Scan Magazine, Issue 106, November 2017

ISSUE 106 NOVEMBER 2017 PROMOTING BRAND SCANDINAVIA

JANOVE – NORWAY’S ROCK ‘N’ ROLL DREAMER SCANDINAVIAN CRAFTS AND CHRISTMAS GIFTS NORDIC EDUCATION SPECIAL KASPER HOLTEN – A KNIGHT’S TALE

THE BEST TIME YOU’VE EVER HAD. Superlative quality. Remarkable design.

Each Von Doren wristwatch is inspired by its Norwegian heritage and brought to life by the finest Swiss movements.

And, with his and hers models available, you’ll both be satisfied.

IT’S TIME. Models: Aksla and Jotunheim Lady

www.vondoren.com

Your Shortcut to Scandinavia Bergen

NORWAY

Oslo Stockholm Bromma

SWEDEN Aalborg

Gothenburg

Aarhus

UNITED KINGDOM

DENMARK Billund

Manchester

London City

GERMANY Brussels

Düsseldorf

BELGIUM

SWITZERLAND

Munich

Zürich

S n a cks

Me al s

Drinks

ba.com

Pap ers

Lounges

Smiles

Scan Magazine | Contents

Contents COVER FEATURE

24

24 Janove

– Hard-working Rock ‘n’ Roll Dreamer Raised in an uneventful Norwegian village, Janove Ottesen used music to paint pictures of the places he would rather be. Scan Magazine speaks to the former front man of Kaizers Orchestra about hard work, the Scandinavian sound, and ending on top.

42

54 Handmade in Norway Some products are proudly made in Norway; some are done so by hand. Think lighting creations that are more like works of art and carefully developed blocks of soap. Here are the Norwegians who take the word ‘local’ very literally indeed.

57 Danish Education Special

DESIGN 8

Black and Bling Head straight to this month’s Fashion Diary for top tips of what to wear to the staff Christmas do. For more inspiration, read on about black, super slick fashion and colourful, elegant bling.

SPECIAL FEATURES 20 New Food and Old Stories This month’s special features discover one of the latest additions to Copenhagen’s gourmet food scene, and remember Denmark’s past with a little help from a frigate full of life in Ebeltoft.

Inspired by N. F. S. Grundtvig, the Danish education system boasts unique experiences that are hard to come by elsewhere. Whether you are a sports enthusiast, a bit of a philosopher or a budding drummer, discover ‘efterskoler’, ‘højskoler’ and other continuation schools where everyone is welcome, friendships last a lifetime, and giving something back to society is key.

87 Norwegian Education Special Grundtvig may have been Danish, but the folk high school movement grew strong across Scandinavia, and Norway is no exception. We list three exciting options for an unforgettable Norwegian educational experience.

BUSINESS SPECIAL THEMES 28 The Best Christmas Gifts From Sweden From hand-drawn brushes and eco-friendly cashmere, to stunning stationary and educational, life-saving art – Sweden is known for outstanding design and innovation for a good reason. We list our favourite brands to help get the Christmas shopping out of the way nice and early.

93 Lessons From the Schools and the Sea While columnist Steve Flinders ponders what business leaders can learn from progressive education philosophies, we speak to the CEO of Danish Maritime to find out more about this booming industry.

CULTURE

50 76

44 Made in Norway Norway is no worse when it comes to design, with traditional, hand-made shoes, ergonomic backpacks and one-of-a-kind jewellery. For quality, heritage and a real Nordic touch, pick up one of these special gifts from Norway.

106 A Knight’s Tale A fan of coffee, wine and LEGO, Kasper Holten tells Scan Magazine about life as a stage director and free spirit, and the benefits of returning home to Copenhagen. For this month’s cultural highlights, look no further than our culture calendar!

REGULARS & COLUMNS 10 We Love This | 14 Fashion Diary | 97 Restaurants of the Month | 101 Experience of the Month 102 Artist of the Month | 104 Attractions of the Month | 105 Humour

Issue 106 | November 2017 | 5

Scan Magazine | Editor’s Note

Dear Reader, The way I see it, you have two options this time of year: you either embrace the build-up to Christmas and start the gift shopping, or you decide to be four or five steps ahead and think about your New Year’s resolutions and the plans for a new you. You might not even be particularly into the commercial thing or the idea of annual, personal renewal – but you get the point.

Luckily, we have thought of both scenarios in the making of this issue. Festive fans get all the tips they need for a Scandilicious Christmas with our guide to the coolest Swedish brands for all kinds of gift shopping, in addition to a long line of cosy, beautiful quality designs from Norway. Goal setters and resolution makers, meanwhile, will find inspiration in our big Nordic school special, which boasts numerous school profiles with a deep focus on the values of N. F. S. Grundtvig, who was all about educating creative, grounded, socially conscious citizens.

Me, I am hoping to make the rest of this year all about focus: on getting things done, working hard but not too hard, and wrapping up projects in order to end the year in style with a mindful, calm Christmas – all to clear the slate for some new personal goals, of course. With Janove’s latest on repeat, an inspirational quote courtesy of The Folklore Company on the wall, and the perfect coffee cup from Dekohem, I think I will soon be on the home straight.

Wishing you inspirational reading and a happy festive season!

Linnea Dunne, Editor

SCAN

Our cover star, the former front man of Kaizers Orchestra, provides some pretty clear advice, at least if you believe that actions speak louder than words. With a long, successful career behind him and no intention of stopping anytime soon, he is a firm believer that good things come to those who work – hard.

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Scan Magazine | Design | Street Style

Nordic Humans of Barcelona Scan Magazine’s brilliant Sanna Halmekoski hit the streets of Barcelona to find out what the Scandinavian fashion fanatics are wearing. Cool, sleek, and full of statements, this is a little piece of Scandiland in Spain.

Text and photos by Sanna Halmekoski | www.nordichumans.com

Louise Brix Danish filmmaker @louisebrixa

Viena Palojärvi Finnish receptionist at the spa in Soho House

“I wear quite a lot of darker colours and mix a few expensive items with high street brands like H&M. Before I go shopping, I look for inspiration on Pinterest or Instagram. My jeans are by Levi’s, the kimono is by H&M and the bag is by Hakei.”

“My style is sporty street style with a girly twist. I like brands like Adidas and Vans.

It’s nice to be able to wear more summery clothes in Barcelona. My shoes are by Vans, the cap is by Adidas, the bag is by Zara, the top is by H&M, the jumper is by Stradivarius and the jeans are by Pieces.”

Maria Eriksson Louise Brix

Maria Eriksson Swedish coach and consultant @maria_eriksson “I have lived all over the world, but my style is still quite Nordic. In Sweden, I blend in, but in Barcelona I stand out by looking Nordic. I love to shop in Sweden, where the sizes suit me better. Today my scarf is by Zara, the T-shirt is by Pull&Bear, the shoes are by Converse and the bracelets are from Thailand.”

8 | Issue 106 | November 2017

Viena Palojärvi

speCial exhibition, november 24, 2017 – may 13, 2018

Kronprinsessegade 30 1306 Copenhagen K denmarK www.davidmus.dK

Scan Magazine | Design | We Love This

We love this…

Keen to get started on the Christmas gifts? So are we! And where else would you rather look for presents than to some of the great Scandinavian designers. Whether it is for your crafty friend or your food-loving partner, we have got you covered.

By Line Elise Svanevik | Press photos

Got a friend who loves knitting? We all do!

The Project Bag from Plystre is the perfect gift for someone who loves dragging their needles and yarn around wherever they go.

Available in six stylish colours, the project bag is not only practical with useful pockets especially designed for scissors, needles and yarn – it is a fashion accessory as much as it is a necessity.

The Project Bag by Plystre, approx. £60 www.plystreknitwear.com

Shopping for nature and art lovers? The Paper Collective features a range of Scandinavian prints – and what could be more fitting than this pinecone print? The design even supports the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and is made by the award-winning Swedish design studio Form Us With Love.

Form Us With Love, Pine Cone, £44 www.paper-collective.com

The Japanese-Danish design duo O&M Design has designed this super stylish wooden rocking horse, the perfect toy for parents particularly interested in design (and keen to avoid the brightly coloured plastic toys).

Mokuba Rocking Horse, O&M Design £495 www.skandium.com Fancy the smell of gingerbread throughout the house without actually having to do the baking? The Jul (Christmas) Scented Candle will undoubtedly provide festive cheer for the recipient – and if you give it to a family member, maybe you will get to reap the benefits as well.

Jul (Christmas) Scented Candle, Skandinavisk £29 www.storynorth.com A bin is perhaps not the most common gift – but when it is a solid copper bin, we say go for it. The Korbo handmade wire baskets date back to the early 1920s in Sweden and feature a single long wire that has not even been welded, which makes it all the more durable. The copper material adds a fashionable twist to the old classic.

Korbo Solid Copper Bin, £149 www.husandhem.co.uk

10 | Issue 106 | November 2017

- your guarantee for high quality products and fast delivery

Industry • Farming • Offshore • Contractors • Food industry • Fishing

RG Rom Gummi • Neptunvej 1, 7620 Lemvig • +45 97 82 20 33 • romgummi.dk

RG Rom Gummi is a Danish production company with well over 30 years of experience. The company offers a wide range of specially produced rubber products for just as many different industries. RG Rom Gummi’s top priorities are solid craftsmanship and fast deliveries followed by a constant focus on adaptability and creating individual solutions regardless the size.

Issue 106 | November 2017 | 11

Located 40 minutes south of Oslo on the island of Jeløy, Refsnes Gods hotel offers meeting rooms and 61 guest rooms, as well as banquet halls for up to 100 guests for weddings, birthdays, and other celebrations.

Boasting a large selection of wine and wine tastings from their very own cellar, which even displays the original 18th century walls, Refsnes Gods has a large focus on its history. While trying to preserve its ancient features, it was not until Salbuvik took over in 1998 that they began their increased focus on art. The Restaurant Munch has 8 original artworks of Edvard Munch. In total, there are more than 400 original artworks; each room is its own gallery.

When it comes to the menu at the hotel, Salbuvik maintains that it is important to her that the ingredients are as local and good as possible. “We use suppliers from the local area whenever possible, for both our Grand Menu and our conference menu, which ranges from light bites to bigger lunches or dinners,� she says.

Godset 5, 1518 Moss, Norway | 69 27 83 00 | post@refsnesgods.no | www.refsnesgods.no

Scan Magazine | Design | Fashion Diary

Fashion Diary…

The end of November and the beginning of December is prime time for the muchanticipated Christmas do of the year. Stylish, festive, yet appropriate enough to wear in the office before you go – the Christmas party dress code is not always an easy one to pin down. But who else would you turn to in your time of need than the Scandinavian designers?

By Line Elise Svanevik | Press photos Enjoy the Christmas party in this sleek wool blend blazer, featuring classic details with a timeless expression.

Slim fit Blazer, Selected, Homme, £120 www.selected.com

The Matthew Winter Coat is a slim fit classic winter coat, perfect for those chilly evenings when leaving a party. Made with a Portuguese wool blend fabric, it is a stylish coat that will go with just about any festive outfit.

Won Hundred, Matthew Winter Coat, £285 www.wonhundred.com

The red turtleneck jumper is perhaps more for the informal Christmas party – the one that takes place on a Friday afternoon in the pub rather than with fancy cocktails. For this one, we would definitely go for the red turtleneck by Wood Wood.

Wood Wood, Jose Turtleneck, £240 www.woodwood.com

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The new Wembley shirt by Wood Wood is an alternative to the classic white shirt, featuring a flag print across the front. We cannot quite put our finger on why or how, but we like it. It is the perfect alternative to the standard white shirt.

Wood Wood, Wembley Shirt, £120 www.woodwood.com

Scan Magazine | Design | Fashion Diary

This gorgeous green polka-dot dress is a loose-fitting long dress available in several different patterns. Pair it with red high heels like the model in the picture to tap into that Christmas party vibe.

Mads Nørgaard, Soft play boutique dress, approx. £140 www.madsnorgaard.dk

This long-sleeved, black turtleneck dress is the perfect classy dress for the office party. In a viscose blend, it features a ribbed neck, cuffs and hemline, as well as a slit at the back – truly suitable for any occasion.

Tiger of Sweden, Malaco dress, £216 www.tigerofsweden.com

Nothing says Christmas quite like a gold dress, so why not go for good old Swedish H&M and a dress that can be worn again and again for festive occasions for years to come?

H&M, gold dress, approx. £45 www.hm.com

The Goodie Pink Glitter shoes will be available this winter, created as a result of the designer being intrigued by contrasts and elements of surprise. She has played with the classic shoe shape and candy wrapping detail to create the ultimate festive shoes.

Minna Parikka, Goodie Pink Glitter shoes, approx. £312 www.minnaparikka.com

Issue 106 | November 2017 | 15

Scan Magazine | Design Profile | NÜ Denmark

Our design DNA remains our own After 21 years in the industry, the raw, feminine and sophisticated Danish fashion brand NÜ Denmark is here to stay. But though the brand remains true to its successful design DNA, the people behind it are not afraid to make the changes necessary to stay on top of a rapidly changing fashion market.

is managed by creative director Jannie Schacksen and CEO René T. Jensen, while Lars Schacksen sits on the board.

By Signe Hansen | Photos: NÜ Denmark

Due to NÜ Denmark’s immediate success and the two founders’ focus on the creative side of the business, sales were never a main priority within the company. But that has changed with the arrival of Jensen, who is renewing the brand’s relationship with dealers and customers through social media, concept stores and web sales.

However, though inspired by younger brands’ “naivety and fresh approach to things”, one aspect remains unchanged, and that is NÜ Denmark’s distinct design signature. “NÜ Denmark is defined by our strong and recognisable design DNA, and that will remain the foundation for our

Founded by Jannie and Lars Schacksen in 1997, NÜ Denmark today has dealers, agents and fans in most of Europe.

However, though the brand is now worn by women from all walks of life, the founders were originally aiming at a much smaller market: hairdressers. “As a hairdresser, Jannie struggled to find satisfying clothes that met her need for pockets for scissors and knives. That’s why she and Lars, who was in the textile industry, decided to start a fashion brand with clothes specifically designed for 16 | Issue 106 | November 2017

hairdressers,” explains René T. Jensen, who became CEO of the company last year. “It became a gigantic success, and it was not just the hairdressers, but their customers too, who wanted to wear the designs. That’s how NÜ Denmark, which was back then just NÜ, came about, and then it just took off.”

The brand kept growing and was named a Gazelle company by the financial daily newspaper Børsen five times, most recently in 2010. Today, the company

A bit stubborn

Scan Magazine | Design Profile | NÜ Denmark

brand not just now but in the future too.

We are constantly bombarded with ideas from dealers and agents about colours and designs, but we resist. We’re a bit stubborn like that,” jokes Jensen. “There is too much stuff that looks the same, and we want to represent what we represent.

That makes it more exciting too; a lot of companies follow the newest trends, relying on each other for inspiration, but our design has a distinct nerve and DNA.”

Raw simplicity and ethical production NÜ Denmark releases four yearly collections designed by Jannie Schacksen.

Behind the collections is a desire to create a raw simplicity based on pure natural materials and ethical production. The collections are designed with inspiration from Schacksen’s many trips to Japan, China, and Bali and combine the orient’s love of delicate details with a laid-back cut and raw and sophisticated materials.“

tries. “There are NÜ women in all countries – perhaps not as many as of some other brands, but that’s okay; we prefer to be a bit more specific about our designs, and we love to be able to dive into the details,” says Jensen.

To enable this kind of detail-specific design, the brand only works with a specially selected number of producers in, among other places, India, Denmark, China, and Italy. The producers are visited regularly by Jannie Schacksen to make sure they live up to the company’s ethical standards.

Web: www.nu-denmark.com Instagram: @nudenmark

Facts: NÜ Denmark is owned by Jannie Schacksen, Lars Schacksen and René T. Jensen.

NÜ means naked in French and woman in Chinese.

The NÜ collections are sold in leading fashion stores throughout Denmark and in the following export markets: Norway, Sweden, the Faroe Islands, Germany, Austria, England, France, Holland, Belgium, Italy, Finland, Spain, Switzerland, Hungary, Canada, Australia, and the US. The company’s headquarters are located in Randers, where it employs 60 people.

“While many other designers travel to cities like Paris and New York to sample collections, we spend zero money on samples. Other brands do something else, and they do it well, but it’s not for us. The DNA of our brand comes from somewhere else – it comes from Jannie,” stresses Jensen.

Despite the less mainstream approach, the brand is popular with women of all ages, especially in the Northern coun-

Issue 106 | November 2017 | 17

This is my house!

Alfons Åbergs Kulturhus (Alfie Atkins’ Cultural Centre) is a creative cultural centre for children and their adults.

This is a place where curious children can play, get up to mischief, climb and discover a world full os exciting things.

Slussgatan 1, Gothenburg, Sweden

alfonskulturhus.com

Scan Magazine | Design Profile | Star of Sweden

Carry yourself with beautiful colours Stylish jewellery from Star of Sweden adds glamour to everyday and special occasions, and each gem colour symbolises certain characteristics in the wearer.

This is the ideal gift for someone special, or a well-deserved treat to yourself.

By Malin Norman | Photos: Star of Sweden

Star of Sweden is a fast-growing Scandinavian design brand of trendy jewellery.

With the innovative gift concept Carry Yourself by Star of Sweden, customers get something a little bit extra to carry with them. The jewellery comes with a designed box and a message to the wearer, for instance You Are the Queen of Everything, including a gift note that explains the meaning behind it.

Founder Malin Andrén explains the idea of this personal collection. “This is much more than a piece of jewellery – it translates thoughts into meaning. Carry Yourself captures the words, lets them live there with you, in the symbol of a piece of jewellery that you always carry with you. Every purchase gives the opportuni-

ty to tell the person you care about how you feel about them and how they carry themselves.”

Classic jewellery with personality Star of Sweden suits women of all ages, styles and budgets – from the young and trendy boho chic to the more classic, mature woman. The range consists of delicate gold bracelets, earrings and short and long necklaces in green, pink and blue, with each colour telling a story about the person wearing the jewellery. For instance, green is described as honest and faithful, pink as reliable and romantic, and blue is considered calm and confident.

Most popular is the stylish bracelet One Piece, with other beautiful designs includ-

ing for example necklace Ocean and earrings Fairy. A new Star of Sweden collection will be launched in spring 2018 and, similarly to Carry Yourself, it has been inspired by the classic woman looking for timeless jewellery with personality.

In order to spread its story, Star of Sweden collaborates with a number of so-called storytellers across Europe.

These passionate bloggers act as ambassadors for the brand and have each chosen their own colour based on their personality, and they share the brand’s powerful message with others.

The collection Carry Yourself from Star of Sweden is available in the online shop and selected retailers across the country.

Web: www.starof.se Facebook: starofsweden Twitter: @STAROFSwe Instagram: @starofswe

Issue 106 | November 2017 | 19

Scan Magazine | Culinary Profile | Restaurant Format

A touch of class and character Format is a newly opened gourmet restaurant in Copenhagen with the mission to change the Danish perception of what hotel restaurants are capable of.

By Nicolai Lisberg | Photos: Stine Christiansen

From the moment you enter Restaurant Format you get the feeling that you are in for something extraordinary. The interior design is inspired by the many backyards you will find in Copenhagen; there is graffiti on the walls, the lights hanging from the ceiling resemble clotheslines, and there is a huge tree in the atrium.

But it is not only the design that is different: the food on the menu is what truly 20 | Issue 106 | November 2017

separates Format from your traditional hotel restaurant.

“It’s not that common for people in Denmark to go to a hotel restaurant to have dinner; that’s something we see more in foreign countries. In Denmark, the food served at hotel restaurants has a reputation for being a bit boring and traditional.

We want to change that reputation. We

strive to deliver high quality and taste, and we want to exceed the expectations of our guests. We want to show them that the food you get at hotel restaurants can indeed be gourmet food,” says Morten Andersen, service director at Format.

The idea for Format was born when Claus Hildebrandt bought Hotel SKT Annæ and decided to give it a makeover.

Hildebrandt knew Kristian Arpe-Møller and Rune Amgild from the Restaurant Uformel, which is located close to another of Hildebrandt’s hotels. He liked what Arpe-Møller and Amgild had done

Scan Magazine | Culinary Profile | Restaurant Format

Bar has been created as an informal, casual place for guests to drop in for a drink, a small bite or a light meal and in many ways works as a natural extension of the restaurant.

to the restaurant and asked them if they wanted to be in charge of food and beverages at his new hotel restaurant.

They said yes and brought Australian head chef Will Smith on board, as well as Morten Andersen as service director. Will Smith and Morten Andersen had met at Geranium – the first Danish restaurant to earn three stars from the Michelin Guide – where they worked together with Smith as the assistant head chef to Rasmus Kofoed.

An international kitchen Format positions itself in the higher segment of middle-class restaurants. Their wine list is not only very affordable, but it has also been dubbed one of the best in Copenhagen. In the kitchen, they make a virtue out of using local ingredients of high

quality, produced and sourced with mindfulness in relation to the environment.

“We describe ourselves as an international kitchen. We use the best ingredients you can get in Denmark, and we are very aware of using local ingredients,” explains Andersen. “We salute the simplicity that each ingredient has to offer, so instead of changing its taste, we try to help optimise its taste as much as possible. Our chef, Will, is very much inspired by Asian, and especially Japanese, ingredients, so if you look at our menu you will notice that many of our dishes have a Japanese touch.”

The complete experience When entering Format, you will find the restaurant on the left and a cosy, elegant lounge and bar to the right. Form Dried reindeer.

“It’s a little bit more laid back than the restaurant, also in terms of what we serve, but still it has that touch of class and character that characterises Format.

We have hired one of the best bartenders in Denmark to run the bar, and he has come up with a very impressive cocktail menu – all classic cocktails, but with a bit of a twist that gives them a bit of an edge,” says Andersen and adds: “We always strive to give our guests that extraordinary feeling – the feeling that you can come and stay at the hotel, start in the bar, have your dinner in the restaurant, and then finish in the bar before you go to bed. It’s the complete experience.”

Format can seat 70 guests divided equally between two distinctly different dining rooms, while Form Bar can accommodate up to 35 guests with additional seating outside Sankt Annæ Plads when the weather allows.

Web: www.formatcph.dk and www.hotelsanktannae.dk Facebook: formatcph Instagram: @formatcph

Will and Morten.

Issue 106 | November 2017 | 21

Scan Magazine | Culture Feature | Fregatten Jylland

A historic frigate full of life Shoot the cannon, climb the 53-metre-tall mast or enjoy an afternoon tea in the royal salon. Visitors of all ages will find something to enjoy at the beautiful 19th-century frigate, Fregatten Jylland in Ebeltoft.

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Fregatten Jylland

With its imposing exterior, Fregatten Jylland has become an essential part of the identity of the seaside town of Ebeltoft. Beautifully and truthfully preserved, the three-master offers history enthusiasts as well as little sea boys and girls a unique experience. “From the middle of the 1980s, when the frigate was first restored, and going forward, it has been preserved with original methods. That’s one of the things that’s outstanding about this ship; it’s in the exact same condition as it was when it was on the sea,” explains museum director Lars Olsen. “This means that when visiting the ship and the shipyard, you’ll also meet the workmen in action traditionally caulking, painting and mending the ship.”

22 | Issue 106 | November 2017

Built in 1860, the frigate took part in the Danish navy’s victorious battle against the Prussian-Austrian navy in 1864. Since, it has served in the navy and as part of the royal fleet and, recently, the ship relived a bit of its royal past as the Danish Crown Prince family came by for a visit. “It was a big experience for everyone, especially our younger guests, to see real princes and princesses on board. The whole family took part in the tour alongside our other guests and, at the end of the tour, Crown Prince Frederik fired the cannon,” explains Olsen.

Fun for all ages The ship cannon is fired twice every day all summer and the salute is just one

of the many fun attractions for children.

Others include treasure hunts, rope making, digital exhibitions and seafare games as well as the chance to climb some of the way up the ship’s main mast.

For the older audience there is a chance to dig a bit deeper into the history of the ship and experience some of the luxury enjoyed by past royal passengers. An elegant afternoon tea in the royal salon, historic tours, and special Champagne and oyster evenings are among the experiences on offer.

On 10 February 2018, a special exhibition of 75 historic ship models from Danmarks Marineforening (Denmark’s Marine Association) will open in Fregatten Jylland’s beautiful exhibition hall.

Afternoon tea and special events must be pre-booked via the website.

Web: www.fregatten-jylland.dk

MICHAEL KVIUM CIRCUS EUROPA 2/9 2017 – 14/1 2018 arken.dk

Michael Kvium, Stand Up Comedy, 2016. Foto: Anders Sune Berg

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Janove

Photo: Arne Bru Haug

24 | Issue 106 | November 2017

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Janove

Janove

Hard work, dreams and gypsy rock Raised in an uneventful Norwegian village, Janove Ottesen had to dream up stories and unknown worlds to keep himself entertained. Then again, self-reliance has been a constant theme in the life of the rocker who insists that the only way to success is hard work. Scan Magazine spoke to the Norwegian rock star about Kaizers Orchestra, the Scandinavian sound, and stopping when you are on top.

the singer. “Then, when we did have our breakthrough, people thought that it had happened overnight, because they weren’t there in that basement. But success rarely happens like that.”

By Linnea Dunne

The beauty of it, according to Janove – and something he says that they were always very conscious of – was the advantage of being used to hard work. Once the first album made it big, they toured extensively: 150 shows in Norway in just 12 months; and it just kept on growing. “It was a oncein-a-lifetime experience; you never get a fresh start like that again. It got bigger and better every week,” he smiles. “Then we realised that, as we didn’t have normal jobs, we could keep working hard, keep making better plans – because we were doing this for a living. I remember that we discussed it: the other bands who were still trying to get a breakthrough would never stand a chance, because we had all day every day, morning to evening. So we had this opportunity to work five times harder than other bands – and we did.”

As the lead singer of Kaizers Orchestra, he won the Stavanger Aftenblad’s culture prize, the Norwegian Artist Association’s honorary award, the Edvard prize for popular music, a Spellemann of the Year award, Spellemannprisen for both Band of the Year and Music Video of the Year, and many more awards and accolades.

The band’s dreamy gypsy rock certainly struck a chord with Norwegian audiences, who were mesmerised by the stories of the fictitious characters in the songs, but Janove Ottesen – now officially going simply by the name Janove – insists that it was nothing but a natural reaction to growing up in a village where nothing happens. “It was a very safe environment where nothing spectacular ever happened, and we were dreaming about more spectacular surroundings, dreaming about the cities, using our imagination to try to write ourselves into settings other than our own safe realities with families and friends,” he explains. “I was trying to tell stories that we’d love to be in ourselves. It was a way of escaping; writing about regular life wasn’t particularly interesting…”

Janove was only five when his father bought himself an organ to teach himself to play. The young boy would hang around the living room when his dad practised, and he listened and learnt. “Then I did it just by listening to him, and I did it even better,” he recalls. “I never took lessons – I could listen and play it back in two takes.

It’s been obvious since I was five; I’ve been in bands since I was ten.”

‘It just kept on growing’ The story of Kaizers Orchestra is often told as one of overnight success, a myth Janove is quick to dispel. “A lot of people think that it happened quickly and easily, but I was 26 when we had our breakthrough. A lot of young girls have their breakthrough at 18 these days – that’s young. I was always in bands, and even if it was always a hobby, always just for fun in the beginning, a lot of hard work went into it. So from when I was 20 until I was 26 we were playing and rehearsing and gigging and felt like no one liked it and no label picked it up – maybe only five people showed up at our gigs,” says

The band released eight full-length albums and several EPs and live recordings, all best described as fast-paced gypsy rock or Balkan brass. With lyrics following a range of fictitious characters, including the five extended family members of the Violeta Violeta trilogy, the music often evokes Tim Burton references and deals Issue 106 | November 2017 | 25

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Janove

Press photo

with realist themes including everything from war and resistance to love, betrayal and death. For 13 years, momentum kept on growing, the albums topped the charts, the live shows won awards and each new tour got bigger than the last – but then the band decided to call it quits. “We wanted to stop when we were on top and things couldn’t get any bigger,” says Janove. “Instead of failing and being forced to stop, we stopped and left it there as this fantastic career and ending, like a beautiful piece of art. It’s a pretty cool move, and something we’re proud of.”

Going solo In 2015, a couple of years after Kaizers Orchestra had dissolved, Janove announced that he was returning to the mainstream music scene, reviving an old solo career that had previously resulted in the 2004 English-language Francis’ Lonely Nights release. This time, however, he would stick with the Norwegian lyrics 26 | Issue 106 | November 2017

and dialectal vocals he had perfected as a front man of Kaizers Orchestra, if with a slightly more accessible touch. “We had an identity in our own language – if we would’ve tried to say the same things in English, we would’ve lost a lot of that identity. It’s just natural for us to tell stories in our language, our dialect, our own style,” he says. “With my solo album, I want to continue with what I’m good at.

Most people know who I am, and they expect me to sing in my own dialect. But I’m more mature in my writing as I get older. I’ve come a long way in developing my own style.”

Musically, too, the singer is sticking to what he knows, yet with perhaps a little less angst and a little more of a modern pop-rock reference. He may be performing under his own name, but he is not alone on stage. “It’s very similar that way – I still have a band, always the same people. I like to work with the same people all

the time so that I know their strengths and can allow that to influence my writing,” he says. The line-up reads a bit like a who’s who of Norway’s and Sweden’s rock scene with Børge Fjordheim on drums, Micke Lohse on keys, Gulleiv Wee on bass and Mattias Hellberg on guitar. The tracks really rock – and they have something undoubtedly Scandinavian about them. “I don’t know what the Scandinavian sound is, but I’m part of it; I come from Scandinavia. We have an attitude, we’re influenced by the same stuff that we grew up listening to, we have the same frame of reference,” he ponders. “It’s hard to pinpoint what it is when you’re in the middle of it, but ask someone who’s not from here and they’ll say that there’s a Scandinavian sound.”

New, creative sounds Asked who his musical heroes are, Janove insists that there are too many to mention – but he pays heed to the path carved by

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Janove

many of the Nordic musicians who have walked before him. “The Swedes are better at commercial music and creating new big, mainstream pop-rock acts who make it internationally. Norwegians are better at developing the music, that creative part; we create new genres, it’s more arty in a way. We might struggle to go mainstream in that big-time commercial way, but that doesn’t mean that the music is worse – it’s probably better… there’s a lot of new, creative, different music coming out of Norway.”

Speaking of new music, Janove released the new single Hengtmann last month and has a new album to follow early next year. His plan, unsurprisingly, is all about hard work. “I want to make my solo act as good as possible,” he asserts. “I have a need to write a lot of music, so I’ll have to record and release a lot of music – I have a lot to show the world. And I’ll make plans to see if this can get bigger and better in every way, little by little every year.”

It sounds like a familiar storyline indeed and, as proven by the orchestra, if you are willing to work hard, you can always end on top.

If you could record a duet with any singer, dead or alive, who would it be?

John Lennon If you could only listen to one album today, what would it be?

It changes every moment, every day, every year, but this morning I listened to Gillian Welch’s The Harrow & The Harvest. It’s simply stunning.

What is your favourite thing about Norwegian people?

I feel safe around Norwegians – in a very profound sense.

Janove released the new single Hengtmann last month and is touring Norway throughout November. A brand-new album is out on January 19, followed by a tour starting in February.

Web: www.janove.no Facebook: janoveartist

Press photo

If you had not been a musician, what would you have done?

I would’ve been a teacher. That’s what I’m trained to do.

What do you think of SKAM? I haven’t seen it!

There’s a genie in a bottle. What are your three wishes?

You only need one: you wish that you could get as many wishes as you want, and then you just roll from there and you’ll be fine!

Press photo

Issue 106 | November 2017 | 27

AS M N ST DE lT I a i ec HR WE Sp C T MS S BE FRO E TH IFTS G e:

m he

Welcome to enjoy sustainable shopping in Sweden We know that part of your trip to Sweden will be spent shopping. That is why we want to take this opportunity to tell you that, in Sweden, you can shop with a completely clean conscience – because the Swedish retail trade is proud to unofficially take the leading role in global sustainability.

By Karin Johansson, CEO of the Swedish Trade Federation

We have a number of Swedish fashion companies that have become worldfamous: H&M, Filippa K, Nudie Jeans and many more. We collectively call them the Swedish fashion wonder. They are known for their design, but also for their extensive sustainability work.

28 | Issue 106 | November 2017

Sweden is also home to IKEA – a global phenomenon in Swedish colours.

Thanks to its size, the furniture company can focus on the environment during the design stage. By reducing the size of the packaging and the weight, they save on both material and transportation.

Even when you go to the supermarket to buy some chocolate, you will encounter the widest range of organic options in the world. Our shops make great efforts to offer regionally sourced products.

When you buy milk, vegetables or meat, you will no doubt be able to trace the goods all the way back to the farm.

In other words, in Sweden you can enjoy your shopping with a clean conscience.

Web: www.svenskhandel.se

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Best Christmas Gifts From Sweden

Karin Johansson, CEO of the Swedish Trade Federation.

Photo: Björn Lofterud.

Photo: Dekohem

The Folklore Company.

Photo: Lotta Lundberg

Photo: Nääsgränsgården

Issue 106 | November 2017 | 29

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Best Christmas Gifts From Sweden

Left: The bags and backpacks in the Crud line are made from 18-ounce waxed cotton canvas, providing it with its own unique patina after years of use. Photo: Mikael Kenta. Top middle: The Gjöra gloves have been developed for hard use under tough conditions. Photo: Fredrik Telléus. Bottom middle: With a view of creating utilitarian pieces that are primarily functional and durable, Bechet’s main focus is on the materials. Photo: Fredrik Telléus. Right: Swedish founder Alex Bechet set up Crud, a small company making high-quality Scandinavian bags and accessories. Photo: Mikael Kenta

Durable gear that ages with grace and dignity As an opposition to modern society’s throw-away fashion culture and seasonal trends, Swedish founder Alex Bechet set up his very own brand, Crud – focusing on sustainability, locally sourced materials and domestic labour.

By Line Elise Svanevik

Crud – which derives from the Latin word ‘crudus’, meaning ‘raw’ – was created two years ago with one thing in mind: to make high-quality gear that can be passed down to the next generation. “This is not ‘Made in China’,” explains Bechet. “I wanted to use natural materials and make gear that would last for many years – like vegetable-tanned leather and waxed cotton canvas, two beautiful and natural materials that develop their own unique patina and become very personal to the owner after some time and use.

Bechet explains the style as slightly old-fashioned with a modern touch – but he is not trying to reach everyone. “Our products are for people who appreciate high quality and a simple yet functional design. It’s a bit more expensive than the average, but I think people appreciate small-batch goods produced under controlled conditions these days, especially 30 | Issue 106 | November 2017

now that everything is mass produced.

People want to find products that they feel represent them and their lifestyles in a more sustainable way,” he adds.

Natural materials “The leather used in our products is exclusive and has been used by both Louis Vuitton and Hermes, in addition to other big brands,” says the founder. “It’s from Tärnsjö Garveri, which is one of the only tanneries left in the world to use vegetable tanning.”

All bags and backpacks are equipped with tough brass zippers, high-quality steel hardware, felt – a by-product from the wool industry, made using 100 per cent pure Swedish sheep’s wool – and durable 18-ounce heavy-waxed canvas from Great Britain and Scotland.

Bechet believes that it is important to be able to use Swedish labour. “As long

as the skills in craftsmanship are found here in Sweden, we will use it. Not only is this a step towards preventing the knowledge and skills from being lost; it also boosts local growth,” he explains.

“This is one of the company’s core values and an important part in calling Crud a true Swedish brand. There are a lot of brands out there today who mask themselves with Swedish names while mass producing their gear in Asia. They are simply riding the wave of success that is often associated with Swedish-made quality gear when, in fact, the materials are being sourced from countries with low wages and the products are made under poor conditions.”

Bechet continues: “I’ve never been interested in owning a lot of things, like people do today. I want something utilitarian that works for multiple purposes – but with this attitude, you need to make high-functioning, good-quality gear that only becomes more beautiful with age.”

Web: www.crudsweden.se

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Best Christmas Gifts From Sweden

Photo: Nadim Elazeh

Modernising tradition, stitch by stitch Do you regularly admire your grandmother’s needlecraft designs, wishing your creative abilities could live up to hers? Well, look no further – The Folklore Company might offer just the solution you are after.

By Pia Petersson | Photos: Lotta Lundberg

Sofia Magnusson has made it her life’s mission to take traditional embroidery into the 21st century. “It started when I wanted something nice to hang on the wall at home,” she begins. “My roots are in Hälsingland, so a wall hanging seemed like the obvious choice – but I looked for a simple way to make my own version of it.”

Skilfully made wall hangings are a common feature in many houses in the fairy tale-like province of Hälsingland. For centuries, the traditional Swedish wall hanging hung above the kitchen sofa or the bed in homes all over the country.

Often, they were adorned with a proverb or Bible citation as the central motif.

However, in the mid-1900s, the tradition fell out of fashion – which leads us onto the problem Magnusson encountered. “I looked everywhere but couldn’t find one, so I decided I’d have to make it myself,” she explains.

Thus, Magnusson began researching the current status of needlecraft. Realising that this traditional craft had not taken the step into the modern digital era, she believed that she was onto something.

“I thought maybe I could try to make needlecraft more accessible. I wanted it not to be just for older generations, but become available to younger generations too,” says Magnusson.

Fast-forward three years and Magnusson is juggling life running The Folklore Company with being the parent of two children under the age of three. Managing to secure backing from venture capitalists, Magnusson is a perfect example of how well things can work out when traditional and modern ways of conducting business unite. Last year, she gave up her job as project manager to devote all her time to the flourishing business.

“It’s essentially a website that helps you design your own embroidery pattern. We

offer customised embroidery patterns as well as ready-made wall hangings,” Magnusson explains. Some of the most popular patterns include lyrics by the popular Swedish musician Håkan Hellström, some wise words about motherhood and a, shall we say quite saucy, quote.

The plans for the future are exciting.

“We’re already selling internationally, but we’d like to expand and reach all corners of the world,” says the entrepreneur. It seems as if she has succeeded, as more people are making their grannies proud by picking up those almost forgotten skills.

Sofia Magnusson.

Photo: Sanna Rådelius

Web: www.folklorecompany.com

Issue 106 | November 2017 | 31

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Best Christmas Gifts From Sweden

Contrasting colours

By Pia Petersson | Photos: Cooee

When Catrine Åberg came home to Sweden after several years abroad, she noticed that many of her fellow countrymen dressed and decorated their homes in black, white and different shades of grey. Åberg decided she should liven up Scandinavia with a splash of colour and some interesting designs.

“Adding jewellery to an outfit will change the impression and it’ll be more interesting. The same goes for adding an interesting interior item to your home,” says Åberg.

This is of course not to say that black and white are to be avoided – sometimes all that is needed is a bit of a contrast.

In 2005, Åberg founded the design company Cooee. The name – which means ‘hello’ in an Australian Aboriginal language – is inspired by Åberg’s time overseas. Among its many exciting designs, a signature product is a round vase, appropriately named Ball. Hand painted with a matte, soft surface it has become something of Cooee’s hallmark. In addition to its permanent designs, Cooee is about to launch a stylish and minimalistic Christmas collection.

As well as interior design, jewellery is at the centre of Cooee. It has been spotted on the wrists of royalty and has been picked up by magazines like Vogue. “Quite uniquely, we create jewellery using acrylic glass.

Some years ago, we designed a bracelet called Nutcuff, which became an interna-

tional success when it appeared in a leading fashion magazine,” Åberg remembers.

The roots of Åberg and Cooee are interconnected with the design tradition of the Swedish province of Småland. However, with more than 200 retailers across the globe, the entire world is now its market.

Web: www.cooee.se Instagram: @catcooee Facebook: Cooee Design

Nutcuff bracelet in acrylic glass and Cuffs in sterling silver.

Product news: Winterstar brass and Candlestick Ball.

Swedish design made with natural materials and fine craftsmanship

By Sara Wenkel | Photos: Anna Kern

Beautiful to watch; easing your everyday life; a conscious purchase – does that not sound like the perfect Christmas gift?

For over 100 years now, the Swedish company Iris Hantverk has produced brushes for every type of need that have been handmade by visually impaired craftsmen.

Today, five visually impaired craftsmen still make the modern design brushes according to an old Swedish tradition, while the range of beautiful and functional products has grown. The collection now includes many of the utensils we need for our everyday lives at home, such as cloths, dustpans and hangers, and all products are made using carefully selected materials that are mostly natural.

“We are just releasing the new Multi Hanger, originally developed to stow away all rinsed-out disposable packaging while it’s drying, before recycling,” says Sara Edhäll, co-owner and vice president of Iris 32 | Issue 106 | November 2017

Hantverk. “I think it’s so beautiful though, so I wouldn’t mind hanging it in my bedroom, or any other room for that matter.”

The Multi Hanger is available at Iris Hantverk’s webshop, along with their full assortment. Iris Hantverk’s products can also be found in physical stores across 43 different countries. “We have the pleas-

ure of being represented in beautiful boutiques all over the world,” explains Edhäll.

She believes that the type of product Iris Hantverk offers attracts the same type of people globally. “It doesn’t matter where you live – our customers appreciate the natural materials, fine craftsmanship and Swedish design.”

Web: www.irishantverk.se/en

Photo: Iris Hantverk

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Best Christmas Gifts From Sweden

The Life Collection.

Knowledge is power Is there a straightforward way of combining stylish design with knowledge and packaging it in an appealing way? Old friends and colleagues Agneta Norlin and Jennie B Lindfors had both been pondering this question for some time when, one day, they realised that they were on the same page and decided to join forces.

for parents and other adults so that the steps of life saving are clearly memorised and remembered should an accident occur,” she explains.

By Pia Petersson | Photos: Kunskapstavlan

The prophets of woe told Lindfors and Norlin to keep their expectations low and that things would move slowly. Nevertheless, Kunskapstavlan went from none to 50 international resellers in one stroke, having participated at a big Scandinavian design fair. Now the plan is to expand even more internationally. “Evidently, Scandinavian design is in great demand, and we’ve managed to stand out from the crowd with our smart art. We also make other products now, such as kitchen towels, trays and coasters, and we plan to develop more products,” Lindfors concludes.

What the pair wanted to create was skilfully designed artwork to put on the wall in the kitchen, the kiddie room or the lounge. So, in 2015, they established Kunskapstavlan (loosely, ‘knowledge art’). “We aspired to convey knowledge through design. These days, when everything’s spinning fast and changing quickly, I suppose there’s a simple beauty in standing in front of something that hangs on a wall and just look and learn.

We think of it as ‘smart art’ – we aim to create something more than just beautiful design,” Lindfors explains.

Combining their strengths – Norlin is a graphic designer and Lindfors has a background in project management – they quickly realised that they had created something rare. “For us, high-quality products are essential, and all our prints are signed with our own hand-embossed seal. Additionally, the paper we use

is age-resistant and both FSC and EU Ecolabel certified,” Lindfors continues.

The many diverse motifs include a kids’ collection with, among other things, a colourful piece depicting different modes of transportation. The SE collection shares knowledge about Sweden, as demonstrated in, for instance, an overview of Nordic animal footprints.

Another recent design takes the idea of knowledge very seriously indeed. “It’s called the Life Collection, and we consider it the most important artwork we’ve developed,” says Lindfors. The Life Collection consists of two prints: one describing how to perform CPR on a child, and the other outlining the steps to take if a child is choking. “It’s every parent’s worst nightmare. The purpose is to, through the two artworks, create a reminder and rehearsal opportunity

Jennie B Lindfors and Agneta Norlin.

Web: www.kunskapstavlan.se

Issue 106 | November 2017 | 33

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Best Christmas Gifts From Sweden

Soft, solid slow fashion in 100 per cent cashmere The two founders of Soft Goat share a love of all the wonderful qualities of cashmere: its sustainability, its versatility and its sheer softness and beauty. With a determination to slice costs, they are now spreading that love, making 100 per cent cashmere accessible for everyone.

makes us flexible so that we can launch new products quickly and don’t depend on a sales organisation to sell our collections to retailers.”

By Linnea Dunne | Photos: Christine Knutsson

Warm, sustainable and service-minded

“It all started when I was chatting to my friend, Erik Magnuson, about his cashmere jumper and reflected on how it had kept its quality for such a long time,” Stephanie Bergström recalls. “We were talking about how cashmere is so costly and wondering whether there might be a way to sell beautiful, high-quality cashmere jumpers at a better price.”

That was seven years ago, and the solution – to work exclusively with online trade – was still somewhat of a novelty.

34 | Issue 106 | November 2017

The strategy was based on the idea of cutting out retailers’ mark-up costs in order to maintain the high quality but slash the price. This remains a crucial aspect of the two cashmere lovers’ now wellestablished fashion brand, Soft Goat, but there are plenty of additional benefits of the online-only approach. “The cost aspect is critical, in that a jumper we can sell online for 1,600 SEK would cost at least twice that if we were selling it in a physical boutique,” Bergström explains.

“But working with e-commerce also

Consistently good quality is one of Soft Goat’s key promises to their customers.

“It’s a fantastically sustainable material, in more than one sense,” says Bergström. “A cashmere jumper will last a very long time if you look after it the right way, so we’re part of a ‘slow fashion’ movement that aims to move away from throw-away fashion and endless consumption. This is important to us, and we’re working very consciously with sustainability at the moment.

But cashmere is also very versatile and works in different climates and seasons.”

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Best Christmas Gifts From Sweden

That is not to say that the service element has been compromised on. That customers should receive service just as good as – if not better than – if they had been shopping in a physical boutique, is a given. That goes from the shopping experience and all the way through packaging and delivery and to the moment you unwrap your cashmere. Moreover, speediness is key, and recently Soft Goat started offering same-day delivery in metropolitan areas. “There should be a sense of ease and luxury throughout the whole experience,” Bergström smiles.

Cashmere wool comes from cashmere goats, named after the Indian Kashmir region where in fact few goats live today. Instead, they are mostly found in an extremely cold climate on the high plateaus of the Gobi Desert, where their underwool protects them year-round.

When they begin to shed their winter wool, they are combed to seize the underwool; getting enough for a cashmere jumper from one goat can take up to four years.

Soft Goat’s products are all made in China from 100 per cent OEKO-TEX®certified cashmere, guaranteeing that certain chemicals have been kept to a minimum and that the products hold the highest of standards. The best-seller to date is a classic black or grey roundneck jumper, and the classic polo-neck jumper does really well in the winter season. So far, the brand has collaborated with designers such as the media sisters Hannah Widell and Amanda Schulman, and fashion influencer Petra Tungården.

This spring sees a first, as a new collaboration created together with a male designer will be launched.

Giving something back Alongside their passion for quality cashmere garments, Bergström and Magnuson agreed from day one that it was important for them to give something back. Initially, they sponsored a charity project called Donate a Goat, but as the fashion brand grew they ended up in a shared office with Project Playground, an organisation working to

inspire and motivate children to make the most of their inner power and potential through organised social and sports activities. “Working side by side with them, we could see how hard they were working and how passionate they were.

We’ve now been collaborating for more than four years, and so much has happened. Our funds have helped countless young people who really needed it, and that feels really good,” says Bergström.

From a solid selection of base colours to new seasonal styles, Soft Goat is not just supporting charity but also spreading warmth in their very own way, with soft quality fashion. “If you’re looking for a plain cashmere jumper for your capsule wardrobe, we want you to think of us, and if you need a more exciting cardigan in a bright colour, we want to offer that too,” says the founder. “We want to be the obvious choice when it comes to cashmere.”

Web: www.softgoat.com

Founder Stephanie Bergström.

Issue 106 | November 2017 | 35

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Best Christmas Gifts From Sweden

Retro porcelain becomes trendy jewellery The stylish jewellery from KILA Design is made from retro porcelain: colourful statement pieces for any occasion and perfectly in line with our modern-day sustainability focus.

By Malin Norman | Photos: Kila Design

KILA Design was set up in 1996 by Cecilia Claesson. In her home studio in Horred south of Göteborg, the designer creates jewellery from salvaged antique and period china and porcelain. Despite more than 20 years in the business, the idea of recycling existing ceramics is very much in line with the current trend of offering sustainable products.

By carefully cutting the ceramics into smaller pieces showcasing the beautiful patterns, Claesson creates a stylish range of rings, bracelets, arm rings, necklaces, earrings and brooches – chunky jewellery with bold prints and colours, statement pieces to be worn at any occasion. Each piece is made by hand and

with great care, resulting in a collection of unique jewellery.

Claesson often uses classic Swedish patterns for her designs, and highlights that there is an abundance of fantastic ceramics in the country, especially from the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s. “Swedish porcelain really is a kind of cultural heritage, with famous artists having designed the patterns,” she says. “But it’s also fantastic when I find a plate I haven’t seen before and feel inspired by the design.”

The all-time KILA Design bestseller is Berså, made of porcelain from renowned company Gustavsberg. This popular green leaf pattern was originally created by Swedish ceramic designer Stig Lindberg back in

Pass me the salt, please!

1961. Jewellery made from classic Finnish porcelain factory Arabia is also proving to be popular, often with colourful patterns, and of course its famous Moomin mugs.

KILA Design jewellery is available in the online shop and from selected distributors in Sweden, Norway and Japan.

Web: www.kila.nu Instagram: @kiladesign

By Malin Norman | Photos: RIVSALT

RIVSALT is a gastronomic experience and a new way of adding salt to food. As the natural centrepiece of any dining table, it makes for an ideal gift for all foodies and design lovers out there.

Swedish brand RIVSALT is the brainchild of entrepreneur and designer Jens Sandringer. He came up with the idea when dining at a teppanyaki restaurant in Beijing, and his first product was introduced at Designtorget Sweden in January 2013, where it is still a best-seller.

Since its launch, the range has grown each year and can be found in stores worldwide, including MoMa Design Store in New York, Harvey Nichols and Harrods in London, NK in Stockholm and Illums Bolighus in Copenhagen. RIVSALT was also one of the winners at the 2016 Gift & Life Instyle Awards in Australia.

New product rivsalt BBQ Pro brings salt block grilling to a whole new level, with a metal plate that works on barbeques, induction hobs and in the oven – particularly useful for the cold winter months.

36 | Issue 106 | November 2017

With its nine kilogrammes, this is a standout Christmas gift under the tree. Another recent addition is rivsalt LIQUORICE, including a piece of raw liquorice, a grater and a wooden desk stand. “This is a new culinary trend globally,” says Sandringer.

“Grated liquorice adds an extra kick to desserts, ice cream and cocktails.”

Sandringer also offers inspirational seminars and consultancy under the name PASSMETHESALTPLEASE. “Many people approach me with questions about RIVSALT specifically, but also express an interest in the actual start-up journey, including dos and don’ts,” he explains. “I think that our story has relevance within the creative community, be it in regards to product development, design strategy or organisational re-structuring to become more innovative.”

Distributors in Scandinavia: - Magasin Friend of Brands - Lund-Stougaard (Denmark) Web: www.rivsalt.com www.passmethesaltplease.com Instagram: @rivsalt

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Best Christmas Gifts From Sweden

Mixing trendy and classic for homes and gardens Wikholm Form is one of Scandinavia’s leading suppliers of home décor and garden products for florists and interior design stores. With its mix of contemporary and classic pieces, there is something for every season and mood.

By Malin Norman | Photos: Wikholm Form

Over the past nine years, the company has offered a wide assortment of home décor and outdoor goods including pots and baskets, ceramics and glassware, lanterns and chandeliers, furniture made of recycled teak, and garden furniture at selected florists, garden centres and interior stores. Based in Borås, and with a team of around 30 staff, Wikholm Form also has dedicated sales teams and a network of trusted distributors and agents across Europe and the US. Peter Westlander took over as CEO in 2009 and talks about the company’s successful concept, which has resulted in a growth rate of around 25 to 30 per cent per year. “Many florists have become lifestyle shops, also selling home décor and interior design items,” he says. “And, similarly, interior design boutiques are adding plants and garden

products to their assortment. This fits us perfectly, as we have a wide range of lifestyle products for both the home and the garden.”

Dedicated in-house designer The style has a typically Scandinavian touch, with decorative and functional pieces that are easy to mix and match.

Unlike most other wholesalers, Wikholm Form has its own in-house designer: Eva Vänskä. She designs mostly glassware and ceramics, adding classic pieces to the collection as well as more trendy, season-bound one-offs. All products created by Eva Vänskä carry the ‘Form by Wikholm’ logo.

The extensive Wikholm Form product catalogue has over 1,500 pieces, of which upwards of 700 are new each season. In the coming season’s edition,

the themes are Boat, Country, Calm and Garden House. In addition to its range of products, there is also a muchappreciated section with inspiration and advice on how shops can style their window displays according to the seasonal themes.

Currently, the focus is on the European markets, and Wikholm Form participates in several tradeshows abroad to showcase their range of products, which is also available at around 2,500 selected retailers across Europe.

Upcoming tradeshows: 6-8 January - TrendSet Munich, Germany 17-20 January - Formex Stockholm, Sweden 24-26 January - Oslo Design Fair Oslo, Norway 26-30 January - Christmas World Frankfurt, Germany

Web: www.wikholmform.com

Issue 106 | November 2017 | 37

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Best Christmas Gifts From Sweden

Elegantly un-Scandinavian With experience of working for Sweden’s renowned glass and crystal brands and an urge to design beautiful, useful items for the home, Belinda Wigerfelt and Caroline Melin are showing that Scandinavian design can be more than minimalist simplicity.

Dekohem offers everyday luxury in the form of elegant, classical interior items for the modern home.

By Linnea Dunne | Photos: Dekohem

“The starting point is always something we ourselves miss,” says Belinda Wigerfelt. The collection of interior design items she and her business partner Caroline Melin have brought to life is a far cry from the typical Scandinavian design range: less minimal and stripped back, more classically elegant with graphic patterns. With recent interior design trends showing mustier colours and bold patterns, you could perhaps say that Wigerfelt and Melin were one step ahead. Not that the designer herself would ever put it that way; she is not exactly one to boast.

38 | Issue 106 | November 2017

The pair have been friends since primary school and worked together for many years before they decided to try their luck as business partners. Wigerfelt studied interior architecture and design in the UK and has always had a knack for creativity and form, while Melin has worked with sales, communication and service for a number of international businesses, including in the hotel, travel, entertainment and interior design sectors – always guided by an eye for creativity and trends. After working together for one of the leading glass and crystal producers in Scandinavia, with brands including

Iittala and Rörstrand, they decided to venture into e-commerce to sell glass and crystal products online. “People kept telling us that it wouldn’t work – that it’d lead to price dumping and the products would break in the post,” Wigerfelt recalls. “We know now, of course, that that wasn’t the case.”

Creating future design classics But the two entrepreneurs were missing the creative process and wanted to design products of their own, and so, just over two years ago, Dekohem saw the light of day. “We are inspired by different styles and trends from different periods of time within both fashion and interior design, and we get more inspiration from abroad than we do from within Scandinavia. We really wanted something that would feel new and exciting here in Sweden,” says Wigerfelt. “After a while, when you’ve been looking at all the Scandinavian interior de-

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Best Christmas Gifts From Sweden

sign, you need something that’s a bit more exciting for the eye; you tire of all the minimalism. Our range is classic, elegant, and always of high quality. We want to create future design classics.”

With their own needs and desires as a starting point, aiming to fill a real need or function, the pair add a modern, attractive touch, always designing everything together. “You naturally get different tasks, obviously – for example, Caroline works a lot with producers to ensure consistently high quality and sound working conditions, and I end up doing the sketches of everything as that’s what I know,” says Wigerfelt. “But we’re both very much involved with the creative process. We work really well as a team.” Recently, they were struggling to find the right cup for their morning coffee – the right size, the right look and with a saucer. So, they designed their own: the Posh porcelain mug and saucer in white with a black rim and handle. “The feeling is about so much more than just a mug – you want a special size for your coffee, and having a saucer really adds something,” she explains.

a result of Wigerfelt and Melin thirsting for strong, modern patterns. The range has proved that they are not alone: a total of 70 retailers throughout Sweden stock Dekohem’s products, and the company could be seen at this year’s Formex – the largest meeting place for Nordic interior design – for a third time.

Next, the creative entrepreneurs are looking further afield. They already have a sales agent in place in Germany and are preparing to exhibit there in January, at the Nordstil fair in Hamburg. “We’re going all in for the German market now, but eventually we want to continue throughout the rest of Europe, and the rest of the world,” Wigerfelt concludes.

Dekohem was founded in 2015.

Belinda Wigerfelt and Caroline Melin, two friends and former colleagues, founded Dekohem together and still work very closely with both business strategy and creative design work.

Dekohem produces elegant items for the home, including placemats, cushions, napkins, porcelain and much more.

Dekohem’s products are available from the online shop as well as 70 retailers throughout Sweden.

In January 2018, you can meet the founders at Nordstil in Hamburg.

Web: www.dekohem.com

Taking on the world In addition to the mug, Dekohem offers a range of interior details that combine style, quality and function, including textiles, decorative items and placemats. The latter were the first to be launched under the Dekohem banner, Belinda Wigerfelt and Caroline Melin.

Photo: Therese Bruno Romell

Issue 106 | November 2017 | 39

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Best Christmas Gifts From Sweden

For the love of stationary With a mix of traditional bookbinding, the finest of papers and exclusive patterns, Papp Limited creates beautiful stationary dressed in textile for the safekeeping of memories, treasures and notes.

Swedish brand Papp Limited began with a love of paper and traditional bookbinding back in 2011. Owner and graphic designer Camilla Larsson creates timeless, high-quality, designed products such as books, albums, folders, binders and boxes – individually made from the finest of papers, durable fabrics and other sustainable materials – in close collaboration with a traditional and wellrespected bookbindery. “This is a new and small company, but with classic products made by hand,” says Larsson.

Based in the textile hub Borås, Papp Limited works with new and established Swedish designers including Emelie Ek, Tina Backman and Emma von Brömssen.

The stationery is covered with creative textile patterns such as Harlequin, Field in green and blue, and modern illustrations,

or kept in one of the standard colours such as sand, olive green and ocean blue. Some products come with gold embossing to suit a particular purpose – for example recipes, memories and garden – and new products appear in limited editions from time to time.

The paper comes from the Swedish woods, and any waste products are recycled and converted into other items including small notepads and postcards. Made in Sweden, this is beautiful stationary for safekeeping of memories, treasures and other beautiful things, or for those important scribbles with thoughts and dreams for the future.

In addition to her stationary brand, Larsson also runs Linnefabriken with exclusive textile products such as bath towels, robes and pillows made from 100 per

By Malin Norman | Photo: Papp Limited

cent linen. Inspired by Turkish hamams but with a Swedish take, the designs and colours go hand in hand with the range from Papp Limited.

Web: www.papplimited.se Facebook: Papp-Limited Instagram: @papplimited and @linnefabriken.se

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Best Christmas Gifts From Sweden

Decorate your home with Swedish design this Christmas The Swedish brand Nääsgränsgården hand-picks new designers every year to create exclusive interior design products and gifts that suit every season and every home. “All products we sell are unique and can only be found through our stockists.

The way we collaborate with our designers is very special,” says owner and CEO Per-Anders Elled.

leading market, with Norway, Denmark, Germany and the UK being our strongest export markets today,” says Elled. He thinks that the original Swedish design and the relatively competitive prices are appreciated worldwide.

By Sara Wenkel | Photos: Nääsgränsgården

Every year, Elled and his colleagues visit craft fairs, exhibitions and artisanship bazaars all around Sweden in the search for new designers. “This is the best way to get in touch with ‘real’ artists and crafts people,” he says. “Often they create their products at home and in very limited editions.”

Nääsgränsgården hand-picks designers who are especially gifted in applying tradition to contemporary design. The products are exclusively designed for Nääsgränsgården and the designer develops complete products for the company, which are then sent for production.

“In order to maintain high-quality craftsmanship with artistic design integrity, the designers create real sculptures with their own history,” Elled explains. Each Santa family has its own story; the designer usually names the figurines and builds a story around the range inspired by their own family and personal surroundings.

This makes the story of Nääsgränsgården develop and grow each year.

Long-lasting Christmas decorations As Nääsgränsgården’s products are quite niche, all items are created with a vision to last a very long time. One of Nääsgränsgården’s most iconic products is the Santa High Hat, which is still going strong after 15 years. Christmas decorations make a big part of the company’s range, featuring candle holders, ceramic cups, angels, Santas and much more.

Nääsgränsgården endeavours to study each market’s specific requirements when it comes to trade, transport and business terms. “This is the key to success in exporting to other markets,” Elled concludes.

“We have seen that in the international market, and specifically in the UK, there is an opportunity to enhance the traditional Christmas table and shelf décor. It has become a very successful market for us,” Elled explains.

Exporting Swedish design Nääsgränsgården invests strongly in the international market and has 2,000 stockists in over 20 countries. “Sweden is our

Web: www.naasgransgarden.se/en

Issue 106 | November 2017 | 41

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Best Christmas Gifts From Sweden

Top left: A piece from the Märta Mattsson exhibition was purchased by the Swedish National Museum for their collections.

Beautiful, bespoke rugs with unique stories A vision to combine art and graphic design with utility, in the same way that fashion design combines aesthetics with function, is behind the success of Makeda, founded

by Swedish designer Anna Forsberg.

By Sara Wenkel | Photos: Makeda

Buying a rug from Makeda is a truly unique experience. “My customers often visit me in my studio in Stockholm to touch and feel the rugs. They then get to choose a pattern and measurements as the rugs are completely bespoke,” says Forsberg.

Each rug is handmade in the high mountains of Nepal and takes four months to make. Up to 15 craftsmen, each specialised in their own niche, are involved in the process where only natural materials such as wool and silk are used alongside vegetable dyes to a great extent.

“By using materials that age over time, each rug generates patina and depth and is therefore never entirely finished. Every rug tells a story,” Forsberg explains. But not only do they tell the story of their owner; they also represent a story from Forsberg’s own life and experiences. Her interest in nature and animals has in42 | Issue 106 | November 2017

spired Makeda’s collections, where fairy tale-like trees and illustrative insects are recurring motifs.

Different types of meetings Forsberg finds it important to constantly evolve and get inspired by colleagues in the art and design fields. Her studio, Birkagatan Ett, has turned into a creative environment where meetings and events take place. One of these meetings led to a celebrated show earlier this year, as she exhibited together with jewellery designer Märta Mattsson. “Working closely with people who share my artistic expression, but perhaps through a different material, stimulates my creativity and we get to support each other,” says Forsberg.

In February next year, the Makeda rugs will be featured in a joint exhibition at Stockholm Furniture and Light Fair – showcased by Cindy Kan, who runs a plat-

form for design collaborations based in Hong Kong.

The Makeda founder recently returned from a different type of meeting, where she shared her creativity and experience. “A few weeks ago, I arranged a trip to Lingbo for young refugees from Afghanistan. This small village in Hälsingland, Sweden, is the home of many knowledgeable women in Swedish weaving and sewing traditions.

The meetings that took place resulted in a piece of textile artwork, inspired by both Swedish and Afghan traditions.”

Anna Forsberg.

Web: www.makedarugs.com Instagram: @makedaanna Facebook makedarugs

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Pur Norsk. Photo: CH - visitnorway.com

Traditional design with new, modern and innovative twists Norway is often overshadowed by its two neighbours, Denmark and Sweden, when it comes to design. But Norway really is a hidden gem for Scandinavian design and new innovative brands with strong, proud roots. The fashion finds might tend to be practical and warm, but you can be sure that the Norwegians will add a sprinkle of glamour to every design.

By Heidi Kokborg

People outside Scandinavia may think that Norway is constantly covered in a blanket of snow, that polar bears are everywhere and people wear wool sweaters all the time. But contrary to these popular beliefs, polar bears are not actually roaming the streets, summertime can be both warm and snow-free, and 44 | Issue 106 | November 2017

Norwegians do in fact leave their wool sweaters at home sometimes.

Moreover, Norway’s secondary status in the design world is inadequate and should be challenged. Though many of the fashion designers have a predilection for the practical and snug, most tend to

add a splash of glamour and plenty of environmental awareness to boot. The goal is to stay warm, cosy and happy, but always with a luxurious touch. Add rich mythology, a strong handicraft heritage and a solid economy, and you will see why the design landscape is changing up north.

Norway may for a long time have been overshadowed by Sweden and Denmark when it comes to design, but in recent years lots of new and upcoming fashion, furniture and design brands have put the land of the midnight sun on the design map. Read on to discover more.

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Norway

Photo: CH - visitnorway.com

Photo: Innovation Norway/Heidi Widerø

Pur Norsk. Photo: CH - visitnorway.com

Issue 106 | November 2017 | 45

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Norway

Left: As Norway’s leading jewellery producer, Sigmund Espeland uses a casting technique and 3D design to keep up with the latest developments. Middle: The ‘bunad’ silverware is a speciality from the Norwegian producer. Right: Sigmund Espeland has a wide range of engagement rings on the market.

Norway’s leading gold and silverware producer After stumbling into his local jewellers by chance in 1967, Sigmund Espeland set up his very own jewellery production in 1970, growing the business slowly from a one-man show to a strong team of 35. Today, he is the leading gold and silverware producer in Norway.

By Line Elise Svanevik | Photos: Espeland AS

“The reason we’ve been able to grow steadily is because we were very quick to adapt the lost-wax casting technique, which was relatively new in Norway when I first set up my business,” explains Espeland.

Due to the steep prices of production and manufacturing, producing their own products in Norway is no mean feat. Espeland explains: “We have high costs and salaries in Norway – but by using the right tools and efficiency, we manage to produce jewellery at prices that are acceptable to the customers.”

Starting out by producing silverware for the traditional Norwegian ‘bunad’ costumes, Espeland now designs everything from low-cost silverware earrings to exclusive diamond rings and necklaces.

Recently, he also went into the business 46 | Issue 106 | November 2017

gift market, producing cuff links, tie clips and jewellery specifically designed for a business purpose, be it with logos or in a shape relating to the industry the product is designed for.

One of the few remaining jewellery producers “When I started up, in 1970, there were several family-run businesses doing what I do, but today most of them have closed down,” says Espeland, who believes that is partly due to the high costs of production.

“Along with our casting technique, I believe we’ve made some good choices, especially when it comes to constantly being updated on the technical developments on the production side, while also maintaining the craftsmanship,” the designer continues. He now uses digital tools, includ-

ing 3D design, in close collaboration with Horgen Design and Edelmetallstøperiet.

Lastly, Espeland believes that the human part of the work has played just as big a part in being able to survive in a competitive market. “My employees are the real resource of our company, and they’re the ones who have made it into a proper team – and, more importantly, they feel like they have an important role to play. We’ve let everyone have a certain responsibility, big or small, which means that the majority are their own bosses. I believe that’s the secret to our success.”

Sigmund Espeland.

Web: www.espeland.no

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Norway

Left: With a range of styles for both boys and girls from nursery age up until school age and beyond, Beckmann has a wide offering. Right: Kids use backpacks as footballs, pillows to sit on, and sledges in the winter, which means that they need to be made of good, durable materials.

Ergonomically made and magically styled backpacks Did you know that a child walking just one kilometre each way to and from school every day throughout his or her 12 years at school, will walk the distance from Nordkapp, the northernmost point in Norway, right down to the southernmost point in Lindesnes?

By Line Elise Svanevik | Photos: Victoria Nevland

With this in mind, Beckmann of Norway focuses on ergonomically designed backpacks that will protect the child’s back, from nursery and throughout their school years and beyond. In addition to boasting exceptional functionality, the backpacks come in a variety of styles, as Beckmann is keen to focus on the design – as they have done since the beginning.

With Scandinavian design featuring clean lines and a functional design, focusing on the child’s usage, the company has seen a widespread global demand. They believe that this can be traced back to the growing popularity of Scandinavian design and living – which has a keen focus on children.

Each year, they relaunch their styles of backpacks within the nursery, school and youth ranges, which is unusual in their particular field. The backpacks have now become so popular that demand from Hong Kong, China and Taiwan is also booming due to the increasing demand for high-quality school backpacks for children who carry books, food and clothes to and from school every day.

The company was originally set up in 1946, when it sold women’s brushes and mirrors, and can be traced back to current marketing manager Martin Beckmann’s grandfather, Olav Beckmann. “Around 1950, he realised that there was a serious need for school backpacks, which no one was really seeing to at the time, so he started developing his idea,” explains Martin Beckmann.

A long history

Back in the early days, many children were walking to school with hand-held bags, which was not very good for the children.

“In the ‘70s, Beckmann started collaborating with physiotherapists and other specialists in order to design a backpack that was going to be good to carry, focusing on the needs of the child,” Beckmann continues.

In addition to the strong ergonomically focused design, which has been developed in collaboration with a chiropractor, the bags are also created to appeal to the children in both a magical and a practical way.

Through designs and the use of 21 reflectors and a flashing light, the backpacks are ideal for the darker days of the year.

The backpacks are also made to be extremely durable, which Martin believes is crucial. “The backpacks are used as footballs, pillows to sit on and as sledges in the winter,” he says. “They need to be able to handle a lot.”

Web: www.beckmann.no

Issue 106 | November 2017 | 47

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Norway

Left: The fashion brand does not simply focus on clothing; they also have a shoes and accessories line. Middle: In 2002, Kjersti Kvamme created Riccovero Woman, which has been a huge success. Right: CEO Finn Einar Kvamme and the creator of Riccovero Woman, Kjersti Kvamme, have taken the brand from strength to strength.

Taking the family business to a new dimension Norwegian fashion brand Riccovero is a true family business that has been passed down through three generations, with the current CEO taking the family business from strength to strength. This year, the quality brand is launching a new concept, which is about to be rolled out in shops across the country.

By Line Elise Svanevik | Photos: Ole Eltvik

More than 80 years ago, the founder of Riccovero, Einar Kvamme, established a tailoring shop in the small village of Olden in Sogn og Fjordane. His grandson, Finn Einar Kvamme, took over the business in 1986 and added a whole new dimension with the addition of its Concept Store in 1999. This was followed by the successful addition of Riccovero Woman, created by Kjersti Kvamme.

Despite its Norwegian attitude and mindset, Riccovero is very much for the Scandinavian who lives an international and exciting lifestyle. The brand features a range of menswear and womenswear – from 48 | Issue 106 | November 2017

classic suits to casual wear, with shoes and accessories as well.

A proud tailoring heritage Riccovero’s philosophy focuses on a great fit, functionality and user-friendliness.

Inspired by aesthetic, clean lines, sharp silhouettes and quality materials, the brand also focuses on seasonal colours and trends. “We’ve based our brand on our tailoring heritage, so it’s important for us to design quality clothes where the cut lifts the whole outfit,” says Finn Einar Kvamme. “The cut is a crucial factor in tailoring, so this is very important to us.”

Riccovero is now about to roll out a new

concept throughout its shops, as Kvamme believes it important that the furnishings and atmosphere reflect the philosophy of the brand – which they have truly reinforced this year. He sees the Riccovero customer as someone who takes pleasure in the enjoyment of life through travelling, visiting interesting parts of cities and experiencing new restaurants and food. “They’re concerned with quality and trends but don’t necessarily follow fashion trends religiously,” he explains.

Kvamme says that it is important for the brand to not only focus on the clothes – but also the grand nature and landscape that surrounds them. “Travelling and experiences inspire us – not just clothes alone, but how people dress in different cities,” he says.

Web: www.riccovero.no

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Norway

A true Norwegian shoe factory Despite many brands wearing the Norwegian name tag, not many can proudly state that they both design and produce their products in Norway. In fact, there are only two shoe factories in the whole country that still produce their shoes in Norway, and one of them is the historical shoe producer Aurlandskoen.

from bits of leather to ready-made shoes.

They even get to meet the shoemaker, which makes it a truly Norwegian and completely unique experience.

By Line Elise Svanevik | Photos: Aurlandskoen

Situated deep within the Norwegian countryside in a small community in the fjords of Norway, Aurlandskoen boasts a rich history. “It all started with a man from Sogn who emigrated to the US at the end of the 19th century, like many people did at the time,” explains CEO Mette Bakketun. “Nils Tveranger learnt the shoemaker trade during his time in America, and returned to Norway with his newfound knowledge.”

Strongly inspired by the Native American moccasins, Tveranger came back to Norway in the early 20th century to find that a local shoe was being made by the farmers using a simple design and the leather from their farms. “He created a combination of the farmers’ shoes and the Native American moccasins in 1908 – but

it wasn’t until the end of the 1920s that he created the penny loafer. He was more of a designer than a businessman, so he never patented the design, and out came 19 different factories in the same town, producing the same style,” says Bakketun.

The shoe became very popular, designed for quality-conscious men and women – they even hold a lifetime guarantee. “It’s real craftsmanship and high quality,” adds Bakketun. “Not many other shoe brands, if any, offer a lifetime guarantee.”

Preserving history The Aurland shoe factory is also an Economusee, based on the Canadian model, which is a visitor centre telling the story of the craftsmanship and allowing visitors to experience the process

Web: www.aurlandskoen.no Facebook: aurlandskoen Instagram: @aurlandskoen

Issue 106 | November 2017 | 49

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Norway

Left: With a long tradition, Grinakervev has been passed down through two generations. Photo: Espen Grønli. Top right: Busserull is now worn by both old and young, and for multiple purposes. Photo: Signe Dons. Right: Vevstua is where the weaving takes place at Grinakervev. Photo: Gro E Lyngstad

Where hand-crafted and computerised weaving go hand in hand Specialising in damask weaving for the common and the noble, Grinakervev is a producer of textiles for both clothes and interior, located in idyllic surroundings at the farm Northern Grinaker in Tingelstad, a place known as ‘the sirloin of Hadeland’ in Norway.

whole new customer base. Last winter, Grinakervev made small tablecloths with a new design as prizes for the participants in the National Championships in cross-country skiing.

By Line Elise Svanevik

In 1989, Gro E. Lyngstad’s parents-inlaw established Grinakervev with a wish to help old patterns and techniques of weaving survive. They started with tablecloths and napkins in linen, but soon they were asked to help keep the tradition with ‘busserull shirts’ alive. The busserull shirt, which was traditionally worn by agricultural workers, has been woven mechanically in Hadeland since 1928, when Kari Nielsen designed the fabric.

The busserull shirts are today used much more for formal wear and parties – and some even stop by Grinakervev on their way to the cottage to buy a busserull shirt and use it as comfy wear. “I didn’t have much knowledge of the busserull shirt before I moved here 21 years ago – I was an Oslo girl and hadn’t seen much 50 | Issue 106 | November 2017

of it – but now I genuinely become quite touched when I see people wearing it,” Lyngstad explains.

When they started sewing the busserull shirts they did not know where it would take them, but today half of the company’s sales are in clothing. Grinakervev also produce blankets designed by Andreas Engesvik, originally for Mandal Veveri, which was bought up in 2015.

“The Bunad blankets are sold all over the world, from Tokyo to London and New York, which is really exciting,” explains Lyngstad.

Tablecloths and napkins are still important products for the company, which has produced 2,000 metres of tablecloth for the City Hall in Oslo, creating a

The new owners – who took over in 2006 – both worked in a bank in Oslo when they first met, but after extensive training in machine-weaving and hand-weaving by the in-laws and Raulandsakademiet, they now thrive in the business. “Our products can be found in all parts of the world,” says Lyngstad. “We’re a rarity – I don’t think anyone runs a business and production like we do in Norway, with our hand-weaving, machine-weaving and shop with a little café in one place.”

Grinakervev is open Tuesday to Saturday all year round.

Web: www.grinakervev.no Facebook: grinakervev Instagram: @grinakervev

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Norway

Left: Regine and Frank Juhls set up the jewellers in 1959, run today by their daughter Sunniva. Middle: The locally designed and produced goods display elegant yet rough Scandinavian design. Right: The timeless silver bracelet created at Juhls Silver Gallery is inspired by Arctic nature. Bottom: The house is a gem of personal architecture.

True Norwegian craftsmanship Tucked away in one of the furthest points north in Norway lies the wildly fascinating jewellers Juhls Silver Gallery. It is a place that has been gradually built up by the owners Regine and Frank Juhls, who pride themselves on making truly Norwegian handcrafted jewellery.

By Line Elise Svanevik | Photos: Juhls Silver Gallery

Starting out in 1959, the Juhls have built their life’s work around the gallery, now a true landmark visited partly due to its distinctive architecture. Regine is constantly creating her growing collection, Tundra, and their daughter Sunniva is now running the place in the spirit of her parents.

This is where the workshop, where all the jewellery is still made, and house conjoin.

Juhls Silver Gallery is located far away from the urban buzz, right in the middle of the Arctic plateau. “We are constantly trying to raise awareness of the fact that everything is designed and produced here, under one roof,” explains Sunniva. “Everything is made on-site, not outsourced to another part of the world, which is becoming a rarity.”

The family is very concerned with true craftsmanship, and they take great pride in what they do. Sunniva draws a great deal of inspiration from the immediate surroundings – especially her mother’s designs, which are unique and timeless pieces. “Inspired by nature and the tundra, some of my mother’s most popular pieces are designs that were created 40 or 50 years ago, which proves that they truly are timeless,” says Sunniva.

Ten professional goldsmiths create the jewellery at Juhls Silver Gallery.

In addition to the location in Kautokeino, Juhls Silver Gallery has a shop on the dock in Bergen.

The landmark shop and gallery, which is a two-hour drive from the nearest airport in Alta, is open every day of the year.

For those who are not planning a trip all the way up to the land of the northern lights, the jewellery is also available online.

Web: www.juhls.no

Issue 106 | November 2017 | 51

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Norway

Unique design for kids, handmade with love Unik Design Barn was a fairy tale that started at the kitchen table. Viola was expecting her third child and decided to get the sewing machine out to create her own clothes for the little one. Now, her girl is three years old and Viola is busier than ever selling handmade creations alongside husband Tor Kristian from their home in Mjøsa, Norway.

By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Unik Design Barn

The family business has become a go-to brand for anyone looking for something special for themselves or those who matter most. With a variety of design items and products for kids, you can find everything from baby and children’s clothes to matching mummy-and-me outfits, toys and accessories. New from this year is also a selection of colourful, soft fabrics with great quality for children’s wear and other sewing projects.

Today, Unik Design Barn is Norway’s largest manufacturer and supplier of tied hairbands and ribbons, all handmade and available in 74 colours. “These popular hairbands have become our bestseller and

main focus. They are functional and decorative for both grown-ups and kids. We are excited to be present at the Norwegian Fashion Week in Oslo next year, showcasing our designs to the fashion industry,” says Viola.

“All our products are designed and handmade with plenty of love, care, and

A cultural Christmas gift shop After retiring from her job five years ago, Christmas enthusiast Wenche Hvitstein Girlando set up Julehuset (‘the Christmas house’) in Sandefjord, Norway, where she aims to sell interesting and well-made Christmas decorations.

“We sell great-quality gnomes, elves and dolls – anything from angels to demons,” explains Girlando. “We try to stock all the gnomes and elves that are currently on the market, as well as those that have gone out of production, which means that we sell both new and old decorations.”

Julehuset, which has been running for five years now, is open for four months a year. For the remainder of the year, it fea-

52 | Issue 106 | November 2017

tures an online shop where customers can browse the Christmas range to get ready for the festive season.

With ceramics from Poland and Danish gnomes, the shop draws inspiration from around the world – although most of their stock is Norwegian. Every year, there is an arts exhibition and, this year, the work of five of Sandefjord’s great artists are displayed on the walls.

joy. We take great pride in making sure that everything is of high quality. All fabrics used are organic 100 per cent cotton, certified OEKO-TEX Standard 100, meaning that they are tested for harmful substances and safe for your little ones to use,” she explains.

Their unique and creative hair accessories are distributed to 25 stores around Norway and can be bought worldwide from their online store.

Web: www.unikdesignbarn.no Facebook: unikdesignbarn Instagram: @unikdesignbarn

By Line Elise Svanevik

In the build-up to Christmas, the shop will also feature pop-up art with the artist dropping by, sitting down in the shop and working his or her magic. There will also be a doll maker to show how she creates dolls, in addition to flower and ornaments workshops, and gnomes and elves made out of pine needles. “People who love Christmas will find most of what they need here,” Girlando smiles.

Web: www.julehuset-sandefjord.no Facebook: julehusetsandefjord

VIKING JEWELRY by www.karianneg.com

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Handmade in Norway

Anne Rosvold (top right) is the creator of Heggeli Design, and fell into designing lamps after years of working as an accountant. The lamps are designed using secondhand materials often found at flea markets.

Arty lamps – giving new life to second-hand objects When Anne Rosvold made her first lamp using second-hand treasures she had found at a flea market, she never anticipated that she would soon be doing it for a living.

As a certified public accountant, she had never worked with design before – but a newfound hobby soon caught on.

By Line Elise Svanevik | Photos: Heggeli Design

“The whole thing started when I was trying to find some new lamps for my house,” says Rosvold. “I couldn’t find anything I liked in the shops. I love flea markets and markets in general. There’s a lot of gorgeous crystals and beautiful handcrafted pieces to be found.”

With this mind, she bought glass and materials for three lamps to make for herself. “I wasn’t planning on being a lamp designer at all – but when my friends started seeing the lamps and started placing orders, I thought, ‘okay, maybe I’m onto something’,” explains Rosvold.

Over three years, she started developing her idea and learnt how to glue, drill and assemble beautiful lamps herself. A year ago, she decided to take the leap 54 | Issue 106 | November 2017

and started actively selling her lamps via multiple shops in Oslo and the surrounding areas.

“I make lamps that I love,” explains Rosvold. “It’s very trendy to use recycled materials, so I think I’ve been lucky to go into the market at this time. Some people have this preconception that if it’s used, it looks used and cheap, but it’s really not. I create high-end lamps, which are one of a kind.”

Although the lamps she creates are a bit pricier than others on the market, Rosvold has positioned herself as somewhat of an artist when it comes to her lamps. “I want people to realise that having a one-of-a-kind lamp is as important as a painting on the wall – it often takes

up equal amount of space, and the lamp should be a unique piece of art of the interior,” she says.

To add an interesting touch, Rosvold focuses on the history of each object as she believes that recycled materials have more of a soul. “Each lamp has its own unique name, and I write a little story to go with it – such as ‘this glass is an original design from the ‘50s’, which provides each product with more depth.”

Where to find the lamps - L’Interieur, Oslo - CKL Interiør, Stabekk - Nr. 16 interiør, Kragerø - Oscarsgate 54, Oslo - Nicoline Home, Oslo - Åpent Hus, Oslo - Usato, Oslo - Heggeli Design studio, Oslo Web: www.heggelidesign.no Instagram: @HeggeliDesign

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Handmade in Norway

Wash your hands with beauty What do you do when you have always wanted to be a pastry chef, and the dream ends at the till in a bakery? You combine your knowledge from working in the hand hygiene industry with your pastry chef dream and become a soap confectioner.

By Idha Toft Valeur | Photos: Såpe Conditoriet

In 2011, Yvonne Pedersen decided to take the plunge and leave her job in a wellestablished company to focus her expertise on making quality products that both smell nice and look pretty. Just like that, Såpe Conditoriet was born.

“I focus on making the perfect product: from deciding what hard oils to use and what scent will be the right one to choosing how to decorate the finished soap.

It’s a long process – some of my soaps are even stirred by hand, which can take up to an hour – but it has to be that way when you use the good old methods and when the texture, feel and rich lather are your end goals,” Pedersen explains.

Crafting the perfect bar of soap is a lengthy process, and Pedersen is working hard for her business to grow so that she will be able to continue to be creative and deliver her most-loved soaps, such as the luxurious porcelain soap, to her customers.

“I was cycling through Copenhagen and went past Royal Copenhagen’s shop

window when I saw their traditional porcelain plates with their equally traditional blue and white pattern displayed next to the orange and white version. I really do get inspiration from anywhere — so that’s how that soap came to life,” says Pedersen. “By the time I got to Nyhavn, I knew that I would add kaolin clay and silk fibre to create an extravagant bar of soap with a rich lather and moisturising benefits that doesn’t strip the skin.”

Full-time employee and soap competitions Starting your own business takes time and can leave you feel like a one-man band at times. For Yvonne Pedersen, her working days are fuller than ever.

“In addition to running Såpe Conditoriet, I work full time in a kitchen as a chef, which means that I work the whole week and then most of the weekend too. It’s a busy life, but I like it,” she says. “I guess this is also why it’s important to me that people know how much hard work goes into crafting the perfect bar – because I put everything I have into it. The nerves of slicing a bar into pieces and hoping

that it has zero air bubbles… it really is all trial and error.”

In addition to trying to expand her business and working full time, Pedersen competes in soap making. “I have two first places and a second place in the bag, from a competition in the US. It’s very competitive; sometimes there are up to 300 contestants. I think the most important prize I’ve won is the sponsors’ choice award, which I’ve won twice. That’s when the industry chooses its favourite. It feels like a great achievement, and it’s nice to be recognised for my soap design and my creativity. It definitely makes me want to keep working hard for it to pay off – which it will,” Pedersen smiles.

Web: www.saapeconditoriet.no Facebook: saapeconditoriet.no

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Handmade in Norway

Handmade bohemian jewellery When Monica Berg had to go on long-term sick leave from her job in IT management, she needed something to spend her time on. She found great help and mindfulness in creating macramé jewellery.

Six years later, Berg has set up the business Moon Nomades to allow her to sell handmade micro macramé jewellery and accessories with different stones and crystals. Most of it is made by her, but she admits that her partner Stefan Bjørnerud gives her a hand. “I have always done crafts, like knitting and crocheting,” says Berg. “But it was probably the interest for repetitive knotting and the magic of stones that got to me.”

Berg is fully self-taught and never studied jewellery making. She and Bjørnerud carefully handpick all the stones and crystals they use, and they also use Swarovski beads as well as brass, silver and gold.

“I find a lot of inspiration in nature, in the forest and the sea mostly, but also in traditional Norwegian ‘bunad’ jewellery and filigree,” she says.

Moon Nomades started their journey in 2012 when Berg and Bjørnerud met. To-

By Synne Johnsson | Photos: Moon Nomades

gether, they have travelled and explored the world and are always looking for new inspiration and ideas.

Berg wants to keep expanding the business and explains that their big dream is to open up a shop one day. “This is my passion – it’s a dream to travel the world to find stones and crystals, provide the world with the beauty of micro macramé, and live off doing this,” Berg ends.

Website: www.moonnomades.com Facebook: moonnomades Instagram: @moon_nomades

SP DA S EC NI pecia lT IA SH h L E – E DU eme: FT CA ER TI SK ON OL ER

Discover knowledge and make friends for life The ‘efterskole’ is a unique Danish independent and residential school for young people between 14 and 18 years of age. Currently, more than 28,000 students attend one of the approximately 245 schools spread across Denmark and the schools are open to students from abroad.

cation and democratic citizenship. The efterskole has something to offer educationally as well as socially, because the students live together.

By Efterskoleforeningen | Photos: Faaborgegnens Efterskole

It can perhaps be said that the teachers who work at an efterskole are not entirely ordinary. They are prepared to involve aspects of themselves other than the professional, so that the pupils have a positive relationship with the teachers. The teacher is responsible for both teaching and supervision outside of school hours. This means that teachers and students are together all day from the time the students wake up until they go to bed. This often engenders a close, personal and non-formal relationship between students and teachers – something Grundtvig himself would most certainly approve of.

Historically and culturally, the efterskole is related to the Danish free school movement and is often regarded as a junior form of the Danish folkehøjskole (folk high school). It is closely related to the educational ideas of N.F.S. Grundtvig (1783-1872), who wanted schools to provide enlightenment for life rather than formal vocational training.

The first few efterskoler were founded about 150 years ago and, especially within the last 25 years, the number of students has increased considerably.

Most efterskoler offer the same subjects and final examinations as state schools, but many focus on special subjects such as physical education, music or theatre,

or offer various kinds of special education. Compared to a regular state school, the efterskole has substantial freedom in terms of, for example, the choice of subjects, the teaching methods and the educational approach. These vary in accordance with the school’s political, religious and pedagogical orientation.

The freedom of the efterskole is assured by substantial state subsidies to both schools and students.

Each efterskole is a self-governing independent institution, and they all deal with both the educational and personal development of the students. They embrace a common educational focus on enlightenment for life, general edu-

Web: www.efterskole.dk/english

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Education Special – Efterskoler

The forefront of international secondary study in Denmark Ranum Efterskole College is a Danish international self-governing residential school, offering Danish ninth and tenth grade as well as three international programmes with exams at IGCSE, AS and A level. The school has different academic levels within each subject, giving students the opportunity of a personalised learning experience.

Text and photos: Ranum Efterskole

A firm belief at Ranum Efterskole is that interaction with other cultures will ultimately strengthen the personal development of students. For this reason, students enjoy three travel experiences every school year to destinations around the world – travels that challenge the students and their acquired skills.

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Limitless co-curricular and extracurricular subjects Ranum Efterskole College boasts an extraordinary range of co-curricular and extracurricular subjects. New subjects are developed all the time in collaboration between students and teachers.

The school is part of an interconnected

global society. As such, tolerance and acceptance are essential in facilitating an intercultural understanding, and curiosity and open-mindedness are seen as key elements in establishing 21st-century competencies.

Ranum Efterskole College is founded on the philosophies of ‘inclusive community and learning’ and ‘participatory democracy’. The prime objective at the school is to provide a framework in which students and teachers can contribute to the development of school curricula and activities together. This objective, among others,

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Education Special – Efterskoler

ensures a shared understanding of community, democracy and responsibility, while nurturing the personal development and skills of the students.

The school strives to provide an environment in which students feel safe, supported and encouraged on their personalised learning journey. When students leave the efterskole community, they will be prepared to share their experiences with the world. Around 450 students from all over the world live and study at Ranum Efterskole College, and everybody who wishes to join the community is welcome.

International Summer School Choosing the next step of your educational path is never easy, because you usually cannot predict the answers to the questions of whether the lessons are right for you and whether you will fit in. Except at Ranum Efterskole College you actually can, since the school created an International Summer School in 2015, allowing young people to stay for a few weeks to see if they like it.

summer school. “The programme begins with a team-building introduction, so the students will get to know each other and there will be excursions during the weeks.

It is a great opportunity to experience life at an efterskole, learn something new during your holiday, and make friends from all over the world,” says vice principal Joakim Philipsen.

Challenge yourself personally and academically, strengthen your social competences and make friends from all over the world.

Ranum Efterskole College also offers young people the opportunity to join a

The school offers different academic levels in all classes, and students can choose one or two profile subjects during the afternoon. Academic classes are mainly taught in English.

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Education Special – Efterskoler

Ranum Efterskole College in numbers: - 450 students - 101 employees - 51 teachers - 19,600-square-metre campus - Students live in one-, two-, four-, or six-student apartments - 50+ extra-curricular subjects - Assembly hall with 475 seats - 26 classrooms all equipped with ActiveBoards - Four science laboratories - Three music rooms - Six specialist classrooms: design/art, craft, multimedia, e-sport, e-music and IT. - Four gyms and an outdoor sports centre

Contact information: Ranum Efterskole College Seminarievej 23, 9681 Ranum, Denmark Email: info@ranumefterskole.dk

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A full international programme The school started its full international programme just five years ago, but the results they have achieved only prove the demand for a school with an international direction. 45 students took part in the international programme in 2013/14, and it has turned out to be such a success that the number of international students for the school year 2017/18 has reached 189, representing more than 20 different countries.

Cambridge Assessment International Education, the Nordic Network of International Schools, American Fields Service (AFS), ECIS and UNESCO. The school’s internationally oriented education programme is prioritising discussing and implementing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Both teaching at home and journeys abroad prepare the students to discuss and act on global sustainability.

“We see many educational courses in Denmark being taught in English, and I’m sure this number will only increase in the years to come. However, international education is not just about speaking English – it’s about developing internationally minded students who are skilled and ready to be part of a global society,” says principal Olav Storm Johannsen.

450 individual timetables

Ranum Efterskole College has a strong network and collaborates with schools and global educational institutes from all over the world. Among its partners are international organisations such as

“For example, a student can take mathematics at level 1, English at level 3 and Danish at level 4. This is possible because all subjects are taught at the same time.

The student attends lessons together with

It is not just the international aspect that separates Ranum Efterskole College from other residential schools. All subjects have different academic levels, from one to five, and the students can choose their own profile subjects. This means that all 450 students at the school have their own individual schedules.

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Education Special – Efterskoler

other students at the same level, and that helps them to progress,” says vice principal Joakim Philipsen.

At Ranum, they believe that education is not only about sitting at a school bench from eight in the morning until four in the afternoon. It takes place continuously, all day long. Making sure that a young person feels safe and develops in their own way is just as important as solving a maths task.

“We watch these young people mature a great deal in the year they spend here.

Turning young people into responsible adults is a key aspect of what we do, and by combining social and professional development, we believe you are in for a unique experience here at Ranum,” Philipsen explains. “An ‘efterskole’ cannot be explained in words – it must be experienced!”

International Summer School Experience the ‘efterskole’ life at Ranum International Summer School alongside other young people from around the world. Try different academic subjects and profile subjects.

Read more at: www.ranumefterskolecollege.com/ summerschool

Meet a student Wing Yin Yeung from Hong Kong Year of study: 16/17 Most of my classmates in Hong Kong chose to study in English-speaking countries such as England, America and Australia, but I wanted to study in a non-English speaking country. I thought it would be fun to learn a new language and experience a different culture, so I chose to study in Denmark. I chose Ranum Efterskole College because it is an international boarding school that provides a lot of activities and opportunities to learn outside the classroom. There are three trips throughout the year, which gave me the opportunity to apply the techniques and theories that I had learnt in class, which really helped to broaden my horizon.

I met people from all over the world and made life-long friendships at Ranum. I can

now have a simple conversation in Danish with my friends and my host family.

My favourite Danish words are ‘hygge’ (cosiness) and ‘fællesskab’ (community).

I really love the concept of ‘hygge’. The Danes know how to enjoy being together and life in general. That is what ‘hygge’ is all about.

Profile subjects:

Ranum Efterskole College is definitely different from other schools, because it provides you with a huge amount of opportunities to learn and explore yourself. You will find new interests, and you will have close relationships with the teachers and friends, because you spend every day with them. It will be like a second family and home.

International study trip destinations:

After a fantastic year at Ranum, I have no hesitation about recommending others to come to Ranum Efterskole College!

Adventure, outdoor, cheerleading, dancing, drama, diving, e-sport, fit for fight, gastronomy, guide and event, Icelandic riding, media, music, sailing, street performance, visual design, water performance, yoga and mindfulness.

USA, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Germany, the UK, Austria, Spain, France, Italy, Turkey, Greece, Nepal, Oman, South Africa, China, Malaysia, Philippines, Peru, New Zealand, Hawaii, Namibia, India, South Korea, Peru, the US, the Virgin Islands and Cuba.

Web: www.ranumefterskole.dk and www.ranumefterskole.dk/ sommerskole

Issue 106 | November 2017 | 61

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Education Special – Efterskoler

Learn to think like a global citizen It is no coincidence that as many as 97 per cent of students continue on to postsecondary education after a year at SKALs Efterskole (SKALs International Boarding School). Offering the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), the school strives to give its Danish and international students a both personal and educational journey. The approach has placed the school among the five best-performing schools in Denmark.

By Signe Hansen | Photos: SKALs Efterskole

Founded in central Jutland in 1990, SKALs Efterskole was designed to provide an alternative to the many free Danish boarding schools focused on personal development and social interaction. SKALs’ founders wanted to combine these traditional efterskole ideals with a more substantial preparation for its students’ continued professional and academic lives. From this ambition, the school’s current international profile nat62 | Issue 106 | November 2017

professionally and socially all over the world,” principal Sven Primdal explains.

“A cultural ABC, the ability to move in and understand different cultures will be essential, and it requires two sets of competences: the academic – the languages, knowledge and so on; and the social – the ability to interact as an individual with people different from yourself. We want to give our students both.”

urally germinated. It is captured in the slogan ‘the world must be conquered every day’.

An international set of skills

“What we mean by this is that we have to relate to, and choose how to relate to, the world every day. As a young person today, you have to realise that you are part of a generation of people who, to a much greater extent than previous generations, must be able to conduct themselves

Of the 160 students enrolled annually at SKALs, 50 per cent choose to study and take the examination in the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). The class, which is approved by the University of Cambridge, gives access to the International Baccalaureate (IB), which is offered by 14 Dan-

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Education Special – Efterskoler

ish gymnasia as well as numerous educational institutions all over the world.

Furthermore, if students take the tenthgrade IGCSE, the exam may qualify them to skip one year of the Danish three-year version of the IB. The IGCSE subjects are taught in English, and both Danish students with global ambitions and a growing number of international students attend the course.

Another offer for international students is SKALs’ International Project Class, an exam-free, project-based class taught in English. “This ‘transition year’ attracts students of high academic levels from both Denmark and abroad, students who want to explore other ways to work with their competences and improve their media, communication and presentation skills,” explains Primdal, adding: “Our aim is to prepare our students not just for their further education, but also for their role as global citizens.”

The different programmes include annual study trips to Cambridge/London, UK; Dublin/Kerry, Ireland; Belfast, Northern Ireland; Hanoi, Vietnam; Kathmandu/

Helambu, Nepal; or Zimbabwe. Students from all classes also travel together to Berlin to explore the important political, historical and cultural metropolis.

Wanting to learn Students enrolled at SKALs’ regular ninth and tenth-grade programmes are divided into several smaller sub-groups of varying academic levels and teaching styles across different subjects. All classes have a strong academic focus and aim to prepare students for the specific line of post-secondary study they wish to pursue.

This does not, however, mean that it is all about books, stresses Primdal. “SKALs is not a rigidly academic school where we pace our students through hard subjects.

On the contrary: it’s about involving both your head and your heart. Being a student here is not about being academically strong: it’s about wanting to be.”

All students must spend at least one hour daily doing homework, but the school, which is located just a 15-minute bus ride from the regional capital of Viborg, also offers a range of possible after-school activities, such as swimming, kayaking and

outdoor activities, soccer, fitness, media, e-sport, gymnastics and a subject referred to as body, mind and soul.

At a glance: SKALs Efterskole is located in Skals, a town of approximately 2,000 inhabitants, 12 kilometres from Viborg and 75 kilometres from Aarhus.

SKALs’ 160 students share four-bed dormitory rooms, and students can choose between mixed-gender floors as well as a mixed English-speaking floor.

SKALs offers a ninth and tenth-grade education based on the students’ different learning approaches and academic levels (Danish National Curriculum) as well as an Englishlanguage, project-based tenth grade with no examinations, and Cambridge classes (IGCSE/O-level).

SKALs is among just a handful of schools in Denmark offering the entire IGCSE curriculum and, furthermore, is the Danish headquarters for IGCSEapproved education in Denmark.

Web: www.skals-efterskole.dk

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Education Special – Efterskoler

Stand out

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Tjele Efterskole

– on a skateboard, BMX or computer If you are looking to be outstanding, Tjele Efterskole is the place to be. With a new extended skate park and e-sport, scooter and BMX as subjects on the schedule, the school allows youngsters to develop and explore their passions in a safe and encouraging environment.

Located in Central Jutland, Tjele Efterskole’s main aim is to enable students to “be outstanding”. It does so through a varied and action-packed programme including everything from performance to table tennis, but over the last few decades it has become best known for its wheel-based subjects such as BMX and scooter. “The growing popularity of these subjects has meant that we have gradually expanded our expertise and facilities since we first established our BMX race programme 14 years ago,” says principal Kim Hansen. Last year, the school extended its skate park to include a foam pit ramp allowing students to safely practise bold moves such as backflips.

Among other popular subjects are art and design, author, and performance.

All receive special attention in different ways. Every year, for instance, all pupils take part in a big theatre performance.

The big range of subjects also results in a great variation in ambitions and backgrounds among the school’s 105 pupils.

“It’s a very diverse group, and something we prioritise is that they get to learn from each other and their differences. Tolerance is a keyword at Tjele Efterskole,” says Hansen.

Web: www.tjeleefterskole.dk Facebook: Tjele Efterskole - Ta’ Te’ Tjele

Facts: Main subjects offered at Tjele Efterskole: Art and design, artisan, animation, scooter, BMX race, author, table tennis, skateboarding, performance, BMX freestyle.

The school is located in Tjele, about 35 minutes by bus from Randers.

An efterskole with plenty of room for work and fun Covering more than 70 hectares in Jutland, Denmark, Bråskovgård Efterskole certainly makes a mark on the landscape. Pupils spend a fantastic year here doing everything from farming and cooking to sewing and building robots.

By Josefine Older Steffensen | Photos: Bråskovgård Efterskole

“We pride ourselves on having people from across society who come here and create their own community where everyone is accepted and where there is plenty of room for people to enjoy themselves while learning about new things,” says Preben Brunsgaard, principal at the school.

There are eight pathways to choose between: cookery, photography, horses, design, tech-lab, farming, outdoor and hunting. Each is a supplement to the core academic subjects, and the pupils spend around five hours a week on their chosen pathway. The pathways provide an allencompassing introduction to their subject. The huge farming area that comes with the school provides it with all the meat and vegetables it needs, and it is in 64 | Issue 106 | November 2017

the process of embracing organic farming. The cooks therefore use very local and seasonal products in their food, all of which is homemade.

“Alongside the pathways, the pupils are still expected to follow core academic subjects. In each subject, we split the pupils up based on their ability level. It means

that no one feels left out and, ultimately, it means that our pupils achieve their best as individuals too,” Brunsgaard explains.

The school allows for different kinds of people to get acquainted, and this teaches them acceptance. No one is allowed to take away another person’s joy, and everyone works together across skills and activities.

Ultimately, this creates an environment where everyone feels at home and comfortable, and where everyone has fun.

Web: www.bge.dk

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Education Special – Efterskoler

Losers have excuses – winners have a plan Offering six different sports programmes, Brøndby Idrætsefterskole does not just teach its students to score goals, but also to set them and work towards them. The school’s holistic approach to top performance encompasses physical training, diet, mental wellbeing, and social relationships.

attract athletes of all levels. All students and their parents are invited for an individual conversation on the school values before starting a programme.

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Brøndby Idrætsefterskole

Founded eight years ago in buildings previously belonging to Brøndy IF, Brøndby Idrætsefterskole has become known as one of the best Danish schools for young athletes. Behind the school’s success is a team of high-profile teachers as well as a strong focus on the psychology behind top performance. Students need to be dedicated to their sport but, most importantly, they need to be committed to their own development, explains principal Bo Palle Jensen. “Our founding idea is to teach young people to work towards a goal.

That doesn’t mean you have to want to be the world number one at something; it’s about looking at where you are and what it will take to move to where you want to be.”

As an essential part of this process, the school looks at everything from physical training and diet to mental and social

wellbeing. This is especially evident in the new fitness course, which focuses on what it takes to become a top performer. “We look at the whole human being in relation to performing, not just in a sport but also in school and socially. It’s about finding out who you are, what type of person you are, and how you react in specific situations. Psychology saturates everything at our school, in all our courses,” explains Jensen. “Developing as a football player is not just about practising on the field, but about learning to control your thoughts and emotions as a human.”

Though Brøndby Idrætsefterskole is known for its advanced level, it is not a school only for elite athletes. The school’s six programmes attract a diverse mix of students, and the more popular sports

Main subjects: football (boys), football (girls), dance, fitness (includes all sports), ice hockey, table tennis.

Location: Brøndby (the school is located right across from the Danish football club BIF), ten kilometres from Copenhagen city centre.

Boarding: Students stay in large, modern double or triple bedrooms with an en-suite bathroom.

Website: www.brondby-ie.dk Facebook: brondbyidraetsefterskole

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Education Special – Efterskoler

Students on their first trip with Eisbjerghus International School.

Getting prepared for an international future If you want to travel, learn new languages, understand different cultures and still have time to make friends for life, then a year at Eisbjerghus International School might be exactly what you need.

By Nicolai Lisberg | Photos: Kristine Andersen

The world is getting smaller. Many future jobs will most likely be in an international environment, which is why the continuation school Eisbjerghus International School has made it their ambition to help their students prepare for this. “We see more and more people move abroad to work, and we only expect this number to increase in the years to come. And even if 66 | Issue 106 | November 2017

you stay and work here in Denmark, there is a big chance that you’ll be working for an international company with colleagues from all over the world. That’s why we believe it’s important that our students not only learn about different cultures, but also learn to understand them and embrace them,” says Mads Poulsen, principal at Eisbjerghus International School.

When the students enrol, they select the country they want to have their exchange programme in. Currently, the school offers exchange experiences in France, Spain, Japan, India and China, and from 2018 on it will also be possible for students to go to South Korea. “It’s important for us that these trips are exchange trips and not just holidays. Our students are paired up with students from the host country; they go to school and live with the student’s family during their stay.

This way they get a real feel for the culture and everyday life in the host country, because we believe you can only really

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Education Special – Efterskoler

learn about a different culture if you become a part of it,” explains Poulsen.

An international environment Besides going abroad to live with a local family, the students also host foreign students themselves. The student you have stayed with during your exchange trip also comes to Denmark to stay at the school. This means that the school often has foreign guests from October to April. “In everything we do, we try to create an international environment, because it helps the students improve their intercultural skills as well as their level of English,” says Poulsen.

In addition to the exchange programmes, the students are presented with the option to join various conferences all over the world, as part of what the school calls EIS+. “At the moment, we have four students in Germany at a conference, where they will broaden their repertoire of German. A few students have been in France on a programme called Young Voices in Europe, and later this year we are sending students to Japan along with 40 other schools from all over the world as part of a programme called Water for Life,” says Poulsen.

Name: Anna Steenstrup Hansen Age: 16 Nationality: Danish Why did you choose Eisbjerghus International School?

Learning new languages has always appealed to me, and I knew I wanted to join a continuation school with a high academic level. I also love to travel, so when my mother and I scrolled thorough different schools I came across Eisbjerghus. I visited during their open day, and I fell in love with the place right away.

And what about the academic level?

It is something completely different from elementary school. Everybody wants to learn and people are really motivated. The classes are not something you just want to get over with, but something you truly enjoy.

Where are you going for your exchange?

I am going to China, because I wanted the greatest cultural clash possible. Asian culture has always appealed to me, and the chance of getting to know more of this culture together with my classmates is a unique opportunity.

What made you fall in love with the school?

I like that it is a relatively small continuation school and the fact that everyone here knows each other. Other than improving my English skills, I came here with the hope of making new friends, and that just seemed easier with everyone being so close to one another.

How have your first couple of months at the school been?

It has not just lived up to my expectations – it has actually exceeded them. I have made many new friends and everyone has been really open and welcoming – not only the students, but the teachers as well.

Exchange programme with Shishi High School in Chengdu, China.

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Education Special – Efterskoler

Exchange programme with a school in India.

Name: Storm Elliott Neil Savstrup Donovan Age: 15 Nationality: Danish

tailor-made to fit each individual student.

This really helps us improve on an academic level.

Why did you choose Eisbjerghus International School?

Where are you going for your exchange?

I had actually planned to visit four different continuation schools on their open days, but from the moment I sat foot at Eisbjerghus, I knew I wanted to come here. I felt at home right away. The exchange trips, the level of English and the international environment in general were very appealing.

How have your first couple of months at the school been?

It has been great. There is a special feeling here and the level in class is very good.

The students who come here only come because they really want it, and the same goes for the teachers, who are really inspiring. It creates this special energy and atmosphere. I am also surprised by how much of the education is actually being

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I could choose between France and India, and I decided to go to India. I thought I would gain the most by spending time in a country with such huge cultural differences compared to Denmark.

Facts: - Eisbjerghus International School is a language continuation school with a focus on internationalisation through languages.

- Situated in Nørre Åby on Funen, the school is located in the middle of Denmark and easy to get to.

- There are 120 students at Eisbjerghus, with 80 students in the tenth grade and 40 students in the ninth grade.

- The school offers exchange trips to France, Spain, Japan, India and China, and from 2018 to South Korea as well.

- The students can study English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese, and the school offers exams in collaboration with the University of Cambridge (English), the GOETHE Institute (German) and Delf/Dalf (French).

Web: www.eisbjerghus.dk Instagram: @eisbjerghus Facebook: Eisbjerghus

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Education Special – Efterskoler

Are you an athlete with an international mindset?

BGI Akademiet gives you the chance to immerse yourself in your favourite sports. At the same time, you can learn more about yourself, connect with others and take the Cambridge-approved international IGCSE course.

By Signe Hansen | Photos: BGI Akademiet

With 25 sports subjects, there is no doubt that sport is an essential part of a year at the Jutland-located ‘efterskole’ (boarding school) BGI Akademiet. The subjects range from the traditional handball and football to more alternative choices including parkour and snowboarding. This does not, however, mean that a stay at the school is only about sports. The school also offers a range of languages and, for the internationally minded students, it is possible to replace the regular Danish curriculum with the Cambridgeapproved IGCSE course. The course is taught in English and thus accessible for both Danish and international students.

“We’re experiencing that more and more young people have an international mindset, and this class is ideal for those who would like an extra challenge. They acquire new competences, take their

English to a new level and get to travel to Cambridge for a week,” says principal Helle Vestergaard.

Founded in 1955, BGI has been continuously growing since and is today Denmark’s second-largest boarding school with 550 students. However, with a number of smaller groups, created not just through the individual sports but also through living arrangements and student-teacher groups, students get the benefits of both small and close group relationships and the feeling of belonging to a larger community. “Our students are very different; some feel most comfortable with a few close relationships while others thrive in larger groups or when moving in and out of different groups,” says Vestergaard. “But what characterises our community is that it never closes off the way it some-

times does in other places where, once the initial phase is over, it can be really hard to get in if you haven’t found your place. That doesn’t happen here. We help the students who are finding it difficult, and there’s a feeling of openness throughout the year.”

BGI Akademiet is offering two new main subjects next year: teamgym, a class focused on elite gymnastics; and lifeskills, a class that teaches young girls the skills they need to deal with the many stressful elements of growing up.

BGI Akademiet is located in Hornsyld near Horsens and Vejle in Denmark.

Web: www.bgiakademiet.dk Facebook: efterskolenbgiakademiet

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Education Special – Efterskoler

Providing the time and space needed for achievement Tolne Efterskole, based in the northern part of Jutland, has created an environment where practical skills, personal development and new friendships are at the forefront of what they do. The school was specifically created for students with special needs and attracts students from across Denmark.

Anne-Mette Reeckmann explains. Every afternoon, the students are taught about day-to-day life, from the practicalities of cooking to socialising with others.

By Josefine Older Steffensen | Photos: Tolne Efterskole

Every Wednesday afternoon the students play sports, while Friday afternoons are dedicated to a subject of the student’s choosing including, but not limited to, self-defense, English, creative maths, and DIY. The weekends and any free time is often spent by the fire in the living room or at one of the four activities offered every evening.

“What’s important is to learn and to be together with each other in a community where the individual has plenty of space to develop academically, personally and socially at their own pace,” explains Anne-Mette Reeckmann, principal at Tolne Efterskole. “We want the students to achieve as much as they can, so that they ultimately want to continue to learn and be active in society.”

There are 11 different kinds of workshops for the students to choose between, where the teaching is made to suit each student. The workshops often take place in small groups of four to eight students, meaning that there is plenty of time for each student. The workshops cover a wide range of interests and are offered within construction and installation, en70 | Issue 106 | November 2017

gines and metal, drama and movement, music, IT and media, arts and crafts, kitchen, farming and horse riding, nature, sports, and janitor and gardener.

Learning by doing is an interactive way of gaining academic knowledge and, for many, it is much more fun. The workshops run for half a year, giving the opportunity to get stuck into a variety of subjects.

The community “The school becomes home to our students, and they can stay here for one, two or three years. Most choose to stay for more than a year. The youngest students share a room with someone else in the main building, while the older students live in houses surrounding the school,”

“The evening activities, the education and the entire school give the students the opportunity to feel part of a community where they have to take responsibility for themselves and the people around them.

Teaching them to play an active role is a fundamental aspect of what we do at Tolne Efterskole,” concludes Anne-Mette Reeckmann.

Web: www.tolneefterskole.dk

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Education Special – Efterskoler

Preparation for the real world, for the whole person Finderup Efterskole allows pupils, whether or not they enjoyed their ‘folkeskole’ – the Danish primary and secondary education – years, to explore other interests and grow academically, practically and socially in a safe, fun and supportive environment in the heart of Jutland.

By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Finderup Efterskole

“It is our greatest joy as teachers to work with these great young people who may have struggled with learning challenges or had problems concentrating and so on, and to help them develop the confidence and sense of self they deserve,” says Allan Trelborg, the school’s enthusiastic principal. “We’re on the same team here, the students and our excellent staff. We don’t see the pupils as having problems; they just need the right opportunities to develop.”

Finderup Efterskole builds upon the traditional Christian ‘efterskole’ principles of empathy, belief in the value of each individual, and support based on the needs of each pupil. Here, every pupil learns at their own speed. The classes are small, consisting of between eight and ten pu-

pils, and students are grouped according to their individual level in each subject – so they may be at different levels in maths and Danish, for example. If they wish to, they can take what is known as ‘folkeskolens afgangseksamen’ – roughly the equivalent of GCSEs – in those two subjects at the end of the year; however, the school emphasises the importance of practical and life skills as well as academia.

Every day is highly structured, incorporating traditional academic subjects, long-term practical subjects (known as ‘linjefag’) such as car and metal work, media studies, construction or cooking, as well as various short-term electives (‘valgfag’) such as outdoor activity or creative work, giving pupils the chance to shine and get to know each other across

classes. “We don’t compete against each other, but support each other’s personal development,” Trelborg explains. “One of the most important things I think we can do for our pupils is to get them into a routine where healthy, positive living becomes easy – something they don’t even have to think about anymore.”

At night, phones and other devices are taken away half an hour before bedtime to encourage pupils to engage with each other and get a great night’s sleep. In the morning, a full, healthy breakfast followed by singing and a round of physical exercise help raise energy for the day. “At the moment, we’re actually all practising for a duathlon,” says Trelborg. “That might sound scary at first, but every one of us competes against ourselves and gradually extends our distance with the support of everyone else. That’s quite a nice metaphor for how our school works too.”

Web: www.finderupefterskole.dk Facebook: FinderupEfterskole

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Education Special – Efterskoler

A place for academic and social achievement Svenstrup Efterskole, near Næstved in Denmark, was founded in 2000. In its short life to date, it has gained a reputation for being a home and school to students who have a real desire to learn, and who want to participate actively in a comforting and striving community of students and teachers.

By Josefine Older Steffensen | Photos: Svenstrup Efterskole

Svenstrup Efterskole has chosen to focus on the academic subjects and teaching them at the highest standard. Alongside these, the students can choose between five different pathways, which they spend five hours a week on: football, dance, creative, music and sport. The 140 students live and go to school with each other and form friendships that last a lifetime during their year at the efterskole.

“It was important for us to create a space for those who really want to learn, where the teachers can challenge them and where curiosity is at the forefront of everything we do,” explains Gitte Edelgaard, principal and co-founder of 72 | Issue 106 | November 2017

Svenstrup Efterskole. It is a school for people who love to, and are motivated to, learn.

Learning about life A year at an efterskole usually takes place after the completion of secondary school. It is a year for students to get involved in activities they like, to learn more and to live away from home. “For many, this is the first time they’ve ever lived away from their parents, so it is a big change,” says Gitte.

The school becomes their home for a year, and helping to maintain the school becomes part of daily life. “We expect everyone to help with the cleaning and cooking

and generally making the school a nice environment to be in,” says the principal.

The community that gets created over the year leads to strong friendships, while also giving the students a robust foundation for the rest of their lives. “The paths that people choose allow them to meet a different group of people than those they take their academic classes with, and then they share a room with a whole other group,” Gitte continues. “It’s an excellent way for them to meet lots of new people and learn about and from others.”

Everyone at the school is accepted, whether they have spent their entire lives in the surrounding area or come from abroad.

The school provides a safe and stimulating haven for everyone to be a part of. It is a highly sought-after efterskole and the waiting lists can be long, so it is a good idea to apply a few years in advance.

Web: www.svenstrup-efterskole.dk

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Education Special – Efterskoler

A community of music

By Nicolai Lisberg | Photos: Mellerup Efterskole

Mellerup continuation school offers you the chance to improve your music skills while at the same time becoming part of a special community.

If you want to spend a year playing music and getting a sense of what the life of a touring musician is like, all while improving your academic skills, Mellerup continuation school might be exactly the place for you. “We have skilled teachers and a professional set-up, but the school is for anyone who wants to be a better musician.

We form bands that everyone can be a part of, and we set up a lot of concerts and productions, which we invite guests to,” says Anne Dahl Iversen, principal at Mellerup continuation school. The school encourages students to become independent and creative. At the beginning the students will interpret other people’s songs, but the ambition is that, later on, they will all write their own music.

Every year, the students travel to Ireland. The idea with Ireland as a travel destination is to combine the impression

of Irish culture and nature with the experience of being on tour. “An important part of the trip is to perform with our street orchestra. Being part of such a big orchestra is one of the things that helps create the special feeling of togetherness that you’ll find here at the school,” says Iversen.

“When our students join our school, we

make a virtue out of explaining that this feeling and this community are not something that happens automatically; it’s something the students need to work for and take responsibility for as well.”

Web: www.mellerupefterskole.dk Facebook: Mellerupefterskole Instagram: @mellerupefterskole

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Education Special – Efterskoler

Meet your world The International Academy and Boarding School of Denmark is the only 100 per cent English-speaking efterskole in Denmark. Students aged 14 to 17 can combine an international education with the unique experience of attending a Danish efterskole, with all its proven educational and personal development qualities.

year. Students can get a brief experience of life at The International and a Danish ‘efterskole’ by signing up for the Welcome to Your World Week Camp, which is held every year in October.

Text and photos: The International

Vedersø Idrætsefterskole, located in Jutland, has developed a new efterskole concept where students work towards understanding life in a global context. The International is a purpose-built department providing an English-speaking learning environment focusing on intercultural competence and awareness, international relations and personal development.

Students benefit from Vedersø Idrætsefterskole’s 25 years of experience as a highly regarded sports efterskole with strong traditions and a focus on student wellbeing, academic excellence and unrivalled sports facilities. “Our aim is to create a 100 per cent English-speaking boarding school with a focus on intercultural competence that has a strong global vision and an international learning environment, while also having strong roots in the Danish ‘efterskole’ tradition and values such as personal development and that strong sense of community,” says principal Kim Skouborg Jespersen.

creates an authentically international learning environment where students can develop their understanding of and really meet their world. With internationally recognised qualifications through the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum and a choice of modern, foreign languages, students can prepare for the future while improving their language skills and establishing an international network and friendships for life.

Not only does The International give students the opportunity to focus on formal education – it also offers its own intensive courses in intercultural competence, business management and leadership, along with a range of elective subjects such as dance, soccer and media studies.

Two international trips, including a world trip to one of a number of faraway places such as Australia, Singapore, Hawaii and South Africa, also ensure that students gain authentic experiences of the world in which they live.

The International Academy and Boarding School of Denmark, Vedersø, at a glance: - 100 per cent English-speaking boarding school in Denmark - Offers the University of Cambridge’s International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) - Students participate in three study trips: i. a worldwide adventure in the United States, South Africa or Australia; ii. a European trip to a European country; iii. a tour of Denmark, - Tailor-made short courses in intercultural competence, business studies and leadership.

- Over 30 elective subjects to choose from.

Cultural exchanges, foreign students and guest lecturers, along with international staff and course content, are just a few examples of how The International 74 | Issue 106 | November 2017

The school welcomes all nationalities and its excellent, caring teachers and counselling staff prioritise individual student success and wellbeing throughout the

Web: www.theinternational-dk.com

D SP AN Spec ia EC IS l IA H E Them L e: – H DU ØJ CAT SK IO OL N ER

Imagine a school of life Imagine a school without tests, without a curriculum and without grades. A school where you learn simply because you have the desire to learn – a school that gives you the opportunity to learn more about yourself and the world around you. A school not just about teaching and theory, but where the reality of living with one hundred other students and teachers is a vital part of the experience.

You sleep, eat, study and spend your spare time at the school. There are no academic requirements for admittance and there are no exams – but you will get a diploma as proof of your attendance. That, and memories to last a lifetime.

By Højskolernes Hus | Photos: Folkehøjskolernes Forening Danmark

We live together, learn together, eat, party, sing, laugh and cry together and we share our stories so that we become a part of each other’s lives. In other words, imagine a school of life.

A folk high school in Denmark is where theory and books lend qualities to the conversations we have with each other, instead of just learning things by heart to pass an exam. It is a school where teachers do not hold the truth to the questions asked, but pursue it together with the students – a school where education is not solely about preparing for a job, but an essential part of being human.

There are 68 folk high schools across Denmark, most of them situated in ru-

ral areas or smaller towns, and they are typically named after the local district.

Some are quite old, others founded recently. Some are large and can accommodate more than 100 students, while others have room for only 30. Some are well consolidated, others less well off.

Some are architectural gems, while most are characterised by stylistic confusion.

However, the most important thing about them is not their appearance, but rather their atmosphere. As a teacher once said: “The task of the schools is to create a climate where culture is a reality.”

The Danish folk high schools offer non-formal adult education. Most students are between 18 and 24 years old and the length of a typical stay is four months.

You can also join a folk high school for a short-term stay with a themed event schedule. These are often offered during holidays and include courses intended for families or seniors or for anyone dedicated to practising a special craft or interest. With 1,100 courses and 300 topics, there is something for everybody.

Web: www.danishfolkhighschools.com

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Education Special – Højskoler

Creativity is about thinking differently Whether you are looking to explore your creative skills or prepare for a design programme, or you just want to learn to think outside the box, Den Skandinaviske Designhøjskole (the Scandinavian Design College) can give you an experience for life. Located in central Jutland, the school combines creative subjects within design and architecture with life at a traditional Danish ‘folkehøjskole’ (folk high school).

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Den Skandinaviske Designhøjskole

Icelandic Snærun Tinna Prorsadóttir did not have any experience with graphic design before starting at the Scandinavian Design College last summer; she just wanted to try it out. The experience has, she says, been beyond her expectations.

“It’s such fun – I never had so much fun in my life. But I’m also learning so much, not just about graphic design but also about myself. I definitely think I want to do something creative in the future.

Graphic design is a lot of fun, and there are so many different aspects to it.”

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Graphic design is one of four programmes offered at the Scandinavian Design College. The other three are fashion and textile design; architecture and urban design; furniture, interior and product design.

Not just drawing Founded in 2000, the Scandinavian Design College has become a popular choice for young people preparing for the admission examinations for Denmark’s creative programmes. But the school is

about much more than preparing for an architecture or design programme. “A lot of people associate design with something about aesthetics, but creativity for us is much more about solving problems; the aesthetic is just an extra tool for that purpose,” says principal Jakob Nørregaard. “Creativity and design do not even need to materialise in a physical product; you can use it in all kinds of connections, as an approach to socio-economic problems or to develop a functional solution to a specific problem.”

Still, 80 per cent of the people who apply to a creative programme after a stay at the Scandinavian Design College are accepted. Prorsadóttir is among the students set on taking their new skills further. “Yes, I definitely want to apply to design school after this. It has given me

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Education Special – Højskoler

some really good things for my portfolio and a good idea of how to I want to work,” says the 20-year-old.

workshops 24 hours a day. Students also have free access to the school’s fitness room.

For everyone

Learn to think differently

With 80 budding architects and designers living side by side 24/7, the environment at the Scandinavian Design College is saturated with creativity. But people who have no previous experience or do not wish to pursue a creative career should not be afraid to apply. “Our aim is to inspire the people who come here and open their eyes to what you can do with the different subjects. I’m sure all humans are born creative – some people just explore it more than others, and to me it’s all about creating the framework for people to try out new things, play around with different ways of approaching problems and learning from that,” says Nørregaard.

During a course at the Scandinavian Design College, students will not just learn specific skills but also how to approach open challenges and questions, say of the kind they will also face if applying for a creative programme in Denmark or abroad. This can be difficult as many have, through the regular school system, learnt to always search for the one correct answer. “A lot of straight-A students are utterly confused when they arrive here, because there is no correct answer or set curriculum – and that’s what makes it so exciting! If we can open up for our inherent ability to think freely, it can be applied to a multitude of situations,” stresses Nørregaard. “It’s what the politicians are always talking about – innovation

When living at the school, students can use its 6,000 square metres of functional

and creativity – but in the regular school system we learn the opposite.”

The school also welcomes a number of international students from all over the world, including fans of Scandinavian design and architecture from as far away as Japan and Australia.

Facts: The Scandinavian Design College is located between Randers and Aarhus.

The duration of the courses is 24 weeks in the spring term, 20 weeks in the autumn term, or 44 combined.

Price per week: 1,900 DKK for a shared double room, or 2,150 DKK for a single room, including accommodation, food, teaching, excursions and more.

Web: www.designhojskolen.dk

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Education Special – Højskoler

A bigger perspective At the International Apostolic Bible College in Kolding, students learn not just about their relationship with God but also about themselves and their relationships with others. The long and short courses at the folk high school allow students to explore their faith and gain specific skills for work within the church.

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Kolding Internationale Højskole

Based at the apostolic church in Kolding, the International Apostolic Bible College was founded in 1939. Students participate in the local church’s Sunday services, engage in community work and travel abroad to meet and work with other cultures. “A lot of young people today are very focused on their own life and how it looks to others. At our school, we turn that around 180 degrees,” explains principal Ingrid Frederiksen. “At most folk high schools you learn more about yourself and your relationships with others but an extra dimension here is that you learn about your relationship with God, and by understanding that relationship you come

to understand how that relationship, and not you, is at the centre of everything.”

One of the students who had just that realisation is Beth Murray from England.

“I used to think Jesus was a big part of my life until I had to learn to trust him for everything. He was a part of my life but now I can say that he is my life!” she says.

The school runs two half-year courses as well as a number of shorter week and weekend courses.

Web: www.iabc.dk Facebook: iabc.dk

Serious fun for seniors

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Højskolen Marielyst

As one of just two senior ‘højskoler’ (folk high schools) in Denmark, Højskolen Marielyst offers a range of exciting one and two-week courses as well as day events.

In a charming old farmhouse by the sea, you can explore the history of jazz, get acquainted with the newest technology, learn a craft, and much more.

Based in a 19th-century farmhouse on Falster, Højskolen Marielyst offers plenty of opportunities to ‘hygge’. However, the almost 2,000 course participants who visit the school each year do much more than that. “All the people who come through our school are active seniors who want to make the most of their retirement years. They’re people who have the zest and vitality to take part in cultural debates, lectures and activities,” says principal Christian Schou.

Højskolen Marielyst is located just 200 metres from one of Denmark’s best beaches and, prior to being turned into a folk high school in 1971, the farm building was run as a beach hotel. Much of the hotel’s comfort and charm has been preserved, and course participants get to enjoy a healthy traditional Danish diet with a 78 | Issue 106 | November 2017

large breakfast buffet, two warm courses for lunch and an evening buffet of warm and cold dishes.

Average prices: One-week course: 4,400DKK. Two-week course: 5,600DKK. Courses include all meals, excursions and evening concerts as well as subjects such as: jazz, war history, use your iPad, birdlife, hiking, golf, music, watercolour, creativity, biking, and many more.

Courses run from the end of January to the beginning of December.

Web: www.hojskolenmarielyst.dk

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Education Special – Højskoler

Letting young adults explore new interests Is there a hobby or interest you have always wanted to try out but never had the chance to? Nørgaards Højskole (‘Folk High School’) in Jutland gives people in their late teens to late twenties from all over the world the chance to explore and learn about anything from music to adventure sports alongside up to 90 potential new Danish and international friends.

By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Nørgaards

“We have a great, dynamic atmosphere at Nørgaards, and that’s definitely partially down to the great variety of students we get here,” says Jan Bo Rasmussen, the school’s PR manager. “We’ve had students come to us from as far away as Venezuela and Australia. We’ve even had fully trained engineers stay with us, who wanted the chance to try out something they’d always been interested in but never had the chance to learn about before.

It’s really great to be a part of somewhere that lets people live their dreams. I don’t know where you’d get that opportunity as an adult apart from these schools.”

Folk high schools were the brainchild of the 19th-century Danish writer and theologian N.F.S. Grundtvig, who provided Danish adults with the chance to educate themselves in order to give them better opportunities in life and provide

society with capable, well-rounded citizens. Nørgaards still carries on these values, but opens up folk high schools to international students through English-taught courses including electronic music production, dance, art and adventure sports. During their semester at the school, students are also free to explore a wide range of minor subjects, ranging from choir, literature, or art and design to climbing, canoeing or even Filipino stick fighting. A trip to Berlin is also included in the course.

Students live at the school, where healthy meals are provided, and have the opportunity to make themselves equally healthy through the use of Nørgaards’ state-of-the-art facilities, which include an indoor pool and gym. Extracurricular Danish classes are available for international students, and many stu-

dents arrange language cafés and trips to other parts of Denmark. In the true Grundtvigian spirit, Rasmussen points out that the life experiences students encounter outside of the classroom are just as important as what they learn inside. “At Nørgaards, you learn how to be a valuable part of a community or society within a truly unique social and learning environment,” he explains. “You’ll get to know new sides of yourself, but also new people with whom you’ll form memories and friendships that’ll last a lifetime.”

International student scholarships available upon application.

Web: www.nrgaard.dk/ hojskoleophold/in-english Facebook: nrgaards Instagram: @nrgaards_international

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Education Special – Højskoler

Located by the sea, just 25 kilometres from the Danish border to Germany, Højskolen Østersøen has always had a strong international focus.

Building a sustainable world Located on the threshold between southern Denmark and the rest of the world, Højskolen Østersøen is setting out to offer its students the chance to transform the world – or at least take the first step. With its new course, World Lab, the folk high school is aiming to bring together students from all over the world to develop solutions for a better and more sustainable world.

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Højskolen Østersøen

Since its foundation in 1993, diversity and tolerance have been key values at Højskolen Østersøen, which is clearly reflected in the school’s new World Lab course. Inspired by the school’s participation in the global innovation lab UNLEASH (which brought together 1,000 people in August this year to work on the UN Sustainable Development Goals), the course will bring together young people from all over the world. Together, they will work to develop solutions for a better and more sustainable world, build strong global networks and transform ideas into 80 | Issue 106 | November 2017

workable solutions. Principal Annemarie Morris explains: “UNLEASH was such a huge success here, and that made us think about how much the content of the United Nations charter is actually in line with what we already do as a good folk high school. Seeing this in combination with our existing focus on European students, we thought that it would be natural to take the next step to become a more globally orientated institution.”

Due to its proximity to the Danish/ German border, Højskolen Østersøen

is one of a few folk high schools in Denmark to have been given an exemption from the rule that half of the students must be Danish.

Working together to create change During the four-month World Lab course, participants will, inspired by the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, work to develop their own ideas into solutions for a better and more sustainable world. The students will meet key players from Danish industry, NGOs, foundations and the government sector to help them develop their ideas – but, most of all, they will rely on each other. “You might have one student with a technical background, one with a background in social sciences and someone coming from somewhere entirely different; that mix of backgrounds is what the Danish folk high school has always

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Education Special – Højskoler

made use of, and this will be no exception from that,” stresses Morris. “We can’t work towards all 17 UN goals, so it will depend on the interests of the participants, but it is very important for people to be willing to compromise and to work with others to achieve sustainable ideas as a team. It is not a question of promoting your own idea, but of lifting ideas from an individual vision to a shared vision.”

of languages including Danish, German, Spanish, Chinese and Portuguese. They may also get the chance to connect to relevant NGO’s and companies through one or two-week placements and, if someone comes up with a scalable idea, the school can provide support and ideas to help raise money for funding. This all aims at helping students create and maintain a strong global network to help them further their ideas in the future.

The school will work in partnership with the UNLEASH organisation, Project Zero and UNDP to offer intensive and transformational training, workshops and lectures. Students will also have the opportunity to meet other top talents, experts, innovators and experienced UNLEASHers.

“Our aim is to create an international network so that our students can carry on developing their ideas once they finish here. If you are a young person engaged in a particular field, that’s very important, and it could mean that, years ahead, you will be able to reach out to that someone who will then help you turn your idea into reality. We hope to be part of that,” says Morris and rounds off: “Once you are finished here, that’s just the beginning.”

Just the first step As part of their stay at Højskolen Østersøen, students will also have the chance to learn or improve in a number

Facts: - The World Lab course takes place 13 January to 4 May 2018.

- The fee for the 16 weeks for international students is 130 euros (1,000 DKK) per week for a shared double room.

- The World Lab course will be taught in English.

- Højskolen Østersøen also offers a multitude of short courses as well as the Skibum course (see next page).

- The school is located right by the sea in Aabenraa and provides views of the fjord and harbour.

Web: www.hojoster.dk

Top left: The pins on the map show the origin of the 100 participants who took part in UNLEASH at Højskolen Østersøen last August. Bottom: Last August, the school hosted 100 young talents from all over the globe as part of the UN’s UNLEASH project. This inspired the new World Lab course, which is starting in January 2018.

Issue 106 | November 2017 | 81

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Education Special – Højskoler

The Skibum course consists of two parts: four months by the sea in Denmark, improving language, social and physical skills, and four months working in the ski industry in Austria.

Acquire the skillset of a ski bum You might not think it, but becoming a ski bum (working as a ski instructor, hotelier or in other areas of the ski industry) requires a broad skillset. At Højskolen Østersøen, you can improve or acquire all the skills needed: physical training, cultural understanding and languages.

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Højskolen Østersøen

Located just 25 kilometres from the Danish-German border, Højskolen Østersøen is an educational gateway to Europe and the German-speaking part of the ski industry in particular. As part of the ski bum course, young aspiring ski bums spend four months training, learning languages, and meeting people of all kinds of backgrounds. This prepares them for the second half of the course: four months working in Austria’s ski industry.

“It’s all about building skills and using the international community that we have here to prepare yourself for going to Austria. What you get through this course is four months by the sea in Denmark and four months in the mountains in Austria,” explains principal Annemarie Morris.

82 | Issue 106 | November 2017

The ski bum stay in Austria includes guaranteed work in the ski industry. This could be a job in a sports equipment shop, as a waiter, in a hotel or as a ski instructor.

Halfway through the first four months, all students travel to Austria to take the ski instructor test (95 per cent of the school’s

students pass the test on their first attempt) or visit their future work place. Together with the later real-life appliance of skills, the school’s international environment and focus on sports and languages create an all-encompassing, thrilling and engaging adventure. “All the competences and skills you gain at the school, you then get to try out in practice – and have a lot of fun while doing so,” says course administrator Karim Pedersen.

Facts: - The spring Skibum course of 2018 runs 13 January to 4 May. - The work stay in Austria runs from December 2018 to April 2019.

- The fee for the 16 weeks at the school is 15,920 DKK plus 3,995 DKK for the mid-term study trip to Austria and 5,000 DKK for the Ski Instructor Certificate.

Web: www.hojoster.dk/skibums

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Education Special – Højskoler

The new Roskilde Festival Højskole merges the values and traditions of the Danish folk high school with the pillars of the Roskilde Festival: music, art and change.

Building communities The Roskilde Festival Højskole will combine the values of a ‘højskole’ (a Danish folk high school) with the decades of experience behind Denmark’s largest festival.

Opening in January 2019, the højskole offers a number of subjects based on the three pillars of the Roskilde Festival: music, art and change.

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Roskilde Festival Højskole

Having been under way for almost 15 years, the Roskilde Festival Højskole is now offering young people the chance to study and learn in a brand-new purpose-built school next to the wellknown festival site. The experience will reflect the values and experiences of the famous festival as well as the traditional Danish højskole concept. “Thinking about music festivals, you might expect us to open a school of rock music – but the Roskilde Festival is about much more than that,” says principal Jesper Øland. “It’s about volunteer communities, sustainable art and change. When you compare that with the traditional højskole values, it’s an excellent match.

It’s the merger of two iconic institutions, and the result is rather amazing.”

The school will open in Roskilde’s new Musicon area, which houses a number of creative workshops, a skate park and cultural institutions. The subjects on offer – music, management, maker, media, activism, and art – are based on the skills required to plan, implement or communicate a cultural and social event such as the Roskilde Festival. The hope is that the courses will not just build the skills but also the desire in students to engage in volunteer, social and cultural work, as Øland explains: “Our ambition is to send our students back into society with a genuine commitment, desire and ability to create value and change, not just in their own life but in the world around them.”

Facts: The Roskilde Festival Højskole will open on 6 January 2019, with space for 120 students.

The school will offer six main subjects: music, management, maker, media, activism, and art.

The school offers spring courses, autumn courses and full-year courses of four, six and ten months respectively.

The school will be based across 5,200 square metres and include student and teacher accommodation in Roskilde’s new creative area, Musicon.

Musicon is located in a former concrete production site, two kilometres from the centre of Roskilde, one kilometre from the site of the Roskilde Festival, and 30 kilometres from Copenhagen.

Web: www.rofh.dk

Issue 106 | November 2017 | 83

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Education Special – Højskoler

Photo: Lars Bertelsen

Photo: Lars Bertelsen

Explore your creative streak at Bornholms Højskole Secluded in Bornholm’s wonderful scenery, this Danish højskole lets you immerse yourself in crafts such as ceramics and visual arts as well as enjoy outdoor recreation through climbing, diving or kayaking. More importantly, you will be doing it all with a bunch of new friends.

Hungary, Mexico and Japan – students who are particularly keen to discover the unique green surroundings and cultivate their craftsmanship as well as learn the Danish language.

By Mette Hindkjær Madsen | Photos: Søren Voigt Juhl

“Seeing the excitement in our students when they’re creating something out of an idea that emerged in their heads and bringing it to life with their own two hands is just amazing. The energy while they’re working and the pride they have when the product is finished – that is my favourite thing about our højskole,” says Bente Larsen, headmaster of Bornholms Højskole.

As a student at Bornholms Højskole, you choose two main subjects during your stay along with a couple of minor subjects. Typically, you will take four to five different courses during the week and, in every class, you are certain to be seen and heard and to develop as the groups are kept small. Outside of regular class hours, the workshops are open for exploration by students who did not sign up for the particular class but are curious to try their hands at something new, like making jewellery, for instance.

84 | Issue 106 | November 2017

Bornholm has a long-standing tradition of crafts, outdoor activities and gastronomy, a mentality that the island’s only højskole has embraced in its own spirit. “We are surrounded by experts within these fields, who can share their knowledge and enrich our students,” says Larsen. “It’s important to take on projects that give you the opportunity to discover new sides to yourself. Creativity demands precision.

You get to think in new ways, find that you can construct something with your hands, and follow a work process through from an idea to a real product at the end. Here, you take a break from the daily pressure of always moving forward as fast as possible; you take time for absorption.”

Creating a safe and open community for the students to engage in society and the world around them is a big part of the daily life and mission at Bornholms Højskole.

They welcome participants from all over the world, including Germany, Norway,

“Coming together from different backgrounds, both within Denmark and internationally, is something we celebrate here. If we can build bridges rather than walls, that’s incredible,” says Larsen.

Web: www.bornholmshojskole.dk

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Education Special – Højskoler

An experience that could change your (work) life If you dream of making a living as an exercise instructor or just want to improve within a sport, Aalborg Sportshøjskole can get you there. Surrounded by people who share your passion, you can immerse yourself 24/7 in the sports you love. Courses include everything from equestrian and weightlifting to summer golf courses and preparations for the police school’s entrance exam.

playground,” says Krogh. “Many of our students use our school as a springboard for a new life and education in Aalborg.

That way, when they move here officially, they already have a huge network of friends from the school.”

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Aalborg Sportshøjskole

Aalborg Sportshøjskole was founded in 1982 and stands out from other sports folk high schools by offering its students the chance to leave not just with an experience of a lifetime, but also with a professional sports qualification. “We’re one of the very few folk high schools that offer qualifications all the way from a level one or two course to a full one-year exercise diploma, one of the best qualifications in the world of exercise,” says principal Rasmus Krogh. “That said, most people come mainly because they want to try out new sports or improve within a specific activity, yet the level of our training is very high and, whatever you want to do, we will make sure that you will leave with some skills you didn’t have when you arrived. It’s important to us that our students grow both within their subject and as social human beings.”

Another distinct feature of Aalborg Sportshøjskole is its location. Set in the heart of Aalborg, the school offers access to a wide range of sports facilities including a yoga centre, an equestrian centre, an athletics stadium, swimming pools and bouldering facilities. “We’re located right across from Aalborg’s athletics stadium and have the entire city and its many sports facilities and spaces as our

Facts: Students can choose between courses of eight to 43 weeks, depending on their aims.

The school also offers an intense oneweek summer golf course.

The school offers 28 subjects within the seven categories of ball games, fitness, jobs in uniforms, exercise and development, outdoor activities, and equestrian.

Fees: 1,525 DKK per week for the first six months, and 1,000 DKK per week for the last six months.

The school also offers stabling (at an extra cost) for the horses of students on the school’s equestrian programme.

Web: www.sportshojskolen.dk

Issue 106 | November 2017 | 85

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Education Special – Gymnasium

Get to know Denmark, internationally At Grenaa Gymnasium, students get the benefit of both a Danish environment and an international atmosphere. Since 2003, the school has taught the International Baccalaureate (IB) alongside the normal Danish STX and HF education systems, allowing international students and Danes who have lived abroad to get to know Denmark at high-school level while retaining their international education.

school is alive 24/7. Students have their own private rooms and are given a great deal of freedom in their spare time, but there’s always someone around for support,” says Kristensen.

By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Grenaa Gymnasium

Grenaa is its own small town and hosts exciting events throughout the year, but it is also situated close to the airport and only 45 minutes from Aarhus, which makes it a nice and safe place to learn independence – much like the school itself. “We have space for all types of people here. At the same time, we’re only 600 students in total, so we have the time to look after everyone too,” Kristensen concludes.

“I think the mix of the three education systems works really well at the school,” says Grenaa Gymnasium’s principal Helene Bendorff Kristensen. “We have a large variety of students here, so it naturally becomes a very inclusive environment – everyone gets the space and opportunity to be themselves and develop their own particular interests.”

ing well-rounded students. Students are required to take two languages, maths, a science subject, a humanities subject and usually top up with a creative subject. At Grenaa, everything is taught in English, with very good diploma results, allowing students to continue their studies abroad later on. This also opens up Denmark to students who know little or no Danish.

The systems are taught separately, but there are plenty of opportunities to meet each other through the school’s many extra-curricular activities, student societies and excursions, including a project called Model United Nations, trips to the local beach, and student or teacher-led music and drama events.

“Many of our IB students are halfDanish or have some sort of connection to Denmark but have never tried living here,” says Kristensen. “While at Grenaa, they get to know not just Denmark but Danish peers and youth culture, all while keeping their international ties. That’s one of the things we do best.”

Live and learn at the school

Grenaa includes a very reasonably priced boarding school for students who wish to try living semi-independently or whose parents work abroad. “It means that our

The IB is respected across the world for its variety in subject choice, its high academic standards and its emphasis on develop86 | Issue 106 | November 2017

Web: www.grenaa-gym.dk Facebook: grenaagym / grenaaib Instagram: @grenaagym

S

ED N pecia lT UC OR AT WE hem e: IO G N IA SP N EC IA L

Top left: The school hosts its very own in-house concert every month, with the students themselves taking to the stage. Left: On the dance programme, students get to learn, practise and perform throughout the year. Right: The photography/videography programme provides students with a solid introduction to photography and videography.

A green and urban folk high school in the capital Spending an unforgettable year at a folk high school, which offers a non-formal adult education, is something many Norwegians decide to do after finishing school.

Students from all over the world are now invited to join the Norwegians for this active and educational year, as Rønningen Folkehøgskole offers its very own Norwegian line, focused on the language and culture.

By Line Elise Svanevik | Photos: Sture H. Vareide, Rønningen Folkehøgskole

“It’s a rich cultural offer,” explains Svein Harsten, principal of the Oslo-based school. “We have a very wide variety of subjects to choose from, and activities to partake in, including music, elite sports, creative arts, design and dance.”

With 190 students throughout the school, the Norwegian class welcomes 15 new students from around the world each year. “These students combine learning the Norwegian language and culture with our other range of subjects and activities, which makes it a unique offer,” Harsten explains.

The school is located on the outskirts of the city, close to the forest, which means that it is both green and urban at the same time. “We tackle global and societal ques-

tions through our teaching, and we have a 24/7 school focusing on the whole human being – everything from the meals and boarding school life to the subjects we teach,” the principal continues.

wholesome individual. “We teach our students how to stand on their own two feet, and to get a basic introduction to life,” he says. “Everything that happens on the school campus is part of our teachings.”

Lines of study - Band/studio/stage - Dance - Photography/videography - Art and architecture - Norwegian - See: the world

Rønningen has also recently opened its brand new 1,000-square-metre sports hall, which is great for those attending the school for the elite sports, football or dance programmes. There is also a stage for the students attending the music band/studio/stage, vocals and dance programmes. Every month, they host their very own in-house concert with the students themselves taking to the stage.

- See: Oslo

Harsten emphasises that the most valuable thing you can learn from a year at Rønningen Folkehøgskole is to become a

Web: www.ronningen.fhs.no Facebook: folkehogskole

- Vocals - Sports and balls - Elite sports - Elite football - Ten sing Norway - Art and illustration - Digital design - Lights/sound/stage

Issue 106 | November 2017 | 87

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Education Special

Every year, the students of Hedmarktoppen Folkehøyskole travel to Hawaii. Photo: Mats Borgersen

Widening the horizon through education, travel and diversity Through the trip of a lifetime, which trails through the world and eventually ends up in Hawaii, the students at Hedmarktoppen Folkehøyskole get a unique opportunity to explore the world and delve deeper into their hobbies and interests, in addition to creating ever-lasting friendships.

By Line Elise Svanevik

“It’s an incredibly diverse school, regardless of interests and hobbies,” explains principal Geir Byberg. “Our courses and activities range from sports, wilderness, surfing, snowboarding, music, dance and disciple to creative subjects including photography and barista training.”

Byberg explains that the most wonderful thing about a year at Hedmarktoppen is the fact that students can specialise 88 | Issue 106 | November 2017

in their interests while also challenging themselves and growing as individuals.

A field trip to Hawaii Each year, the students on all courses head off for a three- to four-week journey that ends up in Hawaii. The journey there sees several meaningful pit-stops, where some of the students stop off in New York for a bit of cultural education to later volunteer at orphanages in Jamaica

or build houses in Panama, Costa Rica and Mexico.

There are also several other trips throughout the year. “At the moment, our sports students are diving in Thailand and our disciple students are in Israel,” says Byberg. “Our creative course students are going to Barcelona and Amsterdam.”

In Hawaii, the students learn the hula and haka dance while soaking up the local culture, but they also get exposed to missionary organisations, which Byberg believes is incredibly important. The school raises around 65,000 pounds per year through selling calendars created by the creative

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Education Special

courses, and a further 14,000 pounds through various activities – all contributing towards the foreign aid projects.

A Christian focus “We have a strong Christian environment,” explains Byberg. “On our Hawaii trip, the students get to experience the culture, but they also get exposed to the missionary organisation Youth With a Mission (YWAM) that we collaborate with.”

With 147 students this year, Byberg stresses that not all of the students are religious. “Much of our Christian activities and education are actually voluntary but, amazingly, we have around 95 per cent attendance even for the volun-

tary gatherings,” he explains. “Even our non-Christian students happily come to the Christian meetings, as they experience them very positively as well. It’s important to us that everyone is included.”

He believes that one of the reasons why there is such high attendance for the voluntary Christian activities is that they constantly reinvent themselves. “It’s dangerous if what we believe is the most important thing about the school becomes outdated. That’s why we spend a lot of resources, time and energy on making it an exceptional offer,” he says.

The school regularly welcomes speakers from other parts of the world. Most

recently, they had guest speakers from both Berlin and Florida. “We also have what you might call ‘Norwegian Christian celebrities’ stop by – some of them come and guest teach the disciple classes during the day, followed by their speeches at the voluntary events in the evening,” he adds.

Starting over Byberg wants for Hedmarktoppen Folkehøyskole to be a place where people can come and be true to who they are, regardless of their backgrounds. “We want to inspire people to learn, grow and mature, and we want them to take what they’ve learnt to areas that might need help,” he says. “We want to show the

Left: Some of the students stop off in Panama to build houses in small communities. Photo: Gunnleik Hofstad. Top right: Principal of Hedmarktoppen, Geir Byberg, also teaches the barista course. Photo: Emilie Fosstveit. Bottom right: There is a big sports focus at the school, with a wide variety of sports on offer. Photo: Frida Helgerud.

Issue 106 | November 2017 | 89

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Education Special

Left: The second-year students are gearing up to welcome the new students. Photo: Frida Helgerud. Right: The music students travel to Jamaica to help multihandicapped children. Photo: Erlend Peter Valkvæ.

students that they can make a difference in the world, which can be positive for other people. Finally, we want them to make the world a better place when they leave – to go out into the world and contribute to their local societies.”

Each year, 20 students from the previous year stay behind to assist in upholding the school’s great environment and atmosphere. “We call them ‘environmental workers’. They are responsible for a lot of the social events, with guidance from our teachers. It’s a truly amazing environment here, free from bullying, where people can grow and really be themselves,” explains Byberg.

He adds that he was lucky enough to have his son join the school quite recently. “The first thing that sprung to mind was that I could now be sure that he would secure good friends for life – wherever he chose to study after this. A lot of the time, when our students finish and move to Bergen or Oslo to study, they decide to move in with fellow students from Hedmarktoppen, which I believe is a great thing.”

The school has an incredibly large number of applicants each year, which is why it is good to apply early as the courses fill up quickly.

Web: www.hedmarktoppen.no

90 | Issue 106 | November 2017

THE COURSES Dance: The dance course features dance technique and creativity, where students will be able to go on meaningful travels and get the chance to explore their own expression. Genres covered include jazz, ballet, modern, contemporary, hip hop and pilates.

Disciple music: A year with God, the Bible and sound relationships as focal points. A year to grow personally and spiritually. Suitable for those who want to combine their search for God with an interest in music. Includes meaningful trips throughout Norway, Israel and a missionary trip to America and Hawaii.

Disciple sport: A year with God, the Bible and sound relationships as focal points. A year to grow personally and spiritually. Combines an interest for sports with a search for God. Trips throughout Norway, Israel, America and Hawaii.

Sport and wilderness: Ball play, alpine, snowboarding, Telemark skiing, cross-country skiing, first aid, diving, gymnastics, and more. Will go canoeing, hiking, exploring snow caves and on skiing trips, diving courses, and travels throughout the world.

Creative – photo: The photography course will aid in discovering the right

moments and will see a community spirit in which students can grow.

Explore the world through several trips abroad (Amsterdam, Barcelona, New York, Jamaica, Los Angeles, Hawaii).

Additionally, students explore fine art and focus on creativity.

Creative – barista: Discover delicious coffee flavours, travel to inspiring cities with forward-thinking environments, and seek out and explore brewing methods from around the world together with the other creative class.

Students also explore fine art and focus on creativity.

Music: Individual teaching practice for each student’s main instrument.

Students will form new bands and play their own gigs. There are several practice areas that are available for all music students throughout the evenings and weekends as well. Trips include the US and Jamaica on the way to Hawaii.

Float: Experience skiing, snowboarding, longboarding, climbing and cycling in a variety of ways – in powder snow, the perfect jumps and waves, challenging climbs and asphalt cruising.

X-sport: Discover your limits and work with them – feel the wind blowing in your hair and float on asphalt, snow and water, with everything from longboards to kites.

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Education Special

Top: There are plenty of activities at the school, including downhill biking. Photo: Maria Abu Khadra. Left: Hedmarktoppen is the only folk high school to offer a barista course. Credit: Frida Helgerud. Right: Students gathered in the Hawaiian sunset for a time of devotion. Photo: Helge Aas

Issue 106 | November 2017 | 91

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Education Special

Photo: Nelly Seusing

Photo: Elverum

Photo: Asmund Mjelva

Spend your gap year wisely Elverum Folkehøgskole offers a wide variety of year-long programmes, including one in Norwegian language and culture, so that young adults from across the world can find their path in life while having a blast.

By Eirik Elvevold

When young students finish high school, they often move straight on to higher education or work without ever having the time to think about what they truly want in life. In the Nordic countries, however, a unique tradition makes it possible for them to take a year off at a folkehøgskole (folk high school) to do what they love and figure things out.

At Elverum Folkehøgskole, located a few hours northeast of Oslo, students can do extreme sports, discover Africa, produce their own music or become better snowboarders. “As a supplement, they can also pick and choose from more than 25 elective subjects including kickboxing, photography and soccer,” explains headmaster Per Egil Andersen.

Creating better citizens Regardless of the programme, the friendly boarding school environment will teach students to communicate and reflect together with other young adults from 92 | Issue 106 | November 2017

across the world – essential skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

“A year at Elverum Folkehøgskole makes them more democratic, engaged and curious human beings. They will have a lot of fun and make new friends, but the most important thing is their personal development – their personal journey – which will enrich their future lives both at home and at work,” says Andersen.

Norwegian language and culture for beginners Elverum Folkehøgskole makes the folkehøgskole tradition more accessible to foreign students through its Norwegian culture/adventure programme. Since the Norwegian language might come across as a challenge at first, the programme is designed to make the learning process both fun and adventurous.

“We actively use the language by speaking, singing and playing games; it’s not

just boring memorisation. The programme also includes trips to all of Norway’s 19 counties, which means that a student from South Korea or Poland ends up seeing more of the country than most Norwegians ever will,” says Andersen.

Did you know... … that the Norwegian parliament fled to Elverum Folkehøgskole when Nazi Germany invaded Oslo in 1940? The moment is portrayed in the new film The King’s Choice (Kongens Nei), which was partially filmed at the school.

Elverum Folkehøgskole’s nine programmes: - Norwegian – culture/adventure - Snowboard/twin-tip - Africa – aid and culture - Backpacker/extreme sports - Photography/experiences - Outdoor life/extreme sports - Art/experiences - Music production – live/studio - Theatre/musical

Web: www.elverumfhs.no

Scan Magazine | Business | Keynote

Scan Business Keynote 93 | Business Profile 94 | Business Column 96 | Business Calendar 96

94

96

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Striking gold with your networking For many people, networking – especially face-to-face networking – is a challenging task. It is seen as extremely unpleasant to be forced out of your comfort zone and to have to approach people you do not know. On the other hand, most people know instinctively that exciting opportunities might open up to them if they had the courage to go for it.

We all love to be successful, and networking offers a host of genuine opportunities. However, networking is not about developing as many relationships as possible or handing out large quantities of business cards. Networking is about adding quality to the relationships you choose to enter.

Striking gold We tend to associate with people we feel are similar to ourselves. This is only natural because it guarantees acceptance and understanding; but sometimes it is of great value to be offered new challenges.

Search for networks and network contacts that are different from you. Sometimes it is a good idea to move up the hierarchy. If you want to be wise, look for wise people; if you want to be rich, look for rich people. If you want to be a great

By Simone Andersen

business person, look for great business people.

People who are at the cutting edge of what they do have gained knowledge and experience from which the rest of us can benefit. That will prevent lots of unnecessary mistakes. If you want to join a business in which people earn a lot of money, it could be helpful to have an insight into this environment so that you know what to expect should you end up there yourself.

In other words, court the best people so that your network is in place when you achieve your goals. It is often much easier than you would expect to get to know so-called inaccessible people. Contact them – there is nothing to lose by trying.

At worst, you will fail to land the contact.

Do not forget: if you want to be rich, move to the centre of wealth. If you want power and influence, make yourself visible at the centre of power.

Be practical 1. Who are your heroes, in relation to your goals? Find two ‘inaccessible’ people in your town or region.

2. How do you plan to contact them?

Good luck!

Simone Andersen is a journalist and has a master’s degree in media science. She worked for many years at the Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR) as an editor and talk show host. She is an expert in business networking and building relationships, has just written the bestselling book The Networking Book, published by LID publishing, and gives talks on this subject. This column is an extract from The Networking Book.

sla@strategisk.dk +45 26161818 www.strategisk.dk www.thenetworkercompany.com

Issue 106 | November 2017 | 93

Scan Magazine | Business Profile | Danish Maritime

Photo: FAYARD

Denmark: A long-standing maritime pioneer With a maritime industry production almost seven times that of the EU percapita average, Denmark is a pioneer in the field. Danish Maritime is the industry association where shipyards, equipment manufacturers and suppliers of maritime products and services meet – and for almost 100 years now, the organisation has been representing the industry and its employees, and contributed to the continued success and global competitiveness of the Danish maritime industry.

By Linnea Dunne

“The maritime industry in Denmark has historically always been very strong,” says Jenny N. Braat, CEO of Danish Maritime. “I actually think Denmark’s position in this field goes back to the Vikings; we would never have seen strong Vikings if we hadn’t been so good at building boats and ships. We also have the secondlongest coastline in the world, if you include the Greenland area. We’ve always been a small nation seeking to be global, 94 | Issue 106 | November 2017

to develop great ships and improve maritime knowhow. There are very few people in Denmark who don’t have a relationship to the ocean or the maritime industry in the family somehow, and we’ve just been able to keep this strong position because we’ve been innovative.”

Today, Denmark is the sixth-largest exporter of maritime equipment in the world. Of the approximately 2,500 com-

ponents required on board a ship, almost all can be offered by a Danish company.

Crucially, the Danish maritime industry is pioneering when it comes to environmentally friendly solutions, often offering products and solutions that not only meet with the applied legislation but are one step ahead. Promoting this mindset, and working to ensure strict highstandard legislation for everyone in the industry globally, Danish Maritime represents everyone from small family-owned companies to huge well-known players.

They provide a platform for them to meet, organise, and sharing all the latest information to its members, the media and decision-makers.

“We represent quite a lot of well-known brands, companies producing everything

Scan Magazine | Business Feature | Danish Maritime

from ship engines to safety equipment and paint. Our main task is to represent our members to the public, the government and as needed here in Denmark but also globally; we’re working to achieve good framework conditions for these companies as well as establishing a strong network between them,” Braat explains.

Growing demands and increased digitalisation With figures showing an annual productivity growth of 6.5 per cent within the Danish maritime industry over the past decade, compared to 1.2 per cent across all Danish businesses in the same period, the future certainly looks bright.

But there are challenges ahead, too.

“The maritime industry is already the most environmentally friendly in terms of transport, but the demands are going to increase, which means increased responsibility,” says Braat, explaining that around 90 per cent of all goods are already being transported by the ocean, likely to double by 2030 due to a combination of environmental awareness and population growth. “We need to look at how we transport goods and do everything we can to lower emissions.

We’ll see emissions of sulphur discussed a lot in the coming years, and then there’s the issue of the noise of ships under water, which causes ocean animals a great deal of stress. The great thing is that it’s all possible – we’ll be able to do better – because the technique is there.”

As a recognised political player and consulting partner within maritime affairs, Danish Maritime regularly participates as a delegate at International Maritime Organization (IMO) meetings and works to ensure not just standardised legislation globally, but also strict enforcement.

“I believe in being a global industry,” says Braat. “We should work for a free market, against growing protectionism. I sometimes feel nervous seeing protectionism increase; this tendency is the wrong direction for our industry, and for the globe generally.”

Unsurprisingly, another development around the corner is increased digitaliFacts and figures: Danish Maritime is an industry association that represents Danish manufacturers of maritime equipment and ships. It aims to contribute to the success and global competitiveness of the Danish maritime industry by promoting favourable conditions, initiating cooperation between its member businesses, and providing up-to-date information to its members, public authorities and the media.

The maritime industry employs 42 per cent of Blue Denmark, which refers to ship owners, shipping companies and a wide range of other businesses whose activities emanate from international and Danish shipping.

A recent analysis by COWI / Blue Consulting for Danish Maritime shows that 80 per

sation, and the Danish maritime industry is at the forefront in regards to figuring out how to build ships that can more easily sail with a significantly reduced number of sailors. “There are around 100,000 people working in this field in Denmark and we have strong education institutions and some brilliant companies that keep working to develop and improve, so there’s no doubt that we should be able to continue to be a core maritime nation on a global platform,” says Braat. “We’ve got our DNA from the ocean.”

Web: www.danskemaritime.dk/en

cent of 1,000 Danish maritime companies surveyed expect positive growth, with 39 per cent expecting growth as significant as ten per cent annually until 2020.

Danish suppliers account for 7.4 per cent of the total European maritime exports.

The Danish maritime industry has a production value totalling USD 14 billion – equivalent to three per cent of the total GDP of Denmark.

By the latest tally of ten years, productivity in the maritime industry increased by 6.5 per cent per year in Denmark, compared to a 1.2 per cent average for all Danish businesses.

Compared to the present day, forecasts predict that by 2030 twice as much cargo will be shipped at sea.

Jenny N. Braat, CEO of Danish Maritime.

Press photo.

Photo: Karstensens skibsværft

Issue 106 | November 2017 | 95

Scan Magazine | Business | Column / Calendar

Leading into the creative future Even if you are one of the 13 million people who have watched Sir Ken Robinson’s TED talk, Do schools kill creativity?, you may not have seen his animated talk Changing education paradigms. Even if you have, I invite you to read on, since his messages are worth repeating any number of times.

Robinson links the failures of our educational systems to our lack of agility in the

economic sphere and our lack of preparedness for change. Schools are alienating millions of kids, preparing them for the past, not the future.

What Robinson says about schools is equally pertinent to the workplace; and to illustrate this, I want to quote another fierce advocate of creativity in education, Alan Maley. Maley has drawn up a summary of

For teachers in schools (Maley)

For leaders in the workplace

- Start from where the learner is.

- Start from where your people are. Listen!

- Let learning develop organically rather than according to a pre-determined plan.

- Be flexible about how people achieve their goals.

- Don’t teach – allow learning.

- Be a servant leader. Facilitate.

- Learn your learners.

- Learn your people.

- Keep the curriculum broad.

- Macro-manage.

- No tests or exams.

- No bureaucratic appraisals.

- No punishments, no rewards... just encouragement.

- Constructive feedback and praise.

- The importance of whole-body learning.

- Create a working environment where people can move around a lot.

- The importance of the aesthetic dimension.

- Create a beautiful working environment.

- The teacher as a person, not technicianexpert, is key.

- The leader as a person, not technicianexpert, is key.

Business Calendar

By Steve Flinders

beliefs common to many of the great radical thinkers about education – including Steiner, Montessori, A. S. Neill and Sir Ken.

I think Maley’s checklist for teachers (left) is equally valid for business leaders.

Organisations full of curious, creative, life-long learners increasingly have the edge as predictable work becomes automated by AI. Leaders must foster this creativity or disappear.

Steve Flinders is a freelance trainer, writer and coach, based in Malta, who helps people develop their communication and leadership skills for working internationally: steveflind@aol.com.

By Line Elise Svanevik | Photo: DUCC

Scandinavian business events you do not want to miss this month Food Matters Live 2017 The Danish-UK Chamber of Commerce will have its own pavilion at the Food Matters Live event at ExCeL in London on 21 November.

The pavilion will aim to display Denmark’s latest innovations in the food and drink categories ‘better for you’, ‘functional’ and ‘natural ingredients’. The event is a great place to both showcase products and network with people within the food and drink industry.

Date: 21 November, 10am-5pm Venue: ExCeL, London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London E16 1XL www.ducc.co.uk

Christmas Luncheon 2017 The Swedish Chamber of Commerce has been running its annual Christmas Luncheons, which is one of their most popular events, for more than 30 years. A traditional Swedish ‘julbord’ is a staple, along with entertainment and networking opportunities

96 | Issue 106 | November 2017

while celebrating the arrival of December.

Do not miss the chance to socialise with fellow businessmen and women at this festive London event.

Date: 1 December, 12pm-3.45pm Venue: The Landmark London, 222 Marylebone Road, London NW1 6JQ www.scc.org.uk

Offshore Wind 2017 The UK offshore and wind industry will be explored at this seminar co-hosted by the Danish Embassy in London and the Danish-UK Chamber of Commerce (DUCC) on 7 December. Speakers include members of DONG Energy, the Scottish Government and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, among others.

Date: 7 December, 10am-4pm Venue: Royal Danish Embassy, 55 Sloane Street, London, SW1X 9SR www.ducc.co.uk

DUCC Christmas Lunch The Annual Chamber Christmas Lunch will be held on 8 December, focusing on traditions, surprises, festive spirit and good company. The DUCC is encouraging guests to bring clients, close network friends and colleagues for some festive food and networking in the capital.

Date: 8 December, 11.30am-3.45pm Venue: The Banking Hall, 14 Cornhill, London, EC3V 3ND www.ducc.co.uk

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Sweden

Restaurant of the Month, Sweden

Premium restaurant with superior location in central Stockholm Are you visiting the Swedish capital for a quick business trip, or perhaps in Stockholm for a weekend break with friends? Perhaps you are simply a local enjoying the good things in life? Regardless of the reason for your visit, restaurant Tegelbacken will always be the place to go for welcoming, warm and cosy ambiance, where only the best food reaches your plate.

By Sara Wenkel | Photos: Danny Sivermalm

Restaurant Tegelbacken is a new and unexpected addition to Stockholm’s high-class restaurant scene. In contrast to the many trendy, stripped-down Scandinavian eateries, Tegelbacken is colourful and vibrant. The man behind the launch of the restaurant is Markus Aujalay, known to many from having been part of the jury on the popular TV show Masterchef Sweden, who has also prepared the menu for the Nobel prize gala dinner. “I wanted to open a restaurant in Stockholm with an international touch,” he says. “Inspired by the Mediterranean kitchen, we have well-cooked food, timeless interiors and excellent service.”

Next to the central station The location right on the waterfront could not get any better. The restaurant’s guests

have views over the parliament building as well as the Royal Castle, and being situated right next to the Central Station makes it an ideal spot for the many business travellers coming in and out of Stockholm every day. “We have many regulars, but also people who just arrived with Arlanda Express and look for a meal to eat by themselves,” Aujalay explains.

Tegelbacken has also become a popular choice for groups before or after seeing a show nearby. “If you are looking for a private space, our separée is great for parties of nine to 16 people,” says the chef. To make it easier to choose from all the deliciousness Tegelbacken has to offer, Aujalay creates a daily chef’s choice of four or five courses, which gives the guest a balanced menu of the very best.

Few ingredients It is very important to Aujalay and his team at Tegelbacken not to overcomplicate the cooking. Each dish is unpretentious and has only a few ingredients. “I want to make sure that we can cook the food to order – à la minute,” he says. As the season changes, so does the menu. “Right now, our favourite ingredients are some incredible truffles and a lot of game.”

Web: www.tegelbacken.com

Issue 106 | November 2017 | 97

Restaurant of the Month, Denmark

A life of food Per Thøstesen holds an award as Kokkenes Kok (Chef of the Chefs) and has four cook books and more than three decades of experience under his belt. Scan Magazine spoke to the iconic chef about his award-winning French restaurant, Bistro Boheme, his thoughts on the Danish food industry, and the story behind his success.

my own restaurant and have been nominated Chef of the Chefs. I don’t think I had even thought anything like that was possible. My dream was just to become a chef, and everything that has followed has just been completely amazing,” says Thøstesen.

Thøstesen’s first job in the food industry was at Hotel Kong Frederik in Copenhagen, where he swept the floors and helped out in the hotel’s gourmet kitchen. He was 13 years old. “My mother was a good cook, and so was my grandmother who lived in the countryside. We used to go to her place every summer to pick fresh strawberries and dig up potatoes, so food was always a part of the family, but no one had ever worked in a restaurant before,” explains the now 48-year-old.

Restaurant Boheme is the only restaurant to have won the prize as Denmark’s best brassiere three times. It is also one of the largest buyers of caviar in the north. That almost says it all, but the man behind it has plenty more to say.

Thøstesen soon went from sweeping floors to helping out with the food and then, step by step, his hard work and dedication took him to his goal: the job in France. But working in his dream job under the famous chef Paul Bocuse also

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Claes Bech Poulsen

When Per Thøstesen was just 15 years old, he knew that he wanted to be a chef.

He knew that he wanted to work for the famous French chef Paul Bocuse, and he knew that he would have to work hard to get there. What he did not know was that, 31 years later, he would have the title of Chef of the Chefs from 2015 under his belt. “I had read a book called Paul Bocuse, and I said to myself, ‘that’s where I want to work’ – and eventually I did. But I would never have thought that I would be here today, as the chef for the national Danish football team, have 98 | Issue 106 | November 2017

I started out sweeping floors

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Denmark

meant working very long days and led to a mental breakdown and eventually a stint in the Caribbean. A year later, the chef returned to Denmark, but it was not long before he took the chance to travel again – this time to work in Bali where he published his first cookbook, Mit Bali Køkken.

When he returned to Denmark, Thøstesen’s fusion of Asian and French food became the key behind the success of a number of restaurants in Copenhagen, including the famous jet-set hangout Cafe Ketchup. “I’ve cooked for the royals, the football team and all the celebrities,” says Thøstesen. “But the biggest achievement for me was when I received the Chef of the Chefs nomination. It’s awarded by people in the industry, my colleagues, and it doesn’t get bigger than that.”

Bistro Boheme – the crown jewel When looking back at his long career, Thøstesen has no doubt that Bistro Boheme is the crown jewel of his work.

More brassiere than bistro, the restaurant is, with its many awards and highstanding reputation, one of the city’s best-established eateries. For lunch, it serves a number of classic Danish dishes as well as more cosmopolitan specialities such as Bali Carpaccio and, of course, oysters and caviar. The dinner menu is one of French classicism combined with top ingredients and occasionally that Asian touch, which has become Thøstesen’s trademark. But though Thøstesen is behind it all, he is not alone.

“Restaurant Boheme is very much a team effort. There’s no way I could do it without my highly skilled kitchen chef and the team in the restaurant,” he stresses. “Many of them have been with us for years, and that’s something I’m very proud of.”

Ten years have passed since the chef opened Bistro Boheme and, though he has no intention of stopping, he is dreaming of one day adding another final chapter to his food adventure. “My dream

is to open a smaller place named the ‘Old chefs’ retirement home’, a restaurant with four or five older chefs who still have the passion but just want to take things a bit slower,” he says.

Not that Thøstesen has anything against the many successful young chefs and trendy restaurants sprouting up in Copenhagen – on the contrary. On the day of speaking to Scan Magazine, he is having five chefs over from other restaurants who he meets up with regularly to practise and share ideas. “There’s a new companionship between chefs in Denmark, which you don’t see anywhere else in the world. People are so talented – it’s crazy. I’ve lived and worked all over the world when travelling with the national team, and no one comes even close to the Danish chefs – they just don’t. Big congratulations to the Danes for having gotten such talent!”

Web: www.bistroboheme.dk

Photo: Anders Hviid

Photo: Anders Hviid

Per Thøstesen.

Photo: Anders Hviid

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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Norway

Restaurant of the Month, Norway

Social dining in the heart of Trondheim With a combination of dining, nightlife, great flavours and a homely atmosphere, TAG restaurant is the place to go whether to share a platter amongst friends, for a romantic meal with your loved one, or to dance the night away. The friendly staff will cater for all your needs and make sure that you get a night to remember.

By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Monica Bye Gjertsen & Pontus Dahl

“Our main focus is the food, the service, and the atmosphere. We want people to enjoy themselves and feel at home when they visit us. You will always be served with a smile,” says owner and restaurant manager André Marius Grøtte. He started TAG in the summer of 2015 and has since created a great space to experience social dining. If you wonder about the name, Grøtte explains that it is an acronym for Thomas Angells gate, the street the restaurant is located in.

With a large and varied selection of food, including everything from burgers and salads to the butcher’s choice, there is something for everyone on the menu.

“We wanted to create dishes suitable for all parties and occasions – from a quiet weekday lunch to a big dinner with friends or a special occasion,” Grøtte explains.

100 | Issue 106 | November 2017

TAG focuses a great deal on the idea of sharing, making it easy for groups to experience social dining together in a fun and relaxed way. With the Afterwork concept, it is easy to bring friends or colleagues along for a good meal or drinks on a Friday to start the weekend together in good spirit.

The restaurant is open all week, while the lounge in the basement is open on Fridays and Saturdays with a dance floor.

The music played here by the house DJ is a selection of popular classics, but not too loud; it should still be possible to hold a conversation. The backyard has outdoor seating, making it possible to enjoy food and drinks all year round, which can be a rarity in Norway.

Homely feeling The warm glow from the bio fireplace provides a comfortable and homely feeling when you enter, and the cosy, intimate interior creates a friendly atmosphere around the table. “Our aim is to make the customers feel welcome and want to come back. We are proud to offer the whole package, including the possibility to start the evening with dinner in the restaurant and end it with a drink and a dance in our popular lounge and bar,” says Grøtte.

Web: www.tagrestaurant.no Facebook: Tag12B Instagram: @tag12b

Scan Magazine | Experience of the Month | Denmark

Photo: Michael Schlosser

Photo: Thomas Sjørup

Photo: Michael Schlosser

Experience of the Month, Denmark

Experience the life of a soldier on Copenhagen’s fortification If you are curious about the everyday life of the soldiers guarding Copenhagen in 1915, a visit to the museum of Garderhøjfortet might be just the thing for you. Despite being the largest and only privately funded fortress in Copenhagen’s fortification, the fortress has remained a well-kept secret until opening up to the public four years ago.

By Signe Hansen

Until a few years ago, not even the neighbours to Garderhøjfortet in Gentofte knew what was hiding in the sealedoff area surrounding the fortress. But thanks to a substantial donation from Realdania and the Danish government, the fortress is now open to the public and contains a number of exciting interactive historic attractions. “You can try out the life of a soldier, take part in their exercise drills, test their bunks, and fire the cannons,” says museum director Kristine Adler-Nissen. “One of our most popular attractions is the stillfunctional canon tower, where you can try to manually spin the cannon into position. It weighs 100 tonnes, but if you’re a family of four you can actually turn the wheel that moves it.”

Built in 1892, Garderhøjfortet was an active part of Copenhagen’s extensive fortification up until after World War I. But unlike the rest of the fortification, Garderhøjfortet was, and is currently, not owned by the military but by a private fund. “After 1864, everyone was worried about what would happen in the case of a war. The political discussions on the subject got a great deal of attention, but nothing happened. So, some people got impatient and started raising money for the fortress. They collected 1.5 million DKK, which is equivalent to about 120 million DKK today,” explains AdlerNissen. “If you think about it, that’s rather remarkable. It would be like trying to get the Danish population to raise the funds for a new F16 fighter!”

Visitors to the fortress can combine historic tours and activities with an interactive walk or run in the surrounding green area. The walk includes nine posts with sound recordings of stories from the past as well as a quiz. If hunger or thirst sets in, the officers’ mess is open for visitors to enjoy their own packed lunch while soft drinks, ice cream and coffee can be purchased in the museum shop.

The fortress is also available to hire for children’s birthday parties, Segway tours and team-building experiences.

Photo: Thomas Sjørup

Web: www.garderhojfort.dk

Issue 106 | November 2017 | 101

Scan Magazine | Artist of the Month | Norway

The sculptures Bronsetre and Grønn Klokke are both made of bronze material.

Artist of the Month, Norway

Simple, yet complex – ambiguity in associative art When you first take a peek at Kristine Brodersen’s sculptures and embellishments, they may look simple. But once you start approaching her work more closely, you will find that it bears more resemblance to the art of poetry.

By Karen Langfjæran | Photos: Karen Langfjæran

Kristine Brodersen is all about contrast – subtle and concentrated, simple and complex. “On the first look, it may seem simple, but all my work is filled with ambiguity, which initiates different associations within different people,” says Brodersen, a highly educated and experienced Norwegian artist within the field of sculpting. “I initially studied ceramics but gradually developed an interest in 102 | Issue 106 | November 2017

sult of her art, she admits that this might just be the one she values the most. “The Government grant comes with an opportunity to experiment and work on creative projects without having to worry about finances,” says Brodersen. As a result, she can focus on what matters most: the art.

sculpting in my student days in the 1970s and ‘80s. Eventually, I went on to study sculpting for five years in Oslo and Stockholm, and the rest is history.”

Inspirational base for artistic endeavours

Brodersen’s CV evidences incredible talent and experience and, in 2007, she received the Government Grant for Artists.

While this is one of many scholarships and stipends she has received as a re-

Now based in Kviteseid in Telemark, Kristine Brodersen makes good use of the inspirational ambience and location of her house and atelier, which are situated near a forest and the Bandak Canal connecting the artist’s oasis with

Scan Magazine | Artist of the Month | Norway

the ocean. “Every summer, I can see the canal boats go up and down from Skien to Dalen,” she says, manifesting that Telemark is not only a wonderful destination for tourists – but an incredible space for the locals as well.

Although she has previously had several international exhibitions in countries including Sweden and Germany, she now focuses on work closer to home. For her next exhibition, Brodersen is set to go to Oslo and Galleri Heer. “My atelier is in Kviteseid, but we also have a flat in Oslo, which is convenient whenever I have art exhibitions, other work-related arrangements or just want to go to an exhibition myself – or occasionally the opera,” says the artist. She is looking forward to her next exhibition there, which is set to start in February 2019.

Reading between the lines “Most of what I do now is embellishments, often for public use in schools and kinder-

gartens,” says Brodersen, naming a few such as the clock tower of a school in Larvik, Norway. For this, she used bronze and steel, but she also makes use of a range of materials – textiles, stones, wax, wood and more. “I can use just about anything for my sculptures and embellishments – it’s all about the inspiration and associations for the end product, client and placement in mind,” she continues.

Regardless of what the end product may be, Brodersen’s authenticity and work philosophy tends to be the defining ingredient. “I like to play with contrast and complexity – work with trivial or everyday objects and put them in a more complex context,” she says. The result is art that resembles the reading of poetry; there is a density and complexity that you may not see until you start reading between the lines. One example is the sculpture Uro, which she has showcased on several occasions, among others at Buskerud Kunstsenter in 2016. “It is made of wood

and has a heavy exterior, covered with small cabinet windows that you can open to find small objects with a simple, elusive behaviour,” she says.

Another example is her work Vippestein in diabase and steel – a polished tilting stone that moves upon touching. “The shape is quite heavy on the eye, and the contrast lies in its weightless character and easy movement,” says Brodersen.

Her art might be easy on the eye, but its inherent character is nowhere near as easy as you may think – so make sure you look twice.

The next open exhibition of Kristine Brodersen’s work is due to open at Galleri Heer in Oslo in February 2019.

If you are interested in more information or want to get in touch with the artist, please go to www.kristine-brodersen.com

Left: It may look heavy, but the wooden sculpture Uro is full of surprises. Top right: SNØ is made of textile and wood. Bottom right: A little peek at Brodersen’s exhibition at Buskerud Kunstsenter in Drammen in 2016.

Issue 106 | November 2017 | 103

Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Denmark

Attraction of the Month, Denmark

KunstCentret Silkeborg Bad: An oasis of art, history and nature In beautiful, green surroundings at the corner of Denmark’s largest forest, you will find the historic spot that is home to KunstCentret Silkeborg Bad – a sanctuary for nature lovers and art and history enthusiasts alike.

By Mette Hindkjær Madsen | Photos: Kunst Centret

“This place is unique. It’s not simply a randomly placed art centre – it has such a strong history and continues to hold a solid connection to it,” says Iben From, director of KunstCentret Silkeborg Bad.

enjoy. Sometimes it can feel like you have to know something or think in a certain way to enjoy an art centre, but we make sure that everyone feels welcome in our space,” says From.

Each year, KunstCentret Silkeborg Bad unveils eight to nine different art exhibitions in addition to their permanent collection, which gives visitors a chance to dive into the history of the buildings and the park they are exploring.

“If you’re in a group and only some are interested in the artwork, there is a gorgeous park to discover, and you can immerse yourself in history through our permanent display, or maybe grab something to eat and drink in the café and have a chat with our wonderful staff,” she continues. “There’s no specific, proper way to be a guest here.”

The premises was established in 1883 as something then known as health facilities, where Scandinavia’s aristocracy would come for recreational purposes.

This practice kept going until 1983, when it opened to the public. “It used to be for the few; now it’s a place for everyone to 104 | Issue 106 | November 2017

The buildings are the oldest restorations of health facilities in Denmark today.

Every room is beautiful, boasting plenty of light and air and overlooking the sur-

rounding nature. This is the director’s favourite part. “Even in the winter, there’s a special connection between the outdoors and the indoors that really highlights the art,” she says.

Two exhibitions will run until the end of this year: one with an international theme, Europathy – Europa Felix, and one displaying the work of the deceased Danish ceramist Erik Nyholm. All year round, different types of documentation from the properties’ history as a health facility are on display as part of the permanent exhibition.

For those looking for special accommodation while exploring Silkeborg, the art centre hosts seven private double rooms in a hostel-like arrangement where you make your own bed and can cook your meals in a private kitchen.

Web: www.silkeborgbad.dk

Scan Magazine | Humour | Columns

IS IT JUST ME… … who is often amused when I meet Americans travelling abroad? To an American, typically, a trip to Europe will last six to ten days and will cover at least four to six different countries.

Europeans secretly smirk at this perceived superiority: how awfully arrogant of Americans to think that the rest of the world is something you can do in a fortnight. Like the American woman I met on the plane to from Los Angeles to London, where she would transit to Spain, who was so excited about finally getting to see Barcelona. She had set aside two full days!

Who goes from Los Angeles to Barcelona for two days? Superficial Americans who think of rich, cultural highlights as some kind of fun in-and-out-in-a-day theme parks, right?

Well, not quite. Not necessarily. I will tell you who travels to experience something in a hurry: people who only have six days’ paid holidays a year – that is who.

By Mette Lisby

Yes, six holiday days a year. Such is the brutal reality for Americans entering the job market. When I tell Scandinavians this, they gasp as if watching a horror movie. This is incomprehensibly gruesome to us. The American lack of public healthcare and free education is one thing, but only six days of holidays?

On the other hand, it is the source of much envy verging on disbelief when I tell my American friends about Denmark and our six weeks of paid holidays. “Yes, and on top of that, there are tonnes of public holidays, too.” I expand: “We have five days off around Easter. And then there’s Pentecost and Ascension Day. I mean, a lot of holidays where we have time off.”

“Oh! I didn’t even know the Danes were such a religious people,” one American replied. Which stumped me, because neither did I. I actually never thought of it that way.

Danes do not have these days off to spend them worshipping. “Oh, no. It has nothing to

Cake

Well, at least that is one thing we cannot accuse Americans of next time we smugly judge them for ‘doing Europe’ in eight days.

Lazy, they are not.

Mette Lisby is Denmark’s leading female comedian. She invites you to laugh along with her monthly humour columns. Since her stand-up debut in 1992, Mette has hosted the Danish version of Have I Got News For You and Room 101.

By Maria Smedstad

a nutshell, I have lost my mind. In an attempt to pacify myself, I drive to IKEA where I stock up on as many boxes of chocolate and marshmallow pastries as will fit in the car. ‘For the wedding!’ I promise quietly, as I hide them from myself in the attic. Only 408 hours to go…

As I am writing this, Facebook informs me that today is Cinnamon Bun Day. I click on the link, and there it is in all its glory: the golden, sugar-sprinkled curl, screaming out to me through the screen. It is not every day that cinnamon buns scream to me, but today is such a day, and there is a reason for that. I have to fit into a wedding dress in 17 days, and so I have decided to cut down on sugar, thinking somehow that this would be an easy thing to do. But no. Every cell inside me is now howling: FIKAAAA!!!!* Removing sweet stuff from my diet has made the Swede inside raise her sugaraddicted head, which means that not only do I crave cake, but I crave Swedish cake. I sit husband-to-be down and make him watch reruns of The Great British Bake Off, just so that I can show him Swedish princess cake.

Then I whisper ‘bring me princess cake’ over and over, until he goes to sleep in protest.

do with religion,” I laughed. “We’re not religious, I guess we’re just lazy.”

*Fika is the Swedish habit of pausing at least once a day for coffee and cake.

Ever heard of Grodbakelse? It is a marzipancovered bun, shaped as a frog sticking its tongue out. Why? I have no idea but I NEED ONE, I NEED ONE RIGHT NOW! I find myself googling Swedish bakeries to see if they deliver, then get angry at ‘Swedish customer service’ because they will not make the 180-mile round trip at 9pm. In

Maria Smedstad moved to the UK from Sweden in 1994. She received a degree in Illustration in 2001, before settling in the capital as a freelance cartoonist, creating the autobiographical cartoon Em. Maria writes a column on the trials and tribulations of life as a Swede in the UK.

Issue 106 | November 2017 | 105

Scan Magazine | Culture Feature | Kasper Holten

A knight’s tale “As a leaving present, my staff at the Royal Opera House gave me a LEGO set, which took me three days to build. It was incredible. I drank white wine and built a LEGO Tower Bridge!”

By Paula Hammond | Press photos, Cinema Live

Kasper Holten is clearly enjoying freelance life and the thrill of “just being out there – being a stage director – being a completely free spirit”. Speaking from his new home in Copenhagen, to where his family recently re-located, Holten is refreshingly honest about the passions and drives that have shaped his life.

He was just nine years old when he got the music bug, after asking his father to take him to see a production of Carmen at the Royal Danish Opera. “I don’t know,” he laughs, “what a nineyear-old boy made of the sex and abuse and blackmail – all those very adult themes – but somehow it made a deep, deep impression on me. I just totally fell 106 | Issue 106 | November 2017

in love with this crazy, strange dinosaur of an art form.”

Within a couple of years, that starry-eyed kid was practically the opera house mascot. “My father and mother kind of had enough and started just taking me to the theatre – and I would go in on my own,” he says. “So, all the ladies in the box office sort of adopted me and would bring me chocolate.”

At 11, Kasper was putting on his own puppet versions of Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen. Aged 18, he volunteered at the opera house; by 26, he was running the show. “I was asked whether I wanted to be the artistic director, which

felt like an incredible gesture – that they had the courage to ask a 26-year-old boy to do that. I just couldn’t resist.”

Innovation and controversy After 11 years at the Danish Royal Opera, and having firmly decided to step away from management and go back to directing, London’s Royal Opera House made him an offer that he could not refuse.

It has all been quite a ride. Covent Garden audiences are famously passionate and have not always responded well to Holten’s innovative and challenging productions.

Lucia di Lammermoor had some members of the audience booing at what they considered to be gratuitous nudity, sex, and violence – although those boos were quickly drowned out by applause. “I never looked for controversy as a starting point,” Holten comments. “But I do think that we have an obligation as artists to always take risks. To look for what’s new, to want to do things that we are not necessarily

Scan Magazine | Culture Feature | Kasper Holten

certain will be successful, otherwise… we would be just be Hollywood and do whatever we did last year.”

Thanks to Holten’s energy and vision, London’s opera scene has never been so exciting, and many were surprised when he turned down the offer to stay for another five years. “The chairman asked me if I was leaving because of the controversy that we sometimes had around productions, and I said to him: ‘that’s what makes me want to stay’! But I have two daughters now and the older one is about to start school, so it was time to make a decision about where the future of our family lay. In the end, we decided to return to Copenhagen.”

A father’s quality of life Returning to his roots – and a greener, less stressful life – was, he felt, the right

thing to do for the kids. “They only go to school once and, probably because we come from here, there is something about the quality and the values that you find in Scandinavia that still appeal,” he says.

“All things considered, the Scandinavian education system has more equal opportunities. The local school here has kids from all layers of society. Of course, you can find that in London, but it feels very competitive from a very early age. As a father, I have to say that Copenhagen has a very nice quality of life. We can live in a house with a garden relatively close to the centre of town. We can go everywhere on our bikes, which is not something I would recommend in Covent Garden.”

Curiously, Holten’s first job as a fulltime freelancer brought him back to Carmen, with an audience-wowing production on Lake Constance at the

Bregenz Festival, Austria. He is also looking forward to doing more theatre, a feature film and, something that people might not expect: the Danish premiere of The Book of Mormon.

What else is on the menu? LEGO, coffee in the morning, and wine in the evening, he says, make “a very good combination”.

Kasper Holten’s work earned him a knighthood from Queen Margrethe II of Denmark – something he is especially proud of as Her Majesty is a keen opera fan. However, he is not Sir Kasper. “No,” he says. “You’re allowed to put an ‘R’ after your name, but nobody does that.

Denmark is a very homogenous society that values equality. So while we have knighthoods, we don’t expect people to brag too much about it!”

This year, event cinema specialists CinemaLive, working in partnership with C-Major Entertainment, thrilled audiences with screenings of Holten’s Carmen on the Lake.

Issue 106 | November 2017 | 107

Scan Magazine | Culture | Columns

Scandinavian music

By Karl Batterbee

Since we last heard from her as a singer, Norway’s Ina Wroldsen has graced the radio airwaves as the writer behind hits from artists such as Anne-Marie, Clean Bandit, and Tinie Tempah, but now she returns as an artist in her own right. She has just signed to Simon Cowell’s Syco label, and Strongest is the first single. Reminiscent in sound to the Christmas number one she penned last year, Rockabye, it boasts lyrics that could well be from the same perspective – though this time channelled towards the distant partner rather than focusing on the mother and child. Strongest deserves to be just as huge a hit as those Ina has been making for other people recently.

vious comparisons would suggest, it has a clear retro chic feel to it. The duo, made up of Nina Mortvedt and Nikolai Hængsle, have been away for over two years now – but what a fanfare to return with.

Norwegian duo Band of Gold have just released a pretty phenomenal pop tune. I cannot decide what it is more reminiscent of: something from ABBA’s The Visitors or a Fleetwood Mac classic. The song is I Wanna Dance With You Again and, as pre-

Finally, critically acclaimed Norwegian producer Lindstrøm has just released his brand-new album, It’s Alright Between Us As It Is. One of the big highlights is a collaboration with Sweden’s own Frida Sundemo, But Isn’t It. It makes a big impact on the

A rather exciting new popstar was launched at the end of October. From Denmark, we have Benedicté and, more importantly, her catchy debut single Turnt Up (spelling: artist’s own). The song is an RnB pop track with enough bass and bounce for her to not only chant her vocal assertively over the top of it all, but to turn in an eye-catching bit of choreography in the accompanying music video also. Get acquainted.

record, standing out thanks to the pairing of Sundemo’s emotional and ethereal vocal, with a pulsating electronic bass line pounding its way through the four-minute duration.

www.scandipop.co.uk scandipop@gmail.com

Viking ships in Roskilde History for all the senses – year round

Experience five original Viking ships and see our impressive boat collection in the scenic Museum Harbour.

Look, feel, smell - and try!

The Viking Ship Museum focuses on the Vikings’ maritime craftsmanship and their impressive ships.

Exciting exhibitions – Films about the Viking ships and Sea Stallion from Glendalough – Dress as a Viking Activities for children – Go on board Viking ships Boatyard – Museum Shop – New Nordic Viking Food Scenic harbour life with Viking ships and historical wooden boats.

Go sailing on Roskilde Fjord: May 15 - September 30.

SPECIAL EXHIBITION 2014 The World in the Viking Age

– Seafaring in the 9th century changed the world! vikingshipmuseum.dk

Under the age of 18 admission free Open daily 10:00 - 16:00

(May 16 - Aug. 24: 10:00 - 17:00)

Transport:

Free car park. Train to Roskilde. From Roskilde Station bus route 203 or about 20 minutes’ walk.

Aalborg Århus

Roskilde

Odense

København

Vindeboder 12 • DK-4000 Roskilde • vikingshipmuseum.dk

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Pink Floyd Project. Photo: OleSejrup

Scandinavian Culture Calendar – Where to go, what to see? It’s all happening here!

The Scandinavian Christmas Market (24-26 November)

Pink Floyd Project – 50 Years of Pink Floyd (17-25 Nov)

Feel the Nordic vibe at the Scandinavian Christmas Market held in Rotherhithe on 24-26 November. Connect with other Scandinavians and enjoy Nordic drinks and cuisine during the last weekend of November. Albion Street, Rotherhithe, London, SE16 7HZ www.scandimarket.co.uk

The Scandinavian Pink Floyd Project will run throughout Denmark in November, as 2017 marks 50 years since the very first album The Piper at the Gates of Dawn was released. The Scandinavian tribute group will visit venues including Gazzværket in Aabenraa, Posten in Odense, Ringsted Kongrescenter, and

By Line Elise Svanevik

Viften in Rødovre throughout November.

Various locations. www.pinkfloydproject.dk

Miniøyas Jul (2-3 December) The brand-new family Christmas festival Miniøyas Jul is held in the Norwegian capital’s oldest bank building, Sentralen, and will see a range of activities including Issue 106 | November 2017 | 109

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Miniøyas Jul. Photo: Bård Gundersen

dancing, music, theatre, literature, a Christmas market, porridge and popcorn.

Christmas spirit guaranteed! Sentralen, Øvre Slottsgate 3, Postboks 183 Sentrum, 0157 Oslo www.minioya.no

ABBA: Super Troupers (14 December 2017-29 April 2018) As part of the Nordic Matters season at London’s Southbank Centre, there will be an exploration of how Swedish foursome ABBA infiltrated Britain in the 1970s.

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London, SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk 110 | Issue 106 | November 2017

The Scandinavian Christmas Market.

February means romance. And so does Jarlsberg®!

Treat your special someone to a home cooked meal.

Breakfast in bed, a romantic lunch or an intimate dinner.

Keep the meal simple and add the special ingredients - love and Jarlsberg®.

www.jarlsberg.com Issue 106 | November 2017 | 111

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Aki Rissanen. Photo: Dave Stapleton

Mariam The Believer (29 November)

Aki Rissanen Trio (28 Nov)

Swedish singer Mariam Wallentin forms one-half of the Scandinavian pop duo Wildbirds and Peacedrums. On 29 November, she will give a solo performance at The Lexington with songs from her solo project Mariam The Believer, whose first album, Blood Donation, was released in 2013. 7.30pm. The Lexington, 96-98 Pentonville Rd, London, N1 9JB www.thelexington.co.uk

Finnish pianist Aki Rissanen is accompanied by musicians Antti Lötjönen on bass and Teppo Mäkynen on drums, and together the trio will perform contemporary Nordic jazz in Soho. 7pm. Pizza Express Jazz Club, 10 Dean St, London, W1D 3RW www.akirissanen.com

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Stockholm Wooden Bike Tour (until 31 Dec) Sweden is ranked as the most sustainable country in the world, which is why the Stockholm Wooden Bike Tour fits perfectly within the Swedish capital. Hop on the bike and join the exploration! Hantverkargatan 1, 111 52 Stockholm, Sweden www.toursofstockholm.com

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Southbank Centre. Photo: Belinda Lawley & Southbank Centre

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Royal Festival Hall. Photo: Morley von Sternberg

Finnish Rooftop Sauna (10 November-30 December) A piece of Finland comes to London this winter, as part of the Nordic Matters season. Helsinki has honoured the sauna as its cultural act of the year, as saunas are increasing in popularity in the cold Nordic country. The Queen Elizabeth Roof Terrace will get itself one of these Finnish saunas and introduce Londoners to the Finnish experience. Queen Elizabeth Hall, Roof Garden, Southbank Centre www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Ice Music (15 December) Norwegian percussion musician and composer Terje Isungset makes music using ice instruments including ice horns, an ‘iceofon’ and ice percussion.

Singer Maria Skranes will join him on stage at the Royal Festival Hall this December. 6pm. Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London, SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.com 114 | Issue 106 | November 2017

Stockholm Wooden Bike Tour.

DTU LIFE SCIENCE & BIOENGINEERING State of the art research and education building at the Technical University of Denmark. The project has been developed in close collaboration between Rørbæk og Møller Arkiteker, Christensen & Co, Schul Landskabsarkitekter, Norconsult and COWI. The building has just been awarded The Carpentry Award 2017.

OUR MAIN FOCUS IS TO TEACH OUR STUDENTS INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCES

Eisbjerghus International Efterskole is a language efterskole with a strong emphasis on international matters. We make a great effort in order for our pupils to get knowledge and information about the world we live in, so that they emerge from their time at our efterskole with the skills required to be an active citizen in a globalised world. This is a big part of the language, science and cultural subjects. Students will grow and mature on a personal level, too.

Eisbjerghus Internationale Efterskole Eisbjergvej 2, 5580 Nørre Aaby, Denmark +45 6442 3840 www.eisbjerghus.dk Facebook: www.facebook.com/Eisbjerghus Instagram: #eisbjerghus

#WE BELIEVE IN AN INTERNATIONAL WORLD #EISLIFE