Scan Magazine | Issue 77 | June 2015

JESPER CHRISTENSEN: MASTER OF STAGE AND SCREENTOP SUMMER EXPERIENCES IN SWEDEN 2015ICELANDIC CULTURE DELIGHTSSPECIAL THEME: MADE IN NORWAY P

ROMOTING BRAND SCANDINAVIA

ISSU

E 77

JUN

E 20

15

5_ScanMag_77_June_2015_Text_Q9_Scan Magazine 1 05/06/2015 16:46 Page 1

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 internationalnetwork of over 375 associated facilitators we have global reach.

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

realEnabling

achievement


Issue 77 | June 2015 | 3

16

26

53

6

ContentsCOVER FEATURE

6 Jesper Christensen – Danish master of film and stageLast month our cover star was Marie BachHansen from the immensely popular Danish tel-evision show The Legacy. This month we are fol-lowing up with her colleague Jesper Chris-tensen. In an exclusive interview with our HelenCullen, he talks about the transition from beinga stage actor to a big screen star going from Eu-rope to Hollywood. And, of course, what it reallyis to become a proper villain in James Bond.

FEATURES21 Education, vacation, food and

a Finnish directorAn eclectic mix to say the least, but here are fourfantastically interesting features for you to divestraight into. Being called “the saviour of Finnishcinema” might seem daunting to many, but forDome Karukoski it is simply all about the pas-sion for his profession. Making art-house filmsfor blockbuster audiences, he alone has takenFinnish film to another level. Along with thesplendid restaurant Raalingen, Sønder FeldingEfterskole and getaway hotspot Rømø Ferieby,this feature section is a pure delight!

SPECIAL THEMES26 Top Summer Experiences in Sweden 2015

Summer in Sweden is a place for serenity, re-laxation, nature and countless activities that willget your heart racing and adrenalin pumping. Inother words; a little bit of everything. In ourSwedish special feature this month we havemade an attempt to represent some of thegreatest things there is to experience in Swedenthis warm season. Everything from kayaking toconcerts in castles and out in the Swedish forest.

38 Icelandic Cultural DelightsIceland, Iceland and some more Iceland is on theagenda for this special theme, focusing on thevarious offers from the island up north. With itsmesmerising nature and enchanting traditions,Iceland has a rich cultural legacy that influencesmany local businesses and tourists activities,hotels and restaurants. In this fantastically won-derful section you will get to know all about it.

48 Made in NorwayScandinavia as a brand is a big selling point forbusiness all over the world. Norway is no ex-ception. With excellent craftsmen skills, busi-ness minds and a nose for sniffing up attractivegaps in the market Norway is a star on the Scan-dinavian export’s sky. In this special theme youwill make closer acquaintance with some of thehottest brands and concepts. All Norwegian, allfantastic!

BUSINESS79 Danes are big fans of barbeques.

There is no season where this kind of cookery isnot appreciated, something the Weber GrillAcademy knows all about. In a fantasticallymouth-watering business feature they give theirview on the successful recipe of grilling, on page80. Our keynote speaker this month, Paul Black-hurst, is full of spot-on insights and along withour columnist Steve Flinders and a fully packedbusiness calendar, our business section willleave you wanting for nothing.

CULTURE86 Do we have some culture for you!

We sent our very own Sanna Halmekoski to theBiennale in Venice to cover the most excitingNordic contributions. The result is a fantastic artfeature that will have you longing to explore thecreative spots of Scandinavia and, of course, tobring them home with you. Also in this monthsculture section is an interview with actor TrondEspen Seim, our regular Scandipop column andthe amazingly useful culture calendar. Enjoy!

REGULARS & COLUMNS10 Fashion Diary | 12 We Love This | 14 Design | 64 Hotels of the Month67 Attractions of the Month | 72 Restaurants of the Month | 84 Humour | 90 Culture Calendar

Scan Magazine | Contents

11


4 | Issue 77 | June 2015

June is here, and with it – summer. Or atleast summer should be here by now. Atthe time of writing the rain is pouringdown over London and the coats are stillrather thick as people hurry to find shel-ter in coffee shops, offices, pubs or wher-ever the day is taking them.

Being Scandinavian, the weather has a massive impact on meand my mood. When it's sunny, life couldn’t be better. When it'srainy and cold, there is definitely room for improvement in every-thing going on in the world. On days like this, the desire for sun-shine and warmth is never greater. Especially when your biolog-ical seasonal clock tells you that the climate should really beacting differently. Where are the weekend trips to the coast?Where are all the flip-flops, icy drinks, and where, oh where, areall the summery dresses and flowing shirts I am supposed to bewearing, rather than these black jeans and boots?

But there is no use in crying over what you can’t change, as mymother would say, and if the weather wants to act up – so be it.Scan Magazine is still going to live with the hopes that it’ll sortitself out while we cradle our cold bodies in our sofa’s, mutter-ing “any day now”. A ‘fact’ that is definitely worth celebrating.

And what better way to do so than with a fresh issue packed withsummer and cultural delights? I can think of none. In this feature

heavy issue we introduce you to everything from Danish barbe-ques and the Biennale in Venice to Finnish filmmaker DomeKarukoski who talks creativity and family in an exclusive inter-view. So sit back, relax and read up on summer splendour inSweden, dive into an Icelandic cultural extravaganza and marvelin all things Norwegian.

Rest assured, summer will come into full bloom this year too. Any day now…

Astrid Eriksson, Editor, Scan Magazine

Dear Reader,

Scan Magazine

Issue 77 | June 2015

Published 06.2015

ISSN 1757-9589

Published by

Scan Magazine Ltd

Print

Liquid Graphic Ltd

Executive Editor

Thomas Winther

Creative Director

Mads E. Petersen

Editor

Astrid Eriksson

Graphic Designer

Joseph J. Ewin

Copy-editor

Isa Hemphrey

Contributors

Camilla Brugrand

Caroline Edwards

Helen Cullen

Helene Toftner

Ingunn Huld Saevarsdottir

Joanna Nylund

Josefine Older Steffensen

Julie Lindén

Karl Batterby

Louise Older Steffensen

Maria Smedstad

Maya Acharay

Mette Lisby

Paul Blackhurst

Paula Hammond

Sanna Halmekoski

Sara Schedin

Signe Hansen

Stephanie Lovell

Steve Flinders

Stian Sangvig

Stine Wannebo

Cover Photo

Mattfrik.com

Sales & Key Account ManagersEmma Fabritius NørregaardMette TonnessenJohan Enelycke

Advertising

[email protected]

To receive our newsletter

www.scanmagazine.co.uk/newsletter

To Subscribe

www.scanmagazine.co.uk/subscribe

Scan Magazine Ltd15B Bell Yard MewsBermondsey StreetLondon SE1 3TYUnited Kingdom

Phone +44 (0)870 933 [email protected]

© All rights reserved. Materialcontained in this publication may not be reproduced, in whole or inpart, without prior permission of Scan Magazine Ltd.

Scan Magazine® is a registeredtrademark of Scan Magazine Ltd.

This magazine containsadvertorials/promotional articles

SCANM A G A Z I N E

Scan Magazine | Editor’s Note


Discover real Private BankingAt SEB Private Banking, we acknowledge that everyone has a unique set of challenges. It’s why we do not offer ready-made solutions, concentrating instead on developing meaningful, long-lasting financial relationships and making the effort to really understand you and your requirements.

Our international network of private banking offices will look after all aspects of your family business finances, from daily transactions to long term investments. Its services cover everything from tailored financial management, through to helping you to optimise the legal and tax structures within which your assets are held.

As one of the world’s strongest banks and with more than 150 years of experience in private banking, we have just what it takes to ensure your future prosperity.

To find out what SEB can do for your personal wealth, contact us in London:Christian A. Hvamstad +44 (0) 20 7246 4307 [email protected]

Sweden • Norway • Denmark • Finland • Luxembourg • Switzerland • United Kingdom • Singapore • Estonia • Latvia • Lithuania

Page 15_ScanMag_77_June_2015_Text_Q9_Scan Magazine 1 05/06/2015 16:46 Page 5

6 | Issue 77 | June 2015

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Jesper Christensen


Issue 77 | June 2015 | 7


The Legacy became an instant interna-tional hit when its first season aired inearly 2014. The foundation for its successlies in the unique writing of creator, MayaIlsøe, and the consistently powerful act-ing performances of Christensen and hiscolleagues. “If the acting is good, and ifthe story rings true with people, they willwant to watch,” Christensen explains.The role of Thomas offers a little light re-lief to the actor after a career filled withportraying serious characters. “It’s somuch fun to play him and he allows me toimprovise,” he says. “He’s gifted musi-cally but he has never committed to hisart. He’s a completely irresponsible per-son and really not to be trusted but I lovehim anyway because he is such goodcompany.”

Christensen is full of praise for the writingapproach of Ilsøe. “She involves all of theactors in her writing process from thevery beginning and invites suggestions onher partially written material," he ex-plains. “It’s so brave for a writer to beopen to any comments that they may re-ceive.” The collaborative nature of thework resulted in the actors experiencingsome involvement in the development oftheir characters and the evolution of the

show itself. “It meant that we all had amuch larger responsibility toward ourown part than I think I’ve ever experiencedbefore,” he reflects.

The Legacy also offered Christensen theopportunity for his directorial debut. “Ihadn’t tried that before but I ended up en-joying it very much and ultimately directedfive episodes,” he says. “This project hasreally been an ongoing party for two and ahalf years and has proven to be one of thebest things I’ve ever been involved with.”

From stage to screen

Christensen excelled in leading theatri-cal roles in some of Denmark’s best the-atres for 25 years. He received allmanner of accolades for his perform-ances in iconic works from playwrightssuch as Shakespeare to Chekhov,Molière to Schiller before making a per-manent transition to the screen in 1998.Working in film and TV became Chris-tensen’s greater passion; he harbours nodesire or plans to return to the stage un-less a very unique project captures his at-tention. “Normally I say I don’t have anyinkling of regrets and that I don’t see my-self doing theatre any time in the future,”he shares. “Today, however, I had an offer

of doing a very interesting Iranian play somaybe I will consider it just this once.”

Evolving from European cinema to Hollywood.

As a stalwart of European cinema, Chris-tensen has been nominated as Best Actortwice at the European film awards, wonfour Danish Bodils and also won theGuldbagge for Best Supporting Actor atthe Swedish equivalent to the Oscars.

“The awards themselves don’t mean a lotto me,” he reflects. “I never go to the cer-emonies if I can avoid them, but my ticketto international film came from my nom-inations as best European actor, so howcould I not be happy about that?”

The transition to English speaking roleswas an inevitable one although not onethat Christensen actively pursued. “Ofcourse you want it to happen but it’s very,very hard,” he explains. “When I wasyounger I could have gone to America orEngland and tried for years and years tobreakthrough but I didn’t want to leaveDenmark and my family and the careerthat I had established there behind.” Hispatience proved a calculated risk as offersfor interesting roles in international hitssuch as The Young Victoria, Melancholia,The Interpreter and, of course, JamesBond, eventually came to him.

The Bond Villain

Christensen will reprise the role of Mr.White in the 24th James Bond film, Spec-tre, that will be released later this year; histhird time to inhabit the epic world of

Jesper Christensen, the renowned Danish actor and veteran of European cinema, hasin recent years captivated audiences with his English speaking roles. Instantly recog-nisable as the Bond villain Mr. White inCasino Royale, Quantum of Solace and the up-coming Spectre, he also recently starred in the hugely successful TV show, TheLegacy. Christensen joins us to talk about his legendary career to date and some ofthe exciting projects he has lined up for 2015.

By Helen Cullen | Main photo: jokrausz.com

Jesper Christensen: Danish master of stage and screen


8 | Issue 77 | June 2015


Bond. “It’s like seeing each other in schoolafter the summer holidays, mostly withDaniel Craig,” he says. “I love workingwith Daniel. I think he’s a terrific actor andI thought so before he became Bond too.”

This is Christensen’s first time workingwith director Sam Mendes, whom he de-scribes as a joy to work with. “He’s my kindof guy,” he shares. “He has a theatre back-ground which means he is open to the sortof discussions that I love where actorsshare very personal experiences that theycan draw from and take the time to analysethe different characters and their motiva-tions. Working with him is much more free,courageous and interesting.”

There is a new approach to creating thisBond instalment that Christensen identi-fied as an entirely new experience.“Things are very different this timearound,” he explains. “The atmospherehas changed so much. Now we are free torewrite the scenes; Daniel and I can ex-periment and test the material out to-gether which creates the kind of workingdynamic that I love.”

The Bond phenomenon

To play a Bond villain is a unique and priv-ileged opportunity that few actors can layclaim to. “Very few actors would turn downa part in a Bond film,” Christensen says.

“We’ve all been little kids wowed by Bondand you get so much credit for doing itfrom the industry and from your own fam-ily.” He explains that the reaction to hiscasting has been phenomenal. “My familydiscovered that I’m a real actor after all ofthese years,” he laughs. “It doesn’t matterwhat you’ve done before, they have neverbeen so interested in your work.”

When the Bond circus comes to town, thelevel of scrutiny from the press and generalpublic reaches an all-time high and all thecast are thrust into a very hot spotlight.“Bond’s not like anything else," Christensenexplains. “You can’t really call it a film be-cause it is more like a great machine, andthe interest that the public has in it, and allthe internet furor is quite frightening andstrange but really very funny.”

Next for Christensen

In addition to Spectre and the return ofThe Legacy, Christensen is also workingon two other exciting productions thisyear. Christensen stars alongside DanielBrühl in a German film, Kaminski and I,which will be released this summer. He isalso currently filming his lead role as KingHaakon VII of Norway in The King’sChoice. Norwegian director, Erik Poppe, isrecreating the first three days of the Ger-man invasion of Norway and the role of theKing in preventing Norway’s surrender.

“The King is a very interesting person whohad a crucial role in Norway’s fight againstGermany,” Christensen explains. “We’remaking the film in a very realistic docu-mentary style and I think it will be a veryimportant movie for Scandinavia.”

Christensen’s legacy of work to dateis magnificent but no doubt there iseven more greatness still to come. Toread more about his exciting projects,visit www.jesperchristensen.dk

Christensen in stills from the wildly popular TV series The Legacy, Photos: Sky Arts


www.destinationhalmstad.se

Foto: Per Nilsson

European Amateur Team Championship

July 7th - 11th Halmstad Golfklubb

www.golfhuvudstaden.se

Foto: Pamela.se

After Beach June 27th - August 8th Hotel Tylösand www.tylosand.se

Roxette July 27th Örjans vall www.ticnet.se

WOW Foto: Mark Ashkanasy

Foto: Emm

elie Åslin

Game Masters - the Exhibition

May 28th - August 31st www.ticnet.se

WOW

WOW

.destinationhalmstad.sewww

.destinationhalmstad.se

.destinationhalmstad.se


Fashion Diary...June marks the first days of the summer, a month adorned with just theright dose of the long-awaited sunshine. Celebrate it by pursuing happinesswith a stroke of blue skies and a splash of the sun’s rays. Wear somethingjoyous and stylish… It’s a summer duty.

By Caroline Edwards | Press photos

A classic bomber jacket made in ultra-softScandinavian reindeer suede with leathersourced from a small reindeer-specialisedtannery in Northern Finland… Wow! Thispiece from Norse Projects goes well with apair of cotton jeans and a white shirt. Hak Suede Bomber Jacket, Norse Projects:£680Cotton Jeans, Norse Projects: £145Oxford Shirt, Norse Projects: £85www.norseprojects.com

Scan Magazine | Design | Fashion Diary

10 | Issue 77 | June 2015

Daniel Wellington’s watches offer a timeless design,perfect to show off during the summer season.Break up the relaxed summer look with somethingclassy. Classic Oxford, Daniel Wellington: £149www.danielwellington.com

The Richie Shirt from Tiger of Sweden offers you abit of everything. Its simple, stylish look suits everyoccasion, designed in a light material that makes itexcellent for June. Tiger of Sweden, Riche Shirt: £129.00www.tigerofsweden.com

This easy-to-wear t-shirt is an essential item for thewarm days ahead. Going for a walk in a bustlingcity? Relaxing at the beach? It doesn’t matter. MadsNørgaard’s t-shirts can be worn anywhere. Mads Nørgaard, Striped Block T-Shirt: £43www.madsnorgaard.dk


Don’t be fooled by its farm-ringing look. This strawhat from H&M can be worn on the beach, in thecities as well as the countryside – it’s an all-purposekind of hat. Elegant, yet practical, ideal for blockingout the midday sun. Straw hat from H&M: £8www.hm.com

Stine Goya’s Summer/Spring Collectioncertainly stands out this year. Put onthese loose fitted silk trousers in the ErikA. Frandsen print along with a floral topand you have the perfect set. Soft to wearand delightfully sunny, this is a worthysummer investment. Mathilda Top, Erik A. Frandsen: £211Rays Pants, Erik A. Frandsen: £173www.stinegoya.com

Feel light and airy in this baby blue dress fromMads Nørgaard, designed for outdoor relaxation.Fitted with a handy chest-pocket and shortsleeves, there is plenty of space for keeping sparechange for the ice cream van! Dress form Mads Nørgaard: £115www.madsnorgaard.dk/

Issue 77 | June 2015 | 11

Black sandals with flat rubber soles and knot de-tails on top, ideal to wear with something morecolourful. Mix it up with blue and yellow and you areready to embrace June. Blasé Knot Shoes from Cheap Monday: £43www.cheapmonday.co.uk


Scan Magazine | Design | We Love This

12 | Issue 77 | June 2015

We love this... As high-summer approaches, our kitchens become more important than ever before. Why not open up to your gardenand let in the light whilst preparing a light summer feast? With a number of innovative kitchen items on offer,Scandinavian treats are on the horizon, all easily bought from Scandinavianshop.co.uk – an online platform boastingthe very best from Nordic interior designers.

By Caroline Edwards | Press photos

In order to give your home the summerymake-over it deserves, Flendsted’s mobilesare simply a must. Brighten up your roomswith elegant birds and watch them as theyhover lightly around the air, perfectly imitat-ing the beauty of swallows in the wild. £13www.flensted-mobiles.com

Salt and pepper are essentials in any house-hold. While some people go for the cheaptable salt, others aim for something rathermore luxurious – like Menu’s tumblers. Theshiny stainless steel balls roll around withouttipping over thanks to a weighted base, mak-ing them the perfect fit for a modern kitchen. £27www.menu.as

A bread basket made fromsynthetic felt might sound likecreative madness, but all ge-niuses tend to be a little crazy,don’t they? Menu’s felt basketsare soft and are as light as afeather.£27www.menu.as

Broste combines countryside idyll withsleek, Scandinavian design. Their lateststoneware vase set has a certain rusticcharm to it, simple and clean, with the abil-ity to evoke a nostalgic feel in even themost modern people. £29.95 www.brostecopenhagen.com


EASY TO ATTACH &FITS ALL PRAMS

BLOCKS OUT 99% UVA & UVB RAYS

TO A ATTY TSEAS ALL PRAMSFIT

CH &ATTAS ALL PRAMS

S OUT 99% OCKBLYA & UVB RAUVVA & UVB RA

S OUT 99% SY

wediilliant SBrarey p parentingor happ f

gn issh dewediarenting

eyltll se aeSatet rseraen

ur.kwww

ur od yd finns aetr aeila

e.sybabsitur


14 | Issue 77 | June 2015

Scan Magazine | Design | Street Style

Satu-Maarit Ahonen, Finnish Student

“When I visit Finland I always shop at Lin-dex and flea markets. I wear clothes thatare comfortable. Today I am wearing aMarimekko dress, which I found at a mar-ket in Helsinki.”

Catharina Patjas, Norwegian Chairmanof Den Norske Klub

“I often wear formal clothes that fit theclub’s dress code; black trousers or adress with a blazer. My jacket and neck-lace are from Zara and trousers fromH&M.”

Joachim Gram, Danish Finance Professional

“My style is mix of the City and Shoreditch.I like Nordic brands Acne, Tiger of Swedenand Bruuns Bazaar for whom I used tomodel for. My shoes and the pocketsquare are from Prada. Jeans by CostumeNational, belt by Paul Smith, shirt andjacket by Holland Esquire.”

By Sanna Halmekoski | Photos: Joachim Gram

Nordic Humans of London

Satu-Maarit Ahonen Catharina Patjas

Above and below middle: Joachim Gram


Issue 77 | June 2015 | 15

Scan Magazine | Design | vWood

“Ever since we were children, we had akeen interest in furniture making, so it wasnatural that we would one day enter the in-dustry,” says Mathias Gerning, one of thethree founders of vWood. Together with hisfriends Peter Rahbek and Mikkel Hylle-berg Sørensen, they decided to give entre-preneurship a go. Since January 2015, theyoung group has continuously surprisedwith their wood and steel creations – butthey couldn’t have done it alone. The helpfrom manufacturer BSM A/S has been vi-tal, equipping them with the space andtools needed for producing quality furni-ture.

“We don’t ever compromise on quality inany part of the process. If that means

spending a week more on a piece of furni-ture, so be it,” says Gerning, who believesthat they have found a winning concept.Instead of producing huge quantities offurniture, they focus on fulfilling each cus-tomer’s dreams. Everything is handmadeand they choose the wood themselves inorder to find the material that best suitstheir customers. Every table, bench anddesk has its own look and there is some-thing for every budget. Wood comes inmany different price categories and whilevWood is ready to create a top-notch coffeetable using the most expensive material,they create budget-solutions just as easily.

“Our concept is simple. We put the cus-tomers first, offering them full control

throughout the process. We don’t compro-mise on quality but seek to deliver the best results at all times,” explains Gerning.

Despite being a new company, vWood hasalready built a strong foundation for theirfuture. The three friends hope to take theirpassion even further in the years to come. “Being friends help us in our achievementbecause we do this together, as friendsand colleagues. We always motivate eachother to succeed and share the same vi-sion,” says Gerning.

The Viborg-based furniture-designers havemanaged to reach far beyond the city bor-ders into the heart of Danes across thecountry, and more are bound to follow.

vWood is a young, vibrant company, founded by an entrepreneur trio with an eye forproviding their customers with the ultimate furniture designs. At vWood each pieceof furniture is handmade, specifically designed to fulfill their customers’ dreams andwishes by making them a part of the process from the start. This is more than just abrand, vWood is the result of a strong friendship and a lifelong dream.

By Caroline Edwards | Photos: vWood

Handcrafted furniture with a personal touch

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


16 | Issue 77 | June 2015

At first glance, Vifa’s speakers look morelike understated modernist pieces of artthan electronics. And that is exactly thepoint. “We wanted to create an aestheti-cally pleasing model which would appealto both women and men,” CEO Michael

Sørensen explains, “and at the same time,of course, we didn’t want to compromisethe technical craftsmanship. We are veryproud that the products we’ve ended upwith do not compromise on either.” Soundconnoisseurs agree: All three models

have received top reviews for sound qual-ity, and 'Copenhagen' won three designawards in 2014, reflecting the skill anddedication of the designers and engineersbehind it: Each model took more than twoyears to produce and presented its ownchallenges.

Lasting Nordic design

“We work with the Aarhus design com-pany Design People,” says MichaelSørensen. “They’ve been great at creatinga cool, high-quality Nordic look and feelwhich is apparent across all the models.”Every area of the products have been tried

Over the past 80 years, the Danish company Vifa has perfected their expertise withinloudspeaker technology, supplying many well-known electronics brands with top-quality speaker components. In 2014, they launched their own loudspeaker, 'Copen-hagen', to high critical acclaim. And they did so with style – literally. 'Copenhagen'and its younger 2015 siblings 'Stockholm' and 'Helsinki' marry the highest quality ofsound with the very best in classic Nordic design.

By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Vifa

Unbeatable sound and Nordic quality design

Scan Magazine | Design | Vifa

The Copenhagen Speaker

Speakers from theHelsinki collection


Issue 77 | June 2015 | 17

Scan Magazine | Design | Vifa

and tested thoroughly, guaranteeing lis-teners a product which will continue toplease in the years to come and keep itsclassic aesthetic appeal. The palette usedranges from cool, understated greysthrough to sunshine yellows and earthyreds, ensuring that customers looking fora colourful centre-piece will be just ashappy as those looking for quiet, unob-trusive sound. Vifa’s speakers finally foundtheir statement look when another Danishcompany, the well-known textile expertKvadrat, entered into the equation.

“It was quite a new area for us – forKvadrat too, as they usually deal withfurniture textiles. Finding the ideal ma-terial with which to cover a speaker wasan interesting challenge for both of us!”They needed material which was lightenough to let the sound come throughloudly and clearly, but something whichcovered the electronics inside. Eventu-ally, the team came across light, envi-ronmentally friendly wool. The uniquematerial is custom-made for Vifa’sspeakers and gives them an exclusive,luxurious look which sets them apartfrom other high-end speakers. Their softbut raw understated minimalism is anatural continuation of the classic Nordicdesign tradition; an ideology also re-flected in the quality, durability and prac-ticality of the speakers.

Authentic sound – anywhereVifa’s speakers can be used both insideand outside of the home, and even thelargest model 'Stockholm', although pri-marily designed for stationary use, hasbeen created with versatility in mind.'Copenhagen' and 'Helsinki' have batterylives which will satisfy any social occa-sion, and all three can be easily pluggedin, with cables included for analogue oroptical connection. “I recently used my'Stockholm' at a confirmation, and it wasmore than enough to power the entireparty,” says Michael Sørensen. Two sim-ple volume buttons embroidered unto thefront of the speaker add a fun little detailto the simple, elegant lines of bold textileand aluminium frame.

The speakers have wireless interfacescompatible with almost all types of mod-ern devices: smartphones, tablets andcomputers. Even high quality wired inputsfor CD players and televisions are pro-vided. Settings can be adjusted via the Vifaapp, although the pre-set option shouldbe more than enough for most enthusi-asts. “Vifa’s main technological concern isto create sound which is true to the orig-inal recording,” Michael Sørensen ex-plains, “this means that we want orches-tras to sound as authentic and real aspossible, and instruments to be heard ex-actly as they were intended.” It is an art

which Vifa has perfected since its founderN.C. Madsen first set up his modest fac-tory in the village of Videbæk in 1933.

Models for the future

Through all three models, Vifa’s emphasishas constantly been to create the very bestpossible. “We aren’t looking to becomethe biggest mass brand in the business;we’re looking for the regard of sound anddesign connoisseurs.” Each model ad-heres to Vifa’s ethos, but has its own per-sonality: 'Stockholm' is the largest andmost powerful and 'Copenhagen' an ex-cellent all-rounder. 'Helsinki', which re-sembles a small, understated handbagcomplete with leather from Sweden’sTärnsjo Garveri, is designed for ease-of-transport and ideal for impromptu occa-sions. All three are highly versatile and,most importantly, of the highest quality; afact reflected in Copenhagen’s winning ofno less than three prestigious interna-tional design awards: the IF DesignAward, the Red Dot Design Award and theGood Design Award in 2014. While Vifawon’t reveal whether a little 'Oslo' or'Reykjavik' is on the way, they’re enthusi-astic about potential new family memberson the horizon.

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

Speaker from the Stockholm collection

Speaker from the Copenhagen collection


18 | Issue 77 | June 2015

Scan Magazine | Design | Elvang

The alpaca is an unusual looking animalthat has played an integral role in Peru-vian culture and its economy. It was an an-imal that was often seen by Tina andLasse when they went backpackingthrough Peru after finishing university.They met the alpaca farmers and wereshocked at their standard of living, whichwas vastly different from the Danishlifestyle they were used to.

Bringing Peru to Denmark

Tina and Lasse were fascinated by Peruand upon their return they brought alpaca

wool back in the form of throws for fam-ily and friends, who immediately lovedthem as they were thin and soft yet still in-credibly warm. They had not seen any-thing like it and could not find it in Den-mark and so the idea for Elvang Denmarkwas created. Elvang today produces qual-ity alpaca wool products, which have beenreceived with open arms in 25 countries.

“We went to the world’s largest textile fairin Frankfurt in 2004 just after we started,it was quite funny really, everyone wasbringing in trucks of goods and technology

to display their products and we didn’teven have any lights!” Lasse recalls theirfirst fair with a sense of humour. How-ever the ambitious start paid off andwithin six months they had orders fromseveral countries. Elvang was on the roadto success.

Fair Trade and sustainability

Lasse and Tina wanted to make sure thewool they were going to import from Peruwas sustainable and ethical. Therefore itwas vital that they found a good Peruviansupplier who valued the farmers and whocut out the middle man so that the farmerbenefited as much as possible.

Elvang Denmark has been rewarded forits work and became the second companyin Denmark to be certified by the WorldFair Trade Organisation. This means that

Visiting foreign countries and experiencing cultures different from our own tends toopen our eyes to both the troubles and successes of others. When Tina and Lasse El-vang travelled to Peru in 2002 they were mesmerised by the country, its people andthe importance of the alpaca.

By Josefine Older Steffensen | Photos: Elvang

Amazing and authentic alpaca in Scandinavian design


Issue 77 | June 2015 | 19

Scan Magazine | Design | Elvang

every part of the company is beneficial forthe climate and all people involved in theproduction and the company follows cer-tain standards.

"From the very beginning, when estab-lishing Elvang, we based it on principles ofethical trade and therefore reaching thetough standards comes quite naturally,"says Lasse when discussing the impres-sive certificate. The company is also amember of UN Global Compact, whichencourages companies to engage in eth-ical global business.

Alpaca wool

Alpaca wool has certain unique featureswhich makes it very different to otherwool. It is allergy friendly, as it does notcontain lanolin, which is the substance inwool that most people are allergic to. It isalso much softer than sheep’s wool asthe fibres are thinner and finer. Alpacawool does not produce those little balls offluff that get stuck everywhere, so it keepsthe clothes you are wearing nice andclean, and the wool will last for years as it

is much more durable than sheep’s woolor cashmere.

Alpaca’s spend most of their time in ex-treme temperatures ranging from pun-ishing lows to intense highs. Their survivalis dependent on having adaptable fur,which keeps them cool in the high tem-peratures and keeps them warm duringthe lower temperatures. The alpaca woolis therefore perfect for all seasons as itkeeps you cool in summer, yet warm andcomfortable in winter.

Bringing Peru to Denmark

Elvang have rather magnificently man-aged to create beautiful Danish designout of a South American product. Theirthrows, scarves and cushions embody tra-ditional Scandinavian and Danish designwith beautiful natural colours and simpleyet incredibly effective and functional de-signs.

“We want to create a brand that’s focusedon quality,” says Lasse, and they have cer-tainly done that. The products are won-

derfully individual and maintain high stan-dards. Some of the products are createdwith baby alpaca wool, which are the firstultra-soft clippings from alpacas. Thebaby alpaca wool is even softer than nor-mal alpaca wool and creates a unique andvery luxurious product.

Elvang have products to suit everyone. Thethrows are the most popular and alsoLasse’s favourites, and it is easy to un-derstand why; curling up on the sofa un-der a soft throw sounds like the perfectend to a day.

It is incredible what Lasse and Tina Elvanghave created. Their products are of a highquality and luxurious, and have becomehugely popular throughout Europe. It isalso difficult not to fall in love with a com-pany who set out to make the world a bet-ter place and are sticking to their initial in-tentions.

For more information, please visit: www.elvang.net

Tina & Lasse


20 | Issue 77 | June 2015

Scan Magazine | Design | Essey

Crumpling up a piece of paper and throw-ing it in the bin may not produce much ex-citement for most people, but for JohnBrauer this rather mediocre act got hiscreative juices flowing. And so Bin Binwas created. Bin Bin is a bin that shows itsown function by looking like a, rather fan-tastic, crumpled piece of paper.

Brauer, the owner and chief designer ofEssey, wants the product to speak for it-self: “The products should communicateits function to the user.” Brauer madeover 300 miniature bins to find the perfectshape. “It’s a nice balance between orderand chaos,” he explains. The industry cer-tainly agrees, and Bin Bin quickly becamea design classic.

Walking past a café in Copenhagen,Brauer noticed that the tablecloths on the

tables nearly touched the ground. Hetook a picture and immediately took it toa plastic workshop to see if he couldrecreate the look. After finally convincingthe workshop to try, and after manymonths’ work, Illusion was created. Illu-sion is a table that has the flow and lookof a beautiful tablecloth and the functionof a table.

The Illusion tables are handmade andget pushed into shape by four people,creating one-of-a-kind, exclusive pieces.The unique tables come in a variety ofsizes and colours. The illusions the ta-bles create make them stand out in acrowd and gives them a high-end yet funand approachable feel.

The above terms are used to explain thepoetic, playful designs that Brauer and

his two fellow designers create for Essey.Cactus, a cute toothpick-holder shapedlike a cactus to embellish the 'thorns' ofthe toothpicks, encompasses both theseterms. “I love it when people really un-derstand the design,” Brauer explainsenthusiastically. “My work is never justabout form and functionality, but alsoabout the human factors such as poetryand humour."

Essey’s products are not only high-qual-ity design, but have a story to tell andhave been created in a way that allowsthem to become their own character. Theproducts are thoughtful as well asthought-provoking. They are unique, notjust within Danish design, but within theentire global design scene.

Danish design is globally known for its functional aesthetic refinement. Essey hastaken this concept even further and created products that have been inspired by theirown functionality, allowing a showcase of identity and individualism.

By Josefine Older Steffensen | Photos: Essey

Letting design speak for itself

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


Issue 77 | June 2015 | 21

Scan Magazine | Design/Feature | Besos

Besos Scarves is a part of Besos, an onlineshop that specialises in selling quality scarves,combining their own brand with enthrallingdesigns from around the world. Today, theirown collection, Besos Scarves, features a va-riety of pieces made from 100 per cent naturalmaterials such as cashmere, silk, wool andmerino. “Our style is characterised by stylish looks withdiscrete details. We combine elegance withsomething casual, aimed at customers whovalue high quality,” explains Helle Sæthre, whofounded Besos in 2012. Since then the onlineshop has grown into an international phenom-ena that only settles for the best.

“Besos is not dictated by fashion. Our scarvesare made with the customers’ wellbeing in

mind and we value quality and will continue todo so regardless of fashion trends,” saysSæthre.

Besos’ online shop offers customers an ex-cellent service with worldwide fast deliveries,and orders are being placed all over Europe,even as far away as Australia and Japan.

“The popularity of our scarves have reallycaught on, in Denmark as well as abroad. Peo-ple like their uniqueness. We never mass-pro-duce anything, each piece is one of its own, of-ten with handmade details,” explains Sæthre,who will soon get Besos ready for the Chinesemarket. With a growing interest in Danish de-sign, Besos Scarves are slowly claiming newterritories. So get ready for the invasion.

Besos Scarves - the perfect pieceBesos Scarves equal exclusivity. The Danish fashion brand designs luxury scarves innature’s best materials, for men and women all over the world. Renowned for theirbohemian elegance, their scarves have already been worn by a royal. Crown PrincessMary of Denmark is now the happy owner of a Besos Scarf, but that is no surprise. ABesos Scarf is just the perfect piece.

By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Besos

For more information, please visit: www.besos.dk /www.besosscarves.com

“Rømø holiday homes are the perfect place to en-joy quality time with your family. Being on a smallisland gives both adults and children a chance toswitch off from everyday life and relax,” says Mar-ianne Glerup, who owns the holiday homes withher husband Arne Sander Mikkelsen. Togetherthey have created a little oasis where people canimmerse themselves in everything Rømø has to

offer. The small island is easily accessed, not byferry but by a long causeway stretching nine kilo-metres across the sea. Once you are here, every-thing is within easy reach, and many visitorschoose to cycle their way around.

“Our holiday homes are very traditional-lookingRømø Huse, but the inside is highly modern

with both a spa, sauna and steam bath. You areonly a short stroll from the harbour, a livelyarea with shops and restaurants. There is evena ferry to the German island Sylt, a good placefor spotting seals,” explains Marianne Glerup. Staying in the middle of Vadehavet NationalPark definitely has its perks. Watch the bird for-mations on the sky, drive to Denmark’s mostfamily-friendly beach, or visit the golf club hid-den behind Diget facing the Wadden sea, only500 metres from the holiday homes. Swim, hike,surf, or try horse riding. Rømø Island has it all.

An island adventure for the whole family Rømø is a Danish island of natural beauty, located in the middle of Vadehavet NationalPark, a UNESCO recognised heritage site since 2014 of marshland, sea, beaches andwildlife. Rømø gives you the chance to get close to one of the most compelling natu-ral phenomena, Sort Sol. Witness the sight of large bird flocks just after sunset as theypaint the sky black, whilst staying in one of the six seaside holiday homes in RømøFerieby.

By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Rømø Ferieby

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

HOLIDAY FEATURE:


22 | Issue 77 | June 2015

“The idea that if we’re making an arthouse film, we have to make it as diffi-cult as possible, or that if it’s a com-mercial film, we have to have to load itwith ‘ha ha jokes,’ is just stupid,”Karukoski says. “The Grump was a su-per box office hit and the number onefilm in Finland last year. But at the sametime Glasgow will be its seventh film fes-tival appearance. People are now callingit commercial but if it wouldn’t have be-come a box office hit, would that make itart house?!”

Talking to Dome Karukoski is like tryingto catch lightning. He seems to be doinga dozen things at once: eating lunch,reading messages, checking the clock.He bounces from topic to topic, with aninfectious enthusiasm and impish hu-

mour. “Actually, the way I’m living andtravelling,” he laughs, “I can’t see melasting much longer!”

The father’s footsteps

Karukoski’s passion for film is, he ad-mits, “a bit of a puzzle”. His father wasan actor and in the way that young boysoften idolise their fathers, he applied toacting school. “I didn’t get in, luckily,” headds. Instead, Karukoski attended filmschool without direct knowledge of a di-rectorial profession, but with a burningdesire to be involved with films.

Film school turned out to be a vital timefor the fledgling filmmaker. “I was raisedby a single mom who didn’t have thatmuch money so we didn’t have a cam-era. We couldn’t afford even the 8-mil-

limeter cameras that all the directorsusually shoot films with when they’rekids. So film school, which was govern-ment funded, allowed me to practice andrehearse the simple language of cin-ema,” Karukoski says. “To try differentthings and mould myself into the film-maker I am.”

Embracing strong females

His debut feature, Beauty and the Bas-tard was the surprise festival hit that cat-apulted the then 28-year old into the bigtime. Since then Karukoski has made hisname with human dramas, filled withpassion and quiet, contemplative mo-ments. His heroes are often traumatisedsocial outcasts who, like the delinquentboys in The Home of the Dark Butter-flies, struggle to find their place in theworld.

Although he feels that many of his storiesare about men for men, his worldview isone that embraces strong independentwomen. “In Heart of a Lion and TheGrump the mother characters are proud

A meeting with the saviour of Finnish cinema Acclaimed as “the saviour of Finnish cinema”, Dome Karukoski is a rarity: a makerof art house films that attract blockbuster audiences. Scan Magazine caught upwith the Finnish director in Glasgow where his latest film, The Grump, was charm-ing film festival attendees.

By Paula Hammond | Photos: Marek Sabogal

Scan Magazine | Feature | Dome Karukoski

Dome Karukoski. Photo: Emine Lunden


Issue 77 | June 2015 | 23

Scan Magazine | Feature | Dome Karukoski

women who never stand in the shadow oftheir husbands, like my own mother.She’s a feisty woman,” the directorlaughs. “If she meets a bear in the forest,she’s going to kick its ass! So in a way forme it’s difficult to direct a more timidwoman. I do feel that a lot of my femalecharacters could have been more devel-oped but many of them are very strongand feisty and I like that.”

A familiar inspiration

For The Grump, it was Dome’s poet-actorfather who provided the inspiration. “Myfather was always complaining that thereweren’t any stories about his generationbut then I found this book by TuomasKyrö, which in Finnish translates roughlyas The Man Whose Day is Always Ruined.My father was a grump and I’m starting tobe one too! I’m usually a super positivefellow and when you look at pictures ofmy father when he was younger, he wasalways smiling. But I think the negativitycomes from one thing: when you starthaving back problems. When I was 16, Iwould bounce out of bed. Now if I do thatI have to go straight to physical therapy!So I’m entering the grump world.”

A lesson learnt

Positive change is also a reoccurringtheme of Karukoski’s heartfelt films andsomething that he thinks more and moreabout as he gets older. “I’m an optimist atheart,” he assures. “I think there’s alwaysa choice. It’s easy to carry on down thesame path but choosing change - like inHeart of a Lion, where the main charac-ter turns his back on his neo-Nazi friends- usually rewards you.”

It’s a lesson he’s learnt in his own life.Choosing film school and not moving tothe US with his American father were, hesays, life-defining moments. “It soundslike a cliché but the important thing is tostay true to yourself. I could have made alot of money just by accepting work be-cause someone needed a director but I al-ways think that every film I do might be mylast so it has to be something I’m proud of.The stories have to have something hu-man in their essence. Something pro-found.”

Stills from The Grump

Dome Karukoski. Photo: Emine Lunden


24 | Issue 77 | June 2015

Scan Magazine | Education Feature | Sønder Feldings Efterskole

“Sønder Feldings is characterised by astrong commitment to help each studentreach their full potential. We stand outfrom other schools in the sense that weare a highly academic school focusing onpeople with learning difficulties,” says As-bjørn Lyby, headmaster at Sønder Feld-ings Efterskole. The majority of their stu-dents are normal youngsters in need ofimproving their skills after having beenleft behind in the classroom. This is whereSønder Feldings excels, a communitywhere students live and learn side by side. “We focus on math, Danish and Englishthrough digital learning tools and smallgroups. Our goal is to prepare them for

their final exams so they can succeed,”explains Lyby, emphasising that this is atask that is not just academic. At SønderFeldings Efterskole each student followsan elective throughout the year. This waythey get to indulge in their interests whilstimproving skills such as reading andspelling. With offers stretching from horseriding and sports to art and music, stu-dents choose from eight different sub-jects. Moreover, everyone starts off theirmorning with a bit of exercising.

“We are very much aware that the socialwellbeing of our students is directly con-nected to their learning process, which is

why an efterskole is such a good place tobe. Here you get to make life-long friendsand learn in a safe environment,” saysLyby.

Sønder Feldings Efterskole offers educa-tion for grade 8 to 10 and most studentschoose to stay for two years to make themost of their experience.

“We might be a place for young adults inneed of extra help with school work, butthat doesn’t make the experience any lesssignificant. Just like any other Danishefterskole, we go on trips abroad and visitplaces around the country. People makelife-long friends and gain more self-con-fidence,” states Lyby. Year after year hewitnesses students leaving the grounds ofSønder Feldings, ready to take on theworld.

Sønder Feldings Efterskole offers young people a chance to boost their academicabilities in a welcoming environment where each student matters. Armed with aniPad loaded with the latest learning tools, students quickly get a better grasp of let-ters and numbers. By combining small class sizes with exercising and enjoyable elec-tives, Sønder Feldings Efterskole demonstrates that academic commitment and so-cial activities flourish in unison, which doesn’t make your efterskole experience anyless fun.

By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Sønder Feldings Efterskole

Sønder Feldings Efterskole - unlock your potential

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


Issue 77 | June 2015 | 25

Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature | Raalingen

The cottage was first registered during thereign of King Christian III in 1552. Raalingen,which means “wee cottage” in the Vendsys-sel dialect, was the heart of a substantialagricultural establishment for centuries.When Stig Molge and his family took overRaalingen 17 years ago however, it cravedsome loving attention to bring it back itsformer glory. Following careful restorationand expansion, Raalingen has found newlife as a large and welcoming eatery, only

200 metres from the beach and harbour.Diners can savour a variety of classic mealsand drinks in the warm embrace of Danishhistory.

Old curiosities and local fishing artefactsadorn the pub, or 'værtsstue', which makesup one part of the establishment. Thefriendly and knowledgeable local staff,headed by Stig (as pictured), can tell you athing or two about the area while they guideyou through local brews and Danish clas-sics in the smoky, cosy tap-room. Theneighbouring pavilion Valhalla, meanwhile,offers guests airier surroundings in whichto sample carefully selected Danish spe-cialties, including fresh homemade smør-rebrød (open sandwiches) in all the bestcombinations.

Although somewhat less traditional, thebrasserie’s specialty wins over hearts andmouths by its exotic nature and delicioustaste. 'Raalings-brasseraden' invites thediner to cook a selection of meats, from an-telope to wild boar, to their exact liking on agrill at the table. Weather permitting, fourlarge terraces allow diners to take in Raalin-gen’s beautifully thatched roof and ancientwooden beams in all their glory, while theyoung or restless are free to explore thecharming old garden’s ponds, plants andpaths less travelled.

Raalingen often hosts local festivals includ-ing beer-tasting and Pentecost celebrationsand is available for private parties of up to100 guests. The cottage is used to accom-modating large numbers of people: A greatstone tablet in the gable lists all of Raalin-gen’s previous occupants; a reminder thatcountless other generations have also rel-ished the house and its offerings.

First recorded in the Icelandic Olaf Trygveson saga, the region of Hals has wit-nessed the cold-blooded murder of a Norwegian king and defied Swedish invasions.For a millennium, the region has guarded the mouth of Limfjorden, Denmark’slargest fjord, from unwanted attention. Today, however, the north-Jutland village ofHou has vastly improved its relationship with visitors and become a popular touristdestination by virtue of its beautiful nature, its proximity to Aalborg, and by the truetaste of Denmark offered at the ancient Raalingen cottage.

By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Jessi Strømsholt

A taste of history

For more information, please visit: www.raalingen.dk (available in Danish,English and German).


26 | Issue 77 | June 2015

The main event in the summer is of courseMidsummer Day on the Friday closest tothe 21st June and the longest day of theyear. This is when Swedes head outdoorsto pick flowers for garlands, make a may-pole to dance around while pretending tobe a little frog during the ‘Små Grodorna’(The Little Frogs) dance , and of course toeat herring, new potatoes and strawberrycake with lots of cream and sing songsand drink schnapps.Having survived the Midsummer celebra-tions it is very nearly time for the long

summer holiday. The Swedish cities tendto feel quite empty during the summermonths but it is a great time to visit.Restaurants and bars move outside andfestivals take place in all the main cities,for example the music festival Way outWest in Gothenburg and the Malmö Festi-val.

If you are in Gothenburg or Stockholm,make sure you hop on a boat and travel outin the archipelago. You don’t need to go farto find an island paradise. Fjäderholmarnais just about 15 minutes away from central

Stockholm. On the West coast you cantravel by tram from Gothenburg to Salthol-men and then on to the boats that take youout into the archipelago.

If you are in Skåne in the South of Sweden,you can enjoy long sandy beaches and pic-turesque seaside villages, cycle along thecoast line and even visit Swedish vine-yards. Or travel further north to SwedishLapland to experience the midnight sun,when the sun never sets over the magnif-icent national parks.

Welcome to celebrating summer in Sweden 2015!

Summer in Sweden is all about being outdoors as much as possible to make the mostof the sunlight. Most Swedes will take a long holiday in July or August of around onemonth to have time to really relax in their summer houses or just by the sea or a lake.

By Visit Sweden

Summer in Sweden 2015

SPECIAL

THEM

E:

BEST

SUMM

ER EX

PERIE

NCES

IN SW

EDEN 2015

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

Photo: Go�ran AssnerPhoto: Friluftsbyn Ho�ga Kusten

Photo: Johan WillnerPhoto: Simon Paulin


ARTIPELAGART MEETSNATURE

Artipelagstigen 1,Värmdö, Sweden

www.artipelag.se+46 8 570 130 00

20 mins from city centre

Enjoy the fresh ocean breeze and take a walk on our beautiful larch wood boardwalk.

Summer concerts with focus on jazz and classical music, 6 Thursday evenings starting on July 2.

This summer we celebrate three years of critically acclaimed art exhibitions, popular events and much appreciated food.

Photo exhibition ”Land Meets Water – European and American Photography from 1860 to the present”

Artipelag is an unique international meeting place, where art exhibitions, cultural activities, modern architecture, swedish design and excellent food is combined in an archipelago setting. The facility hosts two restaurants, both with outdoor terraces and service depending on season, a design shop with custom made products, several meeting rooms in varying sizes and a unique art exhibition hall.

Artipelag is easy to reach from the Stockholm city centre by bus or boat, please see our website for more information.

Ola

f O

tto

Bec

ker,

Hái

foss

wat

erfa

ll Ic

elan

d 0

7/2

000

©O

laf

Ott

o B

ecke

r


28 | Issue 77 | June 2015

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden

Just 30 km from the city of Skellefteå, in thenorthern parts of Sweden, lies the summerhaven Byske Havsbad. A paradise for peo-ple looking to enjoy the various excitementsthat the Swedish summer has to offer,where fun times for the entire family re-gardless of age and preferences is prom-ised. Start packing your bags and head forwhat many call Sweden’s (summer) heavenon Earth!

“People come to us from near and far to en-joy life thoroughly,” says Marie LindqvistHolmlund, manager of Byske Havsbad.“Swedish camping has a lot to offer every-one and we are proud of our hub where wehave gathered countless activities in a mar-vellous environment.” Indeed, Byske Havs-

bad has everything you could possibly wishfor in a vacation spot of this kind. “There isno need to go elsewhere to find what you’relooking for,” Holmlund assures. “We’ve gotit all.”

Byske Havsbad treats their visitors to manyevents with all the comforts of a top notchsummer resort. A café, a fully equippedutility and grocery shop and a brilliantrestaurant complement the activities sureto entertain every guest and visitor through-out the busy season. Days at the campingsite are filled with fun and games, the beachis a perfect family playground by day and aswell beach party by night, musical per-formances encouraging all dancing queensand kings and much, much more. Rest as-

sured, entertainment and social settingsare never far away at Byske Havsbad.

Camping is one of the Swedish summer’sabsolute highpoints, and every summer ap-proximately 100,000 to 110,000 people visitByske Havsbad to enjoy some well-de-served rest, sun and over all exciting times.Even if you’re not an experienced camper,Byske Havsbad is a great destination foryour summer holiday. With a wide range ofaccommodations you will with ease find anoption suitable for you and your travel com-panions.

“What’s so great about camping is the so-cial life it offers as well as a comfortableway to spend your holiday in true close-ness to nature,” says Holmlund. “After avisit, people almost always want to comeback for more.”

Summertime in Sweden attracts people from near and far who want nothing morethan to enjoy lush days and cool evenings. One place where this is at the top of theagenda is Byske Havsbad, a camping resort where the summer experiences are atthe very forefront.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Camilla Ojhammar

Summer splendour and charming camping

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

Photo: Jonas Westling

The cosy cabins are situated right by the beach, making the summer experience phenomenally close and accessible.


Issue 77 | June 2015 | 29


If you want to experience Stockholm a little dif-ferently this summer, Kajakkompaniet is wellworth a visit. Centrally located on Kungshol-men lies a great opportunity to see the capitalfrom an exciting perspective: one just abovethe glittering surface of Lake Mälaren.

With a wide range of kayaks and offers for bothbeginners and more skilled paddlers, Ka-jakkompaniet enhances this experience andare available for anyone that fancies a unique

twist on their stay in the Swedish capital. Theprofessional staff at Kajakkompaniet is at yourservice, providing an amazing opportunity torent a kayak and trek out on your own to expe-rience Stockholm from the water side. Situ-ated just a stone’s throw away from the citycentre they have packages and prices to fiteven the slimmer holiday budgets.

During the summer month’s people gather en-thusiastically to get a chance to split the calm

surface of the water with state of the artkayaks. Offering packages for companies aswell as small and large private group tours,Kajakkompaniet caters to most occasions.

Open until 9pm during the high season, Ka-jakkompaniet provides kayaking tours with adifferent spin: afternoon and evening paddling.Bring your friends, or head down on your ownafter a long day at the office for some soothingexercise just above the water’s surface. Ka-jakkompaniet welcomes you to experienceStockholm like never before.

A different perspective on city lifeSituated in close proximity of Stockholm City, those keen on experiencing a differentside of the Swedish capital will be happy to find Kajakkompaniet (the Kayak Company).How about an evening of inner-city kayaking to round off the day? You definitelywon’t regret it.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Kajakkompaniet

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

With music at the centre of attention, thisyear’s Karlshamn Baltic Festival will take placeon the 15-18 July. During four fun filled daysvisitors will flock to experience a wonderfulpick-and-mix of national and international per-formances, food, shopping and other joyousactivities. The festival will welcome everyonewith open arms in a splendid feast for all thesenses.

In the festival’s Baltic Song Contest, perform-ers from Sweden and its other nearby coun-tries compete against each other in a grandmusical battle; over ten different stages willprovide audiences with some of the most re-markable and spectacular shows you’ve everseen, and the international food stands will

have your mouths watering with delicaciesfrom all over the world. In addition to this, anentirely new skateboard ramp will be built,providing skating enthusiasts a proper meetingplace for practise, socialising, and competing.This and so much more makes KarlshamnBaltic Festival well worth a visit for the entirefamily.

So come on over! Bring your friends and fam-ily and take a stroll down the streets that offersyou entertainment and stimulation from thevery first to the very last step. Experience foryourself what it really is like to come togetherwith thousands of others over something aswonderful as music and culture. You won’t re-gret it for a second. We guarantee it.

A spectacular free festival for the entire family

For a few days in July, the town of Karlshamn hosts Karlshamn Baltic Festival, Öster-sjöfestivalen, where people from near and far will come and rejoice in what can onlybe described as a true, limitless street fest. Watch as the town puts on a magical dis-play of community, love and fun, reminding everybody who stops by that culture, is in-deed, made for us all. And what’s best: it won’t cost you a dime.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Östersjöfestivalen

For more information, please visit: www.karlshamn.se/Ostersjofestivalen


30 | Issue 77 | June 2015

“What we do so well is the range and va-riety of activities,” says Lina Siljegård, proj-ect manager at Destination Halmstad.“Halmstad during the summer is a fan-tastic smorgasbord of things to do and ex-perience, and due to the fact that it isn’t avery big city, everything is so close. Gettingaround is not something that ever standsin your way if you’re looking to fill your daywith different activities.”

The Golf Capital of Sweden

One of the many things that you can spendyour time on during a visit to the lovelycoastal pearl is golf. And quite a lot of ittoo. Halmstad houses approximately90,000 permanent residents and a stag-

gering ten golf courses! For a fairly smalltown the wide offer of different golf activ-ities and courses is unprecedented. “Ifyou’re looking to play some golf with asplendid variation, it doesn’t really get anybetter than this,” Siljegård says. “We haveone of the greatest golf courses in theworld, an internationally top-ranked train-ing facility, as well as traditional parkcourses, forest courses and courses rightby the water. Nature-wise, it gives for phe-nomenal experiences.”

Siljegård is not exaggerating. Halmstadalone sports 46 (!) nature reserves wherehiking trails, golf courses, waterfalls,rivers and the ocean come together in the

most wonderful display of natural rich-ness. Adding to this is the European TeamChampionship for men that will go downat the splendid Halmstad Golf Club inTylösand in July, which will only enhancea fantastic golf summer in Halmstad 2015.

A diverse summer city

Choosing Halmstad as your destinationof choice this summer is choosing a placethat has something to offer everyone.From the lushness of the nature, to thebuzzing vibe of the city central wherecafés, restaurants and shops all offer youheaps of enjoyment while still keepingthat small town feeling you can only getfrom a coastal gem like this. If you arelooking to sink your sun warm body intothe coolness of the sea, Halmstad has gotyou covered. Pearly white beaches, cliffcoasts, piers that takes you further out inthe open sea, or calm lakes; basicallyeverything you could ask for. “We reallytake advantage of our closeness to the

Last year’s winner (and this year’s runner up) of the title Summer City of Sweden,Halmstad, is now looking forward to yet another exciting season. In 2015 Halmstadis still going strong, demonstrating that when it comes to providing the best summeractivities and amusements, size really doesn’t matter.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: TheNilsson

Halmstad: The ultimate summer destination



Issue 77 | June 2015 | 31


water,” says Siljegård enthusiastically.“There are loads of water activities to bediscovered and if you don’t feel like gettingwet, taking a walk along the beach whilethe waves tickle your feet provides pre-cisely that sense of complete freedom andrelaxation many aspire to reach duringtheir time off work.”

If you are looking for a bit more upbeatfeatures to your stay, you won’t be disap-pointed. A mere ten-minute drive fromthe city centre lies Tylösand, known tomany as one of the greatest beaches inSweden. Every evening during the sum-mer months, Tylösand puts on greatbeach parties with live bands, bars andrestaurants sure to give everyone attend-ing a night they will be hard pressed toforget. People from all over come flockingto take part of the great scene where fa-mous and local DJ’s and bands help cre-ate a fantastically fun end of what is sureto be a joyous day in Summer Halmstad.

Still the ultimate summer destination

“The convenience of everything is proba-bly something people appreciate the mostwhen they come for a visit,” Siljegårdnotes. “Independently of the weather youalways find things to keep you occupied ina close proximity. People stay for a weekand still struggle to tick off everything ontheir to-do lists,” she says with a laugh.

And who can blame them? Halmstad is afantastic mixture of relaxation and activity,fun and serenity. The golfer’s opportuni-ties are never ending, and the connois-seurs’ taste buds are constantly providedwith delicacies. The party animals gettheir treats and the little mermaids andmermen will easily tour the varying coast-line without feeling a single stitch of rep-etition.

Even though 2014 was a great year forHalmstad as the faun-bearer of Swedishsummer destinations, 2015 gives promiseto an equally spectacular vacation sea-son. No matter what you want to do youwon’t have to go far to find it, and with arange like Halmstad, all your travel com-panions will be sure to get their holidaywishes fulfilled.

But why take our word for it, book your tripnow and see for yourself. But be warned:you may never want to leave.

Feeling the urge to swing some iron?Please visit www.golfhuvudstaden.sefor some more golf delights inHalmstad.

Photo: Patrick Leonardsson



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


32 | Issue 77 | June 2015


“What’s so great with Music at Lake Siljanis that it really invites you to experience somany different sides of music,” says DavidLundblad, Artistic Director of the festival.“Not only do we celebrate the art of mu-sic, but we also invite people to participatein various ways. It’s a great opportunity tosee different sides of genres you perhapsnormally wouldn’t come in contact with.”

During the festival week, 63 events willhave visitors flocking to take part in con-certs, traditional fiddler’s meetings, lec-tures and workshops in stunning sur-roundings. Spread out in the picturesquetowns of Leksand, Rättvik and Mora, thisfestival is as wide in its geography as it isin its musical categories. “It’s an enor-

mously varied music experience,” Lund-blad assures. “The festival has threemain pillars; lectures and workshops,dances and traditional fiddler’s meet-ings, as well as concerts. With this rangepeople are sure to get an all-round en-tertaining and stimulating experiencethey’ll never forget.”

Indeed, Music at Lake Siljan has a fullypacked schedule with various events. Intheir lectures and workshops visitors canlearn everything from the creativeprocess of writing music to the folk mu-sical art of kulning. For people inclined tomove their body’s in the rhythm of thedelightful tunes, every evening offersdances to live bands and fiddler perform-

ances; and finally the great range of con-certs throughout the province takes visi-tors from chamber music in old churchesto choirs, popular music, jazz and enter-taining concerts on big and small scenesall over the region.

“Traditionally this region is very culturerich,” Lundblad explains, “but during thisweek it’s all enhanced and highlightedand of course focusing greatly on music inevery shape and form. It doesn’t matterwho you are, what clothes you’re wearingor what musical background you comefrom – we welcome everyone and aim toentertain and mesmerise each and everyperson who decides to take part.”

For the 46th year in a row, visitors to the province of Dalecarlia will this summer beable to enjoy the fabulous festival Music at Lake Siljan (Musik vid Siljan, in Swedish).The proud people behind the festival are delighted to yet again invite you to a fantasticmix of classical and contemporary music and the creative process behind.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Martin Litens

An all-round music experience unlike any other

Music at Lake Siljan takes placebetween 27 June and 5 July

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


Issue 77 | June 2015 | 33


“What we are working very hard at doingis trying to bring in something that feelsvery timely and important here and now,into something that is considered rathertraditional,” says Anna Eklund-Tarantino,creative director at Musik på Slottet. “Wewant to lead the way forward in musicaldevelopment and acceptance, within aclassic genre.”

As far as culture goes, Musik på Slottet in-corporates a lot in their programme for2015. The music is influenced by variousgenres, but still with the classical musicas a solid foundation to build on. Accom-panying the performances are art exhibi-

tions with exquisite pieces audiences canfeast their eyes on when their ears need alittle break. “Our goal is to inspire as manypeople in as many ways as possible,” Ek-lund-Tarantino explains.

And a source of inspiration they are. Withan array of remarkable performances,Musik på Slottet will offer culture at it’svery finest and most diverse. With an in-credibly international ensemble, focus willstill lie on Swedish creators and artists,when gifted and immensely talented peo-ple enter the stage. “This year, we arehighlighting performances by artists withdisabilities,” says Eklund-Tarantino pas-

sionately. “Today it is so easy to thinkalong the lines of ‘us’ and ‘them’ and wewant to create a space where those twofactors become a ‘we’. Which is essen-tially what art and culture is all about,”she adds.

Broadcasted through various internetchannels, Musik på Slottet promises abroad and gripping experience. “We arefortunate enough to work with so manybrilliant artists, and many big national andinternational companies have also beeneager to get involved,” Eklund-Tarantinosums up. “I am so looking forward to in-troducing a new way of thinking around atraditional concept, where all the love andsupport that goes into this project reallyshines through. It will be such a joy to ex-perience.”

One of Sweden’s oldest music festivals, Musik på Slottet (Royal Palace Music Festi-val), with its highest patron His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, will this sum-mer welcome audiences to take part in a spectacular experience. Musicians from allover the world will put on magnificent concerts in the fabulous setting of the SwedishRoyal Palace in Stockholm. Spreading classical music, beyond the boundaries of tra-ditions, Musik på Slottet wants to open doors into new rooms where creativity and joycan come together and create an atmosphere where all is accepted, enjoyed and cel-ebrated.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Hannes Soderlund

Music beyond tradition

For more information, please visit: www.musikpaslottet.se andwww.royalpalacemusicfestivals.se

The Mozeraopera’s Don Giovanni with Peter Mattei, baritone, and Lucio Silla with design by a new design-star; modern music with a wheelchair ballet and Vivaldi’s TheSeasons with traditional costumes is just a tiny selection of the many performances that will grace the stage during the festival.


34 | Issue 77 | June 2015


A mere 30-minute car drive from the hustleand bustle of Stockholm City, Dalarö Kajakawaits. With services and experience packagesfor exciting visits in the lush Stockholm archi-pelago, they are one of the top adventureproviders in the Swedish capital. Known for thebeautiful scenery, Stockholm has since the be-ginning of time mesmerised visitors with itsviews and nature, and with a little help from

Dalarö Kajak, the opportunity to enjoy it upclose has never been better.

Dalarö Kajak offers various deals and pack-ages for kayaking in larger groups or smallerparties at any level. Their experienced staff arealways eager and ready to be of assistance,providing you with the best conditions possibleand making sure that your island hopping or

touring will be one you’re unlikely to forget.Working closely with hotels and restaurants inthe archipelago, Dalarö Kajak are able to offerall-round experiences where all needs and de-sired comforts will be carefully catered to forpeople wishing to spend more than just a fewhours paddling. Have your pick of various typesof kayaking, like the brand new Mindfulness Paddling, where Dalarö Kajak has created astress free experience in mixing paddling witha yoga and chi gong approach, perfect to calmyour nerves and make you relax in a supremesetting that will never disappoint.

Serenity and adventure just above the surface

Dalarö Kajak is one of the biggest kayak experience companies in Stockholm, Swe-den. Here, people are free to rent kayaks and trek out in the archipelago on their ownas well as take part in one of the tours on offer. Half a day, one day or longer week-ends, the choice is yours entirely when venturing off to one of the most memorableexperiences of your life.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Dalarö Kajak

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

Working towards establishing themselves asan active hub for outdoor experiences, NordicOutdoorGuiding is a kayak and outdoor activitycompany offering rental equipment of the high-est standards, for an active experience in theSwedish wilderness. With the love for paddlingin focus, Nordic OutdoorGuiding offers a widerange of different ways to enjoy nature. One ofthe most recent editions to their stable of wa-ter-based equipment is SUP (Stand up Pad-dling), a great way to calmly and excitingly nav-

igate your way through the waters on a sur-prisingly stabile board.

The company is run by professional staff want-ing nothing more than to help you master theequipment and talk to you about the great out-doors. All kayaks are brilliantly well kept and ofinternationally acclaimed brands and models.Nordic OutdoorGuiding offers something forkayak enthusiasts at any level. Try on a state ofthe art kayak before you buy one, rent one for

a day, or stay out for several days and enjoy lifeon the water surface: whatever you fancy isready and available. With introduction courses,guided tours and an atmosphere inviting anynature lover, your needs are sure to be takencare of.

Just head on down and start paddling, but don’tbe surprised if you won’t be able to stop.

Nordic OutdoorGuidingIn the great summer city Västervik, in the Swedish province of Småland, people flockevery year to be able to enjoy some true Swedish nature along with the good vibe andatmosphere the friendly region provides. Put a little twist on your visit this year andbe sure to visit Nordic OutdoorGuiding, for a close encounter with the great landscape.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Nordic Outdoorguiding

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


Issue 77 | June 2015 | 35


“We are at our very best when the sky isblue, the ocean calm and the sun sethigh,” says Jonas Rincon-Dahlberg ofRibersborgs Kallbadhus. “The sensationof being this close to the open sea and stilljust a few minutes from Malmö City offersan instant relief and relaxation, which isexactly what we want to provide our visi-tors with.”

Guests are welcome to swim and bathe inthe two great outdoor pools, sunbathe,enjoy the saunas, a relaxing massage orsatisfy the taste buds with the talentedchef’s masterpieces in the soothing andbreathtakingly beautiful atmosphere. Justtake a walk down the 200 metre long pierand embrace paradise.

No shortcuts are taken when it comes toproviding nothing but the best. “Our foodfor example is made from the freshestproduce and is cooked with precision andcare,” Dahlberg says. “People come hereto enjoy themselves and therefore we willnever serve anything that we are not com-pletely satisfied with. The same goes forall our offers and services.”

Dating back to 1898, Ribersborgs Kall-badhus carries a strong legacy, which is tobe found in the facility, from the structureto the interior. “We are proud of our pastand love to put the historic events thathave taken place here on display,” saysDahlberg. “We have of course gonethrough renovations and rebuilding in or-

der to expand and evolve, but the spirit oftimes past very much runs through everyroom.”

Summer season is wedding season forRibersborgs Kallbadhus, who are fullybooked with happy couples wanting theperfect location for their perfect day.However, this is not a place reserved forformal events only, Dahlberg assures.“People come in big or small groups orby themselves to relax after a long day atthe office with a drink and a lightersnack. Even if you don’t make a full dayout of it, this is still a fantastic spot thatprovides a true sense of freedom sur-rounded with people who are simply en-joying life.”

For a wonderful atmosphere in an historic building, with professional staff dedicatedto providing you with the utmost comfort, Ribersborgs Kallbadhus really is an oasiswell worth exploring. With the highest standards of service and well-being, this venuehas everything you need to accomplish true relaxation. Go on, pay them a visit, youknow you deserve it.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Ribersborgs Kallbadhus

Ribersborgs Kallbadhus – a feast for the mind, body and soul

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


36 | Issue 77 | June 2015


“Every summer we offer something com-pletely exceptional,” says Sten Niclas-son, creative director at Opera på Skäret.“In the middle of the forest, as close asyou can possibly get to Swedish nature,we provide world class opera in the mostspectacular setting you can imagine.”

Situated just outside of Kopparberg in themiddle regions of Sweden, the landscapeis indeed unprecedented. The lush forestmakes for a beautiful backdrop whensingers and musicians from all over theworld step onto the stages of what usedto be an old timber storage facility. “Theacoustic in the venue is unlike anywhereelse,” Niclasson says passionately. “Es-

tablished singers from opera scenes allover the world come here to perform andthey all agree, our sound is unbeatable.”

This summer, Opera på Skäret invites youto a cultural feast unlike any other. TheOpera Pub, for example, provides food,drinks and a small stage where a pianoand singers will keep you thoroughly en-tertained. "The programme is never pre-set,” Niclasson explains. “Whatever is be-ing performed is completely up to themusicians which makes for many lovelysurprises, both for us and the audience.”In addition to this, three different con-certs will fill the chamber stage duringthe summer and last, but by no means

least: Opera på Skärets proudly presentsLa Traviata on their big stage. “What is sogreat about La Traviata, apart from beinga phenomenal opera,” Niclasson ex-plains, “is that it is a great piece for anykind of audience. It is a fantastic firstopera and it only gets better the more youlisten to it.” Performing this magnificentVerdi masterpiece is an array of interna-tional singers, accompanied by theSwedish Chamber Orchestra in the pit. “Itis the most international and globallyrenowned ensemble we’ve had in years,”says an enthusiastic Niclasson.

Every year Opera på Skäret arranges an opera festival with productions for both na-tional and international audiences. With a mixture of new talent as well as renownednames from the grand scene of global classical music, each performance is deliveredto the highest standards, providing delighted audiences with the very best of the clas-sical genre.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Andreas Hylthen

World class culture in the heart of Swedish nature

5, 12, 19 July – Concerts10, 24 July, 7, 21 August – Opera Pub1 – 30 August – La Traviata

Photo: Opera på SkäretPhoto: Opera på Skäret

Opera på Skäret have their own trainstation! Getting here couldn’t be easier.For details and more information,please visit www.operapaskaret.se



Svansele Wilderness Centre is available tobook every day of the year, and as a visitor youwill find things to keep you occupied through-out all hours of the day. The resources forfantastic experiences are nearly endless inSvansele, where the landscape invites you toa wide array of activities and opportunitiesfor play and exploration. With an elk safari(with an elk spotting guarantee!), snowmobileriding, saunas, mountain biking, fishing, boattours and much more - Svansele has it all.

There is no occasion Svansele WildernessCentre doesn’t cater to. With a state of the artconference facility (wildlife themed, ofcourse), room for approximately 116 overnightguests, the new hotel Knuteshotell offeringaccommodating and comfortable rooms rightby the beautiful river and the Wilderness Ex-hibition that will give you a spectacular insight

of true, untouched Swedish nature, the Cen-tre makes sure that all bases are covered.

Northern Sweden is known as a place wherethe local produce makes even the pickiestconnoisseur’s taste-buds water with pleas-ure. Try delicacies such as bear, beaver, thenorthern specialty souvas, and homemadehard-bread and rejoice in the fantastic thingsthe Swedish northern nature provides.

So make sure to stop by for your next visit inthe fantastic north of Scandinavia and get ataste of all the things the Centre, and nature,has to offer. We know you’ll love it.

Never-ending nature and fantastic adventures

For a chance to experience some true Northern Swedish wildlife, Svansele WildernessCentre is unprecedented. With nature richer than anywhere else, Svansele offers youa close encounter with a landscape so breathtakingly beautiful you’ll be hard pressedto find a reason to leave.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Svansele Wilderness Centre

No need for booking: The WildernessExhibition is run on a drop in basisduring the summer. A visit couldn’t beeasier!

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


38 | Issue 77 | June 2015

Iceland is commonly known as 'the landof fire and ice', a title that has only beenmagnified since Game of Thrones filmedtheir third season on its mysteriouslands. With some of the largest glaciersin Europe and the most active volcanoesin the world, this is no surprise – Icelandis as pure as it is fiery.

Widely regarded as one of the mostpeaceful countries in the world with afriendly population and high quality oflife, it’s no wonder that tourists are

flocking to get a taste of Icelandic lifeand culture. From the buzzing streets inReykjavik to the small villages in thehighlands, Iceland’s cultural experi-ences stretch across the entire countrywithout slowing down. Visit mesmeris-ing natural wonders, hike up the moun-tains under the never-ending summersun, or take in the sight of seals as theyplay around in the wild ocean. A holidayin Iceland can simply take you anywhereand when it comes to accommodation,your choices are equally diverse. Camp

in the wild, enjoy luxury in a vibrant cityor retreat to a little cottage in the coun-tryside.

Icelandic culture and tradition is shapedby years of solitude in the middle of theNorth Atlantic ocean, influenced byScandinavian forces and Mother Na-ture’s very own gifts. Despite being oneof the most sparsely populated coun-tries in the world, its brand reaches far.Icelandic people are progressive andmodern with a strong commitment toprotect their environment, and if youhappen to set foot in the breathtakingvalleys shielded by mountains pointingup to the open skies, you understandwhy. Iceland is simply stunning, home toa culture that is just as creative as itsnature. This is a country that is not to bemissed.

Iceland is a country shaped by volcanic forces and untouched landscapes, covered inlush forests and open fields. Experience green valleys, solitary highland, glaciers andactive volcanoes. Wander off to the black sandy beaches before embracing the magicof Icelandic folklore by looking for the hidden elves. Icelandic culture is full of sur-prises and magical tales, all you need is an open mind.

By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Iceland.is

Iceland - The land of fire and ice

SPECIAL

THEM

E:

ICELAN

DIC CU

LTURE DE

LIGHTS


Issue 77 | June 2015 | 39

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Icelandic Culture Delights

After crossing nearly 20 rivers while en-joying plenty of scenery, you reach the be-ginning of two renowned Icelandic hikingtrails and enter the heart of Volcano Huts,a company that prides itself on its outdoorcommunity-spirit. Here, in the middle ofnature, hikers and adventurers alike jointogether in their love of hiking.

“Our biggest appeal is our proximity tonature. You can only get here by mountainbus, modified 4WD cars or on foot, whichmakes the journey quite an adventure.Once you are here you are far away fromany sort of city bustle, completely at onewith nature,” explains Bjarni Freyr, co-founder and CEO of Volcano Huts. Since2012, the travel company has offered

tours, activities and a place to relax. Stayat a campsite, rent a hut or share a roomwith fellow travellers. Volcano Huts has itall.

“We are a mountain resort, but a rusticone. We offer people the basic comfortthey need such as good food to keep theirenergy up for different activities,” explainsFreyr. During the summer, visitors canenjoy yoga classes and massage and theirnatural pool is steaming with warm waterfrom the valley. However, the biggest at-traction remains nature itself. VolcanoHuts is an open community where trav-ellers meet and share their love of theoutdoors. During hikes people sometimesmake friends and end up hanging out

around the campfire in the evenings. It’san authentic and real experience, a dif-ferent way to explore Iceland and that’sexactly what Volcano Huts is all about.

“We are not a five-star hotel, nor do we tryto be. Here nature always comes first. Weare open all year round, so if you like rus-tic and you wish to hike the trails or wit-ness the striking sight of the NorthernLights from the Þórsmörk valley in winter,Volcano Huts is the place for you," saysFreyr.

Volcano Huts is perhaps one of the best hidden resorts in Iceland. The rustic moun-tain accommodation can be found in the midst of Þórsmörk Nature Reserve, situatedin a lush valley next to the Eyjafjallajökull volcano and glacier. Getting there is partof the adventure and well worth the effort. Open all year round, visitors can experi-ence anything from snowshoeing under the Northern Lights in winter to hiking theendless trails in summer, surrounded by diverse volcanic landscapes.

By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Volcano Huts

Rustic comfort in the Icelandic wilderness

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


40 | Issue 77 | June 2015

With over 20 years experience in outdoorescapades, Icelandic Mountain Guideshave established themselves as the pre-mier adventure company in Iceland.Driven by their passion for nature and theoutdoors, the highly qualified guides areready to show you Iceland’s best knownsights and more in a whole new light. Onmany of the tours that last for severaldays, you’ll stay in quaint country guest-houses along the way and be transportedto all your hiking destinations in top ofthe range four-wheel drives.

On the increasingly popular Volcanic Trailstrek you’ll find out just why Iceland iscalled the land of ice and fire, as you ven-

ture across volcanoes and past glaciersand geothermal hot springs. Over the fivedays of the Kingdom of Volcanoes andGlacier trip, you’ll see it all, the mightyGeysir and Gullfoss waterfall, picturesqueSkaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park andthe stunning Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon.During winter, this tour transforms intothe Kingdom of Glaciers and NorthernLights tour, hopefully including the addedbonus of witnessing the northern lightsdancing above all those spectacular land-scapes.

For food lovers, the Cultural Taste of Ice-land tour, run in partnership with IcelandRovers, is not to be missed. A fantastic

way to discover all the country’s weird andwonderful culinary traditions, this tourtakes you right to the source of the localfood and, as always, there are naturalwonders in abundance.

If your time is limited, opt for one of themany year-round day tours on offer. Toursrun not only from the capital Reykjavik,but also Skaftafell and Skógar in thesouth, so you can hop on wherever youhappen to be staying. “We also offer cus-tom travel arrangements for individualsand families to create unique adventures,accommodating special wishes and in-terests,” says Arnar Már Ólafsson, direc-tor of marketing. “All tours are run insmall groups, so whatever you choose,you’re guaranteed a personal experience.”

With everything from leisurely trail walks to full on arctic marathons, thrilling superjeep trips to food tasting tours, Icelandic Mountain Guides have something for every-one. Pick a tour your nerves and endurance level can handle and discover Iceland asit is meant to be experienced – up in the mountains at the mercy of nature and theelements.

By Stephanie Lovell

Embracing the elements

For more information, please visit: www.mountainguides.is andwww.icelandrovers.is


Photo: Arnar Ma�r O�lafssonPhoto: Craig Downing

Photo: Gregory Gerault Photo: Dorian Tsai


Issue 77 | June 2015 | 41

From the early 1900s to the late 1960s, theherring industry was booming in Iceland. Her-ring accounted for 25 per cent of the country’stotal export earnings, with countries like Den-mark, Germany and Russia seemingly unableto eat their fill. Yet in 1969, the industry wassuddenly wiped out when herring was no longerto be found in the northernmost seas.

The Herring Era Museum commemorates thisimportant chapter of the nation’s history. Relivethe time when Siglufjörður was a thriving her-ring village through five exhibitions housed inRóaldsbrakki, a restored salting station. Thereare also exhibitions at Grána, a 1950s fish oiland meal factory, the Boathouse where 11boats and ships lie at dock and inNjarðarskemma, which tells the town’s historyof hydro-electric power and a 1930s slipway.

July is always an exciting time for the mu-seum with the town’s folk music festival tak-ing place at the beginning of the month.What’s more, there are performances everySaturday on the deck of Róaldsbrakki, withlocal 'herring girls' demonstrating how to saltherring. Once their work is done, they’ll singsongs with an accordion and invite visitors todance with them along the dock.

Just an hour’s drive from Akureyri and openevery day, this shining example of a heritagemuseum is not to be missed. “The HerringEra Museum is the largest maritime and in-dustrial museum in the country,” says AnitaElefsen, curator. “It is also the only Icelandicmuseum to have won an international award,which is testament to its great value and rel-evance today.”

Revisit the heart of the herring industryThe Herring Era Museum is an award-winning homage to the history of Iceland’s onceprosperous herring industry. Be sure to add the charming northern town ofSiglufjörður to your itinerary to catch all the museum’s festivities this summer.

By Stephanie Lovell

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

Comprising a hotel and restaurant like no other,Viking Village transports you back to the VikingAge. As a hotel guest, you’ll live like a Viking, butwith all the 21st-century luxuries you’re used to,including free parking and WiFi, as well as ahot pot and sauna.

“There really is no place like the Viking Villagerestaurant. We serve genuine Icelandic food, but

there are also European-style options for thosewho can’t stomach sheep’s head, shark anddried fish,” says Jóhannes Vidar Bjarnason,owner. “Most evenings there is live music pro-vided by real-life Vikings. Groups can arrange tobe ‘kidnapped’ from their coach as they arrive,after which they’ll be brought to a cave for somemead and a singsong. It’s a great start to theevening.”

Just 10 minutes away, Fisherman’s Villagestands on a historic spit of land, which up until1860 was one of the biggest fisheries in thecountry. Everything in the guesthouse andrestaurant has been kept in the charming styleof those times. “You get as close to nature as itis possible to be, with the sea just three metresaway from you,” says Bjarnason. “You can seelots of birdlife and sometimes even seals andwhales swimming nearby.”

The 20th annual Viking Festival will be held inHafnarfjördur this June. Three hundred Vikingsfrom all over Europe are expected to gather to-gether for what promise to be festivities you re-ally mustn’t miss.

Unforgettable experiences at the twoIcelandic themed villagesEver wanted to drink mead with a Viking or fall asleep to the sounds of the sea? Allthis and more is possible at the two themed villages in Hafnarfjördur, just ten min-utes’ drive from Reykjavik city centre. A visit to either Viking Village or Fisherman’sVillage will be an unforgettable experience of fun for the whole family.

By Stephanie Lovell | Photos: Viking Village

Photo: Fiann Paul

Photo: Sigurður Ægisson


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


42 | Issue 77 | June 2015


“We want wildlife tourism to be sustainablewithout having a negative impact on theenvironment," says Unnur Hilmarsdóttir,managing director at The Icelandic SealCenter, a pillar in the community, foundedby locals in a quest to turn Hvammstangiinto the seal-watching capital of Iceland.This year they will be celebrating theirtenth anniversary - and there is a lot tocheer for.

“We have seen an incredible increase invisitors. Last year alone, 20,000 people vis-ited and that is amazing. We think it’s im-portant to spark an interest in wildlife andwe do whatever we can to educate the pub-lic,” explains Hilmarsdóttir. Those who come to get a glimpse of the

seals at the peninsula often stop by thecentre first. Here, they are greeted by thestaff, all experts bursting with enthusiasm,before going through to the exhibition.

“Visitors are often surprised by how in-formative it is. They learn new things, notjust about seals and biology but also aboutthe important role seals have played in Ice-landic life throughout time,” says Hilmars-dóttir, adding that seal-watching is onlyone of the many adventures awaiting thosewho visit Hvammstangi. Located in North-west Iceland, mid way between Reykjavikand Akureyri, tourists will find plenty ofthings to do in the area. Horse riding, horseshows, bird-watching, boat trips and afarm zoo are just some of the exciting ac-

tivities in store for those who stop by. Visi-tors leave the centre equipped with newknowledge, ready to go seal-watching andexplore the many local attractions, sur-rounded by compelling, rugged land-scapes.

“This is just the ideal destination for trav-ellers. With some of the biggest sealcolonies in Iceland and a wealth of unspoiltnature, it’s not hard to see why people keepcoming back,” concludes Hilmarsdóttir,hoping that the future will turn even morevisitors into wildlife-enthusiasts.

Witness the sight of seals splashing around the Icelandic shores by visiting theseal-watching locations at Vatnsnes Peninsula. The Icelandic Seal Center in Hvamm-stangi provides visitors with information on exciting wildlife experiences along withinformative exhibitions and research publications that help the tourist industry setethical standards across the country. Iceland’s seals are more than just gripping an-imals. They are a part of Icelandic culture, beloved and rarely forgotten.

By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Petur Jonsson

The sustainable seal-capital of Iceland

For more information, please visit: www.selasetur.is/en/


Issue 77 | June 2015 | 43

“Our biggest strength as tour operators isour ability to attract skilled professionals toguide our tours. We offer holidays thatcombine people’s interests with their urgeto see Iceland,” says Kalla Björg Karlsdót-tir, who founded Esja Travel with KristínSverrisdóttir in 2009. Together they haveadded something rather unique to the Ice-landic tourist industry. Apart from tradi-tional holidays and guided tours aroundthe beautiful island, they offer a wide rangeof workshops and tours tailored towardspeople with special interests.

“Our photo and knitting tours are highlypopular. Knitting is an important part ofIcelandic culture and most women havebeen to a knitting club at some point in

their lives,” explains Karlsdóttir. Instead ofjust offering a normal knitting course, EsjaTravel has two different tours available.One that focuses solely on the craft and itsculture and another that combines it withadventurous trips.

“We call it From Sheep to Sweater. Peopleget to visit the places where the wool ismade and learn vital knitting skills, whichgives them a proper sense of what the knit-ting-culture means to us Icelandics,” con-tinues Karlsdóttir.

The remote landscapes and cultural tradi-tions also fuels the travellers' desire totake photos. Iceland is a great destinationfor artistically minded nature enthusiasts

and Esja Travel offers themed photo toursall year round.

“During the summer, visitors benefit from24-hour sunlight, surrounded by colourfullandscapes and bright skies. Winter time ischaracterised by arctic darkness, idealconditions for spotting the Northern Lights.This is a big attraction, especially for peo-ple on our photo tours,” tells Karlsdóttir.Esja Travel also offers family-tours, yogaretreats, and several summer and winteradventures, including self-drive tours. Thisis a company sparkling with creativity. Soget ready to hone your skills - Iceland iserupting with opportunities.

Esja Travel is one of Iceland’s most exciting providers of specialised tours, giving vis-itors the chance to combine travelling with a valuable learning experience. Capturethe essence of the Northern Lights on the edge of the Arctic Circle, spin wool andhand knit with Icelandic knitters, or simply retreat to a state of mindfulness with adose of yoga. By indulging in your favorite interest you get to discover Iceland froma different angle. And Esja Travel helps you on your way.

By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Esja Travel

A travel adventure fuelled by creativity

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



44 | Issue 77 | June 2015


“The Guesthouse is close to the moststunning natural wonders in Iceland. It‘sthe perfect base for exploring nature. I of-ten describe it as a diamond in the moun-tains, because it really is!“ exclaims IngiÞór, the acting manager of Allseaonhotels,an Icelandic hotel group that, apart fromthe guesthouse, consists of Highland Ho-tel and Hotel Ranga. However, nothingbeats the remote location of HrauneyjarGuesthouse.

“This is a place where people can relax, eatfood and venture into the adventurous Ice-

landic landscapes. Our staff is alwayscheerful and ready to provide a good serv-ice. We have a very homely atmospherehere at the Guesthouse,“ explains Þór,who is now in the process of expanding theplace, adding more rooms to the place.

Tourists are flocking to Hrauneyjar in theircars, ready to explore the area. But forthose who seek to explore the rocky roadsand go off the beaten track, HrauneyjarGuesthouse have jeeps available for rentalbetween 1 June and 1 October. Travellingaround the area is a pleasant experience

with friendly locals who tend to speak goodEnglish. See impressive sights such as thevolcanic canyon Eldgjá, the famous vol-cano Hekla, or dive into the hot spring Sel-javallalaug - the list is endless.

But some places are more peculiar thanothers. “Whenever visitors come here toexplore Iceland we always make sure thatwe guide them to some of the hiddentreasures that cannot be found in theguidebooks. Deep in the wilderness won-ders await everywhere,” confides Þór, whoalso reveals that Iceland is a nation of be-lievers. All around the country people stillbelieve in elves and trolls and if you visitthe strange lava formations, you might justget a glimpse of an elf. A visit to Hrauney-jar Guesthouse brings you one step closerto the magic.

Hrauneyjar Guesthouse offers countryside-style accommodation in the middle of Ice-land’s most gripping natural landscapes, surrounded by highland, in close proxim-ity to volcanoes, waterfalls, rivers and glaciers. This is the last stop before ventur-ing into the remote heart of Iceland. A land where magical creatures are lurkingbehind the rocks, winters are lit up by the Northern Lights and the summers areblessed with never-ending sunlight. Hrauneyjar Guesthouse is your gateway to theIcelandic fairyland. Get ready for wildlife encounters – and don’t get surprised if youare greeted by a charming elf.

By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Hrauneyjar Guesthouse

Your gateway to the Icelandic fairyland

For more information, please visit: www.allseasonhotels.iswww.hrauneyjar.is

Photo: Phil Nuttridge


Issue 77 | June 2015 | 45


When the last soldiers left America’sNATO base in Keflavik in 2006, the Ice-landic Government established the Ke-flavik Airport Development Corporation(Kadeco) to oversee the biggest transfor-mation of property and land the countryhas ever seen. The area was christenedÁsbrú, which according to Norse mythol-ogy is the bridge between the world ofmen and the world of the gods. Today, Ás-brú serves as the bridge between knowl-edge and innovation, education and agreen future.

With an international harbour and well-connected international airports in closevicinity, Ásbrú is ideally located for fast-growing companies looking to relocate.By doing so, you’ll instantly make yourcompany greener, with 100 per cent of

your electrical energy needs coming fromrenewable energy sources thanks to Ice-land’s geothermal and hydro powerplants. Furthermore, Iceland boasts oneof the worlds most reliable energy grids inaddition to a stable climate, meaning thatinternational data centres enjoy yearround free cooling to reduce their energycosts. Such green benefits have attractedcompanies specialising in nutraceuticalproduction from microalgae and the ex-traction of silica from geothermal seawa-ter.

Business stands side by side with acade-mia at Keilir—the Atlantic Centre of Ex-cellence consisting of a health and edu-cation school, an institute of technologyand an aviation academy. “Keilir servesas the academic backbone to our busi-

ness development,” says SigurgesturGudlaugsson, project manager for strat-egy and marketing at Kadeco. “The centrefocuses on the same sectors as we do forthe area’s development, thereby creatingdirect value to companies located in thearea, giving them access to research fa-cilities, knowledge and a better-educatedworkforce.”

Recently, Iceland has become a hot spotfor film- and TV-makers hungry for stun-ning landscapes. Atlantic Studios Icelandin Ásbrú is a premier film studio with first-class accommodation onsite, making it afantastic place to set up camp while film-ing. “It takes no time to get anywhere inthe country you might want to shoot,” saysGudlaugsson. “We can be very flexible andaccommodating to your needs - the pos-sibilities are endless.”

What used to be the American NATO base is rapidly transforming into Iceland’s mostinnovative and green area. Comprising of a business incubator, a forward-thinkingeducational institute and a cutting-edge film studio, Ásbrú is the place to take yourideas to the next level.

By Stephanie Lovell | Photos: Atlantic Studios

Bridging the gap between knowledge and innovation for a greener future

For more information, please visit: asbru.iskadeco.isatlanticstudios.is


46 | Issue 77 | June 2015


Travelling in Iceland offers endless pos-sibilities and it is easy to get over-whelmed with the exciting buffet of ac-tivities and adventures. Iceland Unlimitedhelps people plan their vacation andtakes pride in providing everyone with awonderful vacation experience. The com-pany has pioneered by specialising in ac-cessible trips for disabled travellers andwith an experienced team of creativepeople, that focuses on finding solutionsto every challenge, the company has re-cieved excellent reports from happy va-cationers and was recently awarded thecoveted 2015 Certificate of Excellence onTripAdvisor.

Our philosophy is simple, says Ben-jamínsson: “Our aim is to treat the cus-tomer in the same way we would want tobe treated if we were the travellers.”

Although the top tourist season in Icelandruns from June through to August, IcelandUnlimited does not limit its trips and serv-ice to the summer season alone.

“It’s really good to visit Iceland in Mayand September as well,” says Ben-jamínsson. “With fewer people aroundand lower prices on rental cars and ac-commodation yet still all the main activ-ities running, such as boat trips on

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, dog sled-ding tours and snorkeling the lava fis-sure, it can be a great option.”

In the winter season Iceland Unlimitedtakes its guests on Northern Light themedtours where people can take on a winteradventure and experience the warmthwithin the cold as Iceland is known fornot only being the land of ice but also theland of geothermal hot tubs and warmhouses. After a day of sledding withhuskies, hiking on glaciers or taking self-ies with snowmen you can find yourselfsitting under the arctic skies soaking inwarm water, sipping on champagne “andif everything works in your favour youcould be witnessing the breath-takingdance of the Northern Lights,” says Ben-jamínsson.

Some people are unstoppable. When they face storms in life they use it as a force tohelp them grow stronger. Jón Gunnar Benjamínsson the CEO and owner of IcelandUnlimited is one of those people. After working in the tourism field for a few years,a car accident left him paraplegic. Today he is running his own travel agency and touroperator company, Iceland Unlimited, specialising in tailor made self-drive holidaysand guided private tours all year round in Iceland and Greenland.

By Ingunn Huld Sævarsdóttir | Photos: Jon Helgi Snorrason

Tailor-made tours in Iceland and Greenland

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

Photo: Fjallabak

Photo: Karl Olafsson


Issue 77 | June 2015 | 47


Iceland has become the number one stop-off destination connecting Europe andNorth America. If you’re departing on anearly morning flight or arriving late atnight, look no further than Hotel Keilir foraccommodation. Located in the centre ofKeflavík, it is also the perfect base fromwhich to explore the rest of the beautifulReykjanes peninsula.

The clean, modern and bright rooms areequipped with a TV, complementary WiFiand a minibar. “In addition to single, twinand double rooms, we have three to five-person rooms, which are perfect for fam-ilies who often have to book two or morebedrooms to accommodate everyone,”says hotel owner Bryndís Thorsteinsdóttir.Guests can relax after a long day of trav-elling at the hotel bar. If you need a bite to

eat, there are plenty of shops and restau-rants within walking distance.

Guests rave about the unbelievable viewsover the Atlantic Ocean and Faxaflói baywith Reykjavík and Mount Esja in the dis-tance. On clear days, you can see all theway over to the mighty Snæfellsjökull gla-cier in the west of the country. Take astroll along the walking paths by the shoreand you might even spot a whale. Alter-natively, you can always arrange a whale-watching tour through the tourist com-pany Viking Guide, which operate throughthe hotel.

If time allows, there is plenty to see in thesurrounding area. Of course, everyonewants to bathe in the renowned Blue La-goon, which is easily accessible from the

hotel. In Keflavík, there’s the Viking Worldmuseum, which is run in cooperation withthe Smithsonian Institution in WashingtonD.C. and has five exhibitions, including animpressive Viking ship model. Hop on theReykjanes Circle tour to see the geother-mal area Gunnuhver, Valahnúkur moun-tain and the Bridge Between Continents,which is built over the fissure betweenthe Eurasian and North American tectonicplates. Viking Guide are happy to bookwhatever tour takes your fancy, as well asto arrange transport and car hire for you.

Just a five-minute drive from Keflavík International Airport, family-friendly HotelKeilir is in the perfect location for a quick stop-off in Iceland. Yet with nature and cul-ture on its doorstep, this is more than just your average airport hotel. Stay a littlelonger and discover all the surrounding area has to offer.

By Stephanie Lovell | Photos: Hotel Keilir

An airport hotel with nature on its doorstep

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


48 | Issue 77 | June 2015

According to a recent study by BI Norwe-gian Business School, it is clever to giveaway a brand's country of origin in thecompany name. This is often the case if itis a product with a potential to be associ-ated with the country’s nature and well-known way of life. For Norway, this can beproducts such as clothing suitable forrough and cold weather, or food productssuch as salmon, which we know thrivebetter in cold waters. In cases likethis, adding Norway to the com-pany name, will give trustworthi-ness. On the contrary, if wanting tosell items such as sun protectioncreams or orange juice, Florida orAustralia would probably be a bet-ter choice.

The researcher’s conclusion is thatthe link between a country’s imageand the product’s characteristics,determines whether the country

of origin affects the buyer behavior. Many companies in Norway have chosento add Norway in its name; such as“Bergans of Norway”, “Moods of Norway”and “Dale of Norway”. Others have chosengeographically neutral brand names,which can work very well, too. At Innova-tion Norway (yes, we do have Norway inour name as well), we are proud to workwith so many great Norwegian compa-

nies regardless of names and products.Our mission is to help with financing serv-ices, advise on markets in several regionsall over the world, contribute to build net-works and offer competence training. Andwe give professional advice on design andbranding.

In fact, we recently launched a new divi-sion at Innovation Norway called Brand

Norway. As the new director ofthis division I look forward to pro-moting all that Norway has to of-fer for tourists, business in-vestors and entrepreneurs allover the world.

We applaud this special issueabout Norwegian brands and en-courage you to keep your eyesopen for everything made in Nor-way!

Made in Norway – a clever thing to say

SPECIAL

THEM

E:

MADE IN NO

RWAY

Cathrine Pia Lund. Photo: Press Image

Photo: Heimen

By Cathrine Pia Lund, Director of Brand Norway, Innovation Norway | Photos: Pur-Norsk


Issue 77 | June 2015 | 49

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Norway

Hemnesberget is a little village in Norway,just south of Mo i Rana. In the midst ofmountains and right by the fjord, thehomes here house many creative souls.Goldsmith Merete Mattson is one of them.Her combined studio and shop was builtright by the water, so close that the gushof water reaches her front door every timea storm is brewing. It is far from onehouse to the next and there is hardly anytraffic to speak of. That leaves room forthe untamed nature to flourish. There isno place like it. “The views are fantastic,even when the sky is grey,” Mattson ex-plains.

And it is in these stunning surroundingsthat the 52-year old finds the passion tocreate her jewellery brand Gullblom. Shedesigns necklaces, earrings and braceletsthat are all unique to the North. While oneof her collections consist of glimmeringsilver shells, another has the familiarshape of the northern lights. She usesprecious metals, shimmering stones andboth rough and fine shapes to form herjewellery. The nature outside Mattson’swindow is always changing and so is herwork. Her latest necklaces look likesparkling snow crystals, undoubtedly in-spired by the white winter months. She of-

ten incorporates wavy motions into herextraordinary collections, representing thewaves of the sea, the northern lights andthat of the wind. “You find inspiration inwhat is close to your heart. In my case,that happens to be the nature of theNorth,” Mattson says.

It is not always easy to run a creative busi-ness from the rural parts of Norway, butit seems the unique style of Gullblom isstarting to get attention from across thecountry. Soon Mattson will be welcomingguests to her very own café and gallery,where she plans to exhibit her own workas well as that of other Northern artists.There is no doubt that the Gullblom ad-venture is only just beginning.

One look outside her workshop window is all the inspiration Merete Mattson needs.From the mesmerising beauty of her surroundings she creates the most wonderfuljewellery, capturing the essence of the North’s cold winter days and long summernights. Wearing the northern lights around your neck is not as impossible as youmight think.

By Stine Wannebo | Photos: Julia Marie Naglestad

With a touch of the northern lights

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


50 | Issue 77 | June 2015


“The business idea was as simple as theclothing: I wanted to make sustainablefashion without all the fuss, clothes thatwere comfortable and wearable – itemsone wouldn’t long to change out of imme-diately after leaving the office. I figuredthere had to be a way to combine Nordicminimalism, soft fabrics, natural materi-als like wool, cotton and silk and a neatsilhouette to create fashion that peoplewould actually want to wear,” says Godell,who has a fair share of experience. Havingworked for Microsoft and spent numerousworking days at airports, on planes andgenerally on the go, she was longing foran alternative to stiff suits.

Italy proved the ideal place to combine alove for fashion, quality materials and im-

peccable craftsmanship. Here, in Milan,Godell employs a team of four seam-stresses who put time and effort intocrafting the sophisticated garments – andGodell stays in close contact with them all.“I love Italy with its traditions for crafts-manship, where people have a unique un-derstanding for unpretentious quality and‘la bella figura’. Also, knowing our seam-stresses makes a huge difference to pro-duction; we’re able to stay in control ofworking conditions and quality, and con-vey exactly what we want. Having our stu-dio in Milan, as opposed to somewhere inAsia, also limits our carbon footprint,” shesays.

While Godell remarks that the fashionmarket is a “ruthless industry to break

into”, she is proud to have done so in onlya few years. Running the APHRU conceptstore at Oslo’s Paleet, a high-end shop-ping arcade on the city’s Karl Johans gate,visions are grand for the future. “We’reconstantly working on reaffirming ourpresence on the national market. Mean-while we’re looking into expanding intofurther markets in Europe, as well as theUS. Interest from Japan and China hasalso been great,” she concludes.

After originator and entrepreneur Anita Godell found herself lacking comfy andstylish outfits that fit her globetrotting lifestyle. She figured she could do a better sar-torial job than the market was offering. With a penchant for clean-cut, high-qualityfashion that puts comfort in the high seat, her brand APHRU has quickly made a namefor itself in Norway and abroad – and the horizons are ever expanding.

By Julie Lindén | Photos: APHRU

Nordic sophistication with unparalleled comfort

For more information, please visit: www.aphru.com or [email protected]

Photo: Morten Qvale

Photo: Morten Qvale


Issue 77 | June 2015 | 51


The company was formed in December2013 after having been run as a one-per-son company for two years. What originallystarted as a hobby quickly became a pas-sion. “I was inspired by my three children,”founder and owner Kristin Korsnes ex-plains. “The brand Bamboline developedfrom the need for smooth children’sclothes, which stimulates activity and playwhilst looking after their sensitive skin,”she continues.

Families typically love the outdoors andprefer to spend their free time in Norway’sspectacular nature with its beautiful faunaof the forest. The idea to capture children’simagination into the mirrored graphicprints emerged in collaboration withgraphic designer Lina Haugen Solstad.“Together we have created a profile whichconnects with children’s curiosity by tellingits story through the motifs,” Korsnes says.

The different expressions of this year’s col-lection received names related to natureand fairytales. For example, 'The King ofthe Forest' is based on the majestic Nor-wegian moose. This is a motif popping upin various contexts. 'The Fox Widow' is themotif dedicated to the baby collection em-phasising sweetness. On the other hand,'The Frog’s Kiss' intends to relate to thefairytale about the princess kissing thefrog. Focus is on delicate colours andsmooth fabrics.

Bamboline is run solely by Korsnes, whowhilst growing up struggled with atypicalskin. Sourcing textiles smooth enough tofeel comfortable on sore and scratchedskin proved difficult. “By a coincidence Idiscovered textiles by viscose and bamboothree years ago and I love the feeling of thesmooth clothes on the body,” Korsnes ex-plains.

Bamboline was launched in February inshowrooms at the fashion fair Moteforumpå Skøyen in Oslo, and can be found in sev-eral shops around Norway this autumn.

Bamboline is a brand and manufacturer of clothes for new-born to ten-year old chil-dren based in Norway’s third largest city Trondheim. The clothes are made follow-ing Fair Trade guidelines in Estonia, from ethically sourced skin-friendly fabrics whichare Ecotex certified.

By Stian Sangvig | Photo: Mari Lauvheim

Comfortable and ethically manufactured children’s clothes

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

Founder Owner Kari Korsnes


52 | Issue 77 | June 2015


The concept behind Norwegian company Trek-lokker is pretty straightforward: 100 per centnatural, handcrafted and stylish products madefrom wood. “My products are focused on beingenvironmentally friendly and unique. Eachhandmade object is made with love,” saysArnestad.

Treklokker is the only business of its kind on theNorwegian market, and sells many accessoriesthat are non-gender specific such as surf andturf style sunglasses, and even sleek wooden bi-cycles. The materials are mostly reclaimed anda lot of thought goes into the type of wood thatis used in order to create a long-lasting, al-lergy-friendly and sustainable product. Part ofTreklokker’s profits also helps support the run-ning of a food bank in Spain.

Like any start up, Treklokker was a challenging,one-woman venture. “It’s not always easy beinga manager, administrator, PR person and de-signer all at once,” Arnestad says, “but I am veryhappy with how far the company has come.”

Treklokker has in a short time attracted the in-terest of several design shows and 'superfoodrockstar' David Wolfe, who encouraged his fol-lowers to “go back to wood!” on social media. “Iam a friend and fan of Wolfe, so it was amazing

when he showed his support for Treklokker,”says Arnestad. “It’s always great to hear thepositive feedback from customers as I’m con-stantly trying to design based on the theirneeds.”

In terms of future plans, Arnestad is always onthe lookout for potential retailers, but for now(touch wood) things are just dandy.

Tree timeAfter returning from Costa de Luz in Spain, where she was inspired by stunning sur-roundings and a diet of unprocessed, raw food, Evy Reimers Arnestad returned to Nor-way to open her own online store that could offer people even more ways to bring na-ture into their everyday life.

By Maya Acharya | Photos: Treklokker

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

The design company is well-established withinthe field by focusing on transforming ideas andneeds into marketable products, be it innovativewheelchairs for the disabled, or sporting goodslike sledges for children. This has resulted innumerous awards of Design Excellence fromthe Norwegian Design Council, such as the iFDesign Award and the Red Dot Design Award.“We focus on functional ways to solve newneeds, and are very pleased to be working with

some market leading companies around theworld,” founder and CEO Morten Sagstuensays.

MOSA Designlab has specialised in sportinggoods and technical aid for disabled people,and their work includes several patented solu-tions. They work closely with Norwegian sportsbrand Fjellpulken, which is known for theirsledges and high-end equipment used under

the most extreme arctic conditions at the Poles.“We work closely with them on their productdesign, as well as on their total graphic designand brand communication,” Sagstuen says.

The company works with clients across thewhole spectrum, ranging from worldwide gi-ants like tech company Handicare to start-upslike Activetainment. “It is an interesting mix, asthe clients need different approaches. Under-standably, the start-ups often need more helpwith the designs,” Sagstuen says.

MOSA Designlab – design to improve quality of lifeMOSA Designlab is an experienced industrial design company, specialised in sport-ing goods and complex technical aids for the disabled. At the core lies the desire todesign products that improve people’s quality of life.

By Helene Toftner | Photos: MOSA

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

The HandicareGemino Rollatorreceived both theiF Design Awardand the Red DotDesign Award.

The ebove bike from Activetainment.

FJELLPULKEN PULK: The newFjellpulken children’s sledgeachieved a lot of attention in thesporting equipment market. It was rewarded with the Award for Design Excellence in Norway.


Issue 77 | June 2015 | 53


While Maxemilia offers celebratory cos-tumes for children, SØS Jensen makesfashionable windstoppers. “I find inspira-tion everywhere I am, in the weather andfrom old traditions,” founder Grete March-mann-Jensen says.

Marchmann-Jensen established her firstbrand, Maxemilia, in 2001. Having beenbrought up in a family with strong tradi-tions within the textile industry, as well asbeing an acting advocate for children’sclothing for years, Marchmann-Jensenlonged to create something on her own.Finding inspiration in traditional‘bunader’, the national costumes of Nor-way, she started to design celebratory

costumes for children with stunning de-tails. “The national costumes were, andstill are, the nicest piece of clothing peo-ple could wear. I wanted to use that focus,but still design innovative and newpieces,” Marchmann-Jensen says.

With more than 50, 000 sold costumes allover Norway, there is no doubt customersagree that her designs are pleasing thecrowds. Focusing on quality wool andlinen, the items can be handed from onelittle girl to another. “The national cos-tumes are often handed down from onegeneration to another, which creates alovely bond. We hope to see the same withour costumes,” Marchmann-Jensen says.

Shortly after the almost instant success ofthe celebratory clothing Marchmann-Jensen’s sister suggested looking intoraincoats. Perhaps no surprise as theycome from Bergen, the rain capital of Eu-rope, where fashionable and nice rain-coats are much desired. “They are aimedto make your rainy day,” Marchmann-Jensen grins and continues, “While start-ing out as shelter against rain drops, theyare more versatile today and can be usedin any weather conditions.” The SØSJensen coats are sold all over Norway,and can even be delivered to the UK, Ger-many and Canada, while its male equiva-lent, Marchmann, run by the originalfounder’s son Jørgen Emil Marchmann-Jensen, is due to launch this autumn.

Grete Marchmann-Jensen designs clothes for a rainy day as well as celebratoryevents through the brands SØS Jensen and Maxemilia. Being sold all over Norwayas well as delivery options to the UK, there is no reason not to be dressed for the oc-casion.

By Helene Toftner | Photo: SØS Jensen and Maxemilia

Designs for any occasion

For more information, please visit:www.maxemilia.no www.sosjensen.no


54 | Issue 77 | June 2015

In 2006, Linda Svedal Walsøe and Ragn-hild Wik left their secure jobs in the designindustry to set up their own company,rooted in Norwegian nature and culture. In2007, Wik & Walsøe’s first collection sawthe light of day. The design duo has notlooked back since. “The timing could nothave been better. The demand for Norwe-gian, and Scandinavian interior design ingeneral, was on the increase, and we havejust seen the demand grow ever since,”co-founder and creative director LindaSvedal Walsøe says. After Ragnhild Wikleft the company last year, Walsøe has

remained behind the wheel, steering thecompany towards new successes.

A distinct look and feel

Since their first collection in 2007, Wik &Walsøe has become an important voicein Scandinavian design. Indicative of itssuccess, the company was named aGaselle Company by Norway’s leading fi-nancial newspaper in 2011, due to the sta-bility and growth it has experienced eversince its inception. Attesting that its suc-cess formula continues to work, Wik &Walsøe was named Female Entrepreneur

of the Year in 2013 by Innovation Norway,while receiving ELLE Design Awards 2013for best tableware with their collectionRustikk (Rustic).

While quality and usability are clearly im-portant factors in Wik & Walsøe’s designs,the striking feature is what influences alltheir works, providing a distinct look andfeel across lines and colour schemes. “Iwanted to create something immediatelyrecognisable in a world that is inundatedwith information,” Walsøe says, “the de-signs always follow the same principles,being simple and based on Scandinaviannature and tradition.”

Out of a fairytale

It is difficult to look at Wik & Walsøe’scrockery without being drawn back intoone’s childhood tales and stories, partic-ularly by their iconic Alv collection, which

Think Scandinavian simplicity, high quality products, and a dash of myths from thedeepest forests. Combine this with two eager designers who wanted to create table-ware to last a lifetime, and with features that would be easily recognised across theglobe. Together this makes Wik & Walsøe, the romantic crockery brand which hasmade cups and plates fashionable.

By Helene Toftner | Photos: Siren Lauvdal

Crockery inspired by Scandinavian myths and fairytales



Issue 77 | June 2015 | 55

translates into the Elf collection. The tinyforest elf is known for its magical powers,and for making the impossible possible.Found on cups, plates and pots, the elf isfor many the symbol of the brand. “‘Alv’means the angel of the forest in Norwe-gian, and is the name of one of the firstWik & Walsøe's collection of tableware.The simple lines of the light and elegantporcelain pieces paired with the intricatedesign in subtle shades of grey made Alvinstantly popular,” Walsøe says.

Wild beauty with the Rosa Slåpe Collection

The distinct Scandinavian feel is verymuch present in Wik & Walsøe’s newestchina tableware, the Rosa Slåpe collec-tion, or Pink Blackthorn collection as ittranslates to in English. The new table-ware is subdued, elegant and slightly nos-talgic, with its pink flowers dancing lightlyon the edge of the tableware. “It is simply

perfect for those special occasions, and anatural focal point at any festive table,”Walsøe describes the 16-piece collection.

Remembering her own grandmothers’tableware, Walsøe wanted to designcrockery for generations to come. By fo-cusing on top-notch quality products andtimeless designs, chances are that herplates and tea pots will be equally appre-ciated by future grandchildren. “I havesome of my grandmother’s pieces on dis-play in my cupboard together with moremodern items. To see old and new piecesside by side makes me appreciate whereI come from and gives me inspiration towhere I'm going,” Walsøe says.

Sold to most corners of the world

Eight years after their very own fairytalestarted, Wik & Walsøe’s efforts to bringNorwegian design to the world have notgone unnoticed, with mentions in TheTimes Magazine and Wallpaper as well

as others. The brand’s designs are sold allover Norway as well as internationally,including through the UK web shopwww.royaldesign.co.uk, and Germanwww.westwing.de.

For more information, please visit: www.wik-walsoe.no


Founder and creative director, Linda Svedal Walsøe.Photo: Charlotte Wiig


56 | Issue 77 | June 2015


Karoline Øien Andersen has been making jew-ellery since she was 12 years old. In 2011 shecreated Trost Design, which offers subtle andminimalist jewellery made of quality materialwith a base of oxidised silver, which she com-bines with matte and shiny gold, rhodium,brass and pyrite.

“My grandmother loved crafts and I think shepassed down her abilities to me. The designsare timeless and I have played around to finddifferent methods to express my style throughmy work,” Andersen says.

Trost Design is available through Andersen’swebsite, but she also has a number of Norwe-gian customers when she sell her designs onmarket days once a month in Oslo. Many ofher customers also come from America andGreat Britain.

“I am committed to making jewellery that’ssubtle and minimalistic, but that doesn’t meanthat it has to be boring,” she explains. “It’s allin the details and I focus on combining materi-als with different surfaces and textures to cre-ate interesting contrasts. It’s the attention tothe little details that makes my jewellery standout.”

The jewellery is ageless and can be worn by alltypes of women. Andresen says that it’s aboutsubtle beauty that people can accessorise witheveryday outfits.

“What I like best about selling jewellery in mar-kets is that I get to meet my clients, and I lookat these occasions that jewellery appeals to somany different people and styles. I design notfor a particular type of customer; Trost has aversatile design to suit most occasions andwardrobes.”

Subtle beauty in the detailsTrost design plays with exciting combinations of quality material to take your every-day outfit to the next level.

By Camilla Brugrand | Photos: Alex Asensi

For more information, please visit: http://www.trostdesign.net

You might say that Kaja Gjedebo’s career was alucky accident. After graduating with a degreein furniture design, she was ready to move toNew York and start working for one of thelargest architecture companies in the world.However, after 9/11, her plans went up insmoke and so she decided to become a jew-ellery designer instead. Now she is the namebehind the successful jewellery label KGD.

Gjedebo’s simultaneously bold and delicatepieces have gained momentum in Norway and

abroad. “What I love about jewellery design isthe freedom to work with as many materials asyou like. I also like the fact that jewellery issomething that people can relate to on a per-sonal level,” she reflects. Gjedebo is more of anartist than a commercial designer and makesit clear that trends do not interest her, butrather “good, universal design that lasts.”

Gjedebo currently lives in an in-house studio inan artist neighbourhood near the forests ofOslo, which she says is “fantastic”. “It’s great to

be close to nature, which plays a big part in myinspiration,” she says.

When Gjedebo is not in Norway, she can befound at events such as Inhogrenta, one of Eu-rope’s biggest jewellery trade shows. Her nextstop will be New York, where she will take partin the Delicious Objects exhibition at The High-line Loft Gallery in Chelsea. Other plans in-clude launching a new collection born from “acleaning process” during which Gjedebo foundparts from old projects and put them togetherto create new pieces. “It will be a lot morechaotic than my previous work,” she promises.

Adorn yourself with artNorwegian jewellery designer Kaja Gjedebo thinks that jewellery should be like aminiature piece of art that you want to wear your for the rest of your life.

By Maya Acharya | Photos: Mira Zahl

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


Issue 77 | June 2015 | 57

Jewellery design was something Eriksen,who initially studied electrical engineer-ing, fell into accidentally, but somethingshe would never give up. “It’s great to beable to express my creativity, and beingable to convey historic traditions is some-thing I think is fun,” she explains.

Eriksen, who is from Northern Norway,employs old jewellery and methods fromthe Viking era to create contemporary de-signs. For example, several of the pat-terns in her bracelets and necklaces canbe traced back to the ring technique,which Vikings used to make their armour.All of Kie Sølv’s jewellery is handmadeusing silver. This combination of old andnew is the cornerstone of Eriksen’s work. “Even though the pieces are inspired byNorwegian cultural heritage, it’s impor-tant for me to make jewellery that is mod-

ern and that people want to wear in thepresent day,” Eriksen says.

One of the most original techniques thatEriksen uses can be seen in her ‘salt’ pen-dants, which are cast using sea salt as amould. The salt gets rinsed away aftereach casting, making each pendantunique. Another example of contempo-rary design can be seen in her series ofearrings made from silver and plastic ca-ble ties.

Eriksen’s innovative designs have soldwell in Norway as well as on the interna-tional market. Along with an online store,Kie Sølv also supplies to retailers and par-ticipates in fares across the country. It isalso possible to buy and try on jewellery atErikson’s workshop in Lillestrøm, just out-side the capital.

In 2010 she was accepted as a member ofThe Norwegian Folk Art and Craft Associ-ation, which she calls “an importantrecognition of her work as a silver smith.”Now Eriksen is working on new projects,including a collection that will incorpo-rate fish leather, which will also be a wayfor her to create a link to Northern Nor-way and Lofoten. She says, “jewellery de-sign is something that I’m looking for-ward to focusing on more and more foreach day.”

Kie Sølv, a small Norwegian business started by jewellery designer Kirsti Eriksen,offers silver designs inspired by ancient techniques but with a modern twist.

By Maya Acharya | Photos: Kie Sølv

Fit for Vikings

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



58 | Issue 77 | June 2015

“It’s mainly about taking an idea, some-thing we like and can’t find anywhere else,and turning it into a piece that fits thebill,” says co-founder Ragnhild Naglestad.“We started out by identifying a gap in themarket. If we couldn’t buy what wewanted, we aimed to make it for ourselvesunder our own brand – putting in the effortand hours to give each design a neat fin-ish. Quality was, and is, paramount; we’dnever sacrifice quality for anything.”

From own shop to new sartorial shores

She is proud and unwavering in her toneas she recalls the beginning of the brand,which grew from a fashion shop shestarted together with colleague Anne

Kristine Mykjåland in 2004. “We literallystarted out on the shop floor. Working withfashion and design everywhere aroundyou certainly does something to your cre-ativity. It’s very inspiring, but it also clari-fies areas of improvement that can bebrought into your own ideas,” she notes.Kristiansand-based Lulu’s, centrally lo-cated on the southern city’s Skippergata,is still up and running, carrying notedbrands such as Gestuz, Second Female,MIH and of course Lulu’s Accessories. Although inspired by brands representedin the shop, Naglestad says the first col-lections of her own brand were ‘a matterof feeling’. “Definitely. I don’t think we’veever made a strict plan for ourselves and

how we want the items to look. We go byheart, making what we feel like making atthe time.” As much as heart, qualitiessuch as passion and dedication playedmajor parts in the initial stages of settingup the new business, notes Naglestad.“We attended trade fairs and made calls toeveryone we knew,” she laughs. “Also thatwas a matter of feeling and heart. Ofcourse we really wanted to make it work,and see our brand succeed.”

International expansions

And has it ever. With a turnover of NOK 1.5million in 2010 increased to NOK 14 mil-lion this year, Lulu’s Accessories can restassured it has captured the hearts of ac-cessory lovers nationwide. That, however,does not mean Naglestad and Mykjålandare resting on their laurels. With inter-ested customers from countries all overthe world emailing daily, anything but aninternational expansion would be a dis-grace. “Our biggest interest at the mo-ment is Germany, where the market ishuge. We’ve been in contact with smallerdistributors, but we’re also looking to sup-

With its sleek, elegant and contemporary designs, accessory brand Lulu’s Acces-sories has taken Norway’s style aficionados by storm – and understandably so. Hav-ing seen the turnover of their smartly designed toiletry bags and make-up purses in-crease tenfold over the past six years, the brand’s founders have not only identifiedtheir immovable spot in the accessories market, but have also manifested a presenceas creators of high-quality products. The next step? Taking Lulu’s Accessoriesabroad.

By Julie Lindén | Photos: Julia Marie Naglestad

Lulu’s Accessories – a lust for everyday glamour



Issue 77 | June 2015 | 59


ply our products, primarily our toilet bags,as widely as possible. The UK would be anatural next step. We’re definitely inter-ested in hearing from potential distribu-tors,” Naglestad confirms excitedly, de-scribing her joy at receiving emails fromcustomers as far away as the US. “It’swonderful to have customers get in touchand ask how they can get their hands onour bags, even though we don’t ship thatfar away. I’m always excited to help out, soI’ve been known to pop their requesteditem in a post parcel and send it myself!”

Perfection from bathroom shelf to week-end trip

With such undeniable and warm atten-tion to their customer base, the need-to-have designs of the products are merely abonus. Meticulously crafted in high-qual-ity leather or leatherette, all determinedby the intended usage of the product,Lulu’s items are as desirable as they arelong-lasting. From the colourfully fierce tothe understated chic, everyone can findtheir Lulu’s favourite – just as perfect onthe bathroom shelf as on the weekend

trip. “The toilet bags are our biggest suc-cess but we also carry bags of all sizes,and we’re currently in the process of de-veloping a line of sophisticated pencilcases. We’ve noticed that there aren’tmany options when it comes to stylishpencil cases for young people and adults,it tends to be a product one stops using ata certain age. We want to, yet again, fill agap and offer something we’d like to useourselves,” says Naglestad, offering a fi-nal, all-encompassing thought of whatmakes Lulu’s Accessories special:“Women and men of all ages: we offersomething for everyone and we see it inour clientele. We’ve had 12-year old cus-tomers and we’ve had 80-year old cus-tomers. It makes us very happy to see ourproducts appreciated with such a variedgroup of people.”

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

Photo: Arild Danielsen

Photo: Ingvill Rimstad


60 | Issue 77 | June 2015


“I formed my one-person company 11 yearsago because I wanted to focus on individual de-sign in order to get closer to the customer,” thefounder and owner explains.

Skotte’s designs have been inspired by her up-bringing close to the Norwegian coast. “I wasalways fascinated by combining shapes of typ-ically Norwegian islets and archipelagos withthe tranquility of the bluish reflection of the sunin the sea,” Skotte explains. That said she is alsohappy to design jewellery in classical styles ifthe customer wants. “What I really enjoy is thehappiness and satisfaction of the customer af-

ter having worked together to design some-thing he or she really wants,” she continues.

Skotte shares a workshop and showroom withfour goldsmiths with different backgrounds,who have their own products and designs. It islocated centrally on the street Vibes gate 18 inOslo’s smart Majorstuen neighbourhood closeto the elegant shopping street Bogstadveien.“Unlike traditional jewellery shops,” Skotte con-cludes, “ours has goldsmiths on site and offersindividually, custom-made solutions as well asdistinctive designs reflecting the personalityand inspirations of each goldsmith.”

Coastal inspired and individually designed jewelleryOslo based Norwegian jewellery designer Karoline Skotte got her education in Jew-ellery and Silversmithing at Britain’s Birmingham University. Her products includewedding rings, gold and silver rings, necklaces, jewellery for men, earrings andbracelets. Divided into two categories (individually custom made products for an in-dividual customer and products designed by Skotte for general sale) her products havetaken the market by storm.

By Stian Sangvig | Photos: Karoline Skotte

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

The story dates back to 2006, when founderand designer Tone Bremseth decided to makeher dreams come true by starting her owncompany. Silke og Sølv was soon established,designing striking silver jewellery and silk bags.“I have always loved silk, and when startingworking with silver I combined the character-istics of both into my designs,” Bremseth says.

Today she has an extensive collection of silkbags, but has continued to focus more on silverjewellery. One of her most iconic pieces is thesilver handbag charm, inspired by her silk bags.“Each charm is handmade with individual pat-terns,” Bremseth says. She uses solely naturalproducts in her designs and notes that all ofher designs are handmade. “I work according

to the slogan all natural,” she says with a smile.Coming from Norway, picturesque nature hasalways been on her doorstep, and has naturallyplayed a role in her designs. “Nature has al-ways inspired me, and so I like combining sil-ver with colours and gemstones, which createharmony in the jewellery.” Her latest collectionis a clear testimony to that, with beautiful useof gemstones like jade and amethyst.

The silk and silver products can be pur-chased at the Sugar Shop Jewellery Studio inOslo and in Bremseth’s hometown Stjørdal, aswell as upon request.

Nature’s finest resourcesthrough Silke og SølvSilke og Sølv translates into Silk and Silver, two of the finest products in the world.Tone Bremseth’s jewellery make the most of these natural treasures through her silkbags and colourful silver charms.

By Helene Toftner | Photos: Silke og Sølv

For more information, please visit: visit www.silkeogsolv.no andwww.facebook.com/silkeogsolv


Issue 77 | June 2015 | 61


The lady behind the brand, Inger LiseSophia Brand Skarsbakk, has been in theindustry for 16 years, and opened SophiaBrand in 2010. While initially specialisingin custom made jewellery, she also de-signs pieces inspired by Northern Nor-wegian nature with classic details. “I aman artist at heart, and the jewellery clearlybears characteristics of that,” Skarsbakksays. While starting out as a traditionalgoldsmith, she knew from the start shepreferred creating her own designs ratherthan reproducing and repairing others’works, and a few years later Sophie Brandbecame reality.

Skarsbakk is currently working with gold-smiths and appropriate shops around theworld as well as in Norway to find theright outlets. Shortly you will be able to in-dulge in the two commercialised collec-tions Monster and Droplets in shops nearyou. For the former she has drawn inspi-ration from her childhood years in Harstadin Northern Norway. “The pieces in Mon-ster are inspired by the arctic landscape,animals and icicles, and are for both menand women,” Skarsbekk says. “Droplets ismore feminine and classic, and only forwomen.” Both collections, however, bearthe distinct expression of Sophia Brand

Jewellery, with focus on quality classicswith a twist, which provide a sense of ex-clusivity.

An important part of the brand is the cus-tom made pieces, being necklaces orbracelets. These are often made from goldand gemstones. “My customers empha-sise quality and a sense of art, and aregenerally interested in innovative pieces ofart and architecture. While this is impor-tant in the commercial collections as well,it is particularly evident in the custommade jewellery,” Skarsbakk says. Thecustom made jewellery is available on re-quest.

Sophia Brand Jewellery offers bespoke pieces of art, with a focus on quality classicswith a twist. While initially offering custom made jewellery, the two collections Mon-ster and Droplets will soon be available in shops around the world.

By Helene Toftner | Photos: Sophia Brand

Sophia Brand Jewellery – pieces of art

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

1: The gold and silver ring is from the Dropletscollection.

2: The Monster collection is inspired by NorthernNorwegian nature

3: The Monster Collection. Photo: Pål M. Laukli4: The Droplets collection is feminine and classic

1

2

4

3


62 | Issue 77 | June 2015


What’s in a name? The old adage is astrue today as it ever was, and Livid Jeanshas nailed it. The name brings up notionsof enthusiasm and fume, exactly howfounder Jens Olav Dankertsen felt whenestablishing the quality jeans brand in2010. “Just like leather, jeans have a re-markable way of transforming with thecustomer. It is an inspiring product towork with, and I wanted to make top-notch jeans for everyone,” Dankertsensays when asked about his inspiration.While jeans are worn by most, rangingfrom hip teenagers to office working dads,Livid Jeans caters to the quality con-scious, with a dash of nostalgia. “Our

jeans are for the person in the street, witha particular interest in quality, and wholikes how things were done before,”Dankertsen says.

The description could just as well been ofthe brand itself, which profiles itself byquality and “doing it old-school,” by beingpresent throughout the whole productionprocess as Norway’s only remaining ap-parel manufacturer. “While the design isclearly important, we are manufacturersrather than designers. Most of our rangeis produced in Norway, and we overseeevery part from the design to the laststitches,” Dankertsen says. He sources

denim from all over the world, particularlyby Japanese weavers. “We use only thebest quality on the market at every giventime,” he emphasises.

In August, women can finally enjoy the fi-ness of Livid Jeans as they launch theirfirst line for the ladies. “We will start withjeans only,” Dankertsen says. However,based on the raving reception of the men’sline, which now also constitutes t-shirtsand jackets, there may very well be a fur-ther development of the women’s linetoo.

Livid Jeans is stocked at Nick Tentis inLondon, and is available through their webshop as well as shops around Europe.

Think ten years ahead and you will still be wearing your same favourite jeans. Theyonly get better with age, having changed colour and shape according to your usageand history. That is exactly what Livid Jeans offers, not just a pair of jeans, but a com-panion for many years to come.

By Helene Toftner | Photos: Livid Jeans

Norway’s last remaining jeans manufacturer

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


Your Shortcut to Scandinavia

NORWAY

SWEDEN

GERMANY

UNITED KINGDOM

Oslo

Düsseldorf

Manchester

StockholmBromma

Brussels

Gothenburg

BELGIUM

Billund

London City

Munich

Aarhus

Bergen

Aalborg

DENMARK

Zürich

SWITZERLAND

ba.com

Snacks Meals Dr inks Papers Lounges Smi les


64 | Issue 77 | June 2015

“This property is a pearl. It’s truly one of akind,” says owner Torunn Økland about theremarkable white B&B villa that doubles asher home. “Waking up to the morning sunand sea view from the king-size bed, tak-ing in the calm and peaceful surroundingsof the unique nature; it’s pure recreation.”

An international meeting place

Situated by Fanafjorden in Bergen, merelyminutes from the international airport yetembedded into the most pristine of naturalsceneries, Villa Charlotte rises as an ex-clusive palace – perfect as a hub for explo-ration, concentration and relaxation. Dis-tinguishing itself from traditional

Norwegian architecture by its grand, whiteand symmetrical appearance, the attrac-tive B&B has garnered enduring interna-tional attention. “The waterfront locationand the villa’s continental European archi-tecture are both recognisable and highlyappreciated by tourists from abroad. Theassociations between the architecturallook and the ‘Riviera’ type of lifestyle areclear,” notes Økland. She admits that whilethe Villa welcomes private and businesstravel groups from Norway and abroad,apart from business meetings and workgroups, the main clientele comes from ar-eas outside Scandinavia. “Villa Charlotteis a concept international visitors under-

stand and desire,” she says. “Also, the op-tion to either book the whole villa or just aroom or two, makes the choice a flexibleone.”

The value of the experience

Far beyond connotations of luxury andwarm retreats, Villa Charlotte inspires cul-tural exchanges and memorable experi-ences. “Looking back on the highlights ofthe year, or even one’s life, it’s always theexperiences that are left as the icing on thecake,” muses Økland. “Therefore, we wantto create memorable experiences for ourguests; aesthetical happenings that inducepure lust for life.” The main vehicle for suchactivities at Villa Charlotte is understand-ably the sea vessel, or more specifically,the B&B’s own Princess V48 yacht. By thisfar more than a comfortable way of travel,guests can choose between three differentexcursions to nearby cultural and culinarydestinations. Selected trips are fullyequipped with a champagne lunch for allaboard, adding an extra bit of sparkle to

Hotel of the Month, Norway

Villa Charlotte: A Mediterranean pearl of the northCarved into the beauty of the western Norwegian coastline is a stylish residence un-like any other. An English-style waterfront manor and serene retreat for small andlarger travel groups alike, Villa Charlotte is a haven for those who wish to combineNorwegian peacefulness with an ambiance reminiscent of southern Europe. Add tothis description an impressive line-up of activities, facilities and awe-inspiring roomsand your coastal getaway is complete.

By Julie Lindén | Photos: Bjørn Tore Økland

Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Norway


Issue 77 | June 2015 | 65

Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Norway

truly cement the memory. The possibility tocombine business meetings, board meet-ings and cultural and culinary hotspots atsuch ease, boarding from the waterfront atVilla Charlotte, is truly unique.

Exploring cultural and culinary hotspots

The first of the tour options will introducethe guest to nearby Lysøen, a stunninglyromantic island and the famous home ofNorwegian violin-virtuoso and composerOle Bull. Here, you may visit the villa whereBull lived and composed his noted works,and meander some of the island’s 13 kilo-metres of walkways and paths. A secondtour option will take you via Lysøen toBekkjarvik Gjestgiveri: a 17th centuryguesthouse and culinary hotspot, wherehosts include the 2015 Bocuse d’Or WorldChampion Ørjan Johannessen, who wasraised at the guesthouse. A third optiontakes guests via Lysøen to the renownedCornelius på Holmen seafood restaurant –a lovely place to end the day and relishgood food and company. “We want to in-

troduce guests to the most wonderfulplaces around,” explains Økland. “Thesetrips represent pure life quality and enjoy-ment. Meal times and bonding with fellowtravellers is an immense part of the trav-elling experience.”

For groups wanting to partake in a slightlymore hands-on culinary experience, Øk-land adds that Villa Charlotte has a fishingboat at their disposal. “It’s a perfect way forguests to enjoy the sea and its goods – andlearning how to prepare them in thekitchen, or outside on our terrace whenweather permits.”

Enjoy life on land

For those wanting to just kick back andrelax or enjoy life on land, there are plentyof places and activities to be explored nearthe Villa. How about exploring Bergen, orperhaps spend a day at Fana Golfklubb?Close to the villa you’ll find the largest Rho-dodendron collection in Scandinavia at Ar-boretet – a botanical garden and true ode to

Bergen’s moniker ‘the Rhododendron City’.All in all, Villa Charlotte is a place to enjoylife. “It’s a stunning place, a gorgeous build-ing, and the surrounding nature is nothingshort of magnificent. What more could oneask for?” concludes Økland with a smile.

Villa Charlotte in brief:

- Choose from master double bed-room with seafront view, double bed-room with seafront view and masterbedroom with side view to sea andgarden view

- Breakfast is included in your stay- A meeting room accommodating up

to 14 people can be booked sepa-rately at the Villa

- Catering can be arranged for thewhole party

For more information, please visit:villacharlotte.no


66 | Issue 77 | June 2015

Moldnúpur farm in the south of Icelandwas home to Sigríður Anna Jónsdóttir, apopular author and keen traveller. Struckby the urge to see the world, she begantravelling around Europe on her own, abrave feat for a women in the late 1940s,and wrote books about her experiences,such as A Dairymaid Goes Out Into theWorld published in 1950. When the farm-house was converted into a hotel to serveas a tranquil haven for fellow travellers, itwas only fitting that it should be named inhonour of this epic explorer.

Located right in the heart of the south ofIceland, Hotel Anna is the perfect base

from which to reach all of the country’smust-see natural wonders. “Stunningwaterfalls, like Seljalandsfoss and Skó-gafoss are just moments away,” saysEinar Jóhannsson, hotel manager. “Ittakes just three hours to drive to the gla-cial lagoon and Skaftafell national park,while Gullfoss and Geysir are a merehour and a half away. It’s also the ideallocation for hikers planning to hit thetrails in Landmannalaugar, Skógar andThórsmörk.”

Travellers making their way around thecountry can always stop off for a bite toeat at the hotel’s restaurant at any time of

year. “Our chefs prepare traditional re-gional meals using fresh ingredientssourced from local farmers and fisher-men,” says Jóhannsson. “If you come fordinner during the winter, there’s achance you could catch a glimpse of thenorthern lights.”

Guests stay in one of seven en suiterooms, equipped with all the essentials.Each room is decorated in its own indi-vidual style, while maintaining the origi-nal character of the farmhouse. After re-laxing and regrouping in the hotel’s hottub and sauna, you’ll be sure to have allthe energy you need for taking in all theawe-inspiring sights awaiting you duringyour stay.

Hotel of the Month, Iceland

A haven in the heart of Southern IcelandNestled at the foot of the spectacular Eyjafjallajökull glacier, with grazing Icelandichorses for neighbours and hiking trails on its doorstep, Hotel Anna allows you to ex-perience Iceland in all its natural glory. At the hotel’s charming restaurant, hungrytravellers can tuck into traditional dishes prepared using locally sourced ingredientsall year round.

By Stephanie Lovell | Photos: Hotel Anna

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

Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Iceland


Issue 77 | June 2015 | 67

Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Sweden

Nordic Sea Winery in the fantastic coastaltown of Simrishamn, perfects some of themost sold and renowned labels in Scandi-navia and Northern Europe, from grapesthat come from all over the world. Refiningit, storing it and bottling it, Nordic Sea Win-ery lays the last perfecting hand on everybottle before it gets sent off to the resellers.“It’s a lot of work that goes into it,” TakisSoldatos, founder of Nordic Sea Winery sayshappily. “But if you want to be the best, youhave to be willing to dig in.”

The choice to set up a winery in the south ofSweden was a conscious one. “We wanted to

become more involved in every part of theproduction,” Soldatos says. “The Swedishindustry is generally very environmentallyethical, which we think is highly important.By moving everything here we have beenable to reduce our transportation remark-ably, in addition to gaining a great overviewof the entire production, from grape to per-fected wine.”

Last summer Nordic Sea Winery in Simr-ishamn opened their doors to eager visitorsand the success was immediate. “We arepacked with people taking tours around thefacility, watching the production and tasting

the wine,” Soldatos says proudly. “Duringthe summer months our restaurant is fullybooked almost every day, and people areloving the way we are using the local re-sources, cooking mainly with what the localfarmers and nature provide us with.”

Wine has since long been a source of indul-gence and socialising and when it comes toknowing all there is, the staff at Nordic SeaWinery are unbeatable. There to answer anyqueries, they make sure that you leave withboth your curiosity and your taste buds com-pletely satisfied. “If you have any kind of in-terest in wine, you must come,” Soldatossays passionately. “Take a tour, walk throughevery step of the production, have a lovelymeal in the restaurant and try our wines to-gether with our gorgeous delicacy board. Itwill leave you wanting for nothing.”

Attraction of the Month, Sweden

Nordic Sea Winery: A delicious coastal treasureAs far south east as you can go in Sweden, lies the summer heaven known asÖsterlen, a coastal line stretching from the harbour of Ystad to the apple picking par-adise Kivik. Here summer worshippers gather each year to breathe in the salty seabreeze, take strolls in the unprecedented landscapes and indulge in all the region hasto offer. Nowadays, that includes one of the most modern wineries in northern Eu-rope.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Nordic Sea Winery

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

Takis Soldatos, founder of Nordic Sea Winery


68 | Issue 77 | June 2015

Situated in between the stunning views ofØresund and the spires of Copenhagencity, National Aquarium Denmark, Den BlåPlanet, is as much an architectural pearlas it is a Danish top attraction. Encircled bywater on all sides, the building takes its in-spiration from the circulating currents ofthe sea. As you step inside, it’s hard not tobe impressed by the modern interior andlong list of things to do and see.

Science at its best

“We are the biggest aquarium in NorthernEurope with more than seven million litresof water and a thousand marine species,but the thrill of it still takes visitors by sur-

prise. However, what really sets us apart isour commitment to tell stories about ourBlue Planet. It’s important to integrate sci-entific learning into our experiences, oth-erwise the attraction becomes a placewithout substance,” explains Tony Jør-gensen, Head of Marketing and Commu-nications. Through interactive installa-tions, apps and employees with a specialknack for spoken words, they entertainand educate children and adults alike.

“We are in love with the sea and all thosecreatures living in it. Naturally, we want toshare our love with our visitors, hopingthat they too will see the wonders our Blue

Planet has to offer. It’s our goal to evoke asense of curiosity and get more young-sters involved in science. We want to sparktheir interest in the sea, its habitats andspecies,” continues Jørgensen, who high-lights how this is all closely linked to con-servation efforts.

With world-class storytellers raisingawareness Den Blå Planet is much morethan an attraction, it’s an advocate for thepreservation of marine life – and storiesare an excellent tool.

“Our storytellers are excellent at introduc-ing visitors to the mesmeric world of ma-rine life. This, combined with our manylearning tools, raises awareness of theimportance of protecting our seas. Be-cause, let’s face it, it’s an exciting place,”he says, inviting people to come and seefor themselves. With 53 aquariums and ahigh number of installations and learningtools, one can easily get lost in this strangeworld of natural magic. Once you have seen

Attraction of the Month, Denmark

Den Blå Planet – dive into a world of magicForget about visual effects and cinematic experiences, there is something much morethrilling to watch, hidden far below the blue surface. The National Aquarium Den-mark, Den Blå Planet, invites you to enter a world of magical encounters, a wondrousplace that combines fun with a good dose of science. Here, visitors get to immersethemselves in life underwater through visual tales and first-class storytelling – andwhat you learn might surprise you.

By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Den Bla Planet

Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Denmark

Photo: Christiane Helsted Juul


Issue 77 | June 2015 | 69

a squid change colour in a matter of sec-onds, transforming right in front of youreyes, it just hits you how profoundly weirdthe world really is. And isn’t that mar-velous?

A summer sparkling with blue

Den Blå Planet recently acquired some-thing rather special: The sea otters Agnesand Mojoe. Apart from being cute and fun towatch, they also have an important story toshare with the visitors. These magnificentmarine mammals have long been endan-gered due to the popularity of their fur.Thanks to conservation efforts the num-bers are now going up and Den Blå Planetis the only aquarium, along with one in Liss-abon, that offers visitors a chance to seeone.

“This pair is just one out of many storieshidden in and around the sea. Agnes andMojoe are simply charming to watch, peo-ple fall for them and get more eager tolearn all about the issues facing their kind,”explains Jørgensen. But it’s not just sea ot-ters that take the spotlight this summer. Anumber of exciting exhibitions are due toopen, bringing the visitors even closer to thesea. How about putting yourself in a fish’splace? 'The Wall of Senses' is a fun way ofexploring what it’s like to live in the water.Find out how a fish uses its senses anddiscover just how advanced marine speciesreally are. Unlike us humans, they havemore tools at their disposal when it comesto taking in their surroundings and the in-stallation proves the point.

A future closer to the sea

Den Blå Planet will continue to impresswith glorious tales and action-packed sto-ries, delivered by the very best in their field.Given their ideal location just at the sea, theaquarium is hoping to take full advantage ofthe opportunities it offers.

“This summer we are building a water play-ground with a floating bridge that connectsvisitors to even more exciting activities. It’sour plan to offer sailing trips, fishing anddiving. It will be great fun!” Promises Jør-gensen, hoping that this summer will at-tract even more visitors to one of the mostdiverse aquarium’s in Europe.

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

Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Denmark

Photo: Jens Wulff

Photo: Jonathan Filskov


70 | Issue 77 | June 2015

Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Iceland

The first leg of your journey around Au-rora Reykjavik shows you the northernlights through the eyes of past inhabi-tants of Iceland and other northernmostcountries. They would try to make senseof this mystical occurrence, funnilyenough all seeming to make similar as-sociations, with many of the stories re-lating to pregnancy, giving birth or chil-dren.

“My favourite story is from Russia,” saysGrétar Jónsson, founder and director ofAurora Reykjavik. “They thought that thenorthern lights were dragons in the sky.When men went away to war and cameback to find their wives pregnant, it wasblamed on the northern lights.”

For those who need a more scientific ex-planation, the next exhibition describeshow this seemingly supernatural phe-nomenon occurs. Through a series of in-teractive displays, you’ll find out how thedifferent natural forces react with oneanother in the sky and what factors in-fluence the number of colours you cansee.

The highlight of your trip is bound to bethe theatre where a spectacular time-lapse video of the northern lights playson a seven-metre-wide screen in 4k res-olution. “We’ve created a very relaxing,natural environment where people oftensit for ages, simply admiring the north-ern lights,” says Jónsson.

In the final section, you’ll receive adviceabout how to go about catching a glimpseof the northern lights. To improve yourchances, always pay close attention tothe cloud cover forecast and the northernlights forecast – both of which are on dis-play at the centre. You can also practiseconfiguring your camera in order to cap-ture the perfect shot.

“If you’re visiting in the summer, why notcome and see what this phenomenon canbe like and admire our many beautifulpictures of Icelandic nature? People willoften say they want to come back in win-tertime to see both the northern lightsand Icelandic nature,” says Jónsson.“During the winter, pay us a visit beforeheading out on a northern lights tour, soyou can learn all about the phenomenonand see it in its very best conditions.”

Attraction of the Month, Iceland

The aurora borealis in its very best lightAt Aurora Reykjavik Northern Lights Centre your dreams of seeing the northern lightswill come true as you witness this magical phenomenon in all its glory (on a seven-metre-wide screen in 4k resolution) and learn all about the legends and science be-hind it.

By Stephanie Lovell | Photos: Aurora Reykjavik

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


Issue 77 | June 2015 | 71

Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Norway

The strategic location of Avaldsnes, situatedjust by the narrow Karmsundet strait, madeit a clear preference with a long line of kingsand rulers. From this site, the mighty rulerscould control maritime traffic and trade withmainland Europe without difficulty, thusmaintaining wealth and prosperity. The tu-muli, graves and stone monuments thatthese Sovereigns left behind are as rich incultural value as they are paramount ele-ments of Norse history, bringing crowds ofhistory and Viking aficionados to Avaldsnesevery year.

This year the Nordvegen History Centre, theRoyal seat’s centre dedicated to history andlearning, celebrates the 10th anniversary ofits inauguration by HM Queen Sonja. “Nord-vegen tells the stories of the Royal seat’smany kings, but we do it with modern means

of communication,” says Marit Synnøve Vea,leader of the Avaldsnes project. “We takevisitors on an exciting historical journey, let-ting them explore stories through scenog-raphy and interactive elements. There areplenty of ways to get involved; visitors mayalso extend their trip with a visit to nearby St.Olav’s church or our popular reconstructedViking farm, which will give an added, en-thusing insight into our ancestry.”

Comprehensive research, archaeological ex-cavations and the study of Old Norse sagasand poems all play part in the history con-veyed by Nordvegen History Centre. Eventhe name of the centre is history-laden:‘Nordvegen’ (‘the Northern Way’), the oldname used for Karmsundet and the fairwayfurther north, later termed its country – Nor-way. Visitors to Avaldsnes in Nordvegen’s ju-

bilee year will be able to revel in severalevents dedicated to the early Norwegianswhose lives never cease to enthral. “We havealready put on many exciting events, andthere are more to come. There is an enor-mous interest out there for Vikings andNorse history, and we are excited to wel-come people to a world of discoveries atAvaldsnes,” says Vea, adding that guestsplanning a visit in 2016 may even get to ex-perience the uncovered ruins of King HaakonHaakonsson’s 13th century Royal Hall. “It’sone of only four such ruins in Norway, andthus rather special,” she concludes.

Attraction of the Month, Norway

Avaldsnes – where history lives onOn the west coast of Norway, in picturesque Karmøy, lies one of the country’s mostimportant areas of cultural history. A centre of power through more than threethousand years, Avaldsnes is officially recognised as Norway’s oldest Royal seat –bearing a rich history that is now conveyed to the public through the Nordvegen His-tory Centre.

By Julie Lindén | Photos: Ørjan B Iversen

For more information, please visit:www.avaldsnes.info

Experience the 10th jubilee of Nord-vegen History Centre:

- St. Hans celebrations: 24 June- Olavsdagene: 2-30 July- Lecture The Bronze Age at Karm-

sundet and concert with replica ofBronze Age lurs: 16 August

Photo: Avaldsnesprosjektet Nordvegen History Centre


72 | Issue 77 | June 2015

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Finland

Manu Torchio, chef and restaurant owner,is a force of nature. After following hisheart to Helsinki some seven years ago,he noticed that the city lacked a certainsomething: a taste of the Mexican kitchen.Not one to shy away from a challenge,Torchio (who hails from Mexico but movedto Finland from Barcelona) rolled up hissleeves. Within just a few years he hadstarted three restaurants: Patrona, offer-ing semi-fine dining; Mexican streetkitchen Cholo, and Mercat, a Spanish-style tapas restaurant.

The latest addition to the family is LuchaLoco, a genuine cantina taqueria servinga fresh taco buffet by day and mean mar-garitas by night. There is also the foodtruck Tacobot, taking to the streets and

festivals of Helsinki in the summermonths. And a catering service.

With a business in this scale long hoursare being put in, but Torchio stresses thatthe key is having great staff to manage thedifferent venues. Still, he remains pas-sionately involved in all the decisions beingmade. ”I use my bicycle every day toquickly move between our different loca-tions,” he says with a smile.

Keeping it in the family

Family is at the heart of everything Torchiodoes. "My wife Karina Paakki, who isFinnish, and her parents Katrin and KaiPaakki are strongly involved in the busi-ness. The people I’ve worked with for along time also become like family. ”

Manager Erica Torchio, Manu’s sister,adds "we like to think we are invitingguests into our home when they come tothe restaurants. It’s very much a Mexicanthing: warm hospitality and making friendsof strangers.”

Torchio agrees. "It is all about good food,but connected to that is a culture ofwarmth and togetherness.”

Patrona is the flagship restaurant servingsemi-fine Mexican dining. It has made abig name for itself on the highly competi-tive restaurant scene in Helsinki. "I’m re-ally proud of it,” says Torchio. “It is a beau-tiful place, and we have these amazingtasting menus that serve as a great intro-duction to the best of Mexican cuisine.”

Cholo works according to the streetkitchen principle, meaning take away food.The freshness sets it apart from many ofits street counterparts, though this is notfast food but ”fast good”, as Torchio pointsout.

Restaurant of the Month, Finland

From Mexico with love: Great food and a warm ¡Bienvenida! in HelsinkiMexican food, famous for its great taste and healthiness, has been declared a WorldHeritage by UNESCO. Not surprisingly, it has taken Helsinki by storm. Manu Torchiois the man behind four restaurants and a food truck that have put his homeland firmlyon the food map of the Finnish capital.

By Joanna Nylund | Photos: Bryan Saragosa


Issue 77 | June 2015 | 73

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Finland

Mercat is a modern tapas bar to which hesoon hopes to introduce the lilting soundof a Spanish guitar.

All restaurants are located in the centre ofHelsinki, and the different character ofeach caters to a broad range of customers.”You’ll see hipsters and skaters as well asbusiness people in suits. We are all aboutinclusion and relaxation.”

Giving means getting

Defining himself as a 'glass-half-full' sortof person, Torchio admits that he believesin karma. ”We were the first to introduceMexican cuisine to Helsinki, but now thereare a few new restaurants cropping up.We are happy about the competition. Itkeeps us on our toes and helps us stay in-novative. It means we can keep trying newthings, keep changing things up,” he says.There is clearly something to be said forextending a friendly hand. ”In this busi-ness, we all do better by supporting eachother,” concludes Torchio with a smile.

The future does indeed look bright for thisenthusiastic and ambitious innovator.”Right now the focus is obviously on run-ning and continuing to develop our existingrestaurants,” he explains. “But I do dreamof expanding further here, as well as open-ing up a place in Stockholm at somepoint.”

Already this year there are new things andsurprises in store for the many friends ofManu Torchio’s take on Mexican food. Andalong with the food comes an atmospherethat is hard to replicate. ”Customers atPatrona have said that a visit is like sud-denly being whisked somewhere else,”

Torchio says happily. “Being able to createa feeling like that really goes beyond mak-ing good food; it becomes an experience tosavour.”

Introducing the food of his homeland topeople who are new to Mexico is anothersource of joy for Torchio. ”In our lunchplaces, I love seeing people put down thefork and knife and instead eat tacos withtheir fingers as we do. Then I know theyare really getting it!” he laughs.

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


74 | Issue 77 | June 2015

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Norway

Celebrating ten years in August, restau-rant Colonialen has made its mark by be-ing a classic gourmet restaurant with in-spiration from the Nordic kitchen. “Whenopening the restaurant we wanted to cre-ate the best restaurant in Bergen. Tenyears on, we are very proud to see how ap-preciated Colonialen has become,” ownerand founder Laila Skorge says.

Fifteen years ago Laila Skorge and KenSkorge-Kristiansen met at the NorwegianSchool of Hotel Management in Stavanger.While the days were spent studying, theevenings were spent blind testing andanalysing wines, before they started work-ing together at a restaurant. “We alwaysknew we were going to work together, andthat we wanted to start something our-

selves someday,” Skorge says. Five yearsafter their first meeting they opened Colo-nialen Restaurant. Today they are thefaces of the city’s biggest gourmet com-pany including five venues, the fine-dinerestaurant Colonialen; Brasserie and caféColonialen; cafe and bakery Kranen; del-icatessen and Cafe Strandgaten; and del-icatessen and Cafe Paradis.

Perfect for the curious diner

Bergen has a long standing tradition as atrading port for the whole coast of Nor-way, and has been the go-to-place whenwanting to capture the best flavours ofthe sea. This appears to remain and Colo-nialen’s menu is clearly influenced by thecity’s closeness to the North Sea. Dinerscan with great pleasure indulge in delica-

cies like the world’s best local crayfish,lobster, king crab, turbot and mountaintrout from Hardanger. The signature dishis no exception from the greatness: localraw scallops in fermented celery juice anddulse seaweed from Iceland. “This is ChefAndreas Ansok’s magical dish, which ishugely popular,” Skorge says proudly.

While using traditional ingredients, therestaurant is known for experimentingand playing with the products. Thus this isthe perfect place for the curious diner,looking for a dining experience different tomost others, and with that sought afterbrag-ability factor. For where else can yousay you have tasted pan-fried turbot joinedby acidic butter sauce and salty bombs ofsalmon roe, nicely contrasted with pearand caviar, or confit pork ribs from Jærenpresented with a lovely, creamy salsa ofchestnuts.

A wine list to impress

Food and drinks go hand in hand, andColonialen constantly bears that in mind.

Restaurant of the Month, Norway

Colonialen – the ultimate culinary havenRestaurant Colonialen in Bergen has that perfect mix of an astonishing wine list anda menu bursting with local delicacies. Attracting visitors from near and far, it hassince for a long time been known as one of the best restaurants in the capital of thefjords.

By Helene Toftener | Photos: Colonialen


Issue 77 | June 2015 | 75

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Norway

Skorge and her partner and husband Kenmet through their love for wine, andfounded the restaurant wanting to com-bine food and wine at a top level. Thismeans that the wine list is remarkablywell developed, with more than 500 titles,and you will always be able to get the rightwine to your dish. “I would recommendtrying either the big 12 course tastingmenu with accommodating wines, or thesmaller seven course tasting menu for areal flavour of how the food and wine gotogether,” Skorge says.

While the diners’ experiences are clearlytop priority, Skorge emphasises the worktowards influencing and further develop-ing the professional gourmet environmentin Bergen. The founding couple of Colo-nialen is working closely with others inthe industry to establish the city as afoodie destination. Based on the increas-ing number of top notch restaurantsopening up in the fjord city, and theamount of attention the food scene is get-ting at home and abroad, it appears thework is paying off.

The Brasserie for lunch and informal dinners

For that little daily treat, pop by the bakeryfor a sweet nibble, while the Brasserie of-

fers a menu heavily influenced by tradi-tional gastro pubs in Old Blighty. News-paper critics and locals have long re-garded the Brasserie as one of the bestlunch spots in the city, with a reputation ofusing fine produce in generous portions.“The Brasserie is more low key, and agood place for a weekday spot of dinner,”Skorge says. “The restaurant and theBrasserie complement each other in a re-ally nice way, as they attract different din-ers for different occasions,” Skorge says,and assures that the wine list will blowyou away at both places.

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


76 | Issue 77 | June 2015

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Denmark

Starting off in one of Scandinavia’s moststriking wine cellars with 700 wines ondisplay, a visit to TreeTop takes you on aculinary journey, often culminating in 12different dishes. Scandinavia might beyour starting point, but the trip could takeyou anywhere. Just sit back while one ofDenmark’s would-be Michelin stars per-form.

“I often combine Nordic food with some-thing exotic. I don’t limit myself,” saysBryan Francisco, head chef at TreeTopRestaurant. Since the restaurant re-opened two years ago, it has revolu-tionised the food scene, putting people’ssenses to the test. Being a part of theDanish hotel chain Munkebjerg has givenTreeTop a lot of support. Everyone wants

them to succeed, and it’s easy to see why.With space for 40 to 50 people, it’s notone of those anonymous places wherepeople are forgotten. Here, guests are apart of the whole process and with anopen kitchen, they really get to see howtop chefs put a dish together and whenthe excitement gets too much they cansimply turn to the alluring sight of theforest and dancing waves.

A culinary journey

“When I was offered to become a part ofsuch an ambitious project, I simply could-n’t say no. At TreeTop we all share theambition of winning a Michelin star,” de-clares Francisco, who despite his youngage of 24 has gained great recognition forhis skills. Starting off as a pot washer, he

has worked his way up in the world ofculinary delights, training with talentssuch as Wassim Hallal at Frederikshøjand been a member of the National Culi-nary Team of Denmark. Now, he is aboutto set his own mark on the industry asRestaurant TreeTop reaches for the stars. “I want this to be a journey, a wholesomeexperience. At Restaurant TreeTop youdon’t just order starter, main and desert.This is a different dining experience whereguests choose between a menu of five,seven and 12 dishes, all including appe-tisers, dessert and wine,” explains Fran-cisco. To kick-start the feast, the guestsare taken to the wine cellar for a glass ofchampagne and selected snacks, care-fully chosen by Restaurant Manager andWine Specialist Karsten Hedegaard.Slowly they merge into a world of senses.Each dish is as much a visual experienceas it’s a delightful explosion of taste andsmell.

“The guests are simply drawn into an-other world that enables them to give in to

Restaurant of the Month, Denmark

A gastronomic performance with a global sparkPerfectly situated overlooking the calm waters of Vejle Fjord, TreeTop Restaurantrises above the norm in more than just its location. Aided by a deep-felt desire to ex-plore the tastes of the world, the gourmet stars at TreeTop create fusion dishes thatput all your senses to use.

By Caroline Edwards | Photos: Jesper Rais


Issue 77 | June 2015 | 77

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Denmark

the moment without worrying aboutwhat lies outside the restaurant. Theonly thought worth thinking is what thenext dish will be,” says Francisco, re-vealing how his lobster, bacon and ju-niper dish does just that. Served on aplate full of greenery and juniperbranches, the lobster is served on a hotcast iron in the middle of the plate, leav-ing people with the smoky fragrancecoming from the herbs.

An intimate experience

A visit to TreeTop Restaurant starts assoon as you walk up to the restaurant,met by the captivating sight of VejleFjord. The brightness from thepanoramic windows lights up the roomwhere the intimate atmosphere is im-mediately evident. This is not an in andout kind of place, it’s an experience ofartistic proportions, where highly skilledprofessionals perform a culinary storywith a seasonal twist.

“Despite being inspired by cuisines fromall over the world, we still follow theDanish seasons, resulting in exciting fu-sions where Scandinavia and the worldcollide,” explains Francisco, stating thatguests should expect the unexpected.TreeTop Restaurant is for the open-

minded, each dish is an innovative cre-ation.

“One of my favorite dishes is calledPearls of the Sea. I combine the bestfrom the sea, a collection of hand-divedscallops, beluga caviar and oysters, allpresented on an enticing plate thatarouses your senses with a sea-likearoma,” says Francisco. Since hestarted his career, he has been com-peting and winning prizes for his skills.Now, he is not just aiming for a Miche-lin star, his dream is also to win the Bo-cuse`dor in Lyon.

“I love challenging my own way of cook-ing and I try not to limit myself. It’s aphilosophy I have brought into TreeTopRestaurant as well. When you pair updifferent culinary features it can resultin gastronomic magic that pleases allyour senses. Limits are not something Ilike to see in my kitchen. We welcomecreativity,” says Francisco, inviting peo-ple to come to TreeTop and taste theworld.

For more information, please visit:www.tree-top.dk / www.munkebjerg.dk


78 | Issue 77 | June 2015

In a brand new location with stunningviews across the bay, Icelandic Fish andChips is the perfect place to stop andsavour some local flavours after a strollalong Reykjavik’s old harbour. The menudepends on the catch of the day with sev-eral kinds of fresh fish delivered everymorning.

“The Icelandic tradition of cooking fishtends to be quite bland, so we decided toborrow from the British,” says ErnaKaaber, manager of Icelandic Fish andChips. “However, we wanted to find outhow to make our fish and chips as healthyas possible.” The key to increasing thenutritional value of this dish lies in theoil. “The problem with the Western diet isthat we eat too much omega-6 andnowhere near enough omega-3. By using

rapeseed oil, which is high in omega-3and has a high heat tolerance, we coun-teract this imbalance,” explains Kaaber.“For the batter, we use spelt flour, whichis a more complex carbohydrate. It createsa perfectly crispy, but light batter – al-most like tempura.”

Veering a little from the British tradition,but certainly not compromising on flavour,the chips are twice-roasted and sprinkledwith freshly cut parsley and flaky sea-saltmade by Saltverk. “We decided not todeep-fry our chips, because carbohy-drates soak up oil like a sponge,” saysKaaber. “While we all need to consumegood fats, we don’t want to go overboard.”

If you’re watching your carbohydrate in-take, you can opt for one of four nourish-

ing salads or a side of vegetables insteadof chips. Boost your protein intake byadding a “Skyronnaise” dip made fromIceland’s beloved delicacy – Skyr. Some-where between yoghurt and cheese inconsistency, Skyr serves as a fat-free pro-tein base for the selection of dips on offerat Icelandic Fish and Chips, ranging frombasil and garlic to wasabi and ginger. Ifyou’re feeling a little indulgent, treat your-self to a Skyr-based dessert that won’tharm your waistline.

Everything is prepared from scratch in thekitchen, from the batter mix to the saladdressings, using locally-sourced produce.“You won’t find any factory or frozen foodhere,” says Kaaber proudly. “Our simplemenu allows us to showcase our freshIcelandic ingredients.”

Restaurant of the Month, Iceland

A healthier take on fish and chipsWith batter made from crispy and nutritious spelt flour, twice-roasted potatoes andprotein-rich dips, all prepared from scratch using the freshest local ingredients, Ice-landic Fish and Chips put a wholesome spin on the British classic.

By Stephanie Lovell | Photos: Snorri Bjornsson

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


Issue 77 | June 2015 | 79

Scan Magazine | Business | Key Note

Scan BusinessKey Note 79 | Business Feature: Weber Grill Academy 80 | Scandinavian Business Calendar 82 | Business Column 82

82 8280

Paul Blackhurst, client director at Mannaz

“I didn't have time to write a short letter, soI wrote a long one instead,” said Mark Twain.He was a well-known wit of course, but asalways his humour had a point. Communi-cating your message in a clear, succinct wayis quite a challenge. Abraham Lincoln’s Get-tysburg Address said a huge amount in only272 words and we all know the saying thatless is more. However, if you watch peoplecommunicate, they tend to operate on theprinciple that more is better. This is espe-cially true where the message is an impor-tant or difficult one where our discomfort orlack of confidence can lead to a tsunami ofwords. In an international context, this iswhere your language abilities can actuallywork against you. If you have a hundredways to say something, there is a temptationto use all one hundred ways to demonstrateyour linguistic abilities. The risk then, isthat the core message becomes lost or di-luted. Starting with the end in mind is usu-ally good advice. Think about what you wantpeople to know, feel and do as a result ofyour communication. Then figure out howbest to achieve that goal. Then simplify yourmessage. Unless the purpose of your com-munication is to demonstrate just how muchyou know, strip out all of the non-essentialwords and phrases. Take out the jargon andthe technical words, unless you are sure that

the audience will understand them. Ein-stein said, "if you can't explain it simply, youdon't understand it well enough”, so demon-strate your understanding by simplifying.Rehearse your message with people who donot know the content. Young people can begood sounding boards. In the movie DuckSoup, Groucho Marx says, “why, a four-year-old child could understand this report. Runout and find me a four-year-old child. I can'tmake head nor tail out of it."

For challenging conversations, we oftenhelp people to rehearse the opening 60 sec-onds of the interaction, which is where thetone is set for the rest of the conversation.The structure is:

1. Name the issue 2. Select a specific example that illustratesthe behaviour

3. Describe your emotions about the issue 4. Clarify what is at stake 5. Identify your contribution to the problem 6. Indicate your wish to resolve the issue 7. Invite a response

For example: “I want to talk to you abouttimekeeping. This week, you have arrivedlate to the office on two occasions. I feel dis-appointed that you appear uncommitted toour project. If we cannot resolve this issue,

I will find it hard to collaborate with you in fu-ture. I am at fault for not telling you earlierhow important punctuality is to me. I reallywant us to find a solution to this. How do yousee things?”

Those 77 words can make a huge impact.

I have so much more to say, but unfortu-nately my 500 words just ran out.

Keep it simple, Einstein!By Paul Blackhurst, client director at Mannaz


80 | Issue 77 | June 2015

Scan Magazine | Business Feature | Weber Grill Academy

The snow is falling, the Christmas roastis ready to be cooked and it is time to fireup the barbeque. Oh I'm sorry, did youthink that this was going to be an articleabout grilling sausages and pork chopsin the summer sun? Well do not worry wewill get to that too, but first we will havea look at the Danish grill enthusiasm thathas transformed everything from choco-late cake to Christmas roasts into legiti-mate grill objects. And yes, we might

agree that the enthusiasm is borderingon obsession, but let us leave that fornow.

A lifestyle

Today most Danes own a grill, some sev-eral (because one grill is not alwaysenough), and grilling is an all-year activ-ity. But it is not just in Denmark; the grillmania is spreading quickly throughoutthe north, and, if it is up to the WeberGrill Academy, the UK will be the nextcountry to be devoured by the grill pas-sion. Manager of Weber Grill AcademyNorth and member of the Danish Na-tional BBQ Team (yes, they have one) An-ders Jensen explains how barbequing has

Weber’s Danish barbeque school, Weber Grill Academy, has turned grilling into a partof the Danish national identity. Today, Danes barbeque more than any other nation-ality and now Weber Grill Academy plans to spread the BBQ fire to the UK.

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Weber Stephen North

It is BBQ time (all the time)!


Issue 77 | June 2015 | 81

Scan Magazine | Business Feature | Weber Grill Academy

become a part of the Danish nationalidentity. “Our goal has always been to in-crease people’s barbeque knowledge andskills so that if they want to do theirChristmas roast on the barbeque, theyfeel comfortable enough to do that. It isnot just about grilling sausages and porkchops in the summer; it is about creatinga certain lifestyle. When people learn togrill more things, they feel more confidentusing the grill in their everyday cooking.”The strategy, which was initiated in 2003,has been a success, and for the last fouryears approximately 20,000 people havegone through Weber Grill Academy eachyear. Today, measured per inhabitant,Denmark barbeques more than any othernation in the world - even the sunny ones.

Fire it up – it is time for dessert

Some people might object that the bar-beque trend is not compatible with the re-fined and renowned healthy Nordic cui-sine. But though it is a part of Weber, (afamily-owned USA-based company pro-ducing the Weber grill, which has becomea household name in Denmark), the Dan-ish Weber Grill Academy has created abarbeque culture that is uniquely fitted tothe Nordic region’s famously zealous ap-proach to food. “BBQ food might have abad reputation as something quite greasy

and unhealthy, but it can be a lot of otherthings. It can be smoked salmon andgrilled vegetable puree or even a choco-late cake; people just do not know. In ourclasses we cook the entire meal on agrill,” says Anders Jensen and adds: “Ofcourse it has to make sense, that is partof what makes it fun. But what we expe-rience is that people find it quite cool tobe able to tell their guests that theygrilled the chocolate cake they are havingfor dessert. It is just a way of showing toyourself and others that this is somethingyou like and know how to do. Besides, it isa great thing to do when you are donewith the main course instead of just turn-ing off the grill as the heat is most in-tense.”Not all courses are equally adventurousthough, and, Anders Jensen ensures us,that Weber Grill Academy’s classes in theUK, are adjusted to the, as of yet, slightlyless BBQ-crazed nation. “We always meetpeople where they are, but we anticipatethat the UK is hungry for more knowl-edge when it comes to barbequing.”

Whether the UK will be smitten with theNordic style BBQ mania, time will show.But one thing is certain: Weber GrillAcademy has a burning ambition tospread the fire.

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

Weber’s first Danish Weber GrillAcademy opened in North Zealand in2003, then, in 2007, at the Weber HQ inAalborg, and, in 2010, CopenhagenWeber Grill Academy opened in ahistoric courtyard building onAmerikakaj wharf.

The Weber Grill Academy On Tour alsooffers short introductory grill coursesall over the North and UK.

Since its beginning in 2003, WeberGrill Academy has expanded the worldof barbequing for approximately250,000 Danes.

Weber Grill Academy is not just knownfor its BBQ classes but also providespopular grill events for companyteambuilding, board meetings,anniversaries, product launches orstaff events.

This summer Weber Grill Academy isoffering a string of BBQ classesaround the UK with new Weber GrillAcademy partners in enthusiasticcookery schools.

Barbequing is not just a job, but a passion for Man-ager of Weber Grill Academy North Anders Jensenwho spends his spare time travelling and competingwith the Danish National BBQ Team.


82 | Issue 77 | June 2015

Scan Magazine | Busniess | Business Calendar

The future of financial servicesThe Future of Financial Services Conference is atop-tier event for senior professionals working inor engaging with the UK financial services indus-try. In 2014 over 200 professionals met to exchangeviews and gain insights on where the industry isheaded, recognising achievements and discussingareas for improvement – and this year will be justas great.Date: 02 JuneVenue: 30 Euston Square, London, NW1 2FBHost: Lansons. Register at www.futureoffinancialservices.co.uk

The Annual Summer BBQSet within the bounds of the City of Aberdeen, yetsurrounded by the picturesque scenery of the DeeValley, Kippie Lodge provides the perfect retreatfrom the hectic pace of the city centre. Bring yourbusiness partners, spouse and friends for this en-joyable Norwegian celebration of the summer!Who knows? You might pick upa few business tips along theway!Date: 10 JuneVenue: Kippie Lodge, Aberdeen

Drinks and networkingExpand your business contacts whilst having agood time. The event is organised together withthe Norwegian British Chamber of Commerce andFinnish British Chamber of Commerce and is agreat opportunity for you to meet new people. Ar-rive early to get a free drink upon arrival and don’tforget to bring your colleagues.Date: 25 JuneVenue: St. Ermin's Hotel, 2 Cax-ton Street, London SW1H 0QW,Great Britain

How to adapt to a lower oil priceJoin the Norwegian-British Chamber of Com-merce as they discuss what companies shouldconsider in a time of lower oil prices. Gain newknowledge and get you and your company readyfor the future whilst meeting fellow piers. Date: 27 JuneVenue: Royal Geographical So-ciety, 1 Kensington Gore, SW72AR, London

Scandinavian Business Calendar– Highlights of Scandinavian business events

By Caroline Edwards

One of my coaching clients wanted to talkrecently about her lack of assertiveness(and she is not alone). For a long time shewas taking on her colleague’s work butlacked the confidence to challenge himabout his laziness. I asked her if this weretrue in her private life as well. She saidshe had no problem expressing strongemotions to friends and family but felt in-timidated about doing so at work. So Iasked her about her anger dial. Could sheturn it up and down at home? Sure, shecould go up to eight if necessary; four wasusually enough to get the messageacross; and she never went all the way toten because that was in the danger zone.And at work? Always on zero, she said.

She went away determined to make itmuch clearer to her colleague just howshe felt. She decided that showing himthis was much more important than herfear of conflict; that she had nothing tolose and everything to gain. Indeed he wasso taken aback by a quick level four blastfrom her that he capitulated on the spotand is now writing his own reports.

I’m not advocating rule by fear and Irecognise that displays of anger are alsoculturally determined: I won’t easily forgetworking in one European country wherepeople really did scream at each other(and were all smiles ten minutes later).But I think we all need to keep our anger

dial well polished and at the ready; andoccasionally turn it up just a couple of de-grees to show our colleagues when wereally do mean business.

I’m all for the Scandinavian-style consensual workplace, but I’ve started to think thata bit more anger can sometimes be helpful there too. Here’s why:

By Steve Flinders

Get angry with your colleagues

Steve Flinders is a freelance trainer,writer and coach, based in Malta, whohelps people develop their communi-cation and leadership skills for workinginternationally:[email protected];www.coachingyork.co.uk/item/steve-flinders/


Want Sales?Our sales superstars are trained up and waiting inthe wings to step up to your business challenge!

We have 20 years of experience in the distance selling industry and we provide B2B sales and customer service in the following languages:– Swedish– Danish– Norwegian – Finnish– German– Dutch

We supply combined outsourcing services in customer service and telemarketing which havebeen developed from a unique combination of service and sales rhetoric and technology.

Contact us today!3C ONLINE LTD147 Snowsfields, London SE1 3TFEmail: [email protected]: +44 (0)870 933 0423 www.3c-online.co.uk

09:34 Page 1

vikingshipmuseum.dk

RoskildeÅrhus

Aalborg

KøbenhavnOdense

Vindeboder 12 • DK-4000 Roskilde • vikingshipmuseum.dk

Under the age of 18 admission freeOpen daily 10:00 - 16:00 (May 16 - Aug. 24: 10:00 - 17:00)

Transport: Free car park. Train to Roskilde. From Roskilde Station bus route 203 or about 20 minutes’ walk.

Viking ships in RoskildeHistory for all the senses – year round Experience five original Viking ships and see our impressive boat collection in the scenic Museum Harbour. Look, feel, smell - and try! The Viking Ship Museum focuses on the Vikings’ maritime craftsmanship and their impressive ships.

Exciting exhibitions – Films about the Viking ships and Sea Stallion from Glendalough – Dress as a Viking Activities for children – Go on board Viking ships Boatyard – Museum Shop – New Nordic Viking Food Scenic harbour life with Viking ships and historical wooden boats.

Go sailing on Roskilde Fjord: May 15 - September 30.

SPECIAL EXHIBITION 2014 The World in the Viking Age– Seafaring in the 9th century changed the world!

hiptfimtim fuesup Mihg Snkiie VTh

yrd tnl - alem, slee, fkooLoitcellot caoe bvisserpmi

l Vanigire ove ficnierexpE

e shl tlr aoy frotsiH

iph sginikV

o

hipi imirh td’sgnkiie Vhn ts oesucom f

!yrbr

e

am Huesuic Mnece shn tn irue oed sns apihg snkiil V

d nuor raes – yesnee s

edilkso R insip

o

e

ITIBIHX ELAICEPS

oje F Fjdlkison Rg oniliao sG

.atso bnedoowh Vtie wfir luobraic hnecS

p – Nohm Suesud – MraytaoBn – Gerdlihr cos fietivitcA

adnelm Gorn foillata SeSmlis – Fnoitibixhg eniticxE

ahipsnamstfar ceimtiram

d

41 20NO

.0r 3ebmetpe5 - Sy 1a: Mdro

laicrotsid hns apihg snkiih Vdoog Fnkiiic Vdrow Nep – N

spihg snkiid Vraon bo on – Ggnkiis a Vs aserh – Dguol

nns apihg snkiie Vht tuobs am

.ship sevisserp imireh tdn a

d

n

:tropsnarT

0:0 - 170:0: 14. 2g6 - Auy 1aM(00:60 - 10:0y 1lian depO

md8 af 1e oghe ar tendU

eh ce 9thn tg iniraafe– Sg Anikihe Vn td ilorhe WTITIBIHX ELAICEPS

org

!

borgbbllaaAA

shurÅ)00

eeron fissim

dlroe whd tegnahy crutnegg A

41 20NO

l eldeiikkososRR

nvahenøbK


84 | Issue 77 | June 2015

Scan Magazine | Humour | Columns

IS IT JUST ME... By Mette Lisby

Who in the wake of the election started longing for our media to stop confusingspeculation with actual news coverage?

By the time this column is published, itwill seem like a long time has passedsince the general election took place.However, as I’m writing these lines, it’sthe evening before Election Day and mylaptop is abuzz with messages fromfriends and colleagues, waving their po-litical beliefs about with gusto. I grew upin a family where my parents’ politicalleanings were kept from me, so that Icould form my own opinions. And so as ateenager, I formed opinions. In a way thiswas an easy thing to do, because at mySwedish school you fell into one of onlytwo camps. Either you were far right, oryou were far left. As a middle class girlwith ambitions to become an artist, I wasobviously far left. Feelings on both sideswere very strong. We attended rallies, helddemonstrations and at one point I tried todye my hair green (not entirely politically-motivated in truth). Our teachers hadother things on their plates, so they

weren’t terribly bothered by politically-motivated acts of rebellion, which natu-rally we exploited. We realised that a greatmethod for getting our messages acrosswas to spray them across the brick wallsof the school corridors using hairspray.Two metre tall, perfumed letters spellingout our views. We then turned the lights

off and set our messages on fire. In hind-sight we were completely insane. By com-parison my new English schoolmatesseemed politically blasé, which I found tobe quite the relief. I still sometimes thinkback to the days of protests and clashes,especially when I see a can of Elnett. ButI am glad that I am now at an age whereinstead of setting things on fire, I can sim-ply tick a box.

Maria Smedstad moved to the UK fromSweden in 1994. She received a degree inIllustration in 2001, before settling in thecapital as a freelancecartoonist, creatingthe autobiographicalcartoon Em. Maria writes a col-umn on the trials andtribulations of life asa Swede in the UK.

Politically motivated By Maria Smedstad

Mette Lisby is Denmark’s leading femalecomedian. She invites you to laugh alongwith her monthly humour columns. Sinceher stand-up debut in 1992, Mette hashosted the Danish versions of Have I GotNews For You and Room 101.

The news has become one big quiz show seeing'experts' not telling us what they do know hashappened, but instead trying to guess what willhappen. They might call it 'predicting' but reallythat’s just a fancy word for guessing. We are con-stantly exposed to 'experts' trying to guess every-thing from how the weather, stock markets,world-economies and voters are going to behave,to what Obama, Clinton and Putin might do next.

When did this start?

When I grew up, my mother briefly lived in Green-land and I regularly went to visit her. One time,due to bad weather, our flight was redirected toanother airport. All passengers were dropped offin the departure gate of Kangerlussuaq, with noinformation on how long we were going to bethere. After a while, the western-minded peoplebegan to pace the floor restlessly, asking: “Howlong are we going to stay here?”, “When will theplane leave?” – to which the stoic Greenland airhostess simply and honestly replied: “I don’tknow.”

When was the last time you heard those wordsfrom someone with any kind of authority? Granted, this was before the weather became aTV-megastar with it’s own channels and at least20 per cent of every news show on this planetdedicated to predicting its merits. Back then, inthat departure hall, there was only the one airlinehostess to ask. No mobile phones, no CNN livefeed, no Internet.

Today we would check our tablets and phonesto tap into the endless stream of 'experts' guess-ing when the weather would clear up - and evenwatch them interview other 'experts' - maybeeven 'specialists'.

When did we become so uncomfortable acknowledging that there are some things wejust don’t know for certain? Take the weather this coming summer – every-body’s guessing how it’s going be, but really no-body knows.

We’ll just have to wait and see.


Servicevägen 3, Falkenberg, Sweden+46 346 71 57 57, www.korshags.se

Smoked salmon, gravlax and classic seafood sauces made from fresh Scandinavian produce.

”Wonly a few hours from the moment the salmon is taken out of the sea until it is fully trimmed and filleted. The salmon is shipped fresh from Norway to Falkenberg,


e guarantee salmon of the highest qualityWWe guarantee salmon of the highest qualityonly a few hours from the moment the salmon is taken out of the sea until it is fully trimmed and filleted. The salmon is shipped fresh from Norway to Falkenberg,


. It takes e guarantee salmon of the highest qualityonly a few hours from the moment the salmon is taken out of the sea until it is fully trimmed and filleted. The salmon is shipped fresh from Norway to Falkenberg,

salmon is shipped fresh from Norway to Falkenberg, on the western coast of Sweden.”

”In our smokehouse, all salmon is smoked with alder wood and juniper berries. The alder trees are locally grown at a sustainable forestryourselves fresh from the log, every week. The slightly damp wood gives a dense, white smoke that is perfect for smoking salmon. In the smoking process we also add juniper berries, all this to extract as much as possible of the wonderful aromas and flavours naturally contained in

salmon is shipped fresh from Norway to Falkenberg, on the western coast of Sweden.”

”In our smokehouse, all salmon is smoked with alder wood and juniper berries. The alder trees are locally

e chip the wood . Wgrown at a sustainable forestryourselves fresh from the log, every week. The slightly damp wood gives a dense, white smoke that is perfect for smoking salmon. In the smoking process we also add juniper berries, all this to extract as much as possible of the wonderful aromas and flavours naturally contained in the wood.”

salmon is shipped fresh from Norway to Falkenberg,

”In our smokehouse, all salmon is smoked with alder wood and juniper berries. The alder trees are locally

e chip the wood ourselves fresh from the log, every week. The slightly damp wood gives a dense, white smoke that is perfect for smoking salmon. In the smoking process we also add juniper berries, all this to extract as much as possible of the wonderful aromas and flavours naturally

d

Korshags’ fish is available to order online via Ocado (ocado.com) and Scandinavian Kitchen (scandikitchen.co.uk).

Servicevägen 3, Falkenberg, Sweden+46 346 71 57 57, www

Korshags’ fish is available to order online via Ocado (ocado.com) and Scandinavian Kitchen (scandikitchen.co.uk).

Servicevägen 3, Falkenberg, Sweden.korshags.se+46 346 71 57 57, www

Korshags’ fish is available to order online via Ocado (ocado.com) and Scandinavian Kitchen

Servicevägen 3, Falkenberg, Sweden.korshags.se


86 | Issue 77 | June 2015

Scan Magazine | Culture | Venice Biennale


Issue 77 | June 2015 | 87

The Biennale features shows acrossVenice, including 29 historic nationalpavilions in the leafy Giardini Park, aswell as 31 national exhibitions in the Ar-senal. This old shipyard also hosts En-wezor’s main centerpiece, All the World’sFutures, which stands apart from the na-tional shows, and allows the creator toreveal his own vision via the works ofover one hundred individual artists.

Scan Magazine stopped by to see howthe Nordic countries were represented.

During the opening week, Iceland stoodout by allowing Swiss artist ChristophBüchel to convert a church in the CanalRegio neighborhood into Venice’s first-ever fully functioning mosque. This in-tervention courted controversy with thelocal government, which considered it apublic safety hazard.

The Danish Pavilion hosted Vietnamese-born Danish performance art inspiredartist Danh Vo’s exhibition Mothertonque,which saw the pavilion being restored nearto its original design and filled with con-ceptual sculptures by the artist. Titles ofhis artwork derive from the script of TheExorcist. “Several doorways and windows

had been covered over the years. We re-opened all of them and then restored theoriginal brickwork, which had beenopened at some point to create two newwindows into the garden,” adds Vo.

Finland’s pavilion in the Giardini is a his-torical attraction in itself, as it is one of thelast works designed by the world-famousFinnish architect Alvar Aalto. A new site-specific installation entitled Hours, Years,

Aeons, was created by the artistic duo IC-98, Visa Suonpää and Patrik Söderlund.Their work is inspired by nature and con-sists of a pencil-drawn digital animation: ahypnotising forest by night. “The historicalpavilion posed the biggest challenges to usdue to several restrictions put on place toprotect it, but we are very happy with the fi-nal result,” reveals Suonpää, while sip-ping his drink at the press lunch outsidethe pavilion.

For the first time Sweden is represented atArsenal by one of their most innovative filmartists, Lina Selander. Her works at theexhibition are often based on objects witha rich back story. “My film The Silphium

Nordic Pavilions at Venice Biennale 2015The world’s grandest contemporary art festival, the Venice Biennale, opened itsdoors to the public in early May. This year it celebrates the 120th anniversary of itsfirst exhibition and is led by its first-ever African curator, Okwui Enwezor.

By Sanna Halmekoski | Photos: Sanna Halmekoski



88 | Issue 77 | June 2015


focuses on an ancient Greek coin, also usedas an abortifacient. The coin seen here wasfound on the internet,” says Selander.

Nordic Pavilion

Traditionally the Nordic Pavilion in the Gi-ardini, designed by Norwegian architectSverre Fehn in 1962, collaboratively showswork from Finland, Sweden and Norway.However, for the last three biennales eachcountry has taken over the pavilion andthis year, Norway takes centre-stage.

The Office of Contemporary Art Norway(OCA) commissioned American-born,Oslo-based performance artist CamilleNorment to develop their project. Anglo-Spanish curator Katya García-Antón ob-serves to Scan Magazine that, Norment isnot Norwegian but she represents themost interesting aspects of the Norwe-gian artistic scene today: the combinationbetween performance, the experimentalsound and literary art. Her site-specific,sculptural and sonic installation fits thespace perfectly. García-Antón adds that,“there are three trees in the middle of the

pavilion, which means that the roof is notcomplete and when it rains, it rains in-side. Just like in the Nordic countries, theweather is always present here. Thismakes the pavilion transparent, open tothe world, exactly like the rest of the worldsees Scandinavia.”

For the Biennale, Norment composed newwork on the glass harmonica, a legendary18th century instrument that creates ethe-real music from glass and water. Her workis called Rapture because the instrumentwas thought to arouse sexual excitementin women. The artist hopes that therecordings of the instrument’s musicplayed inside of the pavilion will bring vis-itors to the state of euphoria. “Sound, by itsnature, permeates borders, even invisibleones. Music is still seen by many in theworld as an experience that should becontrolled, especially in relation to the fe-male body, ” states Norment.

The Biennale runs until the 22 November2015, and provides yet another good rea-son to visit the fascinating city of Venice.

For more information, please visit:www.labiennale.org


Issue 77 | June 2015 | 89

“I left Oslo where it was minus three de-grees and arrived in Cape Town where it’s30 degrees so I can’t complain,” Seimlaughs. “We’re working so hard, filmingfor twelve hours a day but I’m loving it.”Cape Town is a six-part TV series basedon the book Dead Before Dying by SouthAfrican crime thriller author, DeonMeyer. Filming will complete this monthas audiences eagerly await the firstbroadcast later this year. “I play the maincharacter, Mat Joubert, who is a policedetective,” Seim explains. “I’m nostranger to playing this type of role so itmakes sense that they cast me.”

Seim is instantly recognisable for theVarg Veum phenomenon that earned hima prestigious Norwegian Amanda BestActor Award and EFP Shooting StarAward at the Berlin International FilmFestival. Seim remembers his pivotal rolefondly. “I appreciate it even more in ret-rospect now than I did at the time,” he re-flects. “It’s such a privilege to work as anactor and to play such a great role for anextended period of time was really an ho-nour.”

Seim appeared in two of the most suc-cessful Scandi-TV series to be broadcast

in the past twelve months; Norwegiansmash hit Mammon where Seim guest-starred as the Prime Minister and TheLegacy with his engaging performanceas Robert.

“It was strange but obviously great fun toplay the role of Prime Minister,” he says.“It was also such a beautiful experienceperforming in The Legacy and to be in-volved in such a great Danish productionwith incredible actors.

“Seim is looking forward to starring inthe upcoming Norwegian film, The DollIn The Ceiling from director, KjerstiSteinsbø that is being filmed entirely inthe fjords of Fjærland. He also hopes toreturn to the theatre in Oslo this autumn.It’s clear that 2015 is shaping up to be anexciting year for this Scandinavian su-perstar.

Norwegian actor Trond Espen Seim shot to stardom as Detective Varg Veum in the12-part series of films based on the hugely popular crime novels by Gunnar Staale-sen. Since then fans have followed his career with great enthusiasm, includingSeim’s most recent portrayal of Robert Eliassen in the hit Danish TV show, TheLegacy. He joins us to talk about these exciting roles and more from the set of hislatest TV project, Cape Town in South Africa.

By Helen Cullen | Photos: All In Production

Man about Cape Town

Scan Magazine | Feature | Trond Epsen Seim


90 | Issue 77 | June 2015

Scan Magazine | Culture | Scandinavian Culture Calendar

Erja Lyytinen on tour (June & Oct)Finnish blues guitarist and singer-song-writer Erja Lyytinen will be touring the UKwith her latest album Live in London.www.erjalyytinen.com

Oh Land (June/July)Denmark-born, but Brooklyn-based, one-woman synth-pop band Oh Land (NannaØland Fabricius) will be playing tunesfrom her latest album Earth Sick on herongoing Europe tour.www.ohlandmusic.com

The Tallest Man on Earth (June/July)Swedish singer-songwriter Kristian Mats-son, more known by his stage name TheTallest Man on Earth, is touring Europewith his 2015 album Dark Bird is Home.www.thetallestmanonearth.com

Axwell /\ Ingrosso (June/July)Ex-Swedish House Mafia members Axwell(Axel Hedfors) and Sebastian Ingrosso hasformed a duo and will be playing theirelectro-house beats at various venuesacross Europe this summer.www.axwellingrosso.tv

Roskilde Festival (27 June - 4 July)Denmark's Roskilde Festival will featuremany great names such as Paul McCart-ney, First Aid Kit, The Tallest Man on Earthand Alice Boman. www.roskilde-festival.dk

Peace & Love (2-4 July)This Swedish festival will feature a widevariety of national and international artistssuch as Veronica Maggio, Dave Kusworth,Lorentz and Judah & the Lion.www.peaceandlove360.se

Ruisrock (3-5 July)Turku's legendary festival has beenaround since the 1970s and is still goingstrong. This year's acts include: Axwell /\Ingrosso, Ola Salo, Backyard Babies, MØand Jenni Vartiainen, to mention a few. www.ruisrock.fi

Sly and Robbie meet Nils Petter Molvaer(17 July)Jamaican rhythm section Robbie Shake-speare and Sly Dunbar join forces withjazz trumpet innovator Nils PetterMolvaer, his fellow Norwegian guitarist

Eivind Aarset and Finnish electronicaartist Vladislav Delay. Barbican Hall, London, EC2Y.www.barbican.org.uk

Slottsfjell (16-18 July)Combining stunning Norwegian naturewith great music, Slottsfjell's festival iswell worth a visit. This year's line-up in-cludes: Admiral P, Anna of the North,Seinabo Sey, Refused and many more.www.slottsfjell.no

Way Out West (13-15 Aug)Set in central Gothenburg, this year’s WayOut West festival will feature artists suchas Pet Shop Boys, Beck, Tove Lo and FirstAid Kit.www.wayoutwest.se

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

Backyard BabiesPhoto: Ville Juurikkala

Eivind AarsetPhoto: Ole TS Thoresen

Erja LyytinenPress image


Scan Magazine | Culture | Scandinavian Music

[email protected]

Scandinavian Music By Karl Batterbee

There is always plenty of new talent emergingfrom the Nordics, so this month let’s take alook at some of the most notable acts.

Mavrick of Sweden is so new his debut sin-gle hasn’t even been released yet. But he’sgenerously popped it onto his Soundcloud pageas a preview and it’s already been getting manypeople excited. It’s called Remedy, which pa-rades as a soulful ballad that’s been tamperedwith and enhanced by some intense synth pro-duction. There’s trip-hop in there too. And thenthere’s the best bit, the part just after threeminutes when you think it’s all over turns intoa divine gospel breakdown that carries on for afurther minute of blissed out abandon.

Finnish teenager Sara Forsberg becameglobally famous last year when her comedyWhat Languages Sound Like To ForeignersYouTube vlog went viral with 14 million viewsand she appeared on the Ellen Show in the US.She has now gone on to sign a record deal withCapitol Records. Under the artist moniker ofSaara, she has now released her debut singleUr Cool. It’s bubblegum hip-hop, sounding like

a cross between Cher Lloyd and Ariana Grande.Some will find it delightfully catchy, others willfind it irritating as hell. And therein lies a foolproof formula for a perfect pop song. It’s al-ready become massive in her native Finland.

Don’t be misguided by the name, DeathTeam aren’t what you think they are. They’re anew Swedish duo who have just released asong which is the exact opposite of the kind ofmusic you would imagine a band by the nameof Death Team to make. Dolphin Style is a sug-ary pop treat that’s brilliantly catchy andshamelessly fun. “We think of ourselves as across between Abba and Eminem” is how theythemselves put it. And what they mean by thatis intelligently crafted pop melodies mergedtogether with observational rap vocals with acosmopolitan gloss.

Finally, WDSTCK are an electro outfit fromBergen in Norway, who have just come outwith an irresistible disco pop banger called SoFree. They take a tinge of the atmospheric andtropical sounds known to resonate within theBergen music scene, and add their own infec-

tious take on classic disco melodies. Drivingbass lines and tightly wound guitar strums allpair so perfectly with the band's vocalist. Andit’s a track which has all the makings of a main-stream floor filler, without any of the usual in-gredients.

Nordfyns MuseumThe history of the town of Bogense

and North Funen, in words, artifacts,paintings and pictures.

Nordfyns MuseumVestergade 16, DK-5400 Bogense, DenmarkPhone: +45 6481 1884E-mail: [email protected]

SUBSCRIBE TO SCAN MAGAZINESign up to a years subscription and you will receiveScan Magazine through your letterbox each month.

The price for 12 issues is £40.00 to UK subscribers.Rest of Europe £75.00

For further information and to subscribe, please visit:

www.scanmagazine.co.uk/subscribe

27/3/14 17:07 Page 1


SWEDEN

Trollhättan Vänersborg

Two cities. One destination.

COME ALONG ON AN EXCITING ELK SAFARI

375 SEK / person

GO BIKING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF

CARL LINNAEUS

1395 SEK / person

More info

visittv.se

EXCITING ELK SAFARICOME ALONG ON AN

Götaland, you can experience magnificent

through West Sweden’s most attractiveOn the plateau of Halle- & Hunneberg,


Götaland, you can experience magnificentlandscapes. On the plateau of Västra



Götaland, you can experience magnificentlandscapes. On the plateau of Västra


Linnaeus bike path, where you will beEnjoy the beautiful scenery along the

GO BIKING IN THE


CARL LINNAEUSFOOTSTEPS OF

GO BIKING IN THE


GO BIKING IN THE

visit the Royal Hunt Museum Elk Hill.front of an open fire in a Laplanders cot, andRoyal Hunt. We enjoy light refreshments inthe mountain is known for its elks and the

views and grandiose nature. Internationally,Götaland, you can experience magnificent





Ronnums Herrgård and Albert Hotel & Kök.in country estate-like environments at

Two overnight stays including breakfastbiking in the footsteps of the Flower King.



Linnaeus bike path, where you will be




Date post:	22-Jul-2016
Category:	Documents
Upload:	scan-group
View:	231 times
Download:	7 times

Scan Magazine | Issue 77 | June 2015

Documents