Scan Magazine | Issue 71 | December 2014 by Scan Client Publishing

EDDA MAGNASON – A SWEDISH SHOOTING STAR CHRISTMAS IN DENMARK FROM SWEDEN WITH LOVE PETER JÖBACK – BRAVE, BOLD AND PASSIONATE

PROMOTING BRAND SCANDINAVIA

ISSUE 71 DECEMBER 2014

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:10 Page 1

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:10 Page 2

Enabling real

achievement Mannaz is an international frontrunner in customised executive and project leadership development. Adopting innovative and efficient learning methods, we empower people development and business success. With offices in Copenhagen, London and Hong Kong and an international network of over 375 associated facilitators we have global reach.

You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter M Knowledge and learn more at www.mannaz.com/intl

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:10 Page 3

Scan Magazine | Contents

Contents COVER FEATURE 8

8 18

Edda Magnason – a Swedish shooting star Edda Magnason has a rare gift that spans both singing and acting, talents that had Scan Magazine baffled as we sat down with the blonde star in Stockholm’s SoFo. Her silver screen portrayal of Swedish jazz icon Monica Zetterlund proved her talent if anything, solidly manifested with the release of her third album. More than Monica, she’s Edda – a Swedish shooting star.

SPECIAL THEMES 22

From Sweden with Love From Sachajuan’s bounce-inducing hair products to OBH Nordica’s high-quality kitchen appliances – Swedish brands are nothing if not innovative and desirable, making them perfect helpers to Father Christmas himself. No need to worry about what to wrap and put under the tree: we’ve got it covered!

Education in Denmark Few things in life are as valuable as an education, and even more so when your experience of school is filled to the brim with enduring friendships and lessons learnt outside the purely academic world. Let our Danish education theme inspire you to learn more and reach further.

Winter experiences in Northern Norway We’ve lost track of all of the travelling experts who have named Northern Norway the place to visit (Lonely Planet is only one!), but we know exactly why this pearl of a region has kept its allure all these years. Unspoilt and absolutely enchanting, from the deepest snow to the Northern Lights, this place was made for extraordinary winter experiences.

Keynote by Paul Blackhurst and business calendar “What are your goals for 2015? You really should have some,” writes Paul Blackhurst in this endof-the-year keynote. Setting goals is a way of convincing yourself that your dreams will come true, and eventually help them become true – something we all should invest time in. Perhaps the business calendar for December can inspire a first goal…?

Peter Jöback, Kon-Tiki and a Duracell bunny Rounding up 2014’s culture sections are some of Scandinavia’s most noted stars, accompanied by talents you should definitely keep an eye on in 2015. Read about Peter Jöback’s greatest gift, why Tini Flaat calls herself a ‘Duracell bunny’, and Pål Sverre Hagen’s rise to fame as Thor Heyerdahl in acclaimed biopic Kon-Tiki.

DESIGN 16

Entrepreneurial fashion from Duck Denmark For true fashion inspiration, read about Benjamin Phillip from Aalborg, Denmark, who set up his own clothing brand Duck Denmark at the age of 16 – a venture that has proved more than fruitful over the years.

SPECIAL FEATURES 20

Christmas in Denmark Thin layers of snow, a cosy atmosphere and a multitude of museums and eateries - need we say more? Christmas in Denmark is an experience to remember, and we give you some tips on how to enjoy it the best.

Best of Norway Norway is climbing on the design ladder, and we definitely understand why. With a rich heritage of clean and bright features in both clothing and furniture design, this mini themes looks into some of the best brands Norway has to offer.

Help make a difference this Christmas Six years ago Anja Ringgren Lovén watched a documentary that would change her life, and eventually other lives, for good. Harbouring a strong passion and fascination for the African continent, she packed her bags and flew to Nigeria, to create a home for the shunned children accused of witchcraft in Akwa Ibom. Read her powerful story and find out how you can help.

Made in Finland From homemade food to brilliant jewellery design - Finland is a true treasure trove when it comes to stacking up those presents under the tree. In fact, why not start the holiday season with a slice of the Malax Loaf while wrapping up a PIECE OF travel keepsake?

BUSINESS

CULTURE

REGULARS & COLUMNS 12 80

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 3

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:10 Page 4

Scan Magazine | Editor’s Note

Dear Reader, It’s beginning to look a lot like… Wait – really? Working with magazines, one is always a few months ahead of the rest, shrewdly thinking about late winter’s fashion weeks in October, and preparing for Easter before sending up those fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Thus, I’ve only now realised that Christmas is upon us – quite nice in fact, since I do love curling up in front of the fireplace with some Swedish ‘glögg’ and Norwegian ‘julekake’, watching snow fall, while getting suitably excited about the Christmas programmes on TV. An aspect of Christmas I have not mastered is the art of gift-giving. I’m always late buying mine; besides, I find it increasingly difficult matching presents with people. If you feel the same, this issue’s ‘From Sweden with Love’ theme is a yuletide saviour. Lining up the crème de la crème of Swedish brands offering everything from homeware to leather accessories, makes it easy to get on with that Christmas list. And, when addressing ultimate presents, let’s not forget the value of shared experiences. Our ‘Winter experiences in Northern Norway’ and ‘Christmas in Denmark’ themes should give you inspiration when planning your next getaway to Scandinavia – and what could be a better gift for your loved ones than, say, a trip to the famed Northern Lights? This month’s culture features naturally divert attention from gifts to the gifted. Our cover star, Swedish-Icelandic Edda Magnason, per-

sonifies wide-ranging talent, with an acclaimed biopic portrayal of jazz icon Monica Zetterlund on her CV along with three albums. Equally accustomed to excellent reviews is Peter Jöback, the most recent winner of the British-Swedish Chamber of Commerce Award, who opens up about his newfound sense of peace on page 88. We also catch up with three young, female Scandinavian songstresses you will surely hear more from in coming years, and we had a chat with Pål Sverre Hagen, leading male actor in box office hit Kon-Tiki, about the challenges of playing Norwegian national hero Thor Heyerdahl. Add to this the second part of our popular Danish education special, as well as an inspiring ‘Made in Finland’ theme, and you’re all set for your Nordic fix. It’s been a great year for us, and we hope you’ve had a brilliant one too. We look forward to 2015 with joy and ambition – it’s going to be nothing short of fantastic! Now, perhaps I should start on that Christmas list…

Julie Lindén Editor

Scan Magazine

Copy-editor

Faya Nilsson

Issue 71 | December 2014

Mark Rogers

Andrea Bærland

Published 02.14.2014

Contributors

ISSN 1757-9589

Signe Hansen Stine Wannebo

Published by Scan Magazine Ltd

Ann Bille Simonsen Thomas Bech Hansen

Bella Qvist

Liquid Graphic Ltd

Ellinor Thunberg Louise Older Steffensen

Executive Editor

Malin Norman

Thomas Winther

Maya Acharya

Creative Director Mads E. Petersen

Joanna Nylund Tuomo Paananen

Paul Blackhurst Mette Lisby Maria Smedstad Emelie Krugly Hill James Ryan Sara Schedin Astrid Eriksson Sales & Key Account Managers Emma Fabritius Nørregaard Mette Tonnessen Johan Enelycke

Mia Halonen

Advertising

Nicolai Lisberg

marketing@scanmagazine.co.uk

Julie Lindén

Josefine Older Steffensen

Svetlana Slizova Joseph J. Ewin Jack W. Gooch

4 | Issue 71 | December 2014

Marjorie Mendieta

To receive our newsletter www.scanmagazine.co.uk/newsletter

Helen Cullen Tina Nielsen

To Subscribe

Kathleen Newlove

www.scanmagazine.co.uk/subscribe

Karin Zilliacus

M A G A Z I N E

Scan Magazine Ltd 15B Bell Yard Mews Bermondsey Street London SE1 3TY United Kingdom Phone +44 (0)870 933 0423 info@scanmagazine.co.uk www.scanmagazine.co.uk

Karl Batterbee

Editor

Graphic Designers

SCAN © All rights reserved. Material contained in this publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior permission of Scan Magazine Ltd. Scan Magazine® is a registered trademark of Scan Magazine Ltd. This magazine contains advertorials/promotional articles

Page 1 2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:10 Page 5

Discover real Private Banking At SEB Private Banking, we acknowledge that everyone has a unique set of challenges. It’s why we do not offer ready-made solutions, concentrating instead on developing meaningful, long-lasting financial relationships and making the effort to really understand you and your requirements. Our international network of private banking offices will look after all aspects of your family business finances, from daily transactions to long term investments. Its services cover everything from tailored financial management, through to helping you to optimise the legal and tax structures within which your assets are held. As one of the world’s strongest banks and with more than 150 years of experience in private banking, we have just what it takes to ensure your future prosperity. To find out what SEB can do for your personal wealth, contact us in London: Christian A. Hvamstad +44 (0) 20 7246 4307 privatebanking@seb.co.uk

Sweden • Norway • Denmark • Finland • Luxembourg • Switzerland • United Kingdom • Singapore • Estonia • Latvia • Lithuania

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:10 Page 6

Scan Magazine | Contributors

This month’s featured contributors Faya Nilsson is a London-based Swedish Personal Trainer, and the author of FitnessOnToast.com, one of the UK's leading fitness blogs. Her editorial-style articles are complemented by striking professional photography, and feature an eclectic mix of exercise ideas, healthy recipes and fitness fashion finds, as well as inspiring “active travel”. Originally designed for clients, the blog has since grown into a mini fitness community of its own, where Faya remains an impartial voice in a difficult-to-navigate industry highlighting some of the newest, most interesting trends that fitness has to offer. Read Faya’s article on the importance of stretching on p87.

Paul Blackhurst is a Client Director for Mannaz A/S – a Danish Leadership Development Consultancy with clients around the world. Paul is based in Bristol, UK, works out of Mannaz Ltd.’s London office and spends a lot of time travelling in order to consult with his clients, to facilitate workshops and to do individual and team coaching. He has worked in nearly 50 countries and is researching the impact of national cultures on the concept of leadership. He loves to travel, even if his experience of a new country is often limited to the airport, the taxi and the hotel.

Karin Zilliacus is a Swedish-speaking Finn from Helsinki. She has spent most of her life living abroad and has in a sense been representing brand Scandinavia internationally even before becoming a contributor to Scan Magazine. Karin recently graduated with an MA in Human Rights. She worked for the Finnish foreign ministry in Brussels for several years and has previous work experience from the United Nations and the European Parliament. Having recently returned to Helsinki she is now looking forward to sharing many interesting stories from the north to present – and hopefully also future – lovers of Scandinavia.

Tina Nielsen is a Danish journalist who has been based in London for the last 17 years. She came to London in 1997, after a few years in Madrid, to study journalism and sociology at City University. During the last 11 years she has written for a wide range of UK publications, mainly in the business sector but with regular ventures into lifestyle writing. When not working she can be found in one of London's many brilliant arthouse cinemas or exploring new restaurants in the city. Or she may be out of the country – travel is another great interest.

6 | Issue 71 | December 2014

Inspired – Dedicated – Reliable

a DNV GL company

Third-party testing of BOP software A modern Blow-Out Preventer (BOP) relies on a sophisticated redundant computer system to achieve desired performance and safety. The scope of BOP-HIL testing from Marine Cybernetics is to verify correct functionality according to rules and regulations, user requirements, and to detect hidden software errors and design flaws in the BOP system software. Marine Cybernetics secures your needs and ensures your future! For more information on our annual seminars, see www.marinecyb.com

safe software – safe operations

SC ANPARTNER REKL AMEBYR Å

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:10 Page 7

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:10 Page 8

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Edda Magnason

8 | Issue 71 | December 2014

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:10 Page 9

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Edda Magnason

Edda Magnason – a Swedish shooting star Swedish-Icelandic Edda Magnason has been designated a Shooting Star at the 2014 Berlin Film Festival, signed a contract with a Hollywood agent and scored several awards for the biopic Waltz for Monica (Monica Z in Swedish). She has, however, very little time to read film scripts right now. The talented singer-songwriter’s third album, Woman Travels Alone, has just been released by Warner Records. Scan Magazine talks to Edda Magnason about sincerity, playfulness and the hard work she puts into her music. By Sofia Nyblom | Press photos

She has that natural charisma which most superstars are graced with: Edda Magnason, the singer-songwriter-comemovie star who conquered Swedish movie audiences last year with her interpretation of legendary jazz singer Monica Zetterlund. The film has been distributed on several markets abroad, including France, Finland and Japan. When I meet her in a friendly café in Stockholm’s SoFo she strikes me as beautiful, yet unassuming. And her thoughts are all about the record release ahead of her – as though stardom didn’t matter. ”We just completed work on the last song the day before yesterday,” she says and seems almost out of breath with excitement. It has been an intense couple of months of writing, rewriting, collaborating with a new producer, Johan Ljungström, and finally letting go. ”I become completely antisocial when I work on an album. I forget to eat, to sleep… I lose the sense of time. It’s so much fun – I just can’t stop!” Becoming Monica As a child in rural Fyledalen in southern Sweden, Magnason would compose songs

on the piano and dreamed of being a concert pianist. She broke off her composition studies at the Gotland Composition School in 2004 in order to learn by doing, and has developed a strong, personal voice: jazz/pop music with classical elements, and whimsical lyrics. Woman Travels Alone follows her début album Edda Magnason (2010, Caprice) and Goods (2011, Adrian Recordings). I’ve rarely met an artist who matches Magnason’s gushing enthusiasm. And her dedication evidently made an impression on Per Fly, the director of Waltz for Monica, the movie that changed her life. She started working on the album right after leaving the set almost two years ago, and her sudden fame has given her own career a significant boost. Without the success, she acknowledges humbly, she wouldn’t have had access to the resources – the top-level professionals – which she has now. The same goes for the audience. Waltz for Monica became the most viewed Swedish film in 2013, also scoring a Guldbagge (the Swedish equivalent of the Oscar statuette) for best actress.

Why did it take so long to finish the album? Well, the media hype got in the way: a media hype nearly unprecedented for someone of her youth. This included being chosen as a Shooting Star at the Berlin Film Festival, which resulted in a contract with a Hollywood agency. Suffice it to say, there was very little time left to just be Edda Magnason, the singer-songwriter, during this time. Even more so while shooting the film. ”I had no relationship to Monica Zetterlund’s music before the film,” Magnason says. Strangely enough, her mother gave her a CD of Zetterlund shortly before she was offered the role, accompanied by the words “I think you should listen to this”. And so she did, soon spending all her time trying to imitate the legendary star. For those unfamiliar with Monica Zetterlund, this blonde, svelte jazz singer is associated with the Swedish artistic blossoming of the 1960s and 1970s. Zetterlund performed with American and European jazz greats such as Thad Jones and the Bill Evans Trio, as well as acting in cabarets and films with comedian team HasseåTage, controversial director Vilgot Sjöman and others. A string of love affairs and the difficulties of being a single mother weighed her down, and an intense career came to a halt when the singer became addicted to alcohol. The last days of her career Zetterlund performed sitting in a wheel chair, until in 2005 she succumbed to the flames of a fire in her apartment caused by a cigarette.

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 9

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:10 Page 10

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Edda Magnason

somewhere in the borderland between pop, jazz and contemporary art music – all of this combined points in the direction of Björk. And Björk, like Magnason, also took on film roles (Dancer in the Dark by Lars von Trier). Plus another factor: Edda Magnason has Icelandic heritage. “I have never taken part in the Icelandic cultural scene until now, when I went there with Sverrir [Sverrir Gudnason, the male lead actor of Monica Z, who also has Icelandic heritage].” This visit brought her into contact with the swirling creativity of the tiny, yet cosmopolitan, hub that is Reykjavik. “Usually when I go to Iceland, I go to see my grandmother in the countryside,” she says.

”I had no relationship to Monica Zetterlund’s music before the film,” Magnason says. Strangely enough, her mother gave her a CD of Zetterlund shortly before she was offered the role as the iconic singer. Photo: Phobe Vickers © 2013 Stella Nova Film

The svelte and suave The strange thing about Magnason’s interpretation of Monica Zetterlund is her ability to assimilate everything about her: Zetterlund’s cool, detached beauty, her laidback style of singing and her crazy sense of humour. She is Monica Zetterlund, yet manages to maintain a strong sense of integrity all the way through. And artistically, she maintains, studying Monica and her music has not affected her own music one single bit. Sure, she has learned to master the art of performing and taking centre stage where earlier she would hide behind the keyboard. Also, she has profited artistically from singing with a larger band, and integrated that experience into a couple of songs on the new album. But most of all, she contemplates, the work of a musician is so much toil. Lugging equipment around, arranging, rearranging, putting together a band, getting the gigs – and the craftsmanship of composing. Compare this to the shooting of A Waltz for Monica. There, on the set, all she needed to do was to wait for the director, makeup and costume staff. Everything taken care of – no sweat.

10 | Issue 71 | December 2014

She makes it sound almost too easy. Considering the toil and hard work that the music business demands – isn’t she tempted to go on acting? “I’d love to play a really bitchy character!” she lights up. We both laugh. Svelte and suave as Monica Z is, playing her slightly subdued, complex character must have taken a lot of effort from the easy-going Magnason. So what about the Hollywood agent? “I get tons of scripts to read. But I haven’t had time! I would have had to sacrifice working on the album…. and I’ve been so focused on it, until now.” Icelandic poeticism When she is compared to other singersongwriters, the name that most often comes up is the Icelandic Björk. “Very flattering,” says Magnason. And actually, not too surprising. Björk is one of her role models, alongside the inspiration from Frank Zappa, Robyn, the Beatles, Miles Davis, Esbjörn Svensson Trio and others who were part of her childhood. Magnason’s style of singing – raw, not aiming to please, with crazy, poetic texts as well as the symphonic/electronic soundscape

Another similarity with Björk is Magnason’s penchant for writing her lyrics in English. “Swedish is difficult, I don’t feel that I can express myself as honestly as when I write in English,” she muses. Even so, she loved singing and speaking “high Swedish” in Waltz for Monica with its clear, open vowels as opposed to the more throaty dialect, “skånska”, which she normally uses when speaking. Will she ever come back to Zetterlund? No – she has definitely closed the door, at least for now. The soundtrack is out, there will be no Monica Zetterlund tours. “I would rather try to imitate Yoko Ono! Whenever I feel uptight about my work, then I listen to Yoko’s Don’t worry. After that, I can shed my perfectionism,” she smiles. “I can be an extreme perfectionist,” Magnason says, “but I also have the ability to just let go. To be satisfied.” Most important to her, artistically anyway, is a quality of sincerity – a lack of fear. Had she pictured this turn of events: film roles, awards, doors opening, so early in her career? “Never! Of course I have always had this drive…” she says calmly. Edda Magnasson looks happy at the thought of the possibilities ahead, and skips off to wrap up work on her album.

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:10 Page 11

Live in a Work of Art! Introducing P책l Ross, award-winning architect from Scandinavia, whose designs are renowned as much for their curves as for their sustainability. With a deep understanding of function and form, and a process rooted in European tradition, P책l's cool, sophisticated design has entranced countless families and admirers for years. Visit our website, www.ross.se for more inspiration. Contact: + 46 8 84 84 82 / info@ info@ross.se Like us on Facebook: Ross arkitektur & design ab

Awarded Sweden's most beautiful villa of 2009. Awarded best newbuilding in J채mtland in 2010. Gold winner at European Property Award 2013.

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:10 Page 12

Scan Magazine | Design | We Love This

We love this... We love December and all that comes with it – from finding the perfect presents to making wish lists and decorating our homes. Scandinavian Christmas is all about creating a warm, festive atmosphere, yet keeping it uncomplicated and light. By Julie S. Guldbrandsen | Press photos

Decorating with these zinc house lanterns by Walther & Co perfectly resonates with the nostalgic and authentic Scandinavian aesthetic. From £17.95. www.scandinavianshop.co.uk

A beautiful and timeless base for the Christmas tree by Skagerak. This is a design piece you will cherish for many years. £169. www.royaldesign.co.uk

12 | Issue 71 | December 2014

Spread the festive cheer with this warmly spiced candle by Skandinavisk and let notes of cinnamon, cloves and timber wood fill your home. Burns for 45 hours. £25. www.husandhem.co.uk

Decorate your tree, or a few branches, with these lovely brass ornaments by Ferm Living. £9.50. www.fermliving.com

“Let it snow” – stylish little to/from cards made by Kristina Dam Studio. Pack of four: £2.50. www.nordicelements.com

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:10 Page 13

EVERY SOUL HAS A HOME

A Japanese hotel and spa in the Stockholm archipelago. Begin your journey home on yasuragi.se

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:10 Page 14

Scan Magazine | Design | Fashion Diary

Fashion Diary... The most festive of seasons is approaching, and there is no better way of feeling fabulous than investing in quality garments that will make you stand out from the crowd. From lace to sequins, our favourite Scandinavian designers have got the holiday season covered! By Julie Lindén | Press photos

Leather top, STAND Black Nude. This Swedish marque is the go-to fashion brand for contemporary leather pieces graced with feminine silhouettes. Wear with a glitter pencil skirt for New Years Eve, and pair with black jeans your first day back at the office. Approx £216. www.standblacknude.com

Pencil skirt, By Malene Birger. Don’t keep the sparkles to your home décor – bring some glitter into your festive outfits. We adore this statement skirt – it’s an item that will surely get you noticed! £295. shop.bymalenebirger.com

Dress, Ida Sjöstedt. Greet the Christmas festivities in a smashing lace dress – revealing a heart in the back if worn alone, or less skin if paired with a tailored blazer. We heart Ida Sjöstedt. We really do. Approx £199. shop.idasjostedt.com

14 | Issue 71 | December 2014

Lipstick, & Other Stories. The tip to top off the look? Deep red lips, fully embracing the colour of Christmas. This shade is called ‘Montagnac Berry’. £12. www.stories.com

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:10 Page 15

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:10 Page 16

CAP HORN Organic & nordic cuisine Nyhavn 21, Copenhagen +45 33 12 85 04 reservation@caphorn.dk www.caphorn.dk

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:10 Page 17

Scan Magazine | Design | Duck Denmark

“I’m very fortunate to have a great team to help me,” Phillip (right) explains. ”I continue to learn a lot from them. I’m lucky to be where I’m at today.”

Young and dynamic – in both style and business Benjamin Phillip from Aalborg, Denmark, has always had an interest in fashion and a head for business. “I produced 50 t-shirts to start off with, and when they were sold I made 100 more from the profits, and it just took off from there,” he explains. He set up his own clothing brand, Duck Denmark, at the age of 16, and today, four years later, he runs a successful online clothing store as well as a shop selling his own range of high-quality streetwear-style clothing.

cus point is to make the production process as ethical as possible. Duck Denmark already uses environmentally friendly materials, and the next step is to ensure excellent working conditions throughout the production process. “I love a challenge,” Phillip adds, explaining: “I find that if you take small steps everything usually works itself out. I’m still a young guy with a lot of time and a lot of plans.”

By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Benjamin Lee Rønning Lassen, Duck Denmark

As a dynamic entrepreneurial teen, Phillip bought cool, used clothes from the older students and sold them to the younger years at school. He spent spare evenings designing his own fresh urban clothing line, and with a lot of hard work and support from good friends, Phillip saw Duck Denmark grow into a contemporary, ethically conscious online brand that has quickly gained popularity throughout Denmark and beyond.

something that didn’t exist yesterday – that’s a really cool feeling.” The first Duck Denmark-specific store opened in Aalborg last year, adding an interesting new dynamic to the business. “It’s great fun and very fulfilling for me to go into the store and speak to people who are fans of my designs,” Phillip enthuses, “it’s a much more personal approach to business. Those meetings often inspire me when designing my new collections.”

“I love the whole creative process, from designing an item to holding the finished product in my hands,” says Phillip. “I can go to work today and come home with

While the primary focus is naturally on developing the physical shop at the moment, Phillip isn’t planning on resting on his laurels any time soon. One future fo-

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

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 17

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:10 Page 18

Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature | Brasserie Belli

Together with her husband, chef Ronald Dijkstra, Trine Belli, the granddaughter of the Belli circus family, runs and owns Brasserie Belli.

It’s not magic – but it’s really good There are no dancing ponies, magic tricks or big show manoeuvres at Brasserie Belli, the new abode of the old circus family, Belli. Instead guests are treated to a warm welcome and plenty of well-prepared, good-quality French food in the heart of Aarhus. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Brasserie Belli

Founded in 1994 by the Belli family, who used to own and run the Belli circus, Brasserie Belli pays a fitting tribute to the colourful heritage of its name. While the furnishing is warm and classic, old circus posters and photos adorn the walls. However, the brasserie does not have any tricks up its sleeve – on the contrary it has become known and loved for its steady focus on quality and taste. Chef Ronald Dijkstra, who owns and runs the restaurant with his wife, Trine Belli, explains: “We run a classic French brasserie with traditional food from the French countryside. It’s always well-tasting, but it’s not super fancy; it’s the substance we care

18 | Issue 71 | December 2014

about and not the presentation, and we don’t want to serve something that takes the waiter longer to explain than it takes for our guests to eat!” On the menu guests will find mouth-watering classics such as steamed Limfjord mussels with white wine, duck confit, and crème brulée, all at prices that, as Dijkstra says, aims to exclude no one (90DKK for starters and desserts, 200DKK for main courses and 200DKK for a set threecourse menu). While Dijkstra works in the kitchen, his wife, a trained waitress, is in the restaurant,

and the couple’s three children are also contributing to the family business in their own way. “They are a part of the business in the way that they all cultivate a piece of land in our garden, and we buy their herbs and vegetables for the restaurant – it’s a good way for them to make a bit of pocket money,” laughs Dijkstra. His wife’s mother also contributes to the restaurant with apples from her own garden.

Brasserie Belli is open: Monday to Saturday 11am – 11pm Brasserie Belli is located a five-minute walk from Musikhuset Aarhus Address: Brasserie Belli, Frederiksgade 54, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark

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

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:10 Page 19

Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature | Liquorice

Curious about that porridge with a twist? Make it yourself! Porridge with liquorice (2 portions) 2 dl porridge oats 4 dl milk 1 pinch of salt ½ - 1 dl dried cranberries ½ - 1 dl coarsely chopped almonds Raw Liquorice Powder Cinnamon powder Mix the oats, milk and salt, bring to a boil and remove from heat when the porridge has the desired consistency. Next, stir the cranberries and almonds into the porridge and serve, topped with liquorice powder and cinnamon.

“Restaurateurs often need to try the liquorice themselves and learn that it is a spice, and not candy. We've started seeing more and more high-end restaurants introducing the flavour to their menus,” says Per Husted Sylvest, sales manager at Johan Bülow.

The sweet and salty kind Love it or loathe it, liquorice is the Marmite of Scandinavia. But liquorice expert Johan Bülow, of Bornholm, Denmark, wants to make it far less controversial and bring the root's unique flavour to cooking and baking. Anyone up for grilled liquorice chicken or breakfast porridge with a twist?

Johans Bülow’s vision is to spread his love for the product around the globe, and not only the sweet or salty kind but the whole spectrum of flavours that can be achieved using liquorice as a spice.

By Linnea Woolfson | Photos: Johan Bülow

Johan Bülow started Lakrids by Johan Bülow in 2007 and has spent years experimenting with different ways of cooking the crude and fibrous liquorice root to extract its powerful flavour. His first range of products included sweet liquorice, ginger-flavoured liquorice and liquorice with chilli. He has since extended the range considerably, recently developing a food range that works just as well for cooking as baking and cocktail-making. “Liquorice as a spice actually flourishes in many foods and drinks already,” says Peter Husted Sylvest, sales director at Johan Bülow. “Restaurateurs often need to try it themselves and learn that it is a spice, and not candy. We've started seeing more

and more high-end restaurants introducing the flavour to their menus.” There have been some disasters along the way however, Sylvest admits. “In our experimental kitchen,” he says, “we made liquorice covered in white chocolate and Norwegian brown cheese, but only our Norwegian colleagues liked it. However, cheese like Gorgonzola and salty liquorice syrup is a superb combination, so you can’t say liquorice and cheese don’t work together. We are still testing all kinds of variations and have yet to find something that doesn’t work at all.”

To those still in doubt, Sylvest has this to say: “Most people have never tried anything else than ‘cheap’ liquorice and have an idea they do not like it. When we offer ours, made from different types of ingredients, most convert. Our bestselling chocolate-covered liquorices are liked almost everywhere.”

Though the spice is mainly consumed in Northern Europe, it is used worldwide.

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 19

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:11 Page 20

Scan Magazine | Feature | Din Nødhjælp

With the kind of long-term support that Anja and her seven employees at the orphanage are able to provide, the children prosper.

A safe haven

– your chance to save lives

Ever since she was a little girl, Anja Ringgren Lovén had been fascinated by Africa. In the early days this would show at the dinnertable, as the young Dane wanted her mother to send her leftover food to the children of the far-away continent, rather than throw it away. Years went by, but Anja could never let go of her fascination – the somewhat inexplicable draw that Africa had on her. In 2008 she switched on CNN. What she saw would change the course of her life forever. By Julie Lindén | Photos: Anja Ringgren Lovén

“I was shocked and stunned at what I saw,” Anja says about the documentary that was to give her a whole new perspective on the people of a continent she had always longed to help. “The pro-

gramme was about the witch children of Africa. I had always had this image of Africa as poor, with young children starving, and the image portrayed in the documentary was so much worse. Children being tortured and killed – I didn’t even know what to think anymore.” Africa’s “witch children” The TV programme described the common belief in witchcraft that exists in some African countries and territories, amongst them Nigeria, and how many children are branded “witches” by their families before they are shunned from their village. Many local churches sup-

20 | Issue 71 | December 2014

port these traditional beliefs, which are closely linked to those of black magic. While the reasons for accusing children of witchcraft sound alien to western societies, they are numerous and real in some poorer, rural villages, where scapegoats are often sought out to take blame for hardship. This could be an inexplicable death in the family, or a failed crop, and a child is an easy target for parents’ or relatives’ anger. He or she is blamed for causing devastation by practising witchcraft, and is tortured until confessing to the allegation, or in a worst case scenario, killed. “I could never let those images of the witch children go. I knew that I wanted to help them ever since I saw that documentary. Several people asked me to go somewhere safer, where I would not be at a high risk of being killed myself, but I wanted to go to the same place. So I went.” After stints as an aid worker in Malawi and Tanzania, Anja headed to the state of Akwa Ibom,

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:11 Page 21

Scan Magazine | Feature | Din Nødhjælp

Nigeria. She had set up an aid organisation, Dinnoedhjaelp.dk (Your Aid in English), before going, and settled into local life with the help of the rescue workers she first heard of in the documentary. “There were so many feelings in the beginning. As I was went on my first rescue missions to help tortured children I kept wondering ‘can I do this?’ I ate the same amount and kind of food as the children, and hardly ever slept – my body was aching most of the time. Yet, the children lifted me up. I had no desire to be anywhere else than with them – I fell in love with them,” she says affectionately.

“I rescued one of my children after he had been hit with an axe in his head, which almost killed him. He had been accused of witchcraft by his villagers. I will never forget when he told me ‘I don’t see any point in continuing my life’. The loneliness the children feel is the worst bit for me, because they don’t think that anyone will ever love them.”

Anja is able to help many children, but far from enough. There are children dying every day from the torture that comes with being declared a ‘witch child’. Therefore, Anja is reliant on donations to keep helping the children of Akwa Ibom. “Our phones always ring, but we don’t have the capacity to help all the children we need to help. This can result in death. All the money we receive goes straight to the children.”

Creating a safe haven Realising the first thing the children needed after receiving medical care was unconditional love and education, Anja set up her own orphanage for the children she rescued. Today the orphanage cares for 31 children, all of whom are given guidance, love, food and care from educated professionals at the centre – as well as education in nearby schools. Anja calls them all children of her own.

love with education. He loves school. I told him that if he became number one at his next exam, I would buy him a bike. The sound of his voice when he told me he had reached top of his class was the happiest sound I’ve ever heard,” Anja says.

“My future is with these children” With the kind of long-term support that Anja and her seven employees at the orphanage are able to provide, the children prosper. “One of the boys who was rescued from a certain death has fallen in

“I have found my mission. My future is with these children.” For for more information, and to find out how you can help, please visit: www.dinnoedhjaelp.dk

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 21

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:11 Page 22

E: OVE M L HE ITH T L

IA EN W C E D SP SWE

OM FR

Sweden: the promotion of a global and innovative business partner Business Sweden's stated and important mission is to facilitate and promote the growth of Swedish companies abroad, and to promote investment opportunities for foreign companies in Sweden. By Ylva Berg | Press Photos

With offices in 57 countries and in every region of Sweden, our aim is to strengthen and promote Sweden as an attractive, innovative and competitive business partner. We support Swedish companies in reaching export markets and create business opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises to grow internationally. Our aim is also to facilitate foreign companies' investments in Sweden. We connect international companies with business opportunities in Sweden â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whether the interest is to gain access to the market or world-class R&D and innovation clusters. I'm convinced that in order to make Swedish companies grow internationally we have to continue to strengthen our support of small- and medium-sized

22 | Issue 71 | December 2014

businesses. Business Sweden has a special offering to these companies, covering the entire process from information about exports to tangible sales and marketing support in the local market. Another way we inspire Swedish smalland medium-sized companies and encourage them in their export efforts is our yearly prize â&#x20AC;&#x153;Stora Exportpriset" [The Big Export Prize]. The award is given to a successful Swedish company that has shown a strong development of its exports in several markets, as well as gains in employment in the Swedish market. When Swedish companies are given the opportunity to grow internationally and we

expand foreign investments in Sweden, more jobs are created, resulting in greater prosperity in our country. With an improved global economy on the horizon and a more robust export and investment promotion strategy, I'm convinced that we'll succeed in our mission: to make Sweden grow through exports and foreign investment.

More about Business Sweden Business Sweden is owned by the Swedish Government and the industry, represented by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Swedish Foreign Trade Association. The shared ownership provides access to contacts and networks at all levels.

For more information, please visit: www.business-sweden.se

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:11 Page 23

An active approach to trading Uniting 12,000 member companies, and representing companies such as H&M, IKEA and ICA, Svensk Handel (the Swedish Trade Federation) is the largest member organisation within Swedish trade and industry. Boasting a proud, long-standing track record of commitment to issues of corporate responsibility and maintaining industrial peace, Svensk Handel works to create the best conditions possible for large and small commercial enterprises. By Svensk Handel | Press Photos

Today, the industry employs approximately half a million people, and turns over SEK 600 bn annually – nearly one-tenth of Sweden’s GDP. Commerce connotes a considerable significance for the national economy, adding to the importance of maintaining strong liaisons with decision makers on both a regional and national level. Actively lobbying politicians on specific issues (such as security, the environment, infrastructure and corporate establishment and development), Svensk Handel contributes to an active monitoring of, and influence on, the industry.

ports, aiming for a world of free trade with no barriers. Easing regulatory burdens on companies and increasing state investment in training and reseach plays a paramount part in reaching this goal, as well as striving to reduce card and cash processing charges. Shopping tourism today generates SEK 80 bn of retail trade, and interest in Sweden as a tourist destination continues to grow. Svensk Handel has teamed up with a number of its partners in the tourist industry to develop 20 new Swedish tourist destinations by the year of 2020.

Beyond national aims, Svensk Handel seeks to highlight the importance of im-

About 11 per cent of employees in all of Sweden’s economy work in the trade sec-

tor. With people between the ages of 16 and 24, the number is 19 per cent. Svensk Handel acts as the employer’s party within the industry, reaching collective agreements with trade unions. As of today, 30 central collective agreements are in force with 12 different trade unions, regulating employment conditions for thousands of employees. Every commercial enterprise is welcome to become a member of Svensk Handel. Members benefit from a wide range of support and services to help them in their daily business. They also gain access to a broad suite of membership benefits, including insurance, reduced card processing charges and support in the event of legal disputes.

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

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 23

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:11 Page 24

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | From Sweden with Love

Made from a durable and comfortable merino-wool material with hardly any seams, Woolpower garments get some serious points for comfort during cold winter days.

Face the winter in ethical wool Any day now the ground could be draped in white. You may dread it or you may love it, but either way you will need to wrap up warm when you venture outside. And who could you trust more with knowing how to keep warm than the Scandinavians, with their long winters and traditional outdoor activities that keep them busy outside while defying the cold?

ity. Continuously working towards sustainable development, the company has recently begun to recycle all the leftover materials from the clothes manufacturing, turning them into felt insoles.

By Karin Zilliacus | Photos: Woolpower

This autumn Woolpower launched a new children’s collection. “We have genuine faith in what’s to come, as investing in children is effectively an investment in our common future,” Sundström points out. In other words, Woolpower makes you feel warm and fuzzy on the inside as well as on the outside, as they take their commitment to the environment and to the future very seriously.

Woolpower, originating from Östersund, Sweden, has been keeping Scandinavians warm with their thermal base layers since 1972. The company has since then consistently kept working and updating its materials in order to offer the highest quality protection from the cold. The company is owned by two brothers who insist on the entire production staying in Östersund despite the solution being less profitable in the short-run. “Woolpower is acting out of its ‘ethical faith’ by choosing to keep the production in Östersund, instead of moving it elsewhere,” says marketing manager Karin Sundström. Made from a durable and comfortable merino-wool material with hardly any seams, these garments get some seri-

24 | Issue 71 | December 2014

ous points for comfort during the weather-challenged months. An ethical choice Woolpower is constantly working on decreasing the environmental impact from the manufacturing of their products. One of their latest contributions towards the environment is buzzing – quite literally – as the company has adopted a bee colony in Östersund. Bees are known as an essential element for well functioning biodiversity. None of the Woolpower garments have been treated with dangerous chemicals and are therefore certified according to the Oeko-Tex® standard – an international humane-ecological stamp of qual-

Whether you are an active outdoor enthusiast, or if you are planning to leave the house this winter for bare necessities only, staying warm is always a good idea.

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

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:32 Page 25

Luxurious Christmas gifts from Kerstin Florian about sourcing quality ingredients and combining them to create effective, beautiful formulas.

Available exclusively at luxury spas worldwide. Issue 71 | December 2014 | 25

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:11 Page 26

The perfect gift for the perfect gentleman – organic luxury leather brand launches iconic new collection Sustainable, affordable luxury leather products made using traditional Swedish craftsmanship, local produce and 140 years of knowledge passed down from generation to generation; that is what Tärnsjö Garveri and their collection of rustic designer pieces is all about. Scan Magazine speaks with CEO Axel Bodén and Marketing Manager Simon Hjälte about the tannery’s new and exclusive ICON Collection. By Bella Qvist | Photos: Tärnsjö Garveri

Tärnsjö Garveri is well known in Sweden as the source of high quality leather in fine furniture, smart shoes and as the supplier of leather to luxury fashion houses worldwide. This year the tannery, located in the countryside 80 miles north of Stockholm, is adding a new string to its bow; a collection of signature leather goods sold under their own name. “Our story began in 1873 when local farmers needed work harnesses for their horses,” says CEO Axel Bodén, who in 2012 took over the family business. Where harnesses were once made, locally sourced bovine hides are today turned into elegant leather pieces as the traditional

26 | Issue 71 | December 2014

tanning process continues under the same roof. Tärnsjö Garveri’s House Of Leather stands on the site where the tannery first set up in 1873 and a love for local produce as well as the organic process has proven key to its success. Environmental responsibility and animal welfare Defying the dirty chrome process used by 95 per cent of the world’s tanneries, Tärnsjö Garveri utilises the traditional, yet more expensive, bark extract vegetable tanning process. “It is environmentally friendly but also a way of tanning that is better suited for our thicker leather. The fact that the end result is an

unparalleled aesthetic is a much welcomed ‘side effect’,” Bodén explains. It is clear that sustainability permeates the entire business and that it has done so for years. Tärnsjö’s leather-making process even sees each hand-treated hide marked with a stamp that traces back to its farm of origin, likely located just around the corner from the tannery. “We are very focused on everything being as local as possible,” says Bodén. “If our product has a scar or insect bite then that is because these animals are outside all year round in environments natural to them. We see that as a positive,” says Bodén, sighing at the fact that many still view leather as textile; something you buy per metre. The ICON Collection Up until now Tärnsjö has been best known for supplying luxury furniture-, shoe- and handbag-makers with premium quality leather, but this year Tärnsjö is launching its very own luxury brand. Called ICON

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:11 Page 27

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | From Sweden with Love

collection, it sets out to reinvent 40 iconic products in rustic elegance, starting with five striking classics. For this the Tärnsjö team had a clear vision in mind: non-conservative rustic elegance. “We decided to find out where our DNA was and we found that it’s in a certain type of leather which is richer. We also work with hand sewing, and that means we can add an elegant touch, so we created rustic elegance as our expression,” says Marketing Manager Simon Hjälte. With the ICON collection Tärnsjö Garveri is ready to start competing with luxury leather brands worldwide and they’re beginning by taking on the classics. “We have chosen to interpret classics in a new way,” says Hjälte, emphasising that their versions give customers more value for their money. “We have established an expression that we call the saddler’s quarter,” says Hjälte,

hinting at the Swedish expression “the academic quarter”, meaning that it’s ok to be fifteen minutes late. “It means that we spend another quarter on every finish,” Hjälte explains, adding: “Due to our production being completely internal, this extra attention to detail doesn’t affect our prices as much as it would for companies who outsource the process.” The perfect fit The briefcase, Hjälte says, epitomises the ICON series. “It is the most interesting piece because it positions us the best. It was the product that we started with and it’s the basis of all the other products.” Next to the briefcase sits an iPad portfolio, a MacBook portfolio and a key loop, but it’s the iPhone sleeve that is Hjälte’s designer darling. “The iPhone sleeve is double, meaning there are two layers of leather, so now I keep all my everyday things there. Bank card, travel card, security pass… It’s become the new favourite.” The sleeve has also inspired an important dialogue. “Our iPhone sleeve is our raw denim,” says Hjälte, explaining that people sometimes wonder why at first you struggle to fit an iPhone in it. “When I show them mine they get it.” Just like a pair of jeans, the sleeve expands depending on what you put in it. “It’s a magical thing,” says Hjälte and we certainly agree there is something magical about Tärnsjö Garveri. Their success in combining style with sustainability means the Tärnsjö Garveri stamp has become a rare but real seal of responsible quality and a certain top ten on anyone’s wish list this Christmas. The ICON collection is available at NK Stockholm, NK Gothenburg and at MrPorter.com as well as in Tärnsjö Garveri’s web shop – launching in December 2014. For more information, please visit: www.tarnsjogarveri.com

Affordable luxury: Tärnsjö Garveri’s rustically elegant ICON collection is premium Swedish design at its best. TOP MIDDLE: Tärnsjö is all about originality and just like each hide is marked with a stamp that traces back to its original farm, each briefcase is given a unique number. ABOVE LEFT: The iPhone sleeve has quickly become a customer favourite. ABOVE: CEO Axel Bodén and Marketing Manager Simon Hjälte. Photo: Daniel Månsson

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 27

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:11 Page 28

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | From Sweden with Love

Successful Swedish presence in global fine retailing Few Swedish brands can compete with Sachajuan when it comes to haircare products and fine retailing. “We are present on close to 30 different markets at the moment, and we are expanding into several more in 2015,” explains Sacha Mitic, cofounder of Sachajuan. By Sara Mangsbo | Photos: Sachajuan

Founders of Sachajuan, Sacha Mitic and Juan Rosenlund, have managed to gain a position in an industry where only the very best hold on. Barneys New York, Fred Segal, Harvey Nichols and Net-a-Porter, just to mention a few, are all renowned luxury retailers that have included Sachajuan in their carefully chosen assortment. The company, which has never worked with a notable marketing budget, has been able to rely on the power behind their ideas

28 | Issue 71 | December 2014

and their quality products. “I hope our story can bring encouragement to other entrepreneurs,” says Sacha. “As long as you have a consistent and well-thoughtthrough idea that you believe in, advertising money is not essential.” “We love hair with bounce and movement” After working in the same industry for a long time, the two hairdressers joined forces and opened their own salon in

one of Stockholm’s most fashionable neighbourhoods back in 1997. Sacha, who had worked in New York during the foregoing years, brought a new and different vibe to Sweden, and the success was immediate. It was a natural step to continue the collaboration with a Sachajuan product line. “As a hairdresser and stylist you work with products every day and you know what works and what does not,” Sacha explains. An important element in the development of the first concept was how the products had to reflect the two founders. “We have always emphasised that our products should be about controlling and manipulating hair without the look and feel of overdoing it. We love hair with bounce and movement

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:11 Page 29

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | From Sweden with Love

Always backed by a group of manufacturers, Sachajuan use their “signature” ingredient “Ocean Silk Technology”, an algae extract, in their haircare products, which in combination with various other active ingredients assures that performance is of the highest possible quality.

the beginning, it was easy for international companies to pick up on the new, trendy Swedish brand, and Sachajuan spread quickly across the globe. Today the products are to be found in almost 30 different markets with four new, big markets to be introduced in 2015. In order to accommodate all types of shoppers the products can be found in salons as well as fine retailers.

Expanding abroad made easy

The popular shampoo used as body wash

For all start-up companies it is important to find the famous gap in the market. For Sachajuan this was Swedish department stores’ lack of luxury hair products. “At this time [2004] they were selling the same brands as any supermarket would,” Sacha ascertains.

Sacha and Juan continued to work in their salon after the haircare launch in order to stay close to their clients and understand the need of the market. Several people said that they used the shampoo as a body wash as they were so impressed with the quality. After that it didn’t take long for Sachajuan’s first body care line to launch.

so it was important that the products wouldn’t weigh the hair down.”

With a design inspired by classic pharmacy bottles, yet infused by modern and new thinking, Sachajuan became the second bestselling shampoo at Stockholm’s legendary NK (luxury department store Nordiska Kompaniet) only a few months after their launch. As the idea of expanding abroad was a considered thought from

The technology behind these products is called “Earth Silk Technology” and has been developed from a patented manufacturing process of cultivated oats called oat beta glucan. “We are very happy to say that the whole production of these products is based here in Sweden, and

that all oats used are harvested in the province Östergötland, south of Stockholm,” says Sacha. Looking forward Besides expanding into new markets, Sachajuan are also excited to introduce a couple of new products in 2015. “We are complementing our very popular Scalp Shampoo and one of the additions is Scalp Treatment. This product will help you get rid of dandruff and soothes irritated scalp. A healthy scalp is key to healthy hair, so we know this will work amongst old and new customers,” concludes Sacha.

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

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Sachajuan’s Protective Hair Perfume treats the hair by moisturising it, reducing static, imparting shine and adding UVProtection. The hair gets natural twists and volume with Ocean Mist leave-in formula, just like after a day on the beach with sun and great waves A real Sleeping Beauty: Over Night Hair Repair is a gel product based on pure water. It gives you care for your hair while you sleep.

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 29

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:11 Page 30

The brand new Nordic sea collection.

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | From Sweden with Love

A packed lunch has never been so cool We have all been there. It is time to eat, but our packed lunch looks a lot less appetising after sitting in a box for hours. A Swedish mother had enough and invented a lunch box that stays cool by for up to seven hours. By Ellinor Thunberg | Photos: Frozzypack

The idea was born when Carolin Sundberg’s 10-year-old daughter was going skating with school. She refused to carry an extra cool bag to keep her lunch fresh. But what if the lunch box itself did the trick? This was the first step towards an innovation where the lid doubles as an ice pack. Sundberg tried to come up with a name for her invention, thinking of various things like “cool” and “cold,” but her daughter once again played an important part. “She said ‘no, mom, it’s

Frozzypack, with a double ‘Z’. It keeps your lunch cool and fresh’,” Sundberg says with a laugh, recalling her daughter’s spot-on name idea. Made in Sweden Sundberg had dreamt of being an entrepreneur all her life, yet leaving her fulltime position as a store manager with the Swedish fashion retailer Lindex was a hard decision. But she felt that it was now or never and took the chance. “I have not regretted a single day, and it has been four years,” she says. The boxes are made in Eskilstuna, Sweden, and Sundberg explains that she was determined to manufacture Frozzypack locally. “You can’t make everything in China and only think about how to make a product as cheap as possible,” she says.

30 | Issue 71 | December 2014

Scandi colours and Moomins Frozzypack has been getting a lot of attention for its combination of design and function, with around 60 mentions in magazines in its first year only. The spring collection, Nordic Sea, takes its starting point in the Swedish summer. “The collection is inspired by a day in the coastal town of Västervik. We were out in an aluminium boat in the archipelago,” Sundberg says, explaining how sea blue boxes meet lids in sky blue, soft pink, green and aluminium blue. The collection will be launched officially at the design fair Formex design in Stockholm in January, along with a Moomin collection. “The round shape of the Moomins and the rounded design of the boxes simply belong together,” Sundberg says.

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

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:11 Page 31

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | From Sweden with Love

A taste of Sweden Smoked salmon, gravlax and classic seafood sauces made from fresh Scandinavian produce: Korshags’s list of premium fish and seafood products is what Swedish dreams are made of, and it’s enough to make anyone’s mouth water. This winter we know where to send Scandinavian expats looking for a taste of home. By Bella Qvist | Photos: Bildmakarn

The beauty of Swedish cuisine is the array of clean yet punchy flavours that are packed into it, and Korshags’s classic fish recipes are no exception. Their smoked salmon loin, possibly the best piece of fish you will ever taste, goes as well with an Asian-inspired chilli sauce as classic Swedish Skagenröra and proves that all you need for a Scandinavian feast is a piece of premium fish and a gorgeous sauce made to perfection. Korshags has been selling their smoked fish and gravlax throughout Sweden for the past 35 years, but chances are their name might not ring a bell – just yet. The family business run by siblings Pernilla and Niklas Korshag changed its

name from Falkenbergs Laxrökeri to Korshags this year but their famous smoking process has remained the same ever since their father discovered the secret method using alder wood and juniper berry. Scandinavian cooking is simple, and the truth is that you will not need anything but this premium produce; the flavour will come bursting with every mouthful, transporting you to summer nights where the sun never sets. Korhags’s fish is available to order online via Ocado and Scandinavian Kitchen and something tells us it won’t just be Swedes longing for a piece of home tucking into these delicacies this Christmas.

Korshags’s salmon loin is the crème de la crème of premium fish produce. Try this delicacy and transport your senses with a culinary trip to Sweden’s west coast.

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

We’re a little bit of Sweden in the UK for you

We stock more than 1000 different Swedish products, groceries, deli, gifts, Swedish art and design Visit our London stores 32 Crawford Street, London W1H 1LS 66 Barnes High Street, London SW13 9LD Website & online store www.totallyswedish.com

TotallySwedish1 @TotallySwedish1 @TotallySwedish1

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:11 Page 32

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | From Sweden with Love

32 | Issue 71 | December 2014

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:12 Page 33

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | From Sweden with Love

Loving the shirt Swedish brand The Shirt Factory makes fashionable shirts for both men and women, with superior quality and finish, and that longed-for perfect fit. By Malin Norman | Photos: Daniel Stigefelt

Fashion designer Linnéa Brown founded the company in 1988, and wanted to do something completely new and different in the men's shirt business. Her idea was to create the best looking and most comfortable shirts that money could buy. Twenty-five years ago the shirt was considered rather conservative, and Braun's shirts with innovative packaging received a lot of attention. The packaging was given several Egg Awards, the most prominent Swedish prize in advertising. The brand's success is not just due to the box of course. Every shirt consists of 18 carefully cut pieces, and the company takes pride in its designs and craftmanship. "We want to provide value for money, and we will never compromise on quality or attention to detail," CEO Lennart Hendén explains.

taste and style, and age groups – all in order to find the best possible fit. Designer Braun is particularly devoted to classic fashion, working only with details that have a purpose and contribute to the style, feel and quality of the shirt. Her designs are understated and well-balanced, with the men's shirts accompanied by accessories and outfits inspired by the "rude boy" of the 60s. Although the latest collections have monochrome and androgynous characteristics, the women's shirts are still both feminine and well-fitting. Braun has won the prestigious Swedish fashion design award Guldknappen (‘The Golden Button’). Also The Shirt Factory´s strong graphic profile, created by design agency Bold, has been awarded two Red Dot Awards for brand identity and logotype.

dustry," says Hendén. With its small and flat organisation, The Shirt Factory also gets plenty of direct customer contact in the stores, giving the designers new ideas for future collections. At the moment, Braun's team is in the process of finishing the collections for autumn 2015. The women’s line offers classical and timeless designs as well as more trendy pieces, with figure-hugging, tight models but also straighter and more casual versions. The men's range comes in two main models, tailored fit and slim fit, in addition to a range of shirts with extra long sleeves. Both the men's and women's collections will be available in stores and in the online shop. For shirt lovers, this is well worth a visit! In brief 1988 - The Shirt Factory is founded 1993 - First concept store opens 1997 - First women's shirt in the collection 2007 - Cooperation with Swedish retail chain Åhléns begins 2008 - The Shirt Factory web shop opens 2013 - Cooperation with Swedish retail chain MQ begins 2014 - Eight concept stores in Sweden

With true passion for shirts European shirt-making tradition is combined with the expertise of some of the world’s foremost shirt makers, who are looking at current trends, personal

On their toes for fashion "Fashion is exciting and fast-moving, we really need to stay on our toes in order to stay ahead in this competitive in-

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

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 33

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:12 Page 34

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | From Sweden with Love

OBH Nordica products stand for a high quality level in both functionality and design.

OBH Nordica – leading innovation For OBH Nordica, innovation is more than just a buzzword – it’s a lifestyle. Staying in constant touch with consumers, developers, manufacturers and experts, this Scandinavian giant plays in tune with motions of the market, applying meticulous passion for what they do to every step of the process. Whether it’s creating a popcorn maker to facilitate cosy family evenings in front of the TV or developing a groundbreaking sous vide precision cooker for flawless perfectly timed dinner parties, OBH Nordica’s aim is to enhance your experience – and designing good life. By Julie Lindén | Photos: OBH Nordica

“I’d say that what sets our innovative processes aside from those of others is our thoroughness in how the process works from the inside and out,” says Michael Forsmark, CEO of OBH Nordica. “There is a feeling and knowledge to everything we do that is fully integrated with the tools of analysis our highly skilled employees use when trying to come up with a new product. It is equally

34 | Issue 71 | December 2014

important that we are excellent at tapping into the knowledge of our customers, the end users of our products, by listening to their demands. Our customer and field management contributes on a daily basis by forwarding the customers’ and consumers’ feedback from the front lines – the stores, but we also make a point of staying in touch with consumers through social

media, phone and email to ensure the most direct form of contact possible.” A passionate approach to meeting customer needs With origins in both Sweden and Denmark, the entrepreneurial company specialises in developing small kitchen and household appliances, personal care appliances, and pots and pans for consumers in the Nordic countries. Passion for design and innovation has had a lot to do with OBH Nordica’s growth to a market-leading position in the Nordic region. “Our success is built from passion – by people who live and breathe ‘designing good life’. I encourage the people I work with to touch, feel and use the products, and be critical in their innovative thinking

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:12 Page 35

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | From Sweden with Love

Carrying a proud legacy of Nordic design in the very essence of the brand, Nordica strives to maintain a good balance between the visual aspects of their products, such as shape, size and colour.

– that’s the only way you can move forward and make something better. So how to create the next new added value product innovation?” Forsmark says, continuing: “We talk to users of our products to understand what they need and want, but we also enlist the help of various professionals from our wide network to succeed in our ambitions to meet new demands.” Striking a chord with trends and currents He admits that trends (within the cooking industry in particular) are important to acknowledge, but that doesn’t mean that OBH Nordica is a strictly trend-following company. “It’s important to take note of the currents and trends on the market, certainly. But I’d say we rather take inspiration from these trends, rather than let them dictate our every next step. A good example is the Pizza Dragon, which was recently named ‘kitchen appliance of the year’ in Norway,” he says. Accommodating a demand with Norwegian pizza lovers, who eat more pizza per capita than any other people in the world, OBH Nordica has developed a free-standing tabletop pizza oven. “Eating pizza is not a new trend – it’s the product that’s new, striking a chord with the trend at the right moment,” concludes Forsmark.

A lasting trend that OBH Nordica has taken due note of is that cooking has become a social activity. Consumers want cooking to be a fun activity – something to do with friends and family, as opposed to an evening chore done alone. This is something OBH Nordica wants to contribute to. “It can be everything from making manuals easier to read and understand – or even substituting the rather old-fashioned paper manual with an online video that gives an outline of how the product is used,” says Forsmark, adding: “Functional cleverness and accessible beauty are other OBH Nordica brand key words here. Our products should be simple to use, and they should inspire you to cook – and they should also look good on your countertop.”

that it doesn’t take up too much space,” says Forsmark. Beyond the high quality of both functionality and design, OBH Nordica follows a strictly enforced code of conduct aligned with international conventions. Suppliers and manufacturers are subject to meticulous controls to ensure good conditions.

The responsible, good-looking brand Carrying a proud legacy of Nordic design in the very essence of the brand, OBH Nordica strives to maintain a good balance between the visual aspects of their products, such as shape, size and colour. “The high quality of every product should be sensed in its visual expression. It can be offering different colours within the same collection of products, or a consciously thought-out size of a design, so

CEO of OBH Nordica, Michael Forsmark.

For more information, please visit: obhnordica.com

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 35

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:12 Page 36

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | From Sweden with Love

Berg&Berg care strongly for the provenance of the raw materials that go into their accessories. ABOVE MIDDLE: All leather products are made in a village north of Milan.

A Nordic perspective on the ultimate classics Berg&Berg has given the classic Nordic style a new face. Co-founder Mathias Berg calls it “a new perspective”, one less rooted in quickly shifting trends and all the more based on longevity, value for money and a coherently unified look. Producing their luxuriously clean-cut collections in locations known for their sartorial prominence and high standards of quality, such as Italy and Scotland, this brand has struck a chord with innumerable fashion-savvies. By Julie Lindén | Photos: Berg&Berg

It was when now husband and wife Mathias and Karin Berg, former PR and management consultants, developed a strong desire to create real, physical design that Berg&Berg was born. Noting a place on the Scandinavian market for a classic, quality accessory brand, the couple decided to track down the best factories and tanneries across Europe to create stylish, wearable and long-lasting complements to their daily looks – from ties and scarfs to belts and briefcases. “We started completely from scratch,” says Mathias Berg. “We searched online and attended fairs, everything we could to find the best factories available, and

36 | Issue 71 | December 2014

learn as much as we could about the products we wanted to create. As our insight grew, so did our know-how of the best ways of maintaining a high level of quality while keeping prices affordable.” Maintaining this quality level quickly turned out to entail good connections with Italian manufacturers, amongst others. Berg&Berg – by then firmly rooted in a meticulous attention to the provenance of the raw materials – sought out areas and regions with prominent legacies in accessory design. This led their scarf weaving production to Piemonte, the tie production to Naples and Como, and sock production to Berg-

amo. All leather items are created in a village north of Milan. “We wanted to make use of the niche manufacturing markets,” says Mathias. “Beyond Italy, we make our knitted jumpers in Scotland – simply because they’ve been making the best ones you can find since the 18th century. European production, as opposed to far-off manufacturing in areas like China, also lets us keep a sound focus on aspects such as good working conditions.” While aiming to expand the brand to encompass full clothing collections, Mathias is adamant that such growth needs to happen organically. “I feel like we’ve found our style, our own identity. We happily let new developments take time – our stamp of quality rests in the very meticulousness of our production.” For more information, please visit: bergbergstore.com

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:12 Page 37

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | From Sweden with Love

Scandinavian functionality lighting up your home

By Ellinor Thunberg | Photos: CableCup

“There has to be a better way. It should not have to be this hard,” says CEO, Jonas Algotsson, about the thoughts that triggered the four co-founders to take action. In 2010 CableCup launched a solution to skewed ceiling cups and lamps not hanging properly, to put an end to design that overshadows function.

falling asleep one night. He quickly jotted it down. The next day he contacted his friend, the up-and-coming Swedish designer Jonas Forsman, and the work began. CableCup is based in Sweden, both when it comes to innovation and production. Today the products are available on 15 markets.

Award-winning design turns inside out

”We started in Sweden, but the problem and the demand is global,” Algotsson says, but adds that it is great to be in the middle of the Scandinavian design scene where functionality is naturally in focus.

The CableCup ceiling rose won multiple design awards in its first year. It hangs straight from the hook in the ceiling, not the lamp cord, and is made from a soft material that allows it to be turned inside out while working. It also makes a lamp hang nicely from an inclined ceiling. The idea to make a soft product that could be turned inside out came to industrial designer Lars Wettre as he was

them when decorating restaurants, hotels and offices. He hopes that even more manufacturers will realise the usefulness of the product. “The lamp brands have got to start thinking about usability as a competitive advantage,” he says. In 2012, a new CableCup family member, Hide, was born. This ceiling cup conceals things like spare hooks, holes or unused outlets in the ceiling. Now the company has their eyes set on future solutions, adding to the firm conviction that lighting should not have to be complicated. “Lamps should be able to hang neatly from the ceiling. After all, it is the 2010s now,” he says.

Jonas Algotsson

The Swedish innovation CableCup was born out of frustration and a few swearwords. A new great-looking kitchen lamp was to be mounted, but it was simply impossible to hang it neatly from the ceiling.

Recognition from the industry Private consumers quickly took CableCup to their hearts. But Algotsson is happy to see manufacturers starting to install them directly onto their lamps, and designers and architects now use

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

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 37

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:12 Page 38

Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Christmas in Denmark

Experience Christmas festivities in Denmark Streets are decorated with glistening lights, cobblestones dusted with a thin layer of snow, and towns and cities abound with shops and markets offering the perfect gifts to slip under the tree. Add to this image an impressive lineup of museums offering exciting days out for the whole family, culinary experiences to satisfy your every holiday craving and top-of-the range hotels to make you feel just at home, and you’re set for a holiday season out of the ordinary. Welcome to Celebrate Christmas in Denmark. By Julie Lindén | Photos: Kim Wyon

“Hygge” – a characteristically Danish word for “cosiness”, or creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere – is perhaps the most optimal term to describe the festive season in Denmark. Strolling down the streets of Copenhagen, or why not Denmark’s second largest city, Aarhus, named as the best shopping city in Scandinavia, you will feel the Christmas spirit settle in its most natural suit. Brought your way by a subtle combination of a welcoming people, frosty weather and an inherent Scandinavian love for the season of celebrations, the memory of

38 | Issue 71 | December 2014

Christmas “hygge” will stay with you long after your visit has come to an end. While many Christmas experiences in Denmark belong in magical outdoor sceneries, the indoors have just as much to offer – especially for the culture-savvy. Why not pay Louisiana Museum a visit, presented in this theme, and have a look at ground-breaking Danish-Icelandic Olafur Eliasson’s exhibition Riverbed? Challenging our perceptions of contrasts, his installation brings living nature into the museum space, offering a chance to ex-

plore the limits of reality. Perhaps your cultural tastes are more towards a delve into history? Copenhagen’s the Danish Police Museum offers a nation-exclusive look into the earliest to latest history of the Danish Police; a chance to gain a new and different insight into police investigations and their future. Interesting, cosy and welcoming: a Christmas in Denmark is a Christmas to remember.

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:12 Page 39

Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Christmas in Denmark

LEFT: Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Denmark’s premier art destination, is located on the waterfront of the Danish riviera a mere 35-minute train ride north of Copenhagen. RIGHT: Until the beginning of January you can witness world-famous contemporary artist Olafur Eliasson’s works at the museum.

Winter wonders at the Louisiana Museum Often hailed as one of “the world’s favourite museums” Louisiana is currently engaged in a spectacular and bold dialogue with Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson, who has transformed the entire south wing into a rocky riverbed landscape. Text & Photos: Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Denmark’s premier art destination, is located on the waterfront of the Danish riviera a mere 35-minute train ride north of Copenhagen. Here, the museum beckons with its world-class art collections, Danish modernist architecture, lovely natural landscape, and an exhibition programme of international scope. Until the beginning of January you can witness world-famous contemporary artist Olafur Eliasson (who shot to fame with the Weather Project in the Tate Modern Turbine Hall) in his radical, fascinating and unique take on the museum. The

central work is a huge, site-specific and rocky landscape, reminiscent of Iceland, that reverses the relation between nature and art. The span of the museum’s activities will be further enhanced with the opening of the first major exhibition in Scandinavia of pioneering modernist German artist Paula Modersohn-Becker. Her career was remarkably short (she died 1907, aged 31, shortly after having her first child) but her paintings are groundbreaking and extremely intense. Modersohn-Becker was also one of the first female painters to produce female nudes.

About the Louisiana Museum In 1958, visionary Danish manufacturer Knud W. Jensen transformed a 19th-century villa on the Øresund strait into a Modernist oasis, adding glass pavilions and a surrounding sculpture park. The name is derived from the previous owner’s three successive wives, all called Louise. The Louisiana Shop is one of Denmark’s leading design shops with an assortment of items ranging from classic to new and experimental Scandinavian design. When hunger hits, you can enjoy a great Nordic lunch and dinner buffet in the Louisiana Cafe adjacent to the concert hall, with a panoramic view of the Calder Terrace and the sea. The huge three-storey Children’s Wing features active workshops for kids and their parents, a LEGO room, and tours. Opening hours: Tuesday-Friday 11am - 10pm Saturday-Sunday 11am - 6pm Mondays closed

Visit www.louisiana.dk for updates on current exhibition schedules.

Current and future exhibitions at Louisiana include: Olafur Eliasson Riverbed Until 4 January 2015 Paula Modersohn-Becker 5 December 2014 – 6 April 2015 Richard Mosse The Enclave 5 February – 25 May 2015

Major works from the collection on show in the west wing until 18 January 2015

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 39

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:12 Page 40

Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Christmas in Denmark

The Danish Police Museum A disused police station erected in 1884 in the Nørrebro district of Copenhagen provides the authentic setting for the Danish Police Museum. The museum features the history of the Danish police force from its founding in the 1680s to the present day. By Marjorie de los Angeles Mendieta | Photos: The Danish Police Museum

The main exhibitions cover the progress in the fields of forensics, crime and punishment, and the general history of the Danish police force. The museum hosts a veritable plethora of police paraphernalia and machinery, from uniforms and cudgels to motorcycles, and the old detention cells in the basement offer a view into prison life of yore.

hunt for illegal pornographic photography in the early twentieth century, and it features previously un-exhibited material from the police archives. The German occupation of Denmark during World War II is a particularly bleak period in the history of the Danish police

In the late 1960s, Denmark became famous for being the first country in the world to lift the ban on written and graphic pornography. With the ban, many taboos concerning pornography disappeared, and today it is hard to comprehend the situation before then. One of this winter’s special exhibitions focuses on the police’s

THØR: T HØR: LÖVES LÖVES CRISPBREAD C RISPBREAD HE HE JUST J US T D DÖESN’T ÖESN LIKE LIKE T TØ Ø SH SHØW Ø W IT. C Crispbread: rispbread: one one o off over over 6 600 00 d delicious elicious S Swedish, wedish, D Danish anish aand nd N Norwegian orwegian ffoods oods available available across across tthe he U UK K ffrom rom o our ur o online nline sshop hop and and in in our our London London sstore. tore. SCANDIKITCHEN.CO.UK SCANDIKITCHEN.CO.UK GOOD G OOD FOOD FOOD W WITH ITH L LOVE OVE F FROM ROM S SCANDINAVIA CANDINAVIA

force. In the autumn of 1944, most of the force was rounded up and sent to German concentration camps. More than 10 per cent of the almost 2,000 deported police officers died in the camps or succumbed to disease or injuries shortly afterward. The ordeal of those deported is portrayed in a special exhibition.

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

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:12 Page 41

ED SP UC EC AT IA IO L T N IN HEM DE E NM : AR K

Discover knowledge and make friends for life The “efterskole” is a unique Danish independent and residential school for young people between 14 and 18 years of age. Currently, some 28,000 students attend one of the approximately 250 schools throughout Denmark, and the schools are also open to students from abroad. By Efterskoleforeningen | Photos:Faaborgegnens Efterskole

Historically and culturally, the efterskole is related to the Danish free school movement, and the efterskole is often regarded as a junior form of the Danish folkehøjskole (folk high school), closely related to the educational ideas of N.F.S Grundtvig (1789-1872), who wanted schools to provide enlightenment for life rather than formal vocational training. The first few efterskoler were founded about 150 years ago. Most efterskoler offer the same subjects and final examinations as state schools, but many focus on special subjects like

physical education, music or theatre, or offer various kinds of special education. Compared to regular state schools, the efterskole has substantial freedom in terms of, for example, the choice of subjects, the teaching methods and the educational approach. These vary in accordance with the school’s political, religious or pedagogical orientation. The freedom of the efterskole is assured by substantial state subsidies to both schools and students. Each efterskole is a self-governing independent institution, and they all deal

with both the educational and personal development of the students. They embrace a common educational focus on enlightenment for life, general education and democratic citizenship. The efterskole has something to offer both educationally and socially, because the students live together. It can perhaps be said that the teachers who work at an efterskole are not entirely ordinary. They are prepared to involve aspects of themselves other than the professional, so that the pupils have a positive relationship with the teachers. The teacher is responsible for both teaching and supervision outside of school hours. This means that teachers and students are together all day from the time the students wake up until they go to bed. This often engenders a close, personal and non-formal relationship between students and teachers.

For more information, please visit: www.efterskole.dk/english

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 41

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:12 Page 42

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Education in Denmark

Music and theatre performances are popular at Den Tyske Efterskolen in Tinglev.

The fun way to become fluent in German A greater focus on the demands of the job market and the advantages of speaking German have led to an increased interest in Den Tyske Efterskole in Tinglev (Deutsche Nachschule Tingleff). Located near the border with Germany, pupils are engulfed in a bilingual environment, and after a year almost everyone leaves the school fluent in German.

picking up top grades in German, and many students continue their studies at the German grammar school in Aabenraa (Deutsches Gymnasium für Nordschleswig).

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Den Tyske Efterskole in Tinglev

Working across the border

Learning a foreign language can be a daunting task, and for most Danish students coming to master German grammar with the proficiency to speak the language fluently involves a lot of hard work. But, when enrolling in Den Tyske Efterskole in Tinglev, the German language comes almost without thinking about it – or at least it comes a lot easier for most, promises Principal Jørn Warm. “Picking up German is a natural process for our Danish pupils because they live in a bilingual environment. Sixty per cent here have German as their first

42 | Issue 71 | December 2014

or second language, and all official communication is in German. Of course, when the school year starts, we do have to do some translations, but after Christmas everyone gets it. It’s a bit like going abroad for a year; the language comes to you naturally and the German lessons are just to complement the process.” The significance of living and studying in a bilingual school and area shows in the students’ grades. Even students who arrive at the beginning of the year with below average skills usually end up

Approximately 30 per cent of the students at Den Tyske Efterskole in Tinglev are Danish students who are eager to improve their German; 30 per cent are German students from across the border, and the rest is from the bilingual border regions. The school also admits a small number of capable German-speaking international students. To accommodate all students, the school offers Danish as a second language as well as mother tongue German lessons and exams in both the German and Danish curriculum. It is not just academically that the school works across borders, but also in its ap-

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:12 Page 43

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Education in Denmark

“It’s a bit more human and personal,” principal Jørn Warm says about the school’s approach to teaching. “We believe that if our pupils trust our teachers, it creates a better learning environment.”

proach to learning, which combines the best from both cultures. “The fact that we have one leg on each side of the border, so to speak, is something that appeals to both Danish and German students and parents. The Danish parents appreciate that we have a bit more structure and thus expect a bit more from our students than many regular Danish schools, while the Germans like the fact that our approach to learning is slightly more down to earth – I don’t expect the kids to call me Mr Warm,” laughs Warm and adds: “It’s a bit more human and personal. We believe that if our pupils trust our teachers, it creates a better learning environment.” Whereas Danish pupils get a state subsidy to help pay for their stay at an efterskole German pupils do not. Therefore Den Tyske Efterskole in Tinglev has had to keep its fees down and has thus become one of the cheapest efterskoler in Denmark. The low fees are made possible partly because the school owns its own buildings and because it is, as an old, established institution, very stable financially. Sleeping in – learning more While most parents appreciate Den Tyske Efterskole in Tinglev’s academic

standards, structured learning environment and economic stability, students might be just as (or more) impressed by its many variations of sports and art – and the corresponding programmes. Among the school’s most popular activities is the yearly musical performance in which all students takes part on stage or backstage, as well as the oneweek ski trip to the Alps in January.

crease in their need for painkillers for morning headaches,” Warm points out. Sleeping in and mastering a language by chatting to your new friends – indeed, it is no wonder the school has become so popular that there is now a waiting list to get in. Den Tyske Efterskole in Tinglev is located a 30-minute drive from Flensburg/Germany and a 10-minute walk from Tinglev train station, which offers direct trains to cities all over Denmark and easy train and bus connections to Germany. Den Tyske Efterskole in Tinglev has approximately 100 pupils.

And, then there is the one feature that is likely to be a hit with almost every teenager on the planet: the school’s new late start policy. Instead of rolling straight out of bed and into the classroom, the students get up, take part in a physical activity of their choice, and have their breakfast before starting school. “Last year we decided to postpone the first lecture of the day an hour so that students start at 9.20am. It’s been a tremendous success, and we’ve seen a great increase in the students’ attentiveness as well as a de-

All teachers teach in their native language. The school offers a range of creative and sports programmes including: Handball, Zumba, Volleyball, Horseriding, Mountain Biking, Football, Show Choir, Band, Art, Design, Joinery, and Lego Mindstorm.

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

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 43

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:12 Page 44

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Education in Denmark

Unlock your potential and challenge yourself Many continuation schools offer one year you will always remember, but at True North Efterskole they also give you the opportunity to develop personal leadership, academic and social skills that will help you throughout the rest of your life.

and social skills. The success with this programme led Moltke-Leth to found the True North Efterskole in 2012.

By Nicolai Lisberg | Photos: True North Efterskole

“We have gathered so many great results and a great portion of know-how throughout recent years: results and know-how we wish to collect in a school which purpose is to stand out as best practice on teaching in the 21st century. Last year was our first as a continuation school and our aim is to inspire other schools in Denmark – and abroad – to choose this way of teaching in the future.”

“There is a Greek saying that goes: results equal skill times effort. That is a good way of explaining what we want to pass on to our students,” says Nicolai Moltke-Leth, who is the principal at True North Efterskole. “We believe that young people can do so much more than they think they can. We are often told that we are only able to use a small part of our brain, but perhaps it is because we are not eager enough to use the rest. The effort is the key to achieve the results we want, which is why we tell our students

44 | Issue 71 | December 2014

that results are 30 per cent based on talent and 70 per cent based on effort.” Great results and true know-how As a former Special Forces soldier Nicolai Moltke-Leth has been working for years with developing young people’s mindset and unlocking their potential. Since 2007 more than 12,000 teenagers have taken part in the True North developing programme, which is a programme that provides teenagers with experiences that help them develop personal strengths

Individual focus One thing that separates True North Efterskole from other continuation schools is the unique focus on the students’ life ca-

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:13 Page 45

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Education in Denmark

pability skills – the solid academic competence, personal leadership, social competence. Before the school year begins, each student has to write down a series of goals – personal, social and academic – that they aim to achieve during their stay at the school. “We want to help the students to find out who they are and what strengths they posses by giving them the right tools, so they can navigate in the context and the world they are a part of. They should reach the academic goals they set, but it is just as important that we help them reach their goals for personal leadership and social skills. We are aware that people often get hired based on skills and fired because of personality,” says Nicolai Moltke-Leth. To ensure this development, True North Efterskole has created a mandatory subject called UP – Unlocking Potential. Throughout 180 lessons a year the students learn life proficiency skills, that they will able to use for the rest of their life. “Our hope is that the students after a year at our school become aware of their strengths and potential and how to get most out of it, because as the Greek philosopher Aristotle so rightfully said: ‘where your talents and the needs of the world cross, there lies your vocation’.” For more information, please visit: www.truenorthefterskole.dk

Unlocking Potential (UP) This subject is the signature of the school. This is where True North works ambitiously with developing the students’ personal leadership and their social skills. It is an important subject in terms of creating well-educated individuals in the 21st century. This is the place where True North helps students to achieve skills they will be able to use for the rest of their life. The UP programme is designed to ensure that you get the best opportunities to unlock your potential. The subject begins the moment you enter the school and it introduces you to five personal and social topics to build on your strengths (A Growth Mindset, How to use your brain, Change Leadership, Social Competence and Energy Management).

Challenge subjects The optional subjects are called challenge subjects and focus on experience, skills education and knowledge. Students develop their physical, creative, personal, social, emotional and intellectual learning. They advance through a process where they use all parts of their body, mind and brain in a social context and in subjects that really interest them. Challenge subjects build a bridge to UP and academic subjects. What students learn in the challenge subjects they will be able to use to advantage in the academic subjects.

At True North Efterskole students develop their physical, creative, personal, social, emotional and intellectual learning.

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 45

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:13 Page 46

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Education in Denmark

Cooking is one of the six programmes the students can choose between at Hald Ege Efterskole (Pernille Lauridsen and Leonieke Looman).

Taught by stars, nurtured by new horizons Near the Danish town of Viborg, in beautiful and historic red barracks from 1917, students are coached in handball and football by international players, taught to cook by professional chefs and trained to produce films by professional filmmakers – all the while being challenged by new perspectives. By Ann Bille | Photos: Hald Ege Efterskole

Aside from the mandatory subjects, Hald Ege Efterskole offers six different branches; Film, Dance, Football, Handball, Adventure and Cooking, and the courses are not taught by just anyone. Whether you choose film or football, you are taught by professionals.

suggest a collaboration?’ It could be beneficial for them too,” Junker says. Now, that concept has become an important part of the school’s DNA, and today Hald Ege Efterskole has a number of professional collaborations besides the handball club, Viborg HK.

Collaboration in the DNA

“You add so much new energy and quality when you let professionals or other organisations ‘own’ the courses,” the principal says. He also believes that the students respond a bit differently when taught by experts. “When you are

“A few years ago we wanted to set up a handball course,” principal Erik Junker recalls, “and we thought to ourselves, ‘when we have a Champions Leaguewinning club right next door, why not

46 | Issue 71 | December 2014

coached by handball star Ann Grethe Nørgaard, for instance, someone who works with handball on a professional level and who has a professional approach, you realise that you need to live up to certain demands – not necessarily in regards to your skills, but to the level of energy and effort you put into the practice,” the principal explains. The professional approach also means that the students are getting a more vocational view of the subject they’ve chosen, which can be helpful when deciding on their future plans. “I chose Hald Ege Efterskole because of the cooking course,” says student Camilla Spanggaard Bach. The cooking course is run in collaboration with The Hotel & Restaurant School in Viborg. “It seemed really interesting; I love to cook – and I wasn’t

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:13 Page 47

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Education in Denmark

RIGHT: Handball player at Viborg HK, Ann Grethe Nørgaard, coaches the students.

ready to study yet. Attending the cooking course here has helped me decide that I want to go to a cooking school next year,” the 16-year-old student says. Expanding the world The high quality and level of courses aside, the school has an alternate goal in mind. “We are very sought-after because of our ambitious courses, and we make an effort to ensure a high standard of quality – but the main educational goal for us is to make our students greater people. We try to pull them in other directions, and to take them places they never imagined they would go. We aim to broaden their perspectives and to open their eyes to other possibilities than just their main interest and people like themselves,” he says. Sixteen-year-old student Simon Grand recognises this point. He chose the school because of the ambitious football course and with “no other aim but the fact that there are no mandatory gymnastics here,”

which he says was a big plus. He was surprised to make a lot of new friends with other interests than his own, a fact he ascribes to living so closely with a lot of different people, like you do at an efterskole. “I feel like I have a really tight relationship with all the friends I’ve made here – probably because we’re around each other all the time,” he says, convinced that he will keep a tight connection with his friends after the year is over. The aim to broaden the students’ world and mindset is something the school integrates on many levels. Be it introducing the football team to a modern dance performance, having the entire school dig deep into Bertolt Brecht for a week during their Theatre Week – or to travel abroad. From next school year onwards, the students will be going on a trip to Ghana. “To travel changes your perspective – and we want to really show them something different from their own world,” Junker says. Along these lines, the school will also introduce a brand new course next year,

The football course is coached by the professional football club Viborg FF (Andreas Lang and Katrine Breum Jørgensen).

Human Entrepreneurship, where the students will be trained in advanced problem-solving, developing the ability to come up with innovative solutions. The change of perspective doesn’t just happen abroad. In her first few months at the school, 16-year-old Spanggaard Bach has already discovered a big personal change. “I’ve learned to be more open,” she says. “I used to be very withdrawn, but I’ve become very outgoing!”

- It is recommended to sign up at year seven to ensure a place. - The school is for years nine and ten. - Hald Ege Efterskole runs Camp Hee, a chance for the 10-14-year-olds to experience the efterskole life before deciding.

For more information, please visit: www.hald-ege-efterskole.dk

Principal Erik Junker.

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 47

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:13 Page 48

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Education in Denmark

One efterskole year is worth seven human years Grejsdalens Efterskole is a home away from home, providing education, friendships and guidance for its students. The school mixes the traditional and the modern to give the students a year to remember. By Josefine Older Steffensen | Photos: Grejsdalens Efterskole

Grejsdalens Efterskole, situated just outside Vejle, is one of the oldest efterskoler in Denmark, celebrating its 80th birthday this year. The school is, despite its age, very modern, and there is a big emphasis on technology. Using iPads and MacBooks is essential for students (who receive a grant towards the use of these aids). The school offers a variety of subjects, from music to psychology. School trips to Tuscany are offered to everyone, and Israel or Strasbourg are options for the older students, depending on their subject choices. The school caters for students aged 14 to 17. Students across years have lessons with each other to promote the school’s belief that everyone can teach each other something. The school has its roots in the Chris-

tian faith, and describes itself as a religious efterskole. “Those who want to listen and ask questions have the opportunity to,” says principal René Brorson, when talking about the religious aspects of the school. The school boasts a mixed group of students with different backgrounds – both religious and non-religious. Brorson describes himself as “one of Denmark’s luckiest men,” as he works with teachers who have a passion for what they do and want to make a difference, and because the students are engaged and willing to learn. The students leave Grejsdalens Efterskole having achieved something socially, academically and personally, and with experiences to last them a lifetime.

Learning while growing Joining an efterskole instead of completing education in an ordinary school equips young people with a very different set of skills. This is no different at Halstedhus, near Nakskov, where community takes centre stage. By Tina Nielsen | Photo: Halstedhus Efterskole

At Halstedhus Efterskole pupils commit to one major line of interest, choosing between equestrianism, swimming, football, handball or golf. They spend six hours a week in their chosen field of speciality in addition to compulsory academic classes and other optional modules. This mix of education creates an ideal scenario for the students, according to school manager Ulrik Murel. “Living away from home helps them mature and gain confidence and, on top of that, being able to blend academic learning with their leisure interests brings everything together for them,” he explains. But the learning is only one part of spending a year at an efterskole. A major part is the friendship and community that exists in the school. For many pupils, the people they meet become friends for life, explains Murel. “When you have

48 | Issue 71 | December 2014

The school offers a variety of subjects, from music to psychology.

For more information, please visit: grejsdalens.dk

many are used to helping out, but others are used to what Murel calls “higher service levels” at home. Again, this is more than practicalities. “Cooking together is different from sitting in the classroom,” explains Murel. “You create an environment of community while producing some food for the school.”

so many young people together in one place you get a certain kind of energy that encourages the togetherness,” he explains. Making decisions for yourself and taking responsibility for them is a big part of preparing the students for what’s next in life. Cooking and cleaning are both part of the daily life;

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

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:13 Page 49

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Educatin in Denmark

Alongside standard academic classes, students can focus on fishing, hunting, horses, adventure as well as music and theatre.

Putting students first – naturally At Aalestrup Naturefterskole, pupils engage in outdoor pursuits, mixing academic learning with their hobbies. By Tina Nielsen | Photos: Aalestrup Naturefterskole

Aalestrup teacher Søren Lund-Petersen says it is a school with few and simple rules. “We do have many important rules that we need, such as banning alcohol and drugs,” he explains. “But beyond that we use conversation above discipline as a tool in the day-to-day running of the school.” This, he says, means that they meet the young people exactly where they are in their development. “Some find it easy to fit into this environment, others less so and we work with them,” he says. “The philosophy is that we do not leave anyone behind.” Aalestrup is one of the first efterskolers in Denmark with a focus on nature. Students pick one of five specialist areas that they can focus on alongside standard academic classes: fishing, hunting, horses, adventure as well as music and theatre. Lund-

Petersen concedes some of these socalled “learning lines” are quite nerdy. “They have often practised these activities since their childhood, so those who choose fishing have always enjoyed it and are attracted by the fact that we offer it at a very high standard,” he explains. The teachers in the specialist areas all come with bags of experience in their subjects and offer lessons at a high level. The adventure line is a brand new specialist area with a focus on expedition and biology, and sees students learn about all of nature – whether that is from a canoeing trip or through abseiling. Students live in shared rooms in independent houses on school campus, which benefits from its proximity to large nature areas and nearby cultural facilities.

While one of Aalestrup’s slogans is an invitation to bring your hobby to school, the expectation to learn academically remains and all tests are compulsory – they are just not the be all and end all. The students are always involved and at centre focus. “It is easy to tell young people what they should be doing but it does not mean that they will do it,” explains Lund-Petersen and says the education system today is very test- and result-driven. “You forget the person behind the results and the grades; those people break because they can’t meet expectations. Those who do fulfil them and succeed break too, just because they feel they are not doing enough. You forget the individual person.”

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

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 49

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:13 Page 50

At Rudehøj Efterskole making room for everyone is not just a motto. The school employs a special team of pedagogically trained staff to coach and help all students.

Grow and explore in safe settings Strong Christian values, an inclusive approach and a familiar atmosphere are at the core of Rudehøj Efterskole’s once-in-a-lifetime experience. Through strong studentteacher connections pupils are challenged to develop their understanding of life, themselves and others while being engulfed in a world of music, sports, travels and faith. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Rudehøj Efterskole

Founded by a network of progressive Danish priests in 2001, Rudehøj Efterskole offers teenagers a unique experience grounded in the values of the Christian faith. However, pupils do not need to be Christian, stresses school principal Jacob Hørning. “The fact that we are a Christian school does not mean that you have to be a Christian to be here. We are a very inclusive school and whether you are a Muslim, Christian or atheist, you are welcome. The only requirement we have is that all students respect our values. Our values are something our students meet

50 | Issue 71 | December 2014

every day, and they mean that we do not consider somebody better than anyone else. Whether you are good or bad in English, believe in God or not, it does not make you better than anyone else.” Defining yourself Rudehøj Efterskole is the yearly home of approximately one hundred 8th-, 9th- and 10th-grade teenagers from all over Denmark. Many (approximately 70 per cent) of the students come from a Christian background and have chosen the school because of its Christian values. Others are

attracted by the school’s core programmes, namely music and sports. No matter what attracts the students, they will receive a warm welcome from start to end. “What I experience in my work with teenagers is that they very much reflect and define themselves through others and what others think of them. And that is one of the reasons it is so important for us to be there for them throughout their journey and to make sure that they feel that we enjoy our work with them. One of the things we take great pride in is our ability to reach our students at their own level; we believe that is the best way for us to help them develop their full potentials,” explains Hørning and adds: “Now that might sound a bit like we are more of a social house than a school, but actually we are also a very academic institute. We have very high standards for us and our students, and we follow their progress

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:13 Page 51

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Education in Denmark

and development through individual interviews throughout the school year.” Helping others At Rudehøj Efterskole making room for everyone is not just a motto. The school employs a special team of pedagogically trained staff to coach and help challenged students. In many subjects students are divided into groups depending on their level and skills, and resources are dedicated so that weaker students are taught in smaller groups – some consisting merely of five students. Challenged students are, however, integrated normally in all other aspects of school life. “We have made it a priority to make room for students with special needs, and our highly skilled team has had an immense success

in this area. It is about helping those students handle the ever-changing setting of a boarding school so that they too can have that unique experience that a year at an efterskole is,” says Hørning. Helping others is also at the centre of the school’s special 10th grade programme, Front, which focuses on what it means to be a disciple and engage in discipleship. In this programme, which is aimed at students who wish to explore their Christian beliefs, students work to discover the meaning of the Christian duty to help others. They do this through both local and international projects. Among the highlights of the programme is a two-week trip to Africa, where the students work and live with people in need.

Rudehøj Efterskole is located in central Jutland just outside Odder, a ten-minute walk from Rude Havvej train station and approximately 25 minutes drive from Aarhus. Dansk Oase, a network of priests seeking to revitalise the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark, founded the school in 2001. Yearly events at Rudehøj include a skiing trip, a two-week trip to Africa (for students in the school’s 10th grade Front programme) and musical performances. Students live in family groups and share three-bed rooms. This year Rudehøj Efterskole’s new sports hall is opening.

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

“What I experience in my work with teenagers is that they very much reflect and define themselves through others and what others think of them. And that is one of the reasons it is so important for us to be there for them throughout their journey,” says principal Jacob Hørning.

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 51

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:13 Page 52

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Education in Denmark

Be prepared to learn You don’t have to be a scout to join Korinth Efterskole, but you do have to be willing to live by that old scout mantra: “be prepared”. By Tina Nielsen | Photos: Korinth Efterskole

The Funen-based efterskole, counting 67 students, is built on the values of the scout movement. “This means being prepared to tackle the challenges of the day, every day,” says school manager Henrik Madsen. Another scouting tradition, “learning by doing”, is in the school’s DNA. To the furthest possible extent the teaching happens in an experiential way, so even academic lessons become practical – for instance that maths lessons may take place in the garden. The outdoors is a major part of the school year, as students spend their first four weeks living and learning in the outdoors. Young people leading each other in and outside the classroom is another value. “The learning process doesn’t have to be solely from teacher to student,” says Madsen. Young people are divided into so-called patrols in which they work together on chores like cooking. These methods may seem unusual, but the educational result is very main-

stream as students take exactly the same exams as they would in a standard school. Among the specialist areas they choose from is gourmet food and mindfulness, which culminates in the school hosting a pop-up restaurant open to the public. Madsen says this way of running the school means that the stude nts have a major influence on how their time at the school unfolds. “They spend a year at a school where they are listened to and have influence,” he says. With influence comes responsibility, and every week Madsen runs a module called ‘run your school life’ in which students are taught about democratic processes. “This is a great way for them to understand how a democracy works and how to take responsibility.” For more information, please visit: www.korinth-efterskole.dk

Cracking the code Battling challenges with like-minded friends can lighten the process and brighten up your future. An efterskole can be a great steppingstone if you are dyslexic. By Ann Bille | Photo: Vrigsted Efterskole

“What is more or less revolutionary for the students when coming here, is that they don’t feel different,” principal Kirsten Weile explains about Vrigsted Efterskole, a school for students in year 8, 9 and 10 with dyslexia or reading difficulties. “Realising that they are not alone in facing their reading disabilities makes a huge impact on the way they view themselves and their possibilities.” Cecilie Pedersen is spending her year 10 at Vrigsted Efterskole. Besides improving her reading and writing skills immensely, she has gained more confidence in her future path. “I’m currently doing an A-levels transition programme, to get a sense of what A-levels are like,” she says. “The students find the confidence they need here, both academically and personally, to pass

52 | Issue 71 | December 2014

their exams and to be able to proceed to an upper secondary education,” the principal says. At a school with a modern take on dyslexia, good IT skills are a priority. Vrigsted Efterskole believes that being able to use technological reading aids can make a world of difference when trying to crack the code of reading. “We focus on their IT skills in everything we do – we want to make the students self-sufficient,” says the principal. Becoming familiar with the IT tools has made Cecilie Pedersen more independent, she reckons. “I can now use the reading aids and get started by myself. It has done a lot for my confidence. I don’t have to ask for help constantly, like I used to.” - Vrigsted Efterskole is looking into teaching in dyscalculia. - As a new initiative, the school uses mindfulness in their teaching.

For more information, please visit: www.vrigsted-efterskole.dk

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:13 Page 53

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Education in Denmark

At Højer Design Efterskole students can garnish their creative curriculum with various electives, including exotic topics such as “Redesign”, “The wardrobe” and “Animation”.

A creation story “Of course, we encourage all the traditional efterskole qualities: community spirit, personal development and responsibility,” says Kirsten Boyschau, who has been the enthusiastic principal of Højer Design Efterskole since it opened in 2007. “Design is all about taking care of yourself and your surroundings and designing solutions that are better than what’s there at the moment. That actually fits beautifully into the efterskole ethos.” By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Højer Design Efterskole

Creativity and innovation are very much at the heart of life at Højer Design Efterskole, where a wealth of design-related subjects offers students an exceptional choice and range of creative experiences. On top of the traditional academic subjects, students choose one of four creative main subjects that they develop throughout the year. They can garnish their creative curriculum further with various electives, including exotic topics such as “Redesign”, “The wardrobe” and “Animation”. One main subject focuses on the theory, history and practical techniques of fashion and clothing design, while the “Illustration and graphic design” option teaches students everything from poster design to advertisement strategy. “Furniture and product design” allows students to engage with all stages of the product cre-

ation process. The fourth main subject, “Games and animation”, introduces students to the exciting world of game-making, such as character development and website creation, and includes a trip to some of the famous creative corporations in Silicon Valley. Højer’s teachers all have professional experience, and the school endows its students with practical tools and professional know-how such as communication, confidence and presentation, which can be used in any type of further education and career later on. The school offers several trips abroad to encourage students to think and work internationally, including New York and Strasbourg. “We also won an innovation award last year, which led a group of us to India,” says Boyschau. “It was an incredible experience: India is

buzzing with so much innovation, and a larger student group is going this year to collaborate with India’s creative industry.” During their free time, students are welcome to use the school’s facilities, although many students spend their evenings and weekends with new friends, setting up events, or even making trips to Germany – only nine kilometres away. The future looks bright for the school: Højer has been so successful that they’re now developing Højer Designhøjskole, a design academy for 18 to 25-year-olds that will run alongside the efterskole. They hope to attract more and more foreign students, and encourage anyone interested to contact them for further information.

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

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 53

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:13 Page 54

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Education in Denmark

Gymnastics is a big part of the life at SGI. Every year in March, the entire school performs 25-30 shows.

The mother of all efterskoler One hundred and forty years ago, the school that brought the efterskole concept to life was born out of a necessity to save the Danish culture and language. Today 154 students a year are still getting education – and friends – for life at Skibelund Gymnastik- & Idrætsefterskole. By Ann Bille | Photos: Skibelund Gymnastik- & Idrætsefterskole

On Sunday nights the Danish channel DR1 is currently airing the much hyped TV-series 1864, Ole Bornedal’s portrayal of the The Second Schleswig War, where Denmark lost Southern Jutland to Prussia. Skibelund Gymnastik- & Idrætsefterskole (SGI) was born in the wake of this conflict, as a means to maintain the Danish culture and language in the occupied territory. “Starting out as the first Danish boarding school in 1874, restrictions in 1884 meant that Skibelund had to re-think their concept, and it became ‘a school after the compulsory school’,” explains principal Asbjørn Nielsen. With this, the term for 249 schools in Denmark was born. One hundred and forty years later, SGI is a modern gymnastics and sports efter-

54 | Issue 71 | December 2014

skole with smartboards and wireless internet. But the initial Grundtvigian inspiration is still present, for instance in the focus on gymnastics, as a mandatory and important part of the school profile. “Gymnastics is an excellent way to unite people,” the principal explains, “it has lots of good qualities – but most importantly, everyone is an essential piece of the puzzle.”

15-year old Clara Eche Haarvik agrees: “It was difficult having to initiate talking to others, that was very new to me, but by the first Wednesday I’d already got some new friends,” she says, adding: “You become very independent here.” “We believe that being given a responsibility breeds responsibility. We involve the students in everything. When we plan a gymnastics show, it’s not the gymnastics coach arranging it all, we want the students to be involved and take part because we believe they learn a lot by doing that,” says the principal, adding: “We want to educate them for life.” FUN FACT:

The community and close friendships attracted fifteen-year-old Alexander Madsen to the school. “I’d heard great things about the efterskole life, and I wanted to experience it myself,” he says. He was not disappointed. “Within the first week, I had friends that I felt I’d known my whole life!”

The national gymnastics icon, Helle Gotved, was a student at the school in 1927

For more information, please visit: www.s-g-i.dk

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:13 Page 55

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Education in Denmark

The efterskole with no beds In the City of Smiles, also known as Aarhus, you’ll find Center-10, Aarhus High School, the largest year 10 school in Denmark. In the spirit of the city nickname, the school believes that you will obtain better learning when having fun. By Ann Bille| Photos: Center-10, Aarhus High School

“We prioritise the social aspect and community, and we try to nurture it through introductory camps and study trips as well as morning gatherings," explains principal Poul Højmose. Center-10 differs from the traditional schools with their focus on creating a unique youth environment and by introducing the students to new subjects and challenges that will prepare them for their future studies and adult life. “In fact, we have a lot of the same features, terms and atmosphere as an efterskole – we are sort of a ‘local’ efterskole, with the exception that the students don’t actually live here, as they sleep at home,” the principal says. Center-10 aims to be a strong start to the students’ future education, no matter which direction they choose to take. “We offer study programmes tailored to the students’ needs,” the

principal explains. The school offers three main study programmes; The Vocational Entry, The Flexible Entry or The Upper Secondary programme. Each contains a number of mandatory courses and 16 optional courses. One of these optional courses proved crucial for student Andreas Foldager’s choice of school. “Center-10 offered exactly the football course I was looking for. I wanted to find a school with a high level of football training, as well as a high educational level.” Today, there isn’t a shred of doubt in his mind that he made the right choice. “I’ve already improved my football skills in several areas, and I’ve raised my marks by almost 50 per cent.” For more information, please visit: www.center-10.dk

Patience, closeness and support Lystruphave Efterskole was founded in 2002 to help shorten the long waiting lists to the few Danish efterskoler for people with dyslexia, dyscalculia or other learning challenges. Today, the thriving school is part of a nation-wide community of twenty such schools that teach, support and research learning methods for people whose previous experience of school has been hampered by conventional classrooms and teaching styles.

By Louise Older Steffensen | Photo: Lystruphave Efterskole

The pupils who arrive at Lystruphave are bright young people who are often thirsty for the academic knowledge that has eluded them at traditionally structured schools. “At Lystruphave, learning is encouraged in all forms,” says Niels Martin Hougaard Sørensen, who has been the school’s principal since its beginning. “Students can take short breaks during lessons,

move about, or even lie down if it aids their study.” Classes consist of no more than 12 pupils. Concentration is aided by fun exercise and a wholesome diet. The school uses the very latest technology, which can read written text aloud or convert speech to written words for the students, and all teaching materials are digitalised.

It is the human support offered at Lystruphave, however, which makes the greatest difference. The school’s “contact teachers” support students with personal, caring guidance every day, and pupils and teachers form strong, mutually trusting bonds. The school is Christian in nature, although most of its students aren’t, and it has the belief in the value of each person at its core. “There are lots of ways to learn,” Sørensen explains, “and everyone can learn. It just depends on taking the time to help each pupil discover what type of learning works for them.”

For more information, please visit: lystruphave.dk

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 55

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:13 Page 56

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Education in Denmark

A diet that really works Losing a tonne in a year might seem like a lot, but not for the 90 students at Kongensgaard Efterskole in western Jutland. Denmark’s first and only lifestyle efterskole emphasises exercise, healthy eating and healthy living and gives the students a chance to completely transform their lives and get a new start. By Josefine Older Steffensen | Photos: Kongensgaard Efterskole

We have all had the wish to lose a few kilos, but the students who go to Kongensgaard Efterskole are really doing something about it. They go to finish their schooling and to learn about healthy living, whilst also exercising every day. The students enter with a high BMI, but leave having transformed themselves both mentally and physically. The class of 2014 have been at the school for 14 weeks and have already lost 600kg. Carsten Jensen, probably the proudest principal in Denmark, says: “The most important thing is that the students have self-esteem when they leave.”

for everyone. The school pushes the students outside of their comfort zones and teaches them to believe in themselves. Kongensgaard goes to the root of the problems that may exist, so the pupils can make a new start, and the teachers become their role models. “Many arrive at the school believing they aren’t good enough to continue to further education, but they come out of here being ambitious and having a goal in life,” Jensen says. The transformation can be both seen and felt and the school offers a vital lifeline, never before offered in Denmark.

Many of the students, aged 14-17, have been bullied because of their size, but at Kongensgaard everyone is the same and there is space

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

V Viking iking sships hips in R Roskilde oskilde H History istor y ffor or a all ll tthe he ssenses enses – yyear ear rround ound Experience Viking and our iking sships hip s a nd ssee ee o ur Experience five five original original V impressive in the the scenic scenic Museum Museum Harbour. Harb r o impressive boat boat ccollection ollec tion in Look, Look, feel, feel, smell smell - and and try! tr y ! The Ship Museum on Vikings’ The Viking Viking S hip M useum ffocuses o cu s e s o n tthe he V ikings’ maritime impressive maritime craftsmanship craf tsmanship and and ttheir heir im pressive ships. ships. Exciting about the the Viking Viking sships hips and an d Exciting exhibitions exhibitions – Films Films about Sea Sea Stallion Stallion from from Glendalough Glendalough – Dress Dress as as a Viking Viking Activities Ac tivities for for children children – Go Go on on board board Viking Viking ships sh i p s Boatyard Shop New Boat yard – Museum M u s e um S hop – N ew Nordic Nordic Viking Viking Food Fo o d Scenic harbour S cenic h arbour life life with with Viking Viking ships ships and and historical historical wooden wooden boats. boats. Go G o ssailing ailing on on Roskilde Roskilde Fjord: Fj Fjord: May May 15 15 - September September 30. 3 0.

SPECIAL S P E C I A L EEXHIBITION X H I B I T I O N 2014 20 1 4 T The he W World orld iin n tthe he V Viking iking Age A ge –S Seafaring eafaring iin n tthe he 9t 9th h ccentury entur y cchanged hanged tthe he w world! orld! vikingshipmuseum.dk

U Under nder tthe he a age ge o off 118 8a admission dmission ffree re e Aalborg borg Aalborg

Open Open daily daily 10:00 10:00 - 16:00 1 6:0 0 (May (May 16 16 - Aug. Aug. 24: 2 4: 10:00 10:00 - 17:00) 17:00)

Å rhus Århus

Roskilde R oskilde l e

Transport: T ra n s p o r t: Free car park. Train to Roskilde. From Roskilde Station bus route 203 or about 20 minutes’ walk.

København K øbenhavn Odense

Vindeboder 12 • DK-4000 Roskilde • vikingshipmuseum.dk

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:13 Page 57

WI SPE IN NTE CIAL NO R E TH RT XP EM HE ER RN IEN E: NO CE RW S AY

RIGHT: Dog sledding is a popular and extraordinary pastime in the very north of Norway. Photo: Terje Rakke. LEFT: Revel in sublime nature experiences in Northern Norway, such as the enchanting Northern Lights. Photo: Gaute Bruvik

Arctic adventures await Northern lights. Midnight sun. Svalbard. A dazzling array of exciting activities. Arctic Norway is unique in many ways, and never fails to fascinate.

on the Top 10 listing of the 'The Best Regions in the World 2015'.

By Visit Norway | Photos: Gaute Bruvik & Terje Rakke

The bestselling yearbook highlights 16 other inspirational listings, where Norway made it onto another three lists, including ‘Unforgettable Family Travel Experiences’ and ‘Most illuminating places’. Northern Norway featured fifth on the list of top regions ahead of Flores in Indonesia, Chile’s Atacama Desert and Macau, China. According to the book “Northern Norway is going to blow your mind with its heartbreakingly beautiful landscapes of glaciers and fjord-riven mountains, all bathed in crystal-clear light. Welcome to one of Europe’s last great wildernesses.” We hope to see you there!

The North Cape, Europe's northernmost point, remains a goal for many travellers to Arctic Norway, and crossing the Arctic Circle is only the first step on the long journey north. Whether you are venturing north in search of the Northern Lights or the midnight sun; as a wildlife enthusiast or a keen golfer; on a cruise or on land – the region has something different to offer. Tee off at Tromsø Golfpark, the world's northernmost golf course; join a giant crab safari in Kirkenes; go dog sledding or snowmobiling in Lapland; or take the trip of a lifetime to Svalbard to see the polar bear in its natural habitat. You will be awed by this fascinating destination. Are you ready for the adventure? The magical lights Seeing the Northern Lights (aurora borealis), is a jaw-dropping moment, and Arctic Norway is one of the best places on earth to observe this striking natural phenomenon.

The interest in trips to Northern Norway to watch this spectacular lightshow has soared in recent years. Visitor numbers are expected to receive a further boost this winter, as the forthcoming season is set to offer one of the best opportunities to see the Northern Lights in a decade or more. This is due to a natural phenomenon where the sun’s polarity flips, which happens approximately every 11 years. Seeing the Northern Lights in Norway is on many travellers’ bucket lists. “We hope to fulfil and exceed people’s dreams about seeing the Northern Lights this coming season,” says Director of Tourism in Norway, Per-Arne Tuftin. Northern Norway named one of the best regions in the world by Lonely Planet Northern Norway also impresses Lonely Planet in their Best in Travel 2015 book, where Northern Norway scoops a place

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

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 57

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Winter Experiences in Northern Norway

“We wanted to focus on the way in which light is such an important part of the natural landscape in the Arctic area,” says marketing manager Jan Roger Eriksen about the 'Arctic Light and Life' theme of this year’s hotel.

The frozen hotel Doze off on a bed of snow and ice at Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in northern Norway: the coolest hotel of the north. By Maya Acharya | Photos: Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel

Under the Arctic skies in northern Norway, often lit up by the dazzling streaks of the aurora borealis, you can sleep on ice at the beautifully carved and temporary Igloo Hotel on the banks of the Alta River. This is the world's northernmost ice and snow hotel. Each year the hotel is built from scratch and melted down, and each year it has a new theme.

16th time that the Igloo Hotel is built, with over 30 double bedrooms, two cabins, fantastic sculptures made of ice and an ice bar that serves bright blue vodka in ice glasses. In addition, the hotel has an adjoined ice chapel with frozen benches and a glacial altar. Many couples travel from far and wide to get married at this this remarkable venue.

Chilled dreams and winter weddings

To some it might seem somewhat daunting to sleep in sub-zero temperatures, but as the hotel's marketing manager Jan Roger Eriksen says, the atmosphere inside the hotel makes for a one-of-a-kind experience. “Since we started we've seen more and more guests come every year.

The Igloo Hotel was first built by Alta Recreation Park (now known as Sorrisniva) in 2000. The company was established in 1989 by three siblings with a history of entrepreneurship in Alta that spans three generations. This year will be the

58 | Issue 71 | December 2014

Many people come with a desire to experience something different in a part of the world where it is quite natural to sleep outside in tents or snow caves during winter. It really has a distinctive atmosphere,” says Eriksen. So much so that many people come just to explore the hotel, without staying overnight. From January to April, overnight guests can book individually or as groups to experience sleeping on ice beds covered in reindeer hide. They are provided with sleeping bags made for extreme temperatures and it is recommended to wear thermal underwear and a hat. The temperature within the hotel is stable, and stays between -4°C and -7°C. Upon waking up, guests can enjoy a morning sauna and breakfast. Next to the sleeping quarters is the main building, where you can find the reception and the hotel's restau-

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:13 Page 59

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Winter Experiences in Northern Norway

rant, The Salmon Hut. This is also where guests store their luggage and use all regular facilities like bathrooms, changing rooms and showers. In the communal living room you can also warm yourself by the open fire. The beauty of light The theme for this year's hotel will be 'Arctic Light and Life'. Alta is one of the best spots to see the famous Northern Lights, and in the dark winter months when it's cold and clear, guests are more likely to catch a glimpse of this incredible phenomenon. “Of course the Northern Lights are one of the reasons that we chose this theme, but we also wanted to focus on the way in which light is such an important part of the natural landscape in the Arctic area. The dark period in Alta lasts from the end of November to mid-January, with a few hours of a blue tinged dusk every day that we call the 'blue light'. The way light is re-

flected from the snow and ice is also very special. And then, in summer, you have the midnight sun. There are so many different nuances and contrasts,” Eriksen points out. The theme will also be the source of inspiration for the hotel's Ice Gallery, located in the ice bar and exhibiting sculptures and artwork made by local artists. As for 'Arctic Life', there is no shortage of activities for people staying at the Igloo Hotel. If you don't want to join one of the tailored Northern Lights snowmobile safaris or bus trips, you could borrow a head torch from reception and go on the Northern Lights Walk – a specially ploughed trail along the banks of the Alta River. You can also go dogsledding, use kicksleds, go tobogganing down sledding hills, or go on an extended overnight snowmobile trip where you can sleep in a traditional Sami

tent at the Sorrisniva basecamp on the Finnmark plateau. A creative community Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel is not just a novelty for tourists; it's an important part of the local culture and community. “Building the hotel each year is an exciting process. We started 16 years ago, so some people have been helping with the construction since they were teenagers. It's amazing to see what all these creative people can accomplish each year. It's something the community builds together and that people in Alta can be proud of,” Eriksen asserts. “It's also exciting because of the way in which nature plays a big part in what the hotel looks like each season. The structure is affected by changing temperatures and its surroundings. Also, there is new content each year so the hotel is never standardised, and that's what draws you back. It's never the same twice.”

For more information, please visit: www.sorrisniva.no Photo: losvar.no

LEFT AND BOTTOM RIGHT: This year will be the 16th time that the Igloo Hotel is built, with over 30 double bedrooms, two cabins, fantastic sculptures made of ice and an ice bar that serves bright blue vodka in ice glasses. TOP RIGHT: The hotel has an adjoined ice chapel with frozen benches and a glacial altar. Photo: losvar.no.

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 59

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:13 Page 60

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Winter Experiences in Northern Norway

The vivid Northern Lights dance across the sky.

Chasing the Aurora Catching a glimpse of the elusive Aurora Borealis can be quite the challenge if you don’t know where to look. For the past nine years tour guide and photographer Kjetil Skogli, known as the Aurora Chaser has assisted visitors to Tromsø in their hunt for the Northern Lights. By Andrea Bærland | Photos: Kjetil Skogli

“There are so many factors playing into the search for a view of the Northern Lights,” says Kjetil, who takes groups of up to seven people out each night to find the lights. “We need to find a spot with perfect conditions and clear skies, and then hope that nature works its magic,” he says. Luckily Tromsø and its surrounding area is one of the best locations in the world to see the Northern Lights, and Kjetil has had more successful outings than not. He has acted as both cameraman and guide for film crews from both Brazil and Japan, and in 2008 he contributed to Joanna Lumley’s documentary Joanna Lumley in the Land of the Northern Lights on the BBC. “She was such a lovely and interesting person to work with, and thanks to her documentary Norwegians too opened their eyes to this beautiful natural phenomenon and how important it is for Norwegian tourism,” Kjetil says.

60 | Issue 71 | December 2014

He also helped the BBC’s Brian Cox in finding the lights in the documentary Wonders of the Solar System, but Lumley and Cox are not the only celebrities Kjetil has had the pleasure of guiding. In 2011 two of his idols, Brian May and Roger Taylor from Queen, wanted to see the aurora. “It was such a cool experience, we had to drive all the way up to the Finnish border for clear skies but in the end we found the lights!”

nightly excursions a pleasant and social experience for everyone. “Weather permitting we put together a campfire. We make warm beverages and sit around it while eating snacks and telling stories,” he says. Last winter the Aurora Chaser marked his 1,000th trip hunting for the Northern Lights, and around the world a growing number of people proudly wear their badges (see below) proving that they too have chased the Aurora.

Witnessing the Northern Lights is for many a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a great photo opportunity. As a seasoned photographer Kjetil gladly shares his knowledge of how best to capture the phenomenon through a mini photography class, and also has high quality cameras available for hire. “It is interesting to observe how groups made up of different nationalities go together,” says Kjetil. He tries to make the

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

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:14 Page 61

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Winter Experiences in Northern Norway

Offering private and conference guests everything from adventure-laden hiking routes to outdoor bathing in a wooden tub, the area of Sandtorgholmen is one for lovers of nature.

Step into history at Sandtorgholmen With a history stretching back almost 250 years, Sandtorgholmen Hotel bears memories of a vibrant trading region immersed in a serene landscape close to the worldfamous Lofoten. Today, the hotel invites you to take part in this history, enjoying a memorable stay filled with adventurous experiences. From Norway’s northernmost wine cellar to ice-bathing, there is something for all to be found on the distinguished premises.

lected to suit the high-quality, traditionally Norwegian gourmet dishes served. “Our food is locally sourced. I’ve even cast the fishing rod out the window of our house – that’s how locally sourced it is!” Trulsen laughs.

By Julie Lindén | Photos: Sandtorgholmen Hotel

This coastal pearl boasts more than subterranean exclusivity and perfectly composed meals – a mere 30 kilometres away from the serene nature of Sandtorgholmen is Harstad, located in the midst of the aurora borealis zone.

Recognised by the Federation of Norwegian Heritage, Norsk Kulturarv, as one of the best travel experiences in Norway where cultural history is preserved to strict standards, Sandtorgholmen boasts an exclusive combination of a welcoming atmosphere, supreme cuisine, spectacular nature experiences and a truly distinctive historical background. “We’re honoured to be distinguished as a travel experience to take note of,” says Alice Trulsen of Sandtorgholmen Hotel. “It’s important for us to feel that we’re appreciated by our visitors, and this is an emblem of both trust and appreciation,” she says, pausing for a moment. “It’s not work for us, you know – it’s a lifestyle.”

Offering private and conference guests everything from adventure-laden hiking routes and potholing excursions to outdoor bathing in a wooden tub (and in the winter sea, for the brave!), the area of Sandtorgholmen is one for lovers of nature. Still, it’s inside the hotel’s many rooms, located in a number of buildings (the oldest dating back to 1750), where the true identity of the historical site is preserved. In fact, you need not go further than the Malaga wine cellar, which can be traced as far back as 1770, to be amazed. “Because the main wine trade here was with Malaga, Spain, we only serve Spanish wines in our cellar, which can be rented for private functions,” says Trulsen, explaining that all wines are carefully se-

Activities available: Organised fishing trips Extreme sports Whale safari Eagle safari Mountain hiking Northern Lights watching Potholing

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

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 61

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:14 Page 62

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Winter Experiences in Northern Norway

After just six weeks following the sun’s return at the end of February, Svalbard enjoys midnight sun and daylight for 24 hours a day.

High Arctic three dog nights If you visit Norway and complain about the cold, any good Norwegian will convince you that there is no such thing as bad weather but only that you are not properly dressed. Midway between continental Norway and the North Pole are the Svalbard islands, the Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. Despite the high latitude of 78º north, the climate is relatively mild with temperatures ranging from an average of 6º C in the summer to -14º in the winter.

ern hemisphere. In Greenland, hunters return each day with bear and whale carcasses to use for trade, an enormous contrast to Svalbard, where nature and animal life is protected by strictly enforced regulations.

By Kathleen Newlove | Photos: Green Dog Svalbard

Green Dog offers many different dog sledding options in both winter and summer, when the sleds are on wheels. Most visitors choose day trips that consist of a few lovely hours with the most wonderful wildlife and landscape views that are unique to this part of the world. Longer trips of multiple days are also available. In the darkness of winter, you will find yourself soundlessly gliding under the moonlight across snow-covered valleys with only the wind and the whisper of the dogs’

There is no better way to stay warm and explore the untouched Arctic wilderness around Longyearbyen than by dog sled with Green Dog Svalbard. Martin Munck and his wife, Karina Bernlow, began sharing their love of this area over three years ago when they started Green Dog Svalbard with almost two decades of combined experience in sledding and Arctic expeditions.

62 | Issue 71 | December 2014

Strong contrasts and wonderful wildlife Together with their two small children, Munck and Bernlow moved to Svalbard from Greenland, where Munck served with the sled patrol Sirius for three years followed by nine years as a professional hunter, using dog sleds as his transport. Bernlow spent 14 years in the small hunting society Ittoqqortoormiit, which is the most remotely located village in the west-

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:14 Page 63

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Winter Experiences in Northern Norway

breath in your ears. At the right time of year, you will even have a chance to view the Northern Lights in a most memorable way. The sled makes occasional stops where you can stretch your legs, photograph your surroundings, and enjoy the delicious cakes, biscuits, coffee and other warm drinks that are provided. Green Dog also travels to rare ice caves. “The first tours to the ice caves every year are amazing. We open the cave for the season and we are the first to enter and explore it. Every summer the ice melts and forms the cave into new shapes. When the water freezes again the cave is changed completely so each year it’s a new experience,” Munck tells us. Deep darkness and midnight sun Although the winters in Svalbard generally last from November until May, the landscape is ever changing. In January, the sun has already stayed below the horizon for three months and there’s still another month before its long awaited return. The island is shrouded in a constant deep blue darkness, only illuminated by the moon

and the northern lights. After just six weeks following the sun’s return at the end of February, Svalbard enjoys midnight sun and daylight for 24 hours a day. Green Dog travellers have the chance to view local wildlife in its natural habitat, such as polar bears, reindeer, foxes, and various native birds. Safety is the number one priority at Green Dog, so not only will you learn about the do’s and don’ts before you start your adventure, but experienced gun-handler Munck, and all of his guides, carry a rifle for self-defence at all times. And let’s not forget about the stars of this operation, the dogs that pull your sled. Once you have been picked up by your guide and been outfitted in your weatherappropriate gear, you visit the kennel and meet the dogs.

know their personalities. You will experience the dynamics of the team and will most likely be surprised to see that dogs as tough as these can be so kind and adoring,” explains Bernlow. Even if you’ve never mushed before, the friendly people at Green Dog guide you through a complete information session before the dogs get harnessed for your outing. Green Dog provides all the clothing and gear that you need for a comfortable and memorable experience and they have tours available for visitors of most levels of health and physical shape.

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

Dynamic teams of adoring dogs Green Dog raises fifteen to twenty Husky puppies a year that are trained to expertly pull the sleds. There are usually up to 140 adult dogs on staff at any given time. “During the day you will be able to tell the difference between the dogs and get to

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 63

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:14 Page 64

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Winter Experiences in Northern Norway

The Polarrigg, situated in Svalbard’s largest settlement of Longyearbyen, boasts various types of affordable accommodation, from standard to luxury rooms – or private apartments.

Experience the real Svalbard Mary-Ann Dahle had a dream of welcoming guests from all over the world to a cosy, warm and history-laden place to spend the night. Starting from scratch, she carefully collected memorabilia and literal pieces of history from the very northernmost of Norway – the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard – to create an original environment free from the hassle and stress of everyday life. If she succeeded? Just ask the numerous guests who have returned over the years. By Julie Lindén | Photos: Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg

“I just hosted two groups of French and British travellers,” the warmly spirited Dahle says, “and they were all in complete awe of the archipelago and its special sceneries when they left. They also vowed to come back – so many people do!” The Polarrigg, situated in Svalbard’s largest settlement of Longyearbyen, boasts various types of affordable accommodation, from standard to luxury rooms – or private apartments. A visit together

64 | Issue 71 | December 2014

with a special someone may call for an equally special space to care for one another and relax, all possible in the suite – conveniently located just next to the polar rig’s spa, recognised as the northernmost spa in the world. The spa offers every treatment you could wish for, ranging from relaxing deep-tissue massages to facial treatments and manicures. Oh, and should your time pampering yourself in one of the rig’s treatment rooms prove relaxing enough to warrant a quiet dinner in bed – not to worry. Dinner can be

brought to your room, and enjoyed in the company of your choice. Stories of the real Svalbard The world’s northernmost spa aside, Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg possesses features that can only be described as matchless. It doesn’t take more than a look around the premises to realise that due care has been taken to ensure visitors a stay out of the ordinary – one they will tell stories of for many years to come. As for telling stories, this is somewhat of a specialty of Dahle’s. “One of my favourite things is walking guests through the different rooms of the rig and telling them about the history of Svalbard,” says Dahle, who has collected all the pieces of décor and furniture displayed at the rig herself. Recounting how she has found several pieces of memora-

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:14 Page 65

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Winter Experiences in Northern Norway

bilia in the old coalmines of the island, the scene of vibrant mining activity in the beginning of the 20th century, her enthusiasm shines through. “The guests seems to appreciate these stories,” she smiles, continuing: “I want them to truly experience history during their stay here. It’s present all around, and so the people who come are not too preoccupied with your everyday type of hotel – they want something different, something out of the ordinary.” The originality of Dahle’s rig can also be felt in the extraordinarily welcoming and homely atmosphere that permeates its rooms – from the individually decorated bedrooms to the shared kitchen and common room, home of the rig’s only television. “I don’t want TVs in the bedrooms,” Dahle says with emphasis. “It’s all part of experiencing the real Svalbard in an undisturbed way, and taking a break from the world outside. I often have guests taking a nap on the common room sofa – they learn to appreciate the quiet kind of life up here.” She explains that the same goes for the kitchen, where scores of travellers have found new travelling companions, or just some dinner company, over the years. “You know the French and the English that I told you about?” she asks,

continuing without pause: “They became good friends right here – they had never met before!” A culinary adventure Although few things could enhance this already extraordinary pearl of the north any further, its cuisine should be taken note of. Cooking the characteristically Norwegian homemade quality food herself, Dahle has created an optimal menu of exotic dishes that counts for more than a nutritious addition to your day. Adding to this is a separate menu of Thai food, but no matter the meal, Dahle puts large emphasis on merely using produce from free-ranging animals, as well as sourcing all meat from national locations recognised for their supreme standards of meat production (take the famed Senja lamb as an example). As such, an environmentally friendly approach is enabled. And – for the culinary adventurous – the rig can offer truly exclusive dining experiences. “The whale and seal meats are in demand,” explains Dahle. “Whale meat is very much misunderstood, because people assume the animals have been wastefully killed. In fact, eating whale meat is an old Norwegian tradition, and as long as the hunting is justifiably carried out the

meat can make part of so many delicious dishes.” Enjoying a Norwegian dish in a stunning winter wonderland environment, closer to the North Pole than most people ever venture, while gazing up at the Northern Lights and dreaming of mind-blowing adventures of the north does not have to remain a fairy-tale. Just ask Dahle – she is more than happy to make your dream of the north come true.

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

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 65

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:14 Page 66

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Winter Experiences in Northern Norway

Arctic adventures with BIRK Husky For winter-loving adventurers, BIRK Husky offers Arctic wilderness activities between Norway, Finland and Russia. Innovation Norway recently voted BIRK Husky number one for winter activities. Based above the Arctic Circle in Svanvik, near Kirkenes in north eastern Norway, former teacher Trine Beddari turned her passion for dog sledding into a permanent job ten years ago by forming BIRK Husky. By Stian Sangvig | Photos: BIRK Husky

“Our activities this winter include trips with dog sleds and nature adventures,” general manager, wilderness host and New Zealand national Thomas Williams explains. Dog sledding trips for up to eight people can last from two hours to several days. “We have 35 dogs at our kennel and an annual litter of puppies,” Williams continues. BIRK Husky’s nature adventures offer the best of the region’s varied scenery through fishing trips, hiking tours and hunts for the Northern Lights. “With no daylight from mid-November to late January, our Northern Lights hunting trips are particularly popular at this time of year,” says Williams. The winter season at

BIRK Husky lasts from approximately late November to Easter. Later on, during spring and summer, the region’s rich animal and bird life makes BIRK’s bird watching tours popular. Guests can enjoy the best local and seasonal cuisine in a Sámi lavvu tent or the Long Viking House, which can accommodate 40 guests. “New this year is our cosy and newly renovated guest house with seven rooms and 12 beds as accommodation,” explains Williams. Kirkenes is accessible by air with several direct flights a day from Oslo with both Norwegian and SAS.

TOP: The cosy guesthouse at Melkefoss, with a dust of snow underfoot. Photo: Trine Beddari BOTTOM: Huskies pulling sleds through the 'enchanted' forest during deep winter. Photo: Thomas Williams.

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

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:14 Page 67

Scan Magazine | Best of Norway | Pur Norsk

Purely Norwegian – purely excellent Distinguished by British magazine Monocle as one of the world’s five best shops for interior design, Pur Norsk is at the forefront of innovative expressions powered by a Nordic feel. Translated to “Purely Norwegian”, this conceptual shop puts Norwegian products on the map while appealing to a wide international audience. It’s time to fully embrace the excellence of Norwegian design – it’s here to stay. By Julie Lindén | Photos: Pur Norsk

As their own kind of ambassadors for Norwegian culture and design, Marianne Lien and Lasse Altern Halvorsen specialise in exclusive interior products and homeware that have been designed and/or produced in Norway. The furniture and merchandise are characteristically Scandinavian in style, incorporating clean-cut features and clear, bright colours, presented in equally neat and appealing spaces. Particularly noteworthy about Pur Norsk is the meticulous attention to – and care for – functional details. Lien and Halvorsen are proud creators of the Abel shelf system, a uniquely Norwegian design that lets you decide for yourself how

you wish to position your shelves. Having developed a construction where shelves are attached to the wall without using screws or other loose fixtures, Lien and Halvorsen were able to facilitate a new kind of flexible, urban living – leading the way forward with a notable example of innovative currents in the Norwegian design industry. “We understood that there was a market for a flexible shelf system that could meet people’s differing needs. There was no Norwegian product we could incorporate into the shop that filled these requirements, so we decided to design one of our own,” says Halvorsen.

The ingenious simplicity behind the construction has earned Pur Norsk the Norwegian Design Council’s Award for Design Excellence. Anticipating Abel’s rise to an iconic status in Norwegian design, particularly due to the product’s commercial potential, the Council adds to a long line of positive voices praising the initiatives of the design collective. And slick design solutions are not the only features earning praise. The national focus is an aspiration at every level of the design process – all the way through to environmental concern. “There are several benefits that come with producing everything in Norway. It gives us a proximity to the product, but it also means that we don’t put the environment through unnecessary transport,” says Lien. For more information, please visit: www.purnorsk.no

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 67

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:14 Page 68

Scan Magazine | Best of Norway | Inspiration by Laa

Welcome to a world of inspiration Inspired by the women in her life – her beautiful fashion-conscious grandmother and her mother who designed and made clothes for the family – Lene Aanesrud went on to create her own clothing line: Inspiration by Laa. Now the Norwegian family business is tapping into international markets, from Munich to New York City.

ing line will also be working towards expanding in Scandinavia, and it’s currently involved in consultations with a potential agent in New York.

By Maya Acharya | Photos: Inspiration by Laa

Progress with Principle

Impelled by many childhood hours spent admiring her grandmother's vintage dresses in the loft, Lene Aanesrud first started Inspiration by Laa in 2008 with the dream of creating classic yet contemporary cuts at affordable prices. She still wanted to keep the expression of wearing a designed piece, so the garments are mainly made from quality fabrics such as wool, silk and cotton. The clothing line consists of jackets, blazers, skirts, blouses and dresses for everyday use as well as special occasions. Since being established, Inspiration by Laa has expanded with a network of dealers across Norway, and they are now excited to explore new markets. Increasing Inspiration With elegant designs inspired by nature, travelling and vintage styles rather than

68 | Issue 71 | December 2014

fleeting trends, Inspiration by Laa has become a distinct brand. Evidence of Aanerud's original inspiration is visible on the labels on the clothes, which picture her grandmother. “After a few years of focusing on establishing ourselves in Norway, we've now reached a point where it's natural to progress to new markets. Our main priority will be the German market, and we have already found an excellent collaborator who is helping us with this,” says Aanesrud. In fact, 2015 will be the year Inspiration by Laa will attend their first international fashion fairs abroad – in Düsseldorf and Munich – where they will showcase their 2015 autumn and winter collections. In addition to the German market the cloth-

Although it's clear the ball is rolling for Inspiration by Laa, Aanesrud maintains that the company's growth should not affect the quality of the brand. “We're feeling very optimistic about launching our designs in Germany and have had really positive feedback. As a long-term goal we do envision a natural expansion towards other markets. But we have always wanted to have a natural and manageable growth, so we're taking one step at a time.”

Below: With elegant designs inspired by nature, travelling and vintage styles rather than fleeting trends, Inspiration by Laa has become a distinct brand.

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

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:14 Page 69

Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Made in Finland

Design know-how is Finland's pride and joy A lot of the inspiration for Finnish design comes from the history, geography and the climate of extremes. Finns have a close relationship with warm, light and colourful summers, as well as dark, cold and magical winters. Finns create functional, beautiful and timeless articles. Finlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s successful design industries have evolved from traditional craft production in wood, glass, metals and textiles. The Finnish designers are skilled at using the natural materials around them.

mand transparency of a product or service with respect to the origin, designer and ecology. Finnish design will prosper also in the future by having an open, global attitude and focusing on the enduser. Design should always serve human needs and the quality of life.

By Rilla Engblom | Photos: Member companies of the Association for Finnish Work

Finns are practically-minded and Finnish designers desire to make accessible, ecofriendly everyday design. Finnish design is internationally recognised by its simplicity and modernity. The designers create simple but meaningful objects, without losing sight of the beauty. Good and commercially successful products require much more than the good raw materials and production. New ideas come from innovative design thinking, engineering and product development â&#x20AC;&#x201C; work that should be given proper recognition. The Design from Finland mark highlights the value of Finnish design work.

The role of planners, designers and product developers is significant when it comes to designing timeless products and new service innovations. Successful design does not always catch the eye of the end-user, but it should always delight the life of the user. A company that has been granted the permission to use the mark invests in unique Finnish design, and said design has a central part in the company's business operations and success. In a globalised world, consumers are more aware and compare the products and services worldwide in making purchasing decisions. Consumers also de-

For more information, please visit: www.avainlippu.fi/en

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 69

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:14 Page 70

Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Made in Finland

LEFT: Virpi Cormier with son Jupiter and grandchildren. Frantsila Organic Herb Farm was established thirty years ago on a 300-year-old estate owned by the Cormiers. Photo: Laura Vesa

Wellbeing is the base of beauty The products you use on your skin are absorbed by your body. Hence we should say goodbye to synthetic cosmetics, according to Frantsila’s Jupiter Cormier, the next generation of the family-owned business. By Tuomo Paananen | Photos: Anna Karhu-Cormier

Frantsila's Organic Herb Farm develops and refines cosmetics from organic Finnish herbs and flowers. The company has a strong case for their products. “The skin breathes and lives whilst letting through molecules and compounds that affect your wellbeing. We know that the body reacts better to natural and organic ingredients, and humans haven't used the new synthetic chemicals long enough to know about their effects,” says Cormier. There is a simple and certain way to distinguish the organic cosmetic products that Frantsila produces. “The fact that one can eat and digest most of our ingredients illustrates the difference. However, the main thing is wellbeing. The glow that comes from feeling good is also the foundation of beauty,” Cormier states. Most of Frantsila's products include flowers or herbs such as yarrow, red clover,

70 | Issue 71 | December 2014

calendula, nettle and traditional Finnish roses. The process of testing new items is scientifically sound, ecological and humane. “We constantly research old Finnish, Chinese and Indian medicine traditions to find effective and healthy options. After that we apply contemporary health codes and dermatological tests. Before releasing our products we test them within Finnish test groups.” Two of the latest Frantsila products have been joyfully welcomed by retailers: Rose and Peat Serum and Memory aromatic essential oils. The first one promises to improve metabolism of the skin while the latter enhances your brain functions. “We agree that for instance our Memory aromatic oils are not miracle cures for total recall, but the same essential oils of lemon, rosemary, lavender and orange have been tested on pa-

tients with memory problems in Japan in 2009, showing improvements in their cognitive functions and conceptual understanding,” Cormier states. Frantsila was established in 1980 when Virpi and James Cormier inherited the 300-year-old family farm from Virpi's mother and transformed it into an organic herb farm and course centre for yoga and phytotherapy. “My parents faced a lot of doubts back in the 80s. Luckily, they remained firm when met with all the prejudice. Now organic health products are part of our everyday life, and the feedback we get is extremely positive,” Cormier says. “Just imagine the kind of environment we would live in if all cosmetics were organic and natural. We would have vast fields of flowers instead of large chemical plants. That is something I would root for.” Buy Frantsila's organic and natural products here: www.frantsilankehakukka.fi More information about organic cosmetics from: www.frantsila.com Interested in Frantsila retail? Contact: jupiter.cormier@frantsila.com

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:14 Page 71

Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Made in Finland

Rantanen aims to design pieces that express their owner’s personality.

Precious fun Designer Tanna Rantanen from Finland wants to make silver jewellery that tells a story about the person wearing it. “Some people feel naked without their watch — that´s how I´d like people to feel about their Tanna Design jewellery. These are just too much fun to leave in the jewellery box.”

with it. Gradually it starts looking like something different, like a part of an earring climbing up the earlobe. I might build a whole set using just one kind of a piece, like the Sade set. I try to see old things in a new way.”

By Mia Halonen | Photos: Tanna Design

When you meet Finns, you'd never know Finland is a big jewellery manufacturing country. “Finnish high quality jewellery is very popular, but few people actually wear the jewellery they own,” says designer Tanna Rantanen from Tanna Design.

pieces. “Sometimes I use parts of the old pieces or update them with a modern twist,” she says. Camoon Camée is a perfect example of this: a classical cameo brooch looks more playful made of acrylic materials instead of shell.

“Most people only use jewellery at parties, because they might feel it’s too festive for everyday use, or too expensive to lose. But I want to make jewellery fun enough for people to wear every day!” Rantanen certainly knows what she is talking about. Her father is a goldsmith, as was his father. Before opening his first goldsmith shop in 1962, Rantanen’s grandfather travelled the world as a wrestler. He used to bring jewellery home as souvenirs. Some of Rantanen’s own designs have drawn inspiration from those exquisite

Rantanen aims to design pieces that express their owner’s personality. “Your jewellery is a part of who you are, not just decoration or some interchangeable piece of accessory. I want the jewellery to tell a story.” Tanna Design jewellery is manufactured in a small series but has a custom made look. Very often Rantanen starts moulding the pieces before drawing anything. “I might have a piece of an old necklace and then I start playing

Rantanen, who has lived in Copenhagen, would like Tanna Design to become an international brand in the near future. And why not? After all, we could all use more fun in our lives.

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

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 71

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:14 Page 72

Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Made in Finland

Piece of Memories – travel keepsakes to treasure You are travelling, looking for a souvenir out of the ordinary to take home. Or you’ve had the trip of a lifetime and want to commemorate it with something special. But what? Read on. A far cry from the typical touristy trinkets, Piece of Memories makes beautiful, locally designed silver charms for you to collect. By Joanna Nylund | Photos: Piece of Memories

It started with three friends and a great idea. What if you could collect small items from different countries you have visited on a neck-

lace? The PIECE OF collection was born. “We didn’t want to make stereotypical symbols, but give up-and-coming young designers a chance to create a piece of jewellery that they felt reflected the spirit of their country,” explains Jonna co-founder Holmberg. Starting in the Nordic countries, followed by the Baltics, a competition for design schools was launched. The company appointed a jury consist-

ing of professionals from fields such as design, communication and production to select the winning charms. The strategy has yielded stunning results. Intricate, finely wrought little silver tokens bearing the unmistakeable air of the countries they symbolise have now been made available as traveller keepsakes and corporate gifts. Although diverse, the collection is characterised by inner harmony. The Finnish log cabin, Swedish cinnamon roll and Estonian barn swallow, to name just a few, have been artistically interpreted in gleaming, solid silver. The completed collection will comprise pendants, earrings, cufflinks and tiepins, making it easy for frequent travellers to collect the whole series. The countries are growing in number, too – slowly but surely, Piece of Memories is aiming to go global. “That is certainly our dream and plan!” laughs Jonna. Good news for globetrotters everywhere, in other words. For more information, please visit: pieceof.com Use discount code ‘SCAN’ for 25% off in the PIECE OF webshop.

The Malax Loaf – delicious and versatile Dark and rich in taste, the Malax Loaf is made from wholegrain rye. It is both sweet and sour, and hails from the town of Vaasa in coastal Ostrobothnia, Finland. Today it is one of Finland’s most popular loaves, as naturally at home on the breakfast table as in exclusive gourmet restaurants. Furthermore, the Malax Loaf is now conquering taste buds all over Europe. By Joanna Nylund | Photo: Malax Loaf

The Malax Loaf has been made since 1906, using all traditional methods. The family-owned company still uses the original – and secret – recipe to bake the loaf in their modern production facilities. What makes the Malax Loaf unusual is the complete absence of additives

and preservatives. In line with ancient breadmaking traditions, it is made from a sourdough starter. ”It takes two days to make a loaf, from start to finish,” explains sales and marketing manager Lisbeth Latvasalo. This painstaking method of baking results in great taste as well as a shelf life of several weeks. A favourite of Swedish master chef Leif Mannerström, the versatile loaf not only makes a great starter or main dish – with fish, roe, cheese, ham and more – but an exciting dessert. Thanks to its unusual sweet and sour character, it is excellent in apple compotes and tiramisu, for which the company website provides recipes. “I add chocolate mousse and strawberries to a piece of Malax Loaf – the combination is divine!” assures Lisbeth.

72 | Issue 71 | December 2014

Aside from the whole of Finland, the Malax Loaf is available in Sweden from ICA, Axfood, Coop and Bergendahls. It is gaining popularity in mainland Europe and the UK, where it can be purchased online from sites such as www.finndeli.co.uk and www.fromfinland.fi.

Thanks to its unusual sweet and sour character, the Malax Loaf can be part of exciting desserts.

For more information, please visit: maalahdenlimppu.fi

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:15 Page 73

Almost all of Nimb Hotel’s 17 individually designed rooms have wonderful open wood-burning fireplaces as well as views of Tivoli Gardens.

Hotel of the Month, Denmark

Winter romance at Nimb Hotel What better way to surprise your loved one than with a romantic weekend at Nimb Hotel in the heart of Copenhagen? With heart-warming fireplaces, views of the Tivoli Gardens and stylish Nordic comfort, the iconic hotel’s cosy suites are sure to make you and your partner forget all about the cold. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Nimb Hotels

Founded in Tivoli’s newly built Moorish Palace in 1909, Nimb Hotel has been the home of exclusive gourmet experiences, everyday luxury and romantic settings for more than 100 years. Thoroughly renovated in 2008, the fairy-tale-like building today comprises 17 individually designed suites, the city's most exclusive hotel bar, a rustic French brassiere, and a candlelit wine cellar, in addition to two distinct restaurants. While one, Bar’n’grill, delivers sizzling steaks, grilled seafood and refined cocktails, the other, Nimb Terrasse, presents a tantalising menu of fine, local Nordic cuisine.

son), which with its romantic scenery and numerous rides delights families and couples alike. During the cold winter months, the hotel offers even more for those seeking a bit of romantic indulgence. Hotel Manager, Inge Backhausen Jensen, says: “If you invite that special someone for an unforgettable overnight stay at the romantic Nimb Hotel, we will welcome you with champagne and homemade treats. In the evening, a three-course dinner with wine awaits you in Nimb Brasserie, and, when you return to the comfort of your room, you will find a romantic turndown and a gift from us to you.”

A stay at Nimb Hotel also includes free access to Tivoli Gardens (within the sea-

Indeed, couples of all ages are bound to enjoy the hotel’s warmth, comfort and

prevailing good taste, which are manifested in, for instance, the heavenly soft Geismar’s linen. Luckily, there is no need to rush out of bed. Guests can get up at their leisure and enjoy Nimb’s full breakfast and a late checkout at 1pm. (For full details see offer below). Romance at Nimb Prices start from DKK 4,900 per room per night for double occupancy and include an overnight stay, all taxes, a glass of champagne with homemade treats upon arrival, a three-course dinner with wines in Nimb Brasserie, a romantic turndown, a gift, full breakfast and a late check out at 1pm. To take advantage of this winter experience, book directly by phone or email, and mention the promotional code “Scan Magazine”. For more information, please visit: www.nimb.dk or contact us on hotel@nimb.dk T +45 88 70 00 00

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 73

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:15 Page 74

Norwegians flock to Geilo all year round, and there is a reason for that. “Geilo has its own atmosphere and so does Dr. Holm’s – it is something you just cannot find anywhere else,” says Marianne Moen, marketing coordinator at Dr. Holm’s.

Hotel of the Month, Norway

A breath of Champagne In the heart of Norway, along the famed railway between Oslo and Bergen, sits Dr. Holm’s Hotel. Affectionately nicknamed ‘the white house’ by its staff, the historical hotel has been an important part of Norwegian tourism since 1909. Stunning nature and an abundance of activities awaits those who venture to Geilo for a visit – no matter the season. By Stine Wannebo | Photos: Terje Bjørnsen

There are many traditions in a hotel that is over a hundred years old. A century is a lot of time to perfect every single aspect worth adjusting, and learn how to move with the times. With 126 rooms, over 70 members of staff and a wide range of facilities within its walls, it comes as no surprise that Dr. Holm’s is one of the largest and most diverse hotels in Norway. It is equipped with all the latest resources and facilities to be able to host cutting-edge seminars and vast conferences miles away from the busy city life. But what is most important is not necessarily what is inside the designated seminar and conference floor – it is outside of it.

74 | Issue 71 | December 2014

“We offer our guests so much more than just a space to work. To travel to Geilo just to see the inside of yet another meeting room would be such a waste,” says Marianne Moen, marketing coordinator at Dr. Holm’s. Apart from a glorious spa, bath and fitness centre, the hotel has a wine cellar, beautifully decorated banquet halls of varying sizes and a proper 1950s American bowling alley serving homemade burgers of all descriptions. With all this splendour on the inside it is easy to forget to look outside the grand doors at the astonishing nature situated on the doorstep – and all the relaxing, thrilling and splendid recreational activities to go with it.

Health and wellbeing The opportunities are endless, from skiing and sled dog racing in the winter and early spring, to horse riding and white water rafting in the summer and early autumn. Norwegians themselves flock to Geilo all year round and there is a reason for that. “Geilo has its own atmosphere and so does Dr. Holm’s – it is something you just cannot find anywhere else,” Moen says. For as long as Dr. Holm’s has existed, guests from near and far have chosen the hotel as their base when going skiing or hiking in its surroundings. Geilo is a skier’s paradise, with as many steep hills as there are gentle slopes. One need not travel far to see one of Norway’s famous fjords and even less far to conquer one of the many snow-covered mountains in the area. No less than two National Parks, Hallingskarvet and Hardangervidda, come together in the little village. When Dr. Holm opened the hotel over a hundred years ago, he compared the area’s light breeze to flowing Champagne and inspired many a city banker to come and better their health by tasting ‘the

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:15 Page 75

Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Norway

All the hotel’s restaurants and bars serve exquisite food and drink and the options are plentiful.

Champagne air of Geilo’. The saying still lives to this day and nowhere more than at the doctor’s own hotel. The commitment to wellbeing continues to be the main pillar of Dr. Holm’s Hotel and is manifested in its acclaimed spa and recreational facilities, known to be one of the very best that the Nordic countries can offer.

picked as members of the prestigious association of historical restaurants and hotels across the country. The passion to host guests and the pleasant atmosphere are aspects of the service the staff take tremendous pride in, but they are also important criteria when joining this exclusive society of fine hotels.

A historic hotel

At Dr. Holm’s every conference has its own host with the sole responsibility of making sure that the events run smoothly and everything is taken care of in accordance with the guests’ wishes. All the hotel’s restaurants and bars serve exquisite food and drink and the options are plentiful.

Did you know that Dr. Holm’s Hotel has its very own ghost, The Grey Lady? If that does not prove its historical significance, then their membership in De Historiske certainly will. The white hotel is one of the few names that have been hand-

“The cuisine is such a significant part of the experience of the hotel,” Moen adds with a smile. “There are so many things that make up the whole atmosphere of this great hotel– let’s not forget the astonishing amount of art and antiquities that can be seen inside these walls!” Tradition and history still play an important part of the everyday running of Dr. Holm’s Hotel, but there is no doubt that this is a historic hotel looking to the future.

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

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 75

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:15 Page 76

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Denmark

“Forty-one years of experience combined with old family recipes and the family's own spice combinations make our food so special,” says the experienced restaurateur.

Restaurant of the Month, Denmark

Copenhagen’s Indian icon reborn The Ahluwalias have spiced up the Danish capital with Indian flavours, shapes and colours since the experimental 1970s. Re-opened as Guru in 2014, the family-owned restaurant fuses oriental tastes with high-end Scandinavian design. By Thomas Bech Hansen | Photos: Guru

Good karma, the Indian concept of good intent and good deeds combining to create balance and happiness, seems to have found Guru, an Indian restaurant in the heart of Copenhagen. A recent refur-bishment did the trick. “Good karma in lush surroundings was exactly what we wanted, coupled with the Indian cuisine’s sensual universe. We feel we have succeeded in this,” explains Ricky Ahluwalia, who is a member of the family that runs Guru.

of Henning Larsen Architects, a classy lounge area and a bright, wide open dining space that mixes Scandinavian

Pioneer spirit

Scandi-Indian mix The modernisation represents the latest embodiment of a Copenhagen icon spanning more than 40 years. Courtesy

76 | Issue 71 | December 2014

rant’s interiors. Drawing striking cobber diagrams across the room is “Orient” – a classic Danish pendant lamp inspired by oriental spires. “Every little detail has been thought through with many hours and considerations invested. We have introduced stylish, comfortable design furniture and small but important details like white tablecloths, cobber napkin rings and restrooms that are experiences in themselves,” says Ahluwalia.

interior design with contours resembling Indian mahals has joined the restau-

Strike a chord on the sitar and imagine for a moment the Copenhagen of the early 1970s. With the flower power movement at its peak, many Danes – especially young people – had a new-found desire for adventure and experimentations. In 1973, Ricky’s father Saba Ahluwalia opened the earliest precursor to Guru, Taj Indian Restaurant, which became Scandinavia’s first Indian restaurant. “My father had

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:15 Page 77

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Denmark

visited Denmark on business the year before, and, to his surprise, he could not find any Indian food. So the family upped sticks and left England to start an adventure. The mission was to introduce Danes to Indian food and give them the chance to experience true Indian food culture.” The mood of the times proved the ideal environment to launch new tastes to Danish palates. “There was a full house every night, and the restaurant became a way of life to my parents. We have always said the restaurant is like their fourth child,” says Ahluwalia with a smile. A great love of food and sense of cooking combined with a natural talent for north Indian food led to lasting success, and in 1993 the business moved to the current location on Jernbanegade – a cricket ball’s throw from Tivoli Gardens and the Town Hall Square. Family recipes Although Guru is sparkling new, Ricky Ahluwalia and his wife carry on the family tradition that made Taj Indian and Indian Taj legendary on the Copenhagen food circuit. “Forty-one years of experience combined with old family recipes and the family's own spice combinations make our food so special. Everything is cooked from scratch with selected ingredients and quality products. Everything is home-made and we do not compromise

on anything. Cooking authentic Indian food involves a lot of effort. It takes hours and days to make an original meal with all the trimmings, homemade chutney yogurt and more,” explains Ahluwalia.

The classy lounge area is courtesy of Henning Larsen Architects.

The same ethos runs through Guru’s highly successful takeaway branch, Guru To Go, situated right next door. Guru thus comes in two variations – the full sit-down and the quick grab and go – all made with meticulous preparation and quality in mind.

recognise when old classic dishes should be cooked the authentic way and not with a twist. That said, we like to play around with new tandoori recipes, and it is fun to create new dishes and flavours within our traditional cuisine,” says Ahluwalia. This approach, he explains, is even visible to guests, with three large mosaic-tiled tandoori ovens placed at the centre of the room – one for vegetables, one for bread and one for meat. “We are very focused on quality and proper conditions. Our guests include both vegetarians and vegans and it is important for vegans to have their dishes prepared in and with equipment that only has prepared vegetables and do not come into contact with meat.” On a winter’s day – when the pale Northern sun sets early – something happens when the doors to Guru open. Aromatic scents permeate the rooms, warmth beams comfortably from the ovens and the gold, white and cobber of a perfect Scandi-Indian fusion catches the eye. Guru makes good karma.

Still a frontrunner Nowadays, Copenhagen is home to virtually all world cuisines imaginable, including a good few Indian options. Not content to be the fabled pioneer, Guru is intent on setting the standard. “We have great passion for Indian cuisine and food in general. We try to be innovative but

For more information, please visit: www.guru.dk Book a table via the website or by calling +45 7070 2020. Address: Jernbanegade 3-5, 1608 Copenhagen V.

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 77

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:15 Page 78

Restaurant of the Month, Norway

Dual dimensions of excellent tastes A seafood institution based on principles of freshness, quality and true culinary indulgence, Tromsø’s Fiskekompaniet delights all your senses. Beyond offering authentically Nordic dishes made from locally sourced produce, the interior of the restaurant is contemporary and stylish – ensuring a rounded experience from beginning to end. Add 69°N Brasserie 500 metres down the road, another venture of Fiskekompaniet’s owner Anders Blomkvist, and you’re presented with a brand new dimension to excellent tastes. By Emelie Krugly and Julie Lindén | Photos: Fiskekompaniet and 69°N Brasserie

Having served hundreds of thousands of guests over a 17-year period, the team of talented chefs behind Blomkvists’s first success, Fiskekompaniet, knows how to impress and indulge its extensive clientele. “The idea is remarkably simple: genuine flavours of the sea – that’s what we’ve always aimed to achieve,” says Blomkvist, managing director of the restaurant. Constant variation with an eye to presentation In a location where both the climate and weather are most certainly ruled by nature’s powers, the sea is in constant change – changes that are paramount to the understanding of Fiskekompaniet’s menu. While always filled to the brim with

78 | Issue 71 | December 2014

fresh and delicious tastes, the menu is constantly varied, adding an exciting paradigm to dining at the acclaimed eatery. “The menu keeps changing, as we always focus on sourcing seasonal and fresh produce. Most of the fish is local and based on the catch of the day,” Blomkvist explains. “For example, late winter offers the cod with roe and liver, an absolute delicacy not to be missed, while spring and summer time bring shellfish, arctic char and, in particular for Norway, the whale season, an important sustainable and cultural tradition. Whale meat has a beautiful flavour, very much like a fine piece of steak; it’s not to be missed on our menu.” Explaining that some guests are sceptical to begin with,

Blomkvist says they soon change their minds when tasting the fine meat. As for signature dishes at Fiskekompaniet, Blomkvist suggests the menu speaks for itself – and that visual aspects are equally important as those of taste, when composing a fine dining experience. “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.” A French-inspired venture in “Paris of the North” Having experienced the success of Fiskekompaniet, Blomkvist came up with a new venture to complement the traditionally Nordic seafood cuisine – as well manifest Tromsø’s denomination as “Paris of the North”. The French-inspired 69°N Brasserie, which he describes as “a loving symbiosis between classical French and Norwegian cuisine”, is situated a mere 500 metres from Fiskekompaniet and offers locals and visitors to Tromsø an exciting alternative to more traditional eateries.

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Norway

“Presentation is key to us, and traditional dishes with a modern twist are served on beautiful porcelain,” says owner Anders Blomkvist.

“Regulars will definitely recognise 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,” says Blomkvist, explaining how 69°N Brasserie breaks off from 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 could 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 have been through, 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,” he adds. Tromsø’s moniker, “Paris of the North”, stems from the 18th century when the town was a thriving northern business centre with fashionably dressed ladies parading the streets. It’s still very much a trend-aware city with a buzzing cultural life and good connections to Europe – a scene that goes hand-in-hand with 69°N Brasserie’s sophisticated menu.

where the food they’re eating comes from, and sometimes ask for produce from a specific farm,” Blomkvist says. Lamb shank with roasted root vegetables, potato puree and a red wine sauce was 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 potatoes. Booking a table at Fiskekompaniet and 69°N Brasserie is recommended, as interest is high.

Praised by reviewers Diners can look forward to top-quality meat and fish sourced from local producers as well as an interesting range of fine wines. “People today are very conscious of

For more information, please visit: www.fiskekompani.no www.69grader.no

At 69°N Brasserie, diners can look forward to top-quality meat and fish sourced from local producers as well as an interesting range of fine wines.

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 79

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:15 Page 80

Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Denmark

Attraction of the Month, Denmark

Ree Park Safari – amazing and authentic Since 2006 it has been possible to visit all the exotic animals from the African wild on the slightly colder Scandinavian heath. However, a visit to Ree Park Safari is not similar to a normal visit to the local Zoo – not even close. There is, of course, a fence surrounding the park, but the 11 acres give you plenty of room to feel part of the real deal. By Tina Lukmann Andersen | Photos: Ree Park Safari

The Director of Ree Park Safari, Jesper Stagegaard, says that the park is similar to a real safari in Africa except for the fact that the visitors are not allowed to bring their own cars into the park. Instead, you are guided through the park while getting an understanding of the story behind the different animals from the experienced staff. The park wants to re-tell how wildlife in Africa really is in a fun and family-friendly way. “It’s like going on a normal picnic in the Danish countryside

80 | Issue 71 | December 2014

when all of a sudden realising that there is an enormous bison standing just next to you,” says Stagegaard. Close-up, authentic experiences The park wants to amaze its audience by mixing the authentic experiences with close-up ones. As Stagegaard puts it: “Most people have seen a tiger before so we want to show the animals in a different way. One way of doing this is by looking at the lions through glass from

underneath them, and getting really close to them in order to sense their smells and beauty at the same time.” The park’s way of giving visitors a feeling of authenticity is by conveying the reality of what actually happens several thousand miles south – and this is something the park has an extremely valid understanding of. Karsten Ree, the owner of Ree Park Safari, after creating the safari park bought a sanctuary camp in Kenya named after the famous author Karen Blixen, a writer who spent many years living and writing novels there. The camp works to preserve the natural wildlife of Africa through a range of projects. It is even possible to visit the camp, if you want to support the work on a closer scale. Help, support and preservation Support of, or interest in, the preservation of animals is one of the key ambitions for Ree Park Safari. Companies and organisations support the efforts by donating money, or by helping in whichever way

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:15 Page 81

Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Denmark

LEFT: Try a Land Rover safari and experience the wildlife of Africa. TOP RIGHT: At Ree Park Safari you will meet Denmark's only cheetahs.

they can. A good example is a company that has recently offered to provide drones to monitor poachers, something the park highly welcomes, as poaching is a growing problem for endangered animals. The poachers’ hunt for rhinos’ horns has, for example, increased rapidly, as the horns’ value is currently higher than gold. If you are not part of an organisation providing help and support for the programme in Africa you can still contribute when visiting the park with your family. Ree Park Safari is looking to open people’s eyes to the importance of nature preservation. When you go through the park, either by foot on a “walking safari” or on a “guided safari” in one of the park’s Land Rovers, you are provided with wildlife information, for instance that merely an estimated 3,000 black rhinos are left in the world, and that they might be extinct in only a decade’s time if nothing is done to stop the poaching. “A kind of Noah’s Ark” If at some point the endangered species become extinct in Africa, at least you can see them in Ree Park Safari. The park likes to consider itself a “kind of Noah’s Ark”, as Stagegaard states. And not only can you experience the amazing speed of a cheetah, and realize how big a giraffe’s head really is; there are lots of other things to do for both children and adults. Enjoy a dinner at one of the restaurants, see the animals being fed (outside a cage), or stay for a night in a tent on the Danish savannah. Stagegaard explains: “The animals change behaviour after hours – they come up so close that you can smell them and you can then try to fall asleep listening to the wolves’ and lion’s roar.”

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

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 81

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:15 Page 82

Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Norway

Kongsberg Church is a favoured concert venue among musicians, due to its great acoustics and ambiance.

Attraction of the Month, Norway

Classical music made available Every year since the Gloger organ – Scandinavia’s largest baroque instrument – was restored in 2001, Kongsberg has hosted Glogerfestspillene in its honour. By Andrea Bærland | Photos: Glogerfestspillene

In the fourth week of January, both nationally and internationally acclaimed musicians celebrate classical music in Kongsberg Church, home of the Gloger organ, built by the renowned German organ builder Gottfried Heinrich Gloger in 1765. Despite of its modest exterior the inside of the church is richly decorated, and is, with its 2,400 seats, the church with the largest seating capacity in Norway. The festival’s theme for 2015 is “origin”, aiming to explore where our planet comes from, how it is treated today, and how it should be left for the future. A performance of Joseph Haydn’s The Creation exploring these issues with dancers, and a light show is set to be one of the highlights of the festival. “We want to take the environmental profile further than recycling. With help from NTNU [The Norwegian University of Sci-

82 | Issue 71 | December 2014

ence and Technology] we look at ways to make all aspects, including transportation of the performers and catering as climate-efficient as possible,” says Margit Åsarmoen, managing director of the festival. “Although the church is the main stage it is important for us to involve the entire local community through a variety of concerts in several other venues as well,” she adds, asserting that you don’t need to be a classical music connoisseur to enjoy Glogerfestspillene. “Our Classic for Dummies concert is always very popular. This is a concert where the audience is presented with music that many have heard before, such as the Holberg Suite, and are also provided with verbal information about what they are listening to,” says Åsarmoen. A series of musical evenings, one of them being a Mad Men–themed cocktail party, are also on offer.

Young people are involved through the local music school and the high school’s performing arts students, who host their own concerts. The youngest are also catered for with their very own version of the festival, MiniGloger, with suitable performers and a focus on engaging the children through improvisation. “There is nothing more beautiful than watching children perform in front of other children,” says Åsarmoen.

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

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:15 Page 83

Scan Magazine | Business | Key Note

Scan Business Key Note 83 | Scandinavian Business Calendar 84

Goal! By Paul Blackhurst, client director at Mannaz

What are your goals for 2015? You really should have some. There is so much research confirming the benefits of setting goals. Or, is there? There is an oft-quoted study from Yale University where in 1953, a team of researchers interviewed Yale’s graduating seniors, asking them whether they had written down the specific goals that they wanted to achieve in life. Twenty years later the researchers tracked down the same cohort and found that the three per cent of people who had specific goals all those years earlier had accumulated more personal wealth than the other 97 per cent of their classmates combined. Indeed, the three per cent were more successful in most areas of their lives and much happier than the 97 per cent. Compelling evidence indeed. However, the fascinating thing is that apparently no ‘goals study’ of the class of 1953 actually occurred. When the story was investigated, the secretary of the Yale class of 1953 did not know of the study, nor did any of the fellow class members that were questioned. In addition, a number of Yale administrators were consulted and the records of various offices were examined in an effort to document the reported study. There was no relevant record, nor did anyone recall the

purported study of the class of 1953, or any other class. So, how did a non-existent study gain such currency? It seems that there were two early ‘reporters’ of these studies. Mark McCormack reported the study in his best-selling What They Don’t Teach You in the Harvard Business School and Brian Tracy in his equally best-selling Goals! book. Other self-development gurus who have helped to perpetuate the myth include Zig Ziglar and Tony Robbins. So, one conclusion is that if enough people of credibility and authority tell us something, then we tend to believe it. This is a gift to conspiracy theorists as it suggests that we cannot always trust authority. For those of us in positions of authority, though, it may suggest something else. If our intention is to inspire rather than to trick people, then maybe some truthstretching is allowable. A study that really happened was performed by Robert Rosenthal and Leonore Jacobson. It showed that if teachers were led to expect enhanced performance from children, then the children's performance was enhanced. All students in a single California elementary school were given a disguised IQ test at the beginning of the study. Teachers were aware of the names of the students who could be expected to do better than

their classmates (about 20 per cent chosen at random). At the end of the study, the same IQ-test was used. First and second graders showed statistically significant gains favouring the experimental group of high potentials. This led to the conclusion that teacher expectations, particularly for the youngest children, can influence student achievement. Imagine, as a leader, how you can use this kind of ‘benign untruth’ to develop your people and to develop yourself. If you say it with conviction, and often enough, and you believe the source, then it becomes true. Setting goals is one way of telling yourself about your future and in that way helping it to become true. So, tell yourself some compelling stories about yourself in 2015. And, as Mark Twain said, “never let the truth get in the way of a good story.” Now, I wonder if he actually did say that...?

Paul Blackhurst, client director at Mannaz

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 83

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:15 Page 84

Scan Magazine | Business | Calendar

Scandinavian Business Calendar

By Julie LindĂŠn

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Highlights of Scandinavian business events

Seminar on trends in retail at Tiger of Sweden Join the YP and the Swedish Trade Federation for an educational evening and seize the opportunity to discover how physical stores conquer the growing e-commerce by offering extraordinary shopping experiences. Drinks and Christmas snacks will be served. A surprise will be handed out to all attending guests. This is an event organised by the Young Professionals. Time and date: 7.00pm on 8 December Venue: Tiger of Sweden, Unit 41, Jubilee Place Mall, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5NY

Christmas luncheon at the Royal Garden Hotel with NBCC The Norwegian-British Chamber of Commerce is pleased to warmly invite you to the annual NBCC Christmas luncheon in London. This year the venue for the occasion is the fabulous Royal Garden Hotel, where you will be able to network, dine on tasty food and drink, and get in the Christmas spirit in grand surroundings. You are welcome to bring your colleagues, business partners and your other half to this festive event. Time and date: 12.30pm on 10 December Venue: Royal Garden Hotel, 2-24 Kensington High St, London

Traditional Christmas lunch at the Finnish Ambassadorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Residence The FBCC warmly welcomes you to join the traditional Christmas lunch. Network with your peers and entertain clients and colleagues whilst savouring delicious Finnish food and enjoying the beautiful setting of the Ambassadorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Residence. You are also invited to sing along to well-known Christmas carols, and to try your luck in an exciting raffle. Bring your guests along. Time and date: 12.00pm on 11 December Venue: The Ambassador's Residence, 14 Kensington Palace Gardens, London

Photo: Lena Granefeldt

Celebrate Lucia at Birmingham Cathedral The SCC is proud to once again promote the Lucia service at Birmingham Cathedral on Monday, 8 December, which is organised by DWF and sponsored by Sandvik, Handelsbanken and EBS European Business Solutions. The service will commence at 6pm, but please arrive early to be sure to get a seat. The service will be led jointly by staff from the Swedish church and the Cathedral, and Jeffrey Skidmore will direct the Ex Cathedra Choir. Time and date: 6.00pm (doors open at 5.30pm) on 8 December Venue: Birmingham Cathedral, Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 2QB

Danish-British Chamber of Commerce annual Christmas lunch This year the DUCC will host the Annual Christmas Lunch on 12 December 2014 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; where you will be able to enjoy both a hot and cold buffet and ris Ă la mande for dessert. Each table will of course be supplied with traditional Danish snaps. This year there will once again be a raffle game with great prizes and maybe other surprises... Make this your companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas Lunch and bring colleagues and guests along for an enjoyable day. You can book your own table or be daring and mix with others and expand your network! Time and date: 12.30pm on 12 December Venue: Andaz Liverpool Street, 40 Liverpool Street, London

WE WEALTH ALTH P PLANNING LANNING

You Y ou kknow now w where here tto og go. o. W We e kknow now h how ow tto og guide uide yyou ou tthere. here. M Moving ov ing aabroad broad ccan an bbee vvery er y ccomplicated. omplicated. T There here aare re m many any things things to to consider, consider, iincluding ncluudding tthe he which ross-border wealth lanning iiss rrequirements eq uirements ooff tthe he ddifferent ifferent rregulatory egulator y rregimes egimes ttoo w hich ccross-border wealtth pplanning et us gguide uide yyou ou tthrough hrough tthe timessubject. ubject. LLet he llegislative egislative llabyrinth, aby rinth, aand nd hhelp elpp yyou ou aavoid void uunnecessary, nnecessar y, timewell way. ell aass aany cconsuming onsuming ppaperwork, aperw work, aass w ny uunwelcome nwelcome ((and and ooften ften eexpensive) xpensivve) ssurprises urprises aalong long tthe he w ay. Noo m matter where Nordeaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wealth-planners ou, N N at ter w here llife ife ttakes akees yyou, ordeaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iin-house n-house w ealtth-planners aand nd ttheir heir eexternal xternal nnetwork et workk ooff moving ou aare re well challenges that that m broad bbrings. rings. eexperts xperts ccan an eensure nsure tthat hat yyou well prepared prepared to to meet meet the thee challenges ov ing aabroad 6ISITĂÚSĂÁTĂ´WWW NORDEA LU 70ĂÓRĂĆALLĂ´ Ă´ Ă´ Ă´ Ă´ Ă´TOĂÁRRANGEĂÁĂ´MEETING 6 ISITĂÚSĂÁTĂ´WWW NORDEA LU 70ĂÓRĂĆALLĂ´ Ă´ Ă´ Ă´ Ă´ Ă´TOĂÁRRANGEĂÁĂ´MEETING

Making Making itit possible possible + +LQEFKDĂąFKĂąQEFPĂąMR?IF@>QFLKĂąPELRIAĂą?BĂą@LKPQORBAĂą>PĂą>KĂąLCCBO ĂąLOĂąQEBĂąPLIF@FQ>QFLKĂąLCĂą>KĂąLCCBO ĂąQLĂąMRO@E>PB ĂąPR?P@OF?BĂąQLĂąLOĂąPBIIĂą>KVĂąFKSBPQJBKQĂąMOLAR@QĂąLOĂąPBOSF@BPĂąFKĂą>KVĂąGROFPAF@QFLKĂąTEBOBĂą+LOAB>Ăą >KHĂą0 ĂąLOĂą>KVĂąLCĂąFQPĂą>ChIF>QBPĂąALĂąKLQĂą LQEFKDĂąFKĂąQEFPĂąMR?IF@>QFLKĂąPELRIAĂą?BĂą@LKPQORBAĂą>PĂą>KĂąLCCBO ĂąLOĂąQEBĂąPLIF@FQ>QFLKĂąLCĂą>KĂąLCCBO ĂąQLĂąMRO@E>PB ĂąPR?P@OF?BĂąQLĂąLOĂąPBIIĂą>KVĂąFKSBPQJBKQĂąMOLAR@QĂąLOĂąPBO SF@BPĂąFKĂą>KVĂąGROFPAF@QFLKĂąTEBOBĂą+LOAB>Ăą >KHĂą0 ĂąLOĂą>KVĂąLCĂąFQPĂą>ChIF>QBPĂąALĂąKLQĂą E E>SBĂąQEBĂąKB@BPP>OVĂąIF@BKPB Ăą-R?IFPEBAĂą?VĂą+LOAB>Ăą >KHĂą0 Ăą/ >SBĂąQEBĂąKB@BPP>O VĂąIF@BKPB Ăą-R?IFPEBAĂą?VĂą+LOAB>Ăą >KHĂą0 Ăą/ 0 Ăą)RUBJ?LRODĂą+L Ăą Ăą 0 Ăą)RUBJ?LRODĂą+L Ăą Ăą Ăą ĂąPR?GB@QĂąQLĂąQEBĂąPRMBOSFPFLKĂąLCĂąQEBĂą)RUBJ?LRODĂą Ăą ĂąPR?GB@QĂąQLĂąQEBĂąPRMBO SFPFLKĂąLCĂąQEBĂą)RUBJ?LRODĂą L LJJFPPFLKĂąABĂą0ROSBFII>K@BĂąARĂą0B@QBROĂą#FK>K@FBOĂą TTT @PPC IR Ăą JJFPPFLKĂąABĂą0RO SBFII>K@BĂąARĂą0B@QBROĂą#FK>K@FBOĂą TTT @PPC IR Ăą L LKQ>@QĂąABQ>FIPĂą Ăą Ăą KQ>@QĂąABQ>FIPĂą Ăą Ăą OORBĂąABĂą+BRALOC Ăą) Ăą)RUBJ?LROD Ăą1BIĂą Ăą Ăą Ăą Ăą RBĂąABĂą+BRALO C Ăą)

Ăą)RUBJ?LROD Ăą1B BIĂą Ăą Ăą Ăą Ăą

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:15 Page 85

Scan Magazine | Humour | Columns

IS IT JUST ME...

By Mette Lisby

Who’s experienced an increase in invitations to join new social networks lately? The excitement that once occurred upon reading the enticing “you have been invited to join...” has been replaced by a feeling of despair once I realised how much effort and time it takes to “move” in web space. It acquires more planning and energy than making an actual physical move from Copenhagen to London. Remember the happy “Wild West days” of social networking, when we were all on MySpace and Mark Zuckerberg was in kindergarten? Everybody with a little zing to themselves spent at least 10 minutes on MySpace every second week. Then Zuckerberg graduated middle-school and along came Facebook. The migration was instant, fast and brutal. MySpace was left a ghost-town where the Gold Rush had come and gone. Single souls hung on at MySpace, with signs of “Free Music” and “Look! I made an almost-funny video in my back yard”. Thus, MySpace was left to decay.

What Facebook succeeded in was to make the move easy, swift and simple. You moved your online life to a better place – like upgrading from Balham to Fulham (no offence!). Since then Facebook started adding more and more stuff, so nowadays when a new social network attempts to lure you in, you take one single look at your social life in cyberspace and give up with an exasperated: “I have too much stuff to make the move”. Plus, there is the hassle of deciding on a profile and header photo, because should you move, you can’t make it look like your old place, Facebook. Then there’s all the information to fill out and interests to click on and last but not least – where are all you friends? How do you find them again? Imagine, in real life, that you had to start all over with them again!??!? It’s just not doable, and that’s when it dawns on you that you have reached the retirement age of your social network life – you can’t be moved! You are not going anywhere. So do look me up on Facebook (or MySpace), because my cybersocial-life is NOT moving!

Cold

By Maria Smedstad

“You’re so spoiled with your heated Scandinavian houses!” they scoff. “It can’t be healthy!” Often I wonder if perhaps this is right. A bit of exposure to the elements howling through your single-glazed windows must have some upsides. For example – just how are you supposed to enjoy the full benefits of a cup of English tea, when you’re not drinking it out of necessity to keep yourself alive in your own front room?

I get cold in the winter. My English friends say: “But how can you get cold, you’re Swedish!” It’s true that my hometown was on the chilly side. Once or twice, the temperature plunged past the –35ºC mark. If you’ve never experienced this, then let me tell you that the first thing that happens to you when you step outside in this kind of temperature, is that all the little tiny hairs inside your nostrils freeze solid. At this, you might stop in horror, wondering how on earth you’re going to survive this intolerable climate. And then (assuming that there is no wind) something strange happens. As you stand very still, contemplating your imminent death, a thin layer of body heat starts to linger around your face. The air is completely dry, making it all oddly… bearable. It’s the lack of moisture that does it. Which – of course – makes the UK a very different story. We have a saying in Sweden that

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”.

goes: “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes.” (In Swedish it rhymes.) This doesn’t apply in the UK. You can swathe yourself in the entire fabric content of your house, and the damp British cold will still somehow penetrate all the way to your bones. Brits hardly notice.

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. Maria writes a column on the trials and tribulations of life as a Swede in the UK.

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 85

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:15 Page 86

Scan Magazine | Culture | Kon-Tiki

Kon-Tiki: UK bound – with the world in sight In 1947 Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl set out on a voyage that would change the way we look at the world. By crossing the Pacific in a simple balsa raft (named Kon-Tiki) Heyerdahl was able to prove that ancient peoples could have crossed greater distances than was previously imagined. In 2012, the film about his journey became the first Norwegian film ever to be nominated for both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe. Ahead of the film’s UK release, Scan Magazine speaks with Pål Sverre Hagen, who stars as Heyerdahl in the film, about the challenges of playing a national hero. By Julie Lindén | Press photos

“I knew that many, or practically all Norwegians would have some kind of understanding of who Thor Heyerdahl was, so all the preconceptions definitely proved challenging in portraying him and his quest to prove his case,” says the humble 34-year-old, admitting that he sometimes had to “shut out the world” to focus on the enormous task ahead. Supported by the late adventurer’s close family, Hagen set out to prepare for the role by learning everything there was to know about Heyerdahl. “I figured there shouldn’t be a thing about this man that wasn’t to be known to me. An additional challenge was to give a just representation of his life before the fame. My job was to show who he was before he became a

86 | Issue 71 | December 2014

legend.” He explains that he spoke to several people who knew the icon, and relished the fact that they gave different portrayals of him. “I think that says a lot about who he was as a person. He adapted well to his surroundings, which is a big part of what he is famous for today.” Filmed using the seaworthy replica of Kon-Tiki, which made the same voyage as the 1947 original in 2007, the recordings took place on the open sea. Furthermore the film features locations from six countries – Norway, Sweden, Malta, Bulgaria, Thailand and the Maldives – all offering their own distinct qualities to the film. “It was an absolutely incredible experience, but not always a comfortable one,” Hagen laughs as he recounts long

days of filming under the scorching sun. “However, seeing those sunsets, and jumping in the sea after a hard day’s work – that was close to magical.” He is excited at the prospect of offering the UK audience a chance to see the film. “This film belongs with the UK audience as well. I wish it a long and well-deserved life with the British.” Pål Sverre Hagen. Photo: Cato Lein

Kon-Tiki will be released in the UK on 19 December

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:15 Page 87

Scan Magazine | Culture | Bloggers Corner

Get stretching!

By Faya Nilsson

Bloggers’ Corner: The very best of the Anglo-Scandinavian blogosphere: from films to fitness More of us are training intensively these days, so here are my five key reasons to stretch. With just a few minutes each session, you’ll see and feel the actual, real-life benefits. 1 Retain muscle balance: If you don’t stretch after workouts, over time you’ll start to experience problems with posture and suffer muscle imbalances. It’s not that rare for a person to sit at a desk for 10 hours straight, only taking breaks for coffee. Some muscles naturally become tighter and others weaker. It’s worth stretching out your body for just a few minutes every day to help your body stay conditioned – ready for another day of chair-sitting! 2 Ensure future mobility: As you get older, stretching will keep you mobile whilst reducing the risk of injury. We're an

ageing population of sedentary office workers, an orthopaedic epidemic waiting to happen. Stretch to avoid being part of the ‘cast & crew’. 3 Reduce soreness: After a big workout your muscles will remain in a slightly contracted state – to accelerate recovery and avoid too much of the dreaded soreness the solution is to stretch. It elongates and softens the muscle fibres, which helps reconditioning them for future training. 4 Encourage supple flexibility: A good stretch improves the joints’ range of motion by stretching out the surrounding soft tissue (i.e. muscles, tendons and ligaments). 5 Keep you upright: Hilariously, stretching regularly can help stop you from falling. By increasing the range of motion in your joints, stretching Page 1 has been clini-

SUBSCRIBE TO SCAN MAGAZINE Sign up to a years subscription and you will receive Scan Magazine through your letterbox each month. The price for 12 issues is £40.00 to UK subscribers. Rest of Europe £75.00 For further information and to subscribe, please visit:

www.scanmagazine.co.uk/subscribe

cally demonstrated to help improve our ability to balance! You can either stretch dynamically (whilst moving – i.e. front-to-back leg swings, knee-hugs, quad-holds, handwalks, arm swings, walking lunges, for 3-10 seconds) or statically (whilst still, without bouncing, for 10-30 seconds). Enjoy a suppler tomorrow, and the unrestricted use of your limbs in 50 years time!

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:15 Page 88

Scan Magazine | Culture | Peter Jöback

“I’m feeling very content at this moment in time. I’m so happy about how my life has turned out and I can wholeheartedly say that if my life ended today; I’d die a happy man,” says Peter about making it through hard times in his life.

88 | Issue 71 | December 2014

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:15 Page 89

Scan Magazine | Culture | Peter Jöback

Peter Jöback – Brave, bold and passionate Brave, bold and passionate. There are many words to describe Peter Jöback, who is undoubtedly one of Sweden’s most loved artists and a musical export to be proud of. Whether at London’s West End, New York City’s Broadway or a Scandinavian arena, he receives rave reviews for everything he does. We caught up with him over a cuppa before his latest London performance.

any negative feedback or criticism due to revealing my private life to the open public? No, I think people have appreciated the fact that I’m so open and it has helped others to do the same,” Peter explains.

By Emelie Krugly Hill | Photos: Karin Thörnblom

The greatest gift

It’s been two years since he left London, but when we meet him he’s back for a short and sweet reunion with a city he has lived in and loved. Back then we were chatting before the premiere of his life's greatest role – the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera. This time around, he’s in town for three intimate nights in a row, sharing the best of his career with sweet anecdotes on life as he sees it, amongst a favourite musical repertoire, in a show called An evening with Peter Jöback.

shows and successful albums, he abruptly took some time out in 2009, cancelling all jobs before moving to New York to seek a more balanced life. That same year, the SVT documentary Happy, handsome and unknown was released. This was the very first time Peter spoke about how a troubled past, problems of sexual abuse and an alcoholic father had caught up with him. His pursued inner journey over the last ten years has today made him stronger than ever.

“I never thought I would get the opportunity to play such an iconic role as the Phantom – in particular not abroad. The offer came at a poignant time in my life and took me to both the West End and Broadway, a big dream of my childhood. I also got to perform at the Tony Awards which was something I never thought would happen in my lifetime. In fact, I can still not believe that it happened,” says Peter, 43, who is one of four actors in the world who have played the role on both sides of the Atlantic with huge success.

He compares the Phantom’s longing to leave the darkness and secrecy of the opera's basement with his own attempts to leave his traumatic childhood experiences behind him. The Phantom’s great insight, which comes at the end of the show, is how you cannot love, nor be loved by someone, before you learn to love yourself. “I’m feeling very content at this moment in time,” Peter explains with his face shining, “I’m so happy about how my life has turned out and I can wholeheartedly say that if my life ended today; I’d die a happy man. But having said that, at the same time, I’m more eager than ever as there are still many things that I would like to achieve before that day comes.”

Seeking a balanced life in New York City He’s relaxed and casual, wearing jeans, a t-shirt and a woollen hat, as he orders a green tea at the St James Theatre Bar in central London. What really strikes me is that he’s so comfortable in his own skin, open and unafraid to share his story. After a long career with numerous major roles,

He continues: “Today I have an amazing life and an inspiring career. Now I have peace with everything in my life, and am not ashamed at all. Have I experienced

His path has been rather unusual. Peter began his career as a child actor on the big stages in Sweden, and ever since he has slowly returned to a smaller stage to discover more of himself as a musical artist. Although he still believes in the power of an ensemble, he’s very happy being solo on stage today. “I want to continue this path, I want to continue to explore myself and find new expressions. I’m hoping to film more in the future and have various ideas and on-going offers that I can’t reveal. We’re also hoping to go on tour again with my arena concept I Love Musicals in Scandinavia.” Today he’s a father of two young girls, an experience the therapy he went through for eight years prepared him for. He explains that he felt it was important to sort himself out before he was ready to have children. Earlier this year he had his second daughter together with husband Oscar, along with two mothers. “Having children is the greatest gift and it’s what I want to focus on. I live on a small island called Värmdö, close to nature and it’s wonderful. I don’t need to hide in the big city and the buzz any longer, I’m at peace and feel comfortable with silence,” says Peter.

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

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 89

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:16 Page 90

Scan Magazine | Culture | Mapei

“Swedes are very competitive and the country is so small. Everyone dreams of getting out of Sweden and music could be the way,” says the songstress about Sweden’s knack of producing worldwide hits.

Mapei – finding her own voice She is the Swedish-American songstress who has served up drinks in New York’s Chinatown, had Lykke Li as a flatmate and thinks her songs should have a minimum of 100 million views on YouTube. We have a candid chat with Mapei ahead of her new album release.

I wasn’t shocked, because when I heard the final mix I knew it was going to be a hit. I just think it should be bigger, I think it should already have 100 million views on YouTube and I won’t rest until it does – just because it’s so positive and heartfelt. I think that’s what’s needed right now, because everything is so plastic. You very much sound like yourself and you’re not trying to sound like anyone but yourself. Would you say that some artists change, to try to sound more pop? People, even some that I know, try to sound like Jill Scott or Amy Winehouse, there is no quirkiness or originality to them. If we could all find more originality that would be cool. Lykke Li rented a room

90 | Issue 71 | December 2014

In Europe – January. Mapei, good luck with the release of your album and we hope to see you back in London or Sweden again soon.

By James Ryan | Photos: Fiona Garden

Your latest single, Don’t Wait, currently has 3.5 million views on YouTube. Were you shocked by the response to it, and the large number of remixes that were made?

When is your new album due for release?

in my apartment, and she started out doing soul. She sounded like Alicia Keys, but then she found her style. A lot of people start out doing soul. Not everyone can do it, you know. Sweden has a fantastic heritage of songwriters and music producers, people like Max Martin, Denniz Pop and RedOne. What is it with Sweden and producing hit records? I think it’s in the water. Swedes are very competitive and the country is so small. Everyone dreams of getting out of Sweden and music could be the way. People study pop tunes and try to be better. Do you have any plans to return to Sweden? I didn’t want to, but now I feel like it’s calling me. Because Sweden is home, I grew up there, it formed me. There is a scene there – that’s fun.

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:16 Page 91

Tini’s Aha – moment When Tini Flaat was talked into taking part in the Norwegian edition of the Voice, she had little idea that her singing was going to move one of the show’s mentors, Aha’s Magne Furuholmen, to tears. It was the beginning of a collaboration that would take the Norwegian artist on a whole new journey – from releasing her debut album to being handpicked as a supporting act for James Blunt. As for the future? Well, Tini is only getting started. By Julie Lindén | Photos: Stian Andersen

We talk between two very important shows: Tini (pronounced ‘teenee’) is just coming to terms with the fact that she has performed together with Morten Harket, a second member of Aha who has shown belief in her musical talents, and is set to perform on the same stage as James Blunt a few days from our interview. “We recorded some music in the same studio,” Tini explains about the string of events that led her to be handpicked as a warm-up act for the British You’re Beautiful-singer. She refers to the famed Kensaltown Studios in London, where she recorded parts of her debut album Undo my Heart. “A producer heard my music and that’s how it happened,” she says in her characteristically humble tone. “It’s amazing to be introduced to his audience

in this way, and thereby widening my own.”

to work your way up in this industry.” As for the coming year, Tini reveals that she is already, only weeks after the UK release of her first album, piecing together some new music. Bubbling with a rare kind of positivity, often reserved for talents destined to go far, she describes herself as a “Duracell bunny with a lot of dreams”. We’re certain they will come true.

It goes without saying that a lot has happened since she appeared in on-screen singing battles in 2012, something she largely attributes to Furuholmen, the mentor who kept a highly voiced promise of doing everything in his power to make Tini a star. “His support has meant the world. It’s given me so many opportunities to grow and develop as an artist, and his wisdom has always been there to guide me. He’s someone I turn to for tips and inspiration, and he always has some good advice for me,” she says. The best piece of advice the Aha-star has given her? “Take responsibility for your career!” Tini says quickly, adding: “It’s not all that glamorous beneath the surface. You really have

Tini’s debut album Undo my Heart is available now.

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 91

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:16 Page 92

Scan Magazine | Culture | Ellen Sundberg

Sundberg’s debut album Black Raven was released in August 2013 to great critical acclaim in Sweden, Norway, North America and beyond. Her new album, White Smoke and Pines, will be released in January.

Ellen Sundberg: a Swedish songbird

By Helen Cullen | Photos: Robert Henriksson

Sundberg’s debut album Black Raven was released in August 2013 to great critical acclaim and an overwhelmingly positive response by audiences in Sweden, Norway, North America and beyond. After touring with Israel Nash in Ireland, he invited her to come to Texas so he could produce her next record. Sundberg explains how thrilled she was with the results: “The album is very different from my last one. It’s very big and open and has a touch of psychedelic sound to it too. It’s not really repetitive melodies, it’s more like a big landscape of sounds.” It was Nash, together with Grammy award-winning engineer Ted Young, who encouraged Sundberg to take an unusual approach when recording the album; everything was recorded live, even her

92 | Issue 71 | December 2014

vocals. “We made a studio in Israel’s living room,” Sundberg explains, “and started to record using a big old tape machine. It felt more natural to me to record live than to record everything separately. It was an easier process and I learned a lot from it. They were amazing.” Music is Sundberg’s great passion: “I started playing guitar when I was ten and it came so naturally to me to start writing songs. Ever since it’s something that I have to do. I write music because I love to.” The theme for the new album was inspired by the young artist’s own life experience. “I wrote all those songs here at home,” Sundberg recalls. “The whole record is about a young person heading from childhood to the adult world, standing on the border between the two, and the confusion

that follows from balancing that line. All of the songs have that in common.” Almost all of Sundberg’s songs are composed in English, but there is a stand-out track on the album that is bi-lingual: “When I got home from a Swedish tour, I felt maybe I should try to write something in Swedish and I wrote The Road is long. It felt very natural this time.”

Photo: Micke Sundberg

Following in the musical tradition of Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, Patti Smith and her absolute hero, Bob Dylan, Ellen Sundberg is an old soul with a young spirit. The 21year-old singer-songwriter is excited as she speaks to Scan Magazine about the release of her second album White Smoke and Pines in January next year.

White Smoke and Pines will be released in January 2015. Upcoming tour dates will be announced soon on www.ellensundberg.com

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:16 Page 93

Scan Magazine | Culture | Scandinavian Music

Scandinavian Music

Sweden may have a new Icona Pop on its hands. Girl duo Sharks have just released their debut single and video Wait. And they have the backing of some big names too. They’ve been signed to Swedish super producer Style of Eye’s record label, and he’s roped in none other than Max Martin to co-

pen Wait. Sound-wise we are talking Icona Pop lording it up at a progressive synth rave. An illegal rave, at that. Denmark’s premier male pop star Christopher has been charming his country’s capital with his latest hit. CPH Girls finds the recent MTV Award winner (for Best Danish Act) informing the rest of us about the enviable qualities of Copenhagen’s female population. Naturally they’ve responded well, with the single going on to become the biggest domestic hit of the last few months of the year. A down-tempo urban track with an infectious sax sample. Norwegian electropop duo Eva & The Heartmaker have returned after a two-year hiatus. Perhaps realising the error of their ways, they’ve come back with not one but two new songs: a good old-fashioned double a-side, Told You/Take A Ride. Cleverly, both songs showcase the two different facets of the sound that the pair have been cultivating all this time. Told You serves as an uplifting, dreamy pop track, while Take A Ride is a

By Karl Batterbee more organic, quite unsettling piece of music. The first takes you up to a pleasant state, and the second drags you down into a messed-up trip. But both are as enjoyable as each other. Finally, ’tis Christmas. And few territories revel in the Christmas album quite like the Nordics do. Back in 2010 Sweden’s Sarah Dawn Finer released Winterland, a record which has gone on to become something of a definitive Christmas album, thanks to its tone, its warmth, and its perfect selection of tracks. This Christmas she’s released the follow-up, Vinterland. All new tracks, and all in Swedish this time. It’s the audio equivalent of a blissed-out, boozed-up festive snooze in front of the log fire. Aaaaand relax.

www.scandipop.co.uk scandipop@googlemail.com

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

wegian violinist Vilde Frang. Royal Festival Hall, London, SE1. www.philharmonia.co.uk

H.E.A.T on tour (Dec) Swedish hard rock band H.E.A.T are touring Europe with their 2014 album Tearing Down the Walls. www.heatsweden.com

Alesso (18 & 19 Dec) Swedish DJ and electronic dance music producer Alessandro Lindblad, commonly known as Alesso, takes to the stage for two nights at the O2 Academy Brixton, London, SW9. alessoworld.com

Traditional Finnish Christmas concert (13 Dec) Finnish singer Vuokko Hovatta will hold a Christmas concert together with Jarmo Julkunen, Jani Pensola and Zarkus Poussa at Southwark Cathedral, London, SE1. www.finnishchurch.org.uk Santtu-Matias Rouvali and Vilde Frang (14 Dec) A classical afternoon with music by Smetana, Brahms and Tchaikovsky conducted by Finnish Santtu-Matias Rouvali and featuring the critically acclaimed Nor-

By Sara Schedin

Photo: Øystein Thorvaldsen

The Norwegian Wind Ensemble (19 Dec) One of the oldest and most revered cultural institutions in Scandinavia, the Norwegian Wind Ensemble, joins the BBC Singers for two special performances of Handel's Messiah as part of the Temple Winter Festival. www.templemusic.org

Issue 71 | December 2014 | 93

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:16 Page 94

Scan Magazine | Culture | Culture Calendar

Vilde Frang. Photo: Marco Borggreve

Elina Brotherus: 12 ans après (Until 20 Dec) Acclaimed Finnish photographer Elina Brotherus is known for the unflinching documentation of her own life and 12 ans après brings together her Suite françaises – which she made upon moving to Chalon-sur-Saône in France at the age of 27 – with a set of photographs taken on re-visiting the same places 12 years later. Mon-Fri 10.30am-6pm. The Wapping Project Bankside, London, W1S. www.thewappingprojectbankside.com

young Russian virtuoso Yevgeny Sudbin who has been hailed as an aristocrat among pianists. Barbican Hall, London, EC2Y. www.bbc.co.uk

Vera Nilsson. Photo: John Stridh

Helldone Festival in Helsinki (29-31 Dec) The rock band HIM gives a traditional New Year's concert at Tavastia Club with fellow Finns 69 Eyes, Children of Bodom and Reckless Love. www.heartagram.com Vera Nilsson in Stockholm (Until 6 Jan) The exhibition presents a journey through the renowned Swedish artist Vera Nils-

94 | Issue 71 | December 2014

son's life and artistry with paintings from her many travels. Tue & Thu 11am-8pm, Wed & Fri-Sun 11am-5pm. Liljevalchs, Djurgårdsvägen 60, Stockholm. www.liljevalchs.se Sakari Oramo and the BBC Symphony Orchestra (16 Jan) Finnish Sakari Oramo conducts Sibelius, Rachmaninov and Nielsen and is joined by

Rameau's Nephews in Oslo (Until 8 March) Sofie Berntsen and Karl Holmqvist will kick off the new exhibition series Rameau’s Nephews which will showcase a young Norwegian contemporary artist in dialogue with a conversation partner. The floor will be given to two artists and “nephews” who have not previously worked together, but who share an interest in how language, text, symmetry, and classification systems can be adapted and instilled with meaning as art. Both artists have created a number of new works for the exhibition. Tue, Wed & Fri 11am-5pm, Thu 11am-7pm, Sat & Sun 12noon-5pm. The Museum of Contemporary Art, Bankplassen 4, Oslo. www.nasjonalmuseet.no

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:16 Page 95

Your Shortcut to Scandinavia Bergen

NORWAY

Oslo Stockholm Bromma

SWEDEN Aalborg

UNITED KINGDOM

DENMARK

Gothenburg

Aarhus Billund

Manchester

London City

GERMANY Brussels

D端sseldorf

BELGIUM

SWITZERLAND

Munich

Z端rich

S n a cks

Me al s

Drinks

ba.com

Pap ers

Lounges

Smiles

2_1_ScanMag_71_Dec_2014_Text_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 29/11/2014 12:16 Page 96

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your choice TePeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wide selection of interdental brushes offers an option for every need. The brushes are available with a short or long handle, straight or angled brush head and different filament textures. Of course, they also come in a variety of sizes to fit every interdental space. Which TePe do you choose?

www.tepe.com

AD140073INT

Made in Sweden, used worldwide.