Scan Magazine | Issue 27 | March 2011

SCAN

LOUISE CAMPBELL: DENMARK’S DESIGN STAR SUMMER IN DENMARK EXPERIENCE THE MIDNIGHT SUN IN FINLAND CULTURE IN NORWAY 2011

PROMOTING BRAND SCANDINAVIA

ISSUE 27

MARCH 2011

M A G A Z I N E

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Scan Magazine | Contents

Contents COVER FEATURE 8

24

Louise Campbell Danish designer Louise Campbell fronts a new wave of young and talented Scandinavian designers, who challenge the tradition of ‘Scandinavian Modern’ and offer new visual experiences and perspectives on design.

29

14

London Fashion Week Snapping at the heels of Copenhagen, Paris and New York Fashion Week, the style community turned to London’s unveiling of the eagerly awaited autumn/winter collections for 2011.

18

16

18

38

45

50

Värmland

Culture in Norway 2011 From music festivals to contemporary art museums, opera houses and Edvard Munch, Scan Magazine is delighted to bring you the best parts of Norwegian cultural offerings.

TRAVEL THEMES 20

Fishing holidays in Norway For sport fishermen in search of that 20 kilo salmon catch or a meditative state of mind in unspoilt, dramatic landscapes, Norway ticks all the boxes.

Stressless® recliners celebrate 40th birthday Furniture-loving people all over the world can now celebrate the 40th anniversary of the ultimate in comfort with Ekornes and its brand of Stressless® recliners.

Midnight Sun in Finland The stuff of legend in Finland and the Great North, the nightless night is every bit as magical as the myths suggest. Conquering a fell and seeing the expansive wilderness bathed in the light of the midnight sun always makes an indelible impression on locals and travellers alike.

Jörnträ at the Ideal Home Show 2011 Scandinavian house builders Jörnträ have been given the exclusive opportunity to display their house at the Ideal Home Show 2011. The exhibition will run at Earl’s Court from 11-27 March.

Summer in Denmark Historical villages, beach resorts, idyllic countryside retreats, fascinating museums, challenging golf courses and bustling city life: Denmark has it all, and the best season to experience it is almost upon us.

DESIGN

8

Hälsingland The Swedish province of Hälsingland is personal, beautiful and wild. Here you find Sweden’s most majestic forests, harbouring a silent mystique, ancient myths and wild encounters with animals.

72

Brakanes Group Two hours from Bergen, in the county of Hordaland, you will find Hardangerfjord as well as five exceptional hotels to choose from, all belonging to the Brakanes Group.

Top-quality accommodation, great food and drink, beautiful and exceptional environments, cultural experiences and inspiring encounters: this is what the Swedish county of Värmland is all about.

REGULARS & COLUMNS 12 We Love This | 13 Fashion Diary | 65 Hotels of the Month | 74 Attractions of the Month 79 Restaurants of the Month | 86 Bronte’s food column | 88 Humour | 89 Scan News 103 Music & Culture | 106 Culture Calendar

Scan Business REGULARS & COLUMNS

FEATURES 27

89

The dream that bore fruit The British/Danish artist couple Rupert Sutton and Liza Krügermeier met in Greece almost nine years ago. They were both searching for a change in life when they met, and together they started an art business which has grown ever since.

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93

British International School of Stavanger The British School of Stavanger emphasises international-mindedness in its teaching approach, and therefore provides its pupils with wonderful opportunities for intercultural experiences.

91

Norway offers Britain more than just Northern Lights Key Note by Nina Egeli, General Manager, Norwegian-British Chamber of Commerce

92

Changes ahead for the taxation of non-domiciled individuals?

By Helena Whitmore, McGuireWoods London LLP

94

Conferences of the Month The best conference venues, events and congresses of the month.

101 Chamber News News from the Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish and Danish Chambers of Commerce for the UK.

Issue 26 | February 2011 | 3

Scan Magazine | Editor’s Note

Dear Reader, At the time of writing, we’ve just experienced a few lovely, sunny days that have had us all feeling a little giddy about the oncoming spring and summer. Most likely we’re being deceived and toyed with by the typically temperamental English weather (gods), but we’ll take what we can and run with it, as by tomorrow it’ll probably be drizzling again.

But let’s set our minds on summer for a moment: any thoughts on where you would like to spend your well-deserved holiday? If you’re leaning towards Scandinavia this year, then we’ve got just the thing for you, namely our travel theme introducing a fine assortment of summer attractions and destinations in Denmark. Also, along the same lines, what about experiencing the midnight sun and nightless nights of Finland this year. The wood sauna by a pure, serene lake in the Finnish countryside certainly seems to have your name written all over it. So have a look at both themes and see if you get inspired!

In Sweden, we’ve delved into the provinces of Värmland and Hälsingland, and we haven’t neglected Norway either: if you are interested in sport fishing and/or cultural attractions, then you won’t be disappointed.

read our report from the LFW as well as our design-themed cover feature. The actual cover girl is none other than Danish furniture and lighting designer Louise Campbell.

Our food columnist Bronte Aurell takes on Scandinavian breakfasts this time, and it’ll be interesting to see what people think of our open sandwiches and berry porridges, compared to sausage rolls and croissants.

On top of our regular columns and themes, we also paid a visit to the Danish Church in London. Within the strikingly beautiful premises by Regent’s Park, there lies a whole world of cultural happenings and ex-pat networking. It is an indispensable culture house for the Danes living in southern England, and if you, as a Dane, haven’t had the chance to visit them yet, then what are you waiting for!

I hope you enjoy our March issue!

Nia Kajastie Editor

We’re also on a bit of a fashion and design high, probably a leftover from the London Fashion Week 2011. So make sure that you

Scan Magazine Issue 27 | March 2011 Published 08.03.2011 ISSN 1757-9589 Published by Scan Magazine Limited Design & Print Liquid Graphic Limited Executive Editor Thomas Winther Creative Director Mads E. Petersen Editor Nia Kajastie Copy-editor Mark Rogers

4 | Issue 26 | February 2011

Contributors Emelie Krugly Sara Schedin Mette Lisby Maria Smedstad Julie Guldbrandsen Karl Batterbee Dyveke Nilssen Yane Christensen Anette Berve Victoria Lagnehag Lasse Berg Sørensen Charlotte Kany Anna Lindgren Karin Modig Lykke Port Bronte Aurell Ingrid Marie Holmeide Helena Whitmore Johanne Sofie Nygaard Stine Daugaard

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Linnéa Mitchell Samantha Wong Sales & Key Account Managers Cecilia Varricchio Emma Fabritius Nørregaard Anne Line Kaxrud Karoliina Virta Graphic Designer Svetlana Slizova Advertising marketing@scanmagazine.co.uk To receive our newsletter send an email to newsletter@scanmagazine.co.uk To Subscribe www.scanmagazine.co.uk/subscribe Next issue 7 April 2011

M A G A Z I N E

Scan Magazine Limited Unit 4, Baden Place Crosby Row London SE1 1YW Phone 0870 933 0423 info@scanmagazine.co.uk www.scanmagazine.co.uk © All rights reserved. Material contained in this publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior permission of Scan Magazine Ltd. Scan Magazine® is a registered trademark of Scan Magazine Ltd. This magazine contains advertorials/promotional articles

Peter Lindfors Assistant Financial Controller I’m Swedish, married to a Sinhalese and studied in Germany.

Daniel Parry Managing Director I was born in Norway, raised in Sweden and have a UK passport.

we w e are Tiina Punkkinen Financial Controller I’m from Finland, studied in Austria and now I live in London.

GLOBAL GLO OBAL scandinavians s scandina avians Assisting Ass sisting fforeign oreign businesses businesses withh their UK expansion

Photo: Erica Bergsmeds

Svend Littauer Head of Corporate Legal and HR I have a Danish, German and South African background.

Katrin Schiskin Marketing and Communications Coordinator I’m Swedish/Venezuelan and have lived in Australia, Spain and China.

www.goodwille.com Your business partner every step of the way

Scan Magazine | Contributors

Regular Contributors Nia Kajastie (Editor) was born and raised in Helsinki, Finland, and moved to London in 2005 to study writing. With a BA in Journalism & Creative Writing, she now describes herself as a full-time writer and grammar stickler.

Swedish Sara Schedin has lived in London for four years. She is currently studying Journalism in her third year at City University and is covering Scandinavian culture in the UK.

Emelie Krugly Hill has worked on a number of Swedish newspapers. After travelling extensively, she has been based in London since 2006. Her particular interests are news and current affairs within Sweden and the export of Scandinavian culture to the UK.

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

Mette Lisby is Denmark’s leading female comedian. She invites you to laugh along with her monthly humour columns. Since her stand-up debut in 1992, Mette has hosted the Danish versions of “Have I Got News For You” and “Room 101”.

Karl Batterbee is devoted to Scandinavian music and knows exactly what is coming up in the UK. Apart from writing a monthly music update for Scan Magazine Karl has also started the Scandipop Club Night and its corresponding website: www.scandipop.co.uk.

Julie Guldbrandsen is Scan Magazine’s fashion and design expert; she has worked in the fashion industry for more than 10 years, and advised various Scandinavian design and fashion companies.

Besides, Julie has a BA in business and philosophy and has lived in Copenhagen, Singapore and Beijing before settling down in London.

Victoria Lagnehag is a Swedish freelance writer, currently residing in Stockholm. She is a writer with vast experience and has covered a broad spectrum of topics over the years. Although a keen globetrotter, she always has her Scandinavian roots at heart.

Lykke Fabricius Port is a Danish journalist, who lost her heart to London while finishing her degree at City University. Now she is a proud Scandinavian expat working as a freelance journalist, when she’s not busy blogging, cooking or experimenting with her camera.

Norwegian Karin Modig has lived in London since 1998: she arrived with the intention of staying just four months. She currently works as a freelance journalist and PR consultant, and is a keen handball player.

Bronte Aurell runs Scandi Kitchen in London, a Scandinavian deli/cafe. Bronte, who has studied in Edinburgh and has a background in investment banking, has lived in London for 9 years.

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Dyveke Nilssen from Norway fell in love with London in 2007. She has since finished her BA in Journalism at City University, and now works as a freelance journalist and photographer.

Danish Yane Christensen has lived in London half her life.

She's a designer, illustrator and mother of twin girls. She also has an on-line shop www.fleamarketfloozy.com and writes to exercise her brain.

Stine Daugaard is a Danish journalist living in Copenhagen. She has a degree in journalism from the Danish School of Media and Journalism and City University and has been freelancing since 2007. Travel and tourism are close to her heart, and she is happiest when the next plane ticket is booked.

Lasse Berg Sørensen is a Danish journalist currently studying for a Masters in Business and Finance Journalism at City University, London. He has previously studied in Aarhus, Missouri and Amsterdam.

Apart from journalism, he is very interested in photography, web culture and is a major music geek.

Anette Berve is a Norwegian freelance journalist based in London. She has previously worked in Buenos Aires for a cultural newspaper and is currently back in London to finish her degree in journalism and Spanish.

Anna Lindgren is a freelance writer, actress and director with her roots firmly planted in Gotland, Sweden. Travel and new challenges are high on Anna’s list in life, and she writes about anything and everything from volunteering in Guatemala to taking part in Triathlons.

Charlotte Kany hails from Copenhagen, Denmark, and has been residing in London since 2010. She has an MA in Communication & Rhetoric from the University of Copenhagen. She has gained years of experience within the media industry, and loves to travel and keep updated on all things cultural.

Ingrid Marie Holmeide came to London from Norway to study creative writing. She is currently working as a freelance writer and translator, while publishing her first novel.

Samantha Wong is a freelance journalist, who studied Icelandic Literature as part of her Literature and Myth degree which ignited her passion for Scandinavian culture.

She’s also a keen surfer, snowboarder and horse rider.

Linnéa Mitchell is a Swedish freelance journalist, who came to London in 2003 as a TV voiceover.

Still here, with a fresh journalism degree under her belt, she writes for both Swedish and English magazines.

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Louise Campbell

8 | Issue 27 24 | March November 20112010

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Louise Campbell Pictures from top left to right: 'Home Work' is a series of 14 storage units for organising desktop spaces. Manufactured by Stelton; ‘Veryround' chair for indoor and outdoor use. Signed limited edition pieces. Manufactured by Zanotta.

Middle: 'Casual cupboards' is an alternative storage solution for clothes (currently not in production); Upholstered seesaw for indoor use. Manufactured by Erik Jørgensen (Photo: Brahl Fotografi); Elements porcelain service made in collaboration with Royal Copenhagen; Entertainment project Louise Campbell did with Erik Jørgensen furniture (Photo: Brahl Fotografi) Bottom: Design of interior space of the Danish Minister of Culture’s front office (2005)

Louise Campbell:

New Scandinavian Modern Danish designer Louise Campbell fronts a new wave of young and talented Scandinavian designers, who challenge the tradition of ‘Scandinavian Modern’ and offer new visual experiences and perspectives on design. You might know her from her collaborations with Royal Copenhagen and Louis Poulsen, you might have seen her designs at MoMA, or read about her in Wallpaper. Starting up her own studio in the mid-90s, she has since become a criticallyacclaimed designer with a strong, idealistic approach to her work.

By Julie Guldbrandsen | Photos: Courtesy of Louise Campbell Cover photo: Courtesy of Louis Poulsen

Campbell is one of Scandinavia’s most progressive current designers, making furniture and lighting for a long list of renowned international design companies from Zanotta to Stelton. Campbell’s designs are always experimental, with an edge and a special charm to them. She loves playing around with the function and form of everyday objects, and challenges conventional materials and the manufacturing process.

The journey Having a Danish father and a British mother, Campbell grew up and studied partly in Denmark, partly in England. Despite her dual nationality, the Dane in Campbell is her dominant half. “I’m more blunt and less patient than my gentler, more reflecting, far better mannered English counterpart. The two halves live in a

constant battle with one another,” she explains. It seems that this relationship is also transferred to her aesthetic vision.

We are definitely dealing with a designer who is not your average Scandinavian minimalist.

Campbell describes her journey to become a designer as very confused. She switched between art college and design school four times before finally settling on design. After achieving a degree from The London College of Furniture, she returned to Denmark to study at The Danish Design School, where everything suddenly fell into place, and she went from bewildered to very passionate. This gave her an incredible drive by which she still feels fuelled. In 1996, shortly after graduating from The Danish Design School, Campbell set up her own studio in Copenhagen, and

her career as an independent designer gradually started to take form. Today, she can list major design brands like Royal Copenhagen, Holmegaard, Zanotta, Stelton, Muuto and HAY as her clients. Setting up her own business does not mean that she has become any sort of businesswoman though: “I am, and my work is, 100% emotion driven,” she makes clear.

Inspiration and form There is a saying that a cobbler does not necessarily have good shoes. This somewhat holds true for Campbell when it comes to her own home. While Campbell dreams of simple and large open spaces, she cannot live with them in reality. She finds comfort in having her things, her memorabilia and interests, close to her, and describes this as the English side in her. Again the battle between “the English

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 9

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Louise Campbell

Above: Louise Campbell in the Prince Chair. Manufactured by HAY. This chair was originally designed in 2001 for a competition with the theme: design a chair for His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Frederik. Below, left: ‘Veryround' chair. Right: The 'Campbell Pendant' is made of two layers of mouth-blown glass. Manufactured by Louis Poulsen Lighting.

herbaceous border and the Scandinavian minimalist� is in play. Maybe this is part of the reason why she is so good at creating a characteristic Scandinavian aesthetic that still surprises.

10 | Issue 27 | March 2011

To Campbell peace of mind is the primary dynamic when searching for inspiration. It is less about the things we surround ourselves with, and more about keeping an open mind. She adds that all

change can inspire, such as travelling and meeting new people, but only if our minds are open to finding the potential in these encounters. The in-depth studying of a subject, whether it is of functional or

existential nature will also open up to new experiences, she believes.

As a designer Campbell sees herself as someone who provides form. According to her, this can be very functional form and at other times close to completely useless form. Her job as a designer is all about sculpting her way through various challenges in three dimensions. Each object that Campbell designs has its own purpose. While her commercial works speak for themselves, her one-offs are more complex. This is where she gets the chance to experiment, because they do not necessarily have to have a purpose. When I ask Louise to describe her brand, she replies: “My brand is me. There is no difference. It means that it cannot be defined in a few words. It is as moody and unpredictable as I am. And as vulnerable.”

Being true to yourself When building up her career, Campbell had to take on an array of projects for survival. Now being an established and recognized designer, she has the privilege of being far more selective when choosing her projects. Essentially what Campbell would like to achieve is to only make things that she finds it important to bring to life. When looking at her impressive portfolio of work, it is also those products that have been compromised least by commercial limitations which are her favourites. Campbell is working towards being able to design objects that are as close as possible to her own intentions. She is and wants to be true to herself.

For more information, please visit: www.louisecampbell.com

Välj.

Or choose as you say in English.

As in, choose an airline that doesn’t charge you extras. We’d rather offer you value, such as child discount and free baggage allowance. We also offer you the most comprehensive timetable to Scandinavia.

London Heathrow

From

Copenhagen Stockholm Oslo

£65 £68 £67

one-way one-way

one-way

Always with SAS No hidden fees Free 23 kg baggage Free online check-in EuroBonus points 25% child discount

Copenhagen Stockholm Oslo Helsinki flysas.co.uk *Example fares from London Heathrow, one-way incl. taxes and charges, correct as of 22/02/2011 and subject to availability.

Scan Magazine | Design | We Love This

We love this...

By Julie Guldbrandsen

This month’s cover girl Louise Campbell is one of our all time favourite designers. Be inspired by this lovely selection of her creations.

Prince Chair With a clear reference to the paper cuttings of H.C. Andersen, Louise has created a wonderfully comfortable chair that expresses romantic softness as well as masculinity. Manufactured

by HAY. £ 2,151, www.nest.co.uk

The More the Merrier A flexible candleholder made of steel and soft rubber for Muuto. Pursue your fascination for either symmetry or chaos, and combine it however you wish, with as many holders as you feel like. Available in white and black. £89 for 7 candleholders and 6 connectors, www.moletamunro.com

Fiducia Fiducia is a modular fusion of ceramic vases and candlesticks made for Kähler. The pieces are held together by magnets in the little arms and can be arranged in various combinations. £114, www.kahlerdesign.com

Elements The porcelain service, made for Royal Copenhagen, cleverly brings together tradition and modernity. Each piece in the collection is decorated in its own fashion, and has its own distinct colour.

Prices from £54, www.royalcopenhagen.com

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Collage The collage lamp designed for Louis Poulsen is inspired by the sunlight’s travel through leaves and branches in the forest. Louise Campbell wanted to create a comforting light, and she has definitely succeeded in this. From £628, www.designer-lights.com

Scan Magazine | Design | Fashion Diary

Fashion Diary... New spring pieces Longer and warmer days ahead of us are calling for a wardrobe change. I’m a big fan of wardrobe classics with a twist, and right now I’m really in the mood for a lighter colour palette.

This is what I will be wearing now:

By Julie Guldbrandsen Exude downtown cool in Won Hundred’s long yellow dress. £65, call +44 (0) 207 729 7189 for stockists

Every wardrobe needs a trench coat.

This one from Weekday is a cool style staple with a twist. £85, www.weekday.com

Trousers with a relaxed cut and soft pleats are an easy everyday piece.

Team them with a luxe white tee and ballerinas for effortless spring style. £19.99, Divided/H&M

Rützou’s draped silk dress is an easy but super elegant cocktail piece. Use it now with leggings, and later with bare bronzed legs. £225.00, www.wild-swans.com

Breton stripes are a year-round wardrobe essential. This cardigan from By Malene Birger is so chic, so classic and so versatile. £159.00, www.wild-swans.com

A slouchy denim shirt, like this one from Won Hundred, is a cool off-duty piece. £100, call +44 (0) 207 729 7189 for stockists

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 13

Scan Magazine | Design | London Fashion Week

Aminaka Wilmont’s Autumn/Winter 2011 collection

Marcus Wilmont (left) & Maki Aminaka Löfvander (right)

London Fashion Week – Scandinavian design at its best Snapping at the heels of Copenhagen, Paris and New York Fashion Week, the style community turned to London’s unveiling of the eagerly awaited autumn/winter collections for 2011. From 18-23 February, this spectacular event featured both new and established talent, including Scandinavian designers Cecilia Hammarborg, Camilla Skovgaard, Ann Louise Landelius, Ann-Sofie Back, Charlotte Sparre, Heikki Salonen, Louise Amstrup, MaxJenny, Astrid Andersen, Ostwald Helgason and Aminaka Wilmont.

By Emelie Krugly Hill

Photos: Debbie Bragg (Aminaka Wilmont) & Press images

Once again the British Fashion Council's headquarters at Somerset House were the venue for LFW with the majority of the shows taking place in its courtyard marquee. Scandi designer duo Aminaka Wilmont, formed by Maki Aminaka Löfvander from Sweden and Japan and the Dane Marcus Wilmont, received high praise for their catwalk show on the opening day. The duo’s Totem collection consisted of gorgeous leathers; bold, strong digital prints inspired by animal hides, skins and furs; as well as asymmetrically adorned cut maxi skirts and mini dresses.

“For us this collection has been about showing the British fashion industry who the Aminaka Wilmont woman is. She is determined and confident with her own individuality and uniqueness. This is our

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seventh season on schedule; we know the direction we are moving in, and we wanted this to come across in our collection,” says the duo.

The closing of the show evoked impressions of primitive, animalistic endeavours, with models walking as a pack, creating a striking image that was permeated with flowing prints, structured leather jackets and long socks; the models appearing like unearthly beings ready to take on anything.

Moving on to the great exhibition hall, we located Finnish womenswear designer Heikki Salonen, who emphasised: “We treat all our clothes in our collection equally; they are made with love and serious intention.” With strong Scandinavian

influences, minimalistic with an earthy feel, Heikki Salonen always keeps strong, feministic women in mind. Having set up the brand in 2008 and this being his fourth season at LFW, like all emerging designers, he was hoping for new stockist and press contacts.

On another floor, we encountered Danish designer Charlotte Sparre, best known for her luxurious silk scarves. Sparre began her career as a young student selling hair accessories at a Saturday market in her hometown. Her company quickly established itself in Scandinavia with collections of scarves and dresses that uniquely differ from comparable products. The silk scarves became very popular with Danish women and were often seen worn by the glitterati. After a 17 year long career,

Scan Magazine | Design | London Fashion Week

Cecilia Hammarborg’s Autumn/Winter 2011 collection

Charlotte Sparre is now well-known internationally.

Silk scarves by Charlotte Sparre

“It’s all about life force, and I’m always aiming to charm and be poetic with the prints. For this collection, I had themes such as planetary nature and love in mind.

Our unique concept is that each style is available in between 64 and 149 different prints and colours,” says the designer.

Next stop was Swedish designer Cecilia Hammarborg, who has recently created an entirely London-made collection of beautifully printed and immaculately tailored pieces. The brand is an ultimate fusion of classic construction and crisp modern design, utilising quality Italian fabrics and silk prints, echo glamour and luxury, all resulting in a perfect blend of design and functionality.

ity and quality. We create for strong, independent women, who embrace femininity and our future. The American actress and model Lauren Hutton was who I had in mind when creating the collection.”

We also met Icelandic designer Ostwald Helgason, who creates womenswear for the flamboyant individual, not scared of distinction and prominence. He used to work for Marjan Pejoski, probably most well-known for creating Björk’s sensational swan dress. After nine years in London, he has now set up his own brand together with partner Susanne Oswald.

“I’m toying with the typical and customary; I then add a dynamism and gestural colouration,” he explains. His design signature is described as Scandinavian restraint with a London edge.

Ann-Louise Landelius bags with a twist

Camilla Skovgaard’s stylish shoes

“It’s my first year at LFW with my own label,” says Hammarborg, “My concept is very much about ethics, beauty, simplic-

elegant shoes. In 2010, Camilla won the ELLE Style Award for Accessory Designer of the Year. In the same space, we found Swedish designer Ann-Louise Landelius and her minimalistic handbags with a twist, and Louise Armstrup’s collection, inspired by the American desert, featuring dramatic prints of bolts of lightning and stars, and dusty hues of weathered rock and sand.

We also spotted successful Danish designer Camilla Skovgaard’s arousing and

Quirky and edgy designer and Swede MaxJenny showed her folded and draped fabrics and reduced seams, mixed with digital prints and blacks. Also showing was Danish designer Astrid Andersen, who is the one-to-watch in menswear this season, and Swedish extravagant and avantgarde designer Ann-Sofie Back caused a stir as always.

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 15

Scan Magazine | Design | Jörnträ at the Ideal Home Show 2011

Jörnträ at the Ideal Home Show 2011

By Johanne Sofie Nygaard | Photos: Jörnträ

Scandinavian house builders Jörnträ have been given the exclusive opportunity to display their house at the Ideal Home Show 2011. The exhibition will run at Earl’s Court from 11-27 March.

Jörnträhus is an eco-friendly brand, employing advanced materials and construction techniques in their houses, which easily meet modern building regulations. Sweden is known for its strong manufacturing sector, including some of the most advanced window and door products in the world today. The house on display at the show is taking Scandinavian design into the 21st century. The modern interior is highlighted with sleek

16 | Issue 27 | March 2011

sharp lines, warm colours and simple, tasteful furniture.

Allowing plenty of window space, Jörnträhus insist on using triple-glazed windows to be as thermally efficient as possible. With these high-quality standards the Trend model is twice as efficient as what current building regulations demand.

Presenting their brand at the Ideal Home Show 2011 for the first time in the UK, Jörnträ are hoping to show the audience the future of great house building. Selfbuild kits are available in a variety of sizes and designs at a very affordable price. The

quick building time, two garages and energy efficiency of the house are sure to draw curious viewers to the show.

Jörnträ have experienced great success in the house building market, as the demand for their advanced designs continues to rocket. The UK is about to experience the very best of what the market has to offer.

Visitors will witness how environmentallyfriendly materials and superior quality can be combined with low prices to achieve a satisfying end result.

For more information, please visit: www.idealhomeshow.co.uk

STYLE our new contemporary furniture design complete with smart storage compartments, mirrors, lights and taps. Available from our showrooms throughout the UK. Call us or visit our home page for more inspiration on how to create your dream bathroom. www.svedbergs.com tel: 0808 234 2493

16–17 St. Christopher’s Place, London W1U 1NZ, www.marimekko.com

Ultra contemporary Stressless E200 sofas, with new corner unit and headrests, and the new Magic recliner launched to mark the 40th year of recliners

Stressless® recliners celebrate 40th birthday Furniture-loving people all over the world can now celebrate the 40th anniversary of the ultimate in comfort with Ekornes and its brand of Stressless® recliners. The famous brand, known for its exquisite design, comfort and quality, has developed rapidly over the last decades to create an unforgettable sitting experience of relaxation, comfort and support.

By Johanne Sofie Nygaard | Photos: Stressless® support; it is thus that the chairs have earned a great global reputation. To celebrate forty years of innovation, Ekornes recently introduced the Stressless® Magic recliner; they present this as the most comfortable recliner they have ever produced. Also new this year is the Stressless online design function. This handy tool enables you to visualize how the design of your choice would look against your own room dimensions.

Since 1971, the beginning of this exciting 40 year adventure, Ekornes have sold over 6.5 million seats to consumers worldwide and are proud to have received many prestigious awards over the years. In 2010, they were named as Best Overseas Furniture Manufacturer and Best Marketing Support by Interiors Monthly magazine readers.

Stressless® production takes place in five factories located on the west coast of Norway. The strong team of employees works according to the highest ethical standards.

The company has for a long time implemented measures at its manufacturing plants to improve the internal and external environment. Working with more environmentally-friendly raw materials has also been one of the company’s main focuses.

18 | Issue 27 | March 2011

As one of the best-known furniture brands in Europe, Stressless® currently holds a collection of 32 recliners and 13 sofa groups. The wide range highlights Stressless® as the number one for customer choice, including the opportunity to choose leather or fabric upholstery and size, in addition to the ideal neck and back

With the growth and success the company has experienced, old and new customers can look forward to a future of comfort, design and innovative seating solutions.

For more information, please visit: www.stressless.co.uk

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Värmland awaits you When do you feel at your very best?

Whatever your answer to this question is, there is always a place or activity waiting for you here in Värmland. Top-quality accommodation, great food and drink, beautiful and exceptional environments, cultural experiences and inspiring encounters: this is what Värmland is all about. The Swedish county of Värmland is a place of culture and nature. When you visit Värmland, the surrounding nature will give you the relaxation you need.

It is a wonderful feeling to be able to forget about the duties of your everyday life and wander off to discover new places.

Feel free to acquaint yourself with everything that Värmland has to offer. The won-

20 | Issue 27 | March 2011

derful nature consists of coastal landscapes along the shores of Lake Vänern, fruitful agricultural lands and the wilderness extending for miles and miles. The scenery invites you to a region filled with adventures, challenges and tons of fun activities. At times, nature is so beautiful that it will take your breath away. It is always close by, and it is always easy to access, wherever you are.

Värmland also borders on Norway, and Oslo is only 100 km away from the national border, whilst Stockholm is 250 km from the county’s eastern boundary.

Värmland is a county that is based on water. It has a total of 11,118 lakes and rivers, with the huge inland lake Vänern to the

Photo and Text by Visit Värmland

south. Vänern is the largest lake in Western Europe. The Klarälven river swirls for about 300 km through Värmland. There is lots of space here; 320,000 people live on an area of 19,204 km2. The largest town is Karlstad, where Karlstad Airport is also situated.

These are just a few brief facts about Värmland. If you would like to know more, please visit our website www.varmland.se.

The best way of learning more about Värmland is, of course, to visit and get to know us first hand.

For more information, please visit: www.varmland.se

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Värmland

Enggården Conference and Hotel – anything goes... with music

By Linnéa Mitchell | Photos: Carl-Axel Engstad

Enggården is bright, spacious and airy in typical Scandinavian fashion. What makes it unique is its aim that music should play a part in everything. The large studio (originally set up as the main function room of the venue) provides a space for recording, rehearsals and concerts. A private music performance after a conference is not unusual. High ceilings provide excellent acoustics, and the open space gives the mind some room to relax.

Amidst the thick Värmland forest of western Sweden, two hours north of Gothenburg, lies Enggården. With its peaceful surroundings and beautiful nature, this is where business meets music and art. Whether you are planning a conference, choir-weekend, wedding or just a brief break from the big city, you should consider Enggården as the venue.

What used to be called HageGården (Meadow House) is now run by Siw and Carl-Axel Engstad and has been turned into a thriving hotel, conference and spa centre, creatively combined with cultural events, music performances, art exhibitions and workshops. You can have your visit tailored to perfection. There is also a spiritual level to the Engstads’ idea: to arrange encounters between people providing connections on a deeper level. “We want people to leave Enggården happier than they came,” says Carl-Axel.

Together with music, harmony is key.

“There was once an art critic who claimed there wasn’t enough chaos in the paintings,” says Carl-Axel. “But that’s exactly the point. We want harmony to flow through the whole building.”

For more information, please visit: www.enggarden.se

Hillringsberg Manor – for those who enjoy the good things in life

By Anna Lindgren | Photos: Hillringsberg Manor

modate up to 250 people at a time, as well as two dining areas. The manor is easily accessible by train or car.

This beautifully located country manor dates back to the 17th century. Värmland County, where Hillringsberg can be found, is a truly stunning part of Sweden, filled with countless opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities. The borough of Arvika in the very heart of Värmland offers regular cultural events along with vast woodlands and 365 lakes so why not pick one for each day of the year!

The manor’s proximity to the Glafsfjord adds extra magic to the already amazing surroundings. The nearby Gla Forest (Glaskogen, a local nature reserve) offers additional chances to experience nature in a 28,000 hectare sized wilderness area with winding watercourses and much more.

Hillringsberg also boasts exceptional cuisine and an excellent hall for atmospheric dining experiences. The manor’s milieu lends itself to historically-themed events

Manager Roy Håkon Eggesvik adds: “Hillringsberg is a place of harmony.” He also feels that the famous song Ack Värmeland du sköna* sums up the beauty and grace of the place perfectly.

Ay, Värmeland the beauteous

*

Events calendar: Concert: Göran Fristorp on 26 March

such as dinners and various concerts as well as wildlife excursions and adventure holidays.

There are 28 rooms available, together with conference facilities that can accom-

The Manor Shop (Herrgårdsbutiken), where you can find a great range of fashionable clothing and products from SIA, is open Saturdays 11am till 2pm.

For more information, please visit: www.hillringsbergsherrgard.se

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 21

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Värmland

Valbergsängens Sporthotell – Tranquillity, recreation and sport challenges Beautiful nature, a health promoting altitude, fairy-tale forests and genuine sporting challenges: presenting Torsby, a small town in Sweden renowned for the Torsby ski tunnel and its countless sport and leisure opportunities.

By Victoria Lagnehag Photos: Valbergsängens Sporthotell

and the rooms are all newly built, with contemporary designs and modern amenities.

Torsby, in the county of Värmland in Sweden, is closely connected to beautiful and untouched nature, perfectly located by lake Fryken. The area itself is well-known among elites and professional sportsmen, but also among individuals looking for recreation and healthy options in a striking environment.

Valbergsängens Sporthotell is practically on nature’s doorstep, surrounded by dense forest, hiking trails, quaint forest paths as well as cross-country skiing trails, not to mention the famous ski tunnel, which is a 1.3 km long skiing track following the natural topography of the land. It is a world-class training facility, which offers skiers a diverse route and a total climb of 25 metres.

Valbergsängens Sporthotell is a combined hotel and youth hostel within easy reach of the town of Torsby, which makes it a convenient destination for recreation and sport enthusiasts from all over the world.

The hotel offers conference facilities, a gym, sauna and wireless internet access,

Whether you are looking for peace and quiet down by the lake with a fishing rod in hand, or trying out one of the many hiking treks, mountain biking on wonderful forest paths or looking to use the Torsby ski tunnel, there is no doubt that Valbergsängens Sporthotell is the perfect place for your stay.

For more information, please visit: www.valbergsangen.se

A local gem with a very personal touch

By Anna Lindgren | Photos: Fensbol Hotel and Hostel

With free Wi-Fi, you can keep in touch with your loved ones at home, who will probably end up wishing they were in Fensbol, Värmland, enjoying nature and the fresh Swedish countryside with you.

Ulrika and her family are the inspirational force behind Fensbol Hotel and Hostel.

The establishment opened its doors to the public in early February 2011.

This venture started when the MoschiniEklöfs decided to buy the place they had driven past daily for over two years. The old converted school in the village of Fensbol is now a charming, family-run business full of genuine warmth.

In addition to the main hotel, there is a newly renovated hostel with 20 beds, as well as space for caravans and campers.

There is certainly no escape from outdoor fun and other perhaps more relaxing activities here at Fensbol. There are saunas, a gymnasium, a restaurant, al fresco eating areas, a barrel bath (a true Swedish childhood thing), playgrounds, a dog kennel, forests, rivers, as well as opportuni-

22 | Issue 27 | March 2011

This summer, the enthusiastic hoteliers are planning to build a dog-friendly extension to the hotel, where dog lovers can bring their ”best buddies” and even leave them for the day should they choose to undertake excursions which dogs cannot join.

Ulrika and her family welcome you to discover this local gem, whilst exploring a truly magical part of Sweden. ties for skiing, cycling, horse riding, fishing and more. The staff can help arrange any additional pursuits you may want to undertake during your stay.

For more information, please visit: www.fensbolhotell.se

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Värmland

A top venue in Värmland: Quality Hotel Selma Lagerlöf

By Emelie Krugly Hill | Photos:Quality Hotel Selma Lagerlöf

The exclusive Hotel Selma Lagerlöf in Sunne is a cozy and charming mansionstyle hotel situated in Värmland, a historical county in the west of middle Sweden.

“We cannot promise that you will want to go home” is the hotel’s motto. For 29 years, this establishment has been known as the biggest conference hotel in Sweden, able to welcome up to 1,200 guests. Hotel Selma Lagerlöf has a committed and professional team, with staff that have been with the company for no less than 20 years, which means a wealth of experience. Managing director Niclas Norman joined the hotel last summer and is full of admiration for his staff: “There is nothing we can’t do; we pride ourselves in finding quick solutions and very much have a can-do attitude.”

The county of Värmland, approximately a 300 km drive from Stockholm, is known for its friendly people, magnificent views

and waterways, and is an ideal area for walking, swimming, camping, fishing and golfing, and is also well-known for its entrepreneurial culture.

Fryken. The city centre is located within a 10 minute walk from the hotel. Sunne Waterpark is a five minute walk from the hotel and is a great venue for families.

“The art and culture scene is vibrant and is something we are very proud of here in Sunne,” explains Norman. “For instance, the area was the home of famous author Selma Lagerlöf, the first female writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.”

Facilities at Hotel Selma Lagerlöf include an indoor swimming pool, a sauna and a massage area. The hotel also has a large garden and a restaurant that serves traditional Swedish cuisine.

Selma Lagerlöf Hotel comprises 156 rooms, some offering a view over the lake

For more information, please visit: www.selmahotel.se

Långberget Sports Hotel – where athletes meet amateurs

By Linnéa Mitchell | Photos:Långberget Sports Hotel

Have you decided to ditch the Alps this year because of snow disappointment? If you are ready to try cross-country instead, there is still time to squeeze in a trip to Långberget Sports Hotel where the snow is guaranteed to stay until Easter. Or book your summer vacation with the kids early and enjoy hiking, an elk safari and treasure hunts for the little ones.

Långberget Sports Hotel in western Sweden certainly lives up to its name as it has some of (or even) the best cross-country skiing tracks in the country. “The Czech national team has been here for the last two weeks,” says co-owner Ulla Olsson, to set the standard.

Not only does Långberget offer top-class skiing tracks, the whole family can indulge in outdoor activities such as snow mobile safaris, fishing, dog sledding or

snowshoeing. Once the snow has thawed, the famous bright Scandinavian summer attracts myriads of hikers to enjoy beautiful walks with stunning views and earnumbing silence. Should you be in a more adventurous mood, you can try the popular elk and beaver safari (with meat-tasting at the end). You can even come for a yoga retreat or just relax by the outdoor swimming pool. Conference facilities are also available.

Whatever you choose to do, make sure you round off the day in the wholesome restaurant from where you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view over unspoilt nature and rich wildlife.

If you are still not satisfied, there is no reason to get bored. “If you have your own ideas, then we will do our best to accommodate them,” says Olsson.

Best route from the UK: Fly to Oslo or Gothenburg, and then drive or arrange a pick-up.

For more information, please visit: www.langberget.se

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 23

: ME E H L T AN D A I GL EC SP LSIN HÄ

Hälsingland – the mystic land of blue mountains Text and photos by Hälsingland Turism

The Swedish province of Hälsingland is personal, beautiful and wild. It is referred to as “the land of the blue mountains”. In the hours between day and night, when the darkness has not yet embraced the landscape, the forested mountains appear to be blue. Here you find Sweden’s most majestic forests, harbouring a silent mystique, ancient myths, and wild encounters with lynx, moose, wolverines, wolves, brown bears, roe deer, beavers, black grouse and capercailzies.

Come eye to eye with wolves… … and have a sauna session in the evening – in their territory. But stay calm, it all takes place in the controlled environment of the great Nordic wildlife farm Järvzoo.

If you want to experience wildlife from within, you can also visit Vargas Wilderness Lodge, winner of the Grand Travel Awards 2011.

quiet retreat with lots of fun in the snow and TuroTon arranges horse and sleigh tours with music and storytelling. Snowmobile adventures and skiing are also popular, with hills and tracks suitable for everyone in both Järvsöbacken and Hassela Ski Resort. Äventyrsmästarna arrange activities with action.

Hunting, fishing, “feel good” and mystique Hälsingland offers great and very easily accessible hunting and fishing. The clean waters are full of pike, perch, pike-perch, char and trout. Hälsingland also represents, more than any other province in Sweden, the myths and tales of the deep mountain forests. A quiet walk in these forests complemented with some yoga and spa treatments, at Chinova Mötesgård or Orbaden konferens & spa, is highly recommended.

Hälsingland tastes like eco

Hälsingland has numerous travel operators with a Nature’s Best certification, which guarantees the best eco tours in Sweden.

Ever driven a kick-sled?

Many families come here to relax and play in the snow. The children love to drive kick-sleds, go ice-fishing, ice skating or taking a tour with horse and sleigh through the winter wonderland, while listening to old tales. Larsbo Gård offers a

24 | Issue 27 | March 2011

The food served in Hälsingland is a mixture of traditional and modern dishes, made from ecological local commodities.

Eat and/or live well at White Guide-recommended Växbo krog, Chinova Mötesgård, Järvsöbaden, Rike Per Guest House, Kilafors Herrgård or Orbaden konferens & spa.

For more information, please visit: www.halsingland.se

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Hälsingland

Photo: Lars Lundbäck

Photo: Ulf Borin

Photo: Birgitta Hansson

Långvinds Bruk & Herrgård – a hidden treasure Resting peacefully close to the shore of the Gulf of Bothnia, between Söderhamn and Hudiksvall, this important cultural treasure offers a fascinating hidden stopover on your car journey up the E4, or a weekend break, only two hours from Stockholm by train, for you and a likeminded history buff. But you have to know about it to find it.

Långvinds Bruksmiljöförening (Industrial Community Association) and Herrgård (Långvind Manor) take you on a historical journey back to the 17th century when Sweden was still a great military power. It was an important industrial community that supplied the Swedish armament factories with iron. Together with its community chapel, the Manor House built in 1799, and the unique nature in the area, it makes a perfect destination for someone who is looking to de-stress and loose oneself in history.

“In the summer, it’s a popular spot for the local community for a day out, with a nice walk in the park, a swim and a café visit,” says site manager Mats Persson. “But in

By Linnéa Mitchell | Photos: Långvinds Bruk & Herrgård

the late summer months, cars with foreign registration plates start to show up. We have no idea how they find the place.”

Photo: Birgitta Hansson

Perhaps it is simply a case of good news travelling fast. You can stop for a legstretcher and do the historical trail by foot in your own time around the restored coal houses, or join a guided tour around the museum (if you organise it in advance). Information is available in both English and German. Keep walking down to the harbour and around the romantic park, with beautiful oak, ash and beech trees.

Should you want to stay the night, there are rooms available in 19th century style

in the beautiful Manor House. It is owned

by Elina Mytnik and her husband, who fell in love with the well-preserved stoves, murals, Swiss exterior and not least the surroundings, 40 years ago. Together with Långvinds Herrgårds Kulturförening (Cultural Society of Långvind Manor) they run the Manor. Since becoming the new owners, they have gradually supervised the massive task of restoring the house in true 19th century fashion. “This is a place for someone who appreciates cultural history,” says Mytnik.

Apart from accommodation and guided tours, the Manor also offers conferences, celebratory meals and wedding reception services. Their concept is to create a domestic atmosphere and to greet all their guests personally. “We can tailor anything to your needs,” she adds.

For more information, please visit: www.langvindsbruk.nu www.langvindsherrgard.se

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 25

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Hälsingland

Kustleden Hostel: discover the untouched coastline of Hälsingland

By Emelie Krugly Hill | Photos: Kustleden Hostel

After spending 20 years abroad, Johan Adlercreutz and his Canadian wife Jaye decided it was time to return to Sweden.

Today they run Kustleden, a one-of-a-kind hostel in the province of Hälsingland.

“I was longing for everything that is stereotypically Swedish: coastal life, folk musicians, rich culture and historical buildings. The province of Hälsingland has it all, combining a unique and untouched coastline, rivers and lakes, offering wonderful swimming and fishing, as well as exciting excursions on foot, by bike, canoe or car,” explains Johan.

so many fascinating life stories. The result, Kustleden Hostel in Strömsbruk, established in 2002, is an exciting destination, offering accommodation in rooms or holiday apartments, a café, canoe, kayak and bicycle rental, an art gallery and camera museum.

“We wanted to create a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere, a friendly B&B environment, which won't hurt your wallet.

After travelling extensively, we knew this kind of place could be a rarity,” remarked Johan. “We’re strategically located; it’s hard to believe you’re only minutes from the E4 motorway, about 20 km north of the beautiful summer city of Hudiksvall, and less than three hours from the Swedish capital.”

Peak season is from June to August, but Kustleden welcomes guests May through September, with September also being the month for the popular annual Jussi Björling memorial concert.

The Adlercreutzes discovered a former mill office built in 1912, perfectly set by a river and only a few hundred yards from the sea. Being both photographers and writers, Johan and Jaye were keen on adventure, after having met and documented

For more information, please visit: www.kustleden.com

Äventyrsmästarna – your adventure guide in northern Hälsingland

By Emelie Krugly Hill | Photo: Äventyrsmästarna

About 360 km north of Stockholm, you reach the majestic forests and magnificent views of northern Hälsingland, Sweden. Here, in this truly breathtaking wonderland, you can experience the adventure of a lifetime guided by Äventyrsmästarna (The Adventure Masters). Äventyrsmästarna was set up in 1998 by hunting and outdoor enthusiast Johan Henriksson, and has extensive experience dealing with groups of all sizes, both Swedish and international. Activities are usually tailored to the requirements of the customer; Johan can take you all the way up and beyond the Arctic Circle on a snow scooter if you have the courage. Äventyrsmästarna offers many activities from snowmobile adventures, hunting beaver, moose or top birds, to other wilderness experiences for teambuilding,

26 | Issue 27 | March 2011

conference arrangements and group activities; Adventure Masters will guide you and give you a memorable experience of northern Hälsingland.

time that the forested mountains appear blue in colour. These are the hours when the silence will overwhelm and calm even the most stressed person.

“Clients can expect a warm welcome and strong personal touch with flexible and customised solutions in all activities; we want our clients to feel safe and secure.

Our most common compliment is how calm and relaxed our clients’ experience has been,” says Henriksson.

Äventyrsmästarna is located at the Hassela Ski Resort between the towns of Hudiksvall and Sundsvall and is also the departure point for many of the adventures and events.

Having grown up in the area, Johan Henriksson is a true local expert on the region and loves sharing the magical and peaceful landscapes with his clients. The province of Hälsingland is known as ‘the land of the blue mountains’ because of the hours between day and night, when the sun has set but the darkness has not yet embraced the landscape; it is at this

For more information, please visit: www.aventyrsmastarna.se

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Hälsingland

Erik and Billan Östlund

World Champs introduce conference centre in beautiful Hälsingland

By Victoria Lagnehag | Photos: Kungsholmen

Billan and Erik Östlund left a fantastic skiing career behind to run Kungsholmen Restaurant and Conference centre in the heart of Hälsingland; a unique facility where their passion for nature and activities thrives in breathtaking surroundings.

Most Swedes will have heard about the Swedish World Champions and multi-gold medallist cross-country skiers, Billan and Erik Östlund, but only few might know that they are the owners of Kungsholmen Restaurant and Conference centre.

The Östlund couple purchased the little gem in 1988, and with that abandoned a fantastic skiing career to settle down in the picturesque county of Hälsingland, close to their roots.

Kungsholmen Restaurant and Conference centre is nestled on the scenic banks of Ljusnan River. Situated on an island, it is surrounded by tranquillity, with waterfront views from every angle whilst embedded

in the friendly arms of nature. It offers the perfect getaway venue with accommodation for both business and leisure travellers. The centre comprises 21 rooms with shared facilities all restored to the original features with cosy fireplaces, wooden details, and where every corner whispers of its heritage.

Whatever your interest might be, Kungsholmen offers unique experiences in a stunning countryside setting: Church boats, hunting, archery, quad biking on ice, fly fishing, fairy-tale safaris deep into the woods, wood-heated sauna rafting, trekking – or perhaps you would like to challenge the

champions themselves in skiing? The choices are many, and the Östlund couple are more than happy to tailor-make a package that fits your specific requirements.

Kungsholmen is also the perfect location for weddings and special celebrations.

Their in-house restaurant offers a culinary experience from local produce, making your meal just that little bit more special. The night is quiet except for the flickering log fire; surrounded by lush greens, magical forests and the soothing sound of the river, it is undoubtedly the perfect ending to any occasion.

Kungsholmen is the essence of Erik and Billan and their genuine love for nature.

This is a place to enjoy simplicity, tranquillity and the atmosphere, whilst witnessing the marvel of nature in all its splendour.

For more information, please visit: www.kungsholmen.net

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 27

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Hälsingland

Chinova – a meeting place where peace and harmony welcome you

By Anna Lindgren | Photos: Chinova Mötesgård

This award-winning,* converted farm with its striking surroundings seamlessly combines the opportunity to enjoy relaxation, nice accommodation, private conference areas and/or classy banquets.

groups to be creative and to focus in a calm and inspiring environment. The establishment’s green policy includes celebrating local character and whenever possible to provide local produce and services.

The rooms and apartments are tastefully decorated with a smart, clean, Scandinavian touch.

The aim is to offer every customer a memorable stay filled with friendly service, attention to detail and overall excellence.

Chinova manages to unite inspiration from the ancient art of Feng Shui and the local, rustic Hälsingland culture beautifully.

“Here energy meets silence, people meet people, and creativity meets reflection.”

A wood-fired sauna and an outdoor hot tub will add to your experience and can be booked for up to 15 people. Why not try rolling in the snow during the winter months to truly awaken those senses!

Sune and Marie Frost who live on the farm are the third generation running this warm and friendly family business.

Winner of “Nature’s Best Organizer”

*

Chinova’s core values come straight from the owners’ hearts. The farm offers a well-designed opportunity for professional

For more information, please visit: www.chinova.se

Simple bear necessities

Håkan Vargas, a dedicated nature photographer and filmmaker, has been following these majestic and magical creatures for years. Håkan and wife Eva run Vargas Vildmarkslogde (Wilderness Lodge), which they set up 12 years ago after many years of bear watching. They have developed from offering small and simple nature experiences to becoming Sweden’s first promoters and organizers of bear watching. The entrepreneurial duo have received several reputable awards, notably the Grand Travel Award, a prestigious accolade presented to an organizer that has best developed Swedish eco-tourism in the past year.

28 | Issue 27 | March 2011

By Emelie Krugly Hill | Photo: K E Bergman

“I have gotten to know these fascinating creatures over the years and learned about their behaviour. Bears have a great sense of smell,” says Håkan, who in order to attract bears, puts out fruit and vegetables, enticing them so that they can be observed.

Håkan and Eva

Photo: Håkan Vargas

Facing a brown bear eye to eye and in the wild is a fascinating and exhilarating experience. In the “bear province” of Hälsingland, Vargas Vildmarkslogde offers this experience to everyone.

During the stay the visitors are “in charge”, which for Chinova’s staff means that coffee breaks, dinners, walks and drinks are provided as and when the guests desire. With flexibility and willingness to accommodate, the personnel aim to customize each stay depending on each particular party’s requirements.

The bear safari takes place in the deep forests of southern Hälsingland, thirty kilometres from the town of Bollnäs. Accommodation during the days and nights takes the form of a strategically located hide; facilities are practical and well thought out, for example you will get your own corner

with a comfortable bed and sleeping bag.

There is a separate section with an eco-toilet and washing facilities. Comfortable seating areas have observation windows and special portholes for cameras providing photo opportunities even for those with basic equipment. To accompany the bear experience with Vargas Vildmarkslogde, you will regularly be served delicious meals usually created from wild ingredients.

Vargas Vildmarkslogde can accommodate any sized group up to eight people, although Håkan and Eva also welcome individuals and couples. Guests from all over the world are able to best view these wonderful creatures during the period from April to October; during the rest of the year the focus is on watching golden eagles.

For more information, please visit: www.swedenwildlife.se

SP SU ECIA MM L T ER HE IN ME: DE NM AR K

Danish Inns: Hospitality, history and gourmet dining – all in one!

Text and Photos by VisitDenmark

When exploring Denmark and its superb scenery, there is no better way to get a real taste for the country’s history, delicious cuisine and genuine Danish hospitality than by staying at the Danske Kroer & Hoteller’s (www.krohotel.dk) collection of individually owned inns (kroer) and classic hotels, which are dotted throughout the countryside. Danish inns lead the way and ensure unforgettable gastronomic experiences, cosy atmospheres, refreshing wellness and pure relaxation.

The history of the Danish inns dates back to the 12th Century when King Erik Klipping sent out a decree ordering that inns be established along the so-called ’King’s Highway’ as staging posts for coaches to allow weary travellers to stretch their legs and enjoy a hearty meal. As a reward for providing a bed and a meal for travellers, these inns were granted a special Royal Licence to brew beer, distil spirits and

bake bread, free of tax, both for their own use and to sell to the public.

Retaining these important sentiments, holidaymakers can still stay at some of the original Royal Privilege establishments with their thatched roofs, half-timbered frames and low-ceilinged parlour rooms, as well as an excellent selection of more modern properties, and in this way enjoy a service fit for a king.

With some 91 individually owned inns and hotels located all over Denmark – in the midst of the beating heart of the city, beautifully located near forests, lakes and beaches, within easy reach of the greenest of greenery and all the many wonderful sights, attractions and experiences of Denmark – holidaymakers have plenty of options for tailoring their gourmet tour of Denmark to suit their very discerning palates.

So take a deep breath and be embraced by home comfort and hospitality while enjoying superb cuisine at the many historic Danish inns.

To create your perfect travel experience in Denmark, please visit: www.visitdenmark.com

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 29

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Summer in Denmark

Summertime – and the living is easy

By Nia Kajastie | Photo: Niclas Jessen

Søndergården in Northern Jutland. It is a truly rural getaway for the whole family to enjoy.

Historical villages, beach resorts, idyllic countryside retreats, fascinating museums, challenging golf courses and bustling city life: Denmark has it all, and the best season to experience it is almost upon us. Scan Magazine has listed some of the most engaging summer activities and destinations that Denmark has to offer.

For something a bit more educational, why not visit the National Danish Gas Museum in Nordjylland, or if you are feeling artistically inspired, check out Laura Madsen’s glass studio in North Själland.

No matter which part of Denmark you arrive in this summer, you will always be greeted by relaxed, welcoming locals, who would happily like to share their intrinsic sunny disposition and “hygge” with all travellers.

In the cultural capital of Copenhagen, you can take in spectacular views of the whole city from the majestic Rundetaarn tower – a popular spot for love declarations as well. And what better time to do so, than on a clear summer’s day, when the city is at its liveliest.

Of course, there is more to Denmark than Copenhagen and city attractions, as the countryside is full of inviting little holiday retreats, like the authentic farmhouse

For more ideas on discovering Denmark in the summertime, please visit: www.visitdenmark.com

From pirates to prairies – North Funen has got it covered

By Yane Christensen | Photos: Nordfyns Turistbureau

If you are currently planning your summer holiday, why not consider North Funen?

The area is brimming with family-friendly fun that will ensure an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

and excursions; particularly noteworthy is the popular Pirate Treasure Hunt, where pirates take you on a real treasure hunt in search of a chest full of coins from beneath the sea.

North Funen is dominated by beautiful countryside, large forests and picturesque villages, and the scenery is scattered with historic churches, castles and manor houses as well as fascinating Viking trails and burial sites. Narrow, winding roads invite you to go exploring, either by foot or on bicycle.

Another popular attraction is the Ditlevsdal Bisonfarm, where you will feel transported to the American prairie. It is a fun day out for the whole family, with many activities inspired by the American Indians.

The bison burgers are mouth watering!

North Funen has 75 km of stunning beaches with various water activities on offer. The clean beaches are never crowded, and the water is safe and shallow, ideal for families.

There are almost too many attractions to mention (see the website for more), but

30 | Issue 27 | March 2011

the charming market town of Bogense is a must-visit, with its impressive marina and man-made beach. It is also where Captor, a carefully restored wooden ship, is moored. Captor and her crew offer trips

North Funen is just over an hour's drive from Billund airport. The area has a great number of restaurants and cosy hotels.

The North Funen tourist office is happy to assist with any queries you might have.

For more information, please visit: www.nordfynsturist.dk

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Summer in Denmark

An informative haven that can teach us a thing or two about energy consumption

By Anna Lindgren | Photos: The National Danish Gas Museum

Inaugurated in 1998, the former Hobro Gasworks now houses the National Danish Gas Museum that provides permanent exhibitions on town, bottled and natural gas.

the kitchens and living rooms of our ancestors.

The Danish Gas Museum is beautifully located along the water in the centre of Hobro. Enjoy your lunch basket in the old garden or drop by the restaurant for a meal. There is also the opportunity to combine your museum visit with a peaceful cruise on the fjord, some shopping or a walk in the close by woods.

In the wake of the English industrial revolution more than 100 gasworks were built in Denmark, initiating the age of fossil energy. Gas for the purposes of lighting, cooking, heating etc. continues to be central to our understanding of modern living to date.

To learn more about gas, its history, and energy consumption today, a visit to this fun and informative museum is highly recommended.

The Danish Gas Museum offers the opportunity to experience how the manufacturing and use of gas has contributed to the evolution of daily life over the past 150 years.

The exhibition The Good Old Days takes you back to a place of (re-)discovery of

rary energy sources as well as try out future options such as solar cells and hydrogen as means of producing and storing energy.

In the electrifying hydrogen UNIVERSE, visitors can experiment with contempo-

For more information, please visit: www.gasmuseet.dk

A place with a view – Rundetaarn in Copenhagen

Nearly 35 metres tall and located right in the middle of the charming Latin Quarter of Copenhagen, Rundetaarn grabs your attention immediately. From the top of the tower, you will be offered a fantastic panoramic view of Copenhagen, including the old part of town with a skyline of historical buildings.

You can even catch a glimpse of Sweden.

Rundetaarn is famous for being the tower of the people. Throughout time it has been a favourite spot for lovers to declare their feelings for one another. “In fact, several proposals have been made at the top of the

Photo: Ron Graybill

Right in the heart of central Copenhagen rises the majestic Rundetaarn, one of the city’s most outstanding icons: an impressive tower built in 1642 by King Christian IV as an observatory. It is not only a popular sight but also a great venue of choice for exhibitions as well as tender declarations of love.

Photo: Rune Hansen

By Charlotte Kany

tower, maybe owing to the magnificent scenery,” explains head of communication Lotte Zeuthen. At the top of the tower, it is also possible to visit the original observatory.

Before enjoying the stunning view, you can expect a giddy walk up through the winding, white-washed Spiral Walk. Halfway up, why not take a pit stop to see the beautiful Library Hall, famous for having the renowned author H.C. Andersen as one of its previous users, now serving as a popular gallery and concert venue. Rundetaarn is indeed one of Copenhagen’s premiere attractions.

Opening hours: 21 May – 20 September: Daily 10.00-20.00 21 September – 20 May: Daily 10.00-17.00 Wednesdays, both the Tower & the Observatory are open 19.00-22.00; Tower closed on 24 & 25 December & 1st of January.

For more information, please visit: www.rundetaarn.dk

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 31

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Summer in Denmark

Experience World War II at MuseumsCenter Hanstholm

By Lasse Berg Sørensen | Photos: MuseumsCenter Hanstholm

In 1940, German troops invaded the small town of Hanstholm, and a few years later all of the town’s citizens were relocated to other parts of the region.

Situated by the sea in the northern part of Denmark, Hanstholm was a very strategic position for controlling the important waters between Denmark and Norway, and in order to keep the Allies from entering the Baltic Sea, the Germans built the largest fortification in northern Europe, which includes four large 38 cm guns with a range of 55 km, which were able to shoot almost half of the distance to Norway.

A small part of the bunker complex, which covers nine square kilometres, has now been opened to the public as a part of MuseumsCenter Hanstholm, where visitors can experience how life was at the bunker during World War II.

again,” he says. “The museum also gives a more varied view on the war. The stories that are told about World War II are mostly about the resistance movements. This is about the enemy, who were actually just ordinary young men.”

According to manager Jens Andersen, it is important that people get a realistic impression of how life during the war actually was.

Besides taking a tour of the narrow hallways in the original bunker, visitors can visit a new Documentation Centre, where uniforms, letters, guns and other kinds of war equipment are on display.

“The fortification at Hanstholm reminds us of what happened in the past, which is important in order to avoid it happening

For more information, please visit: www.museumscenterhanstholm.dk Facts: • MuseumsCenter Hanstholm is open from 1 February to 4 November.

• Visitors can take a ride on the munitions train, which provided the guns with the heavy ammunition.

Hostrup Hovedgaard – A true gem hidden in a corner of Jutland Visit Hostrup Hovedgaard if you need a couple of days away from everyday life or the perfect setting for a special conference or party.

By Stine Daugaard | Photos: Hostrup Hovedgaard Hovedgaard specializes in hosting parties for up to 100 guests.

In the idyllic northwest of Jutland, close to the Limfjord and surrounded by beautiful nature, Hostrup Hovedgaard can be found.

The classic manor house from 1741 has recently been gently renovated and welcomes its guests to 20 double rooms, which are all inspired by and named after well-known writers from the area.

”We give our guests as much freedom to arrange a conference or party the way they want to, but we are also always ready to help,” Ahrenfeldt says. So should guests wish to set the table using the family silver and decorate with heirlooms, it is possible.

“We are situated in beautiful nature on a peninsula, and we offer a range of opportunities to enjoy that nature,” owner Anders Ahrenfeldt says.

Hostrup Hovedgaard owns 180 hectares of land, where it is possible to swim and relax on the beach, fish in the child-friendly brook, hike or jog on the elaborate path system, go bird watching, or even go hunting in the right season.

32 | Issue 27 | March 2011

Furthermore, the guests are ensured a peaceful and quiet stay at Hostrup Hovedgaard as there are no other houses within 1.5 kilometres.

Conference or party as you please Apart from having guests stay in their cosy rooms and holiday apartments, Hostrup

Find out more about the many options for hosting parties or having a relaxing holiday at Hostrup Hovedgaard at www.hostruphovedgaard.dk.

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Summer in Denmark

Gyttegård Golfcenter – golf the easy way

By Lasse Berg Sørensen Photos: Gyttegård Golfcenter

Some would say that golf can be quite a difficult sport, but at Gyttegård Golfcenter playing golf is easy. At least the circumstances around the sport are.

“We are located less than five miles from Billund Airport. It is really as close as we can get,” says golf manager Kurt Smidt.

“If you have got three or four hours of waiting time at the airport, you can get a taxi and be playing golf in 10 minutes. We have golf cars and all the equipment available for you.” According to Kurt Smidt, playing golf should be easy and straightforward.

“Golf is a sport where you choose to relax, and it needs to be simple, and that is possible if the setup is good, as here. Our mission is to give our guests and members a good experience, and it is important to us that people feel taken care of,” he says.

An example of the easy-going and friendly atmosphere at Gyttegård Golfcenter is the course guides, who are hired to help the guests instead of the traditional course supervisors.

In order to make the golf experience even easier, Gyttegård Golfcenter is a part of Destination Billund and hence works closely with hotels, airlines, amusement parks and other attractions in the area, which makes it possible to combine different activities. Gyttegård Golfcenter also does package solutions, where they combine golf with business meetings.

Facts about Gyttegård Golfcenter: • Has 18 holes surrounded by woods, and some holes are located on hills with splendid views of the area.

• Is meant for both beginners and skilled players.

For more information, please visit: www.gyttegaardgolfklub.dk

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Issue 27 | March 2011 | 33

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Summer in Denmark

The beauty of glass Holløselund is within two kilometres of the cosy seaside town of Tisvildeleje on North Själland in Denmark. This is where beautiful glass pieces are being created by the delicate hands of glass artist Laura Madsen.

By Victoria Lagnehag | Photos: LaMa Glas

leads her to each piece of glass she carefully designs. Inspired by her training in Italy and the Nordics, she uses bright colours in a perfect combination with the sleek Scandinavian style.

Laura’s pieces are showcased and sold at her own studio, where she also produces custom-made glass for individual collectors. Additionally, she offers special teambuilding activities, where she invites companies to learn the process of blowing glass under her supervision.

Laura Madsen was charmed by the magic world of glass at the modest age of eight.

Her passion for the trade made her travel to Orrefors in Sweden and later on to Venice to learn the different techniques.

Beauty, simplicity, elegance and function are essential components in her glass designs, and she is always looking for that special blend of colours and textures that

Glass blowing is an old traditional trade, but glass artist Laura Madsen shows boldness and modernism in her work, using a variety of techniques. She speaks with a passion about the challenge of manipulating heavy molten glass, ensuring careful timing and precision in order to create new pieces. The results of her creation are nothing but a delight.

For further information, please visit: www.lamaglas.dk

Saltum Strand Camping – an active getaway by the sea

By Lykke Fabricius Port | Photos: Saltum Strand Camping

Overgaard for six years. They both think it is important to be in close contact with the guests, and she often puts her running shoes on and joins the joggers.

A camping holiday does not necessarily have to be spent sitting in a folding chair, at least not at the family-owned Saltum Strand Camping in Jammerbugten on the northern west coast of Denmark. Here, you can enjoy the revitalising feel of a campsite break and still have plenty of opportunities to spend some lively times together Saltum Strand Camping is located at one of the cleanest and broadest beaches in Denmark, and the area has plenty of sand dunes and marked paths for walking, horse riding, jogging and cycling. This provides the perfect mix of relaxation and active adventures.

“There’re a lot of green campsites in Denmark, but we differ by focusing on exercise and lifestyle. We provide the space and facilities for taking a joint jog in the

34 | Issue 27 | March 2011

morning or pumping up your heart rate with a Zumba class. Obviously there’s room to relax and enjoy a good book as well,” says Jette Holt, who has managed the campsite with her husband Michael

If you are not the proud owner of a caravan, Saltum Strand Camping offers both tents and small cottages for rent, and with swimming pools, trampolines, tennis courts and numerous ball games on site, both young and old have no excuse for feeling bored. The campsite also provides the perfect starting point for a daytrip to the popular theme park Fårup Sommerland, which is just a few miles away. Alternatively, a half hour car journey brings you to the cultural university city Aalborg.

For further information, please visit: www.saltumstrand.dk

• Popular holiday resort situated in beautiful nature surroundings right down to Hammersø lake • Just five minutes walk to Sandvig town and beach • Cosy rooms with half board or breakfast only accommodation • Ideal for adults without children looking for a quiet and relaxing vacation • Open from around May 1st to October 1st

Hammershusvej 86 • Sandvig • DK-3770 Allinge Telephone +45 56 48 03 64 • Fax +45 56 48 10 90 • kjaer@hotel-hammersoe.dk

www.hotel-hammersoe.dk

HARWICH - DENMARK

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Y CROSSIN RR

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Photos: Cees van Roeden

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Summer in Denmark

Photo: Helle Ravn, Øhavsmuseet

Summertime – and a time for kissing…

By Charlotte Kany

The concept “Kiss the Frog” is a brand new attraction giving visitors a fascinating way of exploring and learning about nature. With kids in your company, it is a must-see experience with lots of fun out and about in the open. At the three centres connected to the attraction, you will be introduced to a range of entertaining activities, where you can learn more about the historical places known to the area.

isle of Ærø boasts lots of history and spooky stories. After a thorough renovation, the manor now stands in beautifully kept grounds, presumably built in 1580 by Duke Hans the Younger. Today, it is said to be haunted by the white lady – so watch out for ghouls and spooks…

Photo: Jakob Fahlén, Ærø Museum

With the captivating slogan “Kiss the frog and get closer to nature”, a new concept in the South Funen Archipelago offers families great opportunities for experiencing and savouring the nature and cultural life unique to the area. This new attraction includes three centres, all rich in history and located in a scenic landscape. There is so much to encounter during your visit to this charming and interesting part of Denmark.

Beautiful manors The three centres will please the avid history enthusiast and culture lover. The impressive manor house Søbygaard on the

36 | Issue 27 | March 2011

Skovsgaard on the isle of Langeland is a magnificent mansion overlooking unspoilt countryside with a range of attractions

and a world of nature to explore. You will find three museums at this location; it is an excellent chance to achieve an insight into the history of civilization.

Finally, pay a visit to the Trente Mølle on Funen that will ensure a glance at the authentic mill, now a popular spot for getaways and holiday camps. Trente Mølle dates back to the 16th century.

“At all the centres, you can choose between various activities. We will provide the equipment needed, if you are going on hunting trails or capturing the early birdsong; these are only a few among many of the offered adventures,” explains head of Ærø Museum Karen Margrethe Fabricius.

Although the attraction cannot guarantee frog princes, you will definitely get the chance to find true treasures in nature.

For further information, please visit: www.oehavsmuseet.dk www.kys-froen.com

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Summer in Denmark

Wake up in the country – holidaying at a farm house Dreaming about an escape to the countryside? At the farmhouse Søndergården, they are more than happy to welcome you to a true experience of life on a farm. Take a trip to the homely, rural and authentic estate and witness farming as it is performed as part of modern everyday life.

Søndergården is run by Per Kristensen, an enthusiastic farmer who took over the farm from his parents; he made a great effort to turn it into one of the best holiday farms in Denmark. The farm offers a comfortable base for families who enjoy relaxing, and, on the other hand, like to discover stunning nature and all the animals.

beque and other popular events such as the bonfire during peak season.

Set in the lovely area of Northern Jutland, close to the coastline with its captivating sights, you will be thoroughly entranced, but only if you find the time to leave all the cute animals at the farm, which include lambs, rabbits, and horses, to mention a few. The children will certainly be delighted at joining the farmer in the field, while parents may choose to play a few holes at the neighboring golf club, with which the farm is cooperating.

The farm provides nine flats and can house 52 guests all in all. This is a great place to visit if you are looking to socialize and get to together with new friends during your holiday. Visitors can enjoy a bar-

“We also offer facilities for bigger parties and conferences, if you are looking for a place with a twist for your next big event,” says deputy manager Kristensen.

For more information, please visit: www.soendergaard-loekken.dk Or call: +45 40411153 OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND! Text by Charlotte Kany | Photos: Søndergård

Nordfyns Museum The history of the town of Bogense and North Funen, in words, artifacts, paintings and pictures.

Nordfyns Museum Vestergade 16, DK-5400 Bogense, Denmark Phone: +45 6481 1884 E-mail: nordmus@mail.tele.dk www.nordfynsmuseum.dk

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 37

: ME IN FI E H L T SUN A I EC HT SP DNIG MI

D AN L N

The Midnight Sun – A Legendary Experience The stuff of legend in Finland and the Great North, the nightless night is every bit as magical as the myths suggest.

Conquering a fell and seeing the expansive wilderness bathed in the light of the midnight sun always makes an indelible impression on locals and travellers alike.

Text and Photos by Visit Finland

Practically anything that can be done during the “day” is also up for a go in the “night” during Finland’s summer, which means twice as much time for action.

From the more traditional hiking, trekking and fishing to mountain biking, wakeboarding and golf, there are activities aplenty for those seeking diurnal-nocturnal thrills in breathtaking landscapes.

After a cold, dark winter, the light-filled summer is greeted with a renewed joie de vivre all over Finland. With the sun declining to set for two months, the days are seamless in Lapland, province of the midnight sun. Not that it gets dark in the rest of the country: the nightless night is the literal truth, and sleeping is certainly not the first thing that comes to mind when the clock strikes midnight. In fact, clocks are best completely forgotten.

38 | Issue 27 | March 2011

Finland comes truly alive in summer, and numerous festivals, concerts and other events are held all over the country. Midsummer (Juhannus), the celebration of the midnight sun, is an ancient Finnish tradition and to celebrate it during the last weekend of June, most people head off to cottages with friends and family for food, drink and revels: parties often last beyond the wee hours because it is impossible to tell when night ends and day dawns!

The quintessential way to absorb the midnight sun is at a cottage: Finns love their quietness, and visitors should also experience true northern-style relaxation by escaping the daily grind at a peaceful retreat in Finland’s countryside. The sound of silence combined with the revitalizing rays of the midnight sun is nature’s remedy for the weary soul.

Guide for catching the midnight sun in Finland

District

Latitude

Midnight sun

Utsjoki Ivalo Sodankylä Rovaniemi Kuusamo Kemi

69°52' 68°40' 67°25' 66°30' 65°59' 65°45'

May 16 - July 27 May 22 - July 21 May 29 - July 14 June 6 - July 7 June 12 - June 30 June 18- June 24

For more information, please visit: www.visitfinland.com

Experience fresh sea air, a peaceful archipelago and the beloved Moomins in hospitable Naantali

By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Naantali Tourist Information

The city of Naantali is located in southwestern Finland, a half hour’s drive from the European Capital of Culture 2011, Turku, and two hours from Helsinki. The idyllic seaside town has been welcoming guests with open arms for over 600 years and continues to be one of Finland’s most popular holiday destinations.

Among a multitude of summery attractions in Naantali, you will find Moomin World, the theme park based on Finnish author and artist Tove Jansson’s beloved creation, the Moomins.

In 1443, the city of Naantali was founded around a new convent, which brought a lot of travellers and pilgrims to the area. Accordingly, the city has been welcoming guests ever since, first as a religious

haven and later on as a holiday and wellness destination. Famous for its spa and beautiful location by the Turku archipelago, the city offers soothing spots for appreciating the surrounding pure nature as well as plenty of activities and events for the whole family.

“The authentic feeling created by the old town in Naantali is wonderful, and people really love visiting the cafes and restaurants located right by the sea,” says managing director of Naantali Tourist Information, Tarja Rautiainen. “The pure maritime atmosphere is even more palpable on one of the 1,000 islands by the city. You can enjoy the calmness of the archipelago from a traditional cottage, without another person in sight.”

Exciting events taking place over the summer include the annual Sleepyhead Day on 27 July, which is based on an old tradition where a person who has done something exceptional for the city is thrown into the sea at 7am. For the rest of the day, there is music and theatre programming available alongside a large fair. Another summer highlight is the Naantali Music Festival, running from 7-19 June in 2011. Every year, the event starts the summer festival season in Finland, and the festival programme is always centred on chamber music in all its diversity.

Naantali also boasts amazing golf opportunities, and is also well-known for Kultaranta, the summer residence of the President of Finland. You can also take guided walks in the Kultaranta Garden, which are available in Finnish, Swedish and English.

For more information, please visit: www.naantalinmatkailu.fi

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 39

Aerial view of Tahko and its Old Golf Course

Get ready for a long Finnish summer full of electrifying festivals, events and activities Northern Savonia in Eastern Finland is a picturesque region offering perfect opportunities for experiencing all that the long Finnish summer days have to offer. As a part of the Finnish Lake District, the area is riddled with waterways and too many lakes to count, ready to be enjoyed by swimmers, fishers or those looking for a relaxing cruise. The city and municipality of Kuopio can be seen as the bustling cultural hub of the region, as it is alive with events, especially in the summer time. The lively holiday resort Tahko, located in Nilsiä in the same region, is the best place for an active holiday for the whole family.

Photos: Kuopio Tourist Service & Tahko Markkinointi Oy “Kuopio is perfect for people in search of diverse events and happenings, ranging from culture, theatre and music to sports and smaller subcultures, like comedy,” says Jari Piirainen, the tourism manager and CEO of Kuopio Tourist Service. “The biggest event last year was the Housing Fair with more than 150,000 visitors, and this year we’ve got the annual Kuopio Wine Festival as well as the Kuopio Dance Festival. Kuopio has so much to offer all year round.”

Every year, the Kuopio Wine Festival chooses a specific country to revolve its

40 | Issue 27 | March 2011

festivities around. In 2011, Kuopio will be able to taste the exotic wines as well as accompanying culinary morsels from Brazil. The city will be dancing to samba rhythms in a carnival atmosphere, while sampling wines that are not available in Finland. Music acts from both Brazil and Finland will also be entertaining the thirsty crowds.

The Kuopio Dance Festival will run for a week in June, showcasing the work of both national and international choreographers and dance companies. The Com-

edy Festival is also taking place in June. In addition, Kuopio is known for hosting a myriad of sporting events, such as the Kuopio Triathlon.

“On top of all the events, we are also surrounded by distinctively Finnish nature landscapes, including our clean lakes and forests,” says Piirainen. And what is more, the Savonians are a relaxed and delightful people, who will welcome travellers with a smile and a twinkle in their eye.

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Midnight Sun in Finland

Be entertained, pampered and energised at Tahko Tahko is a holiday resort, located 65 km from Kuopio city and 50 km from the Kuopio airport as well as the train station.

The resort can offer activities and services all year round, including everything from sports to spa treatments. So whether you are looking for a peaceful spot for self-reflection or a lively setting for your active holiday, Tahko is the right place to be.

In the summer, you can enjoy the use of three golf courses, or why not try some mountain biking, hiking, boating, fishing, horse-riding, or set out on an ATV safari.

And if the weather happens to act out, you can retreat to the versatile entertainment centre at Tahko Spa, which includes a gym, bowling alley, pools, hairdressers, masseuse, beautician as well as facilities for indoor sports.

At Tahko, you will also be able to choose your preferred type of accommodation, as the resort boasts a wide selection of hotel rooms, apartments, townhouses, holiday homes and lakeside villas. Altogether Tahko has 8,350 beds on offer. You will never get bored here either, as on top of all the activities, you can choose from 20 different restaurants and bars to spend the evening in.

Photo Rajala Aleksi

“There’s always something new to experience and try out at Tahko,” says Mikko Lehto, CEO of Tahko Markkinointi Oy (Tahko Marketing). “And it’s a great combination of city-life and the close by wilderness. We also have great transport links, and our staff are exceedingly customer minded.”

SUMMER EVENT CALENDAR 2011 • • • • • • •

Comedy Festival 9.-12.6.

Kuopio Dance Festival 16.-22.6.

Kuopio Wine Festival 1.-9.7.

Tahko MTB 2.7.

Kuopio RockCock 29.-30.7.

Tahko Rowing & Canoeing Event 5.-6.8.

22. Kuopio Triathlon 6.8.

For more information, please visit: www.finlandlakeland.com www.kuopio.fi, tahko.fi and www.nilsia.fi

Top: View from the Puijo tower in Kuopio middle: Enjoy a relaxing cruise; bottom left: Kuopio Wine Festival; right: Kuopio RockCock

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 41

TRUE EXPERIENCES FOR ALL SENSES IN LAPLAND

PYHÄ-LUOSTO EVENTS – Where culture and nature meet The area of Pyhä-Luosto, in Finland’s far north, in the heart of Lapland, promises some exciting cultural festivals over the coming months. Summer and early autumn see four major festivals take place, set against the stunning backdrop of northern Finnish nature.

MIDNIGHT SUN FILM FESTIVAL, JUNE 15-19

PYHÄ UNPLUGGED, AUGUST 4-7

A warm, informal spirit connects world-famous film directors and ordinary filmgoers. Soon people are sitting in a local cafe exchanging ideas. There are no red carpets in sight.

“The most sympathetic Finnish music festival,” Pyhä Unplugged, is held in Pyhätunturi, next to the Pyhä-Luosto National Park.

The five-day Midnight Sun Film Festival, founded in 1986 by Finnish directors Aki Kaurismäki, Mika Kaurismäki and Peter von Bagh, takes place in the village of Sodankylä, some 120 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle.

Well-known internationally, main guests over the years have included some prominent names from the cinema world such as Jim Jarmusch, Terry Gilliam, Francis Ford Coppola and Abbas Kiarostami.

The artists range from opera singers to rock stars, and the all-day programmes include concerts in the Aittakuru open-air amphitheatre, and the Restaurant Tsokka on the top of Pyhätunturi Mountain.

Accommodation and ticket packages: Best Western Hotel Pyhätunturi: 3 days Unplugged-package, D 220/person/3 nights Includes: 3-day concert pass, twin room accommodation, breakfast, entrance to the PyhäClub (sauna, gym, jacuzzi)

The relaxed atmosphere has proved a hit with the around 25,000 people attending every year.

2 days Unplugged-package, D 160/person/2 nights Includes: 2-day concert pass (Thu–Fri or Fri–Sat), twin room accommodation, breakfast, entrance to the PyhäClub (sauna, gym, jacuzzi).

Accommodation and ticket packages:

Lapland Hotel Luostotunturi:

Lapland Hotel Luostotunturi: From D 190 / person / 3 nights in a twin room Includes breakfast, entrance to the spa 12pm-6 pm, gym, transportation to and from Sodankylä. Single room extra D 80/3 nights.

Additional services: • Ticket package, D 70/person (12 tickets, excluding the silent film).

• Amethyst Mine Adventure D 29/person • The Secret of the Northern Lights D 59/person

Hotel Aurora Chalet: For groups (min. 30 persons): Accommodation for 4 nights in a twin room with sauna, breakfast, packed festival lunch for 2 days and the ticket package (including 12 tickets, excluding the silent films).

Prices from D 230/person/twin room. Festival Bus transportation.

Best Western Hotel Pyhätunturi: Midnight Sun Film Festival package, 3 nights D 184/person/3 nights.

Includes ticket package (12 cinema tickets, excluding the silent film concerts). Twin room accommodation, breakfast, entrance to the Pyhä Club (sauna, gym, Jacuzzi). Single D 26 extra.

From D 150/person /3 nights in a twin room Includes breakfast, entrance to the spa between 12pm - 6pm, gym, transportation to and from the Pyhä Unplugged.

Single room extra D 75/3 nights.

Additional services: • Amethyst Mine Adventure D 29/person • The Secret of the Northern Lights D59/person

Hotel Aurora Chalet: For groups (min. 30 persons): 2 nights in a twin room with sauna, breakfast and transportation Prices from D 90/person/twin room.

RUSKA SWING, SEPTEMBER 8-10 Established in 1989, Ruska Swing is a traditional jazz music festival interspersed with some blues and other music. One of Finland’s best known jazz musicians, swing specialist Antti Sarpila, has been at the helm since the beginning.

Concert venues range from the romantic Chapel of the Northern Lights, to Aittakur, a magnificent amphitheatre moulded by nature, and on top of the Pyhä Mountain.

LUOSTO CLASSIC, AUGUST 11-14 The ninth Luoso Classic music festival brings international top performers to the masses, with some stunning outside stages.

A 2,000 capacity venue surrounded by pine trees and the stage at the Ahvenlampi pond are just two of the unusual venues.

Always held in the first weekend of September, it is complimented by the ‘ruska’ − the display of autumn colours!

Accommodation and ticket packages: Best Western Hotel Pyhätunturi

Visitors can also look forward to the Luosto Classic Dancing Gala, a good excuse to glam up in a mountain resort!

Accommodation and ticket packages:

Ruska Swing package 3 nights D 200/person/3 nights Includes 3-day Concert Pass with entrance to all concerts. Twin room accommodation, breakfast, entrance to the PyhäClub (sauna, gym, Jacuzzi).

Single room extra: D 26.

Hotel Aurora Chalet:

Lapland Hotel Luostotunturi

2 nights twin room accommodation includes sauna, breakfast and ticket to the main concert in Ukko Luosto on Saturday.

Prices from D 130/person/twin room.

From D 150/person/3 nights in twin room.

Includes breakfast, entrance to the spa between 12pm−6pm, gym.

Transportation to and from Pyhä Single room extra D 75/3 nights.

Concert Pass D 50/ person grants entrance to all concerts.

3 nights twin room accommodation includes sauna, breakfast and a ticket to the main concert in Ukko Luosto on Saturday.

Prices from D 252/person/twin room.

For groups (min. 12 persons): 2 nights in twin room accommodation includes sauna, breakfast and a ticket to the main concert in Ukko Luosto on Saturday.

Prices from D 120/person/twin room.

Additional services: • Aurora Chalet Restaurant: 3-course dinner customers during the Luosto Classic weekend D 30/person.

• Walking sticks and mountain bikes available to rent.

• Scandic Rent car hire available.

Lapland Hotel Luostotunturi: From D 239/person/3 nights in a twin room Includes breakfast, entrance to the spa between 12pm−6pm, gym and four concert tickets. Single room extra D 111 /3 nights.

Additional services: • Amethyst Mine Adventure D 29/person • The Secret of the Northern Lights D 59/person

Best Western Hotel Pyhätunturi: LuostoClassic package: 3 nights D184/person/3 nights. Includes 3-day concert pass with entrance to all concerts. Twin room accommodation, breakfast, entrance to the Pyhä Club (sauna, gym, Jacuzzi). Single extra: D 26.

Additional services: • Amethyst Mine Adventure D 29/ person • The Secret of the Northern Lights D 59/person

Hotel Aurora Chalet: 3 nights twin room accommodation includes sauna, breakfast and transportation. Prices from D 140/person/twin room.

Additional services: • Concert Pass D 50/person grants entrance to all concerts.

TRANSPORT AND ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION Flights: Finnair flies daily from all over the world to Finland (Helsinki) and directly to Rovaniemi (Lapland/Arctic Circle).

Train: Finnish Railways train runs daily from Helsinki to Rovaniemi and Kemijärvi (Lapland).

Lapland Hotel Luostotunturi: Tel. +358 (0) 16 620 4665 Fax +358 (0) 16 624 388 E-mail: inga.orn@luostotunturi.com www.luostotunturi.com

Best Western Hotel Pyhätunturi: Kultakeronkatu 21, FIN-98530 Finland Tel. +358 (0)8 8600 501 Sales: info@hotellipyhatunturi.fi www.msfilmfestival.fi Hotel Aurora Chalet: Luppokeino 1, FI-99555 LUOSTO Tel. +358 16 327 2700 Fax +358 16 327 2760 E-mail: sofia.karimaki@aurorachalet.fi sales@aurorachalet.fi www.aurorachalet.fi www.snowgames.fi

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT: Midnight Sun Film Festival: www.msfilmfestival.fi Pyhä Unplugged: www.pyhaunplugged.fi Luosto Classic: www.luostoclassic.fi Ruska Swing: www.ruskaswing.fi Pyhä-Luosto Resort Association: www.pyha.fi and www.luosto.fi Finnair: www.finnair.fi Finnish Railways: www.vr.fi

Photo: Johannes Sipponen

Fly fishing in Unarinköngäs

Villi Pohjola – Enjoy adventures in the authentic Finnish wilderness

By Nia Kajastie

“Villi Pohjola is a top provider of sustainable wilderness tours and holidays that isn’t tied down to just one area or time of the year,” explains manager Matti Keränen. “We have different levels of accommodation available all around Finland in pure nature surroundings. The most important factor is that you have your own privacy, which is what a lot of travellers are looking for.”

Keränen lists four different types of travellers, who choose Villi Pohjola as their

44 | Issue 27 | March 2011

tour operator: wilderness experts, hunters, fishers and other nature lovers (e.g. health or outdoor sports enthusiasts and birdwatchers). Nature-related activities such as hiking, quad bike safaris, white river rafting, snowmobiling, husky safaris and reindeer programmes are all part of their range of services; they are also one of Finland’s most experienced operators for hunting and fishing trips.

However, even with a myriad of activities on offer, the main focus still lies on creating a feeling of wellbeing and delight through a bespoke holiday experience.

Photo: Jari Salonen

Villi Pohjola (Wild North) is a Finnish tour operator that offers versatile and sustainable adventures and holidays in unspoilt Nordic nature. The operator can tailor-make your wilderness experience around your preferences down to the finest detail. With holiday and wilderness cabins ranging from full-service to basic amenities located all around Finland, you are free to choose your preferred location and lodging type.

One of Villi Pohjola’s specialities is their wilderness cabins fitted with the most basic amenities, promoting sustainable living in the untainted wilderness. The log cabins are heated using wood, and you can fetch your drinking water straight from the adjacent lake. These uncomplicated surroundings are sure to fill you with energy and a newfound intimacy with nature.

However, if this is not your style of holidaymaking, do not worry; Villi Pohjola will be able to attend to all your specific needs.

There are a lot of holiday cabins and lodges on offer with modern facilities or even hosts taking care of all your wishes.

These are great options for business or conference travellers arriving in groups.

Left: Hot outdoor pool www.finlandlakeland.com www.villipohjola.fi

Fishing in Norway

SP FIS ECIA HIN L T G H HEM OL E: IDA YS

Introduction by Nia Kajastie

In Norway, fishing is in the blood; it is an essential part of the country’s history and livelihood. For sport fishermen in search of that 20 kilo salmon catch or a meditative state of mind in unspoilt, dramatic landscapes, Norway ticks all the boxes.

There are unlimited possibilities for coast, deep-sea and freshwater fishing, and the only really hard part is to find the perfect spot suited to your preferences. Accordingly, Scan Magazine has put together a small information pack, introducing a handful of professional, top-notch fishing destinations.

So whereabouts in Norway should one travel? We decided to ask Trevor Heley, co-founder of mr.h (www.mister-h.com), travel and leisure marketing specialists who work with many Norwegian organi-

Photo: Yngve Ask/Innovation Norway

zations: “A few areas already have big reputations, especially the great salmon bearing rivers: Alta, Namsen, Gaula to name just a few though the list runs into hundreds. The Alta is the most exclusive (and expensive) salmon fishery in the world, and anglers wait decades, even a lifetime, to get the opportunity to fish it.

The sea fishing is noted especially for the catches of huge cod, pollock and halibut, and the biggest ones are to be found north

of the Arctic Circle. Skjervoy and Lauklines near Tromso are very popular with anglers from the UK, but this is serious fishing - the biggest fish migrate to these feeding grounds in the winter months when temperatures are well below zero.

Good clothing, equipment and an experienced skipper are a must. Trout fishing is highly rated in the Hemsedal Valley, and the Trysilelva near Trysil offers worldclass fly fishing for grayling. This is just scratching the surface, as there are thousands of other spots across Norway, particularly in more remote areas, which remain pretty much undiscovered by visiting anglers and possibly even by local fishermen.”

For more information, please visit: www.visitnorway.com

Stolpnes Fiskeferier – a fishing holiday in the heart of Norway

By Karin Modig | Photos: Stolpnes Fiskeferier

Stolpnes Fiskeferier, a couple of hours drive from Trondheim, offers holidays with a difference, with stunning nature, tranquility and fishing on the cards.

Farmer Sten Arild Stolpnes started offering fishing holidays in 1992, and this is proving a big hit with Swedes and Germans in particular.

So what exactly is on offer then?

“I basically offer a package holiday,” he says, “complete with a house and a boat.”

The two large houses can accommodate four and six people respectively, and are completely self-contained with kitchen and bathroom. “One of them is right next to the fjord as well.”

The holiday is suitable for both experienced fishermen and novices. “If people are quite inexperienced, I go out in the

boat with them as a guide on the first trip,” he says. The two 19-foot boats were bought new last year, and are both kitted out with GPS, echo-sounding equipment and chartplotters.

The coast of the county of Trøndelag has a rich sea life, and guests can choose to either fish in the fjord itself or go further out towards the open sea. “You can find all sorts of fish here: halibut, cod, a lot of mackerel in the summer, and so on.”

The holidays have proved to be popular with fishing enthusiasts, and many of Stolpnes’s customers return time and again. “I have been fully booked every year and have already started taking bookings for 2012,” he says.

Fishing holidays are available between March and September.

For more information, please visit: www.fiskeferier.no

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 45

Scan Magazine | Theme | Fishing Holidays

Kvernepollen – long fishing traditions mixed with modern comforts Kvernepollen fishing and holiday resort is a hospitable family business, situated on the west coast of Norway, close to Bergen.

Set in the municipality of Ă˜ygarden, the resort and its surrounding area have long fishing traditions, as people here have lived from the sea for thousands of years. Owners Kjersti and Kaare Toft set up their business in 1994, and it has grown in size and popularity over the years. The Tofts take great pride in their work and aim to make all guests feel welcome.

By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Kvernepollen

With 18 apartments of various sizes, three conference and meeting facilities, a large kitchen, small shop selling fishing equipment and accessories as well as a fullyequipped area for cleaning and gutting fish, Kvernepollen offers all the modern comforts and amenities that you might need on your fishing holiday. You do not even have to bring anything with you, as both equipment and boats can be hired from the resort.

Kvernepollen is surrounded by 550 islands and a breathtaking landscape incorporating the best bits of Norwegian nature, including the North Sea, fabulous fjords and mountains. When it comes to weather, you can almost experience all four seasons in one day in this area, and if it gets especially bad on the seaside, you can al-

46 | Issue 27 | March 2011

day, the Tofts arrange a home-cooked fish meal free of charge for all of their guests, which, according to Kjersti, has been a massive success.

While the main services at Kvernepollen include apartments and boats for hire, they can also make arrangements for weddings, anniversaries, conferences and meetings. ways retreat to the fjords for some fishing and vice versa.

For a fresh and active holiday, you can try out some fishing, deep-sea fishing, hiking, sea rafting, sea safaris, diving, waterskiing or paintball. And if you need a calmer day in between, why not visit the various local museums. In addition, every Thurs-

Kvernepollen offers transport to and from the airport and train station in Bergen.

For more information, please visit: www.kvernepollen.com

Scan Magazine | Theme | Fishing Holidays

Text by Ingrid Marie Holmeide | Photos: Vuku Salmon Fishing

Vuku Salmon Fishing Vuku Salmon Fishing is a co-operation between three good beats around the Vuku village in central Norway. It is based in the Verdal River, with 46 km of great salmon trails. The river resembles the Scottish Dee and Spey and flows into the Trondheim Fjord, perhaps the most important wild salmon fjord in the world. “Visit the Verdal River and you’ll be in one of the Big 4,” says our contact John Olav Oldren.

This river, like the other rivers along the Trondheim Fjord, is famous for its big salmon. “We get good numbers of 10-14 kg/22-30 lb salmon here.” You might even be so lucky as to catch a 20 kg/44lb salmon; the largest last year was 17 kg/37 lb, and the year before one was caught at 19 kg/41 lb. So a big catch is definitely possible at Vuku Salmon Fishing.

The average size from June last year was about 8 kg/17 lb, and the average for the season was 5 kg/11 lb. “June is the month for the big salmon. Our season is from 1 June to 31 August, but get in touch if you need other arrangements,” says Oldren.

Accommodation in Vuku is of a very high standard, with three different places to choose from: Holmen Estate, Tingvoll Farm and Østnes. Guests can choose be-

tween single rooms, cabins or apartments as well as full board or catered. “We have invested in making this a full experience for our guests and take pride in offering high-quality accommodation close to the river,” Oldren explains.

Around Vuku, there is about 16 km of single and double bank fishing, where most is double banked. Normally 150-300 salmon are caught in Vuku Salmon’s fishing zones, depending on the salmon’s drifting, but Oldren assures there are good chances of salmon in all pools.

For more information: John Olav Oldren; joolao@online.no Tel. +47 9507 5741 www.verdalselva.com

The right tackle to use is 13-16 feet fly rods, suiting numbers 9-12 lines, using floating, intermediate and sink tips. “We have one guide per four anglers and can have a total of 18 anglers in the river at once.”

Along with being a haven for anglers, Vuku lies only 60 minutes from Trondheim Airport Vernes, with Vuku Salmon Fishing offering pick up and drop off with their packages. “I have known stressed businessmen and women who are in our river fishing three hours after they left England,” Oldren says. “This is a very accessible place, and a last minute decision to come here for a few days is fully do-able.”

Vuku Salmon Fishing is for everyone, whether you are a starter or at an advanced level; they also offer courses and training. The price for one week’s fishing starts at £1,460. Get in touch with Vuku Salmon Fishing for more information, price offers and an experience of a lifetime.

Liv Østnes Lerfald; liv@austneslaks.no Tel. +47 9719 1409 www.austneslaks.no

Bodil Ressem; holmen@verdalsbruket.no Tel. +47 9265 0902 www.verdalsbruket.no

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 47

Photo: Dieter Lampe

Scan Magazine | Theme | Fishing Holidays

Salmon Heaven

quiet of fishing is obtainable, as the restricted access enables you to fish without being ‘stuck in traffic’.”

Lakselva is considered one of the best salmon rivers in Norway, and with salmon bigger than you can carry, there is no wondering why. Directly translated as the Salmon River, it should be clear what is in store for you when you cast your fly here.

By: Anette Berve | Photos: Jørgen Korstad

Egil Liberg from Lakselv Landowners Organisation explains that Lakselva is one of the most exciting rivers to fish in due to the size and quantity of the big salmon. In 2010, the catch included 621 salmon weighing more than 15 pounds. “The average size of these 15+ lbs salmon was 10.82 kg, about 24 lbs in the river, so there is definitely that chance of the catch of a lifetime here.” In addition, there were eight salmons weighing more than 20 kilos (approx. 44 lbs).

The season opening in Lakselva is usually around 10 June. According to Liberg, there are mainly two major runs of salmon in Lakselva. The first run starts around 25 June and lasts a couple of weeks. This run consists almost only of large salmon.

The second big run of salmon starts towards the end of July. Here you also find many big salmon, but grilse and sea trout are also quite prominent.

48 | Issue 27 | March 2011

Lakselva is quite a small river with a fishable stretch of about 30 kilometres. A good caster easily casts across most places. Seeing that there is some vegetation along the river, one is best off handling the spey-cast, but the overhand cast suffices in many places as well.

Exclusive With a limited sale of fishing permits, Lakselva is an exclusive fishing experience.

“We know that a lot of visitors value this exclusivity,” Liberg adds.”The peace and

Local knowledge is crucial when fishing for salmon, and a guide or some pointers from an experienced angler improve the chances of a catch. Fishing licenses go on sale on 8 March, and Liberg says that they happily assist newcomers regarding where and when to fish. Licenses cost approximately £65 per day per zone. “We have noticed an increase in foreign visitors, but there isn’t an overload on local guides here. However, most other fishermen are friendly and glad to help a fellow fisherman.”

Salmon fishing in Norway is a short, but exciting season, and Lakselva is quite the setting for a different fishing experience.

Situated in the beautiful Lakselv valley and with the midnight sun elongating the days, anyone is bound to have a great time.

Norwegian will have a direct route between Oslo and Lakselv for the summer 2011. This flight lasts less than two hours.

For more information, please visit: www.lakselva.no

Scan Magazine | Theme | Fishing Holidays

Fishing under the midnight sun The possibilities are nearly endless with a coastline like Norway. With hundreds of small fjords, fjord branches, rivers and deltas, not to mention the great sea, fishing is a lifestyle for a lifetime in Norway.

The season of the midnight sun is approaching, and for some the thought of the perfect catch under clear night skies and the golden sun is a dream come true.

Local guide At Hamarøy Fish Camp in Norland county, Hans Petter Christensen is at hand to help you navigate the cold waters and catch a delicious dinner.“Hamarøy Fish Camp have been here for the past 25 years, and I myself was born and raised in this area, and I know these waters by heart,” Christensen says.

The local knowledge can be a make or break deal for a newcomer to these shores, and Christensen is at hand to help arrange a perfect trip.

“We are situated in a sheltered part of the fjord, meaning the waters are calm and steady,” Christensen explains. “This means the fishing conditions are pretty much always good here and bad weather doesn’t stop us.” The camp has a rental service and a range of boats for hire for a day out at sea.

Christensen happily arranges trips suitable for everyone, from beginners to the more experienced. With equipment for sale and hire, there is a chance for everyone to give fishing a go. “There is great inland fishing as well as in the fjord. And for those more experienced we can arrange a larger boat to go further out to sea and catch the big guys.”

By: Anette Berve | Photos: Hamarøy Fish Camp

areas, the holiday you ordered is on your doorstep. “The first thing our guests do when they arrive is they take off their watch and start living according to their needs,” Christensen says. “It is a place to relax and de-stress.”

Maybe it is time to leave your phone at home and go catch your own dinner.

Norway now sees the darkness of the winter draw to an end, as the midnight sun reappears. “Fishing in full daylight at midnight is an amazing experience and one not to miss,” Christensen adds.

Historical grounds The camp is family friendly and has plenty of adventures within close range to the camp site for the whole family. It is also located close to the historical grounds where famous Norwegian writer Knut Hamsun lived, and a visit to the museum is a great excursion.

With cosy red wooden cabins lined up along the seaside and green surrounding

For more information, please visit: www.hamaroyfiskecamp.no

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 49

2 E: AY M W E TH NOR L IN IA EC URE P S LT CU

01

1

VISIT NORWAY IN 2011

By Norwegian Minister of Culture, Anniken Huitfeldt | Photos: Nancy Bundt/Innovation Norway

Dear Norwegians and friends of Norway in the UK, 2011 is upon us, and as the Norwegian Minister for Culture, it gives me great pleasure to see another year packed with musical events, interesting not only to Norwegians, but also to the thousands of visitors we receive every year.

In May, the beautiful western city of Bergen presents an annual international music and cultural event, the Bergen International Festival. This festival is the largest in the Nordic region in its genre and comprises a great number of happenings within music, dance, literature, the visual arts, folklore etc. The festival is spread out across numerous venues, including the Grieg Hall, Haakons Hall, Troldhaugen, Lysøen, Siljustøl as well as the streets and town squares of Bergen.

The festival really puts its mark on the city and is a truly unique experience for any visitor.

One of Norway’s largest festivals takes place in downtown Oslo in August, in the medieval surroundings by the fjord. The Oya Festival combines international headliners, Norwegian underground bands and everything in between, especially focusing on rock, pop and electronica.

50 | Issue 27 | March 2011

A true adventure can be experienced between the fjords and mountains of Førde, where the Førde Folk Music Festival takes place in July. As Norway’s biggest folk and world music festival, this event pays extra attention to countries in the third world, with a great deal of musical exchange. All with a sprinkling of ‘Norwegianness’ on top!

temporary works, and a few surprises are always thrown in for good measure.

I hope to see plenty of visitors to Norway this year, and hopefully you will find the time to enjoy some of our many events – along with all the other wonderful things on offer!

Less than an hour’s drive from Førde, the Norwegian Country Festival, held in rural surroundings in Breim, offers a chance to experience country, roots and bluegrass together with an enthusiastic audience. Artists include both international stars and local talent; it’s a festival made for the country connoisseur.

A festival reflecting modern Norwegian society is the Mela Festival held in Oslo, which focuses on the multicultural dimension of Norway. Both on and in front of the many venue stages, evidence of the global community in Oslo is demonstrated.

The ULTIMA Oslo Contemporary Music Festival is Norway's largest contemporary music event. This festival highlights the best of Norwegian and international chamber music. The programme features a mix of well-known classical and con-

Anniken Huitfeldt , Minister of Culture, Norway. Photo: Scanpix

Scan Magazine | Theme | Culture in Norway 2011

Culture in Norway 2011 Introduction by Nia Kajastie | Photos: Innovation Norway

From music festivals to contemporary art museums, opera houses and Edvard Munch, Scan Magazine is delighted to bring you the best parts of Norwegian cultural offerings. There is something for everyone, whether you are a rock music buff, chamber music connoisseur or history lover.

Scandinavia is known for its rich and varied cultural life, and Norway represents this notion perfectly. There is so much to do and see all year round, it is almost hard to pick the most intriguing offerings of the bunch.

An interesting museum with a twist is Trondheim-based Rockheim, the Norwegian National Museum of Pop and Rock. It is a cultural institution pushing the boundaries of what museums are nor-

Photo: Heidi Widerø

Photo: Knut Øystein Nerdrum

mally like, with a very interactive and personal approach.

printmaker Edvard Munch, most famous for his painting The Scream. To learn more about his work and life, you need to visit the Munch Museum in Oslo.

If you are more of a jazz fan, then the annual Bergen festival Nattjazz (Night jazz) is perfect for you. It takes place at the end of May and comprises 11 nights of the best new jazz.

When talking about Norwegian art, one cannot overlook expressionist painter and

For more Norwegian cultural flavours, continue reading our Culture in Norway 2011 theme, and visit: www.visitnorway.com

-5°

EXPERIENCE BAR LIFE WITH A TWIST AT Kristian IV’s gate 12 - Tlf 22 42 66 61 - www.icebaroslo.no

Scan Magazine | Theme | Culture in Norway 2011

Nattjazz: 11 nights, one venue and jazz, jazz, jazz The end of May sees the start of the annual Bergen festival Nattjazz (Night jazz), and with around a hundred concerts to look forward to, it promises to be yet another successful year. For eleven evenings, they will be showcasing the best of new jazz, all under one roof.

By Karin Modig | Photos: Nattjazz

A veteran on the festival calendar, Nattjazz is being held for the 39th consecutive year, having started in 1973.

“We have concerts for children during the day, which we call Bajazz,” says Skjerdal. “We let the children come into the club, so they can really experience the atmosphere of a jazz club, and it has proven really popular.”

“The aim of the festival is first and foremost to present new music, with much of the music performed having been produced during the last year,” says Jon Skjerdal, who is in charge of running the festival.

“We present improvised music, which is typical of the jazz genre. There is a combination of new and well-known music, and although the focus is firmly on jazz, there is some world music and more rocky acts thrown into the mix as well.”

Nattjazz has been held in the same venue since 1993, an old sardine factory that has been rebuilt and now has five stages.

“What makes this festival so special is that pretty much everything happens within the four walls of one venue,” he

52 | Issue 27 | March 2011

Acts to look forward to this year include renowned Norwegian jazz musicians Arve Henriksen and Sidsel Endresen, American Joshua Redman and Tortoise, and world music star Salif Keita from Mali.

Arve Henriksen, Photo: Knut Are Aarset. Right: Salif Keita. Photo: Richard Dumas

says. “For us this is a great model, as it gives us the opportunity to present unknown artists to a new audience. People might buy tickets with the aim of seeing one particular act, but more often than not, they leave having discovered new artists as well.”

Primarily a night-time festival, acts go on stage around 9-10pm, and the concerts last until the early hours. The daytime hours belong to a younger audience.

Last year, around 20,000 people from Norway and abroad visited the festival, and a similar number is expected this year.

For more information, please visit: www.nattjazz.no

Scan Magazine | Theme | Culture in Norway 2011

Jazzing it up Vestnorsk Jazzsenter (West Norway Jazz Centre) in Bergen is one of five regional jazz centres in Norway, all on a mission to support jazz musicians and make more people fall in love with jazz.

By Karin Modig

Working closely with other jazz organisations, they are responsible for overseeing the development of jazz in Western Norway, with a particular emphasis on arranging concerts and tours for local jazz musicians.

As part of the international agenda, Vestnorsk Jazzsenter are supporting Bergen Big Band, with the aim of making them one of the best and most important big bands both nationally and internationally.

Bo Grønningsæter, chief executive, explains: “Firstly, we arrange concerts in Bergen, with the greatest names in jazz. In 2011, we are looking to hold between 40 and 50 concerts in Bergen alone.” Further to these concerts, the centre’s programme for the region is shaping up nicely, with several artists going on tour in the coming months.

“In spring, we are going on tour with Bergen Big Band and renowned musician Terje Rypdal,” he says. “This will be a big project, with around thirty people hitting the road.” Initially the tour will see four to five international concerts in the spring, with plans currently in the pipeline for more in the second half of the year.

“We also cooperate with other jazz organizations, both here and abroad, on various projects. We have particularly close links with the Europe Jazz Network that has 79 member organisations in 24 countries.”

In the last month of spring, the Emerald Isle will be the focus for jazz lovers.

“Alongside Improvised Music Co (IMC) we are arranging international project 12 Points, a showcase for young European talents in jazz,” says Grønningsæter.

Mari Kvien Brunvoll from 12 Points 2010.

Photo: Jan Granlie

Photo: Bo Grønnningsæter

Critically acclaimed, the 12 Points festival sees 12 bands from 12 countries showcase their talents over four days. This year, Dublin is taking over hosting duties from last host city Stavanger. The event runs from 4-7 May, and flying the flag for Norway this year is the group PELbO.

For further information on Vestnorsk Jazzsenter, please visit: vestnorsk.jazzinorge.no For further information on 12 Points, please visit: www.12points.ie

Jarle Bernhoft, “Norway’s new prince of soul”, at Sardinen Usf, February 2011. Photo: Øyvind Zahl, Courtesy of Bergen Jazzforum.

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 53

Scan Magazine | Theme | Culture in Norway 2011

Left: Scene from the opera Hoffmanns eventyr, February 2011. Photo: Pål Hoff. Right: Mary Miller, director of Den Nye Opera. Photo: Odd Mehus

Den Nye Opera: Bringing opera to the masses Since its inception in 2005, Den Nye Opera (The New Opera) in Bergen has made major contributions within the field of modern opera and music theatre. With recently appointed director Mary Miller at its helm, it is set to go from strength to strength.

By: Karin Modig | Photos: Courtesy of Den Nye Opera

A trained concert violinist, Miller has spent the last two decades working as a broadcaster and as director for musical and cultural events in the UK, Spain, and the USA. She was director and CEO of Stavanger 2008, European Capital of Culture, Norway’s largest ever cultural event.

Norway obviously agrees with her, as in October 2010, she accepted a five-year contract as director of Den Nye Opera.

she says. ”We want to become more visible in Bergen, and for the people of the city to really take ownership of the company.”

”There is so much I admire about Norway,” she says, ”particularly the education system and the culture. There is also a directness and lack of hierarchy that is different from the UK, for example.”

In 2011, Den Nye Opera plans to present Chabrier´s exuberant L’ Etoile, a new staging of a chamber version of Mozart’s Requiem, in collaboration with Musiektheater Transparant (Belgium), and a concert version of Wagner’s Siegfried, with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra.

Miller has been described as an “exciting, competent and dynamic leader”, and she has big plans for the future of the company. ”The company was founded out of a wish for a number of companies to cooperate, and now we have to build an identity

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The programme this year will be a combination of a recognised production of a big work on the main stage, alongside smaller works unique to Den Nye Opera, as well as collaborations with international companies.

that is unique to us. While complementing other cultural goings-on in Norway, we want Den Nye Opera to be recognised as an international company.”

Expanding their work into the local community is important to Miller. ”We have projects with schools, and we want to develop stronger links with the universities,”

For more information, please visit: www.dennyeopera.no

Scan Magazine | Theme | Culture in Norway 2011

Norway at the stroke of a brush By: Anette Berve | Photos: The Art Museum of Northern Norway

At the Art Museum of Northern Norway visitors can experience the old and traditional alongside the new and innovative.

Situated on Tromsø’s oldest street, the museum has an impressive collection, comprising over 1,600 works covering every style from the Romantic period through to present time. The museum has a focus on Northern Norwegian art and culture and contains everything from paintings, sculptures, photographs and drawings to video and various objects of applied art.

Curator Charis Gullickson explains how the museum aims to give a new perspective to artists and their work. “We like to challenge the context in how we present our artists,” says Gullickson, “and we work to renew how we see established artists and mix different styles to show people that art has several dimensions.”

Alongside its permanent collection, the museum focuses on producing new temporary exhibitions. “We regularly display our own

Inspiring nature The dramatic and unforgiving nature and everyday life of Northern Norway has inspired many artists throughout time. The permanent exhibition includes works by famous Norwegian artists such as J.C. Dahl, Harriet Backer, Christian Krohg and Edvard Munch.

exhibitions and loan works from other institutions such as the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design, Oslo as well as private collections,” Gullickson explains.

Being Norway’s northernmost art museum of its kind, the Art Museum of Northern Norway is bringing art to the people and works that challenge and inspire.

Anna-Eva Bergmann: Cap Noir, 1977

The museum is currently displaying the exhibition Parallels, featuring Jan Groth, and artists from his circle of colleagues, as well as artists who have been inspired by him or exhibit a sort of artistic affinity.

For more information, please visit: www.nnkm.no

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Scan Magazine | Theme | Culture in Norway 2011

Rocking out at Rockheim Rockheim is a museum with a difference. Focusing on the philosophy of participation and interaction, Rockheim gives anyone who is a fan of Norwegian music the opportunity to get hands-on with the Trondheim-based museum’s haven of audio and visual media. Charting the historical development of Norwegian music from the 1950s up until today as well as hosting regular concerts, Rockheim works tirelessly to preserve its country’s musical heritage and ensure it is still accessible to music fans.

By Samantha Wong | Photos: Geir Mogen/Rockheim

Rockheim, the Norwegian National Museum of Pop and Rock, started as a project back in 2006 following approval from the Norwegian parliament for an institution dedicated to collecting and preserving media and artefacts relating to pop and rock culture. “The parliamentary decision was an important acknowledgement of the significant role popular music has played in people’s lives in Norway,” explains head of Rockheim’s communications, Magne Gisvold.

hanna’s hit single Only Girl (In The World), and Åge Aleksandersen, Norway’s equivalent to Bruce Springsteen, Trondheim is the ideal location for the museum – a bustling hub for music, overlooking the city’s harbour. The converted grain factory spanning over six floors has been given a new lease of life in tune with the philosophy of Rockheim. LP covers are painted on the glass exterior of the contemporary roof, which is backlit by LED lights for a stunning effect.

Home to the likes of Stargate, who recently won a Grammy for producing Ri-

While Rockheim is a cultural institution, it is also pushing the boundaries within

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which we normally experience museums.

“What makes Rockheim different to other museums is that instead of starting with an existing collection it was built from scratch,” explains Gisvold. “We were able to implement a lot of government guidelines and visions regarding ‘the museum of the future’, and part of that means we have an assortment of pretty sophisticated tools to help us convey different stories effectively. In effect, Rockheim is a highly interactive museum, where no visit is the same.” Rockheim’s emphasis on experience rather than the conventional ‘look but don’t touch’ of traditional museums

Scan Magazine | Theme | Culture in Norway 2011

makes it an exciting forum to visit again and again. There is a map of Norway which can be triggered by a laser pen, bringing up music videos, songs and information from a particular region. Just as everyone’s interpretation of a song is unique, Rockheim is keen to offer this same personal experience with its exhibitions.

Home to a collection of over 25,000 photos, 210,000 songs and 4,000 videos, Rockheim houses a number of rare iconic items of Norwegian music, including Röyksopp memorabilia and the original sofa and fridge from the recording studio of 90s metal band Mayhem. Additionally there are ‘opplevelsesrom’ or ‘experience rooms’, which include a virtual guitar lesson with rock band TNT’s guitarist Ronnie Le Tekrø. There is also the chance to get your hands on professional equipment to mix hip hop loops and create your own tracks.

At weekends, Rockheim can expect up to 1,000 visitors a day, which reflects the popularity and success of the institution.

Matinee concerts are held regularly on Wednesdays as well as break dance jams and DJ workshops during the week. Rockheim also has a number of large events planned for its calendar, including an exhibition set to open in June, exploring the relationship between the audience and the artist through a focus on international star Wenche Myhre.

Despite its initial success, Rockheim is still developing as a centre. “We have a lot of themes, stories and artefacts we want to explore and create dialogues around, and we will continue exploring different methods of mediation,” adds Gisvold. With around 20 members of staff dedicated to filing, researching and managing the country’s music, Rockheim plays a crucial role in preserving the legacy of Norwegian music. “We appreciate that Rockheim is not only being embraced by die hard music fans,” said Gisvold, “but a lot of our visitors come here to enjoy world class contemporary architecture, or to simply get a peek into what the future of the museum sector might be holding.”

Above: Music in the 21st century.

Below: Visit the 60s and 70s. Bottom: Rock out with TNT’s Ronnie Le Tekrø.

Photo: Benedikte Skarvik

Contact details: Rockheim, Brattørkaia 14, 7010 Trondheim, Norway Opening hours: Monday: Closed Tuesday–Friday: 11am–7pm Saturday–Sunday: 11am–6pm For more information, please visit: www.rockheim.no

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 57

Scan Magazine | Theme | Culture in Norway 2011

Left and top right: “Resonaces” by Kaja Haugen Leijon. Bottom right and below: “Fôrspilld Ironi”, an art project by Peter Johansson and Barbro Westling

A young, vibrant and growing arts centre not to be overlooked

By Anna Lindgren | Photos: TSSK

Trøndelag Centre for Contemporary Art (TSSK) in Trondheim, Norway, is a truly exciting, not-for-profit arts centre strongly influenced by its exhibiting artists and their work.

The centre is a stone’s throw from Trondheim Main Railway Station, and its home, called the “Bachke” building, is a brown structure designed by architect Herman Krag in the early 1970s. The gallery is situated on the ground floor and has large windows facing the street, making each current exhibition hard to miss by those passing by. The office is located on the first floor of the same building.

This youthful and vibrant establishment bestows a great influence on the region’s visual environment through a large number of projects in public areas.

In October 2009, a new showroom for video and sound installations opened at TSSK. The Black Cube is an exhibition space as well as a production label that will produce projects in-house as well as

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further afield. Here, young up-andcoming artists get a chance to exhibit for the first time, sometimes alongside very well established names. A contemporary art piece can also take the shape of a performance or a gig.

Lately the focus has been on providing shorter, more flexible projects like seminars or the type of work shown in the Black Cube.

CALENDAR 2011 12 - 13 March “Textfukkers” will be performing and launching their new vinyl album.

Textfukkers: a group/performance project that uses a combination of everyday public speaking tools such as PowerPoint presentations and music to make the theory of art more accessible.

18 - 10 April “Resonaces”

by Kaja Haugen Leijon A Norwegian artist inspired by various types of film. The exhibition includes filmic works (old and new) as well as photography.

15 April -29 May “Fôrspilld Ironi”, an art project by Peter Johansson and Barbro Westling Peter Johansson is a celebrated Swedish artist who has a far-reaching audience across Scandinavia and beyond. Barbro Westling is a very well established visual artist with a great body of work to her name.

More information can be found on their inspiring website: www.samtidskunst.no

Scan Magazine | Theme | Culture in Norway 2011

A classical remake in historical Trondheim In the middle of Norway lies an historic city on the shores of the river Nid. An important seat for the Vikings over a thousand years ago, this city still holds the beauty and strength from the lords of old. Yet there are other masters in this city as well. There are Mozart and Brahms, talents, music and rhythm. We are about to visit the pulsating city of Trondheim and its International Chamber Music Festival.

By: Ingrid Marie Holmeide | Photos: Trondheim Chamber Music Festival

Since the first festival in 1996, this musical gathering has grown like a small fairytale. “From starting out quite small, the festival is now internationally recognized,” festival director Vegar Snøfugl says.

This year, Trondheim Chamber Music Festival will take over the city of Trondheim for the 16th time. For one whole week, there will be surprising stunts, amazing concerts with international and national stars, and the 6th Trondheim International Chamber Music Competition for piano trios. As a festival audience, you get to see some of Trondheim’s historical buildings from the inside, like the Freemasons’ Hall, The Royal Residence (Stiftsgården), Ringve (botanical and music museum), Lade Mansion and Nidaros Cathedral.

Receiving praise through the press, such as “One of Scandinavia’s most satisfying boutique events!” (Financial Times, 2010) and “Clearly, the Trondheim Chamber Music Festival is not only one of Norway`s best and most successful, but also one of the most interesting in Europe" (Musical Opinion, 2009), is an important step on the ladder towards success. “We focus on providing a positive experience for both audience and artists. That means we get a bigger audience and the best artists come our way,” Snøfugl explains. And it is no small achievement to create a highly international concert based in and around the world’s northernmost cathedral.

The opening day of the festival is an event you should not miss! In 2010, there where over 60 different flash-mob stunts around the city during the day, an unforgettable

opening concert at Dokkhuset and a spectacular outdoor concert. 2011 will be no exception!

For a genre that might remind most of us of an audience with streaks of grey in their hair, Trondheim Chamber Music Festival has managed the unique task of involving, intriguing and rousing its youth’s passion for a music genre that started its journey hundreds of years ago. “We have put much focus on the local talents, and our efforts have paid off. 40% of our audience are students,” states Snøfugl.

Another part of modernising the classical scene has been through advertisement.

Trondheim Chamber Music Festival has won several highly acclaimed prizes for their bold and striking adverts, among them the honoured Grand Prix in the prestigious advertisement award ceremony Sterk Reklame (Strong Advertisement) in 2009.

Amongst this year’s artists, we find the man who will be the 2011 festival composer: the Australian composer, conductor and viola player Brett Dean. “He will be here during the whole festival, and we look forward to exciting tones, new musical images and making a new musical acquaintance,” Snøfugl concludes. The audience can also look forward to the fantastic Hagen Quartet, one of the world’s best quartets!

If world-class music, history, arts, musical instruments in abundance and seven days of goose bumps sounds like the thing for you: come September - find your way to Trondheim!

Above: Artistic manager Sigmund Tvete Vik and manager Vegar Snøfugl

Trondheim Chamber Music Festival 19-25 September 2011 www.kamfest.no 6th Trondheim International Chamber Music Competition 21-25 September 2011 www.ticc.no Some of the artists you can hear at this year’s festival: Brett Dean, festival composer, Hagen Quartet, Ralph Kirshbaum, Kim Kashkashian, Anthony Marwood, Jørgen Larsen, Albrecht Mayer, Erlend Skomsvoll, Torleif Thedéen, Susan Tomes, Pamela Frank, Paul Dean, Come Shine, Trondheim Jazz Orchestra, Trondheim Soloists, Trondheim Symphony Orchestra, Nidaros Cathedral Choir, Trondheim Sinfonietta, and many more.

For more information, please visit: www.kamfest.no

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 59

Scan Magazine | Theme | Culture in Norway 2011

Sverresborg makes history fun Sverresborg in Trondheim is one of Norway’s largest open-air museums, where you can learn by experiencing and exploring.

History is brought back to life with actors, comprehensive exhibitions, old-fashioned sweets and a hands-on approach.

By: Dyveke Nilssen | Photos: Sverresborg

The museum is situated in idyllic countryside scenery around the ruins of King Sverre’s medieval castle from 1182. The collection of 70 vintage buildings depicts cultural history and everyday life of people from the region of Trøndelag during the past 200 years.

“We use drama and theatre to recreate life and the atmosphere, and we have an oldfashioned grocery, where you can buy sweets from that time. We like to say that our visitors use all their senses while they are here. They can hear, feel, see, taste and smell history.”

“It has many interesting activities to educate children more about the history. From the ship Tordenskjold, they can take part in a treasure hunt, navigating and steering their way through different tasks. At the end, they receive a diploma that declares them able seamen.”

“There’s so much history in all the different buildings, all of them with their own special atmosphere,” says Cathrine Jørgensen, head of marketing at Sverresborg.

Indoors, there are several exhibitions, including a ski museum and one called Images of Life, which depicts history from Trøndelag from the past 150 years through images.

The Norwegian Museum of Deaf History opened in 2009 and has a universally designed exhibition, based on Norwegian sign language. The exhibition and learning programme aim at challenging prejudice towards minority groups.

During the summer, the open-air museum offers a multitude of activities that make history fun, even for children.

Guided tours are available in three different languages.

“We try to tell history by bringing it back to life, so you can learn while enjoying an experience,” says Jørgensen.

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Learn more Trondheim Maritime Museum has an interesting collection and also offers an engaging way of learning. The ground floor is dedicated to artefacts and images from the age of steamships. The first floor focuses on the era of sailboats.

For further information, please visit: www.sverresborg.no

Scan Magazine | Theme | Culture in Norway 2011

Edvard Munch The Scream © Munch-museet / MunchEllingsen Gruppen / BONO 2011

Edvard Munch’s famous paintings “The Scream” and “Vampire” Edvard Munch Vampire © Munch-museet / Munch-Ellingsen Gruppen / BONO 2011

Munch Museum: “Putting Munch on the map” The Munch Museum in Oslo offers fantastic insight into the life and work of Norway’s important forerunner of expressionist art, Edvard Munch. Beyond his world famous The Scream and Vampire not many people know much about this gifted painter and printmaker, which is why the Munch Museum has big plans for the future.

By: Linnéa Mitchell | Photos: The Munch Museum

Edvard Munch was born in 1863 at Løten, north of Oslo. Thanks to a creative aunt, his passion for the arts was born and resulted in a rich vagabond life in Paris, Berlin and Kristiania (Oslo). The Scream is probably his most famous work, but the total number of paintings and prints handed over to the city of Oslo when he died was about 22,000. He was also a master of the written word, documented in letters, literary journals and prose poems.

To share the thousands of letters and texts, literature and poems with the public, the museum has recently launched eMunch.no, an online archive where original material and transcriptions have been scanned for everyone to view. “It all has a fantastic and beautiful connection to his art,” says senior curator Mai-Britt Guleng.

Illustration of the plans for the new museum, designed by Juan Herreros

If things go according to plan, they may move towards even bigger horizons. Museum director Stein Olav Henrichsen and his colleagues are hoping for a go-ahead for the plans for a brand new museum, designed by the Spanish architect Juan Herreros. “We would have a completely new framework for our aims, and hope to develop a much greater impact on the na-

tional and international art scenes than today,” says Henrichsen.

For further information, please visit: www.munch.museum.no Online archive: www.eMunch.no

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 61

Akershus Castle. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Music for everyone Oslo Chamber Music Festival has been arranged for over 20 years in the capital of Norway. During nine days in August, big names such as Jan Garbarek, Liv Ullmann, Truls Mørk, Charlie Siem and many more will perform at several striking locations across the city.

By: Dyveke Nilssen

“I was provoked by the idea that chamber music at that time in Norway was considered an exclusive form of music that only engaged a few,” says artistic director Arve Tellefsen.

Programme The festival presents music from all epochs, from Pierre Guédron and Antoine Boësset from the early 1600s, through Bach, Haydn, Brahms, Liszt, Chopin, Mussorgsky and Schönberg, and to our own time with the recently late Arne Nordheim, one of the most prominent Norwegian composers.

“Many of the greatest composers did some of their best work with chamber music, and we wanted to create a festival to give as many people as possible the opportunity to hear all this fantastic music. We are proud that there are now more than 20 similar festivals across the country, inspired by that idea.”

Arve Tellefsen is a world-known violinist himself, and will be one of the performers, together with a mixture of other national and international artists. Liv Ullmann, Truls Mørk, Jan Garbarek, The Hilliard Ensemble, Rolf Lislevand, Denis Kohzukhin, Ingolf Wunder and Charlie Siem are among them.

The festival was initiated in 1989 as the first of its kind in the country and instantly achieved success.

“The string quartet is in many ways the core of chamber music, so every year we present a few of the leading quartets in the world, such as The Emerson String Quartet whom we had last year,” says Tellefsen. This year Navarra String Quartet will be the guests.

Royal patron “We appreciate very much that Her Majesty Queen Sonja is our patron, and we are privileged to arrange concerts both at the Royal Palace and Oscarshall Castle,” says Tellefsen.

Many of the concerts are based in the 700year-old Akershus Castle. This year there will also be concerts in Oslo City Hall, Oslo Concert Hall, The Holocaust Centre and the Aula of the University with its famous Munch paintings.

Oslo Chamber Music Festival is arranged for 12-20 August 2011.

For full programme, please check: www.oslokammermusikkfestival.no Arve Tellefsen, Jan Garbarek and Liv Ullmann. Photos: Courtesy of Oslo Chamber Music Festival

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Scan Magazine | Theme | Culture in Norway 2011

Scenes from the opera performance Aurora, 2005

Opera on historical grounds Imagine a military fortress, more than three hundred years old, perched on top of huge rocks, towering over a city and overlooking a harbour. Now, imagine placing an outdoor stage in this fortress, housing thousands of visitors. On the stage, imagine song, music and theatre. You are now in the south of Norway, in the city of Halden, in the renovated military fortress Fredriksten, which is the unique home of Opera Østfold.

By: Ingrid Marie Holmeide | Photos: Opera Østfold

The first opera performance at Fredriksten Fortress was Aurora in 2005.

More than 8,000 people witnessed this world premiere during its three days on stage. This success started off what was to become a rewarding cooperation between Opera Østfold and Fredriksten Fortress. “We aim to produce spectacular outdoor performances that our audience can only find here,” says opera manager Pål Scott Hagen. “The setting is enhanced by the late night performance which gives the show a magic touch.”

Having received praise in the Norwegian press for their shows, Opera Østfold now aims to attract an international audience.

For their fourth show since the start, Carmen, they have this year expanded the seats for audiences from 2,500 to 3,000 for each performance. That means 9,000 people can enjoy the June show during its three days on stage. With 85% of the tickets for this already sold, it is safe to say that Opera Østfold is an establishment capable of reaching its goals.

“Along with offering people a unique scene

only 20-25 minutes away. “We have created a cultural arena at Fredriksten Fortress that keeps growing. We aim to offer our guests a unique experience and believe that is what they get when visiting us here at Fredriksten.”

Reaching Halden only takes an hour and a half from Oslo, or two hours from Gothenburg. Fredriksten Fortress also offers a three course meal for those aiming for a complete experience at the historical site before the show starts, boasting three restaurants within the fortress grounds.

9, 10 and 11 June 2011 are the dates for Carmen at Fredriksten Fortress.

If you are a fan of opera, passionate about history, a lover of culture or just a curious soul not wanting to miss out on a magical experience, stop imagining the song on the stage in the old fortress go there instead.

to watch and hear opera, Fredriksten Fortress is also an important addition to the local community in Halden and its surroundings,” Hagen says. During the summer there are many different activities on the fortress, and should the local hotels fill up, the closest three cities are

For further information, please visit: www.operaostfold.no

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 63

Scan Magazine | Theme | Culture in Norway 2011

GalleryF15: fascinating exhibitions of contemporary art By: Emelie Krugly Hill | Photos: GalleryF15

GalleryF15 is one of the oldest and most traditional institutions for contemporary art in Scandinavia. This non-profit modern art gallery located in Moss, south-eastern Norway, organises MOMENTUM, a Biennial for Nordic Contemporary Art, the largest of its kind in Scandinavia.

GalleryF15 was established in 1966 and focuses on Norwegian and international contemporary visual and applied art. The gallery is sited on the Alby Estate, on the island of Jeløy, situated within the Oslo fjord, and is a short drive to the town of Moss, approximately an hour’s drive from Oslo. The gallery is located within a beautiful building, one of the oldest in the region, and was established during the Viking Age. The gallery hosts fascinating changing exhibitions of contemporary art throughout the year.

MOMENTUM 2011 celebrates its 6th Biennial of contemporary art, which takes place from 18 June to 2 October. Five Nordic curators will orchestrate a show that captures the art scene of their respective countries and the inspirational visual arts they champion. MOMENTUM 2011’s objective is to reveal a profound new condition and display how the imaginary materialises becoming envisioned.

GalleryF15 operates with free admission and takes bookings for tours. The gallery shop has a wide range of prints, art books and design products. Food is served outdoors during the summer. GalleryF15 attracts up to 80,000 visitors from all over Scandinavia per year.

The nearest airport is Moss Airport Rygge, which you can reach from several major European cities as well as London Gatwick and Stansted, Liverpool, Newcastle and Dublin.

For more information, please visit: www.gallerif15.no

www.arcticwildadventures.net

“We not only use the indoor space to exhibit, but the magnificent surroundings for

installations that harmonise and contrast with the environment,” says Dag Aak Sveinar, director, who has run the gallery since 2007.

We offer tailor made winter and summer adventures to Swedish Lapland

Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Sweden

Hotel of the Month, Sweden:

Örenäs Slott brings a human touch to your stay Örenäs Slott is situated between Helsingborg and Landskrona, close to the picturesque fishing village of Ålabodarna in the southern part of Sweden (Skåne). This is an impressive hotel with excellent conference facilities and a renowned restaurant. The air is welcoming and down-to-earth.

By Anna Lindgren | Photos: Örenäs Slott

The hotel’s historic setting lends itself to a grandiose atmosphere, where the past meets the present and creates an exciting, almost regal feel.

ern. All 114 rooms are perfect for quiet moments and have all the modern conveniences including a trouser press, a safety box and wireless Internet access.

Örenäs Slott’s motto is to bring a human touch to your stay whilst making every visit unique and filled with everlasting memories. The hotel is a perfect starting point for a variety of activities and sightseeing around the area. There are nearby golf courses, the stunning island of Ven a cycling paradise, shopping centres for some retail therapy and neighbouring Denmark is well within reach.

In true Swedish fashion, the hotel has a sauna, as well as a solarium, two treatment rooms, a hairdresser and various other facilities such as an outdoor swimming pool for those balmy summer days.

The accommodation is stylish and mod-

The restaurant, where bright, new ideas are combined with more traditional local cuisine, offers a wonderful eating experience in a setting that takes your breath away. The Larder, situated in the cellar of the main building, is a cosy, atmospheric

space ideal for wine and whisky tastings, scrumptious buffets and perhaps some low key entertainment.

To top it all off, Örenäs also has remarkable conference facilities perfect for creative meetings where “old problems will find new solutions”. There are 12 different meeting rooms and the largest can accommodate up to 300 people at a time.

The Manor Park has wide, open spaces that boast exotic trees and attractive flowerbeds.

Sometimes outdoor exhibitions and other types of events take place here. Örenäs also welcomes numerous weddings and other festive occasions.

Visit the website to find out more about this gloriously classy establishment and their current Champagne week-end packages.

For more information, please visit: www.orenasslott.com

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 65

Hotel of the Month, Denmark:

Feel at home at hotel Ilse made on Samsø Staying at a hotel does not necessarily mean sleeping in an anonymous room in a dull building getting served by staff who do not know you. The mission at the hotel Ilse made on the Danish island of Samsø is to make your stay so cosy and comfortable that you might even forget you are visiting a hotel.

Welcome to Samsø, an island situated in the Kattegat Sea right in the middle of Denmark, which is well known for its delicious spring potatoes and renewable energy. On the west coast of Samsø, about 150 meters from the sea, you find a hotel called Ilse made. But it is not just a regular hotel, as co-owner and co-manager Brian Grosen enthusiastically stresses.

“You don’t just get a room and a key. At our hotel, it is like visiting our private home. It makes our guests want to take off their shoes, bury their toes in the carpet and just stare into the fireplace. Here you can relax,” Grosen says and explains that all 12 rooms are decorated and furnished differently, so everybody gets a unique experience.

“Our things aren’t placed in glass cases.

Here, you are welcome to use the stuff, and you can go and pick a bottle of wine yourself and just pay for it later. We just want our guests to hang out, enjoying the sunset, some drinks and life in general.”

30-year-old Grosen owns and runs the hotel together with Dorthe Nissen, a 60year-old lady, and he describes the two of them as somewhat of an odd couple.

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By Lasse Berg Sørensen | Photos: Ilse made

“It’s an unusual combination, but it’s really cool. We are running the hotel together for good or bad,” he says. Mostly for good, it sounds.

The partnership started five years ago, when Nissen asked Grosen to help out in her café on Samsø called The Lady by the Lighthouse, which they still run. A year later they decided to expand the business and bought an old hotel, which they turned into hotel Ilse made.

“It is a beautiful location surrounded by ocean, fields and meadows and totally isolated from the rest of the world,” Grosen says.

“We soon realised, however, that there are also guests in a hotel,” Grosen says,

pointing to the fact that he and Dorthe are the only ones working at the hotel.

“We are doing everything, from waiting tables to cleaning the bathrooms. But although we work a lot, we don’t want our guests to feel that we are busy. We want to make people feel that we have room and time for them.”

Grosen and Nissen do all the cooking as well, from baking bread rolls at 5 in the morning to the two-course dinners at night.

“We don’t use recipes, and when our guests ask how we made the food, we honestly don’t know, since we both contribute, especially when the other one is not looking,” Grosen jokes.

According to him, the good thing about running a small hotel and doing all the work yourself is that you get to know the guests, and hence are able to make sure they are doing well. There are no welcome brochures in the rooms, since Grosen and Nissen prefer to tell the guests individually about the hotel and the island, and they can talk about the food when they are serving it themselves.

“Because we don’t have room for that many people, we know our guests well, but they are still free to do whatever they want to and just be by themselves if they choose,” he adds.

“It is important to know the guests and have a feeling for what they want. It’s the small things that make it all perfect.”

A historical name The name of the hotel, Ilse made, is taken from a sacred pond, originally a wooden well from the Bronze Age, which lies on the beach close to the hotel.

“We thought ‘Ilse made’ was a funny, atypical name, and it was something special to Samsø – and the pond is on our piece of land. In the evening, a lot of our guests go for a walk down to the pond,” says co-owner Brian Grosen. He explains that Ilse, a Danish girl’s name, also means “leech”, which were used to cure illnesses, and made is an old word for “wet meadow”.

Facts: • Samsø is 114,26 km² and has about 4,000 inhabitants • Ilse made is open from Easter to November • The hotel welcomes international guests and has had visitors from England, Scotland, USA, Italy, Germany, Sweden and Norway among others.

For more information, please visit: www.ilsemade.dk

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 67

Hotel of the Month, Norway:

Radisson Blu Lillehammer Hotel: A conference hotel with a difference Close to the centre of Lillehammer, the town that hosted the successful 1994 Winter Olympics, is the Radisson Blu Lillehammer Hotel. Large yet intimate, it is situated in an idyllic part of the country, with nature on its doorstep. The surrounding area boasts a range of activities for all ages, both in winter as well as summer.

Coming across a hotel with a garden of nearly eight acres is a rarity, but that is precisely what you get at the Lillehammer Hotel. Backing onto a large park, the land literally becomes the hotel’s garden. The vast green space is open for all guests and perfect for a quiet stroll among ancient trees. Children especially will enjoy visiting the duck pond.

Originally built as a small hotel, new wings have been added over the years.

Tone Andersson, the hotel’s director of sales and marketing, says that this gives the hotel a rather special atmosphere.

“Other large hotels often feel big and impersonal when you walk in, whereas here the reception area is cosy and intimate, despite it being part of a hotel with more

By Karin Modig | Photos: Radisson Blu

than 300 rooms and a large conference centre,” she says. “It has a very unique vibe in that it is big, yet cosy.”

Of the 303 rooms, more than 50 were refurbished last December. They vary in size from standard rooms to suites. Eight rooms are equipped for disabled guests, and a further seven are dedicated non-allergenic rooms. Free wireless Internet access is available in all rooms.

Another unusual feature of the hotel is the four log cabins in the garden. “The log cabins provide an excellent setting for a typical Norwegian meal,” says Andersson. Though traditional-looking perhaps, the cabins are modern and comfortable with a fireplace in the middle as well as

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under-floor heating. ”They are perfect for intimate and informal gatherings.”

With its 30 meeting rooms and conference halls, the establishment is the largest event and conference hotel in inland Norway. The latest addition is only two years old. “In January 2009, we unveiled the 1,000 square metre Lillehammer hall,” says Andersson. “It has capacity for 1,200 people, and since it opened, we have hosted events as diverse as concerts, congresses and the Norwegian Championships in flower arranging.”

As well as being widely used for business gatherings and events, the hotel is also very popular with families, particularly in the summer months. “Hunderfossen family park is not far from Lillehammer, and many of our guests take their children there,” says Andersson.

And there are plenty of local activities for grown-ups as well. “We cooperate closely with Lillehammer Olympia Park and others, and through our partnerships, we can offer our guests a range of various exciting activities, from bobsleighing or oldfashioned sleighing to curling, rafting, paintball and climbing.” The activities are particularly popular for team building events, where competitions between the participants can be arranged.

up to Easter,” she promises, “both as a celebration of the hotel, but also to show what an ideal place this is to celebrate a family Easter.”

During the Easter holidays, there will be a children’s ski race in the garden, as well as opportunities for playing inside and out. Keen skiers can choose between cross-country skiing in the many prepared

tracks in the area or jump onto the hotel’s ski bus to the Hafjell Alpine Centre.

The hotel is situated within easy walking distance of the town centre and all that the centre of Lillehammer has to offer, including the Olympic park and the several museums of Maihaugen. It is also easily accessible from Oslo Airport Gardermoen by rail or car.

Should the great outdoors not be your cup of tea, the hotel offers all its guests use of an exercise room, sauna and both an indoor and outdoor swimming pool. And there is always the option of relaxing over a meal and a drink or two in one of the hotel’s four bars and two restaurants, perhaps with a little boogie on the dance floor to round off the evening.

Built in 1911, the beautiful and historic hotel is celebrating its 100th birthday this year, and with a focus on the anniversary, Andersson reveals that there will be some surprise deals throughout the year to look forward to.

“We have already had a special offer for the Norwegian winter holidays and will be doing some very special deals coming

For further information and online bookings, please visit: www.lillehammerhotel.no or www.radissonblu.com/hotel-lillehammer

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 69

Hotel of the Month, Finland:

Holiday Inn Tampere – First-class base for business travellers and congress visitors

By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Holiday Inn

Holiday Inn Tampere hotel is located in a quiet corner of lively downtown Tampere, close to the Tampere Hall concert and congress centre. It is the ideal base from where all travellers can explore the culturally and academically thriving city of Tampere in southern Finland. Perfect for business and congress travellers in need of modern, comfortable facilities, the hotel offers service that always goes the extra mile.

The establishment became part of the Holiday Inn hotel group in 2006 and has been implementing the international standards and service concepts of the well-respected brand ever since. Included in the 135 air-conditioned rooms are five executive rooms, five standard rooms with saunas and three suites with their own saunas, as well as complimentary wireless Internet available for everyone. And for a spectacular view over the bustling city, guests can relax in the rooftop sauna and Jacuzzi.

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Other specialities include the pillow menu, which lets you choose between five different styles. Your pillow preference is then marked in the system, so when you return, the same type of pillow will be waiting for you automatically. And why not check out during breakfast, as the bill can be brought straight to your table without hassle (from Tuesday-Friday).

“We work according to high international standards, and our priority is to guarantee a good night’s stay for all our guests,” says general manager Timo Haapanen.

“We’ve learned to anticipate problems, so that they can be solved before they become an issue. We also strongly emphasise safety and professionalism in all that we do.”

The hotel also includes fully-equipped meeting rooms for up to 100 people as well as the Brasserie Opera restaurant with a capacity for 150 diners. There are 70 parking spaces available on top of a

special carwash service. And due to its central location, you are never far away from restaurants, entertainment venues or shopping opportunities.

Contact details: Holiday Inn Tampere Yliopistonkatu 44 33100 Tampere Finland Tel. + 358 3 2455 111 tampere.holidayinn@restel.fi Distances: • City Centre 200 m • Bus station 1 km • Railway station 200 m • Airport 15 km • Harbour 1 km • Tampere Hall 200 m • Helsinki 170 km

For more information, please visit: www.restel.fi/holidayinn

Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Faroe Islands

Hotel of the Month, Faroe Islands:

Hotel Streym: A perfect destination for the modern Viking

By Anette Berve | Photos: Hotel Streym

The tales of Viking and old Norse mythology are still very much alive on the Faroe Islands, and Hotel Streym is the place to begin your journey through time.

Situated just at the entrance of Torshavn, with views overlooking the deep blue sea on one side, and the capital on the other, Hotel Streym has the perfect location to give you both peace and quiet and still keep you close to the buzzing city.

“We enjoy helping visitors experience the real Faroe Islands,” says Sven Aage Ellefsen, owner of Hotel Streym. “We have a very friendly atmosphere and like communicating with everyone staying with us.”

being the destination with the highest score amongst worldwide island destinations.

The islands have a rough but majestic nature that brings you straight back to the age of the Vikings. Modern living combined with untouched nature is rare in these parts of the world, but the Faroe Islands seem to have balanced the two, and kept their history alive through nature.

“When you land, you will notice the green,” Ellefsen explains. “The green fields and hills. There is a landscape here like you have never seen before. Then you fill your lungs with the fresh sea air, and feel your shoulders lower and you know that you are on holiday.”

Bird spotting, caves and grottos

Emerald green The Faroe Islands are approximately halfway between Great Britain and Iceland and are made up of 18 major islands.

“It is maybe not the place to come if you like sunbathing and expect a hot summer,” Ellefsen jokes. “However, it is the place to come to relax and forget about time.”

The Faroe Islands were voted the best island destination in the world by the National Geographic Traveller in a survey of over a hundred island communities in 2009. The Faroe Islands were at the top of the list and were given the verdict "authentic, unspoiled and likely to remain so",

Hotel Streym is at hand from the very beginning to help you make the most of your stay. The hotel has its own car rental service, exclusively meant for its guests, and they are happy to help map out your quest.

“The easiest way of getting around the island is by car and ferry, and we have the local experience to guide our guests around to the greatest views,” Ellefsen adds.

Driving on the islands and exploring on your own terms is a great way to spend your days. Ellefsen recommends bird safaris and a visit to the grottoes. “We arrange some amazing trips for our guests, like day trips with boats to see the busy wildlife, especially the birds. A trip inside some of the many grottoes and caves is an unforgettable experience.”

With direct flights from Stansted from 2 June - 1 September to the Faroe Islands, Hotel Streym welcomes you to this exotic destination and the most appealing island community in the world.

For more information, please visit: www.hotelstreym.com For flights to Torshavn , please visit: www.atlantic.fo

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 71

Scan Magazine | Travel | Brakanes Group

Brakanes Hotel

Brakanes Group – Supreme comfort on the banks of Hardangerfjord The summer season will be here in no time at all, and what could be more satisfying than to spend your holiday surrounded by stunning Norwegian scenery and indulging in activities that will introduce you to engaging cultural experiences. Two hours from Bergen, in the county of Hordaland, you will find Hardangerfjord as well as five exceptional hotels to choose from, all belonging to the Brakanes Group.

The Hardangerfjord is breathtakingly beautiful, and in the summer you can swim and fish in waters that get up to 22 degrees Celsius.

“Here at Hardangerfjord, you will experience amazing beauty and scenery as well

Photos: Brakanes Group

as getting a feel for authentic Norwegian life. You can combine a hike, bike trips and fishing as well as soak up the peace and tranquillity, making this a perfect holiday destination,” says Knut Arve Hakestad, general manager of Brakanes Hotel, one of the five establishments situated by the fjord.

A long and dramatic history Brakanes Hotel dates back to 1860, when a blacksmith built a house with five rooms, which he decided to rent out. Very soon, he had travellers coming to stay, including British aristocrats, Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands and other royalty. In 1940, the hotel burnt down, but it was rebuilt and recently celebrated its 150th birthday.

Today, Brakanes Hotel has 143 beautiful rooms, creating a perfect gateway and base for trips and excursions in the area, according to Hakestad, and he also says that many guests stay at the hotel for as long as two weeks while exploring the region.

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Photo: Magne Øydvin

Scan Magazine | Travel | Brakanes Group

Norwegian culture and way of life If you want an active holiday, there is plenty to do around Hardangerfjord. One attraction is an apple factory close by; here visitors can see how cider and juice are made. And there are many cultural activities that will introduce you to the Norwegian way of life.

“We have these excursions where you can go and visit local people in their houses and see how they live. You can take a boat cruise on the fjord as well – or why not swing your holiday away with some traditional Norwegian folk dancing?” suggests Hakestad.

The possibilities are endless, not least for businesses that want to have a conference away from it all. “The advantage of having your conference here is the peace and tranquillity. Once you are here, it will be possible to keep your whole group together and spend some quality time. This provides a perfect base for teambuilding as people are not scattered about all over the place in the evening,” says Hakestad.

The hotels in the Brakanes Group in their beautiful surroundings. Top:Quality Hotel & Resort Vøringfoss. Below left: Strand Fjordhotel. Right: Ulvik Hotel

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE HOTELS: Brakanes Hotel in Ulvik, Hardanger, is the ideal choice not only for holidays and breaks, but also for conferences, functions and parties. In addition to their well-appointed guest rooms and comfortable, welcoming reception rooms, they also have a separate conference centre for up to 500 people. www.brakanes-hotel.no Traditional meets modern at Hardangerfjord Hotel. From the breathtaking scenery to the well-appointed rooms, from the warmth of the welcome you will receive to the first-class facilities in their conference centre. This Brakanes Group hotel has it all. www.hardangerfjord-hotell.no Situated right on Hardangerfjord, Strand Fjordhotel has great views of this awe-inspiring landscape. Whether you choose to be adventurous and explore the great outdoors, spend time in the indoor pool or simply relax in the sunshine on the hotel’s impressive fjord terrace, your stay will be full of unforgettable experiences. www.strandfjordhotel.no

It may be the smallest hotel in the Brakanes Group, but you are sure to receive a big, warm welcome when you arrive at Ulvik Hotel in Hardanger. Situated by the fjord, the hotel’s great service and attention to guests’ needs have earned it a first-class reputation as the perfect place to unwind. www.ulvikhotel.no Surrounded by breathtaking scenery and spectacular mountains that reach up to 1,600 metres, this hotel is beautifully located next to the majestic Hardangerfjord.

Restaurants, conference rooms and various lounges share incredible views of breathtaking scenery in all directions.

Quality Hotel & Resort Vøringfoss has a history that dates back to 1890. www.voringfoss.no Oppheim Hotel & Resort, the sixth Brakanes Group hotel is located further away from the others, close to the beautiful mountain village of Voss: www.oppheimresort.com For more information, please visit: www.brakanes-group.no

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 73

Attraction of the Month, Denmark:

Brandts – From clothing factory to international arts centre Since 1987 Brandts has been transformed from an old textile mill to one of the most important arts centres in Denmark.

By Stine Daugaard | Photos: Brandts

In the heart of Odense, you can find one of the most interesting cultural institutions on Funen. Brandts is a part of Brandts Klædefabrik (Brandt’s Textile Mill), which used to be an old industrial building complex, that has been transformed into a hub of museums, speciality stores, a music library, a cinema and a concert hall. All are centred around the amphitheatre, which during summer is the perfect setting for concerts, open air cinema and a broad range of other occasions, while at night the area is buzzing with cafés, restaurants and music venues.

personal, dedicated and philosophical approach to contemporary sculpture, and will comprise sculptures, drawings and architectural models. It is almost as if she is creating haiku poems in plaster. Her bright white universe is mainly populated with animals, some of which are given human qualities and human beings, who are appearing from or sinking into weird organic substances or architectonic tableaux. The Tableau of Silence is an extremely interesting exhibition, which at the same time is a great example of the large span of use of material in modern arts.

20 exhibitions each year The transformation from clothing factory to important cultural institution took place in two steps. The first step was taken in 1987, when Brandts Klædefabrik opened as the first international centre of art and culture in Denmark, and in recent years the area has expanded and is now encompassing even more buildings, squares and exhibition halls, and now has the largest collection of exhibitions in Denmark under one roof.

In total, Brandts hosts around 20 exhibitions each year which focus on Danish and international art, visual arts and media history.

Tableau of Silence One of the major exhibitions this year is The Tableau of Silence by the Swedish artist Bianca Maris Barmen. The exhibition runs until 7 August and is a large-scale solo exhibition that will allow visitors to experience Bianca Maris Barmen’s very

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For more information, please visit www.brandts.dk

Attraction of the Month, Faroe Islands:

62N: The Faroe Islands – The essence of authenticity

By Lykke Fabricius Port | Photos: 62N

Not many places in the world can flaunt the title of being the best, but the Faroe Islands can. National Geographic has rated the unspoiled island group in the heart of the Gulf Stream as the no. 1 destination in the world among 111 island communities, and it is only a short flight from London Imagine a spectacular green landscape with mountains, fresh air and the roaring sea never more than 3 miles away. This is the essence of the 18 small islands in the North Atlantic that together form the Faroes, which have been honoured for their unique nature and strong culture.

“We’re very proud of the prize and the fact that we overtook internationally famous destinations such as the Bahamas and Hawaii. Now my aim is to make people aware that the Faroe Islands are actually both affordable and very easy to access,” says Kent L. Christensen from 62N, which is the oldest travel agency on the Faroes.

The uniqueness of the island group is hard to miss. Surrounded by the warm Gulf Stream the climate is surprisingly mild all year around, and visitors in the summer have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the

light and long evenings as the sun hardly sets. The close proximity of the sea also provides a wide variety of nature. The Faroe Islands are the perfect destination for fishing, mountain hiking and bird watching, and with no trees around the chance of having your view spoilt is very small. In the summer period, thousands of birds migrate over the North Atlantic Sea making the Faroe Islands a haven for ornithologists, and on the most western island Mykines, you even have the opportunity to get within reach of the charismatic puffin.

On the opposite side, you will find the capital city Tórshavn which is one of the smallest capitals in the world. However, unlike many other capitals, it has never been destroyed by fires, making it a dwelling place for well-preserved houses and history, and that is exactly what makes the Faroe Islands what they are, Christensen says.

“There are very few places in the world where globalisation hasn’t left indelible traces, but we are one of those places.

When you travel here, you experience the real thing: wild nature, clean sea and authentic town life. All of this without being isolated from the rest of society.”

Special Offer: • Direct flight London (Stansted) to the Faroe Islands • Thursday – Monday • 4 nights at 62N airport hotel*** with breakfast • From £449

For more information, please visit www.62n.fo

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 75

Rock Art

Guided Tour

Attraction of the Month, Norway:

Explore world heritage Alta has the largest concentration of rock art in northern Europe made by people with a hunting and fishing economy.

At Alta Museum, you can learn more about this history and let your imagination run wild at the rock art centre.

By Dyveke Nilssen | Photos: Alta Museum

During the 1970s, five rock art areas were discovered in the Altafjord in northern Norway, most of them by individuals who stumbled upon them by coincidence. In 1985, they were inscribed onto UNESCO’s World Heritage List, and the decorative carvings at the largest location, Hjemmeluft, were made accessible to visitors.

“There are different interpretations, but some tell stories of the change of seasons, and others mirror the society’s beliefs and rituals. There is a lot of mythology, and the figures change depending on the phase,” says Gerd Johanne Valen, director of the museum and world heritage rock art centre.

The museum offers guided tours in several languages to explore a collection of artworks from ca 7,000 to 2,000 years ago.

“People’s imagination starts to wander when they look at the art work, and every-

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one has their own thoughts and ideas on what they mean. What’s most important for us is that our visitors get to see the art and understand how the scenery has changed over the thousands of years since it was created,” explains Valen.

area, silver found from the Viking age, and we have one exhibition on the Northern Lights in Alta, which is where the scientists came to explore the phenomenon 100 years ago and more,” says the museum director.

The guided tour takes about 45 minutes, but you can discover it yourself in your own time with the help of a comprehensive handbook.

The museum is currently renovating and working on expanding their exhibitions further.

Museum Because the rock art at Hjemmeluft attracted a great number of tourists, establishing a museum close by seemed convenient. Alta Museum was finished in 1991 and overlooks the fjord about five kilometres from Alta city.

“In the museum, we show Alta’s nature, culture and history. We have an exhibition on the rock art of Alta, the Sami culture, the rivers that are very important to our

For more information, please visit www.alta.museum.no

Attraction of the Month, Iceland:

Discover a raw and rugged landscape

By Emelie Krugly Hill | Photos: Ice Travel

Ice Travel, an experienced tour operator and destination management company based in Denmark and the UK, is your gateway to one of the most awe-inspiring and beautiful countries on earth.

Iceland is situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, with volcanoes, geysers, waterfalls, sand fields, mountains and glaciers; this island country is an exotic and exciting travel destination.

Arngrimur MacKenzie-Baldursson, born and raised on the island, established Ice Travel ten years ago in Denmark, and the business has grown steadily ever since.

With offices in Scandinavia and the UK, Ice Travel is among some of the most experienced tour operators and destination management companies with Iceland as a destination. A particularly strong arm of the business is the expertise in adventure experiences for companies, being a first choice for those seeking that special conference experience.

“Our aim is to create long-lasting memories, many of our clients come back to us keen to show family or friends what they have experienced,” explains MacKenzieBaldursson. “For individuals and families, our self-drive tours and multi-adventure tours have been very popular. Iceland definitely impresses itself upon you; it is so different to everything you have seen before; its landscapes are untouched and its nature, raw and rugged, its appearance is other-worldly, like a movie set.”

Over the years Arngrimur and his team have built up invaluable expertise and have obtained unique access to some of the island’s best kept secrets, such as the breathtaking glaciers, which clients are ferried to in super jeeps with giant tyres to experience

these incredible natural structures. With Icelandair as the chosen airline, they can guarantee frequent on-schedule flights and excellent service on route to Iceland. In Reykjavik and the countryside, there is a good choice of quality hotels with state-ofthe-art conference facilities that can accommodate even the largest conferences and meetings. The Icelandic restaurants are famous for their fantastic food made of pure Icelandic raw materials from the sea and mountains for a special culinary experience.

Activities like horseback riding, glacial river rafting, snowmobiling, whale watching and fine dining experiences, all, for example, can be featured in tailor-made packages designed around you and your client’s profiles, precisely formulated to your needs.

Iceland is more easily accessible than you would think, and Icelandair’s daily flights departing from many key European cities and from the USA help international companies gather members of staff, making Iceland their “Mid-Atlantic Meeting Point”.

Adventures usually start on a Thursday and end on a Sunday, depending on schedules. The size of a group has never been an issue; recently Ice Travel arranged an impressive 240 person conference. Ice Travel organises around 50 company tours and hundreds of family holidays per year, as this wonderful country is fascinating all year round.

Among their clients, you will find companies such as Novo Nordisk, Novozymes, Scandia Bank, Pandora Jewellery, Sony, Peugeot Denmark and many more.

Ice Travel also organises trips within Scotland and Ireland although Iceland is their main destination.

For more information, please visit: www.ice-travel.dk, www.ice-travel.com and www.argyll-incoming.co.uk

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 77

Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Finland

Attraction of the Month, Finland:

EMMA

Espoo Museum of Modern Art presents Joan Miró and Finnish fantasy

EMMA, one of the largest art museums in Finland, opened its doors to the public in 2006. Although a fairly new kid on the modern art scene, EMMA has quickly found a solid place among other Scandinavian art museums.

The museum’s versatile, varying exhibitions, its own vast modern art collections as well as a strong emphasis on pedagogical programming make it an exciting attraction for visitors of all ages. From March until June this year, EMMA will play host to an exciting exhibition of the work of the Catalonian artist Joan Miró (18931983) together with Finnish fantasy pieces that reflect the same fascinating world as Miró’s art.

By Nia Kajastie

“Miró’s sculptures are among his most impressive work, and that’s what the exhibition will concentrate on,” says Valkonen. “However, it will also include paintings, drawings and prints.” Miró’s image world and surrealist style founded upon dreams and the imagination have inspired a lot of other artists, including the seven Finns, whose work is featured in the Finnish fantasy section of the exhibition.

Joan Miró: Tête / Pää / Huvud / Head, 1974, pronssi / brons / bronze, 160 x 150 x 88 cm.

Courtesy Galerie Lelong / Photo Fabrice Gibert © Successió Miró, ADAGP/KUVASTO 2011.

With exceptionally large exhibition premises spanning 5,000 square metres, the museum is split in two halves. One half displays the museum’s own collections, with different parts of the Saastamoinen Foundation Art Collection always on permanent exhibition. The collection includes, for example, pieces of Finnish classical modernism from the beginning of the 20th century as well as contemporary international art.

The other half of the museum displays multiple changing exhibitions every year, sometimes with 2-4 exhibitions running simultaneously. “This kind of versatility is unique for a Finnish museum,” explains Markku Valkonen, director of EMMA. Valkonen is also proud of their upcoming exhibitions, showcasing the work of Joan Miró as well as seven Finnish artists, and alongside this you can also admire an exhibition of the work of the Finnish painter Tor Arne (b. 1934).

For more information, please visit www.emma.museum www.weegee.fi

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EMMA Museum. Photo Ari Karttunen

Upcoming exhibitions:

Visiting address:

Joan Miró & Miró and Finnish fantasy: 04.03.2011 - 12.06.2011 Tor Arne – Paintings from Five Decades: 04.03.2011 - 12.06.2011

EMMA - WeeGee House Ahertajantie 5 Tapiola Espoo

Located in the Exhibition Centre WeeGee in Tapiola, Espoo, EMMA is easily reached from central Helsinki by bus. WeeGee comprises five museums, a modern art gallery, a media-art centre, a café, a museum shop and an art school. It is a unique attraction for the whole family.

Opening hours: Mon - closed, Tue, Thu, Fri - 11am-6pm, Wed - 11am-8pm, Sat, Sun - 11am-5pm.

Admission free on Wed at 6pm-8pm.

Restaurant of the Month, Finland:

Restaurant Tiiliholvi – Over 40 years of fine dining experience

By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Restaurant Tiiliholvi

Restaurant Tiiliholvi is one of Tampere’s premier dining spots, well-known for its ambitious and innovative kitchen as well as its award-winning wine selection and know-how. Located in the cellar of a former Jugend-style bank building dating back to 1901, the restaurant is atmospheric, charming and welcoming.

The restaurant is conveniently situated in central Tampere and has been offering fine dining experiences for over 40 years for locals and tourists alike. Tiiliholvi was originally established in 1968 as a restaurant for the University of Tampere student union, and in 1978 it was bought by family-run business Aleksin Ravintolat Oy, which also owns another five venues in the centre of Tampere. This historical establishment is a strong part of Tampere’s restaurant scene and has an excellent reputation due to its amazing wines, gourmet cuisine and attentive, professional service.

“Our wines are definitely one of our biggest highlights. We’ve got a great selection, and

staff who have studied the subject,” explains restaurateur and Aleksin Ravintolat managing director, Jaakko Sinivuori. “The French-inspired menu combines international and Scandinavian cooking and uses the best ingredients from small local pro-

Tiiliholvi’s distinctive character creates the perfect setting for everything from corporate events to romantic meals. “One of our cabinets is used for proposals almost on a weekly basis,” notes Sinivuori. In addition to the main dining area, the restaurant comprises several small cabinets that can be hired out for special occasions.

Since January 2011, due to great demand, Restaurant Tiiliholvi is now also open on Sundays. The restaurant is hugely popular with local diners during the week, so it is best to make table reservations well in advance.

Contact information:

ducers. The menu changes with the season at least four times a year, but often even up to seven times. We are at the mercy of nature, when it comes to our ingredients.” In Finland, seasonal produce in the summer time include a lot of asparagus, while the autumn brings along berries, mushrooms and other pure forest finds. In addition, you can always sample reindeer in some form.

Restaurant Tiiliholvi Kauppakatu 10 33210 Tampere Tel. +358 207 669 061 tiiliholvi@tiiliholvi.fi

For more information, please visit www.tiiliholvi.fi

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 79

Restaurant of the Month, Denmark:

Havreholm Slot – Enjoy a grand meal with a backdrop of history

By Lykke Fabricius Port | Photos: Havreholm Slot

The 19th-century castle Havreholm Slot, situated in the scenic setting of forest and meadow north of Copenhagen, is not only visual bliss, but also holds interesting stories from the many cultural notables who have visited the castle over time. With a welcome from the Danish etiquette expert Inge Correll, the restaurant offers classical gourmet cuisine with a modern twist and hosts a popular Sunday brunch in the summer period.

Havreholm Slot was built in 1872 as the home of the lumber baron and paper manufacturer Valdemar Culmsee. He was a highly distinguished man, and the castle was designed with a fortified tower as a sign of prestige. Much like Culmsee, the paper press is long gone, but the tower and the rest of the buildings remain intact

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and are now under the control of Inge Correll, who has been the mistress of the castle near Hornbæk since 1986.

“I always say that if the walls of this castle were able to speak, you would find yourself in the middle of a fairy tale. The number of writers, artists and officials that have stayed in these buildings is absolutely amazing,” says Correll, who is famous for her talks and books about traditional Danish etiquette and refers to the castle as her “third child”.

History notes that the Danish realist writer and Nobel Prize winner Henrik Pontopiddan wrote his widely acclaimed book Lucky Per in the tower of Havreholm, and the famous group of Scandinavian artists the Skagen Painters are believed to have

spent several summers in the picturesque surroundings of the castle. In more modern times, the national government has frequently used Havreholm Slot as the location for their seminars.

Dinner in paradise The castle also contains real evidence of history. The dining room is decorated with 12 wall paintings showing the Creation and the Garden of Eden. They were commissioned in 1872 from the Danish artist Joakim Skovgaard, and it took him three years to finish the paintings, which to this day still give you the illusion of eating in the Garden of Eden itself.

However, if the weather allows it, Correll recommends that you enjoy your meal on the terrace, where the beautiful view of

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Denmark

the park and lake is unveiled. She is looking forward to a new season with new chef Peter Bang in charge of the castle kitchen - an experienced head chef who has worked at several high-class restaurants in the Copenhagen area.

“I’ve been both proud and happy to welcome Peter Bang. He’s very skilled, and much like the rest of my team, it’s obvious that he enjoys what he’s doing. It’s very important for me that my staff love their job because that’s the feeling they’ll pass on to the customers,” says Correll.

The new head chef Peter Bang will continue making traditional gourmet food but with a modern twist, and every Wednesday the national dish, pork strips with parsley sauce, is on the menu for a modest price.

Brunch, dance and jazz During the summer, Havreholm Slot hosts a highly popular Sunday brunch buffet with organic bacon and scrambled eggs, and a wide variety of cheeses with home baked rye bread and croissants as just some of the highlights.

“It’s a handy way of taking care of both breakfast and lunch at the same time, and people come from all of the surrounding area to meet up with old friends and enjoy a day off in a peaceful atmosphere,” says Correll. Some Sundays the food is accompanied by live jazz music, and in the autumn it is even possible to join a dance class after the buffet.

All year round, the castle offers the facilities of both indoor and outdoor pools, a golf course and four tennis courts, which make the place the perfect spot for a day trip, and as long as Inge Correll is in charge, you can be sure to get a warm welcome at Havreholm Slot. “Running the castle is much more than an ordinary job.

It has become my way of life to make people happy and give them a unique experience while they’re here. In the end, that’s what makes people return.”

For more information, please visit wwww.havreholm.dk

Contact details: Havreholm Slot Klosterrisvej 4 3100 Hornbæk Tel. +45 49 75 86 00 Email: havreholm@havreholm.dk

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 81

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Norway

Scallops

Restaurant of the Month, Norway:

City Brasserie & Vinbar, Stavanger – Modern Norwegian cuisine for everyone With three separate areas, City Brasserie & Vinbar (City Brasserie & Wine Bar) has something to offer everyone, whether you are after a relaxing glass of something after a long day’s work, some nibbles or a four-course meal.

By Karin Modig | Photos: City Brasserie & Vinbar

Situated in central Stavanger, the restaurant is right on the waterfront. Originally a warehouse and storage for the busy port, the building itself dates back to the mid-1800s. It also spent time as a smokery and a tinned food factory before it became a restaurant. City Brasserie & Vinbar took over the premises in the summer of 2008.

Cathrine Trettenes, proprietor and general manager, has made some significant changes along the way, to make the

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restaurant what it is today. “When we took over this place, it was already a restaurant,” she says. “The restaurant was fairly open, and the ground and first floors were very similar, so we have worked hard to differentiate the two eating areas from each other.” The venue also has a bar, so they are now able to offer three distinctly different areas - a restaurant, a brasserie and a wine bar.

“The upstairs restaurant is typically a place where people take their time with

their meal. They eat three or four courses, and enjoy some good wine with their meal,” she says.

“The ground floor brasserie is somewhere people often tend to pop into for a light supper, often more as an alternative to cooking themselves rather than a great occasion.

“In the bar, we serve small dishes, making it ideal for someone just wanting a light bite in a causal atmosphere.”

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Norway

With the different choices and ambiances, it is no surprise that the clientele is varied.

“Our customer base ranges pretty much from 18 to 80 year olds,” says Trettenes.

“The music in the bar is slightly louder than the quiet background music in the restaurant and brasserie, so it generally attracts a younger crowd.”

The central location ensures that they get many drop-in guests, both locals and tourists, and they are also popular with local businesses taking clients out for dinner.

The menus are not inspired by one particular cuisine style, but they do have a strong focus on local ingredients. “Where it is possible, we like to use local ingredients, either from this region or from other places in Norway,” says Trettenes. “We also tend to have many traditional Norwegian dishes on the menu, such as pinnekjøtt (dried mutton ribs), lutefisk (lyefish) and smalahove (sheep head), and there is always fish soup available.“ Heading up the kitchen is recently appointed head chef Erik Jeppson, who is creating exciting dishes based on goodquality ingredients. At the time of writing, examples of the culinary offerings are a dish of monkfish and lobster sausage on basil flavoured risotto and lamb with borlotti bean purée, goat cheese filled zucchini, mint and potato cake.

There is roughly a 50/50 split between meat and fish dishes for the main courses, with vegetarian options available as well.

“We also always have a set three-course menu, with at least some of the courses changing daily,” Trettenes adds, “and on Saturdays we have a special lunch menu.”

In the wine bar, one of the walls hints at the importance of the wine list, as it consists entirely of a temperature controlled wine store. The wine list is fairly extensive, and covers both old and new world wines.

From light, uncomplicated, easy-drinking wines, through to Premier Cru burgundies and several champagnes, you would be hard pressed not to find something that takes your fancy, whatever the occasion.

As well as a large offering of wine and other beverages, tapas dishes are the order of the day in the bar, and the menu includes scallops, beetroot tempura and rack of lamb.

The bar often hosts various events, and has in the past been used for a book launch and a jazz concert among other happenings. “We also often have special theme nights in the bar,” she says. “For example, we always do something for Valentine’s Day, we had a carnival theme during the Rio carnival, and in the beginning of April, we are hosting a night for the girls.”

The Brasserie – outside

Trettenes is pleased with what she and her team have made of the place. “I am very proud of the fact that we have managed to create a place where everyone can feel welcome and enjoy themselves, whatever their age or sort of evening they are looking for,” she says.

City Brasseri & Vinbar is open from 5pm Monday to Friday, and from 11am on Saturday.

For more information, please visit www.citybrasserie.no

Overview of the dock. The restaurant is in the two buildings on the right.

Cathrine Trettenes, proprietor and general manager

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 83

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Faroe Islands

Restaurant of the Month, Faroe Islands:

Matstovan hjá Elisabeth – Traditional Faroese cuisine, served at the chef's own home

By Yane Christensen | Photos: Matstovan hjá Elisabeth

In the northernmost settlement of the Faroe Islands, on the island of Viðoy, you will find the greatest little restaurant called Matstovan hjá Elisabeth (Elisabeth's Restaurant).

The restaurant is located in the small village of Viðareiði, with just 350 inhabitants. The Faroe Islands are hugely popular among hikers, and Viðareiði is a departure and arrival point for a vast area of hiking treks.

Elisabeth's Restaurant is the ideal place for hungry hikers to relax and sample some traditional Faroese cuisine. The restaurant is set in Elisabeth Nybo's own house, and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. The views from the restaurant are breath-taking and include sea, islands and mountains. To the north, Mount Villingdalsfjall rises over 844 meters from the water.

If hiking does not appeal to you, it is also possible to take in the scenery by boat, departing from nearby Hvannasund.

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Elisabeth herself is in charge of the cooking and can cater for up to 40 guests. The most popular dish is breast of locally caught puffin served with potatoes, vegetables and gravy.

thrive in the harsh climate of the Faroe Islands, so well, in fact, that it can be found growing wild.

Another speciality is thinly-sliced dried whale, which is served with potatoes and dried salty whale blubber. There is always a fish of the day, which depends on that day's catch, but might be, for example, sole, cod, haddock or halibut. For dessert Elisabeth suggests a rhubarb trifle.

Rhubarb is one of the few plants which

Viðareiði is around one and a half hours’ drive from the airport, and it is linked to the larger islands by a dyke and tunnel system. There are ferry connections from Iceland, Denmark, Norway and Scotland.

“The weather up here can be extreme.

Sometimes we have all four seasons in a day. At the moment, the outlook is almost brown. We're definitely not in the business of selling sunshine holidays,” says Elisabeth. That said, if you visit in the summer, you will be amazed how green and lush the islands are. The Faroe Islands, with their rugged green mountains, fjords and countless waterfalls, certainly make for fascinating scenery.

For more information, please visit www.visitnordoy.fo

Restaurant of the Month, Iceland:

Restaurant Reykjavik – Traditional Icelandic cuisine not to be missed

By Samantha Wong | Photos: Nína Gunnarsdóttir

Nestled within the busy capital is Restaurant Reykjavik, offering visitors to Iceland delicious traditional food. There is a large à la carte menu which offers the opportunity to sample a wide range of dishes, including the popular Icelandic lamb. The restaurant also hosts a fish buffet, which is a big hit with diners with over 20 varieties of fish to try out.

Restaurant Reykjavik is located within a historic building dating back to 1863, originally used as a toll booth for incoming ships. It has undergone a great deal of change since then and was the first building to be numbered in the capital in 1888.

Yet Restaurant Reykjavik still retains its fishing roots with its large and popular fish buffet.

“We provide the fish buffet every night and serve around 20 types of fish,” explains Nína Gunnarsdóttir, restaurant manager of eight years. “We also have a big á la carte menu, offering a range of meats too.”

In addition to serving traditional dishes, the restaurant also offers ‘hot rock’ dining,

where customers are given a lava stone (which are plentiful in Iceland) to cook their main courses on. Restaurant Reykjvik is spread over three floors and seats over 230 guests with additional space to host private groups of up to 100 people.

essential pit stop for any traveller looking to sample delectable traditional food. The restaurant is open virtually every day of the year bar the 24th and 25th of December, so there is no excuse for missing an opportunity to visit this establishment.

“We are also home to the only ice bar in Iceland,” adds Gunnarsdóttir. “Temperatures in the bar range between -6 to -10, but guests are given overcoats before entering.” The bar serves a selection of cocktails as well as Brennivín, an Icelandic schnapps, which is the country’s signature alcoholic drink.

In addition to tantalising traditional meals, Restaurant Reykjavik also hosts a regular comedy night in its cellar called ‘Let’s Talk Iceland’. The show starts at 8pm each night without fail and discusses Iceland in an entertaining light and is a performance not to be missed by anyone visiting Iceland.

Despite being based in the bustling heart of the capital, Restaurant Reykjavik is an

Contact details: Restaurant Reykjavik Vesturgata 2 101 Reykjavík Iceland Bookings: +354 552 3030

For more information, please visit www.restaurantreykjavik.is

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 85

Photo: imagebank.sweden.se © Erik Lindvall

Scan Magazine | Scan Food | Bronte’s Column

Start your day like a Viking Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Surely your Mother told you that? Still, I bet there are mornings when you’re running for the bus without as much as a grain of fuel for your poor body to work with. It’s time to do something about that – and what better way to start than with a trip to Scandinavia?

By Bronte Aurell | Photos: imagebank.sweden.se

We are surrounded by a world of sugary cereals with colourful cartoons and Grab’n’Go bacon sarnies stuffed with more calories than our temple of a body knows what to do with. It’s too easy to give in and think that our body doesn’t mind waiting until we’ve settled down at our desk before even thinking about giving it something to work with. And by then, we’re so hungry that we give in and opt for half a fried piglet and a Diet Coke.

It’s a bit like running out of petrol for your car and deciding to top up with chip-

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fat to keep it going: sooner or later your car’s going to complain, even if it IS a Volvo.

Research shows that if you start your day with food rich in grains, seeds and berries, you will feel fuller for longer, and soon you’ll be needing new fancy trousers two sizes smaller without even trying. The best news in all of this is that if you look to the Nordic countries for inspiration, making such a change does not have to be boring at all.

Since back when King Cnut (poor fellow with the unfortunate name) roamed the English countryside, the Vikings have gathered from the land, and their diet was very much based on similar things which make up a traditional Scandinavian breakfast today. A huge on-going research project at the University of Copenhagen into the effects of eating a Nordic diet is already showing that eating like we traditionally do in Scandinavia is perhaps even more beneficial for you than the Mediterranean diet. Ciao ciao, Giovanni, and

Scan Magazine | Scan Food | Bronte’s Column

Hejsann Bjorn, indeed. There’s never been a better reason to go Nordic.

The common thread of a Scandinavian breakfast is that it is made up of a varied selection of bread, spread, grains and yoghurt. First up, choose your bread. The healthiest of which is crispbread. If feeling ultra healthy, go for high fibre such as Wasa sport, or the sweeter Leksands or even sesame seed crispbreads. The Danes would opt for a dark seeded rye bread made from a sourdough base.

White bread is only eaten as a special treat; on weekends, Danes will opt for a trip to the bakers to pick up freshly baked crusty rolls (‘rundstykker’). But never during the week.

Sliced meats and cheese may well feature as a topping: Norwegians will opt for their favourite brown cheese or Norvegia, whereas the Swedes may go for a mild Herrgaardsost, and the Danes for a nice medium Klovborg cheese. Meat lovers go for smooth pâtés and smoked ham. On the subject of cheese, you may also encounter the Scandinavian skeleton in the cupboard number one, namely prawn cheese. There is an ongoing debate about this: friend or foe? We all agree it is less healthy, but then again: prawns are good, cheese is good. Surely mixing them together is heavenly? Allowing a bit of what you fancy once in a while does no harm at all. In the grand scheme of things, it is less of a guilty pleasure than listening to Basshunter.

filmjölk or A-fil (the Danes call it A-38). It’s a bit like a distant cousin of Activia, but with less fat and a slightly more acidic but fresher taste and also less thick. It does wonders for the digestive system and tastes divine. In fact, it is so good that places such as Scandinavian Kitchen in London import it in on a weekly basis – and sell out.

To top off your “fil” you need some flakes.

Get creative here: from oat flakes to mueslis to rye granola, the bowl is your oyster. Go one better and add chopped fresh fruit and berries to your mix as well, and you’ll be really set for the day.

So far, so healthy. You’re probably wondering where the Danish pastries fit in all of this? Ahh, but they are around, alive and well, all over Scandinavia. We love

cakes and pastries. To any Scandinavian, pastries and cakes have a time and place, and that place is enjoyed with friends and family on a special occasion or a lazy weekend morning, but not on a Monday morning at the bus stop.

In short, the Scandinavian breakfast is all about balance. Not being too rigid about what we eat in terms of quantity, but to eat more of the nicer, better-for-you-stuff to allow our Volvos to drive better throughout the week. It’s not a diet, but a way of eating, a way of living, the benefits of which can be felt not after a few days but after a while of doing it. Your trousers will feel bigger, your skin might feel brighter, and you may find yourself whistling the theme tune to Mamma Mia more often than you perhaps would have done before. Just don’t overdo the Basshunter, and you’ll be just fine.

Photo: imagebank.sweden.se © Ann Lindberg

In Sweden, the saying “fil och flingor”, literally “yoghurt and flakes”, promotes the essentials for any good Scandinavian breakfast. Firstly, we’re all obsessed with yoghurts, especially the type of natural culture yoghurts the Swedes refer to as Bronte Aurell is the owner of Scandinavian Kitchen – a café and Scandinavian food shop in Central London that serves authentic Scandinavian brunches all day Sunday.

Basshunter optional. www.scandikitchen.co.uk

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 87

Scan Magazine | Columns | Humour

IS IT JUST ME...

By Mette Lisby

Who gets excited on a regular basis about how EASY the internet has made everything?

With the online booking of flights, hotels and car rentals, you can practically be your own travel agent! Like a couple of weeks ago, when my husband and I decided to fulfil a long-time dream and book a trip to Mexico. Promptly we went online to book our tickets. It’s SO darned easy!

First, of course, you have to go through the various sites that compare prices to make sure you book the cheapest fares out there. But given that there’s only about 700–800 of those, it takes a mere nine hours to get a basic overview. This brings you to a new stage, where you realize that no matter when you have decided to travel, all other dates just happen to be cheaper. Like, if we could leave on a Wednesday instead of a Friday to return on a Thursday instead of a Monday. Unfortunately we couldn’t. And who wants to

Spring Clean

Spring is here and so is the time for a good spring clean. Unless, like me, you have just moved into a certain type of English house. Described by the estate agent as a ‘character terrace’ our home has that sort of dirty, worn quality that some call shabby chic and some call dirty and worn. But there is no doubt that it’s a

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buy flights at peak season rates anyway?

But who says it HAS to be Mexico this time? Online we found plenty of other fantastic places to go to, with less steep peak season prices. An airline boasted a great offer on two weeks in the Bahamas. Further investigation revealed that all in all, the Bahamas would be more expensive than Mexico. But then my husband saw this wonderful bargain for Florida, which had us all excited. Unfortunately, when we logged on the next day to book it, it was sold out. But hey… why go that far away? Europe is great! Greece is amazing. And needs financial help! The next night we looked at all the wonderful trips we could take to Greece. Of course, it turned out it would be stupid to go there anytime else than September, when it literally was half the price, so we decided to

wait. By now we have spent approximately the same amount of time searching for tickets, as we had planned to spend on actually vacationing. Now we REALLY need a holiday. I think we are going to go to Brighton. We can always go to Mexico another time. You know, it’s so easy to book tickets online.

Mette Lisby is Denmark’s leading female comedian. She invites you to laugh along with her monthly humour columns. Since her stand-up debut in 1992, Mette has hosted the Danish versions of “Have I Got News For You” and “Room 101”. Mette currently lives in London.

By Maria Smedstad

wholesome sort of dirty and worn, and as you view our front room in the dim light seeping through the single, soot covered window, the place seems romantic, rustic and, well, authentic. The carpet has faded to a colour not too dissimilar from the colour of our dog’s coat, which is lucky because it’s so threadbare it’s virtually impossible to vacuum. I did try to keep the place clean during the first few weeks after moving in. However, after that the house seemed to sink back into a comfortable state of dinginess that one somehow imagines is its natural state.

My mum found herself in a similar situation when our family first moved to England. For a while she tried desperately to get to grips with how best to clean grime off 17th century walls and squeeze a duster into the large, uneven gaps in the ceiling beams. Gradually she came to realise just how ridiculous the idea of dusting ceiling beams is. This is a house that originally had packed dirt as flooring; try-

ing to keep the muck out is almost like going against its nature. Even if this theory is mostly an elaborate excuse, it is a way of thinking that my mum was more than happy to go along with. As am I in our new pad. Cleaning an old, charming house is not only difficult, it’s damaging to its personality.

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

Scan Business | Scan News | The dream that bore fruit

Liza Krügermeier in a “hot tub”. Photo: Sigurd Bo Bojesen

The dream that bore fruit The British/Danish artist couple Rupert Sutton and Liza Krügermeier met in Greece almost nine years ago. They were both searching for a change in life when they met, and together they started an art business which has grown ever since.

Photos: Courtesy of Liza´s Gallery

For five years they lived on the Greek island of Leros and ran Liza’s Gallery on a picturesque little street in the old town of Platanos. Not only did they exhibit their own work, they also invited guest exhibitors from all over the world to do art shows.

Soon the small gallery became a cultural and social meeting point on the island.

Where Rupert found his inspiration in people, architecture and landscapes, Liza found hers in fruit and vegetables. In the bright light of the Mediterranean, lemons, pomegranates, onions and olives were available on the trees and in the ground just outside the front door. Soon, Liza started to translate her fruit pictures into textile designs on fabric and interior items such as cushions and furniture.

After five years on the small island, the couple was looking to expand their business, and they decided to move to the beautiful island of Møn in Denmark.

There, they found a 200-year-old town house in the historic centre of Stege, which had a separate building with space for a gallery and art shop.

In the three years they have now been running Liza’s Gallery in Møn, they have

continued with the concept from Greece and held numerous exhibitions with international artists. They have also started up a successful cooperation with the Danish design company Brix Design. Together with them, they have developed an artistic series in stylish glass cutting boards, depicting some of Liza’s colourful fruit designs. The products sell in the States and in Europe. And, at the moment, the couple is in the middle of the process of starting up a larger textile production of Liza’s designer cushions and a whole new line of kitchen textiles.

But a much closer dream comes true with the forthcoming exhibition in Soho, London, called Fruit Bowl Fiction. The artist couple has for a long time wanted to exhibit in the big city and have found a venue in the advertising company Libertine. Soon

the company’s walls will be decorated with the couple’s large and colourful paintings, all with fruity content and the Mediterranean inspiration they have kept with them since their early days on Leros.

The exhibition Fruit Bowl Fiction opens 17 March from 5pm onwards at Libertine, Medius House, 2 Sheraton Street, Soho, W1F 8BH. Music will be provided

by DJ’s Charlie Inman and Nick Todd.

Libertine is an innovative and highly creative advertising agency situated in the centre of Soho. In order to enhance their office surroundings, support artistic endeavours and provide visitors with a more interesting environment, they sponsor a series of exhibitions in their reception areas.

More info at www.libertinelondon.com Brix Design A/S is a Danish design company situated in Stege on Møn. The company specializes in designing functional products for the kitchen. More info at www.brixdesign.com Liza’s Gallery is situated in no 6 Farverstræde, 4780 Stege, Møn, Denmark. You can read more about the Gallery at www.lizasgallery.com

Liza’s glass cutting board

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 89

“I made the most out of my inherited wealth by securing my daily living expenses as well as making my dream come true” Stefan, 44, Sales Director, International Private Banking client

Needs beyond the ordinary?

International Private Banking is a service for clients with high income or wealth, who have chosen to live outside the Nordic countries. You and your family are assigned an Executive Wealth Manager – a financial specialist – who can guide you on your overall private finances.

We can tailor solutions to bridge your worlds, wherever you are. We call this solutions beyond the ordinary.

To become an International Private Banking client, visit our web site www.danskebank.lu or call us in Luxembourg at telephone +352 46 12 751.

Your Executive Wealth Manager is available for meetings outside normal opening hours and can draw upon experts within the Group or our network of external specialists on areas such as domiciliation, insurances and audit.

To and from

Gothenburg and further within Sweden and Europe with City Airline.

Photo: Dick Gillberg/goteborg.com

Choosing City Airline saves time, avoids stressful connections and enables you to relax and enjoy the high service level on our flights.

Benefits when flying with us: √ Timesaving non-stop routes to and from Gothenburg √ 20 kg checked-in baggage, free of charge √ Choose seat when checking in free of charge

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cityairline.com For more information and reservations: cityairline.com. Bookings and customer service, phone: +46 31 789 42 00.

Scan Business | Key Note | Norway offers Britain more than just Northern Lights

Scan Business Utsikten Meetings 94 | Sundvolden Hotel creates the perfect environment for your conference 96 | Tampere Hall 100

94

96

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Norway offers Britain more than just Northern Lights

By Nina Egeli, General Manager, Norwegian-British Chamber of Commerce

long-term commitment. Massive investments are being made, thousands of jobs are created and technology developments are taking place. The UK market is continuing to be essential for Norwegian global players like Statoil and Statkraft.

Sheringham Shoal and Dogger Bank are examples of projects of great importance in the bilateral relationship. We have seen an immense growth of NBCC’s Aberdeen chapter in recent years – which is one of the reasons why the Chamber to a large extent will dedicate this year to Norway’s key industries, offshore and energy. NBCC will take an active role in bringing Norwegian and British companies together at UK’s largest renewable energy event, All Energy 2011, and at the internationally renowned Offshore Europe event in Aberdeen. Furthermore, we will present high profile speakers at our conference on “Offshore activity – lessons and challenges” in London this spring.

However, there is much more to the bilateral trade relations than oil and gas.

There is still fish and seafood, of course.

In fact, the Chamber represents well over 20 different industries. Amongst them are telecommunications and ICT, healthcare and biotechnology. The extensive trade in services is well represented, with international shipping as an important example. We celebrate the launch of new prod-

ucts, like SAVO office seating for instance, and take pride in Norwegian art, music, design and architecture brought to the UK. Keen readers will have noticed that the Norwegian author Jo Nesbø has achieved best-seller status, and cheeselovers that the famous Jarlsberg has reached the supermarket in new shapes and forms. Norwegians have also entered previously unexplored arenas; in 2010, the first ever Norwegian garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show was awarded the prestigious Silver Gilt medal. There are signs that we might even be exporting the Norwegian model for gender equality on company boards to the UK. It is indeed a multifaceted tale, and NBCC reveals and embraces it all. www.norwegian-chamber.co.uk

Photo Yiannis Katsaris

The Norwegian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) is here to unravel a story that supplements the one brought back by enthusiastic UK tourists to Norway – the one about Northern Lights, mountains and solitude. We can tell the story of Norway as a world leader in technology, research and expertise. Offshore and undersea activity and technology are obvious examples and areas in which collaboration between Norway and the UK has been substantial for decades.

A difficult economic climate in the UK has not scared off the Norwegians. On the contrary, many Norwegian companies have recently expanded, and there is a constant influx of Norwegians and Norwegian businesses to the UK – to what nowadays seems to be their favourite “land of opportunity”. Norway-UK links are as strong as ever, and the NorwegianBritish Chamber of Commerce is everpresent and set on strengthening the bonds further.

The bare fact is that the UK continues to be Norway’s most important export market. The interdependence between the two countries is strong, and maybe one may speculate that the Brits’ increasing dependence on gas and energy from Norway is shifting the balance somewhat.

Nonetheless, what we see is that Norwegian companies in the UK are here with a

Nina Egeli, General Manager, NBCC

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 91

Scan Business | International Services | Tax

Changes ahead for the taxation of non-domiciled individuals?

By Helena Whitmore, McGuireWoods London LLP | Photo: Yiannis Katsaris

The Emergency Budget in June 2010 confirmed that the UK Coalition Government is reviewing the taxation of nondomiciled individuals (“non-doms”), with the aim of ensuring that non-doms make a fair contribution to fix the budget deficit. It may be that the proposed changes will be announced in the 23 March 2011 budget, but at the time of writing this column this is not yet clear.

Hopefully, any changes will be preceded by a period of consultation rather than being introduced with immediate effect.

The international community living in the UK will need to keep a careful eye on their tax position to ensure that they remain compliant with the rules, whatever those rules may be.

New arrivals in the UK as well as those who are planning to leave also need to keep an eye on their tax residence position. HM Revenue & Customs (“HMRC”) started making substantial changes to their guidance on residence with effect from 6 April 2009, when their old guidance in booklet IR20 was withdrawn and replaced with booklet HMRC6. The HMRC6 booklet was then amended in February 2010 following some changes to the legislation, and the remaining sections of HMRC6 were substantially rewritten in December 2010. The new version must be used for any tax liabilities arising after 5 April 2011.

HMRC indicate that they do not believe that the new guidance has altered their position in most cases, but clearly there are exceptions. Anyone who has a connection to the UK but considers himself or herself to be either not resident, not ordinarily resident, or not domiciled in the UK should review the new HMRC6 to check if HMRC could potentially see their position in a different light. The overall message is

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that it is not the number of days spent in the UK which decides residence in the UK (except where someone is in the UK for 183 days or more in the tax year), but a combination of factors such as the length, purpose and pattern of visits to the UK as well as a number of other connections including family, social ties, work and property etc. The new HMRC6 provides a list of examples of such connections, which confirms for example that they consider that social ties include memberships of clubs and societies, and returning to the UK each year for an annual sporting season etc. Business ties include owning or being a director of a business based in the UK. The need to sever ties with the UK for those who want to be treated as non-UK-resident on leaving the country is therefore not to be taken lightly.

Another incentive to take a cautious approach to UK tax is the new penalties coming into force from 6 April 2011 in relation to offshore tax evasion. In place of the current maximum 100% penalty, new penalties of up to 200% of the tax lost will apply when there is a failure to pay the right tax on offshore assets. The level of the penalty will be linked to the territory where the income or gain arises, with the maximum penalty applying where money is hidden in the least transparent territories. An outline of the new penalties including a link to the relevant territories is available on HMRC’s website at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/news/offshorepenalties.htm.

Finally, anyone who has an interest in an EBT (employee benefit trust), unapproved pension plan or international pension plan should review their position prior to 6 April 2011, when new rules on disguised remuneration will render many of those schemes inefficient for UK tax purposes.

Further information is available on HMRC’s website www.hmrc.gov.uk, or by contacting the writer. This column is intended to provide information of general interest to the public and is not intended to offer legal advice about specific situations or problems.

Author: Helena Whitmore McGuireWoods London LLP (hwhitmore@mcguirewoods.com).

Scan Business | Scan Business | School of Stavanger

British International School of Stavanger – Intercultural experiences and celebrations The British International School of Stavanger was established in 1977 to meet the needs of parents working in the developing North Sea oil industry. Today the school teaches 400 pupils of over 30 different nationalities, ranging between the ages of 2 and 16, and delivers a curriculum which is especially designed to meet the needs of this very diverse group of children.

The British School of Stavanger emphasises international-mindedness in its teaching approach, and therefore provides its pupils with wonderful opportunities for intercultural experiences. With pupils originating from all over the world, the school constantly seeks to use that rich cultural resource 2

to the fullest. Accordingly, major festivals such as Diwali, Christmas, Eid and

Chinese New Year are regularly celebrated. On Norway’s Constitution Day on 17 May, the whole school parades through the streets of Stavanger with banners and flags.

By Nia Kajastie | Photo: BISS

This spring, BISS will be marking the occasion of the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton with an international street celebration.

The youngest children will enjoy donning their finery, as they dress as princes and princesses for the day. The range of foods that is presented on these types of occasions is vast and simply mouth-watering. And what better way to celebrate the union of two people and peoples across the world than with a sumptuous feast!

For more information, please visit: www.cobis.org.uk/accredited/britishinternational-school-of-stavanger.html or www.biss.no

The Norwegian School in London Founded in 1981

OPEN DAY Saturday 9th April 2011 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

SCANDINAVIAN AUDITOR, ACCOUNTANT AND BUSINESS ADVISOR IN THE UK

We welcome parents, pupils and other guests to our Open Day. An independent English school with a Norwegian Approach: • Nursery school age 3-5 • Primary and secondary school age 6-15 • Norwegian Curriculum Committed and highly qualified staff offering bilingual education based on the school core values: - security - creativity - commitment - knowledge

Address 28 Arterberry Road Wimbledon London SW20 8AH UK Phone +44 (0)20 8947 6617 Fax +44 (0)20 8944 7345 E-mail mail@dnslondon.com www.norwegianschool.org.uk

Krogh & Partners Ltd. can assist with the following services: • • • •

Audit / Accountancy Corporation Tax Personal Tax advisory Business advisory

www.kroghandpartners.com info@kroghandpartners.com Telephone +44 (0)207 256 8800 Issue 27 | March 2011 | 93

Scan Business | Conference of the Month | Sweden

Conference of the Month, Sweden:

Utsikten Meetings – Let music saturate your next conference Fancy an extraordinary conference experience with a musical twist? Utsikten Meetings, situated in the harbour town of Nynäshamn, south of Stockholm, offers you stunning views over the Baltic Sea and a tailor-made musical experience.

By Emelie Krugly Hill | Photos: Utsikten Meetings The Conference Trip about three conference facilities in Sweden.

Utsikten Meetings, founded in 2003, might be Sweden’s most spacious conference hotel. Covering 22,000 square metres, certain meeting rooms can host up to 450 participants, which is ideal for large company gatherings.

Elisabeth Schmidt, marketing and sales director, explains how their services are unique: “We create conference packages that are geared to a company’s needs; music gives it that little extra special touch. A company’s profile is usually assessed and a theme created.

During your stay, your experience will be permeated by live and recorded music, from all genres.”

“The reactions from clients are often overwhelming,” Schmidt adds. “Recently we held a medical congress, with guests from Brazil, China and Germany who were overjoyed with the choice of music during their stay.”

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“With a new highway, it takes only 35 minutes from Stockholm Central Station. We offer free transportation to and from Stockholm for groups of no more than 30 people,” says Schmidt.

Elisabeth Schmidt

Located only a hundred metres from Nynäshamn Harbour, the blue waters of the Baltic will be the last thing you see before going to sleep.

“The service at Utsikten Meetings is personal and caring; 40 members of staff are proud to represent such a unique and stunning hotel,” says Schmidt.

Utsikten Meetings was recently a part of Swedish Channel 5’s documentary series

Utsikten Meetings has 200 rooms, most of them with a sea view, 400 beds, 35 group study rooms and 20 meeting rooms. The restaurant can serve 500 guests. In the kitchen, you will find the very finest ingredients and the most ambitious chefs focusing on local and organically produced ingredients, and as with everything else you can expect from your stay at Utsikten Meetings, the food is well prepared with love and soul.

For more information, please visit: www.utsiktenmeetings.se

Scan Business | Conference of the Month | Denmark

Helenekilde Badehotel

Tisvildeleje Strandhotel

Conference of the Month, Denmark:

Helenekilde Badehotel & Tisvildeleje Strandhotel – Choose a homely, yet stylish, setting for your next conference

By Yane Christensen | Photos: Helenekilde Badehotel & Tisvildeleje Strandhotel

Helenekilde Badehotel and Tisvildeleje Strandhotel are two hotels in the coastal town of Tisvildeleje in the north of Zealand. Both hotels offer excellent conference facilities.

The hotels are owned by former ballet dancer Alexander Kølpin, who executed recent refurbishments in his trademark luxurious yet relaxed style, resulting in a personal and homely atmosphere. “Within one hour of arrival, our guests will have loosened their ties,” says general manager Pia Remillard. The emphasis is on making guests feel at home and the service is informal and attentive.

Helenekilde Badehotel is a classic beach hotel in a top location with stunning sea views. The hotel dates back almost a century but has all the modern comforts you would expect from a top end hotel. The conference facilities include four meeting rooms of various sizes; the largest one has a capacity of 30. All rooms have up-to-date technical facilities and wireless broadband.

The hotel has 28 newly renovated bedrooms, painted in hues that mimic the Kattegat Sea outside. Some have sea views and all have en-suite bathrooms. The interiors are eclectic, with individually sourced furniture from around the world and historic photos from the locality.

Tisvildeleje Strandhotel similarly offers up-to-date technical facilities. The largest conference room is a renovated stable, which has a capacity of 60. In addition, there are many cosy corners suitable for smaller meetings. The interiors are inspired by Karen Blixen's African farm, and the mood is aptly described as 'barefoot luxury'. New to this hotel is the 'Conference Camp' concept, where clients can hire the whole hotel and entirely tailor the event to suit their requirements.

The hotels can organise activities including mountain biking, yoga and guided walks.

Tisvildeleje is just one and a half hours drive from Copenhagen Airport. The area is decidedly up-market, and the stunning dune-backed beaches are famed for their white sand. Both of these venues would appeal to any client who is looking for a beautiful, relaxing environment for their next conference.

Helenekilde Badehotel

Both hotels serve home-made rustic food, inspired by Nordic traditions, using seasonal and locally sourced produce whenever possible. When the weather permits, food will be served outside on the terraces.

For more information, please visit: www.helenekilde.com www.strand-hotel.dk

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 95

Conference of the Month, Norway:

Sundvolden Hotel creates the perfect environment for your conference Sundvolden Hotel is a peaceful getaway only 35 minutes from the buzzing capital of Oslo. Surrounded by fjords and mountains, the 350-year-old establishment’s history is brought into our time with functional and stylish architecture, delicious local food and a relaxing spa. Successfully combining old and new, it is a place where the guest always comes first.

By: Dyveke Nilssen | Photos: Sundvolden Hotel and conference centre it is today. Starting with around 20 rooms, it now has 258, and there have been several expansions to meet a growing demand.

“It is the only hotel close to the capital that is this big and privately owned. Here, you can expect to see the hosts wandering about in the halls. This creates a personal touch and means that we are flexible and solution oriented,” explains owner Cecilie Laeskogen.

The hotel and restaurant business at Sundvolden started more than 350 years ago, and over the years it has been used as a country inn as well as a farm. It was not until 1965, when Laeskogen’s fatherin-law bought the building, that it started to be developed into the impressive hotel

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Hosts Cecilie and Tord Moe Laeskogen

“We are happy that we have been able to keep the old parts but still bring it up to date. It is a highly modern hotel in the way that it is run and the way it looks, but it has loads of history. We are constantly developing our product to meet our guests’ expectations and needs, and try to offer the activities and environmental awareness expected in our time and age,” says Laeskogen.

Scan Business | Conference of the Month | Norway

Sundvolden is part of the Historic Hotels and Restaurants in Norway, which is a collection of unique accommodation and eateries across the country.

“We are in great company with others places, where the hosting, local food and personal service are in focus. All of that is important to us. We even have our own service school for our crew of 150 people,” says the hotel director.

Well-being and art Since the mid-70s, the hotel has mainly been used for conferences, as the convenient location 35 minutes west of Oslo makes it a popular destination for business people.

Because of this, there is high focus on wellbeing at the hotel. Lit candles, pillows and beautiful aesthetics are a part of all the surroundings to create the right atmosphere.

“People are here to work, and during breaks between meetings, we wish to offer a casual and relaxed environment where our guests are taken care of and can unwind. The outside facilities make the experience complete. When the sun is shining, it means that you can go outside and enjoy the weather, instead of watching it from inside. We also encourage our guests to enjoy their meals in our outdoor restaurant when the weather is nice.”

There is a fully-equipped fitness centre in the hotel as well as a spa with a range of treatments; the established golf course Storøya is situated on an island in the Tyrifjord only three minutes down the road. Art lovers will also find something for their tastes, as a unique collection of contemporary art gathered over the years is exhibited in the hotel and in a gallery, which also collaborates with known Gallery Semmingsen in Oslo.

Best of Norway According to Laeskogen, Sundvolden Hotel is the perfect place to see “miniature Norway.”

“When you arrive, you step into striking nature with mountains, fjords and woods.

The best of Norway can be experienced right here, literally a ski trip away from Oslo,” she says.

To enjoy the outdoors, you can go hiking or trekking, skiing during the winter or on a boat ride over Tyrifjorden in the summer.

Kayaks and bicycles are available, and you are encouraged to go out and experience the beautiful surroundings.

Local food A vital part of running Sundvolden is that the ingredients used in the restaurant are grown locally. The hotel has its own baker, pastry chef and butcher. They use fish from the nearby fjords and rivers and get other produce from neighbouring farms. It is served in the form of a grand lunch buffet and à la carte for dinner, and bigger groups can request a menu for themselves. There is also a wide selection of wines from across the word.

“It is important for us to serve proper food.

We make it from scratch with ingredients from within a one or two hour radius from here. The feeling of knowing that all the components are local gives a distinctive feel to the food; it is great,” says Laeskogen.

The menu changes according to what produce is available. “It’s a fun challenge for the cooks, and they are also encouraged to create modern dishes. They make sushi and take pride in following food trends from different parts of the world. For all our guests food is important, and that’s why it is important for us too.”

CONFERENCE FACTS • 22,000 square metres • Several original meeting rooms • Four conference halls for up to 700 people • 30 modern meeting rooms of different sizes • Organising a special conference 9 May to discuss children’s rights growing up in challenging environments

For more information, please visit http://sundvolden.no/

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 97

Conference of the Month, Faroe Islands:

GreenGate Incoming: Conferences with contrasts on the Faroe Islands

By Lasse Berg Sørensen | Photos: GreenGate Incoming

Fierce nature, modern lifestyle, old traditions and an international outlook: The Faroe Islands are truly a place of contrasts, and this is what is going to make the small islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean one of the world’s top conference destinations.

“Authentic, unspoiled, and likely to remain so,” with these words, the Faroe Islands were ranked number one in a 2007 National Geographic survey among 111 different islands in the world.

Despite being voted the best island destination in the world, the Faroese themselves often find that foreigners do not know much about the little volcanic island in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, and this is a shame.

“People often wonder if you can even do anything on the Faroe Islands, and if it isn’t just all rain, wind and mist,” says Marni Hjallnafoss, managing director at GreenGate Incoming, a company that specialises in arranging travel, conferences

98 | Issue 27 | March 2011

and other sorts of visits to the Faroe Islands.

“But the good thing about low expectations is that people are often positively surprised, because they get more than they thought they would,” Hjallnafoss adds. “The fact is that we have excellent physical surroundings for hosting conferences and other MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) activities.

We have fine hotels and conference venues with excellent facilities, such as Hotel Føroyar and Hotel Hafnia, as well as the Nordic House.”

“We can offer fine cuisine using local ingredients and seasoned with a touch of local traditions, good transportation and infrastructure, and a range of exciting and challenging activities and experiences to our clients.”

“And the Faroe Islands are not that far away,” Hjallnafoss explains. “The local airline Atlantic Airways offers good connections from Copenhagen three to four

times daily and from other destinations too, and the flight is only about two hours long.”

Conferences on the Faroe Islands, however, are a bit different from those in other countries. According to Hjallnafoss, the beautiful volcanic nature is a big part of any conference on the Faroe Islands.

“We have exceptional wildlife. In just 20-30 minutes on the bus or by boat, you are out in wild nature. The contrasts are very great on the Faroe Islands, and that’s what our guests notice,” Hjallnafoss says, and mentions that all sorts of different adventure experiences, like sailing in caves, hiking and rappelling, can be combined with a conference.

“The Faroese nature and climate is wild and gentle at the same time, and you can easily experience all four seasons in one day. It’s almost like being at the end of the world.”

It is not just the exceptional nature that makes conferences on the Faroe Islands

special. Because of the limited size of the country, and the fact that only about 50,000 people live on the Faroe Islands, there are only a few conferences a year; according to Hjallnafoss, this means that the people working at GreenGate Incoming are able to make them more personal and customized.

The personal and friendly experiences are also a result of the Faroese culture, says managing director Hjallnafoss and explains that the Faroese are very connected to their culture and history and very aware of their cultural heritage.

Think thoughts without boundaries Let the Faroe Islands create the perfect framework for your conference tour, where your thoughts can be just as impressive as the magnificent nature. Let the unspoiled scenery inspire ideas you have never had before, and return home with even more clarity.

“The Faroese are very friendly and caring people and greet foreigners with open arms. We see ourselves as one big family and we are used to taking care of our loved ones.”

And although it is a small country, there is room for everybody, stresses Hjallnafoss.

“We do everything in our power to make sure everybody is having a good time. It means a lot to us.”

Hjallnafoss explains that because of its small size, the people of the Faroe Islands often look out to the rest of the world and are usually very internationally minded and hence well equipped to serve foreign visitors.

“The Faroese are quite well-travelled, and a big part of the population has studied abroad. Otherwise we would go crazy living on such a small island,” Hjallnafoss jokes.

“Because of this we know other cultures and are used to speaking other languages - at least English and the Scandinavian languages,” adds Hjallnafoss, who himself has lived in Denmark, France and England.

Facts: • The biggest city is Tórshavn, which has nearly 20,000 inhabitants.

• Visit the Faroe Islands at www.greengate.fo • The local airline www.atlantic.fo • Hotel Føroyar www.hotelforoyar.com

flight from Copenhagen incl. flighttax 2 nights at the 4-star Hotel Føroyar breakfast included 5-star conference facilities full pension airport transfers a full day meeting package a half day teambuilding / sightseeing

Price per person from........... DKK

5.900,Single supplement ............... DKK 790,min. 10 persons Contact us for more information. The possibilities are endless. For inspiration visit www.greengate.fo

Tel +298 350 520 | info@greengate.fo | www.greengate.fo

Conference of the Month, Finland:

Tampere Hall – Finland’s most attractive congress and concert centre offers versatile facilities and dedicated service

By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Tampere Hall

Tampere Hall opened its doors in 1990 as a dynamic conference and concert venue with the capacity and motivation to host anything from large international congresses and events to multiple small conferences simultaneously. The city of Tampere, a vibrant centre for university education and new industries, is located in the southern part of the country, less than a two hour drive from Helsinki, with its own international airport. Accordingly, as one of Scandinavia’s most popular congress centres, Tampere Hall is conveniently located and thoroughly welcoming in its atmosphere, representing the best of Nordic architecture and design; it is airy, bright and fresh, with beautiful light surfaces.

festivals. “We would encourage people to organize congresses also in winter, when the arctic nature is at its most exotic,” says Erika Eischer, who heads the congress department at Tampere Hall. “In winter, delegates could try tour skating or ice fishing on our vast, frozen lakes,” she continues.

The majority of international congresses in Finland are held in the summer, when delegates can enjoy the bright summer nights, beautiful nature and unique city

“Our staff are there to help you every step of the way,” says Eischer. “It’s all about a full-service experience that will provide you with all the assistance that you need. Since

100 | Issue 27 | March 2011

Having been voted best congress venue in Finland several times running, Tampere Hall is known for its professionalism, helpful staff and versatile state-of-theart facilities. The elegant Main Auditorium can seat up to 2,000 people, however, with 15 different types of meeting rooms varying in size, there is always a room, auditorium, studio or hall that will correspond to your event or meeting requirements.

we haven’t outsourced our services, we have regular staff who know the building and its functions thoroughly, and are highly dedicated to assisting our customers.”

Tampere Hall is also an eco-building that has been running environmental programmes for over 15 years. As a new feature, the Tammerkoski rapids provide electricity for the centre, just like it used to during the city’s industrial heyday in the 19th century.

Contact information: Tampere Hall Yliopistonkatu 55 33100 Tampere Finland Tel. +358 3 243 4800 For more information, please visit: www.tampere-talo.fi

Scan Business | News | Chambers of Commerce

Danish-UK Chamber of Commerce 2011 has been deemed the year to ‘make or break your career’. As the recession is slowly releasing its grip on most industries, more and more companies are starting to recruit fresh talent, as they recover from the lows of 2009.

The Nordic Chambers welcome anyone, companies and individuals, with an interest to be part of this dynamic and vibrant event. Please go to our website for more information:

The Nordic Career Forum on 23 March comes in the wake of career-boosting new year’s resolutions and at a time when hungry new talent is flooding the job market.

Recruitment firms are running on all cylinders during springtime, and the Nordic Chambers of Commerce are pleased to offer a unique venue for jobseekers, those interested in making the most of their current careers as well as corporations and institutions looking to bulk up their workforce.

UPCOMING EVENTS IN MARCH

Three key industries will be covered in detail at the forum, where speakers with

© Magnus Arrevad 2009

backgrounds in communication & marketing, consultancy and finance will provide valuable insight into their respective fields. Furthermore, a select number of companies will have the opportunity to be present at the venue, as stalls will be set up in the networking area enabling career minded individuals and companies to interact.

10 March Danish Business Angels in London, Clean Tech 23 March Nordic Career Forum “2011 – Will it make your Career?”

31 March Nordic Thursday Drinks, The Grange Hotel – St Paul’s, London For more information, please visit: www.ducc.co.uk/sm/Events/Upcoming/ Calendar/2011/march/23/

Danish-UK Chamber of Commerce | Phone: +44 (0) 20 7259 6795 | Email: info@ducc.co.uk | www.ducc.co.uk

Norwegian-British Chamber of Commerce Wealth planning Join us on 9 March when we invite you to a Wealth Planning seminar at DnB NOR’s London offices. The seminar is arranged by DnB NOR Luxembourg Private Banking and also features specialists on tax and insurance from some of London’s top companies.

Career opportunities For those of you who are still working towards needing wealth planning advice, we have the annual Joint-Nordic career seminar coming up on 23 March.

The topic is “2011 – will it make your career? Is now the time to work towards better job opportunities?” The career forum is aimed at ambitious young professionals and junior managers who are interested in finding out more about work opportunities in the UK and the Nordic region.

The competitive benefits of employing staff with international work experience are widely recognised, and we have therefore attracted interest from both Nordic and British companies who want to be part of the Career Forum either as sponsors, speakers or exhibitors.

If your company has something to offer young professionals with international experience, and you would like to be represented at the Career Forum, then do not hesitate to contact the Norwegian-British Chamber of Commerce.

If you are a young professional wanting to get to know some of the most desirable companies to work for, then sign up to attend the Career Forum on our website.

For more information on these and other upcoming business events, check our website for the latest news.

UPCOMING EVENTS IN MARCH 9 March

Wealth planning seminar. DnB NOR Luxembourg. Venue: DnB NOR London 16 March Aberdeen Wednesday Drinks.

Venue: Johnston Carmichael 23 March Joint-Nordic Career Forum.

Venue: Radisson BLU Portman hotel.

31 March Nordic Thursday Drinks.

Venue: TBC

Norwegian-British Chamber of Commerce | Phone: +44 (0) 20 7930 0181 | Email: info@nbccuk.com | www.nbccuk.com

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 101

Scan Business | News | Chambers of Commerce

Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK The Chamber’s events season started on 1 February and within two weeks of hosting events we had welcomed over 1,000 guests. It is a fantastic response to our calendar of events and a sign that AngloSwedish business is of growing interest.

One of the Chamber’s main roles is to promote the exchange of ideas and knowledge between individuals, companies, sectors and the two countries. This was highlighted at this year’s “Business Meets Politics” seminar on 1 February, covering aspects of social responsibility. The event brought together opinion makers from both Sweden and the UK and from both business and politics.

February also highlighted entrepreneurship when the Chamber hosted an entrepreneurship seminar and visit together with Young Entrepreneurs of Sweden. 30 entrepreneurs under the age of 30 from Sweden ventured to the UK to meet like-

ences. This spring will also see events ranging from topics such as macro economics, structural trends and consumer culture, venture capital, taxation and property. It is a busy year ahead so keep a close look at our website on www.scc.org.uk UPCOMING EVENTS minded entrepreneurs in the UK, venture capitalists and other business people in London for a three day visit, culminating in a seminar on the challenges of young entrepreneurship, hosted in association with Sandbox and LSE Entrepreneurs.

But there is so much more to come. In March, we are happy to welcome members to meet Sven-Göran Eriksson, the former England manager and new Leicester City manager. Eriksson will be answering questions on how he has managed his career in the UK and his experi-

15 March Meet Sven-Göran Eriksson 19 March Patrons’ Luncheon at Tottenham Hotspurs vs West Ham 23 March Nordic Career Forum 28 March Joint Nordic Breakfast with Rickard Gustafson, President & CEO, Scandinavian Airlines 1 April JCC Spring After Work at Supper Club 7 April Structural trends and consumer culture More events will be listed on www.scc.org.uk

Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK | Phone: +44 (0) 20 7224 8001 | Email: info@scc.org.uk | www.scc.org.uk

Finnish-British Chamber of Commerce The beginning of the year has flown by fast, and it is already mid-February. FBCC has been busy with planning new events and providing some interesting meeting places for its members.

FBCC started February by visiting EBRD (European Bank of Reconstruction and Development). Our host was Jari Koskinen, currently a member of the Board of Directors of EBRD and previously a Minister for Agriculture and Forestry in Finland. The visit took place in collaboration with Westminster Kokoomus (National Coalition Party). The presentation, which inspired many questions, was held at the round table in the meeting room of EBRD overlooking the City of London.

On the following day, FBCC cooperated on the PAGE Three exhibition closing party and organized the Art & Jazz Networking Evening. The participants had a

Visit to EBRD on 10 Feb

great opportunity to admire the works of three artists, including Finnish Anssi Sojakka, whilst listening to jazz and enjoying wine and nibbles.

FBCC’s next big event will be Joint Nordic Career Forum in March organized together with three other Nordic Chambers (DanishBritish, Norwegian-British and Swedish).

The Career Forum will be a unique chance particularly for young professionals living in London to find out more about their career

opportunities. The Career Forum will be one of the most appealing FBCC events of the spring aimed at our Junior members and all the non-members interested in the situation of the job markets in the UK. This spring, FBCC has various interesting events lined up concerning the different sectors that our members have found intriguing and worth discussing. Information will be updated on our website: www.fbcc.co.uk.

To find out how FBCC can make a difference in your business please contact us at info@fbcc.co.uk.

UPCOMING EVENTS 24 Feb Joint Nordic Drinks at Hyatt Churchill 23 March Joint Nordic Career Forum 31 March Joint Nordic Drinks at Granges St Paul’s

Finnish-British Chamber of Commerce | Phone: +44 (0) 20 8741 6352 | Email: events@fbcc.co.uk | www.fbcc.co.uk

102 | Issue 27 | March 2011

Scan Magazine | Culture | Von Hertzen Brothers

Von Hertzen Brothers – London calling

By Nia Kajastie | Photo: Courtesy of Von Hertzen Brothers

For the Von Hertzen Brothers, playing rock is a real family affair, as the Finnish band consists of siblings Mikko (vocalist/ guitarist), Kie (guitarist/vocalist) and Jonne (bassist/ vocalist) von Hertzen. After three albums and huge success back home in Finland, the band is now ready to take on the UK with their fourth record Stars Aligned. And if you missed their high energy UK debut gig at the Jazz Café in London on 17 February, do not worry, as the new album also signifies a fresh, more international outlook for the brothers.

ERRN PH QRZ

Von Hertzen Brothers have pretty much achieved bona fide rock star status in Finland, with their second, Finnish Grammy awardwinning album Approach (2006) selling gold, and their third one, Love Remains The Same (2008), going straight to the top of the Finnish album charts. Before their combined success, the brothers had garnered experience playing separately for other Finnish bands and artists (all of them extremely popular as well). So why the sudden urge to establish an international reputation? “When you’ve been working on a

record for a year or even longer than that, you really want to get it out there,” explains Mikko.

“And with Finland being so small, you are always left a bit unsatisfied, wanting more, and as an international band we could play a lot more gigs. We’ve been wanting to do this for a long time already and now feels like the right moment.”

And according to a lot of fans, if a Finnish band could make it abroad, it would be the Von Hertzen Brothers. Their English-language progressive, psychedelic rock has been influenced by so many English and American greats, that somebody has even described them as “Foo Fighters playing Pink Floyd’s greatest hits after spending years in India singing to Beach Boys tunes”. So not your stereotypically Finnish fare, one might say.

However, if you are not convinced yet, then you should definitely make it a priority to see them live if you get the chance. Scan Magazine was there at the Jazz Café in February, and we can attest that they are definitely not just a studio

band; they are energetic, engaging and, most importantly, on point. And even though, according to Mikko, they are not your typical radio band meticulously churning out hit after hit, they have still recorded some very anthemic tunes to bop along to, including new single Angel’s Eyes.

Von Hertzen Brother’s new studio album Stars Aligned is out 14 March.

For more information, please visit www.vonhertzenbrothers.com

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Scan Magazine | Culture | The Danish Church in London

From left to right: Kasper Høeg-Jensen, Else Hviid & Ian Berman

The Danish Church in London – a cultural centre for the modern Dane St Katharine’s is a church for all Danes living in the southern part of England, located in Regent’s Park, near Camden Town. The church offers its members essential religious and cultural services as well as a social network and safety net that they can always rely on. It is a haven for Danes, looking for a piece of their own identity in a vast foreign, metropolitan city. The church and its pastors welcome all Danes with open arms and hope to gain more members, so that this important sanctuary and culture house can continue to offer its services to everyone in need of them.

The history of the Danish Church in London goes all the way back 1692, when the Danish-Norwegian community was appointed its first chaplain. Moving locations over the years, the church as well as the seaman’s pastor have been operating from St. Katharine’s since 1952, while the building itself dates back to 1827. Renovated according to Danish ideals and traditions, the church is strikingly beautiful both inside and out, creating a warm and serene air for all visitors.

“It probably doesn’t get any more Danish than this, because the traditions that Danes recall from living in Denmark,

104 | Issue 27 | March 2011

they’re all here, exactly the same,” explains Ian Berman, chairman of the church council. “The services, everything is run the traditional way, so Danes can identify with it the minute they walk in; it’s like walking into a piece of Denmark.”

The importance of language, culture and identity According to pastor Else Hviid, this innate Danishness of the church is still very important for the Danes living in London, as even though with cheap flights and advanced technology their home country feels closer than ever, they still need a place to gather, socialise and maintain

By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Silje Glefjell

their own heritage. It is especially important for parents, who want their children to have a lasting connection to Denmark.

As language and identity go hand in hand, the Danish Church’s Saturday School has been teaching Danish to children of all age groups since 1970, and now every year up to 100 children join these lessons. The church also offers tuition in Danish for adults at a beginner and advanced level.

“Our Danish classes are a huge success for the church,” says Hviid. “Mainly because this is the only place you can go for Danish classes.” Kasper Høeg-Jensen, the deputy head of the mission at the Dan-

Scan Magazine | Culture | The Danish Church in London

ish embassy and a member of the church council, adds: “It’s very important for their roots. Here, they can access Danish books, films and music. However, it’s always a challenge here, when our children go to international or English schools, and there is no Danish option, like the Norwegian and Swedish schools in London. We don’t have that, so it’s important for the cultural connection to Denmark.”

are, but financially we’re not. We depend on membership fees to run the church and finance our activities. In Denmark, you pay church taxes automatically, while here you pay voluntarily.”

In addition to the Danish classes, the church offers diverse cultural activities and hobby groups, where people can network and feel embraced by this close community. Danish movies and sports matches are shown at the church, and a lot of specifically Nordic or Danish celebrations are held here as well. The upcoming fastelavn (carnival) and Skt.Hans (midsummer) are only a few examples of these festivities. “You don’t get them in this country. We’ve all been to fastelavn when we were kids. But there’s a difference between telling these stories to your own children and giving them the same experience that you had,” adds Hviid. Another excellent part of their cultural offerings is the church’s shop that sells Danish groceries on top of the homemade lunch served after Sunday service.

Accordingly, for Danes in London to be able to, for example, enrol their children at the Saturday School at St Katharine’s, they need to be paying members of the church.

“In Denmark, you’d have to actively say no, not to be a part of the church, while here you have to actively say yes,” adds HøegJensen.

Without the membership fees, there would be no Danish community or social and financial safety net in the form of the Danish Church. For the church to be able to continue its essential work, Hviid and her colleagues are reaching out to their fellow Danes, who might not yet be aware of the church and its important function as a thoroughly embracing culture house, meeting place and spiritual sanctuary that is inherently Danish in all its ways.

Support the Danish Church “The important thing to understand is that, unlike the other Nordic churches in London, the Danish Church here is not part of the Danish state or church in Denmark,” stresses Hviid. “Ideologically we

Membership details (annual fees): Single member £50 Family £75 Retired and Students £35 Contact details: The Danish Church 4 St Katharine's Precinct London NW1 4HH Tel. 020 7935 7584 mail@danskekirke.org For more information and to become a member, please visit: www.danskekirke.org

Issue 27 | March 2011 | 105

Scan Magazine | Culture | Music & Culture Calendar

Scandinavian Music Over the last couple of years, Denmark has been slowly and surreptitiously spawning an exciting new music act – the electropop duo that is Electric Lady Lab. Last month, their debut album Flash finally arrived, and we have to say that after a few listens it’s shaping up to be quite the masterpiece of the genre. It strikes an impressive balance between being infectiously catchy and effortlessly cool at the same time. There are lots of standout tracks, but

I would suggest It’s Over Now, Dangerous, and the Rhythm Is A Dancer sampling You And Me as a good starting point!

In Sweden, two almighty indie titans have joined forces and are collaborating on a new music project. Erik Hassle and the group Kent are a match made in Swedish radio heaven, and the first fruit of their labour is the new Erik Hassle single Are You Leaving. The track is a mid-tempo electro jam, that picks up where Robyn’s Dancing On My Own left off, in musical terms. The melody is slightly more subtle though, but no less beautiful. More music will come from them later this year.

Norwegian popstrel Anine Stang has unveiled her new single. Dominoes sounds like a pop/rock song from half a decade ago that’s been given an eighties

By Karl Batterbee

electro makeover, and then reproduced to sound like the pop of today. On paper that may sound like a huge mess, but in practice, in this case anyway, it works very well!

Finally, new Swedish male duo, Rebound, have produced their best single to date, and the first which sounds like it could genuinely be an international crossover hit. Psycho is an atmospheric pop ballad, heavy on the beats and also on the piano and strings too. It’s got a ridiculously catchy chorus. It’s also accompanied by quite a disturbing video, which you can check out on YouTube. www.scandipop.co.uk scandipop@googlemail.com

Scandinavian Culture Calendar MARCH Peter, Bjorn and John (Feb/March) In 2006, the Swedish indie rock band Peter, Bjorn and John released their single Young Folks, featuring singer Victoria Bergsman, which became a top 20 hit in the UK Singles Chart. They are now touring the UK with their new album Gimme Some. www.peterbjornandjohn.com

Elusive by Heidi C. Morstang (Until 18 March) “What is seeing?” is the question that Norwegian artist Heidi C. Morstang asked blind and visually impaired people in Wales. This resulted in her photographic series Camera Obscure, which is now exhibited as part of the group exhibition Elusive at Camberwell Space, London, WC1. www.camberwell.arts.ac.uk

106 | Issue 27 | March 2011

The Modern Danish Warehouse (Until 19 March) Last year's furniture pop-up shop success is back in London and will be showcasing midcentury Danish design and vintage school furniture by designers such as Arne Jacobsen.

The Garage, London, SW3. www.themoderndanishwarehouse.com

Lars Elling (15 March–28 April) Norwegian artist Lars Elling's paintings are inspired by old family snapshots and old magazine images as well as Old Masters' work.

He has been compared to artists like Paula Rego and Francis Bacon. This is his first UK exhibition. Thomas Williams Gallery, London, W1S. www.thomaswilliamsfineart.com

Hannu Lintu conducts the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (16 March) An afternoon concert with music by Beethoven, Dvorák and Liszt. Conducted by Hannu Lintu and accompanied by Canadian pianist Angela Hewitt. Symphony Hall, Birmingham. www.cbso.co.uk

By Sara Schedin

Hannu Lintu photo by Heikki Tuuli

– Where to go, what to see? It’s all happening here!

DancEUnion (16 March) Finnish dancer Maija Hirvanen will perform her work during this three day long unique sampling of the best contemporary dance on offer today. Southbank Centre, London, SE1. www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Gospel Choir Workshop at the Danish Church (17 March) John Fisher, who is one of London's most prominent choir conductors, will run a one-off gospel choir workshop at the Danish Church in London. Everyone is welcome, and you do not need any choir experience. Fisher has more than

Scan Magazine | Culture | Music & Culture Calendar 25 years of experience as a choir director and has worked with the likes of Luciano Pavarotti, Michael Bublé and Chaka Khan. The Danish Church, London, NW1. www.danskekirke.org

Eric Prydz (2 April) Swedish electro-house DJ and producer Eric Prydz will showcase his new live show Epic in London in April. Prydz is the man behind the 2004 top hit single Call On Me. Brixton Academy, London, SW9. www.ericprydz.tv

Finnish film viewing (21 March)

José Gonzáles (11 April)

Crashdiet | Photo by Gustaf Sandholm Anderson

Jaga Jazzist (30 March)

Dark Decadence tour (March/April)

Experimental jazz from one of Norway's most innovative bands. The BBC named Jaga Jazzist's 2002 debut album the best album of the year. Scala, London, N1. www.scala-london.co.uk

Scandinavian rock bands the 69 Eyes, Hardcore Superstar and Crashdïet have teamed up to go on the Dark Decadence tour in the UK this spring. www.69eyes.com www.hardcoresuperstar.com www.crashdiet.org

Jaga Jazzist 2009 | Photo by Robin Ottersen

A one-off show with the Swedish singersongwriter José Gonzáles and the 20 strong orchestral collective the Gothenburg String Theory. Gonzáles is known for his soft acoustic music and beautiful covers of songs such as the Knife's Heartbeats. Barbican Hall, London, EC2. www.jose-gonzalez.com

Children of Bodom (April) Finnish heavy metal headliners Children of Bodom are on tour in the UK. The band incorporates several music genres such as neo-classical metal, speed metal and power metal. www.cobhc.com

Homesick?

All your favourite Scandinavian foods now available on-line

SCANDINAVIAN KITCHEN DELI, GROCERIES & CAFE 61 GREAT TITCHFIELD ST. LONDON W1W 7PP T: 020 7580 7161 WWW.SCANDIKITCHEN.CO.UK

Jose Gonzales | Photo by Kim Svensson

A screening of Finnish director Antti-Jussi Annila's film Jade Warrior at the Scandinavian Seaman's Church in Liverpool. The film is inspired by the Finnish epic Kalevala and is set in ancient China and present day Finland. For tickets call Tony Slater on 0151 336 2176. www.nordicliverpool.co.uk

LONDON CITY TO COPENHAGEN FROM £66 ONE WAY With a flight time of less than 2 hours and a check in time of only 15 minutes, you’ll hope the rest of your stay doesn’t go as quickly. Book at ba.com

Fares are for one-way economy (Euro Traveller) flights from London City Airport. All fares include all applicable taxes, fees and charges correct at 25 February 2011. Fares are only available on selected flights, limited seats available. Fares are based on debit card payment, credit card charges apply. Advertised fares are available only on ba.com. Additional charges may apply if purchased through other BA outlets or travel agents. Bookings cannot be refunded but changes are permitted before the day of departure for £60 per person per transaction, in addition to any difference in fare. Services operated by BA CityFlyer.