2_0_ScanMag_70_Nov_2014_Text:Scan Magazine 1
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Scan Magazine | Conference of the Month | Norway
many stories to tell from the strait and the old wharf – a place she has now turned into an oasis for work and pleasure, beautifully situated in the Norwegian archipelago. In the summer time the little outpost, with only 10 permanent residents, becomes a lively holiday destination with a bustling beach life popular with locals and tourists alike. Popular activities such as boat trips, kayaking and fishing is available throughout the year. “When summer is over and it is time for people to get back to work, we bring all the good things with us into the new season for our conference guests to enjoy,” says Bentsen. A peaceful meeting space In addition to offering 19 rental apartments, Verftet can also offer a conference room big enough to accommodate 40 participants, as well two smaller meeting rooms. Verftet has the capacity to offer separate bedrooms to all participants in buildings designed by local architects Strek Arkiktekter, built to resemble the original wharf buildings. Because NyHellesund is one of eight listed cultural landscapes in Norway, and the only one on the southern coast, it was important that any new buildings paid homage to the history of the strait.
Bølgen&Moi provides guests with a first-class dining experience at Verftet.
workers get the chance to build stronger relationships. “Compared to the big cities where you have the chance to go out by yourself when the day is over, everyone stays here in Ny-Hellesund. Whether they partake in any of our activities or just relax, co-workers get to know each other better in a new more intimate setting,” says Bentsen. One way of bonding with colleagues could be over a tasty meal. The renowned restaurant chain Bølgen&Moi – owned by Nordic culinary champion Trond Moi – has brasseries across the country, but it is only at Verftet they have chosen to open a gourmet restaurant serving delicacies made of local produce on the pier. Henrik Dahl Jahnsen, Norwegian Sommelier of the year 2014, is in charge of pairing food
and wine in the best way possible. He also holds wine tastings for Verftet’s visitors, while the kitchen can offer baking classes. Access to Europe While many of the visitors are local, Verftet has also become a popular seminar destination on both a national and international level. Kristiansand’s airport Kjevik, conveniently located only a short boat ride away, serves both domestic and international flights from Amsterdam, Gdansk and Copenhagen. Verftet has yet again turned Ny-Hellesund into a place where the world comes together.
For more information, please visit: www.nyhellesund.com
“It feels really special that we were allowed to build these new houses among all the history and buildings dating back to the 1600s,” says Bentsen. The acclaimed artist Per Fronth – who also did the artwork for the Nobel Peace Prize diploma awarded to President Barack Obama in 2009 – has decorated all the buildings on the wharf. Fronth’s special project has been to turn the only building remaining from the original wharf – the oil tank – into a suite with a 360-degree view of the Norwegian archipelago. Visitors have described Verftet as a place where they get the peace and quiet to get work done and have a productive meeting, while at the same time getting the chance to relax and unwind in their spare time. Ny-Hellesund is also a place where co-
Issue 70 | November 2014 | 99