SCANDINAVIAN monthly │ Issue No.14 │ July 2022

SCANDINAVIAN Monthly EDITION NO. 14 │ JULY 2022

SUSTAINABILITY ● HEALTH ● FINE ART/MUSIC ● BUSINESS ARCHITECTURE ● FOOD ● ATTRACTIONS ● PEOPLE ● GOLF ● HUMOR

SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY │ EDITION NO. 14 │ JULY 2022

Contents

4

Sustainability Enjoying Scandinavia By Road – The Eco-Friendly Way

6

Health How Did Sweden’s Covid-19 Strategy Work?

10

Fine Art/Music Japan Seen Through a Danish Filter

12

Swedish Street Artist – From Sketchbook Drawings to International Fame

16

Norway’s $723 Million Mega Museum To Open After Eight-Year Wait

18

Portrait of the Norwegian National Poet

22

Norway’s Most Rejected Sculptor

24

Something Ethereal in Stockholm

26

Swedish Acquisitions for Moderna Museet – Stockholm

30

Business The Swedish One-Stop Shopping App

34

New EU Regulations on Online Hotel Booking Sites

36

Chinese Automaker Launches New Electric Vehicle in Scandinavia

38

Architecture The Danish Architect Who Designed the Sydney Opera House

42

Food More Herbs From Scandinavia - Angelica

44

Attractions Why Scandinavia Should Be On Your Bucket List

48

Lighthouse Kayaking in Southern Norway

50

People US English Professor’s Emotional Journey to Sweden

52

Golf An Expat’s Guide to the Best Golf Courses in Scandinavia Humor

54

2

A Scandinavian Chuckle

Editor’s Note Editor’s Note

Dear Reader,

L

ighthouse kayaking is the

Branding Scandinavia is not difficult

theme of this Summer issue

with so many good things to choose

and this was really an inspired

from. If you go to Norway’s capital,

editorial choice. I can’t think of

remember to pay the new Norwegian

any other place than southern Norway

National Museum a visit (Page XX).

where you can combine stunning fjord

And elsewhere in the issue our

voyages with an absolutely stunning

contributing writer Karoline Gore

cultural summer program featuring

reveals how to enjoy Scandinavia by

concerts with leading artists and food,

road – the eco-friendly way.

beer, gin and aquavit tasting. I warmly recommend the destination – for

We will now take a month’s break and

the surrounding nature, the food, the

be back with another superb issue on

people, the quaint village atmosphere

2 September. In the meantime, enjoy

and the amazing cultural events. Go

our daily editorials at

there, it will be a trip of a life time!

www.dailyscandinavian.com

It seems the summer has at last arrived and I have a feeling this will be a good one. I think I will enjoy a few outdoor beers this summer and clearly get the long end of the stick!

Tor

Tor Kjolberg Editor In Chief

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SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY │ EDITION NO. 14 │ JULY 2022

Sustainability

Enjoying Scandinavia By Road – The EcoFriendly Way

I

f you’re of the environmentally friendly persuasion, then a road trip in Scandinavia is the experience for you. The stunning scenery of seven-odd countries that make up the region is something that locals have sought to protect; as Sweden.se highlights, countries in the region consistently feature near the top of rankings lists as it concerns key environmental indicators, such as air quality and environmental sustainability. Enjoying Scandinavia by road – the eco-friendly way Feature image (on top) Photo by why kei / Unsplash

4

Minimizing waste Scandinavia is well known for its progressive approach to waste. everything in countries like Sweden is recycled, according to Treehugger, there is nevertheless a much more

Sustainability

Whereas it’s a myth that 99% of

low-waste and recycling-friendly approach to daily life, and a social climate that puts a lot of credence in being responsible with your trash.

With that in mind, use reusable tools and equipment when you’re out on You eat the produce that’s available at that time of year.

Photo: David B Townsend/Unsplash

the road or in the city, and prioritize stores and eateries that use reusable or biodegradable packaging. There’s

It follows that visitors to the region

something of a fad but nevertheless a

should make every effort that they

relatively healthy way to eat. In much

can to help protect this natural

of Scandinavia, this is simply how

environment themselves, something

people eat, and there’s a big focus

which is absolutely achievable with a

on seasonality. You eat the produce

Enjoying the Scandinavian life is one

commitment to lowering your carbon

that’s available at that time of year or,

of the big pulls of heading over to

footprint and waste. It starts with a car.

alternatively, produce that has been

Northern Europe, and it’s also a very

cured and pickled in order to be fresh Traveling on the road

environmentally sound way of living.

later on in the year – like smoked

As Forbes highlights, the wildest parts

Do something for the planet, and for

salmon. Seasonal eating is another

of Scandinavia are difficult to get to via

Scandinavia, by acting in the best

powerful way to help the planet

public transport. You can absolutely

interests of everything around you

while traveling, so consider keeping

find towns and cities to act as a final

and the natural environment.

your eating local. You’ll enjoy your

stop before going to wilderness

food more this way, and enjoy a truly

areas, but you’ll need your own

Scandinavian diet.

plenty around, and doing your extra bit to help these countries stay clean is a big gesture.

vehicle past there. For that purpose, electric cars are ideal, but given the remoteness it’s reasonable to ask how to charge an electric car on a road trip in Scandinavia. The Scandinavian countries are leaders on this, too.

According to Mer.eco, Norway, Sweden and Finland have led the way in electric car charging, providing plentiful spots across the country at rates that are very fair to the pocket.

As a result, you’ll find yourself actively

Enjoying Scandinavia By Road – The EcoFriendly Way, written exclusively for Daily Scandinavian by Karoline Gore. Karoline is a freelance writer from Stoke on Trent in the UK who left the corporate grind when she started a family and has never looked back.

She enjoys contributing to a range of online publications on the topics that are important to her.

encouraged to drive electric.

Keeping it seasonal People all over the world may have heard of the Nordic Diet, which, according to the Cleveland Clinic, is

Other articles by Karoline Gore you might like to read: Enjoy a Family Fishing Adventure in Sweden Why There Is No Plan B for Sweden’s Bee Population Labradorite From Norway: A True Scandinavian Treasure

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SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY │ EDITION NO. 14 │ JULY 2022

Health

How Did Sweden’s Covid-19 Strategy Work?

D

ifferent countries chose different strategies to combat the combat-19 devastation. One way to combat the pandemic was to focus on how many people died, another was to try assessing the complicated impacts of the various measures taken to combat the virus. When a lot of the functions in a society were frozen, people struggled – especially the most vulnerable. How did Sweden’s Covid-19 strategy work?

6

Sweden has been both praised and

Recently Sweden’s state

Related: How Covid-19 Affects

vilified for its “light touch” stance

epidemiologist, Anders Tegnell had to

Scandinavian Countries

during the pandemic. However, when

defend himself from accusations that

the second covid winter approached,

his laissez-faire approach to Covid-19

To focus on how many people who

how well did Sweden’s pandemic

led to thousands of unnecessary

would die, there was plenty of data

control work?

infections and deaths.

to lean on. Meticulous records of the

Feature image (on top) Screenshot from DW

Health

How well did Sweden’s pandemic control work?

death toll were being kept in most

lockdowns was, however, a lot harder.

the Swedish government enacted

countries, especially the wealthy ones,

They appeared here and there as

extensive work from home measures

and presented in stylish graphs on

scattered anecdotes and figures.

for those that could, as well as remote

various reliable sites.

Perhaps the most striking data point

learning for over 16s.

came from the US: by the end of the “Swedish statistics do not differ

academic year, a total of 55.1 million

So, Sweden claims that its loose-

from other European countries,” said

students had been affected by school

reined Covid-19 strategy was working,

Anders Tegnell. “Now, we are two

closures.

that isn’t the case when compared with its near neighbors. The New

years into this and Sweden doesn’t really stand out,” Tegnell told the

In contrast to the stricter, often

York Times’s national editor who

Financial Times. “We are not the

lockdown focused, approaches of

had noticed that the US death toll

best, but we are definitely not the

many European countries—including

was about to pass 100,000, wanted

worst. That is what I hear now: how

its neighbors in Scandinavia—

to create something memorable —

much good did all these draconian

Sweden’s strategy has relied on

something you could look back on in

[measures] do for anybody?”

individuals taking responsibility under

100 years to understand what society

non-binding recommendations. In

was going through. The front page

the first six months of the pandemic,

was reminiscent of what a newspaper

To measure the consequences of

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SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY │ EDITION NO. 14 │ JULY 2022

saw the healthcare services getting

might look like during a bloody war.

the pandemic.

Related: Winter Covid-19 Blues in

In addition, tens of thousands of

They heard the testimonies from

Norway

surgeries had been postponed by

nurses and doctors.

overwhelmed in several countries.

healthcare services in Sweden.

Tegnell was among those insistent

Screenings for everything from

But by winter 2020 a second wave

that the lockdowns imposed by other

cervical to prostate cancer were put on

with the new alpha variant brought

countries were excessive. Compared

ice. The Swedish police hadn’t tested

a spike in cases. In the six months

with other major European countries

drivers for insobriety for months, out

between October 2020 and March

the number of overall cases and

of fear of the virus. That year, it didn’t

2021, Sweden saw 657 309 positive

deaths in Sweden was low—just under

seem quite as serious if someone

cases and 12 826 deaths.

93 000 cases and 6000 deaths by

were to get killed by a drunk driver.

Related: What is the Future of Small

1 October 2020 compared with over

Business in Norway After COVID-19?

118 000 cases and 10 000 deaths in

The question for the Swedish

Belgium, which has a similar overall

commission currently investigating

population size, or the 606 000 cases

Tegnell’s strategy is whether, if it had

Fortunately, there is no need to

and 32 000 deaths seen in France

locked down, Sweden would have

speculate. A study by researchers

and other larger countries.

experienced rates of infection and

from Imperial College London,

death more comparable to Denmark

published in Nature in August,

or to the UK.

modelled the hypothetical first wave

Compared with its nearest neighbors,

death totals in Sweden, the UK and

however, Sweden’s Covid-19 pandemic has been catastrophic.

It was becoming obvious that the

Denmark in scenarios where each

Denmark has seen just 19 excess

media, the politicians, and the public

country adopted the others’ lockdown

deaths per million since January 2020,

had a hard time assessing the risks

strategies.

while Norway has in fact seen fewer

of the new virus. To most people, the

deaths than usual over the course of

figures didn’t mean anything. But they

By the end of 2021, 56 countries had

Sweden’s strategy has relied on individuals taking responsibility under non-binding recommendations.

8

Health

Compared with its nearest neighbors Sweden’s Covid-19 pandemic has been catastrophic.

registered more deaths per capita from Covid-19 than Sweden. With regard to the restrictions that the rest of the world had put so much faith

“Swedish statistics do not differ from other European countries,” said Anders Tegnell.

Photo: forskning.no

in — school closures, lockdowns, face masks, mass testing — Sweden had

Had the country adopted a stricter,

lose trust for vaccines” says Tegnell.

more or less gone in the opposite

Danish-style lockdown, the death rate

“We should work more on spreading

direction. Yet its results were not

could have been cut by 78%.

information about vaccines that most of the time, unfortunately, gets diluted

noticeably different from those of other countries. It was beginning to

From a human perspective, however, it

become increasingly clear that the

was easy to understand why so many

political measures that had been

were reluctant to face the numbers

How Did Sweden’s Covid-19 Strategy

deployed against the virus were of

from Sweden. For the inevitable

Work? written by Tor Kjolberg

limited value.

conclusion must be that millions of

by wrong and confusing messages.”

people had been denied their freedom, However, British researchers found

and millions of children had had their

that Sweden would have cut its death

education disrupted, all for nothing.

rate during the first wave by threequarters if it had adopted a UK-style

“Obligation does not work by law in

lockdown, saving about 4,100 lives.

Sweden, and it would make people

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SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY │ EDITION NO. 14 │ JULY 2022

Fine Art/Music

Japan Seen Through a Danish Filter

T

he Japanese silversmith Yuki Ferdinansen moved to Denmark 22 years ago.

Her art can be described as Japan seen through a Danish filter.

“I want to sense these vastly different

starting with 0 and 1, whereupon each

Japanese technique arare – which

cultures and allow them to rearrange

next number is the sum of the two

means hail and are small holes in a

naturally and be expressed. My

preceding. The number sequence can

plate that follows a certain pattern –

inspiration always comes from nature,

be used in nature, art and architecture

with Danish design tradition.

expressed through the Fibonacci spiral

to explain how certain shapes and

systematic,” says Yuki Ferdinansen.

structures are built up.

Related: A Little Piece of Japan in Denmark

Related: Japanese-Inspired Summer

Yuki Ferdinandsen (Japanese, b.

House in Oslo

1958) is a metalsmith artist living

“With my hammer, with its small

and working in Denmark whose

bumps I form a plate of silver; this

The Fibonacci spiral is named

refined minimalist works embody

solid piece gets a floating look

after the discoveries of the Italian

the aesthetics and traditional

simultaneously with flexibility. It has

mathematician Leonardo Fibonacci

craftsmanship of her native Japan as

durability, weight, light, reflection,

(1170-1250). Based on the mating

distilled through a Danish lens.

contrast, and silver’s unique

characteristics of rabbits, he developed a series of numbers

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brilliance. Silver’s gloss is hot and In Denmark, she has combined the

cold simultaneously, it is this gloss

Fine Art/Music

Zen by Yuki Ferdinansen

and disposition that is the charm of working with silver,” she says.

“Approximately 20 hits are required to create each bead-like protrusion, and the meditative and repetitive nature of the process imbues her works with an ethereal quality. “I enjoy every stroke and every blade is followed by step with the foot. Every sound of the rhythm of “my hammer’s dance” I feel in the whole of my body and enjoy within my soul”, says Yuki.

A subtle and nuanced play of light and shadow also emerges on the

Arere by Yuki Ferdinansen

textured surfaces of the vessels, complemented by a semi-matte, whitened silvery finish achieved through an acid solution bath.

Related: One Year Anniversary for Danish Design Hotel in Japan During her years in Denmark, she has made several works: from flower vases and large dishes, to earrings and an ice cooler. Her work has been placed in both private and public collections including the Danish Design Museum, Copenhagen, and The National Museum, Stockholm.

Japan Seen Through a Danish Filter, written by Tor Kjolberg

The Fibonacci spiral is named after the discoveries of the Italian mathematician Leonardo Fibonacci (1170-1250).

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SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY │ EDITION NO. 14 │ JULY 2022

Swedish Street Artist – From Sketchbook Drawings to International Fame

S

wedish graffiti artist Finsta decorates house walls in Sweden’s roughest suburbs. There, graffiti is far less unfamiliar than traditional art. Read more about the Swedish street artist and how he arrived from sketchbook drawings to international fame.

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Fine Art/Music

During the last 25 years, the multidisciplinary artist Finsta’s art has spread from the pages of his sketchbook to the walls of his native town in southern Sweden and beyond. Photo: Arctic Paper

During the last 25 years, the

From the outside, Linehed outside

multidisciplinary artist Finsta’s art

Halmstad on Sweden’s west coast

has spread from the pages of his

looks like any other Swedish suburb.

sketchbook to the walls of his native

Uniform brick apartment buildings,

town in southern Sweden and

adapted for play and recreation.

beyond. Today, he gets commissioned

Walking distance to bus, shops and

by global brands and exhibits his

services. On a bumpy meadow are

artworks all around the world.

a couple of football goals made of welded steel pipes, tattered remnants

Related: Jaw-Dropping Street Art in

of what was once a net wire from

Norway

the crossbar. Besides the rustle of the birch trees and an enthusiastic

The multifaceted artist Finsta (Finn

labrador in the distance, the district’s

Hallin, born 1978) is one of Europe’s

park area is quiet.

leading urban contemporary artists.

He moves between painting, design,

Related: Norway’s Capital of Street Art

music and animation. His love of popular culture and the urban

At the entrance to a small – and

environment, combined with a strong

strangely out of place – outdoor

desire to be seen and produce works

amphitheater, the graffiti artist Finsta

available to the general public, has

stands and applies black and tubular

made him move endlessly between

streaks with a spray can on sky-blue

the established art institutions and

concrete walls. Like most graffiti

the street. With megalomania as an

painters, he has chosen to keep a low

engine, Finsta always wants to do

public profile, but has no reservations

more, better and bigger. Nothing is

about being photographed.

impossible in graffiti – the art form in which everything is about being visible

With a career spanning back to 1993,

and making your personal mark on

when he as a fifteen-year-old made

your surroundings.

his first public graffiti painting on the

Feature image (on top): Youtube

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SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY │ EDITION NO. 14 │ JULY 2022

Araby graffit by Finstai. Photo: Mural Spray Daily

walls of a fraternity in his hometown

he’s mostly known for his work with

Lund in the south of Sweden, the

spray cans, every project begins with a

name Finsta has long been well-

graphite pen and piece of paper.

“Everything starts as a sketch. I’ve been drawing for as long as I can

known within the graffiti community. In

14

through 11 September, 2022.

the last decade, as public acceptance

His first major solo exhibition in

remember and that has developed my

for the artform has increased, his

Sweden is at Skissernas Museum

expression. When other graffiti artists

eye-catching, often humorous,

– Museum of Artistic Process and

did letters and tags, I’ve always done

artworks have caught the attention

Public Art in Lund. At the exhibition

characters. It helped me develop my

of a wider audience with commercial

visitors are able to follow Finstad’s

unique style at an early age, and today

commissions and international

journey over his 25 years as an artist,

I benefit from that. Like any brand, you

exhibitions as a result. Even though

his creative process and sources

want to be easily recognizable”, Finsta

of inspiration. The exhibition runs

says.

Fine Art/Music

Finsta og MTV office wall

Finn Hallin was part of Skissernas

what they see”, says Finstad. “Then

Museum’s international residency

they can rather send a reader’s letter

program for professional artists.

to the newspaper or go and paint

With generous support from the

something themselves.”

LMK Foundation, a highly qualified international artist is offered the

Swedish Street Artist – From

opportunity to work for a time in

Sketchbook Drawings to International

connection with Skissernas Museum

Fame, written by Tor Kjolberg

and its collections.

“I do not want people to call me if they see one of my walls and do not like

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SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY │ EDITION NO. 14 │ JULY 2022

Norway’s $723 Million Mega Museum To Open After Eight-Year Wait

L

ocated on Oslo’s western waterfront, the $723m museum will be the biggest in the Nordic region when it opens on 11 June. When Norway’s $723 million mega museum open after eight-year wait, you can experience older and modern art, contemporary art, architecture and design all under one roof and in completely new ways.

The museum, which has been in

2016; the Museum of Contemporary

the works for seven years, brings

Art closed in 2017; and the former

the collections of three of Norway’s

National Gallery closed in 2019.

kept the critics busy.

In spite of appealing praises on the museum’s website like “the new

most important art institutions—the former Kunstindustrimuseet, the

Related: The New National Museum

museum will be a place for new

Museum of Contemporary Art, and

in Oslo

ideas, inspiration and compelling cultural experiences. We will make art

the National Gallery – under one roof.

Among its gems are an impressive

From its “grey box-like” appearance

accessible to everyone and reflect the

selection of work by Edward Munch,

and eye-popping price tag to

society and the times we live in,” critics

including The Scream. The former

protracted construction delays,

claim that ‘German-Italian architect

Kunstindustrimuseet closed in

Norway’s new National Museum has

Klaus Schuwerk has spent a fortune Feature image (on top): Photo Wikipedia

16

With its new, large exhibition areas, the National Museum can now showcase as well as presenting a rich program of temporary exhibitions with Norwegian and international artists.

Fine Art/Music

more of its collection than ever before,

Related: Three Unique Museums in Oslo The vast new building has two stories and 90 galleries, cafés, a shop, and the largest art library in the Nordic region.

But its architectural hallmark is a The Nzagtional Museum in Oslo will be bigger than Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum or the Guggenheim in Bilbao. Photo: Statsbygg

spectacular new illuminated exhibition space on the roof called the Light Hall.

The 2,400-square-meter space will be reserved for temporary exhibitions, the first of which will be a survey of Norwegian contemporary art. The museum also boasts an open-air roof

The museum’s director Karin Hindsbo wrote in a statement in 2020, “That we have not met the audience’s expectations in recent years, I’m sorry.” Photo: Mynewsdesk

terrace from where you can enjoy stunning views of Rådhusplassen (city hall square), Aker Brygge and the fjord The museum plaza in front of the main

and eight years building what has

Rådhusplassen, making it bigger

entrance will be a vibrant urban space

been panned by some as a slate-

than Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum or

and meeting arena with an outdoor

covered grey box’.

the Guggenheim in Bilbao. Older and

restaurant, seating and events.

modern art, architecture, design, arts However, in the new museum you

and crafts, and contemporary art will

The second floor is dominated by the

will find arts and crafts and design

be presented under one roof and in

visual arts, from Dutch and Flemish

from antiquity to the present day.

new settings.

landscape paintings to still life paintings from the 17th century and

Here, you can familiarize yourself with everything from the unique Baldishol

Ahead of its official opening, the

Johan Christian Dahl’s 19th-century

tapestry and Chinese imperial

museum—eager to commune with

landscape masterpieces.

porcelain to fashion through the ages

the public after years of delays –

and the unique Norwegian glass cups

has opened its doors early to allow

Built by Norway’s government building

of the 18th century – not to mention

visitors to venture inside while the

commissioner Statsbygg, the museum

the latest in contemporary design and

art is being installed. “We are inviting

has also prioritized sustainability,

arts and crafts.

visitors to join us and have a look

designed to emit 50 percent less

inside while the art is being mounted

greenhouse gasses than current

Related: A Collection in the Making at

and the museum is taking shape,” the

building standards.

the National Museum in Oslo

museum’s director Karin Hindsbo said in a statement. “That we have not met

Norway’s $723 Million Mega Museum

Across 13,000 sq meters of exhibition

the audience’s expectations in recent

To Open After Eight-Year Wait, written

space there will be 5,000 works

years, I’m sorry,” she wrote in 2020.

by Tor Kjolberg.

on show at the site off Oslo’s

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SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY │ EDITION NO. 14 │ JULY 2022

Portraits of the Norwegian National Poet Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson was born at the farmstead of Bjørgan in Kvikne, a secluded village in the Østerdalen district, some sixty miles south of Trondheim. In 1837 Bjørnson’s father Peder Bjørnson, who was the pastor of Kvikne, was transferred to the parish of Nesset, outside Molde in Romsdal.

It was in this scenic district that Bjørnson spent his childhood, living at the Nesset Parsonage.

Related: A Norwegian Heritage Bjørnson was a poet, dramatist, novelist, journalist, editor, public speaker, theatre director, and one of the most prominent public figures in Norway of his day. He is generally known, together with Henrik Ibsen, Alexander Kielland, and Jonas Lie, as one of “the four great ones” of 19th-century Norwegian literature. His poem “Ja, vi elsker dette landet” (“Yes, We Love This Land”) is the Norwegian

T

he Norwegian national poet Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson (1832-1910) received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1903 “as a tribute to his noble, magnificent and versatile poetry, which has always been distinguished by both the freshness of its inspiration and the rare purity of its spirit”. He was also one of the first Norwegian celebrities to be hunted by photographers. Here is a brief story and some famous portraits of the Norwegian national poet.

18

national anthem (music by Rikard Nordraak).

From his breakthrough in 1857 until his death in 1910, Bjørnstjerne

Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson was born at the farmstead of Bjørgan in Kvikne, a secluded village in the Østerdalen district, some sixty miles south of Trondheim. In 1837.

Fine Art/Music

Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson was a poet, dramatist, novelist, journalist, editor, public speaker, theatre director, and one of the most prominent public figures in Norway of his day.

Martinius Bjørnson was a national

history and achievements and to

Taking a picture at the time was a

celebrity and pop star in Norway,

present ideals. For the first 15 years

laborious process, and the poet had

the Nordic countries and Europe. He

of his literary career, he drew his

full control over the photographic

became famous and infamous for

inspiration from the sagas and from

situation.

all he stood for, poet, nation builder

his knowledge of contemporary rural

and peacemaker. And a party pooper,

Norway. He exploited these two fields

After he had matriculated at the

troublemaker and womanizer. But in

in what he described as his system

University of Oslo in 1852, he soon

the many photographs of him, there

of “crop rotation”: saga material was

embarked upon a career as a

is mostly only one Bjørnson who

turned into plays, contemporary

journalist, focusing on criticism of

appears.

material into novels or peasant tales.

drama.

The early products of this system were After a few years studying in Molde,

the peasant tale Synnøve Solbakken

At the close of 1857 Bjørnson had

Bjørnson was sent at the age of 17

(1857; Trust and Trial, Love and Life in

been appointed director of the theatre

to Heltberg Latin School (Heltbergs

Norway, and Sunny Hill), the one-act

at Bergen, a post which he held for two

Studentfabrikk) in Christiania to

historical play Mellem slagene (1857;

years, when he returned to Christiania.

prepare for university. This was the

“Between the Battles”), and the tales

same school that trained Ibsen, Lie,

Arne (1858) and En glad gut (1860; The

and Vinje.

Happy Boy) and the play Halte-Hulda (1858; “Lame Hulda”).

From the start, his writing was marked

From 1860 to 1863 he travelled widely throughout Europe. Early in 1865 he undertook the management of the Christiania Theatre, and brought out

by clearly didactic intent; he sought to

The first pictures of Bjørnson originate

his popular comedy of De Nygifte

stimulate national pride in Norway’s

from the childhood of photography.

(The Newly Married) and his romantic

Family portrait of the Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson family

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SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY │ EDITION NO. 14 │ JULY 2022

Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson had always a hat on if he was out, Bjørnson liked hats very much.

tragedy of Mary Stuart in Scotland. He

was very strong in his convictions, and

The two dramas that brought him an

married the actress Karoline Reimers

he posed in a way that built up under

international reputation were thus

in 1858 and also became the editor

that image.

written in self-imposed exile: En fallit

of the Bergenposten. Partly because

(1875; The Bankrupt) and Redaktøren

of his activity with this paper, the

Between 1864 and 1874, Bjørnson

(1875; The Editor). Both fulfilled the

Conservative representatives were

displayed a slackening of the

then current demand on literature

defeated in 1859 and the path was

intellectual forces very remarkable in

(stipulated by the Danish writer

cleared for the formation of the Liberal

a man of his energy; he was mainly

and critic Georg Brandes) to debate

Party a short time later.

occupied with politics and with his

problems, as did the two dramas that

business as a theatrical manager. This

followed: Kongen (1877; The King)

After traveling abroad for three years,

was the period of Bjørnson’s most

and Det ny system (1879; The New

Bjørnson became director of the

fiery propaganda as a radical agitator.

System).

Christiania Theatre, and, from 1866 to

In 1871 he began to supplement his

1871, he edited the Norsk Folkeblad.

journalistic work by delivering lectures

It is easy to recognize Bjørnson’s hair

throughout Scandinavia.

style in the portraits of him. The hair

Bjørnson was a leader of the spirit

20

is somehow straight up in front of the

who wanted to change Norway as a

Bjørnson’s political battles and literary

head. His comrades called his hair

nation and change Europe based on

feuds took up so much of his time

Romsdalshorn, after the mountain. He

the avlues of the Nordic countries. He

that he left Norway in order to write.

is often depicted wearing glasses on

his nose, a bow around his neck and

friendship was resumed.

a watch chain over his chest. Always a hat on if he was out, Bjørnson liked

He died on 26 April 1910 in Paris,

hats very much.

where for some years he had spent

In the 1870’s Bjørnson and the

with every mark of honor. The

composer Edvard Grieg, who shared

Norwegian coastal defence ship

his interests in Norwegian self-

Norge was sent to convey his remains

government, became friends. Grieg

back to his own land.

Fine Art/Music

his winters, and was buried at home

set several of his poems to music, including Landkjenning and Sigurd

Portraits of the Norwegian National

Jorsalfar. Eventually they decided

Poet, written by Tor Kjolberg

on an opera based on King Olav Trygvason, but a dispute as to whether music or lyrics should be created first, led to Grieg being diverted to working on incidental music for Henrik Ibsen’s play Peer Gynt, which naturally offended Bjørnson . Eventually their

Painting of Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson. Photo: Store norske leksikon

21

SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY │ EDITION NO. 14 │ JULY 2022

Norway’s Most Rejected Sculptor

A

fter completing her training as a sculptor in 1949, Aase Texmon Rygh became one of the pioneers of abstract sculpture in Norway.

But she spent many years waging a quiet struggle to gain a hearing for the sculptural forms that had long been prevalent in Europe. For years she could adorn herself with the title “Norway’s most rejected sculptor”. She was almost considered a leper in an otherwise healthy and naturalistic and reactionary artist environment.

Aase Texmon Rygh (1925 – 2019) has

once around itself, before the two

– 49. Central to the artist’s oeuvre is

dedicated her career to developing an

ends of the strip are joined together,

an exploration of what Texmon Rygh

abstract idiom, exploring in particular

thus creating an infinity loop.

calls ‘form principles’, and the balance between formal expression and the

the properties of the Möbius strip and translating them to sculpture.

Related: Norwegian Sculptor Gustav

Her series of Möbius sculptures is

Vigeland 150th Anniversary of Birth

based on a geometric phenomenon

2019

In his book about Aase Texmon Rygh, art history professor Øivind Storm

discovered by the nineteenth-century

22

properties of the material.

German mathematician August

She was educated at the Norwegian

Bjerknes writes that “despite Texmon

Ferdinand Möbius: in essence, a strip

National Academy of Art in 1944 – 46

Rygh being the pioneer among

is held firm at one end and rotated

and at The Royal Danish Academy

Norwegian sculptors when it came

of Fine Arts in Copenhagen in 1948

to abstraction, Arnold Haukeland

Fine Art/Music

Aase Texmon Rygh (1925 – 2019) has dedicated her career to developing an abstract idiom, exploring in particular the properties of the Möbius strip and translating them to sculpture. Photo: NRK

was given much of the credit for the

sculptors, and thus received public

she was appointed a Knight, First

breakthrough.”

decorating assignments. If the

Class of the Order of St. Olav, and

criticism was positive, her application

in 2012 she was represented at the

Related: A Norwegian Artist Reviewing

for membership in the Young Artists’

Documenta exhibition of international

the Magic of Norwegian Stone

Society (Unge kunstneres samfund)

contemporary art in Kassel, Germany.

was rejected and her exhibition

In 2016 she was included in Skulptur

Texmon Rygh created her sculptures

applications were often rejected. Her

i Pilane, Sweden, and in October 2016

in bronze as well as in stone. She has

short stay at the Academy of Fine

the Norwegian National Museum

made not only single Möbius strips,

Arts under Professor Per Palle Storm’s

of Art opened the traveling solo

but also double and triple ones, some

catheter, threatened to take away

exhibition Evighetens form (The Form

lying and some standing. She refined

from her both self-confidence and

of Eternity).

the form by rotating the sculpture

enthusiasm.

and adding additional loops. These

Norway’s Most Rejected Sculptor,

sculptural variations are complex, with

Until her death, Texmon Rygh stayed

extra dimensions of spatiality.

active as an artist and in recent years

written by Tor Kjolberg

her work received increasing national Her explorations began early on;

and international recognition. In 2001

over the early years, her style moved rapidly towards further simplification and abstraction, where variations of geometric and symbolically charged forms – like the yin and yang shape, and especially the Möbius strip – recur in numerous varieties.

For Texmon Rygh, these forms hold interest as expressions of cosmic and mathematical principles, and as such the deep forces of nature and man.

Related: Scandinavian Impressions by 9 Contemporary Female Artists A decade and a half was to pass from her debut in 1950 until she became a member of the Norwegian Sculptors’ Association, which was completely dominated by naturalistic

Until her death, Texmon Rygh stayed active as an artist and in recent years her work received increasing national and international recognition. Photo: Bærums verk

23

SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY │ EDITION NO. 14 │ JULY 2022

Something Ethereal in Stockholm

T

he first physical NFT exhibition, Something Ethereal, is now on display at Fotografiska in Stockholm. Read more about Something Ethereal in Stockholm.

24

as art, music, playing time and videos.

NFTs are bought and sold online using cryptocurrencies and can become extremely valuable due to their exclusivity.

Somewhere Ethereal is an exhibition

institutions, but now the NFT trend is

that raises questions about the nature

growing exponentially and starting to

Related: The Best 100 Cheap And Free

and future of digital art. The artworks

become a given part of the art world.

Things To Do In Stockholm

are spellbinding experiences featuring

This exhibition will offer an almost

dreamlike animations and magnificent

otherworldly experience. An image

Because it is encrypted in a

landscapes exploring shape, color and

flowing from one thing to the next just

blockchain, each individual NFT is

sound.

as our thoughts can stray from one

unique and cannot be copied, enabling

idea to another, creating a sense of

the artist to retain the copyright and

Related: Fotografiska, Stockholm,

natural flow and calm,” says curator

reproduction rights to their digital

Celebrates Its 5 Year Anniversary

Mathieu Wothke.

works.

Spellbinding experiences featuring

NFT stands for non-fungible (non-

«My art is about the interaction

dreamlike animations

interchangeable) token – a digital

between spaces and shapes. It serves

“For decades, digital art has been

resource that represents objects and

as a gateway to the perfect world,

overlooked by museums and art

phenomena in the digital world, such

often inspired by ASMR. … I want

to lull the viewer into a meditative state, and my art defies the laws of physics, gravity and everything that is

Food & Drink Fine Art/Music

‘real’, providing endless possibilities,” says one of the artists, Andreas Wannerstedt.

The exhibition runs through 21 August 2022.

Related: Sødermalm Artistic Venter in Stockholm Exhibiting artists Andreas Wannerstedt, Stockholm, Swedish 3D artist and one of the

Sun Cave 2000, by Andres Resinger, Something Ehereal in Stockholmresinger Studio

world’s foremost names in NFT art.

Andrés Reisinger, Barcelona, one of the world’s top 3D artists, featured in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.

Krista Kim, Toronto, famous virtual designer who, among other things, recently became the first person ever to sell a digital home, which went for half a million dollars.

Erick Calderon (Snowfro), Houston, NFT legend who often explores the boundaries between physical and digital art.

Six N. Five, Barcelona, world-famous digital artist with a clean and contemporary aesthetic.

Itzel Yard (IX Shells), Panama, the world’s best-selling female NFT artist.

Something Ethereal in Stockholm, based on a press release from Fotografiska. Stockholm.

All images © Fotografiska Feature image (on top): Mathieu Wotke

The Red Spot (c) Six-N-Five, WEBB HERO MOBILE

25

SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY │ EDITION NO. 14 │ JULY 2022

Swedish Acquisitions for Moderna Museet – Stockholm

I

n the groupshow “Swedish acquisitions: Matches” you will encounter about 40 works of art that were purchased last year for Moderna Museet’s collection in connection with the acquisition project “Swedish Acquisitions 2021”.

Learn more about Swedish acquisitions for Moderna Museet – Stockholm.

The works in the exhibition all have

characterize the artistic methods,

Related: The Best 100 Cheap And Free

in common that they highlight art’s

forms and themes that are being

Things To Do In Stockholm

power to push boundaries and

examined. Movement and interplay,

shake up the way we perceive our

action and friction, community and

Participating artists

surroundings as well as what we see

collectivity are some leitmotifs.

Adèle Essle Zeiss, Aleksandra Mir, Ami Bergman, Annika Ström, Astrid

as possible.

26

“Matches” is rich in angles,

Kajsa Nylander, Bertil Almlöf, Catti

If the first exhibition, “Insights”,

encompasses a wide variety of

Brandelius, Conny Karlsson Lundgren,

lingered on the intimate and the

languages and methods and involves

Edith Hammar, Gerd Aurell, Gittan

painful, “Matches” opens up to the

artists from different generations from

Jönsson, Goldin+Senneby, Ingrid

world. Curiosity and imagination

all over the country.

Furre, Iris Smeds, Jan Cardell, Jenny

Feature image (on top): Helena Lund Ek, Alice & Paula, 2018 Photo: Tobias Fischer / Moderna Museet © Helena Lund Ek

Fine Art/Music

Olsson, Joakim Kocjancic, Joar Nango,

Related: Art And Culture In Sweden

Jörgen Hammarberg, Jörgen Svensson, Kultivator, Leif Holmstrand, Lotta

The artist’s role and the conditions for

Antonsson, Margareta Hallek, Matti

creation

Sumari, Måns Wrange, Olof Inger,

See installation, performance,

Signe Johannessen, Trinidad Carrillo,

video, painting, drawing, sculpture

Ulrik Samuelson, Valeria Montti

and discover how art can lead us

Colque, Åsa Norberg & Jennie Sundén.

into magical and mythical worlds, promote biodiversity or generate its

With their work “Cosmic Latte” (2020)

own systems, symbols and living

the art-duo Norberg-Sundén travels

conditions. Some of the artworks

into space to create a universe of

critique society and are research

shapes and materials connected with

oriented while approaching alternative

the history, meaning and symbolism

ways of examining and seeing the

of milk. An explosive video manifesto

world around them as well as historical

by Joar Nango shows us innovative

events. Others hold space for love

architectural solutions in Sápmi and

of nature and the earth on which we

how all things and materials carry

stand.

the ability to become something completely different.

The artist’s role and the conditions for creating exists in the exhibition as

A story of the mediocre and the mean

an open question. In Ami Bergman’s

value becomes a commentary on

self-portrait (above), an older woman

individualism in Iris Smeds’ surrealist

appears with huge hands that possess

film “The Average” (2019).

the ability to create her own place in

Matches, by Edith Hammar, 2021. Photo: Tobias Fischer / Moderna Museet © Edith Hammar

27

SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY │ EDITION NO. 14 │ JULY 2022

Ami Bergman, Self-portrait , 2018 © Ami Bergman Photo: Tobias Fischer / Moderna Museet

28

into her studio on Drontheimstrasse in Berlin where we see paintings in different stages (above).

Fine Art/Music

the world. Gittan Jönsson invites us

“In Swedish acquisitions: Matches we find art which lights a spark or plays with fire. It can be transformed into heat but also into something powerful and flammable,” says curator Asrin Haidari.

Related: The World’s Longest Art Exhibition About Swedish Acquisitions 2021 The major initiative “Swedish acquisitions 2021” was launched after the government allocated SEK 25 million to Moderna Museet to support the Swedish art sector in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic. The project led to the acquisition of 373 new works made in 1962–2021 by a total of 169 artists.

Jan Cardell, Bug, 1998 © Jan Cardell Photo: Tobias Fischer / Moderna Museet

The exhibition runs through 14 August 2022. Free admission.

Swedish Acquisitions for Moderna Museet – Stockholm, based on a press release All images © Moderne Museet, Stockholm

Drontheimstrasse 26a, 2018 by Gittan Johnsson. © GittanPhoto: Tobias Fischer / Moderna Museet Jönsson

29

SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY │ EDITION NO. 14 │ JULY 2022

Business

The Swedish OneStop Shopping App

M

any consumers wish for a more streamlined shopping experience because of the abundance of shopping apps available. Swedish company Klarna says their app, launched last year, will change the complete shopping experience of consumers fundamentally. Learn more about the Swedish one-stop shopping app.

Klarna is the leading global banking,

Related: 9 Richest Scandinavians and

the app, explore exclusive offers and

payments and shopping service

Their Businesses

collections of personalized purchases,

and the company’s Shopping app

30

save items and activate notifications

empowers users to Pay in 3 in any

As the app economy grows,

of price drops, track the shipment of

online shop directly through the Klarna

consumers are faced with an

their items, manage payments and

app, without ever paying more than

increasingly saturated landscape

returns, and much more.

the price of the product. Klarna’s in-

of e-commerce apps, which can be

app shopping experience covers the

frustrating and time consuming. Klarna

With Klarna’s interest-free purchase

whole retail journey, from inspiration

solves this by launching the only

functionality, consumers can use the

and discovery right through to

application they need. Consumers

company’s payment methods in all

purchase and return management.

can buy in all online stores through

online stores, regardless of whether

years and in-app purchases, 54%.

with Klarna or not.

Although the rise of e-commerce

Business

these brands are directly associated

has made shopping more accessible Research by Klarna amongst Dutch

than ever, it has also created friction

consumers shows that up to 74% of

in the process. Today, users demand

them would prefer using just one

integrated experiences that respond to

shopping app in which they can

their specific needs while saving time

perform various actions. Such an

and money.

app would bring multiple benefits, of which time saving (57%) and easier

A recent survey carried out by

shopping experience (54%) are the

Klarna revealed that 68% of Spanish

most important ones for consumers.

consumers now shop more frequently

Additionally, up to 51% of Dutch

on their mobile than two years ago,

consumers claim to be overwhelmed

before the pandemic. 59% admit

by the amount of shopping apps.

having between 1 and 5 shopping apps installed; 25%, between 6%, 10%

Related: Has Sweden Become the

and 11% have more than 10. However,

Silicon Valley of Europe?

70% of Spaniards would choose a single shopping app that allows them

The new feature eliminates the need

to perform multiple actions instead of

to use credit cards when shopping

having to change applications. 75%

online, making high interest APRs a

agree that simplicity in the purchasing

thing of the past

process and saving time are the two

Mobile commerce continues to grow at a fast pace. Retailer app downloads have increased 36% in the last two

most important benefits. The new Klarna app responds to this demand, making everything they need available to consumers.

Consumers can buy in all online stores through the app, explore exclusive offers and collections of personalized purchases, save items and activate notifications of price drops.

31

SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY │ EDITION NO. 14 │ JULY 2022

“At Klarna, we believe that no-one should ever have to pay credit card fees or high interest rates and now, thanks to our new in-app shopping feature, they don’t have to.,” says Sebastian Siemiatkowski, CEO of Klarna.

Related: Sweden – The Best Startup

provide more solutions and services.

Country in the World

32

is the future of shopping, it creates a truly personalized and bespoke

Sebastian Siemiatkowski, CEO of

service for every user and liberates

Klarna will add more functionalities

Klarna said: “At Klarna, we believe

consumers from ever paying more

to the app in the short term, such as

that no-one should ever have to pay

than the price of the product.”

a collective loyalty card environment,

credit card fees or high interest rates

extra money-saving tools, social

and now, thanks to our new in-app

About Klarna

functions such as live shopping

shopping feature, they don’t have

Klarna was founded in 2005 in

events and product data. These data

to. Shoppers now can interact with

Stockholm, Sweden with the aim of

will show price history, reviews and

their favorite retailers without having

making it easier for people to shop

availability in the store. Moreover,

to leave the Klarna app, to create a

online.

the company also wants to enable

smooth, safe and frictionless shopping

integrations with third parties, to

experience. Our one stop shop app

Klarna is the leading global payments

Business

Klarna was founded in 2005 in Stockholm, Sweden with the aim of making it easier for people to shop online.

and shopping service, providing smarter and more flexible shopping and purchase experiences to 147 million active consumers across more than 400,000 merchants in 45 countries. Klarna offers direct payments, pay after delivery options and instalment plans in a smooth oneclick purchase experience that lets consumers pay when and how they prefer to.

When the company acquired SOFORT in 2014 the Klarna Group was formed.

Klarna is backed by investors such as Sequoia Capital, Silver Lake, Bestseller Group, Dragoneer, Permira, Visa, Ant Group and Atomico.

The Swedish One-Stop Shopping App, written by Tor Kjolberg All images © Klarna

Klarna’s in-app shopping experience covers the whole retail journey, from inspiration and discovery right through to purchase and return management.

33

SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY │ EDITION NO. 14 │ JULY 2022

New EU Regulations on Online Hotel Booking Sites

N

ew EU legislation regulates price clauses for online giants such as Booking.com and Google. Learn more about the new EU regulations on online hotel booking sites.

After a group of friends didn’t show for

Related: Why You Should Avoid Third-

their responsibilities in this area,

a 2019 hotel reservation in Germany,

Party Travel Booking Sites

ensuring that online accommodation

the hotel charged them for their

reservation systems are free from

booking. They argued the German

With increased digitization and

manipulative techniques such as

wording didn’t make it clear that they

e-commerce, online travel giants, so-

hiding sponsoring in ranking, unduly

were obliged to pay.

called OTAs, gained enormous market

putting time pressure on users

power globally. Also in Scandinavia,

or misrepresenting rebates. The

Following dialogue with the European

an increasing proportion of hotel

European Commission and national

Commission and national consumer

bookings are made with players such

consumer authorities will continue to

authorities, Booking.com has

as booking.com or hotels.com.

monitor all online travel platforms to

committed to make changes in the

34

ensure a fair online environment for

way it presents offers, discounts and

Didier Reynders, Commissioner for

prices to consumers. Once these new

Justice and Consumers, said: “All

changes are fully applied by Booking,

companies must meet our high

You might also like to read: Stories

consumers should be better able to

consumer law standards if they

Of Funny Damage Claims From a

make informed comparisons in line

want to do business in the EU.

Norwegian Insurance Company

with the requirements of EU consumer

As a market leader, it is vital that

law.

companies like Booking.com meet

consumers.”

The EU’s top court says that online

hotel systems must have “easily

any statement such as “last room

and taxes that can reasonably be

legible and unambiguous” reservation

available!” refers only to the offer on

calculated in advance) in a clear and

buttons if customers are on the hook

the Booking.com platform;

prominent way;

Not present an offer as being time-

Present sold-out accommodation in

In a case referred to the European

limited if the same price will still be

a position in the search results that is

Court of Justice by a German court,

available afterwards;

appropriate to the search criteria;

wasn’t obvious on the German website

Clarify how results are ranked and,

Clearly indicate whether an

for Booking.com that he was required

whether payments made by the

accommodation is offered by a private

to pay for his four hotel rooms after

accommodation provider to the OTA

host or a professional.

he didn’t show up for his holiday

have influenced its position in the list

because the wording of the button

of results;

Business

for charges.

the unnamed defendant argued that it

EU legislators have agreed to introduce a ban on the OTAs price

was imprecise.

Ensure that it is clear when a price

parity clauses in the hotels’ contracts.

You might also like to read: 19 Unique

comparison is based on different

These are clauses that refuse hotels

Accommodations in Sweden

circumstances (e.g. stay dates) and

to sell hotel rooms through their own

not present that comparison as a

channels, such as the hotel’s own

discount;

website, at a lower price than the OTAs

OTAs do not own any tourism products themselves. They are only

charge for the same rooms. This fight

an intermediary between hotels /

Ensure that price comparisons

has been going on for many years and

restaurants / activity organizers and

presented as discounts represent

the clauses have been the subject of

the customer and are therefore often

genuine savings, e.g. by providing

lawsuits in many countries.

referred to as third-party players. And

details about the Standard Rate price

the largest are defined as gatekeepers.

taken as a reference;

Booking Sites, written by Tor Kjolberg

Now EUs wants to regulate these as follows:

New EU Regulations on Online Hotel

Display the total price that the consumers will have to pay (including

Make clear to consumers that

all unavoidable charges, fees

With increased digitization and e-commerce, online travel giants, socalled OTAs, gained enormous market power globally.

35

SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY │ EDITION NO. 14 │ JULY 2022

Chinese Automaker Launches New Electric Vehicle in Scandinavia The P5 is the Chinese automaker’s third production model and prices start at CNY 157,900 (EUR 20,825) and go up to CNY 223,900 (EUR 29,530). It’s a threat to Tesla’s locally manufactured Model 3, which costs CNY 251,740 (EUR 33,201) before subsidies/CNY 235,900 (EUR 31,112) after subsidies in the base configuration.

Related: Norway – The Poster Child For Electric Vehicle Adoption In October 2021, Xpeng Motors gave

C

hinese automaker Xpeng launches its new all-electric P5 sedan vehicle in Scandinavia.

It features a 66 kWh battery pack driving a single electric motor with 211 hp and 228 lbft (310 Nm) of torque. The company quotes a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 7.5 seconds but, more importantly, says the P5 has a driving range of 465 km (289 miles) on the WLTP cycle.

36

thrust to its overseas operations, launching the P7 in Norway, its first overseas market, where it was riding on its sole offering, the G3. The company has now entered Sweden and Netherlands to boost exports, with the first retail outlet operational in both markets from March 2022.

Related: The Norwegian Electric Vehicle Success Story

Business

In October 2021, Xpeng Motors gave thrust to its overseas operations, launching the P7 in Norway, its first overseas market.

In Denmark, buyers will need to part

Electric Vehicle in Scandinavia, written

ways with 390,000 DKK ($56,823) for

by Tor Kjolberg

the EV while those in the Netherlands will pay €48,000 ($52,033), customers

Insiders say that the P5 is the brand’s

in Norway will be charged 380,000

testbed to understand the customer

NOK ($42,717), and in Sweden, the P5

preference for a family car with higher

will start at 550,000 SEK ($57,825).

levels of intelligence. “The P5 brings some of the most advanced driver

He Xiaopeng, co-founder, Chairman

assistance systems to China’s middle-

and CEO of Xpeng, has said that the

class”, He Xiaopeng said at the launch.

brand’s global journey begins from Europe. It is partnering with the most

Related: Norway – Country of Electric

prominent local players to boost

Vehicles

energy conservation and electrification in European countries.

All P5 models to be sold in Europe come standard with Xpeng’s XPILOT

Related: Norway – Country of Electric

2.5 advanced driver assistance system

Vehicles

that features five high-definition millimeter-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic

All P5 models to be sold in Europe

wave sensors, four driving cameras,

come standard with Xpeng’s XPILOT

and nine high-perception cameras to

2.5 advanced driver assistance system

support the XPILOT Driving, XPILOT

that features five high-definition

Parking, and XPILOT Safety features.

millimeter-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic

The system also includes Adaptive

wave sensors, four driving cameras,

Cruise Control, Lane Centering

and nine high-perception cameras to

Control, Adaptive Turning Cruise, and

support the XPILOT Driving, XPILOT

Active Lane Change.

Parking, and XPILOT Safety features.

The system also includes Adaptive

Chinese Automaker Launches New

Cruise Control, Lane Centering

Electric Vehicle in Scandinavia, written

Control, Adaptive Turning Cruise, and

by Tor Kjolberg

Active Lane Change.

All images © Xpeng Chinese Automaker Launches New

37

SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY │ EDITION NO. 14 │ JULY 2022

Architecture

The Danish Architect Who Designed the Sydney Opera House

38

Art & Music Special

Finn Eero Saarinen, who was on the judging panel, hailed Utzon’s vision as “genius”. Photo: Store norske leksikon

A

mong his many works, Danish architect Jørn Utzon (1918-2008) is best known for the Sydney Opera House. Learn more about The Danish architect who designed the Sydney Opera House.

Utzon was born in Copenhagen, the

travel extensively in USA and Mexico,

son of a naval architect, and grew up in

coming into contact with some of

Aalborg, Denmark, where he became

the most influential architects and

interested in ships and a possible

designers of his day, inlcuding those

naval career. As a result of his family’s

at Frank Lloyd Wright’s school at

interest in art, from 1937 he attended

Taliesin, Mies van der Rohe and Ray

the Royal Danish Academy of Fine

and Charles Eames.

Arts where he studied under Kay Fisker and Steen Eiler Rasmussen.

Related: Rare Design Objects from

Following his graduation in 1942, he

Danish Designer Company

joined Gunnar Asplund in Stockholm where he worked together with Arne

Fascinated by the way the Mayans

Jacobsen and Poul Henningsen. He

built towards the sky to get closer

took a particular interest in the works

to God, he commented that his time

of American architect Frank Lloyd

in Mexico was “one of the greatest

Wright. After the end of World War

architectural experiences in his life.”

II and the German Occupation of Denmark, he returned to Copenhagen.

In 1957, he travelled first to China (where he was particularly interested

Utzon was influenced by Swedish

in the Chinese desire for harmony),

architect Gunnar Asplund and later

Japan (where he learnt much about

Alvar Aalto, with whom he worked

the interaction between interiors and

in Finland for a short period after

exteriors) and India, before arriving in

the war. In 1949 he received a grant

Australia in 1957, where he stayed until

that enabled him and his wife Lis to

1966. All this contributed to Utzon’s

39

SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY │ EDITION NO. 14 │ JULY 2022

THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE – 2010 – Sydney, Australia – Photograph by: JACK ATLEY www.jackatley.com – for The Sydney Opera House.

understanding of factors which are

1973. When it was declared a World

working relationship with the

important to successful architectural

Heritage Site on 28 June 2007, Utzon

engineer and fellow Dane, Ove Arup.

design

became only the second person

Though things started well, Utzon

to have received such recognition

apparently rejected many of Arup’s

The competition to design Sydney

for one of his works during his

practical suggestions for building in

Opera House was launched in 1956.

lifetime, after Oscar Niemeyer. Other

loadbearing concrete to preserve the

The relatively unknown 38-year old

noteworthy works include Bagsværd

purity of his design, soon they were

Dane Jørn Utzon was the surprise

Church near Copenhagen and the

not talking and the relationship never

winner out of 233 designs from 32

National Assembly Building in Kuwait.

recovered.

was on the judging panel, hailed

Utzon said he took inspiration for the

Related: Along the Promenade in

Utzon’s vision as “genius”. His vision

Sydney Opera House from peeling

Copenhagen

for a sculptural, curved building on the

an orange: the building’s 14 shells are

Harbor broke radically with the cube

supposed to form a perfect sphere if

While there were cost overruns on the

and rectangular shapes of modernist

combined. The building is 180m long

ambitious project, a change in the local

architecture. The building transformed

and 125m wide, and its highest point is

government in 1965 signaled the end

his career and, in turn, transformed the

67m above sea level – equivalent to a

for Utzon: the new minister for public

image of an entire nation.

22-storey building.

works, Davis Hughes, questioned

Related: Exciting Danish Architecture

Jørn Utzon’s realisation that the form

pay running costs. In 1955, Utzon left

countries. Finn Eero Saarinen, who

Utzon’s capabilities and refused to

40

of the Sydney Opera House could be

and never returned. The building finally

“To me it is a great joy to know how

derived from the surface of a sphere

cost AUD$ 102 million (now about

much the building is loved”, said Jørn

marked a milestone in 20th century

NOK5bn); the original estimate was

Utzon.

architecture.

AUS$ 7m.

The Opera House was completed in

However, Utzon had a troubled

Since Queen Elisabeth II opened

Architecture

Utzon’s vision for a sculptural, curved building on the Harbor broke radically with the cube and rectangular shapes of modernist architecture. Photo: Encyclopedia Britannica

the Sydney Opera House in 1973,

by a panel including Frank Gehry.

the building has become a symbol

long flight to Australia,” Jan said of his father. “But he lives and breathes the

of Sydney and Australia- The Royal

Jørn Utzon died peacefully in his sleep

Opera House, and as its creator he just

Australian Institute of Architects

in Copenhagen on 29 November

has to close his eyes to see it.”

awarded him its gold medal the same

2008, aged 90. Two years earlier he

year, though Utzon did not attend the

had been represented at the opening

The Danish Architect Who Designed

ceremony. Utzon was awarded the

of the Opera House’s Western

the Sydney Opera House, written by

Freedom of Sydney in 1998 and again

Colonnade, redesigned with Utzon’s

Tor Kjolberg

did not travel. In 2008, Utzon was

involvement, by his son Jan Utzon. “My

awarded the Priztker Architecture Prize

father is too old by now to take the

The relatively unknown 38-year old Dane Jørn Utzon was the surprise winner in 1956 out of 233 designs from 32 countries.

41

SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY │ EDITION NO. 14 │ JULY 2022

Food

More Herbs From Scandinavia – Angelica

A

ngelica is a truly northern species. It grows wild all over Scandinavia, thriving in damp, cool conditions. More Herbs From Scandinavia – Angelica, is our second last article about Scandinavian herbs in this series.

Angelica (archangelica) is said to be

heads. The young stalks can be

of wild herbs. The rest of the year,

the only plant grown for food by the

candied, while the tender, young

cultivated herbs can be bought fresh.

white settlers on Greenland in the

shoots, thinly sliced and in small

Dried herbs are just not an option, as

early Middle Ages, and was a common

quantities, can give an extraordinarily

the texture and taste are altered too

plant in Viking-age gardens. However,

exquisite taste to anything with

much to be an alternative, the only

it’s hard to believe that angelica was

rhubarb. The root and stalk lend flavor

exception being thyme, which is used

ever eaten in massive quantities – its

to schnapps.

both fresh and dried.

Buying and storing herbs

Fresh herbs will keep for a couple

taste would forbid it. But the herb definitely has its uses.

42

In Scandinavia, the essential herbs

of days in a plastic bag in the fridge.

An even bigger plant than lovage,

are all fresh, and are used abundantly

Some of the herbs are hard to obtain

angelica grows to an impressive 3

during the summer months, or during

outside Scandinavia, but I recommend

meters, with huge, lime green flower

the short spring season in the case

that you grow your own,

Rhubarb soup with angelica

For the syrup: 600g sugar

This cold soup is delicious served with cardamom or vanilla ice cream,

Serves 6-8

and a dusting of cinnamon. You can Cut the rhubarb into thin, slanted

a small bunch lemon verbena if you

slices, or thin matchsticks. Be sure

cannot get hold of angelica.

to use the bottom part of the stalks,

Food

substitute six rose geranium leaves or

these are often discarded which is a If you are at the beginning of the

shame. Cut the angelica into very thin

strawberry season, you can add some

slivers.

sliced strawberries just before serving Boil together the syrup ingredients •

2 bunches of rhubarb (approx. 14

until the sugar has dissolved. Pour

stalks)

over the rhubarb and angelica in a bowl. The heat will tenderize the fruit

•

10cm piece of angelica

•

1 liter water

and the soup is ready to serve.

•

Juice and thinly pared zest of

More articles on Scandinavian herbs:

sufficiently, leaving the rhubarb a little chewy and delicious. Leave to cool

lemon Scandinavian Herbs •

1 vanilla pd, split

Scandinavian Elderflower Scandinavian Nettles

Rhubarb soup with angelica

More Herbs From Scandinavia – Angelica, written by Tor Kjolberg

43

SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY │ EDITION NO. 14 │ JULY 2022

Attractions

Why Scandinavia Should Be On Your Bucket List 44

Feature image (on top): From Brekkesto-Lillesand, Norway © Vidar-Molokken/Visit-Norway

Attractions

Clarion Hotel, Stockholm. Photo by Cecilia Larsson Lantz/Swedish imagebank. sweden.sew

W

hen people travel to Europe, it’s often in the summertime, and to the south.

The south of Europe is wonderful in the summertime, but the more northern countries are a real treat as well and not something to miss out on. The Nordic countries, also known as Scandinavia, are very unique in their ways. If you haven’t thought about visiting Scandinavia yet, maybe this article will change your mind, and tell you why Scandinavia should be on your bucket list.

The Nordic countries (Scandinavia)

but remember to complete the etias

include Denmark, Sweden, Norway,

application form, if this is relevant to

Finland, and Iceland. Each country

you.

is different, yet there are many similarities. It’s not like you can

Image: Credits: Cecilia Larsson Lantz/

go to Copenhagen, which is the

Imagebank.sweden.se

capital of Denmark, and then expect Stockholm (the capital of Sweden)

Sweden

to be the same. Even the languages

Sweden is well known for being

are different. Many Swedes, Danes,

home to world-famous music artists

and Norwegians can communicate

throughout the time, as well as having

well though, but the languages still

famous designers and warehouse

differ. What many people around

brands. The architecture in Sweden is

the world know Scandinavia for, is

also worth checking out, especially in

the Vikings. If you’re doing a trip to

Stockholm which is a beautiful city.

Europe, don’t miss out on Scandinavia,

Sweden has a lot of wilderness, so

45

SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY │ EDITION NO. 14 │ JULY 2022

On board the small ferry Ida, travelling between Bogø and Stubbekøbing. Photo: © Daniel Villadsen/Visit Denmark

46

if you’re dreaming about tranquility

if you’re into the history of the

‘stegt flæsk med persillesovs’ in

and a few nights in a wooden house

Vikings. Denmark was home to

Danish.

surrounded by nature, then Sweden is

Harald Bluetooth, which you might

the place. Regarding Swedish foods,

have heard about. A must-do is

Norway

you must try out Swedish meatballs,

experiencing the capital of the

Norway is just breathtaking. Over and

mashed potatoes, and lingonberry,

country – Copenhagen. Especially

over again rated as one of the most

which you might have heard about.

in the summer when it’s full of life.

beautiful countries in the world. From

Rent a bike, eat smørrebrød (Danish

snowy high mountains to beautiful

Denmark

open sandwiches) at Nyhavn or sail

fjords, northern lights, wilderness, polar

Denmark is worth considering as

the channels of the city. Denmark’s

bears, and much more. Norway is truly

well. In this small Nordic country,

traditional dish is fried pork belly with

a destination for nature lovers. Don’t

you can experience a lot of history

potatoes, beetroots, boiled potatoes,

miss out on a visit to the country’s

and interesting museums. Especially

and parsley sauce. This dish is called

capital Oslo and be prepared for an

Attractions

Fjordcruise on Geiranger Fjord passing Brudesløret waterfall.

Photo by Øyvind Heen/fjords.com

amazing experience. In Norway the

education as well as free medical care,

Why Scandinavia Should Be On Your

national dish is mutton and cabbage

but higher taxes.

Bucket List, is a promotional article

stew also called ‘fårikål’ in Norwegian.

from ETIAS. Food and drinks

What is Scandinavia well known for?

While some dishes vary a lot from

The living standards in Scandinavia

each other in the Nordic countries,

are very good compared to many

one thing is for sure. Seafood is

other countries, in terms of medical

very famous. In terms of drinks,

care, education and personal income,

Scandinavia is famous for ‘mjød’,

general well-being, and life quality.

beers, and aquavit. You will get your

Many Scandinavian businesses thrive,

taste buds stimulated with delicious

and many people have a good life and

foods and drinks in these countries.

great jobs. All five countries have free

47

SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY │ EDITION NO. 14 │ JULY 2022

Lighthouse Kayaking in Southern Norway

K

ayaking is a fantastic leisure activity that is suitable for most people.

You can experience the beauty of Southern Norway on an exclusive and enjoyable kayaking adventure. Why not try lighthouse kayaking in Southern Norway?

Feature image (on top) © YouTube

48

Attractions

Wannado has specialized in kayaking along the coastline and spending the night in one of the lighthouses. Photo: Wannado

Norway’s South coast is called

centric experience.

Sørlandet and is known for its rocky coastland, whitewashed houses and

Watch video of a motorized kayak trip

its idyllic archipelago. There are several

to a lighthouse here.

lighthouses along the coast, so it’s ideal for kayaking from lighthouse

“Our mission is to make the world’s

to lighthouse. Several players in the

activities and events easily accessible

area can help you to plan such an

for everyone to discover and explore,”

expedition.

says event company Enjoy, which is one of the players, offering kayak

Related: Where To Go Kayaking in

expedition in Southern Norway.

Scandinavia Related: Top 10 Places To Paddle in The routes can be significantly varied

Norway

as far as destinations are concerned, with trips from Lindesnes in the

Offering both single and double

west and as far east as Tønsberg.

kayaks, Wannado emphasizes

Kristiansand is the biggest city here

that the trips are not designed to

and fifth-largest in all of Norway.

be exhausting. Wannado, based in Arendal, presents several different

Adventure Norway is one of the

trips based on experience.

premier rafting companies in Norway. Lista Aktiv offers courses in

According to Wannabe it is a very

windsurfing as well as kayaking and

special feeling to spend a night in

yoga. TrollAktiv is the leading supplier

one of the unique lighthouses and

of outdoor adventures for youth

then continue the journey along the

groups and families in Norway, while

spectacular coastline the following

Wannado has specialized in kayaking

day.

along the coastline and spending the night in one of the lighthouses, which is a spectacular cultural and nature-

Lighthouse Kayaking in Southern Norway, compiled by Tor Kjolberg

49

SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY │ EDITION NO. 14 │ JULY 2022

People

US English Professor’s Emotional Journey to Sweden

S

ally Franson from Minneapolis never got in touch with her Swedish heritage until she became the winner of the Swedish reality television show “All for Sweden”. Learn more about the US author’s emotional journey to Sweden.

Sally Franson is a novelist and a

Related: New Nordic Heritage Museum

However, for the participant Sally with

visiting English professor at the

in Seattle

roots in Härjevad it was an emotional

Twin Cities’ Macalester College. In

50

journey. Not only did she discover

December 2019, she decided on a lark

The television show helped 38-year

her distant relatives, she also became

to apply for a Swedish reality show. In

old Franson trace her Swedish roots

the crowned winner of the popular

this season’s (the tenth) episodes of

through her late father, a Lutheran

program shared with 1.4 million people.

the very popular Swedish television

pastor, whose great-grandfather

program “Allt for Sverige”, some of

immigrated from Sweden to the

the participants will go to Lidköping

U.S. Before applying, she felt little

in search of their roots. 10 Swedish

connection to her ancestors. She’d

The ultimate goal of the show is

Americans are recruited to come to

never even been to Sweden and

learning about Swedish culture

the homeland of their ancestors.

viewed genealogy as a “baffling” and

and exploring family history — a

hard-to-crack hobby.

genealogist is cast to help on that —

Related: The Cradle of Sweden

People

for the participant Sally with roots in Härjevad it was an emotional journey. Härjeved wooden church. Photo: Wikipedia

and a series of challenges adds to the entertainment factor.

“Even when I came to Sweden, I had the feeling that I had come home, that I belong here. I was surprised how many emotions I had when I arrived,” she says on the TV show. “I think I probably cried 15 times on Swedish national television,” she explained later. “It’s a very powerful experience understanding in a visceral way where I come from.”

Watch Allt För Sverige Season 10 Episode 1 (Behind the Scenes) here.

Related: Attractions in Dalarne Sweden

Sally Franson is a novelist and a visiting English professor at the Twin Cities’ Macalester College. (c) Sally Franson

“These are intimate moments during this recording,” said producer Christer Åkelund. Sally learned of the hardships that her ancestors often had to endure in those days, ranging from infant mortality to selling everything for the chance to get to the U.S. US English Professor’s Emotional Journey to Sweden, written by Tor Kjolberg

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SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY │ EDITION NO. 14 │ JULY 2022

Golf

An Expat’s Guide to the Best Golf Courses in Scandinavia

R

ecently moved to Denmark, Sweden, or Norway?

Read our expat’s guide to the best golf courses in Scandinavia so you don’t miss out!

We’ve put together an expat’s guide to

and mystery in the air, and the golf

the best golf courses in Scandinavia.

follows suit.

While these are our favorite courses, they’re by no means the only ones

The signature 2nd hole plays to a

around that are well worth the play!

tiered, almost-island green, starting things off with a bang. Visually

While culturally, Finland, Iceland, and

stunning, and not for the faint of heart

the Faroe Islands are considered part

in terms of skill.

of Scandinavia, they’re technically part Golf is not likely to be the first sport

of a different area. So we’ve settled on

Kongsvinger Golfklubb

that comes to mind when you’re

just the main three, and a few public

Each hole at Kongsvinger is an

thinking of Scandinavia. You’re

golf courses from Norway, Denmark,

experience on its own. Every fairway

probably picturing snowy peaks, ice,

and Sweden.

is hugged by lines of majestic fir trees, making each one feel like an intimate

skis, and roaring log fires after a day out.

Norway

corridor on its own. The fairways are

But if you’ve recently moved to one of

Lofoten Links

the Scandinavian countries and you’re

This spectacular course is set

missing golf, you’re in luck! When the

alongside the ocean, which makes an

The greens are large and the bunkers

snow has cleared, there’s excellent

appearance as a hazard on multiple

even larger, so play carefully! Hole

golf to be played in the summer

holes. Built on old Viking burial

number 12 is the one to look out for, as

months. Don’t forget the sunscreen!

grounds, you get a feeling of magic

it trips up many experienced golfers.

of medium size but undulate with the

52

natural terrain to add some challenge.

Feature image (on top): © peter77/Depositphotos

a gentle roll and bunkers are few, if

bunkers, playable waste areas, and

you venture off course the heather will

spacious greens, Bro Hof Slott may

trap you.

be less technical than some but it’s

power to win on this course! It’s a

The wind comes into play often on

challenge but a fun one, and you’ll get

these two courses, so keep your wits

a good test of your game on these

about you as you move through the

fairways. A great training aid!

course! Keep in mind the wind may

Golf

certainly gorgeous and memorable.

You’ll need accuracy more than the

make gadgets such as rangefinders a The Scandinavian Golf Club (New)

little more difficult to use.

Both the Old Course and the New Course are worth a play, but we

Halmstad Golfklubb (Norra)

particularly like the New course for

Also featuring 2 spectacular courses

its challenge. It’s visually intimidating

(of which Norra is one), Halmstad is

but absolutely spectacular, featuring

a unique place. You can hear the sea,

multiple water hazards that stretch

and taste the salt on your lips, but

across many holes, white bunkers, and

no hole has ocean views. Peppered

sneaky rough areas.

with doglegs, the MOrra course is a challenge and a beauty.

Fanø Golf Links Located in the Wadden Sea National

Also home to Sweden’s best golf

Park, this course looks and plays like a

restaurant, it’s a great spot to have an

true links layout thanks to its heather

excellent round of golf and a hearty

and dune design. It’s also the oldest

meal!

course in the country and the only true links-style one!

Meland Golfklubb Packed with interesting holes and supplemented by scenic views, this forest course starts with a bang with three par-5s in the first 5 holes. It’s been labeled as difficult by many golfers, but the only way you’ll really know is to try it!

The sloped fairways present a challenge, and the closing hole is one of Norway’s trickiest—a devious par-3, played from an elevated tee to a wellprotected island green.

Denmark Holstebro Golfklub With a full 18-hole course, a 9-hole layout, and a 9-hole par-3 course, there’s something for everyone at Holstebro. Although the fairways have

As true to nature as they come, this course is well worth a play if you’re a links fan or if you want to experience the rawest form of golf you can find!

Sweden Ullna Golf Club Stunning views abound as multiple holes on this course are set on the shores of Lake Ullna. Located just 12 km from Stockholm, this is a popular golfing spot despite its compact and challenging layout.

There are no weak holes in this course, but you should definitely bring an extra sleeve of balls and be gentle with your driver!

An Expat’s Guide to the Best Golf Courses in Scandinavia, compiled by Jordan Fuller.

Jordan is an American retired golfer who’s played on golf courses all over the world.

When he’s not on the course, he’s researching and writing for his website, Golf Influence.

Bro Hof Slott Golf Club Featuring 2 courses, long holes, large

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SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY │ EDITION NO. 14 │ JULY 2022

Humor

A Scandinavian Chuckle

W

hen Swedish television adapted the British 1960s slapstick serial Steptoe and Sons (Albert & Herbert) it became such a beloved phenomenon that it ran for 10 years (1974-84). The Norwegian television series about Fleksnes (a kooky protagonist) ran even longer (1973-1988), both series adopted from British scriptwriter Ray Galton. Here, we want to share with you a Scandinavian chuckle – or maybe a huge laugh.

Feature image (on top): Photo by Jamie Brown on Unsplash

54

other things known for his “Bellman

here.

jokes”.

back.

Humor

Enjoy an episode of Albert & Herbert

To sum up The Bellman joke is a type of simple

Two Danes, two Finns, two

joke cycle popular among Swedish

Norwegians, and two Swedes are

My favorite Scandinavian jokes of the

schoolchildren, always including a

shipwrecked on a desert island. By the

month

person named Bellman as the main

time they’re rescued, the Danes have

Enjoy an episode of Fleksnes here.

character. The jokes first became

formed a hippie commune, the Finns

A Swede and a Finn sit in a bar.

popular in the 19th century, and were

have turned all the island’s trees into

The Swede raises his glass to toast:

originally inspired by Bellman’s life.

furniture, the Norwegians have tinned

“Cheers!” The Finn challenges: “Are we

In the preface to an 1835 collection

the fish in the ocean and exported

going to talk or are we going to drink?”

of Bellman’s works, in which the

it abroad, and the Swedes are still

publisher reprints an 1808 letter from a

waiting to be introduced.

–––– A Norwegian is driving from Oslo towards Gothenburg when he hears a warning on the radio: “A lunatic is speeding against oncoming traffic on the highway!” To this the Norwegian mutters as he swerves to avoid crashing head-on into lorry after lorry: “What lunatic? They’re all on the wrong side of the road!”

–––– Two Norwegian boys were talking and one of them wondered why seagulls turned upside down when they flew close to the Swedish border. The other speculated, “Maybe because Swedes aren’t worth a shit?” ____ A Danish alcoholic visited a Swedish doctor to get cured from doublevision, and the doctor asked him to sit down on the sofa. The Dane asked: “Which one?”

Bellman jokes The Swedish local Shakespeare, poet and composer Carl Michael Bellman (1740-95) was witty too. He is among

contemporary of Bellman, contains the following anecdote.

In an article on Scandinavian humor, Peter Gundelach Department of

Bellman rarely owned more than one

Sociology, University of Copenhagen,

coat. Once when King Gustav met him

Denmark writes: “Based on joke

in the street he was wearing no more

collections from books, the Internet

than a nightdress, at which the King

and other sources, we find that Danes

said: “But my dear Bellman, you look

tell jokes about the Norwegians

so ill-clad,” to which he bowed and

and Swedes, while Norwegians and

replied, “I humbly assure your Majesty

Swedes tell jokes about each other,

that I have the whole of my wardrobe

but not about the Danes. In general,

on me.”

the Danes tell jokes in which the butt, or object, of the jokes is a stupid

A less offensive subgenre of Bellman

Norwegian or a Swede whose values

anecdotes is about foreigners,

differ from those of the Danes. The

perhaps dating to the ’50s, whence

Norwegians and the Swedes tell jokes

ethnic jokes may have originated

in which the object is stupid – either a

as a manner of dealing with the

Norwegian or a Swede. The different

increasingly multicultural complexity

values/stupid characterizations can be

of society during the post-World War II

found in other contexts. The character

Cold-War era.

of the jokes can be explained in part by the countries’ respective national

A modernized version of a typical

habitus, as they have been shaped

Bellman joke concerns Bellman,

by the types of conflictual and co-

representing the generic Swede, and

operative relationships among the

two foreigners who are in a swimming

countries.”

race to the US and what happened is: The Dane drowned after a kilometer.

A Scandinavian Chuckle, compiled by

The Norwegian sunk after 10km.

Tor Kjolberg

Bellman went on until he spotted Donald Trump pottering outside the White House, but felt tired so he swam

55