Scan Magazine | Issue 78 | July 2015 by Scan Client Publishing

ÅSNE SEIERSTAD – ON AUTHORSHIP AND JOURNALISM LARGE THEME: MADE IN SWEDEN CULTURAL NORWEGIAN DELIGHTS SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN AND FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA

PROMOTING BRAND SCANDINAVIA

ISSUE 78 JULY 2015

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Scan Magazine | Contents

Contents COVER FEATURE

6 19

Literature, food and culture What else do you need this summer? Dive right into a fabulous portrait and feature of Swedish author Kjell Eriksson and his widely-read series about Ann Lindell. The newest addition Open Grave is released this July and is bound to be a killer story. Following this are pages filled with culinary and cultural delights from both Finland and Denmark.

SPECIAL THEMES 33

Made in Sweden Scandinavia as a brand is a big selling point for business all over the world. Sweden is no exception. With excellent craftsmen skills, business minds and a nose for sniffing up attractive gaps in the market, Sweden is a star on the Scandinavian export’s sky. In this special theme, presented by Volvo Cars and the Swedish Government, you will make a closer acquaintance with some of the hottest brands and concepts. All Swedish, all fantastic!

Vestre Kjærnes Gård is the perfect place to combine complete privacy within easy reach of the buzzing city life. It couldn’t be more perfect as our Conference of the Month. Annika Goodwille gives us masterful insights in our business keynote and Paul Flinders is as always full of wisdom when he takes us through the necessity (or un-necessity) of HR.

Scandinavian coolness and impeccable style This month’s design section is bursting with dreamy creations for both the wardrobe and the home. Our regular We Love This on page 13 will give you tips on how to create a perfect summer haven in your garden or outdoor area. Our feature on 2ND DAY gives you insights of their S/S 15 collection as well as a sneak peek into the future. This and so, so, so much more starting on page 10. We love Scandinavian design and we’re sure you will too!

FEATURES 29

Culture in Norway Norway, Norway and some more Norway is on the agenda for this special theme, focusing on the various offers from the land up north. With its mesmerising nature and enchanting traditions, Norway has a rich cultural legacy that influences many local businesses and tourist activities, hotels and restaurants. In this fantastically wonderful section you will get to know all about it.

Åsne Seierstad Our cover star this month is none other than renowned and accomplished author and journalist Åsne Seierstad. In this wonderful interview, she sits down with Scan Magazine’s former editor Julie Lindén and talks about her career, how it all began, and her book One of Us which was recently translated into English.

DESIGN 10

Top Summer Experiences in Denmark 2015 Summer in Denmark is a place for serenity, relaxation, nature and countless activities that will get your heart racing and adrenalin pumping. In other words; a little bit of everything. In our Danish special feature this month we have made an attempt to represent some of the greatest things there is to experience in Denmark this warm season.

BUSINESS

CULTURE 101 If you are looking for something fun and interesting to occupy yourself with you simply must look through our Culture Calendar on page104. It offers a grand variation and never a dull moment. Music, art and other performances, all for your consideration. As usual our Scandipop column is here to give you the latest and hottest of the Scandi produced music scene and our columnist Adam Jacot de Boivor talks meanings and expressions of the Scandinavian languages on page 106.

REGULARS & COLUMNS 10 90

Issue 78 | July 2015 | 3

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Scan Magazine | Editor’s Note

Dear Reader, Tolerance is a word I have none for. Tolerance. The word leaves me with a sour taste in my mouth. When people tolerate something it is as if they are saying “I can live with knowing that it exists, but I will not respect or like it.” With me, it strikes a wrong chord. However, never before has the word been more important than it is today – at least when it’s interpreted a little differently, and in combination with some of my favourite words: respect, love, and acceptance. Four years ago on 22 July, Scandinavia and many other parts of the world, were shook to the ground by the bomb in Oslo and the Utøya massacre that deprived 77 people of a future. The actions of one man changed the lives of thousands, and not for the better. This issue features journalist and author Åsne Seierstad on the cover. A woman who has dedicated most of her adult life to covering conflicts, lives and cultures so that we can all learn from the course of history. Learn and improve. Learn and try our utmost to make sure that what has been done will never repeat itself. Earlier this year her book about the 22 July attacks, entitled One of Us, was translated into English. It is a journalistic masterpiece, captured in a skilfully narrated depiction of some of the lives involved, affected and taken during that one day which is forever scarred in so many minds.

Scan Magazine

Contributors

Issue 78 | July 2015

Adam Jacot de Boivor

Published 07.2015 ISSN 1757-9589

Anne Line Kaxrud Annika Goodwille

One of Us is neither fiction nor entertainment. Rather it is journalism at its finest, educating, deepening and informing. Facts and background are mixed with statements and interviews all made into a book that lingers with you long after you’ve put it down. It is human to want to understand and make sense even of the most senseless of acts and events. But sometimes understanding is beyond our reach and maybe that’s the way it should be. However it is crucial that we try. Now more than ever it is vital that we come together and talk, discuss, and listen to each other. Alienating will only cause events like these to happen time and time again. So let’s try, for the sake of those we’ve lost, for those we still have left and for the sake of those to come. Respect, love and accept. We can all do it, and try our hardest to do it a little better than before. It is the only way in which to honour those that have been taken away. Gone but never forgotten.

Astrid Eriksson, Editor, Scan Magazine

Sales & Key Account Managers Emma Fabritius Nørregaard Mette Tonnessen Johan Enelycke

Caroline Edwards

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Photo: Vindelfilm/Johan Palmgren

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Ă&#x2026;sne Seierstad

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Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Åsne Seierstad

Åsne Seierstad: – The fearless narrator She has reported some of the world’s most gruesome wars and conflicts from places few of us would venture unflustered. With an impressive cool she has narrated daily life in Baghdad, Kabul and Chechnya, and written globally acclaimed books about places that would perhaps remain unexplained without her dedicated storytelling. Still, even the most avid admirers of Åsne Seierstad know her best through newspapers, TV screens and books. Scan Magazine’s Julie Lindén sat down with the award-winning journalist and author to learn more about the woman behind the mysterious calm, the never-ending search for stories – and her most emotionally challenging work yet... By Julie Lindén | Press Photos

Vanity has no place in Åsne Seierstad’s world. This is the first thing I learn about her as she greets me in the doorway of her red Oslo villa. “I’m doing a bit of gardening today,” she says with a short laugh, her jeans somewhat stained by dirt. “You’ve got to make the most of your free time.” Indeed. Having just arrived home from the Sydney Writers' Festival a few days before our meeting (after which she made a pit stop in London to appear at a Q&A with Frontline Club), she is already packing her bags for San Francisco. “I don’t leave until tomorrow morning at 10, so I’ve got plenty of time,” she replies serenely while pouring me coffee, when I thank her for fitting me into her busy schedule. Efficiency. Efficiency does have a place in Seierstad’s world. From Oslo to Chechnya – via Mexico and a brothel Although Seierstad’s typically Norwegian house – fully outfitted with a green garden and leafy porch – is a portrait of homeliness (“living here is pure hygiene for the mind”), it’s in places far from home that she has always felt she belonged. Fresh out of high school, she de-

cided Mexico was the place to satisfy her thirst for global influences. “My friend and I left as fast as we could,” she says, smiling. “We just wanted to see the world, really – and learn some Spanish and dance along the way.” As it turned out, all the dance in Latin America couldn’t keep the young adventuress busy, and she would soon find herself living in a former brothel studying political science in Russia. When she was invited by a friend to meet politician Ruslan Khasbulatov, she was forced to pose as a journalist to get entry to the Parliament building. The rest could be described as impeccably reported history. “People sometimes ask how I found the courage to do what I did,” Seierstad says pensively about her first trip to a soon-tobe war-scarred Chechnya in 1994. “It wasn’t like I didn’t consider the risks of what I was about to get into. I was 25 years old, I knew there was a war going on, I knew it was dangerous to go – but I didn’t quite know what it was all about. I just kept telling myself ‘it will all work out’.” There is an inherent naturalness in her voice, as if fright has never really presented itself to her. She reads my mind:

“The fearlessness… I think it’s always been there, living inside of me. It’s nothing I necessarily see in other members of my family. I can’t ever remember thinking that I wasn’t good enough to go out and do something I wanted to do, but I’m humble about it. If my plans work out that’s great, but if they don’t – well, then that’s OK too.” She pauses and slips on her sunglasses. “I think I’m lucky that way.” Finding calm in a war zone – and bitter aftertastes There were going to be more war reports after Chechnya. Many more. Whether in Kosovo, Afghanistan or Iraq, reporting on camera or working undercover, Seierstad would keep a certain cool that was to become her reporting trademark. “There’s a clear calm that hits me when I enter a war zone,” she says, understanding the paradox. “It’s not like I relax when I land somewhere and there are bombs going off around me, but I focus. I have one thing to do: find out what’s going on and report it. A modern life at home… there are always thousands of things to do.” She smiles, “it’s very difficult paying your bills in Afghanistan.” I can imagine so, and especially while working in disguise. Sipping her coffee, Seierstad recalls her undercover alter egos. “I’ve been a farmer’s wife in Chechnya, and a Latvian woman working in an orphanage,” she counts, with unmistakable precision. “The burka has of course helped me in places like Afghanistan, but that’s more of a common safety measure than a disguise. As such, it’s been an advantage being a female reporter. It would, for instance,

Issue 78 | July 2015 | 7

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Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Åsne Seierstad

have been impossible for a man to live with a bookseller’s family in Kabul. It just wouldn’t have worked out.” Among many coveted works by Seierstad, The Bookseller of Kabul is arguably the one that has attracted the most attention in past years. Living with an Afghan family in the wake of Taliban’s fall, Seierstad gave her observant account of daily life in the country’s capital – particularly describing the situation for women. While the global press have praised the non-fictional book to the skies, the author’s journalistic method was questioned after the bookseller’s wife sued Seierstad for defamation and invasion of privacy. Having meandered the Norwegian legal system for years, the case was recently laid to rest. Can Seierstad finally put the years of litigation behind? “Winning in our Supreme Court had a bitter aftertaste, because it’s a definite defeat for me as a journalist that we couldn’t agree. Therefore I don’t feel like I can put it behind me. Then again I’ve learnt a tremendous amount from the process. Above all that I can’t let it happen again, the endless discussions about my work and how I do it. Especially not when the next book I was writing had to be, had to be, so incredibly precise.”

The article that became a story about Norway It was just supposed to be an article for Newsweek. Seierstad had been sitting in the backseat of a car, squeezed between her toddlers Embrik and Sol, when the publication’s editor called. It was the 22 July 2011. Newsweek’s editor wanted Seierstad to report on the bombing of Oslo and shootings on the island of Utøya, where Anders Behring Breivik had taken 77 lives. Seierstad wanted to grieve, along with the rest of Norway. “It would have been impossible for me to report there and then. It was just too close to home.” As the trial commenced the following spring, Seierstad quickly understood that her one article about the sentencing had to become something more. “The trial wasn’t the story. I had to research his life, but just as importantly – the victims’ lives. The re-

8 | Issue 78 | July 2015

sult, One of Us, became a work of contrasts, and I think that’s what makes the book powerful. A book solely about Breivik, or just about the victims would never strike with the same kind of emotional force.”

laboration between the victims’ families and herself. She smiles slightly, as if struck by emotion, gazing out into an Oslo she manifestly loves. Perhaps even more so, now.

She goes quiet. “The worst thing,” she pauses for thought, “was speaking to the parents. Asking such detailed questions. Learning that there was a cake in the oven, waiting for a son who never came home. Learning where a mother sat in her home when she realised her daughter was dead. I felt so ruthless so often, going over the most painful of details.” In a bid to get closer to the source of the pain, Seierstad got an interview with Breivik’s mother a few days before she died. An interview with Breivik himself was refused. “I sent him a letter. A year later he replied. I remember having to sit down when I realised whom the envelope was from,” she says. “There was this instant feeling of nausea.”

One of Us is now available in English

In the end the book was, as Seierstad writes in her epilogue, written as a col-

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Scan Magazine | Design | Fashion Diary

Fashion Diary... The long wait is over! Summer is here in all its glory and with it, amazingly cool and fantastically lush Scandinavian fashion. Take your pick of Nordic delights, mix and match and be rest assured that you are bound to look awesome in the timeless, never fading Scandinavian sense of style. By Astrid Eriksson | Press photos

Look extra sharp and on point with the trend that never goes out of style: stripes. This t-shirt from NN07 is no exception to the rule. Super soft and durable Peruvian cotton. So simple, so casual, and so hitting all the right notes. Approximately £43 www.nn07.com As we all know the hot summer days in the North are often followed by chilled evenings, but that’s no excuse to stop looking like a million bucks! This coat from Tiger of Sweden is the perfect combination of mesh linings, a discrete collar and trendy front pockets. An extra bonus for the slightly unusual length. £499 www.tigerofsweden.com

It was the zipper pockets that did it for us. Such a small detail but such a nice feature. But let’s be honest, the rest is pretty slick too. The navy blue colour, the straight silhouette and the promise of a hot sunny day with walks, sailing, socialising and enjoying life. Yes please! These shorts are fantastic. £105 www.wonhundred.com

Filippa K always deliver hits no matter the season, but these shoes sure are something. Not only is the colour a wonderful mix of faded metallic and navy blue, it’s made from 100 per cent leather – quality is key. This pair had our editorial room sighing: 'if I had a man’s feet these babies would be on them.' Approximately £115 www.filippa-k.com

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Scan Magazine | Design | Fashion Diary

Oh H&M, you’ve done it again! The new H&M Conscious Exclusive Collection is full of knock outs and showstoppers. Like this one. We don’t know if we would prefer to look at it constantly or wear it, all day, every day. Once you’ve seen it you can’t un-see it and from here on out, our wardrobes will forever be incomplete without this dress on the rack. Approximately £145 www.hm.com

No one knows how to accessorise quite as well as & Other Stories. Affordable and always spot on. These little honey’s will work just as well worn on an elegant dinner party as they will add a little extra to your business outfit. Approximately £20 www.stories.com

Holy moly these are gorgeous! 2ND DAY leaves us wanting for nothing with these high-heeled beauties that are sure to stop traffic and turn some heads. The details are phenomenal and the cheeky peeptoe as well as the heel cut out makes this the perfect shoe for an upscale, summery and fashionable rendezvous. £360 www.day.dk

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Scan Magazine | Design | Street Style

Nordic Humans of London Scan Magazine’s brilliant Sanna Halmekoski has once again hit the streets of London to find out what the Scandinavian fashion fanatics are wearing. Cool, sleek and full of statements, this is a little piece of Scandiland in the United Kingdom. By Sanna Halmekoski | Photos: Sanna Halmekoski

Teija Eilola, Finnish fashion designer (www.teijaeilola.com) “My style is practical Nordic minimalism crossed with couture finishes. This shirt is by my own label TEIJA and a skirt by Cos. A Marimekko bag and Nike trainers are my fashion staples. The scarf was designed by my friend Emma Shipley.” Mikko Puttonen, Finnish fashion influencer @mikkoputtonen “I like minimalism with a twist, such as an interesting material. I wear black, white and grey. Scarf is by a Finnish brand gTIE, shoes by Acne, trousers and jacket by Weekday, shirt by Cos and the bag is by Helsinki-based Onar.”

Filippa af Buren

Filippa af Buren, Swedish junior designer at Three Floor Fashion “My style is clean and masculine. I buy Swedish brands like Acne when I visit back home. I am wearing shoes and a top by H&M, jeans by Acne, a bag by Hugo Boss and a watch by Larsson & Jennings.”

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Mikko Puttonen

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Scan Magazine | Design | We Love This

We love this... Wanting nothing more than to spend every waking hour outside (preferable with the July issue of Scan Magazine within reach), we have assembled a few bits and pieces this month that will allow you to transform your outdoor area or garden into a mesmerising paradise you’ll never want to leave. By Astrid Eriksson | Press photos

It’s common knowledge that Scandinavian’s love IKEA, but for crying out loud, why wouldn’t we? This divine vision of affordable luxury is as inviting as it is dreamy. Just imagine having people over for a little afternoon soirée in your very own gazebo. Enjoy the summer breeze or relax in the shade it provides. If this isn’t a summer interior winner, we don’t know what is. £250 www.ikea.com We’ve featured them in our April issue but we could all do with a little reminder of the greatness that is Pappelina. With a never ending array of prints, patterns and colours their rugs are a must for any Scandi interior lover out there. Just look at it! And the best part? It works fantastically well outside, and would be splendid in your summer gazebo. Splash some colour in there and enjoy your new heaven on earth. It’ll be a massive hit, we can assure you. www.pappelina.com / www.scandinavianshop.co.uk

When it comes to decorating your lovely gazebo, you can’t go wrong with a visit to The Scandinavian Shop. Here, you will find design stunners like this lantern. Discrete, yet providing the very highest sense of cosiness and relaxation. It is a perfect complement to your nightly hang out. £49.95 www.scandinavianshop.co.uk

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Scan Magazine | Design | 2nd Day

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Scan Magazine | Design | 2nd Day

Danish days of excellence Scan Magazine loves Scandinavian fashion. The slick shapes, the cool attitude and the impeccable sense of style has for years dominated the features that have made the region famous in design circles. One fairly recent success is 2ND DAY, a brand part of the enormously popular DAY BIRGER ET MIKKELSEN fashion house, where ethnic influences are successfully merged with the Scandinavian simplicity. 2ND DAY was launched in 2011 and has since created jaw dropping collections attracting a modern and fashionable customer base, where innovative and personal style is the top priority. By Astrid Eriksson | Press Photos

We met up for a quick chat with Creative Director Åsa Göransson to discuss Danish 2ND DAY’s Spring/Summer collection and gush over what new and exciting things the future has in store. We love your SS collection! What has inspired it and who is it for? The Spring/Summer 2015 collection is inspired by the Brutalist architectural style and the Swedish artist Oscar Reutersvärds' famous “impossible figure”. These strong cultural references were mixed with scuba and sports influencesto create a sculptural sport and minimal designed collection. 2ND DAY always designs for life. Whether it’s about activity or inactivity, rough playing, getting dirty or taking it easy. Our clothes are pushing boundaries, just the way life does. It throws you curve balls and you need to be ready to handle them. We want to encourage the essence of what it is to be alive. Making mistakes,

making a mess, that’s what – and who – it is all about. What words would best describe 2ND DAY? 2ND DAY is a very progressive female denim, leather and tailoring based atelier with a raw elegance. We focus on an excellent fit and quality materials and production. The collections are divided into two parts: denim and ready to wear. We always play with art influences and often this can be in a simple and playful way, to be arty for no reason. What sets 2ND DAY apart from other Scandinavian fashion brands? I think 2ND DAY is more colorful and more playful than other Scandi fashion brands. We do not follow rules and our mix of unlimited influences and contrasts creates our own unique aesthetic. Even in your eclectic mix you can easily see a coherence. What is the general

philosophy behind 2ND DAY? 2ND DAY is evolving and we are consciously trying to break the rules, while we still have a strong design aesthetic. We want to go where no fashion brand has been before and we want to create what has not existed before. We want to be playful and open-minded. When we started this journey we lived by the saying “destroy to create”, which means that in order to make something brand new you have to take away the old. This saying is still a constant reference to the 2ND DAY team. Talk to us about future collections and plans! What can we expect in a near future? The upcoming collections have even stronger art influences, a lot of playful art inspired prints and playful colour combinations are to come! We are very proud of the developments in our tailored products which go from strength to strength. The addition of new fashion jeans fits and washes are very exciting for Autumn Winter 2015 and we are generally excited about the seasons ahead as we continue to elevate the brand, we have a strong confident and talented design team so the sky is the limit! For more information, please visit: www.day.dk

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Scan Magazine | Design | Gran Living

A playful approach to Nordic design AYTM is a new interior design brand sparkling with eye-catching details and simplistic elegance, offering high-quality products at a reasonable price. With more than ten years of experience in the industry, Kathrine Gran Hartvigsen is ready to introduce AYTM to the world, determined to inspire Scandinavians to personalise their homes with decadent designs.

was time for Gran Living to get a new family member, hoping to inspire the laid-back Scandinavians to express themselves more freely – and that was how AYTM was born.

By Caroline Edwards | Photos: AYTM, Christan B. Yellows (photographer) and Lene Rønfeldt (stylist)

“Nordic design is known for its good quality, but also it’s simplicity. AYTM seeks to design items that are both sophisticated and decadent, combining international trends with something Nordic in an attempt to allow design-conscious homeowners to play around with decorative interiors,” explains Kathrine, who is rather proud of the young brand’s achievements so far. Their first collection is defined by its exclusive look and design, with a pattern shaped as a drop running through the whole series as a defining feature, from the rugs to the pil-

“I believe that we have something new to add to European design and we are very excited to show it to everyone,” exclaims Kathrine Gran Hartvigsen who is running the company Gran Living. Along with her husband Per, she has been designing and producing interiors for furniture chains since 2004. This experience has given her extensive knowledge of the industry along with a knack for trend spotting - and now she is ready to take the lead as AYTM enters the world of design

16 | Issue 78 | July 2015

as a brand that plays with words as well as ideas. Sophisticated, yet decadent “Our name, AYTM, is a bit of a word-play. It refers to the word ‘item’, which is what we are all about. We create aesthetically pleasing objects for people’s homes that are meant to suit design-conscious customers eager to make their lives less bland,” explains Kathrine. After spotting a gap in the market, she decided that it

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Scan Magazine | Design | Gran Living

lows. At AYTM the decorative elements are in focus as well as functional items for the table. However, they are first and foremost a brand that appeals to the visual senses, designing everything from candle holders to sculptures to pillows.

talented head designer Anne Stensgaard. The combination of soft colours, quirky details, graphical elements and highquality materials is what makes AYTM’s products so outstanding. Ready to meet the world

An invitation to play “We want to create something cool and modern, we want people to play around with the interior look of their homes but without neglecting the importance of high quality and exclusivity,” says Kathrine, who only make do with the best materials on the market. Despite being deeply rooted in the Nordic design tradition, AYTM dares to do things a little differently. With a 100 different products in their first collection, design-lovers can look forward to gorgeous creations, small as well as big, ranging from jewellery cases to small tables. One of their most innovative products to date is a small table made solely from mirrors that, despite its somewhat daring material, is the ideal fit for a stylish home, daring yet elegant, perfectly suited for breaking up the Scandinavian modesty.

“Often people seem to think that there are only two types of designs: low-key products in high quality, or eye-catching designs made the cheap way, but with AYTM this no longer has to be the case. Our strength lies in the fact that our interior design items are luxurious, yet innovative and creative in their look, made in warm and delicate colours,” explains Kathrine, and adds that the team has found a lot of inspiration from art deco as well as the interior style from the '40s and '60s. “We all have a lot of experience working in the industry and with my ten years at Gran Living, it’s safe to say that we know exactly how to create a successful brand. We have experience with designing and producing for companies all over Europe,” says Kathrine, and as soon as AYTM’s extensive first collection hits the

shop floors in Denmark, they will start to focus on the market outside the country border. First Northern Europe –and who knows what could be next? AYTM will be presented at the Scandinavian Design Exhibition, Northmodern, in the Bella Center in Copenhagen from 13 -15 August, as well as Maison & Object in Paris in September “We also have a showroom people can arrange a visit to,” adds Kathrine, who is ready to greet her future customers and introduce them to the wondrous world of AYTM.

For more information, please visit: www.aytm.dk or follow them on Instagram: @aytmdesign

“I love being able to make things that can add happiness to people’s homes and be visually pleasing,” confesses Kathrine, but she couldn’t have done it without her

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Scan Magazine | Design | Madam Stoltz

A Nordic brand infused with Indian traditions From the vibrant streets of India to the ruralness of the Danish island of Bornholm – it is safe to say that Madam Stoltz is a brand fuelled by contrasts. Thanks to a healthy appetite for travelling and a wealth of ideas, Madam Stoltz has been selling interior design products for nearly 20 years, allowing Indian craftsmanship and Nordic simplicity to intertwine in a magical fusion, connected by a woman’s love of the Far East. By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Madam Stoltz

Arriving in New Delhi for the first time is a somewhat chaotic experience, a place that instantly greets you with a blast of colour and liveliness that, in many ways, is the opposite of Danish tranquility. Nonetheless, the two worlds have now been brought closer together. “I loved India from the minute I arrived. I was inspired by the Indian tradition of craftsmanship, awe-stricken by what they were able to make. But most of all I was taken with the friendliness of the people,” explains Pernille Stoltz, who, together with her husband, Peter, has been run-

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ning Madam Stoltz for nearly 20 years. This is a company connected by friendships across cultures, driven by a woman’s fascination with a dynamic country and its traditional handicraft. Strong friendships Backpacking around Asia and later visiting India with her husband was one of the memorable experiences that shaped Pernille Stoltz’s career. Today, Madam Stoltz is a wholesale business with suppliers in both India and China, designing new collections twice a year, each defined by its own seasonal mood and flavour.

“I consider India to be my second home. Not only have I worked with my Indian suppliers for years, I have also formed bonds with them on a more personal level. It’s like a second family to me,” admits Pernille, who can also thank India for her brand name. Unlike Danes, Indians place a strong emphasis on formality and each time she visits the country she is greeted with a ‘Madam’. “Madam Stoltz was just the perfect name. It’s my own reference to India,” reflects Pernille. Since her first trip to India she has returned yearly. However, despite being overwhelmed by India’s exotic charm, she always manages to transfer her ideas to a Nordic audience. The Indian warmth goes well with the Nordic winters where cosiness takes the prime lead. Nature’s very own collection “This year’s autumn and winter collection is characterised by its warm colours and

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Scan Magazine | Design | Madam Stoltz

rustic feel, produced from natural materials such as wood, feathers, cone and paper,” says Pernille. Despite loving the Indian heat and the summers on her native island Bornholm, she still longs for the homeliness of wintertime. “Candlelight, an open fire, and the first snow… I just love it, especially the idea of sitting under a warm blanket with a good book,” admits Pernille. The collection consists of decorative items designed to relish a cosy atmosphere, kitchen tools, pieces for the living room and, of course, Christmas. “Creating a successful autumn and winter collection is all about choosing the right colours and materials that can somehow be boiled down to something Nordic,” explains Pernille, who doesn’t see any issues with combining Indian and Nordic design. It’s a fusion that makes perfect sense, adding extra warmth and ethnicity. But Madam Stoltz’s roots are never truly forgotten. The children of New Delhi Venturing into the streets of New Delhi takes you on a journey through extremes, from luxurious five-star hotels to poverty-

stricken slums. After years of visiting the city, Pernille felt that it was time to engage her company in the local community, helping the many children that grow up with nothing. “We provide financial support for Nai Disha, a project that helps children living in the slums of New Delhi. It’s a learning centre that, apart from offering educational support, helps children grow and learn basic life skills,” explains Pernille, who visits the project at least four times a year, playing around with the children whilst helping out with daily tasks – and it doesn’t stop there. Together with Nai Disha, Madam Stoltz has developed its own fairtrade line, allowing young people at the minimum age of 18 to produce products to be sold through the Madam Stoltz sales network. The turnover goes to Nai Disha and the families they help, connecting two lands through kindness and creativity. At Madam Stoltz each product has been inspired by these cultural experiences, from India as well as Bornholm. “Whenever I return from my trips it’s a joy to return to Bornholm, allowing the impressions to settle before putting my ideas into practice,” says Pernille, who was raised on the island, and after having lived in Copenhagen, she is happy to be back. Sold in countries all over the world, Madam Stoltz’s Indian-inspired Nordic designs are on the move, and if you are lucky enough to live on Bornholm, you can even visit their flagship store.

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

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Scan Magazine | Design | Martin Schwartz

The soul of a city in a single print Contemporary illustrator and graphic designer Martin Schwartz’s newest series of posters gives you something not even a photo can deliver: the essence of a city in a single frame. Sold in thousands of copies all over Denmark, his Copenhagen poster reflects the feel of the Danish capital, boasting hidden gems and atmospheric colourplays that invite people to explore. Intending to work his way around the world, Schwartz can already tick off Berlin, soon to be followed by New York. By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Kristoffer Gamdrup

Martin Schwartz’s city adventure began with his job as a writer. As a new contributor at an architecture magazine he was determined to learn everything he could about urban planning, unaware that the experience would change the course of his work.

what really makes a city tick is when it sparks people’s curiosity and invites them to explore,” explains Martin Schwartz, who, after numerous mind-bending walks, sketches and research, created an authentic poster of his own city. A city in red

“I suddenly started wondering what makes a city attractive. Why are some places nice to be in whilst others are not? The question kept lurking in the back of my mind, until I came to the realisation:

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“The aim was to not only create a poster that really captures the essence of a city, but also one that people can truly explore, a print you can gaze at whilst constantly discovering new things about it,” reveals

Schwartz, who is not unfamiliar with visualising his thoughts. Since he taught himself how to use graphic design programmes and embarked on a fruitful career as a freelancer, he has illustrated strategies for companies and created gripping postcards and posters for people’s homes. However, the new city series takes things to a new level. His enrapturing Copenhagen poster has been bought by tourists and Danes alike, celebrated for its ability to capture the city’s atmosphere in a way that makes Danish expats a little homesick. “Prioritising what to include was rather difficult. It forced me to look at the city in new ways. I noticed how the historical features dominated the city from above, while the ground was dictated by old and new, ugly and pretty. It was all a part of it, a kaleidoscopic city dominated by red. I even

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Scan Magazine | Design | Martin Schwartz

included the local-known graffiti ‘What is Møller drinking?’ – a saying amongst drinking Danes,” says Schwartz. Once his home town was on print, it was time to cross the Danish border. From Berlin to New York Berlin was next, a city bursting with diversity and trends, still carrying marks from the war. Schwartz decided to cycle around the city and speak to the locals, seeking out those elements that truly define Berlin. “When I draw sketches for my posters it’s always with great respect for the city I am trying to depict. They are like photographs without perspectives. The viewer can simply see everything without being restricted by a certain angle,” explains Schwartz, and while Copenhagen is a place defined by its cosy feel, Berlin has a different vibe - a diverse city-feel defined by its multicultural population. Therefore, Schwartz decided to include a church, mosque and a synagogue. “My posters tell the history of a city through its buildings. For example Copenhagen is very different to Berlin, which has been more affected by the destruction of war, leaving the city full of Plattenbau buildings and half-destroyed historical icons such as the Gedächtniskirche. This is a part of its history,” tells Schwartz, revealing that one gaze at his posters isn’t

always enough. The longer you look, the more you will discover. A desire to explore "My dream is to visit as many cities as possible, portraying unique capitals around the world. In the end I am hoping to publish a book with my prints and share my thoughts behind the work,” tells Schwartz, who will be flying to New York in September, where the same process of exploring will be put to use. As an illustrator and creative, he is not defined by a particular style but rather by a commitment to explore and have fun whilst doing it. So far he has worked with clients such as Maersk, Carlsberg and

Novo Nordisk. Together with his friend and colleague, Mads Berg, he has even illustrated zoo maps for both the San Diego, London and Los Angeles Zoos. Now, Martin Schwartz’s magic touch brings cities to life in wondrous shapes and colours, putting forward a new way of discovering capitals. Whether you are a Copenhagener who can’t get enough of your own city or a tourist wishing to be forever reminded of your newfound love, Martin Schwartz’s posters are bound to evoke emotion.

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

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Scan Magazine | Design | Louise Smærup

Nature’s raw potential When Louise Smærup set up her own interior design and art brand, Louise Smærup Design, in 2013, she did so on the back of 14 years’ work as a professional artist. Her pieces, which are inspired by the contrasts found in Scandinavian nature, were snapped up by prestigious Danish department stores such as Illums Bolighus and lauded by design magazines. In just two years, her cushions, candleholders and chopping boards have made their way into countless Danish homes.

Designer Louise Smærup

By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Louise Smærup Design

“I took on many home-decorating projects over the years, and I just kept thinking something was missing in the designs – so I had this genius idea and thought I’d make that something myself,” Smærup laughs. Her designs transform her raw, modern, black-and-white artistic style into practical pieces for the home. Her stark paintings, to be found at exhibitions across Denmark, exist strictly in shades of grey and combine abstract motifs with thoughtful scribbles and delicate drawings. Many of them are evocative of mysterious dark forests and salty sea water air. Nature is evident in her practical home pieces, too. “I love the raw and ungainly shapes and the stark contrasts that nature creates,” Smærup

says, “things should have an edge.” She loves using natural materials in her designs and was one of the first to use uncoloured full-grain leather, which contrasts beautifully with the soft bluish grey textiles in her cushions and footstools. Leather straps are also used alongside handsome oak in her popular chopping boards, while trays and candleholders are forged from matted iron. Smærup’s use of bold natural materials create strong, iconic artefacts of the highest quality and durability. Smærup’s pieces are almost exclusively made within Denmark, and they make an exciting, highly individual contribution to the nation’s famous modernist design tradition. “More

Turning tradition into business Inspired by her grandmother, Solwang Design in Denmark sells top quality kitchen textiles. Always with the traditional, knitted designs at the core, this Danish designer is taking the world by storm with her great looking, useful and lovable pieces.

than anything, I’m proud that my bold designs reflect who I am as an artist,” Smærup concludes. “They’re still very me.” For more information, please visit: www.louisesmaerup.dk

Solwang Design today sells products in 16 different countries, including Australia, Norway, Japan and Germany. “The product range has expanded but always with my grandmother's original designs in mind," says Dorte.

By Tina Nielsen | Photos: Solwang Design

Solwang Design is founded on a family tradition going back generations. “When I was young and first moved away from home my grandmother would use leftover knitting yarn to knit dish cloths for me. When she grew older she didn't knit anything else so yarn was bought for the cloths and they where made in just the one colour we had picked out out,” says founder Dorte Soland Wang. When her grandmother wasn’t around anymore, Dorte decided to continue the production herself. “I just couldn’t find any dish cloths that were as good as I wanted them, so instead I bought knitting needles and cotton and started making them myself,” she explains. For the following 13 years she knitted for herself as well as friends and family; until she was overwhelmed by the volume and launched her

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business. At the time she was working in advertising and knew very little about starting and running a business. Safe to say that it has been a steep learning curve since starting in 2009, especially where the production is concerned. “There have been some false starts and relationships that didn’t work out,” says Dorte. She started production in China but has now worked up a good relationship with an Indian factory. “They produce really great and consistent products.”

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

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Scan Magazine | Design | KlipKlap

Design for the whole family When Pia Lauritsen had her first baby she soon realised that the furnishings in her home would have to change. Providing parents with baby-friendly products in great variations to suit their homes and their baby’s comfort, Lauritsen’s company By Klipklap is a force to be reckoned with. By Tina Nielsen | Photos: By KlipKlap

While on maternity leave after having her first baby, Lauritsen joined a mother baby gymnastics class where she was encouraged to get active with her baby at home to improve motor skills and strengthen the baby’s joints. “The little ones benefit from lying on their tummy to strengthen their back and neck and develop the ability to crawl,” she explains.

attractive products that were unsightly in the home. She commissioned a company to make a bespoke mattress for her home. This mattress remains her bestselling product today. “When we had people visiting they all asked about the mattress and I started looking into doing this as a business,” she says. That was the start of By Klipklap.

The problem was that surfaces at home are rarely suitable for tumbling around with your baby. “Usually people have hard wooden or concrete floors, which makes it less appealing,” says Lauritsen.

Fast forward four years and the original mattress has been joined by an ever-expanding product line-up. Not only does Lauritsen sell different types of fold-out mattresses for the home, but there is now also a selection of chairs. By Klipklap designs are flexible and multifunctional, as Lauritsen explains. “All the mattresses can be turned into steps so the baby can

Determined to find a way around it she started researching the market for something softer but all she could find were un-

learn to crawl up or down. You can also turn them into slides. Once they get a bit older they can jump off them or do tumble turns,” she says. In other words, they can do all the things you wouldn’t normally like your baby to do on normal furniture that may be harder or have sharp edges. But Lauritsen never envisaged the product line to be exclusively for the children and she is gradually expanding the selection to include other products for the rest of the home. “I wanted to come up with a product that was useful in developing your baby but also looked nice in the home and not just the playroom,” she says. Lauritsen is about to start exporting, so watch out for the arrival of By Klipklap products imminently.

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

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Scan Magazine | Design | Waterquest

Colourful retro designs with endless opportunities Waterquest is an interior design brand with a soft spot for nostalgic retro products with a modern touch. Not only does the company have a special flair for brightening up rooms in various colours, it also knows how to make storage boxes both functional and eye-catching. Who needs a grey paper tray when they can have it in pink? By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Waterquest

“Waterquest is all about colourful living. Rather than designing hundreds of different products, we offer all our pieces in various colours, allowing people to create their favorite retro themes. If you want a whole room in pink, you can get it,” says Waterquest’s manager Jeanette Kleemann, who doesn’t believe that functionality has to be boring. Apart from the brand’s more playful items such as old-fashioned toys and robots, Waterquest designs retro creations in coated metal, providing the perfect solution for those craving more storage space. Instead of plain trays and boxes, Waterquest’s collections feature colourful inventions that break up the traditional black and white.

“Our products serve multiple purposes, making the practical trendy. The majority of our designs have an American ‘locker-room’ style, resembling that of a high school in the 1950s,” says Kleemann. Whether you wish to put a plant on a peachcoloured tray or store your work documents in your office, Waterquest’s latest collection of storage essentials deliver, fuelled by an industrial retro-look, available in colours that can be just as daring and playful as they can be toned. Waterquest is all about reinventing the retro style in a modern setting, determined to bring the good old '50s and '60s back into fashion.

So how about filling up your office with a line of blue and purple lockers for your staff? Or perhaps a fiery pink magazine box? With Waterquest on the market, there is something for everyone.

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

R I V E R S I D E FA R M LO D G E

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Scan Magazine | Design | HELLE for LONE

Playful jewellery for all ages, tastes and budgets Two years ago, Lone Pedersen woke up in the middle of the night and started drawing. The creative streak had always been there through her many years of working as a kindergarten teacher, but that night it exploded into drawings of rings, bracelets and necklaces which soon came alive. Lone started selling her jewellery in a shop run with her friend Helle and today Lone is thriving as a full-time jewellery designer, shipping her pieces across the world and struggling to believe how far her passion has taken her. By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: HELLE for LONE

“I think it’s all about taking baby steps, really. If someone had told me ten years ago that I’d have a full-blown jewellery business, I wouldn’t have believed them,” Lone muses, “it’s all about making the process surmountable.” A special pride of Lone’s is the age and variety of the customers who buy her creations. Girls aged from 15 to 70 sport her wares, and the simplicity, individuality and quality of the jewellery mean they complement any taste.

process can take a day or a month depending on the item. Her geometric creations are influenced by Nordic minimalism, but they retain a warm, playful character which reflects their creator’s own personality. “I take my inspiration from moods and atmospheres,” Lone explains. This comes across in the individuality of the pieces, which range from bold and spiky to delicate and sweet, while all retaining a light, clean, feminine quality.

“I like to keep the pieces clean and pure, but they should have a bit of a fun edge too,” Lone explains, “and then sometimes, I end up with something daintier or a little more wacky than usual.” The design

“Jewellery’s become a much more mainstream part of the fashion world,” Lone says, “which allows us to stray from the beautiful but expensive goldsmith territory to explore changing trends and ideas.”

Lone is adamant that her creations should remain thoroughly affordable without compromising quality. She uses sterling silver which she oxidises, gilds and plays around with to create pieces as varied as the Cube necklaces and Flick, the newest member of the Behind-My-Ear range (pictured). “Silver’s very generous,” she explains, “it’s a pure metal, non-allergenic, and it’s affordable, mouldable and long-lasting. It suits what I want to do perfectly.” What the future holds for her and her jewellery, Lone doesn’t know. “I think of it as an adventure. I’ve learnt a lot, and I’ve a lot left to learn still.”

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

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Scan Magazine | Design | The Oak Men

Giving edge to the wooden craft The creative forces behind the Oak Men are Anders Buchtrup Jensen and Peter Hensberg, both cabinet makers who have learned the joinery trade in Denmark. Working out of their workshop in Brabrand just outside Aarhus, they create wonderful wooden treasures you will most certainly fall in love with.

veloping a brand for the company. When asked to describe their craft, they point to quality, simplicity, aesthetics and a sense of humour.

By Tina Nielsen | Photos: The Oak Men

“We have been told that our products are more masculine in style than other products in this range of boxes and trays,” says Hensberg. Not that they set out to be perceived as especially male, mind you. “It is just the way we are and how we work. We do also like to have a bit of edge and personality in what we make.”

“We love wood. We design and make products that can be used both on a practical level and for fun,” says Hensberg. He and Anders Buchtrup Jensen have worked together for the last five years, but it was only in January 2014 they started to focus on smaller items and accessories. Before then they worked exclusively on much bigger projects, making tables and desks and building kitchens. The small boxes that started off the Oak Men sprang out of this first business, but it was never meant to become a business in its own right. “At one point we started making these little boxes out of off-cuts of wood and we’d

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leave them behind with a message when we completed a project,” he says. “We’d also make them as presents, just as a bit of fun, but a friend pointed out that they were really nice and she asked why we didn’t sell them.” Hensberg and Jensen decided to test the waters and saw a big take-up of the new products. In fact, this new accessory range became so popular that they struggled to keep up with demand while continuing to focus on their first business. They soon had to make a decision on which direction to take and they have not looked back since, de-

The two cabinet makers have embraced the new challenge and don’t miss working with the bigger projects. Hensberg says it allows them to be more creative in their work. “We tend to come up with ideas for new products and talk them over. If it is my idea, Anders might have some thoughts on how to make it work or improve it and

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Scan Magazine | Design | The Oak Men

vice versa,” he says. There is no limit on the extent of the product range, but size is an issue. “A stool or a small table is probably where we draw a line on the size; then we get outside the accessory category and they are too big to deliver by mail too.” At the workshop the two design and work up all their prototypes and they like to use different materials. “We are both cabinet makers so our starting point is always the wood and it tends to be oak, not that our name excludes using other wood types, but we prefer oak,” explains Hensberg. He refers to the tradition in the joinery craft: “Wood is always different to work with from time to time. It is a material you respect because you can do so much with it and you need to think about it properly before you start working on it,” says Hensberg. “Those things that can sometimes be perceived as flaws are the things that we like – the knots are what makes a piece of wood interesting.” Other materials they use in the workshop include metal, leather, brass, rubber and

lino. The Oak Men work alongside highly skilled suppliers based in other parts of Denmark, Germany, Slovenia, Poland and China. The market is somewhat oversaturated with plenty of high quality accessories for the home today. Jensen and Hensberg say that what makes them different from the rest of the market is that sense of edge and masculinity. “We only make things that we can see a clear purpose with,” says Hensberg. “Things that men might buy themselves or women may buy for the men in their life – or for themselves of course.” The Oak Men has an increasing visibility on home accessory markets both in Denmark and internationally. Among the retailers that stock their products is highend home ware department store Illums Bolighuss in Copenhagen. Currently the products are available in a limited number of UK stockists, but the full range is available on the website.

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

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Scan Magazine | Design | Superliving

A retro-shaped universe in a wealth of colours Creative décor with an equally creative set of colourful patterns is what sums up Superliving, a brand infatuated by the '50s and '60s. With everything from porcelain to lamps and textiles, customers are treated to fresh alternatives to current interior design trends from a pair of eager creators whose vision is far from mainstream. Superliving does things on its own terms.

perience from the industry. While Anette Stabel has a background in textile design, Binger himself worked with product development for many years, two skills that have proven vital for Superliving.

By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Jakob Valling

“This is a brand driven by our ability to come up with new ideas and constantly grow. In the future I hope that we can expand even further,” says Jesper Binger, and they are already well on their way. Superliving’s products are sold in countries all over the world, from Europe to America and beyond. However, if you are not intending to travel far, you can simply visit their shop Superlove in Copenhagen or browse through their online selection. Although the boom of nostalgic products with animated colour-patterns make it hard to choose, it’s worth it.

“We offer creative, refreshing designs for a reasonable price, perfect for those wishing to be a bit more bold and free in their interior expression,” states Jesper Binger, who runs Superliving with his wife, Anette Stabel, the creative mastermind behind the products. With a philosophy of avoiding limitations and constantly evolving, Superliving flourishes in its own little universe of colourful patterns – it’s in its DNA.

but we see that as our strength. We listen to our own ideas and follow them, which adds something fresh and new to a market that often looks too bland,” explains Binger. Apart from charming decorative items such as candlesticks, Superliving sells popular porcelain named after their two daughters Amanda and Olivia, a Dynamo lamp in several shapes, colours and sizes, and soft textiles made from ecological cotton.

“I believe we have a more creative approach to interior design. Our products take you back to the '50s and '60s whilst maintaining a modern feel. We don’t let ourselves be dictated by what’s trending,

“Our products tend to appeal to youthful souls seeking to add something fresh to their home. We are not a high-end design brand for the few, Superliving is for everyone,” says Binger, who has extensive ex-

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

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Scan Magazine | Feature | Kjell Eriksson

Kjell Eriksson: The author who created Ann Lindell International bestselling crime writer, Kjell Eriksson releases the sixth and final addition to his thrilling Inspector Ann Lindell series, Open Grave, this July. The sensational novelist joins Scan Magazine to offer some insight into his literary world. By Helen Cullen | Photo: Idha Lindhag

In this latest instalment, Lindell is transported back into her own past as she investigates some mysterious happenings that occur after the distinguished Professor Bertram von Ohler receives the Nobel Prize for medicine. Events that originally appear to be foolish pranks soon become sinister as past lives are unravelled. “It is a very slow character and society driven crime fiction,” Eriksson explains. “It’s not an action novel but a story of renunciation and revenge and I think it’s one of the best that I’ve ever written.”

At first, Eriksson was amazed at the international response but now he understands where the appeal lies. “I think it is my characters that attract people,” he explains. “All around the

world everyone loves to read about real working people and you’ll find that people ask the same questions about their lives, about their future, whether they live in Sydney, New York, Oklahoma, London, Liverpool or Oslo. I try to answer those universal questions in my books and people respond to that.”

Open Grave by Kjell Eriksson is available from St. Martin’s Press from 14 July, 2015.

Eriksson holds the record for receiving the most nominations for the Best Swedish Crime Novel with seven novels selected to date; the fourth novel in the Lindell series, The Princess of Burundi, won in 2002. With fierce competition from the prolific Scandinavian crime writing scene, it is an immense achievement that Eriksson is understandably proud of. “It means a lot, of course it does, but it is the reaction of the readers that really matters to me the most,” he explains. Eriksson places all of the series in his native city of Uppsala, Sweden and the local residents love to engage with him about his books, “Everywhere I go people talk about them and try to identify their neighbours,” he shares with a chuckle. “Sometimes I do feature real people from the town and the locals love to speculate about who the characters are based upon.” The escapades of Inspector Lindell and the Uppsala townsfolk captivate audiences much further field, however, with avid readers stretching across the globe.

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Scan Magazine | Feature | Röhsska Museet

Influences, references and imitations - an exhibition revolving around the aesthetics of Kraftwerk Few musicians can claim to have made as much of a mark in music history as the German band Kraftwerk. As one of the absolute first pioneers to bring in electronic instrumentation, Kraftwerk have with their repetitive rhythms and catchy lyrics been praised worldwide from the early '70s to today. However, there is also a lot to be said about their visual appearance and expressions.

Andreas Hagstrom Curator, Photo: Röhsska Museet/Carl Ander

By Astrid Eriksson

“What’s so exciting about Kraftwerk is not only that their music still works today, but also that they have created a timeless style and expression,” says Andréas Hagström, curator for the exhibition Influences, References and Imitations - an Exhibition Revolving Around the Aesthetics of Kraftwerk at the Röhsska Museum in Gothenburg. “Aesthetically they were pioneers and are still praised icons in the fashion and design sphere. The exhibition is placing the band in a historic perspective, displaying what they did, why they did it and how their visions are still detectable today.” Since the beginning of the 1970s, when Kraftwerk had their big break, the band has

used unique expressions in everything from their music to their visual appearances and displays. With Kraftwerk at the core, Röhsska’s exhibition takes a look at art and design history and presents films, photography, design, fashion and art that has worked inspiration for the legendary musicians. “We have a lot of unique material, never before put on public display,” says Hagström. “Whether you’re a hard-core fan or not, everyone can appreciate the style-wonder that is Kraftwerk. Placing the band’s design legacy in a cultural context broadens the exhibition immensely and I’m certain that anyone who decides to stop by will be happy that they did.”

Photo: Mikael Lammgård

Influences, Reference and Imitations an Exhibition Revolving Around the Aesthetics of Kraftwerk is running 24 May – 8 November 2015

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

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Scan Magazine | Feature | Havnens Perle

A taste of Denmark The Danish diner Havnens Perle in Aarhus harbour is the perfect place for tourists to experience proper Danish culinary classics. Far from the high-end exclusivity of Noma and the new Nordic kitchen, Havnens Perle lets diners sink their teeth into national favourites such as cracked pork burgers, traditional open sandwiches and main meals from the old-school Danish kitchen. They do so in unpretentious, friendly surroundings and at very reasonable prices. They’re undisputed experts: Havnens Perle has been open since the '60s and has won five awards for being best in the business in recent years. By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Havnens Perle

You would be hard-pressed to find a Dane who would turn down a visit to the undisputed king of Danish street food, the 'pølsevogn' (literally meaning 'sausage wagon') and their larger immobile cousins, the 'grill-bar'. These can be found across all self-respecting towns and villages in Denmark and have been handing out Danish burgers, French hotdogs and other delicacies since the '60s. Havnens Perle was one of the first of its kind and is possibly the oldest surviving 'pølsevogn' still going. “My grandparents opened up in 1962 and I took over from my parents in 2007,” says

Peter Lerdrup, the current third-generation owner. The decades saw Havnens Perle become increasingly popular – and busy. “We had a period during my parents’ reign where we just didn’t have time to clear the tables properly and it looked a bit of a mess,” Lerdrup muses, “so locals wryly named us ‘Pearl Harbour’. We beautified it and became ‘Havnens Perle’: Pearl of the Harbour.” Havnens Perle moved to Aarhus’s waterfront in 2007 and expanded to its restaurant-size diner-style splendour. It was a winning recipe: The Danish diner has won 'best pølsevogn' in Aarhus three times

since 2007 and its 'bøfsandwich', a burger-like specialty served with pickled condiments and stupendous amounts of gravy, was declared Denmark’s best in 2012 and 2014. Havnens Perle is a thoroughly modern concept, however, and unlike fast-food vendors, the diner’s own chef cooks their food from scratch. “We even make our own sauces,” Lerdrup explains. “It takes a good 24 hours, but it’s much healthier, tastier and we can make everything exactly to order.” The professional kitchen means that Havnens Perle serves up proper, traditional home-cooked Danish dishes too, including crispy pork with potatoes and parsley sauce, the newlyelected national dish. With its welcoming, casual atmosphere, central location and extensive menu, Havnens Perle is the place to go to (re)kindle your love for Danish cuisine. For more information, please visit: www.havnensperle.dk

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Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature | Restaurant Bystrand

A genuine taste of the Finnish archipelago Sun, seagulls and blue sea. Located on the island of Nauvo outside Turku, Restaurant Bystrand is a Nordic summer’s dream. People come for tasty dishes made from fresh, locally produced food and for unparalleled views over the water. By Joanna Nylund | Photos: Restaurant Bystrand

Cherry trees grow on the terrace of this cosy red cabin with a white trim. ”When the cherries are ripe, we sometimes find guests helping themselves to dessert straight from the trees!” says owner Minna Täckman with a smile. The island of Nauvo is a popular destination for travellers seeking a taste of genuine archipelago, and Bystrand co-operates with the local guest house that offers accommodation. The food served at Bystrand is locally caught and grown. On Saturdays during the summer there are theme nights with live music, barbecues as well as a popular crayfish party in early August.

August is also the setting for the Night of the Ancient Fires, celebrated along the western coast in commemoration of a time when ships were guided by wood pyres burning on the beaches. Restaurant Bystrand then serves its famous Robber’s Roast: lamb and pork cooked in a cooking pit. ”We dig a pit and line it with hot stones, putting the carefully wrapped meat on top. We then place a layer of soil on top and build a fire that we keep going for five hours,” explains Täckman. This ancient method of cooking produces extremely juicy meat that acts like a magnet on guests. ”On that night it’s not uncommon for visitors to bring their own table and chairs – the restaurant is simply filled to the brim!”

Colosseum – the Danish way In 2006, Ingrid and Mogens Brinkmann were wondering what to do with themselves, returning to Denmark having spent the past 27 years in Greenland. The couple, who both had long careers within accountancy, were looking for a nice, relaxing alternative to retirement. So naturally, they decided to leap into a completely new industry and bought a restaurant in Sønderborg, southern Jutland. By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Restaurant Colosseum

The gamble paid off, and today, Restaurant Colosseum is visited by about 35,000 diners every year. The restaurant specialises in the classic Danish kitchen at affordable prices and an intimate and welcoming ‘hyggelig’ (cosy) atmosphere. “We have a lot of people come in because they’ve heard of ‘Kong Frederiks Livret’ and want to satisfy their curiosity,” says Mogens, referring to the restaurant’s specialty,

‘King Frederik’s Favourite Dish’, which combines flank steak with potatoes, fries, eggs, onion and beetroot into a majestic ensemble. “It doesn’t actually have a lot to do with the old king,” he admits, “but it’s about as well-known in the area as our country’s regents.”

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

(very) nearby Germany to see the castle, cabarets and harbour, where Restaurant Colosseum now resides following relocation in 1998. While the restaurant has in fact been part of Sønderborg since 1760, the move allowed the owners to add extensive outdoor seating right by the waterfront, disability-friendly access and to open a new section for meetings and private parties. In honour of the place they left behind, the Brinkmanns renamed it 'The Greenland Room' and decorated it with images and memorabilia from their many years there. They may have been amateurs when they took over Restaurant Colosseum, but that certainly didn’t hold them back: The Brinkmanns are doing better than ever, and so is their old and experienced restaurant, named for the ultimate assembly place in history.

The dish is especially popular in summer when visitors flock to Sønderborg from Denmark and

For more information, please visit: www.restaurant-colosseum.dk

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ES E: NC EM RIE 5 TH E 01 L XP 2 IA E K, EC ER AR SP MM NM E SU D IN

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Photo: Niclas Jessen

Photo: Østdansk Turisme

Photo: Kim Wyon

Top summer experiences in Denmark Danes love their holidays, but there is nothing quite like summer. While Danish winters are characterised by cosy days curled up on the couch with a good book, summer time is much more action-packed. Not only is it ideal for camping and outdoor adventures, it is also an opportunity to get a good dose of culture. By Caroline Edwards

July and August are the best months to experience Denmark’s charming landscapes, as the green fields are brightened up by the long-awaited sun and holidayhungry Danes pack up their cars and drive around the country from one adventure to the next. Whether you seek a countryside escape at one of the Danish campsites or feel the pull of the cities’ big attractions, Denmark has something to offer. The first thing you notice about Denmark is its many islands surrounded by sandy

beaches and northern waves. Experience anything from Copenhagen’s home base, the big island of Zealand, to small idyllic gems with traditional houses and pure wilderness. Here, you can enjoy a green holiday with nature at its core. Moreover, you can combine your outdoor pursuits with exciting activities and trips to the cities. Unlike the rest of Scandinavia, Denmark is rather small, making it easy to drive from one part of the country to another. Why not

pay a visit to the country’s top-notch science park where you get to take an active part in scientific experiments and thrilling experiences, before driving through Denmark’s flat, yet magically green landscapes, spending the night in rural bliss in a caravan? In Denmark it’s all possible. With plenty of campsites and holiday lets to choose from, one can simply set up base and combine nature and outdoor activities with city-life and cultural joys. Sounds like a lot to take in? Don’t worry. With Scan Magazine’s ‘Top Summer Experiences in Denmark’ for would-be holidaymakers, you will be taken to all the best spots, from remote hideouts to sociable communities, all the way into the heart of Copenhagen.

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Denmark 2015

Science or magic? It’s hard to tell Universe is a peculiar world where anything can happen, a place where lightning strikes and minds bend, while visitors explore the thrill of science by taking part in their own learning. Get ready to visit a science park that truly connects Earth with space, infusing visitors with a profound desire to unleash their creativity and have fun. Here children and adults get to try more than 200 activities, from energy labs to laser mazes and flying rockets, discovering the ins and outs of natural science. By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Universe

“We believe society needs more creative innovators to come up with new solutions and ideas. It’s our mission to inspire the next generation to take up natural science by showing them how fun it is,” states Pia Bech Mathiesen, Director at Universe. Each year families come to the park in Nordborg, spending hours exploring the activities on offer, which caters to children and adults alike. While the young ones can enjoy interactive games in Pixelineland and a water park packed with scientific experiences, the older ones can get a taste of action. “Young adults love visiting the segway tracks, where they get to drive special two-wheeled vehicles, combining the use of gyro-force, design and body. We even

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have a 5D simulator that takes them on a historic journey,” tells Mathiesen, pointing out that these are just a few of the many attractions on offer.

to put your senses to good use,” says Mathiesen, who believes that having fun is the best way to engage the next generation in the magical world of science, and there is no better place than Universe to discover it. Throughout the year, the park hosts a variety of events, from talking robots to soapbox rallies. This is the ideal opportunity for families to have fun. Just be warned, your children might start designing robots for a new space colony, but that’s what makes Universe so special. It allows people to dream big.

“Visitors can witness nature’s extremes, from volcanic eruptions to geysers, experiment in an energylab, test themselves in Explorama, or simply retreat to the stunning outside areas,” explains Mathiesen. Each summer the park is brightened up by the colours of hundreds of different flowers, all carefully arranged in aesthetic combinations – but some of them have secrets. “In Bitten’s Garden we have flowers smelling of coca cola, even meat-eating plants. It’s an experience that allows you

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

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Denmark 2015

Sociable camping with creativity at its core Løgballe Camping is nestled in between lush greenery and cosy villages, not far from Vejle Fjord’s stunning waters. Perfect for daytrips to places such as Legoland and Aarhus, the location offers guests a chance to combine an active holiday with a sociable camp-experience, immersing themselves into Løgballe life. Take part in thrilling activities in a close-knit community that combines creative activities with camping. By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Løgballe Camping

“Unlike other camping sites in Denmark, we offer campers a chance to combine their holiday with activities and sociable events – it’s even possible for groups to book Løgballe for parties and big meet-ups,” explains Anker Olsen. Together with his wife Jytte they are now entering their sixth season at Løgballe Camping, still eager to explore the many opportunities camping

offers. Apart from tents and caravans, guests can rent huts at Løgballe Camping. “For those who wish to spice up their stay a bit, we offer different creative workshops such as jewellery-making and painting, we even go bicycling and hiking at times,” says Anker Olsen. Year after year, they create a community fuelled

by togetherness. With offers ranging from singing to fun activities for children and grandparents, families can enjoy all aspects of their holiday without worrying about getting bored. “Our approach has proven a great success, which is why we are now offering a three-week højskole-camping program, combining the Danish højskole-ethos with the freedom of being on a campsite,” reveals Olsen, whose idea is an entirely new concept, consisting of interesting talks and activities as well as a chance to form new friendships. So whether you seek an life-changing camp experience or just a naturally striking location for an active holiday, Løgballe Camping delivers.

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

A campsite where land and sea collide Stubbekøbing Camping lies in picturesque surroundings, perfectly situated in the heart of Fredens Forest with only a few metres separating the edge of the campsite and the stunning sea, facing the bridges of Grønsund, Bogø, and Farø. Enjoy the close proximity to Stubbekøbing, Denmark’s oldest market town, or drive off to nearby attractions. This is a holiday-experience that links land with sea, and town with city. By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Stubbekøbing Camping

“Stubbekøbing Camping has the ideal location. Despite being in a secluded natural setting, it’s easy to reach the motorway and drive to Copenhagen,” explains Benny Sydel, who bought the campsite in 2014 after falling in love with the immense beauty of the area. This is the kind of place where you can just lie down on the grass, close your eyes and listen to the sounds of

birds and the splashing waves, whilst soaking up the sun. Spend the summer relaxing at the campsite’s own family-friendly beach, go fishing, or drive to Marienlyst’s sandy dunes. You can even walk from the campsite to Stubbekøbing Anlæg, a green oasis with a heart-shaped lake and a little playground. “This is without a doubt the best located camp-

site in Denmark. The combination of being just a stroll away from a historic market town, yet living in rural surroundings, makes Stubbekøbing Camping the perfect fit. We are even close to the Crocodile Zoo,” says Sydel. However, if you don’t fancy driving, the sea offers a fresh alternative. Bogø, one of the local islands, is yet another bonus for the guests. Visitors can simply walk into town where the little harbour’s ferry, Ida, regularly takes people to Bogø’s shores. “Stubbekøbing Camping caters to everyone. Whether you want to enjoy the green woodlands or seek thrilling adventures elsewhere, it’s all within easy reach,” concludes Sydel. A visit to Stubbekøbing Camping is a diverse experience with endless possibilities.

For more information, please visit: www.stubbekobing-camping.dk

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Culture in Denmark 2015

Photo: Pernille Klemp

Photo: Davids Samling

A Middle Eastern tale touching all your senses The David Collection invites visitors to enter the enthralling world of sensual delights in an exhibition that will fill your mind with fragrances from ancient times. Venture into the heartland of oriental incense burners, dating back as far as 800, and get a glimpse of Middle Eastern rose water sprinklers, aesthetic pieces of art fostering hidden tales from an Islamic culture that knew how to put their senses to good use. By Caroline Edwards

Sensual Delights is a special exhibition at the David Collection in Copenhagen, a museum featuring Scandinavia’s most captivating collection of Islamic art. Without paying a penny, visitors can explore alluring historical objects that were once the centre of Islamic life. “Visitors get a chance to step into an exotic world that most people are unaware of, a culture where aromatic substances filled the air as a part of social customs,” explains Joachim Meyer, the curator behind the exhibition. Unlike Christians, Muslims also used incense outside the religious context, often together with rosewater. “Sultans had educated specialists in charge of aromatic substances. In a way it was similar to being a sommelier. During

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receptions guests were sprinkled with rosewater followed by burning incense, perfectly picked for the occasion by a specialist with an eye for evoking the right emotions,” tells Meyer. In fact, it was in this highly developed culture that rosewater was first invented. Due to its mass-production it was used by people in all parts of society, not just by the wealthy. Incense and rosewater was a part of the etiquette at private and public gatherings, a way of connecting to one another. “The exhibition features a variety of vessels in quality materials such as metal, glass and porcelain, some with strong ties to the Persian pre-Islamic culture,” reveals Meyer, noting that they have a Christian censer as well, which, unlike the Islamic incense burners, is pendent.

Although the incense won’t be burning, visitors can still get a whiff of and study the aromatic substances in a specially designed diffuser, and with the Islamic music humming in the background, it could be a rather authentic experience. Thanks to bi-lingual touch screens, tablets and audio guides, The David Collection is accessible to Danes and English-speaking foreigners alike, offering people a chance to witness visually pleasing artifacts with a long history behind them. Running all summer until 6 September, Sensual Delight is not to be missed.

Photo: Pernille Klemp

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

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Culture in Denmark 2015

A photographic take on sculptural mastery For the first time, sculptor Rudolph Tegner’s celebrated art pieces have been turned into enchanting photographs, as artist Suste Bonnén swaps his female motifs from the early 1900s with real-life models. In a celebration of the 100-year anniversary of women’s right to vote, Rudolph Tegner’s sculptures are interpreted through a contemporary lens with stunning results. This is the human body as it has never been seen before.

By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Rudolph Tegners Museum

Rudolph Tegner’s Museum & Sculpture Park is situated in the middle of the rural landscapes of Dronningmølle, where fascinating sculptures pop up between swaying heather just a stroll away from the sea. Built by artist Rudolph Tegner himself, this is an example of a creative platform where spirit, thought and materials interlink, allowing people to experience an artist’s work from start to finish. “This year we are housing an exhibition by Suste Bonnén, interpreting Rudolph Tegner’s sculptures from the period between 1911 and 1915, when he fell in love and started accepting women as independent individuals,” explains Museum Director Luise Gomard. The exhibition features a series of photographs depicting nude people in sculptural body postures, but rather than just quoting Tegner,

Suste Bonnén takes it further by pairing ballet star Alban Lendorf with real-life women, adding a renewed sense of realism. “Bonnén has created captivating photographs that imitate the original sculptures’ proportions in a modern way, covered in a light that makes it all come to life. It’s interesting to see how Tegner’s women and Bonnén’s compare,” says Gomard, who love the way Bonnén’s pieces suit Tegner’s despite being different in form, making this a must-see exhibition for anyone seeking something different. Experience Suste Bonnén’s photographic art and finish off by looking at the sculptures that inspired it. Rudolph Tegner’s Museum is open during the summer months, while the park can be enjoyed all year round.

Explore 500 years of Danish history Frederiksborg Castle rises majestically above a peaceful lake, situated in lush surroundings on a little Renaissance island of its own. Unlike other castles, it offers much more than just royal chambers and ball rooms. This is where the Museum of National History has resided since the 1800s, offering visitors a glimpse of the people and events that helped shape a nation. By Caroline Edwards | Photos: The National Museum of History

The National Museum of History can be found in Hillerød on Northern Zealand, just a train ride away from Copenhagen. Here, visitors get to explore one of Scandinavia’s most awe-striking Renaissance castles, home to 500 years of history told through portraits, historical paintings, furniture and art.

This is a place with activities for old and young alike. In the basement children can dress up in historical costumes and learn more about the childhood of the famous Danish king Christian IV, while parents can indulge in historical artifacts. Apart from the main collections featuring impressive portraits of kings, queens and fa-

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

mous nobles, visitors can also explore Danish furniture and art, not to mention the castle’s Knight’s room, the Rose. This summer visitors are even treated with the exhibition H.M. Queen Margrethe II of Denmark 1940-2015, featuring royal dresses and much more. Throughout the museum Castle Hosts can be found wandering down the hall, dressed in clothes from the golden days, ready to tell compelling stories. However, if you are more of a digital type, there is a new app to guide you, available in both Danish, English and Chinese. Ready for your history tour? Just enter the Great Hall and continue down the historical corridors. This is a place where you are not just learning about history, you are living it as well.

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

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: ME AY E H W L T OR

CIA IN N E SP RE U LT

Arts Council Norway – 50 years with great art and culture Arts Council Norway was established in 1965 to administer the Norwegian Cultural Fund. Today, Arts Council Norway is in charge of a broad spectrum of functions within the cultural field. When Arts Council Norway was founded 50 years ago, the government intended it primarily as a means to conserve Norwegian culture, which was perceived to be threatened by cheap foreign paperbacks and the advent of television. Today, the world of art and the lives of artists are characterised by diversity, innovative projects and internationalisation. Over the years, the Norwegian Cultural Fund has financially supported thousands of high quality art projects. The purchasing programme for literature was one of the first major initiatives in 1965. Every year since, more than a thousand book titles in virtually every subject area have been pur-

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chased for public libraries across the country. Long-term investment in independent performing arts groups has given audiences throughout Norway – and elsewhere in the world – access to outstanding live performances. Summer is the season for music festivals, many of which receive financial assistance from the Cultural Fund. Events featuring every art form can be experienced in broad variety of venues. Visual arts enjoy high international recognition, with many exhibition spaces run by artists themselves. Cultural heritage is another field of prioritisation. Archives are rendered accessible, and cultural history is mediated from new perspectives.

Nationwide, several hundred museums of various sizes attract as many as 11 million visitors annually. That’s a lot of visits, considering Norway is a country of barely five million people. Arts Council Norway contributes funding for developmental projects in Norwegian museums that increase quality in and access to collections. From the day of its foundation, Arts Council Norway has been particularly active in bringing the arts to children and adolescents. Up to and including its current Kunstløftet scheme, Arts Council Norway has implemented numerous initiatives to provide younger generations with high quality art. The Cultural Rucksack is a programme that engages professional artists in every discipline to bring art to school children across

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Norway

the country. Last year the programme presented more than 60,000 events, an average of five per pupil. Art knows no borders. Arts Council Norway helps to stimulate international activities and cross-border cooperation through the EU’s Creative Europe and EEA and Norway Grants programme for culture. Among the projects supported by the Norwegian Cultural Fund are this year’s art productions at the Venice Biennale, represented by Camille Norment who is also a beneficiary of the Government Grants for Artists programme. Work grants allow artists to develop and help to secure artistic diversity for the future. Internationally renowned artists such as saxophonist Jan Garbarek, actress Liv Ullmann, composer Arne Nordheim, architect Sverre Fehn, Sami musician Mari Boine and the writer Jon Fosse have all received Arts Council Norway’s Honorary Award, which is given to one person each year for exceptional lifetime achievement in the arts. In this anniversary year, anyone who wishes to can suggest an artist they believe should receive the award at the end of the year. In November, Arts Council Norway is arranging a major anniversary conference in Harstad, one of the country’s northernmost cities. That will also be the occasion for the launch of a book about Arts Council Norway’s 50-year history.

Arts Council Norway financially supports arts and culture throughout the country, facilitates new artistic and cultural projects, engages in developmental work, and is advisor to the government on cultural matters. In 2015, NOK 1.15 billion will be distributed to art and cultural activities across Norway. Arts Council Norway administers the Norwegian Cultural Fund, Government Grants for Artists, the Audio and Visual Fund and other state subsidy programmes in the cultural sphere. The organisation’s administration includes the secretariat for the Cultural Rucksack and handles administrative tasks within the museum field, research and development, and international responsibilities relating to the EU and EEA Grants.

Founded in 1965, Arts Council Norway is this year celebrating its 50th anniversary. Its director is Anne Aasheim. Arts Council Norway exists to stimulate diverse artistic and cultural activity in the present, and to enable art and culture to be created, conserved, documented and made accessible to as many people as possible.

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Norway

A celebration of literature and free speech Kapittel Festival is all about words, lots of them. Each year Stavanger transforms into a literary wonderland full of writers and book-lovers who all share their passion for the freedom to speak up. This year guests will be taken across the Atlantic to America. Take part in debates, explore new writing, watch documentaries and learn more about American culture and society, as Kapittel Festival celebrates its 20-year anniversary.

large nation. The human rights record of the USA will be discussed during the festival, not least through the visit of Larry Siems, editor of prisoner Mohamedou Slahi’s Guantánamo Diary,“ reveals Røsbak.

By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Kapittel Festival

Between 16 and 20 September, Stavanger transforms into a creative camp with streets buzzing of ideas and dreamy expressions. This year is no exception. With America as the theme, Kapittel Festival is bound to be exciting. People tend to forget that America does not equal United States, it’s a continent boasting a variety of nations and cultures, each with their own societies and literary traditions. “At this year’s festival visitors are taken, not only to the US, but also further South, where the tense social and political situation in Mexico will be an important focus. Thanks to the contribution of the prominent journalist Alma Guillermoprieto, the audience get to look at Mexican issues in

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new ways," explains Espen Røsbak, manager of Kapittel Festival. The festival was founded on strong principles, fuelled by a determination to protect the freedom of speech by creating public discussions on human rights and presenting the voices of silenced writers. This is a legacy they still honour today, 20 years after the first festival took place. With the American theme set, guests will learn more about current important global issues, and as Kapittel moves further North, the US will take the centre stage, where both the good and the bad will be put on display. “The US’s position as a global superpower gives us an ambivalent relationship to the

The festival program consists of concerts, talks and debates on books, shows and exhibitions. Kapittel presents meetings with famous authors and experimental newcomers alike, often combining music and literature in mesmerising performances, and this year Teju Cole, Vanessa Diffenbaugh and Karl Ove Knausgård will pay a visit. If you care about world issues and artistic mastery, then Kapittel Festival is for you.

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

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Building a lasting legacy for street art culture Nuart Festival, the world’s leading celebration of street art, celebrates its fifteenth anniversary this September. Key figures on the street art scene will head to Stavanger to debate the movement’s role in the contemporary art world and delve into its roots. Through its educational programme, the festival reaches out to young people in the hope of inspiring the next generation to get creating. By Stephanie Lovell | Photos: Ian Cox for Nuart

On the first weekend of September, renowned artists from around the world will descend upon Stavanger. Murals will pop up on buildings across the city and the wall of the beer hall in the former Tou Brewery, which serves as the festival’s indoor exhibition space, will be painted over once again.

comes from. We want to go deeper and attach this culture to a long tradition of unsanctioned creativity on the streets, so that in five years time it doesn’t just disappear. We have roots and this form of expression has existed from time immemorial.” Embraced by the local community

“The focus of this year’s festival is French situationism of the 1960s, which eventually led into punk,” explains Martyn Reed, founder of Nuart. “We’re looking to establish where this culture of street art

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With its booming economy and idyllic surroundings nestled on the coast of a fjord, Stavanger is not necessarily the place you’d expect to become a centre for what is often seen as a gritty, urban movement.

“You could say the city served as a kind of a Petri dish for our experiment,” recalls Reed. “Fortunately, the culture was really embraced by the public. I think the reason for this is that all the negative connotations associated with unsanctioned street art simply didn’t exist here, because there’s essentially no deprivation. When they saw these huge murals they simply didn’t relate them to tagging. Thanks to the public demand, we’ve enjoyed the support of Arts Council Norway, as well as other European cultural institutions.” Over the years, Nuart has consistently showcased the diversity and breadth of street art culture. “Although the culture is ephemeral and some of the murals are eventually painted over, what we’re seeking to do is reflect the culture rather than define it,” says Reed. “We invite people based on the content of their work rather

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than its form. Those who are engaged with or are perhaps little bit curious about the culture, look to Nuart as a leader in the sense that we’re always looking to establish the purpose and reason for doing what we do.” The festival hosts an annual symposium known as Nuart Plus, providing a platform for industry figures and academics to explore this subject matter. “With other art forms there are usually several conferences and retreats around the world for like-minded people to come together, but that didn’t really exist for our culture, because it’s still so young,” says Reed. “Nuart Plus has filled that gap, serving as a place where we can really explore our own traditions of unsanctioned writing on walls.” Opening doors for the next generation With the support of the local council, Nuart has developed an educational programme,designed to open the minds of young people to the possibilities of street art and ensure the culture’s sustainability. Groups of school children are invited to come on day trips to the festival where they can take part in workshops and go on guided tours of the art. Street artists will

visit 92 schools in the region, some even in remote fjord villages, and teach the children how to make their own work using stencils and paste-ups. “One of the most underrated aspects of the festival is how massively it influences young people and inspires them to get engaged themselves,” enthuses Reed. In addition to this year’s festival, Nuart will also be initiating a number of satellite projects. As part of one such project, known as The Wall, a huge billboard will be erected and curated by Nuart with the aim of encouraging contemporary artists to get involved in street art. Canadian artist Sandra Chevrier will be the first to present her work. Nuart will also be attempting a world first with French artists Ella & Pitr who, alongside partners Block Berge Bygge, are set to create the largest ever rooftop mural, a work that will cover 20,000m2.

Nuart and their various media partners will document everything and keep you updated through their website and social media. For more information, please visit: www.nuartfestival.no

Nuart Plus: 3-5 September Nuart Outdoor: 3-6 September Nuart Exhibition: Opening 5 September at 19:00 and running until 11 October.

Scandic Stavanger City will serve as the festival hotel, hosting a conference on 35 September to kick off the festival weekend and accommodating international artists and overseas volunteers. If you can’t make it in person, you can download the Nuart app to follow all the activities.

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A night in a lighthouse For travellers looking for a stay that is out of the ordinary, Ryvingen Lighthouse is a compelling option. Not only is it Norway’s most southern lighthouse, it is also a museum, historic landmark and community treasure. By Maya Acharya | Photos: Jørund Føreland Pedersen

Ryvingen Lighthouse was first lit in 1867 and manned until 2002. The now preserved site is located on Ryvingen Island in the municipality of Mandal. Surrounded by rich fauna, cliffs and blue waters as far as the eye can see, it is a place of immense natural beauty. With around 100 acres of land on the island, there are also plenty of nature trails to explore. Ryvingen lighthouse and what is now a small museum dedicated to the historic operation of the lighthouse, is open to visitors, who can also climb to the top to take in the breath-taking panorama. With a smartphone, you can download an audiovisual tour to experience Ryvingen’s history through pictures, music and a narrative by Rita Dyrstad, the daughter of Ryvingen’s lighthouse keeper. Dyrstad has written a book about Ryvingen and remembers childhood memories of riding

around on the lighthouse’s rotating lens; something she recalls as “the best merry go round I could imagine.” The lighthouse also hosts art projects and this year will be displaying a sale and exhibit by local nature photographer Lars Verket. The most special offer is the opportunity to experience the lighthouse overnight. Guests can stay on the island in accommodation run by the association 'Ryvingen’s Friends'. During the summer months there is a host living on the island, but the lighthouse can be rented all year round. “There is always plenty of space for overnight guests and seeing the rotating tower when it is dark makes a big impression,” says Ryvingen staff and board member Herbjørn Pedersen. “It’s a special experience.”

For more information, please visit: www.ryvingensvenner.no www.ryvingenfyr.no You can also find Ryvingen Lighthouse on Facebook

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Book sculpture in the middle of the shopping centre in Sarpsborg, illustrating how the literature week is influencing the whole city in various ways.

The literature week cooperates with the Culture School, and this mask is made of recycled books.

A literature festival with close ties to Roald Dahl The literature week in Sarpsborg is in itself a historical treasure, being the oldest of its kind in Norway. Add Roald Dahl and interesting social topics to the picture, and you’re left with one of the most fascinating literature events of its kind. By Helene Toftner | Photos: Sarpsborgs' literature week

The literature week in Sarpsborg kicks off between 2-8 November, and is an interesting contribution to the world of books and writing with its constant light on social issues. “Books change people, and eventually the world,” manager Torill Stokkan says. The upcoming festival is titled Du må ikke sove (You must not sleep), and acts as a marker of the 70-year anniversary of the end of the Second World War. “We aim to showcase the topic in all different ways,” Stokkan explains. “For example, we present a lecture by the author Sigrun Slapgard who talks about her new book portraying the painter Anders C. Svarstad and author Sigrid Undset, whose son was one of the first Norwegians to fall in the War. Another part looks at the role of women during this period, which we now know so

much more about, thanks to new research, books and films.”

important, as it kicks of the 1,000 year anniversary of the city, albeit a couple of months early. “2016 is an important year for us and the city of Sarpsborg, and there will be an array of interesting cultural events of all kinds throughout the whole year,” Stokkan says enthusiastically.

The theme could not be more consistent, as Roald Dahl was a RAF pilot during the war, and his father was born in Sarpsborg. “We are very proud to be able to incorporate Dahl and his works and each year we host a children’s writing competition in his name,” Stokkan notes. The literature week in Sarpsborg dates back to 1949, making it the oldest literature festival in Norway. “We have a legacy to maintain, and we are always looking at new ways of encouraging people to read and write more,” Stokkan says, and points out that they are not only limited to the one week in November each year. “We host various literary events,” she says. This year’s festival however is particularly

The well-known author Jan Kjærstad has been a guest at the week several times, and this March he also held a writing course. Photo: Elisabeth Rønbeck.

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

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Your Shortcut to Scandinavia Bergen

NORWAY

Oslo Stockholm Bromma

SWEDEN Aalborg

UNITED KINGDOM

DENMARK

Gothenburg

Aarhus Billund

Manchester

London City

GERMANY Brussels

D端sseldorf

BELGIUM

SWITZERLAND

Munich

Z端rich

S n acks

Me al s

Drinks

ba.com

Pap ers

Lounges

Smiles

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Norway

Photo: Espen Grønli

Photo: Elisabeth Tønnesen

A journey through the biggest adventure in modern day Norway Experience an adventure through the history of Norwegian oil, from the very start in 1965 to becoming one of the world’s biggest oil and gas exporters today. Through inspiring and entertaining caricatures in the newly opened exhibition, visitors will be given unique insights into the social and political significance of Norwegian oil over the past 50 years. By Helene Toftner

Located in Stavanger, the oil capital of Norway, the Norwegian Petroleum Museum continues to be a window into the incredible Norwegian oil adventure. The museum is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, and offers insights into the development of the Norwegian oil industry using interactive methods and activities. “The outdoor Geo Park is hugely popular, while adults and children alike are terribly excited when they get to dress up like oil workers out at sea without having to leave the museum,” head of exhibitions Geir Mossige Johannesen says. The museum is renowned for its innovative exhibitions, and the latest addition is

mends the permanent Petrorama. “Petrorama walks the visitor through every aspect of the industry from the 1960s up until today, where it illustrates how oil is produced and extracted; what it is used for in our daily lives; and also brings up the controversies concerning the oil industry,” Mossige Johannesen says.

the exhibition which takes you through historical political turmoil and arguments, as well as successes and the immense wealth that oil has brought about the past 50 years. The museum has chosen a somewhat unusual communication method, using the works of the famous caricature drawer Roar Hagen. “Hagen has nailed the big issues and central people with his pen, and his works provides a satirical look into the industry,” Mossige Johannesen says enthusiastically. Photo: Roar Hagen

While the exhibition is only in Norwegian, the drawings make for entertainment also for the non-speakers. However for more insights, Mossige Johannesen recom-

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

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Shining a light on the past and informing for the future Fancy a peek into the private life of Adolf Hitler where he nourished his artistic side? Or perhaps a glimpse at Eva Braun’s purse? This and many more curiosities from the Second World War can be found at The Lofoten World War Memorial Museum. The museum holds one of the world’s largest collections of unique artefacts that tell a story of the war far from the battlefield. By Helene Toftner & Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Lofoten Krigsminnemuseum

The Lofoten World War Museum is a museum that is out of the ordinary, where the focus has drifted from the military to the personal side of the war. Thus, the museum takes pride in reflecting the timespan between 1940 to 1945 with all its drama and brutality alongside examples of personal sacrifices, unselfishness and courage. “It is a historical museum with curiosities that attract people from all over the world. It intends to encourage people to think for themselves,” William Hakvaag says. He is the enthusiast behind the

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museum, and it has become his mission in life to locate and exhibit artefacts that tell stories about people and the war. “A museum ought to shed light on the past, namely through photo material, pictures and text. Together, this constitutes a story, but the best thing it will do is to encourage visitors to think and make up their own conclusions,” Hakvaag says. Josef Terboven’s porcelain Being Norway’s largest exhibition of uniforms, artefacts and small objects

from World War II, there are many curiosities displayed within the museum walls. Hakvaag himself has travelled near and far to get his hands on the unique pieces, and the current collection consists of porcelain of Reichskommissar for Norway Josef Terboven, fake Christmas trees called Frontbaums that were sent up north to cheer up Waffen-SS, Christmas tree decorations with Hitler’s head painted on them, as well as a large collection of uniforms. One of the most notable artefacts includes the main flag taken from the German ship Blücher after it was sunk in the Oslofjord. On that note, the museum also holds the cap of Birger Eriksen, the officer who ordered firing on the ship, and was thus instrumental in stopping the first wave of Germans in-

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The museum exhibits five watercolour paintings painted by Adolf Hitler. The main image of the farm house (bottom middle) had a double back, a hidden compartment, where four other images painted by Hitler were hidden.

vading Norway. “Eriksen was from Lofoten, and it is therefore particularly special to have his cap,” Hakvaag says. The Lofoten raid – the first victory against Germany It is no coincidence that the museum is located in Lofoten in northern Norway. The place played an important role during the war at the centre of Operation Claymore, often referred to as the Lofoten raid. On 4 March 1941, the allied forces, with the United Kingdom in the lead, carried out the raid on the Lofoten islands. It was soon considered the first total victory against Germany during the war, and it was a massive morale boost for British and Norwegian troops. It did however, lead to the enormous fortification of Svolvær in Lofoten, and not least did it open German eyes to the north. As a direct consequence of the

raid, the Gestapo established their regional headquarters in Svolvær, alongside a considerable increase in German soldiers in the area. Hitler behind the scenes – an artist and vegetarian Adolf Hitler is probably one of history’s most talked about men, and there is no lack of biographies. Most people are struck by his brutality, while others are also fascinated by the man behind the public appearance. It is a well-known fact that he was an eager artist, and it has been argued that the whole war might have been avoided if he had been admitted into the Vienna Academy of Art. With this in mind, Hakvaag bought a painting by Hitler for P200. What neither he nor the vendor knew was that behind the paintings there were four drawings of dwarfs from Snow White,

all signed by Hitler. “He was an artist by nature, which one could also see in his behaviour as a leader. He did not follow the rules of the game and did things that no rational leader would do: for example, sending his troops to Russia without winter clothes,” Hakvaag says. While obviously portraying Hitler as the leader of the war, the museum is also trying to show the person behind the scenes, who was a vegetarian and a non-smoker. “He was a hard-line psychopath, who may not have struck people as the dangerous person he really was at first. This is all part of our desire to make people think for themselves and gain a new insight into history.”

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

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Authors Ingvar Ambjørnsen and Dag Solstad are amongst Litteraturuka i Vestfold’s faithful guests. Here in conversation with literary critic Finn Stenstad in Tønsberg. Photo: Vestfold County

Litteraturuka i Vestfold: The literature festival that goes further and deeper As Norway’s only countywide literature festival, Litteraturuka i Vestfold (The Literature Week in Vestfold) has manifested itself as one of the top events on the Norwegian culture calendar. Aiming to make literature increasingly accessible by meeting readers in their hometowns, this festival successfully combines a passion for reading, writing and genuine experiences. Welcome to a cultural event that goes further – and deeper. By Julie Lindén

“Short distances make it possible for us to gather the whole county throughout our festival. It separates us from other festivals,” says Festival Manager Steinar Engeland. “During Litteraturuka readers are able to meet authors as close to their own homes as possible, mainly through public libraries and similar venues, not seldom leaving with memories of wonderful conversations with their literary heroes.” Engeland adds that one of the top privileges of his job is seeing how these encounters transform visitors to the festival. “It’s a

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pleasure seeing people, many of whom have experienced dramatic turning points in their lives due to certain pieces of literature, meet their favourite authors in the flesh. I’ve witnessed several of those moments, and it’s just as remarkable each time.” Putting literature on the agenda That Litteraturuka i Vestfold is a cultural event that goes beyond mere recitals and Q and A’s is palpable when speaking to Engeland. Fully owned and run by Vestfold

County, in cooperation with the county’s municipalities, the festival bears an air of distinguished priority and importance that echoes in the words of its manager. “We may be Norway’s smallest county, but literature is of great importance to us. We think it’s vital that people know their literature, and get a chance to find their favourite works, preferably close to home. We put extra emphasis on the value of our public libraries and the immense national heritage, not to mention competence that they hold.” Engeland explains that not only is the festival widely considered the most important and influential literature event west of the Oslofjord, but that more and more similar festivals around the country look to Vestfold for advice and inspiration. “That makes us very happy, of course. Preserving good ties to our public libraries is one of our main missions, beyond putting on great events for our visitors, and if we

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jørnsen (author of the Elling series among other well-known works) will return, ever so faithfully, to the festival’s venues. Eyes on the prize – for young and old And, while lingering on Ambjørnsen, aspiring writers should be well advised to seek out the prize named after him. The accolade, a collaboration between Ingvar Ambjørnsen, Amedia and Litteraturuka i Vestfold, each year awards a young person between the ages of 14 and 20 a sum of approximately £1,600. Beyond the prize money, the winner is given unique guidance and support by Ambjørnsen in his or her budding authorship. “It’s an extraordinary chance to receive direction from one of the best,” notes Engeland, adding that Litteraturuka also sees the County Council award the distinguished Vestfolds Litteraturpris (the Vestfold Literature Prize) to an author associated with Vestfold. Crime author Jørn Lier Horst can often be encountered at Litteraturuka i Vestfold. Photo: Gyldendal, Trude Rønnestad.

can inspire festivals around the country to do the same then that’s wonderful.”

All in all, as far as literature goes, it’s a festival that cannot be missed. “Low thresholds and high quality – that’s what we stand for. That, and extraordinary experiences!” Engeland concludes.

An impressive line-up – quite literally

A full room when author and musician Levi Henriksen takes to the stage. Photo: Vestfold County

While the full programme for this year’s festival will be released on 1 October (the festival opens on 2 November), visitors can already be sure to encounter an impressive group of literary masterminds in Vestfold this autumn. All age groups are carefully catered to, with the aim of providing just as many qualitative events for children and youths as the adult demographic. “We work closely with audience development in the sense that we want to reach out to, and decipher, the literary audience of coming years. Who are they? What do they want to read? A lot of our attention in upcoming times will be on the 15-25 age group, creating valuable literature experiences for young adults,” says Engeland. And, while keeping scores with the reading habits of their visitors, the team behind Litteraturuka maintains good relationships with visiting authors. This year esteemed author and noted funnyman Knut Nærum will inaugurate the festival as host of the opening performance, while Ingvar Amb-

Litteraturuka i Vestfold in brief: - Owned by Vestfold County - Established in 1997 - Recognised as the most important literature festival west of the Oslofjord - Just a short train ride from Oslo and Sandefjord Torp airports - Run in cooperation with all of Vestfold’s municipalities and a lineup of other participants - Readers can delight in roughly 80 events - Readers can meet with roughly 100 authors and other participants - The festival is supported by Kulturrådet – Arts Council Norway - Facebook: litt.uka - Twitter: #litt.uka - Instagram: #litt.uka

For more information, please visit: www.vfk.no/Litteraturuka

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Gudbrandsdalen War Memorial

Route of St Olav Ways. Hiker at Skaaden Farm

Pilgrims in the Gudbrandsdalen valley

War history and recreational pilgrimage: hand in hand in Gudbrandsdalen Valley Be inspired by one of the most classic pilgrimages in the world, namely the Route of St Olav Ways running through Gudbrandsdalen Valley. Stop by the many traditional farms and charming villages on your way, while not missing out on the Memorial War Museum in Kvam. These attractions, which are all a part of Gudbrandsdalens’ Museums, give you an insight into the real Norway and its history. By Helene Toftner | Photos: Gudrbandsdalen

The Gudbrandsdalen Museums consist of 14 regional museums scattered around stunning Gudbrandsdalen Valley. The valley, located in the heart of Norway is, and has been for a long time, an important place for national identity, culture and history. The museums reflect this heritage through their open air museums and thematic exhibitions, and the Memorial War Museum and the Pilgrimage Route are two of the most popular attractions. “It is an area full of crucial Norwegian events and traditions,” manager at the Memorial War Museum and the Pilgrimage Route, Per Gunnar Hagelien, says. While most people who hear the name of the valley think of the national parks Jo-

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tunheimen, Rondane and Dovrefjell and folk stories about trolls and royal history, the area was also the place of one of the most important battles on Norwegian soil during the Second World War. Backed by the British, Norwegian soldiers fought the Germans for three days at the start of the war – while they eventually had to give in to Germany’s far superior armoury, they kept them preoccupied long enough for the Government, royal family and gold reserves to pass through the area from Oslo, and up to Northern Norway. “It is our responsibility to educate people, particularly as time passes people start to forget the important events that took part here. That is why the Memorial War Museum remains so important,” Hagelien says.

The area has also been of importance in religious contexts, with large parts of the pilgrimage route from Oslo to Trondheim going past the valley. “While people used to walk it for health and penance purposes, it serves a more recreational purpose today. The area is known for charming medieval farms and wonderful hiking conditions, and there are plenty of accommodation options throughout the route,” Hagelien says.

Panorama road – Ringebu

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

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Guided Tour in the Main Building, Photo: Marte Amanda Vannebo

Portrait Tordenskiold

Yard During the Children’s Summer Day at Ringve, Photo: Harald Øren

Music Making Guide, Photo: Ingrid Dyrnes

Unbounded cultural experiences at Ringve Musikkmuseum Ringve is a museum which is dedicated to music and its history. It is located in Norway’s third largest city, Trondheim. On its tours visitors can find their favourites in the museum’s collection of 2,000 musical instruments, tales, flowers and trees from around the world. By Stian Sangvig

Ringve is situated on a country estate containing a botanical garden, and first opened its doors to the general public in 1952. “Ringve has two exhibitions,” Communications Manager Camilla Bruce explains. The exhibition in the barn is open all year round, whilst the one in the Manor House can be visited during guided tours in the summer season. In the barn visitors can wander amongst instruments from around the globe. “Exciting stories and musical treats can be heard on audio guides,” Bruce continues. In the Manor guides show tourists musical history by demonstrating historical instruments including an 18th century house organ, a 19th century disc music box and an early 20th century self-playing piano. “Among our collection of 2,000 instruments 700 of these are classical European instruments,” Bruce says. More than 25,000

sheet music prints, a photograph collection, a sound archive with pianola rolls, polyphon records, phonograph rolls and various phonograms can also be found in the collection. “Ringve’s botanical gardens consist of nearly 2,000 different plants and are divided into six sections,” Bruce outlines. These include The System, The Renaissance Garden, The Arboretum, The Park, The Prime Rose Garden and The Traditional Perennials. The botanical garden forms part of Trondheim’s NTNU University and is run by the NTNU University Museum. Visitors can buy souvenirs related to music, botany and country estate life in the museum’s musical gift shop. They can also enjoy a local lunch, dinner and traditional snacks at the Café Victoria. It is named after Ringve’s founder, Victo-

ria Bachke. Another important figure at Ringve was local naval hero Peter Wessel Tordenskiold (1690 – 1720), who spent his childhood summers on site. “On the subject of Tordenskiold we are indeed planning an exhibition dedicated to him this autumn,” Bruce finishes. Thanks to the recent growth in inexpensive air travel Trondheim is easily accessible from all over Norway and a number of major European cities. From the city centre buses number three and four pass Ringve on their way to Lade.

Bumblebee in Botanical Garden, Photo: Ingrid Dyrnes

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

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Norwegian Aviation Museum: Uniting a nation and creating international crises Few museums tell more gripping stories than the Norwegian Aviation Museum in Bodø. Catering to all, no matter the level of interest in history, the physics and construction of a plane and how nationhood can be encouraged by an aircraft, the museum is for everyone. In December 2016 they are reopening a revamped civil section, already much anticipated for its interactive and narrative approach. By Helene Toftner | Photos: Futarasec

One of the most striking features when visiting the Norwegian Aviation Museum in Bodø is that it is not just for plane enthusiasts or history fanatics; it is a place for everyone, where both your son and mother-in-law will find their favourites. “A plane in itself is just an object, but in the second it takes to the air it creates stories. Whether it is the passengers’, the pilots’, or the whole worlds’ story, there is something everyone will be mesmerised by,” Hanne Jakhelln, project manager for the new exhibition says. Connecting Norway In 2016, the museum will appear in new wear, with the civil section being com-

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pletely transformed into a contemporary and interactive museum. “Finally the pieces will come together, where the different angles and stories fit,” Jakhelln says, and continues, “we are dividing the museum into five sections, exploring topics like 'dreams of flight', 'what goes wrong and what doesn’t' and 'a people connected and united' to mention a few.” The names in themselves illustrate how important aviation has been and continues to be for the creation and survival of Norway as a nation. “One has to remember that Norway in itself is a very long country - from the very top end at the North Cape to the south in Lin-

desnes it is as long as from Lindesnes to Rome. Thus when the airline Widerøe started flying to small places all over Norway, it really transformed the country and feeling of nationhood, as we were geographically united,” Jakhelln says. Bodø – a strategic location It is no coincidence that Bodø houses the Norwegian Aviation Museum. Above the Arctic Circle in Northern Norway, it has been a strategic location for Norway as well as the Allies during World Wars and the Cold War. Several battles have played out here, and aircrafts have been stationed with close proximity to Russia in particular. Similarly, it has been a starting point for explorers from all over the world, not least big Norwegian names venturing to the North Pole and the Arctic areas. “Bodø has always had a strategic location, which has contributed to Norway’s role as a crucial international player,” Jakhelln says.

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above the Soviet Union it was impossible to shoot down, and Bodø was the perfect location to station it. However the infallible plane couldn’t stand the final test and was shot down on its way from Pakistan to Bodø in 1960, allowing the world in on the secret that the US had spy planes over the ‘The Big Bear’, and that Norway knowingly allowed them to use their airspace and ground to do so. The revelation created huge political debates on all sides of the Atlantic, which is probably one of the reasons the aircraft remains mystical and hugely popular. For more information, please visit: www.luftfartsmuseum.no

Excitement, understanding and reflection The points above will be further emphasised in the revamped museum, where visitors are encouraged to interact and communicate with the exhibition rather than just look at and register. “We aim to create excitement, understanding and reflection, by connecting the stories,” Jakhelln says. “The aviation industry and history is far more complex than people perhaps know. We want people to leave the museum with an un

derstanding of why there are so many airports scattered around Norway, and at the very basic level why we can actually fly. These are points we take for granted today, but which are parts of a very long and interesting history.” The spy plane that never left One cannot mention the museum without mentioning it’s biggest attraction, the Lockheed U-2 plane. The high-altitude aircraft from the United States was used during the Cold War to fly so high

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Danmarks Radio’s Entertainment Orchestra in Oslo University’s Main Hall, Ultima 2014

Ultima: Oslo's ever growing musical spectacle Ultima Contemporary Music Festival is the Nordic region’s premier contemporary music festival, arranged in September each year in Norway’s capital Oslo. For 25 years it has been a key arena in contemporary music and related art forms. This year, the festival will offer new releases and a wider variety of music by a broader range of artists from Norway and abroad than ever before. Performances will take place at an equally varying range of venues, including Oslo Concert Hall, Oslo Cathedral and the Ekeberg Park. By Stian Sangvig | Photos: Henrik Beck

“Currently in its 25th year this year’s festival will take place between 10 and 19 September,” Artistic Director Lars Petter Hagen explains. “Since its relatively modest inception in 1991 the festival has grown steadily into an internationally acclaimed contemporary music festival attracting an annual average of more than 15,000 spectators,” Hagen continues. The programme for the festival contains between 40 and 50 events. In addition to concerts, Ultima also stages sound installa-

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tions, multimedia productions, musictheatre and performances. The entire city serves as the arena for the festival. Venues include the Norwegian Opera & Ballet, small clubs, industrial premises, museums and the outdoors. The theme for this year’s Ultima is ‘On Nature’. Countless stellar performances and experiences This year’s festival will start on 10 September with Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra

at the Oslo Concert Hall and will be attended by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon and Norway’s Minister of Culture Thorhild Widvey. The orchestra will perform the Turangalîla-Symphonie, a large-scale piece of exhilarating, intoxicating orchestral music and a modern classic by Olivier Messiaen (1908–1992). “The composer’s music touches on life’s big questions, such as human beings’ relationship with God and nature,” Hagen argues. Later on at the opening night, 8,000 visitors can assure free attendance (supported by Oslo Municipality) to an outdoor highlight of the festival at Ekebergparken just south east of Oslo’s city centre. Ultima invites visitors to a nocturnal walk of wonder, music and beauty as trumpeter, composer and producer Nils Petter Molvær performs Lucid Dream, which can be de-

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From Verdensteatrets (World Theatre’s) celebrated show The Bridge over Mud at Ultima 2014

scribed as an audio-visual installation constituted by Ekebergparken’s location and the cultural history of the forest. “Sound, light and images, blend in harmony with a walk-in installation for an atmosphere changing from pure beauty to its destructive side of danger,” Hagen describes.

The Guardian’s stamp of approval Two days later on 12 September, Helge Sten and Ensemble Musikfabrik will provide a rare performance together for one night only of Pitch 43 by Harry Partch at Kanonhallen. “In fact, the ensemble’s interpretation of Harry Partch’s work is included in The Guardian’s ‘150 unmissable arts events for 2015',” Hagen explains. The closing concert will take place at Oslo Cathedral on 19 September. André Bratten and Ole-Henrik Moe will perform new work as well as Arvo Pärt. The composers have put together an exciting ensemble

consisting of Oslo Domkor (Oslo Cathedral Choir) and Ensemble Allegria. “We believe Bratten and Moe will provide an adequate closure to this year’s Ultima thanks to Bratten’s music being a daring and modern blend of space disco and micro house,” Hagen says. Encouraging people to think outside the box At Ultima they take pride in encouraging musicians to think outside the box when developing contemporary music and culture with the goal of engaging the audience as well as entertaining them. “In addition to being proud of steadily growing attendance figures, we are particularly pleased that our average visitor is getting younger and younger,” Hagen explains in an optimistic tone for the future of the festival. Ultima is active and present during the rest of the year in addition to its own festival every September. In April 2014, for example, a mini version of Ul-

tima in New York took place in order to promote the festival receiving positive reviews. Similar events in Barcelona and Tokyo are planned for 2016. Larger programmes for children and youngsters are developed too. Recently 9,500 pupils experienced contemporary music in Haugesund in Western Norway. “It is interesting to work with children, as they receive the music without prejudice. They will also realise there is more to music than the pop music dominating the charts,” Hagen says.“The final programme for the festival will be on our website soon, and we encourage visitors to book tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment,” he concludes. Oslo is easily accessible by direct flights from most of Norway and Europe, as well as parts of North America, the Middle and Far East. For more information, please visit: www.ultima.no

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A family affair at the Frøya Festival Forget about Glastonbury – this August it is all about the Frøya Festival. This family festival equals three days of fun-filled entertainment, interesting learning and as with most great festivals, excellent music. By Helene Toftner | Photos: Frøya Festival

The Frøya Festival is beautifully located at Siholmen on the gorgeous island of Frøya just outside of Trondheim, in the middle of Norway. Playing out through 6-8 August this year, the island will be filled with people of all ages singing along to tunes by Johnny Logan, Norwegian favourite Ole Paus, and the tribute band Abba World Arrival. “It is a festival for everyone, with a mixed programme of international names as well as much-loved Norwegian artists,” communication manager at the festival, Jan Otto Fredagsvik, says. The festival kicks off with an atmospheric church concert with celebrated artist Ole Paus, in what is said to be the church for hosting concerts in the region. “It is a

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lovely start, and many artists themselves ask to perform on this concert and in this venue specifically,” Fredagsvik says. The festival continues with a conference, discussing the challenges facing the coastal society. “Coastal Norway has been, and remains, one of the lifelines in Norwegian society, but is facing many chal-

lenges that are very important to the local population here,” Fredagsvik continues. The educational aspect is important at the festival, which this year is focusing on natural sciences, providing children with exciting ways where the science is prevalent. There is however no proper family festival without good music, and of this there is plenty. With a mix of Norwegian and international artists, there is something for everyone at any age. “Join us island hopping around Frøya, where one of the artist groups will perform at each stop,” Fredagsvik says excitedly. “People sing along to familiar tunes from your boat and over all the festival offers each and every visitor a great time.”

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

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Norway Photo: Leif Egil Barth

Kalottspel: a festival with and because of people Staging concerts in stunning locations like caves and rivers, Kalottspel has taken the combined nature and music cultural experience to a whole new level. The admired festival is not exactly new to the game, but for the past 40 years it has brought people together to experience the very best the Cap of the North has to offer – and it has no plans of stopping just yet. By Julie Lindén | Photos: Kalottspel

“I think one of our biggest strengths as a festival is that we’ve had time to grow rooted in the local community,” says Manager Nina Fjeldet. “The backing we feel from local residents combined with magical nature and an excellent atmosphere – this is what makes Kalottspel truly spectacular.” From ten fiddlers to a fully fledged Nordic festival As early as 1949 the first music festival was held in Målselv, Troms, where ten local folk musicians were invited to make

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the mountains sing with their group and solo performances. The foundation had been laid for a folk festival that would entertain crowds for many years to come, and in 1970 the local gathering decided to include contributions from new areas. Musicians from the other countries of the Cap of the North (Sweden, Finland and Russia) took to the Målselv stage – and Kalottspel saw the light of day. “Since then Kalottspel has managed to become a seal of quality, ensuring that what you see on our stages is truly good. We’ve been able to book some great artists and perform-

ers that we’ve been proud to present, and audiences have grown and kept coming back. The Nordic theme is still ever-present – and we know that the special vibe, the atmosphere of Kalottspel, will always entice new fans,” says Fjeldet enthusiastically. Music by waterways and caves And how could it not, when a ticket allows you to river-raft and enter mysterious caves in search for a brand new cultural vibe? The unique event Kultur på Målselva (Culture on river Målselva) allows visitors to enter an exciting two-hour river safari just before midnight, where rafts and boats provide transportation down the serene watercourse. Once in a while intriguing cultural elements interrupt the silence, such as fiddle tunes or a joik (the latter a traditional Sami type of singing), making the experience something out of a

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fairy-tale. “I’d say it’s the summer’s most beautiful experience,” says Fjeldet knowingly. “There’s something about how the cultural performances heighten the perception of nature that’s absolutely extraordinary.” Those more predisposed to sedentary events may find the cave concert just as thrilling, with Eplemøya Songlag providing a musical enactment few can outdo. “They’re recognised as Norway’s best acapella group – regardless of genre,” remarks Fjeldet, adding: “The cave’s acoustics are amazing. The combination is, well, nothing short of magical.”

the plate and become an indispensable part of Kalottspel. The festival is essentially a gathering for all: a place to have fun, learn and feel inspired. Local will, an unparalleled setting and professional knowledge – that’s what makes us who we are.” Kalottspel takes place on 4 – 9 August. For more information, please visit: www.kalottspel.no and www.facebook.com/kalottisoi

Experience Kalottspel 2015: Vamp / Arvvas Susanne Lundeng Erlend Viken Trio Eplemøya Songlag RiM / Durmål Hällström and Bergström Min – ensemblet Erlend Apneseth / Thomas and Guro Lakselv Spellemannslag Målselv Spellemannslag

Space to play, dance and evolve Kalottspel’s acts are known to be of high quality, and some now famous performers have seen their careers take off at the folk festival. Folk-rock collab Hekla Stålstrenga and dance ensemble Kartellet are two examples who are known throughout Norway for their distinctive takes on folk culture. “That our vision is naturally intertwined with our local community shows in the artists who have been inspired by the festival,” explains Fjeldet. “It’s been wonderful seeing artists such as Hekla Stålstrenga grow from a local act to national folk darlings. Now they have even had a documentary made about them on national TV. Kartellet came into being during our 2012 festival, and now they are widely known.” Local will and professional knowledge Kalottspel has indeed proved that it supplies continuously fertile ground for folk musicians and performers, which is one of the festival’s main objectives. With an aim to exist “with and because of the people”, it is clear that there would not be much of a festival without both talent on stage and keen helpers backstage. “That festival-goers are moved by the immense talent represented in the programme is one thing, but many leave equally amazed by the efforts of volunteers and our ‘local heroes’,” muses Fjeldet. Explaining how residents deliver everything from transport to freshly made coffee and ‘sveler’ (traditional thick pancakes), she is noticeably proud of the machinery that makes each edition of Kalottspel run smoothly. “Local residents have really stepped up to

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Photo: Ålesund Havnevesen

Meet the Norwegian sea life at the Ålesund Aquarium Set out to explore life under the sea at one of the most unique aquariums in Europe, Ålesund Aquarium. Here you can feed scary looking wolfish; watch the diver feed the biggest fish in the Atlantic Ocean tank, and the alfa male seal, Knut, swimming around and flirting with his female friends, all within their natural habitats. By Helene Toftner

The attractions of an aquarium are many and obvious, for young as well as old. Ålesund Aquarium is no different – if anything, it has more up its sleeve than most. Having been awarded the prestigious prize as the Best Aquarium in the Nordics in 2013 and 2015, there is no wonder all generations are flocking to the stunning attraction by the sea. “We have always focused on showcasing the natural habitat of the animals, and not least house the natural animals and fish of the Atlantic Ocean just outside our doorstep,” says sales and new product manager Britt Giske Andersen. “We want to make ‘our own fish’ in-

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teresting, and we have succeed through great focus on the interactive part of the aquarium.” Catching the fish just outside their doorstep The aquarium beautifully overlooks the Atlantic Ocean just a few minutes’ drive from Ålesund, the famed art nouveau town in Norway’s fjord region. The town is easily reached from London and Amsterdam with several direct routes per week, and a visit here can easily be combined with hikes around some of the most stunning fjord landscapes in the world.

In Norwegian, the aquarium is appropriately named Atlanterhavsparken, (The Atlantic Ocean Park). The aquarium truly lives up to its name by focusing mainly on fish and creatures that live in the ocean just outside the Aquarium. “The aquarium was established in the midst of nature, and just by the ocean. It was important when building it that it wouldn’t interfere with the scenery, so we incorporated the coastal habitat into the building. More importantly however is that we almost only house species captured just outside, so we have a lot of cod, crabs and scary looking monkfish,” Giske Andersen says. An exotic addition – the penguins One species that normally does not appear in this part of the world is the penguin. The Humboldt penguins are a part of an international breading program through EAZA (The European Association of Zoos and

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You may wonder what made Knut such a lucky man to be the “chief rooster in the basket”. While there may not be a good explanation for this, we can offer a reason for the name. Knut is named after the Aquarium’s former general manager whom is now retired. “It seemed very appropriate,” Giske Andersen says with a smile. Putting animal welfare at the top

Photo: Per Eide

Aquaria). They are one of the most popular attractions, the feeding particularly popular – and the feeders know how to please the crowd with their outfit bearing similarities to a morning suit. Feeding time is generally very popular, and the diver’s show is the ultimate experience as visitors can take part in the entertainment from a glass window placed into the pool. “They witness how well the divers interact with the fish, and how the different species have very different personalities. Luckily we do not have any bad fishes there,” Giske Andersen laughs. Another very popular attraction is the activity room, a room where visitors can feed

and pet small fish, crabs and starfish, as well as learning more about how they live and function. Opening of the new seal pool A much anticipated opening took place in September 2014, namely the opening of the massive new seal pool. An outdoor pool located just on the side of the ocean is the home of seven seals. “It is Knut and the ladies,” Giske Andersen says. Knut, the chief male in the pool, was brought from the Lofoten Islands further north in Norway, while the ladies are brought from different aquariums around Europe. “Here they have founded their own little colony, and live as close to their natural ways as possible,” Giske Andersen says.

In a time when animal welfare awareness is on the rise, many zoos and aquariums are under intense pressure to ensure they are treating their inhabitants right. For Ålesund Aquarium this has always been top priority. “It also comes naturally as we want to showcase the world in and under the sea in its natural form. The aquarium was built on top of the nature and we kept the nature as it was, everything inside the tanks is real. This is as close as it gets to their natural habitat, and still be served free meals,” Giske Andersen says. For more information, please visit: www.atlanterhavsparken.no and www.visitalesund.com

Photo: Per Eide

Photo: Roger Engvik

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Photo: Mariell Øyr

Photo: Kristine Folland

Photo: Steinar Sørli

An opera festival under Western Norway’s light summer sky Bergen National Opera, based on the West coast of Norway, is attracting international attention for its wide repertoire and exciting mix of voices and creative teams. Based in Bergen´s Grieghallen with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Scandinavia´s leading early music ensemble Barokksolistene and Edvard Grieg Kor, amongst its partners, this year's productions include A Midsummer Night’s Dream and a radical contemporary Madame Butterfly.

Åmot Opera Farm was renovated and turned into an exclusive boutique hotel and venue by opera farmers Steinar and Yngve, who famously brought Kiri Te Kanawa to their farm for a spot of flyfishing and singing.

By Stian Sangvig

“Visitors are encouraged to book their tickets early to secure a place. It's a unique opportunity to experience Norwegian nature and culture” says Press Manager Kristin Øygarden.

A new project for 2015 is Mimi Goes Glamping, a brand new way to enjoy opera in the outdoors. The idea was inspired by the trend for cool new high-end rock festivals in England and USA such as Latitude and Coachella. “These festivals are far more a lifestyle experience than simply a rock festival in an open field. We thought ‘why not do this with opera?’” says Opera Chief Mary Miller. “We have a sensational environment, so we wanted to bring together tourism, nature and the music.” Now visitors are welcome to join Mimi for a three-day boutique festival of opera, gourmet food, speakers, late-night singer-songwriters, pop-ups, master classes, yoga and forest walks led by local experts.

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The festival takes place under the light Nordic summer sky between 21 and 23 August at the Åmot Opera Farm in Sunnfjord, which is beautifully situated in dramatically contrasting scenery between the fjord and the mountains. It is a threehour drive from Bergen. Spectators are welcome to ‘glamp’ in one of our glamorous tents, bring their own or be a softie and stay at a local B&B nearby. Acclaimed soprano Rachel Nicholls, her bass-baritone husband Andrew Slater, Norwegian stars Eli Kristin Hanssveen and Ann Beth Solvang and others sing everything from Puccini to Ella Fitzgerald, along with the Edvard Grieg Choir, Unge Stemmer (Young Voices) and Baroque violinist and director Bjarte Eike.

Bergen is easily accessible by direct flights from most of Norway as well as several major European cities.

Photo: Eivind Kaasin

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

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The Cathedral Point in Hamar offers the audience a special atmosphere in the ruins of the old medieval cathedral.

A little piece of real Norway – the past and the present Anno Museum takes you back in time, when farming and wildlife were at the heart of Norwegian life. Through charming farms, local delicacies and history it offers a peek into the past, while also bringing contemporary exhibitions and issues to the table.

courage discussion and interest in climate issues, and the importance of trees. “With digital means, the tree will incorporate natural characteristics, like photosynthesis and leaves,” Skjæret says enthusiastically.

By Helene Toftner | Photos: Anno Museum

Anno Museum is in fact a collection of museums scattered across Hedmark, the region about two hours north-east of Oslo. Bringing you to the heart of Norway, you can experience local traditions at oldfashioned farms or at the Norwegian Forest Museum, as well as the stunning Cathedral Point in Hamar. “Our museums are off the beaten track, and offer a piece of the real Norway,” communications director at Anno Museum Stine Skjæret says. While the region has remained somewhat of a hidden gem for many tourists, it was the home of world renowned opera singer Kirsten Flagstad and trumpet player Ole Edvard Antonsen, the former having a museum dedicated to her. “We also have a dedicated Women’s Museum, which has attracted international attention for its ex-

hibition of toys, focusing on the gender divide,” Skjæret says. The highlight of the year is however the Nordic Hunting and Fishing Days kicking off between 6-9 August at the Forest Museum in Elverum. The event is the biggest of its kind in Norway, bringing together people from all over the country as well as abroad for a sales exhibition, great food, and not least seminars on hunting techniques. “Hunting and fishing are big hobbies across Norway, and we are now focusing on teaching children about the resources we get from hunting, and how to take part in a safe way,” Skjæret says. Children are the focus also when revealing the world’s biggest aluminium tree, The Fantastic Tree. This autumn the spectacular piece will be revealed, created to en-

Anno Museum has 500 buildings showcasing traditional Norwegian style, scattered across the whole region. This is from Tolga, north of the region.

The Nordic hunting and fishing days offer experiences for the whole family.

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

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Art from the province is not to be missed Forget national museums in the capital cities and overwhelming buildings dedicated to the memory of an artist. You are likely to find the true soul of the art in the provinces, and the Art Museum Nord Trøndelag has taken upon itself the role of showcasing what national and professional local artists have made, and continue to make.

“It is however important not to forget the younger generations. We host art workshops where children meet the artists, and learn techniques and how to express themselves in the most interesting ways,” Greiff says. And for those fancying a little piece of art, pop by the shop selling art as well as regional arts and crafts.

By Helene Toftner | Photos: Kunstmuseet Nord Trøndelag

In the very middle of Norway you'll find the county of Nord Trøndelag, and in the middle of it there is Namsos. The small town however houses a big collection of past and present pieces of regional and national art treasures. With 2,000 permanent pieces, and constantly changing contemporary exhibitions, the museum in the province has a voice to be reckoned with. “We have many great names exhibiting here, but perhaps what is most unique about us is our focus on interdisciplinary expressions. Thus we constantly challenge the lines between different art forms,” manager Sara Cornelia Greiff says.

mention the museum without referring to the modernist artist Johs Rian’s permanent room, where the exhibitions change. The current show, The Woman, is about how women have influenced his works.

The museum houses both established and new artists, through exhibitions such as Artists in Residence. One can however not

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

Meet Norway’s Beethoven Classical music buffs should be familiar with Fartein Valen, one of the few Norwegian composers whose artistic talent and innovation gained international recognition. To make sure his legacy is not forgotten, the Fartein Valen Foundation in Haugesund works to acquaint more people with Valen’s inspiring style and sound. By Maya Acharya | Photos: Fartein Valen

Valen’s music can be described as powerfully resonant, philosophical and captivatingly atonal. During his lifetime, a Fartein Valen-society was established, he was awarded an artist’s salary by the Norwegian parliament and he travelled abroad to cities such as Paris, Rome and Berlin. “Valen was unique and at the same time very much part of the European music culture during

his time,” says Ole Jørgen Furdal, manager of the Fartein Valen Festival; one of the most important events that the foundation organises. “We think that one of the best ways to promote interest in Valen’s music is by playing it,” Furdal explains. The yearly festival does exactly that, with an emphasis on a varied program celebrating the work of Valen himself and the music that inspired

him. Performing artists are chosen to represent a leading edge within their genre. 2016 will see the likes of Ingebjørg Bratland, Oslo String Quartet and pianist Håvard Gimse. Another highlight will be the unveiling of a statue of Valen, created by artist Odin Øistad. Another way in which you can discover more about Valen is by visiting Valenheimen, Valen’s now open house in Valevåg. As Valen was religious and inspired particularly by literature and art, Valheimen is home to many notable books and paintings, along with music history. As Furdal notes: “By opening up his home and also the landscape where he grew up, you get to know the man behind the music. This creates a certain authenticity that gives an extra dimension to his work.”

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

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Sver: The Norwegian group Sver is touring the Nordics with dancehall artist Snakka San.

Skenet: The Swedish group Skenet is experiencing great success with their innovative take on folk music.

Discover innovative folk music at Folkelarm Did you think folk music was passé and something only played out on the countryside? Think again! Folkelarm showcases the most innovative and entertaining artists within the genre, be it folk tunes accompanied by electric guitars, or a controversial takes on an iconic dance. However the new tunes go hand in hand with the traditional ones, complementing each other in a fascinating way.

society, as a woman, a lover and a career woman. “27 artists are coming together, with exciting new approaches and interpretations as well as classic folk music tunes. It is very exciting times,” Reinton says.

By Helene Toftner | Photos: Folkelarm

The festival is a celebration of folk music and dance, uniting the best within the field from all over Norway. While it has established itself as the most important professional meeting place for the genre, it has also become an increasingly popular event for music lovers who wish to experience the newest and best of the traditional tunes. “We are experiencing an increasingly wide audience, and many are surprised how much they really like the music of the genre, even though they initially thought it would sound like the type of music that their grandparents used to listen to,” festival manager Sigurd Reinton says. In fact many are surprised to note that much of the popular music they listen to on the radio or through streaming services is indeed inspired by catchy folk tunes. Bands like Skenet, the Swedish

quartet, combine folk tunes from the 1800s with electric guitars, bass and moog-synth which works surprisingly well together. “This is the place to experience the newest trends within the genre, and there are so many exciting musicians out there,” Reinton says, and continues by mentioning the Norwegian band Sver. They are perhaps one of the most mainstream bands, and has toured to numerous festivals and club scenes through their cooperation with dancehall artist Snakka San. However the festival is not just about music, but a place to experience one of the most iconic Norwegian dances, the ‘Halling Dance'. Silje Onstad Hålien is the first female to dance ‘halling’ at a top level and combines it with contemporary dancing in her performance 101 hats to kick before I die, where she explores her role in

MariMidtli: While only 18 years old, Mari Midtli has established herself as a force to be reckoned with.

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

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: ME E H EN L T ED

W IA EC IN S P S DE MA

A vitamin injection for Swedish export Sweden has a long tradition of being an expert-oriented country. Our international businesses are important for Swedish employment and for our welfare – today and in the future. But lately, Swedish export has not developed quite as well as we would have liked it to. Sweden can do better. That’s why the government has decided to gather up forces in order to increase Swedish export to the rest of the world. Right now we are hard at work and in constant correspondence with businesses, in developing an export strategy. A strategy that will work as a vitamin injection for Swedish export. Sweden’s export is a huge one, nearly half of Sweden’s BNP is depending on it, so we can call ourselves a trade-dependent country with ease. But when we see how the export has developed during the past years, we can also see that it has become weaker than the export of our neighbouring countries. In addition to this, nearly 70 per cent of our export has been going to European countries. Much of the world growth will in the coming years be happening outside of Europe. The EU Commission figures that a whopping 80 per cent of the growth leading up to 2020 will occur outside Europe. Therefore Sweden needs to change their trading pattern so that we can establish a presence in the growing markets. We have done thorough analysis and identified which of the countries are wealthy enough, growing enough, and have a market close enough to ours so that our products and services can be relevant and applied. As the Minister for Enterprise and Innovation, I have named Swedish export as one of my main areas of focus. One of my first decisions was therefore to kick start the export strategy, a strategy has already been fruit bearing in the spring budget about to be passed in Parliament. Another early decision was to name the entire gov-

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ernment a patron of Swedish export. I have no less than 23 Ministers of Trade in the government, and many of them have already taken on international patron travels.

amount of worked hours financially so that we reach the lowest unemployment rates in the EU. Sweden’s export of products and services will play a key role in how well we manage to achieve it.

The Swedish government has an ambitious goal: in 2020, Sweden will have an increased number of employees, and the

Mikael Damberg, Minister for Enterprise and Innovation

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Sweden

Svensk Handel Svensk Handel - Swedish Trade Federation - is the employersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; association serving the entire trade and commerce sector. We represent commercial enterprises on issues concerning employment and economic policy. Svensk Handel is tasked with creating the best trading conditions for commercial enterprises both large and small. We act to improve conditions in the industry by maintaining industrial peace, by lobbying decision makers and formers of opinion, by contributing towards reduced costs for member companies and by providing legal advice and services. We unite more than 13,000 member companies with around 300,000 employees, active across various branches of retail and wholesale trade. In addition to large member companies such as IKEA, H&M and ICA we also count among our roster small and mid-sized enterprises, and chains such as Intersport, Stadium and Lindex. Today, the industry employs approximately half a million people, and turns over SEK 600 billion annually â&#x20AC;&#x201C; more than one-tenth of Sweden's GDP. Commerce is unquestionably a sector with considerable significance for the national economy. Going on vacation? Shopping tourism today generates SEK 80 billion of retail trade, and interest in Sweden as a tourist destination continues to grow. Svensk Handel has teamed up with a number of its partners in the tourist industry to develop 20 new Swedish tourist destinations by the year 2020. Svensk Handel acts for a world with free trade and no barriers. We also seek to highlight the significance of imports, ease the regulatory burden on companies and increase state investment in training and research. Moreover, we strive to reduce card and cash processing charges. Every commercial enterprise is welcome to become a member of Svensk Handel. Our

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members benefit from a wide range of support and services to help them in their daily business. They also gain access to a broad suite of membership benefits, including insurance, reduced card processing charges and support in the event of legal disputes.

Karin Johansson, CEO, Svensk Handel â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Swedish Trade Federation

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

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Baby Carrier One www.babybjorn.com This product features the characteristic BABYBJĂ&#x2013;RN parallel line design.

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Sweden

A Volvo car is made to withstand the extreme weathers of Scandinavia whilst keeping both driver and passengers safe. Tough terrain, freezing winters and dry summers – if you can drive a car all year around in Sweden, the rest of the world will be a piece of cake.

Volvo – The proud legacy of an innovative country Few brands are as strongly connected to their natives as Volvo is to Sweden. The first Volvo was proudly presented in 1927 and ever since, the cars and the brand has only been growing stronger and better, creating revolutionary innovation along the way. With a vision and mission to be the world’s most progressive and desired premium car brand, Volvo has time and time again proved that when it comes the being the market leader, coming from a small country like Sweden, is not in the least a bad thing. By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Volvo Personbilar

“We started in Sweden, our HQ is in Sweden and our production is still, in many ways, based in Sweden,” says Per Carleö, Marketing Director at Volvo Car Sverige, when asked to describe the relationship between the country and the global motor giant. “And I guess you can say that when it comes to building and designing our cars we still think very Swedish too.” Indeed, a Volvo car is made to withstand the extreme weathers of Scandinavia whilst

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keeping both driver and passengers safe. Tough terrain, freezing winters and dry summers – if you can drive a car all year around in Sweden, the rest of the world will be a piece of cake. “Volvo’s philosophy has always been, and continues to be to put the people first,” Carleö explains. “What will they need? How will they drive? What do they want? These questions are always at the top of our list when we work on new cars and products.

To answer them you sometimes need to challenge conventions, yourself and your convictions in order to find a new path, something that Sweden as a creative landscape has always encouraged.” Volvo: Made by Sweden Adding on to their 'Swedishness', Volvo Cars’ campaign Made by Sweden has, in collaboration with some of the most famous people the country has produced, made breathtakingly beautiful and widely recognised ads promoting their cars as well as their origins. “We wanted to even further enforce the notion that we stand for artistic freedom, acceptance and creativity,” Carleö explains. “And by joining forces with some of the most well-known Swedes in the world we have been able to establish our brand as one of Sweden’s top exports, even more than before. Each person in our Made by Sweden collaboration stands for

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Sweden

Nordic quality and creative climates Sweden and Swedish products are known for a creative climate that values humanity and individuality, something that runs through every line in Volvo’s huge corporation. With an authentic and genuine passion in all they do there is no wonder that huge success has followed in every step they take, no matter what direction. Continuing on their journey as the frontrunner of Nordic quality, style and originality Volvo’s quest is far from over and where the road leads is still unknown. However, one thing continues to be certain: when it comes to Swedish innovation, you will be hard pressed to find a better representative than Volvo. Staying true to their vision they are sure to keep providing safety, stability and modernisation for a long time to come. Always pushing boundaries, always putting people first. Or as they like to say themselves:

Musician Robyn, collaborating with Volvo in their biggest pro-environment and sustainability project thus far.

something typically Swedish.” Like football player Zlatan Ibrahimovic for example, who even as one of the most successful athletes in the world, still chooses to venture out to Swedish nature to find serenity and relaxation when he gets a chance to unwind. Or music phenomenon Robyn, who with her eclectic and unique sound has managed to build her own strong profile made from modernity and willpower in the highly competitive global music industry.

“In Sweden, care for people is a priority. Everyone is important – all life is important – and that has always carried through naturally into Volvo’s ethos of car making. It’s this care for the wellbeing of driver, passengers and everyone around the car that has always defined Volvo. And always will.” For more information, please visit: www.volvocars.com

Footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrating Swedish nature in collaboration with Volvo Cars

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Sweden

Visiting the glass works is an amazing first handed experience of the splendid craftsmanship the artists and glass blowers produce every day

Magnus Andersson, CEO Orrefors Kosta Boda

History, legacy, innovation and Swedish design at its finest The art of glassblowing has long been a source of pride and joy in the Swedish province of Småland. People flock every year to see the amazing process behind some of the most beautiful glass pieces in the world, created by star glassworks Orrefors and Kosta Boda. With a crystal clear sense of what works, and an impeccably timeless class, their glass art has become a true testament of Scandinavian design. By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Orrefors Kosta Boda

“It’s been an interesting journey to say the least,” says Magnus Andresson, CEO of Orrefors Kosta Boda AB Glassworks enthusiastically. “Ever since 1742, when our first glasswork opened up, Orrefors and Kosta Boda have been working tirelessly in trying to refine and innovate the craftsmanship of glassblowing, starting with regular appliances for the home, and developing Kosta Boda, where art, shape and design is the main focus.” As early as 1898 the glasswork started to bring in artists to work alongside the glassblowers and shortly thereafter Orrefors and Kosta Boda partook in the World Exhibition in Paris where the Swedish artist Simon Gate’s Graal was

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awarded the Grand Prix. That was the starting point of the immense success that we see today. “The industry came to a crossroads after the Second World War,” Andersson explains. “Before the War, the glass industry had been about affordability and necessity and after, when more materials where discovered and made available, glassworks had to choose between staying in affordable household creations, or take a turn for a more artistic, refined and innovative side.” Luckily, Orrefors and Kosta Boda decided to go for the latter. Bringing their fine glass creations into a record breaking number of homes, Orrefors and Kosta Boda have made a name

for themselves as the number one glasswork in Northern Europe. Gifts for graduation, anniversaries or simply to treat yourself and your loved ones – their pieces simply can never go wrong. The exquisite shapes, impeccable craftsmanship and the aura of Scandinavian minimalistic class of the products are mesmerising people world-wide. Artists and designers can’t wait to get involved and the fascination surrounding Orrefors and Kosta Boda Glassworks is only growing bigger. “People say that Scandinavian design is the ‘new’ black,” Andersson says proudly, “but it has been for a long time now. And as far as we are concerned our future projects, collaborations and developments will make sure it stays that way for a long time to come.”

For more information, please visit: www.orrefors.com and www.kostaboda.com

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Sweden

Woolpower: Responsibly made in Sweden Originating from Östersund, Sweden, Woolpower has since 1972 provided their clients with clothes made impeccably from the finest wool known to man. With a mindset to keep developing their production and designs to meet all market and customer demands, the two brothers behind Woolpower refuse to compromise the conditions in which their warm and excellent items are produced. Responsible and fair is their game as they keep generating heat through well-tailored, high-quality clothes more than suitable for the Scandinavian climate. By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Go ̈sta Fries

“People often ask us about our choice of production location,” says Karin Sundström, marketing manager at Woolpower. “Rightly so perhaps, as one of our seamstress’ wages equals the entire production cost in one of the ‘standard’ production countries in Asia. However, Woolpower is a conscious company that values equality, fairness and human rights. Keeping the production in Sweden means that we have to pay people a fair salary, with benefits, insurances and everything else that goes with it, but we would never want it any other way. In the long run, we are certain that it will pay off.” And Cosmic Karma seems to act in Woolpower’s favour as more and more

people in the cold North are discovering the benefits of warm clothes made from the best material, in the best of conditions. “We want to provide people with the very best the wool industry can offer,” Sundström explains. And the “very best” is more than just a beautiful design. Using only the finest wool from the Argentinean region of Patagonia and Uruguay, totally free from mulesing, Woolpower works closely with the sheep farmers in an effort to make sure that the soil and land is being used in a way beneficial to the original flora. “Being an employer is a privilege,” says Sundström and continues, “and every privilege comes with a responsibility. We are fortunate enough

to be able to work with the best wool in the world, our customers are in a way privileged to wear it, therefore it is our responsibility to make Woolpower a privilege to work for as well, no matter if it’s in the board of directors, our production factory, or minding the sheep which provides us with the wool. It’s all full circle and we want everyone involved – customer, creator and provider – to feel that our clothes are good in every single aspect.”

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

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Alukin aluminium boats, for an easy, breezy and beautiful life at sea In Scandinavia, owning a boat and heading out on the open waters is a utopia nurtured by a rich wildlife and coastal tradition. However, owning a boat is a lot of work and maintenance and can be somewhat of a nightmare unless you devote all day every day to, what is for many a time consuming hobby. Until now, that is. ALUKIN Aluminium Boats has the solution for a fun, easy and breezy life on-board of what is sure to become your favourite possession.

Essential to a boat of this calibre is a rigid hull with the exact right balance and a good construction in every single, tiny detail. With reliability and functionality as their top priorities, Maria and Peter made aluminium their material of choice.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Magnus Liam Karlsson

“There are many benefits with aluminium,” Maria says. “When it comes to endurance and low maintenance in a marine environment, aluminium is as good as it gets.” Aluminium is also good from an environmental perspective as it demands much energy in its development, but makes up for it in being completely recyclable, unlike many other boat materials which can be a bit of a nightmare to part with in a way that benefits nature.

“It started when Peter and I moved from Stockholm to Roslagen in order to live closer to Åland, where we spend our freetime and summers,” explains Maria Nikula, co-founder of ALUKIN Aluminium Boats. “We both grew up in the archipelago and used to say that we were born with one foot already in the sea,” she says with a laugh. “Therefore boat life was a big part of our upbringing and has since been a big part of how we chose to spend our time.” When time came for the Nikula’s to purchase their own boat they knew exactly what they wanted. “We were looking for very specific features and characteristics

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both in functionality and performance and realised that it was very difficult to find,” Maria says. “So we decided to build one ourselves.” Seaworthiness and functionality What Maria and Peter created was an endurable and functional boat model, with splendid seaworthiness in the entire speed range. “We wanted a boat that had a reliable and sturdy hull, in addition to being a pure joy to navigate in all weathers and speed, and that’s what we ended up with.” Indeed, ALUKIN boats are fast and smooth with a soft navigation no matter the sea conditions.

A unique business model ALUKIN’s business model is unusual in the boat industry. Refraining from the usage of middle men and resellers, they effectively eliminate a step in the process of purchase that often leaves the end cus-

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Sweden

tomer without the entire picture. “We are not keeping anything from the customers,” Maria explains. “By dealing with them directly we grow quite close. Customers are invited to oversee the building of their boat through every step of the way via social media or physical visits to our production site in Roslagen. Nothing is being kept from the soon-to-be boat owner, which builds up a trust and a security in that everything is being done right, to the highest of standards and according to the customer’s wishes.” Another step in ALUKIN’s successful business model is to make costumers act as ambassadors of the boat company. This increases accessibility and opens more people’s eyes to the benefits and joy that is ALUKIN Aluminium Boats. A local and honest production ALUKIN Aluminium Boats are produced by the company Marinteknik i Norrtälje AB, which is situated in Roslagen, in the northern parts of Stockholm’s archipelago. While many big boat manufacturers look towards a far-away production scheme in order to cash in on cheap labour and material, ALUKIN has chosen the home-bound alternative. “Having a local production means 100 per cent overview of the entire process,” Maria says when asked if it wouldn’t be more profitable to place the manufacturing

abroad. “We have shown that it’s possible to profit financially through our business model, which differs from the competition." Pride and joy in product, production and working conditions “We love our boats and production in Roslagen,” she continues. “The ‘Made in Roslagen' sign is placed on all our boats. It is a trademark that equals quality, control though the entire process, security, safety and good working conditions. Placing the production in Sweden ensures that laws and rights are being obeyed and upheld.” The future is looking bright for Alukin and as the business grows each day, the ambition to keep the impeccable customer service and high-quality production the company is known for and proud of today remains. “We want to keep providing a simple, carefree sea-life, just like we are doing today,” Maria says enthusiastically. “We look forward to expanding in a pace that won’t compromise our customer service the way we do business and, of course, the quality of our sustainable aluminium boats.”

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

Photo: Roger Olsson Photo: Roger Olsson

Maria and Peter Nikula created their company ALUKIN, which is their surname spelled backwards.

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Sweden

TRIWA – the modernisation of an icon The watch has always been an accessory oozing status and class. However, realising that the wrist appliance had lost its main function, TRIWA stepped in. Wanting to make the watch more accessible to the broader masses, the four friends behind the brand took on a revolutionary journey in transforming the wrist watch from a status symbol to a symbol of style. By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: TRIWA

“Me and the other guys behind TRIWA were having lunch and started to notice that young people around us weren’t wearing watches,” says Ludvig Scheja, co-founder of TRIWA says when asked how it all started. “Instead mobile phones had taken over the function.” The observation lead to discussions about how the usage of the wrist watch was somewhat retired and that it now, more than ever, simply was a symbol of times passed. “It had become old fashioned,” Ludvig explains. “And as a product it was inaccessible to consumers that had no need for it.” TRIWA launched their first collection of watches in 2007 and Ludvig and his partners went straight to the fashion industry and boutiques. “We felt that in order to make the watch appeal to a fashionable and young

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market we needed to go to places where the customers already were, rather than trying to make them change their behaviour,” Ludvig says. “So we made the collection available through selected department stores and design and fashion stores, where people could touch and feel the product.” The instant success made TRIWA gain a lot of attention and since the first release eight years ago the company has continued developing fashionable, stylish wrist pieces that people can’t seem to get enough of. Expanding into the world of equally timeless sunglasses with equally good reviews, the sky is indeed the limit for TRIWA. “Sunglasses weren’t an obvious transition,” says Ludvig. “But it was something we wanted to try out so we started with a mini collection

mainly for ourselves. When we heard that other people liked them we increased the production volume.” With a bunch of successful projects behind them (like the anti-racism watch, a recession proof watch called ‘Black Friday’ and various collaborations with other designers and artists) TRIWA is exceeding every expectation. “At the end of the day, we are simply making the designs we would like to wear ourselves,” Ludvig sums it up. “That people like it is a fantastic bonus,” he adds with a laugh.

Visit the TRIWA boutique on Grev Turegatan in Stockholm, and don’t miss their pop up shop on Arlanda Airport, which is open until September.

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

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Sweden

From gloomy to bright in a heartbeat HappySweeds has set a new standard when it comes to umbrellas. In Sweden, we regard rain as a necessary evil. But, due to HappySweeds, wet weather is no reason for you to look (or feel) gloomy. HappySweeds produce high-quality umbrellas that reflect your personality and make your rainy day shine bright. By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: HappySweeds

A couple of kids were throwing paper planes from Brooklyn Bridge over the East River in New York when it suddenly started to pour down with rain. One of the kids unfolded a paper plane and used it for shelter. The "happening" inspired HappySweeds’ first design which was given the name Brooklyn Bridge. The driving force behind HappySweeds is not only to deliver a top-class stylish accessory that protects you from the rain. “We strive to create something that will brighten up people’s rainy days, therefore the products need to be neat, smart and classy in addition to being highly functional,” explains Rodney Lacey, cofounder of HappySweeds. “We focus on the experience that people can have rather than just delivering a product. The design has to be excellent and the qual-

ity has to be the best there is. But it should also have a ‘feel good’ factor to it.” And with a HappySweeds umbrella, it’s certainly hard not to feel great. HappySweeds launched its first collection in the autumn of 2014 and the response has been overwhelming. “We draw inspiration from everything. It can be the colour of the sky to the rivers of Paris,” Lacey explains. “It has to bring out a good vibe in people. If it does, we know we’re on the right track!” With two collections a year, HappySweeds makes your rainy day shine bright. The fashionable and classy umbrellas are designed to fit various lifestyles. Even HappySweeds’ classic black umbrellas have an element of surprise. Using it is a joy and makes you

stand out from the crowd. Buy one and you’ll know why! Currently, not even a year after the launch of the first collection, HappySweeds can be found in over 120 Scandinavian retailers as well as in high-class stores such as Colette in Paris. “We have filled a gap in the market and offer umbrellas with high-quality, fashion and class,” says Lacey proudly. “We make everyone shine bright with HappySweeds, even when the rain is pouring down.”

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

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Sweden

Jimmy Ek, Sales Chief at Axis Communications’Nordic region.

AXIS COMMUNICATIONS: INNOVATING FOR A SECURE AND SAFE WORLD In a world where security cameras are a vital global commodity, Axis Communications are leading the way with innovative and highly efficient network and technological solutions. Founded in 1984, Axis has revolutionised the market of network video products, changing the industry with their digital solutions, making the analogue way of working nothing but a distant memory. By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Axis Communications

Swedish technology innovator and vendor Axis Communications was founded in 1984 by Mikael Karlsson, Martin Gren and Keith Bloodworth. Starting out with a technology and business vision, to network enable devices for professional use, the company quickly established itself as one to watch on the global market.

“Axis were first in a field which is now huge,” says Kristina Tullberg, PR and Communications Manager at Axis Northern European region. “We managed to set the tone in what was to become a dominant factor in the surveillance camera market, long before IT and networks were the obvious choice.”

1996 became a defining moment when the company launched the world’s first network camera, the AXIS 200. Featuring an integrated webserver, the camera allowed video to be viewed remotely from any browser, anywhere. “The new IP-cameras developed at a rapid pace and they quickly became Axis’ main focus,” explains Jimmy Ek, Sales Chief at Axis Communications’ Nordic region. “Thanks to that first network camera we were able to focus solely on security solutions and products.”

Sporting over 1,900 employees, Axis is still at the very frontline when it comes to IP security solutions. With distributions in over 70 countries and collaborations in 179, the world is truly their oyster.

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Today the civilian surveillance and recording debate is hotter than ever, and while many feel a discomfort in the increased presence of CCTV, security cameras and other appliances made for personal use, a whopping amount of people say they feel much safer in places where security

cameras are installed. “It is an interesting debate and one we feel is really important to take on,” says Tullberg. Ek adds “it’s generally not the camera that people find disturbing, but rather how the information is being handled.” Tullberg agrees and continues, “At Axis we are as concerned as everyone else when it comes to misuse and abuse of surveillance recordings, and that’s why we are doing our very best in educating both distributors, installers and end consumers in areas such as privacy and network technology implementation. In the end, when used correctly remote, IP-camera solutions can really be a force of good in the world today.”

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

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Sweden

Fabulous fashion for feet everywhere Footwear is always in fashion, no matter what season or popular trends. Regardless of personal style, shoes work as a common denominator, uniting even the most hardcore fashionistas with people who are looking for comfort and sustainability. Convinced that you shouldn’t have to choose between comfort, design or a conscious production, Swedish Ten Points make shoes suitable to every season, mood or preference. By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Ten Points

Swedish style, clean and simple designs and toned down impeccable fashion, is the heart that keeps the beat at Ten Points. From the first ever collection carrying their logo in 1985, the focus has not shifted the slightest. “Every shoe from us is handmade in Europe from European leather,” says Magnus Palmér of Ten Points. ”Our line of shoes made from vegetable tanned leather is very important and we tan it with chestnut oil, which adds on to our sustainable vision and production methods. We believe in a fair business practice and that you’re supposed to feel great wearing our shoes, in addition to looking great of course,” he adds with a laugh. Available in 14 countries, Ten Points are expanding at a quick pace in an everchanging market where demands are high

world; something we think is great,” says Palmér excitedly. “By informing the customer of our sustainable way of thinking in terms of production, we hope to be able to help people start making more well-informed choices as a result,” he adds, proving that Ten Points is indeed on point in every single way.

and ruthless. As the familiar saying goes; 'you’re either in, or out'. “We call ourselves a Scandinavian lifestyle brand,” Palmér explains. “The simplicity that Scandinavian style and fashion is known for is our number one source of inspiration. We are naturally adherent to current trends on the global market as well, but we always let our shoes and their Scandinavian origin speak for itself.” Browsing for a pair of shoes from Ten Points is an experience of Swedish vibe and elegance. The presentations are sleek and clean, the displays impeccable and information of the production process is to be found in order to encourage a conscious choice in every way possible. “Today, people are getting more and more interested in what they are buying and how their consumption is affecting the

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

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Sweden

Nicoccino – for a safe, convenient and effective nicotine experience Every year approximately six million people die as a direct or indirect consequence of smoking. There are one billion smokers in the world and roughly 60 per cent of them claim that they have tried to kick the habit at one point or another. However, getting rid of an addiction is not a quick or easy fix and the alternatives available on the market are unable to provide the sensation and kick the smoker so badly desires. Until now that is… By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Nicoccino

Nicoccino is the first completely tobacco free alternative that delivers an instant effect and can be used wherever and whenever. Without smoke, tar, carcinogens and other chemicals it gives the smoker a real alternative without the dangers of their old habit. Nicoccino is a nicotine film that dissolves under your lip. The delivery is instant and within seconds you have satisfied your craving for a smoke, a feeling that can last up to three hours, making it not only the quickest substitute for cigarettes on the market, but also the most effective.

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“The problem with other smoking alternatives is that it usually takes a long time before an active substance reaches the bloodstream and delivers the full effect,” says Michel Bracké, CEO at Nicoccino. “Our focus has therefore always been on improving the speed so we could offer an immediate effect to soothe the desire.” The Swedish innovation legacy The thin and discrete Nicoccino film is placed under the lip and on to the gum, allowing it to be used anywhere and anytime. To those acquainted with the

Swedish invention snus, this may seem familiar. “Snus also has a strong and relatively quick effect,” Bracké admits. “However,” he continues, “snus is basically banned from sales and distribution in countries outside Sweden and Norway, which limits the usage quite significantly.” An important point to make indeed as the craving for a cigarette doesn’t stop just because you leave Scandinavia. Snus has worked as a big source of inspiration, explains Bracké, when we talk about the Swedish innovation legacy and how the creative climate of the North makes it a suitable environment for new companies and ideas to be tried out. “Research on cigarettes, habits and nicotine addiction has been very thorough and well made, especially in Scandinavia,” he says. “We frequently use Swedish snus as a case study when it comes to what impact alternative nicotine delivery can have on

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Sweden

public health. Snus has for example driven down the smoking rate among Swedish men to under ten per cent with substantial health improvements as a result,” Bracké muses. “We often refer to Nicoccino as snus 2.0 because we have improved snus further by removing tobacco while giving an even faster uptake. It also helps to explain the behavior of our product as most people will have their own unique story about an encounter with a Swedish person who used ‘that strange snuff under the lip.’” Revolutionising the world, step by step Nicoccino is a fairly recent addition to the world market and has already expanded far beyond the Swedish border with great success. However there are always hurdles that have to be overcome. “Regulation can be a bit of a nightmare at times,” Bracké says as we touch upon the subject of challenges in the global market. “Nicotine is still closely linked to tobacco and tobacco in return is linked to large tobacco companies, which most people associate with something bad. Admittedly nicotine is a stimulant for sure but not the devil it is often portrayed as. Unfortunately, better alternatives than cigarettes are being put under same or even worse regulations, despite having the potential to vastly improve public health,” Bracké ex-

plains. “However the attitude and openness towards nicotine alternatives is growing fast and behavior can be changed over time, as snus proved in Sweden and Norway.” A reliable and effective alternative With the goal to provide a reliable and effective alternative to smoking and vaping to people world-wide, Nicoccino hopes to give people the freedom to enjoy their nicotine anytime whilst making a big impact on global health. “We offer people a choice that’s not restricted in terms of where or when to use it,” Bracké says proudly. “Nicoccino has a drastically reduced risk factor, yet delivers exactly what the smoker needs – an instant relief and effects that last for a long time.” Already a success in Scandinavia, Nicoccino is available in the UK through independent pharmacies, selected casinos as well as bars and restaurants. Future ex-

pansion plans also include distributions and sales in Germany and other selected markets. However, the product is already available to global customers via purenicoccino.com, ensuring that no matter where you are in the world, a safe and effective alternative to cigarettes is easy to come by. Merely one year after the launch, Nicoccino is sporting 40,000 satisfied consumers and the global interest is nothing short of massive. “In short it has been an incredible first year,” says Bracké. “Yet, we’ve only just begun establishing Nicoccino and our platform as a key player in the emerging market of alternative nicotine delivery systems.”

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

Michel Bracké, CEO

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Organic love and care from Sweden The phrase 'you are what you eat' has long been in the back of our minds. However, it is not only what you eat that determines your inner wellbeing. True Organic of Sweden knows this all too well and are determined to do what they can to make us all live and feel better with skin care products free from chemicals, leaving you with a baby smooth and fully nurtured face and body. By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: True Organic of Sweden

“People don’t always realise that what they rub onto their skin goes directly into their body,” says Tina de Sousa, founder of skincare company True Organic of Sweden. “But once you’ve opened your eyes to what many skincare products actually have in their list of ingredients, you start to think about what you’re actually putting your skin and body through.” With 100 per cent natural ingredients, de Sousa and True Organic of Sweden are giving the competition a run for its money. Determined to protect the planet and those who inhabit it they even use ecofriendly packaging made from glass and

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sugarcane, for their creams and lotions. “Many of the big skincare producers have more or less organic products but they are enclosed and wrapped in toxic plastics and un-recyclable material which has the exact opposite effect of what the products set out to endorse,” de Sousa explains. “True Organic of Sweden really is purely organic in every way. Both inside and out!” she adds with a laugh. With True Organic of Sweden’s skincare line All You Need Is Me, de Sousa and her team are showing the market that sometimes simplicity is the best way to go and when it comes to products that are good

for you in every single aspect, it doesn’t get any better than this. The skincare business is a big one, and the competition is fierce, something de Sousa does not see as a problem. “The more of us there are, and the more we push for organic and natural ingredients, the better it is,” she says genuinely. “If products like ours become the norm rather than the exception, the world will be a much better place for everyone.” True Organic of Sweden is the perfect gift for yourself or someone you care for. “It’s a bit of love and care from Sweden,” de Sousa says with a smile.

True Organic from Sweden is available at amazon.co.uk/.fr/.de For more information, please visit: www.trueorganicofsweden.com

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Sweden

Explore the world with Mapillary People who are used to travelling to new places, know the feeling of excitement and anxiety combined when diving into the unknown. What will it look like, where am I to stay, how is the surrounding area? Questions like these are not easily answered unless someone you know has a first-hand experience. Enter Mapillary – the new and democratised way to map out your surroundings and the world. By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Mapillary

“It all started when I moved back to Sweden from a longer stay in the US,” explains Jan Erik Solem, CEO of Mapillary. “I realised that photos of my town were nowhere to be found on any of the larger mapping services, which I found quite frustrating.” Solem headed out on his bike and started to take pictures of his surroundings with his iPhone. Many shots and angles later, Mapillary had begun to take form. Based on technology developed from the University of Lund in the southern parts of Sweden, Mapillary is a street view mapping service, allowing users to upload images of their locations and together with others create an accurate 3D depiction of the world. “Other platforms where users

share pictures does not puzzle them together the way Mapillary does,” Solem says when explaining the uniqueness of his company. “Based on coordinates the uploaded photo is analysed and matched with other uploaded images nearby which creates something much more alive and immersive than before.” One other exciting feature Mapillary offers is the time-mapping of a location or region. “Say that photos are uploaded of the same location but ten years apart,” Solem says excitedly. “Rather than updating the old one or rejecting the new, as some services would, Mapillary stores the images and the data, allowing users to follow a locations’ or neighbourhoods’ development over time. You can time-hop, scroll

back and forth and see the changes a place goes through over time. It is really quite thrilling.” Calling themselves a “democratised photo mapping service”, Mapillary is on a quest to map out the world, giving it a personalised and crowdsourced representation, humanly powered, curated and run. “You can share locations, recommend them and comment on whatever street views you fancy, in order to ask questions or let people in on hidden gems,” Solem says. “When it comes to travelling and discovering, Mapillary is a stellar app to have in your smartphone. And while you’re at it, you can add your own contribution with a click of a button!” The Mapillary app, simply called 'Mapillary', is available from the App Store, Google Play and the Windows Store. For more information, please visit: www.mapillary.com

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Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Norway

Hotel of the Month, Norway

The fairytale hotel Finished in 1894, Dalen Hotel in Telemark is arguably Norway’s oldest and best-preserved wooden hotel – often referred to as ‘the fairytale hotel’. If the list of European royalty and nobility who have stayed here throughout the past century doesn’t prove its magical appeal, the manor’s legendary “Dragon Style” architecture is sure to propel you into a world of old, Norse folktales. Welcome to Dalen Hotel – a place to unwind, take in glorious sceneries and create your own fairytale. By Julie Lindén | Photos: Dalen Hotel

“Dalen’s specialty is namely that – being special,” says Malin Jernberg, Hotel Director. “Here the visitor receives a full package that includes everything from a magical location to extremely knowledgeable and skilled staff. In between you may count the enormous cultural heritage that we harbour, as well as astonishingly fine dining and unparalleled nature experiences. It’s fairytale-like, if anything.” Preserving historical essence As part of ‘De Historiske’ (a unique membership organisation containing many of

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Norway’s most charming hotels and restaurants), preserving cultural heritage and historical values is of the utmost essence to Dalen Hotel. And, with the immense catalogue of noteworthy people who have paid the hotel a visit, this noble ideal is more than understandable. “To start us off, King Oscar II of Sweden came here just to take a bath,” laughs Jernberg. “The hotel had indoor plumbing and electricity from the very beginning, so imagine the level of luxury the guests encountered upon arriving at that time. When the Swedish King took the trouble to travel all

the way here for a bath, that says quite a bit about the standard maintained at the time.” Tourism to Dalen increased tremendously throughout the 19th century as wealthy travellers used the Telemark Canal to take in the flourishing sights. Thus, there was a need for a hotel to handle the increased demand for luxurious room and board. Haldor Larsen Børve, a highly productive Norwegian architect in the second half of the 19th century, secured the prestigious assignment to accommodate both nobility and royalty. Indeed, guests to his hotel would include Emperor Wilhelm of Germany and King Leopold II of Belgium – so he was careful to adorn his construction with as much fashionable modernity as Norwegian cultural tradition could offer. The result? A lavishly romantic wooden castle with dragonheads, turrets, spires, balconies, ledges and cornices.

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Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Norway

tigious award and the Norwegian Olavsrosa, there is no wonder the hotel’s director is proud. “These are seals of quality that we’re very pleased to have earned, and they motivate us to keep managing the hotel in a way that will preserve its cultural heritage. However, we will never change the product – the package that is a visit to Dalen. There is no point. People come to us because they want to relax and replenish their energy supplies, and enjoy great experiences along the way.” The Director pauses. “We’re quite simply a detox. That’s why guests leave with a unique feeling of having stayed somewhere fairytale-like.”

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

From crowned heads to world-class nature experiences Of course, the approval of crowned heads is great, but today’s guests to the fairytale hotel are looking for far more than the luxury of a hot bath. With its 42 rooms of varying capacity (guests can choose between single, double, de luxe, family, historical and suite rooms), any visitor will feel pampered in one of the most authentically Norwegian locations the country can offer. In an effort to make your stay as pleasant, carefree and memorable as possible, Dalen offers several different package options – allowing you to get the most out of your time in Tokke. One of the most popular options, which also ties in nicely with the hotel’s history, is a cruise on the Telemark Canal with historic ship MS Henrik Ibsen. This was the route tourists took long before Dalen Hotel was even built, allowing them to soak up the beauty of Telemark while travelling the waterway.

Back at the hotel, there are numerous ways of adding that extra touch of to your holiday, not to mention conference or even your wedding reception. How does a spa package or a five-course dinner in the original 1894 dining hall sound? “We’re incredibly proud of the variety of pastimes we can offer, and a personal favourite of mine is of course the spa. The kitchen is also amazing, with several Michelin chefs cooking up the works – their food is nothing but extraordinary,” muses Jernberg. A timeless package With several quality marks to their pedigree, such as Europa Nostra’s most pres-

“The Telemark Canal has been called the eighth wonder of the world, and I’m no stranger as to why,” remarks Jernberg. “I’d say a cruise on the Canal is nothing but a pure definition of a nature experience. The boat docks as close to the hotel as possible, where our piccolo meets and greets you, before taking you up to the entrance in our veteran bus. It has to be experienced.”

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Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Denmark

Hotel of the Month, Denmark

Culinary romance in immaculate settings Fakkelgaarden Hotel & Restaurant is known for many things, but first and foremost it’s their award-winning gourmet food and blissful location that springs to mind. Situated in rural charm overlooking Flensborg Fjord, guests can switch-off from the world and enjoy a first-class experience from the moment they arrive. Each room is light and spacious, resembling the nostalgic feel of a traditional beach hotel, the perfect setting for enjoying a gourmet holiday with your loved ones – or giving your partner the final ‘yes’. By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Fakkelgaarden

With stairs leading straight from the hotel to the water front, it’s no wonder that there is a certain magic to Fakkelgaarden, a place that combines the love of French cuisine with local traditions. Situated in Kollund near Flensborg City, just a short drive from Germany, the hotel has its home in Sønderjylland, an area known for its traditional food and fresh produce. Food first, hotel second

“The atmosphere at Fakkelgaarden is similar to that of the beach hotels from

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the 1920s, romantic and luxurious. However, despite being a top-notch hotel, it’s the natural scenery and our gourmet kitchen that truly attracts people. Guests come here to enjoy what you could call a gourmet holiday,” explains Pia Ravn, Commercial Manager at Fakkelgaarden. From the hotel rooms most guests can get a glimpse of the fjord, where ships and canoes often glide by and disappear into the horizon, and once the sunlight starts fading it’s time to make their way down to the gourmet restaurant, The

Tower. Located on two floors, it offers something for every taste. Upstairs you can enjoy the stunning views of the outside scenery whilst indulging in mouthwatering gourmet dishes and well-selected wine. Meanwhile, the downstairs offers food-enthusiasts the chance to get a look at the chefs in action from the open kitchen. Here, Head Chef Esben Krogh, whose career started at Fakkelgaarden when he was a young man, performs culinary wonders. After Krogh’s training ended he took off to discover the world and landed himself a job at Michelin-restaurant Auberges de L’ill in France and many more, before returning back to where it all began, Fakkelgaarden. “Our chefs are all very talented, and with Esben Krogh’s expertise in French cuisine we can offer an outstanding gourmet experience, French with a local

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Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Denmark

say. Here the staff work close together to deliver the best and are known for their friendly attitude and unprecedented hospitality that often results in guests returning year after year, eager to get one more taste of Fakkelgaarden.

twist, always carefully prepared by using local produce from Sønderjylland,” says Ravn.

rooms and suites, the gourmet food and local area speaks for itself. This is the kind of place where you want to create lifelong memories.

Honest and authentic

Thanks to a passionate team, guests instantly feel at ease once they arrive at Fakkelgaarden. “We wish to give our guests a rounded experience. It all needs to play together, food, hotel experience, surroundings and the atmosphere. This is not a place where you just come to crash, here you fully immerse yourself in what we are all about: good food and beautiful surroundings,” tells Ravn. Fakkelgaarden offers various hotel-packages for guests, ranging from romantic gourmet-breaks to golf stays.

“The combination of gourmet food, picturesque nature and romantic rooms facing the fjord, makes for an ideal wedding venue. If the group is big enough, we even close down the entire hotel and they have us all to themselves,” says Ravn, who considers Fakkelgaarden to be a world of its own, a family you could

“We want to be remembered for those great experiences we have made possible. Romantic getaways, holidays, weddings and important events. Every happy guest makes us proud,” concludes Ravn, hoping that Fakkelgaarden can make people’s dreams come true, at least for a day or two. Moreover, the hotel has exceptional conference facilities as well as wine tasting in Fakkelgaarden’s striking wine cellar, so whether you seek a weekend-treat, a fairytale wedding or a memorable business meeting, Fakkelgaarden’s team is ready to embrace you. For more information, please visit: www.fakkelgaarden.dk

“We are close to the famous 75-kilometre long Gendarm Path, it goes straight through Kollund. In the old days it was used to catch smugglers. Now it’s a beautiful hiking spot that takes you around the local area,” explains Ravn, revealing that most guests don’t want to leave Fakkelgaarden, which makes walking a great compromise. “This is the kind of place where people switch-off and relax in the heart of peaceful countryside, enjoying the view from our terrasse facing Flensborg Fjord’s calm water. Everything we do is centered around our first-class gourmet cuisine,” says Ravn. A place to celebrate

So perhaps it comes as no surprise that Fakkelgaarden is a sought-after wedding location. Apart from charming

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Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Norway

Photo: Norland Teater

Attraction of the Month, Norway

Nordland Teater: Thought-provoking culture by innovative collaboration Passionate about bringing diverse audiences plays and performances that challenge the mind and enhance the senses, Nordland Teater has undoubtedly struck a chord with the modern day theatre fan. This year the admired cultural institution is putting particular emphasis on contrasts of scenography and thematic width – for young and old – not only entertaining those in the know, but attracting new drama aficionados along the way. By Julie Lindén

One of the theatre’s most anticipated openings this year is The Water Station by Japanese playwright and director Ota Shogo, premiering on 24 September. This play, a non-verbal masterpiece where travellers of different origins encounter a broken water tap and at times also each other, uses silence to decelerate the rhythm of seemingly commonplace events. “I first saw the play in Singapore in 2004, and was absolutely mesmerised,” says Theatre Director Birgitte Strid. “It was one of the first great theatre experi-

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ences of my life, so I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to bring it – along with a wonderfully diverse crew – all the way to Mo i Rana.” Japanese influences and colourful sea monsters She is noticeably enthusiastic at the prospect of giving theatre goers a brand new and challenging experience: “What makes this play so special is the intense focus on simplicity that emerges when speech is removed. We describe it to po-

tential viewers as poetic and very honest – in many ways void of action, but still eventful as it inspires true and profound thought. Simple, non-verbal interactions by a broken water tap bring out a certain essence of humanity – it somehow gives direct access to the soul itself,” Strid notes. The Japanese influence is strong not only in the theatre’s performances for adult spectators, but also the youngest of drama-lovers. In Ruffen og Drageslottet (Ruffen and the Dragon Castle), based on the beloved story by Tor-Åge Bringsværd, sea monster Ruffen travels an imaginative scenic universe that comprises the sea, sky, earth – and particularly Japan. The play, which premieres on 10 October this year, has been described as a performance that goes beyond traditional children's theatre in both form and content.

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Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Norway

“Ruffen is a figure theatre play that mixes theatrical expressions with great success. The Director of the play travelled the length and breadth of Japan to capture techniques, sceneries and scenography as accurately as possible,” says Strid, adding that it’s one of the theatre’s main priorities to ensure plays of high quality for children as for adults. “Children aren’t ‘locked’ in their perception of theatre; they can and should be exposed to various expressions of culture, and most of them will respond positively to it. I see it as one of our most important missions to emphasise that message.” A festival of light, joy and accessible culture Where positivity and enthusiasm are concerned, Nordland Teater has got the rest of the year covered – and more. The beginning of February next year sees Vinterlysfestivalen (the Festival of Winter Lights) take place in Mo i Rana, one of Norway’s biggest and most exciting theatre festivals. More than 8,000 curious spectators are known to stop by one of the festival’s many cultural offerings, and many of them leave both enlightened and refreshed, according to Strid. “There’s such a wonderful width of theatrical art to be discovered during Vinterlysfestivalen – I almost don’t know where to begin describing it! We mix local talents with playwrights and actors from other European countries, and we end up with an incredPhoto: Bjørn Leirvik

ible feast of diverse, thought-provoking and awe-inspiring experiences. Something for all – always.” #Stridsamarbeidet: the audience as decision-makers Provoking thought is surely of importance to Strid and her team, and they are no strangers to turning tables in order to achieve novelty. In a bid to put power in the hands of their playgoers, the theatre administration has invited said playgoers to send them suggestions for what musical to take to the Nordland Teater stage in 2016. Two suggestions each month (up until 30 June) have made it through to the grand finale to be held in July. From Chicago to West Side Story, suggestions have shown a great appetite for quality musicals – and the selection process is bound to stir things up. “It’s a lot of fun to see how engrossed potential spectators get in this project – it’s a great way for us to learn what they really want to see on stage. Collaboration is an important ideal for us, and with this project we’ve tried our best to put it into action. It will be exciting to see which musical wins at the end of the year!”

The Water Station’s Director Phillip Zarrilli, Photo: Norland Teater

For more information, please visit: www.nordlandteater.no and ‘Stridsamarbeidet’ on Facebook. Feel free to use the hashtag #Stridsamarbeidet on social media.

Photo: Bjørn Leirvik

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Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Denmark

Attraction of the Month, Denmark

Funballz – it's just a little crazy Funballz is an innovative company with an eye for action, offering products that are as round as they are bouncy. With Funballz’s revolutionary Bumperz® everyone can become acrobats overnight, jumping on their head and landing on their feet whilst playing the game that so many people have come to love: bubble football. This funpacked activity gives regular people a chance to experience new abilities from inside a giant bubble aided by Funballz instructors - and for those who don’t fancy leaving their bubble, a World Cup could be next. By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Funballz

“Bubble football is unlike any other football match you have seen. It’s intense, physically demanding and a lot of fun,” says Kristian Meiniche, who founded Funballz in 2008. The Danish company has over 20 different products, from floating ‘waterballz’ to ‘boatz’ as well as events available across the world. However, nothing beats bubble football, a new sport where ordinary players do superhero-like maneuvers from inside their Bumperz®, but don’t worry – you can breathe. Each bubble has a hole with a constant flow of fresh air. “Our Bumperz® are giant bubbles made of unbreakable thermoplastic,” explains Meiniche, who, after having experienced

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low-quality production in China, produces all his ballz in Denmark. It’s about quality not quantity. “Whenever you buy Bumperz®from Funballz, you know they are of the highest standard. These are products for life,” states Meiniche. Today, Funballz’ Bumperz® can be bought in more than 20 countries spread all over the globe. While most customers are schools, institutions and organisations, businesses and individuals are big buyers as well. “If you want to have a go at bubble football, Funballz is the place to start. Our

events offer a great introduction to the sport and we can accommodate groups of up to 20 people,” explains Meiniche. He often receives bookings from companies seeking team-fun or for stag parties, but they also arrange joyous events for families and youngsters. During the intense ten-minute games, participants get to play actual football in mini tournaments, but unlike the traditional sport, all rules must be broken. Players wrestle around inside their Bumperz® in a state of unbreakable resilience. “Funballz offers events all over Europe for adults and children alike. Apart from bubble football we also have water-based activities such as waterballz,” says Meiniche. Together with IBFA, the International Bubble Football Association, he is planning a World Cup in Thailand set for 2016. Want to get involved? Get your first taste of the sport with Funballz.

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

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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Finland

Restaurant of the Month, Finland

Kannas – Honest Finnish Food For 75 years, Kannas has been a fixture of Eerikinkatu, a 15-minute walk from the city centre. The main use and atmosphere of the space has varied, and food has not always been on the menu, but these days Kannas is known for its authentic Finnish cuisine and generous portions. Rest assured, you will not to leave this restaurant hungry. By Jenni Syrjälä | Photos: Restaurant Kannas

Kannas was originally established in 1939 by IK.T. Itkonen, who had arrived in Helsinki after having to flee his home of Karelian Isthmus during the Winter War. The restaurant was named after the Finnish name of his home, and it has been in business ever since. The slogan of this 75-year old restaurant is “honest Finnish food”, and there is no messing around with tiny, excessively decorated portions – when you step through the door of Kannas, you can expect to leave full and happy, without breaking the bank. “This is one of the more affordable restaurants in Helsinki,” says Akseli Ahonen, CEO of Casa Ravintolat, the familyrun company which owns Kannas. “You won’t be left hungry, and the price-quality ratio is excellent.”

In this city, which offers the cuisines from almost any country you can think of, it is often surprisingly difficult to find the thing that many visitors are the most keen to experience – good, authentic Finnish food. Luckily that is exactly what Kannas has to offer. The menu is simple, with Finnish specialties such as herring and reindeer, as well as salads, steaks and burgers providing a good choice for any appetite. There is no need to go thirsty either, as the restaurant has a focus on Finnish beers from small breweries. The décor of this restaurant, situated in one of Helsinki’s old functionalist buildings, has changed throughout its 75-year old history, but there are still some nods to its origins in the interior design. The atmosphere could be described as Finnish,

with mainly older music being played in the background. The restaurant does not serve lunch, as it opens its doors in the afternoon, but it stays open till late. The website is mainly in Finnish, but does include a menu in English. The restaurant also includes a separate space with a sauna, which can be rented for the night for parties of up to 30 people.

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

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Restaurant of the Month, Norway

Finding a seafood lover’s dream Imagine the most stunning nature, with high mountains dropping straight into the ocean, the dancing aurora borealis during winter, and a mesmerising midnight sun in summer. This is Lofoten, the home of seafood restaurant Fiskekrogen. With such beautiful surroundings and access to the sea right on its doorstep, there is little wonder the charming restaurant has become a much-loved destination for locals and tourists alike.

around Lofoten. This is the place to go for a taste of the sea. “My mother used to say that one cannot make great food without great ingredients. That is so true, and we incorporate that into all our dishes where we only use the best products, Larsen says.

By Helene Toftner | Photos: Fiskekrogen

Fiskekrogen is the natural place to enjoy the treasures of the sea. Located on the marina in the small fishing village of Henningsvær in Lofoten, northern Norway, they have the best possible access to fresh catches of the day. “We pride ourselves in serving good traditional food from Northern Norway,” founder and owner Else Marie Larsen says. Combining a dream of food and returning to the roots Going back 26 years, Larsen established the restaurant with her then husband.

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Meeting at the Norwegian School of Hotel Management in Stavanger, they both shared a dream of returning to her home of Lofoten, and pursue a passion for food. “It was just very natural to start the restaurant,” Larsen says, and can look back at nearly three decades where she has established the place as one of the best and most authentic seafood restaurants in the region. And that says quite a great deal – considering that fisheries have been the lifeline of the Norwegian coast for centuries, and some of the world’s best seafood come from the area

Don’t miss the local delicacy: cod’s tongue On the menu you will find arctic mussels, cod and halibut, but the absolute favourite remains the restaurant’s classic fish soup with vegetables and fresh fish. “Guests come back time after time for this,” Larsen says with a grin, and adds that the secret lies, unsurprisingly, in the excellent products. “We only use white fish, such as cod, pollock and haddock for the best flavour combination, and make the allimportant broth from scratch.” While there, do not miss out on the cod’s tongue. While sounding slightly weird to

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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Norway

an unaccustomed ear, this is actually the best part of the fish, and a local delicacy as iconic as reindeer or elk on the mainland. Served fried, it has a round and slightly salty taste. “While being eaten out as a necessity in harsher times, this is today's most celebrated part of the cod,” Larsen says, and continues to tell us the story how the tongue creates an industry of itself for the region’s younger generation. “I jokily say that it provides us with Norway’s only child labourers," she says. "Every year, the industry employs youngsters to cut the tongue off the cod. It is a great way for youngsters to learn more about the seafood industry in Northern Norway. They also gain important work experience at an early age. I used to do it, so did my sons, and I am sure the future generations will do too.”

nities, fishing, rock climbing and one of the world’s most renowned cold water surfing spots. It is therefore timely that Larsen also offers accommodation in some of the old fisherman’s cabins, rorbu as it is called in Norwegian. With charming fisherman’s cabins and apartments on offer, visitors can take part in their very own maritime dream with fishing rods from the doorstep, and a kitchen to prepare the catch. With that in mind there is little wonder why Larsen was so determined to return to her childhood home.

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

Lofoten Islands – where dreams come true While great ingredients are crucial, so is the head chef. This is the person who creates the signature dishes that distinguish one place from another, and make people come back for more. At Fiskekrogen, this man is Johan Petrini. The Swede took over the kitchen three years ago, and Larsen cannot praise him enough. “He has added creativity and a new twist to the traditional dishes,” she says. We have thus established Lofoten, and more specifically Fiskekrogen, as a foodie heaven. However it is a heaven also in the word’s more general tense – a place to come to see nature at its most striking, with endless hiking and cycling opportu-

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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Denmark

Restaurant of the Month, Denmark

Creative fusions straight from Japan Damindra offers an authentic Japanese dining experience with a Scandinavian touch, perfectly prepared under the supervision of Japanese head chefs Chen Hui and Tadayoshi Motoa. This is not your typical sushi experience. Damindra is a gourmet kitchen, a creative hub where chefs experiment with the traditional, allowing global influences to interfere, often with mouth-watering results. Enjoy a culinary tour from one continent to another in a restaurant fit for every occasion. By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Restaurant Damindra

Damindra can be found just a stroll from Copenhagen’s Nyhavn, where the peaceful canal and colourful houses brighten up the street. Here, guests can enjoy a dining experience, where Scandinavian simplicity and produce intertwine with Japanese flavours. Each day skilled chefs line up fresh delights in an array of colour and taste, continuously earning the restaurant top-marks on TripAdvisor, where they hold a Certificate of Excellence. “I want my guests to remember the time they shared here by exceeding expectations and deliver an excellent service,” explains Sri Lanka-born Damindra Tillekeratne, who founded the restaurant in 2006, after working in various restaurants

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around the world. Today, he has given Copenhagen its own piece of Japan. “My passion for food started in the family kitchen in Sri Lanka, a place boasting with spices. Later I became fascinated by Japanese cuisine and today I often combine the two,” explains Tillekeratne. This has given Damindra an exciting menu along with a well selected wine-list. Guests can choose between a taste menu consisting of appetisers and delicious delicacies such as sashimi and tempura, a grill menu and, of course, the chef’s own sushi selection. “If people can’t choose, we have a signature menu bursting with delights. This

way you get to travel through the different culinary traditions of Japan,” says Tillekeratne, revealing that some of his signature creations include crispy hamachi and oyster tempura, even homemade gingerapple cocktails. Seeing people happy and content is one of the biggest joys of his job, and whenever people eat in silence, his heart swells with pride. “I love when people are fully immersed in their dining experience, It means they are enjoying it,” concludes Damindra Tillekeratne, who together with his team keeps creating new takes on Japanese cuisine, which is praised by Lonely Planet, guests and food critics alike. This is a place where you can sit down and enjoy a culinary journey in elegant surroundings. Whether you're looking for a relaxed lunch, an intimate dinner or wish to impress business clients, Damindra has what it takes.

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

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Scan Magazine | Humour | Columns

IS IT JUST ME...

By Mette Lisby

Who feels the whole Bachelor / Bachelorette party never managed to live up to its own hype? A bit like New Years Eve, where the expected fun will always exceed the actual fun happening. It’s simple math. Some of you might remember the famous Einstein equation: F 2b E > A f h Chances are most of you won’t because I just made it up. But you get my point. Where New Years Eve is simply a matter of expecting too much, anticipating that one evening to contain the sentimental value of the year that went by, the thrill, promise and excitement of a new year to come and the actual fun of now. It’s fairly easy to see that this is an understandable matter of simple over-anticipation. However, when it comes to bachelor parties it’s the whole concept that never made any sense to me. For years when I was single, I tried to drag my in-relationship friends out for a night on the town. Every weekend begging, suggesting, arranging, but no, they had date-night, or movienight or “we’ve had a rough week” night. When I finally managed to get one friend out of

the relationship comfort zone, how often did I stand there in the bar, wishing that friend would do something? Be outgoing, talk to hip strangers, go chat up guys on my behalf. But no. Instead they spend the one night away from their relationship yapping about … their relationship. However the minute I declared that I had met the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with (strictly thanks to my own effort, thank you very much) - the minute I told my friends I was getting married, then all of a sudden they couldn’t wait to plan a night on the town for me. A crazy, fun night where they’d run up to cute strangers and ask: “Please! Do you want to kiss my girlfriend?” Where was all this action when I needed it? Had my stupid friends put just a tenth of the effort into partying like that when I was single, my bachelorette party would have been years earlier. Years where I could have been the one saying: “No, sorry, we have date-night”, when my single friends asked me out.

Summer-closed

By Maria Smedstad

Bank holidays are no good to me. As a self-employed person, they are the days that I forget about, until I’m stood outside a closed post office with a mountain of parcels in my arms and panic in my heart. They are also the days when I can’t buy emergency pens (important in my line of business), get paid, or reach my clients/employers. I’d like you to picture this scenario, except make it last for a month. This is what Sweden is like during July. In case you didn’t know - this is the time of the year that Swedes take four weeks off for their summer holiday. They don’t care that this is the busiest time of the year for many businesses, they don’t care that this is ridiculously impractical and they certainly do not give one hoot about me getting paid. Automated messages tell me in unapologetic terms that all I can do is wait until people return. No, there is no one

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.

that is manned by Swedes. We actually have a word for it: “Sommarstängt”, which literally means “Summer-closed”. I think this is why we are all so into nature. It’s the one place that remains accessible during July. You just have to remember to buy all your supplies in June, which presumably accounts for the fact that my childhood summer diet consisted largely of chocolate Nesquik, dry crackers and fish paste from a tube.

there to cover the post while they are away. Why am I not off on my holiday? You may think, “if you can’t beat them, join them!” which in theory is fine. Just don’t expect to be able to eat in a Swedish restaurant, enjoy retail therapy in a Swedish shop, or visit anything of interest

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 Magazine | Business | Key Note

Scan Business Key Note 98 | Conference of the Month 99 | Business Column 100 | Scandinavian Business calendar 100

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If you’re going worldwide – get a Global Mindset By Annika Goodwille

I was there during the first IT boom when every start-up promised to go instantly global. With today’s internet that’s actually possible. Yet, are today’s start-ups better prepared for global leadership than they were 15 years ago? Like them or not, McDonalds is an example of a company that has succeeded globally and is one of the biggest success stories ticking all the ‘Global Mindset’ boxes. So, what are the secrets of their success? Technology is changing the world for sure, yet even more transformational are the ways in which technology and new ideas are so quickly disseminated. These factors change behaviours at speeds once unheard of. We are now able to work both globally and instantaneously and form communities and relationships in revolutionary ways. A study by Goldsmith et al (2003) asked 200 worldwide organisations what they thought would be the most important leadership skills in the future. The third most highly rated was “making decisions that reflect global considerations”. The study then identified what global leadership skills would be required.

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They identified five clusters: 1: Thinking globally. 2: Appreciating cultural diversity. 3: Developing technological savvy. 4: Building partnerships and alliances. 5: Sharing leadership. Of course these skills were required in addition to those typically associated with general leadership capabilities. However, even that is not enough, one additionally needs a ‘Global Mindset’. This, they suggest, involves carefully balancing three overall dichotomies: 1: Global formalisation versus local flexibility – while never changing the ‘universal’ brand image. 2: Global standardisation versus local customisation. 3: Global dictate versus local delegation while never violating defined corporate values. These are the principles that have made McDonald’s so successful worldwide since adopting them over 15 years ago. In short a mindset with an ability to take a global rather than a country specific view of business and a culturally adaptive approach rather than an empirical one. I suggest the best way to learn these skills is to experience them by living in other countries, by studying abroad and by learning to

speak several languages. I myself have lived abroad for 40 years, in seven different countries, speak three languages fluently, have always an appetite for adventure and have run a company successfully for 18 years. Well, I guess that’s a good start on the road to the ‘Global Mindset’ that has been so successful for McDonald’s!

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Scan Magazine | Conference of the Month | Norway

The TV series Every Time We Meet has so far produced three seasons on the farm.

Conference of the Month, Norway

The farm – where we meet in Norway Vestre Kjærnes Gård is the place to combine complete privacy with easy reach of the buzzing city life and nature-based activities. Welcome to the brilliant conference venue which is made for communication and relationship building. By Helene Toftner | Photos: Vestre Kjærnes Ga ̊rd

It has been said about Vestre Kjærnes Gård that it is “just like coming home”. A very eager young lady even went so far as to book the venue for her wedding, noting that it is the “perfect place, and I am sure I will find the perfect husband by then.” Good testaments aside, there is little doubt the farm-turned-conference-venue is on to a winning formula. Having been a traditional farm since the 1500s, current generation Kjærnes has kept all the old features while turning it into a highly modern conference and meeting place. “Our specialty is meetings and conferences, and it is something we have become very good at,” owner and manager Per A. Kjærnes says.

Together with his wife, they host meetings for between 10 – 30 people overnight, and have capacity for more than 100 people during the day. “We have many recurring customers and businesses, which we are very pleased about,” Kjærnes says. He attributes their popularity to three things in particular; the personal touch, where they customise the venue to the needs and wishes of their customers; the privacy as the farm is located away from all the hustle and bustle, and that the company hires the entire farm. “The people you meet here, you want to meet. I use to say we offer ‘farm separe,’” Kjærnes grins. The third reason is the central location, only one hour from down-town Oslo.

There could however be a forth reason why business is booming – for the last three seasons, the farm has been the hot location of popular TV series Every Time We Meet, where seven much-loved artists meet, sing and share life stories. “The rooms are named after the artists staying there, and are undoubtedly popular among guests,” Kjærnes admits.

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

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Scan Magazine | Business | Calendar

What is HR for? By Steve Flinders

I recently asked a Chinese human resources manager about the status of HR in her country: “It’s low,” she explained: power flows from the top and HR is operational rather than strategic. This set me wondering again about what HR is really for? Robert Townsend, former Avis CEO and author of Up the Organisation (written more than 40 years ago and still the only management book anyone really needs to read) suggests firing the entire personnel department. Certainly I’ve met several people who are disappointed by the clumsiness of ‘Human Remains’. HR without power achieves little - I always want to know first how high up the head honcho in HR is; and about HR’s culture - is it just for fire fighting or pen pushing, or is it even just a trash can? It’s not entirely true that French HR managers are all lawyers, Germans psychologists, and Brits nice people with chips on their shoulders about not being taken seriously, but char-

acteristics of national HR cultures – hierarchy in China, employment law in France – often serve to mould and constrain rather than enhance HR effectiveness. In fact I’m still a fan of HR. Here are the four things I expect it to deliver above all: - Productivity. HR’s overriding focus should be on raising productivity by making people and teams more effective. - Change management. HR people should use their understanding of organisational dynamics in a global context - particularly in relation to M&As and international partnerships - to serve as cultural architects and change agents and drive up productivity further. - Equality. HR should be getting far, far more women into top positions. This is the 21st century for goodness’ sake.

- Fairness. HR should be the trusted final mediator in cases of grievance and conflict. Wouldn’t an HR department which did this be one that everyone could be proud of?

Steve Flinders is a freelance trainer, writer and coach, based in Malta, who helps people develop their communication and leadership skills for working internationally:steveflind@aol.com; www.coachingyork.co.uk/item/steveflinders/

Scandinavian Business Calendar – Happy summer! There is no better time than July and August to draw back from the world and save up some well-deserved energy for the months to come. Seek inspiration and test your creativity in preparation for September, the month where the UK will yet again see exciting businesss events and workshops popping up all over the land, especially in London, where both Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland will be back in businesss with some rather mind-boosting events. But for now, let’s have some fun. By Caroline Edwards Meet the Ambassador of Denmark The yearly summer reception is a great way to have fun and meet some interesting people. The Ambassador of Denmark, His Excellency Claus Grube and the Chairman of the DanishUK Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Louis de Courcy Wheeler, take great pleasure in inviting members and guests to the Annual Summer Reception at the Ambassador's Residence. Enjoy drinks, food and conversation. Date: 8 July, 6 pm – 8 pm Venue: 55 Sloane Street SW1X 9SR www.ducc.co.uk

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Creative Hub: Improve your brainstorming skills Learn more about the power of creativity through small workshops. This two hour session will focus on various stages of how to expand on ideas and the importance of utilising others' views and ideas – an important tool in all aspects of business. Date: 4 August, 11 am – 1 pm. Venue: 55 Sloane Street SW1X 9SR www.ducc.co.uk

Nordic Drinks This time the Nordic Thursday Drinks will be hosted by The Perfect Cellar in Farringdon and the event will take place at VeLOFT London just up the road from their offices. Grab a drink and kickstart your business adventure in the perfect surroundings, whilst meeting new contacts and future friends. Date: 27 August from 6 pm. Venue: VeLOFT London www.nbccuk.com

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Enabling E real

aachievement M Mannaz an is an international frontrunner in leadership development. Ado Adopting innovative and efficient learning methods and approaches, w wee empower people development and business success.

You Y ou can subscribe to our monthly newsletter M Knowledge aand nd learn more at www.mannaz.com/intl

Scandinavian Culture Calendar – Where to go, what to see? It’s all happening here! Sofie Livebrant on tour (July) Swedish composer and musician Sofie Livebrant is touring the UK with her latest album Lighthouse Stories. sofielivebrant.com Kamus Quartet (24 July) An evening of music by Sibelius and Rautavaara performed by the Finnish Kamus Quartet. The Chapel, Norwich, NR2. www.kamusquartet.com Joakim Allgulander (Until 27 July) Swedish painter, sculptor and conceptual artist Joakim Allgulander's solo exhibition Down the Rabbit Hole has drawn inspiration from Lewis Carroll's classic Alice's Adventures in Wonderland evoking it’s surreal and dream-like state. Grace

Belgravia, London, SW1X. www.gracebelgravia.com joakimallgulander.co.uk Hertha Hillfon (Until 16 Aug) Swedish artist and ceramic innovator Hertha Hillfon moves with ease between different fields of art: from abstract experiments and utility goods to symbolic sculptures and portraits. This retrospective allows the visitor to experience the magic of her home and studio in Mälarhöjden in Stockholm. Tue & Thu 11am-8pm, Wed & Fri-Sun 11am-5pm. Liljevalchs, Djurgårdsvägen 60, Stockholm. www.liljevalchs.se BBC Proms (17 July - 29 Aug)

By Sara Schedin

This year's BBC Proms features several Nordic composers, musicians and conductors, including Anders Hillborg, Malin Christensson, Susanna Mälkki and Osmo Vänskä. For more info visit: www.bbc.co.uk/proms

Hertha Hillfon, Astrid Lindgren, Photo: by Mattias Lindbäck

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Scan Magazine | Culture | Scandinavian Culture Calendar

Loranga, Masarin and Dartanjang (5-31 Aug) A play for families based on Swedish author Barbro Lindgren's award-winning novel, dramatised by Finn Otto Sandqvist. Edinburgh Fringe, Edinburgh, EH8. www.edfringe.com Edinburgh International Festival (7-31 Aug) The Nordic influences at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s EIF include composer Rolf Wallin, Swedish mezzo-soprano Anna Larsson and the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, to mention a few. www.eif.co.uk Ode to Osaka (Until 13 Sept) The exhibition explores Norwegian architect Sverre Fehn's competition design for the Nordic Pavilion at the World Expo in Osaka in 1970. The defining element of Fehn's concept was a mobile, undulating form that was to be constructed inside the existing pavilion designed by the Danish architect Bent Severin. Fehn's pulsating installation would have con-

Theodor Kittelsen - White Bear King Valemon (1912). Private collection. Photo: O. Vaering

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sisted of two air-filled, interdependently moving chambers containing an atmosphere cleansed of and protected from outside pollution. Tue, Wed & Fri 11am5pm, Thu 11am-7pm, Sat & Sun 12noon5pm. The National Museum - Architecture, Bankplassen 3, Oslo. www.nasjonalmuseet.no

The Magic North (Until 27 Sept) Finnish and Norwegian art in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was strongly influenced by Symbolism. Artists were inspired by myths, legends and the direct relationships between people and nature. This exhibition presents major works by artists such as Edvard Munch, Gerhard Munthe, Akseli Gallen-Kallela, Hugo Simberg and Theodor Kittelsen. Tue & Fri 10am-6pm, Wed & Thu 10am - 8pm, Sat & Sun 10am-5pm. Ateneum, Kaivokatu 2, Helsinki. www.ateneum.fi Hugo Simberg - The Fairy-Tale 1 (1895) Ateneum Art Museum. Photo: Finnish National Gallery, Antti Kuivalainen

Ode to Osaka, Sverre Fehn, the Nordic Pavillion to the World Expo in Osaka 1970 (model) Photo: Teigens Fotoatelier

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Scan Magazine | Culture | Scandinavian Music

Scandinavian Music Swedish house music is still a thing. And the new tune from Axwell /\ Ingrosso takes the sound to new levels of euphoria. Sun Is Shining is the sort of dance anthem that’s as tailor made for the radio as it is for the club. It’s expected to be a huge global hit this summer. And I wouldn’t be surprised if it became the fourth song in history by a Swedish artist to sell more than a million copies in the UK. The other three? ABBA’s Dancing Queen, Avicii’s Wake Me Up, and Don’t You Worry Child by Axwell /\ Ingrosso’s previous band Swedish House Mafia. Icona Pop have just released a remarkable piece of music. Their new single Emergency is a bizarre concoction of swing, flapper dancing and electro. With guest vocals from Erik Hassle, it's very odd, but very enjoyable, at the same time. One of Norway’s best pop exports, Donkeyboy, have returned with a brand new offering, Downtown. It’s a song that’s so good, it presents us with two choruses. Both of

them featuring the Donkeyboy trademark of a cracking great melody that’s jammed firmly in your head before the song finishes. Another month, another saxophonebased summer song. This one might have just killed that particular genre stone dead though. It can’t get any higher, or indeed lower, than this. Saxofuckingfon by Swedish duo Samir & Viktor is the third single from the incomprehensibly popular reality TV star and the fashion blogger. It’s been the soundtrack of Sweden’s midsummer parties to the tune of six million Spotify streams so far. Bordering on parody, the equal parts loveable and loathsome song will be the last you hear of a saxophone in a Swedish pop track for quite some time... Although if you’re not ready just yet to say goodbye to the glorious inclusion of sax samples in pop songs, check out Play My Drum by Norway’s Sandra Lyng – another new one that’s doing extraordinarily well in the Nordics!

By Karl Batterbee

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

LOST FOR WORDS We can be green with envy, see red, or feel a bit blue. Colours have a strong symbolic force, but not everyone agrees what they stand for as these examples of black and white suggest: By Adam Jacot de Boinod

White

Black

hvid som et lagen (Danish) very pale (lit. white as a sheet)

svartsjuk (Swedish) black ill (i.e. jealousy)

mustasukkainen (Finnish) jealous (lit. black-socked)

å stirre døden i hvitøyet (Norwegian) to face your fear, achieve the seemingly impossible (lit. to stare death in the white of the eye) han jobbar vitt (Swedish) he works above board, he pays taxes (lit. he works white)

svartsjuk (Swedish) jealousy (lit. black disease)

muuttua mustaksi (Finnish) to become angry (lit. to turn black)

vit vecka (Swedish) a week without any alcohol (lit. white week)

å svartmale (Norwegian) to portray a situation negatively (lit. to paint black) svarte ta deg (Norwegian) go to Hell (lit. the black take you) mustamaalata (Finnish) to defame someone (lit. to black-paint)

Adam Jacot de Boinod was a researcher for the BBC television series QI and is the author of The Meaning of Tingo and the creator of the iPhone App Tingo, a game involving interesting words. Here he looks at what interests the outside world about the Scandinavian languages

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16th-20th september

theme: america Among the speakers: Tone on Almhjell orill To ori Brekke Pedro Carmona-Alvarez Jennif niffer Clement

Stavanger International Festival of Literature and Freedom of Speech

Teju Cole Vanessa an nessa Difffenb enbaugh Leif Enger Patrick Flanery Kjartan Fløgstad Jón Gnarr Frode Grytten Alma Guillermoprieto Levi Henriksen Edvard Hoem Karl Ove Knausgård Britt Karin Larsen Patricia Lockwood Ben Marcus Julie Otsuka Larry Siems Sissel sel T Tolaa olaas Linn Ullmann Juan n Gabriel Vá Vásquez Josef ef Y Yohannes ohannes

Festival hotel: victoria-hotel.no / +47 51 86 70 00 ival pass: Tickets on sale now! Festiv krr 1400/ kr 900 kr 9

kapittel.no Samarbeidspartner: