FEBRUARY 2013 ISSUE 49 PROMOTING BRAND SCANDINAVIA
ROLF LASSGÅRD - MR NICE GUY NORTHERN NORWAY - FUN ALL YEAR ROUND EXPERIENCE DENMARK CULTURE IN NORWAY 2013
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Scan Magazine | Contents
Contents COVER FEATURE 8
8
Rolf Lassgård Swedish actor Rolf Lassgård has a reputation for being a nice guy. A few days before Scan Magazine is due to interview him, compatriot and fellow thespian Peter Stormare describes the 57year-old as “an amazing, low-key man who is loyal to his roots and has not been changed by fame”. Lassgård proves to be exactly that.
20
SPECIAL THEMES 20
Northern Norway When the sun is above the horizon at midnight during the wonderful Northern Norwegian summer, you get energetic and mad, in a good way. Sightseeing, dining and wining are suddenly not enough; you want to explore the stunning scenery of islands, fjords, mountains and plains.
35
Experience Denmark Even though Denmark is a small country, there is so much to do and see. In Denmark, you will find trendy cities and charming villages where you can experience the culture and dig into the history of the small kingdom, from the Vikings all the way up to modern times.
49
Culture in Norway 2013 Twenty thirteen promises to be an exciting year with a massive selection of cultural events and festivals taking place all over Norway. This year also marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Edvard Munch – an occasion that will be celebrated throughout the year with various exhibitions and events.
58
Faroe Islands The Faroe Islands are a destination truly out of the ordinary. On the islands, you will encounter green as far as the eye can see, dramatic mountains and cliffs jutting out of the sea, offering plenty of great spots for hiking and enjoying nature at its rawest.
DESIGN FEATURES 16
18
Jumperfabriken Jumperfabriken is a young and fast-growing company that still adheres to its core vision of combining the best of what is old and new so as to create the perfect clothes. The founders of the company are enthusiastically working for its continued expansion, so that fashionistas all over the world can have the possibility of purchasing their knitted garments. LINK Landskap The landscape architects at LINK Landskap take great pride in creating lasting solutions that enthuse users, whether for schools, parks or – possibly – an artificial island in the middle of the Oslofjord.
REGULARS & COLUMNS 12
We Love This | 14 Fashion Diary | 62 Hotels of the Month | 64 Attractions of the Month
70
Restaurants of the Month | 88 Humour | 89 Music & Culture | 90 Culture Calendar
Scan Business FEATURES
35 78
85
80
M-Files M-Files, an award-winning enterprise content management system, is the brainchild of a few Finns with an acute understanding of the needs of information-intensive organisations. Danfo Danfo has been working on providing toilet solutions to the public for more than 40 years. It supplies facilities for all, whether they are to be installed at building sites or in central locations, such as Piccadilly Circus in London.
REGULARS & COLUMNS 75
Business Columns & News Key note, columns and news stories on Scandinavian businesses and business events.
82
Conferences of the Month The best conference venues of the month.
87
Scandinavian Business Calendar Highlights of Scandinavian business events.
Issue 48 | January 2013 | 3
Scan Magazine | Editor’s Note
Dear Reader, We are well into the new year now, and I hope it has started on a positive note for all of you. Broken new year’s resolutions aside (there’s plenty of time to revisit those later in the year), I think it’s good to look at the new year as a fresh start to a certain extent – whether that means having a more active social life, starting a new hobby or just looking at problems from a new angle. While I refrained from making any resolutions, I did promise myself to make more of the cultural attractions and other leisure opportunities that London has to offer. Once you’ve lived in any city or location for long enough, you stop looking around yourself in wonderment and you start missing out on all the wonderful things that are happening around you. You might grumble about late trains and snow chaos, while forgetting to go for a Sunday stroll in your nearby park to see how beautiful it looks covered in white. You might also forget to check out your local theatre listings and what new exhibitions are being shown at museums and galleries, when you get too caught up in everyday life. And not everything you do in big (or small) cities has to break the bank either – there are plenty of cheap and free options; you just need to keep your eyes open.
to introduce you to new, and to remind you of well-loved, experiences within Scandinavia. Even if you have been to Northern Norway already or have visited your fair share of museums in Denmark and Norway, I promise there is always something new or renewed to discover. Turn to our travel and culture themes to see if you could make more out of your next trip to Scandinavia. If you attended the Scandinavia Show last year, then the gentleman on our cover should be pretty familiar to you: it’s none other than Wallander – I mean, Rolf Lassgård – who visited us for a fun Q&A session at Earl’s Court in October 2012. His latest film project, False Trail, is now out on DVD in the UK.
Nia Kajastie Editor
While Scan Magazine’s culture calendar does cover some events taking place in London and the rest of the UK, we are also here
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Issue 49 | February 2013
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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 fulltime writer and grammar stickler. 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. Swedish Sara Schedin is a freelance writer with a degree in journalism from City University London. She moved here in 2006 and is currently covering Scandinavian culture in the UK. Norwegian freelance journalist Anne Line Kaxrud fell in love with the British Isles after watching a few too many Hugh Grant films. Having lived in the UK for seven years, she finished her education in International Relations/Politics and Communication before working in journalism, PR and marketing.
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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. 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. 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. Hannah Gillow Kloster is a Norwegian freelance writer who came to London to study English literature on its home turf. With a BA from Royal Holloway under her belt, she is currently pursuing an MA in Digital Humanities in Chicago, combining her two favourite things: literature and the internet. Norwegian Didrik Ottesen is back living in London after a carefree time travelling around the world. He is currently doing his MA Journalism degree while also working as a freelance journalist and trying to play as much football as possible.
Magnus Nygren Syversen is a Norwegian freelance journalist and feature writer, who graduated from Middlesex University with a BA in Journalism & Communication in 2010. Having left London and relocated to the other side of the world, he is currently doing his MA at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia. 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. Annika Åman-Goodwille, Chartered Secretary (FCIS) and a multi-linguist, is the Chairman of Goodwille. She is a born business networker and entrepreneur with a multinational academic and professional track record spanning the globe from the Swedish Foreign office to diplomatic postings in the Middle East. Rikke Oberlin Flarup is a Danish freelance writer and publisher with a passion for thick novels and DIY zines. Still a newcomer to London, she spends her free time exploring the city's hidden gems.
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Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Rolf Lassg책rd
8 | Issue 49 | February 2013
Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Rolf Lassgård
Rolf Lassgård: Mr Nice Guy Swedish actor Rolf Lassgård has a reputation for being a nice guy. A few days before Scan Magazine is due to interview him, compatriot and fellow thespian Peter Stormare describes the 57-year-old as “an amazing, low-key man who is loyal to his roots and has not been changed by fame”. Lassgård proves to be exactly that. By Pierre de Villiers | Photos: Monica Takvam
Reclining on a couch in a PR firm’s basement, the man best known for playing Inspector Wallander is warm, self-deprecating and funny, starting our time together by pointing to a stain on the carpet and exclaiming: “That’s water, not me!” He is also bursting with enthusiasm. Showing no sign of being jaded after a career that has spanned more than three decades, Lassgård is as excited about his craft as a young star who has just landed a big break. “I always try to keep the amateur inside me alive – that fire and fun,” he explains. “It is like a small candle inside you remembering what it was like when you first started. If that light fades away, your work can just become routine, so I try and remember just how much fun the job is.” The right trail The passion Lassgård has for acting certainly shines through in his latest film False Trail. A sequel to 1996 crime drama Jägarna, it features a haunting performance by the actor as detective Erik Bäckström, who travels to Norrland to investigate the brutal murder of a woman. For Lassgård the experience of making False Trail in the small town of Överkalix was about as good as things get on a film set.
“You had this extraordinary backdrop that made me love doing the film even more,” he recalls. “We were in a village with about 3,000 people and there weren’t a lot of distractions. Me and other cast members like Peter Stormare [who plays a local policeman] were in this bubble and could really work out the balance between the characters. It was also great that all actors in the movie were born in the northern part of Sweden, and everyone was talking in the dialect of the region.” Born to act Filming in Norrland meant Lassgård could return to the region where he first fell in love with acting as a youngster. He recalls how, growing up in Östersund, being an actor seemed more of a calling than a possible profession. “I had a very strong feeling that I had to try to be an actor,” he explains. “I was working a lot as an amateur and really enjoyed it. That is why I tried to get into acting school.” He joined the Institute for the Performing Arts in the village of Storhögen outside Östersund before attending the stage school in Malmö in 1975-78. There Lassgård met director Peter Oskarson, joining his Skånska Teatern in Landskrona and then the Folkteatern in Gävle in 1982. The
move to Gävle would change his life forever. Not only was Lassgård so enamoured with the small town outside Stockholm that he now lives there, it is also where he met his wife of more than 30 years and the mother of his three children, Birgitta. Ask Lassgård why his marriage has succeeded when so many other showbiz matrimonies have failed and he starts chuckling. “Maybe I have been married so long because I’m away so much,” he says. “It is like one of those fisherman marriages! I know one of the secrets is living your own life. Like all marriages, it goes up and down. In the time we have been married, we haven’t been together all the time because I do travel. It is important to set time aside to spend with your family, though. I have taken several breaks during my career to make sure that I am just at home. I need that space to fill up the batteries again.” Split personality By deciding to live in Gävle, Lassgård has been able to effectively split his personal and professional life. “I really do have a double life,” he says. “I almost always work away from home, which is a good thing because you can concentrate on
Issue 49 | February 2013 | 9
Rolf Lassgård (left) and Peter Stormare (right) in False Trail. (Press photo)
work. But when I return, I can really get away from the business and the media because there are not so many who would travel all the way up to Gävle.” While listening to Lassgård enthuse about his home town, it is not hard to understand why the actor has never moved to Hollywood to chase after lucrative blockbuster roles. “If I was 25 when I started working in the movies, it would probably have been a different situation,” he says with a shrug. “Now, if it happens, it happens. But to be honest, I am really happy being part of the Scandinavian film and TV industry. There are some exceptional crime dramas being made in this part of the world. For me it all started with the Inspector Martin Beck novels, which introduced the whole anti-hero thing, and then other writers have taken that to a new level.” Leading the way As someone who, in the mid-1990s, starred as policeman Gunvald Larsson
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in a series of movies based on the Martin Beck books and has played Kurt Wallander between 1994-2007, Lassgård helped pave the way for hugely popular Scandinavian TV series like The Killing and The Bridge, and movies like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo . And while America and the UK have chosen to make their own English versions of The Killing, Wallander and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, the actor believes the attention being paid to Scandinavian offerings is ultimately a good thing. “Remakes are sad in some ways, but the reality is that English is a world language,” he says. “I think what happens is that people maybe see Kenneth Branagh’s Wallander, which I think is great by the way, and then discover my version and watch that as well. And I’m sure the same happens with things like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and it just makes people aware of the talent in Scandinavia.”
As the interview draws to a close, the conversation turns to how Lassgård spends his time away from movie sets. “Lots of music and I do ordinary things with my family,” he says. “And ice hockey. I am addicted to ice hockey.” How much time Lassgård gets to follow his favourite sport remains to be seen as his career shows no signs of slowing down; the actor is shooting two more films based on the Sebastian Bergman crime books early in 2013. “People may think that because of the dark subject matter of some of the films I star in I go home feeling depressed, which is not the case at all,” he says. “The only darkness I take home with me is if I am not satisfied with what I am doing. In fact, often it is the opposite, and I end up coming home happy because you are doing a job you enjoy.”
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P책l Ross, architect SAR/MSA Tel: +46 8 84 84 82 | E-mail: ross@ross.se | www.ross.se
Scan Magazine | Design | We Love This
We love this...
By Julie Guldbrandsen | Email: julie@scanmagazine.co.uk
This month vibrant colours are on our radar. We are fascinated by the effect of even a little splash of colour in the home. Yes, Scandinavian interior design is not just monochromatic white and grey; in fact, bright and cheerful shades are a large part of the design aesthetic. Let yourself be seduced by the vivid palette.
The multi-coloured dinnerware collection Elements by Royal Copenhagen is a beautiful and classy way to integrate brightness to the dinner table. Even a few pieces can make a great visual difference. Prices start at £38. www.royalcopenhagen.com
These little nesting owls designed by Ingela Arrhenius have a sweet retro charm and nostalgic feel to them. A cute little trinket for adults and children alike. £13.95. www.husandhem.co.uk
One of the easiest ways to uplift your hallway is with a lively runner. This one by Pappelina is highly durable and available in several colour combinations. £85. www.scandiliving.com
The yellow circus bird cushion designed by Camilla Lundsten for Littlephant puts
The ‘vitamin container bowl’ by Muuto is
a warm smile on our faces. Add instant
handmade of fine bone china. Also available
brightness to your sofa with this cool
in yellow and white. £69.
print. £60. www.northlighthomestore.com
www.nordicdesignforum.co.uk
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Ovland and Friends. Foto Sรถderstrรถm
TOTAL COMMITMENT
Scan Magazine | Design | Fashion Diary
Fashion Diary... Kick-start your spring wardrobe with our Scandi fashion picks. We particularly love the pieces that we can work now as well as later when balmy days arrive. From candy pastels to statement trousers and turquoise jewellery – here is our version of chic transitional fashion. By Julie Guldbrandsen | Email: julie@scanmagazine.co.uk
There is nothing like candy pastels to
The timeless biker jacket has been
get you ready for spring. Wear this
given a golden update by Ganni. It’s
clean-cut, cool print dress by Fade To
just as versatile as, and even edgier
W with black leggings now and go
than, the classic black edition. £164.
barelegged later. £62.
www.gannistore.com
www.weekday.com
Add a splash of colour and statement appeal to your look with this fabulous necklace. The turquoise colour is a returning fashion favourite that can be matched with anything. £22. www.selectedfemme.com
Give a little attitude in this quirky yet chic sweatshirt by Soaked in Luxury. Team with
Flowy trousers with a slightly oversized
skinny jeans and a stiff shirt for a cool off-duty look or wear it downtown with a leather skirt and high heels. £46. www.soakedinluxury.com
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silhouette are a must-have for the new This beautiful burgundy leather bag by
season. This pair by Selected Femme
Whyred is the epitome of the simple
with its gorgeous print and colour
Scandi luxury aesthetic. £470.
combination is a great transitional
www.whyred.com
piece. £65. www.selected.com
A Real Lifesaver Drops First Air may be the most important app you will ever own None of us want to imagine what it would be like to stumble across a car crash, a stroke victim or someone lying unconscious. These situations do happen though, and it’s vital that you stay calm and take the appropriate action in order to ensure everyone’s safety. It is a sad truth that most of us lack the time to attend a proper course in key emergency skills. Drops First Aid, an iOS app by Dynamisk Helse AS, has been released to try and teach people emergency behaviour in a simple, engaging way.
www.drops.no
Jumperfabriken with the vision of producing timeless high-quality clothing, which would last for longer than one season. “Knitted garments, when produced with good materials and designs, can be timeless. The key to our clothes is the knitting design and the variety of colours that you can find in our collections. The timeless quality of knitted clothes spoke to us from an early age, and we have combined our Scandinavian fashion sense with traditional knitting patterns and added a modern touch to create collections that truly stand out,” says Synnes. Jumperfabriken has grown significantly since it was set up, and there is a demand for their garments far beyond the Scandinavian borders. “We are based in Gothenburg, but our clothes are available for purchase in various locations throughout Sweden and in an increasing number of locations abroad,” says Zervakos. “We also have a web shop, which is for anyone to use and order clothes from Jumperfabriken.” Familiar patterns with a new twist
Modern classic designs Jumperfabriken (“the Jumper Factory”) is a young and fast-growing company that still adheres to its core vision of combining the best of what is old and new so as to create the perfect clothes. The founders of the company are enthusiastically working for its continued expansion, so that fashionistas all over the world can have the possibility of purchasing their knitted garments. By Therese Wallin | Photos: Jumperfabriken
Jumperfabriken has its headquarters in Gothenburg, which is where its ‘birth mothers’ create flattering and feminine collections using their exquisite taste and knowledge in knitting. Forget unfitting and itchy garments, at Jumperfabriken you
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can treat yourselves to timeless classic garments that will be wearable for all occasions. Elisabeth Synnes and Tullis Zervakos joined forces five years ago and started
At the heart of the company is the passion shared by Synnes and Zervakos for the art of knitting and for working with longlasting materials. The trends of the 50s, 60s and 70s have served as inspiration for the designs, but the clothes feel and look classically modern, and there is that little extra in every garment. It is sometimes difficult to put your finger on what it is that makes you fall in love with them, but the clothes from Jumperfabriken have that feeling of comfort, style and timelessness incorporated into them, which is often hard to find. The classic touch to the garments extends beyond Jumperfabriken’s knitted collections. They also do dresses and other types of clothing, which have become popular additions to the collections. Zervakos explains that their customers find that their clothes have a feeling of familiarity to them, as well as an aspect of something new. “The younger generations have often only seen the traditional patterns,
More than a one-season garment
sible and not reusing garments. We work, and have from the start, according to the vision of slow fashion. Essentially this means that a garment from Jumperfabriken can be enjoyed and worn for more than merely one season. We want those who wear clothes from Jumperfabriken to be able to reuse their garment year after year,” says Synnes. To this end, the company ensures that their garments are made of natural materials, using only pure cotton or wool. “By keeping the foundation of the clothes pure, we know that what we produce is of top quality, and each garment becomes a gem in your closet,” says Synnes.
“Fashion has for the past years moved very fast, and the focus has been on having as many new items of clothing as pos-
One of the many things that stands out about Jumperfabriken is the passion of
Elisabeth Synnes
Carina Tullis Zervakos
which are at the heart of our designs, in old photographs, but now they are looking for something similar and that is exactly what we design and make,” she adds. Customers appreciate that the clothes fit all, regardless of age and lifestyle, and word has spread quickly of Jumperfabriken’s ageless designs. “When you find something that you love, you want to share it with others, and we have many clients who return to us and also recommend our garments to their friends,” says Synnes.
its founders for working hard, and how they are genuinely proud of their products. “We have stayed true to our initial vision and do not compromise on quality or design. There is no denying that it is costly to start up and run a company, but we have put in a lot of work, and it is extremely rewarding to see that the market has welcomed us with such open arms,” says Zervakos. Jumperfabriken attended Copenhagen Fashion Week at the end of January and are at PURE in London between 10-12 February. For more information, please visit: www.jumperfabriken.se
Issue 49 | February 2013 | 17
Scan Magazine | Design | LINK Landskap
Overview of the proposed new island with Oslo in the background. Photo: MIR
LINK Landskap – creating places where people want to be The landscape architects at LINK Landskap take great pride in creating lasting solutions that enthuse users, whether for schools, parks or – possibly – an artificial island in the middle of the Oslofjord. By Anne Line Kaxrud | Photos: LINK Landskap
LINK Landskap is a branch of LINK Arkitekter, one of Scandinavia’s leading architect firms which has, since its establishment in 1985, been a central player in urban planning throughout Norway. With a primary expertise in schools, parks and city spaces, and the reopening of rivers and streams, they have worked on prestigious projects, including the airport express terminal in Oslo, Oslo City Hall Plaza and Aker Brygge. “We wish to excite
18 | Issue 49 | February 2013
while also creating sustainable solutions,” says Ole Rydningen, team leader at LINK Landskap. Places for people The company sees environmental concerns as a top priority and emphasises robust solutions which are long lasting. This concern goes hand in hand with their intention to excite, and create places people want to use. “We aim to create an
identity, particularly in urban areas. A project is successful once people feel comfortable and use the area,” Rydningen says. He points to some aspects that increase people’s feeling of well-being, namely small areas where they can find solitude, green areas and a closeness to water. “These are recurring elements in our projects,” Rydningen notes. Linking Oslo It has been a long-term plan to link the various Oslo boroughs by a path and parks throughout the city. LINK Landskap has been central in the development of Grorudparken and close-by Leirfossen in eastern Oslo. “Since its opening in 2005, it has been an immediate success. It has a park feel to it and adds closeness to the water through various small ponds. So
Top: Part of the reopened waterfall and stream in Grorudparken Below (L-R): Cleansing biotope Afternoon swimming
while there may not be many fish to catch, people are nonetheless bringing their fishing gear out, while others go for a swim on a warm summer’s day,” Rydningen says. The park is located next to a new sports park, which further emphasises the community feeling of the place. “We have also incorporated the environmental aspect by having plants that extract poisonous substances in the ponds. It is thus an organic change at the scene, which is rather unique” Rydningen says. A new island in the Oslofjord LINK Landskap is currently among three competing companies commissioned to develop a plan for a new island in the Oslofjord, one of the most talked about projects in Oslo right now. While nothing is decided yet, the island is one of several suggestions that has excited people in the discussion about the use of the stone masses left over after the development of a new railway tunnel on one side of the fjord. “There are 11 competing solutions, an artificial island being one of them, and the decision is due in March. There are many interesting ways of tackling the stone mass problem, but there is little doubt that the island proposal has been hugely popular,” Rydningen says. “We compete with two other firms on the island project, but we have so far received very positive feedback from both local politicians and people on the street, who would like to see an island that is accessible to everyone.” What nature can do and people need As with all other projects, the firm does its best to combine environmental issues with pleasure and excitement. The overarching idea was to create a project that encompasses what nature can do and what people really need. “The environmental aspect was there from the start as the purpose of a new island is to use the remaining stones rather than to transport them away,” Rydningen says. “It was also
The park is accessible on new concrete paths Photo: Hundven-Clements
Reopened stream runs through housing areas
crucial to give something back to the locals, and we wish to establish a forest area, a port and bathing spots for everyone’s pleasure. Oslo needs more areas where locals can have a breather, and that is exactly what we want the island to offer.
tween Sweden and Denmark. It works, and is no longer utopian.” The final decisions, including whether LINK’s proposal gets the go-ahead, are due within a few months, and there is no doubt that many locals and politicians alike would cheer for this as a winning solution.
“It has been an impressive development in the past 10 years, and there are several examples of this solution being successful. Øresund is one, where they created an artificial island with the leftover material after developing the Øresund Bridge be-
For more information, please visit: www.linkarkitektur.no/linkarkitektur
Issue 49 | February 2013 | 19
: ME AY E TH RW
L O CIA RN N E SP THE R NO
Northern Norway – 24 hours of summer fun When the sun is above the horizon at midnight during the wonderful Northern Norwegian summer, you get energetic and mad, in a good way. Sightseeing, dining and wining are suddenly not enough; you want to explore the stunning scenery of islands, fjords, mountains and plains. No need for a hefty expedition, though: the landscapes are risk-free and highly accessible.
islands, living fishing communities, longabandoned settlements and those tiny houses people have made for eider ducks: the archipelagoes of the north offer stunning scenery and rich human history.
By Knut Hansvold / Nordnorsk Reiseliv | Photo: Chris Craggs / www.nordnorge.com / Lofoten
Visiting Northern Norway
Island-hopping by bike Cycling on narrow, winding country roads on the islands off Northern Norway is not strenuous. The route follows the shoreline to small settlements, secluded beaches and remnants of Northern Norway’s rich history. Then bring your bike on board a car ferry to the next island. Conquering a mountain Hiking up a mountain in the rugged landscapes of Northern Norway means hard
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work for a little while and then the reward of a wide panorama of islands, peaks and the open Atlantic. Mountains come in all shapes and sizes in Northern Norway, from family-friendly 1,000 footers to towering peaks 4-5,000 feet high.
Northern Norway is known for its wild, untouched landscape, but still provides modern infrastructure, comfort and easy access. Numerous activities, such as deep sea fishing, caving, glacier hikes, canoeing, river boat tours, whale watching and so forth are all easy to include in your holiday.
Paddling in the archipelago Thousands of islands, islets and skerries provide shelter and calm waters for your kayak, and beckon you to explore. Eagles circling over you, white sandy beaches, bird
For more information visit the official website of Northern Norway: www.northernorway.com
Top: Modern Sami people. Below left: Bottlenose whale skeleton. Right: Sami from Karasjok with reindeer
Another prominent exhibition at Tromsø Museum is an Arctic wildlife exhibition named “UNaturally”, which explores changes in nature, for instance the effect of climate change on the flora and fauna in Northern Norway. Amongst the highlights of this exhibition is a diorama showing what the region may look like in 90 years if global warming continues, and the 10-metre-long skeleton of a bottlenose whale. “Some people think it is a dinosaur,” says Nylund. At the Polar Museum visitors can learn the story of famous Norwegian explorers like Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen. But Nylund warns that the museum also presents the history behind seal hunting, an exhibition that earned the museum Lonely Planet’s title of “Worst Museum” a few years back.
Tromsø University Museum:
The best of Northern Norway
Tromsø University Museum also has a botanical garden, as well as the seal hunting vessel M/S Polstjerna, both best enjoyed in the summer.
Below: A njalla, a traditional Sami storehouse
“If you are travelling around Northern Norway and want to experience as much as possible in the shortest amount of time, then you have to visit our museum,” says exhibition manager at Tromsø University Museum, Per Helge Nylund. By Magnus Nygren Syversen | Photos: June Aasheim © Tromsø University Museum
Tromsø University Museum offers a concentrate of everything the region of Northern Norway has to offer, from wildlife to history and Sami culture. “The Sami culture is especially well represented, in two permanent, comprehensive exhibitions,” says Nylund. One of the exhibitions explores traditional Sami culture, whereas the newer of the two exhibitions, named “Sápmí – Becoming a Nation”, focuses on the modern Sami community in Norway. “People visiting from Europe often expect to see the
Sami people in their traditional costumes herding reindeer, when in reality most of the Sami people have all kinds of modern jobs,” says Nylund. “When people ask me ‘Where can I see a real Sami?’, I usually answer ‘Have you tried the post office?’” Nylund says many of their visitors have difficulties grasping how one can be both Sami and Norwegian. “But it is the same as a Welsh person having a British passport,” he explains.
For more information, please visit: www.uit.no/tmu
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Untitled sculpture in Bodø by Tony Cragg
A beautiful unification of art and nature Be spellbound by the magnificent art project Artscape Nordland. It has taken art to the next level by unifying remarkable artwork with the equally spectacular wilderness of Northern Norway. By Anne Line Kaxrud | Photos: Vegar Moen
It is not often you come across an art exhibition that is open 24/7, with no entrance fee, and add to it wild nature and uninterrupted daylight for part of the year, and you are onto an unforgettable experience. As an innovative collection of sculptures, this art project is a welcome addition to the natural beauty of Nordland. Altogether 35 sculptures by artists from Norway and abroad form the current collection, which provides an interesting alternative to traditional art museums; the last piece in
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the collection is expected to be disclosed in 2013 in the municipality of Træna. From opposition to pride Norwegian artist Anne Katrine Dolven came up with the idea for the project at a seminar in 1988, while the initiation and execution have been a joint effort between Nordland county council and participating municipalities. The project has not been without its share of controversy, and from the launch of the idea to the unveiling of
the first piece more than a decade passed. “Many people were initially against the idea of having artwork in nature. They worried about the impact it would have on the surroundings and were very vocal about it,” says Torill Ueland, project manager for Artscape Nordland. “Since then, as people have gotten used to the idea and seen the artwork for themselves, locals tend to be proud of ‘their’ artwork. It has also proven immensely popular with visitors from around the world.” Experience art from a new perspective “What is special about this project is that Nordland county council erected all these artworks,” says Ueland. “The whole process, right from the very beginning, has been very democratic, with the individual municipalities deciding whether they wanted to take part or not.” 33 of the 45 local municipalities initially said yes, with more having come aboard in later stages. “What we have found,” says Ue-
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Northern Norway
land, “is that much of this initial resistance has disappeared, and when people see that the artwork is not in conflict with the natural surroundings, they tend to rather like it. Several municipalities which originally did not want to take part changed their minds after seeing the initial installations.” She continues by referring to the selection of artists, art and placings. “The artworks are not randomly placed out in nature. After a planning committee decided on which artists to invite to participate, the artists themselves picked a spot for their artwork.” Influences from all over the world Norway has no tradition of artwork in nature, which is reflected in the selection of artists. Of the 35 artists who currently have pieces on display most are international and hail from a variety of countries, from neighbouring Sweden and Finland to Brazil, Japan and the US, among others. “The idea is that the artwork becomes a part of nature and that it creates a new space, rather than adding to a space that is already there,” says Ueland. “It is the artists themselves who come up with the idea both for the artwork and the location where they want it to be placed.”
Media Thule – a sculpture you can enter in Tjeldsund by Olafur Gislason
Latest addition in Træna
Do not miss
The latest addition in the project is the upcoming sculpture in Træna. While Ueland cannot reveal too much as it is yet to be unveiled, she gives hints of an exciting
Tourists and locals alike have found their favourites, and by popping by the ‘Media Thule’ by the Icelandic artist Olafur Gislason in Tjeldsund, you may be spellbound
sculpture made of stone, bronze and glass by the Zambian-Norwegian artist Anawana Haloba Hobøl. “Træna is a small municipality of islands out in the ocean, and it is a spectacular place for the sculpture,” Ueland says. You may already have heard of the small community, an area otherwise known for its spectacular outdoor Træna Festival. It attracts international musicians far out on the sea to perform at one of the most idyllic and picturesque venues in the world.
by the wooden house and the fantastic scenery outside the large windows. Another impressive sculpture is the untitled work of granite by British artist Tony Cragg. His sculpture reflects the connection between sea and land, and nature and human settlements, and is appropriately located by the breakwater in central Bodø. Brazilian artist Cildo Meireles unveiled his While-U-Weight a few years back, and while the sculpture itself is outstanding, he has shown wonderful artistic insight by choice of location in Dønna.
For more information, please visit: www.skulpturlandskap.no
While-U-Weight in Dønna by Cildo Meireles. Photo: Inge Ove Tysnes
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A dog-sledding adventure Photo: Severin Wohlleben
Northern Lights Husky takes you on a journey through the beautiful Norwegian winter landscape - by dog sled. Visitors become participants in this unusual holiday in Finnmark, in the very north of Norway. By Kjersti Westeng | Photo: Northern Lights Husky
Founder of Northern Lights Husky, Trine Lyrek, has been hooked on dog sledding since she first tried it in 1991. In 2005, she moved to Alta with her two daughters and has since participated in Europe’s longest dog sled race, the Finnmark race, several times. “I started Northern Lights Husky because I wanted to live off my hobby. It's a lifestyle I very much enjoy,” Lyrek says. Northern Lights Husky offers both day and overnight trips, with the opportunity to tailor your own tour. In the winter season, visitors travel across Finnmarksvidda, one of Norway’s largest mountain plateaus. They get picked up from the town of Alta and taken to the dog yard, where the trip begins. Lyrek says: “Nothing will be done
for you when you arrive; you have to play an active role in getting your team ready. Everyone becomes a participant, not just an audience member or a guest, in order to learn as much as possible.” Before setting off everyone will be introduced to their dogs and given time to get to know them. “Our dogs are very sociable and kind as they have grown up with kids and played with them a lot,” Lyrek continues. Northern Lights Husky has now become a certified Norwegian ecotourism business. This means that they have passed a number of tests proving high standards when it comes to safety, hospitality and nature preservation. “This is very important to us, and I am sure guests will see that when they visit us,” Lyrek says.
Experience Norwegian fishing culture at its finest On 15-16 March, the remote village of Svolvær, located in the heart of the scenic Lofoten islands, will thrive with festivities as ambitious fishermen, ranging from amateurs to professionals, are to show off their fishing talents at the World Championship in cod fishing. By Ingvild Vetrhus | Photos: Magnar Jacobsen
“There is nothing more beautiful than the snow-covered mountains of Lofoten,” says organiser at Vågan Boat and Fishing Association Sten Ståle Sortland. Since 1990, the championship has taken place amid this majestic scenery, attracting hundreds
of fishermen and thousands of cheering spectators. The Northeast Arctic cod spawning is at its peak in March, when decorations and food stalls serving local delicacies will adorn the rural village of Svolvær.
For more information, please visit: www.northernlightshusky.com
“Many people keep coming back year after year. We are already fully booked for 2013,” says Sortland. The competition is open for all age groups and skill levels, where teams of two to four people can join one of the 80 fishing boats in search of the competition’s biggest catch. A taste of traditional north Norwegian cuisine is a must. Visitors have in the past years queued up to taste dry-roasted cod tongue and boknafisk, a local dish consisting of stockfish – cod that has been dried by cold air and wind on wooden racks on the foreshore for three months – served with bacon and carrot stew. Coordinators are expecting a reprise of last year’s successful event, where 40 tonnes of cod were garnered off the coast by competitors, making 2012 a record year.
For more information, please visit: www.vmiskreifiske.no or email post@vaaganbaat.no
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Above left: On Hornøya bird cliff, the puffins gather in fight clubs to settle the hierarchy on the cliff. Some amazing scenes take place at this densely inhabited bird cliff. Top right: Birders Daniel Lopez-Velasco from Spain and Martin Garner from Britain took part in Gullfest 2012. They are properly equipped for a bird festival. Below: The king eider is a spectacular Arctic sea duck, which has its key wintering grounds in Varanger. Flocks of 6,000 birds can be seen in outer-Varanger fjord. This photo is taken from a photo hide in Båtsfjord dedicated to Arctic sea ducks.
Varanger – an Arctic bird paradise For birdwatchers from all over the world, Varanger is emerging as the best Arctic bird watching destination in the world. Come see with your own eyes why Varanger is the hottest place to visit! Photos: T. Amundsen / biotope.no
At the north-easternmost point of Norway you find the world’s easiest-accessible Arctic birding destination. In Varanger, you have the northern taiga, tundra and Arctic coastline in one destination. Within a day’s drive you can experience the pine grosbeaks in the taiga, and see a wide variety of species on the tundra of the Varanger peninsula. At the coastal bird cliffs, the Arctic species Brünnich’s guillemot is accompanied by a hundred thousand seabirds. The summer is a hectic season with 24-hour daylight and birds in beautiful breeding plumage. In winter and early spring, Arctic sea ducks concentrate here in huge numbers, and at night the aurora borealis completes the experience. At the northern edge of Europe, further east than Istanbul, the Gulf Stream keeps
the Varanger fjord ice-free. It is the only fjord in Norway facing the east, and the shallow waters provide feeding grounds for great numbers of birds. Gullfest – the world’s only Arctic bird festival “It is truly a paradise for birds - and of course for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers,” Tormod Amundsen says. Amundsen is a dedicated birder and the managing director of Biotope, an architect firm with special expertise in birds and bird watching. He is the man behind many of the birdwatching initiatives in the area. Together with the equally bird-focused company Destination Varanger, run by Kate Utsi, he is arranging the Arctic bird festival Gullfest. This festival in late March
is one of the highlights of the year, bringing together birders from all over the world for a long weekend of trips to Hornøya bird cliff, workshops and talks by some of the most renowned birders. While Varanger is great for birdwatching almost all year around, this annual festival is a key event for many enthusiasts. In addition, many birders follow the event on social media, through bird blogs and radio podcasts. Easy to reach from every corner of the world While many of the world’s birdwatching paradises remain largely inaccessible, Varanger enjoys terrific infrastructure. “Have your morning coffee in London and watch Arctic sea ducks in Vadsø in the afternoon,” says Kate Utsi. For more information, please visit: www.varanger.com www.biotope.no
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A touch of Paris
selection of continental wines to accompany your meal.
With over 30 years of experience, Compagniet is one of the oldest restaurants in Tromsø, and the first ever gourmet restaurant in Northern Norway.
Should you feel adventurous after dinner, Compagniet also offers a bar and nightclub, with room for 350 people, in a separate section of the building.
By Magnus Nygren Syversen | Photos: Compagniet
Located in a mansion built in 1837, once home to a prominent family in the fishing industry, Compagniet has always aimed to bring forth the class and elegance of the original lady of the manor.
restaurant’s rustic yet distinguished dining rooms now offer the best in modern facilities, making it an excellent choice for a business dinner or for simply enjoying a quiet night out with your spouse.
In a city known as the ‘Paris of the North’, Compagniet has played a part in adding that French touch since its opening night in 1981. Combining old with new, the
The finest chefs north of the Arctic Circle prepare local cuisine, specializing in dishes made from reindeer. Guests can choose to have their dinner à la carte or try Compagniet’s signature menu, an exclusive five-course meal. “Where we differ from everyone else is that we serve the main course in two servings. So, for instance, you can have rack of lamb in one serving and leg of lamb in another,” says owner Bjørn Haug. And of course there is an impressive and intriguing
Encounter killer whales on a northern adventure
By Nia Kajastie
Tysfjord, located in Nordland and known as the home of Lule Sami people, is a stunning area boasting some of the most remarkable sights in Northern Norway, including the second deepest fjord in Norway, the beautiful “national mountain” of Norway and Scandinavia’s deepest cave. In addition, it is known for attracting large numbers of orcas, making Tysfjord Turistsenter the perfect base camp for killer whale safaris. Tysfjord Turistsenter, set in the midst of all these natural attractions, offers visitors accommodation options that include comfortable hotel and motel rooms, basic camping cabins, as well as room for caravans and tenting. It is open all year round, so travellers have the opportunity Photo: Frode Jenssen
to experience different kinds of activities and natural phenomena, depending on the season. “We were the first ones who started doing killer whale safaris in Norway, and while they’ve normally taken place in the winter season, this year we’re going to
For more information, please visit: www.compagniet.no
start doing summer killer whale safaris as well,” explains Edmundas Cikas, manager of Tysfjord Turistsenter. “In recent years, there have been slightly less whales coming to the area, and we’ve been following them to see where they are going instead. So we can also make a longer trip with added activities, so our visitors get to see them.” In addition to the impressive wildlife, nature itself is an attraction in Tysfjord. In the summertime, Tysfjord Turistsenter organises guided trips to Stetind mountain, for example, while you can enjoy trips to Raggejavreraige, a 580-metre deep cave, all year round. You might even get to snorkel with the whales, and in the winter, you can marvel at the northern lights on a night safari.
Photo: Solvin Zankl
Tysfjord Turistsenter is located 60 kilometres from Evenes Airport and 230 kilometres from Bodø Airport.
For more information, please visit: www.tysfjord-turistsenter.no
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Build your own adventure “Just jump online and send us an overview of what you want, and we will create a unique programme just for you,” says founder of Lyngsfjord Adventure Hans-Olav Eriksen. By Magnus Nygren Syversen | Photos: Lyngsfjord Adventure
Serving close to 10,000 guests last season, Lyngsfjord Adventure is rapidly becoming one of Northern Norway’s largest and most successful companies within Arctic excursions and dog sled tourism. Founded by a practising physician named Hans-Olav Eriksen in 2007, Lyngsfjord today boasts a ‘fleet’ of 150 huskies, 15 snowmobiles and 10 domes-
ticated reindeer, and their wilderness camp, Camp Tamok, can host up to 100 people. “But we do have a limit of 20 people per party. The reason for this is that we wish to offer an exclusive experience for the individual tourist,” says Eriksen. He believes this personal approach is the reason why Lyngsfjord Adventure has a very
high rate of positive feedback on online communities such as TripAdvisor. Most people who come to Camp Tamok do so to take the helm of a dog sled and to enjoy an exciting trip through the unique nature of Northern Norway, where mountains crash into the fjord on one side and the open tundra stretches out for hundreds of miles on the other. And at night, of course, there is a good chance of witnessing aurora borealis, better known as the northern lights. Describing these Arctic excursions as “soft adventures”, Eriksen says this is an experience suitable for everyone. “Our youngest ever guest was 9 months old and our oldest was 93 years old, so we have seen the entire spectrum.” Lyngsfjord Adventure arranges two half-day trips every day between 1 November and 15 April. Guests are picked up and dropped off in Tromsø, and everything from transport to clothing is included in the offer. “We take care of everything. In principle, our guests can jump on the coach wearing a T-shirt and high heels,” says Eriksen.
For more information, please visit: www.lyngsfjord.com
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Juhls' Silvergallery is a house full of artistic craft and a pearl of personal architecture.
The oasis on the tundra On your way across the tundra of Norwegian Lapland, in the midst of its wonderful expanse, you will find Kautokeino, the secret capital of the Sami people. And a little way out into the countryside, with a prime view of the town, there is Juhls' Silvergallery, one of the most popular destinations in Northern Norway.
the house; perhaps it is because of the atmosphere inside the building that people from distant lands make the long journey here. Not only does it provide a framework for the jewellery and artistic craft, which in themselves would be reason enough to visit this house, but also there is a special mood that permeates all of the rooms.
Photos: Juhls’ Silvergallery
After a long drive through untouched countryside, you should take a break at Juhls' Silvergallery and take pleasure in what man can accomplish when he lets his creative spirit roam while using his hands. Juhls' Silvergallery is a house full of artistic craft and a pearl of personal architecture. The builders always agreed that the life in isolation, far away from large cities, fashions and trends, was the prerequisite to being able to develop their creativity. Frank and Regine Juhls were true pioneers who started out empty-handed to build up something in the wilderness. In the fifties, there were no roads across the tundra; however, with indefatigable pleasure in their work, the two of them put up a house which gives the impression of having been built over several generations. It was a profound interest in the life of the nomads that encouraged people from far
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away to settle among them. At that time tourists weren't even thought of. Goldand silversmiths were unknown here. Because of their unsettled style of life, it was difficult for the Sami to develop a complicated craft that would have required fixed workshops. Nevertheless the Sami had centuries of old traditions concerning the wearing of particular jewellery, which they acquired through trade. Driving the Sami enthusiasm for self-adornment to greater heights and thereby taking into account the particular ideas of the Sami is still an important task for this workshop, the first of its kind in all of Lapland. Regine and Frank Juhls are, however, modern artists. Their paintings and jewellery inspired by the Arctic nature enjoy international acclaim. Alongside their own work, they also display a fine selection of Nordic art. But most important for them has always been the structural development of
For more information and to purchase their products online, please visit: www.juhls.no
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Northern Norway
An exotic marathon in the Paris of the North Are you a runner looking to race under the midnight sun in the summer or the northern lights on a dark winter’s day? How would you fancy a run in mountains overlooking fjords and archipelagos surrounded by majestic settings, lights and colours? Intrigued? Look to Tromsø in Northern Norway.
Tromsø Mountain Ultra. Photo: MSM
By Stian Sangvig
The city nicknamed the Paris of the North, at 350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, is arguably the best place to enjoy all of these unique and spectacular natural phenomena. The Foundation Midnight Sun Marathon has organised a marathon every summer since 1990 and their Polar Night Half Marathon every winter since 2004. Midnight Sun Marathon is Norway’s most internationally recognized marathon and the northernmost certified marathon in the world. Last year more than 4,600 runners from around the world participated, according to racing director Nils Hætta. Hætta also explains that new for 2013 is the Tromsø Mountain Ultra, which is a
50-kilometre mountain race on dry rock and (occasionally) snow, reaching heights of more than 750 metres above sea level, with majestic views of city and scenery alike. Those wanting to run next summer’s MSM or TMU can do so on 22 June or 24 August, respectively. Hurry and register on www.msm.no as hotels fill up quickly. Getting to Tromsø is easy with its airport only four kilometres away. Norwegian offers direct flights from London Gatwick, SAS from Stockholm and both offer 10 daily flights from Oslo. It is time to start training!
A remarkable art experience not to be missed Located in the idyllic city of Tromsø, the Art Museum of Northern Norway can, starting 4 February, present the remarkable Silver Wedding Donation of 1882 – a collection of paintings gifted to King Oscar II and his wife Queen Sophie in the same year. The 17 paintings forming this gift from the Norwegian people to their king and queen are normally found in the Royal Palace in Oslo; however, from February until September they will be exhibited in Tromsø. “This represents a terribly interesting time in Norwegian art history, when real-
ism and naturalism somewhat exploded into the Norwegian art scene,” says Henrik Somdal, museum assistant at the Art Museum of Northern Norway. “Also, to mark the 150th anniversary of Edvard Munch, along with these 17 unique paintings, there will be paintings and
Ms Marte Katrine Myhre, winner of the ladies' marathon, on Tromsø Bridge with the mountain Tromsdalstinden in the background. Photo: Marius Hanssen
For more information, please visit: www.msm.no
works by Edvard Munch displayed, including Self-Portrait with Cigarette and several others borrowed from various contributors,” Somdal explains. The paintings included in the Silver Wedding Donation are the results of the first public art competition in Norway, which naturally gathered interest from several famous artists. “This truly is an extraordinary art collection, and, to put into context, it is partly shown due to that simple fact alone, but also as a tribute to King Oscar II, who showed great interest in Northern Norway, visiting twice during his reign,” Somdal says. The exhibition, which also includes a painting of Adelsteen Normann’s interpretation of the idyllic scenery at Lofoten, comprises some of the biggest names within Norwegian art history: Hans Gude, Harriet Backer, Christian Krohg and Fritz Thaulow. By Didrik Ottesen Photos: Jan Haug, Det kongelige hoff
For more information, please visit: www.nnkm.no Christian Krohg: Helm-a-lee!, 1882. The Royal Palace, Oslo
Adelsteen Normann: Summer Night in Lofoten, 1882 The Royal Palace, Oslo
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A guaranteed whale experience in the Arctic Spot sperm whales, killer whales or perhaps a humpback whale on board one of Whalesafari Andenes’s boats in the Arctic. With them you are 100% guaranteed to experience the massive mammals playing and enjoying themselves in the wild. By Anne Line Kaxrud | Photos: Whalesafari Andenes
100% guaranteed Arctic whale experience
well-deserved reputation for reliability. “We operate with a 100% guarantee. If you were unfortunate enough to be on a boat that does not find any whales, we offer a free trip on the next available tour, or a refund. It is important that people get what they pay for,” Zanoni says. The reason why they can successfully operate with such a guarantee is the unique underwater topology just off Andenes in Northern Norway. Only an hour off land the sea drops to nearly 3,000 metres deep. Here, one finds the perfect conditions for whales’ lavish food chambers, attracting whales from near and far to feed on squid and fish.
The first visitors came in 1988, and since then the company has observed whales on 99% of their tours, giving the company a
“It is rare to see this so close to land, and, combined with our excellent location
“Whale ahead” is a phrase you are guaranteed to hear up to several times when joining Whalesafari Andenes on one of their boats. The company name is self-explanatory, and for nearly 25 years, they have given tourists and local visitors alike the opportunity to observe the majestic whales in their natural environment. “Our aim is to give visitors an experience in the nature they will never forget,” says Daniele Zanoni, sales and distribution director at Whalesafari Andenes.
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equipment, we are able to locate whales from a far distance. Thus we can go directly where they are observed, rather than travelling the sea looking for them,” Zanoni says. A tour normally takes between two and four hours, but it may be extended during difficult weather conditions, or if the whales are hiding well. “Never forget our trip” A quick search online proves that people from every corner of the world have been amazed by the tours, and comments like “one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life” and “I will never forget our trip” dominate the feedback. The praise is, however, not just limited to tourists but also includes the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS), which publishes reviews of these type of tourism operations from all over the world. They note that “the world’s largest, most successful Arctic whale watching operation is Hvalsafari AS (Whalesafari Ltd.) in Andenes”.
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Northern Norway
“The combination of a unique location, research and education gives visitors an insight into whales that is rather rare. Here, they are first introduced to the biology and ecology of the animals before we head out to sea, where they are pretty much guaranteed to see them in their natural environment,” Zanoni notes. Winter safari New this year is the winter safari, which proved an immediate success. With improved location searching technology, chances of spotting whales are almost as good during winter as summer. “The sperm whales are around all year long, and there is a good chance of observing a killer whale or two,” Zanoni says. “It is, however, important to note that it can be quite cold during winter, so visitors need to be prepared with big jackets and hats. Having said that, it is a fantastic experience to be out at sea that time of year. The winter light is simply amazing.” Another addition this year is the incentive package for companies. In addition to the spectacular whale safari, there is a conference centre next door and a restaurant that serves traditional Norwegian cuisine. “We offer companies a complete experience of Andenes, and we have already noticed an increased interest among businesses who fancy an experience out of the ordinary, far from the office walls,” Zanoni says. A weekend trip to the Arctic It has never been easier to visit the Arctic as budget airline company Norwegian operates between Andenes and Oslo Gardermoen throughout the summer season. “It has without a doubt made it easier for tourists to come here as they can combine a holiday in southern Norway with a few days up here without a problem. Thus we have many coming up just for the whale safari before heading back to Oslo the following day, while others stay longer to explore more of Andenes and Vesterålen,” Zanoni says. For more information, please visit: www.whalesafari.no
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on the catches of the day,” he explains. “For example, right now the cod with roe and liver is an absolute delicacy not to be missed.
Fiskekompaniet: Genuine flavours from the sea If you are after the very finest catch of the day, Fiskekompaniet is your recommended culinary destination. Overlooking the harbor of Tromsø, this beloved fish restaurant has become an institution in the northern region of Norway. By Emelie Krugly Hill | Photos: Fiskekompaniet
Quality and freshness are the underlying principals at Fiskekompaniet. Having served hundreds of thousands of guests over a 15-year period, the team of talented chefs behind its success knows how to impress and indulge its clientele. “The idea is remarkably simple: genuine flavours from the sea - that’s what we’ve always aimed to achieve,” says managing director Anders Blomkvist. As you enter the restaurant, you will pass through the kitchen with glass walls sep-
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arating you from Blomkvist’s busy team of chefs. The menu draws inspiration from all over the world and uses elements to enhance and complement fantastic locally sourced produce. “Having the bustling kitchen on view is our way of giving our guests a personal and insightful welcome whilst adding to the excitement and sense of anticipation,” says Anders Blomkvist. “The menu keeps changing, as we always focus on sourcing seasonal and fresh produce. Most of the fish is local and based
“As we leave the winter fishing season behind, the spring and summer bring shellfish, Arctic char and, in particular for Norway, the whale season, an important sustainable and cultural tradition. Whale meat has a beautiful flavor, very much like a fine piece of steak; it’s not to be missed on our menu. Some of our guests are a bit skeptical at first but soon change their minds. We don’t have a signature dish as such, but seafood so often speaks for itself; king crabs, mussels, lobster and oysters with careful preparation all look very impressive when they leave the kitchen. Presentation is key to us, and traditional dishes with a modern twist are served on beautiful porcelain.” Anders, a native Swede, also likes to add a touch of Swedish influence to his dishes; for example, bleak roe from Sweden is used, including a type from Kalix in the northern parts of the country which is particularly excellent. The interior of the restaurant is contemporary and stylish, and attentive and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to ensure your experience is flawless. The summer period is particularly busy when no less than 1,500 visitors per month pass through the doors, so table booking is definitely recommended.
For more information, please visit: www.fiskekompani.no
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Northern Norway
Northern lights and luxurious lavvus Experience an afternoon dog-sledding across the beautiful Finnmarksvidda and spend your night in a warm lavvu, looking up at the northern lights. By Magnus Nygren Syversen | Photos: Jan Helge Oppedal
Holmen Husky is located near Alta in Finnmark, the northernmost county in Norway. Tucked away in a quiet river valley, and surrounded by beautiful nature, the Holmen Husky camp offers an exclusive experience, for a nice price. Run by experienced dog musher Eirik Nilsen, the adventure company specializes in both daily trips and overnight excursions. “Our guests can go for a ride with a dog sled in the afternoon, racing across the mountain plains looking for the northern lights, and at night they can relax with a glass of wine in the outdoor hot tub or sit in the sauna,” says Nilsen. Guests can steer the sled themselves or have a guide take the helm. “There is no great physical challenge in riding a dog
sleigh, so there is no age limit for this Arctic adventure,” says Nilsen. Overnight visitors stay in one of eight luxurious lavvus, all fitted with a queensize bed and a fireplace. What makes these exceptional is that half of the lavvu is made of clear windows, giving guests an unprecedented opportunity to view the northern lights while cuddled up under a blanket in front of the fireplace. And the best thing is: “It is not an expensive experience. We want this to be something everyone can enjoy,” says Nilsen. For more information, please visit: www.holmenhusky.no
A hub for new experiences Whether you are chasing the northern lights in the winter or looking to reel in that big catch in the summer, Malangen Brygger is the place to visit. By Magnus Nygren Syversen | Photo: Malangen Brygger
About an hour south of Tromsø, the capital of Northern Norway, Malangen Brygger sits on the shores of the fjord. Here, introducing guests to refreshing activities and exciting new experiences is paramount. “We offer packages tailor-made for our guests, whether it is a family on holiday or a company wanting to make their next conference a bit more reward-
ing for their employees,” says manager Dag Høybakk, and points out Malangen’s excellent meeting facilities. A short walk up the mountain is Camp Nikka, Malangen’s own wilderness camp. Centered around two large wooden lavvus, this is the hub for many of the team-building activities on offer, be it winter or summer. “In the winter, our guests can go
cross-country skiing or for a walk on snow shoes. In the summer, we have activities such as an obstacle course, archery and a boot throwing competition,” says Høybakk. In the summer, the Malangsfjord offers great fishing spots, and Malangen Brygger has several 19-foot fishing boats for hire. “Last year one of our guests caught a 76 kg halibut,” says Høybakk. Guests looking for a more relaxing experience can go for a hike in the mountains, enjoy a cruise on the fjord or go on a sightseeing trip to Aursfjordsaga, a sawmill dating back to 1796. Below: The cosy interior of Camp Nikka
For more information, please visit: www.malangen.com
Issue 49 | February 2013 | 33
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Northern Norway
Experience the Land of the Big Fish On Sørøya Island in the Norwegian county of Vest-Finnmark, Gulli Monika Pedersen and Cato Hanssen, the owners of Sørøya Havfiskecruise, welcome fishing enthusiasts from all over the world to take part in their maritime expertise. With the promise of letting the lull of the ocean send you off to sleep after a long day of deep-sea fishing, it is no wonder business is thriving.
in a beautiful setting, Sørøya Havfiskecruise is the first port of call for a completely different and hands-on experience of the rugged Norwegian coast.
By Hannah Gillow Kloster | Photos: Sørøya Havfiskecruise
The coastal area around Sørøya is home to several world fishing records and is, as Gulli explains, “commonly known as the Land of the Big Fish”. The lure of the big catch is thrilling to many, and experienced fishers as well as complete beginners find themselves well taken care of on board the Catamaran MB Havcruise, which translates as MB Ocean Cruise. Both Gulli and Cato have years of experience and have given their guests spectacular nature experiences for close to eight years. The trips range from teambuilding experiences to wildlife expeditions and everything in between – as Gulli stresses, “only your imagination sets the limits.” Surrounded by the stunning Norwegian coastal landscape, Sørøya Hav-
fiskecruise offers a breathtaking and unique opportunity to connect with nature, as well as exceeding even the most far-reaching fishermen's tales. In the summer season, which starts in April, Gulli and Cato offer not only great fishing, but also overnight trips starting in the idyllic fishing village of Sørvær. The trips are complete with traditional Norwegian food caught and cooked by the hosts themselves. In the winter season, starting in October, MB Havcruise is stationed in the Tromsø area and offers northern light cruises, something Gulli states “is absolutely beautiful”. Whether it is for birdwatching, admiring the northern lights, hauling a recordsized catch or simply enjoying a good time
More information and booking details can be found at: havcruise.no
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Experience Denmark Even though Denmark is a small country, there is so much to do and see. In Denmark, you will find trendy cities and charming villages where you can experience the culture and dig into the history of the small kingdom, from the Vikings all the way up to modern times. By Novasol AS
Along the coastline you can relax on one of many sandy beaches. With more than 7,300 kilometres of coast, you are bound to find a spot where you can enjoy the warm summer days or just a walk along the calming sea. For the active traveller, there are lots of activities to choose from, including biking, hiking, golf, surfing, canoeing and fishing; activities through which you can get close to the country’s diverse nature. Denmark also has plenty of family-friendly attractions and activities and is therefore the perfect destina-
ture, and a concept which is unique for Denmark and can best be translated into English as coziness. And one of the best things about visiting Denmark is that everything is at close range due to the size of the country, offering you a great opportunity to experience the real Denmark up close.
tion choice for a proper family holiday. When in Denmark, visit one of the many theme parks, explore the small fishing villages, and learn more about the country’s nature, culture and history at one of many museums. And don’t forget to taste Danish specialties such as the “hot dog” and visit one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants. Come and meet the Danes and learn more about the word “hygge”, which is an essential part of Danish society and cul-
For more information, please visit: www.novasol.dk
Issue 49 | February 2013 | 35
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Experience Denmark
Left: Take a stroll through the streets of the medieval town of Ribe. Right: Ribe Cathedral
Partake in Ribe’s cultural history As Denmark’s oldest town, Ribe is not surprisingly booming with history and cultural heritage, but it is in no way museum-like. No, Ribe’s cultural history is intertwined with everyday life, it is renewed and revived, making visitors feel much more like partakers than onlookers.
hour tours are also available during the day.
By Signe Hansen | Photos: Ribe Turistbureau
A great part of Ribe’s cultural identity derives from its proximity to the Wadden Sea, which was, in 2010, given the status of national park, making it Denmark’s largest one. The area is home to several fascinating natural phenomena, one of the most renowned being the ‘Black Sun’ phenomenon. This intriguing sight appears in spring and autumn when huge groups of up to 400,000 starlings rise and swarm in front of the setting sun. The best way to experience this magical moment and other unique experiences in the tidal area is by booking a tour through the Wadden Sea Centre. “Our mission is to
The first stop for most of Ribe’s visitors is undoubtedly its cathedral. Awarded three stars by the Michelin Guide, the cathedral is, as the guide defines, worth a trip to Ribe on its own. But located right in the heart of the medieval town centre, it would almost be a crime not to take advantage of some of the town’s numerous other attractions when there. “Ribe is very simply a blooming beautiful medieval town with a charming maritime environment,” enthuses tourist director
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at VisitRibe Henrik Vej Kastrupsen. “To me, it is a very real experience. It is not a prop town; people still live in medieval houses, and you can watch and feel how life goes on. The experience is very genuine and aesthetic and gives time for contemplation and thought.” One of the absolute best ways to get an impression of the town’s soul is to join the old night watchman on his special evening tours filled with narratives and myths from Ribe’s past. Guided one-
Exploring the Wadden Sea
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Experience Denmark
spread the knowledge of the Wadden Sea through both exhibitions and hands-on experiences; we have four nature guides whose mission it is to get everyone into the sea; from nurseries to tourists and royals, they all get their feet wet when they come here,” says deputy manager at the centre Susanne Andersen. Apart from the Black Sun trip, one of the centre’s most popular tours is the Oyster Safari, which visits the area’s well-filled oyster banks, from where participants can pick and bring back as many of the delicacies as they possibly can. Back to the founders Founded in 710, Ribe’s ideal location by the sea and river later made the town one of the Viking age’s greatest market towns, as well as an important starting point for expeditions to Europe. At Ribe VikingeCenter, this significant time in Denmark’s and Ribe’s history is authentically recreated in a way that makes it possible for everyone in the family to enjoy. “Our guests can stroll around a life-size Viking society and try out their way of life. We have numerous activities and people dressed as Vikings sharing their knowledge; some voluntary Viking enthusiasts even live here during certain periods, and guests can walk around their society, sit down and have a talk with them, or try out their tools,” explains Diana Bertelsen, who is in charge of marketing and PR. After the Vikings, Ribe’s golden age really took off. The town became Denmark's only me-
dieval North Sea port and one of the country’s largest and most important towns, which was symbolised by a high-profile presence of church and royal representatives. At the Museum of the Viking Age and the Middle Ages, guests can follow this exciting journey from year 700 to 1700. On the way, they will, for example, learn how the old market place in St. Nicolaj Street was created and how Christianity developed. “Ribe has been the site of some of Denmark’s greatest archaeological finds; to give you an example, it was where the first Danish Christian graves from 860 were discovered,” explains museum director Flemming Just. “It is very fascinating because it means that these people, whose skeletons we found, must have known the German Archbishop Ansgar [also known as the Apostle of the North and the first monk to attempt to introduce Christianity to Denmark].”
A view over Ribe Cathedral and the town centre.
At the Museum of the Viking Age and the Middle Ages, guests can follow Ribe’s exciting journey from the Viking age to its golden age, from year 700 to 1700.
Time to pause Continuing even further forward through time, visitors can browse through the developments of Danish art from the 18th to the 20th century at Ribe Art Museum. The unique collection is housed in a beautiful listed building from 1864. Its romantic garden, bordering the Ribe River, provides the perfect setting for romantic meditation as well as artistic ponderings. Really, it does not matter where you are in Ribe: if you allow yourself to pause for a moment, the town’s inherent beauty will catch up with you.
Get your feet wet in the Wadden Sea on one of Wadden Sea Centre’s tours.
Join the Viking warrior school at the Ribe VikingeCenter.
For more information, please visit: www.visitribe.dk
Visitors can browse through the developments of Danish art from the 18th to the 20th century at Ribe Art Museum.
Issue 49 | February 2013 | 37
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Experience Denmark
New times in The Old Town Famous and beloved for its ability to evoke and revive memories of Denmark’s distant past, The Old Town (Den Gamle By) in Aarhus is, this year, focusing on memories of more recent times. With an entire “new” neighbourhood from 1974 under way, The Old Town is, in line with its founder’s original ambition, ensuring that the stories it tells are still relevant to its visitors.
picture of a typical Danish town in the mid-19th century and recreate the life and work of the people of that time,” explains project manager Allan Leth Frandsen, who is in charge of the new addition to the town. “It is that concept which we want to develop further; putting it simply, what we want to do is to update The Old Town with a new neighbourhood.”
By Signe Hansen | Photos: Den Gamle By
Listed as one of the top 1,000 wonders of the world by Hillman Wonders, The Old Town comprises 75 historic houses, gardens, exhibitions, shops and workshops from the 17th to the beginning of the 20th century. Many of the houses are open for visitors, who are welcomed inside for a chat with the “inhabitants” from the time of Hans Christian Andersen. The town’s guests can also try out their skills within the different crafts of the period or simply taste, admire or purchase the results of the inhabitants’ work.
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“The overall purpose of The Old Town, for the last 100 years, has been to recreate a
Model of how the new 1974 neighbourhood will look when finished in 2015.
Fulfilling old ambitions with new additions The first stone, or rather the first building, of The Old Town in Aarhus was laid in 1907. It happened after teacher and translator Peter Holm, a member of Aarhus Museum’s board, fought for, and secured, the preservation of a historic mayoral home from the 17th century. Since then, step by step, archetypical period buildings from all over Denmark have been deconstructed and reassembled in The Old Town. “We found the inspiration for the new 1974 project in the ambition of our founder
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Experience Denmark Right: The Old Town in Aarhus’s truthful recreation of life at the time of Hans Christian Andersen has earned it three stars in the famous French Michelin guide.
Peter Holm,” explains Frandsen. “What he wanted was to present a picture of how Danes used to live their lives. He wanted to keep the Denmark that his parents and grandparents knew alive and that is what we want to do with this new part of the town as well; we want to recreate something which will revive our memories and, hopefully, place them in a greater and broader perspective.” Reviving memories Showing a snapshot of typical everyday urban life in the year of 1974, The Old Town’s new neighbourhood will consist of a broad range of shops, institutions and homes illustrating the different ways of life prevalent at the time. With, for instance, a stocked electronics shops, a functioning bakery and a hairdresser’s, a time-capsule-like experience will be created. The time capsule will not only illustrate how much has changed and how much development has taken place in the last 39 years; it will also revive the memories connected with forgotten everyday items from the time. “Some years ago for Christmas, we decorated a grand department store window with all possible kinds of items from 1974, and, when I went down there to gauge the guests’ reactions, I experienced people pointing and suddenly remembering things they had otherwise forgotten. People started telling stories to the people they were there with – telling their kids and grandkids how grandma always used to put out that particular blue service every Sunday, for instance – and that is exactly the purpose,” enthuses Frandsen. Over the next two to three years, several more shops and homes from 1974 will open in The Old Town. This summer, an apartment building housing the homes of a commune of young students, a nuclear family and a mature headmistress will open alongside a range of new amenities, including a gynaecologist’s office. The flats will be based on accounts and pic-
Above left: A visit to the technological shop from 1974 will make you realise how much development has taken place in the last four decades. Rigt: Danish living room from 1974.
tures from their past inhabitants, who will also guide guests around and tell stories of their lives via filmed interviews. The new developments in The Old Town might be extended to include more new neighbourhoods from even more recent times. The new urban town district is among the largest museum projects in Denmark in
50 years, and for the time being The Old Town in Aarhus is the only museum in the world to take on this type of project.
For more information, please visit: www.dengamleby.dk
Issue 49 | February 2013 | 39
Stepping out of the concert hall The Odense Symphony Orchestra, one of Denmark’s five regional orchestras, is based in the Odense Concert Hall, but due to their efforts to engage and connect with modern audiences, they are now stepping out of the hall and into spaces where classical music is not regularly heard. In addition, the orchestra continues to develop and move with the times by reaching out to new listeners through modern media, pedagogical partnerships and diverse events.
With roots reaching as far back as 1800 and formally established in 1946, the Odense Symphony Orchestra has already made a significant impact in Demark and abroad. Consisting of 73 permanent musicians hailing from 17 different nations, and with Russian maestro Alexander Vedernikov as chief conductor, the orchestra
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Finn Scumacker, CEO
By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Odense Symphony Orchestra
puts up around 100 productions every year, ranging from symphony concerts, light classical and opera to chamber music, children’s and youth concerts, as well as crossover projects. While most of their concerts take place in the Carl Nielsen Hall, within Odense Concert Hall, the orchestra is looking to reach new audiences by organising events in different and unexpected venues. “To scope out new audiences, we’re trying to come out of our concert hall this year and in future seasons,” explains Finn Schumacker, CEO of Odense Symphony Orchestra. “We want to reach out to people who don’t necessarily come to concert halls as they
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Experience Denmark
deem them too old-fashioned; so instead we are going to the venues where these people are used to going to listen to music. For example, in two months’ time, we’re holding a concert at a rock venue; it will be a mix of contemporary and classical music, and it will be a complete event, where the audience can hang out in the bar before and after the concert.” This summer, the Odense Symphony Orchestra is also inviting audiences to a “floating concert”. The orchestra itself will be set up on two big boats travelling on the Odense River, while the audience can either follow the boats’ progress by trailing a path by the river bank or enjoy the sounds of Handel’s Water Music from a coffee shop along the water as the orchestra slides past. “We recently also participated as the house band at a sports award event, where all the sportsmen from the region of Funen that got a position in the last Olympics were honoured. With 6,000 people attending, it was a great way to introduce the orchestra to a new audience,” adds Schumacker.
stitutions in the area, including a local primary school, music academy and university. Through the collaboration with the primary school, the orchestra wants to introduce the children to music they might not be exposed to that often otherwise. “We’ve adopted this primary school to make sure that the kids are exposed to live classical music on a daily basis,” says Schumacker. “The children don’t have to sign up for it, and it’s not just for children with special talents or a specific background either.” The orchestra has also helped create educational material for teachers in the Funen area who do not necessarily have any musical training. “The challenge facing Denmark is that music teaching in primary schools is decreasing; kids don’t get involved with music as much – just pop music at home. The material allows teachers to work with the children and learn together with them. They don’t need to know about classical music to use the material,” says Schumacker. Active online, on the radio and outdoors
Classical music in education The Odense Symphony Orchestra is highly engaged in projects with educational in-
With modern audiences and their cultural consumption in mind, the Odense Symphony Orchestra has taken upon itself to
promote classical music and communicate with music lovers both online and on the radio. The Odense Symphony Orchestra’s Facebook page is a great example of activity reaching out to people all over the world, and through its YouTube channel, everyone has access to their concert recordings. Radio Klassisk, a Danish commercial radio channel exclusively dedicated to classical music, to which the Odense Symphony Orchestra contributes, offers another excellent way of more effectively reaching out to audiences. Furthermore, Odense Symphony Orchestra’s free open-air summer concert, which attracts around 20,000 people each year, will be moving downtown this year. The orchestra is hoping to attract new friends and viewers by bringing the concert even closer to the people.
For more information, please visit: odensesymfoni.dk www.youtube.com/user/Odensesymfoni www.facebook.com/odensesymfoni
While most of the their concerts take place in the Carl Nielsen Hall (above), the orchestra is looking to reach new audiences by organising events in different and unexpected venues.
Issue 49 | February 2013 | 41
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Experience Denmark
Left: Knights in battle. Top right: Jousting tournament at Spøttrup Borgmuseum. Below: Performance at the Bishop's Market
Experience medieval life in Salling this summer Salling’s medieval castle, Spøttrup Middealderborg, is preparing for one actionpacked summer. In June, the castle will be hosting the spectacular event the Battle of the Nations with participants from more than 10 different countries from all over the world. By Rikke Oberlin Flarup | Photos: MUSE®UM Salling
In beautiful Salling, in the western part of Jutland, you will find Spøttrup Middealderborg, Denmark’s best-preserved medieval castle. Today, the castle is a part of MUSE®UM Salling, but at the time the castle was built it was one of the country’s most modern fortresses with double moats designed to keep cannon at a distance. Throughout the summer, the castle will relive some of its heyday, giving visitors a perfect chance to experience life in the Middle Ages.
the grill, stalls where you can buy reproductions of jewellery from the era and a chance to try out archery. During this same period, the action will increase when knights from all over the world dress up in full armour for the yearly international re-enactment tournament, the Battle of the Nations. Here, they will compete against each other in teams fighting with swords, shields and polearms. But don’t worry, safety measures are taken care of.
From 22-27 June, the Bishop’s Market gives you a taste of everyday life in medieval times, when cheeky buskers welcome you to live performances, food from
When you are ready to step out of the Middle Ages and leave Spøttrup Middealderborg, the area has plenty more to offer. Just north of Salling is the small island of
Fur, famous for its large quantity of fossils. Every summer on weekdays, from the beginning of July till mid-August, the local museum, Fur Fossiler 55.000.000 år, arranges fossil hunts. Geologists dressed as Indiana Jones will take you out to the piers of the northern part of the island and show you how to look for the 55 million year old treasures. Anyone who finds a fossil will be rewarded with a prize, and their find will be exhibited in the museum’s unique collection of fossils. Last but not least, the geologists will set up a mini-volcanic eruption as a tribute to the volcano that used to be on Fur.
Hunting for fossils on Fur
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For more information, please visit: www.muserum.org
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Experience Denmark
From left clockwise: Gammel Celle (the old cell) is used for concerts, conferences and the like; FÆNGSLET (The Prison); FÆNGSLET seen from above.
Besides being a great place for concerts, book fairs and the like, FÆNGSLET also has the facilities for business events. It has become popular for businesses of all sizes to stage their conferences in one of the many rooms at FÆNGSLET. To give the participants the full experience of the place, they have the opportunity to choose a menu inspired by the food typically served in Danish prisons today - a menu that may give everybody a pleasant surprise.
From prison to cultural Mecca For years rumours circulated that Horsens had a high crime rate. The rumours were, however, never true but solely based on the presence of the state penitentiary that housed some of Denmark’s worst criminals. In 2006, the penitentiary closed down and the inmates were moved to other facilities. The empty buildings were now ready to take on a new life and be part of changing the reputation of Horsens. By Rikke Oberlin Flarup | Photos: FÆNGSLET
On 17 May 2012, the cultural institution FÆNGSLET opened its doors for the first time. Where the prison was once the thing keeping people from coming to Horsens, it was now suddenly the thing making the city worth visiting. Since Bob Dylan visited in 2000, Horsens has been hosting a large number of big concerts every year. FÆNGSLET continued this tradition with the Metallica concert in June last year, establishing the city as a cultural centre. On an everyday basis the old penitentiary works as a museum, holding the largest collection of prison items in the world, but, with its great size and numerous rooms, FÆNGSLET is also able to host a number of various events.
On Saturday and Sunday, 16 and 17 March, the annual Danish Crime Book Fair will be held at FÆNGSLET, giving all lovers of the crime genre an opportunity to meet their favourite authors and publishers along with thousands of like-minded people. The event is organized by Horsens Public Library, and over the two days several crime novelists from all over Europe and the US will give interviews and talk about their latest publications. This year, among others, you will meet Danish journalist and thriller novelist Leif Davidsen, Norwegian writer Gunnar Staalesen, who has established himself as one of Scandinavia’s most popular crime writers, and Scottish crime novelist Ian Rankin, most famous for his Inspector Rebus novels.
Top: The prison church. Below: Inside the old penitentiary
For more information, please visit: www.faengslet.dk
Issue 49 | February 2013 | 43
The town hall of Randers with a statue of Niels Ebbesen (right) in front.
Historic relics, provoking artwork and rock memorabilia – you’ll find it all in Randers A copy of Elvis Presley’s home Graceland, a museum tracing the region’s history back to the first humans, provoking art exhibitions, handicraft workshops and spectacular music events: Randers’s cultural scene is as diverse as the rest of the famously innovative town. By Signe Hansen | Photos: VisitRanders
Known primarily for its beautiful surroundings and innovative and unusual attractions, Randers’s rich history and cultural heritage might come as a surprise to some. Nonetheless, it becomes plainly apparent the moment you enter the town through one of its old entranceways. Eleven historic town gate sites have today been marked by striking modern artworks
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by prominent artists such as Bjørn Nørgård, Ingvar Cronhammar and Sven Dalsgaard.
plains director of tourism at VisitRanders Anne-Mette Knattrup. That Randers has always been a place where culture and beauty thrive is confirmed by a look around the old town where grand old buildings, beautiful cobblestone squares and historic landmarks greet the eye. Innovative art and historic relics
“We have an incredible amount of openair artworks – so many statues and outdoor sculptures, which have been raised throughout time; the people of Randers have always appreciated the arts,” ex-
In 1969, Randers became one of the first towns in Denmark to gather its cultural offerings in a culture house in the heart of the town. One of the attractions found here is the Cultural History Museum,
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Experience Denmark From top to bottom: Graceland Randers, a replica of Elvis’s home in Memphis; Værket, an old power station transformed into a modern music and theatre house; Randers Museum of Art; GAIA Museum for Outsider Art; Randers Open Water event
where the story of Randers from the Stone Age to the present time is told through an innovative combination of old relics and visualisations. The museum also runs a historic handicraft workshop where visitors can experience the provincial town's old trades through 26 workshops, some manned by retired craftsmen and women.
moving art, very colourful. Our artists paint from the heart; they are not affected by artistic trends but paint and create sculptures because they can’t help but do so!” Established in 2003, GAIA has since become quite well-known in Europe through its international exhibitions and collaborations.
The cultural centre also houses one of the town’s oldest and most cherished cultural attractions, Randers Museum of Art. Founded in 1887, the museum presents a comprehensive introduction to Danish art throughout the times, from 19th century artists, such as Theodor Philipsen and Vilhelm Hammershøi, to major names from 20th century art, including Vilhelm Lundstrøm, Asger Jorn and the local artist Sven Dalsgaard. At the moment, the collection counts approximately 4,000 works, of which 300-400 works are part of the permanent exhibition. “If you look at paintings and sculptures on their own, ours is one of the most extensive Danish collections, and our amazing collection of Dalsgaard works, which counts almost 100 pieces, gives our exhibition an outstanding quality when it comes to Danish art,” says museum director Lise Jeppesen.
Dive into the unexpected
The museum also exhibits three to four temporary displays yearly, and this winter and spring guests can enjoy the fascinating My Body Is My Tool exhibition by the internationally recognised Danish artist Kirsten Justesen. A newer and more untraditional art institution can be experienced at GAIA Museum for Outsider Art. All the pieces exhibited in the museum are created by psychologically disabled people with special needs or, as they call themselves, ‘outsiders’. “A lot of people come here with certain preconceptions about what they will see but end up completely astonished,” says GAIA’s founder Dorte Eiersbo. “It is very
Throughout the year Randers hosts an array of cultural events attracting people from far and near. At Værket, an old power station transformed into a beautiful modern music and theatre house in 1990, guests can experience everything from small intimate concerts to big international names like Kraftwerk and Rufus Wainwright. Meanwhile, on the outskirts of Randers, music fans can visit the home of one of history’s most legendary performers – sort of at least. Founded by fanatic Elvis fan Henrik Knudsen in 2011, Graceland Randers is the first and only replica of Elvis’s home in Memphis. The three-storey copy of Elvis’s home, which Knudsen took out a 26 million DKKR loan to build, comprises a vast exhibition of Elvis memorabilia, an authentic American diner, a ballroom and a merchandise store. No doubt, there is plenty to do, visit and see in Randers, but remember to save time for a stroll down the old streets or by the Gudenå River, where historic houses, landmarks and old monasteries tell their own stories of a town that has always loved beauty. For more information, please visit: www.visitranders.com
TIP: If you want to get the most possible exposure to Randers’s unique, bubbly cultural life, the Randers Week (August 9-18) is the time to go.
Issue 49 | February 2013 | 45
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Experience Denmark
Catch the mussel mania in Løgstør Art, gastronomy and nature melt together in the small town of Løgstør when the yearly mussel season sets off an array of events at the beautiful Limfjord in Jutland. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Branding Løgstør
Acknowledged by several internationally recognised chefs as the best mussels in the world, it is not surprising that Løgstør’s 4,000 inhabitants are more than a little proud of their mussels - and they do not struggle to hide it. During the mussel season (spring, summer and autumn), the area is turned upside down as people flock to the small seaside town to experience a string of marine and art-related activities, including the National Oyster Opening Championship, children’s cookery and art classes, a historic boat race and much more. “We have amazing mussels and that has become essential to Løgstør’s culture,
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history and identity; all the things that take place during the year, the Mussel Harvest Celebration, the Mussel Festival, art classes for kids and everything else are all a part of that,” explains Line Myrup Gregersen from Branding Løgstør. Gastronomy for the old and the young The season of festivities and events in Løgstør sets off when the first harvest of mussels is shipped in amidst great promotion in April. Accompanied by live music and the Løgstør Guards, the mussels are transported into town by horse carriage. After the traditional approval by the town’s guild masters, the many thousand mussels are then cooked on open fires and the delicious results are served to everyone free of charge. “Mussels are such a fantastic and healthy food, and they are actually really easy to
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Experience Denmark The Mussel Festival, which attracts gourmands passionate about shellfish from everywhere, includes not just a free taste of the fjord’s famous mussels but also an array of performances, classes and activities.
prepare into a delicious meal, but, despite that, a lot of people believe that it is really complicated and don’t dare to attempt it,” explains Gregersen. “Our greatest ambition is to change that – to spread the knowledge and make people realise how great a product mussels are.” The mussel-related activities continue throughout the summer, spearheaded by Limfjordsmuseet, a cultural centre focused on the Limfjord. “One of the things we love to do is to tie together the cultural heritage of the fjord and the gastronomy of its produce,” explains museum curator Nanna Folke Olsen. One way the museum does this is through Under the Surface activities at the area’s nearby campsites and beaches, where biologists guide children and families into the sea to pick up and examine all kinds of shellfish, which they then later get to cook and taste.
National Championship in Oyster Opening and Sabrage (opening a bottle of champagne with a sabre). Both events attract not just seafood connoisseurs but also many guests who simply enjoy the unique atmosphere and beautiful settings. The same is the case for the Maritime Festival in September, where more than 60 large and small historic wooden boats gather in Limfjorden for the yearly Limfjord race. Surely as art, history and nature melt together in an amazing setting of moorland, forests and fjords, foodies, families and everything in between will all find something to bite into in Løgstør.
DATES: 28-29 March The Spring Herring is Coming 31 March
Gastronomic Day
Among other regular activities at the Limfjordsmuseum are boat-building workshops and guided canal tours on the 4.4kilometre-long engineering masterpiece from 1861, Frederik VII’s Canal, in the museum’s historic boats.
6 April
Mussel Harvest Celebration
30 April
Valborg’s Night
19 May
Whitsun Parade
26 May
Canal Gourmet Rally
10-16 June
Town Festival
28-30 June
Mussel Festival
Celebrating the mussel
3 July
Summer Stories at the Canal
One of the biggest events during the summer is the Mussel Festival, which takes place in July and, with its popularity, causes the number of people in Løgstør to almost triple every year. The festival, which attracts gourmands passionate about shellfish from everywhere, stretches over three days and includes not just a free taste of the fjord’s famous mussels but also an array of performances, classes and activities. “The Mussel Festival was created first of all to celebrate the mussels; we want people to get a taste of some of the best mussels in the world and enjoy the combination of art, music and amazing nature,” explains Gregersen. The Mussel Festival is followed by another popular shell-related event: the annual
Guard’s House 26-28 July
Canal Jazz
17 August
Open Air
25 August
National Championship in Oyster Opening and Sabrage
9 September Maritime Festival
Tours on Frederik VII’s Canal from 2 July to 30 August, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday at 11am and 2pm. Under the Surface takes place every day throughout July.
For more information, please visit: www.limfjordsmuseet.dk www.muslingebyen.dk
Issue 49 | February 2013 | 47
2. FEBRUARY – 11. AUGUST 2013 www.arken.dk
CU SP LT EC UR IA EI LT N N HE OR ME WA : Y2 01 3
Munch’s House (Vestfold Museums). Photo: Mekonnen Wolday
Culture in Norway 2013 Twenty thirteen promises to be an exciting year with a massive selection of cultural events and festivals taking place all over Norway. This year also marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Norwegian painter Edvard Munch – an occasion that will be celebrated throughout the year with various exhibitions and events. By Nia Kajastie
Accordingly, one of the best places to visit this year is Munch’s House in Åsgårdstrand, Horten. Today, the house forms a small museum, where everything has been kept as it was when the artist lived there. Munch is known to have painted many of his masterpieces in this house, which is now a part of Vestfold Museums, a company that also manages many other museums in the area. In this theme, we introduce several other fascinating and popular museums from
different parts of Norway. For example, if you are travelling to the bustling city of Trondheim, you should not miss out on the Norwegian national Museum for Pop and Rock, Rockheim; and only ten minutes by car from Trondheim city centre, you will find something slightly different – and more traditional – namely the Sverresborg Trøndelag Folk Museum, an open-air museum located around the ruins of Sverresborg Castle. We have also taken a closer look at the Drammen Museum for Art and Cultural History and the
Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum located in Rjukan. Of course, Norway’s cultural offerings include a lot more than just museums – even though they might offer travellers plenty to do and see already. For those looking for a real cultural boost, the new and long-awaited concert hall in Stavanger should offer more than enough inspiration; and for an extraordinary experience under Norwegian summer skies, make your way to the city of Halden to experience Opera Østfold’s open-air take on Verdi’s renowned opera Nabucco. For more tips and information on what’s happening in Norway this year visit: www.visitnorway.com
Issue 49 | February 2013 | 49
The 2000s, represented by a seemingly infinite number of photos and music videos.
Rockheim success continues with extraordinary 2013 programme Rockheim opened its doors to music lovers from home and abroad in 2011. Since then, more than 300,000 visitors have experienced the interactive and innovative museum for popular music, and the success is bound to continue with this year’s anticipated exhibition of outfits and accessories worn by international stars. By Anne Line Kaxrud | Photos: Geir Mogen
Rockheim, the Norwegian National Museum for Pop and Rock, is appropriately located in the bustling cultural city of Trondheim. Home to the likes of Stargate, the Grammy award-winning producers behind Rihanna’s monster hit Only Girl (In the World), and national rock treasure Åge Aleksandersen, it was the natural place to establish Rockheim. And the audience has welcomed the museum with open arms. “More than 300,000 visitors have been
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through the doors since the opening, which is fantastic considering the city itself has 180,000 inhabitants,” managing director Petter Myhr says.
visit to be shaped according to the individual visitor’s interests and impulses. “You never experience the same journey twice at Rockheim, and you are never able to explore everything as we constantly change and add new content to the exhibitions,” Myhr notes. As a response to the museum’s innovative approach, not only to technology but as a means of communication as a whole, it was nominated for the renowned European Museum of the Year Award in 2012.
Digital technology at its best While the topic of pop and rock is popular in itself, there is no doubt that the museum’s digital approach has been a driving factor behind the success. The museum is highly interactive, allowing every
Yet, Myhr emphasises that it is the whole package that makes Rockheim one of the most interesting museums in the country. The distinct building, designed by architects Pir II, is in itself a sight as it over-
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Norway 2013
looks the city harbour. “The building has both surprised and excited people and has in only a few years become a landmark in Trondheim,” Myhr says. Sing along and learn how to play the guitar One of the most popular attractions is the experience room, where the visitors themselves are the attraction. At Rockheim Jam Station, you can explore various instruments and jam along to Norwegian classics. In the Ronni-room, you can play the guitar accompanied by a virtual Ronni Le Tekrø, so even beginners can sound like they are ready to join the Rolling Stones. In the Hip-hop room, visitors are given the opportunity to try out the art of graffiti, without worrying about being caught red-handed. More musical individuals can mix CDs at the digital turntables, while those who fancy a boogie can test their skills as a breakdancer. Rockheim Hall of Fame – home of the great The honorary Rockheim Hall of Fame is inhabited by the biggest of the big Norwegian pop and rock artists and groups, who have had extraordinary careers. The accolade has been bestowed on wellknown names like a-ha, the only true Norwegian superstars, many-time Eurovision Song Contest participant and national
Rockheim's signature top box has become one of the landmarks of the city.
hero Jahn Teigen, and Trondheim’s own Åge Aleksandersen. Do not miss out Rockheim does not let previous successes speak for themselves and continues to explore pop and rock from various perspectives in the year to come. Currently one of the most anticipated exhibitions is the Blitzregn 02-12, an exhibition profiling
Kaizers Orchestra, opening in February. As one of Norway’s biggest bands over the past decade, they have influenced the music scene with their alternative mix of new and traditional tunes, and many will forever associate the band with signature artefacts like the gas mask and the empty oil barrel. Later this spring, Rockheim hopes to excite the public with the exhibition I dreamt I was a real boy, which deals with the different gender roles and identities that have been conveyed through popular music. While the details are yet to be confirmed, visitors will experience outfits and accessories worn by some of the biggest international stars, artists who have actively used gender identities as part of communicating their music. Top left: The audience is immersed in the different decades of pop history. Here, the 1960s Hip-hop room. Top right: Of course, visitors get to make some music on their own. Here, the hip hop room. Photo: Benedikte Skarvik. Bottom left: Magne Furuholmen receives the accolade as a-ha are inducted to Rockheim’s Hall of Fame in 2011. Bottom right: The 1970s are conveyed with a band bus as interface.
For more information, please visit: www.rockheim.no
Issue 49 | February 2013 | 51
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Norway 2013
Above and right: Carmen 2011
Be seduced by Verdi at Fredriksten Fortress this summer With arguably Norway’s most stunning location, Opera Østfold invites you to a music experience out of the ordinary at Fredriksten Fortress this summer. Give your senses a treat as you take in Verdi’s marvellous tunes from the long-time favourite Nabucco at Norway’s largest open-air opera.
struggle, we find feelings of love, hatred and betrayal. The underlying message is, however, that there is always hope and there can be change.”
By Anne Line Kaxrud | Photos: Halden Arbeiderblad
Two hundred years of Verdi With the old fortress as backdrop and the characteristic Norwegian summer night approaching, you can indulge in Verdi’s renowned opera Nabucco this June. “Our audience can look forward to a spectacular open-air stage located in the Fredriksten Fortress, which will give you an experience of Verdi like you have never had before,” opera director Pål Scott Hagen says. Nabucco – a recurring theme Nabucco, or Nebuchadnezzar as it is also known, was first performed in 1842 and
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has since been one of Verdi’s most celebrated operas. The opera follows the plight of the Jews as they are conquered and subsequently exiled from their homeland by the Babylonian King Nabucco. The historical events are used as background for a romantic and political plot that has seduced audiences all over the world for 150 years. “The opera illustrates how leaders acquire power and manipulate their people. This is a recurring theme that is as relevant today as it was then,” Hagen elaborates. “Within the political
Without digging too far into history, it is an
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Norway 2013
Above & middle: Turandot 2009
interesting point that Verdi himself was very politically engaged, particularly in the liberation of Italy. Nabucco was soon seen as an opera for liberty, and Va, pensiero, known in English as Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves, became a symbol of the struggle Italy went through before independence in the 1860s. There is, however, a particular reason why Nabucco was chosen as this year’s performance, namely the celebration of the composer himself. “It is the official Verdi year in 2013 as he was born 200 years ago. It was thus the perfect timing for Nabucco,” Hagen says. An appropriate location With the historical background in mind, it makes Fredriksten Fortress an even more fascinating location. While a stage for cultural events today, it played a crucial role during the Great Northern War in the 1700s, a war where Denmark-Norway and Russia were allied against the Swedish Empire. The Swedish army was led by Charles XII, who was killed in Fredriksten in 1718. “There are no other places like this in Norway, and we find that both opera enthusiasts and people who are interested in the spectacular historical location come to our performances,” Hagen says, and adds that Fredriksten Fortress is establishing itself as an international cul-
Aurora 2005
ture hub with artists like Leonard Cohen and Andrea Bocelli having played there in 2012. Three performances this summer
encing more tourists from all over Europe. The opera is a truly exceptional experience, and with improved infrastructure, we see that people from near and far are finding their way to our magical operas.”
The open-air operas are performed every other year, with only three performances each year. This year’s dates are 5, 7 and 8 June, and if you fancy a chance of getting a seat, you should book soon as tickets go quickly. “It is a magnificent experience, and the feedback from previous operas, including Carmen and Aurora, shows us that this is something people truly appreciate,” Hagen says. An online search confirms his assumption, and many note this as their first-ever opera experience. “Many find that it is less formal to go to an open-air opera than, for example, the Opera House in Oslo, making it an opera for everyone,” Hagen confirms. Between Oslo and Gothenburg Fredriksten Fortress is located in Halden, a city just off the Norwegian-Swedish border, making it a perfect place for both Swedes and Norwegians who fancy a bit of culture. “It is only an hour and a half’s drive from Oslo and two hours from Gothenburg,” Hagen notes. “With the opening of Oslo Rygge International Airport just up the road, we are also experi-
Trubaduren 2007 For more information, please visit: www.operaostfold.no
Issue 49 | February 2013 | 53
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Norway 2013
Giving you a big piece of Norway The Vestfold Museums offer visitors a unique peek into the history of Norway, from the ravaging Vikings and the internationally acclaimed painter Edvard Munch to the much-discussed history of whaling. By Anne Line Kaxrud
The museums are located in Vestfold, a county only an hour south of Oslo. Being the home to some of the oldest discovered settlements in Norway, all the museums offer a variety of exhibitions and stories from previous generations, be it the Haugar Vestfold Art Museum, Munch’s House, or Eidsfoss, an old industrial community. “Diversity is the key component of our museums as we wish to show people the great variety of historical places and significant people that have roots here,” administration manager Hanne Bügel says.
that the Midgard Historical Centre is a big hit among youngsters who wish to relive the Viking Era, with many activities on offer in the summer season. The Whaling Museum is also fascinating as it invites people to learn and understand how whaling has been an important part of Norwegians’ livelihood throughout the years. “It is, however, definitely the year to visit Munch’s House as it is Edvard Munch’s year in 2013. Thus, visitors can expect a fascinating visit to the place where he lived while painting some of his most acclaimed pictures,” Bügel says.
Munch’s House. Photo: Mekonnen Wolday
Take a peek into the history of whaling or the world of the Vikings The nine museums all cater to young and old, with their outstanding presentations of history. There is, however, little doubt
For more information, please visit: www.vestfoldmuseene.no Larvik Museum. Photo: Sandnes Media
Unique museum celebrating important World War II anniversary The Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum (Norsk Industriarbeidermuseum) is an industrial museum located at the Vemork power station in Rjukan, some 180 kilometres and two hours’ drive (with frequent bus departures) west of Norway’s capital Oslo. By Stian Sangvig | Photos: Norsk Industriarbeidermuseum
The museum was established in 1988 to preserve the industrial society created by conglomerate Norsk Hydro when they established themselves in Rjukan in 1907. On average the museum has nearly 30,000 visitors per year; most of them are Norwegians, but there is also a growing
number of foreigners, especially Britons and Germans. This year is the 70th anniversary of the heavy water sabotage, which took place at Vemork. Back then this sabotage prevented the Nazis from having the resources they would need in order to de-
velop the atomic bomb. A celebratory exhibition will open in February to illustrate not only the sabotage but also the heroes who participated and how their actions may apply in today’s society. Joachim Roenneberg, who turned 92 in 2012, is the only saboteur who is still alive. Director Jan-Anders Dam-Nielsen says there is hope that Roenneberg will be fit enough to attend the celebration. Furthermore, Dam-Nielsen also explains that Rjukan was recently nominated as a potential UNESCO World Heritage site for its significance in World War II history. An application has been submitted by the Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage for 2014. A decision is expected for 2015. For more information, please visit: www.visitvemork.com (in Norwegian)
Old Vemork power station with hydrogen factory in front
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Preparing the heavy water sabotage
Sverresborg Trøndelag Folk Museum
Open-air museum in spectacular and historical surroundings The Sverresborg Trøndelag Folk Museum is an open-air museum with both indoor exhibitions and outdoor activities for everyone. It surrounds the ruins of Sverresborg Castle in the Sverresborg suburb, ten minutes by car and bus west of Trondheim’s (Norway’s third largest city) city centre. The construction of the medieval castle was initiated by King Sverre in the 12th century. By Stian Sangvig | Photos: Sverresborg Trøndelag Folk Museum
In 1914, the area was appointed as site for an open-air museum. Today, it is Norway’s third largest open-air cultural museum, with 90 buildings showing the local building traditions of Trøndelag, from town to country and from mountain to coast. Buildings include a “stavkirke” (medieval wooden stave church), Sami huts and city mansions. These form part of the permanent exhibitions. Another (“Images of Life”) portrays local life over the last 150 years. Here, visitors can meet people of the past (actors in costumes and roles) and participate in their everyday life. The Sverresborg Trøndelag Folk Museum is a lively museum. Visitors can have a
picnic in the scenic surroundings while watching the buildings and enjoying the spectacular views over Trondheim. The on-site restaurant offers traditional dishes from local ingredients of the season. Several activities are on offer. The museum has a small operating farm where children can feed animals and learn about farming. On 6 February, every year, the Sami (the ethnic minority populating Central and Northern Norway) are celebrated at the museum and in Northern Norway. This year is a unique celebration as women in Norway were given the right to vote a hundred years ago. A special exhibition at the museum will deal with women’s role in society at the time and to-
day. Another exhibition in the autumn will display locally sewn textiles, which will include several treasures from the museum’s large collections on display. With the growth in cruise ship arrivals, there are plans to accommodate large groups of visitors by offering guided tours in various languages. Trondheim is accessible by air thanks to direct flights from major cities in Europe by different airlines.
For more information, please visit: www.sverresborg.no
Issue 49 | February 2013 | 55
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Norway 2013
Stavanger Concert Hall’s Zetlitz auditorium is great for musicals, rock concerts and theatre performances.
Stavanger Concert Hall
Europe’s new cultural hotspot Stavanger Concert Hall has lived up to high expectations and has in only five months established itself among the absolute premium cultural institutions in Europe. With variety and quality in focus, this is the place to experience Mozart as well as Motorpsycho. By Anne Line Kaxrud | Photos: Stavanger Concert Hall
The long wait came to an end last September when the Stavanger Concert Hall finally opened its doors. With its grand appearance and two excellent halls, the new cultural institution has already catered for more than 125,000 visitors. “This is a place with something for everyone, and it is a true joy to see how excited both audience and performers are to be here,” managing director Per-Harald Nilsson says. Grand opening in September 15 September 2012 was a day many had been anticipating for years. Stavanger could finally open the doors to the city’s new cultural hotspot, and the expectations were undoubtedly high. “We had high
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goals, and it was fantastic to see that they were all met. The acoustics are phenomenal, and artists and visitors alike are enjoying themselves,” Nilsson says. “The internationally renowned pianist Hélène Grimaud even said that a ‘new temple of music is born in Stavanger, a wonderful new concert hall’ on her Facebook page after performing at the opening concert.” While Stavanger was announced European Capital of Culture in 2008, it was only with the opening of the concert hall that the city truly became a cultural hub. “The concert hall is a natural continuation of being a culture capital and is a vital piece of the city’s development,” Nilsson says. “It is important for an international and competitive city like Stavanger to have a thriving cultural scene. It is not just about the arts but about a higher quality of life.” Variety and quality – key components
Managing Director Per-Harald Nilsson Photo: Kjetil Alsvik
The idea was to create a concert hall for everyone, where programme and building
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Norway 2013 With its grand appearance and two excellent halls, Stavanger Concert Hall has already catered for more than 125,000 visitors. A look inside the Stavanger Concert Hall. Photo: Jiri Havran
programme for the whole industry at the hall,” Nilsson says. Do not miss out The 2013 programme reflects the aim to make the concert hall a place for everyone, and while classical music remains the centre point, other interesting performances include a record release by Thomas Dybdahl, a concert with hugely popular rock band Kaizers Orchestra and the Stavanger Symphony Orchestra, as well as performances of popular dance directed by German Klaus Obermaiers. “One of the main happenings this year is, however, the initiation of the new organ in February. It will be celebrated with a three-day-long organ party, during which everything from Bach to Motorpsycho is on the programme,” Nilsson says. “It is incredible how the organ opens up to new ways of performing music. Most people only known organs through churches, but we are excited to show visitors that it can also be used in completely different ways to add new dimensions.”
alike would be representative of the diverse population in Stavanger. Thus, the architects behind the hall created two separate halls. Fartein Valen is the classic hall with fantastic acoustics, which houses symphony orchestras and other classical performances. “It has established itself as one of the absolute premium concert halls in Europe acoustically,” Nilsson adds. Zetlitz is the other hall, with a far broader usage, including musicals, rock concerts and theatre performances. “It is indeed a place for everyone, and we are happy to see that people who may not normally be going to concert halls are coming here too,” Nilsson says. The concert hall is also a popular venue for the city’s large business community. “The hall is an excellent venue for events and conferences, and we are very happy to
see that the business community already shows great interest,” Nilsson says. The Norwegian Grammy Awards’ new home The absolute highlight of the Norwegian cultural year is the Spellemann Awards, the Norwegian equivalent of the Grammy Awards. From 2013 and onwards, the award has a new home in Stavanger Concert Hall. “It is the first time the award ceremony takes place in Stavanger, and we look forward to having it with us for many years to come,” Nilsson says, and reveals that the Spelleman Awards will no longer be all about one evening, but a whole weekend. “We will start off with a two-day programme, where the nominated artists will be performing all around the city the day before the award ceremony, while there is a professional day
The new organ will be celebrated with a three-daylong party in February. Photo: Jiri Havran
For more information, please visit: www.stavanger-konserthus.no
Issue 49 | February 2013 | 57
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Norway 2013
A European oasis of Norwegian culture In the 19th century, the Norwegian city of Drammen was a hub of activity and trade, and the home to a Norwegian nobility strongly connected to the European lifestyle. Parts of their legacy remain in the beautiful historic estate Marienlyst, which now is home to the Drammen Museum for Art and Cultural History.
Museum represents a significant part of the European influence on Norwegian cultural heritage and is well worth a visit.
By Hannah Gillow Kloster | Photos: Drammen Museum
“The Drammen Museum is not just a history museum, it is a museum of cultural heritage as well,” project coordinator Ida Klingvall exclaims enthusiastically. By situating itself in a series of locations around the city, the museum ties together several representations of Drammen's glorious past with contemporary art exhibitions and reflections on modern-day society. Klingvall explains that in addition to a series of permanent exhibitions, there are four to five changing exhibitions every year, stating that “there is always something happening at the Drammen Museum”. This spring, part of what is happening is the opening of the museum's new garden, which Klingvall terms “a Japanese garden the Norwegian way”. She further explains that it is strongly influenced by a growing trend in museums all over Europe to incorporate exotic elements in their grounds, creating an oasis of sorts. As Klingvall puts it, the Drammen Mu-
: ME S E D H I T AN
L N MI OE IS
seum offers “a respite from the buzz of the city, a cultural top-up if you will”. The Norwegian-style Japanese garden is not the only thing reflecting European influences in Norway. This spring, the Drammen Museum is home to a garden exhibition titled “Garden Art: Theory and Practice”. The exhibition will present gardens and parks from the counties surrounding Drammen from the 1600s to the present day, against the European background that inspired the Norwegian ideas at the time. As Klingvall explains, Norway “does not have the spectacular and enormous parks of England or France, but there are some truly beautiful gardens that deserve to be shown.” As the Garden Art exhibition stimulates the audience in the spectacular buildings, the experience continues naturally as one steps outside and onto the grounds, in truth combining theory and practice. Though situated slightly outside common tourist areas, the Drammen
For further information, please visit: drammens.museum.no
Add a bit of Faroese magic to your holiday or conference
R FA
The Faroe Islands are a destination truly out of the ordinary. This craggy, treeless yet enchanting archipelago protrudes out of the North Atlantic halfway between Iceland and Norway, and northwest of Scotland. On the islands, you will encounter green as far as the eye can see, dramatic mountains and cliffs jutting out of the sea, offering plenty of great spots for hiking and enjoying nature at its rawest. By Nia Kajastie | Photo: Pall Steffansson
The islands are an ideal destination for both holidays and conference trips as they add something a bit different – a touch of magic and fairy tales. You can find peace of mind among awe-inspiring natural attractions on most of the islands, one of them being Mykines, the most western island of the Faroes. Known for its extraordinary birdlife, this remote island community is both ruggedly beautiful and charming. Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroes, is located in the southern part of Streymoy is-
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land. The town represents a seamless mix of old and new, offering visitors a glimpse of history as well as all the necessary modern amenities. If you are in town for business, you will have a great selection of hotels, restaurants, conference facilities and even cultural attractions to choose from. For further information on the Faroe Islands, please visit: www.faroeislands.com
Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Faroe Islands
A friendly haven in the ‘middle of nowhere’ Fable-like landscape and extraordinary birdlife are the undisputed main attractions of the island of Mykines, the most western island of the Faroe Islands. The remote island community has just 10-15 permanent inhabitants but boasts a charming guesthouse and cafe, Kristianshus. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Karsten Larsen
Thanks to the guesthouse, a couple of farms and a small power plant, the tiny island community on Mykines has survived, making the island not just a fantastic nature destination but also a fascinating example of the resilience of Faroese culture. The guesthouse, which is located in the island’s only village, Mykines, consisting of a handful of pretty, colourful wooden houses, is run by Katrina Johannesen. Having grown up on the island, Johannesen spent several years exploring other parts of the world, before being drawn back home by her childhood pastures’ rugged beauty. “I find it absolutely beautiful, also in the wintertime when the
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waves are breaking,” she says. The most stunning and popular site on the island is Mykines-holmur, an imposing freestanding rock connected to Mykines by a small steel bridge 35 metres above the sea. “Most people come here to get close to nature, see birds and take pictures. Some come here to paint as well,” explains Johannesen. Lodging at Kristianshus is possible all year round, and the cafe is open from May to September. Weather permitting, Mykines is accessible by regular helicopter and ferry links.
Top: The village of Mykines is the only settlement on Mykines – only 10 people live there all year round. Below: A stunning view of the surrounding islands meets hikers at the peaks of Mykines.
For further information, please visit: www.mikines.fo
Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Faroe Islands
Conference of the Month, Faroe Islands
Give your meeting an unexpected twist in Torshavn If you are looking for a conference venue that is unexpected and exotic yet comfortingly quality proven, the Nordic House in Torshavn could be nothing less than the perfect fit. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the conference and culture house has with its enchanting architecture, amazing views and professionalism attracted numerous high-profile events. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Nordic House
With room for up to 550 guests and inhouse interpretation systems, the Nordic House is the largest and best-equipped conference centre in the Faroe Islands. Its location on Torshavn’s steep mountainsides provides guests with amazing views and easy access to the Faroese capital. It is in other words, says the house’s new managing director, Icelandic Sif Gun-
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narsdottir, the perfect destination for companies and organisations looking for something unexpected yet comfortable. “Going to a well-known city, where most people have been before, staying in a luxury hotel with in-house conference rooms and never leaving it, except maybe for a bit of shopping at the end, might sometimes be just perfect, but if you want to do some-
thing a bit different, add a bit of a twist to the experience, then the Faroe Islands are supreme as a destination. It is so unexpected and unusual. But while being exotic in a very Nordic way, you will also find everything you need: wireless internet, good transport links, delicious food and modern hotels – you don’t have to leave your comfort zone to have an experience that will move you a bit.” Free busses and fantastic food Though the Nordic House is located outside the centre of Torshavn, everything within the town, which with 22,000 inhabitants is one of the smallest capitals in the world, is within walking distance. The Nordic House is a 15-minute walk from the city centre, and free busses take you everywhere. “Coming to Torshavn for the first time was an amazing experience for me; it is both more modern than I thought and more traditional – it’s an unmatched combination of new and old, which is amazingly charming,” Gunnarsdottir enthuses.
Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Faroe Islands With eight differently sized and equipped conference rooms and halls, the Nordic House is well prepared to house any kind of conference, meeting, workshop or event.
Kolbrún Ragnarsdóttir, is possibly among the most beautiful buildings in the north. It blends perfectly into the Faroese landscape almost as to entice its guests to further explore the wonders of the islands. Hiking around the main island will provide astonishing scenic views of the rugged landscape, the sea and several of the nation’s other beautiful islands. “We have all kinds of guests here, but, of course, the special landscape and unique opportunities make the Faroe Islands especially well-suited for different kinds of incentive tours,” says Gunnarsdottir. “The rough nature and unpredictable weather, which can change within five minutes, can be challenging; however, sometimes new challenges bring out new creativity - what you take from a stay here is a completely different energy than you would from some otherwise splendid conference hotel in a typical conference city.”
Among the amenities in town are several modern, high-quality hotels which cooperate with the Nordic House, as well as first-class restaurants. One of the most renowned restaurants in town is Koks, located in Hotel Føroyar further up the mountainside from the Nordic House, which serves meticulously prepared Faroese food. The restaurant also runs the Nordic House’s cafeteria, which can cater for any specific requirements, whether it be a grand dinner or cafeteriastyle lunch buffet. Flexibility and famous guests With eight differently sized and equipped conference rooms, the Nordic House is well prepared to house any kind of conference, meeting or workshop. The centre’s largest room is the Høllin hall; it seats 404 people and can be connected with the third largest room to make a total capacity of 550. The other six rooms seat from 8 to 206 guests; most of the rooms have astonishing views of the city,
sea and the island’s characteristic infinite horizon. The conference centre’s unique location, beauty and outstanding service have in recent years attracted quite a few major international conferences. Some of its prominent key note speakers have, for instance, included Bill Clinton and Al Gore. “High profile visits like Bill Clinton’s have proven that everything is possible here and reaffirmed that there is no reason to worry about the quality here; it is not a concern at all,” stresses Gunnarsdottir, jokingly adding: “Now I know that Clinton has been a guest, my goal is to make sure that his wife also stops by at some point during my time here – maybe for the International Women’s Day.” Leisure fun Built from stone, tree and glass materials, and covered in lush grass, the Nordic House, which was designed by the Norwegian architect Ola Steen and Icelandic
For further information, please visit: www.nlh.fo
Issue 49 | February 2013 | 61
Scan Magazine | Hotels of the Month | Sweden
Scandinavian Resort’s Hotel Skansen is located in the heart of Båstad, right next door to the world-famous tennis court.
Hotels of the Month, Sweden
A new world of resorts Treat your staff to an enjoyable stay at one of the wonderful hotels owned and managed by Scandinavian Resort. The group focuses on running hotels that have Scandinavian features at their core, with modern touches and top-quality service. All of the hotels in the Scandinavian Resort group are situated in beautiful, typically Scandinavian landscapes and offer experiences, relaxation and conference opportunities. The hotels’ wonderful surroundings enable you to enjoy much more than a regular business stay. Let yourself be inspired and let your creativity flourish at Hotel Skansen and Torekov Hotel. By Therese Wallin | Photos: Hotel Skansen & Torekov Hotel
Scandinavian Resort caters to all your needs. “Conference groups who come to one of our hotels will get much more than the regular meeting opportunities. We focus on quality service, and visitors get to
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work undisturbed in inspiring environments,” says Helle Fromberg Hammarström, the marketing and sales director.
Experience everything a fine hotel can offer Hotel Skansen has everything that your hotel of choice for a luxury stay would have. It is located in the middle of Båstad, in the south of Sweden, and is within walking distance of the harbour. The premises are built around the famous tennis courts where the yearly Båstad tennis tournament takes place. Hotel Skansen makes full use of its surroundings. One of its congress rooms, above centre court, offers mesmerising views through windows facing the tennis courts. “Hotel Skansen is composed of three buildings and receives small, medium and large groups. It can cater for as many as 500 business guests,” says Fromberg Hammarström. Common to all of the hotels managed by Scandinavian Resort is the focus on quality and service, and Ho-
tel Skansen is no exception. “Hotel Skansen is perfect for anyone looking for inspiration. The surrounding nature and experiences on offer nicely accompany any business-related activities,” says Fromberg Hammarström. The hotel offers a range of activities, excellent food that is produced with local products, and much more than simple hotel facilities. The corridors are fitted with cosy corners, with fireplaces and couches, where ideas can be born and flourish. Hotel Skansen also has a “Kallbadhus”, which gives guests the opportunity to go for a swim in the cold waters of Kattegatt, and then jump into one of the two saunas with ocean views. This breathtaking facility is also equipped with an outdoor heated pool, with ocean views, where drinks are also served. “You will not find another Kallbadhus like this one,” says Fromberg Hammarström. “It is located 60 metres out in the ocean, and it is truly a magical experience to go for a swim and then warm up in one of the saunas.” Calm intimate surroundings Torekov Hotel joined the Scandinavian Resort group in 2010. It caters for smaller groups than Hotel Skansen, but has the same dedicated, high-spirited staff and luxurious rooms. “Torekov Hotel is in very private and peaceful settings; it is a wonderful location for those looking to be close to nature whilst bonding with their colleagues,” says Fromberg Hammarström. “There are many activities that can be enjoyed when you are so close to nature, as well as opportunities to relax and wind down over good food and beverages. Beyond this, there is also a beautiful big terrace where our guests can sit and enjoy a Mediterranean feeling and barbeque.” Just as Hotel Skansen, Torekov Hotel has special spa and experience deals. The hotels offer good value package deals with a lot included. “Our hotels allow you to work in peace and in surroundings that are far from the traditional office space. We all know that these type of experiences serve to strengthen the team spirit, help people
Torekov Hotel, set by the sea on the idyllic Bjäre peninsula in north-western Skåne, is a wonderful location for those looking to be close to nature.
to work better together and inspire employees,” says Fromberg Hammarström. Four different hotels with the same core values Scandinavian Resort includes four hotels; besides Hotel Skansen and Torekov Hotel, there are also Sälens Högfjällshotell and Hotel Gammelgården. “We put focus on running hotels located close to nature, reflecting the true beauty of the Scandinavian landscape. Our guests get to enjoy service of the highest quality, and to be pampered and looked after by dedicated staff. Besides Gammelgården, all hotels have new and up-to-date spa and exercise facilities that our guests are welcome to use,” says Fromberg Hammarström. One of the many things that stand out about Scandinavian Resort’s hotels is the
delicious and well-cooked food and wide selection of beverages. All these flavours combine to create the perfect stay. Staying at one of the hotels in the Scandinavian Resort group is an unforgettable experience. In the most beautiful Scandinavian nature, there is a focus on mind and wellbeing that inspires and creates working relationships that grow stronger and more profound.
For further information, please visit: www.hotelskansen.se and www.torekovhotell.se - both part of Scandinavian Resort
Issue 49 | February 2013 | 63
Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Denmark
Opera Hedeland has entranced guests at its outdoor amphitheatre south of Copenhagen for a decade. Photo: Mikal Schlosser
Attraction of the Month, Denmark
A magical summer night in the company of ‘Madame Butterfly’ Danish midsummer nights, picnics and the enchanting tunes of the world’s greatest operas – for a decade, Opera Hedeland has entranced guests at its outdoor amphitheatre south of Copenhagen. This year the beautiful backdrop will constitute the scene of Giacomo Puccini’s heart-breaking love drama Madame Butterfly. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Opera Hedeland
Madame Butterfly tells the story of the American navy officer B.F. Pinkerton’s love relation with the young Japanese girl CioCio San, his careless betrayal of her love and finally his cowardice in facing her wholehearted devotion. Puccini’s celebrated opera, which takes place in Nagasaki at the end of the 19th century, was
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selected not only because of its iconic status and beautiful music but also because of the possibilities embedded in its locations, explains opera director Claus Lynge. “Apart from the fact that the music is just amazing and Puccini is a wonderful composer, this year’s choice had to do with what we believed our outdoor scenery
could bring to this opera. With so many outdoor locations, such as the gardens and the harbour, it is in many ways an ideal open-air opera that Puccini has written. Though you don’t see it realised outdoors in many places, it fits perfectly with the amazing possibilities created by the landscape here.” The opera will be produced by the muchpraised Swedish team Tobias Theorell and Magdalena Åberg. Pinkerton’s role will be sung by the young Swedish tenor Daniel Johansson, who received enthusiastic reviews for his role as Alfredo in Opera
Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Denmark
Hedeland’s La Traviata in 2011, while CioCio San will be sung by the young Uruguayan talent Maria José Siri. Talents from all over the world Created in 1996 to facilitate Copenhagen’s status as European Capital of Culture, the impressive scale of the Hedeland amphitheatre became the decisive factor in deciding its further use. “Opera is not so dependent on intricate details and interaction between actors; the singers have microphones, and we have a much larger scale expression and, of course, a full symphony orchestra,” explains Lynge. The first performance took place in 2002, and, since then, the project has grown steadily with approximately 12,000 people attending three yearly performances involving more than 100 artists. The broad success means that the opera can sustain 35-40 per cent of its expenses through ticket sale, an unusually high number compared to most other opera institutions in Denmark. To maintain the success, which is partially based on attracting international guests, Lynge finds his most important task is to secure a competitive level of quality on a par with Europe’s other great outdoor operas. To do this, it is essential, the opera director stresses, to be able to attract the world’s most talented young singers and
Last year’s performance of Don Giovanni
directors. “When you become an opera singer, it is not just because of the money but also because you love the art; we have had some really great singers taking part in our productions, and they really appreciate the atmosphere here. Besides, how often do you get to sing for an audience of 3,600 people? The overwhelming size of the audience, their concentration and the massive applause provide the singers with a very special experience.” Picnics and family fun Opera Hedeland’s beautiful backdrop of blue lakes and vast greenery is not only utilised actively in the opera’s scenography but also constitutes one of the unordinary perquisites for opera guests. While the opera, to make the most of the changing light of the Danish summer nights, starts at 9pm, the grounds open at 6pm, and
guests are encouraged to picnic or take a walk in the surroundings before the performance. The famous Danish chef Claus Meyer provides very popular high-quality picnic baskets, and wildlife walks are organised around the surrounding lakes. The relaxed and extensive setup has made Opera Hedeland a popular venue for firsttime opera guests; even a lot of teenagers find the concept “really cool” says Lynge. To further increase the attraction for firsttime opera guests, families and youngsters, teenagers can bring along a parent for free and tickets are half price for everyone under 25.
For further information, please visit: www.operahedeland.dk
DATES
THE WEATHER
Three performances are scheduled for the 2nd, 9th and 10th of August (a fourth might be added later).
Because of the temperature drop during the night it is advisable to bring along a blanket. Blankets and cushions are also available for hire at the amphitheatre. The performance dates are based on statistical data from Denmark’s Meteorological Institution, minimising the risk of rain.
GETTING THERE Free parking is provided. Guided opera shuttles run from Copenhagen at very competitive prices. Free shuttles run from Hoeje Taastrup Station.
Performance of Norma. Photos: Mikal Schlosser
PICNICS Picnic baskets should be booked in advance; you are also welcome to bring your own basket.
Top: Guests are encouraged to picnic or take a walk in the surroundings before the performance. Photo: Mikal Schlosser
Issue 49 | February 2013 | 65
Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Finland
tension in 2005 and is today among Finland’s largest museums. With 30,000 to 35,000 annual visitors, the museum, which is located in the rural district of Punkaharju in south-eastern Finland, offers something for both young and old and intrigues Finns and foreigners alike. “The museum collection includes artefacts ranging from traditional birchbark rings and berry picker devices to large forestry machines. We cover everything from recreational use to the mythical forest, as well as wood processing; it’s very diverse thematically. We also have four to six changing exhibitions every year, offering different cultural and historical perspectives on the forest,” explains museum director Helkamari Knaapi.
Lusto, the Finnish Forest Museum, offers visitors insight into the interaction between man and forest through a diverse selection of exhibitions, events, work demonstrations and theme days.
Attraction of the Month, Finland
Explore the connection between man and forest
The museum is a true living space that always offers new experiences through its exhibitions as well as its events. In the summer, the outside area also becomes part of the exhibition, and you should not miss out on the Forest Culture Days, which offer three days of family-friendly fun in June.
Traditionally Finnish people have always had a strong connection with the forest; they have lived and worked in them, and while the relationship has changed in modern times, the strong historical, cultural and personal link is still there. Find out more about what the forest means to Finns today, how people have made use of their natural surroundings through centuries and the countless ways in which the forest continues to play a significant role in Finnish culture at Lusto, the Finnish Forest Museum.
Adding to the unique nature of the museum is its location at the very heart of the Saimaa lake district and right next to the Punkaharju Conservation Area. Forestry has always been of high importance to the region, and the beautiful surrounding nature offers visitors so much to see and do. “It’s a paradise for culture and nature travellers – in both summer and winter,” adds Knaapi.
By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Lusto/Timo Kilpeläinen
Below: Forest Culture Days at Lusto
As a national museum and science centre for Finnish forest culture, Lusto offers insight into the interaction between man and forest through a diverse selection of exhibitions, events, work demonstrations and theme days. Opened to the public in 1994, the museum was established by Suomen Metsämuseosäätiö (the Finnish Forest Museum Foundation), with help from the forest industry and other parties eager to open up a museum dedicated specifically to forest culture. The striking, modern museum building received an ex-
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For more information on exhibitions and upcoming events, please visit: www.lusto.fi
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Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Norway
Attraction of the Month, Norway
Feel close to nature among wolves and lynxes Langedrag Wildlife Park and Mountain Farm invites its visitors to be at one with nature. Whether it is through dog sledging, feeding a moose or waking up to the sound of a wolf, this is certainly a place to make memories for life. By Anne Line Kaxrud | Photos: Langedrag Wildlife Park and Mountain Farm
Like in a true Norwegian fairy tale, Langedrag Wildlife Park and Mountain Farm appears as a Soria Moria castle in between high mountains and enchanting lakes in the middle of the country. True to its fabulous location, the place makes the most of the wonderful surroundings with its nature-based activities and farm experiences. “We aim to give young people and adults alike a natural experience among animals and nature, be it through milking a goat or meeting a wolf,” owner and managing director Tuva Thorson says.
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Hands-on experience on the farm Together with her parents, Tuva initiated the establishment of Langedrag in 1978. They dreamed of developing a farm where visitors could have unique experiences close to nature and animals. For the past 35 years, the place has attracted people of all ages with their mix of knowledge exchange and hands-on involvement on the farm. “The best way for people to appreciate and take nature seriously is through their own experiences,” Tuva says, and
Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Norway
mentions some of the farm’s many activities, including riding camps; guided tours where one may encounter lynxes, wolves and boars; making cheese from scratch; and fishing and camping out in the wild. “It is a meaningful day when I see the joy and pride of the visitors after they manage to milk a goat, dare to ride a horse or reach a mountain top. Others are excited by waking up to wolf howls, witnessing our relationship with the wolves, stroking a moose or feeding a mountain fox,” Tuva says. Listen to the voice of the nature Having grown up with a myriad of animals, they have always played a central role in Tuva’s life, and with 350 animals living at and around the farm, she and the staff offer visitors the chance to create similar bonds with them. Many of them are protected and nearly extinct, and Tuva views the farm as an excellent way of getting people to realise how our behaviour affects nature. By following the place’s motto, listen to the voice of the nature, visitors are encouraged to question how things are connected and learn how to respect nature. Meet the wolves and feed a moose At Langedrag, you will experience nature and animals in a way you most likely have only seen on television. Here, you may experience wolves from a metre’s distance and feed the king of the forest, the moose, with your own hands. “Most visitors are incredibly excited and also surprised to see how the animals actually behave and react. While many believe wolves to be killing machines, they are in fact very shy and withdraw when humans appear. After a while, however, they approach us as they are curious, and visitors are thus given a unique insight into their behaviour, as well as an experience they will never forget,” Tuva elaborates. While the majority of the animals surrounding the farm are wild, Tuva and her colleagues have gained trusting relationships with many of them. Many visitors are surprised to see how Tuva and Andre Soma, who also works with the wolves, are accepted as parts of the pack when
they approach the so-called socialised wolves. “I have deep respect for the wolves’ nuanced language, and particularly dog owners can learn lots from watching how wolves interact with each other and humans,” Tuva says, and reminds us that wolves are in fact forefathers of man’s best friend. A different holiday for the whole family or your company The park offers accommodation in rustic timber houses, as well as day activities. There are also possibilities for hiking and cross-country skiing in the beautiful mountains surrounding the farm. The farm is popular among school classes, and, throughout the year, three to four classes stay for a week at a time, participating in the daily care of the animals and other activities on the farm. While it remains particularly popular among children and families, it also attracts companies who fancy a different kind of day out of the office. Located in between Bergen and Oslo, and only 40 minutes from ski
paradise Geilo, it is the perfect location for day trips as well as longer holidays. “We welcome new and returning guests to our mountain farm and wildlife park, whether you fancy staying for a day, weekend or longer,” Tuva says. For further information, please visit: www.langedrag.no
Issue 49 | February 2013 | 69
Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Denmark
Restaurant of the Month, Denmark
Obsessed with food With 17 years of experience serving high-quality French food, Restaurant Dauphine is today one of the oldest and most cherished gourmet eateries in Aarhus. Its declared fan base comprises a broad mix of locals, travellers and food critics; most recently the restaurant was listed as Norwegians’ favourite restaurant in Denmark. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Restaurant Dauphine
Founded in the centre of Aarhus in 1996, Restaurant Dauphine started out as a popular, typically laidback brassiere. The warm and friendly atmosphere has persisted ever since, but the gastronomic level has steadily increased, resulting in what is today, broadly, one of Aarhus’s best-rated gourmet restaurants.
Nordentoft took over a 70 per cent stake in the restaurant from its previous owner, Michel Danino, in January 2012. Since then he has worked with Danino, whom he insisted would remain a part of the restaurant, to uphold the quality and personality of the place while making just a few renewing adjustments.
“Our kitchen is a fusion of traditional French and Danish cuisine with some new twists, but we also strive to be as grounded as possible; we don’t want it to grow too fancy or trendy; we still want it to be just food,” stresses Dauphine’s new head chef and restaurant owner, Rolf Nordentoft. “My ambition, when taking over last year, was very simply to continue the high standards which the previous owner had set – to continue the gourmet quality.”
One of the most noticeable transformations has been the decision to open the restaurant for lunch. The relaxed lunch setting and diverse menu have turned out to be enormously popular, very often resulting in a full house.
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Food from the forest During Restaurant Dauphine’s many years in business, its high-quality ingredients and mouth-watering recipes have made
many a food critic swoon. This has indeed also been the case after Nordentoft took over the restaurant. In March 2012, Jyllandsposten, one of Denmark’s biggest national newspapers, awarded the restaurant five stars in a review that stated: “Now in its 17th year, Restaurant Dauphine provides luxury food for Aarhusian restaurant guests ... quality is indeed found at Restaurant Dauphine. The level of ambition is high, the atmosphere is good and the same thing can be said about the food and wine.” The review goes on to humorously muse on the chef’s obsession with wild ingredients previously considered nothing more than weeds and nuisances in the landscape. Guests will indeed find traces of Nordentoft’s obsession with special local and wild ingredients everywhere. Some, such as certain herbs and greens, are collected by the restaurant owner himself in the nearby forests, while others are selected with extreme care from producers whose dedication to food matches the restaurateur’s.
Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Denmark
“When it is the season for it, I love to go foresting for ingredients. Right now, of course, there is not much stuff to find locally, so we have preserved a lot from the summer, dried parsley and pickled onions, and then we use loads of cod and herring, which are plentiful in this season. We also bought a large lot of organic hazelnuts this winter and quince from our honey producer, who also grows organic quince,” explains Nordentoft.
ferent taste and structure. It’s all about finding the right products.” Cheese, good wine and golden rules The preparation of the carefully selected ingredients in Restaurant Dauphine’s
kitchen is based on seven main principles: strength, tartness, sweetness, quality, crispness, freshness and a certain added twist. “We strive to obtain ‘the key composition’ in every meal, meaning that there has to be a certain element of sur-
The in-depth knowledge of his ingredients and their sources prevails in almost all of Nordentoft’s relations with producers, whether it be the local smokehouse or his cheese supplier, whom he defines as “part of the restaurant’s family”. “I strive to spend as much time as possible with our purveyors to find a variation of small specialties in the area. I really like to put effort into finding ingredients that have an individual story, something special which makes it more than just a product,” he says. “For example, we get our cold-smoked salmon from this small smokehouse in the region, and it is nothing like the vacuumpacked product you normally find in the supermarket, which is smoked and packed within a day. This salmon is drysalted and smoked over three days, which makes a huge difference to the process and results in a completely dif-
Issue 49 | February 2013 | 71
Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Denmark
prise in the menu, but at the same time it has to form a whole. It should be an experience coming to Restaurant Dauphine. As a guest, one shall feel enriched,” says Rolf Nordentoft. The richness of a visit to Restaurant Dauphine not only derives from first-class food but also its first-class wine. Alongside the set food menu, guests can enjoy a carefully combined wine menu. In fact, one of Nordentoft’s personal projects, after taking over the restaurant, has been to create an extensive wine cellar underneath the restaurant. “The wine menu changes with the food menu, and we really use a lot of time on finding the right
wine for every single course. I am not prejudiced as to where the wine is from, of course we use a lot of French wine, but I am not afraid to pick a German wine either. Apart from that we have a very well assorted wine cellar.” Cheese is another of the head chef’s personal obsessions. Luckily for guests at Dauphine that has also left its mark on the restaurant’s menu, which is now supplemented with an impressive cheese board of some 20 local and French cheeses. Just one more good reason to stop by Restaurant Dauphine next time you are in Aarhus or anywhere nearby.
For further information, please visit: www.dauphine.dk
RESTAURANT DAUPHINE Restaurant Dauphine is open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch from noon-4pm and for dinner from 5.30pm onwards. Established in 1996 as a brasserie. This makes it one of the oldest restaurants in Aarhus. The name Dauphine refers to “Brasserie Dauphine” from Georges Simenon's books about Commissaire Maigret. Restaurant Dauphine is situated on Frederiksgade 43 in the middle of the old city of Aarhus. On top of the 30 seats available in the restaurant, Dauphine has a function room with space for parties of up to 20 guests.
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Restaurant of the Month, Norway
A new addition to the culinary scene in Tromsø 69° N Brasserie is the newest culinary addition to arrive in Tromsø, serving delicious rich-flavoured French cuisine. What more could you hope for than a brasserie at the heart of a city known as the “Paris of the North”? By Emelie Krugly Hill | Photos: 69° N Brasserie
Managing director and Swede Anders Blomkvist arrived in Norway some 20 years ago and subsequently set up the successful Fiskekompaniet, which celebrated 15 years in business during 2012. His new venture and concept, 500 metres down the road, is the French-inspired 69° N Brasserie, which he describes as “a loving symbiosis between classical French and Norwegian cuisine”. “Regulars will definitely recognize our refined style as we are striving for the same excellence in terms of serving the finest locally produced meat, such as lamb, deer and beef,” he adds. Anders explains how he wanted to give the locals, as well as visitors to Tromsø, an alternative to trends such as Nordic molecular gastronomy and Asian cuisine that have been dominating the restaurant scene for the last couple of years.
“People have eaten and enjoyed French cuisine for centuries, and we thought we would make something different yet familiar by returning to the classic basics. Many people have been longing for this, and trends seem to come and go; but in
the difficult financial times we live in, people tend to seek safety and security even when it comes to food, and French food has a strong foundation and solid thought behind it,” says Blomkvist. Diners can look forward to top-quality meat and fish sourced from local producers as well as an interesting range of fine wine. “People today are very conscious of where the food they are eating comes from, and sometimes ask for produce from a specific farm.” Lamb shank with roasted root vegetables, potato puree and a red wine sauce is already a very popular dish that has been praised by reviewers. Boknafisk or stockfish is another favourite local delicacy, served with creamed salsify, ginger carrots, bacon fat and boiled potatoes. Tromsø is known as the Paris of the North, a moniker which stems from the 18th century when the town was a thriving northern business centre with fashionably dressed ladies parading the streets. It is still very much a trend aware city with a buzzing cultural life and good connections to the rest of Europe. Situated in a typical Jugendstil building on the second floor on Storgata, the restaurant seats 60 guests, and Anders Blomkvist and his team recommend booking ahead as interest is growing fast. For more information, please visit: www.69grader.no
Issue 49 | February 2013 | 73
Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Sweden
Restaurant of the Month, Sweden
Discover authentic Italy La Cucina Italiana is a true gem serving culinary treats with a fresh and genuine approach to Italian wining and dining. You can find this piece of authentic Italy in the centre of Gothenburg. The restaurant has over the years been praised countless times for its culinary expertise and approach to food. By Therese Wallin | Photos: La Cucina Italiana
Pietro Fioriniello, the owner and founder of restaurant La Cucina Italiana, hails from Naples and is a welcoming and warm host, who immediately puts a smile on guests’ faces when he greets them with a “Ciao!” He has succeeded in bringing the flavours and spirit of his Italy to this charming restaurant. A unique dining experience La Cucina Italiana does not work like other restaurants; there is no set menu, but guests choose how many courses they would like to eat and then await what the kitchen will compose. Before you know it, voilà, the dishes are ready! “We mix locally produced products with genuine ingredients imported from the finest producers in Italy. All dishes have their foundation in Italian classics, but with a twist added to them by myself,” says Fioriniello. Make sure to book a table, prepare to treat all your senses and spend some time enjoying the authentic Italian cuisine. “I do everything myself, not only choosing wine and food but also the decoration,” says Fioriniello. Business and romance The restaurant is small and intimate. It is equally popular with business people and couples looking for that special treat and an evening out. The one thing that the guests have in common is their love for Fioriniello’s food and his passionate mix of food and wine. Actually, over the years, quite a few proposals have occurred in the restaurant. “It is a cosy, classic and stylish restaurant which is very romantico,” says Fioriniello. Fioriniello has managed to bring his Italy and his food to Gothenburg, cooking and serving impeccable mouth-watering dishes at his restaurant. The ease of sitting back, without a care in the world, and having delicious dishes served in front of you will surely make you return to this enduring classic. For more information, please visit: www.lacucinaitaliana.nu
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Scan Business | Key Note | New Year – Same you?
Scan Business Key Note 75 | Business Column 77 | Business Features 78 | Conferences of the Month 82 | Business Calendar 87
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New Year – Same you? By Paul Blackhurst, Client Director, Mannaz
Christmas and New Year seem a long time ago, and we are all back to business as usual. Or are we? Did you make any New Year’s resolutions, promises to yourself to behave differently? If you did, how are you doing at keeping those resolutions? Research by car insurance company Sheilas’ Wheels in the UK shows that 60% of people who make a resolution to change their eating habits fall back into their old ways after just six days. So, if you did make any resolutions, it is likely that the majority of you have lapsed by now, and the good news is that you can use the same ones next year! We know this phenomenon very well from our Leadership Development programmes. Everybody leaves a workshop with high energy and a specific action plan to help them become even more effective in their work. However, the evidence is that “reality” gets in the way of their good intentions. If we are not careful, the gap between knowing what to do and actually doing it gets filled with old habits and routines. So, how do you help people make positive, lasting change in their lives – either privately or professionally? Well, another research project, this time by Quirkology, provides some clues and shows that this partly depends on your
gender. In their study of 3,000 people, men were more successful when they set specific goals with short time periods, for example, losing 0.5 kg per week rather than focusing on the end target. Men also succeeded when they focused on the benefits of achieving their goals. For women, the secret of success seemed to lie in sharing their resolutions with friends and family, and using their support to see failings as temporary setbacks rather than a terminal failure and a reason to give up. In the training world, we use a blend of these methods, and we also try to ensure that the work environment is supportive to the change. To do this we involve the manager of the individual to ensure that there is direct encouragement and opportunity to try new skills, attitudes and behaviours, and we sometimes connect this with performance management to provide hard, financial incentives. We also encourage management to accept and support temporary failures when people are trying to practice new competencies.
“It’s never too late to be who you might have been.”
If you have let your good intentions fall by the wayside, then perhaps it is time to revisit them. Resist the temptation to procrastinate until next January and use some of the proven techniques to help make change stick. As George Eliot said:
Paul Blackhurst, Client Director, Mannaz
For more information, please visit: www.mannaz.com or email pbl@mannaz.com
Issue 49 | February 2013 | 75
“ Dania sounds like exactly the kind of school we were, unsuccessfully, searching for when looking for a school for our son. The prospect of a school that would offer run-through education from reception to GCSE, with a strong Danish connection and based on Grundtvig’s pedagogical methods at an affordable price sounds like a dream come true�
Dania School Opening in Clerkenwell, Central London, September 2013 Open Days for parents of prospective pupils are:
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www. Daniaschool.com
Scan Business | Column | Annika Åman-Goodwille
2013 and the Relevance of Marcello’s two O’s My good friend Marcello’s New Year’s greeting was, “Annika, 2013 will be the two O’s year.” “What are you talking about?” I replied staring at him with big eyes. “This is the year for Optimism and Opportunities!” Could there be a better New Year’s thought? I set to thinking how it was when I started Goodwille – don’t challenging and difficult times stimulate the old grey matter? The old saying ‘out of something bad so often comes something good’ sprang to mind. Some of today’s biggest companies started in tough economic times. Dow Jones and Fortune 500 statistics show about half their listed companies began in recessions, including well-known brands such as Microsoft, Dyson and Apple’s iPod. Apart from having an original business idea, why should people ever dream of setting up in a recession? The most likely
reason, I think, is a change in personal circumstances along with an opportunity, perhaps long awaited. Someone is made redundant, for example, and feels now is the time to start in a new direction. While borrowing money from banks might be harder, there are actually many positives about starting in a recession: for one thing it’s usually cheaper! You’ll probably find premises easier to find and less expensive, and you can get good office furniture at auctions or on eBay. At such times, you can probably more easily hire better-qualified people. Then opportunities arise as businesses in tough times reappraise their suppliers. While cash flow can be a challenge for start-ups, suppliers may be readier to provide credit to get new customers. And it can be easier to get good PR as the media in gloomy times love optimistic news that go against the grain.
Tough times or not, the time is always right to start a business. You may just need to have more guts to do it during a recession. Start-ups are crucial to recovery because it is new business that usually leads countries out of recession. Many of us are sick and tired of the doom and gloom. So I’m sure the two O’s are the medicine for 2013. Column by Annika Åman-Goodwille www.goodwille.co.uk
Scan Business | Feature | M-Files
Miika Mäkitalo, chief executive officer of M-Files, and Mika Javanainen, director of product management. Photo: Petri Vanhanen
On top of it – M-Files leads the way in content management In today’s business environment, employees, awash in a sea of documents, are often left stranded as they waste time trying to locate information that is buried too deep in ancient folders for it to ever re-emerge. As the amount of information employees deal with on a daily basis continues to rise, the need for easy document management and prevention of loss of data become more crucial than ever. Here is where M-Files steps in; the award-winning enterprise content management system is the brainchild of a few Finns with an acute understanding of the needs of information-intensive organisations.
league to discuss where the old contract is now located, as well as going through your hard drive and email. In half of the cases, the documents are never found at all. This is the main point at which MFiles can make a real difference: the latest version of the file is always found, quickly and in one place.”
By Nia Kajastie | Photos: M-Files
Filling a gap in the market
“Previous studies have shown that employees use 20% of their working time searching for information,” says Miika
By the new millennium, software company M-Files Corporation was looking for a content management system to organise its internal documents, but an intelli-
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Mäkitalo, chief executive officer of MFiles. “Time is spent checking the archives and walking over to your col-
Scan Business | Feature | M-Files
gent product suiting all its needs and requirements could not be found on the market. “As there wasn’t a good enough product available at the time, we decided to create a better one ourselves, and the vision, from the very beginning, was to create a world-class solution for content management,” says Mäkitalo. “The product was finished by the end of 2004, and sales have grown rapidly after 2005, by about 45% annually.” Happy customers and satisfied users M-Files offers its end users multiple practical benefits, as well as boosting efficiency and productivity within the companies themselves, but at the core of it all is the system’s usability. A survey conducted in early 2012 confirms that 97.1% of users are of the opinion that M-Files has made finding information easier for them. “End user satisfaction ultimately also determines the final benefit of investing in M-Files. When the end users are satisfied with the system and its usability, all documents and information end up in the system, which serves the organisation and demonstrates the benefit of the investment. A system that is difficult to use works in the opposite way: employees won’t use it and the benefit is left unclaimed,” says Mäkitalo. Efficient information management M-Files works seamlessly with Windows
applications, and saving documents onto your “M: drive”, which can be found right by the C: drive, could not be easier. Instead of saving folders within folders within folders, the system asks you for information on the document, including name of client, project and what kind of file is in question; so when you are searching for this particular document at a later date, all of the inserted metadata as well as the document’s contents will function as search criteria. Users will always find the latest version of the document they are searching for. However, as multiple different parties might have made changes and additions to it, the previous versions are also still available on the system. Thus, the user can always see what changes have been made and by whom, and is able to compare different versions of the same document. The documents can also be shared with clients and other partners, who can then edit them – even simultaneously. “An important point of view is that information management is no longer a challenge for just the company but for the whole supply chain. Information is also processed by subcontractors and partners. Here, M-Files has the technological upper hand; we can offer on-premise, cloud, or hybrid solutions, with part of the information safely behind the company’s own firewall and part of it replicated in the cloud,” explains director of product management Mika Javanainen.
In addition, the metadata entered by end users ensures that the documents on MFiles can only be seen by those authorised to do so. “For some companies, data protection is a matter of existence, with laws and regulations surrounding certain information. However, we are able to show our clients how precise our system is when it comes to security,” adds Mäkitalo. International growth and recognition M-Files currently operates all around the world, with client companies from a wide range of industries, including accounting, manufacturing, architecture and healthcare. It has subsidiaries in both Finland and the US and its network of resellers covers 60 countries. The company’s international profile is further boosted by the awards and recognition it has received in recent years. One of M-Files’s latest achievements has been its inclusion in Gartner's Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Content Management 2012, a prestigious report that puts M-Files among the top 22 ECM companies worldwide.
M-Files - Flexible cloud, on-premise and hybrid ECM solution - Easy to use Windows interface - Thousands of client companies in over 100 different countries - System available in 24 languages - 97.1% of users think M-Files makes finding information easier - Awards and recognition: Deloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA, Finnish Technology Entrepreneurship Award, Red Herring Global 100, Ruban d’Honneur at the European Business Awards, etc.
For further information, please visit: www.m-files.com M-Files’s efficient and straightforward user interface
Issue 49 | February 2013 | 79
Scan Business | Feature | Danfo
Stockholm, Sweden
Malmö, Sweden. Photo: Björn Lindgren
Comfort in all its glory People using public areas all over the world are increasingly appreciating, and looking for, high-quality public toilets. After all, it is inevitable that they will be used, and users are therefore looking for high technical solutions and facilities that are clean, properly installed and function without any hurdles. By Therese Wallin | Photos: Danfo
Danfo has been working on providing toilet solutions to the public for more than 40 years. It supplies facilities for all, whether they are to be installed at building sites or in central locations, such as Piccadilly Circus in London. Ove Danielsson, the CEO of Danfo, puts emphasis on quality and tailor-made solutions. “There is not one toilet that will fit all needs. Some are looking for exclusive solutions and some for a simpler one. What our facilities have in common is that they have all been carefully developed, and we have ensured to keep the quality high.” Specialists in their field Danfo has its roots in Sweden, but their
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ability to target one area has made them experts in this niche market, and the company’s facilities are now seen and available for use in various locations across the globe. “We have specialised in making toilets for public use and that is our area of expertise. Danfo offers a wide selection of solutions, depending on the clients’ needs and requests,” says Danielsson. “We are able to provide single units as well as several hundred units depending on the needs of the purchaser,” says Danielsson. Danfo’s ability to provide such a diverse range of products and different solutions is appreciated by the market, and Danfo’s pragmatism and quality have been leading
factors in the company’s growth and have led to the establishment of Danfo as the premier toilet facility provider. Problem-solving One of the many challenges of delivering public toilets is the need for the facilities to function and for there to be quick and lasting solutions. “There are many challenges to take into account when working with public toilets. Not only is the process rather long as there are many official bodies involved, but there is also the reality that some of the toilets are misused, and we have ensured to develop a system that attends to this,” says Danielsson. It is in this spirit that experts, who have been specially trained by Danfo, check all of the public toilets ordered through Danfo once a day. No matter where in the world the public toilets are placed, there is always a Danfo expert nearby. This ensures that the facilities are kept in top condition and have a long lifespan. “One of the reasons why we have become so popular on the market is thanks to our
Scan Business | Feature | Danfo
ability to deal professionally and remain engaged with out clients, beyond the initial sales period. We are proud to provide quality products, and we stay in regular contact with our clients to ensure that the facilities they purchased are working as they should and that they are happy with them,” says Danielsson. A growing market “There is currently a lack of public toilet facilities all over the world, and more and more people are upset about this and are putting pressure on those responsible so that the problem is dealt with,” explains Danielsson. With the lack of facilities, Danielsson sees a growing market, and Danfo is already operating in countries outside of its home country, such as the United Kingdom and Dubai. Danfo’s ability to focus on one market product has given it the opportunity to expand the concept of public toilets far beyond what one would initially imagine. The company’s facilities are so much more
than a simple restroom, they are catered to fit into the environment where they are stationed and used. The company’s popularity is also thanks to its commitment to the environment. “As a company operating on the global scene, we recognise that we have a big responsibility towards the environment. To this end, we ensure that we continuously develop our products so that they are environmentally friendly and can be disposed of without causing harm,” says Danielsson. This is further affirmed by the acknowledgment of Danfo as an eco-friendly company.
London, England
Danfo is a professional company with focus on providing facilities of a high quality that last long. Its professional attitude ensures a successful result to any project that the company is involved in. For further information, please visit: www.danfo.com Southend, England
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Doha, Qatar
Örebro, Sweden, Photo: Ulla-Karin Ekblom
Malmö, Sweden, Photo: Björn Lindgren
West Sommerset, England
Hasmark Strand, Denmark, Photo: Michael Finke
Issue 49 | February 2013 | 81
Scan Magazine | Conference of the Month | Norway
Conference of the Month, Norway
Have your conference in the Paris of the North With summer approaching, the city of Tromsø on the northern shores of Norway will soon be coloured by the spectacular light of the midnight sun. Only five minutes from the pulsating centre of the city that has been dubbed the Paris of the North, with a magnificent view of the fjord, you will find Scandic Tromsø Hotel, a suburban conference hotel with a lot to offer.
space of 5,000 square metres. “A few years ago, we hosted a large convention for the Red Cross in that sports hall, with 1,500 people attending.” An eco-friendly alternative
By Magnus Nygren Syversen | Photos: Ole Dyre Hesledalen
Specialising in hosting conferences and conventions, Scandic Tromsø is opening its doors to companies of all sizes, all across Europe. With ten different meeting and conference rooms, ranging from the quaint and cosy meeting rooms Skarven and Fjelljo, catering to groups of ten to twelve people, all the way up to the Arctic Hall, with a capacity for over 600, this is one of the most flexible conference hotels in Northern Norway. “We can more or less adapt to everything and everyone, depending on what companies want,” says general manager Kjell Olav Pettersen. “If a company doesn’t mind spreading their conference out
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across several rooms, we can host over 1,000 people if needed.” Situated on the ground level, the largest conference halls at Scandic Tromsø have easy access and offer great opportunities in hosting and arranging conventions. “Let’s say an auto company wanted to show off a new car to the public. We could just open the doors and drive the car straight into the conference room,” explains Pettersen. Should even the largest hall in the hotel prove to be too small, Scandic Tromsø has an agreement with the neighbouring sports hall, which offers an open indoor
Scandic was one of the first hotel chains to actively think about the environment, and Scandic Tromsø has been working to limit their impact on the surrounding nature for 17 years. The hotel is labelled with the Swan Label, the internationally recognised Nordic eco label, guaranteeing that it meets the criteria for climate impact and CO2 emissions. Immediately surrounding the hotel are large green areas, and just in front of the hotel is an activity park run by adventure company Natur og Utfordring (Nature and Challenge). “With city hotels, there is usually a limited amount of activities you can do. The great thing about our hotel is that you don’t have to travel anywhere to experience new things,” says Pettersen.
Scan Magazine | Conference of the Month | Norway
The activity park focuses on challenging yourself and your team in a vertical environment, with six 18-metre high wooden posts forming the base of a range of team building exercises and activities. In wintertime, the hotel also arranges fun little activities such as ski jumping and foot races wearing snow shoes. Should you wish to stay indoors, you can burn off some energy at a spacious gym with top-notch equipment and a panoramic view of the fjord, or you could relax in the hotel sauna. Everything you need within a stone’s throw The hotel’s location and its surrounding area are undoubtedly something that separate Scandic Tromsø from other conference hotels in Norway. Five minutes from the city centre and three minutes from the local airport, the hotel still manages to retain an atmosphere similar to that of a remote mountain retreat. As it is located west of the city centre, the hotel avoids light pollution from the city when the northern lights light up the winter sky, and in the summertime, you will have the perfect view, as you experience the phenomenon that is the midnight sun. The hotel is close to both the University Hospital of Northern Norway and the University of Tromsø, both international environments that often hold conferences of their own. Last year, there was a new addition to the area when Northern Norway’s largest shopping mall opened its doors to the public just next door to the hotel. Should you wish to explore a bit more of the beautiful Norwegian country and its culture, the area around Tromsø has a little something for everyone. Spend your day fishing in the fjord, go for a hike in the mountainside, take a trip to the city centre and see the world-famous Arctic Cathedral, or play a round of golf at Tromsø Golfpark, the world’s northernmost 18-hole golf course. In the evenings, groups of up to 60 people can visit a traditional lavvu nearby and end the day around a traditional Arctic
dinner table, with food inspired by both Norwegian and Sami culture.
For further information, please visit: www.scandichotels.no/tromso
Issue 49 | February 2013 | 83
Scan Magazine | Conference of the Month | Denmark
Conference of the Month, Denmark
Jutland’s green meeting place Enjoy it, utilise it, eat it: stunningly located at the Silkeborg lakes, nature is everywhere at Vejlsøhus, which has just become Jutland’s first certified organic conference centre. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Vejlsøhus
Few places can, like Vejlsøhus in Silkeborg, boast a location right in the middle of a lush forest with blue lakes and fascinating wildlife. But that is not the only reason the conference centre has, for two years in a row, been nominated Denmark’s best. The intimate atmosphere, delicious food and ambitious green standards are among other factors which have convinced guests that the historic building houses one of Denmark’s most supreme conference facilities.
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Built in 1903, the main building of Vejlsøhus, which was originally used as a sanatorium, was converted into a hotel and conference centre 25 years ago. Today, the pristine white building houses a string of modern meeting facilities, the biggest seating up to 100 people, as well as 49 double rooms and single rooms built or renovated within the last four years. Vejlsøhus conference centre is part of the environmental centre Ferskvandscentret,
which also owns and runs the neighbouring AQUA, northern Europe’s largest freshwater aquarium, and the centre’s beautiful wildlife park. Serenity without isolation The historic buildings, fascinating neighbours and beautiful surroundings at Vejlsøhus all add up to an out-of-theordinary experience. “Of course you will find many other beautifully located conference centres, but often the challenge is
Scan Magazine | Conference of the Month | Denmark
that they are located far outside the cities, whereas we are located no more than a mile from the railway station and 45 minutes from Billund Airport,” explains hotel and conference manager Thomas Simonsen. “Our extraordinary location not only gives our guests something beautiful to look at, but they can also draw advantage from the surroundings by involving them in the event. Of course you don’t come here to just walk around in the forest; you come here to achieve something, but we believe that nature can facilitate that; it can provide that fresh breath of air which is sometimes needed to lift things to another level.” With the conference centre’s pier located just a short walk through the wildlife park, one popular way of exploiting the beautiful surroundings to give guests an extraordinary experience is through tailormade dinner or lunch cruises on the Silkeborg lakes. The tour boats also sail to Himmelbjerget, Denmark’s tallest point, which is one of the region’s most visited attractions. Another popular activity is visiting the conference centre’s neighbouring freshwater aquarium, which includes a spectacular aquarium building submerged into a 600,000-litre lake. All hotel and conference guests have free access to the lake bottom walk, but the underwater aquarium can also be utilised to create a spectacular setting for, for instance, welcome drinks. Take a bite of the green without leaving a mark In September 2012, as the first conference centre in Jutland and the fourth in all of Denmark, Vejlsøhus’s kitchen received an official organic certification for its extensive use of organic produce. The bronze certificate guarantees that 30-60 per cent of ingredients are organic and also symbolises Vejlsøhus’s continued commitment to take care of the precious nature which makes the place so unique, explains Simonsen. “Our guests already know that the beautiful nature surrounding Vejlsøhus has a positive influence on the output of meetings, courses and con-
ferences, and, with that being the case, we naturally want to be the first to look after that nature and take the lead in environmental concerns.” The centre’s dedication to the environment is one of the factors which has gained it a string of loyal regulars, some of whom have been coming back for more than a decade. “We have a good mix of clients from all sorts of companies and organisations, but, of course, we do have a majority of companies which have an active environmental profile; besides, through Ferskvandscentret, we are Denmark’s major conference centre within an aquatic environment – the centre arranges courses for everyone working with aquatic eco-systems from farmers to municipalities,” explains Simonsen. “Of course we do what we do for the nature and the environment, but a lot of modern companies and conference organisers also value sustainability and responsibility, and they require their partner to have the same values. That’s why it is essential to us that we can document that we live up to the demands of environmentally aware companies without compromising our high standards.” For more information, please visit: www.vejlsoehus.dk
Issue 49 | February 2013 | 85
Scan Magazine | Conference of the Month | Sweden
Conference of the Month, Sweden
Challenging Meetings in an inspiring environment Energy equals great company results – that is the motto of c/o Tammsvik Mansion. With exercise combined with inspiring meeting rooms, and the new concept Challenging Meetings, the hotel offers the opportunity to take corporate meetings – and results – to a whole new level. By Elin Berta | Photos: Martin Löf
Business meetings are not what they once were. It is not about going away with your colleagues to party all night anymore. At least not at the hotel c/o Tammsvik Mansion, located in the village of Bro outside Stockholm. “I truly believe that you have to move your body to be able to sit still, focus and come up with great creative ideas,” Robert Grenmark, vice president of c/o Tammsvik Mansion, says. “I also know that guests that have chosen to combine mental and physical challenges while staying at our hotel have gained amazing results during their meetings.” With the help of military experts, he has developed a military obstacle course with no less than 13 challenging obstacles. The course is made so that two teams can challenge each other for the spirit of team building. With the assistance of a personal trainer, you will be able to bring out the best out of your team – whatever your goals are.
the woods, meditate on the jetty or play boules – just to mention a few, and it does not end there. During the autumn of 2012, the entire main building went through a refurbishment. Many of the meeting rooms got their very own individual design, based on storytelling around a vibrant personality with a close connection to the mansion. By combining fun, physical activities and inspiring surroundings, the hotel offers their guests the opportunity to make their meetings – no matter the size or purpose – challenging and creative. And, of course, it is still very much allowed to stay up and party all night with colleagues. It just might make that morning run a little bit harder.
“It is not about pushing yourself to the limit, only eating salad and being super fit,” Grenmark says. “The important thing is to find your own way, finding a challenge that fits you and that you can enjoy.” Aside from the new obstacle course, there are numerous fun activities at the mansion. You can go for a swim in the pool or in the beautiful lake Mälaren right next to the hotel, bring the dog and go for a run in
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Visit www.careofhotels.com/tammsvik to find out more about Tammsvik Mansion’s new concept “Challenging Meetings”, launched in January of 2013.
Scan Magazine | Scan Business | Scandinavian Business Calendar
Scandinavian Business Calendar – Highlights of Scandinavian business events
Nordic Thursday Drinks The Nordic Thursday Drinks is a perfect occasion to network with people from the Norwegian, Danish, Finnish and British business communities in an informal atmosphere. Canapés and welcome drinks are generously sponsored for the "early birds" with their names on the guest list. Venue: MASH, 77 Brewer Street, W1F 9ZN, London Date: 28 February
TAX event with SEB The Norwegian-British Chamber of Commerce and Den Norske Klub, in co-operation with
2
SEB, are delighted to invite you to a UK Tax Event in London. Helena Whitmore of SEB Private Banking will present a UK tax update on matters relevant to the international community in the UK. Find out more at: www.nbccuk.com Venue: SEB, 2 Cannon Street, Scandinavian House, EC4M 6XX, London Date: 5 March Business Meets Politics: Youth Unemployment Following the success of previous seminars in 2010, 2011 and 2012, the 2013 topic will address the subject of Youth Unemployment – “Why don’t they get a job?!” The event will be held at Mansion House and includes a welcome speech by Lord Mayor Roger Gifford. Find out more at: www.scc.org.uk Date: 6 March Nordic Business Forum The Danish, Finnish, Norwegian and Swedish Chambers of Commerce in London organise a joint-Nordic event where three speakers, representing three different companies and fields
Scan Events specialises in the design, planning and management of corporate entertainments, exhibitions, conferences and meetings. Our services include: • • • • • • • • • • •
Creativity and content Locating venue and vendors Budget planning and development Negotiating rates Invitations Entertainment VIP assistance Arranging speakers Design and production of printed material AV and technical support On-line delegate registration
Our approach to successful conference planning is simple: we always put our clients in the front seat.
CONTACT US TODAY! Phone +44 (0)870 933 0423 Email info@scanevents.co.uk or visit www.scanevents.co.uk
Nordic Thursday Drinks
LINK-up Drinks Reception Join the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for relaxed after-work drinks and meet with fellow SCC members. This is an opportunity to meet newly introduced companies within the network. Find out more at: www.scc.org.uk Date: 13 February
of business, will tell you how innovative solutions and an innovative approach to business have brought their businesses success. The aim of the event is to empower and inspire professionals attending this event to take a fresh approach to develop their business. Venue: Google Campus, 1-13 St Giles High Street, London WC2H 8AG Date: 11 March
Scan Magazine | Columns | Humour
IS IT JUST ME...
By Mette Lisby
Who wonders about the changing perception of “us” and “them”? In my childhood “they” were the communists. Corrupt and rigid, sporting thick accents and bad haircuts, even by 70s standards. They triumphed at the Olympics, showing off their enormous stash of gymnasts, rich in abundance with athletic skill, but oddly bereft of facial expressions. After the Cold War a new order emerged. “Us” and “them” referred to the affluent countries in the north and the Third World countries in the south. As far north as Scandinavia, we feared an invasion of poor people who supposedly would stagger all the way from Africa to claim part in our wealth. As it turned out, the number of Africans who made it to Norway, to crave champagne brunch and paid education, was largely manageable. At the beginning of this millennium, “us” and “them” became about religion. “They” were Muslims, bearded and seem-
Valentine’s
During my Swedish upbringing, the idea of celebrating Halloween or Valentine’s Day was something that I’d only come across in foreign films. (Usually gory ones, involving stabbings and masked lunatics.) Now, however, these types of holiday are creeping into Scandinavian calendars. Many people feel resentful about the sudden need to fork out money on the asso-
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ingly lacking a sense of humour. But today, the computer age has paved the way for a new world order – a refreshing take on “us” and “them”. It has never been easier to access information. The accumulated knowledge of mankind is at our fingertips. Literally. There is no excuse for not being smart and informed. Unless you specifically choose not to. At the other end of the spectrum, it has never been easier to wallow in stupidity. Reality TV downright celebrates it. Certain media outlets and TV shows make it absolutely possible to go through life never challenging a single brain cell. We can expose ourselves to an endless web stream of nudity, gossip and trivialities. Meanwhile people in Indonesia and Egypt search the Internet for education and knowledge of a world otherwise out of their reach.
It is no longer geography, religion or politics that separates “us” from “them”. Soon we will distinguish “us” and “them” as “smart” and “stupid”. Those who engage vs. those who choose not to. And for the first time in history it is up to each of us individually to decide what side we belong to.
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”.
By Maria Smedstad
ciated accessories. I understand this. I see their point when they bitterly fish the last bunch of mangy looking roses out of the florist’s bucket and hand over a small fortune, when only two days earlier the same bouquet was half the price. And at the same time I can’t help but love all these new holidays, especially Valentine’s Day. I don’t know why, but as soon as the shop windows take on that sort of pink, shiny hue as they’re being crammed full of special edition champagne bottles and balloons, my eyes mist up with joy. This is regardless of whether I’m actually in a relationship or not. I love the tat. I love the cards – I will send one to myself if I have to. And most of all, I love the excuse to go out and stuff my face with terrible novelty food. I say ‘Yes please!’ to the Valentine’s special where everything has been baked in heartshaped dishes. And ‘Yes please!’ to the fizzy, lukewarm pink wine! It’s Valentine’s and my heart is filled with extravagant
ideas of romance. I AM Love Actually and Lady and the Tramp. My friends – and especially my Swedish friends – think I’m an idiot. But I thank you Britain for bringing new reasons to celebrate into my life. I push a meatball across the plate using only my nose, just for you.
Maria Smedstad moved to the UK from Sweden in 1994. She received a degree in Illustration in 2001, before settling in the capital as a freelance cartoonist, creating the autobiographical cartoon Em. She writes a column on the trials and tribulations of life as a Swede in the UK.
Scan Magazine | Music & Culture | Morten Sørensen
Danish comedian presents new stand-up show If you like comedy, listening to another person’s misery and maybe being involved in the performance yourself, then you certainly do not want to miss out on Danish comedian Morten Sørensen’s new comedy show in Putney, London. By Nicolai Lisberg | Photo: Morten Sørensen
For most people life is about being happy and successful, but for the 27-year-old Morten Sørensen it is the other way around. His stand-up shows are based on his own experiences − often unlucky ones. “My belief is that people want to hear about a guy whose life is so miserable it makes their own life look good. Therefore, it is all about all the bad things that can happen to me. For instance, if I should get a venereal disease again, then at least I know that I can make two or three minutes of comedy out of it,” says Morten Sørensen. The comedian, who got his breakthrough on Danish television programmes such
“I did not have to change that much because I do not believe humour is a question of nationality. Instead, I think it is something that occurs in the place you are doing your show, and it happens together with the crowd. Luckily, people in England are not so afraid of involving themselves in my show as people are in Denmark. Often they are more relaxed and that helps create a more intimate atmosphere, which in the end makes the show so much better and funnier,” explains Morten Sørensen. You can see the show at The Duke's Head in Putney every Wednesday from 7.30 pm.
Morten Sørensen
as Comedy Fight Club and Zulu Comedy Galla, is no stranger to performing in English as he has been at the Comedy Festival in Edinburgh for several years. He has
Scandinavian Music The start of 2013 has coincided with lots of new beginnings and refreshed comebacks on the Scandinavian pop music scene.
now been living in London for a couple of months, and it has not taken him long to adjust his shows to a British audience.
Successful Swedish export Erik Hassle has returned with his best output in quite some time. New single Grace is a big and bold orchestral number that's dominated by a majestic string section. Erik balances this with a dark and melancholic vocal, delivering what he does best – moody but beautiful balladry. This is epic. Mimi Oh has taken the fresh start of a new year quite literally, launching a brand new sound for herself with the appropriately titled new single Börjar Om. Sound-wise, it fits in somewhere between two of the biggest hits across Scandinavia last year: Icona Pop's I Love It and Alina Devecerski's Flytta På Dig. Rousing, chanty and, above all, very catchy. Frida Sundemo is the latest in a (very) long line of slight indie girls from Scandinavia, producing phenomenal electro pop. Her latest sin-
For more information, please visit: www.mortencomedy.com
By Karl Batterbee gle is Snow, which pairs a Robyn-esque production with a cinematic chorus melody. It's that melody that is the true star here though; it’s oddly warming despite the lyrical subject matter. Danish male duo Stoffer & Maskinen have just put out Byens Tage - a track that's got a hint of the ABBA greats to it. It's only a slight instrumental riff that's reminiscent of the Swedish legends, but one which is repeated throughout the chorus multiple times, giving off a definite retro ABBA feel. And that's never a bad thing to these ears.
www.scandipop.co.uk scandipop@googlemail.com
Issue 49 | February 2013 | 89
Scan Magazine | Music & Culture | Culture Calendar
Scandinavian Culture Calendar – Where to go, what to see? It’s all happening here!
Eero Järnefelt in Helsinki (Until 28 April)
Wondercool Copenhagen (Feb) Throughout February Wondercool invites you to a festival of music, art, food, design, architecture and fashion. For more info visit: www.wondercoolcopenhagen.com
was born in 1862, was inspired by the new spirituality of the late 1800s and was a frontrunner of non-objective art. Tue & Fri 10am-8pm,Wed-Sun 10am-6pm. Moderna Museet, Skeppsholmen, Stockholm. www.modernamuseet.se
The 69 Eyes on tour (Feb/March)
The 69 Eyes. Photo: Pauli Rouvinen
John Korner: Fallen Fruit from Frisland (Until 2 March) Fallen Fruit from Frisland comprises a series of new paintings by Danish artist John Korner presented as part of an installation that features a carpeted floor, rising wave-like against one wall, and a simple wooden boat made by Korner's great-grandfather. The ancestral vessel functions as a poetic anchor point for paintings that prompt us to consider our relationship to the ever-shifting rhythms, flows and tides of the natural world. TueSat 10am-6pm. Victoria Miro, London, N1. www.victoria-miro.com
By Sara Schedin
Ja Ja Ja – A Nordic Affair (28 Feb) The Nordic club night Ja Ja Ja presents Finnish electro-folk-pop duo Burning Hearts, Norwegian lo-fi rocker Carmen Villain and Icelandic singer-songwriter Lay Low. The Lexington, London, N1. www.jajajamusic.com
Finnish gothic rock band the 69 Eyes is touring Europe with their 10th studio album ‘X’. For more information on dates and venues visit: www.69eyes.com
The year 2013 marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of the Finnish realist painter Eero Järnefelt, known as one of the most important figures of the golden age of Finnish art. As well as being a master of portraiture, Järnefelt captured the majestic landscape of Koli, his lakeside atelier home by Tuusulanjärvi and the surrounding nature. Tue & Fri 10am–6pm, Wed & Thu 10am–8pm, Sat & Sun 11am– 5pm. Ateneum, Kaivokatu 2, Helsinki. www.ateneum.fi
90 | Issue 49 | February 2013
Hilma af Klint, Svanen
Hilma af Klint in Stockholm (16 Feb–26 May) This exhibition features many works by Swedish artist Hilma af Klint that have never been shown before. Af Klint, who
Burning Hearts
Eero Järnefelt, Kelo, VTM, KKA, Jenni Nurminen
Fredrik Andersson (15 & 16 Feb) Dapper and clean-cut Swedish comedian Fredrik Andersson will charm you with his quirky humour and sharp observations. The Comedy Café, London, EC2A. www.comedycafetheatre.co.uk
Linnea Olsson UK tour (March) Swedish fantasy-pop cellist Linnea Olsson will perform tracks from her debut album ‘Ah!’ on her upcoming tour. For more information visit: www.linneaolsson.net Esa-Pekka Salonen conducts the Philharmonia Orchestra (7 March) As part of the 100th anniversary of the Polish composer Witold Lutoslawski’s birth, Esa-Pekka Salonen conducts the Concerto for Orchestra, and Cello Concerto, alongside Debussy's La Mer. Royal Festival Hall, London, SE1. www.southbankcentre.co.uk
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