Exclusive Adventure and Exploration Resort in Northern Norway

Tor Kjølberg
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Exclusive Adventure and Exploration Resort in Northern Norway
Spectacular scenery and award-winning architecture meet you in the legendary Steigen – three hours by car north of Bodø or an hour and a half by speedboat. Today, there is little evidence that this was formerly the most important port north of the Arctic Circle. The Island´s position between dramatic mountains and the Barents Sea has in itself been the inspiration for celebrated Polar Explorer Børge Ousland´s newest adventure; an exclusive adventure and exploration resort in Northern Norway.
Manshausen Island Resort is situated in the middle of the Grøtøya strait, only 500 meters from the small village Nordskot. With its well-protected harbour, Manshausen was in its time an important and busy part of the old trading post Grøtøy, which was established in 1698. Fish is still important, but kayaking, diving, cycling, climbing and summer and winter hiking has now taken over as the most popular activities.
Exclusive Adventure and Exploration Resort in Northern Norway
The award-winning sea cabins are designed by architect Snorre Stinessen.
Related: Living in Scandinavian Glass Houses  

A 55-acre private island
The 55-acre private island is home to the world´s largest population of Sea Eagles and the fishing is spectacular. To the north the horizon is dominated by the mountain-range of Lofoten. Manshausen is usually fully booked from May to September, but this year the season did not really start before mid-June. A common sauna and hot tub must be left unused this year, but otherwise you can enjoy nature, outdoor life and not least the award-winning sea cabins designed by architect Snorre Stinessen.

You get a wow effect of going into the cabins, but the adventure is far from free. It costs between 3500 NOK (350 USD) and 5700 NOK (570 USD) per night – excluding food. Each cabin has limited space but good use of space – a large bed, two Scandi chairs with panoramic views, a small kitchen and hallway – best suited for a couple. However, If you’re a good organizer, a small extra room can be used by another guest or two.

Exclusive Adventure and Exploration Resort in Northern Norway
You get a wow effect of going into the cabins
Related: Lofoten – An Isolated Archipelago of Stringing Beauty
A living memory of a historical era
The island was used as a private residence and resort until Børge Ousland bought it in 2010.

Grøtøy and neighboring Naustholmen are divided into private properties. At present there are no permanent residents on any of these islands, but the buildings are well maintained. The great old main house on Grøtøya is like a living museum from the early twentieth century, while Villa Haugen, the director’s residence, was rebuilt from old drawings in 2001. Both these buildings, and also the old stone piers on Manshausen, is a living memory of this historical era.

The resort was planned and laid out taking the island’s topography into consideration. The Nordic designed cabins are all but one placed on the stone-quays, partially cantilevered above the sea, one placed on a natural shelf on the rocky formations above. The positioning and orientation of all the cabins is based on the consideration of their individual panoramic views and privacy for the guests.

The main house serves as the social hub featuring open kitchen and dining room, lounge to relax, library, plus the expedition loft and conference room.

Related: 5 Days Itinerary to See the Northern Lights in Norway

Exclusive Adventure and Exploration Resort in Northern Norway
Børge Ousland is established as the leading polar explorer of our time.

Exclusive Adventure and Exploration Resort in Northern Norway
Proximity to nature and the sea is the great thing about Manshausen and the cabins have nice and simple details. You can slide down into a leather-covered chair and enjoy the views of the mountains and fjords and the midnight sun. The cabins have been named after places Ousland has been, such as the North Pole, South Pole, Mount Everest and Patagonia.

The leading polar explorer of our time
With solo expeditions to both the South and North Poles and solo crossings of both the Antarctic and the Arctic from coasts to coasts, Børge Ousland is established as the leading polar explorer of our time.

Manshausen Island was featured on 26 of the Best Trips to Take Right Now on Outside Magazine.

Exclusive Adventure and Exploration Resort in Northern Norway, written by Tor Kjolberg

All images © Manshausen

The Heroes of Telemark

Tor Kjølberg
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The Heroes of Telemark

The Norwegian Resistance efforts to sabotage Nazi production of the atomic bomb is a tale of bravery and remarkable survival skills. Red more about the heroes of Telemark.

When Germany invaded Norway on 9th April 1940, the Norwegian defense forces were no match for Hitler’s army and the country was quickly occupied. The Norwegian royal family took refuge in London from where King Haakon directed operations by Norwegian underground to obstruct in any way they could their unwanted Nazi occupiers.

The sabotage of the heavy water plant
The most celebrated act of resistance in Norway during World War II was the sabotage of the Vemork heavy water plant at Rjukan, in Telemark, in February 1943 – successful production of heavy water in the plant could conceivably have aided German development of an atomic bomb. No visitor to Rjukan, dwarfed and darkened by mountains all round, could fail to be awed by the audacity of the saboteurs. Their heroic exploits were made into a Hollywodd film in 1965, The Heroes of Telemark.

The Heroes of Telemark
The Saboteur Trail. Photo: Visit Telemark

Related: The Norwegian Attack on Heavy Water

The operation was originally planned for a joint force of Norwegian volunteers and British commandos in two towed gliders. It ended disastrously when both gliders and one of the aircraft towing them crashed in bad weather and the survivors were tortured and executed by the Gestapo.

“Gunnerside” and “Swallow”
The next attempt was an all-Norwegian affair. “Gunnerside” was the code name for six men who had been trained in England. They parachuted onto a frozen lake where they joined up with “Swallow”, an advanced party who had been on the ground since the first failed operation, subsisting for almost four winter months on moss, lichen and a single reindeer. The men skied to the ridge above Rjukan for the perilous descent, up to their waists in snow.

The Heroes of Telemark
Kirk Douglas played a saboteur in the 1965 film “The Heroes of Telemark”

Related: Norwegian Hydro Plant On the World Heritage List

Just after midnight, the covering party took up positions while the six-man demolition team cut a chain on the gates and crept forward to the basement of the concrete building where the most vital equipment and the heavy water storage tanks were located. The team broke in, surprising a solitary Norwegian guard who agreed to lead them to vital components, laid their charges and began a rapid withdrawal.

The Heroes of Telemark
From Vemork Museum. Photo: Visit Telemark

A lively time for one of the saboteurs
They had only gone a few yards when there was, what members later variously described as “a cataclysmic explosion” and a “tiny insignificant pop”.

Of the 10 saboteurs, six reached Sweden after a 400 km (250 miles) journey on skis in indescribably difficult conditions; the other four remained in Norway. Of the Swallow party, Claus Helberg had the liveliest time. He was chased through the mountains by German soldiers, but escaped. Then he fell over a cliff and broke an arm. The next day he walked into a German patrol but had a good enough story to be taken to a hotel to await treatment.

The Heroes of Telemark
Resistance soldier Claus Helberg.

Related: The Beautiful Rural Telemark Region in Norway

The Heroes of Telemark
Most of the hotel guests (but not the injured Norwegian) were turned out of their rooms to make way for Reichskommissar Joseph Terboven (the Nazi who ruled Norway). Later he was bundled along with the remaining guests “into a bus and sent off to the Grini occupation camp”. Helberg jumped from the bus. Later, he turned up in Britain, reporting for further duties.

Visit the Vemork Power Plant

The Heroes of Telemark, written by Tor Kjolberg

Top 10 Free Things to Do in Denmark

Tor Kjølberg
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0
Top 10 Free Things to Do in Denmark

Denmark – or the Kingdom of Denmark – is filled with castles, palaces, and a beautiful landscape. Architecture, history, art, and culture enthusiasts will love this country. Arguably one of the best tourist attractions in Europe, you can have fun doing several things in Denmark for free. Find out the top 10 free things to do in Denmark.

Here are the top ten:

#1 Go Skiing in Copenhagen
In downtown Copenhagen, there’s a ski slopet a waste-to-energy plant. Open to locals and visitors, it provides an innovative way to enjoy your day. Why not park your gear in your backpack and spend your day skiing?
Top 10 Free Things to Do in Denmark
The National Park in Jutland. Photo: Wikipedia commons
#2 Visit the National Park
Situated at the western coastline of Jutland, the official National Park is 12 kilometers of wonder. The rugged landscape showcases dunes, pine forest, flora, fauna, and vast wildlife, including otters, which students can write about in a college paper or assignment help.

You can bike or hike through the park. If you’re a birdwatcher, you’ll come across more than thirty species of birds. What if you love dabbling into some archeology? You won’t be disappointed as you’ll get to see grave mounds that date back to the Bronze Age.

#3 Visit the Amalienborg Palace
This magnificent palace, bought by the royal family in 1794, has been home to several generations of the Danish royal family. It still officially houses the royal family and serves as living quarters for visiting dignitaries.

Situated in Copenhagen, the complex has four palace buildings and King Frederick V’s statue at the center of its square. The Amalienborg’s museum is in the Christian VIII palace.

You can tour the palace, visit the museum, and watch the changing of guards ceremony, which occurs at noon every day

Top 10 Free Things to Do in Denmark
Marselisborg Dyrepark. Photo: Aarhus kommune
#4 Have Fun Time at the Deer Park
Do you want to see some deer and boar? You can go to the Deer Park at Marselisborg Dyrehave. This park is in Aarhus, one of Denmark’s largest cities.

The fallow and sika deer in the park will swarm around you if you feed them apples and carrots. If you want to see some wild boar, there’s a fenced area to watch them in action. However, you won’t be allowed to enter their habitat. The park has no closing time. You can hike, run, or chill with the deer all day.

Top 10 Free Things to Do in Denmark
Rudberg Knude lighthouse. Photo: Wikipedia commons
#5 Hike to Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse
The Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse stopped operating in 1968. It’s a famous landmark and tourist attraction in Denmark.

The fascinating thing about this tower is the sand that threatens to cover it –  a wonder that can become a topic for Bestessay.com. Climb the mountainous dunes to visit the lighthouse and take amazing photographs before it’s completely covered up by sand.

Top 10 Free Things to Do in Denmark
Nyhavn harbor. Photo: Thomas Hyrup Christensen
#6 Visit the Nyhavn Harbor
Nyhavn is a famous tourist site in Copenhagen. You may want to take a tour of the harbor and visit house number 20, where Hans Christian Anderson lived in 1835 while writing his fairy tales.

At every time of the year, you can visit this picturesque harbor and enjoy the waterside. To avoid paying for food at the restaurants, pack your lunch before you go to Nyhavn. Better still, prepare items for a picnic ahead of time and have a swell time with family and friends at the park.

#7 Go To Egeskov Castle
The Egeskov Castle in Funen is a renaissance-styled building with a picturesque view. At the exterior, you’ll find a working moat and a vast forest with some trails and buildings. Egeskov Castle is one of the most famous buildings in Europe. You can visit the Knights’ Hall and tour the building. There’s also a Segway course for relaxation.
Top 10 Free Things to Do in Denmark
Botanical Garden. Photo: Visit Copenhagen
#8 Visit Botanisk Have
This impressive botanical garden is another place to visit in Copenhagen for free. It’s an area set out for research paper writing service and conservation in the University Of Copenhagen National History Museum.  Although the school is an academic institution with essay writing services UK, its green oasis is a vibrant area. The trees, lake, flowerbed, and café are relaxation spots for anybody.

There’s a 19th century Palm House that you would want to visit with your significant other. It can also shield you from the rain while giving you an enthralling view of tropical climates. You can visit Botanisk Have in all weathers as there are open and covered parts

#9 ARos Aarhus Art Museum
Situated in Aarhus, this cube-shaped art museum has ten levels of exhibition space and a spiral staircase. It has 400 installations and more than 1,000 paintings. It also showcases drawings, graphics, photographs, and art videos.

Although you have to pay an entrance fee to see all the exhibits, there’s a free viewing area. Why not take a trip to the art museum and enjoy its free access?

#10 Search for the Six Forgotten giants
At the outskirts of Copenhagen, artist Thomas Dambo created statues of six forgotten giants. To start an adventure, put on your hiking boots and go for a scavenger hunt to find them. You’ll have to search by the calm waters and in the lush forests and meadows. Finding each giant will be like getting the gold in a treasure hunt.
Top 10 Free Things to Do in Denmark – Conclusion
If you’re on a budget, you can visit places for free and have an adventure in Denmark. Pick one of these sites or create a schedule to visit each tourist attraction.
Top 10 Free Things to Do in Denmark
Kurt Walker
Top 10 Free Things to Do in Denmark, written for Daily Scandinavian by Kurt Walker. Kurt has been working as an editor,  thesis writer and a copywriter at  an essay writing services in London, for 3 years. He offered  assignment help, such as papersowl reviews. Kurt is also a professional content writer and journalist in such topics as inspiration, motivation, education, and traveling.

Swedish Melancholy à la Bergman

Tor Kjølberg
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0
Swedish Melancholy à la Bergman

The story of Stutterheim raincoats begins with melancholy embraced rather than feared. The small Swedish raincoat producer Stutterheim has made success by selling Swedish melancholy à la Bergman.

The Stutterheim Stockholm raincoat is a signature design first created by Alexander Stutterheim’s grandfather. It is handmade in rubberized cotton, comes unlined, with double welded seams, snap closures and cotton drawstrings.

Swedish Melancholy à la Bergman
The Stutterheim Stockholm raincoat is a signature design first created by Alexander Stutterheim’s grandfather

Related: Durable Scandinavian Workwear

A classic Swedish fisherman’s raincoat
On the small island of Arholma in the Stockholm archipelago, Stutterheim founder Alexander Stutterheim discovered his grandfather’s old raincoat in a barn, shortly after he passed away. This classic fisherman’s raincoat, heavy, durable and timeless, provided the inspiration for the first Stutterheim raincoat, the Arholma.

A normal raincoat is actually quite boring. However, the Stutterheim Stockholm, made entirely by hand, make some users sing a different tune, since it is only made in 250 numbered pieces annually. Stutterheim raincoats undergo severe testing in horrible conditions both at sea and in the city. Each coat is individually quality-controlled by skilled seamstresses while guaranteeing you a modern and trendy silhouette in everyday life.

Related: Let it Rain – Norwegian Rain

Swedish Melancholy à la Bergman
A Stutterheim raincoat is handmade in rubberized cotton, comes unlined, with double welded seams, snap closures and cotton drawstrings.

Keeping rain and wind out
The Stockholm raincoat keeps the rain out. But maybe more important, it keeps wind from penetrating and creates its own little micro climate inside. Layer it up with a wool sweater or cardigan and you’ve got a much better winter outfit than the peacoat you thought you’d wanted.

Swedish Melancholy à la Bergman
The clean lines and functionality can easily be combined with any outfit. Either worn over a suit, or over something more casual like denim, both functions brilliantly. And there’s a lot of color choices to consider.
Swedish Melancholy à la Bergman
The Stutterheim Stockholm, made entirely by hand, make some users sing a different tune
Related: Thermal Garments From Sweden

A note on sizing if you are considering one. They’re slightly vanity sized. So, we suggest choosing one size smaller than you otherwise would have done.

Swedish Melancholy à la Bergman, written by Tor Kjolberg

All images © Stutterheim

The New Swedish Yoga

Tor Kjølberg
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0
The New Swedish Yoga
One of the things the corona pandemic has taught us is that proximity to nature is important. When the world is raging around us, people are reaching out to the forest’s green leaves, soft moss and rattling tree tops – a place where we can find peace and complacent. Swimming in a Swedish lake this summer has become the new Swedish yoga.
Swimming in a Swedish lake is also fun, relaxing and a wonderful way to experience the Swedish nature. Venture into the nature’s safe embrace and find your magical lake in the woods. Global trend agency WGSN reported last year that walking in nature is the new yoga.

Related: Sweden – A Country of Immense Variety

Over 100,000 lakes
In Sweden there are over 100 000 lakes and woodland lakes that you can jump in and swim. You don’t have to go far to find water. The lakes can vary in size dramatically – some are small forest ponds and there are large lakes. Vänern, which is Sweden’s largest lake and the third largest in Europe. It covers an area of around 5600 square kilometers.

Increasingly, people discover the phenomenon named forest bathing which is about being in the forest and feel and smell the environments. And when you swim in the forest, blood pressure drops and walking through trees calms your nervous system.

Related: Gliding Through Sweden’s Heartland

The New Swedish Yoga
Venture into the nature’s safe embrace and find your magical lake in the woods. Photo: Visit Stockholm

Natural and artificial lakes
In the woods of the western part of Fulltofta there is a small swimming area by Lake Ringsjön. The smaller lakes often have more visitors, in the bigger lakes there are water sports and activities going on, as the water temperatures are slightly higher.

In Järavallen you can swim in an artificial lake which, after many years of digging is ready with a small sandy beach with barbecue areas, benches and tables. It is also accessible by wheelchair. The lakes are often cool in the beginning of the season, June, and are slowly heating up towards August.

The New Swedish Yoga
Lake in Western Sweden
The new Swedish yoga
Forest bathing originated in Japan and has now spread throughout the world. It is used as a remedy for stress – the only thing you need is a forest to “swim” in, it says. It is a true nature and outdoor experience, great for relaxing.

Related: Sound of Silence in Luxury Spa Outside Oslo, Norway

Sweden is one of the countries in Europe with the largest percentage of forests. As much as 69 percent of the country is forest. The Swedes have also been extremely good at preserving the diversity of the forest and protecting it, which makes them extra exciting to explore. In Norway, only 3 per cent of the forest is protected, compared to 5 per cent in Sweden.

The New Swedish Yoga
Clive camping. Photo: Visit Sweden
Temperatures
With a warm spell of at least 13-16 degree Celsius in the night, and 22-25 during the day the temperatures in the lakes might reach 20 degree Celsius and over. The temperatures in the bigger lakes seldom reaches 20 degrees. Therefore, it is suggested to swim in smaller warmer lakes.

You can either go out into the woods on your own to enjoy and discover the nature with all your senses, or you can join an organized “forest swim” tour with local companies. The forests in Sweden are accessible to all through public law.

More information on lakes and water quality
Most of the lakes are clean and safe to bathe in. For more information on lakes and water quality check the website of the Swedish Water and Ocean board.

The New Swedish Yoga, written by Tor Kjolberg

Millions of Plays for New Hit by Swedish Pop Star

Tor Kjølberg
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0
Millions of Plays for New Hit by Swedish Pop Star
Swedish pop star Alex Alexander’s new EP Helpless counts millions of plays less than a month after its release. The EP Homeless contains five songs reflecting the multiple talents, vivid creativity and undeniable charisma of Alexander. Daily Scandinavian has interviewed the pop artist about the major impact he is having on the international music scene. Read the exciting story “Millions of plays for new hit by Swedish pop star”.
Alex Alexander was born in the small Swedish village of Vinninga, and is internationally known for being the face behind different guitar brands. He started playing music professionally with bands in Asia, in the Middle East, and in Europe at the age of 19 years, singing and playing the guitar. Alex later turned his interest into songwriting and production, as well as focusing his energy on his solo career as a pop act, leading him to play live performances on Swedish Radio, Pride Main Stage in Calgary, Canada, and The NAMM Show in Anaheim California on the Yamaha Music Stage.
Millions of Plays for New Hit by Swedish Pop Star
Alex Alexander was born in the small Swedish village of Vinninga

Started playing guitar 12 years old
“I started playing guitar when I was 12 years old after getting obsessed with Metallica and Iron Maiden,” he says. “I used to practice technique 4-5 hours a day on my guitar and this later led me to go to a special music high school in Sweden. After graduation, I pretty much applied and searched for every gig on the internet, and this landed my first 2-year tour in Asia.”

Related: Talented Swedish Singer/Songwriter Releases New Pop Single

As an independent artist, Alex Alexander has released 25 singles and has accumulated over 70 million streams. Alex competed in the Semi Final of Albanian song contest ”Kënga Magjikë” on live TV in front of 1,5 million viewers and 2000+ plus in the audience in Palace Of Congresses in December 2019. 2020 will be a big year for Alex as he has been planning to move to Los Angeles, after being active on the LA market for over 3 years.

A long and ever changing journey
Alexander tells us it has been a long journey that constantly has been changing for him as an artist. “There isn’t a special moment that lead me into the electronic music genre, but it all kind of came together naturally. I always think as an artist you should dare to experiment and mix different styles,” he explains.

Millions of Plays for New Hit by Swedish Pop Star
The EP Helpless is an escape from reality
The EP Helpless is an escape from reality, a beautiful one that takes the listener on a trip through multiple destinations, emitting a light and a pure energy rare to find nowadays in most new pop releases. Soulful and catchy, The tracklist‘s ethereal sound is gracefully paired with unbelievably breathy vocals, giving it an out-of-this-world feel. It’s Latin American-inspired sonic and rhythmic textures give it an exotic vibe, set to spark mass appreciation among aficionados of positive, dynamic, and beautifully executed music.

Related: The Swedish YouTube Star

Scandinavian music has an amazing world-wide reputation
When we ask Alexander if his Scandinavian roots still play a role in the music he creates he answers, “Absolutely, we Scandinavian artists, songwriters, and producers have such an amazing reputation around the world. There is definitely a strong connection with quality and great melodies whenever anyone abroad talks about a Scandinavian in the music industry. We have given the world so much great music for being such small nations.”

The producer, performer, and creator behind Helpless is a fearless artist who flexes his creative process when needed, ensuring there’s never a dull moment in his music by flawlessly blending a myriad of sounds into upbeat, fun, and classy sounds. This release builds a solid base from which to propel Alexander into even higher dimensions in 2020, especially knowing he is moving to LA this year.

“For me, it’s so much about the vibe of the music. I want the listener to feel good and get hyped when they listen to my music! Some people listen more to the story and the lyrics of the song and others more the music. I want to convey both and let the listener decide what mood, it puts them in!” he explains.

Do you have any musical influencers?
“I have so many influencers and it constantly changes! But my favorite artist right now is The Weeknd!»

 What is the story behind your debut EP, “Helpless”?
«The story is written around different relationships and the hardship one can feel when trying to get it all together. On the song ”Lyin’ Eyes”’ for example, we wanted to write about the whole social media culture where it’s all about showing you’re famous, rich and always happy, but if you really look into someone’s eyes you can see that they are not always happy.”

Related: Scandinavian Pop Music to Enjoy

Millions of Plays for New Hit by Swedish Pop Star
As an independent artist, Alex Alexander has released 25 singles and has accumulated over 70 million streams
 Have you done all the music and lyrics on your own or have you collaborated with others?
«Me and the very talented Swedish producer Johan Randén produced and wrote the whole EP together.”
 What are your future plans? Can we expect a full-length album release after this EP?
«As an artist now in the streaming era it’s important to just keep your releases coming and feed the fans with constant new songs! I would love to take the next step and release a full-length album, I know many say the album is dead, but I still believe the impact an album gives the fans is so much bigger than just a single.»
 As a newcomer, do you have any music-industry related goals in the coming years?
«My next step is to get out on the road once things open up and just play for as many people as possible and in as many countries as possible. I think you can only fully connect with your fans once they see you live and interact with you in reality!»
 Last question: You’re moving to LA. Is Scandinavia too small for you?
«I have been in LA now on and off for 3 years and I finally got my Artist Visa approved this year! I love Sweden and Scandinavia, but I want to break into the US music industry and make my mark, become a household name!”

 

FOLLOW ALEX ALEXANDER:

Facebook: facebook.com/AlexAlexanderLive/
Twitter: twitter.com/uralexalexander
Instagram: instagram.com/alexalexanderlive/
SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/alexalexanderlive

Millions of Plays for New Hit by Swedish Pop Star, Alex Alexander interviewed by Tor Kjolberg

Hotel With a Hamptons Atmosphere in Norway

Tor Kjølberg
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0
Hotel With a Hamptons Atmosphere in Norway

Nestled in a sheltered bay around 60-minute drive from the Norwegian capital of Oslo sits Støtvig Hotel and Spa with a magnificent view over the Oslo fjord. A stay in the modernized hotel gives you a feeling of being in a relaxed Hamptons or New England atmosphere.

Shortly after check-in we received a tour of the property, spa and all three restaurants by general manager Nina Nilsen before being shown to our room. There are 12 suites and 90 rooms, some facing each other with small windows which make them somewhat dark during the daytime. The rooms are, however, spotless and furnished in a Scandinavian maritime chic look. The air condition gives the room a comfortable temperature. The bathrooms are small but convenient, and complementarily supplied with Molton Brown amenities.

Related: Sound of Silence in Luxury Spa Hotel Outside Oslo, Norway

Hotel With a Hamptons Atmosphere in Norway
General manager Nina Nilsen and editor-in-chief Tor Kjolberg. Photo: Helgard Mahrdt
Serving Hotel has welcomed discerning hotel guest for over 100 years
Originally, Støtvig Hotel welcomed their first guests as early as in 1990, and was for more than 100 years one of the Oslo fjord’s most special and recognized boutique hotels. In 2011, the old hotel got demolished and today’s owner, Stig Fische, rebuilt it with high quality materials and decor showcasing his admiration for American hospitality. This is particularly evident in the American Diner restaurant and the cinema, unmistakably, a true replica of the cinema in the White House in Washington D. C. The shark decorating one of the walls in the spa is one of the original sharks featured in the movie Jaws!
Hotel With a Hamptons Atmosphere in Norway
Rest area with piano
Hotel With a Hamptons Atmosphere in Norway
The library
Hotel With a Hamptons Atmosphere in Norway
Reception area. Photo: Støtvig Hotel
Related: Four Season at Juvet Landscaper Hotel

Inviting fascilities
We spent a lot of time in the spa area, especially in its indoor and outdoor spa bath. The spa also has many different saunas and steam baths. But be warned, once you step into the spa you won’t want to leave!

Hotel With a Hamptons Atmosphere in Norway
The Cinema is a true replica of the cinema in the White House in Washington D. C.
Hotel With a Hamptons Atmosphere in Norway
Four bowling fields
Hotel With a Hamptons Atmosphere in Norway
Støtvig Hotel has received several prizes

Other facilities include highly equipped conference rooms with capacity for up to 460 people, a library, four bowling courts, dinner capacity for up to 180 people, wine tasting, a cooking theatre and fitness center.

The area surrounding the hotel offers a wide range of activities and experiences, both on land and at sea. If you come by boat you may find a spot at the hotel’s private marina.

Related: The Oldest Hotel in Norway

Hotel With a Hamptons Atmosphere in Norway
From the outdoor spa area
Food
Come lunch or dinner, there is a host of dining options to delight. The Restaurant 801 Oslofjord offers a sophisticated choice of dining, showcasing local ingredients with flair. Among our dishes were chicken and Arctic char. The taste was outstanding.
Hotel With a Hamptons Atmosphere in Norway
Chicken
Hotel With a Hamptons Atmosphere in Norway
Arctic char
Hotel With a Hamptons Atmosphere in Norway
The Wine cellar
The breakfast and brunch are served in the same restaurant and they are both impressive. Breakfast is part of the room package. The breakfast menu is large, and you may enjoy homemade specialties such as liver meatballs as well as classic items such as eggs, bacon and smoked or oven baked salmon and pies.  Don’t miss the quality apple juice from a local provider! Expanding towards the back behind a glass ceiling forming a part of the restaurant, there’s a casual bar and rest area offering a warm and enjoyable atmosphere with fire places.

Sustainable hospitality
Støtvig hotel has implemented a strategy-based program that cares for the environment. The program includes reducing the laundering of bed linen and towels, regularly controls of water and energy consumption as well as measures to reduce carbon footprint coupled with recycling programs.

Hotel With a Hamptons Atmosphere in Norway
Welcome to Støtvig Hotel – statue
Hotel With a Hamptons Atmosphere in Norway
American Diner
Hotel With a Hamptons Atmosphere in Norway
Bowl ‘n- Dine
Hotel With a Hamptons Atmosphere in Norway – in a nutshell
We left Støtvig Hotel feeling thoroughly relaxed from the state-of-the-art spa, impeccable personalized service and outstanding food.

Hotel With a Hamptons Atmosphere in Norway, written by Tor Kjolberg.

All images by Tor Kjolberg if not otherwise stated

Feature image (on top): © Støtvig Hotel

A Norwegian Art Collector

Tor Kjølberg
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A Norwegian Art Collector

The Norwegian art collector Erling Neby’s art collection is a monument for a timeless elegant art and a collector who has followed his own path. His collection offers a personal presentation of mainly Scandinavian art, as seen through his own eyes. You can now enjoy several of the Norwegian art collector’s gems in the book “The Erling Neby Collection”.

A practice that was developed before and after World War II, and devised to avoid ambiguity in the word ‘abstract,’ concrete art is characterized by combinations of simple geometric elements to create autonomous visual realities.

Erling Neby is owner of one of the most important and precious private collections of this art form in Europe, and even worldwide. Over 30 years’ collecting can now be enjoyed between two covers in a book entitled just “The Erling Neby Collection”.

A Norwegian Art Collector
. Over 30 years’ collecting can now be enjoyed between two covers in a book entitled just “The Erling Neby Collection”

Related: New Fine Arts Gallery Brings a Subtle “Northern Light” to Oslo

Concrete and Geometric art
Some art collectors concentrate on the works of some small group of artists. Others buy only Norwegian artists, or only paintings or works on paper. Others choose to follow an artistic school or tradition. Erling Neby belongs to the last group.

The Erling Neby Collection offers a personal presentation of Concrete and Geometric Art, as seen through the eyes of a Scandinavian collector. The collection focuses mainly on Scandinavian, geometric Constructivist Art, whose bright colors set new standards that are second to none regarding purity and succinctness.

A Norwegian Art Collector
Erling Neby collection at the Henie Onstad Art Museum, Oslo

Related: Contemporary Art Museum in Oslo Celebrating 25 Years

An unequalled collection
The Nordic artists in Neby’s collection became interested in creating artworks that were both social and universal, using pure form and color based on mathematical principles. Neby has been building up his collection in Oslo, a collection which is today unequalled in the Nordic countries and is world-renowned. Among the artists are: Josef Albers, Olle Baertling, Jean Dewasne, Emilio Gilioli, Jan Groth, Arne Malmedal, Aurelie Nemours, Lars G. Nordström, Paul Osipow, Jesus Rafael Soto, Victor Vasarely, and Thornton Willis.
A Norwegian art collector
As with the artists, the Galerie Denise René was also the starting point for The Erling Neby Collection. His first painting was purchased there – a painting by Jean Dewasne – in the early 70s, and soon afterwards, paintings by Victor Vasarely.  Erling Neby has purchased paintings, graphics, reliefs and sculptures. He has traded art from Finland and the United States, from Venezuela and Romania. In common, however, everything he has purchased has had a non-figurative expression with an emphasis on geometry and colors. The art has hardly any reference to external reality.
A Norwegian Art Collector
Painting by Bjørn Ransve
Related: 50 Years of Living Art in Oslo
About the Authors
Since 2004, John Peter Nilsson is curator at Moderna Museet in Stockholm, Sweden. He was editor-in-chief between 1999 – 2002 for Nu: The Nordic Art Review, and between 1996 – 1999 for Siksi, The Nordic Art Review. In addition to being a freelance art critic for the Swedish daily Aftonbladet between 1986 – 2004, Mr. Nilsson also organized several exhibitions as an independent curator, among others he was curator for The Nordic Pavilion at The Venice Biennale 1999.

At Moderna Museet he is in charge of the programs and he has also been curating, among others, the Swedish quadrennial “The Moderna Exhibition 2006” (2006); “Olle Baertling – A Modern Classic” (2007); “Dalí Dalí featuring Francesco Vezzoli” (2009).

Karin Hellandsjø, has her Master in art history from the University of Oslo. She worked as curator at the Henie Onstad Art Centre for almost two decades, during the 1970’s and 80’s, before joining the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Oslo as their chief curator from 1988 till 2005. In March 2005 she came back to the Henie Onstad Art Centre as director. Hellandsjø has since the start of her career been involved in national and international museum work and collaboration, and has curated many major national and international exhibitions throughout the years. She is also a notable scholar on modern art, a lecturer and an active writer.

A Norwegian Art Collector, written by Tor Kjolberg

Scandinavian Top-Notch Jazz Album With a Feeling

Tor Kjølberg
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Scandinavian Top-Notch Jazz Album With a Feeling
The newly released album Feeling by Norwegian star quintet Hegge conveys a mix of modern jazz, soul, and classical jazz. You get associations to Keith Jarrett as well as Cannonball Adderly, This is indeed a Scandinavian top-notch jazz album with a feeling.

Norwegian bassist Bjørn Marius Hegge started his quintet in 2016 consisting of five of the finest jazz musicians in Scandinavia; Jonas Kullhammar (tenor saxophone), Martin Myhre Olsen (alto and soprano saxophone), Vigleik Storaas (piano) and Håkon Mjåset Johansen (drums). Hegge plays double bass.

Best Jazz Album of 2017
Hegge received a Spellemann ( The Norwegian Grammy Awards) for best jazz album of 2017 “Vi er ledsna men du får inte längre vara barn” (We’re sorry, but you can no longer be a child).

Scandinavian Top-Notch Jazz Album With a Feeling
Feelings is an album that is well organized as well as playful
Related: Soft and Ambient Moods From Dutch-Norwegian Jazz Group

The opening track on Feelings, “New Romance” demonstrates how five talented musicians conveys soloistic elements in a way that almost can convince yourself to be a religious person. Other tracks invite the audience into the melodic vibe that existed in the 1960s and the quintet collectively drives its music into different directions where every member is allowed to freely express themselves.

The musicians
Swedish saxophonist Jonas Kullhammar is founder of the Moserobie record label. He has been recording for 18 years and has appeared on over 150 records, both as leader and sideman.

Related: The Norwegian Wizard of Recorded Jazz

Pianist Vigleik Storaas has appeared on and contributed to countless projects, has won accolades including Norwegian Grammies (for two of his solo records) and has been named Jazz Musician of the Year by the Association of Norwegian Jazz Musicians. He has worked with artists such as Karin Krog, Terje Rypdal, Jon Surman, Norma Winstone, Chet Baker, Jack DeJohnette and many more.

Scandinavian Top-Notch Jazz Album With a Feeling
Every member of the quintet is allowed to freely express themselves

Saxophonist Martin Myhre Olsen has worked with Chick Corea, and has won numerous accolades including a Norweian Grammy and the prestigious title NTNU-Ambassador at Jazzfest 2018.

Håkon Mjåset Johansen, already recognized as one of Norway’s best drummers, has been a member of various key Norwegian jazz groups including Come Shine, Motif, the Håvard Stubø Quartet, IPO and many more. He has also worked with Bugge Wesseltoft’s New Conception of Jazz, the Ola Kvernberg Trio, and Jan Garbarek.
Scandinavian Top-Notch Jazz Album With a Feeling
Bjørn Marius Hegge receiving the Spellemannspris
Related: The Power of Norway’s Best-Selling Jazz Artist

Scandinavian Top-Notch Jazz Album With a Feeling
Feeling is an album that is well organized as well as playful with roots back to the 60’s and at the same time genuine contemporary jazz. Feeling by Hegge is a jazz album for people who really appreciate good jazz.

Scandinavian Top-Notch Jazz  Album With a Feeling, written by Tor Kjolberg

Why You Should Avoid Third-Party Travel Booking Sites

Tor Kjølberg
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Why You Should Avoid Third-Party Travel Booking Sites
The spread of the coronavirus has taught us something: Avoid third-party booking sites. Their cancellation policies simply seem nonexistent. Online travel agencies like booking.com, expedia.com, hotels.com and others pretend they have no responsibility regarding cancellations. Read why you should avoid third-party travel booking sites.
Even if you’re looking for an email address to customer service, it’s nonexistent – or at least very well hidden. When Maria from Norway purchased a week-long hotel stay in Greece using the booking site hotels.com to participate in a conference there, global pandemic was the last thing on her mind.
Why You Should Avoid Third-Party Travel Booking Sites
Even if you’re looking for an email address to customer service, it’s no existent – or at least very well hidden. Photo: Taylor Simpson/Unsplash
Related: After the Coronavirus: Norway for Norwegians

Wild West conditions
Due to the corona outbreak the conference was cancelled and Maria contacted the hotel directly and asked for a refund. The hotel replied that she had to make the claim to booking.com. So, she did, and the answer was, she had to contact the hotel.

Despite the challenges faced by Maria during her trip, the allure of the island of Rhodes remained undiminished, offering her unforgettable experiences and memories that transcended the uncertainties of the global pandemic.

This policy reminds us of the old Wild West times of hotel distribution and the early years of unruly online travel agencies, before rate parity and best rate guarantees. Online travel booking agents have exploded in popularity in recent years and there’s been a tendency to extorting money out of local hotels. We have spoken to a dozen independent hotel owners from across Scandinavia who believe these online services are damaging their businesses, ripping off consumers and effectively forcing them into unfair agreements.

Why You Should Avoid Third-Party Travel Booking Sites
Their policy reminds us of the old Wild West times of hotel distribution and the early years of unruly online travel agencies. Photo: Nolan Krattinger/Unsplash

An unprecedented number of cancellation requests
Now, booking sites are scrambling to handle an unprecedented number of cancellation requests, and many customers say they are falling short.

Related: How is Scandinavia Solving the Economic Corona-Crisis?

The Consumer Council in Norway sent the following questions to all the major online booking sites: «What consumer rights do you give customers who book a hotel through you in cases where the mediated hotel does not provide accommodation at an agreed price and / or standard? Do you want to compensate the customer in such cases? ”.

None of the respondents took this responsibility, as they are only web-based intermediaries between hotels and customers, and the same seems to apply for refunds even if the hotels typically provide online booking services with discounted rates between 20% and 40% with the caveat that these rates cannot be offered to customers who are booking directly.

Why You Should Avoid Third-Party Travel Booking Sites
Now, booking sites are scrambling to handle an unprecedented number of cancellation requests. Photo: Frank V/Unsplash
Related: Coronavirus in Sweden: Business as Usual
Why you shouuld avoid third-party travel booking sites
Online travel agencies are dependent on the decisions of their hotel, so they can’t preemptively issue a refund to someone without someone at the hotel signing off on that refund. But taken into account all the time and trouble involved in getting a refund, maybe you should consider to book directly next time you’re making a reservation. You cannot lose. If something happens, it might be easier – and cheaper.

Why you should Avoid third-party travel booking sites, written by Tor Kjolberg

Feature image (on top): Frank Eiffert/Unsplash

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