Scan Magazine | Issue 32 | August 2011

AUGUST 2011 ISSUE 32 PROMOTING BRAND SCANDINAVIA

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Scan Magazine | Contents

Contents COVER FEATURE 8

8 18

15

TRAVEL THEMES

Roxette Millions of fans around the world, starved of rock pop, can now rejoice: Roxette are back.

After lead singer Marie Fredriksson’s miraculous recovery and ten years of silence, the Swedish super pop duo has reunited.

24

Ribe Denmark’s oldest town has a history stretching back to AD 710 when it was settled by the Vikings. Today, it is a beautiful city with an impressive cathedral, cobbled streets and old medieval houses that remain untouched by time.

DESIGN FEATURE

29

Museums in Denmark What better way to understand more about Danish history, from Vikings to the monarchy, its culture and art scene than exploring the museum offerings of Denmark.

34

Norway and Finland in a nutshell Find some great tips for attractions, accommodation and activities in the Norwegian town of Molde in Romsdal region, as well as the Stavanger region. And if you are a golf or nature enthusiast, please turn to our Finnish travel section.

41

Sörmland The county of Sörmland is located south of Stockholm, between Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea. There are some 400 castles and manor houses surrounded by parks, treelined avenues, crofts and meadows, which give Sörmland much of its character.

44

Blekinge Blekinge is located in the south-eastern corner of Sweden and is known for its varied nature, ranging from barren rocky islands to dark spruce forests, historic settings alongside modern neighbourhoods, lively city centres and isolated oases.

Minna Hepburn Inspired by her love for vintage clothing, UKbased Finnish designer Minna Hepburn launched her fashion label Minna in 2008.

FEATURE 16

MAKE UP STORE MAKE UP STORE is a creative and spearheading Scandinavian makeup brand, founded 15 years ago by Mika Liias in Sweden.

TRAVEL FEATURES 18

Copenhagen Jazz Festival The 33rd annual Copenhagen Jazz Festival took place 1-10 July 2011, and this year, Scan Magazine was also able to take part in the festivites.

22

Scandic Palace Hotel For the Copenhagen Jazz Festival, ScanMagazine’s representatives had the great pleasure of staying at one of Copenhagen’s most prominent and centrally located hotels, the Scandic Palace Hotel.

12 50 62

We Love This | 13 Fashion Diary | 14 Scandinavian Mum | 14 Competition Hotels of the Month | 54 Attractions of the Month | 59 Restaurants of the Month Humour | 69 Scan News | 70 Music & Culture | 74 Culture Calendar

REGULARS & COLUMNS

29 59

Scan Business BUSINESS FEATURE 66

REGULARS & COLUMNS 64

Key Note by Linda Swarbrick, Scandi Living Ltd

Conference of the Month: Vejlsøhus Location sure plays a big part when plans are being made for your next conference. You could even be tempted to say that it is all about location, and when it comes to outstanding surroundings, there seems to be one venue of choice: it would be hard to find a better view while attending a conference than at Vejlsøhus.

The popularity of Scandinavian design among UK consumers

65

Kicking the can down the road Column by Annika Åman-Goodwille

67

Chamber News News from the Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish and Danish Chambers of Commerce for the UK.

.

Issue 32 | August 2011 | 3

Scan Magazine | Editor’s Note

Dear Reader, As I sit down to write this, it has been almost a week since the atrocities in Norway, a week since we were all shaken to our very core by the vicious crime that enveloped central Oslo and the island of Utøya. I’m devastated and speechless in the face of these events and the tragic loss of so many lives. My heart goes out to every single person and all the families affected by the killings, as well as the whole of Norway in this time of mourning.

the people of Norway and the rest of Scandinavia will continue to be as open, kind and peaceful towards others, as before the events of 22 July 2011.

Nia Kajastie Editor

I think the words of Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg from his speech at Oslo Cathedral are worth valuing: “In the middle of all these tragic events, I am proud to live in a country that has stood firm at a critical time. I am deeply impressed by how much dignity and compassion I have seen. We are a small nation, but a proud people. We will never abandon our values. Our reply is: more democracy, more openness and more humanity. But never naivety.

No one has said it better than the AUF girl who was interviewed

by CNN: ‘If one man can show so much hate, think how much love we could show, standing together.’"

This beautiful message of hope and strength in the face of adversity is beyond crucial at a dark time like this. But I believe that

Scan Magazine

Contributors

Sales & Key Account Managers

Issue 32 | August 2011

Emelie Krugly

Cecilia Varricchio

Julie Guldbrandsen

Emma Fabritius Nørregaard

Bianca Wessel

Anne Line Kaxrud

Inna Hakala

Olli Heikkila

Published 09.08.2011 ISSN 1757-9589 Published by

Signe Hansen

Scan Magazine Limited

Yane Christensen

Graphic Designer

Marie Sofie Schnoor

Svetlana Slizova

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8-9 October 2011

Earls Court, Brompton Hall, London

All the best of brand Scandinavia for you to taste, test and buy!

The Scandinavia Show will be returning on 8-9 October 2011 to the Brompton Hall at Earls Court London. Please reserve the date!

The Scandinavia Show is the only UK show dedicated exclusively to showcase the best of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland. The show incorporates Scandinavian design, travel, lifestyle, fashion, culture and food.

Design & If you love the bright and airy Scandinavian design, then Lifestyle The Scandinavia Show will be a can’t-miss event. The show will exhibit everything from top-end furniture, lighting, fabrics, carpets, interior design items, designer clothes and footwear, to timeless classics that will always embody the simple, yet stylish Scandinavian disposition Travel

Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland are some of the greatest travel destinations in the world. And The Scandinavia Show will be the UK’s single most important showcase for Nordic tourism this year.

Food

All the most mouth-watering specialities from the Nordic culinary table will be handed out or sold at The Scandinavia Show.

All our exhibitors will have well-stocked stalls. So the best of Scandinavian fashion, food, furniture, design and holidays – everything can be purchased at The Scandinavia Show.

For further information, or to exhibit:

www.scandinaviashow.co.uk

Scan Magazine | Contributors

Regular Contributors Nia Kajastie (Editor) was born and raised in Helsinki, Finland, and moved to London in 2005 to study writing. With a BA in Journalism & Creative Writing, she now describes herself as a full-time writer and grammar stickler.

Emelie Krugly Hill has worked on a number of Swedish newspapers. After travelling extensively, she has been based in London since 2006. Her particular interests are news and current affairs within Sweden and the export of Scandinavian culture to the UK. Mette Lisby is Denmark’s leading female comedian.

She invites you to laugh along with her monthly humour columns. Since her stand-up debut in 1992, Mette has hosted the Danish versions of “Have I Got News For You” and “Room 101”.

Julie Guldbrandsen is Scan Magazine’s fashion and design expert; she has worked in the fashion industry for more than 10 years, and advised various Scandinavian design and fashion companies. Besides, Julie has a BA in business and philosophy and has lived in Copenhagen, Singapore and Beijing before settling down in London.

Swedish entrepreneur Annika Åman-Goodwille Chartered Secretary (FCIS), and a multi-linguist, is the Chairman of Goodwille. She is a born business networker with a multinational academic and professional track record spanning the globe from the Swedish Foreign office to diplomatic postings in the Middle East.

6 | Issue 32 | August 2011

Swedish Sara Schedin has lived in London for four years. She is currently studying Journalism in her third year at City University and is covering Scandinavian culture in the UK. Maria Smedstad moved to the UK from Sweden in 1994.

She received a degree in Illustration in 2001, before settling in the capital as a freelance cartoonist, creating the autobiographical cartoon Em. She writes a column on the trials and tribulations of life as a Swede in the UK. Karl Batterbee is devoted to Scandinavian music and knows exactly what is coming up in the UK. Apart from writing a monthly music update for Scan Magazine Karl has also started the Scandipop Club Night and its corresponding website: www.scandipop.co.uk.

Danish Yane Christensen has lived in London half her life. She's a designer, illustrator and mother of twin girls. She also has an on-line shop www.fleamarketfloozy.com and writes to exercise her brain.

Norwegian Karin Modig has lived in London since 1998: she arrived with the intention of staying just four months. She currently works as a freelance journalist and PR consultant, and is a keen handball player.

Inna Hakala is a freelance writer, translator and photographer whose passions lie in all things art and design. She moved to the UK from her native Finland in 2001 and has since developed a chronic yearning for sauna.

Having travelled much of the world, Signe Hansen, MA graduate in Journalism and previous editor at Scan Magazine, is now back freelancing in London, where she writes on everything Scandinavian and her main passions: culture, travel and health.

Sven Riis Houston has lived in Edinburgh for six years, having graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a BA in Journalism in 2009.

He currently works as a freelance writer and media researcher, and has an unhealthy interest in football.

Charlotte Kany is back in Copenhagen, Denmark, after living in London for more than a year. She has an MA in Communication & Rhetoric from the University of Copenhagen.

She has gained years of experience within the media industry working in PR & communication. She loves to travel all around the world plus keeping updated on all things cultural.

Bianca Wessel is a Norwegian, living in the UK since 2007. She's the blogger behind www.littlescandinavian.com, which promotes all things trendy for children. With a passion for design and fashion conceived with children in mind, she'll be writing monthly about trends and news.

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Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Roxette

8 | Issue 32 | August 2011

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Roxette

Roxette – an incredible fairy tale Millions of fans around the world, starved of rock pop, can now rejoice: Roxette are back. After lead singer Marie Fredriksson’s miraculous recovery and ten years of silence, the Swedish super pop duo has reunited. We managed to steal a few minutes from Per Gessle’s busy schedule during an on-going world tour.

By: Emelie Krugly Hill | Photos: Caroline Roosmark

Few Swedes who grew up in the 80s can say they are unaware of the incredible story of how Roxette’s monster hit The Look reached the United States: an American exchange student returned home after studying in the small town of Borås in western Sweden with the album Look Sharp! in his luggage. Back home in Minneapolis, he asked the radio station KDWB to listen to the song; they liked it and gave it immediate airplay. The album then went on to sell 140,000 copies in the first 10 days of its release in the US. Per and Marie were then soon off to the US and were welcomed like royalty. Roxette became the third Swedish group next to Abba and Björn Skifs to reach the top of a U.S. Billboard chart with The Look.

International success “I first met Marie at a rehearsal studio in Halmstad during the late 70s,” says Per. “We were, at the time, playing in different

groups; mine, Gyllene Tider, became popular pretty quickly, while Marie's slowly disbanded. Early on we discussed mixing my songs with Marie's voice but had no idea that our band would become world famous.”

After the success of Look Sharp!, the duo went on a somewhat hysterical European tour, and in June of 1990, It Must Have Been Love reached number one after having been featured in the hit film Pretty Woman with Richard Gere and Julia Roberts. The success continued with the follow-up album Joyride selling 2.2 million copies in a single month, and the song Joyride became another number one hit.

In September the same year, the band sold an impressive 104,200 tickets for their Sweden tour in a week, a tour that ended up taking them around the world, lasting a year and a half.

“We have an unlimited amount of fantastic memories,” Per says. “For example, meetings with old heroes that we’ve looked up to throughout our lives, such as Paul McCartney, Keith Richards and Paul Simon; the list is long. We have always had wonderful fans; some once sang Rox-tunes all night outside a hotel in Buenos Aires. But at the same time, it feels as if they have always been very respectful, if we are keen to be left alone. South America has always been very big for us. I do not know why; we have always been superstars over there. A gig once in Beijing in 1995 was great because it was almost impossible to get permission to play in China. It took two years to negotiate and was a world first, far beyond MTV and the music industry; I remember the big CNN interviews that followed.”

At a low ebb In 1994, and after a year off, they released Crash!Boom!Bang!. The album sold 4

Issue 32 | August 2011 | 9

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Roxette

to encompass around 50 gigs, when the shocking news broke that Marie was suffering from a brain tumour. Due to a fall at home, she was treated for a concussion and a tumour was discovered; a tough journey ensued.

“The past ten years have been very hard.

It has been a terribly difficult time for Marie, her family and friends,” says Per. “But when you go from a 5% chance of surviving to performing at hockey arenas and football stadiums again, you can allow yourself to rejoice, which is all we do now!

It is in fact a great miracle and inspiring to experience such an incredible recovery.”

New album, new tour In 2009, for thousands of fans and for both Per Gessle and Marie Fredriksson, a dream came true in the form of an emotional reunion in Amsterdam. Two years later, in March 2011, the first album in 10 years, Charm School, was released, and a new world tour began.

“It feels absolutely fantastic to meet the fans again after all these years,” Per explains. “It actually feels like planet Earth has been waiting for us. It looks to be well over 100 gigs that we will put on during 2011 and 2012, and we are astounded by the interest, which is absolutely wonderful! We also have a new generation attending the concerts, which feels extremely cool. It seems that no one really filled our place while we were gone.”

Photo: Ekaterina Belinskaya

million copies, which was seen as a failure, and Roxette decided to take a long break, when the grunge wave grew in popularity, leaving melodic rock pop somewhat obsolete.

Family life then became more important for both Marie and Per, as they both went on to have children.

10 | Issue 32 | August 2011

In 1999 and 2001 respectively, the albums Have A Nice Day and Room Service were released. They received decent reviews, but the success was far from that which they experienced during the early 90s, in terms of sales. However, the fan base continued to remain vehemently loyal.

In 2002, Roxette were about to present their European tour schedule, which was

“It seems that the tour will stretch well into next summer,” he adds. “We hope to create a new album while travelling, as we did during the Joyride tour in 91-92 (entitled Tourism). Then I think we'll have to take a break for a while, but if Marie is keen to tour again, I’m up for it, anytime!”

Roxettte’s World Tour reaches London’s Wembley Arena on 15 November 2011.

For more information, please visit: www.roxette.se

Photo: Live Nation

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Roxette

Issue 32 | August 2011 | 11

Scan Magazine | Design | We Love This

We love this...

By Julie Guldbrandsen. Email: julie@scanmagazine.co.uk

There is an abundance of gorgeous design coming from Scandinavia at the moment. This month, we wanted to show not only a blend of great products, but also a selection of some of the best Scandinavian online design shops in the UK.

Fun and comfortable stool resembling a pumpkin by Lovi.

Made of coloured MDF, easy to reassemble and store. £200. www.nordicdesignforum.co.uk

These rocking glasses by Normann Copenhagen are a great example of the balanced combination of functionality and cool design. £17 for a box of four. www.scandiliving.com

Your pet will go crazy for this delightful beanbag in the shape of a big bone. Available in seven different colours. £85 for a small bone and £120 for a large bone. www.nordicelements.com

A cute, colourful and mood-lifting tray by Mr. Fågel. Available in four different colours and cake motifs. £18. www.northlightdesign.co.uk

12 | Issue 32 | August 2011

Oak cutting boards inspired by the Copenhagen skyline.

Place them next to each other and create a wooden skyline in the kitchen. The board is available in four different sizes.

Prices range from £24.95 to £54.95. www.95percentdanish.com

Scan Magazine | Design | Fashion Diary

Fashion Diary... Late Summer Sensations Late summer has arrived! Soak up the lingering August rays and make sure to enjoy the skirts, the shorts and the bright summer palette, before autumn comes along.

By Julie Guldbrandsen. Email: julie@scanmagazine.co.uk

A modern interpretation of a classic by Acne. The armholes are left raw and the curved hem is tilted. £110. shop.acnestudios.com A square tee is an absolute essential this season. Wear with skinny jeans or a bandeau mini-skirt. £22. www.weekday.com

Add a vibrant splash of colour with this bright neon clutch for an on-trend evening look. £3.99.

H&M. www.hm.com/gb

Gorgeous lace dress by Day Birger et Mikkelsen. Perfect for late summer evenings and will also take you elegantly into autumn. £149.www.wild-swans.com

A floral skirt and a denim shirt is a super cute and cool combination. Skirt, £28.

Shirt, £38. Vila. www.bestsellershop.com

Add black leather accessories to your feminine summer dresses for an urban vibe, like these suede sandals by Sofie Schnoor. £170. www.wild-swans.com

Issue 32 | August 2011 | 13

Scan Magazine | Design | Scandinavian Mum

Scandinavian Mum: Autumn is upon us Summer is in full bloom, and it is holiday time for many of us. Meanwhile all the children's fashion and design shops around the UK are stocking up on goodies for the autumn and winter season. It might still seem like a distant thought, but do check what has arrived in your local independent shops, or in your favourite online store. Stock is often limited, and it is never too early to get hold of a parka for those colder days we will experience all too soon.

By Bianca Wessel | Kids’ Fashion and Design blogger | www.littlescandinavian.com The Elephant in oak by Kay Bojesen (1886– 1958) for Rosendahl Bojesen’s range of familiar, muchloved wooden animals is a longtime favourite.

With smiling and cheerful expressions, these timeless toys and collectibles are still hugely popular. The monkey is a true favourite, but we also love the elephant! www.rosendahl.com

Green Lincoln parka and Elephant tee by Mini Rodini AW11 Swedish fashion brand Mini Rodini has launched yet another great organic collection of unisex children's wear for the Autumn/Winter 2011 season. It is available in independent stores around the UK now.

We recommend checking out their outerwear for the coming cold season. www.minirodini.com

Children's shoes Petit by Sofie Schnoor We simply love the shoes by this Danish designer, Petit by Sofie Schnoor. Colours for the transition into autumn include gold, mustard, green and blue. Enjoy it now before all the darker colours appear later in the upcoming season. http://petitbysofieschnoor.com

Competition: Win a pair of his & hers Glerups 100% Natural Wool Slippers!

95%Danish are extremely proud to bring Nanny Glerup’s unique and original luxury wool and calfskin slippers to the UK. Handmade from 100% pure, natural wool The wool is treated naturally, and the product is followed closely on its entire journey from Nanny Glerup’s sheep through to your foot. The wool is washed in soft water and trimmed afterwards. It is made into socks and finally felted with steam. After this, they are fitted with soles of pure soft calves’ skin.

Handmade, organic and totally non-toxic, the slippers mould to fit and support the shape of your foot. They come in beautiful muted colours, all created from natural untreated dyes. The double needle felted inner sole is really soft and comfortable.

Did you know damp wool is a source of heat?

Clothes which cannot absorb any or only small amounts of moisture will become wet and damp; they feel cold, and so do we. Wool, on the other hand, has the added advantage, through its own chemical reaction, that it releases heat when it becomes damp. Its ability

14 | Issue 32 | August 2011

to give off heat is five times greater than any other textile fibre, and in this manner it acts as a buffer against changes in the surrounding temperature and humidity.

Glerups Slippers - beautiful, natural and warm.

WARNING! – Addiction can occur.

For more information, please visit: www.95percentdanish.com Why not "like" us on Facebook to be kept up to date with all our other beautiful Danish products. www.facebook.com/95Danish

To win two pairs of Glerups Slippers in the sizes of your choice, please answer the following question: What are the uppers of Glerups slippers made of?

Please email your answer and contact details to: competition@95percentdanish.co.uk We must receive your answer by 9 September.

The winner will be contacted directly. * By entering this competition, all entrants consent to the use of their personal data a) for the purposes of the administration of this competition and b) for marketing purposes by 95%Ltd. Any personal data relating to participants will be used solely in accordance with current UK data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the individual’s prior consent.

Scan the QR-code and learn more (to scan the code download the Scanlife app for free at App store or Android market).

Scan Magazine | Design | Minna Hepburn

Children’s range

Tabitha top - Minna Classics

Eva dress

Christina dress - Wedding Collection

Minna – luxurious eco-fashion with a vintage feel Inspired by her love for vintage clothing, UK-based Finnish designer Minna Hepburn launched her fashion label Minna in 2008. What started as a passion and a hobby has now snowballed into a fully-fledged business with stockists around the world and features in magazines such as Vogue and Cosmopolitan.

By Inna Hakala Photos: Francois Rocquemont

Hepburn’s latest collection, out in August, is called To Have and To Hold, and is, as the name suggests, wedding-inspired.

Minna Hepburn Photo: Aleksi Niemelä

For more information, please visit: www.minna.co.uk

Karoliina hair deco

Elegance for brides

Despite managing a constantly growing business, Hepburn is determined to maintain her brand values and not to expand too quickly. “Although we aim to develop our company, we want to do it organically,” she explains. With a hectic schedule ahead and plenty of ideas for the fu-

ture, Hepburn and her down-to-earth fashion brand just keep going from strength to strength.

Olivia necklace

Style for children Encouraged by her daughter Kristiina’s love for pretty dresses, Hepburn launched her children’s wear label in 2009. Made entirely from left-over and end of roll textiles, the playful children’s range makes a perfect extension to the eco-conscious Minna brand.

Her elegant and delicate dresses provide the perfect modern alternative to traditional wedding gowns. “I am hoping and expecting this collection to be successful.

It really epitomises my style,” says Hepburn. In addition, the intricate accessories, from necklaces to hair pieces, complement the clothes beautifully.

Cecilie necklace

Environmental issues are important to Minna Hepburn, and consequently her label can be best described as eco luxe.

Each piece is made from sustainable, organic, recycled and locally produced textiles, and production techniques are environmentally friendly. The colour scheme pays homage to the designer’s Scandi-roots with shades of white, ivory, beige and nude. Her simple and feminine style has won an eager following, and her beautiful range appeals to a wide audience – if the vast demand is anything to go by.

Issue 32 | August 2011 | 15

MAKE UP STORE: Celebrating 15 years of high-quality products and customer-focused shopping experiences MAKE UP STORE is a creative and spearheading Scandinavian makeup brand, founded 15 years ago by Mika Liias in Sweden. Focusing on high-quality products for reasonable prices, knowledge sharing, personal customer service and constant product innovation, the company has been able to garner a great global reputation, boasting over 200 stores located in 22 countries worldwide, from Thailand to the US. In London, you can drop by their shops on Carnaby Street as well as in the Westfield shopping centre.

By Nia Kajastie | Photos: MAKE UP STORE

true to its core values: Our makeup is for everyone regardless of skin colour or gender; we have something for everyone, from the makeup fanatic to the girl next door.”

MAKE UP STORE was born after Mika Liias set up IMC (the International Make Up Centre) back in 1992 and realised that it was exceedingly difficult to find good quality cosmetics for a reasonable price. His products were initially meant for the makeup artists training at the school, but due to the popularity of the range, Liias was eventually able to establish the first MAKE UP STORE in Stockholm.

“When opening MAKE UP STORE in 1996, the demand for great products as well as knowledge on how to apply them made the store very popular,” explains Liias.

“With its makeup school background and philosophy, MAKE UP STORE has stayed

16 | Issue 32 | August 2011

Wealth in knowledge

Mika Liias, Founder of MAKE UP STORE

Mika Liias’s aim was to create a welcoming “world of colours”, but beyond that he also knew that customers were often looking for more than just diverse quality products.

Accordingly, in MAKE UP STORE branches all around the world, customers are surrounded by beautifully packaged products and tended to by attentive and knowledgeable staff. Liias is still very much involved in the production of new products and looks

Scan Magazine | Feature | Make Up Store

for his company; he is continuously on the lookout for new trends, inspired by his passion for design and shape that has been part of his persona from a very young age, something that can also be seen in his clothes brand Liias.

Liias’s ideas have helped create a shopping experience that introduces customers to a fulfilling world of eye-catching, innovative cosmetics and practical knowledge. On top of cosmetics, the concept also includes spa and hair products as well as a fragrance range.

“We always look for new ways of giving our customers the best possible service and shopping experience; for us, sharing knowledge is at the core of this quest. No

customer should leave any of our stores without knowing the technique for applying their purchased product,” says Liias.

“Creativity is also something which greatly influences our stores, our magazine and our relationship with our customers.

Every store is a stage; there is always something new to experience. A great way of sharing this creativity is by attending our club evenings and in-store events.”

15 years in the making MAKE UP STORE is celebrating its 15th anniversary throughout 2011 with beautiful limited edition products. “We are, of course, hosting our annual fall event in Stockholm again, but this time it’ll be more spectacular than ever,” adds Liias.

“The theme for this year is ‘Show Girl’; a tribute to women on and off stage: this glamorous look is really a feast for the senses.”

The upcoming autumn season will also see new stores opening around the world, introducing the unique MAKE UP STORE brand to a whole new set of makeup lovers. The company will also continue to spread the word about high-quality Scandinavian cosmetics as well as working on broadening people’s perspectives on makeup and the way we normally purchase it.

“MAKE UP STORE is meant for everyone, and soon we will also be accessible to everyone,” concludes Liias.

Golden Limited Edition Find MAKE UP STORE in London: 32 Carnaby Street London W1F 7DN 020 7287 4769

COMPETITION: Westfield Ariel Way London W12 7GF 020 8834 4702

Win a 1-hour makeup session with MAKE UP STORE within the UK! To enter the draw, please answer the below question:

MAKE UP STORE products are produced solely from topquality ingredients. The products have not been tested on animals; neither do the colour cosmetics contain any perfume, which makes the whole range allergy-friendly. All of MAKE UP STORE’s skincare products have a neutral fragrance, so they can be used by both women and men.

Best-selling products include the award-winning Cover All Mix, the equally renowned Tri Brow, and popular shades Muffin and Vanilla. Other popular offers include in-store training courses and lessons.

• What are MAKE UP STORE’s core values?

Email your answer and contact details to competition@scanmagazine.co.uk, and Scan Magazine will draw one lucky winner.

We must receive your answer by 9 September 2011.

The winner will be contacted directly.

For more information, please visit: www.makeupstore.se

Issue 32 | August 2011 | 17

Scan Magazine | Travel Feature | Copenhagen Jazz Festival

18 | Issue 32 | August 2011

Scan Magazine | Travel Feature | Copenhagen Jazz Festival

The official opening at Kongens Have on 1 July 2011.

GinmanBlachmanDahl featuring Stephen Riley and Nils Petter Molvær Photo: Jonas Pryner

Copenhagen is alive with the sound of Jazz (once more) Text by Nia Kajastie

The 33rd occasion of Copenhagen Jazz Festival (CJF) took place 1-10 July 2011, and even with the weather trying its best to disrupt things, in the end, the sun shone through the clouds and music triumphed.

Gradually growing and developing since 1979, the annual event now welcomes more than 250,000 guests from Denmark and all around the world, creating a buzzing atmosphere in this year-round jazz city. CJF offers an astounding number of around 1,000 concerts spread over 100 venues and spanning 10 days. This year, as Scan Magazine’s representatives, we were able to join the festivities. As self-confessed jazz newcomers, we were looking forward to the event with intrigued enthusiasm, yet wondering how easily we would be able to “access” this

We arrived in Copenhagen on the evening of 7 July; it was our first time in the city, and we were hoping for a memorable experience full of summery outdoor concerts and intimate indoor gigs. As we were staying at the Scandic Palace Hotel in Copenhagen’s historic Town Hall Square, we were in an excellent spot for exploring the city itself as well as being within walking distance of many of the concert venues.

The first day of our festival experience started out exceedingly damp and wet. We were caught in a heavy downpour of rain while on our way to our first gig, so we arrived late, and to no one’s surprise, it was already at full capacity by that point. With wet feet, we stood outside nonplussed for a while, dug out our festival guide (and this is not just a

Sonny Rollins at Det Kongelige Teater.

Photo: Kristoffer Juel Poulsen

world full of knowledgeable aficionados and musical legends.

Issue 32 | August 2011 | 19

Scan Magazine | Travel Feature | Copenhagen Jazz Festival

Juhani Aaltonen at Jazzhouse.

Photo: Kristoffer Juel Poulsen

Jonas Johansens Move at Frue Plads.

Photo: Adam Street

Henning Munk & Plumperne at Højbro Plads.

Photo: Adam Street

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Henning Munk & Plumperne at Højbro Plads.

Photo: Adam Street

Scan Magazine | Travel Feature | Copenhagen Jazz Festival

leaflet; it is a whole, thick book full of information) to figure out where to go instead. That is also one of the great things about the festival: a missed concert definitely does not ruin your plans, as there is so much on offer every day, from morning until late evening. Of course, everyone has their must-sees, but it is also exciting to just wander around the city and spot events happening outdoors or to find one of the smaller jazz cafes or “joints” on the way.

offer, from a jazz theme and programme for children, to a guided running tour through the jazz filled streets of Copenhagen, there really is something for everyone. The jazz styles also range from swing, fusion, modern and free jazz to hybrid genres and electronic music.

From Billie Holiday to Björk With an enormous number of concerts and happenings to choose from, the CJF does not make it too easy for you to cherry-pick your favourites out of the bunch. This naturally also adds to the richness of the festival, but as with all large music events, you do sometimes wonder if you might be missing out on a

Bobby McFerrin at the DR Koncerthuset (Concert Hall), and pianist Keith Jarrett performing at The Royal Danish Opera with his world-class trio featuring Gary Peacock on bass and Jack DeJohnette on drums.

One of our festival highlights was definitely Danish Kira Skov singing Billie Holiday at Glassalen in Tivoli, which also gave us a great excuse to stay in the amusement park after the performance. Her tribute concert had already, we understood, been a great success last year, and now we know why: her renditions were absolutely beautiful. If you do not quite believe us, why not check out her 2010 performance (singing Nina Simone’s Four Women) on Copenhagen Jazz Festival’s own YouTube channel.

We found shelter from the rain in a lovely Italian restaurant by Frue Plads , and by the time we stepped back out again, the sun was shining. Frue Plads is also where the festival’s main outdoor stage was located between the Copenhagen University and Our Lady's Church, the Copenhagen Cathedral.

We grabbed some beverages and sat Our festival experience down on some stone came to an end on the steps to enjoy Jonas evening of 9 July; it Johansens Move, a was a lovely summer’s contemporary jazz day that turned into an quartet founded by equally beautiful evedrummer Jonas Joning, and we made our hansen, play in the way to the church garsun. Now, I am not a den of Christians Kirke jazz critic or conto listen to the smooth noisseur, but then and bittersweet sounds again I do not think of Lisa Ekdahl, who you need to be or sang in both English should be one to be and Swedish. Her verable to appreciate sions of Björk’s It's Oh music of any kind, Helen Gillet, Els Vandeweyer, Kresten Osgood, Almut Kuehne (pictured) & Heige Leiberg at So Quiet and the clasand beyond that, you Frue Plads. Photo: Adam Street sic I Get a Kick Out of can always appreciYou (first heard on her great act somewhere inbetween. For caate the warm permeating atmosphere albums Heaven, Earth & Beyond and Back sual jazz lovers, the great thing is that that the music spreads. I feel that Copento Earth respectively) were quirky and there are plenty of free events to choose hagen as a city owes a lot to its atmoslovely at the same time, and Beautiful Boy from, so all you have to do is show up. phere, enhanced as it is by its culture and from her latest album Give me that slow However, for some of the concerts and history: it is somehow an extremely reknowing smile was probably the highpoint venues with bigger names attached to laxed and jovial place to be. Accordingly, I of the evening. It was a great finish to our them, you do need to buy tickets – and you think this is further emphasised by events stay, and even as “jazz beginners”, we should do so well in advance. The three like Copenhagen Jazz Festival, which, to enjoyed the music and the welcoming city Giant Jazz concerts for 2011 were already me, are all about bringing people together to the fullest. sold out before the festival began; these on a beautiful historic square or cozied up included legendary tenor saxophonist in the corners of a snug jazz café or bar to Sonny Rollins performing at The Royal listen to the easy flow of music. It is, of For more information, please visit: Danish Theatre’s Old Stage, Grammy course, first and foremost about the muwww.jazz.dk Award-winning vocalist and conductor sic, but with a wide spectrum of events on

Issue 32 | August 2011 | 21

Scan Magazine | Travel | Scandic Palace Hotel

Scandic Palace Hotel: 101 years of memorable tales For the Copenhagen Jazz Festival, as Scan Magazine’s representatives, we had the great pleasure of staying at one of Copenhagen’s most prominent and centrally located hotels, the Scandic Palace Hotel. Beyond its position as a part of one of Europe’s leading hotel chains, the Palace Hotel has experienced a long and colourful history, and if the walls could talk, they would have many a rich story to tell. Last year, the hotel celebrated its centenary, proving that the current staff, and everyone who has worked there and left their imprint in the last 100 years, can be very proud of being part of the hotel’s spirit and continuing story of success.

By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Scandic Palace Hotel

We arrived in Copenhagen on a summery Thursday evening in July and took the short train journey from the airport to the central station. Ready to crash onto our comfy beds, we set off to find the Scandic Palace Hotel. Due to our tiredness (and a serious lack of navigating skills), we walked in the wrong direction and felt pretty silly by the time we spotted the easily recognisable façade of the hotel, set pretty much smack bang in the middle of the city on Rådhuspladsen (the historic Town Hall Square). It is very hard to miss, unless you are as tired as we were, but you

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can always ask for guidance from the helpful locals (just as we did).

The hotel is a listed building and a beautiful example of Danish art nouveau architecture, drawn by architect Anton Rosen and built in 1910. Its location is simply perfect, as you are close to a lot of attractions, shops and other entertainment. The amusement park Tivoli is set opposite, while the shopping street Strøget is just around the corner. And if you are visiting during the Copenhagen Jazz Festival, you are in walking (or cy-

Scan Magazine | Travel | Scandic Palace Hotel

cling) distance of many of the venues. We did most of our sightseeing and travelling by foot, but the hotel can lend you some bikes without any charge, which is ideal in a cycle-friendly city like Copenhagen.

A dream come true Anders Jensen, the entrepreneur behind the building of the hotel, originally had an ambitious dream: he wanted to build a world-class hotel. And it is quite a dream for a man born to poor labourers, who, when his family moved to Copenhagen, worked as an errand boy and then learned the butcher’s trade. But the industrious and energetic workhorse of a man, despite rumours of bankruptcy hovering over his project, was able to fulfil his dream.

“He was a clever entrepreneur and had an ace up his sleeve – a secret ‘African friend’, as he called him,” explains general manager Pia Jakobsen. “This mysterious person appeared out of nowhere and gave the project the financial boost it needed. But who was this rescuer? The satirical magazine The Octopus and other periodicals were packed with speculations. Some even wondered if it could be King Frederik VIII. As a matter of fact, it was the king’s friend, Heide (a director of a private bank), who provided the money so sorely needed. As a result, on July 15, 1910, Copenhagen became one fashionable hotel richer, and Anders Jensen became 5.5 million Danish kroner poorer.

Nevertheless, Jensen had not only real-

ized his dream, but he had started a new hotel tradition, and substantially improved the new city centre in the process.”

The hotel has lived through changing times of extravagance, war and modernisation, as well as going through different owners, but it is still standing strong and has quite a story to tell. Famous guests through the years, who have also signed the hotel’s guestbook (now a cultural treasure), include King Frederik VIII of Denmark and many other royals, Roald Amundsen, the Norwegian explorer of polar regions, as well as big Hollywood stars, like Errol Flynn, Laurel and Hardy, Gregory Peck, Bob Hope, Audrey Hepburn, Kirk Douglas and many more.

The great renovation and becoming a Scandic hotel In 2003, a thorough renovation of the building begun, and inspiration was found at the very beginning in Anders Jensen’s dream and Anton Rosen’s drawings. The result integrates the hotel’s place in history with contemporary design and comfort. Anton Rosen’s prints and designs can be seen in the bedspreads, paintings, carpets and on the restaurant’s ceiling. Once finished, the hotel became part of a new hotel chain, namely Scandic.

With Scandic at the helm, the Palace Hotel now offers a concierge service, a modern, well-equipped gym, room service, laundry service, free wireless Internet and

a delicious organic breakfast that is always included in the room charge. We can attest to the amazing breakfast buffet that we took advantage of every morning of our stay. The food was fresh and tasty, and the staff were very helpful in trying to seat us on a busier morning. The breakfast room was also filled with a lovely festival atmosphere, as we could hear other journalists and guests discussing the concerts they had enjoyed the night before.

From our first step into the inviting corridor, the first contact with the friendly staff to exploring the grand corridors and our stylish room (the bathroom was really something else), clicking through the channels of our flat-screen TV, logging onto the wireless Internet and falling onto the comfy mattresses (and plush pillows), our stay at Scandic Palace Hotel was all you could really hope for.

“I am sure that Anders Jensen would have been bewildered by today’s world, but he would also have been very proud that his hotel is still alive and kicking; that it is still the place where people from all over the world come to enjoy good food, to be waited on by the smiling personnel and to lay their sleepy heads on the soft pillows at night,” reflects Jakobsen. “This is Copenhagen’s treasure chest of stirring events and experiences; it is a showcase for Denmark’s capital and Anders Jensen, for certain, would have been very pleased.”

For more information, please visit: www.scandichotels.com

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IA EC P S E RIB

: ME E H LT

Ribe – Denmark’s oldest town Denmark’s oldest town has a history stretching back to AD 710 when it was settled by the Vikings, and its prime position near the Wadden Sea drew traders and craftspeople from across Europe. As its economy grew, so did the town, until Ribe became one of the most important places in Denmark for everyone, from merchants to monks. Their legacy is a beautiful city with an impressive cathedral, winding cobbled streets and original medieval houses that remain untouched by time.

Text and Photos by Ribe Tourist Office

The landmark of Ribe, the cathedral, towers in the flat landscape and can be seen from afar. It is the oldest as well as the best kept Roman cathedral in Denmark and is evidence of the prosperity of the town. In fact, it has achieved a placing with two stars in the Michelin Guide. Ribe is a charming, bustling merchant’s town, attracting visitors from all corners of the world. With its history, the authentic town centre and the location by the river and the Wadden Sea National Park, Ribe appeals to guests of all ages, and the resi-

dents are happy to show them their town.

Daily life is lived within historic frames and being a guest makes you see the odd mix of past and present life on the streets.

Set aside some time to join a guided town walk and experience Denmark’s cultural heritage firsthand.

The ambience of the old town makes your shopping trip a special pleasure. As the Ribe River branches into small canals throughout the town, it brings a unique atmosphere to the many restaurants, cafés

and music venues along the waterfront.

Throughout the seasons, streets and alleys buzz with festival activity, plenty of music and other exciting cultural events.

Ribe is located by the Wadden Sea National Park. For centuries, nature in the Wadden Sea has influenced and affected human activities that over time have produced the distinctive culture that reflects the dramatic, but also rich and magnificent ecosystem. The Wadden Sea is one of the world’s most important tidal flats and an absolute paradise for bird watchers.

Look up www.visitribe.dk for more information on Vikings, events, sights, the Wadden Sea National Park, places to stay and eat, and much more.

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Ribe

Visit Scandinavia’s famous ancestors at Ribe Viking Centre

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Ribe Viking Centre

At Ribe Viking Centre, it does not matter whether you are young or old, a Viking fanatic or just curious. With its detailed reconstructions, activities and authentic Viking impersonators, the centre offers an authentic and enlightening experience for everybody.

“In the peak season, we see a lot of families, Danish and foreign, but also quite a lot of people in their 50s and plus, who are really interested in history. We offer experiences on many different levels,” explains manager of the centre Bjarne Clement.

“The most important thing is that there is no glass between you and the experience, you can feel the atmosphere, smell the smoke, take part and learn at the same time.”

Ribe Viking Centre opened in 1994 as a different way to visualise the Viking civi-

lization uncovered by archaeological excavations in Ribe. On average the 20,000square-metre centre’s 16 houses and tents are populated by around 200 Vikings.

“A lot of people are really surprised at how big the centre is; first you encounter the manor house, stables and craft houses, then around the corner, you will suddenly see the marketplace, the reconstruction of St Nicolaj Street (a current street in Ribe, around which excavations centred, reconstructed as it looked in 720) and the activities area. There is also a small shop and cafe; you can easily spend three or four hours on a visit,” explains Clement.

Ribe Viking Centre is open from May to October.

For more information, please visit: www.ribevikingecenter.dk

Ribe Art Museum – A journey through time

By Marie Sofie Schnoor | Photos: Ribe Art Museum

Reopening in 2010 with Queen Margrethe II as the first guest, Ribe Art Museum has undergone extensive restoration work and is now considered to be, not only one of the country’s oldest museums, but also one of the most exquisite, with a wide collection of Danish art from the mid-18th century up to the 20th century.

While you make your way through the beautiful listed building, you are simultaneously moving through time, exploring masterpieces from the major periods in Danish painting: the Golden Age, Realism, the Skagen painters and Modernism, among others, each piece helping to create a picture of a dynamic period in Danish history.

Ribe, the oldest town in Denmark with its Cathedral and hundreds of listed buildings, acts as a perfect backdrop for a mu-

seum so full of cultural history. "What makes it even more unique is how the old town buildings add to the feeling of you being transported to a time that has passed," says museum director Dagmar Warming.

When you have finished looking at the 700 or more paintings and sculptures on display, why not go for a stroll through the romantic garden complete with a Byzantine style pavilion towards the stream or take a well deserved break at the museum cafe.

This summer, alongside the permanent collection, the museum will host the exhibition “Transformation” by the famous Danish artist Peter Brandes who found himself hugely inspired by the collection.

For more information, please visit: www.ribekunstmuseum.dk

Issue 32 | August 2011 | 25

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Ribe

A camping site with 'guaranteed' sunshine

By Yane Christensen | Photos: Ribe Camping

Ribe Camping is an ever-evolving camping site, just a short walk from Ribe town. The site is extremely popular and has a distinct international feel, with no less than 50 different nationalities represented in an average season. Although the site is currently awarded three stars, it has several five star facilities, such as the communal buildings, housing luxurious bathrooms and exceptionally well-equipped kitchens. The family bathrooms are extraordinary, more akin to a wet play area.

In fact, the children are very well looked after on the site, with its heated swimming pools, football pitch, petting zoo, indoor play areas and a selection of playgrounds.

The site is run by husband and wife team Sanne and Finn, whose personal involvement is evident everywhere. They prioritise cleanliness highly, and the premises are cleaned twice a day. This site is proof that the Danes invented 'glamping'. Still,

and other than the artificial grass, it does not differ from a standard plot. So, for a distinctly upmarket and 'guaranteed' sunny experience, book your (spinning) plot now.

if you are not complete without your creature comforts, you can hire cottages on site, some of which are very luxurious, and some of which are built according to traditional, local methods, using oak timber framing. For the utmost in comfort, the site has an unusual feature: Ribe Camping is the first site in Denmark to offer a plot that turns 220Âş, which means that you can enjoy the sun all day and shelter from the wind (or your neighbours). The plot turns via remote control,

Passion, Liszt and Langgaard Rued Langgaard Festival is a yearly festival showcasing the work of the Danish composer Rued Langgaard, as well as a selection of kindred composers from mainly the 19th and 20th century. This year the focus is on Franz Liszt, who was a great inspiration to Langgaard; the festival explores the similarities between the two composers.

The festival takes place early September, in and around Ribe Cathedral. The cathedral is nearly 1,000 years old, and with its stunning architecture, it forms a perfect backdrop to Langgaard’s music. The cathedral plays a crucial role in the staging of the concerts, adding to the spirituality, history and drama. For instance, the cathedral walls become integral parts of the set by having images projected onto them, and experi-

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mental lighting and church acoustics become perfect props, used to dramatic effect.

The festival organisers are experimenting with introducing classical music in a modern way and have this year created a new concept called Langgaard Lounge. This takes place in a cafe, providing a more informal setting. There will

For more information, please visit: www.ribecamping.dk

By Yane Christensen | Photo: Rued Langgaard Festival

be live performances, but also a DJ spinning classic tunes.

In contrast to Liszt, who was the 19th century equivalent of a modern pop star, Rued Langgaard never really became successful until after his death. His music was fairly popular during the 1910/20s, but he became increasingly isolated in the following years. He eventually found employment as an organist in Ribe Cathedral in 1940, where he stayed for the last 12 years of his life, and where he excelled as a composer.

Langgaard was a prolific artist, who composed around 400 pieces throughout his career, so fortunately there is material left for many more festivals.

For more information, please visit: www.langgaardfestival.dk

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Ribe

Hotel Dagmar – Feel the wings of history at Denmark’s oldest hotel

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Hotel Dagmar

Cosy comfort At Hotel Dagmar, guests will find two restaurants: Restaurant Dagmar, a gourmet restaurant in romantic scenery, and Vægterkælderen, an informal pub-like restaurant and bar; guests can also dine outside on the charming cobblestoned square next to the hotel. Just like the restaurants, the hotel’s 49 rooms are decorated in a traditional romantic style and some have an amazing view of the cathedral.

“He who has not visited Ribe, spent a night at Hotel Dagmar and heard the cathedral’s bells chime does not know Denmark,” these are the words of the famous Danish writer and journalist Andreas Vinding, and many of Hotel Dagmar’s guests agree with him.

“Hotel Dagmar is Denmark’s oldest hotel from 1581, and it has a lot of atmosphere, old tilted floors, paintings on the walls and sofas in the restaurant; it is a very different and very warm and relaxed place,” says hotel manager Dorte Brandt.

An inherent part of Ribe Located straight across from Ribe’s 900year-old cathedral, guests at Hotel Dagmar are right in the middle of the historic town centre, and most historic and cultural destinations are within walking distance.

come here are interested in history and find it fascinating to stay at a hotel that is part of that.”

“A lot of our guests come here because this is a very different hotel; it has a very long history,” says Brandt. “Ribe is Denmark’s oldest town, and the majority who

During summer months, the hotel is visited twice in the evening by the town’s watchman who takes guests around the old town telling narratives from Ribe’s past.

“Our rooms have three different kinds of views: the town square and cathedral, the pedestrian shopping street, and the hotel’s courtyard, so it depends on what you prefer - quietness, city life or history,” explains Brandt. “Staying here is a chance not only to experience Denmark’s oldest hotel and town, but also to just relax.”

For more information, please visit: www.hoteldagmar.dk

Issue 32 | August 2011 | 27

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Ribe

Time for relaxation at Den Gamle Avlsgård

By Charlotte Kany | Photos: Den Gamle Avlsgård

Every once in a while, we all need that complete sense of relaxation and some extra time to focus on our inner harmony.

What better place to choose than the modern refuge Den Gamle Avlsgård, where pleasure, creativity and comfort all come together in the lovely historical buildings. This is without doubt a superb place to unwind and gain new inspiration.

Important to this refuge are the values of sustainability and social responsibility, which run like a golden thread through all of their actions. The old farm is renovated with sustainable materials and the kitchen

Most of us live a busy everyday life with lots of activities and much on our minds, which is why resting and recharging is often much needed. Located in the captivating city of Ribe, you will find this refuge that immediately speaks to all of your senses.

Whether you are looking for a cosy and restful time together, thoughtfulness on your own or an extraordinary conference centre, this place will fulfill your wishes.

Here, mindfulness is the key word for all of the experiences that are offered.

is to a great extent organic. All of it invites a very special experience focusing on your entire enjoyment. Placed in the heart of nature, with a big green park just outside the windows, you will find great opportunities for your next weekend treat, seminar or workshop. “We are a dedicated team of, among others, therapists, chefs and consultants all ready to assemble the perfect course, teambuilding activity or treatment for your stay,” says owner Laila Bro.

For more information, please visit: www.dengamleavlsgaard.dk

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Skagen By og Egnsmuseum (local history museum)

Museums in Denmark Denmark is best known for its beautiful nature and varying landscapes, ranging from idyllic sand beaches to forest areas and big lakes, as well as Copenhagen’s effortless charm. These are all great reasons for travelling to Denmark, but beyond nature and “hygge”, the country is also bursting at the seams with cultural attractions and fascinating museums. What better way to understand more about Danish history, from Vikings to the monarchy, its culture and art scene than exploring the museum offerings of Denmark.

By Nia Kajastie | Photo: VisitDenmark

Copenhagen is naturally a great place for exploring multitudes of museums, as the bustling city is always welcoming new travellers and tourists to explore its heritage. To get closer to the Danish Royal Family, why not visit Christiansborg Palace in central Copenhagen; it is a historical attraction, but it is also still used today as the workplace of Denmark’s Queen, parliament and government. You can then continue onwards to Frederiksborg Castle, beautifully situated in Hillerød, half an hour north of Copenhagen, which houses the Museum of National History. Other interesting attractions in the Copenhagen area include the Danish Police Museum and the Royal Danish Arsenal Museum.

If you are travelling in or through Skive municipality in northwest Denmark, you should not miss out on Museum Salling, which comprises five museums in itself, offering exhibitions in natural history, art and culture; whereas in Skagen, in northern Denmark, you will find Skagen’s Museum, which was founded by famous painters who were part of the renowned group of Scandinavian artists called the Skagen painters.

From Kongens Have - also known as the King's Garden there is a splendid view of Rosenborg Castle, home of the crown jewels. Photo by Cees van Roeden

For more ideas and tips on must-see attractions and one-of-a-kind museums, please visit: www.visitdenmark.com

Issue 32 | August 2011 | 29

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Museums in Denmark

Experience previously unseen art treasures at Skagen’s Museum

“These are treasures that you might never get the chance to see again as they are going back to their 80 private owners when the exhibition is over,” explains museum curator Dorthe Rosenfeldt Sieben.

Skagen’s Museum was founded by some of the most famous painters who lived and worked in Skagen, including P.S. Krøyer and Michael Ancher, in 1908. It exhibits the work of the artist colony, who, inspired by French impressionists, became the trendsetters of their and future generations of Danish painters.

A majority of their work portrayed the

“simple life” of the local fishermen and the beauty and serenity of the nature and gardens of the area. “Today the pictures remind us of the times that we would like to have, that we are dreaming about; they show humans in contact with nature and women in gardens dreaming and reading books,” explains Sieben. “Viewing these paintings is a good way to get an idea of how Skagen was 100 years ago, when the identity that it has today was created.”

The Skagen Gold exhibition has generated much interest from both international and national visitors and even the Danish Royal family, who will visit the museum in August.

Painting by Michael Ancher; A Sea Promenade, a preliminary study (1896)

A visit to Skagen’s Museum is a visit to the technically impressive, aesthetically enchanting and culturally fascinating world of the Skagen painters. This summer the museum’s special exhibition Skagen Gold/Privately Owned Paintings provides guests with a unique opportunity to view a selection of 214 paintings not previously exhibited.

Painting by Anna Ancher; Michael Ancher eating a goose (1920)

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Skagen’s Museum

Skagen Gold is on until 30 October 2011 at Skagens Museum Brøndumvej 4, 9990 Skagen, DK. +45 98 44 18 10 museum@skagensmuseum.dk Opening hours May-August: all days 10-17, Wednesdays 10-21 September-December: Tuesday through Sunday 10-17 Autumn holiday (week 42): All days 10-17 For more information, please visit: www.skagensmuseum.dk

Museum Salling – explore pre-historic fossils, a medieval Museum Salling comprises not just one but five museums with multiple exhibitions, spanning natural history, art and culture. The museums are located within 40 minutes of each other in the beautiful Skive area, which offers 190 kilometres of coastline in Limfjorden, just 90 minutes from Aalborg airport.

“The unique thing about Museum Salling is that we offer experiences from 55 million years ago, spanning the medieval ages and up to the present day,” says museum director Jan Tapdrup.

One of the most spectacular attractions this summer is the Carsten Svennson exhibition at Skive Art Museum.

“This exhibition is very exciting. Svennson created incredibly detailed paintings of an astonishing fantasy world,” says Tapdrup.

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By Signe Hansen | Photo: Museum Salling/Skive Art Museum

Painding by Carsten Svennson; Nøkken, Huldren og Enhjørningen

castle and contemporary art

A completely different, but equally interesting experience is a visit to Spøttrup Borg, which is Denmark’s best preserved medieval fortress. During summertime,

guests at the fortress can experience numerous exciting activities like knight tournaments, markets and archery.

Finally, a three-minute ferry trip to Denmark’s most beautiful island, Fur, will allow you to go 55 million years back in time to when the area was not yet inhabited by humans. Fur Museum’s exhibitions range from local history to unique fossil finds from the Eocene epoch. “The museum also organizes guided hands-on fossil hunts.

Each year, visitors make new finds of outstanding scientific value, supporting the area’s candidacy to become a UNESCO World Heritage site,” explains Tapdrup.

For more information about the above and Museum Salling’s other museums and exhibitions visit: www.museumsalling.dk

Photo: Jens Lindhe

Photo: Finn Christoffersen

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Museums in Denmark

Christiansborg Palace – take a tour of the Queen’s workplace A visit to Christiansborg Palace is not only a visit to a beautiful, historic palace; it is also a chance to see the present workplace of Denmark’s Queen, parliament and government.

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Slots og Ejendomsstyrelsen

“The most interesting thing about Christiansborg is that it is a functional royal palace still being used. The queen uses the palace about once a week, so it’s not a museum but more like a workplace,” says communications coordinator Mikael Nielsen.

have the greatest attraction. “There are only four monarchies with still functioning royal stables: Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands and the UK,” explains Nielsen.

The Royal Reception Rooms While Christiansborg Palace might be best known as the seat of the Danish parliament, it is also the Queen’s workplace.

This is where she holds public audiences, signs new laws and hosts state dinners.

The dinners are held in the Great Hall containing the Queen’s tapestries, her famous 50th birthday present, which show the last 1,000 years of Denmark’s history.

Of course, if you are a family with children, the Queen’s stables, where you can see the beautiful carriages and horses, might

The reception rooms and stables are some of the palace’s most popular attractions; another favourite among the 200,000 yearly guests is the rather spooky cellar, where you can see the ruins of the old medieval castles. The first castle on

the site was built in 1167 and the present palace in 1928.

The Parliament wing While half of Christiansborg Palace is used by the Queen, the other half belongs to the Danish Parliament. It is, however, only the Queen’s wing where visitors can just stroll around. The parliament wing can only be seen on guided tours, which during Parliament’s summer holiday take place daily and otherwise every Sunday.

Clearly, squeezing everything into one day might be difficult, but if you buy a combined ticket, you have free entrance for a whole month, which should almost be enough to absorb every detail.

For more information, please visit: www.christiansborgpalace.dk

Issue 32 | August 2011 | 31

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Museums in Denmark

A Distant War - Danish soldier in Afghanistan

By Marie Sofie Schnoor | Photos: The Royal Danish Arsenal Museum

"The war in Afghanistan is already an important piece of military history, and we have therefore, for several years, had a burning desire, in an innovative way, to show the environment of modern warfare in Afghanistan," says museum director Ole L. Frantzen.

Being a soldier in a war zone is something that only a few people experience, but the upcoming exhibition 'A Distant War - Danish soldier in Afghanistan' at The Royal Danish Arsenal Museum hopes to give people a picture of the life of a soldier, and as a result contribute to a wider understanding of the reality of the war in Afghanistan.

If you find yourself with some free time in Copenhagen why not also visit the other permanent National Museum of Military History exhibitions at The Royal Danish Arsenal Museum, The Royal Danish Naval Museum and The Historic Ships at Holmen.

This experiential exhibition will target your senses to invoke the environments that the soldiers live and work in. Follow the soldiers through the camps and out into the Afghan countryside, look over the terrain from the guard tower or go on patrol in the town of Gereshk. There will be dust, desert heat, Afghan peasants, helicopters and vehicles.

Collaborating with Defence team 10, who returned from the Helmand province in February 2011, the exhibition will draw on

The exhibition opens on September 2nd 2011.

personal experiences with soldiers continuingly transmitting material and photos directly to the museum.

For more information, please visit: http://denfjernekrig.dk

The Museum of National History – A journey back in time Just half an hour north of Copenhagen, you will find the most magnificent scenery around the beautiful Frederiksborg Castle, housing the Museum of National History. Located in picturesque surroundings with a stunning baroque garden and a lake view from the castle, it is truly a sight for sore eyes.

The Museum of National History was originally a castle built by the Danish King Christian IV at the beginning of the 17th century, and it is the biggest Renaissance palace in Scandinavia. With an outstanding collection of portraits, history paintings, furniture and applied art from the last 500 years, the museum provides an excellent understanding of Danish history.

“You have a unique opportunity to explore Danish history expressed through Period Rooms and at the same time be in-

32 | Issue 32 | August 2011

By Charlotte Kany | Photos: Det Nationalhistoriske Museum

troduced to famous Danes through the wide selection of portraits,” says curator Hanne Lopdrup.

You should not miss out on the chance to experience the Audience Chamber or the Great Hall; the latter having been reconstructed after a fierce fire in 1859, which destroyed most of the interior.

Within a few years, the entire castle was re co n st r u c te d Brewer J.C. Jacobsen and thereafter converted into the museum as we know it today, on the initiative of the brewer J.C. Jacobsen, who founded the world-famed brew house Carlsberg.

As a tribute to Jacobsen, who would have turned 200 years on the 2 September 2011, the museum opens a special exhibition focusing on Jacobsen’s intentions with the museum. The entire museum will be permeated with the spirit of the famous and visionary brewer J.C. Jacobsen. Visitors can expect a magnificent exhibition opening in September 2011.

For more information, please visit: www.frederiksborgslot.dk

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Museums in Denmark

The Danish Police Museum unleashes the detective in you

By Signe Hansen | Photo: The Danish Police Museum

If you are interested in solving murder cases, a visit to the Danish Police Museum in Copenhagen will be just for you.

In the old, but newly renovated, police station, you will find Denmark’s only exhibition focusing on murder cases, and this year, a special exhibition investigates one of Denmark’s most notorious unsolved cases, the Double Murder in Peter Bangsvej. “There are several factors making this murder very unusual,� explains museum director Frederik Strand. “First of all, the crime scene is the most mystifying crime scene in Denmark’s history, with ritual objects placed all over the flat, on and around the victims. Secondly, while the ritual character of the murder indicates that an insane person might be behind it, the murder seemed professionally executed, as all proof was washed away.

Lastly, it seemed no one had a motive to

kill the couple, who had no enemies, debt or anything like that.�

The unsolved murder from 1948 has attracted the attention of writers, amateur detectives and filmmakers alike, but this is the first time the original artefacts from the crime scene have been exhibited. “A lot of guests try to guess who the mur-

derer might have been, and we have actually had old relatives or police officers from back then bring in new information or questions about the case,� says Strand.

For more information about this or other exhibitions at the Police Museum, please visit: www.politimuseum.dk

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Nordfyns Museum The history of the town of Bogense and North Funen, in words, artifacts, paintings and pictures.

Nordfyns Museum Vestergade 16, DK-5400 Bogense, Denmark Phone: +45 6481 1884 E-mail: nordmus@mail.tele.dk www.nordfynsmuseum.dk

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Issue 32 | August 2011 | 33

: ME DAL E H S L T ROM A I & EC SP LDE MO

Photo: Leif J. Olestad

Molde & Romsdal

By Destinasjon Molde & Romsdal AS

"The famous panorama is not an idealized picture that always looks the same. Even the locals can't help gazing at it day after day, because it has eternal youth and a beauty that is simply irresistible. You would find it hard, in fact the effort might well be in vain, to find a collection of views to equal those that Molde has to offer." G. Fredrichsen

been known as the Town of Roses on account of its luxuriantly flowering rose gardens. As early as 1878, the Norwegian writer Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson mentions Molde as the “town of flowers”, and the idyllic 1890s, with small houses and large, abounding gardens, contributed to this name being used in several newspapers.

Getting here

Tourism town At the end of the 19th century, Molde was among the leading fjord destinations in the country, and the town was one of the main attractions when the first cruise ship visited Norway in 1882. The main reason tourists came here, and still come here, is the magnificent view with islands and holms against a panorama of peaks and mountain formations - the Molde panorama.

Town of Roses Photo: Terje Rakke/Nordic Life/Fjord Norway

Norwegian and SAS have flights to Norway, direct from London to Ålesund, or via Oslo/Bergen to Molde. You can arrive by train from Oslo or Trondheim with the spectacular Rauma Railway. Hurtigruten have daily calls into Molde harbour with north and southbound ships.

For booking and more information about activities and accommodation visit: www.visitmolde.com

For more than a hundred years Molde has

Bergtatt Opplevelser – Mining with a difference

By Karin Modig | Photos: Bergtatt

Just outside Molde, 300 metres deep inside a mountain, an unusual attraction awaits. Part working mine, part spectacular dining room and bar – welcome to Bergtatt Opplevelser.

Naas Kalksteinsbrudd is a mine extracting marble from the mountain and has been run by the Naas family for decades.

Since last summer, industry and tourism have been successfully combined in an exciting new venture.

Robert Naas, general manager of the project and head of the mining operation explains that, “The idea for Bergtatt was born out of a desire to teach people about mining, while utilizing the deserted spaces within the mine. We wanted to give people an extraordinary experience.”

Bergtatt can be translated as “spellbound”, and that is exactly what they hope visitors will be. Inside the mountain, you

34 | Issue 32 | August 2011

are met with large, open spaces decorated with homemade marble lamps and surrounded by lakes. In the heart of these surroundings, there is a bar and dining rooms, a source of clean drinking water and a main hall that can be used for concerts and exhibitions.

“At present, we can accommodate groups of 10 to 300 people. Several hundred people sharing an experience is a rarity that is highly appreciated, and we hope to be able to offer tours to individuals soon.”

Bergtatt has proved to be a very popular destination and an attraction that people do not forget. Attractions that are open year-round with the exact same temperature and weather conditions are not common on these shores!

For more information, please visit: www.berg-tatt.no

Quality Hotel Alexandra – A classic hotel in the City of Roses Close to the harbour, in the centre of the picturesque city of Molde, lies the historic and venerable Quality Hotel Alexandra. The 165-room hotel can boast superb views, and is within walking distance of all the sights of the city known as the City of Roses.

By Karin Modig | Photos: Ken Pils

“All our rooms are very spacious and modern, and each one has a balcony,” says general manager Vanja Braute. “A whole 120 of them have fantastic views of both the sea and the 222 mountain tops that surround the city.”

One of the specialities of the Quality Hotels chain is their experience in organizing courses and conferences, and Hotel Alexandra is no exception. “Altogether we have 15 meeting rooms,” says Braute, “so we can cater for anything from small

meetings to large conferences of up to 350 people.”

Photo: Arild Moen

Originally built in 1883, the hotel was bombed during the Second World War and rebuilt in 1950. Despite extensive refurbishment, it retains a historical atmosphere. As well as large rooms and great conference facilities, the hotel also has a brand new, impressive top floor suite - a favourite with hotel tycoon and Nordic Choice Hotel owner Petter Stordalen.

A banqueting hall has room for 350 people, and conferences are tailor-made according to visitors’ needs. “In addition, we are happy to help with any arrangements for activities in and around Molde, for example, mountain climbing or fishing,” Braute says.

As of October last year, the hotel can tempt visitors with a stunning penthouse

suite. “The suite is simply fantastic,” says Braute. “It is 180 square metres and laid out over two floors. It has a roof terrace, a 360° stunning panoramic view of the area, sauna and an adjacent meeting room.”

The hotel is well known for its good food and service, and two restaurants serve up food that is mainly sourced locally and often organic. Menus are varied, with the seafood and an impressive offering of steaks being particular highlights.

For evening entertainment, sports bar 1911 and nightclub barAlex are fully licensed, and, of course, the nightlife of Molde is just on your doorstep.

For further information and online bookings, please go to: www.choicehotels.no/quality/en/ molde-hotel-quality-no088-en

Issue 32 | August 2011 | 35

ON E: EGI M R E TH GER L N CIA AVA E SP E ST TH

Intro by Region Stavanger Photo: Casper Tybjerg/visitnorway.com

The Stavanger Region – the culinary capital of Fjord Norway Breath-taking fjords and majestic mountains, sandy beaches, varied cultural events, never-ending shopping possibilities, delicious gastronomic experiences and a pulsating nightlife - and everything within reach: Welcome to the Stavanger region!

chamber music or rock, we have a festival for you. Gladmat, the country’s biggest food festival, takes place in Stavanger. This year, the city will also host The Tall Ships Races.

Fjordcruise and amazing mountains

The combination of an excellent climate and geography results in one of the most important food regions of Norway. Here, there are world-class restaurants and chefs, as well as food producers that will proudly show you their products.

Take a cruise to Lysefjord, one of Norway’s most magnificent fjords. Here, you will enjoy the idyllic landscape and witness waterfalls, lovely small islands, friendly goats, seals and the vagabond’s cave, among other things. The king of the fjord is Preikestolen, the Pulpit Rock. This rock formation, standing 604 metres above sea level, is one of Norway’s main nature attractions. You can also hike to Kjerag, an impressive mountain peak that rises 1,000 metres above the fjord.

Festivals and culture

For more information, please visit: www.regionstavanger.com

Each year, more than 40 festivals are arranged in the region. If you like music, this is the place to be. Whether you prefer jazz,

Culinary experiences – a region of excellent food

Tours and activities The region’s tour and activity offers are constantly increasing. In addition to the fjord cruise and the famous hikes to Preikestolen and Kjerag, you can take a tour in a comfortable city sightseeing bus, learn about local history with knowledgeable guides, visit the exotic flower island and restaurant Flor og Fjære, or take a tour by speedboat.

Your fjord adventure begins in Ryfylke

Drive along the National Tourist Route Ryfylke, and you will experience much of what the area has to offer. The longest of Norway’s 18 National Tourist routes, it passes through some of the most magnificent landscapes in the country.

“From Oanes by the Lysefjord in the south to Hårå in Røldal, the road stretches 183 kilometres,” says Hanne Sundbø, general manager of Destination Ryfylke. “It takes you through living cultural landscapes, places where people live and work.”

The highlight of the drive has to be the

36 | Issue 32 | August 2011

surrounding nature. “All the way, you can marvel at some of the most famous natural sights in the area,” says Sundbø.

Sights are many and impressive, from the 40 kilometre long Lysefjord to Photo: Reisemål Ryfylke/H Sundbø

Fjords, mountains and waterfalls – the Ryfylke region in southern Fjord Norway has it all. Nestled between Stavanger in the south and Haugesund to the west, it is an ideal getaway for anyone wanting fresh air, exceptional views and a taste of rural Norway.

By Karin Modig

Preikestolen, a mountain plateau at 604 metres above the fjord, and stunning waterfall Svandalfossen near Sauda, to mention a few.

Aside from being a great destination for a driving holiday, Ryfylke is also a Mecca for boat tourists and has many marked routes for hiking. Several activities and experiences are on offer, from spa breaks and fjord sightseeing to farm visits and fishing.

“There are local eateries and hotels throughout Ryfylke,” says Sundbø.

“Restaurants serve up traditional food, and there are hotels, cabins and mountain lodges that offer accommodation.”

For more information, please visit: www.ryfylke.com Preikestolen and Lysefjorden, Ryfylke

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Stavanger Region

Hå gamle prestegard – Where contemporary art meets ancient history Hå gamle prestegard offers a truly authentic experience of local history and culture, having been an established cultural centre for several hundred years. Today, it presents everything from contemporary art exhibitions to ancient burial sites, as well as Stone Age settlements dating back over 8,000 years.

By Sven Riis Houston | Photos: Hå gamle prestegard

Located in the southern coastal region of Jæren, an area renowned for its links to age-old civilizations, Hå gamle prestegard prides itself on its wide array of exhibitions displayed in elegant, traditional buildings.

A key component is the diversity of artists, both local and international, spanning several generations, in what is a truly unique display of cultural heritage amidst the tranquil settings of the Prestegard, which has been operational since 1637.

The Prestegard has been a fully-fledged art gallery since 1983, and now hosts cultural exhibitions and events throughout the year. Artists previously featured here include Japan’s Kumi Machida and Norwegian Pushwagner, while a display featuring the work of Norwegian artist Hilmer Fredriksen and Per Line, a local architect who played a key role in renovating the Prestegard in recent years, is due to be featured this autumn.

In the past, it has featured an exhibition on the trade and artefacts exchanged between Jæren and Russia, from the Viking

Beili Liue exhibition

age through to the oil age, as well as freshwater pearls, turf harvesting, toys and t-shirt exhibitions.

Another appealing, yet unorthodox, feature is the nearby lighthouse Obrestad Fyr. This summer it hosts the “What If?” exhibition, with a focus on environmental issues.

Those wishing to learn more about the area’s history can head to the beach, just a stone’s throw away, where one can explore burial sites dating back to 500 AD. Glass pearls and weapons have been found here in the past, in what is considered to be one of Scandinavia’s finest burials.

Pushwagner exhibition

Overnight stays are also on offer at Obrestad Fyr, with an apartment and a guest house available for booking, making it an ideal option for those wanting to extensively explore the area and its everchanging natural beauty.

Elisabeth Soyland, marketing consultant at Hå gamle prestegard, believes the variety of art and culture on offer is the key to attracting upwards of 50,000 visitors a year. “What is so special about us is the wide scope of art we have – from both young and old generations of modern art.

There is always something new and fresh for visitors to enjoy.”

Momoyo Torimitsu exhibition

For more information, please visit: www.hagamleprestegard.no

Issue 32 | August 2011 | 37

Scan Magazine | Travel | Golf in Finland

Kytäjä Golf

Golf in Finland Kytäjä Golf

Teeing off at 5am, every golfer should get a chance to taste this: that moment when the rising sun burns off the morning mist. The empty golf course vibrates with a compressed silence. In Finland, silence is not the absence of sound; it is in the deep quiet of the forest. Some privileges can only be enjoyed at these latitudes. Beginning the day with an unhurried round – or just nine holes – is one of the finest experiences you can imagine.

Text and Photos by Finnish Golf Union

Linna Golf

Linna Golf

38 | Issue 32 | August 2011

Finland is located above 60 degrees latitude. The country is bigger than the UK, with innumerable trees hiding just over five million Finns. This means not everyone will hear when you shout out: “Fore!”

Many are surprised by golf´s popularity in Finland, especially given the size of the country´s population. Finland has about 130 golf clubs, with a total of 135,000 members. Every 40th Finn plays golf.

There are more than 150 golf courses, north to south, including pay-and-play and country club courses, inexpensive rounds and some to suit the most discerning connoisseur.

Many Finnish golf courses are championship standard, and Finland has organized several EGA European Championships, Ladies European Tour and challenge tour events.

Excellent feedback regarding Linna Golf was received after the European Men´s Challenge Tour. The course, the ambience, logistics, accommodation and details: everything made up an unbelievably high-class package. In addition to Linna Golf, Kytäjä Golf´s South East course was ranked as one of Europe´s Top 100 courses by Golf World magazine in 2009.

In addition to playing a round at 5am in the morning, one can play in other unique ways. For example, it is possible to play all night; the midnight sun up in the north is so enthusiastic that it cannot bear to dip below the horizon. Would you dare to play for 24 hours continuously?

For more information, please visit: www.golf.fi

Paltamo Golf Course – an ace of a place Located by Lake Oulujärvi, Paltamo Golf Course is regarded as one of the most beautiful golf courses in Finland thanks to its spectacular shorefront holes. Lake Oulujärvi, known locally as the "Sea of Kainuu", is Finland's fourth largest lake, and its open waters are the second most extensive in the country. This lakeside location along with the stunning northern Finnish landscape offers Paltamo Golf Course visitors an unforgettable golfing experience.

By Inna Hakala | Photos: Paltamo Golf

Built in 1990, the full 18-hole Paltamo Golf Course is designed to provide a challenge even for skilled players but is also easy enough for beginners. Unlike most of Finland’s golf courses, which are shareholding courses, Paltamo Golf Course is a Green Fee course. This means that instead of needing a shared ownership, visitors only have to pay a Green Fee. In addition, players must have a Green Card and a membership of an existing golf club.

Between 15.6-15.7, golf can be played throughout the night – a real added bonus during Finland’s light summer nights.

Enjoy your stay Year-round accommodation is available right next to the golf course. Amongst the beautiful landscape are several highquality cottages and houses where visiting golf enthusiasts can make themselves at home. Leisure and business amenities can be found at Paltamon Sydän (Heart of

Paltamo). Completed in 2005, the elegant tourist centre and restaurant is, as its name suggests, at the heart of the resort and contains meeting rooms and saunas adorned with fireplaces and picturesque lakeside views. Separate saunas for men and women are heated daily during the summer season and are included in the price of a round of golf. Delicious dishes from the restaurant can be enjoyed at the terrace overlooking the fabulous scenery.

Paltamo Open Played on the Paltamo Golf Course 1.93.9.2011, the annual Paltamo Open is part of the Nordic Golf League tour which contains 23 tournaments. “We have prepared for this event with careful consideration and added extra resources into the maintenance of the course,” says managing director Reijo Riihimäki. “We want to provide the players and their entourage with the best possible playing conditions along with functional high-quality services.”

The open waters and sandy beaches of Lake Oulujärvi and the surrounding natural scenery make Paltamo Golf Course a wonderful attraction for the whole family.

For more information, please visit: www.paltamogolf.fi

Issue 32 | August 2011 | 39

Scan Magazine | Travel | Häme Visitor Centre

Häme Visitor Centre – providing memorable experiences in nature

cases the rich life of the southern Finnish wilderness through photographs, text and artefacts. At the 60-seat auditorium, visitors can view free nature presentations, which are available on request. Kids are kept busy in the playroom with plenty of books, games and drawing equipment.

Café Lounashelmi serves snacks and refreshments, while the courtyard is perfect for enjoying picnics in the summer or trying walking on wooden legs.

Opened in 2000, the Häme Visitor Centre is a great place to study the mire landscape of southern Finland and get information on the nearby Liesjärvi and Torronsuo National Parks. Free for everyone, the visitor centre also offers valuable knowledge on the Häme lake uplands, neighbouring towns and other nature services in the surrounding areas.

Located right by the lake Ruostejärvi, an hour’s drive from Helsinki, the centre’s location is ideal for nature enthusiasts.

There are three different nature trails – 500 metres, 800 metres and 1 kilometre in length. And after all that walking, the beautiful recreation area with a sandy beach offers hikers a place to swim and freshen up.

The visitor centre contains an exhibition area, an auditorium, a children’s playroom

By Inna Hakala

“We also organise group excursions,” says customer service officer Riikka Tikkanen.

“With so much to see and experience in the surrounding nature, it’s a wonderful way of spending time in the outdoors.

Torronsuo National Park. Photo by Riikka Tikkanen

and a café. The permanent exhibition “Kurjen Huuto” (Call of the Crane) show-

For more information, please visit: www.outdoors.fi/customerservicepoints/ visitorcentres/hame

You will find us only 45 minutes from Stockholm.

Our nearest neighbour is Gripsholm Castel and a few minutes walk away is the small-town idyll Mariefred. Around, there are golf courses, beautiful bike paths, hiking and canoe trails. We offer modern conference facilities and a newly renovated hotel. Welcome to Restaurant 1777, a grand hall dating from the 1700s and Gustav III’s crown distillery, with seating for 165 guests. We who work at Gripsholmsviken, gladly tell you more about all there is to see and experience here.

GIVE US A CALL: TELEPHONE +46 8 557 70 900 VISIT OUR WEBSITE GRIPSHOLMSVIKEN.SE

SP SÖ ECIA RM L T LA HE ND ME :

Photo: Per-Erik Adamsson

Nyköpingshus

Photo: Per-Erik Adamsson

Sörmland – the culinary region in Sweden Text and photos by Sörmlands turismutveckling AB/www.stua.se

The county of Sörmland is located south of the capital of Sweden, Stockholm, between Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea. Castles and manor houses give Sörmland much of its character. There are some 400 castles and manor houses surrounded by parks, tree-lined avenues, crofts and meadows, which together form the open landscape, typical of Sörmland.

Most of these buildings are private homes, while others have become museums.

Many have a completely new life as hotels, conference facilities and top-class restaurants. Concerts, Christmas fairs and other events are held every year at manors all over the county. The Sörmland landscape, with its lakes, archipelago and waterways, provides countless opportunities for boat trips, angling, canoeing and other activities, such as walking on the 1,000-kilometre Sörmlandsleden trail (www.sormlandsleden.se) or cycling on the 700-

Highlights Mariefred and Gripsholm Castle Mariefred is a real small town idyll on Lake Mälaren with beautiful and well-preserved wooden buildings. The town's history and townscape are closely linked with the royal Gripsholm slott. During the summer, you can ride the popular Mariefred round trip with a train journey in a modern express train from Stockholm to Läggesta, narrow gauge steam train from Läggesta to Mariefred and a trip on the steamboat S/S Mariefred back to Stockholm. www.mariefred.se

kilometre Näckrosleden trail. Here, you can find small idyllic towns where the old cobbled streets and the low wooden houses evoke a bygone age. Towns like

Nyköping, Trosa and Mariefred are perfect for a gentle stroll or for visiting small shops, cafés and restaurants.

Travelling to Sörmland

By Air Stockholm Skavsta Airport is the third biggest airport in Sweden and is situated 10 kilometres west of Nyköping and about 100 kilometres from Stockholm. Ryanair and Wizz Air have direct flights from 60 destinations in Europe. www.skavsta.se Stockholm Arlanda Airport serves both international and domestic flights. There are train connections from Arlanda to most towns in Sörmland (1.5 -2 hrs). www.swedavia.se Norrköping Airport is situated about 60 kilometres south of Nyköping. www.norrkopingsflygplats.se

Nyköping and Nyköpingshus Castle Small town idyll along the Baltic coast 10 minutes from Stockholm Skavsta Airport.

The biggest visitor attraction in Nyköping is Nyköpingshus Castle, which today is a collection point for Sörmlands museum.

Don't miss out on an ice cream by the harbour on a summer evening! www.visitnykoping.se www.sormlandsmuseum.se

Västerås Airport is situated about 50 kilometres north of Eskilstuna and five kilometres east of Västerås. www.vasterasflygplats.se By car The main European Motorways E4 and E20 pass through Sörmland.

By train Most towns in Sörmland are accessible by train. Travel time from Stockholm to Sörmland is 40 minutes to 1.5 hours.

Train schedule information is available on www.resplus.se

discover the bare rocks in the Sörmland Archipelago on foot. www.lansstyrelsen.se/sodermanland Trosa Idyllic archipelago town with a late 19th century atmosphere, where the entire little town is an attraction. Beautiful river walk which leads down to the harbour with its little shops, cafés and restaurants. www.trosa.com

Stendörren Naturreservat, north of Nyköping Via suspension bridges out to the islands, Stendörren offers a unique opportunity to

Issue 32 | August 2011 | 41

Photo: Paul Vahtola

Photo: Bo Beijer

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Sörmland

Nacka – where past and present meet by the archipelago

By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Beril Nordahl

Nacka municipality is located in Stockholm County, only a few kilometres east of the Swedish capital. It is known for its beautiful archipelago, excellent cultural and shopping opportunities, and the narrow waterway Baggensstäket, which has a fascinating history as a passageway between the Baltic Sea and Stockholm, as well as an important defence location.

To bring together past and present by presenting local history and the stories of the area’s people, Nacka is introducing HAMN, a new museum at Fisksätra Marina, opening in the summer of 2012.

Easily reached from Stockholm by pretty much any from of transportation, Nacka is a great place to visit on its own, whether for a day trip or a longer leisure or business stay. Many leisure boats travel to Nacka and Baggensstäket to visit the islands of the archipelago or to sail further out to sea. With its stunning location, on a lovely, sunny day, the Nacka area is the perfect destination for a hiking trip in the surrounding landscape, some relaxation in the traditional public baths in Saltsjöbaden, swimming in the sea or lakes,

42 | Issue 32 | August 2011

or perhaps just finding a nice restaurant with lovely views of the water.

Nacka is also a shopping paradise, so for a satisfying spending spree, why not visit Forum Nacka or Sickla shopping centre, both boasting around 300 stores covering all of your shopping needs. For a more cultural experience, one can explore the Nacka arthall, which exhibits contemporary Swedish art, or Stockholms läns museum, with cultural exhibitions depicting the region.

“Nacka also has a large community with global connections, with 80 different nationalities and 50 languages represented by the inhabitants of Fisksätra,” says Hélene Burmeister, project manager for HAMN at Nacka municipality.

This is also the future setting of HAMN, a museum which aims to create an experience-based exhibition that interlaces the past and present as well as the local and global stories of Fisksätra. Seven years of archaeological excavations on the battlefield of Södra Stäket have unearthed all in all 1,500 objects, with the oldest dating back to the

time of the Vikings. Most of the items shed more light on the battle of Södra Stäket, which took place on 13 August 1719, when the Russian fleet attempted to reach the Swedish capital through the Baggensstäket waterway. Every year on the anniversary of the battle, you can also take part in a guided boat tour with re-enactments of the event being played out on the shores. HAMN will offer you a complete experience with a contemporary history museum, a restaurant and a modern hostel, giving you the possibility to stay overnight and enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner or coffee on the terrace, overlooking the magnificent waterfront.

Photo: Louise Tenn

For more information on Nacka and highstandard hotels in the area, please visit: www.nacka.se

The ultimate Swedish idyll: Holidaymaking in Mariefred and Strängnäs Taking the over 100-year-old steamboat from Stockholm and travelling on the Lake Mälaren is a particularly pleasant way to reach Mariefred, one of the most picturesque places one can imagine, with cobblestone streets, roses and apple trees, tiny shops and pastel coloured wooden houses (some dating back to the 18th century). This, in addition to a wealth of exciting activities, history and culture, is on offer for those who visit Mariefred and the nearby town Strängnäs.

By Sara Lofberg | Photos: Strängnäs kommuns arkiv

One of the most famous tourist attractions in Mariefred is Gripsholm castle, founded

by King Gustav Vasa in 1537. A stroll within the walls of Gripsholm castle is a good way to learn more about Sweden’s history, not least by seeing the national portrait collection, with the kings and nobility of the 16th century, right up to present day with honorary portraits of people like Benny Andersson from the group ABBA and Ingvar Kamprad, the founder of IKEA. Another must-do when visiting this area is a short tour with the steam train on “museijärnvägen” – the railway museum. During summer, a good tip is to take the steamboat from Mariefred to the castle of Taxinge and indulge in its famous cake buffet, followed by a stroll in the lovely park and perhaps a swim in the lake, and then return on the old steam train.

Make sure not to miss a visit to the cathedral from the 13th century in Strängnäs

and the quaint marina nearby with lots of restaurants. And if you are looking for activities in these surroundings, you will not be disappointed: walking and cycling paths are in abundance; there are also

opportunities for fishing, golf, horseback riding, motorsports, canoe paddling, bathing, shopping – the list goes on.

There are also various things on offer for children like paintball and “football golfing”, and why not visit the new contemporary history museum, Arsenalen, which has an interesting old collection of Swedish military defence vehicles. A test drive on a mini-tank is available for adults and children from the age of ten. In the summer, there are many concerts, markets and festivals, adding to the wide spectrum of things to do, and rendering boredom impossible here.

For further details about this area: +46 152 296 99 www.strangnas.se turism@strangnas.se

Issue 32 | August 2011 | 43

: ME E H LT A I GE EC SP EKIN BL

Blekinge is magical Describing Blekinge – that’s easier said than done. Not because there is nothing to say, but because there is so much, including the varied nature, ranging from barren rocky islands to dark spruce forests, historic settings alongside modern neighbourhoods, lively city centres and isolated oases.

Text and photos: Region Blekinge

Describing a place is often like trying to put words to feelings. Sometimes sentences become superfluous, and then a smile, a squeeze of the hand or a hug can better convey how we feel, deep in our hearts. We think Blekinge is magical: a place where life is a little easier, where everything is available and nothing is impossible.

Blekinge in three days: from east to west, or vice versa Travel through the world heritage of Karlskrona, in the biosphere area Blekinge Archipelago, the modern spa town of Ronneby, Karlshamn with its festivals, Olofström encircled by forest, and Sölvesborg for wellbeing.

Blekinge is located in the south-eastern corner of Sweden, with Småland to the north and Skåne to the west. Our nearest neighbours on the other side of the Baltic Sea are Germany, Poland and Lithuania.

And from Copenhagen to Blekinge it is only 200 kilometres.

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Wonderful weekend packages in Blekinge Is there anything nicer than heading off for a holiday and being spoilt with good food and great accommodation? The easiest ways to enjoy experiences that offer that little bit extra include an archipelago cruise followed by a night in a hotel or a wilderness adventure combined with a visit to a concert or festival. With our booking site www.visitblekinge.se, the highlights are just a few clicks away. Our websites offer suggestions for accommodation and activities, so you can put together your own package. Domestic flights to Blekinge land in Ronneby, from where every corner of the region can be reached within an hour. The Öresund train runs from Copenhagen and Copenhagen airport via Malmö and Lund to Karlskrona and other towns in Blekinge. In other words, there is no reason to wait – start planning your visit to Blekinge now!

www.visitblekinge.se

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Blekinge

Stay Hotel & Studio: modern and stylish hotel in Karlskrona

By Emelie Krugly Hill | Photos: Stay Hotel & Studio

screen TVs with satellite channels, and a DVD player with surround sound system.

Guests can enjoy breakfast in their own rooms and relax in the public sauna facilities. Free Wi-Fi is also available,” Munthe adds.

Stay Hotel & Studio is an ideal choice, if you are planning a longer stay in Karlskrona, Blekinge’s capital.

The hotel offers spacious rooms, apartments and studios. Choose to stay for a night, a week, a whole month or perhaps even a year. The longer you stay, the better the price.

“The 40 apartments vary in size from 30 to 120 square metres, and the décor is stylish and modern Scandinavian,” explains managing director Louise Munthe.

This new flagship hotel, located on Karlskrona’s high street Ronnebygatan, opened two years ago. The Ronneby Airport shuttle bus passes by the hotel, and the central station is nearby, as well as one of the most popular attractions in town, the National Naval Museum.

Put simply, for Louise and her colleagues, their ambition is to make their hotel rooms and apartments as comfortable and as welcoming as possible.

Stay Hotel & Studio collaborates with local businesses and can offer a wide range of discounts, for example, on tickets to Karlskrona Hockey Club matches.

“All of the apartments are fully equipped with wooden floors, kitchens, comfortable beds, laundry facilities as well as flat-

For more information, please visit: www.stay.se

Kreativum: Putting the fun back into science

By Emelie Krugly Hill | Photos: Kreativum Science Center

When visiting Sweden’s smallest county Blekinge, a visit to the Kreativum Science Center is a must. This former cotton mill in the town of Karlshamn has engaged, challenged and inspired people of all ages since 1999.

Kreativum encompasses 2,500 square metres of interactive exhibits, where visitors can play and learn, and also experience old discoveries and new visions of humanity, nature and technology.

Kreativum has two floors with more

than 150 of what they describe as “discovery stations”. In these large former spin halls, 50,000 visitors every year learn the mechanics of reality, discovering the art of the natural world by testing and exploring through different experiments.

“Kreativum is a very dynamic place that makes you feel energised. Make sure you have the whole day to discover this fantastic space. It’s the most fun working environment I’ve ever experienced,” says managing director Tina Ivarsson.

The four different discovery zones take

you on exciting adventures and are named the Human Senses, Earth in the Universe, What Earth Gives Us and What Mankind Has Developed. One new and popular station is called The Cube, a completely dark room where the task is to find buttons that light up while being filmed with a video camera.

Kreativum is also proud to have southern Sweden’s only Mega Dome Cinema, Kreanova. Enjoy a screen that is four times larger than a normal cinema screen. Kreativum also houses a wonderful café and has a beautiful park called Kreapark which is an adventure in itself.

Kreativum is also one of Blekinge’s finest and most exciting venues for conferences and meetings.

For more information, please visit: www.kreativum.se

Issue 32 | August 2011 | 45

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Blekinge

Eriksberg Game and Nature Park The wonderful Eriksberg Game and Nature Park is located within Blekinge’s archipelago. This unique wildlife reserve with its deciduous forests and diverse coastal landscape is certainly out of the ordinary and a true feast for the senses.

By Emelie Krugly Hill | Photos: Eriksberg Game and Nature Park

If you are planning a conference or holiday in an unusual and beautiful location in south-eastern Sweden, this corner of Blekinge is certainly not to be missed.

Eriksberg, one of northern Europe's largest fenced wildlife reserves, is home to majestic red and fallow deer, European bison, wild boar and mouflon that roam freely, so do not forget your binoculars and cameras.

“Eriksberg is an appropriate venue for small, informal meetings, as well as large conferences, weddings, dinner parties or just simply a holiday. We can satisfy all needs,” says managing director Per-Arne Olsson. “The forest, sea and natural beauty create a stimulating and relaxing

46 | Issue 32 | August 2011

atmosphere, so after a conference, for example, and before dinner, you can go on a safari in the beautiful park to observe wild animals in their natural environment.”

Eriksberg has recently extended its hotel, and during the autumn, this new annexe called Liljetorpet will be completed. The site boasts a secluded and exclusive location with sea views; here, you will experience a spectacular piece of this wonderful nature reserve.

“We offer accommodation with plenty of style; all rooms have a unique design character, with a contrast of eras and styles creating a compelling and vibrant atmosphere. The manor has been restored and developed; other quarters are modern and up-to-date. This certainly is a front-row seat for enjoying the animals in their own environment,” Olsson and his staff assure us.

Eriksberg also has an exclusive restaurant, where you can enjoy locally produced food. In fact, all of the meat is butchered on the estate, and Per-Arne Olsson guarantees fantastic quality meat.

For more information, please visit: www.eriksberg.nu

Blekinge Institute of Technology The Blekinge Institute of Technology, profiled in applied IT, innovation and sustainable development, has been ranked number one among universities in the EU for their research into systems and software engineering.

By Emelie Krugly Hill | Photos: Blekinge Institute of Technology

The main campus, located in Karlskrona, a town known as Telecom City, a “hot spot” within the IT and telecom industry, makes this small seaside town an ideal place if you are seeking a career within IT. Karlskrona is the home of a number of leading IT companies, such as Ericsson and Telenor, and the Blekinge Institute of Technology works closely with many of them, providing a unique insight into the industry. Founded in 1989, BTH has grown steadily ever since and now caters for more than 8,000 students, offers 350 courses in 40 educational programmes at two campuses, one of them being in Karlshamn. Apart from engineering, technology and sustainable development, BTH also offer programmes in management, business administration, health, planning, social science and the humanities. BTH has a high number of international students, and especially attractive is the wide range of Bachelor, Master and PhD programmes.

Anders Hederstierna, Pro Vice-Chancellor at BTH, says: “BTH is an ambitious institute, which has approved university status in technology and offers research education in the fields of IT and its applications, as well as planning and management. It has a number of high profile researchers, in fact, our research is ranked sixth in the world in systems and software engineering as well as in sustainability.”

BTH recently signed a contract with an agency under China's Ministry of Education to establish a Confucius Institute, and will become a centre for education in the Chinese language, with other training pro-

grammes that will benefit Swedish companies seeking to do business in China. It will also facilitate the traditional student exchange between Chinese and Swedish universities. BTH has also signed an agreement with one of China's most prominent universities, Nanjing University - a cooperation which means that students have the opportunity to apply for an exchange program in the field of strategic leadership towards sustainability.

BTH has also recently applied for an ECTS Label (the European Credit Transfer System). The ECTS label will raise the profile of BTH as a transparent and reliable partner in European and international cooperation.

For more information, please visit: www.bth.se

Issue 32 | August 2011 | 47

Experience the Garden of Sweden Sea, lakes and enchanting forest, Blekinge, known as the “Garden of Sweden”, offers you perhaps the nation’s most charming and scenic archipelago.

By Emelie Krugly Hill | Photos: Visit Blekinge

Blekinge, a former Danish province, presents a picturesque landscape full of character, charming fishing villages, long sandy beaches and a stunning archipelago, home to almost a thousand islands and numerous lakes. Blekinge’s capital city, Karlskrona, can be described as being built on a series of coastal islands and is home to Sweden's only remaining naval base. The town became part of the UNESCO World Heritage programme in 1998.

When visiting Karlskrona, it is recommended that you try to include the Naval Museum in you itinerary, as it has a reputation of being one of the most beautiful museums in Sweden. Ronneby, Blekinge’s third largest town, has a history as a health resort. From the 1700s until the 1920s, those seeking rejuvenation would arrive to drink curative mineral water and take invigorating walks in the beautiful nature of Blekinge.

“Today, Ronneby is home to many companies offering the path to wellbeing, as well as the ‘Ronneby Brunnspark’, a spa and conference centre with wonderful gardens that won the ‘Sweden's Most Beautiful

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Park’ award in 2005,” says Lena Israelsson, head of the tourist office in Ronneby.

The beautiful seaside town of Karlshamn is known for the “Carlshamn Punsch”, a traditional alcoholic arrack drink with more than a hundred years of history. This and more can be discovered at the Punsch Museum and other museums of Karlshamn. Not far from town, you will find Mörrumsån, a famous salmon river with some of the best angling waters of the world. In the middle of summer, Karlshamn offers the Baltic festival, where music flows in all directions.

The medieval town of Sölvesborg lies in the south-western county of Blekinge; and

close by is the peninsula Listerlandet, with its numerous sandy beaches, including the fishing villages Hällevik and Nogersund, where one can be ferried to the mythical island of Hanö. The island was a former British naval base and has an English cemetery with 15 graves. Sölvesborg is known also for the Sweden Rock Festival in Norje, Sweden's biggest music festival. Olofström is the only municipality in Blekinge without a coastline and is known for its fishing at Kronofiske Harasjömåla, Volvo engineering and its nature. The region is also known for its world famous literature and is proud of such authors as Harry Martinsson, the 1974 Nobel Prize winner in Literature, and Sven Edvin Salje, whose works have been translated into several languages. Discover their exciting life stories at the Writers Museum in Jämshög, or go for a cultural trek in Harry Martinson and Sven Edvin Salje's neighbourhood.

For more information, please visit: www.visitblekinge.se

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Blekinge

True island bliss: Experience Tjärö in the Swedish archipelago Off the coast of Blekinge, in the archipelago, lies the island Tjärö. With its green fields, cliffs, grazing animals and little red wooden houses from the 18th and 19th century, the environment here is something out of the ordinary.

Tjärö, which is also a nature reserve, is the ultimate place to find calm and tranquillity, and it is also a good choice for hosting conferences and other events.

By Sara Lofberg | Photos: Tjärö

You will find no cars, no roads and above all no stress at Tjärö. It is an uninhabited island, best reached by boat trips from Järnavik and Karlshamn, or indeed by private boat. Tjärö has a marina for visitors catering up to 70 boats. The houses are gathered in the middle of the island, in a small village-type setting, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of an Astrid Lindgren book. Accommodation is offered in single, double or multi-bed rooms, and there is also the option to rent your own cottage. Anders Hafvskrog - the award winning island restaurant - serves breakfast, lunch and dinner; and a nice way to round off the evening is with a drink on the restaurant’s veranda or in the “Night Bar”.

ation is often one purpose, but the brand new conference facility, in addition to the activities on offer and the high standard of dining, has also made Tjärö an increasingly popular destination for business conferences. Due to its proximity to continental Europe, there is a growing international mix of guests; and in spite of the island’s tranquillity, there is plenty to do, including mountain climbing, fishing, golf, canoeing, sailing, yoga, cooking classes and much more.

Stenholm’s veranda

Tjärö has an interesting history. Purchased for one Swedish krona (10 pence pound sterling) by the Swedish Tourist Association in 1939, the island was thereafter used to run youth hostels for much of the 20th century. It was not until the year 2008, when Madeleine and Anders Althin as private investors acquired the Island that Tjärö began to undergo a careful process of restoration and development. “It is a joy to see the island realize its full potential, and flourish,” says Madeleine Althin, who warmly welcomes readers to discover this magnificent place.

A floating sauna

Madeleine Althin, CEO of Tjärö Restaurant and Marina, explains that visitors come to Tjärö for various reasons. Recre-

For more information, please visit: www.tjaro.com

Issue 32 | August 2011 | 49

Hotel of the Month, Finland

Sokos Hotel Vuokatti will keep you active all year round Sokos Hotel Vuokatti is set in the Snowpolis Technology Park, right in the middle of the Vuokatti all seasons international resort. Vuokatti village is part of Sotkamo municipality in the Kainuu region, situated in eastern Finland around Lake Oulujärvi. The resort is a perfect choice for an active holidaymaker looking for experiences in Finnish nature all year round. However, there is also plenty of room for relaxation, cultural activities and culinary adventures.

Both leisure and business travellers will find the best amenities possible available at the hotel.

By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Sokos Hotel Vuokatti

Sokos Hotel Vuokatti opened its doors in December 2007, and just like all Sokos Hotels, it is located centrally in a popular holiday destination, close to a diverse selection of services and amenities. Together with Snowpolis, the hotel offers a wide range of facilities and state-of-theart technology solutions for arranging large meetings, events, or perhaps even an international video conference call. And with 143 well-equipped rooms, a guest

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sauna, and private saunas affording a panoramic view of Vuokatti, as well as two restaurants, a café and bar, the hotel offers all necessary comforts for fully enjoying your stay, be it for leisure or business.

Experience nature, sport & culture With their business model based on an “Active Wellness” principle, Sokos Hotel Vuokatti and its surrounding nature offer

great opportunities for an extensive array of interesting indoor and outdoor activities all year round.

“In the wintertime, popular activities include cross-country and down-slope skiing, and in the summer, people are especially interested in exploring the lakes and hills through fishing, sailing, hiking and so forth. There are also opportunities for playing tennis and golf, and pretty much

Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Finland

any sport you can think of. Wildlife and nature safaris are also a big hit,” says general manager Pasi Tolonen.

You can also stay indoors and take advantage of the gym facilities, or why not check out Vuokatti’s ski tunnel, a year-round underground ski trail. The tunnel is located adjacent to the Vuokatti Sports Institute, which is famous for its ski training, among many other things.

ellers wanting to experience the real taste of Finland. Here, you can choose from fresh game, fish, vegetables and berries sourced from local and other Finnish suppliers. The restaurant has seating for 80 customers as well as an intimate chamber for 12 people and a bar area.

“The restaurant is the pearl of our hotel,” Tolonen says cheerfully. Accordingly, if you

are in search of authentic Finnish culinary, nature and cultural experiences, Sokos Hotel Vuokatti is a great and diverse choice for your next holiday or conference trip.

For more information, please visit: www.sokoshotels.fi/en/hotels/vuokatti

Vuokatti and its surroundings are not all about sport either; there are plenty of renowned cultural events taking place in the local area. Popular examples include the Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival and Kajaani Poetry Week, both taking place in the summer.

Taste local Finnish food at its best “Our Kippo Restaurant has been quite a frontrunner on the Finnish restaurant scene,” says Tolonen. “The business idea was created three years ago, when the local food trend had not yet become such a big thing. We really couldn’t have predicted how popular our chosen food philosophy would turn out to be.”

Kippo Restaurant is set in the atmospheric venue of a traditional Finnish smoke cottage and is an exceptional delight for trav-

How to get there: By road: 35 km from Kajaani and 600 km from Helsinki By rail: train to Kajaani By air: Kajaani, Oulu & Kuopio airports Hotel & Snowpolis facilities: • 143 non-smoking rooms, including standard, superior, family and suites • Meeting rooms for 16-80 people and an auditorium for 110 guests • Two restaurants (Amarillo & Kippo Restaurant), a café and bar

Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival

Contact details: Sokos Hotel Vuokatti Kidekuja 2 Snowpolis 88610 Vuokatti Finland Tel. +358 (0)20 1234 688

Issue 32 | August 2011 | 51

Hotel of the Month, Denmark

CPH LIVING – the hotel that rocks you to sleep

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Hotel CPH LIVING

When strolling along Copenhagen’s many waterways, it is impossible not to be charmed by the city’s beautiful houseboats. One of them is Hotel CPH LIVING which offers tourists a unique opportunity to spend the night on a gently rocking boat with panoramic views of the city.

CPH LIVING opened in 2009, but while the 12 rooms, the rooftop terrace and the reception are completely new, the base of the boat has a much longer story. “The boat is built on an old barge from Germany, which was used to transport coal on the Elbe River from the 1970s,” explains owner Henrik Smith. Upon its retirement, the barge was taken to Poland

52 | Issue 32 | August 2011

and Estonia where it was split and given its current shape; the interior design was created in Denmark. “When you enter a room, it is very bright. You have one big window from ceiling to floor facing the harbour and you have a nice big bathroom with blue glass tiles and view of the harbour as well,” explains Smith. “One of the things that people like here is that the theme is water; it is like water all over.”

Romance on the water With its central location across from the Black Diamond (the new Royal Library), CPH LIVING is only a few minutes away from many of the city’s attractions. Most of the hotel’s guests are couples visiting the city for a long weekend and business trav-

ellers. “They really like the quietness, our personal touch and, of course, the stunning view; you have a panoramic view of the old city centre and the city hall,” says Smith.

Breakfast is served in the reception, but there is no restaurant onboard. “Most of our guests go to eat at nice restaurants; lots of guests visit Noma and other gourmet restaurants,” says Smith. “This is the perfect place for romantic vacations. Staying at a floating hotel is really something else; when another boat passes by, the boat rocks a bit - falling asleep here is a unique experience.”

For more information, please visit: www.cphliving.com

Left: The manor house and the park. Top right: Lobby area outside new meeting room, Storsalen.

Bottom right: Superior room – new wing opened autumn 2010

Hotel of the Month, Norway

Bårdshaug Herregård – Manor house and modern hotel

By Karin Modig | Photos: Bårdshaug Herregård

As a member of De Historiske, an organization of high standard historical hotels and restaurants, Bårdshaug Herregård in Orkanger offers a memorable stay for all visitors. The hotel is as suitable for fishing holidays as for wedding celebrations, so prepare for a unique experience.

Christian Thams, renowned architect and “man of the world”, bought the estate in 1890 and created the distinctive main building himself. The rich history of the hotel and Thams’s achievements are celebrated throughout, creating a historical atmosphere.

Bårdshaug Herregård became a hotel in 1965 and has 88 rooms spread over several buildings. “The styles of the rooms and buildings vary, from classical to modern,” says general manager Arve Tokle. “Although modernized, all rooms in the main house look more or less like they did 100 years ago.”

Close to woodland, the sea and lakes, the hotel is the perfect starting point for

getting into nature, on foot, by bike or boat.

help guests arrange activities like fishing or sea rafting during their conference.”

Orkla, one of the most famous Norwegian salmon rivers is also close by. “It is one of the few ‘clean’ rivers left,” says Tokle. “We have avoided getting the salmon viruses that have been damaging stocks in many other places.” The hotel has its own private fishing spot, and the salmon fishing season runs from 1 June to 31 August.

Naturally, Bårdshaug Herregård has a restaurant as well. “In the restaurant, we use local produce wherever we can, from fresh salmon to wild game,” says Tokle.

“We also have a special menu based on Thams’s life.”

The city of Orkanger is known for its rich industrial history, and Bårdshaug Herregård is close to both industrial museum Orkla Industrimuseum and the Thamshavn Railway, the world’s oldest railway running on an alternating current, built by Thams.

With seven modern meeting rooms, a beautiful park and several lounges, Bårdshaug Herregård is well equipped to host private events, from conferences to weddings. “We can cater for events of up to 100 people,” says Tokle, “and we will happily

Bårdshaug Herregård is approximately an hour’s drive from Trondheim Airport Værnes.

The Library Room at the manor house

For online booking and further information, please visit: http://baardshaug.no

Issue 32 | August 2011 | 53

Photo: Nicolai Perjesi

Attraction of the Month, Denmark

Elsinore’s new culture house – modern culture in historic settings As a brand new cultural institution situated in a historic shipyard in Elsinore’s rapidly developing harbour, the Culture Yard brilliantly unites present, past and future. The experience centre, which can be reached from central Copenhagen in less than one hour by train or 30 minutes by car, comprises two stages, one of them the largest in North Zealand, a large library, conference facilities, a museum, exhibition space, an eatery, and much, much more.

rounding the beautiful and historic Kronborg Castle. A new maritime museum is also to open as part of the project. “With the creation of the Culture Yard, Elsinore City Council has united and extended the community’s cultural institutions and culturally related activities in the city’s historical centre, the harbour,” explains Clausen. “When the Maritime Museum opens in 2013 and the whole harbour area is connected - the culture yard, the mu-

“The Culture Yard is a cultural centre for knowledge, creativity, development, experience, education and identity, full of life seven days a week,” says Gertrud Stine Clausen, communications and marketing consultant at the Culture Yard. “It is a place where people meet: children, youths and adults, locals and tourists.”

Text by Signe Hansen Photos: Culture Yard

Bringing culture and people together While many of the daily users of, for instance, the library are locals, the conference facilities attract people from most of Denmark while larger events such as concerts, plays and dance performances attract global as well as local visitors.

“There are abundant reasons to visit the Culture Yard: our special location and fantastic view, the stunning architecture in which the old shipyard buildings are preserved and renewed, and, of course, the numerous events within music, theatre, art, dance, lectures, festivals and much more,” stresses Clausen.

Upcoming events: 8 September: Marie Bergman concert 17 September: Carpark North concert 22 October: Linda P stand-up show Once a month: Classic Wednesday (classical music concert)

Culture Harbour Kronborg The new 13,000-square-metre cultural house, which opened in late 2010, is a part of Culture Harbour Kronborg, an extensive restructuring of the old harbour sur-

54 | Issue 32 | August 2011

seum and Kronborg - with the station and the city, this will truly become a meeting point for the local and the global.”

You can find more information about the different events and new developments at the Culture Yard at: www.kulturvaerftet.dk

Attraction of the Month, Iceland

Special Tours – the puffin experts and express whale watchers Special Tours (Sérferðir) has been specialising in puffin watching tours since 1996, but after changing ownership in 2005, it has also branched out to whale watching and sea angling as well as offering tailor-made incentive tours. To embark on an unforgettable adventure together with Special Tours, you need to make your way to Reykjavik’s old harbour, or you could take advantage of their free pick-up service available in the Reykjavik area.

By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Special Tours

Manager Magnús Kr Guðmundsson had actually already been working for the company for three years before taking it over with partner Hjörtur Hinriksson. They

wanted to expand the company’s tour offerings as well as offer more tours per day.

“Two years ago, we bought a new boat, and this is now our second summer of whale watching,” Guðmundsson explains. After purchasing another boat this winter, Special Tours now boasts three vessels: the luxurious Rósin (The Rose), a fast cruiser

that will take you on a Whale Watching Express tour; the charming Skúlaskeið or “Old Skúli” that can take you close to the islands for some intimate puffin watching; and the beautiful Haffari (Ocean-rider), which is especially equipped for sea angling tours.

Special Tours is proud to offer their “express” whale watching tours that will get you to the right area in about 20 minutes, making sure you spend more time actually watching whales than waiting to arrive at the right spot. On the whale watching tours, the boat will also sail past the puffin islands, giving passengers two experiences in one go. With a 95% whale spotting success rate, the company will offer you a free tour on the rare occasion that your expedition turns out to be fruitless.

“We see ourselves as a company that has

close contact with its customers; we’re not part of a mass tourism experience,” says Guðmundsson. “Together with our crew, we’re like a big family business, with a great atmosphere.” To join the easy-going, expert crew of Special Tours for a real Icelandic nature experience, why not book your tour today?

Best timing for tours: Whale Watching Express: 1 April – 30 October Puffin Express: 1 May – 20 August Sea Angling: 1 May – October

Special tailor-made tours can be arranged all year round.

For more information, please visit: www.specialtours.is

Issue 32 | August 2011 | 55

Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Finland

Santa Claus and the Elves

Joulukka's Secret Command Centre

Attraction of the Month, Finland

Experience a Christmas fairytale at the Arctic Circle Where else could one enjoy the authentic spirit of Christmas better than in the deep Lappish forests and caverns of northern Finland. Travel to Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, to experience everlasting Christmas at SantaPark, the Home Cavern of Santa Claus, and uncover Santa’s secret hideaway, Joulukka, on the shores of Lake Sierijärvi, 16 kilometres from Rovaniemi. With elves, reindeer, huskies, presents and, of course, the old man himself, Santa Claus, SantaPark and Joulukka create a once in a lifetime fairytale experiences.

By Nia Kajastie | Photos: ProSanta Oy

“Finnish is the only language in which December means ‘Christmas month’,” explains managing director of ProSanta Oy, Ilkka Länkinen. “And, of course, Santa Claus lives in Finland. So for an authentic Christmas and fairytale experience that will give you memories for a lifetime, this is the place to be.”

Get Christmassy at SantaPark ProSanta Oy, the Christmas specialists, have been offering magical Santa Claus experiences for children and adults alike since 1997. At SantaPark, you can explore Santa Claus’s mysterious grotto and meet his little helpers as well as Mrs Claus. Inside the cosy underground caves, you can meet Santa Claus in person at his workshop, decorate gingerbread cookies in the kitchen with Mrs Claus, visit the ice gallery

56 | Issue 32 | August 2011

and then the ice bar for some warm or cold refreshments, and at the Elf School, you will learn more about the secretive ways of the elves and receive your very own Elf School Certificate.

SantaPark has a lot to offer for the whole family, including a fantasy show, another exciting highlight, which is full of fascinating fairytale creatures and Lappish mythology. There are also endless possibilities for creating private occasions, incentive trips and meetings at both venues, and the staff will happily create an unforgettable event according to your exact wishes.

Uncover the secret of Joulukka Opened in 2007, Joulukka, although possessing a very different character to San-

taPark, still retains a magical atmosphere and sense of wonder for its visitors.

“Joulukka embodies our vision of the perfect encounter with Santa Claus; it’s a five-star and plus Christmas experience,” says Länkinen. “You are treated to a private meeting with Santa Claus without any unnecessary waiting for others to go first, as there is nobody else there. It’s an exclusive experience, which can be tailormade to fit your needs. For example, an elf can come and pick you up straight from your hotel, and you can also include husky or reindeer sleigh rides to your trip.”

Located only a 20-minute drive from Rovaniemi, Joulukka is set in the midst of an arctic coniferous forest, by a lake, presenting the best bits of Lappish nature.

Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Finland

So, why not take advantage of the amazing surroundings and enjoy outdoor activities, such as kick-sledding, snow games, snowmobiling and many more.

“It’s a place that really incorporates the essential meaning of Christmas, from spending time together with your loved ones to sharing and caring. It’s a fairytale come true,” says Länkinen. Accordingly, you can set out on a fairy-tale trail or learn more about the mysteries of the elves for a great big dose of Christmas magic.

In addition to the well-planned and active programmes, Joulukka is also a great environment for themed dinners, where guests are served Lappish delicacies, as well as private events.

This year, why not surprise your family with a trip to the home and offices of the one and only Santa Claus? The true essence of Christmas can be found in both the fun-filled SantaPark caverns as well as in magical and exclusive Joulukka.

OPENING TIMES SantaPark Summer season: Open from mid-June until mid-August Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 6pm Winter season: Open from end of November until midJanuary Open daily between 10am - 6pm

SantaPark - Undercrossing of the Arctic Circle

SantaPark - Magic train

SantaPark - Ice gallery

Joulukka Open for groups by special arrangement (with weekly guaranteed departures).

How to get there Finnair and Norwegian fly from Helsinki to Rovaniemi several times a day.

Contact details Tel. +358 600 301 203 info@prosanta.fi

MRs Bakery in SantaPark

For more information, please visit: www.santapark.com www.joulukka.com www.prosanta.fi

Issue 32 | August 2011 | 57

Attraction of the Month, Norway

Orkla Industrimuseum – In the heart of historical Sør-Trøndelag The industrial heritage in the districts of Orkdal and Meldal is highlighted at Orkla Industrimuseum, a museum dedicated to relaying the history of the area in an exciting and informal manner. Orkla Industrimuseum runs three sites: a mine, a railway and an information centre.

By Karin Modig | Photos: Orkla Industrimuseum

“This area of Norway has got a very rich industrial history,” says John Arnt Holmen from the museum. “Mining began at Løkken Verk in 1654, where they extracted copper-rich pyrite by setting fire to the rock surface.”

The Old Mine, or the Cathedral of Work and Toil, as it is also known as, is no longer a working mine, but a museum.

“Visitors are taken into the oldest part of the mine; they get to explore the cave and get a feeling of the hard work involved,” says Holmen.

The largest room open to visitors is 1,300 square metres and 15 metres from floor to ceiling. With incredible acoustics and seating for 600 people, the hall has been used as a concert venue for a number of well-known artists.

In the late 1800s, local businessman, architect and diplomat, Christian Thams

58 | Issue 32 | August 2011

founded the railway Thamshavnbanen as well as mining company Orkla Grube Aktiebolag, today known as Orkla ASA (Orkla Group).

Thamshavnsbanen opened in 1908 and was the first electrical railway in Norway to carry passengers from the beginning.

The trains stopped being in service decades ago, but in 1982, a group started lovingly restoring the railway, and today, you can ride in the original carriages between Løkken Verk and Bårdshaug. It is the oldest railway run on an alternating current, and a three-course lunch can be enjoyed aboard.

modern electrical railway, is a very interesting job,” says Holmen. “The layers and diversity in the story mean that there is always something new and exciting to explore.”

Across their sites, Orkla Industrimuseum welcomes nearly 30,000 visitors every year.

The information centre features detailed exhibitions of both the Thamshavnbanen railway, and the Old Mine, from old railway engines to pictures and exhibition videos.

“Teaching people about our rich history, from the first forays into mining to the

For further information, please visit: www.oi.no

Uusi Seurahuone - New Society house

Restaurant of the Month, Finland

Restaurant Hugo brings together international expertise and organic Finnish food

By Anni-Maria Sahala | Photos: Restaurant Hugo

High-quality locally produced food, breath-taking sea views and a stunning neo-Renaissance palace, all come together at Restaurant Hugo. Whether you want to enjoy carefully prepared fish and seafood, or treat your taste buds to traditional Finnish delicacies, you should visit Restaurant Hugo in Oulu.

Restaurant Hugo is the main restaurant in Uusi Seurahuone, and also houses various private function rooms. Even though the name translates as “New Society house”, the history of the building stretches back to the 19th century, when Captain Johan Fredrik Petrell’s private residence, Petrell’s Palace, was built. Ten years ago, it was carefully restored and converted into Uusi Seurahuone.

Sales manager Henna Sarkkinen explains how the whole concept embraces its tradition: “All the different rooms have been historically named. Restaurant Hugo adopted its name from the building’s architect, Hugo Neuman, and for instance, some of the private function rooms have been named after Petrell’s ships.”

The restaurant is far from being yet another ordinary restaurant. It combines breath-taking surroundings and versatile premises with a mouth-watering dining experience. Restaurateur Tommi Tuhkanen has been in charge of Restaurant Hugo since 2010, and he says specialising in fish and seafood was a natural option: “I spent ten years abroad learning about different methods of preparing fish and seafood. Our concept is based on highquality and locally produced food, and because of Hugo’s coastal location, fresh fish is available daily.”

Tuhkanen, who is also Hugo’s head chef, says the menus naturally follow the four seasons of the year, and the selection varies according to the availability of local, fresh produce. Restaurant Hugo offers five different menus and a comprehensive wine menu, catering to the customers’ every need. Overall, Tuhkanen recommends experimenting with different dishes: “Even though we specialise in fish, you can also find reindeer, duck and organic kyyttö, a traditional Finnish type of beef, on our menu, all of which are handpicked for the highest quality. We favour the sous-vide cooking method, in which the food is slowly cooked at low temperatures to preserve natural flavours.”

Even though the team at Hugo never cut corners, Tuhkanen wants to make sure dining in the restaurant does not break the bank, and Hugo has received praise for the reasonably priced menus. The restaurant is open Monday to Saturday, and the delicious food can also be enjoyed at private functions in Uusi Seurahuone’s other rooms.

For further information, please visit: www.ravintolahugo.fi

Restaurateur Tommi Tuhkanen

Issue 32 | August 2011 | 59

Restaurant of the Month, Denmark

Restaurant Fusion – Aalborg’s new gourmet surprise Visiting Restaurant Fusion in Aalborg is not just a chance to try out something new and original, in a perhaps somewhat unlikely location. It is also a chance to be part of a rather unusual story which started 34 years ago when a crowded refugee boat left Vietnam with eight-year-old Vinh Quoc Du on board.

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Restaurant Fusion

Today Vinh Du is the owner of this gourmet restaurant, which is located in an impressive new building on Aalborg’s waterfront. The restaurant’s menu, which combines the classical French kitchen with the simplicity of Asian food and seasonal regional produce, reflects not only Vinh Du’s own background and training but also his unstoppable passion for food.

“I always talk about food; it’s my dream, my lifestyle,” Vinh Du says enthusiastically.

After two years in a Malaysian refugee camp, Vinh Du and his family ended up in North Jutland, and though many might

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have thought it unlikely then, it became the place where Vinh Du would realise his dream.

Gaining experience Vinh Du’s passion for food started early: he was cooking when he was just 14, and in 1989, he began training to become a chef. Having completed his training, Chinese-Vietnamese Vinh Du went to France to work for a Michelin award chef. Later, he joined the kitchen team at Danish Penny Lane in Aalborg and Pakhuset in Skagen, but then Vinh Du shifted lanes; he returned to Aalborg to take over his father’s takeaway grill. Vinh Du managed

the grill for 17 years, and it was not until 2010 that his dream of opening his own restaurant came true. “I have dreamt of opening this restaurant since I took over my dad’s takeaway grill, but in the meantime I have learnt a lot,” he explains.

Du expanded his father’s grill into a catering company and built up a strong network.

“It has been a big challenge, but through my catering company I built on an idea, which I have now turned into this concept.”

Combining knowledge The restaurant, which seats 100 guests in the main area and 25 at the sushi bar, of-

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Denmark

fers a new four-course menu every month as well as an à la carte menu and sushi.

The menu is created by Vinh Du and his head chef Dan Cassebaum, who previously worked at the Michelin starred Søllerød Kro. “Having Dan is a great advantage to me. He does not know that much about the Asian kitchen, but he has worked at Michelin restaurants, where he has gained knowledge about the classic, seasonally dependent Nordic produce, and he is extremely good at that,” says Vinh Du. The pair’s combined skills are reflected in the menu which includes innovative dishes, such as sashimi tuna with raspberries, dried foie gras and ponzu foam; and stuffed quail with morel, edamame beans, new carrots, potato balls and foie gras sauce. “We have a lot of fresh fish and a very high quality; we don’t want to compromise the quality of the food, but because of taxes and VAT our prices are quite reasonable compared

to gourmet restaurants in Copenhagen,” explains Vinh Du. Another difference from many big city gourmet restaurants is, says Vinh Du, the friendly but relaxed atmosphere. “People who come here really enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the view,” he says, jokingly adding:“Of course we don’t have a view like a Hong Kong restaurant or something like that; it is Aalborg, but everybody likes to be by the water.”

Gathering inspiration When Vinh Du decided to open his gourmet fusion restaurant, he knew it was going to be a challenge. But with the support of his wife, who manages the administration of the restaurant, and silent investor Per Søndergaard Pedersen, he is seeing his dream come true. “I am living out my dream. Of course, if it does not succeed, it will be a very expensive dream,” he says dryly. “It’s a big change, and, of course, it’s a challenge, but I have a lot of colleagues

and good friends within the business who have given me ideas and tips, and Per Søndergaard gives me a lot of good advice on business and staff management. And with time, I have defined my own concept much more clearly.” However, this does not mean that Vinh Du has stopped seeking inspiration elsewhere. When Scan Magazine talks to him, he is just on his way to London to visit some of the city’s leading Asian fusion restaurants with his family. “If I can try out a couple of cool restaurants and at the same time have a holiday with my children, I am very happy,” he enthuses. “I have two sons at ten and thirteen, and I use them as my judgement board; they have begun to become quite picky, probably because I talk about food all the time.”

For further information, please visit: www.restaurantfusion.dk

Issue 32 | August 2011 | 61

Scan Magazine | Columns | Humour

IS IT JUST ME...

By Mette Lisby

Whose summer got considerably better with the publishing of an article about vegetables that are less nutritious than they are perceived to be?

Not that they are unhealthy, of course, as the nutrition experts responsible for the list eagerly pointed out. And that’s exactly what annoys me about veggies.

They have somehow obtained this status beyond and above even The Pope, U2 and Kate & William, because unlike these icons, vegetables cannot be criticized, questioned or denounced. Seriously! You have to be under the age of 5 to publically get away with stating you don’t really like them.

Not surprisingly, I find this highly provocative. After all I was the one who, until my mid 20’ies, declared “crisps” as my favorite veggie and even though I bounced back and now LOVE veggies for dinner, it is under the strict condition that they are grilled and either filled with

cream cheese or as a bare minimum covered in olive oil.

The concept of the article was fantastic in its own right, but it actually got even better when you read it. On top of the list was celery! HA! About time somebody took that snooty thing down a notch. For years celery has been highly overrated as the number one favorite “snack” (!!) or “healthy snack” as nutrition-conscious people announce self-importantly when they serve celeries in tall glasses, trying to pass them on as “delicious”. And celeries always stand next to the crisps, tall and righteous and make you feel like a total loser when you reach for the crisp. You feel the stinging looks of all the healthy guests when you take a crisp and you feel obliged to utter

stupid stuff like “I’m so gonna go to the gym tomorrow” as you humbly and hastily eat the one, tiny crisp you can get away with.

But finally somebody dared to spill the beans and publish the truth about celery: It holds NO real nutritional value.

Now I’m looking forward to the list of crisps that aren’t really that bad.

Mette Lisby is Denmark’s leading female comedian. She invites you to laugh along with her monthly humour columns. Since her stand-up debut in 1992, Mette has hosted the Danish versions of “Have I Got News For You” and “Room 101”.

The end of the wedding season

By Maria Smedstad

It’s the last wedding of the season, and women all over the UK breathe a sigh of relief. This is the first wedding where they can actually sample the wedding cake – they have been off carbs since May. The mission has now been accomplished; they fit into their dress for the last time and don’t care if they have to be cut out of it later in the evening. This particular dress, by the way,

62 | Issue 32 | August 2011

was expensive dress number three this year.

Since the birth of Facebook and tagging, having one nice dress will no longer do.

It’s a shame the couple decided to get married in the Lake District as everyone else lives in Kent. The bride and groom have no particular ties to the Lake District, but they feel it’s so very ‘them’. Cousin Fran is particularly upset as she has forked out a small fortune on a babysitter because the invite said no children, only to discover that second cousin Heather has ignored the rule and has brought her two kids along. Great Aunt Lydia thinks the bride looks like a slapper. Uncle Gerard tries in vain to explain that the bride’s Australian accent – a result of a 36 month gap year – doesn’t technically make her a foreigner. Peace ensues as the free bar opens and everyone is happy that they came. Driving home the following day, Fran suddenly remembers they have forgotten to buy the

couple a present! She accesses their gift list during a petrol stop outside Birmingham, feeling this will draw a nice line under the financial trauma of the season. The only item left to buy is a set of two candleholders for £120. Fran thinks back to the fact that the bride’s brother puked on her pashmina and only buys one.

Maria Smedstad moved to the UK from Sweden in 1994. She received a degree in Illustration in 2001, before settling in the capital as a freelance cartoonist, creating the autobiographical cartoon Em. She writes a column on the trials and tribulations of life as a Swede in the UK.

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Scan Business | Key Note | The popularity of Scandinavian Design

Scan Business Kicking the can down the road 65 | Conference of the Month: Vejlsøhus 66 | The Scandinavian Chambers of Commerce 67

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The popularity of Scandinavian design among UK consumers

By Linda Swarbrick, Scandi Living Ltd

With Scandinavian design enjoying more attention than ever in the UK, I really believed in my business idea when I started up www.scandiliving.com.

well in coastal homes around this country.

Scandi Living has been up and running for over four years now. Not every product that works well in Sweden will sell well over here, so we learn as we go along. I believe we offer the right handpicked mix of homely and modern products with both new and well-known brands. In combination with the ever-growing internet sales market, Scandi Living is thriving.

Scandinavian Design has a unique and recognizable look, and so many people find this style to be appealing. It uses clean and simple lines together with light colours. It is effortless design made with high-quality materials, and it has an excellent reputation worldwide.

Nature is a recurring theme in our design and architecture, and with growing awareness of environmental issues and green living, this certainly increases the popularity of Scandinavian design.

The natural look is something our bestselling brand Linum does very well. The new Winter Collection is inspired by the rich colour of autumn vegetables, the natural shades of lambâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wool in greys, the browns of the woods, and shades of natural leather with classical Christmassy reds.This natural look suits the British very well and looks amazing in old country houses. Linum also designs a big part of their collection around the nautical theme, something that works so

64 | Issue 32 | August 2011

design. We considered carefully how it would work with the British way of life, and it has turned out to be a strong grower.

The future is looking extremely bright for Scandi Living and Scandinavian design.

According to my thinking, if Scandi Living is flourishing even though times are tough, consumers are careful and the exchange rate is dreadful, then we are looking towards a very promising future.

Linda Swarbrick, Scandi Living Ltd

A brand that is fairly new to the UK, but immensely popular in Sweden, is the plastic Pappelina rug, representing the clean and modern angle of Scandinavian

For further information, please visit: www.scandiliving.com

Scan Business | Column | Annika Åman-Goodwille

Kicking the can down the road My 16-year-old son and a pal were discussing the extent of their friends’ pocket money. They thought it was a lot. Unsurprisingly I agreed. I believe parents should teach children the value of money and not to run up debts. If one needs to borrow, then it should be sensibly planned to avoid running into the debt trap. So what messages are our politicians giving when they just keep on borrowing more every time they run out of money?

The debt problems of the Eurozone states have been well aired. Borrow more than you can afford then default and your credit ratings plummet. Then you find it impossibly expensive to borrow more. Just as in real life. You are inextricably trapped and there are only three ways out: 1. Go bankrupt (or ask for debt forgiveness) – tricky if you want new loans to start up business again. 2. Ask your kind ‘relatives’ to give you money – not so easy when most of2 them can scarcely afford their own debt

By Annika Åman-Goodwille

repayments 3. Restructure your economy to generate more income while spending a lot less – really difficult when your family feels it is not their fault you ran up unaffordable debts – anyway, restructuring takes ages and your creditors cannot wait.

Meanwhile, you find out the banks who have been funding your loans have been playing stupid gambling games with your debts, have messed up on their own liquidity and threaten to go bust themselves if you do not pay up; in which case you will not have anyone to turn to.

Even the USA has debts that exceed its GDP, leaving its president at loggerheads with Republican opponents, while trying to resolve the country’s debt crisis to avoid structural bankruptcy. To quote Obama, “we’re just kicking the deficit can down the road”.

Politicians are so often afraid of making difficult and unpopular decisions because

they have horizons no further than the next election. Imagine what would happen to my sons’ debts, if they were the sort content just to kick their debt cans down the road?

Blog: godigitalordie.blogspot.com Twitter: @agoodwille Email: annikaa@goodwille.co.uk LinkedIn: Annika Aman-Goodwille Facebook: Annika Åman Goodwille

3('(5 2;(¶ 6 9, 1. /'(5 Scan Magazine seeks Freelance Journalists We are currently looking for qualified journalists on a freelance basis. We are looking for journalists with Danish, Swedish, Norwegian or Finnish background. You need to be confident in English as well as at least one of the Nordic languages.

To apply, please email your CV to Thomas Winther at thomas@scanmagazine.co.uk or call 0870 933 0423

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Issue 32 | August 2011 | 65

Scan Business | Conference of The Month | Denmark

Photo: JW luftfoto

Photo: Nick Halsey

Conference of the Month, Denmark:

Vejlsøhus – A palette of vibrant colours and nature Location sure plays a big part when plans are being made for your next conference. You could even be tempted to say that it is all about location, and when it comes to outstanding surroundings, there seems to be one venue of choice: it would be hard to find a better view while attending a conference than at Vejlsøhus.

By Charlotte Kany Photos: Mark & Bjerre

Few places can boast a location right in the middle of a verdant forest with blue lakes and fascinating wildlife. Booking a stay at Vejlsøhus provides you with the best setting for your conference, where the surrounding nature is a big part of the total experience.

Vejlsøhus offers a range of different activities, such as teambuilding in the forest, picnics, mountain biking and guided walks.

Having AQUA as its nearest neighbour, there is plenty of entertainment available. All delegates are offered free entrance to this spectacular place, hosting the largest freshwater aquarium in northern Europe and a great nature park with a various animals. Furthermore, it is possible to book a variety of purpose-designed activities using these entertainment facilities.

You will find the venue situated in the charming city of Silkeborg, known for its fantastic lakes, attracting many happy sailors throughout the year. Vejlsøhus is housed in a historical building that dates back to the

66 | Issue 32 | August 2011

beginning of the 20th century. It was originally built as a sanatorium, but has now been converted into a conference centre offering all modern services, such as wireless broadband and video conferences, and providing space for various group sizes.

Living so close to the surrounding nature, it is very important for Vejlsøhus to care for and protect the green areas, and accordingly, they have had a green policy for several years. Marketing manager and head of sponsors Pernille Benzon explains: “We economize on heating, electricity, and sort our waste, among many energy-saving initiatives. The nature is so significant to this area, and we want to take a stand for nature preservation.” So choose Vejlsøhus as the perfect setting for a great conference, in an environmentally friendly atmosphere.

For further information, please visit: www.vejlsohus.dk

Scan Business | News | Chambers of Commerce

Danish-UK Chamber of Commerce

By Anette Prehn – sociologist, leadership trainer and author – where2next

A Summer Cocktail Party took place 6 July at the Danish Ambassador’s Residence in London. The residence was crowded with people from all walks of life: a marvellously diverse group of businessmen, bankers, researchers and other professionals.

For me, such a forum is a gift. I am launching my next book Play Your Brain on 15 August. It offers the core skills needed to turn your brain into a co-player.

It builds the change mindset that is so sought-after (and so difficult to achieve) in today’s business environment. It is for everyone wanting to excel in ever-changing environments.

Being at the Summer Cocktail Party – with the book in hand – offered a unique

opportunity to engage with bright people.

I found myself discussing the essence of great leadership with a cosmopolitan man with a multicultural background who now happens to work with Scandinavian companies. I found myself explaining the wisdom of systematically emptying your working memory – and using the fast system of the brain – to boost creativity and problem solving. I even met a female Ph.D. whose area of research happens to be the brain – what a coincidence!

Needless to say, I acquired some very useful contacts. Yet again DUCC has proved a powerful organisation for connecting, networking and having fun.

Anette Prehn

Diversity Dressed in Summer Cocktails

UPCOMING EVENTS 2011

To order AnettePrehn’s book Play Your Brain (Marshall Cavendish), please visit www.amazon.co.uk

25 Aug

Nordic Thursday Drinks, Radisson BLU Portman Hotel 15 Sept Joint Nordic Event at London Stock Exchange

Danish-UK Chamber of Commerce | Phone: +44 (0) 20 7259 6795 | Email: info@ducc.co.uk | www.ducc.co.uk

Norwegian-British Chamber of Commerce Members of the Norwegian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) represent over 30 different industry sectors, and this is reflected in the wide range of business networking and topical business events organised by the cham- Martin Falch, president, NBCC ber. Each year, over 40 events take place in London and Aberdeen, ranging from the more informal monthly Nordic Networking drinks, to the formal topical conferences with prominent speakers who are considered experts within their fields.

Some of the event highlights so far this year include: • Official UK Launch of ‘SAVO’ Office Seating

• Wealth Planning Seminar with DnB NOR Private Banking Luxembourg • Joint-Nordic Career Seminar “2011: will it make your Career?”

• Nordic Breakfast Seminar with the President and CEO of SAS Scandinavian Airlines • Joint Nordic “Online Security” seminar • Offshore Conference “Operational Challenges in the North Sea” • NBCC at All Energy in Aberdeen

ber of the NBCC, you can contact the Chamber on info@nbccuk.com to set up a meeting. It is also possible to register as a member on our website. Visit www.nbccuk.com to find out more about the NBCC and all our upcoming events.

Another highlight was the NBCC’s Annual General Meeting, held at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in London in May, where Mr Martin Falch was elected for another term as President of the Chamber.

Anyone with an interest in the NorwegianBritish business community is welcome to attend events. The NBCC membership base consists of approximately 50% Norwegians and 50% British, so all events are in English.

If your company is interested in accessing a unique business network by becoming a mem-

UPCOMING EVENTS 2011

The Norwegian-British Chamber of Commerce would like to wish you all a warm and pleasant summer!

25 Aug

Nordic Thursday Drinks, Radisson BLU Portman Hotel 7 Sept NBCC at Offshore Europe 13 Sept Joint Nordic Event at London Stock Exchange 22 Sept SuperOffice Event 29 Sept Nordic Thursday Drinks.

Hyatt Regency Hotel

Norwegian-British Chamber of Commerce | Phone: +44 (0) 20 7930 0181 | Email: info@nbccuk.com | www.nbccuk.com

Issue 32 | August 2011 | 67

Scan Busines | News | Chambers of Commerce

Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK The Swedish Chamber of Commerce will kick off its autumn events programme with the Annual Crayfish Party on 2 September. The event promises great food, entertainment and lots of singing and dancing by the Thames, on board the RS Hispaniola – overlooking the river. The crayfish season is one of the most popular cultural celebrations in Sweden and brings together the best of the country: seafood, snaps and singing.

If crayfish is not your cup of tea, there is much more to choose from in September. On 14 September, Dr Amlan Roy, responsible for Global Demographics and Pensions Research at Credit Suisse Investment Bank in London, will give his take on the demographics of the real world.

Our annual Humberside event will feature Göran Dandanell, Chairman, GRE Invest as guest speaker, as part of the “Re-

like to know how we could work with your company, please have a look at www.scc.org.uk or contact the Secretariat on 020 7224 8001.

UPCOMING EVENTS 2011

newing the Humber Conference”. And, on 28 September, business networking strategist Andy Lopata is back to help us develop successful referrals strategies.

Other topics this autumn include fashion, PR, industry, life science, export and much more.

The Swedish Chamber of Commerce is an expert in business networking and Sweden promotion and today works actively with 400 companies. If you would

2 Sept Annual Crayfish Party 14 Sept A demographic perspective of the real world 17 Sept JCC Crayfish Party 21 Sept Humber Chapter Dinner with guest speaker Göran Dandanell, GRE Invest 22 Sept Renewing the Humber Conference 22 Sept JCC Entrepreneurship Forum: New media technology 28 Sept How to develop a successful referrals strategy More events will be listed on www.scc.org.uk

Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK | Phone: +44 (0) 20 7224 8001 | Email: info@scc.org.uk | www.scc.org.uk

Finnish-British Chamber of Commerce When this issue comes out, some of you might be sitting at the end of a pier in a beautiful lakeside setting or enjoying some rather more exotic summer activities. July and August are a relatively quiet time for our chamber, but we will kick off the events again on the 25 August, when we will have the increasingly popular Nordic Networking Drinks at Radisson BLU, and from then on, the months ahead start looking very busy and very interesting indeed!

The autumn program will start on 15 September with the Joint Nordic Event at London Stock Exchange, the topic of which is East meets West. Sovereign Wealth Fund capital is flowing East to West. Global corporations are looking West to East in attracting this funding. This event will look at key drivers as to why that is, what is happening and what is expected.

traordinary history and for its ongoing growth, will definitely be one worth listening to, so please mark this date in your calendars.

FBCC has attracted various new companies to join in the first half of 2011; to find out more about how we can make a difference in your business, please contact us at info@fbcc.co.uk.

UPCOMING EVENTS 2011

On 28 September, we have the pleasure of welcoming the CEO of KONE, Matti Alahuhta, as a guest speaker at our networking event. KONE was founded 100 years ago and has often been described as the first international company from Finland. The story of KONE, famous for its ex-

25 Aug Nordic Networking Drinks 15 Sept East meets West – Joint Nordic Event at LSE 28 Sept CEO of KONE Matti Alahuhtaat FBCC networking event 6 Oct Pekka Viljakainen, “NO FEAR,” Leadership in the Age of Digital Cowboys

Finnish-British Chamber of Commerce | Phone: +44 (0) 20 8741 6352 | Email: events@fbcc.co.uk | www.fbcc.co.uk

68 | Issue 32 | August 2011

Scan Magazine | News

First Finn to row across the Atlantic – to help end human trafficking

turned into rowing across the Atlantic Ocean. My love for sport and passion to fight this injustice are the combined inspiration for Row For Freedom.”

Their journey will start on 4 December from La Gomera, and if they succeed in reaching Barbados, Julia will become the first Finn to row across the Atlantic. But the hardship of rowing for 40 days, 12 hours a day, does not faze Julia: “If this row brings freedom to one person, it will all be worth it.”

Since last autumn, Julia Immonen’s life has changed dramatically: formerly an ordinary girl, who went about her business like any other Londoner, now the media professional spends hours and hours rowing up and down the Thames. Why? Because she wants to stop human trafficking.

Julia, 31, is part of a six-woman crew that is launching a double world record attempt by bidding to row the Atlantic unaided. Four of the six ordinary girls have never rowed before and are taking on the extraordinary challenge of becoming the first six-woman crew to cross the ocean.

And they will also attempt to become the fastest female crew to achieve the feat.

Their bid to row almost 5,000 kilometres in a tiny carbon boat is motivated by a mission to highlight the issue of human trafficking worldwide. The team is aiming to raise £1million for charities that help

By Anni-Maria Sahala Photo: Row For Freedom

victims of the modern-day slave trade.

The Row For Freedom project is the brainchild of Julia who was first exposed to the horrors of human trafficking in 2008: “Seeing a documentary changed my life, and I felt such an urgency to do something. An initial half marathon has now

To help Julia and her Row For Freedom team, please visit their website: www.rowforfreedom.com

Julia would love to get Scandinavian companies behind her, please contact her on julia@sportagainsttrafficking.com for more details.

In a Better World released in the UK

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Per Arnesen

dangerous act of revenge on a boorish mechanic who hits Anton.

The film’s two-sided ending movingly reveals, on one hand, the limits of redemption, and on the other, the dangerously deceptive nature of powerlessness and sorrow disguised as anger. But compelling and moving as the story is, it is just as much the incredible shots of the beautiful Danish landscape and community that silently convey the eruptive nature of the feelings buried just beneath the surface; and the almost painfully raw interactions between the actors, in particular Danish Dyrholm and Swedish Persbrandt, that move you and make the film worthy of its Oscar.

The UK theatrical release of Susanne Bier’s Oscar winning In a Better World is just around the corner. Set between two extreme contrasts, an idyllic Danish town and a grim African refugee camp, this gripping collaboration between Bier and screenwriter Anders Thomas Jensen explores the power and limits of forgiveness and the unravelling effects of revenge.

Anton, a humanitarian doctor portrayed by Swedish Mikael Persbrandt, commutes between his work at a refugee camp and his troubled family life in Denmark. While pursuing the forgiveness of his separated wife Marianne, movingly played by Trine Dyrholm, Anton attempts to prove to his oldest son, Elias, the powerlessness of violence. But Elias’s new friend Christian, who is enraged by the recent loss of his mother, pulls him in the opposite direction. Together the boys stand up, alarm-

ingly violently, to the bullies at their school, and soon they are engaged in a

‘In a Better World’ is released in cinemas across the UK and Ireland on 19 August 2011.

Issue 32 | August 2011 | 69

Scan Magazine | Culture | Rites of Life exhibition

Rites of Life exhibition

By Sorana Stanescu | Photos: Anders Ryman

Do find the time to take a stroll on the Thames bank, between HMS Belfast and the City Hall, before 6 September, and visit Anders Ryman’s free open-air exhibition Rites of Life. The unique project documents about 30 rites in more than 20 countries, which mark people’s most important and intimate moments in life, from birth to death.

“It was important to me that the project would represent the whole of humanity and not just a part of it,” Ryman says. “I therefore strove to document rituals on all inhabited continents and from all major world religions.”

For the passer-by, the exhibition appears as an explosion of colour and life in the quite conservative yet unconventional scenery: the Shard overlooking from behind the glass buildings, London Bridge and Tower Bridge at each end. Yet there is no better display for such an exhibition than multicultural London, as Londoners themselves best resonate with the diversity, authenticity and passion for life that this project stands for.

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Anders Ryman is a Swedish photographer and writer, specializing in anthropology, who spent no less than seven years working on Rites of Life. The excellence of this project is not only to be seen in the quality of the photographs, but in the level of access and trust he managed to build within the families and the communities he visited. All the photographs are taken in the most intimate moments of the different processions, be it a circumcision of a nine-year-old in Istanbul or the blessing of a newborn in Ethiopia.

“You cannot just arrive and start shooting pictures. You need to meet the people beforehand, explain what you are doing and gain their trust and have permission. The key is to find the right person to be your guide and interpreter on site, the person who can help you open doors. If you are sincere, people will recognize that,” Ryman explains the secret behind his work.

Even though the photographs cover such a wide range of cultures and rituals, some common elements can be identified: for men, most rites are about initiation, confirmation, becoming a part of the in-

group, proving their manhood before marriage, whereas for women, the ceremonies involve cleansing and purification before the wedding or after giving birth.

The intimacy the photos employ is overwhelming, and there is a lot to take in at first sight. However, there will be one or two that will stay with you long after you have left the exhibition. This may be because of a community you got to know during your travels, because of a ceremony that reminds you of your childhood or simply because of a book you have read in the third grade. For me, that photo is The Sunrise dance of the Apache girl, a four-day-long procession each girl has to go through when she becomes a woman. After all, I guess Winnetou is my favourite childhood reading.

The 66 large-format photographs can be seen 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and there is also an informative stand where visitors can buy print outs and the trilingual edition (English-French-German) of the book Rites of Life. www.ritesoflife.com

SW PR ED IZ EN E-W 'S IN M NI OS N T GV B E IL A U LA TI FO FU R LH OM E Hello, my name is Pål Ross.

In the last decade I have designed and planned more than 185 unique, top-quality Scandinavian homes – each in harmony with their surroundings, and all environmentally sound.

Because my aim is to exceed your expectations, I accept only ten commissions per year. It takes time, expertise, and dedication to create a personal and worthy home. My colleagues and I are involved in any or all of the stages of production, from choosing the perfect plot to designing your interiors, making sure that the end result is an excellent investment, and a home that will enhance your life. For more inspiration and information visit our website, www.ross.se All the best,

Pål Ross, architect SAR/MSA Tel: +46 8 84 84 82 | E-mail: ross@ross.se | www.ross.se

Lady Gaga. Photo: Mariano Vivanco; Fashion Director: Nicola Formichetti; Hair: Bob Recine; Make Up: Billy B

than ever, and album sales are lower than ever, serious hits are more important than ever. And record labels have to rely on the one truly trustworthy source for these surefire hits: tried and tested Scandinavia.

There are three major players in the game, in particular: Sweden’s Max Martin, Norway’s Stargate duo and half-Swedish, half-Moroccan Red One. Max Martin

Scandinavia on your stereo So we all know that the best pop music lies within Scandinavia, right? That’s a given.

It is, after all, my raison d'être in this magazine! But what many people do not know is that, in fact, Scandinavian songwriters and producers are making the pop music that is sound-tracking the rest of the world as well.

Max Martin is, of course, no stranger to seeing his talent in demand. At the turn of the millennium, he is credited with bringing pop music to its absolute peak in the US, when along with his Stockholm based Cheiron team, he made the Backstreet Boys, 'N Sync and Britney Spears break sales barriers never imagined and reach a market saturation never thought possible. He also weathered the inevitable resulting pop backlash a few years after by turning to a rockier pop sound and reaching number one all over again with Kelly Clarkson, Avril Lavigne, Adam Lambert and P!nk. Now that synths are back in style, he has resurrected Britney’s career, is responsible for Ke$ha’s current hit, and most impressive of all, he is behind four of the five singles that made Katy Perry the first artist in history to spend a whole year, 52 consecutive weeks, in the top 10 of the US singles chart between 2010 and 2011.

The fifth single is credited to Stargate.

Stargate

By Karl Batterbee

If you were asked to name some of the biggest artists in pop music around the world right now, who would you pick? Perhaps Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Usher, Chris Brown, Enrique Iglesias, Katy Perry, Nicole Scherzinger and Ne-Yo? Well, every

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single one of these artists has a Scandinavian to thank for one or more of their biggest hits in recent years. Not to mention album tracks or the hits of smaller named artists on the level just below the aforementioned. The fact is, in today’s pop climate, where single sales are higher

Stargate are the Norwegian songwriting and production duo Tor Hermansen and Mikkel Eriksen. Like Max Martin, they first broke through with pop music a decade ago, although theirs was a more UK based success than a US one, providing hits for S Club 7, Blue, Atomic Kitten, Samantha Mumba, Hear’Say, Billie Piper and MisTeeq, and creating the sound of the UK

Scan Magazine | Music & Culture | Scandinavia on your stereo

pop landscape in the process. After taking a two year break to re-imagine their craft, they relocated to the US and (intentionally or otherwise) managed to bridge something of a gap between R&B music and pop. What got them noticed is their production on Ne-Yo’s first two singles, both of which went top 10 over there. They also gave Rihanna a top 10 hit all over the world, early on in her career, with Unfaithful. It was their next hit though that really commanded a place in the history books: Stargate are responsible for what has arguably been the biggest and most loved of all of Beyoncé’s singles, Irreplaceable. Since that blew up globally, the duo has not stopped making songs, and their run of hits has not ceased either. As well as keeping Ne-Yo, Rihanna and Beyoncé in the charts, they are responsible for forging successful songs for Chris Brown, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson, Jordin Sparks, Flo Rida, Mary J Blige, Sean Kingston, Keri Hilson and the aforementioned Katy Perry. And in the last twelve months, they have even

stepped out of the R&B-pop mold and afforded Alexis Jordan three UK hit singles with dance music, and sold three million copies of Wiz Khalifa’s rap anthem Black & Yellow, in the US alone.

Red One The third name flying the flag for Scandinavian sounds, on a scale as prolific as Max Martin and Stargate, is Red One (Nadir Kayat). He is most famous for bringing one Stefani Germanotta to the attention of the world – that is, of course, Lady Gaga, to you and me. Red One is behind her biggest hits: Just Dance, Poker Face, Love Game, Bad Romance, Alejandro and Judas. And since then, he has been asked to replicate that extra-large club banger sound he does so well, for artists as diverse as Usher, Enrique Iglesias, Alexandra Burke, Pitbull, Leona Lewis, Pixie Lott, Sugababes, Sean Kingston, Nicole Scherzinger, JLS and Mika. And this year, he saw his biggest success, excluding Lady Gaga, when On The Floor by Jennifer Lopez became the

monster worldwide hit that we all heard it turn into. Red One is now putting a lot of focus onto his own record label, 2101 Records, and its roster of artists, who are expected to make it big this year, including Porcelain Black, Love Generation and Mohombi (with whom he is pictured below). But that is not before he finishes work on what has perhaps been his most ambitious project to date – the new album from Irish rock legends U2.

So that is the considerable extent to which Scandinavia is making its mark on pop music all over the world. Interesting to ponder, isn’t it? But how has this relatively small territory managed to become such a big player in the field? What makes Scandinavian rhythms and melodies so desirable for the rest of the world? In the September issue of Scan Magazine, I will be talking to some major figures in Scandinavian music to get their opinions on all of this, including a certain Mister Benny Andersson from Abba (yes, really!).

Writer and producer Red One (right) and Mohombi (left). Photo: Eddie Persson

Issue 32 | August 2011 | 73

Scan Magazine | Music & Culture | Scandinavian Music

Scandinavian Music This month is witness to a momentous occasion in Nordic music – the return of Björk!

The Icelandic songstress is all set to unleash her new album, Biophilia, upon a waiting world. And with it, comes a new single, Crystalline. The good news is that it’s a return to Björk making actual songs, as opposed to that odd collection of noises that she subjected fans to on her last two albums. Crystalline is like a calmer version of one of the more mid-tempo numbers on her excellent Homogenic album, and is certainly up there in terms of gorgeous production. Listen out for the final mental minute of drum and bass.

The UK is getting its next Swedish pop import on 28 August, when Ola releases his first UK single, All Over The World. In Sweden, he’s now on his third album, which is out on his own record label, but all the signs are pointing towards a debut UK hit for the young man. The song has received heavy support from BBC Radio 1, as well as the video being on heavy rotation on a lot of the UK music TV channels.

All Over The World is a euphoric dance track, with an incredibly uplifting string riff running throughout. So a UK hit would be thoroughly deserved.

By Karl Batterbee

And both share a contradictory vibe of laidback bliss and high-energy funk.

When you cease to try to work out exactly what they are though, you’re left with two hugely ace songs to enjoy.

Finally, and please don’t laugh at this, Whigfield is back - with a very good song.

Yes, really! The legendary 90s popstrel from Denmark has returned with C’est Cool, an irresistibly catchy club tune that you won’t want to like, but that you probably will end up liking anyway. Don’t fight it, just go with it. It’s easier that way.

Back in Sweden, the talents of a new starlet are beginning to shine through. Beldina has come out with two exceptionally good tracks this year: Here We Go and Good Times Come Back. Both are a genre defying mixture of soul and dance music.

www.scandipop.co.uk scandipop@googlemail.com

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

Rigoletto (Until 13 Aug) Swedish soprano Julia Sporsén plays the role of Gilda in Lindsay Posner's new production of Verdi's mesmerising opera.

Opera Holland Park, London, W8. www.rbkc.gov.uk

Julia Sporsén

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The Edinburgh Fringe Festival (Until 29 Aug) Scandinavian art and entertainment this year include stand-up comedy by Swedish Tobias Persson, an exhibition at the Royal Botanic Garden by six contemporary Danish designers-makers and screenings of Finnish director Mika Myllyaho's dark urban comedy Chaos. www.edfringe.com Edinburgh International Festival (Until 4 Sept) There will be an array of Scandinavian culture to choose from at the festival this year, including performances by Grammy award-winning Finnish soprano Karita Mattila, Finnish pianist Olli Mustonen and Danish baritone Bo Skovhus. www.eif.co.uk

Bo Skovhus

By Sara Schedin

Scan Magazine | Culture & Music | Culture Calendar

‘Where the people will go’ by Tue Greenfort

Where the people will go (Until 11 Sept) This exhibition brings together new and existing work by Danish artist Tue Greenfort and explores themes related to environmentalism, the Commons and political ecology. His art responds directly to the architecture and history of the South London Gallery, such as an audio installation with traffic sound from Peckham Road at the front of the gallery and birdsong on Sceaux Gardens estate behind. South London Gallery, SE5. www.southlondongallery.org A K Dolven (Until 25 Sept) Norwegian contemporary artist A K Dolven has, together with 18 other international artists, been commissioned to create new work for the Folkestone Triennial.

The artists' work is exhibited on the streets, beaches and squares of Folkestone. Dolven's installation features a 16th-century tenor bell from Scraptoft Church in Leicestershire, which had been removed for not being in tune with the others. www.folkestonetriennial.org.uk

The Northern Breeze mini-festival (13-14 Aug) British harpsichordist Jane Chapman and Canadian violinist Mira Benjamin will perform new works by 12 Norwegian composers. This festival marks the international debut of New Music's Composer Group, which is part of the Norwegian organisation Ny Musikk. The Foundling Museum, London, WC1N. www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk

an all-Russian programme with acclaimed violinist Lisa Batiashvili. Royal Albert Hall, London, SW7. www.royalalberthall.com Creamfields (27–28 Aug) DJs at this dance music festival outside Liverpool include the Swedish House Mafia and Swedish Eric Prydz. www.creamfields.com Soile Isokoski and Marita Viitasalo (10 Sept) An evening of music with Finnish soprano Soile Isokoski and pianist Marita Viitasalo with music by Strauss, Wolf, Berlioz, Ives and Sallinen. Wigmore Hall, London, W1U. www.wigmore-hall.org.uk

Prom 44: Shostakovich, Stravinsky & Tchaikovsky (17 Aug) Finnish conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Philharmonic Orchestra present

Issue 32 | August 2011 | 75

Scan Magazine | Culture & Music | Culture Calendar

‘Where the people will go’ by Tue Greenfort

Where the people will go (Until 11 Sept) This exhibition brings together new and existing work by Danish artist Tue Greenfort and explores themes related to environmentalism, the Commons and political ecology. His art responds directly to the architecture and history of the South London Gallery, such as an audio installation with traffic sound from Peckham Road at the front of the gallery and birdsong on Sceaux Gardens estate behind. South London Gallery, SE5. www.southlondongallery.org A K Dolven (Until 25 Sept) Norwegian contemporary artist A K Dolven has, together with 18 other international artists, been commissioned to create new work for the Folkestone Triennial.

The artists' work is exhibited on the streets, beaches and squares of Folkestone. Dolven's installation features a 16th-century tenor bell from Scraptoft Church in Leicestershire, which had been removed for not being in tune with the others. www.folkestonetriennial.org.uk

The Northern Breeze mini-festival (13-14 Aug) British harpsichordist Jane Chapman and Canadian violinist Mira Benjamin will perform new works by 12 Norwegian composers. This festival marks the international debut of New Music's Composer Group, which is part of the Norwegian organisation Ny Musikk. The Foundling Museum, London, WC1N. www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk

an all-Russian programme with acclaimed violinist Lisa Batiashvili. Royal Albert Hall, London, SW7. www.royalalberthall.com Creamfields (27–28 Aug) DJs at this dance music festival outside Liverpool include the Swedish House Mafia and Swedish Eric Prydz. www.creamfields.com Soile Isokoski and Marita Viitasalo (10 Sept) An evening of music with Finnish soprano Soile Isokoski and pianist Marita Viitasalo with music by Strauss, Wolf, Berlioz, Ives and Sallinen. Wigmore Hall, London, W1U. www.wigmore-hall.org.uk

Prom 44: Shostakovich, Stravinsky & Tchaikovsky (17 Aug) Finnish conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Philharmonic Orchestra present

Issue 32 | August 2011 | 75

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