SCANDINAVIAN monthly │ Issue No.5 │ October 2021 by Tor

SCANDINAVIAN Monthly OCTOBER 2021 | SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY

Issue No.5 │October 2021

Health Special

HOW COVID-19 AFFECTS SCANDINAVIAN COUNTRIES

THE SWEDISH WOMEN’S LOBBY

COMPARING NORDIC HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS

REASONS WHY SCANDIAVIA IS ONE OF THE HEALTHIEST REGIONS IN THE WORLD

HEALTH AND MEDICINE IN THE VIKING SCANDINAVIA

EXAMINING SCANDINAVIAN MENTAL HEALTH

HEALTH ● BUSINESS ● PEOPLE ● ART ● DESIGN ● FOOD & DRINK HISTORY ● ATTRACTIONS ● ACCOMODATION

SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY CONTENT

Health How Covid-19 Affects Scandinavian Countries .........................................................5 The Swedish Women’s Lobby ....................................................................................8 Comparing Nordic Healthcare Systems: Similarities And Differences ....................10 5 Reasons Why Scandinavia Is One Of The Healthiest Regions In The World ...........13 Health and Medicine in the Viking Scandinavia ........................................................15 Examining Scandinavian Mental Healt .....................................................................18 Business Sweden – A Hub For Commercial Satellites .............................................................20 People Cycle Chic in Copenhagen .......................................................................................22 Gravel Road Biking in Sweden .................................................................................24 Art A View from the Top of the World – Cover Art from Norway ....................................27 Danish Museum Unveils World Art In A Contemporary Setting ...............................29 Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art at Tjuvholmen Oslo 20 Years .....................31 Design Old Classic Furniture By World-Famous Danish Designer .......................................34 Norwegian Crockery Inspired By Myths From the Deepest Forests ........................36 Food & Drink Scandinavian Herbs 38 Terrace With A Mediterranean Atmosphere In Downtown Oslo ..............................40 History The Fascinating Story of the Danish Protest Pigs ...................................................43 Attractions One of the Most Beautiful Rivers in Sweden ............................................................45 UNESCO Sites You Must See In Sweden ..................................................................46 Accommodation 19 Unique Accommodations in Sweden ..................................................................49

EDITOR’S NOTE Dear reader, Welcome to the autumn issue of SCANDINAVIAN Monthly We are here to showcase the very best that Scandinavian destinations and businesses have to offer and I am in no doubt you will enjoy what we have in store for you this time. We start out by featuring the enthusiastic Swedish lady who founded the 1.6 Million Club after she had heard from doctors and researchers how male-dominated medical research was and how women were being discriminated against in health care and ended up having 25,000 participants in webinars and online courses in the time of the pandemic. Welcome to Alexandra Charles. Having been inspired by Alexandra, I warmly recommend that you have a look at one of the other features on health for this month which is Examining Scandinavian Mental Health, starting on page 18. It is also astounding to discover that Sweden will be the first orbital launch site for orbital satellites in Europe – capable of launching spacecrafts into the orbit around Earth or interplanetary trajectories. The Arctic Circle, we learn, has its advantages when it comes to launching satellites into the space. It gives the satellites a more comprehensive view of Earth, while requiring less energy for a satellite to actually get into space. Elsewhere in the issue, we introduce you to Mikael Colville-Andersen who started the Copenhagen Cycle Chic blog in 2007 and coined the phrase Cycle Chic. Cycle Chic is a modern phrase to describe something that has existed since the invention of the bicycle in the 1880s – regular citizens on bicycles. Cycling was fashionable from the late 1880s and through the 1940s. I am really proud of the October issue and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as we have enjoyed putting it together for you.

Tor Kjolberg Editor-in-Chief

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Health Special

How COVID-19 Affects Scandinavian Countries Text John Peterson

The coronavirus pandemic has affected the entire world, and that’s a fact. Starting with the overall wellbeing of the entire population, to every branch of the industry, the pandemic has heavily impacted every one of us. Learn more about how COVID-19 affects Scandinavian countries. Even though we had no other choice than to adapt to this new lifestyle, the impact this pandemic has left is huge, and you can see that everywhere you turn your head around: it’s reflected in tourism, it has impacted small businesses, our general physical and mental health, etc. Scandinavian countries have been affected in the same way most European countries have. Related: Winter COVID-19 Blues in Norway

Tourism Generally, tourists tend to visit Nordic countries in the summer – starting from June, until late August or even September. As Scandinavian countries are not the warmest countries, people plan their visits around that time. Even though these countries have similar policies and ethics, the way they’ve handled the virus was a bit different, especially in the beginning of the pandemic. For instance, from the very beginning, Norway has shut down the doors of the educational

institutions, sports and cultural activities have been interrupted, and so on. Sweden, on the other hand, has kept most of these facilities open, in hope of keeping people’s morals high. When the international governments adopted the full lockdowns, borders have also closed. That’s when the tourism has started to struggle to survive. The number of foreign visitors has dramatically decreased, and this resulted in many hotels, restaurants and cafes to lose their businesses.

Feature image (on top): Photo by Kelly Sikkema / Unsplash

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The impact this pandemic has left is huge, and you can see that everywhere you turn your head around. Photo: Nordforsk

other hand, have thrived during the pandemic.

Even though you may have been able to visit Norway, there were a lot of rules that had to be respected.. Photo: Fusion Medical Animation/Unsplash

Even though you were able to visit the country, there were a lot of rules that had to be respected. Population Of course, as the rest of the countries of the world, people have been confused. Even though it has been expected that most Nordic countries will adapt the same COVID-19 policies, it was surprising to see that Sweden decided to take some different decisions than the rest of the countries. While everyone else was in a total lockdown, Sweden has kept the doors

open for many services. However, it is not to say that that was the best approach, neither the worst. While it might have helped people, psychologically, to know that they can still carry on with their usual daily lives, there were still plenty of restrictions that were only to show that the situation was quickly aggravating, and the high mortality note can confirm it. Related: How Traveling to Europe and Scandinavia Will Change in 2022 Businesses Some of the businesses have had a lot to suffer, while others, on the

The main ones have been, no doubt, the businesses in the tourist industry. Owners of hotels and restaurants have gone through probably the worst period of their entire careers. A big part of them have had to shut down entirely, especially smaller, familyowned businesses. Many workers have had to start working from home, and had to learn how to cope with that. The entire daily routines for most of us has entirely changed. A large number of businesses have asked their employees to work from home, which has had both positive and negative effects for the overall business. On one hand, working from home has diminished a lot of costs, which was great for employers. On the other hand, in some cases, there has been noticed a big leap in productivity,

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Many workers have had to start working from home, and had to learn how to cope with that. Photo: Branimir Balogovic/Unsplash

his first online course. Being a writer for an assignment writing service was also a great remote job, as students have not interrupted their studies. especially in the beginning of all this, when people had to learn how to manage their time and tasks from home, and still be productive. The businesses for which the pandemic has brought more workload have been the online businesses, mainly. The top industry will probably remain Information Technology, and after that comes other businesses that can be done entirely online. For example, the pandemic was a great time for an independent entrepreneur to launch

Education Even though Sweden, for example, has adopted a different approach for education, meaning that they have implemented a hybrid where students have gone through a mix of going to school and homeschooling, education has been highly impacted by the pandemic.

remote learning and teaching, some of them were not, and have had a hard time pulling themselves together. Besides the regular teaching skills, school employers had to ensure that teachers also possess the necessary technological skills to be able to conduct their classes using a tablet/ computer and specific pieces of software, which has not been easy in some situations.

It is true that schools remained open even during the lockdowns, but it has also been proven that online school has not been as effective. While many teachers were familiar with distance/

How COVID-19 Affects Scandinavian Countries is written exclusively for Daily Scandinavian by John Peterson. John is a journalist with 4 years’ experience working in London magazine “Shop&buy”. He is a professional mini-tennis player and he has written a novel “His heart”. He is also one of the essay writers at a well-known essay writing service. You can find him at fb.

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The Swedish Women’s Lobby Text Tor Kjolberg

The Swedish non-profit health organization, the 1.6 Million Club (1.6 Miljonerklubben) fights against sexist discrimination in the healthcare and medical research sector. The organization was founded by Alexandra Charles in 1998, and she has been the chairwoman ever since. The name came about because, at the time, there were 1.6 million women over the age of 45 in Sweden. Learn more about the Swedish Women’s Lobby.

about heart disease and other issues affecting women’s health. You may also like to read: Why Do People Want To Live in Scandinavia “Most people don’t know that heart conditions are the most common cause of death in our country,” says Alexandra Charles. “Women and men even react differently to heart attacks. So when I found out that medical research was based on men, I wanted to put a gender perspective into the research in order to give women the same possibilities of getting the best health care.” In 2008, The 2.6 Million Club was established for women over the age of

25 with the same objective as The 1.6 Million Club. Nevertheless, any adult can join the organizations, including men. Today the club disseminates knowledge and information about all issues dealing with women’s health and women’s situation. They are active on issues such as healthcare, getting a job, immigrant women’s conditions, the economy, the environment and culture. Alexandra’s initiative has become Sweden’s largest non-political nonprofit women’s rights organization with over 35,000 active members. The club has since grown with sister organizations in Norway, Finland,

Alexandra Charles in May 2013

Alexandra started the club after she had heard from doctors and researchers how male-dominated medical research was and how women were being discriminated against in health care. She wanted to spread more female-oriented information

Alexandra started the club after she had heard from doctors and researchers how male-dominated medical research was and how women were being discriminated against in health care.

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Health ladies visit Swedish ambassador to Norway. From left: Lill Lindfors, Berit Nordstrand, Gerd Kjos, Elisabeth Andreassen and Alexandra Charles.jpg

and Germany, as well as networks in Brussels and St Petersburg. Run with a core of famous Swedish women and a group of medical experts, the organization functions both as a lobbying organization and as an educational organization. You may also like to read: All The Reasons Why Sweden Is A Haven For Retirees The Club wants to create a healthier society with more health awareness and enjoyment for women of all ages by working as a pressure group and opinion-shaper, working with state agencies, politicians and researchers. Every spring the campaign Women in Red, aiming to raise funds for medical research on the female heart, is launched. As with the Pink Ribbon, supporters can proudly wear an awareness pin, but for this cause shaped as a red shoe.

Online Dance Week with Malin Watson. Photo: Annika Berglund

The organization was awarded the National Encyclopaedia, Knowledge Award 2005 and The WHO Tobacco Prevention Award 2010. You may also like to read: Oat Mil From Sweden More consideration should be given to the biological, physiological and pharmacological differences between women and men, when it comes to health and disease – and that is why The Club supports the Centre for Genus Medicine at Karolinksa

Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden. The 1.6 Million Club works closely with medical experts who carefully check all the information before it is published, and they help with access to the very latest research. In the time of the pandemic, the 1.6 million club has fully invested in digital events and online courses. During 45 webinars and 10 online courses, 168 lecturers and more than 25,000 participants met online.

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Comparing Nordic Healthcare Systems: Similarities And Differences Text Jamie Taylor

Nordic countries are ahead of the pack when it comes to healthcare. Or is it just a myth? Do Nordic clinics deliver equally top-notch services to everyone? Today, you will learn about similarities and differences between Nordic healthcare systems and discover whether they really stand out. In this article our contributor Jamie Taylor is comparing Nordic healthcare systems: Similarities and differences. Top Four Similarities Nordic countries indeed share plenty of similarities in terms of healthcare, standing among the top ten best countries by healthcare development index. Here is what Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Iceland have in common:

healthcare due to the public health insurance system sponsored by taxes. Given that, over 70% of all medical expenditures are covered by taxes.

1. Free Public Health Care All Scandinavian countries aim for public and open medical services so that everyone can receive high-end medical treatment.

So, if you have a fever, you can visit a practitioner, and they will consult and treat you almost for free. There are some patient fees in Nordic countries, but they pale beside medical treatment costs in the United States. For instance, the Finland healthcare system charges a maximum of €20.60 for patient fees.

Most importantly, people in Nordic countries pay minimal money for

Related: 6 Scandinavian Health Philosophies We Should All Embrace

Over 70% of all medical expenditures in Scandinavia are covered by taxes. Photo: Internations.org

Feature image (on top) © Online Marketing / Unsplash

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2. The Highest Healthcare Access and Quality Index Nordic countries have the highest healthcare access and quality (HAQ) index in Europe. The latest data shows that five Nordic states have the following HAQ indexes:

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3. Healthcare Satisfaction by Country Nordic countries have one more similarity: most people in these states believe they receive good medical services. Most importantly, all countries show significant progress in healthcare quality.

Country

Percentage of people satisfied with medical treatment in 2007

Percentage of people satisfied with medical treatment in 2018

Progress rate

Norway

10.5%

Sweden: 90.50.

Denmark

9.1%

Finland: 89.60.

Finland

12%

Denmark: 85.70.

Sweden

9.7%

Iceland: 93.60. Norway: 90.50.

Although Switzerland stands between Iceland and Norway with the 91.80 HAQ value, all other European countries stand behind the Nordics. Only Denmark significantly comes off its neighbors with the 85.70 HAQ value but still outperforms most European states.

Related: How COVID-19 Affects Scandinavian Countries 4. Nordic Healthcare Systems Face Similar Challenges Although Nordic healthcare remains one of the best in the world, these five countries deal with the same challenges. Nordic people enjoy free public healthcare, which is an indisputable

Most people in Scandinavia believe they receive good medical services.

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advantage. At the same time, Nordic countries seem to cut corners on their healthcare because of the aging population, increasing expats, unhealthy lifestyles, etc.

1. Polarized Cannabis Laws The world makes slow steps toward cannabis legalization. But Nordic countries seem to be the most inconsistent in this regard, and CBD laws differ to a great extent across Northern Europe. Thus, Denmark allows CBD consumption as long as CBD products contain 0.2% THC. But CBD oils sold online are illegal there, even from Diamond CBD and other wellestablished CBD brands.

Although Nordic healthcare remains one of the best in the world, these five countries deal with the same challenges. Photo: Sweden.se

That’s why many hospitals are consolidated and closed while local institutions are missing the medical staff. As a result, some people have to wait for a general practitioner appointment for weeks. If you ask an average Swede about Sweden health care system pros and cons, they will mention high-quality but hardly accessible treatment. Then, Sweden health care wait times will frighten anyone – you have to wait from a week to several months to see a doctor. Sure, if you have a bunch of euros to spend, you can go to a private facility and get medical help in a day. But most Swedes believe ridiculous waiting times ruin their healthcare system. Finns share the same fate – over 4% of the Finnish population report that they don’t receive medical assistance due to waiting times. The same thing goes to Denmark, Norway, and Iceland, where people have to wait for 90 – 100 days to receive medical treatment. Differences in Nordic Healthcare Systems Nordic healthcare systems have at least four aspects in common, but they also share a few differences:

Meanwhile, in Iceland and Norway, you can buy CBD oils online. But again, they must contain zero THC. In countries like Iceland and Norway, however, you can legally purchase CBD oils and similar hemp or cannabis-derived CBD products online from brands such as Zamnesia, but they cannot contain any THC. In Sweden, CBD is an illegal drug, while Finland allows CBD only as prescription medication for particular health conditions. Related: Winter COVID-19 Blues In Norway

The world makes slow steps toward cannabis legalization. But Nordic countries seem to be the most inconsistent in this regard. Illustration: Sociedelic

2. General Practitioners Have Different Roles Let’s imagine a situation: you overdid it on cider last night. Today, you have a headache, and you know it’s due to high blood pressure. So you go to a cardiologist, and they scratch their head over your case. But you can do this only in Sweden and Iceland.

In Finland, Norway, and Denmark, you will get entrapped in red tape. You would have to visit a general practitioner first. It means waiting for three weeks or so before you get to the specialist. General practitioners have a gatekeeping role there. In some instances, they become an unwanted obstacle between a patient and a specialist. Comparing Nordic Healthcare Systems: Similarities And Differences – The Final Word Nordic health care systems have more similarities than differences. All five countries stand among the top nations regarding health care quality. Furthermore, unmatched public medical service remains free in all five countries. But also, Nordic health care systems face the same challenges – mostly outrageous waiting times. At the same time, Nordic authorities have different views on medical marijuana and the roles of general practitioners. The nations making up Europe’s northernmost region are most commonly called either Scandinavia – Norway, Denmark, and Sweden – or the Nordic countries – Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, and Finland. (Editor’s note)

Comparing Nordic Healthcare Systems: Similarities And Differences is written exclusively for Daily Scandinavian by Jamie Taylor. Jamie is a physician’s assistant with over ten years of experience. He helps people cope with inflammation, chronic pain, and neurological disorders. Once the US government legalized cannabidiol, he established ValidCBDOil to help people live healthier lives with the power of natural ingredients.

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5 Reasons Why Scandinavia Is One Of The Healthiest Regions In The World Text Tor Kjolberg

Many factors contribute to a country being healthy or unhealthy. Good health is more than expensive supplements and fruit juices. Generally, the healthiest countries are developed, have access to quality healthcare and clean drinking water and have lower rates of pollution. Read about the 5 Reasons why Scandinavia is one of the healthiest regions in the world. The Bloomberg Global Health Index 2019 ranks 169 of the healthiest and unhealthiest economies in the world; Using a variety of factors each country is given a rating out of a possible top score of 100. Sweden and Norway are two of the Top 10 countries in the world. In addition, Norway has some of the world’s longest-living people. Let’s dive into some possible reasons:

improve their mood, mental health and emotional wellbeing.

1. Friluftsliv (Outdoor life) Norwegians spend as much time outside as possible. In spite of much rain, or that the sun doesn’t even rise for three months in the northern part, Norwegians are still dedicated to the cause of getting outside. “Bad weather doesn’t exist – only bad clothing,” they say. They know outdoor life will

it is customary in Sweden and Norway to have a “stuga” or “hytte” in the countryside, where they spend family time in pure, unadulterated nature. Most Norwegians and Swedes enjoy the sense of freedom and the naturally good feeling of growing up picking berries and wild flowers in the forests and mountains. Fishing, mushroom hunting, hiking, canoeing, kayaking and swimming in the lakes are good memories for most Scandinavian adults. Related: Comparing Nordic Healthcare Systems: Similarities And Differences

Feature image (on top): Photo by Andreas Zillner / Unsplash

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proteins. Dinner is served early in Norway, and eating together as a family is important. Families in Norway usually eat at 5 p.m., since most people work from According to the Bloomberg report, outdoor exercise is more popular than 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. indoor gyms in each of the countries ranked 1 through 5. Photo: Colin Moldenhauer After getting off of work, most families pick up their 2. Outdoor exercise kids from school and then go home to According to the Bloomberg report, eat their biggest meal of the day. outdoor exercise is more popular than indoor gyms in each of the countries ranked 1 through 5. The healthiest countries have a variety of traditional indoor and outdoor exercise activity options, but to add to this they also maximize the movement in everyday activities such as walking to the store, working in a garden, riding a bike to work, and family strolls just for fun.

Related: 6 Scandinavian Health Philosophies We Should All Embrace

hours (77%). In fact, they only spend an average of 42.9 hours per week at work, which is 1.4 hours less than expats in full-time jobs worldwide (44.3 h). Norwegians take their relaxation just as seriously as their work. Offices rarely stay open after 4 p.m. Working on weekends or overtime is quite literally unheard of in Scandinavia (and in particular in Norway). It is neither valued nor deemed necessary. In most countries, people live to work. In Norway, they work to live. Family takes priority over staying at the office. Employers are required by law to offer 25 paid vacation days per year, plus public holidays. It is thereby common in Norway to take off an entire month in the summer. During this time, business slows down and people rarely check emails.

The Norwegian government introduced a sugar tax almost a century ago. Photo: Rod Long

Overall health and well-being is largely determined by what one eats. Photo: Louis Hanset /MIPD

3. Diet Overall health and well-being is largely determined by what one eats. Scandinavians (and in particular the Swedes and Norwegians) has managed to refrain from the conveniences of the Western style diet to stay true to more traditional culinary traditions over the passing years. They consume diets that include considerably fewer processed foods that are lower in unhealthy fats while being higher in fruits, vegetables, fiber, and lean

4. A dedicated government In a bid to keep the nation as healthy as possible, the Norwegian government introduced a sugar tax almost a century ago. The government vowed to reduce the country’s sugar consumption by 12.5% by 2021. Within the last ten years, there was a 27% decline in sugar consumption and the Norwegians consume far less sugar than the rest of the world, at 27 kg every year, whereas America’s consumption is 34 kg. 5. Work-life balance On a survey by Internations, Norway is ranked the 3rd best country regarding work-life balance. Expats in Norway are highly satisfied with their worklife balance (72%) and their working

The Norwegian government introduced a sugar tax almost a century ago. Photo: Rod Long

Related: How To Use A Historical Scandinavian Favorite: Honey According to the Bloomberg report, the top 10 healthiest countries by population for 2020 are: Spain, Italy, Iceland, Japan, Switzerland, Sweden, Australia, Singapore, Norway and Israel. Due to the government’s continuing efforts to make unhealthy snacks and drinks unappealing to the nation, Norway has proudly ranked in the top 10 healthiest nations for many years.

All images © Unsplash

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Health and Medicine in the Viking Scandinavia Text Shawn Mack

Thousands of years ago, people were very superstitious, and believed in supernatural powers. With minimum medical knowledge, people would relate illnesses to several unrelated events. It is quite difficult for us to fully comprehend the ancient history of medicine and health in the 21st century. Mostly because all we know about that era is the tip of an iceberg. Learn more about health and medicine in the Viking Scandinavia. We know for a fact that this was an underdeveloped era so people had no idea about germs, functions of human organs, and the different processes carrying out inside the human body. Therefore, whenever an illness would

Scandinavian Vikings had developed various unique ways to cure the illness

come, they would try to cure it using different remedies and quackeries. In this article, we will look closely at the history of health and medicine in the Viking Scandinavia. But before that, let’s have a brief introduction of the time period. The Vikings of Scandinavia The Viking culture has always been an interesting chapter for many historians, archeologists, and people from the entertainment industry. With some remarkable discoveries leading to the ancient Vikings period, history unfolds some amazing aspects of that age. The Scandinavian Vikings were portrayed as brutal invaders and raiders. Well, it is very difficult for us to figure out what is true, false, or exaggerated. But we can surely say that the Vikings of Scandinavian origin were great adventurers and very much modern.

Looking back at the year 800s, we see that the Scandinavian Vikings had developed various unique ways to cure the illness. Let’s look at a few. Health Many studies from the 11th and 12th centuries show that the people of Skeljastaðir, Iceland were mostly in good health. However, it does not mean that the diseases never existed at that time. It’s just that the ancient remains of Skeljastaðir depicted that people were mostly long-lived and possessed good oral health. Further detailed analysis proved that those Vikings had a well-balanced diet as compared to modern diets. They used less sugar, took unprocessed food, and ate lesser refined meals. The dental record showed considerable wear with very less decaying. The only serious dental problem was calculus that results in losing teeth and building-up infections in the jaws.

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People of that age used to intake all the necessary nutrients required for their body.

Vikings had a well-balanced diet

Some of the skeletal remains of aged people show healed bone fractures. This means the Vikings used to take good care of their elders. There were very few dietary deficiencies observed in the remains that shows that people of that age used to intake all the necessary nutrients required for their body. Rituals to cure diseases The Scandinavian Vikings used to live in trading towns as most of the trading happened by either sea or land. The dense population of trading towns causes difficulty in adequate sanitation. Hence, resulting in growing diseases. The trading town at Birka showed eggs of human parasites. Scientists claim that people might have suffered from diarrhea and nausea due to poor sanitary conditions.

Related: Historic Viking Longship Discovered in Norway While there were some ancient methods to deal with the illness, people also used to perform rituals to cure the disease. Back then, people thought that music and delightful poetry can heal the wound. The preventative medications were chants and charms to bring good fortune to the person. The wicked people used to take help from magic to cure the ill. The runic inscriptions were carved over the whalebone and placed under the sick person’s bed to regain health. Medicine he people in the Norse era were practicing both magical and medical arts to deal with health issues. Different remedies utilized local herbs to cure the wound, fix a broken bone,

in anointing, and bandaging. In some cases, the Vikings would trade herbs to different regions to overcome a certain disease. Cannabis sativa seeds The history of CBD creams used nowadays, goes back to the ancient Norse age where they were first used as painkillers. During the digging of some ancient sites, the Cannabis sativa seeds were found in the pouches buried along with the dead bodies. These Cannabis seeds were the primary ingredient of the painrelieving balms. This brought the scientists to the conclusion that the Scandinavian Vikings made use of Cannabis, marijuana, and hemp for medical purposes. The skeletal studies revealed that people used some ancient techniques

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to fix the fractured legs, arms, and ribs. Whereas, in some studies, manipulation of the broken limbs was evident. The Norse age has also witnessed epidemics such as smallpox, leprosy, and dysentery. Due to the thick population in the trading town, the burst of the epidemics could not be controlled. Therefore, the only way left is to abandon the infected ones. Educated medical specialists were

very rare at that time, so people rely on their own. Few people in every area have some specific skills in dealing with different health conditions. Mostly, medical knowledge was passed on to the precedents because there were not enough literature studies at that time.

still effective even after thousands of years. They were living a much healthier life and were very conscious of their diet. These hardcore Vikings had incredible medical skills despite the lack of scientific knowledge.

Health and Medicine in the Viking Scandinavia – Final Thoughts The ancient history of Scandinavian Vikings reveals that certain herbal remedies they use at that time are

Health and Medicine in the Viking Scandinavia is written exclusively for Daily Scandinavian by Shawn Mack. Shawn is a content writer who offers ghostwriting, copy-writing, and blogging services. His educational background in business and technical field has given him a broad base from which to approach many topics. All images © Pexels, except feature image (on top), Viking longship: Photo by Steinar Engeland / Unsplash and Vikingship body: Photo by Patrick Robert Doyle / Unsplash

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Examining Scandinavian Mental Health Text Beau Peters

COVID-19 has dramatically impacted the world as we know it, and every aspect of life has been affected as a result. Mental health, for many, continues to deteriorate due to factors like isolation, loss of income, fear, uncertainty, and more. The World Health Organization reports that “the pandemic is increasing demand for mental health services” across the globe, as well as exacerbating existing mental health conditions. Examining Scandinavian mental health, read the full story.

Mental health ambulance in Sweden

To combat the effects and frequency of poor mental health stemming from COVID, world leaders are increasingly

looking towards Scandinavia for inspiration. The region has long boasted impressive mental health services, including free mental health ambulances, which drastically reduced suicide rates. What’s more, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark virtually eliminated the mental health stigma that plagues most countries, including the U.S. In America and elsewhere, a significant number of individuals believe that disclosing a mental illness hinders the job search process, and may cause others to think less of them. Those living with mental illness in certain countries may be unfairly labelled as irrational, untrustworthy, or even violent. Fear of public stigma and judgment, unfortunately, keeps many people from seeking treatment for a mental health condition or turning to illicit substances for symptom relief. Conversely, in Scandinavia, mental illness is overwhelmingly looked upon

as a treatable medical condition, rather than a weakness or something to be ashamed of. Let’s take a look at what Scandinavian countries do right, and consider the future of mental health services worldwide.

An image issued by and made during Gustav Vasa’s reign, showing him (in dark brown clothing and cap) (Wikimedia commons)

Mental Health Challenges Across History In the last century, humans have gained extensive knowledge of the various mental conditions that plague humanity. We have also come a long way in terms of mental health treatment, and no longer look upon the mentally ill as “insane.” Into the early 20th century, those with serious mental health disorders such as

Feature image (on top) Simon Rae / Unsplash

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particular, is known as “the happiest country in the world,” in part because of its radical and free healthcare system.

benefit those patients living with various conditions, including panic disorders, depression, and borderline personality disorder.

In countries where the national healthcare system is privatized, public health is often compromised in favor of profits. According to The Conversation, private health insurance is expensive and contributes to healthcare inequality. Patients who are required to pay out of pocket, or who have a high deductible, may ultimately put mental health care to the wayside due to costs.

It’s no wonder that Scandinavians are so happy, considering that the citizens of Sweden, Norway and Denmark don’t have to choose between taking on mountains of debt or seeking mental health treatment. As the world continues to adapt to the changes related to COVID, including higher rates of mental illness, government leaders should thus consider emulating Scandinavia in terms of healthcare. LATEST UPDATE (14 January, 2021): WTTC releases Mental Health Guidelines to aid the recovery of Travel & Tourism

Related: Create a Healthier Lifestyle – the Swedish Way

This is especially common among people who lack universal healthcare and already have substantial amounts of medical debt. In the U.S. and similar countries that lack universal healthcare, medical bills can quickly pile up. As many citizens are forced to make difficult decisions in terms of paying off that medical debt, even sometimes turning to credit cards, seeking mental health care may seem frivolous.

Generally speaking, modern healthcare providers understand more about mental illness than ever before, from particular symptoms to the prevalence of various conditions. For instance, the condition long referred to as manic depression is now called bipolar disorder, and is further divided into two main types – bipolar I and bipolar II. Frequent bouts of depression, mood swings, and manic episodes are some of the common symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Mental Health Treatment Challenges Free mental healthcare may seem like a given to Scandinavians, however, it’s an anomaly for countries with privatized healthcare systems. Along with the high costs associated with treatment, from cognitive behavioral therapy to pharmaceutical medications, there’s also the previously discussed stigma to consider. Americans in particular may feel shame when seeking mental health care.

The Link Between Mental Health and Happiness For many living with bipolar disorder or any other debilitating mental health condition, happiness is often a fleeting emotion. Yet that’s only part of the story for Scandinavians, who are widely considered some of the world’s happiest people. Denmark, in

Yet data indicates that the bulk of U.S. citizens who have received treatment for a mental health disorder found it to be a positive experience. Bradley University reports that 82% of psychotherapy patients found it to be an effective method towards symptom relief. Further, cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to positively

Modern healthcare providers understand more about mental illness than ever before. Photo: norden.org

schizophrenia and bipolar depression were typically locked in asylums. Control, rather than treatment, was the primary objective. Interestingly, the earliest mental hospitals in Scandinavia date to the 1400s, marking Sweden as an early leader in mental health. Research indicates that King Gustav Vasa, in particular, was a champion of mental health care, ruling that various religious buildings be converted into state hospitals, and medical texts, are printed in Swedish instead of Latin. King Vasa’s reign lasted from 1523 until he died in 1560, and his legacy continues into the present day.

Examining Scandinavian Mental Health, written exclusively for Daily Scandinavian by Beau Peters. Beau is a creative professional with a lifetime of experience in service and care. As a manager, he’s learned a slew of tricks of the trade that he enjoys sharing with others who have the same passion and dedication that he brings to his work. When he is not writing, he enjoys reading and trying new things.

SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY | BUSINESS

Business

The 14 Islands of the Swedish Capital Sweden – A Hub For Commercial Satellites Text Tor Kjolberg

Sweden wants to position itself as a hub for commercial satellites and is launching a base in the Arctic wilderness aiming to be Europe’s first. Will Sweden beat SpaceX founder Elon Musk’s Starbase plans in Texas? Will Sweden be the next hub for commercial satellites?

The reindeer will probably not be happy when the Swedish government is turning an old research base above the Arctic Circle into a state-of-theart satellite launching center. The business development agency LTU Business has on behalf of the northern Swedish regional space development program RIT2021 undertaken a study which concludes that a space center in and around the town of Kiruna could double in size over the next 15 years and result in a directly-employed workforce of 1,000. Related: Europe’s Gateway to Space The Arctic space research center was first handed over to Sweden in 1972 and may now be taken into a renewed

The Esrange Space Center shares a landing zone that is more than 2,000 square miles and will be the testing ground for Europe’s first reusable vertical rocket next year.

sense of purpose. The Esrange Space Center shares a landing zone that is more than 2,000 square miles and will be the testing ground for Europe’s first reusable vertical rocket next year. Home to Space technology intelligence Kiruna is the most northerly town in Sweden. It is the site for the Esrange Space Centre, the Swedish Institute of Space Physics, and the Department of Space Science of the Luleå University of Technology, as well as various space

All images © SSC

OCTOBER 2021 | SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY

sector enterprises, most notably the state-owned Swedish Space Corporation (SSC). The Arctic Circle has its advantages when it comes to launching satellites into the space. It gives the satellites a more comprehensive view of Earth, while requiring less energy for a satellite to actually get into space. Sweden will be the first orbital launch site for orbital satellites in Europe – capable of launching spacecrafts into the orbit around Earth or interplanetary trajectories. Academic and commercial growth “New technology enables easier and cheaper access to space, transforming the industry from having been exclusive to expensive national initiatives to becoming a market for virtually anyone and everyone with interest and ambition,” says project manager for RIT2021, Johanna Bergström and adds, “This enables the space sector to expand both academically and commercially, and creates opportunities for small businesses to contribute, compete and grow.” Related: Scandinavian DIY Rocket Scientists There should be no shortage of interested parties on hand as Esrange ramps up its efforts to become

Europe’s preeminent launching pad for orbital rockets. According to a report from New York Times ISAR Aerospace Technologies in Germany has secured $100 million in funding from an exSpaceX VP and is already on site testing out engines. A unicorn in the space business “We are a bit of a unicorn in the space business,” said Philip Pahlsson, vice president for strategy and innovation of the Swedish Space Corporation, referring to the government’s ownership of the site. “But we do plan on being the awesomest company in the government’s portfolio.” Establishing a satellite launch capability at Esrange would probably make Sweden the second country in Europe (after the UK), and the first in the European Union, to have such a capability from its home territory.

“Sweden will become a launching state, providing a capability of great importance for research, technology development and expanded international cooperation,” said SSC CEO Stefan Gardefjord. You may also like: The Coldest Hotel in Sweden Excellent infrastructure “Europe really needs to build infrastructure to get to space. We can provide a proper space base,” said SSC senior VP Stefan Gustafsson. Kiruna (also the site of a major ironore mine, which was the cause of the town’s foundation at the start of the twentieth century) has excellent infrastructure, and benefits from the ameliorating effects of the Gulf Stream current that originates in the Gulf of Mexico and crosses the North Atlantic.

Though the effort is certainly ambitious (and has elicited occasional concerns from locals who appreciate the area’s vast wilderness), the Swedish Space Corporation believes Esrange is vital not just for the Scandinavian country’s ambitions but for the continent as a whole. Space experts claim that with a fastgrowing space market, Europe will have an increasingly need for smaller rockets carrying smaller satellites.

The Arctic space research center was first handed over to Sweden in 1972 and may now be taken into a renewed sense of purpose.

The Arctic Circle has its advantages when it comes to launching satellites into the space

SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY | PEOPLE

People Cycle Chic in Copenhagen Text Tor Kjolberg

The book Cycle Chic is photographed by Danish Mikael Colville-Andersen, who is the man behind the popular blog Copenhagen Cycle Chic. He has hunted cyclists from Copenhagen to Amsterdam and to Paris. Read more about Cycle Chic in Copenhagen. Cycle chic or bicycle chic refers to cycling in fashionable everyday clothes. The phrase Cycle Chic was coined in 2007 by Mikael Colville-Andersen, who started the Copenhagen Cycle Chic blog in the same year. Copenhagen – The biking capital of the world Copenhagen is an extremely stylish city – as well as a biking city. Thanks to Mikael Colville-Andersen, we are able to catch a glimpse of both worlds as they collide and whiz by. It seems like the most effective transportation system of the 21st Century is going to be the future – the humble bicycle. Related: Picturesque Biking in Sweden Cycle Chic is a modern phrase to describe something that has existed since the invention of the bicycle in the 1880s – regular citizens on bicycles. Cycling was fashionable from the late 1880s and through the 1940s. The book Cycle Chic contains a collection of snapshots of beautiful, happy cyclists on the go. The photographer has stated that he does not care about cycling, but that cities should be livable for those who want to ride around them on a bicycle. He

started blogging in 2007 and had to quit his regular job as a film director and photographer; the interest in ordinary cycling was enormous. The Cycle Chic philosophy “The Cycle Chic philosophy is about looking good, interacting with your urban landscape, and contributing to the urban scene by merely riding a bicycle,” says Colville-Andersen. “We all think and breathe design in our daily lives,” he adds. Related: Biking the Danish East Coast Route Copenhagen’s cycle tracks are winning the “space race” in cities across the globe – and having an immediate and massive impact. Better catering to residents’ comfort and ease can make cycling irresistible. “The seductive power of well-designed infrastructure can even transcend important issues, like weather,” Colville-Andersen said, showing a photo of Copenhagen cyclists pedaling in the snow. And, not only are people getting out of their cars; they’re more likely to act like model citizens. The book Cycle Chic is the story about a new generation of cyclists. The book has long since sold out and we are waiting for a new edition. The publisher, Horst A. Friedrichs, believes the popularity is related to the downturn and the availability of the bicycle. Good design breads good behavior Around the time that Mikael

Colville-Andersen coined the phrase Cycle Chic, the bicycle had largely disappeared from the public consciousness as a transport option, at least in many North American cities, though that was not the case in northern Europe.

OCTOBER 2021 | SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY

Cycle chic or bicycle chic refers to cycling in fashionable everyday clothes

accessory,” said Colville-Andersen. “Good design breeds good behavior,” Colville-Andersen emphasized. When you get 400 bikes through a single light cycle, like they do in Copenhagen, you’re much less likely to see those scofflaw riders charging through a red, as is common in many other cities. “Everyone can afford to buy a bicycle. Now that people have less money to spend, the bike is more relevant than ever,” he says.

Related: High Mountain Biking in Northern Norway “I realized that people in other countries were hungry for this rebranding of the bicycle as not just transport, but also as an urban lifestyle

The Photo That Launched a Million Bicycles The current bicycle boom in transportation and fashion has its roots in his very first published photo of an “elegantly-clad” woman on a bike. IBM’s Smarter Planet have documented the birth and growth of the Cycle Chic trend using advanced analytic software – from its origins in Copenhagen through 2012.

“I didn’t notice the bicycle, I noticed the urban scene,” he explained about the picture that has been coined “The Photo That Launched a Million Bicycles.” Denmark isn’t the only model. Major leaders around Europe are making bold announcements about their intentions to go back to the future of bicycling. Colville-Andersen shared a stunning quote from the mayor of Paris: “The fact is that automobiles no longer have a place in the big cities of our time.”

Copenhagen is an extremely stylish city – as well as a biking city

All photos © copenhagencyclechic.com

SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY | PEOPLE

Gravel Road Biking in Sweden Text Tor Kjolberg

The extensive use of gravel as a road surface in Sweden and forestry having been a key part of the nation’s economy are the main reasons gravel road biking is one of the hottest topics in the world of bikes in Sweden right now. Swedish as well as international bikers have realized that Sweden’s dusty gravel roads, blue mountains and large forests create a paradise for biking lovers. There’s literally been a worldwide boom with more riders than ever heading out exploring their local forests and hillsides on their favorite gravel bikes. A gravel bike is a sort of mix between a road bike, a cyclocross and a MTB. With wide tires, drop bars and a pretty

If there is anything which is in abundance in Sweden, it is blue mountains, winding gravel roads and water, Photo: Redbull

comfy geometry these bikes are the perfect adventure companion both on and off-road.

roads and little traffic, Sweden is heaven for gravel biking, and there are roads there for everyone.

Related: Picturesque Biking in Sweden

A young discipline Gravel biking is a young discipline, having only been around for less than a decade with the first gravel-specific bikes created in the early 2010s. And since then, this kind of riding has captured the wheel-addicted hearts of both roadies and mountain bikers alike as it blurs the lines between road, gravel and singletrack.

A thing of fear For many Swedish bikers, gravel has almost been a thing of fear. The reason being that truckload after truckload of a particularly nasty type of gravel is strewn across urban areas here during winter, ss if it was the result of a secret conspiracy with tire manufacturers who want to up their sales of delicate road tires. If there is anything which is in abundance in Sweden, it is blue mountains, winding gravel roads and water. With miles and miles of small

Related: How to Choose a Specialized Hybrid Bike to Travel in Scandinavian Countries However, mountain bike marathon riders, the second largest group of

Feature image (on top): Photo by Redbull

OCTOBER 2021 | SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY

cyclists in Sweden, have been riding these gravel roads for many years. To this group gravel is yawn-inducing, a necessary evil to take you from one stretch of singletrack to the next. The early gravel bikes in Sweden were made for tough conditions: to carry lumberjacks through the Swedish forests, so that they could do the logging. Today, all paths and roads are different and you will soon realize that you would need several different bikes to discover all of them, for instance the so-called “bicycle string” outside Sorsele in northern Sweden. A boost in gravel addiction Sweden has seen a huge boost in gravel addiction lately and is the perfect place to discover and enjoy this discipline. Sweden has become a country filled to the brim with pure biking pleasure – and gravel events have exploded. But even if this young sport is growing at record-pace it’s still a fairly new and unknown community around it. So, to find out more about the Swedish gravel scene, the sport itself, and of course, where to go graveling, we digged into the grvl.se – a community and website for gravel routes. One of the very few events that actually took place last spring, due

If there is anything which is in abundance in Sweden, it is blue mountains, winding gravel roads and water, Photo: Redbull

to the pandemic, was the Gravel Challenge Bauerskogen at the end of March 2020. Related: Cycling through the Stockholm Countryside The best tours The whole idea of the website is to promote the best tours in their area, which have been tested, don’t cause any problems with landowners etc. Bauerskogen is named after the artist John Bauer, who spent a lot of time out in the deep forests common to the area. It was there he was inspired to illustrate the Swedish fairytale book Among Gnomes and Trolls at the

This kind of riding has captured the wheel-addicted hearts of both roadies and mountain bikers alike. Photo: Visit Sweden

beginning of the 20th century. Gravel biking is usually done over a day, so it’s easier and more accessible, but some prefer to go for overnight rides to explore the routes further. When bike packing you go on multi-day trips and bring your own equipment. Gravel biking in Stockholm An easy route of 50km recommended by grvl.se is biking around Stockholm’s national park but without ever going into it (as it is forbidden to ride bicycles in this national park). Beautiful gravel dipping in and out of suburbia, this route has it all and a must to any biker living or visiting Stockholm.

SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY | SPECIAL: ATTRACTION IN SCANDINAVIA

Arts

A View from the Top of the World – Cover Art from Norway

OCTOBER 2021 | SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY

A View from the Top of the World – Cover Art from Norway Text Tor Kjolberg

The American progressive metal pioneers Dream Theater promote Norway with a picture of the Kerag Bolt in Norway on the cover of their next album A View from the Top of the World. The album will be released on October 22, and the cover shows fascinating cover art from Norway. The artwork was created by long-time cover collaborator Hugh Syme (Rush, Iron Maiden, Stone Sour). A View from the Top of the World is the upcoming fifteenth studio album by American progressive metal band Dream Theater. This is the band’s first album to be recorded at their own studio DTHQ (Dream Theater Headquarters), their first album since Black Clouds & Silver Linings (2009). The Canadian Juno Award-winning graphic artist Hugh Syme is a member of the Premier Artists Collection (PAC) who is best known for his artwork and cover concepts for rock and metal bands. He is also a musician and has appeared on some Rush albums as a keyboard player. Related: Heavy Metal Promotes Peace at the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo The Starman logo Syme is notably responsible for all of Rush’s album cover art since 1975’s

Caress of Steel as well as creating Rush’s famous Starman logo. In 1983 he told Jeffrey Morgan that he never imagined the band would use it as their main logo.

Additional musicians he has designed and created artwork for include: Iron Maiden, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake, Aerosmith, Def Leppard, Celine Dion, Scorpions, Meatloaf, Megadeth, and hundreds more. Related: Norwegian Black Metal Music Inspired by Edvard Munch

The Starman logo

Hugh’s art education came from the Toronto New School of Art in Toronto

and York University in York, England. In addition to the album covers for which

SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY | ARTS

Cover art for “A View From The Top Of The World”

he is now internationally renowned, Syme has worked on advertisements for such companies as Accenture, Denon, Xerox, AT&T, The Washington Post, Virgin, Bausch & Lomb, Universal Studios and numerous others. A View from the Top of the World – Cover Art from Norway, read on… The motif Kjeragbolten (English: Kjerag Bolt) is a boulder on the mountain Kjerag in Sandnes municipality in Rogaland county, Norway. The rock itself is a 5-cubic-metre (180 cu ft) glacial deposit wedged in the mountain’s crevasse. It is a popular tourist destination and is accessible without any climbing equipment. However, it is suspended above a 984-metre (3,228 ft) deep abyss. It is also a popular site for base jumping. The boulder is just southwest of the village of Lysebotn, just south of the Lysefjorden. Related: Millions of Plays for New Hit by Swedish Pop Star Many photographers and visual artists have taken the Kjerag Bolt into their hearts. One of them, Ashley Cameron, has worked with an array of magazines and advertising agencies. Londonbased Cameron has over the past 20 years built a reputation as a studio with a flexible, problem- solving approach. The image on the right is how he interpreted the Kjerag Bolt.

Model May Hem posing on the Kerag Bolt. Photo: Ashley Cameron

OCTOBER 2021 | SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY

Danish Museum Unveils World Art In A Contemporary Setting Text Tor Kjølberg

This 14th of August, a new chapter was be added to the history of Ordrupgaard. This day marks the reopening of one of the finest collections of French art in Northern Europe in a new extension by the award-winning Norwegian architect firm Snøhetta. Read more about the Danish Museum Unveiling world art in a contemporary setting. The extension provides space for the entire French collection and safeguards the works for future generations. Snøhetta’s building blends in elegantly with the existing Ordrupgaard buildings, entering into dialogue with the collections, the surrounding landscape, and the other buildings. Moreover, it has the appearance of a self-contained architectural work, adding an innovative and significant aspect and transforming Ordrupgaard into a museum destination of international dimensions. Snøhetta’s building Thanks to generous donations from

private foundations and benefactors, Snøhetta’s building is finally ready to open its doors to the public. The building itself is located below ground and only a glistening steel roof in clearcut geometric shapes is visible from the outside, welcoming visitors in the museum’s new forecourt. The extension consists of three new gallery spaces for the French collection plus two for temporary exhibitions. The latter form direct extensions of Zaha Hadid’s building, continuing this acclaimed architect’s striking idiom of black lava concrete and grandiose rawness. In contrast, the French galleries appear bright and gentle. Floors, walls, and coffered ceilings are covered with white-oiled oak only interrupted by pastel green walls forming a backdrop for the works. Hence the French gallery spaces present an almost classicistic transition from Zaha Hadid’s building (2005) to Gotfred Tvede’s elegant

stately home (1918) to which they form a passage. In this way, Snøhetta’s building creates a perfect ambulatory through the museum, taking visitors through the whole collection with the architecture accentuating the transitions, sharpening the senses as you go, and bracing you for new impressions. Snøhetta’s building is set gently into the landscape. Only the steel roof marking the outline of the centermost of the three French galleries is visible from the outside. The sculptural shapes of the roof and its numerous facets refract the light in subtle anticipation of the impressionist works on show inside. Snøhetta’s building unlocks a wealth of associations, for example, the notion of a buried treasure chest. The French collection Ordrupgaard possesses a unique collection of twentieth-century French art, including works by Monet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, Gauguin, and Matisse.

Feature image (on top) Photo by Snøhetta

SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY | ARTS

Home Alone installation by Ta R. Photo: Anders Sune Berg

The building itself is located below ground and only a glistening steel roof in clear-cut geometric shapes is visible from the outside. Photo: Paul Skovbakke

The Home Alone installation. Photo: Ordrupgaard

Snøhetta’s building is finally ready to open its doors to the public. Photo: Snøhetta

From Golden Days Tears 2021 by Emma Rosenzweig. Photo Ordrupgaard

The Zaha Hadid building. Photo: Zaha Hadid

These works have, over a number of years, undergone restoration to the tune of a multi-million sum granted by the Ministry of Culture. The new building designed by Snøhetta enables the museum to show the collection in its entirety while optimal climate, light, and humidity conditions will preserve the works for the future. Due to lack of space, some forty per cent of the collection was previously relegated to storage, including numerous works likely to have occupied places of honor in other museums. Enhanced lighting conditions now enables the museum to show a series of delicate pastels by great impressionist masters such as Manet, Degas, and Renoir in a permanent hanging. These works are now doing their utmost to outshine one another like a row of glittering gems in the subdued lighting in the pastels gallery. During the construction phase of Snøhetta’s building, the French collection has been ‘touring abroad’ to Musée Jacquemart-André, France, Hamburger Kunsthalle, Germany, and

the Royal Academy of Arts, England, to name but a few. Everywhere, it was critically acclaimed and extremely popular with visitors and it is a great pleasure for the museum to present the collection at Ordrupgaard once again. Related: A New Playground of Contemporary Art in Denmark A new Ordrupgaard Snøhetta’s building virtually doubles the exhibition space at Ordrupgaard, showing the entire collection to its best advantage which, besides the French collection, includes the Danish Golden Age, Hammershøi and his time, Finn Juhl’s House, and contemporary art in the open. For the reopening, Ordrupgaard is pleased to present a new installation in the park by the Argentine contemporary artist Tomás Saraceno. The work Omega Centauri 3.9 hangs among a group of trees in the northern end of the park, drawing parallels to the roof construction of the new building with its geometric shapes and reflections.

Related: Art in Copenhagen Snøhetta’s building underpins Ordrupgaard’s architectural profile, creating a modern museum complex with space for the collections, international temporary exhibitions, and a learning center, plus a café, shop, and children’s room. Popular read: The Trolls of Danish Artist Thomas Dambo About Snøhetta The award-winning architect firm Snøhetta also designed buildings including the Oslo Opera House, The Lillehammer Art Museum, Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Egypt, and the National September 11 Memorial Museum & Pavilion in New York, USA. Danish Museum Unveils World Art In A Contemporary Setting, based on a press release from Ordrupgaard.

OCTOBER 2021 | SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY

Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art at Tjuvholmen Oslo 20 Years Text Tor Kjølberg

Next year, the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art in Oslo will celebrate its 20 years anniversary on Tjuvholmen. At the end of September 2012, the museum was moved from Kvadraturen to its new home on Tjuvholmen. That autumn, the museum’s new home was the indisputable architectural event in Oslo, the largest since the Opera house was built. Read more about the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art in Oslo at Tjuvholmen celebrating 20 Years. At the inauguration, the director Gunnar B. Kvaran said that the museum “will open a whole new world for us”. The architect behind the building, Renzo Piano, said the building should be equal parts “beautiful”, “simple”, “unpretentious” and “informal”. The original museum The original museum, founded by Hans Rasmus Astrup, opened to the public in 1993. At that time the collection’s main focus was the American appropriation artists from the 1980s. Later, the collection has developed towards the international contemporary art scene, with artists

like Jeff Koons, Richard Prince, Cindy Sherman, Matthew Barney, Tom Sachs, Doug Aitken, Olafur Eliasson, and Cai Guo-Qiang. The museum gives 6-7 temporary exhibitions each year. Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art in Oslo collaborates with international institutions and produces exhibitions that travel worldwide.

revolutionized the access to and appreciation of Contemporary Art in its home city.

Related: Contemporary Art Museum in Oslo Celebrating 25 Years The Astrup Fearnley Museum in Oslo was one of the first and remains one of the greatest private museums dedicated to Contemporary Art in Europe. The museum has

Founder of the museum, Hans Rasmus Astrup (1939-1921)

Feature image (on top): Photo by Nic Lehous/Visit Oslo

SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY | ARTS

Star architect Renzo Piano’s first project in Norway The museum was the star architect Renzo Piano’s first project in Norway. As expected from Piano, the project focused primarily on the unique sectional design, and integrating the building with the surrounding landscape, including the sea, the green spaces, as well the surrounding built blocks.

Related: Waterfront Oslo

The museum consists of three main spaces; a museum, a separate space for its temporary exhibitions, and an office building with its own exhibition area for a private art collection. One of the most prominent elements of this project is the huge glass roof that soars over the complex, linking the buildings together and giving the development a presence on the waterfront. Its curved shape, formed by laminated wood beams, crosses the canal between the buildings. The beams are supported by slender steel columns, reinforced with cable rigging, which refer to the maritime character of the site.

The brothers are in charge of the investment company Sealbay and the real estate company Selvaag Gruppen. Since 1958, the Selvaag family has placed more than 500 art objects in residential environments in Norway. In 2012, a bronze sculpture of Olav Selvaag the Elder by artist Frode Lillesund was erected on Olav Selvaag’s square, centrally on Tjuvholmen.

The financiers The Selvaag family is behind the financing of the museum, the sculpture park outside and almost all the building stock on Tjuvholmen. Olav Selvaag (b. 1969) and Gunnar Fredrik Selvaag (b. 1975) are sons of the engineer and residential contractor Olav Selvaag (1912-2002).

In the post-war period, Olav Selvaag the elder democratized the real estate market in Oslo with its affordable and high demand “Selvaag homes”. During his life, he bought and erected several

Sculpture of Olav Selvaag (1912-2002)

hundred sculptures and installations in residential environments. He also participated in cultural life in other ways: He established a music school in Veitvedt, gave the author Kjell Askildsen a freehold apartment in Veitvedt far below the appraised value, and the artist couple André Bjerke and Henny Moan was given a freehold appartment in Maridalen. Ulf Andenes, author of the book “Folkets boligbygger” (“The People’s Construction Builder”), describes Olav Selvaag the Elder as “a person totally out of the ordinary, a financial, technical and operational gifted person who only appears several generations apart”. Related: At the Edge of Oslo

The museum was the star architect Renzo Piano’s first project in Norway. Photo: Wikipedia

The architecture The Astrup Fearnley Museum was funded by two philanthropic

OCTOBER 2021 | SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY

One of the most prominent elements of this project is the huge glass roof that soars over the complex, linking the buildings together and giving the development a presence on the waterfront

foundations established by descendants of the Fearnley shipping family, the Thomas Fearnley Foundation and the Heddy and Nils Astrup Foundation (merged in 1995 to become the Thomas Fearnley, Heddy and Nils Astrup Foundation). Until 1990 there were no museums in Norway that were dedicated to the art of the present, and, alongside the National Museum of Contemporary Art, the Astrup Fearnley Museet performed an imperative service in exposing the Norwegian public to the radical art of that time. The museum created a stir in the international art world in 2002 when it purchased the American artist Jeff Koons’s monumental sculpture in gilt porcelain of the pop star Michael Jackson with Bubbles, his favorite chimpanzee, for $5.1 million. The museum has also provided

a significant platform for living Norwegian artists, with major exhibitions of artists such as Matias

Faldbakken, Odd Nerdrum, Bjarne Melgaard, Marianne Heske and Fredrik Vaerslev generating significant international exposure for the

The beams are supported by slender steel columns, reinforced with cable rigging, which refer to the maritime character of the site. Photo: Wikipedia

SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY | DESIGN

Design Old Classic Furniture By WorldFamous Danish Designer Text Tor Kjolberg

In 1999, the company Onecollection took over the rights to produce the works of Danish architect and designer Finn Juhl (1912-1989). Under the brand name House of Finn Juhl, the company regularly relaunches old classics by the acclaimed furniture designer. Learn more about the old classic furniture by the world-famous Danish designer. In 1998 Finn Juhl’s widow, Hanne Wilhelm Hansen, called Onecollection and asked if the company could help her make one of Finn Juhl’s sofas – model 57. Initially the manager was very surprised as he did not know Hanne Wilhelm Hansen. “However, we did know architect Bård Henriksen who was helping Hanne manage the rights to Finn Juhl’s furniture and he was the one who had suggested that she got in touch with us – “the guys from Ringkøbing”, says one of the owners Ivan Hansen. Read also: Finn Juhl – The Golden Age of Danish Design Exclusive righte to manufacture Finn Juhl’s furniture In 2001 Onecollection was trusted the

The Pelican ciair by Finn Juhl

exclusive rights to manufacture and relaunch Finn Juhl’s sculptural and iconic furniture. Today, the unique Finn Juhl collection consists of more than 50 classic masterpieces, all of which are manufactured with the utmost respect for the original heritage and strict demands for quality. Initially, Finn Juhl wanted to become an art historian. Since his early years, he had been interested in fine arts. However, his father wouldn’t allow him a career in the arts. Instead, Finn Juhl enrolled at the Department of architecture at the Royal Academy of Arts in Copenhagen. Finn Juhl began his studies in the 1930s, which was an important period in furniture design, when modern design started to

emerge. While he was still a student, Finn Juhl started working with the prominent Danish architect Vilhelm Lauritzen in 1934. Related: Rare Design Objects From Danish Designer Company Organic, natural forms Finn Juhl had a strong fascination for colors. He was a big supporter of Cubism and Goethe’s famous color circles, and used colors actively in his designs in the 50’s and 60’s. The 57 sofa was a wonderful piece of furniture with design and craftsmanship qualities that Onercollection had not worked with before. The company produced the sofa and

OCTOBER 2021 | SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY

and satisfaction that we now find that Finn Juhl has taken us on a fantastic trip around the world where we meet furniture enthusiasts interested in Finn Juhl everywher,” say the owners Henrik Sørensen & Ivan Hansen who have chosen to brand the Finn Juhl collection separately under House of Finn Juhl.

Ivan Hansen and Henrik Særensen a Ringkøbing harbor

began to study Finn Juhl’s materials and archives in detail and requested permission to re-launch the Poet sofa and the Pelican chair. Hanne gave the permission and Onecollection was even given full access to Finn Juhl’s house where Hanne lived. Contrary to Juhl’s modernist contemporaries, with their streamlined, scaffolding-like structures, Juhl aimed at a more organic, natural form. The potential strength of the material was utilized to the maximum just like in nature’s own constructions. As Juhl translated his ideas into daring, supple joinery where each element of the design flowed seamlessly into each other, he also put enormous demands on the joiners who were to produce the design. Related: The Danish Chair – An International Affair One of the international highlights of Juhl’s career was designing the complete interior of the Trusteeship Council Chamber at the UN headquarters in New York between 1951 and 1952.

Today, House of Finn Juhl furniture is mainly manufactured in Denmark. The upholstered furniture such as the Poet Sofa and the Pelican Chair are entirely hand-sewn in the same Danish tradition as the old ones. However, when it comes to wooden furniture, the company has chosen to utilize modern technology, which goes handin-hand with excellent craftsmanship in order to make Juhl’s visions come true. The intricately shaped wooden frames in the Chieftain Chair for instance, are masterly crafted by skilled Japanese furniture makers in Yamagata.

Finn Juhl and his house In the book Finn Juhl and his house Per H. Hansen, a renowned expert in Scandinavian furniture design, provides a humorous, extremely informative description of Juhl’s unconventional character and classic furniture — the Chieftain Chair, the Pelican Chair, or the Poet Sofa. Drawings, original photographs, images of the curated house (2008), and an amusing final chapter about his patrons round off this unusual book. Old Classic Furniture By WorldFamous Danish Designer, compiled by Tor Kjolberg. Sources: Company’s websites, the book Finn Juhl and his House (see above) and the book Finn Juhl – Life Work World.

The 2 seater Poet sofa

Now, the collection consists of more than 50 classic masterpieces, all of which are manufactured with the utmost respect for the original heritage and strict demands for quality.

The Paul Smith 57 sofa

A trip around the world “We have always held the firm belief, that the world would open its eyes to Finn Juhl’s universe of artistic furniture. Therefore it is with great joy

All images © Onecollection

SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY | DESIGN

Norwegian Crockery Inspired By Myths From the Deepest Forests Text Tor Kjølberg

Once upon a time two Norwegian designers had a vision to create a beautiful and inviting universe inspired by Scandinavian nature and mythology. Read about the Norwegian crockery by Wik & Walsø inspired by myths from the deepest forests. Way back in time when Ragnhild Wik and Linda Svedal Watsøe met at Esmond fashion school in Oslo in the early 1990s, they talked about starting something of their own, and finding a niche industry in Norwegian design. Over the years, however, they were swallowed up by the design industry and their careers. It was just a dream. Related: A Pioneer Among Female Norwegian Designers Until 2006, when Wik and Watsøe left their secure jobs in the design industry and set up their own company, rooted in Norwegian nature and culture in two disused barracks in the old town

in Fredrikstad. The design duo has not looked back since. According to the designers, they have always been fascinated by the natural, and the goal was to design handmade objects with a unique and natural expression. They wanted simple shapes and softly shaped curves with different textures and hand-painted brushstrokes in sober, metallic colors. The contrasts between glazed and matte surfaces add a unique and interesting complexity to the discreet design. In a short time Wik and Watsøe established a strong, clear and qualityconscious voice in Nordic design. Wik & Watsøe has become a major brand in the Norwegian market and in the Nordic design industry. Related: 365 Daily Norwegian Wooden Spoons Today, their Elf porcelain stands side

by side with well-known brands such as Stelton, Wedgwood and Rosenthal at over 150 outlets in Norway. The designers wanted to create tableware to last a lifetime, and with features that would be easily recognized across the globe. They have succeeded in crating a romantic crockery brand which has made cups and plates fashionable across the Nordic countries.

In 2006, Wik and Watsøe left their secure jobs in the design industry and set up their own company, rooted in Norwegian nature and culture

We work with pure and natural materials, and lead-free colors, and

All images © Wik & walsoe

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have chosen to work closely with skilled craftsmen, both in Europe and Asia – artisans who share our values and passion,” writes the duo on their website and continues: “None of our products should cost more than NOK 1,000. Much of Norwegian design is unique art and can cost up to ten thousand for a vase. Another criterion we set was that what we make should have an aid dimension, and production was started in Bangladesh. Not everyone can do as Doctors Without Borders, and we believe in helping by creating jobs and professional development.

Ocean, by Wik & Walsoe

Related: The Unknown Story of Norwegian Hardanger Flatware A third point was that the products should be functional. Everything must be washable in the dishwasher, and the vases must have a shape that allows them to be washed well and not become foul-smelling. The handles should have room for a man’s fist. That is why we test the products all the time at home.

According to the designers, they have have always been fascinated by the natural, and the goal was to design handmade objects with a unique and natural expression

Finally, the design and products should have an anchorage in Norwegian nature. It is an inexhaustible source.” Wik & Walsøe’s efforts to bring Norwegian design to the world have not gone unnoticed, with mentions in the Times Magazine and Wallpaper as well as others. Today, the brand designs are sold all over Norway as well as internationally. Ragnhild Wik in her studio

“None of our products should cost more than NOK 1,000,” says the duo

SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY | FOOD & DRINK

Food & Drink

Scandinavian Herbs Text Tor Kjølberg

Fall is an exciting time for Scandinavian herbs. Herbs are the essence of the soil, and the tradition of any given culinary tradition. Foraging has been a long-loved Nordic activity, especially in September, when everything is brimming for harvest and the long dark winter fast approaches. The Nordic kitchen is very much influenced by Russian cooking and its use of horseradish and dill. Many Scandinavians tramp into the forest every year to find a bounty. The other herbs that infuse our dishes are used all over the world, although the subtle flavors of chervil, tarragon and parsley, wild thyme and wood sorrel are used

in mild Nordic ways, particular to our habits of eating delicately flavored food, with ingredients as the key note. Related: Scandinavian Poor Man’s Asparagus Foraging Foraging practice in Scandinavia is

that you should never take more than a small percentage of what you forage, so that the plants have an opportunity to regrow. Herbs have been gathered from the wild since the Stone Age, and more than now. The necessary common knowledge of herbs has more or less vanished, although cooks and foodies are regaining knowhow and

Feature image (on top): Photo by Markus Spiske / Unsplash

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There are no clear distinction between herbs and edible leaves except that herbs are more pungent, not being a considerable part of the dish, but a leafy flavoring nonetheless. Photo: Annie Spratt

the subtle flavors of chervil, tarragon and parsley, wild thyme and wood sorrel are used in mild Nordic ways. Photo: Katherine Kanton

The necessary common knowledge of herbs has more or less vanished, although cooks and foodies are regaining knowhow and adding new-old local herbs to the table once more.. Photo: Angele Kanp

adding new-old local herbs to the table once more. Related: A Cabbage Called Swede New and old herbs Ramsons, nettles, woodruff, angelica and mugwort are new to us, but can be found in all the Nordic cookbooks. However, the Nordic people had their own unique relationship with mugwort. Some entomologists are of the opinion that the common name for the plant is in fact derived from the old Norse word

muggi- meaning marsh and Germanic wuertz meaning root. Mugwort was a staple for the völur, the Norse prophecy women who inhabited the pre-Christian era. Related: A Cabbage Called Swede Herbs and edible leaves There are no clear distinction between herbs and edible leaves except that herbs are more pungent, not being a considerable part of the dish, but a leafy flavoring nonetheless. During

the next months I will describe some of the most important herbs in Scandinavia, like dill, parsley, tarragon, chervil, lovage, horseradish, ramsons, nettles, elderflower and more. I will also present familiar as well as not so familiar recipes. I hope this will give you a welldeserved excuse to pop into nature in the coming seasons.

SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY | FOOD & DRINK

Terrace With A Mediterranean Atmosphere In Downtown Oslo

The building in Grønlandsleiret 15 was built by Schous Bryggeri in 1892

Text Tor Kjolberg

Due to the pandemic Oslo restaurateur Nevzat Arikan has sold one of his restaurants, Olympen, to Fru Haugans Holding AS. Several changes are expected in both the main restaurant and the Pigalle bar when they reopen later this autumn. According to restaurant-manager Tora Eriksson, the summer terrace on the first floor retains its current charm. We should be happy about

that, because it is a pearl in the Oslo Grønland district. Read more about the terrace with a Mediterranean atmosphere in downtown Oslo. The Olympn Restaurant, Pigalle Bar and the summer terrace is the perfect spot for a new challenge for Fru Haugans Holding AS, the owner of Fru Haugans Hotel in Mosjøen. The hotel is the oldest in Northern Norway with a

history dating back to 1794. “The work that Arikan has put into the restaurant is formidable. We will build on this and lift the restaurant building to new heights,” says fifth generation owner and hotel manager, Ellen Løvold Strand. So, what is actually Pigalle Summer Terrace all about?

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The summer terrace has a Mediterranean atmosphere and is located at the heart of Grønland

We chilled out with a bottle of Floralba prosecco

A delicious crisp asparagus with cajole sauce, roasted almonds and fresh salad sprinkled with parmesan

Stemed mussels in broth

Mackerel with crispy cabbage

The summer terrace has a Mediterranean atmosphere and is located at the heart of Grønland

Porta del Vento, from Sicily

SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY | FOOD & DRINK

We claim it’s a summer terrace with a Mediterranean atmosphere located at the heart of Grønland, offering a small but delicate menu. The terrace is the place where simple ingredients provide guests with Mediterranean authenticity and flavor. To start with, we chilled out with a bottle of Floralba prosecco, followed by a delicious crisp asparagus with cajole sauce, roasted almonds and fresh salad sprinkled with parmesan. For main-dishes, we chose a real Norwegian summer dish, mackerel with crispy cabbage and new potatoes and perfect steamed mussels in a broth made with white wine, garlic, and shallots. We were suggested a bottle of Porta del Vento from Sicily for accompaniment, an excellent choice for a beautiful summer day in Oslo. Parallel to delicious Mediterranean and Norwegian food, the kitchen and cozy, yet modern atmosphere, are truly unique aspects of the Olympen restaurant house. The terrace is, definitely, an intimate place with plenty of setting possibilities: from the tables by the counters to the ones by the fountain, there is room for everyone. Historic house The building in Grønlandsleiret 15 was built by Schous Bryggeri in 1892, but was not converted into a restaurant until 1904. In 1927, architect Lars Backer carried out a major renovation of the building. The facade was changed and the building was expanded, including a roof terrace with the possibility of dining. In the years 1961-63, Olympen was refurbished twice. The restaurant was first decorated as “the French cave of the East Side”, but this did not appeal to the public and Olympen returned to its original expression. In October 2006, the doors closed

According to restaurant-manager Tora Eriksson, the summer terrace on the first floor retains its current charm. Here a photo from Olympen restaurant.

for another renovation, and opened just over a year later to great public success. The atmosphere was the same continental style Olympen (Lompa, in the vernacular) has always had: dark wood, brass details and large chandeliers to match the paintings with motifs from Grønland and the surrounding area. All year fine dining and entertainment at Olympen Just like Oslo, Olympen has over the years developed and gone through many phases, but never lost its identity or its belonging to the local community. “We will preserve the traditions at the same time as we will develop the restaurant house in harmony with current trends. We have appointed a chef from Paris for the Olympen restaurant, and the Pigalle Bar & Dancing will open as soon as the pandemic is more or less behind us” says manager Christian Steinsholm. The Pigalle summer terrace is a hidden pearl in Oslo downtown. It might be a little hard to find, so look for the sign “Velkommen ut” (Welcome out) and follow the stairway up to the first floor.

The building in Grønlandsleiret 15 was built by Schous Bryggeri in 1892

The Pigalle Terrace is open through August.

OCTOBER 2021 | SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY

History

The Fascinating Story of the Danish Protest Pigs Text Tor Kjølberg

The story dates back to the 19th century when Denmark and Prussia couldn’t agree on where to draw their border. At that time both countries refused to concede any ground and wanted to control the southern Jutland Peninsula, which today is part of the German state of SchleswigHolstein. Read the fascinating story of the Danish protest pigs. In 1848, the countries fought, with Denmark winning claim to the land.

More than a decade later, the land was up for grabs again as the Second Schleswig War erupted, this time with Prussia declaring victory. In the 1860s, Prussian authorities moved in and over the next couple of years instituted a multitude of brandnew laws reducing anything from another location Danish. The Danes, especially the farmers, were not very happy. They lived under the rule of the Prussians, who prohibited all use of

the Danish flag. They could not raise their flag and were forced to bow down to the Prussian authorities. Related: Danish Bacon Through a crafty program of crossbreeding, Danish farmers tried to create a new breed of pig that faintly resembled their beloved home’s flag. It wasn’t terribly difficult, they decided to use biology as their secret weapon. The banner of Denmark is relatively

SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY | HISTORY

The Second Schleswig War erupted, this time with Prussia declaring victory. Illustration: Wikipedia

simple—a flat red background covered by a long, white Nordic cross — so all the pig needed was a coat of red fur and one or two prominent white belts. They named it Protestschwein, the Danish Protest Pig. “The Schleswig-Holstein question is so complicated, only three men in Europe have ever understood it. One was Prince Albert, who is dead. The second was a German professor who became mad. I am the third and I have forgotten all about it,” said Lord Palmerston. Related: History of Scandinavian Pork The Danish Protest pig quickly became a snorting symbol of Danish cultural independence. Today, there are fewer than 60 flag-striped breeding animals still alive, many residing in zoos, but in the 20th century, the red swine became recognized in 1954 as a “true breed” called the Husum Red Pied. The breed is best known for their Denmark-like colors. They are red in color, with a white vertical belt and a

The Danish Protest pig quickly became a snorting symbol of Danish cultural independence

white horizontal belt, also known as Danish Flag Pig. At full maturity, males tend to weigh approximately 350kgs, with females rising to 300kgs. The breed grows up to an average height of 92cms. Related: Food and Drink in Denmark Historians believe the reddish breed comes from the British Tamworth pig, but nowadays the Danish Protest Pig is actually a registered rare breed. However, this wasn’t the only form of

passive aggressive protest to occur on the Jutland Peninsula in the 19th century. The occupying Germans also instituted laws that prevented Danish organizations from serving alcohol, striking a major blow to local community halls that functioned as key political gathering spots. Suddenly, these Danish halls needed a nonalcoholic way to bring people in. Their solution? The sønderjysk kaffebord, or coffee table — what is essentially a table covered in dozens of assorted “rebel cakes.”

OCTOBER 2021 | SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY

Attractions One of the Most Beautiful Rivers in Sweden Text Tor Kjolberg

The Swedish Värmland region is covered with spruce and pine and crisscrossed with narrow lakes and rivers. The Klarälven river is among its most beautiful. Here, we take you along one of the most beautiful rivers in Sweden. The river begins turbulently in Norway, where it is called Trysilelva, but gradually becomes broader, winding and sluggish before emptying into Lake Vänern near the province’s largest town Karlstad. Related: Attractions in Dalarne Sweden

Related: Picturesque Biking in Sweden At Ransäter, 40km (25 miles) north of Karlstad, on the Klarälven, the Hembygdsgården (Heritage Village) includes museums devoted to mining, forestry, agriculture and rural life, which paint a fascinating picture of the Värmland of yesteryear.

The Klarälven was the last Swedish river used for floating logs. Photo: Staffan Widstrand/Visit Sweden

Related: The Great Lakes in Sweden Ransäter hosts an annual Scandinavian folk music festival in July.

Bridge crossing the Klaraälven. Photo: Per Pixel Petersson/Visit Sweden

Highlights of Karlstad include the cathedral from 1930, the longest arched stone bridge in Sweden (168m/550ft), and a popular park, Mariebergsskogen. The Klarälven was the last Swedish river used for floating logs. The practice ended in 1991, but in Dyrälevn, 17km (10 miles north of Karlstad), the Dyvelsten Flottningsmuesum (Dyvelsten Log Rafting Museum) once showed how it was done. The future of the museum is uncertain (July 2021). However, you can still drift down the gentle Klarälven yourself on self-assembled raft. Karlstad City in winter. Photo: Per Pixel Petersson/Visit Sweden

Feature image (on top) Photo by visithagfors.se

SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY | CATEGORY HERE

UNESCO Sites You Must See In Sweden Text Charlie Svensson

Sweden, even though it’s a small country, is known for several achievements. However, many people don’t realize that this country is high on the UNESCO list of countries with World Heritage Sites. Sweden has 15 UNESCO sites in different parts of the country considered incredible value to humanity. Here are 8 UNESCO sites you must see In Sweden. These sites are listed with some of the most popular sites globally, such as the Great Wall of China, Egypt’s Pyramid, the Acropolis, and other remarkable locations in the world. This article discusses a few of these UNESCO sites in Sweden. Royal Domain Of Drottningholm This has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. Located in Lake Malar, on an island within the suburb of Stockholm, this 1766-built theatre, well-preserved castle, and Chinese pavilion is one of the best examples of the northern European royal residence in the 18th century.

The design of this castle was inspired by the Rococo and Baroque styles that were trendy at the time and the Palace of Versailles. This castle remains the private residence of the royal family of Sweden today. However, visitors have free entry to the building and the significant parts, such as the reception halls. Naval Port Of Karlskrona This site is situated in the southern part of Sweden and dates as far back as 1680. This well-preserved naval port is an excellent example of what

a European naval town looked like in the 17th century. There are not many dockyards anywhere, with docks and buildings explicitly designed for constructing sailing warships. This is what you have in the Naval Port of Karlskrona. This port is built with fortifications, harbor, naval dockyard, with several installations in different parts of the historic town. Karlskrona city has many places for people to stay and is very accommodating with the sea view. Visitors also have a variety of bars, cafes, and restaurants to choose from.

Feature image (on top): Laponian area, photo by Natural World Heritage Sites

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The southern part of this city has a large limestone plateau dominating that part of the land with a relatively dry climate. Photo: UNESCO Drottningholm castle has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. Photo: Store norske leksikon

Birka and Hovgarden also have a museum, prototypes of old houses, and many facilities around this site for visitors. Photo: UNESCO

visitors. However, the archeological site itself doesn’t have any buildings.

Karlskrona port is built with fortifications, harbor, naval dockyard, with several installations in different parts of the historic town. Photo: UNESCO

Agricultural Landscape of Southern Öland Öland, a famous city off the southeastern coast of Sweden, is a well-known summer destination. This island is also where the summer residence of Sweden’s royal family is located, so you should not be surprised if you run into one of them in this city during the summer. The southern part of this city has a large limestone plateau dominating that part of the land with a relatively dry climate. While these physical constraints exist, this land has been inhabited by people that have adapted their life to this island for 5000 years.

According to custom essay writing, you can reach this island from Kalmar via a six-kilometer bridge. Birka and Hovgarden These are two distinct islands, the Adelson Island, and Bjorko Island. This island jointly occupies a wellpreserved archaeological site where you can find some of the traces from the Viking age in this region. Birka was a significant town within Europe at the time because of its trading and commercial activities. It also hosted the first Christian gathering in Sweden in 831, led by St. Ansgar. It also has a museum, prototypes of old houses, and many facilities around this site for

Church Town Of Gammelstad, Lulea Lulea, a famous city in the northern part of Sweden, is known to house one of the most-preserved church towns in the world. Church town is a type of unique village found around the north of Scandinavia. It is made of wooden houses to house worshippers from very distant places and face unpleasant travel conditions. These houses were used mainly on Sundays and when there are religious festivals. The town of Lulea still has 434 wooden houses in existence from the 15th century when the church built them. Engelsberg Ironworks This is the most complete and bestpreserved example of ironworks in Sweden. In the 17th & 18th centuries, Sweden was a significant force in ironworks production, and this site shows how they did it. The residential, administrative, and technological buildings were conserved and remained in their original state. So, this smelting house from the 18th

SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY | ATTRACTIONS

Church town is a type of unique village found around the north of Scandinavia. Photo: Swedish Lapland

Engelsberg Ironworks are the most complete and best-preserved example of ironworks in Sweden. Photo: Wikipedia

century, along with all of its associated installations from that period, are very intact. Together, they give the full detail of the technology and equipment of Sweden’s traditional jarnbruk. Tanum rock carvings Tanum has several intriguing rock carvings which have landed it its spot on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites, and these carvings are an excellent example of artwork from the Bronze Age. In the Bohuslan region in western Sweden, there are about 1500 well-documented rock carving sites. This includes the tanum rock carvings where the inhabitants at the time carved different images on the many smooth rocks on the landscape. An example of the most famous carvings from this period is the Vitlycke carving which depicts a bridal couple. You can explore these rock carvings through a six-kilometer-marked pathway. Laponian area The Laponian area is located in the north of Sweden, just over the Arctic Circle, encompasses many national parks, and is home to the indigenous

people of Lapp and Sami. This area is one of the largest areas and the last one where evidence of ancestral life was found in the world based on seasonal livestock movement (reindeer – which is still practiced to date). Although this area is under threat from the conveniences of the modern world like motor vehicles, most of it is still intact. UNESCO Sites You Must See In Sweden – Conclusion There are no less than 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sweden, and only a few of those are mentioned in this article. Some of the others are the Hanseatic town of Visby, the high coast, the grimeton radio station, and decorated farmhouses of halsingland.

Tanum has several intriguing rock carvings which have landed it its spot on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. Photo: Wikipedia

The Laponian area is located in the north of Sweden, just over the Arctic Circle. Photo: Natural World Heritage Sites

UNESCO Sites You Must See In Sweden is written exclusively for Daily Scandinavian by Charlie Svensson. Charlie is a fast, engaging freelance writer. Skilled in content writing and blogging. The favorite topics of his posts are education, social media, marketing, SEO, motivation blogging and selfgrowth. Excellent adaptability of skills to reach diverse audiences.

OCTOBER 2021 | SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY

Accomodation

19 Unique Accommodations in Sweden Text Tor Kjølberg

If there is one thing that has really gained momentum in recent years, it is unique accommodation that stands out from ordinary hotel rooms. Distinctive design, beautiful locations and experiences with the little extra is something that appeals to many, and which has really become popular during the pandemic. Learn about these 19 unique accommodations in Sweden. Tree-top cabins, floating hotel rooms, floating bubble tents or wilderness-style naval accommodation on the river – Sweden has many exciting offers that can make your holiday a little different.

SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY | ATTRACTIONS

1. Glamping and cabins at the foot of the mountain At Kilsbergens, also called “the blue mountains”, is Blåbergen Spa, Bryggeri og Konferens. This is the place for close-to-nature experiences and unique accommodation. Many people come here to experience Blåbergen’s beer yoga, music evenings in the barn and hammam spa – but above all to spend the night comfortably out in nature. You can choose between luxurious glamping tents or cozy cabins that look like Sami gammer. In the vultures you can stay all year round, while the tents are open in the season May – September. stay all year round, while the tents are open in the season May – September. Glamping. Cozy “patch huts” at Blåbergen Spa, Brewery and Conference in Örebro. Photo: Pia Gyllin

2. Historic environment with deer as the nearest neighbor One hour’s drive south of Örebro is Brevens Bruk, a former ironworks with an associated manor house from the 18th century. The small square is a living museum where time has left its mark, but which is at the same time wellpreserved and beautiful. Here, deer roam around the area and if you are lucky, they will come right to the corners of the house. You can rent accommodation in stately manor rooms or in picturesque small houses located near the sea and the forest. The historic buildings at Brevens Bruk in Örebro. Photo: Björn Fransson

3. Forest retreat at Stedsans Farm and Restaurant In the middle of the deepest Halland forests you will find the accommodation and restaurant Stedsans Farm and Restaurant. Here, the food is prepared over an open fire, based on local organic ingredients. In the charming cabins you sleep well with a view of nature right outside. It is perfect to spend the evenings by the fire down by the water or in the heated sauna.

Bright and delicate at Stedsans Farm and Retreat. Photo: Stine Christiansen

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4. Live as a lighthouse keeper on an island in the Kattegat Five nautical miles southeast of the Onsala Peninsula is Sweden’s first lighthouse, Nidingen. The island is known for being one of the country’s finest bird islands. Around the island you will also find three kilometers of beautiful underwater reefs. During the summer season, package tours to the island are arranged, with accommodation in the cozy houses on the site.

Nidingen lighthouse on the Halland coast. Photo: Åse Ahlstrand

5. Captivating accommodation on the West Coast At Varberg‘s fortress, in the Halland region, you can spend the night in a prison cell from 1856. At Fästningen B&B/ Vandrarhem you can choose between living in the old prison cells or in the cozy houses from the 18th century. Nearby you will find the beach promenade and nice bathing spots, sandy beach and Halland’s Cultural History Museum.

Glamping. Cozy “patch huts” at Blåbergen Spa, Brewery and Conference in Örebro. Photo: Pia Gyllin

6. Tent floating in the air in the pine forest In Dalarnas deep pine forest, there is a unique accommodation hidden in the form of a bubble floating in the air. Between the trees on Näsets Marcusgård hangs a floating tent called Supermåne (Supermoon). The tent is equipped with beds, oven, table and of course windows with views to the sky. Accommodation in the Supermoon is a perfect match tp outdoor experiences in the surrounding forest and a cozy coffee from Snitths Hantverksbageri in Furudal. Nearby you will also find the cabin “Oddis Öga”, a small wooden cabin shaped like a barrel. The staff at Marcusgård ensures a comfortable and pleasant stay, and dishes up breakfast, fire in the oven and good company – if desired. The historic buildings at Brevens Bruk in Örebro. Photo: Björn Fransson

SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY | ATTRACTIONS

7. Tiny House In Dalarna In the scenic Stjärnsund is the microhouse Tiny House. The small cabin is located right by the water, where there are good opportunities for swimming and fishing. Here you can enjoy the simple life in a charming little cottage with nature right on your doorstep. Tiny House is built in an environmentally friendly way with ecological insulation. It is also equipped with a wood stove and heat pump. The micro house Tiny House is surrounded by beautiful nature. Photo: Tiny House

8. Accommodation in summer mountain pasture at Smidgården In the idyllic summer mountain pasture at Smidgården in Dalarna, you can spend the night on a 19th-century mountain farm, which in recent times has been delicately restored in a traditional Dala style. The old farm is rural and beautiful, and equipped with two bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen and living room. Smidgården also offers a spa in historic surroundings, where you can enjoy a bath with a view of the landscape in Fryksås. Ski trails and great hiking opportunities are also right outside the door. Accommodation with a historical touch at Smidgården. Photo: Smidgården

9. Naturbyn – organic forest holiday in cabins By a lake in the forests of Värmland is the nature camp Naturbyn. A place so relaxing and idyllic that it’s indeed worth a visit. Here you can choose between cabins in the woods, in the treetops or floating on the lake. Meals must be prepared over an open fire in the outdoor kitchen, and the evening may end in the hot tub and sauna. Floating accommodation at Naturbyn in Värmland.Photo: Hanne Marit Tobiassen

10. Happie Camp – glamping holiday at one with nature In well-equipped canvas tents you can enjoy camping life in a comfortable way at Happie Camp in Värmland. In undisturbed places in nature, the charming tents are located between trees, by boulders and with waves crashing right outside the canvas. The tents are fully furnished with everything you need for a comfortable stay. If you are hungry, you can also order the popular lunch box, which contains organic ingredients of the highest quality. Happie Camp lives up to its name, an overnight stay you will love! In well-equipped canvas tents you can enjoy camping life in a comfortable way at Happie Camp in Värmland. Photo: Happie Camping

OCTOBER 2021 | SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY

11. Wilderness accommodation with fleet travel One form of accommodation that really stands out from the others is spending a night on a self-made timber raft on Sweden’s longest river, Klarälven. Vildmark i Värmland (Wilderness in Värmland) arranges package tours where you build your own timber raft and then go on an excursion on the river, well equipped with everything you need for an exciting night out. You can choose how long the trip should be, whether it will be one night or seven. Moor the raft somewhere along the riverbank and enjoy wilderness life in a new way. Trip on a raft with accommodation and kayaking on the Klarälven in Värmland. Photo: Ingeborg Lindseth

12. Stay in a lighthouse on your own island Make the Gotland trip special and try out accommodation with nature as your nearest neighbor. Just off the west coast of Gotland are Lilla- and Stora Karlsö, two fascinating islands with magnificent nature, rare plants and an unusually rich bird life. Stora Karlsö is the world’s second oldest nature reserve, and has the Baltic Sea’s most distinguished bird mountain with 10,000 guillemots and alks. There is a limit to how many people can spend the night on the islands at a time, so this will definitely be a unique and distinctive experience. Book yourself into the charming lighthouse or the lighthouse keeper’s house on Stora Karlsö. As soon as the last boat has left for the day, peace and quiet rest over the island, and you can enjoy the clear air and the crystal-clear water for yourself.

The historic buildings at Brevens Bruk in Örebro. Photo: Björn Fransson

13. Hermit cabins in a design universe In a hut down limestone quarry on Gotland, fashion photographer Johan Hellström has created a world-class design universe called the Furillen Factory. Accompanying the hotel you will find the concept of the hermit huts, which are simple wooden huts located around the barren nature by the old limestone quarry. The cabins are designed by Mats Theselius and are 10 sqm. large, equipped with Hästens beds, iron stove from Danish HWAM, table and chair – minimalistic and elegant!

In a hut down limestone quarry on Gotland, fashion photographer Johan Hellström has created a world-class design universe called the Furillen Factory. Photo: Ingeborg Lindseth

Electricity and running water do not exist, as simplicity and nature are important. The price for one night is almost the same as for five, the idea is that you will stay in the cabins for several days to completely relax and enjoy the peace and quiet that is found in nature.

SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY | ATTRACTIONS

14. Stay in a glass house in the middle of nature Stay overnight in one of the unique glass houses from the project The 72 Hour Cabin. The small houses of glass and wood are located in the middle of nature and offer incomparable views of both forest, sea and starry sky. Stress and everyday life are quickly buried in the Dalsland soil on arrival. Relaxation, pleasure and tranquility are the key words. There are a total of nine small glass houses in western Sweden, five of the original houses from the project can be found on Henriksholm, and the newest cabins are located at Dalslands Activities and Baldersnäs. Combine the visit to 72 Hour Cabin with activities in Dalsland, such as a hiking trip, kayaking or experience the landscape from the bike seat.

Stay overnight in one of the unique glass houses from the project The 72 Hour Cabin. Photo: Jonas Ingman

15. Island idyll in the middle of Kalmarsun Fifteen minutes by boat from Bergkvara in Kalmar County is the lighthouse Garpen. The place to slow down, enjoy the view of the sea and the fiery red sunsets. Out on Garpen there are 20 beds for rent, a restaurant, gallery and beautiful views to Kalmarsund. If you want to have the whole island to yourself, it is also possible!

Fifteen minutes by boat from Bergkvara in Kalmar County is the lighthouse Garpen. Photo: Garpen

16. Sustainable beach glamping at Surflogiet Surflogiet is a unique tent hotel located on Tofta beach on Gotland. They offer luxurious glamping tents on the beach, with the sea as the nearest neighbor. The surfogiet is built up of sustainable recycled materials such as used furniture and driftwood, and in combination with design elements and modern comfort, it gives the place a distinctive look. There are 10 glamping tents located outside in the dunes by the beach, and inside the tents you will find Hästens beds, electricity, heating and a minibar. Before going to bed, try out the sauna and the charming beach bar, which serves short-distance and tasty food. Surflogiet is a unique tent hotel located on Tofta beach on Gotland. Photo: Ingeborg Lindseth

OCTOBER 2021 | SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY

17. Glamping in the beech forest Just south of Ljungskile in Bohuslän is the farm Anfasteröd. Here you can choose whether you want to stay in modern bathing cabins, in red 19th century houses with white frames or in one of the luxurious glamping tents, which are equipped with kitchen, bathroom, heating and comfortable beds.

Just south of Ljungskile in Bohuslän is the farm Anfasteröd. Photo: Filip Wastman

The tents are located inside the beech forest by the sea and you spend the days in peace in the middle of nature. Take a climb in the mountains, a charming bike ride or experience the place from the sea by kayak. One of Bohuslän’s most beautiful hiking trails passes right outside the door, if you are of the hiking-loving kind.

18. Tree Hotel – futuristic design in the treetops Tree Hotel i Norrland offers cabins with a futuristic design in the middle of the Swedish forests in Norrland. The cabins resemble UFOs, a bird’s nest and mirror cubes. The modern glass design definitely gives the accommodation a distinctive character. Leave time pressure and hustle at home, and enjoy the peace and quiet among the trunks of the forest.

The historic buildings at Brevens Bruk in Örebro. Photo: Björn Fransson

19. Kolarbyn – simplicity out in nature Take a trip to Sweden’s most primitive and charming hostel. Here, simplicity reigns, no shower, no electricity or material luxury – just the mystery of nature. In the middle of the spruce forest, right by small streams and lakes, lies Kolarbyn, which offers accommodation in 12 traditional socalled kolar cabins. For a little more comfort you can book the log cabin or a night in a floating tent. Pick mushrooms and berries outside the cabin, and enjoy the wilderness and exciting forest experiences just outside Stockholm. Just south of Ljungskile in Bohuslän is the farm Anfasteröd. Photo: Filip Wastman

SCANDINAVIAN monthly │ Issue No.5 │ October 2021

Articles inside

19 Unique Accommodations in Sweden

UNESCO Sites You Must See In Sweden

The Fascinating Story of the Danish Protest Pigs

Scandinavian Herbs

Terrace With A Mediterranean Atmosphere In Downtown Oslo

Norwegian Crockery Inspired By Myths From the Deepest Forests

Old Classic Furniture By World-Famous Danish Designer

Danish Museum Unveils World Art In A Contemporary Setting

Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art at Tjuvholmen Oslo 20 Years

A View from the Top of the World – Cover Art from Norway

Sweden – A Hub For Commercial Satellites

Examining Scandinavian Mental Healt

Health and Medicine in the Viking Scandinavia

The Swedish Women’s Lobby

How Covid-19 Affects Scandinavian Countries

Gravel Road Biking in Sweden

Cycle Chic in Copenhagen

5 Reasons Why Scandinavia Is One Of The Healthiest Regions In The World