World’s Largest, Most Expensive, and Most Luxurious Cookbook Written by A Technology Genius of Norwegian Descent

Inventor and physicist Nathan Myhrvoll, of Norwegian descent, left Microsoft for the kitchen laboratory. Four years after the swap, the technology genius has written the world’s largest, most expensive, and most luxurious cookbook.

When Nathan Myhrvoll left Microsoft as its chief technology officer in 1999, he had become known as “Microsoft’s brain” and was worth $650 million, according to Forbes. Four years later, he splashed out on a cookbook, Modernist Cuisine: The Art and Science of Cooking (2011), which is widely recognized as one of the world’s most luxurious, expensive, and scientifically ambitious cookbooks. It is a 6-volume, 2,438-page, 40+ pound masterpiece that originally retailed for $625.

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The book was self-published through Myhrvold’s “The Cooking Lab” and was produced on high-end paper, with thousands of original photographs, some taken with specialized, cutaway equipment, such as slicing stoves and pots in half.

It is not a traditional cookbook but a “techno-encyclopedia” covering food science, molecular gastronomy, and 1,500 recipes, designed for techniques such as sous vide, liquid nitrogen, and centrifuges.

World's Largest, Most Expensive, and Most Luxurious Cookbook Written byA Technology Genius of Norwegian Descent
It is a 5-volume, 2,438-page, 40+ pound masterpiece that originally retailed for $625.

Myhrvold led a team of over 36 researchers, chefs, and editors to produce the book over three years. The team included chefs and researchers, such as Chris Young and Maxime Bilet, who previously worked in high-end research kitchens.

The project began as a smaller, 150-page book on sous vide, but grew into an encyclopedic work over several years.

Modernist Cuisine has been recognized as a “cult favorite” by top chefs and won the James Beard Award for Cookbook of the Year in 2012.

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World's Largest, Most Expensive, and Most Luxurious Cookbook Written byA Technology Genius of Norwegian Descent
The bookscontain thousands of original photographs

Follow-up Works

Following the success of Modernist Cuisine, which sold tens of thousands of copies (grossing roughly $30 million as of 2013), Myhrvold published several other “luxurious”, in-depth, topic-specific series:

  • Modernist Cuisine at Home (2012): A two-volume set tailored for home kitchens.
  • The Photography of Modernist Cuisine (2013): A coffee-table book highlighting the technical, artistic photography from the original set.
  • Modernist Bread (2017): A five-volume, 2,600+ page set focusing on the science and history of bread.
  • Modernist Pizza: An in-depth investigation into pizza, published later.
World's Largest, Most Expensive, and Most Luxurious Cookbook Written byA Technology Genius of Norwegian Descent
Inventor and physicist Nathan Myhrvoll.

About Nathan Myhrvold

Myhrvold holds two master’s degrees and a doctorate from Princeton University. He researched astrophysics under Steven Hawking. He founded the patent company Intellectual Inventions. According to The New York Times, Intellectual Ventures at one point controlled nearly 70,000 intellectual property assets (patents and patents pending) that it has used to generate approximately $3 billion in revenues, primarily in the form of license fees from large corporations. The company responds that it has returned more than $500 million to individual inventors and that most of the remaining revenue has gone to its investors.

World's Largest, Most Expensive, and Most Luxurious Cookbook Written byA Technology Genius of Norwegian Descent
The cookboks are a “techno-encyclopedia” covering food science, molecular gastronomy, and 1,500 recipes, designed for techniques such as sous vide, liquid nitrogen, and centrifuges.

Relationship with Jeffrey Epstein

Myhrvold is best friends with Bill Gates and Warren Buffett. He was also an acquaintance of the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and attended dinner at his house. According to an anonymous source, Myhrvold was among those who introduced Epstein to Bill Gates. According to Vanity Fair writer Gabriel Sherman, Epstein allegedly visited Myhrvold’s investment company, Intellectual Ventures, and brought young girls with him. Myhrvold denied being involved in Epstein’s criminal activities or ever having known about them. His spokesperson stated, “Back in the day, Epstein was a regular at TED conferences, and he was a large donor to basic scientific research, so while Nathan knew him and had socialized with him, that’s exactly where their association ends. “His name appears over a thousand times in the Epstein files released in 2025/6 by the U.S. Justice Department. Details corroborate earlier claims that Epstein had met with Myhrvold at his company, with an e-mail exchange detailing visitation and the appearance of a woman/girl at the request of Myhrvold.

World’s Largest, Most Expensive, and Most Luxurious Cookbook Written by
A Technology Genius of Norwegian Descent, Tor Kjolberg reporting.
Feature image (top) © YouTube.

A Hotel for Pleasure-Seeking Connoisseurs and Conscious Travelers in Stockholm

The 201-room Nobis hotel is located in two historic, interconnected 19th-century buildings and occupies a prime spot at Norrmalmstorg Square in downtown Stockholm. It’s a hotel suited for pleasure-seeking connoisseurs and conscious travelers in Stockholm.

When the house was built in the late 19th century, there were apartments here, but more recently, there have been offices. The architects Claesson Koivisto Rune did not move walls but designed bathrooms in some of the rooms. The ceiling height in the Nobis hotel is still 3.20 meters. When it comes to furniture, the architects have considered both traditional and modern styles.

A Hotel for Pleasure-Seeking Connoisseurs and Conscious Travelers in Stockholm
When it comes to furniture, the architects have considered both traditional and modern styles.

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Guests can enjoy lunch in the bistro, unwind in the magnificent lounge, order an exquisite drink in the beautiful Gold Bar, and visit our popular restaurant, NOI. After a long day at Nobis Hotel, you’ll enjoy a good night’s sleep in comfortable DUX beds, made with Egyptian cotton linens, in rooms designed by the architecture and design studio Claesson Koivisto Rune.

A Hotel for Pleasure-Seeking Connoisseurs and Conscious Travelers in Stockholm
Guests can unwind in the magnificent lounge. Photo: Rachel Pagen.

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Outstanding personal service and unique experiences in gastronomy, accommodation, and atmosphere are the key characteristics of this new hotel. “Our hotel is extremely comfortable but without unnecessary excesses. It is elegant and timeless, a contemporary classic, never trendy. The quality of everything we offer to our guests is superior, frequently something out of the ordinary. The same goes for our service, which is meticulous and highly professional,” says Alessandro Catenacci, owner of Nobis.

A Hotel for Pleasure-Seeking Connoisseurs and Conscious Travelers in Stockholm, Tor Kjolberg reporting. All images © Nobis hotel.

New Direct Train Malmö–Oslo

New Malmö–Oslo train route along Sweden’s west coast to be launched in the summer of 2026.

This summer, rail operator Snälltåget will launch a daily daytime service between Sweden and Norway, with on-board dining and onward links to Berlin. Travelers planning a multi-destination summer break in Scandinavia will be able to book a new direct train route between two of the region’s most popular cities.

Sit back, relax, enjoy the company, or treat yourself to a good meal in the restaurant Krogen. A comfortable and sustainable way to travel to and from Oslo, where culture, modern architecture, and a vibrant city center meet fjord landscapes and outdoor experiences.

New Direct Train Malmö–Oslo
A comfortable and sustainable way to travel to and from Oslo.

A daily service will also connect with Copenhagen and Hamburg from May, as well as Berlin trains, meaning Europe is effectively poised to gain a significant four-country addition to its network.

It’s already possible to go by train from or to the Swedish capital to the Norwegian capital. It is not only cheaper than flying; you may even save time, since you’re departing and arriving in the city centers. 

From 15 June 2026, the northbound service will depart Malmö Central Station at 6:38 am and reach Oslo Central Station at 1:13 pm. Southbound services then leave Oslo at 2.48 pm and arrive in Malmö at 9:25 pm.

Swedish rail firm Snälltåget is behind the initiative, which promises access not only to the Norwegian capital. Stops will include the medieval city of Lund, one of Sweden’s oldest, as well as Helsingborg, Halmstad, the seaside resort town of Varberg, and Trollhättan, near Sweden’s largest lake, Vänern. Although central Gothenburg is not on the route, connections heading there can be made instead at Mölndal or Gamlestaden. The service will also call at Norway’s Sarpsborg and Fredrikstad—voted the country’s most attractive city in 2017.

New Direct Train Malmö–Oslo
Snälltoget in Berlin.

From 4 May 2026, Snälltåget will also launch a new international daytime service linking Stockholm, Malmö, Copenhagen, and Hamburg. Travelers will be able to board in the Swedish capital and journey south via Malmö, then cross the Øresund to Copenhagen and continue onward to Hamburg, creating a direct rail spine between Scandinavia and mainland Europe.

New Direct Train Malmö–Oslo, Tor Kjolberg reporting

What Makes a Story Stick?

A story sticks when it combines emotional connection, relatable characters, and a clear, simple conflict with a satisfying resolution. Memorable narratives often include vivid details, surprises, and universal themes that prompt action or deep reflection. There are several elements that make a story stick. Read on and learn more.
What Makes a Story Stick?
Emotional connection is essential in a story because it transforms a passive narrative into an immersive experience that resonates with readers. It hooks the audience, builds empathy, drives engagement with character, and ensures the content is memorable. Without emotion, stories can feel flat, while emotional depth creates lasting, impactful connections.

Emotional intimacy allows readers to understand and relate to characters, making them care about the story’s outcome. When characters share universal feelings like joy, fear, or vulnerability, readers can see themselves in the story, fostering a personal connection.

Facts are often forgotten, but emotional experiences (such as those in stories) are better retained in the brain, making them more memorable. Emotional stakes, such as high-stakes, life-or-death situations, make the audience feel, rather than just read, the story’s events.

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A strong emotional connection compels readers to keep turning pages and can even influence their actions. By evoking feelings, a story can help readers understand different perspectives, fostering empathy.

For example, a character’s vulnerability—showing weaknesses rather than just strengths—helps build a stronger, more relatable, and realistic connection with the audience.

Here is why relatable characters are important in a story

When characters share human experiences like fear, love, or sorrow, readers feel understood and emotionally invested in their journey. Relatable, three-dimensional characters feel real, making the fictional world more immersive.

Audiences want to root for, understand, or even despise characters who feel human. This emotional engagement keeps them turning pages. Characters with flaws, fears, and vulnerabilities allow readers to see parts of themselves, often helping them process their own experiences.

Even if a character is not likable, their motivations and challenges can be understood, which is more important for engagement than simply being “nice”.

Relatable characters bridge the gap between the audience and the story’s world, making the narrative more impactful and memorable.

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What Makes a Story Stick?Conflict and resolution are fundamental to storytelling

Conflict and resolution are fundamental to storytelling because they provide the engine for plot, character development, and reader engagement. Conflict introduces tension and stakes—the “what if” and “what’s at risk”—while resolution provides necessary closure, allowing the audience to process the narrative as a complete experience.

Why Conflict is Important

Conflict is considered the “lifeblood of storytelling” or the “beating heart” of a narrative. It serves as the catalyst for action, pushing characters to make decisions and move the story forward. Without conflict, stories are stagnant and dull. It creates anticipation, keeping readers invested in the outcome.

How a character reacts to obstacles defines their true nature, strengths, weaknesses, and desires. It clearly defines what the character stands to gain or lose, which increases emotional investment. Because human beings experience struggle, the act of navigating conflict makes characters relatable.

Why Resolution is Important

If conflict is the engine, resolution is the destination. It provides the “payoff” for the tension built throughout the story. Conflicts resolve major plot threads and answer the questions raised, preventing the audience from feeling unsatisfied or stranded.

A well-earned resolution demonstrates how the character has changed or evolved through the conflict. The way a conflict is resolved often highlights the story’s deeper message or meaning.

Following the tension of the conflict, the resolution brings emotional relief or a sense of peace.

The Relationship Between Conflict and Resolution

A story generally follows a structure where a “normal life” is disrupted, leading to a central conflict (or multiple smaller ones), which builds to a climax and, finally, a resolution. Conflicts should force characters to react, ensuring the story moves forward through cause-and-effect (“because of”) rather than a series of random events (“and then”).

An effective resolution feels both surprising yet inevitable, rewarding the audience for following the journey. Conflict hooks the reader, and resolution provides the satisfaction.

What Makes a Story Stick?Simplicity and focus are critical in storytelling

Simplicity and focus are critical in storytelling because they cut through information overload, making narratives more engaging, memorable, and emotionally resonant for the audience. By reducing clutter and focusing on the essential core of a story, writers ensure their message is clear and impactful, allowing the audience to connect deeply without getting distracted by unnecessary details.

Complex stories can confuse the audience. Simple, straightforward narratives are easier to grasp, allowing the audience to follow the plot and understand the message quickly. Readers have limited capacity to process information; simplicity helps the brain absorb the story without working too hard, making the experience more enjoyable.

By removing unnecessary elements (the “fat”), the story’s core emotional theme becomes more powerful and poignant. A focused, simple story leaves space for the audience to fill in the gaps with their own emotions and experiences, making it feel both personal and universal.

Simple, focused stories are much easier to remember. They often boil down to a core message (like “slow and steady wins the race”) that sticks with the audience long after they finish.

Simplicity is about removing what doesn’t matter and focusing on the “heart” of the story, leaving a lasting impression. In a world bombarded with information, simple, direct stories grab attention more effectively. It cuts through the noise.

A focused story also avoids unnecessary subplots and rambling, preventing the reader or viewer from getting bored. Focus helps the story move along the “straightest path,” ensuring the narrative does not feel disjointed or chaotic. Short, focused sentences and scenes create a better rhythm that holds the reader’s attention.

As noted in the research, simplicity is not about “dumbing things down” but rather about “stripping them down” to their most potent form. As Steve Jobs once noted, “Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it’s worth it in the end.”

What Makes a Story Stick?Concrete and vivid details are essential

Concrete and vivid details are essential in storytelling because they transform abstract ideas into tangible experiences, allowing readers to visualize scenes, connect emotionally with characters, and become fully immersed in the fictional world. Instead of just telling the reader what is happening, these details use sensory input—sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch—to “show” the story, making it more engaging and memorable.

The details create immersion and realism. Specific, sensory-rich descriptions transport readers directly into the scene, acting as “fishing hooks” that grab attention and keep them reading. Rather than simply saying “it was cold,” describing “the icy wind blowing through the cracks in the cabin wall” allows the reader to feel the scene.

Concrete details reveal character personality better than exposition. For example, describing a character’s “worn-out, patched-up shoes” tells the reader more about their economic situation and personality than simply stating they are “down on their luck”.

Such details enable the writer to illustrate, not just explain. Instead of telling the reader that a character is nervous, a writer can show it through “trembling hands” or “biting their lip,” which triggers a stronger, more personal response.

Specific, unique details (e.g., “a yellow cat with a missing ear”) stick in the reader’s mind much better than vague, general terms (e.g., “a cat”). Vivid descriptions of settings (e.g., “a dark, dank, mold-creeping room”) immediately set a moody, high-stakes atmosphere.

A concrete language reduces ambiguity. By providing precise details, writers ensure readers visualize exactly what is happening, preventing confusion and disengagement.

The most effective stories use a balanced mix of concrete language—to ground the reader—and abstract ideas—to provide thematic depth.

Forbes Magazine has published a really good article on writing Sticky Marketing Copy.

Why Stories Stick (Neuroscience & Psychology)

Stories are more memorable than facts because they trigger neural coupling, aligning the reader’s brain with the storyteller’s. They often release neurochemicals, such as oxytocin, which deepen empathy and improve memory retention.

The Five Ps

People, Place, Pictures (vivid imagery), Personalization, and Peril.

The Five Cs

Character, Context, Conflict, Climax, and Closure.

AIDA
A – Attention  I – Interest  D – Desire  A – Action
To make your story sell, the most important thing is to grab the readers’ attention. Then your task is to raise interest. Thirdly, you must create a desire to know more (or to buy/own your product), and, last but not least, prompt the prospect to take action (purchase, ask for more information, subscribe to your newsletter, etc.).

What Makes a Story Stick?
Order a free digital version of my new book, “How I’ve Survived as a STORYTELLER for Over 50 Years: 12 Survival Rules”.

How I’ve Survived as a STORYTELLER for Over 50 Years

If you have completed reading this article, you must be more than averagely interested in storytelling. I will reward you with a free gift, a digital version of my new book, “How I’ve Survived as a STORYTELLER for Over 50 Years: 12 Survival Rules”. Just click here and type your name and e-mail address, and write e-book in the subject line. Enjoy!

What Makes a Story Stick? written by Tor Kjolberg

Banned Baby Names in Sweden

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Recently, the Swedish Tax Agency rejected parents’ attempts to name their newborn child Jihad or Jehad, saying those names may cause discomfort for the child. There is a naming law in Sweden (lag om personnamn, also known as namnlagen) that lists banned baby names.

Jehad is a common name in the Middle East and means “struggle” or “striving”, and around 900 people have it as their first name in Sweden. However, the agency’s decision only applies to newborns.

Banned Baby Names in Sweden
Banned names in Sweden include Superman, IKEA, and Elvis.

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The naming law in Sweden is a law that requires the approval of the government agency for names to be given to Swedish children. The parents must submit the proposed name for a child within 3 months of the child’s birth. The current law was enacted in 2017, replacing a 1982 law. The Swedish Tax Agency administers name registration in Sweden. The law has been revised since its original enactment; in 1983, it became possible for a man to adopt his wife’s or partner’s name, and for a woman to adopt her husband’s name.

Banned Baby Names in Sweden
Sweden generally bans names that are “obviously unsuitable” as a first name.

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Banned names in Sweden include Superman, IKEA, and Elvis.

Jehad Hameed, living in Malmo, says he is proud of his name and thinks the decision is a little strange and somewhat comical.

However, Sweden generally bans names that are “obviously unsuitable” as a first name. They also ban names that could cause offense or discomfort to someone using them. Parents who do not submit their desired name for their child to the Swedish Tax Agency within 3 months of their baby’s birth may face a fine for failing to register a name.

Banned Baby Names in Sweden, Tor Kjolberg reporting.

Ideological Taboos at Schools in Denmark?

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A 2025 study from the Danish Centre for Social Science Research (VIVE) found that 28% of secondary and 19% of primary teachers avoid topics related to Islam, often due to perceived controversy. Are there ideological taboos at schools in Denmark?

A significant portion of teachers avoid subjects related to Islam, migration, and intense political debates. Other emerging challenges include navigating discussions around gender identity and, notably, avoiding the topic of private tutoring to maintain an ideology of equality.

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Ideological Taboos at Schools in Denmark?
A significant portion of teachers avoid subjects related to Islam, migration, and intense political debates.

Key ideological taboos and challenges include:

Islam and Migration/Political Sensitivity: Certain political topics are censored; for example, parliament’s leadership banned “Recognize Palestine as an independent state” from a 2025 mock school election due to complexity and sensitivity.

Gender Identity: Discussions surrounding the concept that a person can be “born in the wrong body” or that sex is “assigned at birth” have previously been limited or treated as taboo in primary schools, though this is shifting.

Private Tutoring (Shadow Education): Due to a strong cultural emphasis on equality, solidarity, and a disdain for academic competition in schools, parents often treat the purchase of private, supplementary tutoring as a taboo subject to discuss openly.

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Ideological Taboos at Schools in Denmark?
“Violent individuals must never have the right to veto what can be discussed in the classroom,” writes Jyllandsposten.

Christianity in Religion Class: While schools are secular, Christian studies (“Kristendomskundskab”) have historically focused on the Evangelical Lutheran tradition, sometimes making alternative perspectives or strict neutrality a delicate issue.

These challenges coexist with a long-standing “free school” tradition that generally encourages ideological, pedagogical, and religious freedom, provided schools adhere to democratic and human rights standards.

The problem goes far beyond schools, emphasizes Jyllands-Posten:

“Free speech is not only a legal right, but a cultural backbone. That is precisely the reason why violent individuals must never have the right to veto what can be discussed in the classroom. … That requires teachers to be courageous. But even more, it requires support from the system. From head teachers, administrative bodies, and politicians. Teachers must know that they’re not on their own. They must be better supported. We need schools where violence, threats, and silence are banned, where controversial topics are not avoided but used to hone students’ democratic skills.”

About VIVE
VIVE is an independent research and analysis center under the Danish Ministry of the Interior and Health, focusing on welfare, society, and education.

Ideological Taboos at Schools in Denmark? Tor Kjolberg reporting

A Letter to Norway Calls for an Investigation into Trump’s Mental Fitness

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Dr. Jonathan Reiner, who treated the late Vice President Dick Cheney, has called for an investigation into President Donald Trump’s mental fitness, claiming that the President’s extraordinary letter to Norway’s prime minister should ‘trigger a bipartisan congressional inquiry’. So, a letter to Norway calls for an investigation into Trump’s mental fitness.

US President Donald Trump told Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre that he no longer feels bound “to think purely of Peace” because the Norwegian Nobel Committee did not award him the Nobel Peace Prize last year.

It was in the context that Trump said that the US needs Greenland that Jonas Støre sent a message to Trump on behalf of himself and the Finnish President, Alexander Stubb.

The two European leaders said, “We all should work to take this down and de-escalate – so much is happening around us where we need to stand together”.

A Letter to Norway Calls for an Investigation into Trump’s Mental Fitness
It was in the context that Trump said that the US needs Greenland that Jonas Støre sent a message to Trump on behalf of himself and the Finnish President, Alexander Stubb. Photo: Open Image Gallery.

In his reply to Trump, Støre also explained that an independent committee, not the Norwegian government, awards the prize, which last October went to Venezuela’s opposition leader María Corina Machado.

“This letter, and the fact that the president directed that it be distributed to other European countries, should trigger a bipartisan congressional inquiry into presidential fitness,” Reiner reacted in a post on X.

A Letter to Norway Calls for an Investigation into Trump’s Mental Fitness
Trump has repeatedly boasted about “acing” cognitive exams. Open Image Gallery.

“Denmark cannot protect that land from Russia or China, and why do they have a ‘right of ownership’ anyway? There are no written documents; it’s only that a boat landed there hundreds of years ago, but we had boats landing there, also,” Trump said in his message.

Trump has repeatedly boasted about “acing” cognitive exams, and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt previously claimed the president “has nothing to hide” when it comes to his health.

A Letter to Norway Calls for an Investigation into Trump’s Mental Fitness, Tor Kjolberg reporting.
Feature image (top): © Mad-in-America

Most-Visited Online Stores in Scandinavia 2025

In Scandinavia, online shopping isn’t just convenient — it’s a natural part of everyday life. From groceries and clothing to furniture and electronics, consumers across the region increasingly prefer digital stores over traditional retail. And it’s not hard to see why. Here are the most-visited stores across Scandinavia in 2025.

One major reason is technology. Countries like Sweden, Norway, and Denmark are among the most digitally connected in the world. Fast internet, widespread smartphone use, and simple payment solutions make shopping online easy, fast, and intuitive — whether you’re 18 or 80.

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Related: Expanding Your E-Commerce Business into the Nordics: Logistics Made Easy

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Most-Visited Online Stores in Scandinavia 2025Denmark

As in most other Nordic countries, online shopping has become common practice in Denmark. The e-commerce market is expected to continue growing, reaching 17 billion euros by 2028. A majority of consumers in Denmark place orders with online stores in other countries.

There are over 5.9 million inhabitants in Denmark. According to a 2024 PostNord report, up to 83 percent of Danish consumers shop online at least monthly. This is an increase compared to 2019, when that share was still 62 percent.

Trust also plays a big role. Scandinavian consumers are highly comfortable with digital services, from online banking to digital ID systems. That trust extends naturally to e-commerce, where secure payments and transparent customer service make buying online feel safe and reliable.

Geography and climate matter too. With long distances, remote communities, and dark, cold winters, shopping trips aren’t always practical or appealing. Home delivery, parcel lockers, and flexible pickup points offer a smarter alternative — bringing shops directly to people’s doors.

Most-Visited Online Stores in Scandinavia 2025Norway

In June 2025, finn.no ranked as the most visited e-commerce site in Norway, with approximately 25 million website visits. Elkjop.no placed second, with over five million visits, followed by prisjakt.no with about 3.7 million visits.

Online shopping fits perfectly with Scandinavian values. Consumers care about efficiency, sustainability, and smart use of time. Many online retailers focus on eco-friendly delivery, minimal packaging, and ethical supply chains, aligning with strong environmental awareness across the region.
Most-Visited Online Stores in Scandinavia 2025

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Related: Second-Hand is the New E-Commerce Revolution in Sweden
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Most-Visited Online Stores in Scandinavia 2025Sweden
The top 5 most popular e-commerce & shopping websites in Sweden in January 2026 were
1. blocket.se
2. amazon.se
3. tradera.com
4. temu.com
5. clasohlson.com.

Conclusion
In Scandinavia, online shops aren’t just popular — they’re part of the lifestyle. Digital convenience, cultural trust, and smart logistics have transformed e-commerce from an option into the default way people shop.

Most-visited online stores in Scandinavia, 2025, compiled by Tor Kjolberg.
Illustration (top) © Sandberg Translation Partners.

The US Could Ask Foreign Tourists for a Five-Year Social Media History Before Entry

Tourists from dozens of countries, including Scandinavia, could be asked to provide a five-year social media history as a condition of entry to the United States under a new proposal unveiled by American officials. The US could ask foreign tourists for a five-year social media history before entry.

The plans have been criticized by US lawmakers over privacy concerns and their impact on the country’s travel and tourism sector. Millions of travelers could skip visiting the US if the proposed social media policy is implemented, industry experts warn.

The warning — from the World Travel & Tourism Council — comes after the global industry group surveyed nearly 5,000 international residents who regularly travel abroad and found one-third of respondents would be somewhat or much less likely to visit the US if applicants to the Visa Waiver Program are required to submit information about their social media accounts.

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The new condition would affect people from dozens of countries who are eligible to visit the US for 90 days without a visa, provided they have completed the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) form.

The proposed shift in US policy would apply to citizens of 42 nations when they visit the US under visa waiver rules, bringing them in line with applicants for immigrant and non-immigrant visas who are already subject to similar social media disclosure rules, introduced in 2019. All email addresses used over the last five years, plus the names, dates of birth, and addresses of the visitors’ spouses, children, parents, and siblings, would also be required.

The US Could Ask Foreign Tourists for a Five-Year Social Media History Before Entry
The proposal document was filed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its component agency, Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Since returning to the White House, President Donald Trump has moved to toughen US borders more generally – citing national security as a reason.

The potential decline in travelers could cost the US an estimated $15.7 billion in lost visitor spending, according to WTTC. Under one scenario, the US could miss out on as many as 4.7 million international arrivals, representing a 23% drop in visitors from ESTA countries in 2026.

The US Could Ask Foreign Tourists for a Five-Year Social Media History Before Entry
The proposed shift in US policy would apply to citizens of 42 nations when they visit the US under visa waiver rules.

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Related: Sweden’s Boycott of US Products is Growing
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Asked whether the proposal could lead to a steep drop-off in tourism to the US, Trump said he was not concerned. “No. We’re doing so well,” the president said in December 2025.

Now, two Democratic senators, Ed Markey and Ron Wyden, said the US Customs and Border Protection policy would deter would-be visitors and represent an unreasonable expectation that would not be acceptable to American citizens going abroad. Markey is the senator for Massachusetts, where Canadian visitors make up around 25% of the market, and Wyden represents Oregon, where Canadians account for around half of foreign visitors, followed by Mexico.

“The travelers affected have other destination options,” Gloria Guevara, president of WTTC, told CNN in an interview on CNN International’s “Quest Means Business,” and they consider the request for social media account information “intrusive.”

The US Could Ask Foreign Tourists for a Five-Year Social Media History Before Entry
The potential decline in travelers could cost the US an estimated $15.7 billion in lost visitor spending, according to WTTC.

The proposal document was filed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its component agency, Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It was published in the Federal Register, the official journal of the US government.

In a separate move, the State Department has already instructed embassies and consulates that they may scrutinize student visa applicants for “hostile attitudes towards our citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles.”

The US Could Ask Foreign Tourists For a Five-Year Social Media History Before Entry, Tor Kjolberg reporting.
Feature image (top) © travelvoice.uk

Oslo, Norway, Has Been Named the World’s Greenest City

There is no shortage of ratings of the qualities of various cities. Now, Oslo tops an international list of the world’s greenest cities. And it puts nature first. Oslo, Norway, has been named the world’s greenest city.

Oslo has been placed at the top of the list due to its extensive green spaces and sustainability efforts. It is closely followed by Medellín, Colombia, and Sydney, Australia. Other top eco-friendly cities include Singapore for its “City in a Garden” approach, Copenhagen for cycling infrastructure, and Tokyo for its high density of urban green areas.

Oslo, Norway, Has Been Named the World's Greenest City**********************************************
Related: Oslo on the Top Five List of Leading Maritime Cities of the World 2024
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The prestigious magazine Time Out conducted its own research into which cities offer the best for green space by quizzing thousands of urbanites. The actual selection is made by Iglu Cruise, one of the world’s largest cruise agents. They have over 400 travel experts who advise customers on interesting travel destinations.

Oslo, Norway, Has Been Named the World's Greenest City
Oslo has been placed at the top of the list due to its extensive green spaces and sustainability efforts. Photo: Visit Oslo.

These are the world’s top 10 greenest cities

  1. Oslo, Norway
  2. Vilnius, Lithuania
  3. Helsinki, Finland
  4. Vienna, Austria
  5. Canberra, Australia
  6. Sydney, Australia
  7. Stockholm, Sweden
  8. Singapore
  9. Reading, UK
  10. Munich, Germany

Oslo, Norway, Has Been Named the World’s Greenest City, Tor Kjolberg reporting.
Feature image (top) Torshovdalen, Oslo. © Olav Helland/Klima Oslo.