Scan Magazine, Issue 169, August 2024

TOP AUTUMN EXPERIENCES IN SWEDEN

NORWAY'S LEADING DIGITAL & DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES SCENIC DRIVING ROUTES 4 IN NORWAY

Editor’s Note

Dear Reader,

This summer, I’m daydreaming of going on road trips. Not just to nearby cities but further afield, to places unknown. There is such a sense of freedom, to be on the road to a new destination.

I have always loved going on road trips. Every summer, my parents took me and my sister on holiday by car. They packed us in the backseat with blankets and pillows, cuddly toys and something to entertain us with, probably some treats as well. The whole family in matching tracksuits, of course, this was the late 70s and early 80s after all. Sometimes we went camping in the wild or at campsites, other times we stayed the night in a cosy cabin or caravan. Usually just one or two nights in one place and then we continued our journey.

Thanks to my parents’ curiosity, I’m happy to have seen large parts of Sweden. We went to the beautiful islands Gotland and Öland, explored the landscape and towns around the big lakes Vänern and Vättern, met reindeer and millions of mosquitoes during hikes in the mountains up north, and thanks to my dad’s fascination with horses and trotting races, we visited quite a few racecourses

around the country. Always on a tight budget, cooking most meals on the camping stove, but that didn’t take away from the sense of adventure – quite the opposite.

So I’m very excited about our cover feature this month, where Signe Hansen explores some of Scandinavia’s beautiful national parks – the perfect spots to stop by on a road trip. And our new contributor, travel writer Monique Ceccato, takes us along four scenic routes in Norway. Don’t miss these two features, they’re both a great read and with stunning photography. They might even provide some inspiration for your next holiday in Scandinavia.

Whether still on holiday or back at work or school, I wish you a lovely rest of the summer. And enjoy our inspiring August issue!

Malin Norman, Editor

SCAN MAGAZINE

In this issue

COVER FEATURE

8 Six spectacular national parks in Scandinavia

The national parks of Scandinavia offer worldclass outdoor adventures for everyone. From the Arctic wilderness of Finland to the idyllic greenery of Denmark, we explore six highly different national parks, representing the natural diversity and beauty of the region.

DESIGN

16 Scandinavian ceramics, slow fashion, and log houses

As we move into the last month of summer, we feature slow fashion from the Faroe Islands, timeless jewellery and ceramics inspired by the Arctic, award-winning baby products and relaxing saunas. Plus cosy cabin experiences and sustainable, healthy and beautiful log houses.

LIFESTYLE AND FOOD

32 Strawberry & rhubarb crumble, no & low alcohol beer and craft gin

This month, food columnist Sofia Nordgren shares her recipe for the perfect summer dessert, an irresistible strawberry & rhubarb crumble, and beer sommelier Malin Norman looks into no & low alcohol beer. We also feature some fascinating culinary profiles, including an award-winning gin distillery in easternmost Finland.

SPECIAL THEME

40 Finland’s hidden gems

In this guide, we take you to family-owned Hotel Kasnäs in the archipelago, RUNO Hotel with its timeless charm and B&B Tukkila Farm in Porvoo, as well as the atmospheric cottage Villa Usva, the resort Porovaara Hill, and Utsuvaara Gielas’ holiday homes – all in Lapland. And we explore Pellinge Marina and DB Marina.

62

MINI THEMES

48 Top autumn experiences in Sweden

As a fantastic autumn experience, we present the idyllic Nösund Havshotell, a beautiful gem on Sweden’s west coast. And we explore Gustavianum, a newly renovated museum in Uppsala, which offers a smörgåsbord of exhibitions including the early Viking Age and Rudbeck's anatomical theatre.

52 Norway's leading digital & development agencies

The wild west days of digital marketing are over. Whilst Precis sets a new digital marketing standard, Digital Strategi helps unleash your business’ marketing potential. And Apphuset makes the daunting task of developing and designing unique digital experiences simple.

SPECIAL FEATURE

56 Four scenic driving routes in Norway

Norway’s landscapes are as varied as the country is long, and taking one of the country’s official scenic driving routes is the best way to immerse yourself in its abundant natural beauty. Our guide to journeys in Vardanger, Hardanger, Jæren and Valdresflye are a good place to start.

CULTURE

78 The best new events, film and music in Scandinavia

In this month’s Culture Calendar, we look into the best events in the Nordics. Our music columnist Karl Batterbee highlights Scandinavian pop on an Olympian scale, film enthusiast Anders Lorenzen looks at the documentary Letter to a Cycad, and illustrator Gabi Froden confesses to be the most discontented privileged person.

Fashion Diary

With August rolling around, now is the time to make the most of the summer vibes. Let the sweltering heat of mid-to-late summer take you to the water, either for dips in the lake and fun picnics with friends, or maybe a nice glass of wine by the lulling sea waves.

By Celina Tran | Press photos

Iselin – Coral & Pearl earrings in gold

Channel nature’s treasures with these dangly earrings from Norwegian jewellery designer Iselin. With gold plating and white baroque pearls, these are guaranteed to elevate any outfit. Pair with a simple skirt for an elegant dinner outfit, or perhaps with an iridescent blue dress for a Mediterranean siren look.

Coral & Pearl earrings in gold, 211 EUR www.iselin.com

Karmen Pedaru – Dreams Come True pyjama set

If you should be so lucky to find yourself in a cabin in the Nordic mountains this summer, make sure to bring silky pyjamas to go with that view. Dreams Come True by Karmen Pedaru allows you to wake up refreshed and lounge luxuriously in the evenings.

Dreams Come True mulberry silk pyjama set, 295 EUR www.karmen-pedaru.com

Samsoe – Sacille dress 12959

Whether going for an outdoor dinner at a fancy restaurant or just a lazy date-night stroll by the docks, trust that Samsoe & Samsoe’s Sacille dress has your back. A satin maxi dress with a low back, this halter neckpiece is comfortable and elegant – perfect for any summer occasion!

Sacille dress 12959, 160 GBP www.samsoe.com

Lilja the Label - Voyage Tri reversible bikini set Summers in Scandinavia do actually get quite hot. When going for a refreshing dip in the lake or sea, why not look great at the same time? With hand-painted fine details, the Voyage Tri reversible set is a collaboration between Lilja the Label and Swedish painter and creator, Mathilda Månsson.

Voyage Tri Top reversible Top, 65 EUR Voyage Tri Bottom reversible, 60 EUR www.liljathelabel.com

Eytys – Avery sunglasses

Add a bit of that cool, retro glam with Eyty’s green Avery Sunglasses! Paired with Ranra’s Glems shirt, you’re bound to turn heads as you pass.

Avery Sunglasses, 100 EUR www.eytys.com

Björn Borg – Borg Print swim shorts in Sunny Stripe 1

A classic stripey set, Swedish brand Björn Borg has perfected men’s swimwear with these shorts made from 100% recycled materials. With a loose fit, drawstrings around the waist, and Velcro pockets, you can dive into the sea without a worry.

Borg Print swim shorts in Sunny Stripe 1, 549 NOK www.bjornborg.com

OAS – Desert slippers

Made out of terry cotton, the caramel and nougat prints of OAS’ desert slippers reminds of soft, warm sand dunes, both in style and comfort!

Desert slippers, 900 SEK www.oascompany.com

Ranra – Glems shirt in chocolate

The Glems cotton-linen blend shirt breathes in the hot weather and is perfect for layering if the weather should turn for the worse. Its bungee-style drawstrings, detailed stitching and spread collar complete the cool, urban look.

Glems shirt in chocolate, 245 EUR www.highsnobiety.com

O Files – Waffle tank top in chalk

Recycling fashion trends from older generations, today’s youngsters have made tank tops for men cool again. Why not let your arms breathe and soak up some sun, whilst looking really trendy?

Waffle tank top in chalk, 75 EUR www.o-files.com

Explore the national parks of Scandinavia

Indigenous culture, UNESCO-listed sites, and magnificent landscapes – the national parks of Scandinavia offer world-class outdoor adventures for everyone. From the Arctic wilderness of Finland to the idyllic greenery of Denmark, we explore six highly different national parks, representing the natural diversity and beauty of the region.

By Signe Hansen

Photo: Kristoffer Møllevik - Visit Helgeland

FINLAND

Though Finland comprises a surprisingly diverse landscape of vast forests, great lakes and arctic flora, it is often overlooked by travellers looking to visit the Scandinavian region. Perhaps because it is the most distant destination for most travellers. However, when it comes to its 41 national parks, the country’s remoteness is its strength, providing complete seclusion and peace for those who wish to truly retreat from the crowds.

Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park – the purest air in the world

Ever wondered how air pollution affects your well-being? Maybe spending a day or a week in the purest air in the world could be the way to find out. According to the Finnish Meteorological Institute, that is exactly what you can do at Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park.

Located in the northern part of Finland close to the Swedish border, the park offers a chance to explore the wonders of the boreal forest zone (also known

as taiga). In the EU, taiga only grows in Finland and Sweden, and, with its oldgrowth forest, fells, and apa mires, the national park provides a chance to explore the eco-systems created under the constraints of severe winters and a short growing season.

Among the park’s many inhabitants are the brown bear, lynx, and reindeer. With 500 kilometres of marked summer trails (as well as 500 kilometres of maintained ski tracks), stunning views and numerous lakes to plunge into, Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park is indeed worth the trip.

In Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, hikers can breathe some of the purest air in the world. Photo: Julia Kivela and Visit Finland

Photo: Julia Kivela and Visit Finland

Skuleskogen National Park is located in the High Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique and highly scenic land and seascape.

Photo: Yirui Aries/imagebank.sweden.se

SWEDEN

Just like Norway, Sweden is rich in nature, fells, and stunning waterbodies and with no less than 30 national parks, the country offers ample opportunity to get up and close to nature. Many of the parks are equipped with facilities and services to make them highly accessible, even for visitors who are less able to walk or when bringing little ones. Combined with its northern wilderness this means the country has something for everyone.

Sarek National Park – for the true adventurer

Located in Laponia, in the Lapland province of Northern Sweden, Sarek National Park is one of Sweden’s most inaccessible national parks. Still, its striking beauty is absolutely worth the effort for those able to hike or ski to access it. Home to six of Sweden's thirteen highest mountains and nearly 100 glaciers, the park offers an unparalleled adventure. Hiking through Sarek is not only a journey through breathtaking scenery but also an opportunity to witness its awe-inspiring wildlife such as bears, wolverines, lynx, and some of Sweden’s largest elk.

As there are no marked trails or cabins in the park, visitors must carry camping equipment and be able to navigate on their own, but for those seeking an authentic and rugged natural experience, Sarek National Park is a must-visit destination in Scandinavia.

Skuleskogen National Park – UNESCOlisted sights for the whole family

Located in Sweden’s High Coast in northeastern Sweden, Skuleskogen National Park is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique geological formations shaped by post-glacial rebound. Moreover, the park is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, dense forests, and the impressive crevice Slåttdalsskrevan.

Fortunately, the park’s beauty can be enjoyed by everyone. For visitors less able to walk or those bringing children, Skuleskogen offers several accessible facilities including well-maintained trails suitable for strollers. Information boards and rest and picnic areas along these paths allow for easy navigation and comfortable breaks.

Finally, the Naturum visitor centre offers interactive exhibits and educational displays about the park’s natural and cultural history. In other words, Skuleskogen’s commitment to accessibility, combined with its UNESCO status, makes it a remarkable destination for visitors, regardless of physical ability or age.

Sarek National Park is a part of the Laponian area, which was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Photo: Anders Ekholm/Folio/Imagebank.sweden.se

The Scandinavian brown bear is a peaceful omnivore that mainly feeds on berries, ants, grass and herbs. It can be encountered in the national parks of northern Norway, Sweden and Finland. Photo: Håkan Vargas S/ imagebank.sweden.se

NORWAY

While the other Scandinavian countries also have much to offer in terms of natural beauty, Norway is with its fjords, snowcovered peaks and vast forests a true haven for nature lovers. In fact, 60 per cent of the country is covered by forests and fells, much of which has been transformed into 47 national parks. The parks range from remote wildernesses with little in terms of established infrastructure and facilities to highly curated and muchvisited destinations. Our two selections represent one in each category.

Børgefjell/Byrkije National Park – away from the crowds

For travellers who crave true wilderness experiences with a dash of adrenaline, Børgefjell National Park is the ultimate destination. Established in 1963, the park remains one of Norway’s best-kept secrets, free from tourist trails and bustling cabins.

Spanning from Trøndelag to Nordland, this park is a haven for experienced hikers seeking solitude and a deep connection with nature. Here, untouched fells, serene valleys, rugged plateaus, and

pristine lakes provide the settings for experiences that will stay with you forever. Moreover, as the Sami have practised reindeer husbandry, hunting, and fishing in the area for centuries, visitors may see ancient monuments, such as burial and dwelling sites, as well as active Sami reindeer husbandry.

As there are no marked trails or built shelters, hikers must be prepared, both physically and mentally, for the adventure that lies ahead.

Rondane National Park – adventure for all ages

Branded as a fell adventure for all ages and ambitions, Rondane National Park provides a safe and well-curated experience for less experienced or just less ambitious hikers. Established in 1962, it is Norway's first national park, renowned for its rugged mountain terrain, open plateaus, and unique flora and fauna. Along with Lofotodden, known for its stunning and dramatic coastal landscape, and Jotunheimen, renowned as the home of Norway's highest peaks, Rondane National Park is among Norway’s best-known and most popular na-

tional parks. With easy access from Oslo Airport (270km away) and a serene landscape and accessible peaks, it is a good choice for first-time hikers.

Moreover, the park’s website offers plenty of suggestions for well-marked trails taking you around the park from lodge to lodge in friendly terrain. During the hikes, you are very likely to run into some of the park’s many wild reindeer, which have roamed the landscape for thousands of years. In other words, you are in for a blissful experience sure to lift your spirits.

Spanning from Trøndelag to Nordland, Børgefjell National Park comprises a stunning landscape of untouched fells, serene valleys, rugged plateaus, and pristine lakes. Photo: Kristoffer Møllevik - Visit Helgeland

Rondane National Park comprises a wellestablished network of marked trails, cabins and lodges. Photo: Torild Moland – TravelStock

DENMARK

Granted, the nature of mainland Denmark is not as immediately awe-inspiring as that of its neighbouring countries. However, in recent years, a dedicated effort to expand and preserve the country’s natural landscapes has resulted in the creation of five national parks with each a distinct landscape. And while the parks may not provide the vast wildernesses of Norway, Finland and Sweden, they have their own charm, from old castle ruins to the UNESCO-listed Wadden Sea and Ice Age landscapes.

National Park Kongernes Nordsjælland – charming greenery and royal history

Located north of the Danish capital, National Park Kongernes Nordsjælland not only offers visitors a charming display of lush forests, beavers, and eagles but also a string of ruins documenting the royal history of the nation. From heavy

stone fortresses to copper-plated castles, the many sights have inspired the park’s name, which means the North Zealand of the Kings.

Another of the park’s attractions is Lake Esrum, Denmark’s second-largest lake in terms of water volume. Measuring up to 22 meters at its deepest point, the lake is also one of the cleanest in the country providing the perfect conditions for a cooling splash on a warm summer day. Another option is Lake Arresøm, the largest lake in Denmark and a favourite with bird watchers.

For more information visit: www.nationalparks.fi www.sverigesnationalparker.se www.norgesnasjonalparker.no www.danmarksnationalparker.dk

In National Park Kongernes Nordsjælland, visitors can enjoy quaint and idyllic scenery.

Photo: National Park Kongernes Nordsjælland

Photo: National Park Kongernes Nordsjælland

Photo: National Park Kongernes Nordsjælland

Photo: Signe Scharf

We Love This: August 2024

As we move into the last month of summer and return to school and work, it’s easy to miss the relaxing feel of a holiday in the Mediterranean or tranquil mountain cottages. These Scandinavian porcelain, pottery and ceramic pieces help bring that cosy, rustic memory last into the colder seasons ahead.

By Celina Tran | Press photos

Rorstrand – Ostindia tea set

Voted “service of the century”, Ostandia is designed by one of Rörstand’s longest-serving designers, Nils Emil Lundström, and one of Sweden’s foremost porcelain designers, Anna Lerinder. A fragment of china from a sunken Swedish ship returning from China somehow ended up in a cupboard at the Rörstrand factory, inspiring the iconic designs. If you’re an avid China collector, the Ostindia collection includes several different pieces, but the teapot, Kanna milk jug, and 27cl tea cup and saucer are especially charming!

Tea pot 1,2 L 1 639 SEK

Tea cup 27 cl with saucer 518 SEK

Kanna 45 cl 669 SEK www.rorstrand.com

Kristina Thenman – Maskros (större)

Thenman is a Swedish ceramist based in Arvika, a town with a strong ceramic tradition. She finds inspiration in nature, evident in the patterns on her bowl Maskros. Handmade with sgraffito decorations, it’s perfect as both a serving bowl and as decoration. Maskros (större), 1 900 SEK www.kristinethenman.se

Louise Egedal – TORSO no. 107

Danish sculptor Louise Egedal knows how to create eye-catching pieces, and this one is no different. TORSO no. 107 is part of a series that represents the body of the Earth, all pulled and shaped into their own unique forms. A wheelthrown product, no two pieces are the same, and TORSO no. 107 is bound to spark conversation. TORSO no. 107, 349 EUR www.louiseegedal.com

Photo: Louise Egedal

Anette Krogstad – Large serving bowl in deep sea Summer is not over yet! Why not impress your guests at the next garden party, and serve them a refreshing salad or a seafood bonanza in Anette Krogstad’s Deep Sea Serving Bowl?

Large serving bowl in deep sea, 3 750 NOK www.norwaydesigns.no

Iittala – Taika Sato vase

Designed by Finnish Klaus Haapaniemi, the Taika Sato vase from Iittala will be a refreshing pop of colour once the duller seasons come around. With fruits and vegetables painted on the side, this vase looks good with and without flowers, and is the perfect gift for art lovers or those who just appreciate something beautiful. Why not pair it with a dry branch or a more gentle bouquet, allowing the vase’s art to speak for itself? And if you really fall in love with this unique piece, it’s a part of a bigger collection of jars, serving plates, bowls and more!

Taika Sato ceramic vase 130x180mm, 149.90 EUR www.iittala.com

Cepeda Ceramics – Amphora 3067

Daydream yourself away to an Adriatic seaside town with this three-handled amphora vase in white stoneware clay. Unglazed, it has a charming, rugged look that will transform any flowers to the most magnificent and colourful bouquet. Amphora 3067, 2 100 SEK www.cepedaceramics.com

Green comfort: making the Norwegian cabin experience eco-friendly and luxurious

Most people like spending time in nature, but not everyone wants to sleep in a tent. Norwegian companies Omgi and Grend have solved the problem with their luxurious, sustainable boutique cabins, allowing visitors to relax, breathe, and comfortably fall asleep under the Norwegian night sky.

By Celina Tran | Photos: Grend

With majestic mountains towering and stretching into the clear sky, glaciers, and a rolling sea that glitters under an eternal summer sun, it’s no wonder that Norway is known for its landscape. Every year, people from all over the world make their way to the vast, friendly country up north, hoping to catch sight of its breathtaking views.

There’s nothing like spending a few days in nature – the peace, the quiet, the beauty. But it might be hard to soak up the fresh air and appreciate the sighs if your back is aching from sleeping on hard ground or if you feel dishevelled from the lack of showers. Not a happy camper? Don’t fret. Instead of opting out of the next trip, look to Norway-based Grend and its boutique cabins for a fun, sustainable, and comfortable option.

“Grend is a travel company that uses boutique cabins produced by Omgi, to offer guests a chance to spend time in Norway’s magical nature, without sacrificing comfort,” says Aziz Chaer, CEO of Omgi and founder of Grend.

Grend has a range of nature boutique cabins across several breathtaking locations in Norway, including Bø, Blefjell and Stavern in the Vestfold and Telemark region, Flor & Fjære in Stavanger, and Steigen up North. With the forest and wildlife at their front door, all locations give visitors unique access to nature. “At Grend, we want our guests to feel what it’s like to have the world’s most beautiful nature all to themselves,” says Chaer. “These surroundings are the stars of the show.”

Designed to leave no trace behind

While it might be difficult to outshine Norway’s stunning sights, one should not disregard the beauty of these cabins. With clean, Scandinavian lines and natural building materials, the cabins are stylish and modern, while effortlessly blending into the landscape. Designed by the world-famous architects at Snøhetta, they allow visitors to truly feel immersed in the great outdoors.

“The cabins are locally produced in a small town in Vestfold, designed with

sustainability in mind,” says Chaer. He explains that Omgi, which sells the cabins and houses, wants to minimize impact on the environment throughout the process of creating and placing the units. Because of this, each of the structures are pre-built in a local workshop, and then transported to a carefully chosen location. “The idea is that, if necessary, we can simply lift and remove the cabin without leaving any traces behind.”

Chaer continues; “As a company, we’re driven by passion and expertise within several different fields, and in addition to comfort and style, sustainability and quality are essential to us. Not only should the cabins and houses we sell make minimal impact on nature, they should also blend in seamlessly.”

Enjoying nature responsibly

As a part of the company’s goal to promote in-nature activities, each Grend location is surrounded by plenty of natural space, giving guests the chance to try out low-impact and environmentally

friendly activities such as guided hikes and wildlife watching, or if staying in winter, even skiing.

Depending on your wants and needs, each Grend location offers a different unique experience. The Steigen cabins, in the north of Norway, give access to some of the country’s most spectacular peaks, and on the island of Flor & Fjære just outside Stavanger, you will be surrounded by a tropical garden at the

ocean’s gaping mouth. The Blefjell and Bø cabins are tucked safely in the most beautiful of untouched trees, with ski slopes and running rivers only a stonethrow away. “Guests at Blefjell can even sit back after a long day of skiing and exploring, and enjoy a panorama view from our sauna, which sits among the treetops,” says Chaer.

If you want peace and quiet, but still appreciate access to local people, ar-

chitecture, and activities, Grend’s Stavern cabins are located on the historical property of Fritzøe gård. It is pressed up against the sleepy coast and has access to forest spaces, giving access to nature like the other locations, but it also happens to be located on one of Norway’s most beautiful golf courses. Why not spend a day out with some friends and a club? No matter what Grend location you pick, you’re bound to leave with an unforgettable experience.

Regardless of location, you might find yourself starting to miss civilization a bit. Luckily, you will be just a short distance away from local towns, and Grend encourages guests to explore and support local. “When you book a stay at Grend, you can also add a guided tour by a local or a food basket from the local farmer,” ensures Chaer.

Both Grend and Omgi exemplify how the hospitality industry can evolve to meet the demands of eco-conscious travellers. By prioritising sustainability, they offer overnight stays that are not only memorable and comfortable, but also respectful of the environment and

the local community. As pioneers in eco-friendly tourism, Grend and Omgi are setting new standards for what it means to experience the beauty of Norway responsibly.

If you find yourself wanting more exclusive access to the cabins for personal use, or if you want to develop your own cabin rentals, reach out to Omgi and the team to make your very own dream space.

www.grend.no

Instagram: @grendcabins

www.omgi.no

Instagram: @omgihytte

Guðrun & Guðrun: deeply rooted in the Faroe Islands

Slow-fashion design label Guðrun & Guðrun is returning to where it all started. With a new collection which blends its tried and tested techniques in open-knit mohair pieces with local yarn, the brand is introducing a different way of using unique Faroe Island wool, a natural material that reflects the colours and textures of the island’s landscapes.

By Trine Ejlskov Jensen-Martin

The well-known Faroese knitwear and home-design brand released its latest AW24 collection in July. After significant global exposure and success, founders and owners Guðrun Rógvadóttir and Guðrun Ludvig are back to where it all began.

At the very heart of Guðrun & Guðrun lies a belief in integrity and decency, and a passion for sustainability and creating high-quality knitwear, something the owners have never veered away from. They are at the forefront of conscious consumerism in an industry that often prioritises quantity and a lower price tag over quality and ethical production. It is crucial to both Rógvadóttir and Ludvig that they

know where all their materials come from, but also that they know the women who handknit their sweaters.

The gold of the Faroe Islands

There is an old Faroese saying about the preciousness of the local wool, ull er føroya gull, which translates as wool is Faroe gold. Knitting and wool are intrinsic parts of the culture of the islands, and with good reason. Wool was the most valuable and only raw material besides fish. It’s thick enough to keep you warm during the winter months, and breathable to keep you cool during summer, as well as being water repellent. For islands like these with such varied weather, this seems almost priceless, then as now.

“We’re experimenting in our new collection, incorporating the coarse, colourful Faroese yarn with the softer, white alpaca yarn,” says Rógvadóttir. Central to the latest collection is the distinctive wool from local Faroese sheep, a breed that is only found here. The different textures and colours create a distinctive expression in the knitwear, with evident roots connected to the local culture and nature.

Open knit dress in local yarn, AW 24.

Photo: Tine Bek

The sheep native to the Faroe Islands come in many shades of cream, brown and grey.

Photo: guðrun & guðrun

Guðrun & Guðrun is a brand well-known for the way in which it uses mohair in open-knit designs and using the same techniques it is now experimenting with introducing local yarn as an alternative. “When knitting with the Faroese yarn, it’s almost like having a nourishing treatment for your hands because of the high lanolin content in the wool,” Rógvadóttir explains. Even though the wool is much coarser it’s not difficult to work with, quite the contrary. “The sheep here live in the mountains all year round, so when you smell the yarn, it has this really fresh and unique scent,” she continues. The high lanolin content makes the knitwear water-repellent, and unlike other wool which can carry a sheep-like odour, you can almost smell the crisp mountain air in the yarn.

“Faroese yarn is unique, and the sheep are only bred here” Rógvadóttir continues. The sheep on the islands are distinctive from other sheep in the colour of the skin and texture of the wool. Their skins are spotted so the wool comes naturally in different shades of browns, creams and greys, which means that Guðrun & Guðrun can use natural yarns without any chemicals.

The whole process is very much in-house and local, where they shear the sheep and with their own hands create yarn from the wool. “We all help with the shearing of the

animals,” Rógvadóttir says. “It’s a team effort, and we all take part.” Every year she returns to the family farm to help with the shearing, which is a 30-man job and labour intensive so friends and family all come together to help.

The Javnvág rug

Last year saw Guðrun & Guðrun expand its collection to incorporate homeware, including the striking Orca chair. The brand has also released its first rug, Javnvág, which means grounded or balanced. “No one has ever done this before,” Rógvadóttir says and explains that many producers were initially reluctant, as the wool is rougher and coarser. But you need this roughness in wool for it to make a good and sturdy rug. “The coarseness of the wool can seem challenging, but it’s perfect for rugs, and you feel as if you get a foot massage when you walk on the material, as the coarseness works the soles of your feet,” she adds.

The owners are keen to expand the line of rugs, develop patterns and increase production. This will be done with the same decency, integrity and passion they so firmly believe in. And in the process also reminds us that the materials come from nature and each piece is made by hand.

www.gudrungudrun.com Instagram: @gudrungudrun_

guðrun & guðrun store niels finsens gøta 13

100 tórshavn faroe islands +298 315166

Sweater with vertical stripes, mixing local yarn with alpacha, AW24. Photo: Tine Bek

Sheep wool in different natural shades. Photo: guðrun & guðrun

The Javnág rug. Photo: Beinta av Torkilsheyggi

Ceramics inspired by the Arctic wilderness

Inspired by the serene and untouched nature of Finnish Lapland, Miki Kim creates her ceramics in a cosy, wooden cottage. Originally from South Korea, the artist has found her home in a winter wonderland filled with natural beauty and silence, which shines through in every creation she makes.

By Heidi Kokborg | Photos: Miki Studio

Nestled in the heart of Finnish Lapland is Posio, a picturesque town with fewer than 3,000 residents. In winter, this little town transforms into a magical wonderland with frosted trees, frozen lakes, and reindeer, all illuminated by the Northern lights. In summer, the landscape offers breathtaking views, crystal-clear lakes, and midnight sun. It is the pristine nature and the winter silence that made Miki Kim fall in love with Posio.

“I fell in love with Lapland’s nature. Everything here is really fantastic. You can see the seasons and colours change, and the local people are so nice, they feel like family,” smiles Miki Kim, founder and owner of Miki Studio. Originally from South Korea, Miki Kim went to Lapland

with a friend just over 12 years ago. Shortly thereafter, she was lucky enough to get an internship with a ceramicist in Posio. After the internship, she opened Miki Studio and has lived in Lapland since then.

“I studied ceramic design in South Korea for seven years before moving here. I have always been in the field, but I didn’t start my own studio until I moved here,” Kim explains.

The silent beauty of Lapland

If you ever find yourself in Lapland, you will instantly feel the vastness and silence of the area, almost as if you are the only human being on earth. “What I like the most about living here is the silence. I can focus and concentrate on my work,” Kim says. “The silence, fresh air and watching the colours change from season to season gives me energy, happiness, and confidence.”

One season, especially, is dear to Kim’s heart; winter. “It’s just white. There is a lot of snow here, so everything is white,” she smiles. “You cannot tell where the sky ends and land begins, it’s all the same colour and such a wonderful thing. In my view, this place is a heaven that offers infinite inspiration. The woods change every

season; the alluring fragrance of the trees, the bluish, crystal-clear lake, the mysterious aurora and the pure white snow.”

The artist’s inspiration of snow, coldness, aurora and other Arctic features is woven into her creations. From the Sausage Bear to her Snowy Owl, you will see Finnish Lapland in every piece. And what could possibly be more Nordic than lighting a candle in a polar bear candle holder as the winter evenings unfold? Let the Sausage Bear transport you to a realm of Arctic wonder and snowy forests. Her Snowy Owl is also inspired by the Lapland landscape. “When I first moved here from South Korea, I went to a zoo near Posio. It was the first time I saw a snowy owl, and it became a symbol of courage and wisdom to me.”

A reflection of experiences

You will also notice that all of Kim’s designs are white and black, and this is no coincidence. “It’s just like Finnish winter nature. After I moved here, I began only using white porcelain because it reminds me of snow,” she says. “My ceramics are also more simple, which is influenced by the Finnish people. They live more simply, they are shy and serious yet pure and warm-hearted. My feelings toward them are often reflected in my work as I observe them with joy. They live as if they are a part of nature and its trees, plants, and flowers, not like those who try to dominate it.”

But it is not only nature that inspires Kim in her work as a ceramicist. “I’m alone here and live far away from my family, I cannot simply see them whenever I miss them. There are times when I miss my family, and Korean food and South Korea itself,” she admits. “All these emotions help me when I’m working. My creations resemble an experience of my own life.”

Miki Studio has a showroom and shop in the heart of Posio in Lapland, warmly welcoming all visitors. For those who cannot visit in person, her web shop invites customers from around the world to explore and enjoy her unique creations.

www.mikistudio.fi

Instagram: @_mikistudio_

YouTube: MIKI STUDIO

Keeping the Norwegian cabin culture alive

Berge Hytta offers a wide selection of ready-made cabins as well as architectdesigned builds tailored to the customer’s specifications. With over a century of experience building homes and cabins in the diverse Norwegian climate, this is one of the country’s best cabin manufacturers.

By Maria Sødal Vole

In Norway, a cabin trip is so much more than just a getaway – it’s a mentality. Cabins from Berge Hytta are designed with long-standing cabin traditions in mind. “Norwegian cabin culture is deeply rooted in a love of nature and the desire for a break from everyday life,” says marketing manager Øyvind Bråtun. “It's about finding peace in scenic surroundings, whether by the sea, in the mountains or in the forest.”

Berge Hytta is delivered by the well-respected home and cabin manufacturer Berge Sag – a family-run business dating back to 1888. “The solid reputation we’ve built over 100 years is a great advantage,” he says. “We’re proud of being known for the quality and reliability of our services and work hard to maintain our standing.”

Cabins from Berge Hytta combine traditional Norwegian construction methods with modern design and comfort, mak-

ing them ideal for a relaxing break close to nature. “We benefit from vast experience in building different types of cabins, which has given us a thorough understanding of materials and construction techniques that work optimally in the Norwegian climate,” says Bråtun.

The models are well-adapted to the landscape in terms of style and functionality, with many featuring large window surfaces to let nature in. Practical solutions and facilities such as well-insulated walls and windows and efficient heating solutions make them comfortable to inhabit all year round.

In terms of design, the ready-to-move cabins benefit from a combination of modern aesthetics and traditional elements that provide a comfortable and authentic feeling. “Our ready-built cabins are designed to meet different needs and preferences – from compact, cosy

cabins perfect for smaller families and couples to spacious models that can accommodate large families and guests,” says Bråtun.

The company has a meticulous approach to the process of building cabins designed and tailored to the customer’s individual needs and wishes. “Our architects work closely with the customer to create a unique cabin that reflects their style and fits perfectly in the surroundings,” he adds. “Our goal is to always exceed the customer's expectations and deliver a cabin they will enjoy for many years to come.”

www.berge-hytta.no

Facebook: Berge Sag  Instagram: @bergesag

Architect rendition of cabin model Grid. Photo: Berge Hytta

Cabin model Mist. Photo: Terje Bjørnsen

Interior of cabin model Odin. Photo: Berge Hytta

Photo: @iamnordic

Build the log house of your dreams

Aito Log Houses is a producer of authentic, energy-efficient wooden homes from the heart of Finnish Lapland. Not only are the houses quick to assemble, sustainable and healthy, they are beautiful too.

By Malin Norman | Photos: Aito Log Houses

Based in Rovaniemi in the heart of Lapland, Aito Log Houses offers a wide range of comfortable and cosy wooden houses of any size or complexity. The company can deliver log house kits to almost every corner of the world and because all components are pre-cut, the process of erecting the log house is fast and smooth.

The log houses are made of pine wood and ranges from small holiday cabins to large residential homes, and even offices and industrial buildings. “We specialise in Scandinavian design, sustainable premium materials from the forests in Finnish Lapland, and ecological construction,” says Hannu Portimojärvi, CEO. “Even though we have a catalogue of example houses, we also listen to the customers and can make bespoke designs to fit their needs and wishes.”

Using logs is an old way of building houses and common in Scandinavia, for holiday cabins in particular. But from the 2000s,

log homes have become a serious option also for people who are building their residential home. “Log houses are just about the building material, the design itself can be adapted to a traditional style or a modern design,” says Portimojärvi.

Benefits of building log houses

The log is a sustainable building material and offers exceptional quality. In fact, logs have the best carbon footprint of all building materials. “Log houses are totally renewable, you can actually dismantle and recycle a log house and build a new house from it, you can make furniture, or use it as an energy source. Like a good wine, logs get even better with time!”

Another important argument for using logs as a building material is the health aspect. In fact, the log is a breathing material, it improves the quality of the air indoors, and pine wood even has anti-bacterial properties. And of course, log houses are beautiful.

“You can enter a log house and instantly feel the presence of the wood,” smiles Portimojärvi. If you have ever been in a log house, you will know that the smell is wonderful, acoustically it’s different, and log houses offer a cosy and comfortable atmosphere – there’s a natural warmth from the logs. Perhaps you are one of those people who say, “I had the chance to visit a log house and it was such a wonderful and beautiful experience – one day I want to build one for myself.”

www.loghouse.fi

Facebook: Aito Log House

The stunning 224-square-meter Villa Nikkesmelle is made of innovative non settling StrongLog and has been praised for its architectural design.

Architect: Ole Larsen, Gartnerfuglen Arkitekter AS, Oslo, Norway. Location: Malmøya, only 1015 minutes’ drive from Oslo city centre.

The house is designed with three parts, connected with glass tubes, not to disturb the surrounding nature.

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Guided by the principle of simple Scandinavian design, Happy Ears has created a reusable earplug for whatever your need.

Try our newest earplugs made of ocean plastics. An important product when you know more than 1Bil single use traditional earplugs are used and thrown away each year.

Better product, less waste. This is Happy Ears. Made in Sweden since 2010. www.happyearsearplugs.com

Visit our shop here and try one of our Discovery Packs, which offer you a money back guarantee.

Timeless jewellery from the unique environment of the Arctic

Dating back to 1959, Juhls was Finnmark’s first silver jewellery workshop, initially focused on repairing traditional Sami pieces. In this remote part of Norway, the wild and wonderful nature has provided a wealth of inspiration for unique, handcrafted designs.

By Maria Sødal Vole

Located in the Sami village of Kautokeino on Norway’s vast Finnmarksvidda plateau, Juhls was established by Frank and Regine Juhls. Due to the nomadic nature of the Sami culture, jewellery was a prized possession – valuable, portable and important heritage pieces. At the encouragement of locals in this isolated area, the couple trained as goldsmiths and began restoring old and historic jewellery as well as designing new pieces.

While uplifting traditional and developing new designs for Sami clothing has always been important to the Juhls, Regine felt inspiration pulling her in a different direction. Fascinated by the powerful and unique Arctic environment, she drew the beauty and raw contrasts of nature into the world of jewellery design.

Regine’s Tundra collection became an icon of Nordic design, her pieces characterised by a timeless expression and fine craftsmanship. She was one of the first Norwegian jewellery designers to pave

the way towards a more organic, abstract style. “Her pieces are modern classics –they’ve endured and maintained their relevance through decades and trends,” says her daughter, Sunniva Juhls.

Sunniva runs the gallery with an international team of eight goldsmiths, all handpicked for their competency and experience. Alongside taking pride in the quality of craftsmanship, the main values upheld by the team are sustainability, durability and ethical production. Every piece is created at the Juhls workshop. “We can proudly say that all of our designs are made here, in the far north, with great respect for craft traditions. Unfortunately, places like ours are becoming rare,” says Sunniva.

She is concerned about the common practice of outsourcing production to low-cost countries where working conditions may be poor, calling for greater transparency in production processes in the jewellery industry. “Products

are imported and branded as “Norwegian-made” or “Scandinavian design” with no questions asked as to who made them, where and under what conditions,” she explains.

Juhls Silvergallery is a tourist attraction in the area, with visitors welcome to explore the workshop and gallery – and to see the artist at work. Regine just celebrated her 85th birthday and although she's still making jewellery, her main focus is completing a mosaic on the gallery wall – an expansive piece spanning many years. “The mosaic is a continuation of her creative work in jewellery,” Sunniva adds. “This house is a life’s work in itself with its unique architecture and special atmosphere.”

www.juhls.no

Facebook: juhlssilvergallery

Instagram: @juhlssilvergallery

Photo: Jarle Hvidsten

Photo: Jarle Hvidsten

The artist Regine Juhls pictured in the 1960s.

Photo: Juhls Silvergallery

Photo: Andreas Ausland

Award-winning baby products with sustainability in focus

Based in the small town of Levanger in Trøndelag, Easygrow is one of Norway’s most trusted brands for babies and children. The award-winning company provides safe, reliable products made by parents, for parents – with sustainable thinking at the heart of everything.

By Maria Sødal Vole

Easygrow was started in 2004 when sisters Maria and Elisabeth Dalen, both mothers with small children, began sewing sleeping bags for use in prams.

“We saw a need for durable, sustainable sleeping bags for babies and did our best to create what we were looking for,” says CEO Maria. “Our designs started getting attention from other parents, and with time we turned it into a business.”

After making lots of prototypes and carrying out extensive testing, the sisters developed a patented extendable design that makes it possible for sleeping bags to be used as the child grows. The burgeoning business soon took off, and the Easygrow team will mark its 20-year anniversary this autumn. “We’re looking forward to celebrating this milestone, and we have some exciting new products launching soon,” Maria says.

With the aim of creating user-friendly products that are well-suited to cus-

tomer needs, the Easygrow team values input from parents and caretakers. “Our customers are a key part of our product development. Every week, we receive emails from parents offering comments and suggestions,” Maria says. “We’re always looking to improve our products, so feedback from the people using them in their daily lives is invaluable.”

Easygrow has won several awards for its products and business practices. In 2021, Easygrow’s Harmoni was the first baby sleeping bag to achieve the Nordic Swan Ecolabel – one of the world’s strictest environmental certifications. The various products consistently win top spots in consumer tests, and Maria won EY’s regional Entrepreneur of The Year award in the Sustainability category in 2022.

Over the past two years, Easygrow has made the switch to exclusively use recycled materials in the production. It opts

for ecological materials such as organic cotton as much as possible and has replaced standard rayon with circulose, which is rayon made of textile waste. All Easygrow sleeping bags go through an additional Oeko-Tex testing process to guarantee the safety of the materials. The water-resistant bags are also treated with the environmentally friendly waterproofing technology Bionic Finish ECO.

“We’re passionate about creating products that are safe for children and good for the environment,” Maria adds. “We only use recycled materials and make sure our products are high-quality and made to last. Our goal is for the bags to be used for generations, passed down from one child to another.”

www.easygrowofnorway.com Facebook: Easygrow

Photo: Easygrow

Photo: MomentsByStjernelys

Photo: Easygrow

Photo: Easygrow

Saunas rooted in Estonian heritage and tradition

Saunum can transform your home into a private spa, making your sauna an integral part of your wellness routine. Its mission is to inspire people to discover the benefits of saunas and make this ancient wellness practice accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

By Heidi Kokborg | Photos: Saunum

Saunas offer a myriad of physical and mental health benefits, ranging from improving cardiovascular health and promoting detoxification to relaxing the muscles and calming the mind. Saunum is on a mission to inspire more people to experience the benefits of this ancient Estonian practice. The company is rooted in the rich Estonian sauna heritage and designed and manufactured in Estonia, ensuring high quality.

“Our company stands out due to the unique patented air-blending solution, which creates a gentler, more balanced climate within the sauna. Additionally, our novel patented technology infuses the steam room air with beneficial salt ions,” says Allan Selirand, CEO.

Saunum was founded in 2014 by Andrus Vare. Although not particularly fond of saunas growing up, inheriting his grandfather’s century-old smoke sauna made

him appreciate the old wellness practice. Today, Saunum offers a five-in-one solution: a classic Nordic sauna, a humid steam-rich sauna, a mild, relaxing sauna, a sauna enriched with salt ions, and an aroma sauna – all in one Saunum heater.

A private home spa experience

Saunum has a patented air-blending technology, which ensures an even, comfortable temperature throughout the sauna, making it more accessible and enjoyable for everyone, including those who may not tolerate traditional saunas well.

“This system eliminates the common problem of uneven temperatures in traditional saunas, where the ceiling is very hot, and the bottom layer is very cold,” says Selirand. “Saunum's air-blending system creates an even temperature throughout the sauna room, eliminating the problem of cold feet and providing a healthier environment for the heart and

body. The Saunum sauna invigorates with steam, making it easier to breathe and eliminating post-sauna fatigue.”

Saunum’s latest innovation, the Saunum Spa Session heater, has won the Golden Wave 2024 award for the most innovative technology and has a patented air-blending system that ensures exceptional steam. “The Saunum Spa Session offers a luxurious sauna experience. It’s not just a sauna; it's a sanctuary of comfort, mellowness, and well-being. With the Saunum Spa Session heater, you can enjoy five different types of sauna,” says Selirand and adds; “Safety and continuous improvement are key areas of development for Saunum. By monitoring vital signs and environmental parameters, our saunas ensure users never overheat or run out of oxygen.”

www.saunum.com Facebook: Saunum Instagram: @saunumsauna

Strawberry & rhubarb crumble

Strawberries and rhubarb are two of my favourite things about summer. To walk out barefoot in the morning to pick a bowl of fresh strawberries in the garden is a true luxury for me. Even though I prefer to eat my strawberries raw, it’s also wonderful to sometimes use them in baking. Pairing strawberries with rhubarb in a compote or jam is super delicious. The combination of sweet strawberries and tangy rhubarb is so good it makes me wonder if they were once made to be eaten together. Another favourite to make is a simple crumble. A fruit or berry crumble is such a perfect summer dessert if you ask me. It’s easy to make and you can use all the fresh produce summer has to offer. The filling can be changed depending on what you have at home, but using strawberries and rhubarb is probably my favourite.

By Sofia Nordgren

Ingredients:

Crumble

2 1/2 dl | 100 g rolled oats

1/2 dl | 30 g all-purpose flour

100 g vegan margarine

Filling

250 g strawberries

250 g rhubarb

1 tbsp potato starch

3 tbsp caster sugar

Instruction:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.

2. Add all ingredients for the crumble in a bowl and combine into a crumbly dough.

3. Cut the strawberries in pieces. Snap off the ends of the rhubarb and chop. Peel as necessary. Place strawberries and rhubarb in a pie tin (~24cm).

4. In a bowl, combine potato starch and caster sugar and sprinkle over the berries. Stir carefully.

5. Add the crumble on top and bake for about 35 minutes in the middle of the oven. The crumble is done when golden brown.

6. Let cool and serve with ice cream or whipped cream.

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.

No & low alcohol beer: from zingy refresher to cold brewed coffee

By Malin Norman

A few weeks ago, I judged a 3-day beer competition in the UK. As always, it’s a surprise to the judges what beer styles we will judge when we sit down at the table. There’s anticipation in the air. A category which tends to come first is no & low alcohol beer (and the day usually ends with rich imperial stouts or complex barrel-aged beers). Whilst some judges sigh deeply and can’t wait to move on to the next flight of beers, I find no & low alcohol beer quite fascinating. I’m curious to see what the brewers are currently doing, what’s new on the scene so to speak, but also how the quality has improved over the years (or not).

These days, no & low alcohol beer can be all colours of the rainbow, as also in this competition. Often they are crisp lagers, I’ve had some delicious dry-hopped ones recently, but they can also be flavoured with exotic fruits, red berries, cherries or herbs you’ve never heard of. And even dark, with notes of roasted coffee and dark chocolate. I’ve judged alcohol-free stouts that taste like cold-brew coffee – I could easily have one of those in a glass with some ice and a splash of milk. But are they still beers? Yes of course, they are often brewed in the same way as standard-strength beers, with the same

ingredients, and added steps at the end to remove the alcohol.

Having lived in Spain for a few years, I’ve seen how no & low alcohol beer can be a natural part of society. It’s common to see people there ordering an Estrella Galicia 0.0%, not a bad beer by the way, without anyone raising an eyebrow. So what I’m trying to say is, let’s embrace no & low alcohol beer as a good option. Whether you’re the designated driver, intending to exercise later on in the evening, or perhaps just on a break from work (or alcohol), this is a great alternative if you

Malin Norman is a Certified Cicerone®, a certified beer sommelier, an international beer judge and a member of the British Guild of Beer Writers. want a refreshing beer but without the alcohol – and it can be tasty too.

Photo: Unsplash

Feeding the global sandwich trend

Named after the bread used in its sarnies, Bar Schiacciate is on a mission to change the Swedish sandwich culture. How? By serving up a simple, yet carefully curated menu of Italian-style sandwiches that are packed with quality in every bite. Now celebrating its one-year anniversary, the future of this eatery is looking deliciously bright.

By Emma Rodin | Photos: Bar Schiacciate

Having already taken Stockholm by storm (seven units opened in its first year is nothing but impressive), Bar Schiacciate is the brainchild of food lover and keen traveller Andreas Rosenstam. Born into the Mellqvist family and business venture, a Swedish institution known for its popular cafés, Rosenstam developed a taste for good food early on.

“I essentially grew up selling sandwiches and classic café bites and always loved being around food. So, I guess it was only a matter of time before I would step onto that scene myself,” explains Rosenstam. “I also remember the first time when I, as an adult, tried Tuscan schiacciate bread which was a pivotal moment that gave me a good idea of what I wanted to do next.”

Sandwiches versus sandwiches

Looking at the sandwich culture in Sweden traditionally, there has never been a huge amount of excitement. Although

tasty, sandwiches have generally been seen as light bites, perhaps composed of classic white bread with sliced cheese and cucumber. Tasty for sure, but far from a culinary delight. Compare this to Italian-style sandwiches and you can hardly believe that they are, in theory, the very same thing.

“I decided it was time to bring this foreign concept home and give sandwiches a better reputation and to reframe them as more of a hearty meal that you’re actually excited to eat,” says Rosenstam. “All while keeping things simple and authentic, without ever compromising on quality.”

The main ingredient and point of difference of Bar Schiacciate’s sandwiches is, unsurprisingly, the bread which compared to its relative focaccia is made with less oil, giving it a lighter texture and taste. Then, there are generous fillings to enjoy, such as different types of charcuteries, creamy mozzarella and fresh herbs. And although the menu

currently features plenty of choices, the clear bestseller is the Mortadellan sandwich which is made with mortadella ham, stracciatella cheese (a form of mozzarella), pistachio, beef tomatoes, basil and balsamico. Also worth noting is that a single sandwich at Bar Schiacciate will always have 10 slices of cured meat and a whole ball of mozzarella in it, because when it comes to sandwiches, more is always more.

A changed perception

To say that Bar Schiacciate was welcomed with open arms is perhaps a slight overstatement. Yes, its success over the past year is a fact, but it is fair to say that getting to this point has also been, and continues to be, an act of changing consumers’ behaviour. A task which is never easy.

“Our concept may feel quite unfamiliar to many people who are not used to queuing for a sandwich, or to pay a higher price for high-quality ingredients in what they would consider a simplistic food. That’s why getting the marketing right at the start

of this adventure was crucial, which was only achieved with the help from Christopher Åström who is an amazing food creator that really understands the landscape we are trading in,” explains Rosenstam. “When you eat our food, you really get what you pay for. Everything is done à la minute, is super fresh and made with love.”

Rosenstam also explains how the learnings from the past year have helped him and his team to improve. For instance, customer feedback has inspired Bar Schiacciate to add specific lunch options to its menu which are readymade and sold at a discounted price. There are now also simplice schiacciatas (smaller sandwiches) as well as several fresh salads including a classic caprese, with more gluten-free options launching soon as well.

Quality and taste aside, creating a great atmosphere for customers is equally important. That is why Rosenstam has partnered with British home fashion brand Buster & Punch to fit Bar Schiacciate’s units with lamps that represent the same values of quality. And not only are there more such collaborations to come, but also grand plans to expand the business. So, next up: Norway, the Nordic home of sandwiches.

www.barschiacciate.se

Instagram: @bar_schiacciate

Handcrafted organic gin from a family-owned distillery in Karelia

In easternmost Finland, the small family-owned Kalevala Distillery crafts premium organic gin with meticulous care. Every sip is a journey through the beautiful Finnish nature and the country’s culture and traditions.

By Malin Norman | Photos: Kalevala Distillery

Kalevala Distillery is a craft gin distillery based in north Karelia in eastern Finland, a region with a history of moonshining in the 1930s. The meticulously handcrafted gins reflect the owners’ dedication to quality and tradition. “We’re a small family business, where every aspect of production is managed in-house and in small batches,” says Moritz Wüstenberg, founder and master distiller.

Moritz’s journey in gin started when he was studying biochemical engineering at UCL in the UK, and eventually setting up his own small gin distillery in a disused barn in eastern Finland some 12 years ago. This is where he blends his scientific expertise with a passion for distilling. And his spirits are nothing but exceptional in quality as well as environmentally conscious.

Despite humble beginnings, the distillery has grown organically and the award-winning gins are now available internationally. A recently started cooperation with Danish BeMakers enables direct sales to consumers in most of central Europe. The distillery is still based in the same place and being a small family-owned business, everybody helps

where needed. Whilst Moritz takes care of the production, his wife Sonja manages communication and marketing, including all aspects of content creation, but she also pitches in wherever needed.

Where tradition meets taste

The area around the small distillery is beautiful and unspoilt. “Our brand vision is simple: to craft the finest organic spirits using traditional distilling methods, while preserving the pristine nature that surrounds us,” explains Moritz. “We’re committed to producing high-quality, authentic spirits that truly reflect the natural environment in which we operate.”

The gins and branding are inspired by the tales of Kalevala, a work of epic poetry by Elias Lönnrot based upon Finnish mythology and oral folk poetry from Karelia. “The Kalevala is based in the same place where we live and produce our gin. My mother is actually from this area,” says the master distiller. Each sip is a tribute to the ancient wisdom, mystical

landscapes, and heroic deeds that have shaped Finnish culture.

“The main flavour must be juniper berries, but the range of botanicals that can be explored is limitless,” says Moritz. “We use locally sourced ingredients such as sea buckthorn, raspberry and blackcurrant leaf, and Jerusalem artichoke to make our gin with a distinctly Finnish twist.”

London Dry, Ruby and Saimaa

The London Dry Gin was one of the distillery’s first and is still the best-seller. This is a classic gin where juniper is the star followed by notes of fresh mint, rosemary and hits of pine and raspberry. The result is a fresh whisp of the nature of Finland.

Another gem is the irresistible Ruby Gin, which has London Dry Gin as the base and then infused with berries grown at the doorstep of the distillery. It has a bright red colour, however not sweet, and a more subtle flavour with almost earthy berry notes yet with a dry finish. Of course, no artificial colours or additives have been used. The dark red colour comes from local bilberries and lingonberries.

Kalevala Distillery also produces unique products on customer request. One such is the Saimaa Aged Gin, aged to perfection in barrels. Named after the beautiful Saimaa Lake region in North Karelia, this gin carries a delicate hint of ginger. The result is elegant and refined.

For a more sustainable future

The natural beauty isn't just a backdrop but a crucial ingredient in the craft. The clean air, pure water, and vibrant biodiversity inspire every bottle produced. Since 2020, Kalevala Distillery has been part of the North Karelia Biosphere Reserve, the network of UNESCOs worldwide Biosphere Reserve, a recognition of its commitment to sustainability and ecological harmony.

“We want to be a leading example of how small, family-owned businesses can have a big impact on the world by producing organic, sustainable products that taste great and do good – for a more sustainable future,” the distiller concludes.

www.kalevaladistillery.com

Facebook: Kalevala Distillery  Instagram: @kalevaladistillery

Premium caviar from Estonia, inspired by Japan

From the clean, pure waters of Estonia comes NÖVA Caviar. The caviar is lovingly produced by expert local farmers at a sustainable aquaculture farm, fusing Estonian cutting-edge technology with Japanese tradition. The result is an elegant caviar with a perfectly balanced aroma, taste and texture.

By Malin Norman | Photos: NÖVA Caviar

Estonian brand NÖVA Caviar is located deep in the countryside of Pärnu, surrounded by diverse wildlife, clean water and air that is considered the purest in Europe. Here, the local farmers work side by side with an experienced Japanese caviar processing master, who has extensive knowledge of sturgeon farming and caviar production.

“NÖVA Caviar is the result of a fusion between Estonian farming techniques and the know-how of Japanese caviar processing,” says Reelika Matsumoto, who founded the company with her husband David Matsumoto. “The premium quality of our caviar comes from clear water and high-quality feed at the farm,” she explains. “Our farmers put their hearts into raising the sturgeon, which is why we can be completely transparent and call our caviar truly distinctive. If you compare NÖVA Caviar to other leading brands, you can easily taste the difference.”

One of the world’s oldest superfoods

The clean water and special feed give a consistently fresh and tasty caviar. From the first taste to the last, this is premium food at its finest. “Whether you are a caviar connoisseur or trying this delicacy for the first time, we want everyone to experience the unforgettable taste of NÖVA Caviar,” says Reelika. “Our goal is to bring caviar to a broader audience, to demystify it and let everyone know that caviar is not just a luxury delicacy – it can be enjoyed regularly as part of a wellbalanced diet, and for any occasion.”

Did you know that caviar is one of the world’s oldest superfoods? Caviar is packed with essential nutrients that can help to maintain your everyday health and wellness. The unfertilised eggs are full of essential vitamins, minerals and essential fats. So when you eat the caviar produced from these eggs, you will benefit from those same nutrients – it’s a

boost for the immune system, a burst of vitamin B12, and a tonic for the skin.

In addition to the many benefits of the product itself, for every product sold a part of the profit goes to children’s charities. “It’s our way of giving back,” adds David. “This is not just a business, it’s an opportunity to create jobs and to support the local community.”

www.novacaviar.eu

Instagram: @novacaviar

For purchasing and information: contact@novacaviar.eu

From field and farm to fork, regenerative farming and excellent food

Mangholm is an organic farm with a high-end restaurant and bespoke wooden cabins ideal for an overnight stay. A family-run business which genuinely believes in giving back to nature and the local community, always striving to leave behind more than what it takes.

“The restaurant is where you truly experience Mangholm,” explains Tine Hage, who bought the farm 12 years ago with husband Torben and opened the farmto-table restaurant in 2021. Their mission is to demonstrate a sustainable way of farming and producing high-quality food.

Located on the farm, the restaurant has views over fields, gardens, and the abundant nature around its terrace. Many guests go for a walk around the farm and gardens before entering the restaurant. “They get a sense of the landscape and the atmosphere before enjoying a fantastic meal,” says Tine.

Sustainability and regenerative farming are at the core of Mangholm, a working farm with cattle, sheep and chickens, and a large vegetable and herb garden –and the owners live and work with nature, not against it. “We are passionate about offering high-quality produce, whilst respecting the environment,” she says. “We cultivate the natural organisms in the soil to help grow the tastiest vegetables.”

The farm is self-sufficient, growing everything in-house and producing its own compost fertilizer. Few ingredients need to be purchased, but fresh fish and dairy products are sourced locally. During summer, vegetables and fruit from

By Trine Ejlskov Jensen-Martin

the gardens make up the bulk of the menus. “Our fantastic chef Philipp Lindner, our sous chef and our baker are focused on delivering the best dishes from the incredible ingredients here,” Tine adds. So regardless of season, Mangholm offers a one-of-a-kind culinary experience, with exceptional home-grown food.

www.mangholm.dk/en

Email: info@mangholm.dk

Instagram: @mangholm.dk

Photo: Lior Zilbertstein

A serene archipelago getaway

Pellinge Marina, situated in the serene archipelago of eastern Finland, offers visitors a boutique resort experience. This resort combines Nordic architecture, local cuisine, and ecological luxury amidst the rugged beauty of Pellinge’s islands, providing a unique and tranquil getaway.

By Ndéla Faye | Photos: Anette Sundström, Anna Brandt

Pellinge Marina is a boutique archipelago resort, located in the northeast corner of Pellinge in the archipelago of eastern Finland, just a short drive away from Porvoo and Helsinki. “For years, Lapland has dominated Finland’s tourism scene, and the archipelago has perhaps been somewhat overlooked. But the stunning archipelago environment is going through a renaissance, where people are increasingly coming here for their holidays,” says Janica Ström, owner of Pellinge Marina.

Each of Pellinge Marina’s rooms has been carefully decorated with a soothing, harmonious colour palette to reflect the peace and beauty of the surrounding nature. “We use high-quality materials in

our rooms, ensuring that every detail supports an ecological lifestyle,” Ström says.

For guests looking for a one-of-a-kind stay, Villa Berg is located on a high cliff and almost completely excavated from rock and offers a wonderfully unique setting for meetings or parties of up to ten people. The villa has two bedrooms and a sauna section, as well as a large terrace built on the edge of the cliff.

Pellinge Marina’s largest villa, Villa Pellinge, will be completed in the winter season this year. Villa Pellinge has a swimming pool facing the sea and will accommodate up to 13 people - but the venue can host parties of up to 40 people.

Rugged beauty of the islands

Built on the rocks of Pellinge, the resort seamlessly combines high-quality Nordic architecture with Scandinavian design, natural materials and meticulously thought of interior design. Pellinge Marina is accessible via sea or land – in which case the route includes an atmospheric trip on a ferry, which is free and easily accessible by car.

Pellinge offers travellers the quintessential Finnish archipelago experience; its two hundred islands showcase stunning rugged nature with cliffs rounded by waves, hundred-year-old pines shaped by natural forces, sheltered natural coves and sandy beaches. Perhaps more notably, Tove Jansson, the creator of the much-loved Moomins, holidayed on the neighbouring island of Klovharun, which is open to visitors one week a year.

“The beauty of the Eastern Gulf of Finland is undeniable, with its untamed and ancient nature, which makes it easy to fall in love with this place,” says Ström. Guests can rent SUP boards, kayaks, bicycles and electric scooters to explore the island –and in addition to boat and fishing trips, there are jet-ski safaris, museum trips, island excursions, and hundreds of cultural events throughout the year.

Island flavours

The newly-opened Bistro Pellinge, with its sea view and sunny terrace, is more than a restaurant – it’s a journey to the heart of the island's flavours. “Whether it’s fresh fish from the sea or vegetables from local farmers, every meal tells a story about the unique nature of the archipelago,” Ström explains. The cuisine focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, bringing out the authentic island spirit in every dish. In addition, the bistro’s bar serves world-

class drinks from the cocktail menu. Bistro Pellinge also provides a stunning backdrop for private events, including tailored business conference packages and weddings.

For guests wanting to enjoy a traditional Finnish sauna, Pellinge Marina’s beach sauna elevates the experience to a whole new level. The beach sauna combines modern architecture with a traditional sauna, creating an experience that appeals to all the senses. The beach sauna has a hot tub – and with direct access to the sea, it can be easily followed by a refreshing dip in the sea afterwards.

With its blend of Nordic architecture, local cuisine, and ecological ethos, the resort promises an unforgettable escape immersed in the rugged beauty and rich cultural heritage of Pellinge’s islands.

“Pellinge Marina is the pearl of the archipelago, an ideal spot to experience the atmosphere of the archipelago and our resort, which seamlessly combines natural beauty and modern comfort,” Ström concludes.

www.pellingemarina.com

Facebook: Pellinge Marina

Instagram: @pellingemarina

The apartment design combines high-quality natural materials and top-of-the-range amenities.

Your own tranquil retreat in Finnish Lapland

For those who have been dreaming of a second home abroad, Utsuvaara Gielas in Levi, Finnish Lapland, provides the perfect opportunity. It is a wonderful location to enjoy peace and quiet.

By Ndéla Faye | Photos: Levin Utsuvaara

Utsuvaara Gielas has 22 modern holiday homes available in Levi, in the heart of Finnish Lapland. The apartments provide an ideal holiday home base for remote workers, holidaymakers and investors alike. “This is a wonderful location to enjoy some peace and quiet while still being close to local services,” says Tanja Sotka, Utsuvaara Gielas’ estate agent.

Each apartment has direct access to ski slopes and cross-country skiing trails right from the doorstep. The location also provides opportunities for all kinds of activities, from mountain biking and hiking to spotting the Northern Lights. And the centre of Levi, with its selection of restaurants, shops and other services, is only a ten-minute drive away.

The apartments at Utsuvaara Gielas feature a modern Nordic interior, while honouring the surrounding landscape. The size range from one-bedroom flats

to three-storey chalets, and each apartment has its own sauna, two toilets, large windows and a covered balcony or a terrace, making sure that Lapland’s scenery is accessible throughout the year.

Hassle-free home ownership

“Half of the properties have been sold so far. The common denominator with all our buyers is that they have decided to make a long-term investment for the future of their families,” says Sotka. “The apartments will be completed and released to buyers at the end of October 2024, meaning that families get to enjoy a magical winter here this year already. This would also make for a fantastic Christmas present for a family.”

Utsuvaara Gielas offers a smooth process for buyers: a voluntary option of a pre-negotiated mortgage is available, and the apartment ownership is through a housing company, which is one of

the most common forms of real estate ownership in Finland. As a shareholder, the buyer becomes part of the housing company, which manages things such as property tax, building insurance and day-to-day maintenance including snow shovelling and property management.

“This is a hassle-free option to home-owning. It’s especially convenient for people looking to buy a second home in Finnish Lapland. Buyers can rest easy knowing the property is being looked after even when they’re not there,” Sotka concludes.

www.gielas.fi

For more information about the properties, contact Tanja Sotka: tanja.sotka@bo.fi

Handcrafted luxury and timeless charm in Porvoo

RUNO Hotel, located in the picturesque city of Porvoo, was founded with a vision to create a homely, warm, and inviting luxury hotel experience. Every detail has been meticulously considered, blending respect for old traditions with touches of modernity.

By Ndéla Faye | Photos: RUNO Hotel

“I often describe Porvoo as the San Sebastian or the Cinque Terre of Finland, just on a smaller scale, but with a lovely old town charm and colourful wooden houses,” says Erkka Hirvonen, CEO and co-founder of RUNO Hotel.

Hirvonen describes RUNO – which means poem in Finnish – as a handcrafted luxury hotel, where careful craftsmanship and dedication to maintaining rich Finnish heritage is at the forefront of everything they do. This is a place where culture, design, and aesthetics meet. “The history of the hotel building, Valtimontalo, and the city’s culture, tourism, and traditions have inspired and motivated us,” Hirvonen explains.

Rustic-modern design

Each room has been designed with a modern rustic ambience in mind, com-

bining top-quality design and technology with some original features from the more than 100-year-old building. RUNO is an experience hotel that appeals to all the senses. “We pay special attention to creating a pleasant experience through sight, sounds, smells and sensations,” says the CEO.

The rooms range from small and large rooms to suites – and each room has a luxurious RUNO bathroom, where guests can indulge in some pampering. For visitors wanting to elevate their relaxation to a new level, RUNO’s Attic Sauna is a modern version of a traditional Finnish sauna. The RUNO Spa, in turn, offers a range of beauty and wellness treatments.

RUNO also serves as a stage for Finnish art with the biannual exhibitions. The concept consists of two large exhibitions

per year, which feature over a hundred works by renowned artists from Finland and abroad.

In line with the hotel’s ethos, RUNO Kitchen is a combination of Finnish food traditions, handcrafted from local flavours with a modern twist. The hotel’s breakfast and weekend brunches offer an array of exquisite delicacies – and people travel from afar just to enjoy them. In addition, RUNO Bar’s handcrafted signature cocktails have been inspired by Finnish nature. “Our food is driven by our chefs’ and bartenders’ expertise, and top-class ingredients from our local producers,” says Hirvonen. “We want to pay homage to the traditions and handicrafts of the city – and give our guests a chance to experience it as well.”

www.runohotel.com

Facebook: runohotelporvoo

Instagram: @runohotelporvoo

To get 20% off when booking a room, use code SCAN

A year-round haven in Lapland’s outdoor paradise

Villa Usva is an atmospheric rental cottage in the centre of the village of Ylläsjärvi in Lapland, Finland. The cottage boasts some of the country’s best skiing, biking and hiking trails right on its doorstep, making this an ideal place for guests all year round.

By Ndéla Faye | Photos: Villa Usva

Accommodating four people, Villa Usva is an apartment at one end of a terraced house in the peaceful area of Tunturipalo. At the other end of the house is Ilvesmaja, which can comfortably accommodate up to six people.

The cottage’s walls have been lovingly crafted from kelohonka, a polar pine tree, which has been used as traditional building material for centuries in Finland. “The cottage is beautiful both inside and outside, and the polar pine adds to the cosy and warm atmosphere and the magic of Finland’s Lapland,” says Heidi Pukander, owner of Villa Usva.

The rental cottage is located close to local restaurants, supermarkets and shops, so it’s easy for guests to make the

most out of their holiday and explore the numerous activities on offer.

Activity-packed wonderland in all seasons

With Finland’s largest network of cross-country skiing and biking trails and all-year sporting opportunities just 200 metres from the cottage, guests don’t need to go far to enjoy them. The Ylläs region, 115 kilometres north of the Arctic circle in Finnish Lapland, is well-known as a paradise for active, outdoorsy people, boasting a ski centre and over 300 kilometres of cross-country ski trails.

Outdoor activities are not just limited to the winter months. In summer, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, foraging and kayaking. The ski lifts are open all year round, and vis-

itors can take bikes in the gondola lifts to the top of Ylläs, where Ylläs Bike Park offers scenic routes down the fell.

The nature and scenery are stunning throughout the year. In summer, the region is known for its nightless night, when the sun doesn’t set beneath the horizon for months. During autumn, the ruska –when leaves take on various shades of red and yellow – is a breathtaking sight. And in winter, Ylläs is a prime location for spotting the Northern lights.

“We’re a family business, and proud and happy to be able to show others the mind-blowing beauty of the region’s nature. There are seven fells, eight seasons and no shortage of activities – and of course some of the purest air in the world too. Our cottages are ideal places to relax and use as a holiday base all year round,” Pukander concludes.

www.villausva.com Facebook: @yllasusva

A sustainable escape to Finland’s archipelago paradise

Hotel Kasnäs, a family-owned resort on Kimitoön, the third largest island in Finland where Kasnäs is its own small island, offers everything for a memorable holiday. Surrounded by peaceful nature and the sea, it provides quality services and plenty of opportunities for pampering.

By Ndéla Faye

Kimitoön is an archipelago paradise with scenic landscapes, diverse outdoor activities, and a rich cultural life, making it an unforgettable getaway. Located in the heart of the Turku archipelago, about two and a half hours away from the capital and Helsinki-Vantaa airport. The Kasnäs resort features a hotel with 39 standard rooms and two suites, a spa with heated indoor and outdoor pools, a range of Finnish saunas and hot tubs, a restaurant, a shop with a café and fish deli, a caravan park, and a guest harbour that serves visitors year-round.

Sustainability trailblazers

Sustainability is central to Kasnäs’ operations, noticeable in every aspect of the resort. The resort uses residual energy to heat the outdoor pools, the spa and the restaurant, and all electricity comes from renewable sources. “We also use reverse osmosis to purify seawater, which then serves as drinking, showering, and bath-

ing water at our resort,” says Tanja Liljeqvist, hotel manager.

Kasnäs collaborates with local producers to offer a menu that features locally sourced products. The hotel’s restaurant, Kasnäs Paviljong, benefits from supplies by Kasnäs’ parent company, Ab Salmonfarm Oy. “Serving locally sourced food and fresh fish is important to us and a matter of pride,” Liljeqvist states. The restaurant, with its stunning sea view, provides an island-style lunch buffet daily, and in the evenings, diners can select from the à la carte menu.

The resort also has a grocery store with a wide selection of fish and other products. During the summer months, the hotel’s café and fish deli serve delicacies made from locally sourced fish. “We aim to be trailblazers in sustainable tourism in our beautiful archipelago,” explains Liljeqvist “This is reflected in our daily

operations and our partnerships, and we strive to provide sustainable options for our guests.”

Guests can enjoy various activities, including a traditional Finnish beach sauna, hot tub dips, beach walks, mini-golf, tennis, padel, and boules. Organised boat trips to the iconic Bengtskär lighthouse, Rosala Viking Center, and Örö castle island are also available.

“Whether you want to relax in the lovely archipelago, enjoy Finnish delicacies in good company, or treat yourself to a spa getaway in a breathtaking setting, Kasnäs is the place to be,” Liljeqvist concludes.

www.kasnas.com

Facebook: visitkasnas

Instagram: @visitkasnas

Photo: Petri Järvinen

Photo: Petri Järvinen

Photo: Abo Creatives

Everything boat owners need, for an unforgettable maritime experience

DB Marina in southwest Finland is the idyllic spot to moor your boat. The marina offers a peaceful setting, a warm and friendly atmosphere, and a wide range of services for boat owners and visitors.

Whether an experienced sailor or an amateur, DB Marina provides everything you need for a memorable getaway. The helpful and welcoming staff will assist you in mooring your boat and getting comfortably settled. So you can enjoy the tranquillity of the marina while taking in the beautiful region of Kimito island in southwest Finland.

DB Marina has a broad range of services and products for boat owners, residents, holiday home owners and visitors to the archipelago. It offers winter storage, docks (berths) for seasonal use, a guest harbour and all the services that a boat owner needs. Here, you can easily shop for groceries, get what you need from the pharmacy, fill up on gasoline

By Malin Norman | Photos: DB Marina

gion. In fact, Dalsbruk is where the vastly popular festival Baltic Jazz takes place in July. And the area offers plenty of other activities and sights, if you are in the mood for exploring.

The location of DB Marina is ideal, whether you arrive by boat or by car, with Dalsbruk only a few hours away from Helsinki and Turku.

www.dbmarina.fi

Facebook: DB Marina  Instagram: @db.marina and empty the septic tank. And if you face any challenges with your boat, the staff can help sort them out.

Within easy walking distance from the marina are a number of restaurants and cafés, shops and amenities in Dalsbruk village. So you can stock up on provisions, enjoy delicious local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the culture of the re-

The key to a perfect getaway: clean air, fresh bread and walking a donkey

Tukkila Farm is a B&B nestled in Porvoo river valley, 40 minutes from HelsinkiVantaa airport. It provides its visitors with a boutique hotel feel and a place to rest and become one with nature.

Outi Tukkila is the fifth-generation owner of Tukkila Farm but the first one to expand the 19th century working farm into a hotel. She runs the farm together with her husband, who is the wizard waking guests up with the smell of fresh bread, which works well for Outi Tukkila. “I’m glad he has taken on preparing breakfast,” she says. “Maybe I should’ve stopped to think how being a late riser might be challenging for a B&B owner!”

A Tukkila farm speciality is the opportunity to go on nature walks with unlikely but friendly companions – donkeys! The farm is the biggest donkey breeder in Finland and the sociable equines are always looking forward to new guests giving their fur a good brush.

Tukkila Farm is a destination for travellers to discover all-year round and guests have the opportunity to enjoy the picturesque Porvoo Old Town and its restaurants only a 10-minute drive from the farm. The surrounding nature provides something for every traveller and every season.

Stop to listen to the silence while camping, surrounded by reindeer

Porovaara Hill is a place where a couple’s dream of reindeer husbandry has grown into a family business offering reindeer excursions and Northern lights safaris just south of the Arctic circle. Guests must dress warm, according to the weather, but everything else is taken care of.

Ari and Irja Körkkö bought a 70 hectare piece of land almost 40 years ago and the area has operated as a location to herd reindeer but also to provide a place for their family to explore, pick berries and hunt. Now travellers from all around the world have the same opportunity to experience the wilderness of Lapland by partaking in outdoor adventures, including snowmobile safaris.

The couple wants to offer a genuine Lapland experience for visitors, in the most authentic and sustainable way. “People come here to experience the stillness and the silence,” Ari says. “For

this reason, our snowmobiles are electric so provide minimum disturbance for us and the majestic nature around us.”

At Porovaara Hill, you are not limited to snowmobiles, however. The resort is open all year round and can offer everything from berry picking to fishing and even greet-

By Ester Laiho | Photos: Tukkila Farm

“The surrounding nature is omnipresent and the summers are beautiful,” says Tukkila. “In autumn, you can admire the fall foliage, in winter you can walk on the frozen river, and in spring you can witness nature come back to life. But every season calls for a visit to our 200-year-old sauna from which you can take a refreshing dip in the river!”

www.tukkila.fi

Facebook: Tukkilan tila

Instagram: @tukkilantila

By Ester Laiho

ing baby reindeer in summer. Visitors also have the opportunity to sleep in a laavu, an old Finnish lean-to just next to the animals, under the midnight sun. But according to Körkkö, the experience is especially worthwhile in the heart of winter: “It’s incredible how staying in a laavu, with the bonfire going and the reindeer in their pen just metres away, makes you feel as one with nature.”

www.porovaara.fi

Instagram: @porovaarahill

Mobile: +358 44 2484 116

Email: info@porovaara.fi

Modern rooms were updated last year.

The main farm building basking in the sun.

A night under the stars in a traditional Finnish laavu. Photo: Pete Karttunen

A sleigh ride led by reindeer for the whole family.

Photo: Miika Hämäläinen

MiniTheme: EXPERIENCESTOPAUTUMNINSWEDEN

Feed your senses by the sea

Located on the idyllic island of Orust, Nösund Hotel is a charming spot to recharge and reboot. In fact, city dwellers have sought out Sweden’s west coast for over a century, looking to breathe fresh sea air, eat high-quality food and enjoy a change of pace. It is a theme as relevant then as it is today, with Nösund Hotel being a safe bet.

By Emma Rodin | Photos: Nösund Havshotell

The hotel definitely has a rich history, but it has only been a year since partners Maria and Niklas Krafft took over the reins from the previous owners, breathing new life into the establishment. Since then, the duo has renovated the hotel throughout, while keeping that sense of authenticity that is synonymous with the area.

Think warmth and care and a place where everyone can feel welcome, whether you are staying with a partner or attending a conference. There are 28 cosy rooms, including dog-friendly ones, all with the sea right on your doorstep – a perfect canvas for exploring and making new memories.

Food at heart

Aside from picturesque accommodation, food is a huge part of Nösund Hotel’s offering. Naturally, with the sea so close, fish and seafood are available in abundance and are the foundation of the hotel’s restaurant menu. Niklas, who has previously had a successful career as

a chef at well-established restaurants around Europe, is now a professional fisherman and supplies fresh sea produce not only to Nösund Hotel, but also to local shops and the couple’s newly opened restaurant in Stockholm, Glupsk.

“We opened Glupsk after discovering lobster rolls in the USA, wanting to bring the same concept to Sweden, but with our own take on it. It has been well received and really fun to go down the street food path after my days of cheffing,” says Niklas.

Worth noting is that before opening Glupsk, the couple won the Swedish Food Truck Championships in 2019 with their rolls. Back at Nösund Hotel, there may not be any street food around, but fresh seafood still takes pride with delicacies like prawns, crayfish and local fish always on offer. There are also mussels and oyster producers based nearby, which Niklas and Maria hope to partner with in the future.

Conferences and weddings

With lots of space for people to gather, Nösund Hotel is a popular choice for weddings (an impressive 21 hosted this year) and team events, with the capacity to host three or four conference groups at once. And now that autumn is somewhat on the doorstep, the conference season is just about to begin.

“Coming here, I think people love the mix of being in a new environment that can boost creativity, as well as enjoying stunning nature and fun things to do,” explains Maria. “We offer plenty of niche workshops, like boiling your own lobster, prepping and eating it, as well as learning how to open oysters. We also host cooking classes which are great team-bonding events. In these classes, we split the group into smaller teams to make either the starter, main or dessert and it doesn’t matter what level you’re at. Naturally, collaboration is key and really brings people together – it’s lovely seeing the dynamic formed within the teams,” she adds.

Anyone for a seaweed bath?

Food activities aside, enjoying the proximity to the sea is an equally popular pastime. For one, hotel guests will find a lush sauna down by the jetty where they can relax and socialise. Here, they will also find a natural spa where they can enjoy a traditional seaweed cleanse which is at its best in August each year. There are also lots of great spots for swimming and trails for walking. Plus, those keen on wildlife can book a seal safari or head out for a thrilling speedboat ride.

Nösund Hotel is also popular with kayakers as Orust island is a paddling hotspot thanks to its clear waters. “We get a lot of people staying with us as part of their kayaking trips, to recharge and refuel with comfy beds and delicious food,” says Maria. However, not everyone comes to stay the night. “We’re open to the public and everyone is welcome to book dinner at the restaurant or stop by the on-site café to purchase coffee and ice cream.”

Looking ahead to the latter part of the year, Nösund Hotel is set to host a series of seafood-focused Christmas feasts. Be it lunch or dinner, hungry guests will be able to book a seat on selected days. And with

Maria and Niklas’ track record so far, this is sure to be yet another foodie success.

www.nosundhavshotell.se

Instagram: @nosund_havshotell

From the dawn of the Viking age to modernism – all in one newly renovated museum

Gustavianum, Uppsala University’s oldest building, is now home to a modern museum with the latest technology to preserve and showcase its exquisite collections.

By Marie Westerman Roberts | Photos: Uppsala University

The museum closed its doors in 2019 for an extensive renovation and didn’t open again until June 2024. Cecilia Ödman, senior curator at Gustavianum, describes the new museum; “We have six newly produced exhibitions containing a wide selection of objects from the university’s collections. Together with the historic building´s architectural qualities and modern museum technology, we offer visitors a completely new experience of the museum and the university´s rich cultural heritage.”

At Gustavianum, visitors can enjoy a smörgåsbord of exhibitions in a fairly compact format, including highlights from Ancient Egypt (yes, with a mummy) and other Mediterranean cultures, the early Viking Age, art history and scientific

discoveries, Rudbeck's anatomical theatre, and also the Augsburg Art Cabinet.

The museum’s art collection is magnificent and one of the largest in Sweden. “It contains objects created in various techniques and materials, dating from the Middle Ages to our time,” says Ödman. The collection includes paintings and drawings, sculptures, arts and crafts, woven tapestries and furniture. Portraits form a significant part of the collection.

This summer, until the beginning of September, Gustavianum offers guided tours every day at 11am and 1pm in English and at 3pm in Swedish.

www.uu.se/en/gustavianum

Instagram: @gustavianum

Opening hours

24 June to 1 September

Monday-Sunday 11-17, daily tours

Opening hours

3 September to 31 December

Tuesday-Friday 12-17

Saturday-Sunday 11-17, tours only on weekends

MiniTheme: NORWAY'SLEADING DIGITAL&DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES

The Wild West days of digital marketing are over – Precis’ big ambitions

With poor online experiences, irresponsible use of consent and a Wild West style of collecting any and all data you can, digital marketing has not always had the best reputation. It is fair to say that there is room for improvement. Enter digital marketing agency Precis.

By Hanna Margrethe Enger | Photos: Precis

Precis was founded in Stockholm in 2012. Just three years later, in 2015, the Oslo office opened. In 2017 John Erik Karlsen, now CEO at Precis Norway, joined the team. Today, seven years later, the Norwegian team has grown tenfold from five employees to 50. With growth like that, it is clear that they are doing something right.

The marketing industry has been dominated by a few big companies for several decades. But many companies have not had a clear strategy for how to collect and use data in a valuable, ethical and customer-friendly way. Precis is working on becoming the agency that sets the bar for how this is done. “A good experience on the internet means more than just visually appealing advertising,” Karlsen explains. “It also requires a deeper look at how you work with your consumers’ data.”

The first thing that greets us on a website is a box asking us to accept cookies. Cookies track us as we browse a website and gather information. This can be a good thing, but there can be personal data there that should not get into the wrong hands.

“We help our clients process their customers' data in a way we think it should be processed ourselves,” says Karlsen. “It should be easy for the customer to choose what data they want to share. This becomes part of the brand. This is an area where we see that the market has great potential for improvement.”

A high number of clicks are great, but only if they drive value. “When you start to look critically at what data you’re collecting as a marketer, it also challenges you to un-

derstand what data is actually useful for measuring success,” Karlsen explains.

Technology is evolving and changing faster than most of us can keep up with. But keeping up is not a problem at Precis. “We must be flexible,” Karlsen says. “Five years from now Precis may look different. There is a lot to keep up with, but also many opportunities.”

www.precisdigital.com

Facebook: precisdigital

Instagram: @precisdigital

John Erik Karlsen, CEO at Precis Norway.

Unleash your business’ marketing potential

In a world where the digital space is rapidly expanding, it can be hard to keep up. While most businesses know that they have to go online, words like SEO, Google ads management and social media marketing can be confusing and make your head spin. This is where Norway-based Digital Strategi can help.

By Celina Tran | Photos: Digital Strategi

No one tells you how overwhelming it can be to start a business. You have to take on many roles and learn endless new skills, but some things require more knowledge, time and effort than you might have. Digital Strategi is a performance marketing agency based in Bergen, and it is here to lift the heavy load, making your day-to-day not just easier, but more efficient.

“As a performance marketing agency, we specialise in creating a tailored strategy based on analysis and continuous evaluation of each and every client,” explains Lasse Ellingsen, founder. Ellingsen worked in another marketing agency for several years but found that as the business took off, it seemed to lose touch with its clients. “I wanted to start a smaller agency, one that focuses on the client’s needs and offers the best solutions at a reasonable price,” he says.

Tailored services for growth

Digital Strategi offers a broad range of services, from digital counselling to websites and webstores, SEO, Google ads, social media management, content production and more. All the way from the initial session, the team will help your business figure out exactly what it needs through analysing data, and then proceed in the right direction.

“Marketing is unique for every business,” says Ellingsen. “Even if you use the same platforms or types of marketing, not everyone needs the same level of, let’s say, Google ads. Based on existing data, we look at what currently works and what doesn’t and go from there, and we continue to monitor as we go along.”

Digital Strategi’s tailored services have allowed the company to grow rapidly. Going forward, the goal is to become

western Norway’s preferred communications agency, one that continues to show dedication to each client’s needs.

“More than anything, it’s important that we keep that closeness to each and every one of our clients,” adds the founder. “All our work is conducted in an honest and proper way, with open conversation and collaboration between all parts. Our goal isn’t to become the biggest, but perhaps the best.”

www.digitalstrategi.no

Facebook: Digital Strategi As | Bergen Instagram: @DigitalStrategiAs

The staff’s ability to work based on analytical data is a key to the success.

Harnessing international expertise to drive global impact

Based in Bergen and Oslo, Norway, Apphuset is a dynamic and innovative development agency whose local and international success is underpinned by its dedication to knowledge, skills, and a global perspective. With a diverse team and access to international competence, Apphuset makes the daunting task of developing and designing unique digital experiences simple.

By Celina Tran | Photos: Apphuset

Apphuset was founded in 2010 as a response to the increasing demand for native mobile app development in Norway. When the iPhone first announced its arrival in the Norwegian market, businesses had to start incorporating a mobile-first mindset when approaching digital solutions.

Due to a lack of extensive knowledge within app development locally, Apphuset quickly realised it would have to look internationally to acquire the right skills to keep up with the pace of the increased demand. From the start, the company model was to establish what to create (technical specifications, UX/UI) locally with its clients in Norway, and then use the necessary expertise from developers internationally for the implementation part (development, testing).

In 2014, Apphuset co-established its sister company, Seven Peaks Software, in Thailand’s Capital. “We wanted to increase

control and facilitate better scaling opportunities for our clients”, says Endre Soltvedt Brakstad, chief commercial officer at Apphuset. “With a local Norwegian presence in our Bangkok offices, we’ve been able to remove the difficulties of outsourcing. Our setup allows clients to efficiently reap the benefits of local connection and expertise, as well as easily access international competence when needed.”

Since then, Apphuset and Seven Peaks have expanded in both size and services, offering end-to-end design and development teams for companies worldwide. Having spent the last decade assisting large enterprises and SMB’s with digital transformation processes and overall software development needs, app development is now only a small part of the wide range of technical capabilities.

The symbiotic relationship has proven vastly successful, allowing Apphuset to focus its work on companies whose work

it wishes to promote. With environment and sustainability high on the agenda, assisting companies related to efficiency within the energy sector, and exciting new technology in healthcare have been two of its main pillars as of late.

“Personally, I think one of the most rewarding engagements we have is helping a group of doctors with software solutions for the electrocardiogram sensor they have developed. The sensors are critical in monitoring abnormalities and diagnosing heart conditions, and are essentially saving lives,” says Brakstad.

Looking ahead, Apphuset is poised to continue its trajectory of growth and impact. The company will continue to assist forward-leaning companies in their pursuit of modernisation and effectivization.

www.apphuset.no

Facebook: Apphuset

Since its establishment, Seven Peaks has grown to become one of Bangkok’s leading digital transformation houses, and has recently been ranked the best workplace in the Asian Pacific.

The staff at Apphuset and Seven Peaks enjoy close collaboration, benefiting customers on both sides of the pond.

Decoding Design

1. Is your design idea feeling a bit ______?

2. We are a design studio on the Swedish ____-_____!

3. We work with everything, including a bit of __

4. ... and we will help you _____ your creative vision!

5. We add some _______ to your projects

6. ... and create highly ______ design solutions

7. ... and we’re as _____ as we are handsome ;)

8. So you should ____

9. ...____!

We are Boid

A lively product design studio in Gothenburg, Sweden. We’re experts at creating business value by being curious about the people who will use your product.

With one paw in research and the other in industry, we strategize, dream up concepts, and bring innovation to life.

1. Blurry, 2. West Coast, 3. AI, 4. Build, 5. Oohlala, 6. Usable, 7. Smart, 8. Call, 9. Boid

Taking the slow road: Norway’s most scenic driving routes

From the long, sandy beaches in the south to the dramatic, mountain-lined coastline in the north, Norway’s landscapes are as varied as the country is long. Taking one of the country’s 18 official scenic driving routes is the best way to immerse yourself in its abundant natural beauty, and these four journeys are as good of a place as any to start.

By Monique Ceccato

Varanger. Photo: Jarle Waehler, Statens vegvesen

Scenic route Varanger

Of all of Norway’s official scenic routes, the 160km stretch along the Barents Sea from Varangerbotn to Hamningberg lies the furthest north. The landscapes here are raw and rugged, characterised by flat, rocky expanses, colourful fishing villages, and endless horizons that feel as though you’re en route to the end of the world. It’s a far cry from the fjordfilled countryside so often associated with the country.

Fly into Kirkenes and drive the hour and a half to Varangerbotn, where traditional handicrafts and the Sami people's reindeer culture are on display at the Várjjat Sámi Musea. Before setting off down the coastal route, get some fresh air on a walk through the flat, marshy salt meadows of Varangerbotn Naturreservat. Thousands of birds call the reserve home, and there’s plenty more opportunity to spot different species along the drive.

The Varanger peninsula is a wildlife hotspot known for having some of the best Arctic birdwatching spots in the world. One of the most easily accessible is on the Ekkerøy peninsula, where just 20 people and more than 20,000 birds live.

Ekkerøy Fuglefjell is a five-minute walk from the car park and is an important nesting site for Kittiwakes, Arctic Skuas, and more. However, the largest nesting site in the region—and home of the Arctic Puffin—is on Hornøya, a short boat ride off Vardo near the road’s termination point in Hamningberg.

End the drive at Hamningberg Park Camper, and park the camper or pitch a tent for the night. It’s only open seasonally from May to November, the battering winter weather closing off tourist access to the area at other times.

Scenic route Hardanger

Fjords, waterfalls, and crisp apple cider are the Hardanger region’s claims to fame, and on the 158km scenic route from Granvin to Låtefoss, you’ll experience them all. The drive has four distinct sections, each connected by a ferry crossing of the dramatic Hardangerfjord. At 179km, it’s the second-longest fjord in all of Norway, and it’s widely considered one of the most beautiful.

Along the stretch from Kinsarvik to Låtefoss is one of Norway’s most famous waterfalls, the 182m-high Vøringsfossen. Park at the Fossli Hotel and walk to the viewpoint to see the thundering falls, or walk across the top of it on the staircase bridge. Alternatively, adven-

Varanger. Photo: Tormod Amundsen / Biotope

Hardanger. Photo: Frid-Jorunn Stabell

turers can hike the challenging 6.8km return trail to the base. To walk behind a waterfall’s veil of tumbling water, stop at Steinsdalsfossen, right by the road at Norheimsund.

On the road to Odda, between the fjord and the mountains, is Aga Sideri. Cider tours and tastings run every Monday to Saturday during the high season, taking visitors through the orchards and behind the scenes of the region’s traditional cider-making methods. Drive a touch further, and you can sample more at the waterfront Ola K, paired with traditional fiskesuppe or a chicken salad.

Those behind the wheel can still be involved, opting for the alcohol-free ciders instead.

In Odda, park vans and campervans at Camp Lothepus or indulge in a night in one of Woodnest’s treehouses. From their lofty spot in the woods, the view back over the fjord you’ve come from is unparalleled.

Scenic route Jæren

Norway’s southern coastal route is vastly different from its northern counterparts, not least because most of the 130km drive from Bore to Flekkefjord

is on wide, well-maintained roads. The coastline in the south is less wild and rugged, with sweeping fields and long stretches of white sand beach you don’t find elsewhere in the country. In fact, there are numerous swimmable, surfable, and walkable beaches in the Jæren region, most of which are just a short detour from the official route.

Solastranda is just north of the official starting point and worth a visit. It’s particularly popular for watersports like surfing and kitesurfing, and there are a few WWII bunker remnants for walkers to explore. Weather permitting, enjoy

Jaeren. Photo: Hege Lysholm, Statens vegvesen

Hardanger. Photo: Roger Ellingsen / Statens vegvesen

Hardanger. Photo: Jarle Waehler / Statens vegvesen

lunch on the large, dune-protected deck at Solastrand Hotel. Beach-hop down the coastline at leisure, stopping for a soft serve ice cream at Ølbergkiosken, a surf check at Borestranda, and a walk along Norway’s longest sandy beach, Orrestranden.

As you approach Flekkefjord, you’ll see the large Helleren rock ledge that shelters two small timber cabins built circa the 16th century. It’s a great photo stop before heading to the colourful National Heritage village of Sogndalstrand. Wander the narrow, house-lined street, stop at the old prison-turned-bar, and sit down for a burger at Songdalstrand Kulturhotell.

Scenic route Valdresflye

At just 49km long, the scenic route from Garli to Vågå is short, but it doesn’t mean it’s any less impressive than Norway’s other scenic drives. The road traverses a summer farm and field-covered mountain plateau that, at its highest point at 1389m above sea level, has an unbeatable 360-degree view of the surrounding snow-capped mountain tops.

Adventurers can stretch this drive out with a full-day activity stop at Gjende, a large lake within the Jotunheimen mountain range and Jotunheimen National Park. It’s the starting point of Norway’s most famous hike, the steep 14km Besseggen Ridge crossing. It’s arguably one of the most beautiful, too. Pre-book a ferry ticket and ride it out to Memurubu before walking the 6-8 hours back to the car. The road is closed from mid-November to the end of March, but when it reopens in April, it’s also possible to go

cross-country skiing on groomed tracks around the Valdresfyre Mountain plateau.

Warm hjertevaffle with brunost and jam is a welcome reward for a big day of physical activity. Drive around 20 minutes south of Gjende, and you can order some at the family-run Bygdin Fjellhotell. Dine with a view of the lake and surrounding mountains, and either stay the night or continue driving south for even more postcard-worthy mountain views.

Valdresflye. Photo: Werner Harstad / Statens vegvesen

Valdresflye. Photo: Werner Harstad

Experience of The Month, Finland

Fin-tastic encounters at the deep end

Have you ever seen a shark up close, or stared a piranha straight in the eye? At SEA LIFE Helsinki, visitors get to experience the magic of the underwater world and learn about marine life and ways to protect it.

By Ndéla Faye | Photos: SEA LIFE Helsinki

Located in the heart of Helsinki, SEA LIFE offers visitors a chance to experience the magic of the deep blue sea and encounter fascinating sea creatures. SEA LIFE Helsinki takes visitors on a journey of discovery through the rainforest, where they can learn about poisonous frogs, turtles, electric eels – and a favourite among most visitors: piranhas.

The tropical area boasts beautiful corals and a pufferfish called Fluffy who is quite the showman. One of the newest additions to the crew at SEA LIFE Helsinki is Turo, a giant Pacific octopus, whose tentacle span can reach up to a whopping four metres.

Small steps, big impact

This year, the Conservation Cove – located at the end of the exhibit – has been renovated. At the cove, among other species, visitors can see the critically endangered

San Ignacio pupfish, which is only found in one small freshwater spring in the wild. SEA LIFE Helsinki is participating in the conservation and breeding efforts of the unique little fish to ensure they do not disappear from the world entirely.

“Marine conservation is a central part of our mission, and Conservation Cove is entirely dedicated to this important cause. We want to show visitors how small actions can have a big impact on the future of our oceans, and how each of us can play a part in helping the world’s seas and their inhabitants,” says Emmi Hallikainen, SEA LIFE Helsinki’s marketing manager.

In addition, Conservation Cove is home to rescued and rehomed fish from domestic aquariums. “We have provided a new home for enormous Ripsaw catfish that had grown too large for their owners’ tanks and plenty of others too,” says Hallikainen.

At the interactive Sea Lab ocean laboratory, visitors can gain new perspectives and take a closer look at different sea creatures through a microscope, and learn about issues such as climate change and microplastics in our nature. “We hope to inspire visitors to gain new ideas on what steps they can take to protect the environment. There’s something here for all ages to see, learn and explore,” the manager concludes.

www.visitsealife.com

Contact: www.visitsealife.com/helsinki

Facebook: sealifehelsinki

Instagram: @sealifehelsinki

TikTok: @sealifehelsinki

Fluffy, the pufferfish.

Turo, the giant Pacific octopus.

Experience of The Month, Norway

Get lost in Scandinavian folklore and fairytales with Troll Museum!

Safely tucked under magical Northern lights and in the mountainous landscape of Tromsø, Norway, there’s a museum that welcomes you to get to know one of the most famous, yet mysterious creatures of Scandinavian folklore – the troll.

A staple in Scandinavian folklore, you have undoubtedly heard of the troll. In the Norwegian tradition, they are less singing and dancing cartoon characters with colourful hair, and more large, mossy creatures with crooked noses and an appetite for children and adults alike. Still, despite their scary appearance and insatiable hunger, trolls are beloved creatures in

Norway. Not only will you find statues of them all over the country, but in Tromsø, there is also a museum dedicated to them.

“The Troll Museum is the first museum in the world to focus on trolls, Norwegian fairytales, and Scandinavian folklore,” says Ekaterina Trunova, founder of the museum. Through a combination of storytelling, art, and technology, the museum presents the history of the creature and its development throughout folklore and fairytales.

“As we do our best to preserve Norwegian and Scandinavian traditional folklore, we understand that this has to be done through modern means. This is why we combine the use of modern

Experience of The Month, Norway

By Celina

technology, such as augmented reality (AR) and traditional storytelling, in order to bring the trolls to life. It’s a fun and unique experience for people of all ages and backgrounds,” says Trunova.

www.trollmuseum.no

Facebook: Troll Museum

Instagram: @trollmuseum

Find tranquillity and peace above the Arctic circle

The magic of Northern Norway is no longer a secret shared by a few adventure travellers. Travelling here has become easier and more people get to experience the midnight sun and the northern lights. But it’s still possible to find more secluded accommodation, away from the crowds.

Attme Have is owned and run by Leikny Edvardsen and her husband Tom. They left the busy city life in Tromsø for more peaceful living. Edvardsen had dreamt of having her own yoga studio, somewhere close to the sea. They finally found the perfect place to build their dream in Dyrøy, 69 degrees north.

So in the end, she got her yoga studio. But with the slightly remote location, the couple decided to also offer accommodation for the participants. And a new business was born.

Guests can choose between four double rooms, two apartments and two standalone huts. The AuroraHuts are mostly

glass, with curtains for privacy, offering stunning views of the sky and the sea. During the polar night the sun never goes above the horizon and this is the perfect time to see the northern lights. And best of all, there is no need to leave the bed.

The Storm hut is right by the waterfront, whereas the Panorama hut is lo-

By Hanna Margrethe Enger

cated a bit higher up, amongst the trees. Panorama naturally offers panoramic views, but it also feels more secluded. “All you see is the woods, the sea, Dyrøya and Senja,” says Edvardsen. “You feel like you’re in a different world.”

www.attmehave.no

Facebook: attmehave

Instagram: @attme_have

Tran Photos: Troll Museum

Photos: Attme Have

Hotel of The Month, Finland

Experience Lapland’s wild wonders

Wilderness Hotels is an award-winning hotel chain with five exquisite resorts in Northern Lapland. Nestled by serene lakes and rivers, these retreats offer unforgettable experiences from Aurora-spotting to ice-fishing, ensuring an extraordinary getaway in pristine nature.

By Ndéla Faye | Photos: Wilderness Hotels

Wilderness Hotels is a family-owned complex of five bespoke hotels – Nellim, Muotka, Inari, Juutua and Nangu – located in and around the stunning scenery of Inari, in northern Lapland. All the Wilderness Hotels are situated about 300 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, and easily reachable by air or land. The closest airport is in Ivalo, which is less than an hour’s drive from each of the Wilderness Hotels, and transfer services are also available to and from the hotels to the airport.

Activity-packed holidays

Wilderness Hotels is ideally placed for visitors to experience the best things Lap-

land has to offer: from reindeer activities, Aurora spotting, to ice fishing, snowshoeing, husky safaris and cross-country ski-

ing. There are plenty of things to see and do for everyone. In addition, there are plenty of opportunities for berry-picking, e-fatbiking and hiking – alongside taking in the sights of Lake Inari and enjoying the midnight sun in summer or the stunning colours of nature in autumn.

The accommodation options range from log cabins and chalets to Aurora cabins and hotel rooms. “Whether you’re travelling with family, alone, or as a couple, we have accommodation to suit everyone’s needs. Wilderness Hotels is the ideal base to go outside and connect with wilderness all year round,” says Essi Lappalainen, hotel manager of Wilderness Hotel Inari.

Aurora-gazing from bed

Perhaps the most magical experience of all is to witness the Northern lights, which can be spotted in the sky from the end of August until mid-April. For this

Photo: Alan Williams Photography

purpose, Wilderness Hotels’ Aurora Cabin is an extraordinary way to experience the natural wonder in all its glory. Guests can admire the star-filled sky or witness the breathtaking spectacle through a glass ceiling directly above the bed. Each Aurora Cabin has a private bathroom with a shower.

“One of the most active times of year to see the Northern lights is in autumn,” Lappalainen explains. “The lakes aren’t frozen yet, which means that the Aurora Borealis reflect off the calm waters of Lake Inari, creating double Auroras, which is a particularly mesmerising sight to capture on video,” she adds. Autumn is also the time for ruska, when the surrounding nature takes on a glorious array of shades of red, yellow, purple and orange.

In winter, visitors can also experience the most magical polar nights, when the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon. Conversely, in summertime, guests can experience the nightless nights, when the sun doesn’t set below the horizon.

The hotels also have a selection of log cabins, as well as a range of hotel rooms. With all types of accommodation, either half-board or full-board options for meals are available.

Regional culinary experiences

At Wilderness Hotel Juutua, located on the shore of the Juutua River, guests can delve into the wonderful culinary experiences of the region. The hotel’s fine-dining Restaurant Aanaar serves dishes made with locally sourced ingredients; from lichen and the traditional Sámi

herbal plant angelica, to reindeer and lake Inari’s fish. “Here, guests can enjoy their breakfast and dinner by the riverbank, admiring the river’s rapids and the beautiful landscape,” says Lappalainen.

Wilderness Hotels offers visitors readymade packages, which include accommodation, activities, transfers and food. “This is a smooth way to ensure guests get to experience everything on offer here with minimal effort. The packages can also be tailored according to the guests’ needs. The magical landscapes of the taiga forest and tranquil nature will ensure a visit here will be exquisite,” Lappalainen concludes.

www.wildernesshotels.fi

Facebook: wildernesshotels

Instagram: @wildernesshotels

TikTok: @wildernesshotels

Hotel of The Month, Finland

A

hotel steeped in Arctic luxury and design

Design Hotel Levi is a modern boutique hotel, where Arctic nature meets Nordic design. With a commitment to exceptional hospitality and sleek Nordic elegance, the hotel offers guests a chance to experience a truly captivating getaway in Finnish Lapland.

By Ndéla Faye | Photos: Design Hotel Levi

Located in the heart of Finnish Lapland, Design Hotel Levi is the ideal place for a stay in a beautiful setting. The hotel seamlessly blends design with the surrounding nature’s beauty, while offering guests a luxurious and magical retreat in pristine Arctic landscapes.

The hotel is located in the centre of Levi, while still providing a calm and relaxing retreat for guests. Levi is within easy reach by road and air; flights from Helsinki to Kittilä take just over an hour, and the drive from Kittilä Airport to the hotel takes about ten minutes.

The sheer vastness of Lapland’s landscape, the weather extremes and ruggedness of the Arctic nature have served as inspiration behind the creativity in the hotel’s design. The hotel’s façade, carved from Finnish spruce, adds to the magical and luxurious feel of the hotel, where na-

ture also features heavily in the hotel’s interior design.

Each room is a work of art

Design Hotel Levi seamlessly combines contemporary Nordic interior design, architecture, sculpture, light installations, and spatial art. The hotel’s large windows add to the relaxing feel by inviting the beautiful scenery inside and incorporating it into the interior design. The rooms have been elegantly designed, ranging from deluxe doubles to deluxe suites which feature an atmospheric spa area with a design sauna. And the deluxe suite premiums also feature a hot tub.

The luxury premium breakfast includes an à la carte breakfast menu with table service at the stylish Restaurant Kekäle, which invites diners to try out fresh flavours, seasonal delicacies, and organic local produce from Lapland. Kekäle

means a glowing red charcoal ember in Finnish, which is a nod to the restaurant’s large open-plan charcoal grill. “The open-plan grill adds to the homely and unforgettable dining experience, where guests get to dine with a blazing fire in the background while our chefs work their magic,” says Tarja Syrjänen, Design Hotel Levi’s marketing director.

“At our hotel, guests can experience the stunning glow of the northern lights from the comfort of their hotel room. This is the perfect accommodation, especially for visitors wanting to enjoy quality time to unwind and add a bit of luxury to their trip,” the director concludes.

www.designhotellevi.fi

Facebook: Designhotellevi

Instagram: @designhotellevi

Restaurant Kekäle treats diners to fresh flavours, seasonal delicacies and organic local produce from Lapland.

Hotel of The Month, Finland

Dive into luxury at a five-star resort in the land of a thousand lakes

PihlasResort welcomes guests from Finland and further afield to enjoy a bespoke stay at its sustainable hotel, offering a relaxing stay and wellness activities where guests’ comfort and privacy are crucial. The resort with five suites and five villas greets guests with a glass of bubbly and offers curated stays, from choice of breakfast to activities.

By Ester Laiho | Photos: PihlasResort

A bit over 2.5 hours’ drive from Helsinki, you will find a 10 hectare resort by lake Pihlas, with a simple, yet effective concept. The five-star resort in Joroinen provides a beautiful setting for a relaxing time in Finnish nature, while also offering everything from activities to relaxation and culinary experiences for guests to pick and choose from, to suit their desires.

Guests can enjoy their time in nature from snowshoeing in winter to mountain biking or kayaking in summer. You can also utilise Sporthall Elo for a game of padel or basketball, and end your exercise-filled day relaxing in Lakeside Sauna Henki, where you can dip in the lake or Pihlas Day Spa can massage your stresses away.

PihlasResort enjoyed a soft launch a year ago and is now in its first full summer.

Sales manager Niina Lemettilä, who has experience of high-end hotel and client management, made a drastic switch from working in London and Dubai, to bringing her international expertise to PihlasResort. “I’m from a small town in Finland and after studying and working abroad I didn’t think I would ever return, but PihlasResort turned out to be the change I wanted.”

The soft beds and luxurious furnishings might make you think that you are at a high-end hotel in a city but the elevated Nordic cuisine at Restaurant Siimes and views of the Finnish Lakeland from your suite or the Summer Terrace at Club Koto, will ground you to remember where you are.

Lemettilä explains finding nature on your plate and around you, has inspired

the sustainability practices at the hotel. “We continuously explore ways of being one with nature to ensure we have this beautiful oasis to escape to in the future as well,” she says. “We use renewable energy and the accommodation buildings are made of durable and ecological materials. We grow produce at the resort and also use local suppliers to provide the best that the region and the season have to offer.”

www.pihlasresort.com

Facebook: pihlasresort

Instagram: @pihlasresort

Bar of The Month, Estonia

A journey through cocktails

Can you keep a secret? Hidden in the heart of Tallinn, you will find Whisper Sister, a speakeasy-inspired cocktail oasis. The bar will transport you back to the Roaring Twenties, an era characterised by jazz, prosperity, and yes, prohibition. Here, you will experience world-class service and your taste buds are in for a treat with these fine cocktails.

By Heidi Kokborg | Photos: Whisper Sister

You most likely have heard the stories and tales of the forbidden 1920s. A time when alcohol was prohibited in the United States. But, as we all know, underground bars formed where the owners would tell the crowd to “speak easy” so the police wouldn’t hear the fun. The women running these secret underground bars were called “whisper sisters”. Hence, the name of this not-so-secret bar hidden in the heart of the Estonian capital.

“This is a cosy basement bar which is call-to-enter, with the phone number hidden above the door handle on a golden plaque,” explains Jiří Mališ, assistant manager at Whisper Sister. “On your first visit, we give you a little tour of the bar. We really care about our guests and that they feel comfortable, so we have an emphasis on personal and attentive service.”

While you certainly can dress up when visiting Whisper Sister, you are also welcome to stay casual. The most important thing is that you are in for a couple of craft cocktails and a great experience.

A world of mystery

Entering Whisper Sister is like stepping back in time. It’s the 1920s New York sprinkled with modern, whimsical touches, such as palm tree wallpaper and animal prints. It’s fun and quirky, mysterious and elegant – all at the same time – creating a captivating ambience where you feel like the main character. And the cocktails? Well, they are simply exceptional.

“The cocktails on the menu are our signatures, showcasing different spirits, but we can also make classics, as well as bespoke cocktails tailored to your

preferences. And we also serve nonalcoholic cocktails and a more elaborate snack offering,” says Mališ.

The historical bar consists of four different rooms and can host up to 100 guests. Whisper Sister is open seven nights a week and available for private and corporate events of all sizes. You can also sign up for a cocktail masterclass and have a go at mixing your own drinks or try the catering services, bringing an exceptional experience to your event.

Whisper Sister is ranked number 341 by Top 500 Bars.

www.whispersister.ee

Facebook: Whisper Sister

Instagram: @whisper_sister

Restaurant of The Month, Sweden

Praised Italian wine bar in the heart of Stockholm

Nestled in Stockholm’s Old Town, Corvina Enoteca tempts with a premium wine list, delicious food with an Italian touch, and a cosy atmosphere. It’s an oasis well worth a visit for wine enthusiasts and those who want to experience an authentic Italian wine bar.

By Malin Norman | Photos: Claes Eliasson

The Italian wine bar Corvina Enoteca recently celebrated its tenth anniversary. Located on Kornhamnstorg in the heart of Stockholm’s Old Town, it has become a favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. This is an ideal spot to drop by for a glass of wine and something tasty to nibble on, whilst enjoying the friendly vibe.

The wine list is impressive, covering all regions in Italy and with more than 150 different options to order by the glass. Each month is focused on a specific region, which is also reflected in the menu. “We want to offer wine enthusiasts a list of carefully selected, premium Italian wines, but we also serve a small menu with an Italian touch,” says Mats Kalles, CEO. “But we’re not a full-scale restaurant, rather what you can expect from an authentic Italian enoteca.”

Here, guests can enjoy Italian delicacies including antipasti such as bruschet-

ta, carne cruda, and salumi, as well as cheeses and charcuteries, and a number of risotto and pasta dishes – all made with premium ingredients, and of course paired with a suitable wine.

Awarded by Gambero Rosso International Corvina Enoteca is considered one of the best Italian restaurants in Stockholm and a top-rated experience by guests, praised for the wine and food but also the friendly and knowledgeable staff. The wine bar has also received several prestigious awards including Best Contemporary Wine List and Top Italian Restaurants 2024 by Gambero Rosso International.

Small but cosy with a relaxed atmosphere, Corvina Enoteca is the kind of place where people start talking to each other across tables, asking what the others are drinking. And you certainly don’t need to be an expert on wine, as all staff

are trained sommeliers and on hand to help with tips and recommendations.

In a vault from the Middle Ages, Corvina Enoteca even has its own wine cellar with room for up to 12 people, a space which can be used as a chambre separée for a private dining experience. In autumn and winter, there is a number of wine tastings available to book.

This is no doubt a popular venue and dining guests need to book a table, however it’s also possible to pop by and sit by the bar, order a nice glass of wine and something to eat.

www.corvina.nu Facebook: Corvina Enoteca  Instagram: @corvinaenoteca

London’s oldest whisky investment company brings new ideas to Scandinavia

Award-winning Tomoka Fine & Rare sources premium craft spirits from around the globe for clients to collect and savour. This is also the only whisky investment company globally with a physical presence, with an exclusive store spanning three floors in London.

By Malin Norman | Photos: Tomoka Fine & Rare

Based in the Royal Exchange in the heart of London’s financial district, Tomoka Fine & Rare helps clients around the world invest in whisky casks and rare bottles. “The rare whisky market offers investors a chance to pursue their passion for whisky, whilst making a sound investment,” says Daniel Walker, managing director.

The whisky merchant has been retailing high-end spirits for more than 12 years. Founded in 2012 by Jass Patel, it was originally intended as a retail store in St Albans. However, the business grew rap-

idly and nowadays specialises in trading and investment of rare whiskies from around the world, with over 1,000 clients worldwide and some 300 enquiries per week regarding investments. Continuing its global expansion, Tomoka is turning its eyes towards Scandinavia.

Whisky as an investment

As London’s oldest whisky investment company, Tomoka maintains valuable connections with distilleries around the world, ensuring great purchasing power. With services including buying, selling, and cask whisky investments, the team is praised for its personalised approach, expert knowledge, and successful track record. “Our goal is to make the whisky investment journey as easy and profitable as possible,” says Walker. “Our specialist advisors help understand clients’ investment goals and identify the perfect

Business Profile of The Month, International

casks and bottles within their budget to achieve realistic target returns.” In fact, the average ROI for Tomoka’s clients is an impressive 14.77%, as certified by a chartered accountant.

Whisky has been recognised as a top performing luxury asset over the last 10 years and is predicted to grow exponentially. As global demand increases, whisky offers stability and growth as a physical investment, which is securely stored to preserve its value. “Whisky investors are coming away from the stock market because of the volatility out there,” explains Thomas White, head of investment. “Whisky investment continues its meteoric rise as an increasingly viable alternative asset that will diversify your portfolio.”

Investing in whisky is simple and effective. With Tomoka’s advisors, you will embark on a seamless investment journey, from cask selection to purchase and storage, and finally an exit strategy, which is when you decide to sell your asset. “Cask whisky has shown resilience and growth, outperforming traditional stocks and gold during inflationary times,” adds White. “It’s the only asset that increases in value as it ages, making it a great investment.”

Clients

are spoilt for choice

Whether you are an avid collector or a whisky novice, the vast collection of whiskies from across the globe has something for every palate. Tomoka’s premium range

includes American Bourbon, Scotch whisky and Irish whiskey as well as rye, Japanese and everything in between.

Although whisky is now made all over the globe, Scotland is still seen as the undisputed king of whisky, producing many of the world’s finest and rarest single malts. “Cask Scotch begins to show great returns after it hits the three-year mark and can then be legally classified as whisky,” says White. “Returns increase year on year with marked growth from the 12-15 year when the whisky cask is considered mature and its rarity factor will likely have increased significantly.”

Interestingly, the Irish whiskey market is a rapidly growing industry that is expected to continue to expand in the coming years. The Irish whiskey market was

decimated by prohibition but has seen a rapid recovery and is now the fastest growing spirit market on the planet. It has grown from just 4 distilleries prior to 2012 to now over 40.

And America's native spirit bourbon is currently experiencing unprecedented demand too. Bourbon is now undergoing one of the most significant revivals in the contemporary spirits industry.

Prestigious awards and flagship store

Growing into a multi award-winning global business, Tomoka has been named International Wine and Spirits’ Independent Spirits Retailer, LUX Spirits Retailer, as well as Drinks Retailing finalist. Most recently, the company has been awarded Best Independent Spirit Retailer in the UK by Leaders in Luxury 2024, and shortlisted for the Global Business Awards 2024. No doubt, its success story will continue.

Whilst being pioneers in whisky investment globally, Tomoka maintains a physical presence with its exclusive flagship store at the Royal Exchange in London, a popular destination for whisky connoisseurs and curious visitors alike. Spanning across three floors, it offers the opportunity to explore the broad range of rare whiskies and premium spirits curated for connoisseurs and investors.

www.tfandr.com

Facebook: Tomoka Fine & Rare

Instagram: @tomokafineandrare

Daniel Walker, managing director, and Thomas White, head of investment.

Artist Home – Sculpture Park – Restaurant – Museum Shop

Business Profile of The Month, Estonia

Experience ease of doing business in Estonia

Estonia, a compact Northern European country, is big in opportunities. With the world’s most competitive taxes, low bureaucracy, and a superb suite of digital services, it’s a prime spot for doing business. For the past 30 years, Invest Estonia, an FDI-focused government agency, has had the secret sauce when it comes to supporting companies and investors looking to expand.

By Heidi Kokborg

Estonia’s business environment has been shaped into something quite unique, with investors taking notice. FDI facilitated by Invest Estonia reached an all-time high in 2022 and stayed at near-record levels in 2023, in the face of global adversity. “It’s an open society and economy,” says Joonas Vänto, director at Invest Estonia, and continues: “Foreign investors and companies are welcome here.”

There’s also an excellent startup ecosystem with 10 unicorn startups, a world record per capita. Tech powerhouses such as Skype, Bolt, and Wise are among innovations originating from Estonia. But Estonia’s appeal extends far beyond unicorn startups. Invest Estonia's goal is to facilitate foreign companies' business, including global giants like Ericsson, ABB and Neo Performance Materials.

The agency provides tailored assistance, whether connecting investors with the right people or helping with logistics. “We put together value propositions, organise visits, connect with different stakeholders – always trying to find the best solutions for the company and show what Estonia has to offer,” says Vänto.

Digital frontier

The tailored approach is one thing, but Estonia's attractiveness as a business destination has deeper roots; competitive taxes, minimal bureaucracy, and a highly advanced digital society sets it apart. For the past decade, Estonia has had the best tax code in the OECD, surpassing Switzerland, Luxemburg, and the US.

The country has a flat corporate income tax rate of 20%, only applied to distribut-

ed profits. Companies can reinvest their earnings without additional tax burdens. Establishing an enterprise could take as little as 15 minutes — fully online, of course.

Online rules in Estonia, and it makes all the difference for young startups and established corporations alike. “Tax filings are digital, and foreign entrepreneurs and investors can also benefit from Estonia’s e-Residency programme, which allows you to conduct business fully remotely,” explains Vänto. “It’s simple and straightforward.”

Ready to take the plunge and expand your business? Estonia might just be the perfect place for you.

www.investinestonia.com

LinkedIn: Invest in Estonia

The team of Invest Estonia helps foreign investments land successfully in Estonia. In addition to staff in Estonia, the agency also has foreign representatives in several markets.

Artist of The Month, Norway

Espen Eiborg talks artistic possession, New York, and loneliness in creation

Norwegian contemporary artist Espen Eiborg is known for his colourful contrasts and lightwork. Fascinated by the human condition and human desire for money, power, and success, Eiborg has created hundreds of powerful pieces over the decades, catching the eyes of a star-studded clientele such as Opera Winfrey, Robert Redford and Sean Penn.

By Celina Tran

Espen in front of his paintings. Photo: Line Lindholm Eiborg

An entire world away from the bustling art scenes of New York, Milan and Paris, Espen Eiborg was born in Norway, where he grew up along the calm and idyllic streets of Bekkelaget in Oslo. While most young creatives have dreams and goals for where their art might take them, there was no way for a young Eiborg to even imagine the long and meandering journey that his life would become.

“I’m not from a family of artists, so I don’t think I even knew that becoming an artist was an option. Still, there was always something there – a creativity that was so embedded in me that it might as well be a part of my genetic structure. It followed me around, seeping into every part of my life,” says Eiborg.

At the ripe age of 19, Eiborg’s education took him across the Atlantic, where he went on to study architecture at the New York School of Interior Design. Architecture, he figured, was a way to combine his passion for the arts and the standard

nine-to-five. Upon graduation, he received several job offers from architectural firms in the Big Apple, and quickly fell into the architect role.

“That overriding creative voice in me clashed with the American corporate world,” he says with a small smile. “I was quite bad at sticking to the company’s social norms. In the US, the role and opinion of the boss is absolute, but I had a tendency to, well, quite loudly offer counterarguments and ideas. It didn’t quite work out and I was actually fired on Christmas Day.”

From architecture to Redford and Oprah Young and jobless on Christmas in New York City, Eiborg was forced in the right direction, even if he didn’t know it at the time. He began to focus even more of his time on painting, and at one point, a previous colleague reached out to ask for a few pieces for a big client. Only upon arriving at the penthouse apartment, did Eiborg realise that said client was none other than Oscar-winning actor and filmmaker Robert Redford.

“So I sold my first ever painting to Robert Redford, who happened to be good friends with Oprah Winfrey, who also ended up buying a piece. She briefly mentioned me on her show, and from there, the fax machine would not stop pinging,” Eiborg remembers. “It changed the trajectory of my career, and I was hit with the realization that I could actually make a living doing what I love the most.”

With exhibitions everywhere from New York, Milan and Paris, to Dublin, Copen-

Bummer in the summer.

Photo: GicléeLAB

Martini Gemini. Photo: GicléeLAB

hagen, and of course, Oslo, Eiborg has never looked back. After spending the greater part of the 90s in NYC, and another decade abroad, he eventually returned home to Oslo, where he continues to create.

Art as a medium of loneliness

The noise of everyday family life in Oslo only distantly echoes his previous adventures, but Eiborg’s workload hasn’t changed. In fact, he might be busier than ever. With exhibitions scattered across Europe and some in the US, commissions

and a long list of clients, the artist spends as much time as he can in his studio, cracking away at several pieces at once.

And while having your art displayed in the homes of Oprah and the like certainly does not hurt an artist’s popularity, the demand for Eiborg’s pieces arises from his unique style. Perhaps best described as raw and emotionally loaded, with a touch of 60s pop art and perhaps even classic metropolitan street art, Eiborg’s art can almost feel a bit nostalgic.

“When I was young, I used to sit up close to the TV and just watch the static. I was amazed by these individual specks and how they made a whole picture when seen from afar. My art is similar in the way that each element is quite abstract up close and on its own, but it tells a story when seen from afar,” he says.

Eiborg makes each of his pieces alone in his closed-off studio, where he spends long days on his own. “Being an artist is a lonely job. You’re in the studio, left with no one but yourself to talk to, and often, you’ll be forced to reckon with the thoughts and emotions deep inside.” For worse or for better, he explains how all of these emotions begin to eat away at him, leaving him with no choice but to give them life.

“When creating art, there is obviously a driving emotion or idea, but they live

their own stories and on other people’s walls,” Eiborg adds. “While I’m fascinated by things such as humanity’s never-ending desire for not only money, power and success, but also happiness, I think the true meaning of each piece is in the eye of the beholder, as Picasso would say.”

www.espeneiborg.no

Facebook: Espen Eiborg

Instagram: @espeneiborg

I know what you want. Photo: GicléeLAB

Espen Eiborg. Photo: CUBE8 gallery, Fredrikstad

Hollow hills. Photo: GicléeLAB

Espen Eiborg. Photo:GicléeLAB

Artist of The Month, Norway

The intense and beautiful world of Kaja Norum

Kaja Norum is a Norwegian figurative painter, as well as a former protégé and student of the famous master painter Odd Nerdrum. Classic and charged with emotion, Norum’s pieces can only be described as timeless, meticulous, and of course, staggeringly beautiful.

By Celina Tran

There’s something enigmatic about Kaja Norum’s art. While the contents are straightforward, often portraying people, her paintings are draped in a dark, foggy haze that adds to the mystery of the subject and their surroundings. Undoubtedly bound to tug at some heartstrings in the viewer, either for better or worse, Norum’s pieces are brilliant in portraying the human condition.

With no prior knowledge of the artist, it can be easy for viewers to assume that her pieces come from a different time and space entirely, one long gone. This is not random, but rather a part of Norum’s intention to create timeless pieces, not bound by a specific time or period. “People now are the same as they were 500 years ago, with the same feelings and

yearnings. It’s just everything around us that’s changed,” she says.

Beauty in classic artistry

In a contemporary world where modern artistic expression continues to move forward, Norum has taken a step back

into the past. “I’ve always found pleasure in developing my hand at the classical craft, I feel like it’s a field with endless potential for artistic growth.”

She explains that her attachment to classical artistry has to do with beauty, which is something she not only values, but prioritises in her own creations as well as those she seeks out. “I never tire of looking at Rembrandt or Leonardo Da Vinci’s masterpieces. They’re painted with an emotion that goes beyond photo realism, something more, as if nature has been improved and reached its highest potential. Beauty, to me, isn’t to paint a beautiful face, but rather harmony, the familiar, and the universal. I believe that to experience beauty is to recognize or sense this form of completion.”

It's impossible not to recognise Norum’s words in each of her pieces. If you look at them for long enough, the fog that infuses the paintings with a mystery eventually lifts, showing you exactly which underlying emotion the piece is charged with

Photo: Rose Blixencrone

Lucas Sculpture (exhibited at Hote Christiania Theatre). Photo: Kaja Norum

– a classical Kitsch painting. It comes on sharp and strong, and regardless of the viewer’s background, everyone can find themselves lost in her work.

Artistry from a young age

It’s unsurprising, but no less impressive, to hear that Norum’s passion for the arts stretched far back into childhood. As a young girl of four or five, she could be found hunched over a piece of paper with a pencil or paint brush in hand. Like other children, she initially enjoyed drawing animals, but this took a turn when she soon also began to copy famous paintings from books and images.

“When I was six, I discovered [Odd] Nerdrum’s pieces in a book, and I convinced myself they must have come from an entirely different time – they reminded me of the older, baroque art pieces I had seen. It was love at first sight, and he became my biggest role model within painting,” she says.

As faith would have it, Norum would find herself under Nerdrum’s artistic wing once she grew a little older. “To study under a master is an old tradition within visual arts, and Odd Nerdrum is the only one in Norway that offers this at a high level,” she explains.

From 2008 and 2011, both in Stavern and in Paris, she became one of the selected few who studied under the world-famous artist, where she developed her craft. Af-

ter apprenticing with Nerdrum for three years, Norum debuted her own exhibition in 2011, which was met with great acclaim and considered a success, with most of the pieces sold on opening day. Since then, her collection has only grown larger.

Inspiration from motherhood

Today, many of Norum’s pieces find inspiration in her own life, and of course in her role as a mother. In addition to painting many mother-and-child images, she also likes to explore other archetypal motifs or situations – secession, surrender, love, and death. “Archetypal motifs can be a central or important happening which our lives revolve around. They happen across all generations and millennia, which is why they’re consid-

ered timeless – a key quality I seek in my work,” she says.

In addition to commissions, Norum’s work can be viewed at exhibitions. On two occasions, Norum’s work has been picked out to take part in the Figurativas exhibition at the European Museum of Modern Art in Barcelona, where she in 2023 received the Sheng Xinyu Art Prize. Other than this, Norum has a permanent gallery at Galleri Soon in Son, Norway, and tries to present a solo exhibition every other year. Her next exhibition in Norway is in 2025.

www.ateliernorum.com  Facebook: Kaja Norum Instagram: @kajanorum

Elysium. Photo: Kaja Norum

Orpheus and Eurydice. Photo: Kaja Norum

Graphite Head study. Photo: Kaja Norum OUTCASTS Photo: Kaja Norum

Scandinavian pop on an Olympian scale

Finnish pop icon Jenni Vartiainen is currently on a huge summer tour of her country, and she’s just released a brand-new single to wow the crowds with. Featuring Etta, Viimeinen Pisara is a string-laden, synth-fuelled tune with a chorus so catchy, that if you’re not a native you’ll be craving a better grip of the Finnish language so as to be able to sing along. Already envying all those adoring audiences that will be getting to see it performed live all summer.

Swedish artist XOV is out with an electrifying new song as his latest single. How Does It Feel starts off with a bang – introducing us to a throbbing electro production that commands attention while evoking fond musical memories of both Donna Summer and New Order. Those final 30 seconds are particularly special when every element of the track seems to ascend even higher.

Monthly Illustration

Icelandic pop gent Daniel Oliver is out with a sun-kissed summer soundtrack for us to soak up. Titled Holiday, he sings of his need to pause all thoughts and get away. Relatable, right? His shopping list of rest requirements in the lyrics is paired with a chilled-out, blissed-up pop production – that makes it sound like he’s just arrived at his destination. It’s a whole vibe that will have you pining for your next vacation.

Swedish popstar LIAMOO has enjoyed a nicely packed release schedule since competing in the Melodifestivalen final in March with Dragon. He’s put out the dance track Love On Repeat with Lucas Estrada, as well as the rock reckoning Flame with Smash Into Pieces. Now he’s out with a tune of his own – and he’s doing it for all of Sweden. Hjärtan is the official song for Sweden’s participation in

By Karl Batterbee

the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and he’s cheering the athletes on with a suitably anthemic, beat-driven bop with plenty of – as the title suggests – heart!

www.scandipop.co.uk

The most discontented privileged person

I have said it before. The transition between countries you belong to is really difficult. There is so much to love in both places. However, I will always choose a Swedish summer over a British one. There is just so much space in Sweden and hardly any people, and when you are on your holiday, that's exactly what you want. A forest lake and just some birds and hedgehogs to keep you company.

For the rest of the year, I have been happily surrounded by chatty, friendly, witty people, but in the summer I want some silence. I want to go for a morning swim all by myself, I want to pick blueberries all by myself, I want to lie in a hammock with a book, all by myself. And for that, Sweden is perfect. Nobody bothers you, because pretty much everyone wants the same.

But in Glasgow, I have no interest in being all by myself. If I have too much time

to myself here, I go crazy. I want to meet friends in pubs, chat with coworkers and blether with folks I hardly know. I don't know what that is about. Do the two places simply lend themselves to different ways of being? Am I perhaps the most discontented privileged person to complain about having two very different places to spend time in, and be part of?

By Gabi Froden

To feel displaced and confused about where you belong is probably a very common feeling if you have ever ventured outside your hometown. I was always jealous of those who were contented to stay. I needed to go. And even if it is difficult at times, I hope I am richer for experiencing life in another country, even if I will always return for summers in Sweden.

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

Scandinavian Film & TV

While I in last month’s column focused on the climate change narrative in a new Danish drama series, I’m staying in a similar area for this month's column as I look at an award-winning Danish short documentary. And then again, not exactly.

By Anders Lorenzen

In the artistic stunning Letter to a Cycad, a tribute to the Botanical Garden in Copenhagen, viewers are taken on a 360-degree journey back in time, in the company of the botanist Frederik Liebmann (1813-1856) at an expedition to Mexico in 1842, where Dioon edule, the current oldest plant in the Botanical Garden, was discovered.

In the just 6-minute-long documentary, Liebmann’s fictive voice tells the story of the plants' journey from Mexico to Copenhagen and connects it to a poetic story about the evolution of plants and how humans impact nature.

The film is sponsored by the University of Copenhagen and is a co-production between the Natural History Museum of Denmark (a unit of the University of Copenhagen) and the production company Dark Matters. Since it was produced in

2021, it has received several international awards with the most significant being Webby Awards and Lovie Awards.

Denmark is taking this film to Paris and using it to showcase Danish botanical history in the Danish Pavilion during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 which runs from 26 July to 11 August. If you are not planning a trip to the Olympic Games this summer, you can see it for free on YouTube.

Anders Drud Jordan, producer of Letter to a Cycad, who is also head of exhibitions and digital at the Natural History Museum, believes the beautiful filmmaking will reach a wide audience as well as showcasing our excitement for the natural world.

Films can be a beautiful tool to tell a message and a specific story. Used in the right way it can be immense and power-

ful regardless of length. Often the most artistic and visually stunning films never make it to a big audience on the basic fact that the format is not quite right.

If Letter to a Cycad results in visits to the Botanical Garden to see the Dioon edule, the filmmakers could declare the film to be a success.

Anders Lorenzen is a Danish blogger and film and TV enthusiast living in London.

Photo: Statens Naturhistoriske Museum

Photo: Statens Naturhistoriske Museum

ABBA Voyage: Thank You For The Millions

The enduring appeal of ABBA continues to be heard around the world, but perhaps nowhere more so than in London, where Sweden’s greatest music exports are bringing in staggering amounts of money to the local economy… Without even having to show up!

By Karl Batterbee

The summer of 2024 saw yet another new milestone for the Swedish pop band ABBA. Not only did they celebrate 50 years since winning the Eurovision Song Contest with their breakthrough international hit Waterloo, they also marked two years since the opening of their revolutionary concert residency ABBA Voyage. And there was plenty to celebrate… In the two years since the show opened at the purpose-built 3,000 capacity ABBA Arena at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, it is estimated that it has brought a boost of approximately £750 million to the London economy.

Producers of ABBA Voyage, for which crowds flock to East London to watch digital versions of ABBA perform seven times a week, commissioned an analysis of its socio-economic impact on London and the local community, covering the first operational year of the innovative concert residency from May 2022 to May 2023. Compiled and assessed by global research and strategy consultancy Sound Diplomacy and social value consultancy RealWorth, it revealed some truly impressive numbers, which prove that 50 years on, ABBA are still winners!

The Ring Ring of those cash registers

In those first 12 months, ABBA Voyage contributed £322.6 million in turnover to the London economy. Every £1 of ABBA Voyage’s revenue generated a turnover of £3.12 in London. Most of this positive economic impact was brought about by concert-goers spending on accommodation, food and drinks, shopping and transport. And with 20 per cent of attendees travelling into East London from outside of the UK, the average spend of all ticket buyers locally settled at £103; in addition to the cost of their ticket to ABBA Voyage.

The digital ABBA concert was also responsible for providing employment opportunities for over 5,000 workers in London. That includes workers employed directly by ABBA Voyage, but also employees in all other sectors that are supported by its existence, such as hotel staff, bar and restaurant staff, and workers in the local travel sector.

Photo: Johan Persson

It’s a rich man’s world

Of course, it’s by no means been easy money for those four digital avatars. In fact, before the show had even opened in May 2022, the costs racked up by producers were at £135 million. This figure mostly included the costs for putting the purpose-built venue there in the first place, as well as for all of that eye-popping technology that delivers the concerts, too. Now, two years on, and with the venue approximately 99 per cent full every night, ABBA Voyage is pulling in over £1.5 million per week.

Understandably, The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has been singing the praises of the Swedish band and their impact on global culture five decades on from their breakthrough. In a quote to accompany the release of the report, he says: “The fantastic success of ABBA Voyage is a powerful example of how culture has a positive impact on our city, supporting jobs and a range of other industries. I am

so proud that City Hall was able to help ABBA bring this pioneering show to East London, providing huge benefits to both the local area and London's wider economy. The show’s success is a testament to the group's enduring appeal and I hope it will continue to delight audiences and help enrich the local economy for years to come.”

I Have a Dream

No detail was overlooked in the creation of this trailblazing concept, and as with every other element of ABBA Voyage, the economic impact on London was considered at great length in the concert’s carefully crafted plan. Svana Gisla and Ludvig Andersson, producers for ABBA Voyage, reveal: “It was imperative to us as producers, and to ABBA, that ABBA Voyage would leave a positive impact on our local community in Stratford and the findings of this report have only surpassed what we could have hoped for. We are proud residents of East London

and to be able to employ locally, and enhance the local economy is as joyful to us as the concert itself.”

In the wake of all this good news for ABBA Voyage and everyone involved around it, it’s been announced that the

Photo: ABBA Voyage

Photo: ABBA Voyage

concert series has been extended yet again, with tickets now becoming available until a minimum of May 2025. While this may seem a given, organisers have

sensibly been cautious about outstaying their welcome since the very beginning, with new extensions to it usually being announced only every six months or so.

And in true Swedish fashion, even the expensive venue has been built in a flatpack manner, enabling it to be taken down and moved on when the time is right.

Producers behind the show have made no secret of their ambitions for taking it outside of London, too; and preferably to multiple other destinations at once (while keeping it in London at the same time). They have, however, remained tight-lipped about which places these might be. Every time the rumour mill starts again though, it’s Australia, Singapore and the United States of America that keep popping up most frequently. So if you’ve yet to make that economy-boosting trip to London to see it, those are where your options for your next getaway might well be!

Photo: Ralph Lahrmann

Photo: ABBA Voyage

Scandinavian Culture Calendar

Some of the cultural highlights that are happening throughout the Nordic lands during the month of August.

By Karl Batterbee

How To Become Icelandic in 60 minutes (until May 2025)

No trip to the Icelandic capital is complete without a visit to the iconic Harpa Concert Hall to gaze upon its structural splendour. And what better excuse to go than a hilarious stand-up comedy show that will leave you with a much better understanding of the Icelandic people you’re walking amongst on your holiday. The lighthearted play is performed totally in English, leaving no stereotype unexploited. Reykjavík, Iceland www.harpa.is/en/how-to-becomeicelandic-in-60-minutes

parties, concerts and, of course, fashion shows! Are you ready for your close-up? Copenhagen, Denmark www.copenhagenfashionweek.com

Copenhagen Fashion Week (5-9 August)

Danish design takes to the catwalk in August for Copenhagen Fashion Week, turning Denmark’s capital city into a veritable Mecca for its stylish citizens, visitors and fashion professionals. The event is renowned for energising the locals with plenty of one-off exhibitions, street

Way Out West (8-10 August)

It’s become one of the Nordics’ biggest music festivals since the inaugural edition in 2007. Now, Way Out West returns to Gothenburg on 8 August. This year’s lineup features Swedish favourites such as Oskar Linnros, Icona Pop and Benjamin Ingrosso, alongside international greats like Jessie Ware, Andre 3000 and Queens of the Stone Age. The three-day event also offers up film premieres, a broad range of exceptional cuisine, and has a certification for its focus on sustainability. Gothenburg, Sweden www.wayoutwest.se

Fashion by Copenhagen brand Nicklas Skovgaard, who will be showing at Copenhagen Fashion Week. Photo: Benny Gay

Way Out West. Photo: Elias Assar

Photo: Harpa Concert Hall

Hellsinki Metal Festival (9-10 August)

Nope, that’s not a typo! Helsinki invites you to Hellsinki Metal Festival for its 2024 edition. Few countries (if indeed any!) mosh out to metal music quite like the Finns, and so a trip to this annual festival is bound to be a riot. Over 30 acts have already been announced across three stages at the two-day event. And as well as being able to secure a regular ticket, you can also avail of a V.I.P. ticket… Or as they refer to it, a R.I.P. ticket!

Helsinki, Finland

www.hellsinkimetalfestival.fi/en

Through the Eyes of the Gyrfalcon (2-29 August)

This free-to-attend photo exhibition showcases the beautiful Barents region from the viewpoint of a young gyrfalcon journeying around the north in search of a home. The exhibition combines impressive photographic art and scientific information surrounding global warming and how it will impact the area. The gyrfalcon chick was born in Urho Kekkonen National Park and brings a real bird’s-eye view of how climate change will affect nature, livelihoods and local people’s lives in the north.

Helsinki, Finland

www.barentsnature.fi/en

Oslo Pix Film Festival (26 August to 1 September)

The Oslo Pix Film Festival returns for its seventh edition in August, giving fans of the flicks an opportunity to see some

Kulturfestivalen (14-18 August)

Discover the pulse of Stockholm right in the heart of the city during one of the cultural highlights of the year – the Stockholm Culture Festival. Over five days, the city’s streets come alive with an explosion of culture that includes film, theatre, art, comedy, music and dance, plus much more besides. With free entry, everyone is invited. And with a lineup as diverse as what the 2024 event has to offer, no one is going to be disappointed.

Stockholm, Sweden

www.kulturfestivalen.stockholm.se

award-winning and groundbreaking films. Whether large Hollywood productions, experimental indies, or celebrated classics, Oslo Pix curates screenings to suit all tastes. The festival will also arrange exclusive advance screenings of upcoming theatrical releases, and attendees can peruse an exciting social arena complete with food, drinks and music.

Oslo, Norway

www.oslopix.no/en

Hellsinki Metal Festival . Photo: Olli Nurminen

Popsicle at Kulturfestivalen 2023. Photo: Oliver Henriquez

Photo: Oslo Pix Film Festival

Scan Magazine Issue 169 August 2024

Published 08.2024

ISSN 1757-9589

Published by

Scan Client Publishing

Print

Stibo Complete

Executive Editor

Thomas Winther

Creative Director

Mads E. Petersen

Editor

Malin Norman

Copy-editor

Vera Winther

Graphic Designers

Mercedes Moulia

Mauro Salerno

Cover Photo

Anders Ekholm/Folio/Imagebank. sweden.se

Contributors

Anders Lorenzen

Celina Tran

Emma Rodin

Ester Laiho

Hanna Margrethe Enger

Heidi Kokborg

Gabi Froden

Karl Batterbea

Malin Norman

Maria Sødal Vole

Marie Westerman Roberts

Monique Ceccato

Ndéla Faye

Signe Hansen

Sofia Nordgren

Trine Jensen-Martin

Sales & Key Account Managers

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Through the Eyes of the Gyrfalcon. Photo: Markus Varesvuo

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t i m e , y o u m e r e l y s t r o l l i n t o t h e m e m o i r s o f a n e c l e c t i c , f l a m b o y a n t p a s t .

T h e h o t e l i s s e t d i r e c t l y o n S t o c k h o l m ’ s s c e n i c w a t e r f r o n t a n d u s e s t h e h i s t o r i c O l d T o w n a s i t s p i c t u r e s q u e a n d t e l l i n g b a c k d r o p

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