APRIL 2012 ISSUE 39 PROMOTING BRAND SCANDINAVIA
LEADING LADY BIRGITTE HJORT SØRENSEN ENJOY SUMMER IN SWEDEN AND DENMARK FISHING HOLIDAYS IN NORWAY THE BEST GOLF COURSES IN SCANDINAVIA
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Scan Magazine | Contents
Contents COVER FEATURE 8
8
Birgitte Hjort Sørensen
45
A West End musical, a hit TV drama and an upcoming film by double Palme D’or-winning director Bille August: just four years after graduating drama school, 30-year-old Birgitte Hjort Sørensen has managed to land leading roles in all of them.
58
SPECIAL THEMES 15
28
In Norway, fishing is in the blood; it is an essential part of the country’s history and livelihood. For sport fishermen in search of that 20kilo salmon catch or a meditative state of mind in unspoilt, dramatic landscapes, Norway ticks all the right boxes.
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Golf Scandinavia is a golf haven. It is all about the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you from the moment you step onto the golf course, whether it is lakes and classic Scandinavian forests, majestic mountains, fields of green as far as the eye can see, or rugged coastlines.
Summer in Denmark Whether you are looking for a lively city break, a relaxing chill-out on the beach or exciting cultural events, Denmark in the summer offers holiday experiences to suit every need.
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Helsinki Helsinki, as the World Design Capital 2012, is definitely at the focus of a lot of attention this year, and this is, of course, a perfect time to visit Finland’s capital.
Summer in Sweden While summer in Sweden is often short, it is also unbelievably sweet and beautiful. With long summer days and the midnight sun setting the mood, travellers can look forward to countless outdoor activities, fun festivals and plenty of other attractions.
Fishing in Norway & Seafood Restaurants
Møre og Romsdal Located in the northern part of western Norway, Møre og Romsdal is a diverse county, which boasts beautiful fjords, grand mountains, lively cities, and world-class activities and adventures.
REGULARS & COLUMNS 12 88
We Love This | 14 Fashion Diary | 76 Hotels of the Month | 81 Attractions of the Month Restaurants of the Month | 92 Humour | 104 Music & Culture | 107 Culture Calendar
Scan Business 69
REGULARS & COLUMNS
FEATURES
86 96
DTU Having hatched out thirteen years of MMT graduates (Master in Management of Technology), the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) today offers the leading Nordic executive MBA education in innovation & technology management, business development and personal leadership.
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Business Columns & News Key note, columns and news stories on Scandinavian businesses and business events.
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Conferences of the Month The best conference venues, events and congresses of the month.
103 Scandinavian Business Calendar Highlights of Scandinavian business events.
Issue 39 | April 2012 | 3
Scan Magazine | Editor’s Note
Dear Reader, For this month’s issue, we have really embraced the summer season, which is pretty much around the corner. Scandinavian summer always gets me excited; it’s one of my favourite things about the Nordic countries, as there is just so much to do and see during the warm months. While summer in Scandinavia might be brief, it is also very, very sweet and unique in so many ways. Turn to our Summer in Sweden and Summer in Denmark themes, to find a great selection of things you can do, places you should visit and tips on where you can stay this summer. You will find everything from classical music festivals to canal tours, history museums and science centres. There should be something for all tastes and preferences. A great way to spend your summer holidays, if you are a fishing enthusiast and have your eye on a monster catch, is to visit Norway on a fishing trip. We’ve put together a list of some of the best fishing destinations within Norway, as well as a few great seafood restaurants, if you’re not so keen on catching your salmon yourself.
Romsdal, and some great ways to spend your time while at these destinations, as well as golf courses in Scandinavia; we’ve chosen the cream of the crop just for you. The lovely Birgitte Hjort Sørensen is gracing our cover this time, and she is definitely making a name for herself in Denmark and abroad. Her role as Katrine Fønsmark in the internationally acclaimed Danish political drama Borgen, also shown on BBC Four, has made her a recognisable face in the UK as well. And her next role in Bille August’s much-anticipated Marie Krøyer will certainly cement her status as one of the hottest new actresses to come from Denmark.
Nia Kajastie Editor
Also included this month are smaller introductions to the World Design Capital 2012, Helsinki, and Norwegian county of Møre og
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Issue 39 | April 2012
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4 | Issue 39 | April 2012
M A G A Z I N E
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 fulltime 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. Sven Riis Houston has lived in Edinburgh for six years, having graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a BA in Journalism in 2009. He currently works as a freelance writer and media researcher, and has an unhealthy interest in football. Anette Berve is a Norwegian freelance journalist based in London. She has previously worked in Buenos Aires for a cultural newspaper and is currently finishing her degree in journalism and Spanish. Norwegian Didrik Ottesen is back living in London after a carefree time travelling around the world. He is currently doing his MA Journalism degree while also working as a freelance journalist and trying to play as much football as possible.
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Swedish Sara Schedin is a freelance writer with a degree in journalism from City University London. She moved here in 2006 and is currently 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. Ingrid Marie Holmeide came to London from Norway to study creative writing. She is currently working as a freelance writer and translator, while publishing her first novel.
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. 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. 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. Based in Copenhagen, Kirstine Trauelsen contributes to Scan Magazine as a freelance writer. She loves travelling and is especially devoted to music and theatre. Kirstine has a Master’s degree in history and rhetoric from the University of Copenhagen and works in communication and PR. Magnus Nygren Syversen is a Norwegian freelance journalist and feature writer, who graduated from Middlesex University with a BA in Journalism & Communication in 2010. Having left London and relocated to the other side of the world, he is currently doing his MA at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia.
Photo: Rolf Konow
Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Birgitte Hjort Sørensen
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Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Birgitte Hjort Sørensen Left: In 2007, straight out of drama school, Birgitte Hjort Sørensen starred as Roxie Hart in Det Ny Teater’s immensely popular adaption of Chicago. Her performance landed her the same role in London’s West End.
Birgitte Hjort Sørensen: From West End seductress to historic femme fatale A West End musical, a hit TV drama and an upcoming film by double Palme D’or-winning director Bille August: just four years after graduating, 30-year-old Birgitte Hjort Sørensen has managed to land leading roles in all of them. No wonder the pretty Dane sounds a little out of breath when Scan Magazine catches up with her. By Signe Hansen | Cover Photo: Bjarne Bergius Hermansen, DR
Ready for the sell-out musical Chicago to commence at the packed Cambridge Theatre, the unmistakably Danish name of one of the actresses caught my eye. It was 2008, and fresh out of drama school, the then just 26-year-old Birgitte Hjort Sørensen dazzled as the sly, sexy Roxie – one of the play’s two leads. Still, I am a little surprised when, four years later, I realise that my interviewee is the very same Birgitte. Today, she is best known for her role as Katrine Fønsmark in the internationally acclaimed drama series Borgen and has just finished filming for her title role in Bille August’s upcoming film Marie Krøyer. When I get Birgitte on the phone, she has just jumped off her bike outside her flat in Copenhagen’s bohemian Vesterbro neighbourhood. “I just need to lock it, then I will be there,” she says slightly out of breath. I have been lucky enough to catch the multifaceted actress on a short break before she starts filming the third season of DR’s drama Borgen. The Danish series, which recently finished its first season on BBC Four, has been sold to more than ten countries and, a bit unexpectedly, brought its cast to fame in and outside Denmark. “It was a big surprise. I don’t think that any of us ever imagined that
people outside of Denmark would want to watch something in Danish,” she laughs. “But we are thrilled, proud and amazed that people have taken to it.” In the series, Birgitte plays a dedicated and successful journalist struggling with conflicts between her personal and professional life. “The problems that we bring up in Borgen are somewhat universal; it is about what power does to people and how you combine your personal life with a highly demanding public life,” explains the actress, who has, although single and obviously not involved in the same scale of drama as her character, experienced a bit of turmoil herself. “I don’t think I struggle as much as she does,” she stresses. “But I can definitely feel a difference from when we started shooting and nobody knew who I was. Now a lot of people recognise me; it is not a problem, but I am a bit more aware of people.” A comforting hug from a legend The conflict between ambition and personal life was also a major cause of trouble in the life of the painter Marie Krøyer, whom Birgitte portrays in Bille August’s upcoming film of the same name. The film will be the first one filmed in Denmark by the director in 25 years, and, al-
though performing in front of London’s demanding West End audience just six months after graduating from drama school did not break the young actress’s nerves, Birgitte admits she did feel the adrenalin pumping when she first auditioned for probably Denmark’s most celebrated director. “The first time I met him was six months before we started shooting, and I was really nervous about the whole thing, because he is so legendary,” she recalls. “But the moment he saw me, he gave me a big hug and thanked me for coming to the audition, and I thought, wow, this is a great way to start. He is very sweet, and he treats everybody, not just the actors but the entire crew, with a lot of respect.” The challenge of having a nervous breakdown in three minutes
Marie Krøyer depicts the title character’s struggle to combine her own artistic career with a troublesome marriage to one of Denmark’s most talented painters, P.S. Krøyer, around the beginning of the last century. Staying true to the time and history without alienating a modern audience was, says Birgitte, one of the greatest challenges in her career, and the difficulty in capturing the light and colours recognisable in the artists’ paintings on
Issue 39 | April 2012 | 9
Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Birgitte Hjort Sørensen
Left: Birgitte has the title role in Bille August’s upcoming film Marie Krøyer. (Photo: Rolf Konow). Right: Birgitte's role as Katrine Fønsmark in the Danish hit series Borgen made her a familiar face in many homes in and outside Denmark. (Photos: Mike Kollöffel, DR)
film did not ease the process. “There was this one scene which we needed to shoot at the break of dawn; I had to have a complete breakdown, and it all had to happen within like three minutes - that sort of added some pressure.” But adapting and changing roles has never seemed to be a problem for the versatile actress, who first gained recognition in the role of Roxie Hart in the immensely successful Danish adaption of Chicago at Det Ny Teater in Copenhagen. Her performance also landed her the same role in London, but although the actress says playing Roxie in the West End was “a dream come true” and that she “enjoyed every second of it”, she never meant or trained to become a musical actress. “I just always enjoyed singing and dancing, and Chicago was one of maybe three or four musicals that I really wanted to do,” she says, and with a small dry laugh adds: “I think of myself as a dramatic actress;
10 | Issue 39 | April 2012
when I was in drama school, I always thought I would do a lot of Shakespeare but not that many roles come around.” Following Denmark’s hot men abroad Among the many parts Birgitte has played is the role of the quick-witted secretary Beate in the Danish film At World's End. In the film, she plays alongside two of Denmark’s biggest (and handsomest) stars, Nikolaj Lie Kaas and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau; an experience which she laughingly calls “a treat”. “I was almost just out of drama school when we did it, and I was scared out of my wits being with these two super actors - very handsome as well. But they were so sweet, it was like they took care of me and showed me the ropes.” Nikolaj Coster-Waldau has since gained international success in his role as Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones, something which, Birgitte believes, confirms that good acting skills can transcend borders. “The last five or ten years,
more and more Danish actors have tried to make it abroad; earlier you did not really think about having a career outside of Denmark, because it seemed impossible, but more and more are starting to break down that barrier and, of course, if one does it, it makes it easier for the next.” Regarding her own dreams and plans, the young actress is just as open-minded as one would expect from someone who has already been as far about as she has. “I really enjoy travelling with my work; it is so fascinating to meet people from the other side of the world and just be able to work together instantly, and obviously there are new challenges to be found abroad,” she says. Whether we will next see her again in a musical in London, a Scandinavian TV series or a Hollywood drama remains to be seen; I for one would not be surprised by anything.
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Scan Magazine | Design | We Love This
We love this... We are currently very passionate about bringing lightness and a spring sensation into our living space. These lovely items are on our must-have list for the new season. By Julie Guldbrandsen. Email: julie@scanmagazine.co.uk
A fresh place mat to spruce up the dining table. £5.50. www.northlighthomestore.com
Beautifully finished serving tray in beech with black-coated base by Scanwood. £29.95. www.5percentshop.co.uk
Luxurious cashmere blanket by Yarmood. Available in 10 different colours. £340. www.yarmood.com
Combine vases with green and white flowers – spring has definitely arrived! Prices from £9 to £46. www.tinekhome.com
Elegant wallpaper by Swedish Boråstapeter. Its vintage look fits perfectly with the more minimalist industrial trend. £44 per 10m roll. www.scandiliving.com
12 | Issue 39 | April 2012
Bulevardi by Tanja Orsjoki
Vallila is a leading Finnish textile and interior design company established in 1935. We believe in reliability, soulfulness and endurance. Our range of extensive home-textiles include ready-made curtains and cushions, rugs and bathroom accessories, along with fabrics by the metre, produced from new collections launched twice a year. Visit www.vallilainterior.fi for more information and to find your nearest stockist. Join our Facebook page for news, insights and offers www.facebook.com/vallilainternational
Scan Magazine | Design | Fashion Diary
Fashion Diary... Embrace the new season’s sensations in an all-white ensemble and add some tangerine – the new ‘it’ colour of the season. These Scandi brands lead the way in spring fashion. By Julie Guldbrandsen. Email: julie@scanmagazine.co.uk
Embellished silk shirt by By Malene Birger. £279. shop.bymalenebirger.com
A gorgeous tangerine dress by Acne. Perfect for spring and summer parties. £240. shop.acnestudios.com
An all-white outfit, like this by Dagmar, is the quintessential and ever-chic way to embrace spring. Top app. £66 at se.zoovillage.com. Cardigan app. £130, shorts app. £127 both from nelly.com
The perfect shopper by Designers Remix - tan coloured and in beautiful soft leather. £120. www.designersremix.com
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Silver-plated star earrings by Pilgrim. £9.99. www.pilgrim.dk
Cool skinny jeans with print by Vila. £45. www.vila.com
S SU PEC MM IAL ER TH IN EM SW E: ED EN
Soak in the sun on long summer days in Sweden While summer in Sweden is often short, it is also unbelievably sweet and beautiful. With long summer days and the midnight sun setting the mood, travellers can look forward to countless outdoor activities (that you can enjoy well into the bright evenings), fun festivals and plenty of other attractions full of Swedish summer charm. By Nia Kajastie | Photo: Ola Ericson/imagebank.sweden.se
periods at the Stockholm Early Music Festival?
You can choose to explore a variety of captivating landscapes around Sweden, from scenic coastlines to clear lakes and unspoilt forests, as well as beautiful cities with great cultural attractions. Sweden’s capital Stockholm is especially beautiful in summertime, when it really comes to life, and visitors can enjoy its surrounding archipelago to the fullest. Why not visit Stockholm in June, when the city goes back in time and celebrates music from the medieval, renaissance and baroque
Sweden’s second largest city, Gothenburg, is also a gateway to an impressive archipelago and boasts internationally recognised restaurants and plenty of cultural attractions. You could, for example, stay the night at Hotel Royal, the oldest hotel in city, and then make your way to the Maritime Museum & Aquarium to learn what maritime heritage really means. You do not
Photo: Göran Assner/imagebank.sweden.se
Photo: Nicho Södling/imagebank.sweden.se
have to travel far from Gothenburg to find a varied assortment of unique attractions either, including the Innovatum Science Center, Molekylverkstan Stenungsund Science Centre, Naturum Vattenriket and Vitlycke Museum, among many others. In northern Sweden, the midnight sun will shine around the clock for three months, which gives you the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular nature at any time of the day or night. Piteå, in Norrbotten in Swedish Lapland, is actually known as one of Sweden’s sunniest spots, and it also hosts a classical music festival in June. For more ideas on how to spend the perfect summer day, evening or night in Sweden, please read on.
And for more tips visit: www.visitsweden.com
Photo: Rodrigo Rivas Ruiz/imagebank.sweden.se
Issue 39 | April 2012 | 15
A world heritage of cultural clues and archaeology Having been closed to the public since November, Vitlycke Museum is just about to open its doors again for a summer jam-packed with exciting events and exhibitions. Added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994 for its exceptional quality rock carvings and history of over 8,000 years of continuous settlement, the area got its own museum four years later, and today welcomes over 100,000 visitors every year from all over the world. By Linnea Dunne | Photos: Ian Schemper
“Our mission is to educate visitors about the world heritage, the Bronze Age and the rock carvings,” says Inger Persson, who works with information and product development at the site. “We do so through a varied programme of exhibitions, events and guided tours for adults and children of all ages.” With activities on offer ranging from world heritage safaris and Bronze Age craft workshops to archery sessions and an archaeology school for kids, visitors are sure to be kept busy. A school of archaeology Working with children between 7 and 12 years of age, the archaeology school has become immensely popular over the years. Here, children get to experience what it might be like to work as an archaeologist at an excavation, trying a hand at documenting some rock carvings. Ses-
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sions are available in both English and Swedish, and German and French information materials can also be provided. “It is great for parents to be able to leave their kids to do the exploring their way, so that they can head off on their own adventure, perhaps at one of the museum exhibitions or during a guided walk along one of the footpaths, where they can soak in the nature and discover ancient relics in their own time,” says Persson. And indeed, the ease with which the cultural landscape can be explored by foot or by bike means that older groups and couples have started coming in their droves, hoping to learn more about the cultural heritage. Rock carvings by night The icing on the cake, however, is of a more unusual kind: Rock carvings by
night. Heading out to the world heritage site late at night, around 10pm in early August and slightly earlier later in the month, visitors get a guided tour of the rock carvings, highlighted by torches. “The carvings look as though they almost raise themselves and become three-dimensional in the torchlight when it’s dark,” Persson enthuses. Add to that a stroll along the adventure trail and a visit to the Bronze Age farm, and a trip full of adventure and fun takes shape. Luckily, a handheld computer device with a digital guide full of narrations, pictures and animations has been developed for those who want to make the most of every activity and get down to the nittygritty details. Additionally, with books and souvenirs, such as specially designed jewellery, textiles and ceramic art echoing
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Summer in Sweden
the rock carving patterns, the Rock Art Shop ensures that the memories will last a long time. Make a weekend out of it Situated in Tanum, only a 90-minute drive from Gothenburg city and airport, Vitlycke Museum is easy to get to for both Swedish and foreign visitors, and the popular nearby west coast means that there are plenty of options in regards to accommodation. Closest to the world heritage site is Hotel Tanums Gestgifveri, a renowned mansion style hotel, restaurant and conference venue. In addition to running the restaurant at Vitlycke Museum, with lunch served every day, they also offer a package deal with a three-course gourmet meal, a night in the hotel, and a guided night safari. For families with children, the many beach cottages and bed and breakfasts nearby will add to the holiday spirit, with rocky beaches and the clear Skagerrak water providing the perfect opportunity for enjoying the great Scandinavian summer. The UNESCO stamp of approval As the centre of one of 14 world heritage sites in Sweden, Vitlycke has become a must-see landmark for visitors to the area. With high-quality carvings up to 3,000 years old, providing clues to life in the European Bronze Age and sparking religious as well as social interpretations, the world heritage site in Tanum continues to inspire and fascinate. In its motivation, UNESCO wrote: “Not only do they make vivid this lost and distant time to us, but these powerful images also have the ability to speak directly to the modern onlooker. Their subject matters remain unwaveringly pertinent to our human existence, affording us, perhaps, a new language with which to consider the eternal questions of life and death.” Well, if UNESCO’s stamp of approval does not do it, we don’t know what will.
For more information, please visit: www.vitlyckemuseum.se
Issue 39 | April 2012 | 17
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Summer in Sweden
Georg Riedel. Photo: Per Kristiansen
Sofia Karlsson. Photo: Tobias Regell
Music lovers gather in sunny Piteå in June Piteå is one of Sweden’s sunniest spots. Each year, 6,000 visitors enjoy music during a week when the sun never goes down. Since 1982, Piteå has been transformed for one week in June into a centre for music. By Anne Margrethe Mannerfelt
CEO Noomi Hedlund and her staff are all under 30. That is somewhat unusual for people working with classical music. Hedlund explains why working with the Piteå music festival is so special. “We have 35 concerts during six days, so there is always something going on. And the variety is huge. Even though the main focus is classical music, we also have jazz and folk singers. Most major Swedish artists have been here.” Hedlund recommends coming for the whole week. “Even though the big names draw a large audience, it is the small breakfast or midnight concerts that I find truly special. If you come for a week, you will also have time to enjoy the
18 | Issue 39 | April 2012
beautiful nature around us, and perhaps visit one of the 550 islands in the archipelago.” Piteå Summer Academy The music festival has its foundation in the summer academy. One hundred students from all over the world travel to Piteå to learn from the masters: the same musicians who perform during the festival. “This year we have some amazing artists coming. For example, we are proud to welcome Piteå-born world-famous opera singer Peter Mattei teaching at the academy and performing. The number of applications has been bigger than ever.”
Peter Mattei. Photo: Håkan Flank
Other artists coming this year are Sofia Karlsson, Stina Ekblad, Georg Riedel, Vibafemba and Norrbottens Kammarorkester. Thirty years of music and still growing In its 30-year history, the Piteå music festival continues to develop. “It has been a great success. There is something for everyone. And it puts Piteå on the map. It is a little unusual that towns in the northern part of Sweden get this much attention. But the level of artists that come here is very high, so we are getting more and more known, not just in Sweden but also internationally. The fact that artists and visitors are very keen to come back once they have been here says a lot.”
Festival dates: 15–20 June 2012
For more information, please visit: www.festspelen.se
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Summer in Sweden
Historic music in Stockholm’s light summer nights
Classical music is often limited to music from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. There are, however, musical treasures that date back much further. In 2002, composer and conductor Peter Pontvik took the initiative to bring music from the medieval, renaissance and baroque periods to Stockholm. He started the Stockholm Early Music Festival. And with that he also brought the world to Sweden. Each year, artists from all over Europe come to perform their music. The response has exceeded all expectations. “Since the start of the festival, the number of visitors has increased steadily. The music creates curiosity and has found the right place in the Old Town’s unique atmosphere.”
Fer
Photo: Manuel Fischer
The 2012 Festival (6-10 June) Every year, Peter and his team create new ways to attract their audience, for instance through collaborations. This year, a partnership has been started with the Drottningholm Court Theatre. But the festival still takes place in the historic buildings in the Old Town. ”I am very proud to say that we have a number of top musicians coming to Stockholm for the first time. A madrigal programme from the German vocal ensemble Cantus Cölln, Concerto
Peter Pontvik. Photo: Camila Cavalheiro
Italiano, with delicate Italian baroque, and French Le Poème Harmonique that will perform beautiful traditional chansons. It will be a magical and unforgettable week.”
In the first week of June, when Stockholm is at its most beautiful, musicians and audiences from all over Europe gather in the Old Town to share and enjoy music dating back a thousand years.
By Anne Margrethe Mannerfelt
For more information, please visit: www.semf.se
STUNNING STUNN NING SCANDINAVIA SCANDIN NAVIA Your Y our hol holiday iday starts as you ou dr drive ive onboard onboard
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Summer in Sweden
Anna Rosengren. Photo: Peter Claesson
A celebration of the sea as a bearer of culture A lot has happened since the Maritime Museum & Aquarium in Gothenburg opened in 1933. And a huge amount of it has happened in the past five years, as extensive renovations, including the addition of a whole new floor, have taken place. The aim? To expand the idea of what maritime heritage really means, and to move from a technology-focused approach to one that puts people first. “I was working as a curator at the Gothenburg city museum, when I was asked to temporarily head up the Maritime Museum & Aquarium for a year,” Anna Rosengren recalls. A year later, the job as director was advertised, and as the museum’s first ever female director with a non-maritime background, she has led the organisation to an impressive increase in visitors, from 50,000 per year before the renovations to more than four times that at present. The museum is now popular among visitors of all ages, thanks to interactive exhibitions like T/S Supertube, allowing children to explore the sea and seafaring, an aquarium with a cold water section about Nordic sea life and a tropical section with coral reefs, and the more adult-friendly City by the water, which depicts the stories of the people behind the ships and the harbour, exploring how the maritime connection to the world has shaped Gothen-
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“We like to think of the water as a bearer of culture. It has brought a lot to the area in terms of music, culture and literature.”
Those sweet days exhibition. Photo: Maritime Museum & Aquarium
In hoping to capture the imagination of a 21st century audience, the museum naturally also adds an environmental awareness to every aspect of their operations, which is partly evident in this summer’s exhibitions. Inspired by the Bob Dylan song A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall, photographer Mark Edwards explores how, locally and globally, we can take responsibility for the environmental impact of our actions, while the exhibition Those sweet days looks at documentation of luxury cruises leaving Gothenburg in the 1920s. Through photographs depicting the time between the wars on board the Swedish American Line, the latter describes the frivolous, carefree life of the upper classes. Nominated for the Museum of the Year award, of which the winner had yet to be announced at the time of writing, the Maritime Museum & Aquarium is a success story indeed. Exploring the relationship between people and the sea, it will teach you not only about life below and above sea level, but also about the people and the cities connected to it. By Linnea Dunne | Photos: Olle Andersson
burg’s history and culture. “We like to think of the water as a bearer of culture,” says Rosengren. “It has brought a lot to the area in terms of music, culture and literature.”
For more information, please visit: www.goteborg.se/wps/portal/sjofarts museet
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Summer in Sweden
Naturum Vattenriket, in the heart of Kristianstad, in the heart of the wetlands.
boats take visitors out into the true wilderness. “It’s spectacular: just one kilometre away from Kristianstad, it’s almost like being in the Amazon!”
Nature at its most generous – all year round Located only 1.5 hours from Copenhagen and close to the main cities of southern Sweden, you will find the Naturum Vattenriket visitor centre. With acclaimed architecture, imaginative exhibitions and wildlife to die for, it is the perfect starting point when visiting the Vattenriket Biosphere Reserve. By Linnea Dunne | Photo: Photo: Emanuel Cederqvist
Built on poles in the water, Naturum Vattenriket was designed as a nest in the reeds. Situated only a five-minute walk from Kristianstad town centre, yet surrounded by views of natural landscapes, the building, which was designed by Fredrik Pettersson of White Arkitekter AB,
Combine your visit at Naturum Vattenriket with a guided boat trip on the River Helge å. There are two eco-certified tour operators in Vattenriket. Photo: Sven-Erik Magnusson
attracts visitors from near and far and was nominated as one of eight projects in the Display category at the World Architecture Festival in Barcelona last year. “Inside our beautiful building, the visitor can explore the exhibition, see the fish in the aquarium and learn more about the area. The café on the second floor offers panoramic views of Kristianstad city centre and the surrounding wetlands. Guided tours and a wide range of information make Naturum a gateway to the beautiful natural region of Vattenriket,” says Karin Magntorn, director of Naturum Vattenriket. The region is a 104,375-hectare biosphere reserve with over 20 visitor sites and a rich birdlife. Cycling lanes and pedestrian footbridges have been especially created to make the area easy to explore, and
Well-known amongst eco-tourists, and with visitors from 108 different countries last year, Naturum Vattenriket is one of 30 so-called naturum in Sweden, aiming to raise awareness of the local area’s geology, flora, fauna and cultural history. Sustainable development is at the heart of Vattenriket, and while the Naturum visitor centre complements the rich natural landscape with exciting exhibitions about birds and fish as well as a simulator that gives its guests a bird’s-eye view of the area, the experience can also be combined with a round of golf at an environmentally certified local golf course. Nature is generous here all year round, with plenty of eagles in the winter, cranes in the spring, and ideal conditions for fishing and canoeing in the summer. “Vattenriket is not just for eco-warriors who come equipped with binoculars and everything. The area has so much to offer, from adventurous hikes to great views from our café terrace. There is something for everybody,” says Magntorn.
For more information, please visit: www.vattenriket.kristianstad.se/naturum
What visitors loved about Naturum Vattenriket: “Fishing for insects. First I was fishing, then we went to the café, and now I’m fishing again!” “The entirety: the house in combination with the fantastic landscape.” “It’s great to have a look around and get to know the area you live in. Today I have visitors, so I want to show them our nature.”
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Guests always return to the personable Hotel Royal Hotel Royal is not only the oldest hotel in Gothenburg, but also one which guests choose to return to. “We’ve got an enormous number of regulars,” says owner Markus Oddestad. “If they come once, we know they’ll return.” And indeed, with Oddestad and his wife Johanna spending most of their time fine-tuning things like service, décor and organisation, and almost no time at all thinking about marketing, it seems like word of mouth is the only advertising they need. By Linnea Dunne | Photos: Nils-Olof Sjödén
So what is their secret? “Personable service,” says Oddestad without a doubt. “We have to dare to interrupt the guests.” So do not be surprised if, when leaving your room and complaining about the awful weather, you feel a tap on your shoulder and the cleaner tells you that there are umbrellas to borrow at reception. And get used to the staff recognising you. “This is why we insist on keeping the old room keys and not replacing them with key cards, as old-fashioned as some might think it is. When you arrive and I give you the key, I’ll show you where there’s coffee and some freshly-baked pastries. When you head out for the night and don’t want to carry around a heavy key, I’ll talk to you
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again as you hand in your key at reception.”
“We’ve got an enormous number of regulars. If they come once, we know they’ll return.”
Family business with character Great service has always been an integral part of the family business, ever since Markus’s father Erling bought the old art nouveau building in 1980. Based in Stockholm, he ended up getting his sisters Marta and Hanna to run the place, and
Markus finally took the helm in 1999 after his two sisters had done a spell each. “We’re a sociable bunch,” he says of the Oddestad clan. Purpose-built as a hotel in 1852, Hotel Royal boasts character-enhancing features like a painted 1897 glass ceiling in the foyer, a beautifully patterned stone tile floor from the early 1900s, a huge marble staircase with hand-wrought iron banisters, and original cornice trim throughout. Add to that the smell of freshly-brewed coffee and buns straight from the oven, and you cannot argue with the old saying that first impressions last.
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Summer in Sweden
Each of the 79 three-star hotel rooms has been individually decorated by the Oddestad family, who insist that something very special goes out the door when a professional interior designer is left to their own devices; all rooms have highquality beds as well as free Wi-Fi, and all the modern equipment you would expect from a great hotel. That the guests get a good night’s sleep is high up on the list of priorities. “We want people to sleep well and get a superb breakfast – that’s the main thing,” says Oddestad. “They are greeted with a smile, get some lovely pastries, sleep well in a nice room, and get a big, gorgeous breakfast buffet before they head out to discover Gothenburg.” With Gothenburg on the doorstep Hotel Royal is situated bang in the heart of Gothenburg city centre, on the doorstep of the city’s greatest shopping district and within walking distance of Ullevi Stadium, the Opera House, the Swedish Exhibition
Centre, Liseberg Amusement Park and the Central Station. With a reputation for being a gastronome’s paradise, the city offers a greater choice of places to eat and drink than you will have time to discover; yet, the hustle and bustle of the city is kept at an audible distance, with calmness and peace being allembracing as soon as you open the great doors to Hotel Royal. The people and the stories Some say that every great hotel needs a great story, but Hotel Royal has more than one: about the people who used to work there; about the old woman who once owned the place, accompanied wherever she went by her little black dog; and of course, last but not least, about all the regulars. The perhaps most well-known story is that of the old man who spent his first night at
the hotel in 1936 and just kept coming back, like clockwork, three or four times every year. He was deemed so special that he was offered a ‘prix fixe’ deal, the price for the room remaining the same as the years went on. “It really was fantastic. You should have seen the guests behind him as he came up to pay, scrambling his pockets for four Swedish kronor coins.” Next year promises to be extra special, with the hotel turning 160. But then again, there always seems to be some reason to celebrate at Hotel Royal, with visitor reviews on travel community websites continuously bringing them to the top of recommended lists and business increasing steadily every year. It seems personable service is a winning concept. Go see for yourself. And then return. For more information, please visit: www.hotel-royal.se
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Summer in Sweden
Here everyone can be an Einstein
know more about water density and surface tension. Another summer special is making slime, which tends to be popular, or if you would rather have ice cream, you can make that too.
Ever wondered why it hurts to sit on a hundred nails but not twelve hundred? Or why hot-air balloons can fly? If so, this year, why not prepare yourself for a possible rainy day during your summer holiday in Sweden by keeping Molekylverkstan Stenungsund Science Centre in mind? Here, no question is too silly, as long as you let yourself be encouraged to find out the answer yourself through both handson and virtual interactive experiments. Located only half an hour north of Gothenburg, this joint initiative between the local chemistry industries and government wants to generate interest, understanding and curiosity for science, chemistry and technology. Whether you come to test your muscle strength on a five-metre climbing wall, to be creative with deltasand, or to build your own molecules, you will struggle to get bored.
By Linnéa Mitchell | Photos: Sanida Okanovic
This intimate space also encourages visitors to engage in the historical aspects of the role of the chemistry industry in society, including its development, products, fields of use and ongoing research. Stenungsund believes in better and is therefore a keen promoter of cooperation between businesses, society and schools, and a sustainable future. So come on over, pop a white coat on and get stuck in. Entrance is free. Summer is around the corner and that means longer opening hours and a special water theme with plenty of experiments lined up for those who wish to
To find out more, including information about exhibitions, please visit: www.molekylverkstan.com
Making technology and science fun and easy to understand Only a 45-minute train ride from Gothenburg, in the town Trollhättan, you will find Innovatum, one of Sweden’s largest science centres. Here, they have something for everyone and aim to inspire science learning by creating fun and memorable experiences. It is a perfect full-day excursion for the whole family. By Sara Schedin | Photos: Innovatum Science Centre
“Innovatum Science Centre is a playland which also challenges your brain through engaging and thought-provoking experiences in science and technology,” says multimedia curator Pär Mauritzson. The science centre is situated in an old industrial estate, where steam locomotives and turbines were once manufactured. There is also a stunning waterfall and locks area nearby, where you can use the cableway during the summer months to take you to the other side of Trollhättan Canal. Innovatum Science Centre offers workshops, shows and entertainment for all ages. It has an area of 4,400 square metres full of interactive stations and exhibitions. One of the largest attractions at the
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centre is the ball factory, where there are four interactive stations to help tens of thousands of balls to be transported and sorted by colour and size in a particular order. The balls are carried through the room in pipes and gutters so that eventually they create pictures or patterns. Another popular attraction is Caleidoscopica, a 34-square-metre large projection surface, which is also a lecture hall, a research machine and a digital experiment. Here, you communicate with the body and cushions, as well as with computers and mobile phones. “Our goal is to stimulate interest and increase understanding of the sciences. And most importantly - to have fun!” says Mauritzson.
For more information, please visit: sc.innovatum.se
Charming hotel in serene location Hotel Skansen in Båstad is only a stone’s throw from the harbour and world-famous tennis courts. This charming hotel is a perfect meeting point for any occasion, offering a rich blend of relaxation, spa and recreational experiences and adventures. By Emelie Krugly Hill | Photos: Hotel Skansen
If you are seeking a peaceful stay and natural serenity, this is where you should hang up your hat. Båstad is a picturesque oasis and home to Hotel Skansen, which, with its seafront position, overlooks the famous and breathtaking beach and harbour. The hotel’s history dates back to 1877, when the building began life as a granary. During the 1920s, it was converted into a meeting place for swimmers and tennis players. The hotel was regularly frequented by King Gustav V, who would take part in the Swedish Open tennis championship. After careful restoration and an extensive expansion, today, this stunning hotel proudly offers facilities for conferences, spa treatments and adventures in a timeless and relaxed atmosphere far beyond the ordinary. “Our customer service is renowned and a natural part of the hotel's atmosphere; our guests experience something memorable
and special during their stay,” says international sales manager Helle Fromberg. The hotel has more than 330 beds, 173 room and 25 conference rooms, awardwinning kitchens, a stunning congress hall for 300 people with fantastic sea view, and terraces as well as a generous spa area. The newer part is dominated by an impressive winter garden conservatory with comfortable spaces, ingenious lighting and alluring seating areas. Beautiful hotel rooms with sea views are available, and the kitchen focuses on locally produced
food with a tempting menu that also details interesting local historical facts. The wonderful spa facilities offer various treatments and fitness classes such as water aerobics and yoga. If you dare to have a dip in the ocean, there is the excellent possibility to do so all year around, as, located 60 metres at the end of a long wooden pier, you will find a beautiful bath house. Here, you can enjoy a sauna and a 38-degree Japanese outdoor pool. The hotel also has a thousand-squarefoot exhibition hall, a great place to realize big ideas or to arrange an impressive show. The venue makes the possibilities endless. Båstad and Hotel Skansen are easily accessible from Ängelholm Airport, only 17 kilometres away, with several daily flights from Stockholm. Malmö is 100 kilometres away, Gothenburg 170 kilometres, and it is roughly 2 hours from Copenhagen and the international airport. For more information, please visit: www.hotelskansen.se
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Summer in Sweden
Sweden’s most extensive exhibition of polar history The legacies of acclaimed polar explorers Salomon August Andrée and Otto Nordenskjöld live on at the Grenna Museum. The Polar Centre at the museum is actually a registered trademark, where Sweden’s eminent polar history is conveyed via exhibits and lectures.
active displays for the little ones. This year’s summer exhibition, aptly
Museum director Håkan Jorikson say: ”It is a very interesting and exciting environment to work in, mirroring an adventurous and admirable world. It invites people to understand today’s polar research through the past.” Gränna-born Andrée is probably the most well-known of the Swedish polar explorers. His expedition to the Arctic in a hydrogen balloon, which ended under mysterious circumstances, remains a much discussed topic today. Objects, documents and photos that were discovered from his quest are on display. Many other explorers’ research and discoveries are also revealed here, complete with inter-
titled ”Courageous Men”, follows Sweden’s first expedition to Antarctica at the beginning of the last century. Nordenskjöld led his men on a treacherous journey to unexplored territories. An exact replica of their research hut has been constructed at the museum, and visitors can spend the night in it and even buy it at the end of the summer. During the summer months, part of Gränna also becomes the setting for an open-air museum, and in nearby Röttle, a milling industry dating back to the Middle Ages is still active. This beautiful and scenic place is also under the protection of the Grenna Museum Trust. By Ulrika Osterlund | Photos: Grenna Museum
For further information, please visit: www.grennamuseum.se
Welcome to Sweden's northernmost science centre The concept behind Teknikens Hus is to simply make technology accessible to everyone. The building, which is a part of the Luleå University of Technology, offers 2,500 square metres of exhibits and experiences that engage, challenge and inspire. By Emelie Krugly Hill | Photos: Jennie Pettersson
“At Teknikens Hus, you can test and identify everyday technology but also technology used by the major industries in the north of Sweden. You can discover a mine, make your own paper or fire a rocket into space,” says Britt Marie Forslund, marketing manager at Teknikens Hus. Teknikens Hus offers various permanent and temporary exhibits on diverse themes for constant variety. In the open workshops, you can ponder and construct together with friends and family. The Planetarium offers daily tours of the sky in a dome cinema. Space, energy, robotics and water are some of the topics you and your child can learn more about. The House of Technology also works closely with all schools, complementing education, and inspiring
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teachers and pupils to experiment with science and technology. A team of 27 dedicated staff members are behind the success of Teknikens Hus, and additional Technology students who help out and add to the visitors’ experience. “We call these helpers query viewers; they do not necessarily answer the questions but guide and explain in alternative ways,” explains Britt Marie Forslund. Teknikens Hus is open all year around with extended opening hours in summertime, attracting 100,000 visitors per year.
For more information, please visit: www.teknikenshus.se
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Summer in Sweden
Where history and myths come to life
the middle of the surrounding flat land, providing its inhabitants with natural castles. For 7,000 years people have lived and used the mountains. If you pay attention, you might see not only the king of the forest, but hear voices from kings and gods from thousands of years ago.
For 7,000 years, people have been drawn to the twin-mountains Halle and Hunne in western Sweden. The area is unique with its exotic nature, long history and mythical atmosphere. At the Royal Hunt Museum, located in Ecopark Halle-Hunneberg, visitors get a taste of the forest’s nature, history and animals. But to really experience the area, you should visit the magical forest. Lennart Hansson from the museum says: “The mountains are really unique, you will find nothing like it anywhere else in the world.” The mountains of the elks The Halle and Hunne mountains have been a royal hunting area for centuries. In 2004, it was made into an eco-park to protect its unique fauna and flora. “This allows the elks and other animals to grow in numbers in their natural habitat.” For the visitors, it means that there are greater chances to meet elks during safaris,
By Anne Margrethe Mannerfelt
Photo: Anette Rönning
Photo: Roland Johansson
arranged by the tourist office Visit Trollhättan Vänersborg. “At the safaris, you will be accompanied by a guide to look for elks and other wild animals. The safaris make a stop at the Royal Hunt Museum to enjoy the typical Swedish flatbread with elk sausage, while sitting by an open fire.” Mystical castles created by nature Halle and Hunne stand tall and proud in
The Royal Hunt Museum Opening hours June-Aug - Mon-Sun: 10.00-18.00 Feb-May - Tue-Sun: 11.00-16.00 Sept-Dec - Tue-Sun: 11.00-16.00 January - Tue-Fri: 11.00-16.00 Guided Elk Safari Mondays & Thursdays 2 July - 23 August 2012
For further information, please visit: www.algensberg.com and www.visittv.se
: ME ARK E H L T ENM A I D EC IN P S ER MM SU
Above: Bisnap Strand at Aalborg (Photo: Michael Damsgaard). Top right: The traditional town of Ærøskøbing (Photo: Kim Wyon). Middle: Cycle to one of Copenhagen’s many cafés (Photo: Nicolai Perjesi). Bottom: Copenhagen Jazz Festival (Photo: Erik Bjørn & Co; Peter Hartley).
Summer in Denmark Whether you are looking for a lively city break, a relaxing chill-out on the beach or exciting cultural events, Denmark in the summer offers holiday experiences to suit every need. By Steffen Zeuthen Therkildsen, VisitDenmark
Feel the vibrancy of trendy Copenhagen while enjoying cool cafés, world-class cuisine and cutting-edge contemporary art. Do like the Danes and grab a free city bike and pedal your way through the city’s picturesque streets, lush green parks and along the refreshing waterfront. Add to that some excellent shopping, historical attractions and beautiful castles. If you need a break, take a dip in one of the clean harbour baths or chill in the lazy waterside beach bars and enjoy the evening sun during the long and warm summer evenings.
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Holidaymakers with a love for the great outdoors will find plenty of appeal around rural Denmark. Here you can experience spectacular wildlife, fairy-tale forests, expansive, undulating dunes, and miles of untouched white sandy beaches. Take a tour around the beautiful Marguerite (daisy) Route in Jutland or the island of Funen and witness traditional fishing villages, picturesque family-owned Badehotel (bathing hotels), art routes and beautiful nature reserves to explore along the way. But don’t forget to fuel up your engine by indulging in the local summer delicacies like fresh seafood,
juicy sun-ripened strawberries and soft vanilla ice cream. Summertime is also the right time if you want to participate in one of Denmark’s numerous unique cultural gatherings. Northside Festival, June 15-17, in Aarhus is an innovative musical event gathering thousands of people around internationally acclaimed artists, while focusing on sustainable initiatives on anything from coordinated public transport to the venue to organic food and recyclable glasses. Or jazz up your life by attending Copenhagen Jazz Festival, July 6-15, where 250,000 “jazz-oholics” gather for some great live swing around the pulsating streets of Copenhagen.
For more information on holiday ideas and events, please visit: www.visitdenmark.com
Thy
– a wonderful place in Denmark
Thy – at the seaside and 80 km from the airport. We can help you with the accommodation you desire: hotel, holiday cottage, bed & breakfast or camping. In Thy you find Denmark’s first National Park with astonishing nature!
www.visitthy.dk
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Summer in Denmark
With an inviting line-up of historic sites, diverse accommodation possibilities and beautiful landscape along its shores, Gudenå River is one of the most popular canoe and kayak destinations in Denmark.
Randers – Enjoy all the shades of Danish summer Come rain or shine, in Randers, nestled at the estuary of Denmark’s longest river and surrounded by historic landmarks and unique attractions, there is no excuse for not enjoying the Danish summer to the fullest. By Signe Hansen | Photos: VisitRanders
The town has long been a favourite destination for outdoor enthusiasts exploring the Gudenå River with all its walking, fishing and canoeing possibilities, and today, attractions such as Randers Rainforest and Graceland Randers have added an extra dimension, making Randers a rainproof destination. “All the attractions and activities are within close proximity of, or inside, the town, and the combination of the old, charming historic town
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and the beautiful natural destinations is really our greatest attraction,” explains director of tourism at VisitRanders AnneMette Knattrup. Extreme fishing – the Danish way Robson Green and his Extreme Fishing team might not have discovered it yet, but in Denmark it is no longer a secret: Gudenå River is one of the best locations that an angler can find himself in. “Of
course the river is commonly known for being the longest river in Denmark, but it is also known for providing the best conditions for angling. You can catch all kinds of fish, including trout, eel and pike, but especially salmon fishing is very good here,” explains Knattrup. The river has been elected as one of the ten best places for fishing salmon in Europe; last year, the biggest salmon to be caught there weighed 21.8 kilos. The giant was caught by a local angler, but the stretch between Randers Bridge and Frisenvold, where it was caught is, stresses Knattrup, open to everybody; all that is needed is a licence, which can be obtained through VisitRanders.
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Summer in Denmark
Enjoy the sun in or outside Randers’s reputation as “Randers Salmon Town” goes back a long way, but its reappearance can be attributed to a great restoration project aimed to re-establish the river’s natural environment. The latest step in the environmentally impressive development is a large wetland recreated in cooperation with Randers Rainforest, which borders the area. “The area boasts some amazing nature and a very rich bird life,” explains marketing director at Randers Rainforest Tina de Linde adding: “And we have selected a group of early, and for some part almost extinct, species of farm animals to graze on the land, including goats, cows and bison.” Next to the wetland, inside Randers Rainforest, a new outdoor park has also created new opportunities. The park consists of a small meadow and a huge activity area for kids as well as a Friland (ecologically responsible) farm. “The Denmark Park offers our guests the possibility to bring along and enjoy their own food, barbeque, or buy an organic meal at the farm, where you can also see how farm animals are reared at a modern organic farm,” explains de Linde. Of course the main attraction of a visit to Randers Rainforest is still the 3,600-square-metres of covered tropical rainforest and the more than 250 animal species that live there - half of them roaming around freely. Hiking and canoeing through history There is probably no better way to enjoy a Danish summer day than by gliding through the natural roads of the landscape, its rivers. Gudenåen, for good reasons, is one of Denmark’s most popular canoe destinations. “Along the river, you will find a string of old monasteries and churches; some of the oldest human settlements in Jutland were located along the river, so there is a long cultural and natural history to explore,” Knattrup points out. The area’s many beautiful manor houses and large farms add to the landscape’s characteristic beauty, which can also be explored on foot by following in the footsteps of the old barge haulers, who used to drag boats upstream on an 87-kilometre, still existing, track. Along
Top: Gudenå River has been nominated as one of the ten best places to fish salmon in Europe. Below left: The three impressive domes of Randers Rainforest house more than 3,600m2 of covered tropical rainforest and 250 animal species. Right: The many beautiful buildings in the old part of Randers town tell the story of Randers’s prosperous past.
the river, voyagers will find several accommodation possibilities from primitive camp sites to snug inns offering both food and beds. One is the beautiful, historic inn Fladbro Kro, which, founded in 1739, has been visited by many prominent guests including fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen. In the opposite direction, a 31-kilometre trek follows another historic path trodden by the pilots of yore. This walk also provides an opportunity to try out Denmark’s oldest ferry route established in 1610. Recently, the GPS treasure hunt Geocaching has also become a popular hiking
activity, as numerous treasures are to be found in the area. Back in Randers, explorers can relax their weary arms or legs on a horse-drawn carriage ride through the old part of town, where grand old buildings, beautiful cobblestone squares and historic landmarks serve as a reminder that thanks to its unique location, beautiful surroundings and innovative inhabitants, Randers has always been a place of interest. For more information, please visit: www.visitranders.com
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Summer in Denmark
Left: Should the Danish summer weather present itself from its worst side, covered boats are on hand. Top right: Enjoy the summer in Christianshavn on board a traditional guided boat tour. Below: Jazz cruises take off twice a week and are very popular among locals and visitors so booking is essential.
Glide through Copenhagen Peacefully gliding through the canals of old Copenhagen, breaking through the waves towards the city’s new opera house, or rocking along to the tunes of a local jazz band while the sun is setting: no matter what way you choose to do it, Copenhagen must be explored by its waterways, as it has been by locals and tourists for more than a century. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Strömma
There are, of course, some sights that cannot be reached by boat, but short-time visitors need not prioritise one above the other; with a COMBO Open Top Tours ticket, you can jump on and off the audioguided Open Top Tours boats and buses for 24 hours. Still popular What is today known as Canal Tours Copenhagen was founded in 1904, and while some sights have disappeared and new ones have shot up along the city’s waterways, the popularity of the traditional boat tours has not changed, because, as marketing director Henning
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Schiøtt explains: “There is nothing more beautiful than Copenhagen seen from the water.” He adds: “An amazing development has taken place in the harbour of Copenhagen during the last decade. A lot of incredibly beautiful new buildings, such as the opera and the Royal Danish Playhouse, have been erected and old buildings have been restored.”
one-hour tour, passing some of the city’s most popular sights, such as the Little Mermaid and the parliament building. For those who have the time and desire to explore further, the Open Top Tour boats and buses and City Sightseeing buses will take you practically anywhere. After a busy day or two of sightseeing like this, a relaxing jazz cruise on board one of Canal Tours’ silent electric boats provides the perfect finale. Below: Hop-on hop-off busses will take you pretty much anywhere in Copenhagen.
More opportunities The traditional boat tour, which is guided by young Copenhageners in seven different languages (two or three languages on each boat), leaves from Nyhavn and Gammel Strand and takes passengers on a
For more information, please visit: www.stromma.dk
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Summer in Denmark
Koldinghus
Christiansfeld
Experience historic Kolding Danish cultural heritage is very much alive and well in Kolding. The municipality has a lot to offer visitors of all ages, and when it comes to history, the area has an impressive range of attractions.
reason it has been nominated as a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site. The old town centre, the Moravian Church with its light and impressive hall and its unusual cemetery draw thousands of tourists each year, yet behind the historic facades, the current habitants get on with their modern lives.
By Yane Christensen | Photos: VisitKolding
The iconic Koldinghus, which originates from the mid-13th century, dominates the cityscape from its central position, perched on the bank of a lake. The building, which has been everything from a royal palace of strategic importance to a burnt-out ruin, now houses a museum, showing exhibitions of international standing. During the 1980s, the castle underwent an extensive, award-winning renovation, deliberately using materials different form the original. Today, the castle appears as an attraction of both historical and architectural interest. The permanent
exhibitions include Danish arts and crafts and the country's largest collection of modern Danish silver. There are also temporary exhibitions, talks, workshops and fun activities for children. The nearby town of Christiansfeld was founded in the year 1773 by the Moravian Church and was named after the Danish King Christian VII. It was constructed following a strict city plan, one adhered to by Moravians throughout Europe. Today, the town looks exactly as it did then, and its well-preserved architecture is the main
Between Kolding and Christiansfeld, Skamlingsbanken rises to 113 metres. The hill is the highest point in southern Jutland, and it offers breathtaking views over the surrounding nature and across the sea to Funen. It is a popular hiking and picnic area, but it also has historic significance, as several major historic public meetings and celebrations took place here during and after the disputes over the territory of Schleswig-Holstein. A 16metre tall memorial column made of 25 granite blocks is dedicated to the people who have contributed to the Danish cause in Schleswig-Holstein. History really is evident all over the area. Come and explore for yourself.
Koldinghus
For more information and advice on accommodation, please visit: www.visitkolding.dk
Issue 39 | April 2012 | 33
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Summer in Denmark
An island attraction that has it all A real island has no bridges to the mainland, and Ærø, situated in the South Funen Archipelago in southern Denmark, is indeed a real island. It is a real gem of a holiday destination, boasting an abundance of rolling hills, pastoral scenery, soft beach lines to the north and rugged coasts to the south, offering visitors the opportunity for breathtaking outdoor experiences. It is also well known for the idyllic, historic towns of Marstal and Ærøskøbing. By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Ærø Turist- og Erhvervskontor
To reach this real island, a tranquil onehour ride through the beautiful, glittering archipelago on one of the island’s four comfortable car ferries will bring you safely to either Marstal, Ærøskøbing or Søby; and for those in a hurry, the local airline Starling Air takes you anywhere you want to go. The preferred point of arrival for tourists travelling by ferry is Ærøskøbing, which can be reached from Svendborg, on the island of Funen. Ærø seamlessly mixes old traditions and the preservation of historic townscapes
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with modern sustainability, using wind and solar power to cover a large portion of its energy needs, and there is also a big emphasis on organic food and drink production. For yachters, Ærø is truly a sailor's paradise, boasting four well-equipped yachting harbours and the perfect location right in the centre of the archipelago. A fairy-tale town Located halfway up the northern coast of Ærø, Ærøskøbing is an extremely wellpreserved “fairy-tale” town that retains the authentic look and feel of a Danish
townscape from the Middle Ages. Due to the dynamic initiative taken by local enthusiasts, the town’s original features have been protected, while new planning and house building continue to reflect the building traditions of the past. In 2002, the Ærøskøbing Heritage Society was given the Europa Nostra Award for one of the best cultural heritage achievements in the European Union. Each year in late August, Europe’s largest regatta ends in Ærøskøbing, with a grand display of state-of-the-art luxury yachts, a traditional parade through town and a party in the evening. If you want to take part in this spectacular event, you have to book your rooms well in advance, as the island will be filled to the brim with spectators and boat lovers. During normal seasons, the island offers a wide range of different types of accommodation, ranging from comfortable bed & breakfasts and
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Summer in Denmark
modern camping sites to hotels and charming pensions. A seafaring town Marstal is the largest town on Ærø, with long maritime traditions that are still strongly represented, as even today the town is the home port for a considerable number of coasters and sailors. The internationally acclaimed novel We, the Drowned by Danish author Carsten Jensen is a colourful but historically accurate fictional tale about Marstal and its seafaring history. As a tribute to this piece of esteemed literature, you can even take a tour that retraces the steps of the novel’s protagonists. A definite must-see in Marstal is the Maritime Museum, which will provide you with a broad and entertaining view of the town’s long and lively history. Be captivated by Ærø “Ærø is a really happening place for an island its size,” says Jytte Weiss Brinks, Ærø’s Settlers’ Consultant. “It contains so many activities and holds a lot of different attractions to fulfil the needs of anybody who chooses to visit or settle down for good.” Accordingly, there is so much to do and experience on the island, it is almost hard to decide where to start. A great place to get a taste of the true
character of Ærø is the Rise Brewery, a tiny brewery located in the pretty village of St. Rise in the heart of the island. The brewery is known for its high-quality organic and conventional beers that are brewed with environmentally friendly methods. The brewery manager personally hosts tours of the place as well as offering tasty samples. And once your thirst is thoroughly quenched, you should locate one of the various restaurants on the island, which offer everything from gourmet to classic Danish cuisine, and taste
their dishes, often prepared from locally sourced, organic produce. The island also includes an amazing golf course open for visiting players, and there are great opportunities for cycling, sea kayaking, wind surfing, kite surfing and angling. Or why not find a secluded spot on one of the beaches and have a romantic picnic, surrounded by beautiful landscapes, soft sand, clear water and a cooling sea breeze? In the summer, the island turns into a heaving hub of festivals and fairs. Among others, you can enjoy folk music, jazz, classical music, special performances by The Royal Danish Opera as well as sports-themed events. Ærø truly is a holiday destination that has it all, and many connoisseurs agree, including the noted American travel writer Temple Fielding, who identified the island as one of the five places in the world that everyone should experience.
For more information, please visit: www.arre.dk www.europanostra.org www.schifffahrtsregatta.de www.marstal-maritime-museum.dk www.risebryggeri.dk www.aeroegolf.dk
Issue 39 | April 2012 | 35
A historic exhibition in historic settings In the majestic setting of Denmark’s largest renaissance castle, Frederiksborg Castle (which houses the Museum of National History), the ten-room royal exhibition presents a vivid impression of the extraordinary life led by a modern monarch. “We have borrowed so many beautiful things from the Queen, including the gala dress she wore for her 25th anniversary and some of the national dresses she wears when visiting the Faroes and Greenland,” says Lopdrup. “We have also had permission to make a copy of the Council Room, where the Queen signs new laws, which is usually inaccessible to the public.” A selection of the original laws recently signed by the Queen, including, of course, the new Act of Succession, is also on display. The past, present and future The Queen unveiling her new portrait, which was created for the jubilee by Niels Strøbæk.
The true tale of a queen Tales of kings and queens have always been popular, but at Denmark’s Museum of National History, a fascinating, factual account of the Queen of Denmark Margrethe II’s reign has given fiction some competition. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Courtesy of The Museum of National History
The special exhibition, Regent in 40 years, celebrates the Queen’s 40th jubilee with an unusual insight into the many facets of a modern monarchy and has, since the Queen inaugurated it in January, been en-
thusiastically received. “It has been very popular; we had lots of guests and everybody expressed great joy with it - both visitors and reviewers,” explains museum’s curator Hanne Lopdrup.
The past, present and future of the royal family all come together in two impressive family portraits; the newest, which was created specifically for the exhibition by artist Niels Strøbek, depicts the Queen and the next two heirs to the throne, Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Christian. It is conceived as a continuation of the second painting, which portrays the Queen’s father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather, from 1902. The Strøbek portrait will be included in the museum’s huge exhibition of Danish portraits when Regent in 40 years is concluded to make room for the forthcoming exhibition War and Art, 6 May. The new exhibition will present a selection of modern art works by Mathilde Fenger and Simone Aaberg Kærn, who, in their distinct way, depict the Danish forces’ effort in Afghanistan and Libya.
Frederiksborg Castle
Pre-study for the Four Generations portrait of the Glücksborgian family by Laurits Tuxen.
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The Queen and the next two generations of heirs to the throne.
For more information, please visit: www.dnm.dk
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Summer in Denmark
Spoil yourself at Denmark’s largest spa and wellness centre Hotel Viking has 86 bright and welcoming rooms, all with modern interiors and ensuite bathrooms. The restaurant offers an à la carte menu, with a selection of dishes guaranteed to tickle even the most discerning taste buds. The hotel is also ideal for conferences and events with its six meeting rooms, the largest with a capacity of up to 400 participants.
Hotel Viking Aqua Spa & Wellness Resort is situated just 300 metres from the sea, in the idyllic market town of Sæby in the north of Jutland. It offers over 2,700 square metres of unadulterated luxury. The well-equipped Aqua Spa is an ideal place to relax, reflect and recharge your batteries. You can float away in a large heated pool, which is part indoors, part outdoors, or you can enjoy a gentle bubble massage in the Jacuzzi, improve your circulation in the plunge pool, or relax in the saunas and steam room with a choice of
aroma therapies. The spa extends to an outdoor terrace, where a large Jacuzzi and a heated saltwater pool come with a stunning sea view. Of course, there is also a choice of massages and skin treatments. Top all this self-indulgence off with a reinvigorating rest in the relaxation rooms and a visit to the Wellness Cafe.
The hotel's unique spa facilities, its cosy atmosphere and perfect location near the beach (and several popular tourist attractions) all add up to a successful stay. Whether you choose a day visit to the spa or a longer stay at the hotel, you are guaranteed to be spoilt.
By Yane Christensen | Photos: Hotel Viking
For more information, please visit: www.hotelviking.dk
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Summer in Denmark
Feel the wind in your face as you ride through the heart of Jutland If you are keen on active holidays but do not want to miss out on other experiences, such as visiting historic sites, a cycling holiday in Viborg, one of Denmark’s best holiday destinations for cyclists, might be just the thing. By Signe Hansen | Photos: VisitViborg
But, you might think, those kinds of things always take days of planning: locating the interesting routes, finding campsites and getting the right equipment. Actually, it does not necessarily have to be that complicated; with VisitViborg’s Star Route Viborg package, you can explore the city and its surroundings through seven exciting cycle excursions all beginning and ending in Viborg, which means that you return to the comfort of your chosen accommodation, whether it be a hostel, hotel or campsite, every night. “The experiences you will get when cycling around Viborg are all related to the unique history and culture of
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the royal city of Viborg, and the magnificent diverse landscape of the region,” explains tourist director at VisitViborg Britta Leth. Viborg has for many years been awarded a certificate of quality for its spectacularly bicycle-friendly qualities, and many hotels and guesthouses have repair and parking facilities for bicycles. Glide through history Already when strolling around the cobblestoned streets and beautiful medieval buildings of Viborg, visitors will sense the
pervading breath of history. Viborg is not just one of Denmark’s oldest towns, with roots stretching back to prehistoric times, but it also one of the historically most significant. In the Viking period, the town was a gathering point for tradesmen, warriors and pilgrims alike, and up until 1660, when absolute monarchy was instituted in Denmark, all kings were acclaimed in Viborg. Around Viborg, just seven kilometres long and the shortest of the seven Star Tour routes, takes you by all the most interesting points in the city, including, of course, the characteristic two-towered cathedral. The cathedral was first founded in 1000 but has since been rebuilt several times due to fires, the last time in 1876. “The cathedral is a magnificent building; partly because it is, as is believed, the largest granite church in the world, and partly because the entire bible is illus-
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Summer in Denmark
trated inside the cathedral’s vaults and walls in oil paintings and frescos created by Joakim Skovgaard in 1901-1913. It is the single largest work of art ever commissioned from and carried out by a Danish artist,” explains Leth. Historic sites are not just found in the city; the 31-kilometre ride around Hald Lake will take you by the sites of the five Halds: five historic sites on two of which historic buildings still stand. On the To the Whole World Trip, called so because of the huge world atlas passed on the route, you can go even further back in time with a visit to Hvolris Iron Age village, which gathers 4000 years of Denmark’s history in one village. Heather, soft hills and blue lakes Following a number of small paths winding through the region of Viborg, the Star Route Viborg will take you through some of the most beautiful natural areas of the region. “Our tours are very popular with couples interested in nature as well as culture and history,” explains Leth. “There is nowhere else in Denmark where you can find such different countryside within such short distances. You have two beautiful lakes right next to the city centre, and then you have Dollerup Hills, a hilly landscape created during the last ice age 10,000 years ago, and you have the huge area around Hald Lake where you can cycle through dramatic hills, deep forests
Top left: Sense the pervading breath of history, while walking down the cobblestoned streets and past beautiful medieval buildings in Viborg. Below: Discover 4000 years of Denmark’s history at Hvolris Iron Age Village. Right: Cycle past the Viborg Cathedral on the Around Viborg route.
and open moorland and walk among 200year-old oaks.” Another Star Route Viborg destination is Hjarbæk Fjord, a designated game preserve, where you can, if nature is so inclined, glimpse otters, herons and seals. The 61-kilometre track passes by Denmark’s oldest wooden-framed manor house and Hjarbæk town, which with its lively pleasure boat harbour makes a haven for boat enthusiasts.
Whether you like to take it nice and easy or power through, just take a few tours or complete the whole Star. Cycling in and around Viborg can be an amazing experience without the trouble often connected with cycling holidays. VisitViborg cycling packages can provide everything from maps and guides to accommodation and bikes. For more information, please visit: www.visitviborg.dk
Left: Dollerup Hills, a hilly landscape created during the last ice age. Right: Hjarbæk town, with its lively pleasure boat harbour, is a haven for boat enthusiasts.
Issue 39 | April 2012 | 39
: ME L E TH SDA L M A I EC & RO P S RE MØ
Discover Møre og Romsdal Located in the northern part of western Norway, Møre og Romsdal is a diverse county, which boasts beautiful fjords, grand mountains, lively cities, and world-class activities and adventures. In Sunnmøre, the southern coastal part of the county, you will find its largest city, Ålesund, which is known for its architecture, fjords and the Sunnmøre Alps. On the city’s charming old streets, you will also find Teaterfabrikken, a unique estab-
lishment combining dinner with exhilarating live entertainment. A definite must-see in the Møre og Romsdal area is the Geirangerfjord, located approximately 100 kilometres from Ålesund. The UNESCO-protected fjord is
surrounded my majestic mountains and gorgeous nature, and a kayaking trip with Coastal Odyssey is the perfect way to explore the surroundings. The Sunnmøre region is also home to the Ivar Aasen Centre, a national centre devoted to the Nynorsk language, as well as Globalskolen, a school with offices based in Volda, but students spread all around the world. Kristiansund is located in the Nordmøre district of Møre og Romsdal, in the north-western corner of Fjord Norway. The charming city lies right by the coastline and boasts a busy street life, old cultural monuments and plenty of seafaring history. At Astoria Hotell, you can stay right by the harbour in the heart of Kristiansund: a perfect place to soak up the city’s atmosphere. By Nia Kajastie | Photo: CH/visitnorway.com
For more inspiring attractions and tips for accommodation, please visit: www.visitnorway.com
A different way of experiencing Norway’s fjords Since the mid-1990s, Coastal Odyssey has been at the forefront of developing sea kayaking in Norway. With the stunning surroundings of Geiranger as a backdrop and years of expertise behind them, an experience out of the ordinary is all but guaranteed. This year, there is even more capacity, and visitors can look forward to new day trips as well as a brand new activity. “We have added stand-up paddling to our activities this season,” says owner and head guide Jonathan Bendiksen, “and lessons are already starting to fill up, so it looks like it will be a hit.” A relatively new way of paddling, it started becoming pop-
ular in the US in the 1990s and has since spread across the world. “We also offer more day trips, including a combined kayaking and walking trip to the highest mountain farm in the area at some 400 metres above sea level,” he says. Coastal Odyssey’s guides adhere to the toughest quality standards in the world,
and with a 100% safety record, you can feel safe in the hands of Bendiksen and his team. ”We have been doing this for 15 years, developing this sector from scratch, and all our guides are certified by the Norwegian Sea Kayak Guide & Instructor Association,” says Bendiksen. Kayaking on the Geiranger fjord is suitable for all ages and abilities, and you can choose whether to spend a few hours or a few days paddling the fjord. As well as kayak rental, Coastal Odyssey offers several day trips, in addition to a very popular six-day camping trip, travelling from Geiranger to Ålesund. By Karin Modig | Photos: Coastal Odyssey
Coastal Odyssey operates from May to September. For further information and online booking, please visit: www.coastalodyssey.com
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FJORDSERVICE
www.geirangerfjord.no
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Møre & Romsdal
Left: January meet-up for teachers in Gran Canaria. Right: Teacher Hilde Hurlen Ingebrigtsen lives in Ålesund, while 2nd grade pupil Johanne Helgason Masdal lives in Edinburgh. They met in person last year.
Norwegian teaching that reaches far and wide A traditional Norwegian residential property in Volda in Møre og Romsdal is home to a different and innovative school: Globalskolen, “the Global School”, teaches more than a thousand children and teenagers every year, yet inside the four walls of the red house, you will only find a few members of staff and no pupils.
a “normal” school setting, and Brenne Røv says that all the teachers strive to establish close working relationships with their pupils and that each one is followed up thoroughly.
By Karin Modig | Photos: Globalskolen
“Our office in Volda is home to a team of four teachers, our administrative department and myself,” says head teacher Lilli Brenne Røv. “The rest of our staff are spread across Norway, while our students are spread right across the world.”
out saying that traditional teaching methods have had to give way to more innovative methods.
Since 1998, Globalskolen has been teaching Norwegian children and teenagers abroad. It is mainly an offer to Norwegian pupils abroad for more than six months at a time, and it teaches three main subjects in the Norwegian curriculum: Norwegian, Social Studies and Religion & Ethics. Their aim is to make the transition back into the Norwegian school system as easy as possible for pupils, after a period of time spent abroad.
“We have a much greater need for communication than a normal primary school,” says Brenne Røv. “We use a net platform called PedIT for teaching, a platform that we are also involved with the development of. Teachers use Skype daily, video is used by both teachers and students to communicate, and anything interactive plays a big part in our teaching.” Teachers meet three times a year in person, typically one meeting a year is in or close to Volda. They have meetings via Skype every week, and all development processes are discussed in groups.
With teachers and students sitting in different corners of the world, it goes with-
The interaction between teacher and student is perhaps even more crucial than in
42 | Issue 39 | April 2012
Globalskolen covers grades 1 to 10 and is an officially recognised Norwegian school and a member of OLC-EDEN, the European Distance Education Network.
For further information, please visit: Globalskolen: www.globalskolen.no OLC-EDEN: www.olc-eden.org
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Møre & Romsdal
Dinner and a show
By Anette Berve | Photos: Teaterfabrikken
Teaterfabrikken in Ålesund invites its guests to a dinner experience with a twist. Acting waiters, cabaret acts and comedians await to serve a side dish of entertainment. Situated on the old street of Moloveien in picturesque Ålesund, the old factory turned restaurant has become the city’s new culture hub. It has taken the concept of dinner and a show one step further and provides its guests with entertainment both to enjoy and participate in. Bespoke entertainment Self-proclaimed director, owner and entertainer, Astrid Overaa opened the restaurant 15 years ago. Her vision was to create a new place for actors and stage personas to unfold, and so the Theatre Factory, as the restaurant translates to, was born. The restaurant offers a variety of events to cater to any taste, with its biggest success being the “serving theatre”, with waiters and butlers singing and acting while serving. Also on the menu are cabarets, work-
shops, paintings and cocktails, concerts and even erotic tales. Intimate The interior of the restaurant is intimate and warm, with dark browns and velour divans. The furniture is an eclectic mix of antiques, in order to give the place its own identity. "We have as a motto to reuse what others have thrown away," says Overaa. Now in 2012, the restaurant has been under refurbishment and reopened with twice the capacity. Today, the restaurant can accommodate 400 guests and cater to private events, conferences, weddings and dinner groups. “We have an informal atmosphere here,” adds Overaa. “I do believe we are one of the rare places where the waiters receive hugs from their guest when the evening is over."
Dedicated to language
By Inna Allen | Photos: The Ivar Aasen Centre
The Ivar Aasen Centre is a national centre for documenting and experiencing the Nynorsk (New Norwegian) written language. Located in the small town of Hovdebygda, in south-western Norway, the centre consists of five buildings situated on the farm where Ivar Aasen was born and raised. Its museum, established in 1898, is the oldest museum in Norway dedicated to a person’s life. Aasen (1813-1896) was a language researcher who rewrote Norwegian history
For more information, please visit: www.teaterfabrikken.no or email post@teaterfabrikken.no
and laid the foundations for the New Norwegian language. He also wrote some of Norway's most popular folksongs. Dedicated to honour Aasen's life and work, the centre holds a large permanent exhibition on the founder, along with New Norwegian literature and other languages. Opened in 2000, the spectacular main building was designed by Norway's leading architect, Sverre Fehn, and boasts Norway’s most prestigious architectural award. “We present a
varied cultural programme all year round, offering visitors plenty to experience,” says communication adviser Laila Walseth Lid. “From an outdoor amphitheatre, where people have gathered since the 1880s, to a computer-based Dialect Game, exhibits showcase the foundations of the language that has become a natural part of everyday Norwegian life and is today the first language of at least 600,000 Norwegians.” One of the highlights for the centre is the Festival of New Norwegian Literature, Art and Music. Held on the last weekend of June, the annual event celebrates the New Norwegian written culture with guest authors, musicians and unexpected works of art. For more information, please visit: www.aasentunet.no
Issue 39 | April 2012 | 43
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Møre & Romsdal
Personal service in the heart of Kristiansund With its close proximity to both the harbour and transport links, Astoria Hotell, in the heart of Kristiansund, is perfect for anyone wanting to soak up the atmosphere of this city that lies right on the Norwegian coastline. The privately owned hotel has 60 rooms and holds a high standard throughout. “About half of the hotel is newly renovated,” says director Roger Bach. “All our new rooms are allergy friendly, and we also have a few rooms with fantastic views over the harbour.” Several of the rooms have a small kitchen unit particularly suited for anyone staying for a longer period of time, and there are also Connection Rooms, perfect for families. “As we are privately owned, we are able to be a bit more flexible and personable in our service,” says Bach. “As an example, we offer breakfast from as early as 5am for anyone needing to leave early and a later check-out time to accommo-
date anyone not so keen on an early start.” New meeting and conference rooms are currently nearing completion and look set to be ready for guests in April. Four meeting rooms will have a combined capacity of up to 50 people and include AV equipment and Internet access. The city centre location means that restaurants, shops and sights are within walking distance. Should you be in the mood for something a bit more adventurous than a stroll around the city, Astoria works closely with several local businesses and can help with organizing activities such as boat hire or kayaking.
For further information and online booking, please visit: www.astoriahotell.no
By Karin Modig | Photos: Astoria Hotell
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FIS SPE SE HIN CIA L AF OO G IN THE D R NO ME ES RW : TA UR AY & AN TS
Big fish and big flavours In Norway, fishing is in the blood; it is an essential part of the country’s history and livelihood. For sport fishermen in search of that 20-kilo salmon catch or a meditative state of mind in unspoilt, dramatic landscapes, Norway ticks all the right boxes. By Nia Kajastie | Photo: Yngve Ask/www.visitnorway.com
There are unlimited possibilities for coast, deep-sea and freshwater fishing, and the only really hard part is to find the perfect spot suited to your preferences. Fortunately Norway is full of knowledgeable guides and tour operators who know the ropes, bring you to the right spots and can guarantee a successful fishing holiday. Norway is also well-known for its big fish, as due to plenty of coastline and countless
rivers, streams and lakes, fish thrive and grow large. A fishing holiday to Norway offers a real chance to catch an oversized salmon, trout, pike, cod or halibut, among many other species. To help you plan your perfect fishing holiday in the right location and according to your specific preferences, in this theme, we have put together a good selection of high-standard fishing destinations. There
is sure to be something to suit all tastes. And speaking of taste, Norway is, of course, famous for its fish and seafood cuisine. With fish in abundance, Norway is among the world’s biggest fish exporters, and restaurants around the country naturally take advantage of the fresh, highquality fish. Norwegian salmon has made its way all around the world, and its delicate flavour is always a popular choice on restaurant menus. Turn to our small seafood theme for some great restaurant tips from around Norway. For more information on fishing holidays in Norway, please visit: www.visitnorway.com
Issue 39 | April 2012 | 45
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Fishing in Norway
Hyllenget Manor
Chase the great Atlantic salmon in the ‘Queen of Rivers’ with Namsen Adventure Namsen Adventure AS offers personalized fishing and hunting excursions in Namdalen, including exclusive fishing on one of the world’s best salmon rivers. River Namsen is widely known for making a fisherman’s wildest dreams come true. By Sven Riis Houston | Photos: Namsen Adventure AS
Namsen Adventure is seated on the bank of Namsen River, located 200 kilometres north of Trondheim. As the leading provider of fishing and hunting experiences in the area of Namdalen, Namsen Adventure AS can offer guests the opportunity to chase the great Atlantic salmon in some of the best salmon rivers in the world.
the early 1800s, it became a firm favourite with English anglers who became known as “salmon lords’”. They were drawn to the “Queen of Rivers”, as it is known thanks to the large Atlantic salmon that use it for spawning. River Namsen
Since then it has attracted fishermen from Norway and beyond looking to catch the large salmon in a river which is considered one of the majesties of the fishing world. Whilst you would have to go back to 1924 for the record catch taken on rod, which weighed in at 31.5kg, there are still very big fish in the river.
They also have large areas of hunting terrain at their disposal, as well as first-class accommodation at Hyllenget Manor, ideally located along the shores of the “Queen of Rivers” – Namsen.
“It is actually very rare if a year goes by without several salmon weighing 20kg or more being caught. And that is what makes Namsen so special,” explains Helge Storihle, manager at Namsen Adventure AS.
Namsen has historically been an important river for trade and transport, but in
With access to six kilometres of the best river beats, Namsen Adventure can offer
46 | Issue 39 | April 2012
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Fishing in Norway
some of the river’s most experienced oarsmen and ghillies to accompany visitors during the season, which stretches from 1 June to 31 August. Visitors of all ages and experience levels are welcome, be it individual fishermen or larger groups, who can choose to hire an expert guide or simply venture out on their own. Namsen is a beautiful, challenging and varied river, which allows for fishing by boat, on land as well as fly fishing in the various beats. Namsen Adventure’s experienced oarsmen and ghillies will do their utmost to ensure that visitors, even those with no previous experience, will have a good chance of chasing the great Atlantic salmon. “Our experts will show you fishing techniques that will give you a chance of experiencing the great salmon, with one popular method by boat being the ‘Harling method’, in which you start at the top of the stretch of river and cross your way down from one side to the other, enabling you to cover as much of the water as possible,” says Storihle. Another important river is Bjøra, a small, winding river that flows into Namsen.
Bjøra has its own salmon species, and although it does not have the size and powerful flow of Namsen, it can still contain salmon weighing up to 30kg. Primarily a river for fly fishing, it can also be fished by boat during the early season. Namsen Adventure also has large areas of hunting terrain at their disposal and can offer the chance to hunt elk, deer, roe deer and smaller game, as well as wing shooting in the company of qualified stalkers and houndsmen. When it comes to accommodation, Namsen Adventure can offer Hyllenget Manor: a magnificent and elegant manor that sits on the bank of the “Queen of Rivers”. Hyllenget Manor was purchased by Otto G. Tidemand, a ship owner by trade, who himself is a keen hunter and fisher. He bought the manor so that he could give others the chance to live in this unique location, while they experience Namdalen’s excellent fishing and hunting opportunities. It was officially opened in 2007 and boasts eight double bedrooms, complete with en-suite bathrooms and excellent views of Namsen.
It is designed in a modern yet traditional style and to a very high standard, and features a large hall, two living rooms and a dining room. It also consists of external buildings that offer state-of-the-art conference facilities, making it an ideal choice for corporate events or for a family looking for that truly special, personalized experience. A further additional building consists of a spa room, offering a sauna, steam bath, relaxation room and outdoor hot tub. Indoor parking is also available, and last but not least, a fabulous gourmet kitchen. “Our chef has garnered experience from the best restaurants, and his exquisite food is sure to leave you wanting more. It is all part of the excellent service we can provide at Hyllenget, a truly luxurious stay in such an idyllic location,” says Storihle. Additional accommodation is also available nearby and details, along with other requests regarding services, such as airport pick-ups, can be found on the Namsen Adventure AS website. For further information, please visit: www.visitnamsen.no www.hyllenget.no
Great Atlantic Salmon
Issue 39 | April 2012 | 47
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Fishing in Norway
Trysnes Marina is the ultimate holiday Eldorado on the southern coast
By Sven Riis Houston | Photos: Trysnes Marina
along the coast, which make perfect destinations for impromptu fishing trips and picnics. The islands are surrounded by clear water and beautiful reefs, making diving and snorkelling popular activities with visitors. Boats can be hired from the marina, with local experts on hand to help with any queries. The area is popular with fishing enthusiasts who look to catch lobster during the summer, while ice fishing in the winter is an unforgettable experience. There is plenty of fun to be had on land as well, including ample forest terrain and trails popular with walkers and skiers during the summer and winter months respectively.
Located in a sheltered bay on the tip of the picturesque southern coastline, Trysnes Marina is a haven for holidaymakers. Formerly a yacht harbour, it now boasts a vibrant marina complete with seaside apartments and an array of activities for the entire family. Just a 25-minute drive from Kristiansand, Trysnes Marina is the ideal location from which to enjoy the idyllic coastline all year round. Thirty-six modern and stylish seaside apartments surround the bay, sleeping up to ten people and featuring private balconies. The marina itself offers tennis and beach volleyball courts, as well as a shop selling groceries and fishing equipment. A brand new seaside restaurant is also due to open. The region is renowned for the mesmerising small islands that lie scattered
Galeien restaurant, due to open soon.
For further information, please visit: www.trysnes.no
Catch your own dinner and relax by the fjord By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Furøy Fishing Camp
Furøy Fishing Camp, located in the Troms area of northern Norway, opened for guests in 2006, presenting a great spot for fishing enthusiasts as well as a tranquil haven for visitors to the Arctic fjords. Surrounded by beautiful scenery and exceptional wildlife, Furøy Fishing Camp is an ideal base for both beginners and more experienced fishing enthusiasts. “It’s an ideal place to experience sea fishing within the safety of the fjord,” explains Victoria Wood, who owns the camp with her partner Jan Eirik Langaune. “We offer an all-round memorable adventure, with a relaxed atmosphere and safe surroundings for the whole family. Our location is only a 30-minute drive from Bardufoss Airport, where our minibus service is waiting. The airport has daily direct flights from Oslo.” The accommodation is divided between
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the Skipper House, which sleeps up to six people, two apartments with room for four people each, and an atmospheric log cabin ideal for two guests. Kayaks and motorbikes can also be rented. The rental of all accommodation includes the use of a boat, while in the service house you can find a chest freezer to store your catch, together with other essential equipment. And after a long day of fishing, guests can relax in the camp’s sauna, solarium, or a wood-fired hot tub outside. The on-site pub and bistro “The Oimara” offers beers from the world’s most northerly brewery, “Mack” in Tromsø.
The fishing season runs from the end of March until middle of October, but Furøy Fishing Camp is open all year round for accommodation for those who want to experience the Arctic winter under the northern lights. Conference and dinner facilities are also available. Contact details: furoyfishingcamp@hotmail.com Tel: +47 41238499
For further information, please visit: www.furoyfishingcamp.com
Fisherman in the suspension bridge pool.
Holmen Estate
World Champion Gary Scott releasing a lovely hen fish.
Catch a break and a salmon, close to home By Ingrid Marie Holmeide Photos: Vuku Salmon Fishing
Sixty minutes from Trondheim Airport, Værnes, in central Norway lies the Verdal River, connected to one of the most important wild salmon fjords in the world: the Trondheim Fjord. On its bank is the village Vuku, where Vuku Salmon Fishing can have you placed in the water with a rod in your hands less than four hours after you left England. Sounds like a good way to unwind after a busy week? “Get in touch, we’ll pick you up from the airport and give you an experience of a lifetime,” says contact person John Olav Oldren.
lb, and in 2010, the largest weighed in at 17 kg/37 lb.” So a big catch is definitely possible at Vuku Salmon Fishing. The average size from June last year was about 8 kg/17 lb and the average for the season was 5.2 kg/12 lb. “June is the month for big salmon. Our season is normally from 1 June to 31 August, possibly shorter this year, but get in touch if you need other arrangements,” says Oldren.
Vuku Salmon Fishing is a co-operation between two good beats around the Vuku village. Bearing resemblance to the Scottish rivers Dee and Spey, the Verdal River offers 46 kilometres of great salmon trails. “Visit the Verdal River and you’ll be in one of the Big Four.”
Accommodation in Vuku is of a very high standard, with two different places to choose from: Holmen Estate and Tingvoll Farm. Guests can choose between single rooms or apartments, full board or catered. “We have invested in making this a full experience for our guests and take pride in offering high-quality accommodation close to the river.”
Like the other rivers along the Trondheim Fjord, the Verdal River is famous for its big salmon. “We get good numbers of 10-14 kg/22-30 lb salmon here. You might even be lucky enough to catch a 20 kg/44lb salmon; the largest last year was 16 kg/36
Normally 150-300 salmon are caught in Vuku Salmon’s fishing zones each season, depending on the salmon’s drifting, but chances are good of catching salmon in all pools. The right tackle to use are 1316 feet fly rods, suiting numbers 9-12
lines; using floating, intermediate and sink tips. “We normally have 1 guide per 4 anglers and can have a total of 18 anglers in the river at once.” Vuku Salmon Fishing is an adventure for everyone, whether you are a starter or at an advanced level; they can offer courses and training. Get in touch with Vuku Salmon Fishing for more information, price offers and a break that you are sure to remember!
Fishing Hut, Tingvoll Beat Contact details: John Olav Oldren joolao@online.no +47 95075741 Bodil holmen@verdalsbruket.no +47 92650902
For further information, please visit: www.verdalselva.com www.verdalsbruket.no
Issue 39 | April 2012 | 49
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Fishing in Norway
Follow in the footsteps of British nobility and catch a big one at Hembre Gård Fishing at Hembre Gård dates back to the early 1900s, when the British nobility waded in the Stjørdal River chasing one fish bigger than the other. Being known as one of the best fishing places in Norway, it now attracts people from all over Europe looking for a good fishing story and a relaxing atmosphere. By Anne Line Kaxrud | Photos: Hembre Gård
“The Norwegians here did not understand what the British were up to – to them fishing was about providing food on the table, whereas the British fishers were doing it for the sake of the sport,” says owner and host Aksel Hågen Hembre. Since then sport fishing has taken off in Norway as well as in England, and people from all over Europe are attracted to the beautiful fishing spot close to Trondheim in central Norway. “We have fewer British noblemen coming over these days, but particularly visitors from Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark and Norway often come to try their fishing luck during the summer,” says Hembre.
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One of the best fly-fishing rivers in Norway The Stjørdal River is part of the large Trondheim Fjord basin and is well known for its big salmon lurking the waters, and in good years, a handful of 15-20 kilo salmons are caught. Hembre Gård holds
two kilometres of double bank fishing and accounts for 4-5% of all caught fish in the river during the season. “The largest salmon caught here in recent times was a 21.3 kilo fish back in 1988,” says Hembre. Most sport fishers dream of catching a salmon breaking the big 2-0 on the scale, and your best chance to catch an impressive sized fish is in early June, as they are coming in fresh from the sea. “We are always full of anticipation ahead of the fishing season, and we have great hopes that the upcoming season will match the good 2011 season,” continues Hembre. The old “Stabbur” functions as a pleasant social space, where one may indulge in good fishing stories from the farm throughout the years. First season as hosts at Hembre Gård This is the first season Hembre and his wife Beate Kristin are welcoming guests
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Fishing in Norway
to Hembre Gård as hosts, as they took over the management of the farm and fishing facilities just before Christmas. “We are not making many changes in the upcoming season. We are, however, working on improving the river banks in order to increase accessibility,” says Hembre. “We will also work more closely with the business market, where companies can rent the whole area on a weekly basis.” He emphasises that they greatly appreciate all of their guests and will continue to be open for private guests as well. “It is delightful to see people returning year after year; one has been coming back for more than 50 years,” says Hembre and attributes the success to the social atmosphere surrounding the place. “People come here for the social aspect as well as catching a big one,” explains Hembre. Make your bookings for 2013 now The fishing season runs from the beginning of June to the end of August, and Hembre notes that June is already fully booked, whereas there are still some spaces left in July and August. July is getting close. “We see that people are keen on fishing holidays, whether they bring the whole family along or go on a typical ‘lads’ trip’. We have therefore started to look at the 2013 season already and recommend people to plan far ahead,” says Hembre. In order to preserve the fish stock, they maintain strict rules. “We have to take measures to ensure the preservation of fish in the river, and we therefore allow only 10 fishers in our fishing areas at all times, and the individual fisher can catch a maximum of eight fish per season,” elaborates Hembre. This has encouraged the practice of catch and release, and more and more people are practicing this even when they have not fished the maximum quota. In addition to being located by one of the most fish-rich rivers in Norway, Hembre Gård has an excellent location close to Trondheim and the city’s international airport Værnes. Taking 10 minutes by car, Hembre is certainly right saying that the Stjørdal River is the easiest-accessible river in Norway. “Many come here by car, but we offer transportation to and from
the farm for those who arrive by plane,” Hembre informs us and notes that equipment may be rented at Hembre Gård. “The majority of our guests are experienced fishers, but we offer guided tours of the river and fly-fishing courses for those who would like a tip or two,” says Hembre and wishes returning and prospective guests a great fishing season. For further information, please visit: hembregard.no
Phone: +47 92664059/+47 92480170
Issue 39 | April 2012 | 51
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Fishing in Norway
In the right plaice Between the steep mountains of Lyngsalpene, Lyngen Havfiske & Tursenter offers visitors brag-worthy fishing experiences in breathtaking scenery. At the tip of Lyngsalpene, with the mighty Nordic Sea at its doorstep, lies the quiet village of Nord-Lenangen. Its unique location at the merging of two fjords provides a particularly rich fish environment ideal for both the experienced and newcomers. Seasonal fishing Laila-Anita Westby from Lyngen Havfiske & Tursenter tells of great seasonal fishing with the odds in your favour to secure the big catch. “This area has stable fishing
conditions throughout the year,” Westby says. She explains that they provide any advice and help needed to make the most of their visitors’ holidays. The different seasons offer a variety in fishing, and in spring and summer, guests can brace themselves for wolf fish and halibut as well as large pollack. The summer months in northern Norway offer a spectacular frame for any fishing experience. Fishing around the clock to a glowing midnight sun is truly a memorable moment. “We have had visitors
come in from long fishing trips asking us whether it’s night or day. We just tell them to not think about time and just relax,” says Westby. A fleet of 15 larger boats are available for rent, all fully equipped with GPS systems and sonars. Westby adds that they happily provide guides for those who want to take advantage of local knowledge, but visitors can safely navigate around themselves. For those not eager to fish there are endless trails for hiking to enjoy the scenery by foot and plenty of opportunities to spot some local wildlife. The area has a rich bird and wildlife, offering great chances to see moose and reindeer. But as Westby puts it herself: “You have to come here to believe it. Words cannot describe what you will experience here.” By Anette Berve Photos: Lyngen Havfiske & Tursenter
For further information, please visit: www.lyngenhavfiske.no or contact post@lyngenhavfiske.no if you have any questions.
Deep-sea fishing and much more in Mehamn In the very far north of Norway, you will find Mehamn, one of the northernmost fishing villages in the world and home to Nordic Safari Wildlife Adventures. Here, you can sleep comfortably in modern fisherman huts at night and spend the days exploring, as a whole host of outdoor adventures awaits you all year round. “To begin with, we have fantastic accommodation on offer in the shape of five brand new waterfront cottages,” says owner Vidar Karlstad, also known as Vidar the Viking. “The old dock house has been completely renovated, and houses the reception, restaurant, sauna, and the world’s northernmost youth hostel.” Between April and September, fishing tourists flock to the area. “Sea fishing in the Barents Sea is something else,” says Karlstad. “During these months, we are out at sea every day, and a great catch is almost guaranteed.” The area is particularly well known for halibut, and the team here specialise in
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finding good spots for halibut fishing. “Catching a large halibut is the equivalent of catching a river salmon,” explains Karlstad. “It is a very big deal!” Another popular and common fish is the skrei cod, which comes into shore every spring. In addition to fishing, Nordic Safari Wildlife Adventures offers a whole range of other activities, from sailing and trips in speedboats, to hunting and bird watching, and much more. Deep-sea fishing, both for fish and king crab, is a year-round activity, and during the winter months, there are also snowmobile trips, husky sleigh rides and skiing on offer.
Top: Adventure Camp Mehamn – Stay in waterfront cottages, the youth hostel or try camping! Below: A 66kg halibut caught outside Cape Nordkyn. By Karin Modig | Photos: www.nordicsafari.no
For further information, please visit: www.nordicsafari.no
Photo: Peter Steensen
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Fishing in Norway
Geir Sivertzen with a halibut and (below) a large cod.
The Kingdom of Cod Above the Arctic Circle lies the land of the midnight sun, the home of Norway’s most famous and beautiful area, Lofoten. In the heart of Lofoten, you will find Nusfjord, one of the oldest and best-preserved fishing villages in the country. Here, there are no industrial buildings polluting the view. You find peace and quiet and closeness to the most dramatic natural landscapes Norway has to offer. And you find fish. Lots of it! By Ingrid Marie Holmeide | Photos: Nusfjord
Geir Sivertzen/Dr.Hook, ex-product development manager of fish hook manufacturer Mustad, is now responsible for the sport fishing activities of Nusfjord and has mapped the fishing opportunities around Nusfjord with his professional Team Mustad Norway. His many years of experience in the sport fishing business benefit all visitors who make Nusfjord their destination. “We load the best spots for fishing onto the GPS on our boats and make it easy for everyone to catch fish with us.” The Lofoten fishing for cod peaks in March/April, but there are exciting fishing opportunities all year around. Cod, pollack, haddock and halibut are always on the cards! Nusfjord has a classic commercial fishing vessel available for those wanting to experience the sea with a local skipper. For others, Nusfjord offers five brand new 19foot aluminum boats with 50hp engines and all the necessary electronics to locate the fish. These boats are very popular amongst guests who want to chase the
big fish. “The best areas for big fish have always been around Lofoten, and we’re lucky to find them just five minutes from our doorstep,” Sivertzen says. And if you catch the biggest fish of the season, your name will be engraved next to the huge hook of the Mustad-Nusfjord-Trophy. The hosts of Nusfjord, Veronica and Jim, will make your stay an unforgettable memory. They offer to prepare your own catch in the Restaurant Karoline, or you can prepare it in the kitchen of your own fisherman’s cabin (“rorbu”). “We also have an amazing price offer for our guests: a stay in a fisherman’s cabin and usage of one of our boats for a whole week, all for less than 5,000 kroner!”
There is an opportunity to rent a rod, reel (with super strong Dyneema line) and flotation suit here, or you can buy the local specialties for fishing gear in the country store. They sell complete deep-sea fishing equipment, as well as jigs and tackle. In the summertime, this part of Norway lights up, literally. Twenty-four hours of daylight let you go out to sea at any time. Should you decide to visit between November and January to experience the magnificent northern lights, bear in mind the short hours of light per day However, Nusfjord is much more than fishing. The nature around the village is stunning. It is perfect for hiking, biking, diving, climbing, kayaking and so much more. The Viking Museum of Borg, Å – the very tip of the islands, Stamsund and Leknes, are all found within a short drive. But swimming is for the bravest, those derived directly from the Vikings! COMPETITION:
Win a week of fishing in Nusfjord Log onto www.nusfjord.no for your chance to win a week of fishing adventures in Nusfjord, including boat and cabin for four people.
We also provide NOK 4,000, to cover initial travel expenses for the winner.
For further information, please visit: www.nusfjord.no
Issue 39 | April 2012 | 53
An inspiring community at the Arctic Circle The small island community of Kvarøy, just south of the Arctic Circle, only has around 70 inhabitants, yet it is home to a number of businesses. There is a restaurant, there is aquaculture, and unusually for a place of its size, Kvarøy still has its own school and kindergarten. By Karin Modig | Photos: Kvarøy Sjøhus
With more and more people leaving rural areas in favour of towns and cities, this is one community that is consciously trying to buck the trend of urbanization and fighting to keep its inhabitants. Lack of work opportunities are often the reason people leave, so one way of ensuring a thriving community is ensuring there is enough work for everyone. The story of Kvarøy Sjøhus is part of the story of how Kvarøy is investing in its own community and people as a way of keeping the place alive.
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started in 2007, and two years later, we had three houses that were ready to be rented out. In 2010, a further two were built, so altogether we now have five three-bedroom houses that each sleep six people.” Situated right on the water, they all have views of both the sea and the mountains, and the terraces provide great spots for watching the northern lights in winter and the midnight sun in the summer.
Modern accommodation on the waterfront The traditional red rorbu is a common sight on the coast of northern Norway. The waterfront huts that once used to house fishermen are now popular places to stay for visitors. Both brand new and renovated original huts can be found, and Kvarøy Sjøhus has five modern huts available for visitors.
“Right from the beginning, we decided that we were going to provide quality accommodation, so we have been 100% focused on making sure there is a very high standard throughout,” says Knutsen. “We provide hotel-standard linen and towels, the kitchens are fully equipped, there is Internet, and the living room has a TV, DVD and CD player.”
“Kvarøy Sjøhus itself is a relatively new venture,” says general manager Alf-Gøran Knutsen. “The idea and the preparation
In partnership with other venues, Kvarøy Sjøhus has also recently started offering fully catered courses, conferences and
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Fishing in Norway
team building sessions. Two local meeting rooms are available, and Kvarøy Sjøhus can arrange for events with up to 60 people. The conference rooms are modern and come equipped with Internet connection, projector and so forth. Food is provided by local restaurant Olea’s Kjøkken - another of the island’s small businesses. The restaurant, in a renovated building from the 1880s, only opened last year, and in keeping with the community trend, the kitchen uses local produce as much as possible. Kvarøy Sjøhus offers tailor-made packages for groups, and conferences or team-building sessions can easily be combined with a number of activities in and around the area. Find your perfect fishing spot and explore the nature The area is known for its good opportunities for fishing, and the largest employer on the islands is Kvarøy Fiskeoppdrett, a fish farm that employs 15 of Kvarøy’s inhabitants. A well-established business, it is also run by Knutsen, and it was the success of this company that allowed Kvarøy Sjøhus to be set up. “The businesses that I run are part of the drive to keep people on the island,” says Knutsen. “Our aim is to create as many jobs as possible in the community and invest money in creating these jobs rather than spending it elsewhere. Kvarøy Sjøhus is part of that vision.” With the sea outside their front door, many of the guests at Kvarøy Sjøhus take the opportunity to rent one of Knutsen’s 19-foot fishing boats to try their hand at sea fishing. Guided tours of the area in larger boats are also on offer. You also have the chance to find out more about commercial aquaculture with tours of Kvarøy Fiskeoppdrett, where you can learn more about both salmon and crab production. Although fishing is a very important part of Kvarøy’s identity, there are many more
experiences to be had. The surrounding nature is unique and very much worth exploring. In the middle of summer, with the midnight sun shining 24 hours a day, a bike ride across the islands comes highly recommended. The area is also home to a number of eagles, and an observation point offers a great opportunity
for photographing these majestic birds. A daily boat from Bodø means that, despite its location, Kvarøy is easily accessible from the mainland. For further information, please visit: www.kvaroy.no
Issue 39 | April 2012 | 55
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Fishing in Norway
Do you want to go to the seaside? On a pier made of natural rocks, stretching out into the beautiful Vestfjorden, sits a small group of traditional red and white seaside apartments. Lit up by the midnight sun in summertime and the northern lights in winter, and surrounded by picturesque Norwegian nature, where green mountains meet the blue ocean, Steigen Sjøhus is a true gem on the west coast of Norway. By Magnus Nygren Syversen
“If you are looking for some peace and quiet, this is the perfect place for you,” says manager Laila Aalstad. “This is a place where you can easily find a small beach to enjoy all by yourself, and a place where you can go for a relaxing bike ride without being disturbed by much traffic.” Steigen Sjøhus, and the surrounding archipelago, has something on offer for everyone. Go on a trek around one of several marked hiking trails, go out to sea on one of the boats for hire, or spend the day fishing right outside your apartment door. “We have even had a guest hook a halibut right in front of his apartment,” says Aalstad. If you are the adventurous type, you can get on a speed boat and go sea-raft-
ing. For historians, Engeløya is home to a church from the Middle Ages and the remnants of a Viking burial site, as well as Batterie Dietl – one of Europe’s largest German coastal fortifications from World War II. And for wildlife enthusiasts, the archipelago offers the highest concentration of white-tailed sea eagles in the entire world. All you have to decide is what to do first.
Photo: Steigen Sjøhus
Photo: Laila Aalstad
For further information, please visit: www.steigen-ferie.no Photo: Marianne Lind
Enjoy an authentic fishing experience at Sjøstrand Rorbuer Located in the idyllic Ballstad in Lofoten, Sjøstrand Rorbuer has access to one of the best and most picturesque coastal fishing areas in the world. As a guest you can stay at a traditional fishing cabin, known as a rorbu, and catch big ones on the Lofoten Sea from the fishing boat Iversen Jr. “We offer our guests insight into the lives of real fishermen, as they can both live and fish like traditional Lofoten fishermen,” says owner Børge Iversen. Experience the authenticity of a fisherman’s life They rent out traditional fishing cabins, and as a fisher by occupation, Iversen offers guests trips on the Lofoten Sea with his boat Iversen Jr. There are good chances of leaving Sjøstrand Rorbuer with an impressive fishing story. “The European record of cod fishing caught by angling was set here by two Dutch journalists,” says Iversen and informs us that the 33.9kilo cod still remains the biggest catch.
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Winter fishing The main season runs from June till August, and you would be lucky to find a spare cabin during these months. However, an increasing number of guests are coming during the winter, when a fishing holiday can be combined with observing
the spectacular northern lights. During March, you can also witness the legendary world championship in cod fishing in Svolvær, 80 kilometres from Ballstad. “The winter months are great for catching big ones,” says Iversen and welcomes everyone to come and try their fishing luck. By Anne Line Kaxrud | Photos: Sjøstrand Rorbuer
For further information, please visit: www.rorbuer.info
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Fishing in Norway
A midsummer night’s fishing trip Three of the things that best define the north-western shores of Norway are the beautiful nature, the fishing culture and the midnight sun in summertime. Arctic Cruise offers a way for tourists to combine all of these elements in one spectacular experience.
Photo: Goran Milovanovic
By Magnus Nygren Syversen | Photos: Kevin Pettersen
some fishing,” says manager Terje Nordheim. Arctic Cruise provides everything needed for the fishing trip – even appropriate clothing. “You don’t need to worry about what you are wearing. You can show up in your finest suit if you want.” Nordheim and his boat are available all
Based in Bodø, just above the Arctic Circle, Arctic Cruise AS specialises in deepsea fishing and sightseeing. A state-ofthe-art boat with the capacity to carry 12 passengers provides the perfect way for a family, a group of friends or a company trip to take to the sea and experience the Norwegian coastline at its finest. One of the greatest attractions in the
area is the Saltstraumen, just southeast of Bodø. This strait is home to the strongest tidal current in the world, which forms large whirlpools and maelstroms in the water. These waters also have an abundance of fish, and a large number of white-tailed sea eagles. “We can take you out on short sightseeing tours, or you can combine it with
hours of the day. “If anyone wants to go out at night, I’m happy to do that.” Now, what could possibly be better than catching a big one under the midnight sun, surrounded by beautiful nature? For further information, please visit: www.arcticcruise.no
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We can tailor solutions to bridge your worlds, wherever you are. We call this solutions beyond the ordinary. To become an International Private Banking client, visit our web site www.danskebank.lu or call us in Luxembourg at telephone +352 46 12 751.
Photo: Truls J. Løtvedt of Bergen
Scan Magazine | Sub - Theme | Seafood Restaurants
Cockles
Scallops
Sea Urchin
Horse Mussel
Oyster
Norway’s finest seafood, among aphrodisiacs and fjords Every restaurant has a story, but few have a story like Cornelius Restaurant on the islet of Bjorøy, a 20-minute boat trip from Bergen in Norway. As owner Alf Roald Sætre tells Scan Magazine, it contains all the themes a good story needs: love, death, dramatic fjords, aphrodisiacs – and resounding success. By Linnea Dunne | Photos: Cornelius Restaurant
As a third-generation oyster farmer, Sætre had fallen in love. He had set eyes on an islet owned by an old man, and as he could not afford to buy it, he went after the daughter who would inherit the land. “Unfortunately she married a friend of
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mine instead, a cool guy with a motorcycle,” he says and explains how he decided to venture out to Seattle to explore ideal fish farming conditions that had so far been ignored. Seventeen years later, drained of his enthusiasm for a project
that had been a great success, with Sætre becoming co-owner, he returned to his homeland only to discover that his childhood sweetheart was widowed. “So I started feeding her lots of sea urchins, known for their aphrodisiac effect on women. And it worked!” Cornelius Restaurant, named after Sætre’s grandfather, was finally set up in 2003 and has been a real success story. Situated on the five-acre islet of Bjorøy in a beautiful fjord, it offers not only magnif-
Scan Magazine | Sub - Theme | Seafood Restaurants
icent views but also dream conditions for an aquaculture enthusiast. Here, nothing has been left to fate: a lot of effort has gone into the architecturally admirable main building with modern, stylish décor throughout, and a small platform has been built to accommodate guests who arrive by helicopter. A meteorological concept Purpose-built tanks of constantly pumping salt water have been installed so that guests can watch scallops and shellfish in action, picking exactly what tickles their fancy that particular moment, and big widescreen projectors in the restaurant allow the diners to watch staff dive for the seafood that will shortly be served – absolutely fresh. “We call it ‘a meteorological concept’,” Sætre explains. “The weather and natural conditions are in charge, and we always serve up the very best fish we can get that
How to get here: Boats leave Dreggen Quay in Bergen city centre every evening at 6pm and return at 10.30pm or 11.30 pm.
Package deals: Boat return ticket plus meteorological threecourse meal: 775 NOK per person; or ‘Holmen
day. On a cold and windy day, we make sure that the food is particularly hearty, with hot, warming sauces, and on warmer summer’s days, we keep it light and fresh.” With a wine cellar of over 7,000 bottles of wine, it promises to be an impressive allround gastronomic experience.
“I also keep some cages of a type of small hake fish unique to the local area, which, upon the cruises’ arrivals, we cook in front of the visitors and serve with butter and a special Norwegian flatbread.” And with each food sample comes a story or two from the founder himself.
Walking and talking
Sætre’s love of and knack for storytelling permeates the entire experience of Bjorøy and Cornelius Restaurant, from the moment visitors step off the boat from Bergen on the mainland and are told the story of how the little island was first acquired, to the high-technological devices that show how the food reaches the plate, every step of the way, and the food itself, which tells a tale not only about Sætre’s passion for fish farming but also about local history and culture. Every restaurant has a story – but why settle for just one?
New for this year is a collaboration with local cruise companies, offering a package deal that gives cruise guests the opportunity to experience the Norwegian aquaculture tradition first-hand. “We’ll tell them about the local fishing culture and show them exactly how the fish is smoked. They get to taste cod or salmon straight from the smoking oven, as well as our special fish chowder,” says Sætre. During two hours of walking and talking, with treats for the eyes as well as the taste buds, the guests get a refreshing break from the fine dining environment of the cruises to soak up the real deal of aquaculture.
Spesial’, including boat return ticket, a talk about seafood, food samples from the tanks and aquariums, and meteorological threecourse meal: 975 NOK per person.
Founder Alf Roald Saetre on the left and co-owner and managing director Odd Einar Tufteland on the right.
Sail-away menu: Available upon request, including lobster, crayfish, shrimps, mussels, crab etc. Prices vary.
For further information, please visit: www.cornelius-restaurant.no
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Fresh and seasonal seafood at Tromsø’s finest restaurant Fiskekompaniet, situated in the harbour of Tromsø, welcomes no less than 1,500 visitors per month through its doors during the busy summer period. Serving an array of fresh and mouth-watering seafood, this Norwegian restaurant has become famous in the northern region. By Emelie Krugly Hill | Photos: Fiskekompaniet
Last year, Fiskekompaniet celebrated 15 years in business, and the managing director, Swede Anders Blomkvist, has enjoyed every minute since he arrived in Norway 23 years ago. Back then, he had no idea that he was going to set up the successful Fiskekompaniet; in fact, over a decade ago, quite surprisingly, the variety of seafood that is so beloved today was not really a part of Norwegian cuisine. Anders has certainly changed tastes since the age of “lutfisk”, a traditional type of dried cod. Whether it is chunky scallops, salmon, crab, herring or sardines that take your
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fancy, they are all guaranteed to be fresh and delicious, lovingly served with rich and simple accompaniments and flavours. “Most of the fish is local and based on the fresh catches of the day,” says Anders 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 crab, mussels, lobster and oysters, with careful preparation, all look very impressive when they leave the kitchen, especially on the same platter.”
As you enter the restaurant, you 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 bringing fresh influence and ideas. Anders also adds a touch of Swedish influence to his dishes; for example, bleak roe from Sweden is used, including a particularly excellent type from Kalix in the northern region. “Having the bustling kitchen on view is our way of giving our guests a personal welcome,” says Anders Blomkvist. “It is with curious minds that guests arrive through the doors of Fiskekompaniet for the first time; often there is an air of excitement, and upon leaving, our guests
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are very complimentary, often astounded at the quality and freshness of our dishes,” he adds. As the seasons change, so does the fisherman’s catch and of course the menu. Spring can arrive as late as the end of May in the northern region, but this varies from year to year. In northern Norway, you can experience the midnight sun from the middle of May to the end of July, and naturally this magical period attracts thousands of visitors each year. “As we leave winter fishing behind, the spring and summer become more about shellfish, arctic char, and for Norway, the whale season is an important sustainable and cultural tradition,” says Blomkvist. “Whale meat has a beautiful flavour, very much like a fine piece of steak; it’s not to be missed on our menu. Some of our guests are a bit sceptical at first but soon change their minds.” A journalist from the Times newspaper reported on 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!” The top-class service is focused on attention to detail; the staff recognise the importance of customer service and are knowledgeable and friendly, providing everything you will need for a fine dining experience. There is no dress code at the restaurant, and guests often visit after work or for lunch. For special occasions, areas can be rented; the unique view of the harbour, the exceptional service and food certainly 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, an impressive selection from all over Europe,” says Anders Blomkvist.
For further information, please visit: www.fiskekompani.no
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Butter-fried Hardanger trout with spinach, red onions, mushrooms and potato soup.
Fillet of cusk breaded in nuts with tarragon butter, sweet pepper and leek rings.
Indulge in Scandinavian delights at IKEA prices Naboen Pub & Restaurant has become an institution on the restaurant scene in Bergen. With its unpretentious atmosphere and food that can blow the mind of any unforgiving food critic, it has become a place where locals return year after year, and tourists are recommended to try out. By Anne Line Kaxrud | Photos: Geir Steinar Knutsvik
The Swede Torsten Helsing opened the restaurant in 1995, after numerous dining-out experiences in Bergen. “The restaurant market struck me as very segregated; you would go one place for fine dining, another place for a cheap eat and a third place for a glass or two. I wanted to combine these and create a place where everyone could come and eat, whether you are a student or CEO,” says Helsing. This laid the groundwork for a menu with dishes ranging from IKEA prices to the more extravagant, and a relaxed and personal atmosphere. Even the name “Naboen” reflects the friendly setting, translating to “the neighbour”.
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known as one of the best seafood restaurants in Bergen and serves classics such as pan-fried fillet of cod and monkfish with carrot crème. “Our philosophy has always been that we are not serving food, but making food,” says Helsing and attributes the strength of the restaurant to its classic dishes made of fresh produce. The menu is, however, changed every third month to serve the regular guests. “The majority of our guests are locals who return year after year. We normally say with a smile they are regulars after eight to ten years,” says Helsing. A Swedish twist
One of the city’s best seafood restaurants A quick Google search shows numerous reviews hailing the place for its “lovely food at cheap prices”, “relaxed atmosphere” and “great mix of people". The food is based on Scandinavian recipes, with a mix of meats and seafood. The restaurant is
Helsing’s Swedish background continues to influence the menu, on which you will find homemade Swedish meatballs and the immensely popular ‘löjrom’, Sweden’s answer to Russian caviar. “You are not properly Swedish unless you eat löjrom,” says Helsing with a grin and emphasises that they will always serve some Swedish classics. For further information, please visit: www.grannen.no
SP EC I HE AL TH LS IN EME KI :
Helsinki: Design, culture and tasty treats Helsinki, as the World Design Capital 2012, is definitely at the focus of a lot of attention this year, and this is, of course, a perfect time to visit Finland’s capital. There are plenty of great events planned throughout 2012 to celebrate design and its function in Finnish society, but beyond that, Helsinki continues to be a great holiday destination all year round. If you are not convinced yet, then have a look at the New York Times’s list of “The 45 Places to Go in 2012”, and you will find Helsinki ranked as destination number two. With summer soon upon us and the holiday season around the corner, it is a great time to plan a trip to the city. In the summer, Helsinki bursts with colours, ranging from the green of the popular parks dotted around the city, to the blue sea surrounding the beautiful archipelago, and the bright red of sweet strawberries sold at market stalls. To get an authentic “taste” of Helsinki, do not hesitate to try out different types of eateries around the city. For some classic
baked goods, among many other things, pop by the iconic Karl Fazer Café; and perhaps in the evening, you can make your way to Restaurant Aito for some unpretentious, seasonal cuisine; or enjoy the Italian flavours of Restaurant Vespa, together with gorgeous views of the Esplanade promenade. Going along with the design capital theme, we have also taken a look at the Oy Tillander Ab company, which exemplifies the finest in Finnish gold- and silversmithing. And for those who are perhaps already in the mood for the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Sports Museum of Finland is the place to be to learn about
the Helsinki Olympic Games of 1952, and much more relating to the history of sports in Finland. By Nia Kajastie Photo: Katja Hagelstam-Tanttu/Visit Finland
For further information, please visit: www.visithelsinki.fi
A small restaurant with a lot of character In the Töölö neighbourhood, set only minutes from Helsinki’s city centre, you will find a real gem of a restaurant, combining flavoursome and honest food with an inventive wine menu in an elegant yet casual setting. In 2009, following years of devoted preparation and planning, the “half-mad” dream of restaurateur Tuomas Serkamo and chef Kimmo Ylisuvanto finally became a reality in the form of their very own restaurant. With one intimate room seating 36 diners, Restaurant Aito’s interior is elegant and minimalistic, but definitely not in a cold or impersonal way. In fact, quite the contrary: the small restaurant is full of character, further emphasised by its personable staff and a relaxed, buzzing atmosphere among the guests. “We treat our diners as ‘guests’ in a friendly and easy-going manner. We’re not overly fancy or rigid, as we want to offer good food and wine in a comfortable milieu,” says Serkamo. The restaurant lays a strong emphasis on seasonal ingredients, changing their
menu approximately nine times a year. “We make food that we would enjoy ourselves, and dishes that suit the Finnish palate. We try to use Finnish produce as much as possible, with the quality of the ingredients always at the forefront.” In addition to a well-thought-out food menu, Restaurant Aito offers a unique selection of different wines from around the world. The wine menu includes classics and innovative choices as well as regularly changing curiosities. The main purpose is to offer guests a fulfilling dining experience, where each dish can be matched with the perfect glass of wine. By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Restaurant Aito
For further information, please visit: www.ravintola-aito.fi
Restaurant Aito serves a three-course lunch menu and a “home-cooked lunch” option on weekdays; Monday to Saturday, diners can choose between a two- or three-course dinner menu as well as a five-course chef’s menu, introducing a cross section of the restaurant’s dishes. Food allergies and special diets can be catered for. Reservation is recommended for dinner time.
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Karl Fazer Café
Savour a taste of heritage and quality at Helsinki’s top eateries Fazer is no doubt one of the most beloved and familiar brands in Finland, also recognised in the rest of Scandinavia, known for its bakery and confectionery products as well as restaurants and cafés. At the iconic Karl Fazer Café, you can witness the birthplace of the company, while Fazer’s F8 introduces you to a multifaceted world of taste sensations. By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Fazer
The story of Fazer Group started back in 1891, when Karl Fazer, son of Swiss-born furrier Eduard Fazer, established a French-Russian confectionery and café at Kluuvikatu 3 in Helsinki. It became the heart of the family business, and today, Karl Fazer Café can be found at the very same address. Although the building has changed, the history and traditions are still intact, and it continues to operate along the same concept as over 100 years ago. Today, the Fazer brand is an integral part of Finnish national identity, renowned for a great variety of feats from its iconic chocolate bars to being the leading bakery
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company in Finland. With quality and service at the very forefront of everything that the company does, both Karl Fazer Café and F8 effortlessly embrace these values, offering delicious food in a pleasant, carefree atmosphere. Even Karl Fazer himself was known for his eagerness to please the customers by wanting to exceed their expectations. Karl Fazer Café - modern yet classic Over the years the café at Kluuvikatu 3 has naturally expanded and found new, inspiring recipes with which to tempt the customers. “We, of course, serve the traditional, even famous, treats that our customers still love after so many years,” explains sales manager Tanja Lehmonen. “We’ve added some new taste sensations, so we’re living in the present, without forgetting where we started from.” So whether you are there for one of the classics, such as the Bebé cake, or a salty
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Helsinki
or sweet snack, the sumptuous breakfast, a tasty soup or salad lunch, or just to soak in the atmosphere with a cup of steaming coffee, tea or cocoa, you are sure to find something that suits your taste. It is a popular hangout spot for locals, while tourists are often led to the café by their guidebooks, which mention it as a real cultural and culinary attraction. Karl Fazer Café consists of the normal café and a deli section, and also caters its products for both business and private events. A new trend among customers is made-to-order cakes, which are also available at Karl Fazer Café. With both a confectionary and bakery on-site, most products are also prepared at the café.
“F8 is a relaxed space, where customers have the freedom to choose whatever suits their mood that day,” says account director Riitta Kallionpää. “For a quick but excellent meal, you can enjoy something from the grill at the food court, at Sweet you can sip on champagne without breaking the bank, the large café is great for a quick bite, and if you want full-service from start to finish, restaurant Tema is your choice.” F8 is a convenient pit stop for shoppers looking to put down their bags for a while
before delving back into the depths of Stockmann for some bargain hunting, but people often make their way straight to the department store’s eighth floor just to have a tasty bite to eat in an enjoyable atmosphere. The cooperation between Fazer and Stockmann is quite a natural one, with both of them being leading companies in their respective sectors within Finland, and with both definitely emphasising the value of quality products and seamless service. To experience the favourite Helsinki eateries of locals and tourists alike, choose either Karl Fazer Café or F8 - or why not both?
F8 – a restaurant world to suit all your moods On the eighth floor of Helsinki’s famous Stockmann department store, you will find Fazer’s F8 restaurant world, where a wide selection of food and drink is served in several restaurants and cafés. The first part of F8 opened in 2009, introducing a food court, the Sweet champagne bar, and a café set under a glass roof. In 2010, F8 was expanded and partly renewed, and today, you can also enjoy a sit-down meal at the Tema restaurant, explore a wide range of teas at Thé, or treat yourself with delicious pastries and Fazer ice cream at Velvet.
Karl Fazer Café Kluuvikatu 3 00100 Helsinki F8 Stockmann department store, 8th floor Aleksanterinkatu 52 00100 Helsinki
Fazer’s F8 restaurant world
For further information, please visit: www.fazer.fi/karlfazercafe www.f8.fi
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All about sports
In addition to the permanent exhibition, the museum hosts three to four temporary exhibitions a year.
The Sports Museum of Finland is a national specialised museum which preserves, researches and displays items relating to the history of sports in Finland. Opened for the public in 1943, the museum is located in the wing of The Helsinki Olympic Stadium – one of the most iconic landmarks in the capital. The Sports Museum of Finland is a modern family-oriented museum offering a wide range of information, experiences and entertainment. The objective of the Sports Museum is to preserve and document the past and present of Finnish sports in all its versatility. It also coordinates the activities of other sports-related museums in Finland. The museum’s permanent exhibition showcases the most significant events
and names in Finnish sporting history from the 17th century up to the present day. “From the legendary sporting hero Paavo Nurmi to international stars Sami Hyypiä and Mika Häkkinen, to name a few, the exhibition contains everything from personal items and medals to unforgettable radio commentary and even a running simulator,” says department manager Kaisa Laitinen. All descriptions are available in Finnish, Swedish and English.
A piece of Italy in the heart of Helsinki Whether you would like to have a proper Italian three-course meal, an antipasti buffet, or just a glass of high-quality wine, Restaurant Vespa is for you. On three floors, the restaurant offers Italian food in an Italian atmosphere combined with a beautiful view of central Helsinki. By Karoliina Kantola | Photos: Restaurant Vespa
“People can close their eyes, and we will serve them what they want,” says Mikko Olanterä, the owner of Restaurant Vespa. However, the eyes are worth keeping open, as located along the beautiful Esplanade promenade, Vespa takes its customers to Italy in the middle of Helsinki’s city centre. “The windows afford a view of snowy trees and Christmas lights in the winter and the verdant boulevard in the summer,” Olanterä explains. Vespa serves real Italian cuisine and Italian wines on three floors: Trattoria is an intimate antipasti restaurant in the cellar. Bar & Enoteca welcomes people to the ground floor to have pasta, pizza and special Italian wines. Ristorante is a Little
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Italy on the first floor with a variable lunch and dinner menu. All wines are from Italy, and the food is inspired by real Italian restaurants. The decoration and the service of the restaurant follow the same theme – in a good way. “It is not the temperament but the sunny and swift service that is the same as in Italy! Our customers have commended the qualified and friendly staff and the delicious food,” Olanterä smiles. From mid-April until the end of May, Vespa celebrates Italian asparagus week. Buon appetito! For further information, please visit: www.ravintolavespa.fi
The museum shop carries a wide selection of sports-related products. On sale are books, posters, clothing and souvenirs, as well as rarities such as original coins and postage stamps of the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games. The Sports Museum is open Mon-Fri 11am-5pm and Sat-Sun Noon-4pm. By Inna Allen | Photos: The Sports Museum of Finland
For further information, please visit: www.urheilumuseo.fi
Photo: Aija Salovaara
Breakfast at Tillander’s Hungry for glamour? In Helsinki, there is no address like Aleksanterinkatu 17 to get in touch with real, dazzling beauty in the store, atelier and exhibition spaces of the legendary Tillander. By Aija Salovaara | Photos: Tillander
The Tillander goldsmiths' workshop was established in St Petersburg in 1860 by a Finn called Alexander Edward Tillander. The company became known as the empresses’ trusted jewellery provider during an era in which the world's most highly regarded goldsmiths were working in the city. The Russian revolution pushed the company to move to Helsinki, and today, after a century and a half, Tillander is known as the finest in Finnish goldsmithing. “We design exclusive jewellery. Every piece is unique, and only the most beautiful, hand-picked diamonds and precious stones are used,” says Ilse Gröndahl-Ahlqvist, the managing director of Oy Alexander Tillander Ab. Twice a year, Tillander’s customers have the opportunity to admire breathtakingly beautiful pieces of vintage and antique jewellery in the exhibition premises. The latest exhibition, which closed at the end of March, consisted of pieces by Tillander and unique masterpieces from around the world dating back as far as the 18th century. Among the treasures, wonderful pieces with natural pearls, sapphires from Kashmir and rubies from Burma can be seen. This year, Helsinki is the design capital of the world, and for the occasion, Tillander’s will open a new exhibition in May, displaying 20 pieces of jewellery made with the Japanese Mokumegane technique, and coloured precious stones. And a reminder for those in love: It is simply a must to get your wedding rings from Tillander’s.
Leader of the finest quality Diamond Jewellery ALEKSANTERINKATU 17
Contact details: shop@alexandertillander.fi | +358 20 7000 620
For further information, please visit: www.alexandertillander.fi
00100 HELSINKI TEL. 020 7000 620 shop@alexandertillander.fi www.alexandertillander.fi
: ME E H LT F A I EC GOL SP
Best golf courses in Scandinavia By Nia Kajastie | Photo: Niclas Jessen/VisitDenmark
Scandinavia is a golf haven. It is all about the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you from the moment you step onto the golf course, whether it is lakes and classic Scandinavian forests, majestic mountains, fields of green as far as the eye can see, or rugged coastlines. And in some northern parts, you can enjoy it all through the night with the midnight sun as your companion. In Bergen, Norway, the idyllic scenery is of course at the forefront of your golfing experience. At the Fana Golf Club, they are focused on being one with nature and designing their golf courses according to these standards. Located centrally in Bergen, the golf club welcomes all new players. On an island, 20 minutes west of Bergen, you will find another golf course set amidst beautiful scenery: Kobbeltveit Golf & Nature Park is a great place for both beginners and experienced golfers. Whereas in Sweden, you will find everything a golfer needs in close proximity to the city of Gothenburg, including an 18hole golf course, a top-notch golf academy, comfortable hotel accommodation, high-standard conference facilities and a luxurious spa. Sankt JÜrgen Park Resort is great for a relaxing weekend, an efficient conference or a memorable golf trip. In our theme, we have also taken a look at Denmark’s and Scandinavia’s leading golf tour, the ECCO Tour, which is also celebrating its tenth anniversary this summer. For further information on where to go golfing in Scandinavia, please read on.
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The natural choice for golfing If a round of golf sounds tempting whilst on a holiday in Scandinavia, Fana Golf Club would be the place to visit. The modern club based around idyllic scenery in Bergen, Norway, can provide the perfect golf experience. By Didrik Ottesen | Photos: Fana Golf Club
Very fashionable facilities and numerous tournaments arranged for visitors as well as members, Fana Golf Club enjoys many visitors during the year. Approximately 20,000 rounds of golf are played here each year and nearly 3,500 of these are rounds played by guests, all of whom are also welcome to enjoy the facilities surrounding the club. “One of the special features we have is a driving range where the players hit the balls out into a lake surrounded by a very classical Norwegian forest. This range has proven to be very popular,” says Edith Kalve, the daily manager of Fana Golf Club. The course was completed during the summer of 2004 and is idyllically located around Skeievannet, a lake providing parts of the distinctive landscape for a golf course. The surroundings around the
greens are especially beautiful, naturally integrated with the forest and waters.
idyllic surroundings and the nature embracing the course in the second largest city in Norway. Located centrally in Bergen, only ten minutes from the airport, Fana Golf Club wishes all new players and visitors welcome and invites them to experience the course or their simulators. “Including the course itself, we also have two simulators inside the clubhouse; we aim to provide sporty challenges in a very social environment,” Kalve said.
“We are very focused on being in nature in the club, and the course is superlatively designed for just that. It also handles rainfall exceptionally, as it is built on sand, so we very rarely have to close due to weather problems,” Kalve says. On the sunlit terrace of the clubhouse, players can enjoy a nice meal or drink, while taking in the panoramic view of the
The club underwent some changes at the start of this year and has now renumbered the holes of the course. This gives you the opportunity to select between 9, 12 and 18 holes. This course is set up to be challenging for beginners as well as advanced players. “We really just want to wish everyone welcome, and we look forward to seeing some new golfers visiting this inimitable course,” Kalve said. For further information, please visit: www.fanagolf.no
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Aerial view of Kobbeltveit Golf Course
Green fairways and beautiful scenery await golfers of all abilities Kobbeltveit Golf & Nature Park can offer an excellent nine-hole golf course, complemented by a nine-hole pitch & put and a full driving range amidst some spectacular scenery. By Sven Riis Houston | Photos: Kobbeltveit Golf & Nature Park
Located 20 minutes west of Bergen, on an island accessible by bridge, Kobbeltveit Golf & Nature Park offers facilities which accommodate both beginners and experienced golfers alike. Golfers in western Norway are often at the mercy of the weather, especially with the large amount of annual rainfall in the Bergen region. However, as owner Olaug Evanger explains, Kobbeltveit can proudly offer western Norway’s driest course.
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“Our main course is the best drained course in the west, making it playable regardless of the rain. This is a great advantage for us, and it makes us very reliable for those seeking dry and well-kept fairways and putting greens.” The main course is of the nine-hole, par 30 variety and can be completed in approximately one hour and forty minutes. Two rounds, equalling eighteen holes, normally last for three hours. The course
requires players to hold a golf card and a membership with any given golf club. “Not only is the course well drained, but its setting couldn’t be better. Surrounded by hills and mountains, it makes for a very enjoyable day out,” says Olaug. The course was opened by Olaug and her husband Bjørn, who, after spending 20 years in the taxi industry, were inspired to open a golf course after a holiday to Thailand. “There was a small three-hole course in the grounds of our hotel, and it gave us the idea of opening a course on our farmland,” explains Olaug. Located in Kolltveit,
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Golf
family outings. Kobbeltveit Golf & Nature Park places great emphasis on creating an enjoyable atmosphere. The social experience is highly valued amongst members of Sotra Golf Club, the club which is based at Kobbeltveit. It has playing groups for seniors, men, women and juniors. It makes for a welcoming atmosphere, which also extends to non-members, with the driving range proving a particularly popular attraction. Two hundred and fifty metres in length and with twenty different range mats, including four which are un-
View of the main course
they opted to name the course Kobbeltveit, an old name for the area that they wished to preserve. Upon their return from holiday, the plan was put into motion and, with design and construction help from architect Svein Drange Olsnes and entrepreneur Kåre Bjorøy, the course was officially opened in 2007. Since then it has enjoyed a steady growth in popularity and can today boast of having over 800 members. Plans are also being made to construct a hotel on the golf course, which currently stands to be completed in 2014/15.
Driving range
It also has a practise green and sand bunker, with golf clubs available for hire from the club house. The club house features two golfing simulators, which are particularly useful during the winter months as a way of fine-tuning your golf swing. For optimal training, however, why not take advantage of qualified PGA (Professional Golfers’ Association) instructor Marc Rogers. Originally from Wales, he now offers lessons at Kobbeltveit Golf & Nature Park, which cater specifically to your individual requirements. Lessons can be booked in blocks of 25 minutes, although Rogers himself recommends a 50minute session. The lessons tie in with the ethos of the club, which is to be open for both beginners and experienced players. Each month, they provide the “Road to Golf” training course, which is aimed at enabling players to qualify for the much sought-after golf card, which is a prerequisite for playing on the main course. “Road to Golf” includes theory books, sessions with instructors, access to the driving range and pitch & put, and also a full year’s membership with Sotra Golf Club. “We have an excellent social environment here, which is reflected in our ever-growing members list. This is a place where everyone is welcome to join in on the fun, regardless of your golfing ability. We do our utmost to ensure that all visitors have a great golfing experience, which is of course helped by the magnificent views from the course,” says Olaug Evanger. The season typically runs from April to mid-November, details of which can be found on the website.
A key reason for its success is its pitch and hole course, which is open to everyone. With nine holes ranging from 42-73 metres in length, it provides a platform in which to hone those important long range chipping skills and the vital putting techniques on the green. It is also ideal for a fun day out, be it for corporate functions, social gatherings or
der a sheltered roof, the range is perfect for practising all year round.
From the left: Kare Bjorøy (Sarto Maskin AS), Svein Drange Olsnes (architect), Bjørn Evanger and Olaug Evanger (owners).
For further information, please visit: www.kgolf.no
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Golf your way to a great deal with the ECCO Tour Denmark and Scandinavia’s leading golf tour, the ECCO Tour, celebrates its tenth anniversary this summer. The Third Level tour has provided a stepping stone to the European Tour for many professional golfers, including Thorbjørn Olesen and Jeppe Huldahl, but it also offers a unique marketing and client nurturing tool for sponsors. This year, the tour will take place over 14 tournaments in five different countries and presents more than six million DKKR (£675,000) in cash prizes to the winners. All the tournaments are preceded by pretournament pro-ams, providing sponsors with plenty of opportunities to invite their clients and business partners to play alongside some of the professional golfers. “As the professionals are playing on the golf course just a few days after, it is sure to be in top-notch shape; TV signs with sponsor logos are placed on all holes so you really feel that you are part of a professional golf tournament. People generally like that a lot. Besides, the day ends with a small ceremony with lots of prizes and a nice dinner or lunch depending on
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ECCO Tour: • The ECCO Tour is Denmark and Scandinavia’s leading golf tournament. • The ECCO Tour Championship is hosted by Danish golfer Thomas Bjørn. • During its ten years, the ECCO Tour has awarded a total of 30,000,000 DKKR in prizes. • The ECCO website has more than one million yearly hits. • The 2012 ECCO Tour consists of 14 tournaments in 5 different countries. • More than 50 businesses sponsor the tour, including Sydbank, Nordea, Bravo Tours, Willis, ECCO, Freja and Mercedes.
the time of day,” tournament director Flemming Astrup explains. Media coverage and expertise As a part of the Nordic Golf League and what in the golf world is known as a third level/tier or satellite-tour, which can qualify players for the Challenge Tour, the ECCO Tour receives extensive TV coverage; last year, TV2 Sport, Viasat Sport and Eurosport dedicated more than 50 hours to the golfers, and this year, all tournament finals on Danish ground will be given live coverage. The many aspects involved in organising a golf event of the ECCO Tour’s calibre also mean, says Astrup, that the company behind the ECCO Tour, GolfPromote, who have dealt with these for years, can promise to present sponsors with a highly professional experience. “Our high level of service and expertise means that our sponsors can bring along their business connections, partners or employees to the golf course, knowing that the day will proceed exactly as expected. We take care of everything, so our sponsors have the time and energy to actually enjoy the day and
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Golf
talk and network with the business connections they have brought along!” The tournaments include provisions and drinks during the entire day, and the evenings provide entertainment with famous Danish artists, such as Lis Sørensen, Gnags and Zididada, who are among their previous performers. Flexibility and opportunities Last year, more than 80 companies signed up as sponsors for the ECCO Tour, and the continuously developing success has allowed GolfPromote to create numerous VIP events, including one, two or threeday tournaments. The 14 tournaments spanning eight months also provide a wide selection of dates to choose between. “Businesses that arrange their own company tournament only have one chance to get it right. That means that if an important business partner can’t be there, they have to wait an entire year or more for the next chance; our concept means that our sponsors can invite all their business connections and give them 14-15 tournaments to choose between,” explains Astrup. Sponsors can also choose between inviting all employees and partners in one tournament or just a few partners for a smaller, more exclusive pro-am game. Everything is booked and sorted out through a simple point system, allowing sponsors to tailor-make exactly the kind of sponsorship they want. A system that has been, says Astrup, a great success. “After many years of experience, we know what works and what clients appreciate. Besides, we can do it a lot cheaper than the companies themselves, and that’s why the companies who book through us very often stick around for many years.” The two ECCO Tour highlights are the ECCO Tour Championship hosted by Danish golfer Thomas Bjørn and Ejner Hessel, and the Backtee Race to Himmerland, which is the grand finale for both sponsors and players. This is held at Himmerland Golf & Country Club and is sponsored by the two Lars Larsen companies, Backtee and Himmerland G&CC. By Signe Hansen Photos: GolfPromote/ECCO Tour
In the pro-am tournaments, three amateurs play alongside a pro. Besides Thomas Bjørn (second from left in picture), players like Steen Tinning, Thorbjørn Olesen and Jeppe Huldahl take part in the tournaments.
At least eight teams are awarded with prizes at each pro-am tournament.
Tournament director Flemming Astrup and his company GolfPromote are organising Denmark’s leading golf tour, the ECCO Tour, for the tenth time this year. For further information, please visit: www.eccotour.org
Sponsorship: • With live TV coverage of finals, sponsors get extensive media coverage.
• All teams receive VIP service on the court.
• Sponsors can choose between 24 proam tournaments.
• All kinds of events can be arranged: company days, exclusive pro-am tournaments and everything in between.
• Pro-am tournaments cover one, two or three days. • A minimum of eight teams are awarded with prizes at each tournament.
• Sponsorships are flexible, vary in length, time and price, and are easy to activate.
Issue 39 | April 2012 | 73
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Golf
Everything a golfer wants, right at the heart of the city “Golf takes a lot of time. An 18-hole round takes a while. So you don’t want to waste time travelling,” says Lisa Thorén. And that hits the nail on the head of why Sankt Jörgen Park Resort’s golf course is so popular. It has got everything a golfer might dream of, including a comfortable hotel complete with luxurious spa facilities and a sports club, smack bang in the city of Gothenburg. By Linnea Dunne Photos: Sankt Jörgen Park Resort
Marketing manager Thorén talks us through the numbers, and everything just seems to add up: wherever you are on the 18-hole golf course, you are never more than ten minutes away from the hotel; there are golf carts at the hotel for guests to use, and the club house is only 150 metres away; both Gothenburg Airport and the Central Station are within a 10-minute reach. Handy does not even come close to describing it.
paradise, but also a haven for relaxation, great food and first-class conferencing. “Most people come here for more than just one thing. Organisations plan conferences that also give the participants the chance to play some golf, and golf enthusiasts often end up enjoying a spa treatment or two during their stay with us,” Thorén explains. This is particularly suitable, perhaps, for groups and couples who want a weekend away but cannot agree on what type of weekend. The Get Away Spa and Get Away Golf packages offer exactly this: the chance to get away together but enjoy your own treats. Complete with a night in a double room, breakfast, admission to the spa and the sports club, green fee, and a three-course dinner, this deal is the ideal get-away for golfers and health fans alike. Top-quality Golf Academy
Everything under one roof Not that you would want to leave. Sankt Jörgen Park Resort is not only a golfer’s
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It should be said, however, that the golf course is more than just a complementary feature, more than just added value. Sankt
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Golf
Jörgen Park Resort takes golfing very seriously indeed. With the brand new Park Golf Academy next to the club house housing three simulators as well as the highly advanced Trackman technology, the Rolls Royce in golfing right now, this is good enough for a pro. This means that the doors are open all year round, and while Trackman helps you perfect your swing, the simulators take you to a number of the world’s greatest golf courses, including Pebble Beach and St Andrew’s Old Course – and Sankt Jörgen Park Resort’s own, of course. In charge of all things academy related is Fredrik Strömgren, who offers one-to-one private tuition as well as golf clinics for groups at a beginner’s level. All the necessary equipment is available for guests to borrow, and bigger groups who want to go all out can hire the entire academy for an evening. Conferencing and corporate events “The combination of our high-standard golf course and excellent catering and
conferencing facilities makes us a popular spot for corporate events and staff away-days,” says Thorén. “It’s the totality that makes all the difference: you can play
“It’s the totality that makes all the difference, that you can play golf, have meetings and enjoy great food.” golf, have meetings and enjoy great food.” And as if a wide selection of activities was not enough, with Ayurvedic treatments, one-on-one golf sessions and plenty of exercise classes, you will also be spoilt for choice when you get hungry. No less than four different food and drink venues fit under the resort’s umbrella, offering everything from raw food and organic juices to a big lunch buffet and traditional Swedish cuisine. Thorén describes the resort as “a modern country club which is all about that active, healthy lifestyle”, and as one of the leading ritual spas in the Nordic countries with
close to 30 professional instructors across the different services, it certainly embodies all of the above. Surrounded by green spaces despite its close proximity to the bustling city of Gothenburg, Sankt Jörgen Park Resort offers a break from house chores and corporate office spaces to make room for whatever it is you need: a relaxing treat weekend, a few days of effective and inspiring conferences, or simply golfing all the way.
Get Away Golf & Get Away Spa Enjoy a spa ritual or round of golf as part of a weekend away. Starting at 1,690 SEK per person, package deals include a night in a double room, breakfast, spa and sports club admission, green fee, and a three-course meal.
For further information, please visit: www.sanktjorgenpark.se
Issue 39 | April 2012 | 75
Hotel of the Month, Sweden
Charming and intimate three-star hotel a stone’s throw from Stockholm The three-star Ariston Hotel is conveniently located near Stockholm on the scenic island of Lidingö. To escape the stress of city life, this charming hotel is the perfect place to stay and unwind; all guests will be professionally catered for, as a stay at the Ariston Hotel is both straightforward and relaxing. “Simply be yourself,” says owner AnnCharlotte Olsson who has run the hotel singlehandedly since May 2004 and has worked at major hotel chain Sheraton for many years. “Lidingö is a very beautiful place to be; you are surrounded by stunning nature, sheep and cows graze out here, and golf courses and ski slopes are around the corner. Our guests are always surprised how Stockholm is only a short tram ride away,” she explains. Ann-Charlotte’s ambition is that whether you come to Ariston Hotel for work or leisure, she will make sure you have everything you need. This small and intimate hotel is practical, modern and technologically up to date. “It’s easy to find information and to feel at home; we ensure that our guests are happy, feel safe and are cared for. There-
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fore, we have surveillance cameras, magnetic card locks and free Internet.” “The reception is not always staffed, which requires a little extra so that all guests have a chance to experience this. A threestar hotel is a little lower in price, and then you have to prioritize in order to provide that little extra,” she says. “A privately owned hotel is naturally more personal, especially a hotel of our size. My ambition is to take care of my guests, but it must be on the guest's conditions,” AnnCharlotte continues. The hotel has 27 rooms and 53 beds and is housed in a former tram depot, giving it a unique character. The rooms include large beds, a fridge, a seating area and desk. Some rooms also have a balcony. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi and free parking, with convenient access to public transportation.
There are many restaurants and shops in central Lidingö, which are all only a 15minute walk away. As a guest, you will get a discount at Friskis & Svettis, a popular Swedish keep-fit organisation that is located in the same building. The staff at Hotel Ariston are happy to recommend various attractions and sights. One of Sweden's oldest golf courses, Lidingö Golf Club, is only four kilometres away. Another attraction you should not miss during your stay is Millesgården, a sculpture park and art gallery created by sculptor Carl Milles and his wife Olga. Lidingö is called “the gateway to the archipelago”, and it is no exaggeration, as you can simply hop on and off the ferry boats to explore more during your stay. Discover destinations such as Nacka, Hammarby and, of course, Nybroviken in Stockholm city, all easily accessible from Lidingö. By Emelie Krugly Hill | Photos: Ariston Hotel
For more information, please visit: www.aristonhotel.se
’’
Nordea is a strong bank with a clear vision for the future. This makes it an excellent address for our clients. Claus Sigersted, Private Banker
Visit us at www.nordeaprivatebanking.com, or call +352 43 88 77 77 for more information.
Making it possible
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Nordea Bank S.A is a part of the leading financial services group in the Nordic and Baltic Sea regions. Some products and services mentioned may, due to local regulations, not be available to individuals resident in certain countries. The attention of the investor is drawn to the fact that there can be no guarantee on the profitability of any investment in financial instruments and that such investment may entail losses, and this irrespective of the quality of the fund managers selected by the Bank. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Nordea Bank is subject to the supervision of the CSSF (www.cssf.lu). Approved by Nordea Bank Finland Plc., London Branch regulated by the FSA in the UK. Published by Nordea Bank S.A., (R.C.S. Luxembourg No. B 14157) 562, rue de Neudorf, L-2220 Luxembourg, Tel +352 43 88 77 77.
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Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Norway
Hotel of the Month, Norway
Lofoten at its very best Far out west on the Lofoten islands, you will find the fishing village of Reine. Close to the open sea and surrounded by majestic mountains, Reine is the perfect place to experience the dramatic scenery Lofoten is so famous for. By Karin Modig | Photos: Reine Rorbuer
As is common across Lofoten, accommodation is often offered in waterfront fishing cabins that once used to house the fishermen that came here for work. Reine Rorbuer has 35 traditional “rorbu” houses, most of which have been there for around 100 years. Striking a perfect balance between the traditional style and modern comfort, a comfortable and enjoyable stay is promised. “All our accommodation has been thoroughly modernized, and the standard is
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the same as in any good hotel,” says managing director Sarah Wyss. “As you would expect from a hotel, everything is included in the price - towels, bed sheets and cleaning on departure.” Each rorbu has between one and four bedrooms, and sleeps up to eight people. All in all, there is accommodation for 130 people, and all but two cabins have a fully equipped kitchen. A nice and personable touch is that all of them have names, and through the company website, you can
see the different ones both from the outside and inside, and book the one you prefer. Reine Rorbuer is a member of De Historiske – a Norwegian membership organisation of the country’s most charming hotels and restaurants. To qualify for membership, historic background, standard, quality, service and food offerings are taken into consideration, and at present, the small and exclusive group counts 42 hotels and 19 restaurants as members. Gastronomic local delights What was once the community’s local store is today a restaurant, Gammelbua. Here, head chef Marius Jacobsen cooks up a feast for visitors, using the best of what the area has to offer. It is open for à la carte lunch and dinner from 1 May to 31 August, and on request throughout the rest of the year.
Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Norway
activities in and around the water, we can help organize sea kayaking, fishing or diving, for example, in addition to more relaxing experiences like fjord cruises.”
“As far as we can, we use local products in our kitchen,” says Wyss. “Fish and seafood obviously play a big part on the menu, but there are also meat, cheese and eggs produced locally that we use.” The small but perfectly formed menu is unashamedly northern Norwegian, featuring king crab, cod tongue, reindeer and whale, amongst other delights. Customers can look forward to dishes such as Northern Norwegian King Crab with Wild Onion from Vestvågøy, and Stockfish from Sverdrup with Home-Smoked Bacon and Peas. The restaurant is very spacious with two floors; downstairs there is seating for 40 people, while upstairs there is space for an additional 46. The former dancing loft, traditionally used for barn dances, is a larger, multi-purpose room available for private hire. It can be used for anything from a sit-down meal for up to 70 people
to courses and conferences. It has a projector, speakers and Wi-Fi, so it is fully equipped for business meetings. “Both the front and the back of the restaurant have a terrace as well,” says Wyss. “We refer to the one at the back as the Midnight Sun Terrace, as you can watch the midnight sun right until it disappears behind the mountain at 11.15pm in the middle of summer.”
On land, you can explore the mountains through mountain rambling organised by a local company. Both bicycles and crosscountry skis are available for hire as well. The area is also home to a beautiful sandy beach, but with sea temperatures rarely reaching more than 8°C, only the bravest opt for a dip, even on warm summer days. The environment and nature are an important part of a stay here, and Wyss says that they are dedicated to having a minimum impact on their surroundings. Reine Rorbuer is currently in the process of undergoing an environmental certification that will both help them become more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Exploring Lofoten Not surprisingly, given the location, there are many opportunities for fishing and water-based activities close to Reine Rorbuer. The mountains and surroundings are also worth exploring, and on dry land, there are many opportunities to experience the surrounding nature. “We work closely with many local companies offering activities,” says Wyss. “Of
Lofoten på sitt beste – Lofoten at its best, is Reine Rorbuer’s slogan, and with everything on offer here, it really does look like they are on to something.
For further information and to book your rorbu online, please visit: reinerorbuer.no
Issue 39 | April 2012 | 79
Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Denmark
Hotel of the Month, Denmark
A hotel with a heart In a beautiful building on Vesterbro in the centre of Copenhagen is a hotel not quite like the others. Since 1906, Savoy Hotel has welcomed guests from all over the world to its amazing Jugend-style surroundings, and in April 2012, the hotel opens its doors to new improved facilities: all of the hotel's six floors have been totally renovated, making every room up to date. By Kirstine Trauelsen | Photos: Savoy Hotel
“It has been very important for us to take into account the history and soul of the hotel, when renovating the rooms and suites,” says hotel manager Christian Oxlund. “Respecting the building's his-
tory, we have decorated all rooms in warm colours and with pictures of sculptures and fountains from all over Copenhagen. This contributes to the intimate and cosy atmosphere we have at Savoy Hotel,” says Christian Oxlund, who has been manager of the hotel since 2005. “We have put our hearts and souls into Savoy Hotel, and we want our guests to feel this when staying with us.” Business and pleasure The 66 rooms of Savoy Hotel are placed on six historic floors and even the elevator ride is an experience; one
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of the oldest elevators in Denmark was built for the hotel, and it is still up and running. Guests who are coming to Savoy Hotel on business have the opportunity of having small meetings by the tables in the lobby, and for bigger conferences, the hotel cooperates with a unique venue at Det Ny Teater, a beautiful theatre just around the corner from the hotel, which has amazing conference facilities. During summertime, the guests can enjoy the hotel's courtyard before going out into the streets of Vesterbro. Savoy Hotel is for everyone who wants to enjoy the delights of a beautiful historic hotel situated in the heart of one of Copenhagen's most interesting quarters.
Savoy Hotel Vesterbrogade 34 1620 København V Tel. +45 33 26 75 00
For more information, please visit: www.savoyhotel.dk
Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Sweden
Attraction of the Month, Sweden
A breathtakingly beautiful celebration of botany Ever since the Gothenburg Botanical Garden was founded in 1923, its focus has been on presenting botany and biodiversity to the public in a beautiful way. While public education has always been one of its key tasks, the aesthetics are never overlooked. “It should be a beautiful space where people want to spend time,” says public relations officer Agneta Green. By Linnea Dunne | Photos: Gothenburg Botanical Garden
Spread across 430 acres, just a stone’s throw from Gothenburg’s city centre, the Botanical Garden houses 16,000 plant species and hybrids and, as such, is the largest of its kind in all of northern Europe. Its collection of tropical orchids, with 1,500 species, is the largest in Sweden. But every year, in addition to a spectacular waterfall, a herb garden, a Japanese valley, and many more unique collections, seasonal exhibitions and events are arranged. April is an exciting time for lovers of bulbs and tubers, as one of the world’s greatest collections blooms at this time. “Most of
the bulbs and tubers have been collected by our staff from all the corners of the world, and this makes the collection very special,” says Green. While last year’s highlight, English-born landscape architect Simon Irvine’s the Leaf Chapel, is still open to the public, this year’s most exciting new addition is the exhibition Ökenliv, or Desert Life, which contains scientific collections of cacti and succulents. The plants’ adaptation to a life of water scarcity will be explored, and visitors can take a closer look at cacti like aloe vera and prickly pear. For one night only, the legendary queen of
the night cactus will bloom – and you can be there to watch it. Later in the year, during harvest, there are exhibitions about tomatoes, potatoes and fungi as well as fruit from Swedish gardens, and this year’s Christmas exhibition promises to be something out of the ordinary. “We are delighted to have the famous gardening blogger and lecturer Hannu Sarenström bring us the Christmas spirit,” says Green. Indeed, there is something for every season, and something for all tastes. Even if horticulture is not your cup of tea, there is no denying that breathtaking beauty does not come more natural than this.
This year’s highlights: Ökenliv / Desert Life: 2 Jun-30 Sep Lövkapellet / The Leaf Chapel: 15 Jun-30 Sep Äpplen, Päron, Plommon / Apples, Pears, Plums: 22-30 Sep Hannus Jul / Hannu’s Christmas: 2 Dec-9 Jan Voluntary admission: 20 SEK
For more information, please visit: www.gotbot.se
Issue 39 | April 2012 | 81
Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Denmark
The fascinating landscape of Rubjerg Knude is characteristic for the region of North Jutland.
Attraction of the Month, Denmark
When you go to North Jutland, it is holiday time Let your thoughts be blown away by the wild, roaring North Sea, immerse yourself in the gentle waters of the east coast or stroll through safe and welcoming city milieus: North Jutland is more than a holiday destination; it is the place Danes have visited to be inspired and have their worries blown away for generations. By Signe Hansen | Photos: VisitNordjylland
The top of Jutland boasts 1450 kilometres of pristine coastline, but there is much more to the region’s popularity than sandy beaches. The area overflows with delicious food, matchless art and spa experiences, historic sites, amusement parks, and unique natural attractions. “Of course people come here for the vast landscapes, long white beaches and the special light created by the meeting oceans, but they also come for Aalborg’s city life, the artistic, historic and cultural attractions of Skagen, and our delicious local seafood,”
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explains marketing coordinator at VisitNordjylland Birgitte Bak Aastradsen. A foot in each ocean At the northernmost tip of Denmark, Grenen, two oceans meet with waves colliding around the pointed sand tongue, creating a vivid sensation of being at the very top of Denmark. The tip, also a favourite spot for seals, stretches out from Skagen. The town was once the home of Denmark’s most famous colony of artists, the Skagen Painters, who, inspired by the
unique light, immortalised scenes and personalities from the then hardly accessible fishing village. Many of their most prominent works are exhibited at the beautiful Skagens Museum erected next to the first atelier of one of the most famous painters, P.S. Krøyer. As Skagen became more accessible, the artistic colony dissolved, and the town turned into a favourite destination for the bohemian jet set of Denmark and now flourishes with life and vigour every summer. Walking, riding or relaxing in the spa A 75-minute drive from Skagen, Skallerup Klit Holiday Centre, nestled in the region’s characteristic sand dune landscape, offers a splendid base for exploring Jutland’s popular west coast. A wide range of activities and sights, such as horseback riding, the beach and open landscape, lovely houses and a great activity centre, make the holiday centre a perfect family destination, but its super-luxurious Roman bath and spa also attracts couples of
all ages. “You won’t find anything like this anywhere else in the north. Before we built it, we travelled all over Europe to find inspiration and make sure that the thermal baths were built as similar to the original Roman baths as possible,” explains marketing director at Skallerup Klit Jonna Madsen. “As soon as you enter the inside of the thermal baths, you calm down and get the feeling of relaxation deep inside. And, of course, its location right at the edge of the North Sea makes it straight-out amazing.” The relaxation area and some of the other spa facilities offer stunning views of the ocean. City life and local delicacies For those who prefer the buzz of city life to the roar of the sea, Aalborg, which is, with approximately 100,000 inhabitants, the largest city of North Jutland, offers a wide range of cultural, gastronomic and historic attractions. Among the many interesting art museums, KUNSTEN Museum of Modern Art, designed by the world-famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, is, with its expansive collection and innovative exhibitions, a must-see. Bursting with snug cafes and gourmet restaurants, Aalborg might also be the place to try out some of the region’s many local delicacies. “Our natural larder is brimming with fresh produce. If you want to spoil yourself, you should try the delicious Læsø langoustines, which can be found nowhere else in the world, or the freshly caught Limfjord oysters. The North Jut-
Above: Skallerup Klit is a splendid base for exploring North Jutland. Right: Right at the edge of the North Sea, Skallerup’s luxurious Roman bath, Romulus, offers a unique spa experience. Photos: Skallerup Klit
land ham also tastes wonderful – just with a slice of bread or with our very own brand of aquavit, the bjesk,” says Aastradsen. A natural playground The amazing moonlike sand landscape of Råbjerg Mile, the enchanting hideaways of Rold forest and the hidden prehistoric fossils of Mors’s clay slopes make North Jutland a natural playground for kids and grownups alike. And the area’s inherent popularity with families has resulted in new manmade attractions, such as the five-starred amusement park Fårup Sommerland and the North Sea Oceanarium. These attractions can be combined in a single “Alletiders Nordjylland” ticket, which also gives access to Aalborg Zoo
Above left: At Grenen, the northernmost point of Denmark, you can stand with a foot in each ocean. Middle: The characteristic yellow Skagen houses that make up the old town of Skagen. Right: Aalborg is the place to visit for those who prefer the buzz of city life.
and Jesperhus jungle and flower park. For families who wish to combine fun with a bit of learning, historic sites such as the beautiful renaissance castle Voergaard or the large Viking burial site at Lindholm Høje might be just the thing. As you will see, there is no end to the adventures of Jutland’s northern end, and although you can easily spend three weeks here without getting bored, it does not, stresses Aastradsen, take more than a couple of days for the North Jutland effect to kick in. “The most important quality North Jutland has is that it makes people slow down - makes them feel that it’s holiday time!”
For more information on the abovementioned attractions and sites, please visit: www.visitnordjylland.dk or www.skallerup.dk
Issue 39 | April 2012 | 83
Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Norway
Attraction of the Month, Norway
Norway’s favourite attraction is home to pirates, animals and water slides As far as zoos go, Dyreparken in Kristiansand takes some beating. Home to 140 species, including the beloved chimpanzee Julius, it is also the residence of the feared pirate Captain Sabertooth and his pirate village, as well as Norway’s favourite fictional place, Cardamom Town. By Sven Riis Houston | Photos: Kristiansand Dyrepark
Since its official opening in 1966, Dyreparken (the zoo) has grown to become Norway’s most frequently visited attraction. An important date in the park’s rise to prominence can be nailed down to December 1979, when Julius the chimpanzee came to the world. Abandoned by his father at an early age, Julius ended up spending his initial years living at home with the zoo’s director, Edvard Moseid. His story soon received national attention, which led him to become
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a celebrity and TV star with his own songs and children’s show. As he approached adult age, Julius returned to the zoo and can today be seen raising his three children as leader of the pack. The animals in the zoo have, unlike many zoos, large areas in which to roam, and there is a strong focus on educating people on the individual animals, in order to create a personal and memorable experience of all the wonderful species that live there.
“Our focus is on enabling our visitors to get to know each individual animal, and to make it a more personal experience. We have so many fabulous species here, and we are passionate about teaching people about them,” says the zoo’s marketing advisor Marit Leschbrandt. The magic of the zoo, however, extends far beyond the animals. As Leschbrandt explains, the park is one big adventure, which is why it is referred to as “The Living Park”. “We have a very broad appeal thanks to the variety of attractions on offer. We have animals, a live pirate performance during the summer nights and, of course, Cardamom Town (Kardemomme By), to name but a few. New this year is also Abra Havn,
Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Norway
Left: Cardamom Town, based on the well-known children’s book by the late Thorbjørn Egne. Middle: The pirate village Abra Havn and Captain Sabertooth with his crew. Right: Julius the chimpanzee.
our new pirate village, which features 171 apartments. For overnight guests, it will be like sleeping in a fairy tale.” The pirate village is based on the zoo’s resident pirate, Captain Sabeltann (Sabertooth), who can be seen in a live outdoor theatre performance during the summer nights in July and August. Captain Sabertooth and his men are immensely popular characters with Norwegian children, hence the reason for building an entire pirate village, Abra Havn, due to open in May. Abra Havn enables visitors to interact with pirates as well as live in the 171 apartments, many of which are themed after the characters in the Captain Sabertooth universe. The apartments come in over twenty different varieties and are all equipped for self-catering. Those brave enough can even sail into Abra Havn on the Black Lady, Captain Sabertooth’s very own full-sized pirate ship. Dyreparken’s oldest town, however, is Cardamom Town (Kardemomme By).
Based on the well-known children’s book by the late Thorbjørn Egner, the town was replicated exactly as it was described in the book, and the author himself even picked the specific colours for each building. It offers an interactive experience in which visitors can stroll through the streets and meet its beloved residents during the main season, in addition to taking a ride on the town tram, which only has two stops. Twenty twelve also marks the centenary of Mr. Egner, which will be marked with a series of events throughout the year. “Kardemomme By, along with the animals and Captain Sabertooth, ranks among the most popular attractions with our visitors. They have been a feature of the park for years and continue to capture the imagination of a new generation of visitors,” explains Leschbrandt. Dyreparken is also home to a state-ofthe-art Water World, featuring both indoor and outdoor pools, with the latter
used during the summer season, as well as a wide range of water slides, which provide endless fun for the whole family. A trip to “Ku Toppen” farm is not to be missed either, as you can meet farm animals, drive tractors, explore the barn and taste the delicious farm food on offer. As Leschbrandt explains, the park’s variety and stunning surroundings make it a hit with visitors of all ages. “It’s a paradise for young and old, a place to be remembered and most certainly revisited,” she says. The zoo is open all year round, although its main season during the spring and summer is when the entire park really comes to life. It becomes a universe of its own, where pirates, animals and water worlds combine to create a unique experience.
For more information, please visit: www.dyreparken.no
Issue 39 | April 2012 | 85
Photo: Ilmestys/Kati Leinonen
Photo: Sampo Puoskari
Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Finland
Photo: Ilmestys/Kati Leinonen
Attraction of the Month, Finland
Fun with science Tietomaa Science Centre, located in Oulu, is an interactive and educational hub for the whole family. Opened in 1988, Tietomaa is Finland’s first ever science centre and today one of the most significant tourist attractions in northern Finland.
Tietomaa covers all areas of science in a comprehensive and versatile manner. “I call it a science theme park,” says communications developer Sampo Puoskari. “People of all ages come here to enjoy themselves. With over 150 exciting exhibits on show, there is so much to see and experience that we highly recommend reserving at least four hours for your visit.” Tietomaa Science Centre also boasts a giant cinema with the largest screen in the country. Currently showing a fascinating film on dinosaurs, the impressive theatre room also displays an astronomy programme creating the feel of a planetarium. Always something new Each year, Tietomaa opens a new themed exhibition. The latest one, Encore, ex-
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Photo: Ilmestys/Kati Leinonen
By Inna Allen | Photos: Tietomaa Science Centre
plores sound and music in an entertaining way. You can compete on music knowledge, make your own music and revive the budding air guitarist inside you. A firm favourite amongst visitors, the Sporttimus
exhibition is full of exciting sports events. From climbing a turning wall to jumping in a 3D ski jump simulator, there are over 20 hands-on exhibits to test your sporting skills on. Other exhibitions concentrate on inventions, illusions, gravitation and astronomy – all with an interactive approach to learning. October sees the opening of yet another new exhibition. X or Y- Are We Different? focuses on the differences between male and female. Tietomaa is housed in a former steam power plant and has a glass elevator accessing its most visible landmark, the tower. Visitors can go all the way up to 35 metres and enjoy a magnificent view over the city. And on the way down by stairs, the astronomy exhibition and the hologram gallery will keep you entertained. Caférestaurant Saturnus serves customers every day, and the science shop Sirius specialises in different science products. Tietomaa is open all year round, and the all-in-one ticket grants access to all attractions. For more information, please visit: www.tietomaa.fi
Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Iceland
Attraction of the Month, Iceland
Your complete guide to Iceland that fits in your pocket If you are planning a holiday to Iceland and putting together an itinerary for your trip, why not make it a little easier for yourself: on the new Iceland Travel Guide website, you will find a complete guide of Icelandic tourism service providers, together with an inspirational wall of ideas. You can easily find the best travel routes and information on distances, and the website can also locate services nearest to you while you are travelling. So remember to pack your smartphone, tablet or laptop! By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Iceland Travel Guide
Launched on 10 January this year, Iceland Travel Guide, which is owned and operated by Já Upplýsingaveitur hf., the publisher of the Icelandic phone directory, was established because previously there was no one place where you could find information on all the tourism companies operating in Iceland. The website’s aim is to help the travel industry reach its customers even better. “There are a lot of things to consider before travelling to Iceland, from where you are going to eat and stay to what places
you really want to visit, and you can use the website to put together your full itinerary,” explains project manager Jóhanna Dýrunn Jónsdóttir. “It’s updated every day; we’re constantly registering new companies and writing articles.” All fully registered tourism service providers can get their information added to the website, and the webmasters also keep an eye out for what people are especially interested in, then adding it to their easily navigable wall of ideas. For example, Jóhanna Dýrunn Jónsdóttir mentions, peo-
ple have been eager to find out more about the northern lights and the Golden Circle, a popular tourist route in south Iceland. The website is of course free to use, and what makes it beyond beneficial, even when you have already arrived in Iceland, is its interactive map that helps you find and get directions to almost anywhere and anything in Iceland, with popular places already marked for you. Moreover, you can locate any services near you, from hotels to restaurants and bars. So when in doubt, get out your smartphone (or any other device with Internet access – the service adapts to all screen sizes), type in whatever it is that you are looking for, and you will have your answer in an instant.
For your complete guide to Iceland, please visit: www.iceland.ja.is
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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Faroe Islands
Restaurant of the Month, Faroe Islands
Indulge in fruits of the sea on historical grounds In the little town Tvøroyri, on the most southern island of the Faroe Islands, you will find restaurant and culture house Seglloftið. Its history dates back to 1856, and it has been at the centre of vital shipping and merchandise through the years. Today, the owner Anna Kirstin Thomsen welcomes guests from near and far for an authentic taste of the Faroe Islands. By Anne Line Kaxrud | Photos: T. F. Thomsen
Restaurant and culture house Seglloftið is situated at the harbour of Tvøroyri, and it is the first place visitors come to upon arrival, as you have to access the island by boat. The place has been in the hands of her family since the 19th century, and while it used to be a centre for shipping, it is now a place where visitors go for a true taste of the Faroe Islands. Impressive fish dishes on the menu “I make anything our guests want. I like to show them our local food though, which often contains fish. You may say I’m a fish woman,” says Thomsen. Faroese cuisine is influenced by the closeness to the sea, although lamb is also particularly popular. If sheep’s head is not your cup of tea, however, Thomsen also offers fish and chips. “We want to show foreigners what
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we eat, but some are slightly wary,” says Thomsen. Remember to notify one day in advance While Seglloftið takes pleasure in offering the best of the Faroese kitchen, you have to notify them in advance of your visit. “On the Faroe Islands, there is no tradition of going out for a meal, hence we do not know how many to cook for. But we love to cook for people, and by letting me know one day in advance, I can make the best food on the Faroe Islands for parties of 150 guests and also more intimate gatherings,” says Thomsen with a smile. Beyond the food, Thomsen emphasises the atmosphere of the place. “The place is full of history and is in a way like a living museum,” Thomsen concludes.
Anna Kirstin Thomsen in front of Seglloftið
For more information, please visit: www.tfthomsen.com
Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Norway
Restaurant of the Month, Norway
C&C Restaurant welcomes you to embrace the best of Nordic food A trip to Ålesund is not complete without a visit to C&C Restaurant: an establishment where exquisite yet affordable local cuisine merges with a passion for Nordic ingredients to form an unforgettable dining experience. By Sven Riis Houston | Photos: C&C Restaurant
The philosophy of C&C Restaurant becomes clear from the minute you walk through the doors: the tastefully decorated interior is elegant yet refreshingly casual. As manager Anders Adolfsson explains, the emphasis is on creating the best possible atmosphere. “Our focus is on providing an informal setting in which to indulge in the Nordic ingredients, whilst enjoying a nice drink and excellent company. Our food has great tradition, but we also embrace the modern aspects that make for an excellent dining experience.” C&C serves light lunches throughout the day, and, after closing briefly between 6 and 7pm, it reopens to serve its much heralded à la carte menu. Specialising in
meat and fish dishes, the menu is recognised as one of the best in the region. C&C’s charm, however, is not restricted to sit-down meals. Groups can pre-book an evening in the restaurant wine cellar, with the choice of a four- to seven-course dinner to accompany the wine tasting experience.
quently provides meals for boat trips and wedding parties. “Our catering service is becoming increasingly popular, particularly with groups enjoying a trip out into the fjords. Our food adds that little extra to the experience, which means we can spread our philosophy outside the restaurant walls,” says Adolfsson. As the spring and summer season sets in, C&C opens its outdoor serving area, which makes for a spectacular setting in which to enjoy the unique atmosphere during those long summer evenings. However, regardless of the time of year, C&C is sure to capture one’s imagination.
An evening in the restaurant has been known to inspire food lovers, which is why the restaurant offers a variety of cooking courses, such as the increasingly popular tapas workshop. The restaurant also has private function rooms for larger parties, while its catering services are ideal for corporate functions. C&C caters for a variety events and fre-
For more information, please visit: cateringogconsultingas1.vpweb.no
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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Denmark
Restaurant of the Month, Denmark
Sophisticated Danish seaside charm and flavours Restaurant Rudolf Mathis, set right by the water’s edge in Kerteminde Harbour on the island of Funen, was founded in 1985 and is today recognised for its world-class seafood, which draws people from near and far to visit. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Rudolf Mathis
With its towering whitewashed walls and black beams, it is the very epitome of Danish seaside elegance; however, it is not the building’s distinctive features but rather the restaurant’s glowing reputation that entices the clientele. The countless customers enchanted by its flavours also include the famous Danish TV chef and food critic John Price. In a review for the national Danish newspaper Politiken, he wrote: “We are here in the super league of restaurants in Den-
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mark: that small, exclusive handful of eateries that maintain a completely outstanding standard in the kitchen...” Over 25 years of experience The restaurant’s owner Puk Larsen is also the head of the skilled team of kitchen staff, while his wife, Ursula Plato, is part of the efficient and service-minded group of waiters responsible for the uniquely friendly atmosphere, for which Rudolf Mathis is also well-known. “One of the reasons people come here is that we al-
ways do our very best to provide outstanding service,” says Larsen. “We love it when people come to try our restaurant, but we make our living from people who come back, and that is why it is so important to us always to give people the best possible experience.” Larsen, who is from Kerteminde himself, started the restaurant after a three year stint in Copenhagen working for the renowned Restaurant Kong Hans Kælder. Upon his return to Kerteminde, the lack of good restaurants in the area convinced him to set up his own. He did so from the very ground up, having the unique white building constructed on the base of an old fisherman’s cottage. The cottage had belonged to Larsen’s grandfathers, Niels
Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Denmark
Mathis and Hans Rudolf Pedersen, whom the restaurant is named after. Since then more than 25 years have gone by, and by now Larsen has built up a reputation as the chef and owner of one of Denmark’s best seafood restaurants. As good as it gets The dishes on the restaurant’s mainly seafood-based menu are, Larsen says, a result of cooperation with all of the kitchen staff. “The dishes we serve are typical French kitchen but with Danish produce. Obviously Kerteminde is a harbour town, so we get much of our seafood from here and most else from the rest of Denmark.” For lunch, there is a set menu of two to four delicious dishes which can, as with the dinner menu’s four to seven courses, be accompanied by a wine menu especially chosen by Larsen and the staff. “Just as with the food menu, we all get together to do tastings and pickings for the wine menu. Being able to have just one glass of wine that is specifically chosen for the course instead of having to go for a whole bottle is very important to many of our guests,” explains Larsen.
The menu consists of mouth-watering dishes, such as steamed turbot in creamy truffle sauce with apple and Jerusalem artichoke; and caviar, lumpfish roe and scallops with avocado, citrus, cabbage and salted almonds. Although most guests come for the whole menu of four or more courses, it is also possible to scale down a bit and have just the main courses.
we have worked up a good reputation that convinces people to give us a try, and many come back. We have people driving all the way from Zealand and back just for a visit to our restaurant.”
Rudolf Mathis is open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner (closed for the winter in January and February).
A summertime attraction With the Danish sea next door and a beautifully located, spacious terrace just on the water’s edge, summer is the liveliest season at Rudolf Mathis. “We have guests coming from all over the world; some come for a visit to one of the nearby attractions in Odense, and many combine a visit to our restaurant with a visit to Kerteminde’s art museum,” says Larsen. “We also have many sailors who harbour here as a part of a trip around Funen. Sometimes, when it is very busy, and if people like to, we can serve the food directly to people on their boats.” While the restaurant has many seasonal visitors, it also has a great share of loyal regulars. “After over 25 years in business,
For more information, please visit: www.rudolf-mathis.dk
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Scan Magazine | Columns | Humour
IS IT JUST ME...
By Mette Lisby
Whose household has recently been blessed with the addition of a full-scale drama queen? A hysterical teenager: blossoming perhaps, but also horrendously demanding. I hope so, for your sake, because it’s darn exhausting. Everything has to be a very specific way: the room temperature must be warm but not too warm, and the amount of daylight must be just right. In other words: an excrescence that demands very particular care or it immediately languishes, because of YOU. I am talking about an orchid. I have never come across a more difficult life form. How it survived in nature is a mystery to me. I thought evolution was a tough “survival of the fittest” environment, with no mercy for the frail and no room for special treatment. How can a plant that requires weekly water baths, regular fertilizer and biannual plant outs (in a special sort of soil, of
Going back
My Mum and Dad met in a small town in the south of Sweden. Mum was the daughter of an air force officer, Dad’s dad was director at a factory making pots and pans. After Dad retired, they made the decision to leave the UK and move back to this same town. I fretted – how would they cope with life in Sweden after having been away for so long? What about the win-
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course), and needs a steady room temperature, have survived for millions of years out in the wilderness? Who took care of it? Maybe this is what killed the Neanderthals – exhaustion from looking after orchids? Theories in abundance are floating on the demise of Neanderthals, but I think I’m on to something here. I hope you appreciate this extraordinary anthropological breakthrough that I casually present you with. The Internet offers plenty of advice on how to tend to orchids. There is even a comprehensive chapter called “Orchid care for beginners”. This is a plant that comes with a curriculum! And no matter how much you keep up, at some point with no warning, it withers, and you just have the naked stick left. (Or stalk as ex-
perts might say, but what do I know, I am just a beginner?) And in a way it’s a relief, because then you can throw it out and get your life back. Or you could, as they encourage you to in “Orchid care for beginners” cut the stalk down to “no less than 20 centimetres and no more than 25, put it gently in a water basin and…” 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
ters? What about making new friends? And how on earth would any human be expected to cope with Sweden’s alcohol monopoly system? But I needn’t have worried; Mum and Dad were swallowed back into the community like two worms down a happy magpie’s neck. Old friends literally turned up on their doorstep, having heard of their return through the local grapevine. Little by little, my parents started behaving as though they never left. Nowadays when I phone, my Dad will talk enthusiastically about “the scrapyard at Hasseltorp. You remember the scrapyard at Hasseltorp, don’t you?” When I say that I don’t, Dad quickly adds: “Weeeell, it used to be Texas Jim who owned it back in the day; of course it’s his nipper of a grandson who runs it now.” My sister has recently made the decision to leave a city in the north to move to this very same town. Once again I worry – how will she manage to fit into this closeknit, pastoral place? “At least you can get
cheap furniture from some kid at that scrapyard that dad talks about,” I joke during a conversation. “You mean Texas Jim’s grandson?” my sister says with a frown. “He’s 42.” And just like that I know that she’ll be just fine.
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.
Make it straightforward
or for more re information email londonbranch@northernbank.co.uk branch@northernbank.co.uk ernbank.co.uk
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Scan Business | Key Note | Scandinavian Leadership
Scan Business News & Columns 95 | Master the Art of Leadership... 96 | Conferences of the Month 98 | Business Calendar 103
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Scandinavian Leadership leads the world Clients often say: “What we need is good leadership – can you help?” After replying “yes” to the second part of the question, I ask them to clarify the first part: “What does good leadership look like?” By Paul Blackhurst, Client Director, Mannaz
Their answers are strongly influenced by the culture in which they were born and raised. For example, there is a cultural dimension called Power Distance, which measures the psychological vertical distance between a manager and subordinate. A high power distance culture carries expectations that a good manager should clearly be “the boss”. He or she needs to show no weakness, to be confident and to communicate with power and authority. This is a hierarchical model, where subordinates are meant to be obedient, and superiors to act as good parents. High power distance cultures create pyramids, which have many good qualities; perhaps the main feature being their stability. However, in a rapidly changing world, the weaknesses of a pyramid become clearer. From the top of a pyramid, it is hard for the leader to maintain contact with reality and to hear the dissenting voices coming from below. In the middle of the pyramid, it is hard to influence upwards and to act autonomously when necessary. Throughout the pyramid, there is apathy and an in-
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ability to communicate in an open and assertive way. In a changing world, what is needed is a more flexible, flatter organisation, where information flows freely and decisions are delegated as far as possible into the organisation. Leadership itself flows and is distributed across the organisation. Influence comes from personal power, credibility and competence rather than depending on seniority. Leaders are open and collaborative. He or she is aware of strengths, weaknesses and blind spots, and creates a complementary team, where open debate is encouraged and directness and honesty are expected, thereby liberating the creativity and energy that flows from cognitive conflict. As the world changes, a low Power Distance model of leadership becomes necessary for survival and success. It follows that the organisations which develop our leaders need to embody a low power distance culture in order to exemplify the changes they are trying to create. One of the reasons for the global success of
Mannaz may be the simple fact of being Danish. According to Hofstede’s research, Denmark has one of the lowest scores on Power Distance in the world. Mannaz is helping major organisations succeed in this challenging world partly by helping them be more Scandinavian. Culture’s Consequences (2nd Edition) – Geert Hofstede, Sage Publications
Paul Blackhurst, Client Director, Mannaz. Photo: Karla Gowlett
For more information, please visit: www.mannaz.com or email pbl@mannaz.com
Scan Business | News & Columns | Digital Media
Find out what the future holds for digital media The FBCC, NBCC and DUCC are behind the joint-Nordic event “Future of Digital Media”, which takes place on 19 April at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) headquarters in London and is sponsored by EBRD and Timgu. Join the chambers for an evening full of reflection on the state of communication in the day and age of social media and digital apps, with guest speakers Anssi Vanjoki and Petri Kokko leading the discussion. Anssi Vanjoki was the runner-up for the Nokia CEO position when Stephen Elop
was elected. He has since resigned from Nokia, now working as an “individual multicontributor” for digital business. He will be exploring the topic of “Living in the media – my digital future” at the event. Petri Kokko currently works as a director at Google in Germany and has previously held the positions of country manager for Google Finland & Sweden and global di-
rector at Googleplex, the head offices of the search engine company in California. Kokko’s speech topic is: “Think Digital – a perspective on the disruptive process of digitalisation." With the speakers taking the stage at around 7pm and finishing off with a Q&A session, at 8pm, you can enjoy some drinks and canapés while networking with chamber members and other guests. By Nia Kajastie
Date: 19 April, 2012 Time: 6.30pm to 9pm Venue: EBRD, One Exchange Square, EC2A 2JN Fee: Chamber Members £15 / Non-Chamber Members £30 Sign up at: www.fbcc.co.uk/events
Left: Petri Kokko Right: Anssi Vanjoki
For more information, please visit: www.fbcc.co.uk www.nbccuk.com www.ducc.co.uk
The problem with spotting a superstar In 1996, at the FIFA gala dinner in Zürich, the 19-year-old Brazilian football player Ronaldo Luíz Nazario received the World's Best Footballer of the Year award as the youngest ever. However, very few of the guests attending FIFA's Player of the Year Gala that evening could have imagined in their wildest dreams the circumstances Ronaldo had found himself in just four years earlier. He had been drifting clubless around Brazil looking for someone who believed in his potential and would give him a contract. Flamengo turned 15year-old Ronaldo away at the door. They were not interested in paying his bus fare (about a dollar for a return ticket) to and from training. The reason they gave was that he was too small and slight. He was subsequently rejected by several other Brazilian clubs for the same reason until he was allowed in at Cruzeiro in the city of Belo Horizonte, some 500 kilometres from Rio de Janeiro. As you probably are now, I was aston-
ished when I heard his story for the first time during my research trip to Brazil. How could anyone reject a player who four years later would be voted the world's best? In fact, more or less the same script seems to have driven the story behind a number of the most accomplished individuals of the 19th and 20th centuries. Many of them were considered by experts to have no future. Just to mention a few: Paul Cézanne, Elvis Presley, Michael Jordan, Ray Charles and Charles Darwin were all thought to have little potential in their chosen fields. And in some of these cases it may well have been true that they did not stand out from the crowd early on. That’s the real challenge - to see the potential in something ordinary, and to be able to do that we have to understand that a person’s current performance very rarely equals his or her potential. Spotting performance is easy, but spotting potential and someone’s capacity to develop
their skills with effort over time, is the real challenge. Column by Rasmus Ankersen Bestselling author, motivational speaker and advisor for world-class athletes and businesses around the world. Read more: www.rasmusankersen.com
Issue 39 | April 2012 | 95
Scan Business | Feature | Master the Art of Leadership and Innovation
Master the art of leadership and innovation Having hatched out thirteen years of MMT graduates (Master in Management of Technology), the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) today offers the leading Nordic executive MBA education in innovation & technology management, business development and personal leadership. By Signe Hansen | Photos: DTU Business
DTU Business’s executive MBA was founded in 1997, but the set of competences that it aspires to build have, believes Program Director and Associate Professor Mads Christoffersen, only been proven more vital since. Actually the need for them is, he says, desperate. “As we have had the challenges of Danish business exposed in the current crisis, you see that at the centre of the problem
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there is a lack of innovation. It is very difficult to maintain industrial activities in Denmark, because the low tech jobs blow to cheaper countries. This creates a still higher need to innovate the products and the production processes; if we can make them sufficiently cost-efficient, they can stay in western Europe, but if they are dependent on cheap labour, they will disappear and that is the challenge; we must develop new products, new processes and
new services to maintain our competitive edge.” Sharing the expertise Most students undertake the two-year part-time programme sponsored by their current employer. Approximately half of alumni have had backgrounds within engineering and science and around 30 per cent in other academic fields. Common for all of them has been the desire and need to require new skills to cope with increasing managerial responsibilities not part of their original education. “An engineer, for instance, who has been working for 15 years and has experienced a successful, good career, might have 95 per cent of his day dedicated to tasks that have nothing to do with his engineering background. He might be responsible for the company’s services, be managing people and processes, and explaining and developing business plans for top management,” explains Christoffersen. “Of
Scan Business | Feature | Master the Art of Leadership and Innovation
asking alumni how their career and income development has been, and we have found that most often people who change jobs now have jobs on higher levels in the same companies,” stresses Christoffersen. “Forty-three per cent of the people who have completed our course stay with their companies; even if we go back to the first year, there is a certain loyalty, and we are quite proud of that, because in that way we can say that we create value for both the company and the people.”
course someone like that will have learned a lot of things, but they have learned them the hard way by making failures - learning by doing, basically. What we offer is a systematic set of competences with which they can cope with these issues on a higher level of expertise.” As the programme is taught in English and approximately 50 per cent of the sessions are conducted by international faculty putting Danish conditions into an international perspective, it is, and has been, the obvious choice not only for Danish but international employees of major Danish companies. Essential leadership skills Throughout the programme, students will acquire a comprehensive set of skills essential for innovative leadership, including in-depth knowledge of change processes, and the tools required for analysing change needs, identifying new business opportunities, and, most importantly, initiating and executing innovation. “The first principle of our teaching is that our educators represent the highest expertise that you can find,” stresses Christoffersen. Much of the programme’s teaching is centred on peer coaching and participation, which also allows participants to deal with, and find solutions to, the challenges they face in their work life. “We very much work with real business problems; around half of the time that people dedicate to this is invested in solving real problems from the participants’ companies,” Christoffersen explains.
Program Director and Associate Professor Mads Christoffersen
MBA constitutes an efficient but flexible way of increasing employees’ value, creating increases in their personal profits as well as those of their employers. “We measure the impact of this education by
Registration deadline for DTU’s MMT is July 31st, but spaces are limited. The programme starts 23 August 2012.
For more information, please visit: www.business.dtu.dk
As an important component of the programme, all students are sent off for a one-week course in Innovation Leadership at UC Berkeley in California and an international study trip entailing an international consultancy project. “This is really exciting for our participants, because it gives them an opportunity to try out their knowledge and experience that it can really create great results for a company,” stresses the programme director. Making it possible Spread over two years with classes on every second Friday and Saturday, DTU’s
Photo: Nina Lemvigh-Muller
Issue 39 | April 2012 | 97
Scan Business | Conference of the Month | Denmark
town of Hornbæk, just 40 minutes from Copenhagen. Twenty minutes further away, Lisegården Hotel- & Kursuscenter, a charming farm building from 1725, is to be found tucked away in Liseleje’s woodlands and fields; and closest to the capital, just a half-hour drive along the coastline, the beautiful white fairytale-like Sophienberg Castle presents guests with a stunning view of Oresund and Sweden. “They are very different and unique hotels with individual interiors and styles, but they are all situated with fantastic surroundings nearby beach and woodlands and are close to some of Northern Zealand’s best golf courses,” stresses Kaare Korsbek. All the hotels and conference centres of Hotel- & Konferencegruppen Nordsjælland are located along the coastline of Northern Zealand and have been chosen because of their beauty and history.
Conference of the Month, Denmark
Five historic buildings – five grand conference centres Along the beautiful coastline of Northern Zealand, five elegant, historic buildings lie tucked away: a small castle, a countryside manor, a charming wooden-framed farm and two elegant villas. They are all part of the exclusive Hotel and Conference group of North Zealand, Hotel- & Konferencegruppen Nordsjælland, whose client list comprises some of Denmark’s largest companies, including Maersk and Novo Nordisk. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Hotel- & Konferencegruppen Nordsjælland
The conference group was founded, rather by coincidence, when its owner Gunnar Ruben acquired Hornbækhus, a characteristic Swedish-style, red wooden mansion, in 2004. Having invested, what the director of the hotel group, Kaare Korsbek, describes as, “quite a lot of money” in the manor’s restoration, Ruben decided to utilize the building as a hotel and conference centre.
“He was not at all involved in the hotel industry before, but he has a passion for beautiful buildings, and it just developed step by step from that,” explains Kaare Korsbek. Amazing settings Hornbækhus and the two beautiful white villas, Hotel Villa Strand and Hotel Bretagne, are located in the charming coastal
Like a private home All the hotels are newly renovated and with the exception of villa Strand, which only functions as a separate hotel during summer and as extra accommodation for Hornbækhus and Bretagne’s conference guests in other seasons - have modern conference facilities. “We have converted them into exclusive conference hotels and offer them exclusively to our conference guests, so they are not disturbed; people value that they don’t have to be careful with what they talk about – it is like one big private home,” says Kaare Korsbek .
Hotel Bretagne Mail: mail@hotelbretagne.dk Phone: +45 49701666 Hotel Hornbækhus Mail: info@hornbaekhus.com Phone: +45 49700169 Hotel Villa Strand Mail: hotel@villastrand.dk Phone: +45 49700088 Lisegården Hotel & Kursuscenter Mail.: post@lisegaarden-kursuscenter.dk Phone: +45 47747050 Sophienberg Slot Mail: info@sophienberg.dk Phone: +45 45760900
Sophienberg Slot
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Hotel Villa Strand
For more information, please visit: www.hkgn.dk
Scan Business | Conference of the Month | Sweden
Conference of the Month, Sweden
Beauty and uniqueness at the most inspirational meeting place in the Nordics The island of Gotland has been a natural place to meet since the 12th century. For 30 years, Sweden’s political elite has met at Almedalen every summer. It was only natural that Gotland opened a world-class facility for conferences and special events. Five years ago, Wisby Strand Congress and Event Gotland opened its doors. By Anne Margrethe Mannerfelt | Photos: Jörgen Borg
With a magnificent view of the sea, right next to the medieval city of Visby with its narrow cobblestone streets, cafés and an exciting nightlife, you find the most inspiring conference location in the Nordics. Offering 14 conference rooms and with capacity for 1,000 attendees, Wisby Strand is a modern meeting place, perfect for any event or conference. The key to a successful conference For a conference to be successful, motivation, inspiration and innovation are key. Wisby Strand offers an atmosphere that makes it all possible. CEO Carl-Johan Stålhammar says: “Any conference room in any facility today will be nicely decorated and up to speed with technology. But not all conference facilities can offer
a veranda overlooking a magnificent view of the ocean, a delicious menu, closeness to a historic town and, not least, personnel determined to make every visit special.”
year round. “It is important for us to use this wonderful place in all ways possible. Also, we want to offer the people living here something. Recently we have had artists such as Håkan Hellström and Veronica Maggio performing here. Both were great evenings. Whether we organise a wedding, a party, a conference or an event, our ambition is to make every visit memorable.”
Making every visit memorable Wisby Strand can offer much more than conferences. The Wisby Strand team takes pride in giving full service to any event and are keen to be flexible to every visitor’s needs. Swedes looking for a Mediterranean touch to their summer holiday close to home will find it at Wisby Strand. Visitors come during the summer and spend time at the beach club, sip a cold drink on the veranda or enjoy dinner with friends at the Taverna. And of course there are conferences and events running all
For more information, please visit: www.wisbystrand.se/eng
Issue 39 | April 2012 | 99
Scan Business | Conference of the Month | Norway
Conference of the Month, Norway
Everything is possible in Røros Why not make your next conference something to remember? In the former mining town of Røros, which is also a UNESCO Heritage Site, there is no limit to the things you can experience, from hiking and biking to fishing and a local food safari. Furthermore, Røros Hotel offers access to one of the finest conference centres in Norway. By Nia Kajastie | Photo: Tom Gustavsen
The town of Røros is a tourist attraction in itself, as its centre boasts a rare collection of well-preserved, beautiful wooden buildings, which are still in use today. The colourful streets of the protected mountain settlement will transport you back in time, while an exploration of the surrounding area will introduce you to two national parks as well as traces of the old mining operations.
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Røros Hotel is surrounded by stunning nature, and from its doorstep you can easily embark on an adventure among mountains, forests and fresh inland lakes. It is the perfect setting for an active holiday, an unforgettable event or an out-of-theordinary conference. The hotel first opened its doors in 1951, following a downturn within the mining industry, with the town turning to tourism
for future business opportunities. Starting off as a winter resort, mainly attracting tourists from Sweden and Norway, today it is open all year round with guests split in half between the leisure and business markets. Røros Hotel is also still under the ownership of the same family, now in its third generation. A truly tailor-made experience Røros Hotel has direct access to Storstuggu, a large conference centre comprising 22 rooms and halls of different sizes, with a maximum capacity of 600 participants in the largest one. Whether you want a simple affair or something big and impressive, Røros Hotel will help you plan your conference and shape it to your utmost satisfaction. The professionals
Scan Business | Conference of the Month | Norway
from RørosTeknikk AS will also make sure that everything from lighting to set design works out just right. “What really sets us apart from other ordinary conference centres are the different activities available,” says general manager Mikael Forselius. “You can go dog sledging, skiing, for an adventure in the old mines, or visit the town’s own brewery and sample their beer.” The countless activities on offer range from cultural to adventurous, so there is sure to be something to suit all tastes. Even just a walk through the streets of Røros will emphasise how special the location is, as you will find a lively handicraft community, little shops full of character, and restaurants serving local food, which is known for its quality all around Norway. Enjoy the best produce from the region Røros Hotel offers four different restaurant options: two on-site at the hotel and two in the centre of the old town. The hotel’s à la carte restaurant, Brasseriet, serves French-inspired cuisine made from the best local produce, while at the
Bergrosa Restaurant, you can enjoy a lunch buffet, a three-course dinner or light meals. Vertshuset Røros, set right in the middle of the town, is a gourmet restaurant serving dishes based on quality produce from the Røros region, but inspired by the Mediterranean kitchen. For some really traditional, rustic food, you need to visit Kaffestuggu, the oldest café in Røros, which is the perfect place to soak in the mining community’s heritage and culinary traditions. With these four different culinary concepts, conference guests can freely mix
and match where they want to have their dinner. With your conference package, you can of course set up a pre-arranged menu as well. After enjoying a satisfying meal, guests can also retreat to the hotel’s piano bar for some live music, or the lobby bar, if you prefer a more peaceful setting. “Come and feel the atmosphere of an old UNESCO Heritage town, set high up in the mountains, 800 metres above sea level; it’s a unique and special experience,” concludes Forselius. For more information, please visit: www.roroshotell.no
Issue 39 | April 2012 | 101
Scan Business | News | DUCC
Former prime minister of Denmark set to pay DUCC a visit
The dinner and AGM, which last year took place at Merchant Taylors' Hall, will this year commence at 5pm in the grand Drapers’ Hall in Throgmorton Street, London. The hall has, because of its opulent interior and historic significance, been featured in several films and is sure to create a magnificent setting for the event. After registration, the annual general meeting will start at 5.30pm, and at 7pm, Chairman Per Troen will welcome guests to a dinner, which will consist of a delicious three-course menu of gazpacho soup, beef Wellington (vegetarian option available), and an indulgent white and dark chocolate mousse with raspberry sauce. After this treat, at 8.30pm, the
prime minister, Løkke Rasmussen held the job as Denmark’s finance minister.
event’s prominent guest speaker Lars Løkke Rasmussen will step onto the podium to deliver his speech. Lars Løkke was the head of Denmark’s liberal/conservative government from 2009 to 2011 and is today the leader of Denmark’s largest party, the Liberal Democratic Party of Denmark. Before becoming
Last year, the dinner attracted 140 elegantly dressed guests, and with its prominent speaker, this year’s event looks set to become a solid success as well.
Lars Løkke Rasmussen. Press photo
Former Danish Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen will be speaking at the Danish-UK Chamber of Commerce’s annual general meeting and dinner on 3 May, 2012.
Price: Members and their guests: £144; Non-members: £180 Dress code: Black tie For more information, please visit: ww.ducc.co.uk
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Scan Business | News | Business Events
Scandinavian Business Calendar – Highlights of Scandinavian business events Britain, GREAT for Business H.E Paul Johnston, British Ambassador to Sweden, cordially invites you to attend a unique networking event in Gothenburg, promoting trade between the UK and Sweden. This is an opportunity to meet with key stakeholders and officials from the Gothenburg region, as well as the UK. Date: 18 April
Wednesday drinks with KPMG Aberdeen Visit www.nbccuk.com for more information. Date: 18 April
Tax Seminar and Champagne Reception This event is hosted together with Deloitte and Nordea Private Bank. More details to follow nearer the time. Date: 25 April
Joint-Nordic Thursday Drinks The Thursday Drinks is a perfect occasion to network with people from the Norwegian, Danish, Finnish and British business communities in an informal atmosphere. Canapés and welcome drinks are generously sponsored for the "early birds" with their names on the guest list. Venue: Scandinavian Kitchen, 61 Great Titchfield Street, London, W1E 7PP Date: 26 April
Entrepreneurship Forum: Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Two Sides of the Same Coin The entrepreneurship innovation coin is the foundation for growth. There is a need to discover the good ideas and projects that can often be found at universities, start-ups and hidden within companies. Date: 10 May
Work Place Pension Reform Goodwille and their joint-venture company HFS Goodwille are holding a seminar for the FBCC’s members regarding the new Work Place Pension Reform, which will impact upon all of us. Venue: Goodwille, St James House, 13 Kensington Square, London, W8 5HD Date: 15 May
Industrial Forum with Jens Henriksson, President of NASDAQ OMX Stockholm AB The Industrial Forum is hosted by the Swedish Ambassador to the Court of St James's and is by invitation only. Date: 16 May
Norway’s National Day Join the Norwegian-British Chamber of Commerce when we celebrate the Norwegian National Day in Southwark Park. Venue: Southwark Park, Gomm Road, SE16 Date: 17 May
Meet Klas Eklund, Senior Chief Economist, SEB Klas Eklund is the Senior Economist of SEB, Adjunct professor of Economics at the University of Lund and member of the Government’s Commission for the Future. Date: 30 May
Joint-Nordic Thursday Drinks The Thursday Drinks is a perfect occasion to network with people from the Norwegian, Danish, Finnish and British business communities in an informal atmosphere. Canapés and welcome drinks are generously sponsored for the "early birds" with their names on the guest list. Venue: Radisson BLU Portman, 22 Portman Square, London W1H 7BG Date: 31 May
Please note that the above events will be open predominantly to the members of the Chambers of Commerce. Photo: DUCC
Tower of London – Reception and Guided Tour An opportunity to join the SCC for a private guided tour by a Yeoman Warder (Beefeater). This will be followed by a buffet supper in the Yeoman Warder Officers’ Mess. Date: 2 May
Issue 39 | April 2012 | 103
Scan Magazine | Culture | The Scream
The Scream Some artists’ images never leave us: the Mona Lisa, the Little Mermaid, The Scream - all are closely linked with their “home” cities, Paris, Copenhagen and Oslo, and all three, in different ways, invoke instant international recognition. Each encapsulates an enigma: What is Lisa smiling at? Why is the mermaid gazing out to sea? And who is the skull-headed figure screaming, and screaming at what? Column by Lars Tharp | Photo of The Scream: Courtesy of Sotheby’s In Edvard Munch’s The Scream, the artist pulls the sweep of the distant bay right into the foreground, incorporating the screamer into a human question mark. Two shadowy figures have just passed by, oblivious; they move uncaring into the vanishing point of the esplanade on which the man stands, gripping his skull as if it might crack. He is “speared” by three converging diagonals, the rails of the pier which fence and separate two contrasted fields, one of regimented straight lines, the other a sea of swirls. A tension of horror and vertigo - the natural versus the tame world? Why do we Scandinavians have a reputation for melancholy? Even in Shakespeare we see Hamlet referred to as “the gloomy Dane”: well, he was over-reflective, wasn’t he? Why couldn’t he just stab old Claudius there and then and save a lot of A-Level students from agonizing over whether or not he’s mad? More recently, another Dane, Søren Kierkegaard, anatomizes - or even invents - existential angst, launching a whole tsunami of modern foreboding. Towards the end of the 19th century, the Viennese step in, exploring the caverns of the subconscious with psychoanalysis, while the less-than-cheery plays of Strindberg and Ibsen (both friends or subjects of Munch) continue to pour out of the north. At the end of Hedda Gabler, Ibsen’s heroine, torn between stultifying convention and sexual freedom, shoots herself; whereupon the “respectable” judge mutters in disbelief: “But people don’t do such things.” But cheer up! Forget those suicidal statistics: it wasn’t just the Scandinavians who were steeped in a winter gloom. The Russians (remember Dostoyevsky?) and the French checked into Hotel Depression too. Nearly everyone was screaming as they all ran headlong into the skeletal embrace of the Great War, the death of the old world order. Today Munch’s Scream is still in the top ten for students’ wall posters. (In my day, the hippyhappy 70s, it was beaten by Beardsley and Mucha and by the bottom-scratching female tennis player.) Psychiatrists do say that to get out of the dumps immerse yourself in the sym-
104 | Issue 39 | April 2012
most famous painting –the one which draws people from all over the world – has been stolen. For a second time! Well, you’d scream, wouldn’t you? Especially if the painting was indeed The Scream. Well that’s what actually happened… To reinforce the power of these icons: all three have been pinched, vandalized or cannibalized: the Mona Lisa was stolen in 1911 (Pablo Picasso was arrested as a suspect, though cleared); and in the year Mona Lisa was recovered the (very) Little Mermaid was installed on the Copenhagen waterfront. In my lifetime, she has been decapitated several times and covered top to tail in red paint. And returning to The Scream: the 1893 “original” (from Oslo’s National Gallery) was eventually recovered as was the version later stolen from the Munch Museum (also Oslo). All are now behind bullet-proof glass. And now a fourth version comes up for sale, painted in pastels and gouache. Out of all four versions it uniquely bears a text by the artist, inscribed on the frame: describing his walk with two friends he concludes:
… I remained behind Shivering with Anxiety – I felt the great Scream in Nature E.M.
pathetic darkness of a Mahler symphony; the gloom will console you. So maybe having The Scream on your wall makes you realise how much worse life can really be. Or, for the same therapy, go and see a horror film. Scream perhaps? Although not mentioned in the credits, that elongated skull comes straight from Munch’s original image. And while we’re into nightmares: imagine you’re a Scandinavian gallery director. One morning you’re woken up to be told that your
Lars Tharp
The picture has been in private hands since the 1920s, when acquired by Petter Olsen (of the shipping family), a supporter of the artist. With its siblings’ history of multiple thefts, this icon of angst goes on high-security view at Sotheby’s in London (13-18 April), before being auctioned at Sotheby’s New York on 2 May 2012. And if you’re a moody Scandinavian hoping to bid: cheer up! Sotheby’s are expecting bids in excess of $80,000,000. Oh well, there’s always the poster. “Aaaaaaargh…”
[For a Scream with Pink Floyd soundtrack, try: http://vimeo.com/33976373] 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 | News
Girls in Airports’s first London gig represents good news for jazz enthusiasts Girls in Airports, a young instrumental jazz band that has received excellent reviews as well as a Danish Music Award, is paying its first visit to London on 12 May 2012. The Danish band, which, contrary to what the name might indicate, consists of five male instrumentalists who mix indie-soul, afro-beat and ethno jazz with cool Scandinavian tones, will be playing at a concert at King’s Place, sponsored by the Em-
bassy of Denmark, London, as part of their EU Residency. The concert is organised by jazz promoter and organiser the Spitz’s part-Danish London director Jane Glitre, who, being familiar with the Danish jazz scene, selected Girls in Airports, because she had heard “it was the most unusual jazz ever to come out of Denmark”.
Press photo
The concert will be the band’s first in the UK, but the five musicians - Victor Dybbroe (percussion), Mathias Holm (keyboards), Mads Forsby (drums), and Martin Stender and Lars Greve (saxophones) – have grown quite a reputation since re-
By Signe Hansen
leasing their first CD in 2010. The awardwinning jazz website, allaboutjazz.com wrote then: “This is an album that can not only be rated among some of the finest new releases in Danish jazz, it is also a work that introduces a whole new sound, where mellow Nordic lyricism is combined with sounds from Africa and the East.” The band’s newly released second album, Migration, was received with similar enthusiasm. The King’s Place gig will, in other words, be a performance that no jazz enthusiast should miss.
The concert takes place 12 May, 8pm, King’s Place, Hall Two. For more information and tickets visit: www.spitz.co.uk
A new Anglo-Swedish festival comes to London
ness of Swedish music and musicians, expanding Sweden’s presence on the musical map alongside our Scandinavian neighbours.”
On 10-12 May, the musical cultures of Britain and Sweden come together for a whole new festival experience. Music.se, curated by Nota Bene Productions, will include a world premiere and numerous cross-cultural collaborations between British and Swedish composers and musicians.
Music.se is supported by the Embassy of Sweden and Musik i Syd, a hub for musical activity in southern Sweden, as well as the Barbro Osher Foundation and the Erik & Märtha Beijer Foundation.
By Emelie Krugly Hill | Press Photos
The festival takes place at Cadogan Hall, London, and illuminates musical links between the two countries as well as a multitude of genres, while aiming to raise the profile of Swedish composers and musicians in the UK. Artists will include the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Håkan Hardenberger, The Svanholm Singers and Hugo Ticciati with the Orchestra of the Swan. Highlights to look forward to are the world premiere of one of Albert Schnelzer’s violin concertos, a celebration of Håkan Hardenberger’s 50th birthday, and a focus on film seen through the Swedish lens.
Nils Klöfver and Björn Kleiman, directors of London-based Nota Bene Productions and founders of music.se explain: “Sweden has produced a wealth of great music that deserves a wider audience. With music.se, we hope to increase the aware-
Hugo Ticciati
Music.se will be opened by the Ambassador of Sweden, H.E. Ms Nicola Clase. For more information, please visit: www.music.se
The Svanholm Singers
Issue 39 | April 2012 | 105
Scan Magazine | Music & Culture | Scandinavian Music
Scandinavian Music
The Swedish House Mafia have unveiled their brand new single Greyhound: a near on seven-minute long instrumental track. One half displays the SHM chaps’ unique brand of particularly dirty house music, while the other half is a glimpse back into
peak time commercial house from the late 90s. This house is so dirty, it needs a good spring clean!
lyrically it’s just SO them: “When you gimme that look, I just wanna oh-oh-oh.“ Indeed, this is some catchy stuff.
The devilishly fun Danes of Alphabeat are back, after a lengthy absence. The new single is Vacation, and it’s classic Alphabeat: a retro-chic and rapturous war cry of festivity, and an infectiously bright tune to go along with it. Sugar pop synths with Stine leading us all in a chant about the benefits of beach trips. It's the sound of a very long overdue summer.
And finally, speaking of somewhat older pop stars returning - former a-ha frontman Morten Harket has got a new album out, Out Of My Hands. The first single Lightning is a hugely uplifting pop track dramatically intertwined with some heavy strings. Given his fan base, it’s pop that fits into the genre of adult alternative or easy listening. But it’s not a million miles away from the sound of something that Coldplay might venture out with one day. It’s very, very melodic, and surprisingly quite dance-oriented too.
This month sees the release of a new Roxette album, Travelling, and with it comes the first single, It’s Possible. It's an up-tempo and melodic jaunt that has Per and Marie sharing the vocals. It sounds an awful lot like the Roxette we knew and loved during the 90s, which should please both fans and casual listeners alike. Even
Catch Jo Nesbø’s bestselling novel Headhunters on the big screen The UK’s obsession with Norwegian author Jo Nesbø has been reaching new heights, as according to Nielsen BookScan figures, a Nesbø novel is sold here every 27 seconds. Now the Nesbø enthusiasts have something further to be excited about, namely the movie adaptation of his novel Headhunters, which was released in cinemas across the UK and Ireland on 6 April 2012. Starring none other than one of Denmark’s most successful exports, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau of Game of Thrones fame, as well as Aksel Hennie, one of Norway’s most popular and profiled ac-
By Karl Batterbee
tors, Headhunters was produced by Yellow Bird, the same company that is behind the Millennium trilogy and Wallander films.
www.scandipop.co.uk scandipop@googlemail.com
The story introduces you to Roger Brown (Aksel Hennie), a high-flying corporate headhunter by day and skilful art thief by night, who is trying to fund his extravagant lifestyle and keep his beautiful wife happy by all means necessary. However, his picture-perfect facade comes crumbling down, as he is lured into a dangerous cat and mouse game when he goes after the heist of his life. Handsome and accomplished Clas Greve (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) owns one of the most sought after paintings in the world, but nothing could prepare Brown for what he finds in Greve’s apartment.
Headhunters is Jo Nesbø’s first novel to be adapted to the big screen, and no fan of his writing should miss it – it is an exhilarating ride full of unexpected twists and loads of action. By Nia Kajastie | Press Photos
For more information, please visit: www.facebook.com/HeadhuntersMovie
106 | Issue 39 | April 2012
Scan Magazine | Music & Culture | Culture Calendar
Scandinavian Culture Calendar – Where to go, what to see? It’s all happening here! his art enter into a dialogue with fellow European artists of his day. Wed 10am-8pm, TueSun 10am-5pm. National Gallery of Denmark, Sølvgade 48-50, Copenhagen. www.smk.dk
Photo: Strömholm Estate
Queen Margrethe – Monarch for 40 years (Until 22 April) This exhibition tells the story of Denmark’s Queen Margrethe’s years on the throne and gives an insight into the four decades during which she has ruled the country. Mon–Sun 10am–5pm. The National History Museum, Frederiksborg Slott, Hillerød. www.dnm.dk
Carl Larsson: Brita, cat and sandwich (1898), Börjesonska samlingen, Tällberg. Photo: Lars Dahlström
Carl Larsson in Helsinki (Until 29 April) Larsson is one of Sweden’s most loved artists, and his paintings of idyllic domestic life are known all over the world. This exhibition includes over 100 paintings and also presents Carl and his wife Karin as designers of art handicrafts and furniture. Tue-Fri 10am-6pm, Wed-Thu 10am-8pm and Sat-Sun 11am-5pm. Ateneum, Kaivokatu 2, Helsinki. www.ateneum.fi
By Sara Schedin
Christer Strömholm in Berlin (Until 26 May) Renowned photographer Christer Strömholm’s series Les Amies de Place Blanche features images from the red light district Pigalle in Paris where he began to photograph transvestites and transsexuals in the 1950s. Wed-Sat Noon-6pm. Karl-Marx-Allee 62, Berlin. www.swedishphotography.org Cirkus Cirkör on tour (April-June) Renowned for creating circus performances on a grand scale, Swedish company Cirkus Cirkör is touring Europe with its two shows: Undermän, an insight into the lives of circus performers and a tale of passion, love, Vegas and loss; and Wear it Like a Crown, a show about wearing your fears and failures with pride. www.cirkor.se
The Overcoat (17-28 April) Finland’s leading independent theatre, Ryhmäteatteri, presents a Scottish adaptation of their smash hit The Overcoat. Originally written by Esa Leskinen and Sami Keski-Vähälä, the Scottish adaptation has been relocated to Edinburgh by local playwright Catherine Grosvenor. The play takes its audience on a whistle-stop tour of the last forty years of banking history, from the strikes of the 1970s to the global debt crisis of today. Pleasance Islington, London, N7. www.pleasance.co.uk Hugo Simberg (19-22 April) This is a rare opportunity to see an exhibition of paintings and etchings by Finnish artist Hugo Simberg. His granddaughter, Ann SimbergSaunders, will talk at the private view on 18 April, and on the exhibition’s closing day, a recital of songs by Sibelius will be given by mezzo-soprano Essi Luttinen, accompanied by Roope Gröndahl. To reserve a place at the private view or recital contact secretary@anglofinnishsociety.co.uk. Opening hours Noon5pm. Burgh House, New End Square, Hampstead, London, NW3. www.burghhouse.org.uk John Storgårds conducts the BBC Symphony Orchestra (20 April) An evening of music by Einojuhani Rautavaara, Sibelius, Delius and Bridge, including Rautavaara’s Towards the Horizon and Sibelius’s Symphony No. 5 in E flat. Barbican, London, EC2Y. www.barbican.org.uk Gorgoroth (3 May) Norwegian black metal band Gorgoroth will be playing at the Sugar Factory in Amsterdam. www.gorgoroth.info
Photo: SMK foto
Hammershøi and Europe (Until 20 May) This spring exhibition takes a new approach to Danish painter Vilhelm Hammershøi by having
Photo: Mats Bäcker
Tinariwen and José González (3 May) Swedish nu-folkie González supports 11-strong Tuareg band Tinariwen from Sahara. Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London, W12. www.o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk
Issue 39 | April 2012 | 107
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