Scan Magazine, Issue 137, December 2021 by Scan Client Publishing

SCAN

DISCOVER A WINTER WONDERLAND IN NORWAY AND SWEDEN GREENLAND AND FAROE ISLANDS TRAVEL SPOTLIGHT MUSIC TASTEMAKER TIPS: TEN NORDIC ACTS TO WATCH IN 2022 THE VERY BEST OF SWEDISH INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

PROMOTING BRAND SCANDINAVIA ISSUE 137 DECEMBER 2021

M A G A Z I N E

Scan Magazine | Contents

Contents COVER FEATURE

Annual music industry event by:Larm is the renowned showcase that’s previously presented acts like Lykke Li, Robyn and Aurora. We went to find out who was on stage this year and put together a list of the top-ten most promising Nordic musical acts to keep an eye on in 2022.

bottles of perfectly pure water, a thriving seaweed health trend – and indeed the craft distillery that makes the world’s best London dry gin. Elsewhere in culinary Nordic must-trys, how about some popular Danish restaurants and cafés and a truly legendary Icelandic hot dog?

Ten Nordic Music Acts to Watch in 2022

From whale watching and dog sledding to an icy dip in the frozen-over lake, there’s no end to the exciting experiences awaiting those who visit Norway in winter. With its awe-inspiring fjords and snow-clad mountains, it makes for simply unforgettable winter adventures.

DESIGN 6

‘Tis the Season for Merging This month’s fashion diary shows how to mix comfort with style, while our design finds bring the outdoors in – so we decided to find a few more brands with a flair for interesting blends. How about bags merged with kindness and gloves that marry functionalism with fashion finesse?

A Swedish Winter Wonderland Whether your ideal winter wonderland involves offpiste skiing, a relaxing afternoon in front of the fire or a day of luxurious pampering, Sweden has what you’re looking for. Here are our favourite winter picks, both way up north and closer to the capital.

SPECIAL THEMES 18

Industrial Design from Sweden From the boldness of ‘pink lies’ to DJ collaborations, industrial design can be both cool and colourful. But it can be life-saving and game-changing too, be it in hospital environments or in taking it upon itself to rebrand entire undemocratic nations. We spoke to some of the leaders on the renowned industrial design scene in Sweden.

108 Visit Greenland and Faroe Islands Much of the Nordics boasts scenic surrounds, but the nature on these islands is just something else. Between admirable traditions, close-knit communities and culinary experiences that are locally sourced by necessity, there’s a fascinating past and lots more to discover – whether you simply pop over to the Faroe Islands or you choose to brave the trip to Greenland.

Made in Norway We say made in Norway, you say wool – right? In this special Norwegian design theme, we cover the old traditions, including wool art and hand-crafted shoes, as well as the more modern brands behind everything from street wear to comforting children’s room night lights.

128

The Best Winter Experiences in Norway

Nordic Culinary Delights and Products Its culinary heritage is perhaps not what Norway is best known for, but it is home to cleverly designed

CULTURE 142 Speak English, Kiitos? What does language have to do with identity, and where did the idea of English as an official language in Finland come from? Scan Magazine’s reporter explains, while we introduce a brand-new cartoonist who takes the opportunity to muse on the utter shame of failing as a Scandinavian – all in addition, of course, to the culture regulars.

REGULARS & COLUMNS 6 127 134 140

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 3

Scan Magazine | Editor’s Note

Dear Reader, I can’t say that my dislike of snow was the main reason I left Sweden, but I’m sure it played a role. And yet, every year without fail, when we list our favourite winter destinations in Scandinavia, I yearn for a trip to the slopes and the glistening, snow-covered trees. Perhaps it’s the serenity, that unmistakable peace that fills you when you stop for a second on your cross-country skis to take it all in, and all you can hear is the sound of your own chest as it fills with fresh air; or it’s the unbeatable joy of sinking into a comfortable chair in front of a crackling fire with a good book as your toes slowly come back to life. Perhaps sometime soon we’ll find a word for that magical feeling – another of those untranslatable Nordic lifestyle trends – but until then, follow our winter guide to find it. In addition to winter adventures, this issue of Scan Magazine takes you on a design and craft journey, from the fascinating industrial design scene of Sweden, through the enchanting world of wool and leather in Norway, topped up with culinary treats like the world’s best London dry gin and a legendary Icelandic hot

dog. Picking the brains of some of the most forward-thinking, stubborn creatives and entrepreneurs in the Nordics, we seek to find out what really makes a great idea great and ask all the important questions about environmentalism, fun and purpose. We’re also introducing a new cartoonist this month, someone whose creations I’ve been a fan of for years and whose first contribution to Scan Magazine made me chuckle. Add a truly fascinating perspective on architecture in Greenland, some thoughts on the relationship between language and identity and, last but not least, a cover feature about the Scandinavian music acts you’re sure to see and hear more from in 2022, and you should have plenty to get you through the festive season – or indeed an entire afternoon in front of that roaring fire. Enjoy!

Linnea Dunne, Editor

SCAN M A G A Z I N E

Scan Magazine

Graphic Designer

Amanda Ottosson

Scan Magazine Ltd

Issue 137

Mercedes Moulia

Celina Tran

3rd floor, News Building, 3 London

Lena Hunter

Bridge Street, London SE1 9SG,

Cover Photo

Nicolai Lisberg

United Kingdom

shutterstock.com/pikoso.kz

Hanna Andersson

www.scanclientpublishing.com

Trine Jensen Martin

info@scanmagazine.co.uk

Contributors

Karin Blak

www.scanmagazine.co.uk

Published by

John Weston

Miriam Gradel

Scan Client Publishing

Malin Norman

Emma Rödin

Alyssa Nilsen

Karen Kristensen

contained in this publication may

Andri Papanicolas

Tina Nielsen

not be reproduced, in whole or in

H2 Print

Åsa Hedvig Aaberge

Karl Batterbee

part, without prior permission of

Maria Vole

Gabi Froden

Scan Magazine Ltd.

December 2021 Published 12.2021 ISSN 1757-9589

Executive Editor

Anita Fosen

Thomas Winther

Nina Bressler

Sales & Key Account Managers

Linda Thompson

Emma Fabritius Nørregaard

Creative Director

Lise Laerdal Bryn

Johan Enelycke

This magazine contains

Mads E. Petersen

Ester Laiho

Veronica Rafteseth

advertorials/promotional articles

Scan Magazine® is a registered

Eva-Kristin Urestad Pedersen Editor

Ndela Faye

Advertising

Linnea Dunne

Heidi Kokborg

marketing@scanmagazine.co.uk

Hanna Heiskanen Copy-editor

John Sempill

To Subscribe

Karl Batterbee

Kristine Olofsson

scanmagazine.co.uk/subscribe

4 | Issue 137 | December 2021

trademark of Scan Magazine Ltd.

The main exhibition tells the story of IKEA. For current temporary exhibitions, go to IKEAmuseum.com

KÖKET restaurant is a destination in itself. Light, fresh dishes combined with new interpretations of our classic meatballs

The museum shop sells gifts, souvenirs and newly produced design classics

Come to IKEA Museum!

IKEA Museum is a destination for everyone who’s curious about how Ingvar Kamprad from little Agunnaryd created the global company IKEA is today. It also gives you new perspectives on design and life at home. Book guided tours of exhibitions, packages including lunch and tea/coffee breaks, or stay overnight at the cosy IKEA Hotell. For more details of opening times and all our offers, go to IKEAmuseum.com

Scan Magazine | Design | Fashion Diary

Fashion Diary… Work, party, dinner and drinks? No need to separate casual and dressy wear in your winter wardrobe, according to current fashion trends. These trends reflect a merge between a year spent at home in comfortable attire and a new urge to dress up and have fun. Soft garments take you comfortably from work to dinner parties and home again to cosy up by the fireplace. Play with contrasts, colours and accessories and wear the same versatile pieces for numerous occasions this holiday season and beyond. By Åsa H. Aaberge | Press photos

Trust a timeless statement coat to keep you warm. This navy wool and cashmere Thelise coat from the Swedish brand House of Dagmar has a sophisticated, masculine look. Style the boxy fit with tights and pumps for a delicate contrast. Top it off with chic, red lips. House of Dagmar, Thelise Coat, €800 www.houseofdagmar.com

Adding a touch of colour is a super quick fix for a mood booster. This wool turtleneck from Cos has a slim fit that goes well under a dress or shirt. Cos, slim-fit turtleneck top, €45 www.cosstores.com

Jewellery no doubt has the power to make you look and feel divine. These earrings, handmade in Oslo, can enhance any outfit – a perfect touch of Christmassy sparkle that will look just as pretty after the festive season too. PearlOctopuss.y, Mini Oyster earrings, €160 www.pearloctopussy.com

A silky slip-on dress is a year-round wardrobe staple. Layer this dress from Danish Rabens Saloner with a thin turtleneck or blouse underneath, and put on stacks of jewellery for the ultimate party feel. Simple yet gracefully elegant! The dress is also great with a knit pullover and bright, coloured tights for relaxing but fashionable days at home or in the office. Rabens Saloner, slip-on dress, €195 www.rabenssaloner.com

6 | Issue 137 | December 2021

Scan Magazine | Design | Fashion Diary xxxx xxx

Swedish brand Louis Abel makes unisex jewellery to be worn now and treasured forever. The gold-plated Aurea twin ring offers a minimalist yet playful texture and design. Louis Abel, Aurea twin ring, €190 www.louis-abel.com

A black blazer never goes out of style. The Power blazer from Swedish Séfr is made in a lightweight wool material and features a wide lapel and single buttons that give a casual feel. It can be worn with a shirt, like the pictured Prince shirt, for dressy occasions, or with a jumper underneath for a more relaxed look. Séfr, Power Blazer, €220 Séfr, Prince Shirt, €400 www.sefr-online.com

One of this season’s most on-trend colour tones is green. With this moss-green turtleneck from Tiger of Sweden under your shirt or blazer, you’ll look dapper while keeping warm. Tiger of Sweden, Nevile Pullover, €139 www.tigerofsweden.com

The soft virgin-wool fabric of these flowy trousers from Norwegian Livid makes them very comfortable to wear. The draped silhouette adds a sense of sharp suited-up style, making the trousers a perfect example of laid-back stylishness. Livid, Hayes grey trousers, €255 www.livid.com

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 7

Scan Magazine | Design | We Love This

We Love This Whether you “welcome the scenery of ice” like Walt Whitman, or sulk in the “desolation of winter’s dregs” à la Thomas Hardy, the darkest season has an undeniable beauty – and Scandinavians have a unique knack for appreciating it. The Scandinavian term ‘friluftsliv’, literally translated as ‘fresh-air life’, is about embracing the outdoors. Though pine forests and glassy lakes might not be on everyone’s doorstep, you can still find ‘friluftsliv’ close to home – with our five design picks to bring the outside in. By Lena Hunter | Press photos

Malmö-based Amoln is an artisan perfumery label that creates fragrances based on intimate memories. Each scented candle is crafted over a span of two weeks in sustainably sourced blue wax and hand-painted ceramic. The ‘Barr’ candle is inspired by the forest Trollskogen in Öland, with notes of “Swedish pine, fir and resin collected from coastal forests, sandalwood, cinnamon and a chorus of discrete herbs”. Amoln Barr Scented Candle, €65 www.amoln.com

Iconic Finnish design company Artek began its journey with Parisian design brothers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec in 2013. In 2017, Artek introduced Rivi, the first textile produced under the collaboration. Consisting of parallel lines from which tiny diagonal strokes grow like twigs from a branch, the hand-drawn pattern is as precise as it is irregular. The 100 per cent cotton fabric is available pre-cut (150x300cm) in six colours. Artek Rivi Fabric, €140 www.finishdesignshop.com

Award-winning Danish designer Sofie Refer took inspiration for Blossi from the unique natural light of the north. The Blossi Table Lamp, which mimics the indirect glow by reflecting light in repeating mouth-blown screens of glass and lacquered metal, was nominated for a Danish design award in 2018. Nuura Blossi Table Lamp, €708 www.nuura.com

The Aalto Vase, also known as the Savoy Vase, was created by Alvar Aalto and his wife Aino in 1936 and remains an iconic piece of Finnish design. The undulating lip is often likened to the characteristic shapes of the Finnish landscape, to a tree-trunk, or to other organic forms – though Aalto himself said the shape was inspired by that of a puddle. The timeless glassware is available in varying sizes and colours – including the newest natural tone, linen. Alvar Aalto Vase, €160 www.nordicnest.dk Econtis consunt. Ad cula si etri se mercem impratquem sperei

Made from smooth, full-grain vegetable-tanned leather, Mismo’s elegant laptop case is the perfect sleeve to guard against winter storms or the hard knocks of a daily commute. The Danish label uses solid brass with gold coating and a durable cotton-blend lining in their travel bags, alongside quality leather that will develop a rich patina over the years. This 16-inch version, in a stately shade of tobacco, features one large inner pocket and two smaller pockets for business cards, phone and the like. Mismo Laptop Protector, €315 www.mismo.dk

8 | Issue 137 | December 2021

G O L D

O F

S W E D E N

Sustainable fine jewelry made in Sweden with recycled gold and your choice of lab grown or natural diamonds. Discover more in our online boutique goldofsweden.com

Made for you - made to last

Scan Magazine | Design Profile | Hestra Gloves

Gloves for skiing were among Hestra Gloves’ first products. They’ll be supplying the Swedish Olympic team in Beijing.

Quality at your fingertips Hands down – what brand comes to mind when you’re looking for a proper pair of gloves? If you’re a skier or an equestrian, there’s a big chance it’s Hestra. 85 years in the business and still going strong, they’ve certainly been doing something right – not to mention that they’ll now be the official supplier for the Swedish Olympic team in Beijing. By John Sempill | Photos: Hestra Gloves

But don’t let the sporty edge fool you; they’re just as dedicated when it comes to quality gloves for all the other professionals out there. Whether it’s the national defence or construction workers laying the foundations for new living areas, they’ve got it covered. They even have a complete fashion range, should you need a pair of gloves for a night out, or just for looking stylish during the colder months. Anton Magnusson, a qualified glove maker, is the company’s CEO, and the fourth generation in the family busi10 | Issue 137 | December 2021

ness Hestra Gloves. “The company was founded here in the town of Hestra in 1936, by my great grandfather,” says Magnusson. “My big brother, our two

cousins, father and uncle are still active in the company. And we all work very hands-on.” A brand by demand The brand started out making gloves for lumberjacks. And soon after, a ski slope was built in Hestra – Isaberg Mountain Resort – which led to them making gloves for skiing. Since then, the company has expanded and offers a wide variety of gloves in several different categories worldwide. The company name was simply a result of customers more frequently asking for ‘gloves from Hestra’; it was a natural consequence that ultimately became the brand. To produce quality gloves that will last is the driving factor. “That is what leads to happy customers, which in the long run leads to customers that like what we do,” explains Magnusson. “We spend

Scan Magazine | Design Profile | Hestra Gloves

a lot of time sourcing the right materials – fabrics, leather – and we even have our own production and four factories worldwide. That way, we can verify the quality from the start, which makes our work easier.” The art of sourcing good-quality materials is something Hestra Gloves has perfected over the years. Working with carefully chosen tanneries and weaving mills means they can guarantee a high-quality product, no matter the occasion. “We’ve worked with some of them for decades,” adds Magnusson. “There’s a tannery in France that we started working with in the 1980s. Together, we developed a chrome-free leather.” And the development is showing no sign of stopping. They are constantly thinking about ways to improve their products, or on the lookout for what to do next. “A lot of our employees are engaged in sports and other activities,” says Magnusson. “If they have an idea of something we can improve, then we’ll discuss it and try to find a solution. When we test our products, we might be out skiing or enjoying other activities. That inspires us and gets the thought process going on what we can do next, or better.” Form from function The use of quality materials also results in products that look good. “Aesthetics

Quality material and leather give functional, aesthetically pleasing gloves.

aren’t the main focus,” explains Magnusson, although the use of good materials “shifts focus to function, which together often leads to a pleasant aesthetic”. In other words, the raw materials are often attractive in and of themselves. If you’re not a fan of leather, don’t worry – Hestra Gloves provides other options. The synthetic alternatives are becoming increasingly popular. “There is still a lot of faith in natural products,” Magnusson reflects. “But we do have a lot of nice alternatives that don’t contain animal raw materials. Our aim is to be experts in gloves, which means we need to have alternatives for everyone. Those alternatives have grown in the last few years, and we are looking at alternative materials to meet the demand.”

So you now already know about their gig at the Olympic Games, but that’s not all that’s in store. Continuing to expand the brand worldwide is among the prospects that excites Magnusson the most. “Our main project at the moment is to make our brand more relevant all year round,” he says. “Bicycle gloves, gloves for outdoors, equestrian gloves, fashion and professional – to have them in use all year. We want to be as relevant during the spring and summer as we are in the winter. That’s an exciting project at the moment, and we want to push internationally even further.” Web: www.hestragloves.com Facebook: HestraGloves Instagram: @hestragloves

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 11

Scan Magazine | Design Profile | Tibberup Høkeren

Style that never goes out of fashion Entering one unique, quirky little shop in Elsinore is literally like taking a step back in time. With a deep respect for excellent craftsmanship and style with heart and soul, at Tibberup Høkeren they do what they love and love what they do. By Trine Jensen-Martin | Photos: Tibberup Høkeren

It all started with a renovation project 25 years ago: Mogens Christensen and his wife Nanna bought a thatched house in the small village of Tibberup on the north coast of Zealand. They fell in love with the place and were hooked by the house itself and all the timeworn things inside it – and particularly by the chance to return it to its past glory. “We were complete novices when it came to restoring this old house, but just knew that we wanted to live there,” Mogens explains. It was a project that would develop their joy and passion for all things vintage and well-made, and a renewed respect for outstanding craftsmanship in restoring their family home. Not just any name The Danish word ‘høker’ dates back to the 14th century and is difficult to define in English. No one specific translation 12 | Issue 137 | December 2021

covers the meaning of this word, which used to describe what was essentially a travelling tradesman or woman. “When

we were bringing our house back to life, we discovered a glass bottle with a piece of paper inside, wedged into the inner beams of the thatched roof. This turned out to be a note of permission dating back to 1860, allowing for a ‘høker’ to be at work in this place,” Mogens explains. The note was written with quill and ink, and they were so in awe of this that they first hung it up inside their house and then, later, when the idea for the shop was taking shape, it got to inspire the branding process. Tibberup Høkeren (TH) became the obvious name, paying homage both to the village they live in and to the dedication and precision of artisan craftsmen of old. Quality, not quantity All the items for sale in the shop and online have been sourced personally by the Christensens. They travel extensively, always collecting items along the way. They sell things produced all over western Europe, and while the nature of each item differs completely, they all have one thing in common: every producer is a small, often family-run business.

Scan Magazine | Design Profile | Tibberup Høkeren

Mogens and Nanna meet with them in person and can vouch for not only the quality of the products, but also the value that these producers place on their items and on what goes into the production process. “If someone wants to buy a litre of paint, I always ask what it is for, because it matters,” Mogens says. He knows exactly what type of paint you might need for a specific job, and to him, every single item, be it a door handle, that litre of paint, or a pair of old-fashioned men’s trousers, truly matters. More than a shop “When you come to me as a customer, you might not get what you want, but you will get what you need,” Mogens muses. He always gives advice regarding what his customers need, not merely selling them the item they came for, but giving advice along the way. There is an element of both sharing his joy and appreciation of well-made items with a history, and teaching his customers a thing or two in the process. Half the time, he and Nanna are offering help and support to their customers, passing on and sharing their own lessons from restoration and sourcing materials. “This is not just about selling things and making a profit,” Mogens says. “Of course, this is a shop and a business too, but to us it’s also about ensuring that we give our customers not only the

best products, but also the best help and advice.” He knows everything about every single item that they sell and knows the story of both the items and the producers behind them. And this is crucial to Tibberup Høkeren: if Mogens and Nanna can get behind a product, they will sell it. “We are inspired by all sorts of things,” he says. “If there is a story behind an item, we want to sell it.” Not just the owner of a quirky, small shop, Mogens is a genuine believer in craftsmanship and well-made things. The caption to one of their beautifully curated Instagram posts says it all: “We don’t do fashion. We do style, and style never goes out of fashion”. So, while Mogens’ own style is straight out of a

Mr and Mrs Høkeren, small-shop owners.

hipster’s guide to classic gentlemen’s dressing, he is the genuine, real deal, as is every single item in his shop. They are not trying to be trendy influencers; they do this with passion, love and respect.

Web: tibberuphoekeren.dk Facebook: Tibberup Høkeren Instagram: @tibberuphoekeren Twitter: @hoekeren Pinterest: Tibberup Høkeren

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 13

Scan Magazine | Design Profile | Kintobe

Carry kindness in every moment of every day Kintobe is on a mission: not only do they want to save our beautiful planet; they also want to break down the barriers that separate us. They dream of a kinder world, a world where we respect and accept one another. And how are they going to accomplish this? Through sustainable bags.

about the production, materials and certifications on their website, and the tags tell you what every single element of your new bag is made from.

By Heidi Kokborg | Photos: Tereza Gonsiorova

Kintobe designs fashionable and sustainable everyday bags created to last. Whether you need a large bag to fit your laptop, fitness gear, water bottle and a cosy jumper, or you need a smaller bag to fit all the essentials for a day out on the town, Kintobe has a bag that suits you.

We will never save the Earth if we cannot co-exist. That is the foundation on which the sustainable, Danish bag brand Kintobe is built. When the couple Anne Thorsø Sørensen and Michael Bisgaard founded Kintobe in 2019, they realised that it is not only Mother Earth that is suffering; it is also our communities. “We walk around judging each other, holding onto our prejudices; we hate and fear one another, and we struggle to give each other space to be who we are. Kintobe is a conversation about what kind of world we want to pass on to the next generation. We wish to see a kinder and more accepting world with more human connection,” says Anne Thorsø Sørensen. And how do bags fit into this ethos, you might ask? Very well, actually. “A bag marks the transition from home to the outside world, where we meet people and can make a real difference. It is 14 | Issue 137 | December 2021

about carrying kindness in everything you do – kindness for the planet and kindness for others,” says Sørensen. Put on your bag and spread kindness Inside each bag is a little message that sets the intention for the day ahead. “Inside our Street Collection, it says ‘What you do can change the world’. Positive change starts with you and I – we cannot wait for someone else to do it for us,” says Sørensen. Kintobe also gives a voice to people they think carry kindness in extraordinary ways. On their social channels and on their website, you can meet Kindness Icons that inspire kinder living. The bags are made from recycled polyester, recycled nylon, and algae. Kintobe is committed to being 100 per cent transparent, and therefore you can read everything

Web: www.kintobe.com Facebook: Kintobe Instagram: @kintobe_official TikTok: @kintobe_official

Scan Magazine | Design Profile | Anne Linde

The Ledge:able shelf.

Beauty in strength: Anne Linde’s elegant metal homewares Anne Linde Studio was born in 2004 from one simple, but highly original, design: the Ledge:able shelf – a continuous sheet of powder-coated steel, bent six times to form a multi-dimensional ‘ledge’. By Lena Hunter | Photos: Anne Linde

With no welding, joints or visible suspension points, Ledge:able is typical of the eponymous studio’s design language. The wider collection of sustainably sourced, wall-mounted side tables, shelves and desks are all, as Linde dubs them, “sculptural chameleons”. The artful minimalism combines aesthetics with function. Each design serves as both an exhibition and a storage space, as the sleek metal is bent to form a plinth-like surface and an integrated hidden shelf. “Timelessness and practicality are important for me,” says Linde, who has decorated her own home with the studio’s collection. “It’s stripped back. You can style it yourself.” Design without stereotypes Though Anne Linde Studio’s oeuvre has clear Scandinavian sensibilities, Linde’s own background is in fashion design. “We’re very grounded in tradition here in Denmark,” she explains. “I studied clothes

design in England, so I’m not as bound by those stylistic conventions. Danes aren’t really used to metal homewares, but you can use it in so many ways. It’s so clean. It’s really about how you put it together.” Ledge:able is produced in a range of classic tones: white, black, and two elegant greys, as well as rotating colours that currently include ‘dusty green’, ‘light clay’ and the new addition ‘harvest yellow’. “It’s a beautiful colour,” says Linde. “We also have matching accessories: wooden magnets and hangers, which add some warmth.”

“The design in shows like Space 1999 that I saw as a child left an impression on me, as did the organic forms of Danish designer, Verner Panton. That slightly space-age, abstract style is so modern and malleable.” 17 years later, Anne Linde’s original Ledge:able shelf remains the studio’s most popular design – only now it has blossomed into a celebrated, shape -shifting collection, from sculptural workspaces to elegant display-units, tables and discreet wall-mounted storage.

A break with tradition The combination of modern textures with sharp lines and organic forms is a subtle diversion from Denmark’s traditions. Though famously innovative, Danish design is ‘homey’ where Linde’s shapes are bolder – a little more futuristic. “I’ve always been inspired by the ‘60s’ fascination with space,” she says.

Web: www.anne-linde.com Facebook: annelindedk Instagram: @annelindedk

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 15

Scan Magazine | Design | Made in Finland

Booths, rugs and tables with ecological, innovative twists Flying Carpet Oy is a small, eco-friendly company with big ambitions. Susanna Palomäki and Katri Virtasalo founded the company in 2019 when they set up their online shop selling custom-made rugs, BlockO meeting booths, and sofa tables made in Finland, as well as wool carpets and other handcrafts from around the world. By John Weston | Photos: Flying Carpet Oy

Flying Carpet combines Virtasalo’s experience as a designer with Palomäki’s international business expertise. The two women have been friends for 20 years, and they know that Finnish design is distinctive and internationally appealing. “Finnish design is simple, timeless and respects nature,” they explain, “and the environment is very important for most Finnish companies. These values are very close to our hearts.”

made from Finnish birch and recycled plastic bottles – it’s the polyamide in the bottles, when woven into high-quality felt, that gives the booths their calming acoustic properties.

Virtasalo led the design team for BlockO meeting booths, known for their eye-catching design and easy assembly, which have been popping up in airports, hotel lobbies, educational institutions and public places for a few years now. Providing a safe, automatically disinfected and virus-free workspace, which is also acoustically insulated, BlockO booths seem ideal for the ever more distributed and flexible working life of the new normal. And they line up well with Flying Carpet’s eco credentials, being

Sustainability and the circular economy are in the air in Finland, which has committed to carbon neutrality by 2030. Relying largely on locally sourced wood, recycled glass and cotton from the tricot industry, and with packaging made from 100 per cent recycled materials, Flying Carpet is a paradigm of eco-friendly design.

16 | Issue 137 | December 2021

spoke, custom-made design service. Customers can send in videos and pictures of their homes and other spaces, and they then benefit from a free design consultation with recommended carpets and other products to match their particular context. “Basically, two women have combined their strengths and their desire to make a difference, and also serve customers better than anybody else – with ecological and innovative twists,” they smile.

The company’s rag rugs are made from recycled cotton derived from residual pieces from the tricot industry, and their sofa tables are custom made from Finnish wood.

In addition to their strong emphasis on design excellence and ecological manufacture, Flying Carpet also offers a be-

Flying Carpet serves all customers through its online shop and by email.

Web: www.flyingcarpet.fi E-mail: info@flyingcarpet.fi Facebook: FlyingCarpetOy Instagram: @flyingcarpet_fi TikTok: @flyingcarpet.fi

Scan Magazine | Design | Made in Finland

Changing the fashion industry with nothing new The Finnish brand Globe Hope provides an alternative that requires no new raw materials. Globe Hope creates fashion-forward clothing without harming the environment, by reusing and repurposing already existing materials.

that more consumers will understand the additional value of our designs.”

By Ester Laiho | Photos: Globe Hope

The story of Globe Hope stems all the way back to 2003, when its founder, Seija Lukkala, had grown increasingly tired and anxious of the wasteful ways of the fashion industry. “I started making clothes of repurposed materials and of excess materials from the fashion industry under the circular economy ethos,” Lukkala explains. Globe Hope now produces clothes under the same principle it started with – ecological, ethical and aesthetical. Globe Hope’s list of repurposed and recycled materials is long: seatbelts, old army sleeping bags, tradeshow carpets and sails from boats – just to name a few. The great promise of sustainability can also be backed by numbers: in 2020, 95 per cent of the total material share of sold products was recycled or surplus.

Each new collection pays homage to nature with their names, the new collection shining a light on bogs. A delicate lavender purse made of seatbelts is called Hilla (cloudberry), and a repurposed faux-fur bum bag is named Suopursu (wild rosemary). With practical and visually appealing items, Globe Hope shows that consumers no longer have to sacrifice style to be ecological. The pioneers of repurposing have also created their own material to make clothes from. The Aura hoodie is made of yarn that consists of recycled plastic bottles, and of cotton fabric remnants from factory cutting rooms. Lukkala believes that Globe Hope’s uncompromising ethos will gain even more traction going forward. “We continue to learn as well as evolve and envision

Hilla.

Web: globehope.com Facebook: globehope Instagram: @globehope LinkedIn: Globe Hope Oy

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 17

N IG S h lT DE EN ia c L e IA ED Sp R T SW S DU OM IN FR e:

Photo: Snask

Better by design? How a Swedish industrial design foundation got involved in the humble task to save our planet with design In 1989, when the Ministry of Enterprise, together with IVA (The Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences) and Svensk Form (the Swedish Society of Crafts and Design) founded SVID, the main reason was to boost a competitive Swedish industry. In order to keep an industry at the forefront and keep competitive companies, the aim today is mainly to ensure that our industry is resilient and sustainable – otherwise we will soon discover that we don’t have an industry at all, but a society that moves downhill all the way. By Jonas Olsson, CEO of the Swedish Industrial Design Foundation (SVID)

It’s simple: if our companies don’t make the green transition, they won’t be able to compete in a global market. The same goes for the societal transformation that must change direction from linear to circular. Did you know that 80 per cent of a product’s environmental impact is determined already during the design phase? We know that sustainability is also a prof18 | Issue 137 | December 2021

itable business – both financially and for the planet. Everything we do at SVID, we do collaboratively. We do it together with governmental bodies, regional authorities and, crucially, the design trade and design community. If the design process during the late 1980s still mainly focused

on product/object-orientated industrial design, the process and use of the expression of design have widened and are now the definition of a variety of skills that stretch from product design to systems-orientated design, not to mention the huge impact of Design Thinking, a human-centered approach of problemsolving methodology that is now being taught and lectured at universities around the world. Systems-orientated design uses system thinking in the complexity of systems in laboratory environments and in decision-making processes, like for instance the EU Policy Lab. SVID are using design to future-proof our companies with courses, master classes, design sprints and other tools, all in close

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Industrial Design from Sweden

Photo: Reload Design

collaboration with the trade and society. Surveys have shown that companies that use design double their revenue and returns compared to other companies – or enjoy three times higher dividends, according to McKinsey’s report. But how can you ensure that you develop the right offers and products that really meet the needs of customers and users? The answer to that question is design – or to use a design process that carries the user perspective and where you develop based on the needs of your users. But there is another user we can’t ignore: the planet. We would need at least four globes if everyone lived and consumed like today’s average Swede. The best way to create a sustainable future is reachable through design… and the time is now. Designing products that provide maximum use with minimal climate impact is central to sustainability, and to the approach of ecodesign. So, what happens if we all develop

Jonas Olsson. Photo: Caroline Lundén-Welden

Photo: Myra

goods and services based on both people and the planet? Or, let me rephrase the question: What happens if we don’t? About SVID SVID, the Swedish Industrial Design Foundation, is an independent governmentally funded research and development foundation that works with sustainable transformation using design. We want to contribute to sustainable societal development economically, socially and environmentally, by inspiring companies and organisations to use design as an approach and process in development work. We work with learning, research, collaboration and influence. A large part of our business consists of running projects. SVID creates understanding, mediates and brings together organisations and companies that have design needs with actors who offer solutions with the help of and through design. We have a unique position as a national and independent foundation with public funding, and have the opportunity to initiate collaborations with many different societal actors and stakeholders.

Web: www.svid.se sustainabilityguide.eu

Acid and marble. Photo: OXID

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 19

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Industrial Design from Sweden

Melodifestivalen 2021. Photo: Stina Stjernkvist, SVT

The importance of achieving balance All marketers are in search of potent, sustainable campaigns. The holy grail is to create programmes that both build brand loyalty and gain customer traction. But with the marketing landscape constantly changing, there are fewer agencies that rise to the challenge of determining a creative leap while delivering extraordinary execution. LA+B seeks to achieve both. By Malin Norman | Photos: Love for art and business

Using a unique methodology, LA+B helps its clients in an agile, pragmatic and innovative manner to conquer this increasingly discontinuous world. Love for art and business, simply known as LA+B, is a unique customer experience agency. It was ahead of its time when first set up in a cellar in an unfashionable part of Stockholm in 2007. Today, it stands out because of the panoply of expertise. LA+B is a team of thinkers and doers, a careful symbiosis of the strategic and practical, of dreams and ideas brought to life and then delivered with a ‘punch’. “Our perspective from the outset was design thinking – yet from there, we learnt the importance of execution – and thus we 20 | Issue 137 | December 2021

coined the phrase ‘from thinking to doing’,” says Jonas Lundin, CEO. Lundin leads the strategy unit at LA+B, but he also has a background in industrial design. “Some of the methodologies I learnt in my industrial era are applicable to the work we carry out for clients, regardless of whether it is less visible work such as consumer insight definition or the more dramatic, high-profile, technically challenging TV production work.” Consumer journeys allied to the sustainability agenda Nearly every client brief that LA+B receives has a sustainability question to be considered and answered. “Every brief is

going to bump into this challenge,” says Lundin, proudly adding: “That’s why I insist that the senior team reviews every new client brief together and determines the right approach from a sustainability standpoint. We are currently doing an important campaign for one of Sweden’s most renowned, fastest-growing tech companies that aims to achieve sustainable recruitment and development of world-class talent.” Lundin emphasises the importance of mapping the user journeys, for employees as well as stakeholders and consumers, and explains that LA+B designs important touch points for businesses on this journey. “A brand can interact with the consumer all the way from initial communication through their experience, and eventually to the recycling of the product – this is self-explanatory. But when designing each step, we have noticed the importance of developing parallel employee journeys and the need for internal tools for implementation.”

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Industrial Design from Sweden

Included in sustainability are also diversity and inclusive design. “This is actually at the core of what many industrial designers try to do; they look at how products can fit everyone, regardless of who you are and what culture you’re from. At LA+B, we apply this to big corporations and service design as well. And again, we see the importance of having the researchers and product developers on board to manifest the work within the organisation.” Agile branding and design in a fastpaced environment Not everything needs a long-term perspective, though, as seen in the changed consumer behaviour during the pandemic. In some areas with a previously more analogue approach, the team had to look at digital solutions to how brands can operate and be more efficient in this new era. “A lot of people have had more time to think and might have entered a phase of reflection,” says the CEO. “They might

question what is right and what is wrong to consume; perhaps they stocked up on too much food initially and realised that they have a lot of waste at home as a result.”

user feedback in terms of how the viewer or user behaves and reacts to particular touch points. We see how the fast-paced and the long-term thinking nurture each other, which helps us create better outcomes for our clients.”

As a consequence of changes in consumer behaviour, many brands have been forced to think differently. “There is a higher demand for better products and services now, and we see more sensitivity to consumers’ needs and requests for more sustainable solutions. In particular our industrial clients need help in re-designing the user journey and developing products and services for the new normal.” LA+B also collaborate with TV programmes as well as computer games and social media campaigns, sectors with extremely fast turnaround times even before the pandemic. “It’s an important part to our mix, where we can apply our skills and redefine them reactively, since everything has to be up to date. Here, we can quickly measure and adjust as we get instant

LA+B is a full-service brand experience agency based in Stockholm. Its clients include Tetra Pak, Orkla, Saab, Spotify, Atlas Copco, Assa Abloy, Klarna, Cargotech and Nobel Media Group, to name a few.

Web: www.loveartbusiness.se Facebook: loveartbusiness Instagram: @loveartbusiness LinkedIn: company/ love-for-art-and-business

Orkla Health – a sustainability project for supplements. With KdV.

An inclusive and collaborative workshop practice is part of LA+B’s methodology and philosophy.

Jonas Lundin, Creative Director and CEO.

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 21

Some of the crew from the Badminton film, which became a viral success. Photo: BildGates.

Snask’s tattoo flag – every intern gets a tattoo at the end of their internship.

Pink, Swedish creativity building world-class brands Knowing who you are and conveying your message to the world might seem like a daunting thing for individuals and companies alike, but not for the internationally renowned creative agency Snask. With a mission and vision submerged in pink, they are winning fans and big clients from across the globe, who want to sharpen their branding and communication, all while having a pretty damn good time. By Nina Bressler | Photos: Sips&Clips

Knowing Snask is knowing that anything is possible. Their official title may be branding and communication agency, but that doesn’t mean that they’re limiting their scope to, well, branding and communication. Did you ever try their Shower Beer, a wildly successful beer collaboration with Stockholm brewery Pangpang? Perhaps you’ve listened to a band signed to their very own record label, Snask Recordings, while swinging their tote bag, co-designed with Loqi, over your shoulder? 22 | Issue 137 | December 2021

The company breathes creativity and decided from the very beginning to forge their own route by doing things their way – a strategy that has paid off. You’re sure to have heard of their clients: Spotify, Klarna, Bang & Olufsen, Nordea, Target, Brooklyn Brewery, Fortnox – just a few of the big names that have chosen the agency because of their courage to take a stand, go against the grain, and strive for more empathy. The power of a pink lie

The agency’s motto: make enemies and gain fans.

The founders, Fredrik Öst and Magnus Berg, were studying when they decided to start their own business – something that, according to their peers, required at least ten years of experience. But Snask being Snask, they simply invented another way and pulled a ‘pink lie’.

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Industrial Design from Sweden

“A pink lie is similar to ‘fake it ‘til you make it’, a lie that you make come true – like a library where once you’ve fulfilled your lie, you can return it for others to use. We wanted to do lectures to get out and spread our name and gospel, but conference organisers required lecturers with experience. How do you get experience if you aren’t allowed to lecture without it? We pulled a pink lie, told every marketing school in Sweden that we had come home from a world tour and wanted to give back to society with some free lectures. Et voilá, we got the job, got the experience and could return the pink lie to the library, and we are now lecturing across the globe at companies and schools like Google and Stanford University, and at conferences in Australia, South Africa, Colombia, the US and more,” says Öst. Aside from serving a handy purpose for a hungry agency, the colour pink is the foundation on which the brand rests its steady pillars. Sick of a marketing world where conservative men have held reign for too long, they decided that the conservative, old world was their biggest

agency with Gia Stridbeck at the helm as CEO. The crew has a 50/50 split between genders. “We’ve been voted among the top 50 global creative companies to work for, and some clients have said that when they couldn’t work for us they instead decided to work with us. Our permanent employees and Snask Supreme – our pool of freelance experts, our extended family – make the magic happen,” says Erik Kockum, partner at Snask. Snask off

‘Stay Pink’ means everyone’s right to be whoever they are, their true self, according to Snask.

enemy and that they would source their creativity and inspiration from empathy, vulnerability and honesty. True inspiration for new ideas comes from an openness to new impressions, as well as equality. The company has grown exponentially, and 15 years on, Snask is a female-led

TOP BRANDING INSIGHTS FROM SNASK 1. Make enemies and gain fans Having values and standing up for them will create enemies, but the kind you wouldn’t want as followers anyway, and it will create true fans: people who like, comment, tag, share and favour your message. Engagement is created by standing for something and making it heard.

2. Change is inevitable Change is not an option, it’s inevitable. “Disruption is normal now. Change is f***ing inevitable. How it was done yesterday is not how it should be done today. Nothing stays the same and neither should you. The problem comes when change happens and you don’t,” says Snask’s friend, London designer Mark Shayler.

3. Do things in the right order As Ren Jones famously said, “if marketing is asking someone out on a date, branding is the reason they say yes.” Stop asking consumers out on dates if

your brand lacks personality, a voice and a matching visual appearance. Step one: make sure your brand has all of the above before adding a communication concept. Step two: tell the world you exist. Step three: happy dating!

4. 95/5 rule The classic 60/40 rule – that 60% of communications equals brand building and 40% equals performance marketing – has by some been renegotiated to a 95/5 rule in 2021. Don’t underestimate the importance of investing in brand building rather than sales activation.

5. Speak to the heart, not the head By selling a lifestyle instead of a product, you automatically speak to a person’s heart and emotions, instead of their head and thoughts. When people buy a BMW to get the lifestyle of a person driving a BMW, 4x4, German engineering and other rational sales messages become redundant.

Make enemies and gain fans is not only the title of the agency’s sold-out book, but also a motto infused into their everyday operations, especially applicable to one of their mock-up projects, for which they decided to rebrand North Korea – a fully-fledged communication plan with a visual identity package included, with the clause that in order to use the identity for free, the country had to become a free democracy of the world (yet to be acknowledged and realised). “A limitless headspace allowing you to think high and low and everywhere in between is essential to creativity. Snask is about realising the potential that resides inside every individual, as well as the endless potential for the companies and brands that we work with. We use humour, world-class skills and wellexecuted strategies to tackle the challenge,” says Stridbeck. Creative minds need creative rooms, and their office is an extension to their values: ‘if you love someone, let it show’ is eternally engraved into the pavement outside, and stepping inside you’re met by their signature colour (you guessed it – pink), which covers the walls. Their own bar? Check. A custom-made oil painting portraying the team in a 17th-century setting? Absolutely. What else? The world’s only Will Ferrell museum? Look no further. World-class branding for world-leading brands? You’ve found your spot. Web: www.snask.com Instagram: @snasksthlm Vimeo: Snask

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 23

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Industrial Design from Sweden

Left: Poster campaign for the tour premiere for Axwell ^ Ingrosso at Governors Ball in New York 2014. Posters revealed lyrics of the upcoming single release, On My Way. Right: Brand identity for OXID Bar x Mat, a gold medalist at the Swedish Design Awards 2020.

Sustainable and conceptual design Keep it clever. Keep it clear. Creating a sustainable brand identity is the secret behind Swedish design agency Acid and Marble’s fresh approach. Their ten years in the business are testimony to the business idea that has brought about collaborations with world famous DJs, renowned restaurants and exciting and up-and-coming brands. By John Sempill | Photos: Acid and Marble

Chances are you’ve already seen the duo’s work. If you haven’t, you may have come across it while listening to a dance track by former Swedish House Mafia DJs Axwell, Sebastian Ingrosso and Steve Angello, or Alesso, to name a few. For Mia Askerstam Nee and Antonio Vergara Alvarez, the creative masterminds behind Stockholm-based design agency Acid and Marble, it’s all about amplifying a client’s voice by strengthening their business benefits. “We are a small design agency in big packaging,” says Askerstam Nee. “We are conceptual in everything we take on. A project or a job is never better than the idea behind it, regardless of how well the execution might have been. We always strive to work sustainably, with a longterm view so that it won’t feel out-dated after a few years.” 24 | Issue 137 | December 2021

Even the company name has a deeper and more sustainable backstory than at first glance. Two minds means bigger ideas – Acid and Marble represents the balance between the two. “Acid is for Antonio, who usually takes the creative and conceptual process a few steps further,” explains Askerstam Nee. “He doesn’t seem to have a creative limit. He’s experimental and as much an art director as a designer.” That leaves us with the other half, Marble, or Askerstam Nee. She ties the knots together. “She’ll gather and concretise ideas, and put together a guideline,” adds Vergara Alvarez. “She has a huge interest in conceptualisation and typography, and perfection. She makes sure the projects have a persistent quality from idea to execution. We are both creators and designers, which means we have two different expressions and back-

grounds. We wanted our company name to capture our personal expressions.” Baby steps Acid and Marble took its first steps in 2011. The arrival of their first child meant they had to put the firm temporarily on hold, before bringing it back full steam in 2014. “When our working day starts, we disconnect our relationship,” says Askerstam Nee. “Even if we are in the middle of an argument!” Their approach and unique touch on everything they put their hands on have led to commissions from all over the globe. They describe their style as modern, high-end, minimalistic. “That is probably a result of the clients we have,” explains Vergara Alvarez. “We always try to look at the business benefit for our client. We aim to land in something that feels new, but still sustainable. We try to find a nerve and still be as clean as possible in our ideas and expression, without any clutter.” “We see our projects as collaborations,” continues Askerstam Nee. “We want our

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Industrial Design from Sweden

clients to be part of the whole process and be able to influence along the way. Insight is the key to success. We enjoy working on projects that tickle several senses: conceptualising a club, a dish or a menu, or staging an entire restaurant, a fashion runway, or creating a scent with a specific identity. In a previous project, a collaboration with the fashion brand Concepts d’Oeur and the music producer and artist Steve Angello, we created a graphic concept based on music. We found that very exciting. We’d love to do more projects like that, which cross the border, no matter the product or business.” When they aren’t busy creating visual concepts for some of the biggest DJs and artists on the planet, they’re working with brands in fashion, tech, marine technology and the restaurant industry, and that’s only scratching the surface of their broad palette. Picking up the Swedish design award, Svenska Designpriset, in 2020, for their striking work with the bar and restaurant Oxid Bar, was one recent highlight. “They are one of our later and braver clients,” says Askerstam Nee. “We created a playful logotype. More of a symbol actually. It was daring and not very traditional, especially for a bar only 20 years old.” “What inspired us here was the heritage of the venue,” adds Vergara Alvarez. “When the locals think of the nightlife in Stockholm, and Stureplan in particular, it

Above: Brand identity for record label Size Records. The project included conceptual single release design, using liquids to achieve a variety of images within the same style. Below: Packaging and brand identity for the sustainable luxury shoe brand Sweyd Footwear. The shoes are handmade in Italy and the box is produced using 100 per cent green energy recycled materials.

often brings a smile to their face, a smile that feels like home, followed by a wink.” The future is an exciting place for Acid and Marble. Plans for their own brands and projects are currently in the making – but they are still a secret at this point. If you happen to be in Stockholm in the near future, perhaps staying at Lydmar Hotel, you’ll be able to experience Acid and Marble a little bit closer. They developed a cocktail together with an inhouse bartender, based on the design agency’s brand philosophy. What does it taste like? Give it a try – there’s definitely a refreshing edge of chilli and acidic lemon in there.

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

Left: Graphics concept for the capsule collection O-S-A, a collaboration between the fashion brand Concepts d’Odeur and artist Steve Angello, released during New York Fashion Week at the Art Director Club Gallery in Manhattan 2016. Photo: Simon Larsson. Right: Antonio Vergara Alvarez and Mia Askerstam Nee, the creative duo behind Acid and Marble.

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 25

With the core mission of strengthening brands, Stendahls has all the tools necessary when the goal is to digitalise an organisation’s business model.

No point without passion: welcome to the Stendahls family This constantly forward-thinking, award-winning agency has been in the lead from the get-go when it comes to innovation and digitalisation. With playful teamwork and disruptive digital business development, Stendahls offers tailormade solutions for brands looking to accelerate their digital strategy into the future.

Unlike traditional business consultants working on costly projects for months, or ideas-driven agencies unable to anchor the concepts, Stendahls delivers speedy, realistic results on a high level.

By Kristine Olofsson | Photos: Stendahls

Based in Gothenburg, Sweden, with over 140 top-skilled individuals, this agency is always ready to work in lean and mean cross-functional teams, depending on the challenge that needs to be addressed. With the core mission of strengthening brands, Stendahls has all the tools necessary, whether the goal is to digitalise an organisation’s business model, build a digital eco-system or create worldwide PR-driven communication. “Stendahls was founded back in 1954, and one of the reasons we still exist and perform top of the class is our ability to innovate and 26 | Issue 137 | December 2021

continuously take things to the next level,” says Kaj Leissner, director of service design and innovation at Stendahls. “We have an open, family-like culture, which enables us to move quickly and reach top results – and most importantly – we have fun along the way!” Faster together Not only is ‘together’ one of Stendahls’ core values, but it also lies at the heart of all the work carried out at the agency. This, matched with the ability to move fast, gives Stendahls its unique position.

“We hack the process,” explains Leissner. “We have the ability to swiftly put

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Industrial Design from Sweden

together a team, with let’s say, a programmer, a designer and a strategist, for a quick and precise delivery. One of the biggest challenges for companies today is that they have their goals and strategies, but it takes too much money and time to test them. At Stendahls, we can tie a strategy to a prototype and test it straight away.” A family of Stendarlings Becoming an employee is becoming a ‘Stendarling’ – a member of a big, joyful and top-skilled family. The playful culture, with emphasis on creativity, is one of the largest factors behind Stendahls’ ability to attract both clients and employees. “This gives us the best, brightest colleagues, which in turn gives us the best, brightest clients,” says Linda Wegdell, project manager at Stendahls. The agency has five strong company values: passion, courage, honesty, collaboration, and respect. “If you want to move fast, there is no time for sugar coating. We need honest, direct answers,” says Leissner. “In order to give quick and honest feedback, you must respect each other, at the same time that courage is needed. You can’t be disruptive if you always play it safe. And lastly, if there’s no passion, there’s no point.” By inviting the client into Stendahls’ extended family, the magic can start. “The client is with us every step of the way. After all, they are the experts on what they do,” Wegdell explains. “An ideal project delivery is when the final presentation

Left: Have you ever designed something with the intention of it first being used 20 years from now? Neither had Stendahls – until Halmstad University came into the office. Right: When Polestar said ‘Goodbye normal’, traditional ideas of car ownership became a thing of the past. Polestar wanted to show people the future – and let them hold it in their hands.

doesn’t surprise the client, since they’ve been part of the journey since day one.” Best-in-class cases Stendahls has a solid track record of successful digital business transformation projects, where one of the latest features the electrical car brand Polestar. In this case, the smartphone app, developed by Stendahls, becomes a digital extension of the actual product, serving both as dealership and a hub packed with inspiration. Users can book test drives and even purchase their car in the app before the final revelation: the app is the car key, and they had a part of the product in their pocket all along. Digital innovation can also push brand development in the right direction, and

with many suffering from the backlash of too much screen time, the Swedish insurance company Länsförsäkringar wanted to enhance its focus on social sustainability. The creative solution? Stendahls equipped a hotel’s check-out suite with sensors, tracking the screen time of the guest, with each minute adding to the bill for the room. Another major brand on a digital journey is Husqvarna. “We had a prototype for the digitalisation of their products, long before the hype of Internet of Things peaked,” explains Leissner. “Since then, we’ve connected Husqvarna’s tools, which enables them to track processes and see where and how improvements can be done.” The result? Real, measurable wins for the client. Without giving too much away in relation to the future, the excitement on Wegdell’s and Leissner’s faces says a lot. “There’re definitely some huge projects in the pipeline,” they smile. Only time can tell exactly what this means, but stay tuned to find out what thrilling news will next come out of this creative family.

Left: Kaj Leissner, director of service design and innovation at Stendahls. Photo: Catharina Fyrberg. Right: Linda Wegdell, project manager at Stendahls. Photo: Catharina Fyrberg

Web: www.stendahls.se/ service-design-innovation Facebook: Stendahls Instagram: @stendahls Twitter: @stendahls

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 27

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Industrial Design from Sweden

Refrigerator and freezer for ISS.

ABB GoFa collaboration robot.

Product design out of this world Multifaceted, multi-talented and multi-awarded product design and development studio No Picnic has a mission: to create products that will enhance and improve the world we live in. Thanks to grit and playful thinking outside the box in collaboration with globally esteemed companies, they are well underway towards achieving a more functional and sleek society for all.

is non-existent. Their collaborative robots, meanwhile, developed with ABB, GoFa and SWIFTI, are pushing the boundaries for what companies – from large industries to small businesses – can achieve.

By Nina Bressler | Photos: No Picnic

Their most current project is charging posts for electric cars designed for urban areas. Form and function are integrated to improve the charging infrastructure as well as the city landscape, creating smarter and more habitable cities prepared for a better future. As we are well aware of, a fairer and more sustainable society will require new ways of thinking. Luckily, No Picnic is there to help us on the way.

The creative studio was founded in 1993 after five tight-knit students realised that work developed as a team often ended in better results. “Our exchange accelerated the outcome and starting a company together only seemed like a natural next step,” reminisces Stefan Magnusson, one of the founding partners. Thanks to determination and a refusal to take no for an answer, global telecoms company Ericsson became one of their first clients, and their fine sense of form made a great impact on the mobile phones for years to come. “Our primary focus is the user: a product needs to deliver a good feeling, physically as well as emotionally, and deep-seated empathy with the end-user is key. We help our clients to visualise their dreams and encourage a bolder and greener future, which will benefit the company and socie28 | Issue 137 | December 2021

ty simultaneously,” says Jonas Bergfeldt, creative director and partner. From outer space to benevolent robots and everything in between Global corporations, medical companies and specialised luxury brands act as solid proof of the widespread talents that make up the team. Their infallible focus on creative innovations for a smarter future has earned them numerous awards, as well as the opportunity to make a real impact and show how society can promote a more sustainable life. A zero-emission vessel, run on wind, sun and wave energy, was developed as a concept for Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics and is now being realised for commercial use. A fridge for the International Space Station, ordered by NASA, required lofty ideas to function in space, where gravity

Ramlösa bottles designed by No Picnic.

Web: www.nopicnic.com Instagram: @nopicnic.se

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Industrial Design from Sweden

Left: Contura is one of Myra’s long-term clients. Their collaboration has resulted in stylish, easy-to-use and well-integrated stoves for the home environment for customers all over Europe. Right: Samba II is an HIV blood analyser for the developing world.

When design potentially saves lives Can industrial design be as pleasing to the eye as it is ergonomic, functional and optimised for production? The answer is yes. Since 1976, Myra Industrial Design has been pushing the boundaries for design and functionality. By John Sempill | Photos: Myra

Although a nice side effect, racking up design awards – and they have a fair few – is not why they do it. CEO Jon-Karl Sundh is slightly modest when he describes Myra Industrial Design as a “small and flexible organisation”. It may be a closely-knit company, but their ambitions are far greater than simply producing a good product. “About half of what we do in terms of time is in MedTech,” says Sundh. “That includes anaesthesia machines, laboratory equipment and technical medical products. But it can also be professional battery chargers, product design guides or cranes for lorries; it varies a lot.” A project Myra is particularly proud of is a collaboration with DRW, Diagnostics for the Real World. “It’s an HIV analys-

ing instrument that gives a result very quickly,” Sundh explains. “The main use is for the developing countries, making it possible to test in remote areas. Thanks to its ability to give quick and accurate results, users are able to respond with the best recourses as soon as possible. And this product has even been used during Covid-19: in essence it’s a pipetting robot, for analysing samples.” Another interesting product and potential lifesaver is a device that will be found in conjunction with cardiac starters, placed in public spaces. “It’s a new type of device with a direct link to doctors, straight from a trauma scene,” says Sundh. “They’ll receive the patient’s status and values before the patient comes in and will be able to prepare accordingly. This is a project where we’ve worked with the digital

interface, the technology behind it and the hardware. It is vital that everything coincides, is durable and easy to use. In medicine, everything needs to be very straight-forward, as you may only get one chance to understand how to use it.” When a project comes together from start to finish, with all the ingredients – userfriendly, smart looking and functional – they know they’ve done a good job. “There is a common denominator in all our projects,” adds Sundh. “They are clean and uncomplicated and self-evident in their handling; that’s how I would describe our philosophy. All of our projects are unique, and our job is to optimise the products based on the user, the market and the company behind the product. This might sound like a cliché, but the end user is always at the centre of our projects.” Web: www.myra.se Facebook: myraindustrielldesign Instagram: @myraindustrielldesign

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 29

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Industrial Design from Sweden

Unparalleled functionality embracing the value of exceptional design Struktur Design is the Swedish, Umeå-based company that has been specialising in user-friendly products for the industrial market since 1993. Creating new products and services as well as improving existing ones, they play a vital part in empowering the development of an intelligent industry that benefits all segments of production – from powerful machines to the individuals managing them. By Nina Bressler | Photos: Struktur Design

There’s no place like Umeå for design addicts. It is home not only to Umeå Institute of Design, ranked the best design school for six consecutive years, but also to Struktur Design, an industrial design company that has served as a trusted partner to businesses for nearly 30 years. Struktur Design is building and improving products inside industries worldwide and has, through its careful design process, earned a client network that is 30 | Issue 137 | December 2021

well aware of the fundamental value in cleverly constructed gadgets to increase manufacturing efficiency as well as customer satisfaction. Johan Gustafsson was one of three classmates that founded the company back in 1993, and has since partnered with Nikita Golovlev, who spent a decade at Hultafors Group designing hand tools. “We work business to business, and our mission is to advocate for the endcustomer, whose viewpoint can easily

get lost in the process. Producers choose us because they know we pay attention to the details, both great and minor, that enhance user-friendliness and increase efficiency on a production level. We know the power of ergonomics in combination with good design, and our focus is set on creating pioneering products where performance and subtle elegance go hand in hand,” says Gustafsson. The environmental benefits of clever design Their projects are used in a wide variety of markets – from engineering industries to health care technology and consumer products. Most of the products are designed in close collaboration with the companies. Brokk 900 is one example of their ingenuity, where a new-generation demolition robot has

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Industrial Design from Sweden

been rebooted, presenting a great leap forward from its preceding models. Design and construction are fortified and its functions have been refined – powerful features added without a noticeable change in size or weight, enhancing the Brokk signature design. Intelligent solutions mean that environmentally responsible thinking has been part of the company’s default mindset since day one. “The benefits of a resource economic mindset are manifold: it saves resources, and it saves the producer from spending too much on surplus materials. Material that lasts longer, is more responsibly produced and sourced closer to home will help not only in saving the planet, but also in saving time and energy spent working in the wrong way. We always involve the clients in our conversation about sustainability: will we create a product that you can dismantle, where you can replace parts, recycle?” says Golovlev. Knowing where the materials come from, their inherent capacities and how to utilise them to an outstanding level is key for long-lasting products. Awarded gadgets trusted by many “Our solutions range from a smart lock function, as on our client Fällkniven’s

R2 Scout, where the knife is secured from accidentally falling out, to a secure cabin in the mining industry. Regardless of the size, our clients’ products are treated with the same attention. From a georadar system for Guideline GEO, the Malå Easy locator PRO, to forestry machines for Komatsu Forest, customers know they can rely on us to understand how products integrate into their business model and focus on solving problems that actually matter,” says Gustafsson. Their products are multi-awarded, the latest addition to the long list being Konftel 70, a Red Dot 2021 winner and handy conference speaker, where dynamic design and the unique OmniSound technology combine for a slick, beautiful and functional product – classic trademarks of Struktur Design. “Naturally, functionality and quality are our starting point in every product, but design is just as integral. It’s about combining top-of-the-line technology and subtle elegance, where design is an important part of our development process,” says Torbjörn Karlsson, product manager at Konftel AB. Design and ergonomics are not only good for profit but can also have life-altering

consequences – something they were reminded of when an operator, who suffered work-related problems almost forcing him to quit, was able to return to normal after changing to the Mig2 joystick, designed for Engcon. “Throughout our design process, we are taking the environment where our products will be used into great consideration: what emotional and physical impact will they have on their user? Functionality and quality are essential, but that doesn’t exclude design – it’s a constant theme that helps push innovation and production forward. Our products have to be sustainable, beautiful and functional. Simply put: design that works!” concludes Golovlev. Web: www.strukturdesign.se

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 31

Absolut Paper Bottle.

Designing our future When your entire business is about creativity and innovation, it can sometimes be hard to create a straight-forward definition of what it is exactly that you do. Grow continuously redefines the scope of what it means to be a forward-thinking creative business partner, brand and experience transformer as well as an innovative industrial design agency.

designing products and services. Their offering spans the whole spectrum from brand strategy and concept creation, product and packaging development, marketing and communication, through to UX and digitalisation.

By Amanda Ottosson | Photos: Grow

Building the business on an everexpanding offer, Grow started life in 2004 as a brand-development agency. It’s since grown into an international business with offices not only in its native Stockholm, but also in Helsinki, London and Vancouver. Teaming up with a sustainable pulp and paper innovator early on the journey ignited their passion for sustainability, with the opportunity to create packaging that doesn’t cost the earth. “BillerudKorsnäs approached us to work together specifically on their futurefocused projects,” says Isabelle Dahlborg Lidström, head of design and creative di32 | Issue 137 | December 2021

rector. “They had grand ideas and a need to get closer to their brand owners. They wanted to approach a crisps company to see if there was an opportunity to create paper-based packaging, but they needed someone to make that a reality. They gave us free reign to conceptualise what we thought it could look and feel like.” This holistic way of understanding their own role as creative catalysts has informed the journey from the start, and has meant that the business has kept transforming. Today, Grow offers support throughout the whole journey, from brand and experience transformation to

“We’re privileged in that we get to be a part of the whole process. We often come in well before the product is conceived to guide the client throughout the whole process. We’ll advise on what sort of machinery is needed to create the product and the packaging, and we stay with the business on that whole journey to bring it to the end consumer, as well as what happens after that. There aren’t a lot of agencies that get that opportunity,” says Axel Brechensbauer, director of concept design. Future gazing Four years ago, the business teamed up with Digitalist to expand their digital of-

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Industrial Design from Sweden

fering. Rather than being a design firm that can help brands create beautiful branding, Grow wants to work at a higher level and help their clients in achieving sustainable growth. “We do a lot of very high-level future innovation,” says Dahlborg Lidström. “We also work a lot with sustainable concepts; it’s important for us to see how far we can push our visions and imagination. For example, we innovate with new, sustainable materials made of cellulose and then enter international awards for the world to see them – purely as an imaginative exercise and to push the packaging industry. Our angle is ‘we know this might not be possible right now, but what sort of ideas is it giving you?’ And, actually, we found some new clients that way. And they started working on developing those innovations and bringing them to life.”

Brechensbauer adds: “We’re working on things that create a roadmap for the next 30 years. So while many of those innovations may not be achievable right now, having that vision reassures us and our clients that we know what we’re talking about and that we can help them build the future.” Sustainable development With a future focus, it’s no surprise that sustainability is one of the key pillars the business is built on. Rather than only analysing consumer behaviour, Grow is also looking to help brands get ahead of legislation and guide the public conversation. “It’s a bit of a red herring to say that individuals need to act more sustainably,” Brechensbauer says. “Brands and governments have a real opportunity to guide behaviour and create a whole new way of thinking about it.”

With opportunities to shift consumer behaviour in the physical world, and to design in the digital world, there are new opportunities for innovation every day. “It used to be quite difficult to get clients to understand our thinking,” Dahlborg Lidström says. “They weren’t quite ready to be thinking as far ahead as we wanted to be. But there’s been a real shift in the past couple of years. Legislation and the urge of sustainable solutions are catching up. Brands want to get in ahead of that, where they’re seen as innovative and ahead of the curve. That’s where we fit in. It’s a really exciting and interesting time to be a designer and innovator!”

Web: www.grow.eu Instagram: @growstockholm

Truffle packaging.

Packaging journey.

Reusable make-up jar insert.

Sjöborre wire casing.

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 33

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Industrial Design from Sweden

ABB next-generation cobot.

Coala, a better life.

Technology fit for the next industrial revolution, Industry 4.0 ‘We live for design’ is the greeting when you land on the homepage for Reload Design, a Swedish design, technology and innovation company. The statement resonates perfectly with the energy and enthusiasm Felix Ferrer, CEO at Reload, displays for the cutting-edge technology and innovative design he and his team apply to their projects.

spectrum, the ABB IRB 1100 Industrial Collaborative Robot, specifically designed for the production lines of the automotive industry to allow robots and humans to collaborate at the assembly lines.

By Karin Blak | Photos: Reload Design AB

Felix Ferrer joined Reload as a designer 15 years ago and brought with him the structured approach of Design Thinking methodology. He applied this method not only to his designs, but also to the collaboration with colleagues and clients. The three main phases of this organised way of working have, he argues, proven to be the basis of Reload’s success story, and include: The analytical phase:

Information gathering is at the centre of this phase, being curious about the client’s ideas and the end-user needs, while leaving assumptions aside. The creative phase:

Pulling together all the information gathered and, with the team of technology and engineering specialists at Reload, involving the client to develop technology and design fit for the fast-moving world of the fourth industrial revolution, Industry 4.0. 34 | Issue 137 | December 2021

The executive phase: The prototyping and testing of the product or solution and, finally, the end-user and customer validation and approval. This is the recipe for the success that Reload is enjoying, and the structure that has brought Ferrer his personal achievements. But for him, it isn’t about individual success – it’s all about teamwork, and when you look at the Reload Design portfolio, you can’t help but notice the brilliance it exudes. Among the variety of innovative products, all designed with empathy for the end user, is the niche market of the Racerunner, a bike designed to “attract runners both with and without disabilities – a paradigm shift for the sport,” Ferrer explains. There’s also the Coala Heart Monitor, ergonomically designed for the accurate and reliable recording and remote reading of heart activity to improve the quality of life of their users; and, at the other end of the

The designs are proof that this dedicated Swedish design and technology team boasts the latest skills and knowledge while not being scared of pushing the boundaries of the norm. Ferrer proudly describes his team as working at the cutting edge of technology, and he modestly refuses to take personal credit for any success. “We are not individuals, we are a team,” he says. “That’s the only way to succeed in designing solutions ready for Industry 4.0, where the boundaries between the physical, digital and biological world blur.”

Felix Ferrer, CEO Reload Design.

Web: www.reload.se

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Industrial Design from Sweden

User research in context.

Part of the Zenit Design team.

Creating value through user-centric design Zenit Design is tackling complex business challenges with user-centred and sustainable design, ensuring a matching user experience and a more sustainable product lifecycle. By Malin Norman | Photos: Zenit Design

Swedish design and innovation studio Zenit Design was founded in 1994. From the start, the team has designed products, evolving over the years into product-service systems, creating both physical and digital user experiences by using a human-centric, research-driven design approach. They respond to users’ challenges with sustainable productservice systems. “Our design is driven by users’ needs,” says Jonas Svennberg, CEO at Zenit Design. And the word ‘users’, he clarifies, doesn’t just include consumers – it involves all stakeholders in the process, such as producers, developers and marketers, as well as internal and external end-users. “All these stakeholders have different needs, and design means finding the best compromise. When we design, we try to create the right solutions, which solve the right problems, in the right way.” Stakeholders with varying needs In the case of medical devices, which represent a third of Zenit’s business, the team

looks at types of users for inhalers, blood analysis equipment for lab environments, pumps for mattresses, and disposable systems for surgery, to mention a few. “In these environments, users include patients as well as nurses and doctors,” Svennberg says. “It’s important that we consider the big picture, to see if our solutions fit within the overall context. All pieces need to fit together, to solve known or previously unknown problems, to ensure economic and environmental sustainability. This is what we mean by creating value through user-centred design.” A user-centric process is essential when designing entirely new products; for example, body-worn cameras for police and fire fighters. Zenit Design has a long collaboration with Axis Communications, a market leader in the network camera industry. For Axis, the team has designed award-winning products such as a series of live-streaming cameras, to stream and webcast audio and video in a variety of applications, and a dome network camera series.

“Together with Axis, we have investigated renewable materials and circular business models, with a longer perspective in mind,” explains Svennberg. “Sustainability for electronics has in the past been a lot about minimising size and weight to reduce carbon footprint. Now it’s all about long product life and a design that is easy to repair, reuse and recycle in the future. We look at functionality and usability with a long-term vision; for the user, the business and the environment.” Jonas Svennberg, CEO.

Web: www.zenitdesign.se Facebook: ZenitDesign Instagram: @zenitdesign.se

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 35

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Industrial Design from Sweden

Adapt, adopt, pivot and make your mark in this world In a society where the most reliable variable is change, the question of what makes worthwhile education is more relevant than ever. Hyper Island is the school that was founded to respond to the technological changes rippling through society and, in doing so, is providing the tools to turn challenges into opportunities for something better. By Nina Bressler | Photos: Hyper Island

The school is well-known for its subversive pedagogy, which decidedly rejects traditional schooling methods in favour of hands-on projects with real-life companies and clients. With international courses, in-person and online, ranging from part-time courses to diplomas and master’s-level courses, there are options for anyone who wishes to embark on a new career or simply up-skill from their current one. There’s no shortage of exciting subjects in the digital sphere for those who wish to prepare for a professional life without limits – design, marketing, leadership, data analysis and brand strategy serving as some examples – but the Hyper Island vision is not merely about teaching a subject. It’s about the mobilisation of a mindset that will help change the world. “Hyper Island is about learning to thrive in change. If the world that we are liv36 | Issue 137 | December 2021

ing in is riddled with uncertainty, how are we going to respond to that? How can we meet in new spaces we never thought were possible, and how are we going to forge that connection, to support one another in where we will be going next?” says Rebecca Taylor, PhD, academic lead of the European master’s programmes. “We work in cross-dimensional teams where the experiential learning plays the main role, always informed by the industry,” adds Jörg Teichgraeber, head of the school. “We encourage our students to play, to fail and to take ownership of their learning, where collaboration and team understanding are fundamental. We don’t believe in the old academic notion that students are empty vessels to be filled with knowledge; no, we believe that power already resides within the individual. Our courses are designed to bring this out.”

Their agile mindset and unique methodology are proven to have effect: alumni are holding key positions in global companies as well as playing integral parts in transforming communities and influencing systemic change. As new ideas in response to a post-pandemic world have become more urgent than ever, it’s safe to say that the future will present challenges as well as opportunities. This school is designed to push change in the right direction – the Hyper Island way.

Web: www.hyperisland.com Instagram: @hyperisland YouTube: Hyper Island Content Channel

c pe

m he

E AD M

AY W R NO

Photo: Eivind Natvig

Wool craftsmanship inspired by tradition Without sheep, it would have been impossible for mankind to survive in the north. The oldest findings of sheep in Norway date back to 1500-1400 BC, showing our continuous dependency on wool and meat. Though modern-day technology helps in surviving the winters, wool products are an important part of a tradition that keeps people warm and history alive, and indeed prominent in Nordic fashion. By Alyssa Nilsen | Photos: Lofoten Wool

Even though Norway has a large wool production, the wool is often exported out of the country, while Norwegian-made garments and products tend to be knitted from imported wool. Ragnhild Lie, textile and wool artist and owner of Lofoten Wool, decided to reclaim the cultural heritage and the countless techniques and traditions of Norwegian wool and garments. Originally from Lillehammer, Lie moved to Lofoten in 1997 to work as an art teacher. This led to her starting an audienceorientated workshop around native-breed sheep, wool and craft at her refurbished 38 | Issue 137 | December 2021

1927 farm. “This region has one of the oldest types of sheep in Scandinavia,” says Lie. “Old Norse Sheep DNA is still similar to the sheep of the Viking Era. This breed of sheep prefers the outside for most of the year, and farms keep their doors open so that the sheep can walk in and out as they wish.” They also play a role in the biodiversity in the area by maintaining the local landscape through grazing. “Sheep grazing binds the carbon in the ground,” explains Lie, “so this really is very sustainable textile fibre and meat.”

In 2013, the first Old Norse Sheep arrived at Lie’s farm. In 2014, she founded her company, Lofoten Wool, a yarn, clothing and textile company aiming to preserve the historical craft and heritage of the Old Norse Sheep wool. They carefully design their products to nurture and support traditional craft skills through local community production and work with the wool’s natural colours – white, grey, black and brown – as well as hand-dyeing yarn using plant colours.

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Norway

The method of dyeing that Lofoten Wool uses dates back to the Viking Era and is derived from plants, some of which the team picks themselves: the tansy flower for different shades of yellow; madder root for red, and indigo baths for hues of blue. Each colour batch is a unique shade resulting from the natural variations within nature and the dyeing process. In their production process and wide range of products, Lofoten Wool uses wool from their own and other farms in the Lofoten region in the north of Norway. The wool becomes knitted jumpers, mittens, knitting yarn, hats and socks, as well as woven scarves, shawls and blankets. Soap is also made from sheep’s fat, making sure that the company utilises as much of the animal as possible. This keeps the production sustainable and the environmental impact low. Wool is an eco-friendly fibre with sheep fat (lanolin) acting as natural waterproofing. It is fully degradable, and in addition, it’s a natural flame-retardant, making it suitable for a range of products where plastic fibres are not as good a fit. Carrying tradition into the future Historically, wool was used not only for clothing, but also for furniture, throws, and even sails on the majestic Viking

ships. Lofoten Wool still produces and sells most of these materials as well as rolls of clothing and upholstery fabrics sold by the metre.

the joys and practical benefits of knitting, carrying on the cultural heritage of a craft that has been around for thousands of years.

In addition to preserving the wool tradition that has been around since the Viking Era, Lofoten Wool has become quite the tourist destination. Since the barn and sheep are located on the first floor, and the offices, shop and workshop are on the second floor, guests can visit the sheep and watch the production happen. They get to learn about the sheep, crafts and traditions and experience how the yarn, which has already been sorted, washed and spun, is treated and dyed before being handcrafted into beautiful products. These are also available to buy at the farm shop.

If you want to try your hand at knitting using Lofoten Wool’s products, knitting kits are available from their web shop, complete with yarn and knitting patterns. Lofoten Wool also welcomes customers to their new branch in Henningsvær, the small, picturesque fishing village just an hour’s drive from the Lofoten farm. Web: www.lofoten-wool.no Instagram: @lofoten_wool

Through her education in textiles at the Bergen Academy of the Arts, and having previously worked at a wool factory, Lie has accumulated invaluable experience and contacts in the field. But she first learnt the skill of knitting as a child. Growing up in a household where woollen jumpers were common, she learnt the art of knitting from her grandmother and mother. Now, she carries on the tradition for others to learn. And the demand is growing. A new generation is discovering

Photo: Eivind Natvig

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 39

Visit Rein Love’s shop for shopping and you might experience an event, too. Photo: Ludvik Baksaas

A brand for an independent mind In many ways, Rein Love has come far from its beginnings as a pop-up shop selling T-shirts. The heart of the brand, however, remains unchanged — as does its deep attachment to the city of Tromsø in Northern Norway. By Hanna Heiskanen

Located today on the high street of Tromsø, Rein Love is the child of Eirik Simonsen and a group of his friends. The ‘music-loving’ company first saw daylight in 2014 as a small collection of T-shirts sold at local music events as well as online. Since then, it has grown into a business specialising in streetwear and adventure wear with a cool twist.

inspired by the wilderness of the north. Another important aspect of the brand is the quality of the clothes and their environmental impact, and fair-wear and

More than clothes The inspiration behind the brand is the rare white reindeer, which is known for not following the herd. “The white reindeer symbolises choosing your own path and following your passion. This is why our slogan is ‘don’t follow the herd, stay wild’,” says Simonsen. The designs are 40 | Issue 137 | December 2021

Rein Love’s rings will soon feature on the big screen. Photo: Guille Golosino

vegan-certified clothes are also available to purchase. Early on, it was decided that Rein Love was not to be just about clothes, though. Simonsen, who has called Tromsø his home for the past decade, talks about the importance of local businesses and individuals supporting one another, but also about making anyone paying a visit feel at home. “One of our first popups was set up in a closed restaurant and bar, and this is where we started hand brewing coffee for our guests for real,” explains Simonsen, sitting in Rein Love’s current headquarters and flagship store, with large windows facing the busy street. A small group of designers are busy working on the future of the brand in the upstairs studio. Despite the current trend to go online, bricks and mortar remain very much the foundation for Rein Love.

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Norway

Simonsen believes firmly in maintaining a physical space where people can spend time, be entertained and experience the vibe of the brand. Pop in for a brew or tune Since 2020, customers have been able to pick up locally roasted coffee beans from the shop because, as Simonsen describes, when you invite people over, it makes sense to give them a cup of something. Or if you happen to pop in at the right time, you might witness a gig by a local band. “We love to organise events here and invite people over, to make them feel welcome,” Simonsen, who in fact prefers the word ‘guests’ to ‘customers’, says. He points at the many photos embellishing the walls as evidence. “We’ve featured both up-and-coming and more established bands and DJs, and served beer brewed by another local company.” Wear your attitude Simonsen’s previous career was in filmmaking – something he first started as a teenager with a group of friends. As it turns out, filmmaking has a lot in common with designing a brand concept. Behind both, there must be a good story and the desire to connect. With Rein Love, it is as much about wearing an identity and attitude as it is about wearing clothes. Rein Love reflects the lifestyle of the people behind it, Simon-

Rein Love’s headquarters and flagship store are on Tromsø high street. Photo: Jøran Lynnum

Rein Love specialises in streetwear and adventure wear with a cool twist. Photo: Babang Deshommes

sen says. “It’s items we like to use ourselves, whether we are hiking or strolling in the city or attending a music festival.” Rein Love believes in growing organically and does not want to rush things. Sometimes, however, happy coincidences happen along the way. For example, the brand’s love of music led them to collaborate with a US-based rock band, which now champions Rein Love’s products worldwide. “It’s a friendship and connection we are super excited about, and it shows that our products have appeal all the way from the far north here in Norway, to the far south.”

Bricks and mortar remain the foundation of Rein Love. Photo: Babang Deshommes

Rein Love has come far from its beginnings as a pop-up shop selling T-shirts. Photo: Jenny Andersen

More recently, Rein Love was approached by a Norwegian film production company that wanted to use an item from the ring collection in a blockbuster remake, scheduled to premiere this autumn. “We are taking things step by step, but if we keep growing, building a second home for Rein Love is a possibility,” Simonsen concludes Address: Storgata 98, 9008 Tromsø, Norway Web: reinlove.com Facebook: reinloveclothing Instagram: @reinloveclothing

T-shirts are a core element in Rein Love’s collection. Photo: Babang Deshommes

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 41

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Norway

The expedition that changed it all After 70 years, Helsport has established itself as the leading tent and sleeping bag producer in Scandinavia. With sustainability and quality in mind, the award-winning Norwegian brand is dominating the outdoor lifestyle market, one expedition at a time. By Celina Tran | Photos: Kyle Meyr

The journey began 70 years ago, when Arild Helliksen started the brand that became Helsport. Originally, Helliksen’s products were developed with comfort in mind, allowing Norwegians to ‘glamp’ before the concept even existed. One day, Norwegian Ralph Høibakk came knocking. Høibakk and fellow mountaineer, Arne Næss, were planning a Himalayan expedition and needed equipment. Almost overnight, this random visit launched Helsport on an adventure that would turn it into what it is today: a company synonymous with Scandinavian outdoor life. Adventures for everyone The brand is known for the numerous expeditions it’s been part of, from Erling Kagge’s trip to the South Pole to Børge Ousland’s adventure to the North Pole. Whatever the product, Helsport has gone to extremes to ensure quality, comfort and durability. “Our products have always been made with quality as the top priority, both to withstand any weather 42 | Issue 137 | December 2021

and to ensure that our tents can be passed down to future generations,” says Ida Mortensen, brand marketing manager at Helsport. Norwegian adventurer Aleksander Gamme has been a Helsport ambassador since 2003 and describes the brand as a cornerstone to Norwegian outdoor life. “The Helsport team consists of passionate, experienced people who put their focus on a limited number of products, meaning that the quality is very high,” he says.

that getting outside of one’s comfort zone is incredibly valuable for a person’s wellbeing,” says Mortensen. In 2015, Helsport launched turjenter.no, an initiative to encourage girls to explore the outdoors and push boundaries. Today, #turjenter has almost 650,000 posts on Instagram. “As we encourage more people to get outside and reap the benefits of what nature has to offer, we feel a responsibility to remind our community to leave the outdoor campsites in a better condition than when they arrived,” Mortensen adds. The brand also has a dedicated repairs team for whenever accidents do happen, and they encourage customers to send in their products to be refurbished rather than toss them away. Photo: Aleksander Gamme

They’re continuously looking to further develop products that can handle any environment, be it for a quiet family trip or for heart-racing adventures in the windiest northern mountains. Pushing boundaries – because life begins at the end of your comfort zone “At Helsport, we want to encourage people to get outside, to appreciate and utilise their surrounding environment, but also to push their boundaries. We believe

Web: www.helsport.com Facebook: Helsport Instagram: @helsport

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Norway

Lighting up kids’ imaginations When Monika Berg and her husband Lukas’ oldest daughter started to fear the monsters hiding in the dark corners of her bedroom, they needed to come up with a solution to make bedtimes easier. This was the start of an adventure that turned into Lumimi, a family business selling handmade children’s night lamps that tickle kids’ imaginations and bring comfort to dark nights. By Ndéla Faye | Photos: Lumimi

The very first Lumimi children’s lamp, in the shape of a unicorn, was created by combining carpenter Lukas’ skills, Monika’s talent for drawing and love of bright colours, and the couple’s desire to help their daughter not fear the dark in her bedroom. “A handmade night lamp made by mum and dad helped, luckily,” Berg laughs. Since then, the couple’s business has grown, and they now make children’s lamps by hand in their home in Larvik, Norway. Made from solid pinewood, the lamp designs are sanded by hand and then painted with a toxin-free Jotun SENS paint that is made in Sandefjord, not far from Larvik. “Choosing a local product

that was 100 per cent safe for children was important to us, so the SENS paint, which is also recommended by the Norwegian Asthma and Allergy Association, was a natural choice for us as it contains no solvents and has no strong smell,” Berg explains. Lumimi is kitted out with dimmable LED lights and a rechargeable battery. All lamps have been CE labelled to ensure that all the safety standards that apply in the EEA are met. For the couple, sustainability and safety were of utmost importance when designing the night lamps, and everything down to the smallest detail has been carefully thought of to ensure the safety of little

ones. They wanted to choose solutions that were as environmentally friendly as possible. That’s why Lumimi’s lamps come in plastic-free packaging. “Small changes can have a big impact, and we want our products to do as little polluting as possible,” Berg says. With unique, handmade designs, Lumimi’s lamps will provide a warm and fun addition to a child’s room. “We want to share a bit of magic, and produce night lamps for kids that will last their whole childhood. As parents, we want to teach our kids to find beauty in long-lasting quality, instead of cheap, mass-produced items that only last a short while,” Berg continues. “We wanted our lamps to provide a warm, loving light that can be dimmed so as not to disturb that allimportant good night’s sleep.” Web: www.lumimi.no Facebook: lumimi.no Instagram: @lumimi.no

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 43

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Norway

The original penny-loafer Amongst the beautiful mountains of the west coast in Norway lies a factory with a lot of history housed within its walls. This special place has passed the test of time and remains one of the 19 original shoe factories in Aurland. By Andri Papanicolas | Photos: Aurland Skofabrikk

Shoes are with you all day every day, and there is no doubt that they are a big part of our lives. A shoe is simply not only a shoe; there are different styles, functions, and comfort levels. By looking at the tailored leather shoes they make, you can tell that Aurland Skofabrikk (Aurland Shoe Factory) has mastered the craft of shoemaking. Building a legacy After spending time in America and learning the art of shoemaking, Nils Tveranger returned to Norway de44 | Issue 137 | December 2021

termined to pursue his passion. This led him to the making of the famous Aurlandskoen, the Aurland shoe. So what’s so special about it? The shoes reflect the very soul of Norwegian culture and nature with their design and practicality. Tveranger’s inspiration was drawn from both the Tese shoe, which was popular among locals for mountain hiking, and the simple, lightweight moccasins from the Iroquois tribe in America. This combination resulted in a whole new kind of footwear: Aurlandskoen.

Tveranger’s shoe, known as ‘the loafer’, became so popular that in 1950, the shoe factories in the picturesque mountain area produced around 100,000 pairs a year. Needless to say, this put Aurland on the map, and many of the pairs ended up in America. The brand was noticed by one of the biggest American shoe manufacturers, who decided to make their own version and call them Weejuns (short for Norwegians). The Aurland shoe then got its American name: the penny loafer. The penny in the penny loafer What characterises the penny loafer is the little pocket on top of the shoe that fits a coin. There are many theories about the purpose of the penny in the penny loafer, depending on which generation you ask.

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Norway

Some view it as a fashion detail while others will tell you that it was a symbol of resistance during World War II. The design is simple, practical, and form-fitting. The shoe has a self-bearing onstruction that gathers its shape around the foot. The quality of the leather is crucial, and Aurland shoe factory only uses top-shelf cow’s leather. In fact, the shoes that don’t turn out perfect during production are sold at a reduced price in the outlet shop: good for business and good for the environment. Aurland shoe factory is the only one that makes the popular shoes, and it is important to them that the hand-made quality remains – although modern technology helps to shorten the production time. For example, back in the old days, a worker would spend hours soaking and stretching the leather in water before adding the sole. Today, they have a machine that does the same job in a matter of minutes. Buxton for day and night use Even though Nils Tveranger created the Aurland shoe in 1930, the art of shoe-making has likely been around in Aurland since the 1880s. It is said that British lords who went on fishing holidays in Norway needed their shoes fixed, and this inspired the local shoemakers. Lord Buxton approached the shoemakers in Aurland asking them to make shoes that are comfortable to use and nice enough to

wear for dinner at the hotel he stayed in. Lord Buxton got his wish granted. The new model of Aurlandskoen is named after Lord Buxton and is today one of the factory’s best-selling products – specifically the light-brown coloured ones. The original intention still remains, and to this day the shoes work for daily life as well as special occasions. Another great benefit that makes the Aurland shoe special is that they are unisex. There’s no difference in the design and the shoes have been worn by both men and women since the very beginning. In addition, the factory makes purses and bags – hand-made leather handbags that

you can count on for a long time. The latest design is the leather office bag, which is also used by both men and women. You can buy your Aurland shoes online or go visit the factory yourself in Aurland. The factory is combined with an economuseum, where you can learn all about the history of the original penny loafer. Looking for something special this Christmas? With these shoes, you have something that will last a long time and never go out of style. Web: www.aurlands.com Facebook: Aurlandskoen Instagram: @Aurlandskoen

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 45

S RY CT A IN ODU lT L a i ec CU PR Sp C D DI AN R NO HTS G LI E D e:

m he

A modern Norwegian take on an old Icelandic tradition From being a simple, traditional, hand-made product from Iceland, to hitting the shelves all around the world, Skyr® is now an all-time favourite in Norway. Q-Meieriene brought Skyr® from Iceland to the Norwegian market and has for over a decade now been raising the bar in the world of yoghurt innovations. By Andri Papanicolas | Photos: Skyr®

Up until 2009, finding a healthy yoghurt on the Norwegian market could be a challenge. “Skyr® was the first brand to introduce a truly filling yoghurt, rich with nutrition. In addition to its unique product benefits, Skyr® also stood out on what could probably be described as an otherwise quite dull yoghurt shelf, with vibrant colours and unique cup shapes that broke with the established category language,” says product manager Michelle Bruåsdal Larsen. Icelandic tradition with a Norwegian touch The traditional Icelandic yoghurt contains a naturally high level of protein, is 46 | Issue 137 | December 2021

fat-free, low on sugar, and considered by many to be a perfect snack. It is made from skimmed milk, with natural sugars from milk and fruit.

The natural flavour is the most common across the world, but Q-Meieriene has found that Norwegians love to jazz things up, explains Bruåsdal Larsen. Q-Meieriene’s Skyr® started out with three different flavours back in 2009 and has now grown into a range of 21 flavours, including raspberry and panna cotta, coffee and vanilla, strawberry and lime, and salty caramel. In addition to this, Skyr® has its own limited-edition series. Twice a year, consumers get to vote on their preferred flavour combinations, developed by Q-Meieriene and launched for a limited time before they are replaced with the fans’ next favourite. This autumn, for the first time ever, Skyr® launched three different limitededition versions. The newcomers are melon and passionfruit, raspberry and passionfruit, and peach and passionfruit

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Nordic Culinary Delights and Products – Made in Norway

– so it’s pretty obvious which flavour is the big, new trend there! A strong brand open to new innovations The Skyr® portfolio has been continuously expanded and optimised at the request of consumers. When consumers started asking about a child-friendly Skyr®, Q-Meieriene realised that there was a gap in the market for a nutritional yoghurt for kids and, as a result, launched Skyr® Mini. “Since its launch in 2015, Skyr® Mini has been, and still is, the healthiest yoghurt for children,” says Bruåsdal Larsen. “It comes in a practical pouch, which makes it super easy for children to eat and handle the yoghurt by themselves. Because of all these benefits, Skyr® Mini is one of the most popular brands for kids. It comes in five different flavours.” Skyr® has also expanded its assortment by launching new products, such as Skyr® Luftig – a unique yoghurt whipped with air that gives it a completely different consistency, like a fluffy mousse. It is a consumer-driven innovation that was developed in response to a request

from consumers who wanted a Skyr® mousse that felt even lighter. In 2020, when Nielsen’s BASES launched its list of the top 25 breakthrough innovations, it was ranked as one of the most innovative products in Europe.

Web: www.q-meieriene.no Facebook: skyr.norge Instagram: @skyr.norge

The unique bond between Skyr® and its consumers From the very beginning, Skyr® has been very successful with new launches, and Bruåsdal Larsen believes this is due to their close dialogue with consumers. “Consumer involvement is something Skyr® values highly. We want to make sure that consumers are heard and included in the innovation process,” she says. “Consumers are engaged and willing to share brutally honest feedback.” In addition, they are more than willing to share their #skyrøyeblikk (‘skyrmoments’) on social media, contributing to a unique conversation between the brand and the consumers through online engagement. It seems Skyr® is here to stay, and there’s certainly no doubt that the Icelandic yoghurt has made its way into the hearts of the Norwegian people.

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 47

All products are constructed and produced in Bryn in Oslo.

A botanical sip of Norwegian nature For one of Norway’s most innovative independent distilleries, the goal is to create a pure taste of Nordic nature with its wild mountains, salty sea, green meadows and deep woods. By Åsa H. Aaberge | Photos: Oslo Håndverksdestilleri/OHD

Norway has a long and rich liquormaking history. At one point, the country had thousands of registered distilleries. A ban on liquor, and from 1927 a state monopoly on distillation, put an end to the independent distilleries. But in the early 2000s, small-scale distilleries started to bloom again. One of the first was Oslo Håndverksdistilleri (Oslo Handicraft Distillery, or OHD), founded in Oslo in 2015. “When we started, we began to look at the history of distilling in Norway. Historically, no one used the exotic spices common in aquavit today, like star anise and such. We started to play with the idea of making spirits using nothing but 48 | Issue 137 | December 2021

botanicals that grow naturally in Norway,” says Frederik Dahl, sales and marketing manager at OHD. “That idea became what separates us from the rest.” A thorough research process began, to find out which herbs to use and how best to utilise them. “We visited old farms, found the oldest man on the farm and asked him what his grandfather used to make liquor back in the days,” Dahl explains. Back in the laboratory, the OHD team experimented with different botanicals to find which recipes worked or not. “Spirits like aquavit, gin and whisky were histor-

ically known as medicine and called the water of life. Traditional medical plants were often used, so we ended up visiting a museum in Oslo where they still grow a lot of the traditional medicinal plants. That became the starting point for which plants we ended up using,” says Dahl. Today, OHD uses a variety of about 20 botanicals in total, in products ranging from aquavit to bitter, gin and vodka. The world’s best gin For OHD, it’s been essential to establish a unique signature taste. The taste of the botanicals gives a distinct character to the products, explains Dahl. “We have six or seven plants that make up the base of all our products, so it makes for a clear distillery taste,” he says. Elderflower, meadowsweet, chamomile and Norwegian angelica, juniper and caraway are sourced locally in the Oslo

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Nordic Culinary Delights and Products – Made in Norway

region or other parts of Norway. A drawing of the angelica plant is present in the OHD logo, to highlight the significance of the herb. “Many distilleries abroad view the Norwegian angelica as Norway’s gift to gin distilling. It binds the tastes together and works as a taste enhancer in botanical liquor,” says Dahl.

OHD uses only Norwegian botanicals, such as juniper, angelica and chamomile.

The OHD team of five do all the work and production in an old factory building along the river in Bryn in Oslo. In a pursuit to improve and learn, OHD also collaborates with other distilleries, currently whisky distilleries in Ireland and Scotland.

It all started with what has now become one of its signature products. “It began with Vidda, which is now our signature gin. When hiking in the mountains, there are several herbs along the way, which are very common in the Norwegian mountains, like juniper. We wanted to make a classic London dry gin solely based on botanicals growing in Norway,” says Dahl. When OHD launched Vidda, it was the world’s first-known London dry gin without a trace of citrus in it. “It sure does have a taste of citrus, but that comes from the way we distil the juniper and pine. It is a classic London dry in that it follows all the rules of a dry gin, but we felt we nailed the masterpiece of making a Norwegian gin with only Norwegian plants – hence why we named it Vidda tørr gin,” says Dahl. From the first batch to the final recipe there’s hard work, trial and error, improvement and success. “We spent years perfecting it, and last year our Vidda gin won gold in the most prestigious competition for gin in the homeland of gin,

while keeping tradition and innovation in mind. “We like to say that we’re so traditional we’re modern. The recipes we use for gin and aquavit can be considered quite modern, but we incorporate tradition and make it better, our own way,” explains Dahl.

the UK Spirit Masters. Vidda became the master, which means that it’s the best gin in the world,” says Dahl. That’s not the first renowned award OHD has acquired. The distillery has earned many medals over the years in several of the most prestigious competitions internationally. Currently, the OHD products are sold primarily in European countries, but the distillery also exports to Japan and will soon enter the American market. ‘So traditional we’re modern’ OHD continuously strives to create spirits with a clear Nordic taste profile,

The goal is to acquire a taste that is unique and to be groundbreaking in the pursuit. For example, OHD was the first Norwegian distillery to use bourbon barrels for aquavit. The most crucial key to success, however, lies in botanicals, according to Dahl. “By using solely Norwegian plants, the liquors become typical for us and Norway. Each one of our products is connected to a place, and named after mountains and the sea. The notion of something that tastes like Norway, even for people who have never been here, is appreciated. Our products taste like Norwegian nature, mountains, meadows, woods and fields,” says Dahl. Web: www.oslohd.com Instagram: @ohd_the_oslo_distilleri

Norwegian Wood is the newest member in the repertoire. Birch leaves, mead weed and elderflower add character to the vodka.

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 49

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Nordic Culinary Delights and Products – Made in Norway

Photo: Sigurd Løseth

Good for quenching thirst. Photo: Maksym Tychavski

A revolution in water retail Lofoten Arctic Water takes on competitors in water retail with an exclusive, eternally recyclable aluminium bottle. By Eva-Kristin U. Pedersen

Award-winning design

It is everything that you’d think of as Norwegian: pure, fresh, cold, uncontaminated. Lofoten Arctic Water comes from a mountain lake, tucked away among the breathtakingly beautiful peaks of the Lofoten Islands – one of Norway’s most valued destinations.

lieves gives them a cutting edge compared to their competitors is not so much the premium quality of their water, but the material: the 473-millilitre bottle is made of aluminium, a complete novelty when it comes to water on the Norwegian and most of the European markets.

Superior-stamped

“Glass is heavy and transport became a real challenge for us. We were looking for alternatives, but plastic wasn’t one of them. We didn’t want to contribute to filling up the ocean with more plastic,” says Cecilie Qvigstad Williksen, sales and marketing coordinator at Lofoten Arctic Water.

Things really started to happen for Lofoten Arctic Water in 2016, when new investors came in and enhanced the tapping of still water from the lake on 888-millilitre glass bottles intended mainly for the restaurant market. In 2018, they finalised their own bottling facilities in Gravdal, only nine kilometres from the water source. Lofoten Arctic Water quickly gained recognition from The Fine Water Academy, which gave the small Norwegian producer a Superior stamp because of the completely negligible levels of minerals in the water.

The choice fell on the Alumi-Tek® bottle, produced by Ball Corporation. “It’s really a can that’s narrower at the top and that has a screw cap,” Williksen explains. But more importantly, she stresses, it is forev-

A forever recyclable bottle Now that they are presenting a new, onthe-go version of their product, what the small team at Lofoten Arctic Water be50 | Issue 137 | December 2021

er recyclable. In the world at large, some 75 per cent of all aluminium ever produced is still in use.

The source of Lofoten Arctic Water, in Lofoten, Norway. Photo: The Arctic Couple

The production of aluminium bottled water started in 2020, but the pandemic delayed any major marketing offensive. “It’s really just now that we are able to start making ourselves known,” explains Williksen excitedly. The company nevertheless used the pandemic well, enabling a new production line with aluminium bottles directly at their facilities in Gravdal. “We are so lucky to have good water almost everywhere in Norway,” says Williksen, “but we’re not used to buying water in bottles that are not transparent so that we can see the water we are about to drink.” The sleek, environmentally super-friendly aluminium bottle filled with Lofoten Arctic Water might just change that in the time to come. Web: lofoten-water.com/en Facebook: LofotenArcticWater Instagram: @lofotenarcticwater LinkedIn: Lofoten Arctic Water AS Pinterest: @LofotenArcticWater Twitter: @LofotenW

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Nordic Culinary Delights and Products – Made in Norway

A Norwegian chocolate fairytale Nittedal Chocolate Factory is a hidden gem located half an hour from Oslo, and this is where something truly great happens for many a lover of the sweet treat. The chocolate made here is produced using cocoa beans imported from the most exclusive cocoa areas of the world. And the best part? The handmade chocolate is all cruelty-free and ethically grown. By Andri Papanicolas | Photos: Nittedal Sjokoladefabrikk

“Why do we care about where our wine comes from? What country and region? It’s because of the quality, right? So why don’t we do the same with chocolate?” suggests chocolate maker Bjarne Nielsen. From a bag of cocoa beans to a chocolate factory Bjarne is a science teacher and has always loved to learn about how things are made. Years ago, he went to Madagascar to work on a charity project and, as a reward, he received a bag of raw cocoa beans. After he got home, he found himself confused, staring at the bag, thinking: ‘Well, this doesn’t look like chocolate – how do we make it into chocolate?’ His curiosity was ignited and he started making confectionery for friends and family for Christmas. Soon thereafter, he learnt how to make proper chocolate and started selling it to local cafes and baker-

ies, and today, the Norwegian Willy Wonka runs Nittedal Chocolate Factory with two Oompa Loompas. They are now preparing for the busiest time of year – Christmas.

play around with different flavours and create exciting combinations. Christmas is around the corner, and the factory is well underway with producing this year’s festive chocolates. Maybe you might want to try one with liquorice and raspberry? Or have you ever tried Ecuadorian chocolate, made with only beans and sugar? The taste of that one in particular might surprise you!

No shortcuts Along Nielsen’s chocolate journey, he realised that making chocolate with true cocoa beans from ethically grown cocoa farms is simply the best way to go. “It’s about quality, not quantity. I know that larger chocolate producers buy chocolate en masse in big volumes. Unfortunately, in many cases, this leads to slavery. That, and the fact that the chocolate tastes way better, is the reason we use the bean-tobar method,” he says. Bean-to-bar means that there are no shortcuts in the production of chocolate. Nittedal Chocolate Factory imports high-quality cocoa beans that they roast and melt at the right temperatures to create the exact taste they want. They then

Bjarne Nielsen.

Web: nittedalsjokoladefabrikk.no Facebook: Nittedalsjokoladefabrikk Instagram: @Nittedal_Sjokoladefabrikk

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 51

It is the people that make the company. Here, the production team. Photo: Siv-Elin Nærø

Seaweed is the future It was their shared interest in the world of seaweeds and a vision to develop a new type of aquaculture that, in 2016, led Annelise Chapman and Bjørn Otterlei to found TANGO Seaweed AS. Kelps cultivated in clear Norwegian ocean waters become organically certified food products that are healthy for people, as well as for the environment. By Ndéla Faye | Photos: TANGO Seaweed

Located just north of the West Cape, TANGO Seaweed is a pioneer in seaweed farming in Norway. When the company first started, it was very much a jump in at the deep end. “It was a real learning

curve for us, as we had to gain a true understanding of open-water systems, ecology and turning seaweed into a business,” says Chapman, who has a background in marine science.

TANGO Seaweed’s product line is an easy way to get acquainted with new tastes of kelps. Photo: Siv-Elin Nærø

52 | Issue 137 | December 2021

TANGO Seaweed is now at the forefront of an emerging seaweed economy in Norway and Europe. Building a completely new value chain requires different types of knowledge, and the team and network surrounding TANGO include researchers, former fishermen, engineers, financial advisors and marketing experts, but also foodies and ocean enthusiasts. “We believe that the people make our company,” Chapman adds. Currently, the company is cultivating local seaweed species, sugar kelp and winged kelp at their sea farm at Skarveskjæret. No chemicals are used during the cultivation process, where minute seedlings applied to horizontal long-lines right below the surface grow into two-metre plants. During winter, there is little visible development, but the seaweed grows rapidly in the spring as the days get longer. Harvesting takes place between April and June. To ensure top quality,

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Nordic Culinary Delights and Products – Made in Norway

TANGO Seaweed harvests and dries the seaweed still hanging on the ropes – almost like tomatoes on the vine. As seaweeds absorb nutrients and minerals from the environment they grow in, clean sea water is essential for obtaining good-quality biomass. TANGO Seaweed’s location is organically certified based on long-term water quality assessments. “We are dedicated to producing seaweeds in accordance with nature’s principles, and we are delivering products that are healthy for people as well as for the planet,” says Chapman. There is great potential in seaweed With TANGO Seaweed’s cultivation process, there is no need to add fertilisers or fresh water, and no arable land is being used. Everything the seaweed needs to grow is present in the water. “We are simply harnessing what is naturally available to us, and utilising it in our product,” Chapman explains, adding that the drying process alone transforms the seaweed into a high-quality and very stable product that is ready to be used – mainly as a food ingredient. However, according to Chapman, it takes time to build the market, and education is a crucial element on this path. While people in Asia have a long tradition of eating seaweed and kelp as sea vegetables, we in Europe have just begun to rediscover seaweed as an important source of nutrients from the sea. “The Vikings knew that seaweed was rich in vitamins and minerals, and after

Within just six months from seeding them onto cultivation lines, the minute seedlings grow into two-metre plants in the sea farm.

the war, seaweed and kelp were used as animal feed. Nowadays, it is not only the sushi wave that has swept over Europe, but high-profile chefs in the Nordic region are at the forefront of using the sea’s plants in modern Nordic cuisine,” says Chapman. “There is great potential in seaweed. It is a versatile product, and a great marine resource that future generations can also benefit from.” As a marketing tool, TANGO Seaweed has also developed its own series of organically certified kelp products. This range includes seaweed and nut mixes, as well as pure kelp flakes. “The combination products function as a door opener, getting customers acquainted with a new kind of taste and making it easy for them to use seaweed in the kitchen,” Chapman explains. Both sugar kelp and winged kelp are characterised by their strong salt and umami flavours, which make them a great addition to just about

anything, from soups and salads to veggies, fish and meat. On top of their exquisite taste, the nutritional benefits of kelps are numerous: they make a healthy table salt replacement, are rich in fibre and iodine and low in fat, and contain many important minerals and vitamins. TANGO Seaweed’s products are available for sale from small retailers around Norway, or by pre-ordering on demand. The company aims to expand its sale of seaweed further into Europe. “We are on a journey inspired by fascinating marine plants, a virtually unlimited number of seaweed products and a genuine desire to improve marine resource use for future generations,” Chapman concludes. Web: www.tangoseaweed.no Facebook: tangoseaweed.no

Photo: Julie Kreis From farm to table: the dried seaweed raw material is tasty and delicious and makes a nutritious ingredient in most dishes.

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 53

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Nordic Culinary Delights and Products – Made in Norway

Left: This Christmas, the distillery will launch its first take on the Christmas aquavit, a traditional drink in Norway at Christmas. Middle: The distillery. Right: Aquavit pictured amongst the Sunnmøre Alps, where the Brennevinsgrova distillery is located.

A fluid taste of northwestern Norway When Harald Strømmegjerde took over the family farm, he established something quite contrary to his predecessors. His pursuit, still grounded in local traditions, turned out to be award-winning. By Åsa H. Aaberge | Photos: Brennevinsgrova

Deep in a valley, at the end of the fjord in the outskirts of Sykkylven, lies the distillery Brennevinsgrova, surrounded by the wild, steep landscape of the Sunnmøre Alps. Inspired by the regional surroundings, Harald Strømmgjerde founded Brennevinsgrova on the family farm in 2019. Two years on, the liquor has acquired notable awards for both its taste and its looks. To date, Strømmegjerde makes five types of gin and five variations of aquavit at Brennevinsgrova. All products are based on and inspired by local ingredients, traditions and tastes. Water used in the Brennevinsgrova spirit comes from the glaciers in the surrounding Sunnmøre Alps, some gins are made with seaweed from nearby coastal village Herøy, and the aquavit contains potatoes from the area. “I aim to use local flavours in the products, such as locally grown berries, fruit 54 | Issue 137 | December 2021

and herbs. Our bestseller, the Strawberry Pink gin, is made using raspberries and strawberries from Valldal, about an hour from here. Other liquors have locally sourced ingredients like blueberries, rhubarb, apples and chervil,” says Strømmegjerde. The Brennevinsgrova products are local in every sense of the word. Earlier this autumn, a couple of Strømmegjerde’s friends showed up unannounced at the distillery door with 30 litres of blueberries picked in the mountains behind the farm. “They offered me the berries to make blueberry gin. So, even if I do most of the work at Brennevinsgrova myself, I get both help and inspiration from people around me,” says Strømmegjerde. The name Brennevinsgrova has local affiliations dating back hundreds of years. Brennevinsgrova directly translates from

Norwegian to ‘liquor spring’. Although it is not, naturally, liquor that flows through the spring, it was a spot where, according to local history, people back in the day would have stopped to take a sip of an alcoholic beverage on their way home from the village. During wintertime, the spring never freezes, and it has therefore been a source for the locals to quench their thirst for centuries. The small distillery has claimed notable awards in international competitions across the world. “This year, we won gold in London for gin and two silver medals for the bottle design. It feels good to know our products meet high-quality standards out in the world,” says a humble Strømmegjerde. He is constantly aiming to further the brand and is currently working to bring back local, traditional techniques to create the first Brennevinsgrova whisky, made using turf sourced nearby and Norwegian malt and grains. Web: www.brennevinsgrova.no Instagram: @brennevinsgrova

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Nordic Culinary Delights and Products – Made in Iceland

Ex-US president Bill Clinton stopping by for a hotdog.

Bæjarins Betzu Pylsur: Iceland’s humble hotdog celebrity Hotdogs are arguably the west’s favourite street food, and in Iceland there is only one contender for the island’s best sausage. Bæjarins Betzu Pylsur draws tourists and famous faces in numbers only rivalled by that of the local regulars who swear by the almost-100-year-old recipe.

is actually a very popular tradition. When Icelanders go abroad, the things they miss most are the Icelandic pools and Bæjarins hotdogs!” says Baldur.

By Lena Hunter | Photos: Baejarins Beztu Pylsur

I’ll take eina með öllu!

The birth of the hotdog is credited to a German immigrant called Feuchtwanger, who brought the frankfurter to the American mid-west in the 1880s, where it was promptly slotted into a bun and crowned the king of fast food. 50 years later, Iceland found its own Feuchtwanger: Jón Sveinsson. In 1937, the fisherman brought a Danish sausage recipe across the North Sea and began selling hotdogs on the streets of Reykjavik. Bæjarins Betzu Pylsur (for ‘The Best Sausages in Town’) quickly became a local icon. Four generations later, the hotdog is still part of Iceland’s national cuisine and Jón’s great-grandson, Baldur Halldórsson, has taken up the mantle. Serious about sausages “We take hotdogs way too seriously,” laughs Baldur. Bæjarins Beztu sausages are made with lamb – more flavoursome and readily available on the windswept

isle than pork. “The buns are all-natural, steamed so they become super soft, and our sausages are heated to 80 degrees to have that perfect snappy bite. The combination of textures is perfect,” he explains. The hotdogs are topped with traditional favourites: raw and cooked onion, Icelandic specialty Vals (a sweet apple ketchup), brown Danish mustard – strong and bitter – and Remoulade, a mayonnaise-based sauce with relish.

Despite international acclaim, Bæjarins Beztu’s philosophy remains true to its roots: “Our only mission here is to give our clients great hotdogs,” says Baldur. “That’s something we’re very proud of.” Do it like a local and order one with ‘the works’ – or ‘eina með öllu’. The storied sausage-stand is a must for travellers looking to get under the skin of Iceland’s national cuisine.

A real Icelandic welcome Bæjarins Beztu has such a cult following that ex-US president Bill Clinton even snagged a sausage on his trip to Iceland, as did vocalist James Hetfield of Metallica. Baldur now has seven locations on the small island, including a newly-opened stand in the airport. “The first thing you can do when you enter the country now is have a hotdog – which

Web: bbp.is

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 55

Photo: Anders Husa

A true taste of Denmark For a genuine experience of Nordic cuisine, look no further than the quintessentially Danish Christianshavn Færgecafé in one of the capital’s oldest, most charming neighbourhoods. Here, you can sample outstanding old-school classics with a contemporary twist, served with a side or two of homemade snaps. By Trine Jensen-Martin | Photos: Mikkel Bækgaard

When Erik Frandsen took over Christianshavn Færgecafè (CF) eight years ago, he wanted to create somewhere he would want to eat himself, somewhere for the whole family – a space for any celebration or event. “This place is a people place, for children and grown-ups alike. I love seeing a three-year-old with his or her first big plate of our ‘stegt flæsk’ [a muchloved Danish dish of fried pork belly] and to see them return over the years too,” says Frandsen – or the captain, as he is lovingly referred to by staff and locals. Family and a heartfelt welcome are at the core of CF, both its food and its peo56 | Issue 137 | December 2021

ple. They are self-confessed food nerds, who take everything from their smørrebrød to their evening menu equally seriously. “We want people to get to know Danish food and cooking, and to feel like

many of us feel when we sit at our mother’s table sharing a meal with family and friends,” Frandsen explains. It is about much more than food: the quality is all-important, but the way you eat, the enjoyment and the ritual, is crucial. On their website, they even have suggestions for songs to sing as you toast your snaps and enjoy your food – an element that most Danes recognise from gatherings involving a shared meal. Snaps does something different

Gents toasting their snaps.

“We want to dust off the slightly oldfashioned and outdated image that snaps has, to give it a fresh identity,” says Frandsen. Craft beer from micro-breweries and whiskey from independent distillers are nothing new these days, he argues, but in some ways snaps is. “Snaps does something very different to other spirits,” he says. “It is perfect for clearing the palate

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Nordic Culinary Delights and Products – Made in Denmark

in between dishes and is a game-changer. It sits next to food in a completely different and very playful way.” Their snaps list currently offers 40 unique tastes and styles, ranging from sweeter ones to savoury or spicier options. Captain Erik is now a snaps enthusiast extraordinaire. “When I first took over CF, I didn’t even drink snaps, so I decided to create one that I liked.” His first foray into the art of snaps making was the now popular Christianshavnerurten, made with tarragon, which, he explains, goes spectacularly well with their deconstructed, curried herring – a traditional and hugely popular dish on a Danish lunch table or at Christmas. These days, Frandsen is also partial to their horseradish-infused snaps, the Moby Dick, and enjoys sharing his expertise and passion for snaps making at one of his regular workshops, or ‘snapseskoler’, which concludes with a shared meal and a tasting of snaps. Frandsen is both honest and transparent in what he does and generously shares recipes and ideas. No frills but lots of thrills “We are contemporary, not modern, and you will find no foam or powder on our dishes,” Frandsen says. The focus is on serving the same food that you might have eaten at home – food that instantly transports you back in time, yet holds

you right here in the present because of the way Frandsen and his team recreate the classics. They keep the ingredients the same but make slight changes here and there, the overall effect still being a great taste of nostalgia. The main drive for CF is not to be at the very forefront of experimental haute cuisine, but instead to serve food that you recognise on your plate. What they do try to be is real, honest and with a focus on the full experience of the Danish kitchen.

lishment, and it’s pretty much guaranteed that you will leave with both belly and heart completely full.

The food of love “I want our customers to feel like they have had a fantastic home-cooked meal, like it was made by mum and consumed in cosy and friendly surrounds,” explains Frandsen. The Danish concept of ‘hygge’ has become very popular in the UK over the past six or seven years and is absolutely key; the atmosphere and banter between customers and crew of the great ship of CF are as important as the food. “It usually takes me ages to walk to the restaurant, because the locals know me and I them, we chat, we connect and engage with one another,” the restaurateur continues. Christianshavn Færgecafè is a neighbourhood restaurant, a place for all people, where you can expect excellent, oldschool food done in a current style; where you will always be warmly welcomed and treated to a new and exciting flavour of snaps to sample. So tread the wooden boards of this much-loved local estab-

Strandgade evening atmosphere with Erik in front of the restaurant.

Join Erik Frandsen for one of his hugely popular snaps workshops: faergecafeen.dk/snapseskole. If you can’t make it to Copenhagen, then the ever generous Captain Erik happily shares recipes of some of the firm favourites from Færgecafeen: faergecafeen.dk/opskrift-snaps

Web: faergecafeen.dk Facebook: Christianshavn Færgecafé Instagram: @faergecafeen

Snaps workshop.

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 57

Freshly fried fillets of plaice.

Real soul seafood Thorupstrand Fiskehus, on the northwesterly coast of Jutland, is fast gaining a reputation for excellent, authentic food. They offer the freshest of fish alongside local, artisan produce on a simple yet excellent menu, never compromising on quality or core values. By Trine Jensen-Martin | Photos: Thorupstrand Fiskehus

The setting for Thorupstrand Fiskehus (TF) is picture perfect, so it is little wonder that visitors flock to this place, distinctly off the well-trodden tourist track, and even less surprising that they keep coming back. Thorupstrand came to the attention of the Danes when the TV programme Gutterne på kutterne (or, ‘The guys on the boats’) aired in 2015, bringing the fishing ways of a group of local fishermen into the spotlight. These days, something else is attracting people to this unassuming fishing village.

on the sand. The fishermen bring their catch to the in-house cutting and filleting facilities, where the fish is prepared for the kitchen, and turned into mouth-watering dishes.

(Not just) a piece of fishcake! Thorupstrand Fiskehus is right on the beach, where the fishing boats pull up 58 | Issue 137 | December 2021

Welcome to the shop. Christine behind the counter. Photo: Visit Nordvestkysten

“It would be easier to buy 1,000 kilogrammes of ready-made remoulade, but we don’t. We prepare the ingredients and pickle the gherkins that go into our homemade remoulade,” explains Janet Anisimow, one of the two managers at TF. “We can guarantee the flavour and quality of each mouthful.” It’s not just about the fish; it’s about everything that goes into it. Each dish is meticulously sourced and crafted, and while certainly labour intensive, it is worth it. “We love welcoming our guests and appreciate the support we have from locals and those coming from further afield,” says Janni Olesen, TF’s other manager. That they talk about guests rather than customers is very telling of this welcoming place. It is unfussy and down-to-earth, so if you want white linen-bedecked tables and fine wines, this is perhaps not the place. However, if you are after fresh

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Nordic Culinary Delights and Products – Made in Denmark

seafood, an unpretentious menu executed to perfection, and a view to die for, then it certainly is. They are refreshingly honest in their approach; the guests collect their order from the counter and eat outside on benches facing the sea and sand dunes, or take shelter in the newly renovated room above the shop, with undisturbed views of the beach.

Boats in the sunset. Photo: Visit Nordvestkysten

Sustainable and gentle fishing methods Where TF get their ingredients from, in particular the fish, is hugely important. They only use fish that has been caught in a manner that is gentle to nature, using tools with minimum impact on seabed and wildlife, such as spinning rods, fishing nets and hooks. Although this way of fishing goes back generations in Thorupstrand, it is now in the spotlight everywhere else, too, as the rest of the world is now moving in a more environmentally focused direction. The boats are also smaller, allowing for fishing closer to the coast, as well as being out at sea for shorter periods, ensuring optimal freshness of the fish caught. Giving back to the community Thorupstrand is a close-knit community: a bustling place in summer, yet still thriving out of season. “It is important to us to show appreciation to the locals, who have supported us from day one. We are as thrilled when they visit to grab a bite and a beer and sit down to take in the sunset, as when a family of returning tourists come

in for their evening meals,” says Janni. “We want to give something back to those around us. We are a mainstay of Thorupstrand and participate in the community wholeheartedly.” This is where it all comes together: the fishermen and their methods, the local produce and the people; they are creating authentic and wonderful food, with heart and soul, rooted in local tradition, yet with a view to the future. “The building that houses our shop and restaurant is owned jointly by the fishermen in Thorupstrand, and they have chosen us to oversee and manage the place,” the two managers explain. “A percentage of the revenue from TF goes into repair of the building itself, the fishery and the machines,” they add.

They work closely together with the fishermen and the local community, and when reflecting on the challenges of not letting their business grow too big, they agree that this is simply not what they ever intended. “It is hard at times, but we are stubborn and stay true to our ideals,” Janni explains. Thorupstrand Fiskehus is a product of its community and not trying to be anything other than what it is. A genuine gem of a place, it is well worth a visit, no matter how far you may have to travel; a shared love of the sea and the surrounding nature is evident in both the people and the food. Web: www.thorupstrandfiskehus.dk Facebook: Thorupstrand Fiskehus Instagram: @thorupstrandfiskehus

Fish‘n’chips.

Janni and Janet, managers of Thorupstrand Fiskehus. Photo:Torben Agersted

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 59

Photo: Frederic Smith

Grills, mead and events at the beautiful Endrupgaard Annemarie and Mads Hartvig Jensen have each built up their own business at Endrupgaard, the old family farm. All three businesses go hand in hand: Endrupgaard offers the perfect surroundings for hosting events like barbecueing classes and mead tastings, tying the three businesses together beautifully. By Heidi Kokborg | Photos: JensenGrill

In 2010, Mads Hartvig Jensen founded JensenGrill. In 2016, he took over the family farm, Endrupgaard, and in 2018, his wife, Annemarie Hartvig Jensen, started her company, Underfundig. Running three businesses might sound like an overwhelming task to some, but this couple loves it. Annemarie worked as a pharmacist for 17 years before she got her degree as a brew master from the University of Copenhagen. During years working at Carlsberg, Jacobsen Micro Brewery and Skands, she grew increasingly interested in mead, which is the oldest alcoholic 60 | Issue 137 | December 2021

drink based on fermented honey. “I wanted to make a new interpretation of the old drink,” says Annemarie. In 2018, the new, fantastic mead was ready and Underfundig was established in the basement of their house in Frederiksberg. “Everything was carried in and out by hand. We produced in 200-litre tanks, because that was the only thing we could fit through the doors,” she says. Since then, the sales have increased and new products have been added. In 2020, Annemarie was ready to put a new sparkling mead into production. “In order to

make that, we needed an entirely different production set-up. The old horse stables on the farm were renovated and made into a brewery, and today most of our production takes place there,” Annemarie explains. A hassle-free grill In another building on the farm, Mads is producing his JensenGrill products. His interest in barbecueing came after spending time in Australia, where he became a bit of a barbecueing enthusiast. Then he brought his new passion back to Denmark. One thing that always annoyed him was the hassle of using charcoal and the missing flavour from the gas grill. With his background as a product developing engineer, he decided to design and produce his own grill in 2004. The design and functionality combining gas, charcoal and a smoker in one unique

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Nordic Culinary Delights and Products – Made in Denmark

unit is still the cornerstone among all the JensenGrill products today. “I have taken the best from all worlds and eliminated the hassles. Use the gas to ignite the charcoal, use it as a traditional gas grill, or transform it into a smoker. You never run out of heat when barbecueing on charcoal, as the gas burner can always be used as a supplement. A handle in the front adjusts the distance between the charcoal and the grate, giving you perfect heat control,” Mads explains. “Design is a personal matter, but I have made something very unique. It’s minimalistic and beautiful, and I think it fits our proud Scandinavian tradition.” Everything is made using high-quality materials, and the few parts that wear out over the years can be easily replaced, giving you a grill that lasts for a very long time. “Once you have tried JensenGrill, you will never look back,” Mads asserts.

“The functionality and flexibility are extraordinary; a grill from JensenGrill is a must for every foodie. Each grill is carefully designed and hand-built here at Endrupgaard.” Sparkling mead, barbecueing techniques and activities in the park “Endrupgaard has a gorgeous view overlooking Esrum Lake, and we already have both my production and my wife’s mead production here, so creating events that include both businesses was a natural addition,” says Mads. Whether you are looking for a company activity, something to do with your friends, or a weekend activity for the family, the barbecueing classes are always a huge hit among visitors. A grilling class will teach you a range of tips and tricks about grilling, plus you get a unique opportunity to try a JensenGrill.

“Making food is always a nice social activity. In the summer, you can use our park, tennis court or football goals to play games or have a little competition, if you need a social activity on top of the food and grilling,” says Mads. During 2022, the couple also plans to expand the events on Endrupgaard to include mead tastings, and to collaborate with locals – so stay tuned, as there will without a doubt be an event for you.

Web: www.endrupgaard.dk www.jensengrill.com www.underfundig.dk Facebook: JensenGrill UNDERFUNDIGmjød Instagram: @jensengrill @underfundigmjod YouTube: JensenGrill

Photo: Frederic Smith

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 61

Emil Kárlsen. Photo: Emmi Sollie. Instagram: @emmisphoto

The new Nordic sounds Annual Norwegian festival by:Larm acts as a combined showcase festival and music business conference and has been visited in the past by then-emerging artists such as MØ, Lykke Li, Robyn, Aurora and Billie Eilish. This year’s festival took place during the first weekend of October, presenting up-and-coming talent as well as those who have already made it big in their native countries. Scan Magazine reports from the festival with ten Nordic acts to look out for in 2022. By Alyssa Nilsen 62 | Issue 137 | December 2021

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Ten Nordic Music Acts to Watch in 2022

Metteson. Photo: Haakon Paulsen

Metteson Norwegian artist and actor Metteson (Sverre Breivik) was the one to watch at this year’s by:Larm, even winning by:Larm’s own talent award, Årets Stjerneskudd (‘Shooting Star of the Year’), previously won by ISAH and Girl in Red. His catchy, eclectic Scandi-pop and live show are ‘80s synth, disco glam, Eurovision grandeur and performance art wrapped up in one enticing package. His by:Larm concert was so popular that large parts of the crowd were watching from the surrounding corridors and open doorways. Check out: Under Your Shirt and Harder. Jada Danish pop sensation Jada released her debut single Keep Cool back in 2018 and has had huge success in her home country. With her soulful pop and soaring voice, Jada has won 13 Danish music awards, and her hit single Nude spent weeks in the charts.

At by:Larm, she proved the international appeal of an artist who is rapidly becoming the voice of a generation. Her shows are as full of colour, flair and life as the artist herself.

Jada. Photo: Abdirahman Ibrahim Instagram: @Abdi.Ibrahim

Check out: Nudes and I’m Back. Emil Kárlsen Sami language and culture are slowly making their way into popular music, with a new, young generation of artists reclaiming their identity and heritage. Emil Kárlsen from Omasvuotna/Storfjord in Troms writes poetic lyrics in traditional Northern Sami, mixed with modern, melodic music and wide-reaching soundscapes. His by:Larm performance was as educational, beautiful and powerful as his music, with cultural history, yoik and backdrop projections showing Sami art and nature. Check out: Áddjá and Áhkku

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 63

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Ten Nordic Music Acts to Watch in 2022

Myra Granberg. Photo: Emmi-Sollie. Instagram: @emmisphoto

Myra Granberg Swedish songstress Myra Granberg has racked up an incredible 37.4 million Spotify streams of her 2018 debut single, Tills mitt hjärta går under, a song she wrote for her little sister. Since then, her singles Lose My Mind and HKH (Håll käften & försvinn) have joined the millions-of-streams club. Granberg’s debut album, Andra sidan är ni klara, released in September 2021, shot straight into the Swedish album charts. Her by:Larm gig saw the concert venues Sentrum Scene and Vulkan Arena sway as the crowds danced to her catchy, upbeat pop songs. Check out: Tills mitt hjärta går under and Lose My Mind. Fixation The by:Larm concept by:Larm Black presents hard rock, punk and metal as part of the festival. One of this year’s by:Larm Black acts was Norwegian melodic metalcore band Fixation, proving that there is more to the Norwegian metal scene than black metal. Fixation released their critically acclaimed debut EP in 2020 with thundering soundscapes, soaring vocals and beautiful harmonies. At by:Larm, they proved their strengths as live musicians, presenting a majestic set that would have suited a stadium just as well as it did a small concert venue. 64 | Issue 137 | December 2021

Fixation. Photo: NastjaIzotova

Check out: What Have We Done and Neurosis Dopha Danish artist Dopha (Sofie Daugaard Andersen) released her debut album The Game in January of this year, and several of her singles received airplay on Danish radio. She brings crisp pop music with hidden depth: vulnerable yet strong, lighthearted yet melancholic, with subtle pop that explodes into rock.

ISAH Norwegian R&B artist ISAH is one of Norway’s fastest rising stars, with large collabs with established acts, festival appearances and millions of streams. He has won multiple awards, including by:Larm’s own Årets Stjerneskudd (‘Shooting Star of the Year’) award in 2020, as well as two Spellemannprisen (often referred to as the Norwegian Grammys).

by:Larm saw the singer deliver two explosive concerts over the course of the weekend, earning her many new fans in the Norwegian capital.

His 2021 by:Larm concert was the grand finale of the festival. Massive light and stage designs, guest artists and an abundance of energy sent the audience into a frenzy, proving that ISAH is ready for much larger stages going forward.

Check out: The Game and Happy For Me.

Check out: HALLO and Begge To

Dopha. Photo: Jakob Braaten

ISAH. Photo: KaiChen @kaicheen

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Ten Nordic Music Acts to Watch in 2022

Tuomo Vaananen. Photo: Elias Undal

Tuomo Väänänen Finnish sound artist and musician Tuomo Väänänen mixes slow and dark synth sounds with calm rhythms and nature sounds, creating soundscapes that are as beautifully expansive as they are ominous and hypnotising. His latest album, Topics, was released earlier in 2021, and he was one of the bookers’ recommendations at this year’s festival. Determined to make the spectators listen, he wrapped the by:Larm audiences in that carpet of frosty, digital sound that seems exclusive to the Nordics. Check out: Enclose and Contain Hudkreft

of social criticism, personal experiences and digs at politics and religion. Check out: Kulturelitens barn and President Raprock! Sara Parkman Swedish contemporary folk musician Sara Parkman mixes Viking and folk sounds with classical strings and intriguing rhythms, resulting in a fascinating blend sounding like nothing else out there. Trained at Royal College of Music in Stockholm, Parkman has released two solo albums, collaborated with Fever Ray, Bob Hund and Silvana Imam, and received several grants and awards in her home country.

Punk rock never died, and Norwegian outfit Hudkreft is a perfect example of the new generation of punks, bringing knitted scarves and moshpits to by:Larm Black. The young quartet is determined to cement punk’s place in the current musical environment and does it with flair. Hudkreft’s debut album, Nevemagnet, was released earlier this year, consisting

Parkman’s by:Larm concert was set in St. James Church of Culture, the perfect setting for her beautifully ethereal music. Check out: Vreden and Kyrie / Sjung, syster sjung! Hudkreft. Photo: NastjaIzotova

To stay up to date on the latest in Nordic music and find out what’s in store for next year’s festival, follow by:Larm on their social platforms:

Sara Parkman. Photo: Marcus Grunwald. Instagram: @marcusgrunwald

Web: bylarm.no Facebook: bylarm Instagram: @bylarmfestivalen Twitter: @bylarm

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 65

R AY E W NT OR l I a i ec T W IN N Sp S BE CES E TH IEN ER P EX e:

White-painted wooden houses in Lyngør, which characterise the whole southern coast. Photo: Frame & Work © Visit Sørlandet

66 | Issue 137 | December 2021

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Best Winter Experiences in Norway

Winter adventures in the south of Norway With its warmer climate and wealth of sunny activities, the southernmost region of Norway, Sørlandet, is popularly thought of as a summer holiday destination. But the region’s mountainous areas and coast alike have several wintery destinations worth visiting, and Visit Sørlandet is keen to make sure they’re not overshadowed, pointing to both the excellent skiing facilities and the picturesque, white-painted seaside villages that twinkle throughout the darker months. By Lise Lærdal Bryn

The first things that come to mind when people think of Norway are often skiing and snow, and the mountainous Sørlandet has no shortage of alpine activities on offer. “What really sets Norway apart from its Nordic neighbours and the Alps is the combination product of alpine and cross-country skiing,” says Mona Konuralp, strategic project manager at Visit Sørlandet. The southern region fea-

tures some of the best cross-country skiing tracks in the country, with a distinguishing feature of being up high in the mountains. A winter playground

able vistas at the summits, strap on a pair of snowshoes for a day’s snowy hike – or ‘topptur’, as it’s called in Norwegian. And of course, there are the lifts at the ski resorts in Sirdal and Setesdal, with Setesdal’s idyllic Hovden as the crown jewel.

There are miles upon miles of snowcovered peaks to explore beyond the prepared path. If skiing isn’t your forte but you’d still like to experience the remark-

Hovden Ski Resort is not only an excellent ski destination for adults, but it is renowned for its suitability for families with

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 67

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Best Winter Experiences in Norway

the southernmost point of Norway. “You can get close to nature by the sea, too, with beautiful trails around Lindesnes Lighthouse,” says marketing manager Elisabeth Høibo. Konuralp chimes in: “On a stormy day, when everything shivers and shakes, you can have a thrilling experience out there.” The Sørlandet’s coastal archipelago of shoals and small islands – what in Norwegian is known as ‘skjærgården’ and is often referred to as Norway’s riviera – is generally rife with activities such as paddling, surfing, nature observatories and schools, fishing, and refreshing walks along the sandy beaches. During the winter, you just need to put on a few more layers. In recent years, ice-bathing has also become more and more popular, and taking a dip by the white-painted wooden buildings of the villages all along the coast is like a dream.

Enjoy a Michelin-star dinner five and a half metres below the sea level in Under. Photo: BorderFreeTravels © Fredrik Bye

Under from above. Photo: BorderFreeTravels © Fredrik Bye

These villages also provide a great opportunity for people who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of a more metropolitan environment, with the chance to explore historic old buildings and speciality boutiques. “We’ve noticed a recent travel trend in visiting less populated areas, smaller and more intimate travel destinations,” says Høibo, and this is true of both the coast and the mountains. You can also find privacy of a woodier variety across the region in the unique treetop cabins that have soared in popularity in the last couple of years, particularly among international guests – and more cabins are being built every year! World-class gastronomy at Under and Boen Gård

young children – the epitome of a winter playground. The resort features slopes of all difficulty levels, hosts an excellent ski school for all ages and skill levels, and is home to Tusseland, a special alpine park for children. Older skiers and snowboarders can enjoy themselves in the Hovden Terrain Park, which is one of the best 68 | Issue 137 | December 2021

and biggest terrain parks in the country, stretching over 1,250 metres and boasting more than 30 elements. The southern cape of Norway There is more to the south of Norway in winter than skiing, however, and Visit Sørlandet highlights Lindesnes,

Not many people know that seafood tastes best in winter, and Sørlandet has plenty of it to offer – most notably in the world’s largest underwater restaurant, Under, where you are served Michelin-star quality food, five and a half metres beneath the sea level. The architecturally striking building that lies half-sunken into the ocean leads to a dining room with a truly unforgettable sea view; you are seated by large glass windows that face directly into the marine life of Skagerrak. The

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Best Winter Experiences in Norway

Left: Seafood tastes best caught in the cold water of winter. Photo: Magnus Furset © Visit Sørlandet. Middle: Sleep amid the tree tops in Gjerstad. Photo: Frame & Work © Visit Sørlandet. Right: Ice-bathing. Photo: Betti Bernsten. Bottom: Huskies in Sirdal. Photo: Sirdal Huskyfarm

sustainable set menu features local, seasonal produce put together by head chef Nicolai Ellitsgaard, who aims to showcase the best the region has to offer and push guests beyond their comfort zone.

Lindesnes both certified as sustainable travel destinations, and Visit Sørlandet is working to make sure that Kristiansand and Arendal, the region’s two largest cities, follow suit.

For a more rustic culinary experience, there is also Boen Gård: a quaint, restored farm dating back to 1520 that is today home to a premier gastronomical restaurant and historic accommodation. The kitchen aims to be as sustainable and self-sufficient as possible, with herbs, fruit and vegetables from their farm gardens and orchards, and their grazing lambs and wild-caught salmon from the river round out the menu.

Sustainability isn’t just about making sure that the locations themselves are environmentally friendly, but is also about making sure that the people who live there are protected — that it is simply a lovely place to live, and that inhabitants can remain as

proud and eager to share their home with visitors as they are today. Web: visitsorlandet.com / visitsouthernnorway.com Facebook: visitsorlandet / visitsouthernnorway Instagram: @visitsorlandet / @visitsouthernnorway YouTube: youtube.com / visitsorlandet

Sustainability and accessibility Although most tourists come by car, it’s perfectly possible to fly here, with Kristiansand Kjevik Airport as the main hub for international arrivals. “We absolutely recommend that you rent a car to get around, though,” says Høibo, with particular reference to the winding countryside roads. “An electric car, of course!” she adds with a laugh. Sustainability and environmental conscientiousness are key to the developent of the region, with Setesdalen and December 2021 | Issue 137 | 69

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Best Winter Experiences in Norway

Whale2Sea offers close encounters with the arctic wildlife at Andenes.

Experience the Arctic wildlife Previously known as Sea Safari Andenes, Whale2Sea is rebranding and expanding. Having previously focused solely on whale watching, they now offer a whole range of winter and year-round activities, including birdwatching, northern lights photography and research activities. By Alyssa Nilsen | Photos: Marten Bril

Whale2Sea is located in the Arctic town of Andenes, at the northernmost peak of the island of Andøya. Known for its dramatic nature, deep fjords and the Norwegian Sea on its doorstep, Andøya is the ideal destination for anyone interested in Arctic nature experiences and studies. Whale2Sea offers all this and much more.

whales with less impact on the animals and their territories. The RIBs also give Whale2Sea the opportunity to cover larger areas in a much shorter time, increasing the chance of finding the whales. Travelling by RIB even reduces the chance of seasickness, making the trip much more pleasant and relaxing.

With extensive experience within whale watching and collaborations with local researchers, Whale2Sea encounters whales on an estimated 98 per cent of their trips. Whale2Sea brings their guests out on RIB (rigid inflatable boat) vessels, allowing for closer encounters with the

Sperm whales are the whales most commonly spotted on trips. However, managing director Marten Bril says that the number of species visiting the area has increased in the past couple of years: “During the summer season, we’re now also getting orcas, fin whales, humpback

70 | Issue 137 | December 2021

whales and several species of dolphins,” Bril says. “Seeing these large groups of whales is an amazing experience.” Wildlife watching and northern lights photography Not only do you get the chance to see the whales up close: in the winter, Whale2Sea also offers the opportunity of snorkelling with orcas. This takes place further north, in Skjervøy, north of Tromsø, and Whale2Sea provides all the necessary equipment. It’s all done respectfully, following Whale2Sea’s code of conduct to not disturb the whales and their surroundings. But there is more to the Andenes area. It is also home to birds like white-tailed eagles, gannets and puffins. Whale2Sea offers bird safari trips, taking you on a tour of the archipelago with its variety of Arctic bird species. The trips depart

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Best Winter Experiences in Norway

daily from May through to August, with stops by Bleiksøy, one of the most famous bird colonies in Norway, with its 735,000 pairs of puffins, auks and guillemots, as well as the island of Forøy, with its colony of nesting gannets, seagulls and cormorants. You might even get to see harbour seals, harbour porpoises, otters or minks during the trip. For an extra spectacular experience, Whale2Sea also offers midnight bird and whale watching, starting at 9pm. The winter also allows for magical nightly sights and photography opportunities. Andøya is situated right underneath the northern lights oval, the area where the aurora borealis is visible. Between the end of November and mid-January, the sun never rises above the horizon, meaning that the chances of experiencing the auroras are very high. This, in addition to the lack of light pollution from larger cities, allows for amazingly vivid northern lights experiences. This far north, the auroras are visible from the end of August until the beginning of April, and Whale2Sea offers northern lights and wildlife photography workshops at Sea Safari Brygga in Andenes. Increasing the understanding of male sperm whales Whale2Sea also wants to contribute to the understanding of male sperm whales. Recently, they launched a twoyear research project funded by the

Regional Research Council Nordland in collaboration with Tromsø University and Marine Ecological Research Ltd UK. The project aims to study whale ecology, their travel routes, habitat use, diets, improved methods for acoustic detection of sperm whales, acoustic behaviour of sperm whales, and depredation behavior, as well as to determine the age structure of male sperm whales. The researchers are studying the whales’ languages and dialects and working on photo identification of their tails, which are all unique to the individual whale. This allows for the observation of individuals over time. “We want to know where they come from, when they arrive, where they travel to next and who they are,” Bril says. “When they arrive, we register them

as well as the time of arrival, allowing us to get a clearer idea of their travel habits and routes over time.” So far, research has revealed that the whales travel across extensive distances, from Svalbard in the north to Argentina in the south. And when they visit the seas of Andenes, Whale2Sea are ready to take the RIBs out to sea, to give their guests a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Web: www.whale2sea.no/en Email: post@whale2sea.no Phone: +47 916 74 960 Facebook: Sea Safari Andenes / Whale2Sea Instagram: @sea_safari_andenes

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 71

An Arctic Christmas Located in the far north of Norway, surrounded by tall, snowy mountains and deep fjords, Tromsø is the city to travel to this year for a guaranteed dose of Christmas spirit, Arctic adventures and unforgettable memories. By Alyssa Nilsen | Photos: Vegard Stien

After a long summer of 24-hour daylight, northern Norwegian winters are dark, long and cold. But in the Arctic capital of Tromsø, there’s no shortage of light and warmth. When you travel to Tromsø in the winter, you are almost guaranteed three things: lots of snow; long, dark nights; and the northern lights. What you also get are warm-hearted people and a city beautifully decorated for Christmas with cosy markets, plenty of Christmas lights to chase away the darkness, and a giant Christmas tree, which was lit on 28 November this year, the first Sunday of Advent. 72 | Issue 137 | December 2021

wine, garnished with almonds and raisins, and enjoy it with gingerbread biscuits while letting the kids loose on the skating rink, or head to one of the downtown restaurants for some local Christmas delicacies.

This year, Tromsø city is upping its Christmas game, aiming to become Norway’s number-one Christmas destination, battling places like Oslo, Lillehammer and Røros for the title. Part of the initiative is a Christmas market consisting of ten stalls, which will be filled with arts and crafts, homemade treats, Christmas decorations and a variety of other things. Sellers will change throughout the market period, meaning there are always new stalls to explore and things to see.

If you want to explore local foods and delicacies, how about some ‘ribbe’, the traditional Christmas Eve meal made from pork ribs? Or, if you’re adventurous, try the traditional lutefisk: a gelatinous cod that has been brined in lye, then rinsed of the caustic solution and prepared, often served with aquavit. Relax with a warm beverage from one of the local cafés, which will be serving hot drinks with a Christmas twist.

Sit down with a steaming hot ‘gløgg’, the richly flavoured Nordic version of mulled

But there is just as much to explore outside of the city centre, as Tromsø offers

Arctic adventures and activities

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Best Winter Experiences in Norway

stunning nature experiences. Feel the ocean breeze while attending a fjord cruise or a whale safari and be enchanted by the wild orcas. If you’re into active and immersive adventures, you can experience the northern Norwegian nature up close, snowshoe hiking in the mountains. Get into the Christmas spirit by riding a sledge pulled by reindeer and learn about Sami culture and history. Enjoy a rush of adrenaline as you race through the fresh air and snowy landscape on a husky sledge. Or why not take the Tromsø cable car up to the mountain ledge Storsteinen, 421 metres above sea level, and enjoy the spectacular views of Tromsø city and the surrounding archipelago, mountains and fjords? If you head out after dark, you’re in with a good chance of experiencing a spectacular show of the northern lights dancing across the night sky. “That’s one of the things that is so perfect about Tromsø,” product coordinator Trude Meyer Ottesen and hospitality and marketing coordinator Regine Igesund explain. “It has the urban and vibrant city centre with retail, nightlife and restaurants, but outside the city centre, on our doorstep, it has this amazing nature. You get city life and nature experiences in the same package.” After experiencing the northern Norwegian winter up close, why not head back Photo: Kari Schibevaag

Sami person and reindeer.

into Tromsø city? Relax and warm back up in the sauna with stunning views of the Arctic Cathedral, before going out to explore the city’s nightlife. Tromsø is also, as the only city in Norway, a certified sustainable destination. “There is no place like Tromsø,” says director of tourism Lone Helle. “We have it all. Welcome to the Arctic Capital!” Tidligere

To locate the Official Tourist Information Centre, keep an eye out for the green ‘i’ icon.

Information

For booking and information, head to visittromso.no

If travelling during the holidays, keep in mind that most Norwegian shops and eateries are closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, as well as on 1 and 2 January. Some restaurants and bars, however, open back up on Boxing Day. The Christmas lights are on from 18 November and the Christmas tree from 28 November.

Phone: +47 77 61 00 00 Email: info@visittromso.no Facebook: visittromso Instagram: @visittromso

Fishing

Northern Lights

Hiking

Accommodation

Photography

Husky

Snowmobile

Kayak

Bicycle

Camper

Snowshoeing & Skiing

Car

Wildlife

Fjord

Boat

Midnight sun

Snow & Ice

Family

Northern lights over Tromsø. Swimming/Sauna

Sami & Reindeer

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 73

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Best Winter Experiences in Norway

Taxi bob.

A rush of adrenaline Having hosted the Winter Olympics in 1994, Lillehammer is now home to several top-quality sports arenas. 27 years later, they are still fully operable and play a large part in Norwegian professional sports. But not only athletes have access to the stunning venues of Olympiaparken; tourists and visitors are allowed to come and play too.

families, friends, company outings and other group events. The Lillehammer snow park, located five minutes away from Lillehammer town centre, offers panoramic views of the town, the lake Mjøsa, and the Gudbrandsdalen valley.

By Alyssa Nilsen | Photos: Daniel Nordby

Have you ever watched bobsleighs during a winter sports tournament and wondered what it would be like to slide down that icy lane in a vessel seemingly only controlled by gravity? Olympiaparken is home to the Nordics’ only bobsleigh track, a 1,710metre-long construction still used as a training ground by professional athletes. Here, you can experience the thrill of a bobsleigh run first-hand in a safe and controlled manner. Open to the public between October and March, Olympiaparken offers two different types of rides, depending on just how exhilarating an experience you’re looking for. For a family-friendly experience, Olympiaparken offers Bobraft – a rubber bob driven by a professional pilot with a max capacity of four additional passen74 | Issue 137 | December 2021

gers. Security is of the utmost importance, meaning the bob is safe even for children as young as ten with guardians, or 12 without. Still, with a top speed of 100 kilometres per hour, you’re in for an adrenaline rush out of the ordinary.

Here, you can rent a sledge and ride down a one-kilometre-long prepared trail before getting the lift back up to the top and riding down again. Helmets and goggles are mandatory and are available to rent along with the sledge.

If, however, you are 16 years or older and want an experience as close to the professional run as possible, Olympiaparken also offers taxi bob. Here, you get to ride a professional bob, run by a trained pilot, with two additional passengers. The taxi bob reaches a whopping 120 kilometres per hour and gives the body pressure of 5G. Once the ride is completed, you get a diploma and a membership in the 5G club. For a less extreme, but equally enjoyable experience, Olympiaparken also offers tobogganing. This is a perfect activity for

Web: olympiaparken.no Instagram: @olympiaparken Facebook: olympiaparken

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Best Winter Experiences in Norway

Photo: Visit Dalen

Relax and rejuvenate in a golden sauna Whether you’re hankering after a long hike in the Norwegian mountains, fancy a calm getaway or just want a different and Instagram-worthy experience, Soria Moria in Dalen, Telemark, is the perfect destination: a beautiful sauna with a view straight out of a fairytale. By Alyssa Nilsen

Nestled in between steep mountains and with the sunset reflected in the Bandak Lake, there is a glimmering construction to be discovered: the Soria Moria sauna. With its golden walls and panoramic views of the surroundings, Soria Moria has already become a destination in its own right, attracting visitors from all corners of the world. Sauna culture is experiencing rapid growth in Norway, with a steadily increasing number of saunas being built all over the country. Often, the sauna experience is combined with scenic views and beautiful modern architecture – but rarely are they as visually striking as at Soria Moria. Created and constructed by a Nordic design team consisting of an architect, a landscape architect, a lighting designer and an artist, Soria Moria’s character-

istic design is inspired by the steep and dramatic surrounding mountains. The wooden shingle cladding is integrated with golden shingles, referencing the contrast between what were considered to be the more uncultivated people of Telemark at the time and the foreign, upper-class tourists visiting Dalen Hotel in the late 1800s. The gleaming gold is also a nod to the folklore lending its name to the sauna, the Soria Moria Castle – a faraway gleaming castle from a traditional Norwegian fairytale. The sauna was built as the first part of Tales of the Waterway, an art project for the Telemark canal focusing on art, architecture and lighting design. It is meant to be not just a beautiful piece of art lighting up the lake and the surroundings, but also a meeting point – somewhere to relax with friends, family, a partner or colleagues. It

is the perfect destination for tired hikers and cyclists, for sauna nights with friends, for silent reflection or for practicing yoga. Designed in such a way that you can climb to the top of the sauna stairs for more intense heat or choose to sit further down for a milder experience, the sauna is perfect for anyone wanting to experience it. And should you need a cool-down, the chilly lake is right on the sauna’s doorstep.

Photo: Dag Jenssen

Web: www.visitdalen.com Instagram: @visitdalen

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 75

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Best Winter Experiences in Norway

Photo: Visit Kongsvingerregionen

Photo: Finnskogtoppen Hotel & Spa

Winter experiences to remember Tucked away in Innlandet county, the historic town of Kongsvinger hasn’t received as much attention from foreign visitors as it deserves. A true hidden gem, the Kongsvinger region is a fantastic tourist destination with plenty to offer for those interested in history, cultural experiences and natural adventures alike. By Maria Vole

Kongsvinger is a great destination for travellers no matter the season, but winter is an especially fantastic time to visit the region, due to the varied experiences that await visitors.

ing the town is Kongsvinger Festning, a well-preserved fortress from the 1600s. The fortress is one of the town’s key tourist attractions, and its grounds are open 24/7 all year round.

A vibrant history

Øvrebyen is the oldest district in Kongsvinger and plays host to several interesting museums. Kvinnemuseet, Norway’s only women’s museum, can be found at Rolighed, and Kongsvinger Fortress Museum is located within the fortress. Kongsvinger Museum is situated just below the fortress, offering exhibitions and guided tours.

The region comprises six municipalities: Kongsvinger, Eidskog, Grue, Åsnes, Nord-Odal and Sør-Odal. Across the region, a high value is placed on preserving cultural history and paying homage to the traditional way of life, and there’s plenty for visitors to do and see. As a historic city, Kongsvinger has plenty to offer history buffs and families with kids who would love to learn about the past. Øvrebyen is Kongsvinger’s well-preserved, protected old town, full of colourful wooden houses, charming cafes and independent shops. Overlook76 | Issue 137 | December 2021

For visitors from the hustle and bustle of Oslo, the village charm and stunning natural surroundings represent a welcome change and a chance to reconnect with nature. There are plenty of opportunities for camping outside or spend-

ing a few days living on a farm or rural guesthouse. “For those of us from this region, it may not seem that exotic – but for people who have grown up in Oslo and other big cities, it’s actually a pretty unique experience,” says Ane Ingeborg Sandnæs of Visit Kongsvinger-regionen. Quite a lot of people feel the pull to get out of the city and enjoy a taste of slow living in rural villages, with farm stays being a popular option. Ingelsrud Gård is a popular accommodation option for those looking to try out off-grid living with an idyllic farm stay. The family farm Skarstad Gartneri, meanwhile, has been in operation for several generations, serving up home-cooked food to visitors. For those who value modern comforts and a great Wi-Fi connection, staying in one of the local hotels might be a better option. Finnskogtoppen Hotel & Spa is a popular choice for visitors to the area – according to Sandnæs, it’s “Norway’s most peaceful spa”. This exclusive spa and wellbeing hotel is nestled deep within Finnskogen forest, among the trees and birds.

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Best Winter Experiences in Norway

Another great option is to stay in the award-winning Festningen Hotel & Resort, located inside Kongsvinger Fortress. This unique hotel was crowned Europe’s best fortress hotel, winning the Historic Hotel Castle Award in 2017, and it offers fantastic views of the river Glomma. Reconnect with nature There’s plenty to attract nature enthusiasts to the Kongsvinger region. With the huge expanse of the legendary Finnskogen forest before you, there are a lot of opportunities for outdoor activities. “At the gates of Finnskogen, there’s a world of quiet and solitude. The nature, the forest, the starry skies above in the night – it’s a fantastic place to enjoy unique experiences in the local area,” Sandnæs says. No matter what you’re into, you’re likely to find it here. Ice fishing, walks in the mystical Finnskogen, cross-country skiing, guided fishing trips, canoe tours, hikes, scenic bike rides and much more await visitors to Kongsvinger. Located very close to the Oslo region, Kongsvinger is just an hour’s scenic train ride away. While Kongsvinger has been a bit of a hidden gem traditionally, Sandnæs points out how easy it would be for those visiting Oslo to enjoy a detour to the Kongsvinger region. “For tourists travelling to or from Oslo, why not take a few days in Kongsvinger to experience something out of the ordinary?” she says.

Photo: Kongsvinger Festning

Photo: Explore Finnskogen

Unique cultural experiences Kongsvinger has played a big role in Norway’s cultural history, and there are plenty of chances to learn more about this while you’re in the area. The well-known painter Erik Werenskiold was born and raised here, and there’s a new exhibition on him at Kongsvinger Museum. Werenskiold was a key figure in Norwegian art and culture, forming the Lysaker circle with high-profile contemporaries like Henrik Ibsen and Edvard Grieg. Magnor Glassverk is also well worth a visit during your time in Kongsvinger. This 120-year-old company is one of Norway’s biggest and most well-known glassworks. Beyond selling their handcrafted wares in their factory outlet, they also showcase glassblowing in action and put on a range of exciting events.

Pan Treetop Cabins in Åsnes is another big attraction for the area. These modern purpose-built cabins are set within traditional surroundings in the depth of the forest. With fantastic views of the forest, it’s a beautiful spot for finding peace and serenity. There are also fantastic opportunities for learning about the history of the Forest Finns in the area. In fact, Explore Finnskogen is a company committed to facilitating great experiences in the mystical forest – fishing, guided tours and great insight into the unique cultural heritage of the Forest Finns in Norway. Web: visit.kongsvingerregionen.no Facebook: VisitKongsvingerregionen Instagram: @visitkongsvingerregionen

Photo: Skarstad Gartneri

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 77

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Best Winter Experiences in Norway

Elements Arctic Camp: local value creation in scenic surroundings Rebbenesøya and the surrounding islands are a tiny piece of Norway with a large, local offering. Thanks to Elements Arctic Camp and other local businesses, the scenic and tranquil area can be explored for days upon days with unique activities, outings and local food.

tainability certifications,” says Lise, explaining that companies need to be able to prove that they operate sustainably. “If you don’t have certifications in the future, you will simply fail as a business.”

By Anita Fosen | Photos: Elements Arctic Camp

Elements Arctic Camp is an eco-camp owned and operated by Lise and PerMagnar Halvorsen. The camp is located on the small island named Rebbenesøya, just two hours outside of Tromsø, and accessible via a short ferry crossing from Mikkelvika – without road access. As Lise herself says, it’s a real “back-to-nature feeling” when you arrive.

activities at the farm Engvik Gård; accommodation at Sandøya Brygge; and kayaking and yurt accommodation at Elements Arctic Camp. The goal was to develop more sustainable tourism through environmental initiatives, attracting the local community and promoting longer stays in order to reduce visitors’ CO2 footprint through less transport.

For the Halvorsens, local value creation, eco-tourism, and collaboration are key. In fact, Elements Arctic Camp participated in the project ‘In the ocean gap – One more day’ in the summer of 2021, focusing on these exact values. The project was supported by the bank SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge and its ‘Samfunnsløftet’ strategy, as well as Karlsøy Municipality.

The official project may be over, but that doesn’t mean that the collaboration has come to an end. “The project has resulted in us getting to know each other, and we will continue to collaborate with local companies in the future,” Lise says. She wants to continue the company’s focus on local value creation and collaboration.

Elements Arctic Camp collaborated with other local establishments to offer a package deal of adventures at the archipelago. This included food from the newly established, organic café Frøken Nilsen; 78 | Issue 137 | December 2021

The couple also continues to focus on eco-tourism and quality. They currently have a goal to get certified through Norsk Økoturisme and VARDE Experience Quality in the near future. “Many visitors are now focusing more on sus-

The company mainly hosts tourists from abroad, who are seeking something different and unique. Now, Lise hopes to cater to more visitors from Norway and the neighbouring countries, who are ready to explore the wonders that await not too far from their own doorstep. As the Halvorsens put it, visitors can come to Elements Arctic Camp to “experience nature close to body and mind”.

Web: elementsarcticcamp.com Facebook: elementsarcticcamp Instagram: @elements_arctic_camp

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Best Winter Experiences in Norway

Experience the endlessness of nature in the Arctic region of Svalbard If you wish to have the experience of a lifetime, consider visiting Svalbard. With Spitzbergen Adventures, you can explore Svalbard by snowmobile, chase the northern lights, go on cosy sleigh rides, or take a hike to the ice caves. Discover snow-covered mountains and magnificent glaciers, and maybe even spot a polar bear in this incredible corner of the globe. By Heidi Kokborg | Photos: Spitzbergen Adventures

Located in the Arctic Ocean, 800 kilometres north of mainland Norway, Svalbard is among the most remote places on Earth – and also one of the most magical. Here, you will experience powerful nature and be in awe of the majestic glaciers, while the reindeer and polar foxes will melt your heart with their cuteness. And if you are really lucky, you might even see a polar bear – it is their kingdom you have entered, after all. “The nature in Svalbard is incredible. You feel very small when you look around and you are surrounded by the endlessness of nature,” says Doreen Lampe, owner and founder of Spitzbergen Adventures. The company offers a variety of cool winter activities that are suitable for almost everybody, including adventure seekers,

families with kids, and disabled people. The sleigh rides, for instance, are accessible for wheelchair users, and kids love the rides as well. The northern-lights tours and the hikes to the ice caves are also great options when travelling with kids.

wide valleys and amazing glacier fronts, a day on the east coast or at Tempelfjord might be just the thing for you,” says Lampe. All activities are hosted in small groups, unless otherwise requested, so you will feel safe and taken care of. They never ride with more than six snowmobiles in each group, so you will get personal follow-up and service from the guide on your tour of a lifetime.

Spitzbergen Adventures takes you on snowmobiles to different destinations, and you can choose between day tours and multi-day trips with overnight stays. All you need to drive the snowmobile is your normal driver’s license. If you wish to explore the cultural side of Svalbard, you’ll also have plenty of opportunity to do so. “It is possible to visit the Russian settlement of Barentsburg, which is still very much open, or you can go to Pyramiden, one of the biggest ghost towns in Europe, if you like cultural history. If you prefer

Web: www.spitzbergen-adventures.com Facebook: Spitzbergen Adventures AS Instagram: @spitzbergenadventures YouTube: Spitzbergen Adventures AS

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 79

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Best Winter Experiences in Norway

Skiing, Løksetinden South.

Adventurous winter wonders in the Arctic Ski from the summit to the sea surrounded by untouched, seemingly endless powder snow, crystal-clear air and dancing northern lights, steep mountain ranges and the sound of nature’s tranquillity. By Åsa H. Aaberge | Photos: Matthias Scherer

“What makes this area so unique, other than obviously the beauty of its nature, is how little known it is for travellers and the long, stable winters that make it an excellent place for skiing and ice climbing,” says Matthias Scherer. Scherer is a professional ice climber, alpinist and one of the founders of Arctic Mountain Adventures. He and his team have a passion and mission to share unforgettable moments and the magic of winter in northern Norway by guiding visitors on tailor-made ski mountaineering and ice climbing journeys. 80 | Issue 137 | December 2021

Arctic Mountain Adventures is located on the shores of the Astafjord in Troms in northern Norway, within an hour’s proximity to the Evenes airport. Here, guests from all over the world, from Hong Kong to Sweden, Australia and the US, come to experience the area’s pristine mountains and spectacular nature. Despite its pre-eminent skiing conditions, the Astafjord region is less famous than its neighbouring Lofoten area. However, its modest reputation is part of what makes the Astafjord adventure so unique. There’s no after-ski and

no high-tech lifts, crowds or queues, just pure nature, bracing air, untouched snow and calming silence. Nature itself is the adventure, so no helicopters or scooters are used to reach the peaks. “The exploration and discovery of the regional beauty are the goal for Arctic Mountain Adventures,” says Scherer. Tailor-made trips with experienced guides Arctic Mountain Adventures has a group of highly experienced guides, who bring visitors off the beaten path to let them discover the majestic nature and the secrets of the mountains and wild terrain of the Astafjord. “The area can be tricky to manoeuvre and discover if you don’t know it well. But it is an adventure to explore. That’s why we offer tailor-made, guided trips to ridges and mountain

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Best Winter Experiences in Norway

peaks with easy as well as more challenging accessibility, many of which descend down to the sea,” says Scherer. All guides know their playground and the Astafjord region like the back of their hands. They aim to invite guests with them on safe, unique and unforgettable expeditions. With Arctic Mountain Adventures, you can experience natural winter wonders with blue ice and fresh, white powder snow complemented by peaks up to 1,400 metres high. As Troms lies in the auroral zone, the magnificent northern lights can be seen all winter in the Astafjord area. Arctic Mountain Adventures offers guided excursions for various levels, as well as ski and ice climbing equipment rent-

al. The tour formats range from four to seven days in length, and all include daily accommodation at the Fjellkysten hotel, which is the basecamp for all adventures. Here, guests can enjoy local food and beverages and hot showers after a cold day outdoors, and relax in the Jacuzzi or sauna while admiring the view of the surrounding fjord and mountains. The tour formats can be tailor-made to suit visitors’ wishes, trying ski mountaineering or ice climbing exclusively, or a combination of the two. All tours have a limit of four people per guide to guarantee a custom-made, intimate and personal experience. Navigating the microclimate of the Astafjord region is essential to get the best adventure. Weather conditions, snow and ice conditions are carefully considered every day to find the best route possible for skiing or ice climbing.

A festival for lovers of ice climbing Arctic Mountain Adventures also hosts events and festivals in Troms. On 19-27 February 2022, Arctic Mountain Adventures and Fjellkysten hotel, in collaboration with Visit Narvik, will be hosting their annual Arctic Ice Festival. “Ice climbing here is an adventure. The area has both long ice routes and routes suitable for beginners,” says Scherer. The festival will offer daily events with the steep rock faces covered in gleaming blue ice as the main headliner, welcoming ice climbers and alpine skiers of all levels to the Astafjord.

Web: www.arcticmountainadventures.com www.arcticicefestival.com Facebook: ArcticMountainAdventures Instagram: @ArcticMountainAdventures

Fjellkysten hotel, the basecamp.

Skiing down Mountain Aabrosatind.

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 81

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Best Winter Experiences in Norway

Jølstraholmen is a family-owned business in Jølster in Sunnfjord in the western part of Norway, a part of FjordNorway, the official tourist board of Western Norway. The district has uniquely Norwegian nature with its fjord views, mountains, rivers and lakes, and gleaming glaciers in the distance – perfect for exploration and nature experiences. And in the heart of it all lies Jølstrahomen with its luxury chalets, river suites and immediate access to adventure. At Jølstraholmen, you can find a natural pool with water from the river, with kayaks and SUP boards for the kids, a house for social gatherings, a sauna, a waterslide, a big playground and the possibility to rent an e-bike, regular bikes, kayaks, canoes and electric boats for fishing at Jølstravatne. Jølstraholmen is a Green Key certified location in Norway due to its approach to clean energy, recycling and eco-friendly materials and operations. A luxury room with a view There are 21 year-round chalets and, by the river, two river suites, built in a triangular shape with a panoramic window replacing the wall facing the river, offering stunning views of the surrounding scenery. The suites, suitable for two guests each, are built on poles leaning out towards the river. The suites also feature heated floors, a double bed, a fridge for Champagne, and a private barbeque outside.

Riverside luxury and winter adventures Amid the picturesque mountains, glaciers and valleys of the Sunnfjord district in Vestland, Norway, runs river Jølstra. Here, Engel and Leiv opened the campsite Jølstraholmen back in 1962. Three generations later, the family is still running the site, now a resort with year-round luxury chalets, river suites, a pool, a sauna and several nature activities. By Sunniva Moen | Photos: Jølstraholmen 82 | Issue 137 | December 2021

“There’s even a hammock you can hang in front of the window of the cabin,” says owner Kristine Hjelmbrekke. “It’s the perfect way to relax while taking in the view.” Each suite also has a luxury bathroom next to the cabin, with a full view of the river. One suite features a rain shower symbolising the Jølstra waterfall. The other has a bathtub built into the cabin floor for a luxurious soak while watching the river race past outside. Year-round activities and experiences The location in Jølster in Sunnfjord, near some of the most stunning nature Norway has to offer, allows for a range of

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Best Winter Experiences in Norway

Getting there: Jølstraholmen is located a three-hour drive from Bergen and a seven-hour drive from Oslo. The nearest airport is Bringeland airport in Førde, a 45-minute drive from the site. It is also possible to use public transport and take the bus to Jølstraholmen from any of the big cities in Norway. The bus stops right next to the resort.

activities. Put snowshoes or skis on and try your hand at alpine skiing at Jølster Skisenter, or go ski mountaineering. The countless peaks in Jølster mean that there are opportunities for everyone. From the easily accessible peaks with top-level car parks to the harder-toreach peaks, everyone can experience the thrill of climbing a snowy mountain, no matter their level of experience. Jølstraholmen arranges Sunnfjordruta, a three-day guided peak tour for those who want to experience the Jølster mountains. In addition, there are twoday mountaineering courses for smaller groups when pre-booked. For an even more exotic adventure, the Haugabreen and Jostedalsbreen glaciers are among the more accessible glaciers in Norway, allowing for glacier walks in the summer months and skiing at Grovabreen in the winter months. The Jølstra river offers rafting and riverboard opportunities as well as kayaking and fishing. Moreover, visitors have ac-

cess to nearby go-cart tracks and paintball with Jølster Rafting and an 18-hole golf course at Sunnfjord Golfklubb, right next to the resort. Cultural and culinary experiences Astruptunet is a museum dedicated to the famous painter Nikolai Astrup (1880-1928). His great grand-daughter, Kari-Astrup Geelmuyden, still lives in Jølster. She produces aprons for the Norwegian national costume, ‘bunad’, and runs a ceramics workshop and shop.

Visit Jølstraholmen online at: Web: www.jolstraholmen.no Facebook: Jolstraholmen Instagram: @jolstraholmen

Visit the Sunnfjord area at: Web: www.sunnfjord.no Instagram: @visitsunnfjord

Fjordamattunet offers cooking classes of traditional cooking in beautiful surroundings. Jølstramuseet is a combined offering of restaurants and museums. In Jølstraholmen, there is also a barn where you can book private dinners and do local fruit wine and beer tasting, for groups of ten people or more. Here, you’ll also find the Norwegian Scenic Routes over Gaularfjellet with its majestic viewpoint, Huldefossen in Førde. December 2021 | Issue 137 | 83

Photo: Per Magne Drotninghaug

Summits and saunas in the hidden fjord Enjoy exciting adventures and luxurious comfort in one sustainable package Norway is a country full of hikes, experiences and adventures waiting to happen, many of which are often off the beaten track. To help make them more accessible, companies Ræin and Kilsti have teamed up, offering nature experiences and accommodation in one package. By Alyssa Nilsen

Some of the more popular hiking destinations in Norway can prove a challenge for anyone craving nature experiences without the crowds and busy paths of the iconic viewpoints. Luckily, there are still plenty of serene and beautiful locations to explore. One of them is located midway between Ålesund and Geiranger. Local outdoor adventure company Ræin AS specialises in bringing people richer experiences in the Norwegian wilderness. Not only do they offer year-round guided trips, hikes and educational courses, but they do so with sustainability, cultural heritage and preservation in mind. 84 | Issue 137 | December 2021

“We focus on arranging trips to the less known peaks and trails in the mountains and fjords of Sunnmøre,” says Ræin founder and CEO, Britt-Ingunn Tafjord Walle. “This eases the strain on nature

Photo: Niels Haatuft

but also gives people the local nature experiences they crave. The iconic places you see on social media are facilitated to make them easy to reach, which ruins the natural beauty of nature and culture. The less famous and less known places can make for a much greater holistic adventure, and an equally breathtaking one.” Rather than taking out big groups of people, Ræin limits the number of participants. This lessens the strain on the environment while strengthening the experience and the communication between guests and guides. Collaborations with the local communities, sustainability and active dissemination ensure that tourism doesn’t negatively impact the communities, nature, wildlife or climate. The limited number of participants also allows adjusting each trip to the group’s wishes, adding experiences or ele-

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Best Winter Experiences in Norway

ments accordingly. For private groups, tailor-made tours can also be arranged with a step-by-step plan plotted out in advance. The Ræin-Kilsti experience, lasting up to four days, ranges from a lowdifficulty level to the more advanced, meaning that you can sign up regardless of prior experience. Seasonal gear is available to rent on location. Relax and rejuvenate at a design cabin with a sauna One of Ræin’s collaborators is Kilsti Compact Lodge, a small cabin hotel located in Fjord municipality in Sunnmøre. The hotel consists of three, soon to be four, design cabins – each with room for two, featuring a living room, a dining area, a well-equipped kitchen, a bathroom and a bedroom. The large floor-to-ceiling windows ensure panoramic views in all directions, bringing nature up close. There’s even a window on the bedroom ceiling, allowing guests to gaze up at the stars, watch the sunrise, or even catch the aurora borealis, right from the warmth and comfort of a lush Hästens double bed. “We want our guests to be able to keep close to nature without having to let go of comfort,” says Kilsti CEO, Niels Christian Haatuft. “Soon, we will also be adding a new cabin, meant as a social space with lounges for hanging out when groups are coming through.”

VIEN food box. Photo: Henrik Skar

Kilsti and Ræin have joined up in a partnership to offer all-inclusive experiences all year round. During the winter, guests can experience back-country skiing in the mountains surrounding the lodge, with professional, local ski guides. After a calm first day with check-in, information and getting comfortable in your cabin, the next two days are spent touring the mountains during the day and enjoying the sauna and some good, locally sourced food in the evening. The sauna has panoramic views of the hidden UNESCO World Heritage fjord, Tafjorden, making it the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate sore muscles after a day in the mountains. The fourth day offers a late check-out, allowing guests a slow and relaxing breakfast rather

than the usual stress of leaving a hotel. Extended stays at the cabins are possible for those who want to spend an extra day or two relaxing or adventuring on their own. Kilsti Compact Lodge is built on a plot of land partly located in the UNESCO World Heritage area of the western Norwegian fjord landscape. Each cabin has a porch with outdoor furniture and an outdoor fireplace for those who want to prepare their own meals. For those who wish to indulge in the local, seasonal delicacies, Kilsti, in cooperation with local food producers, offers VIEN food boxes. This is a box with ingredients and food items from local farms, which guests can prepare with the recipes included and enjoy at the cabin. Visit Ræin and book your trip online at: Web: www.raein.no Facebook: raeinsustainableadventures Instagram: @raein_sustainable_adventures

Visit Kilsti Compact Lodge online at:

Photo: Asbjørn Hornet

Web: www.en.kilsticompactlodge.no Facebook: Kilsticompactlodge Instagram: @kilsticompactlodge

Photo: Niels Haatuft

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 85

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Best Winter Experiences in Norway

Authentic Arctic experiences Coastal walks through beautiful Arctic nature, northern lights dancing across the night sky, and close encounters with the world’s strongest tidal current are just some of the things that Bodø company Stella Polaris has to offer. By Alyssa Nilsen | Photos: Arcticreflection.no

Bodø, one of Norway’s northernmost towns, lies just north of the Arctic Circle. Named after the northern star, used throughout the ages to guide people on their way, the company specialises in year-round adventures. How about hunting the northern lights? The aurora borealis is visible during the winter half of the year, and Stella Polaris’ dedicated guides know exactly where to go for the best experience and view at any given time. In addition, they can tell you all about the myths and legends surrounding the celestial display. “We’re all about ‘edutainment’,” says general manager Knut Westvig. “Storytelling along with the entertainment is a common thread through everything we do.” Visitors can go on their coastal walk, a guided tour across the shores of Bodø 86 | Issue 137 | December 2021

with its sandy beaches and fjord views. Not only will you get to experience the Norwegian concept of ‘friluftsliv’, openair life, you will also get to learn about the Arctic lifestyle and local history. The Bodø area was a settlement as early as the Stone Age and has played a large part in Norway’s naval history through the ages. A thousand years ago, the Vikings inhabited the area, and there are still graves visible in the landscape, which you get to see on the walk. For an adrenaline boost, go on the RIB safari and see the world’s largest tidal current up close. Saltstraumen tidal current is a roaring whirlpool that reaches as wide as ten metres in diameter and five metres in depth when the current is at its strongest. Stella Polaris’ RIB boats take you through breathtaking landscapes to view the whirlpool from a safe distance,

yet close enough that you can look down into the depths of the whirlpool. Near Saltstraumen, Tuvsjyen is a reconstructed Stone Age settlement, offering a glimpse into how people lived in Saltstraumen 10,000 years ago. Enjoy Stone Age food and drink, and try your hand at a longbow, axe throwing and stone-oven baking.

Stone Age food. Photo: Raymond Engmark

Web: www.stella-polaris.no Facebook: stellapolaris.no Instagram: @stellapolaris_arcticadventure

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Best Winter Experiences in Norway

A unique date with the dancing northern lights Northern Norway is renowned as one of the best places in the world to get a glimpse of the magic green and violet northern lights. In the north, it is dark outside from early afternoon until morning, from September to April. The dark sky makes these months the perfect time to experience the unique aurora borealis dancing in the sky. By Åsa Hedvig Aaberge | Photos: Dan Steinbakk

“I do anything in my power to find the lights,” says Dan Steinbakk. He goes by the nickname ‘Dan the aurora man’ and is the guide and owner of Arctic Experience, a company giving people from all over the world an opportunity to experience the northern lights in Tromsø. Steinbakk is a northern Norway native of Sami heritage and has had a lifelong fascination with the northern lights. “When I realised that I could make a living off sharing this alluring phenomenon, it was an easy choice to start a business. Ever since I started the company back in 2013, I have had the pleasure of guiding thousands of delighted guests in the pursuit of finding the lights,” he says.

The tours are intimate, with a maximum of eight guests on each tour. Steinbakk offers professional and authentic guiding based on local knowledge, while showing guests a rare view of Mother Earth’s art. Arctic Experience offers guided tours every other day between September and April. “By planning tours every other day, I have the flexibility to move a tour if

the weather is bad. People don’t pay me to see clouds,” smiles Steinbakk. The winter months can be freezing in Norway, so appropriate clothing, homemade soup and freshly baked carrot cake, a hot drink, and a cosy bonfire guarantee the comfort of the guests on every tour. After the trip, the guests get high-resolution images from the tour featuring the northern lights and themselves, to bring a piece of the aurora borealis back home. Web: www.arcticx.no Facebook: ArcticEx Instagram: @arcticexperience

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 87

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Best Winter Experiences in Norway

Spacioius cabins onboard Vestland. Photo: Grand Espaces

Ready to explore arctic waters.

Svalbard Expeditions takes you to Svalbards mighty landscape.

Explore mighty Svalbard: adventure and relaxation in the Arctic You may not think that a holiday in wild and mighty Svalbard would make you relax, but prepare to alter your expectations – and get ready for some serious adrenalin kicks.

close to polar bears, for the safety of humans but also out of respect for the bear.

By Eva-Kristin U. Pedersen | Photos: Eric Hornsund

Sky on fire

Since 2019, Thomas Hukkelås, Hilde Synnøve Fålun Strøm and Einar Andreas Ulseth Jenssen, all with extensive experience of living and working in Svalbard, have been organising trips for tourists who want to explore the Arctic Norwegian island. What started with skiing expeditions, climbing and skiing different mountains every day while sleeping on a sailing boat, has developed into a fully-fledged holiday offer with different types of cruises to choose from: the original Sail & Ski, an Explorer Cruise with activities ranging from stand-up paddling to snorkelling and skiing, and the Photo Cruise, a hunt for the perfect photo led by a professional photographer. Instagram can wait Regardless of what your choice is, as soon as you step onto the boat – a wellequipped sailing vessel with a Jacuzzi and spacious cabins – to sail out into the Arctic Sea, you will almost immediately 88 | Issue 137 | December 2021

feel the ease of living in a place without mobile coverage. Instagram will simply have to wait as you set out into the wild. And what wilderness it is. Amazing – and wild – wildlife “When the weather is calm, you can expect to see whales here at Svalbard,” says Hukkelås, explaining that the beluga whale is the most common. Other whales that love Svalbard’s water all year round include bowhead whales and narwhals. In the summer, they are joined by several others, such as humpback whales and orcas. Summers in Svalbard are also great for bird watching, with an abundance of different arctic species. And on land awaits the mightiest creature of them all: the polar bear. “We always bring rifles when we go on land, and we check the area for bears beforehand,” explains Hukkelås, who also stresses that they never go

So when is the best time to go? “It depends on what you want to do,” explains Hukkelås, who says that April and May are best for skiing, while September, when the sun is low over the sea, has the best light for photography. “It’s difficult to explain, but it’s like the sky is on fire,” he says. In spite of the challenging surroundings, Hukkelås underlines that Svalbard Expeditions are for everyone – there are no prerequisites. You only need to be careful when packing. There’s a long list of items to bring listed on the website, but Hukkelås says that one thing stands out: “You can never have enough warm clothes.”

Web: www.expeditions.no Facebook: Skiandsail Instagram: @svalbardexpeditions YouTube: Svalbard Expeditions

ER T IN lT W ND cia e H A Sp IS RL D E DE W N S A WO e:

m he

The area surrounding Icehotel. Photo: Asaf Kliger, for Icehotel

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | A Swedish Winter Wonderland

Photo: Kungsberget

Make up for lost time in a Swedish winter wonderland If there’s one thing we’ve learnt over the past almost two years, it’s that nature goes a long way. The good news is that, as things start to look up – or at least a lot safer – we can enjoy all the beauty nature has to offer together with the people we’ve missed most throughout lockdowns and isolation spells. And better still: you get to experience it all in a different guise, in a different place. Your bucket list may be filling up, but allow us to help with some insider’s tips. Sweden is full to the brim of aweinspiring winter activities, whether you’re looking for adventure and the most extreme of environments or all you want is to relax in front of an open fire after a luxurious massage. In fact, this long country up north has so much to offer visitors that it can be hard to choose – but we’ve got something for all likes and preferences. Want to go skiing while keeping half an eye on emails, or head somewhere along with the kids as well as their friends?

Perhaps you’d like to learn about the Sami heritage and meet a reindeer up close? Or how about a luxurious hotel with traditional fare and quiet treks through glistening landscapes? As a vast country with a varied landscape, Sweden offers all of the above and more.

From family-friendly destinations to hotspots for thrill-seekers and naturally stunning havens for peace and quiet, we list our favourite destinations in Sweden for a trip to remember next year. For more information about top destinations, accommodation options and travel, please visit: www.visitsweden.com

Granö Beckasin. Photo: Bea Holmberg

During a trip to Sweden, you can be sure that you won’t just sleep soundly and get well fed, but you’ll be cared for with exceptional service and perfectly functional and beautiful design – all while surrounded by unspoiled nature and a well-maintained cultural heritage. December 2021 | Issue 137 | 91

Design by Luc Voisin and Mathieu Brison.

The 32nd reincarnation of the magnificent Icehotel The world’s first hotel built out of snow and ice opens its 32nd edition this month. This year, Icehotel also presents an exciting new deluxe suite by design duo Bernadotte & Kylberg, a new talented head chef with a focus on a love of nature, and much more. By Malin Norman | Photos: Asaf Kliger

On many people’s bucket list is Icehotel, an extraordinary hotel and art exhibition hand-sculpted out of massive blocks of ice from the river Torne in northern Sweden. Every year since its beginnings in 1989, the hotel has been reborn thanks to a number of artists from around the world who create a brandnew design of the hotel, its rooms and suites, ice bar and ice ceremony hall. This year, the 32nd edition of Icehotel opens on 10 December. Icehotel is a top attraction for many people around the world, and it has been included in TIME magazine’s World’s 92 | Issue 137 | December 2021

Greatest Places. Located in Jukkasjärvi, 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, it welcomes around 50,000 visitors from 80 countries every year, who want to spend the night among ice art before everything melts away in the spring. “What’s special about this area is that it’s so peaceful and quiet, like meditation, and you can really see the changes in the seasons here,” says Malin Franck, CEO of Icehotel. “In winter, we have the cold polar nights and heaps of snow, and in summer we have the fantastic midnight sun. Regardless of season, it’s a beautiful experience.”

Bernadotte & Kylberg collaboration In 2016, Icehotel 365 premiered as a complement to the winter edition. The first permanent ice and snow hotel ever to be built, it’s a specially designed 2,100-square-metre ice hall, open 365 days a year so that guests can experience an arctic adventure at any time. There’s an ice bar serving drinks out of handmade glasses of ice, an art gallery, plus individually themed suites of which nine are deluxe, including a warm relax area. During summer, the building is

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | A Swedish Winter Wonderland

cooled by solar panels – a sustainable way of staying open all year, thanks to the rays of the sun. This year, the multi-award-winning design duo Prince Carl Philip Bernadotte and Oscar Kylberg have designed one of the new suites at Icehotel 365. The deluxe suite of snow and ice, with a warm bathroom, is open for bookings from 1 December. It’s the first time in the hotel’s history that guests can book a specific room for their stay, and it will be available for a couple of years. “This is such an exciting design collaboration with Bernadotte & Kylberg,” says Malin. “We can’t wait to share what their new suite looks like with the public!”

down at the Chef’s Table, a communal U-shaped table where the chefs cook an eight-course menu inspired by the eight Sami seasons. On the banks of Torne River sits a third restaurant, the traditional, cosy Hembygdsgården (‘The Old Homestead’), which dates back to 1768. It offers a casual menu of local produce and pizza to be enjoyed on the veranda or by the open fire. Visitors can also book a wilderness dinner with a threecourse meal inspired by the current season, cooked over an open fire in the woodlands.

Icehotel is easily accessible. The closest airport is located in Kiruna, a 90-minute flight from Stockholm and only 15-20 minutes by car from the hotel. New this season are charter packages from Stockholm and Copenhagen, offered in collaboration with Vingresor.

Web: www.icehotel.com Facebook: icehotel.sweden Instagram: @icehotelsweden

New chef at Arctic culinary destination Also new this year is that Camila Bianco has joined as head chef for the hotel’s three restaurants, offering visitors new and surprising culinary experiences. Camila will focus on her love of nature and combine flavours and local ingredients from the surrounding forests, mountains and rivers, in a new and exciting way. Icehotel is ranked the top restaurant in Kiruna and among the top three in Swedish Lapland according to White Guide. Why not try the bespoke ice menu, with dishes served on plates of ice? During winter, Icehotel Verandan (‘The Veranda’) also opens. Here, guests sit

Design by Luca Roncoroni.

Design by Kestutis Musteikis and Vytautas Musteikis.

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 93

Enjoy the silence of the wilderness At Storsätra Fjällhotell, guests can learn the true meaning of relaxation. This gem in Grövelsjön entices visitors with a genuine atmosphere, delicious food and stunning surroundings on its doorstep. An unforgettable experience awaits. By Malin Norman | Photos: Storsätra Fjällhotell

The classic four-star hotel in Sweden’s southernmost alp destination, Grövelsjön, was opened in 1939 by Margit Jonsson. As Dalarna County’s first alp hotel, it became a popular destination thanks to great cross-country skiing and hiking, fresh air, tasty food and a cosy, familiar atmosphere. And this is still true today. “Grövelsjön is genuine and peaceful, and we want to keep it that way,” says Jimmy Halvarsson, who runs the hotel with his mother Maria. “In winter, we have fantastic cross-country skiing on the mountain and in the forest. And in summer, we have great hiking routes from a few kilometres to several days’ of hiking. It’s not like one of those massive ski resorts. Here, the fo94 | Issue 137 | December 2021

cus is on outdoor activities and fresh air in the day and relaxation in the evening, perhaps reading a book by the open fire.” As proof of its successful concept, Storsätra Fjällhotell won Private Luxury Hotel of the Year 2018 and 2019 at the

Luxury Travel Guide Global Awards. Also praised in 2016, it was awarded Luxury Traditional Hotel of the Year – Sweden. So if heading to the Swedish mountains, make sure not to miss this treasure, as it boasts all the good things in life. Dream for cross-country skiing Storsätra Fjällhotell is surrounded by no less than three national parks, untouched nature and, of course, amazing views right outside the window. This is also the southernmost Sami village and hosts pasture for reindeer. The unexploited area is great not only for reindeer spotting but also cross-country skiing, with around 100 kilometres of prepared tracks starting outside the hotel – ideal for those who want to train for the big ski race, Vasaloppet – as well as trails leading as far north as Kiruna and into Norway. There is also a ski slope with six pistes around one kilometre from the

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | A Swedish Winter Wonderland

hotel, and the popular ski resort Idre is only 30 minutes away. “Here you can really focus on skiing while enjoying your stay,” praises one happy guest. Together with Experience Grövelsjön, the hotel offers a range of winter activities such as guided ski tours, off-piste skiing, courses in telemark and cross-country skiing, and more. In summer, the opportunities for hiking and fishing are endless. Among nearby places to discover is the Sami village Idre Sameby, and a great day excursion is Valdalsbygget, where you can experience a traditional chalet, or summer pasture, enjoy a peaceful ‘fika’ and buy local products to bring home. Food at the heart of the hotel It’s easy to unwind at Storsätra Fjällhotell, where every meal is prepared with care and a big portion of love. Guests are served a fabulous breakfast buffet in the genuine dining hall, so they are all set for a day in the great outdoors. There are tasty packed lunches to bring in the backpack with something nice and warm to drink in a flask, plus afternoon ‘fika’ in the hotel lounge, which is a lovely spot for reading magazines or chatting about the day’s adventures in the wilderness. In the evening, you can relax in the restaurant with a carefully prepared, delicious three-course dinner, often with fish or game from the area. One guest enthuses that “the dinner was the perfect ending of a great day” – and Halvarsson agrees:

“People come to us to take part in outdoor activities, and after a great day outdoors, they return to a set table in the evening and just enjoy.” Storsätra Fjällhotell has 35 comfortable rooms. There is a popular relaxation area with a sauna and a heated bath tub next to river Grövlan, and guests can also book a relaxing massage at the hotel. Web: www.storsatra.se Facebook: Storsätra Fjällhotell Instagram: @storsatrafjallhotell

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 95

Skiing holidays made easy at a modern resort Located just two hours north of Stockholm, the modern Kungsberget ski resort offers everything to make skiing holidays easy and uncomplicated. By Malin Norman | Photos: Kungsberget

Kungsberget resort was previously a daytime facility but has been re-developed to boast modern, comfortable accommodation with nearly 3,000 beds, a sports shop and supermarket, ski rentals and activities, high-quality restaurants and takeaway, and plenty of places to warm up and rest after a day on the slopes. “Everything is easily accessible, also for the little ones,” says Mikael Elford, head of sales and marketing at Branäsgruppen, the group that owns and runs Kungsberget. “It’s a family-friendly and uncomplicated place, with everything you expect from a modern ski resort. You can take your car here, leave it by your chosen accommodation, and the slopes are really close by. We’re just a short journey away 96 | Issue 137 | December 2021

and once you arrive, you can maximise your time here.” Great facilities and down-time Kungsberget opens on 4 December and stays open until after Easter. The resort has 23 slopes and 14 lifts, including an eight-chair express lift – one of the most

effective ski lifts in Sweden, which became a huge success when introduced a few years ago. Other popular spots are Kungsberget Snow Park and Big Air Bag, which is the perfect place for practising jumps and stunts with guaranteed soft landings. Thanks to digitalisation and apps, with free Wi-Fi pretty much everywhere, there are few, if any queues, and also great places to sit for those who want to work remotely on their laptops. Above all,

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | A Swedish Winter Wonderland

Kungsberget is hassle-free. “Life can be stressful these days, and when people go on holiday, we want to ensure that they have plenty of precious down-time with their family or friends.” An additional benefit of how close and handy everything is, Elford suggests, is that you can go skiing no matter how cold it is – because it is always easy to take a break and warm up with a hot drink. Saying that, his favourite time of year for skiing is towards the end of the season, after the mid-term break, called the ‘sports break’ in Sweden. “It’s usually warm and sunny – skiing then is just wonderful.” Tasty food and magic carpet There are great culinary options, too, including à la carte restaurant Fröken Filipssons, with a menu based on Swedish produce. At Karins, you can enjoy classic hamburgers and at Sofias, there are fabulously tasty pizzas. Ski Lodge is open for lunch and ‘fika’ – a perfect

spot for chilling out by a warming open fire – and new this year is Fröjds Bar & Balkong, with a nice view of the resort. There are also convenient take-aways, and you can get food delivered straight to your cabin – all easily booked with the app Kungsberget Mat & Dryck. Also new this year is a green slope, and the beginners’ area has a new lift in the form of a magic carpet, where skiers stand on a moving belt. And as of this year, Kungsberget is also open during the summer months, with fantastic mountain bike tracks. More exciting plans are in the pipeline, reveals Elford. “We’re building new accommodation, including around 100 cabins, and will have 10,000 beds in the future. There will also be a new slope going all the way down to the cabins and a lift on the southern side of the mountain.” Web: www.kungsberget.se Facebook: kungsberget Instagram: @kungsbergetskidort

Facts about Kungsberget ski resort: - Open 4 December 2021 to 18 April 2022 - 23 slopes and 14 lifts - Skiing on up to 1,700-metre-long slopes - 2,750 beds, ski-in/ski-out - Located 40 minutes from Gävle, one of Sweden’s biggest cities

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 97

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | A Swedish Winter Wonderland

Photo: Joakim Norenius

Take a well-deserved break in a tropical haven Paradiset has it all: rapid currents for splashes of fun as well as peaceful lagoons and relaxing treatments. It’s pure bliss for tired minds and bodies on cold winter days.

circulating the air in the sauna for calming and energising effects.

By Malin Norman | Photos: Kristofer Lönnå

Among the new features is a cryotherapy chamber, where the body is exposed to minus 150 degrees for several minutes, as well as themed spa packages for a bit of extra luxury. “The spa is fantastic for unwinding from all the stress of everyday life,” says Berglund. “You can get a personal guide to show the health benefits of the sauna, enjoy light therapy, or experience the new cryo treatment – you’ll definitely feel energised afterwards!”

Paradiset has one of Sweden’s best combinations of spa and water park. Located in central Örnsköldsvik, it offers a wide range of sports and water activities as well as renowned spa treatments. Opened in 1992, Paradiset has developed over the years, and the 12,000-square-metre venue now attracts around 220,000 visitors per year from near and far, all looking for a break in a tropical paradise. In the water park, Sweden’s longest water slide, Magic Eye, is an experience for the brave, with 180 metres of twists and turns. The little ones can have fun on their very own tropical island, too, complete with a sandy beach and pirate adventures. And for those who want more water-filled excitement, there are plenty more great activities, such as ‘funballz’, slides, streams and whirlpools. “The water park is an amazing experience for families with children,” says director 98 | Issue 137 | December 2021

David Berglund. “You’ll have lots of fun – this is a place for spending quality time together.” Paradiset has undergone some upgrades during the pandemic and is now open again without any restrictions. “In the water park, we have complemented the facilities with more pirate features for the kids, introduced sculptures and new plants, and repainted. Overall, it feels more new and fresh. And the spa is even cosier and more snug than before.” The modern spa offers a mix of relaxing activities, such as purifying rituals in the steam saunas, meditation in a special light sauna, star gazing in the infinity pool, floating in the salt water cave, yoga, and lush massage treatments. The signature ‘aufguss’ ritual is led by a spa host who pours scented essential oils and water over hot stones before

Web: www.paradisetornskoldsvik.se

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | A Swedish Winter Wonderland

Truly local travel – to a community that cares One hour’s drive from Umeå, you’ll find Granö, a small community whose population was dwindling. Not content to let their childhood town disappear, a group of friends got together to bring new life to the area. By Amanda Ottosson | Photos: Bea Holmberg

Opening a hotel on the old camping grounds, the group worked with local entrepreneurs to offer something that would attract people’s attention. Carefully curating an experience that would be deeply connected to the local area, Granö Beckasin quickly grew into what it is today. With everything from romantic tree huts to yoga retreats and corporate getaways, the hotel offers an unbeatable experience. Its restaurant, offering everything from local game to organic vegan food, invites guests to experience something different to what they may have seen before. Guests have a unique opportunity to explore the area through activities like hikes, skiing and ice fishing, all offered by hotel staff who are intimately familiar

with the best parts of the country around them. But in addition to what the hotel itself offers to guests, it has brought new life to the area. Giving back to the town “For us, it’s not just about building a hotel – it’s also about giving back to the town and the people in it,” says Annika Rydberg, CEO and one of the founding partners of the hotel. “It’s important to us that people have an opportunity to see what’s great about Granö. One example is a seasonal worker of ours who has settled down here and founded a dog team business. It’s great to see that we’re having a tangible effect on the community.” Everything the hotel offers is carefully thought through to ensure that inviting guests to the area is done in a

non-exploitative way, and they always make sure to use local craftspeople to build and expand. “We have a strong vision, and it’s really important to us that everything that we do is sustainable – not just in the environmental sense of the word, but also in a business sense. Does it make sense to operate in this way? Is this what people want to spend their money on? I think there’s been a real shift in the way that people travel, and they value being able to spend time in a real community. And that’s the core of what we’re offering.”

Annika Rydman.

Web: granobeckasin.com Instagram: @granobeckasin

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 99

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | A Swedish Winter Wonderland

Photo: Per Olsson

Location, service and history Competition is stiff in the most popular ski resort in Sweden, among both skiers and the hotels they choose to stay in. Hotell Fjällgården, with its unique ski-in/ski-out position, enjoys the advantage of proximity to nature to truly capture the imagination of its guests. By Amanda Ottosson | Photos: Hotell Fjällgården

Right on the mountain slopes in Åre, Sweden’s most popular winter destination, you’ll find Hotell Fjällgården. Originally built in 1910 as a health resort for wealthy aristocrats who had been prescribed fresh mountain air, the hotel boasts the very best location at the resort. Built at the same time as the ski lift up the mountain, the hotel is as close as you can possibly get to all the activities on offer year-round. And right on the slopes truly means right on the slopes: the ski lift is no more than 50 metres from the front door. “Our guests tend to be people who have been to Åre before, who are here to ski or hike, 100 | Issue 137 | December 2021

depending on the season, and who know exactly what they want. They don’t want to waste time getting to and from the mountain every day – they just want to have it on their doorstep,” says Henrik Samuelsson, managing director of the hotel group. The experience is unbeatable, and once guests have checked in, the staff make sure that there is no reason for them to need to go anywhere else. In addition to stunning views and direct access to the slopes, the hotel boasts a world-class restaurant and a newly renovated spa. With views of the valley, a dip in the outdoor hot tub ranks as one of the most re-

laxing experiences guests can find. “It’s beautiful out there irrespective of weather,” says Samuelsson. “I was out there in a snow storm once – not bad, as long as you can stay submerged in the hot tub!” Something for everyone The restaurant, like the rest of the hotel, retains the connection to the stunning mountain range the resort sits in, and all that it has to offer. “We serve a lot of game and locally grown food,” Samuelsson says, “not necessarily because we’ve positioned ourselves as a sustainable or organic restaurant, but the nature of how we work here means we’re inherently sustainable.” The proximity to the slope means that during lunch, the restaurant serves both its own guests and other skiers who want to maximise their skiing time. “We see our hotel guests as family,” says hotel manager Frida Winberg. “We love

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | A Swedish Winter Wonderland

hosting both our own guests and other skiers for lunch and after-ski, but the guests who are staying at our hotel truly become like family. Our main priority is that they should never hesitate to ask for anything they want.” “We want them to feel as though they had gone to their friend’s chalet and were staying there with their family,” Samuelsson adds. After lunch, it’s quiet until people start winding down for the night and drop in for the after ski. “Even if you’re not staying with us, it’s quite convenient to be able to nip in on your way down the slope for a few drinks,” says Winberg. “And then, depending on how long you stay, you can either strap your skis back on or take the ski lift down!” Work from here While 2020 was a challenging year, the hotel pivoted and started offering a Work From Here package. Rather than work from home, guests could come and stay at the hotel and work from their home away from home, instead. With all the facilities you need to work remotely, plus a ski slope right outside the door, many guests took advantage of the opportunity to work somewhere where their daily lunch walk could instead become a daily lunch ski session.

The offering highlights the work Åre has undertaken to ensure that the resort is not just a winter destination, but a yearround destination.“Many of our guests really appreciate the connection to our history and geography. We do plenty of things to highlight that, such as our photo exhibition of the mountains,” Winberg says. “It’s like an oasis for our guests, and this year has really highlighted that what we offer here doesn’t just stop when the

ski season does; there’s so much value all year round.” So while Åre has moved on from the health resort it was when the hotel was first built, Fjällgården is once again a place to come and rejuvenate yourself. Web: www.fjallgarden.se Instagram: @hotellfjallgarden

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 101

A genuine boutique hotel in an outdoor paradise At the foot of the mountain Funäsdalsberget, and overlooking the lake, is the award-winning Eriksgårdens Fjällhotell, which promises guests an unforgettable experience in a friendly atmosphere, with that something a little bit extra.

emigrated to Minnesota where he worked as a builder. Eventually, Ericssons became Eriksgårdens Fjällhotell, now an award-winning ski boutique hotel.

By Malin Norman | Photos: Eriksgårdens Fjällhotell

Eriksgårdens Fjällhotell is often described as the cosiest and nicest hotel in its region. It was named by MercedesBenz Magazine as one of the most fantastic hotels in the Swedish mountains, and was awarded Sweden’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel 2020 at the World Ski Awards, a global initiative that recognises and rewards excellence in ski tourism.

The hotel has been nominated for this year’s awards too, with winners due to be announced this month. It all started in 1927, when the doors to Ericssons opened as the very first guest house in Funäsdalen. It was built in a North American style, brought home by one of the Ericsson brothers, who had

Since 1999, the hotel has been run by Magnus Ruhedorfer, who has heaps of experience from the hospitality industry in both Sweden and Austria. “As this is a small hotel, it becomes more personal and familiar for our guests,” he says. “People appreciate the friendly atmosphere and good vibes amongst the staff, and often describe it as coming home.” Thriving village with vast outdoor activities Funäsdalen has developed a lot as a tourist destination since he moved there some 20 years ago, says Ruhedorfer, but argues that it’s different from many other ski resorts. “Funäsdalen is a genuine mountain village with around 1,000 inhabitants, who live here all year round. It has all the services you may need and local businesses are collaborating to keep the village alive, but it’s still peaceful and quiet,” he says. “And when you take the ski lift and get to the top of the mountain, the vastness

102 | Issue 137 | December 2021

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | A Swedish Winter Wonderland

is just magnificent,” he continues. “In winter, world-class cross-country skiing and snowmobiling await, and in summer, mountain biking, hiking and fishing are popular activities.” With the gondola lift just one kilometre away from the hotel, you can easily get to the top of the mountain and its 136 slopes that spread over six main ski areas, and experience 300 kilometres of crosscountry skiing tracks and a whopping 610 kilometres of snowmobiling tracks – the largest system in Europe. Tasty food and a new relaxing spa experience The hotel’s main restaurant offers breakfast and dinner for hotel guests or via pre-bookings, while Eriks Kök & Bar, an à la carte restaurant and cocktail bar with inspiration from Nordic produce, is open seven days a week also for outside visitors. The hotel’s lobby bar and lounge, meanwhile, is a cosy and comforting place to enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine by the open fire.

Photo: Emrik Jansson

Two years ago, the hotel introduced a fantastic 250-square-metre spa with a swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, and no less than three different types of sauna: traditional, steam and infrared. Guests can also indulge in a relaxing massage and other treatments – or just chill out in the calming environment, perfect for the whole family after a day of outdoor adventures.

Web: www.eriksgarden.se Facebook: EriksgardenFunasfjallen Instagram: @eriksgardens_fjallhotell

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 103

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | A Swedish Winter Wonderland

A Nordic treat for all the senses The countdown is on for the 417th edition of Jokkmokk’s Market. Back with a bang after 2021’s fully virtual event, this renowned market is set to once again give visitors a winter experience like no other. By Emma Rödin | Photos: Jokkmokk’s Market

Located in Lapland, the Arctic part of Sweden, Jokkmokk’s Market is built on tradition and attracts up to 50,000 visitors each year. The market, which will run 3-5 February 2022, hosts a range of vendors showcasing locally produced food, clothes, toys and jewellery, as well as hand-crafted products you won’t find anywhere else. “Our market is much more than just stalls,” explains Birgitta Nilsson, market general. “There are also plenty of events running throughout the market week, like exhibitions, ‘yoik’ singing performances, dog sledding and northern lights tours.” However, nothing beats the annual reindeer race and reindeer caravan – two market magnets that keep visitors coming 104 | Issue 137 | December 2021

back. New for 2022 is a chance to swim in a frozen lake, an activity stretching back centuries and thought to bring health benefits to those who dare to hop in. The market usually follows a theme, and next year’s reads ‘pure joy, a celebration of life in the north’. In Swedish, the word ‘pure’ is the same as the word for reindeer, and the idea behind the concept is to celebrate both. Jokkmokk’s Market is a place to meet, experience joy and celebrate tradition, and everyone’s invited. So, for a winter experience like no other, simply look north. Web: www.jokkmokksmarknad.se Facebook: jokkmokksmarknad

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | A Swedish Winter Wonderland

Magical winter days in the Swedish north Imagine yourself sitting on a reindeer hide spread out on a soft layer of snow, watching Jockfall waterfall infinitely swooshing by. Suddenly, a green shimmer breaks through the star-studded sky, and the northern lights stretch their bright glow above. Now, return to reality and book an unforgettable trip to Jockfall to experience it for real. By Nina Bressler | Photos: Jockfall

Jockfall is a small village nestled into the deep forests of northern Sweden, where tour and camping company Jockfall Fishing and Activities invites visitors from around the world to experience a genuine Norrland winter. Their comfortable, newly built apartments make a perfect starting point for tours and activities in the surrounding area. Robin Landin, operations manager, says: “We are proud to have created a spot that shares the natural beauty in a relaxing, comfortable and exciting way. Our familiar ambience and tailored tours make it a perfect place to rediscover the wonders of winter like nowhere else.”

Try the snowmobile tour for a thrilling excursion across snow-covered grounds, or the dog sledding tour for a cruise across the landscape. The kick-sledge tour is a perfect way to learn about Jockfall, local culture and traditions, where salmon fishing and nature have always held prime importance. After a long day of exploring, you’re invited to relax in the spa and enjoy a sumptuous meal in the restaurant, serving dishes with locally sourced meat and fish, as well as extraordinary views of the roaring waterfall and, more often than not, the northern lights gleaming through the panorama windows. Magic awaits.

Jockfall waterfall and northern lights.

Web: www.jockfall.com Instagram: @jockfallet

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 105

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | A Swedish Winter Wonderland

A hotel experience that combines the old with the new in an Arctic wonderland When Arthotel Tornedalen had their logo designed, Gunhild Stensmyr, founder and owner of the hotel, wanted it to represent the feeling you get when visiting this secluded Arctic community: a sense of wonder and amazement, the feeling of going back in time, and the beauty that hits you like a December evening. By Hanna Andersson | Photos: Arthotel Tornedalen

Stensmyr decided to contact the artist Fredrik Wretman to design their logo – a logo that simply consists of two letters, followed by a promise of something wonderful. Arthotel Tornedalen was founded in 2009, after Stensmyr came back to her childhood home with a mission to support the community and tell the story of this fascinating, multicultural part of Sweden. Located on the border between Sweden and Finland, the region is bilingual and home to traditions from Sweden, Finland, and the Sami population that all coexist in the area. “We have traditions from all these cultures, and they have coexisted with the help of the river, which runs between Sweden and Finland and has been feeding the community for centuries. We share our languages, our food, and the nature that surrounds the area,” Stensmyr explains. 106 | Issue 137 | December 2021

The friendliest community Arthotel Tornedalen has a strong connection with the community and is proud to work with the amazing people that populate the village. “All our staff at the hotel are locals. We have an incredible chef who can attend to all your culinary needs, we have a handyman who is also a trained nature guide, and we get all of our vegetables, including potatoes, from our own garden,” the owner continues. “If our guests go for hikes along the river, they will most certainly bump into locals who will ask them where they’re from or if they want to stop for a cup of tea. It’s a lovely community.”

bine it with the new,” she says. “The houses carry the names of the families that built them, and their history is combined with comfort and a homely, modern feeling. We want all our guests to feel at home, and like they can move around in our spaces as they wish.” The new art gallery Stensmyr is currently in the process of creating an art gallery for contemporary art in conjunction with the local history. “The hotel is a part of the art village’s infrastructure, and we want the art gallery to reflect the nature, the people, and the history, once again combining the old with the new.”

Focus on history The hotel consists of four houses, all named after the families that originally built them: Villa Wennberg, Villa Tolonen, House Kristina and Villa Anundi. This is another way in which Stensmyr and Arthotel preserve the history of the area. “It is important to keep the old and com-

Web: www.arthoteltornedalen.se Facebook: Arthotel Tornedalen Instagram: @ah_tornedalen

D DS N A lT L LAN ia N c S e EE E I Sp R O G R IT FA S VI HE T D N A m he

The future of business in Greenland is now Grønlands Erhverv (GE), or Greenland Business Association, is at the forefront of business in the country, taking care of corporate interests and developing the corporate climate. In May next year, they will host Greenland’s largest business conference in order to set the agenda for the future of the nation. By Nicolai Lisberg

“If we arrive on time, we are five minutes late!” These words belong to Christian Keldsen, CEO of Greenland Business Association, and they have become the mantra of how the organisation is trying to shake things up in Greenland in order to develop and improve the corporate climate. 108 | Issue 137 | December 2021

“The challenge in Greenland is that we are very good at doing what we’ve always done, but we are trying to challenge that agenda. We have to be more effective and bring in new technologies and new industries. We need to work more closely with research and science, and we need to make sure that our politicians have the

best possible framework for helping our industries,” says Keldsen. It is not enough to just be part of the development for Greenland Business Association. They want to set the actual agenda for what direction Greenland needs to move in, which is why, every

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit Greenland – Business Special

Sikuki Harbour. Photo: Astrid Maria Spring Öberg

Facts about Greenland Business Association: • Greenland Business Association was founded in 1966.

• The association is split into four main areas: the employers’ organisation, the service organisation, the interest group and the development group.

• Next year, they are hosting the conference Future Greenland, which will take place on 17-18 May 2022.

• The Future Greenland conferences attract a broad range of social stakeholders, businesses, politicians from the govern-

ment and the municipalities, civil servants, students, and others. Participants from Canada, the US, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Scandinavia, and other places will also attend. • They represent over 330 companies and approximately 7,000 employees.

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 109

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit Greenland – Business Special

Buildings in Nuuk. Photo: Astrid Maria Spring Öberg

other year, they host Greenland’s largest business conference. Future Greenland is the seventh of its kind, and it will take place next year on 17-18 May. The idea is to bring in inspiration from the outside world to Greenland to discuss Greenlandic challenges and options for the future. One of the many things that will be discussed at the conference is how Greenland can get close to the objective of becoming an autonomous economy and less dependent on the money they receive from Denmark. “We are fighting for a strong private sector and creating the right conditions and an environment for our private sector to prosper. We have to be self-sufficient and self-suppliant, but also support our export industries. Currently, 93 per cent of our export is from the fishing industry, but we need to consider tourism as an export, and over time a functioning mineral industry as well. So we are working towards an un110 | Issue 137 | December 2021

derstanding of what we can do in order for Greenland to be more self-reliant,” explains Keldsen.

the next Klondike, but there is a strong belief that history is being written at this very moment.

Living the potential

“We talked about potential for 50 years here in Greenland, but we are now living the potential, and we are definitely open for business. There are so many options and so many things happening right now with the mineral industry, and all these

It is well known that Greenland has among the best access to raw materials in the world, and all minerals can be found there. Greenland Business Association is not trying to sell Greenland as

Photo: Polar Seafood

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit Greenland – Business Special

Ilulissat fjord. Photo: Jonas Smed Sørensen

The four Greenland Business Association (GE) focus areas: Interest organisation As an interest organisation, GE functions by influencing the political system to create the best environment for business life. GE is, for example, currently represented on approximately 20 committees and boards under the government of Greenland.

Photo: Astrid Maria Spring Öberg

kinds of things need to be emphasised and discussed at the conference. How are we making ourself more attractive? It’s not enough to just realise the potential, but we have to create potential on top of it and create opportunities for existing and future business in Greenland,” says Keldsen. A ripple effect Greenland Business Association represents about 330 companies and 7,000 employees and has over 55 years’ experience of taking care of corporate interests. A membership of Greenland Business Association is a key to direct influence on business development and a strong network, but it also comes with responsibility – because with opportunities come challenges, and one of the main ones for Greenland is the educational system. “If someone is considering Greenland as a location for business, you need to know that you’ll have to take responsibility for the development of our educational sys-

tem. We will always need an expat workforce, but there is a large number of our own workforce that can’t take on highly skilled jobs because of a lack of education. We need to minimise that gap by educating more young people and providing a better system,” says Keldsen, elaborating on how a better educational system will cause a ripple effect. “A better internal workforce is motivating for new companies that seek opportunities in Greenland, and if we are able to attract new industries and business to the country, we’ll provide our young people with more motivation to take an education. It’s kind of circular. We need to utilise the potential that we have and make sure that our young people are capable of taking on senior roles, if we are to reach our goals.” Web: ge.ga.gl and www.futuregreenland.gl LinkedIn: Grønlands Erhverv Greenland Business Association Facebook: Sulisitsisut

Service organisation As a service organisation, GE provides legal and financial advice to its member companies, and compiles sector- orientated statistical information and guidance materials for relevant legislation, as required. Employers’ organisation GE works to secure orderly relationships on the labour market. This is done via a collective agreement and four subsidiary agreements with the trade union SIK. These agreements cover construction craftsmen, the commercial and office sector, the manufacturing sector, and the transport and service industries. Active business development in new industrial areas GE has a duty to play an active role in relation to business development within both existing and new industries, including the mining and oil/gas industry and the production of Greenlandic foodstuffs. GE therefore works to collect and consolidate knowledge, and to establish networks and international contacts with experienced professionals and businesses.

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 111

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit Greenland – Business Special

Arctic architecture: a deep-dive with Greenlandic design studio TNT Nuuk Greenland, at 2,600 kilometres from north to south, is the largest island in the world. Much of the landscape is categorised as cold desert, and it’s bisected by the Arctic Circle, which arcs 200 kilometres from the edge of the ice cap to the west coast fishing town of Sisimut. By Lena Hunter

Hotel Ilulissat.

112 | Issue 137 | December 2021

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit Greenland – Business Special

Most of the population lives along the coast, where the archetypal small, gableroofed timber houses freckle the uneven terrain in bright clusters of red, blue and yellow. Over a quarter of those people live in the capital, Nuuk, which is dealt some of the island’s wildest weather. Wet, gale-stricken and prone to sudden temperature changes that bring alternating frost and thaw, Nuuk’s climate poses unique challenges for the design, construction and maintenance of its buildings. Local expertise Nobody understands this better than local architecture firm, TNT Nuuk. The studio’s approach is supported by 40 years of knowledge and experience of Arctic architecture. “We started in 1963 in Greenland,” says owner and director Flemming Berger, who is based in Nuuk. “Our projects span everything from small and large-scale renovations, resurfacing façades and building houses, to huge schools, colleges, care centres, hotels and airports.” In fact, TNT Nuuk’s unusual expertise is frequently called upon to advise external projects across the whole island. “We think Greenlandic. We understand the special climatic, geographical and geopolitical features here. So TNT Nuuk can take care of all phases, right from the conceptual and financial planning stage to organising and supervising construction,” says Berger. Berger’s right-hand woman, architect Helena Lennert, operates from TNT Nuuk’s Copenhagen outpost. “Our philosophy is, from the beginning, to analyse who will be using these buildings. What unique things do Greenlanders need from these designs?” she says. “That contextual understanding is the foundation, and it’s one we’ve built through years of researching, advising and designing in Greenland.” An island without roads A prime example of the studio’s approach is their ongoing construction of ‘standardkollegier’ – or ‘standard-design colleges’ December 2021 | Issue 137 | 113

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit Greenland – Business Special

– in Ilulissat, Aasiaat, Sisimiut, Nuuk and Qaqortoq. As a starting point, take two of the island’s unique social challenges. Firstly, there are no interlinking roads between towns and settlements. Materials, resources and people largely move around Greenland by boat or plane. “So if you’re young and living in a smaller town without a college, then you have to move, and it’s expensive to get home. You don’t just go home for the weekend,” explains Lennert. Secondly, the dropout rate at Greenlandic colleges is high. Around 60 per cent of the population has no education beyond secondary school, and national statistics recorded in 2020 revealed that 32 per cent of 16 to 25-year-olds eligible to work were neither in school, nor employed. Berger elaborates: “You’re picked up at the airport and parked in front of a door to a college room and told, ‘that’s where you’re going to live – there’s a bathroom, kitchen and bed’, then the door is closed, and the welcome party leaves.” Some of these students come from families of eight children. “So how do you think that goes?” asks Lennert. “It can be very lonely.” Socially conscious architecture To combat this, TNT Nuuk puts the social needs of the students at the forefront of

their design. “A huge focus was to create meeting points – a shared kitchen to learn to cook, shared lounges to watch handball, and to move away from the conventional long-corridor dorm format, which is very isolating,” says Helena. “We’re trying to create something that’s not just an institution but a home, where you’re part of a community. You make friends, maybe fall in love.”

is divided into five brightly coloured, individual buildings, each with the same monolithic form as a typical Greenlandic family home. The result is playful and understated – a homogenous institution that resembles a toybox settlement. “Because Greenland is all small, red houses, we don’t just want to build big bricks to put people in that don’t suit the environment,” says Lennert.

The result is a flexible network of four different dormitory types, which house combinations of individuals, small families, pairs and group collectives, and which can be adapted to any one of the five Greenlandic cities, and beyond.

Climate challenges

Form and function But TNT Nuuk’s projects are about more than function. Reconciling the aesthetic traditions of Greenland with architectural innovation, the studio rebuilt the dilapidated Atuarfik Mathias Storch school on a mountain slope in Ilulissat. The school is designed as a cross with four lengths that converge at a central meeting point, and features a broken, angled roof. Aside from being highly resilient, the intersecting roofs help to break down the scale of the otherwise large building, so that it relates elegantly to the surrounding landscape. Meeqqerivik, a day care centre in Tasiilaq, is another example. The site

“The climate is another thing we contend with,” says Berger. “In the north, the climate is milder; we don’t have those big storms and downpours. It’s extreme here in Nuuk, so the biggest problem is to ensure the building is weather-tight. It can get down to minus 20 degrees sometimes, so we have to make sure every construction can be adequately heated, with no thermal bridges.” But TNT Nuuk’s biggest challenge may be yet to come. In the battle against climate change, The Green Transition is the maxim of every modern government – not least Greenland’s, which has recently announced intentions to join the Paris agreement. Concurrently, the energy costs of ocean freight and air transport are garnering increasing criticism. “But all our building materials, apart from concrete, are imported by ship,” says Lennert. “In Denmark, concrete is looked down upon because it’s not environmentally friendly, but in Greenland it’s all we have locally. We have stone and sand. So it’s cement we have to use.” It’s a challenge that’s uniquely complex for island nations, but one that TNT Nuuk faces with enthusiasm. “We have to look at the variables we can change instead of just doing what we’ve always done. It’s about asking what we ourselves can contribute to the wider cause, and that’s exciting. How can we do more to protect the environment?” Greenland’s building boom

College housing in Aasiaat.

114 | Issue 137 | December 2021

It’s a timely question. Greenland is in the midst of a grand-scale development. Two new airports are being constructed

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit Greenland – Business Special

The day care centre in Tasiilaq.

in the largest cities, Nuuk and Ilulissat. “We’ve been involved in the whole process from day one,” says Berger, “in planning, together with local building firms, and now advising the project. It’s an exciting process. The need for housing will also increase. When I moved to Nuuk 35 years ago, there were 10,000 people; now there are almost double. That’s a big change.”

Despite this, Berger is humble about the studio’s achievements: “I’ve always had that attitude that things speak for themselves,” he says. “It’s an exciting period to be a part of. I look forward to a fu-

ture of creative, sustainable and socially aware Greenlandic design.” Web: www.tntnuuk.gl

At the same time, hotels and high-rises are springing up all over the island. Lennert, who grew up in Greenland, sees it as a positive shift. “Today, people are happy about things like the modern-style hotel and conference centre that we designed in Nuuk. They found it liberating to see a different kind of façade.” TNT Nuuk: the lexicon on Arctic architecture Greenland is moving with the times, and architecture must follow suit. TNT Nuuk’s unique understanding of the socio-cultural conditions, political forces and geographical challenges on the island have made them a lexicon of Greenlandic development.

AMS School, Ilulissat.

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 115

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit Greenland – Business Special

A simply exceptional hotel experience in Greenland Located in the heart of Ilulissat, Hotel Ilulissat offers its guests an exquisite hotel experience, whether travelling for business, with children, or to explore Greenland on their own. Relax in the infrared sauna, enjoy a delicious breakfast while gazing at the incredible view overlooking the Disko Bay, and explore the vibrant and colourful town of Ilulissat – all while being taken great care of by the attentive staff. By Heidi Kokborg | Photos: Hotel Ilulissat

If you wish to stay in a hotel right in the centre of Ilulissat with all the museums, cafés and shops right outside, while at the same time being in calm, peaceful, natural surroundings, consider a stay at Hotel Ilulissat, which opened its doors in summer 2021. “You have everything within a one- or two-minute walk: shops, a church, restaurants and everything else the town has to offer. However, the surroundings 116 | Issue 137 | December 2021

are also serene, with stunning views over the Disko Bay and icebergs; you can even get a glimpse of the Disko Island,” says Arnarissoq Møller, hotel manager at Hotel Ilulissat. Owned by brothers Frank and Tommy Olsvig Bagger and Jens Salling, Hotel Ilulissat is the first privately owned hotel in Greenland. All other hotels in Greenland are owned either by the government or by travel agencies.

“The fact that we are a privately owned hotel is very unusual in Greenland. We receive no funding or support from the government or anyone else,” says Møller, and continues: “The hotel has been on the drawing board for a few years – long before the talk of a bigger airport in Ilulissat even began. However, the plans for a bigger airport opening in the town

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit Greenland – Business Special

in 2024 will make it significantly easier for tourists to make their way to Ilulissat, and we do expect more tourists when the airport opens.” Extraordinary service Hotel Ilulissat has 78 rooms, divided into five types: standard, superior, executive, suite and family. Each room has a beautiful view overlooking either the mountains, the picturesque town of Ilulissat, the Disko Bay or the lavish ice fjord. On a good day, you can even get a glimpse of the Disko Island on the faraway horizon from some of the rooms. At the hotel, you’ll also find a fitness room with a treadmill, a few weights and some other equipment. At the family floor, there’s also an activity room for children, where they can play and enjoy themselves while the parents get a well-deserved break. Hotel Ilulissat also has a shuttle bus that picks you up at the airport, and naturally, it will also drop you back to the airport when it is time to go back home.

“Our staff are very attentive, and we go above and beyond for our guests. If you need help with anything, we will arrange it and make sure it happens. We also speak Danish, Greenlandic and English, which our guests appreciate,” says Møller. “We want our guests to have the best possible stay here.” In addition to all of the above, the hotel boasts an infrared sauna – the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of exploring or doing business. Supporting the local community When staying at Hotel Ilulissat, don’t miss the chance to dine in their incredible restaurant at the very top floor of the hotel. Being a Best Western Plus hotel, Hotel Ilulissat offers a fantastic Best Western breakfast with bread from the local bakery and meat and fish straight from the local huntsmen and fishermen. “Supporting the local community is very important to us, so whenever we can, we

use local foods. We are a small community, and it’s crucial that we support and help one another. We wish for the locals to become a part of the hotel, and for us to work together to strengthen the local community,” explains Møller. The restaurant overlooks the stunning Disko Bay, and if you wish to really take in the full experience, you can enjoy your food out on the rooftop terrace while losing yourself in the magical view. The restaurant also serves lunch and dinner and is open to both hotel guests and those who are not staying there. If you have time to explore the surrounding nature, then the whale safaris, iceberg safaris and hikes all make for unforgettable experiences. With a bit of help from the staff, you can also experience the Greenlandic tradition of Kaffemik, which Greenlanders hold to celebrate all kinds of events, and it is your chance to connect with the locals and eat your weight in delicious cake. Web: www.hotel-ilulissat.gl Facebook: Hotel Ilulissat Instagram: @hotel_ilulissat

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 117

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit Faroe Islands

Bright lights, little city Despite being one of the smallest capitals in the world, Tórshavn is rapidly becoming a must-see destination. With a population of just 20,000 people, the Faroese capital has always offered a big welcome to visitors, especially in the summer months. Now, many more are discovering its delights all year round. By Karen Gilmour Kristensen | Photos: Ólavur Frederiksen, @faroephoto

In recent years, Visit Tórshavn has branded the city as an ideal Christmas destination. “Tórshavn is a small city with turf-roofed houses, small alleys and an intimate atmosphere,” says director Liljan Weihe. During winter, it gets dark very early, so officials have boosted the scene with vibrant displays of Christmas lights. This year’s switch-on happened on 7 November. This is part of a special focus on what they call ‘the experience economy’ – the serious business of enabling visitors and locals to have fun. Evidently, these efforts have paid off. Normally focusing on the peak months of June, July and August, this year Visit Tórshavn successfully extended the main tourist season, stretching it from May until late October, for the benefit of both tourists and residents. “If living 118 | Issue 137 | December 2021

here is attractive, visiting is attractive as well,” says Weihe. A rapid population growth shows just how attractive it is to live on the Faroe Islands. Many young islanders who studied abroad are now returning. According to Weihe, expanding the experience economy is playing its part in this trend. “When I moved to Denmark as an 18-year-old, I wasn’t sure if I would come back as there wasn’t much to do here,” she says. “But suddenly, we have a flourishing culture and food scene.” Their enticing eateries are the pride and joy of the Faroe Islands. Using local produce has made Faroese cuisine world famous and earned one restaurant in Tórshavn, Koks, two Michelin stars. “It’s incredible that one of the world’s best restaurants is situated in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean,” Weihe remarks.

“Everywhere else seems far away. They use local produce because it’s some of the best produce in the world.” Along with the cuisine, Faroese nature captivates visitors. “Many find our powerful nature both life-affirming and overwhelming,” Weihe says. “Since the coronavirus, I think a lot of people want to get outside, into the fresh air. Here in the Faroe Islands, you can find peace and tranquillity walking in the mountains. Even in the centre of Tórshavn there’s still plenty of air, as the city is never overcrowded.”

Web: visittorshavn.fo Facebook: VisitTórshavn Instagram: @visittorshavn

Website: moebelmagasinet.gl

The world’s largest online Scandinavian business directory with thousands of in-depth premium profiles.

www.scanmagazine.com/business

SCAN M A G A Z I N E

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit Faroe Islands

Photo: Kirstin Vang

Local charm, steep mountains and challenging hikes Experience the rawness and power of Mother Nature, enjoy local food, and experience a rich history on the six Northern Isles of the Faroe Islands. The islands have so much to offer: follow in the footsteps of James Bond on Kalsoy, enjoy the rough landscape from a helicopter, and go on some challenging hikes. By Heidi Kokborg | Photos: Klara Johannesen

Visit Norðoy is on a mission: they want to show tourists more of the six Northern Isles of the Faroe Islands, namely Fugloy, Svínoy, Viðoy, Kalsoy, Kunoy and Borðoy. In particular, the more remote islands of Fugloy and Svínoy are more difficult to visit – but the trip will be worth it. “The Northern Isles are very much about the local village community and authenticity. There is a different atmosphere up north compared to the capital; people are very laidback, and there is a cosy atmosphere here,” says Jórun Høgnesen, director at Visit Norðoy.

surrounding the village. However, the islands have much more to offer, and if you long for unspoiled nature, being at one with the elements, and enjoying a freshly brewed cup of coffee at one of the local cafes, you may wish to stay up north for a couple of days.

While the majority of tourists and locals never make their way to the Northern Islands, there is one island in particular that has attracted several visitors: Kalsoy. Scenes from the new James Bond film, No Time to Die, were filmed in Trøllanes and the stunning nature

A great way to explore the splendid nature on the islands is by foot. You will be able to hike by yourself on easier hikes, and if you are up for a challenge, you also have every opportunity to go on more difficult hikes, where it is recommended to team up with an experienced

“The nature here is magnificent. It is powerful and raw. While it is impressive and majestic, with rocks and steep mountains, you also need to have a deep respect for nature up here, and you should take great care,” says Høgnesen.

guide. You can also take in the spectacular landscape on various boat trips. In addition, you might choose to explore the rich history of the islands. The town of Klaksvík has a long history as a fishing community, which you will definitely sense when strolling around it. During summertime, you can also enjoy concerts, such as the Summer Festival, which takes place in the centre of Klaksvík; the Faroese Sailor’s Day; and other activities that are well worth attending. Web: www.visitnordoy.fo

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 121

Hotel of the Month, Greenland

Luxury and ice landscapes on the edge of the Arctic Circle Guests visit the world’s most northerly four-star hotel for a genuine nature experience amid ice fjords and northern lights.

reaching their destination, Hotel Arctic was there to provide a place to rest their weary heads.

By Tina Nielsen | Photos: Hotel Arctic

It doesn’t take days to travel to Hotel Arctic in Greenland, but once you arrive it is easy to think you have come to a different world altogether. Its motto – A World Beyond Imagination – seems a fitting one. When most people think of Greenland, they probably picture a scene of ice, snow and sledge dogs. But it is a challenge to conjure up an accurate image of a landscape so different from any other European destination – you have to see it to believe it. Located on the edge of Ilulissat, in Danish known as Jakobshavn, Hotel Arctic is the most northerly four-star hotel in the 122 | Issue 137 | December 2021

As general manager Morten Nielsen explains, the hotel has an interesting history. “Hotel Arctic was originally established by Grønlandsfly, now known as Air Greenland, as a transit stop for travellers,” he says.

Over time, construction and decorative work have been undertaken to bring the hotel up to a four-star standard, and today it also boasts a five-star conference centre. The 90 rooms in the hotel, all with views to the expansive ice fjord, are luxuriously decorated and roomy – starting at 15 square metres, with the largest rooms being 25 square metres. The hotel also has five igloos away from the main site, where guests sleep immersed in nature.

With no roads to connect cities and towns in Greenland, all travel is via air or sea, and when bad weather or technical problems stopped travellers from

Hotel Arctic welcomes guests from all demographics, geographies and all walks of life. “We still host stranded passengers and they visit alongside people

world. From Copenhagen to Ilulissat it will take just seven hours to enter this alternate universe of icebergs and wilderness. A welcoming place to rest your head

Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Greenland

who come here on holidays, as well as business travellers,” says Nielsen. “It is a really varied group.”

Excursions into the vast Disko Bay – the size of Denmark, but with a population of just 800 – are very popular, too.

Whale safaris, luxury huts and local handicrafts

Closer to the doorstep of the hotel, guests can explore the town of Ilulissat, where they will find a picture-postcard image of charming, coloured wooden buildings, dog sledges parked in front, and shops selling local handicrafts. They will also find the Knud Rasmussen Museum, celebrating the life of the famous Danish explorer.

The hotel is open all year round. Peak season for travellers is the summer months of June, July and August, but, says Nielsen, spring time is very popular too. “March and April is when we still have some snow but you can go sailing; it is a time that gives different options.” Greenland offers a full nature experience, and many of the guests visit Hotel Arctic to make the most of this. “People like to go out on the water, to see the icebergs and go on whale safaris,” says Nielsen. The hotel’s sister organisation, Greenland Travel, offers luxury huts outside of town, making it a popular trip away from the town. “People stay in them for a couple of nights and go on hiking trips from the base.”

board level is reflected in the menu and dining room. “Our restaurant, Brasserie ULO, is a high-level brasserie, comparable to the Danish steak restaurant group Mash,” Nielsen explains.

Quality culinary collaborations

Next up is a fish restaurant, which is currently in development. “It will exclusively serve fish and seafood from Greenland.” And in partnership with Mikkeller, Hotel Arctic has brewed its own beer using herbs native to Greenland, and organised events for guests and locals to learn and enjoy more about the world of beer.

Food and drink are also a big priority at Hotel Arctic, and the board counts two prominent leaders who have helped to inspire new levels in catering. Mikkel Bjergsøe, the founder of the worldfamous craft brewery Mikkeller, and Johannes Jensen, owner of the twoMichelin-starred Koks restaurant on the Faroe Islands, add a different dimension to the operations, and their expertise at

Looking ahead, Hotel Arctic is readying itself to start welcoming more guests in the next few years. The single airport in Greenland will be joined by two more in 2024 – one in Nuuk, known as Godthåb in Danish, and another in Ilulissat. “It means that visitors from Europe will be able to fly directly to visit, with no stopovers,” says Nielsen. “That will be big.” Web: www.hotelarctic.com

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 123

Scan Magazine | Design Studio of the Month | Norway

Zen Flow Light is one of the wallpapers available through Photowall’s website.

Design Studio of the Month, Norway

Bring Norway’s coastal landscape into your home Elisabeth Ellefsen’s first wallpaper collection allows design lovers to bring Norwegian nature into their homes. Since launching last year, her DesignSalong’s Celestial North collection has been a runaway success online.

have been a runaway success online since Ellefsen launched the collection last November.

By Linda A. Thompson | Photos: Design Salong

Rather than offering visual reproductions of natural landscapes, Ellefsen’s designs offer an airy, dreamy interpretation of the skies, clouds and waves she sees when she sets foot outside her door.

Elisabeth Ellefsen, founder of the design and lifestyle company DesignSalong, takes her inspiration from the rocky, Norwegian landscape all around her. She is based in Kilsund, a small village on the southern coast, and has the Raet National Park right at her doorstep. Ellefsen’s new collection of wallpaper designs, available worldwide through 124 | Issue 137 | December 2021

the website by the Swedish interior design company Photowall, allows design lovers to bring this breathtaking, coastal landscape into their homes. DesignSalong’s new Celestial North collection – the name being a reference to the perpetually changing weather and light in Norway – includes four main designs and a handful of variations. They

“The designs add life to your wall without being noisy. They are dynamic, but at the same time they also have this calming, soothing quality,” she explains. “Through colour and texture, they create mood and ambience in a room.”

Scan Magazine | Design Studio of the Month | Norway

Ellefsen also sells the Celestial North collection in her own DesignSalongShop in Tvedestrand, the village where she grew up. Many shoppers who come into the little shop have been unable to take their eyes off Zen Flow Light, the wallpaper on display in the store, seemingly mesmerised by the effect the design has on them. Beyond their magnetic, aesthetic appeal, the wallpaper could also simply be good for you, Ellefsen explains. “It’s been proven that putting up a wallpaper or hanging a picture of nature benefits the mood and well-being of people who live in cities with very little nature. Even if it’s not real nature, it still has a positive effect,” she says, adding that she will release more wallpaper designs with new motifs and colours in the months to follow. Sustainability is key The Celestial North collection is made from long-lasting and environmentally friendly materials, with zero harmful chemicals used. Unlike most traditional wallpaper, the digitally printed wallpapers are fully made to measure. “That means that no excess materials are wasted and that the wallpaper is incredibly easy to apply,” Ellefsen says. This custom aspect also opens up a world of interior decoration possibilities compared to traditional wallpaper. “The designs can for instance work as Natural objects.

Elisabeth Ellefsen on rolling rock island Målen.

a painting for your wall, instead of just a décor element,” Ellefsen explains. Ellefsen founded DesignSalong in 2016 and opened her DesignSalongShop in Tvedestrand in 2020. She carries items she designed herself – everything from wooden trays made from reclaimed floorboards, to towels and toss pillows – as well as select items from design companies based abroad, like Swedish enamel cookware and handmade glass lamps from France. Sustainability is a central aspect of Ellefsen’s sensibility as a designer and shop owner. According to her, designers have to think about the bigger environmental picture. “Ensuring that the objects I design are manufactured in a good, responsible way is very important to me,” she says. An upcycled chair.

Sky Blue, another design from the Celestial North collection.

It’s also why she tries to collaborate with local manufacturers wherever possible, and to upcycle and redesign old, discarded items. At the end of the day, being a responsible furniture and interior designer also means explaining the hidden aspects of the items on display in DesignSalongShop – the hours of craftsmanship and locally sourced, durable materials that went into an old chair. “These qualities are not always obvious from the outside, so I try to explain that to customers,” she says. “Good design takes time; it’s not a quick process.” Web: www.designsalong.com Facebook: DesignSalong Instagram: @designsalong Pinterest: DesignSalongen

Redesigned jeans pillow.

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 125

Scan Magazine | Design Studio of the Month | Finland

Design Studio of the Month, Finland

Timeless interior designs With each project carefully tailored to the client’s needs, BA/NG Interiors Helsinki provides interior design services that are both beautiful and practical, durable and enjoyable.

and unique features, which we use in our projects – depending on the client brief, obviously,” says Bargum.

By Ndéla Faye | Photos: Mikael Pettersson

Usually steering clear of plain, white walls in favour of warmer tones, BA/NG Interiors are experts in turning any room into a warm, functional space that will be comfortable to use and visually pleasing. “A lot of the time, the guest bathroom is the place where people give us the freedom to experiment with bold colours or a funky wallpaper,” Möller laughs.

If nothing else, spending so much time indoors in the past two years has taught us that interiors matter, and they can have a huge impact on how we think and feel. Anna Bargum and Nina Möller are family friends who set up their interior design business in 2015. Since then, they have worked on a number of projects with a focus on complete solutions for their clients. Despite their classic and timeless designs, BA/NG Interiors are far from boring. They have a keen eye for details and often spruce up interiors by injecting colour, using small design features and decorative items. “This goes well with our ethos of creating designs that are long-lasting. Instead of paying attention to every trend that might go out of style quickly, we focus on proven classics and timeless style, and then add small features into spaces that can be changed if needed,” Möller explains. 126 | Issue 137 | December 2021

Sustainable functionalism with a unique, colourful touch At the core of BA/NG Interiors’ values are sustainability and functionality, as well as an aim to provide quality and comfort. “In all our projects, we focus on the sustainability of the materials and the longevity of our designs,” says Bargum. Providing interior design services to commercial and residential spaces in Finland and abroad, the company offers tailored solutions for clients. The interior design company offers a range of services, from project management to renovation planning and turn-key solutions. “From masters such as Mies van Der Rohe, Le Corbusier, Gio Ponti, Achilles & Piero Giacomo Castiglioni, to Gae Aulenti and Charlotte Perriand, we are big admirers of the industrial and functional design that started in the early 1930s. Naturally, we have a soft spot for the female pioneers in design. We like using colours

Owners Bargum and Möller. Photo: Anton Sucksdorff

Web: www.banginteriorshelsinki.com Instagram: @banginteriors Facebook: /banginteriorshelsinki

Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Denmark

Attraction of the Month, Denmark

A community for creativity and culture Right in the heart of Lønstrup, you’ll find Keramoda, a space where creativity blooms and culture thrives. Originally, Keramoda was a ceramics workshop only, but since inheriting the farm five years ago, Vibe Falkenberg has expanded Keramoda to also include a café, cottages and a gallery – all while keeping Keramoda’s ceramic heart beating. By Heidi Kokborg | Photos: Keramoda

Vibe Falkenberg grew up surrounded by clay, and her dad’s ceramics workshop was her personal playground. She has been spinning clay since she was just three years old, and she is now a trained ceramicist. As such, it was only natural for her to take over her childhood home when her dad passed away five years ago. “The farm is where I grew up, so it has been important to me to keep the history of our family home alive. You’ll find old pictures hanging on the walls, from my childhood when I was spinning clay, and the workshop is also still the beating heart of Keramoda,” says Falkenberg. While ceramics is still at the heart of Keramoda, Falkenberg has expanded the space over the last five years, and today, Keramoda is more than just a workshop; it is a community for creativity and culture. It now also has a café that serves delicious food made from local ingredi-

ents, as well as cosy cottages for overnight guests, and a playroom for children.

year around, and there are plenty of activities during both the summer and the winter months. During the dark and cold winter months, you can play chess on a ceramic chess board while sipping hot chocolate, or perhaps explore the rich history of the farm that used to be a clergy house. In the summer, you can enjoy live concerts in the courtyard and explore the picturesque village of Lønstrup.

“My vision for Keramoda is that it becomes something of a cultural centre where everyone is welcome. Whether they spend the day working from the café, use the workshop to create, visit the gallery, or stay in one of the cottages, we wish that our guests feel inspired and welcome,” says Falkenberg. Elegant like a ballerina The ceramics you find at Keramoda are divided into two collections: landscape and the ocean. The style is elegant and light, all kept in natural colours inspired by the beautiful sea and the lush landscape surrounding Lønstrup. “I always tell people to spin a ballerina; not a concrete worker,” laughs Falkenberg. If you are inspired to visit the historic family farm, you can visit Keramoda all

Web: www.keramoda.dk Facebook: Keramoda Lønstrup Instagram: @keramoda

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 127

Berglind’s favourite beach below the towering Eyjafjallajökull glacier, neighbour to Katla.

Attraction of the Month, Iceland

The land of ice and fire – the natural dangers and the local community of Katla UNESCO Global Geopark Iceland claims one of the most geologically dynamic regions on earth: the Katla Geopark, home to five volcanos, all covered by towering glaciers. But it isn’t just volcanos that make this place an extreme geological experience: with an area of 9,542 square kilometres, almost ten per cent of Iceland, it boasts beautiful landscapes, black sandy beaches, waterfalls flowing over high cliffs, glacial rivers, caves and canyons, moss-covered lava fields, and a wealth of wildlife. By Karin Blak | Photos: Þórir Níels Kjartansson

This is a truly amazing place, and Berglind Sigmundsdóttir, manager at Katla Geopark, is keen to note that the heritage, traditions, and stories told by the residents of the Geopark are heavily influenced by the geo-hazards of the surrounding landscape. The danger of the sneaker waves While volcanic activity might dominate the Geopark’s history, the sneaker waves on the black beaches are like something 128 | Issue 137 | December 2021

out of a fantasy novel. Visitors excited by the extreme surroundings, and perhaps in search of a thrill, can get too close to the water’s edge. Being caught by a sneaker is described by Berglind as “being hit by a wall of water. These sneaker waves come suddenly and without warning, are disproportionally large compared to the previous waves, and lash out with an immense amount of force, sweeping you off your

feet and often carrying you out to sea.” An important warning for anyone visiting these black beaches. The unstoppable glacial floods The eruption of a volcano that’s covered by a glacier has different consequences to the eruption of those that are not. As the lava and ice come into contact, it causes a reaction that produces an abundance of ash, and as the glacier melts there is a high risk of powerful outbursts of glacial floods, which are frequently catastrophic. Katla, which usually erupts every 40 to 80 years, last erupted in 1918. It is expected that this, the biggest of these five volcanos, will erupt again at any time. As Berglind says, “it isn’t a matter of if, it is a matter of when”. For this reason,

Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Iceland

the residents of Vik, the town closest to Katla, are required to have a bag packed, ready for an emergency evacuation. The saying among the residents is that “Katla is coming” and they are as ready as they can be. The local community Despite the dangers the residents live with, there is a love and deeply held respect for the Geopark. Berglind’s heartfelt pride for the local stakeholders and residents is clear as she talks about their contributions and collaborations. Together, they have created a code of conduct to help preserve the ecological balance in the park. Education at all age levels, including in schools, is an important aspect of the collaboration to develop a greater understanding and appreciation locally while promoting responsible behaviour. The greater awareness there is, the more local stakeholders would like to keep their nature as pure as possible. Guided tours to areas hard to reach are widely available and keep visitors safe from the unsuspected dangers and the elements. Sites for tourism are mainly kept close to roads and infrastructures, while sustain-

able tourism is promoted through travel companies. Local produce The residents are looked upon as partners in the Geopark and are key players in its sustainable development. Their role in helping to promote local heritage, through storytelling, selling local produce in shops and including it on menus, while also creating goods from regionally sourced materials, supports the local economy. “It’s a close-knit community of people, all working together to preserve nature and their geological and cultural heritage,” says Berglind. The Icelandic Lava Show During the last Katla eruption in 1918, a group of farmers had a narrow escape when they were herding their sheep to safety. One of these farmers was the granddad of the owner of the Icelandic Lava Show. The idea of the show was born after visiting the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull. The owners decided to create a show

Top left: The partners of Katla Geopark – from left: Magnús Haraldsson, Rebekka Katrínardóttir, and Piotr Dera – offer a variety of local products. Photo: Una Local Products. Top middle: Reynisfjara – one of the most dangerous beaches in Iceland due to sneaker waves. Bottom: Ice cave in a Katla glacier. Photo: Páll Jökull Pétursson. Right: Huldufoss waterfall in the Katla glacier.

where people can experience real lava up close, but without the inherent dangers of seeking the same experience by climbing a volcano. Storytelling of what happened when Katla last erupted, as well as information about safety, monitoring and the plans in Vik for when another eruption happens, keep tourists informed and can hopefully help to avoid chaos during the next major volcanic event. This enterprise received the Innovation Award of Icelandic Tourism in 2021, and the owners are going on to open a similar venue in Reykjavik. Berglind’s beach When asked about her favourite place in the Geopark, Berglind says: “Standing on the beach admiring the vast landscape, from seemingly endless coastline to the towering glaciers and volcanos above, feeling like one tiny grain of sand in this huge nature, being part of this dynamic landscape, where the powers of natural forces are constantly changing the environment.” It’s a fitting description of one of the most dynamic places on the planet. Web: www.katlageopark.com Facebook: katlageopark

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 129

Experience of the Month, Denmark

Discover the seven seas Situated right by Copenhagen Airport, Den Blå Planet, the National Aquarium Denmark, is an ideal place to visit when arriving to or leaving Denmark. Here, you can discover sea animals from all corners of the globe, including hammerhead sharks, colourful coral-reef fish and adorable sea otters, and you can also learn about the catastrophic damage global warming is doing to our oceans.

riving to or leaving Denmark. Both children and adults will have a fun and educational experience. There is something here for everyone, no matter your age,” says Diderichsen.

By Heidi Kokborg | Photos: Kennet Islandi Havgaard

An educational experience

Sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, coralreef fish and sea otters are just a few of the sea animals you can experience at Den Blå Planet, the National Aquarium Denmark. The largest aquarium in northern Europe, it has no less than 15,000 animals and 585 species in 48 aquariums containing a total of seven million litres of water. No wonder, then, that the average guest spends around three hours exploring the underwater world. “Many adults find the aquarium almost meditative. Everything is relatively dark 130 | Issue 137 | December 2021

here, as the fish would otherwise feel threatened by the light and hide. This also means that it’s rather quiet and peaceful, and you can just walk around looking at beautiful fish happily swimming around in the water, which can be almost mesmerising,” explains Jon Diderichsen, CEO at Den Blå Planet. Seeing as the aquarium is located right by the airport, Den Blå Planet is a hit in particular among tourists, who make up 60 per cent of the guests. “It is perfect for visiting us when you are either ar-

The aquarium has every kind of sea creature you can possibly imagine. For instance, you can say hello to a recently rescued sea turtle that had been carried away by the current and by accident ended up on the West Coast in Denmark – not an ideal habitat for a sea turtle. “It was almost dead when we received it, because the water up here is much too cold for sea turtles. It was probably on its way to the Azores but somehow ended up here. Luckily, we were able to save it, and now it is three times bigger than when we got it, and it’s thriving,” says Diderichsen.

Scan Magazine | Experience of the Month | Denmark

You can also experience endangered species like sea otters. Den Blå Planet has four sea otters that were rescued from Alaska. Had the baby otters not been saved, they would have died in the wild. Of course, you can also experience more common species like cod, pike and other fish you can find in the Danish waters. You can see vibrant coral reefs, too, with the most beautiful and colourful fish, impressive hammerhead sharks, and other tropical species. “We wish to educate people about life in the sea. What kind of creatures live here? Why do we need to protect our oceans? What do healthy corals look like? The ocean is a bit of a mystery to many people, as we can’t see what’s happening beneath the surface,” Diderichsen explains. But the aquarium is not only great at educating guests on what healthy, thriving oceans look like. Den Blå Planet also explains and demonstrates what will happen in the environmental sense if we continue down the disastrous route we are currently on. “We show our guests what happens when plastic ends up in the ocean, what dead coral reefs look like, and why it is absolutely crucial that we take care of our oceans and protect them. It is important

to also show the less beautiful side and show people the consequences our actions have on the ocean, as that’s otherwise not visible to us,” says Diderichsen.

“We have a total of ten models in real-life size, and children are allowed to touch them and even crawl up on the models,” says Diderichsen.

See a real monster shark

Den Blå Planet also has a large outdoor area worth exploring, and a restaurant with delicious food, making for the perfect way to end your tour of the seven seas.

The aquarium also has a big, tropical pool, where children, and indeed adults, can touch and interact with rays and bamboo sharks up close. “You just put your hand in the water and touch them. They are very curious, and it’s a really fun way to interact with the animals,” says Diderichsen. Up until the end of 2022, you can also explore the special exhibition Once Upon a Sea, which is all about the history of the ocean and the spectacular sea creatures of the past. Here, you’ll be able to see monster sharks and other extinct sea creatures.

The aquarium is located right by Copenhagen Airport, and it is open 365 days of the year. Purchase tickets online to secure your spot at the aquarium.

Web: www.denblaaplanet.dk Facebook: Den Blå Planet Instagram: @denblaaplanet YouTube: Den Blå Planet

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 131

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Denmark

The creamy Butter Chicken is one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes.

Curtrice and chilli prawns.

Restaurant of the Month, Denmark

Unique Indian restaurant making enjoyable Indian food for everyone’s taste buds Curry Leaves, a family-run Indian restaurant in the Danish harbour town of Sønderborg, was born from a simple aspiration – allowing Danes to experience the full richness of North and South Indian cuisine, no matter how hot or mild they like their lamb curry. By Linda A. Thompson | Photos: Curry Leaves

A couple of years ago, Sinthu Sivakumar, an electronic technician by training, wanted to head in a different career direction. For as long as she could remember, she and her husband, Sivakumar Sivasamy, had been whipping up Indian dishes for their friends. With every dinner party, they would prepare new dishes, taking their guests on a journey through the country’s rich cuisine and gradually expanding 132 | Issue 137 | December 2021

their taste palettes. The feedback from their friends was always the same: you two should open a restaurant. So, when she was ready for a career change, she decided to do just that. Together with her husband, Sinthu opened her restaurant Curry Leaves in Sønderborg, a small harbour town in southern Denmark, in 2014.

Opening their own Indian restaurant was also a dream of Sivakumar, an engineer by training. “He would come home from work and tell me that many of his colleagues had never tried Indian food before,” Sinthu explains. “This made him sad, as he felt they were missing out.” Curry Leaves is a true family restaurant. Sinthu and Sivakumar split the chef duties, while their two children serve the customers. From the sauces down to the spice mixes, everything is made from scratch at Curry Leaves, which is located close to the city’s harbour. The two chefs make daily shop

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Denmark

runs to buy vegetables and fruit, so that the dishes they serve at dinnertime are as fresh as possible. More or less spice? Your call Curry Leaves combines a self-service buffet – which includes mild, child-friendly dishes such as the Dal Curry, to spicier ones like the Devil Curry – with traditional restaurant service. The à la carte menu includes staples of Indian cuisine like Tikka Masala, Lamb Curry and Butter Chicken. The last dish – a creamy chicken curry – is the restaurant’s most popular one, Sinthu explains. “The sauce is similar in texture to European-style sauces, but taste-wise it is an Indian sauce.” Indian cuisine of course varies from region to region, so Sinthu and Sivakumar chose to focus on North and South Indian cuisine. “North Indian cuisine is diverse, with a wide variety of flavours, from sweet to sour to bitter,” Sinthu explains. “South Indian cuisine is bolder and spicier. But this doesn’t mean that you’ll have flames shooting out of you,” she quips. “We have adapted the spiciness to the Sønderborg

area, so that our Indian cuisine is a viable option for anyone.” In fact, diners at Curry Leaves can have any dish on the menu customised to precisely the level of spiciness they like. “We bring out small dishes with the nearly finished sauce of a guest’s dish for them to taste,” Sinthu says. Diners can then choose to make it more or less spicy, or not change anything at all. Sinthu came up with this idea – unique in Sønderborg – during the early days of the restaurant, after realising that many guests found the food too spicy. “Everybody who comes here tells us: ‘This is the first time that we are getting a taste before we are served the food.’ Guests have never had an experience like that before.” Truly inclusive, regardless of dietary neds Making Indian food accessible to all is in fact what Curry Leaves is all about. The menu, for instance, includes many vegan dishes as well as dishes free from gluten,

lactose and nuts. Once every two months, the restaurant also hosts a popular vegan and allergen-free night. Eaters who are allergic or intolerant to gluten, nuts or lactose can kick back and relax that evening as the entire buffet will be 100 per cent free of those ingredients. “This night is specifically for people who usually struggle to find a good meal due to their dietary restrictions,” Sinthu explains. “For one night, they can experience a full buffet with several appetisers, a dozen vegan and allergy-free main courses, a vegan salad bar and even a vegan icecream bar.” For the years to come, the two chefs are determined to continue to reduce the restaurant’s carbon footprint. “We want to be as green as possible and use local and environmentally friendly ingredients,” Sinthu explains.

Web: www.curryleaves.dk Facebook: CurryLeavesRestaurant Instagram: @curryleaves_sonderborg

Tandoori Chicken.

Naan with Pallac Chicken.

Kulfi milkshake.

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 133

Scan Magazine | Education Profile of the Month | Denmark

Education Profile of the Month, Denmark

More than a school: a community for young people with a passion for classical and folk music OrkesterEfterskolen is not your typical school. Sure, you will find all the regular subjects like Danish, maths and English, but you will also find subjects like music theory, music history, chamber music and individual instrumental tuition. OrkesterEfterskolen is a school for young people with a love for classical and folk music, who wish to dive deep into the world of music. By Heidi Kokborg | Photos: Gitte Buus Andersen

OrkesterEfterskolen is situated in the city of Holstebro, a beautiful part of western Denmark near the magnificent North Sea coast, and with just 59 miles to Billund Airport, the school is ideally located for when families of the international students want to visit. The school offers six programmes: the Orchestra Programme, the Vocal and Choir Conducting Programme, the Piano Programme, the Folk Music Programme, the Organ Programme, and the Guitar and 134 | Issue 137 | December 2021

Recorder Programme. “We are a highly specialised school for classical and folk music enthusiasts. OrkesterEfterskolen is the only school in Denmark that is as dedicated to musical craftsmanship as we are. We simply love music, and the teachers here are highly educated, dedicated, and passionate about acoustic music,” says Asbjørn Damgaard Faleide, principal at OrkesterEfterskolen. OrkesterEfterskolen is for students aged 14 to 17 (or ninth and tenth grade

in Denmark). It is similar to a boarding school, in that the students live at the school. This also means that it offers the students a wonderful opportunity to connect with like-minded people on a deeper level. “Many of our students come from schools where they have been used to being the only one in their class playing the piano, flute or violin. Therefore, they appreciate coming here and being a part of a community of fellow music enthusiasts. The school is almost like a little oasis for everyone who plays an instrument or sings,” Damgaard Faleide explains. High academic level OrkesterEfterskolen was founded in 2004. The founder, Charlotte Borchorst Faurschou, saw a need for a school dedicated to classical and folk music for

Scan Magazine | Education Profile of the Month | Denmark

young people – a community for young music lovers – but also, a chance to shape and help young people develop their musical talents. “You don’t have to be a musical wonder or know much about music to attend the school. You do, however, need a passion for classical and folk music and a desire to learn about music and develop your musical skills. Many of our students continue studying music after their school year here,” says Damgaard Faleide.

OrkesterEfterskolen also offers extra help for any students that may struggle with the academics. “It is important to us that everyone feels welcome here, no matter what level they are at. The teachers here have more time with each student than at many other schools, which also means that the students have every opportunity to grow and develop both their musical and academic prowess during their year here,” says Damgaard Faleide.

Music lessons and practice take up about 15 hours of the students’ time every week. They have subjects like music theory, music history, choir, orchestra and chamber music, and in addition, they also have individual instrumental tuition on a weekly basis. Each morning, the students start the day by practising their instruments before the more regular schedule kicks off. “We also value the academics at OrkesterEfterskolen, and our level is quite high. Our teachers are very competent and well-educated. The academics are just as important to us as the musical part,” explains Damgaard Faleide.

Explore other cultures OrkesterEfterskolen welcomes about 70 young music enthusiasts each school year, and the school is currently in the process of building a new music house, which will contain everything the students need for their musical studies. Moreover, each school year the students go on an exciting field trip outside Denmark. “This year, we are going to Norway. We have also been to Amsterdam and Bremen. We try to organise trips where we stay with locals who also have a passion for classical and folk music, and then

they visit us as well. This way, the students also get an opportunity to explore a different culture,” Damgaard Faleide explains. International students are also very welcome at OrkesterEfterskolen, which has hosted students from Germany, Ireland, Sweden, Israel, and even Australia. The international students receive intensive Danish lessons, but otherwise they follow the same schedule as the Danish students. If you and your child are feeling inspired to learn more about OrkesterEfterskolen, you can visit the school on 8 January 2022, and there’s also an Easter Camp in 2022, when interested students can spend a couple of days at the school to get a better sense of life at OrkesterEfterskolen.

Web: www.orkesterefterskolen.dk Facebook: OrkesterEfterskolen Instagram: @orkesterefterskolen_officiel

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 135

Scan Magazine | Museum of the Month | Faroe Islands

Museum of the Month, Faroe Islands

Dive into the rich cultural and natural history of the Faroe Islands The Faroe Islands have a rich and interesting history that’s well worth exploring. At the National Museum of the Faroe Islands, you’ll get a memorable experience of the nature, culture and history of the 18 volcanic islands, starting from the Viking Age (800-1050 AD). Explore the history of wool and its significant role in Faroese history, learn about the national costume, and discover the original Faroese rowing boat.

nates with our guests, while still showing our love for the Faroese history, heritage and traditions, as they have very much shaped the Faroese society as we know and love it today,” Winkler continues.

By Heidi Kokborg | Photos: The National Museum of the Faroe Islands

From sheep droppings to catwalk in Tokyo

The National Museum of the Faroe Islands takes its visitors on a journey through the fascinating cultural and natural history of these magnificent islands. Here, you’ll be able to explore the permanent exhibitions, special exhibitions, an open-air museum, a Faroese garden, and an abandoned whaling station from 1905. “Since 2018, the museum has evolved and developed significantly. We have completely reimagined everything; we’re making our exhibitions more con136 | Issue 137 | December 2021

temporary, and we’re uniting natural history, cultural history, geology and archaeology, so both our permanent and special exhibitions will be multidisciplinary,” explains Rannvá Winkler, museum curator at the National Museum of the Faroe Islands.

One of the most fascinating – and perhaps also slightly unusual – permanent exhibitions at the museum is called From sheep droppings to catwalk in Tokyo. The exhibition is the story of wool and the extremely important role wool – and sheep – have played in Faroese history.

This also means that the permanent exhibitions are being updated, making them even more interesting for visitors. “We wish to grow and develop with our visitors and portray the rich Faroese history and nature in a contemporary way that reso-

“We know there have been humans on the Faroe Islands since the Viking Age, and we also know that for as long as humans have lived on the islands, sheep and their wool have kept the Faroese people alive,” says Winkler.

Scan Magazine | Museum of the Month | Faroe Islands

The wool kept the Faroese people warm in a climate that is ever-changing, cold and sometimes downright brutal – weather that is simply not for the faint-hearted. The sheep on the Faroe Islands have double-coated wool that is rich in lanolin, which kept the people extra warm and dry. “Sheep were not just a source of food; they provided the first settlers with milk, and crucially wool. The Vikings weaved clothes and sails for ships and boats, and later people started knitting socks and jumpers,” says Winkler. As the world grew more global, wool was no longer just something to keep oneself warm; it became an important commodity, which the locals would trade for other goods with foreigners. In fact, several of the knitting patterns that are used by the big Faroese fashion houses today can be dated back at least a hundred years on the Faroe Islands. And if you haven’t guessed it yet, that is indeed also where the name of the exhibition came from. “We try to weave a thread from the past to the present and show people how the past, the present and the future are connected,” says Winkler. “We are also aiming to make the exhibitions crossdisciplinary.”Today, wool is a luxury rather than a necessity, and sheep keeping is more of a hobby than a livelihood.

A look at the national costume If you’re visiting the Faroe Islands in summer 2022, don’t miss the special exhibition about the national costume. In it, the National Museum interprets the national costume, while taking a look at the history of it. “As our society has become part of the global community, the national costume has evolved as well and become more individual or self-centred. Today, people will gladly spend extra money to stand out from the crowd. Unique buttons and jewellery, especially designed embroidery patterns for vests, scarves and pinafores are all ways to try to be different,” explains Winkler. “We also see a trend of people researching the past to bring their national outfit ’back to the roots’, to break from the trend right now.”

While there are many and constant changes, the national costume gives the Faroese people a great sense of unity and pride. Some things have not changed, however: the national costume is still mostly handmade, the quality is impeccable, and it is still worn during the national holiday in July, at weddings, and at graduations. This, and much more, you’ll be able to take a dive-deep into next summer. When visiting the National Museum, you’ll also be able to see the original Faroese rowing boat, as well as the full collection of the legendary Kirkjubøur benches from the 15th century. Web: www.tjodsavnid.fo Facebook: Tjóðsavnið

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 137

Scan Magazine | Artist of the Month | Norway

The Eyes That See.

Into the Wilderness.

Artist of the Month, Norway

A workplace of colourful, intuitive art A quintessential Norwegian, painter and tapestry-weaver Gro Moe finds inspiration in nature for her vivid, many-hued creations. After “painting herself well”, she now has a thriving business that has blossomed on Instagram, despite the limited exhibition opportunities during the pandemic. By Lise Lærdal Bryn | Photos: Anna Schultz

Moe came into herself as an artist as an adult, but she has always considered herself a creative person, and long before whole-heartedly pursuing art, she spent much of her time with a knitting needle. The rest was spent taking care of her three children and working parttime at a kindergarten – unsurprising, given her broad smile and the swirling colours of her paintings. When she fell ill in the late ‘90s, she found therapy in her art and, through an education programme, studied art formally for the first time. “I then understood that you could actually learn to become an artist, that this was something you’re not just born into. So there was some fortune in all the misfortune.” It’s been a year since she officially registered her business and made a “workplace of art”, as she puts it, and two since she set up her website and Insta-

gram account, and business has been thriving. “It’s never too late to learn something new and find out what you want to do with your life!” she remarks. “Even when you’re about to turn 60. It’s all very fun.”

ries. She’s become very adept at using social media over the past couple of years and sees it as an integral part of her work. She shares her day with her followers, as well as ongoing projects, tips, and invitations for title suggestions for newly completed paintings. “It’s quite a big job, but I get to be creative there, too – luckily, I think it’s fun to make content for Instagram,” she says with a smile. Gro Moe loves working with colours.

The fact that her work is fun keeps coming up – and abstract painting in particular. When asked to describe her work in one word, she answers “colourful”, and she certainly does love bold colours. Different colour palettes will inspire whatever she works on that day. She calls this ‘intuitive painting’. “There are definitely periods when I tend more towards one colour, however – often blue – and then I challenge myself to try new things.” She also looks for colour palettes on her daily nature walks, which are her chief source of inspiration. Moe elaborates more on intuitive painting in one of her saved Instagram sto-

Web: gromoe.com Instagram: @gromoe_art

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 139

Scan Magazine | Art Profile of the Month | Nivaagaards Malerisamling

Photo: David Kahr

Art Profile of the Month, Denmark

A great collection returns to a greener Nivaagaard In the past year, the historic buildings that house Nivaagaards Malerisamling (The Nivaagaard Collection) in Northern Zealand have undergone extensive, climatefriendly renovations. Now, the museum is ready to welcome back visitors to “an absolutely incredible programme for 2022”, according to the museum’s director, Andrea Rygg Karberg.

ral light. Geothermal energy is now the main power source for the museum and harmful UV-rays are blocked out by speciality glass, which also allows for control over the indoor temperature.

By Miriam Gradel | Photos: Nivaagaards Malerisamling

A great number of paintings have also undergone renovation, while the remainder of the collection was sent abroad. According to Karberg, “the fact that you are able to experience some of the best art from the past 500 years within a small and intimate space is what makes Nivaagaard so special.”

Spanning 500 years of art history, from the Italian Renaissance to the Danish Golden Age, and seasonal exhibitions from modern and contemporary artists, The Nivaagaard Collection is quite possibly Denmark’s best-kept art secret. Over the years, the collection has expanded vastly, containing pieces from famous artists such as Rembrandt, Giovanni Bellini and P. C. Skovgaard. And this coming January, visitors will be delighted to experience the genius of Danish painter Wilhelm Marstrand in some of his most 140 | Issue 137 | December 2021

admired works on display at the Nivaagaard museum. A new and greener museum experience Thanks to funding from some of Denmark’s biggest funds, Nivaagaard has been able to fulfil a long-time dream for the renovation of the museum. Focusing on the visitor experience, new skylight windows have been installed in all the exhibition halls, allowing for the optimal enjoyment of world-class art in a natu-

The Danish Golden Age – A Paradox Visitors to the museum will be particularly delighted to experience the extensive collection of paintings from the Danish Golden Age, which has spent the past year on display in the Netherlands

Scan Magazine | Art Profile of the Month | Denmark

under the title The Danish Golden Age – A Paradox. Whereas the Netherlands enjoyed a national economic upswing during their golden age in the 17th century, the Danish golden age in the 19th century was marked by different experiences. Due to a series of damaging fires in the late 1700s and early 1800s followed by the 1807 bombardment of Copenhagen, the country was forced to declare bankruptcy in 1813, subsequently losing Norway the following year. But the 1800s in Denmark was also a time when HC Andersen conjured up little mermaids and ugly ducklings, Søren Kierkegaard put his thoughts into writing, and Danish painters set a new direction for the nation’s art scene. “Paintings from this time have influenced our current Danish mindset and sense of national identity,” explains Karberg. Though it might make some wonder how culture can blossom in a time of social and economic downfall, according to Karberg, “that is precisely when it’s motivated to counteract what’s happening in society and, in this case, triggers a desire to seek positivity that makes art and culture blossom.”

Wilhelm Marstrand: The Great Narrator According to Karberg, one of the greatest Danish painters of this period is Wilhelm Marstrand, whose works will be on display from 21 January, in an extensive exhibition titled Wilhelm Marstrand: The Great Narrator. In con-

trast to his peers, who mainly looked inward towards Danish mythology and nationalism, Marstrand is known for his international and socio-realist outlook. “Marstrand’s style of painting was elegant, and he was considered a genius already in his own time,” explains Karberg. As an admirer of playwright Ludvig Holberg, Marstrand often painted scenes from everyday life in a somewhat vaudevillesque style, with great social insight and humour. An example of this is A prison scene in Rome from 1837, which with its bright and warm colour scheme provides a snapshot of daily life amongst the poor working classes in the Italian capital. “With Marstrand, you are amused by his paintings,” Karberg continues – a positivity that has often drawn critical attention to his art. “The notion is often that the key to great art lies within tragedy, but art that celebrates humour can be equally as great, and I think we are finally realising this now,” she says, highlighting how at a time of great censorship, it was precisely due to his vibrant style of painting that Marstrand managed to depict otherwise controversial topics and social inequalities. “His eye for composition made him able to put many characters together in a scene without ever overcrowding the painting,” says Karberg. “It’s exciting how his characters always seem to interact in a very natural way, and even as

bystanders, we feel invited into the festivities.” The Wilhelm Marstrand: The Great Narrator exhibition will house 70 of his paintings, including a famous portrait of the Danish actress, Johanne Luise Heiberg, to shine a new light on one of the greatest contributors to Danish art history. The climate renovation of The Nivaagaard Collection could take place thanks to a donation from Aage og Johanne Louis-Hansen Fond, VILLUM FONDEN, Augustinus Fonden and A. P. Møller og Hustru Chastine McKinney Møllers Fond til Almene Formaal.

Current and upcoming exhibitions at Nivaagaard: Until 9 January 2022: Ib Spang Olsen 100 år 21 January to 12 June 2022: Wilhelm Marstrand: The Great Narrator

Address: Gammel Strandvej 2, 2990 Nivå, Denmark Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 11am to 8pm Saturday to Sunday, 11am to 5pm

Web: www.nivaagaard.dk/en Facebook: Nivaagaards Malerisamling Instagram: @nivaagaard

Nightmare, Ditlev Blunck, 1846.

Roman citizens gathered for festivities in an Osteria, Wilhelm Marstrand, 1839.

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 141

Photo: Shutterstock

Language, identity and immigration in Finland: What’s more important to fit in, language skills or true ‘sisu’? The mayor of Helsinki, Juhana Virtiainen, told Helsingin Sanomat in August 2021 that Helsinki should perhaps be declared an English-speaking city. The idea behind this proposal was to encourage Finnish companies to recruit larger numbers of technically skilled workers from abroad, in order to address the worsening labour shortage in medical, technical and administrative fields that the Finnish Chamber of Commerce called “alarming”, according to a report by Yle News. Could Finland’s language policy be the key to solving its skilled labour shortage? By John Weston

One obstacle to coming to work in a highly skilled job in Finland is that companies often still stipulate a native-like command of Finnish – something that can seem unreasonable, and which is normally not allowed under Finnish equality law. Such language requirements must always be directly linked 142 | Issue 137 | December 2021

to the nature of the job itself. However, many expert roles do indeed require a high level of control and precision in speaking and writing. But does a high level of speaking and writing have to imply the use of Finnish? Adjoining Helsinki to the west is the mu-

nicipality of Espoo, the second-largest urban area in Finland. Of its 300,000 inhabitants, one in six does not speak Finnish or Swedish as their first language, as noted by Kai Mykkänen, Chair of Espoo City Council in Helsinki Times in June. In 2017, English was made an official service language in Espoo, making it possible to use public services there in English. English is also available for the most common aspects of national infrastructure, such as transport, health and social security, and taxation. However, when foreigners deal with more complex or less common issues, they invariably reach the limit of the roll-out of English-language information, and find themselves confronted with a dense PDF

Scan Magazine | Culture | Finnish Language, Identity and Immigration

file of administrative or legal Finnish. It’s fortunate, then, that Finns regularly rank among the most proficient speakers of English as an additional language, according to the World Economic Forum. Especially in metropolitan areas like Helsinki and Espoo, but also elsewhere in the country, Finns are typically prepared to at least meet someone halfway if they are struggling to be articulate in Finnish, and many Finns positively relish the chance to use their knowledge of business English or to deploy their English-language popular culture references. This is a cultural richness that makes Finland feel welcoming and friendly at the level of day-to-day interactions, despite the popular stereotype of Finns eschewing small talk and preferring silence. The reality is that once you get a Finn talking, they really talk! The downside of this for someone moving to Finland and hoping to learn the language, is that it’s easy to hit the wall in terms of what can be absorbed by osmosis from life’s routines. There is something of a paradox, then, in the attitudes of Finns to the English language. The majority recognise the value of English for international competitiveness, but they are also anxious about Finnish being displaced by English. Radio stations play a mixture of languages, with English songs featuring prominently. Over half of the country uses SVODs (subscription video on demand services) such as Netflix, and over 70 per cent use social video streaming such as YouTube. Finns like global culture. But the Finnish language itself only gained official status relatively recently in the nation’s history, when Swedish rule ended in 1809 and Finland became an autonomous Russian Grand Duchy, until it gained independence in 1917.

is tied to the way the country transformed after the Second World War, pulling itself up into a thriving, eco-friendly, technologically advanced, highly educated and fair, progressive democracy. ‘Sisu’ captures a dogged sense of duty and getting things done the right way, but it also aspires to a utopian ideal of what society should be like. At the level of the individual sounds of the language, Finnish identity is found, for example, in the highly trilled /r/; every Finnish grandparent is keen to know the moment their grandchild acquires the magical ability to pronounce this particular phoneme. At the level of the whole language as a political object, there is a national flag day for the language itself, another for the national epic poem, Kalevala, and several more for individual poets and writers. Perhaps this strong link between language and identity is part of the reason why job advertisers are relatively conservative in their language requirements.

In addition to the increasing frequency of public statements designed to raise awareness of, and break the link between, language stipulations and labour shortages, Helsinki Business Hub ran the 90 Day Finn programme in 2020, offering United States tech professionals a relocation package to Helsinki, attracting over 5,300 applicants for just 14 spaces. People want to come to Finland, and when they come, they want to stay. The English language will continue to be popular and important in Finland, but Finland’s other languages will always have pride of place.

Finland has two main official languages, Finnish and Swedish, and six official minority languages: three varieties of Sami, spoken mainly in the north of Finland; Romani, spoken mainly in the south and west; Karelian, spoken mainly in the eastern region bordering Russia; and Finnish Sign Language.

Lutheran Cathedral of Helsinki. Photo: pxfuel.com

Language as identity Finnish national identity is intimately associated with its language. The word ‘sisu’ is regarded by many Finns as untranslatable. It refers to a kind of distinctively Finnish toughness, grit, or guts. The distinctively Finnish aspect of ‘sisu’

Helsinki from above. Photo: pxfuel.com

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 143

Scan Magazine | Culture | Columns

Scandinavian music Just as the pandemic was beginning to shut down all of the clubs and night spots in the spring of 2020, Swedish duo Jubël found themselves with a monster UK radio and streaming hit on their hands, with their bop-worthy cover of the Toploader classic, Dancing In The Moonlight. Unable to capitalise on the potential of a club hit until recent developments, they’re now back with another stab at soundtracking our good times on the dance floor. New single I & I is a cheeky little tune that celebrates the healing joy to be found in temporarily removing yourself from everyone else around you and taking some time to live your best life all by yourself for a while. All set to a fabulous disco production that bangs suitably, of course. Those recently reopened dance floors have birthed a brand-new band to look out for

By Karl Batterbee

in Denmark, going by the name of Kalaset. Their debut single is Riv I Mit Hår, which serves up some shimmering indie sounds that will take you right back to the more kitsch side of ’90s Britpop, all while keeping one ear on all of the retro-styled electronica that’s taken over Danish radio in a big way over the past 12 months or so. It’s therefore a song that has ended up as something that’s unequivocally ’10s Danskpop! The melodies on this track are irresistible, made all the more endearing via the harmonies they’re delivered with. Former Scan Magazine cover girl, Rhys from Sweden, is back with a brand-new track called Cry Over Me. An instant keeper, it’s some straight-up, top-notch, super-catchy pop music that contains definite shades of some of the mid-’00s

smashes that her fellow Swedish creative, Max Martin, used to pen for the likes of Kelly Clarkson and P!nk. Web: www.scandipop.co.uk

A happy chipsmas Did you go to IKEA for your Christmas tree? Of course you did. In times of great uncertainty (climate change, Brexit and a never-ending pandemic) you return to what you know. Clever storage solutions and a bland hotdog in a bland bun that always breaks right down the middle. Surprisingly bad design, especially considering where it is sold. Now, if you went to IKEA you probably decided to enjoy a cheap lunch in what resembles your old school cafeteria. Perhaps you chose a salmon plate or a Daim cake. Or perhaps you went all in and opted for the meatballs. You probably did. But did your heart almost jump out of your mouth when you were asked if you wanted chips with that? This is a confusing take on the classic meatball dish. Almost… forbidden. Especially since it turns out to be a delightful combination. But we must remember to eat 144 | Issue 137 | December 2021

By Gabi Froden

ers were having. The fried breakfast, the shameful breakfast, the clogged-arteries breakfast, the one my mother warned me about. To my horror, the waitress turned to me and asked: ‘And do you want chips with that?’. Chips for breakfast?! I stared at her for a moment, bewildered. Then I broke and said: ‘Yes… yes I will have those chips’. Shame is not great design. Bring on the chips. Happy Chipsmas.

it in shame. After all, we have a reputation as healthy Scandis to protect. It reminds me of a time in my youth when I was on tour in Ireland. We stayed in a small hotel in a small town and the next morning we got up early for breakfast. I slouched in my chair, hungover, possibly still drunk, and said I just wanted whatever the oth-

Gabi Froden is a Swedish illustrator and writer, living in Glasgow with her husband and two children. Her children’s and YA books are published in Sweden by Bonnier Carlsen and Natur&Kultur. www.gabifroden.com

Scan Magazine | Culture | Calendar

Tampere festival of light. Photo: Visit Tampere

Scandinavian Culture Calendar – Where to go, what to see? It’s all happening here! Stockholm ice skating If you’re looking for a way to get rid of those cobwebs in your head or burn a few Christmas calories, take a spin on the ice with Stockholm Adventures. There are options for total beginners as well as longer excursions for those who are already comfortable gliding on the ice. Skating on natural ice is about as Nordic as it gets. Kungsbro strand 21, 112 26 Stockholm www.stockholmadventures.com

Oslo Philharmonic: New Year’s Concert (6 January 2022) Oslo Concert Hall, with its impressive architecture, is playing host to Oslo Philharmonic’s New Year concert.

By Hanna Heiskanen

Conductor Nathalie Stutzmann and pianist Khatia Buniatishvili will be guiding the audience to a new (cultural) year with Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4. 7pm. Oslo Concert Hall, Munkedamsveien 14, 0115 Oslo www.ofo.no/en

for a wild ride on bicycles, roller skates, hoverboards and bobsleds, encompassing live music, video projections and, of course, circus. Sörnäisten rantatie 22, 00540 Helsinki www.hurjaruuth.fi

Dance Theatre Hurjaruuth: Winter Circus Speed (until 9 January 2022)

Jóhannes S. Kjarval (1885-1972) was a pioneer of Icelandic art and one of the country’s most-loved painters. In this exhibition, his works are shown next to those of a number of contemporary artists, showcasing the mark he has left on Iceland’s cultural scene. Flókagata 24, 105 Reykjavík www.listasafnreykjavikur.is/en

Dance Theatre Hurjaruuth is a Finnish institution, and its annual Winter Circus is the highlight of many a child’s (and indeed adult’s) Christmas season. The storytelling is based on movement and is therefore accessible to everyone. This year, the Winter Circus theme is ‘speed’ – so prepare

Kjarval and the Contemporary (until 16 January 2022)

December 2021 | Issue 137 | 145

Scan Magazine | Culture | Calendar

Jenny Wilson (19 January 2022) Singer-songwriter Jenny Wilson, who hails from Sweden and published her first solo album, Love and Youth, in 2005, is known for her distinct electro-influenced music. She has previously collaborated with another Swedish favourite, Robyn, and will now be performing at the Vulcan Arena in Oslo. 7pm. Maridalsveien 13 B, Oslo www.vulkanarena.no

Women artists at a time of social upheaval (until 23 January 2022) In addition to being a member of the Swedish royal family, Prince Eugen (18651947) was also an artist, art collector and patron. Prince Eugen’s Waldemarsudde on the leafy island of Djurgården in Stockholm is a popular art museum located at his former residence. The exhibition A Room of One’s Own – The Role of the Artist in the Late Nineteenth Century celebrates women artists working at a time of social upheaval, with works by Julia Beck, Hanna Hirsch-Pauli, Bertha Wegmann and Helene Schjerfbeck on display. Prins Eugens väg 6, Stockholm www.waldemarsudde.se

Winter Jazz (3-27 February 2022) Feeling the winter blues? Denmark’s Winter Jazz festival spans three weeks and 150 venues in multiple cities, and offers more than 600 concerts, so you are bound to find something to suit your tastes. Copenhagen itself is known for its jazz scene, thanks to hosting American icons such as Stan Getz in the 1950s and 1960s. www.jazz.dk/vinterjazz-2022

Tampere Festival of Light (until 14 March 2022) Launched in 1965, the Tampere Festival of Light is the perfect antidote to the darkest time of the year. The highlight of the event is the light gallery located between the Central Square and Hämeenpuisto. The gallery consists of 15 artworks depicting city dwellers at work and at play, curated by Tampere Art Museum. Tampere, Finland www.valoviikot.tampere.fi 146 | Issue 137 | December 2021

Stockholm ice skating. Photo: Stockholm Adventures

Hurjaruuth. Photo: Riku Virtanen

Find your classical concert favourites on GSOplay! International soloists, acclaimed conductors and beloved composers with the National Orchestra of Sweden.

Watch whenever you want on gsoplay.com GÖT EB O R GS SY M F O N I K ER – T H E N AT I O N A L O R CH ES T R A O F S W ED EN . GS O P L AY.CO M M A I N S P O N S O R S VOLVO, C A E S – C O B H A M G A I S L E R , G ÖTE BORGS - P OS TE N A N D T H E S T E N A O L S S O N F O U N DAT I O N F O R R E S E A R C H A N D C U LT U R E .

Gothenburg Symphony – a part of

Scan Magazine, Issue 137, December 2021

Articles inside

Speak English, Kiitos?

Nordic Culinary Delights and Products

Visit Greenland and Faroe Islands

‘Tis the Season for Merging

Made in Norway

Ten Nordic Music Acts to Watch in 2022

Industrial Design from Sweden

A Swedish Winter Wonderland

The Best Winter Experiences in Norway