Scan Magazine, Issue 134, March 2020

MARCH 2020 ISSUE 134 PROMOTING BRAND SCANDINAVIA

CAZZIOPEIA: SWEDEN’S K-POP HIT MAKER NORDIC FEMALE POP STARS WORTH YOUR ADMIRATION VIKINGS, VIOLINS AND VIRTUAL REALITY – CULTURE SPECIAL NORWEGIAN TRAVEL: FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE FJORDS

Scan Magazine | Contents

Contents COVER FEATURE 42

Cazzi Opeia: The Swedish Hit Machine From a childhood in small-town Sweden to songwriting sessions in South Korea with more than a billion Spotify streams to her name as a result, Moa Carlebecker Forssell, better known as Cazzi Opeia, is making waves on the K-pop scene and beyond. We spoke to her about Sweden’s penchant for pop music, the liberating experience of K-pop, and sending music to the stars.

42 52

of inspiring, educating and refreshing cultural experiences, from the cities to the beaches. Or how about some classical music played the way it was intended, or an attempt at the world’s fastest marathon? These are our top destinations for a cultural trip to Denmark this year.

60

Sweden boasts not just one of the world’s most prolific start-up scenes, but also the highest percapita export of pop music; clearly, this cultural nation up north is doing something right. Take a trip to explore everything from ABBA, IKEA and the Vikings to art in the archipelago and a museum of fascinating sketches. This is our guide to your cultural adventure in Sweden this year.

DESIGN 6

Get the Scandi Look This month sees a new concept as part of our design section, showing a covetable Scandi room and the ways in which you can get the look. Add a number of stunning furniture and design brands, and your home will look all Nordic in no time.

CULINARY SECTION

72

22

A Tasty Session From thirst-quenching session IPAs to worldclass whisky, and from salty liquorice to creamy, organic dairy, this month’s culinary section will tickle your taste buds whatever floats your boat.

Scandinavian Culture Special – Sweden

86

Top Destinations to Visit in Norway in 2020 Plan your next mountainous, fjordilicious holiday in Norway, with stunning nature, fishing opportunities and cosy accommodation. Or, visit Norway’s booming capital, complete with quality cafés, outdoor saunas and brand-new art museums. If you’re going to Norway in 2020, here’s what you shouldn’t miss.

BUSINESS 100 A Helping Hand in Business

SPECIAL FEATURES 32

Qualifications and Pop Formations We spoke to a few Danes behind impressive, successful education institutions as food for thought, should you want to change direction in the coming months or years. As part of this culture special of ours, we also thought it apt to list our very favourite female singers and songwriters to come out of Scandinavia over the past decade.

86

SPECIAL THEMES 46

Scandinavian Culture Special – Denmark From Viking history and rune stones to outdoor fun and fresh oysters, Denmark offers a breadth

From an intuitive reporting tool and a full-service digital agency to tips, courtesy of columnist Steve Flinders, for clear written communication across business territories, this month’s business section is somewhat of a helping hand for getting your business off the ground – and keeping her going from strength to strength.

CULTURE 130 What is Truly Scandinavian?

We introduce a new columnist this month, straight from the blog Fika Online, commenting on all the latest conversations and trends in the Nordics, alongside the usual musical heads up from our very own Scandipop, of course, and the definitive list of the Scandinavian cultural events not to miss over the coming weeks and months.

REGULARS & COLUMNS 6 104 114 120

Fashion Diary | 8 Street Style | 10 Get the Scandi Look | 103 Conference of the Month Hotels of the Month | 108 Restaurants of the Month | 112 Café of the Month Attraction of the Month | 116 Experience of the Month | 118 Museum of the Month Gallery of the Month | 124 Artist of the Month | 128 Humour

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 3

Scan Magazine | Editor’s Note

Dear Reader, I practically grew up at the local culture school. I was in the choir and took violin lessons, piano lessons and singing lessons, and I played in the orchestra.

The one I attended was housed in an old building with cracks in some walls, but through those cracks creativity, encouragement and enthusiasm came seeping in. Culture schools like this are heavily subsidised by the state in Sweden, and such public investment into culture, creativity and the arts is seen across the Nordic countries. It’s no wonder that they all have rich culture scenes and stunning museums, and that they top global lists for cultural contribution and innovation.

Some parts of Scandinavia’s cultural legacy will be familiar to most: ABBA, Viking history, IKEA designs and the stories of H. C. Andersen. Some players work more behind the scenes, like this month’s cover star, Cazzi Opeia, who may not be known by name to most but is behind hits with more than a billion Spotify plays.

Spring feels like the perfect time to celebrate this dazzling, fascinating legacy every year: just as nature prepares to explode into colour, so do we.

sents a little bit of everything: fjords, mountains – and indeed a capital city guide complete with floating saunas and brand-new art museums.

Keen readers will have noticed that we’ve expanded our columnist offering in recent months. What better issue than our annual culture special to introduce our new culture commentator, Xander Brett from Fika Online? We now have a food expert, a beer sommelier, a music connoisseur, and an award-winning design writer. Add a charming cartoonist, a celebrated comedian, a sharp business communicator and, last but not least, our new culture writer, and I think you’ll agree that our columnist pool is quite impressive. Kick back, watch the sun return, and enjoy all these insiders’ advice on all things Scandinavia.

Linnea Dunne, Editor

SCAN

While Norway boasts a fair share of cultural destinations too, it’s hard to justify going there without taking in all that nature has to offer. Our Norway guide this month, therefore, pre-

M A G A Z I N E

Scan Magazine

Graphic Designer

Steve Flinders

Scan Client Publishing

Issue 134

Audrey Beullier

Ndela Faye

15B Bell Yard Mews

Maria Vole

Bermondsey Street

Cover Photo

Liz Longden

London SE1 3TY, United Kingdom

Niclas Brunzell

Mette Lisby

Phone +44 207 407 1937

Maria Smedstad

info@scanmagazine.co.uk

Contributors

Xander Brett

www.scanmagazine.co.uk

Ingrid Opstad

Karl Batterbee

March 2020 Published 03.2020 ISSN 1757-9589 Published by Scan Client Publishing

© All rights reserved. Material

Sanna Halmekoski Josefine Older Steffensen

Sales & Key Account Managers

contained in this publication may

Camilla Pedersen

Emma Fabritius Nørregaard

not be reproduced, in whole or in

Print

Heidi Kokborg

Mette Tonnessen

part, without prior permission of

Uniprint

Nicolai Lisberg

Johan Enelycke

Scan Client Publishing.

Executive Editor

Louise Hurst

Advertising

trademark of Scan Client

Thomas Winther

Malin Norman

marketing@scanmagazine.co.uk

Publishing.

Emma Rödin

To Subscribe

This magazine contains

Kristine

scanmagazine.co.uk/subscribe

advertorials/promotional articles

Scan Magazine® is a registered

Louise Older Steffensen

Johanna Iivonen Creative Director Mads E. Petersen Editor Linnea Dunne

Nødgaard-Nielsen Pia Petersson Ulrika Kuoppa Nina Bressler Alyssa Nilsen

Copy-editor

Lisa Maria Berg

Karl Batterbee

Marie Mannes

4 | Issue 134 | March 2020

Scan Magazine | Design | Fashion Diary

Fashion Diary…

It is that time of year again, when the sun seems to finally start shining a little bit brighter, the birds can be heard singing, flowers are blooming, and new beginnings are in sight. With this seasonal shift, we look at how you can make a stylish transition into spring by adding a few new yet timeless fashion staples to your wardrobe.

By Ingrid Opstad | Press photos

Simple and sustainable, the LIV earrings from Arctic Fox & Co are the perfect high-polished hoops. With a unique structure, this stand-out pair creates a timeless elegance designed for everyday wear. Style these edgy hoops with anything from smart office attire to glamorous evening wear.

Arctic Fox & Co, ‘LIV’ earrings, £30 www.arcticfoxandco.com

We’ve officially entered ‘should I wear a jacket’ season, when one moment you need one and the next it’s too hot. The answer is this elegant trench coat from Norwegian brand Tom Wood. It is easy to throw over your smart outfit, but just as easy to throw over your arm once the sun comes out. Closed and paired with heels, it can also be worn as a dress.

Tom Wood, ‘Tide’ trench coat, £343 www.tomwoodproject.com

For the perfect office style this season, we look at Swedish brand Boomerang and its simple, smart Nordic approach. Team up a slightly oversized shirt with a pair of well-tailored wool trousers for a timeless and classic look, which can be enhanced with a few carefully selected accessories.

Boomerang, ‘Joanna’ shirt, £95 Boomerang, ‘Ditte’ trousers, £119 www.boomerang.se

6 | Issue 134 | March 2020

A classic pair of Chelsea boots is a great staple in any fashion conscious wardrobe, and the perfect shoe to see you into spring as it goes with most outfits.

The Freja boot from Swedish brand Primeboots is handmade in Spain in cognac cow’s leather. Made to last, they are sure to remain a solid favourite in years to come.

Primeboots, ‘Freja’ boots, approx £247 www.primeboots.com

Scan Magazine | Design | Fashion Diary

Mads Nørgaard’s iconic thermo jacket for men, the Quilt Janus, has been in its collections for many years and never changed, which truly makes it a timeless classic. The jacket has a tight fit and is lightly padded – perfect for the wayward Scandinavian weather.

Mads Nørgaard, ‘Quilt Janus’ jacket, £116 www.madsnorgaard.com

For a casual and comfortable yet stylish look this spring, Livid has the answer. By combining a Japanese approach to textile and construction with a contemporary Scandinavian aesthetic, focusing on materiality, form and texture, the Norwegian brand’s new collection is full of Scandinavian apparel inspired by Japanese finesse.

We love this floral shirt made of a light and airy fabric, paired with these highwaist, loose, straight trousers.

Livid, ‘Elliot Japan Floral’ shirt, £145 Livid, ‘Barnes Japan Mid Brown’ trousers, £135 www.lividjeans.com

For decades now, Swedish brand Saddler has been designing, manufacturing and selling fashion accessories that can be worn every day. This classy computer bag in high-quality leather is perfect for work or travel. It has an interior compartment that holds a 13-inch laptop, as well as pockets both front and back, and an adjustable and removable shoulder strap.

Saddler, ‘James’ computer bag, £139 www.saddler.com

Walk into spring with a pair of new, minimal trainers from COS. With an edge-coated toe-seam detail and a classic lace-up design, these leather trainers are an updated take on an everyday classic.

COS, leather sneakers, £89 www.cosstores.com

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 7

Scan Magazine | Design | Street Style

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

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

Sari Vuorinen Finnish merchandiser at Reserved clothing store, @sari_vu

Julia Laupsted Norwegian Julie Laupsted @julielaupstadmusic

“My style is quite feminine and classic. I like to wear high heels, jewellery and hats.

I often mix different styles and may wear a traditional shirt with ribbed jeans. During spring time, I like to wear leather jackets, and during the summer I wear skirts and dresses. I buy most of my clothes from the shop where I work. In Finland, I used to shop at flea markets. My hat, trousers, shirt, and shoes are from Reserved. The jacket is from Finland. The watch is by Michael Kors, and the bag is my mum’s old bag by Yves Saint Laurent.”

“My style is quite simple: T-shirt and jeans, so pretty Nordic. Often, I end up wearing Nordic brands such as Monki and H&M. I almost never part from my Fjällräven backpack. I go to concerts nearly once a month, and I always buy a T-shirt when I go. I live close to Westfield shopping centre and do most of my shopping there or on Carnaby Street. My jacket is by H&M, the shirt is by Monki, my pants are by Pull and Bear, and my shoes are by Converse.”

Damon Njie .

Damon Njie Swedish creative entrepreneur @damondenial

Sari Vuorinen.

8 | Issue 134 | March 2020

“My look is quite street-style. As a teenager, I wanted to stand out, so I ended up wearing hoodies and baggy jeans. Now my style is a more grown-up version of the street style; I might wear Chelsea boots and brands like Billionaire Boys Club. My style is also influenced by rap music. I used to shop online, but now I like to go to vintage shops where I can find items that are more special. My trousers are Vlone bondage cargo pants, the jacket is from a vintage store, my trainers are Nike Air Force 1, the shirt is by Philipp Plein, the necklace is from Amazon, and my ring is Ian Connors Revenge.”

Julia Laupsted.

Scan Magazine | Design | Get the Scandi Look

Get the Scandi Look Are you looking to update your bedroom in a minimal style with neural accents and decorative Nordic details? We covet this beautiful bedroom by Ida Thun, a Swede living in Ireland, who sure has an eye for interiors. Keep reading for inspiration on how you can recreate the look with Scandinavian design items for a calming bedroom in neutral shades.

By Ingrid Opstad | Press photos

A fabric pendant lamp can help create a soft and effortlessly stylish look, perfect for the bedroom.

We think this beautiful Pendant B7 lamp by Danish designer Birgit Østergaard is a great alternative – a hand-made product with a high degree of finish and flair for details. The design is created from sail cloth with white leather lacing. The unique structure is emphasised when the lamp is turned on, and it provides pleasant light in your home without dazzling.

Birgit Østergaard, ‘Pendant B7’ lamp, £325 www.birgit-oestergaard.com

The beautiful wall lamp in Ida’s home is by Swedish company

By Rydéns but no longer in production, but the Staple wall lamp from Menu will do the trick if you want to get a similar look.

Available in both brass and a black version, it is a fresh take on iconic, modern design. The lamp is a part of the Tribeca collection, which was inspired by the glamour of New York in the 1930s and rediscovered by Danish designer Søren Rose.

Menu, ‘Staple’ wall lamp, brass, £221 www.finnishdesignshop.com

10 | Issue 134 | March 2020

Scan Magazine | Design | Get the Scandi Look We love how the beige curtains in Ida’s home tie in the whole look of the bedroom with their natural shades. Her curtains are from Ellos but no longer available, but these velvet curtain lengths from H&M Home are a great option for a similar vibe. The velvet curtains are made from a viscose and cotton blend with a wide, cased heading and are 120 by 250 centimetres.

H&M Home, two-pack velvet curtain lengths, £69.99 www2.hm.com

This lovely, handmade macrame and knot cushion in off-white with black pattern is perfect for adding a bit of bohemian Scandi style to a minimal bedroom. It really ties in all of the warm, neutral tones and adds a touch of texture to this simple room, making it inviting and cosy.

Nordal, bohemian Scandi macrame cushion, £29 www.hausconceptstore.com

A new duvet cover to snuggle up under when you go to bed can be worth more than can be described in words. Swedish brand Juniper offers a curated assortment of timeless, luxury-quality bed sheets at a fraction of the price of traditional retailers – perfect for adding ‘hygge’ in an affordable way.

Juniper, the duvet cover single, £200 Juniper, the duvet cover set of two, £250 www.juniperofsweden.com

The Hedria glass vase from Danish homeware brand Lene Bjerre in Major Brown adds a lovely touch and looks beautiful on the nightstand. Use it with fragrant flowers in the summer, cosy branches in the winter, or pampas grass as seen in Ida’s home.

Lene Bjerre, ‘Hedria’ vase, £30.75 www.lenebjerre.com A big trend in Scandinavian interior design at the moment is using pampas grass as a decorative element, and we think it adds a delicate and beautiful touch to a minimal, Nordic home. Ida has displayed these decorative, small, ivory-white Cortaderia pampas grass on her nightstand. They are approximately 40 to 50 centimetres long and come in a pack of around five, from The Little Deer, which also sells a great variety of other dried grass and flowers.

The Little Deer, ‘Cortaderia’ pampas grass, £11.50 www.thelittledeer.co.uk

In Ida’s calm bedroom, she has used the Skybox side table from BePureHome, but we suggest going Scandi with the more affordable and similar ‘Björknäs’ bedside table from IKEA. The classic collection has its roots in the Scandinavian craftsmanship tradition and is made with durable, natural materials. Tip: if you want to get the same look as Ida, simply paint the ‘Björknäs’ bedside table – but make sure to prepare the wood properly beforehand.

IKEA, ‘Björknäs’ bedside table, £70 www.ikea.com

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 11

Create your dream space If the home truly is where the heart is, then it is very important to make the home a place that satisfies you and your daily needs. Getting help to find the optimal solutions for your budget is one of the best ways to make the most of your space.

Kubik Indretning specialises in interior design for kitchens, bathrooms and closets for both private clients and professionals.

By Josefine Older Steffensen | Photos: Kubik Indretning

Kubik Indretning, based in Herning in Denmark, helps clients to make the most of the interiors of their homes.

Whether in the building phase of a home or as a renovation project, the company can help to fulfil any dreams you have for a space. “We have our large showroom in Herning, where people can come in and do their own shopping, but then we also offer an interior design service,” explains Dorte Brandt, co-owner of Kubik Indretning.

The company opened its doors in 2010 and has since then been helping people 12 | Issue 134 | March 2020

how the space is going to be used. This can often be difficult to imagine for our clients, so we make it as visual a process as possible and draw on our many years of experience to figure out where to put everything to optimise the space and its utility,” says Olesen.

with their kitchens, bathrooms, storage solutions, lighting and everything in between. “We like to find out a lot about our clients, so we usually start with a home visit to understand the room and how it’s used. That way, we can make the best initial plan,” explains co-owner Karin Grønning Olesen.

“We’re always striving to create something that’s a bit different and that actually suits our clients, rather than ordinary, run-of-the-mill solutions for interiors. We want high quality and good design, whether we’re helping to furnish one room or an entire house,” adds Brandt.

High quality and good design

Although a visit to the showroom is not necessary for getting help with interior designing, it can be a very useful way to understand the different materials and how everything will look combined. “We have quite a large showroom that’s al-

After the initial consultation, Kubik Indretning works to create a visual plan for the space. “We consult with our clients and work out where the best places will be for certain furniture and

Scan Magazine | Design Profile | Kubik Indretning

most like our inspiration board. It’s filled with the designs and styles that we like and use in our projects, so although we can’t offer a one-to-one scale of our drawings, we can definitely give an idea of what the finished product will look like,” says Brandt.

International projects Kubik Indretning has a strong partnership with Boform, Poliform and Multiform, alongside many other renowned companies providing interiors, lighting and appliances. Its partners never compromise on quality, and they have an excellent variety, which means that there is something to suit all budgets. “We encourage people to mix and match. Often, people think that they have to choose from only one brand to make sure everything fits together, but everything is made to order. We can find an easy solution to the corner cupboard

or the awkward space under the stairs – that’s never a problem,” says Olesen.

Kubik Indretning also works with clients abroad and has completed projects in the US, as well as the UK. Wherever the project might be, Kubik Indretning can help to simply inspire or to act as project managers for the interiors and help with every step.

Light up your home Alongside the more traditional interiors, Kubik Indretning also specialises in lighting. “Lights are often an afterthought, but they actually help to shape a room. We use three types of lights: general, functional and atmospheric. For every room, we’ll consider the daylight and then decide on general lighting to ensure there’s always good light in the room. After that, it’s the functional lights, which help to opti-

mise the use of the room. The atmospheric lights are there to give the room the small details and to highlight other details, or to just add that extra level of pizzazz,” explains Olesen.

Working with Kubik Indretning not only ensures the best-quality products and access to a huge variety of producers but, more importantly, it sees to it that your dreams for your home are realised. It can be difficult to visualise how something is going to work or to plan exactly where your knives are going to be placed in the kitchen, but with 25 years of experience, Kubik Indretning is a reassuring partner to have on any project. www.kubikindretning.dk Facebook: kubikindretning Instagram: @kubikindretning

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 13

Timberman Denmark specialises in wood, cork and vinyl hard-floor coverings. Pictured is a grey, washed oak plank floor.

The climate positive future of cork Timberman Denmark A/S has provided hardwood floors to private and commercial projects since 2001 – always with a sharp focus on sustainability and social responsibility. But when it included cork flooring in its product portfolio one decade later, as part of its joint venture with Amorim, the world’s leading cork manufacturer, it took its business to new and even more climate-positive levels.

more CO2 than they emit throughout the entire production cycle, which makes it the world’s first climate-positive flooring,” explains Fisker.

By Camilla Pedersen | Photos: Timberman Denmark A/S

Not only does each square metre of cork flooring do good for the environment; the production of cork is also climate friendly, as it doesn’t involve wood cutting or machines. “Cork comes from the bark of the cork oak tree. Oak harvesting is a profession that is passed on from generation to generation. The harvesters split off the outer layers of a cork oak tree by hand, using an axe without damaging the rest of the tree – a delicate process that requires skill, precision and practice. A cork oak tree can be harvested when it is 25 years old, and then every nine years. A

While wooden floors are still an important part of Timberman Denmark’s product portfolio, the Jutland-based company sees a growing demand for cork flooring – a trend that only proves that a strong foundation of cork is future proof. “Cork is one of the most sustainable materials available, but Amorim has been using it for 150 years, so it’s interesting to see how it has now become a material that everyone talks about and appreciates for its versatility and many positive impacts 14 | Issue 134 | March 2020

in their quest for a more climate-positive future,” says Mogens Fisker, managing director of Timberman Denmark A/S. While the company has offered a variety of cork floors since it joined forces with Portuguese Amorim in 2011, the most recent product addition is truly ground-breaking. “Amorim WISE is our new range of cork flooring, which has a carbon-positive footprint. It is made of cork and recycled materials that absorb

From bark to base

Scan Magazine | Design Profile | Timberman Denmark

About cork flooring: In addition to being climate positive, cork flooring is also: – Ergonomic: cork is a soft and comfortable material with several ergonomic benefits.

– Sound absorbing: cork has a positive acoustic effect and reduces noise by up to 20 decibels.

– Insulating: the insulating properties make the floor feel naturally warm.

– Durable and easy to maintain: a cork floor is easily cleaned with water and soap.

Amorim WISE is a non-PVC and 100 per cent natural cork floor. It is available in a wide range of finishes. Pictured is Manor Oak.

typical lifetime is over 200 years, meaning that a tree can be harvested up to 19 times,” Fisker says.

The material itself is recyclable and the residue from the production is granulated, after which it can be used as environmentally friendly biofuel. The majority of the harvested bark is used for wine stoppers, and the rest is converted to cork granulate, which can be used for insulation, aircraft production, the fashion industry, building materials – and cork floors.

Bark harvested from cork oak trees in Portugal. Cork production is one of Portugal’s biggest industries.

Traditional textures and Scandi-style While people are becoming more and more environmentally conscious, aesthetics still matter. “Most people associate cork with wine stoppers and brown cork floors that were modern a few decades ago, but a lot has changed. You can still get the floors with the traditional cork texture, but the new generation of cork floors offers surfaces that look like real wood or stone floors. They are stylish, modern and Scandinavian-looking, but also offer an extremely efficient natural sound absorber, due to their cellular structure. This makes a big difference in modern Scandinavian new-builds that are often characterised by large spaces and high ceilings – in private homes and workplaces as well as public high-traffic areas. When you use cork in your flooring, you enjoy the benefits of the material, no matter if it’s in the actual surface or as part of the construction.”

Facts:

Peeling bark off the cork oak trees requires skill and precision.

– A single cork wine stopper absorbs almost 400 grams of CO2 in its lifetime.

– The entire production of Timberman’s range of cork floors takes place in Portugal, the world’s biggest producer of natural cork.

– Timberman Denmark A/S was established in 2001 after a management buy-out of another well-known company, Trip Trap Denmark.

– Timberman entered a joint venture with Amorim Group, Portuguese cork producer as well as manufacturer and supplier of Wicander’s cork flooring.

Wooden floors are still a big part of Timberman Denmark. Pictured is the Wideplant Oak Country Brushed Nature.

www.timberman.dk Facebook: Timberman Denmark A/S Instagram: @timbermandk LinkedIn: Timberman Denmark A/S

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 15

Sofa from the Casework collection in collaboration with Snøhetta, a series of lounge furniture made with extra focus on sustainability and craftmanship.

A legacy of globally esteemed icons, produced locally It all began in a little workshop in Svendborg, Denmark. The year was 1954, a time when people did what they could to prolong the lifetime of their belongings, much like today. So that’s what Erik Jørgensen started doing for a living: as a trained saddler and upholsterer, he gave new life to worn-out upholstery furniture and soon became known for his skill, precision and care. So much so, that Hans J. Wegner knocked on his door one day. The rest is history – a history that put iconic pieces from Erik Jørgensen Møbelfabrik into many homes and acclaimed spaces globally. But production stays local in Svendborg.

between him and flourishing designers a few years later – designers such as Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sørensen, who challenged the status quo through their modern modes of expression,” says Niels Jørgensen, who took over the company with his brother Ole when their father passed away in 1998.

By Camilla Pedersen | Photos: Erik Jørgensen Møbelfabrik

Icons in the making

“Our dad was very visionary and slowly grew his upholstery business, piece by piece, with uncompromisingly high standards of quality and craftmanship. In the early 1960s, he moved out of his little workshop and into a furniture factory, where he could also develop his own designs. It was a decade that was characterised by change and innovation. People had 16 | Issue 134 | March 2020

an increased spending power, and that was reflected in private homes. A wind of change swept across continents and offered room for elegant and light designs to replace the dark and heavy pieces that had furnished private homes. This development shaped the designs that were produced in his factory and also marked the beginning of a series of collaborations

The praise of Erik Jørgensen’s work quickly spread, and iconic designers such as Hans J. Wegner and Poul M. Volther approached him with their challenging designs, which demanded supreme upholstery skills and finesse. “Hans J. Wegner contacted our dad in 1988, as his Ox chair from 1960 had proven difficult to upholster. One year later, it was launched at the international furniture fair in

Scan Magazine | Design Profile | Erik Jørgensen Møbelfabrik

Erik Jørgensen Møbelfabrik employs 50 skilled craftsmen in the factory in Svendborg, where the entire production takes place.

Milan, and it has been a design icon ever since. We also still produce Volther’s Corona chair,” says Jørgensen.

“But making furniture is not easy nowadays,” he continues. “Many manufacturers move production to eastern Europe and Asia, and designs are copied everywhere. It’s a shame, as good design needs time and attention. This tendency also makes the life cycle shorter, which is obviously not very sustainable. It’s a very sad development, but we insist on doing things differently and keeping production local. Thanks to our father’s uncompromising approach, Erik Jørgensen Møbelfabrik has always been associated with high quality, and it is something we have cultivated even more over time

by gradually making use of finer leather goods, better foam and even more care through the processing of the materials. We’re always striving to do better.

That’s also why we’re now collaborating with the Norwegian brand Snøhetta on design that focuses on adaptable and sustainable materials.”

Moving into the contract market When the oil crisis in 1975 made people hold on to their money, Erik Jørgensen started to design furniture for the contract market. This led to close collaborations with design duo Johannes Foersom and Peter Hiort-Lorenzen – a collaboration that is still going strong and has resulted in a portfolio of internationally acclaimed projects.

“Over the years, we have been part of some significant projects that we’re extremely proud of, including the Bella Sky hotel at Amager, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Copenhagen Opera House and the Maersk Tower in Copenhagen.

These are all projects where a great deal of respect has been given to the building, and we’re happy to contribute to the architecture and enrich the experience for the visitor. And at the end of the day, that’s what we want our designs to do. Good design is not just aesthetically appealing; it also needs to be comfortable. Form always follows function in good design.

A well-designed piece of furniture lures people in with its aesthetic appeal. When they sit, they experience its comfort – it’s almost like a flower that opens up.”

While balancing contract and private markets, and classic versus modern pieces, one thing is certain: “The main principles of design and quality are still based on the legacy of our father. His flair for craftsmanship and upholstery is still the underlying theme in our practice today. And that’s why production remains with our skilled workers right here in Svendborg.”

Left: Erik Jørgensen Møbelfabrik is a second-generation company run by Erik Jørgensen’s two sons, Niels and Ole Jørgensen. Right: Erik Jørgensen works with many national and international design talents, including Swiss designer Hannes Wettstein, who drew the Delphi sofa that has already become a classic thanks to its iconic design.

www.erik-joergensen.com Facebook: erikjoergensencom Instagram: @erikjoergensen Pinterest: Erik Joergensen LinkedIn: Erik Jørgensen YouTube: Erik Jørgensen

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 17

Scan Magazine | Design Profile | FLEXA

Sustainable and safe furniture for kids Since 1972, FLEXA has designed children’s furniture and interior items that combine Danish design with the highest standards of safety and quality. Sustainability is not even a question; it is part of the company’s DNA. The products are designed to last for generations and bring joy to kids across the globe.

products, so as a parent you can be sure that they are safe on every level. And not only are the products safe; they are also sustainable.

By Heidi Kokborg | Photos: FLEXA

“Our products are sustainable right from the beginning. We design products that last a lifetime, and they can be used again and again. They have a very long life-cycle, because the quality is so high and the designs so flexible,” Madsen explains.

FLEXA was founded in 1972, a time when both parents and schools in Scandinavia started focusing more on child development and the importance of children having their own space where they could grow, develop and be themselves. “The very first product we designed was a flexible bed, which is how the company got the name FLEXA. Our products are still designed based on the idea of flexible children’s furniture that can be reconfigured as the child grows, meaning that our products last a very long time,” says Carsten Dan Madsen, CEO at FLEXA. Today, FLEXA has expanded its collection from just beds to include the entire kids’ 18 | Issue 134 | March 2020

room, where they focus on three areas: sleep, play and study. “The needs, interests and activities of a child change with age. That is why we decided to focus on sleep, play and study and create furniture that fits into these areas. All our products are designed and developed based on our experience and knowledge of children and their development,” says Madsen.

Sustainability and safety As a parent, you want your child’s furniture to be as safe as possible. At FLEXA, safety is considered in all details of the products, complying with the world’s strictest safety requirements. Moreover, FLEXA doesn’t use any chemicals in its

The production takes place in Estonia, close to forests, and FLEXA plants new trees at the same speed as that with which it uses the materials. All the wood is certified and environmentally friendly.

FLEXA is sold in 50 countries and has 150 shops across the globe. www.flexaworld.com Facebook: Flexaworld Instagram: @flexaworld

Scan Magazine | Design Profile | Znorki

Making sleeping fun for everyone A mouse, a dog or perhaps even a crocodile: Znorki has turned something as ordinary as bed linen into a child’s best friend.

By Nicolai Lisberg | Photos: Znorki

It started out as a necessity for Sara Olesen and her family. They had three children in two years, and sleep was thin on the ground – mainly because one of the children kept throwing away his comfort blanket during the night and started crying when they could not find it again.

At the same time, they needed to buy new bed linen, but all they could find was bed linen designed for adults. That is when Olesen came up with the idea for child-friendly bed linen shaped as animals, with a cuddle cloth attached to the blanket or the pillow.

“In the beginning, it was just meant as a solution to our problems. The first one I designed was a mouse, where the nose of the mouse works as a cuddle cloth.

The idea was to make something that

was fun for the children and practical, as well,” explains Olesen, owner and founder of Znorki.

It turned out that she was far from the only one facing the issue of having to constantly search for cuddling cloths, so she began selling to friends, before creating the company about two years ago.

Since then, the bed linens, which are all made out of 100 per cent organic cotton, have been such a success that Znorki is planning to export to other countries in the future.

do, but since the bed linen also works as a teddy bear and friend, the idea is that they might actually enjoy getting tucked in by their parents,” says Olesen, and rounds off: “You can create so many stories connected to the animals. If your child is afraid of monsters, the crocodile can protect it and help scare the monsters away, for instance, while the ears of the dog are great for snuggling. It triggers the imagination and offers comfort, and that’s what it’s all about: bringing the fun back into children’s design.”

Bed linen as a best friend The bed linens are made for both babies and toddlers, and besides the mouse, you can also buy bed linen shaped like a crocodile or a dog. “I wanted to make it fun and joyful for children to go to bed – something children usually don’t like to

Sara Olesen.

www.znorki.com Facebook: znorki.dk Instagram: @znorki.dk

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 19

Scan Magazine | Design Profile | WoodenDay

Andreas Andersen..

Furnishing craftsmanship “I must admit that there’s always a little twinge of sadness when I deliver a handcrafted piece of furniture,” says WoodenDay’s owner and furniture designer, Andreas Andersen. “They’re time-consuming undertakings, and I put my heart into making them, and it’s a bit nerve-wracking and slightly bittersweet having to see them go. But it’s always worth it at the end, when you see the client’s reaction and realise they love it just as much as I do.”

By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: WoodenDay

Andreas Andersen has been designing furniture since 2016. Originally a carpenter, he approaches each piece through the wood he uses, creating beautiful tables, bookcases, benches and more. “It all started out with an acquaintance of mine asking if I could make them a plank table desk. It turned out there was a huge market for bespoke plank tables, and slowly, I discovered the joy of making my own designs. There’s something very special in letting the wood speak for itself and bringing out the grain and lines that give each piece character,” he says. “I make plank tables to order, and I’ve made a lot of them by now, but that doesn’t stop each of them being a little adventure in itself.”

20 | Issue 134 | March 2020

Nowadays, WoodenDay receives commissions from all across Denmark.

Andersen, who handles and delivers every larger order himself, is ready and willing to take on the rest of the world, too. “I really love the customer contact – getting to see how people like your product at the end and being set challenges and given new ideas at the beginning. It motivates me to do my very best every time, and getting to work on so many different pieces has helped my own sense of design evolve tremendously,” he adds. “I’ve got a bit of a different approach to design than most designers, I suppose, with my carpenter background, and that made me free to

experiment and evolve quite organically from piece to piece.”

One of Andersen’s most cherished pieces is a dining table made from polished American walnut planks joined together by a thin and elegant line of copper. “I love American walnut; it’s a very elegant and charitable wood type to work with, as is elm, and oak of all kinds is wonderful, too. I’ve got a particular penchant for smoked oak at the moment – it adds an elegant darkness to a wooden surface,” he says.

If taken care of, a WoodenDay piece can last for generations, although Andersen stresses that the furniture should be loved and used exactly as the client wants.

www.woodenday.dk Facebook: woodenday Instagram: @woodenday

Scan Magazine | Food and Drink | Column

Photo: Unsplash

Louise’s Nordic kitchen: liquorice

By Louise Hurst | Photo: Louise Hurst

You either love it or hate it. With liquorice, there is no in between! Wander into any supermarket in the Nordic countries, and you’ll see that the shelves are inundated with this sweet-salty confectionary. You’ll even find shops dedicated to all things ‘lakrits’.

You won’t be surprised to find that there’s also a festival devoted to this time-honoured confectionary.

This year, it is being held at Fotografiska in Stockholm from 27 to 29 March and has something for all liquorice lovers, from cookery demonstrations to taste testing.

Why is there such an obsession with liquorice? In case you didn’t know, it’s a root, originally used for medicinal purposes until the 19th century. It was particularly favoured as a remedy for digestive issues and fighting the common cold. However, an English apothecary, George Dunhill, is said to have combined it with sugar and other addi22 | Issue 134 | March 2020

tives in the 1800s, and our love of liquorice commenced.

eating it, and that pretty much includes everyone outside of the Nordic countries.

Nordic liquorice comes with a warning, though: it can be salty! ‘Salmiak’ or ‘salmiakki’ is an acquired taste. Ammonium chloride is added to give it its distinctive flavour and slightly strange taste. The strength can vary from mildly abrasive to a sensation almost as though somebody has sandpapered your tongue and then poured salt on top. Salt liquorice can be a hard sell to those who haven’t grown up

Such is the love of this distinctive flavour that you’ll find it in all manner of dishes, sweet and savoury: ice-cream, cakes, energy balls and even herring, lamb and beef. On a night out, you can also enjoy a few shots of salmiak-flavoured vodka.

The question is, are you a lover or a hater? I’m most definitely a lover – I can’t get enough of the stuff.

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

Photo: Unsplash

In the name of session

By Malin Norman | Photo: Malin Norman

One of my favourite types of beer at the moment is Session IPA. It has become a go-to for many beer drinkers and a musthave on tap for pubs and bars. Considered to be more ‘sessionable’, it is perfect as we move from heavy winter to a promise of spring.

But what is a Session IPA? The intention is a hops-forward, flavourful beer that is lower on the booze and easier to drink than a full-on IPA. The name ‘session’ refers to the possibility to enjoy several lower-alcohol beers during an extended session in the pub.

Scandinavian brewers have come up with some fabulous Session IPAs. Swedish brewery Dugges’ All the Way Session IPA (4.2%) is a strong contender, well- balanced and brimming with as much hoppiness as stronger versions. Unsurprisingly, the brewing mantra was ‘more hops,

more hops’. Another hit is Poppels’ Session IPA (also 4.2%), a wickedly hoppy beer that is perfect for days in the spring sun.

Moving on to our Danish neighbours, Dry & Bitter has produced Christian Bale Ale Session IPA (4.6%), a heavy-hopped beer with Mosaic hops. The always fabulous brewery To Øl, meanwhile, has released City Session IPA (4.5%), a juicy and fresh New England-style thirst quencher – a great sessionable alternative for all hop-heads.

From our Norwegian friends, Amundsen’s Everyday Hero (4.7%) is a nice choice, combining drinkability with refreshing citrus and floral hops. And why not try Aegir’s Littlebro Session IPA (4.7%), as well? This is a dry and crisp beer with fresh hop aromas. This brewery’s promise to make ‘beer that makes you want to smile’ is certainly assuring.

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 134 | March 2020 | 23

Røros butter is the best-known product from Rørosmeieriet. Photo: Trond Andersen

Organic dairy products – in tune with nature Focusing on craftsmanship and keeping in tune with nature, Rørosmeieriet is Norway’s only fully organic dairy, offering a varied selection of high-quality products originating from the profound food traditions of the Røros region.

By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Rørosmeieriet

Located in one of Norway’s leading regions for locally produced food, with long traditions when it comes to dairy, Rørosmeieriet is a company with a rich history. Its facilities at Røros date back to 1970 but have been renovated several times to keep up with modern technology and requirements. From 1977, the dairy was run by the largest Norwegian dairy product cooperative, Tine, but when the company was threatened with closure in 2000, four of its employees decided to join local eco farmers and founded a new 24 | Issue 134 | March 2020

dairy. Rørosmeieriet opened its doors in January 2001, with a new approach and newfound enthusiasm.

“Back then, the aim was to create more jobs than there previously were, while at the same time proving that it was worth having a dairy here at Røros. The goal was to provide a financially sustainable operation, not least to help utilise all the organic milk created on farms around the region,” says Trond V. Lund, CEO at Rørosmeieriet. In 2013, all of these goals

were reached, and today the dairy boasts 40 employees and impressive growth.

“The goal was to process 1.5 million litres of milk, which we exceeded by 13 million litres last year,” Lund says proudly.

Products favoured by chefs The people behind Rørosmeieriet are passionate about producing high-quality products originating from the profound food traditions in the Røros region, offering a range of organic dairy products such as milk, cream, sour cream, butter, sour milk, fresh cheese and yoghurt.

“You can tell that our products are the result of craftsmanship because of the flavour, and many of them are favoured by chefs all around the world because of it,” says Lund.

Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature | Rørosmeieriet

Consequently, the Røros butter, which is the best-known product, can, for instance, be found at most Michelin- starred restaurants in Norway as well as at world-renowned Noma in Denmark, and even as far afield as in Singapore.

“Firebake in Singapore uses Røros butter, among other things, to produce their own ice cream, and they say it’s the best butter in the world!”

Gentle production and sustainability As Norway’s leading supplier of organic dairy products, Rørosmeieriet insists on maintaining a gentle production. “We try to treat the ingredients as carefully as possible, meaning that we use the lowest possible temperature with minimum pressure, and let produce mature and ripen without speeding up the processes. For instance, our butter takes an average of four and a half days to make because of its complex process,” Lund explains.

Being one of the only dairies still using traditional methods, Rørosmeieriet stands out from the crowd. “We keep to the old-fashioned way of producing butter. The cream is acidified for a long time and then gets churned before dry salting with unrefined, Norwegian sea salt.

We work to maintain its natural colour, firmness and taste,” says Lund. As a result, the butter is less compact than

You can find the recipe for these traditional Norwegian ‘lapper’, among other things, on the Rørosmeieriet website. Photo: Øivind Haug

other types, with an aromatic, slightly acidic and defined butter flavour.

Another key concern at Rørosmeieriet is sustainability. In 2006, it was the first dairy in Norway to use cartons made of only renewable materials. “Our first step towards becoming more sustainable was to use upcycled plastic, while also reducing the thickness of the carton. In 2018, we launched a new brown carton, which is more environmentally friendly since it doesn’t have a printed layer,” Lund explains. Besides this, Rørosmeieriet has taken great strides in recent years to work on green energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by installing district heating and energy-efficient windows as well as carbon dioxide heat pumps.

Visit the new Opplevelsesmeieriet Rørosmeieriet is excited to invite visitors to its new experience centre, set to open at the start of the summer and perfect for learning about history, food culture and dairy dissemination through stimulation of all the senses. It will offer guided tours and activities such as participation in product development. “We want guests to sense, experience and understand Rørosmeieriet through educational and fun experiences. You will have the opportunity to learn about the dairy and its history, taste products that may not be on the market yet, and try to make

Top: Hilde Myhren shows how you can make your own Røros butter. Photo: Nikol Herec Bottom: In the shop, you can buy a great selection of products from Rørosmeieriet, and much more.

Photo: Eli Wintervold Fjell Ljom

your own product,” says Hilde Myhren, project manager for Opplevelsesmeieriet. “We want to convey the entire ‘milkyway’, as we call it – everything from what the cow eats to the finished product.”

So far, parts of the centre are already open and have quickly become popular among not only school classes, businesses and pensioner groups, but also others who are simply curious of and genuinely interested in the products. Myhren recommends groups to pre-book their visit but also explains that there will be weekly guided tours scheduled throughout the summer, which anyone can sign up for and join. “There is much more craftsmanship in our dairy than many people might think, and many people today are unfamiliar with how food is made, so this is why people find it exciting to come here and actually see how it is done,” Myhren says.

“In our shop, you can buy products from Rørosmeieriet, a glass bottle that can be refilled with milk, the Røros butter slicer designed for us by Bjørklund, and much more. And we have our own ice cream, which we believe is the best in the world, so I recommend stopping by,” Myhren smiles. www.rorosmeieriet.no Facebook: rorosmeieriet Instagram: @rorosmeieriet

At Rørosmeieriet, you can bottle your own organic milk.

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 25

Stauning Whisky’s experimentation has led to the world’s first 100 per cent heather-smoked whisky.

Like its peat whisky, heather is matured on first-fill ex-bourbon barrels, resulting in a deep, fruitful drink.

The Spirit of Jutland’s west coast In 2005, a radio programme about whisky inspired nine guys in Jutland, Denmark.

The group got together to make Denmark’s first whisky, as a hobby project, wondering whether whisky production in Denmark was viable at all. It certainly was – and the international whisky legend Jim Murray caught wind of their project early on. After tasting their first new make, he declared to their amazement that their Stauning Whisky had potential to become one of the best in the world.

By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Stauning Whisky

To be exact, Jim Murray uttered that “those who love peated whisky would kill their own mother to get their hands on a bottle like this”. With words like that to keep them going, the nine friends decided to turn their weekend adventure into a serious business venture. 15 years later, Stauning Whisky is the oldest and largest, but by no means the only, successful Danish whisky producer.

“As it turns out, Denmark has perfect conditions for whisky. It makes sense if you think about it – we’re just across the water from the British Isles, whisky’s motherland. Our little village 26 | Issue 134 | March 2020

of Stauning is at the same latitude as Edinburgh,” says co-founder Hans Martin Hansgaard. “We have an excellent climate and high-quality rye, barley and water. Whisky actually includes all the same ingredients as beer and rye bread, and the Danes have already made those into an artform.”

A Stauning success In 2019, Stauning Whisky was named World’s Best New Make of the Year at the World Whiskies Awards. “The new make is the pure virgin product, fresh from distillation, before we start aging it in casks,” Hansgaard explains. “The

aging process changes the flavour and look of the whisky – actually, whisky comes out clear and becomes golden from the cask – but it can also mask any imbalances in the flavour of the new make.” In the new make, meanwhile, there’s nowhere to hide. “Having a base whisky that wins awards on its own is a testament to the quality of the raw ingredients and the effort we put in.”

In order to give Denmark’s first-ever whisky the best possible start in life, the Stauning group went back to original Scottish production methods. “Traditionally, whisky was produced from whatever barley and rye were available locally. You could taste the nuances of the region in the drink. As distilleries grew, however, and demand and competition became fiercer, a lot of the big distilleries started sourcing their ingredients from far away. The resultant whisky loses a bit of its individual spirit, if you’ll pardon the pun.”

Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature | Stauning Whisky

New Nordic Whisky The Stauning group’s early decision to keep all processes in-house and ingredients locally sourced coincided with the budding New Nordic movement, which sought to modernise the Danish kitchen by first going back to honest, traditional ingredients and processes before playing around with them. The New Nordic movers found kindred spirits in Stauning Whisky, and by 2011, many of Denmark’s most prestigious bars and restaurants – including Noma, the world’s best restaurant at the time – featured a range of its whiskies.

The new distillery opened on the old premises in 2019. Just outside the village of Stauning, it remains as committed to handcrafted quality as ever. All of Stauning’s barley and rye is grown within three kilometres of the distillery, and production remains staunchly in Stauning, from the malting of the grains to the final maturation and bottling. Burning local peat adds a luxuriously smoky fullness to the whisky, which then undergoes double distillation in copper pot stills. “One thing that people often remark on is the fact that you can really make out the individu-

al ingredients,” Hansgaard says. “There’s a fruitiness and fullness to our products that belie the whisky’s age. It tastes very mature and full-bodied.”

In 2015, Stauning Whisky entered into a partnership with the world’s largest spirit manufacturer, Diageo, which allowed for the expansion to occur. “It’s

a fantastic partnership. They recognise that what makes us special is our commitment to the local, and they trust us to experiment when we feel like it and to otherwise get on with it, which gives us maximum freedom and flexibility.”

When they set out in 2005, the Stauning group were making 100 litres a year.

Their new facilities allow them to produce 900,000 litres annually. “It sounds like a lot, but it actually isn’t,” says Hansgaard. “It is not uncommon for Scottish distilleries to produce up to 15 million litres every year. An output of 900,000 litres a year means we can play in the big league, but without compromising on honesty or quality, and it means we can remain the ardently local business that we’re proud of being.”

Stauning Whisky has fast become a large business in the area, bringing vitality and tourism to Stauning. Its guided distillery tours have become hugely popular with both Danish and international tourists, giving whisky connoisseurs and ignoramuses alike an honest and intriguing look into the mysterious world of spirits and angel’s shares… www.stauningwhisky.com Facebook: Stauningwhisky Instagram: @stauningwhisky

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 27

An intimate break from digital distractions Nærvær, Danish for ‘presence’, is a restaurant and bar that wants to create just that – a pocket in the heart of Copenhagen that offers an intimate, cosy and warm setting for people to be present and connect with each other – offline.

By Camilla Pedersen | Photos: Nærvær

The idea was born out of a frustration over digital distractions – some of them important, most of them not. As a result, the two owners, Finn Paulsen and Danny Diduch, both with a business background and no experience from the restaurant business, have created a go-to place for Copenhageners and visitors from near and far looking for a chance to connect and be present with each other over an affordable glass of wine and a light bite.

“It can be a big challenge to be and stay present in our global, connected world, where screens constantly demand our attention. But sometimes all it takes is a little nudge – and that is what we want to 28 | Issue 134 | March 2020

offer our guests here at Nærvær,” says founder Danny Diduch.

But how do you create a space that gets people connected and present? “It’s all in the details,” the founder continues. “We worked with Norm Architects to create an atmosphere that would make people look at each other instead of their screens.

This resulted in an industrial framework and concrete walls with a dark but warm colour palette that not only was defined by the task at hand, but also references the old quarter of Christianshavn, the charming Copenhagen neighbourhood that houses this new, modern building.

Tall greenery, warm wooden panels and dim lightning; the distance between the tables that ensures privacy; the little corners and nooks we created; the colour scheme and tactility of the décor – every single detail counts and encourages connection and presence. Not just among our guests, but also between the staff and guests. The only distraction is the stunning view over the canal and Copenhagen’s old city centre.”

Wine and dine Focus was on good and affordable wine when Nærvær opened in 2017, but the guests turned out to be hungry for more than the popular bar snacks. “We soon realised that there was a demand for more food, so then we added more dishes to the menu for both lunch and dinner. But as the long list of wine by the glass reveals, good wine is as important today as

Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature | Restaurant Nærvær

Danish squid with Beluga lentils.

Ceviche on pike perch.

it was when it all started. We want to inspire our guests to try something new, so it’s an important part of our concept that our wine is not just available by the bottle, but also by the glass – at the same price per glass as if you bought the whole bottle. This encourages our guests to explore something new, and they can try different wines in one sitting. Selling wine by the glass also means less waste, so it’s a winwin,” Diduch says. The selection of wine changes with the seasons and features a wide range of lighter wines to accompany the sunshine and long summer evenings, whereas heavier wines are served when the days are shorter.

Guests can not only enjoy guidance from the passionate restaurant manager and sommelier Michael Fauerholt on which wine to select; there are also wine menus to pair with the dishes that are cooked up by head chef Camilo Rosas and his team in the open kitchen. It’s a fusion kitchen centred around seafood and vegetables, but also with a few meat dishes on the menu. Bar snacks are available all day, and for lunch the menu offers dishes that are perfect for both business meetings and casual lunches. The evening menu offers 15 fusion-style dishes of starter size to be mixed and matched according

to preference, all changing continuously to stay seasonal.

“The food is the creation of the brilliant Camilo Rosas, who treats our guests to traditional dishes with a gourmet twist,” says Diduch. One of our most popular dishes at the moment is Danish squid with beluga lentils, dried ham and a foamy cheese sauce, but the team can also tempt with hand-cut tartar from Danish jersey ox, served with crispy Jerusalem artichoke and a citrus salad with baba cake for dessert. Our dishes are flavourful and accessible – and they of course pair brilliantly with our wines.”

About Nærvær: Nærvær offers a wide selection of wines from all over the world and in all price ranges. It imports wine directly from small producers in Italy, France and Spain.

The creations from the kitchen can be enjoyed with or without a wine menu, and you are just as welcome to visit for just a glass of wine and the view.

Nærvær regularly arranges wine tastings, wine dinners with wine manufacturers, and other events.

Citrus salad with baba cake.

www.naervaer.dk Facebook: NÆRVÆR Instagram: @naervaer.dk

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 29

Scan Magazine | Culinary Profile | Læsø Saltsyderi

Læsø Saltworks use medieval methods to turn sea water into sea salt flakes.

Seasoned by Mother Nature The now world-renowned Læsø Sea Salt has made its way from the tiny Danish island of Læsø and into private homes and the best of restaurants, where it has become a staple used to add the finishing touches to big and small culinary experiences. The recipe for success? Equal parts geological conditions, winter storms and a dry climate, seasoned generously with a respect for medieval salt seething methods.

By Camilla Pedersen | Photos: Læsø Salt

“Læsø Sea Salt is really a one-of-a-kind product, and we can only credit Mother Nature and our ancestors from the Middle Ages, who found out that by putting the unique combination of Læsø’s geological conditions and climate to use, they could add some more flavour to their lives,” says salt seether Morten Bo Jørgensen.

“The southern part of the island has some very low meadows, called Roennerne, which are often flooded by seawater in winter. When the storm settles, the water stays but is stopped by a solid layer of clay at a depth of one to two metres.

This means that the water remains near the surface, and eventually dries out in the

summer months, and over a longer period of time this process creates the very saline ground water with a salt concentration of up to 14 per cent salt, as opposed to ordinary seawater, which usually has a salt concentration of about three per cent.

Combined with large forest areas, this saline water makes the island ideal for salt seething,” Jørgensen explains.

After collecting the saline water from their three wells, the salt seething takes place at Læsø Saltworks – a living museum that is open for visitors to come and see the process first-hand: how the saline ground water is poured into large iron pans and

heated over open fire until the salt crystallises and is moved into baskets where it is left to dry – exactly like it was done in medieval times. The characteristic flaky sea salt has a unique taste that comes from a series of minerals and adds character to a wide range of delicacies that can be found in the Læsø Saltworks shop: chocolates, caramels, popcorn and more.

About Læsø Saltworks: Læsø Saltworks started out as a historical workshop in 1991 to keep young, unemployed locals busy.

The idea was born when remains of some medieval saltworks were found during a series of archaeological excavations on the island.

In 2004, the economy was so steady that Læsø Saltworks turned from workshop into workplace and now has ten full-time employees, with an additional eight people during the busier summer period.

Læsø Saltworks welcomes 90,000 tourists a year and offers free guided tours and other activities from April to October.

www.laesoesalt.com Facebook: Læsø Salt Instagram: @laesosalt

30 | Issue 134 | March 2020

Unlock the world at Aarhus School of Marine and Technical Engineering You won’t find another technical degree as broad and full of possibilities as Aarhus School of Marine and Technical Engineering’s degree in marine and technical engineering (‘maskinmesteruddannelsen’). Danish sailors, merchants and shippers have relied upon their marine and technical engineers (MTEs) to take control of the technical aspects of ships and see them safely to shore for generations. Recently, their breadth of knowledge, propensity for leadership and technical skillset have seen more and more MTEs stay on land, employed in a never-ending array of industries and positions in Denmark and beyond.

By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Kristoffer Mølstrøm

Out at sea, marine and technical engineers need to maintain a cool, calm overview of everything going on within the ship. At the same time, they must possess technical knowledge specific enough to deal with any problem that arises. The welfare of everyone on board depends on them. On land, there are 32 | Issue 134 | March 2020

few industries that wouldn’t also benefit from having someone like that onboard their team, something that plenty of technical companies have already realised. Nowadays, in fact, 80 per cent of MTEs from Aarhus School of Marine and Technical Engineering end up working on land.

One of the school’s recent graduates, Thomas Vonsild, a confirmed landlubber, believes he owes the success of his recent career shift to the degree. Like many of his fellow students, Vonsild already had a well-established technical career, having worked as a graphic printer at a local newspaper for many years. “I felt like I couldn’t really advance to where I wanted to be on the career path that I was going down. The world was changing and though I’d loved my job, I needed further training if I were to work in a technical management capacity,” he recalls. “I came into the degree intending to use it as a stepping-stone from one career to another; it was clear from the beginning that it would open up a world of different career options to me, and it did.”

Scan Magazine | Education Feature | Aarhus Maskinmesterskole

The degree takes place over the course of three to four and a half years, depending on the student’s background.

Those with significant relevant vocational experience, like Vonsild, tend towards three years, while people coming straight out of school receive extra training, ensuring that everyone is on a level playing field once they get together. “In my cohort, ages ranged from 20 to 50,” Vonsild says, “which was brilliant. People come to the degree from very different backgrounds. Some come from a more academic background, others are highly experienced in the practical aspects. We all learnt a lot from each other and all came out as more well-rounded professionals as a result.”

“The teachers have impressive professional backgrounds, and they know how to pass on that knowledge to us. It’s a long-existent degree solidly built up around traditional technical and mechanical understanding, but it’s continually updated, which is crucial in the increasingly digitised world of today,” Vonsild explains. “Robotics, automation and coding, for example, play increasingly big parts in the degree.”

Leadership and project management are equally important parts of the degree, and in the latter terms, students are able to specialise in four fields: technical project management, maritime, energy technology and management, and an international exchange.

Help shape the future Practical instruction and internships begin early in the course, ensuring that everyone comes out of the degree with relevant work experience, which undoubtedly contributes to the fact that 97 per cent of alumni find employment soon after graduation. Vonsild, who followed the technical project management track, interned at the giant Danish pump manufacturer Grundfos, before picking up a job with the packaging company DS Smith. “Now, of course there was a bit of time between graduation and landing that job,” Vonsild is keen to note. “You still have to put in the work to get the good jobs.”

As a corrugator manager in the production at Grenaa at DS Smith, Vonsild oversees the making of corrugated cardboard packaging. “It’s certainly a field that looks towards the future. It’s a much greener form of packaging, and we’re seeing a great increase in interest from all types of businesses.

It feels great to be adding something with real value to the world. And I have no doubt that I would not have got this job without my marine and technical engineering degree from Aarhus,” he says.

“There’s still a lot of respect in Denmark and abroad for the ‘maskinmester’ title.

It opens doors.”

Vonsild’s fellow Aarhus alumni work as energy consultants, business manag-

ers, environmental engineers and many other positions, as well as in more technical roles. Aarhus School of Marine and Technical Engineering has put together the degree with the World Economic Forum’s employment predictions for the fourth industrial revolution in mind, setting up their students to help steer the future towards a greener, healthier, more digital future full of possibilities.

“I’ve already recommended the degree to quite a few colleagues looking for their next career move. It’s a tough degree and hard work, but it is hugely rewarding when you put in the effort.” www.aams.dk Facebook: aarhusmaskinmester

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 33

Nordic hospitality excellence With alumni that features a whole roster of celebrity chefs, Perho Culinary, Tourism & Business College could easily rest on its laurels. However, quite the opposite is true at the restaurant academy-cum-business school, which has developed a number of initiatives that aim to train a new generation of hospitality trade professionals, with hands-on expertise starting all the way at the field.

ness here. “We work closely with some 400 restaurants, including dozens of locations in Europe, so our students get to benefit from work experience at top venues in Finland and internationally.”

By Jo Iivonen | Photos: Perho Culinary, Tourism & Business College

Field to table

There’s hardly a chef in Helsinki without links to Perho. The restaurant academy has been training chefs and service staff for decades, and its restaurant is a perennial favourite among foodies looking to experience tasty food and friendly service at attractive prices. For the last few years, however, Perho has focused on building a new legacy – one that fuses together hospitality, culinary knowledge and business in an industry-defining way.

“Finland has a lot to offer as a travel and culinary destination, but traditionally we 34 | Issue 134 | March 2020

haven’t always been presenting those strengths in the best possible way,” says Marja Hemmi, who’s in charge of hospitality and culinary education at the college. “We’re working in tandem with the trade to create the sort of expertise needed to stand out.”

There are some 500 full-time students, who are learning the ropes as chefs and waiters; the chef programme is also offered in English and, over 15 years, students from all over the world have gained their qualifications in the restaurant busi-

A two-hectare farm in northern Helsinki sits at the core of Perho’s transformation into one of the most innovative hospitality sector training facilities in Europe.

“Everything comes together at the field,” Hemmi enthuses. “Getting your hands dirty digging up carrots – the ones you’ve grown from seed since the spring – teaches you more about food than you could learn in the classroom over a month.”

The idea to start producing crops in the middle of the city came about in 2016.

“One of our trainers returned from an exchange at Blue Hill at Stone Barns in

Scan Magazine | Education Feature | Perho Culinary, Tourism and Business College

New York. He told us about their business concept, where the restaurant is surrounded by its own farm. Each day, farmers, chefs and servers meet to discuss seasonal ingredients, and every staff member participates at the farm.”

A light-bulb moment followed. “We all looked at each other and realised we’re surrounded by nature that most of the world can only dream of,” Hemmi continues. “We decided to bring together our expertise in the restaurant trade with a new focus on sustainability in the food chain. And that in turn is good for tourism, too.”

Within a few months, the college launched into action, initially through a joint venture with an agricultural co- operative. Shortly thereafter, a field next to the Malmi campus became available for rent through the city of Helsinki.

“We took on the project, and it’s turned out to be a key part of our transformation and focus on sustainable development,” says Hemmi.

The field produces everything from leafy greens to root vegetables and herbs. Every September, there’s a community market, while the products can also be purchased at the school restaurant in Töölö. “Our dried Provence herbs mix is particularly popular,” Hemmi says. “Something in the soil – which we’re working towards to get certified organic – seems particularly suited for French tarragon especially.”

top of the city centre campus has been converted to house urban bee hives. The Perho honey scooped up a gold medal at last year’s honey awards. A colony of the bees has now been established at the Malmi campus, too, to work in tandem with the field. Just like the herbs and various vegetable pickles, the honey is also available to buy at the school restaurant.

Sustainable development

“Internationally speaking, it’s rare to get to experience nature as pure as here in Finland, even within the capital city. We aim to highlight that. The added bonus is our expertise in fine-tuning the kind of service culture that’s founded on honesty.” Service is a short word and one that often gets lost in today’s fast-pacedeverything world. “We think there’s this magic that happens when people genuinely love what they do. That’s where great service stems from,” the restaurant trainer concludes.

Learning to cook from scratch is what going to a culinary academy is all about, but few schools have the capacity to teach students about the ingredients on a level as deep as here. “The field is a key part of our hospitality training in general,” Hemmi continues. “There’s a real sense of community and everyone learns to appreciate the sort of nature we’re surrounded by. Once we appreciate something, we know how to share that with others.”

Sustainable development is a buzzword across many industries, but at Perho, there’s literally a buzz about it: the roof-

Heartfelt service

www.perho.fi

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 35

Scan Magazine | Education Feature | Västra Nylands Folkhögskola

Where knowledge is gained and friendships made In Finland in 1905, leaders of the Västra Nyland region wished to improve its residents’ general knowledge. How? By founding Västra Nylands Folkhögskola (literally ‘folk high school’, a one-of-a-kind, Scandinavian post-secondary education model, often with vocational and boarding elements). True to its initial purpose, the school is today known for its high-quality education and open-for-all approach.

By Emma Rödin

Västra Nyland is a Swedish-speaking region, something that is very much reflected in the structure of this school. “Only a minority of people in Finland speak Swedish, so it has great preservation value,” explains Henrik Grönroos, principal at Västra Nylands Folkhögskola. “We teach mainly in Swedish but occasionally use Finnish and English too.”

The school’s main offering is one-year study programmes in a range of subjects including art, theatre, dance, law, psychology and natural science. But it also hosts numerous two- to ten-day courses over weekends and the summer months, for those who are limited on time.

“We don’t care what your reason is, how old you are or where you’re from,” says Grönroos. Our goal is to help students be their best selves by being part of this great community. Many students make friends for life while studying here, and that’s something quite special.”

To paint a picture of the school’s typical attendee, there are two main groups: one is newly graduated high-school students who are unsure of their next move, wanting to do something different; and the second is young people who wish to prepare for further academic studies – although anyone is welcome.

A thriving learning community, open for all.

Photo: Malin Åhman

Photo: Cristopher Senn

www.vnf.fi Instagram: @vastranylandsfolkhogskola

Scan Magazine | Holiday Feature | AutoCamp

Holiday in a house on wheels Holidaying in a camper van has been a hit for retired people for years, much because of the freedom and comfort it offers. But in recent years, it is no longer just seniors who love their campers: younger people, too, have discovered the perks of camper vans.

By Heidi Kokborg | Photos: Autocamp

Autocamp has been selling campers for 20 years now, and the sales have only gone one way: up. “Campers are trending – the popularity of campers has exploded. In just one year, we almost doubled our sales,” says Johannes Dahl, dealer at Autocamp.

The main audience for camper vans is still seniors, but in recent years, younger generations have fallen in love with this way of travelling, as well. “People are fed up with all-inclusive holidays.

They want more freedom, and they want to explore while also being able to relax.

Campers are perfect because you have the freedom to explore, and you don’t have to worry about finding a hotel.

You are basically driving in a house on wheels,” says Dahl.

Having a camper also gives you the option of easily taking a weekend trip, and if the weather is bad you just crank up the heat and play cards inside. It is a relatively cheap way of travelling, too. “You just have to find camper van parking, which typically costs up to ten euro in Germany and about 15 euro in Denmark.

There are about 5,000 camper parking lots in Europe, and many of them are hidden gems,” says Dahl.

It’s not hard to see why the sales have sky-rocketed. Who wouldn’t want to travel this way? At Autocamp, you can choose

from budget-friendly camper vans and absolute top-of-the-line campers such as Hymer, which is built on the new Mercedes. “Hymer is a luxurious, highend camper. There’s been attention paid to every detail, and everything just works.

It is wonderful to drive, and the noise level is great. Yes, it is more expensive, but you get a lot for your money,” explains Dahl, and concludes: “One important thing to keep in mind is that campers do not lose their value like cars, and a camper like Hymer is actually easy to sell on without losing a lot of money. So, if this is your preferred way of travelling, investing in a camper might well be a very good idea.”

Autocamp sells Adria, Carado, Concorde, Eura mobil, Hymer and Karmann.

www.autocamp.dk Facebook: Autocampdk

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 37

Robyn.

Top Nordic female artists of the ‘10s we admire The Scandinavian countries have always had a knack for catchy tunes and great pop music. In fact, Sweden has the highest percapita export of pop music in the world! Recently, female talent in particular has been making an impression across the world, so we thought we’d list the, in our opinion, most inspiring Scandinavian female pop stars of the last decade.

By Linnea Dunne | Photo: Shutterstock

1. Robyn Robyn has been around for two and a half decades by now, having shot straight to the top of the Swedish pop skies with her debut album Robyn is Here in 1995. But 38 | Issue 134 | March 2020

the singer/songwriter/producer is showing no signs of stopping; her Body Talk series, and the banger Dancing on my Own in particular, showed that she deserves a very special place in the Scandi

pop music history books. Robyn released her eighth studio album, Honey, in 2018 and spent most of last year touring.

She’ll be appearing on the festival circuit this summer.

Scan Magazine | Top-Ten Feature | Nordic Female Pop Stars We Admire

2. Zara Larsson

Zara Larsson. Photo: Dreamstime

Zara Larsson is another of those unique, impressively determined minds, proving that you really can do almost anything if you only set your mind to it. She was only ten years old when she started winning talent shows in her native Sweden, signed to a major label four years later and was all over the charts not long after that with her debut EP, Introducing.

Her discography may not seem boast- worthy, with only two studio albums to her name since she shot to fame in 2013, but having played headline tours across the world and sold in excess of six million records in both the US and the UK, Larsson truly is a world-class star, not far from the goal she set aged five of becoming a global, immortal pop legend.

3. Sigrid Norway has had its fair share of pop successes in recent years, but none of them has come close to the love pop fans have for Sigrid. Her proper breakthrough came in 2017 with the debut EP Don’t Kill My Vibe, at which point she had already been a household name back home for a number of years. Now aged 23, she has a charting debut album (Sucker Punch) to her name, as well as a long list of huge hits of both the feel-good and the pulling-on-theheart-strings kinds, notably Don’t Kill My Vibe, Strangers, Raw, Dynamite, and Don’t Feel Like Crying. Trust us when we say that you haven’t heard the last of Sigrid yet.

Sigrid.

4. Lykke Li

Lykke Li.

Lykke Li swept in across the indie-pop scene in 2008 with funky beats, distorted vocals and an uber-cool top-bun and, with debut album Youth Novels, became the coolest thing to have come out of Scandinavia since, well, probably Robyn.

Her DIY YouTube videos and dreamy lyrics made her stand out in an otherwise sometimes very crowded space, and she has gone on to release three more celebrated albums: Wounded Rhymes (2011), I Never Learn (2014) and So Sad So Sexy (2018). If she is to be consistent, we’ll have to wait another year or two for the next release, but that’s fine – anything signed this gifted artist is worth waiting for.

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 39

Scan Magazine | Top-Ten Feature | Nordic Female Pop Stars We Admire

5. Tove Lo There’s something utterly charming about Tove Lo, a touch of contradiction in her past as a student at Stockholm’s Rytmus music school and her present as grungey and raw. But with co-writing credits for hits such as Ellie Goulding’s Love Me Like You Do, US mega-hits of her own including Habits (Stay High), and four solid studio albums, the Swedish songstress has proved beyond doubt that she is a force to be reckoned with on the Nordic electro-pop scene, full of integrity and talent.

Tove Lo. Photo: Dreamstime

6. AURORA

AURORA.

Think Björk meets Sigrid, and you still probably won’t quite be able to imagine what AURORA sounds like – organic, quirky, experimental, and vocally simply incredible. Currently fresh from co-performing a rendition of Into the Unknown from Frozen II at the Oscars, she has played all the hippest festivals and performed on the most credible shows, including NPR Music. AURORA is not one for predictable pop tunes, but songs like Queendom show that, more than an impressive voice, she’s a songwriter to rate and expect much more from.

7. Agnes Obel The rise of Agnes Obel has been beautiful to watch, ever since that day back in 2010 when her debut album, Philharmonics, was released; perhaps the slowly confident blossoming of a flower is a more pertinent analogy than that of a suddenly shooting star. Emotive and grounded, her music is like made for film soundtracks – and indeed, her songs have featured on countless TV series, from Grey’s Anatomy to Offspring.

With a fifth studio album out last month, the Danish singer is a musician who seems just as comfortable in a grand concert hall as in a traditional folk club – and that’s saying something.

40 | Issue 134 | March 2020

Agnes Obel.

Scan Magazine | Top-Ten Feature | Nordic Female Pop Stars We Admire

8. First Aid Kit Their sound may be inspired more by American country singers than by anything that’s ever come out of Scandinavia, but the Söderberg sisters have arguably been one of the most important acts to come out of Sweden in recent times. With self-proclaimed fans including Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes, Jack White and Patti Smith, their pure but unapologetic vocal harmonies have made them into a global phenomenon and taken them to every prestigious stage and respected festival across the world. Currently on an initially burnout- and then pregnancy- induced break, the duo has four studio albums and plenty of smaller releases – including hits such as The Lion’s Roar and Emmylou – already in the bag. Here’s hoping there’ll be plenty more.

First Aid Kit.

9. Ane Brun

Ane Brun.

Neneh Cherry.

Straddling genres like folk and art pop, this Stockholm-based, Norwegian singer/ songwriter with Sami roots has gone her own way from day one, currently writing and releasing music on her own label. But while she’s not the overnight success pop darling that some of the other singers on this list can justifiably be called, she has had success – and plenty of it. Her 2002 debut album, Spending Time with Morgan, was released across Europe and saw her touring extensively, and the follow-up, A Temporary Dive, crossed the Atlantic and led to a string of interesting collaborations and opportunities. The last track on the latter, Song No. 6, was a duet with Ron Sexsmith, arguably the perfect musician for her to join forces with as far as shared audiences are concerned. For those who have yet to familiarise themselves with her sweet voice and characteristic plucky guitar, the collection Songs 2003 - 2013 is a good place to start, as is the 2017 covers album, Leave Me Breathless.

10. Neneh Cherry Fast-forward from the ‘80s and ‘90s hits Buffalo Stance and 7 Seconds, and in the last decade alone you’ll find two solid albums – Blank Project (2014) and Broken Politics (2018) – both of which show that Neneh Cherry deserves a place on this list.

She has buckets of integrity and enviable lyric-writing skills, in addition to a marriage without which her music career may well have looked and sounded very different. Her husband, Cameron McVey, has co-written and produced the majority of her back catalogue, as well as a lot of the defining work by acts including Massive Attack and Portishead, among others. Now in her 50s, Cherry (the sister of musicians Eagle-Eye Cherry and Titiyo, to mention a few of the family’s musically gifted members) does not hold back when it comes to commenting on the politics of race and gender, among other occasionally controversial subjects – a voice Sweden very much needs and should be proud of.

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 41

42 | Issue 134 | March 2020

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Cazzi Opeia

Cazzi Opeia – the Swedish hit-making machine aiming for the stars Moa Carlebecker Forssell, also known as Cazzi Opeia, is the Swedish hit songwriter who has paved her way across continents: with more than one billion streams, she is currently conquering the K-pop genre while also in the full swing of digging into the western world of pop. Originally from the small town of Eksjö, Sweden, she has embarked on an epic journey towards the stars, filled with music and always a great portion of heart.

By Nina Bressler | Photo: Niclas Brunzell

Carlebecker Forssell could be likened to a firecracker: colourful, sparkling and always ready to burst into laughter. Her musical talent was nurtured from a young age within a family where everyone either sings, dances or plays an instrument – the perfect environment for a young girl who loves music. “I’m lucky as I’ve always been encouraged by my family and people around me to do my thing, rather than being asked to ‘grow up and get a real job’.

I’ve had a lot of space to nurture my passion,” she says.

The venture into the music business started with a quick appearance on Swedish Idol in 2009. Only making it to the semi- finals was, with hindsight, a lucky thing.

The day after she left, she was contacted by record company Macho Records, where Billy Mann – P!nk’s manager – was a manager and artist scout and had eagerly been awaiting her release from ‘that

bloody competition’. They immediately signed her to the label.

Performances and collaborations – with world-renowned DJ Tiësto, among others – led to invaluable experiences. Later on, when the song Wild Ones was released on Cosmos Music, the label wanted to do something spectacular. What better idea, for someone with a profound fascination with the universe, than to send the song into space? Wild Ones is currently en route to star constellation Cassiopeia, which, indeed, initially inspired her artist name, with estimated arrival in 105 years’ time.

“It was such a crazy idea, but I love it, and it makes me happy looking up at the stars, knowing it’s out there somewhere,” says Carlebecker Forssell.

Eventually, the constant attempts to please everyone – record companies, radio stations, audiences, both as a producer and

as a solo artist – led to her feeling tired.

After a break and some deep breaths, she decided to try a new direction.

Enter K-pop Carlebecker Forssell got in touch with EKKO Music Rights, who immediately saw her potential as a songwriter – and the opportunity to put all her focus on one aspect of the hit-making process unlocked a whole other world for her. “I learn about myself all the time, and instead of freaking out about keeping fit to be on stage or selling records, my only focus is on creating magic together with awesome people in the studio,” she explains.

Her songs turned out to be a good match with the K-pop genre – a fun, sparkling, up-beat kind of pop that has millions of dedicated fans around South Korea. “I love K-pop! You are so liberated when you create and, compared to western pop, where there is a lot of structure, K-pop barely has any rules, musically, and the end result is colourful, fun and often a little bit crazy,” she says, emphasising her admiration for the genre: “The fans are loyal and show so much love and appreciation for us as producers as well. The people of South Korea are adorable – they work hard but are very humble, and the artists Issue 134 | March 2020 | 43

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Cazzi Opeia

really go out of their way to show their appreciation for what we have created for them.”

Life as a producer Carlebecker Forssell works as part of a close-knit team of four in a studio in Stockholm, but travels around the world – predominantly to South Korea – for songwriting camps, where groups of songwriters gather to create music during intense sessions. The artists aren’t involved in the studio process, and when they do meet them, Carlebecker Forssell admits that it’s a pretty big thing. “Once, when I met the massively popular K-pop band Red Velvet, I was so nervous that I reached out my hand and said, ‘Hi, I’m Red Velvet’! Oh my god,” she chuckles.

Inspiration comes from everything around her – nature, events, people – and tends to strike when you least expect it. “I came up with the Twice song Dance the Night Away while standing in an escalator; it just popped into my head and my instant thought was ‘wow, I need to record this’.

Fast-forward to today and it’s a song that millions of people listen to and love. It’s an incredible process,” she says.

The future of Cazzi Opeia and K-pop Despite their relative anonymity in the west, the songs that Carlebecker Forssell has written for K-pop bands such as Red Velvet, Itzy, TXT and BTS have earned more than one billion streams on Spotify combined and awarded her eight Billboard hits – thus far. She was nominated for Musikförläggarnas Pris (the most prestigious award for producers in Sweden) in the International Success category not once but twice, in 2018 and 2019, alongside Robyn and Avicii – a clear indicator of her importance as a contributor to Swedish music export.

“Swedes are remarkable in their melodic language,” she reflects. “We have a certain style, and we are very good at creating hooks that stay with people and last a long time. Just look at ABBA, Max Martin, Avicii...” She believes that K-pop is moving onto the commercial, western pop stage, and artists are starting to open their eyes to the genre: the boyband BTS only re44 | Issue 134 | March 2020

Moa creates fun and sparkly pop music that has made a great impact in the world of K-pop.

Photo: Christian Coinbergh

cently announced a new album with Ed Sheeran and Sia co-writes – and, obviously, Cazzi Opeia alongside Ellen Berg.

Her career may have taken a natural upward turn within K-pop, off the back of her success in the genre, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that she is restricted to it. She is currently busy with a variety of projects, so the future forecast for About K-pop: K-pop is a pop genre originating from South Korea, incorporating a wild range of influences such as rock, jazz, hip-hop, folk, country, traditional Korean music roots and more.

K-pop has grown from a sub-culture in the ‘90s into a multi-billion-dollar industry and was named by Time as South Korea’s greatest export.

Cazzi Opeia looks exciting. “I will always work hard to evolve and learn new things, and I hope that I can continue with my music for a long time ahead. My focus is always on staying present, being happy with what I have and writing from the heart while working with amazing people.

As long as I can do that, I believe that the universe will sort out the rest,” she concludes. The stars are aligning...

Cazzi Opeia’s favourite K-pop tracks she’s written:

– We are Bulletproof: The Eternal with BTS – Dance the Night Away with Twice – Peek-A-Boo with Red Velvet – Psycho with Red Velvet – ICY with Itzy www.cazziopeia.com Facebook: Cazzi Opeia

Photo: John Arthur

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 45

RE U LT K Th U l C AR cia M N e A N I Sp AV – DE N DI IAL N A C SC SPE e:

em

The place where sagas and adventures begin Fjordlandet, the land of the fjords, comprises Lejre, Roskilde and Frederikssund and the national park Skjoldungernes Land. The area is just 30 minutes by train from Copenhagen and is home to some of Denmark’s most important Viking sites, the graves of most of the Danish monarchy, and astounding scenery around Roskilde Fjord and Ise Fjord.

By Josefine Older Steffensen | Photos: VisitFjordlandet

Many have heard of Beowulf, who saved King Roar from the monster Grendel.

That great act took place in Lejre, where King Roar was the king of Skjoldungerne (Scyldingas), who were prominent throughout Fjordlandet between 650 and 900. There are few places where history comes to life in the same way that it does in Fjordlandet, and for both young and old, there are many wonderful opportunities to get stuck in with the stories of the Viking Age and feel like part of that time.

46 | Issue 134 | March 2020

The Viking history “Fjordlandet is one of the best places to explore the Viking Age. The best place to start is Lejre Museum, where there’s a good introductory exhibition with amazing finds from the Viking Age. Just outside the museum, there are archaeological sites like stone ships, which were gravesites or monuments, waiting to be explored. After that, I’d head to Lands of Legends Lejre, just two kilometres away, where history comes to life as you

step back in time to a complete Viking village, where it’s possible to sample Viking food, fight like a Viking and immerse yourself in the day-to-day life of a Viking,” explains Thomas Kær Mahler, project manager at VisitFjordlandet.

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Scandinavian Culture Special – Denmark

In May, Lands of Legends will also open Denmark’s biggest Viking hall, which has been built to replicate the biggest Viking hall ever found in Denmark. After exploring Lejre, it is worth heading towards Roskilde to the Viking Ship museum, where it is possible to see three different original Viking ships and sail on Roskilde Fjord in replicas of them.

Roskilde Domkirke, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is only a short walk from there, where the last Viking king, Harald Bluetooth, is said to be buried, and where most of the Danish monarchs have been buried, too.

Another way to explore the local history is through walking. The Skjoldunge- stierne hiking trail is a 40-kilometre network of trails that pass through a variety of cultural and historic spots, including the national park, Roskilde city and Gl. Lejre hamlet. The nature varies from forests to fields and takes you along lakes and streams, following in the footsteps of the Vikings.

Take a trip on the fjord “The local area boasts many beautiful nature trails, for both hiking and cycling. In general, there are many ways to enjoy the outdoors, including kayaking, paddle boarding and sailing on the fjords. One of the best ways to see the local landscape is by being on the fjord, rather than looking at it,” says Mahler.

Photo: Nationalpark Skjoldungernes Land

Photo: Flemming Kirstein

M/S Svanen, the local boat, does trips on the fjord. The area is also great for fishing, with many tours going out on the fjord each day. All the walks are easy to find on Visit Fjordlandet’s website, and the national park also has its own app where the walks are mapped out.

It is not only Viking era history that comes to life in Fjordlandet; there are many beautiful manor houses and gardens to explore, Selsø Castle being one of them. The castle dates back to the Middle Ages, but was left abandoned in 1829 after its last owner died, and was then used for agricultural storage.

Photo: Vikingeskibsmuseet

In 1972, a couple rented the castle and began to restore it, which means that today, it is open to visitors and appears almost as it did in 1829.

Another manor house worth a visit is Svanholm. This is an 800-year-old manor estate, which today is home to Denmark’s largest intentional community with 90 adults and 60 children who work together to build a sustainable life. Visitors can come to explore the community further and learn about their shared economy, sustainability goals and meals, as well as explore the community farm. “The whole region is a mecca for great produce, and there are plenty of farm shops to visit in the area.

Many of the farms are the suppliers for some of Copenhagen’s best restaurants,” explains Mahler.

Fjordlandet is a place for everyone to explore. Whether you are looking for fresh air, history, modern cultural experiences at Ragnarok, a museum dedicated to rock music, or great food, there is something for you to do in Fjordlandet.

Just a train ride away from Copenhagen, this region is definitely worth going on an adventure in.

Photo: Sagnlandet Lejre

www.visitfjordlandet.com Facebook: VisitFjordlandet Instagram: @visitfjordlandet

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 47

Outdoor experiences for everyone If you are wondering where to go for a weekend outdoor getaway or where to spend your next active holiday, the answer is simple. Whether you want to go sailing, fishing, hiking or biking – Mariagerfjord has it all.

By Nicolai Lisberg | Photos: Visit Mariagerfjord

With its lakes, streams, woodlands and beautiful fjord, the municipality of Mariagerfjord is a true paradise for nature lovers of all ages. The peaceful surroundings allow you to have a break from an often-hectic everyday life, and the many outdoor activities ensure that there is something to do for everyone.

authentic and unspoiled, which is what our visitors are looking for. For instance, we have a trail route within the fjord, where you can go in your kayak and find spots to enjoy your lunch or even spend the night,” says tourism director at Visit Himmerland Jimmi Stæhr-Petersen.

The Destination Himmerland offers a wide range of outdoor activities, such as angling, stand-up paddling, hiking, cycling, kayaking, climbing and much more, giving visitors the chance to explore the unique landscape of the area.

The calm water also makes the fjord ideal for stand-up paddle boarding, just like a lot of people come for the angling.

But not everything takes place on water.

In Østerskoven in Hobro, it is now possible to get your feet off the ground and go climbing in big trees in the forest, as Uncle Tom’s Climbing Forest has made an adventure trail with more than 30 challenging lanes in the tree tops.

“Denmark’s most beautiful fjord, which is right by our side, provides some exceptional opportunities. The area is 48 | Issue 134 | March 2020

“There are so many outdoor activities to try, and the area is also perfect for both cycling and hiking. The varied landscape was one of the reasons why our Panorama route was the first Danish walking route to become a certified Premium Walking Trail by Deutsches Wanderinstitut,” says Stæhr-Petersen.

Accessible to most, the ten-kilometre trail starts out at Hobro Marina and then continues along the inlet of the fjord and through a changing landscape of woodland, hills and small charming villages.

A southern European feeling Another area to explore on foot or bike is Rold Skov, which, with its 8,000 hectares, is Denmark’s largest forest.

Horseback riding and swimming in the many lakes are also excellent ways to enjoy this natural attraction.

On top of the many natural attractions, a string of independent galler-

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Scandinavian Culture Special – Denmark

ies and small towns are dotted along the Mariager Fjord. One of them is Mariager itself, an idyllic town with cobblestone streets and old, timber-framed houses. The town’s biggest attraction is Mariager Saltcenter, which, with ‘subterranean’ salt mines and the chance to swim in ‘The Dead Sea’, offers an experience for visitors of all ages.

the landscape, culture and history of Mariager Fjord, there are other options too – for instance, draping a towel over the white sand, lying back, and listening to the waves softly rolling in over the sand. With an array of beaches in the area – including Øster Hurup, known as the most child-friendly beach in Denmark – there are plenty of opportunities to do so.

Another popular family attraction is the Fyrkat Viking Centre, located a couple of kilometres outside of Hobro. The centre consists of the ring-shaped mound marking where the ring fort Fyrkat stood 1,000 years ago, as well as a reconstructed Viking Farmstead offering a number of authentic Viking activities, such as archery and forging.

“Øster Hurup has this Southern European feeling about it. In the summertime, there are several things going on in the city, including live concerts every Friday in the town square. The locals want the tourists to feel welcome, so they have arranged something they call Meet Øster Hurup, where they invite everyone to a free breakfast and share ideas on what to do in the area during your holiday,” says Stæhr- Petersen, and rounds off: “If you want to get away from all the stress and traffic

But though there are plenty of opportunities to get active and explore

chaos, but are still looking for an active holiday with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy – this is the place to be.”

Facts: – Mariagerfjord is a municipality in North Jutland, Denmark.

– The municipality covers an area of 723.63 square kilometres.

– With a length of approximately 43 kilometres, Mariager Fjord is the longest fjord in Denmark.

– The main towns along the fjord and the eastern coast of Himmerland are: Als, Hadsund, Hobro, Mariager and Øster Hurup.

visithimmerland.dk Facebook: visitmariagerfjord Instagram: @visitmariagerfjord

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 49

Celebrating Denmark’s bountiful sea In Denmark, you are never more than 52 kilometres away from the coast, and with 8,750 kilometres of coastline, it is no wonder that Danes have a close connection to the sea. Limfjorden cuts through northern Denmark and is famed for some of the world’s best oysters and for having a wide range of delicious seafood. Limfjorden and its many delicacies are celebrated at Skaldyrsfestival, the shellfish festival in Nykøbing Mors every year, where young and old gather to enjoy the best of the sea.

By Josefine Older Steffensen | Photos: Skaldyrsfestivalen

On 5 and 6 June 2020, Nykøbing Mors harbour will host over 16,000 guests, who are there to try Limfjorden’s delicacies. The harbour will fill with tents serving everything from a traditional Danish fiskefrikadelle (fish cake) to fresh oysters and beer-steamed mussels – all while there are also plenty of events for young and old, where they can learn more about the local area.

“There really is something for everyone, and the atmosphere is great. Whether you want to simply drop by to have lunch, spend the whole day here or have the popular, and often sold out, seafood 50 | Issue 134 | March 2020

buffet in the evening, it can all happen here,” explains Lars Tang, chairman of Skaldyrsfestivalen.

Exploring the local area Throughout the festival, there are events happening that allow young and old to learn more about the local area.

Skaldyrsfestivalen works closely with the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), who put on an event for kids where they can touch and taste the animals from Limfjorden. “It’s a complete kids’ dream where everything is explained in fun and interactive ways and where everything is allowed,” says Tang.

There are also RIBs and boats taking guests out to the sea to fish and explore the local mussel farm. “It’s important to us that people feel more connected with their food and understand more about where their seafood comes from and why it’s important to take care of the local environment. It’s always exciting to realise the many treasures our backyard holds,” Tang enthuses.

Eat to your heart’s content The best way to showcase the bountiful Limfjord is to make the most of the delicacies it has to offer. The stands provide a great opportunity to try a variety of the food on offer or enjoy dinner while looking out towards the sea. The festival also puts on a seafood platter that can be shared between two to four people.

This year, the festival is also making a tapas board with small delicacies for two to three people to share. Both the platter and the board are created by the chefs at the festival and have different

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Scandinavian Culture Special – Denmark

dishes specially made to make the most of the ingredients from the sea.

Skaldyrsfestivalen has also become known for its seafood buffet, which is served on both the Friday and the Saturday evening. Each evening, over 700 people sit down to enjoy the delicious dishes created by the chefs, which include fresh prawns, trout salad and baked cod, to name just a few of the many dishes served. On the Friday, the buffet will be accompanied by jazz music, whilst the Saturday buffet will have a Danish ‘danseband’ (dance band) to accompany the delicious food.

“Our chefs are excellent at adding new spins to the food. Even if you’ve been to

the festival every year since it started in 2005, there’ll always be something new to try. Of course, we offer the classics, as there’s a reason why they’re classics, but it’s also fun to open people’s eyes to different ways of preparing the seafood and shellfish,” explains Tang.

commodation for people even if it’s at the last minute. If the buffet sells out, there’s lots left to explore and eat at the festival, so it should never be a deterrent for coming – it’s simply a heads up if you really want to try it,” explains Tang with a smile.

Book in time

If you love shellfish and seafood or you simply want to find out more about what the Danish seas have to offer, the festival is a must-visit. There is a great atmosphere where people are relaxed and enjoying themselves, whether they are there as a family, dropping by for dinner after work, or have travelled to taste the delicacies. The shellfish festival is bound to be something both you and your taste buds will enjoy.

Nykøbing Mors is the shellfish capital of Denmark, which also means that its annual festival celebration is hugely popular. People book accommodation as well as the buffet in advance, meaning that all of the above usually end up selling out. “It’s a good idea to plan in advance if you want to try the buffet or need a place to stay, although our local tourism board is excellent at finding ac-

– 5-6 June 2020 – Nykøbing Mors harbour.

– Admission to the festival is free.

– Tickets for the events can be bought online or on the day.

– Beware that tickets to the shellfish buffet sell out every year, so book in advance.

Hotels are often booked early, but the local tourism board www.visitmors.dk does its best to find accommodation for everyone who wants to visit.

www.skaldyrsfestival.dk

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 51

The apartments are individually furnished, all with a theme inspired by nature.

Immersed in beauty under the dark sky Visitors from all over the world are travelling to the Danish island of Møn, and with good reason. The extraordinary wildlife and the breathtakingly scenic nature now provide the backdrop to Klintholm Estate Lake Apartments – a previously historic estate that was recently transformed into a modern, minimalist apartment hotel with the purpose of bringing guests closer to nature, quite literally.

tion, and it’s impossible to resist its magnetic and alluring effect. There are no disturbing elements, it’s just the lake and the positive energy that flows into you as you take it all in.”

By Camilla Pedersen | Photos: Klintholm Estate Lake Apartments

And that is exactly what the couple behind the Lake Apartments want to achieve – they want to enrich their visitors, so that they feel recharged and inspired when they leave. “I believe this is achieved when you’re surrounded by beauty. Beautiful things open you up, and that’s what happens when you get inspired – you open yourself up to something new. This philosophy is inherent in everything we do and has defined the décor, colours, materials – everything. That also goes for the food, which is not only beautifully presented, but also nutritionally loaded. A healthy diet requires a lot of thought and is multi-dimensional. We treat our guests to healthy and delicious food that is rooted in Ayurvedic principles, while also incorporating the zodiac peri-

“My husband and I took over Klintholm Estate a few years ago, including this historic estate called Hunsøgaard. When we moved here from Copenhagen, we saw an opportunity to transform the worn-out building into a truly unique holiday destination immersed in nature, and with one clear vision: to bring our guests closer to nature,” says Inger Marie Scavenius, co-owner and head of operations.

And that’s exactly what the Lake Apartments do. Inspired by the look of a traditional Danish farmhouse, PLH Architects designed a long-winged house made of natural materials that effortlessly blend in with the surrounding land52 | Issue 134 | March 2020

scape. The apartments are individually furnished with simple, Nordic design and a calming colour scheme, and all rooms have different works of art on the walls, inspired by themes of the surrounding nature – trees, flowers, fossils and birds.

Simplicity in all its magnificence “We want people to be immersed in the nature, even when they’re in their apartment,” says Scavenius. “Therefore, all the apartments have big panoramic windows that offer generous views of the night sky when it’s dark – especially in winter – but also over the lake during daytime. It’s such a magnificent view in all its simplicity. It demands your atten-

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Scandinavian Culture Special – Denmark

ods – an approach to food brought to life by our incredible chef, Nira Kehar, who has published a book about these exact cooking principles. It is a beautiful food experience that adds an extra dimension to our visitors’ stay,” Scavenius explains.

On a Dark Sky mission The zodiac signs influence not only the menu, but also the overall concept of the Lake Apartments. “We’re on a Dark Sky mission, and we try to incorporate the sky, the stars and the darkness into our concept. Møn has been a Dark Sky park since 2017, and more and more stargazers find their way here to experience the extraordinarily clear night skies and natural darkness,” says Scavenius.

Another popular attraction in the area is Møns Klint, a six-kilometre-long stretch of chalk cliffs that is only a ten-minute walk away from Klintholm Estate Lake Apartments. “It’s incredible to see how versatile nature is; each day offers a different look. But no matter the season, and no matter the weather, you can be sure that the beauty of it all is going to take your breath away. It’s alluring, fascinating and inspiring,” Scavenius enthuses. “And I’m not just talking about Møns Klint, but also the areas behind and around the cliffs. They are just as relevant, beautiful and interesting to explore.

And that’s what we encourage our guests to do – to go out and see, really see and take some deep breaths. If they’re lucky they’ll meet our grazing Hereford cattle. We take a holistic approach to grazing and rely on the cattle to care for and conserve our land. We have been able to preserve a long list of rare orchid species in our landscapes because of them, but also ants, butterflies, the list goes on. When grazing on rotation, cattle help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which makes the meat that is eventually served up in the restaurant CO2 neutral. This completes the circle – and to me, that’s beautiful.”

Møns Klint is only a short walk away.

The building is immersed in beautiful nature.

The restaurant offers local, fresh and seasonal produce rooted in Ayurvedic traditions.

About Klintholm Estate Lake Apartments: Inger Marie and Carl Gustav Scavenius took over Klintholm Manor in 2016, an estate that has belonged to the Scavenius family since 1798.

Klintholm Estate Lake Apartments offers eight fully equipped apartments, one of which is reduced-mobility friendly.

The restaurant has a small farm shop with locally produced products and organic vegetables from the hotel’s own garden.

Klintholm Estate Lake Apartments is only a one hour and 40-minute drive from Copenhagen.

www.lakeapartments.dk Facebook: Klintholm Gods Lake Apartments Instagram: lakeapartments

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 53

Explore the underworld Above ground, you probably won’t notice anything. If you don’t know, all you’ll see is beautiful forest and grassland, part of the protected Natura 2000 landscape of midJutland, spreading out around you. As you head past the old lime plant, held in place by massive grey chimneys, note the gentle rustle of stray wheat on the roadside, the smell of pine; the frantic flapping of a leathery wing, perhaps, as you inevitably make your way towards the dark tunnel ahead. Let the cool air greet you as you step inside.

There’s a whole other world just underground, just waiting for you.

By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Mønsted Kalkgruber

The world’s largest limestone mine is well-hidden, yes, but it’s right there and yours to discover, no matter who you are.

It’s always a steady eight degrees down there, the humidity a demanding 98 per cent. The place is enormous. The people who work at Mønsted Kalkgruber know of roughly 60 kilometres of tunnels and caves snaking out across the area, and there might be many more. Some places are cordoned off for safety, but most of the underground walls, rivers and tunnels are free to climb and explore. Those less able or willing to run wild are just as welcome; the first parts of the tunnel system have been smoothed out, making 54 | Issue 134 | March 2020

space for everyone including wheelchair users to roam around underground. The first two kilometres are illuminated.

Mønsted Kalkgruber is human-made.

It all started a millennium ago, when Danes needed mortar for the construction of the country’s first stone buildings.

People have been carving out pieces of Mønsted since at least 1060. “It was the normal peasants of the area who made an extra penny digging out the lime,” says tour guide Søren Frandsen. “That’s how it continued for centuries. The chalk was brought to a building site and mixed with sand and water, creating a

top-notch paste not unlike feta; the same mortar holding together the churches, cathedrals and other ancient buildings left to us today. At first, the Mønsted locals carved out simple holes in the ground, but as demand grew, they started tunnelling, constructing mines. Some people chipped at the walls; others, often women, carried out the big pieces.”

Newer tunnels could become several metres high. Over time, lesser limestone pieces would be trod into the floor of the tunnels, raising the floor year by year until the carriers had to hunch over to move their haul through them. “There were quite a few similar, small quarries scattered around Denmark through the Middle Ages, nothing very special at all about Mønsted,” Frandsen says. “Then all that changed.”

Chalk it up to luck Industrialisation hit Denmark in the 19th century. Going with the spirit of the time, the King himself visited Mønsted

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Scandinavian Culture Special – Denmark

and decided processes could be improved. The carriers were replaced by little ponies for a while, and then, for some reason, in the 1870s, the Mønsted limestone mine was heavily industrialised, the only one in Denmark to be so. No one quite knows why the area’s farmers decided to sell or why the investor decided to buy Mønsted specifically, but the mine was rapidly expanded and tramways were put in, replaced by a railway in the 1920s. During its heyday, Mønsted limestone was all the rage, and chalk was used in everything from roads to agriculture. By the 1970s, demand for Mønsted limestone had slowed to a trickle. Only two men worked down the world’s largest limestone mine, and it lay largely forgotten.

“Then, in the 1980s, someone came along and bought it,” says Louise Nielsen, Mønsted’s sales and marketing manager. “Rather intriguingly, it was the famous violinist Anker Buch, who had the ingenious idea to hold concerts down the old caverns. Soon, other musicians joined him in what became a chilly but rather magical experience.”

Today, during the summer season from May to August, a train once again transports passengers down the mine.

Arla has moved into some of the caves, making a special cheese that thrives in the chilly, steady conditions of the cave.

Visitors are greeted by an underground

cinema in which the story of the mine is sketched out. Then, they are free to explore. “We purposefully don’t put up too much information or distraction down the mine itself,” Nielsen notes.

“We’ve got a museum up here, and visitors can explore the old lime plant, too, but once you’re down the tunnels and caves, nothing should take away from the sheer awe of being there.”

“The place is unique,” Frandsen says.

“Nothing really compares to it.” At Mønsted Kalkgruber, nature has joined up with human endeavour to create a mysterious underworld just beneath our feet. “It’s a beautiful, fascinating, unsettling place,” Nielsen concludes. “It’s truly magical.” When evening falls in winter, look out. That’s when the mine’s 18,000 bats come out to play.

Mønsted Kalkgruber is open from 4 April until 31 October. The mine train runs between 15 May and 15 August.

Admission is free for AarhusCard holders. Tickets are half price for those with season tickets to the Energy Museum or Verdenskortet, and discounts are available for groups.

Private tours can be booked in advance in English, Danish or German. For more information, get in touch with Mønsted Kalkgruber directly.

www.monsted-kalkgruber.dk Facebook: monstedkalkruber Instagram: @monstedkalkgruber

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 55

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Scandinavian Culture Special – Denmark

Conductor Jonathan Ofir.

Copenhagen Soloists performing Mozart’s Requiem.

Copenhagen Soloists only plays period instruments. Pictured are a bassoon and a trombone.

A vision in tune with the classics When Copenhagen Soloists was established in 2006, it was quite unusual to perform on period instruments true to those that Bach, Mozart and Beethoven played. It was even more unusual to have an ensemble of vocalists and instrumentalists performing some of the biggest Baroque works without any direction – but that was exactly the vision that Danish-Israeli violinist Jonathan Ofir gave life to. And despite an unexpected turn of events, his innovative approach to classical works has stayed intact.

By Camilla Pedersen | Photos: Reinhard Wilting

Copenhagen Soloists initially specialised in conductor-less Baroque music, performed on instruments authentic to this era. But in 2010, Ofir had to rethink things, as he was diagnosed with a neurological disorder quite common for musicians, which causes involuntary contractions of muscles. “When I suddenly couldn’t play the violin, I had to find another way to play a part in the ensemble, so I decided to study the art of conducting,” he says.

While he did get better and eventually started playing again, this led him to look ahead in time and include works from the classical and romantic periods in the repertoire – works that, because of their scope and complexity, require a much bigger ensemble and therefore also conducting.

56 | Issue 134 | March 2020

The year of Beethoven “This year, we celebrate Beethoven’s 250th birthday by performing three of his legendary symphonies: Nos. 1, 5, and 7. It will be the first time these works are rendered on period instruments in Denmark, and they require bigger forces to come into play, so it’s a very different set-up to the chamber music performances that have a total of around 20 vocalists and instrumentalists,” Ofir says.

While Copenhagen Soloists’ repertoire and ambitions are growing, the ensemble still performs all works on instruments that are either restored or replicated versions from the lifetime of Bach, Mozart and Beethoven. “Instruments have changed a lot with time and generally have bigger sounds, especially as music became more dramatic and

concert halls got bigger. It’s very rare to perform Beethoven’s symphonies with authentic instruments as they require such a big orchestra. But it gives the music a different and authentic feel. We also respect Beethoven’s original tempo markings, even though many musicians find some parts unrealistically fast. It’s an exciting experiment to go back to the original way of playing and performing the works. It adds a touch of authenticity which, paradoxically, seems a little revolutionary,” Ofir says.

Copenhagen Soloists is an independent ensemble supported by the Danish Arts Foundation and other funds.

Upcoming performances will take place in Aarhus Concert Hall and at The Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen in May and October 2020. Tickets are available via www.ticketmaster.dk (Copenhagen) and www.musikhusetaarhus.dk

www.copenhagensoloists.dk Facebook: Copenhagen Soloists YouTube: Copenhagen Soloists

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Scandinavian Culture Special – Denmark

One of Sønderskov’s greatest treasures is the Runestone from Malt dating back to 800 AD, one of the oldest and oddest runestones in the world.

History at a crossroads Visitors at Sønderskov Museum have all the history of Denmark to explore. As the local history museum for the Vejen region, located in the middle of south Jutland, Sønderskov takes you way back to the Stone Age and through Viking runes, Baroque gardens and 20th-century reunification, all housed in beautifully restored surroundings at a 17th-century manor house.

By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Museet på Sønderskov

Sønderskov Manor ended up as Sønderskov Museum in the 1990s, thanks to local dedication and a persistent museum board. By the 1980s, it had been in a sorry state and under imminent threat of demolition – several of the museum’s many local volunteers remember running around its deserted halls as children. Instead, the manor house dating back to 1620 became something of a phoenix, receiving the Europa Nostra award for its restoration. Today, each room tells a story about the building as well as the local area, each tied intricately to the other, and threads a broader history of Denmark and Europe too.

“Vejen means ‘the road’, and we are situated near the old Oxen Road through Jutland. It’s been a junction and a place to cross on journeys between north and

south through millennia, and that has brought wealth and new impulses to the region,” says museum curator Ane Bysted.

“The area’s history is present in our exhibitions, but just as much in the estate itself, from our beautiful southern- European Baroque garden, which has been approximated and restored from the manor’s original garden drawings, to the wonderful 18th-century wall paintings of knights and mythical figures we rediscovered quite by accident during renovations 30 years ago.”

In 1864, the river Kongeåen, which runs south of Vejen, became the permanent reminder of a national catastrophe.

Denmark had lost a war to Germany and over two-fifths of its area, and the new border sliced Jutland in half, following the course of Kongeåen. For 56 years,

Vejen lay at the border to Germany and the old Denmark, while Danish-minded people south of the border expressed their sympathies half-secretly in any way they could. This year, Sønderskov Museum is setting up an exhibition to mark the centenary of reunification in 1920. “How do you exhibit a feeling, a longing? We’ll try to do so through the folk songs we still sing today and the emergence of Danish ‘højskoler’ (folk high schools), which originated in this area. They, too, tell a deeply local story which is thoroughly national, and international, as well.”

www.sonderskov.dk Facebook: sonderskov.dk

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 57

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Scandinavian Culture Special – Denmark

The fastest and cleanest marathon in the world H.C. Andersen Marathon in Odense has the fastest route not only in Denmark – but in the world. And if that’s not enough to make you sign up, consider that the race is also the marathon in the world with the cleanest air. This truly is a fairy-tale marathon.

idea is that you intentionally run slower in the beginning, and then increase the speed towards the end of the race.

By Heidi Kokborg | Photos: HCA Marathon

But this is not all that makes HCA Marathon a one-of-a-kind fairy-tale marathon. It is also the marathon with the cleanest and safest air in the world. And as the cherry on top, each runner receives a unique fairy-tale medal after the race.

H.C. Andersen Marathon is named after the famous Danish fairy-tale author, Hans Christian Andersen, who wrote The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling and The Little Match Girl. If you love both fairy tales and running, this is the marathon for you!

“The marathon is quite popular among foreign runners because of the fairy-tale element, but also because we have the fastest route in the world, which makes it an ideal run for those looking to beat their personal record. On average, the runners finish the marathon in just 3:51:22, which is just eight minutes and 50 seconds a mile,” says Mette Iglemose Larsen, race director at HCA Marathon.

58 | Issue 134 | March 2020

One of the reasons why the route is so fast is because Odense is flat as a pancake. This also means that it’s not just a great marathon for runners who want to beat their personal record, but also for debutants. “The marathon starts and ends at Odense Sport Centre, just outside the city centre. You then run in a four-leaf clover, so you actually run through the city centre a few times, so your friends and family have several chances to cheer for you,” Larsen explains.

Because you run the same route twice, you have the unique option of doing a negative split, which is a running strategy where you complete the second half of the race faster than the first half. The

www.hcamarathon.com Facebook: HCA Marathon Instagram: @hcamarathon

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Scandinavian Culture Special – Denmark

Visit the home of the Viking kings in Denmark Centred around two iconic runestones, the Home of the Viking Kings in the town of Jelling in Denmark offers children and adults the chance to follow in the footsteps of the Danish Vikings, experience the very beginning of Danish history, and explore the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

By Kristine Nødgaard-Nielsen

A thousand years ago, the Danish Viking kings Gorm the Old and Harald Bluetooth wandered across the area where the Danish town of Jelling is situated. Today, two massive runestones, two burial mounds and a defensive wall represent some of the most important monuments of the Viking era in Denmark.

“If you want to see a place that marks the beginning of Denmark’s history, Home of the Viking Kings in Jelling is the place to go. The Vikings didn’t write many things down, but on the two runestones, we have brief texts from the Vikings,” says Morten Teilmann-Jørgensen, who is head of Home of the Viking Kings, an area that, besides the monuments, includes an experience centre.

The runestones were erected by Gorm the Old and his son, Harald Bluetooth. On the smaller stone is the first mention of the name Denmark; on the bigger is the announcement that Harold Bluetooth had converted the Danes from paganism to Christianity.

The two kings count Denmark’s current Queen Margrethe II among their successors, and their history can be explored in the

adjacent experience centre, where interactive displays allow children and adults alike to learn about Vikings.

“This is a place where most things are allowed and where children can have fun and explore for several hours. You can walk to the top of the burial mounds, and at the experience centre you can touch almost everything,” Teilmann-Jørgensen says.

Free admission to monument area and experience centre.

UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994.

Facebook: Kongernes Jelling

An experience centre and Viking monuments such as runestones and burial mounds can be visited for free in Jelling in western Denmark. Left: Photo: Lasse Hyldager. Right: Photo: Maria Tuxen Hedegaard

E UR T UL EN lT C a i D N ec IA WE Sp V S NA L – I D IA AN EC C S SP e:

m he

Culture as a force for freedom, exploration and inclusion Why is culture important? Well, the concept is self-explanatory: culture exists, and it’s important for us as human beings. Culture exists in how we express ourselves – it is aesthetics, our language and our lifestyle. It is part of being human. Culture has to be a free, independent and exploratory force. As the Minister of Culture in Sweden, I see it as my task to protect the freedom of culture, to stand up for its intrinsic value and create the best possible conditions in which culture can grow.

By Amanda Lind, Sweden’s Minister for Culture

An ambitious cultural policy creates opportunities in which cultural forms that might have a small audience today turn into a huge success tomorrow. It creates opportunities for the type of culture that might never be successful commercially, but which has a raison d’etre because of the force of its artistic value. It creates opportunities for a not-so-shy, maybe even provocative culture, but one which says something about the society in which we live.

60 | Issue 134 | March 2020

Since culture is so vital for us as human beings, it has to be available to all. For me, as the Minister of Culture in a feminist government, it is obvious that I should work for equality between men and women in the cultural sphere.

Sweden is one of the most equal countries in terms of equality between women and men, and this needs to be reflected in our cultural life, too. It is important for me and for the Swedish government that cultural heritage, per-

forming arts, music, literature, crafts and other forms of culture are available to everyone in our beautiful and elongated land, on equal terms, regardless of who one is and where one comes from.

Sweden is a culturally rich land. Whether you are here as a tourist, you are visiting Sweden because of your work, or you live here, I do hope that you’ll take part in the multitude of cultural experiences that exist in our country.

Amanda Lind.

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Scandinavian Culture Special – Sweden

Photo: Anneli Karlsson / Vasamuseet / SMTM

Photo: Wadköping

Photo: Artipelag

Göteborgs konserthus (Gothenburg Concert Hall). Photo: Ola Kjelbye

Textilmuseet. Photo: Chromat

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 61

Nordiska Museet. Photo: Ingemar Edfalk, imagebank.sweden.se

Gimme, gimme, gimme – more Swedish culture!

So you know all about Viking horns and can sing along to every note of the big Eurovision Song Contest hit, Waterloo, but what do you know about the ship from the 1600s that sank and rose again, or the story behind IKEA? Time for a journey through Sweden’s cultural heritage.

Royalty in all their glory – once you’ve visited the Royal Palace and know your English queens from their Swedish husbands, why not discover a lessknown but equally fascinating part of Swedish culture? Perhaps enjoy an outdoor opera performance, or learn all about some food that would be considered disgusting by many?

62 | Issue 134 | March 2020

From the stories behind previously unseen artist sketches to accessible art and pure nature in Stockholm’s archipelago, Sweden boasts a rich culture scene – not least thanks to generous state funding and a nation raised surrounded by heavily subsidised culture schools. Whether you’re a history buff or a fine-arts enthusiast, Sweden offers plenty of options.

Alas, if all you want is disco tunes and over-the-top stage costumes, it’s probably fair enough, as they say that you can never have too much of ABBA. Head straight for ABBA The Museum, and then dance all the way to… well, to whichever of all the other wonderfully magical cultural experiences you choose to head for next.

For information about travel, accommodation, attractions and more, please visit: www.visitsweden.com and www.sweden.se

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Scandinavian Culture Special – Sweden

Artipelag. Photo: Henrik Trygg, imagebank.sweden.se

The Vasa Museum.

Photo: Ola Ericson, imagebank.sweden.se

The Royal Palace.

Photo: Ola Ericson, imagebank.sweden.se

Photo: Per Pixel Petersson, imagebank.sweden.se

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 63

Photo: Hendrik Zeitler

A modern approach to cultural history Committed to showcasing Nordic lifestyle since 1523, Nordiska museet (the Nordic Museum) in Stockholm continually finds new ways to tell stories about the cultural history of Sweden and the Nordics. During almost 150 years, the museum’s collections have grown to contain more than 1.5 million different textiles, clothes, jewellery, furniture, toys, glass and ceramics.

By Pia Petersson | Photos: Nordiska museet

On the lush island of Djurgården, a green oasis in Stockholm, towers a magnificent, intriguing building. With its spires, domes and sculptures, it stops many a passer-by in their steps – it certainly is a building meant to be noticed. In fact, when it was first designed, the intention was to make the museum four times as big as it is today. Still absolutely huge, 64 | Issue 134 | March 2020

after a long planning and building process, the museum opened its doors in 1907. The large main hall is 126 metres long and the ceilings are more than 20 metres high,which makes it among the largest rooms in Sweden, beaten only by a few sports arenas and churches. This big hall currently hosts an exhibition that is all about Arctic life and culture.

Arctic – while the ice is melting This exhibition, which will remain open throughout 2020, covers the many different lifestyles of the people who live in the circumpolar regions. This, of course, is a part of the world where environmental and living conditions are changing rapidly. The centrepiece of the exhibition is a model of a large ice sheet, split by a deep rift. Visitors are invited to follow the stream of melt water through the rift and further into the iceberg. Objects, films and art connect the past with the present and science with mythology.

To add to the ambiance, the vast Arctic sky is projected onto the high ceilings in the main hall.

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Scandinavian Culture Special – Sweden

The exhibition covers parts of the Arctic located in the Nordic region: Qaanaaq in Greenland, Vatnajökull in Iceland, the river Näätämö in Finland, Svalbard in Norway and Arjeplog and Abisko in Sweden. In addition, it also touches on other parts of the Arctic, such as the Clyde River in Canada and Jamal in Russia.

The playroom and the time vault Generations of children visiting Nordiska museet have considered a stop in the playroom absolutely essential. Dressing up in clothes characteristic for the late 1800s, kids are invited to play and learn their way through the everyday chores on an 1890s farm, such as collecting water from the well, carrying firewood to the stove, milking the cows, heading to the shop and washing clothes in the river.

Photo: Karolina Kristensson

In May this year, young visitors will find even more to do at Nordiska museet, when The Time Vault opens. This is an imaginative exploration of ​ children’s history in Sweden over the past 150 years.

The dramatised and interactive scenery of The Time Vault will let the visitor travel through time and experience how children during different periods dressed, ate, lived, played, worked and went to school.

The stories are inspired by real life stories from the museum’s immense archives.

About Nordiska museet: The museum is open every day, all year round.

Photo: Hendrik Zeitler

The museum provides a free audio guide in ten languages.

The restaurant is sustainable and offers three main courses to choose from daily. As part of the exhibition Arctic – while the ice melts, the restaurant offers a menu bursting with Arctic flavours. For example, how about venison rissoles with a cream sauce and lingonberry jam?

The museum shop is full of beautiful Nordic crafts and products.

www.nordiskamuseet.se Facebook: Nordiska museet Instagram: @nordiskamuseet

Photo: Hendrik Zeitler

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 65

The Polar Studio where the magic happened. Photo: Åke E:son Lindman

Mamma Mia – I’m the dancing queen!

Let’s get this straight – ABBA The Museum is no ordinary museum. This is a place where you walk in and dance out, humming along to the songs by Anni-Frid (‘Frida’), Benny, Björn and Agnetha. By entering its premises, you become the fifth member of the world-famous quartet, via an unforgettable experience.

By Ulrika Kuoppa-Jones | Photos: ABBA The Museum

Picture yourself singing in the Polar Studio or virtually trying on ABBA’s legendary stage costumes in a photo session.

By entering the museum, you’ll embark on an odyssey as a celebrated member of the ABBA quintet, putting you right in the spotlight. A personal QR code makes sure you’ll keep your treasured memories, as you scan it to have a look later.

“When you come to us, you’ll indulge in the wonderful world of ABBA. You will 66 | Issue 134 | March 2020

walk in their footsteps and really feel like you’re the fifth member, enjoying the music, the magic and the memories,” says museum director Caroline Fagerlind.

At the museum, you get to know the real story behind one of the world’s and music history’s most successful pop groups.

Find out everything you ever wanted to know about Björn, Benny, Frida and Agnetha and their lives; get to know their childhoods, where they grew up, and find

out how they finally met. You can have a look at replicas of places where the ABBA members lived and worked during their careers, featuring personal belongings and memorabilia – all to get you up close and personal with the members.

Get to know the members even better by listening to their own stories and memories from their amazing careers, thanks to the museum’s audio guide.

“The greatest eureka moment when you visit ABBA The Museum is the realisation that this is so much more than an ordinary museum. Besides admiring a pair of Björn and Benny’s wacky plateau boots on display, or Frida and Agnetha’s famous animal print stage costumes, you can be a part of the story yourself. A visit

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Scandinavian Culture Special – Sweden

is like ripping open a bag full of sweets, filled with music, dance, song and, above all, happiness and laughter. The whole scenography inside the museum makes this a place of magic,” says Fagerlind.

walks up and answers the telephone. It could be either Björn, Benny, Agnetha or Frida at the other end. They call from time to time to surprise the guests,” says museum director Caroline Fagerlind.

A very special phone call

So, who called most recently? “It was Frida. The visitors who answered thought it was a pre-recorded call and were a bit reserved at first. But when they realised that it was in fact Frida calling them in real time, they were utterly astounded!” laughs Fagerlind.

The exhibition starts in Gamleby Folkpark in the 1960s after a short introductory film made by the famous Swedish film director Jonas Åkerlund. Gamleby Folkpark is a traditional amusement park, made for dancing and entertainment, in the idyllic coastal town of Västervik in the south of Sweden. At the time, ABBA was not the constellation it later became. You are then taken on a journey through time, starting with the first hit single, Ring Ring, from 1973 – the song that made the organisers invent a very popular item at the museum: the ABBA telephone. It stands there, bright red, on a table – and sometimes, it rings: “Everyone is aware of its existence during the museum visit. If the phone rings, the whole museum goes quiet. It is such a special moment! Then someone brave

Who’s ABBA’s fifth member? You are!

Photo: Love Krok Attling

The full, magical experience At the museum, you can also have a look at what ABBA’s music manager, Stikkan Anderson’s office was like back in the day, as well as the famous Polar Studio, available at the museum as a replica filled with original features. You can even have a go at mixing original music yourself.

Both of the Mamma Mia films and Mamma Mia! The Party experience, where you are immersed in the musical atmosphere while eating Greek food and

Museum director Caroline Fagerlind with the ABBA telephone.

dancing the night away, have enticed a whole new generation to listen to ABBA’s music. At ABBA The Museum, you can also experience some of that sunny and carefree Greek magic, when you explore the behind the scenes of both films in the temporary exhibition MAMMA MIA! Behind The Movie Magic.

New for this year is a virtual reality helicopter ride out to Viggsö in the Stockholm archipelago, the legendary place where ABBA songs like Fernando and Dancing Queen were created by Björn and Benny in a little song-writing cottage. As you board the helicopter on Arrival The Experience, you’ll have breathtaking views over Stockholm, the sea and the many islands.

Time flies when you’re having this much fun. Walk in – dance out! www.abbathemuseum.com Facebook: AbbaTheMuseum Twitter: @ABBATheMuseum Instagram: @abbathemuseum

Audition to become a member.

Photo: Anna Bergqvist

Back where it all started, at Gamleby Folkpark. Photo: Åke E:son Lindman

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 67

Stand face to face with a Viking A millennium has passed since their heyday, but the Vikings continue to fascinate and spark interest all over the world. A museum in Stockholm specially dedicated to these famous seafarers invites visitors to take a step into and experience this dramatic and eventful historical epoch.

By Pia Petersson | Photos: The Viking Museum

Who were the Vikings, and why have they come to be so well-known worldwide? Were they essentially brutal, vicious looters, or is there more to their story? The Viking Museum tries to answer these and many more questions regarding their life and times. In the exhibitions, visitors get to meet the Vikings through objects, sceneries and films.

“For instance, we’ve done a DNA reconstruction of a man who lived in the town 68 | Issue 134 | March 2020

of Sigtuna during the Viking Age, using the same methods that the police utilise to identify victims of crime. Through the analysis, we found out his hair colour, his eye colour, that he had freckles, how tall he was and when he died. We’ve even been able to uncover what he ate, which revealed that he was a vegetarian,” begins Tora Larsdotter Andersson, archaeologist and marketing coordinator at the museum. And right there, the bubble is burst with regards to one commonly al-

leged ‘fact’ concerning the bloodthirstiness of Vikings, at least partially.

Guided tours galore The museum is relatively new, having opened in 2017, but it has already attracted a formidable work force that enlightens and informs visitors about the Viking Age. A majority of the guides at the museum – of course dressed in appropriate Viking outfits – are archaeologists who also have some additional specialised expertise.

“This means that the guided tours are a bit different depending on who the guide is. Some will talk a lot about the archaeologist as a criminologist and about what the skeleton can reveal about a person.

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Scandinavian Culture Special – Sweden

Others focus on the powerful women of the Viking Age. We also have an Icelandic guide who’s amazingly knowledgeable when it comes to the Icelandic sagas and mythology,” Larsdotter Andersson points out.

Ragnfrid’s saga Furthermore, visitors to the museum are invited to jump on board a little train and follow in the footsteps of Ragnfrid to experience her remarkable saga. This captivating journey begins at Frösala Farm, where Ragnfrid and her husband Harald are introduced. After that, the visitors are taken on a remarkable trip where they witness plundering in the west and slave trade in the east. It is Ragnfrid herself who narrates the saga, with a little help from sounds, lighting and atmospheric sceneries.

Eat and drink like a Viking Naturally, the museum has a restaurant that serves such delicacies as ‘Viking in a pan’. And, of course, it would not be a Viking museum if there were no mead readily available. Regarding the mead –

this is something that the museum has worked on further. “We’ve developed our own mead together with a local brewery, and we offer mead tasting here at the museum,” Larsdotter Andersson says.

The true story Unsurprisingly, families are attracted to the Viking Museum in large numbers, and during the school holidays the museum is filled with various child-friendly activities, such as games and battle shows. In particular, an exclusive guided tour that is held in cooperation with HBO Nordic attracts plenty of children and parents alike. “We call it Vikings – the True Story.

The tour looks at the popular TV-series and discovers the truth behind some of its most famous characters,” Larsdotter Andersson explains. In addition to the tour, there is also a small exhibition looking further into some of the most colourful characters from the TV-series.

Every weekend, the museum offers a number of different tours, through which the whole family can experience the Viking Age together. “The children get to touch various replicas, sit in our Viking longship, and taste some of the food the Vikings ate during their long journeys, such as dried cod – usually more memorable than popular,” Larsdotter Andersson admits. www.vikingaliv.se Facebook: thevikingmuseum Instagram: @thevikingmuseum

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 69

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Scandinavian Culture Special – Sweden

The symbolism of a ship that sank – and became a global star The magnificence of the Vasa ship is unmistakable to anyone who enters the Vasa Museum in Stockholm’s Djurgården and sees her in all her awe-inspiring glory, and indeed to anyone passing by, her masts rising tall through the museum’s roof.

By Linnea Dunne | Photos: Anneli Karlsson / Vasamuseet / SMTM

The story of Vasa started in the early 1600s, when King Gustaf II Adolf had her built as a symbol of Sweden’s military and political power. Her maiden journey on 10 August 1628 became a tragic disaster, however, and she sank after sailing just 1,300 metres.

A few attempts to salvage her failed, and she was left on the seabed for 333 years.

It was a passionate amateur archaeologist, Anders Franzén, who, in the 1950s, decided to search for Vasa. “Sweden was at the forefront of engineering at the time, and the fact that Vasa could be salvaged at all is an extraordinary testament to the engineering artistry on display,” says communications manager Catrin Rising. “If the ship had been discovered at a different time, later on, she might not be here today. Moreover, Franzén wasn’t just a gifted entrepreneur; he was a skilled lobbyist, capable 70 | Issue 134 | March 2020

of convincing the right people that Vasa needed to be salvaged.”

A different kind of Scandinavian design A new exhibition – Vasa up close – is now open, giving visitors a closer look at the fascinating sculptures and details of the 17th-century vessel. It’s situated on the top two floors, which is no coincidence.

“That’s where you get the best view of the ship,” Rising explains, “and the exhibition aims to answer all the questions of ‘What’s that?’ that our tour guides tend to get.”

The ship boasts more than 400 sculptures and 300 ornaments depicting different gods and antique heroes, in addition to figures from the Old Testament and different power symbols, there to demonstrate beyond doubt that Gustaf II Adolf was the righteous monarch. All of this and more is explained in the new exhibition, using

signs as well as an app to depict a Swedish craft and design heritage far removed from the minimalist style we associate with Scandinavian design today – rich in colour, full of fine handicraft skill, and bursting with symbolism.

Come to experience the remarkable Vasa ship and be transported back to the 1600s.

Leave with an increased understanding of everything from religious symbolism to Swedish cultural history.

Take a guided tour!

After watching a film about the story of Vasa, why not take a guided tour? Tours are available in more than a dozen languages during peak season.

If there’s no guide who speaks your language, there’s free Wi-Fi with audio guides available in 38 languages.

www.vasamuseet.se Facebook: Vasamuseet and The Vasa Museum Instagram: @vasamuseet

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Scandinavian Culture Special – Sweden

Photo: Maria Fallbäck

Photo: Maria Fallbäck Right: Gianni Versace’s decorative scarves are displayed in a temple-like construction in the middle of the exhibition hall. Exhibition design: Aia Jüdes. Photo: Jan Berg

Breaking the norms of fashion Now showing at Textilmuseet in Borås, the exhibition Gianni Versace Retrospective tells the story of Gianni Versace, who started one of the most famous fashion houses in the world. Follow an emotional journey through his aesthetics, from exclusive materials and bold patterns to street style and pop art.

By Malin Norman

The fashion designer Gianni Versace was a true pioneer, who challenged the fashion industry with cutting-edge designs.

His creativity knew no borders: he mixed fashion and art, antique and modern, male and female. He connected fashion with music, photography and graphic design, and was at the forefront of transforming fashion shows and advertising campaigns into holistic, pop-cultural artworks.

In the exhibition Gianni Versace Retrospective at Textilmuseet in Borås, over 70 selected men’s and women’s outfits from his glory days between 1984 and 1997 are on display. It highlights some of his characteristics, such as innovative patterns and unusual materials.

“Versace’s designs are inspirational and diverse,” says Ewa Blomqvist, producer of the exhibition at Textilmuseet. “He was a central figure in the ‘90s world of

fashion and introduced many phenomena that we see today, such as designer jeans, supermodels and lifestyle brands related to celebrities.”

In an interview published in Vogue in 1985, the designer himself said: “I like to be different. I like to break barriers. I think it’s the responsibility of a designer to try to break rules and barriers.” And he was ground-breaking indeed in terms of gender and what is male or female.

“Versace exposed the body, but men and women equally,” elaborates Blomqvist.

“There was an ambivalence. He portrayed women as super female yet independent warriors and Amazons, while men were seen as super male but also sensual, sensitive and fragile.”

This spring, Textilmuseet also presents Body Beautiful – Diversity on the

Catwalk from National Museums Scotland, which questions the ideals in fashion. The display focuses on size, gender, age, disability, and ethnicity.

In addition to garments by well-known designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier and Vivienne Westwood, it includes interviews with influencers, models, stylists, photographers and editors, who share their view of the fashion industry. Blomqvist concludes: “Fashion and clothes relate to everybody, and the exhibition shows examples of inclusion and representation. It’s a sign of the times – many brands are becoming more aware.”

Gianni Versace Retrospective Until 16 August 2020 Body Beautiful – Diversity on the Catwalk Until 10 May 2020

www.textilmuseet.se Facebook: Textilmuseet Instagram: @textilmuseet

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 71

A destination for curious people In the heart of Älmhult is the IKEA Museum, which tells the story not only of the famous home furnishing company, but also of Sweden’s journey into modern times. New at the museum this spring are not-to-miss exhibitions Look Music and Sustain Able Voices.

By Malin Norman | Photos: © Inter IKEA Systems B.V. 2020

“We welcome everyone to the IKEA Museum,” says Cecilia Johansson, manager at IKEA Museum. “At IKEA, we have always been curious about life at home, and we know that many are curious about us and our story, too. So, we wanted to create a meeting place where people can find out about our roots and how we work.”

The museum is located in what was the very first IKEA store from 1958 in Älmhult, and the building has been restored to its original form according to drawings by architect Claes Knutson. The 72 | Issue 134 | March 2020

main exhibition shows the story of IKEA, as well as the life and achievements of founder Ingvar Kamprad and the development of the region of Småland. The museum gives behind-the-scenes peeks at how the IKEA range is created through IKEA Democratic Design principles and how it shapes ways of working. Visitors can also see a broader aspect of what IKEA is curious about and where the company is going.

Music and young design IKEA Museum hosts a number of temporary exhibitions too: for instance, the

recent EveryBody, about inclusive design and how society needs to adapt to everyone for a good home environment.

Currently showing is Look Music, until 3 May, which presents IKEA’s relationship with music and its impact on the product range. Music fills the home with life and brings people together, and in this exhibition, visitors can experience music like never before. “We share some old gems such as spin discs from the 1970s, but we also look into the future of innovative listening in IKEA SYMFONISK,” says Anna Sandberg Falk, curator at IKEA Museum.

Later this spring, the museum will present Sustain Able Voices in a collaboration with the Swedish Society of Crafts and Design. The exhibition shows award- winning, young Swedish designers from 2004 to 2020 in areas such as interior design, furniture, product design and

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Scandinavian Culture Special – Sweden

architecture, and their thinking around sustainability. It will be open from 5 March to 13 September. The next exhibition, opening in the summer, is a playful, interactive experience for both adults and children.

Visitors can take part in a range of activities related to the ongoing exhibitions, such as talks, workshops, and after work events called Äfterwork. Afterwards, why not visit the shop with a unique range of IKEA products, newly produced as well as vintage, souvenirs and IKEA miniatures. And re-energise in the museum restaurant, where food is prepared from scratch and the menu is based around the famous meatballs, including everything from salmon balls to veggie balls.

IKEA’s founder Ingvar Kamprad ca. 1968-1970.

Connections: Älmhult is a small town in the middle of the deep, Swedish forest, but with a convenient two-hour direct train connection from Copenhagen airport and 3.5 hours by fast-speed train from Stockholm. The closest airport, in Växjö, is less than an hour’s drive away.

Visit the IKEA Museum and discover The Story of IKEA. Open daily, 10am to 6pm.

IKEA Hotell, an unknown gem Just across the street from IKEA Museum is the only IKEA Hotell in the world. IKEA’s founder, Kamprad, had been in America and was inspired by the motel concept.

IKEA Motel opened for shop customers to stay overnight, which eventually developed into a unique IKEA Hotell, welcoming guests from all over the world.

All 254 hotel rooms, public areas and meeting rooms are, of course, furnished with IKEA products. The restaurant serves a Scandinavian menu, based on produce from Småland, and there are plenty of events such as live music. “We want to be a home away from home and a meeting place for all guests visiting, working or living in Älmhult,” says Malin Lundgren, manager at IKEA Hotell.

And Älmhult has plenty more to discover: for instance, nearby Råshult, birthplace of the famous botanist Carl von Linnaeus, who formalised the system of naming organisms. There is a lot to explore in the close vicinity in terms of design, and neither Malmö nor Copenhagen in Denmark is far. Welcome to Småland and Älmhult, the heart of IKEA.

Sustain Able Voices is a collaboration with the Swedish Society of Crafts and Design.

www.IKEAmuseum.com Facebook: IKEAmuseum Instagram: @IKEAmuseum

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 73

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Scandinavian Culture Special – Sweden

Photo: Ola Kjelbye

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in concert In August this year, you have the chance to relive the magic of your favourite wizard, in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in concert. Based on the third instalment of J.K. Rowling’s classic saga, the thrilling tale is accompanied by the music of a live symphony orchestra as Harry Potter soars across the big screen.

By Malin Norman

The concert in Scandinavium presents the Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban film in high resolution on a giant screen, while the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra plays John Williams’ unforgettable music live. Relive every magical moment as music brings a story that has enchanted the world to life.

This is the third film in the Harry Potter Film Concert Series performed by the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, and follows Harry Potter’s third year at Hogwarts as he is informed that a prisoner named Sirius Black has escaped from Azkaban and intends to kill him.

The first concert, Harry Potter and the 74 | Issue 134 | March 2020

Philosopher’s Stone, was presented by visiting Ålborg Symphony Orchestra, and the second concert, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, was performed by the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra.

“The sensation when upwards of 5,000 people gasp for breath at the excitement of thrilling adventures on the screen and the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra’s magnificent sound is incomparable,” says Åsa Bernlo, marketing and sales manager of the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra.

Experienced world-class orchestra Dubbed “one of the world’s most formidable orchestras” by the Guardian,

the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra has toured the USA, Europe, Japan and the Far East and performed at major music centres and festivals throughout the world. Chief conductor is Santtu- Matias Rouvali, who started his tenure in 2017. Barbara Hannigan and Christoph Eschenbach are principal guest conductors since 2019.

Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra has staged several performances with film in Scandinavium: for instance, Eisenstein’s Battleship Potemkin, Chaplin’s City Lights, Godfrey Reggio’s Koyaanisqatsi and Fritz Lang’s Metropolis, with an audience of around 5,000.

www.gso.se Facebook: GothenburgSymphony Twitter: @GbgSymfoniker Instagram: @goteborgssymfoniker

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Scandinavian Culture Special – Sweden

Beethoven. Photo: Creative commons licence

The Blind, opera performed by Gothenburg Symphony Vocal Ensemble. Photo: Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra

Beethoven, Sørensen and the mysterious world of the senses Point Music Festival is a unique festival where classical and innovative music meets other art forms, such as concert theatre, performance and multimedia – all performed by world-class musicians and artists.

By Malin Norman

Sweden’s Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra presents its second instalment of the Point Music Festival, which takes place on 15 to 18 May. During four intense days, the line-up includes two world premières, three orchestras, lectures and over ten concerts – a passionate encounter between art forms and music genres that aims to challenge and enrich the listening experience.

towering authority,” says Sten Cranner, general manager and artistic director of Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra.

“This year’s Point Music Festival is an exploratory expedition where Beethoven is contrasted by contemporary composers Bent Sørensen, Hans Abrahamsen, Lera Auerbach, Richard Ayres and Andrea Tarrodi – musical experiences testing our senses.”

In addition to classic pieces by Beethoven, this year’s festival offers new, exciting stories created by the champions of our own time, performed by a number of highly brilliant orchestras, ensembles and soloists. From the intimate to the sublime, from melancholy to euphoria, it is a fourday tribute to music and art. All you need to bring is an open and present mind.

Highlights include, for example, Lera Auerbach’s 35-minute a cappella opera, The Blind, performed by Gothenburg Symphony Vocal Ensemble, in which audience members are blindfolded.

There will also be two world premières: Number 9 by Andrea Tarrodi (Sweden) and No. 52 by Richard Ayres (UK), as well as performances of Fuel by Julia Wolfe (USA) and Let me tell you by Hans Abrahamsen (Denmark).

“Beethoven has like no one else influenced not only European music, but music as an art form. To many composers and musicians, he is still, 250 years after his birth, a great inspiration as well as a

Danish composer Bent Sørensen has been heavily influenced by Beethoven.

Four of his works are included:

Scherie und Melancholie, inspired by the Emperor Concerto, performed in the same concert by The Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen and Elisabeth Leonskaja; L’Isola della Città – Sørensen’s triple concerto with ghostlike Beethoven fugue quotes; Sounds Like You – a cross-border theatre concert for choir, orchestra, actors and audience; and Pantomime – Papillons – dedicated to Sørensen’s wife, Katrine Gislinge, and written in reverence to Beethoven’s deafness.

The festival features lectures with Beethoven expert Åke Holmquist and internationally acclaimed pianist and neuroscience Professor Fredrik Ullén with composer Bent Sørensen and Professor Emeritus Gunnar Bjursell.

Point Music Festival 15-18 May 2020 Gothenburg Concert Hall www.pointmusicfestival.com

www.gso.se Facebook: GothenburgSymphony Twitter: @GbgSymfoniker Instagram: @goteborgssymfoniker

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 75

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Scandinavian Culture Special – Sweden

Don Carlo by Giuseppe Verdi, 2018.

The Magic Flute by Mozart, 2019.

Photo: Opera på Skäret

Summer opera with Turandot Sweden’s leading summer opera experience is Opera på Skäret in Bergslagen. With world-class performances in a stunning setting, it is truly an unmissable experience.

This summer, visitors will be able to enjoy the intriguing story of Turandot.

By Malin Norman | Photos: Andreas Hylthén

Deeply embedded in the great mining district of Bergslagen, by Lake Ljusnaren, is a historic environment with an old sawmill, which has been transformed into an opera house with unique acoustics. Opera på Skäret has seen a number of outstanding international performances and some 110,000 visitors since the start in 2004.

Artistic leader Alexander Niclasson elaborates on the opera house’s success: “The setting is unique with the old building, and the acoustics are phenomenal,” he says. “And we keep the artistic focus high when choosing the performers.” Instead of handpicking singers, the opera arranges open auditions where everyone is welcome.

The Opera Festival was first founded in 2004, and since then, every year a new 76 | Issue 134 | March 2020

opera has impressed the audience.

A number of the world’s most-loved operas have been performed here, such as Madame Butterfly, Tosca, Carmen and La Traviata. This summer, visitors can see Turandot, an opera in three acts with music by Giacomo Puccini. “This is Puccini’s last opera and his masterpiece,” says Niclasson. “It will be a great performance with a fantastic orchestra and our biggest choir so far. We had more than 420 singers from 45 countries applying!”

The opera is based on the fairy tale set in China about the cold Princess Turandot.

To obtain permission to marry her, suitors had to solve three riddles, and any wrong answer resulted in death.

Turandot was introduced to Prince Calaf, who fell in love with her. He passed the

test, but Turandot still refused to marry him. “The story is about power,” elaborates Niclasson. “Turandot doesn’t want to get married and belong to a man; she doesn’t want to lose her independence.”

In addition to its celebrated performances, Opera på Skäret is involved in the region’s tourism development together with Region Örebro, Ljusnarsberg Municipality, Adolf Lindgren Foundation and the Swedish Arts Council. The vision is to offer Europe’s best experience of summer opera, with the addition of activities and accommodation in the area. The Opera Train is a popular vintage train service from Stockholm Central Station straight to Opera på Skäret, with the possibility to lunch before and enjoy a three-course dinner after the performance.

www.operapaskaret.se Facebook: operapaskaret Instagram: @operapaskaret

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Scandinavian Culture Special – Sweden

Photo: Charlie Bennet

Where art meets archipelago Artipelag provides its visitors with exciting experiences in conjunction with tranquil contemplation. This is a comprehensive destination where visitors take pleasure in progressive exhibitions and delicious food, all the while enjoying the unspoilt surrounding archipelago environment.

By Pia Petersson | Photos: Artipelag

Located next to a beautiful bay in the inner part of Stockholm’s archipelago, Artipelag opened its doors in 2012.

Ever since then, this art, good food and events venue continues to stimulate all levels of the human mind. “At Artipelag, we have an underlying exhibition policy which we think of as hot and cold showers. This means that along with the celebrated classics, we exhibit contemporary art that may be considered a bit trickier. The ambition is for art to be accessible, and it should be about what is important in our time,” begins Bo Nilsson, museum director.

Located a bit outside Stockholm city centre, Artipelag is nevertheless very

accessible. A shuttle bus from the city centre takes visitors all the way to and from the museum in only 25 minutes.

In addition, neither parents with buggies nor wheelchair users need to worry when visiting Artipelag; there are lifts between all floors of the building. Moreover, on the doorstep of this art museum is almost one kilometre of accessible seafront paths to enjoy.

On International Women’s Day, 8 March, Artipelag’s new exhibition, Signature Women – 100 years on the Swedish art scene, opens. The exhibition, which will stay open until 27 September, comprises approximately 350 works by some 50 Swedish female artists. The artists span

from Sigrid Hjertén and Hilma af Klint to Mamma Andersson and Carolina Falkholt, female artists active from the beginning of the last century up until today. The selection contains everything from painting, textile, sculpture, handicraft and drawing to graphics, photography and film. “The ambition isn’t to produce a definitive picture of art history, but instead to present a humble history, which should probably be seen as a basis for discussion rather than a definitive statement,” explains Nilsson.

Artipelag certainly is a holistic destination. The exhibitions are part of an overall experience where architecture, nature and food work in harmony in order to make it complete. www.artipelag.se Facebook: Artipelag Instagram: @artipelag

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 77

‘Casu marzu’.

Disgusting to one, delicacy to another Who is to say what is revolting and what is not? Something that you consider sickening could be a delicacy to someone else. A museum in Malmö is dedicated to informing about and discussing food from around the world that is, generally, regarded as disgusting.

By Pia Petersson | Photos: Anja Barte Telin

‘Surströmming’, a type of fermented herring, is part of traditional Swedish cuisine. These days, it is not that commonly eaten, but it is still known for its – shall we say rancid – smell. “Of the 94 cases of vomiting we’ve had here in the museum, surströmming has caused about half of them,” begins Andreas Ahrens, co-founder and director of the Disgusting Food Museum. The fact that the entry ticket comes in the form of a 78 | Issue 134 | March 2020

vomit bag, similar to those given out on airplanes, says it all.

Universal disgust With a great interest in food and in travelling, Ahrens always made sure to try some local specialties on his worldwide trips. And this is essentially how and where the idea of the museum was born. Since it opened in 2018, the Disgusting Food Museum has welcomed

a steady stream of visitors who are invited to smell, taste and touch some unusual foods from around the world.

“There are two main messages behind the exhibit. Firstly, we want to show that some foods within all cultures are equally disgusting. We get used to certain food growing up, food that people from other parts of the world might find revolting, and vice versa. Secondly, we want to make people realise that the environmentally sustainable protein sources of the future might appear to be disgusting at first. Maybe more of us will have to get used to the thought of eating insects, algae or lab-grown meat,” Ahrens points out.

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Scandinavian Culture Special – Sweden

Necessity is the mother of invention In its disgusting museum collection, visitors will find, for instance, ‘casu marzu’, a traditional Sardinian sheep’s milk cheese that contains live maggots. “The maggots can jump up to 15 centimetres, so you’ll have to cover your eyes while eating the cheese so they don’t bite into your retina,” Ahrens casually explains.

Oh, and in addition, make sure to chew the maggots properly as they can otherwise survive in the intestines and cause some quite nasty illnesses.

Another must-see at the museum is ‘kiviak’, a type of traditional Greenlandic food. In short, it is roughly 500 small birds that have been put inside a seal carcass and left to ferment for about three to six months. “We do a lot of research, and there’s always a story and a reason behind these foods. Kiviak comes from the north-western corner of Greenland, where the only food available for the most part of the year is fish.

For a short period each year, a lot of these small birds come to the area and, of course, the local population sees it as an opportunity to eat something other than fish. Traditionally, this was simply a way of preserving the birds,” Ahrens explains.

This is a museum that attracts people who usually do not visit museums on a regular basis. “I think one of the reasons

Chinese mouse wine.

we’ve been so successful is that we invite our visitors to touch and smell the exhibits,” Ahrens reasons. In fact, what the Disgusting Food Museum does has proved so intriguing, the concept is just about to be exported. In the spring, another disgusting museum is due to open its doors in Berlin. Several pop-ups are also planned for the next two years.

Not a freak show Despite the fact that visitors to the museum are almost guaranteed to be surprised, captivated and maybe a little bit

disgusted, Ahrens underlines that the museum is not a freak show. “What we want to do is to break down barriers and essentially inform, educate and entertain. There’s no universal right or wrong, only within the framework of one specific culture,” he explains.

So, what, lastly, is the most disgusting thing that Ahrens himself has eaten?

“Well, the most disgusting thing I’ve ever drunk is a type of Chinese rice wine, which is infused with baby mice,” he says. Cheers!

Open: Wednesday to Sunday, 12-6pm

Andreas Ahrens.

Price: Adults: 185 SEK Students/Seniors: 150 SEK Children (aged six to 16): 50 SEK Children under six go free.

Address: Disgusting Food Museum Kv. Caroli Östergatan 12 211 25 Malmö Sweden

Ticket vomit bag.

‘Kiviak’.

www.disgustingfoodmuseum.com Facebook: DisgustingFoodMuseum Instagram: @disgustingfoodmuseum

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 79

From the Royal Collection: Crown Princess Margareta photographing with two children: Prince Bertil, two years old, and Princess Ingrid, age four, at Sofiero in the summer of 1914. In the background are one of her garden plans from Sofiero and some letters.

The ray of sunshine at the Royal Palace This autumn, the Royal Palace in Stockholm will open an exhibition about Crown Princess Margareta, the grandmother of Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf. Dynamic and engaging, and with a love for life, she was called ‘the ray of sunshine’ by the late Prime Minister Hjalmar Branting. With a fresh outlook, Margareta brought Sweden into the modern age.

By Malin Norman | Photos: The Royal Court, Sweden

Crown Princess Margareta, known as Daisy to family and friends, passed away 100 years ago. In October, the Royal Palace opens an exhibition about her life in Sweden. Archive material and unique objects will be displayed in what was once her apartment. “It’s fantastic to be able to do a biographical exhibition about Margareta in her own home, a part not usually open to visitors,” says Bronwyn Griffith, curator at the Royal Palaces.

80 | Issue 134 | March 2020

Growing up in the British Royal Family as the granddaughter of Queen Victoria in the United Kingdom, the English Princess met Sweden’s Prince Gustaf Adolf in Egypt, and less than six months later she was married and living in Sweden.

She embraced her new life, and her arrival resulted in the view of royalty changing. “She was here for just 15 years but made a significant mark on the nation,” confirms Griffith. “But today, many peo-

ple don’t know who she was. Margareta is one of the women in history who have been nearly absent from the narrative.”

Creative and artistic force The high-profile couple were the first royals to be open to media about their personal interests. The young pair were often photographed practising hobbies such as art, gardening and sports.

Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf (future Gustaf VI Adolf) and Crown Princess Margareta with children, from left: Prince Sigvard, Prince Gustaf Adolf, Prince Bertil and Princess Ingrid, 1914.

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Scandinavian Culture Special – Sweden

Margareta had an active lifestyle and, for example, set up a female ice-hockey team, becoming a role model for women in sports. The couple also invited journalists to their summer home Sofiero, and this openness made them more relatable to the Swedish people.

The English Princess brought a new approach to gardening. Her grandfather, Albert, started a family tradition of arranging small plots of land for his children at Osborne House. It taught them to be persistent and not to give up, values that Margareta brought to Sweden, also in raising her own children. The talented gardener was also a landscape architect and in charge of a section at the Baltic Exhibition in Malmö, held in 1914.

At Sofiero, the couple’s summer residence, Margareta became a creative and artistic force. Here, she created flowerbeds and walkways, developed rock gardens, planted rhododendrons, and set up a beautiful kitchen garden.

This summer, Sofiero will host an exhibition in the Rhododendron House and offer special guided tours in the park in her honour.

Modern role model With her position in the Royal Family, Margareta wanted to make a difference and influence others to take action. She was actively involved and very much

hands on in some of the biggest social issues of the time. When World War I broke out, she founded a central council that raised funds to provide conscript army with 300 field kitchens and 5.5 million SEK in clothing.

From 1916 to 1918, she had a bureau at the palace to send packages with food and clothes to prisoners of war in Europe. To encourage the prisoners, Margareta included, for example, seeds to a German camp, which inspired a remarkable garden and the creation of a horticultural society. But her help was also on a smaller scale, helping people to locate their family and loved ones. Her interests in and devotion to charity shaped her identity as a much-loved Crown Princess.

But Margareta was also a mother of five children, with a modern take on child rearing. “She wanted to nurse the children by herself, which was not previously done at the Royal Court,” says Bronwyn. “She stood her ground, kept her children close and was involved in their education. The Royal Palace had a classroom with students the same age as the royal children, as Margareta believed it was important for them to have friends their own age.”

Book about Daisy Princess Christina, sister of King Carl XVI Gustaf, has written a book about

Margareta’s intriguing life. By searching private archives and talking to Queen Margarethe and Princess Benedikte of Denmark, Princess Christina has brought life and colour to the open-minded, modern and talented English Princess who fell in love with a Swedish Prince. The book, Hon kallades Daisy (She was called Daisy) will be published by Bonniers on 20 April.

More events are coming up. The Royal Armoury will host a lecture by historian Charlotte Tornbjer, about the Royal Family as a symbol for the nation and Margareta’s impact on Swedish society. The art museum Prince Eugen’s Waldemarsudde will also honour Margareta, who was a talented artist and a close friend of Prince Eugen’s, with a presentation.

The exhibition about Crown Princess Margareta will be on display at the Royal Palace in Stockholm from October 2020 until March 2021.

Open daily 10am to 4pm.

Exhibition curator Bronwyn Griffith will give an evening tour on 21 October.

Pre-booked tours for larger groups are also available.

www.royalpalaces.se Facebook: kungligaslotten Instagram: @kungligaslotten

Left: Crown Princess Margareta picking lambsquarters with sons Prince Gustaf Adolf and Prince Sigvard, 1917. Top middle: Crown Princess Margareta with her hockey team at Stockholm Stadion, 1917. Bottom middle: Crown Princess Margareta, 1911. Right: Crown Princess Margareta of Sweden, portrait by Axel Jungstedt, 1909.

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 81

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Scandinavian Culture Special – Sweden

Wadköping – a celebration of the past.

Where past meets present Discover Wadköping and be swept back in time. Situated right next to the idyllic Svartå river in Örebro, Sweden, this free-for-all museum and recreation area celebrates the meeting between old and new, past and present.

By Emma Rödin | Photos: Wadköping

Picturesque cobblestones line the streets of historical red buildings in Wadköping, shaping a welcoming atmosphere that encourages curiosity. It was through an act of preserving architecture and craftsmanship that selected buildings from around Örebro, from four different centuries, were moved to Wadköping and opened as a cultural reserve in 1965.

successful, with national and international guests visiting throughout the year. “You’ll find double-sided signs on each building,” says Gustafsson. “One side tells the story of the people who lived there in the past, while the other side talks about how the building is used today. It’s a wonderful meeting of past and present.”

“The point of moving these buildings was to ensure that future generations could appreciate them later on,” explains Maria Gustafsson, head of culture at the Örebro administration office. “What’s unique about Wadköping is that entire estates were moved as well, and not just single buildings,” adds Gustafsson.

Although buildings play a great part in Wadköping’s offering, there’s plenty more to enjoy. Numerous interactive installations and exhibitions are available, and there’s a number of shops selling antiques, clothing and pottery.

Those who fancy a bite to eat can head to Wadköping’s café and restaurant, Gamla Örebro (‘Old Örebro’) or visit Jeremiah bakery for some freshly baked goods. Children will be busy, too, enjoying

The idea of showcasing Örebro’s architectural history like this has been very 82 | Issue 134 | March 2020

puppet shows, performances and playgrounds. And to really get a sense of what life was like in the past, there’s the chance to try out some timely chores, such as churning butter and sawing wood – and let’s not forget that Wadköping in the summer is the perfect place for ice cream.

Wadköping also collaborates with local schools, inviting students from cultural education programmes to exhibit their work on the grounds. “These kinds of initiatives keep the offering interesting, and I think that’s something people really appreciate,” says Gustafsson.

Then there’s of course the range of seasonal events, like the upcoming Easter market on 5 April, which will celebrate craftmanship, food and everything else Easter. With so much to see and do, Wadköping is a great place for a day out – at any time of the year. www.orebro.se/wadkoping Facebook: wadkopingofficial

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Scandinavian Culture Special – Sweden

Top left: The International Gallery, with models by Jean Arp and sketches by Pierre Soulages. Bottom left: The newly installed open archive is very popular.

Right: Skissernas Museum’s new entrance building with its new façade in Corten steel by architect duo Elding Oscarson. Photo: Peo Olsson

Step inside the minds of Matisse and Moore A visit to Skissernas Museum – Museum of Artistic Process and Public Art in Lund, Sweden, is like a legitimate exercise in curtain twitching: a fascinating peak into the minds of great artists like Henri Matisse, Sonia Delaunay, Henry Moore, Fernand Léger and many more. No wonder then, that the Swedish Museums Association and the Swedish branch of the International Council of Museums named it the Museum of the Year 2019.

By Ulrika Kuoppa-Jones | Photos: Johan Persson

The museum holds the world’s largest collection of sketches and models for art in public space – mind-boggling models and quick sketches that give us an insight into the thinking processes behind some of the world’s most famous art.

five-metre-high plaster sculptures and completed works. The museum is also home to one of Europe’s top collections of colourful sketches of Mexican monumental paintings by Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros and many more.

So, what makes sketches so interesting to study? “You can think of sketches as a creative tool – a tool used by everybody, and something we can all relate to. A sketch can be made to find a solution to a problem. It’s a generous process that allows for exciting experiments and trying out different paths to get to the solution.

It’s liberating!” says head of museum, Patrick Amsellem.

This spring and summer, the museum shines a light on a multi-talented Swedish artist’s creative processes.

“Jockum Nordström is an artist with relentless imagination. He’s always at work, thinking about his projects – even on a walk through the forest. His approach to art is playful and never-ending – he creates collages and paper cuttings while he writes children’s books and composes music. We’re devoting a whole gallery to his new art installation, a play with shadows and light, which takes over the room with its exciting shapes and colours,” says Amsellem.

The Museum of Artistic Process and Public Art’s collection contains over 30,000 works, everything from scribbled pencil sketches and tiny copper-wire models, to

The museum has visitors from all over the world, and because it belongs to Lund University, a lot of students and artists come here on a regular basis. “Some artists have told us that this is their favourite place. They love to come here to get a sneak peek into the minds of their art-creating colleagues. It’s very intimate, as artists hardly ever show their sketches to others. Visiting us is like exploring something that really wasn’t meant to be seen by anyone else. And that’s what makes it magic!” Amsellem smiles.

The installation The Anchor Hits the Sand shows the versatility of Jockum Nordstöm.

Photo: Jockum Nordstöm and David Zwirner

www.skissernasmuseum.se Facebook: skissernasmuseum Instagram: @skissernasmuseum

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 83

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Scandinavian Culture Special – Sweden

The family-friendly gem where art gallery meets jungle Escape the city to rejuvenate at the 19th-century farm where endless imagination and cheeky playfulness meet skilful artistry. The Åberg Museum in Bålsta offers something for the whole family, only 40 minutes from Stockholm.

By Ulrika Kuoppa-Jones | Photo: Max Åberg

Mr. Åberg himself, Lasse, is the man behind the museum. A real Swedish household name, he was earlier this year awarded the country’s finest film award, Guldbaggen, for lifetime achievements and outstanding contributions to Swedish film.

Lasse Åberg rose to fame in the ‘70s and ‘80s in comedies about disastrous charter travels that gained a cult following. He also starred as Tarzan’s gangly and laidback alias, Trazan, in a hugely popular children’s show.

There, he entertained and sang with sidekick Banarne alongside some of Sweden’s most famous musicians, in Electric Banana Band. Åberg is also a talented graphic designer and artist, known for his humorous twists on Mickey Mouse and other comics.

Immerse your senses and open up your imagination – there are so many things to explore at the museum. Find your inner monkey at Tarzan’s treehouse, or enjoy the legendary comic art and one of the world’s biggest collections of Disney memorabilia.

The art gallery contains thought- provoking art by Lasse Åberg and permanent exhibitions featuring contemporary giants like Pablo Picasso, Keith Haring, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Jim Dine, Robert Rauchenberg and Claes Oldenburg.

The exhibition Monster och Myter (‘Monsters and Myths’) by children’s illustrator Johan Egerkrans can be enjoyed until 29 March. To celebrate Åberg’s 80th birthday, a cavalcade of drawings from his early

childhood and until the present time will be on display from 1 April.

If you indulge in something yummy at the restaurant, there’s also plenty of room to roam in the outdoor play area for little (and big) people on a sugar rush.

One of Lasse Åberg’s fantastic litographies.

www.abergsmuseum.se Facebook: AbergsMuseum Instagram: @abergsmuseum

The story behind the tracks Trains connect people, places and things and form the mode of transportation that has helped shape our societies and improve infrastructure all over the world.

Järnvägens Museum in Ängelholm, Sweden, gives you unique insight into the history of rail in a fun and exciting way – a great day out, regardless if you are an enthusiast or just one of many relying on trains in your everyday life.

By Nina Bressler | Photos: Järnvägens Museum

The museum has been open to the public since 1998 and attracts visitors ranging from international tourists to locals, families, train enthusiasts and beyond. “Everyone has a personal relationship to trains and the railway. They take people from A to B, linking events and places, and have a

fascinating history,” says Ursula Lindgren Gey, head of communications.

The museum is the only one of its kind in Sweden, and attention has been paid to the infrastructure, technology and history behind the railway. Popular parts of the exhibition include the locomotive simu-

lator, Locomotion, where the visitors can experience the electric- and steam locomotive as well as the fast train from the driver’s cabin, in a perfect simulation of an authentic train ride. The massive model railway is another attraction that evokes fascination from both young and old, with train models from the present day and all the way back to 1825 spinning around the mini landscape. In need of a break? Take a ride in the mini train, or simply take a stroll and relax in the lovely park and outdoor area.

Our dependence on trains will increase as we demand more sustainable forms of transport, and this museum provides an exciting insight into the past, present and potential future of the trains we all rely on.

www.jarnvagensmuseum.se Facebook: Järnvägens Museum Ängelholm Instagram: @jarnvagensmuseum Experience the history of the railway through exciting and captivating exhibitions.

84 | Issue 134 | March 2020

e:

TO 0 S 02 lT ON N 2 I a i T I ec NA AY I Sp ST RW DE NO P TO IT IN S VI m he

Vesterålen is full of stunning nature and experiences all year round. Photo: Tor Ynvge Andreassen

Vesterålen in the Arctic archipelago – a wonderful place for both locals and tourists The north-western archipelago in Norway is the ideal location for adventures and breathtaking nature experiences. The fjords, the tropical-looking beaches, the snowy mountains and the lush islands make up a beautiful quilt of colours and shades, and the proximity to the gulf stream allows for a multitude of life at sea and on land.

sun; or go in the winter, and you might be lucky and experience them under the magical northern lights. In addition, the local wildlife includes reindeer, red foxes, seals, moose and a plethora of birds, including several rare species.

By Alyssa Nilsen | Photos: Visit Vesterålen

At the heart of it all is Vesterålen, a district aiming to be the perfect destination for locals and tourists alike. Despite its location north of the Polar Circle, it has a mild climate compared to most places at the same latitude. As a result, visiting and experiencing the area and all it has to offer is possible all year through.

Whether you’re into winter sports or animal spotting or you just enjoy surrounding yourself with scenic nature, there are plenty of offers to choose between.

86 | Issue 134 | March 2020

Whales and wildlife Vesterålen is one of the few places in the world where you can go whale spotting all year round. In Andenes, north on the island of Andøya, you can experience whale safaris with a whale-spotting guarantee; if no whales are spotted, you get your money back. Due to the non-invasive methods of approaching the whales, you get to see the giants of the sea up close, without inflicting harm or stress.

Go in the summer and see the majestic animals in the glow of the midnight

In 2023, a brand-new whale centre will be ready at Andøya, with a design so

Photo: Marten Bril

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Destinations to Visit in Norway in 2020

eye-catching it has already received international recognition. Lonely Planet describes it as “Norway’s next stunning visitor attraction”, whereas My Modern Met praises the way it “emerges in the Arctic Circle blending architecture and environment”. When finished, the museum will look like whale flukes rising out of the ground.

Hiker’s paradise If you want to see as much of the area as possible, why not opt for a hike along the coast? With 180 easily accessible, marked hiking routes, you can experience Vesterålen’s breathtaking nature up close.

Depending on your level of experience, you can choose a route that fits you, from an easy stroll to a more challenging hike.

Illustration of Hurtigruten Museum.

Photo: LINK Arkitektur

One of the more demanding hikes is Dronningruta (‘the Queen’s Route’), a five-to-eight-hour round trip between the two fishing villages of Stø and Nyksund. For an even higher trek, the Møysalen hike takes you all the way up to 1,262 metres above sea level. Møysalen is the highest mountain in Vesterålen and was voted Norway’s Most Splendid Nature Experience in 2009.

But even if you don’t want the challenge of the Dronningruta or Møysalen hikes, other routes through the fishing villages are well worth the trip. Nyksund was one of the largest fishing communities in Vesterålen in the early 1900s, with 127 permanent residents. The village was deserted in 1975 and left as a ghost village for nearly a decade, until an international youth project revived it in the 1980s, followed by active culture and tourism development. Once again, the town is now thriving with activities and life, and its permanent residents have filled it with art galleries, eateries and overnight facilities.

But not only tourists benefit from these routes; the area has also recently noticed a large increase in use by locals. “When facilitating the routes and the general area for locals, we try to be conscious of simultaneously facilitating tourism,” says tourism director for Visit Vesterålen, Astrid Berthinussen. “We want to pro-

Photo: Marten Bril

Dronningruta. Photo: Kjetil Paulsen

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 87

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Destinations to Visit in Norway in 2020

mote Vesterålen as a good place to live as well as a good place to visit.”

Flourishing communities Community and tourism also blend at the home of the Inga Family, a Sami family combining traditional reindeer husbandry with tourist experiences, giving people a glimpse into their lives, culture and history. Visitors also get to learn about reindeer and herding, sample food made out of reindeer meat, and enjoy the traditional form of song, the ‘joik’.

Thriving communities are an important part of the area’s plans for the immediate as well as distant future, ensuring that Vesterålen is as good a place to live as it is to visit as a tourist. Through the initiative Sustainable Growth Towards 2025, activities, hiking routes, museums and nature experiences are meant to improve the area for the locals as much as they’re meant to attract tourists. Increased yearround tourism creates more jobs, making for a vibrant local community.

Dronningruta. Photo: Kjetil Paulsen

Photo: ALFOXEM

Vesterålen is also the birth place of the iconic cruise ship Hurtigruten, sailing along the Norwegian coastline carrying locals, tourists and freight through the archipelagos and the fjords. A spectacular attraction is currently being built in Stokmarknes, where a glass building is being raised around the retired Hurtigruten ship Finnmarken, turning it into a museum and protecting it from the elements. This is due to open in the summer.

Whether you’re a visitor or an inhabitant of Vesterålen, magnificent sights and experiences await right outside the door.

For more information on whale safaris in Vesterålen, head to: Hvalsafari AS, Andenes: www.whalesafari.no Sea Safari Andenes: www.seasafariandenes.no Arctic Whale Tours: www.arcticwhaletours.com

Photo: Birkeland

88 | Issue 134 | March 2020

Illustration of Hurtigruten Museum.

Photo: LINK Arkitektur

www.visitvesteralen.no

Lom National Park Village. Photo: Ola Rossehaug

Welcome to the top of Norway The spectacular, untouched grounds at Jotunheimen make it a great destination for discovering Norway’s finest and highest mountain areas. An excellent area for hiking in the summer and skiing during spring and wintertime, Lom National Park Village lets you explore the mighty nature, the local culture and an array of activities all year round – perfect for the whole family.

By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Visit Jotunheimen

Known for its spectacular nature, delicious food and varied experiences, the majestic Jotunheimen invites you to discover everything it has to offer.

“Jotunheimen is the most mountainous landscape in Norway, the ideal location for beautiful walks through lush valleys and high peaks. You can explore everything from mighty glaciers to glittering lakes. It truly is an eldorado of nature experiences big and small,” says Mari Arnøygard Wedum, manager at Visit Jotunheimen.

90 | Issue 134 | March 2020

Spring kicks off the season In Jotunheimen National Park, situated in the municipality of Lom, you will find some of the highest mountains in northern Europe. In fact, Norway’s two highest mountains, Galdhøpiggen and Glittertind, are situated here, offering spectacular views across glaciers, rugged landscapes and surrounding peaks.

“This is an excellent area that is popular not only during the summer, but which has a lot to offer during the winter, too. In

fact, spring and Easter is the perfect time to visit Jotunheimen – it’s when the area truly comes to life,” Wedum explains.

During this period, many roads and tourist cabins that have been closed throughout wintertime open again, and the ski season kicks in. The days get longer, offering beautiful, sunny outdoor days in nature, whether you are a beginner or an extreme skier.

Buzzing with life in the summer

Being surrounded by three national parks, Lom has obtained a National Park Village status. The area is well-known for its beautiful, medieval wooden church, a national park visitor centre, a climate park and a climbing park, in addition to a world-famous bakery, where you can taste fresh pastries every day.

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Destinations to Visit in Norway in 2020

“The village is buzzing with life during the summer months, with a lot of cosy cafés, great restaurants and shops,” Wedum smiles. “Lom is the perfect place to visit, as there is something for everyone here. If you don’t want to hike up to 2,000 metres, it is equally fantastic to just stay at one of the old, traditional hotels and stroll around the cosy town centre, while discovering the surroundings and enjoying great, locally made food.”

Family-friendly

With its scenic location, full of beautiful valleys and lakes, Lom, Jotunheimen and the surroundings, says Wedum, are perfect for nature and outdoor lovers of all ages, with countless opportunities for activities and exciting challenges also for the young ones. “It is very family-friendly here. There are easy trails, museums and great spots for fishing, and we also have Lom Activity Park, where the kids can enjoy everything from a climbing tower, trampolines and a mini-golf course, to a bike trail and a new go-kart track,” she says.

“We also have long traditions associated with hiking and climbing, and the area provides an extensive network of marked

The area truly comes to life during springtime. Photo: Sven Erik Knoff

routes and pleasant mountain lodges for you to make use of,” she continues. The area also offers activities such as glacier walks, cave tours and Fjelleventyret, a fantastic way to experience the mountain on horseback.

Whether you decide to walk from mountain lodge to mountain lodge or set base

Enjoy short day trips in easy terrain or more challenging routes with breathtaking views. Photo: Live Andrea Sulheim

Jotunheimen is an eldorado of great nature experiences. Photo: Martin Andersen

Taste the Norwegian, heart-shaped waffles at Brimi Seter. Photo: Ragnhild Brimi

in one of the hotels and enjoy day trips, you will not be short of adventures. “You can experience up to ten 2,000-metre peaks during just one day trip. It is quite special that there are so many possibilities for hiking in the beautiful scenery of mighty mountains so close by,” Wedum says.

Taste the local cuisine

Renowned for its cuisine based on Norwegian traditions, with a great selection of locally produced ingredients, Jotunheimen is a haven for foodies. “The area lends itself to great culinary experiences, with lots of places to taste local, home-cooked food. I can recommend visiting BrimiBue, Fossheim, Nordal or Fossberg, all of which are known for delightful food,” she says. In addition, the mountain lodges located along the hiking trails have long traditions of serving hearty, delicious food to hungry tourists.

If you are planning a trip to discover this impressive area of Norway for yourself, Visit Jotunheimen can help you plan and arrange everything you need to make the most of your time here. www.visitjotunheimen.no Facebook: visitjotunheimen Instagram: @visitjotunheimen

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 91

Floating sauna in Bjørvika. Photo: Asgeir Behrentz

The city by the fjord Exciting things are happening in the Norwegian capital. It’s as if a new city is rising from the fjord.

By Lisa Maria Berg | Photos: VisitOSLO

Oslo’s closeness to nature is a rare treat. To be able to take a hike in the forest or go paddling after a museum visit is amazing, not to mention neighbourhoods that let you combine tasty meals and park life, and the possibility of cruising on a bike through green alleyways on your way to an evening concert. Over the course of the last decade, Oslo’s ties to its green surroundings have grown even stronger. A harbour previously dominated by cars and containers has been reimagined and rebuilt, not only clearing the view, but making the Oslo fjord a part of the city’s very identity.

92 | Issue 134 | March 2020

Transforming a waterfront It started with the new Oslo Opera House, which opened in 2008. Resembling an iceberg rising out of the water, it made a remarkable statement in the otherwise run-down dock area of Bjørvika. The Oslo Opera House roof, open to anyone to walk on, soon became a world-famous icon: an urban interpretation of Norway’s freedom to roam.

Along the entire harbour, shipyards, ports and highways gave way to museums, public parks and comfy benches.

More landmarks grew up from the fjord,

Oslo Fjord Sauna in front of the new Munch Museum. Photo: Becky Zeller

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Destinations to Visit in Norway in 2020

including the distinctive row of high- rises known as Barcode, a spectacular city library and the new Munch Museum, the world’s largest single-artist museum, which opens this autumn.

A walk along the new waterfront makes for the perfect urban experience in a world that’s often moving too fast: soothing yet exciting nature to your left and world-class culture to your right.

A walk to remember Oslo’s harbour promenade starts in Bjørvika, which, since the Oslo Opera House’s opening, has been transformed into a modern borough with playful architecture and great outdoor spaces. As you start to walk, you’ll soon discover a handful of wooden constructions floating peacefully on the fjord. They are fjord saunas, wonderful little tokens of the Osloites’ ability to connect with nature in new and fun ways. Highly social, refreshing and purportedly very healthy, it’s something any visitor should try.

On the pier vis-a-vis the Oslo Opera House lies SALT, a one-of-a-kind sauna village and culture hub that also includes a bar and highly Instagrammable outdoor art installations. Keep walking, past the Akershus Fortress and the upcoming National Museum, and you’ll reach the Astrup Fearnley Museum – another waterfront landmark where a sail-shaped roof guards an intriguing collection of modern and contemporary art. Right next to it is Aker Brygge, a bustling wharf filled with shops and eateries.

SALT. Photo: Didrick Stenersen

Øya Festival. Photo: Tord Baklund

While you’re there, hop on a public ferry out to one of the islands in the fjord and discover tiny, unique cabins and secluded spots for swimming. On your way back across the fjord, you’ll see it for yourself: the fjord city rising.

Discover hidden gems and meet inspiring locals at www.aboutoslo.com

www.visitoslo.com Facebook: VisitOslo Instagram: @visitoslo Twitter: @visitoslo

Astrup Fearnley Museet. Photo: Nic Lehoux

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 93

Hopsjøbrygga was one of Trøndelag’s largest trading sites in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Delicious seafood and unique coastal experiences Norway’s cold and clear waters are home to what is among the world’s best seafood.

Nothing beats the taste of seafood that has just been caught to be experienced at its finest and freshest, and at Hitra in Trøndelag, you can do just that. Offering delicious seafood, unique coastal experiences, comfortable accommodation and so much more, Ansnes Brygger invites you to unforgettable moments on the Norwegian coast.

By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Vindfang Reklame

“We’re located bang ‘in the middle of the food platter’, as we say in Norway, meaning we’re surrounded by fresh produce, so it’s hard to find seafood that is fresher than that you get here,” says manager Ola Sirus Skjåk-Bræk.

With a focus on offering delicious food and great coastal experiences, at Ansnes Brygger you can enjoy local, Norwegian ingredients in an exciting and tasty way. “Our à la carte consists of everything from simple lunch dishes to delicious main courses, which 94 | Issue 134 | March 2020

vary according to the season’s availability, since most incredients are locally sourced. As one of Norway’s largest seafood restaurants, when it comes to fresh seafood, we always have fish and seafood on the menu,” he says, adding: “We are so lucky to have HitraMat, which is Norway’s leading producer of brown crab, as our nearest neighbour.”

Seafood extravaganza “One of our most spectacular dishes is ‘havets festbord’, a seafood extravaganza brought straight out to the table

along with plenty of small side plates – a truly unique, unforgettable fine- dining experience for groups of seafood lovers,” he says. A best-seller in the summer months is the seafood box, full of fresh shellfish such as shrimp, crab, sea crayfish and mussels, served at the tables outside, right by the sea, with the most spectacular view of the Norwegian nature.

The chefs have a genuine passion for, and interest in, food and drink culture, which has resulted in their very own micro-brewery on the premises. Here, visitors have the opportunity to taste and learn more about the 17 different beers produced, or get tips for their own beer production by attending a class.

“With our ‘Øl-hopping’ (‘beer hopping’) boat trips, you can now also visit three micro-breweries around the area in one day. It is a great experience for stag par-

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Destinations to Visit in Norway in 2020 – Coastal Experiences

ties or groups of friends who love beer,” Skjåk-Bræk explains.

New eateries With the newly acquired Hopsjøbrygga, one of Trøndelag’s largest trading sites in the 17th and 18th centuries, Skjåk-Bræk and his team have recently opened a new restaurant offering local food from the coastal region. “The goal is to serve hearty, home-cooked meals, deeply rooted in traditions, in beautiful, historic surroundings – a place you can eat local food while also experiencing concerts and events,” he says.

Besides this, Ansnes Brygger now also serves food at Hamna Gård, a farm perfect for meetings, conferences, private parties and other events, or simply for relaxing with friends. “Whether you are here to hunt, fish or hike during the day, afterwards you can enjoy good food and drinks and have a pleasant time at the farm in cosy surroundings.”

Unforgettable experiences on land and at sea With its stunning nature and thriving tourism, Hitra in Trøndelag is an idyllic location you will never forget. The archipelago, consisting of 2,500 islands,

It’s hard to find seafood that is fresher than that which you get at Ansnes Brygger.

islets and skerries, has become a very popular holiday destination. Here, at Ansnes Brygger, you can eat well and sleep soundly, all while experiencing the adventures this exciting area of Norway presents. Its mighty nature offers fantastic opportunities both on land and at sea. Guided tours, hunting, fishing, water sports – only your imagination sets limits.

“The most popular activity is the fast and thrilling RIB boat trips – a great way to observe sea eagles, whales and other wildlife creatures up close in the impressive nature,” says Skjåk-Bræk. Offering everything from short trips to just outside Ansnes, to half- or full-day trips, for instance to Øyrekka outside Frøya, tourists get the chance to efficiently discover all the idyllic hidden gems the area has to offer. “With our new boat, which is built to withstand demanding weather conditions, the trips are even more comfortable. It runs very fast, but unlike normal RIB boats, it has a roof so you can stay dry, warm and comfortable when you join us out at sea,” he smiles.

Food festival and fun During the summer season, the area of Hitra offers plenty of activities and

events for the whole family, such as concerts and festivals. Skjåk-Bræk believes it is an excellent area for foodies who are after quality products, with everything from seafood, meat and cheese to vegetables produced locally. “The big highlight of the summer is Hitra Food Festival, which takes place on 24 and 25 June. It is a chance to discover great products from local vendors; join in on exciting activities for young and old, like cooking classes; and taste an array of delicious flavours!” The popular food festival, which is in its second year running, is part of a yearly event happening in the area, called Sommer-Fillan.

“We offer varied activities and programmes for companies, family holiday- goers and groups of friends all year round. There is something for everyone to do here,” says Skjåk-Bræk.

With bright and pleasant apartments available right on the seafront, Ansnes Brygger is also a great place to unwind after an eventful day.

www.ansnesbrygger.com Facebook: ansnesbrygger Instagram: @ansnesbrygger

At Ansnes Brygger, you can eat well and sleep soundly, all while experiencing the adventures this exciting area presents.

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 95

Vengsøy Rorbuer offers a calm and quiet break from stress and noise.

And breathe Modern-day life consists of constant impressions, noise, lights, electronic beeps, information, stress, pollution and crowds. Even though this is a world we’ve adapted to, and it mostly goes on around us all the time without us even noticing, sometimes it’s good to have a break from it all.

By Alyssa Nilsen | Photos: Maria Johansen

Vengsøy Rorbuer, located on the island of Vengsøy in the north of Norway, offers a quiet getaway for those who want a place to breathe and think, and to just exist. Whether you want to travel alone, with family or with friends, these seaside lodges make the perfect place to recharge your batteries and let your mind relax. With a small, permanent, local fishing community, there’s no traffic, no city noise, no flashing neon lights, and only one shop, providing everything inhabitants and visitors need.

Vengsøy local Maria Johansen is the brains and heart behind Vengsøy Rorbuer. Having grown up in the area, 96 | Issue 134 | March 2020

she always had a dream of starting her own venture. “To be able to work with tourists who come here to experience somewhere wonderful, is something I’ve always wanted to do,” she says, “and to be able to offer them a lodge that is cosy and homely with a stunning view – that is my passion. It is no secret that the north of Norway is full of breathtaking nature.”

Built by Johansen herself along with her husband and opened in 2018, the lodges come fully stocked with everything you need for a pleasant stay. The spacious living room has large windows overlooking the water with changing colours and

sceneries every day, and at night you’ll fall asleep to the sound of the waves rolling in. The three bedrooms in each lodge all have comfortable beds and sleep up to six people at a time.

Northern Norwegian nature and northern lights “My vision has been for the lodges to feel like home,” Johansen adds, pointing to the rustic interior design of the lodges; the fully stocked kitchens; the hardwood floors; and the modern bathrooms. “You’ve got everything you need right there,” she says. “You won’t be wanting for anything.”

Located right on the Vengsøy waterfront, Vengsøy Rorbuer’s lodges have the sea and the mountains as their closest neighbours. From the lodges’ balconies, you can enjoy the view of the water and watch the fishing boats bring their catch back to the harbour. In the winter, if the

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Destinations to Visit in Norway in 2020 – Coastal Experiences

Fish hung to dry the traditional way.

weather is clear, you might get to see the northern lights dancing in the sky above the sea and the mountains right from the lodge balcony. But if you want an even more special experience, why not enjoy the northern lights from the hot tub? Should the aurora fail to show up, you’ll still have the stunning view of the sea to enjoy while soaking in the hot tub. Three-hour slots can be booked in advance, ensuring you get precisely the slot you want.

Johansen feels that the best way to see the northern lights is to put on snowshoes and a headlight and walk 15 minutes up the hill. There, you can make a small bonfire and enjoy the view and the northern lights by the fire.

Getting to and from Vengsøy Rorbuer is easy. Tromsø Airport offers direct flights from London (Gatwick and Luton), Gdansk, Brussels, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Munich, Helsinki and Stockholm. From the airport, it’s half an hour’s drive to Bellvik, where you’ll find the ferry taking you straight to Vengsøy.

To get from the airport to Bellvik, you can choose between hiring a car or taking a taxi. The Bellvik ferry accommodates vehicles, and there are parking spots available at the lodges – but bringing a car to the island isn’t necessary, as lodges, shop and nearby hikes at Vengsøy are all within walking distance.

As for the best experience at Vengsøy?

“Spend time in nature,” says Johansen.

“It doesn’t have to be a long hike, or as strenuous as climbing a mountain. Enjoy having the mountain on one side and the sea on the other. Enjoy being in nature.”

About Vengsøy: – 18 square kilometres in size – 75 permanent residents – Fishery – Grocery shop – School – Post office

www.vengsoyrorbuer.com Facebook: vengsoyrorbuer.no Instagram: @vengsoyrorbuer E-mail: maria@vengsoyrorbuer.com

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 97

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Destinations to Visit in Norway in 2020 – Coastal Experiences

There are various opportunities for water activities such as snorkeling in the fjord.

The houses on the pier are very large, as they were built to fit fishing boats.

Stunning views from the rooms.

The pier where you can enjoy both peace and action Would you like to fish for your own dinner and go for a swim under the midnight sun, or perhaps go rafting in the morning and climb the Seven Sisters in the afternoon? Or are you on an island-hopping journey with your bike, and simply need somewhere to relax for a bit? Regardless of your mood, activity level and interests, Brygga på Dønna is the perfect place for a great Norwegian holiday.

By Marie Mannes | Photos: Brygga på Dønna

Brygga, which directly translated from Norwegian means ‘pier’, is located on the island of Dønna, in the southern county of Nordland in Norway. The pier lies directly next to a fjord and makes an idyllic location for fishing, swimming, paddling and other water activities.

Its location also allows for plenty of other activities, making it a great place to come and relax or have an event- ful holiday.

Brygga belongs to Per Kristian Nordøy and his wife, Siv. Per Kristian comes from a fishing family who owned a fishing boat that was docked there. “After a while, the boat was sold, and Brygga was left to decay,” Per Kristian explains.

As a result, the couple decided to renovate the buildings left on the pier. “The location is great, and these houses have been built to fit large boats; they are 98 | Issue 134 | March 2020

very big, so I thought it would be a nice family project,” Siv says.

25 years later, their renovation project has turned into five large houses, including beds for over 35 people, a large hall perfect for parties, and a conference room that can hold over 50 people – and the project is continuously developing.

“We listen to our customers’ feedback.

Someone said they wanted a room close to the ocean, so we built that, and then someone thought an outdoor hot tub would be nice, so then we built a hot tub,” Per Kristian says.

History, team-building and island hopping

As the pier was previously used for the fishing industry, the couple came across different antiques on Brygga that showed off the old northern Norwegian history. “We have numerous very old

fishing items that all tell a story, and we love showing them to people,” Siv says.

The resort mainly offers self-service accommodation, but it is flexible when it comes to larger groups. “We have a cook who comes when we have a lot of people,” Siv explains. As such, Brygga is perfect for businesses and team- building trips; it’s able to accommodate large groups and perfectly situated for all the different activities available around the resort.

While staying on Dønna for the duration of your holiday can be wonderful, Per Kristian also recommends island hopping throughout Helgeland, with Brygga as a base camp. “Island hopping here is very similar to how you can do it on the Greek islands – it’s just a tiny bit colder,” he laughs.

So whether it’s action you seek or a peaceful paradise, Brygga på Dønna will accommodate you. brygga.com Facebook: Brygga på Dønna Instagram: @bryggapaadonna

Scan Business Business Column 100 | Business Profiles 101 | Business Calendar 102 | Conference of the Month 103

101

102

The moving finger writes I live in Malta, an island micro-state in the southern Mediterranean with an area and population smaller than Leeds. 200 years of British rule have left their mark for better and for worse, but for residents like me, there is a constant reminder of the colonial legacy in the official communications one receives.

Some Maltese officials produce prose worthier of quill pens than laptops. ‘Please’ is a rarity, not through lack of courtesy but because they prefer ‘kindly’. (Do they say “Kindly pass the salt” at dinner?) Emails and letters are sprinkled with hereunders, heretofors and notwithstandings. Buck passing is facilitated by the use of the passive: in one text introducing a photo exhibition, I read that “fun was had” by early photographers. (“How was your party?” “Great, thanks, fun was had.”)

As well as kindlyitis, Capitalitis is another Infectious Writing Disease which Abounds, as does ampersanditis – the lazy use of the ampersand ‘&’ instead of ‘and’. So here are ten commandments for writers at work in Malta and elsewhere to make the lives of writers, as well as readers, easier.

1. KISS. Keep It Short and Simple.

2. Use normal language.

100 | Issue 134 | March 2020

3. Spend equal amounts of time planning, drafting and revising.

4. When revising, cut ten per cent of what you wrote, for clearer, leaner results.

5. Think about your readers and the question they are asking: What’s in this for me?

6. Time. Think first about how long you should spend on each piece of writing, and then don’t exceed your limit.

The length of time will be in relation to the importance of the communication and the number of people it reaches.

103

By Steve Flinders

7. For longer pieces, log your work – it saves time in the end.

8. The more you read (books, not social media), the better you will write.

9. Get feedback from others on your writing.

10. Practice, practice, practice makes perfect.

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.

Scan Magazine | Business Profile | Pajat Solutions

From mapping industrial waste management needs and work safety in road construction to inspecting milling machinery, Poimapper provides users with clear analytics and insights.

Replacing Excel and Word reporting with a more efficient solution Microsoft Word, Excel, and even WhatsApp are often used as the default tools by companies for on-site reporting, despite their inability to either ensure the quality of the reported data or support the corporate business processes. Poimapper is an innovative, cloud-based mobile solution that offers users a more streamlined process, with accurate information between field and office workers in real time.

By Ndéla Faye | Photos: Pajat Solutions Ltd.

From quality inspections and supplier audits to construction-site safety reporting, market research, environmental monitoring and international development, Poimapper allows users to create fully customisable checklists and forms for a variety of needs and industries. It is used in over 30 countries – and with companies such as ABB, Fortum, Air Liquide, YIT, Wabtec and Suunto using the mobile solution, it has a proven track-record of facilitating processes for its clients.

means that reports are informal – and, crucially, lacking potentially vital data that could otherwise be captured. This way of collecting and finalising reports is incredibly time-consuming, meaning the projects are subject to delays, corrective actions are unclear, engagement is often low, and systematic trends can be hard to identify,” explains Pertti Lounamaa, founder and CEO of Pajat Solutions Ltd., the developers of Poimapper.

Assigning tasks and sharing data enables companies to improve collaboration in new, more efficient ways. “Using Excel, Word or even WhatsApp as reporting tools is incredibly common. However, this means there is a fundamental lack of interactive guidance. This also

Poimapper allows companies to gain insight and analyse the finer details of their on-site activities with charts, maps and images. The data collection and editing work offline, too, making it very easy to access in the field. It is currently being used all over the globe, for tasks such

Seeing the bigger picture

as assessing suppliers for transport equipment, mapping industrial waste management needs and work safety in road construction, and inspecting milling machinery and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) point-of-sale intelligence.

The company also has projects in rental contracting, insurance claim registration and micro-finance in Africa.

By making the entire process interactive, Poimapper guides users in a systematic way, ensures that stakeholders are notified of actions, makes follow-ups easy – and provides clear analytics and insights of the resulting data. “Poimapper replaces complex Excel-based sheets with simple interactive applications, and provides an efficient way to monitor progress of assigned actions and geospatial positioning of observations. It is a powerful tool designed to transform previously ineffective reporting processes,” the CEO concludes.

www.poimapper.com

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 101

Scan Magazine | Business | Morning Train / Calendar

Full steam ahead – fuelled by passion and people Back in 2010, four young Danish guys decided to get behind the steering wheel and create their own roadmap to success. They founded Morning Train, a full-service digital agency that has been going with full steam ahead since day one – but the journey has only just begun.

By Camilla Pedersen | Photo: Morning Train

“The digital industry can seem crowded and foggy at times, but we’ve learnt how to navigate it. When Morning Train took off back in 2010, we couldn’t even pay our own pocket money for the first couple of years.

But we kept going, and we now have a turnover of over 14 million DKK (around 1.5 million GBP),” says co-founder and CEO Peter Thomsen.

Morning Train specialises in website development, design, and digital marketing.

“Every decision we make is driven by data, and that’s one of the reasons our web and design offerings move mountains and scale businesses. Marketing data insights com-

bined with the latest trends and incredibly skilled art directors and developers are the driving forces behind the successful digital journeys of our clients – and of course our passion to help them scale their businesses,” Thomsen says.

Both passion and people are a big deal on board Morning Train. On Wednesday mornings, the crew starts off their day by letting off some steam with an hour of floorball. “In an increasingly digital world, social relationships need to be nurtured offline – and our weekly sports session and monthly team-building events help us do just that.”

Morning Train is a full-service digital agency driven by four young Danes who are defining their own roadmap for success – also for their clients.

Morning Train is headquartered in Odense and employs 28 people with an average age of around 25. Clients include both local Danish businesses and international brands such as Schneider Electric and Royal Unibrew.

www.morningtrain.dk/en Facebook: Morning Train LinkedIn: Morning Train

Business Calendar

By Sanne Wass

Scandinavian business events you do not want to miss this month Business Culture Course A fast-track introduction to the cultural nuances and differences in management approaches between British and Swedish companies is on offer at this one-day training event. Aimed at professionals looking to start or advance their careers in such multicultural settings, the training also covers employment, commercial and tax law.

9am-3pm.

Date: 17 March Venue: SEB, 1 Carter Lane, EC4V 5AN London, UK. www.scc.org.uk

GastroNord 2020 This biennial fair is a must for HoReCa executives with an interest in northern Europe in general and in Sweden in particular. In addition to the GastroSummit, a future food forum, the event features dedicated areas for food technology, packaging and innovation, as well as a produce marketing space. This 102 | Issue 134 | March 2020

year, a new LoungeExpo will also be set up to attract hospitality operators, while Team Sweden Bocuse d’Or is also on site for a glimpse into the fine-dining sector.

Date: 31 March - 2 April Venue: Stockholmsmässan, Mässvägen 1, 125 30 Älvsjö, Sweden. www.gastronord.se

Arctic Shipping Forum Rapidly melting ice across the Arctic sea looks set to boost the commercial viability of the Northern Shipping Route, with even the Transpolar Route now a prospect.

An in-depth look into the strategic, security and regulatory matters surrounding the establishment of the so-called Polar Silk Road is on offer at this three-day event that gathers together experts from Finland, Russia, China and North America, among others.

Date: 21-24 April Venue: Helsinki Congress Paasitorni,

Paasivuorenkatu 5 A, 00530 Helsinki, Finland. informaconnect.com/arctic-shipping-forum

Nordic EV Summit The electrification of the transport sector – from cars to planes and ships – is a pressing topic worldwide, and Norway leads the way with over half of new vehicles sold already being fully electric. This two-day event pulls together influencers with a drive to push policymakers towards regulatory frameworks that support the ongoing electric revolution.

Date: 23-24 April Venue: Clarion Hotel the Hub, Biskop Gunnerus gate 3, 0106 Oslo, Norway. nordicevs.no

Scan Magazine | Conference of the Month | Norway

Conference of the Month, Norway

The ideal setting for your next event Oslo’s Felix Conference Center is the perfect venue for everything from meetings, courses, conferences and seminars to social gatherings. Located in the middle of Aker Brygge on the stunning waterfront, it makes an inspirational setting for your next event, with personal service, a friendly atmosphere and flexible solutions to suit all budgets.

By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Felix Konferansesenter

As one of Norway’s largest conference venues of its kind, Felix Conference Center is at the forefront of offering everything from courses and conferences to events and Christmas parties. “Our aim is to always create the best-tailored solution for your event and make the process as easy as possible for you,” says manager Tor Hugo Evensen.

As a modern venue with the ‘wow’ factor, Felix Conference Center has everything you’ll need for a successful event, all under one roof. “We are fully equipped with all the latest technology, such as projectors, microphones, flip-charts, lecturns, webcasting gear and adjustable lighting. If there is some-

thing you need that we don’t have inhouse, it will be rented and taken care of,” Evensen explains.

Alongside his expert planning team, Evensen is eager to pull all the details together at every step of the way, and it is this personal service and friendly atmosphere that makes the conference centre stand out from the crowd. “We are very flexible and keep an open dialogue through the whole process. If the client has a sudden change at the last minute, we do everything we can to accommodate it!”

With 26 different-sized meeting rooms as well as two auditoriums and a large

exhibition area, Felix Conference Center is ideal for every kind of event, whether that means a meeting with eight people around a table or up to 250 delegates enjoying a keynote speech in a large screening room. “We also have our own restaurant and bar area, making it possible to serve a three-course meal, canapés and drinks, depending on your wish,” says Evensen.

Located in the heart of Oslo, beside the city’s bustling waterside district, there are plenty of things to do and lots of hotels nearby for accommodation. For film lovers, the conference centre even transforms into a cinema on weekends, showing the latest blockbusters and much-loved classics. Reaching the venue is easy, too, with the central railway station only a walk away and from which trains to the airport take just 20 minutes. www.felixkonferanse.no

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 103

Hotel of the Month, Sweden

A hidden gem in the heart of Stockholm Titled Stockholm’s first underground hotel, Hotel With Urban Deli is creating a buzz in the world of hospitality. Catering for the conscious traveller who wants more than just a bed for the night, this hotel is filled with smartness, technical solutions and what they themselves like to call ‘lean luxury’. It’s an all-in-one hub bursting with value.

By Emma Rödin | Photos: Hotel With Urban Deli

As the name suggests, Hotel With Urban Deli is the marriage of two individual brands. Hotel With is a new, forward-thinking hotel business, while Urban Deli is the successful fusion of restaurant, bar, food hall, café and convenience store, which launched back in 2009. With similar brand values and an interest in each other’s offerings, the two brands had always had a natural attraction to each other and a desire to join forces. Hoping to create something 104 | Issue 134 | March 2020

new and exciting together, the businesses shared a curiosity that eventually led to the launch of Hotel With Urban Deli.

Lean luxury Separating Hotel With from competitors is what Nathalie Axengard, business developer at Hotel With, describes as a ‘lean luxury’ approach. “It’s really the foundation of the entire business,” she explains. “It means that our offering is smart and comfortable, that we use

technology to improve the customer experience and that we strive to be as effective as possible in every way we can.”

Very much in line with this approach, Hotel With is super-modern throughout, which you might not expect from its unusual location. And with all 106 rooms located below ground, there’s the advantage of being the only hotel in Stockholm that can guarantee guests a good night’s

Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Sweden

sleep thanks to no disturbing sunlight.

“We put a lot of effort into giving guests a soft and lean stay. Our beds, cotton linen and other products in the rooms are all of the highest quality and really breathe lean luxury,” says Axengard.

Silent night The rooms are also incredibly quiet, something that is hard to come by when staying so close to Stockholm’s vibrant city centre. Beautifully designed, the rooms offer sizeable beds, powerful sound and media systems, and state-ofthe-art air conditioning – ideal for those hot summer nights. Great rooms aside, there’s plenty more to Hotel With that makes it well worth a visit.

The Hotel With experience “There’s always a great buzz here, with lots of people coming and going,” says Axengard. Urban Deli itself offers an inspiring environment and is a popular meet-up spot for all kinds of people, ideal for anything from business meetings to drinks with friends. There’s even a lush rooftop park with a bar and stunning views over Stockholm. Adding to the experience, a glass-covered room was added to the park in 2019, acting as an indoors cocktail bar that makes yearround visits more pleasant – a lovely space that can be booked for conferences and various events.

Other than offering great food and drinks, Hotel With regularly arranges events such as pop-up shops inside the hotel rooms. “We like to keep things interesting and have had an amazing response to our events so far. We constantly think of new things that guests, and others, might enjoy,” explains Axengard.

Perks of being a With member Something else that sets Hotel With apart from other hotels is the exclusive member’s club. Rather than simply offering extra benefits in exchange for a monthly fee, managers at Hotel With contact guests who they believe would benefit from the scheme, such as frequent visitors who

have logged a certain amount of nights at the hotel. This is all done in a highly personal manner and is a wonderful way of making guests feel special.

Members get their own key cards as well as cheaper room rates. They can also enjoy upgrades to larger rooms, free coffee throughout their stay and access to the nearby gym. “On top of all this, we always add a VIP touch to the rooms using products from Urban Deli,” says Axengard. “We love to give our members that extra level of care and attention.”

Room for all When it comes to the client base at Hotel With, it’s varied. With rooms ranging in size from 12 to 30 square metres, there’s space for families and singles alike, although the hotel has definitely proved particularly popular among business travellers, both men and women. “I would say that our standard guest is between 21 and 68 years old, makes conscious choices based on other factors than just cost, values sustainability and enjoys life to the fullest,” says Axengard.

For a quality hotel experience with the pulse of Stockholm right on your doorstep, pack your bags and check in to Hotel With. www.hotelwith.se/en Facebook: hotel with urban deli Instagram: @hotelwithurbandeli

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 105

Hotel of the Month, Norway

Slow living and slow adventures among the fjords of Norway 29|2 Aurland is a boutique hotel located in the picturesque Aurland in the heart of the fjord country, among the splendour of unspoilt nature. The family-run lodge has a unique and interesting history and offers a warm and welcoming home away from home for travellers.

lers could come to experience a little piece of Norway – and with sustainability at the heart of it. “We want to show people that it’s possible to make a living from sustainable tourism,” Tone says.

By Maria Vole | Photos: 29|2 Aurland

29|2 Aurland is a true gem, located in a green valley beside the beautiful Aurland River, with cascading waterfalls and stunning mountains surrounding the historic farm. The owners, husbandand-wife team Bjørn and Tone Rønning Vike, offer an authentic Norwegian welcome within this beautifully decorated lodge, which is also their family home.

Once a family farm, the spot has been lovingly converted into a collection of 106 | Issue 134 | March 2020

lodges where travellers can enjoy their perfect Scandinavian slow adventure.

This is traditional living, in modern style.

Tone and Bjørn used to live in the city but left to pursue their dream: to offer a boutique hotel experience set in a picturesque spot close to home. They sought a simpler life, closer to nature, and to create their own beautiful, quiet little corner of the world where travel-

The couple set about converting the farmstead buildings with love and care into an excellent, modern boutique hotel, while retaining plenty of nods to history and the past. Tone, who has a keen interest in interior decoration, and Bjørn, a craft builder, combined traditional furnishings with modern style for a unique, homely décor. The rooms at the lodge have all been designed individually with the help of acclaimed Norwegian interior designer Gunvor Røkholt. The result

Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Norway

is ten well-presented rooms and suites where traditional and contemporary Nordic styles are moulded together for a unique look. The rooms offered at the lodge range from cosy rooms in the Fish House to airy suites in the Goat Barn.

The historic Aurland farm has provided food and hospitality to travellers and anglers since the Viking era. There’s plenty of history and culture to explore in the surrounding areas – in fact, the building called The Fish House is one of the oldest buildings in Aurland, dating back to the early 18th century. According to Tone and Bjørn, who are well- travelled, interacting with people from different cultures is key. “We believe tourism is about cultural exchange,” Tone says. A stay at 29|2 Aurland involves both meeting your committed and passionate hosts and enjoying the charming local area and majestic scenery of fjord Norway.

Green tourism in beautiful surroundings Environmentally friendly tourism is a major focus of the husband-and-wife team, and this is the base of everything

they do at the farm. “We operate within the UNESCO-listed West-Norwegian Fjordlandscape, and we’d like to be a beacon within sustainable tourism,” Tone says. Before the move to the heart of rural Norway, Tone was a journalist for national newspapers and wrote a documentary focusing on pollution in fjord Norway. The pair foster green tourism in every aspect of their business: they use ingredients sourced from their kitchen garden and from the ecological agricultural school next door for their cooking, offer free bicycles to guests to limit car use, enforce a minimum stay of two nights and support local businesses. At 29|2 Aurland, you can expect seasonal homemade food based on organic, locally sourced ingredients. Food is served in the Smokehouse, which has been converted from a traditional smoke house where fish would be preserved to a rustic dining room featuring long communal benches, wood interiors and sheepskin blankets.

With easy access to the charming towns of Aurland and Flåm, near the Flåmsbana, which Lonely Planet ranks as one of the most beautiful train jour-

neys in the world, the lodge is ideally situated. 29|2 Aurland works with several bespoke and high-end international operators, offering tailor-made journeys and experiences in the heart of Norway. Custom tours are designed to suit the guests’ individual interests and needs, enabling them to experience the many natural wonders nearby, such as visits to WorldHeritage sites, slow- adventure activities, fly fishing on the famous Aurland River, hikes to the stunning Stegastein lookout point and down the Aurland valley, which is ranked among the ten most beautiful walking routes in Norway, and much more.

Any city-dwellers looking to slow down and reconnect with nature will find this picturesque spot ideal for their holiday.

29|2 Aurland is the perfect place for those looking to venture off the beaten track and immerse themselves in the beautiful nature and slow living of fjord Norway. www.292aurland.com Facebook: 292aurland Instagram: @292aurland

Bjørn and Tone Rønning Vik

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 107

Restaurant of the Month, Sweden

Simple pleasures If the mention of wine bars makes you think of intimidating staff and impenetrable wine lists, think again. Stockholm’s Grus Grus offers one of the capital’s best and most exciting selections of wines in laidback and unpretentious surroundings – and there’s delicious food, to boot.

money for large, expensive machinery.

The quality is no less, but there’s a much greater contact with nature, and often a family tradition and generations of expertise behind these wines.”

By Liz Longden | Photos: Tobias Regell

Given that ‘grus’ in Swedish means gravel or grit, you’d be forgiven for thinking the name ‘Grus grus’ was inspired by the concept of terroir. In fact, it is a tongue-in-cheek homage to its sister- bar, the historic Tranan restaurant – ‘Tranan’ for ‘the crane’ in English, in Latin ‘grus’. The name is nevertheless fitting in another sense, because this is an establishment that prides itself on being down-to-earth. “Our concept is really of a place where people can just come to hang out with family, friends or colleagues and enjoy great wine and great 108 | Issue 134 | March 2020

food,” says Patricia Dominguez, Grus Grus manager and head sommelier.

“We take inspiration very much from the southern European way of enjoying food and drink – in a sociable way, without complicating things too much.”

The bar has been open since April 2018, and stands out from the crowd in particular in its championing of what Dominguez calls ‘artisanal’ wines. “It’s about wines that are made by human hands,” she explains. “Typically, they come from simpler, smaller farms, who don’t have the

Many of these vineyards are situated in less well-known wine-producing areas, such as Switzerland, Hungary and Slovakia, to name just a few, and Dominguez argues that the different ter-

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Sweden

roirs, grapes varieties and wine-making traditions result in unique and exciting variations in taste. However, established wine producing nations can throw up some surprises, too. Dominguez cites Italy as one example. “The tradition of winemaking is deeply rooted in the Italian heart, and wine is made everywhere there,” Dominguez says, “so we’re always discovering new grape varieties that we had no idea existed. It’s tremendous fun.”

Sharing that excitement of discovering something new is what Dominguez and her colleagues are all about. One way in which they do this is to offer ‘mini tastings’ with a different theme every week, in order to introduce customers to wines they may not have seen or tried before. “We think it’s nice to be able to show our guests the different possibilities that these wines offer, without them having to buy a whole bottle, or even a whole glass,” Dominguez explains, adding that the tastings can be enjoyed by everyone, whatever their back-

ground. “We have customers who perhaps don’t know so much about wine and would just like a bit of general background and a few pointers, and then we have experts who really know a lot but maybe haven’t had the opportunity to try those particular wines, and for them we’ll obviously go into much more detail.”

The bar also hosts regular ‘Meet the winemaker’ events, where producers from around the world are invited to introduce and chat about their wines, and guests can enjoy a tasting session here, too.

The art of simplicity There is more to Grus Grus than just wine, however. The establishment also has a kitchen serving a high-quality menu of smaller dishes, inspired by French, Spanish and Italian cuisine. “Rather than a restaurant in the classic sense, we would describe ourselves instead as a wine bar with very, very good food,” Dominguez explains. “The feeling is something similar

to a Spanish tapas bar, a taverna or a rural French bistro.”

In particular, Grus Grus places emphasis on fresh and seasonal produce and simple dishes that stand out for the quality of their ingredients. Grilled fish, tortilla, bread and pate, and buffalo mozzarella with fresh tomatoes are just some of the staples. “It’s not the classic starter, main course, dessert formula. It’s much more food that can be shared and enjoyed more informally,” says Dominguez.

For this same reason, only half of Grus Grus’ tables can be booked, with the rest reserved for drop-in guests. “It’s important to us that this is a place where people can drop by, sit down, and have a glass and a bite to eat,” Dominguez adds. “We want our guests to feel at home, so we work hard to keep it simple.” www.grusgrusvinbaren.se

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 109

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Norway

Photo: Woutervander Sar

Photo: Fransisco Munoz

The popular concept Bubble Brunch happens every Saturday at Café Norge.

Restaurant of the Month, Norway

A lively meeting place in Bergen Located on the first floor of Hotel Norge by Scandic in the heart of Bergen, Café Norge is a place where good moments are created. It has become a popular and lively meeting place serving lunch, dinner and cocktails all week long to locals and international travellers, with a focus on social eating.

By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Hotel Norge by Scandic

The iconic Hotel Norge opened its doors back in 1885 and has since become one of Bergen’s most prominent hotels. In June 2018, it reopened after full refurbishment with its very own Café Norge, and is now a modern hotel with historic charm.

The idea behind Café Norge was to create a lively and trendy place where both locals and international travellers can meet and socialise, something general manager Lise Solheim believes it has achieved. “Café Norge has become the most popular meeting place in town, with a vibrant atmosphere. It is a stylish place where you can enjoy lunch, dinner or cocktails in the evening,” she says proudly.

110 | Issue 134 | March 2020

As a previous gold winner of Bocuse d’Or, master chef Ørjan Johannessen is responsible for creating the breakfast, lunch and dinner menus as the hotel’s chef advisor. Together with executive head chef Tore Espenes and their skilful team, they serve up the best ingredients Norway has to offer. “Our chefs combine local produce with international flavours to create delicious and honest dishes,” Solheim asserts.

With interiors reflecting high-quality, contemporary, Nordic design with large windows and a warm, welcoming ambiance, Café Norge welcomes guests to unwind and have fun in a unique setting.

It stays open from morning until late, and the highlight of the week is the Bubble

Brunch, which happens every Saturday, with bubbles in the glass, a DJ spinning tunes, great food and a buzzing atmosphere. “It’s always fully booked, so I recommend booking in advance to make sure you get a table,” advises Solheim.

With a new concept starting soon, the vibrant café will also offer guests Sunday brunch, which Solheim believes will be just as popular. “It will be a pleasant alternative for families or friends before or after a Sunday hike to get together and enjoy food from our buffet,” she smiles.

Hotel Norge has three floors dedicated to food, drinks and happenings, so you are guaranteed to get exceptional culinary experiences here, whether you decide to visit Café Norge or simply enjoy a cocktail in the Lobby bar. www.scandichotels.no/cafenorge Instagram: @cafenorge_bergen and @hotelnorgebyscandic

In-house roaster, Tomi Nieminen, roasting coffee beans.

Café of the Month, Finland

The wonderful world of coffee Paulig Kulma, located in the heart of Helsinki, is a café, roastery and barista training institute. Kulma offers customers a multi-sensory experience that allows them to delve into the world of coffee. The coffee house puts sustainability and coffee at the centre of everything it does. The coffee’s entire journey – from bean to cup – has been carefully thought of, through careful consideration for farmers and all the way to the baristas’ expert knowledge and passion for their brew.

By Ndéla Faye | Photos: Kim Öhman

In 1876, Gustav Paulig set up a company that would grow into one of Finland’s most successful businesses. Over the years, it anchored itself into Finnish people’s daily lives as one of the most recognised coffee brands. Since its founding, Paulig has had a strong sense of entrepreneurship and vision for the future, all while creating new trends – and these things are still visible in the company today.

Paulig’s flagship, and a stone’s throw away from the first shop, founded by Gustav Paulig more than 140 years ago.

The establishment’s regularly changing coffee range consists of the latest trends in coffee from around the globe.

Kulma’s interior is aesthetically pleasing and funky – and very Instagrammable – making it a perfect place to taste coffees, cocktails or mocktails, alongside tasty food and cakes.

Paulig Kulma is a coffee house that serves freshly-roasted, hand-made coffee in Helsinki’s city centre. Kulma is

“Working in Paulig Kulma is a dream come true for coffee nerds like us,” laughs Ella Takalainen, Paulig Kulma’s

112 | Issue 134 | March 2020

café expert. Kulma prides itself on having the baristas with the sunniest dispositions in the whole city. “Everyone here is genuinely excited about coffee. Our staff is highly qualified and happy to talk about anything coffee-related, and serve customers their daily coffee, of course,” she continues.

Sustainability is key Customers are guaranteed to get the freshest coffee in town at Kulma, as their in-house roasters, Tomi Nieminen and Mihkel Jurimaa, roast the coffee beans on site. Each batch of coffee is lovingly roasted in small batches, using a small drum roaster, in order to preserve all the wonderful aromas and flavours of the coffee. The in-house roasting machine – named Bertha, as an homage to Gustav Paulig’s wife – functions on biogas, which means that the coffee is roasted using 100 per cent renewable energy.

Scan Magazine | Café of the Month | Finland

All Paulig Kulma’s coffee is sourced through verified sustainable partnership programmes or certified sustainable sources. This is something the company is very proud of, as sustainability is a matter close to its heart.

“Our thorough knowledge of the origins of our coffee and the long-term cooperation with farmers are crucial parts and the foundation of all our sourcing. The quality and great taste of coffee are only created through responsible behaviour. Sustainability is such an important part of what we do – and our great-tasting coffee is testament to that,” Takalainen explains.

In addition, any coffee produced during tastings at Paulig Kulma is donated to a local charity, as Paulig Kulma feels that none of the precious coffee should be wasted. Sustainability, with the aim of being zero-waste, is at the heart of Kulma’s ethos. Even the staff uniforms are made from recycled materials, and the coffee beans sold on the premises are wrapped in ecological packaging.

Training new coffee lovers The Paulig Barista Institute is an internationally recognised and Speciality Coffee Association (SCA) certified training community, and part of the training is held at Kulma. The Paulig Barista Institute trains approximately 4,000 ba-

ristas annually, introducing them to the secrets of the wonderful world of coffee.

“Kulma has a training room on the second floor, with windows all the way to the ceiling, so our customers can follow the newbie baristas as they learn new things. This is very much the vibe we wanted to create at Kulma: coffee is the focal point of everything we do – and it’s fun and exciting, and we want our enthusiasm to rub off on our customers, too,” says Takalainen.

The cherry – or froth – on top, are Kulma Live nights, which feature interesting

talks, competitions, as well as music performances by various artists and DJs. “This is a perfect place to hang out and relax – and it’s also a place where people can explore the world of coffee.

Coffee is a wonderful, delicate and nuanced ingredient, and that is why we are so passionate about it – and what better place to enjoy it than here,” the coffee expert concludes. www.paulig.fi/kulma Facebook: Paulig Kulma Instagram: @pauligkulma

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 113

Attraction of the Month, Denmark

Learning through play – for the whole family A LEGO brick is much more than just a brick. The sales and marketing director for LEGO House, Gitte Hedegaard Nipper, has witnessed the magic of LEGO bricks first-hand again and again throughout her career. “I think the genius of the LEGO brick is its ability to transform into whatever you want it to be. It’s such a simple design with an unending amount of possibility.” Nowhere can the power of the LEGO brick to enthuse and inspire be felt more keenly than at LEGO House in Billund, the children’s capital.

ever. “Building something using LEGO bricks teaches you practical skills, but it also teaches you those wonderful ‘soft’ skills that are more important than ever for life in the 21st century – creativity, communication, social and emotional intelligence and cooperation.”

By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: LEGO House

LEGO House is divided into different zones, which support different types of learning and playing. Fans of every age are welcome everywhere and encouraged to play and explore together.

“One of our favourite things about LEGO House is that it really draws families together. It’s not just somewhere where you park the kids while you sit in the corner on your phone, you just can’t help

LEGO House is hard to describe. It is an experience centre, a fan appreciation base, a museum and an interactive playground, but it is much more than that, too. “It’s a place full of joy that you have to experience for yourself to know what’s so cool about it,” Nipper asserts.

“It connects people of all ages through 114 | Issue 134 | March 2020

the power of a little rectangular brick to teach you things and have fun together, no matter your age – we call it the world’s best playdate.”

Learning through play has always been at the heart of the LEGO philosophy, and it is a skill that is more important than

Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Denmark

but get involved,” Nipper says. “We’re very proud to say that we bring out the child in even the most stubborn adult.

It’s something that the kids love, too.”

A home for young kids and old kids Cutting-edge digital technology is used unobtrusively throughout LEGO House to support the hands-on experience of the LEGO world. Specially trained play agents can be found in every room and help ensure that everyone has a good time. They receive intensive training in LEGO history and culture, in the software as well as in how to encourage happy learning.

“No matter where you work in LEGO House, it’s a very fun experience overall. We’re here all day and get to witness people’s enthusiasm and ingenuity every day, as well as the sheer happiness that kids aged one to 99 get from being here.

There are certainly worse places to be,” Nipper smiles.

The LEGO tree of life Activities range from exploring classic LEGO cityscapes full of odd little details to discover, to building the racing cars from scratch and racing them against one another to see which is the fastest and most agile. “One experience that everyone seems to love is the Fish Designer, which lets you design and create your own fish. When it’s done,

At The MINI CHEF Restaurant, you have to build your food order in LEGO bricks as this is the only language the LEGO minifigure chefs and the robot waiters, Robert and Roberta, understand.

you can use your digital armband to give it a face and then release it into our digital aquarium, where it’ll swim around quite happily amongst all the other visitors’ creations,” Nipper says.

“Along with all these cool new technological interactions, we of course also have a massive room full of LEGO bricks, where you can build and rebuild to your heart’s content.”

After a tough day of learning through playing, you can sit down and relax at the foot of the 15-metre-tall LEGO tree,

which forms the centre of the building.

If you go up the stairs, you’ll see that the tree is actually made of LEGO bricks and that it isn’t quite finished. In fact, it never will be. The crown is alive with prolific little LEGO figures working very hard to construct the next new branches of the LEGO tree, making sure that the tree keeps growing and developing. Located just 200 metres from the site of the original (wooden) LEGO brick production, the LEGO tree reminds LEGO employees and fans alike that learning – and playing – should never, ever stop.

The LEGO House is divided into four play zones, each of which is designated to a type of learning – creativity, social, emotional and logical – as well as a History Collection taking you back through the most iconic LEGO playsets, and a Masterpiece Gallery showcasing some of the incredible art that LEGO fans produce.

The LEGO House features 12,000 square metres of beautiful and quirky architecture by the Bjarke Ingels Group.

www.legohouse.com Facebook: OfficialLEGOHOUSE Instagram: @legohouse

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 115

Wake up to the sound of silence – and the sea.

Experience of the Month, Denmark

Home and away – any time of year From the little wooden house situated right on the sea’s edge to an architectdesigned cottage with panoramic sea views from all rooms and a houseboat that offers a true maritime experience, DanCenter’s wide selection of holiday homes offers something for everyone – all year round.

By Camilla Pedersen | Photos: DanCenter

DanCenter has been an intermediary between owners and renters of holiday homes across Denmark for more than 60 years, and while a home away from home is a more popular holiday choice than ever before, a lot has changed during that time. “A holiday home used to be a small wooden house with bunk beds. It would be equipped with the bare essentials only, as people would spend all day by 116 | Issue 134 | March 2020

the beach anyway,” says Maiken Osbæck Olsen, guest marketeer at DanCenter. And while traditional, wooden holiday homes are still part of the enormous selection of DanCenter’s privately owned houses spread all over Denmark, people have very different expectations these days.

“A holiday home is not only reserved for the busy summer periods anymore.

We’re seeing a growing interest in holiday homes outside of peak periods – for romantic get-aways, family holidays, or time with friends. In autumn and winter, people enjoy pulling the plug and getting some peace and quiet in front of the fireplace after a brisk walk outdoors or hours of splashing in the pool. We also see many people choosing to celebrate Christmas or New Year’s Eve in a rented holiday home, enjoying the festivities in an environment that is homely, yet different to home. And then there are the big family gatherings, where several generations get together under one roof – often one that offers various activities such as a pool area, table tennis and much more.

Scan Magazine | Experience of the Month | Denmark

All of this also means that requirements are very different nowadays,” says Olsen.

Unplugging and recharging But changing requirements that call for Wi-Fi, modern facilities, and high-quality beds is just one aspect. Another thing that’s changing is behaviour. “People are generally becoming more environmentally conscious and focus more on how they can reduce their carbon footprint. Whereas many of us used to head south when it was time to pull the plug and recharge the batteries, it seems that we are now starting to realise how much Denmark has to offer – scenic landscapes and raw nature, wide beaches and heather covered heath, cliffs and crystal-clear waters. And with over 7,000 kilometres of coastline here in Denmark, there is really no reason to go to southern Europe,” Olsen smiles.

Most of the holiday homes in DanCenter’s catalogue are concentrated around popular summer cottage areas in Denmark, typically close to the seaside. “But no matter your location, you’re never more than 50 kilometres away from the coast anyway. And a few hours in a car go a long way – you can drive from Copenhagen to Skagen in less than six hours,” Olsen

explains. Not only does Denmark offer diverse and unparalleled outdoor experiences – anything from wide, sandy beaches along the west coast of Jutland to the rocky sights and crystal-clear waters of Bornholm. But most theme parks, tourist attractions and sights are open outside of the high season, too, so renting a home away from home is a unique opportunity to discover some of Denmark’s cultural and historical gems as well as getting a taste of some local delicacies.

DanCenter is not just a go-to for homeaway-from-home experiences in Denmark. It also acts as intermediaries of houses in Sweden and Norway, offering unique settings for seeing the northern lights or exploring the fjords and surrounding areas, picturesque villages and coastal towns. Or, how about a cosy, Swedish wooden house that makes you feel like you are part of an Astrid Lindgren children’s story? “We also have fishing houses equipped with a filleting bench, freezer and a boat, making for the perfect fishing holiday on the Norwegian sea and fjords. People generally want to recharge and connect more with nature, and this is one of many ways to do so,” Olsen concludes.

About DanCenter: DanCenter is an intermediary of holiday homes and present in 11 countries with four main markets: Denmark, Sweden, Norway and northern Germany.

DanCenter has over 6,000 holiday homes in Denmark, 800 in Sweden, 600 in Norway and 200 in Germany.

All holiday homes are owned by private owners who let DanCenter take care of the rental process to optimise the revenue and minimise the hassle.

DanCenter has 28 local offices in Denmark that handle all administrative procedures and key handovers, and also function as the point of contact for advice, queries and recommendations on what to do and see in the area.

Pets are welcome at no extra charge in over 3,000 of the Danish holiday homes.

www.dancenter.dk and www.dancenter.com Facebook: DanCenterDanland Instagram: @DanCenterdanland

Top left: Architect-designed holiday cottage next to a family-friendly beach with panoramic views of the sea from all rooms of the house. Top middle: A Norwegian holiday house located on a hilltop with panoramic views of the fjord. Top right: The ideal setting in Norway for winter experiences with northern lights and midnight sun in the summer. Bottom: A holiday home is ideal for gatherings with families or friends.

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 117

Scan Magazine | Museum of the Month | Denmark

Museum of the Month, Denmark

A trip down memory lane Visiting Give-Egnens Museum is like stepping into a time warp. The museum has kept an impressive amount of materials showing how life used to be over 100 years ago, which makes it an authentic and child-friendly experience.

in Germany voted to join Denmark after having belonged to Germany since the war in 1864.

By Nicolai Lisberg | Photos: Give-Egnens Museum

2020 is also a big anniversary for the museum itself, as it was inaugurated 50 years ago. “We are planning several events later on this year to mark the date and, as always, we’ll try to come up with something with a both local and national angle. In general, we are a very active house, with lectures and concerts, as well. As we are located in idyllic surroundings, it’s ideal for families to spend a day here, as you can walk around in the nearby forest or use the playground,” says Mortensen.

Step inside a peasant’s farm to see how a family had to use whatever they had at their disposal in order to make a living, or pay the local grocer, butcher and shoemaker a visit and see what a small village looked like in the 19th century. If you are a school class, you can even be taught in an authentic classroom from the 1930s, where rote learning and strict discipline were part of the schedule.

area, and in Denmark in general, many years ago. It wasn’t always easy to cultivate the soil, and the locals had to be very frugal to make it work,” explains curator at Give-Egnens Museum, Lars Froberg Mortensen, adding: “The materialistic culture at the museum is enormous, and guests are more than welcome to touch all the original objects from back then.”

“It’s important to understand whose shoulders we are standing on today. We serve as a collective memory of how things used to be around here in the

Both locally and nationally, this is an exciting year for the museum. It is the 100th anniversary of the Schleswig plebiscites, where a large northern zone

118 | Issue 134 | March 2020

A special year

www.gem.dk Facebook: GiveEgnensMuseum

Gallery of the Month, Norway

A haven in the depths of the forest In a fairytale-like landscape, nestled in between greenery and waterfalls, lies Labro Gallery. Set in a converted 19th-century stable, it is a place to discover old treasures while encountering paintings from today.

By Lisa Maria Berg

In the depths of the forest, in this lush landscape where one can almost hear Grieg’s In the Hall of the Mountain King seeping out between rocks and trees, you’ll find Gallery Labro. About seven kilometres outside of the historic Kongsberg, once home to the famous silver mines in Norway, is a little pocket of art, carefully curated inside 120 | Issue 134 | March 2020

a 19th-century stable. It is a place like no other.

The community Kari M. Blanchard has, as head of the board of the art organisation Labro Art, an above-average interest in art and local history. She takes us through the details: “Labro Gallery is part of the multi-

faceted Labro Museums, which consist of many branches. There is the gallery, open from May through to September, exhibiting three artists consecutively throughout summer. Alongside the gallery, the museum also tells the story of a hydro power era, stretching from the beginning of the 20th century and all the way to today. The sawmills and history of forestry and road-building in the area are also at the heart of the museum.”

The art The gallery itself is located in a very special place: a converted stable, timber

Scan Magazine | Gallery of the Month | Norway

Photo: Kari M. Blanchard

Photo: Nina Marshall

built and with a lovely 200 square metres of lush space to showcase painting upon painting. “It is a place with a very special atmosphere and makes for the perfect backdrop for exhibitions. It is a real treat to open an exhibition here, making the vernissage a very special occasion both for the artist and the guests,” says Blanchard.

The gallery is closely knit with Labro Art, an organisation founded by Arne Gyttrup in 2006, preserving and championing art from the area. Due to Gyttrup’s enthusiasm as an art lover and his good relationship with the owner of the hydro-electric plant, Glitre Energy, he was a driving force behind the restoration of the beautiful, old brick-built power plant building from 1910, and still today behind the art lectures given at Labro Art’s premises, and even

Artist Inger Karthum. Photo: Sonja Sandbakk

the establishment of the art gallery.

His gallery cooperator, local artist Oddvin Ørbeck, who is still going strong aged 95, is worth mentioning here: Ørbeck has a very special place in the local art history from the region. He has been an important resource in the Kongsberg art society and will be one of three artists, alongside Henriette Emilie Finne and Roar Kjærnstad, exhibited this year, celebrating the first ten years as a gallery.

Numedalslågen The river Numedalslågen has carried many a log down its rocky streams on its way to a sawmill. For centuries, using the river as nature’s own highway was crucial to many communities in Norway. Entire generations built their lives around the sawmill industry. The rivers once enabled the transportation

of timber from impassable and hard-to- navigate landscapes onto the sawmill.

Still, the rich history of the people, the places, the tools and the life surrounding these places, lives on.

A lot of this can today be seen at Labro Museums. It is a rich part of Norwegian history that is being communicated at Labro today. Labro means ‘the bridge over Lågen’ – the bridge over the river. Visiting and exploring the old power station and sawmill is like stepping back in time. “Even back in 1538, when the first German miners, called in by King Christian III, arrived in the district, they founded the first recorded silver mine in the area, close to the Labro waterfall. The adit to this medieval silver mine is still seen in the entrance to the Glitre hydro-electric power plant,” Blanchard explains.

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 121

Scan Magazine | Gallery of the Month | Norway

122 | Issue 134 | March 2020

Scan Magazine | Gallery of the Month | Norway

Photo: Ole Jacob Cranner

Glitre Energy The art gallery had its beginnings a decade ago; in 2020, it will celebrate its first ten years. It’s a place built on raw, local force. With backing from the owner, Glitre Energy, and with the will and hours of locals, the gallery came into existence in 2010, in the sequence of a long tradition of art in the area.

“The landscape at Labro has been vividly explored by several Norwegian national romantic painters, and the waterfall and its picturesque surroundings gave inspiration to some signature works by illustrious Norwegian painters such as J. C. Dahl, Thomas Fearnley and Hans Gude. Many of those works became the symbols of a nation and were hugely important in the work of building an identity as a country,” Blanchard continues.

“Visiting Labro today sometimes feels like walking into one of those paintings!”

More than just a gallery

Photo: Nina Marshall

A visit to Labro Museums and Labro Gallery can entail more than just the average gallery experience. Labro offers an ideal weekend trip for the family, one hour’s drive from the capital, Oslo.

Many people come here to experience

the nature, have a stroll to look at the impressive – although now harnessed – Labro waterfall, and to enjoy a cup of coffee and something to nibble on in the cosy cafe, surrounded by lawns and a garden. There’s something very special about being sat in this gallery, which was once a stable, and seeing the room come alive with art.

The Labro Museums make for the perfect place to visit, for families, locals and anyone with an interest in art and history. The popular Labro Days is like a fun fair, except the roller coaster is replaced by miniature timber floating, traditional flatbread baking, and guided tours of the museums and surrounding areas, including the riverscape and spectacular natural scenery. “It’s fun to see the children play an active part in re-discovering the history of this place. It is also an invaluable way to pass on crafts that would otherwise have been forgotten. Inviting children and their families into the gallery and the grounds here allows them to learn, but most importantly, have fun and leave with a great experience.” www.labro-art.no

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 123

Araber,110x170, 2017.

Artist of the Month, Norway

Staging stories of the human condition The Norwegian painter Henriette Emilie Finne has created a name for herself within the Scandinavian art world with her innovative style and sensibilities. The acclaimed visual artist with a colourful background has had almost 90 exhibitions so far, with new, separate exhibitions coming up this year in May and August.

By Maria Vole | Photos: Henriette E. Finne

A bright spark on the Norwegian art scene, Finne has been represented at several galleries in recent years, and her works have been purchased by several large companies. After achieving an MA from what is now the National Academy of Arts in Oslo (KiO), with a Major in Fine Arts (MFA), Finne has had almost 30 separate art exhibitions as well as 60 collective exhibitions in her career so far.

Born and raised in Oslo, Finne quickly revealed herself to be curious at heart and 124 | Issue 134 | March 2020

deeply interested in the world around her.

An adventurous spirit, Finne was part of an underground creative environment in Hamburg in the 1980s. Her bohemian lifestyle and artistic endeavors took her travelling across Scandinavia and Germany in a modified police truck from the 1950s, alongside a magician- and-pantomime artist. She lived in a cave for four months on the shores of La Gomera in the Canary Islands, before she decided to apply to the Norwegian National Academy of Art in Oslo.

As an art student in the 1990s, Finne also had a short stay in Berlin, at Akademie der Künste (AdK), through the Erasmus exchange programme.

Finne immersed herself in the liberal arts scene of the city, conducting research as part of her arts degree.

During her time there, her studies were driven by the narrow confines of gender roles that lock individuals into either masculine or feminine beings.

She found an interest in the duality and complexity of human beings. This was inspired by several authors, including C. G. Jung, who wrote about anima and animus: the unconscious feminine psychological qualities that a man possesses, and the masculine ones within a woman. Finne’s international sensibilities and wealth of experiences have certain-

Scan Magazine | Artist of the Month | Norway

ly influenced the art she has produced over the years.

Migration and geometry In 2015, Finne began working on a project that led to a separate exhibition in 2018, titled The World in Motion. This exhibition consisted of 40 paintings and stemmed from the artist’s reflections and thoughts regarding the Arab Spring.

The idea of multicultural societies is a relevant topic for the artist, as she believes large amounts of migration lead to socio-political challenges, though society is also enriched by having a greater diversity of people with different cultural backgrounds. Through artistic effects, Finne tried to bring elements to the paintings that could be associated with the countries located around the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern world, where the source of our time’s cultural and historical beginnings can be found. Using structures such as dancing dots and lines on the display surface, the artist attempted to reference unfamiliar written languages, as can be seen in the painting Araber.

Henriette Emilie Finne. Photo: Severin Loring Sæther

Finne also connected the shapes of the circle and rectangle, creating a pattern as a backdrop for the action in some of her paintings. She found an interest in this pattern because it can easily be spotted today in the countries located

around the Mediterranean Sea, often on a fence in a park or a wall in a parking lot, though it would rarely be seen in northern countries. Her painting The Unknown builds on this idea, and this is also where her interest in geometry

The Unknown, 110x180, 2017.

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 125

Scan Magazine | Artist of the Month | Norway

Forstilling/Notion, 110X180, 2019.

originated. “Geometry relates to both the laws of nature through hidden intricate mathematical systems, and to wellknown symbols used across the world through thousands of years,” Finne says. “Symbolism has been a recurring feature in my work, and geometry offers plenty of symbolic connections. The circle and the rectangle are in many cultures associated with birth and death.”

Contemporary art meets abstract expressionism

Birth 110x170, 2016

126 | Issue 134 | March 2020

With regards to style, Finne is known for playing with form and colour, but her experiments are always grounded in a deep understanding of traditions within fine art and arts and crafts. Nevertheless, she is unwilling to be tied down to the traditional norms of the painting genre. “My project is to take the contradictions and contrasts within the medium of painting and force them to work together within the same picture,” Finne says.

Scan Magazine | Artist of the Month | Norway

Morild – Phosphorescence, 110x180, 2019.

She seeks to evoke physical sensations as a way to connect with her own, and the viewer’s, emotions. She does this by putting different emphasis on brush strokes and textures on the canvas, or by pitting contrasting colours against each other, like an acidic neon yellow or a bold neon pink against earthier tones.

Her paintings are made with layers upon layers of acrylic paint, and some addition of charcoal. This is part of what makes

her work special. “The variety of textures and colours is something you wouldn’t be able to see in a photo,” she says. Through merging different traditions of the painting medium, she has invented her own style within contemporary art, in the direction of abstract expressionism.

her creative process as that of a theatre director: “I stage a story where I move elements around within the image until they find their place and form,” Finne says. Her paintings are produced with remarkable sensitivity, and there is a depth of meaning to each piece.

The artist explores a variety of themes related to the human condition and interhuman relations. Finne describes

Finne has ongoing collaborations with several galleries in Norway and usually displays one or two separate exhibitions per year. The painter has two new separate exhibitions coming up this year, in May and August respectively. Her paintings are also available to view and purchase on her website as well as several other art websites.

“Everything Henriette Finne does has a profound effect on me.”

Kjetil Bjørnstad (Norwegian author and musician)

Henriette Emilie Finne in the studio.

www.henriettefinne.com Instagram: @henriette.finne

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 127

Scan Magazine | Humour | Columns

IS IT JUST ME…

By Mette Lisby

… who has failed to take one of the biggest threats against us seriously?

Apparently not. It seems we are all very ill-prepared for the collection and use of our personal data. It’s a booming industry, and between uploading our private photos on Instagram and venting our every thought on Twitter, we are too busy to care about it.

I try, I really do. I always enter the ‘how we deal with your personal data’ section with the best of intentions, never just clicking the ‘I accept’ button, which apparently is where you sign away all the rights to your own life, plus your firstborn child. I always investigate, clicking the ‘more information’ option and, after that, I click ‘decline’ to every option not strictly necessary. That’s what I do. After that, if they keep lining up ‘terms of agreements’, my identity as conscious costumer rapidly fades and I simply resign and press a lame ‘I agree’.

I have every chance at hand to do research and understand what they’re asking me, but it seems too ambiguous to even try, and also, I’m too impatient because I real-

ly, really want to get to that article about Jennifer Aniston revealing which episode of Friends is her favorite.

This is the mental state of humanity today: anything that requires more than three minutes of engagement, we sign off on. That is great news for anyone trying to manipulate us, and anyone trying to make money from our data. We even know that this is exactly what’s happening, and we still don’t do anything about it. As if our own fate has become something we have passively signed away the rights for. We are like the guy who knows sugar will kill him, yet he keeps eating pie.

It’s the same with elections, where pundits call for politicians who can ‘excite’ voters. Voting about our own future is apparently not that interesting to us. We need to have something ‘exciting’ happen for us to care, someone to perform magic tricks in order for us to care about the future of our children.

Flying potion In Sweden, children start school at the age of six – or, back in my time, aged seven – and so much of our early education takes place in the more informal setting of our nurseries, or ‘förskola’. Growing up, my förskola had a workshop, and placed in the middle of this was a large log. The purpose of the log was to allow children to let off steam, by hammering nails into it – a simple but effective method for dealing with frustrated six-year-olds. We also did basic woodwork, with my personal pièce de résistance being a wooden box with a hinged lid and lock. I painted it pink and declared it perfect for all my secret, magical objects, before realising I didn’t have any.

At the time I was reading The Little Vampire, which contained a very useful recipe for a flying potion. It seemed simple enough to make, but had to be left to brew in order to work. I didn’t want my parents to find out, and the box seemed the ideal 128 | Issue 134 | March 2020

When you think about it, we should all be outraged, filled with the urge to act, to do something! I know you’re probably too exhausted, but all you have to do is say ‘I agree’.

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

er of vinegar-reeking mould. Mortified, I scattered it in the woods so that no one would know.

This would have been the perfect moment to whack nails into a log. Instead, I sulked in the woods with my empty bowl, trying to take courage from the fact that at least I’d learnt the importance of following a recipe. Clearly, the failure of my flying potion lay in my foolish addition of cucumber.

place for a brewing flying potion. I can’t remember the exact ingredients, apart from vinegar and also cucumber, which was my own personal touch. I hid the box away, and when it was finally time to open the lid, I was stunned to notice that something magical had indeed happened. The flying potion was now covered with a thick lay-

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 | Column

Midsummer.

Photo: Clive Tompsett, imagebank.sweden.se

Smørrebrød.

Photo: Maria Nielsen, Visit Denmark

Wienerbrød.

Photo: Maria Nielsen, Visit Denmark

What is truly Scandinavian?

By Xander Brett

It’s an odd situation when a flag carrier succeeds in demeaning the countries it represents. SAS, the national airline for Norway, Sweden and Denmark, released an advert recently claiming that every well-known Scandinavian icon is in fact a foreign import. The promo, entitled What is truly Scandinavian?, was intended to portray a globalist message – with Scandinavians bringing the best of the world back home – but instead unleashed a backlash. With half a million views in mere hours, criticism from the far-right was so quick that SAS believes it was the victim of a hack. Then, shortly later, on 13 February, a street near the agency that produced the promo was shut down as a result of the company receiving a bomb threat.

So what truly is Scandinavian? Let’s look at a few of the classics.

Smørrebrød In the 17th century, during a trip to Holland, British naturalist John Ray 130 | Issue 134 | March 2020

observed strips of beef eaten on bread and butter. This was known as ‘belegd broodje’ and was the precursor to Scandinavia’s open sandwiches.

Midsommar German or Swedish? Or just Pagan?

The paperclip The Norwegian Johan Vaaler has been erroneously identified as its inventor, but according to the Early Office Museum, the first patent was awarded in the United States to Samuel B. Fray.

Undoubtedly, patronising the nations it represents exposes SAS to nationalists, and even to liberals its message seems strange. But the company’s intentions were clear. Far from demeaning cultures, they sought to celebrate countries whose pride is to take ideas and make them their own. That the airline released a second, ‘clearer’ trail only proves its determination to make the message work.

Meatballs Origin unknown. They’ve become part of so many cuisines – but the addition of lingonberries and pickled cucumber is definitely Swedish.

Danish pastries There’s no question that ‘Danishes’ are Austrian. In fact, even the Danes admit that. In Denmark, they’re known as wienerbrød (‘Vienna bread’).

Xander Brett is the editor of Fika Online, a blog dedicated to Nordic lifestyle, culture, travel and more. fika-online.com

Scan Magazine | Culture | Music

Scandinavian music There is a fresh new talent emerging from Denmark, Dopha, and she’s bringing with her some awesome pop to serve as her introduction. Debut single Happy For Me is a vigorously shape-shifting bop that manages to be both decadent and camp, while simultaneously sounding effortlessly cool.

It packs quite the ride in its mere two minutes and 24 seconds, and comparisons to Billie Eilish will be inevitable, albeit probably most welcome.

Over in Sweden, the duo Nordik Sonar are out with new single Fiction No Science, ahead of an EP release at the end of March.

The song is some multi-layered synthpop that doesn’t neglect the art of crafting a great melody in the process of making the production on the track sound so magical.

It’s definitely the best track I’ve heard from them in the few years they’ve been around, which bodes well for that upcoming EP. Also in Sweden, the critically acclaimed artist Skott makes a welcome comeback with new single and video Kodak &

Codeine. The song is her own interpretation of the classic break-up anthem. It is dark in tone and with an electric undercurrent, but with a tantalisingly catchy chorus to elevate the listen, and with plenty of those most underused elements in pop music – the humble bells!

Finally, in Iceland, we’ve got a song that’s currently going viral all over the world, with everyone from Hollywood A-lister Russell Crowe to UK television personality Rylan Clark-Neal and Irish author Marian Keyes taking to social media to declare how much they are digging it. The song is Think About Things, a thoroughly charming indie offering from the adorable hipster dork Daði Freyr. It is also Iceland’s entry to the Eurovision Song Contest in May. The fact that a song from the contest is achieving popularity outside of its own country a whole two months before the contest is quite unprecedented, and at the time of writing, it’s just entered the Top 30 iTunes charts in both the UK and Ireland,

By Karl Batterbee

with chart success in Sweden, Norway and Germany having arrived for it a week earlier. All the obsession will be explained once you watch the music video and see that dance routine in all its glory!

Web: www.scandipop.co.uk

Photo: Organic Day

Scandinavian Culture Calendar – Where to go, what to see? It’s all happening here!

Arctic Design Week (16-22 March) Sustainability and responsible design take centre stage at Arctic Design Week 2020, a seven-day-long celebration of northern design excellence and innovation. With the series of events, exhibitions and seminars all hosted by the town of Rovaniemi, a recognised pioneer within circular economy, this year’s theme is particularly fitting: ReCreate. Multiple venues. arcticdesignweek.fi 132 | Issue 134 | March 2020

Pär Engsheden and Sara Danius’ dresses (26 March-20 September) The Nobel Prize awards put the spotlight on achievements that have changed the entire world, but the annual gala banquet is also a major showcase of contemporary culture – including dresses.

The striking creations worn by the late Sara Danius, then permanent secretary of the Swedish Academy, feature symbolically significant designs, all by Pär Engsbeden. 10am to 5pm. Nordiska

By Jo Iivonen

museet, Djurgårdsvägen 6-16, 115 93 Stockholm, Sweden. www.nordiskamuseet.se

Art Nordic Exhibition (27-29 March) The Nordic region’s biggest art sales exhibition gathers collectors and aspiring artists, as well as those looking to get a glimpse into what’s happening in the regional art scene. This year, 270 artists will display their works, the major-

Scan Magazine | Culture | Calendar

Lakritsfestivalen. Photo: Minna Rossi

ity hailing from Denmark, although the neighbouring countries are also represented along with a handful of international names. Art Nordic, Sofiendalsvej 48, 4690 Haslev, Denmark. art-nordic.dk

The Liquorice Festival (27-29 March) Life without liquorice, especially the salty-sweet salmiak kind, is unimaginable to many a Nordic native. In addition to traditional confectionery, there’s liquorice ice cream, liquorice chocolate and even liquorice vodka. Indeed, such is the love of the black taste-bud tantaliser that there’s even an annual festival dedicated to it in Sweden. The three-day liquorice extravaganza features tastings, workshops and more. Fotografiska, Stadsgårdshamnen 22, 116 45 Stockholm, Sweden. lakritsfestivalen.se

Scandinavian Spring Market (28 March) South-east London’s Albion Street is a Nordic hub any time of the year, but even more so in the spring when the area that sits in-between the Finnish and Norwegian churches is once again set to host a bustling fair that coincides with Easter. Expect chocolate – lots of chocolate – handicrafts and plenty more to entertain the whole family. And for anything you forgot – the Finnish Church’s Easter market runs the following day, too. scandimarket.co.uk

Life, death and a spiritual journey (2-3 April) Mozart may have died prematurely at the height of his creative life, but masterpieces such as Requiem keep the legend alive. In the spirit of Easter, this special performance by the Oslo Philharmonics

Dress worn by Sara Danius at the Nobel Prize ceremony 2016. Design: Pär Engsheden.

Photo: Anna Danielsson.

Issue 134 | March 2020 | 133

Scan Magazine | Culture | Calendar

explores life, death and the meaning behind it all through music and a new interpretation of Requiem. Two concerts take place, one on Maundy Thursday and one on Good Friday. 7pm. Oslo Concert Hall, Munkedamsveien 14, 0115 Oslo, Norway. ofo.no

Highasakite (16 April)

Highasakite. Press photo

Nordic Noir Exhibition, Sverre Malling, Norwegian Muskox. Photo:Thomas Widerberg

Having released Part I of their new album, Bare Romantics, in late 2019, Highasakite will land on British shores for a oneoff gig this month. The Norwegian duo will then carry on with a tour across the Nordic region, with show dates scheduled at multiple cities until August. Although Part II of the album has yet to be released, the concerts may just offer a sneak preview to what’s in store down the line. 7pm to 10pm. The Garage, 20-22 Highbury Corner, N5 1RD London, UK. thegarage.london

Organic Day (19 April) The clocks will already have been turned, but April 19 brings about another reason to leap into spring – quite literally so, for the thousands of cows that get released onto summer pastures in Denmark. Otherwise known as Dancing Cow Day, the event was set up in 2005 to draw attention to the importance of organic farming and animal welfare. With some 250,000 Danes in attendance, it’s an event that’s known to put a bit of spring in everyone’s step – not just our bovine friends. Multiple locations. okodag.dk

Nordic Noir (until 26 April)

Oslo Philharmonics. Photo: C. F. Wesenberg

134 | Issue 134 | March 2020

The parallels between art at the start of the 20th century and the first decades of the new millennia are at the core of this new exhibition that explores the symbolic meanings of Norwegian and Finnish art from both eras. The early 20th-century works of Finland’s Akseli Gallen-Kallela are shown together with the works of Norwegian artists of the same period. Both are seen in a new light when mirrored against current-day artists from both countries.

Gallen-Kallelan Museo, Gallen-Kallelantie 27, 02600 Espoo, Finland. www.gallen-kallela.fi