Scan Magazine | Issue 33 | September 2011 by Scan Client Publishing

SCAN

EIVØR: THE SOUND OF THE FAROES FINNISH LAPLAND: EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF CONTRASTS THE FAROE ISLANDS – DISCOVER THE UNDISCOVERED YOUR ARCTIC ADVENTURE BEGINS IN TROMSØ

PROMOTING BRAND SCANDINAVIA

ISSUE 33

SEPTEMBER 2011

M A G A Z I N E

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Scan Magazine | Contents

Contents COVER FEATURE 8

Eivør One of The Faroe Islands’ most popular singers and songwriters, Eivør Pálsdóttir, was born in the small village of Syðrugøta on Eysturoy island. Inspired by jazz and traditional Faroese ballads from an early age, her own music reflects these passions, as well as being further influenced by pop, rock and classical music.

TRAVEL THEMES 31

Finnish Lapland Finland is a country of contrasts, and nowhere is the fact quite as evident as in the fluctuating appearance of Mother Nature in the country’s northernmost province, Lapland.

Tromsø Tromsø is the capital of Norway’s high north, the home of 68,000 lively inhabitants living on the edge of the Arctic. The city is situated right among islands, fantastic fjords and dramatic mountain peaks.

Museums in Norway Whether you would like to learn more about the culture and traditions of the Sami or the natural history of the country, Norway has a lot of educational and cultural venues and exhibitions on offer.

Visit Denmark Just think of long invigorating walks along long sandy beaches in combination with some amazing seafood, and North Jutland will never let you down. Add some good art to the mix and your September holiday will be just perfect.

Museums in Denmark Continuing from our museum theme in the previous issue, we have once more compiled a list of edifying museums in Denmark, introducing you the country’s history and hidden tales.

Gästrikland Right in the middle of Scandinavia, you will find Gästrikland, the province situated next to the coastline only one hour away from Arlanda airport, which offers many unique experiences.

8 18

DESIGN FEATURE 12

95%Danish 95%Danish are aiming to become the spokesmen of Danish design within the UK. 95% Ltd consists of 95%Danish as well as 95%Dutch, and founder Kim Dohm proudly calls it a designled company that shows great passion for all the products and brands it represents.

TRAVEL SPECIAL 18

The Faroe Islands The 18 windswept islands of the Faroes may be compact with a small population comparable to that of a Danish town like Roskilde, but this distinctive archipelago is just waiting to be discovered by the rest of the world. Scan Magazine had the great opportunity of visiting the islands in August.

Scan Business 52 74

REGULARS & COLUMNS 89

Stress-free moving between different countries Key Note by Stephen Morris, Joint Managing Director of Stephen Morris Shipping / Euromovers London

Conferences of the Month The best conference venues, events and congresses of the month.

Tax Column: Residence and domicile – an on-going consultation process By Helena Whitmore, McGuireWoods LLP

Chamber News News from the Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish and Danish Chambers of Commerce for the UK.

Perfection is worth striving for Column by Rasmus Ankersen

BUSINESS FEATURE 90

Lawyer profile: Jura Junnila on the crossborder capabilities of McGuireWoods In 2009, Grundberg Mocatta Rakison LLP, a 26-lawyer strong London-based law firm, merged with 900-lawyer McGuireWoods LLP, while also gaining Grundberg Mocatta Rakison’s partner, Finnish Jura Junnila.

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 3

Scan Magazine | Editor’s Note

Dear Reader, With the temperatures slowly cooling down and more frequent rain showers soaking our summer sandals, I think it’s time to face the fact that autumn is almost upon us. It’s also the right time to start thinking about possible winter holiday destinations, and this month, we have covered some great attractions up north in Finnish Lapland as well as Tromsø in Norway. Of course, it’s never too early to start thinking about your plans for next summer either. One fascinating destination, reachable from Stansted airport in the summer high season of June, July and August, that everyone should get a chance to experience is the Faroe Islands. I had the amazing opportunity to travel to the islands at the beginning of August, and I highly recommend a visit to anyone intrigued by unblemished nature, unforgettable vistas and unique traditions. Turn to our special Faroe Islands travel theme for more information and inspiration.

To continue reading our music columnist Karl Batterbee’s dissection of Scandinavian songwriters and their international success, please turn to our culture section. And don’t forget to check out our design profile on 95%Danish as well as our great competition either. I hope you enjoy the last rays of summer sun and our September issue!

Nia Kajastie Editor

Our cover feature continues on the same theme, featuring Eivør Pálsdóttir, one of the Faroe Islands’ best known and loved singers and songwriters.

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Issue 33 | September 2011

Julie Guldbrandsen

Karl Batterbee

Signe Hansen

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Yane Christensen

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Published 09.09.2011 ISSN 1757-9589

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Scan Magazine | Contributors

Regular Contributors Nia Kajastie (Editor) was born and raised in Helsinki, Finland, and moved to London in 2005 to study writing. With a BA in Journalism & Creative Writing, she now describes herself as a full-time writer and grammar stickler. Emelie Krugly Hill has worked on a number of Swedish newspapers. After travelling extensively, she has been based in London since 2006. Her particular interests are news and current affairs within Sweden and the export of Scandinavian culture to the UK. Mette Lisby is Denmark’s leading female comedian. She invites you to laugh along with her monthly humour columns. Since her stand-up debut in 1992, Mette has hosted the Danish versions of “Have I Got News For You” and “Room 101”. Julie Guldbrandsen is Scan Magazine’s fashion and design expert; she has worked in the fashion industry for more than 10 years, and advised various Scandinavian design and fashion companies. Besides, Julie has a BA in business and philosophy and has lived in Copenhagen, Singapore and Beijing before settling down in London. Lykke Fabricius Port is a Danish journalist, who lost her heart to London while finishing her degree at City University. Now she is a proud Scandinavian expat working as a freelance journalist, when she’s not busy blogging, cooking or experimenting with her camera. Linnéa Mitchell is a freelance journalist who came to London in 2003 as a TV announcer for Swedish TV3. She now contributes to English and Swedish publications, parallel to doing voiceover jobs as well as blogging for a children's/parents’ website.

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Swedish Sara Schedin has lived in London for four years. She is currently studying Journalism in her third year at City University and is covering Scandinavian culture in the UK. 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. She writes a column on the trials and tribulations of life as a Swede in the UK. Karl Batterbee is devoted to Scandinavian music and knows exactly what is coming up in the UK. Apart from writing a monthly music update for Scan Magazine Karl has also started the Scandipop Club Night and its corresponding website: www.scandipop.co.uk. Danish Yane Christensen has lived in London half her life. She's a designer, illustrator and mother of twin girls. She also has an on-line shop www.fleamarketfloozy.com and writes to exercise her brain. Norwegian Karin Modig has lived in London since 1998: she arrived with the intention of staying just four months. She currently works as a freelance journalist and PR consultant, and is a keen handball player. Linnea Dunne has been writing professionally for over 10 years. Having started out on a local paper in Sweden, she is passionate about Scandinavian music and culture, and currently works in London as a full-time writer and translator.

Inna Allen is a freelance writer, translator and photographer whose passions lie in all things art and design. She moved to the UK from her native Finland in 2001 and has since developed a chronic yearning for sauna. Having travelled much of the world, Signe Hansen, MA graduate in Journalism and previous editor at Scan Magazine, is now back freelancing in London, where she writes on everything Scandinavian and her main passions: culture, travel and health. Charlotte Kany is back in Copenhagen, Denmark, after living in London for more than a year. She has an MA in Communication & Rhetoric from the University of Copenhagen. She has gained years of experience within the media industry working in PR & communication. She loves to travel all around the world plus keeping updated on all things cultural. Samantha Wong is a freelance journalist, who studied Icelandic Literature as part of her Literature and Myth degree which ignited her passion for Scandinavian culture. She’s also a keen surfer, snowboarder and horse rider. Ulrika Osterlund spent most of her life in London, but recently returned to Stockholm, where she is working as a journalist. She studied international business in Paris and journalism in London. She is also a budding novelist. Anni-Maria Sahala was born and bred in western Finland but has spent most of her grown-up life in London. With an MA in Media and Communications, she's now a fulltime sports journalist obsessed with fast cars, football and winter sports.

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Scan Magazine | Feature | EivĂ¸r

8 | Issue 33 | September 2011

Scan Magazine | Feature | Eivør

Eivør The sound of the Faroes One of The Faroe Islands’ most popular singers and songwriters, Eivør Pálsdóttir, usually referred to as only Eivør, was born in the small village of Syðrugøta on Eysturoy island. Inspired by jazz and traditional Faroese ballads from an early age, her own music reflects these passions, as well as being further influenced by pop, rock and classical music. On her albums, she has also tried out a mix of languages, singing in Faroese, Danish, English, Swedish and Icelandic. By: Nia Kajastie | Photos: Jonna Ljósá

“Even as a kid I always had a passion for singing. I had a dream, a silly girly dream about being a singer,” Eivør tells Scan Magazine. “I remember when I was little and my whole family would sing a lot; it’s a very Faroese thing to do – part of our culture. In the olden days, there were no instruments, just singing, and that inspires me. I learnt the traditional songs when I was little, and half of my first album consisted of traditional music. It’s always there for me, at the root of everything I do, including the sound of my voice. It has helped me find my own voice, and I’m inspired by it again and again.” Eivør started off singing at weddings and family gatherings, and when she was around 12-13, she joined her first band. At the same age, she also won a national song contest broadcast on Faroese television, which opened up a lot of doors and gave her the opportunity to play with some

amazing musicians at a very young age. By 2000, at 16, she had joined a rock band called Clickhaze, while also releasing her first solo album, Eivør Pálsdóttir. On it, she sings in both Faroese and Danish, and many of the songs were written by her.

dom of being in the moment of a song. I wanted to be able to do the same. It gave me a real kick to go out and rehearse – all day long. I had a key to the local church, where I would spend a lot of time just rehearsing.”

In 2002, Eivør brought out a rock record together with the band Clickhaze as well as recording an album with jazz group Yggdrasil. “It was like a rollercoaster of different styles. I’ve always been a curious musician, playful like a small child, open to trying out new things and discovering new soundscapes,” she says. “I’ve also always been in awe of these jazz ladies. When I was first introduced to Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, the sky opened up to me. I was awakened by listening to their singing; I was amazed by the openness of their expression. I discovered that their singing was totally free and somehow untamed. They taught me about the free-

The journey Still in her twenties, but with a long career and several albums behind her already, Eivør has been on a real journey of discovery. Her curiosity has sent her on new adventurous musical paths, which is evident in the stylistic changes between her albums. “I’ve been very comfortable with everything that I’ve done. My last album [Larva] was a rock album, or at least it was more like rock than the others, more electronic, and I felt really comfortable with that too. It might be confusing for my audience that I have jumped so much between styles,

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 9

Scan Magazine | Feature | Eivør

but I have tried to stay true to myself and do what I need to do musically to grow and expand as a musician. It has meant a lot to me to have that freedom and space, and I am very grateful to all my faithful listeners who have followed me all these years,” she says. Eivør is also extremely comfortable singing in different languages, even though Faroese is the one closest to her heart, being her own tongue. “I like to sing in English too; it’s a different sound. I’ve always loved languages, as they’re also musical in many ways. There are different colours to Icelandic, Swedish and Norwegian, and it’s fun to play with that. At the moment I’m working in English though, as it just suits my current sound.” Icelandic also comes easily to Eivør, who studied classical singing in Reykjavik, Ice-

10 | Issue 33 | September 2011

land, for four years. “Faroese and Icelandic are close to each other in many ways; we have similar words, but sometimes they actually mean the complete opposite, so you can have a lot of misunderstandings,” she laughs. “During my time there, I fell in love with the city, the country and the people." While Eivør has yet to tour extensively outside of the Nordic region, she would love to connect with audiences all around the world. A recent side project saw her take to the stage in Canada, in the role of Marilyn Monroe, in an opera composed by Gavin Bryars. “I’ve been mostly concentrating on writing new songs for my upcoming album, but you do need some breaks in between to do something different. I tend to fall into side projects, such as writing music for the-

atre, simply just because I love to create music, and I’m always looking for challenges. It makes me feel like I’m stretching and deepening my musical potential. And all this keeps my sparkle going.”

New album Eivør has already written the songs for her next album and is hoping to release it sometime early next year. She will start working on it in September, recording in the Faroe Islands for the very first time. To listen to songs off of Eivør’s latest album and to check out her October tour dates, please visit: www.eivor.com

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Scan Magazine | Design | 95% Danish

95%Danish:

Pure passion for Danish design 95%Danish are aiming to become the spokesmen of Danish design within the UK. Conceived in 2004, the company is the brainchild of design enthusiast and founder Kim Dohm, the creative heart and soul behind it all, who teamed up with current managing director Mike McLintock. Today, 95% Ltd consists of 95%Danish as well as 95%Dutch, and Dohm proudly calls it a design-led company that shows great passion for all the products and brands it represents. By Nia Kajastie | Photos: 95%Danish

So what does 95%Danish actually stand for? It is all began with Kim Dohm, an Anglo-Dane and the figurehead of the business, who was brought up in London by Danish parents. Accordingly, the answer to the question “How Danish is he?” was answered with 95%Danish, and the name just stuck. It also refers to the fact that 5% of the brands are not Danish, as they also represent some Swedish and even a Japanese company. The only issue they bumped into was when in early 2009 they secured the UK Agent Distribution rights for Royal VKB

12 | Issue 33 | September 2011

of Holland, who did not want to be represented under the name 95%Danish. To accommodate them Dohm also formed 95%Dutch, as a logical home for Royal VKB in the UK. Kim Dohm has always embraced a strong passion for design, especially Danish creations, as from a very young age he was taught to appreciate household names such as Arne Jacobsen as well as his own Danish roots. Dohm studied graphic design at Croydon School of Art, later joining Conran Design Group and working on sev-

eral design projects, as well as setting up his own design agency DOHM, before jumping on the opportunity to form a company with McLintock. Combining McLintock’s business acumen and Dohm’s love of design and Danishness, they created 95%Danish, a company that understands good design. Buy once, buy for life “We represent all the brands you see on our website in the UK,” explains Dohm. “You can purchase things online or visit our OXO Tower showroom shop, which is

Scan Magazine | Design | 95% Danish

Opposite: Cushions from Ferm LIVING. Above: CafeSolo coffee maker with accessories. Right: Eva Solo citrus squeezer

open for anyone. You can actually see the products there, and although some things might not be in stock, you can always order them from the website. We’re also the distributors for the companies that we represent, and we encourage design conscious shops in Britain to sell our products. Some of our stockists include Selfridges, V&A, Heal’s, The Conran Shop and Skandium.”

“For example, Eva Solo’s products are sold for a very good price, taking into account what you are paying for,” he says. “As people have become more careful with their spending, they are often looking to

As a new inclusion to their range of brands, 95%Danish are very proud to just have started representing Eva Solo, long recognised as one of Denmark’s leading producers of lifestyle and home accessories. “Their iconic products are what people often recognise as distinctly Danish design,” says Dohm.

FlowerPot lamp by Verner Panton

On the younger and quirkier side, 95%Danish also represent stylish brands such as Anne Black and ferm LIVING. And although the prices differ between the brands, what is most important to Dohm is the quality of the products.

buy only once and to buy well. They want products that last and are well made, with timeless designs. That idea is represented through Eva Solo, as their products really are the very best quality items that you can

get. And as a design-led company, we don’t sell copies of anything, just the originals.” Although 95%Danish would happily add some more brands to their range (especially if they could choose a few specific ones), they also do not want to have too many and/or too few to choose from. “We don’t want to be dominated by one or two brands, and we also want to make 95%Danish into a recognisable brand name on its own,” explains Dohm. “In January next year, at a trade show in London, we’re going to launch our very own range of products. They are not meant to compete with any of the existing brands, but instead they should complement them, just as all the current companies complement each other.”

For more information, please visit: www.95percent.co.uk or www.95percentdanish.com

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 13

Scan Magazine | Design | We Love This

We love this... This month, we have picked a selection of super modern and minimalist Scandinavian designs for you to enjoy. By Julie Guldbrandsen. Email: julie@scanmagazine.co.uk

Marimekko porcelain mug, with pattern by Maija Louekari. £12. www.twentytwentyone.com

A great minimalist take on the classic globe - The Expression Globe in silver by Atmosphere. Available in a range of colours. £105. www.95percentdanish.com

Scholten & Baijings have developed a cool colour block collection of bed linen for Hay, in red, pink, yellow and green. From £60. hayshop.dk

The cool, practical and stylish dustpan & broom by Normann Copenhagen are now available in three new colours: green, purple and pink. £20. www.shop.normann-copenhagen.com

14 | Issue 33 | September 2011

A beautiful wooden tray with different colours on each side. The TurningTray was designed in 1956 by Finn Juhl. They are handmade in Denmark in teak and laminate, and are available in three sizes and several colour combinations. From £90-130. www.panikdesign.com

16–17 St. Christopher’s Place, London W1U 1NZ, www.marimekko.com

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Scan Magazine | Design | Fashion Diary

Fashion Diary... Transitional Style The new season’s collections are dropping into the shops now, signalling that it is yet again time for a change. Here is a selection of fashion buys that will take you stylishly through autumn. By Julie Guldbrandsen. Email: julie@scanmagazine.co.uk

A great top by Rützou. Style with black skinny trousers and high heels. £109. Call +44 (0) 208 969 4441 for stockists.

A poncho cape style coat with short sleeves and leather trimmings by By Malene Briger. This is the perfect transitional outerwear style. £389. shop.bymalenebirger.com

Time to cuddle up. Cropped sweater by Acne to keep you both warm and chic. £250. shop.acnestudios.com

A knit dress is the easiest way to effortlessly chic dressing. This one by Margit Brandt has a flattering draped front and comes in silk and linen. £99. www.wild-swans.com

16 | Issue 33 | September 2011

Supercool wedge boots with wooden heel and suede detail. Available in raven black and deep purple. £362. www.minimarket.se

Printed trousers by Vero Moda Very. Featuring a graphic printed design and high waist styling. £55.00. www.asos.com

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18 | Issue 33 | September 2011

Scan Magazine | Travel Special | Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands: Discover the undiscovered, the unspoilt and the uncomplicated The 18 windswept islands of the Faroes may be compact with a small population comparable to that of a Danish town like Roskilde, but this distinctive archipelago is just waiting to be discovered by the rest of the world. Located northwest of Scotland (and halfway between Iceland and Norway), encircled by the Gulf Stream, the Faroes are a self-governing region within the Kingdom of Denmark. However, with a strong Faroese identity and their own language, the islands create a whole intriguing world of their own. Wrapped up in a waterproof jacket, Scan Magazine boarded an Atlantic Airways plane (the national airline of the Faroes) in Stansted Airport and headed off for a trip to the islands, known for their quaint turf-roof houses, herds and herds of sheep and flocks of puffins. By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Coolephotography

There is something quite magical about the Faroe Islands, protruding out of the North Atlantic in all their green, craggy splendour. It is fairy-tale territory in a lot of ways, with legends, for example, about a giant and witch (Risin og Kellingin) who turned into stone, when trying to drag the islands with them to Iceland; you can see the two sea stacks standing just off the northern coast of Eysturoy island. Set snugly somewhere between deep-seated traditions and modernity, you will find around 48,642 Faroese people who happily welcome travellers to their unspoilt, peaceful little corner of the world. “People often come here in search of calmness and quietness, as well as an authentic experience,” explains Jákup Sverri Kass, head of sales and marketing for Atlantic Airways. “Our culture is very much alive: we dance the Faroese dance, speak the Faroese language; we do what we’ve done for many hundreds of years. Our mission is also to remind people of the importance of everyday life and getting away from the materialised world. We’re a modern society, but still maintain our traditions. I feel the people here are still very genuine and try to help others. It’s

pretty unspoilt in many ways for a European country.”

Courtesy of Atlantic Airways

Green as far as the eye can see When the plane started its descent towards the islands, I peered out of the window in anticipation: the water spread out below us everywhere I turned my gaze, until it suddenly gave way to a shock of green land, no trees in sight, only uninterrupted green as far as the eye can see. On the car journey to the hotel in Tórshavn, the capital and largest town of the Faroes, the scenery changed from fields of grass to dramatic mountains (with sheep precariously, yet seemingly contentedly, perched on the steepest of cliffs and mountainsides), with a stream of water often running down their sides. It is some-

thing out of a picture postcard, just wonderfully rugged yet beautiful landscapes, with colourful little huddles of houses set in between the hills, along fjords and sounds, forming towns and villages. After a night of unbelievably deep sleep, with no traffic sounds or general city noises to disturb me, on the second day, I partook in an afternoon tour with the schooner Norðlýsið, which took our group to one of the smaller islands off the shore of Tórshavn. Once there, we accessed a grotto with smaller boats to listen to a concert in the cave. The natural acoustics of the grotto, together with the wonderful colours reflecting from the water and rough walls, made the experience almost haunting. It is a great experience, and we were blessed with dry weather and a little bit of sunshine blinking from behind the clouds as well. All in all, the infamous Faroese weather behaved very well throughout my visit, although windproof and waterproof clothing is still advisable, especially out on the sea. Drink and eat the Faroese way With Copenhagen’s Noma earning the title of the best restaurant in the world,

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 19

Scan Magazine | Travel Special | Faroe Islands

dessert made out of lovage, sorrel and seaweed is something that according to Sørensen “tastes like the Faroe Islands”. My personal favourite was definitely the fish chins with anchovy mayonnaise – simply melt-in-your-mouth delicious. And to round off your fully Faroese experience, you have to try some beer by Föroya Bjór, a Faroese family brewery, founded in 1888. According to CEO Einar Waag, their beer goes especially well with food: their Ram pilsner is the perfect accompaniment to spicy or Asian dishes, whereas their Black Sheep dark all-malt lager is great with beef. And naturally beer is the only correct drink to accompany Scandinavian food.

certain things, and where only certain ingredients are naturally available Sørensen was trained in and was, for a long time, only interested in French cooking, but after realising that tourists want to taste the country’s own produce and dishes, he changed his way of working completely. With the amazing success of the local food and Nordic cuisine concepts, restaurant KOKS wants to offer something even more specific, namely something uniquely Faroese. Among the Faroese ingredients that you can detect on restaurant KOKS’s menu are spruce shoots, angelica and rhubarb as well as, of course, lamb, langoustines and different sorts of fish. An interesting

20 | Issue 33 | September 2011

Photo: Claes Bech-Poulsen

Courtesy of Atlantic Airways

Nordic cuisine is currently garnering worldwide interest, including, of course, also Faroese food. A fairly new gourmet star on the culinary scene in the Faroe Islands is restaurant KOKS, set in Hotel Føroyar – which was also my hotel; so on the very first evening on the islands, I naturally made a beeline for the restaurant. Serving four, six or eight course meals created with local Faroese ingredients, the restaurant is a big hit especially with tourists seeking for the authentic taste of the Faroes. Chef Leif Sørensen, who is also the Faroese representative for the New Nordic Food initiative, knows how hard it is to source produce in a small country like the Faroe Islands with such a harsh climate, where you can only grow

At the end of a long day of either driving around the islands (it does not take longer than two hours to get from one point to another anywhere on the Faroes) or hiking up a felt green mountainside, a good locally produced beer (that is always guaranteed to be fresh!) is just the right thing to relax your muscles and let your mind wander. And by the end of my stay, I felt that the Faroe Islands really do offer something quite different, something soothing and oddly comforting, away from the stress of urban life. The unhurried lifestyle and unspoilt nature are something everyone should get a chance to experience.

For more information, please visit: www.faroeislands.com www.atlantic.fo www.koks.fo www.bjor.fo

Highlights:

Facts:

• Kirkjubøur, the southernmost village on the

• In 2007, the National Geographic conducted a

island of Streymoy, was the ecclesiastical and

survey of island communities throughout the

cultural centre of the Faroes during the

world, and the Faroe Islands came out on top

Middle Ages. Here, you can visit the only

as the most appealing destination in the

medieval church still in use on the islands as well as the imposing ruin of Saint Magnus Cathedral. • Saksun is a picturesque village on Streymoy; its round bay was at one time a natural harbour, now full of sand and only accessible by small boats at high tide. • Gjógv is an idyllic village on the northeast tip

world. • On the islands, the average temperature ranges from 3°C in winter to 11°C in the summer. In sheltered areas, the temperature can be much higher, but the air is always fresh and clean no matter what the season. • Atlantic Airways, established in 1988, is the only airline operating in the Faroe Islands.

of Eysturoy with a striking sea-filled gorge and

Currently, the airline flies to three

great hiking opportunities.

destinations in Denmark and Reykjavik,

• Viðareiði, located on Viðoy, is the

Iceland, throughout the year, as well as

northernmost village in the Faroe Islands,

London, UK, and Bergen, Norway, in the

which offers beautiful vistas and a great

summertime.

starting point for hiking treks.

Scan Magazine | Travel Special | Faroe Islands

Sarah Lund’s favourite sweater in the Danish TV series The Killing.

Guðrun & Guðrun: Wrap up warm in Sarah Lund’s sweater Luxury knitwear label and design brand Guðrun & Guðrun is owned by two Faroese women, who find their inspiration in Faroese heritage and the country’s strong knitting traditions. Designer and co-owner Guðrun Ludvík talked to Scan Magazine about success in Japan, sweater patterns, Faroese isolation and the sweater that everyone wants. By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Guðrun & Guðrun

Guðrun & Guðrun has always been an organic and sustainable label, as the yarn and lambskin used in production are actually waste products. Everything is also handmade by both Faroese and Jordanian women, both being countries with strong knitting traditions. In Jordan, G&G also offer training on how to manage a microbusiness, as they want help the women make their own living.

put things together, combining old fabrics in a fashionable way,” says Ludvík. Ludvík also draws inspiration from old knitting patterns, which she likes to present in novel ways, while combining the wool with other materials as well. “And I always thought the shape of a traditional sweater was so masculine and big, so I decided to take that away and create a more feminine shape. They also used to

Ludvík, who studied design in Denmark, began knitting with her mother at a time when she felt the Faroese had partly lost their sense of pride for their knitting traditions; it was not seen as something fashionable. “I decided to talk to the old ladies who knew the history behind it; it made it more interesting as well. Then I concentrated on my knitting, and we got featured in magazines and interviewed in many places, and the Japanese went crazy for our designs. People were interested in the way I

Guðrun & Guðrun

blend a lot of different patterns, whereas I like to take one pattern and make it clearer, just like with the The Killing

sweaters; I actually lifted the snowflake pattern from my father’s sweater.” And that became the sweater everyone wanted (and still do!), giving G&G a lot of extra media attention. However, their ranges of clothing and accessories go far beyond just that sweater, as they design clothes for women, men and children. And even before Sarah Lund picked out a Faroese jumper from her closet, the label was already garnering international attention, and today, G&G have their own shop in the capital of the Faroes, as well as showrooms in New York, Milan, Berlin, Japan and Norway. While Ludvík loves to travel to these places for a boost of inspiration, she is always happy to come back home to the Faroe Islands, as the tranquillity of the isolated country gives her the chance to work in peace. For more information, please visit: www.gudrungudrun.com

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 21

Experience the authentic Faroe Islands with GreenGate Incoming The Faroe Islands surprise many visitors with their breathtaking landscape, fascinating traditions and untouched nature and, not least, accessibility. Although the archipelago was voted the number one unspoilt island destination by National Geographic in 2007, it is still relatively unknown to many travellers. By Signe Hansen | Photos: GreenGate Incoming

“A lot of people are very positively surprised when they first come here; a lot of them don’t know much more than that it rains a lot, and when they see the breathtaking landscape and amazing wildlife, they are astonished,” says Marni Hjallnafoss, director of travel agent GreenGate Incoming, which specialises in package tours to the Faroe Islands. Close up with the Faroese people and nature The Faroe Islands offer numerous opportunities to explore off the beaten track, but many do not know where to start. Therefore GreenGate Incoming has specialised in providing their guests with an experience of authentic and unspoiled Faroese culture and nature. “Our vision is to make people experience the real Faroe Island – not just on the surface but close up with both nature and people,” stresses

22 | Issue 33 | September 2011

Hjallnafoss. One way to do this is through Greengate Incoming’s Home Visits, which invites you inside a Faroese home for coffee and chitchat. “Another very popular tour, which we encourage people to try, is the island hopping tour which, via helicopter or ferry, takes visitors out to some of the smaller completely untouched islands,” adds Hjallnafoss. For those who wish to explore on their own, GreenGate Incoming can help provide rental cars,

flights, accommodation and, not least, inspiration on where to go. Great for play, great for work With their many modern hotels and conference venues, the Faroe Islands are also an ideal location for conferences; the surroundings offering plenty of diversions between or after meetings. But to really see the Faroe Island, guests should, maintains Hjallnafoss, spend at least a week exploring and some things should not be missed. “A complete visit to the Faroe Islands must comprise a good combination of sailing (viewing the islands from the seaside is a really special experience), hiking in nature, and exploring the culture and history of the islands,” stresses Hjallnafoss. For more information, please visit: www.greengate.fo

Scan Magazine | Travel Special | Faroe Islands

Discover an idyllic guesthouse in the village GjĂłgv By Nia Kajastie | Photos: GjĂĄargarĂ°ur

GjĂĄargarĂ°ur is a charming and homely guesthouse, with a typical Faroese turf roof and great, friendly atmosphere, situated in the village of GjĂłgv on Eysturoy island. When Scan Magazine visited the village, we were amazed by the beautiful views all around us, and the guesthouse is definitely a great spot from which to explore the surrounding unspoilt landscape, whether on a hike or longer day trip. Manager Eirik Suni Danielsen is happy to help you plan your stay and to tell you about the history of the area. The guesthouse offers en suite double rooms (with the possibility for extra beds), Viking-style alcoves that function as B&B accommodation (sharing bathroom facilities) as well as a three-year-old extension with 12 luxurious rooms. There really is something for everyone. GjĂĄargarĂ°ur also boasts conference fa-

cilities for a maximum of 90 people as well as a cosy restaurant that serves breakfast, light meals (try one of their delicious salmon sandwiches!) and a hot meal in the evening. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are very proud that people are staying with us again and again,â&#x20AC;? says Danielsen. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re also proud of our fantastic location, and I normally say that the guesthouse is like a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;home away from homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. It is not like a normal hotel, and people come here for the relaxation, quietness and walking in nature. They can also use our guesthouse as a base to ex-

plore the rest of the islands, as the distances everywhere are so short.â&#x20AC;? For more information, please visit: www.gjaargardur.fo

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6H PHQXHQ S n ZZZ V .U S D WDEDVWD GN &RSHQKDJHQ &RRNLQJ 9DONHQGRUIVJDGH .ÂĄEHQKDYQ . ZZZ SDVWDEDVWD GN Issue 33 | September 2011 | 23

Scan Magazine | Travel Special | Faroe Islands

Matstovan hjá Elisabeth: Traditional Faroese cuisine, served at the chef's own home By Yane Christensen | Photos: Matstovan hjá Elisabeth

In the northernmost settlement of the Faroe Islands, just one and a half hours’ drive from the airport, you will find a great little restaurant called Matstovan hjá Elisabeth (Elisabeth's Restaurant). The restaurant is located in the small village of Viðareiði, a popular gateway to a vast number of hiking trails. Accordingly, Elisabeth's Restaurant is the ideal place for hungry hikers to sample some traditional Faroese cuisine. The restaurant is in Elisabeth Nybo's own house, and the atmosphere is very relaxed and homely. The views from the restaurant are breath-taking and include sea, islands and mountains. Elisabeth herself is also in charge of the cooking. Her signature dish is breast of locally

Scan Magazine’s tip for travellers: If on the menu while you are there, try the delicious creamy lobster soup – we enjoyed it very much. For more information, please visit: www.visitnordoy.fo

caught puffin served with potatoes, vegetables and gravy. Another speciality is thinly-sliced dried whale, which is served with potatoes and dried salty whale blubber. There is always a fish of the day: depending on the day's catch it might be sole, cod, haddock or halibut. The rhubarb trifle is a popular dessert choice. Rhubarb thrives in the harsh climate of the Faroe Islands and can be found growing wild. “The weather up here can be extreme. Sometimes we have all four seasons in a day. We're definitely not in the business of selling sunshine holidays,” explains Elisabeth. That said, the islands are green and lush, and with their rugged green mountains, fjords and countless waterfalls, the Faroe Islands certainly make for fascinating scenery.

Hotel Føroyar: Sleep in comfort and wake up to spectacular views of Tórshavn By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Hotel Føroyar

Hotel Føroyar, located a short walk from the town centre of Tórshavn, offers fourstar accommodation and five-star conference facilities, as well as a gourmet dining experience and fantastic views overlooking Tórshavn. Scan Magazine had the pleasure of staying at the hotel during a trip to the Faroes.

24 | Issue 33 | September 2011

When you first detect it, the hotel building seems to blend effortlessly into the surrounding landscape with its typically Faroese turf roof and simple architectural style, designed by architectural firm Friis & Moltke A/S in 1983. The lobby is both stylish and welcoming, and the same crisp simplicity continues in the design of the guest rooms. Most of the hotel’s rooms are doubles, but they also offer family friendly rooms, rooms for people with disabilities, as well as four suites. One of the highlights of my room was without a doubt the spectacular view. You could gaze out at the colourful houses of Tórshavn, the ever-present sea as well as the breath-taking surrounding nature. Guests and travellers can also easily enjoy a walk or longer hike in the surrounding landscape. The same view is visible from the hotel’s gourmet restau-

rant KOKS, which is an absolute must for anyone interested in sampling authentic Faroese cuisine. “Recently Hotel Føroyar has been renovated, but future plans for the hotel are to make it into a spa hotel with a wellness and fitness centre and an outdoor swimming pool with sauna,” informs managing director Johannes Jensen. Hotel Føroyar offers free internet, car hire, laundry service, room service, parking service and a wakeup call from their friendly staff. To find out about meeting packages and party menus, please contact the hotel.

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

The sail making loft can seat up to 170 in one room.

T.F. Thomsen‘s extraordinary Faroese delicacies A boiled sheep’s head and thin slices of dried sheep meat matured by the fresh sea breeze: these are some of the delicacies you are likely to encounter in the Faroe Islands. But not to worry, there are also other gastronomic encounters to be made, many of them deliciously fresh from the sea. By Signe Hansen | Photos: T.F. Thomsen

In the T.F. Thomsen Pub, Dining Hall and Culture House, you can try all of the best (and most peculiar) Faroese delicacies; all home cooked by Anna Kirstin Thomsen, who is a third of the fifth generation of the Thomsen family guarding the historic T.F. Thomsen buildings in Tvøroyri.

groups with her renowned Faroese hospitality and food. But the dining hall is only open on request so make sure to call ahead if you wish to dine.

Keeping history alive Located on the most southern island of the Faroes, two hours from Tórshavn, T.F. Thomsen Ltd was once a vital point for trade and shipping. All the company’s buildings are today listed for preservation. “The buildings are all perfectly preserved in their original appearance inside and outside, but we have converted the old grocery shop into a pub and the sail making loft into a dining hall,” explains Anna Kirstin Thomsen. In the impressive, atmospheric dining hall, Thomsen greets all possible kinds of

T.F. Thomsen's Dish of Three, consisting of cod with mussels, dill and shrimps and served with garlic baguette.

scratch. “In the Faroes, we like to make everything ourselves; we think it tastes better. I make all the food using fresh ingredients and a lot of Faroese produce like cod, sheep and shrimp.” And when it comes to the famous sheep’s head, the hostess just loves it, and she loves treating her guests to it. “People are always very surprised that the sheep’s head tastes so good because it looks rather peculiar,” she admits, but then she does not try do disguise its origin. “I always place the head on a plate with grapes for eyes and a sprig of parsley in the mouth, so it looks very much like boiled sheep’s head,” she laughs. The best season for sheep’s heads is in October and November when the sheep are slaughtered... there is just enough time to book that flight!

Try something different T.F. Thomsen’s menu comprises everything from fish and chips to the notorious sheep’s head, with everything made from

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

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 25

Kirkjubøur – wander through the still standing history of the Faroe Islands From the Danish Crown Prince Frederik’s visit on horseback in 1844, and up to today’s flocks of cruise ship tourists, the bishop’s residence at Kirkjubøur has been considered the Faroes’ most important historic site. Just 15 minutes from Tórshavn, the medieval cathedral, bishop’s palace and parish church present visitors with an exceptional insight into Faroese history. By Signe Hansen | Photos: S V Arge

“There are no other ruins like this on the Faroe Islands; Kirkjubøur is a unique site. It is the only place where you can wander around such imposing historic monuments,” explains Símun V. Arge, museum director and head of the archaeological department at the National Museum of the Faroe Islands. “Most of the Faroes’ history is invisible, not least because the traditional Faroese buildings were made of timber and only lasted for less than 100 years, which means that their remains are now buried in the ground.”

ing attention from the outer world early in the 19th century, becoming a popular destination for scholars in architecture and art history, and later, of course, for countless tourists.

Parish church

Christianity was formally accepted in the Faroes around the year 1000, and early in the 12th century, the Faroese diocese was established as part of the Norwegian church province; it lasted until 1557. All of the standing ecclesiastical monuments in Kirkjubøur were erected in the time of the bishopric. Always a source of local legends and myths, the ruins began attract-

26 | Issue 33 | September 2011

Creating history Most researchers believe that, from early on, there must have been a prosperous farm at Kirkjubøur, where the conditions for cultivating corn, and a steady supply of drift wood in the otherwise tree-less islands, attracted the Catholic Church. Therefore the site was chosen to be the

ecclesiastical and cultural centre of the Faroes. “The entire bishop’s residence was very untypical for the Faroes. The historic relics bear witness to the strong connections this site had to the outside world. They do not represent the traditional Faroese village culture - it was also from here this contact was channelled into the community. For the locals, it would have been a completely strange and unfamiliar experience to visit the site in medieval times,” explains the museum director. The parish church, which rests on the remains of older churches, dates back to mid-1200. It is the only medieval church still in use in the Faroes today. Parts of the bishop’s palace today house a local farmer and his family. It can be dated at least back to c. 1300 and is thereby one of the oldest inhabited houses in the north. Experiencing history The timbered rooms of the bishop’s resi-

Scan Magazine | Travel Special | Faroe Islands

dence, in which the local farmer and his family live today, are built on top of an impressive stone basement, completely different from the house, indicating that this could once have been a two storied stone building. During the day, visitors can buy entrance to the historic rooms, and in the evening, the big living room, the so-called Roykstova (the Faroese name for the room with the fireplace), can be rented for dinners. “When it started out, it was only political guests and other dignities who got the chance to dine here, but over the years this has changed, and today, the rooms can be booked by all kinds of groups,” explains Arge.

Kirkjubøur

While a lot of people drive to Kirkjubøur to wander around the captivating landscape and ruins by themselves, there are also several tour agencies and cruise ships offering guided tours. But though explanations might be given for some of the circumstances surrounding the monuments, the ruins still pose many unanswered questions. Preserving history

Unfortunately, though solidly built, wear and tear has endangered the cathedral’s continued survival. “We first began discussing how best to preserve this ruin back in 1986. As we perceived it, the solution was to be found somewhere in between two extremes: one being to erect a building to cover up the cathedral completely and the other to let it be in its natural setting and let the wind and rain tear it away. We decided to attempt to make it last as long as possible by the least invasive and reversible measures,” explains Arge. “This is a big challenge for the Faroese antiquarian authorities. According to international conventions, we emphasise the fact that cultural inheritance is collective property but also collective

The ruined cathedral’s eastern gable window with reliquary

The ruined cathedral

For more information, please visit: www.fornminni.fo/00306/00454

The ruined cathedral’s decorated corbel

Lectern panels showing St Brandan and Bishop Erlendur

One of the most mystifying ruins is the ruined cathedral, the St. Magnus Cathedral. It is still disputed whether this impressive stone building was ever finished and taken into use or has always been a ruin. But one thing is positive: its impressive structure symbolises a rich and dynamic society.

responsibility. Therefore the preservation work in Kirkjubøur always has been done in collaboration with Scandinavian and international experts and colleagues”

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 27

Hotel Hafnia – feel at home away from home Situated in the heart of the world’s smallest capital Tórshavn and within walking distance of both the harbour and the historical part of town, Hotel Hafnia is the perfect setting for your stay in the stunning Faroe Islands. By Lykke Fabricius Port | Photos: Hotel Hafnia

If you want to get the most out of your stay by having the city and all its sights at your doorstep, Hotel Hafnia is the place to be. The four-star hotel was originally built in 1951, but went through an extensive renovation from 2005 to 2007, when all 57 rooms were refurbished and modernised. Furthermore, the hotel’s roof terrace offers a unique panoramic view over the whole town and harbour. The hotel is situated only minutes from Tórshavn’s old town, Tinganes, and the government buildings, a perfect starting

point for exploring the shops and night life of the capital. If you decide not to venture into town, why not try the hotel restaurant, known for both its international cuisine and Faroese specialities, such as freshly caught lobster and lamb. For a more laidback atmosphere visit Kafé Kaspar on the ground floor, where both guests and locals enjoy live music every Saturday night. “Nothing can compete with the location of Hotel Hafnia, and we put great effort into

making our guests feel at home. Our entire staff is professionally trained, and it is always possible to get help or advice at any time. We must be doing something right, because we have a lot of regulars,” says booking manager Rósa Maria R. Brodersen. It is not only tourists who have the opportunity to enjoy the excellent hotel facilities. Rósa Maria R. Brodersen informs us that the hotel is also the perfect setting for business meetings and conferences. The conference centre can accommodate up to 100 people, and the hotel is more than happy to assist in the organising of team building events or other such activities that will make your stay worthwhile. For more information and booking, please visit: www.hafnia.fo

28 | Issue 33 | September 2011

Samuel Joensen-Mikines (1906-79): North Wind. 1957

The lie of the land – Faroese Art at Listasavn Føroya The northern wind forcefully sweeping the rough surface of the steep fells and the green, grass-clad slopes of a Faroese cliff shore; the sky is dark, the sea gloomy, but a rainbow quivers against all the dark blue, and at that exact moment, a ray of sun lights up the emerald green colour of the grass. An abundance of drama in a strict, almost abstract, artistic style characterizes pictures like this one painted by the Faroe Islands’ first great artist Samuel Joensen-Mikines. By Nils Ohrt | Photos: Faroese Art Museum

The painting described can be viewed at the Faroese Art Museum, Listasavn Føroya. The museum’s collection is housed in a modern museum structure located in a beautiful plantation in the northern outskirts of Tórshavn. As the national gallery of the Faroe Islands, the museum comprises Faroese art from the last 100 years, from the paintings of Mikines up to the work of today’s many contemporary Faroese artists, who are part of the islands’ exceptionally rich artistic milieu. Fine arts may have spread to the islands comparatively late, but the late arrival has been made up for by a powerfully blossoming artistic movement with talented men and women alike. With its green mountains, steep cliff shores and ocean-side settlements embraced by

and even in a minimalist manner. Treated with paint, colour and passion, the pictures of landscape and man turn into a nature of their own. Another type of nature, but surreally twisted, is seen in the work of Edward Fuglø. Now that nature tourism is in fashion, for good or bad, the small islands are meeting the wider world and modern times. Gulliver has arrived in the land of Lilliput! Edward Fuglø (f. 1965): Microstate Camper. 2008

the sun, wind, clouds and rain, the Faroe Islands’ impressive nature is, not unexpectedly, the main motif in Faroese art. It has been interpreted in various ways, impressionistic, expressionistic, cubistic, abstract

A visit to the Listasavn Føroya will give your trip to the Faroe Islands a special perspective. For practical information: www.art.fo; info@art.fo, +298 313579.

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 29

Scan Magazine | Competition

Competition: Win a beautiful Eva Solo Table Grill! The series is divided into the following categories: cooking, serving, living, bath and outdoor. All in all, it forms an extensive selection of tools and utensils, so you can surround yourself with outstanding design throughout your home.

95%Danish are extremely proud to represent Eva Solo in the UK. To celebrate we have their beautiful fireproof porcelain table grill for you to win. Invite your guests to cook their own food or tapas: either at the table, on the beach or in the park. This innovative grill is made of fireproof porcelain with a practical handle which makes it easy to carry around. Available in black and white, Ø 30 cm. Eva Solo imparts exclusive Danish design to everyday objects in the home. Simplicity, distinct lines and a high degree of functionality characterise the products in the collection.

To win a beautiful Black Eva Solo Table Grill, please answer the following question: For more information, please visit: www.95percentdanish.com Why not "like" us on Facebook to be kept up to date with all our other beautiful Danish products. www.facebook.com/95Danish

Where is the company Eva Solo based? Please email your answer and contact details to: competition@95percentdanish.co.uk We must receive your answer by 31st October. The winner will be contacted directly.

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* By entering this competition, all entrants consent to the use of their personal data a) for the purposes of the administration of this competition and b) for marketing purposes by 95%Ltd. Any personal data relating to participants will be used solely in accordance with current UK data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the individual’s prior consent. Email alice@95percent.co.uk for full competition rules.

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Lapland – the magic of contrasts Finland is a country of contrasts, and nowhere is the fact quite as evident as in the fluctuating appearance of Mother Nature in the country’s northernmost province, Lapland. While best known as the home of Santa Claus and his reindeer, there is a whole lot more to Lapland than just the hubbub around Christmas. Text and photos by Visit Finland

The stark differences in light and temperature between the four seasons are the staple of Lapland. From mid-December until mid-February, the polar night (“kaamos” to locals) shrouds Lapland in total darkness, depriving the province of daylight. Watch the skies, as you might see a fox run across the heavens, sweeping its tail, leaving behind a spectacular glow that illuminates the snowy wilderness. Or so say the Sami, Europe’s only indigenous people. The rest of the world calls the phenomenon the Northern Lights. Slowly but surely winter turns into spring and the growing amount of daylight wakes both people and nature from their slumber. Long sunny days with heaps of snow

on Lapland’s iconic fells are ideal for winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, husky sledding and snowmobiling. A party vibe is also in the air, as many an event takes place in holiday resorts across the region. In the summer, the midnight sun graces Lapland for two months, serving as an antithesis to the polar night. Hiking on the fells is an unforgettable experience with 24-hour daylight, and fishing trips to Lapland’s many lakes and rivers will make anyone lose track of time. Midsummer celebrations at the end of June last long into the next day. The melancholy harmony of autumn leaf colour, or “ruska”, paints the vast land-

scapes of Lapland in different shades of red, green, yellow and brown, in September. A feeling of longing is associated with autumn in Lapland; the warmth of the summer is gone, and the darkening evenings remind one of the long winter ahead. Autumn is the time for getting cosy in front of the fireplace, waiting for the first snowflakes to fall. Lapland is every bit as wild and magical as one would think. Any time of the year.

For more information, please visit: www.visitfinland.com www.laplandfinland.com

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 31

Scan Magazine | Finnish Lapland | Ylläs

Ylläs A winter wonderland that caters for every need Rugged, ascetic fell tops, crooked deadwood, placid lakes, roaring rapids and a calming, extraordinary spectrum of autumn colours: these are the ingredients that build the unique landscape of Lapland. Add a sprinkling or two of snow and the allure of Christmas to the recipe, and you will find yourself in Ylläs, the hub of tranquillity, yet a buzzing centre for active hikers, bikers and skiers. You name it, and Ylläs will have it. By Anni-Maria Sahala | Photos: Ylläs Saaga

Ylläs Fell lies in western Lapland, circa 150 kilometres above the Arctic Circle. The surrounding area is formed of seven fells and two authentic Lappish villages, Äkäslompolo and Ylläsjärvi. The area is specially known for its skiing: with 63 slopes and 29 lifts, Ylläs is the home of the longest runs in Finland. Because of the Arctic climate, the snow conditions are good and the season is long.

by December,” explains Aki Rundgren, the marketing manager of Sport Resort Ylläs. “Ylläs is the biggest ski resort in Finland, both in terms of the number and the length of slopes. The fell peaks at 718 metres above sea level, enabling the longest slope to be three kilometres long. But we also have plenty of options for beginners, and what’s best, even Father Christmas comes here on holiday!”

“The first slopes open already in November, and we are in the full swing of skiing

If going downhill is not the activity of your choice, Ylläs offers plenty of alternatives

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for its visitors. The surrounding areas are a haven for cross-country skiers with 330 kilometres of mechanically prepared tracks that take you to many cafes, campfire spots and Laplander huts along the way. Traditional husky safaris and reindeer sleigh rides are also available. For adrenaline junkies, the 400 kilometres of snowmobile tracks let you experience the thrill of speed while enjoying the Lappish nature. Ylläs is also an excellent location for spotting the Northern Lights.

Scan Magazine | Finnish Lapland | Ylläs

If this is not enough, Rundgren can throw a couple of aces on the table: “Ylläs is the home of the only Sauna gondola in the world! This means you can experience the Finnish sauna tradition while taking in the breathtaking views and dangling 30 metres above the ski resort. And you can spend a night in SnowHotel and discover the magic of snow and ice construction in the nearby Snow Village. You will never run out of things to do here.” The area of seven fells offers plenty of accommodation options, but Ylläs Saaga has quickly become one of the firm favourites for the visitors. Built in 2003, it is the newest and the most comprehensive ski hotel in Ylläs. It is located by the Sports Resort on the slopes and provides breathtaking views to as far as 100 kilometres away. Its position is brilliantly convenient for skiers: the slopes are literally on your doorstep so just put your skis on and off you go. Next to Yllä Saaga Hotel, SaagaChalets offer luxurious one, two or three bedroom apartments that combine top-class service with independent living. Each of the

apartments has its own sauna, complimentary Internet and terrace or balcony. In 2008, a new service centre was also added to the complex that offers an array of shops, restaurants and ski services. New Ylläs 1 Gondola conveniently takes up to eight people to the top of the fell. Saaga Hotel also has a spa with Jacuzzis, saunas and steam rooms. But Ylläs is not merely a winter destination as it offers plenty of activities in the autumn too. “The beautiful and challenging Lappish nature provides excellent surroundings for different activities. The terrain challenges even the most experienced hikers but prepared walking routes ensure that nature is also accessible for less mobile people, pushchairs and wheelchairs,” explains Tuula Savukoski, the sales and marketing manager of Ylläs Saaga. “Spending time here rests your soul. The carnival of autumn colours and tranquillity is in such a contrast to your everyday life that you will return home fully revitalised.” For daredevils, Trek Bike Park is the must see attraction off ski season. The gondola

ski lift can take you and your bike up to the Ylläs fell, and you will have three kilometres of downhill to conquer. “You can also do cycling in more controlled conditions, as well as canoeing and riding, and you can visit Koninjänkkä Animal Park, where you can go horse riding and admire over a hundred animals, including camels, ostriches and wild boars,” lists Rundgren. “Fishing is also very popular, as our rivers provide the perfect conditions for catching wild salmon, sea trout and grayling.” Rundgren also reminds us that Ylläs has it all covered in terms of medical emergencies: “MediYlläs are on duty every day to provide medical care for you if required. It also enables people all over the world in need of dialysis to come and enjoy Lapland, as MediYlläs will take care of the treatment while you are on vacation.” Ylläs truly has it all.

For more information, please visit: www.sportresortyllas.com and www.yllassaaga.com

A ski chalet

Ylläs Saaga Hotel in the summer

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 33

Scan Magazine | Finnish Lapland | Sokos Hotels

Sokos Hotel Arina Oulu

Stay with Sokos Hotels for the perfect combination of city life and nature in northern Finland Sokos Hotels, the biggest hotel chain in Finland, is known for the convenient and central location of all of its accommodation as well as a high standard of service and amenities. In northern Finland, you can choose between city centre hotels surrounded by activities for the whole family and a hotel in the midst of Lapland’s unspoilt landscape. By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Sokos Hotels

Sokos Hotels Arina Oulu, Vaakuna Rovaniemi and Levi, although diverse in character and setting, all offer great opportunities for enjoying a relaxing stay, fun leisure activities and cultural attractions. And for a fulfilling mix of modern city life with authentic Lappish nature, why not stay at two or all three of the hotels within one trip? Gateway to Lapland Oulu, the largest city in northern Finland, is a place with a friendly atmosphere, innovative spirit, great leisure opportunities and an international feel. In the winter

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time, Oulu comes alive with events and fun activities for the whole family, from performances of “Tiernapojat” (Star boys), a traditional Christmas play that originated in Oulu, to the Poroferia Festival, which combines reindeer, Sami culture and flamenco. And with the great outdoors available just outside the city, travellers can easily enjoy skiing, ice-fishing, snowmobile safaris and snowshoeing in unblemished nature. There are, however, entertaining happenings taking place all year round (for a comprehensive list see: www.oulu.com), with something suitable guaranteed for all ages and tastes.

Accordingly, Sokos Hotel Arina Oulu, located in the heart of Oulu, on the pedestrian street Rotuaari, is a great place to be if you want to experience a lively holiday or fully satisfying business stay. With 260 cosy guest rooms, 15 modern and adaptable meeting facilities, and surrounded by shops, services and restaurants, the hotel offers its guests the full package without skimping on comfort and good customer service. Oulu is easily reached by road, rail as well as air, with 25 daily flights arriving via Helsinki or Riga. “And if you want to con-

Scan Magazine | Finnish Lapland | Sokos Hotels

can arrange your whole holiday programme. Rovaniemi also boasts excellent transport connections, including flights from Helsinki arriving several times a day. A pearl in Lapland The newest hotel of the bunch, Sokos Hotel Levi, opened in 2008, is also the northernmost hotel in the Sokos Hotels chain. Located in the very heart of Levi, the hotel is a real pearl in the midst of Lappish nature, with the accommodation itself reflecting the different seasons of Lapland. Comprising three buildings, the hotel is divided into summer, autumn and winter themes, with the different seasonal aspects coming alive in the interior design and atmosphere. “Levi is a very compact place, where you don’t necessarily need a car. The hotel is located close to services and activities, only a few minutes’ walk away from ski lifts and trails. It is also only 15 kilometres

from Kittilä airport,” says Neuvonen. With a fantastic sauna department and a Jacuzzi bath both inside and outside, at Sokos Hotel Levi, you can just enjoy life, while watching the Northern Lights fill the sky.

Sokos Hotel Arina Oulu +358 8 3123 255 sales.oulu@sokoshotels.fi Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Rovaniemi +358 20 1234 694 Vaakuna.rovaniemi@sokoshotels.fi Sokos Hotel Levi +358 16 3215 555 sales.levi@sokoshotels.fi For more information, please visit: www.sokoshotels.fi

Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Rovaniemi Sokos Hotel Levi

tinue your trip further north to Rovaniemi, which is a 2.5-hour drive away, you can enjoy some attractions on the way as well, including the famous Icebreaker Sampo and the SnowCastle of Kemi,” explains sales manager Teija Neuvonen. Home of Santa Claus Once in Lapland in Rovaniemi, at the Arctic Circle, the natural thing to do is to seek out the old bearded man himself, namely Santa Claus – although it is not very hard to track him down, as his doors are open to visitors all year round. For a relaxing stay in central Rovaniemi, in close proximity to great restaurants, nightclubs and shops as well as the beautiful Arctic nature, you can choose Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Rovaniemi, which is also celebrating its 20th anniversary next January. A popular choice for tourists, especially during the winter period, the hotel offers a great service package that includes two restaurants, popular nightclub Doris and 157 cosy rooms. The hotel is situated close to a wide selection of different activity companies and tour operators that

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 35

Scan Magazine | Finnish Lapland | HaparandaTornio

HaparandaTornio: fascinating duality in every sense By Linnea Dunne | Photos: HaparandaTornio

Many holiday destinations claim to offer the best of two worlds, but more often than not, the phrase is nothing but another empty marketing promise. In HaparandaTornio, however, a fascinating duality is just the tip of an iceberg full of experiences. It is a unique project, one that sees the two towns of Haparanda and Tornio become one, thanks to extensive collaborative efforts. Stretching across the border between northern Sweden and Finland, the area offers not only two countries in one, but also two languages, two currencies, two time zones, and plenty in regards to culture and nature. "We don't say we're from one town or the other - we say we're from HaparandaTornio," says Anu Lakkala, who was born in Tornio, geographically speaking, and works at the Tourist Office of HaparandaTornio. "It really feels like one great city. Visitors never really know which town they're actually in."

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Situated right at the top of the Gulf of Bothnia, only 90 kilometres away from the Arctic Circle and a half hour drive from the nearest airport, the twin towns certainly have a lot going for them. With a shopping experience well worth travelling for and a beautifully untouched archipelago, it is the perfect spot for a city break and doubles up as a remote relaxation destination, also home to the world's biggest sauna.

“We get visitors from all over

then in Sweden an hour later," says Anu. "It really is a brilliant experience." While you are at it, why not pop over to Rovaniemi to see Santa Claus? Perhaps go for a ride with a snowmobile or discover the lives of reindeer in the woods? Whatever you fancy, do not limit yourself. Get city and nature, excitement and calm, Finland and Sweden, all steeped in the beautiful Nordic light. This is not just an empty promise: HaparandaTornio really does offer the best of both worlds.

the world who come here to celebrate New Year’s Eve twice in one night.”

While a summer trip to HaparandaTornio offers plenty of fun, with activities ranging from safaris and fishing to go-kart and golf, the city's charm is perhaps most evident at the turn of the year. "During the winter, we get visitors from all over the world who come here to celebrate New Year's Eve twice - once in Finland and

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

Scan Magazine | Finnish Lapland | Golden Crown – Levi’s Igloos

Golden Crown - Levi’s Igloos: Experience Lappish nature from the comfort of a modern-day igloo Since 2008, Golden Crown - Levi’s Igloos has been treating visitors to an exceptional modern “camping” experience in the stunning fell sceneries of Levi. According to the vision of managing director Kristiina Kylmälahti’s father, Golden Crown aims to present guests with a one-of-a-kind experience of getting close to untouched nature in perfect peace and quiet. The beauty of the surrounding scenery can be fully appreciated from Golden Crown’s glass roofed igloos and a kammi built partly into the ground, as they are situated on Levi fell, 340 metres above sea level. “The starting point was to create a nature experience under the Lappish sky with its Northern Lights, while surrounded by fresh snow. In the igloos, you are sleeping under the starry sky, close to nature,” says Kylmälahti. “We are, how-

Photo: Golden Crown - Levi’s Igloos

ever, open all year round, as each season offers new natural spectacles for our amazement. In the summer, the igloos have air conditioning and it doesn’t get dark at all.” Currently Golden Crown owns four two person igloos and one kammi offering room for bigger groups and celebrations. The igloos are fully roofed with heated glass making condensation and snow build-up impossible, as well as containing

By Nia Kajastie

kitchenettes and bathrooms. With a motorised bed set in the middle that can rise to a sitting position, you can follow the activities in the sky in comfort. The kammi offers similar amazing views from the large windows in its spacious living room. Built into the side of the fell, the kammi apartment affords luxurious accommodation with quirky details as well as a sauna and outdoor “hot spring”. Although the accommodation is set in the perfect tranquillity of Lappish nature, you are only 17 kilometres from Kittilä airport and 10 kilometres from the centre of Levi and its amenities. “As a small company, we can tailor your stay according to your needs, from wedding celebrations to transport,” says Kylmälahti. For more information, please visit: www.leviniglut.fi

Experience the Lappish wilderness from a dog sled

Rami’s Huskies have been providing guided dog sledding and husky safaris since 2000, allowing tourists to experience the authentic way of Lappish travelling. Operating in Lapland’s beautiful Ylläs region, the tours will take you around the most spectacular sceneries of northern Finnish nature. The safaris are mainly held around the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, the third largest national park in Finland, covering over 1,000 square kilometres of

high fells and arctic landscape. The strong Siberian huskies can transport guests across the snowy fells to visit places such as the Snow Village in Lainio. Tours range from short three and five kilometre trips to a 30 kilometre day safari. “Mid-way in our trip, we will stop at a peaceful spot amidst nature, and guests will be cooked a typical Finnish meal on the campfire,” says owner Rami Kulppi. “It creates a lovely, warm atmosphere and provides extra energy to enjoy the rest of the tour.”

The kennel is located 10 kilometres from Lake Ylläsjärvi, on the south side of the popular Ylläs ski resort. To be as environmentally friendly as possible, Rami’s Huskies do not use snowmobiles on their safaris – all guides travel with the guests by dog sleds as well. By Inna Allen | Photos: Rami’s Huskies

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

Scan Magazine | Finnish Lapland | Spa Hotel Levitunturi

Spa Hotel Levitunturi – where fun is always included From husky rides and skiing to spa treatments and glow bowling – Spa Hotel Levitunturi offers something for everyone. Located at the heart of the Levi resort in western Lapland, the hotel is surrounded by untouched Lappish nature, where seasonal changes provide unforgettable outdoor experiences. Whether you are planning a romantic escape for two, organising a child-friendly holiday or booking a business trip, Levitunturi’s vast choice of services will keep you entertained. By Inna Allen Photos: Spa Hotel Levitunturi

fun stuff. Parents can enjoy themselves in the adjacent bowling alley, where additional glow bowling is available every night.

Spa Hotel Levitunturi is Lapland’s biggest hotel and also the only one in the area to have been awarded a quality system certificate for its accommodation, restaurant and meeting services. Guests not only get high-quality accommodation, but all amenities, such as the Spa Water World and Children’s Playhouse, are free for hotel residents.

“With us, you can combine the busy outdoor activities with pampering spa experiences,” says marketing manager Tarja Syrjänen. “After a long day at the slopes, where better to unwind than a warm Jacuzzi or a relaxing sauna?”

Pampering and feasting The Spa Water World is Lapland’s largest and most elegant spa, containing 17 indoor and outdoor pools of varying sizes, along with various saunas, a water slide, a gym and sports hall, a day spa, and a hair salon where you can enjoy numerous pampering treatments.

music is performed every night, with tango, waltz and other traditional styles playing all evening. Karaoke fans can stretch their vocal chords at the Joiku Karaoke Bar. Playing and bowling

The Levitunturi restaurant serves tasty meals till midnight. If you enjoy dancing or are interested to see how the Finns do it, then this place is definitely for you: live

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The Children’s Playhouse is a real favourite among the young ones. With plenty of space, it contains a sea of balls, a bouncy castle, toy cars and lots of other

Hotel Levitunturi is located in the Levi resort in the village of Sirkka in the municipality of Kittilä. The distance to Kittilä Airport is 14 km and to Rovaniemi 180 km. Address: Levintie 1590 Sirkka, Finland.

For more information, please visit www.hotellilevitunturi.fi

Scan Magazine | Finnish Lapland | Region Arctica

Region Arctica: cultural heritage in stunning surroundings Stretching across three countries, majestic Alps, deep fjords and rugged nature, Region Arctica is a secret waiting to be discovered. Culture vultures, families with children and outdoor fanatics, take note: you do not know Scandinavia until you have seen this. By Linnea Dunne | Photos: NordNorsk Reiseliv

Keep the paths open to enable potential meetings, goes an old Sami proverb. With that in mind, Region Arctica is a place waiting to be discovered – and not just in terms of the Sami world. Whether you are itching to see the magical Northern Lights during a dark winter’s evening or keen to experience the midnight sun during the summer, the interregional project of Region Arctica will help you make the most of your trip.

tions, and all the more rewarding for it. “The people who come here are genuinely up for experiencing as much as possible,” Elisabeth explains. In other words, it is the ultimate place for the stag do of an extreme sports fan, and a dream for historians and culture vultures with a love of outdoor life.

“This is somewhere you can go any time of the year and be sure to experience a lot,” says Elisabeth Muller, who works as a coordinator for the Region Arctica project. “We put together package deals to make it easier to get around across large geographical distances in the northern parts of Norway, Sweden and Finland.”

nature adventure, including experiencing the impressive Lyngen Alps that run into the deep fjords, boat safaris with the chance to spot a small whale if you are lucky, and the opportunity to spend a day with the Sami people and their reindeer. You can get a close look at a glacier, or go on a fishing trip in the hope of catching some grayling or salmon in the inland waters, or cod or halibut in the Arctic Ocean.

Put together, the regions of Troms, Norrland and Finnmark offer a true gem of a

This is not for the faint-hearted: it is real cultural heritage in extreme arctic condi-

Still, this would be a terrible waste of a natural educational resource if it did not cater for children. The Region Arctica project has thought of that too, offering all-inclusive package deals with guided tours, full board and transfers throughout.

The Sami paths are open. What are you waiting for?

For more information, please visit www.regionarctica.com

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 39

: ME E TH L Ø A CI OMS E SP TR

Lars-Petter Skillstad, Tromsø Villmarkssenter © Visit Tromsø-Region

Kjetil Skogli © Visit Tromsø-Region

Tromsø

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– where your arctic adventure begins Tromsø is a city with an adventurous history. Since the 18th century, it has been the starting point for exploration and expeditions to the North Pole. Today, Tromsø is the capital of Norway’s high north, the home of 68,000 lively inhabitants living on the edge of the Arctic. The city is situated right among islands, fantastic fjords and dramatic mountain peaks. Getting here is easy: Tromsø has several connections through Oslo Gardermoen every day. Text and photos by Visit Tromsø-Region

Located right in the middle of the Northern Lights belt, Tromsø boasts some of the highest levels of aurora borealis activity on earth. It is possible to see the phenomenon in the period from September to March, depending on weather conditions and solar activity. If the sky is clear, you might be able to see the Northern Lights right above the city, but if you want to increase your chances, we recommend going out of the city on a tour with one of our experienced guides. This season, we are also able to guarantee a Northern Lights experience. The Science Centre of Northern Norway presents a Northern Lights panorama film in the largest planetarium in Norway. This is a very educational and beautiful film which we recommend Northern Lights enthusiasts to see at the beginning of their stay. Northern Lights tours Every day during the Northern Lights season, there is a vast selection of tours to choose from, all of them with the city centre as the starting point. You can decide if you want to spend time outside in a location where there is a great chance of seeing the Northern Lights, or you may go on a more active Northern Lights hunt – chasing the lights in the area around Tromsø. The minimum number of people for these tours is two.

Winter Tromsø As soon as the snow falls, rides in reindeer-driven sleighs, dog sledding, ice fishing and snow mobile trips followed by a traditional Sami meal in a lavvu or Sami tent will provide lifelong memories. From the centre of Tromsø city, it is only a few hundred metres to the nearest crosscountry skiing trails. The beautiful mountain areas in close proximity are perfect for ski trips of any length in the glimmering white and blue landscape. If skiing is not your thing – try snowshoeing, an easy and fun way to get into the snow. Each of these activities will be available to you on a daily basis during your stay in wintery Tromsø. For more information, please visit: www.visittromso.no

Photo: Joakim S. Enger

Photo: Bård Løken

Ishavskatedralen – Tromsø’s famous church Originally planned as a traditional Norwegian church, architect Jan Inge Hovig had a last minute vision that resulted in Tromsdalen Church, commonly known as Ishavskatedralen – The Arctic Cathedral. By Karin Modig

“Obviously, the architecture of the church is unique,” says church music director Kristian Paulsen. “From the large white panels on the roof to the large glass front with the cross, it is instantly recognizable.” Drawing inspiration from the nature of northern Norway, associations can be drawn from the white roof panels both to the Northern Lights, fish gills, sails or floating flakes of ice.

Natural light floods through the roof panels into the church from all sides, bathing it in light. Above the altar on the eastern wall is an impressive glass mosaic by Victor Sparre, depicting Jesus’s homecoming. The organ is a work of art in itself and was specifically built to complement the church’s architecture. Great acoustics and a 600-person capacity combine to make Ishavskatedralen a popular venue for concerts, and the church arranges in the region of 450 concerts yearly. “Every day during the summer, we have organ recitals and midnight sun concerts,” says Paulsen. “We also arrange concerts for visiting cruise liners,

Photo: Helge S. Havstein

Tromsø’s most recognizable landmark, the church was built in 1965, and is today both a working church and a tourist destination attracting thousands of visitors every year.

the Hurtigruten boats, bus groups and conference guests throughout the year.” Audiences can expect a mixed repertoire of singing, traditional Sami music joik and instrumental pieces, and the impressive organ with its 2,940 pipes plays a large part in many of the concerts. Great care is taken to ensure that the music both represents northern Norway and is accessible to international visitors. Ishavskatedralen will play an active role in the annual Tromsø Church Festival this autumn, when the church will play host to both music and art exhibitions. The church is open to visitors from 4pm to 6pm between September and mid-May, with longer opening hours in the summer. A Sunday service is held at 11am each week. For more information, please visit: www.ishavskatedralen.no

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 41

Lyngsfjord Adventure – A taste of the wilderness For an adventure-filled holiday, award-winning tour operator Lyngsfjord Adventure is ready to show you the magic of Lyngsfjord. Many different adventures are on offer, and all excursions are suitable for everyone. By Karin Modig

The company is an umbrella organisation of several small, local businesses, and was born out of a desire to make the most of what they could offer in their area by joining forces.

they are with us for just a day or several days, once they are with us, our guides are always on hand looking after them and ensuring a pleasant and safe experience.”

“What is unique about this part of Norway is that although we are considered arctic, the temperatures are still mild compared to other places on the same latitude,” says Hans-Olav Eriksen, marketing and development director. “This makes it particularly attractive for visitors who want to experience a proper winter, without the frostbites.” Photo: Wiggo Hansen

“Another benefit is our closeness to Tromsø. Firstly, it means that we are very accessible, and secondly, combining a wilderness adventure with a taste of city life in northern Norway is a viable option, and makes for an interesting holiday of two different worlds.” Lyngsfjord Adventure was set up in 2007, when many local players felt there was room for improvement and saw the ability to grow as a joint venture. Eriksen, a GP, was one of the brains behind the idea, and with him were psychologists, a car mechanic, teachers and others who ran a small business as a side-line to their day job. As the company has grown, many have left their jobs, and Lyngsfjord Adventure now has several full-time employees.

Photo: Hans-Olav Eriksen

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“What we offer people is a complete package,” says Eriksen. “We pick people up from where they are staying and drop them off there afterwards. And whether

Photo: Roar Nyheim

The Lyngsfjord Adventure area is known for its breath-taking nature. With a fjord, several high mountains, rivers and a glacier, there should be an experience suitable for everyone. The midnight sun during summer and the Northern Lights in winter are both big draws. A year-round operation, activities vary according to the seasons and natural condi-

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Tromsø

tions. Anything from one-day adventures to packages that last up to eight days are available, and Lyngsfjord Adventure are as happy to accommodate families as couples or groups of people on teambuilding trips. “Our main philosophy is that we want to provide an intimate and personal service, so we never have more than 20 people per adventure,” says Eriksen. “All our guides are very experienced, speak English and know the area very well.” Animals play a big part in many of the experiences on offer. With 80 huskies and 10 tame reindeer, both dog sledding and reindeer sledding are popular during wintertime, while in summertime, the huskies can take you on a wagon drive. Throughout all the adventures, participants are very much encouraged to join in: as part of the Sami culture excursion, for example, you can learn the skill of throwing a lasso. For a proper wilderness adventure, why not spend the night in a ‘lavvo’, the traditional tipi-like Sami accommodation? “Our wilderness camp, Camp Tamok, is in an unspoilt location, away from traffic or any other noise,” Eriksen explains. “Here, we have three lavvos, that each sleep between two and seven people. There is no electricity or running water, and they are heated the old fashioned way, by a small fireplace in the middle.” There are many other adventures on offer; in wintertime, there are Northern Light visits, snowshoeing treks, winter fjord fishing, skiing lessons and snowmobile safaris, among others.

Photo: Lloyd Rehnlund

Summertime sees endless days under the midnight sun, and with the snow and ice gone, mountain biking, hiking or river canoeing are some of the ways you can experience the surrounding nature. Many of the adventures can be combined, says Eriksen. “In wintertime, a snow mobile adventure will take you up to 900 metres above sea level, where you can try ice fishing on a lake; or an evening looking at the Northern Lights can be combined with a stay in our wilderness camp and another activity in the morning.” Eriksen and the rest of the team have no plans to rest on their laurels, and will be developing their adventure offer further.

Currently in the planning stages is a Northern Lights guide, making it easier for people to plan their visit to coincide with a Northern Lights display. One thing that will not be changing though is their commitment to visitors, says Eriksen. “We will never become an assembly line of experiences, and looking after our visitors, while providing adventures in a safe and social environment, will always remain our number one priority.”

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

Photo: Tom Frode Johansen

Photo: SweetFilms

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 43

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Tromsø

Tromsø International School: encouraging curiosity By Karin Modig | Photos: Tromsø International School

municators, so we use enquiry-based teaching methods, encouraging the children to be curious and ask questions.” Students also benefit from smaller class sizes, and even as the school grows, classes will be kept at a maximum of fifteen pupils per class. “The international environment makes it very easy to teach about other cultures and countries particularly, and we find that our methods make the students both motivated and interested in learning.” And the students, at what is more than likely the northernmost international school in the world, agree. “This is the best school ever!” was a sentiment shared by many after the first semester at Tromsø International School.

Being an international city, it was only appropriate that Tromsø should have an international school, and in January 2011, the city got just that. Tromsø International School opened its doors with 11 students. At the start of the new school year in August, the number had already grown to 22, with students ranging in age from six to 16. “We already have a very international environment,” says Principal Efemia Gisladottir, herself from Iceland. “As well as Norwegian nationals, we have students from as far afield as New Zealand, Sudan and Bangladesh, and our eight teachers are also from a mixture of countries.” The school is aiming to be an IB (International Baccalaureate) school and uses the IB plans for teaching. English is the first language, but all classes are also taught in Norwegian.

“Our emphasis is on teaching the students to become good thinkers and com-

For more information, please visit: www.trint.org

Malangen Brygger: Stunning views & spectacular adventures Malangen Brygger is an idyllic hotel with conference facilities, situated an hour outside of Tromsø in northern Norway. Here, you can enjoy locally produced delicacies, stunning views from their terrace, and excellent service during your break, in any of the luxurious cabins, cottages or apartments. Malangen Brygger is a new tourist attraction near the Malangen fjord, approximately 65 kilometers from Tromsø Airport. They opened in May 2010 and soon became a popular destination for business travellers, families and adventurers. Malangen Brygger guarantees an unforgettable stay with many exciting activities. “Our focus is on the wonderful holiday experience and comfort,” says Dag Höybakk, managing director. Malangen fjord is full of treasures; if you are lucky you will catch big fish, such as salmon, halibut, cod or catfish. The area

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comprises fish-rich mountain waters, rivers and some great hunting terrain. Malangen Brygger also offers a range of exciting activities all year round, such as dog sledding and excursions to gaze upon the breath-taking Northern Lights. Malangen Brygger has several accommodation options, including rorbuer cottages (traditional fishermen’s cottages) and rental apartments. All are of a high standard, with two-three bedrooms, a modern kitchen, living room and a bathroom. All are well equipped for self-catering, with televisions, and most have great views over the fjord. Other facilities include an outdoor hot tub, a sauna bar and restaurant. “The view from the fa-

By Emelie Krugly Photos: Malangen Brygger

cility is simply spectacular,” promises Höybakk. The Malangen surroundings offer excellent hiking opportunities in a varied terrain, and guests can also rent canoes and bicycles for free.

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

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Tromsø

Tromsø University Museum – a ray of light from the north Way above the Polar Circle, at the same latitude as Alaska and Siberia, lies Tromsø Museum. If Tromsø itself is the Gateway to the Arctic, Tromsø Museum is the ticket to the centuries of history this area represents, hosting many comprehensive exhibitions 361 days a year. By: Linnéa Mitchell | Photos: Tromsø University Museum

Established in 1872, Tromsø Museum is northern Norway’s oldest scientific institution. The title is deceptive though. Split into two sections, natural science and cultural science, stretching across four venues, the museum presents research on the entire northern Scandinavian and Arctic region. The largest exhibition, Sápmí – Becoming a Nation, tells the story of the Sami, who lived in these harsh conditions already 2,000 years ago, perhaps even earlier. As the online presentation tells you (http://sapmi.uit.no), the exhibition is an attempt to move away from the stereotypical picture of traditional Sami life, including reindeer herding and colourful clothing, and to present the process of

social and cultural development taking place since the middle of the 20th century. “Our Sami exhibition does not only draw on a centenary of research into traditional Sami culture, but brings even the modern-day story of the Sami to life. No other exhibition in Norway – if at all any in the world - offers this view into the contemporary status of an indigenous people,” says exhibition manager Per Helge Nylund. It was from the Sami, among others, that Roald Amundsen gained knowledge of surviving harsh conditions before his expedition to the South Pole in 1911. Cele-

brating the 100th anniversary, the Polar Museum hosts Cold Coasts – Close Relationships opening on December 14th, the date Amundsen reached the South Pole. Here, you can also see the preserved compasses that lead them there. There is plenty more to see at the museum in its four venues, but make sure not to miss the Northern Light exhibition where you can create your own aurora borealis, a long standing fascination among Scandinavians ever since the Viking era. For more information, please visit: http://uit.no.tmu

Tromsø Museum includes four locations: the main museum, the M/S Polstjerna (Norway’s best preserved seal hunting ship), the Polar Museum (portraying life in the Arctic and the surrounding oceans) and the Botanical Garden. The museum has 110,000 visitors annually.

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 45

Nordlysfestivalen – a world-class musical experience in the far north No daylight, temperatures below freezing and… a music festival? Yes, it actually works. Tromsø’s Nordlysfestivalen – The Northern Lights Festival, is going from strength to strength, and in 2012, the festival celebrates its 25th anniversary. By Karin Modig | Photos: Arthur Arnesen/Nordlysfestivalen

a testament to our varied and high-quality programme,” says Amdal Myklebust.

The festival kicks off in late January, at the time of year when Tromsø’s climate and weather are at their harshest. It is, however, also the time of year when you are most likely to catch the Northern Lights, hence also the festival’s name. “The location and time of year create an unusual framework and add a dimension to the festival experience,” says marketing director Ingvild Amdal Myklebust. “Having said that, the quality and uniqueness of the musical performances are what make our audience return year after year.” Throughout the years, Nordlysfestivalen has hosted a plethora of well-known per-

46 | Issue 33 | September 2011

The festival is now in the enviable position of having artists queuing up to perform. “This is both a blessing and a commitment. Previous events have made our audience expect first-rate performances every time. We strive to give them just that,” says Amdal Myklebust. formers – soloists as well as ensembles from all over the world. “A few of these are Norwegian jazz musician Jan Garbarek, traditional Chinese theatre company The Peking Opera, American soprano Barbara Hendricks and the Russian St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra – names that are

Describing itself as an art music festival, several genres are represented. Classical music in various incarnations was the festival’s starting point, and still dominates the programme. In recent years, however, different jazz styles have been heavily fea-

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Tromsø

tured, and there has been a strong emphasis on dance. There are also performances by and for children and youngsters.

the international highlights is American jazz guitarist Larry Carlton, who will play both with his own trio and with Tromsø Big Band.

Artists to be reckoned with Predictably, this is primarily an indoors festival, although outdoor concerts also occur. Venues are spread across the city, from large theatres, via churches to small, intimate stages. Several events have free admission. As an alternative to the general AngloAmerican dominance in the music world, the last few years have shown an increase of performers from the east at the festival. Amdal Myklebust explains that, “this makes the festival stand out and has truly enriched the programme.” A particularly close relationship with Russia’s Mariinsky Theatre led to a sensational as well as historic booking for last year’s festival when the Mariinsky Ballet Company performed in Norway for the first time. With major star Ulyana Lopatkina taking the lead, the ensemble consisted mainly of soloists – a rare event indeed. The Mariinsky Theatre returns to Tromsø for the 2012 festival, this time with a fullscale opera performance. The modern version of Rossini’s Il Viaggio a Reims won them the 2010 Golden Mask, and is a coproduction with the French Le Théâtre du Châtelet. “This is truly a fantastic booking, and we expect both performances to be sold out,” says Amdal Myklebust. Exciting collaborations and world premieres For the festival’s 25th anniversary, they have planned around 40 performances. “In addition to the opera and numerous concerts, we will continue to show our commitment to dance, as well as interactive performances and even contemporary circus,” says Amdal Myklebust. Altogether, around 550 artists will be performing. The symphonic orchestra of the north, Nordnorsk Symfoniorkester, will perform with tuba player Øystein Baadsvik. One of

Amdal Myklebust says that, “we have a tradition of initiating new collaborations. Norwegian and international artists join forces at Nordlysfestivalen, younger artists collaborate with older, established acts, and gifted amateurs get to play with legendary professionals.” Another tradition they are proud of is letting up-and-coming artists take to the stage. One such artist is American jazz saxophonist Grace Kelly, who first performed here in 2007 at the age of 14. She later returned in 2011 in collaboration with jazz legend Phil Woods. “It’s exciting being there at the beginning of a major talent’s career. Giving our audience the opportunity to follow such talents on their journey to stardom is also interesting.” Nordlysfestivalen’s effort in terms of cultural exchange with countries to the east, especially Russia, has had a wider range than that of the music scene. It has also resulted in increased cooperation within politics, business and education in the northern territory. “Important meetings across borders have occurred in the wake of Nordlysfestivalen,” says Amdal Myklebust, who credits festival director Ulf Jensen for the success of the cultural exchange and its aftereffects. “We have achieved something unique, and are both proud of and inspired by the results of our commitment,” she says. In addition to the artistic events, Nordlysfestivalen arranges lectures and art exhibitions, a Northern Lights cruise and dedicated festival pubs.

For further information, please visit: www.nordlysfestivalen.no

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 47

A brand new gym is located on the top floor of the hotel, offering the latest in exercise equipment, two saunas and a magnificent view.

The Arctic Hall conference room

Spend a weekend under the Northern Lights Situated on the sunny side of the island of Tromsø, Scandic Tromsø hotel offers the perfect weekend retreat away from your busy everyday life. With the summer having come to an end and the extraordinary midnight sun having faded away, another exciting natural phenomenon will soon cover the night sky above the city nicknamed Paris of the North: aurora borealis, better known as the Northern Lights. By Magnus Nygren Syversen | Photos: Scandic Tromsø

Close to everything, but isolated enough for its guests to enjoy a relaxing weekend away, Scandic Tromsø hotel is located just a five minute drive from the heart of Tromsø, and only two minutes from the local airport. With large green areas surrounding it and fantastic natural phenomena lighting up the night sky, whether it is the midnight sun in summertime or the Northern Lights during winter, the hotel provides guests with an opportunity to enjoy a classy suburban hotel with a mountain retreat feel to it. With the colder winter months approaching, visitors have a good chance of wit-

48 | Issue 33 | September 2011

nessing the beautiful aurora borealis dance in the night sky above Tromsø.

150 parking spaces surrounding the hotel.

“Because our hotel lies five minutes outside the city centre, we don’t suffer from the light pollution, so our guests will get a great view of the Northern Lights,” says Kjell Olav Pettersen, general manager. He makes sure to point out that the occurrence of the phenomenon is dependent on the weather, however.

Scandic Tromsø is, of course, much more than just a viewing platform for the Northern Lights. Six conference rooms ranging in capacity from 20 to 600 people, along with an activity camp run by adventure company Natur & Utfordring (Nature & Challenge), and a traditional lavvu housing 60 people, make the hotel grounds a perfect spot for teambuilding and your next company retreat.

“Unfortunately we can’t make guarantees for the weather.” He can, on the other hand, guarantee great service, a two-year-old gym with a panoramic view, and free parking on one of the

For more information, please visit: www.scandichotels.no/tromso

Koppangen Brygger – Nature on your doorstep Right in the heart of Lyngen, you will find Koppangen Brygger: four spacious holiday homes with all mod cons, the perfect base for anyone wanting to explore everything the area has to offer. By Karin Modig | Photos: Koppangen Brygger

“Our location really is one of a kind,” says general manager Alf Fagerborg. “You cannot get further out; we are right on the Lyngen Fjord, with the Lyngen Alps on either side, and it is incredibly peaceful.”

night sun and to walk in the mountains and on the nearby glaciers. In autumn time, there are many opportunities for foraging for mushrooms and berries, and walking tours are also popular.”

The cabins, modelled on the traditional ‘rorbu’ used by fishermen, are self-contained with bathroom and kitchen. Built in 2004 and 2007, they maintain a high standard, and altogether can accommodate 30 people. Two of the cabins have a sauna, and an outside Jacuzzi with a constant temperature of 39°C is available for guests to enjoy throughout the year.

Koppangen Brygger also offers a course and conference package: an old ‘rorbu’ from the 1950s has been completely renovated and is now a modern conference room with AV equipment and room for up to 25 people.

Full board is available for those who prefer it, with lunch and dinner served in a ‘lavvo’, a traditional temporary dwelling used by the indigenous Sami people. “We are a very popular destination for offpiste skiers during the winter months,” says Fagerborg, “but you can also explore the area on snowshoes, from horseback or from a dog sleigh.” Naturally, the Northern Lights are a big draw and can be

experienced out in the wild or from the comfort of the outdoor Jacuzzi. “During the summer months, we have a lot of fishing tourists,” says Fagerborg. “People also come here to see the mid-

“We can cater from small to medium conference groups, anything from a one-day meeting to a conference that lasts several days,” says Fagerborg. “Any course or conference is planned with the client to ensure a successful event, and in conjunction with other local businesses, we can offer numerous team building exercises, excursions and catering.” For further information, please visit: www.visitlyngen.no

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 49

Tour in Lyngen Alps – Exploring northern Norway The Lyngen Alps, just northeast of Tromsø, are a gateway to arctic Norway, and the perfect destination for exploring northern Norway’s rugged scenery all year round. A mountain range stretching across 810 square kilometres and several municipalities, the high mountaintops are side by side with deep valleys and freshwater lakes. By Karin Modig | Photos: Tour in Lyngen Alps

Providing expert guidance, local knowledge and unforgettable experiences is Tour in Lyngen Alps. “Northern Norway is often considered an exotic destination by foreign tourists, especially during the winter,” says director Asbjørn Rygh. “Many are fascinated by the fact that people live here during the dark, cold winter months that are full of snow and ice.” The Northern Lights are frequent and impressive during the winter months, and appear between the sheltering mountaintops as a dancing lightshow of red, green and blue for minutes at a time. During the winter, the mountains are popular with off-piste skiers, and after a

tough walk to the top, skiers are treated to a tremendous view, followed by a challenging descent. Other winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowmobile adventures and ice fishing. “We also have an emphasis on experiences based on an interaction between human beings, animals and nature,” says Rygh. “Dog sledding and horse riding are popular activities, and this closeness to animals really relaxes people and makes them feel more at one with nature.” Rygh is also the brains behind Visit My Home, which is exactly what it sounds like. Since the beginning of the year, he has allowed tourists into his home. “It is

very much a personal visit,” he says, “we get to know the people visiting, and they get to see exactly how we live up here in the far north.” Visitors have free access to his and his family’s house, an outdoor Jacuzzi and a cabin. They are encouraged to feel at home; whether they want to have a coffee and a chat, watch TV, or use it as a base for outdoor activities, they can. Tour in Lyngen Alps also has plenty of activities on offer during the summer months, including fishing, horseback riding, hiking trips and many others. For further information, please visit: www.tourinlyngenalps.no

Photo: Jan R. Olsen

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Sørheim Brygger Luxurious accommodation at the world’s end Sørheim Brygger, built in 2007, is a modern and luxurious take on the traditional ‘rorbu’ – the cabins used by fishermen during the fishing season. Three cabins, sleeping 18 people in total, are available, with an expansion planned for next year. By Karin Modig | Photos: Sørheim Brygger

“We made a decision to have a slightly higher standard than many similar places,” says Stein-Erik Eliassen, who runs Sørheim Brygger. The waterfront cabins all have three bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, two bathrooms and a sauna. There is also a washing machine, tumble dryer, Wi-Fi, cable TV and stereo. “Furthermore, our location is fairly central, while also being surrounded by amazing nature,” Eliassen continues. “We are near to the village of Lyngseidet, so guests benefit from closeness to both the supermarket and restaurants.”

The area is renowned for its off-piste skiing opportunities, and many of Eliassen’s wintertime guests come here precisely for that. Skis, both downhill and crosscountry, are available for hire. “At winter time, the Northern Lights are obviously a big draw as well,” says Eliassen, “and we organize walks for the many visitors hoping to get a glimpse of them.” There are also many other activities on offer in the local area that can be arranged through Sørheim Brygger. “Tours in snowmobiles or on dog sleds are very popular, and for a taste of traditional Sami life, a carriage pulled by reindeer will take you on a visit to a traditional Sami camp,” Eliassen says. The Lyngen fjord is great for fishing, with coalfish being particularly common in the sea here. Sørheim Brygger has six modern fishing boats that they rent out. “Everything you need, including fishing equipment and clothing, is available for hire, and both fish cleaning areas and freezers are available to use,” says Eliassen.

This location provides visitors with a taste of the rural, while still staying near local amenities. Perfect then, if the thought of being surrounded by nothing but nature makes you feel a tad nervous.

Kayaking on the fjord is another great way to experience the area, and there are many marked and unmarked hiking routes close by. For more information, please visit: www.sorheim-brygge.no

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 51

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Tromsø

Photo: Cecelia Broadbridge

Tromsø with Latino and Jazz vibes – a festival-goer’s paradise Tromsø, famous for its skiing mountains and Northern Lights, offers a jungle of niche cultural festivals throughout the year. Featured here are two of the scene’s gems – the Latin American Festival ¡No Siesta Fiesta! and the jazz festival Barentsjazz. We asked Ola Asdahl Rokkones, director of both festivals, to tell us more. Just as the winter could not seem more endless, the annual Latin American Festival brings back colours to the city. Established in 2007, No Siesta Fiesta showcases the best of Latin America in Norway with music, dance, film, art and seminars, as well as the northernmost (and probably coldest) street samba parade in the world. What started as a fairly modest project has become the

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By Inna Allen | Photos: No Siesta Fiesta & Barentsjazz

biggest Latin American festival in Norway. The next festival will be held 1518.3.2012. There are strong bonds between Norway and Latin America. Not only does the Gulf Stream bring much needed heat to Tromsø directly from Mexico, but Norway is also by far the biggest exporter of Bacalhaú in the world. This dried and salted cod is one of the most important ingredients in traditional dishes all over the Latin American continent. So perhaps it is not so strange after all that in the middle of the coldest Scandinavian winter, the Tromsø people shake off the snow and put on their dancing shoes to celebrate this fun and exciting festival going from arctic to tropical in a heartbeat.

It all started when the festival’s director Ola Asdahl Rokkones, an established jazz, classical and folk musician, realised there was a lot of interest in Latin American culture in Tromsø. The idea was to bring it all together in one big celebration. “I think people who come to the festival should get a new experience and feel that they have learnt something,” says Rokkones. “The festival is not only about the music. We provide a blend of experiences, which makes us unique. Our aim is that everybody in Tromsø should dance a new dance, taste a new taste and dig a new sound. Maybe ambitious, but most definitely fun.” Barentsjazz – infusing different identities Many Norwegians despair when the sun takes a two-month vacation at the end of

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Tromsø

November. A soulful substitute to the darkness is the annual jazz festival Barentsjazz. Taking place 17-20.11.2011, the four full days of music contain around 20 concerts with some of the most sought after jazz musicians today. This year’s line-up includes the Joey Calderazzo Quartet, Bjørn Alterhaug Quintet, saxophonist Scott Hamilton, Norwegian jazz pianist Tord Gustavsen and the legendary Trondheim Jazz Orchestra, among others. With a lively jazz club and many talented musicians, jazz is strong in Tromsø. Still, up until 2006, it had not held a jazz festival for years. Thus Barentsjazz, founded by Eirik Bræin Gikling, has been a great success from the beginning, attracting some of the biggest jazz artists in the world. “Thanks to the festival, the local jazz scene is sizzling. Now that there is a new jazz department at the Tromsø Conservatory, we believe more and more musicians will stay and work in the region after they have finished their education,” says Rokkones.

Tord Gustavsen. Photo by Hans Fredrik Asbjørnsen For more information, please visit: www.nosiestafiesta.no www.barentsjazz.no

Scott Hamilton

pean jazz, but jazz from the Barents region as well,” explains Rokkones and says the festival will have something for all jazz lovers. “It’s not only about our programme. Jazz actually sounds better here in Tromsø – believe it or not.”

Joey Calderazzo

The name for the festival was inspired by the Barents region – a very important part of the identity of northern Norwegians. Living close to the Russian border, the people of the north have had a wide spread of trade with their neighbour since the Viking ages. “Although this was lost with the closed Soviet era, we are still neighbours. That’s also why the aim of the festival is to bring forth not only Euro-

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 53

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Tromsø

A Marathon with a Difference Are you a runner looking to race at night time in the summer midnight sun or the Northern Lights on a dark winter’s day? If so, look to Tromsø in northern Norway. The city nicknamed the Paris of the North, at 350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, is arguably the best place to enjoy both of these unique and spectacular natural phenomena. The Foundation Midnight Sun Marathon has organised a Marathon every summer since 1990 and their Polar Night Half Marathon every winter since 2004. It is Norway’s only internationally recognized Marathon. Those wanting to run next summer’s MSM can do so on 30 June or next winter’s Polar Night Half Marathon on 7 January. Hurry in registering on www.msm.no, as hotels fill up. Racing Director Nils Hætta explains that this summer’s participation grew by 32% from 2010 to 4,200 runners this year. This winter’s race increased by 25% to

580 runners from last year’s 460. The MSM has started to attract more visitors to Tromsø in the summertime, and later in the winter too. Emphasis is put on the contrasting seasons offering the best of Tromsø. Many locals run MSM’s five distances, and an additional 62 participating nationalities transform the event into an international street party around the pleasures of running, explains Hætta. Getting to Tromsø is easy with its air-

By Stian Sangvig | Photos: Midnight Sun Marathon

port four kilometres away. Norwegian and SAS offer affordable flights via Oslo from Europe and beyond. It is time to start training!

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

Nordnorsk Vitensenter – Educational fun for the entire family In April this year, Nordnorsk Vitensenter, the science centre of northern Norway, opened the doors to their brand new home, incorporating the old Northern Lights Planetarium. Four main themes make up the framework of the world’s northernmost science centre, The Sky Above Us, Climate and Weather, Energy and Environment and Body and Brain, and northern Norway itself is a common thread throughout. The centre is in the enviable position of being able to guarantee Northern Lights at all times of year, whatever the weather conditions. Anne Bruvold,

54 | Issue 33 | September 2011

the planetarium director, explains: “We can give visitors an experience of the Northern Lights that is the closest you can get to seeing the real thing. The ceiling in the planetarium is a hemisphere resembling the sky, and we show films of the Northern Lights throughout the year.” Currently showing is the impressive Experience the Aurora, which was shot largely in the Tromsø region over a number of months. As well as the stunning visual experience, the film also explains

By Karin Modig | Photos: Nordnorsk Vitensenter

this exotic natural phenomenon and how best to have a chance of experiencing it. The Climate and Weather zone promises to be particularly interesting for visitors not used to the Arctic climate. “Here,” says Bruvold, “the focus is very much on snow, ice and winds and what challenges this weather presents.” Through installations, information and interactive experiments, visitors are encouraged to have fun and learn. From testing your skills on the climbing wall to playing with energy, there will be something of interest for everyone. Nordnorsk Vitensenter is open seven days a week, except for some public holidays. For further information, please visit: http://nordnorsk.vitensenter.no

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | TromsĂ¸

Arctic Sea & Mountain â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fishing, mountains and skiing By Karin Modig | Photos: Arctic Sea & Mountain

Run by husband and wife Vidleiv Johansen and Marit Mydland, the Arctic Sea & Mountain camp in KarlsĂ¸y is a popular destination with skiers and fishing tourists alike. Five modern cabins situated on the waterfront accommodate seven people each. All have a kitchen, two bathrooms and a fireplace, and four of the cabins have a sauna. With the sea, lakes and several mountains on its doorstep, the location is ideal, and visitors will not be short of things to see and do.

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In winter, Arctic Sea & Mountain is popular with skiers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We arrange guided daytrips to several mountaintops, with ski slopes of varying degrees of difficulty,â&#x20AC;? says Mydland. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All skiing equipment and clothing can be hired from us.â&#x20AC;? Host Johansen is a qualified skiing instructor, ready to show beginners the ropes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many visitors come to see the Northern Lights as well,â&#x20AC;? says Mydland. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With no unnatural light nearby, they really stand out in the dark sky.â&#x20AC;? Popular dog sledding tours, hiking, tobogganing and reindeer sled tours are on offer as well. The busy summer season sees scores of tourists coming to see the midnight sun and to take advantage of the excellent fishing opportunities, both in the sea and freshwater lakes. Boats are available for hire, and there are spaces to clean and prepare the catch. Arctic Sea & Mountain offers a pick-up service from TromsĂ¸ Airport. Onsite is a

small pub that serves drinks and traditional, local food, and coming soon will be an outdoor Jacuzzi.

For more information, please visit: www.arctic-sea-mountain.com

heap, well

and central In the heart of Tromso, we offer rooms for shorter and longer stays. All rooms have a private kitchen and bathroom, free internet access and flat screen TV with 8 channels. Double room per person per day from NOK

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425,-

The idea is simple â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we offer low prices in exchange for limited services.

Booking by phone +47 7778 1050 Online booking: www.cityliving.no

City Living Hotel GrĂ¸nnegata 48 9008 TromsĂ¸, Norway Phone: +47 7778 1050 Fax: +47 7778 1051 Email: tromso@cityliving.no www.cityliving.no

*U n EU ÂĄGU H W RU Y Â&#x2021; .ÂĄEH QKD YQ . Â&#x2021; ZZZ SH GH U R[H V YL QND H O GH U GN Â&#x2021; L QI R#SH GH U R[H V YL QND H O GH U GN Issue 33 | September 2011 | 55

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Tromsø

Quality Hotel Saga

By Karin Modig | Photos: Quality Hotel Saga

– A stone’s throw from all that Tromsø can offer snack, and every afternoon, guests are invited to make and eat Norwegian waffles. “We work closely with many local businesses and tour operators in the area,” says Pettersen, ”and can help guests arrange excursions, such as dog sleighing or a Northern Lights safari. Also an excellent conference hotel, seven meeting rooms of various sizes are available, with the largest being able to cater for 180 people. Conference guests can enjoy unlimited fruit, coffee and ice cream as part of their event. The hotel also has a restaurant and bar, and all rooms come with free Wi-Fi.

Right in the heart of Tromsø city centre is Quality Hotel Saga. With its welcoming atmosphere and great views of the city, it is the perfect base for a holiday in Tromsø. “The hotel is situated right in the city centre, although in a quiet area in terms of noise,” says general manager Tore Pettersen. “We are within walking distance to all the sights and shops, the Coastal Voyage terminal and the airport bus.” Having been totally renovated as late as last year, the 103 rooms are all bright and airy. Fantastic views of the sea, mountains or some of Tromsø’s best-known attractions add to your stay. “We want our guests to feel at home,” says Pettersen, “that is our number one priority. We pride ourselves on our individual service as well as the informal at-

mosphere.” Many small touches add to the homely feeling: a buffet is available for an evening

For further information and online booking, please see: www.choicehotels.no

Special Theme:

Museums in Norway

By Nia Kajastie Photo: Midt-Troms Museum

After visiting the fjords, climbing the mountains and experiencing the clean, untouched nature, it is time to find out more about Norway’s history. Whether you would like to learn more about the culture and traditions of the Sami or the natural history of the country, Norway has a lot of educational and cultural venues and exhibitions on offer. Northern Norway is, of course, the best place to immerse yourself in the lives and traditions of the Sami people. For example, the RiddoDuottarMuseat - The Museum of Coast and Plains - is spread out over four locations in West Finnmark, each covering different parts of Sami culture. Whereas Árran, located in Drag, Norway, is a centre dedicated to the development and preservation of the Lule Sami language and culture. To explore northern Norwegian tradition, history and nature on a wider scale,

56 | Issue 33 | September 2011

you should visit Midt-Troms Museum, with various venues spread across the region of Midt-Troms. Two of their popular spots include the Fjord Museum and Wetlands Center in Storsteinnes and the Military Museum at Setermoen in Bardu. Other Norwegian museum highlights include the Coastal Express Museum, which takes visitors on a tour of the his-

tory of the Norwegian Coastal Express, the Hurtigruten ships, as well as the NTNU Museum of Natural History and Archaeology, which won the Norwegian Museum of the Year Award in 2010. For more information, please visit: www.visitnorway.com

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Museums in Norway

Photo: Lars Børge Myklevold

Saving the Sami Culture Nestled in Drag, Norway, is Árran, a centre dedicated to the development and preservation of the Lule Sami language and culture. With 20 staff members devoted to the running of Árran, it is a centre that ensures the heritage of the Sami people is not lost. By Samantha Wong | Photo: Åsa Nordin Jonsson

Photos: Lis-Mari Hjortfors

Founded in 1994, Árran is based in a traditional Sami building that covers four floors. It houses a museum that illustrates the Sami culture and life, both from a historical and modern perspective. The museum displays Sami artefacts, paintings, pictures and texts to give the visitor an insight into the Sami culture in this region of Norway. The museum also holds a number of exhibitions during the year, with the aim of giving visitors a broader perspective on Sami and other indigenous

people’s experiences. “This summer we had an exhibition that explored the dark side of Norwegian history and the race biological investigations which occurred during the 1930s in the Sami region,” explains research advisor Åsa Nordin. Árran also runs a kindergarten that encourages children up to the age of five to fully immerse themselves in the Lule Sami language. “We believe that the key to the Sami is through the language, which is why we

Top: Sami women involved in traditional fishing. Below: A kindergarten class in a lávvu, a traditional Sami hut, meeting an elder Sami woman. Photos: Anne Karlstad Mikkelsen

have invested a lot in the language,” explains Nordin. The centre also offers longdistance classes through video conferences to ensure that high school students can continue to learn their mother tongue. As well as offering language lessons, Árran also has a research centre which focuses on Sami culture, history, northern affairs and modern-day Sami life. “We recently received funding to start a research project on Sami entrepreneurship, which is a collaboration project between the University of Nordland, the University of Umeå and Árran,” adds Nordin. “Part of the aim of Árran is to bring the findings of the centre’s research closer to the local people. We work with universities to conduct research projects and also explore other indigenous cultures around the world in relation to the Sami.” Árran is an institution doing its utmost to preserve the Sami culture. Investing so much in projects and language classes, Árran ensures future generations are still able to explore their roots and immerse themselves in their mother tongue and culture.

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

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 57

Photo: Kari Dahl

Heraldic celestial globe. 1760 –Science on the edge of the world exhibition

The NTNU Museum of Natural History and Archaeology:

Norway’s Museum of the Year 2010 The Norwegian Museum of the Year Award 2010 went to the NTNU Museum of Natural History and Archaeology, mainly for its comprehensive collections, but also for the result of a recent refurbishment which has taken the museum from being rather old-fashioned to being an extensive modern research and educational institution. By: Linnéa Mitchell | Photos: Arild Juul

The museum’s collections cover natural history, cultural history and geology. As an institution closely linked to Trondheim Norwegian University of Science and Technology (owners of the museum since 1968), the collections expand continuously according to what the researchers are working on at the time, and, naturally, a lot of the material is used as part of teaching. Old roots The museum’s history has its roots in the 18th century. The scientific findings of Bishop J.E. Gunnerus represent the start of the scientific work in Norway, and 1760 is the year the Royal Norwegian Society of Sciences and Letters (DKNVS) was established, which later formed the museum.

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To celebrate its 250th anniversary, the exhibition Knowledge alarm 2010 was set up with four sub-exhibitions with the common theme “Science through 250 years”.

dle Ages Norway,” says Axel Christophersen, museum director and professor in archaeology at the University of Science and Technology.

One of those exhibitions is called 1760 – Science on the edge of the world and offers a glimpse of the unique position Trondheim had in the 1700s with its early scholarship environment and prerequisites for the formation of the DKNVS (see above), through astronomy and science, technological innovations and social changes. DKNVS was at the time the northernmost learned society in the world.

“At the same time, in the 1700s, a proper bourgeoisie emerged which profited from copper mines in Røros, from fish and from the wood trade. These together shaped an environment suitable for establishing a scientific society this early and as far north,” explains Christophersen.

“Trondheim is Norway’s former church capital and an intellectual centre of Mid-

Offering an even closer look at life in Trondheim in the 1700s is the exhibition Medieval Trondheim. Here, you can stroll around a medieval narrow street with tiny wooden houses and many churches, in a recreated model of the church capital. On

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Museums in Norway

display are many perfectly preserved clothes, shoes, cups, toys, vessels etc. The oldest houses in Norway are found in Trondheim and so the model, dare I say, presents a pretty accurate picture. Only the smell and the dirt have to be brought to life by the visitor’s mind alone. You can even have a virtual medieval tour of the city online, to get a taste before you go (see web page below). Global heritage Apart from his career in archaeology, Christophersen has more than 30 years experience as a scientific photographer, and is an established author of many books and papers in international scientific journals. He is personally and professionally engaged in cultural findings in war and conflict zones, which has led to many interesting exhibitions such as Report from the Front in 2009, a photographic display of the destruction of cultural heritage in Afghanistan. The exhibition was part of the Norwegian initiative Afghachrome, aiming to, through visual documentation, show the public the direct and indirect effects of cultural heritage destruction, and to highlight the humanitarian dimension.

Report from the Front, 2009, a photographic display of the destruction of cultural heritage in Afghanistan. Photos: Axel Christophersen

The natural history collections consist of thousands of botanical and zoological findings, some of which are over 200 years old. The cultural history collections include archaeological and cultural history objects not only from the Middle Ages but the Iron, Bronze and as far back as the Stone Age, as well as findings from more recent times. For a glimpse, you can check out some of the collections online, such as coins and medals, war uniforms from the Viking era and swords from prehistory (ntnu.no/vitenskapsmuseet/online-resources). Last, but not least, the geology collection counts some 8,000 objects of minerals, rocks and fossils. There is also a 32-acre botanical garden in Lade, east of Trondheim city centre, with excel-

For more information: www.ntnu.no/vitenskapsmuseet Above: Taxidermist Per Gätzschmann prepares an owl. Photo: Geir Mogen Middle: Axel Christophersen, museum director and professor in archaeology at the University of Science and Technology. Photo: Geir Mogen Right: Curator Daniela Pawel. Photo: Kari Dahl

Middle Ages Virtual Tour: www.ntnu.no/vitenskapsmuseet/ medieval-trondheim

lent views of the city, and Kongsvoll Alpine Garden at the mountain region Dovre. Nature matters Although the museum offers satisfaction for any knowledge seeker, the most popular exhibition seems to be Nature and the Environment, a complete representation of Norway’s nature from highest mountain tops to the coast, rivers and forest, through stylish and realistic presentations, including a herbarium with lichens, mosses and vascular plants. Learn how plants have been and still are being used, and get inspired to respect the living and understand the importance of the environment.

The museum is easy to find, located in Kalvskinnet in the centre of Trondheim. It is a university museum and a unit of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. It also stems from DKNVS, Norway’s oldest scientific institution, dating back to 1760, developing and operating several of Norway’s oldest and largest natural and cultural historical collections.

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 59

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Museums in Norway

Left: Open-air museum Fossmotunet close to Bardufoss; Top right: The Military Museum at Setermoen in Bardu Bottom right: Open-air farm museum Kongsvoldtunet in Rostadalen

Experience Norway at its edges If you want to experience the intriguing multiplicity of Norwegian culture, or step into some of Norway´s most wild and unforgiving nature, there is no better place to do so than the region of Midt-Troms. At several locations and spanning over a huge area of more than 11,000 square kilometres, Midt-Troms Museum has something to offer everyone who wishes to explore Norwegian tradition, history and nature. By Magnus Nygren Syversen | Photos: Midt-Troms Museum

Midt-Troms Museum aims to show visitors the beauty and history of one of Norway’s most striking and fascinating regions, also home to three National Parks and two Ramsar wetland bird refuges. “If you haven’t been to northern Norway, you haven’t really seen Norway,” says museum director Lisa Bostwick. Born and raised in the United States, she has lived in Norway for 25 years. As an archaeologist, she has travelled the Norwegian countryside, and lived in Bergen and Trondheim. “But no place can match northern Norway,” she maintains.

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What makes the northern parts of Norway so special is not only the diversity of landscape, but also the culture. With its fertile valleys and craggy peaks rising steeply from the ocean, in Midt-Troms, a proud inland farming culture meets the rich coastal fishing culture head-on. In addition, the region has a long history of timber and mining industries, while other areas have been shaped by the culture of the Sami people. These elements are all represented at the various locations of MidtTroms Museum spread across the region. One example is the Fjord Museum and Wetlands Center in Storsteinnes. Here,

on the shores of one of Norway´s most complex and stunning fjords, you can learn about the natural history of the region. Another popular venue is the Military Museum at Setermoen in Bardu. The museum is a gateway to the long military history of this small inland town, which hosts one of modern-day Norway’s oldest, and currently largest, military garrisons. To extend an already impressive network of venues, Midt-Troms Museum is in the process of introducing two new and interesting elements: a museum offering cultural history expressly for children in Finnsnes, and a cutting-edge museum on oil, mining and geology in Skaland on the island Senja.

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

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Museums in Norway

The Coastal Express Museum:

Explore Norwegian seafaring

By Inna Allen Photos: Hurtigrutemuseet

Located in Stockmarknes, a small picturesque town on the island of Hadsel, the Coastal Express Museum offers fascinating information about the Norwegian Coastal Express vessels. Visitors are taken on a historical tour of the various fields of operation found on board, from the mail cabin to navigation, and loading to sea safety. On display are things that have been an integral part of the history of the Coastal Express vessels for over 100 years. At the museum, you can learn about professions that are no longer necessary on board, such as a pilot or a telegraphist. “Up until quite recently, they were vital features on each ship, but these days, everything is controlled from the bridge,” says office manager Tor Hovden. Get to know the coastal history with the help of sound,

colour, exhibits, text and images. You may even envisage the darker side of the seafaring life with exhibitions of authentic rooms, environments and shipwrecks. The Coastal Express Museum also proudly presents the past generation of Coastal Express vessels. For over a century, these vessels have been the undisputed means of communication between small and larger coastal communities.

The M/S "Finnmarken" now stands on dry land adjacent to the museum, and tours aboard the 1950s toiler are available. An integral part of the museum, the ship is an authentic vestige of the coastal steamer traditions in Norway.

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

RiddoDuottarMuseat:

By Karin Modig Photos: RDM

Preserving, documenting and promoting Sami culture in Norway is the aim of the RiddoDuottarMuseat - The Museum of Coast and Plains. A visit to any of their four locations gives an insight into the lives and traditions of the indigenous Sami people.

Photo: RiddoDuottarMuseat

“The four different museums show different parts of our culture,” explains Margrethe Vars. “In Kokelv in the municipality of Kvalsund, exhibitions are dedicated to coastal Sami culture, with an emphasis on fishing and farming. The Porsanger Museum has exhibits covering the Samis, the Kven people and the Second World War.” The larger two museums are situated in Sami heartland, on the vast plains of Finn-

mark. “In Kautokeino, there is an emphasis on the way of life here, particularly the importance of reindeer,” says Vars. “Furthermore, there are exhibitions on jewellery, old teaching books, photographs and traditional clothing.” In Karasjok, an outdoor museum site includes old, traditional buildings. “We also have a large collection of art and jewellery, and the most comprehensive col-

The Magic Silver Ball, by Randi Marainen. Photo: Marvin Pope/RDM

A celebration of Sami culture and traditions lection of traditional Sami dress in the world, with costumes from Norway, Sweden, Russia and Finland.” The Sami language is the official working language of the museum, and with most people working there coming from a Sami background, it is very much showing the way in preserving both language and culture.

RDM Kautokeino and Karasjok are open year-round. RDM Kokelv and Porsanger Museum are open during the summer, but will open on request during the rest of the year as well.

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

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 61

: ME E TH ARK L A M I EC EN SP IT D VIS

With historic ‘routes’ dating back to the 12th century, Denmark’s ‘kroer’ were established by a decree from King Erik Klipping, who ordered that inns be placed along the so-called ‘Kings Highway’ as staging posts to allow weary travellers to stretch their legs and enjoy a hearty meal. As a reward for providing a bed and a meal, ‘kroer’ were granted a special Royal Licence to brew beer, distil spirits and bake bread – free of tax, both for their own use and to sell to the public. Holidaymakers can still stay at some of the original Royal Privilege establishments with their thatched roofs, half-timbered frames and low-ceilinged parlour rooms, as well as an excellent selection of more modern properties, to enjoy service fit for a king. As there are more than 100 ‘kroer’, city hotels and even castles to choose from, just take your pick and book on www.krohotel.com. Get on your bike

Denmark is great for a late summer break By VisitDenmark | Photo: Niclas Jessen

Just think of long invigorating walks along long sandy beaches in combination with some amazing seafood, and North Jutland will never let you down. Add some good art to the mix and your September holiday will be just perfect. Take in the much loved works of the Danish Skagen painters at the Skagens Museum; they all depict local life from the turn of the last century, when the area became a magnet for artists aiming to capture the translucent blue skies around Skagen. Skagen is just perfect this time of year when the busy tourist season is over. There is a wide choice of self-catering accommodation in the area, making it a great choice for a group of friends just wanting to chill out, or for families with

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children still not tied to school holidays. And why not combine this with a bit of autumn fashion shopping in Aalborg? Norwegian takes you there in just 90 minutes from Gatwick. Check out www.norwegian.com, www.visitnordjylland.dk and www.visitaalborg.com for more information. Denmark’s Inns, the ‘kroer’, provides a gourmet route to hospitality When exploring Denmark by car, there is no better way to get a real taste for the country’s history, superb scenery, delicious cuisine and genuine Danish hospitality than by staying at the ‘Danske Kroer and Hoteller’ collection of individually owned Inns or ‘kroer’, which are dotted throughout the countryside.

If you fancy something more active, Copenhagen is all about cycling between 19-25 September, when UCI Road World Championships 2011 takes place in the heart of the city. Copenhagen is nominated by UCI as ‘Bike City’ and is well known for its cycling culture. Thousands of media and spectators will head for Copenhagen, which for the Copenhageners might mean days of roadblocks and traffic jams, but it will also mean party time, as alongside the championships, the city has planned a huge public cycling festival which will let the locals’ love of bikes run free all over the city, offering everything from water bike tournaments to children’s biking ramps and ‘pimp up’ your bike events. Find out more on www.copenhagen2011.dk, www.visitcopenhagen.com, www.flysas.co.uk and www.easyjet.com.

For further inspiration for a holiday in Denmark, please visit: www.visitdenmark.com

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit Denmark

Touring the lakes of Silkeborg in the company of an old lady By Charlotte Kany | Photo: Lars Holm

Even though you just turned 150 years this summer, there is no need for retirement or at least not if you are the oldest operative paddle steamer in the world. This old lady, the Hjejlen, has just celebrated her great anniversary and is still going strong. Take a lovely tour down the picturesque lakes of Silkeborg on board a truly authentic steamer. Throughout the summer and the rest of the season, there has been an abundance of entertaining activities presented to celebrate this outstanding anniversary. Even the Danish Queen has been on board. She went on the exact same journey as her predecessor, King Frederik VII, did 150 years ago. The entire local community is, of course, very proud of hosting the world’s oldest steamer, and several initiatives have been fashioned as a tribute, including the release of a special coin and a new label with the vessel on a bottle of

the Sky Mountain, Denmark’s highest point. You can embark at several places along the route - simply hoist the flag on the jetty to hail the ship. A venue with a twist

HM Queen Margrethe II on board ‘Hjejlen’. Photo: Jens Anker Tvedebrink

mineral water. “Even a special stamp has been made in the honour of our old lady,” tells Rikke Olesen, tourist and marketing coordinator for the Hjejle Company. Besides the anniversary steamer, the company also commands eight other vessels, all of them ready to take you on an extraordinary journey on the beautiful lakes of Silkeborg. A tour of the lakes is a great opportunity of experiencing the vibrant and verdant nature at close range. A popular stopover for tourists on board is

Are you looking for a new and different spot for your next big party, wedding or conference? Choosing one of the nine vessels is an obvious choice. In fact, the crew are not afraid to say out loud that they provide the most beautiful function rooms with spectacular views. Depending on the size of your company, one of the nine vessels can provide room for you and your guests. The Hjejle Company also offers daily one hour nonstop tours from Silkeborg as well as beautiful evening sails on fixed days.

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

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 63

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit Denmark

Fregatten Jylland - the Frigate Jutland, the longest wooden ship in the world

Djursland – it is hard to find a reason not to go! With a beautiful hilly landscape, 150 kilometres of children-friendly beach, and loads of attractions, including the North’s best amusement park, Djursland’s immense popularity with families is hardly surprising. Every year, more than four million visitors holiday in this green and peaceful peninsular on Jutland’s east coast. Most of them come from Germany and Scandinavia, but with cheap, direct flights from Stansted Airport and trips on the Harwich-Esbjerg ferry, there is no reason the rest of the world should not join in! By Signe Hansen | Photos: Destination Djursland

While most travellers visit Djursland during the summer months, many attractions are open most of the year, and autumn is an especially great time for a visit. “All attractions are open at least into midautumn, and a lot of places arrange special activities during this time. At Djurs Sommerland, for instance, they have a special Magic Halloween theme which runs until the end of the school’s autumn vacation (October 23th),” says Tine Bondo Hinrichsen, marketing coordinator at Destination Djursland, adding: “Djursland really has a lot to offer families with young

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children as well as for the parents; we have six four-star attractions and two fivestar attractions, spanning everything from museums and historic sites to zoos and amusement parks.” This is no small feat as only eleven attractions in Denmark have achieved a five-star rating. The North’s best amusement park One of the attractions to have been awarded a five-star rating is Djurs Sommerland, which was recently elected as the best amusement park in the Nordic countries. That is not the only impressive

credential the park holds, far from it. This year, the park’s visitors were treated to Europe’s largest water coaster The Treasure Island, while the stomach-turning Pirate ride has been elected as the world’s fifth best rollercoaster. But while the park boasts world-class entertainment, it lacks the hectic commercialism which haunts many other amusement parks. “Recently we had a visit from two British journalists, and one of the things they were really surprised about in Djurs Sommerland was the large green areas where people can relax and enjoy their homemade lunch.

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit Denmark

They found it very nice, but unusual, that the park had made room for them to bring their own food instead of trying to squeeze out more money from them buying food,” explains Hinrichsen. Besides, once you are inside the park all of the park’s more than 60 exhilarating rides are free, providing almost endless entertainment. Something for the whole family On Djursland’s never-ending list of attractions are also Randers Regnskov – Tropical Zoo, the Kattegat Centre’s shark tunnel, Ree Park - Ebletoft Safari’s exotic animals in wild surroundings, and Scandinavian Wildlife Park’s polar bears. While this will no doubt be fun for the whole family, the beautiful landscape and charming towns of the region definitely ensure that parents leave Djursland as satisfied with their visit as their kids. One superb way to experience both is by a visit to the picturesque town of Ebeltoft, located inside the newly established National Park Mols Bjerge (the park is unfenced and open to everyone 24/7). “Ebletoft is the most popular town in the area because of its atmospheric cobblestone streets, hollyhocks and timber framed houses. It was recently elected as Denmark’s most charming trade town,” says Hinrichsen. In Ebletoft, you will also find The Frigate Jutland, the world’s longest timber ship, located right next to the Ebletoft Glass Museum and its collection of international glass art. As the town is a part of the peaceful national park, a hike, bike or even horse ride through the unique landscape is also a must do. “Mols Bjerge forms a hilly landscape, created during the Ice Age, with plenty of seaside, beautiful viewing points and prehistoric sites like barrows and burial mounds,” explains Hinrichsen.

tels, holiday centres, and B&Bs, there is plenty of choice for accommodation. However, with all these options, attractions and possibilities, it might be a good idea to plan the week ahead; a great way to do this is with the Djurs Package. “Through the Djurs Package on our website, guests can plan their trip ahead by booking accommodation, activities and entrance to attractions,” says Hinrichsen. “It’s very popular, because it means you don’t have

to worry about anything when you are here, so you can fully enjoy Djursland’s relaxed and peaceful atmosphere; the open landscape really makes you calm down and just unwind,” says Hinrichsen. Easy access, effortless planning, peace, beautiful landscapes and great attractions – really, it is hard to find a reason not to visit Djursland – Denmark’s scenic nose.

Of course, if you wish for a bit of “real” city life, Aarhus and all its offers are just 45 minutes away. The Djurs package - save yourself the trouble So as not to miss out on anything when visiting Djursland, you should allow yourself at least a week in the hilly region. And, with numerous camping sites, ho-

Above: The Ebletoft Glass Museum. Top right: Piratfisken ride at Djurs Sommerland. Bottom right: A polar bear at the Scandinavian Wildlife Park

For more information, please visit: www.visitdjursland.com or book your holiday at www.djurspakken.dk

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 65

Graceland Randers

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit Denmark

Randers - Venture into the unexpected A copy of Elvis Presley’s home Graceland, a tropical rainforest and zoo and, not least, a museum for outsider art – art created by mentally disabled people. Randers is a town which prides itself in its ability to think outside the box when it comes to tourism, and the creativity has paid off in some of Denmark’s best known and most visited attractions outside Copenhagen. By Signe Hansen | Photos: VisitRanders

They might not be the kind of attractions that you expect to find in the middle of Jutland, but in its own way Randers has redefined the area.

tory. You can visit the impressive Baroque Clausholm Castle, take a horse carriage ride through town or study Randers’ history at the Museum of Cultural History.

“What we have done here is actually against all preconceived notions of how to develop tourism in an area; it is not rooted in our history or culture in any way. Instead we have chosen to make room for, and support, some unconventional initiatives,” explains director of tourism at VisitRanders, Anne-Mette Knattrup.

Museums the untraditional way

The unconventional approach has been enthusiastically received by the Danes, and with Aarhus and Billund Airport both within very easy distance, numerous international tourists are joining the fun as well. Embracing the traditional Randers is not just known for its alternative attractions but also for its traditional

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An antique room in Hotel Randers

Danish market town charm. Visitors will come upon old timber framed houses, charming cobblestone squares and, not least, the beautiful scenery facilitating a wide diversity of outdoor activities. “A lot of anglers visit Randers because we have some of Europe’s best conditions for fishing salmon. Once upon a time Randers was known as ‘Randers the salmon town’, and today the water of Gudenåen is clean enough for salmon to thrive in it again, making it a true paradise for anglers,” explains Knattrup. Randers also has much to offer when it comes to culture and his-

A cultural outing in Randers can also provide more untraditional experiences: GAIA Museum for Outsider Art is one of them. All the pieces exhibited in the museum are created by psychologically disabled people with special needs, or as they call themselves, ‘outsiders’. “A lot of people come here with certain preconceptions about what they will see but end up completely astonished,” says GAIA’s founder Dorte Eiersbo. “It is very moving art, very colourful. Our artists paint from the heart; they are not affected by artistic trends but paint and create sculptures because they can’t help but do so!” Established in 2003, GAIA Museum has grown from its original 300 to 1,600

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit Denmark

Exhibition of Elvis memorabilia at Graceland Randers

square metres, containing not just a museum but also an alternative cafe, a productive framing workshop, a unique museum shop and creative workshops. Besides, the museum has become quite well known in Europe through its international exhibitions and collaborations. The home of the King When it comes to attracting international attention, however, no one can compete with Henrik Knudsen, the founder and owner of Graceland Randers. When Graceland Randers, the first and only replica of Elvis’s home in Memphis, opened in April 2011, the world press followed the event with equal shares of astonishment, disbelief and amusement. But the sceptics have been muffled. “Our expectations have been more than fulfilled! In just three months, we reached our one-year target, and since opening, we have had more than 32,000 visitors,” says Knudsen, adding: “People have been very positive, of course we hadn’t expected anything else, but when you do something like this and work on it for this long, you can’t help be a little nervous at how the audience will react. But the response has just been amazing.” The three storey copy of Elvis’s home, which Knudsen took out a 26 million DKKR loan to build, comprises

a vast exhibition of Elvis memorabilia, an authentic American diner, a ballroom, and a merchandise store. Tropical experiences An attraction which, since its opening in 1997, has become a trademark for Randers’ innovative approach to tourism is Randers Regnskov – Tropical Zoo. When you step into Randers Regnskov – Tropical Zoo, you step into another world, a world of rainforest, exotic animals and hot breezes. “Many of our guests are very surprised at how authentic and extensive the

rainforest is. You can experience zoos and tropical exhibitions in other places, but this is a totally holistic experience; it is like stepping out of a plane and into the tropics,” explains marketing director at Randers Tropical Zoo, Tina De Linde. The zoo contains 3,600 square metres of tropical rainforest inside three domes and 250 animal species, half of them free living. This means that guests should not be surprised to run into animals such as Colobus monkeys, flying foxes and even a Ball Python – really, when visiting Randers you should always expect the unexpected.

For more information on hotels, transport and much more, please visit: www.visitranders.com Randers Regnskov - Tropical Zoo

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 67

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit Denmark

Limfjorden. Photo: VisitDanmark

Visit Skive, the Eco City, and learn how to go green

plenty of water sports on offer in Limfjorden, such as surfing, kayaking and fishing.

The Skive region has everything an area might need to attract tourists â&#x20AC;&#x201C; history, culture and stunning scenery. Yet Skive also has something truly ground-breaking to offer: as an 'Energiby' (Eco City), Skive is set to become CO2 neutral and energy self-sufficient by 2029. Skive has long been on the forefront of reducing CO2 emissions and is now inviting tourists on guided tours to actively experience exactly how this is achieved. One of the most impressive sights is the town hall with its 256-square-metre solar panels, which (with a bit of help from biofuel generators) can generate enough heat and energy to supply to the 11,000square-metre town hall and the public library, thus making the town hall CO2 neutral. Skive has invested 62 mill. dkr on energy reducing measures during the last 15 years, resulting in savings of 94 mill. dkr. The aim is to use these green investments to attract more tourists. The council has, in conjunction with SamsĂ¸, created the 'Energy Safari', where fully trained 'Green Guides' take guests on an exciting fourday tour of the most important develop-

68 | Issue 33 | September 2011

By Yane Christensen Photo: VisitSkive

The island of Fur is a must-see, particularly the museum which has one of the world's most important fossil collections. The museum organises fossil hunting, and many visitors have succeeded in finding these pre-historic marvels.

Energy safari in Skive. Photo: Niels Aage Skovbo

ments. The Energy Safari is aimed at companies, councils and NGOs seeking to educate their employees in green strategies. However, there is much more to the Skive region than reducing CO2 emissions. It is the ideal destination for the active holidaymaker. The region has 190 kilometres of stunning coastline with several Blue Flag awarded beaches, and there are

Culture vultures will not miss out either: the tourist board has recently commissioned 57 pieces of sculpture which can be found in and around Skive. The town of Skive offers ample shopping possibilities; particularly noteworthy is the market in the town square, where you can purchase high-quality local produce, like honey, locally brewed beer, organic cheeses from Thise Dairy and locally caught seafood. So, if you want to go green, why not come and visit the experts?

For more information, please visit: www.visitskive.dk and www.energibyenskive.dk

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Museums in Denmark

Special Theme:

Museums in Denmark Continuing from our museum theme in the previous issue, we have once more compiled a list of edifying museums in Denmark, introducing you the country’s history and hidden tales. Denmark is, of course, best known for its beautiful nature and varying landscapes as well as Copenhagen’s effortless charm. These are all great reasons for travelling to Denmark, but beyond nature and “hygge”, the country is also bursting at the seams with cultural attractions and fascinating museums. What better way to understand more about Danish history, from industrialisation to the Second World War, its culture and art scene than exploring the museum offerings of Denmark.

Located in the very heart of Copenhagen is The Danish Jewish Museum, which offers an enlightening look into Jewish history in Demark. Jews have lived in Denmark for 400 years, making their imprint on its life and culture, and this museum will introduce you to their life experiences in a culturally spacious Denmark. If you want to continue your historical journey in Copenhagen, your next stop

By Nia Kajastie Photo: VisitAalborg

should be the Workers’ Museum, which presents Danish industrialisation from the mid-19th century to the present day. Located centrally in Copenhagen, the museum is a great experience for the whole family. And if you happen to be travelling or staying near the city of Aalborg, you should definitely check out The Defence- and Garrison Museum, which can take you on a journey back in time to the occupation period as well as presenting exhibitions on all the services of the Danish Total Defence.

For more ideas and tips on mustsee attractions and one-of-a-kind museums, please visit: www.visitdenmark.com

Arbejdermuseet – The Workers’ Museum

The museum has its own traditional 1950s coffee shop, where visitors can sample the chicory coffee accompanied by the traditional chocolate biscuit cake (kiksekage). There is also a restaurant in the basement, with a menu based on popular food from around 1900. Old cooking traditions are used and everything is homemade according to traditional recipes, including the hand brewed beer.

The Workers’ Museum presents Danish industrialisation from the mid-19th century to the present time. There are several permanent exhibitions, all relating to the evolvement of the working classes. My personal favourite is 'The 1950s' exhibition, where carefully reconstructed rooms show exactly how an average Danish working class family might have lived during the post-war period. Another permanent exhibition, 'The Sørensen Family', follows a Danish working class family from 1885 until 1990. This exhibition is based on the small apartment the family shared under cramped conditions. My children particularly enjoyed visiting the old classroom, where a cane rested ominously against the blackboard. There are also some excellent temporary exhibitions: currently a topical exhibition by Danish artist John Kørner called 'Women for sale'. It focuses on the traf-

By Yane Christensen Photos: Arbejdermuseet

The Workers’ Museum is located in central Copenhagen, within the historic 'Workers’ Assembly Building' from 1879. The museum is open daily from 10-16. Entry is free for children under 18, and the little ones will be sure to enjoy it too - even more so in the coming autumn when The Children's Workers’ Museum is due to open.

ficking and prostitution of foreign women in Denmark.

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

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 69

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Museums in Denmark

Integration and peaceful coexistence:

The Danish Jewish Museum

By The Danish Jewish Museum Photos: Bitter Bredt (Dansk Jødisk Museum)

In The Danish Jewish Museum, the known and yet unknown spaces of a minority are open to everyone. For 400 years, Jews have lived in Denmark, making their imprint on its cities and life while also being influenced by their surroundings. It is unique in Jewish and European history that Jewish life in Denmark was allowed to unfold almost unopposed. The strongest illustration of the cultural spaciousness of Danish society is shown in the rescue of the Danish Jews in October 1943. Jewish life in Denmark has also had to be spacious in itself, as even a small minority can be diverse and comprise a wide range of different adherences and ways of life. The architectural interior of the museum and the exhibition also interrelate directly. The Royal Boathouse on Slotshol-

men has been given new life as the home of The Danish Jewish Museum, and has been transformed by the world-famous architect Daniel Libeskind’s dramatic architecture. The space conveys a strong experience of having to orient oneself on unpredictable terrain – like an immigrant arriving in a new country, or like a refugee from October 1943 seeing the Danish coast disappearing on the horizon.

The museum arranges guided tours in the museum itself, in the Jewish Copenhagen and at the Jewish cemeteries. The museum is wonderfully located in the very heart of Copenhagen and has its entrance in the gardens of the Royal Library.

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

Aalborg Defence- and Garrison Museum:

A boyhood dream come true

themselves to just looking at the historic objects.

Have you ever had a childhood dream about entering a combat vehicle, holding an original hand weapon from World War II or aiming a military cannon? At The Defence- and Garrison Museum in Aalborg, you can explore every aspect of the Danish Total Defence and take a journey back in time, to when the country was occupied by Germany. Situated on the very same spot where the Wehrmacht used to land their seaplanes during the Second World War, the Defence- and Garrison Museum in Aalborg is the only exhibition in Denmark that covers the entire Danish Total Defence and will surely target all your senses.

illustrates the fascinating military progress up until the end of the Cold War, or immerse yourself in the unique assortment of Danish-made light weapons. You will also find a comprehensive collection of artillery weapons and mortars in the historical buildings.

Enter the hangar to experience an impressive collection of fighter aircraft that

The museum puts great emphasis on the fact that visitors do not have to restrict

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By Lykke Fabricius Port Photos: The Defence- and Garrison Museum

“It’s important for us that you get a complete experience, and therefore, we encourage people and especially the children to enter the vehicles and touch the exhibits,” says museum director Orla Kops and reveals an on-going restoration project of a German command bunker, which is scheduled to be finished next year. The bunker measures 14 x 28 metres with ten rooms. Some of the rooms will be equipped as they were during World War II and will allow guests to experience how it felt to live underground.

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

27.11.2010—27.11.2011

OLAFUR ELIASSON

DIN BLINDE PASSAGER*

*YOUR BLIND PASSENGER

DIN BLINDE PASSAGER* *YOUR BLIND PASSENGER

Welcome to Gästrikland By Gävle Turistbyrå/www.gavle.se | Photos: Albin Bogren/Baringo

Right in the middle of Scandinavia, you will find Gästrikland, the province situated next to the coastline only one hour away from Arlanda airport, which offers many unique experiences. It is known as the Iron Country and has more than 30 historical locations spread across the entire county. Iron production flourished in Gästrikland and goes back as far as the Viking era. Here, you will find Viking relics, ancient mines and homesteads, as well as traditional inns and villages, where time seems to have stopped a long time ago. In one of these old ironworks, you will find the distillery for Mackmyra Swedish Whisky. It is Sweden’s first and only distillery for single malt whisky, and it offers guided tours. It has its own special recipe,

the whisky being made only from basic Swedish products. Wij Gardens in Ockelbo is also well worth a visit. It is not an exhibition or a museum but still a bit of both and offers, beyond the beautiful gardens, several art exhibitions and concerts every season. Gävle is the largest town in Gästrikland and offers activities for the whole family. The Swedish Railway Museum has one of the finest collections of old locomotives and carriages in the world. Follow the development of the locomotive from the oldest maintained Swedish steam locomotive up to today's fast train, X2000. Do not miss the picturesque environment of the old town Gamla Gefle, with buildings dating back to the 17th century. Today it is home to cafés, art galleries and antique shops. Right next to Gamla Gefle is Länsmuseet, the County

Museum, whose varied exhibits include an exquisite collection of Swedish art. Located north of Gävle, by the Baltic Sea, is the old fishing community of Bönan. Here, you will find smokehouses famous for their traditionally smoked and delightful tasting Baltic herring called Böckling. Buy some freshly caught fish straight from the fishermen, or visit some of the nicely located restaurants and cafés serving local specialities. If you follow the seacoast south of Gävle, you will get to Furuvik Zoo and Amusement Park, a popular attraction, where you will find animals and a lot of adventures in beautiful surroundings. If you plan to visit Gävle during Christmas, do not miss the most famous citizen of Gävle and also the world’s largest Christmas goat.

We are happy to share the most beautiful bits of Gästrikland with you!

For more information, please visit: www.gastrikland.com www.gavle.se

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Scan Magazine | Travel Theme | Gästrikland

The Prison Museum of Sweden – a captivating experience from inside the wall

The museum takes the visitor on a historical journey through torture, execution and isolation via two adjacent former prisons. Museum director Katarina Kallings says: “We cannot escape our past; it touches all of us, and it is our hope that people leave the museum with an understanding of how we respect one another in modern society.”

The tour, with your own audio guide, starts in the underground dungeons of the original Old Castle and County Jail from 1732, a time when punishment for crimes was public humiliation and torture, even death. The shaming of the criminal was meant to act as a deterrent to others. Various scenarios and instruments of torture and execution are on display.

By Ulrika Osterlund Photos: Sveriges Fängelsemuseum

A brief reprieve can be had after exiting the jail and entering the Penitentiary, which was in use from 1847, when a shift occurred away from the public shaming towards isolation of the individual. A more progressive approach was taken to not only punish criminals, but also take steps to facilitate their return to a moral and law abiding existence. The exhibit is presented in ten of the cells of the cellblock, each with a different theme. The correctional facility was closed as late as 1986, and has for the past ten years, together with the former jail, been run as a museum, more recently on the responsibility of the Swedish Prison and Probation Service.

For more information, please visit: www.fangelsemuseet.se www.prisonmuseum.se

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Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Finland

Hotel of the Month, Finland

Sokos Hotel Villa brings tranquillity to hectic Tampere Newly renovated Sokos Hotel Villa in Tampere is housed in a former grain storehouse right in the city centre. Only a stroll away from the railway station and with the main shopping street Hämeenkatu and Koskikeskus shopping centre both nearby, Sokos Hotel Villa offers an ideal location for visitors wanting to explore Tampere and further afield. By Anni-Maria Sahala | Photos: Sokos Hotel Villa

“We are the only hotel in Tampere that you can reach from the railway station without getting your feet wet,” declares service manager Milja Myllymäki proudly and adds: “You could not wish for a better location than this: a stumble away from the trains and a walking distance from the bus station. The hotel is also easily accessible from the main motorway between Helsinki and Tampere.” After major renovations, Hotel Villa was only reopened to visitors in July this year

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and now boasts 99 completely refurbished guest rooms. All rooms now have independent air conditioning and new, fresh colour schemes. The whole building was rewired, and all bathrooms were redone. Although part of the Finnish Sokos Hotels group, Hotel Villa is all but a box standard link in the chain. The boutique hotel creates a warm, homely atmosphere and provides exceptional customer service that is tailored to every individual’s needs. Myllymäki says their customer-oriented approach is definitely one of Hotel Villa’s

strengths: “The hotel offers a variety of rooms to accommodate every type of client. We have got different sized standard and superior rooms, and suites, in some of which additional beds are available. But what sets us apart from other hotels in the area is the atmosphere during your stay at Hotel Villa, you will always feel comfortable and at ease.” Finnish nature and sustainability are important themes to the hotel and are carried throughout the entire building:

Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Finland

durable organic materials have been used in both lobby areas and guest rooms, and wool especially has been incorporated in the decoration. With colour schemes that reflect the themes of nature, clean-cut lines and a great attention to detail, the guests can also spot unusual and quirky details; exposed brick walls, oddly shaped wooden ceilings and artistic photographs of animals all emphasise the building’s traditions with a modern twist. Perhaps the most interesting detail of all is its link to the local charities: if the chill gets to you, you can wrap up in one of the woolly shawls knitted by the members of “Mummon Kammari” (Granny’s Chamber), a local activity centre for the elderly. To highlight the importance of energy efficiency and eco-friendliness, Hotel Villa is also in the process of applying for the Swan eco label. And if you want to explore the Finnish nature outside, you only have to step out of the hotel and walk a few minutes to see the famous Tammerkoski rapids or explore the market place Laukontori, where

you can embark on a boat cruise around lake Pyhäjärvi. Put your hiking boots on and go for a stroll in the picturesque Pyynikki, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the lakes surrounding it. If you are a sports fan, Ratina stadium and Hakametsä ice hall are both within an easy reach as well. “Everything is very accessible from Hotel Villa, and after a busy day of exploring, our guests can effortlessly retire to their homely and tranquil accommodation. Tampere is a vivid tourist destination all year round, and autumn is the best time to enjoy the new theatre and entertainment season without forgetting the unique autumn colours outdoors.” Thanks to the renovation, Sokos Hotel Villa now has its own sauna which is open daily. The newly opened self-service Coffee Bar is open around the clock, and here guests may enjoy hot and cold beverages, sandwiches and other delicacies whenever they feel peckish. Coffee Bar has already been established as the locals’

favourite, and while enjoying a cuppa, it also offers a good opportunity to find out from the people of Tampere what the city has to offer. The hotel’s restaurant Eetvartti features two meeting rooms, each for up to 114 covers. Each guest room is also equipped with a Wi-Fi connection, and underground parking is also available. And with the exhibition and concert hall Tampere Talo and the University of Tampere both at its doorstep, Sokos Hotel Villa provides the most ideal spot for business visitors. “Finnish values are evident throughout Hotel Villa in both the interior decoration and exceptional customer service. We would like to welcome our guests from near and far to the warm Villa,” Myllymäki concludes.

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

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 75

Hotel of the Month, Sweden

Drakamöllan Farmhouse Hotel – for the gourmand and nature lover By Ulrika Osterlund | Photos: Drakamöllan Gårdshotell

Just over an hour’s drive from Copenhagen’s Kastrup airport, in between Kristianstad and Ystad, lies the picturesque Drakamöllan Farmhouse Hotel, nestled within a green nature reserve. “We are the ideal place for those who love nature and good food,” says proprietor Ingalill Thorsell, “and our goal is to deliver something so special that every guest will want to act as an ambassador of what they have experienced here with us.” In fact, it was the appreciation from the guests which inspired Ingalill to write the first Drakamöllan cookbook in 2008; it was recognised as the Best Local Cookery Book in Sweden in that same year by the

World Gourmand Cookbook Awards. The follow-up to that success is the new cookbook, Drakamöllans Kök – Höst och Vinter [Drakamöllan’s Kitchen - Autumn and Winter], released on 1 September, where the reader is once again invited on a palate-teasing journey. The key is honest, thought-out and flavoursome food, which takes advantage of the incredible local produce that the area has to offer. “One of our most valuable treasures here is the silence, so calm and inviting,” continues Thorsell. This natural backdrop acts as a fantastic stage for Drakamöllan’s annual opera festivities, which take place on the two days following midsummer’s eve. A specially arranged version

of Carmen was performed this year in front of over 1,300 guests. Some further three inside concerts are planned for the autumn and winter. The accommodation style goes hand in hand with the theme of tranquillity and serenity at Drakamöllan, keeping in line with a country farmhouse. The twelve double rooms have been decorated accordingly, all with en suite shower rooms, but without TVs. Drakamöllan is open to private guests on the weekends and during the summer, and to conference guests throughout the rest of the year. When the urge to break the peace takes over, there are many activities to take part in. Business visitors appreciate cooking nights, where participants gather together to make a three-course meal, and private visitors enjoy taking part in walks around the area and visits with local artists.

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

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Hotel of the Month, Norway

Escape to the ice kingdom

By Samantha Wong Photos: Kenneth Bjerga

Returning to the banks of the Alta river, Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel offers visitors to Norway a magical stay within its ice-cold rooms adorned with ice sculptures. Enjoy a well-earned drink in the bar complete with glasses made of ice before snuggling into a reindeer hide-lined sleeping bag. With dog sledding, snowmobiling and an outdoor Jacuzzi to enjoy the Northern Lights, Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel is an enchanting building for any guest looking for a distinctive place to stay.

Photo: Jørn Losvar

Diners can sample succulent meals such as salmon marinated in herbal liquor and cloudberry soup.

First built in 2000, Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel spans around 2,000 square metres and can accommodate up to 80 guests in its 30 rooms and two suites. The temperature in the rooms remains between -4 and -7 degrees, but visitors are provided with sleeping bags and reindeer hides for comfort and warmth, although it is recommended you bring along a hat to sleep in to keep your ears warm too! The hotel, which was awarded Best Norwegian Tourism Business of the Year in 2009, also offers weddings in its delightful ice chapel. “We have around 20 weddings a year, and while we often cater for intimate groups, we can sometimes have

up to 100 guests for one wedding,” explains Kaja Antonsen, sales and marketing manager. “We provide warm clothing for the guests during the ceremony before they head next door to the restaurant, Laksestua, for the dinner and party.” Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel has around 12 staff members including award-winning chef Johnny Trasti, who was crowned Norwegian Chef of the Year in 2009. “Trasti is very passionate about his dishes and serves food made from produce sourced from the local area,” explains Antonsen. “He uses ingredients according to the food calendar, making sure diners enjoy food at its very best when they are in season.”

Visitors to the igloo can also explore the enchanting Norwegian landscape either on snowmobiles or on dog sledding tours. “Of course, the main attraction of the hotel is the snow and ice, and we do not use heated beds so we give visitors an authentic experience of staying in an igloo,” adds Antonsen. “As a family-run hotel, we offer a friendly service with a welcoming atmosphere and do our very best to ensure our guests feel at home.” Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel Sorrisniva 20, 9518 Alta, Norway Phone +47 784 33378 Email: info@sorrisniva.no

Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel is open from January to April.

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

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 77

Hotel of the Month, Denmark

Odense Congress Center – a trip to remember By Signe Hansen | Photos: Odense Congress Center

Odense Congress Center is an atmospheric four-star congress centre and hotel located at the heart of Denmark – Odense. A visit to Odense Congress Center is a visit to a Scandinavian and a Danish world, where business and pleasure is combined under one roof. From the concert area, conference facilities, meeting and mess facilities to relaxing hotel rooms, a restaurant and fitness and relaxation areas – at Odense Congress Center, the possibilities are virtually endless. Located just outside Odense, in beautiful green surroundings, Odense Congress Center A/S was established in 1992 as the result of a merger between The Funen Forum and the newly-built Odense Congress Center. Live, eat, sleep and work well The hotel comprises 109 rooms, including standard and luxury rooms as well as

seven suites. The wide range and capacity of the congress centre’s facilities ensure that no request is too big, small or extraordinary: “We pride ourselves on handling a conference of 5,000 people with the same attention to quality and detail as we do when hosting a private meeting for two,” explains Odense Congress Centre manager Michael Jepsen. In addition to the many business gatherings, the congress centre regularly hosts both large-scale trade and industry shows, as well as entertainment events, such as concerts featuring internationally renowned artists, and the ever-popular Disney on Ice show. “Our experience with non-business events enables us to offer our business customers an experience out of the ordinary. We know that happy, contented participants are what make a meeting or con-

ference successful, and we strive to deliver the perfect setting – every time,” says Michael Jepsen. It all comes together on Funen Whatever your needs are, Odense Congress Centre has the facilities and experienced staff to meet them – but in Odense the devil is in the detail: “Scale and capacity mean nothing if your customers don’t feel special and taken care of. From the way we furnish our conference rooms, to the food we serve and how we handle requests out of the ordinary – we make sure that a stay at Odense Congress Centre is more than just business – it’s an experience,” concludes Michael Jepsen from the green heart of Denmark: Odense.

Odense Congress Center - a trip to remember!

Odense Congress Center Ørbækvej 350 DK- 5220 Odense SØ For more information, please visit: www.occ.dk

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ww HALF w.s PR can ICE din TIC avi KE ash TS ow AT .co .uk

8-9 October 2011

Earls Court, Brompton Hall, London

All the best of brand Scandinavia for you to taste, test and buy! The Scandinavia Show will be returning on 8-9 October 2011 to the Brompton Hall at Earls Court London. Please reserve the date! The Scandinavia Show is the only UK show dedicated exclusively to showcase the best of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland. The show incorporates Scandinavian design, travel, lifestyle, fashion, culture and food.

Design & If you love the bright and airy Scandinavian design, then Lifestyle The Scandinavia Show will be a can’t-miss event. The show will exhibit everything from top-end furniture, lighting, fabrics, carpets, interior design items, designer clothes and footwear, to timeless classics that will always embody the simple, yet stylish Scandinavian disposition Travel

Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland are some of the greatest travel destinations in the world. And The Scandinavia Show will be the UK’s single most important showcase for Nordic tourism this year.

Food

All the most mouth-watering specialities from the Nordic culinary table will be handed out or sold at The Scandinavia Show.

All our exhibitors will have well-stocked stalls. So the best of Scandinavian fashion, food, furniture, design and holidays – everything can be purchased at The Scandinavia Show. For further information and HALF PRICE tickets:

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Meet the stars from BBC crime hit ‘The Killing’

Attraction of the Month, Iceland

The Settlement Exhibition 871±2 – visit the home of Iceland’s first settlers By Signe Hansen | Photos: Reykjavik City Museum

How did the first settlers in Iceland establish themselves in their new, previously uninhabited surroundings, and how did their way of life develop? These are some of the fascinating questions which visitors can find the answers to at the extraordinary Settlement Exhibition 871±2 located right in the centre of old Reykjavik.

some of their animals. “Our visitors get the chance to study the origins of the Icelandic people, how Reykjavik was settled, life in the Viking Age, and at the same time experience a real archaeological site,” says Gunnarsdottir. Making history come alive

The ruin of the Viking Age longhouse was discovered in 2001 during excavation work, taking place before a new hotel was The exhibition, which is part of Reykjavik constructed on the site. It has been preCity Museum, is based on the excavation served in its original site – “in situ” – and of a Viking Age hall, which is believed to be the exhibition can be found in the hotel’s one of the oldest buildings in Iceland. lower level. Apart from the excavations, Possibly the first house in Iceland the exhibition also presents a wide collection of artefacts and, not least, an im“The 871±2 in the exhibition’s name refers pressive interactive multimedia presento the dating of a layer of volcanic ash tation of how the house (tephra) deposited in the and its surroundings turf and walls of the exwould have looked more cavated house, a date than a millennium ago. which coincides with the “The ambition of this exarrival of the first settlers hibition is to give the pubin Iceland. That’s why we Artefacts from the exhibition; a Viking key (left) and a pearl (right). lic an opportunity to get can say with some ceran insight into what Reykjavik’s environtainty that this is among the first manment would have looked like at the time made structures in Iceland,” museum diwhen the first settlers came to the counrector Gudny Gerdur Gunnarsdottir points try, and the multimedia presentation tells out. Typical for the buildings that were the history of Reykjavik and the settleerected by Iceland’s first settlers, the 85 ment in a very interesting and informative square metre farmstead served as the way,” says Gunnarsdottir. home of around 10 people as well as

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

The bow of Gustav III’s ship ‘Amphion.’ Photo: Maria Ljunggren, SMM

Attraction of the Month, Sweden

The National Maritime Museum in Stockholm: Discover life on the high seas By Emelie Krugly Hill | Photos: Anneli Karlsson, SMM

Sjöhistoriska museet, The National Maritime Museum in Stockholm, specialises in Swedish maritime history with a focus on commercial shipping, recreational boating and marine archaeology. Here, you can discover a world of fascinating objects, art and photographs of human attempts to master the sea and about life on board. The National Maritime Museum was built in 1933-1936 and was among the famous architect Ragnar Östberg's final works. The museum is located at Djurgårdsbrunnsvägen at Ladugårdsgärdet in the Swedish capital and was ceremonially opened in 1938 by King Gustav V. For almost 100 years, the Maritime Museum has collected approximately 100,000 objects that tell of civilian and military shipping through the ages. The

collections have a wide range and include both large and small objects, from the icebreaker and saloon boats to blasting caps and uniform buttons. There is something for the whole family to discover. In the play area “Saltkråkan”, children can play among the docks and boats. During the summer, you can also visit the museum's floating museum ships and a collection of boats at the Vasa Museum. The museum's permanent exhibition recounts the Swedish Navy's history, including showing more detailed models of the 17th century ships and a large number of paintings. On the ground floor, there is the stern and a reconstruction of the cabin of Gustav III's yacht, the Amphion. There is also an exhibition on shipbuilding through the ages. Another one of the exhibitions

Photo: Karolina Kristensson, SMM

that will appeal to all members of the family is “Who is a pirate?”. This autumn, the Maritime Museum gives their visitors a unique opportunity to view a selection of paintings from the Central Naval Museum in St. Petersburg, by the famous Russian marine painter Ivan Ajvazovskij, one of the most celebrated painters in Russia. Ajvazovskij recently received renewed attention when a painting discovered in Sweden sold for 7.6 million SEK. “Don’t miss out on this unique chance to see the stunning work of a unique artist. The exhibition is open for 75 days between 2 September and 15 November,” says Kristoffer Henrysson, who works as an editor at Sjöhistoriska museet. The National Maritime Museum in Stockholm receives 140,000 visitors from all over the world annually.

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

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 81

Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Denmark

Attraction of the Month, Denmark

Vejle Musikteater – magical experiences for everyone By Signe Hansen | Photos: Vejle Musikteater

Ballet, rock, stand-up or children’s shows: no matter what you are looking for, you will find it at the multifaceted Vejle Musikteater. Among the numerous, exciting, upcoming events are Carsten Bang’s new stand-up show, the Nutcracker ballet and Carpark North’s rock concert. The charismatic theatre is located in the centre of Vejle just 30 minutes from Billund Airport.

plays and concerts,” explains theatre director Toni Lee Larsen. When not outside, performances take place in the concert or theatre hall, and occasionally in the foyer to which people are regularly invited for free performances on Sundays. “The great thing about our house is that one day we can have a rock concert with people in jeans drinking beer and the next a classical concert with people dressed up and drinking champagne. This is what this is: a house where everybody can meet.”

“When you go to the theatre, everything is a part of the experience and everything has to be perfect. You should feel that you enter another world, and therefore, we try to make sure that everything, from parking to the backstage area, is just right!”

A cultural hub When Vejle Musikteater opened up its doors in 1993, it was with the ambition of creating a place with cultural experiences for everybody, and in that they have succeeded overwhelmingly. When the theatre staged a free outdoor concert this summer, more than 4,000 people showed up to enjoy the music and the sun. “As soon as the sun is shining, Danish people want to be outside, and therefore, we arrange a string of outside

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Entering another world To create this wide a spectrum of events takes a lot of technical skill, and Vejle Musikteater is, stresses Toni, at the top of its game. “We absolutely have Denmark’s coolest technical team; they create a magical atmosphere in the theatre hall.” The hall seats 1,100 people, but with its intimate atmosphere, big chandeliers and balconies, it seems smaller. “The theatre hall is created like a classical West End theatre; it is very beautiful,” says Toni.

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

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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Norway

Restaurant of the Month, Norway:

Fiskekompaniet: a pearl of the North Sea Fiskekompaniet in Tromsø is a must for the fish lover, but if the bounty of the sea does not normally appeal, you are likely to convert after testing this mouth-watering menu. This seafood restaurant has given a new dimension to fish cuisine in Norway and is not to be missed when passing through the northern region. By Emelie Krugly Hill | Photos: Fiskekompaniet

Managing director, Swede Anders Blomkvist, arrived in Norway 23 years ago to try out life in his neighbouring country. Little did he know then that he was going to set up the successful Fiskekompaniet, which is celebrating 15 years of business this year. Over a decade ago, surprisingly, seafood was not really a part of Norwegian cuisine as such, other than the traditional “lutefisk” (dried cod), and certainly not in the elegant way Blomkvist and his team present their delicacies. Whether it is chunky scallops, salmon, crab, herring or sardines that may take

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your fancy, it is all guaranteed to be fresh and delicious, served with rich and simple flavours. “Pretty much all the fish is local and based on the fresh catches of the day,” says Blomkvist. “The menu keeps changing, as we always focus on sourcing seasonal and fresh produce. Presentation is key to us; traditional dishes with a modern twist are served on beautiful porcelain. We don’t have a signature dish as such, but seafood so often speaks for itself: king crabs, mussels, lobster and oysters with careful preparation all look pretty im-

pressive when they leave the kitchen, for example, on the same platter.” This famous restaurant has recently moved to a more fitting location from Tromsö’s town centre to the harbour and has been given a new and more contemporary look. As you enter the restaurant you will pass through the kitchen with only glass walls separating you from a busy team of chefs. Their culinary inspiration hails from all over the world; very recently a British chef worked at Fiskekompaniet to bring fresh influence and ideas.

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Norway

Blomkvist also adds a touch of Swedish influence to his dishes, for example, bleak roe from Sweden is used, and a type from Kalix, from the northern parts of the country, is particularly excellent. “Having the bustling kitchen on view is our way of giving our guests a personal and insightful welcome,” says Blomkvist. “It is with curious minds that guests arrive through the doors of Fiskekompaniet for the first time and often there is an air of excitement.” “The outcome of feedback is always very positive,” remarks a humble Blomkvist. “The guests are always very complimentary and astounded.” A journalist from The Times newspaper reported about her experience at Fiskekompaniet: “There are plenty of reasons to visit Norway. For those that love seafood, there may be no better place on Earth!” “Outstanding food,” says another happy reporter. The service is focused on attention to detail for the complete experience; the staff are knowledgeable and friendly, and encourage an open dialogue with their guests. “There is no such thing as dress code at Fiskekompaniet, as long as you are comfortable,” says Blomkvist. “Guests often come here straight from work for lunch or to celebrate a special occasion.” In fact, you can rent the whole restaurant for a special occasion. Because the restaurant is unique, the view over the harbour and exceptional food make for a heavenly combination. “With your choice of dish, why not try a local beer from the world's northernmost brewery, or some of the excellent wine from the wine bar, with an impressive selection from all over Europe,” promises Blomkvist.

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

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 85

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Denmark

Restaurant of the Month, Denmark:

TIGHT: Tri-national friendliness You should feel right at home when you visit TIGHT. The two owners Joel and Nico – Joel being from Australia and Nico from northern France – try their best to make your dining experience as friendly and relaxed as possible. Judging by the restaurant’s popularity and reputation (rated top 5 by Trip Advisor for the past 12 months), they have hit the mark! By Katrine Kirch Kirkegaard | Photos: TIGHT

It is cool, cosy and casual. It is not posh or stiff, but young and open minded – all served in the highest quality. In one word it is: tight. And this is exactly why Joel, Nico and Stephen chose the American slang tight as the name for their baby – their restaurant in Copenhagen with the tri-national profile. They originally started out as three young friends with a dream and a business idea. Joel Cox (28 years) from Sydney, Australia, Nicolas Lammin (better known as Nico, 30 years) from Dunkerque, northern France, and Stephen Collins (28 years) from Vancouver, Canada. All three of them met in 2008 in a different Copenhagen restaurant, where they worked as waiters and a

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manager respectively, and they quickly became not only colleagues but also friends.

the majority of the food on our menu is French inspired,” says Nico. Canada lovers and Aussie enthusiasts will find a favourite dish on the menu as well, as it offers both burgers and surf ‘n’ turf. Our own home

“We decided to take the best of each country; the relaxed and laidback atmosphere is inspired by Australia, the chattiness with our guests comes from Canada, and

The restaurant opened two years ago, in September 2009, and even though Stephen has since left the business, the tri-national profile has been preserved. The decor is rough and young with bare brick walls and big, colourful posters as well as private photos of the owners. “Most importantly we want coming to TIGHT to be like having guests in our own

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Denmark

home, and they should be served in the same way we want to be served in a restaurant,” says Nico. On most nights, Joel and Nico work the floor together, and on weekends, they are helped by Roberto from Portugal and Donna from Scotland. The jeans and colourful T-shirts worn by the owners confirm their ideal: casual and personal. They take their time chatting with the guests, and no special wishes from the diners are declined.

There is no doubt that these guys have a nose not only for the restaurant business, but also for the young public. Now couples in love as well as young friends preparing for a night out on the town can enjoy some bubbly drinks with gourmet tapas. Besides the Champagne Room, the restaurant is divided into three other rooms set over several levels, and TIGHT can seat approximately 100 guests in total, which also makes this restaurant really attractive for parties of up to 35 people looking for privacy.

“If someone wants an extra bowl of fries for the burger or some changes made to their order, it is not a problem,” explains Joel. TIGHT offers the dining guests a great homemade meal of high quality for a very fair price. Compared to most Copenhagen dining options TIGHT’s food resembles mostly the food of restaurants, while the prices are fit for a café. “Our head chef and pastry chef are both French, and everything is made fresh. Each morning the two of us go shopping for groceries, and we aim for the best ingredients for our kitchen,” says Nico. Bubbles for lovers The menu is changed three to four times a year, but some of the courses will never leave, the owners promise. The white wine steamed mussels and the TIGHT Burger are so popular, that they have earned a permanent spot; the burger has not only given the restaurant six out of six stars in the Danish web burger guide (www.burgerguiden.dk), it is also the only thing you can still order as a single dish. The rest of the menu offers two or three course meals. At the end of September, the newest invention will kick off in TIGHT: the Champagne Room. A cosy and romantic room with candles, soft music and the best French champagne, Gautherot, which every single year is a gold medal award winner at the Paris Wine Fair, served with homemade foie gras or white wine steamed mussels.

KITCHEN OPENING HOURS: Monday-Friday: 4 PM - 11 PM Saturday And Sunday: 11 AM - 11PM MENUS: Tight Menu, two courses: appr. £26, three courses: appr. £30 Tight Burger: appr. £15 Champagne Menu for two, including mussels or foie gras: appr. £85 CONTACT DETAILS: TIGHT CPH, Hyskenstræde 10 1207 København K (Copenhagen K) Denmark +45 33 11 09 00 info@tight-cph.dk

For more information, please visit: www.tight-cph.dk

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 87

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Scan Business | Key Note | Stress-free Moving

Scan Business Conferences of the Month 91 | Tax Column: Residence and Domicile 96 | The Scandinavian Chambers of Commerce 67

Stress-free moving between different countries By Stephen Morris, Joint Managing Director of Stephen Morris Shipping / Euromovers London

Maybe it is purely anecdotal, but I have always believed that Scandinavians have more second homes, many in other countries, than the rest of us in the modern world. Certainly, my company, with 40 years’ experience in moving people and their homes, has a team of dedicated staff and trucks just to look after the Scandinavian market. And, yes, moving home can be one of the most stressful things in life. So what can you do to minimise that stress and make your move the pleasurable experience that it should be? Whether you intend to move to or from Scandinavia, it really does pay to do a little research into the type of company that you choose to handle that move. Once you have signed that contract with the movers, you are stuck with them! So, what do you need to know? I suggest first asking the following questions: 1. Do you offer a full packing service, including furniture? 2. Are you able to handle antiques/pianos/pets/plants? 3. What moving organisations do you belong to?

4. Do you have any ISO accreditations? 5. Do you have your own trucks and crews that are familiar with the Scandinavian and European routes? 6. Is All Risks Insurance cover available? 7. Do you take care of the move from packing through to unpacking and removal of packing debris? 8. Are you able to assist with my relocation? Can you help find me a home and a school? Can you arrange for the connection of the utilities? Can you hang my paintings? Do you know any local plumbers/carpenters? 9. What happens if there is restricted access to my new home? Can you arrange a shuttle vehicle or an outside ladder lift or perhaps even a crane? 10. Do you have secure storage available if my move is delayed? 11. What is the total cost of my move? These questions will help sort the professionals from ‘white van man’. A professional mover who can provide you with positive answers to most of the above questions will also be able to remove the stress from your move!

Stephen Morris

For further information, please visit: www.shipsms.co.uk

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 89

Scan Business | Feature | McGuireWoods

Jura Junnila on the cross-border capabilities of McGuireWoods By Nia Kajastie | Photo: McGuireWoods LLP

“We can help with cross-border transactions as we understand not only the law, but a lot about cultural differences,” says Junnila. “Let’s say there is a Middle Eastern client preparing a transaction with a Finnish company, and the Finnish representative seems exceedingly quiet. In this case, I can assure the Middle Eastern client that it’s not a bad thing at all; it can actually mean that the Finn is very content with how things are going, and there really is no need to panic.”

On 1 May 2009, Grundberg Mocatta Rakison LLP, a 26-lawyer strong Londonbased law firm, merged with 900-lawyer McGuireWoods LLP, while also gaining Grundberg Mocatta Rakison’s partner, Finnish Jura Junnila. With solid experience in international cross-border mergers and acquisitions as well as finance transactions, Junnila has keenly taken on the new challenges that have followed the merger as well as embracing the new, even more international prospects of future transactions. Equipped with a Finnish law degree, Jura Junnila tells Scan Magazine that it has been a long journey to his current position as a partner and solicitor at an American firm practising English law in London. “Considering London’s role as one of the truly major financial and business centres of the world, the kind of transactions we get to work with here are not something that happens every day in Finland,” he explains. “And it is harder for foreigners to get to the top here; you have to work hard and adapt to the local game, but one advantage is that the Helsinki Law School education is good in giving the right prerequisites for finding solutions in any environment.” Having previously worked in Finland, Sweden, UK and Latvia, and finally finding his way back to London again (after a call

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Jura Junnila

from Anders Grundberg eight and a half years ago), Junnila has gathered the right kind of experience to work with transactions in Europe (especially the Nordics and the UK), Russia and Central Asia. This is also of great advantage to McGuireWoods, as one of the key motivators for the merger was to combine with lawyers who have knowledge of Europe, its legal procedures as well as customs, and to create a platform for its international expansion and a capability to serve its US clients outside US borders as well.

As a consequence of his Nordic education, Junnila possesses the necessary resolution to tackle international issues as well as holding extensive knowledge of Nordic laws. “At McGuireWoods, I get to deal with bigger international clients, and people are now often coming directly to us with new assignments,” he adds. Accordingly, the merger has further increased their London office’s cross-border capabilities, whereby McGuireWoods is able to meet the demand of its global clients by successfully operating on a truly international level.

For further information, please visit: www.mcguirewoods.com

Scan Business | Conference of the Month | Sweden

Conference of the Month, Sweden:

Hjortseryd: a wild destination for a conference Hjortseryd is known as Scandinavia's southernmost wilderness. If you choose to organise your conference here, you will be in close proximity to exotic creatures such as mouflon, wild boar, red deer, roe deer, moose, and, of course, the beautiful natural surroundings of SmĂĽland. By Emelie Krugly Hill | Photos: Hjortseryd like this existed; the nature and the silence are breathtaking," is a usual comment, and Mette tells us about how some conference guests actually oversleep due to the stillness.

Hjortseryd, known for its spectacular nature and situated in the southwestern part of the county, opened its doors in 2009, aiming to be the very best conference venue of its kind. The provision of great services combined with local knowledge and listening skills are key factors behind the successful venue. We spoke to marketing manager Mette Kjems, born and bred in Denmark, who spent all her childhood summers in the area and moved to the area permanently in 2009. "Hjortseryd is magical," she says. "Most of the staff here were born in the area and have a unique local knowledge. We are proud of our location and natural surroundings, and whether it's hunting or fishing, our nature guides know the finest woods and waters for these pursuits. Fur-

thermore, the food you'll enjoy during your stay with us is entirely local produce and butchered on the estate." Mette and her colleagues welcome companies from all over the world; Chinese and American guests have, for example, been astounded by the beauty of Hjortseryd. "We simply didn't know that places

"We only accept one conference group at a time, so if you are also looking for that exclusivity, you have come to the right place," says Kjems. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Experiencing 2,000 hectares of wilderness on your doorstep is something that you will remember for a long time." Hjortseryd is open all year around and also welcomes private parties; there are also a number of traditional cottages on the land for rent. For more information, please visit: www.hjortseryd.se

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 91

Conference of the Month, Denmark:

Spa, beautiful nature, easy access and efficiency: Comwell Kellers Park ticks all the boxes Located right by Vejle fjord, Comwell Kellers Park conference and spa hotel offers not just an inspiringly beautiful but also modern and luxurious location for any convention. The hotel opened as Denmark’s first five-star conference and spa hotel just three years ago, and its combination of top modern spa and meeting facilities has hit the trend spot on. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Comwell Kellers Park

“Our brand is relatively new, but we already have companies from all over the world, as well as major Danish companies such as Vestas and Lego, among our clients,” explains hotel director Flemming Jakobsen. Modernity in harmony with history Just 45 minutes from Billund Airport, the

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tranquillity of the surroundings of the stunning 19th century palace which houses Comwell Kellers Park is amazing. “Kellers Park is perfect for companies who want the peace and space to think creatively, a place where they will not be disturbed by noise and people coming in and out all the time. But at the same time, they will not be in a desert; the location

Scan Business | Conference of the Month | Denmark

also allows for strategic planning,” stresses Jakobsen. Before opening the hotel, the historic whitewashed and red-tiled palace was thoroughly renovated, and to create the best possible framework in which to relax, sleep and work, all 104 rooms were equipped with Wi-Fi, B&O TV and highquality Hästens beds. As well as renovating the original buildings, additional structures were added to the hotel making room for extensive modern conference facilities. In total, the hotel comprises nine conference rooms with room for 9-200 people, and seven meeting rooms all available with the newest IT equipment and with professional technical assistance.

use the spa to wind down. When they are here, the rumour of the spa and the word that ‘you have to try it’, usually spreads quickly between the conference participants,” says Jakobsen. Apart from the free saunas, pools and spectacular outdoor hot tub overlooking Vejle fjord, the spa offers a wide range of pampering possibilities, such as massages, scrubs and hot stone treatments. But the spa is far from all that the hotel has on offer for those looking for diversions between or after meetings. “Of course we are right by the waterside, but we are also surrounded by forest. And in the back garden, we have an 18-hole golf course, so it’s not just a hotel, but a golf resort as well,” explains Jakobsen. Try something different

Five-star relaxation The new additions to the hotel also created space for Comwell Kellers Park’s modern five-star Aqua spa, which made the hotel Denmark’s only five-star hotel with a fully integrated spa. Entrance to the atmospheric spa is free to all guests staying overnight – an offer that is very popular, not only with the hotel’s many weekend guests. “A lot of company guests

The spa and golf course offer many great opportunities for different kinds of group activities, which will make sure that participants remember their visit for a long time. “We can keep around 100 people active at a time in the spa doing aqua fitness, aroma therapy in the sauna or yoga therapy,” says Jakobsen. “It is a really good way to get together. If you start out with an hour of yoga for instance, you will find

that probably 85 per cent have never done yoga before, and there will be a lot of laughter and fun. People will have a lot to talk about, and it is much better than just hanging in the bar where people might not remember all the fun they had,” he jokes. Besides the hotel’s regular spa and fitness facilities, Kellers Park also offers a special kind of gym class in the morning, which, when the weather is good, takes place outside and starts before breakfast. If guests wish for even more vigorous and adventurous activities, the hotel can also arrange for guests to go boat racing or quad bike riding and, of course, for those longing for a bit of city life, Vejle town is just a ten minute bus or train ride away. “The inner city of Vejle has one of the best shopping streets in Jutland; everything is located at the centre around the canals – it is very charming,” says Jakobsen. So whether you are looking for stunning nature, easy access, spa indulgence, charming city life or just modern efficiency, Kellers Park could be the place for you. For more information, please visit: www.comwellkellerspark.dk

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 93

Conference of the Month, Finland:

Hanasaari – an island filled with culture, business and pleasure Hanasaari is an enchanting place located in the midst of the beautiful Finnish archipelago, yet only a few minutes’ drive from Helsinki city centre. A convenient conference venue with a top-quality in-house restaurant and a maritime hotel, all under one roof – Hanasaari is a place where culture meets trade and leisure. By Inna Allen | Photos: Hanasaari

The Hanasaari Cultural Centre is a distinctive and well-maintained building decorated with plenty of contemporary art from Sweden, Finland and other Nordic countries. The art collection has been expanded over the years, often with works by artists who have held exhibitions at the venue.

Hanasaari’s foundations are rooted in Finland’s and Sweden’s shared history and hence it is an apt location for the Hanasaari Swedish-Finnish Cultural Centre. A non-profit organisation that promotes and develops interaction between Finland and Sweden, the centre provides courses, seminars and workshops, along with movie nights, art exhibitions, concerts and other events where Sweden and Finland meet. Enjoy the high-quality conference, hotel and restaurant services

By Artist Kaarina Kaikkonen

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Hanasaari is well renowned for its expertise in arranging training events, business occasions and international conferences. Auditorium Astrid, congress hall Aleksis and eight other meeting rooms provide ample space that can easily be

modified to meet various needs. The two main meeting rooms feature professional simultaneous interpreting equipment and a qualified meeting technician is at your disposal for technical questions. Due to its beautiful location Hanasaari is also a popular place for private functions, such as cocktail parties and wedding receptions. Restaurant Johannes serves delicious locally produced food and fresh Nordic flavours in a beautiful setting offering unique maritime views over the serene Finnish archipelago. The restaurant and its adjoining cabinet can serve approximately 240 seats and in the summer, the terrace creates a perfect spot for enjoying refreshments. “Restaurant Johannes is participating in a special programme to promote modern Scandina-

Scan Business | Conference of the Month | Finland

vian food, focusing on crisp and healthy Nordic ingredients,” says hotel manager Ari Vilkki. “We wish to increase awareness of this geographic area on the culinary map. With us you can experience the Finnish cuisine and try out new flavours.” Hotel Hanasaari features 61 calm and spacious rooms, which are decorated in a light Scandinavian style providing stunning sea views. A good night’s sleep can be enjoyed in these peaceful settings whether you travel for business or pleasure. Although just minutes from the city’s hustle and bustle, the calmness of the surrounding nature and the cleanness of the hotel make Hanasaari a unique place to stay, highly popular with visitors. The reception is open 24 hours and provides a friendly accommodating service. Hotel guests can take advantage of the free WiFi and car parking facilities, and the ample breakfast buffet is included in the room price. “Guests are made to feel very welcome and it is genuinely important to us to make your stay a success,” emphasises Vilkki. A Finnish hotel would not be complete without a sauna – Hotel Hanasaari features two relaxing wooden saunas, along with a swimming pool adorned with stunning views over the archipelago. Hotel guests can enjoy the morning sauna free of charge. The sauna department Reino, featuring a comfortable relaxation area that can accommodate up to 35 guests, is also available for private use by prior booking. Explore the beautiful seaside nature Due to its magnificent position beside the Baltic Sea, Hanasaari is great for exploring the surroundings on foot. You can also try out the popular Nordic walking or cycle to the Helsinki city centre or Tapiola, the modern garden city - all within a few kilometres’ distance. The reception staff will be happy to lend you a bike, Nordic walking poles or even a fishing rod. If you are a nature-lover, Hanasaari’s own nature guide, Hanaflora, will help you learn more about the vegetation and get to know the island and its beautiful surroundings better.

Hanasaari Cultural Centre is served by all buses operating along the Länsiväylä motorway from Helsinki. The trip takes approximately five minutes from Kamppi Bus Station. Distance to the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is about 16 kilometres. Hanasaari Hanasaarenranta 5, 02100 Espoo, Finland

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

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 95

Scan Business | Column | Tax

Residence and domicile – an ongoing consultation process By Helena Whitmore, McGuireWoods London LLP | Photo: Yiannis Katsaris

Since my last column, HM Treasury and HM Revenue & Customs (“HMRC”) have issued two consultation documents relevant to the international community in the UK. The first document discusses a proposed new statutory definition of tax residence. This is welcome, because if the question of residence is unclear, it is impossible for the taxpayer to work out how he or she should be taxed. The second document relates to proposed reforms to the remittance basis (the tax system available to taxpayers who are non-UK domiciled). Several suggestions made in this document are also helpful. Comments on both consultation documents are requested by 9 September 2011. Some changes may well be made before the new rules come into effect from 6 April 2012, but it is useful to look at the proposals now. The documents are available at: www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/consult_condoc_statutory_residence.pdf and www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/consult _condoc_non_domicile_individuals.pdf. On the question of residence, the current uncertainty arises because there is no clear definition of residence, and the rules are based on a combination of case law and HMRC guidance. The proposal is to introduce a statutory residence test, made up of three parts. Part A deals with factors which conclusively mean that the individual is regarded as not resident in the UK. Part B looks at factors which make the individual resident in the UK. Part A takes precedence over Part B if both are relevant. If neither Part A nor Part B applies, Part C contains a list of connection factors to the UK which must be reviewed in order

96 | Issue 33 | September 2011

to decide if the individual is resident or not. Proposed non-residence factors in Part A include: being non-resident in the previous three tax years and spending less than 45 days in the UK in the current tax year; or resident in one or more of the previous three years and in the UK fewer than ten days in the current year; or working full time abroad, in the UK for fewer than 90 days in the tax year and spending no more than 20 days working in the UK in the tax year. Residence factors in Part B include: being present in the UK for 183 days or more in the tax year; or having only one home and that home is in the UK (or several homes all in the UK); or working full time in the UK. The proposed Part C connection factors look at the following: where family members live; accommodation available in the UK; substantive work in the UK; presence in the UK in previous years; and whether or not the individual spends more time in the UK than in any other single country. The connection factors then need to be combined with the number of days spent in the UK to work out if the individual is resident or not. The day count rules and the number of connection factors needed to be a UK resident are different for “arrivers” and “leavers”. The remittance basis consultation document proposes to raise the Remittance Basis Charge to £50,000 for remittance basis users who have been resident in the UK for 12 years or more out of the previous 14 tax years. The charge will remain at £30,000 for those who have been resident for 7 years or more.

Helena Whitmore

On the positive side, there will be a new exemption from tax on remittances made for commercial investments in UK business. There are various proposed conditions for the exemption, but there is no limit on the amount which can be invested as the aim is to encourage investment and help UK businesses.

Further information is available on HMRC’s website www.hmrc.gov.uk, or by contacting the writer. This column is intended to provide information of general interest to the public and is not intended to offer legal advice about specific situations or problems.

Helena Whitmore McGuireWoods London LLP (hwhitmore@mcguirewoods.com).

Scan Business | News | Chambers of Commerce

Danish-UK Chamber of Commerce Annual Christmas Lunch on 9 December 2011

this is a Danish inspired Christmas Lunch, including everything from traditional Danish specialties to raffle games, it is also considered a commercial networking opportunity with around 100 - 150 participants from the Anglo-Danish business community. The DUCC would like to encourage all of its members and friends to mark their calendars and make this their annual Christmas Lunch. Please call or email the DUCC office to secure your seat.

To follow up on tradition and the success of last year, DUCC will once again host a Christmas Lunch, and, as always, it will be a definite explosion of Christmas spirit, joyful people, lovely food and, of course, a raffle game packed with fun surprises. We have made sure to acquire the best location in central London at the Hyatt Regency London Hotel, where the striking Ball Room will accommodate us. Surrounded by beautifully decorated tables, this is the perfect place and occasion to meet new people and expand networks. Many of our members also use this occasion to have their own Christmas Lunch by booking tables for colleagues and clients. Although

UPCOMING EVENTS 2011 Joint Nordic London Stock Exchange Event “East Meets West” 29 Sept Investor Seminar /ICT 29 Sept Nordic Thursday Drinks 15 Sept

Danish-UK Chamber of Commerce | Phone: +44 (0) 20 7259 6795 | Email: info@ducc.co.uk | www.ducc.co.uk

Norwegian-British Chamber of Commerce This autumn there is plenty to look forward to in the Norwegian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) event calendar! The chamber represents more than thirty different sectors, and the networking and topical event offerings reflect this. In early September, the Norwegian-British Chamber of Commerce will be present at the Offshore Europe Conference in Aberdeen, where the chamber also hosts a seminar and networking event. On 15 September, there will be a Joint-Nordic London Stock Exchange event where members and friends of the NBCC are invited to a seminar on the flow of Sovereign Wealth Fund capital from East to West. On the 22 September, the NBCC hosts an event in cooperation with chamber partner ‘SuperOffice’, who specialise in smart CRM solutions. As usual, there will also be Nordic Thursday drinks on the last Thursday of the month. This time, the

Woods. Both members and non-members of the Chamber are very welcome to join in on the celebrations! For more information about NBCC and upcoming events, visit www.nbccuk.com

drinks will take place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in central London. On 27 September, the chamber invites members and associates to the much anticipated official launch of the new NBCC logo and website! The event will be hosted by chamber member, law firm McGuire-

UPCOMING EVENTS 2011 15 Sept Joint Nordic London Stock Exchange Event 22 Sept SuperOffice Event 27 Sept New NBCC website and logo launch 29 Sept Nordic Thursday Networking Drinks at Hyatt Regency Hotel 6 Oct Cross-cultural Networking: How to make it work for you. 12 Oct Financial Evening with DnB NOR Luxembourg Private Banking and Chief Economist, Øystein Dørum, ‘The Global Outlook: From Financial Crisis to Debt Crisis’

Norwegian-British Chamber of Commerce | Phone: +44 (0) 20 7930 0181 | Email: info@nbccuk.com | www.nbccuk.com

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 97

Scan Busines | News | Chambers of Commerce

Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK After a successful night aboard the RS Hispanola, filled with crayfish, colourful hats, singing and dancing, the Swedish Chamber of Commerce is filled with energy for yet another eventful and stimulating autumn. On 14 September, Dr Amlan Roy, responsible for Global Demographics and Pensions Research at Credit Suisse Investment Bank in London, will give his take on the demographics of the real world and its effects on business. Our annual Humberside event will feature Göran Dandanell, Chairman, GRE Invest, as guest speaker, as part of the “Renewing the Humber Conference”. On 28 September, business strategist Andy Lopata is back to help us develop successful referrals strategies. And the following week, on 5 October, Paul Holmes, The Holmes Group, will speak on the topic of PR and why it is important to your business.

The autumn will continue with topics such as fashion, industry, life science, export and much more, so you can be sure to find something that catches your interest. The Swedish Chamber of Commerce is an expert in business networking and the promotion of Sweden and today works actively with 400 companies; if you would like to know how we could work with your company, please have a look at www.scc.org.uk or contact the Secretariat on 020 7224 8002.

UPCOMING EVENTS 2011 14 Sept A Demographic perspective of the real world 17 Sept JCC Crayfish Party 19 Sept JCC Entrepreneurship Forum: New Media Technology 21 Sept Humber Chapter Dinner with guest speaker Göran Dandanell, GRE Invest 22 Sept Renewing the Humber Conference 28 Sept How to develop a successful referrals strategy 30 Sept JCC After Work at Amika 05 Oct Why PR? 08 Oct The Swedish Chamber at The Scandinavia Show 13 Oct A look at the next generation of the Swedish fashion industry More events will be listed on www.scc.org.uk

Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK | Phone: +44 (0) 20 7224 8001 | Email: info@scc.org.uk | www.scc.org.uk

Finnish-British Chamber of Commerce To celebrate the end of the summer, FBCC organized a ‘Very British Garden Party’ together with the British and Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce at the British Embassy in Helsinki. Guests enjoyed the evening with Pimm’s, fish & chips, the Best of Britain fashion show, jazz music and a speech by HM Ambassador Matthew Lodge. Hopefully you are all very much looking forward to getting back to business, and there is really no better way to do it than attending one of our events this autumn. We will kick off the events again on 25 August with the Nordic Networking Drinks at Radisson BLU, and from there on the months ahead start looking very busy and very interesting indeed! The annual Joint Nordic Event at London Stock Exchange will take place on 15 Sept, the topic of which is East meets West. Sov-

ereign Wealth Fund capital is flowing East to West. Global corporations are looking West to East in attracting this funding. This event will look at key drivers Matti Alahuhta, CEO of KONE as to why this is, what is happening and what is expected. On 28 September, we have the pleasure of welcoming the CEO of KONE, Matti Alahuhta, as a guest speaker at our networking event. KONE was founded 100 years ago and has often been described as the first international company from Finland.

The story of KONE, famous for its extraordinary history and for its ongoing growth, will definitely be one worth listening to, so please mark this date in your calendars. FBCC attracted various new companies to join in the first half of 2011; to find out more about how we can make a difference to your business, please contact us info@fbcc.co.uk. UPCOMING EVENTS 15 Sept East meets West – Joint Nordic Event at LSE 22 Sept Renewing the Humber Conference 22 Sept Nordic Networking Drinks 28 Sept CEO of KONE, Matti Alahuhta, at FBCC networking event 6 Oct Pekka Viljakainen, “NO FEAR” – Leadership in the Age of Digital Cowboys

Finnish-British Chamber of Commerce | Phone: +44 (0) 20 8741 6352 | Email: events@fbcc.co.uk | www.fbcc.co.uk

98 | Issue 33 | September 2011

Scan Business | Column | Rasmus Ankersen

Perfection is worth striving for Column by Rasmus Ankersen

In an article in the New York Times in 2006, entitled â&#x20AC;?Federer as Religious Experienceâ&#x20AC;?, David Foster Wallace describes how the Swiss tennis phenomenon Roger Federer, in a semi-final match at Wimbledon against Jonas BjĂśrkman, not only beat the Swede, but destroyed him. At the press conference after the match, BjĂśrkman says he was pleased to â&#x20AC;&#x153;have had the best seat in the houseâ&#x20AC;? to watch the Swiss â&#x20AC;&#x153;play the nearest to perfection you can play tennisâ&#x20AC;?. After reading this article, I thought: What really drives Roger Federer? At this point in 2006, he is the player to win the most prizes ever, and there are more points from number 1 (Federer) to number 2 on the world rank, than from number 2 to the last one. Where does that kind of hunger to keep going come from? I believe Federer masters the same discipline as athletes like Haile Gebrselassie, Michael Jordan, Cristiano Ronaldo and Tiger Woods. They continue to do every-

thing it takes even though they have won time and time again, earned piles of money and masses of prestige. They have reached a level where perfection is more important than winning. It is a kind of performance idealism. Just take Tiger Woods, who in 2001, while at his very best, broke down his swing in order to rebuild it. He could easily have remained tremendously successful on the same track, but he chose to take one step backwards to give himself the opportunity of perhaps taking two steps forward. This commitment to never-ending improvement and to seeing the goals they achieve as a beginning and not a conclusion is what characterises those who manage to stay at the top not just in the world of sport, but also in business. Take a company like LEGO, today three times as profitable as their worst competitor. They have outdistanced the competition by many lengths. They no longer need to beat

the competition. They must beat themselves. Perfection is an unattainable standard, but it is worth striving for, and to continue to strive for. Rasmus Ankersen Bestselling author, motivational speaker and advisor for world-class athletes and businesses around the world. Read more: www.rasmusankersen.com

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Scan Magazine | News

Nordea celebrates 30-year jubilee in Spain

the private banking activities of Nordea Bank S.A in Luxembourg.

CEO, Jhon Mortensen

On 23 September, Nordea celebrates its 30year presence in Spain. The representative office in Fuengirola was established in 1981.

Nordea Bank S.A. was established in Luxembourg in 1976 and is the leading Nordic pan-European banking entity in Luxembourg and Switzerland. The company serves a wide spectrum of international clients with its 400 employees. Nordea has also created a strong market position within investment funds and private wealth management, with a total of EUR 191 billion in assets under management. Nordea Bank S.A. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Nordea Group, the largest financial institution in the Nordic and Baltic

By Johanne Sofie Nygaard

Sea regions. At first the Fuengirola office reported to the bank of Copenhagen, this was later changed to Luxembourg, since when it has remained an important part of

Despite the crisis in the financial services industry, Nordea has managed to reflect a vast commitment to private banking clients. John Mortensen, CEO of Nordea Bank in Luxembourg, strongly believes in establishing long-term relationships with the clients: “It takes time to develop the relationships we seek with our clients and their families, and we are firmly committed for the long term in this regard. We would like our clients in Spain to still be with us in 20 years’ time, and we look forward to welcoming their children into the Nordea fold.”

Danish conductor to lead BBC orchestra

Whiteout at London Design Festival

Danish Thomas Søndergård is to take over the role as Principal Conductor of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. The 42-year-old Dane will take over the job from Swiss Thierry Fischer in September 2012, starting out as Principal Conductor Designate immediately.

For the first time The Cabinetmakers’ Autumn Exhibition is taking an entire exhibition to the UK when fronting the magnificent work of the Danish furniture association Whiteout.

By Johanne Sofie Nygaard

Thomas Søndergård

Søndergård, who is one of the finest new Scandinavian conductors, is currently Principal Conductor and Musical Adviser of the Norwegian Radio Orchestra. He made his debut with BBC National Orchestra of Wales in the 2009/10 season to critical acclaim. “Forget Scandinavian cool, Søndergård is hot-blooded... His dynamic approach was very much to the liking of the BBC NOW players, who willingly turned up the heat in response," commented Rian Evans in the Guardian, 4 December 2009. Søndergård also noted the special connection saying: "My debut with BBC NOW in December 2009 was an amazing moment for me, and I retain a vivid memory of the players' involvement and sheer enthusiasm from the very first note. It is encounters with such musicians, eager to join me in finding a common path to the heart of the music, which remind me why I love to make music. From the outset, I felt a close rapport with this dedicated ensemble and am immensely honoured to have been invited to become its next musical leader,” says Søndergård. Søndergård will open the 2011/12 Cardiff season with the Orchestra on 16 September 2011 at St David's Hall; tickets are available from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales Audience Line on 0800 052 1812.

100 | Issue 33 | September 2011

Photo: Thomas Ibsen

By Signe Hansen

London Design Festival will showcase the exhibition consisting of 38 new chairs, centring on a white colour theme. With reference to the weather phenomenon in which snow, fog or mist leads to reduced visibility, the exhibition demonstrates excellent craftsmanship and an impressive innovative take on furniture design. The Cabinetmakers’ Autumn Exhibition is an association of Danish furniture manufactures and designers. The purpose of their work is to annually stage an exhibition of new and experimental furniture types with strong practical and artistic qualities. Talented Danish designers here team up to set innovation free and work from a non-profitorientated agenda. Thomas Alken, chairman of Cabinetmakers’ Autumn Exhibition, is looking forward to adding value to the internationally renowned Danish design legacy: “The festival is an excellent opportunity to showcase our work to the world’s leading design and furniture audience, and it offers a perfect follow up to the Whiteout exhibition in Tokyo earlier this year.” The exhibition is proudly organised by The Royal Danish Embassy and The Cabinetmakers’ Autumn Exhibition at the Drill Hall Depot on Brompton Road in London, 19-25 September. The embassy’s cultural attaché Lone Britt Molly says: “We are very pleased to present this exhibition in London, as the city is one of the world’s most prominent design centres.” Please visit www.snedkernesefteraarsudstilling.dk for more details.

Scan Magazine | Columns | Humour

IS IT JUST ME...

By Mette Lisby

Who secretly was relieved when the final Harry Potter movie premiered? Thus ending the Harry Potter fever after a mere 83 films! Yes, I admit to the slight exaggeration, but I figure if you are into boys flying on broomsticks, fighting evil magicians, you are generally pretty open to the concept of stretching reality. The Harry Potter madness swept the World for more than a decade. It has had a significant impact on several generations, who have meanwhile become teenagers or even young adults. An enormous number of 6–22 year olds have all at some point in their lives wanted to control the airspace with a broomstick. Take my kid brother, exposed to the Potter mania for the large part of his life. At the age of 12 he now owns no less than 4 broomsticks in various flashy designs. Add to that the countless capes, magic wands, Lego’s, board games, stickers and playing cards – all in the

Small talk I grew up in a part of the world where people aren’t overly fussed about small talk (or talking) to the point where sucking in air through your pursed lips is a sufficient replacement for the word ‘yes’. Soon after moving to England, I realised that this kind of attitude wouldn’t do. The majority of learning that I did at English school had little to do with maths and science and more to do with decoding the unwritten rules of English teenagers. It all started at the school gates: girls would shriek a ritual sentence to each other that sounded a bit like ‘HYAAAH! YAAAAAIGH?’ By the way the second noise went up at the end, I realised this was a question, usually answered with: ‘YAAAAAIGH!’ which in this instance served as an answer. After a few weeks, I realised the words were ‘Hiya!’ and ‘Are you all right?’ After a further few weeks, I came to understand that even though ‘are you all right’ is technically a question, you’re not expected to answer this in any kind of literal way. You are always all right. Even if you have just lost a

Harry Potter-esque layout or design. Numerous hats, a wide collection of magic kit sets. Not to mention all the spectacles. And that’s just one child! One in millions of kids worldwide, infatuated with the Potter craze. Basically this means that all over the World attics, basements and garages are bursting with Harry Potter related toys. Had this not stopped, future generations would be dragging around their stash of Harry Potter merchandise when they moved house! Loved-up couples would have embarked on the relationship each with their Harry Potter storage, and moving in together they would have had to put aside a separate detached guesthouse just for that!! With the end of The Potter reign, they can finally get rid of it. And we can go back to a time where

children aspire to be a variety of things, and not all dream of being a bespectacled orphan/magician. I am optimistic! Recently I asked my cousin’s 3 year old what he wanted to be when he grew up. His answer came promptly: “I want to be as fat as my Dad.” Now THAT is an ambition we can all relate to. Mette Lisby is Denmark’s leading female comedian. She invites you to laugh along with her monthly humour columns. Since her stand-up debut in 1992, Mette has hosted the Danish versions of “Have I Got News For You” and “Room 101”.

By Maria Smedstad

nothing that puts a British person more at ease than a socially functioning human. Except for a socially functioning human with a sense of humour. Which is a good thing, seeing as what generally follows ‘are you all right’ is a comment about the British weather – a topic where humour is often greatly appreciated.

leg, you are still all right as far as your answer is concerned. In fact ‘are you all right’ is not a question at all. For me, once I learned the appropriate use of this phrase, it became a way of showing that I am a socially functioning human. And there is

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

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 101

102 | Issue 33 | September 2011

September. Photo: Patric Ullaeus/revolver.se

Scan Magazine | Music & Culture | Scandinavia on your stereo

Scandinavia on your stereo (part 2) In the August issue of Scan Magazine, I took a look at the considerable extent to which Scandinavia is making its mark on pop music all over the world. In a nutshell: Scandinavian songwriters and producers are behind a disproportionately large number of pop tunes that you hear on the radio. And it is Scandinavian talent that American and British record labels are looking to, when harvesting surefire hits for their pop acts. By Karl Batterbee

But how has this relatively small territory managed to become such a big player? What makes Scandinavian rhythms and melodies so desirable to the rest of the world? Well there is no scientific answer of course, but it is a trend extraordinary enough to merit some investigation. So I figured I would ask around with some of the experts, and get their opinions on it, to see if they could make sense of it all. So where to start? Why not at the top? ABBA! I had the fortune, luxury and great luck to meet Benny Andersson from Abba, backstage at one of his orchestra’s gigs this summer. A handshake and a hello would have been more than enough to fulfil a childhood dream, but it actually turned into an informal chat. So I seized the opportunity to get his view on this worldwide obsession with Scandinavian song. “It’s quite amazing,” he concurs. ”Maybe it’s becoming something of a tradition here. If somebody is in the frontline, like we were from the beginning of the seventies, then I think everybody realises that it’s possible. That even if you’re from a small country like Sweden – if you really make a go for it, and you work your ass off, then something might happen. Maybe that’s it.” He is then quick to give the Scandinavians credit for their natural born flare with music though: “And also that we have good ears in Sweden!” More realistically though, Benny puts it down to good old-fashioned labour: “Lots of people have spent a lot of time trying to create good records, and that’s what counts I think. The more time you spend, and if you have some talent, at the end of the

day, something good is going to come out of it. I think so, anyway.” And who could argue with credentials such as his? While the American charts and radio airwaves are ruled by Scandinavian composed and produced pop, however, there is still a huge absence of hits that are actually fronted by Scandinavian artists. In fact, in the last decade, only one Swedish artist has surpassed half a million sales of a single in the US – September, with Cry For You. So I asked the lady herself what her thoughts were on the fact that her fellow-country folk succeed so well when it comes to the actual writing of music. “In Scandinavia, we are raised with lots of music, and we have a lot of music schools and music teachers too. And they were like, ‘ok, you have to play an instrument, which instrument do you want to play?’ And it’s all free, and anyone can take part, and it’s very trendy too.” She also recognises that, as with a lot of things in Scandinavia, the weather and climate play a big part in the music making process. “We don’t have anything else to do in Sweden, because it’s always so cold. Because we are inside, we are working lots with music all the time.” Well that is one stripped down and logical way of looking at things, I guess. You really cannot question that incomprehensibly harsh Scandinavian winter period! What are the thoughts from the man behind the majority of these hits that I speak of though? Max Martin was responsible for the biggest singles of Britney Spears

and Backstreet Boys in the late nineties, Kelly Clarkson and P!nk in the midnoughties, and Katy Perry and Ke$ha today. In an interview with popjustice.com, he spoke about what people assume is the case when he is crafting the elusive super hit – versus the actual reality of his situation. “I hear a lot of things about me, because I’ve done the things that I’ve done, like the Britneys and the Backstreets, and that’s considered ‘lightweight’ or whatever you want to call it, but people think I’m business minded. I would say I’m not. I think that the minute you start thinking like that is the minute the songs suffer. I try to make the songs as good as I can – the way I like it, you know? And I guess my taste sometimes happens to be what other people, particularly radio programmers, like too.” He also, somewhat bewilderingly, attempts to convince us how easy it actually is. “Let me put it this way – song writing and producing is 99% about confidence. To me it is, anyway. When you don’t have confidence, you don’t write good stuff. And over the years I’ve begun to feel that, well, I kind of know how to write a song now. So I’m not worried. And once you’re past that you’re at least halfway there.” And we guess that makes up the secret recipe of the pop hit that the Scandinavians have been mastering and harbouring all this time. First you have to lock yourself away indoors during that long winter. Then you have really got to convince yourself that you can do it. And finally, as Benny Andersson so pragmatically puts is – you work your butt off!

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 103

Scan Magazine | Culture | From Bolt to Axe

From Bolt to Axe – the death of a Scandinavian myth By Lars Tharp

Polishing it with my tummy, I was still small enough to lie among the pens and paraphernalia of my grandfather’s great oak desk, when morfar read me stories from his old red and gold bound gothic edition of H. C. Andersen. But as vivid as Andersen’s were, morfar’s own boyhood tales from the 1890s, from his father’s farm in Bellinge, a few miles south of Andersen’s Odense (the city named after Odin, chief of the Norse gods), were just as wonderful. Odin (unlike his Mediterranean equivalents Zeus and Jove) felt thundering was beneath him, so he got his son to do it: crashing through the skies in his two-goat chariot, Thor walloped out thunderclaps with his mighty hammer Mjollnir. Throughout Europe and Asia, it was widely believed that lightning and thunderclaps signalled, meteor-like, a falling thunderbolt, a dart of divine displeasure, and that wherever the lightning strikes there lands the thunderstone (Norway: toresten, Sweden: thorennvigg, Denmark: tordensten, Iceland: skruggustein). Hurled from on high, such missiles were collected for their magical powers. In 1911, the antiquarian Christian Blinkenberg published his Scandinavian/world anthology of thunderstone myths, listing consistent beliefs in the stones’ powers, including: - protection against thunder, lightning and fire - a cure for horses’ nightmares - in Norway, it was believed these bolts were evidence of the gods hurling missiles at unruly trolls - ground to a powder (like kaolin and morphine but without the kick), taken as a medicine, for beast and man Today, of course, we know that the notion of a thunderstone is pure claptrap: almost all are prehistoric artefacts (mostly Neolithic axes) along with occasional fossils,

104 | Issue 33 | September 2011

before the farmers of Scandinavia forsook their thunderstone beliefs.

Thor banishes Loki with a bolt from Mjollnir. Lorenz Frølich (1895).

A so-called Thunderstone - actually a Danish Neolithic part-polished axe head, c.1000 BC (unearthed Broholmgaard, Bellinge, Fyn).

In 1868, one old lady in Jutland wouldn’t hear of it; writes the antiquary trying to buy her polished Neolithic axe (which protected her four-poster bed from combustion): “It was impossible for me to get it. I explained to her that it was a tool from the stone age. No, it was a thunderstone [said she], and while they had one in the house the thunder would not strike it…” Back to my grandfather’s desk: the 3,000year-old flint axes discovered by Broholm brothers Hans and Knud in their Bellinge boyhood ended up as stylish paperweights. And 50 years later, as I sit at my own desk writing this piece (suitably on a Thursday, the day of Thor), I wistfully spin one of my grandfather’s axes - was this perhaps the coup de foudre which launched him into archaeology?

notably sea urchins (echinites) and protosquids (belemnites).

Postscript: In a Derbyshire village...

Earlier, in 1836, the great Danish antiquarian C. J. Thomsen proposed that Man had progressed from stone to bronze and then to iron-working technologies. Using this chronological model to display Denmark’s archaeological collections (in the future Nationalmuseum where my grandfather, H. C. Broholm, would later become curator), stone axes, correctly recognized as man-made, took their rightful place in the new scheme, though it was some time

In the 1980s, when taking photographs whilst conducting a fine art valuation in an ancient manor house, I discovered a maidservant cowering under the staircase. “Don’t let it get me!” she whimpered. I had been snapping photos in the adjoining room, and she had mistaken my photographic flashes for advancing bolts of lightning. Convinced an angry god had come to smite her, she had bolted for shelter. She had reverted to the Old Religion.

Lars Tharp

Lars Tharp is the BBC Antiques Roadshow’s only Dane. Lars was born in Copenhagen and educated in England. Emulating his Danish grandfather (Nordic Bronze Age Lur specialist H C Broholm), he studied the Old Stone Age at Cambridge University. But jobs for Palaeolithic archaeologists are scarce, so he joined Sotheby’s as a specialist in Chinese works of art, becoming a director and auctioneer with the firm and joining the Roadshow in 1986. Today, as well as broadcasting (and writing the occasional column for Scan Magazine), he runs his own art consultancy business (www.tharp.co.uk).

Scan Magazine | Music & Culture | Scandinavian Music

Scandinavian Music Three very diverse ladies are each bringing something quite exotic to the table this month. Sweden’s underground club scene has unearthed a new star: meet Gnucci Banana and her devilishly danceable new tune Famalam Jam. It’s a little bit like M.I.A. – after a few happy pills and the adoption of a more lighthearted attitude. Dancehall with a shameless nod to pop. It’s quite cool in that it blatantly wants to have approval from the young kids just as much as it wants to appeal to a more discerning

grownup listener. And I like that free-forall feeling of fun. As for the track itself, it’s good. Alarming on first play, but ever so enjoyable upon the second listen. A few years back when Robyn was becoming popular again, you may have noticed another Swedish electro pop Goddess on the scene, namely Isabel Guzman. Well, she disappeared for a while, but is now back and totally reinvented - as Wolf Box! With that reinvention comes a new single called Mirror Wisdom - a muted and atmospheric ballad. Although subtle as it may be, it still manages to grab you firmly, and doesn’t let go until long after the song has stopped playing. It’s haunting to the point of enlightenment, and an absolute beaut on top.

By Karl Batterbee

Norway’s X Factor has just produced its next star and its latest bona fide hit. The star is Gabrielle, and the hit is Ring Meg, a song which has just spent three weeks at the number 1 spot in the Norwegian singles chart. It’s an infectious summer tune. A little bit bizarre on the first listen, but upon further inspection it soon sinks in that you’re listening to a cracking little pop gem. If you’re looking for something to compare it to before you listen, think of the UK’s Jessie J. Less Do It Like A Dude though, and more Price Tag.

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

Esa-Pekka Salonen conducts Kullervo in the Philharmonia Orchestra season opener

The Philharmonia’s managing director David Whelton says Kullervo will form a fantastic opening to the season because of its sheer size: “The piece is rarely performed in the concert hall because of the number of people and instruments involved in Kullervo. Alongside Salonen, mezzo-soprano Monica Groop, baritone Jukka Rasilainen and Swedish male cho-

Photo: Clive Barda

will conduct a further six concerts at the Royal Festival Hall. Of these, Whelton especially recommends Duke Bluebeard’s Castle, the second of the two final concerts in the Infernal Dance series: “It will be a very dramatic, dark and atmospheric production of the opera, and visually it will be very different to anything produced by the Philharmonia before.”

The Philharmonia Orchestra starts its season with a big bang – on Sunday 25 September, Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall will be taken over by, not only an enormous orchestra, but also a male chorus, soloists and, not least, the world famous Finnish conductor EsaPekka Salonen. After a busy summer touring around Europe, Salonen will conduct Jean Sibelius’s choral symphony Kullervo, a five part piece that embodies the life of the hero of Finnish national epic Kalevala.

By Anni-Maria Sahala

rus Orphei Drängar – who also perform a free pre-concert recital – are starring to maintain Sibelius’s authentic sound world.” This is a unique opportunity to see Kullervo in London, as it is the first time the Philharmonia will perform it since 2001. Salonen has also been closely involved in programming the orchestra’s concerts for the rest of the season, and he

Whelton is certain Esa-Pekka Salonen’s concerts will stand out even in actionpacked London: “Concerts with EsaPekka are always among the ‘must see’ events in the capital, because he always aims to bring fresh or unusual perspectives to the music, whether it’s very contemporary works or traditional repertoire being performed.” Information and tickets for Kullervo and other concerts are available at www.philharmonia.co.uk or in the Box Office on 0800 652 6717.

Issue 33 | September 2011 | 105

Scan Magazine | Music & Culture | Culture Calendar

Scandinavian Culture Calendar – Where to go, what to see? It’s all happening here! Svarte Greiner at the Alpha-Ville Festival (22 Sept) Svarte Greiner is a dark, ambient project by Norwegian Erik K. Skodvin. He will perform his music, which he labels as “acoustic doom”, at this four-day festival of post-digital culture in East London. www.alpha-ville.co.uk

Esa-Pekka Salonen conducts Sibelius (25 Sept) A classical evening of music with Finnish conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen, mezzosoprano Monika Groop and bass-baritone Jukka Rasilainen. Royal Festival Hall, London, SE1. www.southbankcentre.co.uk

100 % Norway (22-25 Sept) 100 % Norway returns to the UK for this year's London Design Festival with a fresh selection of new works from Norwegian designers and interiors manufacturers. Earl’s Court Exhibition Centre, London, SW5. www.eco.co.uk

Von Hertzen Brothers (1 Oct) These Finnish brothers are back in London and will play their prog-related rock music at the Garage, London, N5. venues.meanfiddler.com/ the-garage/home

The Problem Comes First (22 Sept-5 Oct) This exhibition of design research projects is inspired by a famous Danish Design Council touring show from the 1980s. Royal College of Art, London, SW7. www.rca.ac.uk

By Sara Schedin

Von Hertzen Brothers

Jaakko Mattila (7 Oct–10 Dec) An exhibition featuring work by Finnish artist Jaakko Mattila, who works in the abstract with nature as his biggest inspiration. James Hockey & Foyer Galleries, University for the Creative Arts, Farnham. www.jaakkomattila.fi

Signmark at Sencity (8 Oct) Deaf Finnish rapper Signmark will play at the multi-sensory music event Sencity. The event aims to be fully inclusive for hearing, hard-of-hearing and deaf people. The O2, London, SE10. signmark.biz

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Scan Magazine | Music & Culture | Culture Calendar

The Scandinavia Show (8-9 Oct) The Scandinavia Show is the only UK show dedicated exclusively to showcasing the best of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland. The show incorporates Scandinavian design, travel, lifestyle, fashion, music, culture and food. Earls Court, Brompton Hall, London. www.scandinaviashow.co.uk

Photo: Yiannis Katsaris

Heidenfest (11 Oct) This year's Heidenfest features, among others, Finnish folk metal bands Finntroll and Turisias as well as the Norwegian band Trollfest. HMV Forum, London, NW5. www.heidenfest.eu

SCANDINAVIAN AUDITOR, ACCOUNTANT AND BUSINESS ADVISOR IN THE UK Krogh & Partners Ltd. can assist with the following services: • • • •

Audit / Accountancy Corporation Tax Personal Tax advisory Business advisory

www.kroghandpartners.com info@kroghandpartners.com Telephone +44 (0)207 256 8800

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