Scan Magazine, Issue 144, July 2022 by Scan Client Publishing

SCAN

FROM GOALS TO ROLES: A CONVERSATION WITH GRANIT RUSHITI MADE IN SWEDEN AND NORWAY: HOMEGROWN TALENTS TO KNOW TOP EXPERIENCES IN DENMARK THIS MONTH INTO THE WILD: ADVENTURE TRIPS TO FINLAND AND ICELAND

PROMOTING BRAND SCANDINAVIA ISSUE 144 JULY 2022

M A G A Z I N E

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Editor’s Note

Editor’s Note A heady heatwave is sweeping Europe, bringing with it an unbridled feeling of prospect. It’s our first ‘open’ summer, unshackled from the long shadow of the pandemic, for two years. We’re tumbling into it with a renewed energy for the everyday – surrounded, suddenly, by opportunities that were only fragile hopes last year. There’s Swedish footballer, Granit Rushiti, whose career, threatened by injury, took an unexpected turn when he was offered the leading role in a rags-to-riches biopic that took the Swedish box office by storm. “I thought, OK let’s take it, and make the best of it,” he says. His words, abstracted here from his story on page 20, evoke a universal sentiment. We’re all making the best of it. This issue is also marked by the same sense of joy and possibility. In interviews with founders, artists, labels and innovators in our Made in Sweden and Norway themes, there’s a common thread of ambition and optimism. The Nordics are a hotbed of entrepreneurial risk-taking – and here, who dares wins. The figures speak

for themselves: Stockholm is home to the second highest number of unicorn companies per capita in the world, after Silicon Valley. In that vein, we present a retrospective of Scandinavia’s greatest inventions on page 108. Meanwhile, our sustainability columnist challenges us to retain our conscious-travel habits, this summer, and our Top Experiences in Denmark, Finland and Iceland themes are awash with adventure trips, eco-retreats and green-tourism itineraries. There’s more to discover, from the latest in Scandinavian design, fashion and music, to culinary experiences couched in Nordic tradition. This thought-provoking issue is a trip in itself – a chance to play the flâneur. Seize the sense of adventure, whether at home or abroad, and join us on our sojourn into the Scandinavian summer.

Lena Hunter, Editor

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Contents

In this issue COVER FEATURE 20

From scoring goals to scoring roles: A conversation with Granit Rushiti “I was hanging out with the wrong people, getting into trouble. Then suddenly, I was offered the role in this movie. I knew I had to regain some balance. I thought ‘okay, let’s take it and make the best of it.’” 22-year-old Swedish footballer Granit Rushiti plays the leading role in the new rags-to-riches-biopic I Am Zlatan about the life of footballing legend Zlatan Ibrahimović. The film has already outperformed The Batman and Uncharted in Sweden, but is Hollywood all roses? We sat down with Rushiti to find out.

DESIGN & CULINARY 6

Sheep’s-wool shoes, designer bikes and a taste of the Nordics Get to know a cult Danish footwear label, whose comfort-meets-style designs are crafted from Danish and New Zealand sheep’s wool. Meanwhile, the founders of a Danish bike company give us their take co-creating designer kids’ bikes with Liberty London, contemporary artist Marest and French design house Rispal. Then, take a trip up the Danish north coast for beachside fish ‘n’ chips, and hop over to the south of Finland, to a town infamous for its historical gangs and serial killer, for a nightcap at ‘The Devil’s Place’.

LIFESTYLE SECTION 18

Conscious travel, beer cans and ‘friskvårdstimme’ The Swedes have got balance right in this month’s wellness column, when Heidi Kokborg spotlights ‘friskvårdstimme’ – the right to take a break. Meanwhile our sustainable lifestyle columnist Alejandra Cerda Orjensa makes the case for mindful travel in a post-pandemic world, and beer expert Malin Norman unpicks into the pros and cons of beer cans.

SPECIAL THEMES 24

Made in Sweden Jan Larsson of Business Sweden lifts the curtain on what makes Sweden a mecca for start-ups and established companies alike, before we dive into a journey through some of the country’s most inventive brands and individuals. Green technology, heritage handcraft, fashion and audio innovations are on the agenda, as we round up the major names to know on the Swedish scene today.

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Contents

Top Experiences in Denmark this Month This month, we’re bringing you to an authentic Viking market in the heart of Copenhagen, a luxury spa getaway and an up-and-coming brewery in the Danish countryside, and on a hike through a UNESCO listed geopark – the site of northern Europe’s most important Bronze-Age archaeological discovery. Then, we hear from the principals of two pioneering colleges in Denmark and the Faroe Islands, about the effect of non-traditional curricula and travel on young minds.

Top Experiences in Finland Heading to Finland? Explore the archipelago from your own private island, the Arctic circle wilderness and northern lights from a remote retreat, or the arresting 15th Century Olavinlinna Castle from a rooftop hotel in Lake Saimaa.

Made in Norway We’re taking you to Norway’s rugged shorelines, this issue. Sail across vast mountain-fringed waters, on a trip to Norway’s leading sustainable salmon farm, or post up at a luxury lodge whose glass-fronted rooms jut out over the banks of a peaceful fjord. Meanwhile, we interview Norwegian designers and artists about their products, work and latest explorations, and the founders of a community yoga studio share their take on how to connect with our inner selves.

CULTURE 108 On Scandinavia’s greatest inventions and having ‘street cred’ Stockholm is home to the second highest number of unicorn companies in the world, after Silicon Valley. But innovation is not only a modern phenomenon in the Nordics. In our greatest inventions retrospective, we take stock of Scandinavia’s biggest technology, science and everyday contributions. Meanwhile, our resident illustrator muses on having ‘street cred’ as an adult, and music columnist Karl Batterbee presents his picks for July’s hottest tunes. Finally, turn to the culture calendar for the low-down on what not to miss in Scandinavia this month.

REGULARS & COLUMNS

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Fashion Diary We Love This Restaurants of the Month Experience of the Month Hotels of the Month

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Design

Fashion Diary

Fashion Diary… Stripes are emerging as one of this summer’s vanguard pattern trends – so dress like you’ve earned yours. From classic marinière strokes to libertine lines and breezy feels, these are some of the best ways to wear stripes for high summer. By Åsa H. Aaberge

Press photos

Jacket and Shorts, Sur Le Chemin Sur Le Chemin is a Scandi love story, as the brand is based in Copenhagen with a Norwegian designer at the helm. The clothes from Sur Le Chemin are made with a conscious and seasonless mindset. The boxy Ark Shirt Jacket, in heavy organic cotton, pairs perfectly with the Darko Striped Shorts for warmer days. Ark Shirt Jacket, €200 Darko Striped shorts, €125 www.sur-le-chemin.com

Striped Bag, Mads Nørgaard For summer road trips, days by the seaside, Sundays at the farmers’ market and work alike, the striped Sacky Atoma Bag from Danish Mads Nørgaard boasts a stylish design and wide-range use. Pictured here in a frosty blue and white colour combo in organic cotton, though it’s also available in other cute colours. Sacky Atoma Bag, €29 www.madsnorgaard.com

Unit Shirt, Hope Stockholm Designed for a loose fit with batwing sleeves and half buttoning, this breezy cotton crépe shirt from Swedish Hope Stockholm is a true summer staple. Plus, the shirt is unisex, making it a terrific piece to share with a loved one. Unit Shirt, €290 www.hope-sthlm.com

Sweater, Marimekko The striped Tasaraita is an iconic pattern from Finnish Marimekko. It features in several of their designs, such as the unisex Sigga Shirt in heavyweight cotton jersey. The raised collar and relaxed fit make the timeless shirt ideal for hazy, lazy summer days. It pairs perfectly with everything from jeans to linen chinos or shorts. Sigga Tasaraita Unikko Jersey Shirt, €180 www.marimekko.com

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Design |

Fashion Diary

Cymbaria Trousers, By Malene Birger The Cymbaria Trousers have become a staple from Swedish By Malene Birger. This season, the linen trousers are emblazoned with of-the-moment stripes. The trousers have a high-rise waist and wide legs, fit for a flowing summery silhouette. Cymbaria High-Waist Trousers, €270 www.bymalenebirger.com

Torino Hat, Allete Studio Trust a bucket hat to keep you cool, in both senses of the word. The sustainable Danish brand Allete Studio has crafted the lightweight Torino Hat from leftover striped cotton-poplin deadstock and vintage fabrics. The hat is handmade in Denmark and, as a bonus, can fit the whole family. Torino Hat, €80 www.alletestudio.com

Silk Scarf, Tôteme Studio Swedish Totême Studio’s signature monogram silk scarf got a summer upgrade with a delicate cotton voile and silk mix. The square shape makes it perfect for knotting around the neck, over your shoulders for a preppy final touch, or as an on-trend headscarf. It comes in a variety of hues, but we love burnt orange for summer. Signature Monogram Silk Cotton Scarf, €150 www.toteme-studio.com

Striped Set, House of Dagmar For warmer days, a skirt and top duo are perfect. This striped two-piece set from Swedish brand House of Dagmar is cute and versatile. Made of light and crisp natural Tencel twill, the striped outfit feels comfortable when the temperature rises in the city, at a party or by the sea. Wear the garments together or separate. Patty Stripe Top, €210 Miino Stripe Skirt, €280 www.houseofdagmar.com

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Design

We Love This

We Love This We could all use a little holiday-packing guidance. Whether you’re the frugal, hand-luggage only type, the “which shoes should I bring? I’ll just bring them all” type, or a free spirit, strongarming a typewriter, bourbon and cigarettes into your hand-luggage à la Joan Didion – take inspiration from our rundown of travel essentials for your next trip. By Lena Hunter

Press photos

reMarkable 2 Digital Notepad A true paper person, Magnus Wanberg, CEO and founder of Oslo-based reMarkable, had always attended meetings armed with printouts and notebooks. Why, he asked himself, do I still do this? What is it about paper? Paper, he realised, is the ultimate tool for thinking. It improves our focus, engages our brains, and sets our minds free to work and imagine without distraction. So, he created ReMarkable – a note-taking tablet and organiser that integrates seamlessly with cloud platforms Google Drive, Dropbox and Microsoft OneDrive and the like. Using a stylus that mimics the feel and markings of a pen and pencil, the digital pad allows you to jot down your ideas on a glare-free interface. Use ReMarkable to sign PDFs, draw visualisations, convert your jottings to text files and read simplified webpages. If you’re constantly weighed down by your laptop on trips, this is for you. www.remarkable.com €299

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Henrik Vibskov Socks A pair of well-fitted socks is a rest-assuring creature comfort when you’re landing, psychologically speaking, in a foreign hotel room, or when you’re stuck in transit. Granted, a designer pair of travel socks is a little extra – but who wouldn’t want some Henrik Vibskov bling on their weary feet after a long day of planes, trains and automobiles? The Copenhagen designer is the master of creative accessories, and his lusted-after lines of socks and scarves are no exception. This black check-pattern pair matches with anything, but a smorgasbord of outlandish prints and bold colours are available, for both women and men. www.henrikvibskovboutique.com €23.95

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Design

We Love This

Hosbjerg Awa Cotton Bag Emerging Danish brand Hosbjerg’s palette is joyfully bright – just what your summer holiday wardrobe needs. A favourite at the fashion house, the practical Awa Cotton Bag is released every season with a new print. This psychedelic Fanta-coloured pattern screams ice-cream at the beach. Made from 100 per cent cotton twill, the bag has an inside pocket and drawstrings for tightening. It can be rolled up and packed as a day bag, but is roomy enough to be a statement carry-on luggage bag, too. www.hosbjerg.com €68

Nomess Mesh Bags Copenhagen label Nomess makes life-hack worthy accessories for organising your home, workspace and suitcase. Their lightweight, mesh-polyester fabric bags have a broad range of handy applications when you’re on the go. This triple set, in different sizes, is ideal for separating what must be separated when packing for a trip – underwear, electricals, documents and the like – while protecting the contents with soft, glossy material and a drawstring closure. www.nomess.com €22

L:A Bruket 169 Sunscreen This natural SPF 30 suncream from Swedish skincare label L:A Bruket protects the skin from UV rays via a physical sunscreen – titanium dioxide – without harmful nanoparticles. It’s made with avocado oil, lavender essential oil and sunflower oil, and lightly scented with a delicious blend of patchouli and mint for the perfect balance between complexity and freshness. www.labruket.com €44

Fjällräven Pocket Cult Swedish outdoor brand Fjällräven has long been a favourite choice for travellers seeking lightweight, compact and hardwearing travel bags. The Fjällräven Pocket is an on-the-go travel companion sized for passports, shades, wallets and other small essentials, with a hidden compartment in the main pouch, a security pocket on the back, and an adjustable shoulder strap. It’s recycled from robust G-1000 HeavyDuty Eco material from the jacket pockets of Fjällräven’s classic Greenland series – meaning it’s breathable, water repellent, windproof and quick-drying, and can be treated with Greenland Wax to enhance its protective quality. www.fjallraven.com €39.95

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Your secret MY COLLECTION G E N T LY G L I D E Y O U R F I N G E R O V E R T H E S M A L L D I A M O N D S O N T H E D E L I C AT E P L AT E O F G O L D. TO U C H T H E R A I S E D G E M S TO N E S TO F E E L W H AT I S W R I T T E N. A L E T T E R I N B R A I L L E. YO U R OW N L I T T L E S EC R E T T H AT O N LY A S E L E C T E D F E W U N D E R S TA N D . T H E N E W, E L E G A N T P E N D A N T S F E AT U R I N G T H E E N T I R E A L P H A B E T I N B R A I L L E I S M E T I C U L O U S LY C R A F T E D I N 1 8 K T Y E L L O W O R W H I T E G O L D.

ROCOPENHAGEN.COM A PIECE OF YOUR STORY

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Design Profile

glerups

Ove and the sheep.

Relaxing by the campfire.

At home anywhere.

Chill-out after activities.

glerups: comfort for your feet, wherever you travel Sitting on a plane or train with your shoes fitting uncomfortably tight on your feet is a problem that many travellers have to battle. The cause is often a matter of style over comfort. After all, we want to look our best in any given situation. By Karin Blak

sole. Being more durable than leather, it’s ideal for light outdoor use, relaxing by a campfire, or enjoying a sunset on the beach, and is available in all three models.

Photos: glerups

Listening to Christina Flindt Bjerg Albæk, head of marketing at glerups, talk about the three models of stylish yet comfortable indoor glerups shoes, it becomes evident that style and comfort are no longer mutually exclusive. Christina explains that their shoes, slipons and boots are made from a mix of high-quality wool from sheep in New Zealand and Gotland sheep in Denmark. These shoes are lightweight and breathable – neatly crafted with care and consideration for the sheep and the environment in which they live.

The slippers caught the attention of family and friends, and soon she was making two pairs per day. After buying an old farm in 1985, the couple were able to upgrade their hobby into a small-scale production. Even though this family business has seen new management, its focus on a respect for animals, nature and people has not changed. With many colours available, glerups are now making 500,000 pairs per year – and demand is growing. Yet, they take time to listen to the feedback from their customers.

A craft hobby turned family business

For all terrains

In the 1970s, the founder of the company, Nanny Glerup, was encouraged to enroll on a felting course. The result was a pair of slippers for her husband, which he found so comfortable, he wore them everywhere.

Initially, the range was made with simple leather soles. When outdoor enthusiasts suggested a version that could be worn outside, glerups got to work. Staying with their principle of using only natural materials, they decided on a natural rubber

When much love goes into a hobby, it is truly amazing what can be achieved. As Christina says: “today, glerups addicts all over the world get their daily fix of 100 per cent pure, natural wool that is crafted with love and care from the sheep to the foot. When something is made with love, anyone can feel it.” www.glerups.com Instagram: @glerups_official Facebook: glerups You Tube: Glerups_youtube Christina Flindt Bjerg Albæk, Head of Marketing at glerups.

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Design Profile

Banwood

Riding on childhood memories Banwood have already designed a successful line of children’s bikes with a vintage touch, and now they are launching the Banwood Maxi Scooter, complete with the label’s iconic wicker basket. By Nicolai Lisberg

Photos: Banwood

“My first bike was a red Crescent from the ‘80s that I inherited from my siblings. It was a beautiful vintage bike with straight lines and retro details. I remember riding it all day until it got dark and my parents had to call me in. It is that nostalgic feeling of losing track of time while playing outside that we want to transfer to today’s children.” Those words belong to Frida Jonsby who, together with her partner Juan Manuel Torralvo Castro, founded Banwood Bikes back in 2016. They were on the lookout for a bike for Juan Manuel Torralvo Castro’s niece, but did not like what they found, so instead they began working on their own line, a mini version of a classic, Scandinavian-design bicycle. Since then, Banwood have sold bicycles and tricycles all over the world and merged kid’s products into fashion and art via collaborations with brands such as Liberty London, Anthropologie, Bon12 |

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ton, the contemporary artist Marest, and even designed an exclusive limited-edition bike with the Iconic French lamp house Rispal. The signature touch After the success with the bikes, Banwood began working on scooters. The first one was a three-wheel scooter for kids up to age five in six different colours, and now they are ready to launch their new twowheel scooter for ages six plus. “It is designed with a timeless vintage style, without sacrificing functionality and safety, giving kids the ability to develop as individuals and increase their self-confidence while having fun. And just like with our bikes, the scooters come with our beloved wicker basket, so kids can bring along their favourite toys,” says Jonsby. The Banwood Maxi Scooter comes in six carefully selected colours and is

equipped with an ergonomic T-handlebar that can easily be adjusted to your kid’s height, a lightweight aluminium frame, classic steering system, vintage-inspired rubber grips and a wooden oak anti-slip deck for a safe ride. “When designing the scooter, we wanted the design to have a cute, soft, rounded shape and to pay attention to the details by using natural materials like oak. As a mother, I know it can get messy with so many kid’s products around. I want parents to feel that our products can melt into their interior design and can even be used as a decoration in the kid’s rooms,” says Jonsby. www.banwood.com Instagram: @banwoodbikes

PHOTO: DAVID BACK

— TRULY A HIDDEN GEM AND AN ELDORADO FOR FOODIES & BBQ-LOVERS, LOCATED IN THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PART OF SOUTHERN SWEDEN —

HOLYSMOKEBBQ.SE SMOKEHOUSE

RESTAUR A NT

BAR

SHOP

KR A P PERUP S KYRKOVÄG 116, NYH A MNSLÄGE, SW EDEN

Scan Magazine

Culinary Feature

Thorupstrand Fiskehus

Photo: Jens Thimm

Barefoot in the surf with fish ’n’ chips and live music “This is my office… and out there is the ocean,” says Janni Olesen, pointing out of the open door to a shimmering vista of sand, sky and seabirds wheeling on the breeze. “We’re right on the water!” Thorup Strand is one of Denmark’s most northerly beaches. Here, Olesen and her business partner Janet Anisimow run Thorupstrand Fiskehus – a deli and casual beachside restaurant serving fresh fish and local specialties. By Lena Hunter

“We only work with sustainably caught fish. That’s the heart of the business and of the Thorup Strand area,” says Olesen. “In fact, it’s the last place in the Nordics where we fish like this.” Fishermen have been working these waters on the shore of the Skagerrak strait between Norway, Denmark and Sweden since the Viking era – and they fish the way they’ve always done. “The boats are built the way the Vikings built their boats,” says 14 |

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Olesen. “Fishing here is difficult; it’s highly dependent on weather and wind. But it’s worth it.” Worth it, indeed. Olesen and Anisimow have been running Thorupstrand Fiskehus together for just four years and have already been nominated for the municipality’s Entrepreneur Award. But Olesen is staunchly humble: “We stand on the shoulders of generations of fishermen.

They live and work here – we’re just here to cook and observe,” she says. For that reason, Thorupstrand Fiskehus is an unpolished place – about as farm (or rather, sea) to table to as it’s possible to get. “When you sit here and eat, you have a wonderful view of the ocean. You’re in nature – but you’re also very much at a workplace,” says Olesen. “We’re two women in a very male-dominated environment, and that creates a lot of wonderful synergies. It’s great to have some female power at this beach!” Less is more Thorupstrand Fiskehus’ menu is small but mighty, featuring pickled herring, pan-fried plaice and fishcakes, served with ryebread, jammy boiled eggs, tra-

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Culinary Feature |

Thorupstrand Fiskehus

ditional potato salad, greens and homemade dressing. “But everyone’s favourite is the fish ‘n’ chips!” says Oleson. “It’s so simple. We use very few ingredients, but they are the best you can find.” “What’s the secret?” you might ask. “It’s the fish,” says Olesen with a big grin. “Here, we use cod. It’s very flaky and moist and incredible to cook with.” Certainly, it’s hard to imagine getting fresher cod anywhere else. Meanwhile, the batter is made from good local dark beer, organic flour and raising agent – nothing else. “We make our own tartare sauce, too, and we have really, really good fries,” says Olesen. Bands on the beach This season, Thorupstrand Fiskehus is celebrating a full return to regular programming after two years of pandemic restrictions. It’s also the first year that Olesen and Anisimow – childhood friends turned business partners – will have their hands on deck at the same time. “A lot of cool things are happening here during the summer. We have two beach concerts coming up – on 22 July and 10 September – where bands will play on the beach and on a fishing boat with the ocean as a backdrop,” says Olesen. “Up here in the north, we celebrate midsummer – the longest day of the year – when the sun practically never sets. We also celebrate Sankt Hans. For that, we’ll light a big bonfire on the beach and host Photo: Kristina KH

Photo: Christian Faber - Thorup Strand

a wonderful concert that’s free and open to all. We’ll open our outdoor bar, there’ll be music and food and loads of people. We had a few of these parties last year and they’re magical.”

raise awareness for the importance of supporting sustainable fishing…. as if the super-fresh beer-battered fish ‘n’ chips and homemade tartare wasn’t persuasive enough.

“It’s very low-key”

www.thorupstrandfiskehus.dk +45 50469081 Instagram: @thorupstrandfiskehus Facebook: thorupstrandfiskehus Opening hours: (July and August) 11-19:30 Opening dates: 23 March - 23 October

At Thorupstrand Fiskehus there are no waiters or tablecloths. “Sometimes ‘restaurant’ feels like too grand a word,” says Olesen, affectionately. “It’s very low-key. You sit on a wooden bench with your feet in the sand. You get an ice-cold bottled beer and eat some simple food – but made with world-class ingredients.” Fuss and excess are the polar opposites of Thorupstrand Fiskehus’ philosophy and, as such, visitors are encouraged to just show up. “No need to call ahead, we can always make it work,” says Olesen. She hopes the harmony she and Anisimow have nurtured – between the humble setting and local fishing trade – will

Photo: Thorupstrand Fiskehus

Photo: Flying October

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Birgit Nilsson Museum presents:

August 8-13, 2022 Tickets www.juliusbiljettservice.se phone +46 (0)775 - 700 400 www.birgitnilssondagarna.se

foto: Louis Melançon

festiv concert August 13, 5 p.m. Birgit Nilsson Museum, Båstad

led by court singer

Hillevi Martinpelto Audience ticket 8-11 augusti MASTER CLASS-concert 8 master class-participants, pianist Elisabeth Boström August 11, 6 p.m. Birgit Nilsson-salen, RAVINEN BÅSTAD Co-org. B N Sällskapet

Mark Levengood, conferencier

Evan Rogister, conductor

Outdoor concert with extracts from Macbeth, Der Freischutz, Der fliegende Holländer, Un ballo in maschera. Helsingborgs Symphony Orchestra and about a hundred choier singers. STIPEND AWARD AND CONCERT with this year´s stipend recipient

Cornelia Beskow, soprano Elisabeth Boström, pianist Stefan Johansson, conferencier August 12, 6 p.m. VÄSTRA KARUPS CHURCH Co-org. Västra Bjäre Pastorat

Joyce El-Khoury, soprano Elisabet Strid, soprano Christina Nilsson, soprano Oksana Kramareva, soprano Alexandra Büchel, soprano Jonathan Tetelman, tenor Fredrik Zetterström, baryton Taras Shtonda, bass Prins Carl Gustafs Stiftelse

BÅSTADHEM ...e bä re sä a bo

foto: Stellan Herner Mark Levengood - conferencier, Festiv concert.

Scan Magazine

Culinary Feature |

Pirula

A drinks company steeped in history Pirula is a company producing wines, ciders and other berry-based drinks, located in Finland’s South Ostrobothnia region, in the small village of Ylistaro. The village has a long history of producing alcohol, and now, brothers Pete and Tomi Rintala are continuing Pirula’s long and unexpected story. By Ndéla Faye

| Photos: Pirula

The village of Ylistaro has a colourful past: it has been home to, among other things, an infamous criminal gang, as well as a serial killer in the 1800s. The first brewery was built in the village in 1879 – but the local temperance movement, who saw alcohol as a sin, frowned upon the activity, and gave the brewery the moniker ‘Pirula’ (The Devil’s Place). At one point, it even burnt down – but luckily that wasn’t the end of the story. In 2017, Pete and Tomi Rintala brought new life to the brewery. The compound that Pirula stands on consists of several historical buildings, that are still standing today. As well as the production facilities, Pirula includes a bar, shop, sauna, event facilities and accommodation. The accommodation building is an old manor house that was

used for military purposes. “Visitors can come here to enjoy the place’s rich history, while getting to know Pirula and taste our products. We see ourselves as an all-round service provider, and guests can come here for a quick visit or longer stay,” says Pete Rintala.

still retains many of its original features. We have also brought in some historically significant pieces, like wooden beams from the home of Matti Haapoja, the 19th century serial killer who lived in the region. The history of the place is tangible, and coming here is like stepping back in time. It’s a truly special and unique place,” Pete Rintala concludes. www.pirula.fi Facebook: pirula.fi Instagram: @pirulantila

Award-winning booze Pirula’s product range includes a number of apple and berry ciders, wines made from black and white currants, as well as distilled drinks, such as their applejack, which has been aged in gin barrels. The company’s sparkling rosé has won several awards, and their products are sold in Alko, the national alcoholic beverage retailer in Finland. Pirula holds a lot of significance for South Bothnian cultural history. “Today, Pirula July 2022

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Lifestyle

Columns

Scandinavian Lifestyle Beer cans for quality, design and sustainability Have you noticed an increase in canned beer on the shelves? Trendy cans are loved by consumers, and increasingly, both craft breweries and bigger players are switching to cans exclusively. There are three main reasons for this growth, as explained by the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) in the UK. Let’s unpack them. Starting with the outside, the 360-degree canvas offers greater opportunities for bold designs that make the cans stand out on a shelf. The iconic London brewery Beavertown is known for its psychedelic illustrations of skeletons and skulls, transforming cans into works of art. In Scandinavia, breweries such as To Øl and Lervig have a similar approach, with colourful and creative designs that are bound to catch your eye. Now, let’s look at what’s on the inside. Cans naturally preserve the quality of the beer. Two massive killers of beer flavour

and aroma are exposure to oxygen and sunlight, and cans are tightly-sealed containers that keep the beer fresh for longer. There’s no contest with bottles: clear and green bottles are the worst, brown bottles are a little better, but only cans totally prevent sunlight and oxygen from compromising the beer. And finally, cans are more environmentally friendly. They are light and compact – great for shipping and storing, and to bring along to summer parties and hiking trips, for instance. Cans also stay in the recycling loop as they are infinitely recyclable with no loss of quality. This might be all news to you, and I bet you have never heard of Beer Can Appreciation Day either. It’s celebrated on 24 January in remembrance of the day when beer was first sold in cans. But you don’t have to wait that long to rejoice; grab a (nice-looking) can from

the shelf and enjoy the quality, design and environmental-friendly experience. Cheers! Malin Norman is a certified beer sommelier, beer judge and member of the British Guild of Beer Writers. She writes about beer for Scan Magazine, beer magazines and beer suppliers.

Conscious travel in a post-pandemic world I might not have been the biggest traveller, but when I learnt more about climate change, I became even more mindful. I sure love visiting beautiful places that are new to me, reading a book and drinking tea in a new bed with bed linen with a different scent, finding picturesque streets to snap some photos of, sipping cold drinks at the beach – or just the feeling of knowing that nobody knows where I am at this exact moment. One good habit some of us picked up during the pandemic was to explore new places, closer to home. On Swedish social media, one could follow people’s at-home-vacations under the hashtag #hemester. But I’m afraid we might go back to our less-mindful travelling habits this summer, as the pandemic is no longer stopping us. While I’m not a fan of shaming per se, I do think it’s wise to make informed decisions. The truth is, we need to stay conscious of our actions during our vacations. 18 |

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The climate crisis isn’t on holiday when we are. This summer, I will take the opportunity to live as a true tourist in Copenhagen. I might even wear socks and sandals and a backpack for the true tourist feel – or, more likely, will I explore Amager Strand beach, find picturesque streets in Østerbro to post on my Instagram, sip wine at a new restaurant every weekend, and probably take the train over to Sweden to go somewhere I’ve never been before. And you know what? I’m really excited! Alejandra Cerda Ojensa is a Swedish sustainability blogger based in Copenhagen. She loves sustainable fashion, plant-based food, natural wines and music, and writes a column for Scan Magazine about sustainable lifestyle. Instagram: alejandracerda.co

By Malin Norman

By Alejandra Cerda Ojensa

Scan Magazine

Lifestyle

Columns

Is a weekly wellness hour the secret to less stress? By Heidi Kokborg

Recently, I came across a very interesting article in the Irish Independent, written by Linnea Dunne, about a concept in Sweden called ‘friskvårdstimme’ – loosely translated as ‘wellness hour’ – or, the right to take a break. In Sweden, employees are entitled to 60 minutes per week to look after their well-being during paid working hours. As I understand ‘friskvårdstimme’, it is an hour that every employee can spend on anything and everything that has to do with their well-being. It could be anything from going to the gym, going for a walk in nature, getting a massage, practicing yoga or meditating. I immediately thought to myself, “what a brilliant concept”. My next thought was: “why are we not doing this across the globe?”. In Denmark alone, about 430,000 adults (some 12 per cent of the population) show symptoms of stress every day. In many other countries, these numbers are much higher. Each year, more and more people experience symptoms of burnout and stress.

As someone who runs my own business and experiences plenty of travel, I can vouch for the importance of wellness breaks. Whether it’s getting a massage, doing a bit of yoga, going for a walk on the beach or simply just sipping your coffee mindfully and slowly while just ‘being’ for an hour, getting away from your phone and computer and taking a break is essential for your well-being. I am not an expert, but my guess is that if every company offered ‘friskvårdstimme’, it would cut down on burn-outs and sick leave, and generally result in happier, more balanced employees. So, perhaps we could all learn something from the Swedes and maybe even adopt the concept of a weekly wellness

hour. It could be a small, but mighty step in the direction of a society in which people thrive instead of simply getting by. Heidi Kokborg is a journalist and health coach from Denmark. She runs her own online business and writes a column for Scan Magazine about health and wellness in Scandinavia. www.heidikokborg.com

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July 2022

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| Cover Feature | Granit Rushiti

From scoring goals to scoring roles – A conversation with Granit Rushiti “I’d never been on a film shoot a day in my life. I didn’t know how it worked. I didn’t know a thing about it. So I imagined it wasn’t for me. I thought, ‘I’m a football player, nothing else’. But then all my friends said, ‘you have this chance and you’re thinking of not taking it? You’re crazy!’.” By Paula Hammond

Granit Rushiti isn’t your average actor. In fact, until a few years ago, the 22-yearold had never even thought about acting. Now, he has a hit film under his belt and a hush-hush TV series in the pipeline… and it’s all thanks to an injury that forced him to reassess his life and ambitions.

Batman and Uncharted in Sweden, and was released internationally in June. Believing in yourself Most sporting biopics focus on big wins and professional successes, but what makes I Am Zlatan so compelling is that this is no tale of glamour and easy-living.

“Just before I got the role in the film, I was in Portugal with Sporting Lisbon, but I hurt a ligament,” he says. “The first time I got injured playing football, I was 15-years-old. I had an operation and I got right back on the pitch again. But this time I couldn’t play, couldn’t focus. I was hanging out with the wrong people, getting into trouble. Then suddenly, I was offered the role in this movie. I knew I had to regain some balance in my life – the wrong way is not for me. I’m not that person. So, I thought ‘okay, let’s take it and make the best of it’.” That film is I Am Zlatan – a rags to riches biopic of Zlatan Ibrahimović, who rose to become one of Sweden’s footballing legends. Based on the best-selling book of the same name, I Am Zlatan has already out-performed blockbusters like The 20 |

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Granit Rushiti in I Am Zlatan. Photo: Signature Entertainment

Instead, we have a boy, born to refugee parents, whose talent and determination to make it as a pro-footballer are set against a backdrop of prejudice and poverty. For Rushiti, it was a familiar story. Like Ibrahimović, Rushiti played with Malmö

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| Cover Feature | Granit Rushiti

Photo: Martin Bo Kristensen Studiobilder

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Granit Rushiti

Photo: Carolina Romare

FF as a teenager, and the problems they encountered were similar. “I come from the same background. Not from the same neighbourhood as Zlatan, but a neighbourhood with the same problems, and people never see how hard it is,” he explains. “It’s not that you have to give a good performance every time you go on the pitch, it’s every time you wake up. It’s not just football. You have a whole life to handle and people don’t see this – especially on social media. Fans who are angry with you … They don’t know about your life or what’s going on around you.” Football has a reputation for being macho and competitive and, as Rushiti explains, that’s even tougher when you’re from a poor background. “When you come from 22 |

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a neighbourhood where no-one ever gave you anything for free, you have to take it for yourself and believe in yourself – because no one else will believe in you. Because you have so much to deal with, you have to be a hard person to make it, to keep on going. You have to have that discipline, that mentality. It is good that the film highlights that because, if you’re not part of that world, you will never understand how hard it is to grow up in an environment where you always have to be ten times better. Where you can’t show weakness … because if you show weakness, they will kill you!” A new passion For Rushiti, a seminal moment during the making of I Am Zlatan was meeting

Ibrahimović, who had been his idol since he was a small boy dreaming of football fame. “It was a big experience for me. He’s been a huge influence on my life. I’ve looked up to him since I was a kid. What he did on the pitch... I wanted to do those things because of him. So, after ten minutes, I felt like I had known him my whole life!” When Rushiti is asked if, now that he has had a taste of the life, he’d like to make acting his career, he answers with the same determination that carved out his success on the pitch. “Yeah. I liked it very much. It’s my new passion!” Rushiti already speaks three languages – Swedish, English and Albanian – and

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Granit Rushiti

Photo: Martin Bo Kristensen Studiobilder

his focus now is improving his English to broaden the roles he’s offered. “Sweden is my home – I was born here – but languages will give me more chances to make movies outside of the country. I have to learn a little bit more English and learn accents. But, I’ve already learnt English by myself, so it’s not going to be a problem. I’m going to make it. I have no doubt about it. I will make it in Hollywood!”

gangsters in the series – I could be one of them!” he says, laughing.

It’s not unusual for sportsmen to become action-movie stars but Rushiti has his sights set on more serious roles. “My dream is to make a film with Denzel Washington,” he says. “Or something like Top Boy. I would love to be an actor in that – I love it. And they have Albanian

Acting also has other attractions for the fledgling star. “In football, you go with the flow, but with acting, you have to have more patience – truly – because you have to wait around so much. But it’s more free.” With a smile, he adds, “you can eat what you want!”

I Am Zlatan. Photo: Signature Entertainment

I Am Zlatan is directed by Jens Sjögren and stars Granit Rushiti and Dominic Andersson Bajraktati, who both play Zlatan Ibrahimović at different points in his life. I Am Zlatan was released in cinemas and on digital platforms on 17 June, and on DVD on 27 June, from Signature Entertainment.

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Dometic, page 55. Photo: Dometic

Going green is easy when you work in Sweden Sweden is the EU’s most innovative country and ranks among the world’s top-three countries for sustainability. That’s why companies choose to make Sweden their home – to reinvent themselves and gain a green competitive advantage. Business Sweden helps them to achieve this mission.

tainable society is a key reason. But how do we do it? How do we lead the green transition in everything from mobility to energy and manufacturing?

By Jan Larsson, CEO of Business Sweden

The answer lies in Sweden’s collaborative business environment and liberal approach to globalisation, trade, investments, talent, co-creation and innovation. It’s what makes Sweden a sustainable and future-proof choice for international investments and business expansion.

In the new era of social and environmental responsibility, unicorn companies and big tech, Sweden’s unique business features have made it one of the world’s most attractive places to make and launch products for a global audience. 24 |

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As every industry transforms, Sweden has become one of the world’s most vibrant, dynamic and rapidly-developing economies. The fact that Swedes are pioneers of system-wide solutions that are shaping tomorrow’s smart and sus-

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Glimakra of Sweden, page 57. Photo: Kimme Persson

And that’s where we come in. Business Sweden has teams stationed in more than 40 markets worldwide to help Swedish companies to grow global sales and international companies to invest and expand in Sweden.

Storytel, page 46. Photo: Storytel

When you choose to embrace the values of ‘Made in Sweden’, we can provide all the strategic advice, insights and practical assistance you need to catapult your performance to new heights in your new home. Read more about our services at www.business-sweden.com Jan Larsson. Photo: Jimmy Eriksson, Agent Bauer

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Made in Sweden

Traditionally Swedish crispbread with a sustainable touch The family-run company, Leksands Knäckebröd, has been serving the Swedish population crispbread since 1929, and has expanded internationally in recent years. Their production is firmly planted in home soil – namely Leksand in Dalarna, Sweden – where local farmers and sustainable methods are two of the main ingredients in baking a crispbread rich in both tradition and ambition. By Nina Bressler

Photos: Leksands Knäckebröd

The company’s history goes hand in hand with their grand ambitions. In 1929, Anna Karlsdotter started a bakery with her husband Jon Olof Olsson, baking the crispbread that Anna had learned from her grandmother Jakobs Karin. Today, the recipe remains unchanged: a perfect blend of local rye, water, yeast and salt. “The company has always been true to its history of family, entrepreneurship, quality and respecting local traditions. We are still using the same recipe that my grandmother’s grandmother taught her daughter, and then her daughter, and thanks to their ingenuity and hard work, we’ve become one of the biggest crispbread brands in Sweden – as well as abroad. Even if we’re continuously evolving, we stay true to our roots,” says marketing manager Annika Sund. 26 |

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Leksands has been championing sustainable production for a long time – before the green wave as we know it. It was environmentally certified in 1997 and became a completely fossil-free bakery in 2013. Hence, it’s not merely following the green paradigm shift, but leading it. The factory is completely self-sustained using waterpower, and energy is recycled at least twice. Local ingredients are used for all stages of production, and the packaging is labelled with the product’s climate impact. In 2021, Leksands opened a new, larger shop for its devoted crispbread enthusiasts, which also sells local arts and crafts. “We’ve gone from producing the traditional round crispbread to developing new versions. The latest concoction is a seeded crispbread – another healthy

and totally delicious option. I recommend that everyone try a crispbread-pizza! It’s a healthier and – in my opinion – tastier version of a regular pizza. We’ll continue evolving for the future but we’ll never forget our past – it will remain our key ingredient for future generations to come,” concludes Sund. www.leksands.com Instagram:@leksands_knacke YouTube: Leksands Knäckebröd

The ‘Eleiko Feeling’ is something frequently associated with our bars, but to us it is bigger than that - it’s what we strive for in all our products and best achieved by keeping the user experience at the heart of everything we do.

RAI SE

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— Erik Blomberg, Eleiko CEO

Eleiko, headquartered in Halmstad, Sweden, designs and manufactures precision crafted strength products for the world’s leading competition, training facilities and home gyms.

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Made in Sweden

Radically beige straws made from Swedish reed A few years ago a video of a turtle with a plastic straw stuck in its nose went viral on social media. The turtle’s distress was plain, and the image resonated with many who became suddenly aware of the issue of plastic in our waters. By Alejandra Cerda Ojens |

Photos: Olivia Zandin

Since then, single-use plastic straws have been banned in the EU, but what are the alternatives? Paper straws have been 28 |

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around for quite a while. While they’re great for a minute or two, they quickly get soft and soggy, and can’t be used for hot

drinks. But, what if there was a sustainable option that could be used for both hot and cold drinks, that was produced locally? Spoiler alert: there is, and it’s completely natural and feels good to use. The straws from Raws are made from Swedish reed. As Sweden is generously surrounded by water and rich in lakes,

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reed can be found almost everywhere. Reed supports plenty of wildlife during the warmer months but, as it tends to spread rapidly, it’s cut during the autumn to prevent it from taking over the coastline. Raws noticed this and started to make straws from the material. The reed they use is untreated, bio-degradable and harvested in and around Norrköping. The straws can be used in both ice-cold mojitos or afternoon tea, as they are sturdy enough to handle hot drinks. The straws won’t get soggy, as reed grows in water and so is naturally waterproof. Best of all, they can be used multiple times and even put in the dishwasher.

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sell directly to consumers who use the reed straws for cocktails or kid’s parties, or to avoid staining their teeth on hot tea and coffee.

production chain local, which also helps to keep the prices down. There are ten employees working at Raws, and Lundberg looks forward to expanding the business.

“Available in any colour you want, as long as it’s beige”

The future holds endless opportunities. Now, Lundberg and his business partner are considering making other goods from the material – such as cutlery, plates and drinking cups – while looking to minimise their waste even more. It’s an exciting prospect for this radically beige Swedish material.

Raws are unbleached, uncoloured and have a natural beige colour – which they make fun of on their website, stating: “available in any colour you want, as long as it’s beige”. With their cheeky tone of voice, they aim to challenge the way eco-conscious products are marketed. Today, Raws are still based in Norrköping, which makes it easy for them to keep the

www.raws.rocks Instagram: @raws.rocks Facebook: raws.rocks

The birth of the all-natural straw So, who is behind Raws? Eyoel Lundberg, one of two co-founders of Raws, shares the company’s genesis story. “We started three years ago, when plastic straws were a big problem. They end up in nature and aren’t bio-degradable, so we tried to think of a solution and found something close to home – just outside our window,” says Lundberg. Born and raised outside of Norrköping, in the small city Valdermarsvik on the east coast of Sweden, the pair saw reed everywhere. Swedish reed is beautiful when it sways in the wind and was traditionally used for roof and wall-insulation – a method still used today on a much smaller scale. The sturdiness of the stems – they can’t be broken between the fingers – and the fact that they’re hollow makes them a great material for straws. They’re pretty much natural drinking straws already. “People are always surprised by how hard the straws are, how well they hold both cold and hot drinks, and the fact that they are completely untreated. What you see is very much what you get; we just clean and cut them for a great drinking experience,” Lundberg says. When the pandemic restrictions were lifted, Raws saw increasing interest in their products. As people began going out more, restaurants began to focus more on sustainability. Though most of Raws’ clients are restaurants, they also July 2022

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Your handset is in safe hands Remember when the phone used to ring and you didn’t know who it was? Those days became a thing of the past thanks to Truecaller – widely regarded as the world’s best caller ID and spam-blocking app. Now used by millions of people around the world, the app has also proved impactful in unexpected areas – such as protecting vulnerable women in need. By Emma Rodin |

Photos: Truecaller

Rewind to the year 2009 and Truecaller is emerging on the world’s tech scene from its native Sweden. Founded by engineering students Nami Zarringhalam and Alan Mamedi, the app was born from a shared desire and personal need to solve the issues around call identification, and to make communication safer and more efficient. “Since we were both engineers, we just started coding the app, built several iterations and put it up on a tech forum. Within a few weeks we had over 10,000 30 |

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downloads and that is when we knew this could be much bigger,” explains co-founder Alan Mamedi. Today, the app’s global stats come in at impressive levels. 586 billion spam SMS and 184.5 billion spam calls were identified in 2021 alone. On top of that, 37.8 billion spam calls and 182 billion spam SMS were blocked. The true in Truecaller To paint a better picture of Truecaller, Mamedi suggests thinking about when

someone knocks on your door. “You need to know who it is before you open the door, right? Similarly, we believe that you have the right to know who is calling before you answer. We built this trust by identifying calls that you might want to take, warning you about spam, scams and potential frauds and correctly identifying businesses that may be reaching out to you for legitimate reasons,” he says. At its heart, Truecaller is a community-driven service and platform. Because, while its team work on developing the app itself, the real power of Truecaller comes from active reporting by users. The team has built advanced machine learning models that can analyse community reports, and identify calls with colours. Blue is a standard call, red is a spam/scam caller, while green and purple are used for verified businesses or

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priority calls. The collaboration and user reporting are key to Truecaller, making the service stronger and stronger, number by number. Bags of benefits Always with the consumer in mind, Truecaller helps users stay ahead of the game with popular blocking services such as Caller ID and Smart SMS. While the app is free to download, there are also Premium and Gold subscriptions that offer even more benefits – including zero ads and more advanced blocking features. to women’s safety, partner with ministries or departments on matters of national importance, help with training on cyber security, and even help bring criminals to book,” explains Mamedi.

ians will be able to see your precise location, signal strength and battery life. They can navigate to you, call you or even send help from first responders if they are unable to arrive quickly,” says Mamedi. Coming full circle

Not all heroes wear capes

Indeed, many female Truecaller users trust the app to feel safer in their daily phone interactions. That is why the brand also runs regular campaigns for women’s safety. For instance, #ItsNotOk is a campaign based on an initiative Truecaller took up four years ago to stand against the harassment of women over phone calls and messages.

Aside from being an intelligent spam blocking app, Truecaller has a part to play when it comes to fighting crime. “We like to work with governments, especially when it comes to citizen outreach. We can help whitelist important government numbers, help organisations that cater

Additionally, there’s the Guardians app – the free, global personal safety app created by Truecaller. Guardians lets users choose their own guardians from their phone contacts and share their location with them in one simple tap. “Your guard-

One such feature is Call Reason, which was one of the most requested features in 2020 from Truecaller users around the world. This extends the platform’s Caller ID feature to help users send a note in their outgoing calls. This, in turn, helps to empower users by resulting in higher pick-up rates on outgoing calls, as the receiver is instantly informed of the reason for the call. And with Truecaller Business, brands can send a customised text before every call, which helps increase engagement with customers.

In other news, Truecaller has just been announced as the new official sponsor of Stockholm’s historic football club AIK from 2023. And although the partnership itself is something to celebrate, the real value lies in the opportunity to make a difference. “We share both vision and values with AIK and will work together on various community projects in Stockholm’s suburbs. We might be a global brand, but we will never forget our roots,” concludes Mamedi. www.truecaller.com Instagram: @truecaller

Alan Mamedi and Nami Zarringhalam.

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Flow to the future with award-winning drain and bathroom solutions Founded in 1971 by Stig Forsman and later run by his son, Jafo.eu is a Swedish drain-product company, supplying solutions for both retail and resellers within the building contractor industry. The family company was sold in 2007 to BLS corporation, but the high quality, functionality and design concepts at the core of the business are still flourishing. By Lotta Lassesson

Photos: Jafo.eu- Unidrain.se

The floor drain is designed to divert water away, with an original linear design and patented flanges in the wall and floor. It provides a waterproof transition with a one-direction slope, thereby avoiding leakage and typical damage that can occur in a wet area. By making affordable products of a high quality, Jafo aims to be the preferred floor drain system and supplier for the construction industry. The company is guaranteed with both the ISO 9001 quality certification, and the ISO 14001 environmental certification. Meanwhile, its production and 32 |

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recycling systems are registered as responsible, and it follows the REPA Branch Rules for safe water installation.

All products are manufactured according to the Swedish government’s testing protocol. Market leaders Jafo’s head office, located in Lund in southern Sweden, has 14 employees who run the whole operation – sales, product quality, brand awareness and marketing. In 2003, Jafo’s sister company Unidrain developed the linear floor drain in collaboration with the architect Claus Dyre. It became Unidrain’s foundational product and, since then, the company has been a market-leader in high-quality, functional, easy to install products. The ClassicLine and HighLine series are available in all dimensions, for renovations and new builds, as well as for private and public-sector projects. Unidrain is BBA approved and complies with the European excellence standard

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EN1253. “It’s all in the details. Our products have always been about high quality and low maintenance for the end customer. They are designed to be easy to install for the contractors and, with our unique linear drain solution, bathrooms, five-star hotel spa venues, sport facilities or housing projects, can achieve a slick look, together with unbeatable functionality. The best thing with our linear drain is that it’s designed to be hidden in plain sight,” says brand manager Jan Mandahl. He believes Jafo and Unidrain’s attention to detail is the reason they have been leading companies in the utility and sanitary construction sector for over 50 years. But, it’s not only hotels and contractors who are drawn to Jafo’s linear drain design. Lately, high-profile clients have requested it for their own custom-built bathrooms, to achieve a bespoke finish. Unidrain has also been acknowledged for its pioneering design by industry organisations around Europe. In 2019, it won the prestigious Good Design Award, founded by Charles and Ray Eames in 1950 – a global award recognising cutting-edge industrial products and graphic design. Unidrain has also scooped awards for its exclusive bathroom collection Reframe by Unidrain, which melds intelligent

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Scandinavian design and quality. The collection includes a magnetic shower wiper, soap shelving, toilet brush, and toilet-roll hanger – all in stainless steel, with five different colours to choose from. The industrial designer behind Reframe by Unidrain, Kenneth Waaben, created the line of functional, durable and high-quality products to propose new innovations in conventional designs. His work earned him awards and recognition at the German Design Award 2019 and the IF Design Award 2018. www.jafo.eu www.unidrain.se Company Awards 2019 Good Design Award 2017 German Design Award Special Mention, Matline 2016 IF Design Award, Matline 2016 Red Dot Design Award, Honorable Mention, Matline 2015 Villum Fonden building component prize, Calus Dyre 2010/ Danish Design Award, 2011 HighLine 2010 IF Design Award, HighLine Panel

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Tradition, craft and good design – the Swedish brand that has it all Brushes made by Iris Hantverk – a label with 100-year-old roots – are becoming an increasingly popular design item in Scandinavian homes. By Marie Westerman Roberts

Photos: Iris Hantverk

Now, just as they were a century ago, Iris Hantverk brushes are handmade by visually impaired craftsmen. The traditional craft is based on techniques and materials that have looked the same since the late 19th century. Their wide range of brushes for all parts of the home, including dusters, grooming brushes and vegetable brushes, are all exclusively designed for the brand and made from carefully-selected natural materials. “The design is very important,” says Sara Edhäll, co-owner and vice president of Iris Hantverk. “We want to create well-designed, beautiful and functional everyday items for the home and body that both feel current and contemporary, yet blend with the traditional range.”

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Iris Hantverk works with several designers. For more than a decade, they have collaborated with Lovisa Wattman, whose designs can also be found at IKEA, Höganäs and Design House Stockholm. The

creative process behind the Iris Hantverk range is about creating products with a long lifespan in both material and form. The eco-friendly and sustainable products are sold in two shops in Stockholm, online and all over Sweden and worldwide through their wholesalers. They also supply individual artisans across the country with raw materials. When entering a boutique, you can immediately feel the lovely atmosphere of craft heritage and modern design. The proof is in the pudding – good quality really is timeless. www.irishantverk.se Instagram: @irishantverk

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A superior nicotine solution The world of nicotine is changing. In fact, it has been for a long time. Over the years, international tobacco companies have pivoted from cigarettes to e-cigarettes and vapes and, more recently, to nicotine pouches. And now, we can meet the next generation of nicotine solutions! By Hanna Andersson

Photos: Nicoccino

“There is an increased demand for nicotine solutions that aren’t cigarettes, as restrictions are continuously put in place for smokers across the globe. Oral nicotine products are therefore becoming increasingly popular. But many find some of these products uncomfortable and inconvenient. This is why Nicoccino has launched tobacco-free nicotine strips, a mere 0.07-millimetre-thin strip that you put under your lip and which releases nicotine within seconds,” says Fredrik Laurell, CEO at Nicoccino.

few minutes, the product dissolves. This means that you don’t have to dig it out after a while, and you don’t have to be on the lookout for a bin or save it in your pocket. It will simply disappear. This makes the product both more discreet and environmentally friendly,” explains Laurell. The convenience of nicotine strips

The most discreet product on the market

The nicotine strips can be used wherever and whenever – on airplanes, at sports arenas, in restaurants and in bars. The packages are designed to fit in all kinds of pockets and bags and won’t receive any unwanted attention.

This nicotine solution is not only a lot smaller and more discreet than other oral products, but they also dissolve after a few minutes. “You put the strip under your lip, wait for the quick release of nicotine, enjoy the effect, and after a

“Nicotine strips are better for the environment, more discreet than any other product on the market, and only contain nicotine, food additives and natural flavours,” confirms Laurell.

The nicotine strips are produced in Sweden and can currently only be bought in Nicoccino’s web shop. But this is set to change. “We are aiming to have our product available through distributors in 2023. We have made the final investments in machinery which will enable us to produce significantly more products, and to change it according to our customer’s needs,” Laurell explains. This is the nicotine solution of the future; one which will enable you to get a quick nicotine delivery without worrying about smoking restrictions, bulgy pouches, or how it affects the environment. It is simply a superior nicotine solution. www.nicoccino.se/en

Fredrik Laurell.

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The world’s first frozen sandwich Polarbröd has been baking traditional breads of northern Sweden since 1879 and is the creator of the world’s first frozen sandwich, a massive hit in Sweden and beyond. By Malin Norman |

Photos: Polarbröd

Greta Nilsson, grandmother of the current owner of Polarbröd, managed a café at the ski slope Kanis in Älvsbyn. She found that the demand for sandwiches varied according to the weather and, to avoid wastage, Greta tried to freeze sandwiches and defrost as needed. The Älvsby bread turned out to be excellent for freezing and the skiers’ favourite spread was reindeer roast. One day, Greta received a request to quickly arrange food for a group of bakery stakeholders on a bus trip. With barely two hours to go, she took a few 36 |

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Greta Nilsson with daughter Elisabeth in 1971.

cartons of sandwiches out of the freezer. At lunch, Greta got the sandwiches out and served to the hungry group. “This is the best thing I have ever eaten on a bus! You have to introduce this sandwich to the market,” urged one of the travellers.

Birth of the beloved Polarbröd logotype It was time to launch the sandwiches to the world, but a name was needed. Greta, who took English-language courses, thought that the word sandwich sounded exclusive. Since the frozen sandwich was from the north, she added the word Polar. With the whole world as a possible market, she named it the Polar Sandwich, and added “Älvsbyn, Sweden” to the packaging.

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One of Sweden’s largest bread producers The company has grown from a small family bakery to Sweden’s third-largest producer of bread. In 2021, the Polarbröd Group reached sales of 955 million Swedish kroner with the help of 261 employees. This year, Polarbröd will celebrate 50 years as a limited company. However, it is still very much a family business with centuries-old traditions in bread culture.

Greta asked her cousin Birger Lindberg to paint a stately reindeer with the midnight sun in the background, and a classic brand was born. “The frozen sandwich was the first product that Greta launched,” says Maria Eriksson, marketing area manager. “It was later named Polarklämma – the world’s first frozen sandwich, and became the basis for the Polarbröd brand.”

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ness, the group includes Polarrenen, which takes care of five wind turbines, and also works with real estate and leasing. Eriksson concludes: “In everything we do, the Polarbröd Group wants to be a positive force in the transition to a sustainable supply.” www.polarbrod.se Instagram: @polarbrod Facebook: polarbrod.sverige Twitter: @polarbrodAB

All Polarklämmor are climatecalculated. Waste is reduced thanks to Polarmetoden® – Polarbröd’s shockfreezing method, that makes it easy to get sandwiches out of the freezer and defrost as needed. “We make sustainable bread meals available to everyone,” says Eriksson. “Ultimately, this is Polarbröd’s vision.” Polarbröd operates in Älvsbyn, Bredbyn and Umeå. In addition to the bread busi-

Strong comeback after devastating fire On 23 August 2020, the unthinkable happened. The bakery and sandwich production in Älvsbyn burnt to the ground. Hundreds of jobs were lost. The entire place was in mourning, and a whole country was left without its favourite bread. The fire became a national affair and positive encouragement came from all conceivable places – consumers, retailers and other bakeries, too. “The support provided the company with energy and forward thinking,” says Eriksson, “and we decided to come back, stronger than ever!”

About Polarbröd

In 2020, a devastating fire burnt the bakery to the ground.

Polarbröd is Sweden’s third-largest producer of bread. The brand bakes traditional northern-Swedish flatbreads, including soft flatbread and crispy flatbread, and also produces a limited range of ready-made sandwiches. The breads are available in grocery stores throughout Sweden and in some European markets.

Only three months after the fire, Polarklämman was produced again in newly built premises in Älvsbyn, and 12 employees got their jobs back. About a year after the fire, the first stage of the reconstruction of the bakery was completed, and now bread is once again baked in Älvsbyn. In May this year, the new premises was inaugurated and Crown Princess Victoria unveiled the entrance sign. Remarkably, this sign was almost the only thing that survived the fire and has become a symbol of Polarbröd’s return.

Crown Princess Victoria unveiled the entrance sign at the inauguration of the new premises in May 2022.

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Made in Sweden

The Boutique Handbag is as stylish as it is classic.

Founders Nina and Tobias Hildebrand.

Kitted out. Backpack, shoes and belt. Visit their showroom/store on Artillerigatan 87, Stockholm.

In style on and off the court HILDEBRAND founders Nina and Tobias Hildebrand were looking for a way to create a new fashion brand based on three core values: high quality, sustainability and slow fashion. This led to the exciting, high-end lifestyle brand, HILDEBRAND.

tion, handcrafted in Marché region in Italy – an area famous for high-quality shoe production.

By John Sempill |

Apart from gorgeous style cues and tidy, Scandinavian design, HILDEBRAND pushes for sustainability. This includes socially and ecologically sustainable production, and support for the organisations Project Fight Alzheimers and Pratham Sweden.

Photos: Camilla Svensk

It may feel like they’ve been around for ages. However, HILDEBRAND was founded as recently as 2018. In the space of a few years, this exciting company has already established a wide range of bags, shoes and accessories.

The first bag was based on an all-black duffel bag that Tobias had been gifted during an ATP tennis tournament. “It happened to be perfect for tennis rackets,” he says. “I used that for ten years until it broke.”

What makes the story even more interesting is that married couple Nina and Tobias Hildebrand have backgrounds in totally different areas. Nina is a biomedical scientist and Tobias used to be a professional tennis player, before working in finance for more than ten years. “But we’ve both always been very interested and involved in the fashion industry,” they add.

The design’s popularity grew and they expanded their range. “Later, we designed weekend bags and backpacks,” Nina adds. “After that we made a women’s collection as well. And then the padel boom came.”

Their first collection was a line of a tennis bags. “I saw a gap in the market,” says Tobias. “There weren’t really any premium bags that didn’t have big logos all over. The bags that were available had loud colours and big branding. Walking around in a suit or suit jacket, you don’t want a big, red bag, with a huge logo.” 38 |

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An instant hit HILDEBRAND reacted quickly and brought forth a line of exclusive and stylish padel bags. “There weren’t any stylish bags here,” Tobias continues. “So, we made a collection pretty quickly and it was an instant hit. We are now the number-one premium bag in this segment.” The latest addition to the HILDEBRAND brand is their premium sneaker collec-

If you haven’t checked them out yet, you’re missing out. They’ve got you covered whether you need a stylish bag for the weekend getaway, at the tennis or padel court, or if you need a pair of shoes for a walk down Boulevard de la Croisette. www.hildebrandsweden.com Instagram: @hildebrandsweden Facebook: hildebrandbags

Heading off for the weekend? Here’s a padel bag for the job.

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Made in Sweden

Powering a sustainable future: “Innovation is in our DNA” Swedish company Garo AB has expressed a spirit of innovation from day one. As one of the leaders in the market of charging solutions for electrical cars along with other vital electrical components, they know how to make an impact through smart solutions and when to venture into new territories, where others may hold back. By Nina Bressler

Photos: Garo

Talking to CEO Patrik Andersson, the depth of entrepreneurship that runs through the veins of the company is clear: “The company was founded in Gnosjö in 1939 and the head office is still based here, even if we’ve expanded across the borders into the UK, Ireland, Finland, Norway and Poland. This area is famous for its entrepreneurial spirit – the Gnosjö spirit – and many companies have been born around here,” he says. “There is a fantastic atmosphere of companionship between individuals and businesses, and the way people help 40 |

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each other out really drives innovation forward to a degree that is quite impressive – despite it being a relatively small town. The fact that Garo always has been alert to new trends and willing to evolve has really helped the company maintain its leading position on the market.” Electrics and E-mobility Their products are divided into two categories: electrics and E-mobility. Being one of the first companies to truly see the value of chargers for electric cars and its future impact on transportation, they delivered their first charging stations back

in 2008 and quickly became a leading supplier on the market. Today, they’ve adapted their charging stations to suit everything from private homes and apartment blocks, to office spaces and public spaces, such as highway charging. Different models provide various levels of charging speed, and the company offers products and solutions that can be adjusted to match different capacities – depending on the demands of the client. Garo also supplies smart solutions for private homes, maritime activities and camping sites. Meter boards and cabinets, safety components, surge protectors and car heaters are helpful – often vital – additions for homes. Meanwhile, their Koster posts provide life and lighting to harbours, by powering four boats

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Made in Sweden

simultaneously and bringing light and drinking water to water-bound areas. “We do everything in-house; product design, electrical development, security solutions, software development, service and support. Thanks to everything being made by us, we can maintain a flexibility rarely found elsewhere, develop new ideas and make rapid changes in response to new demands on the market,” says Andersson. Their unique blend of skill-sets, ranging from electrics to modern programming, helps to bring the product offering to another level. Andersson continues: “We deliver peace of mind to our customers when they know that we don’t just deliver products, but also apply all the standard electrical security measures that are required, too. We retain our employees for a long time, which is another invaluable asset to us: we can retain our knowledge in the best possible way, use their wealth of experience and improve our solutions for the future.” Sustainability is the future Sustainable methods are as ingrained into the company as their innovative mindset. Sustainability means more to them than simply using environmentally-friendly products to reduce emissions, but applies to the entire production cycle.

They constantly question: how can we make the product last longer by using smarter solutions and appliances? What components can we change in existing products that are better for the environment? How can we change the packaging to make it smarter, and reduce space to make transportation easier? Garo’s products are largely locally-made, with two production sites in Gnosjö, one 30 kilometres away in Värnamo, and another in Poland. The proximity to production helps to reduce waste, and adds another layer of flexibility. Their charging stations are helping society through the paradigm shift from fossil fuels into a greener future. With elec-

tric cars becoming the norm, there is no doubt that the company will continue to pave the way with more products that will help the world become more sustainable. Smarter homes that save on energy consumption provide an avenue for this. “Garo is well-known for quality, which is one of the reasons for our longevity on the market. A sustainable mindset is part of how we achieve it. We’re creating products made to last and perform better. It’s not a mere gimmick to adapt to current demands, but it’s been part of who we are ever since the beginning. Simply put, it’s part of our DNA,” concludes Andersson. www.garo.se

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100 years of Swedish quality For over 100 years, Hörby Bruk have built a business focusing on quality, function and design, with a mission to create the best garden and building equipment on the market. They create products for both professionals and home use, and are proud to say that their production is based in Sweden. By Hanna Andersson

Photos: Hörby Bruk

“Made in Sweden. We are proud to be able to put this sticker on our products. We have, during the past five years or so, actively worked to bring as much of our production back to Sweden and Hörby here in Skåne. We have invested time and money in making sure we can oversee that our products are up to the highest standards, and that they will continue to make life easier for their users,” says Göran Sjöberg, CEO of Hörby Bruk. Hörby Bruk have become a household name in Sweden, but their quality products are quickly becoming popular across Europe. Their garden and building-site equipment are the loyal tools that will last in both your everyday and professional life. 42 |

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“The fact that we build our products here in Sweden means that we always have products available in stock, and that we can supply our customers with

what they need, whenever they need them,” says Sjöberg For a more sustainable future Hörby Bruk are passionate about quality products that will last. Anything that might wear with time is available in store or online, so that you can replace it and continue to use the equipment. They encourage the ‘care, repair, share’ model, by teaching their clients how to care for their products properly, how to repair them, and where you can share or lend products. “We are always working towards a more sustainable future, and it is extremely important for us that our products last for a long time, often for generations! Our world-renowned wheelbarrows, for example, are made of a few basic components that are designed to last over time, but you will also be able to exchange the different pieces when they start to break down. This means that you don’t have to buy a new product, you can simply swap

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Made in Sweden

the parts that need an update,” explains Sjöberg. He continues: “our garden swings – the ‘cancan swings’ – can be constructed in your garden now, for your grandchildren to use in 30 years’ time!” Safety and ergonomics Hörby Bruk’s products are created for the user and are ergonomically developed to ensure your safety. “Safety and ergonomics are at the forefront of our operations, as this is integrated with our mission to provide quality products that last for a long time. This includes your comfort and continued interest in using the products. The safety of our swings is of utmost importance and the children using them should be able to do whatever they like with them, without being in any danger,” Sjöberg says. “Our products are not complicated. This means we can focus on the details and make sure that they are of the highest quality. We can ensure that our products, such as the wheelbarrow, trollies and other equipment, are ergonomically functional. With our wheelbarrows, you will be able to lift 90 kilogrammes without injuring yourself. In fact, their unique design means that you only lift 15-20 per cent of the weight in the wheelbarrow.”

www.horbybruk.se Instagram: @horbybruk Facebook: AB Hörby Bruk

Further development Keeping the production in Sweden will be essential as Hörby Bruk continues to develop. “The fact that a lot of our production is automatic means that we can continue to have our production here in Sweden, as well as keeping our prices at a fair level. We are developing along with the technology available, and the truth is that many of the solutions and inventions are from companies around Sweden as well. We cooperate with Swedish machine manufacturers in Småland, and our welding robots are also Swedish made. This further contributes to our mission to be part of Made in Sweden,” Sjöberg says. Whether you are after a loyal wheelbarrow for your summer house or a functional trolley for your business, Hörby Bruk will provide them, and ensure that you get products made for you and your needs, of the highest Swedish quality. July 2022

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Natural care for your hair and our planet Developed by two hairdressers, BRUNS’ award-winning organic haircare products are toxin-free, kind to the users and the planet, and give great results – so you can have fabulous hair, every day. By Malin Norman |

Photos: BRUNS

”We believe that hair products should be made from natural ingredients and give fantastic results at the same time, so we decided to make our own,” says Cecilia Nilsson, who set up BRUNS together with her colleague Johanna Lindskoug. The founders of BRUNS are former hairdressers, who have seen the negative impact that chemicals can have on the health of salon staff. “Having worked in salons for many years, we could see the damage and wanted to make a change.” The haircare products were initially made for use in salons, but clients 44 |

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soon asked to buy them, and the BRUNS product line was born in 2017. It’s handmade, natural haircare at its finest. “You can compare our products to a nice bottle of wine, as the ingredients actually benefit from maturing in the bottle and get better as they age,” explains Cecilia. “The ingredients are all-natural and long-lasting – even if it’s been a while since you bought the product.” The all-time best-seller and multiple award-winner is BRUNS’ hair mask, with organic shea butter, avocado oil and coconut oil, which can be used on the hair

but also on the body. “It’s a fabulous product, it tops everything!” says Cecilia, with a smile. BRUNS’ latest release is a new hair-growth series, that stimulates the hair stem cells to produce new hair, with ingredients such as mung bean extract and red clover sprouts. The brand also produces a range of skin and bodycare products such as hand soap, body lotion and shower cream – and the deodorant has become a hit. Europe’s most award-winning haircare brand Today, BRUNS has around 30 staff in its factory and two salons, and has won many awards for both its products and its business operations. In fact, it’s the most award-winning haircare brand in Europe. Its product line has most recently been praised in the Global Makeup Awards,

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with no less than five awards. Plus, its continuous focus on sustainability won it the Best Hairdresser award at the Swedish Eco Salon Awards. In 2014, BRUNS was recognised for its environmental work by Lund municipality, and in 2019, it was named Business of the Year. “It’s fantastic and a confirmation that we’re doing things right,” says Johanna. “Our secret to success is a combination of the ingredients that go into the bottles, the look and feel of the products – it’s important that the packaging is aesthetically pleasing – and, of course, the end result. Also, we work incredibly hard as a team.” Cecilia agrees, adding that small entrepreneurs can make a big difference. “We’ve come to realise that small players like us can have a big impact, much more than you might think. We are doers who have managed to build a brand and a successful production line, it’s not about luck, but a lot of hard work.” Green Salon certified products and salons Hairdressers can be affected by the chemicals used in haircare products in traditional salons, with symptoms such as allergies and eczema – and so too can clients. So, the BRUNS’ founders wanted to produce a professional range of haircare

products that do not impact the health of its hairdressers or its customers. Therefore, that BRUNS creates all its own formulas from natural ingredients is crucial – and these are carefully selected from Cosmo Eco certified suppliers. All BRUNS products and its salons are Green Salon certified, and it’s of the first businesses to achieve this in Sweden. Green Salon assures that all products are made of safe ingredients, free from toxic chemicals and allergens.

There has been a boom in the green haircare sector, and BRUNS now trains hairdressers and other upcoming Green Salons across Sweden. “Our goal is to promote a change in the hairdressing industry,” concludes Cecilia, “while retaining the highest quality of both ingredients and suppliers, and promoting traceability in local production and distribution.” www.brunsproducts.com Instagram: @brunsproducts Facebook: brunsproducts

Johanna Lindskoug and Cecilia Nilsson, founders of BRUNS.

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Pioneers in audiobooks, with a love for stories Storytel is a pioneer in audiobooks, but also a major player in e-books and traditional publishing. Above all, the company wants people to appreciate the power of stories, in all formats. By Malin Norman |

Photos: Storytel

Swedish company Storytel is one of the largest streaming services for audiobooks, with more than one million titles globally. “Our vision is to make the world a more empathic and creative place, through stories that can be appreciated and shared by anyone, anywhere, anytime,” says Ingrid Bojner, acting CEO. It all started with an idea for audiobooks on mobile phones by Jonas Tellander in 2005. However, at that time, phones were small in size and had limited storage and battery power, so business was slow. It was not until Tellander appeared on 46 |

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Swedish SVT’s adaptation of Draknästet (Dragon’s Den) in 2009, that things started to take off, when the founder was able to secure investments to grow the company. The audiobook boom that followed,

and continues to grow, has boosted and vitalised the entire Nordic book industry. In 2021, the Swedish Publishers’ Association reported a record five billion Swedish kroner in book sales – audiobooks, print and e-books included. Storytel has around two million customers around the world, of which half are located in Scandinavia. The streaming service is available in countries on six continents, with literature in over 30 languages. Today, audiobook subscriptions generate more revenue on the Swedish market than printed books in the fiction category, and every twentieth adult person in Scandinavia has a Storytel subscription. “With the humble beginnings in 2005, who would have thought that streamed books would engage such a vast audience today? And in a media

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landscape which sees increasing competition over people’s time from other strong entertainment offerings, such as social media giants, TV, radio broadcasters and streamers,” says Bojner.

The easy-to-navigate Storytel app encourages people to discover new genres and stories, with suggestions based on previous books. Users see suggestions on what to choose next, what others are listening to, and what’s currently trending. They can also write comments and share feelings that they might have experienced when listening to the story. Summer is a great time for listening and reading, with vacations and more trav-

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Made in Sweden

including Sweden’s second-largest publishing house Norstedts, Gummerus in Finland and People’s in Denmark. “It’s important to be able to enjoy stories on your own terms, whether it’s a printed book, an e-book or an audiobook,” says Bojner. “Regardless of the format, we see that people feel good when consuming books.”

Peak during summer months Popular categories on Storytel include crime and thrillers, biographies and feelgood, as well as children’s books. However, they vary slightly between markets. “Most users naturally prefer to listen to stories by local authors in their own native language. But we also see several new trends – for instance, a curiosity for more knowledge about current topics in traditional and social media,” says Bojner. “Storytel’s offer, which provides easy access to a vast, weightless and portable library of hundreds of thousands of books on a global scale, constantly unlocks new freedom, creativity and curiosity. I am quite certain that we only have seen the beginning of new and exciting consumer trends and experiences.”

elling coming up for many people. “This is when we usually have more time to relax and can shift our focus,” explains the CEO. “It’s a great time to escape from everyday chores, get perspective on things, or perhaps learn something new. Many people talk about what they are planning on reading or listening to during summer, and share their tips with each other.” Young listeners and research Storytel is, in some ways, like a Netflix for books, with one million titles including those exclusively produced under the brand Storytel Originals. In addition to audiobooks, Storytel publishes books and e-books through a number of renowned publishing companies in Scandinavia,

Storytel is keen on inspiring young readers and listeners to discover unexpected stories. One of its audiobook collaborations is with IJustWantToBeCool – a comedy group popular for its short sketches on YouTube. Storytel is also part of a scientific research project with GIH, the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, to unpick how activity and listening to audiobooks can have a positive impact on teenagers’ physical and mental health. “Ultimately, we care about health and wellbeing and want people of all ages to feel good, and we believe that books help,” concludes Bojner. “We see an opportunity to influence and impact the future in a positive direction and want to continue to inspire people’s reading and listening. And with vacations approaching, we wish everybody a lovely summer, studded with amazing stories!” www.storytel.com Facebook: storytelsverige Twitter: @storytelsverige Instagram: @storytelsverige

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Scandinavian, genuine and handcrafted This year, Shepherd of Sweden celebrates its 40th anniversary. The beloved brand continues to focus on offering genuine, handcrafted products of Scandinavian design, made with nature’s most versatile materials: sheepskin and wool. By Malin Norman |

Photos: Shepherd of Sweden

Founded in 1982, Shepherd of Sweden is best known for its classic sheepskin slippers; perfect for everyday use and for snuggling up on the sofa. It’s also known for its homewares, such as rugs, cushions, pillows and blankets. “Our vision is to be the world’s most attractive brand for highquality Scandinavian-design products in natural sheepskin and wool,” says CEO Stefan Mårdh. In the past, SHEPHERD products have been more associated with autumn and winter, and with cosy slippers for use when it’s cold outside (the perfect Christmas gift, by the way). However, the 48 |

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company has seen a boom in its other products, such as stylish sandals and shoes – great for lounging around in the garden, or when enjoying summer barbeques with friends.

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The design is inspired by Scandinavian nature and history – and simplicity and function are key. “The combination of craftmanship and pure Scandinavian design makes for beautiful and timeless quality products, which more and more people seem to appreciate these days,” Mårdh says. “So many people have been working from home during the pandemic, and they value products of high quality more than ever before.” Nature’s most versatile materials The brand is something of a cult name on the market, with customers asking specifically for SHEPHERD products. The key to its success, says Mårdh, is continuity. The company works with sheepskin and wool due to their exceptional quality and comfort – superior to all other materials, and a perfect match for bare feet. Wool fibres are naturally breathable and can absorb moisture, without feeling wet. Instead, the moisture passes through, carrying away bad odours. But there is more to these natural materials; wool is hypoallergenic and sheepskin is naturally antibacterial. Also, wool adjusts to the temperature of your feet. “It keeps you warm when it’s cold, and it cools you down when

it’s hot,” confirms Mårdh. “And as wool fibres are naturally breathable, and have antibacterial properties, many of our products are perfect all year around, indoors or outdoors, whilst keeping you comfortable and stylish.” No wonder, therefore, that they are known as nature’s most versatile materials. Their own value chain and production

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Shepherd of Sweden is available in Europe, as well as some other markets such as the US and Asia. Products are sold in department stores and independent retail stores, as well as selected online retailers. www.shepherdofsweden.se Facebook: shepherdofsweden Instagram: @shepherdofsweden

Shepherd of Sweden’s head office and warehouse are based in Svenljunga, while it has its own manufacturer in Europe. The company controls the production carefully, including continuous testing by independent institutes, and follows a code of animal treatment at all stages of the process. “It’s important to know that we have our own value chain,” assures Mårdh. “We buy raw materials directly from our suppliers, our skilled craftsmen refine and prepare the materials, and then they create the products – mostly by hand.” The products are made of carefully selected materials to get the right quality and finish. “As we are creating products mostly for people in their home environment, it’s important to produce high-quality, sustainable products that will last,” concludes Mårdh. “That’s why we use only natural materials.” July 2022

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Conscious jewellery that makes you feel good, every day The Swedish brand BLOMDAHL was founded in 1985 by two members of the Blomdahl family, Lars and Karl, who had a mission to create safe and skin-friendly piercing products for generations to come. By Lotta Lassesson

Photos: BLOMDAHL

Many piercing products are mass-produced, made with nickel and packaged poorly. But the Blomdahl family business develops pieces with a safe, eco-friendly and clinically-sound approach – without compromising on quality or design.

mand for sensitive, allergy-safe products. They supply over 30 countries around the world and most of their distributors have paid a visit to the site of the family business, to see for themselves the creation of the handmade pieces.

Their collection of beautiful, safe, long-lasting jewellery caters to all. Everything is produced fairly from medical-grade titanium or plastic, and comes in a clean pack – meaning the wearer is the first to touch the jewellery.

A conscious company

Made in Sweden The magic happens at BLOMDAHL’s headquarters in Halmstad, a town in the southwest of Sweden. With a total of 50 employees, BLOMDAHL does everything in-house – from design to production and packaging. It’s a true Made in Sweden brand. With an ISO 13485 certificate, and listed with the FDA in the US, BLOMDAHL is a sought-after producer, catering to a de50 |

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The CEO of the company Nina Andersson explains that when clients see their inhouse production, they get a better idea of how careful and time-consuming the process behind the finished product is, and how much attention to detail is paid by their dedicated workers. This is a company that not only cares for their customers and products, but for the wellbeing of all its employees. And the proof is in the pudding, as they say. Most of BLOMDAHL’s staff have been with the company for many years, and all have the opportunity to grow within the business. “That’s how I came into the business,” says Nina Andersson. “I started out working during university holidays, while

studying to get my masters in teaching, but found the company so interesting that, after I finished school, I became a full time employee.” Since 2015, she has been BLOMDAHL’s CEO. “It’s all about teamwork,” she continues. “A supportive company benefits the clients as well. We do things a bit differently here. It might take a bit more effort, time and money, but we want to contribute to a more conscious and caring world. Our vision for the brand is to be the natural choice, globally, for safe and beautiful jewellery.” www.blomdahl.com Instagram: @blomdahlofficial Facebook: blomdahlofficialsweden

TIME FOR OCEANS

WATCHES MADE FROM RECYCLED OCEAN PLASTIC www.triwa.com

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Photo: Linda Lomelino, @myfeldt

Photo: @egnakitchen

Sustainable wooden trays for leading brands Picture wooden trays in all possible shapes and sizes, with fantastic innovative patterns – the type you’ve surely seen in restaurants and cafés. With Formpress’ stylish, hand-made wooden trays, leading brands can express their creativity.

production process where all trays are made by hand, and with our clients’ design in focus.”

By Malin Norman |

Creative collaboration for bespoke designs

Photos: Formpress

Founded in 1996 by Bengt Åstrand, the family-owned company Formpress makes hand-made wooden trays for some of the world’s leading brands. Now under the management of the founder’s daughter Karin Mörnestedt and her husband Christian Mörnestedt, Formpress is a major name on the market with around 45 employees in Färjestaden, on the beautiful island of Öland, where both the head office and production are located. “Even though Formpress has increased in size over the years and is now a leader in the field, familiarity is very much at the core of our business – from how we be52 |

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have internally to how we act towards our clients,” says Anie Edéus, sales and marketing director. “Quality is at the head of everything we do, via a straightforward Photo: @egnakitchen

Formpress supplies wooden trays for professional clients worldwide, within three main segments; design, PR and HoReCa (hotel, restaurant, café). “Especially in restaurants and cafés, serving trays need to be durable and able to withstand rough handling, as well as cleaning in industrial dishwashers several times per day. This is why our trays made of birchwood are excellent.” Clients may have their own design in mind, or they can co-create patterns together with Formpress. “The great advantage of our products is that they give the client the opportunity to present their

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Photo: @egnakitchen

own pattern, but in a new and different way,” explains Edéus. “We are involved in the design process and use the clients’ pattern as a starting point to develop new shapes, as part of a campaign with, for example, mugs or pillows – or as a stand-alone product. Our trays can be used as an innovative way to express a message or tell a story.” Formpress does not offer complete designs. Instead, “Formpress has always been about meeting our customers’ needs and making even their wildest ideas come to life,” says Edéus. Craftmanship with hand-made products At Formpress, product quality and the environment are taken into consideration in every step of the production process. All trays are manufactured by hand, with carefully selected natural materials, so that every product that leaves the factory is unique. The wooden trays are made from FSC-certified veneer from birch

wood, harvested from sustainable forests, ensuring the highest standard in the final product. Birch veneer is a natural material and, just as there are no two identical birch trees, the veneer produced from them is not identical either. It’s a living material, with beautiful natural variations in colouring and patterning – one which is exciting to work with. Every tray consists of several layers of veneer, which can be seen on the rounded edge, and the layers are glued together. Every year, the trays undergo extensive tests to check for Food Contact safety, formaldehyde, stain resistance and so on. ”We are proud to present an environmentally friendly, Swedish-made sustainable product,” says Edéus. “Also, we do not use any solvents or water in our production, which means that our employees are not exposed to any harmful substances.”

The core business is trays; however, Formpress also produces other products such as coasters, trivets and serving boards for professional clients and businesses. www.formpress.com Facebook: formpresstrays Instagram: @formpresstrays Formpress is ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 28000 certified for its quality management systems as well as certified according to the FSC standard. Formpress is also a SMETA Member (4 pillar).

Photo: Linda Lomelino, @myfeldt

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Storage and recycling solutions with a Scandinavian feel.

Recycle in style TreCe has always been a trusted manufacturer of wooden storage furniture, but today it’s also a leading provider of recycling solutions. With the EU’s new directives on waste management coming into force, the company’s future looks brighter than ever. By Emma Rodin |

Photos: TreCe

Experts in marrying function with great design, TreCe is a small Swedish family business turned industry-leaders. The company – which was established in 1973 and has always been led by innovation – is known for serving offices and public spaces with reliable, eco-conscious and durable products. “There’s always been an urge for the business to renew itself and to think outside the box,” says sales manager Peter Wintstigen. “For instance, TreCe was one of the first brands to launch lacquered, white-front panels on storage drawers.”

recycling solutions. The need for these exists in all offices and public environments, for functional as well as aesthetic reasons. Providing waste bins and recycling stations that are made from carefully tested materials and guaranteed under respected environmental certifications such as Möbelfakta, TreCe’s products make waste sorting easier.

Indeed, smart storage solutions have become synonymous with TreCe. Just take the popular CombiLine range. Offering stylish, ready-made modules (or customised storage), the series can be installed in an endless variety of combinations.

Considering EU’s new directives on waste management, TreCe is bang on the money. “These directives are still being shaped up and rolled out in waves, but the basic idea is that all businesses in Europe will have to step up,” explains Wintstigen. In other words, there will be an increased need for solutions to support these efforts, and that’s where TreCe comes in – not only through product development, but in sharing their knowledge and advice.

Storage aside, TreCe has recently ramped up the other side of the business, namely

In terms of products, Kite is a top choice. This award-winning modular waste bin

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is easy on the eye, with function and durability at its heart, and suits multiple contexts. Then there’s Ridge. Developed to cover ugly waste bins, Ridge looks smart enough to be part of a room’s interior – a key consideration of each new TreCe product. In line with a growing need for recycling solutions, TreCe has plenty more to give; all while staying true to its mission of creating storage and recycling products for a sustainable future. www.trece.se Instagram: @treceab

Peter Wintstigen. Photo: Evelina Wärendh

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Made in Sweden

Designed to entertain: a mobile outdoor bar to help you keep cool Summer is the ideal time to host get-togethers and outdoor soirées with friends and family. Enjoying company, conversation and abundant sunshine is really one of life’s great pleasures. By Marie Westerman Roberts

company legacies in compact design for outdoor living, refrigeration and industry-leading performance technology,” says Garofalow.

Photos: Dometic

When entertaining outdoors, it is essential to keep beverages cold. The new outdoor entertaining solution from Swedish mobile-living company, Dometic, raises the bar (literally) on cooling, preparing and serving beverages. The Dometic MoBar, available in three models, is designed to elevate the entertaining experience for hosts and guests alike. Featuring rotomolded ice baskets that keep ice cold for hours on end, areas for storing glasses and additional beverages as well as preparation areas, MoBar is a solution so easy that it feels like having your own resident bartender.

erage cooling. With our energy-efficient cooling technology and smart Scandinavian design, we believe the Dometic MoBar will meet the needs of design-conscious consumers looking for outstanding products for their outdoor living space,” says Dometic’s chief marketing officer Brian Garofalow. A natural gathering spot

Dometic is a global company with a long history of creating market-leading products for outdoor, home and professional use. As a company, they are constantly exploring new opportunities to develop their products and solutions.

The outdoor MoBar is easy to move around the party with its heavy-duty wheels and ergonomic handle. It allows hosts to enjoy the gathering without needing to run in and out of the kitchen to fetch more garnishes or ice. This mobile bar has been developed in collaboration with consumers and professional bartenders, and it creates a natural gathering spot for guests to interact with the host while being served or serving up specialty cocktails.

“We know that there is a need for high-quality, stylish, mobile outdoor bev-

“Our job is to elevate at-home entertaining in innovative ways by leveraging our

Built to withstand all weather conditions, each MoBar is produced with commercial-grade 304 stainless steel, soft-closing hinges and rotomolded insulation ice-baskets which keep up to 22 bottles or 32 cans ice-cold. It’s a fashionable way of serving beverages and with versatile design features and cooling performance, and stylishly enhances the entertaining experience – without compromising on functionality or convenience. Wherever your al-fresco gathering is, MoBar is ready and equipped to elevate the experience. www.dometic.com/mobar

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Made in Sweden

Eco soap, with shea and avocado. Photo: Erika Lidén

Selection of handmade eco soap for all-purpose use.

A cleaner soap For natural scientist Malin Lindmark, it all boiled down to one thing: soap. Her hobby quickly turned into a full-time business – now Malin i Ratan has a wide range of eco soap for body, hair, home and even pets.

ucts already being sold all over Sweden and Europe, Lindmark is well on her way to success.

By John Sempill |

Malin i Ratan offers workshops, lectures and exhibitions at the factory. “A lot of tourists come to visit us, as well as company events and smaller private groups,” she says. “We teach them about the soap craft, and host spa events with sustainable products. And a lot of foreign visitors stop by on their way to the midnight sun. Come and visit us in the village of Ratan for a cosy time and to try our products!”

Photos: Malin i Ratan

“This all started when I began boiling soap as a hobby,” Lindmark says. “I quickly realised that the product was appreciated, and it turned into a company on the Swedish countryside. I’ve done this full-time since 2018.” Part of the soap’s eco-friendliness is its wide range of applications. Lindmark tells us we don’t need as many products in our bathrooms as we think. “The benefit of handmade soap is that it is very allround. It can be used for several different purposes,” she says. “It’s an opportunity to inform sustainable consumption. That is my favourite aspect here – to help people understand that we don’t actually need that many products in our bathroom cabinets.” A trendy expression today is ‘slow fashion’. There is a counterpart in the beauty industry: ‘slow beauty’ – using one prod56 |

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uct for several different purposes. Slow beauty is about being sustainable, not only by minimising the number of products we use, but in ingredients and delivery, too. And let’s be honest – we all need soap. The beauty industry has traditionally been a niche market, but Lindmark tells us that one of their new products, soap with coffee grounds in it, is particularly popular among craftsman. “It is perfect for scrubbing your hands after gardening, or if you’ve been working on a bicycle chain,” she explains. “It will remove oil and rough dirt from your hands, and it also removes smells from onion, fish and the like. We have a lot of hobby mechanics that buy this product.” At the end of the day, Malin i Ratan’s main goal is to inspire sustainable consumption, and create job opportunities in the Swedish countryside. With prod-

www.maliniratan.se Facebook: Malin i Ratan Instagram: @maliniratan

Soap with reused coffee grounds, a much-appreciated product among Malin i Ratan’s customers.

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Made in Sweden

The home of acoustic design.

Aesthetics meet acoustics Glimakra of Sweden’s acoustic designs have the power to completely transform a room. But perhaps the real beauty lies in the subtlety of it all: when great design meets perfect function, the practical benefits are nicely tucked inside good-looking aesthetics.

side of the nation’s borders. It has also earned numerous design awards for its clever way of marrying acoustics with aesthetics.

By Emma Rodin

“For us as designers, it feels incredibly rewarding to collaborate with a company that operates a genuine, local wood-production project that we can make use of in our products. Not to mention Glimakra’s strong competence within acoustics,” conclude the Kauppi & Kauppi duo.

Photos: Kimme Persson

Set up in 1948, Glimakra of Sweden initially manufactured handlooms, but eventually pivoted to interior products for public spaces – though made with the same care and craftsmanship. Today, the company has the biggest range of floor and table screens in the industry, attending to every acoustic need. All products are manufactured in the company’s own factory in the Swedish village of Glimåkra and each step of the supply chain is carefully monitored by its team. “It’s fascinating how a sound-reducing function can be incorporated in furniture where it’s least expected,” says product manager Kari Pylkkönen. “We’ve only just started exploring this lane and will launch plenty of exciting news in the coming years.” Inspired by the forest The most important aspect of Glimakra’s products is that they are tested

acoustically by an expert in the field to help each space reach its full potential. An office, for instance, needs furniture and interior elements with varied levels of acoustics. Great examples of this are the new BuildUp Pods and Pavillions created in partnership with design studio Kauppi & Kauppi. The brief was to deliver a vision for a meeting room of the future. So, Kauppi & Kauppi took inspiration from Glimakra’s surrounding forest and glades – a place that’s quiet, yet never fully silent – aiming to capture their sense of wellbeing and calm.

www.glimakra.com Instagram: @glimakra.of.sweden Kauppi & Kauppi. Photo: Johan Sundell

“We wanted to create open and welcoming meeting spaces that encourage focus,” explain Kauppi & Kauppi co-founders, Nina and Johan. The fact that the BuildUp Pods and Pavillons are also easy to set up and move around is a bonus, but an important aspect from a sustainability point of view as well. The series has proven successful inside as well as outJuly 2022

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A modern water-saving shower, without compromise In a modern world where water is generally taken for granted, smart solutions to help reduce water usage are in high demand. One such solution is a circular shower that saves up to 90 per cent water without compromising on comfort. It sounds almost too good to be true, yet this is precisely what Orbital brings to the table. By Emma Rodin |

Photos: Orbital

Nudging the traditional shower off its pedestal, Orbital is shaking things up in the bathroom with a new design, ground-breaking technology and a splash of innovation. The Orbital Shower’s digital closed-loop system is the only one of its kind and was developed to tackle humanity’s over-usage of water, while helping people to make a positive 58 |

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change on a personal level. “We’ve taken water for granted for too long and it is time to use it smarter,” says marketing director Pål Katsler. Described by Forbes Magazine as ‘the Tesla of showers’, the Orbital Shower is built from the simple idea of using less water – but from far-from-simple tech-

nology. “In layman’s terms, the shower is using water from the past, for the needs of today, to reshape the future. And the best part? Users can still shower however long they want to,” explains Katsler. From Mars to Earth It all started some years ago when Orbital’s founder Mehrdad Mahdjoubi studied industrial design at the university of Lund in southern Sweden. Back then, he was working on a project with NASA to explore the possibilities of water usage and sustaining life on Mars. It led him to consider water usage on Earth, and to ques-

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tion whether our current methods can be improved upon. Inspired by the Mars project and the ideas generated within it, Mahdjoubi set off to replicate them for use closer to home. A one-of-a-kind system The Orbital Shower can be likened to a miniature wastewater treatment plant, in which contaminated water is cleaned immediately, while the rest is recycled. When the shower is turned on, water flows from the pipe into the shower head. At the drain, a sensor checks 20 times per second whether or not the water quality is sufficient for cleaning. If so, its recycling journey begins. A micro-filter strains out larger particles, while another filter removes impurities in the nano range. Additionally, ultraviolet light kills harmful germs. Then, the water (which is only a few degrees cooler at this point) passes through a heater and is warmed to the chosen shower temperature. Purified in real time, the water is now even cleaner than regular tap water. There is also a handy smartphone app which helps the user see the impact of Orbital in numbers. “For instance, a family using Orbital will save up to 90 per cent of water and up to 80 per cent of energy per shower. Not to mention

the money they will save from day one,” says Katsler. Choosing change Change cannot happen only from the top down: it is also down to us, the people on the ground, to choose change in our everyday lives. Although most of us can see the benefit of making more sustainable choices such as using less water, changing our habits can be tricky. “In Orbital’s case, we have made sure that our shower is not just as good as a standard one, but better. This is because people would rather not sacrifice comfort and wellbeing, and with Orbital they do not have to,” says Katsler. Orbital offers a higher water flow than most other showers with a more precise water pressure. All in all, it’s a great shower experience without compromises, which actively improves users’ quality of life.

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bital is on a trajectory of organic growth, supported by increasing demand. And, there is more on the horizon: Orbital’s upcoming product, Tap, will remove the need to use drinking water for flushing the toilet. It might sound obvious, but there is no existing solution to this issue. Water scarcity is a real problem that will not go away by itself. So, why not be the change and start in your own bathroom? www.orbital-systems.com Instagram: @orbitalsystems

Comparing Orbital to other revolutionary solutions, today’s circular shower can be likened to sun panels five years ago, and electric cars ten years ago. Both have become a part of everyday life, and brands like Orbital are set to follow. Leading the way Having sold its shower system to thousands of private homes and hotels, Or-

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Everything in its place Organising might seem boring – like a time-consuming necessity. But the truth is that life is a lot easier when everything has its place. This idea is what inspired Toolflex – a flexible tool-holder that ensures that your tools are organised exactly where you want them, whenever you need them. By Hanna Andersson

Photos: Toolflex

Toolflex provides a range of flexible tool-holders that can be hung on the wall or other surfaces. They are easy to assemble and set up, and can be adjusted for your personal needs. Toolflex One consists of an aluminium rail to which you simply click on the adjustable holders and other accessories, to make sure that every tool, or gadget, has its place. “Toolflex is such a flexible solution. It can be used in any space and for any purpose and is designed to help you with your storage problems. It helps you get your tools, cleaning products and other equipment off the floor, and can be colour coordinated to increase the organisation even further,” explains Elin Skog, sales and communication manager at Toolflex. How to make organising fun It can be used in, for example, garden sheds, kitchens, laundry rooms, caravans or storage units, and is perfect for cleaning tools, garden tools, cords and 60 |

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hoses, kitchen equipment or anything that you’d want to have available on the wall; the sky is the limit. “Organising can actually be quite satisfying. Our products can be mixed and adjusted to make sure they suit your needs, and can be colour-coded to fit your personality or your interior design. They can handle both heat and cold, and can be used outside – as well as in cellars and humid locations,” says Skog. She continues: “There is never a point in your life where you won’t need Toolflex anymore. It’s so versatile.”

Toolflex is also designed to meet hygiene requirements and minimise the risk of cross-contamination. The solutions are therefore ideal for use in restaurants, hotels, healthcare and retail, where health and safety standards are paramount. “Toolflex will simplify the way you run your business. It helps you save time and makes it easy to put tools back where they belong. We have worked with restaurants, hotels and other service-based companies, and they are all praising the product. It just makes life easier,” Skog explains. Made in Sweden and with a focus on hygiene and user-friendliness, this product is designed to meet your organising needs, even if you didn’t know you had them. www.toolflex.com

Your friend in the kitchen ankarsrum.com

ES C N lT IE RK cia R e Sp PE MA X E EN P D TO IN e:

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Experience of the Month

Explore the Viking way of life at this historical Danish market Some might associate the Vikings with things like raids, but actually, only very few of them ever went abroad. Most Vikings stayed at home, perfecting their crafts for trading in markets. A reconstruction of such a market can be explored at Københavns Vikingemarked (The Copenhagen Viking Market), where you can get a glimpse of everyday life during the Viking Age. By Karen Gilmour Kristensen

Photos: Københavns Vikingemarked

For the second year in a row, the Viking market will invite visitors to engage with Viking history. Opening on Wednesday 3 August and running until Sunday 7 August 2022, the market will feature several activities and events throughout the week, including historical re-enactments of battles. Last year, Københavns Vikingemarked attracted about 10,000 visitors and the 62 |

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organisers expect the same number this year. “Visiting the market is a way of experiencing Nordic history and culture for yourself,” explains spokesperson, Dennis Fuller. “We strive to provide our visitors with an authentic view of the people who lived during the Viking Age.” A stroll through the stalls at the market will allow you to breathe in the different scents, listen to the type of music Vikings

enjoyed and explore what life would have been like for the Vikings, more than a thousand years ago. A living museum Adding to the authenticity are the hundreds of Viking re-enactors who will stay at the marketplace during the week. Their homes will look as authentic as possible, and they will dress accordingly. “The market needs to be telling a historical narrative,” explains Fuller. “We strive to match the atmosphere at the market with the current understanding we have of the Vikings, and it’s important to us that Københavns Vikingemarked is as authentic as possible. That’s why you won’t see our reenactors sitting on plastic chairs or wearing jogging shoes.”

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Browsing through Københavns Vikingemarked isn’t just a passive experience. As well as showcasing different crafts, such as carpentry, weaponry, tailoring and smithing, the market also invites you to take part in the experience. For instance, you can watch some basket weaving before trying it yourself. “We are a living museum,” says Fuller. “And that means our visitors are given the opportunity to touch the weapons and try some of the crafts themselves. It’s meant to be a very hands-on experience.” Even though battle re-enactments with real weapons and fight-training are features of the market, Fuller and his team try to give visitors of the market an insight into the everyday life of the Vikings. One example is the smith showing how to make both weapons of warfare and household items, such as bowls and knives. Making history accessible Behind Københavns Vikingemarked is a non-governmental organisation, whose main goal is to make cultural experiences accessible for children and socially marginalised people. This means that any operating profits are reinvested to make the market accessible for all – for instance, by inviting vulnerable children and families, as well as refugees. At the same time, the organisers invite all

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Photo: Tomasz Brodzikowski

schools, kindergartens and youth centres in the country to experience a different kind of history lesson. Originally, the team behind the market hosted Københavns Historiske Marked (The Copenhagen Historical Market). While the Viking market will take place for the second time, the historical market has been running for the past 15 years and covers the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, as well as the Viking Age. Københavns Vikingemarked, however, exclusively covers the Viking Age. “We’ve had success with the historical market, but there’s something special about the Vikings,” Fuller explains. “It’s simply a theme our visitors love.”

the Northern and Eastern parts of Europe. “For our historical market, we have reenactors from more countries,” explains Fuller. “But with the Viking theme, we’re limited to the Northernmost countries of Europe along with some Eastern European and Balkan countries, who also have a history with Vikings.”

Eastern European Vikings

Although the Vikings are probably bestknown for their raids in Great Britain and Ireland, some of them went to parts of Eastern Europe and settled there, which is why there is still a Viking heritage in those areas today. Visitors of the market come not only from all parts of Denmark but also from across Europe. “At the market, you can experience the lives of your ancestors,” says Fuller. “And that’s something that attracts a lot of people.”

Most of the Viking reenactors participating in Københavns Vikingemarked are from

www.khm.dk

Viking band Virelai, who will be performing at Københavns Vikingemarked.

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Holiday Profile of the Month

“If I died now, I would be happy” If you long for rejuvenation, profound healing and balance, then a retreat at Thorséng Nature Resort is exactly what you need. Allow your worries to melt away in the warm water, experience serene bliss when inhaling essential oils in the sauna, and find a sense of inner peace in the stunning natural beauty surrounding Thorséng. Welcome home to Thorséng Nature Resort. By Heidi Kokborg

Photos: Thorséng Nature Resort

“If I died now, I would be happy.” These are the words of a guest at Thorséng Nature Resort – and, dramatic as it sounds, they capture exactly how a couple of days at Thorséng Nature Resort will make you feel. Tucked away on the small Danish island of Tåsinge in the South Funen archipelago, Thorséng’s location could not be more tranquil. Here, you will find forests, pristine beaches, meadows overlooking the strait, and holly plantations. “When shit hits the fan, you cannot go anywhere but into nature. We do not need more parties, alcohol and work. We need 64 |

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more nature, grounding and calm. Our health is one of the most important things we have, and we cannot afford to neglect it and keep living life in the fast lane,” says Rasmus Brems-Hulgaard, founder and owner of Thorséng Nature Resort.

July 2022

Whether you come to Thorséng Nature Resort for a private or business retreat, you will undoubtedly find pure bliss, serenity and inner peace washing over you. Here, you can immerse yourself in calming, healing and grounding practices, such as float therapy, saunagus with essential oils, morning swims in the ocean and more. A retreat at Thorséng Nature Resort is like balm for your soul. Restore balance in mind and body Today, more people than ever are stressed and burned out. We’re working long hours, our schedules are overbooked and when we finally have a moment to relax, we collapse onto the couch with Netflix and pizza. What we

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really need is to slow down, breathe, reconnect with nature and eat nourishing, wholesome foods. When we are living in a state of stress, we are activating our sympathetic nervous system, also known as our fight and flight response. There is nothing wrong with this for short periods, but it’s essential that we return to our parasympathetic nervous system – or ‘rest and digest’ state – in which we feel calm and grounded. This is exactly what happens at Thorséng Nature Resort. “Float therapy in the warm water promotes calm. Furthermore, studies have shown that we recover three to four times faster when using float therapy. Float therapy is one of the most relaxing and calming practices. Almost everyone is able to just let go and find this profound sense of inner peace while they float in the warm water for an hour,” says Rasmus. Combine float therapy with other calming therapies, such as saunagus with essential oils and breathwork, and you have the perfect recipe for activating the parasympathetic nervous system. Simply allow the calm to wash over you and surrender to the experience of just being – without having to perform, or tackle an endless to-do list. “For us it is all about holistic balance. That is why we combine all the practices and therapies and why we encourage people

to spend an abundance of time in nature while here. This might scare some people, but it is what we need. Our minds and bodies are screaming for balance. It all comes down to balance,” says Rasmus. Nourish your body with nutritious food Another important aspect of holistic balance is the food we eat. When you chug down multiple coffees and eat overly-processed foods, you create imbalance in the body. Therefore, the food at Thorséng Nature Resort is clean food: 100 per cent plant based, organic, gluten-free and sugar-free cuisine. “We serve highly nutritious food. Some people, especially men, think that they cannot possibly feel full and sustain their energy on a plant based diet. However,

what they experience here is that not only can they survive on a plant based diet, they can thrive,” says Rasmus. The food, prepared by an experienced chef, trained in numerous Michelin-star restaurants, is highly-nutritious and flavourful – leaving both taste buds and body happy. “Essentially, my goal with Thorséng Nature Resort is to help people shine to their highest potential. When we shine to our highest potential it affects everything and everyone around us in a positive way,” concludes Rasmus, with a smile. www.thorseng.dk Instagram: @thorseng_nature_resort Facebook: natureresort

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View over Sejerø Bugt and landscape as seen from the trail Højderygstien. Photo: John Olsen, Photodan.dk

Photo: Geopark Odsherred/ Solvognens Fundsted

Attraction of the Month

Stunning landscape, Bronze-Age history and Michelin-star dining “How would I make the most of a visit to Odsherred?” ponders Helle Nordgaard. She’s the project leader at UNESCO Global Geopark Odsherred – and knows the 365-square-kilometre region like the back of her hand. By Lena Hunter

“I’d definitely walk Højderygstien,” says Nordgaard. The seven-kilometre walking route takes hikers out over the Vejrhøj Arch, one of three Odsherred Arches geological formations generated by the previous Ice Age 17,000 years ago. “The walk has panoramic views over the Sejerø Bay and the whole of the Lammefjord,” she adds. Despite the name, the fjord is dry land – a drained former-seabed whose sandy soils have become lush, reclaimed farmland. “Next, I’d climb up Vejrhøj peak, Geopark Odsherred’s highest point,” continues Nordgaard. The route to the top snakes through varied terrain, before rising steeply to 121 metres above sea-level, where you’ll find more stunning views of the region’s 160-kilometre-long coastline.

also the site of one of the most important Bronze-Age archaeological finds in Europe – The Sun Chariot. Today, The Sun Chariot (Solvognen, in Danish), which depicts a divine horse drawing the sun across the heavens, lives at The National Museum. But Geopark Odsherred’s new attraction, Solvognens Fundsted (The Sun Chariot Site), brings the hallowed ground to life again. “The 30-minute round-trip leads through a large, ornately-carved gate, along a

Bronze-Age treasures But don’t forget to look down: the Ridge Path is dotted with Bronze-Age burial sites, and Verhøj itself is a burial mound. “There are around 1,000 sites in Odsherred; that we know of!” says Norgaard. In fact, Geopark Odsherred is 66 |

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Experience the Michelin-star cuisine at Geopark’s new restaurant. Photo: Restaurant MOTA

beautiful path and on to a land-art installation that mimics the discovery of The Sun Chariot,” says Nordgaard. “You can listen to our accompanying historical podcast while you walk and, further on, you’ll find the original excavation site.” Dine out in style Aside from its history, Odsherred is famous for organic agriculture, seaweed farms and offers a wealth of fantastic cuisine. “There are two highly acclaimed wineries in the area. Slotskøkkenet, at Dragsholm Slot, has a Michelin star. Nearby restaurant, MOTA, is on its way to a star, and Det Vilde Køkken does an incredible brunch with foraged herbs on the weekend,” says Nordgaard. In July, Geopark Odsherred will host live music, talks and culinary showcases at Summer Bloom Festival. There’s plenty more to discover, too, from Tour De France cycling stages, to heritage Dexter cattle breeds no bigger than a labrador. “There’s so much to see,” confirms Nordgaard. “It’s a totally unique region.” www.geoparkodsherred.dk www.visitodsherred.dk Facebook: geoparkodsherred Facebook: visitodsherred Book an overnight stay: www.feriepartner.dk

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Brewery of the Month

Brewed with love in an idyllic Danish woodland Bryggeri Skovlyst’s beers attract visitors from far and wide to its idyllic forest hideaway. Located in a small town outside Copenhagen, the brewery has brought a new lease of life to the local community. By Tina Nielsen

| Photos: Steno Studio ApS

A landmark venue in the area of Hareskoven – a small town surrounded by a vast forest on the outskirts of Copenhagen – Skovlyst has been a hospitality venue since 1893. In 2003, it was bought by local resident Jan Olsen who had long harboured dreams of setting up his own brewery. “He had a great love for the forest and wanted to bring life to Hareskov,” says Bryggeri Skovlyst director Trine Høpfner. Today, the venue receives anything between 150 and 300 visitors daily. “Guests include every group from local residents and businesses, to mountain bikers who stop by after a ride, and conferences or private parties.” When Olsen took over in the early 2000s, he caught the microbrewery wave that

was sweeping Denmark. He launched the venue with an ex-Carlsberg brewer who had previously rented and managed the space. Today, brewer Anders Aastrøm oversees the brewing. The original vision – to produce a micro-brewed beer out of quality ingredients and to serve food made with seasonal ingredients – is still as important today as it was 18 years ago. Tap beers only

“All of the beers are made from scratch with great care, from the treatment of the grain to fermentation in the cellars,” says Høpfner. “We brew with love and give the beer the time it needs to develop.” The beer brewed at Skovlyst is not available outside the restaurant, due to their small production scale – but Høpfner says this adds to the experience. “It is exclusively available at the brewery. We do have two-litre bottles for take away, but the focus here is on a quality product here in Hareskov.” www.bryggeriskovlyst.dk Instagram: @bryggeriskovlyst

With a brewing capacity of 60,000 litres a year, Skovlyst Bryggeri only produces beer to pour from its own taps – not to supply supermarkets. There are eight different beers available at Skovlyst: pilsner, stout, IPA, classic, wheat beer, brown ale, Belgian blonde and saison. The daytime menu consists of traditional Danish open sandwiches, while Danish and French dishes are served in the evening. July 2022

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Wellness Profile of the Month

Lose track of time in this historical spa experience Often, we can feel like our daily lives happen a bit too fast; there’s always something to do and somewhere to be. But, at Slotssø Badet’s spa in Kolding, you’re invited to take the time to reset in peaceful surroundings that will take you back in time. By Karen Gilmour Kristensen

“The idea is that when you come here, you should be able to relax and shut off your brain,” explains Susan Søndergaard, head of the spa. “You don’t have to worry about what time your treatment Issue 144

At the spa, there are several different facilities, such as a sauna, a steam bath, a saltwater pool and a hammam room. There are two types of hammam – one Turkish and one Moroccan-inspired. In both, you lie on a warm marble plate and are scrubbed with soap foam to remove dead skin cells.

All therapists at the spa are qualified in different therapies and massage, and they continue to take on new courses within the field of wellness. At the same time, the team likes to be a little innovative. “We like to invent new treatments ourselves,” Susan explains. “And we care about using Danish produce.

| Photos: Slotssø Badet

At the reception of Dronning Dorothea’s Badstue (Queen Dorothea’s Spa), guests are expected to leave their phones to avoid distractions – but don’t worry, the staff will take care of all the practicalities, allowing you to enter a state of deep relaxation.

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is or what time you need to eat. Our employees will guide you through everything and keep track of time for you.”

“In the hammam room, there’s room for two people, which makes it the ideal treatment for a couple, two friends or a mother and daughter,” Susan says. “But all our treatments can be done as couple treatments. In fact, couple treatments make up over 95 per cent of our treatments in total. It’s really a lovely experience to share with someone.”

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view of both Slotssøen (The Castle Lake) and the castle, which is lit up at night. Social responsibility Slotssø Badet is a social enterprise, which means it hires socially marginalised people who have found themselves outside the labour force, due to disabilities and physical and mental illnesses. Over the years, Edvard and his team have had great success getting marginalised people into jobs.

We use whatever is in season, such as chestnuts, roses and rosehips.” Historical settings Slotssø Badet, the company behind the spa, began as a water park. Since then, it has expanded and today features a conference centre, hostel, spa and more. Located in the centre of Kolding in southern Denmark, Slotssø Badet’s spa lies a stone’s throw away from the castle of Koldinghus. When Dronning Dorothea’s Badstue was built, the team behind Slotssø Badet took inspiration from local history. The name

refers to Queen Dorothea, who lived at the castle in the 14th century. To solidify the historical theme even further, the tiles of the building have been imported from Germany to ensure they resemble those of the same era. “We wanted to create a connection to the castle,” says Edvard Køhrsen, assistant manager at Slotssø Badet. “Up until the early 14th century, a spa was located on the southern slope, and we try to bring that history into the spa. Ideally, we want our guests to get the feeling that they’re travelling back in time.” From the terrace of the spa, guests will find an incredible

“Taking on this social responsibility is something we have always done,” Edvard explains. “For us, it seems like the most natural thing to do. It sounds like a cliché, but at Slotssø Badet we’re a family looking out for each other. We take account of our employees’ strengths and allow them to do what they do best.” After staying at the spa, you can explore the town of Kolding. There’s plenty to explore, besides a visit to the castle. One of the biggest art museums in Jutland, Trapholt, is nearby and the area also boasts a botanical garden with plants from around the world. Not far from Kolding you’ll find the small town of Christiansfeld, which is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site because of its historical buildings. www.ssbad.dk Facebook: SlotssøBadet Instagram: @slotssoebadet

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Gallery of the Month

A shared passion for glass Nanna Backhaus Brown and Andrew Jason Brown met in 1991 and have worked together ever since. In 2008, they opened the doors to Backhaus Brown, a glass blowing studio, gallery and shop, where they get their inspiration for their worldrenowned work. By Nicolai Lisberg

Photos: Backhaus Brown

From the outside, the building looks just like any other of the harbour-packhouses, but once you enter Backhaus Brown, the rooms – and a new world – open up in front of you. One might say that you’ll be blown away by the glass blowing studio, gallery and shop, which is beautifully situated on the quayside of Hundested Harbour with stunning views over the sea, sailing ships and fishing boats. When the sunlight hits the surface of the sea, it sheds an impressive light through the windows into the gallery space, providing inspiration for the couple’s artwork, such as their famous piece Glasskibe – which depicts Viking ships in glass and wood. “I have always been fascinated with the Viking Age and the stories and sagas from that time. So, six years ago, I 70 |

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went over to ask our neighbours – the cabinetmakers Egeværk – whether they wanted to collaborate on a project, bringing these ships to life. I use the Italian Battuto technique to create the hull, and the extraordinary patterns are reminiscent of how the planks of Viking ships were crafted. I love that it exudes

something strikingly modern while also having a timeless, ancient quality,” explains Andrew. The collaboration with Egeværk became an instant success and the ship artworks are now sold to collectors worldwide. And, just like the real Viking ships, they have travelled all over the world via exhibitions at various galleries in England and in the United States. “The Viking ships appeal to a lot of people. It’s difficult to explain, but something happens inside you when you see them. We have actually met people who almost felt like Vikings, just looking at them,” says Nanna. Illumination Each Viking ship is given a name from Norse mythology and is unique in terms of colour, pattern and woodwork. In fact, the singularity of each piece is an important factor for Backhaus Brown when creating and designing their art. “We also create lighting and illumination for customers who need it. It might be for

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their living room, kitchen or a painting that they want illuminated. They come to us because they are looking for something unique that suits their house. They don’t just want a lamp, but a decoration – because they are aware that illumination is something important that lasts for a long time,” says Andrew Jason Brown.

na is very fond of the Italian Pastorelli technique that dates back to the 17th century. It is a very time-consuming technique, but it allows her to explore and use her sense of colours – though the overall expression of her work is always clean and crisp, in line with the Nordic design tradition.

Backhaus Brown works with the client, discussing and planning the project, which usually takes around three to four months, depending on the size and complexity of the lamps.

“I really like the colours you are able to create when using this technique. I start by pulling long rods of coloured glass. Then I cut them open and finally roll them together around the pipe and blow a bowl or a vase, for instance. It is not a typical vase for flowers. Its design and colours make it a decoration in itself,” says Nanna.

Italian technique with a Nordic touch While Andrew is drawn towards the Battuto technique in most of his work, Nan-

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www.backhaus-brown.com Instagram: @backhausbrown Facebook: backhausbrown

Nanna and Andrew.

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An international education programme for learning, growth and travel Ranum Efterskole College is an international, self-governing school for 14 to 17-year-olds, offering exams at IGCSE and AS level. But the college is about more than qualifications: students at the boarding school live and learn in an international community, according to a curriculum of their own design, with a huge range of social, artistic and sports activities to choose from. By Lena Hunter

Photos: Ranum Efterskole

The Danish efterskole is combines academic learning with general life skills as a preparatory tool for all aspects of life. Solidarity, community and unity are central at these institutions, and they offer substantial freedom for students in subject choice, teaching methods and educational approach. Ranum Efterskole College is founded on the philosophies of ‘inclusive community and learning’ and ‘participatory democra72 |

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A surf trip to Spain. Photo: Tilde Pedersen

cy’. This means that students and teachers contribute, in unity, to the development of school curricula and activities. Another pillar of learning is the belief that interaction with different cultures strengthens personal development. “We are part of an interconnected global society. We believe that tolerance and acceptance are essential in facilitating an intercultural understanding, and that curiosity and open-mindedness are key elements in establishing 21st-century competencies,” says principal Olav Storm Johannsen. Travel and learn In Denmark, the demand for education courses taught in English has never been higher – but an international edu-

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cation is about more than language: “it’s about developing internationally minded students who are skilled and ready to be part of a global society,” says Johansson.

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Students learning to sail.

That’s why students at Ranum Efterskole College travel three times during each school year. “We take our students around the world, on trips that challenge their acquired skills,” says Johannsen. In total, some 500 students live and study at the college – themselves from all over the world. “Everybody who wishes to join our community is welcome,” says Johannsen. “We watch these young people mature a great deal in the year they spend here and strive to create an environment in which they feel safe, supported and encouraged,” says Johansson. “Combining social and professional development and turning young people into responsible adults is a key aspect of what we do.” Self-directed learning Day to day, students at Ranum Efterskole College follow flexible, individually

curated teaching programmes. Students select their own portfolio of subjects, and each subject can be studied at different academic levels from one to five. As a result, every student’s learning experience is highly personalised. “A student can take mathematics at Level 1, English at Level 3 and Danish at level 4. This is

possible because all subjects are taught at the same time. The student attends lessons with other students at the same level and that helps them to progress,” explains vice principal Matthew Danaher. Alongside traditional academic classes, Ranum Efterskole College also offers an

Ranum Efterskole campus from above.

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Efterskole

abundance of extracurricular activities, in line with a shared commitment to the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. For example, during the afternoon, students can choose to work on ecology in a garden of their own as part of the Green Fingers project.

Students competing in a basketball tournament.

The school has also established a unique coral reef of three-by-six metres, where it is possible to study and grow corals in the subject Coral Restoration. This STEM project is not available at any other Danish school. The full range of extracurricular activities is broad, including music, dance, scuba diving, coral restoration, sailing, cheerleading, surf, yoga, gastronomy, fashion and many more. “We strive to provide an environment in which you feel safe, supported and encouraged in your own perStudents on a visit to a Nepalese school.

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sonal learning journey. When you leave our community, you will be prepared to share your experiences with the world!” says Johannsen. A life-changing environment “Ranum for me was a break from my reality, where I could be what I wanted to be. Everyone was so nice. One of my favorite things about the school is that the teachers are really your friends. I have never in my entire life experienced that my teacher could be my friend – a friend who I could talk to about my problems, or just have a nice and random conversation with. During the year I met so many people with different thoughts and beliefs from mine, which really opened my eyes,” says Silvana Sansores from Mexico. Ephrata Mebrat from Ethiopia echoes the sentiment: “Ranum, the place I still call

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my home, my safe place and my happiness. When I got the chance to go study in Denmark, in a small town where there are no more than 1,000 people, I was a bit scared – but mostly excited. Lucky me – that place was about to change my life,” she says.

chance to challenge themselves personally and academically and strengthens their social competences. It is a great opportunity to experience life at an efterskole, learn something new during your holiday, and make friends from all over the world,” says Danaher.

Ranum Efterskole Summer School

For those curious to see for themselves, Ranum Efterskole College will run an

The summer school runs from June to July and offers the opportunity to participate in academic subjects such as English as a Second Language, Philosophy and Science, as well as sporting activities and excursions to the beautiful lakes, forest and fjords in the surrounding area. “The summer school gives students a

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A coral restoration trip to Bonaire. Photo: Ayda Evren

Ranum Efterskole in the snow.

Most prospective students are drawn by the broad variety of subjects and the international possibilities at the college. In line with this, Ranum Efterskole College collaborates with schools and global educational institutions from all over the world: among its partners are Cambridge Assessment International Education, the Nordic Network of International Schools and UNESCO. In addition to its full learning programmes, the college offers a two to four-week international summer school for students aged 14 to 17 who would like to try the experience before signing up for a full year.

‘Open House’ at the end of September and second week of January. A visit is the best way to learn more, according to Johannsen. “An efterskole life cannot be described – it must be experienced!” he concludes. www.ranumefterskole.dk Instagram: @ranumefterskole Facebook: ranumefterskole

The first day of school.

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Learning life skills and safety while braving all weathers.

Loving nature.

Føroya Eftirskúla: An immersive experience for adventurous teenagers Being immersed in local culture and learning to survive on the rocky cliffs of the Faroe Islands are two features of the curriculum at the islands’ only college for teenagers.

er at sea, and culminates in a seafaring safety certificate course.

By Karin Blak

While Faroese is the local language, Danish is commonly spoken at the school. Evening classes in Faroese are available and, as Holm says: “By the end of their stay, it is clear to see that students understand the language.”

| Photos: Føroya Eftirskúla

Established in 2020 during the height of COVID-19, Føroya Eftirskúla has successfully established itself as a college for local teenagers, as well as students from Greenland and Denmark. Now, Føroya Eftirskúla is considering opening up to all of the Scandinavian countries. This Scandinavian ‘eftirskúla’ (college) offers a ten-month experience that encourages the development of independence and responsibility in teenagers. As Pól Arni Holm, headmaster at Føroya Eftirskúla says: “By the time students leave, they have matured and take with them life skills that no classroom can teach them.”

conditions, while being exposed to the local culture. The team guides the students in searching for the best places to set up camp during the summer months, safety while building campfires and essential survival skills, all with an emphasis on building resourceful teenagers, ready to take on adult responsibilities. Modules with a difference

Nature living

From cliff climbing and business skills to gaming and cooking, the standard modules are filled with the skills that prepare teenagers for a life of work and study. Standard subjects, such as maths, physics and languages, are optional modules here.

During their stay at Føroya Eftirskúla, students and staff visit all 18 of the Faroe Islands, learning about nature and respecting the – often harsh – weather

A maritime module is specific to Føroya Eftirskúla, offering skills in fishing, navigation and understanding of the weath-

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Daily duties are part of growing up The college is an immersive experience in many ways, not least in its daily routines. Everyone takes part in the cleaning, cooking and washing, while the cultural experience includes eating local dishes of mutton, goat and fish. Holm recognises the important role that nature plays in staying psychologically healthy. “Going out into nature every day has a noticeably positive effect on the mental health of our students,” he says. “This is a course that makes you want to be 16 again!” www.eftirskulin.fo Facebook: foeftirskulin

Are you or your child having trouble getting a good night’s sleep? Many adults wake up during the night feeling much to warm or even sweaty, but also babies and small children have the same problem, and there may be multiple reasons to this. If your mattress or mattress protector is made from a synthetic material or artificial material (for example foam) or if you have a duvet which isolate the heat instead of regulating the temperature and leading the heat through the duvet, this might be the reason. A down duvet is more isolating compared to a duvet made from natural fibers, as the natural kapok fiber, silk, or merino wool, which both share the unique breathable and temperature regulating properties.

Photos: all rights COCOON COMPANY, DENMARK.

As it is important for all of us to get a good night’s sleep in a healthy and chemical free sleeping environment, we are in COCOON dedicated to developing and produce sleeping products that are 100% natural, chemical free, hypoallergenic, and ecological. The natural raw materials we use, are carefully selected with the most unique breathable and temperature regulating properties, so you can create a safe and the most healthy and chemical free sleeping environment for your entire family. At COCOON you can find mattresses, pillows, duvets, mattress protectors and bedlinen in many different organic and sustainable natural materials for both adults, children, and newborns. We have tried to make it a little easier for the conscious consumer to find the most natural and ideal products

for the sleeping environment and to help parents chose the right mattress and sleeping products. The mattress programs COCOON has developed is made with all natural fibers. Either with natural Kapok fiber or organic coconut fiber, merino wool and natural latex, both with covers of pure organic cotton and of course all certified.

Should you wish to learn more about our large assortment within organic and natural sleeping products, find us at; www.cocooncompany.dk Facebook: Cocoon Company Instagram: @cocoon_company

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Explore the archipelago from your own private island Åland – the main island of a cluster located in the Baltic Sea between the Swedish and Finnish shorelines – is home to a trove of experiences and stunning nature. The archipelago is widely known for its unique surroundings, and the Silverskär islands are part of a vast island system. Three main islands, Silverskär, Klobben, Sviskär – each with their own unique identity – present the best the area has to offer: topclass food, drink, activities and accommodation, combined into perfectly-tailored packages and unforgettable getaways for groups of all sizes. By Nina Bressler

Photo: Silverskär

The Silverskär islands are looking forward to welcoming visitors during the most magical season of the year – the summer season – after two years of various restrictions. The business is run by a family who bought the islands in the 1980s. “The whole business has grown and evolved so much since we started and we’re passionate about sharing the best of our little part of this planet. We’ve created a distinct identity for all of the islands to give visitors a range of choices, depending on their interests or the purpose of their trip. For large conference groups, small groups of friends, families, and weddings alike, our main aim is to 78 |

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give an authentic and unforgettable experience. This aim impacts everything we do: from the choice of building mate-

rials, to food, produce, our customer service and how we treat our surroundings,” says Kickan Sundblom, partner and family member of the Silverskär venture. Silverskär The main island, and the largest, has all the amenities for a comfortable stay. Each islands is rented on an exclusive basis – so you and your group can enjoy the entire island for yourselves. Silverskär offers 55 beds in total, with six new rooms added in 2022 – all decorated in a personal fashion, with rustic details that pay hommage to the rich history of the archipelago inhabits. Silverskär island has all the creature comforts, and electricity is available with all amenities. A dedicated chef will cook delicious meals all day, with local fish, game and produce – perfectly matched with a tailored wine or champagne tasting. The island offers activities of all kinds, and a sauna and outdoor jacuzzi, as well as the sea on your doorstep for

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endless relaxation opportunities. Meanwhile, tennis, fishing excursions, kayaks and more adrenaline-inducing activities are also available. Klobben Klobben island is another world, enveloped in natural calm. Though it’s located 15 minutes from Åland, the contrast is striking. With 32 beds available, the island can accomodate some 40 people. With the whole island to yourself, there’s plenty of room to roam, go for walks and breathe in the magic that pervades the long summer nights. “Despite its remoteness, a personal chef will come out to the island to cook meals for your group, and activities can easily be arranged – even if the range is not as broad as that of the main island. The island has a unique sauna, built into the mountain wall and, what the place lacks in manmade activities, it makes up for in nature. It’s simply an experience beyond the ordinary that makes guests come back year after year,” says Sundblom. Sviskär Are you looking to disconnect? Take the chance to go to Sviskär: an island equipped only with a small eremite hut, built with the highest degree of comfort and quality in mind, to provide an intimate experience close to nature. The island doesn’t offer electricity, but has plenty of walking trails and space for pure relaxation. Here, you will cook your meals on a gas stove or a barbecue, and

simply enjoy the serenity of an entire island completely in your hands. A cellar in the sea The Silverskär Islands are not only a hidden-gem of dry-land experiences – there are treasures to be found below the water, too. In 2010, an old shipwreck was discovered in the archipelago, south of Åland, containing a lavish cargo: hundreds of bottles of Champagne, including samples from the renowned brand Veuve Clicquot. The bottles – which had been resting at the bottom of the sea for more than a hundred years – were brought back up to the surface and, while some were auctioned – others were sent to be analysed.

Champagne experts from around the world came to try them, and the results were nothing short of extraordinary: the Champagne was still fresh and vital after all these years. Since then, an ongoing project has been established, in which bottles of champagne are submerged to test the prospects of storing the coveted drink in the sea for longer periods. So, whether below or above the surf, there are plenty of treasures to discover on the Silverskär Islands. Welcome to an extraordinary summer like no other. www.silverskar.ax Instagram: @silverskaraland Facebook: Silverskär

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Brewery of the Month

Brewing Finnish beers for a better world Fat Lizard Brewing Company have set out on an ambitious mission: to change Finland’s drinking and restaurant culture. The company is a pioneer in bringing fresh, high-quality IPAs and APAs to the scene. The beers are made with a laid-back attitude – but uncompromising taste and skill.

Otaniemi, Herttoniemi and Helsinki city centre, operate in the same way as our brewery: first-class products made from first-class ingredients,” he says.

By Ndéla Faye

“ We have strong core values, which are based on equality, as well as human, environmental and animal welfare, and these are reflected in the events we fund and organise. We never compromise on what we do – whether it comes to doing our bit making the world a better place, or the quality of our products,” Kairenius concludes.

| Photos: Fat Lizard Brewing Co.

Since its humble beginnings in 2014, Fat Lizard has come a long way. The company was founded by four friends: Hessu Ylinen, Topo Koskipää, Eero Kukko and Topi Karenius. Initially, Fat Lizard was a fun hobby, but the friends soon realised they were onto something special. Now, the company is one of Finland’s biggest breweries, employing more than 20 people and making quality beers from the finest ingredients. Fat Lizard’s brewery is located in Espoo, in an iconic red-brick factory building designed by renowned Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. The company’s first commercial beer, 101 California Pale Ale, started to be sold in bars in early 2015 – and they haven’t looked back since. In 2016, Track Day, a session-type IPA, was chosen as Finland’s best beer in the American-style beer category. Recently, the beer company collaborated 80 |

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with Espoo’s very own internationally acclaimed heavy metal band, Children of Bodom, and created the Lake Bodom lager, which is now sold worldwide. Some of the water used in the brewing comes, of course, from Lake Bodom. The brewery organises tours and tastings on the premises in the evenings during the week, and on Saturdays. The Otaniemi brewery also has a shop, as well as the popular brewery bar, Fat Lizard Taproom, which hosts epic stand-up comedy and live concerts on the brewery terrace during the summer months. “Fat Lizard Taproom is the heart of our brewery. In addition to our own beers, the taproom also boasts a growing collection of American whiskies and bourbons,” Kairenius says. Quality food on the menu Fat Lizard also have their own restaurant chain, which combines quality food and beer. “The restaurants; located in

www.fatlizard.beer Instagram: @FatLizardTaproom Facebook: Fat Lizard Taproom Fat Lizard Taproom events: • Bike 4 Beer Club, a free bicycle club open for all; every third Thursday of the month until September • Live music during the summer season • Ursus Factory live on Friday 5 August • ‘Espoo panee & juhlii’ beer festival at Restaurant Fat Lizard Otaniemi terrace. Every second Friday of the month until August.

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Post up at an island hotel on Finland’s stunning Lake Saimaa Finland is arguably the most mysterious of the Nordic countries, swaddled in deep pine forests, dotted with remote lakes, and with its own unique culture removed from the Scandi club-of-three, Denmark, Sweden and Norway. Aside from Helsinki, many travellers have limited knowledge of Finland’s cities, how to explore them, and where to stay. By Lena Hunter |

Photos: Aki Rask

In 2020, Savonlinna was named Finland’s best summer city by leading national newspaper Iltalehti. It’s easy to see why: the town of 35,000 is spread across seven islands, linked by a network of bridges, on the stunning Lake Saimaa in eastern Finland. Dating back to 1475, the Olavinlinna Castle – perched atop its own rocky outcrop – provides the visual centrepiece of the island cluster, with imposing stone facades that rise macabrely from the water. It’s one of Finland’s biggest tourist attractions. Hikers, cyclists and water-sports enthusiasts are drawn to the unique Nordic city, which offers well-trodden trails and lake cruises, as well as more off-thebeaten-track diversions for those who want to experience the Finnish wilderness. During down time, the Savonlinna Museum and Saimaa Nature Centre offers the opportunity to brush up on local history and culture.

Savonlinna on your doorstep At Original Sokos Hotel Seurahuone Savonlinna, all of this is on the doorstep. “The location is one of the trump cards of the hotel,” says general manager Kati Vihma. “We all know Finns are very keen on their saunas, and Hotel Seurahuone’s saunas are located on the sixth floor of the hotel, boasting brilliant views.” The hotel offers 85 beautiful rooms, and four meeting venues, kitted out with hosting equipment and fast WiFi, able to ac-

commodate up to 160 guests each. The on-site Italian restaurant Perlina di Castello serves authentic stone-baked pizzas, pasta and grilled fish, while the crowsnest Muikkuterassi restaurant on the rooftop offers fried vendance – a Finnish favourite – and lounge-chair seating before a panoramic vista of the lake. Stay for longer If it all sounds a bit too good for a short visit, fear not. 300 metres from the hotel, lie the 48 Seurahuone Apartments – Sokos Hotel’s newest accommodation complex, suited to long-term stays or digital-nomad professionals. “The apartments combine the cosiness of a home and the ease of hotel living. Although one of our main target groups are long-term guests, the apartments are also a great option for one- or two-day tourist holidays,” says Vihma. “They are only a few hundred metres to the Passenger Harbour, the Market Square and Olavinlinna Castle,” she adds. Wherever you stay, Sokos provides a base to explore this unique, lesser-known region. www.sokoshotels.fi Instagram: @sokoshotels Facebook: sokoshotels July 2022

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The rooms have uninterrupted views of the surrounding nature.

A luxurious hotel experience, 400 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle Cahkal Hotel in Kilpisjärvi, Finland offers an opulent hotel experience with views of mountains and tundra. Cahkal opened its doors just in time for midsummer last month and now attracts patrons with delicious, locally-sourced food and excursions into the Nordic wilderness. By Ester Laiho

Photos: Cahkal Hotel

Cahkal Hotel lies close to Tsahkal lake. Two streams descend from the lake, embracing the hotel from both sides. The therapeutic trickling of water can be heard from the sauna and restaurant terrace, bringing the outdoors right into the room. The hotel has floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a vista of the fell in changing seasons, that you can enjoy while relaxing indoors. Cahkal Hotel is the labour of love of CEO Margit Eskonen and Chief Experience Officer Ville Eskonen. The couple have worked in the hospitality and tourism 82 |

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sector for years, and have now created a one-stop destination for travellers to appreciate views of the Arctic wilderness and first-class customer service, at a climate-conscious hotel. The hotel runs on 50 per cent renewable energy, with solar panels and geothermal energy installed on-site. Perfect hospitality Margit is a born hostess and very handson – especially for a CEO: “I love creating a welcoming atmosphere. I’m sure you’ll see me making the beds in the rooms and setting the tables at the restaurant to

make everything perfect for our visitors.” Her husband Ville has also provided his expertise in the restaurant and in designing experiences for guests. He considers himself incredibly fortunate to have been able to make his hobby his job: “I love spending time in the fell wilderness and have done so for all my life. I’m eager to show our guests the best ways to appreciate it.” While visiting, you can go fly Ski touring is a great way to take in the nature in winter.

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ty name: during the autumn and winter, you will likely catch the bucket-list sight of the northern lights in the area. After travelling to Cahkal Hotel, you can rest your head on a plush pillow in one of the hotel’s 23 rooms. There are five different room types to choose from, all offering uninterrupted private views. The Cahkal Suite is situated in a separate building, guaranteeing privacy while enjoying the private terrace and sauna. Stunning architecture Autumn foliage in Kilpijärvi paints the surroundings in beautiful colours.

fishing, adventure into the wilderness, or appreciate snow from November to April by going ski touring or snowshoeing. All activities are carried out with respect for the wilderness, without disturbing the local flora and fauna. Ville has also guided the restaurant and its menu creation, and he and Margit promise seasonal dishes on the menu that they themselves would love to eat. Cahkal Hotel’s Aika Restaurant and Bar is a beautiful fusion of traditional and modern – in the décor and on the plate. The restaurant’s seasonal menu utilises local ingredients, including servings of fresh fish – Margit explains that Arctic whitefish and pike are best when fished from the Arctic – and berries from the surrounding landscape in the desserts and cocktails. The restaurant will help you start your day right with a big breakfast. After a day of discovering the wilderness, you can enjoy dinner there, too, and enjoy a nightcap by the fire at the bar.

The hotel’s flawless architectural design by Sigge Arkkitehdit, and interior design by Puroplan is also thanks to the vision of the Eskonen couple. The modern look is complemented with ample features: drying cabinets, air conditioning, soundproofing acoustics and blackout curtains,

Top Experiences in Finland

to ensure rest in the summer during the weeks of midnight sun. Cahkal Hotel had its grand opening this midsummer. They welcomed their first guests, but also many locals – especially local business owners they will be collaborating with. The guests were stunned by what the couple had created – though Margit admits she had doubts that everything would be finished in time. “I had trust in the project and our team, but the grand opening snuck up on us! So, I was very pleased that we had everything ready to the last detail – from ironed tablecloths to fresh herbs and berries behind the bar.” www.cahkalhotel.fi Instagram: @cahkalhotel Facebook: cahkalhotel

Fly fishing is an experience. Fisherman’s luck not guaranteed.

Wilderness on your doorstep The hotel is situated in the arm of Suomi-neito – The Finnish Maiden – the national personification of Finland, inspired by the shape of its borders. The location means you’ll also have views of the Norwegian mountains and Swedish fells. In fact, the closest airports are Tromsø in Norway and Kiruna in Sweden. To reach the hotel from Kiruna, you’ll also have the pleasure of driving up Käsivarrentie (Arm Road), to Revontulentie (Northern lights Road). It’s more than just a pret-

You can enjoy a hearty meal after a day in the outdoors.

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Hot tub by the lake. Photo: Julia Kivelä

Forest biking. Photo: Heikki Sulander

Lakeside holidays under the open sky, all year round Varjola is a family-owned holiday resort in an idyllic countryside setting. Located in the heart of Finland’s iconic Lakeland, Varjola has a number of holiday packages and experiences for families and couples alike to offer guests a memorable lakeside holiday. By Ndéla Faye

“There is no shortage of activities and once-in-a-lifetime experiences throughout the year: foraging, fishing, family-friendly rafting, husky sledge rides and snowmobile safaris, to name a few. There is something for everyone here,” says marketing and sales manager, Riikka Ruunaniemi. The holiday resort is located only 30 minutes from Jyväskylä city centre, and three and a half hours from Helsinki. “Even though we are located in the middle of the peaceful lake and river area of Finland, we are within easy reach of the city,” Ruunaniemi adds. There are a number of accommodation options available at the resort. The Lakeside Igloos invite guests to spend the night under the stars – from the comfort of a glass-roofed igloo; offering magnificent views of the surrounding nature and lakeside. There are also hotel-quality stand84 |

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ard rooms and apartments available, also surrounded by nature – but within a few hundred metres from services. During the winter, the resort’s Barn restaurant serves Finnish cuisine made from fresh, locally-grown ingredients. “The Barn restaurant’s indulgent countryside breakfast is a must-try,” Ruunaniemi says. Varjola also has a summer restaurant: Bistro Sylvi – named after the third matron of Varjola, who appreciated good cooking and had a passion for picking berries and mushrooms from the forest. It is located in Varjola’s old main house, and it’s open from June to August each year, serving guests quality food in a stunning setting.

– and visitors looking for a truly memorable experience must give the traditional Finnish smoke sauna a try. To maximise the lakeside relaxation, Varjola has a hot tub; and to cool off, guests can take a refreshing dip in the lake. “Varjola is the ideal place for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Finnish culture, the beautiful surroundings and the clean Finnish forests and lakeside,” Ruunaniemi concludes. www.varjola.com/en Facebook: Varjolaan

A traditional Finnish sauna experience Finland has approximately three million saunas – that’s one sauna per household

Breakfast in Barn Restaurant. Photo: Varjola

M AD E

Clean salmon farming on Norway’s stunning, rugged coastline Bjørøya is a modern fish-farming facility and aqua centre in Flatanger, on the rugged Namdal coastline in Norway. With almost five million fish, the family business produces some 12,000 tonnes of salmon a year via clean and sustainable farming. Informed by cutting edge marine and climate research, Bjørøya has long been a leader in its field – and continues to pioneer the fishing industry today. By Lena Hunter

Photos: Bjørøya

The people of Flatlanger have always relied on fishing for their livelihoods. Here, the sheltered waters of the archipelago intersect with the Gulf Stream, offering ideal temperatures and oxygen-rich conditions for Atlantic Salmon and a variety of other ocean life. Respect for this unique environment is at the core of Bjørøya’s fishing practice. Since its inception in 1982, Bjørøya has actively driven positive change in the aquaculture industry. In 2014, the farm acquired a Green License in recognition of their use of green technological and operational solutions and, in 2015, they

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acquired a Research and Development License to collaborate with various Nordic science institutes on a study of optimal practices for fish health and welfare. But why read about Bjørøya when you can visit? The company offers tours of

Book a tour at: www.bjoroya.no Instagram: @bjoroyaas

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their fish-farms, offering a special insight into modern, clean salmon farming. From Bjørøya’s exhibition centre in Lauvsnes, guests will travel by boat through the stunning, mountain-fringed Flatanger archipelago. Once at the site, visitors are invited to see and feed the salmon, to enjoy the salty sea-breeze and to experience for themselves how the future of clean salmon farming will look.

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Made in Norway

At the forefront of fences Module-based fences tailored to each customer’s dreams and needs are at the core of Norwegian family-run business Forefence. Founded, designed and produced in Norway, Forefence aims to provide stylish, high-quality fences and railings in the most robust materials, in order to meet extreme weather conditions.

glass, a rustic look with wood and composite, a nautical feel with canvas, or even a mixture of materials, styles and colours.

By Alyssa Nilsen

Their designs, protected under the World Intellectual Property Organisation, are easily recognisable – with sturdy, minimalist Sintef-tested poles, constructed to allow wider glass surfaces (thus less obstruction of view), while holding materials of various sizes and thicknesses securely in place. The system is able to withstand the ever-changing Norwegian climate of wide-ranging temperatures, winter storms and shifting spring and autumn weather. The system also allows for variety in the form of changeable panels, which can be switched to update the look of the fence.

Photos: Forefence

Forefence was founded in 2012, when spouses Ylva and Bård Meltvedt found themselves struggling to locate fences with the quality, look and longevity they wanted. Realising there was a gap in the market, and with backgrounds in product development, marketing, law and art, the couple decided it was the perfect time to start something new. Ten years later, Forefence is renowned for its adjustable, module-based fences and railings made from sustainable, high-quality materials. Forefence provides solutions for all, whether you want a modern and minimalist look in steel and 86 |

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Fences that last a lifetime

“When you build a fence through modules, it’s easy to tailor it to each custom-

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Made in Norway

er’s needs,” says CEO Ylva Meltvedt. “It’s almost like Lego for adults. We can tailor each measurement to meet your requirements. And should you wish for a glass fence, but want to retain a certain level of shelter and privacy, we can arrange for any height of frosted glass and leave the rest transparent.” Forefence is the perfect addition to your property, whichever type of fencing you want – be it a railing, a windbreak or a fence, and whichever type of home you have – be it detached, attached, a cabin, townhouse, apartment building, office building or farmhouse. An old house might benefit from a subtle fence that doesn’t distract attention from the building, but emphasises it. Meanwhile, a modern building might be complemented by an equally modern-looking fence. Solutions that complement and enhance Outdoor seating areas, pools or recreational areas might benefit from the shelter of a fence to protect against drafts and winds. The option of additional built-in LED lighting, made in collaboration with German company Döllken

Lighting, adds a beautiful and intriguing touch to the overall look. The lights are available in warm white, a dual-light combo with warm and white light, or a multi-colour RGBW option, offering a full spectrum of colours to tailor the look to any mood or occasion. “We work very closely with our customers,” says Meltvedt. “They send us pictures, or we can visit and inspect the property. We listen to their wishes, bring ideas to the table, explain the process, and are with them every step of the process.”

Through continuous product development, Forefence stays ambitious, with an aim to be at the forefront of fences and home décor in the international market. Another design, their module-based planters – in a wide range of colours, sizes and materials – are a great option for creating a vibe in both outdoor and indoor areas. All said, Forefence can give any property shelter, harmony, identity and unity. www.forefence.com Instagram: @forefence_as Facebook: forefence

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Photo: Nitja Centre for Contemporary Art

Gallery of the Month

Contemporary art’s new home In the Norwegian town of Lillestrøm, east of the capital Oslo, contemporary art in all its forms has found a home in the brand-new Nitja Centre for Contemporary Art. Here, you can explore, experience and enjoy the art on display in a bright and modern exhibition space. By Alyssa Nilsen

Visual art needs good surroundings to really shine. At the brand-new Nitja Centre for Contemporary Art in Lillestrøm, the architecture, interior and ambience are designed to make the art the main focus. Many years in the making, the art centre – previously called Akershus Kunstsenter (Akerhus Art Centre) – has finally found a new home. The building is designed by Haugen/Zohar Architects (HZA), a studio working at the intersection between architecture and art. Commissioned by Lillestrøm municipality and Viken county municipality, the centre opened its doors in 2021 with a new profile and name. “Many people think “Nitja? I’ve never heard of that!”. And that would be cor88 |

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rect. But it is the reinvention and rebranding of the renowned Akershus Art Centre,” says director Rikke G. Komissar with a smile. “Nitja’s new profile is vibrant and pulsating, presenting contemporary artists, hosting talks and debates, as well as activities for children,” Komissar continues. “Nitja offers experiences for everyone and one can easily spend a couple of hours here.” Enjoy temporary exhibitions The name Nitja is inspired by the original Norse and local name of the river that runs through Lillestrøm, Nitelva. The word ‘nitja’ comes from the Norse verb ‘(h)nita’, meaning ‘to collide’, but is also linked to waves, refractions and

catching currents. Essentially, it’s a hub. The exhibitions are temporary, changing monthly, presenting both nationally and internationally renowned artists. In combination with pop up-exhibitions, side events and outdoor projects, Nitja is a vibrant and engaged institution. One upcoming exhibition is Norwegian contemporary artist John K. Raustein’s Tilrettelagte sannheter (den nye verden) (Facilitated truths (the new world)). Raustein transforms the exhibition space into an all-encompassing installation, filling the 230 square metres with his own distinctive visual world of colourful applications and textile pieces. In the exhibition at Nitja, Raustein connects memories from childhood with studies of a more contemporary and urban scene – namely, the construction site. For Raustein, there are links between stacks of building plastic, tarpaulin, pipe coils and memories of his moth-

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Made in Norway

er’s sewing club and scenes from textile shops. This juxtaposition also reflects our penchant for gender-stereotypical thinking and categorisation. While construction sites are dominated by masculinity, the sewing and textile industries are often the opposite. Categorisations of gender are something Raustein has long challenged through his art. In the series I’m Trying To Be A Handyman (1998-2000), he embroidered tools on lace pillows and tablecloths, and the installation included an ironing board in which the iron had been replaced with a sanding machine. “I am confident that Raustein’s exhibition will be a fascinating visual experience that will appeal to all our senses,” Komissar says. “I am sure that this exhibition will also trigger reflection on topics such as gender and identity, which are recurrent topics in Raustein’s works that he continues to reflect through his practice. So, if you happen to pass by Lillestrøm on your way to Oslo or the airport, make sure to stop by Nitja. The exhibition will run all summer, until August 7 2022.” A relaxing environment with aesthetic design The centre also includes areas for relaxation and leisure. The lounge, with its inviting designer sofa and chairs, is the perfect chill-out zone to relax with a cup

Rikke Komissar. Photo: Jan Alsaker

of coffee and other treats from Kafé Nitja. Or, if the weather permits, why not enjoy the outdoor seating area with a book and a cool drink? Nitja’s art lounge presents temporary exhibitions of small sculptures and pieces of art available for purchase, and the gift shop features unique arts and crafts, and other small items. Nitja also features an activity room with workshops for kids and youth, designed by Kinkeliane, ensuring that the centre offers experiences that cover all senses for all ages. Nearby is a new library, Lillestrøm Cultural Centre and other culture institutions – all connected by a park and a playground for kids. Lillestrøm high street, full of interesting shops and restaurants, is only a few minutes’ walk away. Getting to Nitja could not be easier. Located across the street from Lillestrøm train station, the centre is impossible to

Detail from Raustein’s exhibition. Photo: Raustein

miss. Lillestrøm is the only stop between Oslo and the airport on the airport express train, making it the perfect pit-stop no matter which way you are travelling. When travelling east on regional trains, Lillestrøm is also the first stop after leaving Oslo Central Station. www.nitja.no Haugen/Zohar Architects (HZA): www.hza.no/studio Kinkeliane: www.kinkeliane.no Instagram: @nitja_senter_for_ samtidskunst Facebook: Nitjasenterforsamtidskunst

Nitja Centre for Contemporary Art is open: Tuesday to Wednesday: 11am to 5pm, Thursday to Friday: 11am to 9pm, Saturday to Sunday: 11am to 7pm.

Photo: Istvan Virag

Photo: Einar Aslaksen

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Made in Norway

TunheimsFjørå Lodge.

Experience of the Month

Relax in a remote luxury lodge How about waking up to the silence of an imposingly still, dark-blue Norwegian fjord, and taking the kayak or the paddleboard out for a couple of kilometres, before coming back to a ready-made breakfast? Or going for a hike in the nearby mountains before relaxing in the jacuzzi on the terrace with a glass of wine while the sun slowly sets on the water in front of you. By Eva-Kristin U. Pedersen

Photos: meirenntusenord.com

You can do both and much more at TunheimsFjørå Lodges at Fiskå in Vanylven in north-western Norway. Opened in 2019, these luxury lodges combine just about everything that Norway can offer: spectacular nature and beautifully-designed, cosy lodges, created to be at one with the wilderness that surrounds them. In harmony with nature “We really wanted something that was in harmony with nature,” says Anita B. 90 |

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Eikrem, sales and marketing manager at TunheimsFjørå. Eikrem runs the lodges together with her husband, whose family is from Vanylven. The lodges, designed by architect Stein Halvorsen, seem to hang over the water, and every detail is taken into consideration. “We appreciate refined detail when we travel, and we wanted to offer our guests that when they visit us,” Eikrem adds. Eikrem also underlines that they’ve

made the lodges as environmentally friendly as possible, including using ocean water for heating. Guests from all over the world TunheimsFjørå Lodges proved a popular destination for Norwegians during the pandemic, and are now ready to welcome international guests. “When we started planning, we aimed mainly at the foreign market. COVID-19 changed that, and most of our guests so far have been Norwegians on vacation in their own country. Only now are we seeing more foreigners come,” Eikrem explains. TunheimsFjørå consists of three lodges, designed by architect Stein Halvorsen. Each has three bedrooms with individual bathrooms, and all are equipped with

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a kitchen, sauna and jacuzzi on the terrace. The larger lodge, called ‘Fisherman’ seats 18 people around the main table, making it a suitable choice for companies looking to host seminars and teambuilding-sessions at a unique location. Meanwhile, TunheimsFjørå has also proved popular for family gatherings. Dine out at home Guests can choose whether to cook for themselves or to take advantage of the collaboration with a local catering company that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner delivered to the doorstep. Another popular option is to hire a local chef to come and cook at the cabin. “Several of our returning guests ask specifically for the chef. He’s very popular,” Eikrem says, with a smile. But, whether you go for the chef or the local catering, you’re guaranteed homemade food made of local ingredients. From surfing to ocean safaris and visits to monasteries There is no reception at the lodges but, in return, hostess Edel Ruud Barstad makes sure guests are well taken care of from the moment they arrive until they depart. Moreover, TunheimsFjøra lodges are collaborating with several local tourist guides, attractions and activities – plentiful in this part of Norway. Possibilities range from ocean or fjord safaris, surfing, kayaking and paddleboarding (the equipment is available at the lodges at no extra cost), hiking with guides in the local mountains, yoga and

Each lodge has a jacuzzi on the terrace.

TunheimsFjørå is fascinating during the winter.

visits to the ancient monastery at Selja. There is also a golf course in the vicinity and, in the winter, there are plenty of opportunities for skiing. “There is a lot to do here but many of our guests also choose just to enjoy the sense of calm and relaxation at the lodges,” says Eikrem. How to get there Reaching TunheimsFjørå requires some planning. Most guests arrive by car from either Ørsta-Volda airport – about a onehour drive from the lodges – or Ålesund airport, which has more flights. The drive from Ålesund takes about two hours, including ferries.

al common lodge that can be used for seminars and meals for larger groups. The idea is to make the lodges an even more attractive destination for businesses and companies. Our main attraction, however – the peace, the quiet and family and couple-friendly atmosphere will remain unchanged, I guarantee,” promises Eikrem. Easy to believe when you’re taking in the seemingly boundless fjord and towering mountain backdrop. www.tunheimsfjora.com Facebook: tunheimsfjoralodge Instagram: @tunheimsfjoralodge

If you prefer, you can travel by taxi from the airport, but Eikrem explains that it is useful to have a car to get around once at TunheimsFjørå. Plans for the future After three years of activity, Eikrem and her husband are looking to expand their offering: “We plan to set up an addition-

There is a lot to do at TunheimsFjørå, one activity is beach volley.

View from the living room in The Fisherman.

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Artist of the Month

The artist who thought she couldn’t paint It all started with an impulse to paint. In 2016, Monica Busch was walking past an art store in her home town of Stjørdal, Norway. She had always been creative, but her inner critic told her she couldn’t paint. On this day, however, a painting in the window caught her attention, and she went inside. The store offered courses in painting, and Busch signed up. By Hanna Margrethe Enger |

Photos: Monica Busch

“It gave me a feeling of accomplishment, joy and positivity,” Busch says of her first beginners-course in painting. “I thought, this is fun, this is something I can continue doing.” So, she took more courses, honing her skills. Her first works were exhibited in Stjørdal in 2017. “As I continued painting, the creative joy and creative power just exploded, which has led me to discover my own imagery and to develop my very distinctive, personal expression.” Busch has recently returned from an exhibition in Copenhagen, but that was not her first time showing her art abroad. She has had exhibitions in New York, USA and Bremen, Germany, in addition to her home town. But her creative flow 92 |

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extends beyond just painting; she also writes poems. “Something more came through” “The writing just came out of the blue. I opened up to one thing, and then something more came through,” Busch says, explaining how painting lead to poetry. Nature is an important inspiration in Busch’s art. “For me, it’s about being out in nature, being present and meditating. I use that as a driving force to give space in my life to create,” she says. “I work very intuitively. I follow the impulses I get and respond to them.” She finds a great deal of personal joy in painting, but she wants her work to mean

something to the viewer as well. “My goal with my art is for it to convey everything from the inner lives of people to the power of the universe,” says Busch. “I want the paintings to move you emotionally and in a deep and philosophical way, so you can look at yourself and your inner self at the boundary between soul, time and space.” Currently, she is working on a book of poetry and art, while creating new paintings for another exhibition in Bremen in 2023. www.monicart.no Facebook: MonicaBuschArt

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Feeding in hospital. Photo: Pryd studio

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Made in Norway

Product in hostpital. Provide vital nutrition a safe and easy journey from donor to child. Photo: Pryd studio

A new approach to donor milk Premature babies need nutrients, antibodies, probiotics and other beneficial substances found in breast milk. Around the world, more than 15 million prematurelyborn babies need donor milk each year, but access to donor milk is dire. Access to fresh, untreated and unpasteurised milk – in which all the nutrients are preserved – is even more so.

with small production lines in Denmark and France. Now, the official Norwegian launch of the project is approaching. Grønnslett is hoping to make Anue an international brand from 2023.

By Alyssa Nilsen

Though the lack of milk banks worldwide is a continuing issue, Anue’s work marks the start of a shift towards making raw, unpasteurised donor milk increasingly accessible.

Working to change this is Norwegian company Anue. Anue’s new donor-milk product is a delicate-looking pouch, designed to be attached to a breast pump or filled with milk before being sealed – ensuring that the milk reaches the recipient untampered-with and untreated. To ensure the quality of the donor-milk, a test pipette is attached to each bag before the milk is frozen. This results in a readily available sample with no need to access or tamper with the remaining milk until feeding time. This is a big change from today’s practice at milk banks, where milk is frozen, then thawed to retrieve a test sample before being refrozen. This lessens the quality of the milk and leaves the premature baby with a poorer diet than necessary. Lacking worldwide Founder and pediatric nurse Jeanette Grønnslett has 13 years of experience

working with premature babies and their needs. She has witnessed first-hand the difficulties of accessing good-quality donor milk. “Only 800,000 premature babies have access to donor milk worldwide,” says Grønnslett. “At the moment, it’s a case of deciding who to prioritise and who to leave without donor milk. On top of that, there are all the babies who – for various reasons – can’t get milk from their biological mother. All babies should get breast milk as their first meal.”

www.anue.no Instagram: @anuemilk Facebook: anuemilk

Jeanette Grønnsett portrait. Photo: Tommy Pettersen

“When there’s no donor milk to be had, formula is the only go-to – leaving the babies struggling with digestion and other problems as a result. I kept thinking there had to be another way of doing things.” In 2018, Grønnslett took the leap and established Anue to work on changing the approach to donor milk. In February of this year, the pilot project was ready, July 2022

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Top Places to do Yoga in Norway

Photo: Christine Wendelborg

Photo: Fornebu Yoga

Meaningful presence and movement for all In a fast-paced world packed with algorithms, tech and screens, Fornebu Yoga aims to be a counterweight: a space dedicated to being and moving while paying attention to our inner-selves. By Åsa H. Aaberge

“Movement and presence of mind help us lead ourselves better. If we can contribute to others experiencing this, then we have succeeded,” says Hilde Thorning Øverås, who founded Fornebu Yoga in 2018. Øverås runs the studio with co-owner Christina Egeland Ness. Together with ten instructors, they welcome people in all stages of life to experience yoga, peace and movement, in an inclusive atmosphere and with an empathic attitude. Fornebu Yoga is located in Fornebu outside Oslo and housed in an old barn by the fjord. The premises has accommodated everything from horticulture to a prison camp. Now, it holds a 400 square-metre yoga studio. “We have immense respect for the space and we’re happy to bring it to life again through yoga,” says Øverås. She started the studio when her youngest son was six months old. As a woman and mother, she 94 |

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considers it essential to lead by example and give back to the local community. “We are proud to be a female-led company with strong values,” says Ness, who joined as a co-owner earlier this year. That the small business has been running for five years and survived COVID-19 is a testament to the support of its loyal members. Fornebu Yoga hosts about 25 classes a week for regulars and drop-ins, plus extensive yoga and weekend courses. “We offer classes for different levels, lifestyles and stages in life: pre-and postpartum yoga, pilates classes for strength and calmer, meditative courses like yin yoga. For more advanced practices, we have Ashtanga, Jivamukti and vinyasa yoga,” says Øverås. The Fornebu Yoga duo emphasise that yoga revolves around individual practice of presence. Regardless of the course, classes focus on breathwork, mindful-

ness and existence. It can be intimidating to visit a yoga studio for the first time, but Fornebu Yoga promises to take care of all, encouraging visitors to leave expectations at the door. “Everyone is welcome to come as they are, and find meaningful practices for body and soul. We are so proud of our experienced and knowledgeable instructors,” says Øverås. For Fornenu Yoga, she says, the ordinary is extraordinary. “Truly meeting each visitor as an individual and adapting to their needs is vital to us. We are a force that makes the world a little better, supports people’s growth, and builds networks and communities,” says Øverås. www.fornebuyoga.no Instagram: @fornebuyoga Facebook: fornebuyoga

Owners Hilde Thorning Øverås and Christina Egeland Ness. Photo: Hanne Nilsson

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Restaurant of the Month

Sweden

Restaurant of the Month, Sweden

Stockholm’s largest rooftop venue has something for everyone From April to September, the line to get into Northern Europe’s biggest rooftop venue – which offers high-end Nordic-Japanese cuisine in an informal, lively setting – stretches around the block.

queue that winds around the block from April to September. Because there’s so much up here.”

By Linda A. Thompson

The common ethos behind all the siblings in the TAK family is to introduce guests to new experiences. They have run sushi workshops with Frida Ronge, yoga classes as part of Sunday brunch events, and host regular sake tastings that introduce guests to the world of the fermented rice drink. “We love to educate our guests in our world of Nordic Japanese cuisine, beverages and experiences – that’s really what we stand for.”

Photos: TAK

In just five years, TAK has become a leading destination in Sweden’s capital, packing eight rooftop venues into one location. One of them – the sprawling 150seat, Nordic-Japanese restaurant TAK – is inspired by the vision and philosophy of TAK’s culinary leader, Frida Ronge. “That means Nordic flavours and produce with Japanese cooking techniques and flavours,” explains Henrik Jakobsen, TAK’s general manager. One of the restaurant’s signature dishes, chirashi sushi, combines Nordic Salmon, Nordic seaweed furikake, local vegetables and TAK’s own gari, made from Swedish rutabaga and served on sushi rice. Under the same roof, you’ll also find a high-energy bar with a sprawling terrace, and the Izakaya restaurant, offering a street-food take on the main restaurant. Then there’s Unn – a teppanyaki restau-

rant with an eight-course menu that can welcome parties of up to ten people. TAK also houses one of the city’s most exclusive private venues, IMA. Jakobsen explains that ‘ima’ means living room in Japanese. “And that’s what we wanted to create – a kind of living room-feel cocktail lounge” he says. Finally, there’s SUS – short for Stockholm under the Stars – a festival-vibe rooftop venue centred around well-mixed cocktails, carefully curated street food, and DJ sets. Biggest in Europe “All together, we are without a doubt one of the biggest rooftops – not just in northern Europe, but in Europe as a whole,” Jakobsen says, adding that the range of experiences on offer has been key to TAK’s success. “That’s why there’s a

More is on the horizon, too. In September, TAK will open a second location in Frogner, a neighbourhood to the west of Oslo’s city centre. Why? “Because we’ve seen that our combination of high-end Nordic-Japanese cuisine and an informal, lively setting really appeals to guests. And we think it’ll work incredibly well in Oslo, too.” www.tak.se Instagram: @tak_stockholm Facebook: takstockholm July 2022

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Restaurant of the Month

Finland

A bowl of Tantanmen ramen and a side of Yakitori.

A spread of Momo Toko’s offerings varying from Takoyaki octopus balls to vegetarian Goma Ktsu salad.

Restaurant of the Month, Finland

Japanese ramen served with a side of excellent customer service It’s no stretch to accredit the arrival of ramen in Finland to the people behind Momo Toko. The first restaurant opened in 2015 and now, with eight restaurants in Southern Finland, and two about to open in Tallinn, Momo Toko is showing no signs of slowing down. By Ester Laiho

Photos: Momo Toko

Momo Toko is renowned for their customer service and hand-made noodles. When the owners learned the craft of making ramen noodles, they set the Finnish restaurant apart from ramen restaurants across Europe which rely heavily on European importers. Today, hand-made noodles are a cornerstone of their success. All Momo Toko restau96 |

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rants make them from scratch, as with everything on the menu, as a nod of respect to Japanese food culture and tradition. Even the sauce and broth recipes are their own and made in-house. Unfortunately, along with every other business in the hospitality sector, Momo Toko had to alter their business model to

survive COVID-19. “We launched takeaway products in Lidl and R-kioski. We also only sold takeaway for a while, and kept changing our model, depending on what the Finnish government guidelines dictated. We wouldn’t have done as well as we did, if it wasn’t for our amazing staff,” COO and training officer Jouni Quisbert explains. Momo Toko may have started with ramen, but today, their menu includes ricebased dishes – such as donburi, gyozas and edamame. Momo Toko’s most popular dish is an excellent representative of the company’s ethos and dedication to

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traditionally crafted Japanese flavours: Original Tonkotsu. It is made from Tonkotsu pork broth that has been boiled for ten hours, ramen, oven-roasted pork belly, house-made soy-marinated egg, wakame seaweed, sugar snaps and corn. This dish is garnished with rocket, fried garlic and black garlic and sesame oil. Even though making a ramen broth takes ten hours, the base concept of the restaurant is fast food of a high quality. This is all made possible by a highly skilled workforce who enjoy their work, and therefore serve a quality dish every time. “Even if customers only drop in for a quick bite, we want them to feel welcome – from being greeted at the door until they finish their last scoop of matcha ice cream,” Quisbert explains. It’s a collaborative effort between front of house and the kitchen: guests are treated to a warm and attentive service, while they taste the love in the chefs’ skilfully cooked Curry Katsu Chicken Donburi or Chicken Karaage. Quisbert himself joined Momo Toko as a restaurant manager in Espoo, after a friend who worked there recommended it. After being promoted to training officer, he worked his way up to COO six months ago. “I appreciate the open workplace culture we have. It’s very encouraging and everyone’s opinion is A bowl of Curry Katsu Chicken Donburi and gyozas.

Tonkotsu ramen is Momo Toko’s best-selling dish.

heard. We are also very hands on in our management team. This way, we ensure our employees and customers both enjoy their time,” he explains. Quisbert and the Momo Toko team are excited about launching a new menu – but he is coy about what precisely it will entail, revealing only that it reflects the ideas of their employees and wishes of the guests. “The new menu will represent what we’ve done thus far: Japanese flavours made possible by fresh Finnish produce – but now with more vegetarian and vegan options, which I’m very excited about.” The new menu will be rolled

Restaurant of the Month

Finland

Noodles made for ramen in one of eight Momo Toko restaurants.

out in all restaurants, while the two new venues will open their doors for the first time in the Telliskivi Creative Hub and in the Noblessner harbour area in Tallinn, later in the summer. While ten Momo Tokos for Southern Finland and Tallinn might sound like a lot, Quisbert reframes the number: “There are over 30,000 ramen restaurants in Japan, so we’ve got a lot of work to do to match that!” www.momotoko.fi Instagram: @momotoko Facebook: momotoko

The entrance to Momo Toko Kamppi in Helsinki.

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Restaurant of the Month

Denmark

Lovparken & Benny.

Restaurant of the Month, Denmark

Ambitious Danish haute cuisine A relative newcomer on the Danish food scene, Duevangs Deluxe is an absolute must for fans of fine dining. With an outstanding menu and experienced, skillful staff who are passionate about the whole dining experience, it is little wonder that this gem of a place has big ambitions. Watch this space and book a table before everyone else does! By Trine Jensen-Martin

Photos: René Duevang

Situated by the picturesque Lovparken (a public park and gardens) in Køge, only 25 minutes south of Copenhagen, Duevangs Deluxe offers modern high-end cooking at its finest. Owners and proprietors Jimmy and Rikke Duevang are behind this family affair and labour of love, with seven dedicated and passionate full-time members of staff. Their focus is on quality and flavours, and the creative kitchen delivers delicious, beautifully-crafted seasonal food. The restaurant is small and intimate, catering for up to 30 people à la carte and 60 people for larger functions. During the summer months, 98 |

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guests at Duevangs Deluxe can dine under the trees of Lovparken – a truly unique experience. French cuisine adapted to Danish tastebuds Rikke and Jimmy previously ran a small eatery in Præstø, serving more traditional Danish food, but Jimmy felt pulled by his passion for and background in French cuisine. The idea for a high-end restaurant started taking shape. In 2018, Jimmy went to Køge with the intention of buying interiors and white goods from a closed down restaurant. He got talking to previ-

ous owner Jørn, who recognised Jimmy from years before in Køge, and knew of his reputation as a fine chef. Jørn made Jimmy an offer he couldn’t refuse, so he came back with a lease to reopen the restaurant – rather than a truckload of furniture and cookery ware. Duevangs Deluxe opened its doors in August 2018 during the popular Køge Festuge (Køge Party Week), which attracts thousands of visitors. They were an instant, roaring success. The place continues to attract guests and is regularly fully booked. “Our guests are hugely supportive and keep coming back for more,” explains Jimmy’s cousin and Duevangs Deluxe inhouse events coordinator, René Duevang. They already have a loyal local following, but word is spreading fast, and people

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| Restaurant of the Month

Denmark

are coming from further afield to sample their exciting and refined food. Jimmy’s education and inspiration is the classical French kitchen, but “adapted to Danish tastebuds,” René explains. The result is a beautiful fusion of classical French cooking with seasonal Danish ingredients. Attention to detail goes beyond the food they create at Duevangs Deluxe and extends to the special crockery they use in the restaurant. Some years back, Jimmy and Rikke bought a collection of plates from an antiques shop in Præstø, made by renowned Danish designer and sculptor Jens Harald Quistgaard. Quistgaard’s collection has recently gone into a museum and is considered a truly distinctive example of Danish heritage and style. Using these unique plates is more than an elegant touch; serving up modern Danish cuisine on antique Danish plates brings together Denmark’s old and new. This is kitchen art, and each stunning piece can be appreciated on the plate and on the palate, too. An evening full of surprises Duevangs Deluxe unique Gourmet Evenings are hugely popular. It’s not a traditional tasting menu, as the guests book a table knowing only the theme of the evening, not the menu. One such recent theme was fish and seafood. This allows the kitchen to use the freshest foods available that very morning, as they for-

age for herbs in Lovparken, and adds an element of surprise to proceedings. Jimmy and his sous-chef Martin introduce the small delicate dishes, all created meticulously and with the greatest care, whilst their visiting wine expert introduces the accompanying wine. There is often a story to tell behind the dishes, such as the amusing time Jimmy found himself buying truffles out of the boot of a clapped-out car in what, to an innocent bystander, might have looked rather unsavoury. “Our guests really enjoy letting us choose for them,” Rene says, which speaks to their trust in Jimmy and his team, and explains why they return time and again. Future ambitions Duevangs Deluxe have their sights set even higher for the future. “The first step is a Michelin recommendation,” says

René. “The next step would be to aim for a star!” he continues. They pride themselves on personal recommendations and there is something refreshingly honest about their reputation, which grows by word of mouth. “Feedback is very important to us,” Rene says. “We always take on board what our guests say and want to become better at what we do at every turn.” This is of huge importance to everyone at Duevangs Deluxe – to continue to improve the whole dining experience for their guests so that they not only leave satisfied, but come back for more. www.duevangs.dk Facebook: Duevangs Deluxe Køge Instagram: @duevangs_deluxe Duevangs Deluxe Køge Sankt Gertrudsstræde 2, 4600 Køge, Denmark

Mad & Quistgaard.

Jimmy & Rikke.

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Special Theme

Top Coworking Spaces in Norway

Experience of the Month, Iceland

Paraglide and zipline on Iceland’s wild volcanic coastline Common advice when you’re travelling to Iceland is to rent a car. “It’s the only way to see the sights.” But much of Iceland’s dizzying natural beauty is locked in undriveable terrain – and even more is best appreciated from a completely different perspective. At True Adventure, which runs tandem paragliding flights and zipline tours from a tiny coastal village, that perspective is a bird’s-eye view.

above.” The wing itself is non-motorised, lightweight and inflatable – launched by taking a few steps down a slope – while the seat is akin to a lounge chair. “You’re enjoying the views straight after take-off.”

By Lena Hunter

Sammi has been paragliding since 2009. “My uncle told me to check out this course. As soon as my feet left the ground, I was like: damn, this is awesome.” He and co-founder, Þráinn Sigurðsson, are two of Iceland’s most experienced instructor pilots, and True Adventure is the country’s only registered APPI Paragliding School and Flight Centre.

Photos: True Adventure

“Vík í Mýrdal is a unique place to paraglide because the mountains are so accessible; it takes just five minutes to drive to the top from the meeting point. And the scenery is ridiculously beautiful here,” says Sammi Alexandersson. The remote village he describes is on Iceland’s south coast, at the foot of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier and towering Katla volcano. Sammi is a paragliding pilot himself and one of the founders of True Adventure. He’s 100

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flown all over the world and is well-acquainted with Iceland’s hundreds of flying spots – so when he says it’s beautiful, you’d better believe it. “Damn, this is awesome.” “I think there’s a bit of a stigma around paragliding. It’s a small sport and people think its way more dangerous than it is,” says Sammi. “In fact, it’s one of the most comfortable ways to enjoy the Earth from

No experience needed Despite its extreme reputation, anyone can paraglide – there’s no need to have

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Experience of the Month

Iceland

any previous flying experience. “Or any sports at all!” says Sammi with a laugh. “Age seven is the youngest for paragliding – not because it’s dangerous, but because younger than that they don’t really know what they’re getting into. We also have a lot of people who are super afraid of heights or flying. One girl I flew with loved Iceland, but always came by boat. She paraglided with us, and now she flies again!” “Sometimes we’re four pilots, or sometimes we’re just two – so we can only take four at a time. We welcome larger groups, but paragliding is as much of a one-onone experience as you can get,” he adds. True Adventure’s flights launch from a stunning mountain that slopes into the ocean. “We fly either side depending on where the wind is coming from. There aren’t many take-off points as beautiful as this one,” says Sammi. “On lucky occasions we see whales while we’re flying over the ocean… so it’s paragliding and whale watching at the same time! The birds are quite curious – ravens, for example – they’ll come and check you out.” Skimming the valley Alongside paragliding, True Adventure offers ziplining tours in the mountains. “Our ziplining experience is a bit different to others. A lot of people associate ziplining with adventure parks, but here we’re privileged that we can use an entire river canyon,” says Sammi.

The tour takes groups of up to 12 and comprises a hike through a breathtaking gorge and four zipline rides of 120, 240, 30 and 140 metres long. Every ride offers a stunning bird’s-eye view of the unique landscape, while the last – named ‘Big Rush’ – passes right over the Hundafoss waterfall. “When we started Zipline Iceland, we approached it with the mind of paragliders. Which lines would we love to fly? The ziplines are not super high. In paragliding, the biggest thrill is when you’re close to the ground, because that’s the only time you’re really aware of how fast you’re going. So that’s what we want: to be skimming the valley,” says Sammi. The paragliding bug True Adventure offers combo deals on ziplining and paragliding experiences that are booked together – for those

who want to try it all. For Sammi, that’s what it’s about: “We just want people to try paragliding – whether in Iceland or elsewhere. I think everyone should do it, especially in the mountains. It’s so thrilling, safe and easy to learn. We want people to be infected with the paragliding bug – to get a taste, like I did, and hopefully they’ll want more!” www.zipline.is/ www.trueadventure.is/ Instagram: @ta_iceland @ziplineiceland Tandem paragliding tours are available daily from May to September Zipline tours are available daily, with multiple departures per day between Easter and Christmas. When booking, use code SCANMAG for a ten per cent discount.

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Hotel of the Month

Norway

Photo: Dan Aagren

Hotel of the Month, Norway

A chic, eco-friendly summer by the sea Stokkøya Strandhotell lies tucked away on an island in Trøndelag, situated near one of Norway’s finest beaches. Surrounded by the most stunning landscapes, with a vast variety of bird and sea life, as well as serene waves, Stokkøya Strandhotell has a nature experience for everyone. By Celina Tran

You’ll find Stokkøya Strandhotell on the hidden Norwegian pearl that is Stokkøya island. Once you set foot on the island, you’ll be met by rippling waves and a fresh sea breeze. With a tropical freshness to the air, there is no way of knowing that this beach is, in fact, closer to the North Pole than the Mediterranean Sea. Torild Langklopp, who owns and runs Stokkøya Strandhotell with her husband, Roar Svenning, as well as her sister, Ingrid Langklopp, explains that a sense of calm washes over visitors upon arrival. “It’s like time stops,” she says. “The 102

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sound of waves, birds soaring overhead, it’s all just very peaceful.” From tents to the tropics The beginning of Stokkøya Strandhotell’s adventure began long before it was officially established in 2000. Roar Svenning grew up on a farm on Troningen, where his family provided accessible and simple camping spaces for campers and tourists. The waters surrounding Stokkøya have always been a place of pilgrimage for divers. Perhaps it was fate, then, when Roar and Torild eventually met at one of the divers’ meetings.

In 2000, when they inherited the sheep farm from Svenning’s parents, they were left wondering how to make a living out of the space. Ideas were exchanged, thought-wheels began turning, and a grand plan was soon set in motion. They believed Stokkøya deserved its place in the sun, and decided to make it an attractive travel destination. Today, Stokkøya Strandhotell has caught the eye of the international press for its sustainable, contemporary design, as well as its exotic and luxurious – yet eco-friendly – nature experience. Eco-friendly and chic From the very beginning, Stokkøya Strandhotell’s goal has been to create a gorgeous travel destination while preserving the nature that surrounds. Along with the architecture company, Pir 2,

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| Hotel of the Month

Norway

they have built chic, modern and sustainable SUB-houses along the beach, larger coastal homes, and a beautiful bar and restaurant space called Strandbaren – ‘The Beach Bar’. “When we first built the SUB-houses, we invited master’s students from Gothenburg to help us design and create recycled and refurbished furniture from old bits and bobs,” Langklopp says. The results of the collaboration are the chic holiday homes that line the beach today. Stokkøya Strandhotell’s team applies environmental awareness, eco-friendliness and locality to every aspect of their business, including the food and drinks service. Old, unused or inedible bread is passed on to the local distillery, where it’s used to produce world-class gin. Similarly, the hotel only uses local or onsite produce. “We grow our own vegetables and berries and still have sheep. All our food sources either come straight from here, the ocean, or other local producers. We work with local farmers and cheese producers, and we grow our own vegetables, so our food menu is seasonal and ever-changing,” says Langklopp. At Stokkøya Strandhotell, the staff practice composting and recycling, and encourage their guests to do the same. “We want to make the world a better place.

Photo: Stokkøya Strandhotell

Therefore, we really push sustainability, which is why we not only encourage our guests, but also our business partners to do the same,” Langklopp adds. The best of Norwegian nature and entertainment If you’re looking to spend a summer in the magical, Norwegian nature, there’s no place better than Stokkøya. In addition to one of Norway’s most beautiful beaches, the island is home to mountains and nature trails. They might not be Mount Everest, but they boast great grandeur and beauty, ideal for new and experienced hikers alike. “On this island, we bathe and swim all year round,” Langklopp says. “The waters are also great for fishing and div-

ing, especially free divers.” After a swim, guests are welcome to use the sauna on the beach. If a dip in the sea isn’t quite up your alley, there is more than enough space to sunbathe and dig your toes in the sand, or grab a drink at the beach bar. Stokkøya Strandhotell also hosts plenty of concerts for the entertainment of guests and locals. No matter the intention of your trip, Stokkøya Strandhotell has something for everyone. “We offer stays of every size and for every budget. For those who want an even more nature-immersive, yet luxurious stay, we also offer glamping experiences, which include furnished, fully-fitted tents on the beach,” Langklopp says. Despite the vast upgrades that the small sheep farm and campsite has seen, Stokkøya Strandhotell still offers sites for visitors to pitch their own tents. There is truly something for everyone. www.stokkoya.no Instagram: @stokkoyastrandhotell Facebook: Stokkøya Strandhotell og Strandbaren UPCOMING CONCERTS: Ola Bremnes – 16 June Ingrid Olava – 29 June Erlend Ropstad – 06 July Best Western Swing – 02 September Silver Lining – 09 September

Photo: Per Erik Jæger

Photo: Jarle Hagen

Thorleif Bratval – 01 October

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Hotel of the Month

Finland

Hotel of the Month, Finland

A luxurious retreat for peace-seekers In this world, where busy calendars, phone screens and constant notifications are the norm, Kuru Resort has gone in the opposite direction. The private, adults-only luxury resort offers guests a chance to switch off from the hectic daily grind and unwind in the breathtaking setting of Finland’s Lake Saimaa. By Ndéla Faye

Photos: Kuru Resort

“Everyone deserves indulgent moments. That thought is at the heart of everything we do. We’re in the business of making sure our guests are able to relax as much as possible,” says Kuru Resort’s CEO, Tiina Seppänen. The resort is open only for adults and has 20 villas, located in the middle of a breathtakingly beautiful pine-tree forest with a lake view. Each villa has its own bathtub and sauna – and breakfast is delivered to the villa every morning. The villas have been designed with the sur104

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rounding nature in mind: the room décor works in harmony with the nature, and each villa has floor-to-ceiling windows. Located in Rantasalmi, in the Southern Savonia region of Finland, Kuru is all about taking it slow and being gentle. The carefully thought-out details – the smells, the music and materials – are designed to appeal to the senses and help guests calm down and relax. “There is a lot of evidence to support the healing properties of being in nature. The constant flood of information and stimuli puts our minds

and bodies under a lot of stress. In order to reverse the effects of this, we need to allow ourselves some time away from the constant demands of our daily lives. At Kuru, guests can be close to nature in a

Scan Magazine

| Hotel of the Month

Finland

luxury setting. It’s where luxury and nature meet,” Seppänen explains. From enjoying pampering body treatments at the spa, or at the guests’ private villa, to lounging on the villa’s terrace and taking in the stunning lake views, everything at Kuru Resort is centred on one thing: how to maximise guests’ relaxation. “Small details, like having breakfast brought to you instead of having to get up, can have a big impact. Kuru is more than just a destination. It’s a place where adults can relax and truly forget about the hectic daily grind back home,” Seppänen explains. Quieten your mind With a variety of stress-relieving and relaxing activities available, such as yoga, breathwork classes, meditation and sound-bowl sessions, Kuru Resort invites guests to shut out the noise and quieten their minds. A relaxation programme and daily guided relaxation lessons are included in the price of the accommodation. In addition, each villa comes kitted out with a booklet, titled The Art of Relaxation, which includes gentle exercises to support unwinding. “Relaxation can look different for each person. For one person, it can be laying on the terrace in a bathrobe all day – and for someone else, it might be a hike in the forest, or a snowmobile safari. Whatever relaxation looks like for our guests, we are here to make it happen,” says the CEO. The cherry on top for the ultimate indulgent holiday is a relaxing and rejuvenating spa treatment, of course. Kuru is also the first place in the Nordics to be home to the prestigious Sisley Day Spa. Sisley products utilise essential oils and plant extracts, and their treatments soothe the body and mind through massage rituals from around the world. There are a number of treatments to choose from, and the resort also has a steam sauna and an outdoor hot tub to really make the most out of the relaxation.

large windows offer an uninterrupted view of the adjacent Lake Saimaa. The nature theme extends to Kuru’s restaurant, too: the menu is inspired by Finnish nature and Lake Saimaa. The ingredients are fresh and sourced locally whenever possible. “Our head chef, Remi Trémouille, prepares meals with passion from the purest, freshest locally-sourced ingredients available,” says Seppänen. “We offer a selection of tailored packages to ensure your vacation is everything you dream of. But the main thing to remember is that, in Kuru, you don’t necessarily need to be doing anything. Being ‘lazy’ and just learning to ‘be’ is the most important activity here,” Seppänen concludes. www.kururesort.com Facebook: kururesort Instagram: @kururesort

Just a short walk from the resort, The Lake Spa incorporates wellness with Finland’s famous Lake Saimaa. The spa is built in the middle of natural rocks, and July 2022

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| Denmark

Hotel of the Month, Denmark

A seaside retreat in Denmark’s northernmost village In recent years, Denmark’s traditional seaside inns have surged in popularity, thanks to the wildly popular historical drama Badehotellet. The TV series is set close to Skagen – Denmark’s northernmost town – where the Kattegat Sea and the Skagerrak Strait meet. But the history that the show brings to life isn’t lost: in Hulsig, 13 kilometres south of Skagen, lies Hotel Inger – a family-run inn, due to celebrate its 75th anniversary next year. The seaside retreat is a time-warp to the 1970s. By Lena Hunter

Photos: Hotel Inger

“People come here for the peace. We’re close to Hulsig beach, Kandestederne beach and the migrating sand dunes at Råbjerg Mile. Both are picture-perfect,” says Anne Christine Nielsen, who runs the hotel together with her mother Else. Though Hotel Inger is just nine minutes from Skagen by train, it’s startlingly quiet – nestled in a serene pocket of nature.

“The evenings here are magical. Last night, a couple of guests ate dinner with us, then took a cold bottle of white wine up to the sand dunes to watch the sunset,” says Else. “We also get a lot of cyclists who are here to bike the coastal tracks, and bird-spotters who come for the guided walks.” Living history Else and Anne Christine are second and third-generation family of Inger Nielsen, who founded the hotel in 1948. “Inger grew up working at traditional coastal hotels and dreamt of starting her own – somewhere down-to-earth, with no snobbery. She started serving coffee and good Danish food in the garden and it became a local favourite. We run the place with respect for that vision,” explains Else.

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Today, a few things have been modernised. “The wine glasses are three times the size!” say the pair, flashing identical smiles. “But we don’t throw away, we repair.” In that vein, heritage furniture has been reupholstered, while new interior features in the hotel’s 20 rooms are integrated with original 1970s design. Meanwhile, Hotel Inger’s kitchen has remained a word-of-mouth sensation – open for lunch and dinner visitors as well as hotel guests. “We’re famous for our plaice, fishcakes, pork roast and Inger’s Kringle – a type of sweet, spiced Danish pastry with hazelnuts and raisins,” says Anne Christine. Else even runs popular fried-eel nights that give diners the chance to try a forgotten Danish classic. There’s no affectation here. From the unspoiled coastline and stunning sunsets to the homely rooms and delicious cooking – Hotel Inger is as authentic as it gets. Book a room, or a table for lunch or dinner via the website. www.hotel-inger.dk Facebook: hotelinger

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Culture

Columns

New Scandinavian music: July’s hottest tunes By Karl Batterbee

Tove Lo has just announced the autumn release of her new album Dirt Femme. It will be her fifth but, rather excitingly, the very first under her own record label. On it, she will explore “the intricacies of her femininity” – without the interference of higher-ups, this time. New single True Romance is a welcome taste of what’s to come: an unfiltered tale about awkwardly falling for someone you know you shouldn’t, with a vocal delivery that incorporates all the passionate peaks and lows that come with such a scenario. We have new music from one of Finland’s best popstars Jannika B - she’s back with her latest single P.A.S.K.A. In terms of musical references, this song has got it all. At least all the good stuff, anyway. Bombastic rock, ‘60s girl-band fabulosity, and hardcore electro, combined into a creatively brilliant pop tune. It’s a kitchen-sink ap-

proach that might read questionably on paper, but which has paid off on record. Norwegian pop superstar Dagny is back again and, indeed, banging again. On her new single Brightsider, she explores being someone who always looks on the bright side. The bright side is the sole side to this song, however - no darker sonic realms. This euphoric pop number features drums beaten even harder than her usual, in an attempt to be heard over the ambitious melody of the chorus. All light, absolutely no shade. The seasonally topical focus on light continues (and concludes beautifully) with Swedish duo Pure Shores, and their new release Light Of My Life. It’s an upbeat track with both feet planted unwaveringly in the sounds of the ‘80s. It eschews the usual neon hues that come with modern-day

songs inspired by that era, and instead gives us a celebration of the carefree beats that represented commercial pop radio at that time. This song deserves to be a mainstay on today’s commercial pop radio! www.scandipop.co.uk

Monthly Illustration

Street cred

By Maria Smedstad

one.” When I mentioned the name of my school, I had to repeat it twice, as if he didn’t quite believe me. Then he shrunk from me in fear, whispering “we NEVER dared walk past your school in our blazers. You lot would have done us in.” And that pretty much sums up the one thing that I gained from being at the bottom of a very broad spectrum. Over two decades later, I still have street cred.

I went to a rough school. When moving to the UK, we had no idea how divided the English school system was: private, grammar, state run. All we saw were different coloured ties and varying degrees of castle-like buildings. In hindsight, the ‘better’ the school, the more outlandish they seemed. Which is how I came to choose what I thought was the most normal – and with that, apparently ‘the worst’ – a heaving, run-down comprehensive. While attending this school, I had a limited notion of just how ‘the worst’ it was. Sure, lessons often ended with furniture being tossed out of windows, or ambulances being called. Yes, I was aware our uniform was a bit tatty and that (some) teachers had extremely limited expectations of us. But I still had no idea that the division was

so large. A few years ago, I ran into a man with a familiar accent at a dinner party. Sure enough, it turned out he’d attended a school just down the road from mine, one that was of a considerably higher calibre. When I pointed out his luck, he shook his head. “No, no, it wasn’t a posh school,” he insisted. “In fact, it was quite a common

Maria Smedstad moved to the UK from Sweden in 1994. She received a degree in Illustration in 2001, before settling in the capital as a freelance cartoonist, creating the autobiographical cartoon Em. Maria writes a column on the trials and tribulations of life as a Swede in the UK.

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Top Scandi Inventions

The blueprints of Google Maps as we know it were laid out by a pair of Danish brothers. Photo: Google

Leading the charge: Scandinavia’s greatest inventions Today, Scandinavia is fertile ground for innovation. Its cosmopolitan cities champion a favourable work-life balance and generous welfare state, allowing for bold entrepreneurship and experimentation. In recent years, Sweden has been pegged as a haven for start-ups, home to the second-most unicorn companies per capita in the world. The focus is largely on fin-tech, but bootstrap companies of all orders are flooding to the Nordics to chase a billion-dollar valuation. With that in mind, let’s take a jaunt through Scandinavia’s innovative history and greatest inventions. By Lena Hunter

Google Maps is about as indispensable an app as you’ll find. But when Danish brothers Jens and Lars Rasmussen co-founded a digital mapping app called Expedition, in 2003, they were breaking new ground – and their work quickly caught Google’s attention. The tech giant promptly gobbled up the start-up, tweaked the software and launched Google Maps in 2005. 108

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Another milestone in smart location technology was the STDMA data link. In brief, this 1980s breakthrough allowed the Global Positioning System (GPS) to send and receive location information every second – paving the way for accurate, real-time location reports. The inventor was Hakan Lans, a Swedish multi-engine plane pilot hobbyist, who immediately saw the STDMA data link’s potential in air-traffic management. Today, it has become integral to global flight-tracking systems. The first ever unicorn

Street art in Christiania, Copenhagen - thanks to a Norwegian invention. Photo: JRodSilva

While Lans’ invention is a behind-the-curtain hero, we’re all familiar with Niklas Zennström’s. The Swede co-developed Skype – just as faster internet connec-

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tions were becoming standard – punting expensive long-distance phone calls into obsolescence. Speaking to the company’s head-spinning early growth, Skype was the first ever unicorn company in the Nordics and sold to Microsoft for 8.5 billion dollars in 2011. 20 years before Skype ended the party for landline calls, Bluetooth ended the party for data cables – sort of. Bluetooth was developed by Swedish telecommunications company Ericsson, and named after Harald Blåtand, a Viking king who ruled Denmark and Norway (touché, Ericsson). Today, the technology allows us to wirelessly send and receive data via short-wavelength UHF radio waves. Speakers and screens Best of all, Bluetooth allows us to play tunes via our portable loudspeakers. Incidentally, the loudspeaker has its roots in Danish research. In 1915, Peter L. Jensen pioneered the field when he was the first to manufacture moving-coil

Culture

Top Scandi Inventions

loudspeakers. Though Edward W. Kellogg and Chester W. Rice are considered the inventors of those widely used today, Jensen’s visionary contribution, over 100 years ago, to our ability to turn it up should not be overlooked. We take for granted the ever-thinner, lighter, brighter and more responsive screens that surround us. But they are only possible thanks to the discovery of ferroelectric liquid crystals by the Swede Sven Thorbjörn Lagervall in 1979. In the ‘80s, Canon, Seiko, Sharp and Mitsubishi were amongst the major companies to pounce on the discovery in the race to channel it into display-technology perfection. The upshot was the modern Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal Display (FLCD) as we know it – and which we are helplessly glued to. Pacemakers and explosives In the sphere of health, Sweden has also made major contributions. In 1958, Rune Elmqvist developed a battery-run

Thor Bjørklund’s invention could not have come sooner Photo: Arla

Scandinvia’s favourable buisness and leisure conditions have made it a haven for start-ups and entrepreneurs. Photo: Ulf Grünbaum, Imagebank.sweden.se

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artificial pacemaker – a device which generates electrical pulses to regulate the heartbeat. The first pacemaker operation was performed by surgeon Åke Senning at Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, and the medical breakthrough went on to help millions of people worldwide. Arguably the biggest contribution by Sweden to science was in the 1860s, when Alfred Nobel invented dynamite and the blasting cap to ignite it. After being licensed for use in America, it paved the way for the Industrial Revolution, as it enabled mines to be dug deeper and faster, and paths to be cleared for the construction of roads and railway networks. From one end of the explosives-spectrum to the other: safety matches were

also developed in Scandinavia. Matches were nothing new – though the heads were made of phosphorus, which was unpredictable and often dangerous. It was Swedish Gustaf Erk Pasch who had the simple but brilliant idea to move the phosphorus onto the side of the match box, and to replace it with a non-toxic version in 1844. The innovation blew up – figuratively – and saw Sweden charge to the top of the match-production leader board, making up to 75 per cent of the world’s total stock of matches. Norway, reporting for duty 50 years later, the Norwegian chemical engineer Erik Rotheim was granted a patent for the aerosol spray can. It was Oslo in 1927 and – despite the later proliferation of his invention – commercial applications for the technology at the

Loudspeakers, and the Bluetooth technology that they make use of are Scandinavian inventions Photo: Bang & Olufsen

time were not forthcoming. Rotheim died in 1938 and the following year his aerosol company went bankrupt. An American company bought the patent for 100,000 Norwegian kroner, and the 1940s saw an about turn for the invention. The decade witnessed the birth of the airbrush, aerosol paint, and aerosol bombs for insect control. Today, aerosol cans are everywhere. Rotheim may have died before he was appreciated, but the pioneer can rest easy knowing that he made it onto a commemorative stamp in Norway, in 1998. 110

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Top Scandi Inventions

Stockholm has the second-highest concentration of unicorn companies per capita in the world, after Silicon Valley. Photo: Susanne Walström, imagebank.sweden.se

But forget aerosol cans for the moment. Norway’s real gift to mankind is the cheese slicer. Semi-soft cheese of the type found in Scandinavia has a curious consistency that will not be tamed by a knife alone. It’s soft – but it needs to be manhandled. In 1925, the carpenter Thor Bjørklund saw this and – a practical man as he was – designed and patented a plane-like tool for slicing cheese – a design still sold today. Cheese has been around for well over 7,000 years. It’s almost unthinkable that we, as a species, made do for so long without a cheese-slicer.

At times, Sweden has produced up to 75 per cent of the world’s matches. Photo: Peter Knutson

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| Calendar

Scandinavian Culture Calendar – Where to go, what to see? It’s all happening here! By Hanna Heiskanen

Savonlinna Opera Festival (1 to 31 July) If you love opera, you only need to get yourself to the eastern-Finnish town of Savonlinna for the entire month of July to get your fill. The setting itself is both unusual and impressive: a medieval castle in the middle of Europe’s largest lake district. The event dates back to 1912, making it one of the oldest of its kind in the world. This year’s programme includes crowd pleasers Aida, Tosca and Carmen (with BBC Cardiff Singer of the World winner Andrei Kymach), plus a number of concerts. Savonlinna, Finland www.operafestival.fi

Oslo Chamber Music Festival (12 to 21 August) Let Oslo Chamber Music Festival take you on a gentle journey this late summer. The event – run by a foundation – is renowned for the high quality of its programming. In a concert on 13 August, the focus is on two strong female composers hailing from France, Rita Strohl and Nadia Boulanger. While on 18 August, you will hear tunes from the US – including Bernstein, of course. Oslo, Norway www.oslokammermusikkfestival.no

Helsinki Festival (12 August to 4 September)

What a joy to be a sculptor! Photo: Anna Danielsson / Nationalmuseum

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Under the umbrella of Helsinki Festival, a culture lover can discover more or less any type of event under the sun. Running since the late ‘60s, the musical range of the 2022 edition extends from Beninese singer-songwriter Angélique Kidjo, to songs based on children’s science questions. Renowned British choreographer Wayne McGregor’s company will be performing, and there will be a conversation on art and artificial intelli-

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The Light and Space exhibition at Copenhagen Contemporary. Photo: Copenhagen Contemporary

gence. Many of the events take place at the Huvila tent near the city centre. Helsinki, Finland www.helsinkifestival.fi

Savonlinna Opera Festival. Photo: Hannu Luostarinen

Light and Space (until 4 September) The Nordic midsummer light is something special – but so too is this awe-inspiring exhibition taking place at Copenhagen Contemporary. Comprising works of light, colour and installation, old and new, this 5,000-square-metre experience is unlikely to leave you cold. You will be able to name check Anish Kapoor, Olafur Eliasson and James Turrell, among others. Refshalevej 173A, Copenhagen www.copenhagencontemporary.org

What a joy to be a sculptor! (until 11 September) The National Museum in Stockholm is always worth a visit, and even more so now that it has been named Swedish museum of the year. This summer’s sculpture exhibition focuses on forgotJuly 2022

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ten Swedish female artists from the turn of the century. The name of the exhibition is inspired by a quote from artist Ida Matton – one of the female pioneers of sculpture, which had traditionally been seen as a male occupation. Södra Blasieholmshamnen 2, Stockholm www.nationalmuseum.se

See Angélique Kidjo at the Helsinki Festival this summer. Photo: Fabrice Mabillot

Play Beyond Play (until 31 December) Computer games are not just for children, as this exhibition at the National Museum of Science and Technology in Stockholm shows. Gaming is a global phenomenon that taps as much into nostalgia as future digital technology. Enter this all-encompassing experience to learn more about the history of computer games, and to try playing a few yourself. Perfect for a rainy day! Museivägen 7, Stockholm www.tekniskamuseet.se

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