Scan Magazine, Issue 79, August 2015

BABETTBACH MARIE KNUDSEN HANSEN IS TAKING – DANISH OVER! ACTRESS EXTRAORDINAIRE SCANDINAVIAN LEARNING DANISH GOLF – AN SPECIAL IMPOSSIBLE ENDEAVOUR? NORWEGIAN MADE IN SCANDINAVIA: ART - STUNNING SWEDEN PIECES, & FINLAND STUNNING SETTINGS KRISTOFER HIVJU - SWORD SWINGING & CRIME SOLVING EXCITING FESTIVALS AND CULTURE IN DENMARK

PROMOTING BRAND SCANDINAVIA

ISSUE 79

AUGUST 2015

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Enabling real

achievementt Mannaz is an international frontrunner in customised executive and project leadership development. Adopting innovative and efficient learning methods, we empower people development and business success.

With offices in Copenhagen, London and Hong Kong and an international network of over 375 associated facilitators we have global reach.

Yo ou can subscribe to our monthly newsletter M Knowledge and learn more at www.mannaz.com/intl

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Scan Magazine | Contents

Contents COVER FEATURE 6

6 19

Sidse Babett Knudsen Sidse Babett Knudsen, mostly known for her brilliance in Danish drama Borgen, is well on her way to taking over the world via Hollywood. She found time in her busy schedule to sit down with Scan Magazine and talk about depicting a Prime Minister, falling into a Parisian education by accident and what it is like to work alongside Tom Hanks in two back-to-back blockbuster productions.

skills, business minds and noses for sniffing up attractive gaps in the markets, the Finn’s are leading the way in numerous industries. Made in Finland is here to introduce you to a selected bunch of the people and companies that are sure to keep Finland at the innovation top.

55

DESIGN 10

Scandinavian August vibes and organic style As always our design section is a feast for the consumer’s eyes. Our favourite fashion finds on page 10, stylish interior dreams on page 14 and introducing KnowledgeCotton Apparel, who are saving the world from toxins one shirt at a time, on page 15. Much more to rest your gaze on, starting on page 12.

Top experiences in Denmark: Festivals and Culture Denmark never ceases to amaze. This small country is a never ending source of culture, adventure and experiences. Presenting but the tip of the festive iceberg, this theme offers you a peak at some of the most joyous events and occasions you are more than welcome to take part in, no matter who you are!

BUSINESS 86

Vacationing with a psychopath? Indeed. Our fabulous keynote speaker this month is Paul Blackhurst who discusses the friendly psychopaths within us and how they profile themselves in the offices all over the world.

91

As most business people are resting up on a beach, golf course or hiking trail, our business calendar never forgets what it is like when the return to the everyday life awaits. In order to know what to look forward to come the end of summer, turn to page 91. Going back to work won’t be that bad, we promise you.

FEATURES 16

Let’s talk about food If there are two things Scandi’s love, more than the fjords of Norway and Sweden’s coastal lines, it’s talking and eating! Scan Magazine’s William Anthony met up with linguistic genius Inger Mees to find out what he as an American expat is doing wrong and why he can’t seem to crack the Danish language. After you’ve filled your brain with verbal knowledge, it’s time for food – obviously. Dive into some of our favourite Scandinavian culinary delights and drool away. There is much to indulge in!

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SPECIAL THEMES 28

Made in Sweden Our annual Swedish special is doing a reappearance! Last month we gave you a taste of the finest things Made in Sweden, this month – we give you more! Scandinavia as a brand is a big selling point and Sweden is by no means an exception. Lush designs, talented craftsmanship and outstanding innovations and more. We love Sweden, and this is as Swedish as it gets!

42

Made in Finland Finland as a creator and innovator is definitely one of the strongest in the game. With excellent

44

59

REGULARS & COLUMNS 10 78

Fashion Diary | 12 Design | 14 We Love This | 70 Hotels of the Month | 74 Attractions of the Month Restaurants of the Month | 86 Business | 87 Conferences of the Month | 85 Humour

Issue 79 | August 2015 | 3

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Scan Magazine | Editor’s Note

Dear Reader, Recently, an old friend asked me to describe my day-to-day. At once I was lost for words.

Obviously, I know what my job is and what it entails, but when asked to describe a “typical” workday, I didn’t have the foggiest where to start.

Truth of the matter is that the only thing truly repetitive and “typical” about my workday is that I get up in the morning and go to work. Sometimes (most times) that’s in the South Central London office, sometimes it’s at my kitchen table, sometimes in a café with reliable Wi-Fi. Where I am doesn’t matter as long as I have the bare necessities of an editor: a laptop, the internet, the notes, my flat plan, deadline sheet, diary, calendar and an unlimited supply of caffeine. I think that this is one of the things I love most about what I do: the fact that no day is like the other. I get to meet and talk to so many people whose existence I otherwise would be unaware of. I get to learn about things and fields I didn’t know you could have an expertise in and every day I get to be a part of spreading that knowledge through to a readership who, perhaps just like me, will be reading about profiles, companies, places and activities for the very first – but hardly last – time. For this reason, amongst many others, I love what I do.

The magazine will however be left in the most capable of hands and am convinced that the future for everything Scan related will be nothing but bright.

I would like to thank all our readers for continuing to take part in our steps to further developing the globalisation of Brand Scandinavia.

Your support and interest is absolutely priceless.

Thank you, all tireless and phenomenal contributor’s. Thank you Johan, Emma and Mette, the core of Team Scan who never fails to deliver and whose skills and determination never cease to impress me.

Thanks Myriam, Nane and Caroline with whom I’ve shared so many fun and heart-warming times and thank you Scan Group and everyone involved. Getting to know you all has been a pure joy and I am so proud of everything you do each and every month. Keep it up and remember your brilliance.

Astrid Eriksson, Editor, Scan Magazine

Soon, however, the last sentence will be modified into “I love what I did,” because this is my last issue as the editor of Scan Magazine.

It is time for me to leave the amazing people I have had the privilege to work alongside for new adventures and challenges that lie ahead.

Scan Magazine

Contributors

Issue 79 | August 2015

Andrea Bærland

Published 08.2015 ISSN 1757-9589

Anita Karlsson Caroline Edwards

Sales & Key Account Managers Emma Fabritius Nørregaard Mette Tonnessen Johan Enelycke

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4 | Issue 79 | August 2015

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Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Sidse Babett Knudsen

6 | Issue 76 | May 2015

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Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Sidse Babett Knudsen

Sidse Babett Knudsen: The star of Borgen shines bright on Hollywood Sidse Babett Knudsen achieved international recognition for her starring role as the Danish Prime Minister, Birgitte Nyborg, in the hit TV drama Borgen that ultimately became a global phenomenon. Currently in Italy filming Inferno, the latest instalment of the Dan Brown movie franchise, Knudsen paused from her hectic schedule to reflect on her career so far and her foray into the world of Hollywood.

By Helen Cullen | Isak Hoffmeyer

Knudsen stars as Dr. Elizabeth Sinskey, the leader of the World Health Organisation, in Inferno, the eagerly anticipated screen adaptation of the Dan Brown novel of the same name. “It’s definitely the largest, most expensive, most ‘Hollywood’ production I’ve ever been involved with,” Knudsen explains. “I’ve never done anything in America before so it’s quite different from anything that I know - but very exciting.” Knudsen will star alongside Tom Hanks as he reprises his role as Harvard professor and symbologist (a fictional field relating to the study of historic symbols, editor’s note) Robert Langdon. Working with Hanks is one of the greatest aspects of the role for Knudsen. “He’s just the way I had dreamed for him to be,” she explains. “He is such good actor with great energy, a pleasure to work with, and he has the best work ethic I’ve ever come across.” With a release date set for October 2016, fans are already impatiently awaiting the cinematic release. However, Knudsen will appear many times on our screens in the meantime in numerous eclectic roles.

A Hologram for the King Inferno offered a second opportunity for Knudsen and Hanks to work together as they already co-starred in A Hologram for

the King due for release in November this year. This German-American comedy drama was directed and written by Tom Tykwer. Knudsen plays the role of Hanne, a character she describes as “a crazy narcissist ex-pat”. “I had some fantastic conversations about her with the director who I love very much,” she says.

A Hologram for the King is based on the 2012 novel by Dave Eggers with the same name. “It’s quite amazing how much the script resembled the book,” Knudsen reveals. “I was also really fascinated by how much Tykwer managed to recreate the ambience, mood and surreal touch of the book. I have a strong feeling that the movie will really capture that.”

An accidental Parisian education Studying in Paris happened quite by accident for Knudsen as she travelled there on a gap year with plans to audition for theatre school in Denmark upon her return.

“I knew that when you applied to acting school you often had to apply over and over so I thought I’d start my rejection process in Paris where nobody knew me and lick my wounds in private,“ she ex-

plains laughing. “To my surprise I got in and I thought I’d try it out and prepare for the real thing awaiting in Denmark but I fell in love with it and finished my training in Paris at the Théâtre d’Ombres.” Back home in Denmark, Knudsen joined the experimental theatre OVINE 302 and performed with the Betty Nansen and Royal Danish Theatres in Copenhagen before her first big break on screen in the cult comedy Let’s Get Lost.

Knudsen takes on her first French role this year in Christian Vincent’s film L’hermine, expected in movie theatres this autumn.

Award winning Sidse Knudsen has acquired many accolades and much recognition from the film industry including a BAFTA, two Bodil Awards, two Roberts Awards, a MonteCarlo Award and a nomination for best performance by an actress at the International Emmy Awards. “They do mean a lot,” she says warmly. “It’s very important, particularly when you start, because they open doors for you but of course it is really wonderful to be recognised for your work on a personal level as well.” Knudsen also received the prestigious title of Knight of the French art guild ‘Arts et Lettres’ in 2014 for her work on Borgen. “That was truly fantastic,” she says. “The French Ambassador to Denmark gave an incredible feminist speech about not just me, but women in politics and as leaders on a global scale and I felt very proud to be part of something that was so strong and empowering for women.”

Issue 79 | August 2015 | 7

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Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Sidse Babett Knudsen

The Borgen experience Stills from Borgen.

Photos: Mike Kolloffel

There is no doubt that Knudsen’s portrayal as Danish Prime Minister Birgitte Nyborg in the political drama Borgen, truly established her as a tour de force in the international acting arena. “I had initially been really reluctant to do TV,” she explains, “but just before Borgen I started watching The West Wing and became completely addicted. On the day that it finished I was invited to audition for what I was told was a new Danish political series and I thought I’d love to do that.” In the beginning, none of the programme creators anticipated what a global success the show would become. “We thought winning the Danish audience over alone would be a big challenge and we prepared ourselves to be much less popular than the crime series that everybody loves so much. We never considered that it would move outside of Denmark.” The show, however, ultimately was sold to over 70 countries worldwide. Now that Knudsen has had time to reflect on the secret to their success she sees things a bit more clearly. “I think it was the duality of the relative obscurity of Denmark combined with universal questions of politics, drama and morality,” she explains.

“People liked to see a political show that wasn’t cynical about politics. It’s about power but it’s not about being corrupted by power.”

Knudsen still gets recognised as the fictional Danish Prime Minister Birgitte Nyborg, but explains that appearance is where their similarities end. “There is nothing in Birgitte’s life that resembles mine in any way, shape or form. She’s so foreign to me and yet she looks exactly like me,” she says smiling. “I didn’t make any physical changes to play her so I gave a lot of my own attributes to her, how I look when I tell a joke or cry. Normally I make more of a physical transformation but we started filming before the whole series was written so I had to play her quite naturally so that there was room for her to grow.”

Looking back on her most famous role to date, Knudsen has only affection towards the Prime Minister. "I admired her when I played the role and I still do,” she says. “I see her as a hero,” she sums up.

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Photo: Steven Freiheit

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Sidse Babett Knudsen

9 | Issue 79 | August 2015

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Scan Magazine | Design | Fashion Diary

Fashion Diary...

It might be late summer, but that doesn’t mean that the fun is over yet.

August, known as one of the hottest months of the year, definitely calls for some celebration – and what better way to show it than through your precious wardrobe?

By Caroline Edwards | Press photos

The last heat waves of August and September can be a blessing in the sky, but let’s not forget the often chilly winds blow in from the North.

With Tiger of Sweden’s Rodeo Jacket you are ready to take the good with the bad, combining summer shorts with an autumn jacket.

Rodeo Jacket: £329.00 Shorts: £113.00 www.tigerofsweden.com

This white t-shirt from H&M offers something nice and simple with its black geometric theme and airy look. The perfect look for the height of the summer. £7.00 www.hm.com

If you find yourself enjoying an evening outside, there is no better item than the scarf. As the sun disappears from the sky, warm comfort is often needed and this is where Cheap Monday’s tube scarf comes into the picture!

Tube Scarf: £25.00 www.cheapmonday.com

Black sneakers in calf leather, it doesn’t get much better than that. Suitable for lazy days as well as nights out, you can wear them with pretty much anything, sunshine or no sunshine. £110.00 www.tigerofsweden.com

10 | Issue 79 | August 2015

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Entering August and soon September, getting the right clothes out of the wardrobe can be a bit of a challenge. Is it going to be hot or cold? By combining the classic wide-legged Jadyn trousers from House of Dagmar with a warm leather jacket you are on to a safe bet. The airy material of the trousers are perfect for the sun, whilst the jacket protects you from cold drafts from the wind.

Jacket Adamina: £444.00 Jadyn trousers: £78.00 www.houseofdagmar.se

Cheap Monday’s Salty Pearl Rings helps you remember the fresh sea. These glimmering classics are both raw and elegant and go with pretty much any kind of outfit, the perfect pearls for a perfect day.

Salty Pearl Rings: £10.00 www.cheapmonday.com

Indian summer meets the wild West in a fashionable combination. Made from good leather, this bag is your ideal companion for fun summer activities. Just pack your favourite book and head to the park.

Leather Bag: £70.00 www.hm.com

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Scan Magazine | Design | Street Style

Nordic Humans of London

By Sanna Halmekoski | Photos: Sanna Halmekoski

Markus Henttonen, Finnish photographer www.markushenttonen.com “I travel a lot for work and do most of my shopping on my travels. My style reflects my skating background. My trainers are from Puma, my t-shirt is from New York, my shirt is by Ben Sherman and my jacket and sunglasses are vintage.”

Ida Korhonen, Finnish fashion student “I tend to follow the four Nordic seasons.

During the winter I wear a lot of black and during the summer, brighter colours.

My skirt is by Carven, scarf by Givenchy, jacket by Zara, bag by Proenza Schouler and shoes by Minna Parikka.

Charlotte Ågren, Swedish founder of LondonSwedes.com “I build my style around little details like a well-tailored jacket or funky pair of shoes.

My custom-made bicycle from Nolobi is my biggest style accessory. My jacket is

by Karen Millen, trousers by Pippa Lynn and shoes by River Island.”

Markus Henttonen

Charlotte Ågren

Sanna Halmekoski is a London-based Finnish freelance photojournalist specialising in global street fashion, dog and portrait photography. For more information please visit her at suomigirl.tumblr.com

12 | Issue 79 | August 2015

Ida Korhonen

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Scan Magazine | Design | We Love This

We love this...

August is here and interior-wise this means that we are gearing up for autumn, even though one can still hope for some more sunny and warm days. Here to give us fantastic items with a Scandinavian twist is the lovely Scandinavian Shop. Visit them at www.scandinavianshop.com and see the lushness for yourself. Everybody needs a bit of Scandinavia in their homes and there is no better place to get started.

By Astrid Eriksson | Press photos

Even though wine is an all season enjoyment, August is the perfect time to invest in some vino-related appliances.

Like a two-minute decanter that will get the best out of your bottled delight before you know it. Just attach the Cool Breather to an opened bottle and turn it on its head. Voila – decanted wine. Serve in a nice looking carafe or simply return the aired wine to the bottle by reversing the turn-over.

Design by Norm Architects/Peter Ørsig £49

Designed for Danish design brand Menu by Norm, this super chic and modern pot gives a fashionable nod to ancient Asian tea drinking traditions. The stylish and simple design goes hand in hand with everything Scandinavian and the quality of the tea it brews is as good as it get.

Design by Norm £51

Swedish homeware brand Sagaform is a constant provider of retro-looking interior bliss. This colourful, enormously usable collection is sure to quickly become a favourite in every household. Perfect as a going away present, these glasses are just as suitable for a lunch-time lemonade as a late evening BBQ. But honestly, why give something away when you’d much rather keep it to yourself.

Design by Hanna Werning £13.95

14 | Issue 79 | August 2015

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Scan Magazine | Design | KnowledgeCotton Apparel

KnowledgeCotton Apparel only uses 100 per cent certified organic cotton and other sustainable fabrics.

Menswear that makes a difference (while looking good) Organic men’s clothing might sound like a niche, but it has become widely popular all over Europe. Over the last four years, the Danish menswear brand KnowledgeCotton Apparel has had great success in combining fashion with sustainable principles.

By Sanne Wass | Photos: KnowledgeCotton Apparel

“We challenge the status quo in everything we do,” explains Mads Mørup, founder and CEO of KnowledgeCotton Apparel. “That’s our brand philosophy. That is what drives us to do what we do.”

“The textile industry is the most chemically intensive industry on earth. So we really make a difference. For every t-shirt we produce we save the world from about 165 grams of chemicals,” Mørup says.

Clearly, KnowledgeCotton Apparel isn’t a usual menswear clothing line. The small company based in Herning in Western Denmark has a goal of changing the world through eco-friendly textiles. Apart from using 100 per cent certified organic cotton, KnowledgeCotton Apparel uses fabrics made from recycled materials such as old plastic bottles. Its goal is to recycle 4.5 million plastic bottles and save the environment from 400 tons of chemicals and fertilisers by 2020.

KnowledgeCotton Apparel is a familyowned brand, whose story goes back to 1969 when the Mørup family opened a small textile company in Herning. In the late 1980s the company started working with organic cotton and, in 2008, father and son Jørgen and Mads Mørup founded KnowledgeCotton Apparel. But the first years were challenging.

“Seven years ago people didn’t quite understand it. Since then, much has hap-

pened and there has been a big change in people’s approach to sustainability and the environment,” Mørup explains. “Today, when we present our concept to people, they are much more welcoming to the idea.

We definitely experience a growing market.” KnowledgeCotton Apparel now has a sales growth of 20-25 per cent per year, and works with more than 500 retailers all over Europe, primarily in Scandinavia, Germany, Belgium, Holland and France.

Still, most of their customers choose KnowledgeCotton Apparel because of its stylish look and design, which Mørup describes as clean and global metropolitan. “Most men buy our clothes because they think they look cool. And it’s clearly an added plus that everything is produced under sustainable principles,” he sums up with a smile.

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

Issue 79 | August 2015 | 15

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Scan Magazine | Feature | Denmark

Inger Mees: Speaking in Danish – it’s all in the vowels I have been struggling to learn the Danish language for longer than I care to admit, and I’m not alone. Many expats I know have simply given up because they can’t understand it, they can’t pronounce it, and they can’t overcome the impatience that Danes often have with foreigners trying to speak their beloved language less than well.

Text & Photos: William Anthony

When I unburden my heart to Inger Mees, she only laughs. “Yes, Danish is hard for foreigners to understand and learn.” She agrees in a voice filled with humour and compassion, traits that makes her popular with her university students.

Inger Mees bubbles with laughter about everything – her courses in phonetics at Copenhagen Business School, where she is an Associate Professor in the Department of International Business Communication; her fascination with contrastive and socio-phonetics and the historiogra-

16 | Issue 79 | August 2015

phy of phonetics; and the problems of any foreigner trying to learn any language.

“If it’s any consolation,” she says, “studies show that Danish children learn their language more slowly than children learning other languages – English, for example, or Croatian – because of the large number of vowels, which makes Danish very rich vocally.”

A childhood abundant in languages Growing up, Inger was immersed in languages, like water in an aquarium. Her

mother was Danish and her father Dutch.

She was born in Paris and grew up in Belgium, Sweden, the Netherlands and England. She attended university in the Netherlands and did her graduate work in Scotland. Inger remembers, “when three generations were together, the older generation, my father’s parents, would speak Dutch. The middle generation, my parents, would speak Danish, and the younger generation, my brother and I, would speak Dutch.”

From 1977 to 1984, she lectured at Leiden University, specialising in the teaching of phonetics, pronunciation training and dialectology. From Leiden, she received her doctorate, based on the application of sociology to phonetics in the study of English-speaking Welsh schoolchildren’s pronunciation. In 1985, feeling that her 'Danishness' was calling her, she moved

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Scan Magazine | Feature | Denmark

to Copenhagen and was appointed Associate Professor at Copenhagen Business School, where she now teaches English pronunciation, phonetics and sociolinguistics.

“In my phonetics course, I try to tune the students into the English language and its various dialects. I want to make them aware of important contrasts, and how to understand the speaker and make themselves understood.”

Blame it on the vowels If anybody can tell me why I have failed so far at learning Danish, Inger can. “One of the difficulties is that Danish vowels are so different and have such a variety of subtle sounds. Danish has 40 distinctive vowels. English has only 15.” She admits that the number depends on the system you use to identify the sounds, which can lead to different numbers of vowels.

of consonants, making them more vowellike. “Of course, lazy is a bad word because you can’t accuse a whole country of being lazy, but that’s another way of describing lenition.” She demonstrates how the hard sound of d in dag (day) becomes a soft sound in mad (food) like th in breathe. In the most extreme case, the soft sounds disappear into silence, as do whole words in certain circumstances.

They told my parents that I was either blind or deaf.” She laughs at the memory.

“It just shows that, to learn a new language, you need motivation.” Talking with Inger makes me think I might take my Danish lessons just a little more seriously.

Inger’s family lived briefly in Sweden, where she attended an English-language school. She recalls, “I never really learned to speak Swedish. When I was about seven, they tested my eyesight. I could see the letters, but I couldn’t say them.

She illustrates these tonsil gymnastics.

For example, talte (counted) and talte (talked) are spelled alike but pronounced quite differently. It’s all in the a. “The a in count is like a short a in English, and the a in talk is more like a version of e in tell,” she explains. And these are just two of the four possible sounds for the vowel a.

In the same manner that charms and energises her students, she describes the dance done by our teeth, tongue and lips, and how vowels are formed by placing the tongue in certain positions. “By the time you reach a certain age,” she explains, “you have pronounced sounds millions of times, and your teeth, tongue and lips are used to hitting certain targets. The more you’ve done it, the more difficult it is to break the habits of a lifetime.”

Before I can despair, Inger provides me with an example that gives me hope.

“Consider the y in nyse, the Danish word for sneeze. Say knees. Now say it with rounded lips.” Magically, the nearly correct pronunciation appears.

“And the rest is silence…”

There are other booby traps, such as lenition, which is a softening or weakening

Issue 79 | August 2015 | 17

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Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature | Denmark

A meat lover’s equal to gold KöD is a restaurant that takes pride in good meat – and with a name that translates to just that, perhaps it’s not surprising. Serving steaks from Denmark, United States and Uruguay, the celebrated steak house has transformed the culinary landscape, first in Aarhus and now Copenhagen. Loved for their flexible service and friendly attitude, KöD København’s staff has already secured KöD a spot in the top three on TripAdvisor, just months after opening. What’s their secret?

By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Ko ̈D København

KöD was the result of an idea formed between a group of friends who met each other in the world of bustling bars and culinary wonders. Not only did they wish to share their love of meat with the world at a decent price, they also sought to revolutionise the way people were being served – and they did.

price, along with a friendly, flexible service that allows people to fully enjoy themselves,” explains Morten Pedersen, Manager and Co-Founder at KöD København.

Instead of hiring people who can talk for hours on end about expensive wine, he always looks for the human qualities in those that should serve the guests at KöD.

Take your time

“This is not the kind of place where the staff are eager for people to pay so the next customers can come along. At KöD you can just lean back and enjoy your

“Our vision was always very clear. We wanted to create a good place where people can get quality steaks for a decent

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meal as long as you want in relaxed surroundings. That’s the kind of flexibility we offer,” explains Pedersen, who is always working hard to ensure that his meatparadise is welcoming towards everyone.

Rather than just being a posh bubble, KöD is the kind of place where directors, plumbers, students and secretaries can sit side by side, all feeling welcomed, all being at ease.

“The atmosphere at KöD can only be described as laid-back, cosy and friendly.

We would much rather have staff that are nice people and good at understanding the guests, rather than people who are culinary experts. We have the chefs employed for just that,” says Pedersen, stressing that their menu is top-notch quality without a lot of fuss. This is steak, the best meat on the market for a competitive price.

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Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature | Denmark

Thrilling combinations

A place to get together

KöD København’s juicy steaks are selected for their high quality and good taste. However, if you are not big on beef, you can order the Alternative Menu of the Day consisting of fish or chicken, especially designed for those who aren't steak lovers.

“KöD is more than just a place to get good steak, it’s also the ideal venue to celebrate your birthday, host a party or even kick-off your life as a married couple,” says Pedersen. With a relaxed and cool setting and a location in the centre of Aarhus as well as Copenhagen, you could say that guests are spoiled for choice.

Celebrate with up to 150 people, get treated to delicious drinks and tasty meat, there is not much to consider.

“But let’s get one thing straight: Our main attraction is definitely the steak. Served with a sauce you pick yourself as well as tasty sides, you can put together your favorite dish,” says Pedersen. Moreover, guests are treated to seasonal products to accompany their meat of choice. Choose anything from green beans with chorizo and parmesan to selected vegetables, butter sautéed wild mushrooms, sweet potatoes to spicy chilli fries – and when all this is paired with snacks, drinks and desserts, it’s no wonder it entices people to visit, night after night. One look at KöD København on TripAdvisor is enough to confirm it.

The sense of quality and good service becomes immediately evident. With a long list of appraisal and thumbs-up from former guests, they all seem to celebrate not just the meat at KöD but its staff as well. It would seem that the pep talk Morten Pedersen gives his staff at KöD København appears to be working. With a cosy atmosphere and down-to-earth approach, it’s not the kind of place you feel uncomfortable.

“We get people who come here with their company celebrating new business ventures, clubs and organisations having their annual gathering, families getting together or friends hosting a birthday party… it’s very diverse,” explains Pedersen. Reserve a big table, your own corner of the restaurant or even an entire room.

Furthermore, KöD can even come to you with a talented troupe of both waiters, bartenders and food.

So if you happen to venture into Copenhagen this summer, make sure you stop

by Admiralgade 25 for a meaty adventure.

For more information, please visit: www.koedkbh.dk and www.koedaarhus.dk

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Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature | Norway

Boha is located in the Bergen city centre, conveniently next door to the popular bar Onkel Lauritz.

Boha – Bringing the best of Europe to Bergen Bergen has a longstanding tradition of being a town of bustling international trade, and for the past 14 years restaurant Boha has contributed to this vibe by serving continental European cuisine.

By Andrea Bærland | Photos: Lars Svenkerud

The walls of the brasserie located in Bergen’s city centre are decorated with Norwegian translations of famous rock lyrics, giving the restaurant a modern and laidback atmosphere which is also reflected in the food they serve.

“We pride ourselves on serving honest and fairly simple food with a lot of taste.

Everything we serve is made from scratch, we take no short cuts, and all our dishes have a clean and authentic taste. What you see is what you get. We don’t use a lot of jargon in our menus, we normally just name the dish and list its key ingredi-

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ents,” explains general manager and sommelier Morten Båtbukt.

European influences The menu at Boha changes five times each year and offers dishes largely influenced by French, Italian and Mediterranean cuisines, as well as the occasional hint of Asia. In addition to the à la carte the restaurant also offers a daily menu of four courses and a six-course tasting menu. They also develop exclusive menus for special occasions such as the annual festival Festspillene i Bergen.

“In our quest to serve what we consider to be honest fare we have spent a lot of time finding vendors with a similar vision. As a result we have ended up with quite a few small and medium sized suppliers, and many of our wines come from organic or biodynamic producers,” says Båtbukt.

And it is not just the food coming out of it that is influenced by Europe, the team in the kitchen also have a wealth of experience from European establishments. Polish Head Chef Pawel Gawlik, who previously worked at the Michelin-starred Yorke Arms in Yorkshire where he gained valuable experience in preparing game, works alongside his Greek sous chef Spartakos Stampolidis with experience from several islands in the Mediterranean.

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Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature | Norway

“The two chefs have vastly different backgrounds, and as a team they really bring out the best in each other,” says Båtbukt.

lot of Norwegian craft beers on our menu, and aim to offer beer that suits our food just as well as wine does.”

One of the major attractions in Bergen is the traditional fish market, and Båtbukt says the team at Boha enjoys serving their patrons local fish. “Having an emphasis on fish would be natural considering our location, but both the chefs and the sommeliers at Boha take pleasure in experimenting with various fish dishes and suitable wine,” says Båtbukt.

After having been wined and dined well whether you went for the à la carte, four courses or splashed out on the six-course tasting menu – when the meal at Boha is over you might be ready to take the party elsewhere.

The team running the kitchen at Boha also readily welcomes any challenges from guests with allergies, intolerances or other dietary requirements,. “It is important for us to ensure that all our guests have an enjoyable meal with us, so we’re willing to go the extra mile for guests with special dietary requirements. Rather than just taking out the unwanted ingredient we create a special replacement dish. If diners call ahead we’re happy to develop bespoke menus,” Båtbukt says.

Boha’s wine list is also available to order at Onkel Lauritz, one of Bergen’s most popular wine bars - and as luck would have it the restaurant has an internal passage to the bar, to keep you dry on those rainy Bergen nights…

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

Passionate about wine Båtbukt and Head Sommelier Egle Stockute both describe themselves as truly passionate about wine, and aim to give diners a unique wine experience, with an extensive wine list and wine packages matched to suit the menus.

Båtbukt and Stockute believe it is important to offer wines with character and the ability to stand out, and much like the food emerging from the kitchen, the wine list has an emphasis on continental Europe.

“The taste of wine is very subjective, and the wine list at Boha will reflect the personal tastes of Egle and myself, featuring a lot of wines from France in general and Burgundy in particular, as well as Sicily, in Italy and German Riesling wines,” Båtbukt explains.

However, Båtbukt assures that beer lovers are also well-catered for at Boha with the ability to choose beer packages to match the meal. “As craft beer has become increasingly popular we have also expanded our offering of beer. We have a

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Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature | Iceland

360 degrees of deliciousness Crowning a hill covered with trees, Perlan, or 'the Pearl', looks proudly over Reykjavik and to the mountains and sea beyond. At the top of this sparkling glass dome structure, which sits on top of six enormous hot water storage tanks, Perlan Restaurant, a gourmet restaurant run by an award-winning team of chefs, revolves 360 degrees every two hours, allowing you to take in the full view, bite by delicious bite.

By Stephanie Lovell | Photos: O ́skar Pa ́ll

These days, it’s not just volcanoes and glaciers that are the major attractions in Iceland. Increasingly, the local food scene is attracting the attention of foodies keen to make the journey north to sample new Nordic cuisine in an authentic setting. Surely the first stop of any taste-bud tour of Reykjavik deserves to be Perlan Restaurant, where Icelandic, Scandinavian and French traditions are fused together in a whole new and appetising way.

New Nordic meets French haute cuisine Behind the succulent flavours is head chef

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Stefán Eli Stefánsson. On top of receiving the honorary award of graduate of the year from the Hotel and Restaurant School of Iceland, Stefánsson has worked at one Michelin-starred restaurant Domain de Clairefontaine in France and two Michelin-starred restaurant Hibiscus 2 in London. “To me, gaining experience abroad is as necessary to our profession as taking a course or reading books is to others,” he says. “I learned a lot by working at these different places. Now that I’m back in Iceland, I can draw on those experiences and apply what I found most interesting and useful to my work here.”

Last year, Stefánsson continued to enrich his already glowing resume, picking up first place at the 'Taste of France' competition, which was held in Reykjavik and judged by a Michelin cook. The goal of the competition was to fuse Icelandic and French cuisine, something that Stefánsson does on a daily basis at Perlan Restaurant.

“We also take inspiration closer to home and play with Scandinavian food traditions in our cooking,” he says. “Above all, the focus is on fresh fish and mouth-watering Icelandic lamb. We try not to mess with the raw ingredients too much, as we prefer to let the flavours speak for themselves.

They’re so tasty simply as they are.”

The four-course set menu starts with smoked Arctic char followed by cream of lobster soup. The main course is a choice of fish of the day or lamb cooked in two ways, finished off with a two-layered chocolate mousse for dessert. A glass of

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Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature | Iceland

Photo: Snorri Gunnarsson

Photo: Snorri Gunnarsson

wine is chosen by the restaurant’s very own sommelier to complement each dish.

Alternatively, you can dine à la carte, choosing from tantalising starters like foie gras and fried whale, hearty mains such as monkfish and beef tenderloin and a variety of tempting desserts. There is also buffet-style food on offer, including Icelandic delicacies like reindeer, wild goose breast and puffin.

bar and finish the evening off with a refreshing cocktail. As you continue to admire the unbeatable view, sip on signature cocktail The Pearl, an icy blue concoction involving a killer combination of vodka, cognac, curaçao liqueur, pineapple juice and lemonade. You might well be served by former World Cocktail Championship winner Bardur Gudlaugsson, whose mixology skills are second to none.

Cooking with nature’s ingredients

With its iconic structure and hilltop position, Perlan is hard to miss wherever you are in Reykjavik. It’s incredibly easy to reach by car or bus from the centre of town and there is always plenty of space in the car park. With cycling and walking paths leading you through the woods on the hill down to the sea, you can make a day of it and work up an appetite before dinner. Be sure to step out onto the viewing deck on the fourth floor for a preview of the stunning panorama that will later serve as the backdrop to your meal.

“We try to make use of what is growing around us up here on Öskjuhlid hill. You can find all kinds of spices, as well as rhubarb, dulse and chervil. It’s great to be able to involve Icelandic nature in our cooking. We also buy home-grown bean sprouts and Icelandic salad,” says Stefánsson. “These days, we try to make as much as possible ourselves, so we know exactly what is going into our food.” This involves baking all bread, cakes and desserts on site in the restaurant’s bakery, as well as making ice cream entirely from scratch according to Italian recipes.

Once you’ve eaten your fill and completed your revolution, retire to the restaurant

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

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Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature | Finland

Nautical's Adrian Bäckman, Johan Gröndahl, Peter Sundblom

A culinary dream in an oceanic wonderland The Finnish archipelago of Åland. Islands, calm waters and phenomenal views. As if this wasn’t enough, Restaurant Nautical aims to complete your seafaring experience with good food, wonderful atmospheres and a splendid time. On top of a fine maritime museum, Restaurant Nautical offers nothing but the best (and most delicious) complements to your visit to the picturesque islands of Åland.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Nautical

Restaurant Nautical was originally built as a Captain’s Club in 1947. Without changing the naval atmosphere, the venue underwent a complete renovation in 2011 and is now standing as a modern culinary champion on top of the well-known and visited Maritime Museum of Åland. The three partners Peter Sundblom, Adrian Bäckman and Johan Gröndahl are now managing Restaurant Nautical where they, while staying true to the tradition of the location and venue, are paving the way for culinary innovations and pure Nordic tastes.

“Our products are as local as possible,” explains Peter Sundblom. “If we can’t find it here on Åland, we can find it on the Fin-

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ish mainland, Sweden or even Norway, and if we can’t it’s probably not in season, which means that we wouldn’t use it anyway.”

Indeed, staying true to the seasonal range and natural provision is something the managers of Restaurant Nautical puts at the very forefront of their culinary vision.

By using what is naturally given and keeping it simple – but never boring –they have become a popular stop-by for archipelago visitors and maritime enthusiasts.

“We believe that good food is enough,” says Sundblom when asked to describe the reason behind the fully packed restaurant and buzzing terrace. “The three of

us and our team know what we are doing and we love to experiment and find innovative varieties to Nordic classic dishes and ingredients. Our passion and love for the food and restaurant shines through,” he says happily. “That’s why people come back and why they enjoy spending time here. And the view doesn’t hurt either.”

It really doesn’t. Out on the sun-filled terrace a wonderful view of water and islands offer a panoramic scenery guaranteed to satisfy you completely, even if you’re only stopping by for a quick drink.

However, Sundblom’s own recommendation for a late summer's visit strikes all the right tones too. “Sit on our terrace with a drink in the afternoon sun and eat our delicious crayfish. It really is like nothing else,” Sundblom stresses.

We certainly won’t argue.

For more information, please visit: www.nautical.ax

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Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature | Denmark

Helping us get out of a pickle, before it all goes pear shaped Living sustainably is what many aspire to do, but also something that can be very difficult. MadMad Madbodega has been inspired by Copenhagen’s sustainable nature and is helping to further this by providing locals with sustainable, organic, seasonal and locally-sourced food in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.

By Josefine Older Steffensson | Photos: MadMad Madbodega

Heather Thomas and Marian Reed, the founders of MadMad, met whilst studying in Copenhagen. Soon a partnership was formed due to their common interest in sustainable food. The two Americans graduated in September 2014 and have since been working non-stop on MadMad Madbodega, a sustainable gastropub, which opened in May 2015.

Heather and Marian believe that the key to living sustainably is to start with food.

Heather says that: “A quarter of our carbon footprint comes from the food we eat.” Hence the restaurant sources its food locally and seasonally, so the menu changes with the seasons. All of the food is also organic which protects the soil from pesticides.

MadMad’s aim is to serve people great comfort food, but also to educate people on sustainable living in a very relaxed environment.

Speaking to Heather about the restaurant it is clear that there is a lot of passion and love behind it: “We’re trying to create a sense of a community hub. It’s not just about saving the planet, it’s also about saving humans.”

“People can learn the skills and knowledge needed to live sustainably from us.”

MadMad offers cooking classes and talks, which not only engage people in the current topics regarding sustainable food, but also furthers their skills so that they can take the MadMad philosophy and apply it in their own homes. Pickling and pre-

serving are big on the agenda and you can even learn to can your own tomatoes!

More importantly the food is great, environmentally guilt-free and comforting. It is a mixture of new Nordic and classic British, with Sunday roasts and Scotch eggs both incorporating beautiful Danish free-range organic pork.

The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly with the waiters sometimes giving you a hug before you leave. You can come in for a pint or for a full-blown three-course dinner, whatever you may have time for.

MadMad Madbodega is a place to relax, learn and eat fantastic food, where not only your taste buds are tickled, but also your mind.

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

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Scan Magazine | Event of the Month | Uppsala International Guitar Festival

Crowd at 2014 festival’s Jennifer Batten performance. Photo: Henry DIltz

Event of the Month, Sweden

Uppsala International Guitar Festival: a phenomenal musical delight There are few instruments as widely used as the guitar. Across genres, levels of training and ambition, the guitar is something most people come into contact with, whether it is from being part of an enthusiastic audience, a happy amateur practitioner or a professional musician. Here to celebrate the instrument in all its glory is the annual Uppsala International Guitar Festival.

solutely nothing. Behind the success are people whose love for the instrument shines through in every single thing they do, something that does not go unnoticed as people start to flock and gear up for one of the top musical events of the year.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Press images

Uppsala International Guitar Festival is one of the biggest of its kind, and the likes of which are unprecedented in the Nordic countries. “We are thrilled to be able to welcome people to one of the greatest celebrations of guitar music in the world,” says the passionate founder and executive director of Uppsala International Guitar Festival, Klaus Pontvik. “We started in 2003 as a meeting place where people were allowed to share their knowledge

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and passion amongst the likeminded and today we are the hosts of an event that world famous artists are lining up to be associated with.”

The reviews from previous years speak for themselves as they read like never ending streams of impressed and bewitched voices pouring with utter delight and amazement. Uppsala International Guitar Festival leaves you wanting for ab-

As the 12th International Guitar Festival is getting ready to open its doors in the lovely town of Uppsala, we take a closer look at some of the line-up’s highlights. They are indeed making us count the days until 7 October.

A tribute to two Swedish music legends Musicians Monica Zetterlund and Jan Johansson are celebrated at the festival’s grand opening on 7 October. In a unique cooperation, Uppsala International Guitar

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Scan Magazine | Event of the Month | Uppsala International Guitar Festival

Festival and Swedish Music Hall of Fame will welcome visitors to the guitar festival's honouring of two of Sweden’s most legendary and beloved jazz artists. “Most Nordic music fans have a relationship with these two genre giants,” says Pontvik. “It really is an honour to be able to pay tribute to two people who have both made such marks on the European music scene.” The musicians lining up to pay their respects to Jan Johansson and Monica Zetterlund is as long as it is full of well-known names.

The opening night is sure to be a spectacular one you will be hard pressed to forget if you are one of the lucky attendees.

Flamenco extravaganza and jazz fusion at its finest Uppsala International Guitar Festival is more than proud to be able to present one of the world’s greatest flamenco singers of modern time; Diego El Cigala. With his incredible, smooth and caressing voice he will leave no one untouched and with his phenomenal band. Armed with two flamenco guitars, a piano, percussion instruments and more, this will be a concert you won’t want to miss.

But there would be no proper guitar fest without one of the true masters of the instrument: Pat Metheny. With his wide aesthetic, impressive range and musical vo-

cabulary, he alone has created a whole new dynasty within jazz fusion. Moving with grace and fluency between modern jazz, rock and classical music he has played alongside some of the most famous names in the music industry, such as Steve Reich, Ornette Coleman and David Bowie, just to mention a few. As one of the greatest guitarists in the world he is sure to attract a wide and dedicated audience. Expect a full house and a marvellous performance!

A festival for everyone No matter if you are a practicing guitarist, an enthusiastic fan or simply want to broaden your musical pallet, Uppsala International Guitar Festival is definitely something for you to attend. With fantastic performances and a joyous and celebrative atmosphere, visitors will get a warm welcome and days filled of experiences out of the ordinary. “One of the things that makes this festival so great, aside from the fantastic performances,” Pontvik sums up, “is the energy and creativity that really beams out to the audience and attendees. It is impossible not to love being around it!”

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

FESTIVAL PROGRAMME, 2015 Wednesday, 7 October Tribute concert, honouring Monica Zetterlund and Jan Johansson.

Performances by George Riedel, Isabella Lundgren, Svante Thuresson, Maria Möller and others.

Thursday, 8 October Xue Fei Yang (Classical) China Scott Henderson (Blues/Jazz/Rock) USA

Friday 9 October Derek Gripper (Cora Music) South Africa Diego el Cigala Band (Flamenco) Spain

Saturday, 10 October International Young Talents Competition Pablo Uccelli & Duo Taborda-Zambrana (Tango & Folk) Argentina Pat Metheny (Jazz fusion) USA

Sunday, 11 October Marcin Dylla (Classical) Poland Macyn Taylor, Emil Ernebro (Fingerstyle) USA/Sweden Terry Riley feat Gothenburg Combo, Gyan Riley + 40 musicians, USA/Sweden

Georg Riedel, performaing on 7 October

Pat Metheny, performing on 10 October Photo Jimmy Katz

Diego El Cigala, performing on 9 October

Monica Zetterlund.

Photo: Mikael Jansson

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: ME E H EN

L T WED A I EC N S

SP DE I A M

The seat of the Swedish Government. Photo: Ola Ericson/imagebank.sweden.se

A vitamin injection for Swedish export

By Mikael Damberg, Minister for Enterprise and Innovation

Sweden’s export is a huge one, nearly half of Sweden’s BNP is depending on it, so we can call ourselves a trade-dependent country with ease. But when we see how the export has developed during the past years, we can also see that it has become weaker than the export of our neighbouring countries. In addition to this, nearly 70 per cent of our export has been going to European countries. Much of the world growth will in the coming years be happening outside of Europe. The EU Commission figures that a

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whopping 80 per cent of the growth leading up to 2020 will occur outside Europe.

Therefore Sweden needs to change their trading pattern so that we can establish a presence in the growing markets. We have done thorough analysis and identified which of the countries are wealthy enough, growing enough, and have a market close enough to ours so that our products and services can be relevant and applied.

As the Minister for Enterprise and Innovation, I have named Swedish export as one of my main areas of focus. One of my first decisions was therefore to kick start the export strategy, a strategy that has already been fruit bearing in the spring budget about to be passed in Parliament.

Another early decision was to name the entire government a patron of Swedish export. I have no less than 23 Ministers of Trade in the government, and many of them have already taken on international patron travels.

The Swedish government has an ambitious goal: in 2020, Sweden will have an

increased number of employees, and the amount of worked hours financially so that we reach the lowest unemployment rates in the EU. Sweden’s export of products and services will play a key role in how well we manage to achieve it.

Mikael Damberg, Minister for Enterprise and Innovation

Sweden has a long tradition of being an expert-oriented country. Our international businesses are important for Swedish employment and for our welfare – today and in the future. But lately, Swedish export has not developed quite as well as we would have liked it to. Sweden can do better. That’s why the government has decided to gather up forces in order to increase Swedish export to the rest of the world. Right now we are hard at work and in constant correspondence with businesses, in developing an export strategy. A strategy that will work as a vitamin injection for Swedish export.

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Sweden

Photo: Nicho Söderling/imagebank.sweden.se

Swedish Trade: where quality and liberty takes the lead

By Karin Johansson, CEO, Svensk Handel – the Swedish Trade Federation, www.svenskhandel.se

Svensk Handel - Swedish Trade Federation is the employers’ association serving the entire trade and commerce sector. We represent commercial enterprises on issues concerning employment and economic policy. Svensk Handel is tasked with creating the best trading conditions for commercial enterprises both large and small. We act to improve conditions in the industry by maintaining industrial peace, by lobbying decision makers and formers of opinion, by contributing towards reduced costs for member companies and by providing legal advice and services.

We unite more than 13,000 member companies with around 300,000 employees, active across various branches of retail and wholesale trade. In addition to large member companies such as IKEA, H&M and ICA we also count among our roster small and mid-sized enterprises, and chains such as Intersport, Stadium and Lindex. Today, the industry employs approximately half a million people, and turns over SEK 600 billion annually – more than one-tenth of Sweden's GDP. Commerce is unquestionably a sector with

considerable significance for the national economy.

Karin Johansson, CEO, Svensk Handel – the Swedish Trade Federation

Going on vacation? Shopping tourism today generates SEK 80 billion of retail trade, and interest in Sweden as a tourist destination continues to grow. Svensk Handel has teamed up with a number of its partners in the tourist industry to develop 20 new Swedish tourist destinations by the year 2020.

Svensk Handel acts for a world with free trade and no barriers. We also seek to highlight the significance of imports, ease the regulatory burden on companies and increase state investment in training and research. Moreover, we strive to reduce card and cash processing charges.

Every commercial enterprise is welcome to become a member of Svensk Handel. Our members benefit from a wide range of support and services to help them in their daily business. They also gain access to a broad suite of membership benefits, including insurance, reduced card processing charges and support in the event of legal disputes.

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Sweden

Co-founder and President, Konrad Bergström

Photo: Marshall

Photo: Marshall

Taking audio to new, ground – (and sound) breaking levels Lately there has been one name dominating music lovers favourite experiences; Zound Industries. Turning functional electronics into fashion, this stylish innovator has forever changed the way we look and listen to music. Breaking new ground, Zound Industries recently launched their quest to dominate in one of the largest and most competitive markets in the world, proving once again where the sound of the future will come from.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photo: Jens Andersson

Personal and individual style is one of the most ‘tapped in’ markets in the world. Yet, few brands, makes and models have what it takes to stand out from the crowd and survive in an ever-changing, demanding climate such as the global design industry.

Luckily, this has never been an issue for the always fashionable and never boring collections from Zound Industries. With headphones and sound systems that will not only provide amazing audio experience, but also lift to any environment and fashion statement, they stand alone at the top – far away from any competitor.

Last month, Zound Industries broke new grounds by getting involved in the most competitive market in the world: mobile

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technology. Now presenting the phone Marshall London, the audio giant is on their way to further enhance people’s audio experiences both in quality, functionality and design.

“We are constantly asking ourselves ‘how do people want to consume music?’ and the answers to this are what we build all our products and collections on,” Konrad Bergström, Co-Founder and President of Zound Industries says. “The mobile phone has been a long time coming and we are finally at a place where we believe both ourselves and the open market is ready for what we have to give: a smartphone by default, developed into the world’s greatest music device.”

With a cross-sound board, manual EQ features for a personalised and tailored sound, inputs’ and outputs’ enabling you to DJ and mix music straight from your phone, as well as highly qualitative recording features, Marshall London is a dream come true for all musicians, podcasters, writers, poets, artists and others who have a need or interest to record, mix and create on the go. “Musicians will have their studio with them, and music lovers and geeks will be able to personalise their own music experience with some of the best features, technology and innovations around. In addition to this the mobile is a beauty!” Bergström exclaims proudly.

Just talking about it simply won’t do. Marshall London is something that needs to be experienced first hand. We promise you, it’s like nothing you’ve ever had in your pocket.

Marshall London is available via Telia (Scandinavia) and Marshallphones.com For more information, please visit: www.zoundindustries.com

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Sweden

Anitha Schulman: Flawless, fearless and fun designs Design, innovation and contrasts are keywords when it comes to Anitha Schulman’s phenomenal tableware. Created with impeccable detail and a never-failing sense of style, her pieces and collections will light up every room and provide charm and individuality to every table, event and occasion.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Angelica Söderberg/IBL

Design has always been a passion of Anitha Schulman, even though the road to where she is today took a rather long detour. After graduating from design school nearly 17 years ago, various paths lead Anitha to the Swedish media landscape where she enjoyed a long successful career. Her creativity was, however, still burning within and the lack of actively creating was a small but constant source of grief. It would take a pregnancy to make her realise her lifelong desire and put her creative juices into concrete designs and forms.

“When I was on maternity leave with my daughter Penny, I all of a sudden had time to think, to be truly inspired and to figure out what I really wanted to do,” says

Anitha, who in addition to creating beautiful pieces for the dining table also sports one of Sweden’s most visited lifestyle blogs. “It was interesting trying to get into the narrow design world,” she explains.

“People usually have prejudices against you if you’re a public figure which might not always work in your favour.” But with a little luck and a lot of 'can-do' attitude and ambition, Anitha was able to launch her first lush collection completely on her own terms – just the way she wanted it.

“The aim with my collections is to make a beautifully made dinner table affordable and approachable,” Anitha explains passionately and continues, “I remember my grandmother's nice tableware from my childhood. It was of course precious, but

it was constantly locked up in a cupboard, made to be admired, not used.” With this in mind, Anitha Schulmans’ pieces are all created for the purpose of being an active part in your life, whether it’d be on festive occasions, or your average Wednesday meal. All available in custom colour combinations, made to survive machine washes, microwaves and everyday usage.

Anitha’s collections have become a huge success in all of northern Europe. Adored by many and enjoyed by celebrities such as the Crown Prince of Sweden, Anitha has gained much praise and attention from several high-profile customers. “It’s of course amazing when people like Stella McCartney sends me gifts from her own collections because she’s so happy with mine,” Anitha exclaims happily. “Your role models giving you credit for your own achievements is quite incomparable.”

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

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Sweden

Sensational Swedish bathroom solutions The importance of the bathroom is something most people can get behind. The need for a fresh, clean and highly functional room that provides you with privacy, harmony and relaxation is big in Europe and, after the kitchen, it is the one room where Scandinavians spend most their time and money renovating and decorating to their chosen standards. So why settle for mediocre products when Macro can provide you with the best there is?

rapidly and the company expanded alongside its success. Today Macro has one of the biggest product ranges in the industry and their focus on customer satisfaction makes them hard to beat in any bathroom-related comparison.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Macro

At the very core of the company lies a devotion to customer service as well as a dedication to the environment and nature’s resources. “We work with the goal to make as little affliction on nature as humanly possible,” explains Magnus Andersson, Marketing Manager at Macro. “We are constantly renewing and bettering ourselves when it comes to information and education regarding environmental issues and concerns. All our products are produced with the environment in mind and without making compromises with our customers’ demands and wishes, we make sure that our products are made to

Macro is a company offering fashionable and functional shower systems that are sure to create harmony in your everyday life. As the frontrunner in developing innovative solutions, and creating quality products with a sense of individuality and style, Macro have their mind set on making the bathroom your new favourite room. Their vision is to make dreams come true by offering exciting solutions for your bathroom – solutions with value, products where function and design go hand in hand. Knowing that water has an

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ability to create harmony, calm and serenity, Macro offers products and solutions that will brighten up your bathroom all day, every day.

Created, based and made in Sweden Macro’s story started in 1985 in Laholm on the Swedish west coast. Now a part of the corporation Ballingslöv International, Macro is still based in the small town where it all started. From the beginning the company met the market demands and the interest from consumers grew

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Sweden

last a long time, rather than build lower quality products cheaper, which the customers will have to replace within a few years.”

A beneficial production for all involved Macro is run by the words quality, easy construction, good service, design and function. It is also of the highest importance for the company that the main production stays local to ensure the welfare of both the environment and the staff.

“While placing the production in a faraway country would benefit us financially, in the short run it is of no interest to us,” explains Andersson passionately. “A cheap production elsewhere means high costs for both workers and the natural resources. That’s a price we are unwilling to take.” Having a local production is the best way to enforce and maintain strong ethical values, Andersson stresses.

Being ‘Made in Sweden’ is one of the main pillars of Macro. That way the company is able to control and oversee every step in the production, ensuring that both staff and the environment are treated right and standards are being upheld both towards nature and human resources. “With a production close to home, we can take responsibility for our personnel as well as the quality of the product. We know that everyone involved is being treated right and that the products are sure to uphold Macro’s high standards,” Andersson ensures. “We have no interest in moving the production abroad, and will continue to be made and based in Sweden as we always have in the past.”

Choosing Macro is indeed a fair deal, in all ways possible. But the benefits with a Nordic production scheme does not stop with the greater good. “Just imagine your shower breaks down,” Andersson explains. “You report the issue and then you have to wait six to eight weeks until they ship the spare parts they need to repair it from another continent. That’s a long time to be without a properly working shower,” he adds jokingly. “With us, that won’t be an issue since our main production and parts are well within reach.”

A clear perk, but one that most Macro customers are blissfully unaware of due to the simple fact that their showers are still intact. Macro’s shower systems are the best there is. Extensively tested and made from scratch without shortcuts or quick fixes. Macro are so sure of the quality of their products that they offer a 20-year guarantee to their customers, ensuring that if there, against all odds, is a problem, Macro are easy to get hold of and fast when it comes to providing the help that you need.

With a three day delivery, Macro is the fastest shower solution provider in the industry.

Macro is a part of Ballinslöv International; a provider of exciting home environments for everyone.

Bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms and common areas, you name it, they’ve got it. For more information, please visit www.ballingslovinternational.se

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

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Sweden

A proud legacy for happy feet With 70 years in the shoemaking industry, Kavat sure knows how to make fantastically stylish and comfortable footwear. Eco-friendly, conscious and on point, there is no stopping this Swedish company which in recent years has expanded their business and production enormously in order to provide shoes that young and old alike can be proud to walk around in; whenever, wherever.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Kavat

Quality and sustainability are two words that run through the very core and essence of Swedish shoemaker Kavat.

Love and respect for nature and the craftsmanship of creating beautiful and enduring leather footwear is in the company’s DNA. Preserving, not only the environment and planet, Kavat is also maintaining a 70-year old legacy that has, from the first Kavat shoe in 1945, been a champion of Swedish design and taste: simple, innovative and functional. No wonder so many children have taken their first steps in a pair of Kavat, and are continuing to wear the brand through all walks of life, as Kavat has also successfully launched updated versions of the original designs for women and men from the 1960's and 1970's eras.

Knowing very well that the Earth’s re-

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sources are on loan from generations to come, Kavat (who produces roughly 300,000 pairs of shoes annually), will tolerate no shortcuts when it comes to nature and what it so gracefully provides. A large part of Kavat’s shoes are today certified with the EU Ecolabel, which guarantees the highest environmental and performance standards seen from a product life cycle perspective.

Kavat’s heritage of shoemaking stretches over four generations. From its founder Ragnar Karlsson, to the modernised company we see today, focus has always lied on impeccable craftsmanship and sustainable fashion that can be worn for years. Wear and tear has no place here. The concept of quality leather and construction and the products’ ability to withstand the test of time is what has made Kavat a success in

the past and is what continues to motivate both customers and creators.

A pair of Kavat shoes is not only feet fashion at its aesthetically finest; it is a product that has been produced with utmost care and respect for every aspect in the production, from the cow providing the leather, to consumers trying on a pair for the first time. Everything is accounted for, everything is traceable and everything is made with the greatest touch and afterthought in the business.

Not only your feet will be grateful for a pair of Kavat’s; nature will thank you too.

Kavat is distributed in stores and online in more than 20 countries.

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

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Sweden

For the love of craft and tradition Few things made in Sweden come from as strong a legacy as the linen from Växbo Lin. Situated in the picturesque province of Hälsingland in central Sweden, Växbo has a history of providing the finest linen fabric imaginable. Today, the people behind Växbo Lin stay determined to continue on the path that was started so long ago.

By Astrid Eriksson | Press Photos

All products from Växbo Lin are eco-friendly and locally produced. Everything is made and designed in the factory where Bruce and her team work hard with producing the materials and turning them into the fantastically popular products Växbo Lin are known for today. Hand and bath towels, classic table cloths and other products made for everyday use, all from the finest of materials and all made with the love and care that comes from knowing that you’re maintaining a little bit of local and cultural history.

The popularity of Växbo Lin is growing year by year. Almost half of the production is exported internationally and even younger generations are discovering the charm of the traditional craftsmanship and fabric. And as if the lush products weren’t enough, Växbo Lin welcomes nearly 80,000 curious visitors every summer. “We love that people are taking an interest in the production as well as the products,” Bruce says happily.

“Overall I think people appreciate traditional handcraft more than big mass productions, and at Växbo Lin we are all about the creative art of the trade and our rich heritage and legacy.”

The owners, Jacob and Hanna Bruce of Vaxbo Lin.

“We warp, we weave, we stitch, we sew and package all of our products right here in Växbo,” says owner Hanna Bruce. “That way we make sure that our legacy of linen crafting will stay strong and maintained in the future just as it has in the past.”

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

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Sweden

Your own world, displayed just how you want it Maps are no longer simply tools to show you where to go, but arguably also one of the top interior trends of the year. Maps of the world or countries, colourful maps, interactive maps, digital maps and so on. You name it, it has been made and tried out on walls all over the place. However if you are looking for wall art mapping out something which isn’t a major capital or a trendy city, you will be hard pressed to find it.

Until now that is. The game changer Mapiful is here to personalise the trend and make it relevant to all corners of the world. Literally.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Mapiful

The interior world has fallen in love with maps. It is an unmistaken infatuation that has spread like wildfire via blogs, interactive forums and media coverage. The reasons for this obsession are as many as

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there are map owners. Some people like to mark out where they’ve been on a world map so that others may flock and admire their globetrotting lifestyle. Some like the sophistication a map of Paris

brings to their living room and some might just like an unpretentious wall art that everyone can relate to. No matter the reason, one thing is crystal clear: maps are here to stay.

An exclusive coverage However, if you were to enquire for a map that might not be of a place known to everyone, a place that isn’t London, Milan, New York or Barcelona, chances are you’d have to look for a long time before coming to terms with the fact that you won’t find what you’re searching for. Frustrating to say the least if you want to hang a tribute

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Sweden

to your hometown on the wall. “It is quite excluding,” says Johan Thorsson, cofounder of Mapiful. “Also, the originality of the map is lost if everywhere you go the same map of the same place keeps showing up. It gets tiresome rather quickly.”

So in order to make the market more inclusive and just as diverse as the many places on this earth, Thorsson and three of his friends founded the company Mapiful.

Have it just how you want it “The idea wasn’t particularly refined when we started,” Thorsson admits. “We initially wanted to create a spin on the classic mobile game Snake, where you would manoeuvre the snake through city settings in a map format. But as we continued to develop the idea we started talking about how we wanted our own neighbourhoods and hometowns on nice looking and stylish posters. It just spun on from there really and after some brainstorming Mapiful was born.” First launching the idea to friends and family over social media the four guys behind the website had a hard time picturing the successful path they were embarking on. “We first thought that our nearest and dearest might appreciate it and all of a sudden we had orders and sales from over 40 countries,” Thorsson laughs. “Needless to say, we had to rethink our strategy.”

ever place you want to commemorate, and for whatever reason, you can.”

An unmapped - but bright - future As far as future plans for Mapiful, Thorsson is slightly secretive. “Right now we are focusing on making what we offer as great as possible,” he says. “We have no interest in providing a half-hearted service, we want it to be stellar. We keep getting customers from all over the world and since we offer free shipping worldwide, distance

isn’t an issue.” But, he admits, this is not the end of the road. “We believe in Mapiful and that there are bright times ahead for further developments and new ideas,” he says. “Let’s just say we’re looking forward to the future.”

We for one, can’t wait to see what’s in store!

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

User wise, Mapiful is as easy as it is brilliant. The technically savvy website allows you to order custom-made posters of any place in the world. Just tap in the location in the search field and et voila! Mapiful creates a poster just the way you want it.

With stylish templates and designs Mapiful gives you great conditions for fantastic wall art, but the actual designer is you.

You pick the town or location and by dragging and zooming you decide exactly what areas to cover on your poster.

“What makes this so special is that there is no set rule to what you are mapping,” Thorsson explains. “It doesn’t have to be limited to a city, it can be the little village where you spent your summers as a child, or the outlines of the park where you and your partner shared your first kiss. What-

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Sweden

Photo: Mattias Blomqvist

FlexQube – Lego inspired logistics Sweden has a long history of inventors and innovative products. A challenge in today’s global world is production logistics since the product variation increases at the same time as product life cycles gets shorter and shorter. Swedish FlexQube has found a way for companies to overcome these challenges – inspired by the flexibility of Lego.

By Anita Karlsson | Photos: Flexqube

Like many other inventions, the company FlexQube started out with an interest to make an improvement. One of the company's founders, Per Augustsson, worked as a project leader in the vehicle industry, managing and developing new ways to improve intralogistics flow in manufacturing. He noticed that the racks and carts in welded steel used to store and transport components, did not prove to be flexible enough to withstand changes in production. Furthermore, the forklifts used when moving goods induced a dangerous and inefficient working environment, something that the industry wanted to

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move away from. The new tugger trains that were coming into the market had the benefit of being more easy-moving, safer, quieter and could take on more material on the wagon trail. To switch from forklifts to tugger trains imposed requirements that the carts used would be robust, flexible and ergonomic enough to make such a transition.

A flexible system to suit every need With a background in mechanical engineering, Augustsson’s interest in product development was awakened. A year and hundreds of sketches later he had devel-

oped the prototype for such a flexible system – and his inspiration was Lego building bricks. The carts and racks made by FlexQube consist of four basic building blocks: a beam, a tube, a locking plate and a joint. All have the same assembly interface and the same seven centimetre dimensional range to facilitate the design process as well as assembling, re-assembling and recycling. The joint is a cube named FlexQube, just as the company name, and according to Christian Thiel, CFO and co-founder: “It is the heart in our concept so to speak. When Per had developed that part the other three pieces came easily together.”

With the FlexQube concept it is possible to design and manufacture any type of cart or racks for light weight or heavy duty internal material handling in an infinite number of variants. Since the components are easy to re-assemble, they have a clear

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Sweden

According to Thiel the company has grown tremendously since its inception in 2010.

“It started out as an idea in 2010, prototypes were made in 2011 and in April 2012 our first sales were made.” Turnover last year was 14 million SEK, and is estimated to 30-40 million SEK in 2015. Customers are mainly manufacturers (e.g. within the automotive industry, construction machinery, energy, aviation, kitchen appliances, computer servers etc. and tier 1 suppliers within those industries) but are also found within distribution. The customer base stretches worldwide, while the head office is in Gothenburg, Sweden.

There is a manufacturing and distribution center in mid Sweden, plus an office, manufacturing and distribution center in Georgia, USA. FlexQube works with distribution partners all over the world and is planning to open manufacturing facilities in South America and in Asia in the near future. Anders Fogelberg, CEO and cofounder says that “the idea is to be close

On FlexQube’s home page you will find a solutions library consisting of CAD drawings and data about carts and racks that have been designed previously by the FlexQube team or by customers. Here you can choose an existing design or find inspiration for your own layout. Thiel says that: “Our carts have a bit of a futuristic and innovative look. The feedback we get from clients is that they enjoy their neat look.” The assembly can be made either by the customer or by the FlexQube team.

Fogelberg says that “since the customers can choose to assemble their orders by themselves the transportation costs are reduced considerably compared to when ordering welded products. That makes us a bit like IKEA.” Once you know how easily the building blocks are joined together no more instruction is needed to build your own construction. “Just like Lego,” concludes Fogelberg.

Photo: Mattias Blomqvist

A fast company growth

to the customers to shorten lead time from order to delivery and we want to be a global supplier and solution for our global customers.” Since the FlexQube building blocks are available for immediate delivery lead times can be kept short .

Solutions library

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

Photo: Mattias Blomqvist

advantage over welded versions made by competitors. With FlexQube the carts and racks can adapt to production changes without making new time stalling and costly investments in equipment. Another advantage is the adaptability of the FlexQube system to the ergonomic demands of the workers operating the carts and racks.

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Sweden

Terrible Twins: the recipe for a wonderful atmosphere When you hear the words ‘terrible’ and ‘twins’ in the same sentence, homely bliss is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. But it should be. By a picturesque lake in the middle of Sweden, sisters Sara and Karin Ström are creating the most wonderful pieces and products for your home and wellbeing – all sold under a name you are sure never to forget.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Terrible Twins

“My sister and I lived in London during the '80s and made cuddly animals from old curtains that we sold on markets,” Karin Ström remembers. “Every week we appeared in our stand with the complete '80s look, puffed up fringes and light blue eyeshadows,” she says with a laugh.

“Legwarmers and tights - the entire package.” The other market sellers gave them the nickname the Terrible Twins, a lovable epithet that stuck, and when it was time for Sara and Karin to set up shop 15 years ago, the name of their company was a given.

Terrible Twins started out with wheat heaters made of pure linen which soon

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became their number one trademark. The products sold like lemonade on a hot summer’s day and eight years ago, Terrible Twins became a full-time business.

Today, their range includes various handmade interior pieces as well as a fantastically lush SPA series that has really brought their business to another level, locally as well as internationally.

The sisters’ philosophy is brilliant in its simplicity: Make things people love by using eco-friendly and local resources and material. “We are an honest company, dealing in honest trade and labour,” says Karin. “There are no short cuts when it comes to our products and the standards

and conditions we want to set for our business as well as the people we work with. That is nothing we would ever want to compromise with.”

And while the (not so terrible) sisters continue their honest business people worldwide are falling in love with their products.

The SPA series is distributed on a global scale through well-known resellers and there really is no telling where it will all end. Lifestyle and interior blogs are gushing over the products and people all over Scandinavia and the UK can’t seem to get enough. “We have been fortunate enough to be able to work together with what we love,” Karin says happily. “Spreading our love and joy on a scale like this is nothing short of a dream come true.”

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

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: ME D E H N

L T INLA A I F C

E N SP DE I A M

From campaign symbol to successful brand

By Hanna Malinen, Communications manager of the Association for Finnish Work

Finland's best known mark of origin, the Key Flag Symbol, is enjoying its 50th anniversary this year. The anniversary has been celebrated around Finland with a pop-up container, furnished and decorated with Finnish Key Flag products.

To say that the figure is well known is an understatement: over 90 per cent of Finnish consumers recognise the Key Flag symbol. The symbol also increases appreciation of Finnish work and knowhow internationally.

The iconic symbol was born in 1965 when the nation needed an appealing campaign for domestic products to balance the nation's economy. Finnish companies were encouraged to use the Key Flag in advertisements and products.

A recent study of the Association for Finnish Work shows that up to 82 per cent of Finnish people say that they are proud of the quality of work in Finland.

High quality and distinct products and services are one of Finland´s most im-

In 1975, the Key Flag symbol became an official mark of origin for the Finnish products guaranteed by the state. The first Key Flag products were Norlyn tights, Finnmatch matches and Nokia toilet paper.

Today, the Key Flag symbol is one of the most well-known and prestigious brands in Finland and its use has been granted for 3,000 products, product groups or services, such as Genelec´s speakers, F-Secures internet security solutions for home, Timberwise´s parquets, Vallila´s decoration service and UPM´s Biofore fuel.

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portant triumphs in the domestic and international market.

The Key Flag symbol can be granted to a product that has been manufactured in Finland and a service that has been produced in Finland. The degree of domestic origin must be over 50 per cent. On average, the degree of domestic origin of products using the Key Flag Symbol is over 80 per cent. The Key Flag Symbol is governed by the Association for Finnish Work.

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Finland

A spectacular showcase of Finnish design Habitare, Finland’s largest furniture, interior decoration and design event, will be held at Messukeskus in Helsinki 9-13 September this year. For five days, the event will bring together thousands of people interested in design and interior decoration, to explore new trends.

By Caroline Edwards & Johanna Suni | Photos: Messukeskus Helsinki

Habitare has been a top player on the Finnish design scene since 1970, showcasing interior decorations and design for consumers and professionals alike.

Celebrated for its high quality, Habitare has grown into an international event with an impressive track record, known for featuring the latest trends in interior decoration and design for both homes and public spaces. With just over 50,000 visitors in 2014, this is a prominent showcase of furniture, textiles, surface materials and interior decoration objects.

Ahead! The future of design Nowhere else do you get as comprehensive an overview of Finnish and Scandinavian design as in Habitare’s Ahead!

Each year the area changes theme, which is carried over into the exhibition architecture, special exhibitions, pro-

gramme and exhibitors’ stands. This year’s theme, Breaking Free, intends to encourage people to embrace optimism by saying goodbye to the mundane and leave the grim days behind.

Habitare will be held at Messukeskus in Helsinki, Finland’s largest fair and congress centre. The recently renovated facilities at Messukeskus will provide the perfect venue for the event. Indeed, Habitare is one of the largest events held at Messukeskus. To be held concurrently with Habitare are the ValoLight lighting industry event, the ArtHelsinki contemporary art fair and the antique event Antiikki.

As something new, visitors can now register for the preview day on 9 September, something that was previously reserved

for professionals only. Now, however, everyone can take part, exploring exciting designs in the process. With hundreds of companies present, there will be a great deal of innovative creations to discover, not just from established brands but also from newcomers.

A visit to Habitare is the perfect opportunity to learn more about Finland’s design tradition and get inspired. Network, meet passionate designers and find new items for your home. After all, there is a reason why people keep coming back for Habitare’s design fair, it’s simply the best.

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

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Finland

Creating spaces with you in mind Helsinki-based interior design agency Kokema Design has worked closely with a variety of clients both at home and abroad to create spaces tailored to individual needs. The team of four highly qualified and experienced designers promise to channel their enthusiasm to complete your project to your fullest satisfaction.

By Stephanie Lovell | Photos: Okko Oinonen

For Kokema Design, the most important thing in the whole design process is how people or clients feel in the new interior environment. Their aim is to make spaces and designs that mirror the personality and temperament of their clients. As professionals, they have the ability to translate clients’ wishes, desires and visions into material objects and concrete spaces by employing the language of design creatively.

“Each client and each project are like a new book. We’re always very excited during the first meeting when we have to find out not only what the project goals are but also what the client’s personality is like. The most important thing for us is to build a trustful relationship with the client

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from the outset. This is key for the project’s success,” explains Sabina Dontcheff, architect, interior designer and founder of Kokema Design. “We work closely and systematically with the client.

At each stage of the project, we hold meetings to exchange ideas and make decisions about the next steps. By doing so, we ensure that our designs are developed and implemented properly and on time.”

Having recently grown to comprise of four designers and a sales consultant, Kokema Design is bursting with positive energy and enthusiasm for new challenges. Recently, the team has worked on a variety of projects for clients with very different tastes. When completely renovating the premises of major law firm Borenius, they

were tasked with creating a timeless space that would showcase the firm’s collection of art and classic furniture. In contrast, the space for a project with leading telecom operator DNA Business involved a great deal of colour, graphic patterns and modern furniture to create a suitable space for the company’s youthful staff.

For Nahkapaikka, a 1,300-metre squared leather goods shop in Central Finland, Kokema Design came up the entire space concept, including materials, lighting, furniture and displays, as well as the layout for customer circulation and the architecture of the shop’s main entrances.

“These three projects demonstrate the richness of our profession,” says Dontcheff. “We get to serve such diverse clients, always striving to satisfy their needs and bring success to their brand.”

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

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Finland

Beautiful alternative rides for the city or countryside As cycling becomes increasingly integrated into metropolitan lifestyles, Pelago is paving its way from the cobble-stoned streets of Helsinki to the roads of the world.

Founding brothers Timo and Mikko Hyppönen started from a hobby of fixing up old bicycles for themselves, and today their creations are found across Europe with an expansion to Japan on the way.

By Uniqua Hardy | Photos: Pelago Bicycles

The company was born six years ago as a response to local cyclists’ demand for reliable rides that would last for decades through the Finnish weather conditions. In addition to strong, durable quality, the brand has become known for its timeless and internationally appealing Nordic aesthetic. ”Quality and design are both extremely important to us and very connected to each other,” explains co-founder Timo Hyppönen. ”When bicycles are designed aesthetically well, people tend to take better care of them. This way they also last longer.”

Pelago approaches cycling as a fun and practical way of getting from one place to another. This has translated into a com-

plete lifestyle range, offering everything cyclists need to get the most of their rides.

"All our bicycles are simplified models and we've designed a set of accessories and add-ons to give people the freedom to customise their bicycle for their personal preferences,” Hyppönen explains. Their flagship shop, located in downtown Helsinki, is a bicycle enthusiast’s paradise fully stocked with everything from baskets and tools to apparel fitting the brand’s aesthetic.

Many recognise the classic, easy-going Brooklyn bicycle, but the collection as a whole reflects diversity. Their eight models fall into four categories: traditional leisure bicycles, higher quality urban

rides, hybrid models for commuters and versatile road bikes for long distance and active cycling. Durability, functionality and beauty are the cornerstones of each design, and recently two of their models have been put to the ultimate test on a world cycling tour.

Growing to be a global brand was always the target, but the brothers continue to only make bicycles that they use themselves. Their design process revolves highly around cyclists’ needs, aiming to provide the best and most comfortable rides no matter what the country, conditions or environment. ”We’re continuing in the same direction, but instead of adding new models to the collection, we’re shifting our focus to fill the gaps and further develop the current models,” Hyppönen reveals the company’s future.

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

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Finland

Girls in Kibera, one of Kenya’s largest slums, taking part in a training session offered by the CUP Foundation in collaboration with Lunette. (Photographer Martin Löf)

For a more comfortable, clean and protected you every month It concerns roughly half of the population during a period in their lives, and yet, it’s a topic we rarely talk about publicly. Raising awareness and creating a more open dialogue about female menstruation is the main focus of Lunette, one of the world’s most popular menstrual cup manufacturers.

By Heli Kurjanen | Photos: Lunette

“It’s all about giving women worldwide the opportunity to choose the best option for them,” says CEO and founder of Lunette, Heli Kurjanen. Kurjanen made a life changing decision when she founded her company ten years ago. From stay-at-home mom to global entrepreneur, her story is one of inspiration and courage. It all started back in 2004 when Kurjanen decided to order a menstrual cup from an online shop.

The concept was strong, but it fell short in execution, she felt.

“I complained about the cup to my husband and after listening to me, he encouraged me to start designing them myself. I didn’t have a business degree or much experience but I found the right people to help me start my business very quickly,” Kurjanen explains.

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As a fairly inexperienced woman just starting out in the business world, Kurjanen encountered doubt and skepticism from many. However, it soon became clear that her business venture had great potential.

In 2005, the Lunette cup was introduced to the Finnish market and by the end of the year, Lunette went online and international. Unlike the cup Kurjanen had bought online, Lunette put comfort and usability first in its design philosophy, ensuring the cup was comfortable to use with smooth surfaces and a sleek design.

A trustworthy product and design The Lunette menstrual cup, described by Kurjanen as a “revolutionary design product, the future of feminine protection”, is made from start to finish in Finland. As

recognition for its Finnish origin and design, the cup has been awarded both the prestigious Finnish Key Flag Symbol and the Design by Finland mark. “Abroad and especially in Europe, Finland and Finnish products are synonymous with quality, performance and durability. Lunette is proud to be a Finnish brand with a global outlook,” Kurjanen says.

Filling a huge gap in the hygiene market Lunette was born after Kurjanen recognised a significant gap in the market for feminine hygiene products. But how does the Lunette cup differ from the other feminine hygiene products available?

“The Lunette cup is made of soft medicalgrade silicone for the highest level of comfort and cleanliness. The most important difference is that the Lunette menstrual cup is completely reusable. You empty it rather than change it, wash it and reuse it. The cup is an easy-to-use, safe, hygienic and ecological alternative to tampons and pads. You simply fold and in-

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Finland

Comfort and cleanliness come first for Lunette, ensuring safe, hygienic and hassle-free protection during menstruation.

Team Lunette with Finnish author and politician Rosa Meriläinen on Menstrual Hygiene Day this May.

sert it and enjoy hours of worry-free use,” Kurjanen explains.

For Kurjanen and her team, it was also vital that the Lunette cup was compatible for women of every age, shape and size.

Everyone deserves a nicer period, Kurjanen believes “We’ve made it our goal to give our customers the perfect fit so they can enjoy all the benefits of using the Lunette cup. Women are like snowflakes, no two are the same.”

The choice is yours; the choice should be everyone’s Today, Lunette is sold in over 40 countries and although many women know that the menstrual cup exists, they hesitate to try it instead of the more mainstream alternatives available. Comments such as “Why did it take me ten years to discover this? Amazing!” are not uncommonly found on Lunette’s Facebook page.

“Some women are a bit hesitant at first.

However, any doubt that they may have had before trying our cup immediately goes away once they’ve tried it. The feed-

back has been resoundingly positive, from women of all ages. At Lunette, our mission is simple; to make every woman aware that there are not two, but three, menstrual protection options available,” Kurjanen says.

Bringing awareness to a topic often treated as a taboo is also an integral part of the company’s mission. For Menstrual Hygiene Day in May, Lunette started a hugely successful social media campaign, with the aim of donating cups and encouraging people to share their experiences about menstruation to increase awareness about the topic. The company also works closely with different organisations abroad to bring awareness about feminine hygiene and sexuality, such as Planet Parenthood in the US and the CUP Foundation in Kenya, whose first event organised in Nairobi on Menstrual Hygiene Day this year attracted thousands of girls and young women.

“In many developing countries, girls miss out on valuable time in school because they don’t have access to menstrual pro-

The cups are available in different, bright colours and two sizes, for light to moderate flow and for normal or heavier flow.

tection options. The CUP Foundation educates young girls in challenging environments about the benefits of using menstrual cups and fights taboos associated with menstruation. By donating cups to the cause, we’re proud to know that our tiny cups can really change lives,” Kurjanen concludes.

Former housewife Heli Kurjanen is the founder and CEO of top menstrual cup manufacturer Lunette.

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

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Finland

There are so many beautiful reasons to be happy…

When Pauliina Lindgren saw the beautiful lampshades her friend Jenni Vesanen made for her new dream home, she thought everyone should have the opportunity to buy them. And so, the two mothers of three joined forces to create Designverstas Omana and inject a little happiness and luxury into your everyday lives.

By Stephanie Lovell | Photos: Johanna Pohjavirta

“Jenni and I both live in Pispala, which is a stunning area surrounded by nature close to Tampere city centre,” says Lindgren. “We’ll often go on business walks or jogs through the forest to discuss our next product. We take a lot of inspiration from nature, which in Finland is very clean and pure, but kind of wild at the same time.”

Their first product, Little Diamond, is a brass-tube lampshade that fits perfectly in any space – hanging above the dining table or welcoming you in the hallway.

More products were soon introduced to the diamond series, made entirely by hand using the traditional 'himmeli' technique.

The lampshades are very easy to install and the cable comes in a variety of different colours. “Scandinavian design can of-

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ten be very grey and white, very pure, but we wanted to put some happy colours in our products,” smiles Lindgren. “We value Finnish craftsman traditions. When we were creating our himmeli products, we were inspired by the things we saw in our grandmothers’ homes.”

Happiness is really what Designverstas Omana is all about, as demonstrated in their motivating slogans: “There are so many beautiful reasons to be happy…” and “Your wings already exist. All you have to do is fly.” “We both have three children and they give us so much happiness and love to share,” says Lindgren. “We want to give our children and everyone else the courage to fly and the courage to be yourself.”

In this spirit, the duo has high hopes for the company’s future. “We’re looking to employ more people and we have tons of ideas for new products. For us, designing products is a journey that involves chasing down just the right materials and components to make the product perfect,” says Lindgren. “We want to stand alongside the major Finnish design companies and hope that our modern, happy design brand will one day be known all over the world.”

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

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Finland

Safety begins under your feet When it comes to choosing safety for your flooring, Nerostep knows what they are doing. From start to finish, Nerostep’s products – high-quality and high durability PVC grid mats – are designed and manufactured in Finland, proudly flying the flag of Made in Finland.

By Inna Allen | Photos: Nerostep

A leading company in its field, Nerostep specialises in manufacturing and selling plastic grid mat safety flooring in a multitude of colours and designs for domestic and industrial use. With over 20 years of experience, the company provides steadfast reliability and expertise.

All of the manufacturing stages of the Nerostep products are performed at the company’s own factory in Nurmijärvi, some 25 kilometres from Helsinki. “We are able to oversee and control the quality of our products and take into account customers’ varying special requirements

at every stage of the manufacturing process,” says marketing manager Niklas Vainio.

The company’s plastic grid mats are ideal for damp locations and surfaces demanding a strong grip, but whatever the flooring conditions are, the fundamental aim is to provide safety and protection. “During the product development stage, we always take our customers’ hopes and requests into consideration,” Vainio explains. “That way, we can make our mats suitable to as many different locations as possible.” The Nerostep product range currently includes four different products: STANDARD, STOP, SAFE-T-GRID and INTERIOR, and the company is soon launching new products to add to their collection.

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

Textiles that will brighten up your day Kids should be kids, which is why Finnish textiles company Naperonuttu designs all things colourful, quirky and comfortable. They aim to make children happy, but the joy spreads to the whole family through a selection of matching apparel for adults.

By Uniqua Hardy | Photos: Uljana Ra ̈ttel

Naperonuttu, best known for playful children’s wear and retro-styled fabrics printed with bold colours and big patterns, was founded in 2009 by nursery teacher Marja Yrjönmäki and her husband Sami Yrjönmäki. ”So often toddlers are seen on the playground in jeans and uncomfortable clothing. We strive to make clothes that are childlike, pleasing and comfortable for children to play in,” Marja Yrjönmäki explains.

The brand supports sustainability and all of their products are made with ethical principles within the EU. The whole Yrjönmäki family, including their children and cats, participate in the design process and Naperonuttu takes pride in prints they can truly call their own. ”There are similar textile companies in Finland, but our specialty is that we design every-

thing ourselves, whereas others tend to get their designs from outside sources,” says Yrjönmäki.

Another of their specialties is the use of stretch terry, which has gained much popularity and attention internationally. ”The fabric was used a lot in the '70s, but a quality stretch terry is extremely hard to find today,” Yrjönmäki explains. ”It’s a good, warm fabric for the Nordic atmosphere and it’s also enduring and doesn’t wear out,” she continues.

The company's textiles and clothing are sold across Europe in countries including the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway, Belgium and Sweden. Retailers also reach all the way to Australia.

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

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Finland

Reawaken your childlike wonder Gepetto was born when architect and artist Anu Pellinen and her husband, carpenter Jari Hämäläinen, combined their individual efforts into one family business.

Since 2001, they have together produced a range of thoughtful gift items and craft supplies designed to delight and awaken creativity.

By Uniqua Hardy | Photos: Gepetto

Do you remember the warmth and dreaminess held in the timeless illustrations and encouraging words of your favourite childhood books? That’s the sense of comfort you’ll find in Gepetto's bookmarks, pillowcases and postcards.

Anu Pellinen finds inspiration in the wonders of everyday life and explains the design process as stemming from lessons learned as a child. "Freedom and drive come from a thought that things must be approached from many angles, it’s okay to get physical and sometimes it’s good to climb into a tree to dream; structure from the self-set aims of staying true to Finnish nationality and using authentic materials; and strength from thinking of Gepetto as

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a small healer of the world,” she says.

The company’s philosophy shines best through the little daily reminders and feelgood messages printed onto their products. One of the illustrations on pillowcases and postcards features a humble cow who reveals her family secret, "we are quite satisfied, we don’t do more than our best, and sometimes less is enough”.

Another is a cat who realises that age is just a number and happily climbs on to a branch to sit and look at life.

Adding to the bundle of joy, the couple makes dollhouses and dollhouse furniture out of birch plywood in their workshop in Kangasala, Finland. "All of the

dollhouses are sold to be self-assembled.

They aren’t ready-made things, instead the main point of them is in the joy of creation,” Pellinen explains. The simplified wooden platforms provide arts and crafts enthusiasts of all age an opportunity to use their hands and build either a whole house or just a small rocking chair with creative freedom to influence the outcome.

At Gepetto, Pellinen is responsible for the texts and illustrations, while Hämäläinen manages the manufacturing of the plywood products. All of the products are made in Finland, either in their own workshop or by Finnish partners, and they strive to use the most sustainable solutions, both quality-wise as well as for the environment.

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

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Finland

Breathing new life into old traditions For artist and designer Elina Mäntylä, the value is in the beauty. Finding inspiration in the forests of her native Finland, she uses birch wood to create hanging crystals and intricate jewellery reminiscent of traditional folk decorations known as 'himmeli'.

By Stephanie Lovell | Photos: Left: Elina Ma ̈ntyla ̈, Right: Samuli Sivonen

In all Mäntylä’s designs, light is key. It reflects off the birch wood and shines through the space between the geometric shapes. Her birch crystals appear to glow like chandeliers, while her earrings and necklaces glisten like morning dew. This vital element is duly honoured in the name of her company, Valona Design, with 'valona' coming from the Finnish word for 'light'.

Although Mäntylä started out working with metal wire, birch wood has become her material of choice. “I’m fascinated by how it grows, how it looks,” she says. Honouring the himmeli folk decorations, which are chandelier-like forms traditionally made from straw, she turns the wood into delicate hanging crystals that are easy to assemble and disassemble and able to withstand use. The beautiful Octagon jewellery series continues with

this theme. The wooden himmeli earrings were awarded first prize in the 2014 Taito national design contest Folkista Poppia.

“When an idea comes to me it basically just lands in my lap, usually as a complete surprise and then I have this flow of creativity, with one thing leading to another,” explains Mäntylä. “When I’m making something, I consciously keep it very simple. Sometimes I realise I’ve ended up using more air than material. Of course, one of the trademarks of Finnish design is to be plain and simple, but personally, I love beautiful objects. That’s what draws my attention and what I strive for through my work.”

Although based in the idyllic town of Porvoo on Finland’s southern coast, Mäntylä likes to spend as much time as possible immersed in nature. “Most Finns feel a

strong connection to nature,” she says. “I love going to the woods or the sea. It’s important for me to go to places that are remote and far from human interference, so that I can recharge my batteries.”

Having successfully established herself on the Finnish market, Mäntylä feels the next natural step is to look to the international stage. With a growing team behind her, she feels ready to share her pieces with the world. This August, make sure to catch her at the Formex trade show in Stockholm.

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

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Finland

Pedro - Finnish luxury from the home to the oceans The name might throw you off, but once you see the designs, its clear that Pedro is a Nordic native. The Finnish manufacturer of design furniture was founded in 1988 and has established itself as an award-winning leader on both a national and international level. The collections focus on chairs and sofas, including designs for the home, public spaces and cruise ships.

By Uniqua Hardy | Photos: Pedro

Life’s true luxuries, especially when it comes to the home, can be narrowed down to having three main qualities: comfort, longevity and a pleasing aesthetic.

The Pedro ’Home’ collection, known for lasting design and quality, delivers all of these and more. Active research and development with designers and customers helps the company keep a high level of quality in interiors ranging from sofa beds to dining room pieces, and the Scandinavian aesthetics brought from a Finnish point-of-view promotes functionality with strong ecological values.

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On the design side, traditional woodwork detailing is a staple of Pedro furniture, and in all their simplicity, the pieces reflect classic comfort mixed with contemporary high design. The company has found its balance by combining elements from mass production benefits with traditional craftsmanship in perfect ratio.

Tapio Anttila, an internationally awarded Finnish interior architect, acts as the head designer for the company. His simple, practical and sustainable approach, that is also evident in his work for Pedro, has

been rewarded with many high profile international awards. ”Pedro has a strong tradition of collaborating with designers. Tapio Anttila's minimalist design language and our sharing of the same ideas of ecology is a good combination. The simplistic design form isn't of everyone’s interest, but it too has its own supporters and can be made elsewhere than in Denmark. They just know how to market it well, unlike us Finns,” explains Juha Lehtonen, managing director of Pedro.

Functionality beyond usability ”You know, there aren’t many companies at all that produce zero landfill waste. All of our production waste is sorted and recycled,” says Lehtonen. Sustainability is one of the main themes for the company and a range of their furniture also includes recycled materials.

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Finland

The sofa beds in their ON and AWA collections are prime examples, with the first including 300 recycled water bottles and the second close behind with 200. ”The plastic is made into pure fiber, used to fill the back cushions,” Lentonen enlightens.

The company has won many prestigious awards internationally for its innovative, ecological and top quality design. The chairs in their ON series have been the latest under the spotlight and received two high awards last year: Interior Innovation Award 2014 for first-class innovative achievement by the German Design Council and the Chicago Athenaeum’s annual Good Design award.

Functionality, a traditional trait of Nordic design, is taken a step further in the series by merging practical usability and sustainability to the point where they together represent one and the same. ”In addition to usability, also raw materials, manufacturing process and recyclability – the whole life cycle of the product – is part of functionality. When the product is not only aesthetic and usable but also ecological and ethical, it can be truly called functional. The products have to live up to our values,” designer Tapio Anttila describes the design philosophy.

Interiors beyond the home Pedro furniture is sold in Finland, Germany, Japan, France and Netherlands. ”Far too modest, compared to what it should be,” admits Lehtonen, but instead of solely decorating homes, the company’s interiors are found sailing across international waters in luxurious cruise ships and in high-end hotels. The areas of expertise divide into four concepts, which are ’Home’, ’Projects’, ’Marine’ and ’+55’.

Last but not least, Pedro’s humanity comes through the '+55' line, which offers furniture designs for the physically challenged. With this line, the heart of the company is put into designing the best solutions for retirement homes and rehabilitation centres that have special needs for their customers.

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

Projects include custom-made international interior solutions and furniture delivery to hotels, offices, public spaces and stores. Their largest project to date has been decorating the Marriott Hotel Novy Arbat, a five-star Russian hotel located in the heart of Moscow.

One of the most important focuses is Pedro Marine, through which the company aims to supply lasting as well as beautiful interiors made for populated cruise ships from Miami to Japan. Providing seating and theatre concepts for the Royal Caribbean’s world’s largest cruise ships Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas as well as TUI Cruises’ luxurious Mein Schiff 3, are amongst the company’s experience. Currently, they are working on a new German ship, called the AIDAprima.

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Finland

Guilt free delights from the North Do you recognise that nagging feeling when the hours from lunch until dinner are simply too many and your tummy is yearning for a little snack? Rather than giving into the guilty pleasures of chocolates and biscuits, indulge in FINN CRISP’s healthy and tasty and completely guilt-free rye crispbreads.

By Helene Toftner | Photos: FINN CRISP

For most Nordic children, FINN CRISP’s crunchy rye breads have been part of their daily ordeal. Little did we know that the healthy snack would become one of the hippest things ever a few years down the line. While providing an added extra to a healthy diet, it is also a much loved snacking option with its rich taste. With only 22 calories in each crispbread, they can be enjoyed without any hint of a bad conscience.

FINN CRISP’s recipes are based on Finnish traditions dating back centuries.

The brand was launched during the 1952

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Summer Olympics in Helsinki, and has since taken the world by storm. Sold in more than 40 countries worldwide, the UK being one of them, they will likely conquer the supermarket further in years to come. “We have been growing in many countries during the last years,” says Azaliya Sungatullina, brand manager at FINN CRISP. “More and more people are discovering our product.”

While nutritionists around the world are alarmed by the obesity and unhealthy habits of current generation, there is an almost equally big focus on healthy and

clean foods in the western world. “I think more and more people pay attention to the healthiness of what they eat. FINN CRISP has many really healthy product attributes, and it also tastes really good,” says Sungatullina. An avid FINN CRISP eater herself, she knows what she is talking about. “I always have them on my desk in the office, and I don’t feel guilty eating them.”

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

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K: AR E: NM E EM DE UR TH IN ULT L I A ES D C EC NC AN SP RIE LS PE IVA EX T P ES TO F

Photo: Thomas Rousing

Photo: reneusz Cyranek

Photo: Kirsebær Festival Kerteminde

Photo: VisitFyn

A thrilling ride through a cultural landscape Denmark is known for its festive summers full of enriching festivals where people let go of their worries and enjoy themselves. Despite being a small country, the land is packed with things to do and see, especially in a month like August. Whether you seek classical music, mind-bending literature or cosy cities, you will be spoilt for choice. All it takes is an open mind.

By Caroline Edwards

When most people hear the word festival they often think of large-scale events such as the Roskilde Festival, where thousands of people come together to drink and listen to music – but this is only part of the story. Often it’s the smaller festivals that are the most fascinating ones to attend. From the rural parts of Jylland to larger cities such as Aarhus, their presence can be found pretty much anywhere. By widening your

search, you will find cultural events of international proportions in the most unlikely places, from the flat, empty countryside to the seaside to bustling towns and cities overlooked by tourists.

Why not dedicate the late summer to cultural adventures?

Wanderlust is in all of us, and whilst the impulse to travel sometimes leads people to far corners of the world, it’s often

without realising that the adventurous trips can be much closer than one realises. Culture can cross borders and the same goes for festivals, often bursting with names from all over the globe, from US country singers to classical musicians from Asia.

Prepare yourself to board, this is going to be more thrilling than one can imagine. Not only can you take the trip through different cultural traditions, from Denmark and beyond, you can also travel back in time. History is always present in an old kingdom like Denmark, so if it’s a time machine you are after, look no further as Danish summers always deliver, if not on weather then on culture.

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Experiences in Denmark: Festivals and Culture

Tønder Festival – A cultural lighthouse brimming with innovation Tønder Festival is characterised by authenticity, high quality and, above all, unique experiences. Since 1974 the musical oasis has grown into the most recognised international folk-roots festival in the North, attracting thousands of guests each year. Tønder presents names that cannot be heard anywhere else, from folk and roots to country and indie-rock, that are always delivered straight from the heart by new voices and acclaimed veterans alike.

By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Ard Jongsma

As much as it might sound like an old cliché, Tønder Festival isn’t like all the others. There are no pop stars and no loud electronic DJs to be seen on the music programme. Instead it is bursting with artists from a diverse musical platform, capturing traditional and newfound tunes in a genre that, according to Tønder Festival’s Artistic Director, is purely handmade. This year, featuring

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renowned musicians such as John Prine, Tønder Festival puts several countries in the spotlight as it journeys across the world in a search for musical mastery.

A handmade performance “Folk music has many faces and can take many forms, and we have broadened its scope by not only showcasing

traditional folk but also the modern music that has been inspired by it, such as indie, singer-songwriter and roots,” says Artistic Director Maria Theessink, who uses the term ‘handmade’ to describe Tønder Festival’s unique type of music.

It’s a bit like craftsmanship. Rather than choosing to use a machine to put together a product, the traditional craftsmen will use their hands, and the same goes for those performing at Tønder’s stage, each in their own way and with their own tools.

“This is a place where you don’t see many electronic guitars. Tønder is a festival where new and old meet, blending tradition with innovation in a wealth of expressions,” explains Theessink,

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Experiences in Denmark: Festivals and Culture

stressing that this is what creates such a joyous atmosphere, a place where you can witness thrilling concerts not found anywhere else in Denmark.

Photo: Jim Shea

“Here, the audience comes for the music, not to party all night. Everyone shares a respect for the music as well as each other, which is what makes Tønder Festival so special,” explains Maria Theessink.

“This year the musical tradition of Cape Breton in Canada is being paired with that of the Danish island Fanø – two different worlds that are strangely compatible,” explains Theessink - which is what Tønder Festival is all about. For four magical days, the small Danish town transforms into a cultural hotspot where people cross cultures and country borders to share their love of music. Just close your eyes and allow yourself to indulge in the warmth stemming from the light only music is powerful enough to cast.

World-class names Many of the artists stay throughout the entire festival to immerse themselves in the whole experience, allowing guests to get a close look at their idols – and we are not talking about amateurs. Tønder Festival has always attracted worldclass names and this year is no different.

John Prine, a famous folk singer-songwriter, will perform on the stage, an honour that has fallen solely to Tønder Festival. Known for his humorous songs about love and life as well as more serious topics, he is one of his generations most celebrated American folk/country musicians, making it a must-see concert for those lucky enough to come to Tønder – and he is not alone.

“As something rather new, we will also present one of the hottest names within the outlaw country genre, Sturgill Simpson. He is gaining more and more popularity in the US at the moment, so now is the time to see him,” adds Theessink, who has carefully picked the artists for this year’s programme, encompassing music from all over the world. However, despite her innovative approach and love of the new, the old names are never overlooked.

UK,” says Theessink. Known for their gripping tunes and rare compositions, the group is celebrated for its playful folk music. This year could be your last time to see them. But while some things drift apart, others get closer together.

Goodbyes and new beginnings Music is one of those things that can truly live forever, and while musicians come and go, their powerful tunes are rarely forgotten by those who adore them. Townes Van Zandt was one of those artists and at this year’s festival there will be a tribute to the great American songwriter, whose songs were performed by the likes of Bob Dylan.

Instead of inviting a bunch of strangers, every single musician who plays knew him personally, making it a profound experience for everyone involved.

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

“As for goodbyes, Bellowhead from England is another name that springs to mind. Sadly, the band has recently informed the public that they will go their separate ways, but before they depart, they will perform together at Tønder Festival - their last concert outside the

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Experiences in Denmark: Festivals and Culture

Vejle – A small city with powerful spells Nestled between rural landscapes, a UNESCO heritage site and calm, clear water, Vejle is a city that catches the eye. Known for its world-class events and excellent conference facilities, Vejle is making itself known to the world – and with the International FoodPhoto Festival coming up along with the opening of a brand new arena, it’s not hard to see why. The city’s magic is rather compelling.

By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Visit Vejle

Vejle is in many ways typically Danish, only better. With a lively, cosy town centre, a wealth of hotels and restaurants and a central location in the heart of the country, it’s a force to be reckoned with.

Whether you come here for a conference, a cultural event or a festival, there is always something to do and see, and you never get lost in the crowd.

The world comes to Vejle “In Vejle you have the advantage of being a part of the city. With 54,000 in-

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habitants, it’s a place where visitors easily become at one with the surroundings, nobody is overlooked. You don’t need to spend hours on transport as everything is within easy reach,” says Annette Kruse from MeetingVejle. Located just a mere 20-minute drive from Billund Airport and a few hours away from Copenhagen by train, it is easily accessed from both Denmark and abroad, something that will be put to good use now that Vejle has summoned the world.

“We are very lucky to be hosting the International FoodPhoto Festival, an event that originally took place in Spain. However, the organisers were so fascinated

by Denmark and what we have to offer that they decided to come to Vejle instead,” explains Kruse, who is excited to welcome the many photographers and industry professionals in October this year. Many people are unaware of this particular photographic discipline, where culinary delights are turned into pieces of art – and it isn’t easy.

An artistic take on food “Food photography is known to be one of the toughest disciplines within photography and people often get surprised by the power of the photos. It’s stunning to look at,” says Kruse, hoping that the public will embrace the up-

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Experiences in Denmark: Festivals and Culture

coming experiences. Although it’s a festival mainly for those in the industry, the photo exhibitions, screenings and award ceremony will be open to everyone free of charge. With the main exhibition taking place in the old spinning mills, along with other locations across the city, the festival will be an excellent opportunity to showcase everything Vejle has to offer.

“The participants will take part in photography workshops throughout Vejle, many of which take place in the restaurants across the city. With anything from budget eats to Michelin-worthy establishments, I am certain that people will enjoy their time here,” says Kruse, positive that the event will catch a lot of attention. In a time when food gets more and more media attention, the photography that sometimes accompanies it will be a natural next step. Get ready to jump into a world of taste and colour, where dishes come to life under a sharp lens, all in the comfortable settings of Vejle City.

“I hope that the International FoodPhoto Festival will allow more people to discover everything this place has to offer,” tells Kruse.

Big dreams and an old heritage Known among Danes as one of best locations for meetings and events, Vejle is already a player when it comes to handling festivities and conferences, but until now it has never been able to cope with a massive audience. However, that’s all about to change. With the opening of Spektrum Vejle, a big multiarena in the centre, Vejle will soon be able to hold congresses and events for up to 2,800 people.

“This autumn the CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Awards will take place in Spektrum Vejle as well as the European Para Table Tennis Championship,” says Kruse - something that will transform the city from a conference location to a top-notch player on the congress scene.

With a history dating back to 1256, a stroll down the historic streets of Vejle will reveal plenty of cosy buildings, hotels and restaurants, and with more than 1,200 hotel rooms in the area, most people can find a bed just a walk away from the venue.

If you wish for a break from your grand event, Vejle is not short of options. Take a run through scenic landscapes in the outskirts of the city or visit the Jelling Burial Mounds, the city’s very own UNESCO Heritage Site. It’s the perfect opportunity to get a dose of Danish history.

Here, a new museum just opened, featuring fascinating tales and facts about the runic stones that are striking examples of old, pagan culture. And when you are done exploring the historical site, wellness and good food could be next. Who knows? With Vejle’s magical forces anything can happen.

For more information, please visit: www.visitvejle.dk/danmark/meetingvejle and www.foodphotofestival.org International FoodPhoto Festival: 22-25 October 2015

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Experiences in Denmark: Festivals and Culture

Photo: Vild Med ORD

Photo: Christina Faaborg Jensen

Yahya Hassan Photo: Christina Faaborg Jensen

Photo: Katrine Lund

Photo: Nadja Agerbak

Jørgen Leth Photo: Christina Faaborg Jensen

A journey into the minds of creative writers Vild med ORD does things on its own terms. Rather than placing authors on a pedestal, barely reachable to their own readers, the literature festival breaks down the barriers through intimate interviews and dialogues, creating unique experiences for everyone involved – and with this year’s theme being FUTURE, there is a lot to look forward to. Being a word that fuels both dystopian visions and hopeful dreams, Vild med ORD prepares for its most memorable festival so far, featuring new voices, literary veterans and industry professionals.

By Caroline Edwards

Vild med ORD literally translates as 'Mad about WORDS', a title that is well-suited for a festival that does seem addicted to the field of storytelling. As a non-profit organisation, it is run solely by voluntary forces whose passion brings each year’s festival to life in the heart of Aarhus, Denmark’s next largest city.

“We want to offer an alternative to the traditional literature festivals. Vild med ORD is about intimacy, a platform where things get a little twist and authors can connect to their audience. It’s important for us to offer an experience you can’t get anywhere else,” explains Marie

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Meldgaard, Chairman of the Board, who can reveal that this year’s festival will be even better than the seven previous ones.

With its new location at DOKK1, the Library, Culture and Media House at Aarhus Harbour, the creative energy will fly freely.

“People often fear that literary festivals are boring and geeky, but Vild med ORD has proven that this assumption is wrong.

Even those without much knowledge of literature can benefit from our events, it’s for everyone,” explains Meldgaard. Each year adults leave the festival eager to explore new genres and authorships, and with the upcoming festival set for the future, those numbers will only increase.

“Vild med ORD wants to bring new voices into the debate, discussing tomorrow’s dystopias, dreams and visions within the field of literature as well as the world it’s a part of. This also includes important conversations about the future of the book as a material object in a world where everything gets digitalised,” tells Meldgaard. Apart from the wondrous world of words and ideas, where guests can immerse themselves in what can only be described as the Vild med ORD experience, there is also something for the little ones. Each year a Children’s Book Day is arranged, encompassing fun-filled workshops, readings and educational experiences. So whether you seek wisdom, adventure or pure inspiration, Vild med ORD is a safe bet.

Vild med ORD takes place 22-25 October 2015 For more information, please visit: www.vildmedord.dk

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Experiences in Denmark: Festivals and Culture

Meet the world through classical music Located between scenic landscapes and the North Sea, Thy Chamber Music Festival is not your average music experience. Being in the heart of Denmark’s first National park, musicians from all over the world come together to learn and play in an intimate environment where diversity and cooperation is key.

By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Thy Chamber Music Festival

Chamber music differs from orchestral music.

Played in small groups without a conductor, the classical tunes interlink with strong friendships - and at Thy Chamber Music Festival the experience is unlike any other, not just for the audience but for the participants as well.

“The idea behind the festival is to invite performers to play together in groups with more experienced musicians,” explains Craig Goodman, Artistic Director of Thy Chamber Music Festival. Thanks to big dreams, local volunteers and close friendships, this rural part of Denmark has become a cultural hotspot, where small groups of musicians perform compelling masterworks, new as well as old.

“You will feel the electricity between the people in the groups. Even if you are not a musician you

will get the vibe. People are dying to play, grateful to be a part of such an intense experience,” says Goodman, who is a flautist and composer.

Each year he chooses the festival repertoire and helps select the 15 most promising applicants who will perform at more than 12 sold out concerts across the region, and later take part in a tour in Denmark and Sweden.

“We want people with personality, willing to work as a team and embrace each other's differences,” explains Goodman, who is rather proud of their achievements.

The idea that such a remote area attracts world class talent, makes Thy Chamber Music Festival special. It’s not a large-scale event nor does it try to be. It’s a platform where nature and music meet across cultures, fuelled by local forces.

Thy Chamber Music Festival takes place 9-24 August For more information, please visit: www.thychambermusicfestival.dk

5 DAYS of GREAT URBAN, DELTA, SOUL & JAZZ BLUES - 20 CLUBS and VENUES 60 TOP ACTS from USA, UK, DENMARK, SWEDEN and NORWAY Grand Opening with the Annual Danish Blues Awards, John Nemeth Band and Thorbjorn Risager & The Black Tornado B.B. KING Tribute with Otis Grand / James Loveless / Mike Andersen / Thorbjorn Risager a. o.

Mississippi Heat / Selwyn Birchwood Band / John Primer & CPH Slim / Delta Blues Band / Paul Banks & Jorgen Lang / Mama’s Blues Joint / H.P. Lange / Big Creek Slim / Troels Jensen & the Healers Hans Knudsen & Ronni Boysen / Miriam Mandipira / Hungry John / Jes Holtsoe Band Jan Gerfast Blues Band / Harbor Blues Cruise / Special Blues Dance Night / Blues Brunch and much more S e e f u l l p r o g r a m m e , v e n u e a n d t i c ke t i n fo r m a t i o n e t c . a t : W W W.CO P E N H AG E N B LU E S F E S T I VA L . D K

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Experiences in Denmark: Festivals and Culture

Cycle through the Danish wilderness Thy National Park stretches along the coast of Northwest Jutland, covering 244 square kilometres of scenic landscape filled with unspoilt dunes, heath and small lakes, where the power of nature has formed some of Denmark’s most impressive wilderness. Home to red deers, cranes and otters, Thy has a lot to offer – and there is no better way to explore it than by bike.

Text: Caroline Edwards | Photos: Thy National Park

“Bicycling is a fantastic way of getting around, allowing you to put all your senses to good use. You can smell the flowers, hear the bird song, feel the wind on your face. Sometimes you can even jump off the bike and wander off to take a closer look at the things catching your interest,” explains Else Østergaard Andersen, Head of Thy National Park. After six years of living in the area, she still hasn’t seen everything the nature has to offer, there is simply too much. One can easily follow the numerous cycle paths around the park for days on end, surrounded by

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wild sea, open fields and a brisk wind blowing in from the North.

A land of opportunities “EuroVelo’s North Sea Cycle Route goes through Thy National Park. It’s a long challenging route for those who are eager cyclists. However, you don’t have to embark on the entire journey. You can simply stick to Thy National Park, an area that will take you at least three days to get a proper look at,” says Andersen. Moreover, if you wish for a shorter trip, you can go to the cosy seaside village of Hanstholm and

follow a cycle path all the way to Klitmøller, a journey that takes you through captivating landscapes, with the wilderness on one side and the sea on the other.

“Thy National Park is home to some charming towns, good places to stay the night with anything from country inns, bed and breakfast to cottages. However, if you seek true adventure there are shelters and tent sites in the wild that can be used,” tells Andersen, stressing that the majority of the park is untouched, without the presence of holiday homes and grand hotels blocking the view like you see on other coastlines. This is what makes the experience so powerful. It’s just you and the bike, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature.

Wildlife encounters “If you are lucky you can even spot cranes and in the late summer the stags will

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Experiences in Denmark: Festivals and Culture

come out, gathering in small groups, howling to fight for the females. Geese are also visible on the sky as they make their way to Norway before flying further South in the winter,” says Andersen.

Thy has always been a rather spectacular place, where wildlife roams freely in nature, living a peaceful existence in the green.

“During the late summer the stags are the big attraction. In many places in Denmark these magnificent creatures are so used to hiding from humans that they are mainly to be seen at night. But here in Thy National Park we have large areas where hunting is forbidden, home to large herds of stags that run freely in the wilderness,” explains Andersen, and with a bicycle and a pair of eager feet, it’s possible to spot them from the distance as you make your way through the park.

Being Denmark’s very first National Park, Thy is an area where nature has always been difficult to control, resulting in large dunes stretching miles inland, 200 small lakes spread across the area and long sandy beaches.

“You don’t see landscapes of these proportions anywhere else in the country,” adds Andersen. Although cycling is often

preferred, hiking is also popular and some places you can find paths perfect for solitary walks. Not only do you get an adventurous journey, you will also leave the park rich in experiences and filled with new energy.

Getting around with ease With several towns offering bike rentals, it’s easy for tourists to get going as soon they arrive. Choose between various routes, or follow a more educational path such as the Paradise of the Animals, focusing on cranes and their breeding spots, or learn more about the wind by following the Power of Nature.

“With the Thy National Park app downloaded on your phone, you can get access to a map over the area even when you are offline. This way you are always aware of where you are and where the nearest cycle routes can be found - you also get an overview of nearby attractions and towns.

It’s the perfect way to explore, and the perfect way to avoid getting lost,” tells Andersen, urging locals and tourists alike to come and experience a different kind of holiday.

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

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Experiences in Denmark: Festivals and Culture

Historic nostalgia in the Danish countryside Hotel Frederiksminde and Rønnede Kro are two pieces of the same history. Although they differ greatly in both price and cuisine, the buildings share an ability to take you back in time. Managed by Silje Brenna and Jonas Mikkelsen, the historic landmarks have been preserved to modern standards without loosing their original features. Venture into the world of Nordic gourmet at Hotel Frederiksminde – or simply enjoy a cosy lunch in Rønnede’s laid-back country-inn.

By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Hotel Frederiksminde

Silje Brenna seems to have a thing for historical buildings. First she took over the management of Hotel Frederiksminde, later joined by chef Jonas Mikkelsen, and in June 2015 Rønnede Kro was added to the collection. Both places have been bought and restored by H. M. Jebsen, a man with a great passion for the Danish heritage. Whilst the cosy tavern in Rønnede is all about fresh, local food, Frederiksminde’s restaurant offers what food critics have called Michelinworthy dishes, serving Nordic delicacies

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in stunning surroundings at Præstø Fjord.

Separated by a 20-minute drive, the two establishments work together on all levels, minimising food waste in the process.

Rønnede Kro Being a rendezvous where locals have come together to eat and drink for centuries, Rønnede Kro is a place with a great deal of stories to tell.

“When we first took over Rønnede Kro we felt a strong support from the local

community. We are situated at the corner of a countryside road five minutes from the motorway, so people have been used to seeing it for generations – it’s an important part of the area,” explains Brenna, excited to be involved in yet another project. Rønnede Kro is known for attracting people from all walks of life who wish to enjoy a good time without a lot of fuss.

“Although the dining rooms are elegant, the atmosphere is informal. At Rønnede Kro we try to keep things laid-back. Here you get fresh produce, a fusion of Danish classics and traditional bistro dishes, at a reasonable price,” says Brenna. After years of working with fine dining, she saw Rønnede Kro as a bit of an adventure.

Just like many other small towns, it was in need of a restaurant serving good, homemade food.

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Experiences in Denmark: Festivals and Culture

“We wish to give the Danish country-inn a renaissance. They used to be the big meeting-points where people came together, and we are hoping that they will be that once again," tells Brenna. Since 1825, the tavern has served the local community with guests as famous as Hans Christian Andersen and Walt Disney. Today, they are hoping to reclaim this position, just as they transformed Hotel Frederiksminde.

Hotel Frederiksminde Situated just 50 metres from Præstø Fjord Beach, Hotel Frederiksminde is already a winner. With a grand, old building perfectly restored from its former glory and 19 elegant rooms, the place has a lot going for it.

“At Hotel Frederiksminde not one room is similar. This is the perfect place for a countryside holiday in traditional Danish surroundings,” explains Brenna, stressing that Jonas Mikkelsen’s gastronomic skills, combined with the formal yet friendly atmosphere, is what makes it so unique. Influenced by the Nordic cuisine, but without being scared of extending his scope, he performs culinary wonders at Hotel Frederiksminde, from ice on rosehip with Unika cream and grilled green

strawberries and pine oil to leeks straight from the garden with Gl. Knas, parsley, ramson capers and grilled leek sauce. In 2012 Jonas Mikkelsen even won the Nordic Gastronomic Competition, Nordic Challenge, for being the most promising young chef in the Nordic region as well as an award for best dessert of the year in Denmark, so expect a treat.

“Even though Rønnede Kro and Hotel Frederiksminde cater to different audiences, we always work together,” explains Brenna, stressing that gourmet and bistro food need very different ingredients to succeed.

“For fine gourmet dishes you sometimes only need small pieces from an entire cauliflower, but at Rønnede Kro you can easily use all of it. This way we minimise food waste and everyone benefits – we even use ingredients from our own herb garden,” explains Brenna.

ish hygge”. Moreover, Hotel Frederiksminde has top-notch conference facilities. Its inspirational settings and personal service makes it the ideal place to make important decisions.

“At Hotel Frederiksminde we offer decently priced gourmet food in historic surroundings. The unique location along with the beautiful rooms makes us a popular spot, not just for conferences, but for weddings as well,” says Brenna. Just imagine waking up to the view of the lush landscape and calm water, if not to mention the culinary delights.

Offering unforgettable memories that pleases both heart and body, it’s not a difficult choice to make. However, if you are looking for something more low-key, Rønnede Kro will prove as a worthy alternative. Experience Denmark’s past and its present, all within the area of Southern Zealand.

Places to celebrate So whether you are looking to indulge yourself in gourmet dishes or wish to get a solid meal, you can get what you want.

Popular as places to celebrate, one can simply take a pick between the two venues that both share their sense of “Dan-

For more information, please visit: Rønnede Kro at www.r-kro.dk and Frederiksminde Hotel at www.frederiksminde.com

Photo: Rønnede Kro Photo: Rønnede Kro

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Experiences in Denmark: Festivals and Culture

Photo: Hanne Nielsen Photo: Hartmann Schmidt

Photo: Hanne Nielsen

Photo: Hanne Nielsen

Photo: Hartmann Schmidt

Photo: Hartmann Schmidt

Fancy a trip to the Middle Ages?

The European Medieval Festival takes place in Horsens, a Danish city known for its cultural events and cosy feel. Each year in August the former state prison opens its gates to a Medieval marketplace where the past unfolds in front of your eyes, enthralling all your senses in the process. Are you ready to witness a reallife knight tournament?

By Caroline Edwards

The European Medieval Festival in Horsens combines storytelling and educational experiences with fun festivities, evoking a sense of travelling back in time. Packed with stalls selling both food and handicraft from the past, music and theatre, craftsmen and knightly riders, this is a festival with authenticity at its core.

“The Medieval Festival is a big attraction for families with children. Dressed up as princesses and knights they come here to immerse themselves in a fairytale-like event,” says Iben Høgh Grøftehauge, who is project coordinator for the festival. With a medieval school teaching Latin and crafts-

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manship, puppet shows, animal pens and men and women dressed in medieval costumes, it’s no wonder the young visitors are so thrilled. Who wouldn’t be? Imagine witnessing swordsmen fight, bowmen shoot and musicians playing ancient tunes.

It is a magical illusion, starting from the minute you arrive and ending with the sun’s disappearance.

“The evenings at the festival are the most unique. With no electric lights, the area is lit up by the flames from the torches, and when you pass by the food market the stalls will have small candles, you can even see a few campfires,” explains Grøftehauge,

stressing that modern items are a rare sight on the festival grounds, making it all the more authentic.

“You won’t find any forks here nor will you see plastic cups and plates. Many food stalls serve dishes on cauliflower leaves or wooden boards, maintaining the medieval illusion,” reveals Grøftehauge. So if you wish to step into a fun time machine, bring your family along for days boasting fun activities, from medieval games to squire training to performances. Experience what a medieval market might have been like, with its travelling troubadours and busy squares, during two fun-filled days in Horsens.

The festival takes place at FÆNGSLET 28 – 29 August, open daily till 11pm.

Free entry.

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

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Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Top experiences: A Weekend in Vestjylland

Mønsted Kalkgruber - A labyrinth of otherworldly wonders Mønsted Kalkgruber is one of the world’s largest limestone mines, made from sheer force and pick axes, a complex system of dark labyrinths and adventurous trails where thrilling discoveries await. Unlike any other attraction in Denmark, this is a trip that will take you far below the surface of the Earth into a Cathedral-like setting, where bats lurk in the darkness and a spectacular underground cinema lets you in on all the facts.

By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Casper Tybjerg

Entering Mønsted Kalkgrubber is like stepping into a world of fantasy where one might expect a few dwarfs to stop by with golden artefacts. Whilst you might get disappointed where fairytale characters are concerned, the place is certainly not lacking adventure. With 50 kilometres worth of mysterious space, corridors left in darkness and walls as tall as a church, visitors can easily create their own fantasy tale.

No need for fiction.

“The most fascinating thing about Mønsted Kalkgruber is the size. When people come here they get so surprised by how big it is. They have no idea that something like this exists in Denmark,” says Arne Friis Hansen from Mønsted Kalk-

gruber. The limestone mine is a little piece of Danish history brought to life in an underground cinema twice an hour. Here visitors can learn more about the place before taking off into the darkness with their flashlights.

“The spectacular thing about Mønsted Kalkgruber is the fact that everyone walks around without guides. If you purchase your ticket at 10am you are free to wander around till 5pm. It fuels a sense of adventure. You are a real explorer down here,” explains Hansen, revealing that there is more to see in the dark corridors than just empty space. Each autumn, around September, bats start to show up in the limestone mine, where they stay in hiber-

nation until the early spring. With more than 18,000 of these nightly acrobats, it’s the perfect spot for bat safaris and exciting events such as Halloween.

“During half term in the Autumn we have a special event in the mine: Halloween.

Children come here with their parents to decorate pumpkin faces, which they then place throughout the dark corridors of the mine with candles. Last year we had 300 pumpkins! We even do a little Halloween quiz,” reveals Hansen, who welcomes people to explore the depths of Mønsted Kalkgruber, an underground kingdom that delights children and adults alike.

For more information, please visit: www.monsted-kalkgruber.dk

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Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Top experiences: A Weekend in Vestjylland

The perfect base for the perfect fairytale Venture into the compelling scenery surrounding the island of Fur, a small oasis in the middle of Limfjord, where waves collide with stunning cliffs and green fields disappear into the horizon. Here, a few metres from the shores, lies Fur Strand Hotel, the perfect base for exploring a magical landscape.

By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Fur Strand Hotel

Celebrated for its cuisine that infuses Danish traditions with Italian passion, Fur Strand Hotel is defined by its good food and cosy atmosphere. This is a holiday that combines outdoor activities with culture and culinary delights in a spot, where everything is within easy reach.

“Fur island might only be a short ferry trip away from the mainland, but it’s miles away from reality, with its island-atmosphere and stunning nature,” explains Hotel Manager Jonas Kristensen, highlighting the famous cliff, Knude Klint, a sight worth seeing. Just rent a local bicycle and travel around the island, visiting awestriking nature, galleries, museums, even the beach - and after a busy day sightseeing, there is no place like Fur Strand Hotel. Hidden behind the main building you will find the best spots to relax with a new garden terrace as well as

beach chairs on the lawn, facing the water of the fjord. If, however, you wish to go for a proper swim, there is a bridge leading you right into the water only a short walk away.

“The summers are lively here at the hotel. Each July and August we have a fish buffet with more than 20 different types of fish on display,” adds Kristensen, who loves bringing people together.

Fur Strand Hotel is all about feeling at ease, enjoying yourself. Choose between two islandbreaks including food and board, or go for the romantic version bursting with elegance and charm.

Leave the city behind and come to Fur, where the fairy tale is just getting started.

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

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Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Denmark

Hotel of the Month, Denmark

Knudhule Badehotel – Your escape to the country In the heart of the Danish lake district, surrounded by calm water and lush forest, lies Knudhule Badehotel, a place where everyone can feel at ease. Facing Knudsø Lake, its wooden surface blends in with the natural settings, packed with exciting activities for those with a knack for the outdoors – and home to a delicious restaurant where tasty French dishes intertwine with Danish traditions.

ter an active day. With culinary creations made from fresh produce following the Danish seasons, the restaurant is not a bad place to recharge your batteries.

By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Knudhule Badehotel

“What really sets Knudhule Badehotel apart is our commitment to being a good host. We want our guests to feel at ease, it needs to be a place where you get an experience that rises above your everyday-life,” says Kalstup. And perhaps that’s why Knudhule is not just popular with holidaymakers, it’s also a venue used to celebrate weddings and big events. However, regardless of your intentions, Knudhule Badehotel provides you with a green oasis where comfort takes the lead. All you have to do is embrace it.

Imagine pulling apart your curtains to the sight of compelling landscapes and lake land. This is what you get at Knudhule Badehotel, where a short walk will take you to a sandy beach at the shores of Knudsø, known for its rural bliss. The ideal location for those wanting to get away from it all and enjoy nature.

“We have managed to turn an old guesthouse into a hotel with a good restaurant and plenty of activities on offer,” explains Anders Kalstrup, who took over the premises two years ago with Dean Jespersen.

Back then, the place still resembled that of an old guesthouse for hikers, but that has all changed. Today, Knudhule Badehotel is a modern holiday get-away place,

camouflaged in traditional buildings. Here guests can stay in small, cosy rooms or wooden huts, situated near the spectacular lake.

“Our mini-breaks offer people the chance to combine a hotel stay with good food and activities. We are close to a golf course, which is ideal for golfers. Knudsø is an area full of trails for hiking, mountain-biking, cycling and outdoor-life in general. You can really indulge in the outdoors, knowing that there is a cosy place to return to at the end of the day,” says Kalstrup.

Knudhule Badehotel is a place where you sit back and enjoy a good bottle of wine af-

For more information, please visit: www.knudhule.dk The restaurant is open Tuesday to Saturday from 6 pm.

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Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Norway

Hotel of the Month, Norway

A hotel that inspires fairytales – and top notch reviews Far into the Norwegian woods and forested hills you’ll find Kleivstua Hotel. Located only 45 minutes from Oslo, it is though it were taken out of a fairytale with the surrounding hills, forests and spectacular views. No wonder Norway's answer to the Brothers Grimm, Asbjørnsen and Moe were inspired…

By Helene Toftner | Photos: Kleivstua Hotel

Kleivstua Hotel has been a tourist destination for centuries, emerging in 1845 as a hotel for people crossing the King’s Route from Oslo to Bergen. True to tradition, the hotel has continued to entertain guests crossing the important route through Norway, as well as establishing itself as a popular venue for meetings and special life events - weddings in particular. “People are mesmerised by the location, and come here to enjoy the complete calm offered by the hills and forests,” hotel manager Sjur Langslet says. While the hotel is fit for a fairy tale, it is only a 45-minute drive from Oslo, which caters to many city dwellers craving a tad of nature. “You will drive like

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a queen along the Queen’s Route to get here,” Langslet adds with a smile.

Norway’s best on service Today the hotel consists of 18 houses, with 42 separate bedrooms. It is a popular venue for medium-sized conferences and meetings, as well as private parties and weddings. “On most occasions, the guests will have the hotel completely to themselves,” Langslet says, and adds that they are booked for weddings nearly every weekend of the year. “It gives the couple that added extra to their dream start.”

While privacy is important, they also offer excellent skiing opportunities with the

lighted tracks starting literally outside their doorstep, and well-developed cycling routes surrounding the hotel. Kleivstua is surrounded by the county's finest viewpoints, only 1.5 kilometres away you will find the King's View, which is named after King Karl Johan, who visited Kleivstua in 1832. Beyond that, you will find the Queen's View from 1825 and Crown Prince View from 1992 only a few 100 metres away from the hotel. Add a top-notch kitchen, and you are on to a winner.

Kleivstua Hotel is clearly appreciated by TripAdvisor’s users. In 2014, the hotel bagged the top place as Norway’s best hotel on service, and second place as Norway’s best hotel. Reviews recurrently read “fantastic view”, “brilliant service”, while one pleased guest names the place a pearl in the forest. “TripAdvisor reviews are the best kind of feedback, as they are completely independent and open for everyone

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Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Norway

to leave comments. We are very proud by last year’s results, and maintain the hard work to stay on top,” Langslet says.

A muse to the fairy tales Most children in Norway fall asleep to fairytales by Asbjørnsen and Moe. They travelled the country from east to west, and collected folktales about trolls, princes and perhaps the most internationally famous tale, Three Billy Goats Gruff.

When coming to Kleivstua Hotel, there is little wondering why the two authors felt inspired. Both stayed here on several occasions, and when reading the folktale collection, there are many tales directly influenced by the surrounding area. “All rooms are named after characters in their fairytales, and we still have the glass cabinet Moe inscribed his name into like old fashion graffiti,” Langslet says.

Part of the network The Great Life Company More and more hotels and restaurants are part of ever-important networks of similar establishments. Thus Kleivstua Hotel is not unique in their cooperation, however do notice the name of the network Det Virkelig Gode Liv, translating into The Great Life Company. Shakespeare famously asked what lies in a name, and much can be found here.

The network is a collection of six beautiful places in the eastern part of Norway, each with their own unique character. In addition to Kleivstua Hotel, it is worth mentioning the Grefsenkollen Restaurant in Oslo. The restaurant and meeting venue is beautifully situated on the roof of the city in the surrounding mountain, overlooking the fjord and city life. Equally impressive is Kulinarisk Akademi, a competence centre for food and drinks. While being excellent at what they do, they can also teach you culinary skills from sushi to tasting the differences in champagne and prosecco. “While we are completely different places, we learn from and support each other. All the places have a unique voice in the world of hospitality venues, and has long traditions,” Langslet says.

For more information, please visit: www.kleivstua.no and www.dvgl.no

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Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Iceland

Hotel of the Month, Iceland

Where nature speaks for itself As the oldest hotel in the Lake Mývatn area, Hotel Reynihlid knows exactly how to welcome travellers excited to witness the wonders of Northern Iceland. In this idyllic paradise, the nature does all the talking.

rises from the earth and the soil boils before your eyes.

By Stephanie Lovell | Photos: Jo ́n Pa ́ll

“We’re located very close to an active volcanic area, right on the divide of the North Atlantic ridge,” explains Snæbjörnsson.

“The eruption in Krafla volcano, known as the Krafla Fires, which lasted from 1975 to 1984, is still fresh in people’s memories and they’ll often come specially to see evidence of it.”

Hosting travellers since 1942, Hotel Reynihlid has firmly established itself on the shore of the magnificent Lake Mývatn in Northern Iceland. Eager to experience the surrounding area with its geothermal springs, volcanic activity and mighty waterfalls, guests can always rely on Hotel Reynihlid to offer insider tips as they immerse themselves in nature.

“There is so much to see!” gushes Pétur Snæbjörnsson, general manager. “Of course, what brings most guests to us are the geological wonders. Nature is quite literally all around us, so you don’t have to wake up early to go on a long journey to see the natural wonders.”

A landscape that bubbles and steams With Lake Mývatn on its doorstep, you can tick one sight off your list as soon as you

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arrive at the hotel. There are marked hiking trails all around the lake, taking you for miles across lava rocks and past rich birdlife. You can walk through volcanic caves and unusual rock formations in the weird and wonderful lava fields, known as Dimmuborgir, to the east of the lake or climb to the top of Hverfjall, following the path along the rim of this barren crater full of black ash. Tread carefully around the hot spring area Hverir, where steam

After all that hiking, take a well-deserved soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths, the north’s answer to the Blue Lagoon, just a short distance from the hotel. The blue, mineral-rich water with a temperature of

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Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Iceland

36 to 40 degrees Celsius will be sure to sort out any aches and pains, but if you’re feeling particularly sore, you could always treat yourself to a massage in the pool.

Surrounded by mountains and with views across the lake, the intimate setting could hardly be more serene.

sure to peep out of your window to check for the northern lights. Seeing them reflecting in the picturesque lake is a spectacle not to be missed. There are also 'aurora hunting' tours, which allow you to behold the aurora borealis deep in the heart of nature.

Wonder after wonder, whatever the weather

Ready to serve

If you want to venture further a field, Hotel Reynihlid is always willing to help organise trips. Tours around the Diamond Circle will take you to mystical and breathtaking waterfalls, like Godafoss ('waterfall of the gods') and Dettifoss, supposedly Europe’s most powerful waterfall. You’ll also see Jökulsárgljúfur national park, the cluster of impressive rock formations known as Hljódaklettar ('echo rocks') and the horseshoe-shaped canyon Ásbyrgi.

During the summer, take a trip to nearby fishing town Húsavík and go on a renowned whale watching tour. Akureyri, Iceland’s second largest city, is also just over an hour’s drive away.

Hotel Reynihlid may be located just south of the arctic circle, but the 41 bright, classic rooms come with all the modern amenities you’re used to – sofa and chairs, TV, en-suite bathroom and coffee and teamaking facilities. The hotel restaurant Myllan is open daily for dinner, ready to fill hungry guests up with classic Nordic dishes. “We use local ingredients as much as possible,” says Snæbjörnsson. “Trout and lamb have always formed the main staples of our meals.”

If you’re looking for somewhere to host your next conference, Hotel Reynihild could be the perfect venue. Its wellequipped meeting room can seat up to 60 people. With all participants staying at the hotel together, they won’t have to travel to events, giving them time to take inspiration from their surroundings in between meetings.

Always providing top-rate service, the friendly staff will ensure you feel at home during your stay. With over 70 years’ experience in hospitality, Hotel Reynihlid is sure to continue to serve as the number one base from which to explore all the north has to offer.

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

The hotel is open all year except from November to January – the darkest, coldest months when accessing the area can sometimes prove difficult. In the other winter and autumn months, there is still plenty to see and do. When the lake freezes over, head out on cross-country skis or a snow scooter. As night falls, be

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Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Sweden

Attraction of the Month, Sweden

Affordable, approachable and astonishing photographic art The passion for photography started in New York in 1996 with the purchase of five original prints from the 1920s. Founders of LUMAS, Stefanie Harig and Marc Ullrich, opened a Brick-and-mortar gallery in 2003 in the hopes of spreading their enthusiasm and enabling people to experience and acquire the phenomenal art of photography. Today LUMAS has expanded into over 40 venues world-wide and the Stockholm gallery is by no means straying from the original vision. They strive to make highquality photographic art affordable and approachable to anybody who fancies to broaden their artistic horizons, no matter what background or previous cultural cultivation.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: LUMAS

The art of photography has always been an art of the people; relatable and approachable. A slice of life captured in a, not rarely, stunning matter, triggering feelings, afterthought or simply just an admiration of how phenomenal life can be captured through a lens. However, like plenty of other art forms, photography has in many circles become a high brow past time, where people who can afford it are the cho-

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sen few who can also enjoy it in their own homes. Luckily, LUMAS is on a mission to bring it all back to a wider audience of art enthusiasts and young collectors.

Affordable, approachable and astonishing Visiting LUMAS is more like visiting a photographic art collector's living room, rather than a gallery or boutique. The idea is to put the art into an everyday context and

give a sense of how the art would look in your own home. And hanging a LUMAS piece on your own wall is far from unrealistic. Where many art galleries focus on selling highly exclusive photographs, or small limited collections to established collectors or museums, LUMAS work with hand-signed originals in limited editions, usually of 75-150 photos in order to make them affordable to more people. With the same high quality as their competition, but with lower prices, they welcome curious visitors and new collectors and will this autumn host lectures and events for those interested in the picturesque art scene.

The appreciation of LUMAS and their concept has been on a grand scale world-wide, something Sophie Tillquist, Gallery Director in Stockholm, Sweden, explains partly with the growing interest in photography as a whole. “The global interest for amateur

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Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Sweden

Early Morning Sun, Andreas Kock - 90x120 cm, modern frameless, approximately £740

Under the Canopy, Roman Johnston - 100x151 cm, modern frameless, approximately £1149

difficult finding what you’re after, so we help people navigate and find their way based on their preferences, interests and budget.”

Izar, Billy & Hells - 80x60cm, shadow gap frame, approximately £400

photography is something that has increased massively in a relatively short time,” she says. “Obviously, when people start to take photographs they open up their eyes to the art scene as well. Another reason for the popularity is that photo art is very relatable. It’s direct and often concrete and speaks to a lot of people, whether they are involved with the art scene or not."

A broader range for a broader audience With a portfolio containing over 1,800 pieces by approximately 200 photographers, LUMAS offers a huge range for individual tastes and styles. “Our Stockholm gallery exhibits and sells a relevant selection covering many various categories, such as architecture, fashion, nature and portraits. On our website people are able to order pieces from our entire global selection but if people need help they are welcome to stop by for a chat,” says Sophie.

“With a wide selection like ours it can be

LUMAS' goal is that anybody, no matter what background or previous knowledge, will get something out of a visit. Their Limited Editions consist of hand-signed prints all coming with a Certificate of Authenticity. LUMAS contractually stipulates the limits of the edition which acts a guarantee that neither LUMAS nor the artist will produce more of the edition in the future. The handwritten signature makes it an original and increases its value.

(From Lumas’ unique Vogue Collection) Anouk Amieé, Bert Stern, 70x67 cm, modern frameless, approximately £398

Art for everyone The main purpose of LUMAS is to inspire each and every one interested in the art of photography. The notion that art should be for us all has before been mostly a utopia, where the art enthusiast often has been the one who can afford to pay the staggering gallery prices. LUMAS was created to close the gap between the art and a broader audience and create a more democratic meeting place for people passionate about the prints. Something that continues to be a wonderful and wide success.

Stop by the Stockholm LUMAS gallery and marvel for yourself.

Sturegatan 16 114 36, Stockholm Sweden

Don’t miss the upcoming events and lectures sure to broaden and deepen your understanding of the art form of photography.

For more information, please visit: www.lumas.se and www.lumas.com

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Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Denmark

Attraction of the Month, Denmark

Round the world and back The Geographical Garden in Kolding is home to more than 6,000 plants, a botanical attraction where you get to travel from one continent to the next, seeing wondrous animals and greenery in the process. Bring your picnic basket and make a day of it, there is a whole world to discover.

By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Geografisk Have

Covering 12 hectares of land, the Geographical Garden in Kolding brings the world together in botanical mastery. Here all plants are divided into continents, and you know what the best part is? They can all be grown in your garden.

“We only have plants from the temperate climate zone, so they are perfectly compatible with the Danish weather. Sometimes visitors recognise a flower from their home, realising that it has its origins for instance in China,” says Tine Meide Kierkegaard, Head of the Geographical Garden. She considers, along with the many local visitors, the place an oasis where quality and beauty goes hand in hand. As soon as you enter the gate of the garden, everything else is left behind. Wander through different botanical territories, take a look at a miniature version of Kold-

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ing City, visit the playground and jungle trail, or stop by the animal pens.

“Everything you see is geographically connected, from plants to animals. Our Chinese squirrel is connected to our Chinese plants, while the South American llama, Alpaca, can be paired with our South American plant collection,” explains Kierkegaard.

Visitors can even use an app during their visit. Get the story behind the legendary founder, Aksel Olsen, learn about the plants and their origins or get ready for an animal adventure.

“We also have a Garden of Ideas, where green-fingered visitors can get inspired.

Our most acclaimed one must be the Rose Garden that recently won the Award of Gar-

den Excellence 2015 from the International World Foundation of Rose Societies. With 150 different types of roses, it’s not a place you easily forget,” tells Kierkegaard, stressing that they have many others, including a lovely collection of Dahlias.

Throughout the year, the Geographical Garden hosts several events such as a popular autumn market on 6 September, educational talks on bees, an evening dedicated to burning candles and an obstacle race for men.

“Our events are just as diverse as the garden itself. Here you can combine fun with learning, the perfect activity on a sunny day,” concludes Kierkegaard - and with free entry for visitors under the age of 18, it’s certainly no budget breaker.

Open from 1 May – 30 September seven days a week from 10 am to 6 pm For more information, please visit: www.geografiskhave.kolding.dk/en

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Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Norway

Attraction of the Month, Norway

Discover your Norway from the bike seat “The Norwegian landscape has so much to offer, and travelling by bike gives you the opportunity not just to see the famous sights, but also to get closer to nature and discover your own hidden gems along the way,” says Thove Oppegaard, Manager of Freebike Norway Adventures.

By Andrea Bærland | Photos: Freebike Norway Adventures

Freebike offers custom-made bicycle tours for groups of two to 15 people in Norway, with Lofoten, the Western coast and Sunnhordland with its fjords in high demand. Just as popular are many of Norway’s best known scenic routes, including Rallarvegen, the Atlantic Ocean Road and Sognefjellet.

Norway offers all kinds of weather and a popular saying among Norwegians is that there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes. “Whenever we’re in Lofoten I hope our guests get to experience some proper Northern Norwegian weather with the waves crashing in on the walls of our accommodation, but it has always been beautiful,” Oppegaard says with a smile.

In Lofoten, she is particularly fond of Røst: “It is just so incredibly authentic, and we

have to use rowing boats between the island we live on and the main island,” says Oppegaard.

For Freebike, authenticity is a key word and the accommodation along the routes is based on historical hotels, 'rorbuer' (fishermen’s shanties) and 'setere' — mountain pastures used for grazing cattle. The first night of the tour across Sognefjellet is spent at Walaker Hotell, Norway’s oldest hotel, another favourite is Solstrand by Bjørnafjorden. “I’m also very focused on clean food, and prefer to cook meals from scratch using locally sourced products,” says Oppegaard.

Most tours are measured out to cover a distance of 50 to 60 kilometres per day over seven days, but Oppegaard and her knowledgeable bicycle guides are eager to offer

visitors bespoke experiences and willingly adapt both distances and activities for each individual group.

“We have several base camps around that allow us to fit anything from glacier walks to kayaking into your itinerary,” says Oppgeaard.

While mountain bike rental, baggage transportation, maps and itinerary are always included, it is also possible to opt for full support with a cycling guide in front.

With a bespoke itinerary of activities and distances measured to reflect your fitness level there is no need to be the next Bradley Wiggins to enjoy a cycling trip with Freebike.

“It is important that you take the time to use all your senses and properly drink in the majestic nature surrounding you,” Oppegaard concludes.

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

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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Finland

Restaurant of the Month, Finland

Handmade creative food to share The culinary philosophy behind Restaurant Bronda is simple: a meal is best enjoyed when shared with others. Social dining allows the guests to experience the food in the best way possible.

By Nina Lindqvist | Photos: Wilhelm Rejnus/baraBild

Restaurant Bronda, with its 18 month anniversary just around the corner, is the newest restaurant created by Helsinki’s culinary super duo Tomi Björck and Matti Wikberg. Bronda, along with Björck’s and Wikberg’s four other highly successful restaurants Gaijin, Boulevard Social, Farang and Farang Stockholm, make up restaurant company BW-Restaurants, known for its impeccable, innovative food and first-class dining experiences.

“We incorporate foreign, authentic influences in our dishes and each restaurant has its own, distinct style and type of food. Gaijin is known for its Korean and Japanese flavours, Farang for its strong Southeast Asian influences and Boulevard Social for its Mediterranean cuisine. At Bronda, we serve modern,

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brasserie style food in a relaxed environment. We want customers to feel at home here,” Wikberg explains.

The entirely handmade food is always prepared from start to finish using the finest and freshest ingredients. Wikberg and Björck have drawn inspiration from their travels around Europe and France, Italy and Spain, known for their culinary exports, which stand out as the main sources of inspiration at Bronda. Maintaining the Finnish origin is also important for the duo and the kitchen uses Finnish ingredients when they are in season.

A versatile space to compliment the food The impressive restaurant space, with its high ceilings and large windows, gave the duo an opportunity to bring their

newest vision to life exactly as they had imagined it. As locations go, the restaurant certainly hit the jackpot. Bronda is located on the beautiful Eteläesplanadi, moments away from the buzzing market square as well as the majestic Helsinki Cathedral.

“Bronda is our biggest restaurant yet and such a big space requires a meticulous eye for design, to create a well-balanced and harmonious space. In the end, it actually turned out even better than we could have ever hoped for,” Wikberg says.

The restaurant mixes high-end materials such as brass, oak, leather and marble to create a modern, yet timeless elegance.

The man behind the interior design is Risto Wikberg from Futudesign, Matti Wikberg’s own brother.

“The intricate floor of the cocktail bar, constructed like the Helsinki navigational chart, also provides an interesting topic of discussion for many guests,” Wikberg adds with a smile.

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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Finland

Whether it is early morning or late evening, Bronda is always happy to welcome its versatile clientele with open arms. Breakfast meetings and lunch dates as well as dinners and late-night socialising over a glass of wine from the impressive wine storage on display at the cocktail bar keeps the restaurant busy. The spacious bar is open all day and welcomes visitors to enjoy a fresh cocktail or a cup of coffee during the day

or join the party a bit later, when the house DJ starts entertaining guests with a mixture of Jimmy Hendrix, '80s rock classics and modern pop tunes.

In addition, Bronda also offers versatile private dining rooms that are fully equipped with modern projectors and screens for small-scale business meetings. In the summer, a terrace with views of the gorgeous Esplanade Park is also open.

Shareable food at its best At Bronda, it’s all about sharing the experience and of course, the delicious food. Just like in Björck’s and Wikberg’s other restaurants, social dining is a key concept.

“The idea with social dining is that everyone gets to taste a little bit of everything and not just one dish. Dining out should always be an enjoyable experience that you remember,” Wikberg explains.

dishes and flavours created by the skilful staff, and so is the perfect choice for the curious diner. Sashimi, aioli prawns and green gazpacho, parmesan risotto cake, chicken wings and kombu butter, tiramisu and rhubarb pie with hazelnut are among the creative dishes on offer.

Björck’s and Wikberg’s restaurants are indeed known for their unique take on classic dishes and have clearly found their place in the Finnish culinary scene.

The duo’s reputation as the face of highclass dining in Helsinki is however only part of the success of Bronda, Wikberg believes.

“The restaurant’s versatility, combined with excellent food and service that never disappoints, attracts restaurant visitors to come back time and time again,” he explains.

For more information, please visit: www.ravintolabronda.fi/en

The restaurant offers carefully planned menus for the whole table to share, including snacks, fresh appetisers, classic main courses with a modern take, complementary sides and to top it off, delicious desserts. The tasting menus are the best way to explore the range of

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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Denmark

Restaurant of the Month, Denmark

A modern restaurant with a nostalgic cuisine Restaurant KanalKroen is a local gem in the charming fishing village of Karrebæksminde, so close to the water that the guests can almost dip their toes into the deep blue as they indulge in food and drinks on a hot summer day. Enjoy a menu boasting traditional Danish delights, carefully prepared from seasonal products and locally-sourced fish from just around the corner. Come alone or come together, KanalKroen has a spot for everyone.

By Caroline Edwards | Photos: KanalKroen

Stepping into Restaurant KanalKroen is like visiting a traditional Danish tavern – but without the beds and without being frozen in time. Situated right next to the water at Karrebæksminde harbour, Restaurant KanalKroen seems to have won the location-lottery. With a terrasse great for dining outside in the summer and a cosy indoor seating area, guests are spoiled for choice when it comes to where to sit and what to eat. Outside the windows you can even get a glimpse of the big ships as they make their way to Næstved Harbour, pushing their way through the rough Nordic sea.

A sense of togetherness “This is the kind of place where locals and tourists can get to together for a chat in

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relaxed surroundings, allowing the world to move a little slower. Being located in a fairly small village means that KanalKroen has its regular visitors who enjoy meeting up and sharing a cup of coffee or a beer, discussing the important events of the day,” says Malene Hansen, who bought the place with her partner, Kenneth Oppermann, last summer, determined to transform the cosy tavern into a restaurant. With years of experience working in the industry and a job as Kitchen Manager at the popular Rådshuskroen in Næstved behind her, Malene Hansen certainly knows what she is doing. Apart from an exciting menu and an array of drinks and wines, Restaurant KanalKroen also arranges fun-filled mu-

sic nights, getting people together for evenings full of cheers and joy.

“We have live music every Friday for locals and visitors alike. The music is varied, there is something for every taste. While some of the bands are local, others come from all over Denmark, playing a blend of Danish and international songs,” explains Hansen, stressing that a catch-all approach is vital for a local restaurant such as KanalKroen. This quickly becomes evident if you step inside the homely surroundings, where each guest is different.

A taste of Denmark “Our guests are both builders and carpenters coming to fill up their stomachs after a day’s work, families with children who are looking for a fun time near the sea, the love-stricken couple sharing a meal, and even groups of youngsters meeting up for dinner before their big night out,” reveals Hansen, loving the fact that Restaurant KanalKroen has succeeded in creating a sociable platform where everyone can take part, from musical events to bigger parties.

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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Denmark

The early hours are often quiet with only a few locals stopping by for a chat. Later, when lunch hour kicks in, the place fills up with guests who are eager to get a taste of the celebrated Danish Smørrebrød that Malene Hansen and her team are so proud of.

“If you wish for a traditional, Danish experience, our lunch menu is your best bet.

On the menu we have the popular Danish Smørrebrød, something that could be described as Nordic tapas, where it’s the known dishes that attract the most attention, such as our homemade fried herring, served with preserved red onions. Other favorites include roast beef with homemade remoulade and fried onions. We always spend that extra time on the details and toppings, which is essential for Smørrebrød,” explains Hansen.

“We are a restaurant that takes pride in maintaining the traditional Danish kitchen but without overlooking news trends and ideas,” says Hansen. Guests even have the opportunity to enjoy a buffet served during lunch and evening hours, offering tourists the perfect opportunity to get introduced to Danish food.

Restaurant KanalKroen offers an impeccable service, designed for anyone with a

desire to enjoy time-honored kro-classics to the sound of lively waves in cosy settings. Whether you wish to gather your thoughts in a quiet moment of solitude or socialise with friends and family, Karrebæksminde’s number one meetingpoint greets you with open arms.

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

Time-honored classics Being located in the heart of an old fishing village definitely has its perks as the nearby fishery can deliver fresh fish on a daily basis. However, it’s not all about what’s in the water. Restaurant KanalKroen also offer a wide range of other dishes, from the Danish national dish, Stegt Flæsk med Persillesovs (pulled pork with parsley sauce) to fried calves liver, a traditional dish that has become a rare sight on Danish menu cards.

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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Norway

Restaurant of the Month, Norway

We’re all invited to Emmas Drømmekjøkken With its midnight sun in the summertime and the enigmatic aurora borealis in the winter months, Tromsø, Paris of the North, is a city which attracts royalty and commoners alike. The restaurant Emmas Drømmekjøkken (Emma’s Dream Kitchen) in Tromsø’s city centre, is another local institution that manages to attract patrons from all layers of society with its homely charm.

By Andrea Bærland | Photos: Emmas Drømmekjøkken

The Norwegian royal family has dined at Emmas on several occasions and when Hillary Clinton, the then US Secretary of State, visited Norway she too opted for a hearty meal at Emmas. “They have all dined among regular guests, we would never close off the restaurant for a celebrity, anyone should feel welcome at Emmas,” says general manager Kjetil Henriksen.

But who is Emma? This dream woman has many origins – as dreams often do. When restaurateur Anne Brit Andreassen was a little girl she used to imagine she was Emma, a woman who could boil, roast and lay a table. Her mother had a great reputation as a cook. When she opened her restaurant in 1998, Anne Brit’s inner eye

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could already see Emma in every detail, as real for her as Winnie the Pooh for Christopher Robin. Emma is a kind, warm and generous woman, who is as considerate and caring as she is classy in the kitchen

have still managed to maintain an intimate and cosy atmosphere. Emmas UNDER has capacity for 40 guests and Emmas Drømmekjøkken can seat 36 diners.

However, grandmothers never play favourites and Emmas offer the same menu to guests on all three floors. While the menu is local and has a focus on arctic ingredients, the team in Emmas kitchen also draw inspiration from around the world, the French cuisine in particular.

Creative menu with traditional favourites

Room for everyone Seventeen years later Emmas has indeed become an establishment with room to include everyone. The restaurant is divided into three sections. In 2008 Emmas UNDER opened on the ground floor, serving both lunch and dinner, sporting a more casual vibe than the first floor where Emmas Drømmekjøkken, with its white tablecloths, is located. A chambre séparée with room for parties of up to 18 guests is perched as the cherry on top floor. Although Emmas entertain guests across three floors they

While the menu also includes international classics such as a beef burger, as well as Norwegian game, the emphasis at Emmas is on seafood. “With the sea on our doorstep we naturally have a strong focus on what the sea has to offer, it is important to us to showcase local produce,” says Henriksen.

The menu at Emmas changes at least six times a year, but there are two dishes that will never be taken off the menu. “Our fish au gratin has become quite a signature

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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Norway

dish for Emmas,” says Henriksen. The fish au gratin consisting of white fish, shrimps, macaroni and a rich béchamel sauce is served with a carrot salad, bacon and potatoes on the side, a warming and moreish dish equally suitable for a mid-week dinner or celebratory treat.

Luckily for us, Emmas isn’t secretive about her recipes and has generously shared the fish au gratin recipe online for those wishing to recreate the dish at home.

Great food tastes even better if paired with the right wine and at Emmas the sommelier, Nina Barth Jenssen, has invited the world to Tromsø with an extensive wine list. “We have wines from all the continents that produce high quality wines,” says Henriksen. Whether you are looking for a bottle of the finest vintage wines from France or just a glass of crisp, dry white wine to go with your lunch, Emmas sommelier is sure to have something suitable for any palate and wallet.

Whether you are a royal on representation duty, a local, or a tourist road-tripping the length and breadth of Norway, you will always be welcome at Emmas Drømmekjøkken.

For more information, please visit: www.emmas.as

The other signature dish on the menu is the traditional Northern Norwegian Boknafisk, semi-dried cod. “At Emmas we use loins of Skrei cod, which the local fishmonger dries for a minimum of 14 days during the winter, usually between February and March every year,” Henriksen says.

In the kitchen, the role of 'Emma' has been filled by Chef Olav Børtveit since 2013.

Børtveit, who has trained under Norwegian Bocuse d’Or gold medallist Terje Næss, has previously worked in Oslo restaurants of Michelin caliber.

Having worked at VulkanFisk, a renowned seafood restaurant in the capital’s popular food hall, Børtveit is particularly fond of preparing and serving authentic Norwegian fish dishes.

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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Iceland

Restaurant of the Month, Iceland

An award-winning local gem in the heart of nature With stunning views across a soothing bay and a thermal beach on its doorstep, Nauthóll restaurant serves up bistro-style food made from fresh ingredients. A little off the beaten track, this is where you’ll find locals savouring seasonal dishes come brunch, lunch or dinner.

By Stephanie Lovell | Photos: Nauthóll

“People come to Nauthólsvík, just outside the centre of Reykjavík, to admire the nature and take part in outdoor activities, so we wanted to create a place for them to enjoy good food, made entirely from scratch, using the finest ingredients,” explains Gudrídur María Jóhannesdóttir, managing director.

We were therefore extremely proud to become the first Icelandic restaurant to be awarded an environmental certification by the Nordic Swan,” says Jóhannesdóttir.

“The restaurant itself is quite minimalist, allowing you to sit back and look out over the sea with nothing to bother you. We let nature be our artwork.”

Nauthóll restaurant is the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat after roaming through the woods below the iconic Pearl building, strolling along the coastal walking paths or, if you dare, dipping your toes in the sea at the thermal beach. “One of our key goals when we opened was to showcase the beautiful area in which we’re located.

With the menu changing throughout the year, you’re always guaranteed to be served seasonal food, which is sourced directly from local farmers whenever possible. This summer, think melt-in-yourmouth lobster salad followed by juicy Icelandic strawberries for dessert. Drawing on his international experience, up-and-

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coming head chef Ari Sylvain Posocco likes to put a Scandinavian twist on classic dishes. “We have some old favourites that we’ve been serving ever since we opened - our fish soup, sweet potato and beet salad, salt fish and hamburgers remain popular as ever,” says Jóhannesdóttir.

These days downtown Reykjavik attracts tourists practically all year round. During your stay, be sure to make the short trip to Nauthólsvík to experience this hidden gem loved by the locals. “We’re definitely not a tourist trap – you’ll find plenty of Icelanders here every evening,” says Jóhannesdóttir. “If you want to know what the nation eats, then come to Nauthóll!”

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

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Scan Magazine | Humour | Columns

IS IT JUST ME...

Who thinks that the chance of finding your soul mate is significantly bigger than coming across a good and reliable builder?

When you start looking for a builder to execute a project on your house or apartment, you carefully scout your circle of friends and acquaintances, asking them in hushed voices: “Do you know any good builders? Someone you can recommend?”

My husband and I have even found ourselves befriending new people only with the purpose of finding a trustworthy builder.

And yes, perhaps we as a society set the bar for builders especially high. After all the general expectation to a builder is to firstly (and this is critical): Show up.

Showing up for any initial meeting is – as many people with actual experience from reality know – crucial. This is the first hurdle in finding a builder and there’s a one in two chance of an appointment actually manifesting itself into a builder showing up on your doorstep.

In fact there have been more reported sights of the Loch Ness Monster than of builders.

By Mette Lisby

If the initial meeting is successful (i.e. actually happens), the demands are far from over.

Now they have to give you a price for the job.

Expect a 40 per cent success-rate.

After this tricky part, you negotiate with the builder – a process with a slightly higher chance of success since you are actually involved.

Should you manage to enter into an agreement you are perhaps lulled into a false sense of security; a belief that this is actually going to happen; that you have solved your problem.

Beware!

There is an eminent danger that the project will never take off, because the next step requires the most brutal part of being a builder: They have to show up again.

This time to do actual work.

This takes you the next level – the dangerous life, meant only for high-rolling actionseeking types that faces this question daily: Will the builders show up today?

And just as you have gotten used to that, the nature of dealing with builders shifts dramatically as you enter a new phase:

Drunk - a sober rebellion One very good thing about my Swedish upbringing was the level of freedom that I was granted as a teenager. I don’t know if this was due to my liberal parents, or the fact that my sensible older sister lulled them into some state of complacent security. In either case, I don’t remember there being many rules. Perhaps as a direct result of this, I didn’t break any. What was the point of rebelling, when I could just tell my parents what I intended to do and have them shrug and let me get on with it? I should also add that even if I had wanted to rebel – especially on the boys/smoking/drinking front – I was far too 'uncool' to be able to pull it off. My girlfriends would flank me like tall, blonde über-vixens and I would be plodding along in the middle, like a frumpy pet. At least when I moved to England, I was no longer the shortest girl in the class. My parents happily let me spend nights with

“Will they ever finish?”

You end up recommending them to strangers just to get them out of your house.

So please – let me know if you are looking for a builder. Anyone?

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.

By Maria Smedstad

seemed extraordinarily rude, that I finally caved in and got drunk. Naturally this was followed by the one thing my liberal Swedish background had conditioned me to do. I found a payphone and phoned my parents to let them know what I was doing. Their response - as you can probably guess - was to shrug (albeit over the phone) and tell me to get on with it.

my (still much cooler) friends, hanging in bars in Soho and wasting my pocket money on unsuitable shoes that made me taller. But I still didn’t drink, smoke, or have any luck with boys. It wasn’t until I was 16, when I was pretty much backed into a corner by circumstances, where not having a drink would have

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

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Scan Magazine | Business | Key Note

Scan Business Key Note 86 | Conferences of the Month 87 | Business Column 91 | Scandinavian Business Calendar 91

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On holiday with your good psychopath?

By Paul Blackhurst, client director at Mannaz

Like many of you, I am sitting on a sunny beach and catching up with my reading.

Between building sandcastles with my children, I have been engrossed in a book about psychopaths. Most of us think of psychopaths as being cold-blooded serial killers like Hannibal Lecter.

Leading psychologist, Kevin Dutton suggests that many elements of the psychopath profile can be beneficial to the individual, and for society at large. In his book The Good Psychopath’s Guide to Success he defines your “good psychopath” and he gives plenty of tips for you to get in touch with him or her.

He refers to psychopathic personalities as comprising of the following characteristics: Ruthlessness, fearlessness, impulsivity, self-confidence, focus, coolness under pressure, mental toughness, charm, charisma, reduced empathy and lack of conscience.

If that list describes some of the senior managers in your organisation then that should not come as a surprise. Many successful people seem to show psychopathic tendencies. Dutton describes these characteristics as variables which we can learn

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to dial up or down depending on the circumstances. Good psychopaths, in his opinion, are able to manage these characteristics using their brain’s executive function of the Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) to tame the unruly Amygdala, the immature, emotional centre of the brain. In this aspect, at least his book is on familiar ground. When we help clients to embrace conflict, to be more assertive and to engage in challenging conversations, we are working with just this concept. As individuals, if we can learn to understand what situations trigger our emotional responses, then we can learn to engage the PFC to make choices and to respond rather than react to people and events.

As Viktor Frankl said in Man’s Search for Meaning, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

Stephen Covey refers to this ability to respond (response-ability) as proactivity and most talking therapies focus on the principle that you are the creator of your emotions and your life. You can turn the other cheek, or take an eye for an eye. The

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choice is yours and the responsibility that comes with accepting that is enormous.

Dutton’s book is co-written with Andy McNab, a veteran of the elite British SAS. According to Dutton’s tests, McNab is a psychopath, albeit a good and successful one.

McNab was a highly decorated soldier, a successful author, businessperson and adviser. His psychopathic characteristics have helped him succeed in those very different fields.

One of the keys to success is that psychopaths are less concerned than most of us about how other people see them. This allows them to reduce empathy when needed and to reduce worry about failure and rejection. That is definitely something I need to work on.

As Michael J Fox said, “What other people think about me is none of my business.”

Paul Blackhurst, client director at Mannaz

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Scan Magazine | Conference of the Month | Denmark

Conference of the Month, Denmark

Hotel Præstekilde – A rural gem with culinary surprises Hotel Præstekilde offers a blend of relaxation, natural scenery and outdoor activities. Its location on the pristine island of Møn, along with its top-notch restaurant and recently refurbished rooms, makes it the ideal platform for business and leisure. With modern meeting facilities and a restaurant boasting fresh local produce, Hotel Præstekilde caters to holidaymakers and business professionals alike.

By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Hotel Præstekilde

Hotel Præstekilde’s location speaks for itself. Situated in the middle of a golf course overlooking Stege Nor, there is simply no better place for a hotel on Møn.

Not only is the island known for its natural beauty and outdoor attractions, it also offers a chance to switch off and dive into a mouthwatering world of classical French dishes, always prepared from local seasonal produce.

“Hotel Præstekilde is all about nature, relaxation and above all, food,” declares Lina Mather, who, together with her husband and head chef Henrik Bajer, recently reopened the hotel. It was perhaps the challenge more than anything else, along

with a sense of adventure, that made them jump into their new venture. The duo has previously had great success running the restaurant Gourmet Gaarden in Stege that won appraisal from Danish newspaper Politiken as well as international critics from Lonely Planet and alike.

Now the pair is in the process of transforming Hotel Præstekilde from good to excellent, taking advantage of the beautiful nature surrounding it.

“This is the perfect place to combine work with leisure. Bring your team mates for meetings, teambuilding, or even a conference. Here on Møn you can do loads of things: bicycle, hiking, kayaking and fish-

ing. It’s the perfect fix for nature-lovers and a fantastic opportunity to be active during the day and relax with nice food in the evening,” explains Mather. Together with her team, she will be greeting guests with joy and creativity, ready to arrange tailor-made business stays if people so desire.

“If you want to combine a meeting with great food and outdoor activities, it can be done,” says Mather, who can easily help guests arrange action-packed activities such as biking, hiking and kayaking, or trips to the famous Møns Klint. With 31 modern-equipped rooms to stay in, a restaurant overlooking Stege Nor and a location bursting with things to do, Hotel Præstekilde is the perfect choice for any occasion.

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

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Scan Magazine | Conference of the Month | Norway

Conference of the Month, Norway

Runde – the natural meeting place The title is appropriate in so many ways, as Runde’s stunning location brings you as far out to sea as possible without getting your feet wet, making it a natural meeting place in many ways. While Runde Environmental Centre’s main task is as a research centre, it is becoming increasingly popular as a meeting destination due to its magical location and interesting research, which they are very happy to share.

By Helene Toftner | Photos: Runde Environmental Centre

Runde Environmental Centre is a meeting and conference venue that is out of the ordinary. Initially established as a research centre for climate, marine pollution and seabird monitoring, among other areas, it also offers top-notch meeting facilities and accommodation.

Thus, it is a place for companies and people who wish to combine meetings in a calm environment; unique natural experiences, and gain expert insights into the wondrous surrounding nature. “It is a natural meeting place, both in the way that nature is all around both inside and outside the building walls, but also a

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place people feel relaxed,” manager and maritime researcher Nils-Roar Hareide says.

A little piece of Shangri-La It is said that the world is running out of Shangri La-kind of destinations, the fictional place described in the novel Lost Horizon in the 1930s, often used to describe earthly paradises far from the outside world. While Runde centre is not isolated from the rest of the world, as much as it may look it, it can easily be argued to be an earthly paradise. The research and conference centre is situated

on Runde Island, a small island south west of Ålesund in Norway’s fjord region, with a stunning view both of the Norwegian Sea and the dramatic nature inland.

With the location as its starting point, there is little wonder why nature is important in all that the centre offers.

Combining nature experiences with new knowledge “One guest noted that you can have a smashing meal at any restaurant in Oslo or London, but one cannot get the sense of a thousand birds leaving their nests at once, or sprays of the ocean covering your face the way you can here,” Hareide says. The guest captured the main factor which makes people come back for more, but while the experiences are important, Hareide also stresses sharing knowledge. “Our scientists working at the centre are very happy to talk about our fascinating research.”

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Scan Magazine | Conference of the Month | Norway

One is forgiven for thinking the centre is for companies and people who already have an interest and understanding of maritime life, but this is not the case. With an auditorium taking between 50 to 70 people, as well as smaller rooms for seminars and courses, they welcome companies within all sectors. And the food is absolutely worth a remark as the menu is mainly based on local specialties of seafood.

A bird watcher’s paradise The island has the southernmost bird cliffs in Norway, including Atlantic puffins, gannets, and Northern fulmars. During the busy summer months, as many as 250,000 birds find their way to the island making it a much loved destination for bird watchers from all over the world.

For the keen hiker there are excellent trails around the island, while the small islands and narrow sounds in the area are perfect for kayaking and scuba diving. Particularly for the latter, divers have numerous shipwrecks to discover, including the Dutch ship Akerendam that sunk with a large amount of silver and gold coins. The treasure is on display in the centre. “Most guests take advantage of the spectacular nature right on our doorstep, which you do not find anywhere else in Norway, or possibly in the world. Guests who come here often say they get a feeling of being part of something bigger,” Hareide says.

Within easy reach Ålesund is the nearest city to Runde and welcomes direct flights from London Gatwick, Copenhagen and Amsterdam in addition to the main Norwegian airports, and from there it is an easy ride up to Runde.

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

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Photo: Alan Brockie

Scan Magazine | Conference of the Month | Faroe Islands

Conference of the Month, Faroe Islands

The Nordic House – An inspirational landmark made for brilliancy The mythical architecture of the Nordic House in Tórshavn and the amazing views of its surroundings may be enough to convince most that this would be the perfect location for their next conference – but there is so much more to be said. Having received five golden stars from HORESTA, The Association for the Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism industry in Denmark, the Nordic House is a top-scorer on all levels.

“We recently held the international conference Growth in Blue Bio-economy, hosted by the Faroese Ministry of Fisheries.

Amongst the audience we had both ministers, policy-makers, investors and decisionmakers,” adds Sif.

By Caroline Edwards & Signe Hansen | Photos: Finnur Justinessen

“The Faroe Islands are not a place where people would typically go, so taking your conference to Tórshavn is a good opportunity to go somewhere unique and somewhere where you can totally focus on the conference,” says director of the Nordic House Sif Gunnarsdóttir Stjóri. Pair that with impressive natural scenery, a cosy atmosphere and the fact that Tórshavn is the smallest capital city in the world, and you have an adventure.

“We are the leading culture and conference centre in the Faroe Islands with more than 200 events per year as well as plenty of ex-

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hibitions. It’s safe to say that our staff know what they are doing,” explains Sif. With eight different-sized and equipped conference rooms, the Nordic House is well prepared to house any kind of conference, meeting or workshop. The centre’s largest room is the Høllin hall; it seats 420 people and can be connected with the third largest room to make a total of 550. The other six rooms seat from 8 to 206 guests.

Built with stone, wood and glass materials, and covered in lush grass, the Nordic House, designed by the Norwegian architect Ola Steen and Icelandic Kolbrún Ragnarsdóttir, is a bit of a masterpiece – excelling at beauty as well as professionalism. With over 30 experience organising conferences, this is the ideal place to come up with bright ideas.

“All the rooms have astonishing views with the sea just outside, and all have the relevant equipment,” says Sif. The house’s unique setting and outstanding services have in recent years brought quite a few major international conferences to the centre. Some of its more prominent key note speakers have for instance included Bill Clinton and Al Gore.

Photo: Alan Brockie

The Nordic House is partly funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers, and with room for up to 650 guests and in-house interpretation systems, it is the largest and best equipped conference centre in the Faroe Islands.

For more information, please visit: www.nlh.fo

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Scan Magazine | Business | Column

Good intentions are not enough Eric Burdon of the Animals used to sing: ... I’m a just a soul whose intentions are good Oh Lord, please don’t let me be misunderstood.

But when people communicate internationally, misunderstandings are common. I once ran a negotiation simulation involving a French executive and a senior Norwegian negotiator which was a disaster – a total communication breakdown and there was no deal. Yet there were fascinating lessons to be learned. Their failure was not to do with content but with the way they communicated and the way they expected the other to communicate too.

Here are the notes I took about the communication style of each: – more consensual -more competitive/confrontational – more collectivist - more individualist – lower energy - higher energy – quieter - noisier – slower paced - faster paced – linear - circular – more patient - less patient

– taking turns - talking over each other – concern to save face - some may lose face – respect shown through listening– respect shown through engaging – practice first - theory first – experience admired - intellectual argument admired – more egalitarian - more hierarchical – communication managed by the chair managed by the boss – more belief-based (heart)? – more analytical (head)?

I’ll leave you to work out which was which. How could they have got to a win-win? If they had dealt with their communication problems and misunderstandings early and openly, rather than struggling on with the negotiation, I’m sure they would have reached a deal. Good communication means understanding something about the processes of communication.

So think about your communication style. How does yours compare with my two negotiators?

By Steve Flinders

Being aware of your own style, your awareness of and openness to other different styles, and your ability to adapt your style to others, are all critical skills for people working internationally.

Steve Flinders is a freelance trainer, writer and coach, based in Malta, who helps people develop their communication and leadership skills for working internationally:steveflind@aol.com; www.coachingyork.co.uk/item/steveflinders/

Scandinavian Business Calendar By: Caroline Edwards and Astrid Eriksson

– Happy summer!

There is no better time than August to draw back from the world and save up some well-deserved energy for the months to come. Seek inspiration and test your creativity in preparation for September, the month where the UK yet again will see exciting businesss events and workshops popping up all over the land, especially in London, where both Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland will be back in businesss with some rather mind-boosting events. But for now, let’s have some fun.

Creative Hub: Improve your brainstorming skills Learn more about the power of creativity through small workshops. This two hour session will focus on various stages of how to expand on ideas and the importance of utilsing others' views and ideas – an important tool in all aspects of business.

business adventure in the perfect surroudings, whilst meeting new contacts and future friends.

Date: 6 August from 6 pm.

Venue: Veloft London www.nbccuk.com

Date: 4 August, 11 am – 1 pm.

Venue: 55 Sloane Street SW1X 9SR www.ducc.co.uk Nordic Drinks This time the Nordic Thursday Drinks will be hosted by The Perfect Cellar in Farringdon and the event will take place at Veloft London just up the road from their offices. Grab a drink and kickstart your

Annual Crayfish Party For those of you who would like to look ahead, the Swede’s Annual Crayfish Party is something to look forward to. Networking in the company of fellow shell fish lovers, discuss summery pleasures, sing some songs and have a grand time to ring in the beginning of autumn. We highly recommend it!

Date: 4 September from 6.30 pm Venue: R.S HISPANIOLA, River Thames, Victoria Embankment, London WC2N 5DJ www.scc.org.uk

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Scan Magazine | Culture | Scandipop

Scandinavian Music I’ve been waiting years to write these words again: it’s time for some new music from Robyn! While we wait for her next album, she’s embarked upon a side project: Robyn & La Bagatelle Magique. It’s music that she had been working on with Christian Falk and Markus Jagerstedt, before Falk passed away last year. Robyn and Markus continued to work on the songs together, and now they’re releasing them via a five track EP on August 7th - Love Is Free, but you can already listen to the song Set Me Free. A shimmering synth concoction of disco, electro and euphoric pop. An exhilarating four minutes of sonic discoveries, with a production and vocals that you can get completely immersed in.

Former Scan Magazine cover girl Ina Wroldsen features on the new global hit by Calvin Harris and London trio Disciples.

It’s called How Deep Is Your Love and as well as singing on it, Norwegian Ina also wrote it. A deep house track which features

By Karl Batterbee some flavours of the '90s. It’s a production that sounds better the higher you crank the volume up.

Norwegian pop legends a-ha have gone and reformed again. The new album Cast in Steel arrives in early September, but the first single Under The Makeup is out already. It’s a cinematic ballad wrapped up in lush strings and trilled out via a haunting vocal from the one and only Morten Harket.

The song has the touch of a James Bond soundtrack about it (in fact, listening to it, one wonders if Under The Makeup was made for the Bond makers’ consideration…). A-ha will be going out on tour to promote the new album shortly.

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

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Scan Magazine | Culture | Calendar

Legoland Open Air Concert. Photo: Ole Hartmann Schmidt

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

Goat on tour (August) The secretive troop of Goat, a band celebrated for their energised live performances, will pay a visit to Green Man Festival in Wales. Dressed up in colourful gear and mesmerising masks, the group from Northern Sweden will take you on a tribal journey of unseen proportions. Are you ready?

Brecon Beacons, Wales. www.greenman.net Øya Festival Oslo (11-15 August) Øya Festival allows you to combine a festival experience with sightseeing in Oslo.

With a programme bursting with diverse singers and bands, there is something for

everyone. Come and see In Flames, one of Scandinavia’s biggest metal bands, witness a Beck performance or get carried away by Trondheim Jazz Orchestra.

Oslo, Tøyenparken. www.oyafestivalen.com Family Open-Air Concert in LEGOLAND (15 August) Combine family-fun and thrilling attractions with a musical experience, all in Billund, Denmark. Legoland is widely regarded as one of the favorite places to visit for those with a childish imagination and a knack for putting bricks together.

This August, however, the fun park gets filled with music and festivities at the

By Caroline Edwards

yearly Open-Air Concert!

Legoland, Billund. www.legoland.dk Stockholm Culture Festival (11-16 August) During six magical days, the streets of Stockholm get filled with cultural events in all shapes and forms – and for all ages.

Completely free of charge, this year’s festival revolves around the theme of United Kingdom, boasting music, art and theatre.

Stockholm City: Sergels torg, Sergel's Square, Gustav Adolfs Torg and Square, Norrbro. www.kulturfestivalen.stockholm.se

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Scan Magazine | Culture | Calendar

Crimetime Gotland (13-16 August) For those who can’t get enough of Scandinavian crime novels and Nordic Noir, Gotland is the place to be this August.

With more than 50 writers present and several events for both children and adults, there will certainly be a lot of suspense going on.

Visby, Gotland, Sweden. www.crimetimegotland.se Helsinki’s Flow Festival (14-16 August) Finland’s largest arts festival will once again provide a diverse programme of events throughout the city, with experiences ranging from classical to world music and pop, from drama to contemporary dance and from visual art to film and

Legoland Open Air Concert. Photo: Ole Hartmann Schmidt

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children’s events. Lose yourself in the Night of the Arts or get carried away with their fringe programme. This is a festival that brings the arts to everyone! www.flowfestival.com Espoo International Film Festival (21-30 August) The International Film Festival in Espoo has grown into one of the most popular showcases of European Cinema, featuring more than a 100 films throughout the festival. With an emphasis on new talent, discovery and artistry in a European context, it’s the perfect opportunity to get inspired by the big screen. www.espoocine.fi/2015/fi/index

Copenhagen Blues Festival (23-27 September) Blues is not just something you can hear in the streets of the Mississippi. In Denmark, the yearly Blues Festival draws musicians from all over the world to Copenhagen, where big names and newcomers will fill the stage with spellbinding tunes in over 60 mind-blowing performances.

Enjoy the late summer in the Danish capital, indulging in one of the most exciting music genres! www.copenhagenbluesfestival.dk

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Light — more light

Aarhus Festival ROBERT LEPAGE, DANIEL LANOIS, GRANT-LEE PHILLIPS, M. WARD, RHIANNON GIDDENS, DANIEL BELTON, THE ROYAL DANISH THEATRE, JOE HENRY, JIM WHITE, LA SOIRÈE, JAC HOLZMAN, FOOD FESTIVAL, ANNIKA NORLIN, HOWE GELB, TINA DICKOW, ÁSGEIR TRAUSTI, AARHUS JAZZ ORCHESTRA, KJARTAN ARNGRIM, STEFANO BOLLANI, GUSTAF LJUNGGREN, TONY GARNIER, FIRE! ORCHESTRA, CHRISTIAN VUUST, ILLDJINN, HOMIES × HOINESS, YASMINE HAMDAN, STEVE SHELLEY, DIEGO SCHISSI, THE WILD MANS BAND, JACOB ANDERSKOV, BILLY BRAGG, BAE IL DONG, CARMEN LINARES, TANYA TAGAQ, SHAHZAD ISMAILY, SYLVIE SIMMONS, AOIFE McATAMNEY, LAID BACK, DIANE SPENCER, BEC HILL, EFTERKLANG, CHRISTIAN LOLLIKE, MAGGIE BJÖRKLUND + Loads of theatre, music, architecture, light installations, food, dance, exhibitions, talks and much, much more.

More than 1.000 events — at 100 venues — in 10 days.

See the full programme at aarhusfestival.com — or download our app for iPhone and Android