin meal.

nurturing the next generation of chefs and waiters. That’s what we do best,” says Shafi. As on Tuesdays, Wednesday diners are given the option to sample four extra dishes for free. On Wednesdays, however, these dishes are the sole creations of Kokkeriet’s student chefs and student chefs from other gourmet restaurants, whom Kokkeriet invites to participate. “Trying out your own dishes in a high-pressure environment is the most valuable experience you can get as a chef, and it shows – our students have won both national and Nordic competitions. It benefits us as well as them to give them that confidence,” Shafi concludes. “I love this restaurant as if it were my third child, and I want it to thrive for generations to come.” Web: www.kokkeriet.dk Facebook: kokkeriet Instagram: @kokkeriet

“We believe that the way we can make the biggest impact, however, is through

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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Iceland The founders of Icelandic Fish & Chips, Erna Kaaber and her brother-in-law Ólafur Freyr.

Icelandic Fish & Chips is likely to be the healthiest chippy you will ever come across.

Restaurant of the Month, Iceland

Fish and Chips the Icelandic way With dip made from Skyr, spelt-battered fish, and chips roasted in the oven, Icelandic Fish & Chips is likely to be the healthiest chippy you will ever come across. Located in Reykjavik, the restaurant was originally founded to provide busy families with a healthy take-away option, but is today just as popular with business people and travellers. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Icelandic Fish & Chips

Owned and run by Erna Kaaber and her family, Icelandic Fish & Chips was founded as a solution to the lack of healthy take-away options in Reykjavik almost 13 years ago. “Working as a journalist while being the single mother of three kids, I found that it was difficult to find something healthy to pick up and bring home. So, I thought maybe I should just do it myself,” says Kaaber. She then promptly followed up on that idea by enlisting her brother-in-law and parents to get the business started. “None of us had ever worked in a restaurant,” she confesses. 116 | Issue 122 | March 2019

Despite the lack of experience, an original take on the traditional British dish led Icelandic Fish & Chips to thrive. “We just did loads of research – we knew we wanted to keep it as healthy as possible, and that’s why we started using spelt flour for the batter and rape seed oil to fry it in, because of its heat tolerance and the fact it isn’t full of omega 6 like vegetable oils,” explains Kaaber. “It’s also why we don’t fry the chips, because carbs just absorb the fat like sponges – it’s different with the protein. And, we always have loads of salads on offer,

because to me a meal just isn’t a meal without a salad.” All of the fish on the menu at Icelandic Fish & Chips is line-caught from the cool Icelandic waters and brought in the same morning. On the menu, the seafood, which now also includes delicacies such as roasted langoustine, is followed by a number of tempting desserts, many made with the protein-rich Icelandic Skyr. Besides the food, to wash it all down, the restaurant offers an organic range of soft drinks, Icelandic beer and their own homemade lemon and ginger soda. Everything can be enjoyed in the restaurant or, as Kaaber originally intended it, brought back home as a healthy treat for the loved ones. Web: www.fishandchips.is

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Sweden

Restaurant of the Month, Sweden

An oasis in the middle of Stockholm Kajplats 18 on Strandvägen in Stockholm might well be the best location in town, and this is where Glashuset, ‘The Glass House’, is located. The restaurant and bar sits three metres from the water, and during the summer, it is the perfect spot for relaxation, socialising, and good food. By Linnea Dunne | Photos: Glashuset

“I want it to be an oasis, a getaway from the stressful city where you can just enjoy the good life,” says CEO Christos Neo. Glashuset opened in May 2018 and has been busy ever since. “We were not ready to open, but the weather was too good not to! 19 May was our opening day; that was a Friday, and our kitchen arrived two days before, and we started cooking on the Thursday,” Neo recalls. “We had an amazing season, from the day we opened until September. It is a small bistro, so it was full pretty much all the time during the summer.” Since that opening day, Glashuset has become a big name in the capital, and Neo thinks he knows why. “We have ambition, but on top of that, we also have quality food, a good selection of drinks, and a location to die for. We are a Swedish brasserie with inspiration from

all over the world, but we like to work with local products and to adjust our menu according to the season. We focus on a lot of fish in the summer – when you have a place right by the water, you want seafood – and more meat during the winter. We are lucky enough to be able to do this all year round. I’d say we are a summer getaway, and a winter garden.” Neo and his staff are all about quality and community, and he says that he wants both guests and staff to feel comfortable. “We are like a family; it is a great place to work. I believe that too many restrictions and rules stop creativity, and I want my staff to be able to do what they feel is right for the place. Our head chef, Timmy Johansen, is sharp as a knife and I trust him.” 2019 is looking bright for Neo and Glashuset, and he has big plans for

future renovations. “I am waiting for Stockholm city to agree to my plan to build a roof terrace, and when I get the green light, I will continue developing the restaurant and bar. I want to be able to open the windows on both sides, both towards the dynamic and pulsating Stureplan and towards the water. Glasis, which is what locals call the restaurant, will grow and become better during 2019. Now I am looking forward to spring, summer, autumn and winter. Believe me, I have so much to look forward to,” he laughs.

Web: glashuset.com Facebook: glashus1 Instagram: @glashuset

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Scan Magazine | Museum of the Month | Denmark

Fertility (1891): Willumsen shocked the established art scene with this purposefully primitive etching of his heavily pregnant wife next to a plea that ‘new art must have a new language’. Photo: Anders Sune Berg

Museum of the Month, Denmark

An artist ahead of his time Jens Ferdinand Willumsen created a huge collection of expressionist paintings, sculptures and other artworks in his 70-year-long career, spanning the late 1880s to the 1950s. He was exhibited throughout Denmark, was co-founder of Denmark’s oldest association of artists, and caused a stir on the Scandinavian art scene. And yet, it was only after a drawn-out, hard-fought struggle that the municipality of Frederikssund accepted the donation of his life’s works in exchange for a museum in his honour. Today, the J. F. Willumsen Museum attracts visitors from across the world. By Louise Older Steffensen

Throughout his life, Willumsen marched to the beat of his own drum. Although he was an important and well-known artist, he struggled with acceptance in Denmark and felt misunderstood throughout his career; a feeling hardly made better by his long struggle to be recognised with a 118 | Issue 122 | March 2019

museum. Finally, in 1957, his wish was granted, and the construction of the J. F. Willumsen Museum was given the green light in Frederikssund, 40 minutes by train from Copenhagen. The artist passed away a year later but his extensive art collection, featuring 7,000 ob-

Jacob, Lærke Posselt (2015). Photo: Lærke Posselt

Scan Magazine | Museum of the Month | Denmark

jects, is still thriving and the museum’s visitor numbers increase every year. The permanent exhibition Willumsen’s World explores the artist’s place in his own and our time. “Willumsen’s work seems very contemporary,” says museum curator Louise Bugge Jacobsen. “The collection is so extensive that there’s always a new angle to approach him from.” His colourful style is unique and experimental, but it was firmly built upon his own interest in art history: apart from his own works, his The Old Collection features 2,000 works by others. “I think in order to really get a reaction from the established art world, you have to understand the legacy that you’re building upon and challenging,” Bugge Jacobsen explains. Willumsen certainly got a reaction – his 1891 etching, Fertility, caused a scandal back in Denmark. He subsequently moved to France, where Paris and the southern lights and colours inspired his bold but sensitive interpretations of the world. “Willumsen is probably most closely associated with the 20th century’s expressionism, where conveying the emotions and atmosphere of a situation is more important than replicating the true details of the scene. His expressionism was anything but fast and careless, though: he had a well-studied and meticulous approach to each artwork, as evidenced by the massive amount of sketches and scribbles we possess at the museum.”

but to illuminate how his artistic process and choices operated in a fluid and anti-categoric manner. In different ways, all these artists take up gender and explore the tension between notions of the classical and the queer.” Willumsen’s depictions of women in particular challenged peoples’ preconceptions about gender. “Willumsen is famed for his depictions of strong women. He was married three times to younger women, and each became his muse, but they take centre-stage in many of his paintings and sculptures in an unusual way,” says Bugge Jacobsen. “They are far from dainty, fragile beauties. Instead, they’re portrayed forcefully, joyfully and often play between the feminine and masculine codex. I think his women still challenge viewers in some way today.” Like Willumsen, most of the artists in the exhibition challenge conventional gender identities, making use of the body as a subject, and mirroring stylistic approaches and materials explored by Willumsen. “The exhibition benefits greatly from the diversity of the artists involved,” Bugge Jacobsen says. “They all play off oneanother, shedding light on such things as the gendered ideals behind classic poses, for example, across painting, photography and sculpture, which we might otherwise take for granted.”

As with all their temporary exhibitions, the J. F. Willumsen Museum will put on a range of drawing lessons, presentations and lectures related to From Classical to Queer, some for the general public and others for school children. “Willumsen is a truly fascinating character, both personally and artistically, and perhaps more than ever,” Bugge Jacobsen concludes. “He can really challenge and illuminate our own perceptions of the world.” Web: www.jfwillumsensmuseum.dk Facebook: Willumsensmuseum Instagram: @jfwillumsensmuseum

Mme Michelle Bourret, J. F. Willumsen (1931). Photo: Anders Sune Berg

From Classical to Queer The museum’s new temporary exhibition, From Classical to Queer, explores Willumsen’s norm-breaking style through the lens of modern-day queer culture. “The word ‘queer’ originally denoted anything odd – that which challenged the status quo,” Bugge Jacobsen explains. “It came to apply specifically to expressions and sexualities that did not adhere to the heterosexual ‘norm’ that still structures society today, and used to be used as a derogatory term. We set up Willumsen in the context of this queer tradition in conjunction with young contemporary artists, not to claim that Willumsen should be considered queer,

Orlando, Lea Guldditte Hestelund (2015): Hestelund spent ten months training her body according to Antiquity’s aesthetic, athletic ideals. Her resultant muscular, bodybuilder-like physique challenges our perceptions of masculine and feminine ideals. Photo: Thea Flint Rydahl

Contraposer, Esther Fleckner (2018): Fleckner’s simple cubic figures take on traditional sculptural poses such as contrapposto, looking into the gender-specific choices behind poses laid bare by the removal of any gender-identifying markers. Courtesy of Ellen Fleckner and Galerie Barbara Wien, Berlin. Photo: Nick Ash

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Scan Magazine | Artist of the Month | Finland

Left: Let’s talk, monotype, relief print, 70 x 70 cm, 2018. Right: Metamorphosis, monotype, carborundum, relief print, 70 x 100 cm, 2019.

Artist of the Month, Finland

Colourful inspiration A life-long career as an artist has taken Anneli Hilli through many phases. She gets her inspiration from the colours around her and experiments with new techniques with a passion, having taken part in many art exhibitions all over the world. “I am intrigued by new materials and techniques,” Hilli explains. “It might take a few years of study until I feel that I am ready for an exhibition, and sometimes it does not lead to one. But yet the process is vital to me as an artist.” One of her newest experiments is using fish skins as printing material. “I catch my own fish with my partner. I like to think that I give the beautiful fish skins a new life by tanning the skin and using it in the art. It is still at the early stages, and only time will tell if they will end up in an exhibition,” she says. “Currently I have an exhibition at the Gallery Joella in Turku, which is showing until 10 March 2019,” Hilli says. “The inspiration for this exhibition came from colours, like it often does for me. I remember when I was just five years old, I got a box of coloured pencils as a present, and I fell in love with the intensive colours of them. But it was a disappointment to draw with them; the colours were thin and pale,” she sighs at 120 | Issue 122 | March 2019

the memory. “However, I think this triggered my interest in strong colours, as I remember that so vividly.” She continues: “Today, I grow my own flowers at our cottage in Köyliö; both for us to enjoy and for our bees to forage. Our cottage is situated just outside a small village and the nature comes up very close to it. Once, there were five wolves just under our window, and I have also seen many deer and elks. It is a strong and primitive experience to see wildlife come into your own garden.”

By Mari Koskinen | Photos: Hannu Hilli

In October 2018, Hilli was the artist of the month at Grafoteekki in Helsinki. Grafoteekki presents the sales collection of the Association of Finnish Printmakers. The collection is maintained by artists themselves, which guarantees its quality and reliability. “My exhibition at the Grafoteekki included abstract art inspired by mothers, or actually a line of 12 mothers since the 16th century.” Hilli works both in her current hometown of Espoo and in Köyliö, where she has renovated an old school building into a studio that functions also as exhibition space in the summertime.

The old renovated school building Tyytty in Köyliö functions as studio and summer exhibition space.

Amphipods, monotype, carborundum, relief print, 70 x 100 cm, 2019.

Web: kuvataiteilijamatrikkeli.fi/ taiteilija/anneli-hilli Instagram: @anneli_hilli

Scan Magazine | Humour | Columns

IS IT JUST ME…

By Mette Lisby

… who often catches myself daydreaming when scrolling through friends’ and acquaintances’ social media feeds? It seems to be a statistic truth that no matter how many or few people you follow on various social media outlets, there is always at least one who is holidaying in the most beautiful place on Earth. It could be the Maldives. Or Zanzibar. Or Tulum – oh, wait. That was me, actually. Someone is always right there, in the most spectacular surroundings. And it looks amazing! Soon you are sighing wistfully, longing to swim in those turquoise waters and bask in the sunshine – and by the way, is it not amazing that it looks so enviable, perfect and fantastic and it must be so great to be there, yet the people who are actually there are not so compelled by this perfection that they can resist tearing themselves away to take photos, edit them and come up with a neat, catchy caption for their post? Even upon pondering that, I still find myself dreaming of being on that beach, wishing I were there, living that sweet life.

That is when I remind myself: it is not always what it looks like. Take the arguably most photogenic moment of my life: I saw whales breach while whale watching in Cabo san Lucas. As a kid, I watched the iconic Greenpeace posters on my socially conscious friends’ walls (I’m sad to admit I was more of a posters-of-ABBA-on-mywall type – sorry!), with the tail of a whale majestically rising from the ocean. This was officially what everybody declares is a universal ‘wow’ moment. And it looked fantastic – but the smell! I would have never suspected it, because it completely contradicts this moment of beauty and harmony, but let me just say that personal hygiene is not a big priority with large sea mammals. Their breath was horrid! Imagine the smell of rotten fish laced with dead krills blown violently towards you. Everyone on board the boat repulsed in horror during this, the most photogenic moment of our lives. But boy, it looked good on Instagram.

Being lots of things I turn 40 this year, which has brought on a bit of a life crisis. I have no particular problem with growing older; in fact, I quite like it. Despite this, something deep within is kicking off, usually in the middle of the night, shouting: ‘what are you doing with your life’ and ‘who are you?’. The latter is a complicated question to answer. I am someone who still struggles with English words containing both Vs and Ws, but whose Swedish has not really progressed since 1994. I have no real ‘home’ in the UK, in the sense of a place where I grew up. Despite this, there are some encouraging signs that I do belong here. For example, I drink more tea on a daily basis than there is blood in my veins. I no longer think there is anything odd about carpets on trains. And even though I was not born here, there are places that I am strongly connected to: the stretch of railway near Teignmouth, for example, where the train exits a tunnel

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

were a laptop and a sleeping bag. I can belt out Ding Dong Merrily on High at Christmas and Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau at the rugby with equal conviction. Maybe it is not so strange that I struggle to know who I am. But then, perhaps being lots of things and belonging in many places is something I should be grateful for. Who knows, perhaps with age really will come wisdom?

and the sea is right there. I would pass it on my way to university and weep because of its beauty (and teenage hormones) every single time. Tooting Common and the rolling fields of Kent, where I walked my dog throughout my 20s. The flat in Bristol, where – for a while – my only possessions

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.

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Scan Magazine | Culture Profile | The Regional Dance Centre of Western Finland

Kesäkulkurit, 2016, Emmi Vehanen and Jennifer Joffs on the shore of Aura River, Finland.

Dancer Karoliina Lummikko.

Kesäkulkurit, 2018, Ilona Salonen and Karoliina Lummikko.

Stretching the boundaries of dance Established in 2004, the Regional Dance Centre of Western Finland promotes artistic dance and aims to make it easily accessible to everyone, while pushing the boundaries of art – reinventing dance as a multidimensional agent in society. By Ndéla Faye | Photos: Riikka Campomanes

The Regional Dance Centre of Western Finland collaborates with a number of organisations, with the aim to improve conditions within the dance industry and increase work opportunities for dancers and artists. One of its collaborations is with the city of Turku, and the two are working together to reinvent the way in which dance and art are seen. “We want to develop the city’s presence on the international art scene and reinvent the ways in which companies and dancers can collaborate in a mutually beneficial way. We also support dancers and provide them with networking opportunities, and connect them to other top artists in the region,” explains Sanna Meska, the organisation’s executive director.

Making dance art accessible to all Turku was nominated as the European Capital of Culture in 2011, and since then, it has firmly anchored itself as a city for major cultural events in Finland. “A city’s 122 | Issue 122 | March 2019

main task is to ensure the wellbeing of its inhabitants and visitors. For the city of Turku, collaborating with the Regional Dance Centre of Western Finland was a natural choice. This way, we are able to strengthen the city’s cultural scene and bring it to an international level – and make it accessible to all,” says Mette Karlsson, the city of Turku’s cultural secretary.

ping. Launching in autumn 2019, the organisation is hosting an international event, titled kedja presents: STRETCH 2019: Expanding professionalism, held in Turku from 17 to 20 October 2019. “STRETCH aims to stimulate a debate that refreshes the work environment, expands it, while raising cultural policy perspectives and creating new connections between local, Nordic and international networks. The event will gather around 250 artists from the dance industry from all over Europe,” says Meska.

Spreading the joy of dance through activities and programmes such as Tanssikummi®, which brings dancers to nursing homes, schools and nurseries, The Regional Dance Centre of Western Finland strongly believes that dance and art belong to everyone, and that art is an essential part of a functioning and thriving society. With a number of performances and festivals scheduled for the coming months and years, the Regional Dance Centre of Western Finland shows no signs of stop-

Surujenkerääjä (Collector of Sorrows)/Tanssiva joulukalenteri (Dancing Advent Calendar), Jonna Aaltonen, 2015.

Web: www.l-tanssi.fi

Scan Magazine | Culture Profile | Järvenpää Art Museum

Perfect for any weather Located just a short train ride away from Helsinki and the airport, the city of Järvenpää was the heart of the Golden Age of Finnish Art in the early 20th century, and nowadays boasts an impressive selection of arts attractions, such as the Järvenpää Art Museum. With the new exhibition, Rain Clouds and Sun Rays: Artists’ Skies Through the Eyes of a Meteorologist, opening this month, Scan Magazine spoke to museum director Hanna Nikander about the museum’s innovative work. Paintings throughout history have depicted weather, skies and clouds in spectacular ways. But have you ever considered what a meteorologist would think of them? Curated by one of Finland’s most wellknown meteorologists, Seija Paasonen, Järvenpää Art Museum’s new exhibition Rain Clouds and Sun Rays provides a brave inter-arts perspective of the history of Finnish art. “It all started with the clouds of artist Eero Järnefelt,” museum director Hanna Nikander explains. “We brought Seija here to give a lecture, and she wanted to continue her research. This exhibition finishes our project of many years.” The exhibition gives a fascinating glimpse of both some of the most icon-

ic Finnish art and the science of meteorology. There is also a wide range of special events scheduled for the spring and summer. A cultural gem waiting to be discovered, Järvenpää Art Museum can be visited as a day trip from Helsinki. And while there, Eero Järnefelt, Landscape from Koli, 1930, oil, Kuopio Art Museum. Photo: Hannu Miettinen / Kuopio Art Museum.

By Maria Pirkkalainen

why not explore more attractions from the historical artists’ community, easily done by borrowing a bike from the museum or hopping on a Visit Lake Tuusula bus.

Eero Järnefelt, Nelma, 1899, oil, Järvenpää Art Museum. Photo: Matias Uusikylä / Järvenpää Art Museum.

The exhibition is open until 30 September, and guided tours in English can be arranged upon request. Web: www.jarvenpaa.fi/taidemuseo Facebook: jarvenpaa.taidemuseo Instagram: @kulttuurijarvenpaa Twitter: @jpaantaidemuseo

Scan Magazine | Culture Feature | Jesper Jenset

Photo: Eric Matthew Cannon aka @barecannon

Jesper Jenset — finding his groove From a fifth place in Norway’s Idol in 2014 to a collaboration with Grammy-nominated H.E.R and over 30 million plays of the top-five hit, One Last Time, with Polish DJ Gromee, Jesper Jenset has most definitely found his groove. Scan Magazine spoke to the Norwegian pop singer and producer about learning, trusting, and having fun. By Linnea Dunne

It is all so familiar: that tender background music, a close-up shot of a nervous face, the first trembling notes, then one of the judges shaking their head in disbelief at the discovery of such a raw gem. Swedes Agnes and Tove Styrke both did it, as did Norwegian Margaret Berger. Both Måns Zelmerlöw and Astrid S competed and ended up in fifth place in their respective seasons of Idol – and so did the next rising star on the buzzing Norwegian pop sky: Jesper Jenset.

‘I just wanted to have fun’ Perhaps Jenset’s story is a tad different, though. Idol very much served as a 124 | Issue 122 | March 2019

springboard for greater things for him – but he maintains that he never really harboured any dreams of pop stardom. “I didn’t really know much about music,” he begins, answering the phone at the record label headquarters in Oslo. “I always enjoyed music as a kid, listened to pop music in the car on road trips and loved catchy melodies – I’ll regularly have flashbacks to listening to Stevie Wonder or Michael Jackson now when I’m writing – but I was a lot like any other kid, just wanted to have fun.” He grew up in a small town in Norway and learnt to play the guitar at an early age, alongside a gymnastics hobby that saw him represent Norway as part of

the national squad. “I learnt a lot from the gymnastics as well,” he reflects. “It’s a very competitive sport, and you have to be incredibly focused to keep learning and growing. I use that in music making too.”

Press photo, Sony Music

Scan Magazine | Culture Feature | Jesper Jenset

Idol, in other words, was not so much a case of a door opening to a world of opportunities – though it did that too – but it was almost like a new universe to the then-17-year-old, this world of music that he had never even dreamt of. That changed quickly, of course, along with the opportunity to work with seasoned professionals. “I found myself in the position of being in sessions with very talented people who had a lot more experience than I did, so I started picking things up and asking questions. It was immensely valuable for me,” he says with unmistakable gratitude. “I think up until that point, it was just a hobby for me – but then I realised that people like what I do and that I can actually live off this, which is amazing.”

Trusting his gut While Jenset’s first few hits – including High in 2016 and Lies and Painkillers in 2017 – were all created alongside more experienced producers, he says that it is only in the last year or so that he has really found his own sound, along with the confidence required to trust his own musical instinct. “I still get help; I want the music to be as good as it can possibly be, but I’m using my own ideas more, and I’m definitely keen to be more in control of the process now,” he says.

“We’re all influenced by other people, but I do think a part of the reality of being an artist is to be a little egocentric and trust your own opinions and ideas – because at the end of the day, my music needs to come from me. It’s a beautiful thing to get to have that freedom.” Beautiful indeed – and a winning concept. Waves Vol. 1, the five-track EP that the singer and producer says was the first body of work where he was able to do everything exactly the way he envisaged it – his baby, as he calls it – was released last year, followed by exciting collaborations and co-writes with artists including US DJs Lost Kings and fellow Norwegian Unge Ferrari, as well as successful singles such as Bad Vibrations, which became his breakthrough in Sweden. As the second single – Blue Flag / Fun Things – drops from the second EP in the series – Waves Vol. 2 – the young Norwegian is on a high of millions of streams and sold-out gigs, and it certainly feels like he has gone from dance-pop newbie to unquestionable songwriter and producer with a natural penchant for honest pop tunes. That there is a certain something in the air in Norway right now is hard to deny, with global pop hits being pumped

out like it was the only thing the nation had ever done, and Jenset describes it as “inspiring” and the scene as a place where everyone knows everyone but also hypes up and supports each other. Just like he had a thing for catchy melodies as a child, he poses that perhaps that pop sensibility in Scandinavia comes from a tendency to focus on melody over lyrics, a result of not being native English-speakers. Indeed, it seems apt to suggest that, from here on in, the term ‘Scandi pop’ should be considered a bona fide genre in its own right, and with its own sound – a genre Jenset certainly fits right into. For him, a young man who seems like a complete natural in the industry, it is all about – perhaps like the little boy he once was would have said – having fun: “Writing for others means you get to be a chameleon – you meet loads of fun people and get to work with different kinds of music, which is great,” he enthuses. “But first and foremost, I love being an artist, being on stage, and getting my music out there.” Blue Flag / Fun Things is out now. Find out more about live shows and new releases by following Jesper Jenset on Facebook and Instagram.

Press photo, Sony Music

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Scan Magazine | Culture | Music

Scandinavian music Swedish indie darlings The Magnettes have released one of their best songs to date, Kim n Kanye – mercifully, not a song about the famous couple, but rather, a banging track about the virtues of living your best life at the weekend by approaching each night out as though you and your best mate were absolute pop culture legends. Speaking of pop culture legends, Alphabeat are back with new music! No, you have not been transported back to 2006, merely woken up in a 2019 that is much better than it was last month: for the Danish band of playful pop scamps has reunited for a new album, and they have just released the first taster from it. Shadows is their first single in over six years, and it is pure, unadulterated joy, just like all of the best songs they put out when you were younger. Another band on the comeback trail is Norway’s own Donkeyboy. Or, at least, the brothers behind the band: Kent and Cato Sundberg. They have formed the new pop collective Rat City (also featuring anoth-

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er former Donkeyboy songwriter), and released Kind of Love. The song is an epic funky-house track that has been deconstructed and rebuilt as a huge pop song. That chorus should have come with a warning – though if you were a fan of Donkeyboy before, you might well have expected as such. Finally, unless you are a Finn reading this right now, you might not have all too many Finnish-language tunes on your current playlists, as they rarely seem to travel so well around the rest of the Nordic countries. But make an exception for Benjamin Peltonen (or just Benjamin, if you are doing a Spotify search). The artist has been going for a few years now, but has just entered the imperial phase of his career in his native Finland, coinciding not just with his switch to recording in Finnish, but also a marked increase in the quality of his music. Curious? Try out Tanssin Yksin and Juon Sut Pois for size. You will be singing along like you are fluent in no time!

By Karl Batterbee

Web: www.scandipop.co.uk

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Ida Kudo. Press photo

Scandinavian Culture Calendar – Where to go, what to see? It’s all happening here! I Run at Vault Festival (13-17 March) I Run, a new play by award-winning Danish playwright Line Mørkeby, tells the story of a dad who starts running to deal with the loss of his six-year-old daughter to cancer. The moving oneman play explores themes such as grief, the rise of male depression, and how exercise can improve mental health. The performance is part of Let’s Talk @ Vault Festival, which aims to open up conversations around death. The Cage, 26 Leake Street, London SE1 7NN, UK. www.vaultfestival.com

Ja Ja Ja: Ida Kudo, Vera Hotsauce and Color Dolor (21 March) This month’s edition of Ja Ja Ja presents three stellar artists: Danish/Japanese electro pop artist Ida Kudo; Swedish up-and-coming pop songwriter and producer Vera Hotsauce; and Color Dolor, an alternative pop band from Finland. Hosted at The Lexington in London, Ja Ja Ja is a monthly club night celebrating the very best music from the Nordic countries. 7.30pm. The Lexington, 96-98 Pentonville Road, London N1 9JB, UK. www.billetto.co.uk

Anna of the North (25 March) Anna Lotterud, best known as Anna of the North, is performing a headline show at Village Underground in London this month. A singer from Gjøvik, Norway, Anna and her music can be described as Scandi electro-pop with an ‘80s vibe. She is in particular known for her track Lovers, which was featured in the Netflix romantic comedy To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. 7.30pm. 54 Holywell Lane, Shoreditch, London EC2A 3PQ, UK. www.villageunderground.co.uk Issue 122 | March 2019 | 127

Scan Magazine | Culture | Calendar

Women N Words (27 March) Women N Words, a bi-monthly event branded as a ‘showcase and networking pow wow for girls creating purpose for themselves’, will put on an evening with emerging female artists in comedy, poetry, monologue and music. Among them is Lise Viktoria, an electropop singer-songwriter from Norway. Lise Viktoria has written songs for a Norwegian girl band in the past, but this year started performing her own songs as a solo artist. 7pm. Strongroom Bar & Kitchen, 120-124 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3SQ, UK. www.eventbrite.co.uk Color Dolor. Photo: Ville Kabrell

Nordic folk music with Philip Miles and Sturla Eide (4-10 April) The UK-Norwegian folk music duo Philip Miles and Sturla Eide will embark on a debut UK tour in early April. One of the foremost Norwegian performers of the

Vera Hotsauce. Press photo

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Hardanger fiddle, Eide has won awards and released several albums. Prior to the concerts, the duo will host workshops teaching Nordic tunes for interested players of any instrument. Various locations, UK. www.folkduo.co.uk

Salisbury Chamber Chorus: Skandinavia (6 April) Salisbury Chamber Chorus will celebrate some of the finest choral music from Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland. The evening concert will feature

Scan Magazine | Culture | Calendar

I Run. Press photo

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Scan Magazine | Culture | Calendar

compositions by the likes of Edvard Grieg, Jean Sibelius, Carl Nielsen, Ola Gjeilo, Jan Sandström and Benny Andersson. 7.30pm. St Martin’s Church, Salisbury SP1 2HY, UK. www.eventbrite.co.uk

Lehtonen Braun discusses different responsibilities and conflicts around being a woman today. Paper Gallery, Unit 12, Mirabel Studios, 14-20 Mirabel Street, Manchester M3 1PJ, UK. www.paper-gallery.co.uk

Exhibition: The Girl & the Nettle (until 6 April)

Robyn on tour (12-13 April)

Finnish artist Niina Lehtonen Braun’s solo exhibition, The Girl and the Nettle, has opened at Paper Gallery in Manchester. The exhibition presents a series of collaged paintings that represent different female characters such as mothers, carers and mistresses. Using watercolour, ink and collage elements,

Robyn. Press photo

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Swedish pop singer-songwriter Robyn will come to London for two days in midApril. It is part of a big US and European tour in support of her newly released record Honey, the critically lauded follow-up to her celebrated Body Talk album. 6.30pm. Alexandra Palace, London N22 7AY, UK. www.robyn.com

Philip Miles and Sturla Eide. Press photo

Scan Magazine | Culture | Calendar

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