Henriette Steenstrup’s comedic creation, middle-aged single mother Pernille, has become a Norwegian national treasure. The original Viaplay comedy hit, also known as Pørni, can now be watched on Netflix, as the company has recommissioned seasons 4-5.
Henriette Steenstrup’s series, now in its fifth season, serves up affable, down-to-earth chaos. It displays a rare ability to mix comedy with heartwarming drama without shying away from serious issues.
Steenstrup spent over 10 days in an ER in Oslo to bring maximum authenticity to her script and acting. “It was an incredible experience, and I’m so grateful to the wonderful professionals who helped me.”
Thematically, the show portrays various facets of Norwegian society. “It will be a ‘micro-Norway,’ mirroring people’s fears, dreams and main concerns, from aging to mental illness.”
In May, Netflix offers more tragicomedy from Henriette Steenstrup’s incomparable Pørni – but then it’s over! Unfortunately, the American streaming giant announces that the fifth season will be the last we will see of the incomparable Pørni & Co.
Henriette Steenstrup and Nils Ole Oftebro.
“Healthcare is one of the biggest problems in our society, and a true headache for politicians. You can pour in a lot of money, but there are always priorities to take,” says Steenstrup.
The upcoming season will consist of six episodes and is (once again) written by series creator Steenstrup. The main cast includes Henriette Steenstrup, Nils Ole Oftebro, Vivild Falk Berg, Ebba Bellarubin Jacobsen Öberg, Jon Ranes, Gunnar Eiriksson, Deniz Kaya, Henrik Mestad, Jan Gunnar Røise, Agnes Kittelsen, Ulrikke Døvigen.
Thematically, the show portrays various facets of Norwegian society.
With the decision to end the series, Netflix is reporting that “an era is over” for a series that has been an exceptional success both in its home market and with a global streaming audience.
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Also on Netflix, The Unlikely Murderer
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In May, Netflix offers more tragicomedy from Henriette Steenstrup’s incomparable Pørni.
A sad but proud Steenstrup states:
“It feels like saying goodbye to a loud, loving, beloved family member. I never thought that this series about a single mother who doesn’t suck on the candy of grief – would touch so many.”
Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Danish counterpart at a press conference in Beijing on May 13 that China fully respects Denmark’s sovereignty and territorial integrity on the Greenland issue.The Chinese Foreign Minister Confirmed China’s Position on Denmark’s Sovereignty in Greenland.
In recent months, U.S. President Donald Trump insisted that Washington take over the strategically located, semi-autonomous Danish territory. Wang said Beijing “hopes that Denmark will also continue to support China’s legitimate position on matters concerning China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
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You may also like to read Reclaiming China in Denmark
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China and Denmark share a “widespread consensus” on safeguarding multilateralism and defending free trade, Wang said, adding that China is willing to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with the EU.
The meeting occurred after Beijing criticized Denmark for hosting former Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, who met Danish lawmakers and gave a speech at a democracy summit in Copenhagen.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi . Photo: Chinaembassy.gb.gov.cn
China claims democratically governed Taiwan as its territory. Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claim.
Wang said China is “ready to work with Denmark to uphold mutual openness, take green development as a key driver, and inject new momentum into practical cooperation.” He said that while supporting Denmark over Greenland, Beijing also hoped for Danish support in another way.
Denmark does not recognize Taiwan as an independent state due to the longstanding ‘One China’ policy pursued across Europe, and has no formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Relations between China and Denmark improved after Denmark accepted China’s offer of two pandas as part of its so-called “panda diplomacy.”
“China and Denmark share a “widespread consensus” on safeguarding multilateralism and defending free trade,” Wang said. Photo: fmprc.gov_.cn
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You may also like to read Denmark Introduces “Hygge Diplomacy”
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Marking 75 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations, Wang also called for closer high-level engagement, deeper political trust and stronger China-Denmark relations.
The Chinese Foreign Minister Confirmed China’s Position on Denmark’s Sovereignty in Greenland, reported by Tor Kjolberg.
Always check if your hotel offers airport pickup and drop-off services.
This option can sometimes be reasonably priced, but more often than not, it can be a bit pricey if traveling with a friend or a small group, since some hotels charge per person.
However, World Transfer offers services in 150 countries at over 1,200 destinations and has more than 600,000 vehicles.
Taxis and Uber can be cheaper since splitting costs with your travel partner is an option. Photo: GoWithUs
Taxis and Uber can be cheaper since splitting costs with your travel partner is an option. However, a substantial upside to using the hotel for transportation is that the driver is familiar with the hotel’s location. Sometimes, taxi or Uber drivers get lost, adding to the time and cost of the fare.
a substantial upside to using the hotel for transportation is that the driver is familiar with the hotel’s location. Photo: Blacklane
Here are some other alternatives for airport pickup and drop-off services:
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Related: Taxis Around the World
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Check the companies on the list, working with only the most trusted airport transfer suppliers. Photo: Blacklane.
These companies work with only the most trusted airport transfer suppliers, so you can ensure you get the highest quality, safest, and most reliable airport transfer available in the most popular destinations worldwide. The drivers also track your flight, meaning they will know precisely when you’re landing and await you upon arrival.
Airport Pickup and Drop-Off Services, compiled by Tor Kjolberg
Shetland-Larsen was in charge of an undercover operation to help the resistance in Nazi-occupied Norway during World War II. Learn more about Shetland Busman – a Norwegian War Hero.
The Shetland Bus (Shetlandsbussene), was the nickname of a clandestine special operations group that made a permanent link between Mainland Shetland in Scotland and German-occupied Norway from 1941 until the surrender of Nazi Germany on 8 May 1945. This link transferred agents in and out of Norway, providing them with weapons, radios, and other supplies. From mid-1942, the group’s official name was the Norwegian Naval Independent Unit (NNIU). In October 1943, it became an official part of the Royal Norwegian Navy and was renamed the Royal Norwegian Naval Special Unit (RNNSU). The unit was operated initially by many small fishing boats and later augmented by three fast and well-armed submarine chasers – Vigra, Hessa, and Hitra.
Most Norwegians knew that small boats were shuttling people and weapons between Shetland and the west coast of Norway. In the depths of winter and under the cover of darkness, convoys of these small fishing boats left the safety of Scotland’s most northerly islands to deliver valuable cargo and special agents to coves and fishing ports 200 miles away along the coast of Norway.
Crossings were mainly made during the winter under the cover of darkness. This meant the crews and passengers had to endure burdensome North Sea conditions, with no lights and constant risk of discovery by German aircraft or patrol boats. There was also the possibility of being captured whilst carrying out the mission on the Norwegian coast.
The crews of the Shetland Bus (Shetlandsgjengen) were men of the coast, fishermen and sailors with detailed local knowledge. Photo: Digital Museum.
First informally and then as a formal part of the war effort, the Shetland Bus operated more than 200 trips. Soldiers, intelligence personnel, and military supplies were transported along with those fleeing capture. In total, 10 fishing boats were lost during the Shetland Bus convoys, and 44 men lost their lives.
The crews of the Shetland Bus (Shetlandsgjengen) were men of the coast, fishermen and sailors with detailed local knowledge. Most came over after the occupation, some with their vessels, others with ships that were “stolen” with the owner’s approval. They were young men, most of them in their twenties, some even younger. Many of them did several tours in the spring and summer of 1940, evacuating British soldiers who had been stranded in Norway after the Norwegian Campaign and other British citizens living in Norway.
Popularly known as Shetland Larsen, Leif Larsen was a highly decorated Norwegian sailor and arguably the most famous of all who operated the route. Of the 198 trips to Norway, Larsen completed 52 of them.
Bronze medal. Photo: Samlerhuset.
Leif Larsen (9 January 1906 – 12 October 1990) became the most highly decorated Allied naval officer of the Second World War. Larsen was born in Bergen, Norway, and joined the Norwegian volunteers during the Finnish Winter War. Soon after the war in Finland ended, Norway was invaded by Germany. A Swedish officer, Benckert, set up a company of volunteers who went to Norway and fought in eastern Norway until 8 June 1940, until the end of the war.
Popularly known as Shetland Larsen, Leif Larsen was a highly decorated Norwegian sailor and arguably the most famous of all who operated the route.
Larsen arrived in Shetland with the boat M/B Motig I, on 11 February 1941. After training with Kompani Linge in England and Scotland, Larsen returned to Lerwick in the St Magnus on 19 August 1941. He did his first Shetland Bus tour with M/B Siglaos, skippered by Petter Salen, on 14 September 1941. After losing the minelayer Nordsjøen, where Larsen was second in command, he became a skipper and could choose his crew.
Shetland Larsen onboard Vigra. Photo: Wikimedia.
His first boat was M/K Arthur, the boat that he had “requisitioned” on his escape from Norway, after the wrecking of Nordsjøen. On 8 November 1941, Larsen sailed from Shetland on his first tour as skipper. Larsen made several tours with the Arthur but also skippered other boats, like M/B Siglaos and M/B Feie. In October 1942, he had to scuttle the Arthur in Trondheimsfjord after a failed attempt to attack the German warship Tirpitz. He and the crew escaped to Sweden, but a British agent, A.B. Evans, was arrested and later shot.
Shetland residents hosted soldiers and refugees from Norway throughout the war, forming a close bond between the two locations that endures to this day.
You packed the sunscreen. You packed the sunglasses. Maybe even your travel insurance. And of course, your passport – though some people still forget that too. But there’s one thing even more people forget: the European Health Insurance Card – the most important thing you forgot to pack.
If you live in an EU or EEA country and are travelling in Europe, there’s one thing you shouldn’t leave home without: the little blue card that gives you access to public healthcare on the same terms as locals. It’s free, easy to order, and can turn a painful experience into something far less painful – for both your body and your wallet.
As with many things I write, this all started with an observation. I’m about to go on a trip and was reminded of the HELFO card—as we call it in Norway. I spent a few minutes looking for it before realizing it was pointless. I already knew it had expired a long time ago. And that got me thinking: How many others forget this card? More importantly, how many who remember it forget its expiration date?
The card is a joint initiative between 32 European countries and gives you access to necessary medical care at public hospitals and clinics while visiting another EU/EEA country or Switzerland. You’ll receive the same rights and pay the same fees as residents.
It does not cover planned treatments, private clinics, or medical repatriation, but it works as a kind of health passport across Europe.
And it works. We know. We’ve tested it. Not on purpose – but still.
I sometimes travel abroad to fly in spectacular landscapes. Illustration: Estonian Health Insurance.
A foot here, a rib there – real-life experience
I fly paragliders; like many others, I sometimes travel abroad to fly in spectacular landscapes. Even more importantly, we go by train in more stable weather conditions than we often have in Norway. In parts of Europe, you can fly every day, while in Norway, good conditions may be days, weeks, or even months apart. When you fly often, you improve. You become a better pilot.
It’s hard to explain how deeply this sport gets under your skin. But I’ve tried – in the article Why Paragliding Sucks (Why Paragliding Sucks – and Why I Can’t Stop), which I originally wrote for the street magazine Virkelig in Tromso, back in 2006.
Among us paragliding pilots, there’s an unspoken truth we carry with us: When hundreds of pilots fly thousands of trips every year, the “zero-accident vision” is, honestly, just that – a vision. Because even if we strive for precision, it’s still an extreme sport.
On one trip to Greece, a friend broke his foot during a landing. According to him, the hospital treatment was already perfect. But it wasn’t until we went back to the guesthouse and picked up his HELFO card that things shifted. The process became smoother, communication improved, and everyone involved knew the situation: fewer questions, less paperwork, and more treatment. Things moved fast. And the bill? We never saw one.
This little anecdote is a good reminder that the card isn’t just “nice to have.” It makes a real difference in how you’re treated and what you pay.
The card must be ordered in advance and delivered physically to your address. Photo: AA Insurance
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Related: Is it Safe to Travel Abroad?
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Who can get it?
Everyone who lives in an EU/EEA country or Switzerland and is covered by their national social security system has the right to receive the European Health Insurance Card. It must be ordered in advance and delivered physically to your address – a photo on your phone isn’t valid.
The card is usually valid for up to three years, but the expiration date may vary from country to country. Check the expiration date before your next trip.
Remember to bring it with you, just like your bank card.
The European Health Insurance Card – the most important thing you forgot to pack, article continues below image.
The card gives you access to “medically necessary treatment”. Photo: Just Insurance
What does it cover?
The card gives you access to “medically necessary treatment” while staying in another member state – in other words, care that allows you to continue your journey as planned. You get the same treatment and pay the same copayment as residents.
Some examples:
Emergency clinic after a fall
Hospitalization for acute illness
Treatment for chronic conditions that worsen during travel
It does not cover:
Planned operations abroad
Private healthcare
Medical repatriation
So yes, you still need travel insurance. However, the EHIC is the first card you should show if something happens.
EHIC vs. travel insurance – what’s the difference?
The EHIC gives you access to public healthcare while travelling in Europe. Travel insurance covers your luggage, cancellations, theft, and transport home. One is a health policy, and the other is financial security.
Use your EHIC first, and save your insurance for what it’s designed to cover.
The European Health Insurance Card is small, silent, and free. It won’t remind you when you forget it. But the hospital will. And then it might be too late.
Double-check that it’s in your wallet before you leave. That tiny card might make a huge difference when things don’t go according to plan.
The European Health Insurance Card – the most important thing you forgot to pack, article continues below image.
Accessing healthcare without proper documentation can be complicated. Photo: If.ee
How does it work in your country?
Norway has a solid healthcare system. Whether you’re a citizen, a temporary resident, or a tourist, you’ll usually get help when you need it, under relatively equal conditions. Many are surprised by how accessible and affordable the system is, even for foreigners.
But that’s far from the norm. In many countries, both inside and outside Europe, accessing healthcare without proper documentation can be complicated. Especially if you’re not a local. In some countries, you’re expected to pay the full amount on the spot. That means everything, from doctor’s visits to X-rays and emergency care. And that adds up quickly.
That’s why the European Health Insurance Card exists. It applies in 32 countries and proves you are entitled to medical care, just like locals. The Nordic countries also have agreements, but the EHIC is still recommended for simplicity and documentation.
Have you ever used your EHIC?
Share your experience in the comments. Was it helpful? Were you met with understanding, or did you run into problems? Whether your card saved the day or discovered it had expired too late, your story might help others remember this small but mighty card the next time they travel.
If you’re into practical perspectives, reflections, and playful takes on society, technology, work, psychology, and everything we don’t learn at school, check out my blog, hohoy.no. I write about life choices, leadership, everyday irony, and alternative ways of learning, always with an open mind and hoping that it sparks something in you, too.
Raymond Sebergsen
Raymond Sebergsen is a self-taught multidisciplinary problem solver with over 30 years of experience in IT, sales, product and service development, and management. His career began in local radio and TV, where he discovered the joy of communicating, creating, and doing things his way. This approach still characterizes his work: curious, practical, and driven to understand and improve. He will share his experiences and essential knowledge with Daily Scandinavian readers.
These days, almost every metro station in Stockholm has billboards messaging military news—“for the sake of freedom.” The government launched a historical Swedish military rearmament plan.
“We are facing an entirely new security environment,” Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson said as he presented a plan to raise Sweden’s defense spending to 3,5% of GDP by 2030.
The Nordic country drastically slashed defense spending after the Cold War ended and in the early 2000s, but reversed course following Moscow’s 2014 annexation of Crimea.
The ads at the metro stations now proclaim that a newly refurbished, now top-class submarine recently went back into service; that 503 specialist officers are in training; and that the latest generation of the Jas Gripen fighter jet, the 39E, will soon be ready for take-off.
Image: Slide on the Swedish Fleet by 2030 during a media briefing by Admiral Ewa Skoog Haslum, Chief of Royal Swedish Navy, in May 2022.
The plan includes purchasing new defense material totaling SEK 25 billion (€2,31 billion) from 2025. Photo: Unsplash
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Related: Swedish Gripen Jets Joined NATO
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“Sweden and Europe are facing an entirely new security environment. That’s why today we unveiled Sweden’s largest military rearmament plan since the days of the Cold War,” Kristersson said on March 26.
The Nordic country dropped two centuries of military non-alignment and applied for membership in NATO in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, becoming its 32nd member in March 2024.
Military defense budget for Sweden.
In the past five years, Sweden has upped its military spending by 138 per cent, from €5.5bn in 2020 to €13bn this year. The plan was to add another 30 per cent to the defense budget by 2030, but the prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, now wants to exceed this with the Rearm Europe Plan. “We will without a doubt belong to the countries that will be quickest in strengthening our defense,” he said.
The rearmament deal is based on an agreement with the Sweden Democrats, a far-right political party.
The future of the Swedish navy.
According to Oscar Jonsson, associate senior lecturer at the Swedish Defence University and the author of several books on Sweden’s rearmament, Sweden initiated perhaps the most radical disarmament in the Western world. These books are now helping Swedes to understand the new reality of remilitarization. However, Jonsson points out that “toing and froing still hurts the military today”.
Kristersson said that his country expected NATO to decide to increase the spending target at an upcoming alliance summit in June and was aiming at what it believed the new target would be.
Sweden unveils its largest military rearmament plan since the days of the Cold War. Photo: Forsvarsmakten.
However, Sweden risks spending its defense budget on the wrong things. Compared to its allies, Sweden disproportionately invests in expensive systems and technologies that take a long time to develop without prioritizing how they will be used in practice. Crucially, there’s a lack of focus on personnel, pilots, and logistics systems.
The plan includes purchasing new defense material totaling SEK 25 billion (€2,31 billion) from 2025, with deliveries in 2026–2028.
While previous defense spending increases have been financed through the country’s regular budget, Kristersson said that to rearm in such a short time, it was necessary to borrow funds for defense during a “transitional period”.
Lessons from the war in Ukraine are going unheeded: There is a need for heavy air defenses, up-to-date electronic warfare capabilities, and the ability to conduct long-range combat. Sweden’s fighter pilots, for example, are not putting in any more training hours today than they were five years ago, hovering at about 11,250 hours a year.
Sweden also intends to boost its defense against hybrid threats. Photo: Defence University of Navarra.
Sweden also intends to boost its defense against hybrid threats. An additional SEK 96 million (€8,86 million) will be spent in 2025 on a hybrid threats package to strengthen the capabilities of the Swedish Coast Guard, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, and the Psychological Defense Agency. It will empower the authorities to counter and manage hybrid threats in various domains, including the maritime and cyber domains, Kristersson and his government explain.
US President Donald Trump has turbocharged a drive for Europe to rearm by casting doubt on Washington’s central role in NATO and his overtures towards Russia on Ukraine.
Sweden is a country that prides itself on being measured, reserved, and logical, but its military growth spurt resembles the sudden developments of puberty. If it’s not the legs that suddenly look too long, it’s the arms. Put together, the limbs can appear recalcitrant, uncoordinated, and even sometimes a little comical. The new tagline for Sweden’s military spending spree should read: “For the sake of freedom from ineptitude,” as Monocle’s contributor Lewitschnik says.
Interior design is key in our homes and extends far beyond looks alone. Color palette, lighting, and even decor are all key players that can affect how we feel and can be curated to create a space that benefits mental health and wellness. Learn more about Scandinavian Interior design: Achieving a relaxed Nordic aesthetic through art.
For those who wish to change the interior design of their home, a Nordic aesthetic can be ideal for a calm and relaxed space, and you don’t need to be located in Scandinavia to do so successfully. From the power of minimalism to traditional artwork (and even the incorporation of nature as art), there are various ways to create a home through thoughtful artistic curation.
Strength in simplicity
As with the general Scandinavian interior design style, minimalism and simplicity reign supreme for a Nordic approach. This concept extends from the artwork that hangs on the walls to the color palette of any given room. While art pieces featuring geometric shapes are a surefire way to accomplish a simplistic style that aligns with a Nordic aesthetic, focusing on the right color palette can be crucial. This includes focusing on lighter, neutral tones (whites, beiges, etc.), though this doesn’t mean that a pop of color is out of the equation. “Earthy” tones, for example, can bring warm colors into the mix, from deep browns to olive greens. Apart from the color used in paintings, however, there are other ways to introduce simple art that aligns with the Nordic aesthetic.
Scandinavian Interior Design: Achieving a Relaxed Nordic Aesthetic Through Art,article continues below image.
Focusing on the right color palette can be crucial. Photo: Tarkett
When searching for unique artwork that reflects a Nordic aesthetic, Nordic metalwork is a great example that can contrast nicely with light tones. In addition to its rustic simplicity, Nordic metalwork can be incorporated in a number of ways. While a feature wall piece can make for a statement, there are subtle ways to feature metal artwork in the home, too, such as through small sculptures. While this can introduce character into the home, it’s important to remember that Scandinavian interior design must involve balance throughout the house. This is especially important when the goal is to reflect Scandinavian design concepts like hygge, which prioritizes comfort. The House Beautiful article by Kelly Allen and Kate McGregor touches on the Swedish word ‘lagom,’ which translates to “not too little, not too much.” To balance both comfort.
Traditional pieces for a timeless flair
Those who wish to incorporate a pop of color can find the perfect way to do so via the traditional folk art known as rose painting, also called rosemaling, which is often identifiable by its detailed floral designs. The Nordic Center of Duluth touches on the history of rosemaling, which goes back to the mid-1700s. According to the site, Norwegian artists who specialized in the art form were influenced by European styles, namely Baroque and Rococo. After learning the unique art of rosemaling, it’s noted that these artists traveled and brought their skills with them. Eventually, the designs found their way into homes and on furniture, cementing the art form into part of the country’s history.
Scandinavian Interior Design: Achieving a Relaxed Nordic Aesthetic Through Art,article continues below image.
Traditional folk art known as rose painting, also called rosemaling. Photo: Digtial museum
The Nordic Center of Duluth further explains that as these artists traveled (and as rural artists began to don their own brushes), the style of the original art flourished into unique interpretations. Thankfully, the art form survives today and can be found in shops for those who want to add a pop of traditional and distinctive color. The intricate designs often reflect a ‘flowy’ floral pattern, often with colors that range from blues and reds to yellow, white, or green. Whether it be a rose-painted vase or a piece of furniture (like a trunk or chest), there’s no question that the incorporation of rosemaling will bring a tasteful and timeless touch of traditional Norwegian art into the home.
Outdoor elements for a refreshed perspective
Another primary touchstone of Nordic interior design is the focus on nature, specifically incorporating natural elements like wood and earthy tones. While this can be easily brought into the home via minimalistic art pieces that combine earthy colors and geometric shapes, there is a way to get even more creative with it. Textured pieces that mirror those found in nature are a great way to do this — for example, a textured landscape piece that features mountains can be a great way to bring Norway’s natural scenery to the forefront of any space. These types of pieces can even be created right at home with basic art supplies (paint and a texture tool, for instance), which can help result in artwork that is truly tailored to the space.
Scandinavian Interior Design: Achieving a Relaxed Nordic Aesthetic Through Art,article continues below image.
Those wishing to inject a timeless aesthetic that perfectly reflects nature can showcase their photography skills. Photo: Gintchin Fine Art.
Those wishing to inject a timeless aesthetic that perfectly reflects nature can showcase their photography skills. Wildlife, landscape stills, and even a black and white photo of a leaf can all adhere to a Scandinavian-inspired interior design concept. Using personal photos can further bring a personal touch into the space, though it’s important to note that even frame choice can impact the room’s aesthetic. Custom photo mount solutions are key when the goal is to curate the photo even further to a specific interior design style. While a black acid-free mount can create high contrast between the image and the wall, a soft white mount can create a different, softer visual impact. While the right choice will vary based on personal preference and the room’s overall vibe, there’s no question that a professionally mounted photo can make a significant impact.
In addition to artwork that reflects nature and natural elements, incorporating plantlife as ‘art’ pieces can do plenty for an interior space, especially when the goal is to create a comfortable, simplistic, and ‘light-and-airy’ design. While large plants can be a statement themselves (much like a statue), other incorporations can include smaller plants in spaces like the kitchen or bathroom. Artistic elements, like an earthy-toned painted pot or macrame hanger, can further add to the design of a space. One Thursday, the article highlights several houseplants that mesh well with Scandinavian interior design, from rubber fig plants (Ficus elastica) to foliage-focused options like the famous and easy-to-care-for snake plant. Other options listed include the Monstera deliciosa or even the texture of the Boston fern. While there are some considerations regarding the plants you choose (how much light they need, and the best location for the plant to thrive in the home), there is certainly no shortage of options to choose from.
Several considerations must be made when achieving a Nordic aesthetic through art in the home. By keeping simplicity and natural elements at the forefront of the design, homeowners can successfully incorporate Nordic elements throughout the home, whether via houseplants or metalwork.
Karoline Gore
Scandinavian Interior Design: Achieving a Relaxed Nordic Aesthetic Through Art, written explicitly for Daily Scandinavian by Karoline Gore. Karoline is a freelance writer from Stoke on Trent in the UK who left the corporate grind when she started a family and has never looked back. She enjoys contributing to a range of online publications on the topics that are important to her.
Customers were disappointed when Danish Coop announced in January 2023 that its high-end supermarket, Irma, would be closed. Now, its former CEO is relaunching the iconic Danish supermarket chain.
Alfred Josefsen, the former director of Irma, has just opened a new grocery store in Fredriksberg called Alma. Josefsen presided over Irma’s heyday, when customers adored its own-label lines, spacious shops, and attentive service. With Alma, he wants to attract young people and families who once thought Irma was unaffordable.
Together with 12 former Irma employees, Josefsen is opening a brand-new supermarket chain in the capital. The name Alma comes from Josefsen’s grandmother.
Alfred Josefsen, the former director of Irma, has just opened a new grocery store in Fredriksberg called Alma.
“There is something, because we, who have helped develop this, carry some values and virtues from Irma. As we say, we have blue blood in our veins,” claims Josefsen.
Products adorned with Irma’s distinctive logo, a girl in a blue dress, were design classics and much-loved souvenirs among Japanese tourists. Alma’s logo, a blue heart, is similarly appealing. Meanwhile, the distinctive design of the brand’s interiors is intended to entice a new generation of shoppers.
Above all, Alma prioritizes customer experience.
“We want to create a good store experience again. You can come into beautiful and sensual stores; some employees know what it’s all about and want to share that knowledge with the customers. And we almost believe we can recreate that one-on-one. In other words, an environment where you experience the same virtues and values as you did during the Irma era,” says Alfred Josefsen in an interview with the Danish newspaper Politiken’s food editor, Mette Mølbak.
“But we are trying to develop ourselves and present something that is not Irma because it needs development,” he adds.
“We have blue blood in our veins,” claims Josefsen.
While meat will still be sold, Alma wants to inspire Danes to adopt a more plant-based diet. It will also avoid ultra-processed foods. “We are not saints or saved. Therefore, there will also be sweets and chips in small quantities, but you will never find a wall of chips at the entrance, sweets at the checkouts, or soda on sale,” he told Politiken.dk.
He says that Alma will build on Irma’s ” collaborative relationships with many manufacturers and suppliers.”
Above all, Alma prioritizes customer experience. (There’s not an automated checkout in sight.)
Iconic Danish Supermarket Chain is Relaunching, Tor Kjolberg reporting.
The University Botanical Garden in Oslo (Botanisk hage) was established in 1814. Learn more about the history of Oslo Botanical Garden.
The Natural History Museum’s premises include two museums: the Geological and Zoological Museum and the Botanical Gardens. In 1814, the Norwegian elite wanted to develop business and make the new nation self-sufficient. They envisioned that the Botanical Garden would significantly develop Norway’s natural resources.
King Frederik VI of Denmark acquired the estate and gifted it to the University of Christiania in 1812. In 1814, work began on the University Botanical Garden. The University of Oslo’s oldest building, Tøyen Manor (Tøyen hovedgaard), is in the garden. Today, the historic Tøyen Manor houses temporary exhibitions and a café for staff and visitors.
The Natural History Museum at the University of Oslo is Norway’s most comprehensive natural history collection. Photo: Wikipedia
The garden originally covered 75,000 square meters but has since doubled, containing about 35,000 plants of about 7.500 unique species. Through research, education, and plant conservation, the garden seeks to increase public awareness of the importance of plant diversity.
The garden’s first director, Johan Siebke, was a botanist and public economics professor. He contributed significantly to the planning and constructing the botanical garden and its operation during its first 40 years. The Botanical Museum (Botanisk museum), which dates to 1863, was merged with the Botanical Garden in 1975.
Its highlights include the Viking Garden, where plants, rocks, and animals used during the Viking Age are displayed in a 33-meter-long ship-shaped time machine made of corten steel. The Willow Sculptures and Green Houses, especially the Victoria House, were specially constructed for the giant waterlily of the Amazon. The Great-granny’s Garden is where plants are preserved in a living archive designed to help people suffering from dementia. The aromatic Scented Garden is designed for the visually impaired.
The garden contains about 35,000 plants of about 7.500 unique species. Photo: Wikipedia commons
In the book Botanical Garden 1814-2014, the author, professor emerita Liv Borgen, says that a botanical garden, and gardens in general, are never finished.
The Natural History Museum at the University of Oslo is Norway’s most comprehensive natural history collection. The Geological Museum and the Zoological Museum display specimens for the general public. The Natural History Museum in Oslo is where you can see the famous fossil “Ida,” the oldest known primate fossil, and the most complete fossil of an early primate. The museum bought it in 2007 and presented it to the world in 2009.
Grand-grand mother’s Garden. Photo: Wikipedia
In her book, Borgen guides the reader through the history of the garden. One of the botanists who left his mark was Frederik Christian Schübeler (1815-1892). He was the director from 1866 to 1892 and began building up what is today called the object collection: a curious, strange, and beautiful collection including fruits, seeds, and cross-sections of tree trunks.
History of Oslo Botanical Garden, written by Tor Kjolberg
The legendary Viking warriors, raiders, and explorers often define the Viking Age. However, Viking women across Scandinavia also played critical roles that shaped their societies. These women were traders, spiritual leaders, and political figures, influencing their communities in ways often overlooked in traditional historical accounts. Here we’re tracing the footsteps of Viking Women across Scandinavia.
The Multifaceted Roles of Viking Women
Viking women were essential in Scandinavia before the Vikings became known for their raids and exploration. They contributed to family, community, and culture in more ways than are often credited. They were not limited to the domestic sphere but engaged in farming, trading, religious practices, and even warfare. Their responsibilities helped sustain the economy and structure of Viking communities, ensuring their survival and success.
Viking Women’s Roles in Shaping Scandinavian Society
Viking women across Scandinavia played vital roles that extended beyond domestic tasks. Their influence spanned various areas, from farming to leadership. Here are some key contributions they made to Viking society:
Farm Management: Viking women ran farms, ensuring food production and livestock care.
Trade: They facilitated long-distance trade, helping to grow the Viking economy.
Political Influence: Women had legal rights and could decide property and family matters.
Religious Leadership: Many served as priestesses, performing rituals and ceremonies to honor the gods.
Warfare: Some Viking women participated in raids, proving their strength and bravery.
Their diverse contributions ensured the prosperity and survival of Viking communities.
Viking women were not limited to the domestic sphere but engaged in farming, trading, religious practices, and even warfare. Photo: Odin’s Treasures.
Viking Women’s Influence in the Household
In Viking settlements, women were the driving force behind domestic and public life. Far beyond the role of caregivers, they managed households, organized festivals, and took part in important community decisions. Women ran farms, oversaw livestock, and handled food production, ensuring the survival and stability of their families. They were also responsible for educating children and preserving cultural traditions. In addition to their domestic responsibilities, women played central roles in agricultural and economic activities, including market exchanges and resource management. Their leadership and labor formed the backbone of Viking society, making them indispensable to the smooth functioning of towns and villages.
Shieldmaidens: Viking Women in Battle
The idea of Viking Women fighting alongside men in battle is an enduring part of Viking lore. Although stories of shieldmaidens are common in sagas, they are also rooted in historical fact. Archaeological evidence suggests that some women took up arms and fought in Viking raids. These women were strong and courageous and fought to protect their homes and communities, proving that Viking women were not limited to passive societal roles.
Viking Women in the Sagas: Strong and Independent
The Icelandic sagas vividly portray Viking women, showcasing their strength, intelligence, and resilience. These stories depict women as leaders, strategists, and decision-makers. They had influence over their families, managed estates, and, in some cases, made pivotal decisions that shaped the course of Viking history. These sagas tell us that Viking women were much more than mere bystanders in the Viking Age—they were integral to its success.
The Icelandic sagas vividly portray Viking women, showcasing their strength, intelligence, and resilience.
Viking Women as Traders: The Economic Backbone
Viking women across Scandinavia were central to economic life, ensuring prosperity while men engaged in raids and exploration. They ran family businesses, sold goods such as livestock and textiles, and helped build networks across Europe and the Middle East. Their efforts were key to the wealth and stability of Viking society.
The Legacy of Viking Women in Scandinavian Culture
The contributions of Viking women across Scandinavia have created a lasting legacy that is still felt today. Modern Scandinavian cultures honor these women’s roles during the Viking Age, from Norway to Sweden to Denmark. Museums, historical sites, and cultural projects increasingly highlight their achievements, offering a more complete picture of Viking history.
Viking Women’s Role in Shaping the Law and Political Influence
Viking women enjoyed legal rights far ahead of their time, giving them significant societal autonomy. They could own property, inherit land, and divorce their husbands, often representing themselves in court on land ownership and family disputes. These rights allowed women to make decisions about their personal lives and enabled them to shape the legal framework of Viking society. Viking women influenced the laws that governed daily life and reinforced their independence, playing a key role in the resilience and growth of their communities. They were also key participants in Viking politics, with some women even wielding enough power to influence decisions at local and regional levels. Their political power ensured that Viking society remained strong and organized.
Viking women enjoyed legal rights far ahead of their time, giving them significant societal autonomy. Photo: Lorado/iStock
Women in Viking Mythology: A Powerful Influence
Viking mythology features influential female figures like Freyja, the goddess of love and war, and Skadi, the goddess of winter. These goddesses were central to Viking religious practices and symbolized strength and power. Viking women likely identified with these deities, drawing strength and guidance from their stories. The reverence for female deities in Viking culture highlights the respect for women in both the spiritual and social spheres.
Discovering Viking Women’s Graves and Artifacts
Archaeological discoveries continue to reveal the importance of Viking women across Scandinavia. Excavations of Viking graves uncovered evidence of women buried with weapons, jewelry, and valuable goods, indicating their roles as high-status individuals. These findings confirm that Viking women were influential members of their society, involved in everyday life and extraordinary events. Such discoveries continue to reshape our understanding of the Viking world.
Spiritual Leaders: Viking Women and Norse Religious Life
Religion was deeply woven into the fabric of Viking life, and women held powerful roles within its practice. As priestesses and spiritual leaders, they conducted rituals, offered sacrifices, and led ceremonies to honor the gods. Viking women ensured that sacred traditions were upheld, guiding their communities through hardships and helping maintain divine favor. Their influence in spiritual matters was symbolic and practical, as their leadership was seen as essential to the survival and success of Viking settlements. Through their deep involvement in Norse religion, women strengthened the community’s connection to the divine and played a key role in shaping Viking spiritual life.
Today, historians, archaeologists, and filmmakers are re-examining the lives of Viking women. Photo: Vika Glitter/Pexels
The Continuing Revival of Viking Women’s Stories
Today, historians, archaeologists, and filmmakers are re-examining the lives of Viking women. As modern interpretations of Viking history continue to evolve, they are bringing the roles of Viking women to the forefront. In particular, books, documentaries, and television series now highlight their stories, rediscovering and celebrating their contributions. Consequently, these portrayals are reshaping our understanding of Viking society and are shaping it.
Viking Women as Keepers of Traditions
Viking women were responsible for preserving and passing down their people’s rich cultural traditions. They were storytellers, weaving together the histories and myths of their ancestors. Through oral traditions, Viking women kept the tales of gods, heroes, and warriors alive, ensuring the legacy of their culture endured through generations. Their role as keepers of history was vital to maintaining the continuity of Viking society, especially during war and migration.
Celebrating Viking Women
These women were not just homemakers but warriors, traders, religious leaders, and political figures who shaped the Viking world. As we continue to uncover their stories through archaeological discoveries and modern interpretations, we can better appreciate the profound impact Viking women had on their societies. Their resilience, strength, and leadership have left a lasting mark on history, and their contributions continue to inspire us today.
Tracing the Footsteps of Viking Women Across Scandinavia, written explicitly by Maria Thompson for Daily Scandinavian. Maria is a moving consultant at Heart Moving Manhattan, providing clients with practical advice and support throughout the relocation process. In her free time, she enjoys studying Viking history and Scandinavian culture, a hobby that has fueled her interest in historical research and storytelling.
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Marking 75 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations, Wang also called for closer high-level engagement, deeper political trust and stronger China-Denmark relations.
