Scan Magazine, Issue 80, September 2015

EUROVISION SUPERSTAR MÅNS ZELMERLÖW LARS MIKKELSEN – THE VETERAN VILLAIN SPA AND WELLNESS – SWEDEN’S FINEST NORWAY’S WINTER WONDERLAND: FJORDS, HUSKIES AND NORTHERN LIGHTS

PROMOTING BRAND SCANDINAVIA

ISSUE 80 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

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

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Scan Magazine | Contents

Contents COVER FEATURE 6

6

28

From New York to Scandinavian fashion weeks This month’s street style report comes straight from the creative quarters of New York, while Scandinavians back home headed for Stockholm and Copenhagen to enjoy the fashion weeks and find out how Nordic cool is hot next season. We sent a reporter to find out more.

FEATURES 20

Food, glorious food – and a Nordic villain Everybody loves the Mikkelsen brothers, and lately it seems as if Lars is catching up with his Hollywood star brother Mads, thanks to appearances in hit shows such as Sherlock and House of Cards. We spoke to the Dane who likes to play the villain. Then we felt hungry, as so often before, and decided to discover some Nordic food gems.

SPECIAL THEMES 37

Furniture design from Norway While Scandinavian furniture design is often celebrated as some of the best in the world, Norway’s furniture-producing heritage is sometimes overshadowed by those of its Nordic neighbours.

Time to do something about that, we thought, and spoke to a couple of genuine furniture craft legends.

42

Culture in Finland – our top picks There was Alvar Aalto and there was Sibelius, but don’t be fooled into thinking that Finland’s cultural giants are dead and gone. Fancy a bit of world-class opera or perhaps some Dalíinspired surrealism? We’ve got it all covered in our Finnish culture special.

49

74

Spa and wellness – Sweden’s finest With the risk of sounding like megalomaniacs, let us put this out there: Sweden is one of the world leaders in, if not the number one producer of, spa and wellness products and experiences. This theme proves our point as we speak to the CEO of one of the world’s best spas, the man behind the world-leading, most innovative saunas, and much more.

66

Norway’s autumn and winter highlights No self-respecting Scandophile can approach autumn and winter without a deep yearning for the fjords and some huskies. And, needless to say, neither can we. This big adventure-heavy theme helps you plan your next dream holiday in Norway, whether in search for some husky love or the northern lights.

Eurovision superstar Måns Zelmerlöw He flew on to the European charts like a Eurovision-fuelled special-effect heavy whirlwind, and suddenly Europeans everywhere seem to be suffering from Zelmerlöw fever. Scan Magazine spoke to the Swedish singer about the excitement of winning, his upcoming album and a feel-good live show.

DESIGN 16

49

BUSINESS 112 Peach or coconut?

While Helena Whitmore spends the keynote considering the implications of the changes to the taxation of non-domiciled individuals in the UK, as brought on by the new Conservative government’s first budget, our business columnist, Steve Flinders asks: are you a peach or a coconut? Find out what fruit salad has to do with business in this month’s business section.

CULTURE 118 Puns and buns In this issue of Scan Magazine, we start a new monthly celebration of what we like to call Scandinavian everyday heroes: people who do something great for Scandinavians or their culture, but mostly work behind the scenes. First out is the bun-baking, pun-loving Bronte Aurell of Scandinavian Kitchen. Read all about how to give birth and open a café on the same day, plus find out how to win a copy of her new Scandi cookbook.

REGULARS & COLUMNS 10 95

Fashion Diary | 12 Nordic Humans | 14 We Love This | 90 Attractions of the Month Hotels of the Month | 102 Restaurants of the Month | 111 Humour | 113 Conferences of the Month

Issue 80 | September 2015 | 3

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Scan Magazine | Editor’s Note

Dear Reader, September always feels like a new beginning. The kids go back to school, the holiday season is over, comfortable boots and cosy cardigans come out of the wardrobe. Project ‘beach 2015’ is abandoned and a less hysterical, more pleasant approach to wellbeing takes off.

For me, this year, autumn feels like a fresh start in more ways than one as I am back at my desk, promoting brand Scandinavia, and have decided to kickstart that yoga practice I have so long been intending to take up. And whether it is about that sense of new beginnings or just the disappointment that summer never really happened this year, we have all gone a bit wellness crazy for this issue of Scan Magazine.

Did you know that there are neurons in your brain that respond to a raised body temperature by releasing higher levels of serotonin, or happiness hormones in layman’s terms? Neither did I until I spoke to the CEO of Tylö, the world’s leading sauna and steambath producer. As it turns out, Sweden boasts an extraordinary amount of expertise in all things wellness, from natural medicine and essential oils to thalasso spas and obstacle course fitness training.

Check out our Swedish spa and wellness theme for inspiration.

fact, Norway’s skiing opportunities and husky farms are so amazing we cannot help but list our favourites in a huge special every year.

If you are more of a foodie or a culture vulture, you can instead opt to work up a sweat on the way to one of the hotspots in our Finnish culture theme or one of the top Nordic eateries we unearth for you, or you can do as our Scandinavian everyday hero, Bronte Aurell, and go for a run before heading home to taste those freshly baked cinnamon buns.

Or, best of all, you can catch this month’s cover star, Måns Zelmerlöw, on tour. “At the end of the night, the audience will hopefully feel great joy but be exhausted from high-energy dancing all night,” he told Scan Magazine about his upcoming tour. If my yoga practice goes to plan, I will most definitely be up for an all-night dance session very soon.

Linnea Dunne, Editor, Scan Magazine

Norwegians tend to be a tad more sporty and upbeat in their approach to wellbeing – at least if you ask a Swede – and indeed the country has the topography and adventure providers to allow it. In

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4 | Issue 80 | September 2015

SCAN M A G A Z I N E Scan Magazine Ltd 15B Bell Yard Mews Bermondsey Street London SE1 3TY United Kingdom Phone +44 (0)870 933 0423 info@scanmagazine.co.uk www.scanmagazine.co.uk © All rights reserved. Material contained in this publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior permission of Scan Magazine Ltd. Scan Magazine® is a registered trademark of Scan Magazine Ltd. This magazine contains advertorials/promotional articles

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Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Måns Zelmerlöw

Måns Zelmerlöw: The Eurovision superstar with big dreams Måns Zelmerlöw followed in the footsteps of musical giants when he represented Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest 2015. With a stunning visual performance, Zelmerlöw proved victorious and established himself as the next Swedish superstar in the making. He joins us to reflect upon his incredible achievement and tells us about his new album, upcoming tour and the exciting whirlwind that his life has become in the wake of his success.

By Helen Cullen | Press Photos

The first step on Zelmerlöw’s journey to the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna for the Eurovision Song Contest was entering his song Heroes into Melodifestivalen, the Swedish song contest that selects the nation’s representative. He had taken part in the competition twice before, most recently in 2009, but this year the stars aligned for Zelmerlöw as he debuted his contemporary track and stunning visual show. “Winning Melodifestivalen was a dream of mine ever since I was a little boy growing up in Lund,” he says. “For me, that was the ultimate accomplishment and I never even considered that I could go on to win the Eurovision itself. Competing in the Eurovision seemed just a bonus of winning at home first.”

A spectacular show A high standard of songwriting is always expected from the country that produced previous winners such as Abba and Loreen, but audiences across the world were stunned by the visual display that Zelmerlöw also produced. Throughout his performance, he interacted with an illuminated stick figure while donning virtual butterfly wings for an exquisite, perfectlyorchestrated performance.

“I knew that we needed a really big show to accompany the song, so I discussed

some special effect ideas that I had seen in movies with Fredrik Rydman, one of Sweden’s most famous choreographers, and David Nordström, a digital illustrator,” Zelmerlöw explains. “Fredrik introduced me to the 3D projection mapping technology and I knew that was it. Some people were nervous that it would be too dark and that viewers wouldn’t be able to connect with me, but we were confident that it would work and I’m so happy that we persisted with it.” After two months of intense rehearsals and careful preparation, the visual display helped secure a win for Sweden.

The excitement of winning Zelmerlöw is still reeling from the huge adrenalin that came with his victory.

“When we took the lead for the first time, it felt like the whole arena started screaming, ‘Sweden! Sweden!’ and it was one of the most incredible moments of my life,” he recalls. “Everything after that is a blur and I can’t even remember the moment they called my name. Everything happened so fast after that.”

Zelmerlöw’s life has been a whirlwind ever since, with little time to relax. “It has all been very hectic with a lot of promotional work all over Europe, a Scandina-

vian tour and my new album being released,” he says. “I haven’t had many days off but I couldn’t be happier. It’s all such a rush.”

Life before Eurovision Zelmerlöw first came to the attention of the Swedish public when he competed in Idol, the Swedish TV singing contest. “Participating in the show was a very important step for me because it gave me the push I needed to pursue my dreams,” he reflects. “I don’t think that I was very good on the show really, but I don’t know if I would have had the energy or belief in myself to really go for it with my career without that experience.”

Zelmerlöw, nonetheless, came fifth and proved so popular that he was invited to participate in the celebrity dancing competition, Let’s Dance, on Sweden’s TV4.

He won the dance contest with his partner, Maria Karlsson, and his career was truly launched; he took a lead role in the musical Grease, signed a recording contract and released his first album, Stand

by For..., in 2007. Heroes, his Eurovision winner, is the culmination of the musical journey that Zelmerlöw has been on since then, as he evolved into the Scandi-pop star we see today.

The new album: Perfectly Damaged Zelmerlöw released his sixth studio album, Perfectly Damaged, in June this year. The album went straight to number one on the official Swedish Albums Chart on its first week of release and has enjoyed critical and commercial success across Europe.

Issue 80 | September 2015 | 7

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Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Måns Zelmerlöw

“This album has very much a ‘carpe diem, seize the day’ kind of message that reflects the exact stage I am at in my own life,” he explains. “The sound is organic but with an electronic touch to it and very big powerful choruses and great melodies.”

Taking on Europe The big dream driving Zelmerlöw’s ambition has always been to tour Europe and perform his music. This year, he will achieve that goal as he tours extensively from September to November. “Music really is my passion, and I love entertaining people because I’ve always felt safe on stage,” says the singer. “I think I’m good at sending out positive energy and I feel like my gift is making other people feel good when I perform.”

Fans can expect a lively performance from Zelmerlöw and his band in concert. “At the end of the night, the audience will

hopefully feel great joy but be exhausted from high-energy dancing all night. I hope that they will want to seize the day in their own lives too.”

Moreover, Zelmerlöw hopes that he will get the opportunity to recreate the visual spectacle from the song contest at some of the shows. “We really want to do something amazing for the European tour, but we haven’t finalised all our plans yet. Having fun on stage is our main focus, but we’ll try to add in some other special surprises where we can, and hopefully include some projections.”

tum into something great and build my career across the world. I want to exist beyond the Eurovision bubble.”

Photo: Thomas Hanses

The future for Zelmerlöw 2015 has changed Zelmerlöw’s life forever, but he hopes that it is only the beginning of his musical adventures. “Winning the Eurovision was the biggest achievement of my life so far and definitely my proudest moment,” he declares.

“Now I want to really build that momen-

Perfectly Damaged, Zelmerlöw’s latest album, is available from all usual music outlets. For his latest news and releases, please visit www.mzw.se.

European Tour Dates

Photo: Thomas Hanses

8 | Issue 80 | September 2015

22 September: Olympia Theatre, Dublin, Ireland 24 September: Heaven, London, U.K. 25 September: Paradiso, Amsterdam, Holland 26 September: Kesselhaus, Munich, Germany 27 September: Ottagrkinger Brauerei, Vienna, Austria 29 September: Grosse Freiheit, Hamburg, Germany 30 September: Volkshaus, Zurich, Switzerland 02 October: E-Werk, Cologne, Germany 03 October: Maroquinerie, Paris, France 04 October: Capitol, Offenbach Am Main, Germany 05 October: Het Depoy, Leuven, Germany 07 October: Fabrique, Milan, Italy 09 October: Columbiahalle, Berlin, Germany 11 October: Lucerna Music Bar, Prague, Czech Republic

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BJØRN JØ WIINBL NBL LAD AD Until 17 January 2016

Museum of Modern Art / Skovvej 100, DK-2635 Ishøj, Denmark / arken.dk

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Scan Magazine | Design | Fashion Diary

Fashion Diary...

As summer comes to an end, it is time to look for an autumn-inspired wardrobe. But worry not, you can still be playful and mix and match both textiles and patterns. If you are invited to some late-summer events in the park, take a look at these outfits, which can be worn both at work and for leisure. Go catch those last rays of sun!

By Sara Asoka Paulsen | Press photos

This sporty item will get you dry through the city on a busy day, looking casually cool without any effort.

Anorak – Blue/soil: approx. £58 www.rains.dk

Comfortable yet fashionable classic leather shoes with rubber elements add a sporty feel.

Hannett shoe from WOOD WOOD: £155 www.woodwood.dk

10 | Issue 80 | September 2015

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Scan Magazine | Design | Fashion Diary

If you cannot quite let go of the summer feel yet, this sweater will help you gradually prepare. The design is fresh and leaves a little skin exposed for potential sunbeams.

Charis sweater: £296 www.houseofdagmar.se

This striped blazer from Danish-based Nué Notes resembles one of a fancy Barbershop quartet. Wear it with a thin wool turtleneck when night falls, or over a dress.

Blazer: approx. £173 www.nuenotes.com

If you are one of many Scandinavians who choose to ride a bike through the city, this backpack is ideal. It works well with a casual everyday look and doubles up as a fancy gym bag.

Leather backpack: £79 www.stories.com

Issue Issue 80 |79September | August 2015 | 11

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Scan Magazine | Design | Street Style

Nordic Humans of New York City Text and photos: Sanna Halmekoski

Vera Jordanova, Finnish cookbook author, actress and model (www.verajordanova.com) “I’ve lived in several countries. New York, where all the world’s cultures collide, feels like a natural home. Its diversity inspired me to publish a cookbook called Don’t Miss a Bite, which uses food to explore my travels and life philosophy: live in the moment. My bag is Marimekko, dress Topshop and shoes Sam Edelman.

Alexander Klingspor, Swedish painter (www.artofklingspor.com) “Our imagination is the most powerful thing we have. With it we have shaped our world. My style is paint-stained. I own very few clothes that do not have paint on them. My jeans are Acne and my shoes are Branchini.”

Marie Mamonia, Danish poet, author, Reiki practitioner and founder of We Make Peace (www.wemakepeace.org) Alexander Klingspor

"There is a common thread flowing through my work, an underlying search for the essence of the present moment.

My shirt is by the Brooklyn-based Dalaga label, sandals by Hasbeens and the rest is vintage.”

Sanna Halmekoski is a London-based Finnish freelance photojournalist specialising in global street fashion, dog and portrait photography. For more information please visit her at suomigirl.tumblr.com

12 | Issue 80 | September 2015

Vera Jordanova

Marie Mamonia

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Scan Magazine | Design | We Love This

We love this...

As autumn is sweeping its leaves over streets and parks, a cup of tea in an armchair is the ultimate way to spend an evening inside.

By Sara Asoka Paulsen | Press photos

This armchair has the feel of a Chesterfield sofa wrapping its arms around you and giving you a hug.

Perfect for a rainy day. Chair Merle Wolf-Grey, £265. dk.sofacompany.com

We adore this rocking chair from wellrenowned Finnish interior design store Artek. Ilmari Tapiovaara designed this timeless piece in 1953, and it still rocks.

Mademoiselle rocking chair, £1,079 www.skandium.com

We want to be wrapped in these while dreaming of next summer.

Tibetan Leaf wool throws from Klippan Yllefabrik, £89 a piece. www.scandinaviandesigncenter.com

If you want to invite friends over for a beer but you do not own a pub, this is the invention for you: your very own beer foamer by Norm Architects. This little miracle can turn bottled beers into well-served pints with nice heads of foam on top.

Norm Architects beer foamer, £34.95 www.husandhem.co.uk

14 | Issue 80 | September 2015

So comfortable and just what our feet want after a long day at work, the Chloe slippers are all we need on an early autumn day. Chloe slippers, £551 www.farfetch.com

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AUTHENTIC NORDIC HOME COOKING Here at Den Gyldene Freden we have served authentic Nordic home cooking since the opening in 1722. Famous cultural personalities, tourists and local regulars visit our historic facilities in Gamla Stan to enjoy the fine food and the genuine nuine atmosphere.

Welcome to the closest restaurant in the archipelago Just 25 minutes by boat from central Stockholm (Slussen or Nybroplan) you’ll find Fjäderholmarnas Krog, offering fabulous views over Stockholm’s beautiful inlets. Enjoy real Swedish classics such as herring, Toast Skagen, cod and a variety of fresh seafood. Prices for main courses from 195 SEK.

WE ARE OPEN EVERY DAY FOR LUNCH AND DINNER! WELCOME!

www.gyldenefreden.se / info@gyldenefreden.se +46 8 249 760

www.fjaderholmarnaskrog.se +46 718 33 55 Info@fjaderholmarnaskrog.se

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Design by Mark Kenly Domino Tan Photo: Cophenhagen Fashion Week

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Scan Magazine | Design | Stockholm and Copenhagen Fashion Weeks Design by Giorgi Rostiashvili Photo: Mathias Nordgren

Design by Tatiana Anderson Camre Photo: Cophenhagen Fashion Week

Design by Ida Klamborn Photo: Mathias Nordgren

Nordic fashion designers to watch – Scan Magazine does the Stockholm and Copenhagen Fashion Weeks Thanks to the distinctive aesthetic and innovative approach that Nordic designers continue to bring to the table, Scandinavia has earned a place on the global fashion map. Last month, a selection of designers showed their Spring 2016 collections at the influential Stockholm Fashion Week and the Nordic region’s largest fashion event, Copenhagen Fashion Week.

By Uniqua Hardy

“Fashion week is about more than sales and export growth. It is also about the many talents, the design schools and the recently graduated designers,” explains Eva Kruse, CEO at Danish Fashion Institute and Copenhagen Fashion Week. In the mix of big names, including By Malene Birger and Cheap Monday, the Danish and Swedish capitals showcased a handful of fresh graduates and interesting emerging designers worth keeping a close eye on.

Giorgi Rostiashvili Stockholm looked to the future shapers of fashion with a spotlight on Giorgi Rostiashvili. The experimental designer has won quite a few awards recently and was chosen to show his collection with the support of the Peroni Designer Collabo-

ration, an initiative supporting promising Swedish designers each season. Rostiashvili has an exceptional focus on high quality and craftsmanship, and for his Spring 2016 collection he explored the history of restraint, power and exposure.

Mark Kenly Domino Tan Mark Tan launched his label in 2012, and two years later he won the prestigious DANSK Design Talent award for up-andcoming designers. His previous experience at iconic fashion houses, including Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen, is evident in his sculptural designs and skilful tailoring, which he continuously gains praise for.

This season, the designer was inspired by French furniture designer Pierre Paulin and challenging, structured silhouettes.

Tatiana Andersen Camre London’s Central Saint Martins graduate Tatiana Andersen Camre recently started the label T.A.C. and showed her debut collection in Copenhagen. A printfocused designer, she strips garments down to their simplest forms and uses them as canvases to fill with vibrant patterns. Her collection uniquely explores the possibilities within print design, including complex combinations of illustrations, collages and photography.

Ida Klamborn Ida Klamborn showed her first collection at Stockholm Fashion Week last year and was named newcomer of the year by Swedish Elle. Known for mastering the balance between contrast, colour, shape and material, she has also gained recognition internationally and has received numerous fashion scholarships and awards. Her newest collection displays edgy detailing with a feminine inspiration of rose gardens.

Issue 80 | September 2015 | 17

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Scan Magazine | Design | Maria Nilsdotter

Jewellery with a story Symbolic figures, unexpected twists and thought-provoking contrasts – Swedish designer Maria Nilsdotter is not afraid to make her jewellery stand out.

rated using contrasts, for example juxtaposing the old building and dark painted walls with her shiny, modern jewellery.

By Stephanie Brink Harck | Photos: Varg PR

Stepping inside the Maria Nilsdotter shop almost feels like stepping inside a cathedral. The building is old, with the high ceiling and the floor adorned with an impressive mosaic. Everything in this shop looks majestic, luxurious and a bit surreal – just like her jewellery. The connection is no coincidence, as the designer points out: “For me, the shop was like recreating the world all the jewellery is from. This is their home.”

Every single piece in Nilsdotter’s collections is inspired by a story or a world, mostly from mythology or folktales, which have always been big interests of hers. “I read a story and then I collect all the information about the world in the story in my sketchbook. Slowly, I develop my own world and all the jewellery in it.”

Because of where her inspiration comes

18 | Issue 80 | September 2015

from, several pieces appear gothic and dark. But she recently launched the new Éternel Collection, characterised by some finer pieces and precious stones such as tsavorite, pink sapphire and amethyst, all set in gold and silver. The new collection acts as a complement to her other collections, allowing the wearer to mix and match bigger and finer pieces and thereby making the story of the jewellery their own.

Contrast is something Nilsdotter very much appreciates. “I like it when you can make the scary and dark pretty. Or when you can even make it a little bit funny,” she says. She only creates pieces she would wear herself, and because she often mixes different types and sizes of jewellery, she wants her collections to urge other people to do the same. Moreover, her store at Sturegatan 6 is deco-

“It is important for me that there is a story behind every piece I make. And it is important that the craftsmanship holds a high quality,” Nilsdotter points out. It took her a year to design the Éternel Collection and then everything was handmade in India, leaving the quality of the jewellery nothing short of perfect.

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

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Tropikariet in Helsingborg, Sweden www.tropikariet.com

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Lars Mikkelsen – the great Dane of stage and screen International audiences have grown to love Lars Mikkelsen for his captivating portrayals of memorable characters such as the Russian President Viktor Petrov in House of Cards, Charles Augustus Magnussen, the villain from season three of BBC’s Sherlock, and Copenhagen mayoral election candidate Troels Hartmann in the Danish drama series The Killing. In his native Denmark, however, his career has extended far beyond these iconic TV shows to include a myriad of premier stage and screen performances. Mikkelsen joins us to share some insight into his exciting career to date and future projects to watch out for.

By Helen Cullen | Photos: Mathias Bothor

Mikkelsen speaks to us as his criticallyacclaimed role in the Copenhagen theatre production of Tribadernes nat (The Night of the Tribades) by Per Olov Enquist draws to a close. Mikkelsen starred as the playwright Strindberg, alongside Marie Bach Hansen of The Legacy. “Strindberg was quite the character to play,” Mikkelsen says. “He alienated everybody and lived in total conflict with the society of his time; he was very tragic but also very funny.”

20 | Issue 80 | September 2015

Despite the incredible success that Mikkelsen has enjoyed on screen, maintaining his connection to the theatre remains immensely important to him. “As actors we continuously learn our craft at the theatre because the process is so long and the ongoing collaboration gives us great insight into how we perform,” he says. “In TV and film, it can be more difficult to have a profound knowledge of what you are doing when you have to

produce work very quickly, but the two ways of working are a gift to each other and I could never choose just one.”

From Europe to Netflix Fans of Mikkelsen will most recently have enjoyed his role as Harald Bjorn in The Team, the European TV drama that follows a group of investigators who trace organised crime across the borders of Europe. The show is a unique collaborative production between Denmark, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland and Germany.

“It was pretty apparent that we should explore doing a co-production such as this and that we should do our best to make it happen,” he explains. “I was very pleased to be part of it, and my character Harold is interesting because he is really a modern take on a Scandinavian guy.

He’s very good at his job but maybe not so good at his feelings.” Fans of The

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Scan Magazine | Feature | Lars Mikkelsen

Lars Mikkelsen in The Team.Photo: Frédéric Batier

Team are eagerly awaiting the announcement of season two to see the adventures of Harold unfold further.

When Netflix adapted House of Cards from the BBC mini-series of the same name, the American political drama series became an instant global smash hit.

In season three, Mikkelsen starred alongside Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright as the chilling President of Russia, Viktor Petrov. Mikkelsen credits the success of the show to the talented writing team and cast of actors. “The writers are truly phenomenal, and the other ac-

tors are just wow, so it would be very hard to get it wrong,” he says. “The production is massive but the work is just the same as we do here, even if it is sometimes on a smaller scale in Europe.

There is no distinction between our work ethics or creative intentions, which is wonderful really. Kevin and Robin are amazing actors and such lovely people, so they are a joy to work with in that way.”

The villain of Sherlock “It’s always fun playing the bad guy,” Mikkelsen laughs as he recalls his experi-

Lars Mikkelson as Charles Augustus Magnussen and Lindsay Duncan as Lady Smallwood in Sherlock Photo: by Ollie Upton © Hartswood Films

ence of playing the ultimate villain in the BBC’s latest series of Sherlock. “The last speech that Magnussen makes in his mansion in the final episode was an amazing piece of writing to deliver. The writers have been so clever in re-interpreting the writing of Arthur Conan Doyle in a modern structure without abandoning what it is.

That’s the secret to their success.”

Before he accepted the role of Magnussen, Mikkelsen was unfamiliar with the British TV show. “It was quite embarrassing really, in retrospect, to tell the producers that I hadn’t heard of it,” he recalls. “I think to reach the level of success in the UK and worldwide that Sherlock enjoyed, however, you have to be phenomenally talented, and the cast and crew definitely are in this case. I thought it was amazing when I did watch it and couldn’t believe it had passed me by before.”

Despite a portfolio of eclectic performances and a stunning array of productions, there is one character that Mikkelsen still aspires to personify. “I’d love to play Iago from Othello,” he reveals. “He truly was the greatest villain ever written.” There can be no doubt that it is only a matter of time before the opportunity will come his way.

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Scan Magazine | Travel Feature | Brakanes Hotel

Brakanes Hotel is located on the bank of Ulvikafjorden.

Find peace among the apple blossoms The thought of Hardanger most often brings to mind images of steep mountainsides, blossoming apple orchards and deep-blue fjords. In summary, a perfect postcard from Norway. This picture-perfect postcard can be seen in real life, from the windows of any of Brakanes Hotel’s 142 rooms.

By Andrea Bærland | Photos: Brakanes Hotel

Brakanes has, through its 155-year-long history, grown from a humble coach station inn to become the cornerstone of Ulvik, a village in Hardanger, located right on the bank of the fjord.

The hotel, which was rebuilt after burning down to the ground during World War II, offers its guests all modern amenities.

“We have a lot of visitors from all over the world. What draws them to Hardanger is the possibility of experiencing nature you can’t find anywhere else,” says sales manager Ingrid Prestegard, adding: “We’ve seen an increase in visitors who want to be active in the great outdoors.” For these guests the hotel can arrange hikes, boat trips, water skiing, fishing and overnight stays in the forest.

For those looking to simply relax, Brakanes can arrange farm and brewery visits and historical and cultural walks.

“In Hardanger you find a serenity that is

22 | Issue 80 | September 2015

hard to find elsewhere,” says Prestegaard, suggesting that the combination of peace and adventure tempts many visitors to return year after year.

“In Ulvik we can offer breathtaking views, locally sourced food and drink and plenty of adventures,” Prestegaard concludes.

Conferencing and Christmas parties It is not just tourists who enjoy the nature and peace and quiet of Ulvik. When the peak season for tourists dies down, businesses descend on the little village for everything from seminars to parties.

“One reason why companies like to come to Ulvik is that it’s small, keeping everyone together, rather than being scattered out shopping or bar hopping as one easily does in a big city,” says Prestegard.

Brakanes’s conference centre has the capacity to offer input on both the professional and the social bit for up to 500 attendees.

But it is not all work and no play: Brakanes is also a popular destination for Christmas parties. Using locally sourced produce the restaurant at Brakanes offers à la carte as well as a buffet of both local and more continental fare. The restaurant smokes its own meat in the smokehouse on the premises and, during Christmas, traditional, self-smoked pinnekjøtt (rib of lamb) is served. “We put a lot of work into our Christmas parties, in regards to both the food and the entertainment. It is never too early to book a party, but it can quickly become too late,” Prestegaard smiles.

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Scan Magazine | Travel Feature | Brakanes Hotel

It takes a village…

With approximately 1,100 inhabitants calling Ulvik home, the tourist season significantly increases the number of people.

“Thanks to tourism, Ulvik has become a very international and open-minded place to live,” says Prestegaard.

In Ulvik, a strong sense of community and co-operation between the different service providers has evolved. “Our activity partners depend on us to give tourists a place to spend the night, and we depend on them to offer activities that will make guests want to stay,” Prestegard explains.

“We all depend on each other.”

Brakanes has partnered up with institutions offering experiences based on everything from Ulvik’s literary heritage to local breweries.

Photo: Olav H. Hauge Centre

Photo: Ulvikatorget

throughout the exhibition. The exhibition is in English as well as Norwegian and guided tours can be booked in advance.

tors can watch glass being made. By offering entrepreneurs office space, Ulvikatorget also contributes to further innovation in the village. While the village is fairly secluded, Ulvik is always bursting with great ideas and initiatives.

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

Fruit and cider route

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

The Hardanger region is well-known for its apple orchards, and three of the major farms, Ulvik Frukt & Cideri, Syse Gard and Hardanger Saft- og Siderfabrikk have joined forces to offer Norway’s only fruit and cider route. In May every year the farms host the cider launch, allowing guests to walk from farm to farm and taste their fresh batches of cider, liquor and juice made from apples, while every October they arrange a similar fruit launch.

Apple tree walks with tours of the farms and tasting sessions can be arranged throughout the year, but Brakanes also offers weekend packages in conjunction with the launch events in May and October.

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

Olav H. Hauge Centre Ulvik was home to Olav H. Hauge, one of Norway’s most acclaimed poets, and in the recently-opened Olav H. Hauge Centre visitors can get better acquainted with the poet’s life and work. “We have always used Hauge’s poetry in some shape or form at hotel events, but at the Olav H. Hauge Centre you get a deeper understanding of his poetry,” says Prestegard.

The centre also consists of a museum shop, a poetry library and a poetry workshop, and the youngest are captivated by the task of following clues of Hauge’s cat

Ulvikatorget Ulvikatorget, which opened this summer, is a market where vendors of local products come together to sell their wares.

Ulvik’s only glass blower, Syse Glas, has also established a workshop where visi-

Photo: Hardanger saft- og siderfabrikk

Photo: Syse Gard

Photo: Ulvik frukt & Cideri

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Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature | Restaurant Heinätori

The idyllic Restaurant Heinätori is situated in the heart of Tampere and welcomes more and more visitors every year.

Finnish culinary simplicity at its best Once you discover something that works, keep it and embrace it whole-heartedly. This is exactly what Restaurant Heinätori did, and eight years on they are stronger than ever.

tion the restaurant’s classics with a fan base of their own: Vorschmack and fried liver with bacon, mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam.

By Nina Lindqvist | Photos: Restaurant Heinätori

The southern Finnish city of Tampere, home to Restaurant Heinätori, is the most populous inland city of the Nordic region.

It does not take long to figure out that there is an endless supply of competitors eager to welcome dinner guests with open arms. So among this sea of options, how does a restaurant stand out?

Lauri Väänänen, co-owner and co-founder of Restaurant Heinätori, knows how. A former engineer with a background in cooking, Väänänen founded Heinätori together with his wife nearly a decade ago, and not much has changed since. As it turns out, that is exactly why the restau-

24 | Issue 80 | September 2015

rant has enjoyed such long-lasting success. “Simplicity is key for us at Heinätori.

It’s all about choosing the best and freshest ingredients, creating a winning menu and standing by and believing in your concept,” Väänänen confirms.

And he is not exaggerating. The à la carte menu has remained very much same the since Heinätori welcomed its first customers back in 2007. With dishes such as mushroom risotto, roasted breast of guinea-fowl with Madeira sauce, and smoked salmon prepared to order in the Heinätori kitchen, it is no wonder that customers demand no change. Not to men-

“Heinätori is a classic Finnish restaurant that values quality and service over fancy tricks and gimmicks. The taste should come from the actual raw ingredients, not from spices used to cover them up. At Heinätori, we are true to ourselves and we don’t try to be something we’re not,” Väänänen says firmly.

In addition to the set à la carte menu, Heinätori offers visitors a seasonal menu that changes every other month.

Delicacies can, for instance, include smoked reindeer soup, duck breast, Arctic char and pike perch. When that sweet tooth comes knocking, the panna cotta with rose hip syrup or the house

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Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature | Restaurant Heinätori

crème brûlée with fresh berries will most certainly do the trick.

From horses and hay to candlelight The standard menu may not have changed, but the space sure has. Restaurant Heinätori is located in a vibrant part of Tampere and used to serve a very different purpose at the beginning of the 20th century. The restaurant was located next to a lively marketplace, and to serve the fuel needs of the horses used as transportation for the produce, the city built a weighing room in 1914 with a mechanical scale that made it possible to check the actual weight of the load. As cars replaced horses as transportation, the hay trade came to an end.

‘50s touch, a minimalist, elegant atmosphere with its white linen tablecloths, birch chairs and partially tiled walls. But while the food and décor may be typically Finnish, classic and stripped-down, the service is far from it. Väänänen reveals an enthusiasm and love for oral tradition as proof of his eastern Finland, North Karelian roots.

“We had a Finnish couple come dine here right after we had opened the restaurant, and they loved the food and the overall atmosphere. But they had one slight complaint: they thought the waiter was too loud,” says Väänänen and laughs: “That waiter was me.”

The perfect venue for generations

“Since 1930 the weighing room has served diverse purposes but is of course today known to serve the best Vorschmack and fried liver in town, still carrying a name honouring the history of the space,” Väänänen explains.

The restaurant décor has kept reminders of its origin intact and added a classic

Because of its central location, solid reputation and versatile spaces, Restaurant Heinätori has become a favourite amongst Tampere residents looking for that perfect place to celebrate a special occasion. Private events such as engagement parties, wedding receptions, Christenings, graduation ceremonies and birthday parties are held here, as are business meetings and

training sessions. Movable partition walls make the restaurant easily transformable for parties looking for privacy, and in the summertime the restaurant becomes even more spacious and versatile thanks to the large outside terrace.

“We’ve had several families celebrate every special occasion and milestone in their life at Heinätori, from Christenings to 100-year birthday celebrations,” Väänänen reminisces.

Because of the restaurant’s authentically Finnish food and focus on local, highquality raw ingredients often chosen from the nearby Tampere market hall, Heinätori is also a popular place for tourists looking to get an insight into Finnish culinary traditions. “We also welcome many Finns looking to provide their international guests with an authentic piece of culinary Finland. They know that Heinätori is the place for that in Tampere.”

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

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Scan Magazine | Feature | BillerudKorsnäs

Minister for Development Cooperation Isabella Lövin speaking at BillerudKorsnäs' sustainability conference.

Making sustainability its business With an innovative offering of renewable packaging solutions, 4,300 employees across ten countries, and a new collaboration with the French research platform Tara Expeditions, BillerudKorsnäs is hoping to contribute to a change in attitudes across the spectrum from the general public to key decision-makers – all in the name of a sustainable future.

By Linnea Dunne | Photos: BillerudKorsnäs

Eight million tonnes of plastic are flushed into the sea every year. That is equivalent to 16 plastic bags per metre of the world’s coastal lines, but what happens to all this plastic and how it affects the marine ecosystem no one really knows, as research in this field is still insufficient.

This is where Tara Expeditions comes into play. An organisation working to enable researchers to explore issues around the health of the sea, it wants to raise awareness around the change in behaviour that will be required to meet this challenge,

26 | Issue 80 | September 2015

and convince decision-makers to limit plastic littering. In BillerudKorsnäs, Tara Expeditions saw a perfect partner.

Packaging for change “We challenge conventional packaging for a sustainable future,” says Henrik Essén, communications and sustainability manager at BillerudKorsnäs. “As environmental awareness increases and more people realise that something has to change, our business grows stronger while contributing to increased sustainability for society,” he explains, adding:

“Of course, we’re not suggesting that it’s a simple solution, that we should replace all plastic packaging with paper packaging and start throwing the paper in the sea. This is where Tara Expeditions’ research is so useful: it can help us figure out alternative solutions to the problem.”

BillerudKorsnäs’ sustainability work is an inward as well as an outward journey. The business is constantly working to improve internal practices and processes, doing everything to lower its negative impact on the environment and working hard to achieve its goal of becoming completely fossil-free. But the positive impact is crucial too: the fully renewable primary fibre products are being treated using industrial processes that help lower the resource use across the globe and have the possibility of changing the entire value chain, for instance through the use of

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Scan Magazine | Feature | BillerudKorsnäs

might seem odd to talk about sustainability and then produce packaging materials here in Sweden only to ship it all the way to, say, Indonesia to produce bags there rather than simply using a locally-produced plastic bag – but our research shows that it makes environmental sense; it’s often an advantage in regards to climate effect to use the Nordic fibre for packaging solutions.”

Above left: Food waste is a big problem for sustianability and can be reduced by using smarter packaging.

Above Right: The fibres of the trees in the Nordic woods have qualities that cannot be recreated

smarter food packaging that protects the products better.

Warm-up to Paris 2015 Last month, BillerudKorsnäs and Tara Expeditions took another step in furthering the positive impact of their work. A sustainability conference was held in Stockholm, and representatives of Tara Expeditions attended alongside a number of key decision-makers, industry delegates and researchers.

The event served as a bit of a warm-up to the COP21 UN Climate Change Conference due to take place in Paris later this

year, providing a platform for researchers to present their latest findings and politicians to discuss what is being done to combat the worrying development. It also allows industry representatives to send an important message to politicians about their commitment to change.

However, they are not megalomaniacs over at BillerudKorsnäs, Essén is quick to add. “Our starting point is creating smarter packaging solutions out of paper and board, which contributes to increased sustainability,” he says. “But selling our products is not enough. We can always do better, and we work with brand owners, packaging manufacturers and other partners all over the world in order to share valuable knowledge and new insights.”

Nordic fibre and shared insights That one of the leading sustainable packaging producers has its base in the Nordics is no coincidence. “We’ve seen huge benefits in producing our products here,” says Essén, explaining that the fibres of the trees in the Nordic woods have qualities that cannot be recreated. “It

Above: Sandwich toppings such as ham and cheese can also be packaged using BillerudKorsnäs’ clever packaging solutions.

Below left: Tara Expeditions boat.

Photo: Tara Expeditions Below right: Sustainability and communications manager Henrik Essen

BillerudKorsnäs in brief: Mission: To challenge conventional packaging for a sustainable future.

Established: 2012.

Company facilities: Eight production units and sales offices in around ten countries.

Net sales: Approx. 21 billion SEK. Number of employees: Approx. 4,300 employees.

Operational reach: Global.

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

Issue 80 | September 2015 | 27

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Above: Villa NK. Below: Villa Victor, winner of Most Beautiful Villa in Sweden in 2009.

Eco-certified, life-affirming houses – because you can’t put a price on health It will be 20 years in January since Ross Architecture & Design was founded and Pål Ross started designing houses without straight lines, inviting customers to live in a work of art. Countless awards and around 300 projects later, another milestone has been achieved as the studio is now the first ever architect office to be eco-certified

by Svanen.

By Linnea Dunne | Photos: Ross Architecture & Design

”We’re delighted and proud, of course,” says Pål Ross himself. ”But we’re upset as well. What this means is that there are loads and loads of architect offices that haven’t decided to take this step, and that’s crazy.”

Ross came up with the idea of giving his houses the Svanen stamp of approval after food shopping about a year ago. In the supermarket, there were two piles of bananas. On his way home, Ross realised that a simple label had made him pick one type of banana over another without hesitating even for a second. ”There and

28 | Issue 80 | September 2015

then, I made the assumption that someone else had done the hard work for me, making sure that there were no pesticides, that the plantation workers got a fair wage, that no child labour was involved and so on. The bananas were prob-

ably noticeably more expensive, but I didn’t care,” he recalls. ”So I decided that I wanted to communicate our commitment that same simple way.”

The journey towards achieving the Svanen certification was complex to say the least, as every single supplier and manufacturer contributing to the construction process had to be scrutinised and approved. But it was unquestionably worthwhile, the architect insists. ”It’s a bit of a game-changer,” he says, using another food analogy to illustrate. ”Before there

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Scan Magazine | Feature | Ross Architecture & Design

was organic milk, no one ever thought of non-organic milk as being bad in any way – it was just milk. Bringing about an alternative gives consumers that choice and makes them aware of the difference.”

Leading the way At the heart of it is a sense of responsibility towards the customer, and by achieving Svanen certification, Ross Architecture & Design hopes to send a strong and clear message to other architecture studios out there: if there’s a will there’s a way. Not that Ross leading the way is anything new. He has been doing his thing with razor-sharp focus from day one, and slowly but surely, award by award, he has convinced the architecture scene that the Ross construction process is superior. ”It’s the way to build houses for the future,” he says. ”People have stopped questioning me.”

The award-winning architect is hopeful that, in time, the industry will follow suit also in regards to the eco-certification of architecture. As he puts it, no one disagrees about the fact that toxins are bad. And it is when speaking about the health benefits of his houses that Ross really gets excited, that his philosophy comes full circle. ”You can’t put a price on health. For 20 years now, we’ve been designing life-affirming houses, focusing on creating environments that flow the way life does and add to the overall happiness of their inhabitants.

Avoiding the materials and solutions that contribute to allergies and make people sick has always been a central part of this.”

Above left: Pål Ross in Villa Atrium. Top right: Inside Villa NK. Right: Villa Äntligen. Below: Inside Villa Äntligen

It is possible to design a happy life? Ross thinks so, at least to an extent. Ask a child who lives in one of his designs to draw a house and you will certainly see evidence that we are shaped by the environments that surround us: these children do not draw rectangular box houses. But right now, Ross is closing in on nursing homes,

Awards and achievements: 1996 – Ross Architecture & Design is founded 2009 – Ross project Villa Victor is awarded Most Beautiful Villa in Sweden 2010 – Receives honours for contributions to a good architectural culture 2013 – Receives award for Building of the Year in Haninge County, Stockholm

Design for happiness Much like we will feel good the moment a song we like starts playing on the radio, beautiful spaces add to our sense of wellbeing. The difference is that you can turn the radio off when a song you dislike starts playing – but you cannot switch off a poorly-designed home. ”We only get one life,” declares Ross, who only designs houses for clients after interviewing them and getting to know their habits and desires in detail. ”Life’s too short to walk up spiral staircases that flows the wrong way and makes you twist your back, or cook in kitchens that force you to turn your back on your children and guests.”

arguing that the less time you have left the more precious every day is. ”Perhaps one day I’ll end up designing a nursing home and running it myself,” he ponders. ”I have worked with 300 families to date, significantly improving their lives. Imagine bringing that same happiness to a whole crowd of elderly all at once?”

What some customers said: “Once you get in contact with Pål Ross, you cannot imagine working with another architect, ever.”

The owners of Villa NK ”The result exceeded all expectations.

It’s a great pleasure to live in this wonderful environment, a hotbed of lust for life.”

The owner of Villa Poesi ”It was some kind of magic, perhaps what they call art.”

The owners of Villa Excellence

2013/2014 – Receives European Property Award, Best Architecture Single Residence, Sweden 2015 – Achieves Svanen ecocertification Pål Ross is a full member of the Artist’s Club in Stockholm.

Ross Architecture & Design holds the highest level of Credit Worthiness by the UC.

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

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Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature | Viking Restaurant Harald

Viking Restaurant Harald offers a wide selection of Nordic food made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

Travel back in time to find your inner Viking Viking Restaurant Harald has all the attributes you would expect from a good restaurant: Nordic recipes made from fresh, local produce and great service topped off with a wide selection of drinks. But one thing is different: you will be dining in a Viking village.

By Ndéla Faye | Photos: Viking Restaurant Harald

Restaurant Harald offers guests a multisensory experience. Covering the ceiling and walls are a myriad of cave paintings, animal pelts and cave drawings. The first Viking Restaurant Harald was established 17 years ago in Tampere, Finland. Since then, Helsinki, Jyväskylä, Kuopio, Lahti, Oulu and Turku have all opened their own branches of the restaurant.

Switch off and let your hair down “The idea is for the customers to be able to switch off, to leave their everyday lives at the door. We offer them an all-round experience where they can delve into the

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Viking world,” explains Raine Verho, development director and partner in the company. “Our customers range from couples to young professionals and big corporate functions, so this is a great way

for them to relax and let loose for a while.”

To give the dining experience an even more authentic Viking feel, the waiting staff are in on it too – dressed, of course, in full Viking attire. “During the recruitment process, members of staff choose their own Viking name and think of a back story for their Viking character,” Verho continues. “We pride ourselves on great service, and team spirit: we were chosen as one of the best places to work in Finland in 2014.”

A multi-sensory dining experience Diners feast on meals and drinks specifically designed to appeal to all senses: dishes are served from shields, swords and clay pots to give an authentic feel to the dining experience. The serving dishes are all hand-crafted Finnish design, and the dining experience comes with all the props you would expect of a Viking feast:

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Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature | Viking Restaurant Harald

animal pelts, horn helmets and humorous limericks on the menu – every minute detail has been carefully designed to add to this unique dining experience.

The menu has a strong focus on Nordic ingredients, alongside some traditional Finnish and other Nordic recipes. On the menu are a number of different taste combinations, including roast ox served on a plank, Birger’s reindeer soup, moose sausages and tar ice cream. Viking Restaurant Harald offers a bit of something for everyone, including the more adventurous eaters.

“We use Nordic ingredients and there is a great emphasis on local produce. Sourcing fresh produce is an ongoing process, and we are constantly looking at how we can improve and where to source the highest-quality seasonal ingredients – everything on our menu is home-made,” says Verho, adding: “Our restaurants serve meals from all the elements: the Nordic woods, waters, the air and earth are all present on our menu, as well as in our restaurant’s décor.”

A Viking baptism for the brave The set menus, or voyages as they are called, offer different packages, such as Harald and Helga’s Love Package for

couples, which includes a candle-lit meal with a number of shared dishes. The restaurant’s signature Chief’s Feast challenges guests to complete a number of tasks alongside their dinner, the ultimate dare being eating fermented shark, washed down with berry-flavoured schnapps. Only those brave enough to indulge in this Icelandic exotic-smelling delicacy, the shark meat having been buried in volcanic rock for six months and then dried outdoors, are given Harald’s Viking Baptism complete with a certificate to state that they are now fully-fledged Vikings.

start to finish. The unique setting along with the small details, all designed to heighten this time-travelling experience, strike the perfect balance between letting your hair down and trying something that is out of the ordinary.

The drinks menu includes a number of drinks flavoured with seasonal fresh berries, such as sea buckthorn berries, raspberries and bilberries. Another specialty is the Harald Vikings Strength Ale, a special beer made out of honey, brewed according to the restaurant’s own recipe and a very old tradition: to reward his fellow Vikings on long journeys. Chiefs used to distribute a so-called Strength Ale to keep the villagers’ spirits high.

Undoubtedly, Viking Restaurant Harald provides a novelty dining experience, but also a great way to try traditional Nordic foods. The restaurant’s ultimate aim is to make the whole meal an experience, from

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

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Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature | Kopar Restaurant

Head chef Ylfa Helgadóttir.

Exquisite seafood at the water’s edge Reykjavik’s Old Harbour is fast becoming one of the most vibrant quarters in the city, with restaurants, cafés and shops taking over abandoned warehouses and fisherman’s huts. Fully embracing its rustic dockside setting, Kopar Restaurant is the place to go to savour innovative takes on classic Icelandic cuisine.

By Stephanie Lovell | Photos: Kopar Restaurant

“We wanted to give the restaurant a name that didn’t immediately tell you what kind of restaurant it is. We thought that Kopar, which means copper, was appropriate, because it keeps with the style of the rustic and charming old harbour,” explains Ásta Gudrún Óskarsdóttir, owner and general manager. “The restaurant is housed in a blue fisherman’s shed and we’ve kept some of the original elements, such as the old wooden beams, so you really get a sense of being in the harbour.

There are large windows both upstairs and down so, wherever you sit, you’ll be able to see the sea.”

With fresh fish caught practically on the doorstep daily, the menu focuses on

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showcasing Icelandic seafood. Mouthwatering rock crab fished in nearby Hvalfjördur fjord is cooked in a rich soup, spicy crab cakes and a creamy risotto.

You can also sample succulent Icelandic lamb, as well as some more unusual traditional foods such as ‘gellur’, or cod tongues. “We deep-fry our gellur, making them deliciously crispy, which is not how they’re traditionally served,” says Óskarsdóttir. “Our award-winning head chef, Ylfa Helgadóttir, is always looking for innovative ways to cook with classic ingredients.”

The drinks are just as impressive as the food, with a carefully designed wine selection and an inventive cocktail list. “Not only do we serve great cocktails, but we

also have fun with the way we present them,” says Óskarsdóttir. “Nothing beats bringing a delicious drink to the table and seeing the amazement on people’s faces when they see how much effort has gone into preparing their drink.” The real showstopper, however, is an entire wall housing an incredible selection of whiskey and cognac. “It’s like a fisherman’s treasure trove,” laughs Óskarsdóttir. “When the old fishermen come in, they can’t believe their eyes!”

Kopar has partnered with a tour operator to offer a trip like no other, the Reykjavik Dinner Cruise. On board the luxury ship Andrea, you will be treated to a fourcourse meal prepared by Kopar and enjoy local live music as you sail along Reykjavik’s coastline and around the beautiful Faxaflói bay.

For more information, please visit: www.koparrestaurant.is

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UPPSALA XII INTERNATIONAL

GUITARFESTIVAL 7-11 OCTOBER 2015

PAT METHENY Jazz fusion

XUEFEI YANG Classical

DIEGO EL CIGALA Flamenco

SCOTT HENDERSON TRIO

SWEDISH JAZZ 7 october

Bluesrock/fusion

TERRY RILEY & THE GOTHENBURG COMBO Classical minimalism

Tickets: www.uppsalagitarr festival.se Welcome W elcome tto o Uppsala C Concert oncert and C Congress ongress Hall

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Scan Magazine | Top Experiences in Iceland | Nordic House & Aalto Bistro

Four decades at the forefront of Nordic culture The Nordic House in Reykjavík remains a bastion of Nordic culture in Iceland four decades after its foundation. Inside the striking, wave-shaped construction – one of the masterpieces of Finnish architect Alvar Aalto – young and old can enjoy the best of Nordic art, literature, gastronomy, design and, of course, architecture.

international events and exhibitions such as the Reykjavík International Film and Literary Festivals and the Nordic Fashion Biennale.

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Nordic House & Aalto Bistro

Developing with the times

Stunningly located on a manmade landmass in the middle of a marsh, the Nordic House warrants a visit for several reasons. Not only is it the only building in Iceland designed by an internationallyacclaimed architect, it is also the home of the highly praised Nordic restaurant Aalto Bistro as well as a unique public library with a collection of over 30,000 items in seven Nordic languages. “By initiating and creating great Nordic exhibitions, concerts and projects that appeal to all the family, the Nordic House has managed to define itself in its time,” says Mikkel Harder, director of the Nordic House.

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The continuous focus and development has, indeed, enabled the Nordic House to remain at the heart of Iceland’s cultural life, initiating and hosting national and

When the Nordic House opened in 1968 it was as a Nordic beacon in a country that was then increasingly influenced by the presence of the USA. Harder explains: “The house was constructed in

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Scan Magazine | Top Experiences in Iceland | Nordic House & Aalto Bistro

the mid ‘60s when there was a significant American influence on Icelandic culture due to the extensive presence of American military bases and soldiers.

Thus it was important for the other Nordic countries to send a clear message to Iceland that the Nordic alliance had a lot to offer. In the ‘70s things developed and, as one of the only cafés and meeting places in the area, the Nordic House became the hip place to hang out, drink coffee, read international newspapers and get a feel for the outside world.”

With the arrival of the internet and an array of restaurants and cafés in Reykjavík, this role has faded somewhat. Instead, a growing focus on conveying the treasures of Nordic culture, literature, music and art to the new generations of Icelanders has become an essential part of the house’s modern identity. “Today we focus very much on family activities, which is something not a lot of other institutions in Iceland offer, yet it is very Nordic,” stresses Harder.

In addition to the many popular cultural offers, guests can also enjoy a bit of bird watching in the nature reserve surrounding the Nordic House. The house provides binoculars and guided

tours, but thanks to mounted outdoors cameras guests can also enjoy the wildlife comfortably seated in the reception.

Loved by painters and politicians alike While cultural family activities, concerts and exhibitions are at the heart of the Nordic House, its iconic and internationally recognised architectonical qualities also make it a venue uniquely suited for meetings and conferences of all sorts. “We host an incredibly wide range of conferences and meetings here every year: everything from NATO gatherings to the annual get-together for Nordic watercolour painters!” says Harder, adding: “People keep coming back because it is such an astoundingly nice work environment and because of our fantastic restaurant.”

The restaurant Harder refers to is the recently opened Aalto Bistro. Headed by one of Iceland’s best-known TV chefs, Sveinn Kjartansson, it has received top reviews from guests and food critics alike. In true New Nordic style, the food draws on fresh, local, healthy produce with a dash of Kjartansson’s trademark magic. The result is some exceptionally pretty dishes such as hot-smoked catfish on a citrus salad with wild angelica mayonnaise, and pan-fried seafood

speckled with fresh herbs in a white wine sauce. Just one more good reason to stop by the Nordic House in Reykjavík!

FACTS: Conferences: The Nordic House includes auditoriums and meeting rooms with a capacity of up to 100 people.

Events: Events at the Nordic House include indoor and outdoor concerts, literary talks by well-known Nordic authors and art and design exhibitions in the house’s exhibition space. The Reykjavík International Film and Literary Festivals take place here throughout September.

The Nordic House also houses a shop for Nordic design and food products.

OPENING HOURS: The Library: Weekdays: 10am-5pm Weekends: 12-5pm Exhibition halls: Mon-Sun: 12-5pm Aalto Bistro: Sun-Wed: 11am-5pm Thu-Sat: 11am-9pm

For more information, please visit: www.nordichouse.is

Indoor and outdoor concerts are among the many events held at the Nordic House.

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Scan Magazine | Top Experiences in Iceland | Glacier World

Unwind under the glacier Experience the power of the glacier and the heat of the geothermal waters at Glacier World in southeast Iceland. At the foot of Hoffellsjökull, an outlet glacier flowing from Vatnajökull, family-run Hoffell Guesthouse is ready to welcome travellers exploring the beautiful surrounding area and offer them food, accommodation and natural hot springs.

By Stephanie Lovell | Photos: Glacier World

“You really see how ice and fire live side by side here at Glacier World. Nothing beats soaking in one of our five geothermal hot tubs and admiring the glacier,” says manager Hólmfrídur Bryndís Thrúdmarsdóttir. “The landscape is unbelievably beautiful and you see all kinds of wildlife too. There are reindeer grazing all year round on the field nearby.”

Whatever your budget, you are sure to find a room to suit your needs at Hoffell Guesthouse, whether in the newly refurbished house, the remodelled barn and sheepcote or the renovated cowshed. Guests have the added luxury of free access to the hot tubs – the perfect place to unwind after an action-packed all-terrain vehicle tour or a long hike along one of the many trails.

If you are passing through during summer, you can always stop to refuel at the Glacier World

restaurant. “This summer, we’ve been offering a three-course buffet with a changing menu, meaning guests get to try something new every night,” says Thrúdmarsdóttir.

This winter, Glacier World are planning an exhibition showcasing the natural history of the land and the daily lives of its inhabitants. “The farmstead has been in the same family for generations, and we’ve always felt the influence of the glacier’s power,” says Thrúdmar Thrúdmarsson, Glacier World owner and CEO. “Over the last 50 years, the glacier has been rapidly diminishing and experiencing dramatic changes.

With the help of glacier experts, we’re preparing an exhibition that will trace these developments in a lively and interactive way.”

For more information, please visit: www.glacierworld.is

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Mini Theme:

Furniture design from Norway “Norwegian design has come a long way in the last ten to 15 years,” says Egil Sundet, director of the Association of Norwegian Furniture and Interior Industry. “Brands in the furniture and interiors industry, one of very few sectors developing and manufacturing consumer goods, form a vital part of the Norwegian business society.”

Text & images: the Association of Norwegian Furniture and Interior Industry

The Norwegian furniture industry has been part of the Scandinavian design wave since the 1950s. Albeit somewhat overshadowed by its Scandinavian neighbours, Norwegian designers and manufacturers have played an important role in developing the reputation of well-designed, comfortable and functional interior products from the Nordic region. Scandinavian design is known for its use of natural materials such as wood, leather and wool, as well as its sleek dimensions and clever technological solutions. Over the years Norwegian designers have been more internationally oriented, yet with an overall interest in the Scandinavian heritage. Norwegian furniture is still very much a part of Scandinavian design tradition.

Whether you are curious of the peculiarlooking kneeling chair or a fan of the comfy recliner, a warm woolen blanket, or the bed that takes you to dream land at night, they are all part of the same Norwegian concept. The products are made with a very clear purpose – you might call it Norwegian functionalism. Norwegian furni-

ture design distinguishes itself through innovative, modern, functional, ergonomic and excellent comfort in its products.

The history of the Norwegian furniture and interiors industry is more than 100 years old. The industry has played an important role in furnishing Norwegian homes with handcrafted as well as industriallymanufactured products from the early 19th century. The years after World War II became a boom of sorts, where the industry strengthened its manufacturing and branding skills, as did the designers and design education institutes.

“From the ‘70s onwards the Norwegian furniture industry developed and exported well-known products and brands such as Ekornes’s Stressless chair and Stokke’s Tripp Trapp highchair. Varier’s Variable Balans kneeling chair and Jensen beds became international hits,” says Sundet.

“The office chairs from HÅG were also appreciated by office workers in faraway places including Milan, Berlin and London, but manufactured in the most re-

mote of places, even for Norway: the mining town of Røros.”

The export of the Norwegian furniture and interiors industry is currently worth in excess of 19 billion NOK annually. “Over the last 15 years, young Norwegian designers and their well-established colleagues and highly-qualified furniture companies have created new furniture products, winning design prizes on the international design scene in Sweden, Denmark, Germany, the United Kingdom, France and the US,” says the director proudly.

Below: Egil Sundet, director of The Association of Norwegian Furniture and Interior Industry

For more information, please visit: insidenorway.no

Issue 80 | September 2015 | 37

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Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Furniture Design from Norway

Aker Brygge, Oslo. Photo Tomasz Majewski

Scandinavian outdoor furnishing Centred on responsible production, quality materials, an abundant legacy and a distinctively Scandinavian look, Vestre AS has profiled itself as a highly modern yet historically aware manufacturer of designer furniture for outdoor environments. For the company’s CEO, Jan Christian Vestre, there is only one goal: “To be the very best at what we do – always.”

and discipline that informs our manufacturing has always been present, and we’re proud to let that heritage shine through.”

By Julie Lindén | Photos: Vestre AS

Today Vestre’s manufacturing repertoire mainly consists of urban outdoor furniture designed to withstand the test of all seasons and encourage social interaction in open spaces. Add to this range a list of modern products that further facilitate ur-

It was in 1947 that Johs. Vestre Mekanisk Industri A/S was set up in Haugesund, located between Stavanger and Bergen in western Norway. Over the course of a few years the company became market leaders in producing park benches, motion equipment, playground equipment and fences. Conditions on the west coast were harsh, humid and windy, leading the company to develop a strong sense of quality and authentic craftsmanship when creating furniture for shared social spaces. The foundation was laid for what Jan Christian, a third-generation bearer of the Vestre name, today maintains makes the core values and heart of the company. “A thorough design expression, quality that

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stands the test of time and an environmentally sustainable process of production. This permeates everything we do,” he says, adding: “The respect for the craft

Clerkenwell Design Week. Photo: Jim Stephenson

Democratic design – from benches to bollards

In 1949 Vestre supplied benches for the opening of the Town Hall Square in Haugesund.

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Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Furniture Design from Norway

Patently Scandinavian The distinctly Scandinavian values echo throughout Vestre’s company profile: from the green conscience to the functional, minimalist aesthetic. Although the company designs all its products through collaborations with as many as 30 designers, some common denominators can be discerned from all products. “We’re perceived as patently Scandinavian,” says Jan Christian, smiling. “Minimalism and functionality define many of our products, as far as form is concerned. I think we’re also very Nordic in our choice of materials – we primarily use Scandinavian wood types, for instance.”

Functional innovation

Inside factory: Jan Christian Vestre and designer Atle Tveit working with a prototype of AIR. Photo: Hanne Gundersen

ban planning, such as bicycle racks, litterbins, growth-promoting planters for flowers and trees, bollards and security fencing, and Vestre’s ability to create a well-rounded urban outdoor experience appears evident.

Jan Christian takes the description a step further. “One could almost depict it as a democratic experience: a shared outdoor space that everyone can make use of and bring something to. Each and everyone decides their particular use of the space, and what they will add to it. That’s why we try to limit the use of fencing and bars – we’d rather give a community a place to evolve together than artificially limit their free space,” he says.

materials come from, where they are processed and how long the delivery route will be – while simultaneously recycling materials and compensating for our carbon emissions. The third aspect of successful green thinking is longevity – making sure the end product lives up to the demands it will meet, so that it will not become another ‘use and throw away’ solution.”

In addition, Vestre’s production facilities, all located in Scandinavia, are extremely energy efficient, operated by renewable sources of energy. “Our attitude to environmental issues is pragmatic,” Jan Christian explains. “Nobody can do it all, but we can make sure to do everything we can.”

Three stages of green thinking Key to Vestre’s production ethos is the environment and its preservation – a core value that Jan Christian explains in three production stages. “The enabling of an environmentally friendly production profile must begin as early as the product development stage. This means deciding on materials that will serve the end product best while limiting waste. Further on we consider the manufacturing itself – where the

The admiration and appreciation for the Nordic – and Vestre – touch is evident in the industry. The company has been awarded for its innovative yet functional take on outdoor furnishings on no less than 11 occasions, one of which bestowed it with the coveted Red Dot Design Award. Vestre himself explains that the multiple accolades motivate him to keep aiming high. “We want to be the best at what we do, so it’s important that we keep launching products that meet the qualifications of these awards. This goes for design, aesthetics, innovation and user-friendliness alike.”

Today the products of Vestre AS can be found throughout Scandinavia, in addition to Germany, France and the UK, where countless people have made them part of their everyday life. Jan Christian highlights that he is nothing but proud of how far the company has come since its humble beginnings.

“We’ve experienced a tremendously positive development, and I’m excited to see where it will take us in the years to come.”

Factory in Torsby, Sweden. Photo: Einar Aslaksen

For more information, please visit: vestre.co.uk Stockholm furniture fair 2015. Photo: Adam Sterling

Issue 80 | September 2015 | 39

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Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Furniture Design from Norway

These days, if you want a table that is ‘Made in Norway’, Kleppe Møbelfabrikk is your only option. The sleek Space table (bottom right) was designed exclusively for Kleppe by the renowned Norwegian furniture designer Helge Taraldsen.

From Hardanger to your living room Three generations ago, in 1929, Jakob Kleppe founded Kleppe Møbelfabrikk in Øystese in the heart of Hardanger. 86 years later, the family business is still going strong under the leadership of Kleppe’s grandson, Jakob Sandven.

By Andrea Bærland | Photos: Kleppe Møbel

From the very beginning Kleppe’s workshop only occupied 60 square metres of space, employed one person and produced everything by hand. By 1947 the factory’s production space had increased tenfold and the production became more specialised.

The factory moved from producing furniture for dining and bedrooms to focus on tables. “Today we have found our niche in coffee tables and lamp tables,” says Hege Vedvik, marketing manager at Kleppe Møbelfabrikk.

Western Norway has traditionally been a region rich in furniture manufacturers. Today, Kleppe Møbelfabrikk is the only manufacturer left in Norway that focuses solely on tables. There is only one similar factory in all of Scandinavia, in Sweden.

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“I believe that specialising in tables alone has been one of our important success factors,” Vedvik says, adding that it has given the business the chance to develop superior high-quality products. Oak is one of the main types of wood used in Kleppe’s tables. “Due to the Norwegian climate it is difficult to maintain solid wood tables, which is why we also offer a variety of wood veneer tables,” Vedvik explains.

Over the years environmental awareness has become increasingly important. Kleppe strives to be environmentally friendly in all stages of the production, all the way through to delivery. The company is now a member of Norsk Resy, an organisation for environmentally friendly packaging.

Kleppe’s tables are either designed by inhouse production designers or through

collaborations with Norwegian furniture designers. The Space table, featured in the current catalogue, is designed by Helge Taraldsen who also works with famous Norwegian sofa manufacturer Brunstad.

“Whenever we develop a new design inhouse, we build a prototype that we then present to the large furniture chains for input,” says Vedvik. Tables from Kleppe Møbelfabrikk can be found in most major furniture chains and many independent shops in Norway, but are also popular in Sweden and Denmark.

While interior design might be the biggest trend coming out of Norway of late, the story of Kleppe Møbelfabrikk is living proof that through hard work and dedication, quality design from even the smallest places has potential to reach the masses.

For more information, please visit: kleppebord.com

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A taste of genuine Christmas IN TRONDHEIM

Experience the genuine Christmas feeling when visiting Trondheim for the Christmas market held from December 11th – 20th 2015.

The market is a pre Christmas festival on the city square where you can buy hand crafted gifts and local food from 100 different exhibitors. Every day there are different cultural events and concerts for children and adults.

And, of course you will meet the genuine father Christmas at the market as well.

You will be staying at Trondheim’s Christ-

mas hotel Britannia, and Christmas lunch will be enjoyed at the new local food hall, Trondheim Mathall. The lunch consists of both fish and meat prepared in a traditional, Norwegian way.

For your information the low cost airline, Norwegian Airline, has direct flights from London Gatwick airport to Trondheim airport.

Booking information Time of travel: December 11th – 20th -

Breakfast at Britannia Hotel Christmas lunch at Mathall Trondheim Free WiFi at hotel Free entrance to the hotel SPA One night in single room for one person Price: NOK 1.526,-

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Breakfast at Britannia Hotel Christmas lunch at Mathall Trondheim Free WiFi at hotel Free entrance to the hotel SPA One night in double room for two persons Price: NOK 1.029,- per person

Contact E-mail: post@visittrondheim.no Phone: +47 73 80 76 60

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Photo: Jussi Hellesten

Dive into an ocean of cultural experiences Finland is widely known for its breathtaking nature, but look closer and you will find that there are plenty other reasons why you should pay Finland a visit. One of them is its huge range of cultural experiences. Some even say that Helsinki is reminiscent of the Big Apple itself – in its own special way, of course.

By Stephanie Brink Harck I Photos: Visit Finland

Finland has approximately two million saunas. No wonder that visitors come in their thousands to experience the wild nature and remarkable northern lights in a truly Finnish way. But Finland has so much more to offer. Widen your search and you will find an unmatched culture scene, making Finland even more attractive to its visitors. So why not dedicate this autumn to a real, Finnish cultural adventure?

What makes Finland so special, among other things, is that every town, big and small, has its own story to tell. For example, if you go to mystical Lapland, Finland’s arctic north and home to the traditional Samí culture, you can learn about the frozen wastes of Lapland.

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The Finnish capital, on the other hand, is a city of parks, forests and water. Helsinki also has historic architecture that tells the story of its Russian and Swedish past, alongside modern buildings designed by famous Finnish designers. To complete the cultural city experience, there are countless excellent museums as well as Photo: Arto Liiti

fine art galleries, national opera concerts, a science centre and, last but not least, a lively nightlife.

Art enthusiasts will be pleased to find that Helsinki exhibits work by world-known, international artists while at the same time promoting its own home-grown talents, making the city the perfect destination for art lovers looking to learn more about Finnish art and culture. You will never be bored because there is so much to see.

The city that never sleeps? Do not be too sure that people are talking about New York City. Visit Helsinki and you will see.

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Finland – Our Top Picks

Top left: The Finnish National Opera. Photo: Sakari Viika. Bottom left: Tiina Myllymäki and Michal Krcˇmáˇr in Onegin. Photo: Mirka Kleemola. Middle: Linda Haakana and Tuukka Piitulainen in Beauty and the Beast. Photo: Mirka Kleemola. Top right: From Beauty and the Beast. Photo: Mirka Kleemola. Bottom right: Marion Ammann and Lilli Paasikivi in Tristan and Isolde. Photo: Heikki Tuuli.

The home of captivating performances Sitting majestically by the beautiful Töölönlahti bay, the Finnish National Opera building is one of Helsinki’s most famous landmarks and houses both the National Opera and the National Ballet. Step inside and you are greeted by jaw-dropping, aweinspiring productions of high international standard.

By Inna Allen

The Finnish National Opera (FNO) is an opera and ballet company with a broad and varied repertoire. With some 300 performances each year, it contains both timeless classics and new works from home and abroad. The opera began operating in 1911 and the Finnish National Ballet (FNB) was established in 1922. To this day, the FNO and the FNB are the only professional companies in their fields in Finland. The opera also boasts Finland's only professional choir and Finland's largest symphony orchestra. The current and modern Opera House was built in 1993 and is equipped with state-ofthe-art technology, enabling high-quality

performances and joint productions with opera houses abroad.

Operas are performed in the original language, as is the international practice, but Finnish, Swedish and English subtitles are provided. “We have an exciting repertoire of both classical and contemporary works,” says the opera’s artistic director Lilli Paasikivi. “From The Phantom of the Opera to Don Pasquale, from Tristan and Isolde to the updated The Rake’s Progress and an animation version of The Magic Flute, I am happy to say that the 2015-16 season will have something for everyone.”

The Finnish National Ballet with its 75 dancers is known for big storytelling ballets such as Beauty and the Beast and Onegin. “With our dancers, our stage and the infrastructure, we are able to produce some very high-quality performances,” says the ballet’s artistic director, Kenneth Greve. “We want to tell people stories and make them dream.”

For ballet lovers, this season’s must-see is The Little Mermaid – a visually stunning fairy-tale story that touches on the biography of H.C. Andersen. Choreographed by Kenneth Greve and composed by Tuomas Kantelinen, The Little Mermaid combines classical ballet with contemporary dance while the underwater world is brought to life using cutting-edge 3D technology.

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

Issue 80 | September 2015 | 43

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Artist Anna-Liisa Kankaanmäki is one of the prominent Finnish talents represented by Art Bank.

Surrealism captivates visitors in the Finnish archipelago What is the connection between Salvador Dalí and the Finnish archipelago? The answer is Art Bank, a one-of-a-kind fine art gallery located in Pargas, the capital of the Finnish archipelago. Here, visitors get to experience the intricate, mysterious world of Dalí.

itself for him to share his passion for Dalí, he did not hesitate and in February 2014, Art Bank greeted its first visitors.

Embracing the different and unexpected

confirms Ted Wallin, art collector and owner of Art Bank. “The most common reaction amongst visitors is: ‘What did we just witness?’ Our unusual location is the number one topic of discussion, together with the surprise our surreal and unexpected world evokes.”

The Salvador Dalí Private Exhibition is the outcome of Wallin’s continuous search for captivating Dalí pieces. On display in the exhibition are stunning ceramics and sculptures, as well as lithography and textiles. In addition, Art Bank is the sole distributor of Salvador Dalí furniture in Scandinavia and Russia. But what is it about Dalí that makes him and his art so fascinating?

Wallin, a true art enthusiast and collector of 30 years and counting, is the creator behind Art Bank, which he runs together with his wife. Wallin has been an avid fan of Dalí’s surrealistic vision for over two decades. When an opportunity presented

“Dalí, with his surrealistic point of view, was the one artist in the world who emphasised that the world is not always what it seems to be, that there is more to it than meets the eye. The gallery is my way of showing appreciation for his work and

By Nina Lindqvist | Photos: Art Bank

The Finnish town of Pargas, situated in the Archipelago Sea, is the epitome of Nordic nature, a serene place where some of Finland’s most beautiful and idyllic scenery can be found. Providing some fantasy and surrealism to the mix is the fine art gallery Art Bank, which hosts the only permanent exhibition of artwork by world-renowned Spanish painter Salvador Dalí in the Nordic countries, as well as other celebrated names.

No, you are not the only one to be surprised by the unexpected combination,

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Finland – Our Top Picks

Warhol are for sale in the second part of the gallery, free of charge for visitors.

Well-known names hailing from Finland include Anna-Liisa Kankaanmäki, HansChristian Berg and Stefan Lindfors, whose newest design, the Illuminus Bastard lamp, is soon to be available at the gallery.

In addition, Art Bank also retails Dalí-inspired jewellery by internationally-acclaimed jewellery designer Matti Hyvärinen as well as hand-forged, Dalí-inspired silver jewellery by up-and-coming designer Emilia Simes.

Salvador Dalí is the father of artistic surrealism. Art Bank hosts the only permanent exhibition of his designs in the Nordic countries.

I’m so pleased to share that appreciation and passion,” Wallin explains.

In order to truly immerse visitors in the world of the Catalonian mastermind, Wallin and his wife provide guided tours of the exhibition space, built to resemble the Dalí residency. In addition, Salvador Dalí-themed private dinners, prepared by top chef Kjell Gustafsson, are available on request for groups of six to ten people, providing the ultimate Dalí experience. The dinner offers an experience with a surrealist twist both gastronomically and aesthetically.

“The Salvador Dalí Private Dinner is a unique experience, based directly on the Salvador Dalí cookbook and wine book. It took us almost a year to get every detail just right, from the seven kilograms of silver present in the table setting to the goldembroidered personal napkins that dinner quests get to keep. Our priority was to present our guests with a surrealist experience with a true wow effect,” Wallin says.

Combining Dalí with artwork by renowned Finnish and international heavy-weights as well as younger design talent seems to be working for Art Bank. In the short time the gallery has been active, Norwegian television has come knocking, as has Finnish industry media. The gallery also has a steady flow of regulars. So what is next for the Wallins and Art Bank?

“We’re continuously looking for new Dalí sculptures and pieces for the gallery. Of course we do so in order to expand our business, but to share the work of such an exceptional artist with the world is also almost like a calling for me,” Wallin concludes.

Representing top art and design names The Art Bank gallery also includes quality art by Finnish and international front-row artists. Artwork by Chagall, Picasso and

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

Left: The Salvador Dalí private dinner is a chance for groups of true Dalí enthusiasts to experience the delicacies featured in his cookbook and wine book.

Art by Anna-Liisa Kankaanmäki.

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Finland – Our Top Picks

Left: Arktikum glass corridor. Photo: Aku Winter. Top right: Northern Lights at Arktikum. Photo: Pekka Koski. Bottom left: Arctic in Change exhibition. Photo: Hayden Lloyd Photography. Middle: Sami costumes in the Northern Ways exhibition. Photo: Seven-1. Right: The Polarium Hall. Photo: Aku Winter.

A ticket to explore the heart of the Arctic Circle Arktikum in Rovaniemi is a museum, science centre and conference venue right on the Arctic Circle. It provides information on arctic issues and tells stories about Lapland, and its impressive glass corridor provides a unique way to experience the true spirit of Lapland.

group Birch-Bonderup & Thorup-Waade featuring local materials ranging from floors made of Perttaus granite to chairs made from birch and reindeer hide.

By Ndéla Faye

Arktikum’s most impressive feature, however, is its glass corridor: a 172-metre glass tube, which serves as a ‘Gateway to the North’ as guests walk north, literally, through the venue. The glass corridor is a unique encounter for those who wish to experience the Arctic Circle in a slightly different way. “We can arrange conferences and special occasions in the glass corridor. What better way to get a true feel for the Arctic Circle than to eat dinner while watching the midnight sun in the summertime, or enjoy the mesmerising northern lights in the winter?” Koskiniemi concludes.

Arktikum is one of the most important cultural destinations and attractions in Rovaniemi, Finland. It houses a museum and a science centre under one roof: the Provincial Museum of Lapland and Lapland University’s Arctic Centre. The exhibitions focus on the history, culture and modern life in the Arctic.

Arktikum opened in 1992 to coincide with the 75th anniversary of Finland’s independence. “We are ‘a ticket to the North’ for visitors: we provide a way to delve into the history and culture of Lapland. Arktikum is a great place to start for anyone who wants to explore Lapland and the Arctic,” says Hannele Koskiniemi, managing director at Arktikum Service Ltd.

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Arktikum has two permanent exhibitions and up to six guest exhibitions per year.

The Arctic Centre’s exhibition Arctic in Change, includes a 3D animation of the Aurora Borealis, as well as a way to explore the conditions, nature and culture of Lapland. The Provincial Museum of Lapland’s Northern Ways exhibition explores Lapland’s flora and fauna, and offers a glimpse of what life was like in Lapland from ancient history to the modern day.

“We give visitors an introduction to Lapland’s history and culture, and the exhibitions act as an information package about the evolving Arctic region,” Koskiniemi states. Arktikum’s architecture is impressive. It was designed by Danish architect

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

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Finland – Our Top Picks

Finnish modernism with international flair The Didrichsen Art Museum has attracted over 600,000 visitors since it first opened its doors on 1 September 1965. Founded by Gunnar Didrichsen, a Danish business man, and his Finnish-Swedish wife Marie-Louise, the museum is based on the couple’s own art collection.

By Ndéla Faye | Photos: Rauno Traskelin and Susanna Lehtinen

Since the beginning, architecture has been part of the museum, which is just as important as the art itself. The Didrichsen family home, Villa Didrichsen, was designed by renowned Finnish architect Viljo Revell (1910-1964), who later also designed an additional art gallery wing to the home. The museum is also home to a sculpture park: the only one of its kind in Helsinki.

The museum’s visitor numbers have increased considerably over the years, attracting up to 50,000 visitors a year. Its most popular exhibition so far was Edvard Munch’s The Dance of Life, which drew in over 70,000 visitors.

The Didrichsen Art Museum features a mixture of Finnish modernist art from the

early 20th century with what is referred to as international flair. The museum hosts around three exhibitions a year. “The recurring themes at the museum are Finnish timeless modernism, architecture, and the surrounding nature – water is a very important element: with the beautiful scenery of the Helsinki archipelago, the atmosphere is very peaceful and relaxing here,” says Maria Didrichsen, the museum’s chief curator.

The museum’s sculpture park is home to works by Henry Moore, Eila Hiltunen, Bernard Meadows and Mario Negri among others, as well as a number of pieces by guest artists. The sculptures are made of different materials and are in conversation with the museum’s architecture and the surrounding nature.

In preparation for its 50th anniversary, the Didrichsen Art Museum underwent major repair works in 2014 and reopened with a refreshed, new feel. “We worked on accessibility – the museum is now fully wheelchair accessible – as well as security measures that will enable us to borrow works from leading international establishments. All the repair work has been done respecting Revell’s original plan for the museum’s appearance and atmosphere,” Didrichsen explains.

“All the exhibitions here have some link to either our own collection, the place’s architecture, or the museum’s founders. We are known for high-quality exhibitions, and combined with the museum’s unique architecture and picturesque setting, there is something for everyone here,” says Didrichsen.

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

Issue 80 | September 2015 | 47

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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 a cks

Me al s

Drinks

ba.com

Pap ers

Lounges

Smiles

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SP AA

ND

S

WE PEC LN IAL ES S – THE SW ME ED : EN ’S

FIN

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The hotel has become the destination of the journey In these hectic times, we must become better at switching off and recharging our batteries – just the way we do with all our dear modern possessions.

By Sara Hellgren, head of marketing and communications at Swedish Spa Hotels

Sometimes a short walk is all it takes.

Other times, you need a weekend in the company of your best friend, in a place where you do not need to think about everyday life. Research shows that regular, brief breaks help the brain recover better than with infrequent, longer holidays.

As we travel more, constantly receiving updates through social media on our friends’ magical travel experiences, hotel guests become increasingly aware of the wide range of possibilities out there.

These days, we pick a hotel based on the facilities offered rather than its geographical location; the hotel itself has become a destination.

Sweden offers a number of so-called destination hotels. In Stockholm, we happily check in at Yasuragi to take part of the

Japanese philosophy of life. We do not mind driving for several hours to end up in the deep forests of Värmland, only to experience the sweet combination of lactic acid and Champagne at the eminent Hotel Selma Spa +. At Hooks Herrgård, we enjoy a duo massage with our sweetheart after an 18-hole round of golf, and at Marstrands Havshotell we start the day with a yoga class while seafood delicacies for dinner are prepared by the pier next door. No matter which hotel you choose, it will without a doubt be worth the trip.

Swedish Spa Hotels is an organisation with 40 member establishments working together on the quality and development of the spa industry.

Photo: Tylö

Photo: Ystad Saltsjöbad

Photo: Varbergs Kurort

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

Issue 80 | September 2015 | 49

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Spa and Wellness – Sweden’s Finest

Photo: Quality Spa & Resort Dalecarlia

At one with nature in Sweden Autumn is fast approaching and it is a good time to get cosy and treat yourself to some pampering. Swedish spa traditions have been around for about 300 years, and you can find everything from spas that focus on the healing powers of spring water to those where you enjoy the heat in a sauna before plunging into ice cold water and experiences in the far north where you can relax under the midnight sun or northern lights.

By Anna Hjerdin, online communications manager at VisitSweden

You have probably heard of a Swedish massage, credited to a Swede but developed by a Dutchman. It is probably one of the most well-known massage treatments in the world. In Sweden, the home of the Swedish massage, it is simply known as a classic massage, an integral part of the Swedish concept of wellness.

Part of the Swedish spa tradition is a oneness with nature and concern for the natural environment. Even the resorts in the middle of the cities bring elements of nature into the experience. Try, for instance, the outdoor glass-bottomed pool at Upper House for spectacular views of Gothenburg. There are also spa hotels on the cliffs of the west coast, or you can enjoy the vibrant colours that mark autumn at Selma Spa overlooking the Fryken valley

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near Sunne further north. In 2015, the Salt Creek Spa of Ystad Saltsjöbad in the

picturesque village of Ystad in Skåne, southern Sweden, was voted Sweden’s best spa in the Swedish Spa Awards.

Although the Swedish spa tradition has changed over the years, the basic principles have remained the same: physical and mental wellbeing and oneness with nature.

Photo: Sankt Jörgen Park

Photo: Tylö

Photos: Kosta Boda Art Hotel

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Inspiring Wellness & Beauty Essential Daily Skin Nutrition Embrace earth’s essential nutrients for glowing, vibrant skin. These advanced formulations are rich in super-nutrients, infused with aromatherapy and powerful phyto-actives to provide a distinctive difference in your skin’s wellbeing and appearance.

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Experience our organic facial oil - Neroli Oil, derived from the Bitter Orange Blossom, helps to oxygenate, hydrate and soothe dry, sensitive skin.

We are a luxury skincare brand for face and body with a focus on results. Our guiding philosophy of Outer Beauty, Inner Health inspires a sense of well being with powerful plant, marine and technologically-advanced ingredients as well as professionally-designed spa services. To support a wellness-based lifestyle and to achieve healthy-looking skin, we encourage four core practices people can incorporate into their daily lives: Proper Nutrition, Regular Exercise, Peace of Mind and Care of the Face & Body. We delight in bringing a sense of luxury to people’s everyday lives.

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World-class excellence unlike any other When it comes to serenity, comfort and extreme beauty, the province of Småland in Sweden has already covered most bases with its idyllic red cottages, phenomenal views and spectacular forests. In the middle of this picturesque landscape you will find Kosta Boda Art Hotel, a venue making the breathtaking beauty of its surroundings seem almost mediocre compared to what awaits inside.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Kosta Boda Art Hotel

Already associated with its flawless appearance, Kosta Boda is a brand that sparks associations of highly stylish Swedish glass design. For many years now, alongside its sister brand, Orrefors, Kosta Boda has been providing glass art enthusiasts with impeccably created tableware and decorative pieces for homes and gifts all over the world.

Letting the art set the tone Since Kosta Boda Art Hotel opened in 2009, guests have been welcomed to a first-class

52 | Issue 80 | September 2015

facility where the art from glassworks Kosta Boda and Orrefors play an important role to say the least. The hotel was created based

on the glass art that earned Kosta Boda and Orrefors their front-line position in the world of glass design. Creations and art from world-renowned designers such as Kjell Engman and Bertil Vallien, to mention a couple, can be found throughout the hotel, and whatever way you turn there is another wonderful sight to rest your eyes upon.

A one-of-a-kind five-star spa The art is not limited to the rooms and suites of the hotel. Kosta Boda Art Hotel also boasts a spa of the most formidable standard, with art and treatments bound to put you under its beautiful spell, ensuring a mesmerising experience for all the senses.

“One of the most spectacular features of our spa is the swimming pool,” promises Johan Trollnäs, general manager and CEO of Kosta Boda Art Hotel. Swimmers and

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Spa and Wellness – Sweden’s Finest

guests are indeed in for a treat when visiting the grand pool where, in addition to a perfect bathing and swimming temperature, sunken treasures offer a phenomenal sight. “Submerged by the bottom of the pool are colourful glass sarcophagi and designs, giving the pool, and the entire room for that matter, a stunning uniqueness,” he explains. “It is one of those things that never seizes to amaze and fascinate.”

But the splendid interior is far from the only thing the spa has to offer. “We are supremely proud of our award-winning treatments,” Trollnäs beams. And Kosta Boda Art Hotel’s spa has reason to pat itself on the back. Its Art Glass Escape treatment was recently awarded the prestigious 2015 Spa Award. “I recommend for everyone to try this treatment,” says Trollnäs. “We use heated glass during the treatment, providing the guest with 100 per cent comfort and relaxation,” he pauses, “but I won’t go into too much detail. A magician and his tricks, you know.

The treatments are for experiencing and letting your senses dive completely into.

Simply reading about them won’t do.”

Not just a fancy getaway A stay at Kosta Boda Art Hotel is an experience you will remember for a very long time, no matter the reason for your visit.

“We gladly welcome companies and private parties alike,” says Trollnäs. “We are

Johan Trollnäs, general manager and CEO of Kosta Boda Art Hotel

able to accommodate large and small groups, regardless of what brings you here.” Meeting spaces and conference rooms, activities and offers, in the company of your date or your colleagues – unforgettable experiences are guaranteed every time.

The art, permeating every inch of the venue, is of course out of this world, but in addition to this the impeccable service at this professionally staffed and managed hotel deserves a spot of its own in the lime light. Whether you are stopping by to enjoy three courses of culinary brilliance in the glass-art inspired restaurant, or to mingle with your party in one of the three bars where classic old reliables are being served alongside contemporary new flavours and lighter snacks, there is no doubt about it: when it comes to performance and high standards, Kosta Boda Art Hotel hits the right notes every single time.

Venturing outside the confinement of the luxuriously decorated hotel, the legacy of the surrounding area takes you right to the heart of the craftsmanship inspiring Kosta Boda Art Hotel: the art of glass blowing. Throughout the year, visitors are welcome to take part in the art form that has given fame and fortune to this lush Swedish region. Watch as the skilled craftsmen execute with precision, and if you are feeling creative, give it a go yourself in order to walk away with an artwork of your own. “We do not simply provide accommodation,” Trollnäs sums up. “We offer our guests a complete experience.

Kosta Boda Art Hotel takes care of the finer things in life and makes sure you can enjoy them thoroughly.”

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

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Spa and Wellness – Sweden’s Finest

Harmony and wellbeing through sensational scents Smells and scents are the essence of our first memories of life. Our sense of smell is directly connected to our emotions and empathic sensibilities, and by surrounding yourself with the right ones, your life can start to go in a new, more harmonious and successful direction. Enabling you to do this is Ingrid K, where old traditions, global knowledge and a passion for wellbeing are at the very core.

it all came together, it did so with a result so much greater than what we could have hoped for. After that success, using pure, natural, Nordic components in our products became a cornerstone of the business.”

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Ingrid K

The ancient tradition of natural medicine, herbs and healing products is as advanced as it is old. Ingrid Kutschbach knows this better than most, having travelled the world exploring knowledge, experience and beliefs in healthy living and wellbeing. “The interest has always been there,” she says. “When I was young I collected crèmes and natural perfumes and loved surrounding myself with the fine aromas. Later in life, I was working at sea and met so many people who taught me about traditional natural medicine and their views on life, and I was fascinated.”

In 1997, Kutschbach’s focus turned to product development and creation. She founded her own company, Ingrid K, and

54 | Issue 80 | September 2015

started producing a small collection of essential aroma oils. “I believe that scents and aromas can help you find peace and your true self,” she explains. “During my years in the industry I have watched people let go of their fears and find the courage to dive into the unknown. Watching that transformation has been one of the most rewarding parts of my job.”

Shortly after founding Ingrid K, Kutschbach struck up a collaboration with Norwegian chemist Bjørn O Langleite, who specialises in working with pure Nordic ingredients such as pine and juniper. “It wasn’t easy,” she recalls as she talks about working with what the Scandinavian climate has to offer. “However, when

Today, Ingrid K is providing scents in ‘nature’s symphony’, based on ancient substances and traditions that have over time helped refine the products: a subtle composition of molecules that cannot be created in any chemical laboratory.

As for the founder herself, she is staying right where it all started – surrounded by beautifully smelling crèmes and natural perfumes that stimulate the senses. “With a lot more knowledge than when I was a child,” Kutschbach says with a laugh, “but with the same amount of fascination and joy. That’ll never go away.”

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

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Spa and Wellness – Sweden’s Finest

The spa where salt water heals all Comwell Varbergs Kurort is located only 52 steps from the sea. In 2015, the popular health resort came even closer to water with a new thalasso spa – the first and only in Sweden.

pores and making it more elastic, as well as having a relaxing and stress-reducing effect.

By Ellinor Thunberg | Photos: Varbergs Kurort

So what is next for this sea-loving health resort? A whole lot, according to Winroth, the restaurant concept being the next big project: “We have truly found and embraced our thing and will continue to develop it further.”

Thalassa is the Greek word for sea, and the new thalasso spa in Varberg on the Swedish west coast fully embraces its unique seaside location. “The sea is present in everything we do, and it feels very natural to us,” says Emelie Winroth, marketing coordinator at Comwell Varbergs Kurort.

Guests can now enjoy the sea all year round, both indoors and outdoors, and marine elements such as seaweed and sea salt are brought into treatments. The skin care products are made by luxury brand Kerstin Florian, featuring fine ingredients like algae and minerals.

Sea water is filtered straight from the ocean outside and heated to 32 degrees for the indoor pool, but there is also an open-air swimming bath offering spa rituals three times per day. “It feels great to

be able to give our guests the full experience,” says Winroth.

Health benefits The overall philosophy is based around the four cornerstones of movement, physical contact, rest and a nourishing diet. As such, the restaurant and sports concepts are just as important to offer the guest a complete experience.

“The spa makes you relax and feel good in body and mind. But it should also be joyful and add something special or unexpected. Like in winter, when you can still plunge into the refreshing sea here,” Winroth insists.

Swimming in salt water is said to have several health benefits, regardless of the season. It nourishes the skin by opening

Comwell Varbergs Kurort is Sweden’s first and only thalasso spa.

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

Issue 80 | September 2015 | 55

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Spa and Wellness – Sweden’s Finest

Left and top middle: Ystad Saltsjöbad. Middle and right: Falkenberg Strandbad

Peas in a pod – Sweden’s top-two in luxurious spa experiences

By Linnea Dunne | Photos: Ystad Saltsjöbad & Falkenberg Strandbad

In the 1800s, the aristocracy came here to drink sour well-water. Today, you can enjoy a bath in a hot tub under a moonlit sky, overlooking the sea – even in the middle of winter.

nation. And if you just want to make the most of relaxing luxury, try the Creek Experience with a two-hour full-body treatment in a tropical environment complete with Turkish baths, a dark lagoon and lianas hanging off the walls.

“Relaxing luxury is what Ystad Saltsjöbad is all about,” says CEO Anders Nilsson. “You’ll spend the majority of the day in a dressing gown, and watching the sunset through our panorama windows really is magical.”

Ystad Saltsjöbad

The late 19th century hotel was renovated in 2007 to become a complete conference and spa destination decorated throughout in New England style. But its most important cornerstone, Nilsson insists, is the service. “We’ve worked extremely hard on getting the personal touch right. It perhaps sounds a bit vague, but it’s what everyone says when they leave: our service is second to none.”

If you’re a foodie, come for the food trips, which bring you out to the producers to milk goats and press rapeseed oil, then back to prepare a luxurious dinner with the hotel chef. If Wallander is your latest obsession, Ystad is your must-see desti-

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Swapping New England for Hemingway, Falkenberg Strandbad takes all the luxury of its sister resort down south and adds a darker, wilder twist, resulting in the successful concept Nilsson calls the luxury feel of the west coast.

“We want it to feel like Hemingway’s spirit is resting here,” the CEO says about the waterfront hotel on the white sandy beaches of Skrea strand, its renowned spa and conference facilities making it the most prestigious destination on the west coast.

The hotel lobby doubles up as the living room of Mr. Hemingway himself, filled with

vintage books, handcrafted exotic animal sculptures, and large colonial seating arrangements. Many guests find themselves starting and ending their evenings with a glass of oak-aged rum while nibbling on dark chocolate in front of the open fire.

The spa, named The Retreat Club, draws its inspiration from the ancient Kalahari desert in Africa and features some of the most well-kept secrets from the local Kalahari inhabitants, experienced in areas covered in marble, mosaic stone and golden details.

“You have to be humble about these things,” says Nilsson, “but I can honestly say that these two resorts are leading the way, Ystad in terms of overall quality in Sweden and even on an international scale, and Falkenberg in that superior sense of luxury that’s simply unmatched among Swedish spas.”

Sure enough, both destinations have won enough awards to prove it. Now only your own, personal verdict remains.

For more information, please visit: www.ysb.se and www.strandbaden.se

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Spa and Wellness – Sweden’s Finest

Effective eco-luxury with great care With a successful international modelling career behind her, performing under pressure is something Mette Picaut is accustomed to. Not only has she managed to break through in a highly competitive market with her own skincare brand, M Picaut Swedish Skincare, she has also made it very clear to all who have come upon her products that when it comes to taking care of your skin, natural eco-products are the only way to go.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: M Picaut

On maternity leave with her firstborn, Picaut discovered a passion for natural skincare, and the interest spurred her on to explore the world of creating creams, oils and serums. “I started to experiment at home, taking it slow, really getting to know the procedures and products, and after two years I launched my first series of products,” she recalls.

Today, M Picaut is one of Sweden’s most successful and acclaimed skincare brands, providing products completely free from allergens and really taking care of and making a difference to your skin and body. Inspired by the simple, clean mentality she came across during her years as a model in Japan, Picaut makes

sure that her products contain as little artificial additives as possible.

Keeping it clean and simple has been a successful recipe for M Picaut. All products have documented anti-ageing effects as well as being made from pure, natural and eco-friendly components, reducing the risk of allergies and other side effects of using chemically-produced products on your skin. “We want to maximise the experience for our users,” Picaut explains.

“The products should not only nourish the skin or only provide anti-ageing protection; they should also mind the collagen and pigments as well as protect from all seasons and the extreme weather typical for the ever-changing Scandinavian cli-

mate. All products have proven positive effects on the skin and users can feel the difference almost instantly. Using organic ingredients and working with green patents enables us to provide multifunctional skincare products that will do good for both our customers and the world.”

Currently in the middle of introducing a newcomer to the product portfolio, the lush and luxurious Glorious Green Foaming Cleanser, M Picaut’s future is indeed looking bright. “It’s exciting times to say the least,” the skincare entrepreneur enthuses. “We are already available through selected retailers internationally and I am so looking forward to increasing our presence on the global market – expanding without losing track of what we’ve always set out to provide: eco-luxury with the highest standards and quality. Anything less in unthinkable.”

For more information, please visit: www.mettepicaut.se and www.eleven.se

Issue 80 | September 2015 | 57

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Spa and Wellness – Sweden’s Finest

From Gothenburg to Africa – a holistic approach to an active, healthy lifestyle With countless awards in its bag, and listed in the Top Luxury Hotels category in this year’s TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, Sankt Jörgen Park has found a recipe that really works. Combining holistic spa treatments for the whole body with an 18hole golf course, healthy food and a complete gym and sports club, the Gothenburg city centre resort is a celebration of a mindful, active lifestyle – and this year, it ups the ante with the city’s first and only obstacle course.

Think steam bath with aromatic African mud, a good salt scrub and hair treatment with exclusive Argan oil. It is spicy and exotic, with cedarwood and ylang ylang scents and African beats in the background.

By Linnea Dunne | Photos: Sankt Jörgen Park

The holistic motto about a healthy, active lifestyle means that the concept of wellbeing reaches far beyond facials and massages. “There’s a deeper meaning, a level beyond the skin,” says marketing manager Lisa Thorén. “It’s about the whole body – a belief that good energy creates balance in our lives.” And there certainly is plenty of good energy to be found at the resort: start with a round of golf on the world-class 18hole course or practise your swing in one of the three advanced simulators at the Park Golf Academy, then join an exercise class in the gym. For next-level fitness, get a personal trainer to join you for a session in the

The spa at Sankt Jörgen Park is all about the ayurvedic school of thought, taking a holistic attitude to wellbeing through the three doshas: the vata, the pitta and the kapha, three spa rituals to suit different moods and needs. The philosophy is far from woolly: it is held in great esteem in India as well as western medicine.

But the 2015 Special Edition Spa Ritual leaves the east behind, travelling south for a more fiery, joyful spirit. The Africa ritual is inspired by all the colours, smells and

58 | Issue 80 | September 2015

rhythms of the world’s second largest continent, using African ingredients as part of a deep-cleansing, hydrating experience.

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Spa and Wellness – Sweden’s Finest

outdoor gym, overlooking the green fields surrounding the resort.

A new way to exercise It is here, right next to the outdoor gym, that Sankt Jörgen Park’s most recent addition, currently its pride and joy, lives. Designed by one of Sweden’s most experienced obstacle course pros, Camilo Lattof, who will also offer tips and tricks as well as personal training sessions and obstacle course training classes, the obstacle course will double up as an exciting challenge for fitness fans and a team-building facility for conference visitors.

“Sports and fitness are huge at the moment – people are running more than ever, doing triathlons, and discovering new and exciting ways to exercise. The new obstacle course fits in with that trend, but it also complements our health and sports concept really well,” says Thorén, revealing that the resort is hoping to have a participating team at this year’s Toughest on TV12. “Plus, we can already tell that organisations and businesses love the idea.”

That is another thing for conference goers to love about Sankt Jörgen Park, then. The

high-tech conferencing facilities are already immensely popular, and unsurprisingly so: who wouldn’t be over the moon with a conference package that includes the chance to relax and unwind or work off some stress in the gym?

Local food and a local charity For a complete conference utopia, there is food for all tastes with everything from juice bars to RAW food and scrumptious Swedish husmanskost. New for this year is that the main restaurant has had a facelift and is now named Inez & Ernst after owner Hasse Andersson’s grandparents, who used to grow their own vegetables and pickle gherkins on their farm at Hisingen just a stone’s throw away from the hotel’s current location. “Our food has deep roots and is made using local ingredients,” Thorén explains. “It feels apt to honour this lovely old couple this way – not only because we’re still using their pickled gherkin recipe!”

From local food traditions to global wellness rituals, Sankt Jörgen Park comes full circle by supporting Gothenburg born and bred Emelie Kanter’s charity project in Ghana, Africa. Ten SEK from every spa ritual sold this year will go to Great Andoh, a

charity providing a home and education for young children, to help give them clean water. As part of the Special Edition Africa ritual initiative, the resort also gives visitors plenty of other opportunities to send a few extra bob that way. “With our 2015 spa ritual, we’re celebrating all the colour and beauty of Africa, but the flipside of that coin is the widespread poverty and abandoned children,” says Thorén. “Emelie is doing amazing work, and at such a young age. Supporting such a great initiative was a no-brainer to us.”

Awards and Accolades Conference Facility of the Year 2014 – Lifestyle Conference & Meetings Spa Ritual of the Year 2014 – Spa Star International Spa Kitchen of the Year 2013 – Spa Star International Spa Hotel of the Year 2013 – Svenska Spahotell, industry award Best Conference Facilities 2013 – Congrex Spa of the Year 2012 – SpaStar International Spa Ritual of the Year 2013 – Spa Star international Spa of the Year 2012, Readers’ Choice – Reseguiden.se Fitness Spa of the Year 2011 – Amelia hälsa & skönhet Facilities of the Year 2009 – Gothenburg City Council Sweden’s Best Spa 2009 – Leva Magazine

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

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Spa and Wellness – Sweden’s Finest

Think saunas are for the basement? Think again.

Live longer and feel happier with a sauna for all the senses The sauna has come a long way from its piping hot, dry-aired, can-cracking former self. A strong wellness trend and ample research proving the huge health benefits of regular saunas for elevated body temperature have spurred on Tylö, the global leader within saunas and steambaths, to change forever what it means to take a sauna.

By Linnea Dunne | Photos: Tylö

“We’ve completely turned our backs on the testosterone-fuelled experience of saunas in the basement,” says Tylö’s CEO, Krister Persson. “With our soft saunas we’re talking lower temperatures, higher humidity and really pleasant scents, not to mention a completely new aesthetic that is beautiful to look at.”

decades. But along with a persistent wellness and relaxation trend came new findings and a greater understanding of the plentiful benefits of a raised body temper-

Wellness in scientific terms Tylö has long been well-established on the spa and wellness scene, supplying saunas, steambaths and steam showers to many of the world’s leading spa resorts for

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Tylö's Sensation sauna.

ature and regular breaks for complete relaxation, and the door to a whole new market was opened for the sauna specialist.

“Regular saunas help reduce cholesterol levels, lower the risk of heart attacks, increase serotonin levels and help the body recover after exercise,” Persson explains.

“This is what independent research institutes say based on scientific studies, it’s not us making this up. So really, you could say that we’re not just in the wellness sector: we’re a health sector brand too!”

Tylö’s latest, most cutting-edge steambath concept takes both the wellness and the health aspects and adds innovative technology and design to make for a groundbreaking relaxation experience that perfectly embodies Tylö’s mission statement about appealing to all your senses.

Panacea, named after the healing god-

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Spa and Wellness – Sweden’s Finest

dess of Greek mythology, allows you to adjust sound, light, heat, steam and scents to your liking, helping you to reach a state of complete relaxation in an environment akin to a fully personalised rejuvenating tepidarium or Arabic rasul treatment. Nothing is left to fate here: every detail, from the choice of materials to the efficient steam outlet, has been carefully considered.

Everyday relaxation With relaxation products such as this one, Tylö aims to bring the sauna culture out of the basement and into the bathroom.

“Can I suggest we’re in the bathroom furniture sector as well?” says Persson, tongue in cheek. Visiting a spa for a treat relaxation session is one thing; building it into your everyday routine is different.

“More and more people actually want to be able to do this at home, to have a home spa and fitness studio. They have a spinning bike, perhaps, and now they want a soft sauna,” the CEO explains. “And this is why our high-end design is so important: we’re offering a piece of bathroom furniture, and one that really enhances the experience of the room. It’s about creating your very own oasis in a busy, fast-paced world.”

It seems to be a case of a lifestyle trend and doctor’s orders coming together: pampering is the new treating yourself, but now researchers too are telling us to slow down and make time for proper relaxation. Regular saunas are comparable to regular light exercise in terms of positive impact, one Polish research team found. As for your mental health, a professor at University of Colorado has identified a group of neurons that respond to raised body temperature by releasing higher levels of serotonin, a

Panacea, Tylö's cutting-edge steambath.

neurotransmitter in our bodies contributing to our sense of wellbeing and happiness.

Soft sauna – far from the old wooden box In simple terms, Tylö’s proposition is one of a visually pleasing piece of bathroom furniture equipped with state-of-the-art functionalities that appeal to all your senses – from smell to touch – providing a place for peace and quiet, somewhere you switch your phone off and truly unwind. In the long-term, the offer might just be one of a longer, happier life.

“It’s not a wooden box anymore,” laughs Persson as he talks about the soft sauna.

Truth be told, it almost feels unfair to call it a sauna at all. A piece of heaven on earth just might do.

Tylö in brief Tylö has more than 60 years’ experience in the sauna and steam sector and works with distributors in more than 90 countries.

Research and development as well as production take place at the head quarters in Halmstad, Sweden, and more than 75 per cent of the production is for export.

Tylö is the global leader in its field, and the company vision is to be the premium choice for people inspired by quality of life.

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

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Spa and Wellness – Sweden’s Finest

Lundsbrunns Kurort's history tells the story of what is believed to be the first spa in the Nordic countries, with bathing traditions documented as far back as 1749.

Mixing traditional and modern at a 300-year-old spa Lundsbrunns Kurort is one of Sweden’s oldest spas and largest conference centres.

With a heritage dating back to 1724, it combines historic bathing traditions with new methods, to give guests the ultimate relaxing experience.

By Malin Norman | Photos: Lundsbrunns Kurort

For centuries people have been coming to drink water from the renowned Odin mineral spring and unwind at this historic spa, located in a beautiful park in the countryside close to Kinnekulle, north of Skara in Sweden’s Västra Götaland.

This is believed to be the first spa in the Nordic countries, with bathing traditions established in the documented regulations from 1749, outlining detailed principles for public bathing at the spring. This heritage is still an important part of the concept at Lundsbrunns Kurort.

Bathing as a niche The spa hotel offers a complete health and wellness experience with recreation,

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treatments and good food. Owner Kamran Redjamand explains: “Bathing is a niche, and everything needs to fit together for our guests. We want to provide a relaxing experience in a genuine environment with well-considered treatments and committed, service-minded staff.”

Today, Lundsbrunn features four hotels for guests to choose from: Hotel Sörbodal, Hotel Rosendal, Hotel Hedvigsdal and Hotel Rudbäcksdal. In total there are 178 rooms, 39 meeting rooms and 40 treatment rooms as well as three restaurants, a pub and a bar, and the resort even hosts its own bakery. Moreover, there is an 18hole golf course located on the grounds, with the opportunity to combine a stay at the spa with a round or two of golf or perhaps enjoy a specifically-tailored golf massage.

Recent refurbishment Over the years the spa has undergone several stages of refurbishment; the latest phase started in 2007 and has just been completed. The overall goal with the restoration has been to maintain the old character and build on the health and wellness legacy while adding modern techniques and methods found at contemporary spa resorts. “We like the idea

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Spa and Wellness – Sweden’s Finest

of mixing old traditions with new features in this gorgeous setting in a park that is nearly 300 years old,” says Redjamand.

As can be expected from a classic spa such as Lundsbrunn, guests can experience a broad selection of bathtubs, saunas, Jacuzzis and hot pools. The resort offers bathing rituals such as herbal baths, algae baths and salt baths, and among more recently added features are a Turkish-inspired hammam with a room for communal bathing as well as a new German sauna treatment.

mantic surroundings. Guests have plenty of beautiful areas to spend time together, but the grounds also offer more secluded spots for a moment of peace and quiet.

are particularly popular. Similarly, there are whiskey and wine-themed weekends, romantic getaways for couples, and golf packages for active types.

In addition to the golf course, the activities on offer include walking routes in the park, relaxing qigong and yoga classes, water exercise and individual treatments. Redjamand asserts that guests will be well taken care of throughout their stay: “We want to guide our guests to make sure that they get the chance to experience everything we have on offer. It’s all about listening and being sensitive to their needs.”

Lundsbrunn has a busy calendar of activities throughout the year including events such as Midsummer celebrations, auctions and concerts at the church in the park.

The team is about to start planning for its popular Christmas dinner, with around 3,000-3,500 guests coming to enjoy the seasonal delights every year. During the end-of-year festivities the church hosts winter concerts, and there is a recurring New Year’s Eve dinner and party to top off the eventful programme.

Time to unwind The spa hotel is suitable for individual guests as well as small and large groups coming together for events, conferences and business kick-offs, or celebrations such as weddings in the picturesque, ro-

Theme weekends The resort’s theme weekends, such as the chocolate weekend which allows guests to enjoy a chocolate tasting and afternoon tea in addition to a selection of spa treatments,

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

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Spa and Wellness – Sweden’s Finest

Quality Spa & Resort Dalecarlia is located in Tällberg, Dalarna. In 1995, the hotel became among the first in the country to start a spa.

A scenic spa experience by Lake Siljan Quality Spa & Resort Dalecarlia is known for stunning views and a long-standing spa facility. Set in the countryside of Dalarna, Sweden, this is the perfect place to indulge, relax and experience the region.

is the resort’s effort to always provide genuinely good service. “We have amazing staff who get a lot of credit every day from our guests,” she says.

By Ellinor Thunberg | Photos: Quality Spa & Resort Dalecarlia

When guests arrive in the Swedish village of Tällberg, they are immediately hit by the tranquility offered by nature. “This is an amazing place and the view is incredible. We are located on a hill by Lake Siljan and you can see nearly all the way to Mora,” says Nina Steen, hotel manager at Quality Spa & Resort Dalecarlia.

The word ‘Dalecarlian’ refers to a person from the Swedish province Dalarna and that is where the hotel is found too, less than an hour from the cities Falun and Borlänge.

20 years of relaxation In 1995, the hotel was among the first in Sweden to start a spa. The same philosophy applies today that did back then: of healthy food, regular exercise, a serene mind and taking good care of your body.

Two years ago the spa got a facelift, and it

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now features the contrasting elements of ice and fire. “We have the fireplace going when the sun sets and you can also do an ice scrub to get your circulation going after relaxing in the sauna,” says Steen.

The anti-stress treatment is by far the most popular choice as many guests escape the cities to relax and unwind. Other popular options include chocolate and papaya treatments, packed with pure ingredients.

Several major attractions are found in the region and visitors have the chance to spot bears and learn more about the local handicraft traditions. The village of Tällberg is in itself a popular destination, offering a charming mix of old and new. Steen sums it up with a local saying: “Visiting Sweden without seeing Tällberg is like going to a wedding without seeing the bride.”

Lake Siljan on a sunny autumn day

For dinner, luckily, there are other options.

“We have a great restaurant that works with organic local produce. The menu changes with the season and offers something new every time,” says the hotel manager.

Tradition and modern-day trends The hotel has many guests who return year after year. Steen believes one reason

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

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Spa and Wellness – Sweden’s Finest

Peace and quiet with spectacular panoramic views Scandinavian spa and conference hotel Skepparholmen Nacka is located in the stunning archipelago, only 20 minutes from Stockholm.

By Malin Norman | Photos: Skepparholmen Nacka

It all comes together at Skepparholmen Nacka. The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Copenhagen has provided inspiration for the Scandinavian design, and guests can enjoy its natural light as well as panoramic views of the Baltic Sea.

The hotel offers 100 rooms, meeting spaces for groups and high-quality food and treatments. The newly-extended spa features two pools with a view of the sea, aroma and dry sauna, treatment rooms, a gym and activities such as qigong, yoga and pilates.

“This is such a beautiful environment, and so close to nature. Our guests tell us that it helps them relax and find peace,” says managing director Gabriella Persson-Klahr.

Balance is key Several treatments are organic, using c/o GERD products created from Scandinavian ingredients such as blueberries and cloudberries. Skepparholmen Nacka keeps its own bees as well, with the honey served for breakfast and available to buy in the shop.

In addition to organic dishes, the restaurant also has a stable blood sugar concept. “We want our guests to enjoy natural and healthy food, which is also tasty and beautifully presented,” Persson-Klahr explains.

The fitness classes also take inspiration from nature, and a particularly popular activity is the walking meditation with a meditation tape for every season. “You don’t have to travel abroad for this type of wellness experience – you can find it just 20 minutes from Stockholm.”

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

Contact +45 3527 1520 booking@charlottehaven.com www.charlottehaven.com

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: ME AND E H N L T TUM HTS A I EC AU LIG SP Y’S IGH WA ER H R NO INT W

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Welcome to an active holiday in Norway Norway can be at its most beautiful when the daylight turns blue, the days get colder and the landscape is covered in frost and snow.

By By Per-Arne Tuftin, director of tourism at Visitnorway | Photo: Visitnorway

During winter, daylight rarely stays for more than a few hours – and in the northern part of the country, the sun does not rise at all for weeks. However, the Norwegians do not hide indoors even if heading out requires warm clothing and extra lights. We love outdoor activities, and for our visiting guests there is a wide range of fun activities and interesting events to attend. We would love for you to join us!

If you ask me or any of my Visitnorway colleagues – or any Norwegian for that matter – most will likely recommend that you experience the Norwegian winter by skiing, either Alpine or cross-country in the mountains. And definitely chase and experience the northern lights in northern Norway.

Maybe you would enjoy moving silently and at a high speed through a snow-clad forest, comfortably warm in a dog sled? Or go ice fishing? Skiing? And when you feel like warming up, Norway offers a variety of cultural experiences, such as concerts, museums, galleries and good restaurants serving delicious, local food. There is definitely enough around to keep you busy for days, weekends and weeks.

So why not let the northern lights guide you to the winter wonderland of Norway?

Direct flights to many Norwegian cities from the UK give you the opportunity to visit Norway for a weekend – or for longer.

And before you travel, make sure to check out visitnorway.com for suggestions on accommodation, travel itineraries, activities and restaurants.

We look forward to giving you a warm welcome this winter! Bring your winter hat and we will happily provide the activities.

Per-Arne Tuftin, Director of Tourism at Visitnorway

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A little Norwegian fairytale in Setesdal Once upon a time there was a silversmith who decided to start a hotel in the charming village of Setesdal, right in the heart of Norway. The hotel is Sølvgarden Hotell (translating as Silver Farm Hotel) and looks like a fairytale castle set in an equally idyllic landscape.

By Helene Toftner

| Photos: Sølvgarden Hotell & Feriesenter

You would be forgiven for thinking of Disney hit film Frozen when seeing pictures from Setesdal. This is probably as Norwegian as things get, based on landscape, local dialect, culinary traditions and dancing. Thus the opportunities are enormous when opening a hotel here – as are the expectations.

Sølvgarden Hotell passes the test with flying colours and fits seamlessly into the picture perfect community. “It is like a little fairytale where guests can relax in peaceful surroundings and enjoy beautiful

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nature while experiencing rich local culture and traditions,” says owner Trygve Rysstad.

Connecting Norway Setesdal is located at the very heart of Norway, connecting west with east and south with north. Even if it had not been such a lovely place, you would have to go through the village to cross the country.

It is, however, highly recommended to stay longer than just for a breather on the way across the mountains, and many people do.

A year-round destination, Sølvgarden Hotell is never quiet. With autumn approaching, berry pickers from all over southern and western Norway are bringing their buckets while eager fishermen from all over Europe come to catch a big one in the river Otra. When autumn turns to winter, skiers set in. “There are no quiet times, apart from a few days over Christmas when we close down. Apart from that it is business as usual around 360 days a year,” Rysstad says.

Soft and extreme adventures on your doorstep The hotel qualifies as what is sometimes referred to as a culture hotel, meaning that particular emphasis has been put on showcasing local culture with concerts, art and dance. “Many of Norway’s most beloved folk musicians come from Setes-

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norway’s Autumn and Winter Highlights

Setesdal is nicknamed the Silversmith's valley, and owner Rysstad and his brother run a studio at the hotel.

dal and the surrounding area, so there is a strong entertainment tradition here,” Rysstad says.

While many guests come for the cultural indulgences, even more come for the brilliant activity offers available. You may have seen photos from the Pulpit Rock, the famous rock overlooking the fjord, or perhaps Kjerag, recognisable for the rock placed between two mountain sides. Both iconic sites and hikes are within easy reach from Sølvgarden Hotell, as are ski paradises Hovden and Brokke. Perhaps the biggest draw this summer was the newlyopened Via Ferrata overlooking the hotel, the longest of its kind in northern Europe.

Climbing is, however, not just for the summer months – and Setesdal is known as the best place in Europe for ice climbing on frozen waterfalls. “Every year eager climbers from the UK, Italy and Switzerland come here as the conditions are brilliant with vertical ice and highly technical challenges,” Rysstad explains.

bunad, as Setesdal is one of very few places where the costume has always been in use. While most people nowadays only wear it for special occasions, some use it on an almost daily basis. With the bunad you need jewellery, and lots of it.

“We also make regular bracelets and necklaces, which are popular among the guests,” Rysstad adds.

The best way to reach Sølvgarden Hotell is by plane to Oslo, Kristiansand or Stavanger with direct flights from places including London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Copenhagen, and renting a car.

It is not only the silversmith tradition that is being kept alive here, but also that of local cuisine. With emphasis on traditional, local food, such as salted lamb and elk, Sølvgarden Hotell offers the package A taste of Setesdal, including accommodation, food and an intimate concert. “It gives a glimpse into our community.”

Fly in from all over Europe The hotel also operates a five-star camping site, one of only four in Norway in its category, with cabins for rental if preferred.

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

Keeping traditions alive Setesdal is nicknamed the Silversmith’s valley, so it comes as no surprise that Rysstad is a third-generation silversmith, along with his brother. Together they run a studio at the hotel, while Rysstad’s wife runs the hotel with help from their children. Together they created a family business out of the ordinary, while conserving old traditions in an innovative way.

“Everything stays within the family,” Rysstad smiles.

So why, one may wonder, does a small town need so many silversmiths? The answer lies in the national costume,

With a menu including salted lamb and elk, Sølvgarden Hotell is keeping the local culinary tradition alive.

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norway’s Autumn and Winter Highlights

Jotunheimen Haute Route – a challenge taking you to new heights It has an undeniable potential of becoming a ‘new Chamonix’, the central Norwegian area that attracts as many tourist hikers during summer as highly skilled skiing aficionados during winter. Here, for many years, families have found their mountain paradise and wildat-heart youths a variety of adventurous outdoor pursuits. Today, however, the magic of Jotunheimen is best sought through a combination of tradition and novelty. Thanks to the new Jotunheimen Haute Route mountaineers from around the world are discovering a true Norwegian alpine gem – and the popularity shows no sign of ending anytime soon.

By Julie Lindén | Main photo: Johan Wildhagen, Palookaville

“Walking or skiing from cabin to cabin is nothing new in Norwegian sports tradition, but including some of northern Europe’s highest peaks on the route definitely is – at least up here,” begins Bjørn

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Andreas Ovesen of Spiterstulen tourism lodge in Jotunheimen. It was three years ago, he explains, that seven traditional tourism lodges in the exceptionally mountainous area (Jotunheimen translates as

‘home of giants’ in Norwegian) joined forces to offer skilled hikers and mountaineers a new challenge.

“There is a longstanding tradition of moving between cabins in the Norwegian mountains, but these skiing trips, hikes and walks have nearly always excluded the higher peaks. There is little wrong with experiencing a variety of topography and Norway’s astounding shifts between steep mountains and deep valleys, but there is a great deal to be added to said experience – if you’re in good enough shape to tackle what will come your way, that is.”

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norway’s Autumn and Winter Highlights

Since then, it has been a smooth, downhill slope. Hagen has seen mountaineering and ski touring become the fastest-growing skiing sport in the world, with Norway in particular enjoying rapid growth over the past five years. “We’ve only seen the beginning of this trend,” Hagen asserts.

“We’ve finally opened our eyes and seen the incredible opportunities here in Jotunheimen. New equipment for mountaineering has made it possible for people to find fantastic skiing in new locations here in Norway. I think Jotunheimen will become one of the most visited mountain areas in the country, as far as ski tourism is concerned.”

Riding the route

Jotunheimen Haute Route is the perfect challenge for the ambitious ski aficionado, combining the best of unbeatable nature, high peaks and cosy stays at traditional mountain lodges.”

From northern Africa to the North The story behind the collaboration has its beginning surprisingly far away from Norway. It was in 2012 that Johan Wildhagen and Stian Hagen, two experienced pioneers in outdoor sports, left Scandinavia to ski down northern Africa’s highest mountain, Toubkal. The experience left them proud but baffled. Why had they travelled all the way to Africa to ski when their home territory provided just as striking terrains?

Throughout their lives Jotunheimen had become so obvious a destination to them that they had missed its grand potential.

Drawing inspiration from the height of the Moroccan peak, via haute routes already established in the central European Alps, the pair laid the foundation for a new adventure: bringing people to Jotunheimen’s very own Haute Route.

So what is it exactly that has attracted skiers in their hundreds to the home of giants? One answer lies in the meticulous planning and execution of the route, called ‘Høgruta’ in Norwegian. The suggested and carefully mapped-out six-day course begins at Bessheim or Gjendesheim lodge, leading you westward through the heart of Jotunheimen and across some of Norway’s most iconic peaks. These include Glittertind and Galdhøpiggen, the latter being the highest peak in northern Europe.

Five overnight stays are included, all with cabin providers who are taking part in the collaboration, namely Memurubu, Glitterheim, Spiterstulen, Leirvassbu and Krossbu, in addition to the aforementioned Bessheim and Gjendesheim lodges. Each day consists of around 15 kilometres of skiing and between 1,000 and 1,500 metres of climbing, reason enough not to attempt the route untrained.

Halvor Dannevig, IFMGA Guide at the mountain guiding company Breogfjell, ad-

Gjendesheim

mits that the route will test the skills, willpower and tenacity of participants. “Jotunheimen Haute Route is primarily aimed at experienced skiers and those who have experience with ski touring,” he says. Still, according to Breogfjell’s manager Melanie Hetkamp, the interest has been “absolutely overwhelming – and the response from guests even better”. She explains how skiers who have completed five or six days of strenuous activity experience a great sense of achievement.

“There’s an enormous sense of ‘yes, I actually did it’ when everyone reaches the final destination. Positivity fills the air as the guides hand out souvenir t-shirts, a piece of memorabilia that means a lot to participants after days of cresting the peaks.”

Tore Bergbjørn, IFMGA Aspirant Mountain Guide with Breogfjell and one of the most experienced guides on the route, has seen participants of several different backgrounds and age groups complete the ski venture. In his view the experience provides excellent conditions not only for physical activity in itself, but also the development of great group dynamics and exceptional teamwork. “No matter if the group averages around the 30-year mark or 60-year mark, spirits are always high, and personal, lasting bonds are created.

Whether the goal is to just finish, or if it’s finding the best spots and opportunities to test one’s skiing techniques, people help each other progress. In the end, they all share an unmatched experience pinned on nature, persistence and joy.”

Back to basics A German native who moved to Norway eight years ago to make the most of her love for skiing, Hetkamp has plenty of answers as to why Jotunheimen should be

Breogfjell. Photo: Tore Bergbjørn

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norway’s Autumn and Winter

Leirvassbu

Photo: Johan Wildhagen, Palookaville

on every advanced skier’s bucket list. “For one, the nature ensures that possibilities for skiing here are endless. The highest peaks are just a small part of what you can experience.” She adds that Norway’s lack of mass tourism also has a number of advantages. “You’ll never experience that ‘queue-style skiing’ in Norway. It’s much less crowded than the central European Alps; everyone gets their space. I guess you could say that people get back to basics here and enjoy the outdoors for what it really is: a de-stressor and magical experience.”

Ovesen agrees, explaining that there are also weather-related benefits that come with Jotunheimen’s particular placement above sea level. “You won’t find yourself isolated in a cabin if the weather gets rough, which can happen in other loca-

tions. The valleys are easily accessible and participants on the Haute Route will always be able to follow marked paths to the next cabin.” These ‘safe escape’ opportunities are not found along the route’s counterparts in the Alps.

Host at Glitterheim lodge, Knut Vole, also highlights that all the safety measures are taken to make guests feel secure, a feeling heightened by a higher-than-average standard of the cabins. “These cabins provide guests with fresh, local and delicious food, good rooms fully fitted with clean sheets so they don’t have to carry any around – all factors that add an extra touch and make the experience more enjoyable.

This, combined with the IFMGA Mountain Guide tours of Breogfjell, means that the conditions are in place for a safe yet eventful trip. In that regard, Jotunheimen Haute

Spiterstulen

Route can really become a goal for everyone – an experience to prepare for, look forward to and truly appreciate once you get here.” Hetkamp laughs, adding: “There’s a reason why I never went back to Germany after settling here. Jotunheimen cast its spell on me – and I don’t mind that at all.”

Visit these cabins along Jotunheimen Haute Route: – Bessheim: information at bessheim.no – Gjendesheim: information at gjendesheim.no – Memurubu: information at memurubu.no – Glitterheim: information at glitterheim.turistforeningen.no – Spiterstulen: information at spiterstulen.no

Høgruta, from Krossbu tourism lodge.

– Leirvassbu: information at ton.no – Krossbu: information at krossbu.no

Bessheim

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For more information, please visit: jotunheimenhauteroute.no and breogfjell.no/en/tur/ Jotunheimen-haute-route

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ÅFJORD

Conferences Events Meetings a place to experience a place to explore a place for inspiration a place for insight

a place for dialogue a place for developement A place to meet a place to eat a place to walk a place to talk

Stokkøya Sjøsenter

Aquarius Brygge

Bygda 2.0

Facilities 200 pax – 120 km northwest of Trondheim

www.visitafjord.no

Fosen Fjordhotel

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A birdwatcher’s polar paradise The fjord municipality of Båtsfjord in the Arctic peninsula of Varanger is one admired by many – and the reason for its popularity is principally in the sky. Tourists and devotees from around the world flock here to engage in unmatched nature experiences, all heightened by the ever-present, particular birdlife. The preferred hub for such experiences? The warm and welcoming Polar Hotel, where comfy beds, freshly-baked bread and amiable staff – accompanied by the experienced adventurers behind Arctic Tourist – turn your stay into an everlasting memory.

By Julie Lindén | Photos: GN-foto, Båtsfjord

“Of course the attraction was always here: the birds, the wildlife, the scenery,” begins Gunn Marit Nilsen, hotel manager at Polar Hotel. “When I joined the hotel three years ago it was all about turning that attraction into a well-rounded experience for everyone wanting to make the trip. The wildlife tourists had already found the area – we just had to set up a hotel with amenities to cater to their needs!”

The early bird gets the worm – and the perfect photo Her tone is warm and effortless as she describes the hotel’s rise as a paradise for

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“But there is always a lot of excitement involved with the bird-watching trips. After picking up their pre-packed lunch boxes here at the hotel, guests are off with our partners at Arctic Tourist out to sea, where a specially-primed photohide is at their disposal for a few hours. There they can have coffee and tea while snapping away.”

wildlife aficionados from around the world. “We’ve had guests from Thailand, Japan, Taiwan – and they’re absolutely amazed by what they find up here. To Norwegians it might not seem like much; we’ve become accustomed to the nature and animals here, but for them it’s the most exotic experience they’ve encountered.”

The result? Photos depicting king eider, long-tailed duck, Steller’s eider, glaucous gulls, cormorants, razorbills or the majestic eagle, for one’s album, blog or even website. “Oh yes, guests often return with several thousand photos!” Nilsen confirms.

Nilsen explains that getting up at 5.15am for the greatest chance of seeing magnificent birds is no obstacle to the hotel’s guests. “I know I wouldn’t be able to do it: I’m not a morning person!” she laughs.

Home to northern Europe’s largest nesting rock, Syltefjordstauran bird colony, the area naturally attracts scores of bird enthusiasts, but Båtsfjord (literally ‘boat fjord’) still offers a wealth of other activi-

Ice fishing, king crab safaris, seal watching – and the odd whale

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norway’s Autumn and Winter Highlights

ties. With the sea right at their doorstep, Polar Hotel and Arctic Tourist can take you on several adventures to satisfy a curious mind. How about a crab safari where you get to catch king crabs straight from the ocean, trying your hand at some ice fishing or attempting some seal watching? If you are lucky, you might even spot a whale or two.

“It’s a real treat for guests who stay here at the right time,” says Nilsen, continuing: “Whales are known to swim all the way into the fjord, and at times we’ve been able to spot them from our windows. I can’t guarantee that you’ll spot whales, but the surprise when they do turn up makes for an incredible memory. Not unlike winning the lottery actually,” Nilsen laughs. On land you may also explore the area by hiking, not seldom on paths trod up by flocks of reindeer. At 70 degrees north the area’s green but windswept nature is a stark contrast to the lush forests and mountainous topography of the south, providing an experience in itself.

A warm-hearted welcome If the nature of Varanger is mysteriously bare and callous, this is contrary to the welcome you will receive at Polar Hotel.

“We’re genuine, generous and engaged,” Nilsen says without a trace of doubt when

asked about the defining features of the hotel’s staff. “The fact that we’re a private hotel as opposed to a chain allows us to focus on what’s important to our guests specifically. That is reflected in everything from our rooms to our food.”

Speaking of food, Polar Hotel makes all meals from scratch, from the searing hot breakfast loaves – “we even bake bread for the local nurseries and kindergartens,” says Nilsen – to the crispy fried cod tongue, a not-to-miss northern delicacy that guests are known to call to preorder. All food is naturally local, as Nilsen

herself goes down to the harbour to get fresh fish when available. And the effort pays off. “Indeed, guests do compliment our food – even after they’ve gone,” Nilsen confirms. And so, all that is left at the end of the day is curling up in a soft bed in one of the hotel’s newly renovated rooms and wait for the fresh sea air to work its sleep-inducing magic. At Polar Hotel, that is only a slice of the magic you will experience.

For more information, please visit: polarhotel.net and arctictourist.no

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norway’s Autumn and Winter Highlights

Enough winter for everyone, inside and out Karola Wenzel

There is something surprisingly satisfying about blushed cheeks after spending a day out in the crisp and frosty air. That winter feeling is easier to fall in love with than you think, especially when there is a four-course meal waiting for you once you get inside.

By Stine Wannebo | Photos: Hindsæter Mountain Hotel

In the midst of Norway’s snow-covered mountains lays Hindsæter Mountain Hotel. The same traditional timber buildings have been there since 1898, although they have received a few updates since then. Owners Karola Wenzel and André Sundero aim to welcome guests the same way they always have done. “It was our joint appreciation of nature, the serenity and the winters that drew us in,” Wenzel says. In the stunning Jotunheimen National Park, there is enough winter for everyone and there are many ways to take on the white element, from snowshoes to alpine skies. But the most treasured attraction has nothing to do with snow.

During the summer months, the river Sjoa is the ideal place for rafting, but come winter the action grinds to a halt. Instead, Sjoa turns into a magic kingdom made of ice in all colours, shapes

and sizes. Exploration of this frozen world is called ice canyoning, and is something of a forte at Hindsæter. “It’s spectacular but also very safe,” says Wenzel. “If you can walk on your own two feet, you are fit enough to join us on an ice safari in Sjoa.”

With nature literally on its doorstep, Hindsæter is used to the frequent visits by both reindeer and moose. While one has become their home-cooked specialty, the other is usually watched from afar. Reindeer is one of the region’s traditional delicacies and, just like the rest of its locally-sourced food, something Hindsæter Mountain Hotel takes care only to serve the very best of.

For more information, please visit: hindseter.no

The Norwegian mountains have a lot more to offer than just snow. From food to indoor activities, Hindsæter Mountain Hotel provides activities both inside and outside.

A food chamber out of the ordinary Ever fancied getting up close with a big salmon? At Norwegian Aquaculture Centre you can do just that, while getting to understand how crucial the aquaculture industry is to the Norwegian way of life in addition to being a global source for sustainable food.

By Helene Toftner | Photos: Norsk Havrukssenter

The centre is a working fish farm, so while it is a place for visitors to take part in activities such as posing for the camera with a big fish, following their lives under the sea through the extensive cameras and eventually getting a freshly caught taster, it is also a big source of food production. “It is an activity centre for everyone, from the very eager fisherman to the tourist who just wants to better understand the Norwegian coastal culture,” explains managing director Arnfinn Torgnes.

The centre is beautifully located just outside the small town of Brønnøysund in northern Norway. Ideally situated right by the ocean, these fisheries remain important for this community as well as those all along the Norwegian coast.

The buzz word ‘sustainability’ lies at the heart of the centre, from the way the staff treat the fish to the impact on national economy and as

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a global food source. “The aquaculture industries have always been vital to the national economy and welfare,” says Torgnes, “and we have a responsibility to contribute with food globally in a sustainable way.”

For more information and to book in advance, which is recommended, please visit: www.havbrukssenter.no

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norway’s Autumn and Winter Highlights

Experience your own wild orca moment With winter fast approaching, start planning to tick off some of those top bucket list items, including seeing the northern lights and getting up close with whales. Lofoten Adventure offers local knowledge in addition to experiences you really ought to catch on camera.

When winter comes to an end, rest assured that the safari season never ends in Lofoten. In summer visitors come for the Midnight Sun Safari, while others opt for customised packages.

By Helene Toftner | Photos: Lofoten Adventure

Beautifully located in Henningsvær on the dramatic Lofoten Islands in northern Norway, Lofoten Adventure has the best natural conditions to excite its guests with northern lights hunting, sea snorkeling and fishing trips in the hope of catching some of that famous Arctic cod. The biggest winter attraction, however, is the whale safari, where in the middle of winter the adventure enthusiasts take off to look for the popular killer whales. “Visitors from all over the world come to experience their own wild orca moment,” managing director Rolf Malnes says. During the orca season

the business operates from a base camp in Andenes in Vesterålen.

The whales follow their main food source, herring, to the waters around Lofoten and Vesterålen, which has been one of the most promising places to spot whales for the past few years. “The herrings move in cycles, and they now keep coming back to this area every winter with the whales in tow. Last year we had sightings on 95 per cent of the trips,” Malnes says. But there is no guarantee that the herrings continue to spend the winters here, so come sooner rather than later.

For more information, please visit: www.lofoten-opplevelser.no With enquiries, email post@lofoten-opplevelser.no

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norway’s Autumn and Winter Highlights

Winter experiences in Sirdal, 1.5 hours from Stavanger Sirdal is the perfect location for many of the fjord region’s soft adventures, situated high in the mountains surrounded by brilliant hikes and ski slopes. Sirdal Huskyfarm and Sirdal Høyfjellshotell offer all-round packages including high-quality accommodation, topped off with a chance to get up close with the huskies on a trip across the plateaus.

mobiling, that can be arranged too. “We offer a total experience of food, accommodation and activities from the day you enter the hotel to the day you leave, for both leisure tourists and the business market,” Petersen says.

By Helene Toftner | Photos: Sirdal Huskyfarm and Sirdal Høyfjellshotell

Beautifully located about two hours from the oil capital Stavanger in western Norway is Sirdal, a small town full of adventure opportunities. No wonder Eirik Alexander Petersen, managing director at Sirdal Høyfjellshotell, made his way there a couple of months ago. “It is a place that encourages complete relaxation, and where stress is left behind,” he says. A compelling start, and one that tempts many a visitor during the summer as well as the winter months.

While the hotel clearly offers the relaxation part, there is another big attraction

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at Sirdal, namely its husky farm. Popular among children as well as grown-ups, huskies bring out the best in us. At the farm you can cuddle the dogs and then take them out for a run across the surrounding plateaus. Guests can join the farm for a day or spend the night in one of the area’s many cabins.

“The dogs are socialised and safe and enjoy being around people. It is a joy to see the connection between the dogs and the visitors, almost instantly,” says Odd Kvinen, owner of the husky farm. If instead you prefer ice climbing or snow-

Get to Sirdal by taking one of many daily direct flights to Stavanger Airport Sola from London, Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Oslo.

For more information, please visit: www.sirdalhuskyfarm.no and www.hotelsirdal.no

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norway’s Autumn and Winter Highlights

Demanding slope with a view at Stranda Skisenter. Photo: Simen Berg

Fjord view from Stranda Skisenter. Photo: Simen Berg

Children’s ski race at Harpefossen Skisenter.

Photo: Siri Lund, Harpefossen Skisenter

Freeriding in Tippadalen, Harpefossen Skisenter.

Easter 2015, Photo: Thomas Bickhardt

Skicross at Harpefossen Skisenter.

Photo: Siri Lund, Harpefossen Skisenter

Skiing with views of the fjords – one ski pass, seven destinations Alpepass is a ski pass that can be used at seven skiing resorts across Sunnmøre and Nordfjord in northwestern Norway. “Alpepass offers skiers direct access to 32 lifts, 60 down-hill slopes, terrain parks, free-riding, powder skiing and fjord views, while allowing them to explore some of Norway’s most breathtaking landscapes,” says Ellen Wollen, marketing manager at Stranda Skiresort.

By Stian Sangvig | Photos: Alepass

The resorts are situated close to one another, ranging from a 20-minute to a 90minute drive away. “New activities this year include an extension of cross-country slopes and catskiing at Harpefossen,” says Wollen.

skiing down Norway’s best conditions for powder skiing all the way down to the sea level,” Wollen explains. Unlike their Central European counterparts, however, this package comes complete with fjord and sea views.

The idea of Alpepass was born after years of competition when the owners of the skiing resorts decided to join forces by offering skiers the flexible solution of a costeffective multi-site pass. Skiers thus have greater variety in scenery and slopes, and all resorts receive more visitors. The mountains in this region are steep and alpine-looking, which is rare for Norway.

“Skiers can enjoy a change of altitude from the highest point of 1,230 metres

The skiing resorts included in the pass are Stranda Skiresort, Harpefossen, Ørskogfjell Skisenter, Sunnmørsalpane Fjellseter, Ørsta Skisenter, Arena Overøye and Volda Skisenter. Each resort has its own unique features, some more suitable for beginners and others better suited to adventurous adrenaline seekers or families. “We are increasingly seeing that our visitors are looking for more complete experiences,” Wollen continues, explaining

that there are partnership agreements in place with a number of local hotels for suitable accommodation and local culinary experiences.

In order to get the most out of the trip, renting a car at the airport is recommended. The nearest airport is Ålesund’s Vigra Airport, which is an hour’s drive from the nearest resort. Direct flights are accessible from London, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Gdansk, Vilnius, Riga, Oslo and all the major cities in Norway. Once in the country, a regional airline can take skiers from Oslo and Bergen to Ørsta/Volda Airport, which is next to two of the resorts.

“It is also possible to combine a scenic skiing holiday using Alpepass with a couple of days in Ålesund, with its unique Jugend architecture and fjord views,” recommends Wollen.

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

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norway’s Autumn and Winter Highlights

Coming home to the farm – not an ordinary hotel Imagine the most romantic, typically Norwegian image you can think of. A wild guess is that it will be of an old-fashioned farm with scenic nature and some animals grazing outside. That is pretty much the description of Store Ringheim Hotel, the farmturned-hotel just outside of Voss in the Norwegian fjord region.

meats as well as wild herbs and berries,” Ringheim says, adding: “This is one of few places where you may be served soups based on mushrooms and herbs handpicked by the staff the same day.”

By Helene Toftner | Photos: Store Ringheim

Store Ringheim farm dates back centuries, some even say millennia. Having originated as part of a bigger farm, it is beautifully located in the midst of nature just outside the small town Voss near Bergen. While the traditional farming is a closed chapter here, the farm-turned-hotel has incorporated its past into the surroundings since opening two years ago.

“This is a place that attracts people who want something different, where the hotel is part of a greater experience,” says owner Svein Ringheim.

No room numbers The hotel only has six rooms, which inspires intimacy and privacy at once. Con-

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trary to most hotels, it does not have room numbers; instead, each room is named after its original purpose. It is not every day you get to sleep in the kitchen! The extraordinary setting encourages rave reviews on review sites such as TripAdvisor and Booking.com, where ‘idyllic’ and ‘inviting’ are recurring words.

Store Ringheim Hotel is easily accessed by public transport or car from Bergen, which operates daily direct flights to cities including London, Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Oslo.

Norway’s food chamber Any self-respecting hotel ought to have a good restaurant, and Store Ringheim Hotel is no exception. In fact, the owners take food so seriously that people come simply for a taste of their local menu.

“Voss has so much to offer in terms of local produce, with the best lamb and other

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

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norway’s Autumn and Winter Highlights Photo: Olgeir Haug

Photo: Steinar Johansen

Photo: Olgeir Haug

Visit Innherred – a golden detour of grand proportions Few places combine magical outdoor experiences, history, recreational possibilities and authentic Norwegian cuisine like the area of Innherred. The Nord-Trøndelag district is famous for everything from its accessible hiking terrain to its ‘lefser’ (traditional potato-based griddle cakes), not to mention the world’s largest garden chair.

Welcome to a district that will delight, entertain and make you feel just at home.

By Julie Lindén | Photos: Visit Innherred

Comprised of the areas of Levanger, Inderøy, Verdal, Steinkjer and Snåsa, Innherred is a district offering something for young and old alike. Varied nature and topography, from the serene Trondheimsfjord and its sandy beaches to the high mountains, makes for nature experiences suited to the abilities of the whole family. “From children to the elderly, I’d say one of Innherred’s principal strengths as a tourist destination is its accessibility,” says Kathrine Kragøe Skjelvan, project manager at Visit Innherred. “No matter your skill set or physical condition, there are hikes, cycle routes and nature paths to accommodate your desires. They’re all easy to reach from the main roads as well, which is a great help.”

Cycling has become an increasingly popular activity in the district, much helped by the area’s modest gradient and lack of heavy traffic. There are plenty of places where you can rent a bike, electric or standard, to make your stay as flexible as possible. If you arrive by train, you may even have your bike brought to the platform, fully equipped with a map and guide to the area.

Kragøe Skjelvan adds that Innherred’s many rental cabins, all clearly marked out along the cycle and hiking routes, further simplify your stay. “From these you can access a number of attractions – everything from challenging mountain peaks to Norway’s geographical centre in Steinkjer, which is also the location of the world’s largest garden chair! The nearby national parks such

as Blåfjella-Skjækerfjella are also stunning, with their own cabins where you can stay.”

Even the kindest of cycle routes will help build up an appetite, and in Innherred you are in great culinary hands. Den Gyldne Omvei (‘the golden detour’), a collection of enterprises dedicated to bringing you the best of local produce and meals, is your best shot at savouring a bit of everything Innherred has to offer. As the region is often referred to as ‘the dining table of Norway’, everything from homemade ice cream to the traditional ‘lefser’ is available to satisfy curious palates.

Photo: Steinkjerfotografen

For more information, please visit: visitinnherred.com

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norway’s Autumn and Winter Highlights

Staying at a fisherman’s cabin is the new cool You will never forget the moment you set your eyes on the Lofoten Islands in northern Norway, with its dramatic mountains rising straight up from the ocean, so the respectable travel guide Lonely Planet says. While the arctic mountain tops may spark associations to outdoor activities such as whale watching and cold-water surfing, do not miss the iconic fishermen’s cabins – the coolest way to spend a night in Lofoten.

By Helene Toftner

| Photos: Anker Bygge

The place you sleep is becoming an increasingly important part of the overall holiday experience and adds to the 'bragability' factor. Anker Brygge has taken notice, offering comfortable fishermen’s cabins to tourists and businesses alike.

They have updated and transformed 22 traditional cabins, the oldest dating back to the early 1800s.

“Anker Brygge in Lofoten is the perfect destination for well-travelled people looking for something special,” says sales and marketing manager Oddrun Glad. Anker Brygge is located in the middle of Svolvær with easy access to activities such as sea safaris and hunting the northern lights as

well as galleries and shops and not least the legendary Lofoten fisheries during February and March.

To accompany the out-of-the-ordinary accommodation, local delicacies fresh from the sea are served at the renowned Restaurant Kjøkkenet. If you have never tried an arctic cod, you are in for a treat! “We have the ocean at our doorstep – there is a reason why Lofoten has always been an important area for fisheries in Norway. It is simply spectacular, and we also arrange trips for people to catch their own big ones,” Glad ends.

For more information, please visit: www.anker-brygge.no or call +47 76066480

Sailing off into the calm arctic wilderness There is something almost mythical about riding a dog sled, watching the snowy, glittering landscape unfold around you. On the Norwegian islands of Svalbard, this has been one of the main means of transportation for hundreds of years, and the remarkable tradition lives on with Svalbard Husky.

By Stine Wannebo | Photos: Svalbard Husky

At the kennel in Adventdalen, the two selfproclaimed outdoor enthusiasts Robert Nilsen and Sissel Lian are taking care of their Alaskan Huskies. After falling in love with the Arctic Archipelago on their own travels, they met there by chance. Now the frosty islands halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole have become their home and their workplace, and they

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would not have it any other way. “This place is like no other,” says Nilsen. “And there is no better way to experience the serenity and the stunning views than by dog sled.”

All Svalbard Husky’s guides are highly experienced with travelling through the wilderness and know the seasons, ter-

rain and challenges like the back of their own hands. The dogs do too. There is no safer way to explore your talents as a sled dog driver, no matter how long you would like to set off for. Nilsen compares the movement of a dog sled to that of a sailboat. “You graciously glide through the landscape and all you can hear is the comforting sound of paws as they hit the snow.” Let the dogs lead the way.

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

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Geilo Here you can go tobogganing, walk, sit, roll, skip, dance and run between 40 shops and 20 eateries in fresh mountain air.

The centre of Geilo is designed for great experiences. Close to the centre are two national parks, pure wilderness, cross-country skiing trails, a ski resort and a multitude of experiences.

Geilo can be easily reached by train, bus or car.

Welcome to the mountain!

www.geilo.no

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norway’s Autumn and Winter Highlights

Chase the wonders of nature – spectacular whale safaris and northern lights expeditions Enjoy a wonderful all-inclusive three-day whale and northern lights expedition in Senja, perfect for small groups of a maximum of ten people looking for an adventure that is out of the ordinary.

By Basecamp Senja and Julie Lindén | Photos: Basecamp Senja

As the herring makes its way into the fjord of outer Senja, the mighty humpback whales and killer whales follow. Basecamp Senja offers three days and nights of exciting experiences in spectacular surroundings, arctic winter light and delicious local food. Here you can head out into the fjord in large, open Zodiac boats, coming as close to the sea and whales as is possible. Stay at the cosy Posthuset Expedition Lodge right by the fjord bank. The expedition includes whale safaris each

day, room and board for all days, various lectures and magical northern lights hunts during the evening and night.

Transport from Finnsnes to Skaland and back to Finnsnes is included.

Basecamp Senja boasts success rates on its whale safaris and northern lights hunts of 100 per cent and 85 per cent respectively. The company also offers a Tromsø whale safari, lasting four to five hours, starting from the city quay. This

option costs NOK 1,200 per person and runs from the end of November through to January.

Facts and details: www.basecampsenja.no post@basecampsenja.no Phone (+47) 917 09 618 Travel to Senja: www.sas.no to Tromsø www.norwegian.no to Tromsø or Bardufoss Transport from Tromsø to Finnsnes: Express ferry from Tromsø centre to Finnsnes (1 hour and 15 min), with pick up at Finnsnes. Return with Hurtigruten from Finnsnes to Tromsø.

Photo: Koen Hoekemeijer

Photo: Koen Hoekemeijer

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norway’s Autumn and Winter Highlights

The frozen dream Sleeping at the world’s northernmost snow and ice hotel has to be one of the most exciting ways to experience all that the Norwegian winter has to offer. Right up there alongside experiencing the northern lights, an abundant wildlife and the breathtaking landscape, a night at the Sorrisniva Igloo is surely one for the bucket list.

mountain cabins on the Finnmark plateau. These excursions can be booked throughout the year for corporate teambuilding and leisurely trips.

By Maria Lanza Knudsen | Photos: Sorrisniva AS

Culinary delights

Located on the banks of the Alta River in northern Norway, the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel has been constructed from snow and ice every winter since 2000 with a different theme every year. Four suites, 26 double rooms and a wedding chapel to boot offer guests the ultimate arctic experience from December to April.

“In 2015, for the first time, the hotel will open its doors early, in mid-December,” says marketing manager Jan Roger Eriksen. “Imagine spending Christmas at the Igloo Hotel!”

One with nature The calm and peace encountered at Sorrisniva allows visitors to really appreciate this one-of-a-kind destination. Yet the calm may be deceiving: the hotel offers an abundance of activities and adventures.

“There is a wealth of wildlife in the area,

numerous nature trails for fantastic winter walks, kick-sleds and cross-country skiing, and downhill sledding for both young and old – all under the northern lights,” says Eriksen.

Indeed, one of the highlights is the Northern Lights Walk, taking guests along a ploughed trail in the hope of witnessing the arctic night’s most beautiful show, the Aurora Borealis.

Meanwhile reindeer sleigh excursions offer the opportunity to spot majestic animals and learn about the Sami people.

Their heritage is shared through stories, legends, traditional joik music and a visit to a Sami lavvo, a traditional temporary tent-like structure.

Tailor-made snowmobile safaris allow visitors to fully explore the landscape and

Luckily, the frozen surroundings have not rubbed off on the hospitality, with a warm welcome greeting the guests when they arrive at this family-run establishment.

The Sorrisniva restaurant is known for its culinary delights made from scratch using Norwegian ingredients, produced locally wherever possible. This eatery has even been dubbed one of the best in northern Norway.

In the winter the adjacent ice bar with its ice sculptures and picture gallery serves up the frosty Igloo Ice Blue drink, which warms your body thoroughly. Offering the most extraordinary experience in beautiful surroundings, the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel is a winter dream come true.

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

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norway’s Autumn and Winter Highlights

Let the green arctic sky tuck you in Nothing compares to the delicate blue and green lights in the north of Norway. The calm arctic breeze that whisks across the landscape is the only movement in the serene terrain ahead. Rest assured that Wandering Owl knows just how to take you there.

By Stine Lise Wannebo | Photos: Wandering Owl

Once the thermal suit is on, all worries are replaced with a natural sense of calm. There is nothing like the spectacular here and now, especially when sitting on a soft reindeer hide with a warm drink in hand and white-coated mountains as far as the eye can see. No wonder Virginie Ramasco felt a strong urge to help more people experience the peaceful countryside around the Norwegian city of Tromsø every season of the year.

Last year, biologist Ramasco started her own small business together with two friends. Neither of them is Norwegian, but they all chose northern Norway as their home after falling in love with the surroundings. They named their company Wandering Owl and since then they have helped countless explorers find the very best spots to observe nature at its most stunning.

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“Tromsø offers so much nature and the wilderness is just around the corner,” Ramasco explains. “There is a calm here that is unlike anywhere else and the atmosphere in winter, once the blue light settles, is just magical.” The air is somehow more crisp, the sounds sharper and the colours brighter above the Arctic Circle. If you know where to look, you can see the northern lights stretching across the skies almost every night during winter. There are whales, reindeers, sea eagles and otters to meet and bonfires to gather around.

Wandering Owl’s main aim is for visitors to feel relaxed and able to absorb all the contrasting sensations the rich environment has to offer. “Whichever trip you choose to go on, there is always a delicious homemade meal and an experienced guide who knows just the right

place to go to make the most of your adventure,” says Ramasco.

The guide even takes pictures so that the guests can focus their attention on the real-life experience out in the wild. Hearing the snow crackling beneath your snowshoes, watching a sea eagle as it lands or feeling your cheeks blush from the cold winter air – these are things you do not want to miss.

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

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norway’s Autumn and Winter Highlights

Back to classic basics in the Paris of the north While trend-conscious foodies wax lyrical about molecular gastronomy, a Swede in the very north of Norway is playing to his own tune, serving a quietly confident blend of classical French cuisine and local Norwegian food tradition. From locallyproduced meat to stockfish and fine wine, Brasserie 69N is bringing tried and tested food excellence back to Tromsø.

By Emelie Krugly Hill & Linnea Dunne | Photos: Brasserie 69N

His first food venture in Tromsø, Fiskekompaniet, will celebrate its 20th anniversary in a couple of years, and it has been a great success. Today, Swede Anders Blomkvist, who arrived in Norway over two decades ago, has another lauded establishment under his belt: Brasserie 69N, “a loving symbiosis between classical French and Norwegian cuisine.”

Fans of Fiskekompaniet find familiar streaks in Brasserie 69N. “It’s the same refined style,” says Blomkvist. “We are striving for the same excellence in terms of serving the finest locally-produced meat, such as lamb, deer and beef.”

Food with a solid thought behind it One of Blomkvist’s key motivations when branching out was a desire to give Tromsø locals, as well as visitors, an alternative to

trends such as Nordic molecular gastronomy and Asian cuisine that had been dominating the food scene for a good few years. “People have eaten and enjoyed French cuisine for centuries, and we thought we would make something different, yet familiar, by returning to the classic basics,” he explains. “Many people have been longing for this, and trends seem to come and go; but in the difficult financial times we live in, people tend to seek safety and security even when it comes to food, and French food has a strong foundation and solid thought behind it.”

Diners can look forward to top-quality meat and fish sourced from local producers as well as an interesting range of fine wine. “People today are very conscious of where the food they are eating comes

from, and sometimes ask for produce from a specific farm.”

Lamb shank with roasted root vegetables, potato puree and a red wine sauce is one of the very popular dishes that have been praised by reviewers. Boknafisk, or stockfish, is another favourite local delicacy, served with creamed salsify, ginger carrots, bacon fat and boiled potatoes.

Tromsø is known as the Paris of the north, a moniker that stems from the 18th century when the town was a thriving northern business centre with fashionably dressed ladies parading the streets. It is still very much a trend-conscious city with a buzzing cultural life and good connections to the rest of Europe.

Situated in a typical Jugendstil building on the second floor on Storgata, Brasserie 69N seats 60 guests. Make sure to book ahead – this eatery is just as popular as its older sibling.

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

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norway’s Autumn and Winter Highlights

Hunting the light Chasing the northern lights is one of the most quintessential arctic adventures in Norway. But how do you get the best experience?

By Maria Lanza Knudsen | Photos: Dan Steinbakk

As autumn and winter approach and darkness falls, northern Norway awaits nature’s own festive lights, the aurora borealis. These multi-coloured streams of light decorate the sky and attract people from afar.

Dan Steinbakk, the owner of touring company Arctic Experience, runs tours from Tromsø from September to April. He prides himself on offering personalised tours for groups of up to eight people. The knowledgeable guide, who grew up under

the northern lights, guarantees the comfort of each guest by providing appropriate clothing and the enjoyment of the lights around a bonfire.

“You can experience four seasons and landscapes in one trip – from forests and the tundra to arctic snow-capped mountains and the ocean,” says Steinbakk. “There really is something magical about the landscape, especially with the autumn colours in addition to the beautiful colours in the sky!”

Arctic Experience’s focus on small groups allows Steinbakk to tailor the tour and ensure guests get the best viewing of the beautiful lights.

In addition to showcasing the magic in the sky, Arctic Experience has a unique handheld radio called a VLF receiver that allows you to listen to the spectacular natural phenomenon.

To capture the moment, Steinbakk always takes professional-quality photographs for guests to take home. Indeed, for avid photographers he even provides instructions on how best to capture the lights. Let the chase begin!

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

Meet under the northern lights A mere 45-minute drive outside the city of Tromsø, known as the ‘Paris of the North’, Hav og Fjell’s nature camp offers visitors serenity and a chance to get closer to nature.

By Andrea Bærland | Photos: Hav og Fjell

With its peace and quiet and close proximity to the city, Hav og Fjell is the perfect place to host a conference. The meeting room, suitable for 20 people, fulfils all modern meeting requirements and offers stunning views of the sea. A ‘lunch-tolunch’ overnight stay is a popular conference option, says owner Marit Mydland.

Accommodation is available in five seven-bed sea cabins, each with a private sauna and balcony. Guests may even catch a glimpse of the elusive northern lights from the camp’s open-air Jacuzzi. “We are far enough away from city lights that the northern lights are a frequent occurrence,” Mydland promises.

Hav og Fjell can arrange a variety of activities such as fishing expeditions, mountain hikes, snowshoe walks and ski activities to fit

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any level of skiing ability. From December to February, whale safaris can also be arranged. “Particularly in the last couple of years there has been an explosion in the number of whales in the area,” says Mydland.

After plenty of fresh air or a long day in the conference room one should always eat well. Hav og Fjell’s fully licensed restaurant and pub opens exclusively for the camp’s guests. “We don’t have a set menu, so we ask what the guests want before we make menu suggestions,” says the camp owner, who is also an experienced cook. Mydland’s kitchen focuses on halibut, arctic cod, shrimp, lamb, reindeer meat and other local, seasonal products.

Hav of Fjell’s restaurant always serves generous portions. “Nobody goes to bed hungry,” concludes Mydland with a smile.

For more information, please visit: havogfjell.no

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#Mountainlife

HEMSEDAL – ALL YEAR ROUND Enjoy active days in the Norwegian mountains with family and friends!

Book your mountain holiday at hemsedal.com

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Attraction of the Month, Denmark

Mother Nature gets her own day On Mother’s Day you send flowers, but what about Mother Nature’s Day? In Denmark, nature now has its very own day for us to celebrate, cherish and enjoy it. What started out as small-scale concept has, thanks to financial support from Nordeafonden, grown into a national event attended by 180,000 Danes. This year’s theme is ‘nature outside your home’.

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Ditte Valente

Organised by the Danish Society for Nature Conservation (Danmarks Naturfredningsforening) and the Outdoor Council (Danmarks Friluftsråd), Naturens Dag (Nature’s Day) encourages everyone to explore the unique nature of Denmark. The purpose is not only for people to get reacquainted with the often forgotten joy of being outside, but also to remind them how precious nature is. Ole Laursen from the Danish Society for Nature Conservation explains: “Apart from the well-known fact that being outside is good for you, both physically and mentally, what we

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have come to realise is that people who have enjoyable nature experiences will also become people who care more about

the natural world. And that’s part of the reason we invite all Danes to explore nature with us on Naturens Dag.” This year, it is expected that around 200,000 Danes will participate in Naturens Dag, which takes place on 13 September.

Getting children back into the forest Though the annual day has had changing themes, a continuous focus has been on

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showing parents and children different ways to enjoy and explore the natural world around them. Several surveys have shown that kids today spend much less (actually 70 per cent less) time outside than their grandparents did, and that is one of the things Laursen would like to change. “We know that kids today are more busy and schedulised than ever before, and the outdoors can be a refuge for them, a place to find peace. But it can, of course, also be a place full of activities and fun,” he says.

The organisation’s work with children is largely inspired by the American author Richard Louv, who in his book, Last Child in the Woods, shows that what he calls nature deficit is linked to many disturbing childhood trends, such as the rise in obesity, attention disorders and depression.

“Research has shown that outdoor activities improve the capacity for learning and the ability to concentrate indoors,” explains Laursen and adds: “That is why, in the week leading up to Naturens Dag, all schools and nurseries in Denmark are offered free materials and inspiration leaflets to help arrange outdoor activities for kids of all ages from toddlers to teenagers.”

There is also a website where parents can find different ideas for how to explore nature with their children in whatever way

suits them. And with 220 different ideas, there should be something for everyone; for instance, instead of just a regular walk in the forest, why not go on an ant safari or pick mushrooms for dinner?

is to give people a taste of the many possibilities this entails and, of course, we hope that people might pick up a new hobby or come up with new ideas so that they will keep doing stuff outside all year round.”

A national event Since its modest start in 2006, Naturens Dag has, thanks to generous funding by Nordea-fonden, grown to become a massive national event. Today the day includes almost 300 free activities nationwide, including everything from amber tours along the country’s coastlines, to angling in the lakes of central Copenhagen. “Denmark’s nature is wonderful. We have a widely varied natural coastline free from development, lots of water, forest and natural parks with unique, untouched landscapes. Our ambition with Naturens Dag

The idea of Naturens Dag is uniquely Danish, and so far no other country has a similar annual national day to celebrate Mother Nature (apart from the slightly different but globally celebrated Earth Day).

But the success of the day might have enticed others to pick up on the idea, says Laursen: “We have been contacted by organisations in Finland hoping to create a similar event. We are really happy about the development: in just a few years the day has grown from just a few thousand participants to a national event!”

Facts Naturens Dag was funded by the Danish Society for Nature Conservation in 2006.

In 2010, they were joined by the Outdoor Council, Denmark’s largest association of 90 individual outdoor recreational organisations.

In 2014 180,000 people participated.

The aim is to surpass 200,000 participants by 2016.

The day is financially supported by Nordea-fonden.

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

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Photo: Kjartan Trana

Attraction of the Month, Norway

Up close and personal with the king “One result of the increased urbanisation is that people have less experience of nature and co-existing with wildlife,” suggests Turid Bredesen, general manager at Namsskogan Familiepark.

By Andrea Bærland

It is therefore the aim of the wildlife park, located between Trondheim and Mosjøen in central Norway, to give visitors an authentic Norwegian wildlife experience.

“One of our main goals is to spread awareness and make people feel safe in their interaction with nature, as well as to squash some myths,” says Bredesen.

has recently installed a climbing tower – the first of its kind in Scandinavia – with 36 different obstacles across three different levels of difficulty. “It’s not only a fun family activity, it’s also popular with companies on team-building trips. It can definitely be a bit of a muscle workout,” Bredesen smiles.

Something for everyone

But the wildlife park is not just for the sporty type. Every summer craftsmen such as blacksmiths and glass blowers show off their craft in the park and produce unique souvenirs for purchase.

Moreover, Namsskogan Familiepark makes a contribution to art through its

The crew at Namsskogan Familiepark is dedicated to offering a range of physical activities suitable to a forest environment, including ziplining, kayaking, bungeetrampolines and alpine racers. And if you really want to work up a sweat, the park

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annual scholarship Bamsestipendet, granted to a different artist every year.

The artists spend two weeks in the park and return the following summer to exhibit the result of their inspirational stay.

“This summer Truls Espedal showcased his oil paintings, while next year’s artist, who just finished his stay, is a videographer,” Bredesen explains.

Performing arts is taken care of by Rebella Hex, the popular witch that puts on a children’s rock theatre every summer. “It is important for us that visiting the park is something children, mums, dads and even grandparents can enjoy – that’s why we offer such a wide range of activities,” says Bredesen.

Predators and petting zoo As autumn and winter approach, the majority of the activities close down. The an-

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Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Norway

guests into the fox enclosure along with a park ranger. “Guests quietly sit there with some food, and as the foxes are extremely trusting they eventually approach them,” Bredesen says.

Stay the night

Photo: Stian Holmen

Photo: Tore Viem

Photo: Robert Selfors

A night under the stars is an essential part of the wildlife experience, and Namsskogan Familiepark has five lavvos, a Sami tent similar to a tipi, available for hire. Spending the night at the wildlife park can be likened to the Ben Stiller movie, Night at the Museum, as overnight guests get to experience several different sides to the animals that day guests do not see. The general manager explains: “As many of the animals are nocturnal you’ll get to see a different level of activity, maybe even hear the wolves howl.”

At Namsskogan Familiepark visitors get up close and personal with a range of Nordic species.

imals, however, are a year-round fixture.

The park is home to nearly 30 different kinds of animals commonly found in the wild in the Nordic countries, such as foxes, deer and elks. “Although we focus predominantly on Nordic animals we have some more exotic animals such as ostriches and alpacas as well,” says Bredesen. And for the youngest there are petting animals including rabbits and chickens. “We are very much focused on making the encounter with animals a positive experience for the children,” Bredesen adds.

sharing their knowledge. “It is a fantastic opportunity to see the animals up close and maybe even get the chance to feed an elk by hand,” Bredesen enthuses.

Namsskogan Familiepark is closely affiliated with the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research and its Arctic Fox preservation programme. “The Arctic Fox is an endangered species and we believe it is incredibly important to spread awareness about them,” says Bredesen. This is done through the Arctic Fox experience, inviting

As the lavvos are located in the predator section of the park, guests in the three lavvos next to the bear enclosure may even wake up to a curious bear outside their window. Whether you have breakfast with the bears in spring or visit the reindeer in December, a wildlife encounter is a special experience at any season.

For more information, please visit: familieparken.no

Photo: Tore Viem

Namsskogan Familiepark also boasts one of only three certified Norwegian predator centres. Every year over 1,500 school children take the predator course at Namsskogan, which entails both theory and an encounter with some of the park’s predatory animals, such as wolves or bears. “Running this educational programme has proved to be an incredible resource, as it has resulted in park rangers with a wealth of knowledge and the ability to communicate it to the public,” says Bredesen.

Photo: Robert Selfors

Visitors are welcome to join in on the daily feeding rounds, with the park rangers taking the time to answer questions and Photo: Kristin Smestad

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Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Iceland

Attraction of the Month, Iceland

Discover Reykjavík’s rich cultural heritage Comprising of five individual sites, Reykjavik City Museum showcases the diverse history and rich cultural heritage of Iceland’s capital through thought-provoking, engaging and family-friendly exhibitions.

By Stephanie Lovell | Photos: Reykjavík City Museum

“Going to a museum is an experience that stimulates our minds, broadens our horizons and enhances our understanding of our history and culture,” says Gudrún Helga Stefánsdóttir, manager of marketing and public relations at Reykjavík City Museum.

“Learning something about the place you’re visiting gives you an invaluable insight into its culture. If you’re interested in learning about the diverse history of Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík City Museum is simply the best place to do so.”

Early last year, five of Reykjavík’s main historical and cultural museums, Árbær Open Air Museum, the Settlement Exhibition and Settlement Sagas, Reykjavík Maritime Museum, Reykjavík Museum of Photography and Videy Island, were united under Reykjavík City Museum – a forward-thinking,

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modern institution that seeks to preserve and uphold the city’s history and culture.

“Our aim is to inspire our visitors to reflect on what they see. For our exhibitions, we choose subjects that haven’t been explored in great detail,” explains Stefánsdóttir. An exhibition at Árbær Open Air Museum, for example, reveals the so-called secret economy of housewives in 1900-1970, who would come up with creative ways to make money, from growing potatoes to making clothes, on top of all their household duties.

A variety of events are held in connection to the different festivals celebrated in the city throughout the year. On Museum Night, a concert was staged in the helicopter hangar on Coast Guard Vessel Ódinn at the Maritime Museum. This occasion attracted

many young people, who, along with children, are always kept in mind when designing exhibitions and planning events. At the Settlement Exhibition, for example, the history of the settlement of Reykjavík is presented in an interactive way with the help of modern technology. There is a designated family corner where children and adults can create something inspired by the exhibition.

Whatever time of year you visit, there is always something to enjoy at Reykjavík City Museum. The Settlement Exhibition now has extended opening hours from 9am to 8pm, while entry to Reykjavík Museum of Photography is free all year round. Although Árbær Open Air Museum is only fully open in summer, you can pop by at 1pm every day in winter for a guided tour.

The ferry to Videy island goes daily during summer and on weekends during winter.

For more information, please visit: www.borgarsogusafn.is

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Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Denmark

Hotel of the Month, Denmark

Salmon fishing on the sunshine island Whether it is for the cliffs in the north or the neverending sandy beaches in the south, guests of Hotel Pension Verona head to Bornholm for an active holiday.

By Tina Nielsen | Photos: Hotel Pension Verona

Those who like an active holiday in a beautiful setting should take note of the island of Bornholm in Denmark. More specifically, in the north of the island, just one kilometre from the major attraction Hammershus, is Hotel Pension Verona, a small hotel that helps guests indulge in an active lifestyle while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

Known in Denmark as the sunshine island due to its many hours of sunshine, Bornholm is found in the middle of the Baltic Sea, south of Sweden. It has a population of just under 40,000, but every year Bornholm receives more than half a million visitors.

kite surfing and diving, just to name a few of the activities on offer.”

Another very popular leisure activity on Bornhom is fishing, the peak season being in March and April. ”You can catch sea trout along the coasts or join one of the fishing boats to go salmon fishing,” says Sjøstrøm. The hotel has good links with a group of fishing guides, giving guests at Verona a great advantage. During the high season several guides stay at the hotel and can offer guided trolling trips at sea. ”We organise trolling camps at the hotel, allowing guests to learn all about how it works when fishing for salmon.”

From surfing to fishing

Affordable accommodation and high-end food

”As a hotel, we value an active life and like to offer guests a wide range of activities,” says manager Bettina Sjøstrøm. ”Near the hotel, you’ll find rock climbing, kayaking, wind surfing,

The hotel accommodation reflects the fact that guests are out and about most of the time. ”We recognise that guests would prefer to spend money on their leisure activities, so we offer simple and com-

fortable accommodation at affordable prices,” says the manager. The breakfast buffet is big and varied and in March and April dinner is offered too.

Bornholm has long been the number one island destination for tourists in Denmark, and for a small island it has wildly varied nature. Travel north to find the coastal cliffs or head south for the wide-open white sandy beaches. Along the coast are small fishing harbours and idyllic villages and towns. Moreover, it has recently become a popular destination among foodies, offering some high-end restaurants to stave off the hunger after an active day out.

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

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Clarion Hotel Malmö Live is the latest addition to the skyline.

Hotel of the Month, Sweden

Big, bold and beautiful Malmö has a new hotel and it is the largest one yet, featuring flexible conference facilities, a Mexican taqueria, a sky bar and the relaxed Living Room. Clarion Hotel & Congress Malmö Live is a meeting place for locals and visitors alike.

By Ellinor Thunberg | Photos: Clarion Hotel & Congress Malmö Live

The doors first opened on the night between 1 and 2 May, at one minute past midnight. Thousands of locals lined up to meet, mingle and explore the new addition to the restaurant and hotel scene. “It was a big happening and we got a very warm welcome,” says Jens Lyckman, CEO at Clarion Hotel Malmö Live.

The first few months have been going well. May and June saw several conferences and the quieter summer period still got to welcome plenty of holiday makers and locals. But now Lyckman is looking forward to autumn and winter.

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“We just launched our Christmas buffets, to take place in the congress hall during three days in December. The holiday season might seem far away, but it is the next big step,” he says.

Star-quality dining The hotel has two restaurants: Kitchen & Table on the 25th floor and the informal Mexican-style Eatery Social Taqueria on the ground floor. Both restaurants have been developed in close collaboration with Swedish celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, known for restaurants such as the Red Rooster in Harlem, New York.

“It has been a big success! The restaurants have been very popular with the locals so far,” says Lyckman. The new Malmö Live neighbourhood has even been nicknamed ‘Malmhattan’, thanks to its New York-based collaborator.

Eatery Social Taqueria is all about sharing and traditional Mexican food is mixed with street food trends straight from Los Angeles, New York – and Malmö. The sky bar on the 25th floor is the first of its kind in the city and has proved to be particularly popular.

“Many locals want to see the city from above,” says Lyckman, and no wonder.

The bar and restaurant is located 85 metres above ground and offer views not only of the city, but also of the Öresund region. You can even spot footballer Zla-

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Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Sweden

Mexican Eatery Social Taqueria offers a fusion of Mexican traditions and global street food trends, developed in collaboration with celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson.

The flexible congress facility accommodates up to 1,500 delegates.

tan Ibrahimovi´c’s house while you enjoy a nice cocktail.

he wants the hotel to have at least two big meetings per month.

A new neighbourhood

“We are definitely the largest hotel in Malmö now, with 444 hotel rooms, and there is a good market for what we do,” he says, explaining that the runner-up in size has around 300 rooms. The hotel industry in Malmö has grown rapidly from 3,900 rooms to 5,000 in total. This means there is plenty of choice for visitors.

Clarion Hotel Malmö Live is located in a whole new area, still under development, with residential properties, offices and a concert hall. “The neighbourhood is made for meetings. We are only two minutes from the central station and have part of the Malmö University campus across the street,” the CEO explains.

The hotel is a modern meeting place with a dedicated space called the Living Room.

The idea is to bring the city into the hotel with exhibitions, live gigs, DJ sessions and much more.

But it is not only size and location that make Clarion Hotel Malmö Live an attractive option. The 24 flexible conference rooms can accommodate virtually any type of event, from congresses and seminars to exhibitions, banquets, board meetings and parties.

The second-floor congress hall seats 1,500 delegates and has a ceiling height of 13 metres. It is even possible to bring a car here, thanks to the large elevator. Anyone seeking a truly unique setting can opt for the Sky High Live conference room on the 24th floor.

With seemingly never-ending possibilities, great food and entertainment, Lyckman’s vision to place the hotel and Malmö firmly on the global map seems well under way. “There is nothing we cannot do here,” he says.

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

Lyckman hopes that the new concert hall will play an important part in bringing more hotel guests and diners to the city too. “If the concert hall has great bookings, people will want to come and stay with us or other hotels and eat in restaurants around town,” he says. “It takes a while to establish a new neighbourhood. It is an ongoing process where one thing leads to another.”

Never-ending possibilities The close proximity to Denmark and Copenhagen Airport opens the door to international congresses, and Lyckman says

The sky bar and restaurant on the 25th floor offer stunning views of the city.

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Hotel of the Month, Norway

Back to basics Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a 19th century sleep over?

Paulsens Hotel in Lyngdal creates an authentic space where guests can escape the mayhem of modern life, reminisce, experience Norwegian traditions of the past, and maybe even hear a few ghost stories along the way.

in 2011. “We tried to keep everything within the same sort of time period – around 1900,” says Sandvand. “It has a ‘grandma’s old living room’ sort of feeling.”

By Maya Acharya | Photos: Paulsens Hotel

If you choose to stay at Paulsens, you are in for a full immersion. Sandvand and Neiienand like to keep signs of modern technology to a minimum and are indeed attentive to detail. Stepping in, you find yourself surrounded by an authentic 19th century interior. The staff await wearing locally-sewn traditional uniforms and in the café you will see an antique cash register, camouflaging the computer hidden behind it. There are ten bedrooms, two with private bathrooms. The rooms can accommodate up to 23 people in total and come complete with old-style furnishings and even chamber pots, which are deco-

Paulsens Hotel’s owners, couple and business partners Bent Sandvand and Jimmi Neiiendam, also known as Simon and Godtfred, are earnest as they suggest that the unique experience offered at their niche hotel is an informative, atmospheric and above all fun antidote to a contemporary society drowning in luxury.

“My philosophy is that the simple things in life are often the best. I think it’s good for us to be able to experience things the way they were and know how people used to

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live. It’s engaging and it gives us perspective,” says Sandvand.

Journey back in time The historic building itself dates back to 1894, when it was a hotel for British lords who fished for salmon in the area. Today it is owned by Reidun Nørsett who inherited the property. Sandvand and Neiiendam breathed fresh life into the building in 2010, and after a year of renovations, a coat of fresh paint and the riddance of anything that just did not fit, Paulsens opened

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Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Norway

rative but have been known to be put to use by an overenthusiastic guest or two.

History with a smile Nowadays guests can enjoy the Paulsens experience even without an overnight stay.

“We have what we call first, second and third-class experiences, which of course is just a humorous stab at the old social structures of those days,” explains Sandvand. “In first class, we host events and celebrations where, along with their dinner, guests get to try their hand at different tasks such as washing the floor, grinding coffee or ironing sheets. The idea is for it to be fun, and everyone has a good time. There’s a lot of laughing involved!”

The third-class experience means visiting the hotel’s café, which is open every day and serves local, traditional dishes inspired by both Norwegian and Danish cuisine. Everything that can be is homemade from scratch.

Paulsens Hotel’s number one rule for employees is that they should always be smiling. “Being happy and personable with guests is so important. If you have a jerk of a waiter, you’re likely to remember that rather than your meal. There’s not much that can’t be sorted out with a smile.”

Ghostly guests Aside from all the merriment and oldfashioned service, the most characteristic thing about Paulsens Hotel is surely its history. “Ever since I was around 11 or 12, I’ve always been interested in old things,” says Sandvand. “I like objects that have a history, and when people walk around Paulsen’s I enjoy pointing things out to them and telling them the story behind it.”

One of Paulsens Hotel’s stories is particularly peculiar. Before starting a hotel

business, Sandvand managed Sofiegården with his wife at the time and his two children. Sofiegården is a nearby farm that was inspired by a similar concept to that of Paulsens Hotel. The farm had its own intriguing history, having been inhabited by Sofie, a woman who spent her life tending to the farm and her sick mother. When Sandvand took over the farm, he came upon a jam jar full of love letters between Sofie and her English sweetheart, Harry, whom she was never

able to marry. In one particular letter, which Sandvand read to guests, Harry proposes to Sofie.

Years after the farm was sold, a guest arrived at Paulsens Hotel: a woman who told Sandvand that Sofie was annoyed at him for not taking her with him. And ever since that day, Sandvand has continued to read Sofie’s letter to guests at Paulsens.

“It was totally bizarre as this lady had no idea who Sofie was,” says Sandvand.

True or not, there is no denying that it is a good story, and one that matches the quirky personality of Paulsens Hotel.

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

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Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Iceland

The deluxe rooms offer private balconies or spectacular views across the sea and the mountains.

Hotel of the Month, Iceland

A place to relax in the heart of Reykjavík With a brand new building on the edge of the city centre, Hotel Klettur is perfectly located for experiencing all that Reykjavík has to offer. During your stay, you will usually find that you are just a short walk from wherever it is you want to go. If you rent a car to explore the rest of the country, you can leave it in the spacious on-site car park free of charge.

A good night’s sleep guaranteed

By Stephanie Lovell | Photos: Vigfu ́s Birgisson

The name Hotel Klettur derives from the boulder that can be seen seemingly bursting out from the wall as you enter the reception area. Although this has not been confirmed, it is suggested that the rock might have been left in place so as not to disturb any elves that may be living inside it. After all, during construction and road works, it is not uncommon for contractors to find themselves powerless to shift large boulders, which, according to Icelandic folklore, are home to the so-called hidden people. But elves or no elves, the comfort of guests was the main consideration

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a moment to sit down and relax, perhaps with a cold beer in hand. When they come back, they can unwind with a game of pool.”

when designing the hotel’s recentlyopened new building. Not only can many guests now enjoy stunning views from their luxury bedrooms, but they are also able to lounge around in the spacious reception area or kick back in the games room when they return from a day of sight-seeing.

“The games room is proving particularly popular with guests,” says Geir Gígja, sales and marketing manager at Hotel Klettur. “While they’re waiting around to be picked up for a day trip, they can take

Now with 166 rooms, Hotel Klettur has established itself as one of the larger hotels in Reykjavík. If you are travelling with your clan in tow, make sure to book one of the large and spacious family rooms.

Splash out on one of the 20 deluxe rooms and you could enjoy the luxury of your very own private balcony or a spectacular view across the sea and mountains. Despite the hotel’s central location, the surrounding area is so quiet that you can even sleep with the windows open, which is certainly not something you would expect right in the heart of the city. After all, Reykjavík has earned its reputation as a great party capital for a reason.

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Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Iceland

If you are hoping to experience some of this notorious nightlife, why not start the night off at the hotel bar? The daily happy hour allows you to sample Icelandic beers on drought without having to splurge. “In winter, if a northern lights tour is cancelled because of poor visibility, we’ll extend the happy hour and put on some special offers at the bar,” says Gígja. “Our signature drink is a northern lights cocktail, so even if you don’t get to see the phenomenon in action, you can always have the northern lights in a glass!”

At the heart of it all The fantastic location is undoubtedly one of Hotel Klettur’s main selling points. You will find yourself a short walk from all the city’s main attractions – Hallgrímskirkja church, the main shopping street Laugavegur and countless museums and galleries. Make like the locals and go for a bath in Sundhöllin, the oldest geothermal pool in Reykjavík just around the corner, or the ever-popular Laugardalslaug in the nearby Laugardalur valley.

When hunger strikes, Hotel Klettur is ready to take care of dinner reservations for you. There is an abundance of restaurants and cafes along the main stretch as well as in the hotel’s immediate vicinity.

“We often recommend Potturinn og Pan-

nan, which is just down the road, and one of the best Icelandic burger companies, Hamborgarafabbrikan, is also very close by,” says Gígja.

Plenty of space for you and your car Many people come to Iceland on fly-anddrive trips, which are a great way to explore the rest of the incredible island. By renting your own car, you are free to discover all the natural wonders in your own time and on your own terms. Guests at Hotel Klettur can make the most of free parking in spaces next to the hotel and in the underground car park, which accommodates up to 35 cars.

“If you don’t feel like driving yourself, there are plenty of guided tours to choose from,” says Gígja. “The most popular trips are the Golden Circle, the Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights tours in winter. For guests looking for a slightly more unusual trip, we often recommend super Jeep tours up on the glaciers.” In the very near future, a tour desk will be up and running in the hotel, ready to offer tips and schedule all your activities.

For more information, please visit: hotelklettur.is

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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Finland

Restaurant of the Month Finland:

The pearl of the esplanade Kappeli, in the centre of Helsinki, is one of the oldest and most charming restaurants in town. The lacey glass pavilion was the favourite of composer Jean Sibelius and many other important figures of Finnish history. This is a place to travel back in time while tasting modern Finnish food at its best.

By Mia Halonen | Photos: Ravintola Kappeli

If you have ever taken a stroll around the centre of Helsinki, chances are you have seen Kappeli. Nestled in the Esplanade Park, the beautiful restaurant is ideally located right next to the Market Square, the old Market Hall, Helsinki City Hall and the Presidential Palace. Kappeli is one of the oldest restaurants in Helsinki – or, actually, a restaurant, a bar, a café and a cellar that can be reserved for private functions – but is by no means stuck in the past. In fact, nowadays it is one of the best places to get a taste of modern Finnish cuisine. “This is a great, historic setting, but we want to keep it casual,” says

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restaurant manager Santeri Uusitalo. “We serve tasty, unpretentious Finnish food.

The menu changes with the seasons, so at lunch you can practically have the market place on your plate.” Finnish classics such as salmon and reindeer are staples on the menu.

Living history The history of Kappeli goes almost 150 years back in time. In the mid-1800s Helsinki was still just a small town, the newly appointed capital of the autonomous Grand Duchy of Finland under the rule of the Russian Czar. In the middle

of the pasture that is now the Esplanade Park, there was a small kiosk serving milk and cakes. The kiosk was called Kappeli as a wordplay: the word for a shepherd in Latin also means a pastor, and naturally a pastor needs a chapel!

In 1867 the wooden kiosk was replaced with a stylish new building. The new Kappeli quickly became the hotspot for young artists such as composer Jean Sibelius, painter Akseli Gallen-Kallela and poet Eino Leino. The restaurateur felt sympathetic towards the struggling artists so the bills were often paid in paintings. That is why there are still valuable pieces of art in Kappeli, including a mural in the kitchen.

There are countless stories about these artists, many of which became the core of the Finnish national movement. Perhaps

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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Finland

the most famous anecdote is the one about Sibelius’s wife calling Kappeli to ask when her husband might come home. “I am a composer, not a clairvoyant,” Sibelius reportedly replied. This year Kappeli celebrates the 150-year anniversary of Sibelius’s birth with a special menu and several musical events.

Around the clock, all year round You could easily spend a whole day under the same roof. Have your morning coffee or some pastry for lunch at the Kappeli café in the Market Square side-wing of the building, dine at the restaurant and have a few drinks in the cosy bar. The kitchen serves food until late every evening of the year except Christmas, which is a relief for people looking for a place to have dinner in Helsinki on a Sunday night when most restaurants are closed.

In the summertime the Kappeli terrace is arguably the most popular terrace in town. The Esplanade is a perfect place to socialise and do some people watching and the outdoor stage with daily live performances is a great attraction. But Kappeli is attractive every other time of the year too: on a dark night, Kappeli lights up like an exotic lantern in the midst of the autumn colours. Pure white snow with Christmas lights make it look like something straight out of a fairytale in the winter. And around the spring fest on the eve

of May Day, Kappeli is conveniently located right at the centre of the festivities, next to the statue of Havis Amanda.

The changing Kappeli menus reflect the four seasons perfectly. After the abundance of fresh summer vegetables, there is Baltic herring on the lunch menu during the Herring festival in the Market Square Harbour. During the festive season, Kappeli is the perfect place to enjoy traditional Finnish Christmas delicacies, at the beginning of the year it is popular for enjoying blinis, and spring means it is time for the restaurant’s famous asparagus weeks.

A real gem Kappeli works closely with a number of cultural institutions. Ask for the excellent package deals if you want to check out the newest exhibition at the national art museum Ateneum or the hit show at Svenska Teatern at the other end of the Esplanade.

But how can any restaurant stay so successful decade after decade? “It is the combination of a great location, a unique building and the focus on Finnish food,” Uusitalo sums up. “Kappeli is a real gem – there is nothing quite like it.”

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

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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Norway

Restaurant of the Month, Norway

A real-life postcard In this little village on the west coast of Norway, just inches from the stunning Geiranger fjord, going to the post office has taken on a whole new meaning. These days, it means visiting the beloved Brasserie Posten.

By Stine Wannebo | Photos: Brasserie Posten

Few associate a delicious meal or a soft piece of home-baked pastry with going to the post office. Yet, to the 220 inhabitants of the little village in the innermost part of the Geiranger fjord, that is just what it entails. The fusion between old and new is nothing short of stunning, as the traditional community hub has been turned into a spectacular place to dine.

is definitely local at heart. He runs the restaurant together with his love, Malin Merok, who inherited the old post office.

“Her great grandfather was the first to bring a mail service to this part of the country,” Løken enthuses. “He opened his very own post office right here and his son started selling postcards with images he had photographed and developed himself.”

An historic legacy Brasserie Posten has only been open for three short years, but there is no doubt that the restaurant has captivated locals and visitors alike. According to chef and owner Kenneth Løken, the establishment

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Postcard-perfect Few places in the world have surroundings as dramatic and idyllic as Geiranger.

That is certainly the reason why visitors from all across the globe travel far to get

a glimpse of this deep-blue fjord. In summer, majestic cruise ships come in and out of the fjord like they were ferries. The area is blossoming, bustling with the added liveliness of its visitors. “The town magically duplicates during the summer months. It’s by far the busiest time of year, but it also allows us to challenge ourselves and create something truly special,” says Løken.

The many nationalities, represented not only by the tourists but also by those who choose to spend their summers working in Geiranger, generate a creative and original atmosphere. But nothing can overshadow the undeniable beauty of this spectacular scenery: the stunningly green hills, the fresh, turquoise streams and the time-honoured buildings are so exceptional that it can only be described as postcard-perfect. No wonder it is one of

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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Norway

the most precious locations of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

Flavourful, local cuisine

Right: Norwegian beer is one of owner Løken’s passions, and this autumn the restaurant will join forces with other local beer enthusiasts to open up a new local brewery.

While the name has lasted for almost half a century, the purpose of Brasserie Posten has changed a great deal. The most important ingredients on the premises today are local, fresh and tasty foods.

All guests are guaranteed the highest quality of whatever they have on their plates, be it specially-made cheese, locally-grown vegetables or deer meat from a local huntsman.

“We make rough, solid and flavourful home-cooked food,” says Løken. Although the menu changes up to four times during summer, the traditional favourites stay put. Returning guests often ask for the scrumptious fish soup, and it is important that the dish is exactly as tasty as they remember it.

Despite the ever-changing environment, the two owners of Brasserie Posten take pride in keeping to their traditions all year round. In summer, the stylish restaurant houses outdoor play nights and delightful tunes can be heard far up into the mountains. Every month, one day is dedicated to local cuisine – a joyous occasion for all the residents.

Brasserie Posten is located at one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

Small, independent suppliers and brewers The heart and soul of the restaurant is undeniably local. Løken loves choosing his ingredients fresh from independent suppliers and businesses such as his own.

“We independents need to support each other,” he insists. Besides, this is what he believes will secure his guests the best produce Norway has to offer.

Norwegian beer is one of Løken’s passions, and Brasserie Posten can now offer over 100 types of beer from over 25 different suppliers from all over the country.

“Beer can be extremely exciting; there are so many different types and tempting flavours out there,” he explains. This autumn, the owners of the praised restaurant will open their very own brewery together with some other local beer enthusiasts. Geiranger Bryggeri will be the next exhilarating adventure for the family of five and no better place for a craft beer brewery to begin its journey.

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

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Restaurant of the Month, Sweden

Luleå’s meeting place for foodies This no-nonsense bistro with a northern touch presents a contrast between traditional rustic dishes and modern innovation, offering an inspirational food experience at one of the hottest restaurants in town.

particular for big occasions such as birthday parties and client meetings.”

Northern elements

By Malin Norman | Photos: Bistro Norrland

Bistro Norrland is located by the Norrbotten Theatre by the water in Luleå and has been open to theatre visitors and other guests and business clients since 2011. The restaurant focuses on traditional Swedish food and takes inspiration from the international bistro culture.

“We stay true to the classic base which we know well, and it works for our guests. It is important for us to be honest with what we do, unpretentious but with consistently good quality,” says restaurant manager Fredrik Sidevärn.

The restaurant is a good alternative for

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small and large groups alike, and guests tend to return because, as Sidevärn explains, “they know what they will get. We offer high quality and are considered a safe option; guests won’t run the risk of getting disappointed. This is important in

The old port magazine building, including the theatre and restaurant, was refurbished in 2009, all taken care of by an architecture firm on behalf of Luleå municipality. There are no chandeliers or white tablecloths in this bistro – it features typical Scandinavian modern design with a focus on bringing out the best of its

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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Sweden

coastal setting. The atmosphere is relaxed, with the sea just outside the door. In summer it boasts beautiful views of the pier and in winter it makes for a warm and snug experience.

As with its low-key design and natural environment, the restaurant serves up nofuss rustic food with the local northern produce in mind. The team works with vegetables grown nearby and meat from farmers in the area. “We recognise the importance of locally-produced food; however, we won’t let that compromise our focus on quality. We need the ingredients to be good, no matter where they are from – this is the most crucial element in our dishes.”

Food and craft beer trend Much has happened on the restaurant scene in Luleå, a city with a population of around 75,000 and with a fairly limited offering for eating out four to five years ago.

“When we opened, we were the only place offering oysters, steak tartare and slowcooked food,” says Sidevärn. Since then, the food trend has picked up and is thriving, and many new hotels and restaurants have opened. “It’s like a snowball effect.

This is great news for us entrepreneurs and creators as competition will drive us forward, and it is much more fun!”

He speaks of the craft beer revolution, which has reached Sweden and can be seen also in Luleå. Bistro Norrland offers

craft beer from microbreweries in the region and has hosted events such as the launch of beers from Tjers Brewery in Överkalix. “We have a large selection of beers for a fairly small restaurant, with around 45 different beers on bottle.” The restaurant has its own sommelier, giving advice on combining food with wine as well as beer.

Events for foodies In addition to the booming restaurant and craft beer market, the locals are becoming interested in food more generally and more aware of trends and flavours. An example of upcoming events is the International Street Market, which takes place

1-5 September, with food from more than 15 countries for people to try.

Amongst previous city events is the Luleå Port Festival in July, with dance, music and food. Bistro Norrland was of course involved, and the restaurant has hosted other events in cooperation with clubs and music festivals. During the summer months there is a DJ playing in the openair part of the restaurant – all in line with the modern but relaxed low-key bistro concept.

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

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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Denmark

Restaurant of the Month, Denmark

Intimate, heartfelt dining in the middle of Aarhus After years of honing their skills as chefs at a top restaurant in Aarhus, Kristine Rødbro and Michell Nielsen jumped at the chance to fulfil their shared dream of opening their very own restaurant when premises became available on Vesterbro Torv. The result was Restaurant Møf, known simply as Møf to friends and regulars, and after three months of hard work refurbishing and drawing up a menu, Rødbro and Nielsen were ready to show diners what they were capable of. “We wanted to create a place where it felt like the guests were visiting us at home,” Rødbro says. “We wanted to offer exciting food in chilled-out surroundings, and to share the cooking process with guests.”

By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Erik Zappon

The pair hit it off professionally from the get-go, discovering that their culinary tastes and dreams for the future were highly compatible. “As employees in different restaurants, we always had to adhere to certain culinary traditions of, say, classic French cuisine,” Nielsen explains.

“We both had a strong interest in taking the best of different culinary traditions

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and mixing various preparation methods and ingredients into new, exciting combinations.”

Today, they describe their culinary style as “international with a focus on Danish seasons”. While they might serve classic fish or meat cuts, they will look beyond the standard accompanying fries to find more

exciting seasonal produce and combinations to perfectly fit the dish, such as fennel, chanterelles or blackcurrant. Coming up with the perfect flavour combination can take weeks, but it is a process they savour.

The essence of Møf “Back at our old job, we’d share our concoctions with each other, and we developed this principle that if something was good, we’d go back and keep working on it until it was great,” Rødbro explains.

“When we then reached a stage where we thought we really had a winner, we’d bestow the highest praise upon each other: ‘This is møf!’” ‘Møf’ (pronounced ‘meuf’), meaning ‘yummy’ or ‘nom’, became the obvious choice of name when Nielsen and Rødbro finally opened their own restaurant. By that time, they had a very clear

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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Denmark

idea of what their dream restaurant would be like. “From the beginning, we knew we wanted a cosy, cave-like atmosphere and petroleum blue walls,” says Nielsen and adds: “Soon after meeting, we bought a book together where we noted down all our ideas through the years. We just knew we’d end up opening a restaurant together.”

The open-plan spaces and open kitchen were always part of the plan, too. “We were looking to create an intimate, unpretentious place where you could turn up wearing exactly what you wanted and just sit back and enjoy.” While the food meets the highest professional standards, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.

The restaurateurs are helped by just one waiter who takes care of the wine menu: all the food is prepared, dished up and served by Nielsen and Rødbro – in full view of everyone.

A unique feature popular with critics and guests alike is the option to dine at the bar, right by the kitchen area where you can observe Rødbro and Nielsen bring their beautiful, delicate dishes to life. “We wanted to create an open-plan kitchen to invite guests to share the cooking process,” Rødbro explains. “It means that we can have a chat with the guests and tell them about what they’re about to taste. It’s great fun for us, and it seems to be for the guests too!”

The menu changes every month according to season. While this means extra work, it feeds the chefs’ creativity and ensures the best-quality ingredients. Both Nielsen and Rødbro seem to thrive under pressure.

Their vision and exciting flavour combinations have been lauded by food critics and guests alike, and the restaurant has received rave reviews. What’s more, in the middle of all their hard work, they have somehow managed to find time to fall for each other. “Well, we’re actually engaged now,” Nielsen grins. “We spend all our time here, but we don’t mind,” says Rødbro. “It feels like home to us, and we love to share it with our guests.”

Vesterport 10, 8000 Århus C +45 61 73 3333 info@restaurantmoef.com Thursday-Saturday 5.30-10pm Sunday-Monday 5.30-9pm For more information, please visit: www.restaurantmoef.com

Blossoming under pressure While the Aarhus native Rødbro had experience of co-running a restaurant and both foodies were expecting a great deal of work, they have been surprised by just how much time is taken up by administration. “We considered hiring a third chef,” Rødbro admits, “but we’ve decided that thus far, we’re managing pretty well.

This is our baby, and while it’s hard work, we love it. We have to keep it small for now, and we don’t have a car, for example, as we can’t afford one yet, but it’s all ours.” The intimacy of the place is part of its charm, and having only Rødbro and Nielsen at the helm means that they can take pride in serving their exact vision and nothing else.

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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Iceland

Restaurant of the Month, Iceland

Iceland by taste buds In Café Loki, a restaurant that overlooks the beautiful church Hallgrímskirkja in downtown Reykjavík, is a painting that portrays the story of Loki Laufeyjarson found in the Eddas, braiding in characters from which nearby streets take their names. Café Loki, its name deriving from the street of Loki, is a restaurant that specialises in premium-quality traditional Icelandic food.

By Ingunn Huld Sævarsdóttir | Photos: Jo ́n Pa ́ll Vilhelmsson

The couple, Hrönn Vilhelmsdóttir and Þórólfur Antonsson, had been living with the back view of Hallgrímskirkja. After a photo exhibition they held in the church, the idea of opening up a restaurant serving the people coming to view the church and greet the statue of Leifur Eiríksson was born.

“We had visited other countries and enjoyed getting to know their cuisine, but this was something we felt was lacking in Iceland,” says Vilhelmsdóttir. “You can’t just keep on talking about wanting to see this happening while waiting for others to step out and do it.”

A designer by trade, Vilhelmsdóttir brings a unique angle to the table and has put together a creative menu that encompasses

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Iceland’s cuisine in a traditional yet fresh way. She has an unmistakable passion for sharing her legacy with travellers coming to Iceland.

“People travel with their taste buds – it’s a way of experiencing the country, because it’s not just about the weather and the mountains,” she says. “We want to help people get to know Icelandic culture through quality cuisine.”

Coming from a creative field, Vilhelmsdóttir says that using her creativity in Café Loki has been a fun experience. With visual menus, she says she enjoys seeing costumers talk over photos while ordering, not just reading and deciding without knowing what their dish is going to look like, ordering something blindly, if you

like. She has built good relationships with customers who come back with a photo asking for “the same dish, please”.

Vilhelmsdóttir and her family have been bold to stick to their special thing, not following the masses but staying true to what they started out with. Moreover, they have dared to think outside the box in terms of their desserts, made from local ingredients such as Icelandic skyr, and Café Loki is famous for its rye bread ice cream. “It’s a very old recipe and also comes from the mindset of centuries of housewives thinking practically about how to be efficient,” the restaurateur explains.

Today we would probably call it organic.

For more information, please visit: www.loki.is

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Scan Magazine | Humour | Columns

IS IT JUST ME...

By Mette Lisby

Who is terrified of watching Donald Trump run for President of the United States?

Actually, it is not even the running for President part that freaks me out. It is Donald himself.

It is not the fact that his natural face colour seems to be orange (!), which from a fashion standpoint is actually tres chic since it matches his hair. Nor is it the fact that he is soaring in the polls, even though I do not get why.

Some Trump supporters and even political so-called analysts claim that Trump’s success in the polls is due to Trump “saying it as it is”.

Saying what as what it is?

So far, he has said nothing that turns out to actually be true. Basically, he is just saying things that roam under his orange hair. So in a way, he is more “saying it as it is not”, and apparently there is a huge appetite for that amongst republican voters.

I do understand that the American voters want transparency in a system that blatantly lacks it. I also see the appeal of a simplistic world in which every crisis can be solved with a super heroic “I’m just gonna tell Putin, ‘stop that!’ and then I’m gonna say to Iran, ‘screw you, because I’ve got a bigger bomb than you

have’.” Seriously, this is the level of solutions Mr. Trump is currently offering.

After his infamous speech in which he declared Mexican immigrants to be criminals, rapists, thieves and/or drug lords, Trump was fired by TV stations NBC, Univision and Macy’s apparel department. Donald answered by suing NBC, Univision and Macy’s, calling them “gutless”, “idiots” and “scum”. Not exactly a presidential solution, unless you run a country as though you were either a five-year-old kindergarten bully or a backstreet mobster.

And that is what scares me. Because that reaction speaks volumes of the world he usually operates in: a system where you can bully your way forward, where lawyers are let loose like wild dogs, because those who win in the courtroom are always the ones with the most money – just like in politics.

But as far as Presidents go, let me just say this: orange is not the new black.

Rave

By Maria Smedstad

The first time I heard U96’s techno remix of Das Boot, I realised that I was a Raver. Unfortunately at the time I was living in an industrial town in the north of Sweden, where the closest thing to a rave was the local under-18s disco.

Added to this, dance CDs were hard to come by and the local clothes shops did not sell anything remotely rave-y. So I took to creating my own outfits, using gaffer tape and car spray paint.

Needless to say, the results were not great.

Even my short-lived joy at finding some Guarana chewing gum in a health food shop, which promised to keep me dancing all night, died swiftly once I realised that the under-18s disco would not let me dance all night.

Then of course I moved to England, where – joy of joys – I realised there were places that would.

They were not technically raves, but the closest thing to it – dirty old train tunnels that doubled up as a slightly more legal alternative. The first

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.

My raving days are over, but one thing that I will forever love about the UK is the infinite choices available. Moving here was hard for all the usual reasons, but the fact that it offered one homesick teenager the opportunity to slap UVreactive goo on her face and feel like she finally belonged, is something that I will always be grateful for.

time I experienced strangers’ sweat, turning into condensation in a poorly ventilated space and raining down like some kind of revolting indoor shower, I felt completely elated. Grossness aside, it was the kind of euphoria that follows the feeling of being exactly where you want to be.

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 112 | Conferences of the Month 113 | Business Column 116 | Scandinavian Business Calendar 116

113

114

115

The end to long-term non-domiciled tax status

By Helena Whitmore, senior wealth structuring adviser, SEB Private Banking UK The new Conservative UK government is now in place, and the first budget has been delivered.

During the course of the election campaign, both the Labour party and the Conservatives promised to make further changes to the taxation of nondomiciled individuals ('non-doms'). This was confirmed in the budget, which contained a number of far-reaching proposals in this area. As a result, many international individuals will need to review their UK tax status and prepare for a different set of rules going forward.

So who will be affected? The concept of domicile can be confusing, and is based on the individual’s family origin as well as their longterm intentions. It is not the same as the concept of residence. Someone who was born outside the UK to foreign parents but comes to live in the UK for a limited period will be treated as resident in the UK but not domiciled here, unless he or she decides to remain in the UK permanently.

So far, it has been possible to retain nondomiciled status for many years, provided that there is an intention to leave the UK at some point (perhaps on retirement, or when the children finish their education). It is possible to change domicile by cutting off ties with the country of origin and settling permanently somewhere else, but in many cases, despite living in another country for a long time, the individual’s domicile will not change. This is evidenced by many Scandinavians in the UK, who still keep strong emotional ties to their home country after many years away.

One of the potential benefits of having nondom status is the option to make a claim to be taxed on the 'remittance basis' (whereby certain 112 | Issue 80 | September 2015

non-UK income and gains are only taxable in the UK if brought to or used in the UK directly or indirectly, rather than taxable as they arise, which is the normal rule). The long-term availability of this system has been questioned by many commentators. The government recognises that non-doms contribute a significant amount to the UK economy, but has stated that it wants to make the system fairer, so that those who choose to live in the UK for a long time should be taxed like everyone else.

The budget therefore proposes that a concept of 'deemed domicile' will be introduced for all tax purposes with effect from April 2017, which will apply to non-doms who have been resident in the UK for 15 or more out of the past 20 years. After being deemed domiciled in the UK, the remittance basis will no longer be available, and UK inheritance tax will also apply to their worldwide assets. There is already a deemed domicile rule which applies to inheritance tax only, but the new rule will replace that and apply after a shorter period in the UK. Under the current rules, after seven years of residence in the UK, there is an annual Remittance Basis Charge payable for using the remittance basis system. Depending on the level of income arising, in many cases the cost of making the claim already outweighs the potential benefits (the charge ranges from £30,000 to £90,000 per annum). From April 2017, there will be no such option for those who have exceeded the 15-year limit.

At the same time, the government intends to introduce new rules to ensure that non-doms can no longer use overseas structures to pro-

tect UK residential property from UK inheritance tax. There will also be a new rule for UK individuals who claim to have taken a new domicile of choice while living abroad, so that they can no longer claim non-dom status for tax purposes if they later return to the UK. A consultation process will take place before the new legislation draft is produced. Those who are affected will need to take advice to ensure that they fully understand what their new status involves.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

Helena Whitmore, senior wealth structuring advisor, SEB Private Banking UK

For more information, email privatebanking@seb.co.uk or call 020 7246 4307

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Scan Magazine | Conference of the Month | Denmark

Conference of the Month, Denmark

Mixing business and pleasure At the very top of Zealand, Denmark, lies the charming old sea town of Gilleleje, famed for its buzzing traditional fishing port and its growing summer festival scene.

Gilleleje’s crooked old streets and beautiful beaches have seen the area become one of the most attractive holiday destinations for Zealanders, and for the past 30 years the conference and holiday centre Kysthusene has accommodated colleagues, party guests and families alike in the individual holiday homes that gave the resort its nickname, the Coast Cottages.

By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Kysthusene

“One of the things our guests say they appreciate the most about us is that Gilleleje is within easy reach from Copenhagen, but just far away enough to be a real distraction from everyday life,” says CEO Kit Haubro Sørensen. Gilleleje is just an hour’s drive from the capital and reachable by train, but the area serves up some of Denmark’s most beautiful countryside with long, sandy beaches, peaceful beech forests and luscious fields, providing the perfect setting for most outdoor pursuits, from quiet, reflective walks to highadrenaline team-building exercises.

“Businesses really like to get creative with employees,” Sørensen says. “Mini

triathlons and diving lessons are popular, but so are cooking courses in the cottages and lessons at Passebækgård Golf Club down the road.” Kysthusene works with qualified instructors and event managers to provide companies with the perfect break from the office and can make almost any idea come true. “It’s very, very rare that there’s something we can’t do,” Sørensen elaborates. “As it stands, we’re getting quite experienced in camel riding!”

Rooms of any shape and size are available for meetings, conferences and parties and come complete with the latest IT and AV equipment. The excellent Restaurant Kys-

thusene and the beach-side café Kystgården serve up delicious dishes based on the best organic, local produce, and the chefs love working with clients to create the perfect menu for any event. Guests stay in one of the 88 spacious, fullyserviced cottages. “Although we’re close to town,” Sørensen adds, “we’re like our own little village out here by the sea.”

All overnight guests get full access to Kysthusene’s sparkling new facilities, including its sports park, activities room, sauna and 25-metre heated outdoor pool – if they get tired of the sea and the indoor pool, that is. Those looking for uncompromised, activity-free relaxation need not worry: there are regular bonfires on the beach and a new wellness centre to enjoy, and a short bus ride or stroll takes you to Gilleleje’s idyllic harbour with its many great seafood restaurants.

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

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Scan Magazine | Conference of the Month | Iceland

Conference of the Month, Iceland

The power of nature to unleash your full business potential With its solid infrastructure and nature at every turn to inspire creativity and innovation, Reykjavík is a premier meeting destination for business travellers. By employing the resources and know-how of Meet in Reykjavík Convention Bureau, your next conference, meeting or event is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.

reau is ready to help you discover everything the northernmost capital has to offer.

proach, and business travellers may find they could learn something from the local mindset. “We Icelanders have a real can-do attitude,” enthuses Laxdal. “We live by the motto ‘þetta reddast’, or ‘it will all work out okay’, meaning we embrace a challenge and, thanks to relatively little red tape and our professionalism, are able to accomplish many difficult tasks.”

Solid infrastructure you can depend on

Innovate while indulging your soul

“Not many people realise just how modern Reykjavík is,” says Brynja Laxdal, director of marketing at Meet in Reykjavík. “We have everything you’d expect from a capital city – shopping, restaurants, buzzing nightlife – but on a smaller, easier-to-navigate scale.

The city centre is safe, clean and hasslefree.”

These days, businesses are increasingly looking for ways to incorporate the notion of wellness into their conferences, meetings and incentive programmes. “Research has shown how much of an influence our surroundings have on our wellbeing,” explains Laxdal. “Nature has the power to invigorate us and increase our ability to pay attention during meeting sessions. Through exposure to nature, the mind is able to rest, relax and revive.”

By Stephanie Lovell | Photos: Harpa & Nature

Ash spewing from unpronounceable volcanoes and scorching geothermal water shooting out of the ground are just some of the images that come to many peoples’ minds when they think of Iceland. Yet, what they may not realise is that there is a vibrant and cosmopolitan urban centre nestled in the midst of all these natural wonders.

Reykjavík boasts a variety of modern meeting facilities and lies midway between Europe and North America, making it the ideal venue for a successful international business event. Serving as your connection to a wide range of Icelandic planners and suppliers, Meet in Reykjavík Convention Bu-

114 | Issue 80 | September 2015

The friendly locals, most of whom speak fluent English, are incredibly easy to ap-

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Scan Magazine | Conference of the Month | Iceland

Photo: Icelandair Hotel Marina

Photo: Hilton Reykjavík Nordica

Photo: Harpa Eldborg

Many meeting facilities in Reykjavík offer stunning views of mountains, sea and, on a clear day, even glaciers – all of which you can turn to for inspiration should you hit a mental block. The recently built Harpa Conference Centre, housed in an iconic, ecofriendly building on the sea front, looks out across a spectacular bay. During breaks between meetings, you can step outside and wander along the walking paths by the sea – an ideal way to network with potential clients or bond with colleagues.

event – isn’t that truly a luxury in today’s fast-paced world?”

evening soaking in the Blue Lagoon – the perfect way to unwind after a long day of brainstorming.

Moments of luxury “So many people talk about the special energy they experience when they come to Iceland. Unlike in other capital cities, you’re not constantly surrounded by hundreds of people, which gives you a chance to recharge your batteries,” says Laxdal. “To be able to go out into nature and experience stillness while you’re attending a business

With nature literally on your doorstep, you would be forgiven for never venturing beyond the city’s limits during your stay.

Some will be satisfied with simply admiring the mountains bordering the city from stunning viewing points along the sea or taking a whale-watching trip from the old harbour. However, Meet in Reykjavík has several destination management companies in its network of suppliers that can help organise an afternoon of white-water rafting, snowmobiling or horseback riding – great activities for icebreakers or team-building.

“The companies we work with have years of experience in Icelandic conditions, so planners can be confident that every precaution is taken to ensure the safety and enjoyment of participants,” says Laxdal. For those less inclined to action and adventure, spend an

“When travelling on business, you want to go to a place that cultivates your curiosity, takes your breath away and leaves you with unforgettable memories. Reykjavík is that place,” says Laxdal. “Here, you can channel the energy emanating from the nature surrounding you into creative ideas that will lead to successful business transactions, while at the same time reviving your inner spirit. A destination that fulfils all the professional demands of a conference, meeting or event and leaves participants with lasting impressions is surely something every event planner is looking for.”

For more information, please visit: www.meetinreykjavik.is

“Through exposure to nature, the mind is able to rest, relax and revive," says Brynja Laxdal. Photo: Meet in Reykjavík

Photo: Fontana Spa Laugarvatn

Photo: Blue Lagoon Iceland

Issue 80 | September 2015 | 115

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Scan Magazine | Business | Column / Calendar

Fruit salad Are you a peach or a coconut?

In the weird and sometimes wonderful world of intercultural communication, peaches are people who are soft on the outside but have a hard inside which protects their essential identity; coconuts are hard on the outside but, once you’ve finally got through the shell, you find the goodness inside.

The middle-aged German addressed as Herr Schmidt and ‘sie’ not ‘du’, and whose colleagues have not the slightest knowledge of his private life, is a prize coconut. The American lady who, at our first business meeting, startled me by inviting me to a dinner party she was having with friends at her home that evening, was a classic peach.

Coconuts present a professional persona to the world but keep their private domain separate: the shell defines the boundary of both their physical and their

By Steve Flinders

emotional territories. Peaches, on the other hand, do not link the two. Just because the American you meet on your business trip warmly invites you over for a barbecue, this entry into their personal territory is not necessarily an invitation into their personal emotional space.

Peaches may in fact view relationships as more short-term. They will certainly have a different approach to small talk.

The analogies are absurdly simplistic – peaches are not really hard in the middle – but these constructs can help reduce potential misunderstanding, for which there is huge scope. It certainly helped the Swedes I once worked with who were baffled by the behaviour of their southern Mediterranean partners on an EU project. Peach/coconut-ness may be a feature of your culture – national, corporate or other – or may be part of your individual psychology – an interpersonal rather

than an intercultural phenomenon, or a mix of these.

So, peach or coconut? Or perhaps you would prefer to be an apple or a cherry...

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/ steve-flinders

Scandinavian Business Calendar – Scandinavian business events not to be Finnish-British Chamber turns 50 The Finnish-British Chamber of Commerce wants to celebrate its 50th anniversary with you at Skinners’ Hall in London. Drinks and canapés will be served while Mr. Björn Wahlroos, Chairman of the Board at Sampo Group, Nordea and UPM-kymmene, shares his insight of the market economy.

Time and date: 7 Sep, 5pm–9pm Venue: Skinners’ Hall, 8 ½ Dowgate Hill, London EC4R 2SP Book launch for networking ideas The Danish Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Fritz Hansen and LID Publishing, invites you to the book launch of Simone Andersen’s The Networking Book: 50 ways to develop strategic relationships. Andersen has developed her own networking strategy, called Networking 2.0, and now she wants to share it with you. There is a limited number of places 116 | Issue 80 | September 2015

available so do not hesitate to sign up.

Time and date: 15 Sep, 6.30pm–8.30pm Venue: Republic of Fritz Hansen, 13/14 Margaret St, London W1W 8RN The Changing City It is no secret that more and more people move to cities such as London and Stockholm, forcing said cities to constantly adapt to the changes. This Swedish Chamber forum aims to explore the phenomenon of urbanisation, bringing together senior representatives from Scania, Securitas, White Architects and ScanProp to discuss the global challenge of growing cities.

Time and date: 17 Sep, 6pm–9pm Venue: London County Hall Nordic Thursday Drinks Every last Thursday of the month, members and friends of the Norwegian, Danish and Finnish Chambers of Commerce

in the UK gather for Nordic Networking Drinks. 24 September is no exception.

This time the Nordic Thursday Drinks will be hosted at the Scandinavian-inspired restaurant Kupp in Paddington.

Time and date: 24 Sep, 6pm–8pm Venue: Kupp, Unit 53, 5 Merchant Square, Paddington, London, W2 1AS

2_1_ScanMag_80_Sep-Oct_2015_Q9_Scan Magazine 1 15/09/2015 19:40 Page 117

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2_1_ScanMag_80_Sep-Oct_2015_Q9_Scan Magazine 1 15/09/2015 19:40 Page 118

Scan Magazine | Feature | Scandinavian Everyday Heroes

Scandinavian everyday heroes – bringing Scandinavian food to Londoners, one pun at a time If there is one thing that is immediately evident about Brontë Aurell, it is that she is determined and really, really hardworking. In addition to running the UK’s by far most popular Scandinavian café together with her husband Jonas, she is churning out great ideas, campaigns and creative projects like some sort of superwoman. Not that she would ever describe herself in those terms. “Most businesses fail within a year of starting out. We simply couldn’t afford to be one of them,” she says about the early days of ScandiKitchen.

By Linnea Dunne | Photos: Pete Cassidy

The Aurells pulled it off, and in the most spectacular of ways. Whether to tempt fate or out of pure madness is unclear, but they decided to match the opening day of their new café with the due date of their firstborn, also Brontë’s birthday. “I guess being nine months pregnant and it being my due date meant we did consider the possibility of the two events coinciding, but we didn’t think it would be the same 24 hours. In the end, it was the café’s birthday, my birthday and the baby’s birthday all in one,” says Brontë. “At least we never forget that date.”

118 | Issue 80 | September 2015

Baby Astrid arrived close to midnight after a busy first day at the café, and Jonas slept in a chair at the hospital only to head back to open the shop at 7am the following morning – feeling doomed, one might think. But Brontë shakes her head. “We felt blessed – and tired. Very, very tired.”

The ScandiKitchen cookbook Lesson learned: having a great team is key. Eight years later, that team is as much of a cornerstone to ScandiKitchen as the open sandwiches it is known for and the daily puns on the A-board outside.

So much so it seems, that Brontë, despite both the café and its webshop doing extremely well, decided to go and write a cookbook.

The ScandiKitchen invites the reader into a Scandinavian pantry, outlining what the key Nordic ingredients are and listing the must-haves for your kitchen all the while holding your hand through your first attempt at making sautéed reindeer, baking rye bread and preparing a smörgåsbord.

Moreover, it irons out those all-important Scandinavian concepts: from Midsummer to Lucia, from fika to hygge.

Friendly and welcoming The book is founded on a strong conviction that there is more to Nordic food than pickled herring and meatballs (though you will find recipes for these here too, of course) and that it really does not have to be complicated. The tone throughout is familiar to anyone who has ever set foot in

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Scan Magazine | Feature | Scandinavian Everyday Heroes Food photos: Ryland Peters & Small

the ScandiKitchen café: friendly, unpretentious and welcoming.

This is one of the secrets to their success, thinks Brontë: “ScandiKitchen is a place for everybody, a place people feel welcome,” she explains, “along with being a place where people can gather and soak up a bit of Scandi atmosphere, eat some open sandwiches and good cakes and listen to ABBA or whatever we are playing that day.” And get free hugs, as anyone who follows the café’s Facebook page will be aware of. “We’re not design-led or fancy – we’re just… hyggelig.”

Proud immigrant There is an uncomplicated matter-of-factness about Brontë’s attitude and tireless determination, and it is with exactly that candid bluntness she dismisses the idea that she lives in a Scandinavian bubble in London. “We are of course part of the wonderful Scandinavian community in London, but we’re immigrants – not expats – and we have settled here,” she insists. “We don’t live in a Scandi area; our

kids go to a local English school. If I need to pick a label for myself, then I’m a proud immigrant.”

In fact, it was a chat with her daughter about what immigration really is that resulted in Brontë starting the hashtag #proudimmigrant on social media. Shortly later, t-shirts were printed and for sale in the webshop, and Brontë was in full swing talking passionately to British media about the positive impact of immigration on both the UK and Scandinavia. Busy?

Who? But part of being an immigrant is missing a certain thing or two from home. That was how the Aurells had the idea for the café in the first place, and that is one of the reasons why the webshop was set up and is doing so well. A knock-on effect and additional aim of the entrepreneurs is spreading the word about the gorgeous, healthy simplicity of Nordic food. “That’s what the idea of ScandiKitchen was always about: making the food we miss from home and introducing it to the peo-

ple around us. Good food with love from Scandinavia, as we like to call it,” says Brontë. With a Scandinavian cookbook to boot, there surely is no stopping them.

Name: Brontë Aurell.

Family: Husband Jonas and daughters Astrid (8) and Elsa (6).

Does: Run Scandinavian café ScandiKitchen in central London.

Favourite Scandinavian food: Open sandwiches.

Three Scandinavian pantry musthaves: Good rye- or crispbread; a great cheese, such as Västerbotten or Riberhus; and salty liquorice.

New: The ScandiKitchen cookbook is out, published by Ryland Peters & Small, on 8 Oct 2015.

For more information, visit www.scandikitchen.co.uk or pop in for open sandwiches and free hugs at 61 Great Titchfield Street, London W1W 7PP.

Issue 80 | September 2015 | 119

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Scan Magazine | Culture | Scandinavian Music

Scandinavian Music Swedish newcomer Maja Francis has roped in Swedish legend Veronica Maggio to produce and feature on her new single, Space Invades My Mind. It is an incredible piece of synth pop that is beautifully crafted. The vocal, melody and production score ten out of ten on their own but, when all played alongside each other, make for a proper 11 out of ten pop moment. Listen and love.

NGHT are two Swedish chaps, Jens Andersson and Mikael Jepson, formerly of glam rock megaband The Ark. Their debut single is Redefine , a supremely catchy modern disco track with a big pop chorus. They call it space disco, which is about right. New Order and The Human League are being cited as their inspiration, and they are drawing parallels with fellow Swedes Galantis.

We all love a bit of Eurovision around here, especially given that the Scandis have won the contest three years out of the last four. And as it happens, all three of those winning artists have new singles to peddle at the moment. All are worth checking out too.

Reigning Swedish champ Måns Zelmerlöw’s new song is the ‘80s-flavoured synth ballad,

Should’ve Gone Home, while previous Swedish winner Loreen is back with a dark and brooding cinematic pop track, I’m In It With You. Denmark’s 2013 winner Emmelie de Forest returns with a ridiculously catchy playground pop number called Hopscotch.

Be warned – that chorus is infectious.

Norway has not won the Eurovision Song Contest since 2009 (the shame!), but two of its recent standout representatives are also out with new tunes worth investigating. This year’s entrant, Mørland, has released an epic and uplifting number, No Firewall. And electro darling Margaret Berger features on the new disco funk track by her fellow Norwegians F.A.C.E – Diamonds.

Finally, over in Finland, the biggest local pop star Isac Elliot has drafted in American rap artist Tyga to feature on his new hit Lipstick. Both musically and vocally, it is the most mature he has ever sounded. And the song itself is a well-produced R&B pop track which employs that expensive sound that shaped R&B pop at the turn of the millennium. If you are a child of the ‘90s you will appreciate it more, I guess. Some of his

By Karl Batterbee younger fans might be a bit ‘WTF?’ at Lipstick, but it is a really good treat for the rest of us – and will probably earn him many new fans in the process. Like he did not have enough already.

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

5 DAYS of GREAT URBAN, DELTA, SOUL & JAZZ BLUES - 20 CLUBS and VENUES 60 TOP ACTS from USA, UK, DENMARK, SWEDEN and NORWAY Grand Opening with the Annual Danish Blues Awards, John Nemeth Band and Thorbjorn Risager & The Black Tornado B.B. KING Tribute with Otis Grand / James Loveless / Mike Andersen / Thorbjorn Risager a. o.

Mississippi Heat / Selwyn Birchwood Band / John Primer & CPH Slim / Delta Blues Band / Paul Banks & Jorgen Lang / Mama’s Blues Joint / H.P. Lange / Big Creek Slim / Troels Jensen & the Healers Hans Knudsen & Ronni Boysen / Miriam Mandipira / Hungry John / Jes Holtsoe Band Jan Gerfast Blues Band / Harbor Blues Cruise / Special Blues Dance Night / Blues Brunch and much more S e e f u l l p r o g r a m m e , v e n u e a n d t i c ke t i n fo r m a t i o n e t c . a t : W W W.CO P E N H AG E N B LU E S F E S T I VA L . D K

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Scan Magazine | Culture | Scandinavian Culture Calendar

The London Art Book Fair. Photo: Dan Weill.

Ultima Festivalen. Photo: Henrik Beck.

The London Art Book Fair. Photo: Dan Weill.

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

London Art Book Fair 2015 (10-13 September) This annual exhibition features a number of Scandinavians this year. The exhibition will showcase some of the international elite within contemporary arts publishing.

Individual artists, rare book dealers and galleries will be presented. Free entry.

Thurs 6pm-9pm Fri-Sun 11am-6pm.

Whitechapel Gallery, 77-82 Whitechapel High Street, London E1 7QX. www.whitechapelgallery.org London Fashion Week (18-22 September) This month, the always trending London Fashion Week presents the wardrobe for spring/summer 2016. Among the many talented designers featured this year are Dane Charlotte Flyvholm, with her brand

By Sara Asoka Paulsen

CF Jewellery, and London-based fashion designer Dane Peter Jensen. www.londonfashionweek.co.uk

The Clare at The Young Vic Theatre, 66 The Cut, London SE1 8LZ. www.youngvic.org

Mammút (2 September) The Icelandic post-punk band Mammút, said to be somewhat of a powerhouse on stage, plays the Sebright Arms this month.

Tickets £7.50, Doors 8pm, Sebright Arms, 31-35 Coate Street, London E2 9AG. www.birdonthewire.net

Carl Nielsen 150-year anniversary (18 Sep) 2015 would have been the year that one of the most talented Danish composers, Carl Nielsen, celebrated his 150th birthday. As, due to obvious reasons, he is not here to do so, a whole host of Danish ensembles will celebrate in his honour. Three of Nielsen’s motets will be performed at this concert in a historical church in the middle of Copenhagen.

Tickets 95-170 DKK, 7.30pm, Garnisonskirken, Sankt Annae Plads 4, 1250 Koebenhavn K. www.dr.dk

Creditors (9-19 September) A play by August Strindberg, adapted by David Greig and directed by Rikki Henry, this version of Creditors comes with a modern twist, but the themes of jealousy and vicious deceit are still present.

Mon-Sat 7.45pm. Sat and Wed 2.45pm, except 9 and 12 September.

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Scan Magazine | Culture | Scandinavian Culture Calendar

Ultima Oslo Contemporary Music Festival (10-19 Sep) An annual event now on its tenth year. All sorts of contemporary music will be staged at different venues in the capital of Norway. Both genre and venue-wise the palette is broad: from opera to electronica, from ballet stages to pubs. ultima.no www.billettservice.no

Uppsala International Guitar Festival

Uppsala International Guitar Festival

Granittrock (11-12 Sep) A festival free of alcohol and entry fees.

The bands are mostly local, but traditionally a few bigger names will be performing too. As there is no alcohol, the festival is ideal for family trips.

Free entry. Arena Lillomarka, Groruddalen, East Olso – nearby metro station Grorud. granittrock.no www.visitoslo.com Uppsala International Guitar Festival (7-10 Oct) This annual international festival is not only for guitar enthusiasts, but for anyone who loves good music. There are plenty of concerts and even a guitar fair with some of the world’s best guitar makers selling their handmade work. If you want to see the guitar stars of tomorrow, the Young Talent Competition is the place to go. The jury consists of international profiles, and the event is hugely popular.

Uppsala Konsert & Kongress, Vaksala Torg 1, Uppsala, Sweden. www.uppsalagitarrfestival.se www.dinbiljett.se

Creditors. Photo: Françoise Nielly

122 | Issue 80 | September 2015

The concert hall at Uppsala International Guitar Festival

Ultima Festivalen. Photo: Henrik Beck

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V Viking iking sships hips in R Roskilde oskilde History Histor y ffor or a all ll tthe he ssenses enses – yyear ear rround ound iking sships hip s a nd ssee ee o ur Experience original Viking and our Experience five five o r i g i n al V impressive boat n tthe he sscenic cenic M Museum u s e um H Harbour. arb r o i m p r e s si v e b oat ccollection ollec tion iin and LLook, ook, ffeel, eel, ssmell m e ll - a nd ttry! r y!

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S SPECIAL P E C I A L EEXHIBITION X H I B I T I O N 20 2014 14 T The he W World orld iin n tthe he V Viking iking Age A ge –S Seafaring eafaring iin n tthe he 9t 9th h ccentury entur y cchanged hanged tthe he w world! orld! vikingshipmuseum.dk

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O Open pen d daily aily 110:00 0:00 - 116:00 6:0 0 (May (May 16 16 - Aug. Aug. 24: 2 4: 110:00 0:00 - 17:00) 17:00)

Å rhus Århus

Roskilde R oskilde l e

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

København K øbenhavn Odense

Page 1 12 • DK-4000 Roskilde • vikingshipmuseum.dk Vindeboder

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Nordfyns Museum The history of the town of Bogense and North Funen, in words, artifacts, paintings and pictures.

Nordfyns Museum Vestergade 16, DK-5400 Bogense, Denmark Phone: +45 6481 1884 E-mail: nordmus@mail.tele.dk www.nordfynsmuseum.dk

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LOCAL DELICACIES IN A FRENCH STYLE We serve food made from the finest local ingredients. Our chefs give each dish a french twist in order to achieve the final result. By doing so we want to offer you the best experience possible from two exciting and traditional culinary worlds!

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