Scan Magazine, Issue 143, June 2022

SCAN

WHO’S WHO? SCANDINAVIA’S TOP CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS OSLO AND BEYOND: NORWAY’S BUZZING ART SCENE HIDDEN GEMS AND WEEKEND GETAWAYS IN SWEDEN THE BEST CULTURE TRIPS IN DENMARK AND FINLAND

PROMOTING BRAND SCANDINAVIA ISSUE 143 JUNE 2022

M A G A Z I N E

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Contents

Contents COVER FEATURE

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Top Scandinavian Contemporary Artists Shaping the Scene

SPECIAL THEMES 28

It’s no secret that Oslo is a hotbed for the arts. In this month’s special theme, we discover the capital’s forerunning art and culture institutions, exhibitions and artists. Plus, we’ve toured mould-breaking studios and galleries in Lepsøy, Bergen, Hvitsten and Øystese, as well as a packed line-up of glass and ceramic artists from Sandnes, Nærbø, Haugesund and Skien, in our definitive guide to art in Norway.

Get to know nine pioneering names in Nordic contemporary art, as we dive into the major works, themes and watershed moments that have propelled them onto the international stage. This rundown features Sweden’s Arvida Byström, Iceland’s Shoplifter, emerging Danish talent Esben Weile Kjær, and a Norwegian with a penchant for trolls.

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Sweden’s Hidden Gems and Weekend Getaways Take the road less travelled, as we explore the bestkept holiday secrets of Northern Europe’s largest country. You’ll find a trove of hotels, restaurants, resorts and urban events – as well as high-altitude adventure courses and river rafting – to help you plan an off-the-beaten-track getaway this summer.

Treehouses, All-Weather Furniture and Finnish Creative Design Find home inspiration in this month’s design section, with stunning mid-century-inspired outdoor furniture from Sweden’s far-north. Then, novel architecture meets natural beauty in our feature on Danish modular treehouses, and we take a deep dive with the director of one of Finland’s standout creative design agencies. Plus, find out how a backyard stone-oven on a tiny Danish island has blossomed into the nation’s favourite smoked-salmon outpost.

Norway’s Buzzing Art Scene

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Visit Denmark Culture This issue, unwind at a traditional ‘badehotel’ (spa hotel), catch Dirty Dancing – The Musical or Grease on the big stage in Holstebro, or get back to nature at a wild-animal refuge on the outskirts of Copenhagen. Plus, we share our top picks for camping, festivals, cuisine and more in our Danish culture and holiday special.

LIFESTYLE SECTION 18

Natural Wine, Summer Beers and Finding ‘Lykke’ This issue, beer expert Malin Norman lays down her picks of light-bodied summer thirst-quenchers, from sessionable lagers to crisp schwarzbiers.

Meanwhile, our sustainable lifestyle columnist Alejandra Cerda Ojensa has the lowdown on why everyone drinks natural wine in Copenhagen, and health and wellness coach Heidi Kokborg unpicks the source of ‘lykke’ (happiness).

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CULTURE 88

On Dating Scandinavians, Finnish Sámi History, and Eating Pick ‘n’ Mix How do you score a date in Norway? Which love-life faux-pas should you avoid in Sweden? In an interview about her new book Sex Before Coffee: A Guide to Dating in Scandinavia, Marina Iakovleva shares her tips on what (not) to do. Elsewhere, we take you to Finnish Lapland, our music columnist Karl Batterbee drops his selects for the best new music to add to your radar, and our resident artist Gabi Froden makes a case for eating pick ‘n’ mix. Finally, dive into our Culture Calendar to find the unmissable events happening in the Nordics, this June.

REGULARS & COLUMNS 6 85

Fashion Diary | 8 We Love This | 77 Experience of the Month | 78 Restaurants of the Month Hotel of the Month | 86 Conference of the Month

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Dear Reader, The Nordic summer is famous for its long, peaches ‘n’ cream evenings that invite dips in the canal, live outdoor music and hikes along ancient, rugged coastlines. So, in this June issue of Scan, we’re getting under the skin of Scandinavia’s most vibrant urban centres and wild landscapes alike. It’s packed with culture features on galleries, concert venues, festivals and the best overnight stays for a short city break or an escape into nature.

In our Hidden Gems and Weekend Getaways special, we dive into Sweden’s best off-the-beaten-track spots. Where do the locals eat? Which coastal hotels have the best panoramas? And who lays claim to Sweden’s only authentic American-style BBQ? If you’re heading to Denmark, check out our Visit Denmark section, where we spotlight the must-see hotels and resorts outside the capital, offering family camping, outdoor adventures, and serene conference spots. Maybe you’ll meet a tall, mysterious

blonde at the reception desk – if so, Marina Iakovleva shares some pointers in her interview about her latest book, Sex Before Coffee: A Guide to Dating in Scandinavia.

Meanwhile, we’re showcasing Norwegian talent in the section, Norway’s Buzzing Art Scene. You’ll hear from ceramicists, painters, and leatherworkers – as well as pioneering modern art galleries, on how you can engage with their work. Then, take a deep dive with our cover feature – a who’s who of the top Scandinavian contemporary artists shaping the scene today.

There’s plenty more to discover – from columns musing on natural wine, beer, and Nordic ‘lykke’ (happiness), to our top fashion and design picks from emerging and established Scandi labels. With this issue of Scan Magazine, I invite you to embrace the off-piste and the unexpected, and to take the scenic route this summer.

Lena Hunter, Editor

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Fashion Diary

Fashion Diary…

Long days, light nights – midsummer in Scandinavia calls for garden parties and endless days under the sun. As midsummer magic meets wedding season, dress up in light garments and flowy summer dresses, and always have a swimsuit handy for the occasion of a refreshing and romantic midnight swim.

By Åsa H. Aaberge

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Press photos

Whatever your summer plans might be, you won’t go wrong with a go-to voluminous dress.

The Iro Maxi Dress from the Swedish brand By Malina suits summer occasions from weddings to garden parties or late-night picnics by the sea. Wear it with strappy sandals for an elegant party look or boots to put an edge on the style. A straw hat on top adds a bit of extra cuteness!

By Malina, Iro Maxi Dress, €440 Straw hat, €90 www.bymalina.com

A swimsuit that doubles as a top? Yes, please!

Swedish label Scampi creates swimwear with a sustainable approach. Combined with a skirt or shorts, their swimsuits can easily double as an ontrend strapless top.

Scampi, Acapulco Aqua swimsuit, €174 www.scampi.se

Even if the calendar says June, it can get chilly after that midnight swim and you might want to cosy up in a warm jumper. The Oslo Knit from Danish brand The Garment, in boiled wool, has an elegant boat neck and a boxy silhouette, making it perfect to throw over a summer dress.

The Garment, Oslo Knit, €350 www.thegarmentcopenhagen.com

A chic straw bag to fill with summer’s necessities is essential. With baby-blue details and an enduring design, ATP Atelier’s Lunano bag offers both style and function.

ATP Atelier, Lunano Baby Blue Raffia Tote, €450 www.atpatelier.com

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This striped cotton shirt is as dapper as it is relaxed, and therefore a great summer staple. Wear it with linen trousers and a blazer for a sharper aura, or pair with sandals and shorts for a more casual approach.

Tiger of Sweden, Jacob Shirt, €199 Scove Trousers, €179 www.tigerofsweden.com

After a morning dip, slip into a soft bathrobe in organic cotton from Tekla. Lounge in it all day if your summer plans allow for slacking. The fit is unisex and a likely favourite for the whole family.

Tekla, Marseille Striped Bathrobe, €179 www.teklafabrics.com

Jump in the cobalt-blue sea in matching cobalt-blue swim shorts. Swedish brand Marda focuses on sustainability and these shorts are crafted from seven upcycled plastic bottles, in a soft, quick-drying material.

Plus, for each pair sold, Marda donates a percentage to organisations cleaning up the ocean.

Marda, Mid-length Swim Shorts, €130 www.mardaswimwear.com

Let your toes out in these green flip flops by Norwegian eco-friendly flip flop label, Sleepers. They’re made using natural rubber and come in a variety of different summery colours.

Sleepers, Men’s Green Flip Flop, €40 www.sleepers.no

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We Love This

We Love This That Scandinavian design is synonymous with minimalism, muted colours and functionality is a dead horse, well-flogged. Though these touchpoints continue to define Nordic interior aesthetic, new generations of artists, architects and designers are breaking the mould with bright, absurdist works that eschew convention. Is this nu-nu-Nordic? While the pushback is visible across every design discipline, it’s yet to solidify into anything resembling a tangible movement. But right now, the ceramic and glass industry – one of Scandinavia’s liveliest design realms – is awash with delightfully-curious items. So, tap into the new wave with our pick of the most playful glassware for your home.

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Press photos

Created via a glassblowing technique that manipulates multiple layers of coloured dots, HAY’s handmade Splash Platter features a jewel-bright swirling pattern, suspended in a clear glass body. Catching the sun, the plate refracts light into gem-like beams through its detailed surface, while the notes of cobalt and apricot offset the colours of lemons, oranges and limes beautifully – making it an ideal fruit platter, or decorative table centrepiece. €85 www.hay.dk

Glaze Cup. Photo: Southern Sweden Design Days / Daniel Engvall

Swedish artist Ludvig Hyrefelt’s glasswork has a touch of Jeff Koons about it. Take the Gump Collection – a series of bright, turgid glass balloons, designed to slump into corners, or droop fatly off shelving like a Salvador Dali clock. From 19-22 May, he exhibited Gump at Swedish Design Days – a four-day celebration of Nordic talent in Malmö, Sweden, alongside his joyful line of glazed coffee cups. The Glazed Cup embodies the same exuberance and character as Hyrefelt’s other art, and surprising new editions are continuously added. €52.50 www.palette26.com

Studio Cup in Light Blue. Photo: NIKO JUNE

Splash Platter blue and light pink. Photo: HAY

The Studio Cup came about as a ceramic colour-sample at the NIKO JUNE studio in Copenhagen, but quickly became the preferred coffee cup of the design team. The brutalist aesthetic of the handle and overall squat form opposes every textbook notion of beauty – yet the Studio Cup has a curious charm that makes it immediately endearing. Handcrafted in Denmark, and glazed in a range of stunning paintbox hues, every cup is unique. €50 www.nikojune.com

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Studio Cup in Light Blue. Photo: NIKO JUNE

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We Love This

Recently, Julie Shirani Kausland of Norwegian glassware studio Formbar Glassverksted has been hooked on growing avocado stones – so she designed a custom vase with a flared lip, precisely for that purpose. Whether you have grand designs of nurturing your own avocado tree, or simply want to display summer branches, cuttings or floral bouquets, the Frø vase – available in a range of delicate tones and shapes from tall and narrow, to low and wide – is an eye-pleasing and practical addition to the kitchen windowsill. €46.50 www.formbar.no

Finnish designer Harri Koskinen’s Block Lamp is a modern classic. Since its launch in 1997, the frozen light bulb has scooped a windfall of awards and, in 2000, became part of the New York Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection. Koskinen was inspired to create the Block Lamp during a workshop at the University of Art and Design Helsinki, when students were tasked with designing a wedding gift. “I had this simple form that I wanted to cast in glass and got the idea to ‘wrap’ something into the glass. First, I tried a couple of snaps glasses, but then the same thing happened that always does in my design process: at a subconscious level, I started reducing.”

Mini: €115 | Large: €219 www.designhousestockholm.com

Frø. Photo: Line Møllerhaug

Block Lamp Mini. Photo: Design House Stockholm

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Skargaarden

Design that makes every moment count Who knew that Gävle, with one of Sweden’s coldest climates and far up north, would be the birthplace of one of the world’s leading producers of outdoor furniture? But then again, it all makes sense: because where sunshine is worth a fortune and rain is a given, things will always be made to withstand and to last.

and organic, without compromises or shortcuts – meaning nothing has been rushed, in design nor production.

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The general look of Skargaarden products can be described as timeless Scandinavian. Indeed, several of the brand’s bestsellers are popular design classics from the mid-to-late 20th century. But, although the Scandi style is prominent, it serves as a base for the expression of inspiration from other cultures – much like the development of Scandinavian food. It’s a natural approach to staying relevant and interesting in a fast-moving world.

Photos: Skargaarden

Serving form and function in equal measure, Skargaarden designs and produces Scandinavian furniture and accessories fit for outdoor living. The brand’s core audience include decorators, architects, hotels and restaurants, but also private homes. Odds are, you’ve come across a Skargaarden piece somewhere in the world, perhaps while relaxing by the pool at Brummel Hotel in Barcelona, or in the lounge of Hotel Nobis on Mallorca.

Small steps, big wins Speaking of hotels, it was during a stay at a design hotel when Skargaarden founders Jari and Anna Visuri became inspired to launch their own furniture business. “We were both fascinated by the stunning outdoor environment and design pieces, and how these worked in 10 |

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harmony,” explains Jari. “We started off back in 2009 with our own collections, and then gradually started bringing in design classics like Björn Hultén’s H55 sun chair from (you guessed it) 1955, as well as Gunilla Norin’s renowned Viken chair from the ‘80s,” he adds. Indeed, the trajectory of Skargaarden has pointed upwards since launch – measured

Inspiration station

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Design Profile

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Skargaarden collaborates with numerous talented furniture designers who create pieces for the brand. “When briefing these designers, we always ask them to bring us something that they genuinely like themselves, something that they would happily see in their own gardens,” says Jari. “But of course, we’d also like designs that can fill gaps in the market,” he adds.

Parts of a puzzle All Skargaarden products are designed to live outside and made to withstand any kind of weather, while also looking premium enough to be used indoors.

Teak wood, stainless steel, galvanised steel and aluminium are all materials hardy enough for outdoor use. When it comes to textiles, only fabrics with a high colour-fastness are used – that is to say, fabrics that won’t fade in the sun and rain. Take the H55 sun-chair, for instance. “It’s so perfect, it’s almost provocative – how so little material can provide so much comfort, and be so beautifully fit for purpose,” says Jari.

Other great designs include Bönan, Kryss and Djurö, all bestsellers and transforming outside spaces globally.

Durability and eco talk When it comes to working sustainably, Skargaarden believes that every part of an organisation shares the load. “The main focus for us is durability. Products must last for a long time, ideally across generations,” explains Jari. “On top of this, there needs to be an environmen-

tal hook in each part of the process, from materials all the way through to logistics,” he adds.

uct without knowing for sure it makes a difference is simply a solution we never intend to take,” explains Jari.

This leaves Skargaarden with very few compromises or possible short-cuts.

None, to be exact. Achieving its design vision, while ensuring products are truly built to last, requires a huge effort – but the resulting product is an investment, rather than a purchase.

So, what’s next?

The brand is also continuously evaluating the best solution for every product in its range. “Our goal is that all our products will be eco-labelled within the near future. However, to eco-label a product without proof and or evidence is against our sustainability work. To label a prod-

14 years since launching their brand, Jari and Anna have their eyes set on the future – and it’s looking bright. Skargaarden has earned plenty of recognition over the years, and it’s fair to say that the world’s love and respect for the brand is unlikely to diminish. New products will be launched, and more followers will come – all in due time, of course. Because, as you know by now, great design can’t be rushed.

Web: www.skargaarden.com Instagram: @skargaarden

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Njordrum

Njordrum Care in Japan. Visualisation by nor3d.

Where architecture, beauty and nature meet Njordrum creates aesthetic houses with beauty integrated in every part of the process. Their philosophy is simple: bringing nature into each house, focusing on architecture, not size, and a strong relation between interior and exterior. With a Njordrum wooden house you will experience peace of mind, calm and grounding; it is the perfect place to recharge and disconnect.

many of us have a tendency to just purchase different items, thinking we cannot possibly live without them. But there comes a time where all these things own you instead of the other way around.”

By Heidi Kokborg

Ironically, by moving into a smaller house you might feel that you actually have more space because you naturally have to declutter your home. Not only will this clear out your physical space, but you might also feel increased mental clarity. This way, the few things you do have will be things you truly love and that bring you joy.

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Photos: Dejan Alankhan / 3D visualisations: nor3D

Starting from just one simple ‘module’, Njordrum opens up to magnificent possibilities when building homes for people across the globe. The concept is quite simple: modular houses designed by architects starting from 48-square-metres.

The architecture is based on Scandinavian traditions, light and nature. Njordrum houses are focused on architecture and not size.

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the amount of square metres is no longer essential as to whether the house feels big or small. We have gotten so used to living in big houses, but most people do not need all that space. Most people can easily thrive on 48-square-metres,” explains Martin Wienberg, architect and co-owner of Njordrum.

“If we have a lot of space we tend to accumulate a lot of stuff we do not really need. How many of us have drawers and cupboards full of things we never use? So

A naturally grounding home Njordrum was founded by Martin Wienberg, Lars Vejen and Steffen Toft. Wienberg is the main architect, Vejen primarily focuses on design, and Toft oversees project development.

Njordrum Care in Japan. Visualisation by nor3d.

Njordrum basis module visualisation by nor3D.

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Njordrum

place to relax, and to us it is only natural that our home is that place,” says Wienberg.

For Njordrum, sustainability is just common sense, and therefore they naturally think sustainability into the entire life-cycle of their houses. Wood is the most sustainable building material. Furthermore Njordrum has chosen to design and place the modules in a point-foundation, which requires far less resources than a traditional foundation.

“It is a huge strength of our company that we all bring different skills to the table. It makes the work process more creative, interesting and inspirational.

Furthermore, it means we are wellequipped to handle challenges when they arise,” says Lars Vejen, co-owner of Njordrum.

Wienberg, Vejen and Toft have always been passionate about wooden houses so it only seemed natural that their company should specialise in creating and building beautiful homes made of wood. However, they wanted it to be more than just a house. They wanted to integrate beauty into every part of the process, from the lighting to acoustic ceiling, kitchen and door handles, which have all been designed by Njordrum.

“At Njordrum, we pay attention to every little detail. Our homes should be a stress-reducing environment, where you can destress after a long day at work.

Njordrum homes are harmonious, calm and natural,” explains Vejen.

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home where indoor and outdoor spaces melt together, and the outdoor space is as much a part of the home as the interior. Simply using wood as the main material instantly creates a grounding, calming atmosphere.

“Studies show that bringing nature into our homes promotes the ability to learn, and it reduces stress. We all need a

“This also means our homes are mobile, meaning that you can move your home to a new location if desired or required.

Everything we do has to make sense in the long run as well,” explains Vejen, and continues: “Our houses unite house and nature in an architectural whole. It should be as natural to step outside as inside, and our hope is that our homes inspire people to spend more time outdoors. We hope that by doing so we help revitalise the Nordic self-understanding.”

Allow the stress to melt away in your Njordrum home For Njordrum, it is all about the aesthetics and the attention to detail. All the various building components and products have either been designed by Njordrum or carefully selected to fit concept and context.

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Design Profile

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“Aesthetics is the sum of the right details: the feeling that things are meant for each other and are part of an intended context in both shape and function. We combine the right materials in the right way to make everything appear in natural balance,” says Wienberg.

This also means that when you invest in a home from Njordrum you do not have to worry about which cupboards and door handles you should choose. Njordrum takes care of everything and guides you through the entire process.

“When you move into a Njordrum home it already has character and charm, and then you add personality to the home when moving in with your personal belongings,” says Vejen.

All you have to do is take a deep breath, let the stress melt away and enjoy your new home which is the perfect balance between nature, design and architecture.

Njordrum Care in Japan. Visualisation by nor3d.

Njordrum designs and builds wooden houses starting from 48 m2.

Web: www.njordrum.com Facebook: Njordrum Denmark Instagram: @njordrum LinkedIn: Njordrum

Woodlands kitchen by Njordrum for JKE.

SAIBI bowl by Njordrum for Gato Mikio.

Team portrait.

Photo: Dejan Alankhan

Woodlands kitchen by Njordrum for JKE.

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Infinity

Photo: © Vendo LKV

Photo: © Huawei

Photo: © Champ

A Finnish design agency without limits Infinity is an award-winning design agency focused on industrial and strategic design, user experience, branding and marketing. With two decades of experience and clients based in Asia, the United States and Europe, the Turku-based company has grown from strength to strength – while staying true to their values of having the end-user at the centre of all their designs.

market. “For each project, we use our extensive knowledge. We analyse new possibilities from a design point-of-view, and we clarify the most important element: the direction of the greatest potential for our client,” Ketonen says.

By Ndéla Faye

“User-friendliness is the starting point of all our projects. We always focus on what our customers need and desire,” says Niina Ketonen, strategic director at Infinity. With over 20 years in the game, Infinity’s combined experience and proven track-record speak for themselves.

“Back in the day, we started from user-centric industrial design, and now we also provide clients with branding, UX/UI, strategy and analysis. Our aim is to help our clients reach and exceed their goals and stand out,” she says.

HKScan, Fincap, Vendo LKV, Datalogic and Hitachi, among others.

Infinity creates products, strategies, services and identities for some of the biggest global brands in technology, retail and the food industry, such as Huawei,

What makes Infinity stand out is their level of involvement in each project: turning briefs into entire concepts, based on a thorough analysis of the client’s target

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Strategic director Niina Ketonen.

Photo: © Infinity

In the past few years, Infinity have gained significant experience in strategic design and the design of different wearable electronics. The 85 patents the company has generated for their clients so far, and the 25 design awards they have received, all speak to its success. “We are proud to call ourselves wearable design and human ergonomic specialists,” the strategic director states.

Web: www.infinity.fi Instagram: @infinity.fi LinkedIn: infinity-fi

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Henning Rasmussen in front of one of his ovens.

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Culinary Feature

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Fanø Laks

Salt curing.

Fanø Laks: Superlative smoked salmon The island of Fanø is home to what many consider to be the best cold-smoked salmon in Denmark. Quite a claim, but undisputed, as this family-run business continues to earn accolades across the country, picking up awards and rave reviews – and their loyal customers clearly agree, too.

By Trine Jensen-Martin

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Photos: Fanø Laks

Fanø Laks (meaning salmon from Fanø) started as a retirement dream for Henning Rasmussen, who could not find smoked salmon as tasty as he believed it could be, so decided to make his own.

Henning built two stone ovens in his back garden and began curing and cold-smoking handpicked salmon. The family-owned and run business has gone from strength to strength, with the two ovens turning into ten. “Everyone who works here is a part of the family,” says Anne Müller Rasmussen, Henning’s daughter, co-owner and sales manager. It’s clear that commitment and passion are important to Fanø Laks, both in the process and the products. This is not a nine-to-five job. Everyone in the company is devoted to what they create and so is the ever-expanding base of happy customers, who

have been there every step of the way over the past 15 successful years.

Smoked salmon that is ‘just so’ “When Fanø Laks was three years old we won the Børsen Food Award,” explains Anne, with evident pride in her voice. Little wonder, as Børsen’s food editor Ole Troelsø described their salmon as “unbelievably delicious, a perfect balance of flavours and entirely unique”.

As a result, the business grew – expanding almost overnight. “My dad called me and told me that I needed to come home and join the company,” Anne laughs.

From then on, the company continued the upward trajectory, regularly winning prizes and awards for their outstanding salmon. They recently scored six out of six stars in a blind tasting published in

Denmark’s Berlingske Tidende newspaper, which speaks volumes about the quality of their product.

Every piece of salmon is cut, salted, smoked and hung by hand. No machines are involved and at every stage they check the quality of the meat, the texture, colour and flavour, always allowing time until it is ‘just so’. “Dad always knows when a piece of salmon is ready,” Anne says. This dedication to a labour of love is what ensures the incredible quality of this very special Fanø delicacy.

All is done by hand.

Web: www.fanoe-laks.com Facebook: Fanø Laks Instagram: @fanolaks

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Columns

Scandinavian Lifestyle Summer thirst quenchers, from golden to dark Summer is fast approaching and, once again, we will be flocking to bar terraces to enjoy a tipple in the sun and watch people walk by. Excitedly, we will pack our picnic baskets with goodies and blankets for the park or a day on the beach, and we will invite friends and family for barbecues.

A crisp and refreshing lager is perfect for those long-awaited sunny days, but that doesn’t have to mean bland mainstream lagers with no flavour. Actually, there are plenty of lager styles to satisfy any palate – amber lager, for instance.

This sessionable style has a nice balance of malt sweetness and hops bitterness – it works fabulously with grilled meats and vegetables.

Golden ale is another great summer beer. In fact, according to the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP), modern golden ales were developed in England

to take on the popular lagers. Golden ales are also called golden bitters, British blonde ales, or, yes indeed, summer ales.

A tasty example is Oppigårds Golden Ale, the renowned craft brewery’s first beer and nowadays one of the most popular ales brewed in Sweden.

Another treat to be enjoyed on the patio is Belgian Witbier. Brewed with coriander and orange peel, it has a light and refreshing vibe with spicy, herbal and citrusy notes. Berliner Weisse, with its low alcohol and high carbonation, is also a superb summer style. Often brewers add berries and exotic fruits, so no surprise a Berliner Weisse works really well as an aperitif.

But summer beers don’t need to be straw, golden or amber in colour. A surprisingly refreshing and crisp alternative from the dark side is black lager, or Schwarzbier, with a lighter body than ex-

By Malin Norman

pected and high carbonation – perfectly crisp and crushable.

Malin Norman is a certified beer sommelier, international beer judge and member of the British Guild of Beer Writers.

Everybody drinks natural wine in Copenhagen

By Alejandra Cerda Ojensa

Scandinavians are choosing to eat more organic, locally-produced and plant-based food – and it’s now spilling over (pun intended) to the beverages, too. The natural wine trend is definitely here to stay.

It was that one week when I worked at Systembolaget (the state-owned Swedish liquor store) a few years ago that I learned about natural wine for the first time. As there is no certification that defines natural wine we could only advise the customers asking for natural wine to read the labels.

While some Scandinavian cities are still hesitant, Copenhagen has been on the forefront thanks to the trendsetting three Michelin-starred restaurant Noma. Today, pretty much all restaurants in Copenhagen offer natural wine.

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little interference as possible: no pesticides, only wild yeast, and a very limited amount of sulfites. All the additives that make conventional wine consistent in colour, smell and flavour – in order to be easier to sell – are not used. The result is a cloudy, sometimes funky-smelling, absolutely fantastic wine.

The taste can range from sour kombucha to a sweet Riesling flavour – and you will find it in every colour.

If you haven’t tried it, I suggest you do.

As I’m no longer working at Systembolaget I can happily recommend a couple of bars: for a fun wine experience (the bar is quite traditional, the staff are not) in Copenhagen, I suggest a visit to Ved Stranden 10 in Indre By or, for a more intimate experience, Ancestrale in Vesterbro is a good option. Don’t worry about being too hipster: everybody drinks natural wine in Copenhagen, even more than in the wine-producing countries.

Alejandra Cerda Ojensa is a Swedish sustainability blogger based in Copenhagen. She loves sustainable fashion, plant-based food, natural wines and music, and writes a column for Scan Magazine about sustainable lifestyle.

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Have Scandis confused materialism and wealth with happiness?

By Heidi Kokborg

While recently travelling to the Maldives I had a chat with a Russian woman who was deeply fascinated by the Danish word ‘lykke’, which translates as ‘happiness’.

As a Dane, I have naturally always known that we are among the happiest people on earth (at least, according to studies), but I have never given much thought as to why that is, or that this would be even remotely interesting to foreigners.

My conversation with the Russian woman got me thinking about the definition of happiness: Happiness is defined as an emotional state characterised by feelings of joy, satisfaction, contentment and fulfilment.

I think Danish people have an overall feeling of contentment. We are safe, healthy and rich. However, I have also met people in rural parts of India and in the Maldives whose living circumstances are beyond poor, who struggle to make ends meet, yet are warmer and more welcoming than Scandis. They happily invite you into

their homes to dine with them, while the kids play barefooted in the streets, and everyone greets you with a smile – something I’ve never experienced anywhere in Scandinavia. These people are a part of a community; they have a sense of belonging and they are deeply grateful for what they do have.

It is ironic because one of the reasons why I left Denmark and relocated to Asia was because I felt that people in Denmark were not very happy. I always thought Danish people were a bit cold and harsh, kind of like the weather.

Now, I don’t know the secret to being happy. But I am starting to think that perhaps – just perhaps – we have conflated safety, wealth and materialism with hap-

The world’s largest online Scandinavian business directory with thousands of in-depth premium profiles.

piness in Scandinavia. Perhaps there are important lessons for us to learn about happiness from some of the poorest people on the planet.

Heidi Kokborg is a journalist and health coach from Denmark. She runs her own online business and writes a column for Scan Magazine about health and wellness in Scandinavia.

Web: www.heidikokborg.com

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Holistica Medica

A holistic approach to health Holistica-Medica was founded in 1990 by Arvin Larsen – a health practitioner, researcher, author and lecturer with over 40 years of clinical experience and a pioneer in the field of psycho-neuroendocrinology; a field concerned with the complex interactions between the nervous system, hormones and behaviour.

product. All 37 of Holistica-Medica’s homeopathic products are manufactured according to the Good Manufacturing Practice standard.

By Lena Hunter

Among the supplements are the popular chewy Børnevitamun, for children aged four to ten, with 13 vitamins, ten minerals and eight herbs – including nettle, lemon balm, fennel and eucalyptus.

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Photos: Holistica-Medica

Based on the principles of holistic healing, the Danish green laboratory researches and develops homeopathic medicines and supplements with vitamins, minerals and herbs, for healthshops, webshops and private natural therapists.

At the core of holistic treatment is the understanding that the body can heal itself under the right conditions: by alleviating stress and accessing the necessary nutrients. So, in addition to homeopathic products, Holistica-Medica also provides research-backed supplements based on plants that have been used in natural healing for centuries.

“We believe that health is maintained when the individual lives in resonance with the body’s own rhythms, oscillations and life forces. We work from the understanding that the body’s own life force is the greatest healer,” explains the Holistica-Medica team.

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Spreading holistic knowledge The company also offers a range of professional courses based on the latest research on the nervous-system, hormonal and immune systems, digestion, circulation and genetics. Teaching is based on Larsen’s book Livets Hormoner (Hormones of Life), in which Larsen explains the deep connections between immunity, organ-health and hormones, and the emotional state, or psyche.

We’re often abstracted from bodily experience by the demands of modern life – including emails, phones, apps designed to monopolise our attention – so Holistica-Medica’s courses seek to reground us in the understanding that our physical wellbeing reflects our deeper psychological patterns.

Quality and products With regular inspections from the Danish Medicines Agency, quality is at the foundation of every homeopathic

The Midtsvejspillen, for ages 40+, contains a broader range of vitamins, and as many as 16 herbs – including green-tea extract, lavender and turmeric.

Vitamun, for age 11 up, adolescents and adults, contains 13 vitamins, ten minerals and ten herbs, including echinacea and ginseng. All three supplements are 100 per cent vegan.

Whether you’re an individual curious about how homeopathy can support natural, sustainable wellbeing, or a natural therapist seeking advice on holistic healing, Holistica-Medica has the resources to guide you.

Web: www.holistica-medica.dk

VITAMUN og BØRNEVITAMUN: • •

Bidrager til en normal funktion af immunforsvaret (Folat, Jern, Kobber, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Selen, Zink) Bidrager til et normalt energistofskifte (Biotin, Calcium, Jern, Jod, Kobber, Magnesium, Mangan, Niacin, Pantothensyre, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C)

MIDTVEJSPILLEN: • •

Bidrager til at mindske træthed og udmattelse (Folat, Jern, Magnesium, Niacin, Pantothensyre, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C) Bidrager til at vedligeholde normale slimhinder (Biotin, Niacin, Vitamin A, Riboflavin)

VITAMINS & CHILDREN’S VITAMINS: • •

Contributes to a normal function of the immune system (Folate, Iron, Copper, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Selenium, Zinc) Contributes to a normal metabolism (Biotin, Calcium, Iron, Iodine, Copper, Magnesium, Manganese,Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C)

THE MID-LIFE TABLET: • Contributes to minimise tiredness and exhaustion

ALL OUR PRODUCTS ARE NOW VEGAN

•

(Folate, Iron, Magnesium, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Ribo lavin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C) Contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes (Biotin, Niacin, Vitamin A, Ribo lavin)

Ólafur Elíasson, Your Rainbow Panorama, ARoS AT 2709.

Photo: Anders Trærup

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Scandi Art Scene

Top Scandinavian contemporary artists shaping the scene On 11 June, Norway’s new National Museum – the largest art museum in the Nordic region, housing a staggering collection of more than 6,500 classic and contemporary works – will open in the heart of Oslo. Last year, the National Museum curated the Nordic Pavilion at the Venice Biennale of Architecture and continues to spearhead the dissemination of the region’s most daring voices in art. The museum is a timely addition, as Scandinavia’s contemporary art landscape is a hotbed of experimental breakout names and established cult figures. In celebration of Oslo’s new gallery space, we’ve rounded up the top contemporary Scandinavian artists shaping the scene.

By Lena Hunter

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Karin Mamma Andersson.

Photo: Hans Olofsson

Ólafur Elíasson Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson is a giant of the Nordic arts scene. Since 1997, his wide-ranging, usually largescale, works – of installation, painting, sculpture, photography and film – have astounded international audiences in major museums around the world. In 2003, he represented Denmark at the 50th Venice Biennale and, the same year, exhibited The Weather Project, an enormous, mist-swaddled artificial sun, in the Turbine Hall of Tate Modern, London, drawing some two million visitors. In 2011, Eliasson and his studio team transformed the rooftop of ARoS Aarhus Art Museum, Denmark with Your Rainbow Panorama (pictured) – a high-altitude 360-degree viewing walkway encased in rainbow glass, offering a stunning vista over the city. Eliasson lives and works in Copenhagen and Berlin.

works are a platform for play and conversation about art, while commenting on the world’s over-consumption of artificial materials and the modern search for refuge in sensory overstimulation.

Tal R The subjects of Israeli-born Danish painter Tal R’s vibrant expressionist works range from twisted human and animal figures to floral displays and dingy, neon-laced building facades. Drawing inspiration from mythology and photography, he nods to major art movements of the 20th century like Symbolism, Art Nouveau and Fauvism, to present a colourful, fever-dream world of geometric still life, landscape and portraiture. In 2021, Tal R exhibited his evocative Home Alone show (pictured) at Ordrupgaard Art

Shoplifter When Icelandic-born artist Hrafnhildur Arnardóttir moved her practice to America, New-Yorkers had some difficulty pronouncing her name, sounding it out as ‘Shoplifter’ – so she adopted the moniker. Her exuberant, maximalist installations use synthetic hair to create multisensory environments that feel like hallucinatory trips. At the 2019 Venice Biennale, she exhibited the hairy wonderland, Chromo Sapiens (pictured), later adapted into Hypernature for Aarhus Art Museum. Shoplifter’s experimental 24 |

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The National Museum exterior with Light Hall.

Photo: Børre Høstland

Museum in Charlottenlund, Denmark.

Intertwining the figurative and the ornamental, his monumental Home Alone paintings and drawings are a portal to a world of imagination and pleasure. Tal R has exhibited in New York, Stockholm, Berlin, London and Paris.

Tori Wrånes The Norwegian artist Tori Wrånes works in Oslo, freely drawing on Nordic myths, folklore and contemporary social struggles to create surreal performances with dreamlike narrative arcs, involving sound, prosthetics, kinetic sculpture, architecture, and… trolls (pictured). In Wrånes’ fantasy world, sculptures evoke the body while sidestepping actual representation, while her slew of other mediums – video, performance, painting,

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Tal R - Home Alone. Installation.

Photo: Ordrupgaard

Chromo Sapiens by Shoplifter (Hrafnhildur Arnardóttir). Photo: Ugo Carmeni

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Arvida Byström, Cherry picking, installation view, Women and Change ARKEN. Photo: David Stjernholm

and architecture – allow her to explore a vast scope of interests and ideas. The recurring troll trope represents the unconscious id and the core truth of human existence and, as part of her experimental and ritualistic practice, Wrånes has even developed a troll language for conveying primal emotion. Her oeuvre is a disturb-

ing yet familiar ride, steeped in ancient stories, that speaks to human experience, past and present.

Arvida Byström Unpicking self-identity, sexualised bodies and empowerment, Stockholm-born Arvida Byström’s photography explores ideas of representation in the digital era.

She describes herself as “a digital native, with an intrinsic relationship to pink”, and though Byström’s cotton-candy artwork may appear sugary, her silver tongue for Elmgreen & Dragset, Kev (2020). Installation view in Short Story at Copenhagen Contemporary, 2021.

Photo: David Stjernholm

Tori Wrånes Ældgammel Baby 1 2017 in Ældgammel Baby at Kunsthal Charlottenborg 2017. Photo: Anders Sune Berg

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sarcasm, subversion and barbed metaphor takes no prisoners. In 2017, her book Pics or It Didn’t Happen: Images Banned From Instagram was, ironically, banned from Instagram. Her exhibitions – which depict an aesthetic universe of “disobedient bodies, selfie sticks and fruits in lingerie” – have shown all over the world and include photo, video, digital performance and installation. Her current show Cherry Picking at Arken in Denmark (pictured) is part of the wider Women and Change exhibition, running until August 14, 2022.

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Esben Weile Kjær Exploring the tensions between submission and authority, Danish artist Esben Weile Kjær examines the codes of youth- and sub-culture, social rules and freedom. A recent graduate from The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Kjær is already a cult name with a slew of arresting performance exhibitions under his belt. Following his explosive shows Burn! and Sun! in Denmark and Sweden, which made use of light and incendiary devices, confetti cannons and neon, Kjær found international success in 2020 with Hardcore Freedom (pictured). Comprised of a hybrid space between nightclub, stage, art institution and fashion store, the Hardcore Freedom show is continually punctuated by dance performances ranging from ballet to pole. During, structural elements of the exhibit are moved, changed, or demolished, creating a different environment for each successive viewing.

Mamma Andersson The acclaimed Swedish painter Karin ‘Mamma’ Andersson depicts Nordic interiors and landscapes, imbuing the classical genres with her distinctive sense of mood, materiality and perspective.

Ranked amongst the most important painters of her generation, Andersson has collected some of the art world’s most prestigious awards, including the Carnegie Art Award and the Daniel and Florence Guerlain Drawing Prize. Probing the romance of the everyday, her figurative tableaux interpret the raw existence of people and spaces in evocative palettes of muted terracotta, black, greens and blues. Exhibiting the world over, Andersson’s work has an irrefutable grasp of the ‘here and now’ and has been likened to that of David Hockney and Peter Doig. A spectacular 2021 showing at Denmark’s Louisiana Museum (pictured) including ten works painted especially for the exhibition, was her first large-scale show in the Nordics for several years.

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Esben Weile Kjær, HARDCORE FREEDOM (2020). Installation view at Copenhagen Contemporary.

Photo: David Stjernholm

tural installations that lock horns with cultural norms. Their ongoing series Powerless Structures subverts the ‘four white walls’ convention of galleries, creating art spaces that are hung from the ceiling, flipped upside down, or sunk into the earth. For the 2001 Istanbul Biennale, Elmgreen and Dragset built a full-scale model of a gallery, descending into the ground amongst ancient ruins.

Following a stint at Copenhagen Contemporary with Short Story (pictured), their latest Berlin exhibition Cash on the Wall addresses the subject of money in art. Meanwhile, their grand opus Useless Bodies? in Milan pitches a series of abandoned pools, offices, leisure centres and galleries, spanning more than 3,000 square metres to question the seemingly

superfluous status of the physical body in the post-industrial age.

Eija-Liisa Ahtila Helsinki-based Eija-Liisa Ahtila is a Finnish visual artist, best-known for her vanguard works of multi-panel cinematic film installation that investigate the anxiety of feeling out of place in an alien environment. After winning the inaugural Vincent Award in 2000, she went on to exhibit The Wind – an immersive 14-minute film depicting simultaneous perspectives of an angry young woman’s breakdown in her apartment – at the New York Museum of Modern Art. Other touchstones of her work include sexuality and death, as well as broader cultural themes like faith, colonialism and posthumanism.

Eija-Liisa Ahtila, Potentiality for Love.

Photo: Malla Hukkanen

Elmgreen and Dragset Danish Michael Elmgreen and Norwegian Ingar Dragset work together as an artist-duo in Berlin, creating mind-bending architectural and sculpJune 2022 |

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G IN Z lT UZ E ia c B e ’S EN Sp AY SC RW RT O A N e:

m he

Ramme’s beautiful garden is only one of many unique experiences the place has to offer.

An enchanted stay at Ramme With a striking view over the Oslo fjord, Ramme in Hvitsten, Eastern Norway, is filled to the brim with history, culture and the finest nature Norway has to offer.

By Synne Johnsson

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Photos: Per Sollerman

After the invention of the steam engine in the 1700s, when Hvitsten became accessible from Oslo, the small town became the go-to summer destination for Oslo’s citizens. By the end of the 1800s, it had become a favoured summer spot among Norway’s most famous artists.

summer house of Norwegian painter Edward Munch,” Christina Storskogen, head of sales and experiences at Ramme says.

“It’s the perfect destination for people curious about the past and the future, and interested in taking care of nature, traditions and our history,”

Today, Ramme welcomes visitors from all parts of the world to stay in their enchanted hotel, enjoy the idyllic surroundings and experience all the cultural and historical attractions the place has to offer.

Kristiania Bohemians and Edvard Munch

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In the 18- and 1900s, Hvitsten had become the most important holiday destination for people living in Oslo, including members of the Kristiania Bohemians – a political and cultural movement of the 1880s.

Famous artists such as painter Oda Krohg, writer Hans Jæger and artist Theodor Kittelsen were all known to spend

their summers enjoying Hvitsten’s scenic landscape. However, the most famous visitor, and later landowner, was Edvard Munch, the artist behind the renowned painting The Scream.

Storskogen says: “Munch bought the house at Ramme in 1910 to complete his Aula decorations in the concert-hall of the University in Oslo and to find motifs.”

His house has been restored over the last ten years and this is the first year it is open to visitors at Ramme. Guests can join a guided tour of his house and enjoy high-quality copies of his paintings where they were actually created, as well as explore the surrounding areas to enjoy the scenery he painted. To see some of the actual originals by Edvard Munch, you can enter the brand-new underground Ramme Art Gallery and enjoy the exhibition Munch by the Fjord.

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“He painted a bit differently when he was here, capturing the vitalism and the nature in a completely different way, which we show photos of as part of the tour. It is part of telling his story from Ramme and the stories behind the paintings,” Storskogen says.

She continues: “There is one painting in particular, called Waves, which he painted at Ramme. You can actually stand in the bay he stood when he painted it and see the motif in real life.”

Mindful farming Norwegian art history is only one of a range of unique experiences the place has to offer. Ramme also has a farm open to visitors.

Animal husbandry has been central at Ramme since the bronze age and it has been organic since 1986, focusing its operation on sustainability. Today, the farm houses typical farm animals like cows and hens, as well as a range of heritage breeds such as Telemark

Sustainability is the farm’s key focus and has been ran organically since 1986. Photo: Sofie Olsen

At Ramme’s farm visitors can buy seasonal fruit and vegetables grown at the farm.

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Cows, Mangalitza pigs – dubbed ‘wool pigs’ in Norwegian – and the old Norwegian sheep breed ‘Gammalnorsk spælsau’. They even keep bees to produce their own honey.

Ramme’s restaurant bases its menu on meat, vegetables and other farm products from Ramme farm. It’s the only hotel in Norway certified with the Debio Gold standard, with a minimum of 90 per cent organic food.

“The farm is open for visitors to see all our animals and learn more about organic farming, but we also use it to produce food for our restaurant,” Storskogen says. “And we also grow seasonal fruit and vegetables like carrots, cucumbers and tomatoes, which one can buy at our farm store.”

A historical visit As a guest at Ramme, one can expect a sea of history and culture, surrounded by idyllic nature. Aside from numerous experiences at Ramme itself, the area is

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Norway’s Buzzing Art Scene

also filled with spectacular walking and hiking paths.

Built in both 1770s and 1880s style, Ramme Fjordhotell offers a one-of-akind stay, with each room named after a Munch painting and with views over the farm and the fjord. The hotel is uniquely decorated with both antiques and original art by known Scandinavian artists, which also makes it an art hotel.

“My favourite thing about Ramme is that you never run out of stories. I have worked here for many years and I still experience and learn something new all the time.

Everything has a history – every building, every place,” Storskogen says. “And of course, it’s very beautiful here. Right now, I’m sitting by the window looking at the cherry trees in full bloom and hearing the birds sing. It’s very peaceful.”

Web: www.ramme.no Facebook: RammeKultur Instagram: @ramme.no

Each room at Ramme Fjordhotell is named after a Munch painting.

Photo: Studio Dreyer + Hensley

Edvard Munch bought a house at Ramme in 1910.

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Art and nature come together in Hardanger The picturesque Hardangerfjord has more to offer than just stunning nature. In the small village of Øystese, lies the arts centre Kunsthuset Kabuso. Since 2006, it has been home to art exhibitions, music and other cultural events.

By Hanna Margrethe Enger

Integrated with Kunsthuset Kabuso is the Ingebrigt Vik museum, built in 1934 and named after the Norwegian sculptor.

Though Vik was not as well-known as his contemporary – the famous sculptor Gustav Vigeland – he was no less talented. In fact, many prefer Vik’s sculptors to Vigeland’s, as Vik’s style is more lifelike.

From 11 June 2022, a new exhibition at Ingebrigt Vik Museum will showcase Vik’s completed sculptures and artist sketches, with the aim of showing new sides of the sculptor.

As well as the Vik exhibition, a few metres form the Hardangerfjord, you will find an unassuming, octagonal building with an open roof. This is Hardanger Skypace – an

art installation by American artist James Turell. Twice a day, at dusk and dawn, the room is filled with coloured light.

Though western Norway gets a lot of rain, don’t let that keep you from visiting Skyspace. “It’s spectacular!” says Karen

Skyspace inside.

Photo: Kabuso Aukse Drungiliene

Noer Korssjøen at Kabuso. “The coloured light will affect how you see the sky. You’ll see it as green one moment, then it’s clear blue, but it’s raining at the same time.”

Skyspace is a permanent artwork, open all year. “The experience will be different every time, as it’s affected by weather, season and the sky itself,” Korssjøen explains.

Web: www.kabuso.no

Photo: Katrine Helgheim van Tulder

Breathing fresh life into the ancient craft of glassblowing With 27 years of experience, glass artist Tuva Gonsholt’s work has been exhibited around the world. Working mainly with freehand-blown glass objects, the awardwinning artist creates unique, distinctive pieces featuring playful colours and contrasts.

The ancient art of glassblowing is over 2,000 years old – and for contemporary artists like Gonsholt, keeping the craft alive and relevant is important. “I’m focused on preserving the craft tradition and continuing to gain knowledge and skills about this unique medium,” she says.

Glassblowing requires a high level of craftsmanship, and it can take years to master the techniques and specialised equipment needed. “After many years in the glass trade, I’m still just as curious about my material, its properties and the challenges it presents me with,” Gonsholt says.

“I want to explore processes that result in in-depth knowledge and free art expression.

It’s a constant search for new shapes and technical challenges in the inherent qualities of the glass, from liquid to solid form.”

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sholt has a clear signature, with a distinctive design language and a common thread uniting her work. “Insects and other strange creatures inspire my work. I transform the decorations, shapes or colours of a specimen into something of my own artistic expression,” she says.

Gonsholt’s artwork is represented in private and public collections in Norway and internationally, and she has worked with several public art displays. In 2022, her work will be displayed at group exhibitions in Washington and Barcelona.

In 2022, she will exhibit at a group exhibition in Washington, and at Gallery CCAM in Barcelona from 7 July to 25 September as part of the 2022 European Prize for Applied Arts.

Web: www.tuvagonsholt.no Instagram: @tuvagonsholt

By Maria Vole

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Photos: Tom Riis

Space – Invaders.

From her cold workshop at Spriten Kunsthall in Skien, Tuva Gonsholt creates stunning hand-blown glass objects.

Creature #green.

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Liv Eiene. Photo: Kevin Foust

Ceramics inspired by the colours of the coast Organic shapes that feel pleasant in your hands and comforting to the eyes, colours that mirror the fjords, beaches and coastal landscapes of south-western Norway: the ceramic works of Liv Eiene reflect her love of nature, art and natural materials.

By Alyssa Nilsen

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Photos: Liv Eiene

In her studio in the picturesque Norwegian town of Sandnes, south of Stavanger, artist Liv Eiene creates ceramic magic. Taking inspiration from her coastal surroundings, she shapes clay into mugs, vases, plates and pots. Eiene gives everyday items new and exciting shapes and colours. Each item is different. Each piece is beautifully unique.

With a background as a trained visual artist working in painting and digital drawing, Eiene made the decision to step into ceramics in 2020. “Now I use the glaze as paint,” Eiene explains. “But rather than having a static piece of paper or canvas, I use clay – which is a much more organic material to work with.”

Everything Eiene produces is handmade, using only a rolling pin and ce-

ramic tools. Each result is dictated by the material and the process rather than an attempt to create a uniform series.

The whole range of products is available for purchase through Eiene’s webshop.

Once a month they are also available to purchase at her studio at Stasjon K in Sandnes, and she also sells them at various fairs around Norway. In September, she will be part of the Norwegian food, crafts and culture festival Ryfest in Hjelmeland.

“I’m not looking for perfection,” she says, “I want individual pieces that feel good to hold in your hands and that are functional. One mug might be perfect for one set of hands, another might be perfect for somebody else.” All mugs are dishwasher safe, retain the heat of hot drinks well, and are perfect for anything from coffee and tea to water and wine.

“A lot of customers claim coffee tastes better when drunk from these mugs,” Eiene says. “I believe it’s down to their organic shapes and textures. The mixture of shine and matte, the physical sensation of holding the mugs.”

Web: www.livkeramikk.com Instagram: @liv.keramikk Pinterest: pin.it/2SGDzzw

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Fallen Fruit [David Allen Burns & Austin Young] “Event Horizon Darkness is a Temporary Condition”, 2019.

Kunsthall 3,14 – Art creating connections across borders Located in the heart of Bergen in a historic former bank building, Kunsthall 3,14 is a stalwart of the Norwegian art scene. Over the course of its 30+ year history, the non-profit art institution has gained recognition for its diverse programme and dedication to creating dialogue around art.

a strong background in the international art world, Malin Barth has served as Artistic Director at Kunsthall 3,14 for the past 15 years.

By Maria Vole

“The focus we’ve chosen to have at 3,14 and the type of art we choose to exhibit reflects the very important role art plays in our society because of the contribution it brings,” Barth says. “Artistic expression can create nuance and trigger new ideas that can lead to progression and new directions in the world.”

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Photos: Kunsthall 3,14

Since the art institution’s opening in the 1980s, Kunsthall 3,14 has maintained a global scope, aiming to create connections between different places and cultures. It soon became known in the Norwegian art world as an innovative and ambitious art space with an international, multicultural focus.

understanding and appreciation of different forms of contemporary art and the themes they raise. With its broad scope of contemporary art expression, audiences always get the chance to experience engaging and thought-provoking art during their visit to Kunsthall 3,14.

Kunsthall 3,14 aims to showcase a diverse range of contemporary art from a wide range of artists – featuring both interesting emerging artists and well-established names. Here, the focus is on creating a discursive environment for the

​ ith a diverse and carefully-curated W programme including exhibitions, presentations, talks and educational events, Kunsthall 3,14 is committed to spreading awareness and creating dialogue around art and artistic expression. With

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The power of art

There’s no doubt that art is a powerful mode of expression and an important tool for analysing social and political issues on a local and global scale. While the art exhibited at Kunsthall 3,14 is wide-reaching in scope and themes, the projects are usually linked to the pressing issues of our time.

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“Artistic expression guides the way toward important themes, whether that is the artist’s emotional life or the big issues that are relevant in society today,” Barth says. “There are incredible possibilities in art, such as the power to narrate.”

Earlier this year, Kunsthall 3,14 presented a duo-exhibition focused on the violent military coup in Myanmar in 2021. Featuring the work of Argentinian artist and human rights activist Marcelo Brodsky and a young female video artist from Myanmar whose identity is protected, the exhibition created solidarity across borders. From afar, Brodsky turned images from the demonstrations into a series of hand-coloured photographs with added text, while the video artist shed light on the emotional aspect of the conflict – showing audiences what it’s like living this reality.

Marcelo Brodsky “Stand for Democracy”, 2022.

the importance of free self-expression in society.”

Inspiring discourse

Art has always had a close relationship with politics. Pointing out that creative expression is often suppressed by authoritarian governments around the world, Barth suggests that, until recently, we may have been taking this freedom for granted in the Western world.

At Kunsthall 3,14, the focus isn’t just on the artworks exhibited – the conversations surrounding art in general are a key element of the discourse the art institution aims to create. Known for open and collaborative art projects that are often interdisciplinary, Kunsthall 3,14 platforms discussions and talks that position the artworks within a greater social and cultural context. “We often have several projects going at once which supplement each other, with the aim of giving the audience a bigger picture,” Barth explains.

“The freedom of expression art exists in and moves within is an important part of our democratic society,” Barth says.

“When the going gets tough, artists and writers who are critical of the establishment are the first to be censored and subdued – it’s only then that we realise

Championing a wide range of contemporary expressions, the art institution aims to create a wider dialogue and facilitate dynamic engagement between art and the audience. Kunsthall 3,14 often features speakers who don’t have a background in art, but who have thematic

Sunah Choi “Banco”, 2020.

touchpoints in common with the artist – the aim being to open up the field of art by merging art with wider socio-political themes. “The art is the backdrop for a bigger conversation, and it’s interesting to see the meeting point between different fields of thought,” Barth says.

Kunsthall 3,14 has an exciting programme lined up for the rest of 2022, starting with the renowned Norwegian painter and multimedia artist Patrick Huse’s Fallow Land exhibition, opening on 21 May. The exhibition explores themes of nature, landscape and culture, as well as the relationship between nature and art – with the understanding that history, memory and meaning will always be embodied both in landscape and culture.

Web: www.kunsthall314.art Instagram: @kunsthall314 Facebook: Kunsthall3.14.ArtFoundation

Cristina Lucas “Unending Lightning”, 2015

Indrė Šerpytytė “(1944 – 1991) – Former NKVD – MVD – MGB – KGB Buildings”, 2021

Living Forgiving Remembering, 2021.

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Yayoi Kusama’s Hymn of Life. Photo: Therese Thanh Tran

Contemporary art for all the senses Tucked away on a picturesque green peninsula, a short drive from Oslo, Henie Onstad Kunstsenter is a sight for sore eyes. The art museum hosts an impressive rotation of five or six contemporary exhibitions every year.

By Celina Tran

Henie Onstad Kunstsenter’s history stretches back to 1968, when the famous Norwegian figure skater Sonja Henie (1912–1969) and her husband Niels Onstad (1909–1978) donated funds, the building, and their collection of contemporary art to the art centre. Since then, the collection has expanded, welcoming curious minds from all over the world.

Beautifully and strategically situated by the glittering water, the centre’s enormous grounds offer plenty of space to explore both the indoor exhibitions and the sculpture park outside. The architecture has captured international attention since its inauguration and today, the museum is one of Norway’s most celebrated buildings.

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“About 100,000 people visit the centre and its grounds every year,” says Caroline Ugelstad, chief curator at Henie Onstad Kunstsenter. “One of our goals is to share art with everyone.”

Art across the ages

can explore and express their own artistic abilities. The programme Unge Fotografer, meaning “young photographers”, promotes the photography of young people, allowing a new generation of artists to bloom. But their mission to spread the love for contemporary art is not limited to the young – they offer tours for people of all ages.

“Art is a form of expression that can draw out all sorts of emotions. It offers new ide-

“Our core values focus on being hospitable, forward-leaning and accessible to our audiences,” says Ugelstad. “We create every exhibition with the audience in mind, and we place importance on having an open door to the public.”

Henie Onstad has established itself as a leading art institution that communicates art to children and youths, offering everything from tours for babies, to a creative space in which young visitors

Fernand Léger – Composition with Head, 1930.

Photo: Henie Onstad Collection

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as, comfort, and can be a tool for seeing things in a new way,” says Ugelstad. “To some, art centres are intimidating at first, but once you break past that, you’ll realise that art can truly be appreciated by all.”

Using music and a vast range of other artforms, from sculptures and paintings to new media, Henie Onstad Kunstsenter offers a cultural experience for all the senses. Exhibitions are changed regularly, so returning visitors are continuously guaranteed a completely new adventure.

The art centre also features permanent art installations, such as Yayoi Kusama’s infinity room, Hymn of Life (2015). Whether you’re a passionate collector, or you’re simply looking to dip your toe in the world of art, Henie Onstad Kunstsenter has something for you.

The Lise Wilhelmsen Award, Guadalupe Maravilla, and Niki de Saint Phalle Every other year, as part of a collaboration between Henie Onstad Kunstsenter and the A. Wilhelmsen family, an international jury awards an artist the Lise Wilhelmsen Art Award. The award programme culminates in an exceptional exhibition at Henie Onstad, offering international audiences access to unique contemporary art in Norway, and Norwegians the opportunity to enjoy international artworks on their own soil.

The current exhibition, Sound Botánica, presents the work of Guadalupe Maravilla (b. 1976), a Brooklyn-based El Salvadorian artist. Maravilla has, along

Filipstadbananen.

Photo: Øystein Thorvaldsen

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with the Henie Onstad team, created an audio-visual experience that provides a peek into his mind and life experiences.

Ugelstad describes Maravilla’s story as touching, and notes that this is reflected in the aesthetic power of his work.

“Maravilla fled El Salvador at the age of eight and spent many years of his life as an undocumented immigrant,” explains Ugelstad. “There are thematic elements from his experience and childhood in his drawings and sculptures.”

She further explains that Maravilla’s work has relevance to the current situation in Ukraine and in other parts of the world.

His work can be moving to those with and without similar experiences, touching the humanity in every one of us. The exhibition runs until 7 August, 2022.

“We show current artists, but we also think it’s important to show the history of contemporary art, which is why we’re excited to introduce the works of world-famous Niki de Saint Phalle in September of this year,” she says.

Niki de Saint Phalle was a groundbreaking artist who created large-scale artworks using bold colours and humour.

A pioneering figure, she crossed the traditional boundaries of art, paving the way for contemporary and modern artists.

“Niki de Saint Phalle wasn’t only ground-breaking within art, but also as a woman. She broke out of the tradition-

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al gender roles in public, both for herself and other women,” says Ugelstad. “We want to further promote this incredible female icon whose art appeals to many different people.”

Niki de Saint Phalle’s retrospective will open at Henie Onstad Kunstsenter on 16 September, 2022.

What’s on?

Guadalupe Maravilla – Sound Botánica March 17 – August 7, 2022 Merz! Flux! Pop! From June 23 Young Photographers June 9 – September 19, 2022 New Additions to the Collection June 16 – August 7, 2022 An Exhilarating Experience for a Young Mind June 19, 2020 – April 3, 2023 Niki de Saint Phalle September 16 – Februrary 12, 2023 Yayoi Kusama – Hymn of Life Permanent installation The Sonja Henie Room Permanent The Sculpture Garden Always open

Web: www.hok.no Instagram: @henieonstad Facebook: Henie Onstad Kunstsenter

Guadalupe Maravilla – Sound Botánica.

Photo: Christian Tunge

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Glass art from Norway’s stunning west coast Haugesund – a small town on Norway’s fjord-riddled west coast – is a well-known adventure-base, connected by sea and road to staggering mountains and national parks. The town itself is populated by low, colourful buildings and scored by waterways, with a lively downtown. In the centre of the hub is Formbar Glassverksted – a glass workshop and studio founded in 2017 by three artists: Julie Shirani Kausland, Eirin Bjørsland Hansen and Kirsten Vikingstad Storesund.

By Lena Hunter

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Photos: Line Møllerhaug

“Formbar is special because most glassblowing workshops in Norway are run by individuals or couples. Ours is a collective but we each have our own style,” says Storesund. The trio’s work spans from lighting and tableware to applied artwork.

Taking inspiration from the stunning local landscapes, the body and the technical aspects of glassblowing, Formbar is a trove of artful home objects.

The Frø Avocado Vase The best inventions are the simplest.

Frø – an elegant range of vases for germinating avocado stones designed by Kausland – is one of those. It’s so singular, complete and obvious, it’s incredible nobody has designed one before.

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says Storesund. “I love growing plants, so I just made one to take home,” Kausland explains. “Then, my colleagues were like ‘I want one!’ – so I made one for them.

That’s when we realised there was nothing like this on the market.”

The Knekk tableware series

ty. The jug can comfortably serve a whole table, while the buck in the glass forms a natural handhold.

Haugesund’s hidden gem Formbar has an on-site hot-shop and cold-shop, where the glass is blown, manipulated and ground. “So, you can see us make the product that you buy,” explains Kausland.

Every August, Formbar invites glass artists to the studio to host solo exhibitions.

Over the past five years, it has become a meeting place for glass art in Norway – and another reason for explorers to visit Haugesund.

Where Frø introduces a new form with no superfluous details, Hansen’s Knekk series of jugs, whisky tumblers and drinking glasses does the opposite. The slender silhouette is playfully subverted with a ‘kink’ at the midpoint – as if it’s taking a momentary rest from standing straight.

“Knekk is one of Eirin’s. She loves to blend repeating forms with unexpected elements,” says Kausland. Knekk is so full of cheeky character it almost has a living presence – without sacrificing practicali-

Web: www.formbar.no Instagram: @formbarglass Facebook: formbarglassverksted

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Astrup Fearnley Museet from the outside. Photo: Einar Aslaksen

Synnøve Anker Aurdal. Photo: Victor Boullet

The magical artistry of colourful thread This year’s summer exhibition at Astrup Fearnley Museet will feature significant works by Synnøve Anker Aurdal, one of Norway’s most prominent textile artists.

From 21 May until 4 September, a wide variety of her unique works will be on display.

In 1982, she represented Norway at the Venice Biennale, an international contemporary art exhibition.

By Grethe Norgård

Astrup Fearnley Museet, founded in 1993 and designed by the world-renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano, is one of the Nordics’ foremost contemporary art museums. It administers the extensive Astrup Fearnley Collection, presenting works from the collection alongside new productions from international artists.

The museum is beautifully located by the Oslo Fjord and consists of two buildings either side of a canal, combining art, nature and urbanity.

Synnøve Anker Aurdal (1908-2000) combined the ancient craft of hand-weaving with the language of contemporary art, finding in the medium a way of commenting on modern life. ‘Tradition isn’t just something old, but also something new that continues to be created’, was one of the founding ideas of her practice. The exhibition shows the whole range of Anker Aurdal’s production, giving an exclusive insight into her groundbreaking art.

As relevant today as in the 1940s, Anker Aurdal had extensive knowledge of both Norwegian weaving tradition and current art discourse. She moved from traditional craftsmanship to visual art, where she became an imperative figure in the conception of textiles as an artform. She continuously introduced new elements of abstraction and experimentation to her work, using coloured thread as tool of expression – just as a painter uses a brush. Her vision for the artistic potential of the thread was radical, and made her

one of the greatest advocates of textiles as an artform.

Beside rectangular tapestries, Anker Aurdal also created sculptural works. Her use of untraditional materials like copper threads, polyester, optical fiber, nylon, and metal chains often created surprising textures. The mix of matte wool and shiny metal produced a particular shimmer. In this way, she made the materiality a subject of its own and repeatedly pushed the boundaries of the tapestry medium.

Anker Aurdal grew up in Lillehammer and took early inspiration from the cultural environment around Maihaugen.

After her first tapestry course with Karen and Ragnhild Prestgard, she continued at Statens Kvindelige Industriskole in Oslo (1932 to 1934). Her debut exhibition in 1941 was at Kunstnerforbundet, after which she created several public exhibits as well as Norway’s official gift to Iceland at their 1100-year jubilee in 1974.

Installation View Astrup Fearnley Collection. Photo: Christian Øen

Web: www.afmuseet.no Instagram: @astrupfearnley

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From furnace to flower vases Tucked away in the region of Rogaland, Norway, a duo of artists is busy working with extremely high temperatures to shape the most special of materials: glass. Here at MingarWalker Glassblåseri, they seek to create functional elegance through the art of glassblowing.

glassmaking process to learn how the delicate pieces are formed, and to see how the artists put their entire soul into their work.

By Celina Tran

Handmade with love

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Photos: MIngarWalker

Enter the studio of MingarWalker Glassblåseri and you’re immediately greeted by vibrant colours, perfectly imperfect shapes, and an impressive heat bursting from the furnace. These are the markers of the ancient technique that is glass blowing – a perfect balance between art and science. The skill of a glass maker or blower is unique – requiring knowledge and focus, as well as a quick hand and great care.

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MingarWalker. “Most people know glass as something fragile and breakable, but when I work with it, it’s 1,120 degrees, molten and soft like honey.”

Most artists, whether they are painting a canvas or carving a face of marble, rely largely on the physical contact between themselves and the work. But a glassblower breathes life into their unique and beautiful art without touching it with bare hands until it is completed. At MingarWalker, visitors are invited to watch and participate in the

Line Mingar met her husband Benjamin Walker by the furnace in 1999.

The burning passion for glassblowing brought them together, and the duo has been creating glass products ever since. In 2001, they purchased a building that, at the time, had a pigsty in it, and converted it into today’s MingarWalker shop and studio. While Line enjoys the rhythm and momentum of creating and finetuning the same pieces repeatedly, Benjamin prefers making a variety of pieces. The two opposites work both individually and together to produce the line of products for sale in the shop.

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“The interesting thing about working with glass in the way we do is that nothing can be replicated,” says Mingar. “Everything is made by hand. Thus, every product – even if it belongs to a line of similar products – is unique.”

At MingarWalker, visitors are offered a vast range of experiences from making your own tumbler, glass pumpkin or Christmas baubles, to more in-depth introductory classes for those with a special interest in glassmaking. “The aim of the experiences is to give the visitors a chance to not only be a part of the process, but to also give life to their own creation. We hope this gives them a greater appreciation and connection with the products they bring home,” says Mingar.

Quality, locality and personality

“It’s a running joke here now that we want the quality of our products to survive Armageddon, only to be found by some future archaeologists,” Mingar chuckles.

Mingar describes the process of designing and crafting glass at MingarWalker Glassblåseri as personal. “When we create a product, we always have its final owner and home in mind. We consider its functionality, how it looks and the hands that will handle it,” she says.

She says the family-run business takes pride in the high quality of its work, knowing that most returning customers come back out of interest in new or more products, and not due to broken or damaged goods.

Mingar and Walker hope that the fruits of their labour tell the story of their craft and journey when they pass from their hands to those of their customers. It’s therefore important that every line, shape and colour is crafted carefully with intent and quality, ensuring that it will last.

Along with a great focus on the quality, functionality and elegance of the products, the small studio also emphasises locality and strives to limit over-production.

They therefore make all their webshop purchases to order. “With how everything is nowadays, we think it’s especially im-

portant that our customers know that our products are made from scratch here, in this studio. It hasn’t travelled from some mass-production factory on the other side of the globe, but has in fact been crafted with love and personality by local hands.”

At the end of the day, MingarWalker Glassblåseri’s local nature creates a connection between artist and customer, and instils a love for ordinary objects that are often overlooked.

Web: www.mingarwalker.no Instagram: @mingarwalker_glassblaseri Facebook: MingarWalker Glassblåseri

Line and Benjamin.

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Oselvar, © Peter Marron

A gallery built by a Dane and an Irishman, in Norway On a small island in a fjord stretching from Bergen to the famous Hardanger Fjord, lies a family-run contemporary art gallery. Vibeke Harild from Denmark and Peter Marron from Ireland met at the Art academy in Bergen in 1992 and, after falling in love with the Norwegian nature, decided to settle down by the coast and start their own art gallery.

By Hanna Margrethe Enger |

Photos: Vedholmen Gallery

For over 22 years, Harild and Marron have welcomed guests from far and wide into their traditional ‘naust’ (or boathouse) for a range of art experiences. With contemporary art, craft exhibitions and music events, they have created a dynamic art scene in the middle of the picturesque archipelago, 35 kilometres south of Bergen.

contact. This includes several foreign artists. We are very proud of our 40 artists in all these categories.”

The gallery’s 20-year anniversary in June 2020 was a highlight. “It featured art by Oddvar Torsheim, a contemporary artist,” Harild reminisces. “200 people came together to celebrate the event, with music by the opera-singers Annika Beinnes and Jorunn Torsheim. We had an opening speech by Einar Økland, one of Norway’s highly regarded authors.”

Meet the gallery’s artists The gallery exhibits contemporary art by 40 artists, covering everything from paintings and photography to ceramics, glass and sculpture. “A great deal of our artists have studied abroad,” explains Harild, “and therefore the gallery has an international profile. We select art that interests us the most, and then make 40 |

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Harild continues: “It has been an absolute joy to experience renowned artists such as Bergen-based Erling Valtyrson, Line S. Hvoslef, Henriette Hagelien, Morten Holmefjord, Kjersti Olsen, Sarah Reed, Birgit Brühl, Elisa Helland-Hansen, Hanne Haukom, Tante Tuca and Kjell Johannessen. It has been an enlightening process working first as artists ourselves and then having to use that experience to realise and build exhibitions with others.”

Oselvar and the gallery Vibeke Harild and Oddvar Torsheim at the gallery’s 20th anniversary exhibition in 2020.

Just a few kilometres from the gallery lies a historic ‘oselvar’ workshop. An oselvar is a traditional wooden rowing

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boat, which originates from Bjørnafjord municipality, where Vedholmen Gallery is located. It has clear references and similarities to traditional Viking boats, with a history going back over 2,000 years, and has become the official national boat of Norway.

A late-summer exhibition will feature fine-art painter Leif Nyland. His talent for painting scenes in the morning and evening light led Oslo art critic Tommy Olsson to compare Nyland with Gaugain.

“Peter was inspired by these boats and, after some research, tried to explain, using clay, the beauty and history of this boat type in porcelain,” Harild says. “The boats combine ceramic art and local history, and have been a brand-maker for the gallery.”

A solo exhibition of the work of Ørnulf Opdahl, who paints with oils and water-colours and produces graphic art will run from 1 October until 30 October.

Opdahl has had a great number of exhibitions, in Norway and internationally, and has even created art-projects with Her Majesty Queen Sonja.

Summer exhibitions This summer, the gallery has three exhibitions lined up, with something to suit every art lover’s taste. Painter Eva Harr has already exhibited twice. Her third exhibition runs until 12 June. “She is an artist from the north of Norway – something which is reflected in her art, in choice of colour and motif,” says Harild.

“She creates paintings and lithographic prints, which are inspired by where she grew up.”

Into the autumn with Ørnulf Opdahl, towards winter in Clear Glas.

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“The gallery grew out of a need for a place to exhibit our work on our own terms and has grown – with the help and cooperation of like-minded artists, crafts people, musicians, customers and sponsors – into a cultural hub.”

Web: www.vedholmen-galleri.net Facebook: vedholmengalleri Instagram: @vedholmen_galleri

Vidar Koksvik and Kari Håkonsen, the glass-artist duo behind the moniker Klart Glass (Clear Glass), produce traditional craftwork as well as publicly commissioned artwork. They are slated to open the gallery’s final exhibition of 2022 on 3 November.

More than just art

A collective exhibition including most of the gallery’s 40 artists opens on 18 June. Their work will be shared alongside others’ such as Lars Elling (graphic art), Jan Erik Willgohs, Henriette Emilie Finne (painting), Reinhard Haverkamp (kinetic sculpture) and Rita Marhaug (graphic art, performance).

Vedholmen Gallery has a great selection of artists, but they also have a knack for spotting the next big thing in music, often booking artists who have gone on to achieve international success, like Aurora, Boy Pablo, Marius Neset, Andreas Grønli and Ida Maria. “The music side of things has grown organically with the passing years, to a point where we see it as an essential offering, which enhances the visitor experience,” Harild says.

Cloud by Vidar Koksvik. Photo: Dag Fosse

Evening sun by Leif Nyland.

Etching by Ørnulf Opdahl.

Vedholmen Gallery.

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Fjærlett flørt.

Ditt nedsnødde blikk.

Bevinget stein.

Hildur Bjørnsdottir. Photo: Knut Bjerke

Experiencing nature through art Against a peaceful backdrop of sweet, earthly music and the sounds and scents of nature, a new masterpiece is being brought to fruition. Norway-based Hildur Bjørnsdottir uses paint and brushes to create a nature experience through art.

By Celina Tran

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Photos: Tor Simen Ulstein and Knut Bjerke

Born in Iceland, where the mountains sing and lights dance across the night sky, the artist Hildur Bjørnsdottir has always had an affinity for the outdoors. On a childhood visit to the beach, she remembers picking up a rock that had spoken to her. Feeling its salty sting against her tongue, she felt she was being pulled into the embrace of nature – something she seeks to express through her art today. “For me, to be human is to feel one with nature,” Bjørnsdottir says. “Growing up in Iceland, nature has always been a source of inspiration.”

At just 14, gifted with an artist’s eye and talent, Bjørnsdottir exhibited a work for the first time at a school gallery, where it hangs to this day. Since, she has exhibited several projects and installations, as well as teaching art freelance.

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Believing that there’s always more to learn, she enrolled at an art school in Iceland, which eventually took her to Norway. Today, she bridges the Norwegian and Icelandic art communities.

In 2020, Bjørnsdottir was asked to host some workshops and classes as an artist in residence in Steigen. But, just as she arrived, the world was hurled into an unforeseeable state of isolation, quarantine and COVID-19. Society ground to a halt, and so too did her plans. Faced with staying in Steigen and working in her large studio or going home, Bjørnsdottir chose to stay and used the situation to create her best piece to date.

“During that time, the only people I spoke to were the cashiers at the local

Coop, so I often found myself by the water, watching the ocean embrace the kelp in a hypnotic and inspiring dance,” she explains. “I suppose the water was at many points my only companion.”

Every day, after visiting the ocean, Bjørnsdottir returned to the studio and spilled her emotions onto a seven-metre-long scroll. After countless hours in the company of herself, her memories and her trusted paintbrushes, Fjærlett Flørt was born. It is the piece she is most proud of to this day.

Inspired by the notion that home is always in her heart, Bjørnsdottir has brought her love for the outdoors out of Iceland, and continues to find inspiration in nature everywhere.

Web: www.hildurb.no Instagram: @hildurbjornsdottirart Facebook: Hildur Bjørnsdottir

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| Made in Norway | Vulcan Norway

Reviving the traditional trade of handmade Norwegian leather goods During the day, she has a regular job. But, as night falls, she fetches her tools and engages in an entirely different trade.

By Eva-Kristin U. Pedersen

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Photos: Vulcan Norway

“I do everything from design and production to marketing, sales and accounting,” says Marianne Brøvik, the wonder-woman behind Vulcan Norway. ‘Vulcan’ is the Roman god of the smiths and forge and, given the considerable feat of Brøvik’s work, the support of a Roman god might just come in handy.

Brøvik is self-taught. Her passion started when she saw an Instagram post of someone making leather goods, and decided to seek out all the tutorials available, to sit down and experiment. Today, a year and a half later, Vulcan is an established brand.

When she sits down of an evening, tools in hand, Brøvik becomes one of Norway’s rare producers of high-quality, handmade leather goods. Amongst other things, she designs and crafts items like wallets, card holders and passport-covers in the finest leather, capable of lasting a lifetime.

All Vulcan products are made with the finest, hand-tanned Italian leather. Brøvik assures that the quality is such that her products will actually last for the rest of your life – whether they be wallets, cardholders or other leather items.

While the leather is Italian, the design is Brøvik’s own.

A welcome, creative change

“Mine is a typical Scandinavian design, minimalistic, functional and made to last,” she emphasises. The creative process behind each item is lengthy. Brøvik explains that she starts with an idea, then a drawing, then makes a paper version of the design. If successful, she continues

“It’s a very welcome change from what I do during the day, when I work with computers and technology,” Brøvik explains.

Her eyes light up as she talks about her craft; it’s clear that she’s inspired by the creativity of leatherworking.

with digital drawings before sitting down to produce the leather item itself. Most of her products are sold through the company’s Instagram-based online shop, while a new webpage is in the works.

Looking ahead, Brøvik intends to keep expanding, and also hopes to inspire other Norwegians to take up the traditional craft – just as she was inspired to create Vulcan.

Italian leather, Scandinavian design

Web: www.vulcannorway.com Instagram: @vulcannorway

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Harbour of Gothenburg. Photo: Göran Assner

A road less travelled: Sweden’s top hidden spots to discover this summer This month, we’re getting under the skin of Sweden’s summer offering. Northern Europe’s largest country boasts a staggering variety of cosmopolitan cities, untouched wilderness and world-leading arts, culture and business opportunities – but the best-kept secrets are off the beaten track. Read on for our picks of the best hidden gems and weekend getaways to discover on your next trip to Sweden.

events for locals and visitors alike. The centuries-old streets have the heady, melting-pot energy of a city packed with hidden gems, played out beneath a jaw-dropping modern skyline.

By Lena Hunter

From June onwards, Malmö’s world-class Nordic dining scene is flooded with the Swedish summer’s best farm-to-table produce and local seafood, while its thriving ecosystem of seasonal conferences, festivals and summits proves, again and again, why the city is one of Scandinavia’s favourite business destinations.

Meanwhile, Sweden’s second-largest city of Gothenburg offers fascinating urban history and world-leading cultural

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June is a fantastic month in the Nordics.

The long winter has receded, taking with it the dark, candlelit nights, and ushering in a summer of cobalt skies, vivid urban energy and lush green wilderness. The southern region of Sweden is rich in stunning nature and peppered with historical sites, with a trove of hotels, restaurants, resorts offering local cuisine and off-piste 44 |

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experiences to help you unplug and unwind. At this time of year, the rolling hills of Skåne are carpeted with yellow canola, while the spectacular southern coastline is a summer holiday favourite.

The vibrant city of Malmö – just over the Öresund strait from Copenhagen – is bursting with art and culture venues and

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Photo: Emelie Asplund Visby

Kayaking. Photo: Henrik Trygg

experiences, in an archipelago locked and loaded with outdoor adventures and breathtaking views.

You’ll find the mildest weather in the south of Sweden, but the entire country enjoys warm summers, with famously long, sun-drenched days that fade into short, turquoise nights. In this edition of Scan Magazine, we’ve curated some of the best hidden gems and weekend getaways to make the most of Sweden’s glorious summer months. Digging beneath the ordinary, our June offering includes a slew of off-the-beaten track hotels, homestays and country lodges, city escapes and wild pursuits, suitable for quick trips and slow stays alike.

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

Photo: Tina Axelsson

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An escape from the ordinary A stone’s throw from Gothenburg, somewhat hidden in the forest, lies Öijared Resort. Unassuming yet majestic, this serene hotspot is a firmly-cemented haven for golf lovers and weekend revellers alike – with tonnes more to offer throughout each season of the year.

By Emma Rodin |

Photos: Öijared Resort

Easily accessible for both city escapes and international visitors, Öijared Resort is a mere 35 minutes from Gothenburg and 25 minutes from the closest airport. It’s a parallel world where there’s plenty of room to relax and recharge – whether it’s walking the grounds around the resort, enjoying me-time at the spa or practicing swings at the golf course.

Indeed, there’s golf on offer (and a lot of it). “Golf has been played here for over 60 years, it’s become part of our DNA”, says Sandra Taranger Eberstein, managing director at Öijared Resort. “We have the biggest golf centre in Sweden with three 18-hole courses, plus a multi course for golf, football golf and disc golf,” she adds.

And if it’s not the fantastic variety that players come for, it may be to see the architectural wonder that is the golf club house. Designed to live side by side with nature, this building offers great views 46 |

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of peace and serenity that brings instant calm. Perhaps you’ll visit to gain new energy or let some go. Perhaps you’re seeking an inner journey, to reach new heights or to ground yourself. Whatever it is, Öijared Resort can work its magic in many ways – only you decide how.

over the grounds – and even doubles up as the first tee for one of the golf courses.

Great golf aside, Öijared Resort is also home to a stunning hotel and inspiring conference space, hosting both private guests and business meetings. With a range of package deals to choose from, guests can easily make the most of their visit. For instance, the Weekend Package includes accommodation, dinner at the resort’s restaurant, activities and entry to the relaxing pool and sauna. “Öijared Resort really is the place for anyone looking to enjoy themselves,” says Taranger Eberstein. “We have several great hiking trails surrounding the resort, with package deals including guided tours with food, plus entry to the spa. It’s simply the best of two worlds,” she adds.

The magnificent scenery around the resort is incredibly beautiful, with a sense

Web: www.oijared.se Instagram: @oijared_resort

Photo Magnus Mårding

EVERYTHING DIFFERENT

Every winter we build a hotel and an art experience of ice and snow together with artists and designers from around the world. Now we create this summer’s unique flavors, adventures and experiences in the wilderness, 200 km north of the Arctic Circle. We put a spice to each event and an unexpected twist to every experience.

Read more and book at www.icehotel.com “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” - designed by Bernadotte & Kylberg.

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Summer vibes at a dreamy destination in the archipelago Beautifully located in the archipelago, Hotel Vår Gård Saltsjöbaden has a long history, Sweden’s most fascinating art collection, and delicacies by award-winning chefs and bakers. Recent developments include new rooms and a relaxation area, a wine café and bakery, and a fabulous cocktail bar in the pipeline.

By Malin Norman |

Photos: Vår Gård

For almost 100 years, Vår Gård has served as a hotel and meeting place for companies and organisations in the scenic archipelago in Saltsjöbaden, only 15 minutes from Stockholm. The beautiful old buildings were constructed by industry tycoons such as Thiel and Wallenberg over a hundred years ago. Eventually, the estate was purchased by the Swedish Co-operative Union (KF) in the 1920s, and became an educational hub for its 48 |

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bakery and wine café, added new rooms with stunning sea views, and opened a new relaxation area, in the hope of more curious visitors finding their way to the hidden gem in the archipelago.

A wine café and bakery, and a new chef

many employees. Over the years, tens of thousands of people have come here for training courses.

During the past two years, like many others in the hospitality industry, the hotel has faced some challenges and has had to adapt in what’s sometimes been a stagnant business. Vår Gård took the opportunity to realise some long-awaited plans. So far, the hotel has built a new

In 2020, a brand-new bakery and wine café replaced the old lobby on the entrance level, perfect for Sunday breakfast with the family or for stopping by for lunch or a wine in the evening with a group of friends. “Our ambition is to create an inviting and popular place for both locals and visiting guests. The new bakery and wine café is the start of this ongoing journey,” says Kadi Upmark, CEO. “Our desire was to create a soothing con-

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nection to nature, the place and sustainability through Scandinavian craftsmanship with a focus on details. There is a real sense of pride here.”

Another new addition is head chef Magnus Karlsson, appointed in 2021. Karlsson has a clear forté and passion in terms of cooking, sustainability and overall dining experience. “I have worked with many different styles, but I am comfortable in the Swedish-French cuisine,” says Karlsson. “It’s my foundation where I feel at home. I am passionate about working with good raw materials and local produce. But food is so much more than just food. The best thing for me is to go out into a dining room and hear the positive sounds from the guests; to feel the pulse.

Food brings people together.”

Fabulous cocktail bar due to open An exciting new project is underway in the old 19th-century villa Skärtofta: a new cocktail bar will take shape and complement the beautiful banquet hall and restaurant. “We have a dream of developing our business and creating even better guest experiences. During the pandemic, several projects could be realised and now the work on Skärtofta’s new cocktail bar has finally begun,” confirms Upmark. The idea is to capture

the historic character, but also create elements of modern design in a tasteful way. “We hope to attract both locals and long-distance hotel guests who want to enjoy late cocktails and festive dinners in an atmospheric environment.”

In addition to the spectacular setting and nothing-but-delicious cuisine, Vår Gård has one of Sweden’s best art collections, and guests can explore the works during art tours around the estate’s build-

ings and park. Here, you can find art by famous Swedish painters such as Olle Baertling, Axel Törneman and Lisa Larsson. And there is plenty more to keep guests active, too, with outdoor adventures, sauna and options for recreation, plus tastings and much more.

Web: www.vargard.se Facebook: Vargardsaltsjobaden Instagram: @VarGardSaltsjobaden

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Infinity pool.

Escape to an extraordinary hilltop oasis The Lodge has become a hub for pleasure seekers, food lovers and spa fanatics near and far. The resort offers more than just a night away; it’s an experience for all the senses. Its unique location, in combination with spectacular food, drinks and surroundings built in a New England style, sets the perfect scene for a unique getaway that brings guests back again and again.

By Nina Bressler

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Photos: Ulrika Olsson

The spa and resort is located on Romeleåsen, a hillock where the view is nothing short of spectacular: an unobstructed vista all the way to Malmö, 40 kilometers away, and the Öresund bridge, approximately 50 kilometers away. The location was originally home to a small hunting lodge, the Romele hut, which drew visitors keen to explore the unique nature.

The Lodge was founded by three Swedish friends and adventurers who travelled the world together. It was after an inspiring trip to the North American east coast 50 |

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tunity to take over the Romeleåsen location, and The Lodge was born, receiving its first guests in 2006. 16 years and multiple awards later, it remains a top choice for innumerable food and wine lovers looking for a relaxing weekend away.

Find your home away

that they realised they wanted to start a business back home, incorporating the New England style into their venture. They were given the once-in-a-lifetime oppor-

Spa and hotel in New England style.

“The Lodge is not just offering a hotel, spa and restaurant as separate entities.

Our wholehearted focus is on delivering an experience where everything is connected through wholesome choices.

Our restaurant, Heaven, serves a four or eight-course meal of world class standard, where unique flavours are at the centre, meticulously paired with the wine.

We use local produce to create dishes that are inspired by our surroundings, the Skåne fields and forests, a landscape that has so much to offer. It’s so peaceful here and we want to offer a relaxed exclusivity,

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a luxurious getaway for every person who seeks a break from the ordinary,” says Camilla Persson, commercial manager at The Lodge. The 22 double rooms are divided in two areas: the Treetop Lodge with a spectacular suite; and the Cabins, connected to the restaurant and spa via wooden-clad walkways that are illuminated during the evenings, bringing another magical touch to the resort.

Aloha! Honulele Spa – a little slice of Hawaii Welcome to Honulele Spa – the most recent addition to the Lodge, a blend of Polynesian treatments, tropical ambience and organic products. Despite its novelty, the spa has already won the World Luxury Spa Award two years in a row. “We haven’t misspelt Honolulu, contrary to what many people believe, but it’s named Honulele because of its Hawaiian meaning: it means the jumping turtle that, according to legend, would lead sailors back home.

We want to guide our guests in the same way, back home through recovery and enjoyment in our spa,” says Persson.

It’s located right atop the hillock, overlooking a steep drop and offering breathtaking views over the landscape below and a gorgeous sunset every evening, weather permitting. A tropical atmosphere envelopes the facilities, where hotel guests along with day guests are treated to rejuvenating, restoring and relaxing activities.

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An eye-catching infinity pool, 12 metres long with a consistent temperature of 38 degrees, in addition to a cold bath and sauna, provides the perfect opportunity to unwind and let deep breaths flow through both body and soul.

Relaxing treatments Are you looking for serious relaxation?

Then Honulele Retreat is your answer, where their Aloha Spa Ritual offers 90 minutes of pure restoration through seven different treatments, inspired by Polynesian knowledge and unique techniques. A dedicated host offers guidance throughout each treatment, and afterwards, all guests are welcomed into the VIP section for relaxation in the pool and spa facilities.

Food and drinks can be enjoyed with a relaxing backdrop of the panorama view across the billowing fields below. “The location of this place is quite simply something else. We are located in one of the rare, elevated spots in an otherwise flat province, giving us that viewpoint many other facilities lack. Sitting on our restaurant terrace, watching the sun slowly dipping behind the horizon, is incredibly soothing and, in combination with the spa, food and our comfortable lodges, a visit here is simply something out of the ordinary: an escape to another world,” says Persson. This hidden gem, nestled into the lush, enchanting province of Skåne, welcomes you.

Infinity pool.

Four or eight-course dinner and spa day is included in all hotel bookings.

Guests without hotel bookings are also welcomed for day visits to the spa and restaurant. Less Ordinary company meetings can also be arranged.

Web: www.thelodge.se Instagram: @thelodgeresort Facebook: The Lodge Resort

Culinary experiences.

Experience food like nowhere else.

Spa weekend with a view.

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Your next adventure awaits Challenge your comfort zone in the adventure park, with high-altitude courses, escape games, team challenges, and much more.

The first Upzone Adventure Park opened in 2009 in Borås based on an idea by German entrepreneur Tamara Christmann Olofsson, who saw a gap in the Swedish market.

Over the years, Upzone has grown into a major player with franchises in ten cities.

Here, you can swing between treetops on high-altitude courses, find your way out of escape games, test your archery skills and try a slew of group activities for families, friends or company events.

“At Upzone, you can experience adventure, play and outdoor activities beyond the ordinary,” promises Clara Olovsson, park manager. “There are so many fun things to do, but quality and safety is always at the core, and we’ll ensure your nature experience is a memorable adventure.”

The fun activity, Escape Game, involves solving complex puzzles before time runs out. In Combat Archery Tag, players are

assigned a bow and soft arrows and the goal is to hit the opponents. Or, bring your colleagues or friends and test your teamwork in one of the cool team challenges.

Hen parties or stag dos are popular too, with exciting group activities and special challenges available.

Regardless of experience, safety comes first and all guests will receive assistance with the equipment. You will learn to climb

By Malin Norman

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Photos: Upzone

and secure yourself in intro-zone courses, before you can go free climbing. In all parks, guests climb with a full-body harness and CliC-iT® carabiners for maximum safety. An experienced instructor will supervise activities and provide coaching, so you can relax and have fun whilst also challenging your comfort zone.

Web: www.upzone.se Facebook: officialupzone Instagram: @upzoneofficial

A getaway by the sea, open all year around On a hill overlooking the Baltic Sea on the south-eastern coast of Sweden, the historic Kiviks Hotell Conference and Spa has welcomed guests for over a century.

By Lotta Lassesson

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Photos: Kiviks Hotell Konferens och Spa

The hotel is rich in history: a statue of the author Fritjof Nilsson Piraten welcomes you in the lobby, and the Swedish Prince Eugen came to stay in the 1930s. The main building stems from 1908 and today has 32 rooms, divided into three villas which have been carefully renovated over time.

The in-house spa offers a variety of treatments and their own line of spa products. A new gym is in the works, with sea-facing glass walls. “Guests are always astonished by the nature and the panoramic coastline here,” says marketing manager Annelie Swan.

Old meets new In 2011, the garden was transformed into a renaissance-inspired oasis, with over 30 kinds of roses and a stone monument in52 |

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scribed with a quote from the Swedish author Björn Ranelid: “Havet och himlen är Kiviks äldsta vänner” (The sea and the sky are the oldest friends of Kivik). It’s the perfect spot for wedding vows or a simple stroll with a stunning sea-view.

As the seasons change, so does the cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant. With locally-sourced quality produce, it offers guests a carefully crafted menu, an oyster bar and wine tasting with a selection that would impress Bacchus – the Roman god of wine – himself.

Whether you book a weekend package with spa, go for a hike, take an art tour, book your wedding or a conference here, the emphasis is on a relaxed experience, smoothly curated by the welcoming hospitality of the team at Kiviks Hotell.

Web: www.kivikshotell.se Instagram: @kivikshotell Facebook: kivikshotell

6 EXCELLENT REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD GO TO BÅSTAD IN SWEDEN

Birgit Nilsson Museum

Tennis Nature, hiking & cycling Photo: Louise Nordström Pettersson

Norrviken Gardens Photo: Louise Nordström Pettersson

Events & nightlife Photo: Oskar Bakke

The sealife & beaches Photo: Hugo Ljungberg

GO TO WWW.BASTAD.COM OR USE THE QR-CODE

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Explore Sweden by timber rafting down Klarälven The wilderness of Värmland has a lot to offer: deep forests, windswept fields and the flowing Klarälven – ‘the clear river’. And if you visit Klarälven, you can take part in the unique experience that is timber rafting.

By Hanna Andersson

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Photos: Vildmark i Värmland

Timber rafting at Klarälven is organised by Vildmark i Värmland, and it starts with the participants building their own rafts which they take out on the river for the adventure of a lifetime.

“Our timber rafting experience really invites you to enjoy every twist and turn of the river. It can be calm, peaceful and meditative. But the next minute, it can start raining, or the raft can get stuck between rocks. Our guests always come back and say how proud they are for making it. It really is more challenging than you might think!” says Ing-Marie Junler, manager at Vildmark i Värmland.

To build your own raft and then push it out on the river is the ultimate bonding experience, and the perfect getaway for a family, friend group or company.

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“It is the perfect trip if you want teambuilding or a way to get closer to your family.

You have to work together, and you can’t escape anywhere,” says Junler.

The timber rafting experience is a part of Sweden’s ecotourism quality grading, which guarantees high quality in activities entailing nature conservation.

“Our mission is to support our local community and to preserve the nature that we are so fortunate to have, and we have been working for this since we first started in 1980,” Junler explains proudly.

Web: www.vildmark.se Facebook: Vildmark i Värmland

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Heart and harmony in Swedish nature Picture Kullaberg, one of Sweden’s most magnificent nature reserves. Wild, dramatic and with striking sea views, it’s not only home to a significant number of plants and animals – but to Kullagårdens Wärdshus too.

By Emma Rodin

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Photos: Kullagårdens Wärdshus

This popular inn has ties going back to the 16th century, with numerous owners over the years. Today however, Kullagårdens Wärdshus is a family business, run by a husband-and-wife duo. “We both had busy office jobs and wanted a change in pace, so when the inn was up for sale back in 2019, we went for it,” says co-owner Malin Sandström.

With a lot of past travels between them, the pair has used their experience of countless hotel stays to re-shape the inn into a modern country house – while still respecting its history. Harmony is key, and so is care and a personal approach throughout. “The idea is for guests to feel like they’re in someone’s living room with that homely feel,” says Sandström.

Another brand pillar is a sustainable way of working. For instance, its restaurant serves traditional Swedish cuisine with a

French touch – all made with local produce including fish and game, always leaving minimal waste. “We bake most bread and pastries ourselves and source some from a local bakery. We also provide vegan and vegetarian options made from scratch in our kitchen,” explains Sandström.

Additionally, free still and sparkling water is served in carafes to help minimise single-use items. “We’re proud to be a certified sustainable partner of Europarc Federation whose network of protected areas Kullaberg is part of,” adds Sandström.

Those who visit Kullagårdens Wärdshus are spoiled for choice when it comes to activities. The inn sits on the grounds of Mölle Golf Club and offers a golf package for keen players. With a backdrop of such natural beauty, the inn offers even more adventure around the corner.

There are caves to be explored among the rocky cliffs, kayaking and trails for cycling, and guided walking tours of the reserve can be booked with a packed lunch included. The inn has also partnered with a local porpoise safari, giving guests early access to fast-selling tickets.

The team at Kullagårdens Wärdshus is passionate about providing an all-round experience – with incredible nature, great service and delicious food and drink – of the highest quality, for guests from all corners of the earth. So, when do you fancy going?! The doors to Kullagårdens Wärdshus are always open.

Web: www.kullagardenswardshus.se Facebook: Kullagardenswardshus

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Good local food, wines to die for Sydkustens at Pillehill is regarded as one of the best wine destinations in southern Sweden, with a fabulous restaurant and a wine bar with an award-winning wine list. Plus, you can stay the night in the cosy four-star countryside hotel.

By Malin Norman |

Photos: Sydkustens at Pillehill

Sydkustens at Pillehill is a restaurant, a wine bar and a small hotel on the south coast of Sweden, set up in 2015 by Jannike Briesenland-Lister and Johan Lister. “We have a passion for wine and food in combination, and decided to go all in,” says Briesenland-Lister, with a smile. She is the CEO but also head chef and sommelier, setting the menus and deciding the recipes, using wines as the base.

if possible and with ingredients picked from their own garden. The dream of developing a true wine destination is well on its way to reality, with an award-winning wine list, a continuously-developing wine cellar with high-quality wines, popular tasting events, and even vines growing outside the window.

From the outset, the founders have focused on the combination of fabulous wines and tasty food, locally produced

The restaurant has a set menu that varies based on the seasons – sometimes on a daily basis, depending on what is

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Food and wine destination with local produce

available from local suppliers. The chef bases the menu and recipes on the wines, which is quite unusual: “You can cook food in so many different ways and add a wide range of spices and herbs, but you can’t change the flavour of the wine. That’s why I use wine as a starting point and go from there.”

Local produce is clearly important, also when it comes to wine. What many might not know is that despite the cool climate, Sweden has been an official wine country since 1999. These days there are some 60 commercial wine producers, focusing mainly on white wine, sparkling wine and rosé. “The types of green grapes cultivated there are aromatic and have high fruit acid, resulting in refreshing wines with green notes, which pair really well

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Pillehill has received Gavelinwine’s award Best Wine List 2022 with Swedish Wines.

with spring specialties such as asparagus and rhubarb.”

Pillehill was nominated for the Special Jury Prize 2022 by Star Wine List, a guide to the best wine bars and restaurants, and their extensive list of Swedish and international wines is considered one of the best in the country. In fact, Pillehill has just received Gavelinwine’s award Best Wine List 2022 with Swedish Wines, for its focus on locally produced wines. “Working with Swedish wines came naturally for us and even though we have amazing wines from around the world, we are extra proud to show what Sweden can offer.”

Cosy four-star hotel with breathtaking views One of the highest situated estates along the southern coast, Pillehill has stunning views of the surrounding rapeseed fields, and the sea is only two kilometres away.

The restaurant’s terrace has an ambiance of being in a southern-European wine region, and the greenhouse is a calm oasis where you can relax with a glass of wine.

The idyllic Pillehill combines a peaceful countryside setting with activities related to the world of wine and food. Wine enthusiasts and gourmands from near and afar come for dinner or tutored wine tast-

ings with friends, but this is also a popular destination for romantic getaways, small, intimate weddings, and company events such as conferences and team meetings.

Guests will be able to experience a little something extra in cosy, individually decorated rooms, suites and guest houses on the estate. And Pillehill is pet-friendly too, so pooches are welcome in most rooms and in the restaurant.

Web: www.pillehill.se Facebook: sydkustensatpillehill Instagram: @sydkustens_at_pillehill

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Inhale, exhale and enjoy the westernmost outpost With 365 islands, one for each day of the year, The Weather Islands make up Sweden’s westernmost outpost. This is a place where people come to just be, surrounded by crystal-clear sea, stillness, seals and porpoises. In other words: a destination to add to your bucket list.

By Malin Norman |

Photos: Pia Wind

“It’s like nowhere else,” enthuses Pia Wind, who runs the inn on Storö, the main island. “There’s no TV, no radio – it’s like stepping right into a mini ecosystem where everything you need is right here.

You could be standing in the pilot’s lookout with 360-degree views as the wind howls all around. We embrace nature – we’re right there at the heart of it.”

And at The Weather Islands, they walk the talk. They have their own recycling and water treatment plant. There’s no fresh water on the island so they desalt it them58 |

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selves, adding some minerals for a pure, refreshing flavour. “You don’t just leave the taps running here,” Wind insists. “It brings an awareness: there’s a desperate scarcity of drinking water on this planet, and we’re going to look after it.”

In fact, The Weather Islands have been pioneers in responsible tourism for a long time. Everything is done with a longterm perspective, and the next goal is full self-sufficiency, including electricity.

“We’ve got sun panels, we fish for our own seafood... We’ve got no one to rely on but

ourselves and that’s, in a way, what makes being on the island so unique.”

Microclimate and wildlife Currently, there are 19 guest rooms ranging from family rooms to a number of small, en-suite rooms with west-facing terraces, perfect for watching the magical sunset. One of the little dwellings, an old historic pilot house next to the inn, has

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been renovated and now includes three bedrooms with en-suite, available to rent on a weekly basis. Another nearby pilot house will be ready this autumn.

When guests reach the main island by boat, a host greets them and helps them settle in, adding to the welcoming, personable experience. “People hear about us through word of mouth, and they come here to get away from beeping phones and to just sit in the stillness, perhaps meditating or even only breathing in the clean air,” Wind explains. “Our motto is that when you come here, you can just inhale, exhale and enjoy.”

The Gulf Stream passes to the east, bringing a warm micro climate, and The Weather Islands have incredible wildlife, including Sweden’s biggest seal colony.

With crystal-clear water, this is also a great spot for diving – what many might not know is that a coral reef was discovered here just a few years ago.

Bucket list item for all seasons

morning yoga on the cliffs or just enjoying the silence, to seeking shelter from the stormy sea in the warm and cosy restaurant during winter.”

Summertime is peak season at The Weather Islands with the sea full of sailing boats, speed boats and swimmers, and people sunbathing on the cliffs. But the unique environment makes for an unforgettable trip, no matter the season – whether you end up crayfish or lobster fishing, exploring the walking trails, bird watching or just relaxing in the hot tub. “We have it all, from taking part in

While conference guests are provided with all technical necessities, there is no open wireless network for other guests.

“Everyone, teenagers included, is offline – you won’t be streaming movies. But no one ever protests – it becomes more of a simple fact,” concludes Wind. “A 14-year-old boy came asking for the WiFi some time ago. I said that we didn’t

have one, and he said ‘OK’ and walked off to play a board game instead.”

The Weather Islands is open all year round. Fly to Gothenburg Landvetter Airport, where you can continue by car, bus or train, or book The Weather Islands’ own shuttle bus.

Web: www.vaderoarna.com Facebook: vaderoarna Instagram: @theweatherislands

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Fine dining and storytelling in Österslöv It seemed the old starch factory in Österslöv, Skåne was beyond repair until 1999, when Richard Nilsson bought the building and turned it into a dynamic restaurant, conference space and hotel. Now, it’s been thriving for 21 years. Although the concept has changed over time, Nilsson and his staff have always strived to share one particular feeling with their guests: cosiness.

By Hanna Andersson

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Photos: Bykrogen Österslöv

“We live for cosiness! The original brick walls are complemented with interior textiles like white tablecloths and sofas that invite you to curl up with a good book. We have fireplaces and candles everywhere, and the rooms are small, personal and really cosy,” says Nilsson.

He continues: “Last weekend, one of our chefs baked cinnamon buns, and the gorgeous smell spread throughout the building. Our guests were beyond happy! And you know what goes well with cinnamon buns? A cognac in the sun!”

Another of the establishment’s themes is storytelling – and this is what Nilsson believes makes Bykrogen so special. “We love storytelling; it runs through our whole business. For example, the produce we use in our food is locally-sourced, and our menu shifts with the seasons. This means we can always tell our guests where their food is coming from. Our corn provider 60 |

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(yes, we have one of those!) is a man in a pick-up truck who wears a cowboy hat.

His farm is only a couple of kilometres away, and he will roll up with his truck and his corn, which we then cook with truffle and butter. So easy, but so special, because we know exactly who brought it to us!” Nilsson enthuses.

experts who are really skilled within their fields to create these experiences.”

Expertise, cosiness and storytelling are the three words that define Bykrogen – and they are inviting you to join them this summer for great food, a cosy atmosphere, and plenty of stories: both old and new.

On top of the restaurant and its extensive tasting menu, the conference rooms, and the hotel, Bykrogen offers activities such as wine, beer or whisky tastings, and workshops where guests can cook with their well-travelled and experienced chefs.

“We have two kitchens where we host cook-alongs with our chefs, and this is a great way to bring some team building into, for example, a conference trip.

We also have two sommeliers who host wine, beer and whisky tastings. I’m not an expert myself, so I make sure to employ

Web: www.bykrogen.nu Instagram: @bykrogenosterslov Facebook: Bykrogen Österslöv

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A combined table length of almost a kilometre, full of crayfish and side dishes on opening night. Photo: Pierre Ekman

Let the summer festivities begin Northern Europe’s oldest city festival is gearing up to gather over a million visitors over eight festive days this summer. With a packed programme of over 1,000 scheduled events, there’s something for everyone at Malmöfestivalen.

By John Sempill |

Photos: Malmöfestivalen

“We finally have a summer to look forward to,” says co-project organiser David Östberg. “We’ve released our first batch of artists and we can already sense the enthusiasm. We hope it will be a big celebration for Malmö and its visitors in August.”

The first festival was organised in 1985, taking inspiration from the world of sailing. “I wasn’t even born then so I don’t know what it was like,” says Östberg with a chuckle. “What I do know is that the politicians of Malmö had a study trip to the German sailing event Kieler Woche, and said: ‘let’s do something similar in Malmö, in our own way’.”

The idea took off and they’ve already established several traditions. One is the crayfish party on opening night. A combined table length of almost a kilometre on Stortorget square will host a feast of traditional crayfish and sides. “Invite your

friends and loved ones, bring a load of crayfish and we’ll provide the entertainment on stage,” explains Östberg. “You don’t even need to book a table.”

Experienced guests know the tables are set in the early hours. “People start arriving at 7am, and the party doesn’t start until 7pm!” he adds.

With some 70 eateries to choose from, you may have a hard time deciding. However, the festival is eight days long; why not try them all? “They all contribute in displaying Malmö’s international tone,” says Östberg. “We have a broad food culture something our visitors appreciate a lot.”

Another much-loved element is the variety of Swedish and international music artists. Östberg proudly tells us that Denmark’s biggest band, The Minds of 99, will play on Saturday: “It will be their first show overseas. It’ll be a wonderful evening.”

Great music and mouth-watering food aside, did you know that the festival area is the size of 90 football pitches? Or that several shows are interpreted for the hearing and visually impaired? The festival has even been awarded several prestigious European awards for its environmental focus and work.

If you find yourself in Malmö between 12 and 19 August, pop by, and share your memories using the hashtags #malmöfestivalen and #mf2022. And did we mention the festival is free, too?

An aerial shot from Stortorget square, capturing the masses watching Swedish artist, Timbaktu.

Web: www.malmofestivalen.se Facebook: malmofestivalen Instagram: @malmofestivalen

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Hidden Gems & Weekend Getaways

An authentic barbecue outpost in southern Sweden It all started with a longing for something not yet available in Sweden: Americanstyle smoked meat, barbecued for many hours until perfectly tender and tasty. This inspired Holy Smoke BBQ and its fantastic community.

By Malin Norman |

Photos: Holy Smoke BBQ

In 2014, Johan Fritzell and Johan Åkerberg opened Sweden’s first authentic American barbecue experience, Holy Smoke BBQ in Bräcke, outside Nyhamnsläge in Skåne. Born from a backyard hobby and a passion for smoked meat, it has become a mega-hit – one of the largest restaurants in Sweden, in fact, with up to 1,500 guests per day.

Holy Smoke is located in a wonderful rustic environment, in the middle of the countryside. “It’s like an outpost, you can even say it’s a bit of Texas in some ways,” says Johan Fritzell. “This is authentic American barbecue, the real thing. We have five smokers working 62 |

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24/7 and last summer, around 65 staff were making sure that everything was running smoothly. It’s like hosting a festival, every day!”

Backyard hobby turned popular outpost The five smokers are set up to barbecue for up to 24 hours, depending on the type of meat and its size. Guests can choose between different types of protein such as brisket, short ribs, pulled pork, chicken, sausages, plus classic sides like coleslaw and pickles.

Even though Sweden has a long tradition of smoking meat, Fritzell explains that this was for preservative purposes

only – so as not to spoil the food. In the US, barbecuing is almost like a religion and the cooking process is different. With lower temperatures, slower and more careful cooking, the result is something quite different; a crispy surface and soft, juicy meat that simply falls off the bone, flavoured by the smoke.

Inspired by culinary trips to Texas in the US, the two founders had built up a great interest in smoking and American-style barbecuing. After smoking meats and

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Fritzell. “So, we invite barbecue legends and pitmasters from the US to lead our classes. They have dedicated their lives to the art of smoking meat. It’s a great hangout and participants will learn about the four pillars of barbecuing; wood, fire, meat and time.”

Johan Åkerberg and Johan Fritzell, founders of Holy Smoke BBQ.

Cooking class 27-28 June:

hosting barbecues for friends and family in the backyard for a number of years, the idea of opening a restaurant was born.

“It was a challenge as I come from graphic design originally – a completely different industry – so I’m pretty much an autodidact in barbecuing and running a restaurant,” smiles Fritzell. “But thankfully it turned out well and our guests love it.”

Meat crusaders and barbecue community The community is a big part of Holy Smoke and its guests are diverse. Side by side, families with children, bikers and hipsters enjoy the barbecue at long communal tables. They eat, drink beer and socialise, while the children

barbecue marshmallows over the open fire. “The community is for real and our smokehouse is like a big workshop, open and on display so that people can see everything that’s happening.”

People usually wonder how it all started and if it is possible to barbecue American-style at home. This inspired the book Holy Smoke - No Smoke But Meat. “We experienced a welcoming and transparent community during our trips to the US, both around the method and the cooking.

This was an important guiding light for us when we wrote the book.”

Holy Smoke also offers classes, barbecue courses, cook-a-longs and seminars in its Academy. “We want to share our passion for fire and smoke,” says

Take the opportunity to learn from the masters. Ernest Servantes of Burnt Bean Company, the fourth-ranked barbecue restaurant in Texas, will team up with Leonard Botello, owner of Truth Barbecue, the third-ranked barbecue restaurant in Texas. In the class, they’ll share how they smoke brisket and ribs, craft their special sausages and create the most unique barbecued dishes.

Opening hours: From Easter, open Saturday-Sunday for lunch, 11am-5pm Midsummer to mid-August, open every day, 11am-9pm Holy Smoke BBQ is located on Kullahalvön, one hour north of Malmö and around 1.5 hours from Copenhagen in Denmark.

Web: www.holysmokebbq.se Facebook: holysmokebbqsweden Instagram: @holysmokebbqsweden

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Enjoy a night away in comfort.

Enjoy the spa and pool at Elisefarm.

Relax in luxurious, rustic comfort Elisefarm is a spa and hotel whose rustic environment has become a haven for people seeking idyllic relaxation. The hotel offers the best of every world – an outdoor jacuzzi, comfortable rooms, a world-class restaurant and a golf course ranked as one of Sweden’s best.

By Nina Bressler

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Photos: Elisefarm

Not far from the big city in the southern province of Skåne, lies a country estate, transformed from an old farm to a charming spa resort. The resort offers worldclass luxury in an intimate environment.

“The first thing you encounter at Elisefarm is our tree-clad driveway, leading up to the hotel area. There’s a serenity and calm that welcomes you the moment you enter our premises,” says Ingrid Linné, founder of Elisefarm spa and hotel, together with her husband.

“We’ve taken great care in restoring the existing buildings to keep the old farm feeling intact, while introducing new and modern design and amenities. Despite its proximity to the city, and with Lund and Malmö nearby, it offers such peace – an entryway to an entirely different world,” she says.

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and we know how to create the best experience for our visitors. We’re moving forward while keeping our roots, with an unwavering focus ahead: to offer relaxation and enjoyment for all senses whether you come for the food, golf, spa or simply a night away,” concludes Linné.

and treatment facilities are designed with meticulous attention to detail, the resort comprises hotel rooms, a restaurant based on seasonal, locally-sourced produce, and a golf course ranked among one of the 20 best courses in Sweden.

By ensuring that old details and building structures are preserved and incorporated into their existing facilities, the founders keep a hold on Elisefarm’s history, while looking ahead with an ambitious vision. Thanks to the ample amount of space, they plan to build an entirely new neighbourhood just off the golf course, complete with a gym, school and shops, but within easy reach of the peaceful nature and spacious fields. 700 new homes are in the works.

“Elisefarm is the perfect getaway from a busy lifestyle, where top-class facilities meet the serenity of the Skåne countryside. Our team is incredibly welcoming

Top class golf course.

Dine in their renowned restaurant.

Web: www.elisefarm.se Instagram: @elisefarm

Meet the stars of jazz, blues, soul and rock’n’roll. Experience the Swedish music scene of the 60’s and 70’s in ways you have never done before!

Exhibition 10.06.22–15.01.23

Sibyllegatan 2, Stockholm Miles Davis, 1969

Photo: Hendrik Zeitler

Contemporary art and creative activities for all ages Röda Sten Konsthall is a creative, urban destination with a fascinating historic past, in close proximity to beautiful nature. Located under the Älvsborg Bridge, it could be said that it feels a bit like being in New York.

By Malin Norman |

Photos: Ellika Henrikson

Röda Sten Konsthall is a popular recreational area in Gothenburg for tourists and locals including graffiti artists, skaters, dancers, sunbathers, strollers, families with children and senior citizens. “Röda Sten Konsthall is a magic meeting place for people of all ages,” confirms Mia Christersdotter Norman, director. “Here, you can experience exhibitions and performances

by Swedish and international contemporary artists, in an exciting location under the Älvsborg Bridge. You can also visit one of Gothenburg’s most stunning outdoor restaurants for a tasty meal or a fika!”

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down. In the early 1990s, the building was threatened with demolition; however, a group of people came together and formed an association to save it.

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also medieval remains from the old Älvsborg fortress. The 18th-century East Indiaman was moored and keeled here, and enterprising Scots established a community in the 19th century, with their own church and school erected around Carnegie sugar factory and porter brewery. The art gallery sits in an old boiler house built in 1940, which served as a heating plant for nearby industries. The heating plant was closed in 1957, in connection with the closure of the sugar factory.

Inside and outside, you can see traces of the 1980s and ‘90s rave parties, as well as the graffiti painters, who were active here after the heating plant was shut

Röda Sten Konsthall has grown into an important art institution and nowadays is a well-known destination for international contemporary art. Across the art gallery’s four floors, you can experience both new and emerging, as well as established, artists. The place offers exciting perspectives from the past and a taste of what the future of art will look like.

Photo: Hendrik Zeitler

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Extensive programme of summer activities Since 2004, you will have been able to find one of Gothenburg’s legal graffiti walls, Draken (The Dragon), outside the art gallery. The two-sided 41-metre wall was created by artist Per Agélii, and anyone can explore their own creativity on the wall. “A lot of people come here to watch the artists or might try themselves,” says Christersdotter Norman. “The graffiti wall and the skate plaza add to the atmosphere of being in New York and, at the same time, it’s in a historic place.”

At Röda Sten Konsthall, you can see everything from painting and photography to performance, video and sound art.

There is a wide range of screenings, talks, lectures and creative workshops for all ages, inspired by the exhibitions’ expressions and issues. An important part of the activities is for children and young people.

Ung & Skapande is aimed at people between the ages of 12–25, and for younger children there are workshops on Saturdays and Sundays during summer. Röda Sten Konsthall also offers activities for school classes during semesters, as well as workshops aimed at adults.

Upcoming exhibitions 2022: 11 June–14 August This summer, the gallery is hosting a new exhibition with Hillside Projects, Arijit Bhattacharyya and Julia Schuster.

The title, dhak dhak ho-hum ah eekff iii ie, takes inspiration from one of the artworks in the exhibition, exploring the transformation of thoughts in time and space, as well as the concept of movement of ideas and bodies.

3 September–20 November Also showing at the gallery will be an exhibition with Gabriela Pichler, Johan Lundborg and Pilvi Takala. Pichler and Lundborg are well-known filmmakers with works such as Eat, Sleep, Die and Amateurs. Takala is a Finnish artist, who was chosen to represent Finland at this year’s Venice Biennale.

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Röda Stens Konsthall

Summer activities at Röda Sten Konsthall: 15 June–11 August, Wednesdays and Thursdays Workshops for those interested in graffiti and street art, who are between 12-19 years old. A chance to paint, print, spray, roll and test different methods.

18 June–14 August, Saturdays and Sundays Explore various artistic expressions and materials with inspiration from ongoing exhibitions together with art educators. Open for children from 3 years old, and adults.

During the summer exhibition, screenings are offered every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

Take the opportunity to participate in a tour with one of the dedicated educators. The screenings are free and included in the entrance ticket.

Web: www.rodastenkonsthall.se Facebook: rodastenkonsthall Twitter: @rodasten Instagram: @rodastenkonsthall

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A familiar feeling away from home Sometimes, you want to escape the hectic daily grind and get away for the weekend – to disconnect and relax, without having to worry about a thing – in a place away from home, yet with all the comforts of home.

By Nicolai Lisberg

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Photos: Kellers Badehotel

Kellers Badehotel, located in Fanø on the west coast of Denmark, is such a place: a hotel with nine rooms, where you’re greeted with a warm welcome from the very moment you arrive. From the gourmet restaurant to the elegant décor and friendly service, every feature of the experience is crafted to make you feel rightat home.

“The upside of being a relatively small hotel is that we don’t need that many hands to run the hotel. Our employees know the guests who come here on a regular ba68 |

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sis and their exact needs. So, if you had oat milk for breakfast, you’ll automatically get oat milk the following day. Or, if you’re having a glass of wine in the restaurant,

we can bill it to your room without you having to do anything. They may sound like small details, but if you add them all up, they really make a difference for our guests,” says owner, Lars Bonde Sejerup.

He and his partner Sanne Juul Jensen have run the place since the summer of 2014 and they have given the hotel, which dates back to 1876, a homely makeover.

“We have a lot of regulars here, and we can see they appreciate the close relationships. Just as we know them, they also know our staff, so it sometimes feels like we are a small family,” says Bonde Sejerup.

“Often, our guests come for a weekend to disconnect, so every hour is extremely valuable for them. At Kellers Badehotel,

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they know they don’t have to worry about anything, that the room is ready when they arrive and that they’ll get the experience they are looking for.”

A gourmet experience with a local taste For most hotels, the accommodation is the main focus, while the restaurant is secondary. At Kellers Badehotel, it’s the other way around. Bonde Sejerup and Juul Jensen both come from a background in the restaurant industry, having worked at several of Denmark’s well-known spots.

So, when they took on the task of running Kellers Badehotel, their primary ambition was to create a unique dining experience in Fanø. “We are not a hotel with a restaurant, but a restaurant with a hotel. The restaurant is the catalyst for everything we do and it’s where we spend most of our energy. We offer a different experience from what you’d usually find around here.

We have a focus on local ingredients and buy from local suppliers to ensure it’s as authentic as possible. It could be lamb or freshly caught shellfish from The Wadden Sea, depending on the season,” explains Bonde Sejerup A couple of times a year, Kellers Badehotel hosts wine tastings, inviting European producers to the restaurant to present their wine, while the kitchen provides matched dishes. While the menu always consists of three starters, three main

courses, two desserts and something sweet to go with after-dinner coffee, dishes are updated regularly.

“The structure will always be the same, but the experience will be different every time, since we change the ingredients according to the season and not according to the calendar. If white asparagus is in season, we don’t wait a week or two; we’ll put it on the menu tomorrow. It’s the same with rhubarb. Our meat comes from local suppliers, so that also dictates what kind of meat we are serving and when. But one thing is for sure. It will always have the taste of Fanø,” says Bonde Sejerup.

Have your next conference at Kellers Badehotel Kellers Badehotel offers company conference and meeting facilities onpremises. The room can host 20 people and is equipped with AV equipment. A conference can be combined with a stay and the staff are happy to help with the organisation of various trips such as local bunker safaris or guided nature tours.

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

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Photo: Bjørn Breitzke

Photo: Jacob Thorup Kjærsgaard

Photo: Flemming Jeppesene

You’re all invited to Snapsting in Viborg, 17 – 26 June Each year, the beautiful old royal city is transformed into the cultural festival, Viborg Snapsting, filling the city’s squares and gardens with free concerts, culture, exercise, ‘hygge’, festivity and play.

By Viborg Snapsting

For ten days near the end of June, Viborg is packed with happy and curious people from near and far, turning the city upside down with experiences for everyone – both adults and children.

“Every year, we look forward to Snapsting. It is great that, for ten days, we can ‘hygge’, listen to good music, enjoy cultural experiences and meet new and old friends. It all takes place in the city’s unique and historical settings,” says Viborg Municipality’s mayor, Ulrik Wilbek.

“Snapsting is a really good example of how good we are at cross-sectoral co-operation between businesses, associations, citizens and the municipality. Together, we create a festival that offers a myriad of experiences to the joy of both those who live here and the many visitors,” he explains.

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More than 100,000 people visit Snapsting each year. Everyone wants to be part of the atmosphere, but there are a number of different reasons to take part in Snapsting. Maybe you’ve laced up your walking boots to take part in the international Hærvejsmarch – Hiking for life event, or pumped up your bike tyres for Hærvejsløbet – The Viking Gran Fondo, which ends in Viborg. Maybe you’re interested in one of the many free concerts, or a guided city walk, or simply exploring the city to see what comes your way, while satisfying your hunger at one of the local food stalls or at one of the city’s cafés or restaurants.

A unique historic event Snapsting is based on a unique historic event which, 200 years ago, filled Viborg with life, trade, partying and debate.

From the middle of the 15th century and until 1813, people from all over Jutland met at Snapsting in Viborg. Traders and street-performers from different European countries also made their way to Viborg during Snapsting.

Today’s Snapsting celebration has welcomed guests since 2013 and it is open to everyone. The nine-day event offers a fantastic experience, shared with thousands of other happy people. The organisers look forward to welcoming you.

Photo: Mikkel Kjeldsen

Web: https://snapsting.dk/

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Monkey World is more than just an extraordinary experience In Northern Zealand lies Monkey World – a refuge for both animals and people who need to find their place in life.

By Robin Dixen Eggert

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Photos: Monkey World

Just a few kilometres outside of Hillerød, is a Japanese garden called Monkey World.

Monkey World is a private refuge for all sorts of animals with one thing in common: they’ve had a rough life. But, that doesn’t mean they’re scared or aggressive – quite the opposite.

Though you’ll meet bunnies with no ears and one-legged parrots, these animals aren’t shy. In fact, they’re happy to eat out of your hand and sit on your shoulders. This is mainly thanks to Dennis and his brilliant keepers, who put their hearts and souls into giving these animals another chance at having a good life.

Now, you might think that Monkey World is a small zoo. But, the refuge has a very different purpose: helping those who have had difficulty finding their place in life. Many of Dennis’ co-workers are young people who

have struggled in education due to social problems, mental illness or something entirely different. No matter the problem, Monkey World serves as a safe haven – offering the opportunity to study in a safe and peaceful environment. Here, vulnerable people – young and old – are offered respite from a system that has often failed them.

Monkey World is privately funded, which is why it’s open to the public. This gives you

the opportunity to pet a monkey, hand-feed a blue macaw or play ball with the goats – all while supporting an important community cause. What’s more, during the entire month of June, there is free slush ice for all the visiting children.

You can get really close to the animals when buying food and have an experience with the monkeys and the birds.

In North Zealand close to Hillerød you will find Hillerød’s Japanese garden.

Opening hours: Every day during summer, 11am-3pm Web: www.monkeyworld.dk Facebook: monkeyworld.dk

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Fresh summer acts announced at Holstebro’s stunning music theatre Synonymous with music, dance and theatre productions of the highest quality, Musikteatret Holstebro is one of Denmark’s liveliest cultural hubs. Established in 1966, the theatre house sits on the bank of the sprawling river Storåen, which bisects the buzzing city of Holstebro. Today, after a major renovation, it’s one of Denmark’s most architecturally arresting performance spaces, drawing some 120,000 guests for over 200 events annually.

By Lena Hunter

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Photos: Musikteatret Holstebro

Holstebro distinguishes itself as a city dedicated to promoting the arts, offering generous funding for cultural projects and home to a slew of vibrant venues.

It has garnered a reputation as a nucleus for art and performance in western Denmark, attracting big-name troupes and musicians who are seeking an audience outside the country’s capital. As such, the stage at Musikteatret Holste72 |

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bro has become a stalwart of the Danish touring calendar.

Tributes galore There are a host of spectacular tributes on the calendar for the 2022-23 season. August 26 will see the theatre’s rafters trembling when AC/DC UK – one of the world’s most electrifying AC/DC tribute bands – takes the stage. The band has toured over

20 countries in the past decade, supporting titans of rock Guns N’ Roses, Iron Maiden, Alice Cooper, The Darkness, D-A-D and many more, at some of Europe’s wildest rock and metal festivals.

There are no prizes for guessing the tracklist of the much-anticipated show, In The Air Tonight. One of the most successful artists of all time, Phil Collins’ dizzying record sales of over 100 million are rivalled only by those of Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney. So, bring your air-drums on November 18, when Musikteatret Holstebro throw it back to the 80s with a blinding Collins tribute night.

Last, but not least: spring 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of Billy Joel’s break-

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through album and hit Pianoman. On March 25, the theatre will commemorate the milestone with The Piano Man from New York - A Tribute to Billy Joel, telling the story of Billy Joel’s life and career.

Musicals, operas and more But it’s not all tribute bands. Over 4,000 tickets have already been sold for an open-air concert of the iconic Mancunian pop and soul band Simply Red, on August 19, with London singer-songwriter Mica Paris as special guest – not to mention a packed season of dance, gigs and stand-up.

December 7 to 11 will see the theatre adapt a silver-screen favourite in the much-loved Pretty Woman – The Musical, with new music by Bryan Adams. Shortly after, two critically acclaimed musicals are slated to run in 2023. From April 12 – 23, a brand new automatic, systematic, hydro-matic production of Grease will hit the stage, starring Silas Holst and Neel Rønholt as Danny Zuko and Sandy. With a fresh cast, director, scenography and choreography, the production is the first fruit of the new collaboration between Musikteatret Holstebro, Vejle Musikteater and One and Only Musicals. Then, one for the romantics: Dirty Dancing – The Musical will visit Musikteatret Holsterbo from May 31 – June 4, as part of its Summer Tour in Denmark.

For those who prefer the classics, the theatre will stage a production of Mozart’s intimate opera Cosí fan Tutti on

March 25, 2023. The work is a masterpiece of exquisite arias, heart-wrenching drama and agile comedy. Brought to life by six singers from the Royal Theatre’s soloist ensemble and the Opera Academy, Cosí fan Tutti is one of Mozart’s most revered and enduring love stories.

How to get involved There are several ways to make the most of Musikteatret Holsterbo’s rich offering. As well as catching individual events, guests can purchase the Theatre Package (Teaterpakken) of four or more shows in a season and enjoy a discount of €7 per show. Discounted tickets for students are available at a flat rate of €13.50 per show, while gift cards, valid for three years, can be purchased through the theatre website.

As one of western-Denmark’s landmark cultural meeting-points, Musikteatret Holstebro also offers facilities for conferences, meetings, fairs, events and parties. Rooms for anywhere between two and 1,200 people can be rented, and bookings can be combined with buffet catering, a set menu, drinks packages, hotel deals or tickets to a show. “If you can dream it, we can do it,” assures the team.

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prestigious Reumert Awards on June 12, an annual ceremony recognising excellence in Danish performing arts.

“We are very grateful for and proud of the nomination. It’s a recognition of the work of the theatre and, not least, that of our incredibly skilled and dedicated staff,” says theatre director Anders Jørgensen.

A passion for people and unforgettable experiences is at the heart of Musikteatret Holstebro. The cultural gem is spearheading the arts scene in Denmark – with something to excite guests of all ages and interests.

Address: Den Røde Plads 16 7500 Holstebro Phone: +45 96117878 Web: www.musikteatret.dk Instagram: @musikteatret Facebook: musikteatret

Theatre of the Year Speaking to the vibrancy of its arts offering, Musikteatret Holstebro’s partner venue Holstebro Teater – which occupies the same space – has been nominated as ‘Theater of the Year’ at the

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Holiday Feature

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Hessellund Sø Camping

Hessellund Sø-Camping: A real family holiday experience Take a holiday in the heart of Jutland that will please the whole family. With a variety of activities on offer, breathtaking nature, and decked out with all the camping mod cons you could possibly need, this is a real gem of a place to relax and have fun.

By Trine Jensen-Martin

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Photos: Hessellund Sø-Camping

At Hessellund Sø-Camping (‘lake camping’), comfort and quality is taken seriously. “We have some of the best cabins in Denmark,” says owner Jørgen Tang Hansen, referring to the cosy rental chalets on offer, with beds, underfloor heating and beautifully tiled bathrooms.

This is unfussy glamping the Danish way.

The campsite boasts two fully-equipped kitchens, a launderette and modern toilets, as well as several communal barbecues which often become gathering points during those long light-filled Danish summer evenings. There is also an informal restaurant which offers classic Danish dishes from the humble hot dog to the mighty ‘stjerneskud’ – a traditional fish and seafood platter.

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proximity to Midtjylland Airport, and easy rail and road connections, the campsite is easy to reach. But, with everything you need on site, once you pitch up, you may not want to go anywhere else!

fishing, golf, adventure playgrounds, a heated swimming pool with a waterslide, and a 5,000-square-metre man-made lake with sandy banks perfect for building sandcastles on. Or you could take a canoe trip down the river Karup Å, where you can fish for sea trout or simply enjoy the unspoiled nature.

Looking ahead, Jørgen plans to expand the range of indoor activities, particularly for children, to provide rainy-day entertainment for family camping experiences.

“This is not just a job – this is a way of life,” explains Jørgen, who has run the campsite for 33 years, and still loves it.

Jørgen doesn’t stand on ceremony and thoroughly enjoys talking to his visitors.

Friendly and welcoming, he puts guests at ease, ensures everyone is looked after, and makes every stay feel special.

What with the short drive to nearby towns,

Web: www.hessellund-camping.dk Facebook: Hesselund Sø-Camping Instagram: follow the hashtag #hessellundsøcamping

The main exhibition tells the story of IKEA. For current temporary exhibitions, go to IKEAmuseum.com

KÖKET restaurant is a destination in itself.

Light, fresh dishes combined with new interpretations of our classic meatballs

The museum shop sells gifts, souvenirs and newly produced design classics

© Inter IKEA Systems B.V. 2021

Come to IKEA Museum!

IKEA Museum is a destination for everyone who’s curious about how Ingvar Kamprad from little Agunnaryd created the global company IKEA is today.

It also gives you new perspectives on design and life at home. Book guided tours of exhibitions, packages including lunch and tea/coffee breaks, or stay overnight at the cosy IKEA Hotell. For more details of opening times and all our offers, go to IKEAmuseum.com

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Top Experiences Finland

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Arctic Fox Igloos/Ranua Zoo

Exploring Arctic wildlife all year round Ranua Wildlife Park is home to over 50 Arctic animal species, and is open every day of the year. For those wanting to take Arctic exploration and accommodation to a whole new level, the Arctic Fox Igloos’ glass ceiling offers breathtaking views of the northern skies and surrounding wilderness.

By Ndéla Faye

| Photos: Ranua Zoo

There are over 200 individual animals living at Ranua Wildlife Park – including the only polar bears living in Finland. The park offers visitors the perfect opportunity to explore Finland’s nature and wildlife; from arctic foxes, to snow owls, musk oxes, brown bears and grey wolves.

“All the animals live in large enclosures in the middle of the forest. The enclosures are as close as possible to what the animals’ natural living environment would be. We are committed to the protection of and care of endangered species; many of which live in the Arctic,” says Johanna Koivunen, the wildlife park’s chief executive officer.

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for everyone, and each season has its own beauty and charm,” Koivunen says.

Marvel at the northern skies Six kilometres from the wildlife park, the Arctic Fox Igloos offer a unique experience in well-equipped glass igloos, on the shore of Lake Ranuanjärvi. The glass ceilings provide an unobstructed view across the lake and of the northern skies, where visitors might be lucky enough to spot the northern lights. Each igloo is also equipped with a kitchenette, bathroom – and, since this is Finland – a private sauna, of course.

“In the winter, guests can arrive to the igloos by snowmobile, or they can combine a husky or reindeer safari with their stay. In the summer, visitors can spend all night fishing, as the sun doesn’t set.

In the autumn, there are plenty of opportunities to snap pictures of the northern

lights reflecting from the surface of the lake,” Koivunen says.

The wildlife park also has accommodation and camping sites available.

Holiday Village Gulo Gulo includes fully furnished apartments in semi-detached houses, located in the immediate vicinity of the wildlife park.

“From the polar nights in the summer, to the magical winter wonderland this place transforms into in the winter, Ranua Wildlife Park is the ideal place to experience the best parts Finland’s nature and rich wildlife,” the CEO concludes.

Web: www.ranuazoo.com and www.arcticfoxigloos.com Facebook: RanuaZoo Instagram: @RanuaZoo

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Siida after expansion Photo: Siida (Soini & Horto Ltd)

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Experience of the Month

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Finland

Artefacts in the Open-Air Museum.

Experience of the Month, Finland

Interconnected nature: Sámi culture on show Sámi Museum and Nature Centre Siida has showcased the history and culture of the Sámi of Finland together with northern nature for over 20 years. The museum has gone through extensive renovations as well as an expansion, and is ready to welcome new visitors this June.

The research has extended to reaching out to the Sámi communities to ask their opinion on what objects to display to best represent their culture.

By Ester Laiho

Muurahainen also explains how they have chosen to explore some potentially sensitive topics to remove stigma and to embrace the current and future culture, while honouring the past: “Birgen means surviving in Northern Sámi and this is a term that lends itself to many areas of Sámi culture. For us it also means thriving: taking pride in traditional Sámi clothes and languages in 2022.”

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Photos: Siida

The new space is accompanied by a new main exhibition, Enâmeh láá mii párnáh – These Lands Are Our Children, which will bring together the topics of nature and culture. The name comes from an Inari Sámi poem written by Matti Morottaja, exploring the same themes. These Lands Are Our Children replaces the acclaimed previous exhibition, which drew an audience of over one million people.

Despite the many changes, visitors can be assured the Open-Air Museum has not gone anywhere. The Open-Air Museum, located in the oldest part of the museum complex, was built in 1963 – making it the oldest Sámi museum in the world. Here, a modern, lighted walkway takes you on a journey through time, exploring the culture, architecture and livelihoods of Finland’s three Sámi cultures.

Minna Muurahainen, the head of sales and marketing for Siida is looking forward to the summer and wants to welcome visitors from near and far: “We might have new improved spaces to accommodate for more displays and visitors, but our mission to welcome people with open arms hasn’t changed. We wanted to keep an intimate and approachable atmosphere.”

Repatriated artefacts displayed for the first time Another enticing aspect of Siida’s new offering is the repatriation of Sámi artefacts from the Finnish National Museum. In total, the Finnish National Museum has returned 2,200 objects to Sámi Museum Siida. To these artefacts, the people of Siida have applied the same rigorous research and respect as to those already on display, with the aim of learning about their origins and identifying people when possible.

”These lands are our children” exhibition poster.

Web: www.siida.fi Facebook: siidainari Instagram: @siidainari

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Restaurant of the Month

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Restaurant of the Month, Denmark

Gourmet food in a relaxing, down-to-earth atmosphere Restaurant Alimentum is dedicated to cooking high-quality gourmet food that will satisfy your taste buds. The atmosphere is cosy, welcoming and relaxed. Here, there is no need for high heels and a suit and tie. Sustainability is at the heart of everything Restaurant Alimentum does, which is reflected in an ever-changing menu that is entirely determined by the seasons.

By Heidi Kokborg

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Photos: Restaurant Alimentum

Situated in the beautiful Music Quarter close to the adorable hotels, Pier 5 and Kompas Hotel Aalborg, Restaurant Alimentum could not ask for a more perfect location. Alimentum is the Latin word for food or nourishment, which is exactly what you will find when you dine there: tasty food that will leave you feeling nourished, happy and pleasantly full.

“It is important to us that people experience a relaxed, welcoming and cosy atmosphere when dining at Alimentum.

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They should have a good time when visiting us. We are anything but snobbish.

The waiters even wear different shirt

colours to signal that we are a laid-back restaurant,” explains Simon Kvist Bjerre, co-owner of Restaurant Alimentum.

He continues: “however, the food and wine is top notch. We pour our heart and soul into the food, and everything is made with the utmost attention and care. The chef presents the food to the guests as we feel it is important that the person who cooks the food is also the one who serves it.”

Bringing back the joy of cooking Restaurant Alimentum was founded in 2019 by the two friends and business partners Simon Kvist Bjerre and Søren Birch. They both longed for a different lifestyle with more family time. They wanted to create a stress-free work environment with joy and fun at the centre.

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“So many people experience burnout in our industry, and we thought to ourselves that there simply has to be a better way to run a restaurant. Søren and I both wanted a more comfortable life, and we no longer wanted to work day and night. That is how Alimentum came to be,” explains Kvist Bjerre.

In the beginning, Kvist Bjerre and Birch had no plans to open a gourmet restaurant, but they soon realised that this was their true passion. Restaurant Alimentum quickly became so popular that the owners had to expand the restaurant.

“The old part of the restaurant has a very raw, urban vibe while the new part has more clean lines. It is a fusion between city life and country life,” says Kvist Bjerre.

Fresh, tasty and in-season food The fusion between city life and country life is no coincidence. Since day one, sustainability and taking care of nature and our beautiful planet has been at the forefront for Kvist Bjerre and Birch. Restaurant Alimentum primarily focuses on vegetables, seafood and produce from the local area.

“We cooperate with an organic farm called Lille Østergaard in Vendsyssel. Our chefs are regularly out in the yard to harvest, weed and plant. We have a total of 10 acres with about 60 different crops,” says Kvist Bjerre, and continues: “our goal is

to be self-sufficient with vegetables, honey, eggs, and meat. We see no reason to import food that we can easily grow ourselves. This way we get a much higher quality and it is more sustainable.”

This also means that the menu is always changing as they only serve food which is in season. The focus is on vegetables and seafood and, while meat occasionally appears on the menu, Restaurant Alimentum has made a conscious choice to lower their carbon footprint by reducing the meat consumption at the restaurant.

Instead, you’ll find delicious seafood dishes and, during hunting season, venison on the menu.

“We always look at what is in season when creating our menus, and when we

do decide to serve meat we make sure it is as sustainable as possible,” explains Kvist Bjerre. During the summer, guests can enjoy dishes like white asparagus with Fjord prawns and an asparagus-peel sauce. Or how about stuffed sole, mussel souffle and a sauce made with smoked butter? No matter which dish you choose, one thing is for sure: it will make your taste buds very happy.

Restaurant Alimentum also has its own wine shop called Alimentum Vinkælder, where you will find a wide selection of wine, beer and liquor.

Web: www.restaurant-alimentum.dk Facebook: Alimentum Instagram: @restaurantalimentum

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Restaurant of the Month, Finland

The best vibes in town Boasting one of Helsinki’s largest terraces, Onda is renowned for its good atmosphere – and excellent food, of course. Innovation is key when it comes to Onda’s menu, which specialises in vegan and gluten-free options. In the eight years since the restaurant opened its doors, Onda has managed to win over locals’ hearts, and earned a spot as a go-to place for good food and a good time.

By Ndéla Faye

| Photos: Eliso Nieminen

Located in the heart of the trendy neighbourhood of Kallio, Onda has built a name for itself as a must-visit for good food and a laid-back atmosphere. The restaurant specialises in dairy- and gluten-free foods, with a number of vegan meals available too. “Everything we make is handmade, down to the spice mixtures we use to season the food,” says Maya Talas, Onda’s owner and manager.

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For the past eight years, Onda has won locals’ hearts over with their innovative and fresh menu and their much-loved brunch offering. Onda’s dishes nod to Peruvian cuisine – in fact, before any of them knew each other, the restaurant’s owners had all travelled to Peru. “It was a complete coincidence and we didn’t know each other at the time. While we were planning to set up Onda, we found

out about our Peruvian travel connection,” Talas laughs.

Some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes have included ceviche, chargrilled seitan steak and vegan chorizo.

“Our menu changes seasonally, but we want to be at the forefront of serving

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great quality meals, made from fresh ingredients, and prepared right here,” the restaurant manager says.

On special occasions, such as Mother’s Day or Halloween, Restaurant Onda serves a buffet, which includes mostly gluten-free and vegan options but, for the omnivores, there is a meat option available too. “As with all our food, we make everything by hand in our kitchen. There are no ready-made meals or packets here,” says Talas. In the evenings, the restaurant serves dinner from its à la carte menu, which includes a meat option and vegan option.

Onda is located in an old match factory. The rustic building complex brings its own atmosphere, and is home to a number of businesses. What makes Onda quite unusual is that it operates from the same premises as a bar and nightclub, Siltanen. “For many people, Onda and Siltanen come as a package deal. Onda is the place to go for a lunch, brunch or dinner – and then in the evenings, there is often a DJ set, and the place turns into Siltanen,” Talas explains.

Good vibes only At Onda, what shines through is the overwhelming vibe of a place where people come to enjoy the finer things in life: great food and drinks, good music and a fantastic atmosphere. With 500 seats on the terrace, this is one of the top places to head out for a day or an evening in the city.

“In Peruvian slang, ‘¿Qué onda?’ means ‘what’s the vibe?’, and we used that play-on-words in our name... Another nod to our Peruvian travels! For us, it symbolises the easy-going and happy vibe we have here. It certainly rings true, especially on a summer’s day when our guests are basking in the sunshine on our terrace,” Talas concludes.

Web: www.ravintolaonda.fi Facebook: ravintolaonda Instagram: @ravintolaonda

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Restaurant of the Month, Norway

Aker Brygge’s oldest restaurant is an unofficial institution Every city has its unofficial institutions – restaurants, bars or shops that have been there for years and constitute a shared point of reference for the inhabitants. Oslo is no different; the Norwegian capital has its own handful of places that – although they are private – are urban cornerstones for locals, as well as for visitors.

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Photos: Louise Restaurant and Bar

Not all such institutions can please both old and new generations, remaining instead the darlings of a select cohort.

However, one that can make that claim is Louise Restaurant and Bar in the fashionable and fascinating Aker Brygge area, right in the centre of Oslo. “Our customers span from 18 to 70 years old,” says Fridtjof Gjelseth, the general manager at Louise.

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DJ after dinner, on weekends. “Older people come to Louise because they have memories from here, and young people come because they are attracted by the club,” he explains.

Louise Restaurant and Bar is just one of many restaurants in the area – which is one of Oslo’s most popular spots on sunny days – but it boasts one feature that none of the others can: it’s the oldest restaurant at Aker Brygge. As the area has expanded almost beyond recogni-

tion over the years, Louise has sat tight, taking advantage of both its aura as an institution and the daily influx of people visiting Aker Brygge to enjoy lunch in the sun, a drink in the afternoon, a nice dinner by the fjord – or a late-night party.

Oslo’s best shellfish and cheese – on the doorstep That’s thanks, not least, to the food served at Louise. The restaurant offers fresh seafood, most of it from Norwegian waters, and is even known to have the best shellfish in Oslo, according to Gjelseth. Although the basics stay the same, their menu changes slightly from season to season. Gjelseth says that some of the most famous names in Norwegian cuisine have helped put together this season’s offering.

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To season their tasty seafood dishes, the chefs at Louise use homegrown herbs.

While Aker Brygge might appear to be a collection of expensive offices and fancy restaurants, the past few years have seen an expansion in more than its property offerings. Today, a range of exciting projects take place there – one of which is an urban gardening start-up, supplying herbs to restaurants on the famous waterfront.

Another exciting newcomer is a cheese producer. Louise Restaurant and Bar takes advantage of both. “We get herbs and cheese at km zero,” Gjelseth says with a smile.

A popular ‘julebord’ destination While summer is the definite high season at Aker Brygge, Louise is also a favoured destination in the winter – especially at Christmas, when they serve traditional Norwegian Christmas food.

Many companies opt to celebrate the traditional Norwegian ‘julebord’ (the Christmas banquet) at Louise. Not least because, as desserts are served, the DJ takes over – so guests can shake off the dinner and enjoy a drink without having to change locations. “We’re the only restaurant here that turns into a club on weekend nights, and that makes us very popular,” Gjelseth underlines.

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One of Oslo’s most beautiful places?

If you’ve never been to Aker Brygge, it’s a must-see destination for your next visit to Oslo. The view is majestic: the Akershus Fortress towers over the fjord, where ferries and boats travel back and forth in the distance, tracing miniature wakes on the water. In the summer, the sun heats up the docks, making it a perfect spot to catch some urban sun. In the winter, when it’s cold enough, the reflection of the low sun on the water and snow-covered surroundings is breathtaking.

Needless to say, in Oslo, outdoor seating is mostly reserved for spring and summer – although Gjelseth says that Louise keeps a few tables outside throughout the year for the most adventurous visitors. This summer, however, Louise has refurbished their outdoor area, boasting brand-new furniture, and the manager is excited to welcome guests back to the restaurant. Louise is a traditional, yet innovative, ever-expanding establishment – a real institution among Oslo’s plentiful restaurants.

Web: www.restaurantlouise.no Facebook: LouiseRestaurant Instagram: @louiserestaurant

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Restaurant of the Month, Sweden

Parisian bistro brilliance A new addition to Stockholm’s bustling food scene, Kasten restaurant with its Frenchinspired food and extensive wine bar, is quickly becoming the talk of the town. Warm and welcoming, it’s the perfect pitstop on a visit to Sweden’s capital.

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Photos: Kasten

Housed in the previous premises of a long-standing and highly successful eatery, the team behind Kasten felt they had big shoes to fill when bringing Kasten to life. “Many people in the restaurant business had worked here previously, and there was a lot of prestige in doing so, explains Jim Hammargren, Kasten co-owner. “That’s why we wanted to pay homage to the history of the venue, while also becoming part of history ourselves,” he adds.

and new-world wines, served by friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Kasten’s offering is influenced by the space it’s in, which Hammargren says has an undeniable air of a French bistro.

Looks aside, Kasten has made a name for itself as a location for great food, be it lunch, dinner or just a quick bite in the bar.

Not to mention great wine – Kasten’s own wine bar Vinstocken offers a range of old

So, what about the menu and Hammargren’s recommendations? Start off with the fried zucchini flowers, filled with smoked ricotta. Then move on to the sirloin tartar with gruyere crème and pickled shiitake, crispy buckwheat and lovage oil. Follow up with the grilled turbot with hollandaise and French fries, and end on

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Whatever the reason, those who seek to tickle their tastebuds won’t be disappointed. Kasten sources its produce seasonally, mainly from Sweden, but complements this with ingredients from other Scandinavian countries – and, of course, France.

There’s a particular focus on Swedish protein too, with an aim to always use the whole animal to help minimise waste.

a high with the crème caramel and rum cream. That’s your lunch or dinner, sorted.

When it comes to location, Kasten’s is worth shouting about. It sits in the area of Östermalm, just off Strandvägen in the centre of Stockholm. It’s also close to Kungliga Djurgården – a large and tranquil green area. “We’re bang in the middle of things, yet still off the beaten track,” says Hammargren. Indeed, Kasten is the ideal pitstop if you’re sightseeing and need a break, as it’s open seven days a week, all day long. All that’s missing is your next reservation.

Web: www.kastenbistro.se Instagram: @kasten.restaurant

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Hotel of the Month, Norway

Experience the epitome of Norwegian coast life On the island of Sandsøya, in the very east of the Norwegian archipelago, lies Rosenlund Hamn. Previously a popular restaurant, the property was left empty for three years before being acquired by the Halsebakk family, restored, and turned into a hub for tourists and locals alike.

By Alyssa Nilsen

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Photos: Andrea Barstad Fenre

Sandsøya epitomises Norwegian coastal life. Its beautiful, weather-beaten shore, rugged island landscape and glimmering waters attract tourists, sailors and neighbouring islanders. Rosenlund Hamn is a hub for visitors, offering a space for people to stay, socialise, dine and experience the surrounding nature.

“Rosenlund has always been a place where you can be yourself,” says co-owner Anja Halsebakk. She bought Rosenlund Hamn along with her brother Robin Halsebakk and father Roger Halsebakk in 2019, and has worked on restoring the space since.

Events, dining and outdoor activites “A crab feast, ‘saudehaud’ (a traditional Norwegian dish consisting of a half sheep’s head, also known as smalahove) and a Christmas party were the only events we had time for before Covid-19 hit,” Halsebakk explains. “But the feed-

back we received was amazing and gave us enormous motivation to keep going.”

The family tore down some of the old buildings, renovated the rest, and combined the old with the new to create a unique modern space while keeping the historical charm and soul.

So far, Rosenlund Hamn offers a restaurant with a cocktail bar and capacity for 200 guests, as well as outdoor space for another 100, event and conference spaces and accommodation. Currently, 14 rooms are available, with an additional floor of suites and superior rooms already in planning. Old piers have been replaced to increase the space for boats and visitors arriving by sea, and another pier will be added this summer.

A big part of Rosenlund Hamn’s vision is activities and experiences. Mountain bikes, electric bikes, SUPs, kayaks and canoes are available for hire. Trips on a

high-speed Sunseeker Hawk boat are also on offer if you want an adrenaline kick, and if you’d rather experience coastal fishing, Rosenlund Hamn offers fishing trips on their Kulkuri 34 motorboat.

Meet Rosenlund Hamn’s mascot, Ottar the otter.

“It’s always been important for me to have a mascot,” says Halsebakk. “When I was a child, I loved the mascots I met at hotels on holiday. Dancing and playing, helping the children bond and make friends: this is what mascots do. They create a space where children are happy and comfortable.”

Web: Rosenlundhamn.no Booking: booking@rosenlundhamn.no Facebook: RosenlundHamn Instagram: @rosenlundhamn

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Conference of the Month, Denmark

Godstedlund Hotel & Konference: High-end quality and homely ‘hygge’ On Lolland-Falster south of Copenhagen you will find this exquisite, intimate hotel.

It’s equally suited for hosting events, romantic getaways, family holidays, and business meetings, and the combination of refined luxury and a warm welcome has guests returning time and time again.

By Trine Jensen-Martin

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Photos: Ingrid Riis

Nestled within the grounds of Maribo Lakes nature park, Godstedlund is a real gem – whether you need a room for a night, a delectable meal, or simply time to switch off in peaceful surroundings. Proprietors and hosts Esbern Juhl and Thomas Havskjær fell in love with the building – an old schoolhouse – and bought it in January 2017. Within four months they had restored the property and opened a small boutique hotel.

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tention to detail is evident in every aspect of the place. “We talk to all our guests, and to us they are not just paying customers,” says Juhl. The hotel is also their home, so the pair are always around to help or chat – something they truly value.

“When you visit us, we invite you into our home with open arms,” they explain, in unison. This means they get to know their guests, and vice versa. “We have a family that has come to stay with us every year for the past five years,” Havskjær says – which bears witness to both the family friendliness of Godsted-

lund and the quality of service that Juhl and Havskjær offer their guests. It’s not just families that return; some business guests drive that extra hour and a half from Copenhagen for a one-night stay in between meetings, simply to soak up the beauty and homeliness of the place.

Many different experiences under one roof The hotel has seven rooms, each decorated and finished with Juhl’s expert eye

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for design, as well as a restaurant, an intimate conference facility, and the only Champagne bar in southern Denmark.

“You’d have to travel to Copenhagen or Berlin for a Champagne bar like ours!”

Havskjær says proudly.

Small leadership groups come here because of the non-invasive and discrete service, ideal for when you need privacy. “They appreciate the anonymity and being able work in peace,” Juhl says. “My style of cooking is French and rustic,” explains Havskjær, who runs Restaurant Thomas, humbly adding that he “can cook but isn’t a chef”.

To this end, they regularly call on Susanne Bruun, a highly skilled chef, with more than 30 years’ experience in the catering business. “Susanne’s cooking is Michelin-star level” says Havskjær, which allows them to cater for all types of events, offering high-end cuisine that looks as good as it tastes.

Down-to-earth luxury for everyone “We want to be exclusive and inclusive,” they say passionately. “Godstedlund is a warm and convivial place and a chance to experience some of life’s indulgences,” they continue. Whilst they focus on luxury and high-end quality, Juhl and Havskjær are far from snobbish, and extend their welcome to all their guests, no matter who they are.

“We represent the local community and want to introduce all the wonderful things the area has to offer,” Havskjær says. Supporting local producers such as Østergård Winery is of huge impor-

tance to them; and the local community, in turn, supports Godstedlund.

Juhl and Havskjær never lose sight of what matters to them; the quality of the experience at Godstedlund is crucial.

They create a feeling of coming home, of being looked after and pampered, in the privacy, peace and quiet that the surroundings provide.

A trip around the world at brunch Juhl and Havskjær continuously refine Godstedlund and have exciting plans in the pipeline. They currently offer a classic Moët afternoon tea which is increasingly popular and, this autumn, they will up the ante. “With Susanne Bruun’s help, we are planning an outstanding Champagne brunch with an international touch, so you feel as if you have taken a trip around the world at brunch,” Havskjær explains. With ambition and enthusiasm, the pair pour time and at-

tention into every new development of Godstedlund. It’s a labour of love which continues to please its many guests.

Great experiences, beautifully made Juhl and Havskjær are genuinely warm and hospitable people – an utter delight to meet – and they themselves oversee every aspect of the daily running of the hotel and restaurant. Their beautifully-made experiences are the trademarks of Godstedlund – from the setting, to the service you receive at every turn, the décor in the hotel and rooms, and the menu and wine list in Restaurant Thomas. Everything is done exquisitely, with a sense of homeliness at the centre.

Web: www.godstedlund.dk Instagram: @godstedlund.dk Facebook: Godstedlund Susanne Bruun Instagram: @mad_med__stil

Thomas and Esbern, hosts and owners of Godstedlund.

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Dating Scandinavians

Portrait, Alisa Meledina (instagram @alisameledy)

What to know when dating in Scandinavia Though finding a partner in a different country is becoming increasingly common, certain cultural quirks might come as a surprise. Author and director Marina Iakovleva explores dating trends around the world in her popular YouTube channel Dating Beyond Borders and her new book Sex Before Coffee: A Guide to Dating in Scandinavia. Here, she takes a deep dive into the ins and outs of dating in Scandinavia and gives us the scoop on what to do when dating a Scandinavian.

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On the idea behind Dating Beyond Borders “It started with my own experience in dating foreign men. For years, I wrote a blog about my international experiences: from flings to more serious relationships and all the culture clashes that came with each. And then I had a kind of ‘aha’ moment. Why not interview men from different cultures and pose the same set of dating related questions? How would their answers differ? This became the first ever video on the channel.”

On why a book about dating Scandinavians “Scandinavian-themed videos do the best on my channel. There is a curiosity around the exotically tall, blonde and beautiful men and women. People don’t know much about them. But what sealed the deal was when I was filming in Copenhagen and interviewed a girl, asking her how people meet each other. She said: “You are horny, so you go to a club and hook up with someone. Later, if all is good, you maybe go and get a coffee.” I asked: “So sex before coffee?” She said: “Yes, sex before coffee.” That’s how that title was born and the idea was planted in my head.”

On gender roles and dating expectations “In many parts of the world, the man is expected to chase and seduce the woman, while the woman holds back on sex because that’s the way to get commitment. Scandinavian women don’t think that way. It’s “I want sex, and I’m going to go for it”. Sex is a natural thing here – talked about, encouraged, and considered a healthy and fun thing to do – rather than being kept under lock and key until a man goes through a series of courting rituals to win the woman over. Foreign men are often surprised at how forward Scandinavian women are. They have fun on their own terms, and if sex was all they want, they’ll make that clear.”

On dating “If you prefer more traditional dating, Scandinavia is definitely not your place.

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Dating Scandinavians

Gender roles are considered antiquated there. Ladies, this means you will open your own door. Your date might offer to pay the bill, but you will be expected to contribute next time. The man is not expected to lead or plan the dates; it’s an equal job. Instead, what you’ll get is someone who sees you as their equal, who respects your opinion and who shares all responsibilities with you.

What he expects is a capable and equal partner. Self-sufficiency is way sexier here than high heels or tight dresses.”

On relationships “You might come from a culture where love is expressed dramatically, through grand gestures. In Scandinavia, it’s all about calmness and consistency. More about small tokens of affection rather than expensive trinkets and flowers.

Dating is a much slower process here.

Often starting with sex, more sex, casual hangouts, sex again, eventually leading into a relationship somewhere down the line. Forget about restaurant dates.

Keep hangouts casual and laid-back and save the restaurant for when you are in a relationship.”

On flirting “Americans love big expressions. They use the word ‘love’ like it’s going extinct in the next hour. Scandinavians are subdued, direct and simple in their communication. They cringe at exaggeration, hate excessive flattery and have a radar for anything tacky and over the top. This means, as a foreigner, building yourself up, talking about the job you have and the money you make won’t score you any points. In fact, the word ‘macho’ has negative connotations in Scandinavia.

Pushing to buy her a drink, offering too many compliments and overwhelming her with attention will make her run for the hills. Cool and casual wins.”

On Sex Before Coffee: A Guide to Dating in Scandinavia “Sex Before Coffee: A Guide to Dating in Scandinavia is a great read for anyone who is dating a Scandinavian but has trou-

Book Cover, Nadia Chamorra (instagram @nadiachamorra)

ble navigating cultural differences, someone new to the country looking to connect with the locals, or literally anyone who has the hots for sexy Nordic men and women.”

“The book leads the viewer through stages of dating: from making friends, to the party culture, to sex, dating and relationships, living together, meeting the parents and raising kids the Scandi way – and everything in between: why you shouldn’t go to a restaurant on the first Scandi-date; why a Scandinavian woman might be the one to approach you in a bar; why Scandinavians cannot grasp the idea of waiting to have sex; and, of course, how not to get too excited when your hot neighbour walks around the living room naked.”

If you want to know all about dating in Scandinavia, check out Marina’s book, coming out on 1 June.

To see more of Marina’s work, visit: Web: www.dating-beyond-borders.com YouTube: datingbeyondborders Instagram: datingbeyondborders TikTok: datingbeyondborders

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House of Lapland

Photo: Terhi Tuovinen

A one-of-a-kind business culture in Arctic wilderness Finnish Lapland has a pristine natural beauty and is full of Arctic phenomena. It is also the most connected wilderness in the Arctic with high-quality services and a wellmaintained transport network. With both domestic and international guests visiting each year and a surface area of 100,000 square kilometres, Finnish Lapland is a magical place for anyone looking for new business adventures that are bold enough to transform the ordinary.

By Heidi Kokborg

If you are looking for authentic Arctic phenomena and wonders of nature like the northern lights, polar night and midnight sun, then Finnish Lapland is the place for you. Or perhaps you just wish to hang out with the real Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer for a bit. No matter what you’re looking for, Lapland has something to offer. Here, you can marvel at the wonders of nature just by looking out your cabin window, or going for a stroll. You don’t have to venture far to experience the magic of this Arctic wilderness.

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“No matter the season, there is literally no other wilderness in Europe that offers the wonders of nature that Finnish Lapland does. Just imagine experiencing the midnight sun in July and standing in one-metre deep pristine, untouched snow in February,” says Salla-Mari Koistinen, programme manager at Business Lapland.

can truly get a feel of the Arctic wilderness and experience spectacular natural wonders without ever finding yourself in a crowded place. Discover warm, bright summers, lit up by the midnight sun; magnificent autumn colours that paint the forest floors in vivid hues of red, orange, and yellow; and the snow covered winter trees that look like images from the Moomins. Don’t miss the ‘blue hour’ and marshmallow colours during Polar night.

And naturally, you have to gaze at the au-

Marshmallow skies and Moomin trees Lapland covers one third of Finland, however, just three per cent of the Finnish population lives here. This means that you

Photo: Mikhail Sinitcyn

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House of Lapland

rora borealis – also known as the northern lights – illuminating the dark skies.

“It’s no wonder that Finnish Lapland is on the bucket list for so many travellers. It truly is a magical place like nowhere else on earth,” says Koistinen.

With five airports, five railway stations, two ports, roads connected to most of Lapland, and guests from around the world, the area is not only ideal for travellers, but also for adventurous businesspeople and investors alike.

“Getting around here is easy, and the locals are very helpful and friendly, always making sure that you are cared for. This is a place for people who do not settle for the ordinary, and who dare to seek bold and meaningful ideas,” says Koistinen.

Grab life by the antlers Lapland is for those who grab life by the antlers and are open to new adventures both at work and in their free time. There are business opportunities aplenty at the top of Europe. There is a can-do spirit and a down-to-earth approach to life, which creates a stress-free social environment with tight-knit communities.

“There are quite a lot of opportunities in Lapland for business people and investors. We have business potential for fourto-five-star units, such as well-equipped

Photo: Terhi Tuovinen

family suites. There is also plenty of room for new activities and new technologies in the tourism industry,” says Koistinen.

kind business culture where everyone is keen to help make your dreams and business plans come alive.

He continues: “Lapland has been developed for many years, and tourism continues to increase each year. Even during COVID-19 we saw an increase in overnight stays. There are already large investment plans and projects set in motion, but we know that Lapland has so much more potential.”

“Lapland is a well-connected, stable, and functional region that delivers sustainable and reliable business opportunities. It’s for investors looking for a new, sustainable business adventure,” says Koistinen, and continues: “The most important thing is that the investors share our values about preserving Arctic nature and the local culture and communities. Lapland is for adventurous souls who are passionate about sustainability and the wilderness.”

A sustainable business environment Finnish Lapland’s pure Arctic nature and its resources are the foundation of its sustainable business environment.

Here, you will experience a one-of-a-

Lapland has five airports, including international airports with direct flights from Europe. In addition, the region has five railway stations and two ports.

If you are interested in exploring business opportunities in Finnish Lapland, you are welcome to contact Business Lapland.

Business Lapland’s marketing project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Funding is provided by the Regional Council of Lapland.

Photo: Jari Romppainen

Web: www.lapland.fi/business LinkedIn: business-lapland Twitter: @LaplandBusiness

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Scandinavian music Norwegian talents Röyksopp and Susanne Sundfør have gotten together again after a host of brilliant pairings through the years. They’re now back with If You Want Me, a beautiful piece of extended downbeat electronica. They’ve resisted an attempt to match the pounding euphoria of their past collaborations, and have instead put everything into something fresh. The result is a stunning epic that plays out as a haunting Norwegian folk ballad, transported to the modern day in a cloud of mystique.

Sweden’s Måns Zelmerlöw is back with a brand-new single, What You Were Made For. On it, Måns has gone all ’80s on us.

And not the cool synth-y stuff, either. This is full-on, jubilant pop cheese, the sort which would have soundtracked the top summer Box Office of 1988, and which you would have rented down your local Blockbuster six months later. And it totally suits him, too!

The Icelandic artist Sylvia Erla has got a new single out called Down Together. It’s an atmospheric piece of electronic chill that invites you to lie back and get lost in it for three minutes. And honestly, who are we to refuse? Listening to this is tonic, a pleasure, and an experience you’ll want to keep coming back to.

New music has arrived from the Swedish songwriter to the stars – turned star in the making himself – Joel: his second single, Good Parts. It’s a lyrically brilliant composition about relishing in the fact that yes, you’ve been dumped – but look at all the lessons you can take from that relationship to put into your next one. He’s revelling in his new-found knowledge, and the track has been afforded an equally jubilant production to complement such a sentiment.

Finally, let’s end on a sugary high! Norwegian artist Raylee has got a new single out called Mojito. It’s refreshing; intoxi-

By Karl Batterbee

cating even. A tropically-themed pop tune that veers from tempo to tempo, going from bang to bliss and back again. It’s a rum-fuelled ride, alright.

Web: www.scandipop.co.uk

The ‘real’ pick ‘n’ mix They will never understand real pick ‘n’ mix here, not really. Do you remember that sweet (pardon the pun) feeling of walking into a shop completely dedicated to pick ‘n’ mix? I’m not talking old-fashioned sweet shops, with walls lined with out of date dolly mixture and gummy bears behind a counter – I’m talking real sweets.

Picture a whole wall of liquorice – salty, sweet, double, triple; another wall of hard, heavy sweets; a third for fruity gummy flavours; and maybe a fourth for wrapped sweets and chocolate.

A bag of carefully-selected sweets say a lot about who you are – or who you’d like to be perceived as. People will peer into your bag of pick ‘n’ mix and judge you.

One of my sisters always picks old granny sweets – arrak-flavoured with muted colours. The other sister will pick the sour ones. And I do judge them, think less of them, pity them.

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By Gabi Froden

salty liquorice, but on rare outings to the cinema, or on days when I’ve cleaned the flat and think I deserve of a treat, I long for the pick ‘n’ mix stores of Sweden. I long for the walls of confectionary, for the moment before you put your little shovel into a box of salty sweets and for the satisfying weight of a perfectly-balanced bag of pick ‘n’ mix.

Mum, send some, will you?

The British have a real understanding of other unhealthy treats. They deep fry stuff in a way Swedes will never be able to do. My teeth are grateful for the Brits’ ignorance of pick ‘n’ mix and I don’t have as many heart palpitations since I stopped eating all that

Gabi Froden is a Swedish illustrator and writer, living in Glasgow with her husband and two children. Her children’s and YA books are published in Sweden by Bonnier Carlsen and Natur&Kultur. www.gabifroden.com

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Scandinavian Culture Calendar – Where to go, what to see? It’s all happening here!

By Hanna Heiskanen

Urban Moves Oslo (15 to 19 June) Immerse yourself in hip-hop, pop, house, dancehall and more at a festival that brings together some of the best in urban dance. In addition to workshops for professionals, you can get tickets for battles, performances and parties, as well as a talk with US dance legend Suga Pop. Vulkan 1, Oslo dansenshus.com

Piknik i Parken (16 to 18 June) Piknik i Parken is a cosy urban music festival that takes place in an Oslo park.

Cosy doesn’t mean giving up on quality, though: purchase your ticket to see acts such as Röyksopp, Grace Jones, Jamie XX and Two Door Cinema Club. Children under 12 enter for free.

Sofienbergparken, Oslo pipfest.no

Roskilde Festival (25 June to 2 July) No summer of music is truly complete without Roskilde, this year making its much-anticipated post-Covid return.

First organised in 1971, the festival is one of the biggest in Europe. In addition to headliners such as Post Malone and Biffy Clyro, you can check out nearly 70 new acts. Beyond regular programming, there is a focus on Ukraine and solidarity, with visual arts and a community centre.

Festivalpladsen, Darupvej 19, Roskilde roskilde-festival.dk

Ice Hot – Nordic Dance Helsinki 2022 (29 June to 3 July) Need to cool off in the summer heat?

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Play I (TicTacToe) by Kaija Hinkula.

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Piknik i Parken. Photo: Ole Klamas

to Helsinki after ten years with more than 20 performances by both emerging talents and seasoned professionals.

Venues around Helsinki icehotnordicdance.com

Lollapalooza Stockholm (1 to 3 July) Lollapalooza, which originated in Chicago, has a Nordic edition, too. Lollapalooza Stockholm’s second edition promises to be at least as big as the first, which gathered a crowd of nearly 60,000. The location is ideal: in central Stockholm and by the Baltic Sea. Acts include The Killers, Måneskin and Pearl Jam. Gärdet, Stockholm lollastockholm.com Roskilde is a summer staple.

Photo: Jens Dige / Rockphoto

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Kaija Hinkula: PLAY (until 11 September) Oulu Museum of Art is putting up a summer exhibition that is all about imagination and creativity. Oulu-based artist Kaija Hinkula’s work expands beyond paintings to three dimensional experiences. Colour is a key theme in the artworks that can be experienced not just by looking, but also walking through them.

Kasarmintie 9, Oulu ouka.fi/oulu/luuppi-english

Erró: The Power of Images (until 29 September) Erró (b. 1932) is one of Iceland’s best internationally-known artists. This ex-

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Pearl Jam will be playing at Lollapalooza Stockholm.

Photo: Danny Clinch

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Come to Norden exhibition at Nordiska Museet. Photo: Peter Segemark / Nordiska museet

Ice Hot - Nordic Dance Helsinki.

Photo: Kai Kuusisto

hibition provides a comprehensive overview of his artistic career which, inspired by Pop Art, has developed into complex painted collages, often with a critical approach to modern life. There are more than 300 works on display, ranging from painting to video.

Tryggvagata 17, Reykjavík listasafnreykjavikur.is

Come to Norden (until 6 November) How have the Nordic countries tried to tempt tourists over time? The Come to Norden exhibition explores travel posters from the 19th century to the 1960s and is a visual feast that might also help you find your next holiday destination. The exhibition has a family trail for children.

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ELEVATING THE MEANING OF HOSPITALITY The reason to travel to Stockholm Welcome At Six www.hotelatsix.com