Scan Magazine | Issue 29 | May 2011 by Scan Client Publishing

SCAN

SOFIE GRÅBØL – A SCANDINAVIAN HEROINE SUMMER IN NORTHERN NORWAY TRAVEL TIPS FOR ÖSTERGÖTLAND & UPPLAND MUSIC AND MAGIC IN RØROS

PROMOTING BRAND SCANDINAVIA

ISSUE 29

MAY 2011

M A G A Z I N E

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Scan Magazine | Contents

Contents COVER FEATURE 8

Sofie Gråbøl

8 28

TRAVEL FEATURE

TRAVEL THEMES 15

Haugesund

Summer in Northern Norway The midnight sun is observed everywhere north of the Arctic Circle, lending a golden, warming light to the fantastic landscapes.

A Swede in The Fat Duck Work placements at Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck restaurant are highly sought after; 19year-old Swede Jesper Berggren, the top student chef at the Restaurant School in Nyköping, was awarded a culinary scholarship by the UK based charitable organisation the AngloSwedish Society to work at the restaurant.

Uppland Uppland is a multi-faceted and fascinating discovery, including five regions, all with their own distinctive character. Here you can also discover Uppsala, the city of inspiration and knowledge.

FOOD FEATURES

Östergötland Your journey through East Sweden will be punctuated by thrilling entertainment parks, idyllic outdoor experiences and all the attractions of city life, and you can combine a tour of the many islands on the Baltic coast with days out shopping in the city.

Music and magic in Røros Perched on a steep hillside on the eastern side of central Norway, little can prepare you for the exceptional beauty of Røros. Until early spring Røros is invariably draped in a heavy blanket of snow, however, the music festival Vinterfestspill warms things up considerably.

In the middle of Fjord Norway, you will find the Haugesund region. This is the homeland of the Viking kings – Norway’s birthplace.

Thy – West Denmark Thy lies beautifully surrounded by the Limfjord and the North Sea in Denmark. Its unique position gives nature a very special sort of appearance, and we are tempted to claim that all Denmark’s variations on nature are assembled in this one part of the country.

She hardly needs an introduction anymore: the lead actress of Danish TV crime series The Killing, Sofie Gråbøl, has captivated the British BBC audience on Saturday nights this entire spring in her role as the murder investigator Sarah Lund.

Danish Food Direct A lot of specific Scandinavian food ingredients are nowhere to be found on UK supermarket shelves. However, one place you can always turn to is Danish Food Direct – an online grocery store that is always looking to expand their selection of delicacies.

Culture in Finland 2011 Finnish culture comprises the Finnish way of life, the people and the best culinary bits of Finnish cuisine.

REGULARS & COLUMNS 12 66 84

Scan Business

REGULARS & COLUMNS 73

FEATURES 78

Developing the Swedish brand Key Note by Annika Wahlberg, Managing Director, Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK

UK tax – where are we now after the Budget? By Helena Whitmore, McGuireWoods London LLP

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

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

Issue 29 | May 2011 | 3

Scan Magazine | Editor’s Note

Dear Reader, In our May edition, Scan Magazine is continuing with its theme of Scandinavian crime; this time around as made popular through the medium of television. The newest Scandinavian crime-fighting heroine on the scene is woolly-jumperwearing Sarah Lund, played by actress Sofie Gråbøl, who is also on our cover this month. Lund is the main character of Danish hit TV drama The Killing, which has also managed to captivate the British audience on BBC4. Set in a darker, grittier version of Copenhagen than we’re normally used to seeing, this thrilling whodunit has kept people at the edge of their seats for 20 hours altogether. Although the first series has now come to an end, a second will be shown in the UK later this year, and you can always purchase the DVDs. But what is most important: this TV show has further solidified the status of well-written Scandinavian crime drama (and novels) abroad. Read more about Sofie Gråbøl and Sarah Lund in our cover story.

In an additional travel feature, journalist Andrew Mellor tells us about his visit to the beautiful Norwegian town of Røros and his experiences at the Vinterfestspill music festival there. Turn to our culture section to read more about Faroese artist Amariel Norðoy whose work will be on display at the Wimbledon Fine Art gallery in London from 22 May onwards. And don’t forget to enter our two fantastic competitions to win an iPad 2 and some tickets to see Swedish jazz. Scan Magazine is also on Twitter – Follow us @ScanMagazine to get all the latest news on Scandinavian topics. I hope you enjoy our May issue!

Nia Kajastie Editor

For our travel themes this month, we’ve looked at the Norwegian district of Haugalandet and the city of Haugesund as well as all the things you can see and do in Northern Norway in the summer. We’ve also explored the Swedish provinces of Östergötland and Uppland, and the Danish district of Thy. Continuing from last issue’s Turku, the European Capital of Culture 2011, theme, this time we’re introducing cultural events and venues all over Finland.

Scan Magazine Issue 29 | May 2011 Published 10.05.2011 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

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Contributors Linnéa Mitchell Julie Guldbrandsen Inna Hakala Ingrid Marie Holmeide Anette Berve Sven Riis Houston Anna Lindgren Signe Hansen Emelie Krugly Ulrika Osterlund Linnea Dunne Lykke Fabricius Port Andrew Mellor Victoria Lagnehag Charlotte Kany Yane Christensen Samantha Wong Katrine Kirch Kirkegaard Bronte Aurell Christina Sanderson Mette Lisby Maria Smedstad

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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. 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. 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”. 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.

Christina Sanderson is an Anglo-Swede based in London. A Cambridge art history graduate, she worked for several years in the auction business. She now works as an art consultant, runs cultural tours in Sweden and writes on art for Scan Magazine. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Linnéa Mitchell is a freelance journalist who came to London in 2003 as a TV announcer for Swedish TV3. She now contributes to English and Swedish publications, parallel to doing voiceover jobs as well as blogging for a children's/parents’ website.

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Charlotte Kany is back in Copenhagen, Denmark, after living in London for more than a year. She has an MA in Communication & Rhetoric from the University of Copenhagen. She has gained years of experience within the media industry working in PR & communication. She loves to travel all around the world plus keeping updated on all things cultural.

Inna Hakala is a freelance writer, translator and photographer whose passions lie in all things art and design. She moved to the UK from her native Finland in 2001 and has since developed a chronic yearning for sauna. Having travelled much of the world, Signe Hansen, MA graduate in Journalism and previous editor at Scan Magazine, is now back freelancing in London, where she writes on everything Scandinavian and her main passions: culture, travel and health. Ulrika Osterlund spent most of her life in London, but recently returned to Stockholm, where she is working as a journalist. She studied international business in Paris and journalism in London. She is also a budding novelist. Linnea Dunne has been writing professionally for over 10 years. Having started out on a local paper in Sweden, she is passionate about Scandinavian music and culture, and currently works in London as a full-time writer and translator.

Photo: Tine Harden

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Sofie Gråbøl

Sofie Gråbøl – a Scandinavian heroine She hardly needs an introduction anymore: the lead actress of Danish TV crime series The Killing, Sofie Gråbøl, has captivated the British BBC audience on Saturday nights this entire spring in her role as the murder investigator Sarah Lund. With a second series promised this autumn, Scan Magazine thought the time was right to get to know the woman with the sweater a little better. By Linnéa Mitchell | Cover photo: Bjarne Bergius Hermansen

Knowing the murderer of The Killing was like keeping a national secret for Gråbøl, as the nation became completely obsessed with finding out who the killer was. Not knowing herself until the very end (the writer refused to give out anything in advance throughout the filming), she enjoyed wild conversations with strangers in Copenhagen cafés and supermarkets.

was religiously attached. “I don’t know what it hit with the British people but it’s such a joy,” says Gråbøl, as Scan Magazine catches her for a conversation during

Photo: Bjarne Bergius Hermansen

The first series screened in Denmark in 2007. It has since been shown in other European countries, but nowhere has the success been as big as in Britain. Not that it had record viewing figures, but the audience that did follow the 20-episode murder investigation

a busy theatre commitment. “Maybe we are related more than we know.” The fluke beginning Gråbøl’s character Sarah Lund is the latest heroine of the ongoing Scandinavian

crime wave: an emotionally closed police investigator, unable to communicate, who puts her family second due to an obsession with finding the murderer. In Denmark, Gråbøl has been a national icon for 25 years, since her breakthrough role in Barndommens Gade (Early Spring) in 1986. She has never been to theatre school and nobody in her family works in the film industry. Since 1986, it has pretty much been non-stop. Gråbøl never sat down and decided that this was what she wanted to do. “I’ve always been very, very privileged and have been able to move freely between stage work, film and TV series, and also in so many different gen-

Issue 29 | May 2011 | 9

Sofie Gråbøl was nominated for an International Emmy Award in 2008 for her role in The Killing. Photo: Tine Harden

res. I’ve done everything from comedy to Shakespeare,” she says. It started very coincidentally when her mother suggested that she should go to an audition for the French/British/Danish production Gauguin (after worryingly noticing her daughter’s lack of interest in doing anything but sleeping until midday and working in a hotel since finishing school). She got a small part and it took off from there. The creation of a heroine The scriptwriter Søren Sveistrup had a very clear idea about The Killing: one

10 | Issue 29 | May 2011

murder, 20 episodes and a female detective. But it did not stop him from listening to other ideas. Knowing Gråbøl well from their last collaboration Nikolaj og Julie (another success on Danish television, which won an Emmy), he invited her to brainstorm with him at an early stage. Gråbøl, like all creative people looking for a challenge, remembers saying that she wanted to play a character who was isolated, but at peace with that. “He knows what he wants, but he’s always interested in having a dialogue,” says Gråbøl. The character Sarah Lund took shape (with the famous woollen jumper, symbolising softness and avoiding the typical woman-

in-suit in a man’s world), although, once settled, it was not easy to get into at first. “I think it’s because it was so much in my bones to put emotions in every line, and I actually found it very hard not to.” All the people she could think of who acted that way were men so she decided to try to act like a man. “And that worked for me,” she says with a smile. But she does not necessarily think of Lund as a masculine character. “To me she’s a very feminine character; she’s just focused,” says Gråbøl. What was new to her this time was to work from the outside in. "I normally work from the inside out. You can catch the character by adding external

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Sofie Gråbøl

things and work your way in, or you can go from the inside out, and I think I normally do that," she says. Once at ease with the role, she found that she had a lot more in common with Sarah Lund than she thought. “With work there definitely are similarities between me and her because I’m also very engaged in my work. If I get involved in projects, I like to get married to them,” she says. The clichés One of the things The Killing has been credited with by almost every critic (almost touchingly, since it is the British press, after all) is its realism and absence of clichés, which Gråbøl does not completely agree with. “What I think is interesting is what the writer does with the genre,” she says. “Because when you are dealing with the crime genre, then you are dealing with clichés. But I think that what he (Sveistrup) does with the genre is showing that it can be used for so much more.” Consistently describing Sveistrup as a ‘very brave man’ she says: “There is this notion among TV workers that you are always only a click on the remote away from

the audience disappearing, and the danger of that is that this fear of boring the audience can make TV… I mean you throw in so many car chases, love stories, shootings out of fear of boring the audience, and I think that the success of The Killing proves that people want to go deeper, and they want to be challenged. They (the audience) want some more solid food. And I think that… yeah, we should give them that,” says Gråbøl. But, in all fairness, it is not exactly the first realistic and high-quality production by the Danish broadcast industry. From a Scandinavian perspective there seems to be this notion of surprise as to why there has been so much attention paid to Scandinavian crime stories, from Stieg Larsson to Jo Nesbø. The Scandinavian ‘noir’ genre is not new either, so what is it? “I don’t know... But it might be something about the Scandinavian soul. We have Ibsen, Strindberg and Bergman, and a fine tradition of drama that explores the darkness of the human mind. We feel at home with that.” The future It is hard to understand how a person who gets ‘married’ to every project she works

on can fit it all in (especially since her exhusband is working in the Ukraine, and she takes care of their two children alone – forget about nannies!). Even so, she is currently working in the theatre doing Ingmar Bergman’s Fanny og Alexander, and come autumn, it is time to film season three of The Killing. Plans for the longterm future do not really seem to have crossed her mind. “I’m a happy person in the sense that the character that I’m currently working on is always my biggest love,” she says. Reflecting on the past, however, she says: “The older I get, I find that I’m much more fascinated by the questions than the answers. When I was a young actor, I would always try to find all the answers for a character, but the older I get, and I think that goes for every human being, the more complex life seems in a way, and the more I actually allow it to be complex. There’s a beauty in that.” Will we see her in Britain sometime soon? “I just didn’t have the time this time around. Maybe this autumn it would be possible… I really should put on my sweater and walk down the street!” she laughs. Something tells me she would be very welcome.

Scenes from The Killing. Photos: Tine Harden

Issue 29 | May 2011 | 11

Scan Magazine | Design | We Love This

We love this...

By Julie Guldbrandsen. Email: julie@scanmagazine.co.uk

The sun is finally out, so jump on your bike (if you don’t have one, we suggest you have a look at the town bike below), enjoy the greenery and stop by some Scandinavian design shops to explore all the gorgeous spring/summer novelties.

Soren Rose Studio A very elegant oak sideboard designed by Danish design studio Soren Rose for Muuto. £ 2,390.00, www.muuto.com

Quilt Cushion Cushion with a fabulous boho flower/flag appliqué by BoConcept. £39.00, www.boconcept.co.uk

Korento New ceramic tableware design by Iittala. Plates, mugs and a serving plate also available. Prices from £10.50 to £47.00. www.cloudberryliving.co.uk

BeoSound 8 Super stylish sound system for your iPad, iPhone or iPod by Bang & Olufsen. Comes in either black or white and with fabric speaker covers in lavender blue, purple, green, yellow, black and white. £895.00, Bang & Olufsen

Town Bike Classic urban man’s bike by Normann Copenhagen. The town bike stands out with its super cool details and 50s inspired lightness. £1,368.50, www.bodieandfou.com

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Green House If you are looking to give your hallway a little summer update, this doormat is a cute choice. £14.99, H&M Home collection

Scan Magazine | Design | Fashion Diary

Fashion Diary... Here comes the sun The sun has finally come out, and on top of this, the shops are bursting with delicious summer fashion. By Julie Guldbrandsen. Email: julie@scanmagazine.co.uk

Lovely little summer jacket by Rutzou with midnight blue stripes and cute star detailing on the sleeves. £ 220.00, www.wild-swans.com

The white shirt is a wardrobe staple. This relaxed tunic version by Selected Femme will also work well as a beach cover-up. £35.00, www.asos.com

Flat yellow sandals that will brighten up even the most demure outfit. £7.99, H&M

Printed trousers are one of the season’s strong and lively trends; this pair by Weekday is eye-popping, but not over the top. £22, www.weekday.com

A cute and easy-to-pull-off summer outfit by Dagmar. Shorts £114. Top £114. Call +44 (0) 20 3301 4717 for stockists.

Bring life and a summer glow to your outfit with a coral nail polish shade, like this one called ‘glamour’ by FNUG. £ 14.00, www.wild-swans.com

Issue 29 | May 2011 | 13

Scan Magazine | Travel | Competition

Svendborg Harbour Competition: WIN an iPad 2! Or sail to Svendborg in your own boat, making a stop at one of their seven harbours. At each harbour, you will find elements of what the maritime south Funen experience is all about: unique island atmosphere, culinary experiences, local artists, music, sport and culture.

As a thriving port for more than 1,000 years, Svendborg Harbour, the Nordic St. Tropez, remains a centre for tourism as well as merchandise in southern Funen. With seven ports, ‘port-hopping’ is on offer in one of Denmark’s most scenic areas. At Svendborg Harbour, you can experience the old shipyards and watch the ships load and offload on the quayside. And you can take one of the ferries to several of the islands in south Funen. Take a trip with veteran ship M/V Helge and enjoy a unique cruise along the beautiful

coastline of south Funen and Svendborg Sound. Enjoy the salty sea air with constant views of the amazing scenery of forest, beaches and snug little harbours.

Do you want to experience the unique atmosphere of Svendborg? Scan the QR-code and learn more (to scan the code download the Scanlife app for free at App store or Android market).

Win an iPad 2 Svendborg Harbour presents this month’s excellent prize: a 16GB iPad 2 (4,000 dkr.) – a must-have for every gadget lover and his wife. Participate in the competition by scanning the QR-code. The competition ends 30.09.11

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

SP HA ECIA UG L T ES HE UN ME D :

Åkrafjorden

Haugesund

Ryvarden Light House

Skudeneshavn

– Homeland of the Viking Kings Text and photos by Destination Haugesund & Haugalandet AS

In the middle of Fjord Norway, you will find the Haugesund region. This is the homeland of the Viking kings – Norway’s birthplace. More than 3,000 years ago, chieftains at Avaldsnes, on the strait between Karmøy and Haugesund known as Nordvegen, levied tolls on passing ships; this is the strait that gave its name to Norway. It was here that Harald the Fairhaired established Norway’s first throne, after gathering Norway into one kingdom at the battle of Hafrsfjord in 872 A.D. At Avaldsnes, you can experience the reconstructed Viking settlement at Bukkøy, Nordvegen History Centre and the St. Olav’s church built in 1250. A short drive outside of Haugesund, you will find Skudeneshavn, a white haven by the North Sea. In the “old town Søragadå”, there are about 130 well preserved white wooden houses originating from the 1800s, when herring-fishing was at its peak. Åkrafjorden is situated east of Haugesund, and is the starting point for several exciting activities such as safaris, zip-line

and fjord cruises. A tour on the fjord will give you the best view of Langfoss, recently voted by CNN as one of the world’s ten most beautiful waterfalls. Smedasundet Strait

The lighthouses are an important part of our maritime history. Ryvarden Light House, where horizons are wide, will give you a mighty experience. Whether the storms rage or the sea is calm, the scenery will give you a breathtaking feeling all year round. In Smedasundet Strait in the heart of Haugesund, you will find cafeterias, restaurants, and in the summertime, a lot of boats in the guest harbour. From Smedasundet Strait, you can also take the boat to the island Røvær, just 25 minutes west of the quayside, or join a traditional Flytt-boat on a city island cruise.

Avaldsnes

Welcome to exciting adventures on historic ground! For more information, please visit: www.visithaugesund.no

Issue 29 | May 2011 | 15

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Haugesund

The Norwegian International Film Festival – a true celebration of Nordic film

seminars, audience encounters with the artists and events by New Nordic Films, as well as a Children's Film Fest, a festival exhibition, and a variety of social and cultural events.

Located in the picturesque town of Haugesund, on the west coast of Norway, The Norwegian International Film Festival is a long-established connection point between the Norwegian and the international film industries. With stunning fjords, mountains and the North Sea at its doorstep, Haugesund creates a perfect setting for any viewing experience and has earned the film festival its nickname - the Nordic Cannes. This annual film festival features a large number of national and international film screenings and hosts the Norwegian equivalent of the Oscars - the Amanda Award ceremony. The highly acclaimed Amanda Award, designed by Norwegian sculptor Kristian Kvakland, was established in 1985 to increase the quality of and further the interest in Norwegian films.

By Inna Hakala | Photo: Helge Hansen

The festival’s main programme is devoted to feature films for theatrical release, and titles are selected based on artistic merit. “Films should ideally be signed for Norway, but the festival also makes a point of inviting a limited number of films that should be of interest to a Norwegian and Scandinavian audience,” says festival director Gunnar Johan Løvvik. Along with feature film screenings, the festival programme includes press conferences,

Considered as the country’s most important film festival, The Norwegian International Film Festival has HRH Crown Prince Haakon as its patron and actress Liv Ullmann as its honorary president. Participation in the festival is restricted to film professionals, members of the press/media and official representatives of local and national government bodies. This year sees the 39th Norwegian International Film Festival held on 1726/8/2011. For more information, please visit: www.filmweb.no/filmfestivalen

Take a break at Røvær Kulturhotell By Ingrid Marie Holmeide | Photo: Røvær Kulturhotell

The summer is the high season for Røvær Kulturhotell, and they are open in June, July and August. From September to May, the hotel welcomes pre-booked groups. “During the summer months, many of our guests are interested in the activities out on the sea. Fishing and preparing your selfcaught meal with our chefs is a big winner.”

In 2005, the sisters Ingunn and Helga Rasmussen started, along with Helga’s husband Edgar, Røvær Kulturhotell, a little pearl on the west coast of Norway. 25 minutes by boat outside Haugesund, Røvær is a small island with much to offer those who look for a unique experience out on the sea. “At Røvær Kulturhotell, we have something for everyone, whether you are looking for peace and quiet, adventure on land or on the sea, a feel-good weekend for the girls or great surroundings for your conference, all accompanied by fresh, local, sea inspired cuisine,” Helga says. “This is a great place for groups of friends or families; it’s an Eldorado for children and youths, with secluded beaches, fishing opportunities, boat trips and an exciting shoreline.” One of the most popular

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trips offered at Røvær Kulturhotell is the feel-good weekend for girls. Included are two nights at the hotel, food from the sea, a seminar and a guided tour. Guests can also book spa treatments, a fun night with karaoke and bar, or a dip in the massage pool, all of which the hotel is ready to arrange for them. “One of the main things that attracts people to us is the peace and quiet here on the island. We are still quite untouched,” Helga says.

Offering peaceful and inspiring surroundings, Røvær Kulturhotell is often used as a site for conferences. So should you want to offer a different experience for your colleagues, a weekend of fun for your friends, an adventure for your family or just a break from everyday life, get in touch with the Rasmussens at Røvær!

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

Guide Companiet has specialized in exciting tours in the Stavanger region and Haugalandet. We tailor after your needs. Guides in 24 languages! www.guidecompaniet.no

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Haugesund

Hordatun Hotel – There is something about Røldal... Situated in the Haukeli mountains on E134, Hordatun Hotel offers stunning views over Røldal lake from your window and the wild mountainous backdrop you would hope to find in Norway. Hordatun has a long tradition of lodging, with the first hotel dating back to the 1920s. Today the facilities are top modern with well equipped apartments at Hordatun Panorama and spacious hotel rooms at Hordatun Hotel.

is exciting no matter what the season or weather,” explains Anne Alden, co-owner of Hordatun Hotel. Røldal is a natural spot for a break between east and west Norway. “A lot of our guests use our hotel as a base for longer excursions,” says Alden. “With popular cities like Stavanger, Haugesund and Kristiansand only a few hours away, we have an ideal location,” she adds. Trolls and glaciers

Shaped like a slalom turn, the hotel is an architectural attraction in itself and gives a unique view from all rooms. All seasons Located between Røldal village centre and Røldal ski centre, Hordatun offers activities for everyone, whether it be skiing in the winter, hiking or just relaxing. “Røldal

By Anette Berve | Photo: Hordatun Hotel

Famous attractions like the ‘Pulpit Rock’ and the ‘Troll’s Tongue’ are close by and prove excellent hikes for everyone to experience the fjords up close. Røldal Stave Church in Røldal village centre is one of the few in regular use. Røldal also lies at the entrance to the vast Hardangervidda National Park where one can see one of Norway’s largest glaciers.

With the season’s final runs coming up, the mountains lure with spring and summer hikes for beginners and experienced hikers alike. There is something for everyone at Røldal. For more information, please visit: www.hordatun.no For enquiries, please email: bookings@hordatun.no

A taste of Norwegian island life By Sven Riis Houston | Photos: Sildaloftet

Sildaloftet is located on the idyllic island of Utsira, Norway’s smallest municipality. Less than ten years old, this guest house provides the perfect base for those wishing to explore the island’s breathtaking scenery. A popular destination for bird watchers, the island also provides ample fishing opportunities and an array of walking trails which are sure to fulfil all your outdoor needs.

through Sildaloftet. Fishing equipment and boats are also available for hire, perfect for those wishing to explore the waters on their own.

Sildaloftet from across the bay

The peaceful atmosphere and dramatic landscape will appeal to any nature lover, and a walk along Vikingloypa (the Viking trail) allows you to follow the old paths which date back to the days of the island’s first inhabitants, amidst some truly spectacular scenery.

The guest house itself boasts 15 rooms spread over three floors and can accommodate a total of 30 people. Whilst it remains a popular destination for tourists, it also caters for corporate and group functions throughout the year. Sildaloftet’s manager, Torstein Hansen, encourages anyone with a love for nature to visit. “It is a peaceful and calm place that offers fantastic outdoor experiences – be it fishing, walking or bird watching.”

Utsira Harbour

For years, Utsira’s main lifeline was fishing, and local experts are still at hand to provide guided tours. Bird watching, seal

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spotting and useful fishing tips all form part of the boat trip which can be booked

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

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Haugesund

Hagland Havhytter

By Anna Lindgren | Photos: Hagland Havhytter

– peaceful accommodation with a touch of ocean spray If you are looking for true escapism, Hagland’s two freestanding cabins will give your body and soul opportunity for complete relaxation and silent rest. The stunning, fresh environment is hard to beat: sea, trees, cliffs, walking paths and no traffic noise.

A wide variety of activities such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, sea rafting, rock climbing, horse riding and farming can be enjoyed at Hagland.

Hagland Havhytter is situated to the north of Haugesund on Norway’s west coast. The air here is pure and the views are simply awe-inspiring. This area also has historical significance, with reminders of events during the Second World War.

Within 15 minutes of Hagland, you will find the picturesque harbour town Haugesund. Bergen, Norway’s second largest city, is three hours’ drive away, and Stavanger is a two-hour-drive southward.

The identical cabins contain three bedrooms with six beds (additional beds are available) and can accommodate up to ten people. There is a bathroom with a sauna, bath, shower and toilet in each house. A fridge-freezer as well as a TV with a satellite dish, a washer-dryer and an ironing

The ocean here is rich in fish and seafood such as crabs and mussels.

Visit this calming place with its indisputable natural beauty for a relaxing getaway. board are also available. There is even a private boat for your use during the stay. An outdoor hot tub is available for rent, should you fancy a steamy bath under the stars.

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

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N E: HER M T E TH NOR L IA IN EC ER P S MM SU

Y WA R NO

Northern Norway – The day that never ends By VisitNorway | Photo: Johan Wildhagen/www.visitnorway.com

Midnight Sun – The Arctic Miracle of Summer On the North Cape, the northernmost point of Europe, the sun rises on 14 May and does not set until 30 July. Hence one day lasts for 1,800 hours! The midnight sun is observed everywhere north of the Arctic Circle, lending a golden, warming light to the fantastic landscapes and giving a kick of energy and vitality to the people. A landscape of islands, mountains and fjords Northern Norway is breathtakingly beautiful: myriads of islets and skerries in the Arctic Circle Region, the rugged mountains rising from the sea in the Lofoten Islands, the calm fjords under sculpturelike mountains in the realm of Hamsun,

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the dramatic coast of Senja, the glaciers in the Lyngen Alps, rising directly from the Arctic Ocean, the wide horizon of the Finnmark plateau and the monumental cliff of the North Cape. The high-arctic islands of Svalbard are like a separate world of glaciers, pyramidal mountains and wildlife. Culture and cultures Colourful fishing villages, traditional Viking ship-like boats and ancient trading posts built of wood testify to the rich fishing heritage along the coast. The Sámi, the indigenous people of the high north, have a unique culture centred around reindeer herding. A vibrant culture scene, lively festivals and arctic gourmet food embrace modernity and summery joie de vivre.

24-hour fun Keep in mind that you have the full 24 hours of a day at your disposal, meaning you can climb mountaintops (there is one for all fitness levels) in the middle of the night! Fishing is best done at night, according to local lore. Kayaking between the islands, glacier walks, mountain biking and river boat trips are safe and fun. DIY gourmands should go fishing for the giant king crabs. Northern Norway has seamless connections from the United Kingdom and Germany via Oslo.

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

Spitsbergen – an out of this world experience By Signe Hansen | Photos: Spitsbergen

A visit to Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago, is very likely to be the most exotic and thrilling experience of your life. Whether you prefer hiking or skiing your way through the massive landscapes or floating around the glaciers in the comfort of one of the magnificent cruise ships, the midnight sun, reindeers, ice caves and even polar bears are all part of the magic you can experience. Hear the silence Although Svalbard and Spitsbergen are easily accessible with daily connections from Oslo via Tromsø, arriving is like stepping into another world. “This is something completely different from anything else. Most people come to discover the unique nature here and even for Norwegians it’s very special,” says Ida Dyreng, marketing manager at Spitsbergen Travel. “It’s one of the only places in the world where you can hear the silence.”

With just above 2,000 inhabitants Svalbard is a relatively small destination, but it houses a diverse selection of accommodation ranging from cosy guest houses to prominent international hotels like Radisson Blu. Another option is to live onboard one of the cruise ships which do, says Dyreng, offer the best chance of viewing polar bears. Finally you can, of course, get really up and close with nature by participating in the week-long hikes or skiing expeditions and staying overnight in tents or cabins. Royal training ground The relaxed atmosphere of the town means that many people hoping to escape a hectic life seek refuge here. Among them was, this year, Prince Harry who trained for his recent North Pole expedition in the nearby area. “Even if you are very famous, people here will leave you alone, and you can walk around town like anyone else,” says Dyreng.

During winter, skiing, snowmobiling, visiting the ice caves and dog sledding (which can also be tried out during the summer on wheels) are among the most popular activities, while summertime offers stunning hiking and boat trips. Of course, there is also the option to just relax, absorb the peacefulness of the landscape, and be amazed by the magic of the midnight sun and the Northern Lights. For more information, please visit: www.spitsbergentravel.com

Issue 29 | May 2011 | 21

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Summer in Northern Norway

Nesna Feriesenter – the perfect northern base By Sven Riis Houston | Photo: Nesna Feriesenter

cated within the holiday park, is open every day during the summer months. It is also available for bookings, in which larger groups can enjoy a delightful menu of local cuisine.

Nesna holiday park is the perfect destination for those looking to explore the rugged beauty of northern Norway’s dramatic coastline, offering ideal facilities for both families and lone travellers alike. The small coastal town of Nesna is a gateway to some of Norway’s most spectacular scenery. And what better place to stay than Nesna Feriesenter, which offers fully equipped cabins and apartments alongside excellent camp-site facilities. The park caters for both caravans and tents, and offers a full range of activities for children and adults. Home to northern Norway’s biggest water slide, it also boasts a mini-golf course and beach volleyball court. Boats holding up to eight people are also available for hire, ideal for a day of fishing and sightseeing.

Nesna and its surrounding areas offer plenty of marked walking trails, while daily ferry departures allow easy access to the surrounding islands. They are ideal destinations for cyclists, with a range of bicycles available for hire from Nesna Feriesenter. For those looking to relax after a busy day of activities, a trip to Nina’s Lavvo is essential. This cosy and intimate bar, lo-

Manager Nina Rødahl Friis believes her facilities offer the perfect Norwegian outdoor experience: “Nesna is a beautiful part of Norway, and our park offers visitors a chance to experience our beautiful scenery, hospitality and way of life.” For more information, please visit: http://nesnaferie.no/

Henningsvær Bryggehotel: Enjoy harbour life in the middle of Lofoten Sitting next to the water at the harbour of the picturesque fishing village of Henningsvær is this beautiful white-painted house, idyllically set against a backdrop of mountains. Henningsvær Bryggehotel is the perfect choice for exploring the Lofoten Islands; the staff are available to help you arrange sea trips such as rafting and fishing. Henningsvær Bryggehotell is centrally located in Lofoten and was built in 1995; this four-star hotel is spread over three floors, and the interior design is contemporary and stylish. Henningsvaer is a hub for all types of activities: climbing, fishing, deep sea rafting, sea eagle safaris, diving and snorkelling are among the most popular.

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Lofoten is known fittingly as the world’s cod capital, and you should not leave this place before trying out the well-known delicacy called "Tørrfisk" (dried cod tongue), dried in various combinations and then cooked and fried.

By Emelie Krugly Hill Photos: Heningsvær Bryggehotel

"The food in our kitchen is locally sourced and organic, and obviously of a very high quality; this is something we take great pride in," explains Stian Haugnes, managing director at Henningsvær Bryggehotel. The town of Henningsvaer is the ultimate place for relaxation. With a population of only 500 people, you can forget about queuing for your coffee or ice cream. The pace is slow and pleasant, and the locals make time for each other and their visitors. "The customer service is personal and intimate; we enjoy sitting down over a cup of coffee and sharing our best travel tips with our visitors,” says Haugnes. For more information, please visit: www.henningsvaer.no

Saltstraumen: Experience the world's most powerful tidal current If you are after an unforgettable outdoor experience in Arctic Norway, the deep-sea rafting company Saltstraumen Adventure is your gateway to the wonders of the fjords. This is the place for magnificent experiences, above and below surface. By Emelie Krugly Hill | Photos: Saltstraumen

Saltstraumen lies between Knaplundøya and Straumøya in Bodø in the Norwegian Nordland and is the strongest tidal current on earth. Four times a day, 370 million cubic litres of water force their way through the 2.5 km long strait between Saltenfjord and Skjerstadfjord. The water can sometimes reach speeds of up to 40 km/h. Kjell Sakariassen set up Saltstraumen Adventure in 2004, and it has grown steadily ever since. Sakariassen was brought up in the area and takes great pride in showing his clients, who hail from all corners of the world, the beauty of Saltrstraumen and its surroundings. Aproximately 170,000 clients benefit from his and his colleagues’ expertise each year.

book your adventure, until you leave us,” says Sakariassen. Deep-sea rafting, sea eagle safaris, bus sightseeing, fishing and fjord tours are just some of the activities on offer. Sakariassen and his crew want to stress that their packages are not only for the extreme adventurer and that they appeal to all ages. "My strongest memory is when I guided an 80-year-old gentleman from Scotland through the fjords; he had dreamt about experiencing the strongest tidal current on earth, after having learned about it, and he said he would return again for his 90th birthday."

Sakariassen explains how he is currently gearing up for the peak season, which starts in April, running until October.

You will travel safely and comfortably in sturdy rubber rafts, the so-called RIB boats, operated by experienced and knowledgeable drivers.

"We are offering breathtaking experiences that give lifelong memories. We are really passionate about what we are doing and give you our best from the moment you

If you are passionate about fishing, you will be very well located, as the sea is full of fishermen’s treasures, such as cod, monkfish, halibut, catfish and many more.

You will also find some of the best salmon and trout rivers in Norway, and if you are a keen diver, Saltstraumen is probably among the most spectacular locations you will ever experience. National Geographic has ranked Saltstraumen among its Top 10 diving destinations. Saltstraumen Adventure will also offer local bus tours with different themes starting this summer, such as a moose safari.

Diving in Saltstraumen For more information, please visit: www.visitsaltstraumen.no and www.saltstraumen-adventure.com

Issue 29 | May 2011 | 23

Photo: Stefan Linnerhaug

Lofoten Adventures: a fairytale in the north Snorkel with killer whales, watch sea eagles up close, spend the night with the midnight sun out on the ocean or travel through the darkest fjords to catch the Northern Lights: these are just a few of the things Lofoten Adventures AS can offer you. Located on the sprinkle of islands that make up one of Northern Norway’s most visited places, Lofoten, this is not one you want to miss out on!

Snorkelling is also a popular summer activity with Lofoten Adventures. Though parts of Lofoten are among the northernmost locations in the world, with average temperatures above freezing all year around due to the Gulf Stream; the water is nippy and guests are provided with a dry suit, mask and snorkel. Crystal clear waters offer a fantastic opportunity to observe the life underwater. The crew at Lofoten Adventures is a knowledgeable one that has lived with the

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sea for generations. Some have been fishermen and skippers on the great seas like the Barents Sea, and 15 years ago, they decided to share some of their expertise and love for Lofoten with guests from all over the world. “We also provide a great opportunity for people hosting conferences or seminars to do so in a stimulating and different place. We offer accommodation in true Lofoten spirit, and the activities and surroundings will make this an unforgettable journey for your colleagues and friends,” Malnes assures.

Photo: Frank A. Jensen

“As well as day trips, we arrange fully boarded package trips for our guests, summer and winter, so they can just pick their favourite time and adventure, and we’ll set them up,” skipper and guide Rolf Malnes says. The most popular in the summer season is the sea eagle safari, where guests are provided with windproof survival suits and get to watch the majestic birds in their natural habitat, in what is the world’s densest population of sea eagles. “The sea eagle safari is a great way to experience nature, and although the main purpose is to see the eagle, we often see puffins and seals and other creatures when we’re out.”

From 23 May - 24 July, this land in the Arctic Circle lights up. This is the magical time of the midnight sun - and where better to experience the stillness and beauty than on the ocean? Lofoten Adventures

will navigate you through the fairytale islands to meet the never-setting sun when it is at its best. And as with all their adventures, there will be plenty of wildlife to see during the trip. Should you already have your summer plans booked and are now pulling your hair out because you did not know about this little treasure in the north, the summer is not the only time Lofoten shines. Winter promises spectacular shows courtesy of the dancing Northern Lights and an unforgettable journey to the killer whales’ kingdom, where you will be given the chance to see them up close in their own element as you snorkel amongst them. If you would like to take part in the fairytale that Lofoten Adventures started many years ago, where ocean and animals play as big a part in your experience as the rough and ragged Lofoten itself, get in touch with the guides in Henningsvær, Norway, and enjoy the ride! By Ingrid Marie Holmeide For more information, please visit: www.lofoten-opplevelser.no

LU N D B L A D M E D I A A S - F OTO : H A N N E & J O H N

Magical Svalbard A trip to Svalbard is exotic and exciting, visit the most northern destination half way between Norway and the Nortpole. We can oďŹ&#x20AC;er you a magical holiday!

Svalbard Reiseliv AS www.svalbard.net Tel: +47 79 02 55 50 E-mail: info@svalbard.net www.facebook.com/svalbard.norway

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Summer in Northern Norway

Shedding light on the corners of history By Ingrid Marie Holmeide | Photo: Tromsø University Museum

In Tromsø, the capital of the Arctic, lies a treasure of knowledge surrounding Norway’s history, its people, climate and culture in the North. Established in 1872, Tromsø University Museum is northern Norway’s oldest scientific institution. Yet the stories within its walls derive from a land that came to life hundreds of years ago.

Photo: Museum of Cultural History, Oslo

Sápmí – Becoming a Nation exhibition

Roald Amundsen’s Gjøa expedition, 1903-1906 Tromsø University Museum consists of 4 departments: the museum itself, the Polar Museum (portraying life in the Arctic and the surrounding oceans), the M/S Polstjerna (Norway’s best preserved seal-ship, used for hunting seals in the Arctic Ocean) and the Botanical Garden. Entrance to the museum is 50 NOK and just 60 NOK if you want entrance to all four.

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One of the museum’s most popular exhibitions shows the Sami lifestyle: Sápmí – Becoming a Nation (http://sapmi.uit.no). “As for presenting Sami culture, past and present, I dare say we are the most complete and detailed museum in Norway. Based on our long research traditions and a large collection, we offer two exhibitions: one showing the traditional Sami culture that many will know from stereotypic portraits in the media, the other, called Sápmi – Becoming a Nation, telling the story of the Sami in modern Norway,” exhibition manager Per Helge Nylund says. Being one of the few museums to portray the modern Sami culture and tell the less sunny tale of how the Sami have been treated by the Norwegian government throughout the years, they are aware of this being an exhibition with political aspects. “We think this is an important part of the history of Norway and the history of a native population that can be related to many other countries in the world, and we want that story to be told.” Both Sápmí – Becoming a Nation and the traditional exhibition of the Sami culture are comprehensive and will provide the visitors with a wide knowledge of one of the most interesting and important aspects of Norwegian history. Another significant part of the country’s history celebrates 100 years this year.

1911 was the year Roald Amundsen set out to be the first man to reach the South Pole, beating Englishman Robert Falcon Scott by 35 days. His achievement is celebrated in Tromsø University Museum’s exhibition SnowHow, placed in the city centre, accompanied by M/S Polstjerna. For while Norwegians have applauded their skiing and survival abilities in Arctic landscapes for many years, there was much more to his success than that. Amundsen, and his fellow explorer Fridjof Nansen, both understood that the knowledge from the Arctic people was invaluable when journeying in the world’s coldest areas. “SnowHow shows how people survive in the Arctic and tells the less well known story of how these two men watched, copied and learnt from the Sami, the Inuit and the Arctic Ocean seamen, before they made history and became two of Norway’s most famous names,” Nylund explains. There is much to learn and see at Tromsø University Museum, which is open 364 days a year. A “goahti”, a Sami turf-hut is erected outside the museum and welcomes its summer guests to step inside, have a cup of coffee and speak to the museum guide. Another spectacular summer sight at the museum is the botanical garden. At close to 70° north, it is the northernmost botanical garden in the world, sporting an arctic-alpine profile. Are you a lover of history, a student of culture, a seeker of knowledge or interested in flowers, then make your way to Tromsø University Museum and get your share of all of the above!

For more information, please visit: http://uit.no/tmu

8-9 R E OC SE TO RV B E ET R2 HE 0 DA 11 TE !

8-9 October 2011

Earls Court, Brompton Hall, London

All the best of brand Scandinavia for you to taste, test and buy! The Scandinavia Show will be returning on 8-9 October 2011 to the Brompton Hall at Earls Court London. Please reserve the date! The Scandinavia Show is the only UK show dedicated exclusively to showcase the best of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland. The show incorporates Scandinavian design, travel, lifestyle, fashion, culture and food. All our exhibitors will have well-stocked stalls. So the best of Scandinavian fashion, food, furniture, design and holidays – everything can be purchased at The Scandinavia Show. For further information, or to exhibit:

Call us on +44 (0)870 933 0423, email info@scandinaviashow.co.uk or visit www.scandinaviashow.co.uk

The Scandinavia Show will be the UK’s single most important showcase for Nordic tourism, food, fashion and design this year. Design

If you love the bright and airy Scandinavian design, then The Scandinavia Show will be a can’t-miss event.

Travel

Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland are some of the greatest travel destinations in the world. And The Scandinavia Show will be the UK’s single most important showcase for Nordic tourism this year.

Fashion

The Scandinavia Show will be the place to go for those who want to experience the latest fashions in the leading Scandinavian designer clothes.

Food

All the most mouth-watering specialities from the Nordic culinary table will be handed out or sold at The Scandinavia Show.

: ME E H D L T L AN A I ÖT EC SP TERG ÖS

Östergötland – East Sweden Your journey through East Sweden will be punctuated by thrilling entertainment parks, idyllic outdoor experiences and all the attractions of city life. Fascinating technology is interwoven with medieval buildings, and you can combine a tour of the many islands on the Baltic coast with days out shopping in the city. Text and photos by East Sweden Tourist Board

streets, visit museums and shop in contemporary stores. The Medieval towns of Vadstena, Söderköping and Skänninge stand today as monuments of a bygone era. The medieval legacy lives on in castles, fortresses, monasteries and the towns that grew around them. Perhaps the best known example is the Vadstena monastery, founded by the saint Birgitta.

Travel by passenger boat on the Göta Canal and pass one of the 58 locks. One of the canal's biggest attractions is the locks in Berg, 10 km north of Linköping, where seven connected locks lift boats over 18 metres from Lake Roxen. The event "Göta Canal - Sweden´s longest culture wave" is held throughout the summer of 2011. There you can experience performing arts, music and exhibitions in a picturesque setting along the canal. Visualization Center C in Norrköping is an exciting and educational experience for the entire family. New research meets innovative culture. Visit the exhibition or watch an exciting 3D movie in the hightech dome theater. In the historic Old Town of Linköping, you can make a trip back in time. It is open year round, with markets and activities that follow the seasons. Stroll around the old houses along the cobblestoned

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At the Swedish Air Force Museum in Linköping, you can learn about early experiments by the Swedish Air Force. Military history is intermingled with the latest technology, for example, you can fly the JAS Gripen in a flight simulator. You will also find a unique collection of airplanes, such as the recovered DC-3 that crashed in 1952. For more information, please visit: www.ostergotland.info

Photo: Bo Dahlgren

Do not miss the world premiere of the new attraction Safari in the Kolmården Wildlife park outside of Norrköping. The new cable car takes you high above the treetops through the safari park, and you get a chance to see all the exotic animals from above. The Marine World is Scandinavia's only Dolphinarium and an experience of world class. In Tiger World, you are really close to the tigers, and in Aparium, you will find the first gorilla babies ever born in Sweden, Enzo and Echo.

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Östergötland

Visit Linköping – Fun in the sun in central Sweden’s biggest city By Ulrika Osterlund | Photos: Göran Billeson for Visit Linköping

“There is a lot going on this summer,” says Monika Ljungcrantz, manager of tourism for Visit Linköping, of the upcoming season’s events. Clearly no exaggeration, as there is something to cater to every taste. The fifth annual harbour festival, or Hamnfestivalen, kicks off on 27-28 May in the centre of town, near the waterways. Jet skiing, kayaking and diving are among the activities taking place. Great food and live entertainment, with stars such as Peter Siepen and Wille Crafoord, promise to make the weekend one to remember. No need to fly off to warmer climes, when the Swedish Beach Tour is right on your doorstep. Yes, it is beach volleyball, and yes, there is sand! Come and watch the Swedish elite team take on the rest of the world for the London Olympics 2012 qualifiers at Trädgårdstorget (Garden Square) from 17-19 June. Throughout the summer, activities take place along the Göta Canal, aptly named Sweden’s longest culture wave. Ljungcrantz explains that, “It is a cultural project, very varied and with the involvement of many different cultural companies.” Historical walks, art and photo exhibits, plays, shows, children’s entertainment, song and dance are on offer along this Greatest Wonder of Sweden. The event Free Speed Day will take place on 30 July

on the Göta Canal, when old-timer boats will be cruising along the banks. The country’s third biggest open air museum, Gamla Linköping, is also open all summer. The mini town within the city, to which the old historical houses were moved from different areas of Linköping, is now serving as an attraction, complete with its own inn and arts and crafts shops.

Visit the Museum of the Year 2011, the Flygvapenmuseum (Air Force Museum), which showcases technical, cultural and historical exhibits of the development of the Swedish Air Force. Enter the flight lab for hands-on experience and scientific knowhow. Try the simulator and get behind the controls of a fighter plane. The museum was also winner of Exhibition of the Year 2010. For a more subdued cultural event, the Linköping Kammarmusikfestival (Chamber Music Festival), part of the Östergötland Music Days, takes place at venues across Linköping from 13-20 August. Some of Sweden’s most celebrated artists perform at this prestigious occasion.

If history is your thing, then another themed happening is the Ekenäs Riddarspel (Jousting and Medieval Show) held on 14-15 May on the castle grounds just outside the city. An extravaganza taking you back in time to an authentic medieval marketplace, complete with old-fashioned artisans plying their trades alongside sword smiths, basket weavers and jewellery makers. Try your hand at fencing, sword fighting, axe throwing or stilt walking. Children can participate in pony riding, games, face painting and jumping in a bouncy castle made entirely out of straw. When hunger strikes, tuck into a medieval feast and observe the festivities.

Getting there could not be easier: Linköping is on the main railway line between Stockholm and Malmö, by car the town is just off the E4, and it even has a City Airport. For overnight guests, there is a huge selection of accommodation, ranging from top class hotels to B&B’s and hostels. For more information, please visit: www.visitlinkoping.se www.gotakanal.se www.ekenasslott.se www.flygvapenmuseum.se www.linkoping.se/sv/Kulturfritid/Gamla-Linkoping/Information -in-English/

Issue 29 | May 2011 | 29

Östergötland – a cultural and culinary experience With a rich, interesting and well-preserved history, medieval cities, stunning nature and fertile farmland, the county of Östergötland will affect all the senses. By Emelie Krugly Hill | Photos: Bo Dahlgren

Östergötland and its cities are ancient parts of the core of Sweden. The province's many historic goods, farms, services and market places together with the medieval towns are in many respects an active link to the country's exciting past.

the rich fields of Östergötland, is one of the county's proudest examples," says Rådeström. "It dates back to the beginning of the 12th century, while the tower was built in the 1220s and is a remarkable untouched structure."

The county is also the proud host of the World Ploughing Championships in 2011, taking place on 13-14 May in Skänninge, where the entire world ploughing elite congregate from over 30 participating countries. Another exciting happening is the Mjölby truck show 2011, which takes place on 27-28 May.

Eva Rådeström, born and bred in the area, works at Mjölby Council as a marketing manager and tells me enthusiastically about the county. "For example, Östergötland was the home of the Swedish statesman Birger Jarl, who was born in the early 1200s in Bjälbo, outside of the city of Skänninge, one of Sweden's oldest cities, which was of great importance in medieval times. Birger Jarl's government created a strong central power in Sweden. Additionally, he is attributed with having founded the Swedish capital Stockholm around 1250," she says. Most of the cities in Östergötland were built during the Middle Ages and emerged in the 1200s and onwards. "We have a large collection of medieval churches; Bjälbo church in the middle of

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torp Park, a motor racing circuit which attracts more than 200,000 visitors per year, and also Sweden's fourth largest horse racing track, Mantorp, which attracts 50,000 every year.

Photo: Jarl Asklund

"We are proud of our fertile farmland and are pleased to represent many organic suppliers. This is something we are hoping we will become even bigger and better at; a rolemodel is the county of Skåne, which is known as a county of fine produce. For example, potatoes from Östergötland taste particularly excellent," says Rådeström.

Photo: Jarl Asklund

Other attractions include Kolmården zoo, one of Europe's largest, as well as Man-

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

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Östergötland

Sky Hotel Apartments offers high-quality accommodation and conference space for the demanding client

By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Sky Hotel Apartments

Sky, based in the Swedish city of Linköping, is a company with an innovative concept comprising three business areas: hotel apartments, meetings and town apartments. Established in April 2009 by three partners, including Maria Hultqvist, the company first started off with the town apartments. Currently they have 72 furnished apartments at different addresses in central Linköping, ranging from one to four bedrooms. It is an affordable and extremely comfortable way of living, when you are staying in the area for a longer period of time. The hotel apartments, on the other hand, can offer you the best of both worlds. “It is a perfect alternative to a traditional hotel,” explains Hultqvist. “You get the same service as at a hotel, but you have more space and more privacy, like you were

staying in your own apartment.” The 70 hotel apartments are located in the tallest building in Linköping, come in four sizes, and are suitable for longer business stays or short holidays – you can stay for one night or several months.

of Lake Mälaren; the location could hardly be better. “The hotel will have 143 hotel apartments, all spacious (25–50 m2), each with a kitchen of its own,” says Hultqvist.

Both apartment types come with fullyequipped kitchens, cable TV and broadband. Sky also boasts a meeting centre on the 18th and 19th floors of a centrally located building. The meeting rooms offer spectacular views over the whole city and surrounding nature. The rooms can accommodate anything from 6-150 people. In June this year, Sky Hotel Apartments will take the next big step and open their doors in Stockholm as well. The new hotel will be situated in Kungsholmen, close to Rålambshov Park and the northern shore

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

Idingstad Säteri - a serene hideaway in idyllic surroundings By Ulrika Österlund | Photos: Idingstad Säteri

Ideally situated on the south shore of Lake Roxen, Idingstad Manor provides the perfect setting for a tranquil stay. The area around the site speaks of ancient history, to which many monuments bear witness. It is hard to believe that Linköping is a mere 12 km away. The privately owned hotel is ideal for families, couples and conference guests. The proximity to the water, nature and historic environment make Idingstad Manor a great choice for any traveller. The hotel itself is located in the main building together with the annex. All of the rooms are fully equipped, tastefully decorated and spacious, with en suite shower rooms. A generous breakfast buffet is included and served in the beautiful dining rooms. A plethora of outdoor activities are available at Idingstad Manor. Take advantage of

the fact that part of the lake’s shoreline belongs to the property: go for a morning swim, or hire a boat and fishing equipment and try your luck. You can also rent a bike and explore what nature has to offer on two wheels. This part of the lake is famous for its wild birdlife. Further afield, you will find the Kolmården Zoo and Astrid Lindgren’s World to keep the little ones entertained. Idingstad Manor organises exclusive conferences for business executives who wish to be discreet and have the place to themselves. In collaboration with local events companies, tailored adventure and activity packages can be arranged to suit.

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

Contact details: Per and Matilda Nelson Idingstad Säteri 585 91 Linköping +46 (0) 13 39 64 54 info@idingstad.se

Issue 29 | May 2011 | 31

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Östergötland

Mjölby City Hotel – a charming combination of historic atmosphere and modern décor By Emelie Krugly Hill | Photo: Mjölby City Hotel

Mjölby City Hotel is a modern hotel dating back to 1873, with comfort and service in mind. The fresh, bright rooms are neatly decorated in a traditional Swedish style with modern features. Some rooms have the original hardwood floors from 1873. What makes this hotel truly unique is the elegant whisky bar, which serves hundreds of different whiskies, some of them very rare. A stone’s throw from the local train station, and only 5-10 minutes away from the city centre, this cosy hotel caught Kenneth Lindblad’s eye back in 2000, and he decided to take it over in 2002. He welcomes both business and leisure travellers and stresses the fact that the hotel can host 70 conference guests. The newly renovated meeting rooms are equipped with the latest technology.

Back in 2007, the hotel underwent an extensive renovation resulting in 73 rooms in total and wireless Internet access throughout the hotel. The cosy and colourful restaurant seats 200 and serves international cuisine as well as a varied menu of traditional Swedish dishes.

"We organise tastings that are very popular, but the hotel can also tailor other activities that may suit the guest," says Lindblad. Mjölby and its surroundings are home to several golf courses and the stone Rökstenen, one of Sweden's most famous rune stones with the world's longest runic inscription, a total of 760 characters. The highlight of your stay at Mjölby City Hotel might be the famous whisky bar showcasing over 250 varieties.

Feel a little nostalgic in Motala Hotell Nostalgi was opened in May last year in connection with the Motala Motor Museum, which is located right by the pier where Lake Vättern meets Göta Canal. The museum has been around for 15 years, but with an expansion of the building, it had space to include a café and a small 22-room hotel.

largest collections of Rolls Royce in northern Europe.

The Motala Motor Museum’s vehicle collection comprises cars, motorcycles, mopeds as well as motors, from the early 1900’s until today. In May 2010, the privately owned museum opened one of the

“Our hotel rooms are all very new, light and bright. It’s a small hotel with a family feeling, and the museum makes it extra special,” says Emma Henriksson, who is responsible for running the hotel.

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Whisky virtuoso Kenneth Lindblad, who introduced malt whiskies to Sweden more than 15 years ago, has an impressive knowledge of the golden liquor and will obviously guide you through the tasting experience.

The newly constructed hotel shares the museum’s excellent, picturesque location by the pier, only 150 metres from the centre of Motala. In summertime, the hotel will be flooded with boat guests, docking at the harbour.

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

By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Hotell Nostalgi

A breakfast buffet is served at Café Nostalgi every morning, and you can also enjoy light meals and drinks throughout the day. And if you would like to make this exceptional location the venue for your conference, the hotel’s three meeting rooms can fit 2-20 participants and include the latest technology. And, of course, a stay at the hotel also includes the price of a visit to the museum. For more information, please visit: www.hotellnostalgi.se

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Östergötland

Kisa Wärdshus & Hotel celebrates four centuries of hospitality By Emelie Krugly Hill | Photo: Kisa Wärdshus & Hotel

The history of the charming Kisa Wärdshus & Hotel stretches back to the 1600s and is soon to celebrate its 400th anniversary. In the southern part of the county of Östergötland, in the town of Kisa and a short distance from the train station, you will find the Kisa Wärdshus & Hotel. If you are a lover of homemade food and good fishing, this is a great place to stay, as Kisa is located in a mountainous region with plenty of lakes and hiking trails to discover. There is plenty to see and do in the area, so why not take a boat trip on the Kinda Canal or experience a guided wildlife safari. Astrid Lindgren’s World at the popular theme park in Vimmerby, is only 40 km from the hotel.

"Kisa Wärdshus & Hotel is one of the oldest inns in Sweden which has maintained the same concept for 400 years," say Håkan and Amy Jernelius, who run the inn. Already in 1612, King Gustav II Adolf built a house for 40 horses and accommodation for the military in Kisa. In 1633, Queen Christina issued the first innkeeper regulations which applied to

this hotel and others maintaining good practice and high standards. Both Karl XI and Karl XII have eaten and slept at the inn on their travels through the country. In 1882, the old Kisa Wärdshus & Hotel was demolished and a new version was built on the same site. The restaurant, Kisa Wärdshus, serves breakfast, luncheon, à la carte and a seasonal menu; all food is freshly prepared using mainly local produce. For more information, please visit: www.kisawardshus.se

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Uppsala Castle

Uppsala Cathedral

Uppland is a multi-faceted and fascinating discovery: Five regions, all with their own distinctive character By Uppland Tourist Board | Photos: Kalbar/Uppsala Tourism

Discover Uppsala – the city of inspiration and knowledge. Uppsala lies 40 minutes from Stockholm and 17 minutes from Arlanda International Airport. Uppsala is Sweden´s fourth largest city, with a population of 195,000. Do not miss thrilling science, mystery and religion in Old Uppsala – one of Sweden´s and Scandinavia’s most famous and legendary ancient monument sites. Meet Carolus Linnaeus, natural scientist and Flower King, 1707-1778, one of Uppsala´s most famous residents. “God creates, Linnaeus arranges,” as he himself put it. Visit Uppsala Cathedral, the largest cathedral in Scandinavia. The Treasure Chamber has one of the world´s most distinguished collections of medieval church textiles. Uppsala Castle holds the city´s art museum, the Uppsala University art collection and is the home of the county governor. Uppsala has managed to retain its small town charm, all the while offering a big city’s selection of shops, restaurants and attractions. Travel by passenger boat from Uppsala, on Lake Mälaren, to the magnificent Skok-

34 | Issue 29 | May 2011

loster Castle, with guided tours and exhibits. You can also follow along on a guided tour of Sigtuna, Sweden´s first town. Join a guided park walk in Enköping among fireworks of flowers. The generously designed oases are perfect for excursions or for a moment´s reflection and tranquillity. Side by side with rock carvings, rune stones and castles, you will find perfect beaches, exciting activities and one of the world´s finest collections of Disney objects. The ancient monument sites at Old Uppsala.

North of Uppsala, you will find The Walloon ironworks village - a part of Swedish history. Nowhere else in the world is there anything like the Uppland ironworks villages. This was the birthplace of Swedish industrialism in the early 17th century.

Visit the mines, blacksmith shops, manor houses and parks on dramatized tours. Experience music, art, ghost adventures and much more. Discover the east coast through Roslagen with idyllic spots, including Norrtälje, Öregrund, Östhammar, Grisslehamn, and Furusund, among others. Here, picturesque wooden houses with lovely gardens blend with boutiques, restaurants, cafés and museums. Art, music and other events fill the calendar during the cheery summer months. Other activities are hiking, cycling, riding, playing golf, fishing, canoeing and boat trips. In the north of Uppland, you will find Nedre Dalälven – where Dalälven River meets the sea. Here you find a river landscape with welcoming wilderness, fantastic fishing waters and the Färnebofjärden National Park, rich in flora and fauna. It is the perfect holiday site for adventures in the countryside and on the river, also boasting excellent dining and cosy restaurants. For more information, please visit: www.uppsala.to

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Uppland

Gamla Uppsala Museum: cultural heritage at its best By Linnea Dunne | Photos: Gamla Uppsala Museum

If you thought all there is to the Swedish city of Uppsala is a cathedral and an over 500-year-old university, think again. "This was a pagan centre long before Christianity took hold," says Karin Hasselgren of Gamla Uppsala Museum. A ten-minute bus journey north of Uppsala city centre lies Gamla Uppsala, the predecessor of the city as we know it to-

This is also where Gamla Uppsala Museum is situated, inaugurated in 2000 to allow visitors to experience the life of their Swedish ancestors. Here, you and your children can take part in a Viking excursion or try out an Iron Age helmet and armour in the kids' corner. It is a hectic time for location manager Karin, as she is preparing for the busy

introduction to the museum and heritage site in English and German, as well as archaeological excavations of a royal estate with guided tours." "The worldly powers merged with the religious powers around 1164 A.D., when the Archiepiscopal See was placed here and the cathedral was built," Karin explains. "We've also got plenty of findings from the Vikings, all signs that there was significant wealth in the area." If cultural heritage is about the legacy of past generations, we are pretty sure that it does not get more poignant than this. And hey, what was good enough for Gustav Vasa is good enough for us.

Royal mounds and church

day. Kings, Vikings and pagans lived here in its heyday, from the first centuries of our era to the late 1200s.

summer season. "New for this year is that you can sit in the amphitheatre with views across the royal mounds and listen to an

The Åberg Museum

For details of exhibitions and opening times, please visit: www.raa.se/gamlauppsala

By Linnéa Mitchell | Photo: The Åberg Museum

– the world’s only art, cartoon and toy museum with its own jungle The Åberg Museum is a fun and inspiring art destination for both grownups and children. Situated only 40 minutes outside Stockholm in a redeveloped barn, there is no excuse not to include a trip into the world of the most popular cartoon artists in your next Stockholm itinerary.

The Åberg Museum has an impressive collection of cartoon-inspired art by Warhol, Lichtenstein and Picasso, to name a few. It also hosts cartoon originals such as works by Carl Barks (the Disney illustrator) and Burne Hogarth, who is the most famous Tarzan comic artist.

Lasse Åberg, the founder of the museum, is one of Sweden’s most popular actors, film directors, musicians and artists. Having become famous for his kid’s character Trazan in Trazan & Banarne, he is perhaps most well known for his comedy Sällskapsresan with sequels, mirroring typical Swedish life, always playing the iconic character Stieg-Helmer Olsson: a quiet, tall spinster with a big heart. He is also an artist with a love for Disney, especially Mickey Mouse, featured in his many lithographs.

What is unique about the museum is its permanent exhibition Yellow Kid, considered the world’s first cartoon. And make sure you do not miss one of the world’s best Disney Collections with items mainly from the 1930s. For the kids, the top favourite tends to be a three-storey jungle-like adventure, the Trazan hut. And for children of all ages there is the shop, of course, and the café with homemade food and cakes.

The first Disney toy, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on motorbike made by Tipp & Co, Nürnberg, 1929.

Guided tours are available in English if you book in advance, and if you want, you can have your business conference or company event here, a group dinner or host a kids’ party. The museum provides everything; all the parents have to do is keep their eyes on the children. For more information, please visit: www.abergsmuseum.se

Issue 29 | May 2011 | 35

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Uppland

The Walloon ironworks – Discover an exciting era in Swedish history By Emelie Krugly Hill

The Walloon ironworks village was established around the mines in Sweden during the 1600s. The fascinating work and lives of the Belgian immigrants who worked there have left their marks in a most remarkable way. 115 km north of Stockholm and in the middle of the woods in the county of Uppland, you will discover an unusual environment. Here lie extraordinary villages, where you can experience mysterious and

Photo: Josephina Wesstrom Juhlin

fascinating mines, forges and blast furnaces as well as the most astounding manors and castles. "The Walloon ironworks is an exciting and exotic destination and the only one in the world of its kind," says Åsa Hofring, managing director of the Vallonbruk i Uppland Association. "The owners of the mines became very wealthy back in the day and hired the most respected architects; some of the manors are truly stunning," she adds.

Photo: Eva Lotta Lund

In the early 1600s, Sweden was forced to pay a substantial ransom to Den-

mark. Louis de Geer came to the rescue and lent a large sum to the Swedish state; in return de Geer, a keen industrialist, was then able to import blacksmiths and craftsmen from Wallonia to revolutionise the iron industry. The Walloon ironworks village in Sweden then became a world leader in its field. The largest mills were Lövstabruk, Österbybruk and Forsmark; all of them have their own unique character, and guides will reveal their stories. The ironworks attract roughly 350,000 visitors per year from all over the world. The area also offers great fishing and camping opportunities.

For more information, please visit: www.vallonbruken.nu

Uppsala Cathedral Museum – a real treasury Housed in the north tower of Scandinavia’s biggest cathedral and accessible by lift, the museum or “Skattkammaren” (the Treasury), proudly presents an internationally renowned collection of Middle Age church textiles and regalia. “Researchers from near and far come to view the exhibition,” says curator Gunnel Berggrén, “We are so pleased.” Liturgical garments used by Archbishops during cathedral services in the 13th and 14th centuries are on display, as well as embroidery from the 1400s. Clergymen would often travel as far as Italy and France to have the costumes made, in silk and velvet. The world’s only preserved medieval ball gown can be seen at the museum. It belonged to Queen Margaret and dates back

36 | Issue 29 | May 2011

Photo: Gunilla Leffler

By Ulrika Osterlund

The clothing the three victims of the historical Sture murders wore in 1567 are also shown here. King Eric XIV, who believed there was a conspiracy to assassinate him, ordered the killings of the two brothers and their father. Had it not been for the widow who took care of the clothes, they would not have been preserved. Many other treasures can be found here, including funerary items such as crowns, spires and swords, belonging to, amongst others, King Gustav Vasa. Another highlight is a golden communion chalice, donated by Queen Kristina in 1652.

Photo: Jonas Lindberg

Photo: Anders Damberg

to the early 1400s. For your own taste of festivities from way back, a replica of the fabric, a gold and red silk, can be purchased.

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

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Uppland

If delightful, convenient accommodation is on your agenda – look no further

By Anna Lindgren | Photo: Johanssons Gårdshotell

Johanssons Gårdshotell is a charming, family run courtyard hotel in a gorgeous part of Sweden in Roslagen. Cattis Johansson and her partner Johan Löfgren have turned an original 19th century building into a hotel and given it a modern, stylish twist. This brand new hotel will welcome its first guests during late April and May this year.

An extensive breakfast buffet of local delights is served in the adjacent café. Cat-

There are also plans to open a conference centre for up to eight people later on. The Gårdshotell has seven rooms of which two are singles and four doubles. Additionally there is one suite with a lounge, a bedroom and an old-fashioned Scandinavian fireplace.

tis has already been running this side of the business for some time. Johanssons Gårdshotell is situated in the old part of Östhammar, a small town not

Enköping - Visit the ‘City of Parks’

With great enthusiasm Cattis tells me that she and Johan like doing things their way and that this is why they have chosen to do the main part of the renovations, the running of the establishment as well as build the new website themselves. This gives this amiable hotel a very personal feel where one can sense the presence of the courtyard’s ancient past. For more information, please visit: www.johanssonsgardshotell.se

By Emelie Krugly Hill | Photos: Enköping

Another acclaimed attraction the area has to offer is the famous Grönsöö Castle. It was built in 1607-11, and is a monument to the early Swedish power and unique cohesive culture, represented by the family Von Ehrenheim. A popular event here is the annual summer exhibition at Grönsöö Castle, which this year celebrates its 400th anniversary.

Enköping is known as being "the most central town in Sweden”. Situated by Sweden's third largest lake Mälaren and only 45 minutes away from the capital, this picturesque small town has a lot to offer. Within an hour by car, you will reach no more than 38 cities, such as Uppsala and Västerås. Enköping has also been named the "City of Parks" as there are about 20 of them to explore. The finest called the Dreampark was designed by Dutchman Piet Oudolf and was established in 1996. "The Dreampark attracts visitors from all over the world, and they are stunned by its beauty,” says Lene Juhlin from the local tourist office, Enköpings Turistbyrå. Dreampark is a nature-inspired perennial park with an assortment of different species and varieties in large quantities. Why not visit the annual large garden

far from Uppsala, right by the Baltic Sea. It is well worth taking a stroll along the seaside during your stay in this quiet, quaint place located roughly two hours’ drive north of Stockholm.

Other exciting destinations around Enköping are the villages of Fjärdhundra and Örsundsbro, where an impressive number of companies are based and where there is lots to discover, such as art galleries, restaurants, craft and farm shops, butchers, bed & breakfasts and much more. event Garden Day on the first Saturday in September, if you happen to plan your Swedish holiday at the end of the summer.

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

Issue 29 | May 2011 | 37

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Uppland

Learn about all facets of medical history in Uppsala By Nia Kajastie | Photo: Oskar Ahlsten

The Medicinhistoriska Museet (Medical History Museum) in Uppsala, located outside of the city centre, was opened in 1995 and introduces around 750 m2 of exhibition space, filled with medical instruments and appliances. Visitors will be drawn into the fascinating history of all branches of practised medicine. One of the main driving forces behind the museum was Professor Lars Thorén (from the Uppsala University Hospital) and his colleagues, who put together an association of medical history. Thorén had himself collected numerous medical appliances that were no longer of use. The association together with the county council of Uppsala and the Uppsala University formed a foundation for a museum of medical history, whereupon Thorén and his colleagues were given the go-ahead for the museum, joined by pharmaceutical chemist Stig Ekström. The location was

set a few years later in 1992 – in an area that once was the largest psychiatric hospital in Sweden. A museum of psychiatric history still remains on the top floor of the building. Accordingly, visitors can learn about the medical history of both body and soul. The museum follows the development of medicine from ancient times to the present. “We have separate rooms for the different fields from paediatrics to surgery,

nursing history, popular medicine and pharmacy,” explains director Eva Ahlsten. “It started off as a great place to teach new doctors and nurses, but it is also an interesting visit for children - and grownups as well. We want to make people interested in medicine and pharmacy through the exhibitions as well our popular lectures.” Opening hours: Open non-holiday Tuesdays, Thursdays and the first Sunday of each month from 1pm-5pm. On Sundays the museum presents lectures about current topics in medical history. The museum is closed 11 July – 14 August.

For more information, please visit: www.medicinhistoriskamuseet.uu.se

Bror Hjorths Hus – explore art by one of the great Swedish modernists in his own home Bror Hjorths Hus, located in the western district of Uppsala, is a museum set in the former home and workshop of Swedish Bror Hjorth (1894-1968), who was one of the greatest Swedish 20th century artists. He both worked and lived in the house for the last 25 years of his life. Alongside the biggest collection of his art anywhere, the museum also showcases 6-8 temporary exhibitions every year in a wing of the building. The museum was founded in 1978 and not much has been changed since the time Hjorth actually resided there. At the end of his life, Hjorth himself had the idea to turn the house into a museum, but he insisted that it should not be turned into a museum about him, but rather about his work. His belongings are therefore not on show as part of the exhibition, but his fur-

38 | Issue 29 | May 2011

By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Bror Hjorths Hus

niture, books and work tools are still scattered around, as if he had left the building just moments before. The museum’s collection comprises nearly 1,200 works of art by Hjorth, including paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures and reliefs. The next temporary ex-

which are populated with fantastical flowers and insects from his imagination. According to a famous quote by Hjorth, he could “only paint what (he) loved”, and accordingly the colourful museum is bursting with love, music and life in the form of his art works.

Photo: Mattias Enström

hibition opening 15 June will show work by Karl Axel Pehrson, who created landscape paintings that seem realistic, but

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

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Uppland

Gustavianum – a diverse museum with amazing conference facilities By Anna Lindgren | Photos: Museum Gustavianum

Gustavianum offers an exciting mix of old and new. You can speak from the podium of Carl Von Linné (the father of modern

taxonomy, also considered a father of modern ecology), enjoy a moment in the Anatomical Theatre, or make use of stateof-the-art equipment for your business presentations, to name but a few options. No matter what type of event you are planning, consider this historically fascinating space to help create very personal moments or memorable trade functions.

Gustavianum from outside with the cathedral in the background.

The Auditorium, conference room

Founded in 1477, Uppsala University is the oldest centre of higher education in Scandinavia. The museum and the magnificent surroundings can also become venues for conferences and functions ranging from business meetings to very personal celebrations such as weddings. The different areas can accommodate anything from small groups to parties of around 300 people, depending on your re-

quirements and wishes. Buffet-style meals can be arranged along with dedicated guides to assist with the guests and guided tours. Other services provided are drinks and live music, should they be desired.

The Anatomical Theatre

Museum Gustavianum is housed in Uppsala University's oldest preserved building with the renowned Anatomical Theatre, built in 1663, situated on the roof. The museum’s permanent exhibitions include the Augsburg Art Cabinet, discoveries from the Viking period, historical information about the university, mummies, a coin cabinet, and much more. It is located 70 km north of the capital in Uppsala, which has long been the ecclesiastical centre of Sweden.

For more information, please visit: www.gustavianum.uu.se

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Lastberget – a great conference, a great experience Beautifully located by the scenic Lake Mälaren and just 45 minutes away from Arlanda Airport and Stockholm, the hotel and conference centre Lastberget offers an aesthetically and professionally exceptional experience. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Lastberget

“We are located in a very beautiful natural area, and you have lots of free activities to do outside,” says marketing manager Eva Söderberg. “Our name in Swedish is ‘Lastberget Conferences and Experiences’, and we want guests to have a lot of experiences while here.”

ation facilities, pool tables, shuffleboard, indoor pentathlon and much more, there is plenty to do between meetings. However, you can, of course, also opt to retire to one of the hotel’s 79 comfortable single, double or twin bed rooms and enjoy the stunning view of Lake Mälaren.

Work hard, relax hard

Visitors need not go far to enjoy the nature which inspired Svärd. Just a short walk will lead you onto a 1.7 km lighted trail through the woods, where the stress of a busy day will quickly evaporate into the silence - or you can opt for a breath of fresh air down by the lake. For those seeking a more action-packed leisure time, Lastberget arranges an array of activities ranging from a thrilling wild boar safari to wine tasting in the large dining room.

Lastberget is, with its 81,000 sq feet divided over three levels, ideal for meetings and conventions of all sizes. All five conference rooms are conveniently located in the same building, and they are all equipped with the latest technology necessary for professional presentations. “When you see the building from the sky, it looks like a plane with the conference rooms in the middle and the hotel rooms on the wings,” explains Söderberg.

Natural beauty

But Lastberget’s facilities are not just made for hard work. With a gym, relax-

Lastberget was built in 1984 by the architect Owe Svärd, who wanted to create a building where the natural structure of

40 | Issue 29 | May 2011

the landscape was an integral part of the design. “The building is unique,” says Eva Söderberg. “The name Lastberget is actually the name of the small mountain which the building is built around, and on two floors, you can still see the rocks which are now a part of the building.”

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

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Issue 29 | May 2011 | 41

Photo:Terhi Ylimäinen

2 E: AND M E L TH FIN L IN IA EC URE P S LT CU

Culture in Finland 2011 Finnish culture, in a broad sense, comprises the Finnish way of life, the people and the best culinary bits of Finnish cuisine. The course of life is straightforward, steadfast, with a bit of roughness – madness and badness – thrown in. Finland is a country where Western cultural legacy and Eastern influences blend into a unique mix. Urbanisation is fairly recent in Finland. Our roots are in the country. We have a unique affinity with nature. At the other end of the spectrum, Finland is at the spearhead of international technology. By Finnish Minister of Culture and Sport, Stefan Wallin

In recent years, Finland has tried to create a profile as a country of strong know-how in culture and the creative industries. In view of this, it is no coincidence that Turku - the oldest town in Finland - is European Culture Capital 2011 and Helsinki, World Design Capital 2012. The World Design Capital shows how versatile design is and how it can serve sustainable development. We want to contribute to the widest possible use of design. After all, design does not only mean an exclusive, desirable and expen-

42 | Issue 29 | May 2011

sive object in a glass case, an Alvar Aalto chair or a Tapio Wirkkala vase. But, naturally, we should not disregard these either - design still means class, too.

means a cottage on a lake, the smell of a wood-burning sauna. The mixture of nature and culture in Finland makes for peace of mind.

The main theme of Turku 2011, "Culture does good!", takes culture among people, where they live, move and work. Culture resides in both everyday and festive functions. Thanks to its bilingualism, venerable history and multiculturalism, the European Culture Capital 2011 has a lot to offer.

Finland is beautiful, safe, and everything works. Welcome to Finland; Finnish culture is worth a visit.

A tourist visiting Finland has a wide range of experiences and enjoyment to choose from, especially in 2011 and 2012 with their major events. Art and culture are on offer throughout the four seasons spring, summer, autumn and winter. There is something for everybody - whatever their preference: world-class opera, circus, rock concerts, street culture and big festivals. But there is also peace and quiet on offer; this for us Finns often

Finnish Minister of Culture and Sport Stefan Wallin, Photo: Lehtikuva Oy/Prime Minister’s Office

Finland has always cherished the ideal of education, the principle that everyone in our country must have access to knowledge, education and culture. Culture has a growing role in our society. Research shows that culture generates health and welfare, both through people's own pursuits and through appreciation of art and performances. Culture is the heavy-duty engine of welfare and the economy.

Photo: Johan Hagström Vaasa Choir Festival 2010 - Men´s Choir Pohjan Laulu

Stundars: Korsholm Music Festival - Children's Concert Photo: Svenna Martens

Photo: Casse Klaucke

Experience internationally renowned music festivals and exceptional natural surroundings on the west coast of Finland By Nia Kajastie

The city of Vaasa and the municipality of Korsholm which surrounds it are both destinations with great cultural and natural significance. Finland’s first natural site on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the Kvarken Archipelago, is situated here, creating a fascinating backdrop for unforgettable nature experiences. The bilingual area is also known for its wide cultural offerings, which include the annual Korsholm Music Festival and Vaasa Choir Festival. While the beautiful archipelago, which is continuously rising from the sea by about 8-8.5 mm a year, is a large attraction in itself, Vaasa and Korsholm can also entertain the whole family through countless cultural sights and events. There is something for everyone, from the Wasalandia Amusement Park to the Tropiclandia Spa and multiple museums, including Kuntsi, Finland’s newest museum of modern art, and Stundars, an open-air

museum illustrating life at the turn of the 20th century. Two high-profile events no music lover should miss are the Korsholm Music Festival and the Vaasa Choir Festival. The former is a renowned chamber music festival offering big international names and exciting venues, ranging from atmospheric churches to memorable locations in the archipelago. Special venues also include Stundars and the old salting house on Björkö island. Among participants this year are cellist Gary Hoffman, violinist Elina Vähälä, pianist Ralf Gothóni, opera singer Juha Uusitalo who is performing at the closing concert, and many more. Korsholm Music Festival offers 23 different concerts over a period of eight days. Vaasa Choir Festival, on the other hand, is an international five-day-long event, which ends the choral season and starts the Finnish festival season. It is a joyous

Photo: Kenth Nedergard

and social festival, which has no competitive side to it; instead choirs from all over the world can get to know each other and learn from each other in an amiable atmosphere. Spanning 55 different venues and introducing thousands of singers, the programme comprises everything from American barbershop quartets to singalong events. Performers in 2011 include Latvian chamber choir Balsis, Russian vocal ensemble Sakama, the University of Manitoba Singers, Finnish song group MeNaiset… the list goes on. Transport: You can fly directly to Vaasa from Helsinki, Stockholm, Riga and Umeå, and the drive from the airport takes only 10 minutes Upcoming events: 18.-22.5. Vaasa Choir Festival 27.7.-3.8. Korsholm Music Festival

For more information, please visit: www.visitvaasa.fi www.korsholm.fi www.korsholmmusicfestival.fi www.vaasa.fi/choirfestival www.kvarken.fi

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Finland 2011

Mänttä Art Festival

Pirfest brings year-round festival fun to the Tampere Region Pirfest, short for Pirkanmaa Festivals (Tampere Region Festivals), is a festival association covering all cultural events in the Tampere Region of Finland. It was established to coordinate the collaboration between the area’s festivals as well as to develop and enhance their operation and increase their visibility. Consisting of 28 events from several fields of culture, Pirfest offers festival experiences in film, theatre, visual arts, literature, music, dance, circus and even flower arranging. By Inna Hakala | Photos: Pirkanmaa Festivals Pirkanmaa (known as the Tampere Region in English) is a region consisting of 22 municipalities in south-western Finland. Its biggest city Tampere is the most populous inland city in any Nordic country and the main domain for the festivals. With excellent flight connections, Tampere is easily accessible to everyone and also serves as a convenient base for travelling elsewhere in Finland. Launching in May-June, the Visit Tampere tourism portal covers the entire Tampere Region and serves as a great link to all travel-related matters from accommodation to restaurants and transport connections. Website users can create and customise their own profiles. “For example, if you are a nature lover, the website can collect all information on local events re-

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garding nature, or if you select culture as your interest, the portal will highlight all cultural news for your convenience,” says Minnakaisa Kuivalainen, executive director of Tampere Music Festivals.

Tampere Floral Festival

Nestling between two large lakes, Tampere combines stunning natural elements with

urban hustle and bustle. The cultural collaboration between the Tampere Region municipalities is tight-knit. “We don’t feel the need to compete with each other; on the contrary, we aim to highlight all of the events through cooperation and joint marketing. The core of our operation is to emphasise the area’s versatility and attractiveness, and to inform by now already regular audiences of other, smaller events that they may not know of yet,” says Kuivalainen. Festivals are held throughout the year, kick-starting in January with the Circus Ruska Festival and ending at the end of November with Murros – a Theatre Festival for Young People. Busiest time for the festival association is of course summer, as the seasonal environment provides perfect venues for several events. The last

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Finland 2011

week of July hosts five different festivals at the same time – perfect for all the serious festival-hoppers out there. With thousands of festival goers, each event brings significant financial gain to the respective host area. Film and theatre One of the oldest and best known of the festivals is the Tampere Film Festival. Established over 40 years ago, it is one of the most important short film festivals in Europe. Theatre lovers will enjoy the Tampere Theatre Festival, which is Scandinavia’s oldest and largest professional theatre festival, serving as a display window for the finest Finnish and international productions. Every year, audiences of all ages can enjoy a vast variety of performing arts through numerous festivals and workshops, from film and theatre to salsa dance and circus. Versatile visual arts and masses of music

their events at the same time, the Tampere Vocal Music Festival gathers a vast variety of choir performances together, while at the opposite end of the musical spectrum, the Sauna Open Air Metal Festival has become one of the largest music festivals in Scandinavia dedicated only to metal.

Pispala Sottiisi Dance Mania, Photo by Markku Ryynanen

All information under one roof Pirfest gathers all the information on all 28 festivals conveniently on one website. News and articles on upcoming events are updated on a regular basis, and there are links to each festival’s own website where you can purchase tickets and learn more about the programmes and schedules. With such a convenient way to explore everything the Tampere Region has to offer, this festival network is a must for any culture vultures out there!

Tampere Jazz Happening, Photo by Maarit Kytöharju

For more information, please visit: www.pirfest.fi and www.visittampere.fi

Art lovers can head to Mänttä Art Festival – a contemporary art event known for its experimental and daring style. The centre for the festival is Pekilo – a former animal feed factory turned into a stunning exhibition venue, which in itself is a sight worth seeing. The Backlight Photo Festival focuses on photography-based projects and collaborates with institutions in several European countries. Held once every three years, the Backlight Photo Festival is an open forum that encourages work by photographic artists everywhere.

Sauna Open Air, Photo by Timo Isoaho

Music is represented in various forms, from the highly acclaimed Tampere Jazz Happening, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year in style, bringing together friends of modern jazz from all over the world, to the calming sounds of the Early Music Festival – Sastamala Gregoriana. Celebrating medieval art and culture, Sastamala Gregoriana with its beautiful and peaceful church venues, provides a gem of an experience for all lovers of old music. June sees Tampere’s streets fill with choir people and heavy metal fans. Hosting

Sastamala Gregoriana, Photo by Urpo Vuorenoja

Issue 29 | May 2011 | 45

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Finland 2011

Didrichsen Art Museum:

By Nia Kajastie | Photo: Didrichsen Art Museum

A peaceful haven for contemplation and world-class art Born out of a combination of home and art gallery, the Didrichsen Art Museum, located seven kilometres from central Helsinki, was the brainchild of Danish businessman Gunnar Didrichsen (19031992) and his Swedish-speaking Finnish wife Marie-Louise (1913-1988). Villa Didrichsen was designed by the famous Finnish architect Viljo Revell in 1958, and six years later an extension was added to accommodate the couple’s art collection. In 1965, it was opened to the public, while the Didrichsens were still living in the main part of the building. After the couple had passed away, their four children took over the running of the museum, and in 1993, the whole building was integrated into one museum space. Originally, the exhibitions used to consist of the Didrichsens’ own collections, but quite soon the museum started showing temporary

exhibitions, which are still always somehow connected to the original collection. Currently the museum hosts three exhibitions annually and attracts around 25,000-50,000 visitors per year. The basement of the museum, however, is always showing Pre-Columbian and Oriental art

Current exhibition: Hugo Simberg & Niemenlautta, until 28.8.2011 Upcoming exhibition: Juhani Linnovaara September 2011 – January 2012

from the collection. The collection also comprises Finnish art from the 20th century by Albert Edelfelt, Akseli GallenKallela, Helene Schjerfbeck and Reidar Särestöniemi among others, and modern international art by Henry Moore, Pablo Picasso, Wassily Kandinsky, Joan Miró, Fernand Léger and many more. “People don’t come here just for the art,” says chief curator Maria Didrichsen. “They also come for the location and the architecture. It’s a calming haven that alleviates stress through art and the surrounding natural elements. A lot of Finns bring their foreign guests here, so they can also enjoy the nature, sea, Finnish architecture and international art.” For more information, please visit: www.didrichsenmuseum.fi

The elegance of Finnish everyday design The kitchen becomes part of the living room, food trends change before you have time to try them out, interior design combines graphic minimalism with sumptuous floral patterns – but Kaj Franck’s designs remain. The legendary designer would have turned 100 this year. To celebrate his birthday, his work is being reintroduced, and exhibited at different venues. Kaj Franck made radical changes to Finnish everyday dinnerware by introducing ideas of simplification, connectivity and functionalism. Excessive decoration was set aside, and instead his cups and plates were unicoloured and perfectly designed to fit the grip of a hand. Today, Franck’s creations, such as the beloved Teema and Kartio series, are still as modern as when they were initially conceived. Franck’s radical multi-purpose approach brings them to life in today’s homes, where kitchen and living room become one and the world’s food cultures blend freely. Their timeless

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forms adapt to weekday lunches and festive dinners alike. For his 100th anniversary, Iittala has reintroduced some beloved classics designed by Franck. Slender, blown Kartio glasses and vases, Purnukka ceramic jars and Morning in Athens are again a part of kitchens and living rooms.

By Nia Kajastie Photos: Iittala

2011 is also the 130th anniversary of Iittala, which was originally founded as a glassworks in the small village of Iittala in southern Finland. In the summer, visitors to the glassworks can witness glass blowing firsthand. More on Kaj Franck can also be read in the newly published Kaj & Franck - Designs and Impressions by Päivi Jantunen. Upcoming events: 26.5.-28.8.2011 Franck of Arabia, exhibition at Arabia Museum Gallery in Helsinki 15.6.-25.9.2011 Kaj Franck – Universal Forms - anniversary exhibition at Design Museum in Helsinki, web exhibition included

For more information, please visit: www.kf100.fi www.iittala.com www.designmuseum.fi www.arabiamuseum.fi

SP TH ECIA Y– LT WE HE ST ME DE : NM Klitmoeller is a place that AR still retains its memories from K the time when ships sailed from the village. Nowadays Klitmoeller is also called “Cold Hawaii” due to its special wind and wave conditions – this has made Klitmoeller world famous as a surfing area.

Great Nature in Thy – a western region of Denmark Thy lies beautifully surrounded by the Limfjord and the North Sea in Denmark. Its unique position gives nature a very special sort of appearance, and we are tempted to claim that all Denmark’s variations on nature are assembled in this one part of the country. Text and photos by VisitThy

In Thy, we take good care of our surroundings, and we are happy to share them with everyone. A large part of our landscape has been declared as a part of Denmark’s first and largest national park: National Park Thy. Denmark’s greatest ”wilderness” in National Park Thy, stretches along the west coast of Jutland in a 12 km wide area from Agger Tange in the south to Hanstholm in the north. It is an enormous and unspoiled natural area of altogether 244 square kilometres.

pelting wind filled with salty sea fragrance on the coast to the mild breeze on the wet, steamy forest floor. No matter where you move around in the park, you will be impressed by the vastness of the area. Here, the sky is high and you will feel like stretching your arms above your head and filling your lungs with fresh air. The west coast Along the coast in Thy, you will find a row of small, inviting fishing villages, which for many years have been marked by inshore fishing.

In Nr.Vorupør, the museum tells stories about the inshore fishing and the people of the village, while Stenbjerg is characterised by its rescue museum, landing place and the characteristic white fishermen’s houses telling of days gone by. The village of Agger has a small, idyllic church, which had to be moved twice because of the sand drift. “De Sorte Huse” (the black houses) tell the story of coast protection together with the “Fiskerhuset” (fisherman’s house), which shows the west coast style of building and how a fisherman’s family lived in the 19th century. In the port of Hanstholm, Jutland’s northwest corner, you will find Denmark’s largest fishing port, which gives the city a special and international touch together with the many fishing cutters and the ferry to the Faroe Islands and Iceland. In Hanstholm, you will also find one of the main attractions in Thy – Museumscenter Hanstholm – the bunker museum with the great cannon from World War II. It is well worth a visit to learn more about the history of the Atlantic Wall as well as the most important Danish defence point. We welcome you in Thy! www. VisitThy.dk

Inside the national park, you can move between extensive, windblown open spaces and fragrant coniferous forests. You can also throw yourself into the glinting waves of the North Sea or ride your bicycle through the cool dune plantations. The national park is a harmonious natural resort for man, plants and animals. In National Park Thy, both weather and nature are constantly changing, from a

Issue 29 | May 2011 | 47

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Thy – West Denmark

National Park Thy – experience the stillness of the Danish wilderness By Signe Hansen | Photos: National Park Thy

holiday house or a B&B in one of the adjoining charming villages.

With almost 40 miles of pristine coastal landscape, National Park Thy contains by far the vastest and most outstanding wilderness in Denmark. The area is not only a haven for windsurfers, hikers and birdwatchers but for anyone longing to step away from the buzz of everyday life and breathe in the silence and beauty of nature. “The landscape is unique, you will not find that anywhere else in the world. Also, it is one of the few places in Denmark where you can feel like you are the only human being in the landscape,” says head of the park Else Østergaard Andersen. Denmark’s first National Park As the first of four national parks in Denmark, National Park Thy was founded in 2008 and is partly protected by the European Habitat Directive. Its stunning landscape was created through continuous sand drifts, which forced people to move

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World-class windsurfing

further inland and shaped the characteristic sand dunes that now attract numerous Danish and foreign visitors. “In some places, the coastline goes 10-12 kilometres inland, and the type of costal dunes, called Atlantic dunes, that we have here are very rare in Europe, very rare in the world in fact,” stresses Andersen. Approximately 800,000 people pass through the area every year. Some stay for just an hour or two, while others spend weeks exploring the park from a nearby

While the park has an abundance of well marked hiking paths with primitive shelters, bike and horse riding trails, beautiful clean lakes for swimming, and bird watching towers, it is the exceptionally favourable conditions for windsurfing which has made it world famous. Last year the PWA Wave World Cup was held just outside the park in the small town of Kitmøller also known as “Cold Hawaii”. “I once met a guy from Australia who took a job in Copenhagen just to be closer to Kitmøller, so for windsurfers it’s definitely a very well-known spot,” laughs Andersen. National Park Thy is open 24/7 and free for everyone. For more information, please visit: www.nationalparkthy.dk

Special Theme | Thy – West Denmark

guests and participants, who exchange experiences on creating artists’ books this year the main exhibition is on the theme “in the air”.

The entire merchant's complex is composed of three wings – the warehouse, merchant's house and grocery shop/office wing.

Get taken by storm at the Limfjordscentre Experience one of the best preserved Danish merchant houses of the Limfjord from the 1850s and learn the dramatic story that goes with it. Today the buildings are used as a centre for changing exhibitions and various activities, a place where you can meet both artists and Vikings and examine the creatures in the seaweed jungle that you have caught yourself.

The beautiful surroundings with the shallow sound just at the doorstep also offers perfect opportunities to experience nature at close hand - either exploring alone or with a nature guide. Why not try the popular Limfjord Safari, where you explore the life under the surface of the waters of the Limfjord, wearing waders and equipped with a net, a bucket and underwater binoculars. If this is not adventurous enough, the centre also offers rappelling down the 42meter high silo situated beside the warehouse and sea kayak lessons for both beginners and more experienced rowers. Furthermore, the Limfjordscentre harbours an impressive Viking ship which is the focal point of the yearly Viking Market, where modern Vikings camp in their tents on the grounds and display their handicrafts and authentic costumes.

By Lykke Fabricius Port | Photos: Knud Jensen/Limfjordscentret

In 1825, a storm surge in the northern part of Jutland cut an opening in the narrow strip that connected Vendsyssel-Thy with the rest of Jutland. What seemed like a catastrophe at the time created a lively trade district on the western side of the Limfjord from the mid-1800s, where a merchant’s warehouse was built just at the water’s edge in Doverodde. This beautifully restored warehouse now houses the Limfjordscentre, which hosts cultural-historical exhibitions and offers hands-on adventures in nature.

“The building has a very intense historical atmosphere, and you can almost smell the old merchant shop when you enter through the door. The furniture and fittings are the same as back then, and you can buy a large range of locally grown specialities and handicrafts,” says Karin Nikolaus, head of the Limfjordscentre. She highlights one of the biggest events of the year, the Book Arts Festival in June. The festival attracts artists from all over the world and is a meeting place for both

Book art by Bodil Molich

EVENTS 2011 Book Art Festival 2-5 June 2011 Viking Market 9-19 July 2011 Antique Market 6-7 August 2011

For more information, please visit: limfjordscenter.dk and www.bookarts-doverodde.dk

Issue 29 | May 2011 | 49

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Thy – West Denmark

Vorupør – the old, charming fishing village at the heart of National Park Thy By Signe Hansen | Photos: Vorupør

In the old fishing village of Vorupør, people have lived off the sea for generations, and they have preserved their unique heritage with pride. This heritage, together with Vorupør’s beautiful location in the middle of National Park Thy, has made the village the most popular tourist destination in the municipality of Thisted. “For generations, fisher boats have pulled up directly on the beach, and the fact that you can walk right down to the boats and buy fish, still alive and flipping, always attracts a lot of people,” says Thorkild Sodborg Jensen, who is project manager for Business Development Vorupør.

houses, campsites, guesthouses and hotels are filled with thousands of visitors. But while the many guests add a lively atmosphere to the village and its stunning white sand beach, Vorupør has succeeded in keeping tourism at a level where visitors can still feel at home during their visit. “Many of our guests say that they feel like a part of the village when they are here, and according to them, our beach is one of the best beaches in Denmark,” says Sodborg Jensen. For those who wish to look closer at the sea and its inhabitants, a visit to Nordsø aquarium might also be an idea, and for younger family members, there is a range of activities arranged throughout the summer.

Buzzing with life During the summer months, the village, which normally houses around 800 inhabitants, swells and the various holiday

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Vorupør also provides visitors with a wide selection of shopping opportunities with everything from souvenirs to out-

door equipment and everyday groceries on offer. (For more information and to book accommodation or activities visit: www.vorupor.dk.) Local delicacies The village’s location in the middle of the newly established National Park Thy means that many of the local grocery stores and restaurants have chosen to focus on the area’s abundance of local produce. “One of the characteristic and really delicious treats served at many places is red deer with preserved berries and herbs from the heath surrounding the village,” says Sodborg Jensen. “As you can even have a locally produced beer or schnapps to top it off, it really is a complete experience!” Of course seafood lovers are also spoiled for choice with the fresh fish market on

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Thy – West Denmark

the beach and local smokehouses and fishmongers right at hand. If you are not in the mood to cook, the area also boasts an impressive number of restaurants, where the daily catch is transformed into mouthwatering dishes. A chance to get active The nearby National Park Thy, with its extensive forest and heather covered areas, offers an array of exciting activities. Whether on foot, bike or horseback, visitors are sure to have a good time while exploring the many treks through the wilderness, which is free and open to everybody 24/7. Another main attraction is, of course, the sea, and the opportunities to explore its blue breadths are numerous as well. Since the trade of inshore fishing has become less profitable, a couple of the characteristic old boats now offer recreational fishing or sightseeing trips, which provide a great opportunity to see the beautiful landscape from the seaside while enjoying the sunset. The area is also known for its great conditions for windsurfing which has earned

it a reputation as one of the best surfing sites in Europe or even the world. But you do not have to be a master surfer to enjoy the waves, says Sodborg Jensen. “For those who prefer to keep their feet dry, it is really an experience in itself just to observe how the surfers fearlessly defy the huge waves when the wind is showing its teeth.” (For more information on fishing trips visit: www.maagen.com or www. skagerak-t248.dk.)

Vorupør Business Development With all of these offers, Vorupør is not just the perfect holiday place for individual visitors, but also an obviously attractive destination for business excursions of any kind, says Sodborg Jensen. “We are very much looking forward to a productive cooperation with players within this field just as we would be very interested in initiating a partnership with interested cruise operators.”

Vorupør Trade Organisation is working on all of this in corporation with the project “Business Development in Vorupør,” which is run by LAG Thy-Mors.

For more information, please visit: www.vorupor.dk or contact project manager Thorkild Sodborg Jensen on: +45 23 30 93 37

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Scan Magazine | Travel | Music and magic in Røros

Music and magic in Røros Little can prepare you for the exceptional beauty of Røros, but the journey there comes pretty close. The plush train from Oslo leaves you at Hamar, where you connect with the stopper that heaves its way sluggishly and intricately up the final 130 miles of incline to one of Norway’s highest inhabited towns. Along the way, the mountains seem to become ever more expansive and magnificent, the frozen fjords ever whiter, wider and flatter. As I listened to Norwegian folk songs on my iPod and stared wide-eyed from the train’s window, I wondered if anything in Røros itself could match the magnificence of getting there. By Andrew Mellor | Photos: Terje Rakke/Nordic Life AS/www.visitnorway.com

Perched on a steep hillside on the eastern side of central Norway, Røros was built on copper mining. Its pit spawned dozens of turf-roofed, horizontal beamed houses in the 17th and 18th centuries that recently formed the centrepiece of the town’s successful bid to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not that I spotted any roof-turf while I was there in March: until early spring Røros is invariably draped in a heavy blanket of snow and treated to piercingly low temperatures.

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The music festival Vinterfestspill warms things up considerably. It is billed as a ‘chamber music’ festival, but you actually get everything from unaccompanied fiddling to works for choir and orchestra, and experimental folk-rock, all served up with a generosity of spirit that Scandinavian musicians seem able to muster better than any others. The central venue is Røros’s famous wooden church. Every March at festival time, lights are directed out of its tall altar-side windows from inside, where you can watch bright specks

of white snow falling through their luminous beams long after darkness has fallen outside. This could so easily have felt like a gimmick, if it were not for the quality of the accompanying music. Whether you are a regular concert-goer or not, it is difficult not to be spellbound by the Norwegian Soloists’ Choir, which has itself climbed to staggering heights recently; in fact, I would rate it as one of the finest ensembles of its kind in the world, unique in its

Scan Magazine | Travel | Music and magic in Røros

luminous tone and the way its singers move together. It was they who sung those folksongs on my iPod as I travelled up on the train, and to hear them live was thrilling. I arrived at one of their evening concerts slightly late; I bumped into a friend from Trondheim, and we managed to get in the church’s back door, creeping through a concealed opening behind the altar to listen as they sang music by Brahms, Xenakis and Messiaen with a folksong encore to finish. It was one of a handful of experiences I think I will remember for the rest of my life. Elsewhere, the Trondheim Soloists played Tchaikovsky with shape and warmth, while the Oslo String Quartet’s Grieg was uncompromisingly brittle and harsh – as if reflecting the brutal, cold winds that battered at the door of the town hall even as they played.

regularly leave from outside the hotel’s front door. I did not get to repeat that wonderful train journey on the way home, instead I checked in at Røros’s tiny airport for a short flight back to Oslo. But this, in itself, had its own appeal: after three nights

there, I watched from the small plane’s window as the town spread out before me – looking down on the streets I had been walking and the cavernous roof of the wooden church until they became so tiny as to be indistinct from one another. I feel I got the best of Røros, but that will not stop me from coming back.

Vinterfestspill. Photos: Svein Eggan, Medialoftet

There is more to Røros than music – though you can be forgiven for thinking otherwise during Vinterfestspill, when the town’s modest ladder of streets is invaded by people carrying instruments and scores. The Røros Museum tells of the town’s industrial heritage and the difficulty faced by its worker-inhabitants when mining still controlled the economy. These days, tourism is big business. The streets are littered with trendy gift shops and boutiques, but you can still find down-to-earth and inexpensive (by Norwegian standards) eateries, including one halfway up the high street that serves delicious soup with inexhaustible supplies of bread – all confined to two small wooden rooms that feel very much like appendages to someone’s house. You will not want to spend too much time indoors though – whether you are there in the depths of winter or at the height of summer. Røros’s high altitude and hillside position have a knack of making you feel incredibly alive: the views over the valley are magnificent at any time of year, and in winter, you can clip on your skis at the top of the high street and slide your way down the hill on the run that weaves its way past the Røros Hotel that sits to the left at the top of the hill, overlooking the bustle of the streets. If you do not fancy the skiing, sleigh-rides

Issue 29 | May 2011 | 53

Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Norway

Hotel of the Month, Norway:

Victoria Hotel: A green spot of history in the petroleum fairytale The adventure started in 1900: three men finally realised their goal and presented Stavanger with their first luxury hotel, a building that at the time was one of the largest and finest in the city. They started the adventure that administrating director Catrine Vedøy now carries towards new heights and experiences, in the hotel’s 111th year. By Ingrid Marie Holmeide | Photos: Victoria Hotel

Little did the three men from Bergen know that the medieval town of Stavanger was to become the petroleum capital of Norway when the oil age began. They did, however, know that a city in strong growth needed accommodation for the increasing flow of visitors. Today, in a city flourishing with business, oil, tourists and weather, Victoria Hotel leads history towards the future. And it is a green one. Not only can Victoria Hotel boast about its history and development during the last 111 years, they are also proud to be look-

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ing into the future. “One of the biggest changes since the hotel opened so many years ago is our guests’ attitude towards climate; a socially aware clientele demands accommodation with a green conscience,” Vedøy says. In January this year, Victoria Hotel in Stavanger was certified with the official Nordic Eco-label, the Swan. “This means that laundry services and suppliers must be environmentally labelled, renovation work carried out must be in agreement with our standards, and we aim to improve waste-sorting to create more efficient recycling.”

Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Norway

Victoria Hotel is also a part of the Rica Partner Hotels, the only hotel chain covering the whole of Norway. Together with the Olympia Top, Rica has developed a breakfast concept called “Good Morning”. This includes healthier food, nutrition that will help you last longer and give you more energy. “People are more aware of what they eat these days, and we are happy to be able to provide a breakfast that will kick start our guests’ day in all the right ways!” Drawing raw materials from local areas, the best of Norwegian food is served at Victoria Hotel. The healthy start to the day comes in handy for the many conference attendees at Victoria Hotel. With rooms boasting names like the Vault, the Victoria Hall and the Bailiff’s Hall, guests become a part of the history that has lived here. “This is a popular place for conferences, and we have a lot of international guests and companies staying here,” Vedøy explains. “We have an even stream of guests throughout the year, peaking during autumn and Christmas.” Victoria Hotel has 107 rooms, and guests can chose between standard, superior, deluxe or suites. A perfect backdrop with history from floor to ceiling, the hotel is happy to host parties, weddings or gatherings of any sort, should you have a big celebration in mind, or a weekend with the girls. Holmen Bar is a natural point to meet before dinner, whether you are going out or dining in one of the two restaurants at the hotel, before going to the theatre or to a concert. Bar manager and whisky expert Paul Lithun welcomes you to his domain for a perfect start to your evening.

From left to right: Restaurants Big Horn and Nero

troleum Museum will give you an insight into Stavanger’s unique position in Norway’s oil age, and should Victoria Hotel not hold enough history for you, the Museum of Archaeology opened their exhibition To Valhalla on 3 April.

modation was essential to push Stavanger that bit further in the process of becoming one of Norway’s most important cities. As the hotel’s own Guest Guide says, “Perhaps that was why they built the magnificent Victoria Hotel.”

The three men from Bergen knew what they were doing when deciding to build and open Victoria Hotel in 1900. In the 1890s, Stavanger’s own tourist association held its first trip to Lysefjorden, approximately one hour from Stavanger by ferry and car, and to what was to become one of Scandinavia’s biggest tourist attractions, the Pulpit Rock. Nielsen, Angell and Platou understood that appealing accom-

If you would like to rest, dine, learn and teach amongst the history of those men who first saw the potential in the quay side hotel, visit Catrine Vedøy and her staff in a green, healthy, happy and welcoming Victoria Hotel. Sound good? We think so! For more information, please visit: www.victoria-hotel.no

“A very popular restaurant here is our own Big Horn,” Vedøy says. “It’s a part of a national chain, an American-style steak house.” As well as Big Horn, there is restaurant Nero on the hotel’s own premises. Should you want to explore the town while you are there, Stavanger has a lot to offer. Situated in the city centre is Norway’s oldest cathedral, Stavanger Domkirke, which is well worth a look. The Norwegian Pe-

Issue 29 | May 2011 | 55

Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Sweden

Hotel of the Month, Sweden:

A metropolis of entertainment Hotel Tylösand is beautifully located on a seven kilometre long sand beach with sublime sea views in an exclusive area on Sweden’s west coast, outside Halmstad. The hotel prides itself on being Sweden’s top spa hotel and one of Europe’s largest conference and recreation complexes. It is also a metropolis for the summer season. By Victoria Lagnehag | Photos: Hotel Tylösand

The hotel itself is owned by Björn Nordstrand and Roxette pop star Per Gessle, but the creation is that of photographer Johan Hallberg. Johan built the original hotel in 1906 after being inspired by a visit to French Trouville, and Tylösand Hotel has pampered guests ever since. The hotel successfully mixes first-class accommodation with modern amenities, conference facilities, award-winning cuisine and live entertainment. It is large enough to offer every convenience, yet still maintain a personal touch and impeccable service.

cases paintings, sculptures and graphics by Scandinavian and international artists, throughout the hotel with a strong focus on contemporary art.

pared meals for the Nobel Prize Banquet six times. There is also after-beach entertainment, live music and a popular club on offer for the late nighters.

Tylösand Hotel runs four restaurants including award-winning Akvarell and Tylöhus, which is headed up by chef Torsten Kjörling, who has been part of the Swedish National Culinary Team for 10 years, awarded Chef of the Year and pre-

The entertainment metropolis and hotel complex, with its many restaurants and night clubs as well as its art gallery and famous spa, is the leading destination for the summer season and the obvious choice for guests wanting it all.

The top-class hotel offers a sanctuary from the chaos of everyday life, with several pools, a gym, saunas as well as stress melting treatments in their own spa. The giant sea deck tempts with its panoramic sea views, and you can relax and allow the sun and sea air to invigorate your senses. For art enthusiasts, Hotel Tylösand also hosts an in-house gallery. The hotel show-

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

Hotel of the Month, Denmark:

Tohøjgaard Guesthouse – Experience life unplugged Situated on Møn, one of the most beautiful islands in Denmark, Tohøjgaard Guesthouse is a B&B that goes the extra mile when it comes to hospitality and service. It is a calm getaway set in the idyllic Danish countryside, with six charming, individually decorated rooms that all offer fantastic views of the Baltic Sea. By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Tohøjgaard Guesthouse

Owners Christine Neergaard-Holm and Allan Jenkins bought the Tohøjgaard farm in 2007, after many years of pursuing corporate careers in the hustle and bustle of Copenhagen. They wanted to open a B&B by the sea, where guests (and they themselves) could enjoy the calm surroundings and experience “life... unplugged.” Tohøjgaard, a farmstead built in 1872, was the ideal location for this haven of peace and quiet, and the couple opened the doors to their B&B in 2009. In addition to the daily continental breakfast, the B&B also serves dinner by reservation as well as lunch packs. They use seasonal ingredients, which are usually locally sourced, to create lovely dishes from the new Danish/Nordic kitchen. Tohøjgaard is the only B&B certified under Visit Denmark’s Gastronomy Denmark programme. “We pay great attention to detail when hosting our guests, and one of us is always available on the property to attend to

the guests’ every need,” says Christine. “It is all about relaxation, so we have comforts like garden rooms, lots of patio space and a selection of books in each room, and the island itself offers so much to see and do.”

“Some guests even extend their stay for an extra night or two because they like it here so much, and they want to spend more time exploring the surroundings,” says the couple. Contact details:

Although a lot of people seek out Tohøjgaard solely to relax, the surrounding nature is always there, ready to be explored by foot or bicycle. The secluded beach is only a few minutes’ walk away, and the B&B is also part of Visit Denmark’s cycling programme, with three national cycling routes going right past it.

Tohøjgaard Guesthouse Rytsebækvej 17, 4780 Stege Phone: +45 5581 6067 Email: info@tohoejgaard.com

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

Issue 29 | May 2011 | 57

Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Sweden

Left: Exhibition Building Blocks 2010. Photo: Alexander De Cuveland Above: Production work on Daniel Knorr's installation Natural Cultural. Below: Stockholm at Large exhibition 2006. Photo: Camilla Wirseen

Attraction of the Month, Sweden:

Färgfabriken – a forum between art, music and society Färgfabriken, the former factory building was transformed into a contemporary art and architecture haven in 1995 by a non-profit foundation. Its location on Liljeholmen, Stockholm, reveals little of its worldwide reputation and the exhibitions that frequently garner international praise. By Victoria Lagnehag | Photos: Färgfabriken

Färgfabriken’s projects are created internally, on demand or through collaborations with external partners, using diverse formats such as conferences, seminars, workshops as well as exhibitions. They strive to gather knowledge across different fields, and it is fair to say that their projects reach beyond the traditional art and architecture exhibitions with new and ground-breaking ideas. They have a vigorous modern voice and bravely negotiate their way through social and political top-

ics. Färgfabriken is not just art; it is a laboratory of the contemporary. Färgfabriken is known for its boldness, with provocative and controversial art, but more importantly, for being a forum between art, design, music and architecture, gathered in a newly renovated building with its own cafe and club. Provocative or not, Färgfabriken’s aim is not to shock their audience; instead they wish to open a dialogue on unvoiced topics and bring

attention to new and exciting projects. Bucharest-born artist, Daniel Knorr’s work is one of Färgfabriken’s main projects during spring and summer. Knorr opens his exhibition on 7 May, running until 14 August, and his unique installation is part of a trilogy which is directly linked to the history of the building, visualising the footprint of culture and descent. Alongside Daniel Knorr, Färgfabriken is also showing work by Czech designer Maxim Velcovsky and Swedish design duo Folkform (consisting of Anna Holmquist and Chandra Ahlsell). Their exhibition on industrial intervention is exploring the borderland between glass handcraft and industrial production. Maxim Velcovsky is one of the Czech Republic’s top designers, and his work is showcased in London, Prague and New York. For further information, please visit: www.fargfabriken.se

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Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Denmark

Left and top middle: The terrace outside Louisiana. Middle and right: Artwork from the Living exhibition by Arne Quinze and right by Sanei Hopkins Architects

Attraction of the Month, Denmark:

Louisiana – a spectacular world of mordern art Situated on the north coast of Zealand, only half an hour away from Copenhagen, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art not only provides you with an impressive collection of modern art, but also boasts a magnificent panoramic sea view. Explore a world of modern art in truly stunning surroundings. By Charlotte Kany | Photos: Lars Ranek, Brøndum & Co & Louisiana Museum og Modern Art

Every year Louisiana welcomes a huge number of visitors from all around the world, and it is not difficult to understand the attraction of the destination. It is so much more than a traditional museum with the entire location being an attraction in its own right, including a magnificent sculpture park and scenery full of nature that is beyond description. The interaction between art, nature and the museum is unique for Louisiana. Within the walls of the exhibition space, Louisiana holds some of the most significant pieces of art from both the international and Scandinavian art scene. Consisting of a considerable collection with more than 3,000 pieces of work, Louisiana is one of the largest museums in Scandinavia and proudly presents work by artists such as Alberto Giacometti, Francis Bacon, Roy Lichtenstein and Danish Asger Jorn, just to mention a few from the extensive catalogue.

Throughout the year Louisiana holds a range of temporary exhibitions. On view this summer is the highly recognized English artist David Hockney, who at a relatively late age plunged into the new media area by drawing on his iPhone and iPad. Louisiana will show a huge selection of his digital drawings. Another upcoming exhibition that is worth keeping an eye out for is the architectural exhibition Living, which focuses on the different ways of living in a modern world from singles to collectives, from Romas to the nouveau riche.

Of course, the main purpose of your visit to Louisiana is the art, but the location and the architecture are definitely not to be underestimated. “We offer late opening hours, meaning that you can explore the lovely capital of Denmark, Copenhagen, during the day time and later head off to the seaboard and enjoy the museum until 10pm,” communication manager Thomas Bendix explains. Imagine sitting outside in a spacious park looking out towards Oresund while dining at the café on a lovely Nordic summer evening - what a view!

Opening hours: Tues – Fri 11-22, Sat – Sun 11-18, Monday closed

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

Issue 29 | May 2011 | 59

Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Iceland

Attraction of the Month, Iceland:

The Icelandic Settlement Centre â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Reviving old sagas

a labyrinth, and visitors are invited to explore them wearing headphones with audio guides available in several languages. There is also a very popular restaurant within the centre. The kitchen follows the Five Elements Theory of Chinese cooking and serves predominantly Icelandic fare.

By Yane Christensen | Photos: The Icelandic Settlement Centre

The Icelandic Settlement Centre is situated in the coastal town of Borgarnes, approximately 80 kilometres north of Reykjavik. The area is also the setting for Egil's Saga, one of the most popular settlement sagas. This historical context combined with the stunning natural beauty of the area makes it an ideal location for the centre. Icelanders have very few relics from the early settlements, but what they do have is vivid sagas. It is these sagas that have formed the basis of the Icelandic Settlement Centre. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The sagas are of huge importance to Iceland, on the same scale as the pyramids are to Egypt,â&#x20AC;? says Sigridur Margret Gudmundsdottir, who owns the centre together with her husband Kjartan Ragnarsson. Together they have travelled the world in search of inspiration for their project. Both have previously worked in film and theatre and have drawn strongly from their experiences in these areas. Using multi-media and theatrical techniques, they dramatically recreate the sagas, and the result is a unique way of presenting an exhibition. The couple have won several prestigious awards for their efforts.

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The Settlement Centre is located in the oldest house in Borgarnes. The centre houses two major exhibitions: The Settlement of Iceland (which tells the story of how Iceland was discovered by the Norwegian Vikings) and the Saga of Egil SkallaGrimsson (which focuses on the adventures of Egil, one of the most colourful saga heroes). The exhibits are laid out like

The latest addition to the centre is the Smartphone concept. Visitors can borrow an iPhone at the centre (or buy the necessary app online). The iPhone will pick up your location and inform you accordingly, and as it comes with a microphone, it is literally like having a live guide on hand. It is a brilliant way for visitors to relive the sagas at the very sites where they took place centuries ago.

For further information, please visit: www.settlementcentre.is

Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Faroe Islands

Attraction of the Month, Faroe Islands:

The Faroe Islands Art Museum –see the Faroe Islands through the eyes of its greatest artists By Signe Hansen | Photos: The Faroe Islands Art Museum

A visit to the Faroe Islands Art Museum is certain to be a unique experience. As the only one in the world, the museum in Torshavn is focused mainly on acquiring, exhibiting, preserving, registering and researching Faroese visual art. With motifs spanning violent pilot-whale killings, idyllic scenery and folklore, the museum presents visitors with an exceptional opportunity to experience the diversity of Faroese society and culture through the eyes of some of its greatest artists. Faroese art Considering the small size of the Faroese society, the islands present a startling array of artistic activity. But what should one expect to find here? As Faroese art has

only really evolved during the last century, it is, despite the islands’ geographical isolation, not without influence from the outer world. Still, an essential motif has always been, and is still, in one way or another, the Faroese landscape. “Clearly, local traditions and a landscape of a rugged, absolute character have influenced Faroese art far more than anything from the outside and have led it towards its distinctive, expressive and existential character,” stresses the museum’s assistant director Mortan Vang. “The combination of nature romanticism and expressionism is not only the most prominent but also the most multifaceted.” The museum The Faroe Islands Art Museum was found-

ed as a self-governing institution in 1989 and in 1993 expanded into its current shape with further developments underway. Today the museum possesses 2,600 art pieces of which 150 are presently on show in the permanent exhibition. “We have by far the greatest collection of Faroese art seen anywhere, including the biggest and most important collection of works by pioneers such as Samuel Joensen-Mikines (1906-79), Ruth Smith (1913-58) and Ingálvur av Reyni (19202005),” stresses Vang. “These artists are known for their artistic excellence, consistent international standards and long lasting influence on Faroese art.” One of the most recognized, currently active artists on the Faroe Islands is Edward Fuglø whose exhibition Merry-Go-Round is shown at the museum until 13 June. From left to right: Edward Fuglø; Microstate Camper, 2008. Ingálvur av Reyni; Red Rain, 1980. Mikines; Back from the Funeral, 1937. For further information, please visit: www.art.fo

Issue 29 | May 2011 | 61

Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Norway

Attraction of the Month, Norway:

Norwegian Petroleum Museum – a journey through the past and present into the future By Ingrid Marie Holmeide | Photos: Norwegian Petroleum Museum

The Norwegian oil age started in the 1960s, when oil and gas was found in the North Sea. It was still too early to predict the impact the oil discovery would have on Norwegian society, but the idea of an oil museum in Stavanger was already born in 1974.

over the world; during the summer season as much as 45-50% of the visitors are international.

The foundation for the Norwegian Petroleum Museum was laid 16 years later, and the collection of film, footage and other material documenting the oil and gas development was initiated. A productive 19 years later, a monumental building of stone, concrete and glass was opened by His Majesty King Harald of Norway, 20 May 1999; but compared to how other fairytales end, the rest of this one is not just history, it is also the future.

The museum shows a history tracing its roots back billions of years. Questions like why there is oil and gas in the North Sea, how it is discovered and produced, and what it is used for are answered through the exhibitions. The way petroleum resources influence Norwegian society is covered in its own exhibition. Everything is explained in an interactive way. “Some people pass though the museum in an hour and a half, others spend three days reading, watching, touching and learning,” Vinje explains. Whichever group you find yourself in there is something for you at the Norwegian Petroleum Museum.

The Norwegian Petroleum Museum opens its doors to visitors nearly every day, all year round. “Our high-season is coming up,” department manager Siri I. Vinje says. “In the summer months, we are open from 10am to 7pm throughout.” People journey to the museum from all

All text and films accompanying the exhibition are available in English, and the paper guides are written in 11 languages. The 3D film currently showing in the cinema is Petropolis, explaining the origin of oil and covering the many years from then until now. The museum is a great place for

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children and youths to learn through activities such as working on the children’s own oil rig, Småtroll, playing different games, or for the bravest: testing the rescue chute. Should you need a break, an adventure for your palate is also available. The popular restaurant Bølgen & Moi is located at the museum. They serve delicious meals with a fantastic view of the harbour and the fjords and mountains of Ryfylke. From the 1960s, the petroleum fairy tale has developed, expanded and become a great national treasure. At the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, you will not only learn how this treasure came to be, you will learn of what it came to mean for a whole nation, what it still means today and what it might come to mean in the future.

For further information, please visit: www.norskolje.museum.no

Scan Magazine | Food | The Fat Duck

One gets this feel on visiting Blumenthal’s restaurant: staff are attentive, knowledgeable, interested and passionate about food. Each dish is created with love, care and exceptional creativity and every course comes with a little ‘taster’ to prepare your palate for the next culinary sensation, so that, for example, if you order apple pie for dessert, you are treated to a glass of fresh apple juice first.

Heston Blumenthal at work at The Fat Duck. Photo: Clive Booth

A Swede in The Fat Duck By Christina Sanderson | Photos: The Fat Duck

In the picturesque, sleepy village of Bray on the banks of the Thames, rests a plain, unassuming house that an uninformed passerby would not give a second glance; to any serious gourmand, however, this building is firmly marked on their world map of culinary ‘musts’. It is home to The Fat Duck, voted best restaurant in the world in 2005 and the proud holder of the elusive three Michelin stars. Its chef is the now world famous Heston Blumenthal, whose famously exotic cre-

ations include snail porridge and bacon-and-eggs icecream. Blumenthal is as much an alchemist as a chef, and he describes eating as a multi-sensory experience: “Of course I want to create food that is delicious, but this depends on so much more than what’s going on in the mouth - context, history, nostalgia, emotion and the interplay of sight, smell, sound and taste all play an important part in our appreciation and enjoyment of food.”

Work placements at The Fat Duck are highly sought after; 19-year-old Swede Jesper Berggren, the top student chef at the Restaurant School in Nyköping, was awarded a culinary scholarship by the UK based charitable organisation the AngloSwedish Society to work in the kitchens of The Fat Duck. Now back in Sweden, Berggren describes his time in the restaurant’s kitchens as a unique and invaluable experience, although by no means easygoing (he worked 16-hour days). Berggren relates that his time in the kitchen was so intense that he rapidly formed close, and what he hopes will be lifetime friendships with the other staff. He laughs while relating his experiences, “I was nicknamed ‘Working shoes’, owing to the fact that, in Sweden, chefs are required to wear shoes similar to those of construction workers - the chefs at Bray, wearing regular shoes, thought this was very funny.” The Fat Duck has reached the pinnacle of the highly competitive restaurant world. There are few restaurants that reach the top and stay at the top: The Fat Duck clearly looks like it is here to stay.

The Anglo-Swedish society awards a few select scholarships each year, predominantly to music and art students. The Society organises a wide range of cultural events in and around London, and is currently planning a ‘Punsch Ball’ in the autumn.

For more information, please contact: www.angloswedishsociety.org.uk Fat Duck snail porridge and radish ravioli of oyster. Photos: Dominic Davies

Issue 29 | May 2011 | 63

Scan Magazine | Food | Danish Food Direct

Danish Food Direct: The way to a Scandinavian’s heart is through the stomach By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Danish Food Direct

The general opinion regarding Scandinavian food has been going through some changes lately: what was previously known as boring and flavourless is now internationally lauded. Danish restaurant Noma was recently named best restaurant in the world, while Danish chef Rasmus Kofoed was chosen as the best chef in the world. These titles are a nice boost of confidence, but most importantly the eyes of the culinary world have turned to Denmark and Scandinavia. People want to know more, and the ingredients, previously deemed as somewhat simple, are back in fashion. Welcome to the world of berries, fish, tasty cheeses and rye bread! I know what you may be thinking: a lot of the specific Scandinavian ingredients are nowhere to be found on UK supermarket shelves. However, one place you can al-

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ways turn to is Danish Food Direct – an online grocery store that is always looking to expand their selection of delicacies. Managing director Stephen Briggs is currently developing the business further to include more Scandinavian products, rather than just Danish ones, so keep your eye out for some more Swedish, Norwe-

gian and Finnish favourites. The Danish Food Direct web shop was created in November 2008, when Briggs bought the direct mail side of Danfood Direct as it ceased to trade. Some of the regular customers have been buying the products since 1973, when Danfood was first established. “We were hoping that our serv-

Scan Magazine | Food | Danish Food Direct

From left to right: Mia, customer services; Debbie, director; Stephen, director; Vivian, customer services

ices would reach the same standard, and the customers have seemed very pleased so far,” says Briggs.

Danish Food Direct receives a new delivery of food every week from Danish wholesalers, so that the produce is as fresh as possible and stock is kept up-to-date.

Blue cheese and food deliveries One of the things Briggs is very passionate about is cheese. He is interested in offering cheese varieties that are not available or just generally hard to find in the UK. Examples of the cheeses they stock are Danish Esrom and Saint Clemens blue cheese. If the shop’s selection is missing any of your favourite Scandi cheeses, Briggs is always happy to hear about products that they could add to their already expanding range. “One of the major benefits is that we’re not Tesco,” says Briggs. “We can’t compete with supermarkets; their buying power is too great, and the mainline food market is very much an oligopoly. Our market lies in the products that are not available at the supermarkets, as they’re niche foods. And our delivery charge of £5 isn’t expensive either, when you take into account that we deliver everything directly to your door and, where necessary, in specially designed boxes to ensure the groceries remain chilled.”

Would you be able to...? Briggs is always keen to hear about products that are popular “back at home” – so Danish, Swedish, Norwegian and Finnish favourites. These, of course, should be

products that are not already available at UK supermarkets. “On the order forms we receive, people often ask ‘Would you be able to do this product?’. And we’re always happy to investigate these new suggestions. And as long as the products don’t have too short a shelf life and are popular in their home countries, we will try to stock it for our customers.”

So why not inform Danish Food Direct about the products you would like to see on their virtual shelves at info@DanishFoodDirect.co.uk. Also, remember to visit the website in the near future to see the new additions to their range. So whether it is Scandinavian bread or Danish Blood of the Vikings (I promise, it is a real thing!) that you are after, Danish Food Direct is your best resource for Nordic delicacies.

Want to taste some Scandi grub? Visit the Danish Food Direct web shop for a wide selection of products (which is continuously expanding): www.danishfooddirect.co.uk If you’re interested in gourmet food products, please visit Danish Food Direct’s sister site: www.gourmelli.co.uk

Issue 29 | May 2011 | 65

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Denmark

Restaurant of the Month, Denmark:

Tasty food with a “Damindran” kick By Katrine Kirch Kirkegaard | Photos: Damindra

The restaurant Damindra in Copenhagen is packed every night. And no wonder. The creativity in the cooking and the elegance of the décor make a visit to Damindra a very tasty – and tasteful – experience. Do not be surprised if you find a simple flower made out of raw salmon on top of your sushi. Or if your crispy spring roll rests on an airy nest made of dikon. Just for the look of it. There are absolutely no coincidences in the way you are welcomed into Damindra’s universe. Damindra is not only the name of the restaurant in the centre of Copenhagen, but also of the proud owner Damindra Tillekeratne. Tillekeratne is 38 years old and originally from Sri Lanka, but his culinary expression has its roots in Japanese cuisine. “It is easy to make tasty food. The challenge is to give it a kick and create ‘amaz-

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ingness’. When a guest says ‘Wow, it’s excellent’, my job is done. Our food has a touch of Sri Lanka where the cuisine is well known for its use of spices and certain cooking methods,” says Tillekeratne. He is not kidding. If you are not yet quite ready to eat when you arrive at the restaurant, have a freshly squeezed ginger lime drink. After just a sip or two, its fresh and spicy taste and healthy ingredients will kick your system into gear – immediately. You will feel cleansed and hungry.

and cohesive feel to it. Every little thing in the room is designed by the owner himself: the chairs, the plates, the glasses – everything. Even the little holder for the chopsticks. “I love the fresh and the natural. And that goes for my cooking as well as my designs,” says Tillekeratne.

Damindra opened in 2005 and is situated close to Copenhagen’s tourist centre, but still at a distance long enough to give the restaurant nice and calm surroundings. The décor is elegant and classy – black and white interior spiced with green plants and fresh flowers.

Damindra Tillekeratne has been living in Denmark since 1995, but his educational background has been gathered from very different corners of the world. He has experience in hotel management, which he studied in Sri Lanka, London and Canada. “In hotel management, you learn the basics of cooking as well, but I picked up Japanese cooking in Japan. I’ve spent a lot of time there, in Tokyo, Okinawa and Kyoto,” says Tillekeratne.

Even though Damindra has 17 employees from 11 different countries from all over the world, the restaurant has a very clear

And it is clear that he is no stranger to the kitchen. Besides being the owner – and thereby handling the financial side of the

Fresh and natural

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Denmark

business – he also features as a waiter, host and chef.

sonally when they arrive and when they leave. Even if I’m busy in the kitchen they wait for me to say goodbye.”

Word of mouth Damindra can hold up to 60 guests on a normal night and 80 for larger functions. And Tillekeratne has no problems filling up the restaurant every night. “But I always save two or three tables for me to bring in my special guests. There has to be room for them,” Tillekeratne says with a big smile.

It is easy to make tasty food. “The challenge is to give it a

”

kick and create ‘amazingness’.

Word of mouth is the way to go, he explains. He has never spent a lot of money advertising for the restaurant, but still the guests find him. And they come back again and again.

It took about two years to build up the business from scratch to the point where it is thriving and still growing. The ingredients as well are flown in from around the world to ensure the highest quality. “I love the colours, the rawness and the healthiness of the Japanese kitchen, and that’s why I chose it. All ingredients are picked from the best,” he assures.

“We have many regulars that come often. They always make sure to greet me per-

This is the reason why the vegetables are bought from local farmers, the yellow fish

from Norway, and the tuna is transported all the way from Sri Lanka. The next project at Damindra will be “Tea Time”. A selection of high-quality tea from different districts of Sri Lanka will be served with a specially created tea menu. Furthermore, tea cocktails will be available for the guests to enjoy.

Opening hours: Tuesday - Saturday Lunch: 11am - 3pm Dinner: 5pm - 10pm Menus: Damindra’s Tasting Menu changes every month Dinner: Tasting Menu, approx. £80-90 Lunch: Menu and chef’s choice, approx. £40-45 On top of these menus, Damindra also offers customized menus according to guests’ wishes. Contact details: Damindra, Holbergsgade 26 1057 København K, Denmark +45 33 12 33 75

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

Issue 29 | May 2011 | 67

Restaurant of the Month, Iceland:

Embark on a culinary adventure with Fish Company As a young establishment that opened its doors in June 2009, Fish Company is already making its mark as a leading restaurant in Reykjavik. In addition to providing mouth-watering Icelandic cuisine, Fish Company also serves internationally inspired dishes made from local produce, ensuring that visitors to the restaurant will embark on a truly gastronomic adventure. By Samantha Wong | Photos: Fish Company

Fish Company is situated in a striking building, dating back to 1884, which was originally located in Hafnarstræti, a few hundred metres from where it stands today. It was dug up in 2006 and carefully renovated and redesigned by Leif Welding and master chef Lárus Gunnar Jónasson, before being moved to Grófartorg in 2008. Here, diners can enjoy excellent cooking among Húsgögn and Tom Dixon furnishings, while admiring the backlit window panes from the Hafnarfjörður Free Lutheran Church behind the bar. The restaurant is run by a team of 40 enthusiastic staff members, including 23year-old Gustav Axel, who in 2010 became the youngest person to win the Icelandic Chef of the Year Award. Fish Company is also home to another award-winning cook, namely sous chef Ari Gunnar, who won Icelandic Apprentice Chef of the Year in 2009 and 2010. “Our menu and cooking make us a unique restaurant in Reykjavik, as most places

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now have turned to the very fashionable Nordic cuisine,” says head waiter Þorbjörn Svanþórsson. “Fish Company is more of a fusion restaurant, and all of our courses on the menu are meant to trigger the taste buds and intrigue the patron.”

to take the customer on a culinary experience based on the finest and freshest ingredients of each season.” Customers can tuck into succulent garlic roasted langoustines, beer-crusted arctic char or skyr yoghurt and lime sorbet.

Fish Company can seat up to 110 diners and is often fully booked at the weekends and most weeknights. “Our most popular item on the menu, and what we could call our speciality, is the four-course set menu ‘Around Iceland’,” says Svanþórsson. “Here, we try to find the best available ingredients each time from all over Iceland

As the highest rated restaurant in Reykjavik on TripAdvisor, Fish Company is worthy of a pit stop for any visitor to the capital. Not only does the establishment offer great food with friendly staff, diners can also soak up the cosy and unique atmosphere of the restaurant.

Contact details: Fiskfélagið, Vesturgötu 2a, Grófartorg, 101 Reykjavík Phone: +354 552 5300 Email: info@fiskfelagid.is

For further information, please visit: www.fiskfelagid.is

Restaurant of the Month, Finland:

Enjoy local food & world heritage at Berny’s Restaurant Berny’s Restaurant is located just a 15-minute drive from Vaasa, and is set on Replot island right by the longest bridge in Finland as well as at the gateway to Finland’s only natural site on the UNESCO World Heritage List, namely the Kvarken Archipelago. Serving locally sourced food with a smile, the restaurant and its surrounding nature offer the perfect backdrop for a great day out. By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Berny’s Restaurant

The restaurant was originally completed in 1998, and restaurateurs Sofia and Mikael Erkas have been running the establishment since 2008. Set right in the middle of gorgeous nature and at the entrance of a world heritage site, the restaurant’s location could not get any more attractive to travellers and business people alike. It is

also a popular spot for large celebrations, which can be held in a hall that can fit up to 160 partygoers. But its stunning setting is not the only thing the restaurant is known for; it is also a place for complete relaxation and delicious modern Scandinavian cooking. The

food has been prepared from local ingredients, with a weekly changing fish dish being served every day, and as ecologically as possible. Berny’s Restaurant offers a daily lunch buffet (from 11am-3pm on weekdays and noon-4pm on weekends), and in summertime guests can order à la carte from 3pm-9pm. During other seasons, groups may also order food from the menu in advance. “Next to us, we have the ‘Merten talo’ (oceans’ house) information point, which can give you information and guidance on the area and the archipelago,” explains Mikael. “In May, we will also open a new sauna department and a conference venue.” And you could always embark on a tour of the world heritage site with cruise ship M/s Corina and Captain Ralf Nygård, as a crowning moment to your visit to the breath-taking archipelago.

Contact details: Berny’s Restaurant Raippaluodontie 2 65800 Raippaluoto Phone: +358 (0)6 3521200 Email: restaurant@berny.fi

For further information, please visit: www.bernys.fi

Issue 29 | May 2011 | 69

Scan Magazine | Food | Bronte’s Column

Waffle on and on and on We Scandinavians can lay claim to having invented many things. From the zipper to the paper clip, we have had our fair share of useful inventions over the past years. Long boats, clapping hats and ABBA too: those we can claim as our own. Still, there is one thing very dear to all Scandinavian people’s hearts that we have to credit the Belgians for: the invention of the humble waffle. By Bronte Aurell | Photo: imagebank.sweden.se © Henrik Trygg In short, a waffle is just a batter that is baked in a waffle iron and eaten, just as it is, or topped with various delights. The waffle actually stems from way back in the Middle Ages, when it was a batter that was baked between two plates of metal, over a hot stove and flipped over to cook evenly – and the batter was made from barley and oats, as opposed to today’s leavened waffles made from wheat flour. Way back in England in the 14th century, the waffles were sold on the streets by vendors known as waferers. Despite all this, waffles are immensely popular in Scandinavia – and have been for centuries. Nope, not the potato kind of waffles so popular across the Atlantic and not the thick heavy waffles so popular in the lowlands of northern Europe (Belgium, Germany and Holland), but a humble heart-shaped waffle: not too sweet, and very light and crisp. The Scandinavian waffle, although not originating from there, is still very traditional, and our version is usually only made on our shores. We made it our own.

with waffles, you say? Really? And goat’s cheese at that? Yep. It is about as Norwegian as you can possibly get without standing on a soapbox singing Take on Me. It’s red, white and blue (metaphorically speaking, brown cheese is, eh, brown, really), and it makes all Norwegians proud. For those living away from home, it makes them think of fjords, Kvikklunsj and Mamma. For those not in the know, brown cheese (or Brunost as it is known in Norwegian) is a cheese made from goat’s or sometimes cow’s and goat’s milk. The milk and whey are left to boil for hours, and the milk sugars make the mixture turn golden caramel brown. The cheese is a hard cheese, sold in blocks and eaten on crisp bread as an everyday snack. (Note to newbies: always slice brown cheese

In Norway, waffles are served one of two ways: freshly baked with sour cream and jam – or, more popularly, with brown cheese. Cheese

70 | Issue 29 | May 2011

If you happen to be anywhere near a Norwegian National Day celebration this year (most big cities around the world will have a Norwegian community varying in size), do pop by and try this most delightful treat, along with, of course, a bottle of Solo orange drink and perhaps some herring. It’s a big family event with lots of singing, dancing and full of national pride. Norwegian National Day in London will take place 17 May at Southwark Park.

Farmor Eva Aurell’s Waffles This is a good basic recipe for waffles. There are thousands of different recipe versions, however, this one is a good starting point from where you can go on to add your own personal twists to the mix, such as different spices and maybe even soured cream.

International waffle day (Våffeldag) is on 25 March every year. Especially celebrated in Sweden (where this day of waffle wonder originated), the day has religious connotations as it coincides with the Feast of the Annunciation, signalling the beginning of spring and lighter days. On this day, people all over Sweden tuck into waffles with jam and whipped cream. Still, nowhere are waffles as popular as in Norway where they are enjoyed all year round. Every house has at least one waffle iron and a family recipe - and it is the perfect quick-snack to whip up when the family comes to visit. As May approaches, so does the Norwegian need for waffles. 17 May is the Norwegian National Day, when anyone remotely Norwegian will be celebrating their Norwegianness with all other remotely Norwegian people.

with a good cheese slicer. Brunost and a slicer go together like rama lama lama ke ding a de ding a dong; it is not easy to slice brown cheese without a cheese slicer.) On more special occasions, brown cheese is added to warm waffles, so the cheese melts and forms a caramel looking but still savoury mixture on top of the waffle.

Note: You need a heart-shaped waffle iron for these waffles. If making them in a different waffle iron, you may need to increase the dough quantity as Belgian waffles are thicker than Scandinavian waffles. 250 ml water 250 ml whole milk 400 ml plain flour 2 tsp baking powder 150 ml melted margarine or butter

Bronte Aurell is the owner of Scandinavian Kitchen, a cafe that is also a shop, stocking over 500 food products from all over Scandinavia.

You can buy all your Norwegian delicacies online at www.scandikitchen.co.uk

Mix a bit of liquid with the flour and baking powder to form a paste (to avoid lumps), then whisk in the rest of the flour and liquid. Add the melted butter. Leave to stand while you heat up the waffle iron. Add enough batter to the waffle iron to cover the heart-shaped surface, close the lid and cook until golden brown. Repeat until all batter is used. Waffles are best eaten as they are cooked or they go soggy. Enjoy with whipped cream and jam or with slices of Norwegian brown cheese.

Scan Magazine | Columns | Humour

IS IT JUST ME...

By Mette Lisby

Who is shocked by the recklessness of furniture and home depot stores? I might be particularly naive, but when I go to a store and buy a grill for instance, paying extra to get door-to-door delivery, I kind of expect the grill to be delivered to my door. Somehow, this is not what happens. Yes, “something” arrives at my doorstep. Arguably it could be the grill but it is scattered beyond recognition. I’m talking atoms! Enclosed in the box is a drawing. At first I thought it was the storemanager who tried to make up for this mistake by sending us drawings from his four-year-old son, but the drawing turned out to be the assembly instruction. We were expected – with no further warning – to assemble our new grill ourselves! This is by no means a stand-alone experience: on the contrary. It seems like every furniture store has stopped selling goods and started selling furniture in kit form. Be it chests of drawers, couches or book-

Beer Gardens

Summer is just about here, and the gates to the British beer gardens are being thrown open. No longer the cold, drizzly hangout for lone smokers, these spaces are now transformed into heaving hotspots, packed to bursting at the first sign of good weather. Pub car parks fill up by midday, and the weathered wood of the beer garden picnic tables, which have taken a beating during the rainy winter

shelves, you are expected to assemble it yourself. Which is great fun, unless of course you have a job or something that prevents you from spending 17 hours building your own bloody sofa. And honestly – if I was in it for the creative challenges, I would have bought Lego. We would never accept this from other lines of business. Imagine yourself buying a pair of jeans and the salesperson sending you off with a drawing and 4 metres of denim? I don’t think so! What ticks me off is the deceit. I feel cheated. I’m standing at a counter, buying a nice looking bookshelf and what I get is a box of wood and a set of screws. What if I started doing that? Sent you a bunch of words and then you could assemble your own article?? If you do it properly, it’s an awesome piece and if not, it’s your own bloody fault.

I feel strongly urged to take matters into my own hands and give furniture retail sellers a taste of their own medicine. So for a soft start, here’s the headline of this article for you to assemble: II sstt u e j m. Good luck!

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

months, now rot further with spilt beer and lemonade. Every hour is Pimms o’clock! People line up at the bar, sticky, laminated menus in hand, and order eight portions of bangers and mash. Fretfully they glance around, whilst clutching onto their numbered wooden spoon, hoping their food order will appear first, before their frenzied toddler or sunburnt uncle has a fit on the lawn. Still, after the long wait, they fail to spot the waitress – luminous pink bra straps and all – as she does lap after lap around the garden in her flipflops, exasperatedly searching for spoon number 14. Jack Russells look on furiously as Labradors beg at strangers’ tables. Wasps circle. As night falls a different crowd arrives, dazed from having spent the whole day outdoors with not enough sun cream. Every space available is consumed, and women make their annual discovery of how difficult it is to climb into a tight picnic table seat in a floaty summer skirt, without flashing

their knickers. The food orders stop, everyone is too exhausted and full of alcohol to eat. As the temperature rapidly drops, people huddle together, wrap picnic blankets over their scorched shoulders and regret their order of cider with ice. Sunglasses stay on well until after it’s gone pitch black. Better make full use of them, just in case the real summer turns out to be crap. 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.

Issue 29 | May 2011 | 71

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Scan Business | Key Note | Developing the Swedish brand

Scan Business UK tax – where are we now after the Budget? | ConferenceCare 76 | Midtfyns Bryghus – creators of innovative, award-winning beers 78

Developing the Swedish brand Text by Annika Wahlberg, Managing Director, Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK | Photo: Courtesy of SCC

Today Norsemen promote welfare states, innovation and technology, and now the British government and businesses are looking to Swedish management and prosperity in times of crisis and need. After all, the OECD has called the Swedish economy “as strong as Pippi Longstocking”. And that is strong: in fact, up 7.3% in the last quarter of 2010. But a friend of history knows that things can take rapid turns. The role of chambers of commerce has evolved since they first came into use in the 19th and 20th century. Foreign chambers of commerce in Europe have been affected particularly since the introduction of the single market, the elimination of trade barriers and the simplification of

cross-border business. Much of what chambers did before has had to develop. What emerged was the need for other services in the open market arena. Crossing borders is easy, but finding your way in the local market is challenging with increased competition and endless opportunities.

have a stake. Vikings or missionaries, we are all in it for the business, friendship and opportunities it brings. And it is popular too: membership has risen by almost seven per cent over the past three years. www.scc.org.uk

The Swedish Chamber of Commerce is spread around the world, and the United Kingdom office was first opened in 1906. With chapters across the UK, the most recent opened in Newcastle in 2010, we aim to include as wide a variety of businesses in the country as possible.

Annika Wahlberg, Managing Director, Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK

There was much early contact between Sweden and England: in the ninth and tenth centuries, Vikings, from what is now Sweden, took part in the plundering raids of the rich kingdoms which were to form England. In western and southern Sweden, missionaries from England tried to tame the heathen Norsemen. In any event, the Norsemen came to realise that there was a greater reward to be gained from trade than there was from plunder, and so the Swedish enterprise began.

What the chamber offers today is a platform for the exchange of ideas and professional and social networking. The chamber opens doors, it promotes your business and services, and it can act as a lobbyist in issues of particular interest. To a greater extent it promotes Swedishness: a brand that affects all our brands and in which we all

Issue 29 | May 2011 | 73

Scan Business | International Services | Tax

UK tax – where are we now after the Budget? By Helena Whitmore, McGuireWoods London LLP | Photo: Yiannis Katsaris

As expected, the Budget on 23 March 2011 announced some further changes to the tax rules for the international community living in the UK (“the non-doms”). The general consensus after the Budget seems to be that there are positive signals, and that the UK government recognises the need to provide an attractive tax system which encourages entrepreneurial activities in particular. The Budget announcements relevant to the non-doms were certainly not as bad as many had feared. Most importantly, the Budget confirmed that the remittance basis tax system will remain in place. This means that nondoms can still shelter their overseas investment income and gains from UK tax, provided that a valid claim is made to be taxed in this way, the annual remittance basis charge is paid if applicable, and that the income and gains are kept outside the UK. The most positive news from the Budget is that it is proposed that the tax charge on remittances (bringing money to the UK) will be removed where the money is remitted for the purpose of investment in UK business. It remains to be seen exactly what types of investments will qualify, but this could be a very valuable tax break for foreign entrepreneurs who want to invest in UK businesses. Under the current rules, if say £100,000 of overseas untaxed income is brought to the UK, £50,000 could be lost to remittance tax on the way in. From 6 April 2012 onwards, if the remittance is spent on a qualifying UK business, the full £100,000 can be used for the investment with no initial tax cost. However, with effect from 6 April 2012, the annual cost for using the remittance

74 | Issue 29 | May 2011

basis system will increase from £30,000 to £50,000 per annum for non-doms who have been resident in the UK for 12 tax years or more. The annual charge for using this system of taxation will therefore range from nothing for the first seven years of residence, to £30,000 per annum until year twelve, to £50,000 per annum thereafter. For many long-term resident non-doms, the only option will be to pay normal tax in the UK on worldwide income and gains, and claim a credit for foreign tax paid on the same income. People who have used the remittance basis in the past and then move to paying UK tax on their worldwide income need to manage this change very carefully, as the tax rules can then be very complex when funds are brought to the UK. The government has also confirmed that it intends to introduce a statutory residence test, and a consultation exercise is to take place over the summer. This should bring much greater certainty to taxpayers about whether or not they belong in the UK tax system. This question is important not only for people who have homes in more than one country, but also for those who regularly visit the UK or who keep connections to the UK after moving elsewhere. The easiest way to leave the UK tax system is usually to take fulltime employment in another country, but based on recent HM Revenue & Customs guidance even that may potentially be difficult if the taxpayer has to spend any more than ten days a year working back in the UK. Other countries are also adopting a firmer stance on tax residence, so more and more people may find themselves treated as resident in more than one country.

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).

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

Conference of the Month, Denmark:

ConferenceCare: You need to make an effort, when bringing people together By Yane Christensen | Photos: ConferenceCare

ConferenceCare can organise, not just your conferences, but also any internal event or meeting, and they operate all over Europe. Areas of expertise include planning and advice, budgets and booking of hotels, speakers, travel and technical facilities. The agency also writes press releases, invitations and any other printed or on-line correspondence.

Nowadays conference participants have very high standards. Does your event honour these expectations? While the world is in the grip of a financial crisis, many companies are forced to cut costs. An obvious area is conferences, as they can be very expensive. Often they are replaced with conference calls and video conferencing. It is paramount that people come together in order to share their knowledge and expertise. It is impossible to properly get to know someone and have in-depth conversations with strangers via a conference call. In the long run, it is a false economy to cut down on conferences and meetings. Instead, one should concentrate on making these conferences work. Not by spending vast amounts of money on extravagant events, but by ensuring that the contents are of the highest quality. This is the mantra behind ConferenceCare, a conference and event agency based near Copenhagen. ConferenceCare is happy to come and visit your company and present their ideas.

76 | Issue 29 | May 2011

Mette Fisker, The founder of ConferenceCare

Meetings initially involve discussing which past experiences were successful (or not). The agency aims not just to match the success of your last event, but to supersede it. They always take into account that modern professionals have extremely high expectations when it comes to conferences, and that nobody has much time to spare.

When organising conferences there is a lot to consider. ConferenceCare can be with you as much or as little as you require, from the initial ideas to the followup contact with participants after the event, or their involvement can be limited to the areas where you might feel less competent. It is often financially viable to outsource. Why waste valuable time finding the best deals when ConferenceCare already knows where to find them? Optimise your time by dealing with things you are good at and let the experts deal with the rest. The agency staff are experts at bartering and doing deals and they do not stick with regular suppliers: they constantly shop around.

Scan Business | Conference of the Month | ConferenceCare

The founder of ConferenceCare, Mette Fisker is brimming with new ideas – she just cannot help herself. This is probably one of the reasons why she rose so rapidly within the ranks at Pfizer, where she was employed as customer relations director (responsible for customer relations and organising conferences and courses). “I've gone from the world's biggest company to the world's smallest, but I've brought years of experience with me,” says Mette Fisker. For Mette it is all about bringing people together. “I enjoy organising events, but not just for the sake of it, we have to add value.” Yet, despite her huge success within Pfizer (she was in charge of 40 people) there was still something missing. After taking a year off to reflect, Mette set up the agency four years ago. She felt there was a gap in the market, and she wanted her new company to fill it. She basically created the company she felt was missing when she needed it. ConferenceCare is big on technology. They have an in-house department specialising in on-line conference and event bookings and registrations. They can also create relevant apps and ensure that guests are kept up-to-date via texts (SMS) or emails. The latest technical equipment, such as iPads are regularly used in meetings. As a recent addition to its services, ConferenceCare is now offering consultancy. Basically, a consultant investigates how resources have previously been allocated when organising events and then dissects these accounts in order to see where savings can be made. Most companies seek deals when buying cars or office furniture, so why not seek the best deals for ordering, say, name tags for your next event? The agency now also offers advice on outsourcing. Many companies outsource the account department, for instance, so why not outsource the department responsible for courses, events and conferences? A successful meeting or conference involves sharing knowledge. ConferenceCare does not believe in spending a fortune on just one star speaker, when often

the participants or conference guests have value to add. Nowadays, most professional people hold enormous amounts of knowledge within their field, and it seems wasteful not to share this. Surely, the best way of sharing is by physically putting these people together. Also, most

people actually want to be involved. It feels great to share your knowledge - and to make an effort. For more information, please visit: www.conferencecare.dk

Issue 29 | May 2011 | 77

Scan Magazine | Scan Business | Midfyns Bryghus

Eddie

Midtfyns Bryghus – creators of innovative, award-winning beers Midtfyns Bryghus, a Danish microbrewery located on the island of Funen, does not make “just beer”, instead their unique, flavoursome creations are as far removed from mass-produced beer as you can get. The brewery aims to educate the masses in the exciting world of craft brewing, and their beers have been a real success so far. They have received three best new beer awards from the Society of Danish Beer Enthusiasts for their Imperial Stout (2007), Chili Tripel (2009) and Rough Snuff (Belgian ale with seaweed & snuff, 2010). By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Midtfyns Bryghus

In November 2006, the struggling Midtfyns Bryghus was bought by American expat Eddie, who turned the company around by making drastic and innovative changes to their design and beers. Not a brewer by trade, Eddie had still garnered valuable contacts from his previous work in the wine and food business. They started off with four types of beer, making around 800 bottles a week, which has now grown to a total of 15 beers and 4,000-6,000 hand-bottled and labelled beers a week. “We want to produce beer that gives you a wow-experience,” explains Eddie. “We have a wide assortment of different beers, and while not everyone will enjoy each one of them, you will always find something you do like. The beers have a higher alcohol percentage compared to other brands; our strongest beer being 10 percent. But the quality is high, which guarantees you will be able to drink a whole

78 | Issue 29 | May 2011

bottle of one of these ‘extreme beers’, which are designed to go together with a good meal.”

anniversary of the Danish Blind Society, Midtfyns Bryghus will become the first producer of drink and food products to start adding Braille descriptions to all their beers. The brewery is also known for spreading the word about the exciting diversity of beer through their tasting sessions (combined with stand-up comedy). Their beers are currently available all over Denmark as well as in Holland, Norway, Finland, Sweden and in small quantities in the US.

On top of 11 beers being sold all year round and four seasonal varieties, Midtfyns Bryghus also takes part in special projects, such as creating bottles with labels written in Braille for the Danish Blind Society for the 200th anniversary of Louis Braille’s birth. On 8 June and the 100th

If you want to taste Midtfyns Bryghus and many other brewers’ beers, you need to make your way to the Danish Beer Festival on 26-28 May in Copenhagen (www.ale.dk). For more information on the brewery, please visit: www.midtfyns-bryghus.dk

Scan Business | News | Chambers of Commerce

Danish-UK Chamber of Commerce “Luck” in business doesn’t just fall from a clear blue sky By Ulla Kloster With a little luck, we’ll have a few more months ahead of us with brilliant sunshine in the UK - a morale booster we’ve thoroughly earned. But as we know, '‘luck'’ in business doesn’t just fall from a clear blue sky. Luck is something we have to create, not least through networking: meeting and greeting new prospects, even after a long day at the office. And networking is a theme close to our hearts, those of us who run SMEs. Building business relationships is key to success and a major part of what entrepreneurship is about. The British are natural connectors and communicators and already have a wide network of useful friends from school and

Kloster Communication & Consulting Business communication, brand building, crisis management, copy writing Founded by Ulla Kloster, a PR and communications specialist with several years’ experience in both business and national journalism.

Klostercommunications.com

family to build on. But we Scandinavians are often without that basic support when we start a business in this country. Therefore a highly focused approach to generating leads and awareness around our own brand is a must. Being Danish is a good start and a strong selling point. Think of power

brands such as Lego, Carlsberg and Bang & Olufsen –- something to strive towards. And there is, of course, also the DanishUK Chamber of Commerce as a great place to get connected. UPCOMING EVENTS 12 May AGM & Annual Dinner w/ Guest Speaker: Jørgen Buhl Rasmussen, President & CEO of Carlsberg A/S, Merchant Taylors’ Hall, London 24 May UK Market Access, Decalour Dania, Aarhus, Denmark 26 May Investor Seminar /ICT, Royal Danish Embassy, London 26 May Nordic Thursday Drinks, Scandinavian Kitchen, London 7 June Learn to Coach for Performance, Quiver Management Ltd Training Course

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 Join us on the evening of 18 May when the NBCC and corporate member KPMG host a networking event in central Aberdeen. All members and associates of the Norwegian-British Chamber of Commerce are welcome. Do not miss out on this annual and highly popular event! We encourage members and friends of the Chamber to bring clients and business partners and use the opportunity to further strengthen business networks. The networking event will take place at the Royal Northern & University Club from 6.30pm. On May 26, there will be another networking event, this time in London and in cooperation with the Danish and Finnish Chambers, when Scandinavian Kitchen is the host of our monthly Nordic Thursday Drinks. On 16 June, it is our pleasure to welcome all our members, friends and spon-

along or make this your company’s summer party? For more information on these and other upcoming business networking events, please check our website: www.nbccuk.com UPCOMING EVENTS Photo: Thames Luxury Charters

sors together with the Norwegian-British community in the UK to enjoy a memorable evening on the Thames. Celebrate summer with something tasty in your glass and a delicious meal. We will round up the evening with an exciting raffle and disco. We plan for sunny weather, but have booked a fantastic double-decker boat just to be safe. This is the perfect occasion to entertain guests! Why not take the opportunity to bring some colleagues

11 May “Operational Challenges in the North Sea”, Offshore Conference, Radisson BLU Portman Hotel 17 May Join us when we celebrate Norway’s National Day, Southwark Park 18 May NBCC at All Energy in Aberdeen, The Royal Northern & University Club 25 May Annual General Meeting, Royal Norwegian Embassy 26 May Nordic Thursday Drinks, Scandinavian Kitchen

Norwegian-British Chamber of Commerce | Phone: +44 (0) 20 7930 0181 | Email: info@nbccuk.com | www.nbccuk.com

Issue 29 | May 2011 | 79

Scan Business | News | Chambers of Commerce

Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK In the first three active months of 2011, the Swedish Chamber of Commerce has welcomed over 1,500 special guests to its activities. The network is continuing to grow, and we are happy to have already welcomed almost 30 new members this year. May will be a busy month. On 10 May, the Industrial Forum is back, at the Swedish Ambassador’s Residence, with Viveca Ax:son Johnson, Chairman of Nordstjernan AB as keynote speaker. The week after venture capital is yet again in focus at a seminar hosted in partnership with SEB. The seminar will include speakers such as Per Strömberg, Professor in Risk Capital and SSE Centennial Chair in Finance and Private Equity at Stockholm School of Economics, Mark Florman, CEO of the British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association, Marie Reinius, CEO of the Swedish Private Equity & Venture Capital Association, and Mark Bulmer, Head of Banking, Nordic Capital. What is the

current and future status of risk capital? Join us on 17 May. The next generation series welcomes the growing Swedish gaming industry to London at the end of May to speak of the success behind its growth, awards and what business opportunities come with the rising industry. Hosted in partnership with The Swedish Gaming Industry, the event promises to give a good insight into its dynamics as well as contacts. More events will be listed on www.scc.org.uk

UPCOMING EVENTS 10 May Industrial Forum with Viveca Ax:son Johnson, Chairman, Nordstjernan AB 14 May JCC Brunch Club at The Brompton Club 17 May Venture capital 19 May JCC Entrepreneurship Forum 23 May Offshore wind and marine renewables: A Swedish industry delegation visit to the UK 24 May The growing Swedish gaming industry 27 May JCC Spring Party at The Roof Gardens 1 June Sustainable Stockholm – summer champagne reception with Ulla Hamilton, Deputy Mayor, Stockholm 3 June Annual General Meeting and Members’ Luncheon with guest speaker Mats Granryd, President & CEO, Tele2

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 FBCC’s April included two excellent evenings: the Finland Election 2011 evening and Joint Nordic Online Security Seminar. The election event was held at Nokia’s Soho office on one of the most beautiful early spring days. We heard intriguing speeches and enjoyed wine and canapés on the fifth floor terrace overlooking London. FBCC would like to thank Nokia for the cooperation and sponsoring this successful event. The Joint Nordic Online Security Seminar took place in the Radisson Blu Portman Hotel where the delegates were privileged to listen to the presentation of one of the world’s leading specialists in online security Mikko Hyppönen, the chief research officer at F-Secure Corp. Hyppönen’s facts and examples ranged from smartphone/computer security to threats to infrastructure, including nuclear power plants, and it is seldom you see an audience so captivated!

Joint Nordic Online Security Seminar, Chris Atack and Mikko Hyppönen

The other speaker of the evening was Chris Atack, detective sergeant of the Metropolitan Police. His presentation was about the security issues related to the London Olympics 2012, including bogus websites and sham tickets. FBCC has a really busy calendar for the rest of the spring. The most exciting events to look forward to include the luncheon with Jorma Ollila, the chairman of Nokia and Shell as well as the breakfast with Pekka Pera, CEO of Talvivaara. Have a look

at our events page for further details. To find out how FBCC can make a difference to your business please contact us at info@fbcc.co.uk. UPCOMING EVENTS 11 May Joint Offshore Event: Operational Challenges in the mature North Sea 18 May FBCC visit to the Houses of Parliament (including speakers) 19 May Luncheon with Jorma Ollila, Chairman of Nokia and Shell 26 May Joint Nordic Networking Drinks 2 June Breakfast with Pekka Pera, CEO of Talvivaara mining company (By invitation only) 7 June Swindling Billions: Kari Nars at EBRD 9 June Business Opportunities in the UK Public Sector

Finnish-British Chamber of Commerce | Phone: +44 (0) 20 8741 6352 | Email: events@fbcc.co.uk | www.fbcc.co.uk

80 | Issue 29 | May 2011

“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.

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 29 | May 2011 | 81

Scan Magazine | Scan News

Norwegian National Day Celebration By Johanne Sofie Nygaard | Photos: Courtesy of Norwegian National Day Celebration Committee

An enthusiastic committee welcomes you to celebrate the Norwegian National Day on 17 May in Southwark Park in London. This year, they have a particularly eventful programme, packed with goodies for every festive person.

the journey from Norway to come and play at this celebration in London. Additionally, Norway’s very own finance minister Sigbjørn Johnsen will give the main speech. Plenty of entertaining options are waiting to be explored!

The day is kicked off with the flag raising and a ceremony to get you in your most cheerful mood. Traditional highlights, such as the parade, are included to give you the most authentic Norwegian National Day celebration.

In the evening, The Norwegian Club at St. James Square host a banquet, and the Norwegian Church arrange a “Nasjonalfest”, a great celebration of the constitution. With smiles and happy cheering, flags will be raised and hoorays shared in memory of the beautiful country just across the North Sea.

Lottery and games as well as free face painting for the children will contribute to making this day special for the little ones. There will also be a theatre act for the children and grown-ups alike. Hot dogs, Norwegian chocolate and the “arch-Norwegian” soda Solo might make the distance home feel shorter for any yearning patriot.

The organisers are also honoured that Stokke School’s music company will make

The event committee recommends taking the Jubilee Line to Canada Water or Bermondsey. Please see the webpage: www.london17mai.com for full programme and more details. All are welcomed to this memorable celebration!

Tales of the unexpected – new glass work by Ludvig Löfgren By Camilla Waaden | Photo: Vessel Gallery

The exhibition started on 6 April and is open for the public to visit until 21 May. Vessel Gallery is based in Notting Hill, where it will show Löfgren’s newest glass sculptures, involving solid crystal skulls, foreboding ravens, glass gorillas and pastel bunnies. These items are of the highest quality hand-blown crystal, showing off Löfgren’s unique technique and talent.

Vessel Gallery is now excited to present new works by glass star Ludvig Löfgren for Swedish glass company Kosta Boda. The company is one of the world’s leading brands of glassware and art glass, presenting new and unexpected work from the northern country. The work of Löfgren is not always what is expected when it comes to glass. He gathers inspiration from many different genres – rock and roll, horror, the fashion world and tattooing techniques – leaving his work to show off his talent in the most creative way. Löfgren worked as a glassblower before enrolling at the University College of Arts Crafts and Design in Stockholm, Sweden. His experience gave him an understanding

82 | Issue 29 | May 2011

and perspective of glass, and he is constantly looking for a challenge. This often results in hours of experimenting, giving him a knowledge of glass that makes him the artist that he is today.

This exhibition is in association with First Wednesdays, which hosts creative collaborations and late night openings throughout West London every first Wednesday of the month. www.vesselgallery.com

Scan Magazine | Scan News

Bjarke Mogensen

By Johanne Sofie Nygaard | Photo: Courtesy of Albion Media

The influential British critic Norman Lebrecht predicted a “record hit” for Mogensen in 2011, and with the recently released album Winter Sketches, he shows a much varied repertoire. The gifted tones are based on Russian folk music and include Mogensen’s own transcriptions for the instrument of works by Tchaikovsky and Mussorgsky. He is currently much in demand as a soloist and chamber musician, mastering a wide collection of original literature.

The promising Danish accordionist Bjarke Mogensen recently released his ambitious album Winter Sketches on British label Orchid Classics. The classical accordionist has received impressive reviews and is successfully raising his profile outside his home country of Denmark. Mogensen, who made his debut on a live television broadcast at the age of 13, has had a very impressive career so far as well as having a promising future. In 2000, he won the talent prize in the Berlingske Tidende Classical Music Competition. He was also chosen as the winner of The Royal Danish Academy’s competition for singers and instrumentalists in 2008. The artist enjoys playing music from the world of tango and Eastern European folk music. In addition, he has a great interest in the broad contemporary genre. Many composers have dedicated compositions

to Mogensen, granting him the first performance of their work.

Summer Bazaar

By Elin Stone | Photos: Danish Church in London

content. Lastly, do not forget to visit the Iceland stall, which is represented for the very first time. On the Saturday, children can enjoy the bouncy castle, the treasure hunt, face painting and much more. Many people and companies are always very generous with their support. Without them, the Danish Summer Bazaar would not be the same lovely event that it always is. Admission is £1.00 and for children under the age of 14 it is free. The bazaar is open Friday 20 May from 4pm to 8pm and on Saturday 21 May from 11am to 4pm. The Danish Church in London can be found at 4, St. Katherine´s Precinct, Regents Park NW1 4HH.

The Danish Church and Danish Women in England are organizing their annual Summer Bazaar. The idea was conceived in the fifties when a group of Danish ladies gathered to come up with ideas on how to raise money for the Danish Church in London. The Bazaar has now taken place for over 50 years and is visited by over a 1,000 people. Danes and many other nationalities come to meet friends and family, as they do every year, and to buy that special Danish fare from the gorgeous stalls. The design stall has the very latest offerings from Denmark, while the flag stall includes anything to do with the Danish flag. If you are a fan of reading, you will find books in the book stall. And for anyone who wants to discuss money issues, there is even a stall for that run by Northern Bank Ltd. The queue for the bric-a-brac stall is just amazing, and when it comes to food, the Danish grocer’s shop/delicatessen

Mogensen has an original approach to classical music with increased popularity worldwide. He will be performing a solo recital at New York’s prestigious Carnegie Hall on 30 May. For more information and to see his concert calendar, please visit his webpage www.bjarkemogensen.dk or Orchid Classics website www.orchidclassics.com/bmw.htm.

and baker’s stall offer tasty morsels. The Danes love their food and their “hygge”, and here they can shop for their table at home, or they can enjoy the Danish Bazaar Restaurant or Pølsebod in the garden and drink and talk to their hearts’

Do come along. It really is such a lovely day out! www.danskekvinder.co.uk www.danskekirke.org

Issue 29 | May 2011 | 83

Scan Magazine | Culture | The Norwegian Church

The Norwegian Church in London offers support and familiarity to fellow countrymen The Norwegian Church in London, located in Rotherhithe close to the Finnish Church, is a hub for Norwegian religious and cultural traditions, as well as forming an embracing community that supports those that are in need. Bringing together 25,000 people every year, the church also offers social activities, a distinctively Norwegian atmosphere, a friendly ear and a helping hand. By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Silje Glefjell

the heart of their activities is the Sunday service at 11am that holds a close connection to Norwegian religious traditions, which is always followed by coffee, waffles and cakes. This is one of the best occasions to socialise with other Norwegians and create crucial friendships and networks.

There has been a Norwegian clerical presence in London since 1696, when Norway was still in union with Denmark. The presence of a Norwegian church helped lend moral and religious support to Norwegian seafarers, stationed far away from their homes. Throughout the years the church moved premises three times. The foundation stone for the current building, the St Olav's Church, was laid in 1926 by Crown Prince Olav. Over the last 20-30 years the church has moved away from being predominantly a seamen’s church to becoming a parish for the Norwegian community

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Rector and senior chaplain Torbjørn Holt

in London that still includes a seamen’s mission. The Norwegian identity Today, the church seeks to create a lively meeting point for all Norwegian expats. At

The church also promotes a string of activities for all different age groups, including the Saturday school, which offers Norwegian language lessons to school children. Younger children also have their own group, where, for example, they get to sing Norwegian songs.

“The language classes, which also familiarise the children with Norwegian culture in general, are of very high importance when it comes to building a Norwegian identity,” says rector and senior chaplain Torbjørn Holt. “In all our work in the church, the mother tongue is the road to the heart, and we spread our Christian message in the mother tongue.” Also, of great significance is the extremely active women’s guild, which dates back to 1885. It is a very traditional association that offers strong support to the church and its activities. They are, for example, highly involved in the annual Christmas Bazaar. The church is also keen to offer interesting educational events to its congregation, such as the recent visit by Joachim Rønneberg, a retired Norwegian officer, who commanded the Telemark Operation where five Norwegians blew up the heavy water plant during World War II. Support the Norwegian Church in London “Our services include baptising children, confirmations, weddings and funerals, but

we’re also an important social meeting point, where people can seek support when they’re in a difficult situation,” says Holt. Accordingly, it is important for the church to be able to continue offering this invaluable assistance, while keeping up Norwegian religious and cultural traditions. The church receives small financial support from the Norwegian state, but mostly their activities are not funded by taxpayers, in-

stead they have to raise the money for bills and to keep things running themselves. “The best way to support us is to use the church: support the bazaar, lotteries and social events. Just take part in everything you can,” says Holt. Anyone who wishes to do so can also donate money directly to the church through their website.

CONTACT DETAILS:

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Norwegian Church St Olav's Square Albion Street, Rotherhithe London SE16 7JB Tel: (020) 7740 3900 Fax: (020) 7237 7280 Email: london@sjomannskirken.no

On 17 May, enjoy Norway’s National Day by starting off with the church’s morning service at 11am, followed by coffee outside the church. Then join the celebrations at Southwark Park. A late lunch is served at the church from 4pm. Register for the lunch on the church’s webpage.

Opening hours Tuesday-Friday 12-18 Saturday 12-16 Sunday 10-16 Monday closed

For more information, please visit: www.sjomannskirken.no/london

Issue 29 | May 2011 | 85

Scan Magazine | Culture | Faroese art in London

Paintings with the theme “Hymns of life... children of the deep blue sea”. Photos: Marianna Norðoy

Faroese art in London Text and photo by Eyðun Waagstein

Spring had sprung when the Faroese artist Mr. Amariel Norðoy and I arrived in London on a spearhead mission to make arrangements for the upcoming Faroese art exhibition at the Wimbledon Fine Art gallery in London in May this year. The Faroese pictorial art tradition started only about a century ago. Since then it has developed rapidly, and these days it flourishes and reaches out world wide. The Faroese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has seized the moment in collaboration with one of the most prominent artists of the Faroe Islands today to give Londoners the opportunity to experience Faroese art at close quarters. The artist Amariel Norðoy was born in the Faroe Islands on 9 October 1945 in Klaksvík, one of many fishery towns in the islands at the time, where he also grew up. The lively activity in the harbour had great influence on the sensitive young Amariel. Back then it was the sea that tempted young men. At the age of fourteen, he signed on an old schooner as a mess room boy on a five-month fishing trip to Greenland. This extraordinary and exciting environment, where only Mother Nature

86 | Issue 29 | May 2011

sets the agenda, did indeed leave lasting impressions on Amariel. After two expeditions to Greenland, Amariel started as an apprentice ship’s carpenter at the local shipyard in Klaksvík. However, there was an urge in him to express himself in a different way to that of building ships. His curious artistic eye wanted something else. He eventually sought advice from well-known artists Janus Kamban and Ingálvur av Reyni and applied for admission to The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. Granted admission, he studied from 1977– 1983 (Professors: Sven Dalsgaard, Knud Nielsen, Dan Sterup-Hansen, Robert Jacobsen and others). Amariel Norðoy is part of the tradition that explores a specific theme that is repeated through a narrow range of image subjects. The perception of nature’s grandness during his childhood can be seen

throughout Amariel’s entire artistic developement. Among the high mountains around Klaksvík, you can see the sun glinting in raindrops and in thousands of facets from the sea. Also the sea and the environment around ships and boats form part of the image scheme. Very often, the more or less curved form of the fishing vessel can be seen centrally placed in the paintings. Fishermen, workers, wives and children on the harbour often appear in the foreground. Everything is churning round like a kaleidoscopic celebration of happiness, though almost always spiced with an undertone of existential pondering. In recent years, the theme for Amariel’s paintings and exhibitions has been “Hymns of life... children of the deep sea”. Amariel Norðoy has had exhibitions in various places in Europe, Japan and USA. Locally he has been commissioned with public assignments, and his art has enriched public and private spaces in the Faroe Islands for the last 25 years. From Sunday 22 May 2011 at 11 am, continuing for two weeks, Mr. Norðoy’s art will be shown at Wimbledon Fine Art, Ltd, 41 Church Road, Wimbledon Village, London, SW19 5DQ.

Scan Magazine | Music | Klabbes Bank

Klabbes Bank: A New Swedish Jazz Sound By Emelie Krugly Hill

Swedish instrumental jazz band Klabbes Bank will perform at the new and acclaimed concert venue The Forge in the heart of Camden on 17 May. The concert is a part of a Swedish music celebration and co-produced by Nota Bene Productions, run by Swedes, Nils Klöfver and Björn Kleiman, the duo behind Swedish Hall Concerts.

experimental and extroverted jazz; the beginning of a new and refreshing sound within the Scandinavian jazz scene, according to recent reviewers. The band’s inspiration comes from, other than life itself, the likes of Led Zeppelin, Messiaen, Pet Shop Boys, J.S. Bach and Bobo Stenson, along with the wonderment of forests and the city of Gothenburg.

When setting up the six piece unit in 2002, band leader Klas-Henrik “Klabbe” Hörngren had a very clear idea of the sound and identity he wanted, which he describes as a warm lyrical sound. Nine years and three albums later, this instrumental band has sent their sonar pulses echoing beyond the shores of Sweden. Their latest album Je suis la mer was appointed the best album of the year by DN and SVD, two of Sweden’s biggest daily papers. The fourth album is in production and will see the light of day by the summer of 2012.

Klas-Henrik “Klabbe” Hörngren, the brains behind the sound, and his crew look forward to their London debut. “London is a fantastic city and we are obviously really excited about performing there,” says Hörngren over the telephone. “I’m euphoric when on stage; we all go way back, and the atmosphere when we get together is magical. You can sense the love we feel for each other and the music.”

The British audience will now also experience their sound, described as melodic,

Nils Klöfver and Björn Kleiman, co-producers of the event, started Swedish Hall Concerts in 2008 and quickly expanded into the production and record company Nota Bene Productions Ltd. They already

have a proud catalogue of 10 albums and are the distributors of Klabbes Bank within the UK and the rest of Europe and America. Nils Klöver says: “It has been really exciting to work with Klabbes Bank, a band that doesn’t really fit into any genre. We’re very proud to put on their first ever London show before they continue up north to the Swedish Jazz Celebration in Scotland.” Nils Klöver has hosted events at The Forge previously; when asked why he likes this venue, he replied, “Our first jazz disc with vocalist Michael L. Roberts was released here, and we’re also launching our newly signed French jazzer Clotilde Rullaud’s album here on 15 May. It’s a new vibrant venue backed up by a great team, and it’s also very versatile – come to one of our gigs and see for yourself!” For more information, please visit: www.notabeneproductions.co.uk www.klabbesbank.com

COMPETITION – Win two tickets to see Klabbes Bank or Clotilde Rullaud! Please answer the below questions and email your answers and contact details to competition@scanmagazine.co.uk. Scan Magazine will draw two lucky winners who each will receive two tickets for one of the concerts. Which Swedish newspapers appointed Klabbes Bank’s Je Suis La Mer to best jazz CD of the year? A: Svenska Dagbladet (SVD) B: Dagens Nyheter (DN) C: Both Svenska Dagbladet (SVD) and Dagens Nyheter (DN) What is the name of Clotilde Rullaud’s new album that Nota Bene is releasing at the Forge on 15 May? A: In Extremis B: Je Suis La Mer C: Live au 7 Lézards We must receive your answer by 15 May 2011. The winners will be contacted directly.

Issue 29 | May 2011 | 87

Scan Magazine | Music | Scandinavian Music

Scandinavian Music The 'blogosphere' has been going nothing short of crazy about a new Swedish electro siren, Vanbot. Comparisons to Robyn have been flying around of course, and they're not far off the mark. She does a pop flavoured kind of electro very well indeed and unleashed her self-titled debut album late last month. Head to www.vanbotmusic.com for generous free downloads of her ace first two singles Make Me Break Me and Lost Without You. Vanbot Photo: Sara Arnald

Scandinavia has spawned a brand new music collective that I think will be worth keeping an eye on. They're a group made up of Danes, Finns and Brits, called Studio Killers. For now though, their exact identities are being kept a secret, and they're parading as cartoon characters. First single Ode To The Bouncer is something of a masterpiece. It's an unbelievably catchy anthem that takes inspiration from everything including The Clash and PWL from the eighties, and modern day Scandinavian electro music. It's all a bit mental, but totally in a good way. The animated video is on YouTube now.

By Karl Batterbee

Fans of Swedish house music will be overjoyed to hear that Avicii (aka Tim Berg) is back with a new single, and even more delighted when they learn that it's immensely good. It's called Penguin and is an epic exercise in piano house. It's based around a piano riff which is repeated throughout and backed by enjoyably commercial synths, the kind which made his 2010 smash Seek Bromance so great and popular. Finally, for something a little bit different, check out an inspired cover version of Olive's 1997 global club smash You're Not Alone. It's been done by Danish pop boy Mads Langer. And he's turned the dance anthem into a laidback acoustic guitar song. It shouldn't work, but it really, really does! www.scandipop.co.uk scandipop@googlemail.com

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Scan Magazine | Culture | Culture Calendar

For folk’s sake

Tickets are sold for single events, and the organisers are expecting to sell around 23,000 tickets. During the festival there will be 28 concerts in nine venues, ranging in capacity from 180 to 2,700 seats. The two biggest venues are on the festival site, while the rest are scattered around town. In fact, during the festival, the entire town is engulfed in music, with artists performing on streets and squares. The music is international folk and roots of the highest calibre, mainly from Ireland, Scotland, England, USA, Canada and Scandinavia. Acts are still being announced, but confirmed so far are: The Avett Brothers, Sarah Jarosz, Coast, Katzenjammer, The Dubliners, De Danann, La Bottine Souriante, Chris

Smither, Paul Brady Band and Pokey LaFarge & The South City Three.

tival proudly acquired a royal patron Princess Marie of Denmark.

The first Tønder Festival was held in 1975. Since then the festival has grown and is now enjoying its status as one of Europe's most respected folk and roots music festivals, both from an audience and from a performer point of view. In 2009, the fes-

The atmosphere and ambience at Tønder Festival are legendary. The festival also has an enviable reputation for top class organisation and is considered one of the friendliest and most peaceful festivals in Europe.

Sarah Jarosz The Avett Brothers. Photo: Todd Roeth

Tønder Festival is a large annual folk and roots music festival, held in the historic town of Tønder near the German border. It takes place during the last weekend of August.

By Yane Christensen | Photos: Courtesy of Tønder Festival

Tickets are available online from 25th June on www.tf.dk

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

By Sara Schedin

MAY Little Dragon (May) Swedish electronic four-piece Little Dragon are touring the UK with their new album Ritual Union. www.little-dragon.se

Little Dragon. Photo: Seek

Swedish House Mafia (May) This Swedish house DJ trio consists of Axwell, Steve Angello and Sebastian Ingrosso. They will play their crowd pleasing music at various venues in the UK this month. www.swedishhousemafia.com Nature and Mysteries of Life (Until 16 May) Finnish Tuula Alkia and Anja Meri are part

Issue 29 | May 2011 | 89

Scan Magazine | Culture | Culture Calendar

of a group exhibition inspired by nature and the artists' surroundings. Dreamspace Gallery, London, EC1. www.adrem.uk.com

Thomas Dybdahl. Photo: Johannes W. Berg and Jean Baptiste Mondino

Magnus Betnér (14 May) A stand-up comedy show starring Magnus Betnér, Jeremy O'Donnell, Mark Maier and MC Ivor Dembina. Hampstead Comedy Club, London, NW1. www.hampsteadcomedy.co.uk Fredrik Andersson (16 May) Swedish comic Fredrik Andersson hosts a show at the Hit and Miss Comedy Club at Pipeline, London, E1. www.thepipelinebar.co.uk

The Tallest Man on Earth. Photo: Johan Stolpe

Sakari Oramo and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (18 May) Finnish Sakari Oramo conducts a classical evening with music by Austrian composer Gustav Mahler. Symphony Hall, Birmingham, B1. www.cbso.co.uk

Elisa Kerola

Contemporary Music Festival in Canterbury (20-29 May) Experience Finnish culture in Canterbury on three different occasions in the form of Kaija Saariaho’s mesmeric opera L'amour de Loin, kantele player Elisa Kerola and Sibelius Academy's own OHNE jazz trio. www.soundsnew.org.uk

Signmark (4 June) Finnish rap musician Signmark was born deaf but still pursued his childhood dream of making music and became the first deaf person in the world to get a record deal with Warner Music. HMV Forum, London, NW5. venues.meanfiddler.com/the-forum/home

Thomas Dybdahl (30 May) Norwegian country/folk singer Thomas Dybdahl is back in the UK this month and will play a gig at XOYO, London, EC2A. www.thomasdybdahl.com

Belongings (Until 11 June) Swedish Maria Åberg directs Morgan Lloyd Malcom's new play about a young female soldier who returns from Afghanistan to a home she no longer recognises. Hampstead Theatre, London, NW3. www.hampsteadtheatre.com

JUNE The Tallest Man on Earth (19 May) Swedish blues/folk singer-songwriter Kristian Matsson is the Tallest Man on Earth. See him play at the Shepherd's Bush Empire, London, W12. www.myspace.com/thetallestmanonearth Summer Bazaar at the Danish Church (20-21 May) Stock up on Danish products such as food, books and crafts at the Danish Church’s annual Summer Bazaar organised by Danish Women in England. Den Danske Kirke, 5 St Katharine's Precinct London, NW1 4HH. www.danskekirke.org

90 | Issue 29 | May 2011

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