Scan Magazine, Issue 161, December 2023 by Scan Client Publishing

SCAN M A G A Z I N E

SPECIAL THEME SWEDEN’S WINTER WONDERLAND

POLAR BEARS, NORTHERN LIGHTS, AND ICEBERGS – AN ARCTIC ADVENTURE LIKE NO OTHER

PROMOTING BRAND SCANDINAVIA ISSUE 161 DECEMBER 2023

EIGHT YOUNG SCANDINAVIANS BREAKING THE MOULD IN THE WORLD OF SPORTS

kitchen wooden fronts+ikeas frames

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Editor’s Note

Editor’s Note Squeaky snow, big woolly scarfs, and a host of hot drinks – if you look around you, the signs of winter are everywhere. In Scandinavia, however, this does not just mean more “hygge” indoors, it also means the opportunity to explore a host of exhilarating outdoor winter activities. In our big special theme, Sweden’s Winter Wonderland, we explore some of the many unique experiences the season offers. From dog sledding to panorama igloos and snow sports – winter is truly a magical time in this part of the world. The increasing chance of spotting the mysterious aurora borealis is another seasonal highlight in both Northern Scandinavia and Iceland. Known for its geologically and geothermally unique landscape, Iceland also offers other attractions, especially tempting during the winter cold. In our Exploring Iceland theme, we take a look at some of the best places to visit during this season, and best of all – almost everywhere you go, you will be met by steaming hot tubs, beautiful hot lagoons and warm public pools, all sustainably heated with geothermal energy.

Iceland is also the home of the Tilvera vessel, on which guests are invited to explore and restore the breathtaking beauty and wildlife of the Arctic. Turn to page 38 to see the stunning imagery and read about the visions of the two founders of Tilvera Expeditions. Finally, on the cover of this issue, we have the amazing para-alpine skier Ebba Arsjö. Winning gold medals and setting new norms when it comes to talking about disability, she is one of the eight young Scandinavian sports stars breaking the mould presented on page 8. As always, we hope you enjoy reading this issue of Scan Magazine as much as we enjoyed making it.

Signe Hansen, Editor

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Contents

In this issue COVER FEATURE 8

Eight young Scandinavians breaking the mould in the world of sports Winning gold medals and setting new norms when it comes to talking about her own disability, the amazing para-alpine skier Ebba Arsjö (featured on the cover) is one of the eight young Scandinavian sports stars breaking the mould in the world of sports.

DESIGN PROFILE 14

Jointly run by a group of friends as a small side project in the 1990s, Swedish 8848 Altitude is today a global premium active-wear brand. Emma Rödin talks to founder and CEO Magnus Berggren to find out what was behind the successful transformation.

Walking Lapporten

SPECIAL FEATURE Swedish David Sjöström tells Scan Magazine the story of how he and a group of friends decided to cross the Lapporten gate on a highline, a recordbreaking feat which involved constructing and crossing a 2,130 kilometre-long line, suspended 600 metres in the air.

SPECIAL TRAVEL FEATURE 38

Exploring and restoring the Arctic Onboard the stunning Tilvera vessel, a Spanish marine biologist and an Icelandic captain have joined forces to invite guests on a number of breathtaking voyages through the pristine Arctic landscape and wildlife. In this feature, we explore the amazing imagery from past trips and the inspiring story behind the project.

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Contents

FOOD COLUMN 18

Sofia Nordgren, Scan Magazine’s new food columnist and award-winning cookbook author, shares her delicious plant-based recipe for a super Christmassy soft gingerbread bundt cake.

Sweden’s Winter Wonderland

SPECIAL THEMES With its vast stretches of untouched nature, snowy peaks and diverse skiing facilities, Sweden is truly a bit of a Winter Wonderland. Dog sledding, panorama igloos, and luxurious winter sports resorts - In this theme, we explore some of its most magical destinations and adventures.

Exploring Iceland Known for its geologically unique landscape, hot lagoons and frequent displays of northern lights, winter in Iceland is the season to explore. In this theme, we take a look at some of the best activities to try and the most charming places to stay. From whale watching and horseback riding to farm life and boutique hotels – Iceland is much more than ice and fire.

CULTURE   84

The best new events and music in Scandinavia Where to go? What to see? It’s all happening here in this month’s Culture Calendar of the best arts events in the Nordics. Meanwhile, our music columnist Karl Batterbee picks out the best new tunes in the region, and illustrator Gabi Frödén ponders how living with a second language changes our perspective.

BEST OF THE MONTH 38

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Hotels Restaurants Travel Profile Shopping Experience December 2023

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Design

Fashion Diary

Fashion Diary It’s the season to sparkle and be jolly. Whether you spend December nights twirling at festive parties or prefer soft, slow days by the roaring fireplace, dress it up a notch this holiday season - and let glam meet cushy. By Åsa H. Aaberge

Press photos

Composed of a soothing wool- and viscose blend, the “Rampoua” shirt from Swedish brand Sefr is neat for frosty December nights. The burgundy hue, wide collar and mother-of-pearl buttoning give an elegant feel to it. Sefr, “Rampoua” shirt, €240 www.sefr-online.com

Adorn your dinner outfit with a silk scarf. This one from Swedish Eton is made in a silk-wool blend and features a classic dot pattern. The airy and soft weave makes it great to pair with anything from tailored outerwear to relaxed knitwear. Eton Shirts, wool and silk scarf, €149 www.etonshirts.com

With hints of a classic tuxedo silhouette and a velvety cotton fabric, the “Jeffers” blazer from Tiger of Sweden offers a bold yet relaxed style. Wear with a bow or tie for cocktail parties, a delicate woollen shirt or a round-neck sweater for more casual events. The blazer is dapper with the high waist “Tommie T” trousers featuring tuxedo-style side stripes. Tiger of Sweden, “Jeffers” blazer, €545 “Tommie T” trousers, €299 www.tigerofsweden.com

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The cufflinks in yellow gold with onyx stones from Norwegian goldsmith David Andersen make both a perfect gift and an investment to last a lifetime. David Andersen, cufflinks, €1450 www.david-andersen.no

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The Danish twin sisters behind Lié Studio just dropped a holiday collection that feels equally chic and Christmassy - items like the “Louise” earrings pair great with any outfit, day to night. The graceful “Louise” earrings pictured come in silver and gold plated silver. Lié Studio, “Louise” earrings, €230-€270 www.lie-studio.com

Design

Fashion Diary

Not only is red a quintessential holiday shade, but it is also one of the hottest tints in fashion this season. The red “Cleo” blouse from Swedish brand By Malina is a versatile yet merry piece. The puffy balloon sleeves invite for holiday glam worn with a voluminous skirt and sparkly jewellery. But the blouse can also adapt to a more cosy vibe, worn open with a little top under, styled with slouchy wool trousers. By Malina, “Cleo” blouse, €250 www.bymalina.com

There are some garments that you buy once in your lifetime and wear for the rest. The “Cheval” jacket from Swedish Bite Studio is one such. It is sharp and refined with a double-breasted style, lightly padded shoulders and sleek features. The jacket is crafted in organic wool and goes with everything from a dress, skirt or tailored pants to jeans. Bite Studios, “Cheval” jacket, €1290 www.bitestudios.com

A satin skirt complements most festive activities and garments. It is lovely worn with soft knits and wool stockings for slow days at home and equally suitable with a silky blouse and pointy heels. This shimmery cream option is cut to a maxi length and features both back and side slits for movement and a fluid drape. Cos, satin maxi skirt, €99 www.cos.com

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Cover Story

Ebba Årsjö. Photo: Joel Marklund/Bildbyrån

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Eight Young Scandinavians Breaking the Mould in the World of Sports

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Cover Story

Eight Young Scandinavians Breaking the Mould in the World of Sports

Holger Rune Photo: Atptour

Eight young Scandinavians breaking the mould in the world of sports From winter sports to racket sports and water sports, a current wave of young and talented sports stars from Scandinavia are making their mark everywhere. Here we look at eight promising young athletes lighting up the pitch, defying speed, swerving obstacles on the slope, or making a splash in the pool.

platform in Sweden. It seems that Ebba has only just begun, yet she has already achieved so much both on and off-piste.

By Trine Jensen-Martin

Rune was the youngest ever Danish male singles champion at 15, and before turning professional at 16 he won both the European U14s and Junior World Championships. In 2022 aged 19, he made his global debut reaching the quarter-finals at the French Open. That same year, he won the prestigious Rolex Paris Masters, beating world number one, tennis icon Novak Djokovic. Rune is now ranked fourth in the world. His energetic style on the court is earning him a reputation as an exciting and fast-paced player, with an uncanny ability to read both the game and his opponents. Rune is known for his

Ebba Årsjö (SE) Paralympic Alpine Skiing Årsjö is one of Sweden’s most thrilling, gifted, young para-athletes. Born in 2001 and diagnosed with the rare Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome, which has caused muscle reduction in her right leg, she started downhill skiing at the age of six. Today, at 22, she has a long list of impressive results to her name, including two gold medals at the World Championship in 2021, two golds and a bronze at the Winter Paralympics in 2022, and four golds at the 2023 World Championship.

Repeatedly hailed as an inspiration to her generation and to the paralympic community, she has received several prestigious awards in honour of her achievements and in recognition of her honesty and courage in talking openly about her disability. As the first Swedish Para athlete ever, she was awarded the Royal Family’s Victoria Prize, and at the Parasport Gala in May 2023, she won the esteemed Årets Specialpris for her outstanding achievements in sports and for her role in giving para sports a real

Holger Rune (DEN) Tennis

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Eight Young Scandinavians Breaking the Mould in the World of Sports

trademark fist-pumps on the courts and is often described as the shining light of Danish tennis. Jakob Ingebrigtsen (N) Athletics/ Middle- and Long-distance running A 23-year-old prolific record breaker, who aged 16 became the youngest man in history to run a mile in under four minutes, Ingebrigtsen has recently beaten the two-mile world record by more than four seconds. He is a four-time European champion and holds several European and world records - in 2022 and 2023 he became the 5000-meters world champion. He has previously won four gold medals in the European Cross-Country Championship and still holds the U20s European 3000 m Steeplechase record. In 2022, he set the Indoor World record in 1300 meters. This past year, has seen him continue his whirlwind of breaking records, beating personal bests and winning gold medals. Indeed, this young runner seems unstoppable! Julie Mathiesen Scaglione (DEN) Handball 19-year-old Julie is a highly regarded professional playmaker for the premier

Julie Mathiesen Scaglione. Photo: Frederik Dahl

league team Herning/Ikast. She played with the Danish national women’s team during the 2021 World Cup qualifiers and made her proper debut with them the following year. In 2022, her team won silver in the U20s World Championship, a tournament that saw her awarded best leftback and tournament top-scorer, with an

impressive 62 goals. Scaglione has grown up with handball, with both parents playing at a high level - her mother for the national team. This has no doubt been an inspiration and a source of support, and she has used her advantageous background most impressively in carving out her own niche. Today, she is considered one of the most talented young female handball players in Europe. Marcus Holmgren Pedersen (NO) Football Originally from Hammerfest, 23-year-old Pedersen started his career in 2018, playing for Tromsø. Quickly his career rocketed, and later that same year, he made his league debut and went on to play in Norway’s top division, becoming the first football player from Hammerfest to do so. Having gone on to play for the professional league team Monde in Norway and the Dutch team Feyenoord in Rotterdam, Pedersen is currently on loan to Italian club Sassuolo. In 2021 he made his debut with Norway’s national team, and looks set to become a promising, permanent member of the squad. In the world of football, many have been astonished by the speed with which this young player’s career has accelerated, but Pedersen himself has kept a cool head. Now, the world of football eagerly awaits the next move of the Norwegian comet from Hammerfest.

Jakob Ingebrigtsen. Photo: shutterstock.com

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Eight Young Scandinavians Breaking the Mould in the World of Sports

Nicholas Castella. Photo: Jeppe B. Nielsen. Images provided by Scandinavian Athletes, a non profit-agency created to help young athletes.

Nicholas Castella (DEN) Swimming

Marcus Holmgren Pedersen. Photo: shutterstock.com

Aged 14 Castella became the fastest swimmer at his age in the world, with a time only eclipsed by now-retired Australian swimming phenomenon Ian Thorpe. Now 16, his ambition is to compete in the 2024 Olympics and to bring home medals at the 2028 and 2032 Olympics. Ambitious and talented, Castella competes with professional adult swimmers, despite technically belonging to the junior league. In 2022 he won gold at the Junior Olympics in 100 meters freestyle and bronze in 200 m freestyle. At this year’s European Junior Championship, he was on the 4 x 100 meters medley relay team, which achieved an outstanding record time for Denmark, and Castella is predicted to become one of Denmark’s all-time best swimmers. December 2023

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Eight Young Scandinavians Breaking the Mould in the World of Sports

Emma Johansson. Photo: FIBA

Emma Johansson (SE) Basketball In 2022 Johansson made the move stateside to play for American league team University of South Florida Bulls. Originally from Jönsköping, 20-year-old Johansson has played for the Swedish National Youth team since 2019, in both U16s and U20s European Championships. Her strong performance as a Forward/Centre secured her a place on the Swedish National Team, where she took part in the 2021 and 2023 FIBA Women’s Eurobasket. In August this year, Emma was nominated as one of the top performers in this year’s tournament in Vilnius, and with an extended contract with her club team in America, her career continues its upward trajectory. Wilma Murto (FI) Athlete Born in Kuusjoki, this 25-year-old trail-blazing female Finnish athlete com12

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petes in the track-and-field event pole vaulting, also known as pole jumping. She made her international debut at the 2014 Junior World Championship in athletics at the age of 16 and has continued to break both Finnish and international records and to improve personal bests ever since. Murto won her first international senior competition, when she took home gold in the European Athletics Championship in 2022, setting a new Finnish record at the same time; the same year, she came sixth in the World Championship. This year, she became the first Finnish woman in history to win gold at the European Indoor Championship. Clearing a staggering 4.80 meters, she beat her own personal best and broke the Finnish record in the process. Indeed, Murto’s career continues to soar as she keeps breaking records and, literally, raising the bar in her field.

Wilma Murto. Photo: shutterstock.com

29 RUE DU DR AGON, PARIS

5 E ARLHAM STREE December 2023 | Issue 161 T, | LONDON 13

Dress to impress when skiing this winter.

Premium skiwear for slope connoisseurs Made for fashion-conscious women who won’t compromise style for quality, 8848 Altitude is the Swedish activewear brand worn by alpine lovers since the 1990s. The clothes are treasured for their sophisticated aesthetics, great fit and well-considered colourways, helping users feel their best when hitting the slopes, or just walking down the street. By Emma Rodin

Photos: 8848 Altitude

In its early days, 8848 Altitude was a small side business and passion project jointly run by a group of friends and designers. Within it, the team felt free to be innovative and daring with everything from materials to visual expressions, essentially being able to test out their ideas without too much risk. “It was only at the turn of the millennium that we realised it was time to go all in and fulfil the potential of the brand we’d started. Good thing we did, it’s the best decision we ever made,” explains 14

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CEO Magnus Berggren who also founded 8848 Altitude and still heads up its design department. Fit and flair After a rebrand in 2017, 8848 Altitude really came into its own and the transformation that would turn the company into the premium brand that it is today began. Today the DNA of the brand is best defined as sophisticated and sporty, with a Scandinavian flair that still feels continental. 8848 Altitude’s collections are carefully coordinated in colours and materials and designed to offer customers a wellmatched wardrobe not only for alpine skiing but for a more horizontal lifestyle too. Indeed, 8848 Altitude as a brand is heavily geared towards skiwear, but the clothes are still subtle enough to be worn for any activity where users, which

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Then, of course, there’s the question of finding the perfect fit which is something the design team at 8848 Altitude prides itself on.

Style of the season Made for this winter, 8848 Altitude’s newest collection is inspired by quiet luxury. This is a timeless and stylish look which works wherever in the world you are, featuring feminine and tailored silhouettes with an exclusive feel.

“Our long history within the alpine sport is present in every detail, where each cut and component are carefully designed with function as well as aesthetics in mind. In my opinion, it’s this knowledge and expertise that give our creations the fit and exclusive look we’ve become known for,” says Berggren.

“Typical garments include our slim and stretchy ski trousers, matched with a high-functional ski jacket, or alternatively a light puffer jacket. You’ll see classic colours like white, navy and beige, accompanied by more inspirational colours such as fiery red and what we like to call Hortensia Blue,” describes Berggren.

From sketch to reality

Conscious makers

When bringing a new collection to life, it’s all about design and unity. Each piece of the collection is given its unique role, whether it’s a jacket, ski trousers, base layer or hat, and can be combined with any other piece to present a cohesive look.

The 8848 Altitude team is led by a belief that the best way to minimise their climate footprint is to create long-lasting products worth investing in. The goal is that each piece from the brand will be handed down to the next generation, or repurposed when no longer needed.

include men and kids too, want to look good without feeling cold.

“During this process, the creation of the colour scheme is super important as it must be both interesting and commercial. Parallel to this, we establish what fabrics and detail to assign each piece to make it as functional and comfortable as possible, while also nailing the visual aspect,” explains Berggren. Naturally, the team at 8848 Altitude also considers current trends without losing the core DNA of the brand. After all, combining function with fashion is an art they’ve practised for more than 30 years.

Design Profile

8848 Altitude

The team only sources materials from responsible producers who care for both products and workers. The use of recycled polyester and nylon is constantly growing, and many fabric linings are made with water and energy-saving methods. Additionally, the team consistently measures their overall sustainability efforts to keep track of (and grow) the company’s green credentials.

small business that values craftmanship and passion for both product and user. This is where our true strength lies, and I’m confident it makes us ready for whatever the future brings,” concludes Berggren.

“Through any sort of market challenge, we’re proud to be a privately owned,

www.8848altitude.com Instagram: @8848altitude

Magnus Berggren, CEO, founder and head of design.

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OOD House and the Northern Lights for WonderInn. Photo: Steffen Fossbakk

Creating homes in nature Great inventions are born from both necessity and vision. For Jaak and Andreas Tiik, the founders of ÖÖD House, their experiences growing up in the wild countryside of Estonia led them to create ÖÖD. By Molly McPharlin

During a weekend hike, the brothers needed someplace for an overnight stay. Instead of the typical hotel experience, they wanted something different and began to imagine a small house, set deep within nature, which would offer seclusion, relaxation, and the chance to experience the environment around them. In 2016, ÖÖD House, their mirrored-house production business, was formed. Today, it is a global company that produces design-focused mirrored homes in some of the most beautiful locations around the world.

they teamed up with Robin Böhringer, now the ÖÖD House chairman, who, as the founder of BBox Capital, brought a wealth of corporate and financial knowledge with him. Today, ÖÖD also benefits from a strong team of individuals highly experienced in the construction industry.

A creative team with the environment at its core The Tiik brothers have backgrounds in construction and marketing. In 2021, 16

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An OOD home in Mexico. Photo: Uh May

Nature is at the heart of ÖÖD construction, affirms Gertrude Ots, the head of marketing for ÖÖD House. “People are looking for unique getaways and privacy. They are not looking to disturb the environment around them,” she says. “The concept of tiny homes that offer the amenities of a 5-start hotel room with a minimal visual footprint on nature is interesting for many. The small area the house uses leads to easier installation even in regions difficult to access.” Quality construction and craftsmanship The most popular construction of ÖÖD House is the ÖÖD Signature House with a size of 21.1 square meters. Its design offers 180-degree panoramic views. “They provide a feeling of being outdoors while comfortably cocooned in bed,” says Ots. The mirror glass surface has a minimal footprint and is extremely photographable. Most clients are landowners who rent cabins to guests as part of their business and are looking to offer a new

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kind of nature getaway. But others want their own modern tiny home someplace where they can really unwind and relax. The quality of both the materials and craftsmanship sets an ÖÖD House apart. “The structure materials are long-lasting,” says Ots. “They are galvanised steel, triple-layer glass panels, and an aluminium facade system. Each house is built to last.” Construction time is about 300 hours, and the homes are delivered turnkey and can be installed in a day. As a result, ÖÖD homes can be found in 27 different countries – from hot climates to the Arctic. The importance of sustainability Building sustainably is important at ÖÖD House. The company is currently testing a new energy-efficient Signature house at their site in Versso, Finland. “We also care about bird safety and take measures to prevent bird collisions with ÖÖD houses,” says Ots. “Our goal has always been to blend into nature without hurting it.” Homes are heated with underfloor electric heat and heat pumps to ensure year-round use. Water can either be on the grid or by using a bio-cycle septic system. The mirror homes’ glass exteriors also reflect 97 per cent of sunlight and therefore consume far less energy to cool down in hotter climates. An Estonian Company with a Global Market ÖÖD homes are generally made as two-person dwellings. “However, we have done custom projects for families and, at the moment, are developing a family house that will be added to ÖÖD’s

OOD House overlooking the sea. Photo: Grautaneset

ODD in Vermont. Photo: Katherine Berke & Zach Walbridge

standard product,” says Ots. “For people with disabilities, we have also created custom solutions. For example, we have two designs in Northern Norway that have been made with wheelchair access.” ÖÖD House originates in Estonia and employs many local designers. Homes are manufactured in Tartu and ÖÖD’s headquarters are located in Tallinn. However, ÖÖD House currently has over 400 homes located in 27 countries, including Mexico, Iceland, Ghana, and Norway. ÖÖD is also attracting interest in the United States where they have a production office based in Houston. “We get requests to build in various exotic places around the world,” says Ots. Future Developments For the future, ÖÖD is actively looking for investment partners through their ÖÖD Partnership Programme. With this, partners provide the land and ÖÖD creates the house in return for a 30 per cent share in revenue. Partners benefit from low capital expenditure and a proven business model to achieve occupancy. ÖÖD

Design Profile

ÖÖD House

The Interior of an OOD home. Photo: Oliver Soostar

homes complement the land and provide unforgettable nature experiences for guests. The ÖÖD partnership program fits well for estates, nature hospitality, glamping sites, vineyards and distilleries, and farms, to name a few types of businesses. “In 2024, we are opening our first partnerships in Finland, Germany, France, Portugal, Ireland, and Iceland,” says Ots. ÖÖD is also investing heavily in product development and will launch new ÖÖD products in 2024. They are designed for nature hospitality and will improve customer experience even more while expanding ÖÖD’s customer base. Ots believes ÖÖD House is making its mark in the fields of construction, design, and hospitality. “ÖÖD will continue to create accommodation that will not only change the way people experience nature, it will change these industries as well.” www.oodhouse.com Instagram: @oodhouses Facebook: OOD Pinterest: OOD

In the hottub outside an OOD home. Photo: Sarah & Michael @venturingvestals

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Lifestyle

Food Column

Soft Gingerbread Bundt Cake For me, Christmas is a lot about scents - the Christmas tree, lit candles, spices, and flowers like hyacinths. It reminds me of my childhood when I would walk down the stairs in the morning to be met by a mix of all these scents. Christmas was my favourite time of the year, and to be honest, it still is. The home is decorated, loved ones get together, and tasty treats are baked. When it comes to baking, nothing is more Christmas-y than the gingerbread combination of cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cardamom and nutmeg. I just love it, and in this recipe, I have used it to bake a soft and absolutely lovely gingerbread bundt cake. Enjoy it warm with a cup of coffee or mulled wine. By Sofia Nordgren

Soft Gingerbread Bundt Cake Amount: 1 cake / 10-12 pieces Ingredients: 100 g vegan margarine 150 ml plant milk 150 ml aquafaba (chickpea brine) or 3 eggs 135 g caster sugar 240 g all-purpose flour 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp cloves 1 tsp ginger 1 1/2 tsp baking powder Instructions: 1. Preheat the oven to 175°C. 2. Grease and flour a bundt cake pan (about 1,5 L). 3. Melt the margarine, add the plant milk and let cool. 4. Beat aquafaba and sugar until white and fluffy. This takes about 30 sec. 5. In a separate bowl, combine flour, spices and baking powder. Add it to the aquafaba. 6. Add the melted margarine to the mix and quickly stir together until smooth. 7. Pour the batter into the cake pan. 8. Bake in the lower part of the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out almost dry. 9. Let cool and cut into 10-12 pieces. 10. This cake freezes very well so I recommend storing any leftover cake in the freezer. 18

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Winner of the best Regional Cookbook at the Guild of Food Writers Awards 2022, Sofia Nordgren lives with her family in a small town in Sweden, working as a photographer, content creator and plant-based cookbook author. Cooking and baking have always been a hobby of hers and on top of that, she has a passion for nature, gardening and slow, seasonal living. Foggy mornings, cinnamon buns, and playing with her kids are among her favourite things in life. Sofia Nordgren also runs the successful blog, The Nordic Kitchen.

Natural holiday gifts

MADE IN SWEDEN

Explore our Holiday Sets and find your nearest Reseller at mariaakerberg.com ®

Walking Lapporten “The idea was that we’d come up here, in the midnight sun, and we’d rig a highline between the two mountains. It is with a mixture of horror and delight that I imagined myself being out there, alone.” (David Sjöström)

By Paula Hammond

Images from the film Lapporten Skyline, showing in the Banff Mountain Film Festival Tour.

Known to the northern Sami people as Čuonjávággi, meaning Goose Valley, the u-shaped mountain pass that forms the gateway into Swedish Lapland, is perhaps one of the region’s most iconic sights. More popularly called the Lapporten Gate, this area of staggering natural beauty has it all: epic skies, moody weather, and brutally big mountains.

with my wife and three kids. When my middle daughter was four, I realised that I needed to be more physically active. So, I found a slackline … and that really married with my previous interests in yoga and meditation very well. It became the perfect activity for me and I became very passionate — sometimes obsessive — about it,” says Sjöström.

takes that and suspends the webbing across canyons and between mountain tops. It’s not unusual for highliners to cross lines that are hundreds of metres high, but Sjöström’s idea of walking across the Lapporten gap meant constructing a 2,130 kilometre-long line, suspended 600 metres in the air.

It’s an area that has been on Swede David Sjöström’s radar for years, thanks to his intriguing hobby — highlining. “I live

Slacklining involves walking along a length of flat webbing suspended between two anchor points. Highlining

The attempt was to be filmed by fellow Swede, Emil Sergel, whose documentary, Lapporten Skyline, followed the

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A record-breaking feat

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Special Feature

Walking Lapporten

Rigging.

David walking.

Rigging.

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Walking Lapporten

record-breaking attempt. “The logistics,” Sergel says, “were a huge challenge. We didn’t know what the weather would be like — and what you really don’t want for highline crossing is wind, as it’s a thin highline. Enough wind will rip it apart, so everyone was stressed. We didn’t know if we had 24 hours, 36 hours, or five days. Basically, people were working around the clock for the first 36 hours, without sleep, until everything was set up.” At 600-metres in the air, the highline is almost invisible and, because of the distances involved, once you reach the halfway point — the ‘dead zone’ — a rescue becomes incredibly hazardous. There’s literally no going back. The attempt was made all the more dangerous by the sudden appearance, in restricted airspace, of a helicopter, which missed the highline by metres. Despite the risks, David was the first to try the line, followed by Quirin Herterich, who became the first to make the three-hour40-minute crossing without falling — setting a new world record in the process. “When Quirin was walking those last few metres,” Emil recalls, “people started cheering and Quirin shouted for them to stay quiet. He was at his limit and, at that point, there were no second chances. As a filmmaker, that was the biggest stress, and also the biggest rush. I was crying and shaking behind the camera.” Eventually, eight highliners, including Sjöström, walked the gap, four successfully making it from end to end without falling, to share the world record with Quirin. David’s day job as a clinical psychiatrist, means that he’s well aware of the need for a positive mental attitude, and while many of us may shiver at the thought of highlining, for David, ‘joy’ is the key to the whole experience. “To be the first one trying to cross, brought a lot of fear online for me. But it’s important to make the right choices. If it doesn’t look good, you have to 22

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North summit.

ighline lake.

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Emil Sergel.

have the maturity to turn back,” David says. “ On my second attempt, however, I felt very confident. When I walked out, I could sense the exposure and beauty of this line. The challenge was to keep that focus and what I do is think about things that I really enjoy in my life. Go through my mind, again and again, imaging what I’m grateful for. It’s a surprisingly effective way of staying positive — also it’s a really lovely thing to do for a long time. I felt very happy, really marinading in the good fortune of my life.”

Special Feature

Walking Lapporten

He rounds off: “Thinking back now, it’s hard to imagine that we all did walk across the gap on this little thing. It was really overwhelming, but I felt a lot of joy walking it.”

Lapporten Skyline is showing in the Banff Mountain Film Festival, which is touring the UK until the end of November, and will then will be available online. See www.banff-uk.com

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ER T IN D lT ia W c e ’S L AN Sp N E ER ED ND SW WO e:

m he

Sweden’s winter wonderland With its vast stretches of untouched nature, snowy peaks and diverse skiing facilities, Sweden is truly a bit of a winter wonderland. Adventures such as dog sledding, treetop getaways and reindeer safaris are just some of the magical elements sure to spellbind grownups and children alike. By Signe Hansen

For more than a century, travellers have made their way to Sweden to enjoy and explore the Nordic country’s magical winter landscape. Today, the country’s stunning northern lights, unique outdoor activities and peaceful mountainous scenery combine with a well-functioning 24

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hospitality sector and the Swedes’ famous knack for blending style and comfort to make for some of the world’s most attractive winter destinations. With a wide range of downhill pistes and stunning cross-country tracks, the

egalitarian attitude that has long defined Swedish society also saturates the country’s winter sports sector. Indeed, whether you are a family off to let the little ones have their first go on skis or a dedicated ski enthusiast looking for new challenges on or off-piste, you are sure to find what you are looking for. Likewise, a wide range of lodgings, from campsite cabins to panorama igloos and luxurious all-inclusive resorts, ensures that everyone will find a match for their taste and budget, whether you are look-

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Granö Beckasin (page 28).

Ice & Light Village (page 36).

ing to cook your own dinner or dine at a five-star restaurant and soak in a stylish spa. Combining the above with an ever-increasing focus on sustainability and unique nature experiences, Sweden’s winter tourism has managed to create a wealth of experiences that can be enjoyed in true harmony with nature.

Camp Ripan (page 30).

Trillevallen (page 34).

In truth, many destinations in Sweden have succeeded in turning the darkness of winter into the most magical time of the year; in this theme, we explore some of the season’s best offers. December 2023

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Book a family holiday in snowy Branäs.

A winter gem for kids and adults.

Superb skiing for the whole family Branäs may be one of Sweden’s lesser-known ski resorts, but in that also lies parts of its beauty. With an impressive fall height, numerous modern chair lifts, 32 slopes and southern Sweden’s longest ride, Branäs is a paradise for families looking for an all-inclusive winter adventure. By Emma Rodin

Photos: Branas

Book a stay in Branäs and you’ll have adventure on your doorstep, literally. There are 12,000 beds within the resort itself, all with a handy ski-in, ski-out offering. “It doesn’t get easier than that,” says commercial director Mikael Elford. “Especially for families with young kids. Simply pop your skis on and off you go, ready for a day on the slopes”. Family fun Speaking of families, the team behind Branäs pride themselves on the resort’s reputation as the ideal destination for adults and kids. In fact, Branäs has received The Big Children’s Holiday Prize an impressive 13 times, awarded by barnsemester.se and voted by families and children around the country. Why? Well, one reason is the abundance of activities for the little ones, such as Björnbuseland or the more adventurous 26

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Nintendo Land, which features familiar figures from the world of Nintendo. Another reason is the many slopes ranging from green to red, enabling skiers on all levels to take part in the fun. Not to mention a great ski school for little ones just starting off. Those wanting to take a break from alpine skiing can also enjoy beautifully prepped cross-country tracks and dog sledding, or a warm meal at the resort’s child-friendly restaurants. New for the season As part of an ongoing expansion of the Branäs ski area, this season sees the opening of Nötåsen with a brand-new lift and slope. “The idea is to add more lifts and slopes to Nötåsen over the coming years and to have all slopes interconnected so you can move around easily without worrying about the kids getting lost,” ex-

plains Elford. There’s also Snowracer Cup which will be run in partnership with Stiga and promises fun for kids and adults alike. In conclusion, the only worry seemingly left is the snowfall. But even for that, there is no need. Branäs offers a fantastic Snow Guarantee, which on the one hand means a state-of-the-art snow machine system, but also customer refunds if the snow situation is not as expected. So, bring the kids to Branäs for an unforgettable holiday in a winter paradise. The season starts on 15th December and closes on 7th April next year. www.branas.se Instagram: @branasskidort

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Open in the months between December and April, Sälens Högfjällshotell offers all the best winter activities in one space.

World class skiing in iconic surroundings Sälens Högfjällshotell is an exclusive resort located in the midst of the snowy slopes of Sälen, the biggest tourist resort in Scandinavia and a hub for skiers, with more than 100 ski slopes and an extensive snow system in place. This iconic hotel offers world-class food, accommodation and activities in beautiful settings, with a legacy steeped in elegance and royal entertainment. By Nina Bressler

dog-sledding tours, yoga, snowmobile, skiing, spa, gym, cinema and kids’ activities, and then we top this up with exciting one-off events. Big concerts, wine makers dinners, DJ’s, live bands and much more is in the diary.”

Photos: Sälens Högfjällshotell

Sälens Högfjällshotell is the ideal destination for all ages, easily reached by car or plane, thanks to the nearby Scandinavian Mountains Airport. Open in the months between December and April, it offers all the best winter activities in one space. ”The hotel was founded in 1937 by Norwegian entrepreneur J W Klüver, who had a dream of building a luxurious high mountain resort in Sälen. To this day his legacy rests intact, with a hotel that provides a unique experience - it’s a luxurious getaway for people who want everything close at hand, from worldclass skiing to quality dining and nightlife, with the historic elegance maintained in a modern way,” says Martin Sahlberg, Operative Manager. The hotel has numerous restaurants, bars and cafés with different cuisines

as well as children’s slopes and a number of cross-country tracks right on its doorstep while a shuttle bus provides transfers to another skiing area nearby. In addition, guests can enjoy countless in-house activities, after-skiing nightlife and other events throughout the winter season. Guests are also spoilt for choice in terms of accommodation, with options ranging from single rooms to superior double rooms, apartments and suites in various forms.

The hotel has proved popular among families, couples, friends and corporate groups since the beginning, and with something for everyone wrapped in a luxurious environment and surrounded by snowcapped mountains, it will undoubtedly provide the perfect winter getaway for many more years to come. www.hogis.se Instagram: @hogfjallshotellet

”Winter is where the excitement begins. In addition to the amazing skiing this area provides, with fantastic tracks right outside our door, we have a packed schedule for the upcoming months and we are stepping it up to provide an unforgettable season for our guests,” says Sahlberg. “The usual activities remains: December 2023

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Left: The Birds Nest (Fågelnästen) are premium hotel rooms located in the treetops with magnificent view. Right: Granö Beckasin is located right next to Umeälven, the Ume River.

An Eco Premium destination with community at heart In the village of Granö, northern Sweden, an unusual destination for nature- and culture has emerged, attracting visitors from all over the world. By Nina Bressler

Photos: Bea Holmberg

“Granö Beckasin is as much an idea as a place to visit. We’re here to contribute to sustainable development in our local area, while, at the same time, creating memories for life for our visitors,” says Annika Rydman, CEO. Granö is located an hour away from Umeå, the university town of Västerbotten, Sweden. During the last decade, a lot has happened. However, at the same time, much looks just like did before the team behind Granö Beckasin started their venture : the creation of a meeting place for people all over the world. Things began when the school was about to shut down. Along with the school staff, some parents decided to create a savings proposal which they presented to politicians, leading to the school being saved. But things didn’t stop there. 28

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”We realised that for this village to develop and not end up as yet another group of empty houses, we needed to create something special,” says Rydman. Urbanisation and the strong growth within the hospitality industry gave birth to the idea of giving nature tourism a go. A local financial backer believed in the idea, and in 2010 Granö Beckasin took over the small camping site in the village. Ever since, the business has continued to evolve step by step. Today, there are six Fågelnästen hotel rooms high up in the treetops, nine hotel cabins, and one eco-hotel. Local food is served in the restaurant and there are a number of nature activities to choose from. ”We want to be a hub for entrepreneurship. That’s why we work with local businesses as much as possible: local builders, produce, local hospitality distributors

and so on. Along with our growth, many more companies have formed as a result: a dog sledding company, two bakeries and a cider factory.” ”From the beginning our vision was clear: we would never do anything at the cost of the people, animals or nature here. We are Eco Premium. What we do is genuine, sustainable, made with longevity and from the heart, for the future of our village and for our guests. We provide an unforgettable experience in tune with nature, regardless of the season,” Rydman concludes. www.granobeckasin.com Instagram: @granobeckasin

BEANIE LITE SEWN BY MONICA HELDORSSON

FULL ZIP JACKET SEWN BY SUSANNE NYGREN ULLFROTTÈ 400 KNITTED BY HÅKAN ERIKSSON

DO YOU KNOW WHO MADE YOUR SWEATER? OUR GARMENTS ARE KNITTED, PREPARED AND SEWN IN OUR FACTORY IN ÖSTERSUND, SWEDEN. IN EVERY GARMENT, YOU WILL FIND THE NAME OF THE SEAMSTRESS WHO HAS SEWN YOUR GARMENT FROM THE FIRST TO THE LAST STITCH. READ MORE: WOOLPOWER.SE

Enjoy a green experience in Sweden’s north. Photo: Camp Ripan

Camp Ripan Serious about sustainability For a bucket-list getaway that doesn’t cost the Earth, head to Kiruna in Swedish Lapland. Here, among majestic mountains and below the dancing northern lights, sits Camp Ripan, a Nordic hotel and spa whose strong sustainability credentials have made it a green go-to for experience-seekers everywhere. By Emma Rodin

A magical destination known as a winter paradise; Kiruna is a gateway to a multitude of experiences. And, whether it’s an arctic dinner at the Ripan restaurant, an adrenaline-inducing dog sledding experience, or a relaxing session at the hotel’s award-winning Aurora Spa, sustainability is woven into each of them. “For us, long-term sustainability is just as important as being a great host. Our guests come from every corner of the world to experience our Arctic nature and culture, and we strive to offer a stay in this beautiful part of the world com30

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bined with environmental awareness,” explains Frida Lind-Oja who is a partner at Camp Ripan. This awareness is a constant part of daily operations at Camp Ripan. The team is always looking for new ways to reduce any negative environmental impact and this is reflected in everything from the choice of suppliers to how the facilities are designed. In fact, all furniture and materials used are either locally, regionally or nationally sourced and always within Scandinavia. A lot is even made on-site using wood from local birch trees.

Camp Ripan also has the latest technology within water and energy use, including heat recirculation. “Thanks to our modern ventilation system, we’re able to capture heat from our kitchen and spa and repurpose it in other areas,” explains Lind-Oja. Trust the swan A great hallmark of all this work is the Nordic Swan Ecolabel. This eco-credential is given to businesses that make it easy for consumers to make sustainable choices and was first awarded to Camp Ripan in 2015. What separates the Swan from other credentials in the same category is the overarching focus on lifecycles, ensuring that businesses aren’t just moving their environmental impact from one place to another. It also considers aspects such as how goods like toilet paper are trans-

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Photo: Jonas Sundberg

ported from A to B, as well as what climate footprint restaurant-served food has. Ultimately, receiving the Swan Ecolabel is hard, but choosing it is easy as customers who engage with a Swan-marked establishment know for sure that they’re supporting the greater good. Come to stay Somewhat unusual for a hotel, Camp Ripan is made up of 90 cabins dotted around a larger area, giving a sense of privacy and peace. Modern, comfortable and cosy, the cabins are like small oases with private entrances, yet still near the Ripan restaurant and other service offerings. In the restaurant, guests can sit down for an authentic dinner cooked in a climate-friendly kitchen with the most local and ethical produce available. The best part? No food goes to waste. That’s thanks to a modern compost machine which turns edible leftovers into fertilisers that can be used to grow new produce. “You’ll enjoy a taste experience for all the senses, made with ingredients that serve both you and the planet well. We buy organic and local in line with the seasons, and we have a close partnership with local suppliers for anything from game to vegetables and berries,” explains Camp Ripan’s second partner, Dennis Lind. “In a year, we normally purchase around 200kg of berries like cloudberries or lingonberries that have been hand-picked by our own staff during their spare time. I’m not sure if it gets more local than that”.

Photo: Björn Wanhatalo

Make memories in Kiruna Finally, of course, there’s the Aurora Spa. Well worth a visit, this relaxing hub has been awarded Best Unique Spa Experience by World Luxury Awards. Here, nature takes centre stage with the materials used throughout the spa representing the surrounding land and elements. Combined, the stone, wood and water create the perfect calm setting for recreation, while large panorama windows bring the tantalising beauty of the winter-white landscape inside. You can also opt to venture outside to feel the cool caress of the polar air across your cheek while enveloped by the warming comfort of the outdoor pool. If you’re lucky, you may even be entertained by the colourful dance of the northern lights.

Guests can also spend time outdoors enjoying all sorts of winter activities in the area’s snowy landscapes, from snowmobile adventures and cross-country skiing to northern light tours and even dedicated moose tours. “Camp Ripan is also a fantastic place to host conferences, big or small. The activities mentioned lend themselves perfectly to team-building fun, and the hotel is a great venue for meetings. We offer package deals and encourage anyone who’s looking to grow their team to book their next off-site with us,” says Lind-Oja and concludes: “We’ll be waiting with open arms.” www.ripan.se Instagram: @campripan

Visit the award-winning Aurora Spa. Photo: Björn-Wanhatalo

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Unleash the joy of skiing With a wide range of pistes that fit all ages, Funäsdalen attracts all levels of skiers, from enthusiastic novices to professionals. Located in the middle of all the action, Hotell Funäsdalen offers a comfortable haven surrounded by snowcapped nature and skiing that literally starts on the doorstep. By Nina Bressler

Photos: Funäsdalen Berg & Hotell

The season of excitement is upon us, at least for all the skiing enthusiasts out there. In Sweden’s popular mountain area, Funäsfjällen, the pistes are widely known for their length, width and big variety, features that are unique among Swedish skiing resorts and allow for a thrill-loaded race from top to bottom. As a testament to its fantastic skiing conditions, numerous competitions and championships take place in the area during the winter months. It also provides the training ground for many professional teams. ”Funäsfjällen was voted the best ski resort in Sweden in 2023 - by a jury and public vote - something we are incredibly proud of and an indicator that we have something that many other resorts don’t,” says Linnea Nordqvist, marketing manager. 32

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“If you want to experience pure skiing bliss in amazing surroundings, it’s undoubtedly one of the best places in Sweden. The Funäs mountain provides a beautiful backdrop to the whole area, and gives you perfect downhill skiing but also amazing cross-country skiing tracks with monumental views across the mountain tops 1000 metres above sea level.” Fortunately, when staying at Hotell Funäsdalen, the action is never far away. The slopes are located right in front of the doorstep, and a shuttle bus takes guests to other skiing areas nearby. Moreover, immersed in nature, with the lake on one side and the mountain on the other, the hotel provides the perfect base for recharging with comfortable rooms and an in-house restaurant and bar - all within

walking distance of the village and nearby shops. ”The hotel lies in the heart of this mountain area and you can virtually ski in and ski out to the slopes. The ski pass includes access to all the pistes nearby with more than 146 descents - it’s simply an unbeatable place to get your ski on this winter,” Nordqvist concludes. www.funasdalen.se Instagram: @funasberget Facebook: Funäsdalen Berg & Hotell

EXPERIENCE A DIFFERENT SUMMER Switch crowds for open landscapes. City walks for fishing trips. Nightlife for days without end. Visit Icehotel in Sweden and experience the Arctic summer with pristine rivers, the midnight sun that never sets and unique crystal-clear ice art in Icehotel 365. Welcome for a night surrounded by ice art. www.icehotel.com

PHOTO: REBECCA LUNDH & ASAF KLIGER DESIGN: WOUTER BIEGELAAR & VIKTOR TSARSKI

EVERYTHING DIFFERENT

Ski at your own pace in Trillevallen.

Trillevallen Breathing in a distant wintry realm A haven for skiers of all ages and abilities, Trillevallen is the calm constant in a rapidly changing world. With 21 slopes and eight lifts, this long-standing ski resort sits nicely tucked away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, offering a warm embrace to anyone searching for that special winter getaway. By Emma Rodin

Photos: Trillevallen/ Mats-Lind

Back in the glory days of famous Swedish downhill skier Ingemar Stenmark, the whole nation was in awe of his outstanding performance on the slopes. As a result, the sport’s popularity boomed across Sweden, and Trillevallen followed suit by beginning to grow its already-established resort into the welcoming hospitality hub it is today. Perhaps best described as a calm oasis with a retro feel, Trillevallen has stayed true to its core over the years, despite being modernised throughout. “We’ve al34

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With both Trondheim and Östersund airports located nearby, Trillevallen is easily accessible, and for the easiest possible commute, hotels offer guests transfer to and from the local train station. Ski, sleep and repeat

ways treasured the peaceful atmosphere you find here,” explains CEO Cecilia Lind. “Our roots run through everything we do, and it’s important that we hold on to that, not only for ourselves but for visitors too.” Book a stay in one of the newly renovated hotel rooms.

First opened in 1938, Trillevallen’s rooms have recently been carefully renovated to better suit the 21st century. Indeed, these rooms, which had looked the same since 1994, have now had a well-needed touch-up. “Although we’ve given the rooms a modern upgrade, they still have obvious features from the 1950s and 1960s, such as timely coloured bathroom tiles,” tells Lind. “When guests walk through the halls of the hotel, we want them to feel the history in every step.”

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With a total of 270 beds available for guests to book in the hotel, options for accommodation also hold a series of modern flats, two cosy cabins and a large homestead which sleeps up to 32 people – perfect for big family events, or larger groups getting together away from home. The homestead is warm and cosy with comfortable sofas, a restaurant-style kitchen and lots of board games to enjoy after outdoor adventures. A day on the slopes Compared to other larger ski destinations, Trillevallen and the Välliste mountain the resort is located by have the benefit of shorter and wider slopes. The slopes are also interconnected which adds a layer of safety for skiers – especially for families as parents can let their kids off on their own without worrying about them getting lost. There is also a ski school and ski rental, plus a clever mini slope for the little ones to learn the basics. Here, kids will travel up the slope via what can best be described as a conveyor belt, which means fewer tumbling kids and more happy parents. And when hunger eventually strikes, Ripan restaurant awaits mid-slope, with stunning views across the surrounding landscape. Here, guests can tuck into pizzas, daily lunch specials and a range of hot beverages. There’s a roaring fire to warm

up cold toes, plus a lounge area for those who need a longer break. Once evening comes, there’s more great food on offer at the hotel’s own restaurant. “The menu is composed of the best regional produce and served alongside an extensive wine list. There’s even a playroom for children to give the grownups a little bit more time to enjoy the experience in peace,” says Lind. Trillevallen is also home to miles of scenic tracks for cross-country skiing, with the starting point near the slopes. You can even ski to neighbouring villages if a longer tour is what you fancy. Get a package deal For easy booking, Trillevallen’s offering includes a series of packages, all featuring a bundle of ski passes, accommodation and meals. There’s the Christmas package from 22-26 December, as well

as a five-day New Year’s package for those keen to ring in the new year in the mountains. Also worth mentioning is next summer’s mountain marathon. This event, which has become a modern classic that attracts visitors from all over, includes a series of races around the area’s mountains, and Trillevallen will serve up a package deal to match. Speaking of summer, there’s a desire for Trillevallen to expand its outside-of-winter offering to make it more of a 360° resort. “We’re working out a plan with villages nearby to better our offering of activities like hiking, kayaking and fishing. There’s so much to see and do around here and we really want people to experience it to the max,” concludes Lind. www.trillevallen.com Instagram: @trillevallen

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The perfect destination for a calm getaway. Photo: Sophia Bergholm

Sleep with full view of the sky above. Photo: Elisabeth Gustavsson

This is the place to do absolutely nothing How’s that for a headline? For, the Ice & Light Village in Kalix, northern Sweden, it’s right on point. The holiday destination is perfect for anyone in search of a quiet, calm and peaceful break in comfort, with pristine nature and the mighty Kalixälven streaming right outside your doorstep. By Nina Bressler

With its vast stretches of untouched nature, Northern Sweden has become a prime destination for people looking for magical surroundings - Ice & Light Village provides the perfect accommodation to enjoy it to the fullest. The company was founded in 2018 by Maarit Lindvall. A seasoned travel agent with a lifetime of expertise in the field, her mission was to create a destination with relaxation and the art of doing nothing at its core. ”We want to encourage people to wind down, allowing themselves the space to simply enjoy the surroundings, the nature and the people around you without outside distractions. You’re in the best place for it: our igloo-shaped cottages provide obstructed views of Kalixälven and the sky above you, with big windows that allow you to enjoy stargazing, and sometimes the marvel of the northern lights, from the comfort of your bed,” says Lindvall. 36

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The cottages have been uniquely designed to give an experience of closeness with nature while providing comfort at the highest level, and everything is made using local materials with sustainability in mind at every step. The Ice Stay in igloos underneath the starry sky. Photo: Sophia Bergholm

& Light Village works closely with local producers and restaurants to source food for guests, who receive a breakfast basket every morning and can choose from a number of options for the remaining meals during the day: make a tailored order from local restaurants, cook your own food over the fire or have a chef create a unique selection of local delicacies delivered to your door. If you need a break from all the relaxing, there’s also a great range of activities to choose from – cross-country skiing, kick-sledding on the ice, dog-sledding, winter fishing, reindeer safaris – or you can enjoy a day tour on the local icebreaker and experience raw nature first hand. ”Everything can be tailored to your liking, and we’re easy to reach from Luleå Airport, only an hour drive away,” says Lindvall and concludes: “But while we provide exciting activities to choose from, our focal point is clear: come here for an indulgent trip of doing nothing, in the company of majestic nature.” www.ice-and-light.com Instagram: @iceandlightvillage

LAURA

MARY

SIGNE

ELISABETH

HESTRAGLOVES.COM | @HESTRAGLOVES | #HESTRAGLOVES

TIRIL MITT

Tilvera Expeditions Explore and restore the beauty of the Arctic Founded by a marine biologist dedicated to ocean preservation and an Icelandic captain with adventure running through his veins, Tilvera Expeditions offers meaningful and transformative sea voyages in the Arctic. On board the beautiful Tilvera vessel, travellers are encouraged to explore, take part in scientific work, and reconnect with nature. By Signe Hansen

Photos:Frits Meyst / WideOyster.com

In Icelandic “tilvera” means existence but also to be or live in the moment, and that is, in essence, what the founders of Tilvera Expeditions want to achieve, 38

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for themselves and their guests. Belén García Ovide, a Spanish marine biologist, who came to Iceland to work with whales in 2014, is one of the two founders. To-

gether with her partner, the Icelandic captain and explorer Heimir Hardarson, she wanted to create a sailing community of like-minded people who wanted to sail with a purpose – with and for nature. The hope was that the voyages would serve as inspiration for participants to improve their relationships with nature. “We want people to get interested in this way of living and travelling, it’s not a cruise ship, it is not luxury; it’s about

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Ocean Missions, a non-profit organisation started by Ovide to inspire people to protect the ocean through a combination of science, education, and sailing. In safe hands While Tilvera Expeditions is a new venture, the couple behind it has decades of experience sailing and exploring the ocean. For the last decade, Ovide has been dedicated to marine research, leading projects in sustainable tourism, whale research, plastic pollution, and citizen science. She has also worked as a wildlife guide and environmental educator and has sailed in some of the most challenging places around the world including the Arctic and Antarctic regions. “My goal is to combine what have been the three pillars of my life so far – sailing, science and education,” she says. Meanwhile, Hardarson, whom she met as a guide on one of his family’s whale-watching boats, has more than 20 years of experience as a captain and has been sailing and travelling all over the world since a young age. “Heimir has a really big drive for adventure, the ocean and wildlife in general. When captaining our Ocean Missions expeditions around Iceland, he thrives showing others the

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beauty but also the environmental challenges of his own country. He is a visionary and enjoys creating and doing things in new ways,” says Ovide. “He has been behind many remarkable ideas in North Sailing, for instance, to turn some of the boats into electric/hybrid boats to create a more environmental way of sailing.”

Awe-inspiring polar bear photographed during Tilvera’s Greenland voyage last summer.

the experience, about bringing people together and doing something for the ocean while travelling. It is a chance to connect and become one with nature,” she explains. Some of the trips planned for next year will be made in collaboration with scientists from Ovide’s network and will offer guests the chance to get involved with and learn about marine preservation and research. Tilvera also does trips for

The stunning landscape explored on Tilvera Expedition’s voyages is bound to inspire awe and respect.

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When it comes to their new vessel, Tilvera, a beautiful two-masted sailboat with eight comfortable cabins, she also has many years on her back exploring the world’s oceans. Previously owned by a Dutch captain, Heinz Wutschke, and his wife Greet Dekker, Ovide and Hardarson came across the ketch in Enkhuizen, the Netherlands, where Ovide was completing her captain’s license. The couple quickly fell in love. By a stroke of luck, it turned out that its captain was ready to scale down and let a new set of hands take over. “It was a really friendly process, and Heinz has helped us a lot - he was captaining some of the trips we did this year and has made sure we know everything there is to know about the ship,” says Ovide. “Moreover, Tilvera is a sail training vessel, with a worldwide sailing licence and is designed to cope with all kinds of weather, so she is actually extremely comfortable to sail and fast even in the strongest gales.” Time to just be This year, Tilvera completed a number of trips with North Sailing, and it will con40

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tinue to do so, but next year will also see the vessel set out on its first independent adventures, and more and more we will start seeing adventures that will fully manifest the visions of its new owners. The voyages will include trips from five to 15 days, sailing in Arctic destinations

Be ready for adventure when joining one of Tilvera Expedition’s breathtaking voyages.

in Iceland, Norway, and Greenland. “One of the points of Tilvera is to allow our guests to just be, to have time to stay in one place and work with nature and not against it,” Ovide stresses. “We want to emphasise this philosophy of ‘let’s spend some more time somewhere, and have the full experience, instead of racing on to the next item on the schedule’. Who doesn’t want to spend more than one night in a magical place where we are the only ones who know that there might be polar bears? Of course, we have a schedule and a general itinerary, but we also love improvising and exploring new places. Over the years, we have developed an important network in the Arctic and a lot of experience, which means that we can offer the best experiences to our Tilvera people.” The Tilvera approach to travelling is based on the Tilvera Code, which summarises the values behind the practice. Among other things, it highlights the power of making people fall in love with nature and the importance of teamwork (for the full code, visit the Tilvera web-

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Musk oxen photographed during Tilvera’s Greenland voyage last summer.

Icelandic captain and explorer Heimir Hardarson in Scoresbysund, Greenland.

site). Inherent in the code is also the aim to travel responsibly, and one of the ways the Tilvera founders work towards that is by carefully choosing the menu onboard to be both nutritionally and environmentally responsible. “We believe that sustainability is a path, and we are constantly working towards a goal of zero waste through the reduce, reuse and recycle approach,” explains Ovide. With this philosophy also follows an emphasis on enjoying the moment rather than worrying about capturing and sharing it on social media. And that’s not just for the sake of the experience, but also for the sake of the environment being explored. “We go to some really beautiful and not very well-known locations, and we do not want that to be spoiled. We know how social media works, how from one moment to the next, a location

can be ruined by its own beauty, and that’s why we advise our guests to use social media carefully and never post exact locations,” Ovide explains. Indeed, if you decide to join the two adventures on one of their voyages, you are bound to make many very envious, but do not let that be the reason to go, rather let it be a wish to connect with nature, and perhaps even create a change. “We are sailing the Arctic because that’s where the most amazing experiences are, but also because experiencing those remote areas has an immediate effect on people – it makes them realise that we are running out of time when it comes to their preservation,” Ovide concludes. www.tilveraexpeditions.com Instagram: @tilveraexpeditions

Tilvera’s voyages in 2024: Husavík (is)–Jan Mayen-Svalbard, Sails and Whale Research (15 days), 14 – 28 April, 2024. Svalbard, Hope Expedition with Ocean Missions (8 days), May 26 – June 2, 2024 Svalbard, Wildlife Reconnect (10 days), June 4 – 13, 2024 Longyearbyen – Tromsø, One With The Blue (6 days), June 15 – 20, 2024 Tromsø-Bodø, Luscious Lofoten (9 days), June 22 – 30, 2024 Tromsø – Húsavík, In the Wake of Vikings (8 days), July 10 – 17, 2024 East Greenland, With North Sailing ( 7 days), Weekly from July 22 – Sept 11 East Greenland (extended), With North Sailing (13 days), Sept 13th -25th, 2024 For the full sailing schedule, please visit: www.tilveraexpeditions.com/ sailing-schedule/

Tilvera Expeditions is led by Spanish marine biologist Belén García Ovide and Icelandic captain and explorer Heimir Hardarson.

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ing m wA a ig ft An appreciated gift for everyone Hand-crafted, Scandinavian slippers in genuine sheepskin and wool See the entire collection at shepherdofsweden.com

Lomagnupur mountain in the south. Photo: Kristjan Petur Vilhelmsson

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Iceland Encounter A journey to the centre of the Earth Iceland has become a popular holiday destination with out-of-the-ordinary winter adventures. From watching the Northern Lights to snowmobiling or exploring the volcanic landscape - Iceland Encounter can help you tailor-make an unforgettable holiday. By Karin Blak

If you are looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and an itinerary that will make you forget all about the daily stresses, Iceland Encounter´s bespoke holidays will provide just that and then some.

alising you are looking at the astonishing views of the unique Icelandic landscape. Snæfellsnes in the western part of Iceland, is featured in the 19th century novel The Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne. Kristin Björnsdottir,

From arrival until departure, your itinerary includes a private driver guide as well as hotel stays along your journey. With expert knowledge and skill, your driver guides you through the unique Icelandic landscape and makes sure you reach your destination, with every stop tailored to meet your interests and needs. Iceland’s claim to fame You might have marvelled at stunning scenes described in books or as backdrops in movies or TV series without re44

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Kristin Björnsdottir. Photo: Einar Sigurthorsson

co-founder and owner of Iceland Encounter, says, “This is a beautiful area with the majestic Snæfellsjokull volcano at the end of the peninsula which captures some of the mystery of Icelandic nature and alludes to the various ways to explore underground, whether it be lava caves, extinct volcanoes or Ice caves.” Thorsmork – meaning the woods of Thor – is featured in the HBO TV series Game of Thrones and in the Ridley Scott movie, Prometheus. This is a beautiful wilderness on the north side of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano, which famously erupted in 2010. “We like taking our clients here. With nothing in sight that is influenced by man, it gives you the impression of being the only one in the world. It’s a powerful feeling,” Says Kristin. Thorsmork can only be reached in the company of your guide as the journey takes you across glacial rivers and rough volcanic terrain on tracks that only modified 4x4 vehicles can manage, and spe-

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cialist knowledge of the area is essential. Of course, this isn’t the only area where Game of Thrones was filmed, in fact, Iceland Encounter can create special tours to the sites where the filming took place.

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Reynisfjara black sand beach. Photo: Gunnar Gunnarsson

Must-visit areas Some of the most popular destinations can be covered on multi-day tours of the southern region, including a visit to the dynamic landscape of ice and fire in Vatnajokull National Park, where the awe-inspiring Vatnajokull glacier is found. In Kristin´s opinion, this is one of the most beautiful areas in Iceland. Visit Kerlingarfjöll, to enjoy the magnificent highland oasis. With little light pollution, you can be lucky to experience the Northern Lights while enjoying the warmth of the geothermal baths under an open night sky. If this isn’t enough to quell your thirst for adventure, why not add some of the top winter activities to the itinerary: the Blue Lagoon and the Sky Lagoon, glacier hiking, snowmobiling, horseback riding, exploring lava tunnels and ice caves. For a thrilling trek, let yourself be guided to one of many relatively small but recurring volcano eruptions. Staying safe in a powerful landscape

waterfall, the guide’s knowledge of where to go and how to stay safe is paramount to the Icelandic experience. The unpredictable Icelandic weather When asked about the Icelandic weather, Kristin smiles: “We have weather. It’s always changing, and the saying goes that if you don’t like it, just wait 10 minutes and it will change.” During the winter months, short days and long nights give rise to extraordinarily long periods of twilight which provide beautiful blue views, and during the day the sun sits low in the sky creating long mystical shadows.

Caring for Iceland and its visitors Iceland Encounter aims to connect their clients with Iceland and its culture, focusing on understanding that this precious wilderness is of high importance to nature and humans alike. Catering for those curious about Iceland and its outstanding nature, Iceland Encounter is a company with a conscience that will create lasting memories while maintaining the outstanding beauty of Iceland. https://encounter.is Instagram: @icelandencounter Facebook: IcelandEncounters

Keeping their clients safe is at the top of Iceland Encounter’s priorities. The driver guides have skills and knowledge of history and geology and will take you safely into corners of Iceland that cannot be found in most guidebooks. No matter whether you are visiting the black sandy beaches in Katla UNESCO Global Geopark to catch a glimpse of the sneaker waves going underground in an extinct volcano or exploring a powerful Modified 4x4 vehicle for Icelandic conditions. Photo: Erling Aspelund

Beach near Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. Photo: Erling Aspelund

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A visit to one of Iceland’s many geothermally heated outdoor pools is great way to relax and meet the locals.

The Geothermal activity of Iceland’s underground defines the landscape.

Reykjanes – Where geothermal energy is everywhere, even in the bread Since 2015, Reykjanes has been a UNESCO Global Geopark, and with no less than 55 geosites it is not hard to see why. However, the spectacular sites, which include the Bridge Between Continents, volcanic craters, and mythical rock formations, are not the only way travellers can experience the region’s unique geological properties. By Signe Hansen

Photos: Visit Reykjanes

With three eruptions in three years, Reykjanes, a small peninsula southwest of Reykjavik, has become a bucket list destination for volcanic enthusiasts. After the latest eruption, which spanned three weeks in July 2023, the site has now turned into what Eyþór Sæmundsson, project manager at Visit Reykjanes, calls a world-class hiking spot. “It’s unique - you won’t find a spot like this anywhere else, even when it’s not erupting. Locally, we’re spoiled with images of fresh lava and steam clouds, but for visitors, it is absolutely amazing to experience the lava fields and the hiking tracks as they are now.” But though Iceland is widely known for its “ice and fire” landscape, the unique 46

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geological properties of the island can be experienced in all aspects of life. One way to get a taste of the all-encompassing reach of the nation’s geothermal prowess, for instance, is to visit one of the many public pools, where you will also be sure to get a taste of authentic Icelandic culture. “Most visitors only go to a swimming pool if they have some time to kill, but it’s always such an amazing experience. The most Icelandic thing you can do is to go to a swimming pool, so you are sure to meet the locals,” says Sæmundsson. Most of the swimming pools on the Reykjanes peninsula are outdoor pools and all of them are heated with geothermal water. Another not-so-obvious way to

experience the fiery powers that reside just below the surface of the region is a taste of its geothermal bread, a bread that is baked underground at 90C for 24 hours. “We can arrange tours for people to visit the site of the bread baking,” says Sæmundsson. “People love it. They take it straight from the ground, set a table by the geysers, with the air full of heat and steam, and eat it fresh and warm with melting butter or cheese.” www.visitreykjanes.is

Reykjanes travellers can cross The Bridge Between Continents, symbolically connecting the European and American continents.

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Left: One of the purest breeds in the world, the Icelandic horse is known for its friendly character and charm. Right: Riding in the dramatic landscape of the beautiful Víkurfjara beach can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

An Icelandic horse adventure for everyone Riding along a black sand beach on the famously friendly Icelandic horse – it almost doesn’t get more authentic than that. Set right by the beautifully dramatic Víkurfjara beach, Vík Horse Adventure takes travellers on spectacular rides all year round. By Signe Hansen

Photos: Vik Horse Adventure

For some people, a horseback ride on a sandy beach is a bucket list item in itself, but when adding the stunning backdrop of Southern Iceland’s dramatic landscape and the uniquely charming character of the small Icelandic horse, the experience transforms from that of a regular tourist ride to a quintessentially Icelandic adventure. “The beach is very scenic in all weather,” says assistant manager and guide Hilary Tricker. “Sometimes, we get snow and the contrast between the black sand and the white snow is just beautiful.” Taking about an hour, the rides are open for all levels and mainly take place at walking speed though guides always do their best to ensure that everyone can try the Icelandic horse’s special gait, tölt. Brought to Iceland by the Vikings, the

Icelandic horses have traditionally been essential to Icelandic culture, used for farming, transport, and meat. Today, the breed is one of the purest horse breeds in the world because no other horses are allowed into Iceland. “They are a little smaller but very tough and hardy,” Tricker says. “In the winter they grow big fussy winter hair and look just adorable.” The Icelandic horse is also one of the horse breeds with the longest life spans, and Vik Horse Adventure makes a great effort to ensure that their horses not only live a long but also a good life. This means that the stable’s 60 horses take turns doing tours and taking vacations on a nearby farm. “Basically, the horses spend two months working and when they need to

get their hooves trimmed, the shoes come off and we pop them to the vacation farm ten minutes away - in the summer, they get one month off, in the winter, up to five or six,” explains Tricker. www.vikhorseadventure.is Instagram: @vikhorses Facebook: vikhorseadventure Vik Horse Adventure does six daily rides during the summer and three to five daily rides during the winter, depending on daylight. The tours are guided in English though guides often have additional languages. In addition to the one-hour tours, a 30-minute family tour for children aged 6-10 is offered during the summer. All tours take place on Víkurfjara beach which is less busy and less rocky than the nearby famous Reynisfjara beach. The tours are open to everyone age 10+ though due to the welfare of the horses, there is a weight limit of 100kg.

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Exploring Iceland Luxury family room. Photo: Bragi Ljósmyndari

Relax and warm up in the sauna. Photo: LandHotel

Unwind in the open air jacuzzi and enjoy the view. Photo: Bragi Ljósmyndari

The centre of everywhere in the middle of nowhere Looking for an Icelandic hotel that offers easy access to popular destinations and a peaceful, cosy getaway from the bustle of life? Look no further than Landhotel, the ideal base for touring the stunning south coast of Iceland.

per-jeep adventure into the wilderness (with an experienced guide and driver), or see Iceland from above on an exciting helicopter ride.

By Karin Blak

Landhotel nestles in the peaceful surroundings of a picturesque mountain range in South Iceland. With far-reaching views of nature to one side and the famous volcanoes Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull rising majestically in the distance on the other, this modern hotel is a jewel in a perfect landscape. An environmentally friendly choice Opened in 2019, Landhotel is designed with the environment in mind, which is evident in the wood and stone interior, and the aluminium-clad exterior. “We have eliminated the use of plastic in our rooms and restaurant, and everything is recycled. The heating and hot water is sourced through our geothermal system, and we have stations for charging electric cars.” Says Dýrleif Guðmundsdóttir, sales and marketing manager at Landhotel. With 69 spacious rooms over three floors, the inside reflects the nature on the out48

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side. The colour scheme on each floor symbolically represents the Icelandic highlands, lowlands and waterlands. From Farm to Table When it comes to dining, the hotel’s restaurant serves delicious, locally sourced ingredients in a cosy and intimate setting with a fantastic view of the surrounding mountain range. The menu features a variety of dishes inspired by the flavours of the region. “We want to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that immediately puts guests at ease,” says Guðmundsdóttir, and they have certainly done that. With attention to acoustics, the restaurant and other public spaces have been adjusted so guests can talk undisturbed by other visitors’ activities.

Without light pollution, the Northern Lights are easily experienced from the hotel or while relaxing in the outdoor jacuzzi. But that isn’t all - Landhotel is working with architects to create a glass extension that will enable guests to bathe in these awe-inspiring moving lights, in warm comfort. Indeed, with everything Landhotel has to offer, a stayover is almost a must on your journey through Iceland. www.landhotel.is Instagram: @landhotel_is Facebook: landhotel.is

Excursions Landhotel can arrange excursions and activities to help you unwind and connect with nature. Relax in the Spa, go for a su-

Surrounded by nature. Photo: Bragi Ljósmyndari

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C H R I S T M A S TA B L E I N S T O C K H O L M Join us for a traditional Swedish Christmas feast featuring a thoughtfully curated selection of your favorite dishes, served in a beautiful setting by the coast. Make this holiday unforgettable with a Christmas buffet at Vår Gård. Book between 1 – 22 december.

T H E D E ST I N AT I O N W I T H P E O P L E I N F O C U S S I N C E 1 9 2 4 Vår Gård is a historic conference facility beautifully located in Saltsjöbaden. Already in 1924, Vår Gård was acquired by the Cooperative Federation and bec ame a training center for educ ation of the Cooperative’s store personnel and managers. Today, Vår Gård is a modern, people oriented, Swan-labeled conference and hotel facility.

The spectacular landscape surrounding Hrafntinna Villa is matched by its stunning interiors.

Hrafntinna Villa Soaked in the beauty of southern Iceland Tucked away in the captivating landscape of southern Iceland, Hrafntinna Villa offers travellers a beautifully secluded lodging, with 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. With six bedrooms, the modern villa and its lush spacious interior provide a more than comfortable base for groups of friends and families to explore the many natural wonders of Iceland. By Signe Hansen

Photos: Chrislund Hires

Located just five minutes from the town of Selfoss, Hrafntinna Villa is set right by the Golden Circle, a route of natural wonders circling through the south of Iceland. But though there is plenty to explore, and most guests do spend most of the day doing so, the villa itself also offers an up-close experience of the area’s beauty. Surrounded by nothing but green fields and distant mountains, flaming sunsets and flickering Northern Lights provide spectacular views from the villa’s outdoor hot tub, garden sauna, and panoramic living room. 50

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“All of my guests seem to leave early in the morning to go travelling and exploring and then come back in the evening to cook together and use the hot tub,” explains the villa’s owner and manager Hanne Smidesang.

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Apart from the Golden Circle, which is one of the most popular routes for travellers exploring the island, the villa is also within easy driving distance of Reykjavik (64km) and Keflavik (110km) as well as natural attractions such as the iconic Gullfoss waterfall, the Secret Lagoon, and the historic landmark, the Caves of Hella. From reality show to family getaway

In 2020, Hrafntinna Villa was refurbished with a lush interior and a host of distinctive design details.

Having moved from Norway to Iceland to pursue her passion for Icelandic horses in 2015, Smidesang came across Hrafntinna Villa in 2020. Having

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soaking in the hot tub after a long day out exploring are among the experiences that have made the stay a once-in-alifetime- experience for many guests. “I wanted the house to have a bit of a spa feeling so the hot tub is always filled with warm water, and often it is where people choose to sit in the evening to watch the Northern Lights,” explains Smidesang.

Hanne Smidesang, the owner of Hrafntinna Villa, lives next door with her ten Icelandic horses.

Hrafntinna Villa in short

initially intended to live in the villa herself, in 2020, during COVID, Smidesang was contacted by the people behind the MTV reality show The Challenge who were looking for an isolated location to film the show. The show ended up being filmed on the site from August - November 2020, and the rental agreement provided Smidesang with the funds to do a speedy and complete renovation of the villa. “I remodelled everything in December, I love interior design so I collected pieces from everywhere, painted and made some things myself - I wanted it to be special, not just a lot of stuff from IKEA,” says Smidesang, who opened up the villa for visitors in January 2021. Today, she lives in a smaller building on the site and is thus available to help guests out with any concerns during their stay.

ten Icelandic horses which graze around the villa, adding an extra touch to the authentic experience of the Icelandic culture and landscape.

Most of her time, however, she spends raising, training and competing with her

Moreover, the spectacular experience of watching the Northern Lights and

More than expected With most of Hrafntinna Villa’s bookings happening through Airbnb, the reviews on the site provide a testament to the almost magical charm of the site. “Absolutely beautiful, beyond our expectations,” “gorgeous”, and “fantastic” are just some of the descriptions phrased by guests. The features often appreciated by the groups of friends and families staying in the villa include the charm of having Smidesang’s horses next door, the helpful host as well as the proximity to the charming town of Selfoss and its many shopping and dining offers.

Hrafntinna Villa is located in the south of Iceland, around 5 km from the city of Selfoss. The house is 300 square meters, on top of which guests have access to a garden and a big porch, an outdoor hot tub and ice bath as well as a sauna building in the garden. The villa comprises a large living room with high ceilings and panorama windows, a spacious TV lounge, a large kitchen, six bedrooms, and three bathrooms (one of them located in the sauna building). For guests who wish for an extra laid-back holiday, cooking and cleaning services can be booked with the villa. Next to the villa, there is a small stable with room for 10 horses, an indoor riding arena, and Smidesang’s home. www.hrafntinna.is Facebook: Hrafntinna Villa Instagram: @hrafntinna_villa

Hrafntinna Villa and its neighbouring stable are surrounded by nothing but green fields and distant mountains.

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Photo: Niels Nygaard

CHRISTENSEN & CO. ARCHITECTS We are an award winning Danish architectural company working throughout Scandinavia, Europe and Canada. We develop long lasting architecture that strengthens social interaction whilst paying attention to the environment. We believe that architects with intention, empathy, and thoroughness can actively change people’s lives and in all our designs we work to create experiences of community and learning.

In all we do, sustainability permeates our way of thinking and designing. This means creating architecture that can grow along with it’s users. We create architecture with innovative solutions to minimize resource consumption, create cultural connections, and ensure functional build environments that address user needs. Let us create with You

www.ccoarch.com

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Beffa boat tour.

Guest room at the Harbour Inn.

Arnarfjord.

The perfect base for nature adventures If you are looking to experience an authentic Icelandic coastal community and fishing village, the Harbour Inn Guesthouse in Bíldudalur won’t disappoint. Set in the stunning Westfjords of Iceland, the family-run guesthouse invites guests to be part of its local community. By Karin Blak

Photos: Gudmundur V. Magnusson

Providing accommodation for all requirements, the Harbour Inn Guesthouse offers easy access to the stunning wildlife of the Westfjords of Iceland. Whether you prefer a room, or a self-catering studio apartment, the flexibility of the host, Fríða Matthíasdóttir, will meet the needs of her guests. “Bíldudalur is a tightly knit and helpful community,” says Fríða. This is evident in the local restaurant, Vegamót, which doubles up as the daily shop and the local pub. Positioned directly opposite the Harbour Inn, their fish and chips have received reviews as the best in Iceland. The journey to Bíldudalur If you don’t fancy the five-hour drive from Reykjavik to Bíldudalur, Norlandair runs flights taking just 30 minutes. Once at the airport not far from the village, take a bus or hire a car for the freedom to explore this beautiful area of Iceland.

“The way we do travelling is based on the weather; it can change quickly, especially in the winter, we always have a plan a, b and c,“ says Fríða, recommending that you leave a little flexibility just in case of weather changes. Adventures nearby Many beautiful adventures await you in the rugged landscape surrounding Bíldudalur, with the local tour operator Westfjords Adventures happy to help with your travel plans.

to the fjords to admire whales and the local nature, or you can try your luck at sea-angling. As a relaxing alternative, you might take a dip in the geothermal baths at Pollurinn and Reykjarfjarðarlaug only a short drive away. Most importantly, a stopover at Harbour Inn in Bíldudalur will give you a genuine experience of Icelandic communities and their way of life, providing you with unforgettable memories and a memorable alternative to the main Icelandic attractions. www.harbourinn.is Instagram: @HarbourInnGuesthouse Facebook: HarbourInnGuesthouse

Using the Wapp app to guide you, you can take a walk through the history of the village or a peaceful hike off the beaten track in the Seljadalur woods. Popular hikes in the area also include Mt. Bylta and the coast in the Ketildalir valleys. Or perhaps a sea adventure is your preference? The local Beffa Tours arranges privately guided excursions sailing out

Frida, Harbour Inn and Gummi, Beffa Tours.

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Enjoying the outdoors in front of the fire at Skálakot Manor.

Trekking with Icelandic ponies.

Skálakot Manor and the Northern Lights.

Comfort and luxury in the heart of the Icelandic countryside Nestled amongst the green hills of southern Iceland sits Skálakot Manor, a family-run farm and boutique hotel. From the idyllic base of the hotel, guests can enjoy horse riding, hiking, caving and exploring the waterfalls, mountains, and coastal regions of the country. By Molly McPharlin

Photos: Nicole Heiling

Operating as a breeding farm for Icelandic horses for seven generations, Skálakot has provided guest accommodation since 2017. In addition to its cosy rooms, the hotel offers visitors fine cuisine, a spa, and a variety of both relaxing and high-energy activities, including fishing, snowmobiling, helicopter tours, Super Jeeps, and glacier explorations. Indeed, situated close to the Eyjafjajökull Glacier, Skálakot Manor is surrounded by many of the natural elements that make Iceland unique and is an ideal base from which to get to know the Icelandic countryside.

tors, horses, and sheep. They can meet the owner, who will show them around the property and explain our use of green energy in the hotel. The Manor operates a hydraulic plant, powered by a river on the property, helping us produce our own electricity and heating for the water supply. Sustainability is very important to us.”

“Skálakot emulates a farm vibe with an element of luxury,” says Loreyn Torres, the manager of Skálakot Manor. “Each room is designed for a relaxing stay without losing the essence of the place. But it is still a working farm. Visitors might see trac-

Several rooms are adapted for guests with disabilities or are suitable for families with younger children, and the farm is constantly being developed to allow guests to enjoy the areas designed for visitors.

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All types of visitors from all over the world come to Skálakot Manor. “We have families exploring nature, couples celebrating special occasions, single travellers relaxing with some time off,” says Torres.

Indeed, the fact that Skálakot Manor is a working farm gives guests an opportunity to have a truly Icelandic experience. “Visitors are welcome to come to the stables and interact with our iconic horses and sheep. Property tours are always available by reservation. They include stories and history of the farm so that people get to see the property in a special way, from the perspective of the family,” explains Torres and concludes: “Really, it cannot get more personal than this.” www.skalakot.is Instagram: @skalakot Facebook: Skálakot

A relaxing room in the eves of Skálakot Manor.

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Whale hello there!

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By Nina Bressler

Iceland is the dream destination of many and exploring the majestic sea-life that surrounds the island tops the list of activities to try when visiting. Láki Tours provides unforgettable encounters with sea creatures and the birdlife that circles above, adding a legacy that is deeply rooted in conservation and respect for nature with all its inhabitants.

The Icelandic waters are home to many different whale species and Láki Tours provides whale-watching tours from two unique locations, offering the perfect excursions to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. From Ólafsvík in Snæfellsnes, you have the chance to see species that are not often

seen elsewhere around the country, such as orcas and sperm whales. Hólmavík in the Westfjords is one of the best locations to see humpback whales, a favourite among whale watchers because of their playful nature. Puffin tours are available from Grundarfjörður during the summer months. “Being the only tour company in these locations, we are always the only boat out there with the whales. This makes for respectful encounters with the animals and unforgettable experiences for the passengers – and the crew too!” says Renée Blankenstein, guide and marketing manager. The Láki team consists of knowledgeable and experienced captains and

Exploring Iceland

Photos: Renée Blankenstein

guides with a passion for wildlife that’s transferred into memorable experiences on the water. They put great emphasis on conservation and research, and by providing close encounters with the animals they aim to instill a greater respect for nature with all the life that it holds. Whale, what are you waiting for? Your Icelandic adventure awaits. www.lakitours.com Instagram: @lakitours

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Beautiful wisps of Aurora Borealis over Storvannet, Senja.

Spend the day with the adorable dog packs and try sledding in Senja’s bright winter landscape.

Experience Norwegian winter magic with Camp Fjordbotn Home to mountainous fjords, northern lights, and the midnight sun, Senja, an island in northern Norway, is revered for its tranquillity and magical sights. With easily accessible activities and cosy cabins, Camp Fjordbotn offers the very best of Senja and Norwegian winter. By Celina Tran

Along the rippling seafront of Senja Island, securely tucked amidst its magnificent mountains, lies Camp Fjordbotn. The local, family-run campsite offers the perfect base for exploring for all types of travellers, whether they’re looking to stay in a tent, their caravan, or one of the cabins available on the grounds. Ernst-Hugo Eriksen, who runs Fjordbotn with his brother, Stein Gunnar Eriksen, explains that the site was established by their parents, Alf and Erna, in 1992 as a supplement to the family’s farming activities. Since then, Fjordbotn has undergone extensive renovations and expansions, becoming the perfect escape to nature. “Nowadays, we’re a site that offers affordable, laid back, and low-thresh56

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old activities and accommodation for groups of all sizes and interests,” says Ernst-Hugo. Chase adventures in Norwegian nature In the summer, the site is brimming with life and people wishing to momentarily trade the bustle of the summer with the magic of Norwegian nature. The real magic, however, comes with the changes of the seasons. Once the winter darkness falls over Senja, the green and blue flares of aurora borealis light up the night sky – a sight that will leave even the most blasé of travellers breathless. “From September and throughout March, you can experience Aurora Borealis in Senja. Our guests get the chance to hunt the northern lights, or they can sit by the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate

while they wait for Miss Aurora to appear,” says Ernst-Hugo. “Regardless of your hiking experience, our local area is perfect for people wishing to explore nature. We offer accessible, guided hikes or can refer you to other excellent local guides if you wish to take on a challenge.” From hiking and skiing to snowshoeing and dog sledding, Senja’s winter nature has something for everyone. Ernst Hugo explains that because nature is so important to the locals, Fjordbon actively works to both reduce their own carbon footprint across all business aspects and encourage their guests to engage in the protection of nature. “We love Senja and its nature, it’s where we grew up and it’s where we live. It’s therefore very important for us to not only take care of the local community but also our environment,” says Ernst-Hugo. www.fjordbotn.no Instagram: @fjordbotncamping Facebook: Fjordbotn Camping

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The Best of Winter in Norway

Make memories for life with Arctic Whale Tours Norway-based Arctic Whale Tours spreads knowledge and safeguards animal welfare through thrilling adventures at sea. From whale safaris to smaller-scale whale watching, the company provides guests with the amazing opportunity to observe marine animals in their natural habitat. By Celina Tran

Photos: Arctic Whale Tour

On the northern tip of the beautiful, mountainous island, Langøya, rests a quiet fishing village famous for its whale-watching activities since the 90s. Proud to continue the tradition of the area, the people behind Arctic Whale Tours offer exciting sea adventures and chances to spot some of Norway’s wild whale populations year-round. The tours offer the best of the North Norwegian seasons, with guests exploring Vesterålen during the summer season and Tromsø in the winter. “This season, we’re offering daily whale safaris from Tromsø. Being the smallest boat doing regular whale watching from Tromsø, we’re a great option for those wanting a smaller scale whale-watching experi-

www.cosytimesceramics.dk Instagram: @cosytimesceramics.kerteminde

everyone the very best possible experience,” she says. www.arcticwhaletours.com Facebook: Arctic Whale Tours Instagram: @arcticwhaletours

ence,” says Hannaleena Väisänen, guide at Arctic Whale Tours. Though a small company, Arctic Whale Tours has been able to establish itself and find its niche in Tromsø, a big destination for winter tourism. Even there, each whale sighting is a unique experience. “The whales themselves offer endless surprises; we’ve never had two trips that were the same,” says Väisänen. She explains that the crew of Arctic Whale Tours are highly passionate about their work, and that every day at sea is an adventure for them too. Because of this, they work hard to minimize the impact on wildlife. “We are visitors to their homes,” she says. “We like to take our time with both people and whales and want to offer

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The Best of Winter in Norway

The Áldu family.

A herd of reindeer grazing in summertime.

Showcasing reindeer and Samí culture Situated in Karasjok, Finnmark, a part of northern Norway close to the Finnish border, Áldu, a family-owned company, specialises in reindeer herding and sharing Samí culture with visitors from around the world. By Molly McPharlin

Photos: Áldu

Reindeer have been in founders Piera Ailu and Bjørn Petter’s families for hundreds of years. Sire Márjá, Piera’s partner, also has ancestors who made their living from reindeer husbandry. Through tours and experiences, the families show guests how they live with nature. With a variety of professional backgrounds, they decided to open their company to give the world an opportunity to get to know life with reindeer and the life of a Samí family.

says Sire Márjá. “On this, you can experience both closeness to nature and sweet, small reindeer calves, get to know us as a family, and learn about Sami culture in absolutely wonderful settings. This spring we had a visit from some guests and they were lucky enough to experience a coot calving, or female reindeer giving birth. It is such a rare experience that even most reindeer practitioners have never experienced it.”

“On our tours, it’s possible for people to interact with reindeer in different ways,” says Sire Márjá. “You can feed and cuddle them. We train our guests to be reindeer herders and share with them the tradition of reindeer sledding. These are fantastic experiences, to be so close to reindeer in nature, in completely normal surroundings.”

In the summertime, tours change a bit. “In the summer, we don’t have the reindeer at home,” says Sire Márjá. “They are out at pasture and graze in peace until autumn. But then, we offer Samí experiences at home in our lavvo where we serve biđus (a type of stew) and talk about reindeer herding and Samí traditions. It is also possible to spend the night in the lavvo.”

Áldu, which means mother with calf in Samí, offers a variety of tours and experiences. “Reindeer calving is definitely the most popular and most unique tour,”

Áldu receives visitors from all over the world as well as local schools and businesses. “The tours are suited to most people,” says Sire Márjá. “We are hoping

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to also make them accessible for guests with disabilities.” For the future, Áldu also wants to expand operations and offer more activities and accommodation year-round. “We really want to promote an understanding of reindeer herding and Samí culture,” says Sire Márjá. “So that all our visitors can experience how rich and interesting our lifestyle is.” www.aldu.no Facebook: Áldu Instagram: @reindeerinnorway Youtube: Áldu – reindeer adventures and products

A reindeer calf grazing.

8848 ALTITUDE.COM

GN I ES lT D a i L N ec IA DE Sp R T WE S U S D IN IN e:

Perfect Fools (page 62).

m he

SVID, Swedish Industrial Design Foundation – your toolkit and partner for a circular everyday life SVID is here to bridge the gap between research, industry and the rest of society to increase innovation and green transition using design as a tool for radical change. By Jonas Olsson, CEO SVID

By bringing together a number of actors, SVID strives to develop a competitive industry and strengthen society’s competence for green transition, sustainable development and innovation, and a developed circular economy through design methodology. Through the preparatory project Design Impact - People Powered Transformation within Impact Innovation - a next-generation strategic innovation program run by the Energy Agency, Formas and Vinnova – SVID and a number of actors throughout the country have for60

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mulated a roadmap for radical change. The roadmap details how actors can jointly contribute to creating attractive

living environments using design methodologies and cooperation to aid society’s green transition. Luleå University of Technology, Linköping University, Malmö University and Konstfack are some of the universities that are part of the partnership together with a large number of partners from academia, business, the public sector and organisations.

Struktur Design (page 64).

Another important complementary context for SVID is the interdisciplinary research and innovation program Design for Energy-Efficient Everyday Life that’s being coordinated by the foundation. By combining three perspectives - behaviour, energy and design - the program focuses on the role of individuals and groups in the energy system. The program provides funding to projects that

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Industrial Design in Sweden

require complex answers. Here design and design processes can make a difference, especially if designers are given the opportunity to enter early in the planning and design is given the right conditions to operate in more policy areas. SVID wants to contribute to this. Through a developed collaboration with the regions of Norrbotten, Västerbotten and Skellefteå municipality, we are now establishing the Arctic Design Center, a platform for co-creation around development in northern Sweden, with a focus on the growth of new industry, the green transformation of society, and attractive living environments. Here, designers, artists and architects together with public actors, the business world, academia and civil society must jointly build a visionary and sustainable future, in which it is precisely the designer’s way of working that must serve as the engine of development.

EY Doberman (page 70).

To quote John Thackara, former director of the Dutch Design Institute; “It is not design that will save the planet from the challenges of our time - but the chances increase if we use a designer’s way of thinking and working”. www.svid.se sustainabilityguide.eu

Boid (page 66).

combine energy research and development with design and behaviour science to develop new business models, knowledge, technology, products and services. A particular challenge lies in the fact that society’s transformation, the green system shift, must take place in a short time - approximately ten years if you listen to the researchers and the most ambitious roadmaps for a fossil-free future. A logical conclusion would therefore be to hire more designers - to let the decade that will define our future also become the decade of designers. For example, over SEK 1,000 billion is to be invested in the gigantic industrial transformation in the Arctic regions in the Northern parts of Sweden. And with this comes, of course, a major restructuring of the entire social structure. Yes, complex questions often

Jonas Olsson, CEO SVID, Swedish Industrial Design Foundation SVID, the Swedish Industrial Design Foundation, is an independent research and development foundation that since 1989 has developed Swedish companies, society and organisations with design. SVID was founded by the Statens industriverk, IVA, The Royal Academy of Engineering Sciences and the association Svensk Form and has its main mission and operating grant from the Agency for Regional Growth (Tillväxtverket). SVID collaborates with a vast number of other authorities, organisations and universities. Don’t be a stranger, learn more about us, get involved and say hello at: www.svid.se

Jonas Olsson, CEO SVID, Swedish Industrial Design Foundation. Photo: Sofia Beckman

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Growing people and brands Part of an industry which is notorious for its non-stop working mentality and poor work-life balance, Perfect Fools is the Swedish comms agency proving that agency life can be sustainable. And that by putting people and their well-being first, great work becomes the standard. By Emma Rodin

Photos: Alexander Donka

The ultimate goal for Perfect Fools is to have the best employee well-being in the industry, while also being the best agency overall.

the team, which also puts a healthy dose of pressure on me to be a good role model and act the way I expect others to”.

“To us, it’s less about what we deliver and more about what kind of business we are,” CEO Klas Lusth tells Scan Magazine. “Of course, this is partly down to profit and business value as people who feel good do better work, but we also just want the office to be a safe space where you dare to think big but aren’t afraid to fail. Well-being is obviously a hot potato right now, and we talk a lot about it within

With 22 years under its belt, Perfect Fools has been around long enough to shapeshift more than once. The agency started off in the realm of digital production where the team helped advertisement agencies create their digital campaigns, ranking them top ten in the world by doing so. However, over the years, the offering has naturally changed in line with society and the market, and the team has

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A digital nomad

gravitated towards working more directly with customers instead of just being the middleman. Fast-forward to today and Perfect Fools is a go-to partner for any sort of branding challenge clients may have (even though the digital focus is still very much there). “Whether we’re crafting a new visual identity for a telecoms brand or creating a campaign to increase awareness of alcohol consumption, we approach each project with a strategic mindset, respect and curiosity,” says Lusth. “We pride ourselves on a lack of prestigiousness and work closely with our clients to make space for both parts’ competence.” Thinking outside the box Perhaps it’s the curiosity and urge to evolve that has led to the launch of Pow-

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Part of the creative for an anti-bullying campaign for Friends. Photo: Perfect Fools

ered By. A brand-new integrated offering created in partnership with media agency Tre Kronor Media, it is the first of its kind being spearheaded by a creative agency in Sweden. Best explained as another tool added to Perfect Fools’ creative toolbox, this new service brings advertising and media agency solutions into one place, with integrated teams to consult clients and understand their entire marketing needs. “This is very old-school-meets-newschool in terms of how media and advertisement offerings have been framed traditionally. Just think back to Madison Avenue in the 1950s where a copywriter would be sat next to a colleague buying TV advertisements, both working for the same client,” explains Lusth. “We feel like going back to basics is the smartest way of doing things, while still being conscious that not every client will be looking for this kind of service. But that’s the beauty of the toolbox, that we can pick and choose the best solutions for each client”.

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Industrial Design in Sweden

Photo: Perfect Fools

Three notable projects Perfect Fools is known for its high creativity over a wide breadth of work and a range of clients, spanning all kinds of industries. The agency has tons of successful award-winning projects in the bag, with one being an anti-bullying campaign for Swedish non-profit organisation Friends. The core idea was to reveal hidden cyberbullying among kids to adults. How? By taking authentic messages from bullied children’s screens and placing them on billboards and pillars around the country. Hard-hitting and real, this campaign proved a success and is a great example of how creating awareness can help make a difference. Another project to highlight is the marketing concept created for the major Swedish insurance firm Trygg Hansa. Human and raw, this clever project was all about showing life’s most important moments, which included airing a real birth on national TV.

And then, to answer the ultimate question of whether this advertising agency really isn’t ‘just another agency’, there’s the voting app made for Swedish broadcasting channel SVT to support Melodifestivalen – the 6-week long contest held to determine who gets to compete in Eurovision Song Contest (yes, Swedes love Eurovision). Designed to boost engagement, this app helped four million viewers vote for their favourite act by pressing a heart symbol on their phones. Not really a traditional ad campaign, but definitely something that sparked engagement – the holy grail of marketing. Described by Lusth as a 22-year-old child who always asks “why?” and never accepts “because that’s the way it is” as an answer, the team at Perfect Fools will continue asking the unexpected questions while always keeping people at the heart of what they do. www.perfectfools.com Instagram: @perfectfools

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Red Dot and IF Award-winning joysticks for ROTOTILT AB.

Intelligent problem-solving from Sweden Design that works. As simple as that may sound, the reality is that there are numerous factors that play into the determination of a certain design as ‘successful’. That’s something the award-winning team behind Struktur Design is acutely aware of when crafting solutions for the business needs of their clients and the benefit of their end users. By Emma Rodin

Photos: Struktur Design

With over 30 years of experience in sectors ranging from forestry and mining to MedTech, the Struktur Design team is a tightly-knit group of industrial designers (and problem-solvers). Whether they’re faced with big or small challenges, the team always consider functionality, longevity and quality to create the best solution possible. Even when clients don’t quite know what the solution should look like. “Sometimes we’re brought on board to meet more obvious client needs, like designing an ergonomic and functional joystick for a construction machine, or a smart, sleek-looking conference phone for a boardroom,” explains founder and 64

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CEO Johan Gustafsson. “However, at other times, the issue may be more abstract than that. And in those cases, we must first identify what the real problem is, which is something we do in tandem with clients”.

Covering the basics In any project, the start-up phase is crucial. This is something the team prides itself on – spending time getting to know the core values of the client and user habits. By taking this approach, the Struktur Design team can see the bigger picture and use their specialist skills to define the task at hand. After all, it’s about the product as much as the market. “Before we start creating, we tend to study how a product is generally used as this can give us helpful insights and reveal unexpected hurdles”, tells Nikita Golovlev who is a partner at Struktur Design. “This is where our expertise shines bright, shadowing users to see for ourselves how things work. It’s where the real design process begins.” “We also look at our clients’ vision for the future and use that to frame a solution around the experience of a potential product. Essentially, we create with two

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Industrial Design in Sweden

The Struktur Design team creates carefully crafted designs with the user in mind.

like a bear. “A bear is powerful yet reliable and caring, just like us. We care deeply about our clients’ and users’ situations, and we do everything with intelligence and softness,” he says.

receivers in mind. One is the client and business itself and one is the end-user of said product,” adds Gustafsson. Flexibility is key Struktur Design’s adaptable style of working helps the team discover new, perhaps unexpected USPs for clients to latch onto. It’s an organic approach that brings together the best of two worlds – design that works as well as profitability for the business. As part of this, it is also important for the design to sit in line with the business’ values and suit its means of production.

“We don’t offer any pre-packaged services, even our team is customised to suit specific projects and client needs,” says Golovlev. “I’d say our flexibility and understanding of the bigger picture are the main reasons why clients choose to team up with us. They know that the final product will be a true reflection of their business and that is something incredibly valuable”. Meet the bear Asked what animal best describes Struktur Design’s values and personality, Gustafsson explains that the business is much

The team at Struktur Design has a clear idea of what success looks like. Receiving awards like the Red Dot, IF Award and Good Design is one form of assurance, but the ultimate proof of great design is that clients’ products are loved by users and contribute to the economic growth of their business. To sum up the team’s approach - there should always be a balance between a product’s functionality and longevity. Because when design really works, all aspects benefit, be it ergonomics, the environment or business growth. And that is something that the team behind Struktur Design has done successfully for decades – and will continue to do into the future too. www.strukturdesign.se

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The new machine designed for Södra Skogsägarna.

Discover the Boid philosophy Meet Boid, the research-driven design agency home to a family of skilled creatives - a family which has the power to merge a multitude of talents for the mission in question: taking complex problems and simplifying them for the benefit of the end user. By Emma Rodin

Photos: Boid

At Boid, diversity is a fundamental ingredient to success and that is reflected in the many skillsets that make up the team. It is much like having a set of keys that all look a bit different but can be used to unlock the same door, explains creative director David Lamm. “Although Boid started off with a humble group of creatives solving smaller design challenges, today we’re a full-blown house of designers, programmers and researchers who have the capabilities to meet all sorts of client and user needs,” he says. “We’re all invested in each other’s individual fields, and I think that 66

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shared interest is an important piece of how and why we deliver great work”. Working as one Indeed, collaboration is key, both within the team itself and with clients. Col-

laborations are led by the philosophy that the sum is larger than its parts and everyone is welcome to bring something to the table. Whether that’s through user studies, 3D prototypes or digital apps, the team owns a range of tools to untangle knotty problems. “In our industry, you’ll often see creatives working in a consulting capacity which usually means they’re siloed. We take a different approach, giving clients access to our entire team and a cross pollination of ideas and solutions,” explains John Hayman, industrial designer. A Boid showcase With a portfolio of successful projects, there’s one in particular which adequately shows the vast skills of the Boid team. Three years in the making and only just wrapped up, this project has focussed on

Scan Magazine

developing a modern system of planting new trees, or saplings, for Södra Skogsägarna – a forest industry group and membership organisation consisting of around 52,000 private forest owners. The need for this new system stems from a history of intensive manual labour, along with a poor survival rate of newly planted saplings. These are issues that became even more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading forest owners to ask themselves “how can we do this better?”. “Rejuvenating forests is a science of its own. The circular process of reforestation takes years from sapling to usable wood so it’s important to give those saplings the best possible start. After harvesting, you must ready the area by preparing the soil and disturbing an unnecessary area of ground. You also plant without much precision. The process just isn’t very gentle,” tells Lamm. The solution? Creating an autonomous automated planting system. “We’ve worked in a consortium of companies where we’ve been in charge of designing the user experience of this machine,” says Hayman. “As the brief asked for a more sustainable solution to planting, we designed a precision-based, small machine that reflected care and

Special Theme

Industrial Design in Sweden

gentleness whilst having a futuristic, intelligent and trustworthy presence”. The machine works on a spot-by-spot basis, is completely automated and supported by an intelligent app that helps the user plan the most optimal path for planting that avoids hinderances such as tree trunks and large branches. Moreover, it is gentler to the forest floor than the current method. This means that although the machine is still only a prototype, it represents a huge step forward that will propel the entire industry into the future. Raising the user’s voice The team at Boid also has a strong footing in the research area, with a significant focus on user and sustainability research. By understanding different user groups and industrial challenges, the Boid team can create ideas to drive greater sustainability and circularity in their projects. One such is the idea for reusing speakers from scrapped cars and even looping them back into new ones. “Sometimes, clients need our help to identify their core user needs. That’s where we often reframe a problem to ask whether a brief makes sense from a user perspective,” tells Hayman.“It’s by questioning and re-thinking the strategy that we can create tangible business results by solving real user needs.”

John Hayman.

In fact, big brands everywhere are adding chief experience officers to their teams, which shows how important and relevant the user has become in any design, stresses Lamm and concludes: “It’s hard for clients to build a strong design division without a set strategy. But if they engage with us, Boid can be the springboard to make magic happen”. www.boid.se Instagram: @boid_studio

David Lamm.

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Industrial Design in Sweden

Propeller designs large train projects together with clients such as Alstom, Bombardier and Stadler.

Spektrum ski helmets made from bio-based material, winner of the Red Dot Best of the Best award in 2023.

Propeller Design supported startup Cowboy from the first sketch to the latest generation of e-bikes, raising more than US$140 million in funding.

The creation of something groundbreaking Propeller Design in Stockholm is a strategic design agency whose expertise and closely-knit team help drive forward innovation across the globe. Through a strategic process with an integrated holistic approach, the company helps global powerhouses as well as small startups create unique products with design, function and sustainability at the core. By Nina Bressler

Photos: Propeller Design

Since Propeller Design was founded in 1995, the company’s journey has been going from strength to strength. Today, the team’s expertise is a recognised global force for innovative product creation with a range of clients - including international giants like IKEA, Google, Bosch, Panasonic, Alstom and SJ (Swedish Railways) as well as small startups - having placed their trust in the team to provide an all-encompassing design strategy and drive growth through quality products. ”We look at the whole picture and don’t leave anything to chance: our talented multidisciplinary team consists of design strategists, product designers, UI/UX designers, visual designers, design engineers, researchers, and sourcing experts - we’re there from the very beginning until the product is rolled out and beyond by creating brand strategies that build brand 68

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recognition and coherent quality,” says Karl Forsberg, head of design strategy. The products in the portfolio of Propeller Design more than adequately document the company’s versatility, with a wide range of brand sectors proving that no project is too small or too big. Whether it is designing new high-speed trains, creating a new generation of sustainable ski helmets, or strollers, furniture, headphones, apps, digital interfaces, or smart safety alarms - all challenges are welcomed. ”We embrace a challenge and with our strategic design approach, we deliver tangible, long-lasting results for our clients. The Cowboy e-bikes are a great example of this: we were approached by three entrepreneurs from Brussels who had a vision to create an e-bike for the urban rider. In a close collaboration with

Cowboy, our team have supported with everything from the initial strategic conceptualisation, to designing, engineering and packaging, a process that resulted in e-bikes that have won prestigious awards and sold exponentially over Europe and the USA,” says Olle Gyllang, partner at Propeller Design. Rooted in Scandinavian functionality and armed with unique industry knowledge of the entire design process, Propeller Design aims to remain at the forefront of innovation for the benefit of companies and consumers alike. www.propeller.se LinkedIn: Propeller Design AB

Discover Eleiko Prestera, a complete strength system that evolves with your needs. We put everything we have learned in more than six decades of perfecting equipment for Olympic Games and training facilities into one customisable and scalable system optimised for long-lasting performance and safety.

BAR T H E RAISE

Precision crafted strength equipment since 1957

EY Doberman Technology, innovation, and creativity Based in the Swedish capital, EY Doberman is a design agency run by a team of passionate creatives, engineers, and strategists. From scaleups to major companies in all sectors, EY Doberman helps companies create exceptional digital experiences. By Celina Tran

Photos: EY Doberman

Home to all kinds of beauty and creativity, Sweden holds a strong position in the global market for investments and business startups, perhaps unsurprising when considering that two of the things Scandinavia is known for are efficiency and innovation.

narrative for a health startup, and we’ve built a service and an app to help a global transportation company reinvent themselves.” Ankerblad prides herself in the company’s passion and ability to create meaningful impact through “rebellious creativity”.

Taking these elements to a whole new level is EY Doberman, a Swedish design agency working to create modern, innovative business solutions for companies both nationally and internationally. “We are creatives, engineers, and strategists and we are here to help different companies create exceptional digital experiences,” says Elin Ankerblad, CEO and co-founder of EY Doberman. “We’ve helped a major bank prototype and validate new value propositions, we’ve designed the brand and communication 70

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“Wowing people is serious business! That’s why I’ve been in the business of design for over 25 years, mostly within digital product and service innovation, and customer experience, both internationally and in Sweden,” she says. “I love to create completely new, ground-breaking, world-class customer experiences, that not only streamline and effectively leverage each touchpoint with users, but more importantly also connect users to meaningful brand experiences, which work as a key market differentiator.” The birth of a new era for businesses

“My mission is to create meaningful business impact through rebellious creativity,” says CEO and co-founder Elin Ankerblad. Photo: E.Hall

The 90s saw a booming digital economy, with the founding of companies like Google, eBay, and Yahoo. In 1998, EY Doberman was established to help brands and companies transition to this new world by combining cutting-edge design, technologies, and business capabilities. “Since our establishment, we’ve grown into three design studios in Stockholm, Oslo, and Copenhagen, with clients all over the world,” says Ankerblad.

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Industrial Design in Sweden

Moreover, the company has merged operations with the business consultants at EY to supercharge their business with expertise and global reach in order to provide the very best for their customers. Though they have extensive strategic capabilities, and more than 2000 designers and engineers across the world, Ankerblad says it takes more than just strategy to succeed. She notes that there are many great minds out there who can deliver relevant, clever, strategic work, but in many cases that goes no further than PowerPoint slides. “You can’t win in business with PowerPoint slides alone,” she says. “We see a lot of great creatives out there who can craft captivating, beautiful things, but lack true customer insight and a business mindset. We know we’re different because we’ve dedicated ourselves to combining both of these two worlds.” Nurturing creativity and the human experience At EY Doberman, business meets creativity, meaning that the company not only delivers desirable products but also excellent customer services and experiences. “Everything we do, and how we do it, is centred around people, not just for our customers but also for our employees,” she explains. “If we can provide a space, an approach, and a culture that nurtures and unleashes creativity within people, then we can do amazing things no matter the challenge. When people thrive, our clients thrive. For many companies, this is just a saying. For us, this is life and death.” More than anything, the award-winning

company continues to get better, encouraging employees and clients to further thrive. They credit their legacy to this hard work and passion. “We’re very proud of maintaining our creative culture, mindset, approach, and ambition longer than most other agencies in our field. The most encouraging part is that, after 25 years, old clients still return and new clients approach.” Embracing the future Following the times EY Doberman relentlessly experiments with technology. This not only allows the team to learn and develop but also inspires the company’s clients to take new leaps into the future. Currently, the company is developing an approach to generative AI, which can be applied to a range of existing projects with clients. But though keeping up with the times is important, Ankerblad insists

that there needs to be a balance. Human emotions must still be retained. “As humans, we connect through emotions. We need to use this technology to design experiences for these emotions. We design the heart in the machine and offer products, services, and experiences to really connect with people,” she says. Still, she encourages businesses to take a leap to stand out in the era of AI, explaining that the technological world offers a range of new solutions and experiences. “I think many CMO’s would benefit a lot from exploring the intersection of design and technology, and the new types of experiences this can bring about. Companies that manage to embrace it all will stand out in the years to come.” www.doberman.co Linkedn: EY Doberman Instagram: @eydoberman

Taking on the next step in male fertility testing with Mojo.

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Details that matter. Just as the child seat in your vehicle is approved and tested to provide maximum protection in accidents and unexpected events, the safety of the GARO Entity Compact is equally paramount. It is a minimalist wallbox, yet it is packed with details that ensure secure charging at your home. In GARO Entity Compact, all the necessary components for safe charging are already built-in, saving you from unnecessary additional costs.

Find your retailer.

Wallbox GARO Entity Compact

Living area in the penthouse suite.

Hotel of the Month, Iceland

A pearl in the heart of Reykjavik Situated three minutes’ walk from the charming old harbour, The Black Pearl Apartment Hotel boasts everything needed to make a stay in Reykjavik enjoyable and comfortable. With a minimalist designer interior, the apartments combine a bit of luxury with a home away from home feeling to provide practical accommodation for families, couples, and business visitors alike.

how to take an unfortunate situation and turn it into a business venture. When the financial crisis of 2008 struck, Mr. Hol was faced with not being able to move his investments out of Iceland.

By Karin Blak

Turning this negative moment into an inspiration to do something good, Mr. Hol used the opportunity to re-invest locally. Visiting Reykjavik, he found his very own pearl of fortune when he fell for the black, contemporary, window-rich building that was to become The Black Pearl.

Photos: The Black Pearl

The modern apartments of The Black Pearl have been created with attention to detail and decorated with tasteful designer furniture chosen specifically with comfort in mind. Liesbeth Ruinard, a representative from The Black Pearl says, “We all pride ourselves on providing a welcoming atmosphere, a home away from home.” The history of The Black Pearl Mr. Hol - a Dutchman who is locally known as ‘the man with the hat’ - knows 74

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Mr. Hol, the man with the hat.

Starting off with just ten luxury suites, Mr. Hol carried on developing The Black Pearl which, today, includes a reception area, a multifunctional space for events and meetings and 22 fully serviced suites between 60 and 180 m2 with one to three separate bedrooms.

Scan Magazine

All suites are tastefully minimalist but with a focus on comfort and practicality. Whether you want to make a cup of coffee or a three-course meal, the kitchens are fully equipped with built-in appliances and high-end technical facilities. Rooms interconnected via a balcony are available for families with older children. Creating home comforts Mr. Hol and his employees pride themselves on the welcoming atmosphere and the top-ranked services that are available to all guests. There is no need to forego the facilities of a hotel; with daily cleaning, in-suite breakfast and catering available for those moments when staying in suits best, the team at The Black Pearl are happy to help. If more specific requirements are needed, perhaps for special occasions such as Christmas, weddings, birthdays, business meetings or conferences, or even a night out in Reykjavik, The Black Pearl team can advise and organise as required. Out and about With the National Theatre of Iceland, the Harpa Concert Hall and Reykjavik Art Museum, nearby, not to mention a vast

array of high-class restaurants, cafes and bars, there is no shortage of entertainment. Going further afield, the choice includes excursions for whale watching, trips to the famous black sandy beaches or blue lagoon, or even northern light hunting. Perhaps the most difficult decision is which adventure to include in your stay at The Black Pearl. Claims to fame The Black Pearl is getting quite an international reputation. During its ten years in existence, well-known DJs have taken residence here, as have documentary makers from World of Travel at the American News Broadcasting Company (NBC). Not only that, but The Black Pearl is also due to appear in Iceland’s famous TV series, The Minister. The future of The Black Pearl Mr. Hol’s pearl is a perfect example of how new things can grow from a negative situation. But this isn’t the end of the story - the stylish luxury of the Black Pearl will soon be made available in The Hague too. Here, close to the beach, Mr. Hol is in the process of converting a church into a fivestar aparthotel.

Hotel of the Month

Iceland

When asked about an opening date, Liesbeth answers “Mr. Hol is passionate about getting the details right and believes that the next Black Pearl is ready when it is perfect.” However, she proudly talks about the facilities that will be available: swimming pool, spa, and a restaurant, adding that it will be 18 months before it is ready to welcome guests. Mr. Hol and his team set out ten years ago with one primary goal in mind: to create a five-star aparthotel with the best services and the most welcoming environment in Iceland. With its many positive reviews The Black Pearl has received awards from TripAdvisor, Booking.com and Expedia, and is widely regarded as the first and only hotel in its class in Iceland – there can be doubt he has achieved that. Looking back over the past ten years it is certain that patience and perseverance have been part of the journey. It is fair to say that what Mr. Hol and his team have achieved deserves admiration and a stay at The Black Pearl is surely a must when visiting Reykjavik. www.blackpearlreykjavik.com Instagram: @blackpearlreykjavik Facebook: BlackPearlReykjavik

The Black Pearl.

Bedroom in the penthouse suite.

Living area in a deluxe suite.

December 2023

Issue 161

Hotel of the Month, Norway

A luxurious holiday benefitting the local community At Ydalir Hotel, you can experience Norwegian winter in luxurious and peaceful surroundings. Based in Stavanger, the hotel is a non-profit boutique hotel that prides itself not only in high-quality guest experiences but in also giving back to its community’s children and youth. By Celina Tran

Photos: Ydalir Hotel

Established in 2018, Ydalir Hotel was a gift from the company, Smedvig, to the community of Stavanger. As one of the best-rated hotels in the area, a stay at Ydalir does not only guarantee excellent accommodation but also a direct contribution to the local community. “Each stay at our hotel directly benefits Stavanger University,” explains Martin Sagen, general manager at Ydalir Hotel. “All of the hotel’s profits are donated to the University of Stavanger each year, contributing to furthering of research and education by supporting scholarship and other means.” Moreover, as a “hotel for the future”, the hotel provides its space as a research 76

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area and direct source of academic excellence, in addition to its funding. Today, the hotel operates commercially, but with close links to the Norwegian School of Hotel Management, which is located at the university.

As well as being a big supporter of education, the team at Ydalir Hotel is proud of all aspects of their local community. Based just outside of Stavanger city centre, guests are encouraged to not only enjoy the hotel’s peaceful surroundings but also to explore the city’s local businesses and attractions. An homage to the ancient area of Ullandhaug Ydalir Hotel lies in a part of Stavanger called Ullandhaug, named after the Norse god of winter and hunting, Ull. The hotel pays homage to the deity by naming themselves after his home, Ydalir. “The name is a direct link between the hotel and Norse mythology, of which you can find many traces in this area,” Sagen says. Said mythological traces include the Iron Age Farm, where guests may experience a reconstructed farmstead in its original archaeological site, as well as the Swords in Rock monument, commemorating the battle of Hafrsfjord. If you find yourself

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Hotel of the Month

Norway

Enjoy fresh drinks in Ydalir’s lobby bar

The fireplace in the lobby offers warmth and relaxation after a day in the Norwegian winter cold.

walking the Ullandhaug area, search for the rock carvings near the Ullandhaug tower and enjoy the spectacular view while you’re at it. In addition to easy access to great historical and cultural experiences, Sagen explains that the hotel and its surrounding area is the perfect place for guests to unwind away from the hustle and bustle of large and loud cities. “We don’t have any traffic nearby, other than the bus that conveniently takes you directly to the city centre, so it is optimal for anyone who wants a calm and comfortable stay,” he says. “If comfort, relaxation and a distraction-free environment are what you are searching for, whether for business or leisure, Ydalir Hotel is the place for you.” High-quality design, service and culinary experience As the hotel’s name indicates, Ydalir Hotel strives to be a hotel worthy of gods and

humans alike. Designed by Lund+Slaatto Arkitekter, its architecture and interior aim to preserve and promote the best of Norwegian culture through classic materials and colours, harmoniously adapting to its natural surroundings while implementing modern solutions to satisfy the guests of today. “The goal was to create a robust project with high-quality solutions – a building that will age with dignity,” Sagen says. The hotel consists of 59 rooms of different sizes, including 12 fully equipped apartments, all of which reflect that welcoming and contemporary, yet timeless Scandinavian look. Regardless of guest’s requirements or length of stay, there is a room for everyone. The staff at Ydalir Hotel understand that it takes more than just a pretty front to create a good hotel experience, which is why they ensure that numerous services are offered both inside and nearby the hotel year-round. Dry-cleaning services

and free parking are offered, and guests are invited to make use of Stavanger’s best fitness centre, SIS Sportssenter, which is located only five minutes away. “We also understand the importance of starting the day with a good meal, which is why our locally sourced, quality-conscious breakfast is included in your stay,” says Sagen. “The hotel also has an on-site bar and a café, where guests may enjoy good drinks or freshly baked goods.” In addition to accommodation, the hotel offers space for meetings, conferences, courses, and events. So, whether you’re looking to host your wedding in Stavanger’s peaceful surroundings or simply wish to spoil yourself with a weekend of Norwegian tranquillity, you look to Ydalir Hotel. www.ydalir.no Instagram: @ydalirhotel Facebook: YdalirHotel

December 2023

Issue 161

Restaurant of the Month, Iceland

Experience the fresh and flavourful culinary arts of Iceland with Hjá Jóni Based in the Icelandic capital, Hjá Jóni Restuarant aims to provide guests with a luxurious and memorable experience. Here, each dish tells a story for the eyes, soul, and tastebuds, accompanied by a flavourful Icelandic accent.

parliament, Hjá Jóni is a restaurant that strives to show the very best of Icelandic hospitality, service, and food.

By Celina Tran

Fanney Dóra Sigurjónsdóttir, head chef at Hjá Jóni, explains that as they serve food to locals and tourists alike, they want each meal to showcase the magic of Iceland while taking inspiration from the best of international cuisine and flavours.

Photos: Iceland Parliament Hotel

There’s no doubt that the culinary experience makes up a significant part of getting to know a new culture or country, and in the land of fire and ice, the capital, Reykjavik, is the place to look to. Here, you can not only enjoy the best of your holiday underneath the magnificent northern lights but also experience a magnificent meal at Hjá Jóni Restaurant, located in the new, elegant Iceland Parliament Hotel on Austurvöllur Square, downtown Reykjavík. “At the Hjá Jóni restaurant, the emphasis is on professional, but attentive service, 78

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and the place has a comfortable, light atmosphere,” says Sólveig Jóhanna Jónsdóttir, the food and beverage manager at Iceland Parliament Hotel. “The menu is varied and inspired by international dishes with Icelandic influences and ingredients - we strive to have something for everyone, and above all, the emphasis is on quality ingredients.” International flavours with an Icelandic twist Named after former Icelandic President and leader of the 19th century, Jón Sigurðssonand, and located next to the

“We use the herbs and ingredients that thrive in Iceland, mixed with exciting international ingredients that elevate the cuisine,” she says. “Icelandic fish and lamb are highly regarded, but we also offer juicy beef steaks and exciting vegetarian dishes.” The head chef adds that the menu and product range are constantly being reviewed to meet people’s changing needs and consumption habits.

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Regardless of the ingredients or season, Sigurjónsdóttir says that each meal must show a connection to its homeland and people. “It’s important to me to have a story to tell, that the dish doesn’t just fall out of thin air, but has some story, thought or connection to the place and/ or its staff. It is also important to me to choose the best ingredients every time, in line with availability and seasons, and to be true to myself in cooking.” To the staff at Hjá Jóni, the most important thing is that each meal is a memorable experience, which is why they prioritise quality, taste, and attentive service above all. Enjoy drinks in artistic, historical surroundings Hjá Jóni is a part of the Iceland Parliament Hotel – Curio Collection by Hilton Hotels - and offers catering service in three of its beautiful, historic buildings the Independence Hall, the Old Woman’s School and Landsímahúsið. The Independence Hall is an elegant banquet hall in the heart of the city, closely linked to the country’s independence history. The Old Woman’s School also has significant ties to the city, and served as a ladies’ school, among other things, until 1909. “The building has now been reconstructed in an elegant way, and is a unique event space where the past meets the present,” says Jónsdóttir.

Hjá Jóni Restaurant is located in the elegant Iceland Parliament Hotel and also offers catering in three of its historic buildings, including the Independence Hall seen here.

Landsímahúsið, which once was home to the Icelandic Telecommunications Company, is the last heritage building. Today, it houses Telebar, an impressive open space brimming with artworks where guests may enjoy drinks. “A visit to the hotel is thus not only a feast for the taste buds, but also for the eyes,” says Jónsdóttir. “Telebar is open from noon to evening, and the rhythm of the space changes as the day progresses. In the evening, guests may enjoy small dishes as well as decorative drinks.” The bar space also hosts live jazz music every Thursday, inviting guests to welcome the night with rhythm and taste. In addition, Telebar has a Happy Hour every day,

where select drinks can be enjoyed at a great price. The different buildings of the hotel belong to different time periods, all having served as important parts of Icelandic culture and history. Their rich past and cultural significance make the hotel and the Hjá Jóni restaurant a space everyone should see. So next time you find yourself in Reykjavik, why not treat yourself with a stay at Iceland Parliament Hotel, where both your soul and tastebuds can enjoy the best of Iceland’s flavours? www.hjajoni.is Instagram: @hjajoni Facebook: Hjá Jóni restaurant

December 2023

Issue 161

The ultimate stand mixer for your home. Made in Sweden since 1940. ankarsrum.com

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The Asian tapas that can be enjoyed at Waipo mix flavours from traditional Chinese cuisine with modern touches.

Restaurant of the Month

Sweden

The Asian fusion restaurant Waipo is designed to make guests feel at home.

Restaurant of the Month, Sweden

Asian flavours with a familiar vibe A visit to the Asian fusion restaurant Waipo is like coming home. That’s how they describe it – like visiting your grandma, for a familiar experience with top-class food and carefully put-together menus. By John Sempill

Photos: Waipo

Located in one of Stockholm’s hot spots, Mood Shopping Mall, Waipo is within walking distance of downtown’s shopping and nightlife, and will cater to all your needs. Be it a cocktail, brunch or Asian tapas, the focus remains the same: for you to come in and feel at home. “We want it to feel like you are walking into a warm and familiar home from your childhood,” says owner and founder Michael Zhan. The food at Waipo is best described as Asian tapas. “Sharing is caring”, Zhan continues. “It is about creating memories and moments together.” Menus are carefully put together with thought and passion behind every dish. “They are inspired by grandmas’ recipes – homemade food,” Zhan explains. “The flavours are from Chinese cuisine, but yet more of an Asian fusion. We’ll mix our dishes with modern twists –

traditional and with all the traditional flavours, but with a modern touch. We update the menu annually.” Speaking of grandma, this is exactly what Waipo means, grandmother. Between 11.00 and 15.00 every weekend, Waipo offers Yum Cha. “It is best known as a brunch activity, which extends from late morning until the afternoon”, he says. “You can order assorted small dishes, dim sum, steamed bao, steamed dumplings, rice porridge, for example.” And the concept is the same – to enjoy the food together with others. We return to the key words, “sharing is caring”. Yum Cha is best complemented with a perfect cup of tea.

explains. “This is a premium cocktail bar where everything is top quality. We want our guests to sit back, have a late dinner and stay for a drink. It’s not a club, it’s a cocktail bar, transporting you to Hong Kong.” If you’re up for a treat and a temporary getaway, you won’t want to miss Waipo. It’s the complete package. “And not only with the vibe and the decoration”, Zhan concludes. “But also with the food and the cocktails, with their unique Asian flavours.” www.waipo.se Facebook: waipostockholm Instagram: @waipostockholm Waipo’s newly launched cocktail bar Draken transports guests to Hong Kong.

During the later hours, Waipo’s newly launched cocktail bar opens. “It just launched and it’s called Draken”, Zhan December 2023

Issue 161

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Travel Profile of the Month

Iceland

Travel Profile of the Month, Iceland

Unlock Iceland’s natural treasures If you are keen to explore Iceland beyond the usual tourist hubs, Iceland Highlights Travel Agency is there to help. Based in Reykjavik, the agency offers authentic and intimate experiences of the country’s culture and natural sights. By Celina Tran

Photos: Iceland Highlights Travel Agency

Are you craving an escape from the hustle and bustle of the season? The land of fire and ice is the place to look to for extraordinary sights and tranquil natural surroundings. Iceland is not only home to some of Europe’s largest glaciers and the world’s most active volcanoes, but also the incredible Northern lights. Iceland Highlights Travel Agency is consistently being recognised as TripAdvisor’s Top Traveller’s Choice, and for good reasons. Based in Reykjavik, the travel agency offers tailored experiences to Iceland’s natural wonders and cultural treasures. “We understand that every traveller is different, and we embrace this diversity. What sets us apart is our commitment to personalisation. We take the time to get to know our clients, their preferences, and their desires, and then craft travel experiences that align perfectly with their expectations. Every itinerary we create reflects the traveller’s individual aspirations, ensuring a one-of-a-kind journey,” says Tung Vu, co-founder of Iceland Highlights Travel Agency. 82

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Iceland Highlights Travel Agency was founded because Vu and his cofounder Marius Maciulskis found unique and private tour solutions to be lacking in Iceland. Having worked in the hospitality industry and met travellers every day, they both began to recognise patterns and common challenges faced by tourists and decided they wanted to offer a solution. “This was the beginning of our journey with Iceland Highlights. We initially started with blogs as a side hustle, offering personal tips and local guidance to tourists. People found them helpful, and they contacted us to book tours, leading to more and more bookings. We eventually started working full-time in Iceland in October 2017,” says Vu. Today, they use their local insight and native understanding of Icelandic culture to offer experiences that go beyond and above. Along with tourist hot spots, they introduce travellers to authentic and genuine hidden gems and lesser-known traditions. “We stand out by offering small group tours, ensuring that the experienc-

es remain intimate and authentic,” says Vu. “Traveling with smaller groups allows for more meaningful connections with the environment and the local communities. This approach enhances the quality of the experience and allows us to tread lightly on Iceland’s delicate ecosystems.” Going forward, Vu explains that their team aims to advance sustainability initiatives, as well as expand and diversify their range of offerings to cater for an even wider spectrum of interests and needs. “As a forward-looking travel agency, we are also actively seeking B2B partnerships. We believe in collaboration and are open to working with like-minded partners in the travel industry to expand our offerings and provide even more diverse and exciting opportunities to our clients,” he says. Finally, Vu explains that the most rewarding part of his job is witnessing the joy and amazement on their clients’ faces as they explore Iceland’s incredible landscapes and culture. “Being part of creating lifelong memories with our team for travellers from around the world is both rewarding and inspiring,” he says. www.iceland-highlights.com Instagram: @iceland_highlights Facebook: Iceland Highlights – Travel Agency

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Shopping Experience of the Month

Finland

Shopping Experience of the Month, Finland

A next-level shopping experience Helsinki Outlet, Finland’s only outlet village, offers visitors a next-level shopping experience with exclusive deals, delicious food, and fun children’s activities. Always offering great savings on high-quality brands, this is the place to go to make the most of the January sales. By Signe Hansen

Photos: Helsinki Outlet

Strategically located between the heart of the city and its airport, the outdoor village occupies a gigantic plot packed with shops, restaurants, and leisure parks. The wide assortment of brands, ranging across Finnish (e.g., Marimekko, Halti, and Makia), Nordic (e.g., Peak Performance and Gant) and the US (e.g., Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Samsonite, and Levi’s), has established Helsinki Outlet as a hub for hard-to-find international brands and great deals, suitable for all ages and tastes. When it comes to food, the outlet’s newly opened Italian restaurant has become a huge hit with visitors who love the Italian owners’ Neapolitan-based menu and authentic stone-oven pizzas. On family trips, the kids will love the Hop Lop – an adventure park and playground

featuring a trampoline, climbing spot and a series of slides. Meanwhile, activities are run all year round to keep the little ones entertained. Helsinki Outlet also has a lot to offer tech shoppers. Not only is the shopping village well-connected with Wi-Fi, it is

also the second outlet in Europe with an online shop. With the Click and Collect service, it’s possible to choose the products online, from the comfort of your own home, and then collect everything on-site. Still, the experience continues to evolve - with a 30 per cent yearly increase in sales since COVID, plans are in the works to enlarge the outlet by 4,000 square metres, cementing the destination as a must-visit for locals, tourists, and businesspeople. And regulars, listen up: there is an affiliation programme, called the Helsinki Outlet Friends Club, which celebrates loyal customers by organising special openings, VIP shopping nights and exclusive deals. One of the greatest events of the year is, however, open to all and just around the corner – it is the January sales, which will see the usual price savings of 30-70 per cent increased even further. www.helsinkioutlet.fi Instagram: @helsinkioutlet Facebook: helsinkioutlet December 2023

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Culture

Columns

Best new Scandi music in December Danish artist Tim Schou is out with a brandnew tune ahead of a forthcoming EP. Heartbreak Hotel is the latest single; a bittersweet ode to bad habits that die hard. But despite the melancholic soul-searching, there’s a warmth and positivity to be derived from his vocal delivery, which conveys the peace he’s potentially made with a situation that he’s become very familiar with. Sweden’s Cazzi Opeia is back with her first release since winning the Eurovision Song Contest as a songwriter for Loreen’s Tattoo. And honestly, what a flex to be able to say that. On new single Taste Of Heaven she’s penned a love song to her true passion in life – music. And the consequence of this is that we get a song that’s positively bursting with joy. This is a chorus that’s going to be lodged in your head for quite some time. And you’ll be totally ok with that.

By Karl Batterbee

Danish artist Kinck is out with the attention-grabbing new single Current Mood. The grunge-tinged pop banger serves a kitchen-sink production and a clear statement of intent. And that intention is to promote self-confidence, positive vibes and feelgood thinking only. She’s got me, I’m all in. Swedish pop legends Army of Lovers are out with their first new music in ten years. Love Is Blue features Ukrainian artist Olya Polyakova and rallies up everyone’s favourite Scandipop tropes of yesteryear. ABBA piano is homaged, the schlager genre is hemorrhaged, and the classic Army of Lovers lyrical style is parodied mercilessly. It ends up being a thoroughly enjoyable listen – and an essential one for anyone who’s ever had even a passing interest in the more ludicrous side of Scandinavian pop music at any point over the past three decades.

www.scandipop.co.uk

Monthly Illustration By Gabi Froden

My mother tongue I was at the Gothenburg book fair this autumn and spent a good deal of time and money buying books. When I was done, I drank wine and chatted with fellow writers and my wonderful publishers and editors. In the morning, I would go to interesting seminars, chat with interesting people and learn interesting things. I am reading quite a lot at the moment. While the kids are doing their swimming lessons, while I am waiting for the pasta to be ready, and while I should be doing exercise. It is a wonderful feeling to be in a reading phase, but it is hard to be a writer who generally works with the Swedish language but is surrounded by books in English. That is why I had to spend so much money at the book fair. I had to bring back some Swedish books, or else my language might deteriorate and my writing becomes “Swenglish” - and nobody wants 84

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ways able to do with a second language. I find that moving and a little heartbreaking. That my belonging somewhere will never be complete, simply because the language that can play along my spine, move me to tears and make me laugh, is not the language that I spend my days with. That is why I keep returning to Swedish books, and why I write a lot in Swedish. It brings me a sense of belonging.

that. I love the English language, it is rich and nuanced and beautiful, but it doesn’t matter that I have lived here for twenty years. Swedish will always move me in a way English can’t. I believe we have a deep connection to our mother tongue, a sense of belonging and the ability to shape it, form it, and twist it, in a way we are not al-

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

VIKINGS & VALKYRIES INTERACTIVE EXHIBITION GUIDED TOURS & ACTIVITIES ADVENTURE RIDE

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

The Nutcracker at the Norwegian National Ballet. Photo: Erik Berg

Aalborg Symphony Orchestra. Photo: Ulla Jensen

Norwegian National Ballet: The Nutcracker (various dates in December) For many, it’s the opening notes of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker that mean that Christmas is finally here. The production at the beautiful Oslo opera building is set in Christiania in 1905. Impressive jumps and turns, cute little ballet schoolers, drama and that magical spirit of Christmas are all guaranteed. Kirsten Flagstads pl. 1, Oslo operaen.no

Christmas with the Aalborg Symphony Orchestra (21 December) If you’re feeling slightly frazzled by Christmas stress or simply need a break from shopping presents, a Christmas 86

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carol or two will surely refresh your spirits. The Aalborg Symphony Orchestra delivers classics from White Christmas to The Christmas Song in a concert in the architecturally stunning Musikkens Hus. Musikkens Plads 1, Aalborg musikkenshus.dk

The NK Christmas Window Display (until 31 December) What would Christmas be without the traditional department store window displays? One of the most traditional and beautiful can be found in central Stockholm’s classy NK, where Father Christmas himself will make an appearance for the window opening on 11 December. Hamngatan 18–20, Stockholm nk.se

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Artist Daniel Youssef at Nordiska Museet in Stockholm. Photo: Emil Fagander, Nordiska Museet

December 2023

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The NK can be trusted to deliver another Christmas window display. Photo: Dan Sjunnesson

Peder Balke: The Spell of the Arctic (until 14 January 2024) Inspired by his trip to Northern Scandinavia in the 1830s, Norwegian painter Peder Balke (1804-1887) set off to capture the dramatic and romantic scenes on canvas. The Sinebrychoff Art Museum presents a great opportunity to see them in this most noteworthy exhibition of his work outside Norway to date. Bulevardi 40, Helsinki sinebrychoffintaidemuseo.fi

Pentti Sammallahti: The Two of Us (until 25 February 2024) The public asked for it, and the Finnish Museum of Photography delivers: an exhibition of works by Pentti Sammallahti (b. 1950), one of the first to have an artistic career in photography in Finland. The Two of Us features 200 shots of duos of different kinds, from animals to lovers, from the 1960s to today, all with a touch of gentle humour. The exhibition is set up in the museum’s Kämp Galleria space, called K1, in central Helsinki. Mikonkatu 1, Helsinki valokuvataiteenmuseo.fi

seet. Strindberg was in fact friends with the museum’s founder, Artur Hazelius, which explains its large collection of his paintings and other objects. Youssef has used technology — Google Translate — to explore Strindberg’s language in his striking artworks. Djurgårdsvägen 6–16, Stockholm nordiskamuseet.se

¡Viva México! (until 31 January 2025) When it’s pitch black and slushy outside, what you need is a little trip to the heat and spice of Mexico. This is what the Museum of Ethnography in Stockholm can provide, with only the price of an admission and zero carbon emissions. ¡Viva México! explores the colourful past and traditions, touching on both tragedy and resilience, of this Latin American country. Djurgårdsbrunnsvägen 34, Stockholm etnografiskamuseet.se ¡Viva México! at the Museum of Ethnography in Stockholm. Photo: Frederik Trovatten

Strindberg vs. Youssef (until 31 December 2024) Swedish artist Daniel Youssef (b. 1975) has taken author August Strindberg’s novel Inferno and painting The Wave as starting points for his new work, exhibited in Stockholm’s Nordiska mu88

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¡Viva México! at the Museum of Ethnography in Stockholm. Photo: Frederik Trovatten

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Peder Balke: Nordkapp (1848). Photo: Morten Heden Aamot / The Gundersen Collection

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Come stay with us in Stockholm, the capital of Scandinavia. When you walk through the doors of Hôtel Reisen — you don’t travel back in time, you merely stroll into the memoirs of an eclectic, flamboyant past. The hotel is set directly on Stockholm’s scenic waterfront and uses the historic Old Town as its picturesque and telling backdrop. The building’s foundation dates back to 1619 — a time when Gustavus Adolphus the Great was the King of Sweden and the world had just invented telescopes and steam turbines.