MARIE BACH HANSEN – DANISH ACTRESS EXTRAORDINAIRE SCANDINAVIAN GOLF SPECIAL NORWEGIAN ART – STUNNING PIECES, STUNNING SETTINGS KRISTOFER HIVJU – SWORD SWINGING & CRIME SOLVING
PROMOTING BRAND SCANDINAVIA
ISSUE 76 MAY 2015
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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
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Scan Magazine | Contents
Contents COVER FEATURE 6
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Marie Bach Hansen – Danish actress extraordinaire The Danish television series The Legacy is sweeping the world of its feet. In the middle stands the fantastically talented Marie Bach Hansen. Celebrated for her gripping and honest portrait of her character Signe, Hansen has become the talk of the town, both in and outside of Scandinavia. In this exclusive interview with Scan Magazine, Hansen discusses working on the popular show, the new season and what the future has in store.
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Children’s Universe After our successful Swedish children’s theme in last month’s issue, we are now back with the Danish edition! Fully packed with goodies for the little ones, this theme is an inspiring section offering you a peak into the world of Danish children’s products. Strollers by Ønskebørn, clothes by AlbaBabY, toys by Maileg and much, much more.
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Top 10 Best Summer Experiences in Sweden Summer in Sweden is full of fun and adventurous things and places to keep you occupied. We’ve listed what we believe to be the top ten choices for your Swedish summer holiday. Visit Sätra Brunn for some proper quality time, take a trip to Nordens Ark to see their tiger cubs and support a good cause, or swing by Mariannelund and take a stroll down a cultural memory lane.
FEATURES 30
A Game of Thrones wildling, a naval experience centre and musical masterpieces Kristofer Hivju, known to many as the bearded wildling Tormund Giantsbane in the massive hit series Game of Thrones, sits down with us and talks about the overwhelming feeling of going from a fan to being a big part of what you’ve admired. He also gives a glimpse of the new Swedish Beck film and why he’s staying in Norway despite his big international presence. Continuing our feature section is a naval experience centre and a splendid interview with Elliphant, the musical persona of Swedish Ellinor Olovsdotter.
BUSINESS 100 Childcare, rule breaking and fantastic conferences Our business section is this month packed with insights from some of the business world’s greatest minds. On page 100, Helena Whitmore from S|E|B takes us through some of the tax changes in the UK Budget before the General Elections. Annika Goodwill talks affordable childcare on page 10, and our Conference of the Month on page 102 invites us all to a fantastic stay at Danish Jomfruens Egede.
SPECIAL THEMES
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Art in Norway An artist’s inspiration never runs out in landscapes as rich and lush those found in Norway. In this special theme, presented by Visit Norway and the Norwegian Association of Art Societies, we get to meet fantastic creators and curators of the most stunning and interesting art the Nordic region has to offer. LevArt, Gallery Cylindra and Punkt Ø are just a few of the cultural treasures covered in this month’s Art in Norway.
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Scandinavian Golf Presented by Nordea Masters, this special theme is all about the golf season. Which tours are right for you? What course is most suited to tick all your preference boxes? Here’s where you find out. We have talked to some of the absolute best courses in Scandinavia and have a theme guaranteed to make you want to get out on the green fields and swing that iron.
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CULTURE 104 All you need to know about ESC, the Moomins and Scandinavia’s latest pop sensations This month our culture section starts off with a brilliant guide on the Scandinavian contributions to this year’s Eurovision Song Contest followed by a presentation of the new Moomin film, based on the comic strips from lovely Tove Jansson. Don’t miss our splendid culture calendar providing you with the May events you don’t want to miss!
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REGULARS & COLUMNS 10 93
Fashion Diary | 13 We Love This | 14 Design | 84 Hotels of the Month | 86 Attractions of the Month Restaurants of the Month | 98 Humour | 102 Conference of the Month | 106 Culture Calendar
Issue 76 | May 2015 | 3
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Scan Magazine | Editor’s Note
Dear Reader, I’ve always loved May. In March you feel the winter’s darkness start to fade, turning into more minutes of daylight. In April, the trees are slowly but surely getting greener and in May the thing we have waited for so long is finally here, stable and solid spring. The air is lighter, and the people of London join forces as we trek together to the beer gardens of our locals where we are united side by side in the sensational feeling of sun against our skin. Indeed May has always been a good month. In Scandinavia, you start it out with a bank holiday, curing the roughness usually left by the Walpurgis celebrations and can come back after a long weekend fully recharged (at least that’s the point I think), ready to tackle life in any way, shape of form.
rather overwhelming. The time we spent working together taught me so much and every day that I am behind the wheels of this publication, so is her wisdom and encouragement. So thank you, Julie, thank you May and thank you contributors and readers. We are heading into an exciting time and I couldn’t be more thrilled to do so in your company.
Astrid Eriksson, Editor, Scan Magazine
This issue of Scan Magazine is absolutely packed with different activities that are sure to make this splendid time of year a really, really good one. Golf, art and travel destinations, all cramped into one issue. As this is my first month of overseeing Scan Magazine, I would like to give a special thank you to my predecessor, Julie Lindén. Without her tireless work, never fading positive spirit and her genuine belief in people’s abilities to rise to the occasion, this task would be
Scan Magazine
Contributors
Issue 76 | May 2015
Annika Goodwille
Published 05.2015 ISSN 1757-9589
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Sweden • Norway • Denmark • Finland • Luxembourg • Switzerland • United Kingdom • Singapore • Estonia • Latvia • Lithuania
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Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Marie Bach Hansen
The Legacy of Marie Bach Hansen Marie Bach Hansen catapulted on to the international arena with her brilliant performance as Signe Larsen in the hit TV show, The Legacy (Arvingerne); a Danish family drama. Hansen joins us to reflect on her challenging role and the factors that contributed to the show’s phenomenal success. By Helen Cullen | Photos: Isak Hoffmeyer
The Legacy tells the tale of an eccentric but world renowned artist, Veronika Grønnegaard, whose alternative lifestyle has impacted upon her four adult children in different ways. When Veronika dies unexpectedly, the execution of her final will causes massive upheaval; the estate is inherited by Signe, the daughter she gave up for adoption but who never knew of her true parentage. As the character which the plot is centred around, Hansen’s convincing portrayal of Signe is crucial to the success of the drama. “I remember discussing Signe with the director and observing that she has both an innocent naivety but also a very strong force that helps her to grow”, Hansen says. “She has to slowly learn to stand on her own two feet and I felt that I could relate to both sides of her personality.” The Legacy presented Hansen with her first big break into screen acting and her own development evolved in tandem with that of Signe. “I’ve spent two years working on this character now, experimenting and learning from the other actors. I have grown as much as Signe has,” she reveals. A proper all-star cast
The Legacy cast is composed of the cream of Scandinavian acting talent; Hansen is working alongside Kirsten Olesen, Carsten Bjørnlund, Mikkel Boe Følsgaard, Trine Dyrholm, Jesper Christensen, Lene
Maria Christensen and Trond Epsen Seim. “Even though, on screen, it seems like there is a frosty atmosphere between the siblings we actually have a really good time,” Hansen laughs. “We have become something of an arts collective where we are all evolving together as actors and as our characters.” With a mix of established and emerging talent, it appears that everyone involved saw their different range of experience as a positive opportunity to learn from each other. “What’s great is that we can all benefit from each other’s experience,” she explains. “It’s not like I’m the young girl learning from Trine Dyrholm or Mikkel Boe Følsgaard is learning from Jesper Christensen all of the time, and they receive nothing in return. We can all open each other’s eyes to new ways of approaching the work and I think we’ve all really benefited from the collaborative atmosphere." International success In addition to being broadcasted in Denmark, The Legacy proved to be an incredible success worldwide and attracted a legion of supporters in the UK from its BBC broadcast. When the team was in production they never anticipated that the show would ultimately win five prestigious Danish Robert Awards and two Golden FIPA Awards and become such a global phenomenon.
“While you are in the middle of filming your focus is completely on the work and so it was only a few weeks before the premiere when we started discussing what the reception might be,” Hansen recalls. It was difficult to predict how successful the show would be in the wake of the traditional Danish crime and political dramas that audiences had grown accustomed to. “We were a little anxious that people would find our character driven story a bit slow and miss the action of a thriller,” she explains. “We had a feeling, however, that people would connect to the incredible story that Maya Ilsøe had written and would love the characters as much as we did.” Reviews for the programme have celebrated Ilsøe’s ability to personify universal themes so eloquently. “I believe that everyone, in any country, can find something to relate to in this story,” Hansen agrees. “Maya has done an incredible job to make this tale sincere and identifiable.” The new season
The Legacy will return for a third season, but what future lies ahead for Signe and her siblings remains uncertain. “We don’t know anything yet but Maya and her team of writers are working on it presently,” Hansen explains. “It’s important that they are left to work out the plot and the meaning of making a third series in their own time. It’s crucial to Maya that the rationale of continuing this story should be very thorough and truthful so it will be exciting for everyone involved, as well as our audience, to learn what happens next.” Life before The Legacy Hansen received her theatre education at the Danish National School of Performing
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Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Marie Bach Hansen
Arts and looks back upon her experience as being one of complete transformation. “I think it can be difficult to study an artistic discipline in school,” she says. "You go from being an amateur that loves what you do to becoming a professional that’s experienced, trained and informed. I think that journey can be difficult at times but those four years were essential for me to become a professional artist.” Hansen emerged straight from graduation with a position at the famous Mungo Park theatre ensemble just south of Copenhagen. “I knew I had been selected while in my final year which was very comforting,” she explains. “The real work only begins after you finish school; you have to find stability after learning so many methods and playing so many different parts. You have to figure out who you want to be and joining the ensemble gave me great confidence.”
when things seem too difficult because then it’s a challenge to solve the puzzle and I love that part of the process the most.” Having already accomplished so much in her short career, Hansen is grateful for the opportunities presented to her so far and is very excited about the future: “I’m so happy with the place I’m at right now and if it could continue like this it would be amazing. I’m so thankful and appreciate every minute of it.”
The Legacy seasons one and two are available as DVD box sets. Season three will be aired in January, 2016.
While filming The Legacy, Hansen returned regularly to her theatre company to perform in productions. “It was so funny to go back and forth between filming on set and standing on stage because it’s so different but also so alike,” she says. “It’s a really good exercise to switch between the two disciplines and I would love to keep doing both. When I do one thing for a long time I start to miss the other.” Future plans Hansen returns to the stage this summer with Mungo Park to perform a selection of works. She will also star alongside Lars Mikkelsen this summer in a play entitled Tribadernes Nat, written by Swedish playwright Per Olov Enquist, concerning August Strindberg. “I will be playing a lesbian actress that has an affair with Strindberg’s wife,” she reveals. “I’m so looking forward to it!” Hansen hopes to continue juggling stage and screen work while developing her craft further. “I’m always looking for new challenges and I hope to one day be experienced enough to play Medea or Antigone from the Greek tragedies because they seem such wild, powerful and impossible parts at the moment,” she explains. “I like
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Photo: Sky Arts
Upcoming theatrical productions starring Marie Bach Hansen: May (Various dates)
Den Allersidste Dans, Rumble in the Jungle and Forførerens Dagbog with Mungo Park at Aveny T Theatre, Copenhagen. For further information visit: www.mungopark.dk 26 June – 22 August With Lars Mikkelson in Tribadernes Nat at Grønnegårds Theatre, Copenhagen For further information, visit: www.groennegaard.dk
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Fjord Slottet Fjord Slottet
Just outside Bergen, you will find a small treasure of a hotel Built in the 1850s, it is now one of the most recognized hotels on the Norwegian westcoast.
Modern conference rooms, with capacity up to 80 persons, and with great opportunities for activities such as GPS rebus, quiz, wine tasting etc. 40 tasteful rooms are waiting for you! Did we mention that our food is unbelievable good?
For booking: +47 56 39 50 90 or www.fjordslottet.no
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Scan Magazine | Design | Fashion Diary
Fashion Diary... It’s not quite summer, but that doesn’t stop us from indulging in midsummer night dreams of Shakespearean proportions. Combine intense, black basics with dramatic splashes of lively green and you’re well on your way to sartorial summer success. By Julie Lindén | Press photos
Simple, laid-back but sophisticated. Enter COS, for summer and beyond. Characteristically easy to wear, just what we want for spring/summer 2015. Cap: £17 Jumper: £55 Sandals: £89 www.cosstores.com
What could be more classic than a light, distressed denim jacket? Danish Won Hundred have got your back. A denim-clad back, that is. £180 www.wonhundred.com
Norwegian Kaibosh makes the coolest shades with the coolest names. How about some ‘Chips and Salsa’ on the tip of your nose? Figuratively, of course. Approx £129 www.kaibosh.com
It’s easy being green in Won Hundred. Plain and simple to some, long lasting and stylish to us. £50 www.wonhundred.com
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This dress from Norwegian brand By TiMo is everything we want and more: romantic yet classic, simple yet absolutely stunning. It’s definitely at the top of our wish list this May! Approx £155 www.ti-mo.no
Continuing with By TiMo’s excellent take on summer romanticism; this top is as summery as it is beautiful, and will look just as great with a pencil skirt than paired with some worn boyfriend jeans. Versatility that lasts all year round? Yes please. Approx £129 www.ti-mo.no
COS takes wearable minimalism to the next level, always staying true to their straight Scandinavian silhouettes while bringing in a world of exciting palettes. The simplicity of shape makes this bright green skirt easy to wear, affirming its place as a stand-out item in your summer wardrobe. £59 www.cosstores.com
H&M’s Conscious Exclusive collection is a godsend when it comes to affordable, chic and ethically made fashion. We still can’t take our eyes off these heels, crafted to perfection from vegetable-tanned Swedish leather. Approx £79,99 www.hm.com
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Scan Magazine | Design | Street Style
Nordic Humans of London By Sanna Halmekoski | Photos: Sanna Halmekoski
Alexia Bergstrom, Swedish writer and blogger at www.theAlexicat.com. “I like dressing up and I am not afraid to stand out. I mix high-street with high-end pieces and rely on Swedish basics. My sweater is by Swedish brand Gina Tricot, gloves by H&M and sunglasses by Swedish designer Anna-Karin Karlsson.” Peter Zaar, Swedish former model. “My rock-chick style reflects my attitude towards life. You need to live every day, life is short. I mix cheap and chic. My jeans are from Denmark by Just Junkies, Tshirt by Acne, shoes by Louboutin, jacket by Contemporary Reflections from a solo store in Sweden.” Ellaveera Hyvönen, Finnish student. “In life, I try to notice the things that we often take for granted. I keep discovering new Nordic designers. My recent find is a scarf by Finnish designer Klaus Haapaniemi. Most of my clothes are secondhand. My shirt is by Finnish designer, Samuji.”
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Scan Magazine | Design | We Love This
We love this... Summer is approaching and we can’t wait to decorate our lounges and porches in bright jewel colours. Odd Molly recently dropped its first home collection and we couldn’t be happier for it. Pair these bohemian prints with some Scandinavian homeware classics and you’re good to go for the warmest of seasons! By Julie Lindén | Press photos
The Fiord vases, made from recycled glass, have an elegant wave-like design, perfect for keeping your flower arrangements in a beautiful shape. It would also make a great wedding or birthday gift, or simply a great early summer gift for yourself! £15,50 www.skandihome.com
The Folk Stripe trays are individually handmade in the South of Sweden. Each tray is made from a single sheet of birch providing longevity of use. A practical and colourful Scandinavian addition to your kitchen! £39 www.skandihome.com
Odd Molly Home offers beautiful printed duvet covers, pillows and blankets of high quality materials that won´t let any Odd Molly fan down. We adore this bedding set, distinctively bohemian and perfect for a good night’s sleep. Weekday pillow case: £39 Weekday duvet cover: £149 www.oddmolly.com
This bright cushion, also from Odd Molly, will cheer up even the dullest of sofas. And you’ve got to love the knitted pink! £89 www.oddmolly.com
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Scan Magazine | Design | Onecollection
Photo: codirectores and founders Hans Henrik Sørensen & Ivan Hansen
From ugly duckling to beautiful Pelican This year, The Pelican, Finn Juhl’s distinctively formed chair, celebrates its 75th anniversary as Onecollection’s most successful Finn Juhl re-launch. To mark the anniversary, Onecollection has just launched a special artwork edition of the chair adorned with Asger Jorn's drawing Macbeth. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Mingophoto.com
The generously padded Pelican was among the very first pieces Finn Juhl designed for his own home. However, when the chair was first introduced in 1940, the main reaction was one of astonishment and confusion. Initially, the name The Pelican was quite certainly not meant as a compliment. During the following 60 years, no one spoke of the peculiar Pelican. The chair only got a new lease of life when it was re-launched and manufactured again by Onecollection 15 years ago. According to director Henrik Sørensen there was no
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doubt that this was the chair he and his co-director Ivan Hansen wanted to revive when they got the chance. ”It was particularly the organic form of The Pelican which was completely unique and typical of Finn Juhl. You can say that the chair consists of a ‘body’ that fits into any environment. It works straight and angular, you can sit in it in many different positions and it is still very comfortable. Finn Juhl didn't want to dictate how his furniture must be used. His starting point was always the human body, which is the reason
why The Pelican is such a pleasure to sit in," Sørensen explains. These qualities have, like many other Finn Juhl pieces, made the chair highly popular in its old age. ”When we started producing the chair, it provoked many reactions. People clearly had an opinion about the chair, it wasn't just another anonymous piece of furniture. Today it is one of our most popular and iconic Finn Juhl chairs," says Sørensen. Inspired by art To celebrate The Pelican's anniversary Onecollection has, in collaboration with the design company Domicileculture, created a special edition of The Pelican. Adorned with Asger Jorn’s drawing Macbeth, the chair unites two of Denmark’s most famous artists, Finn Juhl and Asger
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Scan Magazine | Design | Onecollection
ning of a spectacular event in Danish design, the revival of Finn Juhl’s furniture designs. Impressed by Onecollection’s work, Hanne Wilhem Hansen decided to give the company the rights to reproduce Finn Juhl’s furniture, some of which like The Pelican, which by then existed in only a couple of handmade units from the 1940's and '50s. The two self-confessed furniture nerds were beyond ecstatic, but not everyone shared their conviction. “When we first exhibited a Juhl sofa at a furniture show, there wasn’t one single Danish furniture trader who believed in it. We were told outright: you’re not going to be able to sell that. But slowly we started building a network of dedicated, quirky design traders,” says Sørensen. Eventually, the rest of the design world jumped on the bandwagon and today much of Juhl’s furniture is like The Pelican, flying on the wings of love from design fans all over the world.
Finn Juhl’s armchair The Pelican turns 75 and to celebrate Onecollection has launched a special artwork edition with new upholstering designed by one of the chair’s contemporaries, the world famous Danish artist Asger Jorn.
Jorn, in a piece of 'art within art', a new platform between art and furniture. Juhl and Jorn were children of the same era. Finn Juhl was a pioneer as the first furniture designer who took an artistic approach to his trade. He found huge inspiration in modern art of the 1930s. The Pelican is an excellent example of this: its soft organic form practically appears as a sculpture. Jorn was an extremely versatile artist, working in painting, drawing, ceramics, printing, sculpture and as a writer. He is seen as one of the most important Danish artists of the 20th century. But even though Juhl and Jorn worked in different fields, they knew each other and without a doubt inspired each other. To Daniel Schou, creative director at Domicileculture, who has been granted the rights from Museum Jorn to produce textiles with Asger Jorn's designs, the new Pelican upholstery is a dream come
true. “To me, Finn Juhl is synonymous for quality craftsmanship and unique aesthetics. He is the perfect match for Asger Jorn's artwork," Daniel Schou explains.
For more information, please visit: www.onecollection.com
Reviving Finn Juhl Like all of Finn Juhl’s furniture, The Pelican’s revival has come about largely thanks to the hard work of Henrik Sørensen and Ivan Hansen. After a decade within the industry they established Onecollection in Sørensen’s mother’s laundry room in Odense in 1990. In the following years they built up a furniture collection by contemporary Danish designers as well as a reputation for their dedicated and quality conscious approach to furniture. Then, in 1998, rather out of the blue, Ivan Hansen and Henrik Sørensen received a call from Hanne Wilhelm Hansen, the widow of Finn Juhl. She asked them to help her remake a model of Finn Juhl’s Sofa 57 for an exhibition in honour of the architect. The phone call was the begin-
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Scan Magazine | Design | Sisters Point
SisterS Point: Get tomorrow’s fashion today SisterS Point is a brand for the young and trendy, a visionary company with an eye for finding the right thing at the right time and they don’t sit still for long. Why wait months for today’s fashion when you can get it tomorrow? SisterS Point transforms the latest trends from the catwalk into thrilling styles for girls who are not looking to blend in with the crowd. Playful and bold, feminine and daring, SisterS Point never fails to meet the demands of their customers. By Caroline Edwards | Photos: SisterS Point
“Our target group is young women who wish to look cool and feminine. You could compare it to a high school class. There is always a good-looking, popular girl in class everyone admires, that’s our SisterS Point girl,” explains Susanne Buus Nielsen, who is head of Marketing, Buying and Design at SisterS Point. Since the Danish brand put its first styles on the
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market 20 years ago, their unique concept has only grown ever more popular. SisterS Point is not like the other fashion brands. They bring you today’s fashion at an accelerated speed, always making sure that the latest trends are still fresh when they hit the shop floors. New styles are a daily occurrence. They get inspired from
many different places such as fashion blogs, street views, celebrities, catwalks and always pose the same question to themselves: How can they adapt this look to suit their girls? Susanne describes the brand as somewhat spicy, a blend of energised youth, sporty, raw and feminine. At the moment their styles are bohemian, inspired by the 70’s. The keywords are sweet laces, flowers, colourful tops, shirts and dresses combined with a pair of raw jeans or shorts, but tomorrow that could change. “SisterS Point’s style is always transforming, but our core vision stays the same. Our brand is for young, feminine girls who wish to keep up with the latest
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Scan Magazine | Design | Sisters Point
trends but without having to be rich to do so. It’s the girls people see on the streets thinking: 'Wow, I want to dress like her!'” exclaims Susanne. At the head office all teams work closely with both customers and colleagues across the world, engaging in dialogue on a daily basis in a quest to meet their customer’s demands at all times. It’s this blend of feedback, constant analysis of sales figures and an understanding of their target group that allows them to have new styles coming in each and every day. This is a brand determined to outmatch its competitors, not just by being fast but by giving their customers exactly what they want. A concept fit for a modern youth Available in ten different countries and with plans to expand, the Danish fashion brand seems to have found a model that works. “Unlike other big chains, we don’t focus on creating massive marketing campaigns that cost loads of money. We don’t buy into to the whole ‘high production cycle’. Our customers are more up-beat, fast movers if you like. Styles have to enter and exit the shops pretty quickly. It’s important to have a high stock turnover and cash flow, not just for SisterS Point
but for the shops as well. They use our products to spice up their shelves, giving their customers something new and original,” says Susanne. For that reason, SisterS Point aims to have new styles in the shops each week. To have a large selection, they often stick to a small amount of the same product; which has proven a financial success. “There is no point in having too much. It’s better that it sells so we can give our customers something new to look at. Fashion is changing all the time and we must stay ahead of the game,” explains Susanne . You could call them gamblers, but then they are very good ones. Season after season, SisterS Point meets the challenge of delivering the latest trends as quickly as they change. This is only made possible thanks to a fast-thinking, fast-moving and innovative team who has a passion for today’s market.
within our reach. So it’s safe to say that good things are in store for SisterS Point in the years to come,” tells Susanne Buus Nielsen, excited to be a part of a team that dares to be different. Sometimes it pays to take the leap in the world of fashion.
For more information, please visit:
www.sisters-point.com
“The future is quite clear for us. We want to continue doing what we are good at and carry on with our vision. We hope to strengthen and develop our partnerships abroad. We are stable in Scandinavia, are doing well on the Northern European market, and soon Southern Europe will be
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Scan Magazine | Design | Bella Ballou
Let your scarf do the talking When you buy a scarf from Bella Ballou you are not just purchasing a fashionable accessory to complete your look, you are diving into graphic storytelling. Founders Charlotte Fog Qvotrup Atzen and Tina Steentoft wish to give women a chance to underline their personality by creating stories, small pieces of art with a unique concept. Buy a scarf from Bella Ballou and you're on to a journey, which starts with a beautiful gift box that never fails to catch the eye. By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Bella Ballou
“We strive to give our customers a fulfilling experience. It all begins with the gift box and finishes with a happy ending. Women love the feeling of buying themselves something special,” says Tina Steentoft, one of the two creative kick starters from Bella Ballou. Her background in graphic management, combined with Charlotte Fog Qvotrup Atzen’s experience as an architect, made it natural for the two women to think about fashion a little differently. Creating concepts was second nature to them. They wanted to make quality products in the finest natural fibres like silk, cotton and wool, hand printed one by one under controlled facilities. “Our creative mindset must go hand in hand with a strong commitment to en-
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sure good working conditions,” explains Tina, whose customers can purchase in good conscience.
the Danish Cancer Society, or simply on the shop shelves. So what is in store for the future? Well, let’s just say that some stories never really end. With an upcoming knitwear collection and a new range of bags with equally striking graphic prints, the creative pair has only just begun their journey. Next year they will grab more slices of the world, so get used to the sight of their iconic gift boxes. They are here to stay.
Bella Ballou has two collections each year, sold in 15 countries, always ready with a new theme for people to explore. This year’s spring/summer collection is a Copenhagen adventure that gives customers the best from the Danish capital on print, and perhaps it’s this artistic commitment that has brought Bella Ballou so far, even into the world of politics. Their scarves are regularly used as gifts for state visits, celebrated for their uniqueness and deemed fit for representing Denmark abroad. And when they are not in the hands of politicians, Bella Ballou can be found at fundraising events for
For more information, please visit: www.bellaballou.com
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SP E A CI
RT AL IN TH NO E RW ME AY :
Norwegian landscape as artistic inspiration Stunning landscapes, the Northern Lights and a long, rich history. It’s no wonder that so much artistic talent can be found in Norway, a Scandinavian gem whose painters and cutting-edge performers are revolutionising art all over the world. By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Visitnorway.com
Why not make your holiday to Norway a cultural one? With so much land to explore and such a varied scenery, it’s safe to say that Norwegian museums and art venues boast an impressive array of exhibitions and paintings for visitors to enjoy. Inspired by their countries’ breathtaking shapes and forms, one can simply wander off to the wilderness and be in the middle of a bustling city, all in one day. Norwegian art offers something for everyone.
venues. And it’s not just Oslo, in Kristiansand visitors will find intimate and unique experiences within easy reach, even the small towns are booming with artistic innovation and thrilling shows. However, if you feel more drawn to the remote areas of the country and want to
combine your love of art with your love of nature, there is simply no better place. Norwegian art is not just taking off in the capital, it’s everywhere, stretching from the smallest scenic islands to the charming towns and cities all the way up to the arctic wilderness. If you think art, think Norway. The blend of unique art skills, raw natural landscapes, mountains and seaside, along with a Nordic flair for artistic expression, makes Norway the most interesting country you will ever visit. Here nature and art goes hand in hand. Just come and see for yourself.
For the city dwellers, Oslo and its surroundings are a must. The Norwegian capital is known for its many museums and exhibition venues where cutting-edge contemporary art mesmerises the public week after week. Take a stroll down to the harbour, enjoy the sight of Norwegian heritage and take your pick of exciting art
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Art in Norway
From the outdoor installation of Elena Chernyshova’s photo series Days of Night – Nights of Day in Vadsø during the exhibition Arctic Being. Photo: Ingerid Jordal/Vadsø Kunstforening.
From Michal Nygren’s exhibition Anatomisk Teater in Heimdal Kunstforening. Photo: Heimdal Kunstforening
Installation view from the group exhibition Game of Life II: Knust i offentlig rom, a work by Hedvig Malmbekk Winge in the foreground. Photo: Kristiansand Kunsthall.
Eliza Bennett will give a performance during the art festival Agalaus in Voss. A Woman’s Work is Never Done, Eliza Bennett, flesh/thread, photo: Andrew Clydesdale.
Art societies bring contemporary art to every corner of Norway From 28–31 May one of the most exciting art events of 2015 will take place in the small town of Voss on Norway´s West coast. The art festival Agalaus is organised by the local art society, Voss Kunstlag, and the main theme is fearless, provocative and socially engaging art. More than 50 Norwegian and international artists will take part in the festival.
galleries in more remote locations, which are based purely on voluntary work. In spite of their differences in size, budget and exhibition profile, the art societies all have the same goal: to bring art to the public.
By Norske Kunstforeninger
This art festival is one of many activities that the Norwegian Association of Art Societies support, in order to give the public access to professional contemporary art, regardless of where in Norway you happen to live. For many Norwegians the closest art museum is hours away. The 162 art societies are, on the other hand, scattered all over Norway, and are therefore vital to introducing the public to contemporary art. Historically the art societies, which are non-profit organisations, have played an
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important role in the Norwegian art scene. The first art gallery in Norway was the Oslo Fine Art Society, established in 1836, six years prior to the Norway National Gallery. Over the years many of the art societies collected art, and their valuable collections, have been instrumental in establishing regional art museums in, for example, Stavanger, Trondheim and Kristiansand. Today the art societies range from leading professional art galleries like Bergen Kunsthall and Tromsø Kunstforening, to
The Norwegian Association of Art Societies comprises 162 member societies. The main goal is to give the public access to professional art. The organisation offers the member societies courses and seminars, project funding and various initiatives to enhance knowledge about running an exhibition space. For more information, please visit: www.kunstforeninger.no www.agalauskunst.no
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Art in Norway
Contemporary Art Exhibitions in Central Norway LevArt, founded in 2005, is a non-profit operation organising and promoting contemporary art projects. In addition they offer artists and curators a space for exploring ideas and conducting artistic and curatorial research. Based in Levanger in the county of Nord-Trøndelag in the centre of Norway, its classic wooden houses are beautifully situated next to the Trondheimsfjord and a 45-minute car or train journey from Trondheim’s international airport. By Stian Sangvig | Photos: LevArt
Projects include workshops, exhibitions, seminars and new art projects in public, private or semi-private spaces. LevArt’s main project room and exhibition spaces are located in the recently renovated former school in the 18th century wooden house Middelskolebygget (Middle School Building) in the town centre. “Over the years LevArt has progressed into an internationally-oriented agency owned by the municipality and run as an independent operation,” explains project leader and curator Anne-Gro Erikstad. The next couple of years will be busy for the agency. “Together with RAM Gallery in Oslo, LevArt has invited two guest cura-
joint project with the recently established Norwegian Competence Centre for Arts and Health in Levanger. Levanger is easily accessible thanks to direct flights from all over Norway as well as international flights from several major European cities (including London) to Trondheim’s international airport.
tors,” continues Erikstad. Belgrade-based artists and curators Vladan Jeremic and Rena Rädle are planning a project due for this autumn. Together with curator Raluca Voinea, who is based in Bucharest, LevArt and RAM are planning a public art project that will be on display in Levanger and Oslo.
Mønster (Pattern) is a project by Norwegian artists Anne Helga Henning and Gry Ulrichsen. The exhibition is due to open this spring on 30 May and will be on display until 29 August. “This project investigates the different roles an artist can have in a healthcare institution and care home,” says Erikstad, when explaining that the
For more information, please visit:
www.levart.no
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Art in Norway
Astrup Fearnley Museet: A love story This summer, Astrup Fearnley Museet will present the exhibition Love Story, with works central to the Erling Kagge collection, an explorer who is known as the greatest Norwegian adventurer of our time.
position within the Astrup Fearnley Collection. “Included in the show will be a selection of his most iconic works,” says Moen excitedly.
By Camilla Brugrand | Photos: Nina Magnus and Nic Lehoux
The Astrup Fearnley Collection is one of the largest and most extensive private collections in Norway which dates back to the 1960s. The collection focuses on contemporary art that pushes the boundaries of the artistic canon. “We constantly explore young art scenes all around the world and have produced exhibitions with artists from all corners of the world like India, China, Brazil, Europe and North America,” says Ida Moen of Astrup Fearnley Museet. The exhibition Love Story consists of works from the collection of polar explorer Erling Kagge. The show includes work from Raymond Pettibon, Franz West, Klara Lidén, Tauba Auerbach, Sergej Jensen, Trisha Donnelly, Wolfgang Tillmans and Olafur Eliasson.
“Kagge has an interesting collection of young contemporary art, which is in line with what is happening internationally in the art world. We will show the cream of his collection with great works from internationally established artists,” says Moen. The museum was built as part of the Tjuvholmen Icon Complex and was designed by Renzo Piano. It’s one of the trendiest and cutting edge parts of Norway’s capital Oslo. The Astrup Fearnley Collection consists of many significant artists who have been central in the development of the international art scene over the last 50 years, exhibited in the beautiful building at the tip of Tjuvholmen. This fall the museum presents an exhibition with Damien Hirst, an artist that holds a special
Tjuvholmen is a unique location that offers both beautiful scenery and also the cream of international art.
For more information, please visit: www.afmuseet.no/hjem
Painting the world in acrylic Self-made acrylic artist Nina Sunde has always had a creative spark. What makes her art stand out is the great variation of each brush stroke. By Camilla Brugrand | Photo: Nina Sunde
Instead of selling her art through galleries, Sunde decided to go her own way by painting commissioned work and selling it through her own website. The reason being a belief that high pricing shouldn’t be an issue for people with an eye for art. “I sell my art at half the price you would normally find in galleries. The customers get specialised paintings, for example if they want certain colours or a special format to go in the living room,” says Sunde. “The paintings are all unique and I always need to be a hundred per cent satisfied with each and every one.” Sunde does commissioned work for both private buyers and companies. One piece she is particularly pleased with is an ornamentations work that included paintings in a recurrent theme, made for a shipping company on the
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West coast of Norway. “The company wanted a maritime, but modern, expression. After completing the work their feedback was very satisfactory. I also delivered paintings to a company that used these as unique gifts for special occasions. Other times I have been commissioned by private buyers to deliver paintings to entire apartments. That’s the type of challenges I like,” Sunde explains.
For more information, please visit: www.ninasunde.no
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Art in Norway
Tori Wrånes sculpture Fantasistormen was originally made for and placed on the roof of a kindergarden in Kristiansand in 2012, but taken down due to parental associations to a sniper. SKMU bought the sculpture and placed it in their Children’s Art Museum.
SKMU Sørlandets Kunstmuseum celebrates its 20th anniversary This summer you have the opportunity to indulge in Southern Norwegian idyll in more ways than just enjoying the lovely seaside. The regional art museum, SKMU Sørlandets Kunstmuseum, celebrates its 20th anniversary with an exciting list of exhibitions and events.
ceno will be on show. The latter, 14 Billions (Working Title), is a combination of science, art and architecture. “It is an interesting mix of local and international contemporary art,” Mortensen says.
By Helene Toftner
This summer will be one big party at the art museum, where they will showcase some of the best of regional and international contemporary art. Indulge in classics like Morning at Ny-Hellesund by Amaldus Nielsen, as well as Argentinian Tomás Saraceno’s giant model of a black widow spider web. With the rearrangement of the collection display and three exhibitions to open over the spring and summer months, visitors are in for a variety of treats. The biggest however is the Anniversary Exhibition, opening 18 June. “We have invited 33 artists from our region, several of whom work internationally. Spanning over several generations of artists using a multitude of artistic media, this will give the visitors an idea of the art scene here,” curator Karl Olav Segrov Mortensen says. The museum is located in the idyllic city of Kristiansand, a holiday hot-spot for Nor-
wegians during the summer months. Laidback summer days, white painted houses and fun spring to most people’s minds when talking about the region. “Many of the works in the collection illustrate the local identity, and also encourage discussions around characteristics and themes that are prevalent in the area,” Mortsensen says. “We want to expand people’s ideas about art and the region by putting specific art works in relation to a local context, showing art works that refer to specific historical incidents, like Olaf Isaachsen’s paintings after the town fire in Kristiansand in 1893, or art works that are connected to local debates about public art and town renewal.” While the focus remains on local artists and influences, the museum also takes great pride in its international exhibitions. In May, two exhibitions by Brazilian Tamar Guimãraes and Argentinean Tomás Sara-
Top Left Photo: Leif Gabrielsen Top Right Photo: Preben Holst Middle Right Photo: Bonniers Konsthall Bottom Right Photo: Stanley Haaland
For more information, please visit: www.skmu.no
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Art in Norway
Art inspired by the Northern Lights Lady Aurora, or the Northern Lights as she is commonly known, has inspired many sagas throughout the years. She has also inspired Tove Ottesen, whose glass art is exceptionally beautiful. Ranging from curtains and lamps to plates and dinner sets, she incorporates a small piece of Northern Norway to all. By Helene Toftner | Photos: Tovesglasskunst
The combined gallery / shop / hotel is located on the small island of Kvaløya just outside Tromsø, the gateway to the Arctic. The scenery is jaw dropping, and it is easy to understand why Tove feels inspired. “The Northern Lights and the changing colours during winter are reflected in most of my art,” artist and owner of Tove’s Glass Gallery, Tove Ottesen, says.
everything is aesthetically beautiful, I also emphasise the usability of my glassware,” Tove says. Kvaløya, situated approximately half an hour’s drive from Tromsø, is a popular spot for whale watchers and Northern Lights hunters, exactly what inspires Tove. “People want a lasting piece of the Northern Norwegian nature,” she says.
Tove’s hand-made pieces include vases, jewellery and window decorations, but perhaps what draws the most attention are her curtains made of glass. Other favourites are her lamp shades, playing on the different shades of blue and red which decorate the winter skies, and the rich animal life in the Arctic region. “However while it is important that
For more information, please visit: www.tovesglasskunst.com
An old art centre with a fresh look In addition to hosting some of the finest contemporary art from home and overseas, Hordaland Kunstsenter also produces books for every exhibition they display. By Camilla Brugrand
Hordaland Kunstsenter was established in 1976 as the first artist-run centre in Norway. In recent years, organising exhibitions, specialist book publishing, public lectures, discussions and collaborations outside the institution, have become an integral part of the programme as well. “Today we focus on commissioning new work in our strongly international program. We are also an important home for the art scene in Bergen, and we try to help promote local artists however we can,” says director, Anthea Buys.
The art centre has hosted many curators over the years, but the exhibitions are always the core of the programme. In 2015, they opened a side exhibition platform for smaller installations to show more work by early career artists.
Hordaland Kunstsenter has hosted a residency programme since 1987 that was originally only open to Nordic region artists, but since 2008 it has been available to candidates of any nationality. “Our aim is to increase the visibility of contemporary art in and from Norway,” Buys explains. “We want to create opportunities for exchange between arts professionals in different geographic and political contexts.”
“We have a specialised bookshop with many publications about and made by Norwegian artists. Our audience is a mix of people seeking art and tourists and locals who want a cultural experience. We try our best to accommodate every need,” says Buys. Left Photo: Bjørn Mortensen Middle Photo: KjerstiKvile Right Photo: Bjørn Mortensen
For more information, please visit: www.kunstsenter.no
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Art in Norway
Top Right: Svein Rønning, Morning Sun, 1973, 45x59 cm Photo Svein Rønning Bottom Right: Morten Krogh, no50, 1965, collage paa lerret, 81x112cm
POP Art Design at Henie Onstad Kunstsenter This summer it’s time to bring back old Pop Art heroes, including Andy Warhol, Ed Ruscha and Norwegian Morten Krogh. Henie Onstad Kunstsenter is showcasing some of the most interesting works within the Pop genre in their two exhibitions, POP Art Design and POP ETC., opening this June.
band Niels Onstad donated their art collections in 1968, laying the grounds for what is now known as Norway’s leading venue for Norwegian and international contemporary art.
By Helene Toftner
You have probably seen the iconic paintings and soup can installations by Andy Warhol, with striking colours and a mix of traditional and new techniques. This is probably what springs to most people’s minds when describing Pop Art, an art movement born in the 1950s as a rebellious response to the existing norms within the arts. This summer you can experience some of the most interesting pieces from the epoch at Henie Onstad Kunstsenter. The POP Art Design exhibition opens its doors on 4 June and explores connections between art and design through hundreds of works by the likes of Andy Warhol, Claes Oldenburg and Charles & Ray
Eames. The exhibit has successfully toured Europe and will be at the centre until 6 September. The other exhibition, POP ETC., focuses on the influence of Pop Art on Norwegian painters, cartoonists and graphic designers between 1964 to 1974, including works by Per Kleiva and Ørnulf Opdahl. "This was when the Norwegians truly opened their eyes to American pop culture," director Tove Hansen says. The exhibition runs from 4 June to 16 August. It is difficult talking about the Henie Onstad Kunstsenter without mentioning its history. Known as the Queen of Ice, the figure skater Sonja Henie and her hus-
While the various contemporary art exhibitions are at the heart, the centre is beautifully located on the seafront just a 15-minute drive from Oslo. Visitors can enjoy the sculpture park, as well as recreational activities at the surrounding beach and forests, before rounding off the visit with a meal at the highly-acclaimed restaurant Bølgen & Moi. “We aimed for the centre to be a destination, with special emphasis on the relationship between art, sound, performance and the historical avant-garde,” Hansen says.
For more information, please visit:
www.hok.no
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Art in Norway
Left: Wooden Cathedral: “My team and I carried this nine feet high, 40 kilo solid wood sculpture up a three kilometre steep road to the Briksdal glacier,” says Kjellbjørn Tusvik.Right: Hands: A nine feet cylindrical sculpture in solid wood, here facing the famous Hjørundfjorden. Photo: Arild Solberg
Cylindra: The gallery of Norway In Møre og Romsdal’s Tusvik, visitors can experience not only strikingly beautiful furniture art, but also the landscape it is inspired by. Often called the most beautiful landscape in the world, the mythical, impressive mountain peaks and green valleys of the western Norwegian county, and Sykkylven municipality in particular, make for an experience unlike any other. Welcome to Cylindra Gallery: a symbiotic experience of art, furniture and nature. By Julie Lindén | Photos: Gallery Cylindra
“Even if these objects are meant for indoor use, I like to bring them out into the nature because it creates some very beautiful photos,” says Kjellbjørn Tusvik of Cylindra Gallery. The inspiration from surrounding sceneries is clear in objects such as the Mountain Peak series, he explains. Creator Peter Opsvik agrees: “Mountain Peak, the chair, table and cupboard, is inspired by the landscape of this area. They all look like sharp, craggy mountain peaks. As with the other objects in the series, the top of the cupboard represents a majestic range of mountain
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peaks, which in this case rises up to two meters in height.” From cylinders to furniture Cylindra AS was founded in the late 1980s, based on Peter Opsvik’s design. The aim of the company was to create wooden, cylindrical-inspired furniture. The idea for the unique design came to him as he was experimenting with cylindrical shapes in the beginning of the same decade. “When I worked in graphic art and paintings on paper or canvas with only two dimensions, I often wished to have a basic form that
could be shaped freely and still be functional,” Opsvik notes. “The solid wood cylinders made my dream come true.” Thus, in 1989, Opsvik teamed up with Tusvik to develop an initial range of 20 furniture objects, including chairs, tables, cupboards and wardrobes. Today, the cylindrical furniture’s combination of artistic expressions and practical function is renowned all over the world, with objects exhibited at museums and art shows in cities such as Chicago, New York and London. Currently the entire collection consists of more than 200 different pieces designed by Opsvik. Sykkylven – an innovative heart of inspiration Despite worldwide success, it is the municipality of Sykkylven that remains the main inspiration for the gallery’s originators. Mainly an industrial community
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was completed in cooperation with Oslo National Academy of the Arts. The centre is now up and running,” says Tusvik. An extraordinary experience
where furniture and furnishing manufacturing is the dominant industry, Sykkylven provides a strong crafting legacy and innovative spirit. A Centre of Expertise and Inspiration has recently been established by competitors and suppliers in the furnishing business, which is also supported by local institutions, as well as the municipality of Sykkylven. The idea is to create a centre for the furniture industry, so it may continue to succeed on the international scene. “’Design, Create, Live,’ have become important elements in our daily life. In September last year a successful pilot project
At the gallery in Tusvik, visitors can buy many of the pieces in the exhibition, like for instance the Silhouette of a Man, a hanging wall cabinet with not much space inside, but decorative on the wall. You will admire these beautiful cabinets for years to come, but the gallery is not just about buying objects, Tusvik stresses: “It’s nice to have our own gallery, a place where we can meet people with an interest in our sculptural furniture, listen to their opinions and test our theories on how to work with our pieces. You see, working with objects that are both art and furniture is something quite special. We are not just offering an object; we are also selling a story.” As an extension of these stories Tusvik explains that he often finds parallels between proverbs, texts and the descriptions of Cylindra objects. “Sometimes I find text that goes very well together with photos of our objects, and I also like to combine proverbs with the names of the pieces. For instance, Khalil Gibran’s The Prophet gives this verse: ‘And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare
feet and the winds long to play with your hair’. I like that,” he says proudly. So, whether you are looking for a new piece of unique furniture, an inspirational art exhibition or simply a different evening out, Cylindra Gallery might just be the place
Cylindra workshop and gallery in Tusvik is open: Monday to Friday: 10am – 4pm Saturdays and Sundays by appointment. Take a virtual tour: www.cylindra.net/tour Webshop In a few weeks the Cylindra Gallery of Norway webshop will be launched. Find it, along with more information about Cylindra AS, at: www.cylindra.no
For more information, please visit: Mayor and Mayoress: Wall cabinet (half circle), height 200 cm, width 48 cm, with seven shelves inside. Photos: Bjørnar Tusvik
www.cylindra.net
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Photo: L&S
Photo: Maren Michaelis
Punkt Ø - a star on the Nordic art sky This summer visitors will be able to enjoy art in the idyllic town of Moss, when the anticipated Momentum 8 exhibition at Punkt Ø- Galleri F 15 and Momentum art museum opens yet again. From 13 June you can explore how recent technological developments and network cultures have brought us together and torn us further apart. By Helene Toftner | Photos: Brody Condon
The upcoming exhibition, curated by Jonatan Habib Engqvist, Birta Gudjonsdottir, Stefanie Hessler and Toke Lykkeberg is highly anticipated across all of Scandinavia, where it digs into the Nordic sentiment of geography and cultural seclusions. The exhibition is the eighth of its kind, and this year’s focus is ‘tunnel vision’. “The collection explores tunnel visions as a cultural and artistic condition by looking at current social networks, and how they create hyper connectivity as well as disconnecting people,” Maria Havstam, head of communication and curator at Punkt Ø, says. “It focuses on artists and cultural producers who inhabit worlds of their own logic and follow through on the ideas that emerge within these contexts,” Havstam says.
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Punkt Ø is a regional art museum, located in the charming seaside town of Moss. While the town itself only has around 30,000 inhabitants, it has produced an impressive number of artists and praised artworks, as well as having housed painter Edvard Munch for some years. Therefore it is perhaps not surprising that Norway’s first contemporary art gallery was born here in 1966. “There is a very thriving art scene in the area, and we opened on the locals’ initiative to further develop the artistic environment,” Havstam says. Nearly 50 years on, it is one of the Nordics’ most important galleries for contemporary art today. This spring, the acclaimed Spanish artist Dora García has given her first solo exhibit
in Norway at Punkt Ø. Typical for her, she draws on interactivity and performance in her work, and explores the boundaries between representation and reality. “It is great that we attract such established and interesting artists, and particularly as it is her first solo exhibition in Norway ever,” Havstam says. But hurry up, the exhibition called A letter from Joyce to Ibsen. The Inadequate is only open until 31 May.
For more information, please visit: www.punkto.no
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Bring out your inner artist at Midtnordisk Kunstfestival Join an art festival that's out of the ordinary at Midtnordisk Kunstfestival. With a variety of performances, talks and courses, people can explore their inner artist between 20-26 June.
By: Helene Toftner | Photos: Inger Marie Lillesand
Midtnordisk Kunstfestival, or the Middle Nordic Art Festival as it would translate to, takes place in idyllic Inderøy. Located an hour’s drive from Trondheim, the area is known for its artistic treasures as well as a hotspot for locally produced cheeses. With this backdrop there is no wonder people are keen to learn and further develop exciting creative skills. “Being at the festival is like living in a bubble, where people can spend all day doing what
they dream of doing on a regular basis,” coordinator Inger Marie Lillesand says.
The festival, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this summer, offers talks by renowned artists, dance performances, and perhaps most importantly courses for people to learn and further develop various skills like painting, writing or photography. “This year the theme is ‘Space,’ whereupon people are free to interpret the word in their own way, and on the last day we will award the best result,” Lillesand says. An addition to this year's festival is that children are welcome to join in. “We look forward to seeing children embrace art too, and for them to challenge themselves,” Lillesand says, and emphasises that they offer courses for people at all levels, from beginners to semi-professionals.
For more information, please visit: www.midtnordiskkunstfestival.no
Smoked salmon, gravlax and classic seafood sauces made from fresh Scandinavian produce. ”W We guarantee salmon of the th highest quality. It takes only a few hours from the moment the salmon is taken out of the sea until it is fully trimmed and filleted. The salmon is shipped fresh from Norway to Falkenberg, on the western coast of Sweden.” ”In our smokehouse, all salmon is smoked with alder wood and juniper berries. The alder trees are locally grown at a sustainable forestry. W We e chip the wood ourselves fresh from the log, every week. The slightly damp wood gives a dense, white smoke that is perfect for smoking salmon. In the smoking process we also add juniper berries, all this to extract as much as possible of the wonderful aromas and flavours naturally contained in the wood.”
Korshags’ fish is available to order online via Ocado (ocado.com) and Scandinavian Kitchen (scandikitchen.co.uk).
d Servicevägen 3, Falkenberg, Sweden +46 346 71 57 57, www www.korshags.se .korshags.se
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Scan Magazine | Feature | Kristofer Hivju
Kristofer Hivju:
Battling the ice wall, Force Majeure and Swedish crime on your screens! Kristofer Hivju, the renowned Norwegian actor, has received international recognition for his incredible portfolio of work including roles like Tormund Giantsbane in the HBO fantasy series, Game of Thrones and his stunning performance in the 2014 drama Force Majeure. He joins us to tell tales of acting adventures and discuss his next exciting project starring in the Swedish smash-hit film series, Beck. By Helen Cullen | Photos: Olof Ba ̈ckstro ̈m
“I am really excited to take on the role as Steinar Hovland,” Kristofer Hivju shares. “I’ve been a Beck fan for a long time, so it was easy to say yes. I have played many bad guys and villainous roles so to play a cop will be great fun and very cool!” Hivju will join Beck veteran, actor Peter Haber, as a police investigator solving murders on the dark side of Stockholm. This is not the first time Hivju has transcended from spectator to participant in
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a cult television show. Many will recognise him for his striking role in the TV phenomenon Game of Thrones. “I watched the programme and thought it was the most exciting television I had ever seen,” he recalls. “All of a sudden – BOOM – I was standing on the set in a costume looking Jon Snow straight in the eyes, being very much a part of what I had so admired.” Hivju initially appeared as a guest star in the third season of the show before returning as a principal character
in seasons four and five. Despite the aweinspiring production, Hivju explains that you have to quickly adjust to your new working environment, however surreal it may be. “You have to accept the magic of being there but then get to work,” he says. “It remains magical but it becomes about doing the best work you can in every scene, and I love the work.” Award-winning normality Hivju received the Best Supporting Actor accolade at the 2015 Guldbagge Awards, (the Swedish equivalent of the Oscars), for his stirring role as Mats in Force Majeure. The film also won the Best Film Award and received a nomination for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 72nd Golden Globe Awards. For fans of Hivju’s previous work, Force Majeure offers a
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Scan Magazine | Feature | Kristofer Hivju
new perspective on the actor and the breadth of his performance range. “Before this role, I had played a very specific type of role but this character broke me free of that,” he explains. “I didn’t have a sword in my hand, I wasn’t climbing an ice wall, but playing a normal man. As an actor you always want to be extraordinary, but to play an ordinary man is a really big challenge.” Writer and director, Ruben Östlund, recognised the potential Hivju had to accomplish something remarkable with the role. “He saw something in me that no one else had ever seen,” Hivju shares. “He taught me to play on strengths that I didn’t know I had. It really was the most astonishing and self-developing project that I’ve ever been involved with.” Winning the Guldbagge award was a landmark moment in Hivju’s career. “Sweden is my new favourite country now,” he jokes. “Seriously though, it’s im-
portant to be known in different countries and winning awards obviously helps accomplish that. For me, however, the most important thing was having the experience of working with Östlund on this incredible film.” The road to the stage As the son of famous Norwegian actor, Eric Hivju, it may have seemed a natural progression to follow in his father’s thespian footsteps. However, it was not until Hivju left school that he discovered his calling. “I grew up in a very theatrical world but acting didn’t interest me very much,” he recalls. “It was exciting to meet so many extraordinary people but I also saw the ups and downs of the acting life, which attracted me to music instead.” However, while pursuing a musical education in college, Hivju participated in some acting classes and to his own surprise fell completely in love with the stage. “I felt the thrill of reaching people
and having the power to affect their feelings and perceptions,” he explains. “I felt that I could express myself better through, for example, Hamlet’s words than through my own songs and that was the thing that did it for me.” Hivju completed his studies at the Russian Academy of Theatre Arts in Denmark and then worked as an actor for ten years, before having his big break on the screen. Hivju’s father shared words of wisdom with his son when he announced his ambitions to become an actor. “He told me that acting was like always staying under a magnifying glass,” he recalls. “It can make you look big but if the spotlight is too hot you can also get burned.” Hivju’s mother and grandmother are also actors and he sees it as a great privilege that they can share their common passion. “Playing with your parents is something you do when you’re a child and it is amazing to have the chance to do that as an adult too,” he says happily. “We give each
Photo: Sky Arts
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Scan Magazine | Feature | Kristofer Hivju
other advice and share our experiences and I try to learn as much as I can from them.”
play the antagonist who happens to be one of the worst men in the universe,” he explains.
A homebound family man
Hivju is also filming the eagerly anticipated film, Birkebeinerne. Directed by the Oscar nominated director Nils Gaup, the film recounts the true story of dramatic events that occurred in Norway in 1206. “In the story, the Norwegian king has been assassinated and my companion and I must transport the king’s son through the mountains of Norway to safety,” Hivju explains. “We have armies chasing after us who want to kill the baby so that they can destroy the spirit of Norway. We have to save the king’s son to save the kingdom and so it’s a skiing, action, horse-riding, drama feature film!” Birkebeinerne will be released in early 2016.
Despite an international career that awards Hivju the opportunity to live and work anywhere, he has chosen to make his native Oslo his home. “I’m a family man,” he says. “I have two children with my fiancé and we live near my parents and for me that is the foundation of everything. If I lived in L.A. I could still be shooting in Prague or Paris so it’s important to have somewhere to come home to.” Upcoming roles In addition to Hivju's new role in Beck and returning performance in Game of Thrones, he is also working on two other exciting film projects. Wendyeffekte (The Wendy Effect) is scheduled to premiere in the autumn and offers another different creative challenge for Hivju. “It’s a Tarantino inspired, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels kind of crazy comedy where I
With so many interesting projects in the pipeline, it is a very exciting time in Kristofer Hivju’s career. We certainly look forward to seeing what else is to come. Photo: Sky Arts
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Scan Magazine | Culture Feature | Springeren Martitime
A maritime merry time When a fire devastated part of Aalborg’s maritime museum in 2011, its staff turned the tragic event into an opportunity to transform the traditional museum into a modern, interactive centre of learning. After a year of hard work, Springeren: Maritime Experience Centre reopened its doors in August 2013. Now, visitors of all ages can learn more from traditional exhibits, pirate treasure hunts, exploring a real submarine and even compete in a Limfjord sailing simulator.
meet the crew at the Tall Ships Races festival in August to learn more!
By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Springeren Martitime Experience Centre It is unsurprising that Denmark, consisting of more than 400 islands, has a proud nautical past. From the Viking Age to the Napoleonic Wars, Denmark maintained one of Europe’s mightiest fleets, and Danish commercial shipping is still world-renowned. Denmark’s fourth most populous city, Aalborg, has hosted a bustling shipyard on the Limfjord coast for centuries. When Denmark’s navy retired a fleet of 1960s submarines, Aalborg campaigned tirelessly to save one for posterity and in 1990, the submarine Springeren finally made its new home on Aalborg’s old docks. Today, visitors are free to explore every nook and cranny of the submarine exactly as it was left by its last crew.
The Maritime Experience Centre has expanded to cover an area of 15000m² , leaving plenty of space for younger visitors and canine companions to let imaginations run wild. The emphasis on fun, interactive learning makes Springeren a popular haunt for families, kids’ birthday parties and connoisseurs alike. The centre’s guides, some of whom previously worked on u-boats, bring history alive through their own stories in Scandinavian, English and German, and you may even see Springeren’s model-ship builders in action. The torpedoboat Søbjørnen is also open for exploration, as is a uniform-exhibition, a 1930s shipbroker’s office and much more. Call, visit the website or
Queen Margrethe’s yacht Dannebrog’s crew visited Springeren in 2014.
For more information, please visit: www.en.springeren-maritimt.dk
Contact +45 3527 1520 booking@charlottehaven.com www.charlottehaven.com
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Scan Magazine | Feature | Elliphant
Photo: Alexander Federic
Elliphant – born free Elliphant, the musical persona of Ellinor Olovsdotter, is one of the most exciting new acts to emerge from Sweden on to the international scene. Star of the new iPad advertisement, she will be appearing at the Uport Festival in Ulricehamn, Sweden, in August.
“When I decided to do this, I was determined to be 100 per cent authentic and I believe what makes me special is that I won’t become a product.”
By Helen Cullen | Press Photos
Elliphant’s early years eagerly anticipated follow-up was recorded in L.A. with Grammy award-winning songwriter Joel Little and the response to date has been fantastic. A hit single and internet sensation
Photo: Myriam Santos
“I’ve got four faces,” Elliphant declares. “One of them is the crazy club girl, there’s my hip-hop side, my R&B side, and, a lot of the time, I just feel like a hippie.” All of these characters emerge on the pop maverick’s EP One More. An exciting fusion of electro-pop and rap, Elliphant describes her sound as “provocative music that exists outside of any particular genre.” The
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The single One More featuring MØ was an instant hit; it quickly became the single most tweeted song with the accompanying music video attracting 500,000 views on YouTube in less than a month. The single is just one of many high profile collaborations in Elliphant’s portfolio as she has also worked with Skrillex, Bunji Garlin and Diplo. What has attracted so much attention remains mysterious to her but she hopes that people are drawn to the honesty in her approach. “I am the artist that I want to be and I hope that people feel the truth in my work,” she suggests.
Growing up in southern Stockholm, Elliphant was completely immersed in a creative world. “I never dreamed of becoming a pop star,” she explains, “but I painted and took photographs. In the end it was my music that caught people’s attention and that people asked me to do more of and I’m grateful to the bones for the opportunity.” Although Stockholm is no longer her home, Elliphant is incredibly proud of her birthplace. “Sweden is one of the most liberal countries in the world,” she explains. “I feel so fortunate to be one of the small percentage of women globally who were born free and could grow up to be anything I wanted.”
For more information, please visit: www.elliphant.com
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8 G SP OL EC IA F IN CO L T SW UR HE ED SES M EN TO E: 20 VI 15 SIT
Photo: Eksjö Golfklubb
Bokskogen’s Golf Club. Photo: Pär-Martin Hedberg
Photo: Stockholms GolfKlubb
8 Golf Courses to visit in Sweden 2015:
Swedish golf sensations Sweden is well known to the international golf community for having produced many incredible golf stars who've been victorious in tournaments all over the world. In order to produce many great star golfers, golf courses of the highest standard are a necessity, and Sweden has many!
really is spectacular during these late golf days and something you don’t want to miss when you come to experience Scandinavian golf.
By Christer Bergfors, Chairman of the board, Swedish Golf Federation
Swedish golf works closely together with Visit Sweden, different tourism regions and 65 golf clubs to market this country as a leading golf destination. A unique cooperation which has never been seen before on the Swedish tourism market according to Visit Sweden. Being appointed the Undiscovered Golf Destination of 2014, the marketing campaigns and of course the golf product itself is sure to put Sweden at the very top of international golf destinations over the following years.
Last year, 150 international golf journalists appointed Sweden the Undiscovered Golf Destination of 2014. We believe the reason for us receiving this recognition is not only due to the high quality of our golf courses and facilities (despite our five months of winter) but also because Swedes are fluent in English, making our country welcoming and approachable to foreign visitors, which is a huge factor for a great travel experience. Our culinary specialties, spectacular scenery and wonderfully clean environment add on greatly to the Swedish golf experience and further
gives credibility to why we have been awarded this honourable title. Golf in Sweden is, to put it simply, great. Numerous golf courses are located close to three major international airports and are easily reachable by an hour long car journey. The pleasant temperatures in the summer time makes the climate perfect for golf and the long hours of daylight makes it possible to easily squeeze in a late afternoon 18-hole round of golf. The light
For more information, please visit: www.golf.se
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | 8 Golf Courses to visit in Sweden 2015
Nordea Masters: the Tour of Champions Swedish summer means golf, and for a good reason. The popularity of the sport is enormous and more and more people are flocking to participate and watch tours and competitions. Much of this is due to the Nordea Masters, the biggest annual tournament in Scandinavia. By Astrid Eriksson & Caroline Edwards | Photos: Nordea Masters
After last year’s thrilling stand-off between Thongchai Jaidee, Victor Dubuisson and Stephen Gallacher, where Jaidee was left on top with the victory as the final ball sealed the deal, people cannot wait for the event to take place again. Nordea Masters are preparing for what many call one of the best golf tours in the world. Golf is unique in every sense of the word. Unlike other sports that are struggling to get the attention they need, golf is in high demand and not just among long-term fans. All around Sweden clubs are starting to see an increase in memberships and
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when it comes to international tournaments and profiles, the public’s interest seems to be nothing short of never ending. The recent successes of names like Henrik Stenson and Alex Norén, have made the national crowd go crazy for more Swedish golf splendour, hoping that this year’s Nordea Masters on 4-7 June will bring them the glorious golf victories they crave. “Swedes always tend to do well on Nordea Masters,” says Claes Nilsson, Sport Director at Nordea Masters, when trying to explain the popularity of the tournament.
“The starting field is always very thrilling and with big Scandinavian names participating, expectations are incredibly high.” People love to see their countrymen do well and whenever a Swede is on the course, the audience goes crazy. “There are definitely goose bumps going around when the audience is cheering on their champion,” Nilsson says with excitement. "The finishing holes are incredible to watch, no matter who’s playing, the tension is massive.” But even if you’re not course-side at the first iron swing, the atmosphere of the competition will easily shine through to your living room. The Nordea Masters has managed to bring golf into the homes of golfers and nongolfers alike, bringing people together in a tournament that continues to help sports fans discover the joy of golf and inspire newcomers to get into it.
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | 8 Golf Courses to visit in Sweden 2015
tournament. All over the region Swedes are benched in front of their televisions, and on the grandstand of the course itself, ready to cheer on their countrymen as the whole nation gets caught in a golfing fever. But it’s not just in Scandinavia. The high attendance numbers speak for themselves, as the Nordea Masters gets visitors from all over the world and golf fans have come to love the annual tours in Sweden. It’s not just the sport itself that is outstanding, it’s the surrounding landscapes as well. Whether you are a true golfer or not, it’s hard not to let yourself be drawn to the green courses, splendid landscapes and open spaces. The Nordea Masters awakens the inner golfer in most of us, proven by the number of fans that increases year by year, and 2015 could set new records. “Scandinavian golf in general, and Swedish and Danish in particular, are very big on the home field and in an impressive shape,” Nilsson says. “If you look at golf internationally, golf supporters tend to be people with a long standing, genuine interest in the sport, but here people who are not necessarily practitioners or diehard fans themselves still go crazy when their fellow countrymen do well. At the Nordea Masters, Scandinavian’s tend to perform, therefore the intensity of the tour both on and off the courses is absolutely amazing.” So why not venture into the world of golf, either as a regular player or a newcomer, and find out what it’s all about. But be warned, the immense thrill of the sport might surprise you. After the Nordea Masters you might not be able to walk away.
The Nordea Masters has one of the largest audiences on the PGA European Tour, only beaten by the long-established British Open that has had years to build up their reputation. This year’s tournament will take place at the PGA National’s impressive courses near Malmö, designed by non other than Kyle Phillips, an architect renowned for his skills in the field.
The grass as well as the location has been carefully chosen, all to maximise the experience for the players and the audience. No wonder they call it the best golf course in Sweden.
For more information, please visit: www.nordeamasters.se
The Nordea Masters is one of the biggest tour operators in the whole of Europe, a fact that is clearly visible in each year’s
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | 8 Golf Courses to visit in Sweden 2015
Sweden’s best kept golf secret? When visiting the capital of Sweden, it is hard to imagine that right outside the city centre is an oasis of calm, peace and, naturally, great golf. Just a tube ride away awaits a classic, timeless treasure in the Swedish golf world, eager to impress you with its beauty, history, professionalism and course. Welcome to Stockholm’s Golfklubb. We guarantee you’ll enjoy it. By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Karl Nordlund
“One of the things that strikes people the most is the dignity and tradition of the club and golf course,” says Bert Johansson, Club Manager at Stockholm’s Golfklubb. This is the second oldest golf club in Sweden, dating back to 1904, where high quality golf has always been the main focus. “We have a classic approach towards the sport, which is displayed in our wonderful golf course,” Johansson continues. “You rarely see courses like this outside
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the United Kingdom. We have all the features of an original course, but with an added modern twist.” A classic British park course The golf course Kevingebanan, which houses Stockholm’s Golfklubb, sports 95 bunkers, fantastic greens and demands a lot of strategy from players who want to perform well. “We have stayed true to the ideals of classic British park courses,”
Johansson explains. “You have to be both strategic and tactical if you wish to succeed.” He continues with a laugh, “We quite often call her an old lady. You have to be nice and gentle and show her a lot of respect and if you do, she will make sure to reward you for your hard work.” Stockholm’s Golfklubb is proud to be training the next generation of golfers and has invested a lot in their youth training. It is not without its excitement, Johansson and his fellow members watch as the young enthusiasts slowly but steadily become competent managers of the long legacy of the club and its course. “We have since the 50’s, when we started our youth curriculum, trained future national and international golf stars, and we are
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | 8 Golf Courses to visit in Sweden 2015
Stockholm’s Golfklubb is known for keeping everything up to standard and in an impeccable condition. “We love that we are able to focus on good golfing opportunities to players, much thanks to the well run machinery that is the staff we hire to keep the grounds. This truly is a green, fresh, oasis next to Stockholm City.”
thrilled to see that we are continuing in the same direction.” A dignified profile Even though Kevingebanan is a central course, merely a stones throw from Stockholm City, Stockholm’s Golfklubb keeps a low profile. “We never kick up any fuss,” says Johansson. “We like to keep a dignified and respectful approach to both the club’s traditions but also to our members. This is a place of peace, tranquility and good golf, something our players appreciate.”
Indeed they should. During its lifetime, Stockholm’s Golfklubb has fostered a long line of elite players on the very highest of levels of the sport. “It is however, very important to know that although we might be seen as a conservative kind of establishment, we are always welcoming anyone wanting to come for some good play at a first class golf course,” Johansson stresses. “We have some exclusive features, but we are never excluding when it comes to people stopping by. No one is born a golfer. It is a difficult sport in itself and it takes immense hours of practice to become good at it. We appreciate and encourage that. Everyone is very welcome, regardless what level their play is on, or what background they have. If you like the game, you should feel free to stop by.”
In addition to being a go-to place for superb golf conditions, the club also offers their guests and members a range of social opportunities and activities. In their well-stocked golf shop visitors are free to add on to their existing golf arsenal with fittings and consulting for both clothes and clubs, as well as a wide variety of accessories and necessities for a comfortable and well equipped round on the course. Stockholm’s Golfklubb is sporting fresh and modern locker rooms, a bridge room and a large restaurant where mouth-watering dishes offer a nice break from the time spent practicing and playing outside. “We take care of the people who come here, no matter if they are members or just stopping by for a day,” Johansson says. “Everyone has the same rights and responsibilities and we make sure that they all equally get exactly what they are here for: fantastic golf in a fantastic place.” For more information, please visit: www.stockholmsgolfklubb.se
Superb golf conditions This year, Kevingebanan and the golf club are both in a splendid condition. “The people who tend to the course, land and our facilities are true pros,” Johansson adds proudly. “If you want to keep a good golf course, a good layout is far from enough.”
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | 8 Golf Courses to visit in Sweden 2015
Åtvidaberg: Rich in tradition, history and spectacular golf Situated on one of the most heritage-rich and notable grounds in Sweden, Åtvidabergs’s golf course is one of both tradition and legacy. Founded and still owned by the Swedish family Adelswärd, this land has a long, captivating history and by tending to their legacy they have made Åtvidaberg’s golf course one of the best there is. By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Jacob Sjo ̈man
Åtvidaberg’s course was founded by Baron Eric Adelswärd and inaugurated in 1957. Originally designed as a nine-hole course by Douglas Brasier, it was made into a full-length 18-hole course in 1968. In the year 2000 the golf course was rebuilt once again and the vision of Brasier was transformed into one of architect Peter Nordwall. A scenic masterpiece Åtvidaberg golf course is a park course in the settings of a lush oak forest, right by
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the lake Bysjön. “Before the golf course, this land hosted a gardening academy,” says Gustaf Adelswärd, grandson of the founding Baron. “The nature is therefore very rich and we have worked hard on preserving the original vegetation of the surrounding land.” The landscape and the course makes for a stunning visual experience, something you can enjoy even when not out swinging. The club’s restaurant is situated a mere 100 metres from the 18th green and has a
remarkable outlook on Bysjön and the 11th hole; one that repeatedly has been named one of the best golf holes in Sweden. “The course holds a very high standard, both in maintenance and the level of difficulty it offers the players,” Adelswärd says. “It’s rather long for an old course, and switches rapidly between broad views and narrow fields. However, beginners and high handicap players never lose hope or motivation. It is a challenging course for sure, but it also encourages you to practice and keep going.” For people looking to play some good golf and stay at a first class facility, Åtvidaberg’s Golf Club is the obvious choice. Trägårdshotellet, situated right on the course merely a stone's throw away from first tee, is a first class hotel in the facil-
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | 8 Golf Courses to visit in Sweden 2015
ity of an old manor, characterised by its legacy and old history. The hotel is a guaranteed delight after a long day on the course. “When it comes to serving food, we have always been at the very top of culinary experiences,” says Adelswärd. “The stunning food matches the surroundings and the venue in itself is a great mix of the traditional manor interior and excellent modern service.” Invested in the future In the small town of Åtvidaberg, golf runs deep. Here, you will find one of Sweden’s most renowned Golf High Schools, where youth come from near and far to be able to take part in some expertise training from a young age. “It’s great watching young talent grow up to become successful and brilliant sportsmen and women,” says Adelswärd proudly. “Having them around on the court provides a fantastic feeling of new energy and great things to come.” The Club House is situated right on the golf course, with a spectacular view over the holes and the surroundings. “I suppose you could call us a traditional club,” says Adelswärd when asked to describe the atmosphere of the club and its members. “Conservative, without being old fashioned. We are always welcoming new members of all levels and experience and
feel that new ideas and improvements are essential on order to keep thing running successfully, but our focus has always been, and will always lie on the tradition of golf.”
“The club is alive and in good spirits, which shows, even if you stop by as a green fee guest,” he ensures. “There are always people around, having a laugh or exchanging stories on and off the court. It makes for a fantastically good vibe.”
Committed members and jolly times Åtvidaberg’s Golf Club is one where members come to have a good time together, something Adelswärd views as essential if comradery is to flourish. “Last year, we appointed a special Committee of Competitions, where the main idea was to get people even more interested in entering competitions and club tournaments.” Proven to be a successful constellation, the committee managed to, in a very short time, double the participation in club activities. “We are very happy to be arranging fun events and competitions where we are pushing the members to be and do their very best. Club competitions should be about spending time together and having fun rather than butting heads and trying to outshine your friends. It’s a social gathering and should be treated as such,” Adelswärd explains. Through a fun-filled social agenda and making the winning prizes a lot more attractive than many other golf clubs, Adelswärd and his committee have been able to engage almost the entire club during the golf season.
For more information, please visit: www.atvidabergsgk.se
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | 8 Golf Courses to visit in Sweden 2015
Extraordinary golfing and majestic views In the winter time Isaberg, in the southern parts of Sweden, is known for great skiing, but during warmer months golf is on the agenda! Two beautiful golf courses welcome over 10,000 golfers each year, and with tours, events and some of the most stunning golf holes in Northern Europe, golfing at Isaberg is something quite extraordinary.
This and much more makes Isaberg well worth a visit for the keen golfer. Good service, comfortable and professional facilities and golf courses with that little extra something. This is truly a pearl among Swedish golf destinations.
By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Isabergs Golfklubb
Scenically, few golf courses are as striking as Isaberg, with its majestic views, historic grounds and two 18 hole courses surrounded by lush nature. For golfers looking to experience top notch courses this summer, Isaberg is a definite must. Visitors have opportunities to not only enjoy good rounds on the strategic and often challenging courses, but there is also chances for some gratifying training in the non-competitive areas. In addition to this the shop is fully equipped, the restaurant ready and at your service, and for guests coming from far away, accommodation is no problem at all. Isaberg is proud to offer both cottages, where you can go about your business in peace, as well as parking lots for both caravans and cars.
For people who like the more competitive side of golf, Isaberg will not disappoint. In June the club presents Isaberg Mixed Masters, one of Sweden’s largest mixed foursome competitions. In August, the Isaberg Open is also being hosted for the sixth year straight. The competition is a part of the well-known Nordea Tour, attracting hundreds of people enjoying the comradery of the sport.
For more information, please visit: www.isaberggolf.com
A Club and Course of the Future
and restaurant offers good service and food at a reasonable price, and we are always thrilled when new people stop by,” Bergdahl assures.
In a flowing southern landscape, you will find the Golf Club Assartorp. The club is looking forward to a year of renewal on a grand scale as the conveniently situated course heads into a new chapter of its life. By welcoming golfers of all levels, it unites the one thing they all have in common: the love for the sport. By Astrid Eriksson | Photo: Assartorps Golfklubb
“I love our course and our club,” says Hasse Bergdahl, of Assartorps GK. “The course is conveniently situated close to Malmö Airport and is easy to get to and the club is a wonderful example of people coming together and enjoying each other’s company while doing what they love to do.”
At this time the Assartorp golf course is a tough challenge even for people who are well-trained in the sport. Built as a traditional park course it demands an extremely strategic sense of play and a skilled swing if players are to be successful. However, the course is facing a lot of changes in the near future. “We want to turn the club into a Family Golf Centre where golfers of all levels, along with their families, can come and have a fantastic time,” Bergdahl explains. “Right now the course is appealing to a selective bunch of people, but we want to open it up to the broader masses.” The future remake of the course is sure to attract many new and curious golfers, but those up for a challenge are of course more than welcome to swing by already. “The course is very well-kept and maintained, the club house
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For more information, please visit: www.assartorpsgk.se
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | 8 Golf Courses to visit in Sweden 2015
A golfers’ dream in the southern parts of Sweden Eksjö Golf Club is one of Sweden’s oldest clubs. Founded in 1938 and turned into a full 18-hole course in 1975, it has since provided golfers from all over Scandinavia with prime golfing conditions and excellent times swinging iron and putting on lush greens. By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Eksjö Golf Club
With a course ranked as one of the best ones in the country, Eksjö Golf Club is proud to welcome you to join their 800 members in a diverse and technically challenging experience. Designed by architect Anders Amilon, it is a beautiful example of fantastic environmental conditions and professional keeping and maintenance. “The first hole is on the list of Sweden’s top 50 and it really is quite extraordinary,” says Peter Börjesson of Eksjö Golf Club proudly. “The golfer comes straight into the sharpest momentum of the entire course, demanding attention and strategy from the very first swing.” This is a course well worthy of appreciation. Stim-
ulating and never dull, it offers an interesting game, keeping the players on their toes while maintaining a welcoming spirit. “We have a very good atmosphere in the club,” says Börjesson. “It is important to make sure that everyone feels like they are a part of the club and happy members also means a warm welcome for greenfee guests who are just dropping in for a day.” Showing visitors a good time is something Eksjö Golf Club knows all about. Eksjö town has a strong cultural commitment and during this summer many activities and events work as perfect complements for a stellar golf weekend. “Eksjö is a place where tourism flourishes over the
summer,” Börjesson explains. “Businesses, cafés and restaurants are all open and welcoming to anyone wanting to stop by and since 2008 the town has been hosting the Town Festival attracting nearly 10,000 visitor each year.” People who want to visit Eksjö Golf Club will not be disappointed. The club offers attractive packages where overnight stays at the City Hotel or other inns in the area, green-fee, breakfast and lunch are all included for a more than reasonable price. Visitors can expect a professional golf destination in a great condition, a restaurant leaving nothing to chance, and a wellstocked shop where the knowledgeable staff will be able to assist you in whatever way you need.
For more information, please visit:
www.eksjogk.se
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | 8 Golf Courses to visit in Sweden 2015
A superb complement to the city experience Just a short trip from the hustle and bustle of Gothenburg, people keen to experience some quality time at a fine golf course will find Delsjö Golf Club. In lush environments and with all the service an establishment like this has to offer, golf players from near and far come to enjoy stunning greens and challenging holes.
weekday. Due to the excellent youth program of the club you can always be sure to arrive to a place buzzing with life and a wonderful atmosphere.
By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Delsjö Golfklubb
“Most people who are travelling to Gothenburg, do not necessarily do so with golf at the forefront of their minds,” says Åsa Lilja of Delsjö Golf Club. “However, we make a superb complement to the family stay in this beautiful city.” Every year thousands of people relish in Sweden’s second largest city, and within walking distance from the city centre lies Delsjö golf course, a perfect escape from the big city life. The strategic 18 holes are perfect for the golfer who want to enjoy beautiful settings and some quality time on a striking golf course. “Each hole is a new experience and equally captivating
with many trees and a charming nature,” Lilja explains. Situated in a nature reserve the views are stunning and compliments to the great times on the course. “Last year our season stretched all the way from April to November and it looks like it will be at least as long this year,” Lilja says with excitement. “We are off to a really good start!” Delsjö Golf Club tends to golfers' needs all year around. Should you come to visit during the off season, you are still able to enjoy a fine driving range as well as an all catering service centre and a state of the art restaurant filled with 200 guests every
For a complete golf experience In a unique setting overlooking the majestic lake Vättern lies Ombergs Golf Resort, a place where entity is key. For people who are looking for the whole package, not only a great golf course but also a resort where all needs and desires are catered to, Ombergs Golf Resort is the obvious choice. By Astrid Eriksson | Photo: Jacob Sjo ̈man
Ranked as one of the 15 most attractive places for golf in Sweden, and with some of the best golf packages in Scandinavia, Ombergs Golf Resort thrones high in the golf sky. With pure quality in everything they offer, from the 18 holes to the facility’s accomodation, Omberg makes sure everyone has what they need for a pleasurable experience. With over 10,000 overnight guests per season, Ombergs Golf Re-
sort lets years of professional experience speak for itself: when it comes to golf tourism, it doesn’t get any better than this.
For more information, please visit: www.degk.se
hole.” But you mustn’t let the open landscape fool you, he continues. The course is a challenging one, demanding a lot of strategy and afterthought even from the experienced golfer. “What we do best is offer the guests a complete experience, from arrival to departure.” Tegnebo explains. “We have a spa, a restaurant and a superb hotel, all run with impeccable service and professionalism. But everyone can build houses and run them well,” he says with a laugh. “But no one can complement it with a golf course as stunning as ours.” We can only agree.
“The course offers a grand experience in itself,” says Ulf Tegnebo, owner of Ombergs Golf Resort. “It’s an open course where you have a good view of every green. It’s inviting from your first tee-off until your last putt on the 18th
For more information, please visit: www.ombergsgolf.se
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | 8 Golf Courses to visit in Sweden 2015
In the name of exceptional golf Named as Sweden’s most beautiful entrance in relation to golfing, Bokskogen’s Golf Club will give you magnificent scenery from the very start to the very finish. Situated on a natural parkland close to the city of Malmö, Bokskogen offers golfing experiences you’ll be hard pressed to forget. Welcome! By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Pa ̈r-Martin Hedberg
“Usually, members chose their clubs based on closeness to their home,” says Thomas Ahlberg, CEO of Bokskogen’s Golf Club. “However, 66 per cent of our members drive past at least four other courses on their way to us. That says a lot.” Bokskogen’s Golf Club proudly presents two 18-hole courses, both equally mesmerising and
equally good. Ahlberg describes the older of the two as a tough park course. “It’s an old tournament course, demanding a lot from the golfer,” he explains. “The tenth hole is very close to our restaurant, so when you are preparing your putt, don’t be surprised if you find yourself with an audience,” he says with a laugh.
are extremely memorable,” Ahlberg promises, “and we constantly have people coming back for more.” And why wouldn’t they? The breathtaking nature stretches far beyond the courses, both situated in the city of Malmö’s recreational grounds. “The locations offer a lot of complements for the players and their families,” Ahlberg continues. Hiking in the proximities or enjoying a meal or a drink in the restaurant, the choices are many and, rest assured, Bokskogen’s Golf Club is here to give you the best experience possible.
The slightly newer course is a bit shorter and rather tricky. “You have to calculate every move and swing,” Ahlberg says, “but you do so in the most beautiful setting imaginable.” Indeed, the beauty of Bokskogen's Golf Club and courses cannot be overstated. “Many holes
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For more information, please visit: www.bokskogen.com
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Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Golfing in Norway
Welcome to golf in Norway! When it comes to sports, one could easily say that Norway is most famous for great results on the snow. The winter Olympics has been Norwegian athletes’ playground for years. As golf once again appears on the Olympic charter in Rio 2016, the Norwegians are determined to make the most of it. Suzann Pettersen is a candidate for the gold medal on the female side.
Ladies European Tour and the European Challenge Tour. In week 33, Larvik will take on the LET Access Series in the Larvik Ladies Open. Holtsmark Open
By Norges Golfforbund | Photos: Drøbak Golfklubb
To heighten the odds for Norwegian success, the Norwegian Golf Federation have established Team Norway Golf, an elite program for professional golfers. The aim is to ensure two men and two women on tee as the 2016 Olympics kick off in Rio next summer. An important part of the program is to host professional tournaments in Norway, giving aspiring golfers a chance to compete at home and gain experience. In 2015, some of Norway’s best courses are hosting tournaments within the Nordic Golf League and the LET Access series.
the LET Access tournament Drøbak Ladies Open. Being one of the most visited courses in Norway, Drøbak will provide a top course as the ladies battle it out in week 22. Nordea Challenge In week 25, the Nordea Challenge once again will be held at Hauger Golf Club north of Oslo. The challenging course hosted the European Challenge Tour in 2011, and will definitely bring on a challenge as the best Nordic males will compete on the Nordic League tournament. Larvik Ladies Open
Drøbak Ladies Open Drøbak golf club is situated a 25-minute drive south of Oslo. In 2015, the club hosts
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In week 33, the Nordic League returns to Norway. The Holtsmark golf course, designed by Robert Trent Jones II, is situated in Sylling, west of Oslo. It will provide plenty of opportunities for excellent golf as Holtsmark Golf Club hosts another international tournament.
Within a two-hour drive south of Oslo, you will find the beautiful Larvik golf course. The course has previously hosted the
Golf in Norway: 104.000 registered players 175 courses Green fees in Norway vary between £30-£45
Did you know? Norway is in the process of bidding for the 2019 Solheim Cup, bringing the cup back to the origin of Karsten Solheim, founder of Ping.
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Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Golfing in Norway
Playing Nice Drøbak Golf Club believes that golf should be informal, welcoming and inclusive. Their ethos, which seeks to make everyone feel welcome no matter what your abilities or limitations may be, is most likely why they are Norway’s most popular golf course. By Maya Acharya | Photos: Drøbak Golfklubb
Every year between 25,000 and 35,000 rounds of golf are played on Drøbak’s courses, situated just a 25-minute drive from the capital. Members and guests are privy to an 18-hole course on top quality greens, suited for amateurs but challenging enough for even the most ambitious players. “Golf is often thought to be a snobbish game, but it is in fact just a sport like any other and should be one that anyone and everyone can play,” says Chairman of the club, Rune Hillås. One of the ways in which Drøbak Golf Club does this is through their “Golf Green Happiness” programme, for people with physical impairments or particular needs. The idea is to use golf to help people re-
adjust to a social setting and encourage physical activity. Another course that the club offers, called “The Way Back to Golf”, is for people who have been absent from golf for a while and want to “get back in the game”.
golfing experience, not just on the course but as a whole. “Golf is a social sport,” Hillås emphasises. “You spend around four hours sharing the experience with those you are playing with. Golf allows you to meet friendly people, whether during the game or when you grab a coffee and a waffle in the café afterwards. That’s what I love most about the game; being around good friends, having fun and spending quality time together on the greens and in the fresh air.”
“Many people have work or kids and golf is a time-consuming sport. It is important that the whole family can play together, which is also why we focus on engaging such a wide range of people, from beginners and children to championship competitors,” explains Hillås. In fact, this May, Drøbak Golf Club will be hosting some of Europe’s finest talent at the Ladies European Tour Access Series. The most important thing Drøbak Golf Club aims for is to give their guests a good
For more information, please visit: www.drobakgolf.no
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Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Golfing in Norway
A Putt Above The Rest Oslo Golfklubb, the oldest golf club in Norway, has a proud history. Today, the club maintains their legacy by making sure they offer their members the utmost quality. Having invested millions in renovation and reconstruction, Oslo Golfklubb’s facilities could give any course in Europe a run for its money. By Maya Acharya | Photos: Oslo Golf Club
“Technically, the course is incredibly advanced,” says manger Niels Vik. “Because of the layout of our fairways, our modern sub-air system and because we have the best drainage system in Scandinavia, rain is never an issue. We are always trying to improve our facilities in order for our golfers to get the best possible experience.” Pair the high-tech fittings with the location of the golf course (exactly 15 min-
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utes’ drive from Oslo) and you have optimal playing conditions. The proof is in the numbers. There are currently around 1600 people on the waiting list for membership. “We are definitely popular,” Vik says. “Having the highest prices means we have to deliver the best service and goods. I think that's because of our history and the quality of our course, many look to us as an example. We also have a long tradi-
tion of organising large tournaments, with some of the biggest names in golf.” In fact, Oslo Golfklubb has recently been chosen as the arena for the Solheim Cup 2019, if the tournament is to be held in Norway. Another way in which Oslo Golfklubb is leading by example, is through its focus on the environment. The golf club is the first in Norway to be certified through the Golf Environment Organisation, a move that the club felt that would make them “strive to be even better,” says Vik. There are over 33,000 rounds of golf played on Oslo Golfklubb’s greens each year. They are played by a variety of peo-
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Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Golfing in Norway
ple, from junior golfers to weekend visitors. There are even occasional business meetings held on the course. “I think many companies chose golf because it is extremely sociable,” explains Vik. “It is one of the few sports in which you can compete with people across all levels and still have fun. In golf, you are essentially playing against yourself. I enjoy golf myself precisely because it is a gentleman’s sport; you are your own master. I invite all golfers to come to Oslo and try our golf course for themselves!”
For more information, please visit: www.oslogk.no
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Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Golfing in Denmark
Golf in Denmark For a small country such as Denmark, its 188 golf courses offer a large range of golf experiences. In one day you can easily play several different courses for any level of difficulty. By Jesper J端rgensen, Danish Golf Union | Photos: Jens Morten / golffotografen.dk
Golfers can expect a large variety of course types within a short distance, from seaside courses with stunning views and parkland courses with beautiful flora and fauna, all with the necessary facilities. Furthermore, Denmark is known for having some of the lowest green fees in Europe and the clubs are happy to assist with bookings and can recommend accommodations nearby. Last year, for the first time in 11 years, the European Tour returned to Denmark for the Made in Denmark golf tournament. This year the tournament will be played on the 20 to 23 August on the Backtee Course at Himmerland Golf & Spa Resort.
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The Danish golf clubs have more than 150,000 members, making golf a particularly popular sport in Denmark. With 15 players on the leading tours in Europe and the United States, Denmark has never been stronger and there is always new young talent on the way.
For more information, please visit: ww.danskgolfunion.dk www.visitdenmark.dk
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Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Golfing in Denmark
In recent years Nivå Golf has been developed and extended to include a beautiful 18-hole loop course as well as three pay-and-play courses and a partly covered driving range.
Not everyone plays like the professionals With its down-to-earth approach, diverse courses and training facilities, Nivå Golf makes golf accessible to everyone from professionals to first-timers. Thanks to its convenient location just 30 minutes north of Copenhagen, the newly renovated and extended golf club is popular with both local companies and golf tourists. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Nivå Golf
Founded by a local farmer as a protest against the strict membership rules of most golf clubs, Nivå Golf has offered ‘golf for everyone’ since 1967. Today, several developments and expansions have transformed the club into one of North Zealand’s largest, but the focus is still on the “regular player” not the “golf elite”, stresses golf manager Peter Jespersen. “Our focus has not been to create a club for the Ryder Cup or European Tour; we have focused on creating a good course for regular players. We make sure that everyone has a good experience from start till finish. We don’t have the longest course, but that can also be an advantage because the fact is that the average golf player cannot hit a ball like the professionals on TV, but on our course more
people can get the chance to score a birdie.” The club’s down-to-earth approach welcomes everyone, even if you have no clue what way to turn the golf iron, or like to play but do not have a club membership. With an 18-hole loop course and three pay-and-play courses (a nine-hole intermediate par 31 course, pitch-and-put course and par three course), as well as
an extensive, partly covered driving range, Nivå Golf has something to suit all tastes and levels. The varied facilities make the club popular with many of the capital’s companies and organisations for company or client days, where more experienced players can enjoy the 18-hole loop course while novices try out one of the three pay-and-play courses. The club can also welcome players inside an inviting, newly renovated restaurant with a stunning terrace, assembly rooms and meeting facilities with beautiful balcony views. “If it’s five years since you’ve last been here, you won’t be able to recognize us; we are very focused on developing our courses and facilities, and for the people who just remember us as a nine-hole pay-and-play course, it is something completely different now,” says Jespersen. For more information, please visit: www.nivaagolf.dk
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: ME RSE E H VE L T NI
U IA EC EN’S P S DR
IL CH
Look at me, mum! Stand by your priorities of family time and working hours but be present with your children when you are with them. By Mette Hovmand, Editor in chief of Vores Børn and Gravid, Egmont Publishing Photos: Vores Børn
"Who wants to play outside with me?" I only need to ask once and there they are. My two toddlers, tumbling over each other, both wanting to be the first one fully dressed. They simply love it. Time for active play and time to be seen and heard. Time spent close to their mum and dad. It doesn't cost a penny, but it means everything.
The vast majority of parents are willing to go through fire to ensure their children have a happy and loving upbringing. When you ask the experts (and the children themselves, for that matter), it is not expensive experiences and costly gifts that mark the frame for a good life for children. It is simply presence; time of proximity without distractions.
Children are the most important element in life, both society- and parent-wise. They are entitled to a happy start in life because we created them and especially since the first years of a person's life shapes their personality traits.
No guilty conscience
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In Denmark, most children are cared for outside of the home while both parents tend to their careers. So how do you incorporate presence and closeness into a family with two full-time jobs and chil-
dren, who are often in day care for eight hours a day? How do you fill busy mornings and tired afternoons with positive energy, before bedtime? In any case, you hardly get a better life feeling guilty and inadequate, while trying to fulfil the roles of the self-sacrificing parent, the generous spouse and the perfect employee. Very few parents have the ability to balance all three, despite societal tendencies towards the dream scenario that you should be able to boast of hours with effortless interaction, well-behaved children, home-cooked meals and stimulating activities every day.
Vores Børn is your universe The eternal inner struggle between the demands of working life and a parent’s own expectation of their own abilities is one of the areas we are intensely focused
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Children’s Universe Introduction
on in Vores Børn. We rebel against the illusion of perfect parenting. The challenges all parents are faced with are honestly depicted, we raise debates and we question whether there is only one right way to do things.
Vores Børn is much more than a magazine. Voresbørn.dk is the largest parent site with over 8,000 articles. Here, parents with children between zero and eight years old are able to gain knowledge and participate in current debates. Readers learn of everything from child psychology, upbringing, development, presence and the art of balancing a happy life in a modern society. Vores Børn's mission is to maintain the honest approach to life with small children, which consists of equal parts of joy, frustrations, everyday logistics, and endless love. An active life for children We all want to be the perfect parent, loving spouse and flourish at work at the same time, but it is impossible to be everywhere at once without constantly having a guilty conscience. For me personally, the goal is to make peace with my choices and to be present with the most precious parts in life, to be there mentally when I am there physically. Presence is not only to sit close together under a blanket and read books. Presence is as much an active childhood full of development, joy and imagination; pushing them high on the swings at the playground, exploring nature and studying insects and baking pancakes on a Tuesday in a cloud of flour and with butter in your hair. When you experience such precious moments of pure love, in spite of your everyday busy life, it all makes sense.
Vores Børn is the oldest and largest parent magazine in Denmark. On a monthly basis, we discuss current and timeless issues of family life, including psychology, development, relationships, motherhood, health and disease, primarily aimed at parents with children between zero and three years. Four times a year, we publish the magazine Gravid for all people planning a family expansion. Voresbørn.dk is the largest parent site in Denmark, offering the largest Danish database of genuine information on children and family life. Go to www.voresbørn.dk for more information.
Vores Børn is part of Egmont, a leading media group in the Nordic countries with activities in 30 countries. Our portfolio includes Nordisk Film, TV 2 in Norway, cinemas, book publishers, educational publishers and PlayStation as well as a number of partly owned companies. We bring stories to life and embody high-quality content and digital innovation. Egmont is a commercial foundation that generates revenue amounting to £1.1 billion. We donate over £7 million a year to help improve the lives of children and young people.
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Children’s Universe
Designer Marlene Holmboe founded MarMar in 2008 and quickly gained attention for her simple “mini-me” approach to children’s wear and the quality of her designs.
Children’s lives aren’t defined by clothing Marlene Anine Holmboe, the founder and designer of MarMar Copenhagen, aims not just to make children look beautiful; she wants to make them feel comfortable and treasured too. Comprising a variety of new structures and fabrics, her collection of distinct designs is expanding to also include a delicate range for premature babies. By Signe Hansen | Photos: MarMar
With a palette of beautiful summer styles inspired by light sea breezes, flowery meadows and warm midsummer nights, MarMar’s summer collection has something for every occasion, whether it be Grandma’s birthday party or hanging out at the skate park. This year Marlene has expanded her range of materials and textures, making sure everything is still easy to wear and combine. “My ambition, when I started MarMar, was to create a collection of more classic,
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unicoloured children’s clothing, something which was easy to put on without having to think too much about how to combine it. I used to spend so much time trying to get my daughter’s dotted dress to match with the striped socks and print t-shirt because that was all there was unless you wanted to buy some of the much more expensive French brands. Back then everything was about prints, and no-one could imagine making a unicoloured t-shirt and that was definitely something which was missing,” explains the designer.
Having worked for several major children’s brands, the mother of three founded MarMar in 2008. MarMar Copenhagen’s collection quickly gained attention for the quality of design and her simple “minime” approach to children’s wear. Classical French with a Scandinavian soul Classic tulle tutus, soft wool vests and cool jeans are all among MarMar’s many stylish clothing items for kids. The inspiration for MarMar’s characteristic designs, which Marlene describes as “classic Scandinavian with a touch of French and old English soul” is, perhaps surprisingly, not derived from the newest trends of the fashion industry. “Fashion magazines and shows are not a great source of inspiration for me; of course I read magazines, but really they only allow you to follow every-
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Children’s Universe
thing one step behind. Among the things that inspire me most are classic films and old photos because trends always return. For me it´s about looking back and then taking the styles to a new place,” explains Marlene. But even though it might look like you will spend hours dressing your little angels, it is actually made as simple as possible. When designing the collections, Marlene has practicality among her top priorities. “It has to be easy to pull over the head or close; of course sometimes I just have to make a shirt full of buttons because it is just too wonderful not to be made, but everything can’t be that way.” Practicality and sustainability This year, MarMar is launching a string of new products including premature clothing, UV protection swim wear and waterresistant snowsuits. Though this entails very specific demands to the clothes’ technical performance, it is still produced without the use of harmful chemicals, stresses Marlene. “Almost all of our clothes are made of Oeko-tex certified materials and whenever possible we use natural materials. Our premature range, for instance, is made in cotton and modal, it is great because it transports moisture away from the body and gives softness and flexibility without elastane.”
As the mother of two ten-year old girls and a 13-year old boy, Marlene is also acutely aware of the differences in kids’ tastes and characters. But being dressed with care is, the designer believes, something that everyone appreciates. “Kids need to be free, but our clothes are equally suitable for someone who loves BMX’ing through the mud as someone who prefers to play with dolls inside. My own girls are very different, one always has to climb the highest tree and the other one prefers to stay inside drawing, but that does not mean that they can’t both look lovely,” points Marlene. She rounds off: “I think that it’s important for kids to wear something nice which works, makes them feel at ease and allows them to express themselves, and that someone put some thought into. Of course your life is not defined or changed by clothing, but it makes a difference knowing someone made an effort.” MarMar Copenhagen is traded all over Europe and parts of Asia as well as the USA, where it has just moved into the luxury department store Barneys.
For more information, please visit: www.MarMar.dk
Marlene Holmboe likes to play with distinct colours; this summer she has added a dash of strong yellow to her collection.
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Children’s Universe
Woolly wonders You might say that the people at Joha are a bit wool-obsessed. The beloved Danish children’s wear company has spent decades improving and expanding the brand’s top quality wool and cotton products. At the heart of the work is an unswerving focus on not just the end product, but also the production process. Joha never buys wool from mulesed sheep, always maintains the strictest standards when dying fabrics and, as far as possible, uses organic materials. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Joha
“To be proud of our final product,” says coowner Kristine Frølund Johansen, “we have to also be proud of how our clothes are produced, and make sure that our employees at every single stage of the production process can say that they are too.”
for years. Their experience ensured that the company’s established ethics and business model remained respected and maintained while new ideas and innovations were allowed to flourish. A business that cares
Kristine Frølund Johansen and her husband Michael are the third generation of the Johansens to run Joha. Established in 1963 by Michael’s grandparents, the business has stuck to the same four principles since its inception: quality, practicality, comfort and an ethical business conduct. Michael and Kristine took over the business from Michael’s parents in 2012, having already worked within the company
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Today, Joha employs 350 people across the world, including a core team of designers at their headquarters in Sunds, mid-Jutland. They source the finest cotton and the softest Australian Merino wool every year and Joha never buys wool from mulesed sheep. A large part of the world’s wool is produced using the mulesing method, a controversial surgical method used for hygienic reasons by many wool
farmers. “Although we think about it less, the treatment of animals in the clothes industry is just as important as animal welfare is in the food industry,” Kristine points out. Joha’s high ethical standards do not stop at animals either. The company has its basic dyeing and knitting of raw yarn done in Poland because of Poland’s adhesion to the strictest of the EU’s regulations. Fabric dyeing is inevitably a chemical procedure and abiding by the strictest health and safety standards ensures that Joha’s employees are kept as safe as can be. The couple also recently took over Katvig, a children’s clothing company whose slogan ‘for the love of earth’ reflects its exclusive dealings with organic and recycled materials. Practical perspectives Joha’s commitment to excellence is reflected in their relationship with customers. They often make improvements in the next season’s collection based on cus-
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Joha recently took over Danish brand Katvig, which makes adorable and ethical children wear in organic and recycled materials.
tomer suggestions, which they receive regularly via social media. To increase practicality, for example, most Joha products are now machine washable and dryable. “To do this, we’ve had to cut down on some organic materials for now, but these are sacrifices worth making in order to help out families.” The couple has an energetic four-year old son themselves, and they therefore appreciate that clothes must be easy to use and practical to avoid ending up at the dreaded bottom of the inevitable washing pile. “Joha’s aim,” Kristine explains, “is to make the clothes so comfortable you don’t even notice you’re wearing them.” The very first ones to try on Joha products are the kids who model the clothes at photo shoots. And, while children’s honesty can sometimes be brutal, one of the highlights at Joha is, says Kristine, when the young models immediately start playing around and getting their new Joha clothes dirty. “This shows that the item does exactly what Joha intends it to.” A soft touch The high quality of Joha’s Merino products ensures that the wool is fine and gentle rather than crass and itchy, and what is more, wool naturally works with the body to regulate temperature. The comfort of Joha’s woollen products are evidenced by the popularity of their sensitive skin range. In fact, Joha has even become a highly popular brand for premature ba-
bies. Besides, new products combining fine wool with silk, for instance, make for products that can be worn all year round. Another new product, to be released this autumn, combines the naturally sweat absorbing and allergy friendly qualities of bamboo with the warmth and comfort of wool. If you are still not convinced that wool is the right thing for your little ones, you can try out Joha’s products for yourself. Recently the company acquired the historical Hammerthor, producer of comfortable and practical adult undergarments in natural materials since 1893. One of the Johansens’ current projects is bringing Hammerthor underwear back to its purely organic origins. “There’s always something we can improve,” Kristine laughs. “The day we’re fully satisfied with the business is the day we should stop.” Joha’s clothes and underwear are sold in shops world-wide. Their website shows the locations of Joha retailers across the globe. If you live far from such a shop their multilingual staff will happily help you find alternative solutions to fit your needs.
For more information, please visit: www.joha.dk
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Scan Magazine | Spceial Theme | Children’s Universe
A nostalgic playground with a modern feel Say farewell to the sight of fully-grown adults in designer wear and enter the world of Alba of Denmark, a brand that seeks to modernise childhood fairytales and bring back playful colours. In this wonderland there is a piece of fun for everyone, babies as well as school children. Majken Banke Ova, founder, designer and mother of four lovely daughters, describes the whole adventure as the result of a random purchase: a sewing machine from her local supermarket. By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Peer Klercke
Majken Banke Ova is no ordinary fashion designer. Rather than going to design school she studied architecture at Aarhus School of Architecture and, rather than designing houses, she now runs a successful clothing brand for children. This was all due to that one purchase she made so many years ago and a baby girl called Alberte. Banke Ova started sewing clothes for her daughter during her study leave, but it didn’t take long for people to notice her talent and before she knew it
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another kind of child was born: AlbaBabY. The brand was aimed at babies but, just like her own family, it rapidly expanded. AlbaKiD was soon created to provide clothes for older children, and today they are all living under the same roof: Alba of Denmark. Unique, yet recognisable “The brand has changed a lot over the years, but it hasn’t lost its identity. I was always inspired by my own childhood
where the sight of ‘Crawlers’ and ‘Spencer dresses’ were common. However, Alba of Denmark has introduced more modern designs as well. "Our collections offer something for the cool school kid as well as the young toddler,” explains Banke Ova as she looks back at Alba of Denmark’s journey since its start in 2010. “I think the strength of Alba of Denmark is the fact that we are so recognisable throughout our collections. We place a great emphasis on adding details to our clothes either by designing garments with big colourful bottoms, or special stitches and piping. It’s the small details that give the company its identity. The clothes have an architect’s clear lines and an artist’s magic touch,” continues Banke Ova, who stresses that comfort is of equal importance. "It’s important to remember that
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children’s clothing need to be easy to move around in." In her view, the best thing about designing for children is the opportunity you get to play around in their universe, a place full of possibilities. “Children’s everyday life is built on imagination and as a designer it offers you an immense freedom. It’s simply joyous to create something that allows children to move around freely. That’s the whole point,” Banke Ova says. Something for every child However, not all children are the same. While some girls wish to feel graceful as they enter the classroom, others might feel the need to wear something baggy and comfortable. With this in mind, Alba of Denmark creates collections with themes and punch lines that target different ages and styles.
this. Alba of Denmark certainly has it all; the classical as well as the more extravagant, the small and the big, the oldschool dresses and the modern ones, all with a high level of detail in common, and with a splash of colour. “We are constantly working on developing ourselves and our concepts, modernising and nourishing the brand, Alba of Denmark. We are looking forward to seeing what the future brings,” finishes Majken Banke Ova, a designer that is no longer just designing for her own children, she is doing it for yours as well. For more information, please visit: www.albababy.dk
“In this year’s spring/summer collection some of the main themes are Active & Carefree, Attitude, Unique & Chique as well as Graceful. Alba of Denmark seeks to reach out to different kinds of children of all ages. While the Attitude style might be more suitable for a ten-year old boy who wants to look cool, the Unique & Chique offers a world of femininity and comfort,” says Banke Ova, who adds that materials play an important part in achieving this. “We generally love playing around with things and often create our styles in many different materials whilst experimenting with the outcome. A certain cut comes out differently depending on the type of textile you use.” An ever-evolving brand It’s those same materials that make people feel at ease. Alba of Denmark’s aim is to design clothes that provide stretch and comfort and, above all, invite children to play. “We want to design not just for one child but for all children, and as most adults know, children come in all ages, shapes and sizes,” says Banke Ova. The spring and summer collection is a testimony to
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Like nothing ‘elves’ Whether you encounter them in a quirky design shop in Canada or a Danish shopping centre, Maileg’s authentic designs stand out. Created by a Danish couple, the characteristic toys, Christmas elves and accessories have charmed their way into homes all over the world.
By Signe Hansen | Photos: Maileg
It all started with a Danish Christmas elf in clay. The elf was popular but fragile; to make it sturdier, designer Dorthe Mailil transformed it into the long, instantly recognisable fabric figure which Maileg is today synonymous with. Erik Mailil, Dorthe Mailil’s husband and cofounder of Maileg, explains: “The Danish elves have a very special expression that made them an instant hit with people who liked to decorate for Christmas but wanted something else than the usual kind of
granny decorations. For three years it was just really full on, everyone wanted one!”
Dorthe Mailil creates all of Maileg’s designs, though sometimes she is assisted by the couple’s ten-year old daughter, who has taken a keen interest in the design process. With their charmingly peculiar expression Maileg’s toy animals look like nothing else.
For more information, please visit: www.maileg.dk
A sustainable brand with a strong vision Guðrun & Guðrun is more than just a brand, and their ideas stretch far beyond the concept of making money. Founded by Guðrun Rogvadottir and Guðrun Ludvig, two visionary women from the Faroe Islands, the knitwear company proves that fashion, sustainability and female empowerment can go hand in hand. By Caroline Edwards | Photo: Jessica Sidenros
“Our children’s clothes are not just comfortable and of good quality, they are an ethical choice,” says Rogvadottir. With a background in development work, Rogvadottir always knew that her clothing brand needed to exist for reasons other than purely financial. Today, Guðrun &
“We know the face of every single woman who hand-knits for us. Without their skills we wouldn’t be operating, we are interlinked. When I visit them, I realise how this brand has grown into so much more than a business. We are responsible for people’s lives,” says Rogvadottir. Whenever you buy knitwear from Guðrun & Guðrun, you don’t just support sustainability, you also contribute to the improvements of women’s lives worldwide.
Guðrun is a quality hand-knit brand designing clothes for children as well as adults, but the way they do it stands out. “We have always used local hand-knitters from the Faroe Islands, but as we grew in size we needed more knitters,” says Rogvadottir. Driven by her own experiences working in Jordan, she came up with a plan to help women gain more financial independence. “Why not train women in Jordan and enable them to make high quality hand-knit in their homes?” says Rogvadottir passionately. “That way they get to earn their own money without threatening their cultural traditions.” This approach turned out to be highly successful and today it’s still the same women knitting for them, not just in Jordan but in Peru as well.
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Today, the Christmas elves have been joined by a wide range of equally longlimbed friends, Easter bunnies, cute mice and distinctive interior design items. Still, when you see one of them, there is no doubt of the origin. “All our designs stand out in the same way that the elves do. Take for instance the bunnies, they do not look like anything else and are very far from the flow of glittery Disney products you see everywhere.”
For more information, please visit: www.gudrungudrun.com
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Beware, the teddy bears are coming LuckyBoySunday is all about freestyle and the two founders Camilla Ebdrup and Camilla Kørschen certainly know how to do it. With an eye for poetry and a fascination with the imperfect, they design toys and furnishings for both children and adults, but it’s in the field of teddy bear making that they really excel. Fun to play with, weird looking and perfect for decorating your living room, the creative collections by LuckyBoySunday show that teddy bears are for everyone, not just the few. By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Andreas Stennmann
“We founded LuckyBoySunday because we wanted a creative platform where everything could happen. And that’s still how we work,” says Camilla Kørschen. She founded the brand in 2007 with Camilla Ebdrup whom she met when they both attended Copenhagen School of Design and Technology. Since then, things have grown fast. Their products are sold all over the world and despite their special approach to designing toys, the idea quickly caught on. “Our toys are different to other toys as we allow them to have flaws. We value the imperfect, even melancholy. This is how the real world is and this is what we portray in our ways of making toys. Many of our teddy bears don’t even look happy, they might not smile, and they might
“When children see a teddy bear without an eye they don’t get uncomfortable like us adults, they just integrate it in their games and play around with it,” continues Kørschen. LuckyBoySunday aims to deliver a message to consumers, and children especially, saying that it’s okay not to be perfect. There is no perfect look and their toys prove that point.
miss an eye,” explains Kørschen. She firmly believes that this is something that triggers people’s imagination allowing their customers to create their own stories. "A happy plush bear is simply too bland, but add a grumpy expression or a strange feature and you are on to something." One of their latest additions to their product range is a plush teddy called Little Nulle. Inspired by her rabbit Nulle from her own childhood, Kørschen and Ebdrup have created a puzzled-looking little friend that has taken people by storm. And it’s not alone. Rumour has it that Little Nulle has friends coming very soon who look just as furry and cute. Together with their older, knitted friends they are ready to play.
For more information, please visit: www.luckyboysunday.dk
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Where there’s a will there’s a way Finding yourself as a single mum with a newborn baby would be overwhelming for most. But Emilie Breindal decided that this was her time to let her creativity roam free and create quality products for children that were not already available on the market. In September 2014 Konges Sløjd became Emilie’s second child and has since become a huge success. By Josefine Older Steffensen
“I made a module for my son and put a picture on instagram, and there were lots of people who wanted to buy it,” 25-year old Emilie says when describing the start of Konges Sløjd. Emilie’s motivation and determination is infectious. Her motto is: “Where there’s a will there’s a way”, and she’s certainly followed that. When most people would have felt a little lost, Emilie made the most of her situation and followed her passion for creativity. Konges Sløjd products are currently in high demand across Denmark, and the cute modules and organic bedding fly off the shelves. Emilie designs all the products herself and every detail is thought of to create a high-quality and sus-
tainable product. Emilie has also chosen to sell her products exclusively through independent stores rather than big chains. Just nine months since its start, Konges Sløjd products can now be found at 60 retailers across Denmark and also in stores in England, Germany, Norway and Sweden. It is impossible not to take your hat off to someone like Emilie. She has created beautiful, functional and organic products purely based on her own passion and needs. Although following your dreams can be difficult, Emilie shows that it can definitely be done and that it can be an astounding success, and with new products on the market she is definitely one to watch.
A stroke of happy colours Fannymia is a clothing brand for the little ones. Babies, toddlers and young children can jump right into an impressive array of colourful designs and ravishing patterns. Fanny Mia Mogensen, the sole owner of the brand, is a creative soul with ideas coming out of the blue and a constant desire to create. In her view, children’s clothes should be affordable, bright and nice to wear. Fannymia delivers just that.
Top Photo: Chili Filippa Degn Flex Bottom Photo: Klaus Bo Christensen
For more information, please visit: www.kongessloejd.dk
her clothes need to be comfortable. Children are not just sitting down all day, they run, jump and play games, which are all essential activities in their universe. “I offer my customers designs with a soul. I don’t have hundreds of styles but each one is unique and full of details suited for children’s playful mindsets,” says Fanny, whose creative flow sometimes has surprising results.
By Caroline Edwards | Photo: Fannymia
“Before I started my clothing brand, I was focusing on designs for adults. But when my friends got pregnant I started sewing clothes for their babies. I quickly realised how fun it was,” explains Fanny Mia Mogensen. Her life took a sudden turn when she decided to leave her office job and start a brand of her own. Today, Fannymia is an online hit with collections
that will soon be available in selected shops across Denmark. “My vision is to create unique clothes of high quality that can be bought for a reasonable price. My designs are made from 100 per cent cotton and wool, the perfect material for children,” says Fanny, who is very much aware that
“I am crazy about playing around with colour combinations and flower patterns,” she admits, a thing that has become a trademark for the brand. Fannymia represents Danish design from a different perspective. This is for children and children love happy colours.
For more information, please visit: www.fannymia.dk
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Modern parenthood made easier STORK prams provide a solution to the most pressing issue for modern families: transportation. By combining sleek Scandinavian design with functionality, the pram has proven fit for modern living and is a true saviour. Unlike its ancestors, this is a pram you can bring anywhere. By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Ønskebørn
Despite being spacious, STORK easily fits into most cars, so no more worries about your dayto-day activities. With STORK on the market we can all drive safe and it’s not just on the roads. The pram has a highly secure rein system in place for your little ones. “Denmark is rather unique when it comes to prams, but despite their popularity no company has really developed the product. ØnskeBørn wanted to change that,” explains Valdemar Bardram, Chief Executive Officer at ØnskeBørn, the chain behind the new success story. In 2012 the team sat down with a blank piece of paper, determined to use their knowledge to design a pram from scratch. The result, a contemporary and functional product, that
“The fact that we already have three patents on the product just shows how unique it is,” says Bardram who has great faith in the future of their product. The days of outdated wagons with unsecured reins are over. Now parents can stroll down the street with a renewed sense of comfort and security, all thanks to STORK, a pram that goes the extra mile.
hit the market in 2014. The combination of look and functionality along with the best security in the field, has made STORK outshine its competitors at every turn. Nobody can beat this piece of magic. With the flick of a wand, or simply a click, customers can design their own personalised pram online, available in ØnskeBørn shops all over Denmark.
For more information, please visit: www.storkbarnevogn.dk and www.ønskebørn.dk
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Photo: Finn Loftesenes
Photo: Visit Flåm / Morten Rakke
Photo: Katrin Moe
Always a pleasure, never a let down - Welcome to the Sognefjord Norway is known for its spectacular views and phenomenal sceneries, but few locations are as breath-taking as the Sognefjord. Being the third largest fjord in the world, the Sognefjord stretches out in majestic landscapes, its incomparable curves leaving no one unaffected. By Anja Fardal, Visit Sognefjord
The Sognefjord lies in the heart of Fjord Norway and extends to the foot of the National Parks Jotunheimen and Jostedalsbreen. The area is both dramatic and hospitable, with exciting and invigorating activities for the whole family. Whether it’s hiking through the national scenic routes, visiting one of the two National Parks or admiring the two UNESCO sites, the Sognefjord will surely play on your heartstrings with the area’s unprecedented beauty. The landscape in the Sognefjord area is full of contrasts, and it has all any visitor could wish for in terms of experiencing
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nature first hand. Whether you want to relax or are looking for something more physically challenging, you will find suitable activities that provide closer contact with nature that most have never experienced before. You can explore a lot of this exciting landscape on your own, or you can join in some of the organised activities that are tailored to suit all age groups and interests. The summertime is upon us and the region is starting to change into a warmer, kinder climate. In the following articles you can read about some of the many things the region has to offer. But you
mustn’t forget that the Sognefjord invites you to a marvellous place all year around. In the wintertime the Sognefjord offers amazing skiing, from the peak of the mountain tops to the valley of the fjord. You will find experienced guides that take you to the snowy hot spots, offering courses and activities for all levels. These include skiing trips, alpine touring, ski centres, snowshoe-tours, ice-climbing courses, avalanche courses and tours to the magical caves under the Nigardsbreen glacier. Rest assured that no matter what time of year you stop by for a visit, the Sognefjord will not disappoint.
For more information, please visit: www.sognefjord.no
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The British were the ones who introduced fly fishing as a sport in Aurland, but it has now developed into a much loved pastime. Both locals and visitors treasure the time they get to spend outside admiring the breath taking surroundings.
A step in the right direction A fjord cruise has always been the best way to view the tall green mountains and the sparkling blue seas of Norway. The Norwegians have known this for centuries and now it is your turn to learn that the only real way to experience nature is up close. By Stine Wannebo | Photo: www.montag.no
In the midst of one of the world’s most picturesque surroundings lies 29|2 Aurland. The farm and the land have been there for generations, inhabited ever since Viking times, right by the southernmost arms of the infamous Sognefjord. To say that the views are remarkable would be an understatement. It is four years since Tone and Bjørn Rønning Vike decided to leave the city for what can only be described as a bold adventure. Bjørn inherited a farm in Aurland and there was no way his wife was going to let him turn it down. “There is nothing like Aurland in the spring,” she says. “When the flowers bloom, little white lambs are everywhere and the water rushes down the hill side, there is no bet-
ter place to be.” Their little farm has grown large and is now attracting visitors from around the world. In June, they are unveiling their latest refurbishment, bringing the total of rooms to nine, ranging from superior single rooms to luxurious suites. The love is in the little details, the beautifully decorated rooms and the unwavering commitment to look after this world heritage site for future generations. Even in such staggering surroundings, there is little time to waste. Bjørn and a local team of enthusiastic fishermen are working hard to get the century-long tradition of fly fishing back to its former glory. The honourable British Buxton family is
returning to the Aurland River this summer, the place where their ancestors came to fish over a hundred years ago. Tone is no less busy, organising Aurland’s first walking festival from 7 to 9 August. The Aurlandsdalen Valley is known as the Norwegian Grand Canyon and has some of the most spectacular walking tracks in the country. “The idea is for visitors to take time to appreciate the fantastic surroundings while making sure they leave no trace behind,” she explains. Prominent Norwegian musicians, artists and authors are set to attend and Tone can promise that these walks will be nothing like your average stroll. There is no doubt that their Aurland adventure is only just beginning.
For more information, please visit: www.292aurland.com
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Close views of UNESCO protected fjord from classical coastal ferry by Fjord2 Fjord2 is a Norwegian tourism company offering seasonal journeys on a classical Norwegian coastal car ferry from Kaupanger across Sognefjorden. Through the narrow and curvy Nærøyfjorden, Norway's longest and the world's deepest fjord, the journey ens in Gudvangen in Sogn og Fjordane county some two and a half hours later. By Stian Sangvig | Photos: Finn Loftesnes
The company is jointly owned by Vesterland Feriepark and Lindstrøm Hotel, who between them have been showing Western Norway’s fjord landscape to tourists from around the world for more than 100 years. Nærøyfjorden received its UNESCO heritage status ten years ago for its natural beauty, and National Geographic has awarded it two times as the world’s best destination with 85/85 points. Originally the ferry route between Kaupanger and Gudvangen formed part of the Norwegian national network of roads until the subterranean tunnel between
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Lærdal and Aurland opened at the turn of the millennium. “Our experience of showing tourists the local area and our knowledge of what tourists want suggested it could be a good idea to open the ferry route for tourism purposes on a seasonal basis,” explains General Manager and owner of Vesterland Feriepark Arne Glenn ̊ten. Fla
The original car ferry, M/F Ska ̊nevik, is the vessel operated for the tourist route. “It was kept and maintained by retired sailors with a passion for their former place of work, and we want to give tourists
a feel of what it was like for people who had to travel the route on a regular basis,” Fla ̊ten continues. The ferry was built in Ulsteinvik to the north in the neighbouring Møre og Romsdal county in 1967. It is currently protected by Norway’s Riksantikvaren, which is the Norwegian equivalent of English Heritage. The vessel has two lounges with a kiosk each, as well as the capacity to take 147 passengers and 20 cars. With a cruising speed of ten knots, passengers can enjoy the fjord views in peace and tranquility. Having crossed Sognefjorden from Kaupanger, the M/F Ska ̊nevik meanders its way through the narrow and curvy Nærøyfjorden passing dramatic coastlines of mountains capped by ice throughout the year. Small settlements and farms on the hillside can occasionally be spotted, too. “Whilst we have knowledgeable local English speaking guides on board, no in-
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formation is provided over the loudspeaker unless killer whales appear,” Fla ̊ten explains. Instead guides walk around talking to passengers explaining the maps and providing information on how fjords were created by masses of heavy ice cutting through the mountains like razor sharp knives during the ice age. The contrasts between the heights of the surrounding mountains, according to the guides, are up to 1,800 metres and the depth of the fjord is up to 900 metres and locals still depend on the resources provided by the local nature. Stories of how local Viking battles shaped modern Norwegian society, as well as more recent searches for spying Soviet submarines during the Cold War, are shared too. In terms of marketing the business, the 100 years of local tourism experience has generated a strong network of useful con-
tacts amongst accommodation services and tour providers, in order to spread the message and to tailor tour packages according to individual needs. “Generous discounts are offered to groups and on less busy trips late in the day on our simple and user friendly web site,” Fla ̊ten explains. Whilst couples and families may prefer to use their own car, coach operators may drop off their passengers on the ferry at Kaupanger and collect them at Gudvangen after having driven through the tunnel between Lærdal and Aurland at the same time. Fla ̊ten says he is optimistic about both this season and the future. Whilst the number of visitors peaked at 100,000 tourists from around the globe in 2007, a dramatic drop in numbers took place following the international financial crisis in 2008. As Europe recovers, the route in-
creased from 36,000 tourists in 2013 to a healthy 44,000 visitors in 2014. This year the plan is to operate two return trips a day between 1 June and 30 September using M/F Ska ̊nevik only. “Next year the goal is to start on 1 May and to double capacity by using an additional ferry,” he adds. Kaupanger is located a 15-minute drive from Sogndal Airport, which receives and sends direct scheduled flights by regional airline Widerøe to and from the international airports of both Oslo and Bergen. By car Gudvangen can be reached from Bergen in less than two and a half hours.
For more information, please visit: www.fjord2.com
Above Photos: Historic
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Skjolden is only a little village but it is overflowing with exciting opportunities. Everything from apartments right on the fjord to glacier walks is possible in the innermost part of Sognefjorden.
Uniquely diverse Just where Norway’s longest and deepest fjord reaches its end, lies Skjolden. There are few places as scenic and serene as this little village, yet adventurous skiing trips and ice-cold glaciers are only minutes away. You cannot possibly get any closer to the majestic fjord than in Skjolden. By Stine Wannebo | Photos: Skjolden Resort
The clear blue water creates a striking contrast to the green fields of spring. With its hotel, apartments and holiday homes, Skjolden Resort can ensure a vacation to remember, whether you want to live on the fjord or off it. Nowhere else along the lengthy shores of the stunning sea can you actually live on the water. Skjolden's simple but modern apartments are situated on poles just above the salty surface. Imagine waking up with the fjord literally on your doorstep, catching a healthy supper from your very own veranda. “It’s def-
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initely a unique way of living,” exclaims Monica Johansen. She is the general manager of Skjolden Resort and immensely proud of everything the little village has to offer. Local at the core While the holiday homes might not be as close to the fjord as the apartments, the luxurious interior makes up for having to walk outside to get to the water. After a day out in the fresh spring breeze, there could be nothing more relaxing than a
warm bubble bath and a long hot sauna, both in the comfort of your own home. Little beats the soothing return after a day out among the strong Norwegian elements. A home cooked meal is never far away, no matter where you choose to stay. At the charming hotel, guests can enjoy a calm breakfast or an extravagant dinner. The hotel itself is over a hundred years old, but is now refurbished and fully equipped to fit modern day use. The facilities are ideal for conferences and other business events, as well as family vacations. Another historic building at Skjolden Resort is Bryggjehuset, an atmospheric café and pub at the pier. The beautiful house only opened last summer and this little building was also refurbished before use. For decades the white-painted house was used to wrap ice before shipping it off
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to Britain. “It’s the soul and the long traditions that make these places so welcoming,” says Monica. “The local spirit is such a vital part of the resort.”
Skjolden’s breath-taking surroundings, and the resort is more than happy to advise you on all of them. Reload and relax
Adventure awaits To encapsulate the essence of Skjolden, the resort uses mostly local foods for their dishes. Just like the rest of Skjolden Resort, the options are numerous and the flavours manifold to accommodate every taste and every age. There is a wide range of activities in the area, indoors and outdoors, from extremely adventurous to a little less daunting. Jostedalsbreen is one of Norway’s true treasures, a shimmering blue glacier only 45 minutes away from Skjolden. The terrain is stunning, the walk is not too challenging and a day out is tremendously rewarding. For those a little more daring, there are numerous rivers in the area that are absolutely ideal for rafting, some even do more family friendly thrills. Just as close to the water is a guided trip out on the fjord. The rigid inflatable boat lets you take in the fantastic views from the lowest point of the valley while gliding across the calm waters. There are so many ways of exploring
The grand white wooden houses, the abrupt grey mountains rising from the fjord and the friendly local people, makes Skjolden an attractive holiday destination in its own right. Its proximity to the fjord, the glaciers, the deep valleys and the rushing rivers sets it apart from every other village in the Norwegian countryside. “It is the perfect place to relax, to reload and to enjoy the quiet, unspoilt surroundings,” Monica says. Yet, beaches and swimming pools are never far away, and the summer nights can be bustling with life if you know where to look. Whether you are searching for a calm destination for you and your loved one, an exciting adventure for the family or just a scenic holiday, Skjolden is undoubtedly the right place for you.
For more information, please visit: www.skjolden-resort.com
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Venture into Norway’s green heart Fretheim Hotel is located in the midst of Norway’s most striking natural scenery, a location that gives guests the chance to dwell on the beauty of Aurlandsfjord, a UNESCO-recognised sight that will leave even the city folks speechless. Flåm takes you straight to the heart of Norway’s soul where the untouched landscape with abundant salmon rivers and waterfalls are accompanied by the warm hospitality from the dedicated staff at Fretheim Hotel. This is a holiday fit for all seasons. Enjoy solitary walks, fast-paced activities and mouth-watering dishes – all in the historical atmosphere of Fretheim Hotel.
Norwegian nature in its finest suit. The railway line, which was completed in 1940 in order to transport post and animals between the two sites, was recently crowned the world’s best train ride for the year of 2014 by Lonely Planet, and passes a number of stunning waterfalls and steep cliffs. Getting active
By Julie Linden & Caroline Edwards | Photos: Fretheim Hotel
“I know that many people see Flåm and the Aurlandsfjord solely as a summer destination,” says Øivind Wigand, director of Fretheim Hotel, continuing: “But we have so much to offer throughout the year. The autumn and winter seasons are fantastic in this part of the country, and no matter what the purpose of your stay is, we can accommodate your wishes.” Homely charm and flexible choices Accommodation is a multifaceted term at FretheimHotel. Not only will the histori-
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cal charm of the timber building’s antique rooms make you feel warmly welcomed and at home, but the variety of activities and flexible choices will let you tailor make a stay suited to your needs. With a commitment to autumn and winter activities in particular, Fretheim boasts both the location and the contacts to make your stay an unforgettable one – whether for private or business purposes. Nearby attraction the Flåm Railway is known around the world for its meandering trail between Myrdal and Flåm, showing off
If physical activity is more your thing, Flåm is a beautiful location to discover by bike. But why let one thing rule out another? Fretheim Hotel is more than pleased to advise you on how to combine your Flåm Railway adventure with a bike ride out of the ordinary, connecting challenging climbs with breath-taking views. In fact, activities in all forms have become somewhat of a Fretheim motto, which makes it easy to understand why the hotel is preferred by many as an ideal conference destination. “We have exchanged the traditional ‘hotel and conference’ term for a ‘hotel and experiences’ term. It’s
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absolutely fantastic that we’re situated where we are, because it means that we can use the surrounding nature and fjords to create spectacular experiences for everyone. Visitors can go biking, or they can take part in our popular fjord safaris – everything available around the corner from the hotel,” Wigand says. A dedication to local treats and a creative cuisine Vicinity means a lot to Fretheim, Wigand explains. Not only does the word describe the endless list of activities available on the hotel’s doorstep, but it also entails fantastic cuisine made from produce grown close to Flåm. As part of De Historiske, an historical hotel and restaurant membership organisation, Fretheim vows to present guests with traditional and local quality food. For instance, an à la carte menu has been discarded in favour of a menu varying according to the daily deliveries from local producers and farmers. Wigand adds that the hotel’s strong con-
nections with the agricultural college of Sogn og Fjordane gives the menu even more of an inspired flair. “Our chefs have the freedom to be very creative with the produce delivered, and thus give the meals a special touch,” he says. “Still, we’re very keen to keep the traditional character of Norwegian cuisine alive. It creates some challenges that we are happy to meet, but the key point is that we are never confined to a set menu that doesn’t accept alterations.”
places will keep you warm and comfortable, just as its earnest hospitality has done for more than a century. “There’s a simplicity and scenery up here that must be experienced. If we can add quality and personal attention to that experience, that’s our greatest desire,” says Wigand. For more information, please visit: www.fretheimhotel.no
Tranquility and simplicity Add a spectacular view of the fjord to a menu changing daily, and you will see why it is difficult not to be both inspired and rejuvenated by a visit to Fretheim Hotel. Want to kick back after a stimulating day of new experiences? Make a visit to the hotel’s Sivle library, paying tribute to local author Per Sivle, or relax and take in the tranquil atmosphere at one of the hotel bars. There is no need to worry about the seasonal cold – FretheimHotel’s cosy fire-
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A mountain of memories In the heart of the stunning Aurland mountains of Norway, you can find Østerbø Fjellstove: a mountain lodge with an intriguing history and the cosiest of fireplaces. With its ideal location between Oslo and Bergen, its unique fishing opportunities and its trekking routes to some of Norway’s most beautiful nature experiences, Østerbø Fjellstove has no shortage of guests from around the world. By Maya Acharya | Photos: : Østerbø Fjellstove
Although hospitality has been a part of the resort’s history for centuries, this area of Norway was not always as accessible as it is now. “Since the 1800’s, back when this was a farm, wanderers trekking across the mountain would always be welcome,” says manager Nina Steenstrup Sønsteng. “But in those days it was completely isolated and it was a much more difficult way of living.”
and much of the traditional food served is based on the lodge’s own local recipes.
She describes the nature around Østerbø as “wild and wonderful.” The surrounding fauna and plant life is incredibly rich. “I am fascinated by the contrast when I come to the lodge from the city, it’s like coming to a different world. The fresh air, the lack of pressure, being able to drink clear mountain water. You find a certain kind of calm here.”
“Many people use Østerbø as a starting point or base for mountain trekking. One of the most spectacular walks that we recommend is from
With hotel rooms, mountain lodges, cottages, apartments and a camping site, things are much more modern now. However, Østerbø cares about preserving the history and memory of those who have lived in the valley before. The reception, for example, is from the 1700’s
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Østerbø to Vassbygdi. While walking in the Aurlandsdalen valley you can really feel the cultural memories of the people who worked, lived and struggled here,” says Sønsteng.
For more information, please visit: www.aurlandsdalen.no
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TO P 1 SP 0 S EC U IA IN MM L T SW ER HE ED EX M EN PE E: 20 RIE 15 NC
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Top 10 Summer Experiences in Sweden, 2015 It is already getting warmer in Sweden and we are all looking forward to summer. Summer in Sweden is all about being outdoors as much as possible to make the most of the sunlight. Most Swedes will take a long holiday in July or August of around one month to have time to really relax in their summer houses or just by the sea or a lake. By Anna Hjerdin, Communications manager, Visit Sweden
The main event in the summer is of course Midsummer Day on the Friday closest to the 21st June and the longest day of the year. This is when Swedes head outdoors to pick flowers for garlands, make a maypole to dance around while pretending to be a little frog during the ‘Små Grodorna’ (The Little Frogs) dance , and of course to eat herring, new potatoes and strawberry cake with lots of cream and sing songs and drink schnapps. Having survived the Midsummer celebrations it is very nearly time for the long summer holiday. The Swedish cities tend to feel quite empty during the summer
months but it is a great time to visit. Restaurants and bars move outside and festivals take place in all the main cities, for example the music festival Way out West in Gothenburg and the Malmö Festival. If you are in Gothenburg or Stockholm, make sure you hop on a boat and travel out in the archipelago. You don’t need to go far to find an island paradise. Fjäderholmarna is just about 15 minutes away from central Stockholm. On the West Coast you can travel by tram from Gothenburg to Saltholmen and then on to the boats that take you out into the archipelago.
If you are in Skåne in the South of Sweden, you can enjoy long sandy beaches and picturesque seaside villages, cycle along the coast line and even visit Swedish vineyards. Or travel further north to Swedish Lapland to experience the midnight sun, when the sun never sets over the magnificent national parks. Welcome to celebrating summer in Sweden 2015!
Photo credits: Top left: Niclas Vestefjell Middle left: Henrik Tryg Bottom left: Ola Ericson Top right: Rodrigo Rivas Ruiz Bottom right: Conny Fridh
For more information, please visit: www.visitsweden.com
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top 10 Summer Experiences in Sweden 2015
The essence of nature Getting a memorable time away from your everyday life is perhaps not as easy as it once was. In a society where everything strives to be unique, things tend to follow the same path and structure. However, if originality is what you are after, Urnatur is the perfect destination for your next getaway. Peace, serenity and a rich, lush nature awaits along with the experience of a lifetime. By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Urnatur
“It’s a special place to say the least,” says Ulrika Krynitz, owner and co-founder of Urnatur. “We try to think of the whole area as an entity, from the tree houses, to the farm and the activities we offer. They are all characterised by the surrounding nature and our focus on preserving the nature and sustainability.” Together with her husband, Håkan Strotz, Krynitz acquired the farm Sjögetorp with the grounds and went into ecotourism in 2007. “Owning the farm and its grounds is of course an amazing experience in itself,” says Krynitz. “But with that kind of ownership comes a great responsibility to the land you use and live off.”
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The couple started building a handful of log cabins and today Urnatur offers the same cabins alongside charming tree houses, and experience packages for families, couples, groups of friends and smaller company retreats. “We had no thoughts of turning it into a business when we first bought the farm,” Krynitz says, “but it has become wildly appreciated, and guests often say that they wished they’d stayed longer when it’s time for them to pack up and return home. A couple of days are simply not enough.” Urnatur is a destination for people who want to balance their multitasking, busy lifestyles with the true basics and the very
essence of nature and life. “Visitors get to experience how fantastic it is to live in nature as opposed to the city life,” says Krynitz. “Here, they get to meet the pure simplicity of life. It’s based on cause and effect, if I’m cold I need to light I fire, if I’m hungry I need to provide myself with food. That way of thinking is somewhat lost nowadays, we are used to getting everything we want with the smallest amount of effort in return. You should never underestimate the reward of doing something on your own, working for what you want and need. People come in contact with their very essence.” This summer at Urnatur, you can start the day with an assisted breakfast buffet where wonderful delicacies will provide a good start, and then join nature in an adventure unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. Eat what you get your hands on, fish in the lake, live off of nature, cook meals over an open fire, swim in the warm waters, sweat in the sauna (that you of
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course heat up with wood that you’ve chopped yourself) and make this remarkable place your own for a few days. But Urnatur hasn’t taken all life’s essentials away, Krynitz ensures with a laugh. “There are cupboards filled with what you need to cook; a good, vegetarian and ecologic meal as well as fresh vegetables and herbs from our garden in the outdoor kitchen,” she explains. “In addition to that you can order beer and wine or fish and lamb from us.” Staying at Urnatur is a fantastic experience for all who are willing to give it a go. “We see families coming together like they haven’t been able to before, bonds strengthened between friends and couples and teams growing stronger by the minute,” says Krynitz enthusiastically. “It’s a way of life which is incredibly contagious. Seeing the nature and humanity at its core is something many people find fascinating and we constantly get people coming back year after year to experience it all over again.” The popularity of ecotourism is on the uprising. The wave of consciousness spreading through Europe has opened people’s eyes to alternative ways of living, holidays and getaways, and the inspiring duo behind Urnatur couldn’t be more pleased. “Sweden should, as a country, see the potential of the nature and become more of a spokes nation for ecotourism than it is now,” Krynitz says. “We have incredible nature and the resources and knowledge needed to protect and maintain it. Preserving the moments we get in places like ours is immensely rewarding and a great complement to the ways most people go about their lives today.”
For more information, please visit: www.urnatur.se
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top 10 Summer Experiences in Sweden 2015
Sätra Brunn – where wellbeing and history are one and the same In 1700 a well was found, a well with a high mineral percentage and the freshest water imaginable. The water became the centre of a resort, built in order to extract as much wellbeing as possible from what nature was generous enough to provide. Welcome to Sätra Brunn, picturesque surroundings and historic comfort like nowhere else. By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Sätra Brunn
Sätra Brunn is one of Sweden’s oldest health resorts, surrounded by 100 charming houses and cottages as well as several parks and stunning nature. “You have to experience it for yourself,” says Sofia Granlund of Sätra Brunn. “Our rich history shows not only in our summer museum, but you can actually feel it in everything we do and are.” Summer at Sätra Brunn is just around the corner and guests are already lining up to spend a night or two in the facility’s lovely hotel, or to eat a mouth-watering meal at the restaurant. “We get guests coming from far away just to visit our resort, as well as people who are just passing by but
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get intrigued by the scenery, history and the service we provide,” says Granlund. The water from the well is the reason Sätra Brunn exists. Therefore, it is no surprise that the resorts’ pride and joy is now getting bottled up and distributed to resellers all over Sweden. Since the discovery of the well, people have been consuming the beverage in great volumes. In fact, guests were recommended to drink eight litres a day in the 1700s. Although recommendations nowadays are slightly less excessive, the mineral water of Sätra Brunn is refreshing guests every day, providing iron, minerals and bodily balance. “This is a great way for us to spread wellbeing
from the well beyond the resort, which is of course fantastic,” says Granlund proudly. This summer, Sätra Brunn offers a wide range of activities for people fancying a stop by. “We have our annual midsummer’s celebration, where approximately 7,000 people come to see us during the day,” Granlund recommends. “That is something you really don’t want to miss.” Furthermore, this Swedish gem offers summer pubs with live music, barbeques, a folk music festival and much, much more. “Sätra Brunn is a great place to visit if you want to enjoy wonderful nature and wellbeing, lined with fun filled activities and cultural treasures,” Granlund sums it up. We can do nothing but agree. For more information, please visit: www.satrabrunn.se
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top 10 Summer Experiences in Sweden 2015
One destination, endless possibilities Family holidays can be tricky to plan. Many wills and wishes need to be considered in order to ensure a pleasurable time for the entire family, therefore a destination with a broad selection is crucial. Röstånga Camping & Bad is just that; one destination, endless possibilities. By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Röstånga Camping & Bad
It is rare to find this many fun-filled activities in one place: Heated swimming pools, lake canoeing, fishing, yoga, dog-training and games, guided tours in Söderåsen National Park, musical performances and entertainment, good food, bicycling, mini golf and much more. At Röstånga Camping & Bad you are invited to a summer haven of fun where the activities are never-ending with exciting joyous experiences around every corner.
says Jörgen Nystrand of Röstånga Camping & Bad. “We offer you a four-star camping site right by Söderåsens National Park, one of Sweden’s most popular tourist destinations, where people come from all over Europe to enjoy themselves, each other and the wonderful Swedish summer.”
Röstånga Camping & Bad is always buzzing with activity and people. “Everyone is here temporarily, which means that the spirit of the camp is always curious and welcoming. People find it easy to make new friends and find likeminded people,” Nystrand ensures. “Everyone wants the same thing from their holiday: a good time!” This summer, visitors will be able to enjoy a newly built reception and restaurant, and a large terrace, a popular destination for ice cream lovers, and a remarkable and enthusiastic service provided by the professional staff. So there really is no point in waiting. Book your stay right away! For more information, please visit: www.rostangacamping.se
If you are looking for something that will entertain the entire family in an exciting interaction with other summer worshipers, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Röstånga. “The fun times you are able to experience together with your family and friends are simply amazing,”
Adventures on the skyline Starting with an extraordinary idea and ending with a winning concept: Rooftop Tours are one of this year’s most original ways to spend a summer day in Sweden. High above the ground people are invited to partake in an entirely different perspective of city life. By Astrid Eriksson | Photo: Takvandring
“The insurance company thought I was making a prank call,” says Anna Broman, co-founder of Takvandring (Rooftop Tour), when asked how it all started. Broman, however, couldn’t be more serious and after many meetings and careful safety checks and trials, she could host her first rooftop tour in 2003. “It is a wonderfully fun experience, and such a different thing to do,” she says excitedly. “We have people coming from all over the world to take part in our tours!”
This summer a variety of different rooftop tours are available. One of the most popular options is the Murder Tour, which takes participants high up, looking down on locations where despicable actions have taken place. “It’s essentially a different kind of history tour,” Broman explains. “We are looking down on famous scenes of Swedish history. The stories in themselves are of course very captivating and the perspective from above gives it an extra thrill that you can’t experience anywhere else.”
In addition to the Murder Tours, Takvandring offers many great deals and packages, both for groups and personally guided tours. This summer, Broman and her team will test out a tour that will take visitors through the history of beer. Although, Broman says, it is important not to be tipsy up on the rooftops. “The drinking part of the experience will have to wait until we get down,” she says with a laugh.
Anything can happen on the rooftops, and sometimes you’re lucky enough to catch a moment of unexpectedness with your camera,” says Broman who was more than a little surprised when this group arrived in full lederhosen get-ups.
For more information, please visit: www.takvandring.com
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140,-
/week
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top 10 Summer Experiences in Sweden 2015
The cultural legacy of Mariannelund In the 1970s, film crews arrived to the small village of Mariannelund, in the province of Småland in the southern parts of Sweden. All of a sudden the people of Mariannelund found themselves in the middle of a production that involved nearly the entire village, and its cultural legacy still lives on today. By : Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Barnfilmbyn
When Astrid Lindgren’s children’s book Emil of Lönneberga was made into films, a piece of Swedish cultural film history was made. Children and adults worldwide have through the years enjoyed the story about the mischievous young man with a heart of gold. However, little material has been made public about the making of the films and how it affected the small village of Mariannelund. “That’s the story we want to tell!” exclaims an excited Robert Glader, Project Manager of Barnfilmbyn. “The films about Emil engaged the entire village, and there are a lot of memories and original artefacts still here, just waiting for people to come and explore it.” Visitors are today free to go on tours around Mariannelund. Guided by signs
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and the efficient and free app Barnfilmbyn, people can make their way around the village at their own pace and see places they all know and love from the films. “The app is great and in combination with the signs it provides a lot of guidance and information,” says Glader. “There are many places to visit and much to explore.” In addition to this excursion, the museum in Mariannelund contains a lot of memorabilia and interesting artefacts from the films. As if this wasn’t enough, great things lie ahead for Mariannelund and Barnfilmbyn. Planned to open in 2016 is a brand new facility, sure to blow people away with its high-tech interactive exhibitions and activities. “The idea is to make a superb experience for all the visitors that will stay
with them long after they leave this charming village,” Glader explains. “People will be able to take part in the exhibitions, much like the people of Mariannelund became a big part of the original productions. Acting out scenes from a film, writing their own children’s film script and countless of other fun things,” he says proudly. The facility is built and planned by absolute professionals that have previous successes such as the ABBA museum in Stockholm in their portfolio. “We couldn’t be more thrilled,” says Glader.
For more information, please visit:
www.barnfilmbyn.se
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This is my house! Alfons Åbergs Kulturhus (Alfie Atkins’ Cultural Centre) is a creative cultural centre for children and their adults. This is a place where curious children can play, get up to mischief, climb and discover a world full os exciting things.
Slussgatan 1, Gothenburg, Sweden
alfonskulturhus.com
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At the time of writing, Nordens Ark has just welcomed three tiger cubs. Both mother and cubs are doing fine and in due time these furry friends will help breed another generation of healthy, happy and strong tigers.
For a better world and biological diversity Created to help endangered animals stay alive and actively work towards strengthening biological diversity, Nordens Ark is far from your everyday, wild creature attraction. Named in reference to Noah’s Ark, it is a place fighting a noble battle, trying to save threatened animals from the deluge of modern times. By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Nordens Ark
“If you are to limit an animal’s life to a confined space, you have to have a really good reason,” says Lena M Lindén, CEO and founder of Nordens Ark. “Simply doing it so that people can come and look at it won’t do. Our ultimate goal is to one day put the animals we breed and keep back into their natural habitat,” she explains. “It’s a goal we’ve actually achieved several times with great results.” Nordens Ark is providing big outdoors environments where the animals can live comfortably, enjoying the rich nature in natural settings. “All our animals can live and adapt to the Scandinavian climate without any problems,” Lindén assures. “They live happy lives and are all very well taken care of by our nurturing and professional staff.” In addition to the more
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exotic wild animals, visitors will also be able to visit the Ark’s own farm, where they can cosy up to cows, pigs, hens and other farm animals. “We usually recommend people to stay a night in our fine hotel,” Lindén says. “One day isn’t enough to experience all we have to offer.” A visit to Nordens Ark will not only be a fantastic opportunity to gaze upon ani-
mals like tigers, reptiles, snow leopards, wildcats, white-backed woodpeckers and many more. It is also a chance to make a real difference in the world. “Many animals need help, and when people come to visit, the profit goes back into the foundation and with increased interest we are able to do so much more,” Lindén says passionately. Nordens Ark is open seven days a week all year around. People are welcome to say hello to the animals and have a stroll around even during the big holidays. During selected months you can even go to their camp and become and zookeeper for a day. “Everything we do, we do to improve the lives of the animals and ultimately the world,” Lindén says. “It is a cause that many people can get behind and if we all do, we will be able make a real difference.”
For more information, please visit:
www.nordensark.se
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Gamla Linköping Open-Air Museum - year-round experiences Travel back in time and find out what Swedish small-town life was like a hundred years ago! Stroll along cobblestone alleys surrounding historic wooden buildings, gardens and museums as well as cozy restaurants, cafés and shops. We are open all year, but during summertime history dramatically unfolds and the area is filled with family activities. Welcome to a special place to experience fun, beauty and relaxation!
+46(0)13121110 • www.gamlalinkoping.info
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Hotel of the Month, Norway
History in the making Losby Gods is a magnificent Norwegian country estate surrounded by wilderness and steeped in history. Those who work at Losby Gods are proud to be part of preserving local heritage and want to offer everyone the chance to cherish and cultivate it. By Maya Acharya | Photos: Losby Gods
It is hard to believe that Losby Gods is a mere 20-minute drive from the capital’s airport. The aesthetic of the 165-year old manor is grandiose and elegantly framed by the peaceful meadows and dense forests of the surrounding countryside. Losby Gods is about tradition and good old-fashioned Norwegian hospitality. At the same time, the hotel has a progressive take on involving guests in their rich history.
During the weekends the hotel often hosts events such as weddings, confirmations, parties and national holiday celebrations.
Conservation through use
A large part of the house is originally from 1850, and was renovated, restored and reopened in 1999. Despite its historic value, guests regularly use this part of the manor. “We enjoy showing guests around the old manor house, and spend a lot of time telling them our story,” explains Heidi Elisabeth Fjellheim, the director of Losby Gods.
Because of its convenient location and modern facilities, the hotel is regularly used for conferences during the week.
“We also host events such as memorial services on the grounds. Our idea is to
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preserve the manor through use. We want this to be a living museum where guests feel that they are part of the building’s history, rather than just outside observers.” This wish to involve also applies to the staff, who all have a broad knowledge of Losby’s past, a past that is entrenched in the once thriving timber trade and speckled with the then-famous residents of Norway’s capital. Murder at the Mansion Losby valley is the ideal place for outdoor activities and many of the manor’s visitors come here for Losby’s main attraction, the golf course. The manor is home to an 18-hole championship course as well as a nine-hole course, both designed by the renowned golf course architect, Peter Nordwall.
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the same as one that was used at the manor over 100 years ago. “Researching and recreating the food traditions of the past is an exciting project that we want to continue to develop,” says Fjellheim. “We also want to make sure that everything that happens at Losby now will be preserved in the future, which is why we document all our activities in our annual magazine, Gods and Golf. Working at Losby for me feels like an honour. It’s incredible to be part of the continuation of such rich cultural history.”
For more information, please visit:
However, the activities in recent years have increased far beyond the scope of the playing fields. Along with historical tours, nature workshops and wine tasting, guests can also partake in exciting experiences such as Murder at the Mansion; an evening during which dining guests become involved in an Agatha Christiestyle murder mystery plot. To add even more mystery, actors blend with the staff and guests as the story unfolds. “These kinds of activities are also inspired by Losby’s past. Often, at lavish parties among the elite, guests wanted to be entertained during dinner, and this sort of thing would be common practice. We think it is great fun to offer this kind of experience to guests. It creates a unique atmosphere and many of them become very involved in the story!” says Fjellheim. “We create experiences because we want to offer our guests something out of the ordinary, something more than just a
comfortable bed to sleep in,” she continues. “We want people to go home with a story to tell.”
www.losbygods.no
A place for all The thought of a majestic manor house with velvet sofas and chandeliers could perhaps conjure up a notion of haughtiness, but Fjellheim insists that Losby is a place for everyone and an especially important part of local legacy. “Getting the right to restore Losby as a hotel was a long battle, precisely because many people were concerned that this would be a serious, formal place,” Fjellheim asserts. “Those who are from the local area of Lørenskog have a lot of heritage from the area, and Losby has been an important part of their history. Luckily though, the image of Losby as a place where only ‘certain people’ go quickly disappeared and the locals have really embraced the manor, making use of it for family occasions and festivities year after year.” Pride and preservation Losby Gods is continually coming up with creative ways to incorporate cultural heritage into the modernised hotel. One example of this is their menu, which is based on Norwegian culinary traditions and local produce. At the moment Losby also incorporates a menu that is exactly
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Attraction of the Month, Denmark
Leave your world behind A visit to the Cisterns is in many ways a visit to something otherworldly, an exhibition and event venue with a widespread appeal. But nothing seems to beat the current installation H by Danish artist Ingvar Cronhammar, who has turned the urban dripstone cave into a parallel universe in which heaven and the underworld collide in a battle of unseen proportions. When you step in, time stops spinning as darkness surrounds you in a space, where the tunes from composer Martin Hall intertwines with the dribble of water. This is your chance to put all your senses to use in a room designed for reflection. By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Christina Capetillo
The Cisterns are an integrated part of the Frederiksberg Museums, acting as a venue for art exhibitions and events where the singularity of its architecture and atmosphere remains key. It’s the only dripstone cave in Denmark and in the past it used to supply water for the Dan-
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ish capital. Today, however, it supplies something rather different to the city: experiences and memories. A parallel universe “The events at the Cisterns just don’t happen anywhere else. The artists who
put up their work here need to be ready to work with their surroundings as it’s not all materials that can be used in a dripstone cave like this, but that’s what’s so interesting about this place,” says Astrid la Cour, the artistic director at the Cisterns and soon-to-be director of the Frederiksberg Museums. Each year they have a new exciting exhibition on, and each year the visitors leave with a sense of achievement. Because, as Astrid la Cour puts it, when you visit the Cisterns and walk down to the dripstone cave, you leave your world behind. “It’s like a parallel universe. One moment you walk across the green grass on a summer day, the next you are entering
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another world, something that perhaps could look like a medieval dungeon, but during our H exhibition it’s simply a timeless zone removed from reality,” she explains. The installation opened its doors on 3 March and will be running until 29 November 2015. It is created by renowned artist Ingvar Cronhammar in collaboration with the Danish composer Martin Hall and the name is no coincidence. H stands for hydrogen, the most common building block of all living things. An adventure for the whole family “In the dripstone cave we constantly have water running through the room, but it always runs out through the drains. However, for Cronhammar’s exhibition these have been blocked. There are now 28 columns of water and light in there and the visitors walk across small water bridges. As time goes by, the more rusty the water gets,” says la Cour, who stresses that it’s a fascinating journey for everyone. "It’s just as much an adventure for children as it’s an artistic experience for adults. The whole family can enjoy it," she adds. “The exhibition at the Cisterns is the ideal family trip, but it can also be enjoyed alone or with friends. Moreover, its nearness to a big park and the other museums is also a big attraction,” says la Cour. The full visit doesn’t take long, it’s not a day trip. Instead the exhibition offers visitors a short, intensified experience that can often be felt in the body afterwards. But the fun does not stop here.
Photo: Henrik Madelung
lowing the green museum route provided by the Frederiksberg Museums you get to see the best green spaces in the city whilst immersing yourself in cultural experiences along the way. Apart from the experimenting exhibitions at the Cisterns
Map: Christian Ramsø
dripstone cave venue, you can also explore literature, music, theatre and more traditional pieces of art. The museums in Frederiksberg offer cultural encounters to visitors who wish to escape the bigger venues across the city in order to enjoy a more original experience. So next time you plan your holiday in Copenhagen, don’t overlook the Frederiksberg Museums and don’t miss out on the chance to wander through Ingvar Cronhammar’s comprehensive installation H. After all, not all underworlds are bad.
For more information, please visit: www.cisternerne.dk and www.frederiksbergmuseerne.dk
Five museums in one day The Cisterns are a part of the Frederiksberg Museums, which gives visitors the opportunity to purchase a ticket that gives entry to all five museums and exhibition spaces in the area for just £12. Removed from the more popular tourists spots in Copenhagen in tranquil surroundings near parkland, they all have an intimate atmosphere in common. This is the kind of place where you bring your family on a sunny day. Play around in the park and check out the different museums that all offer something unique, all within easy walking distance of each other. By fol-
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Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Finland
Attraction of the Month, Finland
Close encounters of a wild kind Kuhmo, in the wilderness of East Finland, is a place of pilgrimage. The wildlife here is exciting and abundant, with many large mammals calling the region’s deep forests their home. One company catering to pilgrims flocking to see the wild animals up close is The Wild Brown Bear Centre, specialising in photography safaris with bears, wolverines and wolves. By Joanna Nylund | Photos: Kyle Moore
The centre has a total of 21 different hides suitable for both photography and observation. The area offers a great variety of terrain, giving the photographer an excellent opportunity to capture the wildlife against various backgrounds. Meals and accommodation are offered in a beautiful lodge on the edge of a large lake, located only a short walk away from the hides.
up to the kings of the forest, the European brown bear, there are plenty of experiences here for nature lovers to savour. The Wild Brown Bear Centre was established over 15 years ago by Ari Sääski, a Finnish naturalist. The centre caters mainly to wildlife watchers and photographers, but the area is also ideal for hiking, with numerous trails to be enjoyed in the summer months.
Into the wild Make no mistake about it: this is animal country. The centre is located in the very heart of the wilderness, home to a large variety of wildlife as well as interesting flora. From small migratory species right
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Peace for animals, shelter for humans The animal watching itself always takes place from the safety of a hide. Built to blend into nature and to allow people to see the animals in their natural habitat
without disturbing them either by smell or sight, the hides are placed in ideal locations for getting close to the animals. The Wild Brown Bear Centre boasts a total of 21 hides, located just a short 700-metre walk from the main lodge, that are accessible along wooden paths. Four of these hides are specifically built for wildlife observation. Larger than the hides intended purely for photography, they offer seating for up to ten people. The observation hides are equipped with bedding and full amenities. The hides are designed to allow the use of tripods and ball-head assemblies for your camera or binoculars. There are 17 hides built specifically for photography. Dotted around the landscape, they can be found in a small wetland area, near a small pond and inside a pine forest clearing. With photography in mind, the openings are situated at the bears’ eye level.
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Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Finland
Every hide has been carefully designed and placed to offer the enthusiast a oncein-a-lifetime experience of getting close to the bears, wolverines and wolves frequenting the area. As the animals can walk right up to the hides, wide angle lenses are as useful as telephoto ones. Enjoying nature in comfort The centre is housed in a former border control centre, transformed into a rustic, cosy lodge. What is unusual about this type of holiday is that nights are mostly spent wildlife-watching in the hides, and rooms used for sleeping and recuperation during the day. The lodge is fully equipped and has an auditorium as well as meeting room. Meals are served in the dining hall. For some well-needed rest and relaxation, the centre has two saunas available: one electric, the other a traditional smoke sauna ideally situated by the lake.
ice, snow and wetland as they roam the area in different weather conditions. Snow helps reflect the available light, making for well-exposed photographs of the animals. During May, it is possible to see mother bear bring her second-year cubs into the area, which makes for interesting observations of family behaviour.
and stoats, to name a few. Birdwatchers have a field day spotting owls, goshawks and golden and white-tailed eagles, all residents of the forest. In wintertime it is also possible to spot grouses.
For more information, please visit: www.wildbrownbear.fi
Midnight sun…and bears If you travel to the Wild Brown Bear Centre between May and August, you will be able to enjoy the superb conditions provided by the inextinguishable midnight sun. 24 hours of daylight allow for wilderness photography throughout the night, when the animals are active. The green foliage, beautiful light and general inquisitiveness of the exploring bears make for some excellent shots. Nighttime temperatures are still quite low, allowing for misty mornings to stunning photographic effect.
Springtime in Bear Country Ideally for the wildlife photographer, winter lasts a long time in these parts. The snow begins to fully retract only in May. In April to May, bears can be seen on both
The fascinating taiga forests of Kuhmo also offer potential sightings of many other species, such as moose, wild forest reindeer, red foxes, lynx, weasels, beavers
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Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Norway
Attraction of the Month, Norway
An arctic real life fairy-tale If you are in an adventurous mood, seeking wilderness and wanting to experience the Northern Lights, Stabbursdalen Lodge in Finnmark is definitely the right place for you. Hidden lakes filled with salmon, Sami reindeers and dancing, colourful lights during the pitch black night are just some the delights in store for visitors in the Northern pearl of Norway. By Camilla Brugrans | Photos: GjermundThomassen
People come from all over the world to have the opportunity to spot the magical Northern Lights. Even though the best season to see the phenomena is during the winter months from end of October to March, many people have seen them at all times of the year when visiting the cosy cabins in Stabbursdalen. “We get many international photographers here that want to capture the dancing lights with the camera,” says Gjermund Thomassen,
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manager of Stabbursdalen Lodge. “Our guides will take groups of friends and families on hunts of the colourful skies. I believe it is the Northern Lights that draw most of our guests to the far North.” Peace in the wilderness Close to the lodge lies the enormous Stabbursdalen National Park, which has the northernmost pine forest in the world. Guests can get lost in the peace
and quiet that one is sure to find among the trees and rivers. “You will never be closer to nature than sitting on top of an edge or by the river in the national park while eating your packed lunch in the middle of the wilderness. The feedback from our visitors has been fantastic,” says Thomassen. Long weekend getaway Stabbursdalen Lodge are currently planning on expanding with four-night weekend trips for people who want to explore it all. “We want all-inclusive weekends with guided excursions hunting the Northern Lights, visiting the Sami museum and entering the magnificent National Park,” Thomassen explains. “There is an airport located 16 kilometres from the lodge.
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Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Norway
Dog sledging Finnmark is famous for their annual world dog sledging competition. One of the activities visitors are offered is sitting on a sledge while up to four dogs navigate in the snow. “This is very popular and we are actually thinking about expanding to reindeer sledge driving. During the winter we also want to offer our guests hiking trips using snowshoes,” Thomassen reveals. Intimate and unique
During the summer it is possible to get here by flying with Norwegian airlines. The rest of the year, Widerøe Airlines fly via Tromsø.” Explore the North Most of the must-see areas of northern Norway are within short driving distances from the lodge. Visitors can expect spectacular natural wonders with arctic winters with endless white plains, polar twilight and raging seas. Shimmering Northern Lights and breath-taking sceneries are what this real life frozen fairytale is all about. “People want to see the places in Finnmark like Nordkapp and to explore the Sami culture in Karasjok,” says Thomassen passionately.
noeing in the National Park, rafting on the beautiful Stabburs River and mountain-biking in the trails. “We have one of Norway’s best salmon lakes that are located 30 meters from the lodge,” Thomassen says. “Every year, fishermen fish about five tons of salmon in the river. We offer weekly packages that are aimed for salmon tourism. The offer includes full service and up to four fishermen can stay in each cabin. Our staff takes care of the fishing permits. That way our guests don’t have to worry about that beforehand.”
Stabbursdalen Lodge offers their guests an intimate and truly Northern encounter with nature.“Our focus is eco-tourism and we never have more than 12 people staying with us at the same time. We build personal relationships with each of our guests and strive to make their stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. The three lodges are perfect for small families and groups of friends,” says Thomassen.
For more information, please visit: www.stabbursdalenlodge.no
Photo: Lester Barnes
The Lapps, better known as the Sami’s, are Norway’s indigenous people. At the Sami centre close to Stabbursdalen, visitors have the opportunity to learn more about the traditions of the native Northern people. “Tourists find them very fascinating,” Thomassen explains. “We try to show their culture, costumes and the sea Sami population. The guides tell tales about how the Sami people lived hundreds of years ago and also how they tend to the reindeer herds nowadays.” Summer fishing Fishing enthusiasts come from all corners of the world to try their luck in Stabburs River, which is filled with salmon. There are many physical activities offered at the lodge. Among them are fly-fishing silver Atlantic salmon, ca-
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Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Sweden
Photo: Re Rag Rug
Photo: Anna Sigge
Photo: Bo Brinkenfalk
Attraction of the Month, Sweden
The Textile Museum is not all about fashion The textile industry is one of the cornerstones of modern society, and in the Swedish town Borås, the Textile Museum of Sweden keeps the legacy alive by mixing historical and modern exhibitions with the very latest in textile technology. By Astrid Eriksson
“We are Sweden’s only museum dealing in nothing but textiles,” says Eva Blomqvist, curator at the Textile Museum of Sweden. “The world of textiles is more than the clothes we wear, especially when you factor in recent technology that has modernised the usage and production of fabrics and textiles.” The Textile Museum of Sweden is a place where beautiful craftsmanship is put next to high-tech items and historical findings and documentations, something that hits close to home in the region. “Borås is still very much a textile town,” says Blomqvist, “and we have been its symbol for quite some time.” When the big textile industry crisis hit in the 1960s the museum was opened in an attempt to save the rich history threatened to be buried by financial and social backlashes. Since then the Textile Museum of Sweden has been a place
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where the many ways and forms of textiles are presented and represented, from highbrow fashion, to the latest innovations in technology and textile material research. This year a number of thrilling exhibitions will attract visitors from near and far. The museum’s permanent exhibition Textilchock!, presents a life without textiles, providing thought-provoking and shocking realisations as well as a deeper appreciation for fabric.
Fashion Stories offers a unique opportunity to get to know Sweden’s number one couture designer Lars Wallin and his new collection, Limited Edition, filled with artistic expression, glamour and sparkling creations. Another anticipated project is Re Rag Rug, where designers Katarina Brieditis and
Katarina Evans use recycled materials to create sustainable rugs as well as a platform for development of craftsmanship. The rugs are made by using methods allowing the production to take place in craftsmen’s homes, acquiring no machines or bigger facilities. This and much more can be found at the Textile Museum of Sweden. Situated in the new Textile Fashion Centre, a visit to the Textile Museum has something for everyone. Get your own creative juices flowing in the museums’ DIY area, or stop for a meal in the Centre’s restaurant. No matter who you are, you are sure to find something to your liking.
Fashion Stories: 25 April – 27 September 2015 Re Rag Rug: 9 May – 30 August 2015 For more information, please visit: www.textilmuseet.se
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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Denmark
Restaurant of the Month, Denmark
Honest family food Henriette and Michael Larsen met when they were working as chefs in Copenhagen. They dreamed of having their own place where they would be fully in control of what went into their food. In 1997, they found the perfect venue in Henriette’s home town of Nykøbing Sjælland, and Restaurant Madkunsten opened a few months later, offering classic French kitchen-inspired dishes. By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Madkunsten
“We simply wanted a restaurant where we could be proud of our ingredients and have a completely authentic cooking process,” says Michael. The emphasis on quality products and home-cooking has driven the family-run restaurant ever since. The Larsens seek out local and organic ingredients whenever they can. During the summer, they make their own elderflower pressé; they offer local beer from the Rørvig Brewery, which Michael part-runs; and they smoke their own bacon and salmon, bought only from farmers with high animal welfare standards. “Our food isn’t quite as cheap as fastfood,” Michael acknowledges. “Our production costs are of course higher; but the food we serve to our guests is responsible, wholesome and cooked from
scratch. When I say ‘home-grown rhubarb’, I mean bloody ‘home-grown rhubarb’: I’ll get up and harvest them myself before work.” The Larsens’ live as they preach. When the couple’s twin boys were born severely prematurely fourteen years ago, doctors warned they were likely to fall behind their peers both physically and developmentally. The Larsens read up on diet in childhood development and cut unwholesome, industrialised food out of the family diet. The boys never fell behind, nor suffered from asthma or any other chronic illnesses the Larsens' were warned about. In fact, they are fighting fit and working as part-time dishwashers at Restaurant Madkunsten. The two older daughters,
meanwhile, work as waitresses, making Madkunsten a truly family-run affair. With tables on Nykøbing’s pedestrianised street and its own cosy atrium, the restaurant has become a favourite spot with locals over the years. Nykøbing, situated on the Ise Fjord in Northern Zealand, is a popular area for second 'summer' homes and a bustling tourist destination. The Larsens realised that visitors, arriving for the weekend after general opening hours, had trouble finding a decent meal. To help them out, they set up 'Friday Take-Away' featuring a selection of made-to-order tapas and organic gourmet burgers, allowing visitors to have an easy but wholesome meal. Those looking for smaller treats should visit the restaurant’s shop, which sells anything from home-baked organic bread and butter pastry to English gins or French lemonades.
For more information, please visit: www.restaurant-madkunsten.dk
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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Sweden
Restaurant of the Month, Sweden
Swedish seasonal sensations at Gastrologik and Speceriet Summer in Stockholm: a time and place where people can rejoice in the Nordic delicacies the city’s splendid restaurants have to offer. This summer, however, will be better than ever before. For the first time, Gastrologik stays open during the warm season and people are already lining up, eager to get a taste of some true, Swedish culinary delight.
groups of people as well as a perfect setting for a drink and a lighter snack after work. “We run the place on a drop in basis which contributes to a slightly more spontaneous feeling than Gastrologik, but equally great!” Bjuhr says.
By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Gastrologik
“The dream to open your own restaurant is probably something that all chefs share,” says Anton Bjuhr, co-founder and owner of Gastrologik. Opening the restaurant together with chef and business partner Jacob Holmström roughly three and a half years ago, Bjuhr has certainly done what many others only aspire to. “We have been fortunate enough to realise that dream and present good food, in many more aspects than just its taste.” Prioritising availability of natural and seasonal produce, rather than adapting their food to customer demands, Gastrologik takes conscious foods to another level. Without a fixed menu, Bjuhr and Holm-
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ström offer their guests a marvellous taste of what Swedish nature has to offer. “We want to take care and celebrate what nature gives us,” Bjuhr explains. “Therefore we let the availability of good and local produce set the agenda.” Indeed this Michelin restaurant is a pearl of well-cooked Swedish culinary art. However, if you want to try something more in the lines of a traditional concept, Bjuhr and Holmström’s bistro Speceriet, which is next door to Gastrologik, will be a perfect place to stop by. Speceriet maintain a Nordic focus, but draws inspiration from all over the world. Here you will find a suitable venue for bigger dinners with
Eating at Gastrologik and Speceriet is an experience as much as it is a sensational meal. The attentive staff are always eager to help and make you feel welcome, and staying open over the summer Bjuhr and Holmström will provide Stockholm’s summer guests with a chance to delight in extraordinary cookery with the finest and most seasonal food Sweden has to offer. “I love that Jacob and I are able to truly represent who we are as chefs an restaurateurs,” Bjuhr says passionately. “And what’s even better – our guests are loving it just as much as we are.”
For more information, please visit: www.gastrologik.se
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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Finland
Restaurant of the Month, Finland
Casual is the new black If you find yourself in Helsinki looking for high-class dining in a central location, you are in luck. Since 1986, this restored red brick harbour warehouse has been the home of a restaurant – originally known as Kultainen Sipuli (The Golden Onion) and since 1992, when the restaurant was acquired by Royal Ravintolat, simply as Ravintola Sipuli. By Jenni Syrjälä | Photos: Ravintolasipuli
Despite its seaside location, this is not a sea food restaurant. The menu caters for every taste, with some delicious fish dishes on the menu, but also veal, beef and chicken. For those with a more adventurous taste there is the option of letting the chef surprise you. The daily changing Menu du Chef can be ordered as three or five courses, with carefully chosen wine packages available to complement your meal. “We serve international food, with lots of local ingredients,” explains Food and Beverage Manager Pertti Huhtilainen. “We used to be known as a fine dining restaurant, but from the beginning of this year we have taken a new approach and are now calling ourselves ‘good dining’. This
makes us less formal and more smartcasual, which hopefully will put many people more at ease about coming here. As we say, ‘casual is the new black’.”
ships, and there is also a splendid winter garden with fantastic views of the neighbouring Uspenski Cathedral. The restaurant includes the main restaurant, Kanava Bar and private dining and banquet facilities in rooms of varying size. Lunch is served Tuesday to Friday 11.30– 14.30, while dinner is served Tuesday to Saturday 18.00–23.00.
A new addition to the restaurant was made this year, when a wine table was launched in the main restaurant. Guests can sit at the table and try different wines as recommended by the staff, or they can order wines to their own table. The wine table is open during both lunch and dinner. Apart from its à la carte dining, Ravintola Sipuli is also known for its banqueting facilities. The banquet rooms on the Navigare floor are decorated with a maritime theme and are named after old sailing
For more information, please visit: www.ravintolasipuli.fi/en
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Photo: Tor Lie
Restaurant of the Month, Norway
Norwegian succulence with American soul Boasting Norway’s first and only concept restaurant for authentic American barbecue and grill cuisine, Opland Burger & Steak in Oslo have got foodies throughout the Norwegian capital hungry for real, hearty and unpretentious dining experiences. Honing an open and earnest ‘farm to table’ philosophy, guests learn the story and background of the produce used. The restaurant’s owners have amassed a growing clientele of faithful food lovers welcome to savour some of Norway’s best produce, presented in an authentically American way. By Julie Lindén | Photos: Camilla Louise Sørensen
“We’re that ‘good atmosphere’ kind of place,” muses co-owner Birgit Opland about the characteristics of the eatery. “From the moment you set foot in our restaurant you will sense a special ambiance in everything from the flavour of the food to the staff, who are present to tell you about your meal. From the most tender entrecôte to the aroma oozing from the special Josper oven, you’ll recognise who we are and what we’re about immediately.” That little something extra Indeed, all senses are catered to at the lively and fresh restaurant. The good-
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hearted and authentic atmosphere makes you feel most welcome throughout your sitting, while the interiors are graced with a contemporary and colourful look that brilliantly suits the modern diner concept. And, naturally, taste buds are treated to a feast without comparison, particularly through Opland’s emphasis on bringing in the very best of produce, employing the greatest of chefs and cooking with the ultimate taste-preserving equipment. “We’re particularly proud of our Josper oven,” says Opland about the closed Spanish oven used to grill meats to succulent perfection. “It really preserves that juiciness and tenderness you want in a
good steak, that is difficult to replicate with a different oven or grill. The Argentinean coal we use adds a special aroma and a completely unique flavour that makes the meal something extra.” She adds that the kitchen’s American chef is trained at the culinary institute of America, a true ode to the restaurant’s spirit, and proof of its undeniable quality. Traceable food production: the story of the steak It’s from the farms, bakeries and kitchens of Norway, however, that the vast majority of the eatery’s produce is sourced. Having grown up at her family farm, an experience she shares with co-owner Morten Nygård, Opland says she was introduced to the concept of locally sourced food and environmentally conscious production at an early age. Today, the two owners have made it their restaurant’s mission to carefully explain the origin of their food, from the ice cream used in milkshakes to the tender steaks put on the grill. “People want to know where the food they’re pay-
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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Norway
ing for comes from,” Opland explains enthusiastically. “There is a greater consciousness surrounding food sourcing and production today. Growing up at a farm gives you a considerate perspective from the get-go, so both Morten and I are very passionate about bringing in traceable produce and products from smaller businesses to the restaurant. We want our guests to be fully informed and able to appreciate the enormous amount of farming and labour that goes into making clean, quality food.” From the fresh, golden burger buns from distinguished Oslo bakery Baker Brun, to meats from fruitful feeding grounds in Gudbrandsdalen and Sogn og Fjordane, to the smooth ice cream made by Charlotte’s Iskrem in little Vågå, Opland Burger & Steak is proud to tell a story of high-quality American dishes made by the best of Norwegian small-scale producers. A central location in the heart of capital history
Responsibly sourced produce, an authentic atmosphere, passionate and friendly staff, quiet meeting rooms and Norway’s best burgers and steaks on your plate. We can’t really top that.
For more information, please visit: www.burgerandsteak.com
Food photos: Torbjørn Tandberg
And, should you desire some additional Norwegian influence to your dining experience, just soak up the surroundings. Situated centrally on the first floor of Østbanehallen, Oslo’s old main train hall from 1884 that has since been granted a line-up of modern shops and cafés, the quarters let you take in plenty of the capital’s most revered history. As the only restaurant on this floor, Opland Burger &
Steak offers an unparalleled view of the hall. Reflecting more than 140 years of journeys, greetings and goodbyes, few locations could be better hosts of a restaurant celebrating culinary fusions. With the modern-day central train station situated just metres from the hall, buses stopping just outside and ferries arriving at the nearby port, the restaurant is easily accessed wherever you come from. “The location is everything. You can arrive at our doorstep by literally any means of transportation,” says Opland, adding that the restaurant’s modern meeting facilities are a popular way of hosting conveniently located work gatherings in open quarters, or in a private ‘chambre separée’. The latter option will allow you to make use of inhouse equipment such as a large TV screen, perfect for presentations of all kinds. “You can call us in advance or simply book a space that suits you through the website, and we will see to your needs,” says Opland.
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Scan Magazine | Humour | Columns
IS IT JUST ME...
By Mette Lisby
Who finds that my husband’s thriftiness and joy of “a good bargain” is not always a positive thing? Like last week, when I was online looking to buy a bikini. I finally find the one I want and get ready to buy it. Even my husband likes it and nods approvingly. I am one click away from buying it when my husband says: “Hey!! Maybe we can find it cheaper on eBay.” I don’t want to find it cheaper on eBay. Because experience taught me that usually there is a compromise when you find stuff cheaper on eBay. Either it’s a different colour, or a slightly different brand that almost looks the same (said with my husband’s endless “bargain” enthusiasm). But now the thought is out there and I have to play along and at least try and see if it’s on eBay. So I log on to eBay, fuelled by my husband’s encouraging cheering as he looks over my shoulder, excitedly. Already I think my husband’s thriftiness has only slowed me down by prolonging the search for something I have found already. But lo and behold, the bikini is there! The exact same bikini at a third of the price!
Now even I get a little excited because to me this means that I can buy three bikinis! According to my husband, sadly, this only means that I saved £80, but how are you ever going to know you saved £80 if you don’t spend them? The joy of saving money surely lies in spending the money you saved in the first place and buying more stuff, right? However the bikini , even though it’s there on eBay, “new, with tags still on”, is not my size. Now I want to say “blimey” and buy the bikini I found initially. But thanks to my husband’s thriftiness, it is simply impossible to pay more for something that has proved to be out there at a cheaper price. So now I have to endure questions and comments like: “Are you sure you can’t fit into an extra small?", “we don’t even know that the sizes are accurate” and “European sizes are running a bit small anyway.” Sadly, my husband's “bargain-logic” doesn’t come in an extra large. It’s one size and it doesn’t fit all!
Sauna etiquette
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By Maria Smedstad
to leave these to the experts too. And most importantly, don’t listen too closely to Scandinavians when they tell you how good the experience is for you and how a little overheating never hurt anyone. If you need to leave, then leave. Passing out naked in a room full of strangers isn’t a look that works in any part of the world.
Ok, let’s clear up the whole thing about saunas. I’m sure that many saucy things happen in saunas on a regular basis. But, and this is where my British friends start arranging their faces into an expression of sheer disbelief, I would like to stress that it is possible to go inside a mixed sauna naked without anything happening. I am very understanding of the fact that lots of people will find this embarrassing and uncomfortable. But let me tell you, so is being the only person who tries to cover up when everyone else is letting it all hang loose. People start wondering what you have to hide. And then they will look at you, as you’re sweating away, tugging at your towel in a panic. They may even be forced to ask if you are alright, something that doesn’t exactly come easily to most
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”.
Scandis. The trick to survive a Scandinavian sauna is to sit back, crack open a beer and kind of stare into the distance in silence. Don’t talk to anyone, but feel free to grunt and sigh a bit. Don’t attempt to impress people by pouring more water onto the coals and if there are birch branches lying around, it’s probably best
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.
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Scan Business Key Note 100 | Business Columns 101 | Conference of the Month 102 | Scandinavian Business Calendar 103
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UK tax changes 2015 and beyond – and a possible end to the non-domicile tax advantages By Helena Whitmore, Senior Wealth Structuring Adviser, S|E|B Private Banking London The final UK Budget before the May General Election was delivered on 18 March 2015. Taken together with other announcements made previously, as usual, there are various changes to the UK tax rules coming into effect this year. The election manifestos by the different political parties also promise further tax changes in the years ahead. Here is a summary of some of the points which affect the international community in the UK. The most fundamental potential change for the international community is the Labour Party’s proposal to end the tax advantages which are available to non-domiciled UK residents. At the time of writing, the outcome of the election is still not known, but if this proposal is taken further by a new Government, it will result in major changes to the way many international individuals in the UK are taxed going forward. As is the case under the current rules, it should never be assumed that foreign income and gains are not reportable simply because they arise outside the UK. The full UK tax implications of any income and assets held outside the UK always need to be considered. It is not unusual for income to be taxable in more than one country at the same time (although foreign tax credit relief will often be available to alleviate actual double taxation). To make matters more complicated, the calculation rules in the UK may be different compared to the country where the income or gain arises, and the appropriate rates of exchange to pounds sterling need to be used in the UK calculation. This can have the result that a loss in say euro terms could represent a taxable profit in pounds sterling, leaving the taxpayer with an unexpected UK tax bill. The re-
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mittance basis rules (“the non-dom rules”) have so far been available to eliminate some of these problems for many foreigners, at least for the first seven years of residence in the UK. Under the current rules, individuals who are resident but not domiciled in the UK can still elect to pay tax on the remittance basis if they wish, but the annual charges for using this system have been increased with effect from 6 April 2015. There is no annual charge for using the remittance basis for the first seven years of residence (other than the loss of tax allowances), a £30,000 annual charge once the taxpayer has been resident for seven or more out of the previous nine tax years (no change), a higher £60,000 annual charge for those who have been resident for 12 or more out of the previous 14 tax years (previously £50,000), and a £90,000 annual charge for those who have been resident for 17 or more out of the previous 20 tax years (a newly introduced category). There is also an ongoing consultation regarding introducing a three-year minimum claim period for the remittance basis. From 6 April 2015, non-UK residents are now subject to capital gains tax on the disposal of UK residential property. Rebasing applies so that only gains accruing from 6 April 2015 onwards will be taxed. The UK tax payable should normally be allowed as a credit against the tax payable on the same transaction in the taxpayer’s country of residence. Individuals who have undisclosed income and gains outside the UK are running out of time to come clean to the tax authorities in return for reduced penalties. Exchange of tax information
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between tax authorities in different countries is in the process of being implemented on a global scale, and the various disclosure facilities which HMRC have introduced in the UK are coming to an end. In the budget it was announced that the Liechtenstein Disclosure Facility will close early on 31 December 2015, rather than 6 April 2016. New pension freedoms apply from 6 April 2015, allowing those over the age of 55 access to their pension savings much more flexibly than previously. This may also change the appropriate course of action when an individual with a UK pension pot moves abroad. It should not be assumed that any tax free lump sum, which can be taken under the UK rules, would also necessarily be tax free under the applicable rules in another country where the individual is resident. A small difference in circumstances from one individual to another can mean that the tax position is materially different, so it is important to take individual professional advice from a suitably qualified tax adviser whenever relevant.
Helena Whitmore, senior wealth structuring advisor, SEB Private Banking UK
For more information, email privatebanking@seb.co.uk or call 020 7246 4307
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Scan Magazine | Business Column | Annika Goodwill
Affordable childcare is essential to achieving gender balance in the workplace By Annika Goodwille | Photo: Erica Bergsmed
I’m in the middle of reading Let IT Go, a fascinating biography by Dame Stephanie Shirley. It’s about how she built up her computer programming company using freelance women, working from home. I’m surprised to see how little has changed since she started in 1962. Today, too often, employees can’t return to work after having children because childcare is too expensive to make it worthwhile. When I came to the United Kingdom 30 years ago, I was astonished about attitudes here towards women with careers and children. It seemed that when you had children you became a housebound housewife. In Sweden, my home country, you were expected to return to work. I recently came across horrifying statistics claiming that the cost of raising children in the UK has risen by 58 per cent since 2003. A staggering increase in 12 years! Childcare costs have hit a record high with some parents spending £14,000 a year keeping one child at a nursery! A survey of 1,500 nurseries around the country highlights the financial strain on mothers holding down jobs while grappling with Europe’s highest childcare costs. Stephen Burke, former chief executive of the Daycare Trust which campaigns for affordable childcare, said, “The report shows that for most parents childcare is simply beyond their reach.” There is no legislation here in the UK, nor does it seem to be culturally acceptable
for parents to share paternity and maternity leave equally, as is the case in Sweden today. Sweden has the most generous childcare benefits in the world and it should therefore not be surprising that Sweden also has the greatest number of women in senior management positions in business and in government. This is thanks to a state subsidy, which reduces the bill for each child to just £113 a month i.e. £1,356 a year! Parents pay a maximum of three per cent of their gross salary with a cap of £113 a month per child. You pay £32 for the third child and nothing for the fourth!
dies and further legislation in regards to equal rights for parental leave would certainly be a big step towards closing the workplace gender gap.
Annika Goodwillle
It would seem that the UK is still somewhat living in the '60s, albeit that it is more socially acceptable now for women to work and have children. More generous childcare subsi-
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Scan Magazine | Conference of the Month | Denmark
Oozing of history and elegant charm, Jomfruens Egede is a popular location for select board meetings.
The discretion, elegance and charm of a royal mistress Once the elegant but secluded home of a king’s mistress, Jomfruens Egede is today a valued location for exclusive, private board meetings. Located in the south of Zealand, the old manor offers spectacular architectural, historical and natural settings within an easy 40-minute drive from Copenhagen. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Jomfruens Egede
With a history that dates back to 1346, Jomfruens Egede is steeped in history and elegant charm. Renovated and extended in the late 18th century, the manor is described by the National Museum of Denmark as “one of, if not the, main work of Danish interior art from the last part of the 18th century”. Up until just 15 years ago, the manor was a functioning home and, with much of the interiors intact, guests get an exclusive yet homely experience, says manager Henrik Clemens Berthelsen. “The fact that Jomfruens Egede is an old manor house designed as a private home is something which reflects very much in the atmosphere of the place. It gives you the sense that you are
102 | Issue 76 | May 2015
visiting a private home; it is a feeling of intimacy and discretion at the same time,” he says. While Berthelsen heads the manor’s hospitality services, owner Joachim greve Moltke manages the large landholdings. With many Danish top leaders visiting Jomfruens Egede, matching the settings with a discrete, attentive and flexible service has become an essential part of Berthelsen’s hospitality strategy. This is why Jomfruens Egede only ever hosts one event at a time. The size of events varies greatly; the manor’s largest room seats up to 150 people while a string of smaller rooms and saloons can be arranged for
meetings of all sizes and settings. “We don’t have one standard setting but adapt every event to our clients. We can provide a solution for most needs. The same goes for the food and activities. Our standard kitchen is French/Danish, but if you prefer Italian food, we can arrange that too,” says Berthelsen. “We also work with a range of partners offering all kinds of activities in the area from climbing to teambuilding and, of course, our large private forest and grounds are perfect for ‘walk and talks’ or shooting clay pigeons.” Jomfruens Egede also hosts weddings and celebrations and can house up to 44 overnight guests. All suites, double and single rooms are decorated with old antiquities combined with new and comfortable beds. For more information, please visit: www.jomfruensegede.dk
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Scan Magazine | Business | Business Calendar
Scandinavian Business Calendar
By Caroline Edwards
– Highlights of Scandinavian business events Plunging oil prices – is it all bad news?
the Danish and UK markets. Don’t miss out on the
Join the Norwegian-British Chamber of Com-
chance to get first class advice from the Cham-
merce for yet another enlightening event. DNB,
ber’s advisors.
Each spring the Swedish Chamber of Commerce
Norway’s largest financial services group, takes a
Time and date: 21 May, 9.30 am – 2 pm
tempts you with the Young Professional’s Spring
look at the future of the oil industry by digging into
Venue: SEB Offices:
Party, taking place at the Roof Gardens in Kens-
the current oil prices and analysing the state of the
1 Carter Ln, London EC4V 5AN
ington. Let work and play go hand in hand at the
market. Sit back and listen to experts in the field
Work and play: Network with young professionals
best party of the season. Enjoy delicious BBQ, fabulous cocktails and meet fellow young profes-
working reception where you can mingle with the
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce presents: Entrepreneurship Forum 2015
other attendees.
Sweden and Britain share a proud history of en-
early to avoid disappointment.
Time and date: 27 May, 6 pm – 8.30 pm
trepreneurial spirit that has resulted in flourishing
Time and date: 16 May, 7 pm.
Venue: Copthorne Hotel, Aberdeen. Venue
business industries. However, all start-ups face
Venue: The Roof Gardens,
details will be published
the same issue in the early stages: funding. Come
99 Kensington High Street, W8 5SA
closer to event.
along to this year’s Entrepreneurship Forum at
as they present to the audience, followed by a net-
sionals in their best party mood. Get your ticket
the Swedish Chamber of Commerce and learn
Extending your business to Denmark or the UK? Get advice
business idea. Get inspiration from the people who
The Danish-UK Chamber of Commerce, the
made it.
Chamber’s Advisory Board and partners are proud
Time and date: 7 May, 6 pm – 9.30 pm
to announce the Helping New Entrants initiative,
Venue: Grange St. Pauls Hotel,
hosted by SEB UK. This is the chance for new
10 Godliman Street,
business owners to receive advice on extending to
London EC4V 5AJ
more about how to acquire funding for your bright
Are there to be rules...? By Steve Flinders
When do you break the rules? How do you feel when someone else breaks the rules? As I follow the complicated manoeuvres involving Greece, Germany and the rest of Europe, I’ve been wondering whether a lot of the friction within the European Union (EU) isn’t simply due to a basic cultural difference concerning rules. Fons Trompenaars, the Dutch interculturalist, tells us that in universalist cultures, rules are seen as binding; while in particularist cultures, rules can be broken if they don’t really suit your own special needs. The problem in the EU, in business and in life, is when universalists and particularists have to work together. In the United Kingdom, where I come from, a long tradition of deference has only recently started to fracture; in France, the spirit is less respectful. Once, at the start of a Paris marathon when the organisers decided that 20,000 runners were standing in the wrong place, I naturally turned round immediately to move back when asked to do so, only to be
faced with 19,999 other runners whistling and shouting abuse. In the UK, everyone would have done what they were told. In France, we started the race from where we were. The modern world does seem to require us to resist the idea that we are the exception, and yet over-rigid rules, and too many of them, may risk provoking an even stronger reaction
against them. As in every clash of cultures, rule respecters and rule breakers must try to understand each other. Scandinavians should understand that people in some EU countries are deeply suspicious of the state and its intentions. We need to surface these differences and then sign up to a consensus which we can all buy into. Which, I guess, works okay until someone decides that in their particular case...
Steve Flinders is a freelance trainer, writer and coach, now based in Malta, who helps people develop their communication and leadership skills for working internationally: steveflind@aol.com www.coachingyork.co.uk/item/ steve-flinders
Issue 76 | May 2015 | 103
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Scan Magazine | Feature | Eurovision
Top Left: Anti Social Media representing Denmark. Photo: Ditte Chemnitz Top Middle: María Ólafs representing Iceland. Photo: Jonatan Gretarsson Bottom Middle: PKN representing Finland. Photo: Anton Sucksdorff Right: Måns Zelmerlöw representing Sweden. Photo: Per Kristiansen
We are the heroes of our time It’s May, and few things stir up a conversation as much as the Eurovision Song Contest. Here is Scan Magazine’s guide to the Nordic melodies you will spend a good year trying to get off your mind.
a continental scale, but after what they achieved in Finland, they are not to be counted out so easily.
By Karl Batterbee
And finally we are left with Sweden, who once again find themselves entering Eurovision as the clear favourites to win. Heroes by Måns Zelmerlöw is a song which actually succeeds in sounding like the sort of music that is appearing on the charts; an up-tempo pop track that taps into the trend of pairing the dance genre with country music. It’s very current and totally relevant to the pop music scene in 2015. And with million streams on Swedish Spotify, plus a mammoth 40 days at number one on the country’s iTunes chart, it’s clear that the Swedes have chosen to represent themselves with a song that they genuinely love. Their insistence on song quality above all else, will surely result in them earning their fourth top three finish at Eurovision in the space of only five years.
Mørland & Debrah Scarlett will represent Norway with A Monster Like Me. It’s an epic ballad that has become a big fan favourite, although its chances of winning in Vienna may be scuppered somewhat by the fact that the contest this year features so many other brooding ballads. It will most definitely give Norway a very respectable result though. Denmark will be represented with The Way You Are by Anti Social Media. The four pop boys perform a catchy, up-tempo track that sounds like a radio-friendly cross between the Motown, Britpop, and the current incarnation of Take That. The feel-good anthem should do well on the night and will benefit from its rousing
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tempo in comparison to what else is on offer this year. Iceland is competing with the song Unbroken by María Ólafs. A Disney flavoured ballad performed by a doe-eyed, blondehaired, angelic young girl. The Icelandic delegation are in addition rumoured to be ramping up Frozen references by incorporating some look-alike visuals into the song’s staging. Finland is sending an elderly punk band made up of musicians with learning difficulties to compete. PKN performed an 85-second punk track and won the hearts of the nation in the process. It’s perhaps unlikely that their story will translate onto
10_ScanMag_76_May_2015_Q9_Scan Magazine 1 06/05/2015 18:21 Page 105
Scan Magazine | Culture | Moomins
The magic of the Moomins This May welcomes the much loved Moomins to UK screens as they leave Moominvalley behind and head south in the feature-length animation Moomins on the Riviera. Inspired by and based on Tove Jansson’s original comic strips, this charming tale addresses aspects of life that affect us all; finding joy in small things, the value of cross-cultural understanding and the power of optimism. By Inna Allen | Photos: ©2014 Handle Productions Oy, Pictak Cie ©Moomin Characters™
Directed by Xavier Picard and produced by Hanna Hemilä, Moomins on the Riviera features the entire Moomin clan as they embark on a hilarious adventure on the glamorous Riviera. After a journey fraught with menacing storms and desert island dangers, Snorkmaiden is dazzled by the attentions of a playboy and Moomin learns that jealousy's sting is the most painful of all. When Moominpappa befriends an aristocrat and adopts the name ‘de Moomin’, an exasperated Moominmamma retreats to the calm of their trusty old boat, to wait for her family to come to their senses. “I am incredibly honoured to be able to present Tove Jansson’s smart and forever au courant humour for the young and the old around the world,” enthuses producer Hemilä.
In homage to Tove Jansson’s pencil drawings, Moomins on the Riviera was created using a traditional hand-drawn animation technique; 120,000 drawings on paper were painstakingly scanned for the film. The artistically ambitious feature length film celebrates the beloved characters in their original context and reflects their cross-generational and universal appeal, even 100 years after the birth of their creator. “My ambition is to extend the work of Tove Jansson without betraying it, all the while keeping in mind her thought ‘Live in peace, plant potatoes and dream’,” says director Picard. The film is produced by Handle Productions Oy in Finland and Pictak Cie in France. Sophia Jansson, niece of Tove and
daughter of Lars, who drew the later comic strips, is on board as associate producer. In the UK version, Moomin is voiced by Russell Tovey, whilst Nathaniel Parker and Tracy Ann Oberman play Moominpappa and Moominmamma respectively. Stephanie Winiecki plays Snorkmaiden and Little My is voiced by Ruth Gibson.
Moomins on the Riviera opens in cinemas across the UK on 22 May 2015. For more information, please visit: www.moominsontheriviera.com
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Scan Magazine | Culture | Culture Calendar
Scandinavian Culture Calendar – Where to go, what to see? It’s all happening here! DCircle on tour (May) Finnish experimental rock band Circle are touring Europe with their latest album Pharaoh Overlord this month. www.circlefinland.com Death & Vanilla (15 May) Swedish Death & Vanilla will be playing their late '60s baroque/psychedelic pop from their new album To Where the Wild Things Are. Birthdays, N16, London. deathandvanillamusic.bandcamp.com Seinabo Sey (20 May) Swedish neo-soul songwriter and singer Seinabo Sey will team up with American experimental soul duo Lion Babe at Scala this month. Scala, N1, London. www.seinabosey.com
City of light: Turangalîla-symphonie (28 May) An evening of music by Debussy and Messiaen conducted by Finnish Esa-Pekka Salonen as part of the City of Light series. Royal Festival Hall, SE1, London. www.philharmonia.co.uk Helena Juntunen sings Sibelius (11 June) Russian-born Vladimir Ashkenazy conducts the Philharmonia Orchestra in Sibelius' enchanting Pelléas et Mélisande suite and Luonnotar. Featuring Finnish soprano Helena Juntunen. Royal Festival Hall, London, SE1. www.philharmonia.co.uk
Seinabo Sey at Scala, London on 20 May
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By Sara Schedin | Press Photos
Pehr Hilleström: With the home in the limelight (Until 14 June) At the top of the ’gold house’ (the nickname for Sven-Harry Karlsson's art museum) is a replica of the ground floor of Karlsson’s 18th-century manor Ekholmsnäs. How was this manor decorated in the 18th century? No one knows today, but in dialogue with this ’rooftop home’, Sven-Harry’s Art Museum is organising an exhibition of an artist who has affectionately portrayed Swedish 18th-century interiors in great detail. Pehr Hilleström was a painter at the court of King Gustav III, where he portrayed the magnificent royal interiors. But he was just as comfortable portraying middle-class homes, with their upstairs and downstairs inhabitants engaged in their day-to-day activi-
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Scan Magazine | Culture | Culture Calendar
ties, or farm interiors, the great Stockholm fire, jousting competitions and stilllife. Wed-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat-Sun 11am5pm. Sven-Harry's Art Museum, Eastmansvägen 10-12, Stockholm. www.sven-harrys.se Oh Land (9 June & 15 June) The Danish synth-pop singer and songwriter Oh Land will be performing in Amsterdam and London in June. ohlandmusic.com
Elements (Until 9 Aug) Throughout the ages the elements have been used as a concept for understanding reality. Ancient Greek philosophers saw the world consisting of fire, water, earth and air. Today the structure of the universe is studied by physicists, cosmologists and also by artists. This exhibition explores our relationship with the world and the forces of nature through works of art from the Kiasma Collections. Featuring artists such as Maaria Wirkkala, Janne Laine and Elina Autio. Tue & Sun
10am-5pm, Wed-Fri 10am-8.30pm, Sat 10am-6pm. Museum of Contemporary Art, Kiasma, Mannerheiminaukio 2, Helsinki. www.kiasma.fi
Love Story - Works from Erling Kagge's collection (22 May - 27 Sept) Known as one of the greatest adventurers of our time, Norwegian Erling Kagge is an acomplished polar explorer, mountaineer, lawyer and publisher who was the first to reach the South Pole, travelling alone and unsupported for 50 days. He is also a dedicated art collector and the exhibition Love Story will feature a selection of works from his extensive collection, including Raymond Pettibon, Klara Lidén, Tauba Auerbach, Sergej Jensen, Trisha Donnelly, Wolfgang Tillmans and Olafur Eliasson and many more. Tue, Wed & Fri 12noon5pm, Thu 12noon-7pm, Sat & Sun 11am5pm. Astrup Fearnley Museet, Strandpromenaden 2, 0252 Oslo, Norway. afmuseet.no
Scandinavian Music By Karl Batterbee
It’s the peak of spring and two beautifully bleak soul ballads have just arrived out of Scandinavia. First up is the misleadingly titled Jolly by Swedish duo The Lola O, a heart wrenching love song that manages to straddle the line between anthemic and downbeat. Its soulful chorus is a revelation once it arrives. And then there’s That Ain’t Love, the debut single from Finnish artist Katéa. It’s an epic ballad that has flavours of the retro. Showcasing a stunner of a melody set to some cinematic music, it has an awe-inspiring vocal delivery from our Finnish newcomer. It inevitably draws comparisons to Lana Del Rey, but lives up to them too. Sweden’s Erik Hassle has made a return with a brand new single No Words. It’s not like the Erik Hassle songs of yesteryear, but instead a foray into a sound that’s a lot more mainstream and poptastic for Erik. It’s a funked up, blissed out declaration of unashamed, radio-
friendly disco. And while I’ve always loved Erik’s more forlorn ballads, No Words is without a doubt one of the best things he’s come out with.
supposed to love, but give it a couple of listens and you will be exclaiming “HASHTAG – NO FILTER” at random points throughout your day.
Faroese pop music rarely gets featured here, but there’s a new track straight from Tórshavn that I’m a bit obsessed with. It’s called Here We Come, by Mahanna. They describe themselves as an electropop duo, but Here We Come is pure pop, more in the lines of Australia’s Sheppard with their single Geronimo, or the songs from the most recent One Direction album, than their icy electro Nordic contemporaries. It’s catchy as sin and joyously uplifting. Finally, let’s have a novelty number. Remember that song #SELFIE? Well Norway has come up with its own version of that: #NoFilter, by Norwegian glamour model and reality star Linni Meister. It’s a ridiculous Europop song that you’re not really
www.scandipop.co.uk scandipop@gmail.com
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