DECEMBER 2019 ISSUE 131 PROMOTING BRAND SCANDINAVIA

FELIX SANDMAN â€“ STAR OF NETFLIX AND SWEDISH POP A SWEDISH WINTER WONDERLAND THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN NORWAY AND FINLAND NORDIC DESIGN, HOBBY AND YARN

Contents COVER FEATURE 52

With number-one hits, millions of Spotify streams, and a Justin Bieber support slot in the bag, Felix Sandman was in an enviable position as he released his debut album last year – and indeed, it received rave reviews. Since then, he’s appeared on Netflix in not one but two Nordic productions. Scan Magazine spoke to the Swedish star about fame, making an impact, and dreaming big.

52 61

From Wall to Wardrobe Quality shirts, pet posters, cherished kitchen knives and perfectly arranged lamps and lights – this and much more is in our December issue design section.

A Delicious New Year How about a venison casserole and fancy beer instead of the usual fizz for New Year’s Eve? Or, if you decide to go out, consider one of our Danish culinary picks.

BUSINESS 84

SPECIAL FEATURES 36

Films, Fun and Fancy Treats We list some classic Scandinavian films for a perfectly relaxed, enjoyable festive break. Add the opportunity for a spa treatment, at a professional spa or in the comfort of your own home, and you’ll strike just the right balance between restful and indulgent – or for a fun-filled day out with the family, why not opt for some Danish culture?

Visit Norway Northern Norway is not just a canvas for the northern lights and full of incredible scenery; it’s also home to whales and other fascinating animals. Few places photograph as well as those listed here – and not just for Instagram, but for forever frames on the wall, too.

CULINARY SECTION 30

Experience the Northern Lights An item on many people’s bucket list, the northern lights are nothing short of jaw-dropping and awe-inspiring. Here’s where to go for the best chances of spotting them – and a warm welcome, to boot.

DESIGN 8

Visit a Swedish Winter Wonderland From extreme off-piste skiing to family-friendly slopes and endless cross-country tracks, Sweden boasts some incredible resorts – in addition to wildlife adventures, a rich cultural history and plenty of atmospheric activities and places to stay. We list some destinations for your next trip to Sweden’s stunning winter wonderland.

Felix Sandman: Star of Netflix and Swedish Pop

Sustainable Food and Fosbury Moments Bug biscuit, anyone? Or just some more sustainably produced meat, perhaps? We speak to some Danish innovators in the field of food production, while keynote writer Nils Elmark argues the importance of thinking outside the box, like high-jump Olympic gold medalist Dick Fosbury. Something tells us Fosbury would get behind the idea of insects for dinner.

CULTURE 119 Polar Nights and Winter Festivals

SPECIAL THEMES 26

Hobby and Yarn Shops in Norway Knitting is on the up – even among the younger generations. These Norwegian shops provide the expertise, materials and social context for a fun journey of discovery of this old craft and pastime – and more.

102

Read the Scandipop column to find out what earworms to expect and whom to keep an eye on in the coming months. Then continue to the culture calendar for a list of light shows, winter festivals and other cultural highlights on a Nordic theme.

REGULARS & COLUMNS 8 93 106 110

Scan Magazine | Editor’s Note

Dear Reader, How are you spending the festive break? Sipping a cold brew, watching a good film, knitting? Perhaps booking yourself a spa treatment you’ve long felt like you deserve? I don’t have the patience – nor the skills – for knitting, but whatever floats your boat when it comes to recharging the batteries and taking stock ahead of a new year, we’ve got you covered. This issue features some of Norway’s best yarn and hobby shops as well as columns with a warming stew recipe and tips for the most appropriate beer to crack open on New Year’s Eve. We also list ten Scandinavian film classics and a few spas to check out if you really want to treat yourself. Moreover, as is customary at this time of year, we look to the future and an equally cold but hopefully brighter winter and early spring. Why not make 2020 the year when you tick seeing the northern lights off your bucket list, or take the family up north for an unforgettable skiing trip? We look to Norway for the very best northern lights destinations and to neighbouring Sweden for all kinds of winter wonderland fun. Whether you want classical music, dog sledding or cultural history, these glistening winter destinations will exceed your expectations.

architecture firms and the very best Nordic festivals, but one thing that remains a constant in Scan Magazine is a love of design – and this issue is no different. Perhaps you’ve vowed to cut the air miles this coming year and instead focus on improving your home? We help bring a little bit of Scandinavia to you, with atmospheric lighting, Nordic scents and design items inspired by nature. Wherever 2020 takes you, keep an eye out for cover star Felix Sandman, who is likely to appear both on your screens and on the radio – not least seeing as he was just announced as one of the artists competing in the 2020 Melodifestivalen, currently the bookies favourite to win and represent Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest. That, of course, is another thing we pride ourselves on here at Scan Magazine: bringing you interviews with and updates on all the biggest and fastest-rising stars of the Nordic region. Here’s to a sparkling 2020, whatever that means to you!

Linnea Dunne, Editor

It’s been a year full of exciting themes and specials, listing everything from culture hotspots and romantic getaways to

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Scan Magazine | Design | Fashion Diary

Fashion Diary… Party season is upon us, and we are here to help you get ready in style. Go for rich, dark green tones paired with neutral shades and touches of black and gold for a sophisticated Scandi look. Simplicity is key, while the details make your outfit stand out. By Ingrid Opstad | Press photos

This sleeveless, pleated maxi dress in a metallic jacquard with a waist tie from & Other Stories is the perfect balance of glam and feminine, which makes it a great fit for Christmas parties as well as New Year’s Eve. It will see you dance the night away in style. & Other Stories, metallic pleated maxi dress, £135 & Other Stories, suede platform heeled sandals, £85 www.stories.com

Make a simple, minimalist nod to the 1920s with a pair of gold-brushed metal Art Deco earrings from Nordic Muse, a Manchester-based lifestyle collective with their own jewellery brand, also stocking other Nordic brands. These wearable and durable earrings provide an effortless way to make a statement. Nordic Muse, brushed metal wire earrings, £7 www.nordicmuse.com

Created from a wool-blend fabric and with a classic, timeless design, this long, tailored jacket from Samsøe Samsøe is perfect for throwing over your party outfit on a chilly evening. Available in Khaki, dark or light grey, it helps you look stylish while staying warm. Samsøe Samsøe, ‘Thilda jacket’, £260 www.samsoe.com

A pretty yet practical handbag is an important part of any woman’s outfit, but it needs to be able to hold all the essentials for a night out. This compact, stylish crossbody bag from By Malene Birger is a great choice. The gold details and pattern make it interesting, and the detachable, adjustable metal chain features a leather shoulder pad for comfort. By Malene Birger, ‘Eli’ bag, £255 www.bymalenebirger.com

8 | Issue 131 | December 2019

Scan Magazine | Design | Fashion Diary

With a passion for unique watches, inspired by the beauty of the Finnish forests, Aarni creates beautiful wooden watches. The round, minimalist design of Aarni XO pays tribute to classic lines and is the perfect choice for anyone who appreciates elegant style and mystical, classic beauty. Abony wood is combined with gold details, and the dark elegance enchants its user while turning heads wherever you go. Aarni, ‘XO Ebony’ watch, £151 www.aarniwood.com

Feeling cold? Why not rock a turtleneck jumper with your suit this season to express a casual elegance, while staying comfortable? This turtleneck jumper by Johnnylove is made using extra fine merino wool, made by the finest yarns from Italian mill Baruffa. It is light and super soft. Johnnylove, ‘Morrisey’ turtleneck sweater, £116 www.johnnylove.com

Whether for an office party or a family get-together, these leather derby shoes from Bianco are great for all special occasions – classic shoes every stylish man should have in his wardrobe. Bianco, leather derby shoes, £119.99 www.bianco.com

The Jile blazer from Tiger of Sweden is made of a brushed wool blend with a slim fit, available in light grey melange, midnight blue or Irish cream. Complete the outfit with Tordon trousers, a simple shirt and minimal accessories for a cool, Nordic look. Tiger of Sweden, ‘Jile’ blazer, £349 Tiger of Sweden, ‘Tordon’ trousers, £169 www.tigerofsweden.com

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 9

Scan Magazine | Design | Street Style

Nordic Humans of London Scan Magazine’s brilliant Sanna Halmekoski has hit the streets of Reykjavík to find out what the Scandinavian fashion fanatics are wearing. Cool, sleek, and full of statements, this is a little piece of Scandiland in Iceland. Text and photos by Sanna Halmekoski | www.nordichumans.com

Hildur Yeoman Icelandic fashion designer @hilduryeoman

Heiða Jónsdóttir Icelandic shop manager for handmade designer jewellery brand Orr @orrbykjartan

“My style depends on the season. In the winter time, I wear chunky knits with high heels. I like to find unique items from small shops and flea markets on my travels. We also have a lot of small treasures in our shop in Reykjavík. My dress and sweater are by my label Hildur Yeoman. The dress has our new print, a raven spell from the Westfjords, embroidered with a shiny thread. The shoes are from Icelandic label Kalda.”

“My style is classic and minimalist, with a subtle sense of goth and fetish. I tend to wear relaxed and loose-fitting clothes, dark colours and rich textiles. I like T-shirt dresses, silver jewellery and red lipstick. I don’t shop often, but when I do, I buy vintage and good-quality items. My boots are by Gardenia Copenhagen, the jewellery is by Orr, the coat belonged to my grandmother, the trousers are a gift from a friend and the dress is by Monki.”

Arnaldur Björnsson.

Heiða Jónsdóttir.

Hildur Yeom.

Arnaldur Björnsson Icelandic hotel manager in Reykjavík “My style is classic and simple. I like to wear practical, good-quality clothes. I don’t shop very often, but when I do, I buy clothes that will last for a long time. I mainly shop in Reykjavík. My jeans are by Jack & Jones and the shoes are by Ecco.” 10 | Issue 131 | December 2019

Scan Magazine | Design | We Love This

We love this… Whether you are getting your home ready for Christmas or simply want to add a few new seasonal decorations, we have gathered some items that will help you bring a touch of Scandinavian nature and wildlife into your home this winter. By Ingrid Opstad | Press photos

Bruun Design makes products that are inspired by a love of cooking, eating and entertaining, and influenced by the brand’s Scandinavian heritage. With clean lines, a classic design and attention to detail, this trio of wooden trees, or ‘trær’ as they are called in Norwegian, is perfect for the minimalist who wants to create a subtle, elegant and festive look. They are made from responsibly sourced and sustainably grown English Ash – what’s not to love? Bruun Design, ‘Trær’ wooden trees, £30 www.bruun.uk.com

Decorate your home with elegant ornaments by Lene Bjerre that enhance the holiday spirit. These pine cones and leaves have a clear nod to nature and are perfect for contributing to that magical, enchanting Christmas spirit. Mix different ornaments to create your very own, personal expression. Lene Bjerre, ‘Serafina’ pine cone ornament, nature, £8 Lene Bjerre, ‘Serafina’ leaf ornament, bronze, £6 www.nordicnest.com

Conia from Umage has a clear design reference to nature’s beauty. Its characteristic cone shape provides a soft, ambient light, making it a perfect artistic piece to illuminate every corner and dark spot in your house. The lamp is available in white, copper or brushed brass. Umage, ‘Conia’ lamp, £45 www.umage.com

This simple and elegant forest rug was designed by Teresa Moorhouse for Finnish brand Mums, weaved entirely by hand with subtle 3D trees on a flat surface. It is a homage to the forest in Finland, which covers 75 per cent of the country. The rug can also be custommade in any size, in the colours natural, deep-forest green, and light grey. Mums, ‘Green Forest’ rug, 140x200cm, £497 Mums, ‘Green Forest’ rug, 170x240cm, £687 Mums, ‘Green Forest’ rug, 200x300cm, £851 www.mums.fi

We love this Isbjørn figure from Eikund, a new company re-launching Norwegian design classics that will most definitely impress. It is a physical pictogram resulting in a beautiful interpretation of the polar bear. Originally designed in 1955 by Arne Tjomsland, known for giving shape to animals from the Nordic fauna, this beautiful figure brings a piece of the Arctic into your home. Eikund, ‘Isbjørn’ figure, small, £139 Eikund, ‘Isbjørn’ figure, large, £259 www.eikund.com

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 11

All K. Lundqvist’s product and collection images are taken by the Halmstad-based photographers, Tina and Carl Nyblom.

Made to impress When Kristoffer Lundqvist first had the idea of creating his own fragrance, it was with the idea of making a small selection of stylish gifts for friends. Five years later, the project that started for fun has developed into one of Sweden’s most sought-after luxury brands. By Liz Longden | Photos: Tina and Carl Nyblom

Today, K. Lundqvist has around 200 selected retailers worldwide, and its name is synonymous with elegance and exclusivity. However, founder and head of design Kristoffer Lundqvist says that his aim has not changed since he first began. “It started with the realisation that fragrances weren’t just something in the background, that they could actually make people feel good, and with wanting to share that with other people,” Lundqvist explains. “And that’s still what it’s all about today.” 12 | Issue 131 | December 2019

The brand comprises a series of collections, each including reed diffusers, candles and scented sachets, and while the products are undoubtedly high-end, the variety in the range has helped to establish a broad and loyal customer base. There is, Lundqvist says, something for everyone. Not only that, but the brand’s classical elegance gives a versatility that has helped to attract customers beyond the typical demographic for home fragrance.

Kristoffer Lundqvist.

Scan Magazine | Design Profile | K. Lundqvist

“Men perhaps haven’t traditionally used home fragrance as much as women, but we’ve seen that our Prestige collection, in particular, has proved to be very popular with men,” Lundqvist explains. “And I think that’s a lot to do with the design – it’s pared down, with straight lines, and that gives it a feel that is very much classically masculine, which means that more men feel comfortable using the fragrance in their homes.” Design is, indeed, one of the pillars of the brand. On the one hand, the different fragrances have been developed both to create a feeling of wellbeing in a variety of spaces and contexts, and to complement different styles of interior design — tips and guidance on how to enhance the décor of a room through the optimal choice of scent can be found on the K. Lundqvist website. On the other, the elegance of the packaging ensures that a K. Lundqvist product is a piece of unique interior design in itself. “Lots of our customers have told us that they love the fact that these are actually beautiful objects that you can keep in their own right.”

Followed, not following One of the reasons that the brand’s design stands out from the crowd is its re-

jection of generic trends. “I don’t travel to other countries to see what other people are doing. Instead, my inspiration is very personal. It comes from my own thoughts and feelings, from the things I see and people I meet,” he explains. It is, he adds with a laugh, “a little bit un-Swedish”, but it has helped to ensure that the brand remains distinctive and authentic. And maintaining the integrity of the brand is, in fact, something on which Lundqvist places great importance. While his fragrances are sold all over the world and used, for example, in Aquavit restaurant in London and in interior design shops in Dubai, and are stocked in the shops of the luxury design retailer Stockholm Limited in Hong Kong, he explains that he has also turned down the opportunity to partner up with major and prestigious department stores. Instead, he has recently begun a collaboration with IEMS, an interior design retailer based in southern and western Sweden, which Lundqvist says shares his philosophy of quality over quantity. “We’re not a brand that’s chasing around, trying to get attention. We’re a brand that is sought out by others,” he affirms. “We have our identity, we choose our partners carefully, and we never forget who our customers are.”

This emphasis on innovation over imitation, as well as a desire to break new ground, is also behind K. Lundqvist’s new collection, Statements, which was launched this autumn. “I wanted to do something a little bit different, something that stands out. It’s nice to shock people sometimes,” Lundqvist laughs. The collection consists of a duo of exclusive, new fragrances combined with stunning, hand-blown glass vases, crafted by the glass artist Magnus Andersson, who works at Steninge glassworks. Norrsken (meaning ‘northern lights’) is inspired by the breathtaking natural phenomenon that is common in Lundqvist’s hometown of Boden, near Luleå, and a homage of sorts to the beauty of his homeland of northern Sweden. Rebel, on the other hand, with its dramatic, dark tones, takes its inspiration not from nature, but from the soul, and symbolises the drive to be bold and unapologetically true to one’s self. “You can’t create a personality, you are who you are,” Lundqvist argues. “That’s what our brand is about, and our Statements collection in particular is an expression of that.” Web: www.klundqvist.se

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 13

The edge of perfection For almost two decades, Danish industrial designer Jens Ansø has dedicated himself to the design and manufacture of handmade folding knives. Now, inspired by his love for Danish design, he has launched NJORD, a series of custom-made kitchen knives, combining the noble art of Japanese craft with timeless Danish design. By Signe Hansen | Photos: ANSØ of Denmark

Launched in August 2019, NJORD is inspired by the desire not just to create the perfect kitchen knife, but to embody a philosophy upon which Ansø has built his life and his business, ANSØ of Denmark. “I believe that you shouldn’t make something unless it is both necessary and useful,” he says. “But if it’s both necessary and useful, you shouldn’t hesitate to make it beautiful.” Based on this philosophy, Ansø has dedicated himself full-time to the craft of knife making ever since graduat14 | Issue 131 | December 2019

ing as an industrial designer in 2001. Wholeheartedly embracing the Danish design tradition of simplicity, detail and an emphasis on function rather than shape, his elegant and functional handmade folding knives have become renowned world-wide, but especially popular with knife connoisseurs in the US. The popularity of the ANSØ of Denmark brand has also allowed its maker to design knives for some of the world’s leading knife producers in the US, Germany, and Italy. Having thus completed three series of kitchen knives

for different brands, Ansø finally decided to make his own.

Danish design and Japanese craft When, about two years ago, Ansø first decided to create his own kitchen knife range, there was never a doubt in his mind that he wanted Japanese blades for his work. He wanted each knife to pay tribute to the proud tradition of rugged sharpness, traced back to the infamous samurai swords. In his research, he found a small family-owned business with more

Scan Magazine | Design Profile | ANSØ of Denmark

About ANSØ of Denmark: The ANSØ of Denmark brand was created in 2001, when Jens Ansø graduated as an industrial designer and began designing and making handmade folding knives. His knives have gained immense popularity with knife connoisseurs all over the world. All knives are designed and handmade in Ansø’s workshop in an old dairy farm in central Jutland. Today, the business employs a handful of people, including Jens Ansø’s wife, Karina Baglioni Ansø, who among other things takes care of the business administration, planning and communications.

than 100 years of experience and knowledge within the field of blade making. “We chose to have the blade made in Japan for several reasons – one of them was to utilise the century-long expertise they have in the making of kitchen knives. This way, whereas the folding knives are made solely in Denmark, the kitchen knives fuse Danish design and Japanese craft,” Ansø explains.

ufactured manually, with the handle custom-made in oak or ash according to the customer’s order. “It’s incredible how few people make knives by hand today. To me, knife making is a field and a craft that I want to protect and honour by making supreme knives that are a pleasure both to look at and to use,” stresses Ansø.

Back in Denmark, the blades arrive at Ansø’s workshop in an old dairy farm in rural Denmark, where knives are man-

With their strong combination of functionality and aesthetics, the NJORD knives can be used and valued equally

A knife for anybody who loves beautiful design

by professional chefs and home cooks. Indeed, Ansø says, the knives will bring joy to anyone who appreciates inspiring tools and classic aesthetic qualities. “If you look at the design, I think what it’s most comparable to are the Danish design classics from the ‘50s and ‘60s, like the wooden chairs by Wegner, Jacobsen and Mogensen,” explains Ansø. “Despite the obvious difference between the products, it’s the same design virtues when it comes to the simple lines, the choice of materials and the high functionality.” About the NJORD knife series: The blade is handmade in Japan. This process includes the forging of 33 layers of San Mai Steel, giving the blade its characteristic patterned look, incredible strength, and uniquely resilient edge. The handle is made to order for each customer, from either oak or ash. The wood is treated with a special sealing method to make sure that it remains both beautiful and robust throughout its lifetime. The Njord knife series is sold exclusively online via the website below.

Web: www.anso-of-denmark.dk and www.anso-of-denmark.com Instagram: @anso_of_denmark

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 15

Scan Magazine | Design Profile | Vicki Buerholt

A jewel in Copenhagen In 2016, goldsmith Vicki Buerholt got her hands on the little shop she’d been eyeing up for years, in the Amagerbro streets where her father lived when he was a child. She set up simple, elegant displays out front and converted the tiny back room into her workshop, suspending a cradle from the ceiling to watch her newborn while she worked. When you glance in from the street, you can look all the way through to the workshop, which fits Vicki rather well: she’s a people’s person who thrives on getting to know her customers and makes jewellery to make people happy. By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Kristian Granquist

Vicki’s pieces are warm and full of vitality. Made almost exclusively of gold or white gold, they’re adorned with diamonds, pearls and precious stones used in slightly unexpected ways, be it through the position of the pearl or the cut of the diamond. The style and price vary from piece to piece as Vicki wants everyone to feel welcome. “I want there to be durable, quality pieces available for a 15-yearold girl coming in for her confirmation,” she explains, “and to fulfil the wildest desires of someone looking to bring to life their dream wedding bands right from scratch.” Vicki discovered her love for jewellery creation in 2005, while working in wellknown jewellery designer Josephine Bergsøe’s store. After completing her apprenticeship with Mette Rosgaard in 2010, Vicki returned to Bergsøe as a goldsmith, honing in on her own style 16 | Issue 131 | December 2019

Vicki may have moved home to Amager, but buyers have found her online from as far away as the UK. “We know that buying jewellery can be a big commitment. When our customers put their faith in independent shops like the ones here on Amagerbro, they should be rewarded with top service and long-lived quality,” Vicki concludes.

over the next six years. Now she’s teaching her own apprentice, Maja. “It’s so important to get to experiment and make mistakes: if something doesn’t work, you melt it down and try again,” Vicki explains. “Making jewellery is an emotive process that includes buckets of creative frustration. It’s so worth it, though, when you see in your customer’s face that you got it just right.” Some of the most emotional encounters occur when customers come in to renew or transform dated, inherited pieces. “They’re sometimes in two minds about changing it, but I really believe there’s value in actually wearing the piece because you like it rather than never looking at it. That way, it can remind you of your loved one every day.” Many clients have become repeat customers, whether they’re local or not:

Web: www.buerholt.dk Facebook: JewelryByBuerholt Instagram: @jewelrybybuerholt

Scan Magazine | Design Profile | Eton Shirts

Sebastian Dollinger. Photo: Ruvan Wijesooriya

Playful elegance up the sleeve “He is a man who lives everywhere without the need to show off which labels he wears. He is secure with his own choices and has a mind of his own, and once he buys a shirt he is usually hooked for life!” This is how Sebastian Dollinger, chief creative officer at Eton Shirts, describes the typical Eton man. By Kristine Olofsson | Photos: Emil Larsson

The company was founded back in 1928 in Swedish seamstress Annie Petterson’s kitchen. The great depression forced her husband David to close the family sawmill, and joining forces, they rapidly grew the company with exports to Great Britain. Ever since, innovation and creativity have led the way, with milestones such as presenting, after a collaboration with Swiss experts, the world’s first non-iron shirt in 100 per cent cotton – a shirt that sold in more than 600 units during its first week in the British department store Harrods. Dollinger himself joined the company at the young age of 16 and became head of design aged 25, before he was

made creative director at 28. He is now in charge of the artistic expression of Eton, distinguished by its high quality, elegance and playfulness. “The inspiration for the pattern can range from Art Deco of New York and Swedish summer house tapestry to Indian truck art,” Dollinger explains. “All of our shirts come in four different body fits, so it doesn’t matter what body shape you have – you will always find something at Eton that fits you.”

The perfect shirt of today “The perfect shirt doesn’t exist, because the industry is constantly evolving. It has taken us 90 years to get where we are today. Bit by bit, year by year, designers

and engineers are creating the best shirt of today,” says Dollinger. The company’s shirt assortment ranges from classic to contemporary, including everything from iconic business and classic white twill shirts to those with limited edition prints, printed from hand-painted artworks from the brand’s design studios in both Stockholm and Como, Italy. In the years to come, Dollinger hopes to see a more conscious way of shopping. “People are becoming increasingly aware of what effects their choices have, not just on the environment but also on their wallets. It is crazy to buy things that do not last. When you buy a shirt from Eton, you buy something that is made to last,” he sums up. Web: www.etonshirts.com/eu Facebook: etonshirts Instagram: @etonshirts YouTube: EtonShirts

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 17

Conveniently located in Frederiksbjerg, Aarhus, Lystorvet offers a selection of around 20 different top-end Danish and international brands.

Throwing light on the perfect lamp There are some things you can easily buy online. Lamps are not one of them. The reason for this is that finding the right lamp is not just about the aesthetics of the lamp; it is also about identifying the most functional, comfortable and ambient light. Owned and headed by Hanne Purup, a light enthusiast with 30 years of experience in her field, Lystorvet in Aarhus does just that. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Lystorvet

With a selection of around 20 different top-end Danish and international brands, Lystorvet in Frederiksbjerg, Aarhus, offers many good reasons to stop by. However, it is not the lamps that attract most customers, but the expertise of the owner and her sales team. “Many customers come to our shop because they’ve made a mistake when buying a lamp online. It’s not like buying a dress; lighting is complicated,” says Purup. “A lot of people end up with something that doesn’t work because they are attracted by a beautiful 18 | Issue 131 | December 2019

design but forget to think about its use, and that’s a shame, because you can easily end up spending 5,000 or 6,000 Danish kroner (575 to 690 GBP) on the wrong lamp.” To ensure that customers make the right choice, Lystorvet offers a range of services, from individual in-store guidance to home visits (free with purchase) and, if still in doubt, customers can take the lamp in question home for a test before purchasing.

The real attraction of Lystorvet is owner Hanne Purup’s knowledge and experience, gathered through 30 years in the industry.

Scan Magazine | Design Profile | Lystorvet

Classic or modern When it comes to lighting, many classic Danish designs are renowned and revered all over the world. Designers such as Poul Henningsen (PH) and Arne Jacobsen (both designed for Louis Poulsen) have created timeless designs that continue to be many light professionals’ favourites, not just because of their beautiful, simple aesthetics, but because of the designers’ dedication to lighting. “The way they worked with light makes a significant difference. At the dinner table, for instance, you might have a little one who is sitting at an entirely different angle than the rest of the family, and with many lamps they will be blinded by the light source – but not with the classic designs. They have a clear advantage in that regard,” explains Purup. “But we also have a lot of very talented new Danish designers, like Louise Campbell, Rikke Frost and Cecilie Manz, who all make very nice things, also light-wise.”

Lystorvet’s selection of lamps includes both modern and classic brands from recognised Danish and international designers.

Consequently, Lystorvet presents a selection of both classic and modern Danish designs, as well as a number of recognised international brands.

Finding ‘the one’ When choosing a lamp for a specific space, there are three main criteria to take into consideration on top of the attractiveness of the design itself – the function of the room, the desired ambiance, and the comfort of the people using the space. To make sure that customers make the right choice, Lystorvet’s team of sales assistants try to identify all three. “We have perfected the art of giving our customers a little nudge in the right direction. In the living room, for instance, a lot of people choose a metal lamp with a light that only travels down, and that won’t create a nice ambiance – you need a bit of both,” says Purup. “Therefore, we invite people to bring a sketch of their living room or kitchen into the store, so that we can help them find the right match, and then to bring home and test the lamp. That way, they can actually experience the light in the room before making a final decision.” In addition to guiding customers to ‘the one’ in the world of lamps, Purup and her

Facts about Lystorvet: Lystorvet was established by Hanne Purup in 2010. Purup has worked with lighting for more than 30 years and has received specialist training within the industry.

team can also help them make the most of their choice by guiding them towards the right light source, something that can make a big difference but is often not a great priority in the sales process. “We often suggest something different, and that’s something we get a lot of praise for,” says Purup, and rounds off: “I guess it’s because, today, a lot of people working in sales are not really specialised or trained, and that’s a shame; to me, making sure that people go home with the right choice is a matter of pride.”

The 150-square-metre shop is located in Frederiks Alle, Frederiksbjerg, Aarhus, a ten-minute walk from the central station in Aarhus. There is free street parking (for 30 minutes) outside the shop. The shop carries a selection of around 15 to 20 high-end lighting brands, such as Louis Poulsen, Le Klinz, Frits Hansen, Artemide, Flos, Foscarini, Gubi, Piet Hein, and Modi Form.

Web: www.lystorvet.dk

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 19

Scan Magazine | Design Profile | StampesPlanker

Functional plank tables designed for everyday use What started as a hobby has turned into StampesPlanker, a successful business that sells handmade plank tables. The tables are designed to be used every day by children as well as adults, so don’t worry about your uncle dancing on the table at the Christmas party or spilling red wine – StampesPlanker will stand the test of time (and people).

it won’t move an inch. The tables are all made from certified wood and at a price point that doesn’t break the bank – even to get a beautiful, handmade plank table.

By Heidi Kokborg | Photos: StampesPlanker

In 2017, Gry Stampe worked as an IT consultant, when she developed arthritis in her back and couldn’t sit down for more than 15 minutes at a time. She then did the obvious thing: founded a business. “I have always had a flair for building, and I had already built plank tables for a few friends, so it made sense to start a business selling plank tables. That is how StampesPlanker came about. I get to use my brain by running a business while also moving my body when I’m building the tables,” says Stampe. All the tables are handmade, and Stampe also creates the oil colours herself. “It is important to me that my tables are personal and not like any other table. Functionality is also a must for me; I design

my tables so that they can be used day after day by many generations. I don’t want people to worry about spilling wine or getting a scratch on the table,” she explains. Every table has steel legs that weigh 40 kilogrammes, so you could show off your best dance moves on top of the table and

Gry Stampe.

Web: www.stampesplanker.dk Facebook: StampesPlanker Instagram: @stampesplanker

Scan Magazine | Design Profile | My Pet Poster

Scandinavian design for our four-legged friends Have you ever searched for the perfect gift for an animal lover that seems to have everything? Look no further – My Pet Poster creates one-of-a-kind posters of people’s favourite pets in an artsy, Scandinavian, minimalist style. By Kristine Olofsson | Photos: My Pet Poster

Hand illustrated by founder Josefine Wikström Nilsson, the posters from My Pet Poster are perfect as timeless interior pieces in your home or as a personal gift to a friend that seems to have everything. Wikström Nilsson has artistry in her family and was painting for her own home and friends when she discovered the demand for a highly personalised yet stylish interior product. “I wanted to create something that turns a living space into a home,” she says. “The idea actually came from my fiancé and his love of animals. We could clearly see how people would love the idea of immortalising a favourite pet in an artistic way.” The posters are made in the company’s own little printing office in Stockholm, which guarantees a high level of quality. “We enjoy making the posters locally and controlling the standard before

shipping them ourselves,” Wikström Nilsson explains.

Custom-made artworks for everyone

New for this Christmas are poster frames that can be added directly to the order. The posters are also available in two different sizes, which makes it easy to find a suitable place for them in the home. “It is a lovely thing to be part of something that brings so much happiness and both emotional and symbolic value,” Wikström Nilsson sums up.

Customer input is a huge part of My Pet Poster’s way of working, and every week, pet owners are welcome to vote for new breed illustrations on the brand’s Instagram account. “We constantly get requests for new breeds. Dogs and cats are popular, but we also get requests for turtles, horses and even mini pigs,” Wikström Nilsson smiles. New illustrations are presented each Sunday on the company’s website, and once the consumers find their preferred illustration, they are asked to fill in a form with the pet’s name, date of birth and personality traits, which are then incorporated into the personalised poster, all unique and one of a kind.

Web: www.mypetposter.se Instagram: @mypetposter

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 21

Scan Magazine | Design Profile | Quod / Ull og Tre

Scented candles with a good conscience Quod offers handcrafted scented candles made of natural soy wax in six luxurious aromas: each of them a wonderful scent that you can treat yourself to being enchanted by. By Malin Norman | Photo: Quod

Sweden-made organic candles from Quod come in unique porcelain jars, as founders Malin Myllymäki and Anna Göransson Södergren wanted a more sustainable alternative to scented candles. “We wanted to offer a long-lasting product,” explains Myllymäki. “The porcelain jars are made at Lidköping Porslinsfabrik. You can continue to use the container when the candle has burnt out: for instance, as a vase or to store trinkets.” There are currently six candles in the range. Most popular is No 6 Epic Eucalypt, which was launched in September. Like a refreshingly cool breeze, it has a clean and powerful scent of eucalyptus, matched with ylang ylang and vanilla. “Scents are very personal,” continues Myllymäki. “It has to

do with memories and how we feel about them. For example, some of our customers seem to love our No 4 Amber Rose because it reminds them of their grandmother.” For Christmas, No 5 Banira Wood offers a more sensual scent with an oriental character, perfect for creating a warm and welcoming feeling with vanilla flower, musk and cedar topped with tangerine and cardamom. With No 1 Black Wood, you can imagine a quiet moment in front of a crackling fire. It is mild yet mysterious, with smoky cedar and spicy clove, entwined with elements of vanilla, rose and jasmine. Quod attempts to be as environmentally friendly as possible, and in the near future, you will be able to refill your candle when it has burnt out. You can order any of the scents

in refill bags containing wax and a cotton wick, and pour into the jar yourself, all made in collaboration with Candelize. In January, Quod will also be available in a bigger jar – around six kilogrammes when filled with wax – which is suitable for bigger establishments such as hotels and restaurants.

Web: www.quod.se/shop Facebook: quodcandles Instagram: @quod.se

Crafted care On the idyllic Nesodden peninsula just outside of Oslo, you’ll find a couple, a wood shop, a sewing room and a love of all things handmade. By Lisa Maria Berg | Photos: Knut Anders Iversen

Wool and wood – that’s what they’re called, and that’s what they’re all about, the couple Knut Anders Iversen and Tonje Dammann. Growing up, they both loved making things with their hands. Today, they’ve made that love of crafting into a full-time job. “It started small with some Christmas gifts for friends, perhaps a birthday treat

for someone in the family. After a while, friends of friends started getting in touch wondering if by any chance they could get their hands on one of those wood carvings and woollen birds they’d seen. Then it just developed from there,” explains Iversen. His and Dammann’s art has since found its way into many a Norwegian home. Last

year, they left their jobs and plunged into craft-making on a full-time basis. “The kids have been the biggest inspiration. I was looking to find toys without any plastic in them and found that there not only wasn’t much choice, but the toys out there had often travelled the world before ending up in a shop near us. It made us take matters into our hands,” explains Dammann, referring to their special line of children’s toys, all made of wood, no plastic. “It’s incredibly important for us that the material is all natural. It’s either made out of all wood or all wool,” adds Iversen. They both have their own specialty. Dammann stands for all things wool, while Iversen gets the woodwork done. “We get our birch delivered from a nearby farm,” he says. “We believe it’s important to champion locally sourced materials and a short transport route.” Web: www.ullogtre.no

22 | Issue 131 | December 2019

Artist and gallery owner Øyunn Iversen.

A quirky gallery bringing art to the people With the idea that art should be accessible to everyone, a new and different gallery has opened in Enebakkveien 20 at Galgeberg in Oslo. Galleri Kladden is a lowthreshold, artist-run gallery with an inclusive attitude. Focusing on interaction and information, and on promoting new and unknown artists from Norway and beyond, it is a place to discover art, get inspired and have fun along the way. By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Galleri Kladden

Are you tired of galleries and museums that feel sterile and impersonal? Then we suggest visiting Galleri Kladden in Oslo for quite a different experience. “We are a new and unique gallery with the aim to showcase new and unknown artists from around the world,” says Øyunn Iversen, who started the gallery in partnership with Brahim Sandli and Kjersti Austdal. “We wanted to create a place for young and unestablished artists. A place run by artists for artists.”

Creating non-traditional art spaces The artist and art enthusiast further explains that she has been producing so24 | Issue 131 | December 2019

called non-traditional art spaces since 2013, focusing on creating happenings out of the ordinary. “I have, among other things, run art-themed rave parties combining electronic music with artwork. I also worked for several years as an art agent and, as a result, created an art bar at the Sommerøya festival in Norway, and also developed an art and wine concept where we paired these two elements together,” she says. After a somewhat restless life, Iversen decided to open a cultural centre in Brugata in Oslo, where Kladden Gallery originated. It was after the cultural

house went bankrupt that she decided to invest fully in the gallery and her love of art.

Maximalism and experimental art Opened in August this year, Galleri Kladden allows visitors to explore everything from maximalism to experimental art with a big focus on interaction. You can touch it, listen to it, sometimes even taste it. “We have created a less strict environment to experience the art in,” Iversen smiles.

Scan Magazine | Gallery Profile | Galleri Kladden

“We have worked a lot with the sense of taste, which has resulted in mixing mocktails made from plants we find in the Norwegian wilderness. We have also hosted something we call taboo night, which is very physical. Here, you can get your art tattooed on your body if you want, and experience a sensory room where you can feel and touch absolutely everything.” Iversen believes that art should be accessible to everyone, which is a big driving force behind the newly established gallery.

Whole. Soapstone, 2019.

Inclusive attitude At Galleri Kladden, everyone is invited to apply to be exhibited, no matter what style or background. This inclusive attitude makes the young gallery stand out from the crowd. “We focus on maximalism, which pretty much includes all types of art. Our inclusive view has two reasons behind it. One is simply a social responsibility; there are no other exhibition places in Norway where one can exhibit for free. It can be difficult for a young artist to get started, so we want to give everyone a chance. The second is a slightly more anarchist approach, where everyone should be allowed to try to be an artist,” Iversen explains.

A fun way to get together Drawing people without clothes on can be interesting, challenging and, most of all, fun. Galleri Kladden offers evening

and weekend courses in figure drawing to suit both beginners and those who regularly draw. “Both me and my partner, Eirik Sætre Bjoland, who is one of the artists behind Galleri Kladden, love to draw, so we run these courses to spread this joy further,” says Iversen. The gallery also offers a daytime or evening class as an activity for bachelor and bachelorette parties. This can take place in the gallery or in your own home. The course is professional but very informal, and with great entertainment

value. “We provide models and the drawing equipment needed, and it’s really a fun way to get together,” says Iversen. “We also provide degradable glitter so that everyone can sparkle while they draw.”

Festive market Every Sunday during the build-up to Christmas, the gallery hosts a rather untraditional Christmas market. “We serve vegan ‘julegrøt’, a traditional Norwegian porridge eaten at Christmas, and will sell art, clothing and prints from various artists. Everything is produced in Norway – a great way to buy sustainable Christmas gifts from a local artist this year,” Iversen ends. Upcoming exhibition: 10 to 30 April 2020, Scape 2020 will showcase installation, sculpture, video and sound work by the award-winning international artist Lana Thymianidis, to provide an immersive experience for the viewer.

The art is available to purchase through the website or on Instagram. Web: www.gallerikladden.com Facebook: gallerikladden Instagram: @gallerikladden

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 25

RN Y A Y A iT W D in R M AN NO Y BB S IN O H OP SH e:

m he

Photo: Hilde Kvivik Kavli; Design: Rauma Garn

Photo: Siren Lauvdal; Design: Rauma Garn

A treasure trove for knitters Idestova is a charming Norwegian knitting shop, stocking beautiful yarns and haberdashery sourced from leading suppliers, both in-store and online.

tion of yarns and printed patterns available in-store, find the perfect colour match, or source a rare knitting tool.

By Bianca Wessel

The shop, conveniently located in central Bryne, is one of Norway’s oldest yarn boutiques. Its customers span multiple generations, from those who have been knitting all their life to newbies giving it a go. Anny Tjøtta, the owner, has shared her knowledge and passion for knitting through the shop for almost four decades. “We think it’s the unlimited knitting advice and the gorgeous selection of yarn in the shop that make our customers come back for more,” she says. Customers can enjoy an impressive yarn selection from leading Norwegian and international brands, including Dale Garn, Du store Alpakka, Sandnes Garn, Filcolana and Rauma Ullvare. Idestova has a long history of stocking well-established brands, and at the same time, the shop prides itself on introducing exciting, new products from upcoming brands like the hand26 | Issue 131 | December 2019

dyed, pure cotton from Danish Maja by Permin and the soft silk mohair from the family-run, Copenhagen-based Knitting for Olive, as well as the more traditional, natural, light and durable wool yarn from Icelandic Lèttlopi.

The range is also available in the online shop, which was launched four years ago, in 2015. Online shoppers are tempted with the same impressive yarn selection, complete knitting packs for all abilities, and even a dedicated seasonal Christmas shop.

Besides yarn and knitting packs, customers can find crochet and embroidery accessories and haberdashery as well as a wide range of inspirational knitting books. This gem of a yarn shop is sure to inspire creativity and make its customers fall in love with the art of knitting. “Idestova is more than just a yarn shop,” says Tjøtta. “It’s a home, a community, a place of creativity and inspiration.” However, what really sets Idestova apart from others is the expert knowledge and friendly service. There’s a warm welcome from the helpful staff who are ready to answer any knitting-related questions, help browse the wide selec-

Anny Tjøtta. Photo: Idestova

The shop is located in Brynesenteret in Storgata in Bryne, and online at: idestova.no Facebook: idestova Instagram: @idestova.no

Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Hobby and Yarn Shops in Norway

Just like home Welcome to Fru Skogsletten Garnbutikk in Årnes, a traditional and homely knitting shop offering customers a place to share ideas, tips and creations. With weekly gettogethers in the form of a knitting cafe, this truly is a haven for all craft enthusiasts. By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Fru Skogsletten Garnbutikk

Fru Skogsletten Garnbutikk is a cosy shop with a homely atmosphere in Årnes in Norway. “You are always welcome to stop by. We are here to help and guide you with your craft project or simply to have a chat,” owner Katrine Bolette Skogsletten smiles. “We are on a first-name basis with most of our customers. We know them and what they are working on. Most of them come back to show us the result, something that brings us great pleasure,” says Skogsletten, who took over the traditional knitting shop in 2018, after it had been in operation for eight years, and has since had great success, much because of her friendly approach and passion. Stocking everything you might need, from yarn and textiles to sewing and

knitting accessories and other crafts supplies, the shop has become a popular hangout spot in town. “Customers tend to say that they have to make sure they have enough time when they come to visit us, because there is so much here to see, feel and talk about,” says Skogsletten. “Being at the shop is like being at home for me; I’m just so lucky to have so many lovely people visiting all the time. The human contact is so important – you don’t get all this through an online shop.” The shop also has its own sewing room with a seamstress performing repairs, which Skogsletten has noticed is a big trend right now, with regards to reuse and sustainability. “It is good for the environment that people fix the garments they have, instead of constantly buying new ones,” she reflects.

Every Tuesday evening, Skogsletten offers her customers a special event: a knitting cafe. This is a great way to come together to share ideas, tips and creations, and everyone from young beginners to older, experienced knitters is welcome. “It is always a nice evening. Everyone brings their craft project along to work on, and we chat and enjoy coffee and cakes together,” she says.

Owner Katrine Bolette Skogsletten.

Facebook: Fruskogslettengarnbutikk Instagram: @fruskogsletten_garnbutikk

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 27

Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Hobby and Yarn Shops in Norway

Bottom left: Anita, Madelene, Maren, owner Hege-Merete, Reidun, Linn-Åse, Charlotte and Helena. In front from left: Riina and Frida.

Spreading the joy of creating Bundingen is an old, northern Norwegian word for knitting, and as such, the perfect name for this cosy little shop in Tromsø. Here, you’ll find everything from yarn and knitting needles to crochet hooks, buttons and whatever else you might need to practise arts and crafts. By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Bundingen

“Being allowed to pursue your hobby as a career – that is the dream,” says owner and knitting enthusiast Hege-Merete Benoni. After working in retail most of her life, she jumped at the chance when the opportunity of opening her own shop together with her husband arose. Today, Benoni helps young and old to discover or maintain their passion for knitting and craft, like she has done herself. The crafts shop Bundingen has grown considerably since it opened in June 2010, and has become a real fairy-tale for Benoni. It is this passion for spreading the joy of creating that has made it a popular spot in town, located inside 28 | Issue 131 | December 2019

Jekta shopping centre in Tromsø city centre. “Everyone working here enjoys crafts. Creating new things and sharing them with others is at the heart of our mission,” she says – and she can see this joy of creating things has spread to her customers, too. “They love to come in and have a chat and show their creations. You put so much love into the things you make yourself, and we see the pride in being able to wear something that you have knitted yourself.” Bundingen is a place to find inspiration, and also a place for help and advice – a friendly and familiar meeting place for like-minded people. “When someone

comes in with a sweater they have made, other customers are quick to gather around with praise. And if someone asks a question we don’t know the answer to, there are always helpful customers in the shop who do,” Benoni smiles. In the last four years, after bringing in a supplier from Denmark called Knitting for Olive, with products aimed at new knitters and especially younger mothers, Benoni has noticed a change in the clientele. “Since last year, we have increased sales of these products by 300 per cent, so it really shows that the younger generation is growing fond of knitting,” she explains, adding: “We have plans for knitting cafe events and courses for people who want to learn more in the near future.” Web: www.bundingen.no Facebook: Bundingen Instagram: @bundingen

Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Hobby and Yarn Shops in Norway

Photo: Sandnes Garn

Line M. Larse and Cecilie Tofthagen. Photo: Børge Sørensen

Oslo’s cosiest yarn shop Saturnia Garn might just be the best yarn shop you can imagine, stocking a wide range of cashmere, alpaca, hand-dyed, rare-breed, and sustainable wool, in a warm and inspiring space along with friendly staff who are all expert knitters. By Bianca Wessel | Photos: Saturnia Garn

To knit and create had been a lifetime passion when Line M. Larsen found herself dreaming of swapping a busy career in accounting for a more creative and colourful path. But it was when she met the talented designer Cecilie Tofthagen that everything started to fall into place. The two entrepreneurs were a great match, with Larsen’s administrative and numeric skills combined with Tofthagen’s experience of designing for a yarn company. Together, the pair embarked on a journey to create one of Oslo’s cosiest and friendliest yarn shops, stocking the greatest range of yarn from the best suppliers. Saturnia Garn opened in 2016. Fast-forward three years, and the thriving shop has already gained a loyal following of customers who are looking for great quality, an exceptional range of

colours and inspiring patterns, and who like to meet fellow passionate knitters.

Traditional patterns and fashionista finds Beautiful yarns are sourced from all over the world. Norwegian heritage brands like Rauma and Sandnes garn are leading the way, and luxurious alpaca yarn from Du Store Alpakka and natural yarns from Sublime are in demand, as are fun and colourful yarns from Katia and Louisa Harding. Seasoned knitters will be pleased to discover everything in the shop, including patterns, needles and all the yarn needed to complete a project. Interestingly, more young people are taking to knitting, too, with on-trend and straightforward patterns and yarn packs from designers known from Instagram, such as PetiteKnit and Mille Fryd. Fur-

thermore, thrifty fashionistas are finding their way to the shop. With a photo of an expensive designer jumper, for instance, they ask for help to replicate it. Most of the time, Saturnia will be able to help, finding a similar-style knitting pattern and matching yarn. The online shop is growing too, with a surge in all-in-one knitting kits. There is also an international demand for traditional designs, including yarns and patterns for the Norwegian ski jumper and the Marius jumper. Saturnia Garn in Oslo is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves knitting, regardless of age or ability. Saturnia Garn AS, Ekebergveien 228C, 1162 Oslo. Monday to Friday, 10am to 7pm; and Saturday, 10am to 5pm

Web: saturniagarn.no Facebook: saturniagarn Instagram: @saturniagarn

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 29

Scan Magazine | Food and drink | Column

Ingredients: — — — — — — — — — — —

1 onion, large, finely chopped 800g diced venison 2-3 tbsp butter 300g chestnut mushrooms, halved 15g dried wild fungus 150 ml boiling water 1 level tbsp flour 500 ml beef stock 125ml whipping cream Sprig fresh thyme 12 shallots, small, blanch in boiling water and then peel — 3 tbsp lingonberries, defrosted (alternatively, serve with lightly preserved cranberries) — 1 tsp caster sugar

Louise’s Nordic kitchen: venison casserole By Louise Hurst | Photo: Louise Hurst

Endless forests and a varied landscape are home to a great amount of game, such as elk and deer, in Scandinavia. Nothing is more perfect to serve in the winter holiday season than a venison casserole. The comforting, herby scents wafting through the house as it simmers its way to tenderness are a pure joy.

Venison casserole with wild mushrooms, serves four Firstly, take the dried wild fungus, place into a bowl and pour over 150ml of boiling water. Set aside. Heat a heavy-based pan with two tablespoons of sunflower oil and a knob of butter and set to high. Seasoning the meat with salt and pepper, brown the venison in batches. Remove from the pan and set aside. Now add the chopped onion to the unwashed pan: you want all the flavour from 30 | Issue 131 | December 2019

the venison – perhaps add a little more oil. Sauté until soft and translucent, add the chestnut mushrooms and sauté for a further five minutes. Add the flour and, stirring between each addition, the beef stock. Finally, pour the water from the fungus into the pan; they will be added later. Add the cream, bay leaf and thyme, and simmer gently for 45 to 90 minutes, or until the meat is tender. Meanwhile, pop the shallots into a frying pan and brown with a little oil and butter, then add to the casserole along with the fungus 15 minutes before the end of cooking. Finally, defrost the lingonberries (if you’ve managed to get your hands on some), add caster sugar and stir, and leave to steep for an hour. Serve with mashed potatoes and the lingonberries or cranberries.

Cordon bleu trained food creator Louise Hurst marries her passion and professionalism to create stunning, stylish Scandinavian dishes. With a touch of love and a pinch of nostalgia, she brings a deliciously fresh approach to ‘husmanskost’ – traditionally homecooked Swedish fare – along with her own creations. Read more at www.nordickitchenstories.co.uk

Scan Magazine | Food and Drink | Column

Bring a sparkle of beer to your New Year By Malin Norman | Photo: Unsplash

For festive occasions such as New Year’s Eve, there are more alternatives to bubbly beverages than Champagne, Cava and Prosecco. Beer works quite nicely, too, as a welcome drink or aperitif, paired with delicious food or to toast new beginnings at midnight. For instance, why not try a Berliner Weisse? This type of beer is a regional speciality of Berlin, and was referred to by Napoleon’s troops as “the Champagne of the North”. It is elegant and low-alcohol with a clean sourness and very high carbonation. It has even been described by some as the most purely refreshing beer in the world. I would go for one of Swedish brewery Brewski’s Berliner Weisse, perhaps the super fruity Take Me To The Lighthouse. Another beer style to explore is Gose, a thirst-quenching beer originating in the Middle Ages in the town of Goslar on the

Gose River. This tart and fruity wheat ale with bright flavours is also highly carbonated. It has a coriander and salt character and is served in traditional cylindrical glasses. Here, Danish brewery To Øl’s Lemongrass Gose would be an interesting choice – a hoppy, pungent, and deeply aromatic experience. What’s not to like? A few years ago, a new beer style appeared on the scene: Brut IPA. It originated in San Francisco’s Social Kitchen & Brewing and was named ‘brut’ for its extreme dryness, as a reference to Brut Champagne. As a reaction to the sweeter IPAs, this is as close to Champagne as an IPA can get. Norwegian brewery Lervig’s Brut Nature is an excellent interpretation. It’s bone-dry, bright, effervescent and, above all, bursting with hops. Why not crack open another type of bubbly to celebrate?

Malin Norman is a certified beer sommelier and a member of the British Guild of Beer Writers. With a background in international marketing, she has a particular interest in consumer trends in the beer market. Malin writes about beer for Scan Magazine as well as international beer magazines, and also creates beer-related content for global producers.

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 31

Sevag Aharounian.

A piece of Greece in Denmark Along the coast, slightly north of Aarhus in Egaa, you’ll find yourself being transported to a warmer place as soon as you step through the door of Sevag’s. This Greek restaurant has stolen the hearts of the locals with its delicious food, warm welcome and friendly service. By Josefine Older Steffensen | Photos: Sevags Grækeren

Sevag Aharounian, who is Greek with Armenian heritage, has lived and cooked in Aarhus since the 1990s. Seven years ago, he decided to open up his own restaurant: Sevag’s. “I wanted to open an authentic Greek restaurant in Aarhus and to transfer a little piece of Greece to Denmark, in order to show people what Greek food and hospitality truly are,” explains Sevag. As soon as you step inside, you are met with a welcoming smile, hug or even 32 | Issue 131 | December 2019

Sevag calling you by your name, if you are a regular. “My restaurant became my second home when I opened it. I spend a lot of time here and welcome familiar and new faces every day. It’s important for me to create a friendly, warm atmosphere. I truly want people to feel at home.”

Sevag the Greek of Aarhus Sevag is in fact famous in Aarhus and is more commonly called Sevag the Greek. The restaurant is run by Sevag himself and his son Garo and daughter Nannor.

“If you’ve never tried Greek food before, I’d suggest you try our meze. It’s lots of small hot and cold dishes, giving you the opportunity to try a good variety of Greek specialties, and it’s aromatic, tasty and colourful,” says the restaurateur. His own personal favourite starters are dishes such as kolokithokeftedes, pikilia, saganaki meli and Retsina wine. Sevag’s mix grill, authentic moussaka and arni sto fourno, which is slow-roasted lamb, are some of his favourite mains. He recommends enjoying them with ouzo or a glass of wine. “For dessert, I would definitely recommend Greek yoghurt with honey and walnuts, followed by a glass of samiotiko liqueur. Καλή μας όρεξη και στην υγεία μας. Οπαααm,” he smiles, the latter meaning ‘bon appetit, cheers and opaaa’.

Scan Magazine | Culinary Profile | Sevags

The restaurant, which seats 70, is usually fully booked on weekends, and its take-away option is also incredibly popular. Outside of this, it can also be booked for events and special occasions. “Before starting Sevag’s, I worked in another family-owned restaurant with my oldest brother and my dad. The touching thing about having been in the restaurant business for nearly 30 years is seeing your regular guests and their families grow older with you. We may have catered for their wedding, now we’re catering for their child’s Christening, and later for that same child’s confirmation. It’s really a wonderful privilege to be a part of people’s lives in that way,” says Sevag.

The popular Greek Every year in Aarhus, an award is given to the city’s best restaurants, takeaway, brunch and more. There are several categories and the locals vote for their favourites to win. In 2014 and 2015, Sevag’s won Best Restaurant, and in 2016, they came second; while in 2017, they were dubbed Southern European Restaurant of the Year in Denmark. “All of these awards are a nice way to confirm that we’re doing a good job, and it’s a good reward for our efforts and the

hard work we do. But it also gives us a drive and an obligation to continue to provide great food and experiences for our guests. The expectations are high, and we exceed them by doing our job with love, passion, dedication and hard work,” explains Sevag.

Something for everyone The great thing about Greek food is that there is usually something everyone will like. Whether it is a pita suvlaki with tzatziki or nice, grilled lamb chops with Greek potatoes, the Greek cuisine has lots of options to suit all tastes,

ages and dietary preferences. There is always help at hand when it comes to recommendations and guidance, should you have any special wishes or requirements. “For the recipes, you’ll have to marry the chef,” Sevag jokes. “However busy we are, we want people to feel welcome, whether that’s by stopping what we’re doing to give them a heartfelt welcome or by helping someone to navigate the menu,” he continues. “It’s all about giving people great, authentic Greek food, good service and a fantastic experience at a decent price point.”

Combining Denmark and Greece “In Greece, I’m known as Sevag the Dane, and in Denmark, I’m known as Sevag the Greek,” Sevag laughs. “In some ways, I feel like I’m an ambassador for Greece and through the food, my hospitality and my passion, I want to show what Greece has to offer. I feel very privileged that I managed to combine my Greek culture with the Danish one. I feel that by establishing Sevag’s in Denmark, I have managed to create a small, Greek island in Aarhus, where everybody is welcome. Opaaa.” Sevag’s Grækeren Phone: +45 86176222 Web: www.sevags.dk Facebook: Sevags Instagram: @sevags_graekeren

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 33

Scan Magazine | Culinary Profile | Hos Sofies Forældre

Hygge worthy of a Danish grandma This cosy Danish cafe is known for its soft furniture, sweet treats and aromatic teas – served in a family-friendly atmosphere. By Lene Bech | Photos: Hos Sofies Forældre

Upon entering the cafe Hos Sofies Forældre in the heart of Aarhus, you may feel like you’ve stepped straight off the street and into someone’s living room. That’s no coincidence. This family-owned spot is decorated in what co-owner Ebbe Lindblad Ottzen refers to as “grandma style”. In fact, guests often compare the cafe to Aarhus’ landmark Old Town, Lindblad Ottzen says. Youngsters and seniors alike gather here, sipping hot drinks served in porcelain cups. This is Danish hygge at its best. The name translates to ‘At Sofie’s parents’ place’ – a nod to the cafe’s story of origin. When Ebbe and Ninna Lindblad Ottzen had their daughter, Sofie, they were living in Copenhagen, working late hours in busy jobs. “We had to rethink our lives,” Ebbe says. The small family uprooted them-

selves and moved to Aarhus, closer to family. “One day, we walked past an empty storefront and thought, ‘that should be a cafe’,” says Lindblad Ottzen. They wanted to create a family-friendly spot, welcoming both young parents and seniors, to whom most cafes didn’t cater. “Two groups, who turned out to complement each other really well,” Lindblad Ottzen adds. The furniture here is soft and the tables spread out so that guests can have intimate

The interior of Hos Sofies Forældre is reminiscent of a Danish grandma’s living room.

conversations. Those feeling peckish can fill up on hearty Danish staples, such as open rye-bread sandwiches. But many cafe-goers head here for the cakes, tarts and cookies – although nothing trumps the homemade rolls in popularity. In a country obsessed with coffee, the Lindblad Ottzens wanted to create something different: a tea-centric salon. By the counter’s so-called scent shelf, you can sample aromas or sips of the many different types of teas offered here. Once you’ve made your selection, settle into an armchair next to local regulars, and feel the hygge take over.

Web: hossofiesforaelder.dk

The soft chairs and spacious arrangements invite intimate conversations.

Melancholia.

Top ten Scandinavian films for a restful festive break What better time to laze on the couch in front of a good film or three than in the days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, festive treats and brews in hand? Here’s a list of ten must-see Scandinavian films to get you started. By Linnea Dunne | Photos: Press photos, MovieStillsDB

1. Fucking Åmål (Show Me Love) Director Lukas Moodysson’s mainstream breakthrough provides serious social commentary while being light, heart-warming and really funny. It follows teenager Agnes who struggles to make friends and falls hopelessly in love with the popular, traditionally beautiful Elin, and anyone familiar with smalltown Sweden will relate to the scenes depicting boredom, friendship, parties and teenage struggles. Featuring a soundtrack that is somewhat of a guide to the Swedish music scene of the 1990s, Fucking Åmål went on to win countless awards at home and abroad, including numerous of the coveted Guldbagge national film awards. 36 | Issue 131 | December 2019

Fucking Åmål.

Scan Magazine | Top Ten Feature | Scandi Films To Watch This Winter

Dancer in the Dark.

2. Dancer in the Dark You don’t need to be a fan of Björk to get behind this musical melodrama, but it probably helps. Playing an immigrant factory worker with a degenerative eye condition, Björk is behind the majority of the film soundtrack and also performs much of it. Anyone familiar with her earlier work will be able to imagine what a soundtrack composed by her and played out in a factory setting might sound like. Released to very mixed reviews, the film by Danish film legend Lars von Trier nonetheless went on to win a wide range of awards and accolades. Tillsammans .

Tillsammans .

3. Tillsammans (Together) Following in the footsteps of Fucking Åmål, Moodysson’s Tillsammans didn’t need to work very hard to become a huge hit. Depicting Sweden in the mid1970s, the film follows two siblings and their different families and lifestyles, including a heartfelt yet tongue-in-cheek take on a socialist commune, complete with discussions about exactly what household chores are bourgeois and children taking turns to play Pinochet. Expect nudity, porridge metaphors, lesbian love and snowball fights.

Antichrist.

4. Antichrist Antichrist is among Lars von Trier’s later works, starring a-listers Willem Dafoe and Charlotte Gainsbourg. An experimental horror film, it was supposedly written while von Trier was hospitalised due to a severe depressive episode, and indeed, it is the first in the so-called Depression Trilogy. Featuring plenty of explicit and potentially disturbing or even triggering imagery, this film is von Trier at his darkest.

Antichrist.

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 37

Scan Magazine | Top Ten Feature | Scandi Films To Watch This Winter

5. Låt den rätte komma in (Let the Right One In) This 2008 Nordic horror drama follows a bullied 12-year-old who develops a friendship with a vampire girl. Set in a Stockholm suburb during the 1980s, the film presents a bleak aesthetic and dark themes, while at the same time drawing you in to the very heart of human relationships and love. The film received critical acclaim across the world and won numerous awards. Perfect for a dark winter’s evening. 6. Melancholia The second instalment of von Trier’s Depression Trilogy, Melancholia can certainly be said to be just as gloomy as Antichrist, but it is wonderfully beautiful and quirky too. Labelled ‘a psychological science-fiction art film’, the apocalyptic drama features a stunning performance by Kirsten Dunst and went on to win countless awards. Some hail Melancholia as von Trier’s best-ever piece of work, which is saying a lot.

Män som hatar kvinnor.

Låt den rätte komma in .

Melancholia.

7. Män som hatar kvinnor (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo)

Män som hatar kvinnor.

38 | Issue 131 | December 2019

You don’t need to be a Scandophile to be familiar with the late Stieg Larsson’s work, with the Millennium series having travelled far and wide in both book and film form. The Swedish version of the first instalment in the series – The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo – features captivating performances from both Noomi Rapace, as the aforementioned girl herself, and Michael Nyqvist, the reporter who becomes her friend, alongside beautifully raw footage of Stockholm with surroundings and dark stories surrounding the themes of power and patriarchy. An incredibly powerful film – but not for the faint-hearted.

Scan Magazine | Top Ten Feature | Scandi Films To Watch This Winter

8. Hodejegerne (Headhunters) This 2011 action thriller is based on a Jo Nesbø novel by the same name, the first of his books to be adapted for the screen. Starring Aksel Hennie and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau among other well-known Nordic actors, it was a box-office success and went on to become the highest-grossing Norwegian film of all time. A somewhat less dark and harrowing experience than many of the other films on this list, but very much worth a watch.

Hodejegerne.

Chernobyl.

9. Chernobyl

Chernobyl.

A bit of a wildcard on this list, Chernobyl is in fact not a film, but a mini-series. Considering how talked about it’s been since it was released earlier this year, however, we felt it apt to include it. Johan Renck, the man behind the creation, is best known as the music video director behind an impressive list of music videos for artists including Madonna, Robyn, Kylie Minogue, Suede and The Libertines, but he has dabbled with feature-length films and other longer screen productions since 2008. Chernobyl, which details the 1986 disaster, features, among others, Stellan Skarsgård and Emily Watson, and is a must-watch for anyone who prides themselves on their knowledge of Scandinavian screen production.

10. En ganske snill mann (A Somewhat Gentle Man)

En ganske snill mann.

With Stellan Skarsgård in the leading role, this Norwegian criminal comedy boasts all the charm of that pared-down minimalism we’ve come to know as the trademark of Nordic cinema. It’s impossible not to love the weird and wonderful characters and chuckle at the sharp dialogue. En ganske snill mann makes for the perfect pick-me-up on the evening after one of Lars von Trier’s more bleak and somber creations. Issue 131 | December 2019 | 39

The Nivaagaard Collection includes works by and of some of the greatest artists of the last 500 years. Here, Portrait of a 39-year-old Woman by Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn (1632) and Carl Bloch’s Portrait of H.C. Andersen (1869). Photo: David Kahr

A small museum with great art Previously a bit of a hidden gem, Nivaagaards Malerisamling (The Nivaagaard Collection) has in recent years attracted growing attention. But it is not just the museum’s world-class art that thrills and attracts art fans of all ages, but also its beautiful settings and many events. By Signe Hansen | Photos: The Nivaagaard Collection

Founded in 1908, The Nivaagaard Collection presents work from the Italian Renaissance, Dutch Baroque, and Danish Golden Age. Among the works on display, guests will find pieces by Danish and international masters such as Rembrandt and P.C. Skovgaard, as well as two or three yearly special exhibitions of modern or contemporary art. But it is not just the impressive scope 40 | Issue 131 | December 2019

of its art programme that has made the museum a popular destination for a wide range of visitors, but also the large, romantic garden, the cosy atmosphere and the many events. “We have numerous exciting experiences, traditions, and events for both adults and children taking place throughout the year – two visits are never the same,”

says museum director Andrea Rygg Karberg. “On top of that, it’s an incredibly beautiful drive up here, and an especially cosy atmosphere during Christmas, when we have our beautiful Christmas tree and a Christmas menu in our café.” Set by the coastline of Nivaa, a 30minute drive from Copenhagen and just 800 metres from Nivå station, the museum is easily accessible by train, bus or car.

A gift to the people The Nivaagaard Collection, as seen today, originated in the personal initiative of politician, art lover, and local entrepreneur Johannes Hage (1842-1923). In 1903, Hage asked the architect Johan

Scan Magazine | Culture Experience Feature | Nivaagaards Malerisamling

Schrøder to erect a small temple for his beloved art collection; in 1908, he converted the art collection into an independent institution open to the public; and, two extensions later, the temple is still a part of the building of The Nivaagaard Collection. “Hage was a socially enlightened man. He created health insurance for his workers and built a school, a hospital, a nursing home, a church and a harbour for the town. He was very aware of his privilege and the responsibility that came with that, and that’s also why he wanted everyone to be able to enjoy his art collection,” says Karberg. “That’s also part of what makes the place special – that you can sense the person behind it and the significance he has had in this town. It’s an intimate and private atmosphere, and a place where you can find the time to relax and immerse yourself into the beauty of art.” During the years, the Nivaagaard Collection has been expanded continuously. Today, visitors are presented with a changing exhibition of 100 artworks from the museum’s own collection, as well as two or three special exhibitions a year. On top of the exhibitions, the museum also comprises an inviting café and museum shop as well as a packed

programme of talks, concerts, family activities and more. Together with the special exhibitions, the many events have brought about an explosive rise in visitor numbers, with almost 85,000 people visiting this year. “We have more than 300 special events every year, drawing in new people, and everyone who visits comes back,” says Karberg. “We’re still a bit of a secret to many foreign visitors, but those who do discover us fall completely in love with the charm of the place.”

The Danish Golden Age Especially interesting to foreign visitors is the impressive collection of Danish Golden Age art. This is the period from 1800 to 1864, when Copenhagen was home to a string of remarkable artists: the fairytale poet H.C. Andersen (of whom The Nivaagaard Collection presents the best portrait painted from his life image), the philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, the choreographer August Bournonville and, last but not least, a group of wonderful painters. Adding to the experience is the fact that many of the works portray landscapes just like the one surrounding the museum. “A lot of the Danish landscape paintings resemble the museum’s surroundings very much, and that gives a wonderful feeling of connection between the inside and the outside of the museum,” says Karberg.

Moreover, the museum’s current special exhibition, Kunstnerbrødre L.A. Ring & H.A. Brendekilde, explores the works of two of Denmark’s greatest realist artists at the turn of the 19th century. The two artists are known for their realistic portrayals of the often-hard life, work, and death of some of the poorest inhabitants of the Danish countryside, from which they both originate. “Ring and Brendekilde are two of the most significant artists from the time of the modern breakthrough in Denmark,” explains Karberg. “Partly because they were some of the first to portray the life circumstances of Denmark’s rural population, which they knew inside out – those are some very captivating and moving works.” The exhibition will be followed by Myter og Drømme, a special exhibition with works by the famous Danish writer and painter Hans Scherfig. “We look forward to showing Scherfig’s fabulous and colourful paintings of jungles and exotic animals,” says Karberg.

On 9 February 2020, the The Nivaagaard Collection opens its special exhibition of Jungle Paintings by the famous Danish writer and painter Hans Scherfig. The Nivaagaard Collection is set in a beautiful landscape and surrounded by a lush Rhododendron garden.

Current and upcoming exhibitions at Nivaagaard Collection:

Kunstnerbrødre L.A. Ring & H.A. Brendekilde: 22 September 2019 to 26 January 2020. Hans Scherfig – Myter og Drømme: 9 February to 7 June 2020. From 11 January, Villar, one of the main works of Danish artist Eva Kock, will be presented at the museum.

J.T. Lundbye’s Winter Landscape with Northern Zealand Character, 1841.

The programme at the Nivaagaard Collection includes an array of engaging art and culture events throughout the year.

Web: www.nivaagaard.dk

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 41

Photo: Adam Mørk

The gate to UNESCO’s world heritage The UNESCO-protected Wadden Sea is a coastal wetland area stretching from the Netherlands to Denmark. Despite its desolate beauty, the Wadden Sea is a paradise for wildlife, full of astounding biodiversity if you know where to look. The people at Denmark’s Wadden Sea Centre, near Ribe, will open up a whole new world – and ensure that the only thing we leave behind is our footprints. By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Vadehavscentret

The Wadden Sea Centre tells a million different life stories about the world just beyond its walls: stories of life and death, of migration and survival, change and tradition. Every year, millions of migratory birds make their way from as far away as southern Africa to the marshy plains of northern Europe. As the centre shows, they gorge themselves on the rich buffet provided by the Wadden Sea in order to survive, joined at the table by seals, and even humans. From ancient times, humans have feasted on the bountiful oysters found in the tidal waters off southern Jutland, too. In the Middle Ages, cockle shells were collected and mashed up to be used as mortar for churches, cathedrals and castles, while the 16th century saw the 42 | Issue 131 | December 2019

sea floor ravished for its precious salt. The Wadden Sea remains as important as ever to Danes, though the relationship to it has transformed. Today, it makes up Denmark’s largest national park and, together with its German and Dutch counterparts, the largest unbroken system of intertidal sand and mud flats on earth. It has become part of the network of UNESCO World Heritage Sites scattered around the world, all aiming to ensure the protection and preservation of the unique corners of our world.

A positive impact “‘Sustainable tourism’ might sound like just another modern buzzword, but it is vitally important to our wellbeing on this planet,” says nature guide and director

Klaus Melbye. “Just look at the problems that Venice is facing with pollution and cruise ships and such. Here at the Wadden Sea, we have something unique in the world, which we can’t afford to lose: the way not to lose it is to make sure people know how special it is, and so, we need people to find out by visiting. At the same time, we have to make sure that we don’t have a negative impact on the animals and environments we visit out here.” The Wadden Sea Centre emphasises that making tourism sustainable is an ongoing process, which they’re always working to improve. Recently, the centre entered into a research project with Roskilde University to investigate the impact of its guided tours on the area’s many little seal pups, to find out how to plan the trips without disturbing their feeding and resting. The tours change depending on which areas and animals need rest. “We’re thrilled that people are now much more aware of how we treat the environment, and it is evident that our guests truly care that they do

Scan Magazine | Culture Experience Feature | Vadehavscentret

Klaus Melbye showing off the centre’s treasures.

not disturb the Wadden Sea inhabitants when they visit,” says Melbye.

Just beneath your feet Apart from its exhibitions – housed in a beautiful building and exhibition space designed by architects Dorthe Mandrup and Johan Carlsson – the Wadden Sea Centre provides guided tours of the wetlands throughout the year. Though people can visit the Wadden Sea on their own, the centre’s guided tours provide a much fuller and safer experience. “When you first see the area, all the dunes

and marshes look the same. We are all trained biologists, who live and breathe the Wadden Sea, and we teach you how to see the area and notice the incredible biodiversity just beneath our feet.” The tour and exhibition guides may be the centre’s biggest assets. “Most of us will visit the birds and wetlands even on our days off,” Melbye admits. Depending on the time of year, visitors can go on oyster safaris, join seal-spotting tours, get acquainted with the birds and much more, all brought to life by the centre’s biolo-

gists. If you’re lucky, you may even witness bird dissections at the centre, showing off the incredible anatomy that allows tiny, living feather balls to endure temperatures of down to minus 50 degrees, losing half their body weight flying across the globe for up to six days straight. “We’ll teach you where to find the oysters and what to look out for,” Melbye promises. “We get calls from people asking for directions to the oysters sometimes, but it’s impossible to give instructions – you can’t tell someone to head across the sea floor for four kilometres, then turn right. You have to know what to do with the tide, when to go, and which marshy bits to avoid. The Wadden Sea is a hard, wild and at times dangerous living place, and we’ll do what we can to ensure it stays that way forever.” The exhibitions’ Nordic design and enthralling stories about the world of the migratory birds and other Wadden Sea creatures tie together culture and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, supported by the architecture’s poetic reflection of the landscape. The centre has won six awards and is nominated for the European Museums Award 2020.

Web: www.vadehavscentret.dk and www.nationalparkvadehavet.dk Facebook: vadehavscentret Instagram: @vadehavscentret

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 43

Scan Magazine | Education Feature | Nationalt Videncenter for Læsning

The National Centre for Reading supports literacy in children and youths.

Through literacy, children and youths develop a voice of their own.

The efforts to improve literacy in kids start as early as in kindergarten.

A voice for Danish kids and youths through literacy The National Centre for Reading initially set out mainly to improve the reading skills of Danish kids and youths. Today, its work goes far beyond that: the centre now supports youths in finding their voices, and becoming participating members of modern society. By Lene Bech | Photos: The National Centre for Reading

When The National Centre for Reading in Copenhagen was established in 2006, the goal was to make Danish kids better readers. Denmark ranked poorly in international reading tests, and the centre was determined to help change that. They developed more research into reading skills, and supported reading tutors in schools. Today, the centre has expanded the scope of its mission. They still work to improve reading skills, but have broadened the focus in step with society’s increased reliance on the written word. “I’d almost say that in today’s society, we write just as much as we read,” says the head of the centre, Lene Storgaard Brok. Just ask any child in a Danish 44 | Issue 131 | December 2019

school: writing is a big part of their everyday life. As a result, the task of preparing kids and youths for future participation in a wordy world, is about much more than teaching them to read well. So, the centre now focuses more broadly on literacy: the combined skills of reading, writing and performing well within one’s language. “The importance of literacy cannot be underestimated – it’s fundamental to participating in a modern, democratic society,” Storgaard Brok says. Through literacy, children and youths are able to communicate and negotiate with others – and consequently, to develop a voice of their own. “This is not just an innate skill, but something

that we all need to learn,” Storgaard Brok continues. Developing literacy in kids starts early. While teachers have a great impact on children’s literacy, the work to develop strong language skills in kids starts way before the school years. The National Centre for Reading works with pedagogues in Danish kindergartens to help little ones expand their vocabulary through conversations and storytelling. Rather than just pointing, kids are encouraged to express what they want, and to name things in their surroundings. By learning to clearly communicate their desires and needs – whether that’s another sip of water or a big hug – children take the first steps in developing a voice of their own. That’s an important part of the centre’s mission, says Storgaard Brok: “We work to afford all kids and youths the opportunities to participate in society.” Web: www.videnomlaesning.dk

Scan Magazine | Beauty Feature | Skinmed

Anne Tuovinen.

Simple solutions for healthy skin “I focus on helping you to find the right way to take care of your skin, every day,” says Anne Tuovinen, aesthetic nurse and founder of Skinmed, an aesthetic clinic in the centre of Helsinki offering expert advice, top-level personalised service, and advanced medical treatments. By Mari Koskinen | Photos: Skinmed

“Our products are carefully selected and aim for the best possible results,” Tuovinen explains. “Many people have the misconception that they need dozens of different products, and they use them without any concrete plan, and often without any concrete results, unfortunately. I want to change this,” she says. “I aim for healing, and preventing, skin problems. Ageing is a natural process, and we don’t need to fight it. But in today’s hectic world, our skin ages faster than it used to; there are many factors, like the sun, stress and poor air quality, that speed up the ageing process. With the help of the right products and treatments, we

can help the skin to rejuvenate and stay healthy.” The first consultation at Skinmed is always free of charge. “I take the time to listen to the client and find out what they want,” Tuovinen explains. “Then, I make a customised skincare plan for them to follow at home, and offer the right kind of products.” Skinmed also offers a wide range of medical skincare treatments that help to balance the skin and prevent premature ageing “Here at Skinmed, we have a thorough understanding of how the treatments actually affect the skin,

in the best possible way,” Tuovinen ensures. She knows what she is talking about; she is also qualified to educate other practitioners in the best use of Juvéderm products and treatments and is regularly quoted about skincare in Finland’s top women’s magazines. “I find it very rewarding to help the clients to get the results they were looking for,” Tuovinen smiles. “Instead of dozens of different products, I recommend the perfect set for cleansing, peeling, moisturising and sun care. I suggest they try out my skincare plan for four to six weeks – daily care at home is the key to achieving healthy skin. Just five minutes per day, and with the right products, you can see visible results.” Web: www.skinmed.fi Facebook: Skinmedfinland Instagram: @Skinmed_fi

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 45

Sauna in a wellness oasis.

Escape to your very own wellness oasis Forget those questionable cellar saunas built by dubiously moustachioed DIYers in the ‘70s, and ‘90s spluttering hot tubs. Home spas have been rejuvenated, and they’re here to stay, providing people with their own luxurious oases far from the stress of social media, busy careers and other people’s sweat.

Putting you at ease

and sanitary but warm and inviting no matter their size, and they feel comfortable to the touch. Gone are the pinewood constructions leaking resin onto seats and sauna users. They have been replaced by sturdier but gentler woods like the naturally water-resistant alder, which make for much more durable, hygienic spaces. The quality continues behind the exterior: Bad & Wellness works together with a tried and tested group of Danish craftsmen and plumbers, who specialise in setting up complicated wet rooms and spas to ensure that, once the rooms are set up, they simply work.

Each wellness space oozes quality and craftsmanship. With clean lines and high-quality materials, every space looks like something out of a Danish design exhibition. The rooms are clean

Every appliance and product is of similar high quality. Bad & Wellness knows its suppliers very well and has visited each facility before entering into a part-

By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Bad & Wellness

The people at Bad & Wellness know a thing or two about relaxation and rejuvenation – they have, after all, been designing and building the spas of your dreams for some of Denmark’s most popular wellness centres and upscale hotels, including Hotel D’Angleterre, for 15 years. Some of their favourite projects, however, are the ones they build for private clients. “We’re seeing a clear rise in interest in home spas,” says Ernst Nielsen, owner and founder of Bad & Wellness. “With our increasingly 48 | Issue 131 | December 2019

busy lives, people are beginning to appreciate having somewhere to recharge their minds and their bodies without any outside stress or judgement. There’s nowhere you can be more comfortable than at home.”

Scan Magazine | Wellness Feature | Bad & Wellness

nership. The suppliers are all based in Europe – mostly Finland, Germany and Spain – which makes spare parts easy to get if ever needed. Likewise, every product and feature Bad & Wellness endorses has been thoroughly tested by them.

Creating good flow With architect-drawn, tailor-made solutions, anything is possible, from traditional Finnish saunas to futuristic, jetted spa pools, and clients can see the design in 3D before construction starts. “We strive to give our clients everything they wanted and a little more than that. We also want to make sure that we supply the client with devices that’ll actually help them achieve what they need, which means that we might suggest a steam bath rather than a sauna, or a swim spa rather than a hot tub,” Nielsen says. As it turns out, there is no such things as just a sauna: the traditional Finnish sauna has been joined by infrared saunas and biosaunas, which all work at different temperatures and humidities to heat up the body differently. “Most Danish clients who ask for a sauna have tried a real Finnish sauna in one of our neighbouring countries up north. In those, the heat rises very quickly indeed, while the humidity remains low,” Nielsen explains. “That leaves some very dry air, which some people find very comfortable and others find quite overwhelming. In a biosauna, a boiling pan helps to heat up the air and add mois-

Typical steam bath interior.

Jacuzzi in a wellness oasis.

3D overview of wellness oasis with spa, steam bath, Finnish sauna and shower.

ture to it, which naturally leads to higher humidity, and herbs or scented oils can be added to enhance the experience.” “The body is very good at maintaining our core body temperature at around 37 degrees,” Nielsen promises, “which works in our favour.” When the body is confronted by high temperatures, blood rushes to the skin, keeping our core nice and cool but flushing out excess heat through the skin, which gets rid of grime and other build-up and gives the skin and body a bit of a workout, particularly when coupled with a cold shower and lots of cold water.

The stars are the limit Steam baths, which have been in use since the Romans, work at temperatures of about 43 degrees and, unsurprisingly, produce a lot of steam: unlike Finnish saunas, which create a dry heat, steam baths settle at 100 per cent humidity. To achieve this, they are lined with tile or mosaic, keeping the moisture in the room. In addition to improving circulation and relaxing muscles, they can open up pores and help with congestion. Today, features such as light therapy, sound, smell and devices to ease access can be added to most steam baths, saunas and wellness rooms. The Spanish Aquavia Spa provides a range of spa pools and whirl pools. While spa pools can give you a workout, with currents and waves created by jets to keep you swimming for hours if you want, whirl pools can provide your body with a massage and the pure, unadulterated relaxation you deserve after your time in the spa pool. “With the right model, you can even use it outside, wondering up at the stars even in the cold, crisp Scandinavian winter,” Nielsen teases.

Steam bath interior.

Low-temperature infrared sauna.

Web: www.badogwellness.dk Facebook: badogwellness.dk Instagram: @badogwellness

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 49

Scan Magazine | Wellness Feature | Helsinki Day Spa

An oasis of calm in the middle of the city Founded in 2005, Helsinki Day Spa is one of the largest day spas in Finland, and the country’s first urban spa. The relaxing setting, along with many beauty treatments, allows guests to nourish their mind, body and soul, and leave their daily grind behind. By Ndéla Faye | Photos: Riku Pihlanto

“The idea of the city spa is to bring a moment of peace and calm into the customers’ busy daily lives. Our mission is to bring wellbeing to the mind and body,” says Toomas Uibu, managing director of Helsinki Day Spa. “It is important that customers are able to relax and leave their everyday stresses behind.” The spa has been recently renovated, and new treatment rooms have been added. Now, a total of 16 treatment rooms offer a number of the latest skincare therapies, along with pampering and relaxation. The spa lounge’s impressive-looking historical architecture, protected by Finland’s National Board of Antiquities, makes for a unique relaxation spot, and the perfect 50 | Issue 131 | December 2019

setting for guests to calm their minds while enjoying a soothing cup of tea. Helsinki Day Spa employs over 20 wellness professionals, including trained aestheticians and professional massage therapists providing a wide range of facial and body treatments. “As part of the Finnair loyalty programme, clients have the possibility of using their Finnair Plus points to enjoy the treatments,” says Uibu. Helsinki Day Spa works in partnership with Ihoakatemia, the leading clinic of aesthetic dermatology in Finland. “Collaborating with Ihoakatemia allows us to achieve great long-term results when working with customers with various needs and skin conditions, and we always

work closely with dermatologists. The latest trend for us is not to run a medical spa but to schedule a comprehensive beauty programme, including some annual effective medical treatments performed in the medical facility, and separate regular maintenance mesotherapy, IPLlight and peeling treatments in the spa,” Uibu continues. “Our strength is in our unique expertise in skin care. Our highly qualified professional massage therapists and aestheticians are able to advise on the best treatments for each customer,” says the managing director. “Coupled with the spa’s luxurious setting, the experience is perfect for busy clients who would like to step away from the city’s bustle – we take them beyond the daily grind and warmly welcome all visitors!” Web: www.dayspa.fi Phone: +358-9-685 0630

Scan Magazine | Wellness Feature | Namina Wellness Spa

Southeast Asian luxe in Helsinki Strolling through a wintry Helsinki is close to the polar opposite of being pampered at a serene, subtly-scented spa someplace warm. But stepping through the doors of Namina might trick you into thinking you’ve ventured into a discreetly luxurious corner of Thailand for a moment of bliss amidst the long Nordic winter. By Jo Iivonen | Photos: Namina

“We want to offer an authentic south-east Asian experience in Finland,” says Janika Sundström, CEO of Namina, a spa that’s become synonymous with top-notch massages and beauty treatments with a decidedly Thailand-esque flair. “One well-travelled client grabbed my arm to say she had never experienced anything similar in Europe,” Sundström recalls. “To me, that summarised what sets us apart.” Visually speaking, each one of the company’s three venues in prime Helsinki locations resembles the Jim Thompson House in Bangkok: deep jewel tones, natural materials and pan-Asian objects of art create an alluring ambiance that’s perfect for a mini getaway. “We want our treatments to feel like a holiday somewhere warm, tropical and luxurious.” The stunning décor provides the perfect frame for a 60-minute escape from the daily grind, but the real strength stems

had lots of clients asking when we’ll open venues in other cities,” she says. “Finnish people have a special affinity to Thailand, and I think we’ve created a concept that works really well.”

Retail products from Namina’s highly-skilled crew of therapists. “We’re focused on letting each therapist bring in their expertise,” Sundström explains. “We can recreate the setting, but the special skill that an exceptional therapist has can’t really be replicated.”

Signature treatments Indeed, the therapists’ skills and expertise have been instrumental in the development of Namina’s signature treatments. The Joconaut experience fuses the healing power of coconut and jojoba with expert techniques to unveil glowing skin and a revitalised body. Other perennially popular winter treatments include the hot stone massage and the healing Thai herbal massage. The Namina story began in Helsinki in 2015. Sundström, who took the helm in 2016, is not shy of a potential expansion into different locations. “We’ve

As of 2018, clients have also had the chance to bring a slice of Namina home. “We teamed up with Max Perttula to develop two fragrance blends that encapsulate the experience,” Sundström says. The Choco Velvet and Coco Lux blends are available in various products that help extend the sensation of tropical pampering beyond the exquisite setting of Namina.

Web: namina.fi Facebook: naminaspa Instagram: @naminaspa

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Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Felix Sandman

Felix Sandman – a forever entertainer with big dreams Over the past few years, Felix Sandman has made his debut at Melodifestivalen – Sweden’s Eurovision qualifier – and opened for acts such as Justin Bieber and One Direction. Now, many million Spotify streams and chart-topping hits later, he is ready to take on the world – as well as, once more, Melodifestivalen as the current bookies favourite to win the whole thing and represent Sweden at the 2020 Eurovision Song Contest. Scan Magazine spoke to the Swedish rising star about featuring in Netflix show Quicksand, being a voice for gender equality, and knowing who you are. By Linnea Dunne | Photos: Rikard Lilja; Styling: Gorjan Lauseger

“I guess enjoying a bit of attention helps if you’re going to be on stage entertaining people,” Sandman laughs. “But seriously, fame isn’t something I’ve been striving for – I knew it comes with the package, but all I’ve ever wanted is to perform and entertain people.” He started taking dance lessons at the age of four and drama classes a few years later, but even before then he would regularly be found performing at home; he had a mini drum kit, a guitar, a piano and a microphone. You could say that his career was an obvious choice. “I’ve been busy,” he laughs. “I love music, I love dancing, I love theatre – in some ways, subconsciously, it’s been obvious, yes. But what’s great is that, over the years, I’ve learnt so much. I’ve had the

chance to adapt to the attention, to being in the public eye – and now I can handle it, I know myself and who I want to be when people stop me in the street.”

Finding the right path Being watched in the street is nothing new to the singer, whose first proper band, FO&O (previously The Fooo), started out as a street-performance dance group. When Justin Bieber’s manager spotted one of their YouTube videos and asked the group to open for the global pop star in Stockholm’s Globen, the success was a fact, and they released numerous charting singles and EPs before announcing, at the Melodifestivalen Eurovision-qualifier competition in 2017, that they were going their separate ways. “There’s a life-long friend-

ship and love between us,” says Sandman about the boy band, “and we’ve got so many incredible memories together. But it was the right decision – we all felt very good and confident about that.” Going solo has, insists the singer, furthered the learning and solidified the sense that he is on the right path. “The years with The Fooo, from the age of 14, were like this really important school of life. When we started out, I didn’t know what I wanted to do, what I was all about – but now I’ve figured myself out and know what I want to say with my music, who I want to be,” he says, adding that continuous learning is and always should be a part of life. That he embraces every lesson with plenty of consciousness is clear, and he keeps returning to the subject of an awareness of values and messages. “Ever since I was a kid, I’ve really admired people who make an impact, who change society for the better, and it’s been my dream to make history, to leave my mark,” he explains. “I’ve thought a lot about equality and feminism and how I can contribute and make a difference. I’m hoping I can inspire people and get them to talk about their feelings. We have to ask Issue 131 | December 2019 | 53

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Felix Sandman

ourselves what’s wrong with boys and men; it’s a man’s world, so that’s where we’ve got to start – and maybe that’s something I can do, stand at the front and shout.”

Starring on Netflix Last year, the artist inspired many thousands of people around the world as he was seen as the male lead in the Swedish Netflix production Quicksand (originally Störst av Allt), which very much made a mark in feminist circles. At the time of auditioning for the role, however, he was not yet aware just how intense the series would be. “All credit goes to casting agent Maggie Widstrand, whom I hadn’t been in touch with for years but who called my mother and said there was this thing I should audition for,” he recalls. “My mother said I was busy, but Maggie didn’t give up; she texted and texted, and eventually I read the script and thought she might be right. I auditioned at the last minute, got the role two days later, and started filming a week after that.” The resulting series, which deals with psychological abuse and the darkest aspects of love and family relationships, became a huge conversation starter, and Sandman admits that it was hard going at times. Still, he’s thrilled to have played a part in it, and his next Netflix performance – a Norwegian romantic-comedy drama with a festive touch – is altogether lighter. “I’m playing a much nicer guy this time, which is nice!” says Sandman about the role of 19-year-old Jonas from Sweden, who starts dating the main character, Norwegian Johanne. Home for Christmas (Hem till jul) is out now.

Charts and awards A great deal of Sandman’s focus recently has, however, been on music. In 2018, his debut single, Every Single Day, which he also competed in Melodifestivalen with, ending in second place, spent four weeks at number one in the Swedish charts, and after releasing another two singles he was awarded a Rockbjörnen music award for Breakthrough of the Year. When his debut album, Emotions, dropped later last year, it was to great critical acclaim, and he went on tour with superstar Benjamin Ingrosso. “I try to remember what it felt like when 54 | Issue 131 | December 2019

Every Single Day came out and went to number one, but I can’t really remember – you just go for it,” he says. “I’ve always got my eyes on the prize, well into the future. I’ve got great international ambitions; I want to tour the world and travel widely with my music and acting.” With infectious pop tunes, an enviable openness and velvety vocals, there’s no reason to think that he wouldn’t succeed. Add a CV of chart-toppers, millions of Spotify streams and a shockingly young age (Sandman just turned 21), and it’s a

no-brainer. “I’m just back from a songwriting camp in Finland and am touring a lot, and I also do a lot of writing in LA,” he says, “and that’s it – I just want to keep gigging and releasing music. And maybe at some point I should try to get some sleep.” For updates about live shows, releases and news, keep an eye on: Facebook: Felix Sandman Instagram: @felixsandman Twitter: @felixsandman YouTube: Felix Sandman

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 55

H IS AND D i E RL ec W p S DE S A N IT WO S VI R TE IN W em

T al

A glistening winter wonderland – well into the spring Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? Even long after the Christmas decorations are stored away in a box in the attic, Sweden boasts glistening snow, the chance to go dog sledding, and plenty of other winter fun – including, of course, skiing. From smaller, family-friendly resorts to endless extreme off-piste challenges, Sweden offers a wonderful combination of outdoor sports and recreation, beautiful food, and pure nature. Up north, there is an entire indigenous culture to explore, along with a centuries-old craft market, and there are mountains to hike across and northern lights to discover. If you go before Christmas, don’t miss the many authentic festive activities 56 | Issue 131 | December 2019

and Santa experiences. As the days get longer again, make the most of the very last of winter with quality accommodation and refreshing nature experiences. What better way to kick off the New Year? Depending on where in this long, narrow country you go, you can find a stunning winter wonderland well into April – and return home with a tanned face. Here’s our list of unmissable experiences and destinations.

Photo: Idre Fjäll

For more information on activities, destinations, accommodation options and travel, see: www.visitsweden.com

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit a Swedish Winter Wonderland

Photo: Anna Öhlund, imagebank.sweden.se

Photo: Asaf Kliger, imagebank.sweden.se

Photo: Henrik Trygg, imagebank.sweden.se

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 57

Time to head for the mountains Whether you’re looking for a soul-soothing escape to the wilderness or a funpacked family break, Sweden’s southernmost mountain resort promises an experience to remember, with stunning scenery and wildlife, top-class ski facilities, and activities to suit every age and taste. By Liz Longden | Photos: Idre Fjäll

“Being in the mountains is a different experience; it’s very special. Here, you’re out in the wilderness, with the wildlife – you’re in among the reindeer grazing freely,” explains Tommy Halvarsson, Idre Fjäll foundation’s head of marketing and sales. “It really is like coming into a different world, and incredibly beautiful.” Halvarsson and his colleagues are, he admits, extremely proud of the resort, which marks the start of Sweden’s breathtaking mountain landscape (or ‘fjällen’), and it’s perhaps not so sur58 | Issue 131 | December 2019

prising – established in 1968 in an attempt to stem the depopulation of the local area, from the very beginning, Idre Fjäll has been a labour of love. Since that time, the resort has grown from just two pistes to 41, and last year recorded 600,000 guest nights. One obvious reason for Idre Fjäll’s popularity is the quality of its pistes. Ranging in difficulty from gentle to exhilarating, the resort caters for all levels, making it the perfect destination for groups of mixed ability, and especially families. Not

only that, but because it has slopes facing every direction, the chances of great skiing conditions are maximised. Whether it’s to escape a nippy north wind or to make the most of the early spring sun, guests can simply head for wherever the weather and snow are best. Perhaps just as importantly, however, the complex has been designed to minimise stress and maximise ski time. “The resort has been developed around the principle of making things as easy as possible and of not needing to bring a car,” Halvarsson explains. “All the shops, restaurants, pistes and other activities are situated very close to each other, all within easy walking distance. And while we have a very wide offering of accommodation – everything from camper van parking to hotel and spa – they are al-

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit a Swedish Winter Wonderland

most all ski-in/ski-out, so there’s no having to lug about skis and equipment.” Thanks to a practice of saving and storing snow from the previous season, Idre Fjäll is also able to offer an unusually early start to the snow season – this year, the season began in October – making it popular for those wishing to get a headstart on training, as well as those who just can’t wait.

Beyond skiing There is, however, more to life than just skiing, and Idre Fjäll also boasts a comprehensive range of entertainment facili-

ties. The resort prides itself in particular on its family-friendly ethos, and offers a host of activities for children, ranging from indoor games and a children’s club to horse-pulled sled rides and a reindeer snowshoe hike. More generally, the resort complex also has a swimming pool with Jacuzzi and adventure pool, a sports hall, gym and bowling facilities, and hosts high-profile events throughout the year. Winter 2020 will see Idre Fjäll hosting no less than three Word Cup Finals – Mogul Skiing, Speedski and Skicross – while in August, runners will flock to the resort for one of Sweden’s biggest mountain marathons.

When it comes to food, drink and evening entertainment, too, visitors are unlikely to be disappointed. For example, Idre Fjäll offers not one but three different takes on ‘after ski’. Along with the ‘classic’ programme, guests can also enjoy a chilled-out acoustic set in the ‘soft’ variation, while those who like a little more sophistication in the evenings can head to the Lounge Bar and swap the music for Cava. The resort has also expanded its food offering with the opening of two new restaurants this month. Understället offers sustainable gourmet burgers made with Swedish ingredients and a local touch, while Swedish celebrity chef Melker Andersson has helped to develop a new meat and fish bar. These will complement the existing restaurants and cafes, bringing the total to nine, and presenting guests with everything from sit-down fine dining to grab-and-go snacks and fast food. “These new establishments mean that we now have a really good choice of food outlets to satisfy all our guests’ tastes and budgets,” Halvarsson notes. “And that’s in keeping with our philosophy of making Idre Fjäll a place that everyone can enjoy.”

Web: www.idrefjall.se

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 59

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit a Swedish Winter Wonderland

Roberto González-Monjas in action. Photo: Marco Borggreve

Dalasinfoniettan. Photo: Simon Hjortek

Artistic director Roberto González-Monjas. Photo: Marco Borggreve / Graphic design: Jonas Martinsson

Classical symphonies and Greek mythology at a magical winter festival Dubbed ‘a classical music festival that rocks’, Vinterfest is back for a 15th year, bringing unforgettable music experiences to the magical, wintery landscapes of Dalecarlia. With sought-after conductor and violinist Roberto González-Monjas at the helm, the festival invites music lovers to explore Greek mythology, the concept of genius, and human emotion.

ing is what unites pieces from different times,” he says. “It’s a package for us all to go on a journey together. These three days will hopefully change people and send them home different to how they were when they came.”

By Linnea Dunne

“Anyone who’s ever been to Vinterfest agrees that it’s an incredible, magical festival,” González-Monjas enthuses. He has just taken over as chief conductor and artistic advisor of Dalasinfoniettan, the chamber orchestra of the Dalecarlia region. “When we sat down to make plans and discuss projects and they suggested that I take over the festival as well, I was thrilled and honoured – it felt like the perfect extension of the work we do with the orchestra.” With 2020 being the year of Beethoven’s 250th birthday, much of the classical music scene will be engulfed by Beethoven mania. But Vinterfest’s new artistic director takes a different approach. “I’ve always been fascinated by Greek mythology, and I thought there might be a different way to examine 60 | Issue 131 | December 2019

musically different aspects of genius,” he explains. “The story of Prometheus has been used for centuries to teach us something about how progress can sometimes go very wrong, something that feels very relevant in this day and age. Moreover, he’s incredibly brave and rebellious. He’s a humanist who fights for his ideals and wants to provide humans with something deeper. Music does that too, as does Beethoven.” Asked about highlights from the 2020 programme, González-Monjas shifts the focus. “I love art, but rather than view a beautiful Rembrandt exhibition, I like when you take, say, a Rothko painting and put it in front of a Rembrandt piece – then you get a dialogue. We’ll present a lot of intimate music as well as bigger symphonic pieces, but what’s fascinat-

In addition to conducting Dalasinfoniettan in concert once each day, including for the final concert, González-Monjas will be seen and heard in ‘Roberto and Friends’, a feature of the festival that’s become a tradition. “I’ve invited some of my favourite musicians and am really looking forward to playing the violin with them,” he says, “but I’ll also rope in a few people from Dalasinfoniettan, who are really skilled Swedish folk musicians. It’s going to be great – lots of love all round, just sharing beautiful music.” Vinterfest takes place 14-16 February 2020 in Mora, Orsa and Älvdalen.

Web: www.vinterfest.se Facebook: vinterfest.officiell Instagram: @vinterfest.festival

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit a Swedish Winter Wonderland

Photo: Rickard Bergstedt

An old-fashioned welcome in an idyllic mountain retreat It isn’t often that attending a conference can be described as a heavenly experience, but Fjällbäcken Lodge is not a typical hotel and conference centre. Nestled in the spectacular, wild landscape of the Funäsfjällen mountain region, the lodge offers an intoxicating blend of top-class food and hospitality in a soul-warming, traditional ambiance. By Liz Longden | Photos: Mårten Wikner

The land on which Fjällbäcken Lodge is built has been in Jon Wagenius’s family for generations, with the oldest of the buildings dating back to the 1800s. Original timbers and roaring fires, combined with the secluded setting, help to create a uniquely intimate and relaxing atmosphere. And, with only one group taken on at a time, Jon and his wife Mia, who own and run the hotel together, take pride in giving guests their undivided attention. “Our team is very small, so we’re very close to our guests,” Jon explains. “We accompany them on any activities, and then we cook for them in the evening, so there’s a very homely feel – a little like staying with a friend.”

This ethos of traditional hospitality is mirrored in the hotel’s food. Served in a rustic dining room, which offers breathtaking views of the neighbouring mountains, the food’s emphasis is on authenticity and quality. “We serve proper food. There’s no hocus pocus or gimmicks. Instead, it’s about high-quality, local ingredients,” Jon says. And when he says local, he isn’t exaggerating. Jon and Mia often catch their own game and fish and forage for mushrooms and berries themselves, or buy in produce from their neighbours. And it’s perhaps just as well that the fare served up is hearty, because the local area offers an exhaustive range of outdoor activities, from helicopter skiing, snow scooter sa-

faris and climbing up frozen waterfalls in the winter, to mountain biking, canoeing and pony trekking in the summer. The lodge makes a fantastic venue for any private getaway, but its cosy and exclusive ambiance has proved especially popular with companies looking to take the team-building exercise to another level. Official plaudits have been delivered by the Swedish business magazine Affärsvärlden, which listed a trip to Fjällbäcken Lodge first in its list of “heavenly experience”, must-visit Swedish mountain destinations, but the accolade has been regularly echoed in feedback from the lodge’s regular guests — the TripAdvisor website has graded the hotel with a five-out-of-five rating in every category. Or, as Jon somewhat modestly puts it: “We find that when people come here once, they tend to come back again.” Web: www.fjallbacken.se

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 61

Fun, close and hassle-free – skiing made easy for families and conference goers alike With modern accommodation options and everything laid out to suit businesses and families with children alike, Kungsberget is a small and safe ski resort just two hours from Stockholm. Forget endless driving, freezing children and clothes that never dry – Branäsgruppen has thought of everything to make skiing easy. By Linnea Dunne | Photos: Branäsgruppen

“Everything’s close. You never have to drive on the resort; all accommodation is close to the pistes, you just have to walk out the door and you can start skiing,” says Mikael Elford, head of sales and marketing at Branäsgruppen, the group that owns and runs Kungsberget. “Moreover, everything’s modern, everything’s easy. There’s Wi-Fi pretty much everywhere, all accommodation has drying cabinets, kiddie beds and highchairs. There should never be any fuss or hassle – everything should just be smooth sailing.” Kungsberget’s positioning is crystal clear: it is all about skiing the easy, uncomplicated way. Located just two hours 62 | Issue 131 | December 2019

from Stockholm, the resort was previously a daytime facility but has been developed to boast modern, comfortable accommodation with around 1,850 beds. There are quality restaurants and plenty of places to warm up and rest. With all slopes meeting in just two locations, calling it handy is an understatement. “There’s so much that should fit into that idea of spare time these days: golf, running, football training… everyone’s stressed all the time, so why would you spend six hours in a car to go skiing?” Elford says. “You can just spin up after work on a Thursday, do a bit of work on the laptop on the Friday, then ski and re-

lax all weekend. It’s not something you have to spend half a year planning.” Elford spent his early career in the entertainment industry and eventually moved to Canada. One day he got a call from his former boss, who asked whether he wanted to join the ski industry. “In the past, almost everyone in the field started out as a skiing instructor and moved up from there, which meant that everyone was really into extreme skiing and niche stuff like that. But Branäsgruppen is very much about family entertainment – which is exactly what it is, when you think about it,” he explains. “What it’s meant for us is that we’ve had an injection of new ideas, a chance to avoid simply continuing on the same path. So, for example, we’ve come up with a way of booking your skiing equipment using an app and just collecting it when you arrive, ready to go. We can be a bit creative and come up with new solutions,

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit a Swedish Winter Wonderland

Top-class facilities, including the new Big Air Bag

time of year for skiing is towards the end of the season, after the mid-term break, called the ‘sports break’ in Sweden. “It’s usually quite warm and very sunny – skiing then is just wonderful.”

Kungsberget opened on 30 November and stays open until after Easter, the last day of skiing being 13 April. An additional benefit of how close and handy everything is, Elford suggests, is that you can go skiing no matter how cold it is – because it is always easy to take a break and warm up with a hot drink. Saying that, his favourite

Recently, a brand-new eight-chair lift – one of the most effective ski lifts in Sweden – was added to the offering, becoming a huge success. On top of a new supermarket, a new and improved sports shop, and a new lift in the children’s area among last year’s additions,

which is less likely to happen if everyone comes from the same background.”

this year also sees the opening of its new Kungslodge, boasting 340 beds. Add the new and exciting Big Air Bag, the perfect place for practising jumps and stunts and having all sorts of trickster fun, and it looks as though Kungsberget is following in the footsteps of its parent group’s main resort, Branäs, which was named the best ski resort for families with kids a whopping ten years in a row. Among the not-to-miss experiences, Elford lists the Ski Lodge bar – the perfect relaxation spot for parents as well as conference goers, a group that is growing quickly. “It’s handy for companies to come here as we’re so close to both Stockholm and Uppsala – and open until 7pm every day,” he says. “With our conferencing packages including ski passes as well as meeting facilities, they can take a few days, have fun and get the work done in a straight-forward and relaxing environment.” While handiness and safety are key, that winter wonderland feeling is of course a very important cherry on top. “It’s such a fresh feeling, the air completely crisp, the beauty of all the snow… Everyone’s there to have a good time so no one is irritable – everyone’s helping each other out,” says Elford. “It is a lovely, positive atmosphere.” Web: www.kungsberget.se Facebook: Kungsberget Instagram: @kungsbergetskidort

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 63

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit a Swedish Winter Wonderland

Family-friendly slopes and the greatest cross-country skiing tracks in Sweden make Orsa Grönklitt an extraordinary ski resort.

Snowy landscapes and tracks that will entertain the whole family Orsa Grönklitt is a ski resort conveniently located in the middle of Sweden, often referred to as the first touch of the mountains when you are travelling from south to north. This resort prides itself on having the best cross-country skiing tracks in the country, as well as multiple slopes for alpine skiing and an abundance of activities for the whole family. By Nina Bressler | Photos: Orsa Grönklitt

The newly appointed sports manager, Marcus Laggar, has a long track record with Orsa Grönklitt, from growing up in the area to having proudly been in charge of the development of the famous cross-country tracks that are regarded as the best in Sweden. 130 kilometres of skiing tracks and a skiing centre that helps visitors with anything regarding their excursions make this the perfect spot to learn and improve your skills on the tracks. Now, the resort is aiming for the next goal: “We want to become the best family resort for alpine skiing,” says Laggar. They have already come a long way: with 22 different slopes 64 | Issue 131 | December 2019

varying from green to black in difficulty level, 16 lifts, a ski school and wellserviced facilities, they are already aiming to take things one step further. At this family-friendly resort, there’s never a shortage of activities for the little ones. Join a scooter ride, visit the Wolf’s Den for fun and activities, or take part in the weekly birthday party with the mascot Berra. There’s also Orsa Rovdjurspark – a wild animal park with tigers, polar bears, lynxes and tigers, open all year round. If you’ve always wanted to ski with polar bears and wolves as onlookers, this might

be just the place for you. The park is located close to the tracks, giving you a close encounter with the animals while enjoying a day out in the snow. Despite its relatively southern location, Orsa Grönklitt has a good guarantee of snow, and the close proximity to the Mälardalen area makes it a popular spot for people from the urban areas, providing relaxation and skiing within close range. “What we offer is rarely found anywhere else – with miles of crosscountry skiing and alpine slopes, activities for the whole family, as well as a wild animal park, it makes for an unbeatable trip for you, your friends and your family,” Laggar concludes. Web: www.orsagronklitt.se Instagram: @orsagronklitt YouTube: Orsa Grönklitt

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit a Swedish Winter Wonderland

Ski school.

Tänndalen offers stunning nature and unbeatable skiing.

World-class skiing surrounded by serene, Swedish wilderness With the simple aim of providing top-quality skiing facilities in combination with stunning natural experiences, Tänndalen offers a ski resort out of the ordinary. Situated in the midst of the Swedish mountains, it lets nature speak for itself and welcomes visitors to enjoy an adrenaline-packed trip down the slopes, together with relaxing surroundings and stunning views. By Nina Bressler | Photos: Tänndalen

Tänndalen has been around since the 1930s and has stayed true to its identity throughout history, aiming to offer the best skiing experiences with a relaxing ambiance and nature on your doorstep. There are 53 slopes, all of varying degrees of difficulty, from almost flat to steep, from loose snow slopes to snow parks. If you are looking for breathtaking views and adrenaline, the off-piste and ski touring experience are perfect for you, where over 60 mountain tops rising 1,000 metres above sea level give you an unforgettable experience. “We are not trying to become the biggest resort; we want to give our visitors

something else – a feeling of true nature and unbeatable skiing in one place. We do things differently, and what distinguishes us is the calm, genuine atmosphere that permeates everything that we do,” says William Jonasson, marketing director and avalanche technician at Tänndalen. Stay in a cabin, house, apartment or in the Ski Lodge. No matter the accommodation, it’ll be close to the slopes, enhancing the feeling of simplicity and closeness to the sport as well as nature. Tänndalen’s focus on quality also shows in its range of restaurants and activities

– great alternatives are available, both for dining and things to do. Tänndalen has been named Scandinavia’s best ski resort twice in a row, a great stamp of approval from its visitors. Jonasson attributes this to a number of different things: “Our staff are passionate and knowledgeable about what they do, something that is transferred to our guests. We drive our business with passion, and we are trying to think differently to stay at the forefront in the industry – yet we are staying true to who we are, to the natural surroundings and the sport itself. Our genuine love for skiing and the closeness to nature are the main priorities we will continuously nurture and develop for our visitors to enjoy.” Web: www.tanndalen.com Instagram: @itanndalen YouTube: Tänndalen

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 65

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit a Swedish Winter Wonderland

An eventful market in a winter wonderland This annual market with a 400-year unbroken tradition continues to showcase local handicraft and products, mixed with music and events in the snowy postcard-like settings of Swedish Jokkmokk. By Kristine Olofsson

Jokkmokk’s Market has been considered a huge event ever since permanent marketplaces were established near the Sámi winter settlements at the beginning of the 17th century. “The market traditionally starts the first Thursday of each February, but there are events all week long, and next year’s market, themed Arctic design, will

Photo: Petter Johansson

be the 415th edition,” says Birgitta Nilsson, market general. Located in Lapland, and part of the Arctic part of Sweden, the market is an important tradition for its surroundings. The long rows of stalls display amazing hand-crafted products as well as locally produced items such as clothes, jewellery

Photo: Graeme Richardson

and food, as well as toys and sweets for the youngest visitors. “Jokkmokk’s market is truly unique. We have vendors that have been with the market for 50 years, as well as students from the Sámi Education Centre showcasing their work,” says Nilsson. The market is also famous for its recurring events, such as the thrilling reindeer race and the traditional reindeer caravan. Other popular elements include dog sledding, northern lights tours, concerts and ‘yoik’ singing performances. There are also plenty of opportunities to try exciting dishes, such as reindeer kebab – souvas – and the locally brewed Jokkmokk beer. It is easy to see why visitors around the world choose to come to this winter wonderland for an unforgettable experience.

E-mail: visit@jokkmokk.se Phone: +46 971 222 50 Facebook: jokkmokksmarknad

Enjoy the silence Within the borders of Laponia, visitors can marvel at sights such as high mountain ranges, glaciers, large marshes, lakes and streams, and ancient forests. In the summer, those who visit the area should be prepared for the chance of running into one or several of the 65,000 reindeer who roam the region. By Pia Petersson

This vast, exceptional area in northern Sweden was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. “This of course means that it’s important for all mankind to preserve Laponia, in terms of protection of nature as well as culture. The latter re-

Photo: Åke E:son Lindman

66 | Issue 131 | December 2019

fers to the Sami culture and the reindeer herding in the area,” Kristin Luukinen, administrator of nature conservation in Laponia, explains. Laponia consists of four national parks and two nature reserves. Additionally,

Photo: Carl-Johan Utsi

there are nine Sami communities in the area. In 2014, a visitors’ centre, which also functions as the gateway to the whole World Heritage Site, opened its doors to the public. Local Sami people chose the spot where Naturum Laponia, as the centre is called, was built. “At Naturum, we aim to inform visitors about the nature and Sami culture in Laponia, and to inspire them. We also advise on things such as walking tours and where the good spots for putting up a tent are. There’s also a lovely café here, serving local delicacies such as smoked Arctic char, reindeer sausage and waffles with cloudberry jam,” says Luukinen. For those interested in visiting the area, it is worth adding that Laponia is the quietest place in Europe. Moreover, the spot furthest away from any road – about 50 kilometres – in Europe is found here. Web: www.laponia.nu

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit a Swedish Winter Wonderland

Bring the magic to life In the forests of the Swedish countryside lies a magical world that is, quite literally, like a fairy-tale. Whether it’s wandering through glittering woods on the lookout for trolls or creeping around inside the Witch’s House, Tomteland promises guaranteed fun for all the family. By Liz Longden | Photos: Tomteland

Situated just outside of Mora in Dalarna, and taking its name from the Swedish word for elf or brownie (‘tomte’), Tomteland is an adventure-filled theme park. With the help of professional actors, it brings to life a host of creatures from Nordic folklore, enabling visitors to step into a wondrous fantasy world. “We work with ‘living theatre’, and that means that throughout the park, visitors can not only meet but also interact with these many fairy-tale characters,” explains Camilla Collett, Tomteland’s owner and head of experience and marketing. “It’s a very immersive experience, which allows children to use their imagination and creativity and to be active participants in the magic.”

Spread over more than 18 hectares, the park has several themed focal points, such as the Enchanted Forest, the Witch’s House and the Story Fairy’s Pavilion, and many of these host interactive theatrical events. Visitors to the Troll Kingdom, for example, can go on a troll safari, take a lesson in how to speak troll language, or find out about troll magic. In addition, each season the park puts on a new programme of over 30 different events, adventures, activities and musicals, which take place in different locations throughout the day. There is also plenty to do for those who prefer to discover the park on their own, whether it be clambering through the Troll’s House, dressing up in the home

of the Story Fairy, or simply exploring its glistening forests and frozen waterfalls. And, of course, no wintertime trip to Tomteland would be complete without a horse-driven sled ride and visit to meet the oldest and wisest ‘tomte’ of all, Father Christmas. His magnificent workshop, one of Europe’s largest log buildings, also doubles up as a restaurant serving local dishes, such as ‘kolbullar’ pork pancakes and other Swedish specialities. Tomteland hopes that visitors take home more than just magical memories. “All our visitors also learn about Tomteland’s messages – to look after nature, animals and each other. And, most important of all, that every person is wonderful and special, just as they are,” Collett says. “It’s this, together with our programme, fairy-tale characters and magical environment, which make the Tomteland experience so special.” Web: www.tomteland.se

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 67

A big city in an alpine village costume Åre is northern Europe’s largest and most advanced alpine resort. Repeatedly voted Sweden’s best ski resort at the World Ski Awards, this village is unquestionably phenomenal. This season sees new, exciting additions to the already fabulous culinary scene, as well as the return of Åre Sessions, the music and ski festival at the end of April.

strengths. “The village is full of momentum and lovely people,” Sjölundh enthuses. “It’s big enough to have everything you need, yet small enough to keep that village feel and atmosphere.”

By Malin Norman | Photos: Niclas Vestefjell

Expanding culinary scene

Being the best and biggest is all well and good, but what does it mean in real terms? For starters, there are slopes for all kinds of skiers, always maintained to perfection. Åre Björnen offers a selection of slopes suitable for beginners, naturally attracting plenty of families with children, and the next step is Duved, with its mix of easy to intermediate challenges. Those keen on powder and forest skiing will enjoy Tegefjäll, while Blåstensbranten is superbly steep, offering huge scope for hardcore free-riders. 68 | Issue 131 | December 2019

“Central Åre is unique, with skiing opportunities both above and below the tree line, as well as incredibly fun and challenging off-piste,” says Therese Sjölundh, CEO of Destination Åre. Of course, Åre would not have been chosen to host so many global alpine competitions if it was not a world-class skiing destination. The resort has been host to numerous Alpine World Cups since 1969. Perhaps the idea of all hands on deck and shared benefits is one of Åre’s key

The official population of Åre is a modest 2,000, yet the village boasts more than 50 restaurants, many of them run by award-winning chefs and listed in the White Guide. Take the spectacular alpine setting, a mountainous view and a cosy village vibe, and add flavours from all the world’s culinary traditions, and you will understand why Åre has been described as a big city in an alpine village costume. Plenty is happening on the culinary scene this season, with more additions to the large selection of existing restaurants.

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit a Swedish Winter Wonderland

The popular restaurant Supper, influenced by Latin America, moves into new premises in Villa Tottebo. In Supper’s old premises, another popular Stockholm restaurant is opening this winter: Asian Post Office (APO) will serve food and drinks influenced by the Asian cuisines. Boqueria, the Stockholm-based restaurant serving Spanish delicacies in a market hall atmosphere, will open, too. Pinchos, with its fun app concept, will open in the square in Åre, as will Mr French, which is expanding and moving into what was previously Bom Bom. And last but not least, Åre Ölcafé is moving into the old station house with its beer café. And talking of beer, Åre is also a great beer destination with several craft breweries worth checking out. Make sure not to miss Åre Ölfabrik, Åre Bryggcompagni, Ottsjö Brygghus, and Svartbergets Fjällbryggeri, the latest addition, which is located on the mountain and is the brewery at the highest altitude in Sweden.

Wonderful fifth season The days get longer, the sun is out, temperatures are milder and the snow turns

Photo: Adrian Pehrson

into soft sorbet. This time is great for enjoying the chilled-out atmosphere on the slopes while soaking up the spring sun, as well as a range of nice events – for instance, Åre Sessions. Since 2017, the combined music and ski festival Åre Sessions has been a must during the last weekend of the season. The festival ticket is included when purchasing a ski pass, and previous festivals have attracted around 10,000 visitors a year. 2020 has a strong lineup with one of Sweden’s leading musicians, Miriam Bryant; internationally celebrated group Dungen; rapper Bad Gyal from Spain; house DJ Folamour from France, and several more to be announced. The festival takes place from 30 April to 3 May. While located some distance away from Sweden’s major cities, communications to and from Åre are very good. This season sees new flight routes from Berlin, in addition to direct flights from cities like London, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Oslo, Helsinki, and Riga.

Åre in brief: – Height of Åreskutan: 1,420 metres above sea level – Maximum drop: 890 metres – Hiking trails: 20 trails ranging from 1.2 to 24 kilometres – Cycling trails: 30 trails, about 40 kilometres downhill – Lifts: 42 in the winter, five in the summer – Longest piste: 6.5 kilometres – Groomed cross-country skiing trails: 92 kilometres – Restaurants: more than 50 – Bars and nightclubs: more than 15 – Activities and sights: trekking, cycling, paddling, horse riding, dog sledding, spa, zip-line, after skiing, shopping, chocolate factory, water park, schnapps tasting, ice climbing and much more.

Web: www.aresweden.com Facebook: aresweden Instagram: @aresweden

Photo: Anette Andersson

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 69

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit a Swedish Winter Wonderland

Meet the Sámi culture at Ájtte

By Nina Bressler | Photos: Jan Gustavsson

Ájtte is a museum in Jokkmokk, a village located in the far north of Sweden, also a known gathering point for the Swedish Sámi culture. Ájtte hosts a number of exhibitions to spread knowledge about the Sámi culture, the most recent of which teaches about Duodje – the Sámi craft shaped by centuries of skilled artisans. Curator Sunna Kuoljok talks warmly about the exhibition and the history. “The Duodje objects that we have on show hold great importance for the Sámi culture. They are a constant link to the Sámi identity, and important for the Sámi population,” Kuoljok says. Duodje is the Lulesámi word for craft, originating from objects of daily use made in the past with materials taken from the surrounding nature, such as wood, antlers from reindeer as well as skin and fur. It has been a part of the Sámi culture for as long as can be remembered, acting as commercial goods already during medieval times. Today, Duodje has developed into a refined craft with beautiful and ornamented objects, not found anywhere else. The exhibition contains 470 different objects, mainly focusing on creations from

the 1960s onwards. Through photographs and video work, you’ll meet the artisans behind the craft, who will teach you more about the objects. “I want people to leave the exhibition with a new-found insight into how intricate and unique this craft is, but also with an awe at the beauty of seemingly everyday objects, which has evolved into an artform after centuries of skillful processing,” Kuoljok concludes.

Learn about the unique Sámi craft Duodje at the Ájtte museum.

Web: www.ajtte.com Facebook: Ájtte Museum YouTube: Ajtte

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Visit a Swedish Winter Wonderland

Welcome to a winter wonderland It doesn’t get anymore ‘north’ than this – at least not in Sweden. With lots of opportunities for the entire family to experience the Swedish winter, Björkliden welcomes you to an unforgettable stay. This northern gem in Lapland has something for everyone. By Malin Norman | Photos: Lapland Resorts

Nestled among Swedish Lapland’s majestic mountains and magnificent scenery lies Björkliden, a true winter wonderland literally on the doorstep to the wilderness. Here await exciting activities and tasty food in an authentic mountain environment. “We have a lot of snow already,” confirms Christophe Risenius, marketing manager at Lapland Resorts, which runs Björkliden. “It’s like a snowy fairy-tale, perfect for families who want to celebrate a traditional Christmas with us.” Björkliden offers great skiing for the whole family, with some 23 pistes of var-

ying difficulty. For young skiers, there is a kids’ ski school and a popular mascot entertaining on the slopes. You can stay in one of the ski-in/ski-out accommodation alternatives right next to the ski slopes, so that you can step outside in the morning and hit the slopes straight away. And only nine kilometres away is Låktatjåkko mountain station, which is accessible with cat ski. Here you can also check out Sweden’s highestlocated restaurant and bar.

New winter park New this season is a winter park with sledding, a natural ice-skating rink, and

the Santa Ski Lodge with a perfect chalet and fun afternoon activities. Risenius also recommends an adventurous dog sledding tour with Björkliden’s own huskies, or exploring the fascinating northern lights. During December, the restaurant serves a traditional Swedish Christmas buffet, and there will be plenty of festive entertainment on offer. Lapland Resorts also manages Riksgränsen, Sweden’s northernmost ski resort, which is open from March to May. It has a long tradition of skiing, in particular off-piste, and attracts skiers from all over the world. With heli-skiing and similar activities, you can add even more adrenaline to your holiday. Web: www.laplandresorts.se Facebook: bjorkliden.fjallby Instagram: @bjorkliden_fjallby

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E TH TS i CE IGH ec N p S L E RI RN E P E EX TH R NO m he

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Meditation in a magnetosphere With the sun in hibernation, one might think that the north of Norway was plunged into darkness, but our star, dipping just below the horizon, brings with its teasing streams of light a luminous spectacle all through winter. By Lisa Maria Berg | Photos: Dreyer Hensley

Behold Nusfjord in Lofoten, the former fishing village now converted into a lush, Arctic resort. If you want to feel the sun on your face on the day before it disappears on 6 December, you have exactly 13 minutes before its healing rays go to sleep and don’t reappear until 5 January. Still, while you won’t physically see the sun throughout winter, that doesn’t mean that it goes completely dark. “The combination of a sun leering up from just below the horizon, the snow and the sea is just remarkable,” manager Renate Johansen explains. “It is a time for light to truly play around. It’s as if nature it72 | Issue 131 | December 2019

self puts a filter on its own motif, every single day!” It makes for a remarkable view, those hours of the day when the sun can be sensed so close, but oh so many weeks away – like a very pretty, winter-long game of patience, one which the people up here play every year.

You, me and Aurora If you want to, for the ultimate switching off, you can leave your phone at reception when arriving at Nusfjord and have it back when you leave. This is the ultimate place to relax, phone or no phone. It’s like a place taken out of a mindfulness text book.

“The outdoor hot tub is the perfect place to repose with a drink while scouting for the northern lights,” Johansen continues. Or, why leave the comfort of your room (a converted fisherman’s cabin – a dream for all things fur, original wood carvings and cute fishing memorabilia) at all, just to catch a glimpse of the polar lights? You could just stock up on hot chocolate and nestle in on the balcony. Put simply, if you’re lucky, you don’t need to trek for hours to see the magnetic storms play out above you. At Nusfjord, the northern lights are right above your head. All you need to do is log off, let go and look up. Web: nusfjordarcticresort.com

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Experience the Northern Lights — Norway

Photo: Karl Henrik Lillebye

Get closer to nature Welcome to Elements Arctic Camp: a magnificent and peaceful place outside Tromsø in northern Norway, offering a unique closeness to nature. By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Elements Arctic Camp

Elements Arctic Camp is owned and operated by Lise and Per-Magnar Halvorsen, both certified tour leaders and keen outdoor recreation enthusiasts with a special interest in kayaking. “We wish to share the breathtaking nature and great experiences with you,” Lise Halvorsen smiles. The small, family-driven company provides private and personalised allinclusive trips lasting two or three days. You will have the camp all to yourself, where you get unique accommodation in combination with thrilling activities in Rebbenesøya, outside Tromsø. “The camp is located in the wilderness, close to the shore at the far end of the sea gap, without road connection. We have no running water or electricity, so you truly

get a close-to-nature experience,” says Halvorsen. “We also use nature’s resources as much as we can in our operations.” At Elements Arctic Camp you get to sleep in a luxury version of a yurt, originally a nomad tent; paddle in breathtaking scenery; enjoy local food, and be near the Arctic wildlife and nature. “When living in a yurt, you can hear everything around you very well: the sound of the sea, the wind and rain, birds and animals… It is a rough but very cosy atmosphere and a one-of-a-kind experience,” Halvorsen explains. With kayaking being their speciality, the sporty couple is proud to offer visitors this fantastic experience all year round. There are numerous different tours and

difficulty levels available. “You don’t need prior experience. The trip is adapted to your level and wishes and the weather conditions,” Halvorsen says. Kayaking is a wonderful way to be in close contact with the elements. It brings you closer to the fascinating wildlife in the area, such as seals, otters and seabirds, but also connects you to the coastal life. During the winter months, guests can experience paddling under the northern lights. “Since we are situated in the middle of nowhere, without much light around us, this is the perfect place to see the northern lights. Being able to paddle or stay in the camp while the magnificent aurora borealis dances across the sky above you is a very magical experience,” says Halvorsen. Web: www.elementsarcticcamp.com Facebook: elementsarcticcamp Instagram: @elements_arctic_camp

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 73

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Experience the Northern Lights — Norway

Explore 70 Degrees AS will show you the best of the Norwegian coast.

Stunning views, majestic fjords and extraordinary wildlife The coastal line in Norway boasts nature rarely found anywhere else. Skjervøy is a small island located close to the northern tip, surrounded by breathtaking fjords, northern lights and fascinating wildlife. Explore 70 Degrees AS offers perfectly assembled tours to help you experience all of it from the front row. By Nina Bressler | Photos: Explore 70 Degrees AS

The company was founded by Susanne Strøm and Øystein Fredheim. Fredheim grew up in Skjervøy, and Strøm was born and raised in Spitsbergen. Having lived on the island for 20 years, she was also working with tourism. “The qualities and standards within this sector in Spitsbergen are incredibly high, and I wanted to bring that experience to Skjervøy. There was great demand for a professional tour company, and me and Øystein embraced the opportunity,” Strøm says. Four tours are available, as well as the opportunity to tailor your own. Experience the only glacier in Europe that calves into the ocean, while learning 74 | Issue 131 | December 2019

about the local wildlife and enjoying local food as part of the Jøkelfjord Glacier tour. Orcas and humpback whales are harbouring in the bay between October and February, and the Whale Excursion offers you the chance to meet them up close. The Skjervøy 360° tour takes you on a stunning sightseeing trip on water, where you get to experience another perspective of the island’s coastline and learn about the history and geology in the area, as well as – if you are in luck – encounter dolphins, otters or perhaps a puffin from the colony residing nearby. If you prefer hiking, Skjervøy Panorama tour is a great alternative. Enjoy the

panoramic scenery of the bay from the top of a hill while tasting a traditional reindeer stew, and watch the Norwegian coastal pride of Hurtigruten gently sail into the port. Northern lights are a common sight in this part of Norway, and here, you will have the chance to experience them in the company of breathtaking views of the fjords below. Despite the northern location, the infrastructure is excellent and the small island is easily reached by plane, car or boat – either from Tromsø or by Hurtigruten. “We believe that it’s important for people to explore nature in order to respect it. Skjervøy is surrounded by fantastic nature and wildlife, and our tours are tailored to help you experience it to its fullest,” says Strøm. Web: www.explore70.no Facebook: Explore 70 Degrees AS Instagram: @explore70degrees

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Experience the Northern Lights — Norway

Exploring Scandinavian landscape and wildlife Tromsø Safari has brought nearly 60,000 people to see the northern lights. That’s a lot of Christmas cards, engagement trips, honeymoons and anniversaries. With a philosophy of anchoring in the community and sourcing locally, the company is spearheading sustainable tourism in the north of Norway. By Lisa Maria Berg | Photos: Tromsø Safari

The Tromsø Safari team has the aurora at the core of their business. General manager Cecilie Nøstvik wants her guests to have an experience, not just when they’re stood under the polar lights, but during their entire stay. “We want our guests to explore everything that this part of Norway has to offer, and to have a really great time while they’re at it, whether that is scouting for the northern lights, fjord sightseeing, getting to know the locals or dog sledding.”

An array of choice It is not only venturing out to experience the Scandinavian night sky that occupies the Tromsø Safari team; in fact, there’s a whole array of activities that makes this team special. With an aim to champion diversity and cultural heritage, they’ve promoted and developed Sami culture and reindeer activities in co-operation

with local Sami people – the indigenous people of the northern parts of Norway, Sweden and Finland. Operations manager Per Kristian Bergmo talks about the importance of the Sami heritage and the need to share this rich culture with new people. “It is a great opportunity to learn more about such a different way of life in this modern age. We invite our guests to take part in tending to reindeer – the core of the Sami culture and community – which I think many find incredibly insightful and obviously a lot of fun!”

highly unsustainable industry, work as sustainably as possible?” Nøstvik and her team has brought the philosophy into their everyday working life, and it has brought on some fruitful partnerships. “It is easy, especially when it comes to looking for the northern lights, to forget that the journey is in fact the destination,” Bergmo continues. By teaming up with local land owners, guests are invited onto their private land and find themselves being served hot chocolate in lavvos, in fields, forests and meadows on the outskirts of Tromsø. Honest and genuine tourism has found its flagship.

Community at the core While embodying the very definition of variation, Tromsø Safari also prides itself on teaming up with the community. “We want to always think locally. How can we, in what one could argue is a

Web: www.tromsosafari.no

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 75

A top-class Arctic experience Praised for its welcoming atmosphere, spectacular igloo-like cabins and excellent service, Star Arctic Hotel in Saariselkä, Lapland, is the perfect place for a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime holiday. The peace and calm of the surrounding Arctic wilderness help the guests to relax, and the breathtaking view from the top of the fell to the surrounding nature leaves a great impression on everyone.

is plenty of that peace and quiet that so many come looking for. “Here at the top of the Kaunispää, you get to enjoy spectacular views and a feeling of calmness and space,” Muotka smiles.

By Mari Koskinen | Photos: Johannes Wilenius

Aurora borealis, the northern lights, is on many people’s bucket lists, and here you can often experience this stunning phenomenon right at the hotel area. “If necessary, we arrange aurora hunts, where we take the guests to the best spots by cars, snow mobiles or huskies,” Muotka promises.

Passion for Lapland is the driving force at Star Arctic Hotel. “Our guests come here from all over the world for an unforgettable holiday, like a honeymoon or anniversary,” says general manager Juha Muotka. “We meet them already at the airport and want to make sure to exceed their expectations from start to finish.” Muotka is originally from western Lapland himself, so truly the perfect guide for a tour around the hotel. Star Arctic Hotel is located at the top of the Kaunispää fell, 270 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle. Here, the Nordic modern civilisation is perfectly inte76 | Issue 131 | December 2019

grated with Lapland’s own traditions and culture, which are surrounded by pure, untouched nature in a beautiful and unique Arctic landscape. The hotel was opened on 6 December 2017 – the same day Finland celebrated 100 years of independence. They were fully booked on the following day and have been busy ever since. The location of the hotel is perfect: Saariselkä Ski Centre, as well as the newly built 1.2-kilometre-long sledding slope, are just a one-minute walk from the hotel, and there is direct access to the ski slopes from the hotel. Yet there

Everything in one place “We have everything here that the guests need for a great Lapland experience,” Muotka continues. The hotel has 57 modern rooms, where wood is used to create a soft and cosy atmosphere. All rooms boast amazing views, and there are 15 exclusive Aurora Glass Cabins featuring innovative igloo-like glass

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Experience the Northern Lights — Finland

roofs, allowing you to feel like you’re one with nature. The glass roof also provides the perfect opportunity for watching the aurora borealis from the comfort of your own room. There is a top-level à la carte restaurant, offering modern cuisine with a Lappish flavour – the best Lapland has to offer. “We use nothing but the natural ingredients available to us, like fish from the nearby Lake Inari and reindeer directly from the local Sami farms,” Muotka explains. The menu changes regularly and offers seasonal highlights from the area. “Our wine list is updated frequent-

ly to complement the dishes,” Muotka adds. There is also an elegant bar offering a wide selection of wines, the most popular cocktails, and soft drinks. “We have just opened our own Star Arctic Wilderness Center, an activity area surrounded by 12 hectares of pure, Arctic nature, where we organise our own husky and reindeer excursions,” says the general manager. “Our group sizes are small to guarantee the best experience for everyone.” There is also a private restaurant offering authentic Lappish dishes, prepared by the open fire in the middle of the restaurant.

The winter season runs until Easter. “All the bank holidays are big events for us, especially Christmas and New Year’s, and also the Chinese New Year and Easter,” says Muotka. “We want to make sure that the guests leave with hearts full of inspiration, and amazing experiences and memories. I feel grateful to be able to work in these unique surroundings and meet our guests and make sure that they have the best time here with us.” Web: www.stararctichotel.com Facebook: stararctichotel Instagram: @stararctic_hotel

The Aurora Glass Cabins have glass roofs that enable you to enjoy the aurora borealis from the comfort of your own room.

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 77

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Experience the Northern Lights — Finland

Wild about the wilderness There really isn’t a bad time to visit Rovaniemi, your gateway to the Finnish Lapland and the home of Santa Claus. To make your trip even more memorable, why not try one of the carefully curated tours of Wild About Lapland, a company specialising in extraordinary Arctic experiences? By Maria Pirkkalainen | Photo: Wild About Lapland

You’re planning your once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Finnish Lapland and don’t want to waste any time. Whether it’s ice fishing, seeing reindeers or chasing the northern lights, Wild About Lapland’s got it covered. “What makes us special is that we offer experiences only for small groups, for a maximum of eight people at a time. This really allows our guests to escape mass tourism, and instead have an unforgettable experience learning about Lapland,” says operations manager Chris Dernoncourt. Small group sizes also make the tours more tailored and guarantee that the company can listen to the wishes of its guests. “We can even adapt the tours easily if the weather changes,” Dernoncourt explains. For ex-

ample, on its popular northern lights tours, guests can visit three hand-picked locations to experience the magic of the Arctic sky. Started by a former marine, who wanted to find a way to share awareness of how best to appreciate one’s surrounding nature, Wild About Lapland’s tours aim to be educational. With this ideology at heart, it’s easy to understand why the company comes so highly rated on different travel sites and keeps attracting such a big portion of its guests through word-of-mouth recommendations.

Web: wildaboutlapland.com Facebook: wildaboutlapland Instagram: @wildaboutlapland

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To-Foto works with some of Norway’s most esteemed wildlife photographers. Photo: Audun Rikardsen

Recreate the happiest memories of your life When taking the trip of a lifetime, capturing your memories is a must. Recreating memories, however, is nothing short of an artform. This is a skill that To-Foto has placed love and care into perfecting, making sure that you never return home empty-handed.

the company has succeeded in building a strong brand that stands for quality, beauty and environmental sustainability – with the goal to enhance and preserve travel memories from northern Norway.

By Julie Linden

“An experience is rarely complete until you share it with someone else,” says Lise Knudsen of To-Foto, outlining the ethos of the Harstad-based company. “We believe that you’ll remember your trip in a more profound way if you have memories to share with loved ones. Whether you travel solo or in a group, it’s possible to achieve that connection with items that remind you of those good times and recreate the feeling you had while there.” 80 | Issue 131 | December 2019

Based in the Arctic – represented globally Based in the south-western part of Troms county, a hub of Arctic activities, publishing house To-Foto creates photo products such as books, T-shirts, postcards, fridge magnets and mugs with unique designs and prints. In addition, the company collaborates on a wide variety of individual projects in the print category – such as photo books and booklets. In creating unique products from scratch,

“We like to think that, while our office is based in Harstad, our goals and values live on in our products, wherever they

To-Foto provides products that enhance and preserve travel memories. Photo: ToFoto

Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Visit Tromsø

end up in the world. Hopefully, those who purchase a product of ours will do so because they want to remember the time they spent in our part of the world. It’s a treat to be able to give the opportunity of reliving and relaying experiences through a physical item,” says Knudsen.

High-quality, sustainable memories She emphasises that, while the company believes in the importance of retaining memories through touchable, tangible items, To-Foto is deeply committed to its environmentally sound and green profile. Moreover, maintaining a sustainable profile does not in any way cancel out quality. “We work hard to develop and maintain a cleaner environmental profile. We have set a goal of avoiding the use of plastic packaging, using environmentally friendly paper and working out the most sustainable solutions when it comes to logistics. We know that tourists who visit our latitudes are willing to pay a little extra for sustainable products, and this way, we can contribute to the conservation of nature’s diversity,” says Knudsen.

An ode to nature Capturing the specific nature phenomena native to the northern region of

Scandinavia is at the very core of ToFoto’s work. For decades, the company has focused on phenomena-based tourism, enjoying good and long-standing relationships with the best photographers in the country. To-Foto’s products are thus adorned with wonderful moments captured by the photographers’ untiring love of nature, wildlife and, famously, the northern lights. “We are always happy to help with the development and production of new book projects. We enjoy a mutually beneficial collaboration with the research community in the Arctic, which is very important to us,” says Knudsen, explaining that one of the company’s latest collaborations, a wildlife photography book, was developed together with noted whale scientist, biology professor and esteemed nature photographer Audun Rikardsen. In addition to being fascinating and educational, photo books inspire more people to explore the beautiful nature of the north, she explains. “Our motifs from Arctic Norway contribute to preserving visual memories for those who have already visited, but it’s also a way to attract visitors who are still dreaming of seeing it in real life one day,” says Knudsen.

The midnight sun, one of Scandinavia’s most famous phenomena. Photo: Frøydis Dalheim

An experience-centric approach As a smaller, specialised publisher with a high level of in-house expertise, ToFoto is excited to continue developing its vast line of products. At the core of the business activity is tourism, sustainability and enabling sharable experiences – making sure memories live on for as long as possible. “Our job is to create travel memories that allow your holiday experiences to be shared. This will hopefully create joy long after you’ve landed safely at home, enjoying time with the rest of your family,” says Knudsen. In continuing its journey, To-Foto wants to continue to create interest for northern Norway and the Arctic region, reaffirming its placement on the map of unique destinations. “We’re very committed to this goal, and we’re absolutely sure that this region will bring you some of the happiest memories of your life,” says Knudsen, adding: “It’s up to us to help you keep those memories alive.” Web: tofoto.no Facebook: tofoto.no Email: post@tofoto.no Tel: +47 77 04 06 00

Spectacular scenes during whale watching. Photo: Audun Rikardsen

Photo: Mads P. Tellefsen

The northern lights are at the very heart of To-Foto’s work.Photo: Frøydis Dalheim

Northern Norway provides some of the most stunning scenery for spectacular photos that you can take home and treasure forever. Photo: Audun Rikardsen

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Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Visit Tromsø

It’s looking up! During winter, there’s a hunt happening in the north of Norway. All over, there are people in pursuit of light. It consumes them, the polar light astounds them, and a restlessness haunts them – an unease that won’t leave them until they’ve met the famous aurora. By Lisa Maria Berg | Photos: Mansoor Waizy

The job sits in the sky for Mansoor Waizy. The general manager of Amazing Arctic Tours in Tromsø has guided people from all over the world, looking for the green gold of the Nordic sky. The neverending hunt for the best spots from which to view the northern lights, is part of Waizy’s life every day. He knows all too well what makes this job the best in the world: “For many, it is a dream to see

the northern lights. There’s something very special about witnessing, again and again, someone be so incredibly happy and touched when the aurora appears.”

Forever changing The northern lights have fascinated humans for thousands of years. The electromagnetic battles taking place above our heads have dropped many a jaw for many a generation. For Waizy, it keeps on being majestic. “You never tire of this job. It’s always different, as well. To be able to look up every time and go, ‘I’ve never seen it look like that!’ is quite remarkable.” With Tromsø being the ultimate Arctic destination, there’s plenty to do. Any aurora-hunting guest of Amazing Arctic

82 | Issue 131 | December 2019

Tour gets a discounted safari of the fjords, which, with its stunning landscape, is a feast for the eyes, as well as the soul.

A yearning But scouting for the northern lights is most definitely a winter activity. The summer makes for a very different-looking north of Norway. “There’s always something to see, though. Many combine a trip to Tromsø with perhaps renting a car and seeing Harstad, Senja or other nearby places, and others take the opportunity to go whale watching, husky sledding, reindeer sledding, skiing or snow shoeing. It’s a lush place to go for winter, but it’s a lush place to go any other time of year, as well.” Does he miss the polar lights during summer? “Sometimes. There’s definitely something special about taking the first guests in the early winter, to go see them dance.” Web: www.amazingarctic.com

Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Visit Norway

Experience nature up close, by boat This small, family-run business offers keen fishers and wildlife enthusiasts guided trips and unique access to secluded areas of the coast of Vesterålen. Watch seabirds in their natural habitat, on the small island of Anda. Every spring, this nature reserve becomes the home of a large colony of puffins. Razorbills, murre, theist, guillemots and cormorants also nest here. Alongside birdwatching, you might encounter seals relaxing on craggy sea rocks Photo: Rigmor T

and, if in luck, a white-tailed eagle might grace the skies above the boat. Some of the country’s richest fishing grounds are located here. Guided trips will take you directly to the best spots outside Støa and Nyksund, otherwise only known to the locals. The catch of the day can vary from cod, coalfish, haddock and redfish to

By Bianca Wessel

salmon and halibut. Perhaps less known is the Skrei festival in winter, when large amounts of cod appear along the Vesterålen coast to spawn. Øksnes Seasafari offers exclusive access to join this traditional Skrei fishing. A shuttle boat service is also available to hikers of The Queen’s Route. Hop on the boat between Stø and Nyksund to recharge, while white beaches and mountain peaks pass by.

Øksnes Seasafari offers year-round bespoke boat trips and RIB tours with floating suits and life jackets provided as well as a complete, tailored experience with a stay in an authentic ‘rorbu’ cabin.

Web: seasafarioksnes.no Facebook: seasafarioksnes Instagram: @seasafarioksnes

Scan Business Business Profiles 86 | Business Column 91 | Business Calendar 91

We should be looking for Fosbury moments By Nils Elmark, Incepcion

I was a boy during the Olympics in Mexico in 1968, and one of the events that I still remember clearly is the men’s high-jump competition, which was won by the American Dick Fosbury. He was the only one who could jump 2.24 metres on the day in Mexico City, but more remarkably, he was the only one who jumped backward over the bar. Everyone else at the time jumped forward, using the so-called straddle technique, and many had laughed at the lanky student from Oregon who went his own ways. But his new technique made the longestablished way completely obsolete on 20 October 1968 – it was quickly abandoned, and soon everyone adopted the new and revolutionary Fosbury flop. I thought about Dick Fosbury the other day when I was attending a conference about finance, where an expert analyst full of confidence told the audience how the future of banking would evolve over the coming five to ten years. He felt sure about his predictions, because they were 84 | Issue 131 | December 2019

based on interviews with hundreds of leading international bankers. And who knows the future of banking better than the world’s leading bankers?

tention away from their established techniques and business models. It is difficult to think in new ways and try ideas that look ridiculous, but that’s the price we all have to pay if we want a happy future.

The answer to that is: people with greater creativity and imagination! The point is that if Fosbury had asked the worldleading high-jump coaches how he should jump if he wanted to win, they would have said: ‘jump forward and use the straddle technique’. As a matter of fact, that’s exactly what they did say to all the other competitors, and that was exactly why Fosbury won. The experts believed that jumping forward over the bar was a key condition to winning, whereas it was actually the reason why their athletes couldn’t jump higher. This story is more relevant to business people than ever before, because right now, the world is changing. Most industries experience new, unknown competitors jumping the wrong way over the bar, yet the incumbents can’t take their at-

Nils Elmark is a consulting futurist and the founder of Incepcion, a London-based consultancy that helps organisations develop new and braver dreams.

Photo: Aline Lessner

Healthy growth for Denmark’s farmers Agriculture is facing massive changes. In Denmark, where agriculture makes up 20 per cent of total exports, farming has faced increasingly difficult odds over the past few decades, with the number of independent farmers falling from 63,000 in 1997 to 34,700 in 2017. The agricultural sector has to evolve to survive, and that isn’t necessarily bad news: the agricultural consultants at KF Miljø have actively assisted farmers all over Denmark to reverse their fortunes by tweaking some farms towards sustainable food production and completely reinventing the output of others with assistance from national and EU funding. By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: KF Miljø

“It is crucial that farmers think about whether what they’ve made their money on for the last 30 years should and can be the thing they rely on for the next 30 years too,” says CEO and founder Karen Feddersen. “We meet a lot of creative and passionate farmers who are ready for change but just don’t know how to go about it and lack the means to do so, but there are actually lots of subsidies available for farmers willing to update their business structures to align with modern consumer expectations and political requirements.” 86 | Issue 131 | December 2019

Founded in 2010, KF Miljø advises all types of agricultural businesses on sustainable investment and environmentally friendly initiatives that help floundering or stagnant farms reinvent themselves. With expertise within subsidies and legal, technical, political and economic re-structuring of agricultural businesses, they have witnessed the massive shift in farming that the past decade has brought to the sector. “The train is leaving, and you either get on it or get left behind,” Feddersen adds. “It’s tough, but it’s the truth.”

Climate-friendly agriculture pays off Farming is diversifying. “Traditionally, and particularly over the past 50 years, there has been tremendous pressure on farmers to grow as much as possible for as little as possible: consumers and retailers have wanted a lot of food at the lowest possible prices,” KF Miljø’s director of development, Jeanette Ørbeck, explains. “In future, we’ll need a

Feddersen and Ørbeck.

Scan Magazine | Business Profile | KF Miljø

two-pronged approach. There’ll still be a market for this type of bulk farming, but it’ll be left to fewer farmers with very intensive outputs. On the other hand, there’ll be a massive, very lucrative market for more sustainable local, environmentally friendly, high-quality products. We can see that trend already.” With the increasing focus by consumers on sustainability and animal welfare, farmers are more and more eager to obtain green certifications. According to Feddersen and Ørbeck, however, Denmark’s farming sector hasn’t yet managed to rebrand itself as green despite desire for change from many farmers. “Big changes usually require a lot of available capital, something that has been severely lacking in the agricultural sector. But nowadays, there’s a lot of political interest and goodwill behind making the agricultural sector more sustainable, and reasonable monetary support available from the Danish government and the EU. It takes knowing the systems and keeping up-to-date to find and get it, though.”

Changing attitudes and increasing awareness Depending on the individual farm and farmer, changes can be large or small. KF Miljø works closely with their partners to ensure that they are on board

The KF Miljø team.

with the process. “We work together on a plan that suits the individual client,” Ørbeck says, “and, of course, balance cost with the eventual yield to make sure that any change will pay off.” For some, a big-scale transformation is required. A shift in generations at major farms and manor houses can often be the optimal time for significant operational changes. This is especially true where interests and strengths vary between the older and future generations. To make the most of the current potential and brand-new opportunities, KF Miljø facilitates transformations to change the farms’ source of income in creative ways, changing them into educational centres for families or school excursions, for example, or by changing focus from pig-rearing to solar energy or making new use of deserted but conservation-worthy buildings.

KF Miljø believes that increasing consumer awareness will also help Danish farmers – in the long run. “A lot of consumers now buy organic, which is great, but some people with environmental concerns will pick up organic produce from France or Spain, rather than standard produce from Danish farmers, without considering the environmental impact of transporting these things to Denmark or of its plastic packaging, for example,” Feddersen points out. “That’s not to mention the impact of importing things like soybeans from South America, for animal fodder. As appreciation for sustainability increases, we will see more and more appreciation for the local, which will benefit the environment, the consumer and the farmer.”

Photo: Anders P. Hansson

Photo: Tuukka Ervasti

Others tweak their businesses to make them more future-friendly. On the border of Jutland’s Wadden Sea, one of their partners is making his intensive cattle farm extensive and low-tech, ensuring that his cows are happy and produce the smallest possible carbon footprint through having them feed naturally on grass. His neighbours further north in Jutland, meanwhile, have returned to a modern version of historical crop rotation farming to double the amounts of crops and harvests while actually improving the soil. “Reduced tillage initiatives like this will be big next year, and there’ll be a lot of resources available,” Feddersen discloses. “Large-scale projects like this help not only the individual farmers; they also get to become role models and help the sector as a whole.”

Photo: Per Pixel Petersson

Web: www.kfmiljo.dk

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 87

The protein from peas, for instance, can be extracted and kneaded into complete meat-like products such as mince and burgers.

What’s for dinner? A bug biscuit, a microalgae muffin, or a plant-based burger – the increasing strain on our planet means that, in the future, we will have to get our protein from less land- and resource-demanding sources. At Danish Technological Institute (DTI), researchers are looking into a host of possible food innovations, from CO2-absorbing microalgae to waste-consuming mealworms. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Danish Technological Institute

Mealworm and microalgae might not sound like anyone’s first choice for dinner, but being local, cultivated from food by-products, and full of protein, they are two possible food sources that offer a solution to the three major issues facing the food industry today: the CO2 produced by the meat industry; the amount of land required to meet the continuously growing demand for protein; and the large amount of waste at all stages of the food chain. Rethinking the food processes to transform CO2 and waste into food production and creating new sources of protein can help prevent the serious consequences of continuing business as usual. “It’s a fact that if you source protein through meat, 88 | Issue 131 | December 2019

it will take up five times as much space as if you source it from plants directly,” says head of innovation at DTI, Anne Maria Hansen. “But if you are to live on a plant-based diet, you need to think more strategically, because most plants don’t have complete proteins. But microalgae and insects do and, if you combine more plant sources, you can create products that combine the amino acids to create a more balanced profile of protein. DTI is working on doing this with, among other things, peas and beans. These go through different procedures, which extract and knead the protein into complete meat-like products like mince and burgers. The institute is also looking at

cultivating microalgae and insects for food consumption, both products that can be cultivated on side stream products such as CO2 and food waste.

Absorbing CO2 The food and drink industries have numerous side stream products, from the large amount of quickly decomposing spent grain left over in beer production to the biogas created in farm waste. Currently, DTI is experimenting with the cultivation of a type of microalgae, which, as they are cultivated in closed systems exposed to light, can capture and grow on the high amount of CO2 in, for instance, biogas, growing faster the more CO2 is pumped through. “The work with microalgae is completely new, and very much in the start-up phase, but if it can be scaled up, it could have great potential as it’s a plant that absorbs CO2, provides complete proteins and, unlike soya, can be cultivated in Denmark,” explains Hansen. “Of course, we still need to figure out how we can

Scan Magazine | Business Profile | Danish Technological Institute

use this, and if it can be incorporated into food products for human consumption, but who knows, maybe in ten years, a microalgae muffin will be a staple at the baker.” Compared to other plant-based sources of protein grown in Denmark, like wheat or barley, microalgae will require one 20th of the space to produce the same amount of protein. Due to the need to circulate CO2 around in the containers where the microalgae grow, it will, however, require three to four times the energy of other crops – but that is not, says Hansen, necessarily a deal breaker. “Our future challenge will not be energy, because we have plenty of energy from the sun, and we’re becoming better and better at transforming it; it will be space, because we need to maintain or

expand the biodiversity we have and provide food for the increasing population, and that’s why something like microalgae could be part of the solution.”

A bug biscuit Another area of great focus at the moment is the cultivation of animal sources, which can transfer bio-waste like draft into high-quality protein, namely insects like mealworms. “We have been working with insects for a long time – about ten years – but in recent years, the interest has started to increase, partly because of the growing focus on sustainability,” explains head of food technology, Anne Louise Dannesboe Nielsen. “We’re testing how to cultivate them in stables, what their optimal living conditions are, and how we can use insects in food.”

Among the options being tested is the use of ‘insect flour’ to create protein bars, bread, and biscuits. “I could easily imagine that insect stables will be a regular part of farms in about ten years’ time, especially in Denmark, because many insects need a cool environment to grow, so really it’s just a question of optimising the production with regards to genetics and farming conditions – and the potential use of waste products for feed,” says Nielsen, and rounds off: “I think we will be able to replace a great share of our meat consumption with alternatives like plant mince and insects, but I still think meat will be part of our food culture; it will just be more of a luxury.” Web: www.dti.dk

As the world’s population increases, insects may become an essential source of protein.

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 89

Scan Magazine | Business Profile | FrontAvenue

Head of sales, Claus Holst Sørensen (left), and partner Jesper Bülow.

Approximately 25 per cent of the Danish workforce is employed in companies using SafetyNet, FrontAvenue’s all-in-one administration system.

The shortcut to greater workplace safety With a significant share of the Danish workforce using SafetyNet, a flexible all-in-one administration system, FrontAvenue, the company behind the system, is now looking to launch in new markets. Scan Magazine talks to the people behind the system that has become Denmark’s favourite tool for work-environment related administration. By Signe Hansen | Photos: FrontAvenue

With 13 different modules, SafetyNet can be used by companies of all sizes and sectors to manage the administration of work environment, insurance, quality, HR and training. But it is not just the broad scope of the product that has led a third of all Danish municipalities to adopt the system, but also its robustness and the possibility for clients to adapt the individual modules to suit individual needs. “When we first took over the product in 2004, it had just one module, and from that we have increased and expanded according to the needs and requirements of our customers,” explains partner Jesper Bülow, who was one of seven IT consultants to set up FrontAvenue in 2001. “Thanks to our technical background, this means that our product is a lot more robust than many similar products.” 90 | Issue 131 | December 2019

Head of sales Claus Sørensen adds: “On top of that, the product is extremely configurable, which means that the client gets a feeling of having a tailor-made system, a system that allows them to put together modules according to their individual requirements, without having to pay for a specially developed product.” While the broad scope of the system gives it a strong appeal for multifaceted organisations like municipalities, its flexibility makes it attractive to a wide range of private companies. As a matter of fact, in total, approximately 25 per cent of the Danish workforce is employed in companies using SafetyNet. The work environment modules of SafetyNet are especially highly valued.

The modules make it easy to conduct regular workplace valuations, distribute guidance and manuals, and register and report work incidents and injuries. To make it even easier, in 2015, FrontAvenue launched a mobile registration system, which allows employees to register and report work injuries straight from an app on their phones. The system was tested by Carlsberg, which, within the first half year, saw the amount of registered incidents double. “It’s something that’s difficult to put a value on, but in the long run, if you can prevent just one serious workplace incident, it will be worth it,” stresses Bülow. During the last few years, SafetyNet has been launched on the Swedish market, and FrontAvenue is now looking to expand further into the Nordic markets. SafetyNet currently supports English, Swedish, Norwegian, German and Danish. Web: www.frontavenue.com

Scan Magazine | Business | Column/Calendar

Who would make the better boss? How would you like Jeremy Corbyn or Boris Johnson as head of your organisation? As the Brexit saga morphed into an election campaign, I started to wonder how the leading candidates for the top job, CEO of UK Ltd., might fare if they had to interview for the position rather than go to the polls. Of course, politics and business require different skills, but there are leadership qualities that we look for in both politicians and business people. Here’s my only slightly tongue-in-cheek scorecard for each of our shortlist of two. 1. Work experience. Corbyn has been a town councillor. Johnson has been a journalist, did a clever PR job as Mayor of London and was, for two years, a gaffe-prone foreign secretary. Both now preside over parties riven by internecine conflict. These CVs raise doubts as to the ability of either to run a whelk stall competently. 2. Management plans. Both have ambitious spending programmes. Neither has provided convincing details at the time of writing as to how they will be financed. 3. Communication. Corbyn has been dull and uninspiring and has failed to gain a com-

petitive advantage in his current position. Johnson can fashion a witty phrase but puts his foot in his mouth with alarming regularity. Good for the image of the firm? 4. Values. Corbyn can give the impression of still living in the 1970s. Johnson, once a cosmopolitan liberal, is currently a rightwing populist. One never changes, the other changes to advance his career. 5. Character. See above. Corbyn has difficulties adapting to a changing world. Johnson’s lying, attention seeking and disregard for rules are all symptoms of a narcissistic personality, usually an indicator of a toxic management style. 6. Vision. Both have a vision that appeals

By Steve Flinders to a minority and alienates the rest. Strong leaders mobilise the whole workforce, not just part of it. So, neither candidate does very well by my count. Perhaps we should re-advertise the vacancy.

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

Business Calendar Scandinavian business events you do not want to miss this month Formex The Nordic region’s biggest interior design fair is a must for anyone looking to remain up to speed on the latest trends in textiles, accessories, tableware and gifts. The biannual trade-only fair brings together 850 exhibitors and some 25,000 visitors. At the end of the fair, the Formex Trends presentation will shed light on the trends to be on the lookout for, while the Formex Formidable awards will also be announced. Date: 14-17 January Where: Mässvägen 1 Älvsjö, 125 80 Stockholm, Sweden www.formex.se

Buying Property Overseas Nordic buyers are a significant niche for holiday home developers, particularly in the sunnier climes of Spain, but also in destinations as far flung as Florida and Thailand. The Buying Property Overseas show takes place within Northern Europe’s leading travel fair, Matka, which attracts some 60,000

travel enthusiasts – many of them prospective clients for developers, agents and brokers. This year’s seminars will also put the spotlight on tax, pension and mortgage matters. Date: 17-19 January Where: Messukeskus, Messuaukio 1, 00520 Helsinki, Finland www.fairmedia.se

Arctic Frontiers 2020 With extreme weather and record-breaking cold spells at normally temperate latitudes making the headlines in late 2019, there’s perhaps never been a more urgent need to focus on what’s happening across the Arctic region. Themed the Power of Knowledge, the 14th edition of the annual conference aims to create pathways between science, government and industry. In addition to the main event, a number of affiliated talks and forums will take place around the same time. Date: 26-30 January

By Johanna Iivonen Where: The Fram Centre, Hjalmar Johansens gate 14, Tromsø, Norway www.arcticfrontiers.com

Nordic M&A Forum Despite some positive mid-year movement, the Nordic M&A market hasn’t had the hottest of years in 2019. What’s in store for 2020? Is impact investing a hindrance or something to gauge? What’s the deal with the currency factor? These key questions and more are on the agenda at this forum, which brings together stakeholders from the banking, asset management and private equity sectors, as well as advisory firms, from both the city and the Nordics. Date: 6.30pm, 6 February Where: Linklaters LLP, One Silk Street, EC2Y 8HQ London, UK www.scc.org.uk

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 91

Scan Magazine | Conference of the Month | Denmark

Hotel Frederiksminde.

Hotel Baltic.

Hotel Frederiksminde.

Rønnede Kro.

Conference of the Month, Denmark

Business in historic, idyllic and inspiring surroundings with mouth-wateringly good food If you are looking for the perfect place for your next business conference or meeting, look no further. Hotel Baltic, Hotel Frederiksminde and Rønnede Kro are all part of a small group of boutique hotels called MINDEVÆRDIG (Danish for ‘remarkables’). Common for these places are the historic surroundings, the fantastic food and the respect for nature. By Heidi Kokborg | Photos: MINDEVÆRDIG

Imagine hosting your next conference with beautiful nature right outside the window, stunning paintings you can admire during the breaks, and mouthwateringly delicious food made from local ingredients. Sounds good, right? Well, that is exactly what you can expect when booking your conference at one of the MINDEVÆRDIG hotels. “Hotel Frederiksminde in Præstø, Rønnede Kro in Rønnede and Hotel Baltic on Als are all amazing places for a business conference or meeting. We call it MINDEVÆRDIG Business,” says Silje Brenna, the tenant. “Our wish is that it will be more than a conference when people come here. We hope that they will have an inspiring expe92 | Issue 131 | December 2019

rience that is both personal and cosy – one which they will remember for a long time.” The hotels are all a piece of Danish history, and all have recently been renovated. “They are renovated with respect for Danish culture and the history of each place. They are old and historic, but with a modern twist. We care very much about the buildings and the surrounding nature,” says Brenna. At each hotel, you can do different team-building exercises. At Hotel Baltic, for instance, you can go sailing. If there are enough people in your group, you can even have a race – or you can solve different tasks in teams on the boat and

get new inspiration by changing the scenery. At Rønnede Kro, you can visit Camp Adventure and the Forest Tower, which is quite the experience. “We customise the conference to suit you – no matter if you are staying a day, two days or even longer,” says Brenna. Whichever of the three hotels you choose to host your next conference or business meeting at, you can be certain that you’ll get to enjoy not just incredible atmosphere and surroundings, but amazing food, too. “We care deeply about the food we serve. The animals have had a good life, and the produce is sustainable, local and of the highest possible quality,” says Brenna. “We really want people to have the space to make the right decisions and feel inspired.” Web: www.mindeværdig.dk Facebook: Ronnede Kro, Hotel Baltic, Hotel Frederiksminde Instagram: @hotelfrederiksminde, @hotelbaltic, @ronnedekro

Scan Magazine | Inn of the Month | Denmark

Inn of the Month, Denmark

Traditional Danish food with a twist made from locally grown and sustainable ingredients At Rønnede Kro (Rønnede Inn) on Southern Zealand, about an hour south of Copenhagen, you can expect a fantastic dining experience that is worth the drive. The food is made mostly from local produce and is always of the highest quality. Your taste buds will thank you for coming here. By Heidi Kokborg | Photos: Rønnede Kro

Rønnede Kro is an inn with a history that dates back to the 18th century, and it has always had a central location along the old highway that through generations has connected the southern parts of Zealand with Copenhagen. “The inn was royally privileged, which meant that it must always open its doors to travellers and be able to accommodate them, and also comply with the needs of their horses,” explains Anders Holst Nielsen, head chef at Rønnede Kro. Throughout the years, the purposes of the inn have been many. It has been a post office, a telegraph station and a merchant, just to mention a few – quite

the busy place. Since 2015, Silje Brenna and Jonas Mikkelsen have been the tenants of Rønnede Kro as well as Hotel Frederiksminde and Hotel Baltic, all of which are a part of MINDEVÆRDIG. But it is not only the history of Rønnede Kro that is rich – so is the food. “The food here is delicious. We are truly passionate about creating fantastic food. Because it is an old, historic inn, most of our food is old, traditional Danish food, but with a modern twist,” says Holst Nielsen. At Rønnede Kro, they also care deeply about animal welfare, so don’t fret: every

single animal has lived a happy life. “Animal welfare and sustainability are very important to us, which is why we only buy meat and fish that we know is local and from a place where they have cared for the animals. All our fruit and vegetables also come from local farms – the majority we get from Kildemarksgården,” Holst Nielsen explains. Though the inn was recently renovated, it has been kept in the old inn style. It is informal, meaning you don’t need fancy clothes – although you certainly can dress up if you wish to! “The atmosphere is relaxed. We have room for everyone here. The place is beautiful and historic, and everyone is welcome,” smiles Holst Nielsen. Web: www.r-kro.dk Facebook: Ronnede Kro Instagram: @ronnedekro

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 93

Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Iceland

Hotel of the Month, Iceland

Get to know Iceland inside and out It is almost a pity to besmirch images from Iceland with text: the stark, beautiful landscape of the North Atlantic island speaks for itself. In the middle of Iceland’s popular south coast, famed for its black-sand beaches, glaciers and waterfalls, lies the little town of Vík. Easy to reach from the capital Reykjavík all year round, it has become a popular place for Icelandic and international visitors even in winter. The warm, modern Hótel Kría gives visitors a taste of Iceland that perfectly accompanies the gorgeous countryside just on its doorstep.

outside, while the staff have been highly praised for their warm hospitality and friendliness, which Melkorka attributes to Icelandic equality. “We have a really nice atmosphere at the hotel – everyone is well-respected and enjoys their job, which is something that guests always notice. Everyone feels welcome here.”

By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Hótel Kría

Hótel Kría is named after the thousands of Arctic terns that make their way to Vík from the Antarctic every summer, the greatest migratory pattern of any animal. The terns nest and rear their young on the stark coast just outside the hotel, making for a cute and lively spectacle that can be enjoyed from many of the hotel’s 73 rooms. When the birds fly south again and winter comes, the aurora borealis instead puts on a show for the hotel’s guests (yes, the hotel provides a frequent and very popular northern lights wake-up service). “Of course, we can’t guarantee that you’ll see them, but we do frequent94 | Issue 131 | December 2019

ly see the northern lights. They’re never the same from night to night, but always magical,” says hotel manager Melkorka Ragnhildardottír. Surprisingly, perhaps, the town of Vík is highly international, like most of the employees at Hótel Kría, who speak English and usually cover many of the guests’ languages. The experience at the hotel is thoroughly Icelandic, however. The hotel’s highly praised Restaurant Drangar serves up an exquisite selection of fresh, seasonal Icelandic ingredients, including Icelandic lamb and fish from the sea

While the north-side of Iceland tends to get cut off from the international Keflavik Airport and Reykjavík, Vík is on the main road and within reach all year round. “We can book both travel from the airport and tours of the area for our guests, and people often appreciate our personal recommendations. In winter, I love the glacier hikes, and the nearby caves, mountains and famous Reynisdrangar basalt sea stacks are beautiful any time of year.” Web: www.hotelkria.is Facebook: hotelkria Instagram: @hotelkria

Live Lofoten restaurant seen from the sea.

Hotel of the Month, Norway

Stay in a cosy little hotel in the heart of Lofoten Situated in the charming fishing village of Stamsund, Live Lofoten Hotel is a hidden gem offering a cosy stay in the heart of Lofoten. Here, you’ll find yourself close to numerous activities as well as the stunning Norwegian nature, while being able to relax in a homely setting.

Live Lofoten Hotel also provides the possibility to stay in traditional fisherman’s cabins near the hotel.

By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Live Lofoten Hotel

Live Lofoten Hotel is a newly refurbished hotel located on the south side of Lofoten in one of its oldest fishing harbours, close to the Hurtigruten port. Originally operating as a SAS hotel for many years, it reopened in July 2018 with new owners and a new look. “We are a cosy, little hotel with several new projects lined up in the near future, offering our guests a complete travel experience in a quiet and homely setting. You will be in the heart of Lofoten but away from the busy tourist spots while avoiding the high season rush,” says hotel manager Aiste Østrem, 96 | Issue 131 | December 2019

hotel, so this is really the optimal place to experience the magnificent northern lights dancing across the sky.”

who runs the hotel. Ronny Østrem is the founder and CEO, who takes tourists on all the varied tours the hotel offers. The hotel consists of 28 modern rooms with everything you need for a comfortable holiday, most of which boast stunning views of the sea and the breathtaking surroundings. “It has a contemporary, Scandinavian style with a touch of Lofoten; the artwork on display throughout is by the local painter Ulf M, who also helped us decorate the rooms,” Østrem explains. “We have minimal lighting around the

Get a taste of the local cuisine With its own restaurant, Skjærbrygga, located on the harbour only a 200metre walk from the premises, Live Lofoten Hotel offers its guests breakfast served at the hotel, lunch, as well as an à la carte menu based on local and traditional ingredients. In the cosy pub section, you can enjoy a drink while playing shuffleboard or billiards, and outside, on the terrace, you can taste local dishes from the barbecue when the weather allows it.

Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Norway

“The atmosphere in the restaurant is laid-back, and we focus on serving typical Norwegian food using fresh produce,” Østrem explains. The menu includes a varied selection of seafood. “We do most of the preparations ourselves, from fishing it to smoking the salmon and drying the cod. Much of what we serve is made from scratch here.” In addition, the hotel has a large room that can accommodate up to 250 people, which you can book for parties, conferences and other events.

A wide range of activities and excursions Lofoten is a 365-days-a-year destination, offering a wide range of activities and excursions. When staying at Live Lofoten Hotel, you are right in the middle of it all, and it is therefore a prime spot to start your adventure in the north. Whether you fancy being out on the sea or on land discovering the pristine na-

ture, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this amazing part of Norway. “We offer RIB boat crab tours, fishing trips, northern lights safari, sightseeing, skiing and hiking, among others things, and are keen to help you explore it all,” Østrem smiles. With daily departures for different types of activities and excursions, the hotel caters to your needs whether you prefer going solo or as part of a group. “Our local guides are full of knowledge and ready to give you an experience of a lifetime, like, for instance, through our northern lights safari. We know all the hotspots and have daily departures in our minivan, hunting for the spectacular aurora borealis!”

“These traditional, old boats provide a unique way to travel, and our captain has vast experience of finding the best fishing spots in the area,” she says. Live Lofoten Hotel is also proud to be the first provider of crab safaris in Lofoten, a one-of-a-kind experience. “On this tour, we will ride out in our RIB boats to the best areas for catching crabs. Here, we will retrieve the crab traps while our guide talks about the traditional crab gathering,” says Østrem. “Once back on land, we prepare the delicious crab so that you get to have a taste of this local delicacy.” Location: Skjæret 2, 8340 Stamsund, Norway

Unique experiences Fishing is the oldest and most important tradition in Lofoten, and Østrem recommends taking an Arctic cod fishing trip in one of their local Lofot fishing boats.

The table is set for dinner.

Web: www.livelofoten.com Facebook: Live Lofoten Instagram: @livelofoten

Ronny Østrem with the catch of the day.

Ronny Østrem, in the middle, showing the procedure of preparing crabs.

A room with sea views.

Aiste Østrem.

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 97

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Finland

Restaurant of the Month, Finland

Oodles of devotion for noodles In 2015, Menkki Kam and his wife Haina Shi decided to fill a gap in Finland’s restaurant offering: to open an authentic Japanese ramen place in the centre of Helsinki, serving dishes prepared from scratch, using the finest ingredients. Fast-forward five years, and Momotoko has established its status as the go-to place for ramen in the country.

gyoza, yakitori, takoyaki and steamed bao. Our salads and vegetables are sourced from Finnish suppliers, using as many fresh Finnish products as possible,” Pollard explains.

By Ndéla Faye | Photos: Momotoko

Ramen is the most popular food in Japan, and the country has over 30,000 ramen restaurants. In 2015, ramen was still a new concept in Finland. Slowly, Momotoko has started to bring authentic ramen to the mainstream within the restaurant scene. “Our goal is to present ramen as a casual food that can be eaten in any mood or atmosphere, served fast but to high quality,” says Curtis Pollard, partner and COO at Momotoko. Momotoko is all about serving authentic ramen, made from the best ingredients, and seasoned with a lot of love and passion for their craft. “We are incredibly proud to serve our own noodles, prepared in-house, and our traditional hearty broth, which is slow-cooked for ten hours. Our pork, chicken and tofu are marinated and prepared in-house to 98 | Issue 131 | December 2019

maintain our standards and flavours in every new location we open. This is not the fastest or most efficient way of doing things – but it’s the right way. There are no shortcuts when cooking a delicious ramen dish,” says Pollard. Since opening their first restaurant five years ago, Momotoko has grown into the biggest ramen restaurant chain in Scandinavia, currently with eight locations, with an additional four restaurants opening in 2020. The restaurant’s tag-line – ‘food is not to be played with’ – refers to how serious the restaurant is about serving quality dishes, which include a number of meat options, as well as a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes. “We work closely with Japanese nationals and Japanese food suppliers in order to maintain and present authentic foods such as

While Momotoko is a fast-casual dining experience, the décor pays homage to Japanese culture – and noodles: the rope feature in the ceiling symbolises noodles, and there are Japanese dragon scale-like features, as well as traditional ramen bowls decorating the walls. “Momotoko has truly found its way into Finnish diners’ hearts. People walk into our restaurants and know to expect quality, authentic food. Our passion and hard work translates into perfect, tasty dishes,” Pollard concludes. The Momotoko App is available on Apple and Google app stores.

Web: www.momotoko.com Facebook: Momotokoramen Instagram: @momotokoramen

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Sweden

Photo: Niklas Nyman

Restaurant of the Month, Sweden

A star-studded dining experience Agrikultur is a beautiful display of Nordic traditions and ancient techniques – a humble yet extraordinary eatery in Stockholm’s Vasastan area that celebrates the simple and familiar in a pared-back setting where food is central. Dining here is something out of the ordinary – as recognised in the shape of a Michelin star. By Emma Rödin | Photos: Joel Åhlin

Agrikultur was founded in 2015 by Joel Åhlin and Filip Fastén, the latter crowned Chef of the Year one year previously in Sweden’s most prestigious cooking competition. The duo set up Agrikultur to create and share traditional food that speaks to the heart – flavours that for Nordic people taste homely and warm, and for others more experimental yet comforting. Further building on tradition, the restaurant’s only heat sources are a woodburning oven and a classic AGA stove, both a nod to the cultural and historical heritage on which Agrikultur is built. “The smoke and fire are flavours and techniques that frame not only our cooking, but the atmosphere too,” explains Jon Bergqvist, sommelier at Agrikultur.

As the name suggests, Agrikultur works closely with selected farmers and producers to deliver on its sustainable promise. Seasonal vegetables, dairy and beef are all sourced from local suppliers, while other types of meat are supplied by Filip himself during hunting season. Look above the bar and you’ll see the head from his first boar. But this accessibility doesn’t make meat a main ingredient – quite the opposite. “When we design dishes,” Bergqvist explains, “vegetables are the base, while meat plays a more supportive role. This means that our menu can easily be adjusted to suit vegan and vegetarian diets, too.” The Nordic-style dishes are carefully constructed, and although innovation

is present, it’s never there just for the sake of it. The sense of familiarity returns in the dining room, which is small and intimate, warm and homely. “It’s like having dinner at home, only the food is cooked to perfection,” one reviewer wrote. Perhaps that’s what earned Agrikultur its first Michelin star in 2018, an achievement the team is delighted over but says won’t change how they work. “We’re proud of our star, but it won’t be what takes us forward. It will attract new guests, but it’s down to us to make them return,” says Bergqvist. With a bright future ahead and star in hand, Agrikultur stays curious, continuing to create Nordic taste experiences where nothing needs to be said or explained – because it’s already there on the plate. Web: www.agrikultur.se Instagram: @agrikulturrestaurant

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 99

Restaurant of the Month, Denmark

A bite of Denmark’s cultural heritage A staple on Danish lunch tables and a must-try for tourists visiting Denmark, ‘smørrebrød’ is getting the attention it deserves at Restaurant Told & Snaps – a traditional Danish lunch restaurant, located only a few steps away from the picturesque waterfront of Nyhavn (one more on the to-do list for many tourists), that serves the classic open-faced ryebread sandwich topped generously with some of Denmark’s finest produce. By Camilla Pedersen | Photos: Ida Ejdrup Nielsen

“Our smørrebrød is classic, but with a twist. The combination of buttered sourdough ryebread, careful flavour combinations of toppings, garnishes and relishes is a mouth-watering treat – also visually. Accompany your smørrebrød with a snaps, and you’ve had a taste of an important part of Denmark’s cultural heritage,” says Mette Borum, owner of Restaurant Told & Snaps. Borum opened the Danish smørrebrød restaurant in the heart of Copenhagen almost 20 years ago, and the establishment is as popu100 | Issue 131 | December 2019

lar now as back then among locals and tourists alike.

A recipe for success Curry herring with red onions, apples and egg. Pan-fried fillet of plaice with hand-shelled Greenland shrimps and homemade remoulade. Or how about warm liver pate with cucumber salad, pickled beetroot and bacon? While the varied menu offers something to satisfy any taste bud, the recipe for the restaurant’s success is simple: a no-fuss

approach and products of the highest quality – mostly organic and almost all homemade. “Our remoulade, mayonnaise, pickles, apple puree – you name it – it’s all homemade. Just like my grandmother did it. The only exception is the sourdough ryebread, which is freshly baked and delivered every day. If we had enough space, we would also make the bread ourselves,” says Borum. Not only the food, but also the interior is traditional. From the street, you take three steps down into the basement and are met by brown panels and wall paintings of royals – a colour scheme that is very different from the brightly coloured townhouses in the busy stretch of Nyhavn, only a few metres away. The tables are a bit close, but that’s part of

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Denmark

the charm. “It’s not unusual for people to make new friends here, as it’s easy to strike up conversation with the neighbouring table. We welcome people of all kinds, ages and nationalities. Especially with the New Nordic cuisine wave sweeping over Copenhagen, we often welcome tourists who are in Copenhagen to try renowned restaurants such as Noma and the likes, but who also want a traditional and authentic food experience. That is exactly what they get here,” says Borum, who enjoys telling guests from afar the story about smørrebrød and its important role in Danish culture. “It’s the story of our tradition for gathering around the table and enjoying a nice and simple lunch together. That’s ‘hygge’ and an important part of Danish cultural heritage – a heritage that is deeply rooted in me, in big part because of my grandmothers. I decided to carry on that heritage by opening Restaurant Told & Snaps.”

Say ‘cheers’! Told & Snaps isn’t just about smørrebrød. As tradition prescribes, good smørrebrød is ideally washed down with snaps – and the restaurant doesn’t just lend space to snaps in the name of the restaurant, but also physically on the premises, where they make the strong alcoholic beverage using only natural and seasonal ingredients. With a choice between adventurous flavours such as

Photo: Restaurant Told & Snaps

walnut, horseradish and browned butter, and more traditional styles, the list is just about as long as the food menu. While Told & Snaps stays true to tradition, the restaurant is by no means stuck in the past. “We’re always developing – not only new snaps flavours, but also ways to operate more ethically and sustainably. We used to serve eels, and the dish was one of our bestsellers, but we took it off the menu as eel is now an endangered species,” Borum explains. Whether it’s the high-quality food, the innovative snaps menu or the cosy ambiance is hard to say – but the many locals who come back year after year after year

to enjoy Borum’s friendly welcome at the door and some of their favourite bites of Danish culture are a true testament that she’s hit a sweet spot on Copenhagen’s food scene. Worked up an appetite? Find Restaurant Told & Snaps on Toldbodgade 2, Copenhagen. Mette and her friendly team are ready to welcome hungry guests every day from 11.30am to 4pm.

Web: www.toldogsnaps.dk Facebook: Restaurant Told & Snaps Instagram: @toldogsnaps

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 101

Restaurant of the Month, Norway

Fast, casual seafood on the go In a day and age when people’s lives are getting busier and eating food on the go is becoming increasingly popular, even quality fast-food options still leave a lot to be desired. Norwegian, fast, casual seafood chain Pink Fish aims to change this, with its growing chain of salmon-based fast food.

holds five restaurants in Norway and one in Singapore, with one more in the pipeline, and a New York-based restaurant is on the horizon.

By Alyssa Nilsen | Photos: Pink Fish

With the motto ‘Good food fast’, the trio has developed a seamless purchasing experience; their website and app let customers pre-order meals to be picked up at their convenience, saving time normally spent queueing for food. All meals are delivered within five minutes, making the restaurants perfect for stopping by on the way home from work, for a quick meal before events or as a pit-stop during the day. The restaurants themselves have a strong and unique Nordic design, allowing them to stand out in their surroundings; all tables are equipped with power and USB-outlets, and there’s free Wi-Fi.

The idea behind the restaurant chain Pink Fish was conceived when chef Geir Skeie, 2009 winner of biennial world chef championship Bocuse d’Or, realised that the fast-food market lacked something essential: the opportunity to buy quality seafood in a casual fast-food setting. In a market dominated by cheap pizza and burger chains, Skeie, along with Ronny Gjøse and Svein Sandvik, found room for a brand-new concept: simple, accessible and affordable meals based on, and built around, Norwegian salmon. In 2017, the first restaurant opened in Oslo, and Pink Fish was born. 102 | Issue 131 | December 2019

“We want Norwegian salmon to be the hero of our concept,” partner and CEO Ronny Gjøse says of the seafood product, “so we’ve worked closely with the Norwegian Seafood Council, our seafood supplier Lerøy, and others, to gain as much knowledge as possible.” He explains that even though Norwegian salmon is immensely common and popular in Norway, it is even more so in the rest of the world, making it an easy product to get hold of and work with everywhere. Aiming to make the brand a big, international chain within ten years, Pink Fish currently

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Norway

Geir Skeie and Ronny Gjøse.

Norwegian salmon, international flavours The menu is divided into five main categories: burgers, wraps and salads, soups, raw/pokébowls, and other seasonal dishes. Each of the categories has meals inspired by Europe, America and Asia. “The dishes contain flavours from the chosen continent,” Gjøse explains. “If you choose the Asian soup, you’ll get a yellow curry, whereas the American soup is a chilli bowl. The Asian burger is inspired by Vietnam or Korea, whereas the Asian wrap is inspired by India. We want to show our customers the diversity of the world through our menu, and make it easy for people to eat good salmon and seafood with a multitude of different flavours in a simple format.” Gjøse continues: “A salmon burger at Pink Fish is made from 100 per cent salmon,

coarsely chopped with only salt added for flavour. It’s completely different from traditional Norwegian fish cakes – this is a proper burger and our top-selling category along with the raw pokébowls.” Health and environmental sustainability are quiet aspects of Pink Fish, not used as part of their profile or for marketing purposes – it’s simply how the restaurants are run. All their meals are served in single-use packaging, meaning plastic was just not an option. In the early days, however, there was almost no such thing as compostable or degradable packaging, resulting in the company itself choosing to design everything they needed from scratch for that very purpose. And the food is eco-friendly and sustainable, too. Fish is one of the few proteins we currently harvest from the ocean, and

there is enormous untapped potential considering seafood is even more sustainable than eating plant-based food. “70 per cent of the world is covered in ocean,” Gjøse says, “and yet only five per cent of the proteins we eat come from the sea.” Still, the number-one goal for Pink Fish is to make good seafood accessible to people who might not normally choose fish when out and about. So far, it has proven a success. Earlier this year, they won the Most Innovative F&B concept 2019 award at the Global RLI Awards 2019 in Hollywood. You can find the restaurants in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger and Singapore at Jewel Changi. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available. Pink Fish proposition: ‘We want our customers to enjoy delicious food, and leave feeling happy, positive, nourished, refreshed and satisfied.’

Web: www.pinkfish.no Facebook: pinkfishrestaurants Instagram: @pinkfishrestaurants

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 103

Café of the Month, Norway

An exciting and luxurious coffee experience Steam Kaffebar is an award-winning coffee bar concept with venues in a number of busy hubs in Norway. Here, you will get nothing but great coffee, tasty sandwiches and yummy pastries – a treat on the go or a nice indulgence in the coffee bar or to bring home. By Malin Norman | Photos: Silje Kverneland

The concept of Steam Kaffebar has a well-deserved reputation for its fabulous coffee and friendly customer service. With a passion for quality, baristas make and serve beautiful cups of coffee and bakers create delicious pastries – all to provide an exciting and lavish coffee experience in the coffee bar or in the comfort of your home. No doubt, this is the go-to place for a nice cuppa, and customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive. One recent visitor from abroad says on TripAdvisor: “Good 104 | Issue 131 | December 2019

little pitstop. Great place to sit and relax, good pastries and lovely coffee.” Another customer concludes: “There is no better place to stop, enjoy a coffee, and watch the people of Oslo pass by.”

Quality in a cup of coffee The team works according to three core values: quality, approachability and accessibility. Steam Kaffebar’s routines, techniques and training of baristas is focused on the best possible taste experience for the customer. All baristas are carefully trained and need to pass an

exam before they can serve coffee in the venues, to make sure the quality is at the highest level. A lot of work goes into a good cup of coffee, and most important is of course the flavour. The coffee is roasted in Norway with 100 per cent control over the quality. Norwegian coffee roasters Fjellbrent, Jacu and Lippe deliver coffee on a con-

Scan Magazine | Café of the Month | Norway

sistently high level, with the same philosophy around quality. Similar to Steam Kaffebar, these suppliers believe that only the best is good enough. Leading up to Christmas, why not treat yourself to a luxurious Christmas coffee or Christmas bun at Steam Kaffebar? Or perhaps try this year’s Christmas cappuccino, which is rich and smooth with notes of orange and chocolate. Steam Kaffebar is available in the following locations: Østbanehallen Jernbanetorget 1, 0154 Oslo Right in front of the main entrance to Østbanehallen, a modern food court in the centre of Oslo. Hand-crafted coffee and amazing pastries. Eger Øvre Slottsgate 25, 0159 Oslo Central location with terrace close to Øvre Slottsgate. Steam Kaffebar Eger was awarded Best Coffee Bar in Norway in 2010. CC vest Lilleakerveien 16, 0283 Oslo The first coffee bar opened by Steam Kaffebar in 2004. An oasis for hand-crafted coffee. Bekkestua Gamle Ringeriksvei 34, 1357 Bekkestua In the middle of Bekkestua. Light and fresh-looking venue with windows on all sides. A fabulous coffee bar with handmade coffee and delicacies. Stavanger Klubbgata 5, 4013 Stavanger In the heart of Stavanger. Cosy coffee bar with handmade ‘kaffi’. Kvadrat Gamle Stokkavei 1, 4313 Sandnes Located by the entrance to shopping centre Kvadrat in Sandnes, this is a fabulous coffee bar with handmade coffee and the best pastries.

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

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 105

Founders Martin Amundsen and Marius Graff with brewer Ida Kristine Stephansen.

Brewery of the Month, Norway

Brewing above the Arctic Circle Norway has a thriving craft beer scene, and one of its brightest stars is Graff Brygghus. This brewery in Tromsø is the creator of tasty beers such as the celebrated Dead Cat Double IPA and the delicious bourbon barrel-aged Christmas beer. By Malin Norman | Photos: Graff Brygghus

Located 350 kilometres above the Arctic Circle in Tromsø, Norway, is Graff Brygghus. It was established in 2015 by Martin Amundsen and Marius Graff in an old building that had been in the Amundsen family for three generations. The founders met a few years earlier. Graff was a dedicated homebrewer already from the age of 15, and Amundsen had a fascination with craft 106 | Issue 131 | December 2019

beer. “Our backgrounds were different, but we soon realised that we had a shared dream about starting a craft brewery,” says Amundsen. In 2014, Graff spent some time in Portland, Oregon, in the USA, brewing on different systems, before they ordered the brew set-up, a seven-barrel system from Portland Kettle Works. It was delivered in August 2015, and the brewery opened shortly after.

Inspiration from modern American beer “We find inspiration in the Portland beer scene,” confirms Amundsen. “We love the modern American beer culture, the openness between breweries and the styles of beer – balanced and with heaps of flavour. These are also the types of beers we are known for.” Dead Cat Double IPA (7.5%) is the brewery’s most popular beer. It is powerful and hoppy, yet balanced and smooth, with heaps of tropical goodness. Impressively, Dead Cat is a finalist in the prominent award Det Norske Måltid (‘The Norwegian Meal’) 2019, in the sub-category Beer of the Year, with

Scan Magazine | Brewery of the Month | Norway

the final taking place in January 2020. Established in 2008, this award celebrates the best food and drink products in Norway. Other popular beers are the Pilsner and the various New England IPAs, as well as the Christmas beers. For instance, Fatlagret Julebokk (8.8 per cent) is a delicious Bourbon barrel-aged version of Julebokk. This one is even more intense, with aromas of vanilla, oak, dried fruits and caramel, perfect for cold winter days. These brewers are continuously experimenting with new beer styles: for example, they have more IPA versions

on the go right now and more beers currently ageing in barrels.

Focusing on quality and expanding production Graff Brygghus produces great, tasty beers with a focus on the best quality. “We bought the system from Portland Kettle Works in order to achieve the quality that we want,” explains Amundsen. “Dead Cat Double IPA has to taste the same every time we brew it – having a high and consistent quality is key.” After four years in the old brewery, Graff Brygghus recently moved to new facilities.

“In the new facilities, we can produce larger quantities of our standard beers, and we will have more space and time to experiment with, for example, barrel-ageing,” says Amundsen. So, expect more exciting and tasty beers from this brewery. Graff Brygghus also offers guided tours and tastings at the brewery. If in the area, take the opportunity to have a look around and taste some of the beer. Web: www.graffbrygghus.no Facebook: graffgrowler Instagram: @graffbrygghus

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 107

Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Denmark BLAM!.

Human In Balance.

Lort Mit Show.

OW Bunker.

Attraction of the Month, Denmark

Quirky and daring theatre with local stories The plays at Teater Nordkraft are inspired by stories from the local community with a quirky edge that will leave you with a ‘wow’ feeling. You will laugh, you will cry, you will wonder. Get ready for an exceptional theatre experience.

tion manual for an AK-47. We interview these people and turn their stories into a play,” Schrøder explains.

By Heidi Kokborg | Photos: Karoline Lieberkind

The spring season also offers praised international performances. You can watch the beloved BLAM!, which is an action comedy by Kristján Ingimarsson. Moreover, you can watch the dance performance Human in Balance, which is a magical show with live music, dance and crazy stunts.

Teater Nordkraft is a small theatre in a big city. Because they are small and have lots of creative freedom, they dare to be a little bit different and take chances. “We work somewhere between the familiar and the quirky – things that people can identify with and where they can see each other and everyday life, and at the same time go ‘What? What kind of twisted mind thought of that?’ This is where art pushes boundaries and changes something,” explains Helen Steensbæk Schrøder, PR manager at Teater Nordkraft. “There are so many brilliant stories from Aalborg. We want to know what it means to be human here. What are people interested in? What do they love and hate? What does the world look like here?” By telling stories from Aalborg and the surrounding towns, Teater Nordkraft hopes to be a part of Aalborg’s trans108 | Issue 131 | December 2019

formation from a city of concrete and heavy industry, to a city of culture and technology. The theatre is also deeply engaged in the growing underground artistic scene of Aalborg, by teaching the students of TGK – a theatre talent programme for youth – at the theatre and facilitating the independent artists of VÆKSTLAG 9000. During the spring season, you will be able to enjoy many fantastic plays and performances at Teater Nordkraft. You can see the brilliantly funny play OW Bunker, which is a finance comedy about, well, OW Bunker. You can also see the more whimsical show Dit Lort Mit Show (‘Your Shit My Show’), a play inspired by all the strange, amusing and quirky things people sell online. “For instance, there is a woman selling an unused wedding dress. Another person is selling a poster with an instruc-

As something new and unique, Teater Nordkraft has created six conversation guides for the audience. “We want people to talk about the shows, to broaden their horizon by listening to what their friends and family thought of the play,” says Schrøder. “By offering these conversation guides, we want to help the audience get an even deeper and more meaningful experience when they see a play.” Web: www.teaternordkraft.dk Facebook: Teater Nordkraft Instagram: @teaternordkraft

Scan Magazine | Experience of the Month | Iceland

Experience of the Month, Iceland

A sausage above the rest Selected by The Guardian in 2006 as Europe’s best hotdog stand, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (‘the Town’s Best Sausages’) in Reykjavík has become an attraction in its own right. More than 80 years old, the hotdog business is run by the granddaughter and great-grandson of its original founder, and despite competition from many new fastfood trends, it is still a sausage above the rest. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

Founded by Jón Sveinsson, Baldur Ingi Halldórsson’s great-grandfather, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur has been a treasured part of Reykjavík for more than 80 years. However, when, in 2004, the former US president Bill Clinton was photographed enjoying one of the stand’s trademark lamb and pork sausages, the hotdog’s fame was catapulted to new levels. “I don’t think he was even intending to stop, but Maja, our oldest employee, who worked with us for 45 years, just hollered him over and offered him a hotdog,” says Halldórsson, who co-owns the business with his mother, Guðrún Björk Kristmundsdóttir. Since then, the stand has been visited by various other famous people, from James Hetfield, the lead singer of the heavy metal band Metallica, to reality TV star Kim Kardashian. Today, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

has stands in five different locations in Reykjavik, and whereas the downtown stand has become a bit of a tourist attraction, the other four still mainly serve a loyal, local clientele.

that many Icelandic people still prefer a hotdog to other fast-food trends. But though Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur has been around for long, its popularity does not seem to be waning, and the owner himself is living proof of why. “People still like hotdogs. It’s such a nice food to drop by and grab,” he says, and rounds off: “I’ve pretty much been raised in the stand and been in the business my whole life, and I still go and eat a hotdog – I still crave it.”

So, what is it that makes the hotdogs so good that locals, foreign visitors, and celebrities all flock to Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur? “There are a lot of rumours about what’s behind the taste – that it’s something we put in the water and so on, but the truth is that we just take hotdogs really seriously,” explains Halldórsson. “Our bread is made with a private recipe that only we have, and we keep everything as fresh as possible; the hotdog is just the right temperature and the bread is steamed to make it super soft.” However, even with an outstandingly good recipe, some might be surprised to learn

Baldur Ingi Halldórsson.

Web: www.bbp.is

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 109

Gallery of the Month, Norway

A space odyssey In a converted shipyard in historic Trondheim, you’ll find Gallery MADA – part gallery, part meeting room, and something else entirely; a space within a space, a pocket of calm, a place built for the whole of a human. By Lisa Maria Berg | Photos: Edina Sæther

“I wanted to make a space that could also give space in people.” Artist and architect Mari Asmervik Trønsdal is passionate – passionate about art, spaces and the people in them. “Imagine a space where, when you enter, it fills you with calm and motion – a place where you can feel good and therefore feel good about being in it. That’s what we’re trying to achieve,” Trønsdal explains.

A place for conversation So what is it? Gallery MADA is that place you hire when you need to hold that very special meeting; that place you call upon when you think, I need someplace where I can think effectively with other people. It’s the space you go to when your group needs space to assess and decide. “I’ve been in many meeting rooms in my career, and even though their purpose is to be a space where a group of people can get together and create some110 | Issue 131 | December 2019

thing, they are often not very inviting nor inspiring spaces. They often feel like a place that’s used by many but cared for by none. I wanted to change that,” Trønsdal adds.

When Trønsdal invited Norwegian artist Solveig Slettahjell to come and play, the ensemble couldn’t stop talking about the ultimate acoustics of a room once used to build boats.

The art The space owes a lot of its atmosphere to the art that hangs on its every wall.

The ultimate acoustics Trønsdal also manages, alongside MADA Gallery, the architectural firm HEAT in Trondheim. She’s a woman with fingers in a lot of pies – with pies meaning a whole lot of houses and spaces across town. The desire to make spaces that inspire became the very essence of MADA. “It’s been moving to hear the testaments of people who’ve been here,” she says. “Some said that the light, the feel and the art of the space somehow changed their perception of the day, making a short and relatively dark winter’s day feel more upbeat, almost otherseasonal. It fills you with gratitude to hear that.”

Mari Asmervik Trønsdal.

Scan Magazine | Gallery of the Month | Norway

Alongside her architectural career, Trønsdal has also put her passion into painting. “I draw from nature in my paintings. Nature as in all living things: humans and the world we live in. I’m intrigued by how art can enable us to let our guard down and allow us to be who we are and who we want to be. There’s power in that and there’s power in people meeting each other when in that state of mind.”

find that perfect point, that spot we’re all so eager to hit, in our lives and in our relationships. “It’s where we all want to go. It’s when we’re in balance that we get a sense of flow, of growth and happiness. By building Gallery MADA on the principles of balance, I hope to inspire balance in whatever work is done here and in the conversations that take place in there.”

Trønsdal is striving for balance, both in her paintings and in the spaces she’s built, to

So far, a wide variety of events have taken place at the gallery. “We’ve obviously had

A multifunctional space

a lot of meetings take place. Firms come in looking for that special place to have that special conversation. We’ve also had mini concerts, book launches and other small and large private gatherings. It’s fun and interesting that the room can be used for so much,” says Trønsdal. Gallery MADA has become a place for holding space – for people, for passion and for relationships. Trønsdal adds: “In many ways, the stripped-down architectural feel combined with the vividness of the art makes for a place where someone can access the resources in themselves – a place to put the mask down, let the outside stay outside for a moment and for there to be true interaction between people.” Trønsdal has built a little pocket of Eden in Trondheim, a town to which pilgrims have ventured to for thousands of years. Now, they can find, on the bank of the river, a little pocket of art and space where they can meet, talk and grow. You’ll find Gallery MADA at Verftsgata 4, 7042 Trondheim, Norway.

Web: www.mada.no

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 111

The nursing programme, illustrated for UCN University College.

Design Office of the Month, Denmark

Translating words into colourful universes and visual narratives When she was a kid, Helle Schütten Johansen could mostly be found with a pen in one hand and paper in the other. Fast-forward a few decades, and little has changed. That is why Helle started her illustration studio, Helleforhelle.dk, in 2017, after 18 years as a teacher and pedagogical consultant with a focus on graphic facilitation. Her working life now revolves around her biggest passion: translating words into colourful universes and visual narratives.

a meeting, or communicating corporate values internally or externally, it all comes down to turning something complex into something simple and clear – through pictures. It is such a powerful process

By Camilla Pedersen | Photos: HelleforHelle.dk

“As a school teacher, I realised how powerful visual communication can be. I therefore started to draw the schedule for each day, so that the pupils could see clearly what activities we were going to do, step by step. It was such a powerful way 112 | Issue 131 | December 2019

to create the predictability and clarity that kids really thrive on. But I see the exact same positive impact on adults: whether it is visualising the roadmap for a big project, using illustrations to summarise the main points and decisions made in

Helle Schütten Johansen. Photo: Zenfoto

Scan Magazine | Design Office of the Month | Denmark

Middle: Illustration made for the Danish Foundation for Entrepreneurship or the material Hjælp – mit barn har fået entreprenørskab. Right: Illustrated for Autism Centre Nord-Bo or the book Det er derfor! – Hvad forældre og andre bør vide om autisme.

tool, as you are forced to zoom in and focus on the key bits, and nothing else. This creates clarity and a clear direction for everyone,” Johansen explains.

Do you see what I mean? Johansen’s unpretentious illustration style is characterised by a touch of naivety and plenty of warmth – and it is used for many different types of jobs for many different types of clients, both public and private. “It is pure magic to see how my work helps people and projects grow. Illustrations can make something that might appear very complicated – for instance, a big project – seem very straightforward by mapping out all aspects of the project, bit by bit, in one image: who is involved, what the purpose of the project is, why it is worth our time, how we will get there. The visuals are sometimes accompanied by short headlines. It’s a great alternative to a lengthy report,” Johansen smiles. “My graphic facilitation courses also create rewarding results that make a real difference. Take, for instance, the group of dyslexic children that I did a workshop with at a school earlier this year. The kids were all super smart, but many of them generally felt like a failure because of their struggle with words. After an intense and fun workshop, they had been equipped with a toolbox of techniques that now enable them to draw anything: people, places, processes – but also more intangible things like speech,

emotions and atmospheres. Being able to use these tools to get notes from class down on paper with pictures instead of words is a game-changer for these kids,” says Johansen, who also offers graphic facilitation courses to leaders, educators and consultants. Helle draws digitally and in layers, using vector graphics, so all illustrations can be scaled to size and used for all sorts of visual assets. “My big illustrations are often made up of many small drawings, with each their story to tell, which together make up the bigger picture. There is always something new to dive into in these illustrations, which have endless details. Do you see what I mean?” she always asks – and this question is the foundation for most of her work, because it is all about conveying the meaning of something and making the viewer see things from a different perspective – one that often offers a much clearer view than in written form. “I think we could all learn a lot from Pippi Longstocking’s life philosophy, and in many ways her can-do attitude has inspired my adventure with Helleforhelle.dk. Before I took the leap, I pictured myself standing on a bridge with this big, white cloud in front of me, resembling the fear of the unknown. Pippi would walk through the cloud, confident and fearless. So, I did, too – and it turns out that there was nothing but magical opportunities and exciting col-

laborations on the other side of the foggy cloud. I’m always very invested in my work and put my heart and vibrant personality into everything that I do – and I’m pretty sure that Pippi would, too.”

Helleforhelle.dk works out of Johansen’s studio in Aalborg and spreads colour and magic with a wide palette of services, including: – Courses in graphic facilitation and visual communication – Visual summaries of meetings, workshops, conferences – Illustrations big and small, including books, logos, posters, gift cards, invitations, and much more – Film animations

Web: www.helleforhelle.dk Facebook: Helleforhelle.dk Instagram: @helleforhelle.dk

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 113

Open pit mine.

Artist of the Month, Norway

White lies Artist Marte Johnslien always studies the materials she uses in her sculptural work, and for the exhibition White to Earth, her final PhD project in Artistic Research at Oslo National Academy of the Arts, she’s immersing herself in the pigment titanium dioxide’s unknown history.

annual production of ilmenite from this ore covers six to seven per cent of the world market, making Norway one of the biggest suppliers of the white pigment in the world.

By Alyssa Nilsen | Photos: Marte Johnslien

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is one of the lesser-known, though still substantial Norwegian exports. A man-made material discovered around 1900 through experiments with minerals containing titanium, TiO2 has become as important and essential as fish or oil. Norway was one of the leading nations in developing the material, through professors Dr. Peder Farup and Dr. Gustav Jensen, who collaborated on producing coloured pig114 | Issue 131 | December 2019

ments from ilmenite, and who obtained the world’s first patent for the production process of titanium white pigment. Johnslien’s project questions why we are unaware of this material. The planet’s largest occurrence of ilmenite on land can be found in Tellnes in the Sokndal area of south-west Norway, and the ore is estimated to contain 12 per cent of all ilmenite in the world. The

Johnslien has followed the material’s journey from the extraction at Sokndal’s Titania AS mine, through to the finished product. The mine itself covers an area of 1.35 square kilometres and is approximately 130 metres deep. Every year, 13 million tonnes of ore are excavated, broken loose by explosions in the ground and crunched over and over again until they reach a particle size of less than 0.5 millimetres, before the ilmenite is extracted.

Scan Magazine | Artist of the Month | Norway

A growing lake of sand The tailings from the extraction process is very fine sand that cannot be used for anything. It was previously dumped into the ocean but has since been moved to a land-based depot after a lot of attention was drawn to the issue in the 1980s by environmental organisations. The current depot has reached an almost unfathomable size. A whole valley is filled with the leftover sand, giving it the appearance of a sandy lake. Trees are being swallowed and the lake keeps growing, as yet more sand is pumped in daily. The depot grows by two million tonnes every year and is estimated to reach its limit in 2024, when another valley will take its place as the dumping ground for the leftover material. Not only is this damaging to the valley and the surrounding areas smothered by all the shifting sand, but the sheer weight and pressure of sand upon sand can make molecules split and release toxic minerals like nickel. The minerals may enter the water flow and eventually be washed into the sea.

Marte Johnslien. Photo: Ingrid Eggen

Detail of sculpture for the exhibition White to Earth, Marte Johnslien 2019.

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 115

Scan Magazine | Artist of the Month | Norway

“Thankfully, regulations are much stricter than they were,” Johnslien explains. “They’re continuously observing how much nickel and other minerals are released. It’s a lot more controlled than even a few decades ago, but, undoubtedly, the mining still leads to nonreversible damage to the nature.” From Titania AS in Sokndal, the ilmenite is transported to the sister company Kronos Titan AS in Fredrikstad, where it goes through the chemical processes turning it into TiO2. “In its natural state, the ilmenite is a blackish brown,” Johnslien says – the polar opposite of the titanium dioxide bright white.

Capitalism’s closest ally “I think of titanium dioxide as capitalism’s closest ally,” Johnslien says. “Because of its high applicability, it immediately became very popular. Due to its opaque and clean colour, its chemical stability, its adhesive qualities and also the fact that it was not hazardous to health so it was believed to be safe for use in food, it has ended up affecting our reality more than I think we are able to envisage,” she says.

Kronos Titan, Iron sulphate from the production of titanium dioxide at Kronos Titan AS.

“Imagine what the world would have looked like without TiO2,” she enthuses. “Food would have looked less inviting, medicinal products would appear less neutral and trustworthy – even the paper of this magazine would be less white! The new, the bright and the clean, white products and materials we surround ourselves with are the objects of desire in a commercial capitalist system, and without the bright white pigment, the world would have been less desirable.” Johnslien continues: “The fact that titanium dioxide is a material we’re constantly surrounded by without being aware of, and that it has affected our modern world to such a large degree, are the driving forces for my artistic project.” She has investigated the material through photographing the places it gets produced, through writing a text about its history and making ceramic sculptures with the material.

116 | Issue 131 | December 2019

Scan Magazine | Artist of the Month | Norway

“The results will be presented as a book, and as two series of sculptures at gallery ROM in Oslo. I am inspired by what the British philosopher Timothy Morton calls hyper-objects — objects so large and omnipotent that we become blind to them. If my work can contribute to making people more aware of their visual surroundings, and how materials we surround ourselves with connect to nature and the ecological system, I think I have succeeded.”

Crystalline glaze, Detail of Marte Johnslien’s tests of crystalline glaze in ceramics.

Johnslien is looking at how titanium dioxide acts when used in ceramic glazes, and how, perhaps, it can tell us more of the material nature of the pigment. In ceramics glazes, TiO2 isn’t used for its white colour, but for its mechanical properties. It binds well to the clay, allowing it to easily coat the sculpture. It can also be used for crystalline effects, where it, by reacting to other chemicals, may produce beautiful crystal shapes on the surface of the ceramic objects. The pure, white properties that are so desired by the world disappear during these processes. Johnslien’s project exposes how our idea that white is pure, clean and immaterial is a constructed truth – a white lie. The whiteness comes from the Norwegian mountains, brought to us through chemical and environmentally damaging processes. She attempts to make us see the whiteness in a new way — and to bring it back to its origins — back to the earth.

The exhibition White to Earth opens at ROM, Oslo, 21 January 2020, and lasts until 23 February.

More information about the exhibition can be found at: Web: www.r-o-m.no More info about the artist can be found at: Web: www.galleririis.com Oslo National Academy of the Arts: Web: www.khio.no

From the exhibition A Square on a Sphere, Lillehammer Art Museum, Marte Johnslien 2018

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 117

Scan Magazine | Humour | Columns

IS IT JUST ME…

By Mette Lisby

… who is too sensitive, or is anybody else bothered by being selected as phone entertainment by bored friends stuck in traffic? I appreciate people giving me a call, but when I answer the phone and am greeted by that awful din and the distant yelling indicating that whoever called me is calling from the car, it always kills my excitement. The person calling will start the conversation, all excited: “HI! I’M CALLING YOU FROM THE CAR!” and while this information is unnecessary, because otherwise they would not be yelling, it is also code for “I’m bored anyway, so I figured why not see if you had something fun to say?” Yes, it’s nice that your friends call you to catch up, but bear in mind that the person in the car has nothing else to do, so unless there’s a real, urgent reason, this person is calling me for the sole purpose of killing time – their time. As it happens, however, it will cost me time, too. That person can chit chat about nothing – on my time-dime, because I’m not in traffic and I’ve got stuff to do – for eternities, interrupting only with the

guaranteed “Oh! Hang on, I’m just going to change lanes here,” and then I am stopped in my tracks, held up by a traffic jam I’m not even in. I mean, really? How did I end up having to waste my time in traffic, when I’m walking around in my kitchen, probably, at least with some likelihood in my pyjamas? You don’t really have quality conversations with people while they’re driving, because they are distracted. You can hear them drift off every time you say something, inattentive to what you tell them, as they should be, since they’re driving around in traffic. They are moving around, operating heavy machinery, and it seems wrong that they should also be able to fully appreciate my super interesting stories about funny details from my everyday life. And bear in mind: whoever is talking to me is in traffic, surrounded by people who are also operating heavy machinery while on their phones – probably talking to you.

Pet Christmas Christmas this year will take place at my sister’s house in Sweden. A total of three dogs, two cats and five adults will cram inside my sister’s house in Jämtland. Five pets are about four too many for my husband, as is my family’s inclination to talk about them during all waking hours. The house itself is technically large enough to fit most of us; however, some rooms lack doors, others heating, others both – a situation that further puts my husband on edge. There are two bathrooms, but one belongs to the cats, as does the main guest bedroom. In this room, it’s important to remain perfectly still while sleeping, or you become practice target for tiny but razor-sharp teeth and claws. My sister is a vet, so there tends to be a lot of pet maintenance taking place: dental care, ear cleaning, worming and so on, all of which puts husband right off his imported mince-pies. Dog walks consist of dragging one dog along while chasing a 118 | Issue 131 | December 2019

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

been mopped up and darkness descends, Christmas peace arrives. Pets snooze in front of the fire, candles twinkle and snow falls softly outside. At this point, husband might agree that Swedish Christmases are quite special. He will, however, be quick to point out that they still aren’t a patch on those spent scoffing pigs in blankets while listening to Slade and torrential rain inside a decent West Midlands pub.

second (the third one is a puppy, who hasn’t yet decided which camp to join). Swedes wear socks indoors, which – as my husband likes to point out – is a bad idea when large parts of the floor are covered by puddles of melting snow, brought in from outside by 20 furry paws. To a non-pet person, it’s all a bit inconvenient and hectic. However, once the snow puddles have

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.

Scan Magazine | Culture | Music

Scandinavian music It’s been a while since we last heard from Sweden’s Frida Sundemo, but the critically acclaimed artist is back with her first material of 2019, just in time to make it into everyone’s year-end best-of lists. Don’t be fooled by the seemingly resilient title of new single Nothing Can Hurt Me, though; she’s back with an absolute heart-breaker – a soft dose of a fragile vocal that’s been bathed in lush strings and gently massaged by a comforting drum-beat, in an effort to make it feel better about things. Winter blues incoming. For something a bit more upbeat, head over to Norway and check out the latest release from producer collective Rat City. They’ve roped in Canadian star Kiesza (with whom they had previously collaborated under their guise as Donkeyboy – remember them?) to feature on new single Naked With My Headphones On. The mental imagery attached might not lend itself well to the chill you’re feeling everywhere at this time of year, but if you just go with it, you’ll be rewarded with what can best be described as

a winter warmer. A reggaeton-flavoured pop tune that turns into a sizeable, bombastic banger just in time for the first chorus. Back in Sweden, the legacy of Ted Gärdestad lives on: right now, through his daughter! Sara Zacharias has just released her new EP, Hjärtslag, and it’s the title track that is grabbing the most attention. The song sounds like a cross between the more glampop elements of ABBA, and the Americanastyle, country-tinged dance music of the two hottest producers in Sweden right now, Vargas & Lagola. As a result, she’s managed to produce a track that evokes both the best of today’s Swedish pop talent, and the best of yesteryear’s Swedish pop talent. Quite the feat, really. Finally, two Scandinavian superstars have been asked to provide music for two different films that have come out over the holiday period. Both are the kind of ballads that you would typically hear playing over the end titles of your favourite family film, albeit both with the artist’s own spin on them.

By Karl Batterbee

Norway’s Sigrid has released Home To You from the film The Aeronauts, which is lyrically perfect for this time of year when we all make our way back to the fold for a few days. Sweden’s Zara Larsson, meanwhile, has turned in the inspirational Invisible, from the Netflix Christmas film Klaus.

Web: www.scandipop.co.uk

Björk Vulnicura VR experience. Photo: OTHERWORLD

Scandinavian Culture Calendar – Where to go, what to see? It’s all happening here! Polar night, longing, and other blue hours (Until 20 December) Fittingly, for an exhibition that closes just shy of the year’s shortest day, Polar night, longing, and other blue hours explores the dark moments experienced by young Finns. The imagery on display fuses digital technology with 19th-century cyanotype sketching, featuring writings, drawings and selfies by young Helsinkites on a journey of self-exploration. 10am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday. Cultural Centre Caisa, Kaikukatu 4, 00530 Helsinki, Finland www.caisa.fi

ABBA: Super Troupers the Exhibition (Until 31 August 2020) The life and legacy of ABBA will go on display at the O2 Centre this month. 120 | Issue 131 | December 2019

Theatrical installations, such as getting to relive the legendary 1974 performance of Waterloo, are at the core of the exhibition. Lyrics, instruments and other artefacts are also on display to shed light on the iconic group’s backstory, including each individual member. The O2, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX, UK www.theo2.co.uk

By Johanna Iivonen

fuse classical music and festive tunes with northern Norway’s indigenous Sami soundscape. 9pm. The Arctic Cathedral, Hans Nilsens vei 41, 9020 Tromsdalen, Norway www.visittromso.no

Christmas and New Year’s concerts at the Arctic Cathedral (27 December - 1 January) Tromsø’s architectural gem provides a one-of-a-kind setting for three nights of musical festivities. The iconic 1960s building is famed for its striking glass paintings, a gigantic organ and exceptional acoustics. This year, the concerts

Polar Night, Longing, and Other Blue Hours.

Scan Magazine | Culture | Calendar

Vinterbadefestival (31 December) Looking for a brisk way to shake off 2019? Look no further than the annual New Year’s Eve swim in Søndervig. The tradition is growing in popularity. Last year, some 2,000 people joined in for a brave dip in the chilling waters of the North Sea – followed by Champagne and oysters by the beach. 11am. Søndervig beach, 6950 Ringkobing, Denmark www.vinterbadefestival.dk

Björk Vulnicura VR (until 31 December 2019) A VR headset and a sensory-curated setting are all it takes to step into the Icelandic world of Björk, right in the heart of Hackney. Set against a backdrop of the barren island’s striking landscapes, complete with fans to mimic the Arctic breeze, the new virtual reality version of the 2015 album Vulnicura is available exclusively here until the end of the year. 9am to 11:45pm. OTHERWORLD, 336 Acton Mews, Haggerston, London, E8 4EA www.other.world

Shelter Seekers by Ghiju Diaz de Leon at Lux Helsinki. Photo: Otso Kähöne

Lux Helsinki 2020 (4-8 January) With the festivities done and dusted, early January can bring about a moment of gloom. Not so in Helsinki, where the annual Lux festival will once again see large stretches of the Finnish capital lit up in creative light installations. A number of related events and the Lux Helsinki Eat festival complete the pic-

Polar Night, Longing, and Other Blue Hours.

At Lux Helsinki. Photo: N2 Albiino

Participants at Søndervig Vinterbadsfestival. Photo: Holmsland Klit Turistforening

Issue 131 | December 2019 | 121

Scan Magazine | Culture | Calendar

Tromsø Arctic Cathedral. Photo: David Jensen / Jensen Media

ture. The route map can be downloaded from early December. www.luxhelsinki.fi

Bergen Lights (17-19 January) Bright lights, old city. The town of Bergen celebrates its 950th birthday with a festival of light over the course of a January weekend. Lighting artist Birk Nygaard has been tasked with 122 | Issue 131 | December 2019

making the coastal city bask in an innovative glow to mark the start of a full year of festivities celebrating the nearmillennium of urban life in Bergen. The route map will be published by late December. www.bergenlights.no

The Arctic – While the Ice Is Melting (until 10 October 2021) Greta Thunberg has become the face

of climate change, but a vastly broader picture of the worrying phenomenon is on display at this new exhibition that explores the effects of climate change on the Arctic region. The lives of some four million people who call the northernmost shores of the planet home are on display through objects, photos, design, artwork, films and projections. 10am to 5pm. Nordiska museet, Djurgårdsvägen 6-16, 115 93 Stockholm, Sweden www.nordiskamuseet.se

Scan Group

Published on Dec 3, 2019

Scan Magazine, Issue 131, December 2019

From pampering skincare and spa treatments to delicious food and drink and a list of must-watch Nordic films, this issue presents a number o...

Scan Magazine, Issue 131, December 2019

Published on Dec 3, 2019

From pampering skincare and spa treatments to delicious food and drink and a list of must-watch Nordic films, this issue presents a number o...

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