JANUARY 2017 ISSUE 96 PROMOTING BRAND SCANDINAVIA
LINNEA LARSDOTTER – STAR OF SCANDINAVIAN STORIES BIG NORWEGIAN FESTIVAL SPECIAL SWEDISH DESTINATIONS NOT TO MISS IN 2017 DANISH AND NORWEGIAN DELICACIES – OUR PICKS
1 9 9 6 — 2 016
F I S K E K O M PA N I E T 20 Y E A R S
The secret is to make exceptionally good seafood and serve both traditional and modern compositions, while never excluding tasty meat dishes completely.
T H E S TO RY O F A S E A FO O D C E L E B R A N T With the world’s best ingredients ready to be reeled in from the quayside, you would think that Tromsø had a seafood restaurant or two. But before Fiskekompaniet was established 20 years ago, few people had even thought about it.
For the average local, fish was simply a part of everyday life – something you would be served at home, just as well as in a restaurant. There was no shortage of restaurants in Tromsø in 1996, but none of them dared to let fish dominate the menu. Through 20 years, Fiskekompaniet has proved to be viable. The secret is to make exceptionally good seafood and serve both traditional and modern compositions, while never excluding tasty meat dishes completely. Careful cooking methods are used to preserve the quality of the ingredients, and research and experimentation with compositions of tastes, textures, shapes and colours create the best food experiences.
It has taken 20 years, but Fiskekompaniet has gradually become a restaurant not only for visitors, but for the city’s entire population. Those who have been spoiled with the world’s best seafood from the dawn of time.
ANDERS BLOMK VIST RESTAURANT AQUACULTURIST
D E S I G N + C O N C E P T F E R N I S S .N O T E X T + P H O T O H E S T H E S T.N O
Scan Magazine | Contents
Contents COVER FEATURE 26 Linnea Larsdotter on Scandinavian Stories
26 68
Having played folk music from the tender age of eight, danced swing in Thailand, sung jazz in Mallorca and written multiple screenplays, Linnea Larsdotter is busy promoting the new film Till We Meet Again – but not too busy to set up a Nordic International Film Festival. Scan Magazine spoke to the multi-talented Swede about her latest film, medieval fashion, and finding somewhere to fit in.
DESIGN 18 Bold Colours of Spring and Hygge By Berlin We welcome a new year the only way we know how: with colourful outfits and all the hygge a Scandinavian can cope with. Add some typically minimal yet stylish Nordic fashion design and architecture, and our January is complete.
cities bursting with counter-cultural creativity and voluntary-run festivals that are all about the local community. We show why Norway is a festival fanatic’s haven, and help you figure out where to go – whether you are a festival veteran and seasoned camper or want to bring the kids and dip in and out.
64 Swedish Destinations Not to Miss in 2017 The Swedish capital and its big-city siblings have a great deal to offer visitors, and indeed they are both charming and beautiful. But Sweden is a vast country that offers plenty more, whether you are looking for countryside bliss, small town charm or convenient city buzz. We list our favourite destinations, including a city known for its giant Christmas straw buck, Sweden’s first town, a world-class mountain bike arena, and a region that is all about the power of water.
88 Danish Business Spotlight
SPECIAL FEATURES 24 Danish Food and Health You do not need to choose between the new-year health buzz and honestly indulging body positivity. Start the day with a cup of Danish Matcha and end it with a Danish take on French classics in a warm Aarhus ambience. We want you to have an energised and delicious 2017.
Bricks might not sound like the subject of your go-to leisure reading, and neither might tin. But just look at the photos in our in-depth feature about Petersen Tegl and read about the innovative thinking behind the tin packaging produced by Companized. What can we say? The Danish business scene never ceases to surprise us.
BUSINESS SPECIAL THEMES 30 Danish and Norwegian Delicacies
60 88
Did you know that you can buy mouth-wateringly gorgeous syrups made from arctic berries you have picked yourself? And are you aware that Funen is a stronghold for Denmark’s most-loved food producers with an organic ethos, and that some of the nicest sausages out there are sold in a butcher shop in a tiny Danish village? Read on to find out more.
100 Celebrating Two Million Copies We follow a day in the life of a copy of Scan Magazine to celebrate reaching the two-million milestone with our distribution partner Dawson Media Direct, and our networking and strategic relationships expert, Simone Andersen, shares her thoughts on cognitive networking.
CULTURE 122 On Swedish Royal Behaviour
36 Norwegian Festival Special 2017 With Norwegians being among the statistically keenest festival goers in Europe, it is no wonder that our annual festival special is always a big hit. Think quality music with a backdrop of arctic cliffs,
Did you think Swedes are rude? Royally rude, maybe. Our Swedish language and culture columnist explains, while we start exploring the Nordic Matters series that will celebrate all things Nordic at the Southbank this year.
REGULARS & COLUMNS 12 We Love This | 14 Fashion Diary | 102 Hotels of the Month | 106 Restaurants of the Month 110 Inn of the Month | 112 Attractions of the Month | 114 Holiday Profile of the Month 116 Activity of the Month | 118 Café of the Month | 121 Humour
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 5
You really had to be there Right in the Arctic wilderness With nothing beween you and the northern light Lyngsfjord and Camp Tamok is simply not told
Photo: Lloyd Rehnlund
It needs to be experienced
Tromso – Arctic Norway
|
www.lyngsfjord.com
Lasse Lom
THE MIDGARD COLLECTION Gin
Vodka
Aquavit
Handcrafted from Arctic berries and Glacier water The Aurora Spirit Distillery- Arctic Norway www.auroraspirit.com
LET’S FLY!
A JOURNEY THROUGH NORWEGIAN AVIATION HISTORY
COME VISIT our new spectacular civil aviation exhibit at Norsk Luftfartsmuseum in Bodø!
The new exhibition will give you a unique museum experience. We welcome you to take part in this fascinating story about how aviation has helped connecting people, places and lifestyles within Norway.
OPENING HOURS:
MONDAY – FRIDAY 10 – 16 SATURDAY – SUNDAY 11 – 17
www.luftfartsmuseum.no
OLAV V GATE, BODØ, (+47) 75 50 78 50
Scan Magazine | Editor’s Note
Dear Reader, Fearless, creative and open-minded, our first cover star of 2017 is the perfect inspiration for the year ahead. Linnea Larsdotter started out playing the fiddle in a folk trio aged eight and has since performed as a singer and dancer, written screenplays, travelled extensively and founded a film festival – in addition to starring in the lauded new film Till We Meet Again. She refers to herself as a restless adventure seeker, yet one who prefers striking nature over a bustling nightlife. This issue of Scan Magazine is for all the adventure seekers out there, from those with the bug for extreme sports to those fascinated by culture and heritage, and music fans who collect wristbands from the year’s most-hyped festivals. Our big, colourful Norwegian festival special, which features every January, is actually one of my favourite themes – full of life and art, but also busting the odd myth about what a festival is and should be. Take Nuart, for example, a globally celebrated street art festival that celebrates counter-cultural creativity and artivism. Or Aronnesrocken, which has always insisted on free admission and a festival with good vibes and great music that is welcoming to people of all ages and musical interests. As someone whose festival debut was made at Hultsfred in 2001, and who has since been fed a media diet of constant reports
from Glastonbury and other festivals of its ilk, the Norwegian festivals featured this month make me think again and dream of a festival experience with a backdrop of the midnight sun and arctic landscapes. For those in the mood for something other than a festival, we also list our top must-see destinations in Sweden for 2017. Think crashing water falls, frozen lakes, stunning beaches, picturesque old towns and sports meccas – and, as always, add a generous dose of great design. Moreover, we list some unusual but exciting Danish destinations in the form of Europe’s first bridge walk, a 300-year-old Michelin-star inn, and the city that is home to the happiest people in Europe. I try to steer clear of New Year’s resolutions and instead focus on the little things, but if you have a bucket list or some Scandinavian dreams to explore, why not make 2017 the year to take the plunge?
Linnea Dunne, Editor
SCAN M A G A Z I N E
Scan Magazine
Graphic Designer
Thomas Schroers
info@scanmagazine.co.uk
Issue 96
Mercedes Moulia
Nicolai Lisberg
www.scanmagazine.co.uk
Mette Lisby
January 2017 Published 01.2017
Cover Photo
Maria Smedstad
© All rights reserved. Material
Julio Gaggia
Joakim Andersson
contained in this publication may
Karl Batterbee
not be reproduced, in whole or in
ISSN 1757-9589
part, without prior permission of
Contributors Published by
Charlotte van Hek
Sales & Key Account Managers
Scan Magazine Ltd.
Scan Magazine Ltd
Sanna Halmekoski
Emma Fabritius Nørregaard
Scan Magazine® is a registered trademark of Scan Magazine Ltd.
Thomas Bech Hansen
Mette Tonnessen
Josefine Older Steffensen
Johan Enelycke
Liquid Graphic Ltd
Pernille Johnsen
This magazine contains
Eirik Elvevold
Advertising
Executive Editor
Susan Hansen
marketing@scanmagazine.co.uk
Thomas Winther
Signe Hansen Paula Hammond
To Subscribe
Creative Director
Ingvild Larsen Vetrhus
scanmagazine.co.uk/subscribe
Mads E. Petersen
Linn Bjørnsen Marte Eide
Editor
Ellinor Thunberg
Scan Magazine Ltd
Linnea Dunne
Sara Wenkel
15B Bell Yard Mews
Malin Norman
Bermondsey Street
Copy-editor
Simone Andersen
London SE1 3YT, United Kingdom
Isa Hemphrey
Steve Flinders
Phone +44 (0)870 933 0423
10 | Issue 96 | January 2017
advertorials/promotional articles
Scandinavian simplicity Designed and handcrafted in Norway
www.freywood.no
@freywood.no Freywood
www.klippanyllefabrik.com
Scan Magazine | Design | We Love This
We love this… Was a cleaner and more organised home one of your New Year’s resolutions? We know how hard it can be to stick to even the most well-intentioned of plans, so we made it a bit easier for you to honour them. With the right storage furniture, keeping your home neat and tidy becomes a whole lot more fun – so read on for our list of fun and beautiful storage design in order to, for once, keep to your New Year’s resolutions. By Charlotte van Hek | Press photos
A string of beads has never looked as beautiful as in this snake wardrobe. This fun design can be used for hanging clothes, a baby mobile or a handbag, but it works just as well on its own. A modern spin on the original wardrobe, this snaky design is a lovely addition to your home. Maike Timmerman Snake Wardrobe, £68 via www.storynorth.com
With this beautiful turning table, Menu cleverly proves that a table and storage space are not mutually exclusive. The modern yet classic table is the perfect place to store glasses, keys, remote controls, or other items with a tendency to be left lying around. Just make sure you remember where you stored them. Menu turning table, £399 via www.amara.co.uk
Frame, from Danish designer by Lassen, is the ultimate flexible storage solution. Comprised of square boxes in cubic frames, they can be hung directly on the wall or stand on their own on the floor, with an endless line of individual combination options. by Lassen Frame storage solution, price depends on model www.bylassen.com
We all have too many newspapers and magazines lying around, right? This golden-coloured, metal storage basket allows you to store them in style. H&M storage basket, £12.99 www.hm.com
Children just might be the number one ‘obstacle’ to a tidy home. This set of two storage boxes from Bloomingville brings adorable design to your house, and spices up any room thanks to its quirky slogans. The handy wheels allow you to quickly clean the whole house. Bloomingville set of two storage boxes, £159 via www.amara.co.uk
12 | Issue 96 | January 2017
Scan Magazine | Design | Street Style
Nordic Humans of London Scan Magazine’s brilliant Sanna Halmekoski has once again hit the streets of London to find out what the Scandinavian fashion fanatics are wearing. Cool, sleek and full of statements, this is a little piece of Scandiland in the United Kingdom. Text and photos by Sanna Halmekoski | www.nordichumans.com
Aino Manninen Finnish tourist
Konsta Soila Finnish student
“My style is pretty colourful; not so typically dark Nordic. I love big, warm jumpers and scarves. I came to London to shop because there are great vintage shops here, which you cannot find in Finland. My shoes are by Dr. Martens, jeans by Monki, jumper from Beyond Retro, jacket by ASOS, gloves by COS, and the bag is second hand.”
“I often wear very Nordic colours, such as black, grey, or dark blue. My style is simple and classic. You won’t see me wearing t-shirts with text on them. My trainers are by Nike, my scarf is from Finland, my jacket is from a friend, and my jeans were bought in a sale somewhere – I actually can’t remember where.” Konsta Soila
Cecilia Stalin
Aino Manninen
Cecilia Stalin Swedish jazz singer and vocal coach (Instagram @ceciliastalin) “My style is classic and feminine yet modern. I run a live event called The Fika Session and a Lucia choir for London Swedes. Today my dress is by YouMeWe and my coat is by Love And Be Loved, both of which are represented at Spitalfields Market. My shoes are by Vagabond.” Issue 96 | January 2017 | 13
Scan Magazine | Design | Fashion Diary
Fashion Diary… What can you do during one of the darkest months of the year, just as all the sparkly festive lights are being switched off and boxed up? Dress as colourfully as possible and be the sunny rebel everyone loves. By leaving out the black for once and throwing on happy colours when everyone is feeling blue, you will be the shining light during the seemingly endless dark days of January. By Charlotte van Hek | Press photos
Everyone knows that Acne Studios is one of Sweden’s most luxurious fashion houses. But did you know that Acne stands for Ambition to Create Novel Expression? That makes perfect sense when looking at this exciting blue-andwhite creation. Acne Studios Jumper, £330 Acne Studios Trousers, £310 www.acnestudios.com
One classic bomber jacket plus one sassy colour equals your favourite outerwear for winter. Combine with another bold-coloured item to be the brightest person in the room, or dress down with some black accessories for that melancholic winter look. Wesc jacket, approx. £150 www.wesc.com
Blue is the new black, only a whole lot more exciting. Just like the darkest colour on the spectrum, blue goes with any colour, is fierce yet modest, and cleverly hides any extra kilogrammes gained during those extensive Christmas dinners. minimum trousers, £70 www.minimumfashion.com
Think white sneakers are just for the warmer season? Think again. This comfortable sneaker is easy to fall in love with and will add some casual coolness to your outfit. Swims sneakers, £100 www.swims.com
14 | Issue 96 | January 2017
Scan Magazine | Design | Fashion Diary
Emerald green is the most refined and elegant shade of the colour wheel, giving a touch of class and self-confidence to every fashionista. This cashmere-blend beauty gives us visions of blossomy springs and happy summers. Acne Studios coat, £900 www.acnestudios.com
The days when orange was avoided for safer shades such as black are long gone, and we are ecstatic about it. This lifestyle carrier has water-proof zip pockets for keeping your valuables dry and a main compartment zip to keep curious hands out when in crowded spaces. Swims shopper, £70 www.swims.com
If all other colours fail to lift your spirits out of that deep January dip, throw on this quirky jacket from H&M. While the sporty design completes a more casual look, the shimmery fabric also makes it perfect for a night out. H&M jacket, £30 www.hm.com
Not just for ballerinas anymore: the pink shoe. These low heels from Danish designer Gestuz will make any girl happy by combining our favourite fabric (suede) with the most classic shade of pink out there. Also of crucial importance is the height of the heels, which will give your feet a much-needed break after all that December dancing. Gestuz shoes, £150 www.gestuz.com
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 15
Scan Magazine | Design Profile | By Asbæk
Online fashion with a human face By Asbæk is the online fashion shop that puts customer satisfaction first and shows its human face. In fact, one of the owners appears on the website, modelling all the clothes. By Thomas Bech Hansen | Photo: By Asbæk
It is January and there is a long, long way until next Christmas. But why should this stop us unwrapping presents? When shopping with Danish online fashion shop By Asbæk, all items come gift-wrapped – it is just part of the idea. “We want to give customers a great experience,” says Natasja Asbæk, who co-owns the company together with Anders Schelde.
‘We always find a solution’
shopping on the internet. “I think we had experienced that sort of indifference you often encounter as a customer. Some companies just do not seem to care, and it is almost a positive surprise if the service is good – and it should never be that way. Of course, there are bound to be problems along the way; we all make mistakes. But this should never be the customer’s problem. We always find a solution,” says Schelde.
In 2014, the pair decided to launch the women’s fashion web shop from scratch as the antithesis to large-scale global
Asbæk echoes his sentiment: “We wanted more intimacy, better service.” Hence
16 | Issue 96 | January 2017
the year-round gift-wrapping. “Regardless of whether people are actually ordering something as a present, we put a nice gift wrap on it. It is just that feeling of there being someone at the other end, and it does matter to us whether customers are happy shopping with us or not.”
Owner is the model Keeping true to the pledge of showing a human face, By Asbæk is not only a web shop. Every Wednesday afternoon and the first Saturday of every month, the shop opens its physical showroom in Slagelse. “People should have the chance to come and feel the clothes, and meet us,” says Asbæk. She is often recognised by customers who visit the shop, and this is no coincidence. If By Asbæk has a face, she is it. She is the lady on the
Scan Magazine | Design Profile | By Asbæk
website modelling everything from belts to blouses. “They say, ‘Oh, it is you’. And I like that. I like that there is a short distance between the management of the shop and the actual clothes. They know me, and I get to know them, and this feeling of security is very important.”
you can afford to change wardrobe every season. There is always a hint of the season in terms of prints and colours, plus we always listen to our customers and what they are looking for. But overall, I purchase clothes for the shop with the heart,” explains Asbæk.
To set up initially, the two entrepreneurs travelled abroad to source the exact style of clothing envisaged for the shop. The ethos for the fashion style is still clear, with everything based on Asbæk’s personal choices, affordable prices and a wide range of sizes.
By Asbæk is as busy as ever with four new employees set to join the small team. The dream is to grow bigger still and add personally designed collections. “In a couple of years, we will probably be selling clothes that we have designed ourselves. The ideas are there, but we need a little bit more time to perfect them,” says Asbæk. The challenge now is to explore how big the shop can actually get without losing sight of its original principles. “The basic principles, our DNA, must not suffer any damage. Yes, we would like get bigger and better, but we will never go so far that we lose sight
Personal style “My personal style is mirrored in the selection. It is mature, stylish, never too girly. A lot of women can wear this – we have a lot of middle-aged women, some younger than that and some older. Sizes vary from 34 to 46, prices are fairly low so
of decent service and good customer relationships,” says Schelde.
BY ASBÆK’S VISION The vision behind By Asbæk is to sell unique clothing for women with attention to detail. One of the key elements is that clothes are sold in a medium price range. In addition, the customer must get a delicious, unique product; women should feel like they are pampering themselves. Many women would rather buy cheaper clothes and thereby be able to replace the wardrobe more often. By Asbæk wants to offer this option. By Asbæk ships goods to countries throughout Europe.
Read more and start shopping at: www.byasbaek.dk
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 17
Scan Magazine | Design Profile | Hygge By Berlin
Tipsy
Ruth
Creating hygge through doodling Hygge – that infamous Danish word and feeling that is so hard to explain, yet is a quintessential part of Danish culture. Christel Berlin has made it easy to create a bit of hygge in your home through her sweet, fun and lovingly created animal drawings.
by Hygge by Berlin and find yourself immersed in the feeling, have a chat with Berlin, and take a piece of hygge home with you.
By Josefine Older Steffensen | Photos: Hygge By Berlin
In April 2016, Berlin opened her shop Hygge by Berlin in the centre of Copenhagen after appearing on Nybyggerne II, a Danish programme where families compete to redecorate a house into the most beautiful home. “It was after that I decided to start my shop, because if I can redecorate a house in six weeks, I can probably also run a business,” Berlin says with a smile. She became known on the programme for being able to create hygge, which means a feeling of cosiness, and it is this trait she uses both in her shop and in her drawings. “My drawings are very organic and because they’re basically just squiggles, they become quite soft and flowing.”
The process Each drawing takes four to eight hours to create using fine-tip pens, before being printed on recycled paper. “Each drawing is an expression of how I felt at the time, 18 | Issue 96 | January 2017
and I think people find it easy to identify with the animals or see the resemblance of someone they know in an animal’s expressions,” Berlin explains. She can be found in her shop most days, where she is happy to make a drawing unique by adding a splash of colour to it. The shop is the essence of hygge, where you can find her drawings as well as recycled furniture and home accessories from other Danish artists.
Anna Christel Berlin
“I love the shop because it gives me a chance to actually meet my customers,” she says, and her energy and laugh are infectious. “2017 is bound to be an exciting year where I’ll be developing my drawings and brand further, while at the same time looking out for new ideas and collaborations.” If you are looking to discover what hygge is on your trip to Copenhagen, then drop
To find out more or to order a print, please visit: www.hyggebyberlin.dk
Scan Magazine | Design Profile | Felix Arkitekter Hasleveien 10 includes the reconstruction of a Grade II listed factory building.
Parkhuset / Gjenbrukshuset.
Skåresletta is a residential area consisting of apartments and kindergartens.
Recycled materials, sustainable success 20 years of viable excellence have put Felix Arkitekter at the forefront of the Nordic architecture scene. The core belief behind the firm is thorough societal interpretation, which shines through in all aspects of Felix Arkitekter’s projects. By Pernille Johnsen | Photos: Felix Arkitekter
Felix Arkitekter is a prominent player within the field of restoring and preserving older buildings and using recycled materials for new projects. In 2007 the firm won an award for a project in Pilestredet Park, called Gjenbrukshuset, due to the incorporation of the materials from an old wing at the national hospital, Rikshospitalet. Felix Arkitekter is adamant that the preservation of buildings leads to less environmental damage and that rehabilitating structures into modern use adds value to the communities who live in symbiosis with the architecture around them. Currently, Felix Arkitekter has three projects in the final phase of being built. Hasleveien 10 is a combined housing and shopping mall complex, which embodies the pathos of Felix Arkitekter perfectly: establishing a new structure along with preservation and rehabilitation of an existing building, ultimately creating a wholesome building in sync with its surroundings. Another project in the works is Skårersletta, a large residential area in Lørenskog, which will constitute 160
apartments in high-rise buildings and other apartment blocks as well as a kindergarten.
Staying relevant
motivation of Felix Vidal, founding partner, for continuing to stay in such a competitive industry. It is by no means a nineto-five job. “It is a lifestyle that requires passion and tenacity,” he explains – and his colleagues share his ambition to create structures that enhance the community and society at large. Skullerud Torg III, a candidate for Oslo City Architecture Prize 2014.
Sustainable and socially conscious architecture is only possible when there is an innate understanding of different interests and needs within a community. Felix Arkitekter has two decades of experience of implementing research, knowledge and expertise into a shared interpretation of what the structure should add to the community on a micro as well as macro level. The firm has 15 staff and places particular emphasis on not becoming too large a company. In order to stay relevant and avoid anonymity, it is important that every co-worker feels a strong sense of ownership towards the projects. The firm has a multidisciplinary approach to meeting the demands of clients; aside from architects, they also have a sociologist on board concerned with urban planning. The way housing and property address and include people directly is the main
For more information, please visit: www.felixark.no
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 19
Scan Magazine | Design Profile | Porsgrund Bad
We spend more time than we think in the bathroom. Porsgrund aims to make those everyday moments as good as possible.
A bathroom with brains Everyone makes mistakes, but doing so while renovating your bathroom can turn out to be very costly. By choosing Porsgrund’s trusted bathroom solutions, which combine tradition with intelligent innovation, your important investment in home and hygiene will be in safe hands. By Eirik Elvevold | Photos: Geberit
Countless Norwegians have grown up with an iconic anchor logo on their toilet or sink. If you spotted the small anchor, it only meant one thing: the porcelain had been produced in the factory Porsgrunds Porselænsfabrik in Porsgrund. Because the factory was established way back in 1948, the well-known logo often gave immediate associations to quality and tradition.
ing strong – now with a logo made from two drops of the essential elements water and earth. The company’s insights into Norwegian bathroom preferences nowadays results in state-of-the-art porcelain and shower solutions for modern homes, while the reputation of trust and tradition has remained among consumers and plumbers alike.
Today, porcelain production has been moved abroad, but Porsgrund is still go-
“Porsgrund is constantly inventing new solutions, but people know what they get
20 | Issue 96 | January 2017
Innovation with a solid foundation
in terms of quality. Safe technology and readily available spare parts are paramount in the bathroom business, because water leakage, for instance, is so expensive. That’s why plumbers, who are used to thinking of the future, often recommend our products,” says Porsgrund’s market coordinator Anne Ersnes. Porsgrund’s recent inclusion in the multinational Geberit Group – a European leader in the field of sanitary products – has given them a new headquarters and an even stronger regional presence in the Norwegian market. Working within the global Geberit structure has also led to strengthened cooperation among the Nordic countries. “Us Nordics have so much in common, but the Finnish taste in design and colour stands out the most.
Scan Magazine | Design Profile | Porsgrund Bad
They’re a bit more daring than the Norwegians, Swedes and Danes,” explains Ersnes.
Smart hygiene for everyday life Regardless of nationality or taste, everyone appreciates smart solutions. In our hectic, modern everyday lives, we spend a surprising amount of time in the bathroom – a fact Porsgrund takes very seriously. Under the label Porsgrund Smart, the Norwegian company has gathered technology that makes it easier to keep the bathroom clean and fresh. “Porsgrund Smart glaze is one good example. It gives the porcelain a smoother surface, which rejects dirt and makes it way easier to clean. We have also invented a toilet seat that is incredibly simple to remove – it works almost like a Champagne cork that you pop in and out,” says Ersnes. Another example is the bestselling shower cabinet Showerama 8-5, designed by Einar Hareide – the man behind Hareide Showerama is Porsgrund’s bestselling shower cabinet.
Design. “We’re so proud of Showerama, because it’s packed with genius solutions. The shower tray has wheels underneath, the front panel can be removed, there is no use of silicon, no visible screws or screw holes and the drain is very easy to take out for cleaning,” Ersnes passionately points out. Showerama designer Hareide has a background in Saab, and just like the Swedish car manufacturer Porsgrund names its design series with rising numbers. “We’re looking forward to releasing the Showerama 10 series in 2017,” Ersnes reveals.
Make your bathroom Glow like the Nordic winter The newest bathroom series, Glow, is also full of Porsgrund Smart technology. The toilets, for instance, use less water in each flush. For a family of four, the environmentally friendly toilets can save around 4,000 litres of water per year. In addition, they include an integrated air
freshener and the brand new Rimfree technology. “The Glow toilets have no rim. That takes toilet hygiene to the next level, since you don’t have to worry about all the filth and grime getting stuck underneath the rim. Who wouldn’t like to avoid sticking their hand underneath the rim to clean?” Ersnes asks rhetorically. The Glow design was developed by Scott Derbyshire, who got his inspiration from the Nordic winter landscape. “Derbyshire looked at the soft curves, exciting formations and beautiful sculptural lines of real snow-covered landscapes to find inspiration – especially for the porcelain. He has really managed to combine beauty and functionality, by bringing an aesthetic idea down to earth and rooting it in our proud tradition,” says Ersnes. For more information, please visit: www.porsgrundbad.no
Popularity among plumbers is important, because they often end up being the customers’ first encounter with Porsgrund’s products.
Porsgrund’s Rimfree technology takes toilet hygiene to the next level.
With a history reaching as far back as 1948, Porsgrund strikes a balance between tradition and innovation.
The newest design series, Glow, was inspired by the Nordic winter landscape.
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 21
Pure cheese. Pure inspiration. Try tasty salmon pops with Snøfrisk Use a spoon to scoop the Snøfrisk cream cheese into small balls. Add slices of smoked salmon around the sides. Garnish with fresh thyme and basil. Perfect as tapas or as an appetizer.
Scan Magazine | Culinary Profile | Restaurant Carlton
It takes a team to deliver real quality Carlton Restaurant in Aarhus offers a range of classic French dishes. Focused on delivering excellent service to its guests, the brasserie takes pride in welcoming returning guests on a daily, monthly and yearly basis. By Susan Hansen | Photos: Carlton Restaurant
Carlton has a history dating back to 1989 and has gone from strength to strength and changes in ownership. Business is going well and managing partner Martin Hauge remembers what things were like when he first became involved. Hauge and his team saw the potential of the location and knew how they could take things further. “When we took over Carlton, we had to take an honest approach in our development of it and managed to do so. It is a fantastic space and deserves the best care, and we want to offer the best to the guests we serve,” he says. This means building on the natural ambiance and feel the place has to offer. “A few minor changes were made to the space. The aim was to create a warm ambiance, the sort of vibe you come across 24 | Issue 96 | January 2017
when you walk into an authentic French restaurant. We like to describe ourselves as the only real French brasserie in Aarhus and in Jutland.” Being located right at the heart of the city means having a wide appeal and, including dishes of non-French origin, the Carlton’s menu offers a Danish take on a range of appetising classic French signature dishes. Dishes include boeuf bourguignon, boeuf béarnaise, raw steak tartar, fish soup and the Carlton burger. Recommended to go with each dish is a glass of fine French wine, champagne or a beer. Guests range from businessmen to young people, and old friends who come here for regular catch-ups. The Carlton team delivers the best dining experience.
Guests come with different preferences and tastes, but the team and the suppliers go the extra mile to remember every detail and accommodate every taste, explains Hauge. “Our team members understand that the guest should be right at the centre of what we do and deserves the best. Our suppliers also play a key part when it comes to sourcing top ingredients for us,” he insists. “We do not compromise on what we serve and aim to keep up the highest standards. Our objective is to offer delicious food and be a lovely place to come for all our guests.”
For more information, please visit: www.carlton.dk
Scan Magazine | Culinary Profile | Byoh Matcha
Middle: Byoh Matcha’s Bar in Helgoland Gade 13, Copenhagen, has quickly become a hit with everyone from health bloggers to celebrities and other cool Copenhageners. Right: As a former elite athlete, CEO of Byoh Matcha, Michael Kristensen, experienced a string of health benefits when he replaced coffee and sugary drinks with Matcha tea.
Matcha the Danish way – simple, smart and stylish With a new organic insta Matcha to be launched by Denmark’s first Matcha specialist, Byoh Matcha, first-grade Matcha will soon be available to everyone, everywhere. With its own trendy café in Copenhagen and a tonne of knowledge and dedication behind it, the new tea brand has quickly become a hit with Danes in search for a healthy, tasty and cool hot drink. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Byoh Matcha
Matcha tea might be delicious, but unlike most of its tea rivals it is not just for drinking. As a health supplement, the Matcha powder can be enjoyed in various ways: in soups, smoothies, yoghurt and much more. Byoh Matcha is all about making the health benefits of top-quality Matcha known and available throughout all of Scandinavia, according to founder and CEO Michael Kristensen. A former professional tennis player, he discovered the health benefits of Matcha on a trip to California in 2013. “When I quit my regular coffee and energy drinks and started replacing them with Matcha, a lot of things changed. I had less joint pain, more consistent energy levels, and I didn’t get the high-and-crash experience that you get with coffee and sugar products,” he says. Byoh Matcha is sold in more than 100 outlets in Denmark, including the or-
which you just have to add water and stir – there’s no need for whisking, foaming or shaking. But we’ve not compromised the original quality; it’s the same product, just combined with some soluble fibres which, unlike the tea, naturally absorb water,” explains Kristensen.
ganic Emmerys bakeries. What distinguishes the brand from the few other Matcha products on the Danish market is its exclusive use of top-quality tea. This tea, also known as ceremonial-grade Matcha, is grown in the mountains around Kagoshima. What defines the top-quality Matcha is first and foremost that only the top three leaves of the tea bush are used. The leaves are hand-picked, steamed and toasted, and then the tea is sorted by hand to remove stalks, which cause bitterness, stored at cold temperatures for two years, and finally stone-grinded to a fine powder. To enjoy the tea, users must typically invest in a Matcha whisk and bowl or a steamer, but that is one thing that is about to change when Byoh launches its insta Matcha in February. “It’s a new product that we have developed, with
You can try the new product in all Danish 7-Elevens from February 2017, or buy it at: www.byoh.dk You can also find @byohmatchabar on Instagram.
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 25
Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Linnea Larsdotter
26 | Issue 93 96 | October January2016 2017
Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Linnea Larsdotter
Linnea Larsdotter Still yearning for adventure Chasing her dreams has taken Linnea Larsdotter from the pebbled beaches of Smygehamn to the skyscraper capital of the world. In between, she has played violin on Swedish national TV, sung jazz in Mallorca and danced swing in Thailand. But after performing in 12 countries and across three continents, she still yearns for adventure. Scan Magazine spoke to the multi-talented Swede about her latest film, medieval fashion, and finding somewhere to fit in. By Paula Hammond | Photos: Julio Gaggia
Larsdotter is in New York where her latest film, Till We Meet Again, has just completed a successful festival run. The heart-breaking tale focuses on a pair of disenchanted millennials, Joanna (played by Larsdotter) and Erik (Johan Matton), who travel to Thailand in the hope of rekindling their relationship. Soon, the heady atmosphere and exotic backdrop sets the two lovers on very different paths. “Joanna,” Larsdotter says, “doesn’t know that she is lost. I think she believes that she is completely in control but, in reality, she is absolutely trapped in her life and needs to take drastic action to break away from a path that isn’t right for her anymore.” It is a simple tale but powerfully told with heartfelt performances from Larsdotter and her real-life partner, Johan Matton (previously seen in Indigo and Nurse Jackie), who plays Erik.
Scandinavian stories Intriguingly, both Larsdotter and Matton actually lived in Thailand for a year before moving to New York in 2009. Since then, life has been something of a blur. Alongside appearances on TV, film and off-Broadway, Larsdotter has written
credible movies right now, and I think by starting the festival we have created a platform for those films to reach a bigger, international audience. I get so inspired when I get to review these films. It’s very motivating to see fellow artists creating fantastic new works.”
Performing passions screenplays, started a production company with her partner and – also with him – founded the Nordic International Film Festival (NIFF). Now, with Till We Meet Again notching up awards, it would seem that she has every reason to rest on her laurels. “No, I don’t think that I will ever be satisfied!” she laughs. “I’m always looking for the next thing to do. There are just too many stories to tell.” Thanks to her and Matton, it is likely that more and more of those stories will have a distinctly Scandinavian flavour. Based at the renowned Scandinavia House on Park Avenue, New York, the Nordic International Film Festival seeks out new and upcoming independent films, as well as honouring the work of already established filmmakers. Entries are welcomed from filmmakers regardless of ethnicity, religion or worldview, but strong, inclusive tales are encouraged. It is ambitious stuff, but what is it that makes Larsdotter so evangelical about cinema from ‘back home’? “I think that all Scandinavians carry a sense of melancholy with them and that is reflected in our films,” she replies. “Norway is producing some really in-
It is said that we are shaped by our environment. If that is true, then the wild seas and expansive vistas of Sweden’s most southerly town – Smygehamn – could explain some of Larsdotter’s own restless creativity. “I think growing up in Sweden gives you a lot of freedom. The society is like well-oiled machinery, and this allows people to express themselves. For my work, I think I need to be where I am right now, but I also know that I need my breaks in Sweden. To have silence and fresh air. The south of Sweden is very flat, and I grew up right by the ocean, so there’s this great sense of openness and freedom from boundaries and I crave that on a regular basis.” Family pulls her back home too. When she was just eight, Larsdotter began playing violin in a folk trio with her sisters, Sara and Julia. The Sisters Mikkelä rarely perform these days, but that early experience forged tight bonds. “It’s been a while since we performed now,” she explains. “Sara and Julia are both in Sweden and have lovely careers and families of their own, so our opportunities have been decimated. But working so closely with people who know you so well really shaped me as a performer. There’s no hiding. The communication happens through the music – not even verbally Issue 96 | January 2017 | 27
Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Linnea Larsdotter
sometimes. It was a really beautiful way to start a professional career.” Is it true that those early performances also gave her a lifelong passion for medieval clothes? “Haha, it is true! It all started when I was introduced to medieval music by my sisters. I fell in love with it, thought ‘I should have a dress to perform in’, sewed one, thought ‘it would be fun to have another to switch between’, and that started a medieval avalanche! I couldn’t stop. I still adore the fashion, and even medieval food and architecture. I understand that I have a rather romantic idea of the era, but I try to balance it with actual studies so that I can stay informed.”
Lists and loves In Till We Meet Again Larsdotter’s character goes travelling to find herself. Considering her own wanderlust, is that something she identifies with? “Yes, very much so. Joanna and I are very different as people, but yes. I think I’m on a constant search for self-discovery. Lately, I’ve been really drawn to places like Iceland and the Faroe Islands – places that have a colder, more rigid nature than the ones I’ve been exploring in Southeast Asia. I’m a so-called extroverted introvert, so I tend to gravitate towards places where I get struck by nature and my surroundings, more than places that have a bustling nightlife.” From the film Till We Meet Again. Press photo
28 | Issue 96 | January 2017
Her bucket list is, unsurprisingly, pretty full. “I’m a huge adventure seeker, so there are quite a few adrenaline kicks on it. I believe we grow with each experience and I try to push myself to do things all the time. Even things that scare me. I’d like to write more – poetry and screenwriting. I was just in a play where two of my cast mates were both poets. They really inspired me. I also get super crafty for my nephews and my niece, and that works really well as a way for me to disconnect and create something tangible. But I like being busy. I get really restless when my schedule isn’t filled to the brim.” Naturally, there is “a lot of travelling” on the Swede’s list too. “I think,” she muses, “that I was always a little ‘too big’ in my personality to really fit into any one place. So I just took it upon myself to find lots of different places where I fit in just fine. Or rather, where I stand out just fine!”
Linnea Larsdotter is a vegan and loves cooking and trying new kinds of food. Since moving to the States she has developed a love of mac ‘n’ cheese, especially with truffle oil and veggie bacon. “Other than that, I adore Asian food,” she comments, “and have just discovered a huge passion for Vietnamese food.”
Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Linnea Larsdotter
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 29
e:
ES
D ACI N h T A C i in H ELI M S NI N D A D GIA E W R NO em
PeterAalbæk.
Raising the bar in taste and ethics Tucked away in Farre, a small village in central Jutland, lies the small butcher shop where Aalbæk Specialiteter originated. Today, the shop is headed by the third generation of Aalbæk butchers, Peter Aalbæk, who has brought Aalbæk’s salamis and cold cut meats to all of Denmark by staying true to the work ethos of his ancestors: to only do what he does best. By Signe Hansen | Press photos
To run a successful butcher shop in a village of just 100 houses takes something special, something that will, quite literally, make people drive that extra mile. According to Peter Aalbæk, the simple secret is that Aalbæk Specialiteter, which was founded by his granddad in 1920, has always focused on quality and taste. “I think it’s fair to say that we’ve gone our own way. Even though my parents ran this small shop far out in the countryside, they’ve always had a good business and attracted people from far away, and they only managed that because of the quality of their products.” Today, ten sausage makers and butchers work in the butcher shop in Farre, where they produce Aalbæk’s popular range 30 | Issue 96 | January 2017
of liver pâtés, salamis, sausages, dried meats and bacon. The motto, however, is the same as it was when it was just Peter’s parents in the shop: that every product should deliver an out-of-theordinary taste experience. The family’s focus on taste and quality originates in the belief that quality of food and quality of life are two sides of the same coin. Consequently, Aalbæk Specialiteter has also embraced the growing focus on animal welfare and organic produce. “When the organic development started about 30 years ago, I was standing in the shop, 20 years old, and thought: ‘How amazing would it be if we could produce our products in an alternative way, without any preservatives?’ It was very simple, I always just thought that if I make some-
thing that I like, probably someone else will like it too.” Aalbæk is one of the few big butcher brands approved to use the Anbefalet af Dyrenes Beskyttelse logo, the highest animal welfare recognition in Denmark. However, to give their customers the choice, the butcher produces both an organic and a regular range of products. Aalbæk Specialiteter’s products are available in supermarkets all over Denmark and, of course, from the original butcher shop in Farre, where the towering stacks of salamis and dried meats still attract people from near and far. FACTS: Aalbæk Specialiteter was founded in 1920 in central Jutland. In 2015, Aalbæk Specialiteter became part of Atria Danmark.
For more information, please visit: www.aalbaekspecialiteter.dk
Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Danish and Norwegian Delicacies
The fish is out of the can Founded over a century ago, Danish company Bornholms has fought through numerous challenges to gain its position as one of the market leaders within seafood in Scandinavia. Scan Magazine spoke to CEO Christian Sieverts about how converting from cans to plastic packaging has helped his company regain its feet and expand on the global market. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Bornholms
As the grandson of the founder of Bornholms, Sieverts is the man to ask if you have any questions about packaged seafood. But he also knows something about innovation and moving with the times because Bornholms, which is commonly known in Denmark for its pressed cod roe and in Sweden for its fish dumplings and internationally for its new lunch box-friendly fish snack, has had to reinvent itself several times. The company recently teamed up with RPC Superfos to develop an innovative plastic packaging to replace the more than 50-year-old cans. “Not a lot had happened since the easy-opening addition to our cans in the ‘40s, so the plastic packaging was a big step in terms of innovation, practicality and environmental concerns,” says Sieverts.
A history of innovation Founded as a herring importer in Copenhagen at the turn of the last centu-
ry, Bornholms moved to Bornholm in 1930 after its business became unviable due to increasing tolls and regulations. On the island of Bornholm, Sieverts’ granddad purchased an old fish factory. Soon, however, the business was stalled by outside factors again, as the Second World War saw the island occupied by the Russians. While this led to a stop in sales, the restlessness this produced also led to the invention of the company’s soon-to-be trademark product, canned smoked cod liver. After the war ended, the liver became a huge export success and, in 1963, earned the business the title as Purveyor to the Royal Danish Court. However, when Sieverts took over the business in 2003, it was once again facing challenges. “The new quotas on cod meant that we were facing a tough time. My solution was, firstly, to purchase a factory in Iceland and, secondly, to start product developing on our packaging,” Sieverts explains.
Unlike with the cans, it is safe to leave the food in the new plastic packaging, which comes with resealable lids, after opening. It is microwave friendly, dishwasher safe and environmentally sensible, Sieverts explains. “In Denmark, most waste is burned and turned into heating, and our plastic turns into oil when burned. That way, it’s a CO2 neutral type of packaging.” Bornholms was founded by CEO Christian Sieverts’ grandfather at the turn of the last century.
For more information, please visit: www.bornholms.com
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 31
Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Danish and Norwegian Delicacies
Firm principles in Denmark’s pantry Løgismose’s success as an organic food producer is based on sustainability, animal welfare and heavy involvement with its local community on the island of Funen, a traditional stronghold for food producers set for expansion. By Thomas Bech Hansen
“The earth is our child.” Does that sound like the motto of a hippie commune from the 1970s? Think again. These are the words of Steen Aalund Olsen, director of organic food producer Løgismose Meyers Group, and he means business – in 2017 and beyond. The company, based in the small town of Allested-Vejle on the Danish island of Funen, is behind two of Denmark’s bestloved food brands: Løgismose and Meyers. Both brands focus on organic, locally sourced produce that tastes great – the former with roots in French gastronomy, the latter in the Nordic cuisine. “We take something from the earth but also give back,” Olsen explains.
Making the effort Løgismose’s mission is to put joy and proactivity back into local food production 32 | Issue 96 | January 2017
instead of moving to large-scale factories and focusing on the cheapest production methods. “For some, it is all about corn and milking. But differentiated agriculture is coming back with a focus on taking the time to work with breeding processes and animal wellbeing. Organic farming is not only a production form where you refrain from using fertilisers and so on; it is about making the effort to find the right feed, making milk taste better, making meat taste better.” Generally, Olsen’s experience is that consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of quality of taste in a growing number of food categories. Pork, he says, is a telling example. “Take the rise of pulled pork – like the popularity of bacon, the sixth basic taste rose to prominence, which enables us to focus on pigs in terms of breeding, feed,
space, growth speed and their size when slaughtered.”
Local involvement In 2001, Løgismose bought a closed dairy on Midtfyn in Allested-Vejle with a view to building modern facilities. A great deal of new knowledge was generated from working with the local environment, and the municipality helped the company set up in the area from day one. Today, Løgismose is as engrained in the local community as ever. “You never forget those who help you,” says Olsen. “We have always had such good dialogue with Faaborg-Midtfyn Municipality and the people of Allested-Vejle. When starting new initiatives or expanding production, we have always sought a high level of involvement from the surrounding area.” A plan has been made together with Faaborg-Midtfyn Municipality to open a food hub in 2017, a dedicated area for food enterprises, built around Løgismose’s premises. Here, Løgismose can reach out to other companies such as start-ups to exchange know-how and cooperate. “We
Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Danish and Norwegian Delicacies
want to create an area where everyone helps each other; for instance, someone might discover new ways of growing certain vegetables, and we can bring this into our way of doing things,” says Olsen. Mayor of Faaborg-Midtfyn Municipality, Christian Thygesen, believes companies such as Løgismose can help provide opportunities for more food producers in the area. “There is a great opportunity now for more companies to set up in the area and gain from Løgismose’s expertise and knowledge. I am delighted that new companies get this chance from an established, local key business.” Løgismose has emphasised inclusion of the local community during this period of expansion, which has strengthened
support for the business.“Løgismose has become a landmark for all of Faaborg-Midtfyn, but the citizens of Allested-Vejle in particular have embraced the food identity and use it proactively in campaigns to promote the area,” says Thygesen. The municipality is currently engaged in the Food Fyn project, which is one of six targeted business areas designed to contribute to growth in employment and revenues on Funen. “Food production is an essential part of our business structure. A great part of Funen’s cultural legacy is that it is known as Denmark’s pantry. We have so many big, old farms here, a lot of fertile land. So Løgismose is very closely linked to our municipality’s identity,” adds Thygesen.
LØGISMOSE’S DOGMAS Taste Food must taste better – it is that simple. Proximity We wish to promote local and regional production when possible. Ecology We prefer ecology but not if it compromises taste, which luckily rarely happens. Belief There should always be strong beliefs behind every product – how it has been produced, which raw materials have been used – something to make us proud. Traceability We want to take traceability beyond the letter of the law. We prefer to account for the origin and quality of every single ingredient. Additives E-numbers do not make anything taste better. We believe in fresh produce and natural conservation like salt, smoking, frost, sugar, canning and cooling.
For more information, please visit: www.løgismose.dk
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 33
Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Danish and Norwegian Delicacies
Go green – from the soil to your soul International Green Week is an annual meeting point for food producers and food fanatics alike to talk about and discover everything from gourmet sausages to the newest organic farming processes and gardening tips and tricks. This year, the fair welcomes a range of Norwegian and Danish producers to Berlin.
taste combinations, International Green Week is sure to blow your mind – and take your taste buds with it.
Photos: Messe Berlin GmbH
International Green Week was founded in Berlin in the golden 1920s as an international exhibition for the food, agriculture and gardening industries. It is also the origin of the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA), where over 60 international ministries and food producers meet. Renewable resources, organic agriculture, gardening and the future of rural development are continuously gaining importance at the fair, yet tradition is maintained for stability and to contextualise the innovation.
Innovation Norway As a home and supporting body for the Norwegian brands present at the fair, Innovation Norway will be there to exhibit. The organisation supports brands 34 | Issue 96 | January 2017
with advisory and promotional services as well as competence and networking services and financial support. With the marketing of Norway as a tourist destination being one of the body’s key functions, in addition to supporting companies in developing their competitive advantage to enhance innovation, it will certainly be right at home at International Green Week. In addition to Norwegian culinary traditions including dried, cured fish, reindeer meat and arctic berries, expect all the healthy new products Nordic nature inspires. A number of Danish food producers will also be at the fair, exhibiting for example coffee, sausages and liquorice. Whether you long for the flavours of home or are keen to discover new exotic
The 82nd International Green Week will take place on 20-29 January, 10am6pm, with extended hours to 8pm on the Friday. Visit the fair at Berlin Exhibition Grounds, Halls 1-26.
For more information, please visit: www.gruenewoche.com For information about Norwegian food producers, please visit: www.innovasjonnorge.no/en
Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Danish and Norwegian Delicacies
Handmade syrups from your own arctic berries Imagine tasting a delicious, natural syrup made from berries that you have picked yourself – far above the Arctic Circle. At Reisa, the world’s northernmost berry cookery and syrup factory, this vision is considered everyday life. By Eirik Elvevold | Photos: Rune Jensen
The northern Norwegian berry cookery is located in the municipality of Nordreisa in Troms county, right where the Reisa River meets the sea after its rocky journey from lake Ráisjávri. Running parallel to the Finnish border, the river passes through the Reisa National Park and the Reisa Valley, in which a rich water supply and the midnight sun have led to an abundance of wild berries. “We receive most of our berries from youth, sports clubs and school classes – and some tourists. It would be great if even more visitors would see the value of contributing to our natural, locally sourced products. You get to hike in breath-taking nature, which is perfect for hunting and fishing, and earn some extra money,” says daily manager Linda Fjellheim.
In a century-old trading station at 69 degrees north, the harvested berries then become syrups and jams. “First, we freeze the berries. That makes them easier to press. We then slowly boil the cold raw juice into syrup before we bottle it, cool it down again and send the finished products to deli stores, farm shops, souvenir and gift stores as well as Hurtigruten,” explains Fjellheim. Cloudberry syrup is Reisa’s bestseller, much due to the rarity of the orange berry, but Fjellheim recommends tasting the unique crowberry syrup. “Crowberry has a very special flavour. It’s fresh, sweet and sour at the same time, and tastes of forest and wilderness. It’s perfect for game and desserts and is my personal secret touch to gravies,” Fjellheim admits.
For more information, please visit: www.reisa.no
AL V I em ST Th E l F 017 cia e N Sp IA L 2 G E CIA W R PE O S N e:
Peer Gynt Festival. Photo: Peer Gynt AS
A Norwegian festival for every fancy There is about one festival per 6,000 inhabitants in Norway, making Norwegians some of the most eager festival goers in Europe. It is no surprise, then, that international travellers are looking north for top-notch music experiences, interesting foodie fairs and one-of-a-kind events such as the Ice Music Festival in Geilo. By Bente Bratland Holm, head of tourism at Visit Norway
Norway is a festival mecca all year long, offering the likes of the Northern Lights festival and Polar Jazz in the winter, while music and foodie festivals such as Bergenfest and Gladmat last into the bright summer nights. This year we are particularly proud to mention the Peer Gynt Festival in Vinstra, as 150 years have passed since the playwright Henrik Ibsen wrote the iconic play. The festival takes place in the idyllic Gudbrandsdalen Valley every August and provides a fascinating glimpse into Norwegian cultural heritage.
If food is more your thing, we recommend coming to Oslo 22-23 September, when the city is transformed into a feast of food stalls and restaurants under the banner of Matstreif. As the biggest food Ice music festival. Photo: Emile Holba for the Ice Music Festival Geilo
festival in Norway, it allows local producers from all over the country to gather to showcase their best products. While in Oslo, take the opportunity to explore the reasons why the city has been named as the home of one of the most interesting music scenes in Europe, with a great diversity of locations and artists along with a curious audience. We wish you a wonderful, festive stay in Norway! Øya festival in Oslo. Photo: Kenneth Spaberg, visitnorway.com
The Træna festival. Photo: Trænafestivalen
Norwegians are used to festivals on the smallest islets and in sometimes rather surprising locations, whether it is the Træna festival on a small island off the Nordland coast, or Vinjerock, a rock music festival in the middle of Jotunheimen, the mythological home of trolls and giants. 36 | Issue 96 | January 2017
For more information, please visit: www.visitnorway.com
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Festival Special 2017
Above: Tradition runs deep while staying current – as seen here with the famous Halling dance. Below right: The most famous musician featuring elements of folk music: Alexander Rybak. Bottom right: The focus has been to turn folk music appreciation into a festival and gathering for listeners and artists alike.
The oldest folk music festival in Norway Ever since Alexander Rybak won the Eurovision Song Contest with dance company Frikar backing him with folk moves, the world has been infatuated by the skilled moves of Norwegian folk dancing. By Pernille Johnsen | Photos: Folkemusikkveka
Folkemusikkveka (the Folk Music Week) dates back to 1976, making it the oldest Norwegian music festival solely dedicated to the rich folk culture. The festival does not focus on the competitive side of musical and dance performances, but is a festival for and by its attendees. “It’s been very important to bring the tradition of folk music and dance back to its recreational and enjoyable form,” says UlfArne Johannessen, general manager of Folkemusikkveka. “That’s why we eliminated the element of competition, focusing on the quality experience of culture instead of ranking it.” The festival takes place in Ål, Hallingdal, every May and hosts upwards of 7,000 visitors every year. This area of Norway is known for its important ties to the traditional music and dance scene, having named one of the most famous dances of all: the Halling dance.
Regardless of your taste in music, you are bound to find the musical atmosphere spellbinding. “We welcome professionals, amateurs and everyone in between by representing the full scope of Norwegian folk music and dance. Ultimately, we hope to inspire people to learn and improve,” Johannessen says.
and how quickly music and dance can be shared all over the world nowadays, our own concept is very local. For a long time, the main goal of similar festivals has been to compete, grow and expand to an extreme level – which we just don’t believe in,” Johannessen concludes.
Genuine interactions Folkemusikkveka is an arena for genuine interactions, Johannessen explains, as the festival avoids excessive media attention. The aim is to bring local and international interest to both stage and audience, without losing the intimate feeling that defines the character of the Norwegian folk spirit. This year, the festival will feature musicians like Margit Myhr, Valkyrien, Raabygg and We Banjo 3 on 25-28 May. “As much as we appreciate globalisation
For more information and tickets, please visit: www.folkemusikkveka.no
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 37
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Festival Special 2017
Trygve Seim. Photo: Knut Bry
Jazzing it up for Hamar’s emerging cultural scene A young jazz festival is growing towards the goal of becoming one of Norway’s most important jazz events. Tailored to music lovers, AnJazz offers an opportunity to discover new genres of jazz in the heart of Hamar, one of eastern Norway’s culturally fastest growing towns. By Ingvild Vetrhus
“It will never get boring,” says festival producer, Anja Katrine Tomter, referring to AnJazz’s innovation focus. “Even our senior audience is exploring experimental genres,” she says, adding that the festival has also attracted an increasing number of young, curious concert goers over the 13 years it has been in existence. Despite its size, the festival’s focus on providing a local, national and international line-up provides small and specialised performances in addition to mainstream concerts. Last year, famous headliners such as Norwegian singer Ane Brun and Grammy award-winning American cappella group Take 6 were contributing to the festival’s success. Tomter explains that, every year, producers work hard to create a programme that represents acts 38 | Issue 96 | January 2017
from different genres within jazz to provide quality, festivities and “emotionally loaded concerts”. Alternative or mainstream, the festival has “something for everyone”, says Tomter. Norwegian acts such as prominent pop musician Sigvart Dagsland will perform, adding to an already wide spectrum of genres and music experiences. Located on the shores of Norway’s largest lake, Mjøsa, the festival is just an hour’s drive away from Oslo. The festival host town of Hamar has established itself as a town of culture and is attracting a growing number of specialised restaurants. “In addition to a good music experience, you will also encounter exciting locally produced foods,” says Tomter. As the jazz venues are all positioned within the triangle of some of the town’s
central cultural hubs, including Hamar Cathedral, they are situated only a few minutes apart. In contrast to large festivals, AnJazz’s infrastructure and tailored programme make it difficult to miss favourite acts, which is Tomter’s idea of a “car-free cultural experience”. As feedback from last year’s audience prompted “best festival of the year”, Tomter promises to deliver an even richer music and cultural experience for 2017. “We still want it to be the music experience that everyone is talking about,” she ends.
China Moses. Photo: Sylvain Norget
For more information, please visit: www.anjazz.no
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Festival Special 2017
Blastfest in Bergen attracts metal bands and fans from all over the planet, such as Swedish black metal band Watain from Uppsala.
Honouring all things heavy under the Norwegian flag Blastfest in Bergen always attracts some of the world’s best metal bands and thousands of passionate fans from over 50 countries. The critically acclaimed festival’s atmosphere is bona fide metal, but far from mean – and more melodic than ever before. By Eirik Elvevold | Photos: Roy Bjørge
Dedicated metal fans from across the globe will yet again descend on Bergen this February. The thousand-year-old capital of western Norway, which has played a central role in the international rise of black metal, is nowadays home to Blastfest – a yearly celebration cutting across all genres of metal music. “This year’s programme is more melodic than ever, but we certainly have more extreme bands for those who like that. I’m personally looking forward to seeing the debut of former Pantera frontman Phil Anselmo’s new black metal band SCOUR,” says Yngve Christiansen, the musician, entrepreneur and metal head behind it all. In addition to SCOUR, Blastfest’s loyal crowd will be given genre-defying experiences like the Devin Townsend Project, which is keeping it going since their world famous four-album series, as well as the melodic Swedish doom and gloom band
Katatonia and the Norwegian prog metal band Leprous from the town of Notodden – the biggest prog metal act from Norway – which gained widespread popularity after backing Emperor-frontman and black metal mogul Ihsahn live. “Blastfest quickly got really popular worldwide, and the interest among bands to join the line-up is huge. Our challenge is deciding on whom to decline. We would have loved to have them all, but this interest is what creates the possibility for a strong future. I don’t think there has ever been a better age for the global extreme metal scene. Social media has made it so much easier to advertise your band and get in touch with like-minded people,” argues Christiansen. That is also the point of Blastfest. Bergen surely attracts extreme metal fans all year round, but the chance of finding new friends increases dramatically dur-
ing the festival. If you are lucky, you might even bump into some of your own metal heroes while hanging out. “The metal scene is not as scary as some people think, but rather friendly and compassionate. Just imagine waking up for a late breakfast at the official Blastfest hotel after a late night of great company, tasty food, cold drinks and, of course, some of the best metal bands in the world,” says Christiansen.
BLASTFEST FACTS: Location: Bergen, Norway Venues: USF Verftet and Hulen Dates: 22-25 February Minimum age: 18 Capacity: 1,200 Official hotel: Augustin Hotel
For more information, please visit: www.blastfest.no
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 39
Heine Totland has gone from a classical background to popular all-round entertainer. Photo: Svein Finneide
Feel the power of music at Kraftfestivalen In August ever year, Kraftfestivalen brings the whole region of Indre Østfold together in Askim for a programme packed full of big Scandinavian artists. The festival, which is named after Askim’s many power plants (‘kraft’ means ‘power’), always kicks off in a majestic, protected turbine hall, but continues in the town centre exclusively to boost energy levels to the max. By Eirik Elvevold
We’re allowed to use the space twice a year, for the opening of the festival in August – which always brings heavyweights of Norwegian politics, like Erna Solberg, Åse Kleveland, Grete Faremo and Olemic Thommessen to town – and for the annual Christmas concert,” says festival manager Tommy Leret.
In the early days of the 20th century, large power plants were constructed around Norway to electrify the country. One of the first was built at Kykkelsrud in Askim to exploit the current of Norway’s largest river Glomma. Today, the old, discontinued power plant has been turned into a protected cultural heritage site, where pop sensation Eva Weel Skram will open the annual Kraftfestivalen this August.
Booking the best for all ages
“The old turbine hall at Kykkelsrud is almost like a cathedral. The vibe quickly gets majestic when we bring artists in to play among the historical machinery.
Leret can finally look back at yet another successful December performance from the Norwegian boys’ choir Sølvguttene (the Boys of Silver) and start focusing on this summer’s festival programme.
40 | Issue 96 | January 2017
Judging by his booking record since he took charge in 2011, it is guaranteed to be a good one. “If you look at the last five years, many of Norway’s most popular artists – Bjørn Eidsvåg, Jahn Teigen, Lillebjørn Nilsen, Postgirobygget, Hellbillies – have played for us. I like to say that a-Ha is the only name missing,” says Leret. The 2017 programme is by no means complete, but so far includes acts such as Björn Rosenström, Heine Totland, Plumbo, Staysman & Lazz, Loveshack and the aforementioned Eva Weel Skram, who took Norway by storm as the vocalist of Eva & The Heartmaker in 2016 with hits including Mr. Tokyo, Signals and Gone in a Flash. “Eva and her husband Thomas Stenersen will open the festival with an acous-
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Festival Special 2017
tic show and hopefully attract a younger audience. It’s crucial to keep developing and renewing, so we’re trying to reach out to the youth a bit more. Saturday will therefore have a programme with the younger generation in mind, while Friday will be more suitable for those over 40,” explains Leret.
Pushing Askim one step further Askim will be full of cultural events during the festival. As usual, there will be a free children’s show, a book café, entertainment at the local retirement home and a church concert. But this year will see one major change: instead of having different festival stages spread around town, everything will be gathered in one place.
“The town centre will be boiling with thousands of people enjoying everything from church music to rock ‘n’ roll. I would say Kraftfestivalen has a more varied cultural agenda than many other festivals in the region; it has become an important event for the city,” Leret enthuses. Another important event is the handing out of Kraftprisen (The Power Price) at the Christmas concert. In 2016, the annual award went to the talented vocalist Signe Aarbostad Sørli. “The grant, which is awarded by us and the Norwegian company Hafslund, is meant to give local artists a chance to take their career out of Indre Østfold and onto a bigger stage,” says Leret, who is clearly passionate about making sure that Kraftfestivalen
contributes to the cultural life in his town and region. “The amount of work is not at all worth the money, but I think it’s a lot of fun and people here really appreciate it. I don’t think I have a genetic predisposition for heart attacks, though, because if that was the case, I would’ve had one already,” Leret laughs.
KRAFTFESTIVALEN AT A GLANCE: Location: Askim Date: 9-13 August Started: 1995
For more information, please visit: www.kraftfestivalen.com
1980s cover band Loveshack is among Norway’s most booked bands for events, business parties and kick-offs. Photo: Svein Finneide
Rock and folk band Plumbo, who took their name from a famous drain cleaner sold in Norway, plays Norwegian songs with a traditional twist. Press photo The duo Staysman & Lazz have had great success with their unpretentious and funny party hits. Photo: Bjørn Wad
Pop sensation Eva Weel Skram and her husband Thomas Stenersen, known as Eva & The Heartmaker, will open Kraftfestivalen 2017 with an acoustic set. Photo: Stine Raastad
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 41
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Festival Special 2017
Buktafestivalen is located at the beach Telegrafbukta, far above the Arctic Circle, where the midnight sun leads to truly magical concert memories. Photo: Marja Reibo Gundersen
Rock, beer and seafood – northern Norwegian style On a beach right outside Tromsø, the yearly Buktafestivalen has become one of Norway’s most popular festivals. Here, international superstars, national heroes and up-and-coming local bands rock out in the midst of Arctic nature, surprising craft beer and delicious fast food made from fresh Norwegian fish.
offer. Expressed in the classic down-toearth manner of a true local, that means great rock, beer and seafood – and plenty of it.
By Eirik Elvevold
“Rock, beer and seafood is our core philosophy. I think it represents our way of thinking and the sort of party we want to create. We don’t do this to make money, you know. It’s all organised through a non-profit foundation and hundreds of volunteers whose goal is to support the city and the region. We have a responsibility to help lift local bands and suppliers,” argues Pettersen.
Northern Norway is known worldwide for its breathtaking nature, but is also home to a rich rock tradition. Every summer, the two go hand in hand when Buktafestivalen kicks off outside the city of Tromsø.
in 2017, accompanied by international bands such as heavy psych trio Elder and a bunch of Norwegian class acts ranging from the young, energetic punk-rockers in Honningbarna to the recently reunited legends of Midnight Choir.
“The festival takes place at Telegrafbukta, a beach located within walking distance of Tromsø on the south-western tip of the island of Tromsøya. The beach has been the locals’ favourite for a long time, but I think we’re just starting to realise how spectacular it is to take a summer swim while gazing at snow-covered mountains,” explains festival manager Lasse Lauritz Pettersen.
“It’s going to be fantastic to see Midnight Choir live again. When we book bands, we’re always thinking in terms of quality and independence. Our programme might not include the biggest celebrities in the world, but it’s always full of really good rock bands, ranging from old heroes like Iggy Pop, Motörhead and Alice Cooper to local newcomers,” says Pettersen.
The beach will quickly become even more spectacular when Alice Cooper – the godfather of shock rock – takes to the stage 42 | Issue 96 | January 2017
Arctic rock ‘n’ roll Buktafestivalen is more than just a music festival; it is a celebration of northern Norway and everything the region has to
For the local bands, Buktafestivalen has become an important stepping stone to making it in the music industry. “Several new bands from the north, like Kråkesølv, Violet Road and The Late Great, have recently been able to leave their mark on the national music scene. We’re constantly scouting for those types of bands, who might become big one day. Buktafestivalen should be a place where people discover things they didn’t even know they wanted,” says Pettersen.
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Festival Special 2017
A new beer every year The same goes for the festival’s beer selection. In close collaboration with Mack, the world’s northernmost brewery, Buktafestivalen invites everyone to try out new beer types and expand their horizons. In addition to Mack’s complete product range, visitors can enjoy a unique beer brewed specifically for the festival. “This year’s beer is still a surprise. Last year, we brewed a light saison pale ale, so we might go for something a bit darker. No matter the type, it’s always been a crowd pleaser. We sold around 3,000 litres of the festival beer last year, and 30,000 litres of beer in total,” boasts Pettersen, who can reveal that the northern Norwegian passion for rock music has made it all the way into Mack’s brewing process. “Mack is a very rock ‘n’ roll brewery,” he says. “They even play rock while making
the beer and write down which bands they’ve played for each brew. No wonder there’s such natural chemistry between us!”
Northern Norwegian fast food Of course, festival goers cannot live off beer and music alone. They simply need those fast meals to recharge their batteries in between concerts. Unsurprisingly, Buktafestivalen’s fast food honours the ancient fishing traditions of northern Norway. “I recommend grabbing a fish burger to go from our fishing vessel Teddy – named after Sverre Kjelsberg from the Norwegian pop group The Pussycats. In many ways, it’s the northern Norwegian hot dog and you’re supposed to eat it with your hands. You can also try our own version of fish and chips, whale meat or our signature dish, called Fesk og Beiken,” Photo: Dan Gschib
suggests Pettersen. He describes Fesk og Beiken, which means ‘fish and bacon’ in the local dialect, as the perfect festival food. “It’s made from a grilled fillet of matured boknafisk, served on top of rich, unhealthy potato mash and sprinkled with fat bacon. Can you imagine a better dish at a rock festival?”
BUKTAFESTIVALEN FACTS: Genre: Rock Location: Telegrafbukta, Tromsø Date: 20-22 July Minimum age: 18 (the event Bukta for Alle is free and open for everyone). Daily capacity: 6,000
For more information, please visit: www.bukta.no
Photo: Marja Reibo Gundersen
Photo: Cat Gundry
Left: Buktafestivalen’s programme is always dedicated to well-known and surprising rock ‘n’ roll. Photo: Daniel Skog. Right: In addition to Mack’s delicious beers, guests can taste northern Norwegian fast food served from a century-old fishing vessel named Teddy. Photo: Marja Reibo Gundersen
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 43
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Festival Special 2017
Keiservarden, 366 metres above sea level, is one of the most popular concert venues. Photo: Nordland Music Festival
North of the Polar Circle, where nature meets music Nordland Music Festival is a festival out of the ordinary. Taking place in the beautiful town of Bodø just north of the Polar Circle, it presents festival goers with world-class musical acts in addition to the opportunity to enjoy the stunning, natural landscape of northern Norway. By Linn Skjei Bjørnsen
Now in its 37th year, Nordland Music Festival has grown tremendously since its inception in 1980. Starting out as a celebration of Olsok – a holiday connected to the Norwegian church – the festival was originally centred around church music. Today, Nordland Music Festival is one of the largest festivals in Norway, attracting some of the biggest local and international names in genres ranging from classical and jazz music to folk, pop and rock. “The festival is growing every year, and in 2016 we had more than 26,000 visitors,” says festival director André Wallann Larsen. “Our main focus genre is classical music with a twist. We encourage cross-genre cooperation and every year we have productions that 44 | Issue 96 | January 2017
are exclusive for our festival, where artists from different musical backgrounds work together to create a unique concert experience.”
One with nature What really sets Nordland Music Festival apart from other festivals is its use of unconventional concert venues. A large portion of the concerts are taking place in and around Bodø’s majestic nature. For the sporty types, Keiservarden is always a popular venue. The mountaintop, rising 366 metres above sea level, attracted more than 5,000 visitors for last year’s concert with Norwegian favourite Halvdan Sivertsen. Nyholms Skandse, a
small fortress island located at the sea entrance to Bodø, offers breathtaking views of the town on one side and the endless Norwegian Sea on the other side, making it perfect for atmospheric midnight concerts. “The interaction between nature and music lies very close to our hearts. It is a trademark for us and, due to our location, the outdoor focus has become completely natural. Bodø is known for its nature, and many people come here to experience that,” Wallann Larsen says. The festival has its own smartphone app, allowing users to experience the interaction between nature and music first-hand. It is called Musical Views and is loaded with hiking routes to Bodø’s most-famous viewpoints, and some of the town’s top musicians have composed music inspired by these places. “The app is programmed so that this specific music can only be activated and played when you have reached the destination and
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Festival Special 2017
are standing in the geographical space the music is composed for,” explains Wallann Larsen, adding: “Some of the viewpoints are easily accessible, while others are quite hard to get to, like Per Karlsatind, situated more than 1,000 metres above sea level, making the music quite exclusive.”
Grammy nominees and world-class Baroque music This year’s festival takes place 4-13 August, and while the programme is still under development, Wallann Larsen can reveal that several national and international stars will visit Bodø in 2017. Every year, one notable musician is invited as the festival’s Artist in Residence, and this year’s profile is Grammy-nominated folk musician and fiddle player, Gjermund Larsen. “We are honoured to have Gjermund on board. As one of Norway’s top musicians, he is extremely valuable to the festival. He will even compose
completely new music exclusively for us, which he will perform during the festival,” Wallann Larsen says. Another highlight is Freiburger Barockorchester, one of the world’s leading baroque ensembles, who will be joined by American soprano Robin Johannsen. “We will have a focus on early music, especially from the Baroque era, and to be able to host one of the absolute best orchestras in the world in this genre is really exciting,” Wallann Larsen adds.
Focus on young talent and cultural diversity Nordland Music Festival is passionate about promoting young talent, and an important part of the festival is to provide a stage where young people from all musical backgrounds and genres can perform. The New Talent programme gives youth from all over northern Norway an opportunity to perform in front of a large audi-
ence during a special concert in Bodø’s town square. “There are a lot of talented young people out there, and it is important for us to give them a stage where they can gain valuable exposure and experience,” says the festival director. Another important part of this year’s festival will be the exploration of Sami culture and history. Bodø and its surrounding areas have a rich Sami heritage, and as previous years there will be a wide variety of Sami music and performances. New for this year is a special production aimed at small children, exploring Sami culture through traditional fairytales. “Our mission is to present a diverse festival – culturally, musically and naturally. That is what this festival is all about,” Wallann Larsen sums up. For more information, please visit: www.musikkfestuka.no
Top left: Norwegian star LIDO performed an exclusive concert with the Norwegian Radio Orchestra (KORK) during last year’s festival. Photo: Henrik Dvergsdal. Top middle: Festival Director André Wallann Larsen. Photo: Marte Antonsen. Top right: Soetkin Baptist and Kristian Krokslett at Nordland Music Festival. Photo: Raymond Engmark. Below left: Grammy-nominated fiddle player Gjermund Larsen is this year’s Artist in Residence. Photo: Raymond Engmark. Below right: The world’s mostrecorded orchestra, Academy of St Martin in the Fields, opened last year’s festival. Photo: Henrik Dvergsda.
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 45
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Festival Special 2017
It takes two to tango – where classical music meets Latin passion When the Oslo Chamber Music Festival opens its doors for the 29th time this coming August, it is putting a twist on traditional classical music. Drawing top performers from around the world, this year’s festival will be introducing the sensual tones of tango to the chamber music genre. By Linn Skjei Bjørnsen | Photos: Kristin Bolgård
Inspired by festivals in the US and Finland, which brought together classical performers for more informal music sessions, worldrenowned Norwegian violinist Arve Tellefsen initiated the Oslo Chamber Music Festival to showcase the genre’s diversity and bring chamber music to a wider audience. Since its inception in 1989, it has grown to be one of northern Europe’s most influential festivals for classical music. “Our vision has always been to expand the concept of chamber music and infuse it with other genres. This year we will see top tango musicians perform alongside some big international chamber music stars,” says managing director Kristin Slørdahl.
A highlight is Elisabeth Leonskaja, the distinguished Russian-Austrian pianist who is among the most-celebrated pianists of our time. As well as top classical soloists, the 2017 festival will see a focus on string quartets, of which the host country has fostered some of the best in the world. There will be master classes hosted by star performers and aimed at young, promising musicians. “Recruiting and educating talent is important to us, and we put great emphasis on including children and young people, as both performers and audience,” Slørdahl explains. The festival takes place 17-26 August at some of the Norwegian capital’s most
majestic and historic buildings, including the National Theatre, the Opera House, Akershus Fortress and the University Aula – which is home to original Edvard Munch paintings – as well as smaller, more intimate stages in churches and tango clubs.
For more information, please visit: www.oslokammermusikkfestival.no
An international meeting place for musical appreciation Bodø International Organ Festival (BIOF) is a large industry gathering for organ players. It is an increasingly important and established arena for students and established players and has had a strong presence since the early 2000s. The festival is consistently organised in the week of 26 April, which is the birthday of the famous composer Fridthjov Anderssen. By Pernille Johnsen | Photos: Bodø International Organ Festival
BIOF introduces both well-known organ players and solo concerts in addition to crossover performances with untraditional concerts and contemporary music. The festival’s pride and joy is the youth course organised for those aged 13 and up. “Playing the organ is a lonesome hobby, so this is a much anticipated and popular gathering,” says Gro Bergrabb, a member of the programme committee. A much-anticipated programme feature in 2017 is the attendance of the worldrenowned Olivier Latry from the NotreDame Cathedral in Paris. Latry is giving a lecture as well as a solo recital. In line with 46 | Issue 96 | January 2017
his participation, the overall programme will have a French profile with several pieces of French music being played. The prominent closing number is the well-known Requiem by Gabriel Fauré, performed by the Arctic Philharmonics including the organ of Bodø Cathedral, and a choir counting almost 100 young singers from the region who gather for this occasion. The complete programme will be announced this month. For tickets and further information, please visit: www.biof.no
Olivier Latry is the single most famous organ player in the world and will feature at this year’s festival.
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Festival Special 2017
Volunteers at work.
Aronnesrocken attracts an audience spanning all ages.
Sondre Justad wowing the crowds.
A festival for everyone, fuelled by passion From a garden party to an established festival, Aronnesrocken has become one of the highlights of the year for many locals in Finnmark. Thanks to the passion and hard work of a group of voluntary organisers, the festival presents a big stage shared by local talent and big stars every year – completely free of charge. By Linnea Dunne | Photos: Mads Suhr Pettersen
It started with a university class throwing a graduation garden party. “It was only about 20 or 30 people having a party and playing music; someone brought a guitar, someone had drums,” says Rune Suhr Berg, one of the passionate volunteers behind Aronnesrocken. “That was in 1996, but it was the following year that it was actually planned for the first time and got its proper name. It’s continued to grow from there ever since.” Now supported by the local council and the Arts Council among others, Aronnesrocken is all about that inclusive garden party vibe. “It’s all about bringing people out of their houses to go to gigs and listen to great music,” says Berg. “As such, we’ve always insisted that admission is free and there’s no age limit. We’ve got children and old people and everyone in between, and as a consequence the atmosphere really is unique. People don’t
come here to get drunk – and we’re really proud of that.”
couldn’t keep both playing and running the festival!” Berg laughs. “But I have to say, it was a great feeling to get up on the stage at last year’s festival to present the winner of our annual talent award, in front of an audience of 3,000 people – our biggest festival yet. It was a very special moment.”
Local talent on a big stage While the festival books both Norwegian and international acts and has had some big names on the bill, one of its most important missions is to support and provide a stage for local talent. “For a lot of the local bands – kids aged 13 to 16 – this is their first performance on a big stage in front of a big audience – and they get to share the stage with the big stars,” Berg explains. As the festival name suggests, Aronnesrocken’s offering is primarily centred around rock music, but of the more accessible kind, and a range of pop and electronic music is also represented. In fact, the first nine instalments of the festival featured a certain someone on the bill. “I played the first nine years, but we
The festival is a highlight for many local youngsters.
ABOUT ARONNESROCKEN Where? Aronnes in Alta, Finnmark When? 17-19 August 2017 How much? Free for visitors of all ages The programme is due to be announced in early 2017.
For more information, please visit: www.aronnesrocken.no
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 47
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Festival Special 2017
View of Vestvågøy. Photo: Baard Loeken
An extraordinary music experience If spectacular nature and classical music are two of your favourite things, then your plans for July are set. Lofoten will once again make the backdrop for a musical experience out of the ordinary. By Marte Eide
Lofoten International Chamber Music Festival is due to take place on 10-16 July this year, alternating with Lofoten Piano Festival, which is scheduled for the summer of 2018. “We want to showcase the entirety of Lofoten, from fantastic views to the midnight sun, and make the best out of local venues,” says co-founder Knut Kirkesæther. Acknowledged artists such as Leif Ove Andsnes, Olli Mustonen and guest of honour Arve Tellefsen will perform during the week-long festival. “No two of the concerts have the same combination of artists, which makes them unique and offers the guest a truly out-of-the-ordinary experience,” explains Kirkesæther. “It is good for the artists as well – they become like a big family playing together this way.” Visitors to the festival travel from across the world. “We are pleased with the general interest of the audience,” says Kirkesæther. For those who travel from 48 | Issue 96 | January 2017
phere at the concerts. “The very final concert is an encore combining all the artists in an interesting and fun way,” says Kirkesæther. “This is actually the most popular concert – it appeals to the whole crowd.”
far away, the full festival package may be a tempting solution to the logistical challenges. “The package is a result of our experience of helping visitors plan their trip, in terms of where to stay, how to get around and so on. As well as making things a lot easier for many of people, we also really enjoy doing it,” he says. The festival also offers short introductions to the music before concerts and a selection of more in-depth talks. “For those with a genuine interest in the music, these talks are a great way to learn more,” says Kirkesæther. One might worry about how to fit it all in, but no need. “All the concerts and talks are organised in a way that ensures that nobody has to miss out on anything. None of the concerts overlap; we want every concert to be a highlight.” The core values of the festival are about the professional quality of the artists as well as an inclusive and relaxed atmos-
Arve Tellefsen. Photo: Bente Bjercke
For more information, please visit: www.lofotenfestival.no
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Festival Special 2017
Photo: Skjærvafest
The first outdoor, family-friendly festival in Kristiansund Tommy Reite moved to Kristiansund about a year ago and quickly realised the potential for a large outdoor festival. Not only is the scenery and setting of the town serene; it is also the final stop of the Atlantic Ocean Road. By Pernille Johnsen
Not long after the first brainstorming session, Skjærvafest was born and appeared in its first instalment in 2016. The organisation partners with local forces such as Braatthallen and the highly acclaimed band El Cuero. “I wanted it to be a family-friendly, ageless festival where people from across generations can come together and have a great time,” Reite explains. As such, there will be large outdoor volleyball courts and bouncy castles, and the festival will take place right on the beach. Kristiansund is not usually a destination for musicians, but Reite wanted to create a platform to change that. This year, Skjærvafest is hosting Admiral P, Comet Kid, The Stapes, Morudes, Cezinando, Västerbron, Valentourettes,
Hedvig Mollestad Trio, Turbonegro and the magician Davido, and will take place on 28-29 July. The line-up caters to all different age groups and invites a much-anticipated line-up of musicians and entertainers to visit Kristiansund for the family-friendly outdoor festival. Upwards of 20 musicians will be performing, divided across four stages. The fervor for music is unquestionably present in the surrounding region of Nordmøre, but since it is located off the beaten path people often have to travel great lengths to experience the contemporary music here – and this gap in the market is what Skjærvafest aims to mitigate. Kristiansund consists of small islands, and bacalao has always been an impor-
tant culinary feature of the town. The festival appeals to a wide audience, and people aged 12 and under go free, as do those aged 70 and above. Skjærvafest has partnered with Quality Hotel Grand Kristiansund to offer festival passes that include accommodation, as well as offering sea rafting with Nordmøre Havrafting and beer tasting with local brewery Randhav.
Skjærvafest is family friendly, offering activities for all age groups. Photo: Svein Jacobsen.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit: www.skjervafest.no/info
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 49
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Festival Special 2017
Folk dance and music will blend together in a symbiosis from 30 July to 6 August. Photo: Ingvil Skeie Ljones
Folk for the future at Norway’s oldest festival Tired of being a passive participant at festivals? At Jørn Hilme-stemnet, Norway’s oldest folk festival, you can take part in a generous and intimate symbiosis between traditional Norwegian music and dance. The bold programme clearly shows that folk is both a performing art and a social activity – and that its fans are looking to the future as well as the past. By Eirik Elvevold
The traditional Norwegian district of Valdres, situated between the two valleys of Gubrandsdal and Hallingdal, is known for its splendid nature, excellent trout fishing and characteristic dialect. Valdres is also home to a rich folk tradition and long history of talented dancers and musicians, of which the most important is said to be Jørn Hilme. “In the early 1800s, long before viral videos, Jørn Hilme’s fiddle music spread quickly and had a huge influence in areas like Sogn, Voss, Numedal, Hallingdal and Telemark. Hilme was born into a 50 | Issue 96 | January 2017
poor family, but was able to live off folk music by adopting styles and tricks – like his distinctive triplets – from other musicians, genres and countries,” says Ellen Persvold, festival manager at Jørn Hilmestemnet, which is named after the artist. Established as early as 1960, Jørn Hilme-stemnet is the oldest folk festival in Norway. In about half a century, it has grown to become a professional and experimental meeting ground welcoming both hardcore enthusiasts and curious amateurs. “Hilme was an innovate traditionalist, and we’re trying to keep that
spirit alive and develop the folk genre by organising a timeless and inspiring festival. In the 1950s, it was way harder to walk through Oslo with a fiddle, because everything was supposed to be modernistic, but now people are really looking to the past in search of identity and knowledge,” explains Persvold. “These things go through phases. No matter what, we keep a steady course to remain a lasting gold mine for Norwegian folk.”
Music at the museum The festival takes place in and around Valdres Folkemuseum. The museum is one of the biggest open-air museums in Norway and contains the country’s oldest local folk music archive. More than 12,000 tracks of music and singing, dating back to the 1940s, have been collected. There is also a workshop dedicated to the maintenance, repair and production of the classical Norwegian folk instru-
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Festival Special 2017
ments Hardanger fiddle and langeleik, making it the perfect arena for an inclusive folk festival. “We have planned more than 80 happenings for young and old, ranging from solo gigs to interactive performances and courses. We’re delighted to present the adored artist Odd Nordstoga to perform at our main stage in the natural amphitheatre at Jaslangen. Nordstoga is primarily known as a singer/songwriter, and few people know that he’s among Norway’s best singers of a traditional type of folk music called ‘stev’,” Persvold reveals. You can also catch a concert dedicated to composer Eivind Groven, an energetic live show from Harding fiddle trio Valkyrien, the Valdres-based duo Sudan Dudan and a bunch of young, promising artists at the SmåFolk stage. “Anders Erik Røine from Sudan Dudan will also be part of a commissioned
performance, in which he’ll be digging into traditional material using an experimental approach together with Hans Hulbækmo and the brothers Hans and Rasmus Kjorstad. They are all so good at making folk music accessible and interesting for a wider audience,” says Persvold.
Participate in the programme At Jørn Hilme-stemnet, you will not just be standing still watching famous artists play. The festival is known for its intimate concerts, during which you will connect with artist and audience in a highly personal way. You are also encouraged to break loose in traditional folk dance during the shows, as the borders between music and movement are deliberately broken down to create a unique symbiosis. “Last year, for instance, we arranged a dancing competition accompanied by accordion music. The jury was the people
themselves. Everyone got a handful of ‘polkagris’ candy canes, which they used to vote for the best dancers. It was a lot of fun, so we’ll repeat it this year,” promises Persvold. If you feel a bit scared to take part because you are simply a curious folk amateur who would be starting from scratch, you can totally relax. It turns out, Jørn Hilme-stemnet was made for people like you: the festival is full of crash courses in singing, dancing and playing, so that you learn something new and perhaps return for next year’s festival feeling more confident and enriched. “We even offer a varied, week-long summer course for youth, called Strunkeveko, running parallel to the festival. The members of Valkyrien, for instance, once met there. As a bonus, we offer Ministrunken for smaller kids aged six to 11. Hopefully, the courses will inspire a new generation of folk artists,” says Persvold. Photo: Ingvil Skeie Ljones
Photo: Knut Utler
Like the sound of Norwegian folk music? Sign up for a crash course in langeleik. Photo: Runhild Heggem
ABOUT JØRN HILME-STEMNET: What? Norway’s oldest folk music festival Where? Fagernes, Valdres When? 30 July - 6 August
Jørn Hilme-stemnet is known for its many intimate concerts at Valdres Folkemuseum. Photo: Ingvil Skeie Ljones
For more information, please visit: www.hilme.no
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 51
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Festival Special 2017
Rock out under the midnight sun At the very top of Norway, in between mountains, beaches, salmon and reindeer, the outdoor festival Midnattsrocken provides the country’s northernmost region with invaluable culture and gives locals and visitors alike an unforgettable music and camping experience under the enchanting midnight sun. By Eirik Elvevold | Photos: Midnattsrocken
Every summer, something magical happens north of the Arctic Circle. In clear contrast to the dark winters, the sun remains visible until midnight, occasionally for as long as 24 hours a day. The further towards the North Pole you go, the number of days with midnight sun increases.
Midnattsrocken is just that. Since 1984, the festival has transformed the normally barren and deserted peninsula of Brennelvneset, located at 70 degrees north by the Porsanger Fjord just outside the village of Lakselv, into Finnmark’s biggest outdoor festival.
Now picture a music festival taking place that far north, with late-night rock concerts lasting far into the endless, arctic summer nights, offering a well-curated, varied programme and a legendary, vibrant festival camp full of parties with no end in sight.
“Midnattsrocken happens in the kingdom of contrasts, right in between the river and the fjord, surrounded by mighty mountains and arctic beaches. There are no houses or buildings here, just raw north Norwegian nature on all sides. Still, you can easily book direct flights to
52 | Issue 96 | January 2017
Lakselv from both Oslo and Tromsø,” says festival manager Jon Arne Pettersen.
Dazzling the superstars Even though Midnattsrocken takes place at the very top of Norway, Pettersen always manages to convince great artists and bands to make the trip. In 2017, heavy rock legends TNT, Nazareth and Lita Ford will make heads bang, while Norwegian favourites DDE and Julie Bergan are guaranteed to start a party that will last all night. “We’re always aiming to book a programme with breadth, ranging from heavy metal and rock to country and hip hop, so everyone will enjoy themselves. In the last two years, we’ve had headliners as different as The Boomtown Rats and Scooter. Finnmark is large and scarcely populated, so we’re trying to put together
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Festival Special 2017
an affordable package deal so that people don’t have to go down south to experience great music. And it seems to be working, because we’ve sold more tickets than this time last year,” explains Pettersen. Regardless of who comes to play, the nature never fails to impress. “Many of the artists are used to going straight from a car to a boring backstage area, up on stage and back. Suddenly they’re backstage in a lavvo and salmon fishing under the midnight sun – it’s obviously something exotic,” he asserts.
Sami sounds, reindeer meat and arctic beer Some artists, however, are more used to the Arctic than others. Just before Christmas, Pettersen released a third wave of booked artists, featuring only local Sami names. “The Sami people, spread across Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia, are the northernmost indigenous people of Europe, and the festival is located in the very heart of Sami heritage. Por-
sanger is a Sami municipality, and many of our visitors are from Sami areas. We want to be – and should be – an arena for local musicians like Intrigue, SlinCraze, Kevin Boine and Klish to shine,” says the festival manager. The same goes for the festival’s food and drinks: it is all local. “We sell, for example, reindeer meat from Karasjok, fish from Nord Vilt and beer from Mack, the world’s northernmost brewery,” he adds.
‘The Roskilde of northern Norway’ What better way to enjoy awesome music, spectacular nature and the mythical midnight sun than by camping outdoors? The unique combination has made Midnattsrocken’s camp famous and given it the nickname ‘the Roskilde of northern Norway’. Pettersen confirms that the camp is the place to be. “The camp starts filling up on the Wednesday, the day before the concerts begin, but some arrive as early as Monday. RVs, caravans, buses, tents and installa-
tions are brought in. Some compete over who has the best sound system. It really keeps going 24/7,” admits Pettersen, highlighting that both safety and security are professionally maintained. “We have guards and our own hospital tent in case something should happen, with nurses, doctors and ambulances at hand.” Much of it is based on volunteers working for free to bring money to their local sports club or association. “Midnattsrocken generates more than just fun. It brings money to the local community – and that’s essential to us,” Pettersen concludes. MIDNATTSROCKEN AT A GLANCE: Location: Brennelvneset, Lakselv Date: 6-9 July Started: 1984
For more information, please visit: www.midnattsrocken.no
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 53
Photo: David Bowen
Nordic sounds anno 2017 Traditional and world music from across the globe attracts audiences seeking a special and unique musical experience surrounded by beautiful nature. If you love music, Førde Traditional and World Music Festival is the place to be this summer. By Marte Eide
Since 1990, the music festival with acclaimed musicians has distinguished itself from the rest by giving the audience an experience you must go to Førde in western Norway to experience. “The idea behind it was to make an international world music festival, a meeting point for both audiences and musicians,” says communication manager Torill Faleide. Lasting five days and always in week 27, it is an unmissable event for those who are genuinely interested in new musical experiences. Since 2010, the Førde Festival has been named as one of the 25 best events of its kind by the international 54 | Issue 96 | January 2017
magazine Songlines, and also features in top festival lists in The Guardian and National Geographic Travel. Every year, the festival choses a new theme that will be the main focus for the music. “But even though the festival has a yearly focus, there are always many performers from other parts of the world as well; we want to represent traditional and world music from all over the world,” says Faleide, who explains that this year’s theme is ‘Nordic Sounds’. “The interest for Scandinavia as a whole is growing across the world. We
want to present the musical landscape in the Nordic countries anno 2017, which also has strong elements of music from other parts of the world, as musicians with roots in other traditions have established themselves here in the north. We are proud to present groups such as ComboNations, where Javid Afsari Rad brings together leading immigrant musicians in Norway.”
Folk music on a big scale All in all, around 300 artists from about 25 nations perform at the festival every summer and 2017 will not be an exception. The main element of the festival is the project The Nordic Sound Folk Orchestra, an all-Nordic string orchestra of 40 musicians and soloists who will play music specially written by four Nordic composers. “This has never been
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Festival Special 2017
done before,” says Faleide. “It’s the first project of its kind, aiming to highlight soloist traditions in an orchestral format and grounded in folk music.” In addition to new compositions, traditional music from the Nordic countries will also be performed in a new guise. To lead the project, the festival has managed to secure Swede Karl-Johan Ankarblom, one of the most popular names in Scandinavia in arrangement and orchestration.
Variation of concerts and locations The culture house Førdehuset is the main arena for many of the concerts, but collaborations with other cultural institutions, hotels and churches during the festival makes a total of over 30 different venues, spreading the festival across six different boroughs. “We have around 300 volunteers each year, whom we largely depend upon,” says Faleide. “It is really nice to see how the local communities have embraced the festival over the years.” The beautiful western scenery forms a unique backdrop for the festival, and ex-
traordinary venues include a mountaintop 700 metres above sea level and the local city park where a festival breakfast will take place on the Saturday morning. “This is a very popular event, and should the weather be bad we use the outdoor terrace at the town hall,” Faleide explains. The festival attracts between 25,000 and 30,000 visitors of different age groups each year. “Førde festival is an intergenerational festival,” says Faleide. “We have morning concerts in local kindergartens, family concerts and cheap ticket prices for children.” It is of great importance to the organisers that the festival is enjoyable for everyone. “We want the concerts to be a place where you can enjoy the music and for the audience to have experiences they carry with them for a long time.”
Love of music “Everyone can find something they enjoy listening to at the Førde Festival,” promises Faleide. “Over the years, people have been very impressed with the variation of artists performing and they have found
new music they may not have considered before.” If a musical festival celebrating the variation and origin of the music sounds interesting, then enjoy this musical experience this summer. “It is all about how the music is presented to you. The right frame and circumstance can give unexpected combinations, and the music can sound very different. An intimate concert close to the artist, for example, can give you a musical experience that will stay with you for a very long time,” Faleide concludes. The complete programme for this summer’s festival will be available from 23 March 2017. The festival will take place 5-9 July in Førde, Norway. For more information, please visit: www.fordefestival.no Facebook: www.facebook.com/ fordefestival Instagram: www.instagram.com/ fordefestival
Photo: Geir Birkeland
Photo: Heidi Hattestein
Photo: Heidi Hattestein
Photo: David Bowen
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 55
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Festival Special 2017
Photo: Brian Tallman
Celebrating counter-culture and artivism With its breath-taking murals, huge indoor exhibition, three-day academic conference, guided tours, workshops and much more, Nuart Festival in Stavanger is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to anything to do with street art and counter-cultural creativity. Scan Magazine spoke to the festival founder to find out what is in store for 2017 and why the festival continues to make waves on the global street art scene. By Linnea Dunne
“Nuart Festival was conceived in 2000 and established in 2001 as the sister festival to Numusic, an electronic music festival that I started in Stavanger in 2000. Both festivals essentially heralded the same fundamental principle of providing a platform for artists working outside of mainstream culture,” says Martyn Reed, founder and curator. “The aim has always been to challenge the status quo, to question power structures and challenge those who get to decide what art we see and why.” It sounds like a grand ambition, but Nuart is far from falling short. Widely regarded as the world’s leading cele56 | Issue 96 | January 2017
bration of street art and its associated movements, Nuart is not just making an impact locally but also impressing audiences worldwide. “Nuart has created a template that covers all aspects of street art culture, from the production of large colourful outdoor murals to performative works, urban interventions and a full academic conference with international keynote speakers alongside workshops, film premieres, an education programme and solo shows,” Reed explains. “It takes a broad approach to the culture and grounds it in art history.” Breadth is certainly one of the key ways in which Nuart stands out. While many
street art festivals and organisations centre their work predominately around mural production, Reed is adamant to dig deeper. “Interesting and beautiful as these larger-than-life murals may be, they require a passive audience; they simply don’t activate communities the way a holistic approach to the culture can do. We’re in this for permanent change and the real improvement that art can bring to communities.” The curator proudly cites youth workshops, a senior citizens programme for 80 to 100-year-olds, inspiring debates, a newly commissioned series of Street Art Buses, and an incredible mix of artists as some of the highlights of Nuart 2016. “But one defining moment last year came with the introduction of the Cultural Producers Initiative,” he says. “It’s an umbrella term for the local, national and international volunteers that came together to oversee and run the production. We had young curators, producers and the like fly in from as far
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Festival Special 2017
afield as Tasmania, Ukraine and the US to join our local team – and it was something really special to behold. Friendships for life are formed at Nuart, and it’s produced with love. It’s this collective ethos based on a set of shared principles that I think really defines Nuart.”
‘A fertile time for street art’ This year will see, among other things, a collaboration with Google and the launch of an entirely new sister festival in Stavanger’s twin city of Aberdeen. “It’s an incredibly interesting and fertile time to be working with sub and counter-cultural forms of creative expression,” says Reed and predicts a shift back to a more politicised, community-based form of public expression. “The wall is perhaps our most primitive and vital form of social media,” he says. “Public art that expresses aspects of our shared humanity, aspects that the echo chamber often fails to express, is what we need now more than ever.”
The agreement with Google Cultural Institute aims to bring content to the world under the banner of Nuart’s Art City project. Through mapping all of the works produced in previous years, the project will allow people to experience Stavanger’s impressive gallery of outdoor art, both past and present. Ongoing talks with the City of Stavanger are looking at ways to integrate street art practice into the city’s wider plans to establish itself as the Nordic’s leading Smart City. An hour away by flight is Aberdeen, which will host Nuart’s first sister festival to replicate the success of Nuart elsewhere. “We’re working closely with Aberdeen Inspired, the organisation responsible for helping to improve and affect change in the city centre,” Reed enthuses. “They’re committed to bringing culture to downtown areas as well as inspiring those not usually engaged with the arts – something we’re obviously dedicated to as well.”
Artist Spy Wall. Photo: Brian Tallman
With a thought-provoking and holistic approach to street art culture, Nuart certainly has more than a finger on the pulse when it comes to creative expression that serves to provoke debate, challenge established power structures and affect change. If Nuart’s current plans are a sign of things to come, it could make for a very interesting future indeed. “We’re absolutely dedicated to bringing art back into people’s everyday lives – to engaging communities with challenging and fun public art projects that have the potential to change lives or, at the very least, improve them,” says Reed. For more information, please visit: www.nuartfestival.no
Artist Henrik Uldalen. Photo: Brian Tallman
Artist Fintan Magee. Photo: Ian Cox
Artist Robert Montgomery. Photo: Ian Cox
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 57
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Festival Special 2017
Music featured heavily last year at the 25th anniversary. Photo: Sven Erik Skarsbø.
The Bjørnson Festival – the inaugural literary festival in Norway In 2016, the Bjørnson Festival celebrated 25 years in business with an audience record of 11,000 visitors. The festival was established by the author and lyricist Knut Ødegård in connection with the city of Molde’s 250-year anniversary in 1992. By Pernille Johnsen
The festival is built on the principles of Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson, one of Norway’s most celebrated Nobel laureates, writers and public servants. Bjørnson’s body of work is peerless in influence and volume and the core values he championed remain the backbone of the festival, most prominently freedom of speech and human rights. Bjørnson Festivalen combines public discourse with the celebration of literature across all genres. It has an international outlook by bringing authors, themes and books from all corners of the world to the stage. The programme is influenced by the core wish to offer something for everyone – literary conversations on stage, performances of different kinds, and concerts. Freedom of speech beyond the written word is of paramount importance. 58 | Issue 96 | January 2017
The festival has garnered a huge number of vocal supporters, and the most prominent endorsement comes from the royal family. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon has been the festival’s patron since 2006 and visited the 25th anniversary last year. Bjørnson Festivalen places quality at the centre of what they do – something that is evident in the list of international writers they have hosted over the years. Among the attendees you will find Wole Soyinka, Margaret Atwood, Fay Weldon, Thor Heyerdahl and Richard Ford among many others. In addition to the events organised in Molde, there is a literature cruise running on Eikesdalsvatnet for anyone wishing to experience beautiful scenery accompanied by discussions about literature.
In line with the guiding principle of freedom of speech, Bjørnson Festivalen organises free events on the steps to the venue – public speeches that are open to everyone. The festival’s main concern is to stay relevant, and thus it announces parts of the programme in March and the entire list in June.
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon is Bjørnson Festivalen’s patron. Photo: Sven Erik Skarsbø.
For tickets and more information, please visit: www.bjornsonfestivalen.no
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Festival Special 2017
Every second year, revue enthusiasts from across Norway travel to the tiny village of Høylandet in Nord-Trøndelag to take part in Norsk Revyfestival, which turns 30 this year. The festival’s longevity is much thanks to hundreds of local volunteers and genuine engagement from the grassroots.
Reaching the top of revue During the last 30 years, Norsk Revyfestival has transformed both the tiny village of Høylandet and the Norwegian revue scene dramatically, serving as a Norwegian championship in revue. For its anniversary, the festival will revisit some of its funniest moments and use humour to make the debate climate more constructive. By Eirik Elvevold | Photos: Norsk Revyfestival
In the mid-‘80s, two playful, half-crazy Norwegians had an idea that would change the village of Høylandet forever. They wanted to organise a national revue festival, rallying humour groups from all over the country to meet, share and compete with each other. In 1987, their dream became reality when 20 revue groups gathered in the small village to perform in two tents provisionally sewn together. In July, 100 Norwegian revue groups travel to Høylandet, bringing their funniest material in the hope of winning the biannual Norsk Revyfestival. Approximately 400 groups typically sign up for the festival, but the five prestigious semifinals only have 100 places. The 20 best groups go on to reach the final, where the Norwegian champion of revue will be crowned. “It’s actually quite astounding how Norsk Revyfestival grew to success in the middle of nowhere. If it wasn’t for Høylandet’s
community spirit – or ‘dugnadsånd’, as we say in Norwegian – it would never have happened. The small village has a population of roughly 1,000 people, half of which volunteer with the festival. Then it’s only fair that the profits benefit local teams and organisations,” says daily manager Anita Østby.
In touch with the grassroots for 30 years “The best thing for me is all the amateur talent being discovered,” Østby continues. “Revue really involves and engages all levels of society, allowing people to express what’s really going on. Mechanics, doctors and teachers can all perform side by side on stage. I think that’s a beautiful thing,” she says, with unmistakable passion. In 2017, Norsk Revyfestival has been a place for such grassroot expression for 30 years. The programme will therefore celebrate and revisit three decades of
Norwegian revue history, during which several unknown actors have been boosted into professional careers. “We’re celebrating the Norwegian revue scene, but it’s a truly Nordic phenomenon. I think everyone in the world, actually, needs this type of humour more than ever before. Solid arguments about real, serious topics can gain even more traction with a comedic twist. And the actual outcome might be better,” Østby argues. She urges everyone who is curious about revue to contact Norsk Revyfaglig Senter, a professional centre for revue established in connection with the festival, offering help with courses, texts and instructors. “The best thing is to call us. We can either help you directly or put you in touch with someone in your region,” she suggests. ABOUT NORSK REVYFESTIVAL: What? Norwegian revue festival and championships Where? Høylandet, Nord-Trøndelag When? 5-7 July
For more information, please visit: www.revy.no
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 59
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Festival Special 2017
When the competitors pass the legendary hump, the last obstacle before the final straight, every last piece of power is unleashed in front of a wild crowd. Photo: Snorre Veggan
Where skiing is ritual and religion Where did you have your most magical and memorable skiing moments? Ask any Norwegian this question and the answer will most likely be Holmenkollen. In March this year, new memories are guaranteed to be made when the world-famous Oslo arena celebrates its 125th anniversary in style with two crazy weekends of crosscountry, ski jumping, Nordic combined and biathlon – and all the Norwegian traditions that go with it. By Eirik Elvevold
The most dedicated Norwegian skiing fans always show up in Holmenkollen a week before the annual World Cup event to claim the best spots. Couches and tents gradually start forming camps along the traditional skiing course cutting through the Oslo forest. On the Thursday, one day before the first competition, the camps are brimming with life. When the first campfires are made, and the forest smells of grilled hotdogs and strong coffee, everything is set for two successive weekends in what is lovingly referred to as ‘Kollen’. “There are always close to 6,000 people camping out in the wild. We’re talking 60 | Issue 96 | January 2017
up to 100,000 spectators in the arena and forest combined. I often refer to Norway’s most famous ski jump commentator, Arne Scheie, who compares Holmenkollen to Wembley, Wimbledon and Madison Square Garden. Everyone has a relationship with the arena, and some see the World Cup as the biggest party of the year,” says Holmenkollen Skifestival’s communications director, Emilie Nordskar. Together with hundreds of volunteers, Nordskar has already ‘moved in’ to prepare for the influx of ski crazy Norwegians in March – a moment she struggles to describe. “When we arrive at the empty,
well-prepared arena, which is hopefully drenched in sunshine and slightly frozen due to a few degrees below zero, and see the first people arriving – it gives me goosebumps every time,” she admits.
Two weekends of winners and losers Then the show breaks loose. The incoming crowd quickly fills the arena and seeps into the surrounding forest. At the same time, some of the world’s best athletes – the superstars of cross-country skiing and biathlon – prepare physically and mentally behind the scenes. Winning a World Cup in Holmenkollen is not just another victory. The stakes are high, just like the pressure from the cheering masses. “Especially for the cross-country skiers, coming to Oslo is something out of the ordinary. It’s such a popular sport here compared to the rest of the world. Except for the Winter Olympic Games and the Nordic World Ski Championships, there is nothing more honourable than winning
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Festival Special 2017
the 30-kilometre and 50-kilometre races in Holmenkollen,” argues Nordskar. The long-distance races, known to Norwegians only as ‘tremila’ and ‘femmila’ (referring to three and five Norwegian miles respectively), are part of the cross-country World Cup and make up the first competition weekend, Holmenkollen Skifest on 10-12 March, together with ski jumping and Nordic combined. One week later, on 17-19 March, the arena will again be trembling with excitement when the world’s biathlon elite meets at shooting range during Holmenkollen Skiskytterfest. “Biathlon is huge on the continent, so we’re expecting plenty of European fans who want to see their heroes finish off the season. Many of the athletes also bring their families with them because of the unique accessibility from the Oslo city centre. Holmenkollen is, after all, Norway’s most popular tourist attraction and has a lot to offer,” Nordskar points out.
Reinventing an old tradition The area in the north of the Norwegian capital has been synonymous with winter sports ever since the late 19th centu-
ry. The first formal skiing competition in Holmenkollen, consisting of both Nordic combined and ski jumping, took place in 1892, making this year the ski recreation area’s 125-year anniversary. “Looking back at all the history, we truly feel like the custodians of the Norwegian national soul and identity. Winter sports – and skiing in particular – have a central place in our culture. We’ve basically been forced to have fun with the cold winters or be sad,” says Nordskar. “Back in the days, the skiers would take breaks and eat a couple of pork chops during the 50-kilometre race. You can easily say it’s a bit more serious now, but it’s still incredibly fun.” Holmenkollen Skifestival actively tries to embrace the changing nature of skiing. As an example, the competitions will be surrounded by varied family activities and quality food such as moose and veggie burgers. The competitions themselves are becoming more exciting through daring initiatives like Raw Air. “Our Sunday ski jumping competition is already watched on TV by 160 million people worldwide, but we want to make
the spectator experience even more thrilling. Raw Air will start in Oslo and travel through the three other Norwegian cities of Lillehammer, Trondheim and Vikersund. The athletes will perform 16 jumps in ten days, bringing even more strategy to this old daredevil sport. It will be the most extreme ski jumping tournament in the world,” asserts Nordskar. Below: Ski jumping has always been a thrilling sport. In 2017, the brand new tournament Raw Air takes it to another level with 16 jumps across four different Norwegian cities in only nine days. Photo: Snorre Veggan (left). Photo: Magnus Nyløkken (right). Bottom: No true biathlon fan would want to miss the season finale in Holmenkollen on 17-19 March. Photo: Eirin Roseneng
HOLMENKOLLEN SKISKYTTERFEST (BMW IBU BIATHLON WORLD CUP) - Annual, international biathlon event in Holmenkollen, Oslo - Takes place 17-19 March 2017 - Three competition days including sprint, pursuit and mass start - Part of the annual, worldwide BMW IBU Biathlon World Cup
ABOUT HOLMENKOLLEN SKIFEST (FIS WORLD CUP NORDIC) - Annual, international skiing event in Holmenkollen, Oslo. - Takes place 10-12 March 2017. - Three competition days including ski jumping, cross-country and Nordic combined. - Gathers up to 100,000 spectators in the arena and forest. - Part of the annual, worldwide FIS World Cup Nordic.
ABOUT HOLMENKOLLEN SKIFESTIVAL - Organises the annual World Cup in Nordic skiing and biathlon, as well as a rollerski event, in Holmenkollen. - Established in 2014. - Owned by Norges Skiforbund (the Norwegian Ski Federation) and Skiforeningen (the Association for the Promotion of Skiing). - Located in Holmenkollen.
For more information, please visit: www.holmenkollenskifestival.no
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 61
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Festival Special 2017
Performance art from Europe brought to stages across Norway Markedet for Scenekunst is a showcase production team specialising in the sphere of performance art, displaying Norwegian shows as well as select performances from the European exhibition scene. Markedet for Scenekunst’s target audience encompasses anyone who works with display art for youngsters – be it at festivals, literature houses, libraries or culture stages across the country.
accurately appeal to our audiences when presented on stage.” Previous performances include Rhythm, Roots and Revolution by the Tabanka Ensemble and I am about to express myself by Ink Productions.
By Pernille Johnsen | Photos: Markedet for Scenekunst
Markedet for Scenekunst heralds diversity as a guiding principle across genre, format and demographic and puts a great deal of effort into putting together the perfect programme. The audience should experience a seamless flow when viewing a performance, which takes a great deal of effort both in rehearsals and on the logistical side.
Eliassen, manager for the adolescence segment in Sandefjord county. “We make sure to bring in children of the correct demographic to ensure that the performances
For more information and to view the full programme, which is due to be released in February, please visit: www.markedet.org
Quality assurance “We construct our stage performances to give the audience, both adults and children, an insight into the truly great performance art available for children,” says Gunn Strand
Carried away by the classical Dreaming of a different classical music festival in Norway this winter? At Pure Classic Musikkfest, you can get to know Tønsberg’s vital music scene through rare cultural meetings in historical surroundings. By Eirik Elvevold | Photos: Pure Classic Musikkfest
The ruins of an old monastery peak in through the windows of a modern library in Tønsberg, where world-class artists will soon perform classical music that is out of the ordinary. “We’ll also use arenas like the old chapel Mariakapellet and a local art museum built on a former meeting ground for Vikings. This mix of past and present is typical of Pure Classic Musikkfest,” says festival manager and flutist Charlotte Udø Kjeldsberg. Together with her husband, classical guitarist Runar Kjeldsberg, she has organised a programme full of surprising, international elements for the festival’s third year. Visitors can, for instance, experience Latin American baroque music by Ensemble Villancico and a rare viewing of the surre62 | Issue 96 | January 2017
al silent film The Unknown with live music from Les Frères Méduses. “On top of that, I will personally participate in two performances,” says Kjeldsberg. First, he will be joined by a string quartet for The First Guitar Heroes, in which the audience gets to travel back in time to the French Revolution, when the classical guitar first surfaced as a solo instrument. “In my second concert, I will play tribute and protest songs about Napoleon with tenor Tyrone Landau,” he explains. Pure Classic Musikkfest will also fill the streets of Tønsberg with carillon melodies written specifically for the festival by local composers, and gather young talents from the region of Vestfold, where the city is located.
ABOUT PURE CLASSIC MUSIKKFEST: What? Classical music festival Where? Tønsberg, Norway When? 23-26 February
For more information, please visit: www.pure-classic-musikkfest.com
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Festival Special 2017
A celebration of church music from across Europe Oslo International Church Music Festival is a festival celebrating the diversity of church music across Europe. This year, it will commemorate the 500th anniversary of German theologian and church reformer Martin Luther nailing his revolutionary Ninety-five theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, and also mark the 250th anniversary of the death of Georg Philipp Telemann. Last but not least, it puts the spotlight on female artists: composers, musicians and conductors who are today helping to shape the classical church music tradition.
Experience outstanding concerts, four world premieres, interesting concert introductions, exciting lectures, instructive open rehearsals and excellent master classes – in other words, rich servings of church musical experiences throughout the city of Oslo.
By Pernille Johnsen | Photo: Chris O’Donovan
During this year’s opening and closing concerts, you can experience two of the greatest masterpieces in church music history: first in line is J.S. Bach’s St John Passion, performed by the world-renowned German choral and orchestral institution Balthasar-Neumann under the direction of its founder and conductor Thomas Hengelbrock. In a unique reconstruction of the premiere of Mozart’s Requiem from 1791, you will meet the outstanding Scottish choir and orchestra Dunedin Consort, under the direction of award-winning conductor and organist John Butt.
The festival programme features several other major highlights. The legendary Spanish-Catalan gambist and music theorist Jordi Savall and his ensemble Hespèrion XXI will perform the highly acclaimed concert production BAL-KAN and, true to tradition, the audience will also be delighted with two of the world’s leading vocal ensembles. Cappella Amsterdam will appear under the leadership of Daniel Reuss, and choir Tenebrae will be coming from London to perform under the direction of founder and artistic director Nigel Short.
For more information and tickets, please visit: www.oicmf.no, www.kirkemusikkfestivalen.no and www.facebook.com/kirkemusikkfestivalen
e:
m he
T O H i IS S N 7 ec D p E ION 201 S W S AT IN N TI ISS S M DE TO T al
Photo: Tomas Utsi
Ignite the spark
– heritage, culture and vast, varied landscapes Go north or south, to a city or the wilderness. Sweden boasts cold, stunning winters and sunny, relaxed summers. Here is our guide to the places not to miss if you want to visit Sweden in 2017, be it for snow fun and dogsledding or a summer on the beaches around lake Vänern. Photos: imagebank.sweden.se
Sweden is exceptionally beautiful in winter. Woods appear to be covered in mini crystals as the sunshine breaks through the branches of snow-covered trees, and fields get a soft, thick, powdery white duvet. Add cosy cafés with candles aplenty and beautiful lighting in every window, 64 | Issue 96 | January 2017
and you will see why a visit to Sweden in the winter can be not just different, but incredibly soothing for the soul. But as the light returns and the temperature creeps up, Sweden sheds its winter wonderland costume and turns into a
summer haven in full bloom. From buzzing city festivals and cultural treats to endless untouched islands and cool cliffs by the wild sea, a summer in Sweden can be everything Astrid Lindgren wrote about and more. Season and weather aside, a visit to Sweden is sure to boast the best in design and modern comforts in addition to efficient transport systems, locals that are happy to help and world-class cultural experiences. The countryside is vast and varied, while the urban regions boast
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Swedish Destinations Not to Miss in 2017
multiculturalism, innovation and fabulous architecture. Come for an active holiday full to the brim of sporting adventures and waterside fun or explore the native traditions up north, the cultural heritage, and the new, exciting food scene. Whatever you choose, you are bound to leave satisfied – with that spark ignited.
For more information, please visit: www.visitsweden.com
Photo: Björn Tesch
Photo: Johan Willner
Photo: Ulf Huett Nilsson
Photo: Helena Wahlman
Photo: Clive Tompsett
Photo: Henrik Trygg
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 65
Grand welcome A scenic view welcomes you to Karlskrona if you arrive with ferry, cruise ship or your own boat; the two outstanding fortifications of Kungsholm Fortress and Drottningskär Citadel guarding each side of the entrance to the city. Both part of the World Heritage.
300 years of naval history Inside the guarded fences of Sweden`s main naval base lies the Old Naval Ship Yard, exhibiting 300 years of naval history. Join one of the guided tours available through the Tourist Office.
A World Heritage city In 1680, king Charles ordered the construction of the city as Sweden´s naval base, due to its location.The naval presence has ensured distinctive architectural qualities, and UNESCO has named Karlskrona a World Heritage city.
Naval Museum Our most visited attraction and a must see! The sensational Submarine Hall is a perfect combination of Swedish Naval history and Cold War experience.
world c
The city center of Karlskrona is located on the main island of Trossö, 6 km out in the archipelago – much like Venice. Another Mediterranean touch is the hours of sunshine per year. Karlskrona was once again Sweden´s sunniest city 2016.
HAPPIEND
Curious?
1650 islands
Scan the QR-code and enjoy our aerial movie!
and skerries make out Sweden´s southernmost archipelago.
So Swedish The island of Brändaholm is often promoted as an image of Sweden: small, red cottages with white window panes and swedish flags waving in the wind. A definite picture point!
Knock yourself out In addition to world class cultural experiences, Karlskrona has plenty to offer if you seek adventure; some of the best fishing waters in the world, great places for kayaking and excellent trekking and bicycle opportunities.
lass
In The MIddle of The ArchI pelAgo ArrivalGuides App Karlskrona destination information – download our partner apps, get inspiration and information on the go!
#visitkarlskrona
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Swedish Destinations Not to Miss in 2017
Nature’s own spectacle
– with more than just a splash of entertainment Boasting a Scandinavian Riviera, highly entertaining historical sluices, and a notable reputation within arts and culture, Trollhättan and Vänersborg is a popular holiday destination for both water lovers and fans of technical and automotive design. Whatever you come for, you will be entertained – and likely refreshed by the incredible power of water. By Linnea Dunne | Photos: Visit Trollhättan-Vänersborg
“Every day at three o’clock in the summer months, the floodgates open and 300,000 litres of water per second is released. It’s quite spectacular,” says Maria Engström Weber, CEO of Visit TrollhättanVänersborg. “People come here to experience this alone.” Water has always been central to both Trollhättan and Vänersborg. In the case of the latter, an old marketplace, the waterway was key to the shipping and collection of iron found throughout the county. The long beaches around Vänern – Sweden’s largest lake, technically an inland sea – 68 | Issue 96 | January 2017
made it a beneficial place to stay from both agricultural and safety perspectives. The importance of the lake for the position of Vänersborg, which got its town privileges in 1644, as a meeting point and trading hub cannot be underestimated. In Trollhättan, it was the narrow water passages of river Göta älv that eventually led to what was to become the town’s pride, also contributing to its name. These passages caused more than a headache as goods had to be reloaded to continue on land. But it was not until in 1800, after a range of different ideas and more than
a few failed attempts, that the first sluice in Trollhättan was completed. The creation was dubbed the world’s eighth wonder and immediately became a popular place to go for a combination of technical enlightenment and a romantic setting. And the name? People thought that there were trolls in the waterfalls, their bonnets (hättor) sticking out like mini islets.
Wild waterways and peaceful lake lands Many advancements later, both Trollhättan and Vänersborg still attract visitors thanks to their wild waterways and peaceful lake lands. “I always bring guests in Vänersborg down to the water with wooden cups, because you can actually drink the water and it tastes good!” Engström Weber enthuses. “A lot of people come here mainly for the peace and quiet though. Vänern has 22,000 islands, so they come with their own boats and
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Swedish Destinations Not to Miss in 2017
are amazed that they end up having an entire island to themselves for a week.” Vänersborg boasts 100 kilometres of Vänern coastline with everything from sandy beaches with shallow waters to secluded cliffs and flat rocks, creating what is in summertime experienced as nothing short of a Scandinavian Riviera. Perfect for days of swimming and fishing, with salmon weighing upwards of 20 kilogrammes, Vänern then transforms into a wonderland of winter fun as it freezes over to become a stunning crosscountry ice skating arena, complete with the chance to try some ice fishing. Water enthusiast or not, anyone fascinated with royalty will find the nature in Vänersborg generous as it is home to His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf’s hunting grounds with uninterrupted views across all of Vänern from the plateau mountains of Halleberg and Hunneberg. The chances of seeing another king, namely the
king of the forest, are even greater as 93 per cent of participants at local elk safaris are in luck.
Entertainment, music and design Just ten minutes away, Trollhättan still centres around the falls and sluices that attract visitors who come to the sluice café to have ice cream or a shrimp sandwich or stand right by the sluice to watch the spectacle ensue. “It certainly can be dramatic,” says Engström Weber. “It’s a great laugh – let’s just say the communication is not always what it should be on board the boats!” But entertainment comes in dry form, too. Trollhättan is known as a media hub, in part thanks to being home to Film i Väst, a film resource and production centre. As such, many of Sweden’s biggest productions are filmed here and you can spot a celebrity every now and again. Moreover, the town is known for producing great music talent, including
international stars such as Agnes. In the summer, you can encounter spontaneous street entertainment in the form of music students singing and playing right in the heart of town as you go shopping as well as along the shores of Vänern. More part of the area’s past than its present, yet crucial to its identity, is the former Saab factory, now the Saab Car Museum. “Needless to say, it’s a must-see for car enthusiasts,” says Engström-Weber, “but also those with an interest in design will enjoy following the entire process here.” The urge to create, she insists, is integral to the identity here. So is, it seems, the ability to entertain; from the use and enjoyment of water to the creation of art and culture, Trollhättan and Vänersborg promise a spectacle you are sure to remember for a very long time. For more information, please visit: www.visittv.se
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 69
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Swedish Destinations Not to Miss in 2017
Left: Sofiero Castle is a popular concert venue in the summer. Photo: Studio-e. Top right: The north harbour in Helsingborg. Photo: Helsingborgs stad. Above right: Helsingborg is located by the sea in the south of Sweden. Photo: Silvia Man. Below right: Beach volleyball by the sea. Photo: Lisa Wikstrand.
Weekend perfection in the south of Sweden What would your perfect weekend include? Good food, a night out, culture and nature, perhaps? Helsingborg, in the south of Sweden, has it all and you can easily combine it with a daytrip to Denmark.
whole week – we know how to enjoy life,” she says.
By Ellinor Thunberg
Unlike popular destinations such as London and New York, the southern Swedish city of Helsingborg is not too big to explore in a weekend. The location by the sea and the laidback atmosphere are two good reasons to choose Helsingborg for your weekend trip – and the area also offers everything from national parks to hiking trails and vineyards.
ty of local vineyards, microbreweries and farm shops. “Being able to go out in nature like this and still come back and enjoy the city pulse is a great combination,” she says.
Two countries – one weekend
“You can come here and really enjoy all the perks of a city, with restaurants and entertainment, and explore the surroundings during the day,” says Helen Långdahl at Visit Helsingborg.
Another great option is a daytrip to Denmark and the ferry across Öresund takes no more than 20 minutes from Helsingborg to Helsingør. The Maritime Museum in Helsingør and the Museum of Modern Art Louisiana in Humlebæk are two nearby attractions.
Options include, but are far from limited to, hiking up the coast to Höganäs or exploring the nature reserve Kullaberg and Kullen lighthouse in Mölle or Söderåsen National Park. If culinary adventures are more your thing, rest assured that there is something for you here too, with plen-
The restaurant scene in Helsingborg is flourishing, with plenty of restaurants along the seafront and great views of the sound. Långdahl describes the locals as proud of their city, open and helpful – and many are proper bon vivants. “In Helsingborg we have a weekend vibe the
70 | Issue 96 | January 2017
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY: 13 June Bryan Ferry at Sofiero Castle 26 June - 1 July European Veterans Championships in table tennis 6 July Per Gessle at Sofiero Castle 16 July Norah Jones at Sofiero Castle 2 August Toto at Sofiero Castle 2 September Helsingborg Marathon
For more information, please visit: www.visithelsingborg.com
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Swedish Destinations Not to Miss in 2017 Hallstabacken, where Pulka Masters takes place.
In July, Sollefteå will host a big colour party.
The Rollerski World Cup.
A year of exciting celebrations as the town of Sollefteå turns 100 New Year’s Eve of 1916 was a night filled with celebrations as Sollefteå had been granted a town charter and the village turned into an established town. 100 years on, Sollefteå municipality not only celebrates on New Year’s Eve but has a full year of celebrations, events and activities prepared for the whole family – for locals and visitors alike.
highlight for Safaee’s kids. “The Zoo Day at Junsele is their absolute favourite day. For them, there is nothing better than watching the white tigers play.”
By Sara Wenkel | Photos: Sollefteå
Sollefteå is a town where open-minded, interesting and helpful people thrive. Majed Safaee, communication strategist at Sollefteå Municipality, gushes about the people living there and how they always support each other. A great deal of effort has gone into planning activities for this year of celebrations, where locals will get together and visitors will take home a cherished memory from Sollefteå. “One of the activities I am looking forward to the most is Pulka Masters, where we compete in sledge racing,” Safaee says. “Everyone can participate and it is always a lot of fun.” Pulka Masters will take place in Hallstabacken on 4 March and interested sledge fanatics can sign up online. Sollefteå likes to arrange extraordinary activities. Aside from the rare sledge
competition, there will be a colour party and a foam disco, both in July. “Our aim is to offer activities where you will experience something new and different. But it is also important that you can bring your grandchildren and all have just as much fun,” explains Safaee. “Our activities and events are for everyone to enjoy.” Film festivals, exhibitions and sports events will resolve any potential restlessness among the town’s inhabitants. In June and July, the peak months for tourism, activities are held every single day. “One of the advantages in Sollefteå is the commitment of the local associations. They are very engaged,” says Safaee. The Swedish National Day, on 6 June, will of course be a highlight of the year as the celebrations get some additional attention. Later in June, it is time for the
Urkult festival.
SOLLEFTEÅ CELEBRATION HIGHLIGHTS 4 March: Pulka Masters 25 June: Zoo Day at Junsele Djurpark 15 July: Diggiloo 22-30 July: Nipyran festival 3-5 Aug: Urkult festival in Näsåker 3-6 Aug: Rollerski World Cup
For more information, please visit: www.solleftea.se and register for the sledge competition at www.pulkamasters.com
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 71
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Swedish Destinations Not to Miss in 2017
Christmas lights in Gävle. Photo: Daniel Bernstål
The inauguration of Gävlebocken marks the start of Christmas in Gävle. Photo: Daniel Bernstål
Welcome to a coastal gem in Sweden Gävle, located on the coast two hours north of Stockholm, attracts visitors with a nice atmosphere, culture, food and plenty of events. The city also has everything you need for an active stay – including skiing in winter.
it down. The buck has only been fully defended from attacks all through Christmas for 12 out of its 50 years.
By Ellinor Thunberg
Location is everything
In 2017, Gävle will pass the 100,000 mark in inhabitants and the city, although quite small, has the atmosphere of a big city and many choices when it comes to dining, entertainment and activities. “We are big on culture, sports, and food. We have a lot to offer the active bon vivant,” says Maria Wallberg, marketing strategist at Gävle municipality. The coastal city in the middle of Sweden is perhaps mostly famous for its long-standing Christmas tradition of Gävlebocken – a giant buck made from 72 | Issue 96 | January 2017
straw. The annual inauguration during the first weekend of Advent is one of the annual highlights, and last year the tradition had been going strong for 50 years. “It is a unique thing and Gävlebocken is somewhat of a celebrity. We had fans coming all the way from America when he turned 50,” Wallberg says. But the giant Christmas installation leads a dangerous life, despite being under constant surveillance, as it has also become an unofficial – and illegal – tradition to burn
One of Gävle’s main strengths is that everything is close by – restaurants, entertainment and activities – and you can quickly get around town. But the city also has a prime location on the east coast of Sweden. “We are also close to Stockholm, Mälardalen and Arlanda Airport, and we are a middle-sized city so it’s easy to get around,” Wallberg says. The flourishing restaurant scene often comes as a surprise to first-time visitors. The neighbourhood Söder is a popular choice for dining out, and whisky fans must not miss out visiting the local
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Swedish Destinations Not to Miss in 2017
Mackmyra whisky headquarters and restaurant outside the city.
best facility of its kind in Sweden, so it is truly worthwhile.
up until today. The museum is of course hugely popular among train enthusiasts.
Something for every season
In the winter, Kungsberget attracts skiers and last year they opened a new eight-seat lift. The resort is continuously expanding with new accommodation and new slopes. “It is close to Stockholm and the slopes come in various degrees of difficulty, from black to easier pistes,” Wallberg says.
First-time visitors often think that Gävle is a warm and pleasant city with friendly people. “Many people say that they would consider moving here. We are somewhat of a hidden gem for many people, who might just pass by Gävle on the motorway,” says Wallberg.
The location by the sea makes Gävle a great city to visit all year round. This summer, a new guest harbour will be ready for anyone arriving by sea. A popular island to visit is Limö, reached by boat in 40 minutes, but there are also great opportunities for beach life and swimming closer to the city.
Fun for kids
“In 2015, we opened a new city bath in the Bolognerskogen park. It will be developed more in the future, but it already has jetties where you can swim straight in Gävleån,” says Wallberg. Apart from the luxury of taking a dip in the city centre, sun lovers can also head for places such as Billudden, Rullsand or Laduholmen for some beach life. Swimming can be done in both the sea and lakes here.
The amusement park and zoo Furuvik is one of the most popular destinations for families with kids. In 2017, the park will get a whole new attraction: Fireball. Aside from being the highest and fastest rollercoaster in the park, it will be the first rollercoaster in the Nordic countries where you ride both forwards and backwards and it is the single largest investment for the park so far.
If hanging out on the beach is not your thing, perhaps a visit to the mountain bike park in Högbo Bruk can be more to your liking? The owners aim to be the
Another family-friendly attraction is Sveriges Järnvägsmuseum (Sweden’s Railway Museum), showcasing the entire train and railway history of Sweden
Lights by the canal. Photo: Albin Bogren
The city park Bolognerparken. Photo: Britt Mattsson
Make sure to stop by Gävle and enjoy the wide range of activities and entertainment on offer. TEN DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 29 Jan - 5 Feb The Bandy World Championships in Sandviken 8 April Record fair 26 - 27 May Craft beer festival 10 June Swedish Rally Championships 16 - 17 June Gävle Tattoo Convention 16 June Håkan Hellström 14-15 July Gefle Metal Festival 22-23 July Gävle Triathlon August, date TBA Pride festival November, date TBA NärCon
For more information, please visit: www.visitgavle.se/en
Love is in the air! Photo: Tomas Gunnarsson
Gefle strand is a modern neighbourhood by the water. Photo: Albin Bogren
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 73
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Swedish Destinations Not to Miss in 2017
Umeå boasts hip boutiques, award-winning restaurants and a creative city buzz – with a vast wilderness adventure on its doorstep. Photo: Fredrik Larsson
The city of contrasts, just before the wilderness Head north in Sweden and you might expect reindeer, Sami heritage and the northern lights – but prepare to be surprised. Umeå has surroundings boasting all of the above alongside city fun including White Guide-listed restaurants, supermodern hotels and world-class culture. By Linnea Dunne
Four rivers flow through the Umeå region: the changeable Lödgeälven, the curvaceous Öreälven, the powerful Umeälven, and the wild Vindelälven – all with their very own tempers, all presenting different sides to the river country. “Historically everything was transported by river, of course,” says Erja Back, project manager at Visit Umeå. “So, up until 1979, you could see the timber logs being transported through the city by rafts.”
Unforgettable accommodation Those looking for an authentic traditional Swedish countryside experience can book a stay at the award-winning Wallhalla Bed & Breakfast, recently voted the second-best B&B in the country. 74 | Issue 96 | January 2017
Situated by the sprightly Vindelälven, it offers quality comfort along with the historical character of the 1800s. “It’s everything you think Sweden should be – that picturesque red wooden house with white trim,” says Back. “In the summer, you can explore the surrounding area by bike and look at animals. In the winter, it’s all about the kick sled and building snowmen and snow forts.” At the other end of the accommodation spectrum, right in the heart of the modern Umeå city, in the brand new cultural building Väven on the majestic Umeälven river bank, is Scandinavia’s most innovative hotel: U&Me. With 162 rooms of different levels of luxury and at various
altitudes, the hotel presents an unprecedented experience where the city’s creativity, culture and knowledge are part of the package. “It’s completely different,” says Back. “There’s no reception – you just book online and check in at a kiosk. It’s not for everyone, but it’s handy and affordable, incredibly modern and with fantastic views across Umeälven from your bed.” Further up Umeälven there is majestic living in an entirely different guise – also ultra-modern and boasting spectacular views, but swapping the city buzz for nature, bird song and peace. Granö Beckasin is an eco-certified activity centre offering nature adventures, great food, endless woodlands to explore and an unforgettable accommodation experience, among other things with the option of staying in hotel-standard so-called ‘birds’ nests’ high up in the trees. Those looking for an adventure can go timber rafting or dog sledding, while less pulse-raising
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Swedish Destinations Not to Miss in 2017
activities include nature walks, fishing and a day of learning all about Sami life.
Award-winning local food Whether you opt for time in nature or a city break – or indeed both – there are quality culinary experiences to indulge in, often celebrating authentic local cuisine and using local produce. “Our big entertainment palace, REX, is a night out not to be missed. Housed in the old City Hall, it offers a three-in-one of great food and a fun night out: White Guide-listed restaurant Rex Brasserie, pub Rådhuskällaren with its huge selection of beer, and cocktail bar Café Juliette serving afternoon tea, quality cakes and sophisticated cocktails,” Back enthuses. “It’s hard to single out one or two places though. We’ve got a number of White Guide restaurants in the city, and they’re all very knowledgeable about wine and make an effort to talk about the ingredients and where they come from. You’ll
even see on the menu that it specifies who caught the seabass and where, or which Sami village the reindeer meat comes from.” Countryside explorers may come across culinary delights when they least expect it. Farm shops are dotted out along country roads and in villages, selling their own produce including meat, eggs and dairy products. In fact, many of these same farms have close collaborations with the city’s award-winning eateries – so in a way you get the same food, just in a very different package.
Lapland city buzz Recently a European City of Culture, Umeå certainly has a great deal to offer by way of entertainment and cultural experiences, not least in the new culture hub Väven. It is also a progressive university city with many creative lines of study, and Bildmuseet on the university’s arts
campus is worth a visit both for its beautiful architecture and of course its pioneering contemporary arts exhibitions. “Our biggest event is Brännbollsyran – a big rounders tournament when it first started in the ‘70s, and now a festival with big musical acts and much more,” says Back. “This is the charm with Umeå: it’s got all the hip boutiques and big gigs and excellent pubs and restaurants, but it’s also got the wilderness on its doorstep. It’s got peaceful nature and adrenalineinducing adventures, deep woods and the open sea, but also a lovely, creative city buzz – all within half an hour. It’s changeable, majestic and wild, just like our rivers. It is everything that there is to love about Lapland – really close to the continent.” For more information, please visit: www.visitumea.se
Brännbollsyran. Photo: Pao Duell
Scandinavia’s most innovative hotel: U&Me.Photo: Visit Umeå
Granö Beckasin boasts spectacular country living in so-called birds’ nests as well as an eco hotel, and there are plenty of wilderness activities on offer. Photo: Granö Beckasin
Café Juliette. Photo: Visit Umeå
The picturesque Wallhalla Bed & Breakfast. Photo: Visit Umeå
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 75
This is where Sweden begins Sigtuna is Sweden’s first town, founded in 970 by King Erik Segersäll, known as Erik the Victorious. His vision was to establish an international meeting place, a nation under one god and one king. It was unlike anything seen before, and both the town planning and the idea for a modern hub remain pretty much unchanged. By Malin Norman | Photos: Destination Sigtuna
Today, Sigtuna is Sweden’s fourthlargest hotel destination with around 850,000 overnight stays per year, and the municipality hosts the country’s largest international airport, Stockholm Arlanda. “You really shouldn’t miss where it all started,” says Destination Sigtuna’s director Eva Camél Fuglseth. “Sigtuna is where Sweden begins, historically and geographically if you fly to Arlanda. It’s fantastic to see and experience the historic sites and beautiful castles, which are all really easily accessible for visitors.”
the airport, hotels and conference centres. “As the municipality of Stockholm Arlanda Airport, which is world-leading amongst airports in sustainability, we have a big responsibility in terms of environmental and social impact,” Camél Fuglseth says about the shared commitment. “We want to make a difference, together. Instead of competing, we need to be brave, dare to be different and remain visionaries for the future, a tradition and way of thinking that dates back to when Sigtuna was founded in 970.”
Since 2009, Destination Sigtuna has been working on a shared vision for sustainable development with partners such as
Electric cars, waste and bees
76 | Issue 96 | January 2017
As a result of the ecological collaboration, Sigtuna is now one of the most sus-
tainable destinations in the world, having recently been named once again as one of the Global Top 100 by the organisation Green Destinations. The town has also been certified as a Fairtrade Town, and visitors at the hotels and venues will notice the efforts made to become a sustainable destination. For example, there is a growing number of charging stations for electric cars. One of the most important projects is waste reduction. According to the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, as much as 1.2 million tonnes of food waste is generated in the country and around one million chickens are being burnt every year instead of used for food. Chefs at hotels around Sigtuna and Arlanda have tackled this by cooking chicken in new ways, including reshaping the classic Swedish Christmas julbord and sharing their delicious recipes to the public.
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Swedish Destinations Not to Miss in 2017
Destination Sigtuna and hotels in the region have also established a partnership for bee keeping, with a total of around 750,000 bees in 11 locations. The bees are positively affecting the flora, fauna and people in the area, and of course honey has been harvested and used for production of mead, often served at the hotels.
Castles, Vikings and get-togethers Returning to the historic side of things, Sigtuna has the highest number of rune stones in Sweden with more than 150 inscriptions, most of them dating back to the century following the year 1000. Moreover, the area has no less than five beautiful castles open for visitors: Wenngarn, Skokloster, Rosersberg, Skånelaholm and Steninge. Wenngarn’s history, to give an example, dates all the way back to the year 1164, when Sweden’s oldest preserved letter mentioned the location where the castle is now open all year around. For the more adventurous tourist, Vikingarännet is the world’s biggest annual ice skating event, taking place on 12 February. If the ice on Lake Mälaren is strong enough, the race runs all the way from Uppsala via Sigtuna to Stockholm, with around 3,000 participants skating along the almost 90-kilometre Viking route. If staying in Sigtuna, curious participants also have the chance to look at
Beehives at Clarion Hotel Arlanda, Stockholm Arlanda Airport.
1,000-year-old skates made of animal bones. Another recommendation from the event calendar is the annual harvest market, Sigtuna Möte, with family activities during the first weekend of September. In addition to its historic sites, the picturesque town centre has lots of small boutiques, cafés and restaurants to discover. One of the local retailers is LOVeLLY, a shop with organic products and toys. It opened in 2016 and is managed by friends Linda Östlund and Emma Bergqvist. Östlund comes from northern Sweden and, having lived in Stockholm for a few years, describes moving to Sigtuna as coming home. “I love it and my family really enjoys living here,” she says. “Sometimes I have to pinch my arm because it’s so beautiful, all year round. Sigtuna has an interesting past, and nowadays plenty of genuine boutiques and restaurants with great personal service.”
1909 Sigtuna Stads Hotell, one of Sigtuna’s many hotels.
Moreover, the area is ideal for conferences and other get-togethers, with many hotel options and packages on offer and close proximity to Stockholm Arlanda Airport. Sigtuna is a true meeting place, just like in the olden days.
For more information, please visit: www.destinationsigtuna.se
Emma Bergqvist and Linda Östlund, owners of boutique LOVeLLY.
Interior at Rosersberg Palace.
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 77
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Swedish Destinations Not to Miss in 2017
Sandviken – where it is easy to enjoy life From a historical metal mecca to a modern town centre with an international atmosphere, Sandviken is both easy to get to and easy to enjoy. Diversity is key, with top-class sporting facilities as well as untouched nature and a cultural buzz – so hop on your bike or skis and get ready to enjoy. By Linnea Dunne | Photos: Sandviken
Situated just an hour and a half from Arlanda Airport, Sandviken is not just close to the world – it boasts a range of activities and experiences so rich and varied it feels like a multifaceted world in itself. With an international business stemming from the area and 700 researchers among the town’s 6,000 employees, it truly does have an international atmosphere. “We like to say that the world is always close,” says Eva Hofstrand, head of tourism at Sandviken. “International visitors fill our hotels, and 78 | Issue 96 | January 2017
everything from the nature to the cultural offering boasts an incredible diversity.” Metal workers and business people alike will associate Sandviken with the global engineering group Sandvik, founded in the town in 1862. Historically, the area’s metal expertise goes back to the early 1600s and Högbo Bruk, a forge and iron works that primed the conditions for a successful metal cutting business to fuel gas energy. Picturesque red longhouses and leafy nature still characterise
the area, which has recently grown into a well-developed recreational resort. “Högbo is known for its food – both gourmet dining experiences and charming farm shops selling quality meat, cheese and vegetables,” says Hofstrand. “But there’s plenty to do between meals as well. Högbo is an official partner of Vasaloppet, so it’s a bit of a skiing paradise, but it’s also known as a cycling mecca and you can go paddling, golfing – it’s endless.”
Top-class cycling and skiing Hofstrand describes Sandviken as a perfect place for epicureans and other bon vivants, and it is easy to see why. Here, the Swedish ‘lagom’ has been left behind in favour for a more-is-more approach; everything is done to the fullest and only
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Swedish Destinations Not to Miss in 2017
the best is good enough. As such, when Högbo Brukshotell decided to create one of Sweden’s biggest cycling arenas, they asked mountain bike world champion Magnus Palmberg to come on board. Today the arena boasts 16 tracks and a total of 130 kilometres of varied, adrenalineinducing cycling, as well as a Vasaloppet route of 35 kilometres. Forget everything you know about seasons – the Högbo MTB-Arena promotes cycling all year round, including in deep snow. For those who want to play it safe, or at least stick with the traditional sporting seasons, there are not just crosscountry skiing tracks aplenty but also one of the country’s most popular downhill skiing resorts for families. Kungsberget is just a stone’s throw away, offering a modern, convenient way to take the kids skiing with ten ski lifts and 18 slopes. As the temperatures drop and lake Storsjön freezes over, there is also the perfect opportunity to try out real Nordic cross-country ice skating, surrounded by
glistening snow-covered woods. You can even borrow skates free of charge. Those keen on exploring without breaking too much of a sweat can visit Björk & Berries, a perfume museum courtesy of the internationally renowned beauty brand of the same name, providing among other things the chance to make your own soap. Crafts and creativity abound elsewhere as well, in the form of glass works, smithies and ceramics galleries. Families visiting in the summer can stop by Högbo’s petting farm or explore the untouched nature via one of the many hiking paths. Moreover, the area is known for having Sweden’s best pikeperch fishing waters.
Accessible, buzzing and diverse “Whether it’s a group of 30-year-olds on an adventure or a family gathering to celebrate a granny’s birthday, people come here to enjoy themselves,” says Hofstrand. “Everything’s easy and accessible, and we’ve also got a buzzing town
centre. The Göransson Arena boasts big, international acts as well as significant sporting events, and an old Baptist church from the early 1900s was recently renovated to create a gastro pub inspired by The Church in Dublin, now open under the same name.” The town of Sandviken has just had a facelift and, with the world’s first electric road running just outside, it is also aiming for a fossil-free environment. Meanwhile, lake Storsjön brings it all back to basics with a 140-kilometre coastline of stunning beaches and opportunities for both swimming and sailing. Diversity is what it is all about – from the wild to the peaceful, from the authentically old to the super modern, from town culture to natural calm. What more could you wish for on the doorstep to the rest of the world? For more information, please visit: www.sandviken.se
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 79
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Swedish Destinations Not to Miss in 2017
Photo: Louise Nordström Pettersson
Enjoy an active holiday in southwest Sweden There are plenty of reasons for booking a trip to the coastal town of Båstad and the peninsula of Bjärehalvön this year. The region offers everything you need for an active holiday: tennis, golf, sailing, and excellent conditions for hiking and biking.
ways to relax and unwind. The region has two spa hotels – Torekov Hotel and Hotel Skansen – and a long tradition.
By Ellinor Thunberg
“As a complement to hiking and biking, we also have hotels where you can take care of your health and wellness. Båstad is an old health resort and people have been coming here for that reason ever since the early 20th century,” says Svensson.
You do not have to be a professional to enjoy hiking or biking in the region around the peninsula of Bjärehalvön, where stunning nature leads the way. “We have amazing hiking trails here at Bjärehalvön: Skåneleden along the coast and peninsula, but also two trails leading across Hallandsåsen, plus a number of shorter routes. There is something for everyone and I specifically recommend my own favourite trail, Grevie Backar. It feels like stepping into a hobbit world in Lord of the Rings,” says Gunilla Svensson at Båstad Tourism & Trade. She paints a beautiful picture of hiking from boulder ridges and remains from 80 | Issue 96 | January 2017
the Ice Age to green hills, small creeks and beech woods, where pasque flowers bloom in spring. In fact, the varied scenery is seen in many places around the area, with everything from dramatic landscapes and hills to lush forests. Some might say it even reminds them of Italy. “We have a stretch of road called the Italian road. It got its name because it, just like Italian serpentine roads, winds up the mountain with views of the sea,” she says.
Spa and wellness After a day of al fresco activities, it is good to know that there are plenty of
The healthy lifestyle is accompanied by good local food, and spring is a particularly good time to visit if you want to enjoy the fresh spring vegetables and early new potatoes. “Many visitors come here just to eat the early spring vegetables,” Svensson adds. Food walks and classes including sausage making are also on offer in the region, for instance at Lindegrens farm. Their cattle, of the old breed Rödkulla,
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Swedish Destinations Not to Miss in 2017
roam the hillsides producing organic and high-quality beef.
to a number of different races, including the Kona One World Championship 2017.
Activities galore
The home of opera singer Birgit Nilsson
When you mention the town Båstad, many people immediately think of the renowned tennis tournament the Swedish Open. The annual event takes place in July and attracts big crowds, with spectators travelling from near and far. But the peninsula is also big on golf and has no less than 117 golf holes within a 15-minute drive. The 2017 season kick-starts with a major event across several local clubs during the last weekend of March. It features coaching, After Golf and attractive deals. In other words, it is a great opportunity to get the season started in style. Early August is an annual highlight for anyone who loves sailing. That is when Båstad welcomes sailors from Sweden and the rest of Scandinavia and the world Serena Williams at the Swedish Open in Båstad. Photo: Walter Hughes
But outdoor activities aside, the region also offers culture and glamour. One highlight is the former home of the international opera singer Birgit Nilsson, which has been transformed into a museum where, among other things, you can see the amazing gala dresses from her opera performances and learn more about her life. “She lived on the farm when she was not out singing on the big stages,” says Svensson. “She was an amazing woman of her time, so you don’t necessarily have to be interested in opera to enjoy a visit to the museum.” The old stable on the premises has been turned into a café where you can sit down for a coffee and a treat. “She was a keen
baker herself, so the cakes sold here are made after her original recipes,” Svensson says. A special treat at the café is the Birgit Nilsson pastry, composed by local talents. It is served here from her birthday on 17 May and onwards, which is also the date when the museum opens up for the summer season. DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 31 March-2 April: Golf kick-off weekend 12-14 May: Primörgille (spring vegetable feast) 9-18 June: Restaurant week 18-21 June: Junior golf competitions 23-30 July: Swedish Open 31 July-6 August: Seglarveckan (sailing races)
For more information, please visit: www.bastad.com
Pasque flowers at Grevie Backar. Photo: Gunilla Svensson
Photo: Ulrica Millqvist
Photo: Louise Nordström Pettersson
Hiking at Grevie Backar. Photo: Louise Nordström Pettersson
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 81
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Swedish Destinations Not to Miss in 2017
Dog sledding, snowshoe excursions and winter bathing are just some of the many winter activities found here. Welcome to a winter wonderland.
Stay cool (as ice) in northern Sweden Locals in the north Swedish city of Skellefteå are experts in making the dark and cold winter into something truly special and amazing. Take your pick from dog sledding, snowshoe walks on the frozen Baltic Sea or – if you dare – a swim in a hole in the ice. By Ellinor Thunberg | Photos: Visit Skellefteå
Winter in Skellefteå is something that has to be experienced, and one of the main highlights is the Scandinavian Winter Bathing Championships in February. Last year saw 200 swimmers enter the icecold water, but the number is increasing by the year. The temperature varies, but one thing is certain: it is going to be a refreshing dip! Air temperatures have been down to around minus 30 degrees Celsius, and the water is usually down to a chilly zero degrees when the swimmers set off on the 25-metre swim.
Logart, communications officer at Visit Skellefteå.
“There are so many opportunities that come with the dark and cold season. It manifests in various ways, but the winter swim has become very popular in Skellefteå in the past few years. It is a lot about seizing the opportunities and making something cool out of that,” says Ted
Ice walk on the Baltic Sea
82 | Issue 96 | January 2017
zen Baltic Sea with a local guide, and you might even squeeze in some ice-fishing in time for lunch. “Skiing needs some practice if it is your first time, but you can literally learn to walk in snowshoes in five minutes and be on your way. It is a real feeling of freedom,” Logart says.
The local organisation Dark & Cold also offers non-competitive winter baths on a regular basis, where you take a quick dip in a hole in the ice – a perfect choice for first-timers. Despite the urge of some of us to stay indoors non-stop during winter, Logart points out that it makes little sense to sit around and wait for summer when the snow is such big part of the experience here.
Not everyone is up for the challenge of a winter swim, but there are plenty of other activities to choose from, including dog sledding, skiing and, perhaps easiest of them all, a snowshoe excursion. One popular option is an ice walk on the fro-
For more information, please visit: www.visitskelleftea.se
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Swedish Destinations Not to Miss in 2017
Photo: Anders Nilsson
Ski under the northern lights You do not have to travel all the way above the Arctic Circle to see the northern lights. “Last winter we were spoiled with the magical lights almost every other day,” says Maria Åslin, marketing director at Visit Sundsvall. The city, only a 50-minute flight from Stockholm, offers plenty of skiing opportunities, high-tech experiences at the visitor centre and the possibility to ‘rent a local’.
Photo: Visit Sundsvall
By Sara Wenkel
Ski schools, skiers’ breakfast, 500 kilometres of tracks for cross-country skiing, and five snow-rich ski centres will keep the most enthusiastic skier entertained. If that is not enough, one of the slopes, called Södra Berget, is located right next to the heart of the city. This makes it an excellent destination for anyone who would like to combine skiing with some urban vibes. “You can stay in a hotel in the city and enjoy the slope on the mountain right next to it,” says Åslin. The slope is open until 9.30pm on weekdays and is a beautiful spot for skiing under the northern lights.
Learn about Sundsvall’s future through VR If you prefer indoor activities, the hypermodern complex of Stenstan Visitor Center will not let you down. A new room, Future Lab, has just launched where you can try out the latest virtual reality (VR) technology and get a glimpse of what
Sundsvall might be like in the coming years. Soon the visitors will be able to build Sundsvall in Minecraft! Åslin believes that one reason people live in and around Sundsvall is the highquality everyday life you get when you are surrounded by the Swedish countryside – something that can be difficult to experience as a tourist. But thanks to a new concept, this is about to change. Through ‘rent a local’, you can spend a day with someone who possesses unique knowledge, learn skilled crafts and truly experience the Sundsvall community first-hand. Photo: Anders Nilsson
Photo: Visit Sundsvall
EXAMPLES OF ‘RENT A LOCAL’ EXPERIENCES - Horse and carriage ride through the rural society - Make goat’s cheese at Tivsjö Farm - A day at Håkki’s print shop - Outdoor geek shows the best waters - Mountain climbing and coffee in the garden
For more information, please visit: www.visitsundsvall.se
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 83
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Swedish Destinations Not to Miss in 2017
Cabins at Sandön.
Northern gem for summer and winter Surrounded by water, Luleå is a fantastic destination close to the sea and nature with plenty of fun activities throughout the year. Moreover, it hosts a charming city centre and a growing international culinary scene. By Malin Norman | Photos: Visit Luleå
Located in Swedish Lapland, Luleå is fairly small with just 76,000 inhabitants, yet sees a strong entrepreneurial development and a growing tourism industry. The charming city centre has a handful of excellent hotels and luxurious spas, and as many as ten gourmet restaurants and four cafés listed in the White Guide, with a flurry of new and exciting options popping up, such as American street foodinspired Bastard Burgers, Spanish-style restaurant Tapas de Papá and Fabriken with its Danish delicacies. 84 | Issue 96 | January 2017
In addition to exploring its many gastronomic options, there is plenty on offer for tourists and locals alike at this northern destination. For a bit of history, one of Luleå’s famous sights is Gammelstads Kyrkstad (the Gammelstad Church Town), located about ten kilometres upstream of the Lule River. Classified as a UNESCO world heritage site, it is well worth visiting for the 15th century Nederluleå Church, surrounded by over 400 wooden cottages, painted red and white, typical for Sweden.
As well as the two ports embracing the city centre, Luleå has a well-preserved archipelago with 1,312 islands and is the perfect setting for all kinds of outdoor activities. The rugged and weatherbeaten islands have a unique flora and fauna with deer, moose, sea eagles, seals and all kinds of fish. Many visitors choose to rent one of the many small cottages to get a feel for the everyday life of the islanders.
Winter wonderland and midnight sun Luleå is quite the exotic destination with the stunning northern lights and the magic of the midnight sun. Regardless of the season, nature is never far away. “Luleå is surrounded by water, which is great both in summer and in winter,”
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Swedish Destinations Not to Miss in 2017
says Maria Wahlberg of Visit Luleå. “To paddle around the city in a kayak on a warm summer evening is a pretty cool experience.” Summertime is fantastic in Luleå, with opportunities for kayaking as well as outdoor rock climbing. In winter, there is no lack of things to do. Wahlberg recommends trying ice driving, going on a ride with a hovercraft across the ice, or perhaps a more old-style yet still
action-packed ride on a dog sledge. Another popular activity is the so-called fat bikes with extra thick tires, for exploring the city centre or discovering the islands of the archipelago, and in wintertime they can even be used for cycling on the ice between the islands.
with a beach, palm trees, sun chairs, a volleyball court, a café and picnic areas. This winter, it has transformed into a winter wonderland with a massive snow fort, Christmas trees, fires and ski tracks.
A new meeting place in Luleå with plenty of fun activities is Södra Strand (the Southern Beach). For the past two summers, the area has hosted an exotic oasis
For more information, please visit: www.lulea.nu To experience Lulea via video footage, visit: www.lulea.nu/theluleaway
Gammelstads Kyrkstad (the Gammelstad Church Town). Photo: Anders Alm
Photo: Graeme Richardson
Photo: Fredrik Broman
Photo: Göran Wallin
Kayaking in front of Kulturens Hus (the Culture House).
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 85
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Swedish Destinations Not to Miss in 2017
Explore the great wilderness in Arvika Are you on the hunt for the perfect active holiday destination this year? Look no further than Arvika in Sweden, where the nature reserve Glaskogen awaits you with 300 kilometres of hiking trails. By Ellinor Thunberg | Photos: Per Eriksson
The conditions for hiking, canoeing and fishing can hardly get any better than in Arvika in Värmland, Sweden. The region is home to Glaskogen, a nature reserve with 28,000 hectares of wilderness waiting to be explored. “It has deep forests but also heights with views. On the outskirts you also find Glava glassworks, which was an active workshop in the 19th century,” says Eva Aasum, head of tourism in Arvika. Glaskogen has windshields and cabins for overnight stays and it is possible to enjoy everything from a five-kilometre trek to a week-long stay. There are 19 hiking routes to choose from no matter if you are a beginner or a pro. Despite the area having around 30,000 visitors per year, you can find peace
and quiet and Aasum explains that it never gets crowded thanks to the area’s vast reach. A new lake every day Arvika municipality has 365 lakes, which means that there are plenty of options for fishing and exploring – and canoes are available to rent. The deep forests and lakes are also easily combined with some arts, crafts and culture. You can, for example, enjoy a visit to Klässbol linen weaving mill, where, among other things, they make tablecloths and napkins for the annual Nobel Prize dinner. “You can visit the weaving mill, watch the production and do some shopping, and there is also a nice café that is open from April to September,” says Aasum.
For more information, please visit: www.visitarvika.se/en
Scan Magazine | Business | Keynote
Scan Business Keynote 87 | Danish Business Spotlight 88 | Dawson Media Milestone 100 | Business Column 101 | Business Calendar 101
90
94
100
Cognitive networking – that makes dreams come true By Simone Andersen
What can you do if you want to optimise your networking practice? A good starting point is the mantra: ‘Action brings about change’. But you have to change a few aspects of yourself if you want to change people around you. Unfortunately, old habits die hard, but why not start by taking a sober look at yourself? Are you – through your attitude and way of communicating – an attractive candidate for a professional business relationship? If your answer is an unequivocal ‘yes’, you are most likely a very competent networker who is already profiting from his network. If your answer is ‘I’m not quite sure’, you will probably find the text below useful.
Your network It is a good idea to map your network. It is also important to identify the resources to which you have access and where you can find them. Generally, you can work with three different types of network:
1. Your professional network Here, you find people with whom you share professional interests. These are
often like-minded people with similar qualifications, job functions and workplaces. It is an important network because it offers you the security you need to feel at ease at work.
2. Your business network This network includes relationships outside of your professional network. These contacts are very relevant people too, but may have different approaches to business matters. They represent multiple competences and resources. The contacts in your business network are very important in your career, partly because these relationships tend to be the ones that direct you towards your goals, and partly because development and progress are often generated through cooperation with people who possess different competences and perspectives to you.
3. Your personal network Here, you find your family and friends. If you are focusing on your professional development, you should not spend too much energy on this network because efficient professional help is seldom found in a personal network.
Simone Andersen is a journalist with a master’s degree in media science. She worked for many years at the Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR) as an editor and talk show host and is an expert in business networking and building relationships. She is also a speaker and author of the bestseller The Networking Book, 50 ways to develop strategic relationships. sla@strategisk.dk www.thenetworkercompany.com
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 87
SS E IN lT S ia T c e BU IGH Sp H IS OTL N P DA S e:
m he
Ribe Parish Hall. Architecture: Lundgaard & Tranberg Arkitekter. Photo: Anders Sune Berg
Building success with passion and innovation The story of Petersen Tegl is a spectacular one. The brickyard has been located in the same location for 225 years and has been run by the same family in a direct line ever since. At a time when most brickyards tried to make their bricks as cheap as possible, Petersen Tegl went in another direction. Today they collaborate with some of the most well-known architects and export their products to more than 40 countries all over the world. In fact, they have become so successful that the only real concern for the future is lengthy delivery times. By Nicolai Lisberg
“My employees refer to me as the talker.” 22 minutes into the conversation, Christian A. Petersen takes a small break to interrupt himself. He is the owner of the brickyard Petersen Tegl, the seventh generation in a direct line, and speaks about his family business with a mix of pride and passion. He took over the company 88 | Issue 96 | January 2017
in 1971 and would be the CEO, if such a title existed. “My employees are my capital. The guy cleaning the machines is just as important as the guy selling the bricks, because if he didn’t clean the machine properly, the production would stop and we wouldn’t be able to sell our products. I’m not a CEO or something fancy. I’m just
me and there is no difference between my employees and me, which is why no one at the company has their title written on the business cards,” explains Petersen. The 75-year-old owner has clay in his blood. He was only three years old when he stood at the brickyard observing the production and trying to imitate his grandfather with both hands on his back to make his belly bigger. There was no doubt in the little boy’s mind that one day he would be working there. But first, he had to go to school, and later to a machine manufacturer. He was supposed to spend four years at the machine manufacturer, but Petersen did things the way he thought they should be done and he
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Business Spotlight
left after just two years. “I already knew how to weld, so what more could they teach me?” says Petersen with a smile before adding: “When you look at my machines, you can probably see that I never finished, but I’m fully convinced that Storm P would be proud of me.” This story says a great deal about how things work at Petersen Tegl. For instance, the company does not pay much attention to fancy degrees when they hire new staff. Petersen tells a story about one of his employees, who could not get an apprenticeship. He then started at the brickyard as a smith, and on the second day he welded as if had he been doing it for years. “Many young people don’t have a degree, but they have a head full of good ideas. Today everything is measured on
how they perform in school, but creativity is so much more than good grades. When hiring a new employee, I don’t look at their CV – I sit down with them and after an hour I know if I can make use of them. We have to do more for those people without degrees, because they are often very talented,” says Petersen.
Perhaps the world’s most-expensive bricks Doing things differently is perhaps the main reason why Petersen Tegl is so successful today. For many years, the 225-year-old company was a simple brickyard producing yellow wirecut bricks, but that changed radically when Petersen took over the company. Instead of streamlining the process in order to produce yellow wirecut bricks as
cheaply as possible, the company started investing time and money in producing unique, handmade bricks. “Had we just continued producing these yellow wirecut bricks back then, my guess is that we wouldn’t exist today. At best, we would only be selling our products on the Danish market. We had to raise the prices for our bricks and the only way we could do that was to be innovative and create something that people were willing to pay for,” explains Stig Sørensen, head of export at Petersen Tegl. His prophecy is backed up by the fact that the 13 brickyards that existed in the area in the ‘70s have been reduced to six. Petersen Tegl owns three of these. One of the things that came out of being innovative was the famous Kolumba
Top left: Levring House, Bloomsbury, London. Architecture: Jamie Fobert Architects. Photo: Philip Vile. Below left: Kolumba Museum. Architecture: Peter Zumthor. Photo: Anders Sune Berg. Right: Christian A Petersen. Photo: Anders Sune Berg
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 89
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Business Spotlight
brick. It was developed in the year 2000 in cooperation between the Swiss architect Peter Zumthor and Petersen Tegl and named after the Kolumba Museum in Cologne, Germany. The brick really helped put Petersen Tegl on the map and opened up architects’ eyes all over the world for the brickyard in the south of Denmark, and today the Kolumba bricks are used in buildings all over the world. The company exports bricks to more than 40 countries, which is quite an accomplishment since
bricks used to be something that was produced locally. “It has become easier to transport bricks, which has opened up a lot of opportunities for us. We have increased our share in Germany, Holland, Belgium, England and Scandinavia in the last few years and lately the US and Australia have become big markets for us,” says Sørensen, explaining that the cost of shipping a container full of bricks to Manhattan is almost the same as having a lorry drive to Oslo.
Customer is king One of the reasons why architect Peter Zumthor wanted to work together with Petersen Tegl in the first place was the company’s flexibility. Zumthor was looking for a long, thin brick. Immediately, Petersen promised the architect that the brickwork could produce bricks 53 centimetres long – although at that point the brickwork had never produced a brick that long. “We have three rules in this company. Customer is king, customer
Top: Kunstmuseum Basel. Architecture: Christ & Gantenbein. Photo: Anders Sune Berg. Bottom left, middle and right: Production of the handmade Kolumba bricks. Photo: Anders Sune Berg
90 | Issue 96 | January 2017
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Business Spotlight
is king, and customer is king. We make whatever our customers want. We were once asked to deliver 90-centimetre-long Kolumba bricks, but I told my employees to drop it because they would be too thin and would break. Then, one morning, I come in to the brickyard to see 5,000 long Kolumba bricks. I am an engineer, but my employees don’t listen to me and thank God for that, because the bricks were excellent,” says Petersen with a smile. The company has 187 employees and many of them have been there for years. Sørensen believes that it is due to the special atmosphere at the brickyard, and he explains how all employees take ownership of their work. Petersen remembers a story from when the Queen of Denmark came to visit the company some years ago. “After a tour around the brickyard we went on to have lunch at the terrace, and she said that this is the kind of place where you either run screaming away after half an hour or stay until you retire. She is not wrong,” he laughs.
The future is bricks In addition to the Kolumba Museum in Cologne, Petersen Tegl has delivered bricks to a wide range of famous buildings. In Denmark, they were the supplier to the Royal Danish Playhouse, the National Archives and many others, while Princeton University in New Jersey, an art museum in Basel, a church project in Oslo and the Olympic Village in London are amongst other projects and buildings that have all used bricks from Petersen Tegl. The high demand for bricks from the Danish brickyards also has something to do with the fact that bricks have become popular again. “A building’s façade is like wallpaper. What you see is what you get. It has to be nice, and people are willing to spend a little bit extra on a nice façade nowadays. It is also much more environmentally friendly than glass and steel, for instance. In Denmark, we have buildings more than 700 years old, where it costs absolutely nothing to maintain the bricks, while some of the new glass and steel buildings are a costly affair on a monthly
Top and bottom: Ribe Parish Hall. Middle: Kunstmuseum Basel. Photos: Anders Sune Berg.
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 91
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Business Spotlight
basis. We have some excellent conditions for the time to come,” Sørensen predicts. Pedersen is hoping to be a part of the company for many years, but the future generation is already in line. His two daughters are both part of the company and one of his grandsons has already expressed a desire to one day come to work at the brickyard. “I’m not worried about the prospects for this company, because I have a very strong organisation. If I left tomorrow, I have no doubt that Petersen Tegl would continue to be successful. Bricks are coming back, so if you want to know my only concern for the future, I’ll tell you: it’s too long delivery times,” says Petersen and starts laughing again.
Left: Kolumba Museum. Photo: Anders Sune Berg. Top right: 335, 14th street, New York City. Client, developer, architecture: DDG. Photo: Tom Eckerle. Bottom: The Levring House. Photo: Philip Vile.
92 | Issue 96 | January 2017
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Business Spotlight
Levring House. Photo: Philip Vile.
The products Bricks The classic Petersen Tegl’s water-struck and coal-fired bricks with their characteristic play with colours are manufactured in a way that emulates handmaking. Adding a wet lump of clay into a wet wooden mould makes the bricks. The unnecessary clay is then removed and, with the water as a lubricant, the mould can be lifted up so the soft brick remains. Petersen Tegl is the only brickworks in Denmark that uses coal to fire its bricks.
Kolumba™ Petersen Tegl Kolumba™ is a range of handmade, horizontal building ceramics intended for both masonry and tiling. Kolumba™ bricks are manufactured according to centuries-old craft traditions. Once the clay has been processed, the bricks are handmade in wooden moulds, after which they are dried and fired. Varying temperatures in the firing process give the bricks a mixture of textures and beautiful shades. Kolumba™ has the standard
format of 528 x 108 x 37 millimetres but can also be delivered in custom sizes. The company also strives to meet all requests for special colours and brick surfaces. Kolumba™ was developed in the year 2000 in cooperation between the Swiss architect Peter Zumthor and Petersen Tegl for the Kolumba Museum in Cologne, Germany. Today, Kolumba™ bricks are used in buildings all over the world.
product. With the right tools, the bricks can easily be removed without breaking and can be recycled indefinitely.
Special bricks Based on many years of experience, Petersen Tegl is able to manufacture moulded and special bricks of any kind. This includes bricks for window sills, pillars and corners.
Cover
Lintels
Petersen Cover is a new brick product, which adds a distinctive and modern look to building façades while maintaining all the known advantages of brick. The structure of the handmade bricks leaves the building façade with a beautiful, rustic and exclusive look. Like Kolumba, Petersen Cover is handmade in wooden moulds. Different combinations of English and German clay are used for the bricks, which are fired at very high temperatures. Petersen Cover can be recycled and is therefore a highly sustainable
A solution for large spans, suspended lintels, soldier courses, rowlocks and arches. Modern construction often involves solutions requiring large spans. Petersen Tegl has great experience and expertise in producing suspended brickwork, including brick lintels and brick-faced units. The lintels are most often produced as single or multi-course. For more information, please visit: www.petersen-tegl.dk
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 93
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Business Spotlight
Aalborg is home to the happiest people in Europe Aalborg is home to the happiest people in Europe – because this is where the opportunities are. Attractive housing and colourful cultural centres are popping up, and the city is teeming with young students and a waterfront that is often the site of festive events. By Line Christensen | Photos: Aalborg Kommune
Aalborg is undergoing a transformation from an industrial town to a raw, modern mini metropolis. The Limfjord meanders beautifully through the city, as it always has. “Aalborg is a city all of its own. It is a wonderfully unsnobbish city, and at the same time it lifts itself culturally, offering magnificent experiences. And then there’s its superb location – close to some of Denmark’s most beautiful nature. The surrounding nature brings greatness that rubs off on the city,” says 58-year-old Lykke Wester, who moved to Aalborg three years ago. And she has not regretted it. 94 | Issue 96 | January 2017
In 2016, Aalborg was named the happiest city in Europe. 72 per cent of Aalborg’s inhabitants say they are very satisfied with life in general, according to a study conducted by the European Commission. “I like the life and character the waterfront gives Aalborg. It has created a special atmosphere and provided the perfect gathering place for people all year round,” says 28-year-old Martin Juhl Karlsen, who lives in Aalborg with his wife and two-year-old daughter. “What is special is the impressions that Aalborg leaves me with – be it when I’m out walking or just sitting on a bench and enjoy-
ing a cup of coffee. They are impressions I just can’t find in any other city.”
Architectonic jewels At the Aalborg waterfront, industrial workplaces have been replaced with several architectonic jewels, including the Utzon Center, Musikkens Hus, and Nordkraft – a renovated power plant with a raw, inspiring environment. The waterfront is also a mecca for outdoor activities, with an outdoor swimming facility, a park, playing fields and restaurants. One of Sweden’s best-known lifestyle bloggers, Åse Falkman Fredrikson, recently visited Aalborg for the first time and wrote: “Aalborg is a rather large city, but the distances are short so it was easy to get around and explore the city. I met friendly people, and numerous shops offered wine or coffee; it was very charm-
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Business Spotlight
ing.” Her next visit to Aalborg will be with the family when they will visit Aalborg Zoo, named Europe’s best.
Fantastic folk festival Aalborg is the capital of North Jutland and often plays host to major events, such as The Tall Ships Races and Aalborg Festivals. Next summer, the city will host Denmark’s largest sporting festival, DGI Landsstævnet 2017 (2017 DGI Sport and Culture Festival), between 29 June and 2 July. “Events like these bring positive attention to the city and are always held in truly beautiful settings. Both personally and as a family, we love going into town just to experience and watch the many activities,” says Juhl Karlsen. The 2017 DGI Sport and Culture Festival will be a festive sporting event for all – participants, inhabitants and tourists
alike. The inner city will be closed off from traffic, so shops, cafés and concerts can move out into the city squares. “We are expecting 25,000 participants and 60,000 guests every day, and we are busy organising what will be a fantastic folk festival. Everyone is welcome as a spectator of everything from volleyball and street soccer matches to demonstrations and concerts. We will have four beautiful ships docked at Honnørkajen, and we guarantee an array of unique events for young and old as well as families,” says Thomas Kastrup-Larsen, mayor of Aalborg Municipality.
Fjordpark and beach Aalborg has both the Limfjord and the sea close by. If the sun is out, you can take a dip at Vestre Fjordpark, which opens this summer. The park will boast 165,000 square metres dedicated to fun and lei-
sure activities, with an outdoor swimming facility, water activities and green oases. A short drive to the east you will find one of Denmark’s best and most child-friendly beaches at Hou. The beach is close to the town, which offers small but cosy shops and a playground. Aalborg is the city of opportunities. The activities are lined up so do visit – they are ready to welcome you. AALBORG FACTS:
- Aalborg is a fast-growing city and municipality. - 212,170 inhabitants as of 1 December 2016. - Europe’s happiest city in 2016 (EU Commission). - Denmark’s most attractive commercial city in 2016. - Aalborg is close to the rest of the world, just six kilometres from Aalborg Airport, an international, modern airport with daily domestic and international departures.
FAVOURITE PLACES We asked an Aalborg native, a newcomer, and a tourist where they would recommend you go when visiting Aalborg. Martin, aged 28, from Aalborg: “Cafe Vi 2 at Gammeltorv square. This is where my family and I come to relax and eat a hearty meal. While we are there, we can play a round of Kalaha and just enjoy city life while sitting outdoors.
Martin
Lykke Ida Wester
Åse Falkman Fredikson
Lykke Ida Wester, aged 58, newcomer: “Gug Church, because it is a unique church construction created by visionary architects. Aalborg Tower, Kunsten, Musikkens Hus and the residential home Fremtidens Plejehjem. My favourite eatery is Café Peace at Boulevarden.” Åse, aged 43, from Sweden: “I would definitely recommend walking past the quaint houses at Hjelmerstald, taking a beer walk to see the city from a different angle, and Aalborg Zoo is always a hit for families with young kids.”
For more information, please visit: www.aalborg.dk or www.visitaalborg.dk
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 95
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Business Spotlight
Left: DS Smith managing director, northern Europe, Thomas Kure Jakobsen. Top right: DS Smith customer Arla Foods is one of the Scandinavian companies focusing on reducing their CO2 footprint by optimising its packaging solutions. Right: Converting existing packaging to a thinner board grade can result in up to 30 per cent less pallets to stock, handle and ship.
Green ideas in green packaging Having just scooped a gold award at the International Green Apple Awards for Environmental Best Practice, it is not surprising that DS Smith is popular with Nordic companies looking to improve their environmental profiles. Scan Magazine talks to northern Europe’s managing director Thomas Kure Jakobsen about how and why the British firm continues to strive to reduce its clients’ waste and CO2 footprint. By Signe Hansen | Photos: DS Smith
Turning waste paper dust into compost, the initiative that last month won DS Smith the Environmental Best Practice award, is highly characteristic for the company. As the only integrated provider to pledge zero waste, the company aims to recycle 100 per cent of packaging resources into something useful. Another aspect of the company’s integrated green initiatives is to help its clients reduce their CO2 footprints by reducing packaging and transport, as Jakobsen explains. “Most of our products are individually designed for customers, and whenever we design or make new products we look at three things: how we can help them increase their topline, how we can reduce costs, and how we can manage the risks in their operations – for example in terms 96 | Issue 96 | January 2017
of environmental sustainability.” He adds: “We can do that in many ways. Our products take up a lot of space and put a lot of trucks on the road, so if we can optimise the product to become thinner and stronger, we can serve all three of these needs.” DS Smith’s environmental design innovations can reduce the CO2 impact of product packaging by up to 30 per cent. When it comes to waste reduction, recycling has been an integrated part of DS Smith’s business for decades. The company recycles both its own and other products, transforming their customers’ waste into a resource rather than a cost. Hence, even in the Scandinavian countries, where many companies already have a strong environmental profile, there are possi-
ble improvements to be made, stresses Jakobsen. “Even in areas with advanced recycling systems there are some improvements to be made in waste reduction, but even more so in packaging. It is not just about saving money, but about looking at individual customers and seeing how optimising their packaging can improve their environmental impact for the good of both the company and the environment.” FACTS: DS Smith was founded as a box-making business in London in the 1940s by the Smith family. Today the company provides an integrated packaging, paper, plastic and recycling service. The company operates in 36 countries worldwide, employing around 26,000 people.
For more information, please visit: www.dssmith.com
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Business Spotlight
655,000 jobs have been created less than an hour’s drive from Haslev.
Get into the spirit of Faxe Local resident Mia Green Johansen lives in the Danish municipality of Faxe. Her family’s story shows how fulfilling life as a resident there can be, and the Faxe locals are ready to welcome anyone who is up for the move and to start a new life. By Susan Hansen | Photos: Faxe Kommune
Mia Green Johansen and her husband Jens-Kristian are founders and joint-partners at enterprise JK Tryk, a textile printing company, and JensKristian is a board member of Business Faxe. The couple has three daughters, Klara-Mathilde who is at kindergarten, and Karen-Sofie and Ida-Marie who are both at Druestrup School. The family is very much loyal to the area. More specifically, they live in Rønnede, and both parents are from the area and remain very fond of it to this day. “The thought of moving never crossed our minds as our kids thrived at school, our family and friends live nearby, and the enterprise is well-established with good connections to larger cities such as Copenhagen,” Green Johansen enthuses, adding that being involved in local
work is an excellent way to engage with local people and build connections. “That our children thrive, have friends, integrate well with life and engage in sports are all key factors,” she continues. “They have opportunities here and we have everything we need; the enterprise, family and friends, beautiful surroundings and involvement. We believe engaging with everyday life here benefits the greater good.” Through work, Jens-Kristian created a wide-reaching contacts base. Identifying other people’s resources quickly is handy when manual workers or suppliers are needed. “We do what we can to help each other out in order to further strengthen the municipality of Faxe,” Green Johansen says. “The level of engagement we are experiencing from local organisations here is fantastic.”
Safety and trust “Having trust in our surroundings is important. We are experiencing trust and confidence here with the pedagogues and teachers, who spend time with our children while we are at work,” says Green Johansen and highlights the impact of the local community organisations. “Our girls are very active and we utilise all aspects of the activities Faxe has to offer. The level of engagement from the local volunteers is fantastic, and it has a positive impact on our daughters’ achievements in sports. As parents, it is just wonderful to see,” she continues. “The instructors are well-prepared, immensely positive and accommodating, and they supply multi-levelled teaching. We also make use of Faxe municipality’s events calendar, an opportunity to do lots with our children without running up the costs.”
For more information, please visit: www.foelelsenaffaxe.dk
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 97
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Business Spotlight
Danish tin packaging specialist Companized designs and produces stylish metal canisters for everything from chocolate to liquor. Tin is 100 per cent recyclable and as such makes one of the most sustainable types of packaging available on the market today.
An iron-clad argument for metal packaging Few might consider tin canisters an environmentally friendly way of packaging and storing food. However, when considering the low environmental impact of production and transport and the recycling potential, metal canisters do not just make stylish, image-boosting packaging. According to Danish tin packaging specialist Companized, these canisters also offer an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic and cardboard. By Signe Hansen |
Photos: Companized
Founded in the 1970s, Companized today designs and produces customised tin packaging for brands in more than 20 countries. The stylish tin canisters are approved for all food as well as non-food items, but are particularly suitable for decorative gift items such as tea, alcoholic beverages, and chocolate. Besides, they are much more environmentally sensible than most people think, says CEO Lars Møller Bengtsen. “As tin is created through the electrolysis of iron, there is no significant use of fossil fuels in the production of metal containers. Another advantage is the fact that our containers are very solid and thus don’t need extra packaging for transport, while most cardboard and plastic containers do. That obviously saves our customers money, but it is also more sustainable as there’s less wasted packaging and less transport and CO2. Moreover, people tend to keep the containers for longer and use them for other storage purposes, whereas plastic and cardboard are typically just thrown away.” 98 | Issue 96 | January 2017
the recycling policies takes time, but we’re getting there and we want to be part of that. More and more places are incorporating metal recycling into everyday recycling systems, and I believe that one day, not before long, just like glass, metal will be considered and treated as a fully recyclable resource.”
The company, which is run and owned by Bengtsen and his wife, CFO Majbritt Møller Bengtsen, is located south of Copenhagen, where sales, purchasing and design take place. The production takes place in China. “We’ve been making metal packaging for many years and have developed two key strengths. Firstly, creativity – we don’t just make round tin canisters; we adapt each product to create a delicious, customised design. Secondly, quality: we work directly and closely with our producers, know the different pitfalls and production processes, and do our own quality checks before shipping an order off. That way, we achieve a consistently high quality and minimise mistakes and delays,” explains Bengtsen. Passionate about the qualities of metal, Bengtsen hopes that, as more and more countries are realising the great advantages of using and reusing metal, Companized can help lead the way. “Obviously changing people’s perception and
For more information, please visit: www.companized.dk
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Business Spotlight
Top left: Søren Steen Andersen visits the Jeldtoft-Jørgensen family in Bred. The mayor supports the involvement of local citizens in the community. Since moving to Bred, the Jeldtoft family has become involved with the work of the local Red Cross with refugees. Below left: Mayor Søren Steen Andersen hopes to welcome more citizens to Assens Municipality at the new lots at Duedalen. Right: Nadia Jeldtoft, Mathias Jørgensen and their two girls, Liv and Nor. After 16 years in Copenhagen, the Jeldtoft-Jørgensen family moved to Bred in the municipality of Assens.
From capital to countryside Located in the heart of Denmark, just 15 minutes from Odense, Assens Municipality is attracting more and more young families. The municipality, which comprises a number of small communities, towns and large green areas, is well connected by both train and motorway. Scan Magazine spoke to one family who made the move from capital to countryside. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Assens Kommune
After 16 years in Copenhagen, Nadia Jeldtoft and Mathias Jørgensen decided to move to Bred, a small village 15 minutes from Odense, but a world away from the stress of big city life. The couple, who have two girls aged three and seven (and a third baby on the way), had wanted to move out of Copenhagen for years but not been able to find a financially and logistically viable solution within reach of the capital. Today, they live in a large house, designed by an architect, with an expansive outdoor space and good connections to schools, work and supermarkets. However, the most important thing they got with the move was a feeling of freedom, as Nadia explains. “When I was offered a job at the National Board of Social Ser-
vices, which is located in Odense, we started looking around this area. We did a lot of research because it was such a big move that we wanted it to really pay off financially. Finding a place that we could afford without both of us necessarily having to work was one of our main priorities – it’s a liberating feeling to know that we could get off the hamster wheel if we want to.” While Nadia works in Odense and takes the train to work from the local train station, her husband works at one of the municipality’s nine gymnasier (Danish secondary schools). “One of the things I really enjoy is the fact that everything is just easier to get to; you don’t have to sit in a traffic jam to go the shop or pick up the kids – when you’re a family with
kids, logistics is just everything,” says Mathias. Assens Municipality is also the home of several well-known companies, including Summerbird Chocolate and Montana, and approximately 10,500 work places. “There are so many opportunities,” says mayor Søren Steen Andersen. “In Odense, you have the university and the university hospital, and in Assens too we have many big employers, and on Fyn in general there’s the growing robot industry and the many sub-divisions of that.”
The station in Bred. Residents of Bred can reach Denmark’s third-largest city, Odense, within 15 minutes by train.
For more information, please visit: www.flyttilassens.dk
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 99
Scan Magazine | Business | Dawson Media Milestone
Two million Scan Group magazines on the move In the autumn of 2016, Scan Group (publisher of Scan Magazine, Discover Germany, and Discover Benelux) passed the two million mark of the number of magazines distributed across flights, ferries, trains and airports in collaboration with the world-leading distributor Dawson Media Direct (DMD). We thought it apt to celebrate this significant milestone with a look at the day in the life of a copy of Scan Magazine. Photos: Dawson Media Direct
“We work with over 120 airlines across 115 airports worldwide and manage more than 130 million daily newspapers and magazines a year,” says Anya Ahmad, head of UK, Ireland and Spain at DMD. “We’re delighted to partner with Scan Magazine to reach a great network of the travelling public.”
A day in the life of a copy of Scan Magazine Scan Magazine arrives at the DMD depot near Heathrow Airport, fresh from the printers a couple of days after being printed. The agreed orders are set up and fed through to the packing machine, as part of a pack line running the length of the building, operating six days per week and fitting up to 250 titles in one go. Magazines are packed and parcels strapped with the customer and quantities printed on a pack sheet. An intricate system of numbers and arrows is used
to communicate where the magazines are going and how many copies, and the completed bundles are lined up on a pallet ready for distribution to their respective routes. Pallets are processed through the on-site security, which uses a specialised scanning unit. Every print item that leaves the warehouse has to be scanned in line with airside security. Once scanned, pallets are passed through a warehouse shutter within a secure, caged area and onto an awaiting van. DMD delivers newspapers and magazines directly onto aircrafts, or in some cases they are delivered to caterers who then load them with the catering. Business and first-class lounges across all major UK airports and the Eurostar terminal get priority. Copies are picked up and enjoyed for free by the travelling public.
From all of us at Scan Group, a big, heartfelt thank you to Dawson Media Direct for a strong, successful collaboration, with hopes of many fruitful years ahead! 100 | Issue 96 | January 2017
Scan Magazine on display at Gatwick Airport.
DAWSON MEDIA DIRECT (DMD) IN NUMBERS: - Over 2.5 million newspapers and magazines handled each week - 120 airline and international rail customers - Over one million flights and trains serviced per year - Servicing 115 airports across 47 countries globally - Team of 140 staff - 14 global consolidated contracts
DMD – A MEDIA PIONEER DMD pioneered the Media Wall concept, marketing high volumes of reading materials to the travelling public at some of the world’s largest airports.
For more information, please visit: www.dawsonmd.com
Scan Magazine | Business | Column / Calendar
Facilitate – it is easy! “So how was your annual get-together?” I asked the new country manager just back from a meeting with counterparts from across the globe. “Dreadful,” he replied. “Two days sitting listening to the CEO. My only interaction with my colleagues was at mealtimes and in the bar.” I have heard this sad tale of unadulterated top-down communication in businesses countless times, from people at every organisational level. I think it is attributable as much to a lack of imagination as to hierarchical control freakery. Enforced passivity in meetings, workshops and conferences leads to boredom and alienation – damaging for individuals as well as for the organisation. We have all been there. Companies spend huge amounts of money flying managers to big meetings and then waste these golden opportunities to engage and empower them.
And yet it is not hard to involve people more. Everyone knows the rules for brainstorming. So, next time, why not try out carousel or graffiti brainstorming instead? Nominate people to find out about, and lead, quick sessions of brain writing, consensus scale, fishbone analysis or any of the myriad other activities that encourage participants to make genuine contributions? Integrate a world café into your next day-long event. Team development, project kick-off, M&A integration processes and so on can be rapidly transformed. If you do not feel confident about handling a big event, then call in a professional facilitator: the International Association of Facilitators can advise. The HR function of one French international company I have worked with did this for its global and regional HR events and created powerful bonds that made HR the driving force for
By Steve Flinders
change and for cultural integration across the whole organisation. The country manager I mentioned at the beginning came back from his meeting despondent. Great facilitators have everyone leaving their meetings energised, motivated by a sense of shared challenge and full of ideas and resolve. Give facilitation a try. 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.
Business Calendar Scandinavian business events you do not want to miss this month By Thomas Schroers
The future of leading people and growth The Nordic Business Forum, one of Europe’s most influential business conferences, invites you to this event. This time the main theme is ‘Going Big’, as the speakers will talk about people and growth. Included in the line-up are tennis star Andre Agassi and co-founder and former CEO of YouTube, Chad Hurley. Date: 16 January Venue: Waterfront Congress Centre Stockholm www.nbforum.com
IoT Tech Expo Global Internet of Things (IoT) clearly is the future for many aspects of our lives. To help you understand the entire IoT ecosystem better, the IoT Tech Expo Global is dedicated to seven different conference themes, including ‘Smart Cities’, ‘Connected Living’, ‘Wearables’ and much more. With 6,000 attendees across all IoT industries, the Tech Expo Global is the leading event series on the matter. Date: 23-24 January
Venue: Olympia, Hammersmith Road, London, W14 8UX www.iotevents.org
Nordic Drinks – Bodo’s Schloss Bringing together the Norwegian, Finnish and Danish Chambers of Commerce in the UK, the Nordic Drinks series is an inspiring event to meet new people. Always happening at an interesting venue, it will this time take place at Bodo’s Schloss. Visitors are invited to bring their colleagues and extended network, and early birds can get a free drink. Date: 26 January, 6pm-8pm Venue: Bodo’s Schloss, 2a Kensington High Street, London, W8 4PT www.ducc.co.uk
Photo: DUCC
various speakers, transformative workshops and panel discussions, the event will cover topics ranging from living in passion and creating meaningful careers to balancing a healthy lifestyle. The DrivenWoman network is helping women to define their own success and realise their dreams on their own terms. Date: 27 January, 8.30am – 6.30pm Venue: RBS, 250 Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 4AA www.fbcc.co.uk
Festival of doers Organised by DrivenWoman, this event gathers a group of inspiring women for a day of conversation and positive action. Including Issue 96 | January 2017 | 101
Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Sweden
Hotel of the Month, Sweden
Old and new, in perfect harmony Villa Källhagen is a classic. Located in one of Stockholm’s most beautiful spots, the boutique hotel, renowned restaurant and modern conference facilities offer excellent quality and heaps of character. By Malin Norman | Photos: Villa Källhagen
The old inn sits next to the Djurgården canal in the centre of Stockholm. “This is one of Stockholm’s most beautiful spots,” says general manager Victor Olin. “Villa Källhagen is an oasis, a bit of countryside in the middle of the city with close proximity to transport, shopping and entertainment. Returning business travellers enjoy the peace and quiet, and 102 | Issue 96 | January 2017
many locals come to us for a lovely meal in our restaurant.” With its central location, Villa Källhagen is ideal for tourists and foodies with high expectations. A destination in its own right, guests can expect stunning surroundings, great transport and walking distance from the city centre, as well as
comfortable beds, personal service, excellent cuisine and a buzzing lobby bar. Villa Källhagen has its own jetty and, during the summer months, the garden with a view over the Djurgårdsbrunn canal is a favourite pit-stop for many tourists and locals alike.
Heritage from the 1800s The first inn was opened at Villa Källhagen back in 1810. The Red Cottage, which has its own well-established place in the garden, was built soon afterwards. The old house has now been joined up with the attractive main building, which was
Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Sweden
and new features makes guests feel right at home in the relaxed environment, with many coming back again and again.
designed by architect Krister Bjurström in 1990. Through the years, the property has had several owners and business uses, and has even hosted a vodka distillery and been used for keeping cattle.
Classic Swedish cuisine
With gorgeous scenery on the doorstep, the 36 rooms at the boutique hotel are inspired by nature and the large windows let in plenty of sunlight. Decorated in pale wood, light green shades and brass details, many of the rooms also have a view over the canal, which winds its way right outside the hotel. The pleasant mix of old
Villa Källhagen has traditionally attracted many celebrated chefs, such as Gunnar Forsell and Fredrik Eriksson, the latter named Chef of the Year in 1987. Today, executive chef Xavier Rodriguez presents a fantastic menu of modern dishes based on classic Swedish cuisine and with international influences from France and Spain in particular. The well-known res-
taurant follows the changes of the seasons, with carefully selected high-quality produce, and the wine cellar boasts exquisite wines from all over the world. For inspiring meetings, Villa Källhagen is also a member of Svenska Möten (Swedish Meetings) and has nine modern conference rooms, popular for company meetings and events. For more information, please visit: www.kallhagen.se
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 103
Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Norway
Scandic Holmenkollen Park, designed in Dragon Style by architect Baltazar Lange, was completed in 1894.
Hotel of the Month, Norway
A legendary winter stay in Holmenkollen When walking around Oslo, you will often notice the world-famous ski jumping hill, Holmenkollbakken – Norway’s most-visited tourist destination – on the horizon. If you look more closely, you might even spot the silhouettes of numerous majestic dragons against the winter sky. The mythical animals are carved into the ridges of the renowned hotel Scandic Holmenkollen Park, whose views are almost too good to be true. By Eirik Elvevold | Photos: Scandic Holmenkollen Park
“Tourists are totally blown away by the view up here and leave with hundreds of spectacular pictures,” confirms Scandic Holmenkollen Park’s hotel director Bjørn Runar Johansen. At 350 metres above Oslo, the magnificent hotel really does offer scenery like no other. On a clear day, guests can see the entire city and the Oslo fjord in the south, as well as 104 | Issue 96 | January 2017
the vast woodlands stretching northward from the edge of the Norwegian capital. “Scandic Holmenkollen Park offers a wide spectrum of rooms, ranging from single bedrooms to luxurious suites, with easy access to a range of nature activities such as cross-country and downhill skiing, sledging, ice skating, climbing
and hiking – everything you need for an active family holiday just 15 minutes from downtown Oslo,” says Johansen.
More than a century of recreation “It’s also a perfect spot for those who want a peaceful stay close to the city. No other European capital I know has this type of nature so close to the centre,” Johansen continues. Holmenkollen’s recreational quality was the very reason why the historic hotel was built in the first place. In the late 19th century, when the general population was encouraged by Norway’s elites to enjoy the areas north of the city, Holmenkollen’s light, air and water made
Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Norway
it ideal for a grandiose tourist hotel and a top-of-the-line sanatorium – both built in the traditional Norwegian Dragon Style architecture – for those suffering from tuberculosis. “A fire and lightning then destroyed the tourist hotel twice in two decades. The second time, in 1914, no one bothered to reconstruct it yet again, but instead moved it into the sanatorium, which then provided unique accommodation for sick and healthy alike. On top of all the outdoor opportunities in the area, we still offer an indoor spa, fitness and pool facilities,” explains Johansen.
Home to heroes of winter sports In the same period, the first Holmenkollen Ski Festival and an early version of the world-famous ski jumping hill, Holmenkollbakken, both saw the light of day, while the brand new Holmenkollen Line – Oslo’s first metro line – shuttled people up from the city to watch the fun. All the development, which coincided with Norway’s independence from Sweden in 1905, made Holmenkollen an important symbol of Norwegian national identity and pride. Since then, the 1952 Winter Olympics and the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships of 1982
and 2011 have imprinted the place in the country’s collective memory and led to necessary expansions at the hotel. “Holmenkollen is now the mostvisited tourist attraction in Norway. The Ski Museum – shot into the mountain underneath the ski jump – is a must-see, with 4,000 years of skiing history on display. The same is true for the beautiful Holmenkollen Chapel. I also recommend dining at Scandic Holmenkollen Park’s restaurant De Fem Stuer, which has five different rooms dedicated to famous Norwegians,” says Johansen.
A conference you will never forget Scandic Holmenkollen Park also offers conference facilities brimming with skiing history, giving your meeting or event a truly unique framing. “The renowned Dragon Style architecture and historical interior inspire people, there’s no doubt about it. That’s crucial if you’re seeking new input and creative ideas. Together with the location, those factors attract plenty of international conferences all year long,” says Johansen. With such a special starting point, Scandic helps you tailor the conference of your dreams. “The demands from event planners and businesses have changed a lot.
Nowadays, everything is digital and interactive, so we’re up to date on all technologies. And we’re very flexible. If you are a group of seven, we might set you up in an intimate meeting room named after a famous Norwegian, but if there are as many as 750 guests, the awesome Saga Hall is your arena,” suggests Johansen. HISTORICAL TIMELINE OF SCANDIC HOLMENKOLLEN PARK: 1889: Holmenkollen Tourist Hotel is built. 1895-1896: The hotel burns down and is immediately reconstructed. 1914: Lightning destroys the hotel, which is moved into the nearby sanatorium. 1940-1945: Nazi troops occupy and ruin much of the hotel. 1952: The hotel accommodates the most important people in skiing during the 1952 Winter Olympics in Oslo. 1982: The 1982 FIS Nordic World Ski Championship leads to a brand new wing designed for winter sports.
For more information, please visit: www.scandichotels.no and search for Holmenkollen Park.
Today, the hotel and its modern spa are still perfect for a relaxing weekend close to the city.
Guests can choose between a wide range of accommodation options and are guaranteed to find a room that suits their needs.
Gourmet restaurant De Fem Stuer serves international cuisine with a Norwegian character in preserved rooms dedicated to Norwegian celebrities.
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 105
Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Sweden
Restaurant of the Month, Sweden
Modern Asian flavours for sharing A visit to restaurant Farang is like going on a culinary journey in Southeast Asia. Its modern cuisine and sharing food concept is considered one of the best in Stockholm.
appearances at prominent restaurants abroad such as L´Abattoir in Vancouver and Bar Tartine in San Francisco.
By Malin Norman | Photos: Tuukka Koski
Farang’s founders Kim Öhman, Tomi Björk and Matti Wikberg have created a restaurant with its very own niche on Stockholm’s dynamic food scene. Their combined experience and passion for Asian food has resulted in a unique concept, inspiring a new way of sharing and enjoying food. The cuisine is a modern take on authentic dishes from Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam. With a menu based on aromatic broths, fresh salads and tasty curries, the chefs combine spicy, sour, salty and sweet flavours into beautiful meals. One of the signature dishes is fried softshell crab with green mango salad and mint, and another is crispy pork cooked in palm sugar caramel. “There’s something quite exciting about our sharing food concept,” says owner Kim Öhman. “Unlike typical Scandinavian 106 | Issue 96 | January 2017
cooking, we serve lots of food on the table to share and an explosion of flavours and aromas. Instead of less is more, we really believe that more is more!”
World-class cocktail bar Expect the vibe and fast pace of restaurants in New York and London. Farang looks anonymous from the outside, but inside a new world opens up with delicious aromas and flavours. The 700-squaremetre former industrial space was previously owned by Stockholm Electricity and has been converted into a contemporary dining hall with 180 seats, two cocktail bars and an open-plan kitchen. Farang has been named Best Restaurant: Luxury by Allt om Stockholm, awarded Best Tent at the food festival Smaka, and included in a list of restaurants with the coolest interior design and concepts by ThatsUp. The chefs regularly do guest
Moreover, the cocktail bar has become a destination in its own right, with its massive concrete counter and buzzing atmosphere, and is considered one of the best spots for an after-work tipple. The talented bar manager Daniel Westman recently competed in Angostura Global Cocktail Challenge, representing Europe in the finals. At the bar, guests can try the signature Always@Farang cocktails inspired by Asian aesthetics and flavours, the unique Only@Farang cocktails where the bartenders show off their craftsmanship, or Classic@Farang, which pays homage to some classic cocktails. The bar also has an extensive wine list with a special focus on Riesling. For more information, please visit www.farang.se and follow @farangstockholm on Instagram.
Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Denmark
Top middle: Raw beef stirred with capers, cornichons, mustard and cognac with crispy rye bread and crème of tarragon. Above left: 28-year-old chef Mads Hyllested trained at some of Copenhagen’s best restaurants before opening his own restaurant, Applaus, at the beginning of 2016. Photo: Leerbech. Above middle: Poached cod with ragout of dates and chestnuts, mussel foam, dill oil and broccoli leaves.
Restaurant of the Month, Denmark
Reforming the Aalborg food scene Applaus in Aalborg mixes inspiration from Copenhagen’s world-famous food scene with a solid dose of Jutland’s famous down-to-earth-ness. With a small menu and the option of combining all of its ten dishes into an exciting social dining adventure, the young chef behind Applaus has won over his homestead, an area otherwise famously conservative when it comes to food. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Applaus
Having gathered experience at Umami and Søllerød Kro, two of Copenhagen’s best restaurants, 28-year-old Mads Hyllested has set forth to revolutionise the Aalborg food scene. In April last year, he opened Applaus, a restaurant reflecting the young chef’s own character in that it is ambitious and innovative but tempered by a healthy dose of modesty and practicality. “I chose this concept based on what I can do – I don’t have the skills to run a Michelin-star kitchen, so it was about striking a balance. Also, the concept didn’t exist in Aalborg so it was something with which I could add something new to the city,” says the chef, who grew up north of Aalborg and took his first tentative steps as a trainee chef at local restaurant Fusion.
get on fine here,” says Hyllested. “A lot of young people find it interesting too, and our prices are not out of reach for students. While some people come for all ten courses and special celebrations, we also have a lot of guests who just come down and have one or two courses.”
However, it was during his years in the Danish capital that he found the inspiration for Applaus. The urban origin is reflected in the restaurant’s laid-back, cool and youthful atmosphere and accentuated by a raw New York style, bare brick walls, and soft lighting. Even though the tencourse menu, which is renewed every six weeks, consists of beautiful presentations of classic dishes from French as well as local cuisine, there is no need for stiff upper lips or pretence when enjoying it. “It’s a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Despite the food we serve, we don’t want people to be nervous about using the right cutlery and so on. Whether you’re wearing flip-flops or patent leather shoes, you’ll
The complete ten-course menu at Applaus is 395DKK. For more information, please visit: www.restaurantapplaus.dk
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 107
Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Norway
Guests can access Strand Restaurant by boat as it has a private dock, and the building itself boasts plenty of history.
Restaurant of the Month, Norway
Michelin-approved fine dining and venues seeping with history Strand Restaurant changed owners and was completely renovated by Bocuse d’Or chef Tom Victor Gausdal and Stian Floer in 2010, which expanded the operations to include a multi-course fine dining experience in the evenings as well as à la carte lunch and a popular bakery for the daytime. By Pernille Johnsen | Photos: Strand Restaurant
The ultimate objective of Strand Restaurant is to accommodate every guest, whatever culinary experience they may be looking for. Organic, locally sourced and seasonal ingredients form the guiding principles of the kitchen. 108 | Issue 96 | January 2017
Strand does not use refined sugar in any of its food either. “The overall philosophy of Strand Restaurant is based on the foundation of ethical food, which is why you’ll never find additives of any sort on the menu or in the kitchen,” gen-
eral manager Rossen Hristov explains. This philosophy is championed by head chef Emil Thorsvik, who is a gold and bronze-winning member of the Norwegian National Chef Team. The in-house pastry chef is also a member, so quality and ethics run through every aspect of the restaurant.
Centuries of history The historical setting of the premises adds to the charm and ambience of Strand. Barrister Henrik Homann bought
Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Norway
the property in 1873 as a country retreat; it was then used as a private property and not open to the public. When the owner died in 1900, the building was turned into a company run by the third-generation Homann, and the idyllic estate was left untouched for almost 20 years. In 1923, it was bought by the county to function as an event venue, and the kitchen was expanded to meet the growing expectations of Strand being open to the public. A large bath house was constructed to add to the identity of the house as a beach destination, and today Strand Restaurant has its own dock and can be accessed by boat. The restaurant also houses 12 trainees throughout the year, which is more than any other restaurant in Norway, and the experienced chefs take genuine interest in training the next generation. The overall synergy of a Bocuse d’Or chef, experienced members of the Norwegian culinary team and aspiring new chefs has given the restaurant a permanent spot
amongst the top restaurants in northern Europe. Strand is recommended in the Michelin Guide, ranked among the 30 best Norwegian restaurants in the prestigious White Guide, and is a proud member of De Historiske Hotels and Restaurants.
A venue for every occasion Another prominent feature of Strand Restaurant is its elegant banquet facilities, which can be used for conferences, weddings and gatherings of any sort. The capacity spans spaces for eight to 120 people across four individually designed rooms and halls. The emphasis is on serving the same high-quality food to both restaurant and banqueting guests alike. In fact, Strand Restaurant is so popular that it is fully booked for weddings throughout 2017. It is a treasured gathering place in the local community and has been for several generations; guests who celebrate their weddings at Strand come back when their children are Christened and for other big occa-
sions and anniversaries. Since it is located in a residential area so close to Oslo, it serves as an anchor in its community. Strand’s drinks menu, and the extensive wine selection in particular, includes some of the world’s best producers and is a central component to a fine-dining experience at Strand. “Food and wine should be of the highest quality,” Hristov insists. As it happens, chef Gausdal authored Kokkelære (a book for beginner cooks), which was named the best Norwegian cook book in 2015. The well-oiled machinery behind Strand Restaurant is largely responsible for securing Norway’s spot on the national chef team, putting Norwegian cuisine and culinary development at the top of its game – only 13 minutes from Oslo city centre. For more information and to book, please visit: www.strandrestaurant.no
Top left: Michelin-star fine dining is available in the restaurant as well as for banquets. Middle: Strand Restaurant is such a popular venue for weddings; it is fully booked throughout 2017. Bottom left: Strand Restaurant underwent complete restoration when new owners took over. Bottom right: Strand Restaurant has venues for all kinds of events, be it weddings or celebrations.
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 109
Scan Magazine | Inn of the Month | Denmark
Inn of the Month, Denmark
A complete culinary experience Søllerød Kro is many things: it is a one-star Michelin restaurant, the place with the world’s best ingredients, and a place with a spectacular location. But first and foremost, it is one of a kind – and that is one of the main reasons why the more than 300-year-old inn is still one of the most highly recognised restaurants in Denmark.
annual White Guide Nordics awards and given three stars for its extensive wine list by the award-winning magazine The World of Fine Wine in their World’s Best Wine List 2016.
By Nicolai Lisberg | Photos: Claes Bech-Poulsen
From the moment you first lay your eyes on Søllerød Kro, you will have no doubt that you are in for an extraordinary experience. The inn is located in idyllic surroundings with the village pond in front, the woods behind, the castle on one side and the church on the other – just like it has been since it first opened in 1677. Once you enter the restaurant, the experience continues. “It is important for us that our guests can relax and enjoy their time here. From the second they enter the restaurant, we do 110 | Issue 96 | January 2017
everything possible to make them feel welcome. We take their coats, have them sit down in our comfortable chairs and make them feel at home, but perhaps with a bit of an upgrade when it comes to the food and wine,” says Brian Mark Hansen, chef at Søllerød Kro since 2013. An upgrade in terms of food and wine might be a bit of an understatement, because since 2007 Søllerød Kro has held one star in the prestigious Michelin Guide. Last year the inn came in as the 11th best restaurant in Scandinavia in the
Søllerød Kro is not only about the fantastic food, but guarantees the guests a complete experience with wine, service and surroundings. To ensure this, Søllerød Kro has the best host you will ever come across: Jan Restorff, general manager and sommelier at Søllerød Kro since 1999. The symbiosis of Restorff’s expertise and feel for the guests and Hansen’s culinary skills makes a visit to Søllerød Kro very special and memorable.
In a league of their own One of the reasons for the success is the restaurant’s insistence on never com-
Scan Magazine | Inn of the Month | Denmark
promising on its ideals. “We don’t mind going the extra mile to find the best ingredients needed. If the French chickens are better than the Danish, then we’ll take the French ones. We don’t have any limits or dogma we need to follow. In general, we work by the philosophy that we want to do our best, and to do so we need the best possible ingredients,” Hansen says. Being located near the sea and the forest, Søllerød Kro collects some of their ingredients in the nearby surroundings. Many restaurants these days try to brand themselves as having a specific kind of kitchen, but Søllerød Kro insists on having its very own style. “The base might be French, but we have added the entire
world on top of that, so to speak. We are neither French nor a Nordic kitchen. We just try to be honest in everything we do,” Hansen continues.
A smile is worth more than a second star Søllerød Kro is often booked out weeks in advance and also hosts weddings, birthdays, wine tastings, company events and much more. “Because we offer so much, we have a wide range of guests. Our neighbours come here on a regular basis, but we also welcome food bloggers from all over the world, families from throughout the country and youngsters who come here to celebrate their birthday with their friends,” Hansen says.
For many restaurants honoured with a Michelin star, the obvious goal is to add yet another star to their name – but for chef Hansen and general manager Restorff, that is not the top priority for the restaurant in the years to come. “Our ambition is happy guests. It is as simple as that. To see them smile when they leave the restaurant with an experience beyond their expectations is what matters the most. Every day we spend up to 16 hours in the kitchen and restaurant, but seeing how happy and pleased our guests are when offered high-quality service and a unique food experience makes it all worth it.” For more information, please visit: www.soelleroed-kro.dk
Jan Restorff (left) and Brian Mark Hansen (right).
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 111
Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Denmark
“It’s a singular experience of diversity – the whole world is gathered out here,” says Ahmet Øcalan, manager of Bazar Vest.
Attraction of the Month, Denmark
More than a shopping experience Founded 20 years ago as a private integration initiative, Bazar Vest in Aarhus is today, with its 18,000 square metres, the biggest bazaar in the Nordic countries. A truly multicultural experience, the bazaar comprises over 100 shops ranging from small local tailors and exotic fruit vendors to big, national suppliers and even a fitness centre. As Aarhus takes its place as European Capital of Culture 2017, the bazaar is gearing up for a string of special events and visits. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Bazar Vest
While going to the supermarket or shopping online might be quick and efficient, one thing it is not is a memorable experience. A visit to Bazar Vest, on the other hand, is. Founded by developers Olav de Linde in an old factory in 1996, Bazar Vest is today a buzzing cultural melting pot visited by over 10,000 shoppers each week. Due to the bazaar’s extraordinary story 112 | Issue 96 | January 2017
and the unique success of the project, visitors are no longer just locals looking to take care of their weekly shopping; many tourists from near and far also stop by the bazaar, which has become one of Aarhus’ most-popular attractions. More than just a vibrant shopping experience, what they find is also a rare meeting with the multicultural community of Aarhus,
according to the manager of the bazaar, Ahmet Øcalan. “The ambition from the very start was to create an atmosphere that, back then, you would only find in big markets abroad. We wanted to be a place that appealed to all the senses; when you come here, what you first notice is likely to be the many exotic scents. It’s a singular experience of diversity – the whole world is gathered out here. We have shop managers from Iran, Somalia, Turkey, Ethiopia and so on, as well as ethnic Danes.” During 2017, visitors to Aarhus will be able to get a taste of the bazaar’s special atmosphere all over Aarhus as it will stage events all over the city.
Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Denmark
Award-winning integration When Bazar Vest was founded two decades ago, the idea was to create an opportunity for the city’s unemployed to set up a small business that did not require any significant start-up capital to create a way back into the job market. While it took some years for the bazaar to become financially viable, the privately initiated project eventually became a resounding success. So much so, in fact, that Olav de Linde, the company behind Bazar Vest, won Netværksprisen (the Network Prize) in 2006 for its social work. “It started out as an integration and work activation project founded purely by private resources and then developed organically from smaller stands to bigger shops with several expansions along the way,” Øcalan says and adds: “With the last expansion we got 11,000 extra square metres and
now also house one of Denmark’s largest second-hand shops and a fitness centre.” Today around 300 people work at the bazaar, and the success of the project has brought with it a lot of attention and high-profile visits. Crown Princess Mary, as well as several minsters, mayors and the American ambassador, are among the many people who have visited to study the successful integration project first-hand.
Shop from the entire world When visiting Bazar Vest, you are met by a buzzing environment bursting with a myriad of cultures, products and services. The bazaar contains everything from tiny barbers and flower merchants to national wholesale suppliers and large clothing and furniture shops, as well as
many cafés and food venues. Consequently, many visitors see a visit to the market as both an experience and a chance to buy products not available at mainstream supermarkets. “The heart of the bazaar is still the vegetable market, where you can buy fruit and vegetables from all over the world. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find four different kinds of sweet potatoes, dragon fruits from Asia and so on, and it’s also used by many of the area’s restaurateurs. But many also use the bazaar for social outings, as a place to meet up with friends for a bit of food and a browse,” says Øcalan and finishes: “You won’t find this experience, the atmosphere and people, anywhere else; and also, the fact is that you just can’t buy freshly baked Turkish bread or handmade leather poulaines at the supermarket.”
With 18,000 square metres and over 100 shops, Bazar Vest in Aarhus is the biggest bazaar in the Nordic countries.
For more information, please visit: www.bazarvest.dk
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 113
Scan Magazine | Holiday Profile of the Month | Denmark
Gammel Havn, Middelfart. Photo: Niels Martner
Holiday Profile of the Month, Denmark
Two sides of the same sea Exploring Denmark’s Lillebælt area makes for a holiday full of history, culture, and outdoor activities. The area, which is located partly on Funen and partly in Jutland, straddles the Lillebælt strait and is linked by the Lillebælt Bridge. Each side of the sea has its own identity and attractions, making for a holiday suitable for all weathers, ages and interests. By Signe Hansen | Photos: VisitLillebælt
Denmark is made up of islands. Most visitors know this, and maybe that is why many plan a trip in one specific region only. But that can be a shame, since in many places crossing a bridge means a better and more diverse holiday. This is very much the case when it comes to Middelfart (Funen) and Fredericia (Jutland). Connected by the Lillebælt Bridge (crossing the ‘Little Belt’ by car takes less than ten minutes), the area offers a wide variety of experiences and activities. On the Funen side, visitors will find a host of water-related outdoor activities, from 114 | Issue 96 | January 2017
diving to whale watching, while a captivating history and cultural life await visitors in Fredericia. “What is unique about the area around Lillebælt is that it is located right in the centre of Denmark and close to Billund Airport. As such, it’s the perfect base for visiting all of Denmark,” says tourist manager Anette Hellmund Werenskiold from the Middelfart department of VisitLillebælt.
Danish heritage and world culture Founded in 1650 as a defence against invading forces from the east, the town of
Fredericia is today surrounded by one of northern Europe’s best-preserved ramparts. The rampart circles the entire old town centre, which with its characteristically straight streets and historic monuments also bears witness to the town’s distinctive past. Today, the ramparts form a vast green sanctuary around the town. Thanks to a number of innovative local souls, Fredericia has in recent years also become increasingly known for its conferencing and culture facilities. “In the early years, the town had tax exemption and religious freedom, and that’s why we’ve always had a very diverse population with lots of different religions and cultures, and you can still sense that today,” says Heidi Hammer from the Fredericia department of VisitLillebælt. “We have now developed into a town with many cultural offerings, such as the Danish Academy of
Scan Magazine | Holiday Profile of the Month | Denmark
Musical Theatre and Fredericia Theatre, which is the only theatre in Denmark that does Disney productions. We also have the Bruunske Pakhus, a popular music venue presenting everything from standup and jazz concerts to big pop names such as Mads Langer.”
Bridgewalking experience. “Our region is a Mecca for nature lovers. Because we border on Lillebælt, we’ve focused on creating a string of marine activities; for instance, we have the Lillebælt safari in RIB boats, kayaking and SUP, and we are very big on diving,” Werenskiold says.
Fredericia also has some exceptional offers for visitors travelling with children. Among them is the large, free outdoor play land, Madsby, which comprises a string of fun activities including a petting zoo, ropewalks and go-carts. From the play land, guests can take a small train to visit another popular family attraction: the Historical Miniature Town, which presents a lifelike model of Fredericia as it looked in 1849.
As a matter of fact, Middelfart is, perhaps surprisingly, often referred to as one of northern Europe’s best diving locations. This is due to the various types of waters that are circulated in the belt, creating clear, clean waters and a rich flora and fauna. The underwater environment can be explored on guided tours or by following one of three designated underwater paths with information on the nearby fauna placed along the route.
Explore the sea
For those who prefer to stay above water, the local whale safaris offer a popular alternative for the entire family. The safari boats are equipped with underwater audio equipment for guests to listen in on the harbour porpoises’ characteristic chitter. Furthermore, children are invited
At the other side of the belt, visitors are met with an equally inspiring range of activities in a beautiful natural landscape. First and foremost, Middelfart features a string of water activities including the brand new and immensely popular
into the wheelhouse where they can have a go at navigating the traditional sailing boat. Indeed, the whole area is a haven for families looking for fun outdoor activities. “Most of our hotels and other venues offer sea views and beautiful natural surroundings. We also have the historic Hindsgavl Castle, which includes Denmark’s second-biggest deer park with riding and bicycle tracks,” says Werenskiold. But it is not all about nature; the Funen side of the Lillebælt strait also has many cultural attractions, the biggest of which is the CLAY museum where visitors can explore a unique collection of historic and modern ceramic arts, crafts and design. The museum, which reopened in 2015, is presenting the biggest exhibition ever of ceramic works by Axel Salto, one of Denmark’s most internationally acclaimed ceramicists (opening 24 February 2017). For more information, please visit: www.visitlillebaelt.com
Top left: Among the most famous battles to be fought in Fredericia is the 1849 battle between the Danish army and the Schleswig-Holstein troops. Every year, on the 5-6 July, the resulting heroic Danish victory is celebrated with parades, cannon salutes and much more. Top middle: The traditional whale safari is one of Middelfart’s most-popular attractions. Top right: At Fredericia’s Town Museum, visitors can explore the story of Fredericia’s development from fortress to industrial town. Bottom left: Free ‘pet a crab, kiss a fish’ events for children are arranged throughout the Lillebælt area. Bottom right: In the historical miniature town, small and big guests can explore the Fredericia of 1849.
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 115
Scan Magazine | Activity of the Month | Denmark
Activity of the Month, Denmark
A special view of Denmark Europe’s first bridge walk is an experience that combines stunning nature, history and exhilarating heights. Within a year of its opening, more than 75,000 people have tried the Danish bridge walk, which takes place 60 metres above the sea on top of the 80-year-old Lillebælt Bridge connecting Funen and Jutland. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Bridgewalking
Until a year ago, bridge walking was something most people associated with Sydney harbour. Maybe it still is, but the fact is that Denmark now has its very own version: an extraordinary experience that, in under a year, has attracted more than 75,000 visitors. The first to complete the bridge walk was Crown Princess Mary, who opened the attraction in May 2015, but many years of preparation ran ahead of that, says manager of Bridgewalking Lone Skjoldaa. “The idea actually came 116 | Issue 96 | January 2017
from a local man from Middelfart who had been in Sydney and crossed the bridge there. He thought it was a completely amazing experience, and so he went to the municipality and said: ‘Why don’t we do this here, in Middelfart?’ Of course, it then took years to get the relevant permissions and figure out how to put it all together. But from the very beginning it’s been a super exciting project, an exceptional collaboration between the two municipalities on either side of the
belt, Fredericia and Middelfart, and Bane Danmark. Everyone’s been working together to make it happen.” The bridge walk, which sets out from Middelfart, takes you 60 metres above sea level and 20 metres above the bridge’s railway. Perched above it all, visitors can enjoy unimpeded views of Lillebælt, feel the gentle rocking from the trains running below and admire the elaborate construction work of the bridge up close.
Maritime nature and local history While there might be more famous bridges to cross, the Lillebælt bridge takes walkers across a maritime nature park. As such, the walk over Lillebælt is not just an exhilarating experience in
Scan Magazine | Activity of the Month | Denmark
that visitors get to climb the very top of the bridge, but also in that it gives them access to an exclusive way of experiencing the beautiful natural landscape. One noteworthy aspect is its population of harbour porpoises; Lillebælt is the belt in the world with the highest concentration of these charming sea creatures. “You are walking right in the middle of a maritime nature park and, of course, our guides share their knowledge about this distinctive area. Besides, on a lot of the walks guests will see harbour porpoises – you can see them quite clearly, swimming along underneath you, sometimes with their pups,” says Skjoldaa.
Something for everyone When you see the pictures of the small aisle, perched on top of the Lillebælt bridge, you might think that bridge walking is only for the exceptionally fit or adventurous, but that is not the case. Thanks to the slow pace and specially trained guides, who ensure that everyone is safe, pretty much everyone can take part. The trip takes two hours from the moment you meet up at the visitor cen-
tre and until you are back again. The two hours include getting dressed in a characteristic bridge walking onesie, getting safety instructions, and walking to the bridge. Once there, walkers are secured with a safety line and the walk is, says Skjoldaa, accessible to everyone who can manage a normal walk and steep stairs. “It’s like a regular walk, just very high up. We have a lot of elderly visitors who really enjoy coming up here, hearing about the history and enjoying the views. We’ve even had a 90-year-old, so age is definitely not an obstacle – as long as you’re not afraid of heights!” Bridgewalking employs approximately 35 local guides, who take turn taking guests up on the bridge. Finding this group was no problem as the spectacular project attracted heaps of local support and job applications even before opening. Hence, guests are sure to be met by a dedicated guide, who will give his or her personal touch to the experience. “There are so many anecdotes connected to the bridge and the area, and our guides tailor every walk individually depending on who they are taking up and their own area of in-
terest,” says Skjoldaa and finishes: “Our guides include many pensioners and students, but also people with full-time employment elsewhere who take people up on weekends – just because they think it’s such a fantastic experience.” FACTS ABOUT BRIDGEWALKING: Bridgewalking is open all year round. During winter, pre-arranged tours are scheduled only on weekends. The experience can be booked individually (as a pre-arranged tour) or as a group and is a popular team event for local conference centres and companies. The experience takes two hours. You must be at least 140 centimetres tall to take part in the walk. The walk is not suitable for disabled or heavily overweight people. Ticket price, if purchased through the website: Adults: 279DKK; children under 16: 209DKK.
For more information, please visit: www.bridgewalking.com
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 117
Scan Magazine | Café of the Month | Norway
Friends enjoying good company and coffee.
Café of the Month, Norway
A homely oasis with an international flair Since 2004, Lyspunktet Café has been a home away from home to locals as well as visitors to the city of Ålesund. With a warm and inviting atmosphere, homemade food inspired by all corners of the world, and the best coffee in town, Lyspunktet is the perfect place to unwind with friends and family, or simply find peace of mind in front of the fireplace. By Linn Skjei Bjørnsen | Photos: Rachel Stenger
When Ragnhild Tunheim Huse and a group of friends opened the doors to Lyspunktet Café 12 years ago, it had long been their dream to create a space where people from all walks of life could feel seen, taken care of and at home. Throughout the years, Lyspunktet has evolved from being a youth café serving taco wraps and cinnamon buns, into a coffee shop, café and restaurant for people of all ages and backgrounds. “Our vision has always been to create an at118 | Issue 96 | January 2017
mosphere where people can relax and feel that they belong, regardless of their current life situation,” explains Tunheim Huse, Lyspunktet’s general manager.
Best-in-class coffee art and an infamous carrot cake Offering an extensive all-day dining experience, Lyspunktet’s menu is as culturally diverse as its staff. With team members from ten different countries, including Russia, Argentina, Australia,
Poland and Canada, the café and menu certainly do not lack in international flair. Dishes such as Hungarian Smile, Bayern München and Slice of Sydney are all inspired by and named after the staff. “We don’t have a particular style. Instead, we focus on offering a range of flavours from all over the world that represent the distinct food of our staff’s home countries. Our former head chef, Dirk Kiefer, who was with us for nine years and is from Germany, built the menu from the bottom up with help from our international staff. Our new head chef, Erik Krouthen, who just started and is from Sweden, will continue in the same vein,” Tunheim Huse says. Lyspunktet not only prides itself on making everything on the menu from scratch;
Scan Magazine | Café of the Month | Norway
it also values shopping locally and gets its meat products from the butcher across the street and its coffee beans from local coffee roasters. Perhaps it is these coffee beans that make Lyspunktet’s coffee so special – it has the reputation of being the best coffee around, and promises to be an experience for all the senses. “Our baristas compete in barista art every year, and our head barista, Brian Koot, made it all the way to the
finals of the Norwegian championship,” says Tunheim Huse.
pital whose only wish was to have a piece of carrot cake from Lyspunktet.”
But what Lyspunktet is perhaps particularly famous for is its homemade carrot cake. According to Tunheim Huse, people travel far and wide to get their hands on a slice. “We once sent a carrot cake with a passenger on a flight from Ålesund to Oslo, where it was picked up at the airport and brought to a patient in the hos-
Excellence, friendliness and generosity
Head barista Brian Koot in action.
But it is not only the menu and coffee art that sets Lyspunktet apart – it is also known as a local event space for music. The café has hosted many artists from all over Norway – recently including one of the country’s promising soloists, Numa
General manager Ragnhild Tunheim Huse.
General manager Ragnhild Tunheim Huse is serving up coffee.
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 119
Scan Magazine | Café of the Month | Norway Head chef Erik Krouthen.
Edema. The monthly ‘open mic’ night is another trademark, attracting local artists as well as amateurs who have never performed on a stage before. “The stage is open to everyone, whether you are a professional musician or completely new to the whole thing. Anyone can perform and the idea behind it is to provide a stage where we can enjoy each other’s talents,” Tunheim Huse affirms.
Customers relaxing in front of the fireplace.
Cappuccino art.
Ever since opening its doors, Lyspunktet has based its operations on three core values: excellence, friendliness and generosity, which permeates every part of the business. “As a service institution, excellence is naturally extremely important to us. We want to excel in everything we do, be it our interaction with each other and customers, the food we make, the service we perform or the presentation of our space. Friendliness and generosity are the two ingredients needed to make people enjoy themselves and relax. If you are met with friendliness you will get an inner peace, and if you are met with generosity you will feel joy,” Tunheim Huse says, adding: “I am convinced that if you have these elements, you not only have the key to running a good business – you also have the key to happiness.” For more information, please visit: www.lyspunktet.as
120 | Issue 96 | January 2017
Lyspunktet’s Greek salad.
Lyspunktet’s famous carrot cake.
Scan Magazine | Humour | Columns
IS IT JUST ME… Who recently discovered the secret ingredient in how weather is perceived in Los Angeles, where I live, and in Denmark, where I grew up? By Mette Lisby
The Celsius/Fahrenheit confusion is just a minor detail. The real weather divider is expectation. I will explain. When I Skype from L.A. with my family and friends back in the homeland and they catch a glimpse of the blue sky behind me, they let out a dreamy sigh: “The weather looks amazing. Why are you not outside?” I bite my tongue because, frankly, I was just about to complain about this horrid, cold weather. I mean, it is only 18 degrees Celsius. In December! Are you kidding me? Am I in Antarctica? 18 degrees in L.A. ignite indignation, whereas the same 18 degrees translate completely differently in Denmark and the UK. In Britain and Scandinavia, 18 degrees would be celebrated. You would look at the blue sky with wonder, exclaiming: “Oh my God! It’s almost like summer!” People would take to the streets singing! Or at
least drinking, which eventually would lead to singing. Leicester Square would be filled to the brim of girls in short skirts and no tights; yes, their legs might be as blue as the sky – but the weather is fantastic. It is so warm! I thought those days were over for me – in L.A. I never marvel at anything below 30 degrees Celsius – but our Christmas visit to Denmark proved me wrong. As soon as I walked out the airport I immediately adapted to my inherent Danish thermostat. It was three degrees Celsius, and the sun hit me directly in the face with that sharp light and I started giggling, like any other Danish person exposed to sunshine in December does. “It’s nice today,” I heard myself say, with that mix of surprise and genuine disbelief that is so characteristic of people in northern Europe when saying something positive about the weather.
Now I am back in L.A. and they promise a freezing 20 degrees Celsius tomorrow. I had better find that sweater and scarf, I guess. Last time I wore them it was a mild and wonderful seven degrees in Copenhagen. You know – almost spring! 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 version of Have I Got News For You and Room 101.
New beginnings you have to manoeuvre or brake, do it slowly, but with confidence and with care.” She is talking about driving on ice, of course. However, I can’t help but feel that, after the year that has just passed, this could be applied to other aspects of life. I am looking forward to a bright new year and I hope that 2017 will be a time of thinking ahead, of remembering that moose do not necessarily think the way we do and, most of all, of taking great care.
By Maria Smedstad
2017 will begin for me in the north of Sweden. After 20 years of travelling, my sister has finally returned to our roots and has bought a house in the middle of nowhere, overlooking a snowy mountain and a lake. Despite a lack of neighbours, there is life and culture nearby: microbreweries, glassblowers, outdoor festivals and awardwinning Thai food to name a few (reindeer Phanaeng, anyone?). It is just that the distances between these various hubs of activity is a little longer; you may have to travel further to see your friends and perhaps set your Tinder search radius to 200 kilometres or more. Therefore, unless you live in one of the big towns or cities, a car is a must. In Sweden, before you pass your driving test you must learn how to control your car through a skid. I took my test in the UK and have
absolutely no idea how to control my car through a skid. My sister, who has now become a full-blown laid-back northerner, reassures me of the skills required. “You just have to think,” she has explained. “Try to imagine possible outcomes, remember moose don’t think the way you do, and if
Maria Smedstad moved to the UK from Sweden in 1994. She received a degree in Illustration in 2001, before settling in the capital as a freelance cartoonist, creating the autobiographical cartoon Em. Maria writes a column on the trials and tribulations of life as a Swede in the UK.
Issue 96 | January 2017 | 121
Scan Magazine | Culture | Columns
Scandinavian music By Karl Batterbee
Erik Hassle is all geared up for the release of his new album, Innocence Lost, which is out on 27 January. In the meantime though, the Swedish artist has gifted us with new single Missing You, which is a bit of a stunner. A distorted production only serves to accentuate the gut punch that is contained within the song’s message. Explaining the track, Hassle says: “It comes from a real story of losing somebody way too early. I sang it one-and-a-half times, because I broke down on the second take. The lyrics speak for themselves.” Talking about making an impression – Danish artist Yulez has just released her debut single. It is Tough Knuckle, which packs an almighty impact on first listen. A charmingly disengaged vocal adds to the feeling that she sounds as if she knows exactly how awesome she is at this pop music lark already.
Also making a big impact right now is the new single by Icelandic singer/songwriter Steinar, Play With Hearts. He has already been making and releasing music for a few years now, but it is with this song that he is appearing firmly on everybody’s radar. It is a well-crafted track with a production that taps right into the current sound and scene, and is the first release of his that positions him as a real global proposition. After debuting earlier in the year with Cool My Rush, Finnish-Swedish-American artist Kiara Nelson is back with follow-up single Bulletproof. It is an ice-cool synthpop number that soon heats up thanks to a pretty explosive chorus. It is even better than her promising debut. Long may she continue with this trajectory. After Faded and Sing Me to Sleep, both created in 2016, Norwegian genius Alan Walker returns with his third single,
Alone. This time around he has roped in a Scandipop favourite to provide vocal duties: Noonie Bao from neighbouring Sweden. The song itself is another magical synth soundscape in the style and standard we have become accustomed to hearing from Alan. This debut album is going to be incredible, isn’t it?
www.scandipop.co.uk scandipop@gmail.com
Swedish survival guide:
Royal behaviour in a rude guise By Joakim Andersson
To non-Swedes, Swedes can seem shy or even rude. This is one of the more ignorant stereotypes roaming the world today and, although there is of course a reason for its existence, it is unknown to the majority and not taken into consideration when judging a whole people. Some cultures are very open and chatty (we are looking at you, America), and when Swedes fail to respond well to a behaviour they consider to be ‘too much’, they are often instantly labelled as rude. But Swedes are not an anti-social group of Scandinavians; the winter darkness has not made them stone cold and heartless. If they were, the expression ‘if there is room in the heart, there is room for the butt’ would not be a thing. In fact, you are probably thinking of the Finns. Jokes aside, Swedes like to mind 122 | Issue 96 | January 2017
their own business and will most likely only interact with strangers when they have to or are politely asked to. Some of the Swedes’ introverted streaks originate from the Swedish Gustavian era at the end of the 18th century. King Gustav III had big plans for Sweden and wanted to unite the people with one unified Swedish language, founding the Swedish Academy to curate it and dressing up the people in different official Swedish costumes, which would make it easy to spot who belonged to which class in society. He introduced the same etiquette used at the French court to his own court, thus pushing aside the old medieval habits such as eating with your hands and using the table cloth as a handkerchief. Now there was a real set of rules to follow. Like all things royal, these ‘rules’
spread across the nation, first to the nobility, of course, and then to the common people, taming the Swedes and laying the foundation for today’s inaccurate image of the Swedes as shy and rude.
Joakim Andersson is a Swedish musician, YouTuber, podcaster, and entrepeneur who calls himself an enjoyer of life. He is the founder of Say It In Swedish, which is a podcast, web and mobile app, and YouTube channel that teaches modern Swedish in a fun and easy-going way for free. Check it out at www.sayitinswedish.com
Scan Magazine | Culture | Calendar
José González. Photo: Jose Maria Mateos
Scandinavian Culture Calendar – Where to go, what to see? It’s all happening here! José González With The String Theory (24 January) As part of the series Nordic Matters, celebrated Swedish singer-songwriter José González will play. together with the maverick orchestra The String Theory. After
playing sold out shows with the orchestra around the world in 2011, González focused on his third solo album, released in 2015. Now the fascinating combination is back to perform their unique brand of contemporary classical music. 7.30pm.
By Thomas Schroers
It is best to eat poems (11 February) Do you know what nonsense means in different Nordic countries? Well, it is time to find out by attending this workshop as part of the Nordic Matters series at the Southbank Centre. Here you can Issue 96 | January 2017 | 123
Scan Magazine | Culture | Calendar
Lapland. Photo: Letizia Barbi
delve into nonsense verse and its meaning in different communities. Hosts of the session are Icelandic children’s poet Þórarinn Eldjárn and Finnish illustrator Linda Bondestram. Children who are especially interested in sound should enjoy this one. 11.30am - 12.30pm.
A second part of the workshop focuses on the joiku chant, which Aikio will teach the audience. Part storytelling, part performance, the workshop celebrates Sami culture in its various facets. 10.30am 1.30pm.
Nordic top trumps (14 February) Where my feet go (11 February) Birgitta Sif is an illustrator and author from Iceland. She has published books in the UK and at this event she is leading an imaginative workshop. Exploring real and fictional places, the event includes interactive storytelling and the possibility to build your very own puppet. 12.30pm - 1.30pm.
Sami storytelling and joiku chanting (11 February) Another workshop at the Southbank Centre. From Finnish Lapland, writer Ante Aikio will dive into the characters of indigenous Sami mythology. During this workshop, she will describe the sacred spaces of Sami mythology, which include the Saivo lakes and Seita rocks. 124 | Issue 96 | January 2017
Storytelling plays the most important role in this event. Four storytellers from the Nordic region will introduce folklore tales from their homes. During the course of their stories, they will present you with iconic Nordic mythological creatures, which are bound to entertain and scare. Trolls, elves, dwarves and giants are all part of that realm, which will captivate your attention. 11.30am - 1.45pm.
Apocalyptica plays Metallica by Four Cellos (1 March) At another event in the Nordic Matters series at the Southbank Centre, Finnish quartet Apocalyptica will perform heavy metal on cellos. Having first blended classical music with heavy metal in the 1990s, the band is now creating original
music as well. At this event, the group will return to their roots of performing Metallica. 7.30pm. All at the Nordic Matters series at the Southbank Centre. Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Road, Lambeth, London, SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk
Royal Festival Hall. Photo: Morley von Sternberg
Apocalyptica. Photo: Townsquare Media
EVERYDAY BAGS AND ITEMS
Visit us! Stockholm: Swedenborgsgatan 3 & Jakobsbergsgatan 9 | London: 79 Berwick Street | Gothenburg: Andra LÃ¥nggatan 22 | www.sandqvist.net
Scan Magazine | Culture | Calendar
Sakari Oramo in concert (3 February)
Karita Mattila. Photo: Lauri Eriksson
Finnish conductor Sakari Oramo will be directing the BBC Symphony Orchestra. The evening will start with Kabalevsky’s Overture to Colas Breugnon and after a world premiere of Michael Zev Gordon’s violin concerto finish with Dmitri Shostakovich’s powerful Symphony No. 10. It is as diverse and thrilling a concert evening as they get. 7.30pm. Barbican, Silk Street, London, EC2. www.finemb.org.uk
Operatic Soprano Karita Mattila in concert (8 February) On this special occasion, three great singers will come together and perform three legendary pieces from Wagner. Among them is Finnish operatic soprano Karita Mattila, who is joined by Jonas Kaufmann and Eric Halfvarson in what is bound to be an enchanting, rich and powerful concert. 7.30pm. Barbican, Silk Street, London, EC2. www.finemb.org.uk
Communions at The Lexington (15 February) Made up of brothers Martin and Mads Rehof, Jacob van Deurs Formann and Frederik Lind Koeppen, the Danish fourpiece band Communions has gained attention over the last couple of years. Their sound is unique and uses transcendent melodies, delicate guitar lines and emotive pop songs to talk about naivety and youth. This February, Communions will play an exclusive concert at The Lexington. 7.30pm. Pentonville Road 9698, London, N1 9JB. www.thelexington.co.uk Sakari Oramo. Photo: Benjamin Ealovega
Communions. Photo: Adrian Sølbergt
126 | Issue 96 | January 2017
Your Shortcut to Scandinavia Bergen
NORWAY
Oslo Stockholm Bromma
SWEDEN Aalborg
Gothenburg
Aarhus
UNITED KINGDOM
DENMARK Billund
Manchester
London City
GERMANY Brussels
Düsseldorf
BELGIUM
SWITZERLAND
Munich
Zürich
S na cks
Me al s
Drinks
ba.com
Pap ers
Lounges
Smiles
S P IR IT H IG H G IN R U D N E N A R FO A U N IQ U E E X P E R IE N C E Come BRIDGEWALKING 60 metres up on the bridge construction over the old Belt Bridge, which connects Jutland and Funen. Our skilled guides share stories about the bridge and the surroundings, while you feel the wind in your hair and the rush as the train passes the bridge far beneath your feet, making it rumble. Take your family and friends by the hand and enjoy the spectacular and breathtaking view. The tour is also suitable for children above 140 cm tall. Read more about the experience of the year at: www.bridgewalking.dk