46 minute read
Unique Experiences in Denmark in 2022
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES IN DENMARK 2022Special Theme:
Summerevening on the beach atSkagen, by P.S. Krøyer. The painter and his wife. 1899.
A piece of Danish art history
The Hirschsprung Collection houses tobacco manufacturer and art collector Heinrich Hirschsprung and his wife Pauline’s private collection of Danish art. With its idyllic location in Østre Anlæg park, its cosy, home-like atmosphere and its impressive art collection, the museum should be on your list of cultural things to do when visiting Copenhagen.
By Heidi Kokborg | Photos: PR
Nestled in the beautiful Østre Anlæg park close to cafés, metro stations and the Botanical Garden, The Hirschsprung Collection couldn’t ask for a more perfect location. The museum opened its doors to the public in 1911 and houses the private art collection of Heinrich Hirschsprung (1836-1908) and his wife Pauline (1845-1912).
“The couple donated their collection of Danish art to the Danish nation. Since day one, the museum has been decorated with furnishings from artists’ homes to create a cosy, almost home-like atmosphere. Many visitors think the museum was once the home of the Hirschsprung family; however, that is not the case. The couple had the museum built specifically to house their art collection,” explains Gertrud Oelsner, museum director at The Hirschsprung Collection.
Heinrich and Pauline Hirschsprung were both art enthusiasts. Over the years they built a rather extraordinary collection of Danish art from the 19th and early 20th century – from the Danish Golden Age of art to the Skagen painters and the Symbolists. The collection contains major masterpieces by artists such as C.W. Eckersberg, Christen Købke, Anne Ancher, P.S. Krøyer and Vilhelm Hammershøi.
“It is the biggest collection of Skagen art outside of Skagen. If you love P.S.
Krøyer’s paintings, then a visit to the museum is a must. The collection also includes 25,000 letters from artists written in the 19th century. In the collection, you’ll also find several art sketches and smaller paintings made for private homes. It’s a chance to get very close to the artists and almost get to know them,” says Oelsner.
A museum that feels like home A second-generation immigrant and a tobacco manufacturer, Heinrich Hirschsprung’s family was of German- Jewish origin, and probably no one could have foreseen that this man would one day be the proud owner of an impressive collection of Danish art. His father opened a tobacconist’s shop in the end wall of the prestigious Hotel d’Angleterre in 1826, and in 1856, Heinrich Hirschsprung and his brother Bernard took over the company.
During this time, Heinrich Hirschsprung fell in love with a Danish girl named Pauline Jacobsen. Born into a wealthy Jewish family, Pauline’s guardian refused to give the couple his blessings. However, when the Second Schleswig War broke out in 1864 and Pauline’s guardian got sent to the frontlines, the young couple seized the opportunity to get married.
“Both Heinrich and Pauline Hirschsprung had a passion for art, and during their marriage their art collection grew steadily. They purchased their first piece of art in 1866. The collection is very much a reflection of Hirschsprungs’ own time. The family had many friends from the art and music scene, and they were known for supporting both well-known and lesserknown artists,” says Oelsner.
When the couple decided to donate their collection to the Danish nation in 1902, they already knew that they wanted a museum to house their collection. Hirschsprung didn’t want the museum to be a grand building, like so many of the other art museums at the time; he wanted it to feel like home.
“The museum very much reflects Heinrich and Pauline Hirschsprung’s values. They wished for the museum to be open to the public and to have a home-like atmosphere. When setting foot inside the museum, it should feel like entering a private home with cosy furniture,” explains Oelsner.
A nude woman doing her hair before a mirror, by C.W. Eckersberg. 1841. Bertha Wegmann –an artist ahead of her time Until 29 May 2022, you can experience the special exhibition Bertha Wegmann: Painting in Many Languages. Wegmann (1847-1926) was an exceptionally talented artist who grew up in Denmark. She was a cosmopolitan figure who spent the vast majority of her adult life living and travelling to metropolises around Europe, such as Munich and Paris.
“This exhibition tells the story of a female artist with an interesting story. Being a female artist during this time was not without its challenges. Ultimately, Wegmann had to move to Munich to take private lessons as women were not allowed to study at official art schools in Copenhagen,” explains Oelsner.
The story of Wegmann is also the story of one of the best-kept secrets in Danish art. While the Hirschsprung family and a few other prominent families supported her, she never got a breakthrough in Denmark, despite her dazzling portraits and mesmerising landscapes paintings. “She was an extraordinary artist who mastered almost every artistic expression,” reflects Oelsner.
Two thirds of the Bertha Wegmann exhibition are kindly lent to The Hirschsprung Collection by private owners.
Web: www.hirschsprung.dk Facebook: Den Hirschsprungske Samling Instagram: @hirschsprungskesamling
Signe Bøgh Tonnesen on an oyster safari by the Wadden Sea. Photo: Mads Tolstrup
Vadehavskysten: A treasure trove of nature and culture
The southwestern corner of Jutland is home to one of Denmark’s most stunning national parks. With a wide selection of experiences on offer, there is something for everyone, from exploring the Wadden Sea and migrating birds, participating in highoctane beach activities or an oyster safari, to delving into the history and culture of the oldest town in Denmark.
By Trine Jensen-Martin | Photos: Gitte Lindeborg
It is not only migrating birds that flock to the Wadden Sea; this is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike. “Nature itself is one of the biggest attractions,” explains Katrine Jung, marketing manager at Vadehavskysten. “You can recharge here, like the migrating birds.”
The Wadden Sea is the largest tidal flats system in the world. A visit to the area, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, makes for a unique experience of the relationship between the sea, the surrounding nature and wildlife.
An air of history Medieval Ribe, Denmark’s oldest town, which dates back to around 710 AD, offers activities for all ages. Its history is evident everywhere, and a visit would not be complete without a stop at one of its many museums: Ribe Cathedral Museum, Ribe Vikingecenter, or the HEX! Museum of Witch Hunt to name but a few. The town is also home to the largest playground in northern Europe, a huge area modelled on the historic buildings in Ribe itself, but in miniature playground format, managing to be both playful and educational at the same time. Opening in June 2022, it is guaranteed to please visitors from all over – and particularly the younger ones.
Esbjerg means business Esbjerg, Denmark’s youngest city, is a real cultural melting pot. Business, commerce and artistic ventures all contribute to what is fast becoming one of the country’s most exciting cities to live and work in, and most certainly an interesting place to visit.
“Esbjerg’s identity is developing, and the city is a leader in the field of green en-
ergy,” says Jung. Esbjerg has undergone somewhat of a transformation in recent years and is a city full of diverse experiences, with a strong focus on developing business, tourism and sustainability. While certainly a young city in historical terms, this is a place offering a wealth of culture and activities, which will only continue to develop in years to come, making Esbjerg a relevant stop on a trip to Denmark.
Fanø and Mandø Off the main coast, you can visit the islands of Fanø and Mandø, each with their own distinct character. Fanø is wellknown for its unique charm and incredible sandy beaches that are not to be missed, both for their natural beauty and for the activities on offer.
At Rindby, you can land-board or fly along the beach in blokarts, or kite surf the waves, but if adrenaline-fuelled fun is not for you, the beach is also ideal for flying kites or walking on the wide stretches of sand that change with the weather. Alternatively, visit the island’s two historic maritime villages with cobbled streets and artisan shops and eateries.
Mandø is altogether different. “You can only get there by driving on the seabed at low tide,” Jung explains. “And it is almost like a desert island!” There is no other way of reaching the island, which only has 28 inhabitants – not counting the abundant birdlife. It is a real must
Fanø.
for birdwatching enthusiasts and anyone wanting a truly peaceful experience in nature.
The best for everyone “What is good for our visitors has to be good for the locals too,” poses Jung. “It is crucial for us to keep that balance.” The different industries and businesses in the area in and around the Wadden Sea work closely together to create a healthy and positive relationship between locals and tourists, ensuring a sustainable and mutually enjoyable experience of all they have to offer. There is a real sense of respect and appreciation between those who live there and those who visit. Everyone works towards the same goal of preserving the nature and its wildlife, as well as keeping the history and culture of this part of Denmark alive. The key is working together for the best outcome for everyone.
Esbjerg.
Nature and culture It is easy to see the attraction of this area: it is steeped in history and culture, there are endless experiences and diverse activities on offer, and the excellent restaurants serve local delicacies, like freshly caught oysters and seafood. But the key factor that brings it all together is the fact that this is one of the most outstanding places of natural beauty in this part of Europe. This is the real USP of Vadekysten –the Wadden Sea; the stretches of wide, sandy beaches; the migrating birds, and the local flora and fauna. This symbiosis of nature and culture offers something unique and wonderful for everyone and is a real treasure trove of opportunities and experiences.
Web: www.vadehavskysten.com Facebook: Vadehavskysten Instagram: @vadehavskysten
Black sun and migrating birds. Photo: Jens Jørgensen Ribe.
Reconstruction of Ansgar’s church, the first church in Denmark, which was built around 860 AD.
Visit the Vikings!
An ancient Danish town is home to a reconstructed Viking settlement, where actors in costume help to bring the past to life. Inspired by local archaeological finds, Ribe Vikingecenter offers a glimpse of daily life over a thousand years ago, in houses, craft workshops and a marketplace.
By Karen Gilmour Kristensen | Photos: Ribe Vikingecenter
Open every year from May until October, the centre organises lots of events and activities throughout the season. As spokesperson Diana Bertelsen puts it: “We’re not a museum – we’re an activity centre.”
That’s because tourists and school groups are invited to get hands-on with the Viking Age. In the town of Ripa – the Viking name for Ribe – you can see the smith and other craftsmen working and “get your fingers in the bun dough”, Diana explains.
Ribe is the oldest town not only in Denmark, but in the whole of Scandinavia. Founded in 700 AD, the town soon became a buzzing metropolis. “People came to Ribe from far and wide,” says Diana. “It was widely known as the place to be if you wished to trade your goods. Today, we have re-enactors from countries like Germany and the Netherlands, which adds to the authenticity. You’ll hear several languages walking around Ripa, just as the Vikings did more than a thousand years ago.”
Each year, Ribe Vikingecenter welcomes visitors from all over Europe who are keen to learn more about these celebrated ancestors. However, some people find it hard to square their experiences at the centre with what they’ve learned in history lessons.
“We focus on all the aspects of the Viking age – not just the raids,” Diana explains. “But some visitors are confused by this, since many only know about the violent warrior Vikings. The truth, however, is that very few of the Vikings left Scandinavia. The majority were farmers and stayed behind, taking care of the community.”
Denmark has a lot of Viking attractions. However, Ribe Vikingecenter is the only one focusing on the entire Viking age during the years 700-1000 AD; the others mostly focus on specific finds or shorter periods of time within the Viking era. But according to Diana, it’s important to explore the complexity of the entire timeline, in order to understand modern Denmark.
“Those 300 years were defining for Danish culture,” she says. “The Vikings excelled in trading and ship-building, and Denmark became a unified kingdom during that time – all things that have laid the grounds for the society we have today.”
Web: www.ribevikingecenter.dk Facebook: Ribe VikingeCenter – the official site Instagram: @ribe_vikingecenter
Konrad Mägi: Meditation(Ladyin a Landscape), 1915-1916. Oil on canvas. Photo: © Art Museum of Estonia
The art of discovery
In the heart of Copenhagen’s historical district, right by the canalside, lies GL Strand, an art institution focusing on modern and contemporary art. As well as inviting its visitors to enjoy a break in the charming Italian courtyard, GL Strand also offers exhibitions that might just change your perspective on art history.
By Karen Gilmour Kristensen
GL Strand was founded in 1825, and since 1954, the art institution has resided in an 18th-century listed building with a courtyard, café and art shop in the Gammel Strand street, hence the name. “Due to the old-fashioned architecture of the building, the rooms at GL Strand aren’t traditional exhibition rooms,” explains Line Juul Greisen, head of communications. “The ceiling has stuccoes and it’s a bit like walking around in an old luxury flat with a modern twist.”
GL Strand showcases six to eight exhibitions annually, focusing on new Danish talent, the international contemporary art scene and, for the past couple of years, also some overlooked artists from the modernist period. “There have been a lot of incredibly talented artists throughout time who have been forgotten, for various reasons,” Greisen says. “We hope that by exhibiting these lesser-known artists, we will provide our visitors with a new perspective on art history.”
One previously lesser-known artist is Konrad Mägi (1878-1925), an Estonian painter whose works are on display at GL Strand in the recently opened exhibition Konrad Mägi – The Enigma of Painting. Mägi, one of Estonia’s greatest modern artists, has been quite unknown on the international art scene – until now. “His 20-year-long career demonstrates an artist who adopted many of his contemporaries’ international artistic tendencies and styles in his lifetime,” Greisen explains. “The exhibition focuses on this remarkable colourist, bringing an unknown modernist artist out of the periphery and into the spotlight.”
Another current exhibition is Walking Debt by young and upcoming Danish artist, Anna Stahn. Through the materials of ceramics, textile, paper and drawings, she tells a story of different women’s lives in both past and present Copenhagen.
This summer, GL Strand will open an exhibition by the internationally renowned South African contemporary artist, Zanele Muholi. Through photographs, the artist highlights the topics of gender and identity.
Current exhibitions: AnetteHarboeFlensburg – InArcadia Too YouCanDie, 7 May 2021 to 24 April 2022 KonradMägi – TheEnigmaofPainting, 12 March to 29 May 2022 AnnaStahn – WalkingDebt, 12 March to 29 May 2022
Upcoming exhibitions: ZaneleMuholi,18 June to 4 September 2022 LeeLozano,16 September to 13 November 2022
Web: www.glstrand.dk Facebook: Kunstforeningen GL Strand Instagram: @kunstglstrand
Vejle Museerne’s jaw-dropping cache of Viking gold, tales of trade and ancient alliances
Giant sculptures, weaving workshops, an interactive digital museum and an entire Iron Age village: Vejle Museerne (The Vejle Museums) may be full of historical relics, but a visit is every bit the modern experience. Now, the hybrid museum organisation is lifting the curtain on its latest offering: a major exhibition of Viking artefacts, dubbed Magt og Guld.
By Lena Hunter | Press photos
Magt og Guld (which means ‘Power and Gold’) presents the never-before-told story of Viking-Slavic ties forged via travel and trade between Denmark and Poland. The narrative traces the rule of Harald Bluetooth, the King of the Jelling dynasty, his cultural encounters and political alliances.
A staggering one-kilogramme cache of Viking gold dating back to the 500s, named ‘Vindelevskatten’, will also make its museum debut, after being discovered – incredibly – by amateur metaldetectorists. It’s one of the largest ancient gold-hoards ever found in Denmark and grabbed headlines across the world when it was announced last summer.
A fresh perspective “I’ve worked with the Viking museum for almost ten years. What’s exciting is that we’ve made Magt og Guld in collaboration with Moesgaard Musuem in Aarhus,” explains museum inspector Charlotta Lindblom. “Usually, Viking exhibitions are about razing and pillaging and the spoils of war. This one isn’t about that. It’s about how Vikings traded and built alliances, and this exhibition in Vejle focuses particularly on Bluetooth’s alliances in Poland. There has never been an exhibition about that before. It’s a new side of the Vikings – the political side.”
Alongside the unique perspective on Bluetooth, Magt og Guld exhibits the latest archaeological knowledge of the fabled Jomsborg – a place described in Icelandic sagas, but whose true location has, until now, eluded historians. “We think we’ve found the place now,” says Lindblom. “The Wolin trading post, close to the current border between Germany and Poland, is a good bet. Exploring these regions has unearthed a trove of clues about the cultural exchange between the Vikings and their Slavic neighbours.”
“Magt og Guld is about reaching a shared understanding of how the Vikings left footprints in Poland, and how the Slavic folk left footprints in
Denmark – the connections between ordinary people, but also between kings and rulers,” Lindblom explains.
Whalebone tools and bone-splintering weapons Central to the many encounters and exchanges of the Vikings was sailing. While longships were crucial, early navigation tools were the real scientific breakthrough. “We’re exhibiting a very rare solar compass made of whalebone, found at the Truso trading post in Poland. It’s enormously exciting. It’s the oldest compass we’ve found. Another was discovered in Greenland from the 1200s or 1300s – but this is from the 800s,” enthuses Lindblom.
But the compass won’t be the only whalebone artefact on display. Carved whalebone pieces from the Viking version of chess, called ‘hnefatafl’, discovered at a Polish harbour, will also be included. “It indicates that perhaps when merchants met and waited for their ships to be repaired, they stood and chatted down by the harbour and played a few games of hnefatafl,” says Lindblom. “I’m also incredibly excited to present our collection of ancient Scandinavian weapons – swords, spears, axes – and jewellery, on loan from Ostrow Lednicki Museum in Poland. They are unbelievably well-preserved.”
A day-trip to the Viking era The little town of Vejle is nestled in the Danish countryside, a drive or train-ride from Aarhus and Copenhagen, and Vejle Museerne is one of the richest off-piste day trips that those who seek a taste of authentic Nordic history can make.
“The area around Vejle is incredibly picturesque. Nearby are the remnants of ‘Ravbroen’ – a bridge that Bluetooth had built. Jelling – where Bluetooth’s fort and legendary ancient seat of power lay – is only ten kilometres from the museum,” says Lindblom. “To reach the bridge you drive through a forest, where you can have a picnic. It’s beautiful. You can see the exhibition, hear the story and then drive out to these authentic Viking locations and experience it for yourself.”
Takeaway treasures You’d be forgiven for wanting to take a little piece of Vejle and its mythic history with you. Vendelevskatten alone is jaw-dropping, while the rare amber, whalebone and iron artefacts are visibly steeped in Norse legend.
Accompanying Magt og Guld is an eponymous coffee-table book, available at the museum and online in both Danish and English. So, while you’ll have to leave the gold behind, you can bring the stories home.
Opening times: Tue to Sun, 11am to 5pm, free admission Address: Utzon-Salen, Vejle Kunstmuseum, Flegborg 16-18, Vejle Web: www.vejlemuseerne.dk Facebook: vejlemuseerne Guided tours: €7, various dates, available on website Buy the Magt og Guld book: www.turbine.dk
Hofteatret: Discover the Baroque splendour of Denmark’s only court theatre
Buried in the oldest part of Copenhagen’s grand Christiansborg Palace – the modern seat of the Danish parliament – is a forgotten 18th-century cultural gem. The historic Hofteatret (The Court Theatre) – once the private music and theatre venue, party locale and meeting point of King Christian VII – will be revealed in December, after a staggering two-year restoration to former glory.
By Lena Hunter | Press photos
“Hofteatret is a national treasure. It’s the only court theatre in Denmark and has existed since 1767,” says Peter Christensen Teilmann, director of the Theatre Museum at the Court Theatre.
The storied theatre has seen Kings and their councils rise and fall, and housed opera, drama, music and political debates. Incredibly, given its timber structure, Hofteatret even survived two great fires that consumed Christianborg Palace at the end of both the 1700s and the 1800s. “Despite all of that, people forget that there was this incredibly beautiful theatre, hidden in the King’s stables and armoury,” says Christensen Teilmann.
Lost in the sands of time In resplendent tones of pearl, duck-egg blue and gold, the original Hofteatret was a neoclassical masterpiece – but the intervening centuries had not been kind. When the museum moved in in 1922, parts of the original interiors had already been sold or thrown away. “You could visit Hofteatret, but there were only reminiscences of the original interiors,” explains Christensen Teilmann. So, in March 2021, a 73.5 million DKK renovation began – due to be unveiled in December.
The interior restoration will create a fully immersive historical time-warp, while state-of-the-art audio and lighting and modern guest facilities will breathe new life into the opulent venue. “It’ll be fantastic. We’re rebuilding a Baroque stage that’s been covered up for years and the exquisite original vestibule,” says Christensen Teilmann. “It’s about making the historical experience stronger than it ever has been. When you walk in to Hofteatret and look up at the stage, the experience will be the same as it would have been at the end of the 1700s.”
If the walls could speak… When Hofteatret was built in 1766, it played a much larger role than contemporary theatres do in the socio-political landscape. In those pre-democratic years, King Christian VII wielded absolute power with the council of a close circle of royal advisors. Though there was no formal parliament in which to discuss matters of the state, there was Hofteatret.
The King hosted masked balls for members of the royal court at the theatre. It was in these corridors that key political matters were discussed, argued and decided upon. “It was kind of a vault of power,” says Christensen Teilmann. “So this represents one of the earliest meeting places of power, before we got a formalised socio-political structure. These historic walls can tell many stories, and that’s what we want to bring forth.”
For that reason, the history of Hofteatret encompasses more than Denmark’s dramatic past, but also its cultural and political roots. “At any point in its history, Hofteatret was the nucleus of theatre as an artform, city culture and royal decision-making. That’s why it’s so exciting to be able to preserve it,” says Christensen Teilmann.
How to restore a one-of-a-kind Though theatres like Hofteatret were common in Europe in the 18th century, there are few surviving reference points for Scandinavian royal theatres. So how
Backstage at Hofteatret. Photo: Grete Ditlevsen do you go about restoring history that is one-of-a-kind?
Archives of the work of the French architect Nicolas-Henri Jardin, who designed Hofteatret in 1766, have informed certain stylistic and structural aspects of the refurbishment – but recreating the art inside the theatre presents a different challenge. “We’re doing it a little differently,” explains Christensen Teilmann. “The original painted scenes and backdrops have been lost, but we have the Drottningholm Palace Theatre in Stockholm, which is of the same era, as an aesthetic reference point.”
With the collaboration of famed Danish scenic artist David Drachmann, Christensen Teilmann and his colleagues have commissioned new trompe l’oeil backdrops, with motifs and themes that would have been found in the original theatre. “We feel lucky to have David on board – he’s the best in Denmark,” says Christensen Teilmann.
Typical scenography includes GrecoRoman squares, civic spaces, artful streets and meeting points inspired by the Baroque predilection for dramas of comedy and tragedy.
Get involved While you wait for Hofteatret’s spectacular reopening in December, there are plenty of alternative ways to engage with the Theatre Museum.
Hofteatret with view of prompter box. Photo: Hofteatret press In collaboration with Aarhus Theatre and Køn Gender Museum Denmark, the exhibition Gender on the Stage, which opens on 1 April at Køn in Aarhus, will explore the performing arts’ forward-thinking presentation of the taboos and conventions of gender relations throughout the ages.
In December, a like-minded exhibition will be launched at the Theatre Museum itself, to accompany the opening of Hofteatret. Teatre til Tiden will present the myriad of ways in which theatre has tapped the zeitgeist, or even trodden new ground in art, politics and culture.
2022 marks 300 years of Danish theatre. It’s a fantastic excuse to dive into the Theatre Museum’s living history of Denmark’s political system, the performing-arts culture and forgotten royal stories.
Address: Christiansborg Ridebane 18, Copenhagen Web: www.hofteatret.dk Facebook: teatermuseet Instagram: @teatermuseet
A true farm life experience
Fredensfryd is not your average farm shop. Sure, you can get tasty coffee, exceptional tea, homemade honey and delicious chocolate. But you can also buy yarn that’s come from the farm’s own alpacas, pet bunnies and join Saturday brunches. You are also welcome to explore the surrounding nature or simply sit and soak it all up while enjoying a cup of freshly brewed coffee.
By Heidi Kokborg | Photos: Fredensfryd
Three years ago, Carina Brix Jensen and her family moved to the countryside. Shortly thereafter, Carina found herself unemployed and ready for a new adventure. Inspiration struck, and she realised she wanted a farm shop. After a bit of renovation, Carina opened the doors to her farm shop in July 2020.
“I knew from the beginning that I wanted the farm shop to feel cosy, and I wanted to have a range of high-quality products you can’t get at the local supermarket. Many of the products are fair trade and some are organic,” says Carina, owner of Fredensfryd.
At Fredensfryd, you’ll find coffee from a small Danish roastery, tea from Østerlandsk, aquavit from Bornholm, honey from Fredensfryd’s own beehives, beautiful ceramics from a local ceramicist, handmade candles, 14 flavours of authentic Italian ice cream, and much more.
Immerse yourself in nature With seven acres of land, there is plenty to explore at Fredensfryd. You will be met by serene nature, and if you are an animal lover there are also plenty of animals to pet.
“We have a rare breed of sheep here, bunnies and goats that you can pet, dogs, a cat, chickens, and six alpacas with more on the way. Especially kids love all the animals. It really is more of a farm life experience you get here, as opposed to simply visiting a farm shop,” says Carina.
And if you have jumped on the knitting wagon, you can buy yarn that’s come from Fredensfryd’s own alpacas. Just imagine knitting a hat or a sweater and having petted the alpaca the yarn came from; it doesn’t get much more old-fashioned and authentic than that.
Every Saturday, you can also join in for a lovely brunch, made in collaboration with a local inn. All you have to do is sign up on Thursdays and bring your appetite. Later this year, it will also be possible to book a picnic basket and enjoy it at Fredensfryd.
Each year, Fredensfryd arranges several markets. The next one will be held on 7-8 May. Here you can eat waffles, taste food and drinks from the farm shop, play games and much more.
Web: www.fredensfryd.dk Facebook: Fredensfryd Instagram: @fredensfryd
VR installation. Photo: Viborg Kunsthal
Contemporary art that makes you wonder
Viborg Kunsthal aims to make art relevant to everyone by reflecting today’s society from a new perspective.
By Nicolai Lisberg | Photos: Kurt Nielsen
The beautiful and historic building that houses Viborg Kunsthal is ideal as a venue for site-specific artwork made especially for the exhibition rooms. Since 1994, when it first opened its doors, Viborg Kunsthal has had the vision of exhibiting contemporary art that resonates with our present-day society.
“We choose artists who in some way do projects on topics that matter, on something everyone can relate to. Our mission is to be the catalyst of living, dynamic art and to communicate it to everyone,” explains Bodil Johanne Monrad, head of exhibitions at Viborg Kunsthal. For this reason, Viborg Kunsthal doesn’t have permanent exhibitions, but instead keeps changing its portfolio in order to be up to date with what’s going on in the world. They also make a virtue out of presenting art in various media.
Wonderful wonders In 2019, Viborg was designated as UNESCO Creative City for its significant role in the Media Arts category, and Viborg Kunsthal aims to live up to the honour this entails for the entire city. “Later this year, SUPERFLEX is going to deliver work on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals by using Virtual Reality for the first time ever. We consider ourselves a laboratory, where our artists can experiment with not only the art, but also the way they project it,” says Monrad, and adds: “By looking at a topic differently, they provide the audience with a new perspective on the world we live in. Art shouldn’t just be something you see here at Viborg Kunsthal; it should be a feeling, an impulse you take home with you. All our exhibitions aim to make you wonder, and that’s exactly what contemporary art should do.”
Current and upcoming exhibitions:
Paperdrawing #35 / Marit Roland: Until 8 May 2022 Sunken Gardens / Helene Schmitz: Until 12 June 2022 Stepback,step backplease / Signe Guttormsen & Andrea Ostermeyer: 19 May to 11 Sep 2022 Limbo Rock / Søren Sejr: 16 June to 11 Sep 2022 PSYKOPLANKTON / SUPERFLEX: 22 Sep 2022 to 16 Jan 2023 Kummerform / Carl Emil Jacobsen: 22 Sep 2022 to 16 Jan 2023
Web: viborgkunsthal.viborg.dk Facebook: viborgkunsthal.viborg Instagram: @viborg_kunsthal
Delightful moments in nostalgic surroundings
Explore the historic market town of Varde anno 1866. The town is built in a miniature version in 1:10 scale. Each building is built with exceptional precision and millimetre accuracy by the so-called mini-masons, who are retired carpenters and masons.
By Heidi Kokborg | Photos: Varde Miniby
Varde Miniature Town is the world’s oldest historically accurate miniature town. What started as just one miniature building in 1966 has now grown to include over 300 miniature buildings. Walking around the miniature town is like taking a stroll through the historic streets of Varde in 1866.
“Every building is a replica of the original. Our mini-masons meet daily to build the miniature versions of the town’s old buildings with the utmost precision and dedication,” says Gitte Røn Dalsgaard, tourism and event coordinator at Varde Miniature Town.
Varde Miniature Town makes for an ideal family day out. Adults will feel the nostalgia sweeping over them as they walk around. Kids can go on treasure hunts and have fun with games from the good old days, and they will be mesmerised by the tiny houses. You’ll also find a little kiosk where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and an ice cream.
“Varde Miniature Town is a place for delightful moments. It’s a place where you can put your phone away for a little while and take a step back in time,” says Dalsgaard.
Twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays before noon, you can see how the miniature buildings are made at the workshop, which is situated a few hundred metres from Varde Miniature Town itself.
Web: www.vardeminiby.dk Facebook: Varde Miniby
Press photo.
Education Profile of the Month, Norway Living life to its fullest
Trauma may prevent us from getting what we really want from life. At a Norwegian institute that trains trauma therapists, staff are dedicated to explaining what trauma really is, how it can affect our lives, and how we can learn to cope with it to unleash our true potential.
By Eva-Kristin U. Pedersen
A lot of us have experienced some degree of trauma in our lives, yet we may not necessarily be aware of it. The problem is that our bodies make us forget trauma through automatic survival processes put in place to help us survive. These same survival processes can prevent us from living full lives – they can complicate our relationships with others, be that our partners, our friends or our families, and they can even make us physically sick.
Unwinding these processes and getting through to the experiences that might have given rise to trauma is, for those that embark on it, a challenging process. But there is good help to be found.
Trauma can be treated “I should have retired a long time ago, but I really feel a desire to continue working to let people know that there is good treatment for trauma available,” says Marta Thorsheim, the soft-spoken founder of Institutt for Traumearbeid, or IoPT Norway.
IoPT is short for Identity-oriented Psychotraumatheory and Therapy, an approach to working with trauma developed by Dr. Franz Ruppert, a German psychologist. Dr. Ruppert developed his theory through some 30 years of research and therapeutic practice.
Dr. Ruppert explains the consequence of trauma in several models. He believes that the psyche of a person who has experienced trauma is split in three: a healthy part, a traumatised part, and a survival part. The latter two, in different ways, prevent us from getting in touch with our true selves and condition our feelings and behaviours in ways that we don’t always realise or understand.
At IoPT Norway, students learn how to apply Dr. Ruppert’s theory in their daily work, be that as counsellors, therapists or other people-related jobs. Starting with basic courses and all the way through to specialised international training, IoPT offers complete educational cycles for professionals interested in learning more and adopting the IoPT approach.
Evening introductory sessions for everyone While it’s not a centre for treatment, but for education of practitioners, the institute
Martha Thorsheim, founder of IoPT Norway. Photo: IoPT Norway
organises introductory evening seminars for everyone, patients included, interested in learning more about trauma and how to treat it.
“It’s really important for us to explain what traumas are, because so many people think of them as very serious, high-impact events. In reality, traumas are all experiences that are subjectively perceived as more challenging than what an individual can cope with,” explains Geir Dale, one of the teachers at IoPT Norway.
“It is the mechanisms developed to cope with a trauma, to survive it, that prevent us from living life to the fullest, from truly enjoying and getting want we want from life,” stresses Dale.
Taking desire or what we want to achieve as a starting point, IoPT therapy is a gentle but efficient way to help us unwind our mechanisms and reach and treat the trauma that spurred them in the first place.
A liberating experience “It can be a really liberating experience to see patterns and mechanisms that have conditioned our lives, dissolve,” explains Thorsheim with a smile that reveals that she has seen it happen in patients through her years as a practitioner.
Web: www.iopt.no
Restaurant of the Month, Sweden A bistro and wine bar dedicated to both small and big moments
Restaurang Hasselbo is a dynamic hub in central Stockholm with a focus on comfort, cosiness and great food paired with delicious wine. It is a bistro and wine bar, perfect for both a dinner with friends and family and a late-night drink, where you get to experience food inspired by cuisines from all over the world.
By Hanna Andersson | Photos: Restaurang Hasselbo
The menu offers a selection of seasonal medium-sized dishes and small dishes, perfect for sharing. The dishes are inspired by seasonal local produce and techniques from all over the world, and the chefs are encouraged to create new and exciting recipes.
The restaurant was opened in November 2019 by Filippa Dahlberg, Cooper Palmer and Martina Wallenberg. “Our goal is to provide a great atmosphere with good food and wine that people want to come back to. We are frequently changing our menu, so there is always something new,” says Palmer.
“We aim to always have a menu consisting of both meat, fish and vegetarian options to suit everyone’s needs,” Dahlberg adds. The menu is complemented by an extensive wine list, which offers exclusive wines from small producers, mainly around Europe. “We want to be able to share a great selection of wine with our guests. You will be able to both discover new and exciting options and choose from great representations of classic grapes and styles. It’s easy to only buy from the big producers, but we are lucky to have found great smaller businesses that we can introduce on our menu,” says Palmer.
The cosy atmosphere is inspired by a home environment, and the team sees the bistro as an extension of the living room. “We want our restaurant to be available for any occasion or celebration,” says Dahlberg. “For people who want a nice place to meet, we offer a comfortable space to share good food, wine and conversation. The best feedback we get is when our guests share our restaurant with family and friends. That’s proof that we are doing it right,” Wallenberg concludes.
Web: www.restauranghasselbo.se Instagram: @resturanghasselbo
Restaurant of the Month, Denmark A winning formula at the water’s edge
This restaurant in Kerteminde on the island of Funen has the ingredients for an outstanding dining experience: a stunning waterfront setting, the atmosphere at the heart of a small working fishing harbour, super-friendly staff, and an exciting menu focused on freshly caught produce from the sea, and executed to absolute perfection. It is Danish seafood and service at its finest.
By Trine Jensen-Martin | Photos:Rudolf Mathis
Puk Lyskjær Larsen opened Rudolf Mathis more than 36 years ago and still runs this well-established and much-loved restaurant with his wife, Ursula. “We exist because of our customers, but make a living out of them returning to us,” he says. This has become somewhat of a motto for them, and they continue to aim towards making their customers delighted, keeping them well-fed, yet hungry for more. “The most important thing for us is that our customers are happy and satisfied.”
And most of their customers keep coming back; such is the pull of the food, the people, and the place itself. “We sold the restaurant at the beginning of the year,” Lyskjær Larsen says. “The new owners are regulars who have been coming here for years, and they want my wife and I to continue running the place as we have done all this time.”
This is testament to both the relationship between the customers and the staff at Rudolf Mathis, and the exceptional menus and welcoming, attentive service, which is never fussy or stifling.
True teamwork behind the scenes “We create our monthly menus together as a team,” says Lyskjær Larsen. “We gather in the kitchen and talk about the things that are inspiring to us at that moment in time, and then we create new dishes, or recreate old favourites. And we experiment with matching wines with the flavours of the food.”
While the restaurant itself has an air of being unrushed and relaxed, a great deal of time, effort, heart and soul goes into every aspect of the constantly evolving and changing menus and wine lists. It is a real team effort, where all staff members are involved in the process, from waiters to chefs to sommeliers. They pride themselves not only on their outstanding menus, which they put together monthly, but also on the service and the experience they provide. The key is enjoyment and ‘hygge’, ensuring the optimum experience for their customers on every visit.
‘Like a night out at the theatre’ Lunch at the restaurant is usually a lighter and shorter affair, with most guests having less time to sit down for a prolonged meal. So while lunch is certainly an enjoyable event, it is the experience of an evening meal at Restaurant Rudolf Mathis that truly allows the place to shine.
“We want it to be like a night out at the theatre, or a dinner at home,” reflects Lyskjær Larsen. “There’s no rush, and we want our customers to feel comfortable and to take their time, making the most of the evening with us.”
This approach is one of the many things that increase the number of guests they welcome and then welcome back again – something truly wonderful to relish and revisit time and again. Then and now Having been with the restaurant from the very beginning, Lyskjær Larsen reflects on how little has changed over the past 36 years in terms of the food his customers like. “The dishes we serve are less voluminous than they used to be, you might say,” he muses. “The ingredients and recipes are similar, with changes here and tweaks there, but the biggest difference is that the presentation of the food has become hugely important. The dishes must look appetising and the menus are more refined.”
The cyclical nature of changing trends means that he has seen many things go in and out of fashion during his time at the helm of Rudolf Mathis. And it seems that what was popular before is also popular now, albeit in smaller portions.
One visit might not be enough Restaurant Rudolf Mathis has become an institution in Kerteminde and has a firm place on the food map of Denmark as one of the country’s finest restaurants of its kind. They consistently create out-of-this-world menus using the freshest fish and seafood, some of it caught literally within a stone’s skim from the restaurant.
“We don’t have any plans to change what we do,” Lyskjær Larsen says. And with their winning formula of high-quality food and wine, a beautiful, idyllic view, and exceptional service, it is easy to see why they don’t feel the need to change a thing. The returning customers speak for themselves: it is just too good not to come back for more.
Address: Rudolf Mathis, Dosseringen 13, 5300 Kerteminde. Phone: +45 65 32 32 33 Web: rudolf-mathis.dk Facebook: Restaurant Rudolf Mathis Instagram: @rudolf_mathis
The prison in Horsens used to be a stain on the city, but after its reopening as a cultural institution in 2012, FÆNGSLET has become a recognised landmark attracting visitors from all over the world with its countless cultural opportunities.
By Nicolai Lisberg | Photos: FÆNGSLET
Do you fancy spending a romantic weekend with your partner in a prison cell? How about having your work conference behind prison walls, solving a murder mystery or simply reliving the history of the prison in the award-winning museum?
Since 2006, when the last inmate left the former Horsens State Penitentiary, a lot of work has been put into creating what is today known as FÆNGSLET (‘the prison’). It has become a cultural institution, where the aim is to offer extraordinary cultural experiences for everyone on a daily basis.
“I can’t think of any other place with such a variety of events and experiences that we offer here at FÆNGSLET. A prison is usually closed to the public, but we’ve opened it up, giving insight into life in prison and creating plenty of cultural events. There is a lot of history here, which we combine with creating new experiences,” says Maria Emilie Levy, communications and marketing manager at FÆNGSLET.
The stories from the past are both dark and impressive, and the museum tells all of them by offering experiences of the life behind walls through sound, film, photos and belongings. It was here, at these very premises, that the last beheading in Denmark took place in 1892, when inmates were forced to witness Jens Nielsen’s last breath. It was also here that the famous escape artist Carl August Lorentzen managed to dig an 18-metre-long tunnel over the course of 11 months, then escaping to freedom. Both stories are told at the museum, and visitors can even experience a reconstruction of Lorentzen’s tunnel and his great escape.
Sting and the prison guards Every year, FÆNGSLET welcomes more than 100,000 visitors from all over the world, and some of them choose to spend a night in a prison cell to get an even more unique experience.
“Written on the walls in each cell is a story about a prisoner who once stayed there. Storytelling is a very important factor for us, and we want to leave our guests with an impression they couldn’t get anywhere else. It’s also possible to have a guided tour with a former prison guard, who can provide insider knowledge of life in the prison,” says Maria Emilie Levy.
Throughout the years, FÆNGSLET has become known for its ability to attract some of the biggest bands, such as Metallica and Foo Fighters, and later this year they will welcome Sting. There is also an annual medieval festival, a big Christmas market with over 200 stalls and a beer festival, and Verdensballetten (‘the world ballet’) performs on the premises as well –so it is safe to say that there is something for everyone. Common for all of the events, different as they may be, is the fact that they all take place in a unique setting with a unique story.
One of the latest initiatives at FÆNGSLET is the new culture and conference hall, Vestsalen. Two floors have been removed from the 150-year-old building to open it up towards the prison yard with a glass facade, which helps to support the transformation of the former state prison from closed to open.
“We now have a five-star conference hall, and we’ve experienced a growing interest from companies who want to host conferences here – also from abroad. The conference hall is an architectural and modern pearl, while still staying true to its history,” explains Maria Emilie Levy.
Companies can combine their work conferences with several team-building opportunities – such as solving a murder mystery or learning how to abseil down a prison wall. FÆNGSLET is dedicated to creating synergy for their guests during their stay, says Maria Emilie Levy and adds: “When guests arrive for a conference, they are greeted by staff wearing traditional blue shirts and a large old set of keys, before they are escorted further to their venue. On occasion, we have actors walking around as prison guards to create a more authentic atmosphere. FÆNGSLET differs from most other venues and guests often express how it stands out as a special place because of its exceptional environment.”
Web: www.faengslet.dk/en Facebook: faengslethorsens Instagram: @faengslet LinkedIn: faengslet
Fiskerfamilie. Allegori med kvinner.
Artist of the Month, Norway Elling Reitan: Colours from New York to Shanghai
The Norwegian artist Elling Reitan has had a booming career, with numerous exhibitions in major galleries everywhere from Shanghai to New York. Taking inspiration from his surroundings and literature, Reitain creates colourful pieces that have enchanted an international art community.
By Celina Tran | All art courtesy of Elling Reitan
From early childhood, Elling Reitan’s uncles introduced him to painting, an activity that turned out to be his life’s calling. Later, while working as a lecturer, he spent the weekends with the famous Norwegian artist Odd Nerdrum, who mentored him for five years.
When Reitan finally began exhibiting his own art, he received significant praise and attention, which in 1992 led him to quit his teaching job. “I wanted to fully emerge myself in the art,” he says. “On the day I quit my job, as I walked to the studio, I felt like I was flying.”
Not every artist gets the opportunity to completely rely on their art for a living, but Reitan describes himself as one of the lucky few. His work has travelled to many countries, exhibiting everywhere from New York to Shanghai. The spellbinding art is characterised by bold colours harmonising across a canvas, as well as the hidden use of the stroke pair, yin and yang. “My work has begun to take a more abstract form. I like to try something new every two to four years or so, but the use of bold colours will remain the same.”
Painting and the pandemic Two years ago, the world as we knew it ground to a halt and societies across the globe locked down. The cultural aspect of society suffered a major blow as city streets were emptied of their booming life, concerts were cancelled, and galleries closed down. Yet, the growing isolation has allowed people to find solace in art, and artists like Elling Reitan are working harder than ever.
“I’ve worked and sold more than I’ve ever done,” Reitan explains. “I’m happy that people are discovering a love of art. To me, art is everything. I need to create and have art around me in order to be content, whether that’s at home or when I’m travelling.”
Svevere over Nidarosdomen.
Web: www.ellingreitan.com
Design Studio of the Month, Norway Sustainability and humanity in an increasingly digital world
With new technology, a constantly changing digital space, and a pandemic that forced many to work from home, some might argue that the world has taken a large step towards expanding digitalisation. Despite this, the digital agency Big Fish works on bringing humanity, ethics and sustainability into our ever-changing world.
By Celina Tran | Photos: Big Fish
Big Fish is a Norway-based digital communication and design brand with 20 years of experience under its belt. Though they only consist of a tiny team of five, they are making big things happen with their wide range of skills. “We all have a background in graphic design,” says Trude Svardal, designer and CEO at Big Fish. “But all of us also have other areas of specialisation, such as animation and programming.”
Communication, loyalty and honesty The brand provides everything from logo design to programming and marketing content. Despite covering a large area, they pride themselves on their ability to tailor and create genuine relationships with their customers, whether they’re large brands or individuals.
“We love the challenges that personalisation and tailoring provide, and we always do our best to give the customers what they want,” explains Svardal. “And we’re proud of the trust and relationships we’ve built with our clients. By communicating and including the clients in the process, we’re able to provide them with solutions and results they not only want, but need.” The company believes their honesty, humanity and communication play a large part in their customer loyalty and success. Sustainability in a world going online Contrary to popular belief, the digital world and the internet also use a great deal of resources and release a hefty amount of CO2. One of Big Fish’s core values is sustainability. They always work actively towards a greener digital option, whether it’s by providing services that help towards a greener future or by promoting brands that do.
“The communication industry undoubtedly has a huge impact and engagement, and we’ve always been passionate about promoting sustainability and ethical, human values. We always promote these solutions to our clients, and we try our best to create relationships with those who do the same.”
Web: bigfish.no
