According to Norges Bank Investment Management, Norway’s $1.5 trillion sovereign wealth fund, the world’s largest, has been appointed by a U.S. court to co-lead an action to recover significant investment losses. Norway Sovereign Wealth Fund will lead investors’ action related to Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse.
The manager of Norway’s huge sovereign wealth fund is stepping into new territory by leading a class action for the first time – joining Sweden’s largest state pension fund in a bid in the US to recoup investment losses on the failed Silicon Valley Bank (SVB).
SVB’s collapse in March was the trigger for the worst banking shock since the 2008 global financial crisis, sending bank stocks globally on a wild ride. It is the first time that Norges Bank will lead a legal action, so called class action, on behalf of a group of investors.
Norway Sovereign Wealth Fund Will Lead Investors’ Action Related to Silicon Valley Bank’s Collapse, continues below the image.
Silicon Valley Bank. Photo: Wikipedia
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Related: Responsible Investing in Norway
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The Norwegian fund said the SVB case raised significant concerns regarding the integrity of the public markets, the governance of large financial institutions and the interests of the investor community more broadly. Nicolai Tangen, NBIM’s chief executive officer, said: “We manage money on behalf of all Norwegians. I see it as our duty to take legal action to both maximize our recoveries after the SVB collapse and to signal that this is not acceptable market behavior”.
Carine Smith Iheacho. Photo: Oljefondet.
Carine Smith Ihenacho, chief governance- and compliance officer at NBIM, said: “It is important for us to take legal action where the alleged conduct raises significant concerns about market integrity.”
The fund, which invests Norway’s surplus oil and gas revenue abroad, is the world’s biggest single stock market investor, owning some 1.5% of all globally listed shares with stakes in more than 9,200 companies.
Norway Sovereign Wealth Fund Will Lead Investors’ Action Related to Silicon Valley Bank’s Collapse, continues below the image.
“Given our role as co-lead plaintiff our aim is to maximize recoveries of all investor losses”, Tangen added. A year ago, the Oslo-based investment manager signaled in its new multi-year strategy plan that it would escalate its active-ownership work.
From NIMB headquarters
NBIM held a 1% stake in SVB at the end of 2022, valued at $137.9 million, according to data on the fund’s website.
Norway Sovereign Wealth Fund Will Lead Investors’ Action Related to Silicon Valley Bank’s Collapse, written by Tor Kjolberg
Two out of three working Norwegians are invited to an Office Christmas party, but not everyone is looking forward to the annual Christmas party tradition.
You don’t need to have lived in Norway very long to come across the word julebord. The julebord is as Norwegian as other holiday favorites such as gløgg, pinnekjøtt and long, dark nights.
Julebord literally translated means “Christmas Table” and is also a term used to describe the office seasonal party. It’s a formal affair often normally held in a restaurant or hotel where the guests are expected to dress properly. It’s also a time for major consumption – of both food and drink!
The Norwegian Christmas party culture worries abstainers, some priests, cohabitation therapists and bosses who dread close contact with drunk and outspoken employees. These concerns receive ample coverage in the country’s media every year. Which warns against what such a party evening can do for career opportunities, working environment and private relationships.
Julebord literally translated means “Christmas Table” and is also a term used to describe the office seasonal party.
Since a lot of Norwegian social life tends to be structured and organized around associations and clubs, it’s not uncommon for a single person to have several julebord to attend, and it’s non uncommon to have speeches distributed throughout the night (sometimes including dirty jokes).
You have the Damenens tale (ladies speech) which is an address by a man to the ladies in the room and the Herrenes tale (gentleman’s speech) which is an address by a lady to the men in the room. Finally, there’s the Takk For Maten speech (thank you for the food speech).
The Norwegian Office Christmas Party Tradition, article continues….
It’s not uncommon for a single person to have several julebord to attend. Photo: Strawberry Quality Hotel.
But are the Julebords as challenging as the opponents claim? Do Norwegians put away all their civilized veneer and bring out their inner Viking? Are they surfing from bed to bed on a wave of ribbe fat and aquavit?
Ribbe is roasted pork belly and aquavit is the traditional Nordic schnaps. Other dishes are pinnekjøtt (salted and dried sheep ribs, streamed until they fall off the bones), medisterkaker (fatty pork meatballs), julepølser (Christmas sausages) and lutefisk (cod pickled in lye).
Alcohol is free at these parties and people go bananas. Norwegians have a reputation of losing their judgment during these parties, mainly because alcohol consumption is quite substantial, and because you are far from your family.
Dishes are ribbe, pinnekjøtt (salted and dried sheep ribs, streamed until they fall of the bones), medisterkaker (fatty pork meatballs), julepølser (Christmas sausages) and lutefisk (cod pickled in lye). Photo: Meny
The Christmas table concern is not new. In 1973, the Danish hymn poet Hans Adoph Brorson issued a message of concern about contemporary merry Christmas with these words:
Hvor kunne noen mene
som har naturlig sans
at vi vår gud kan tjene
med syndig drikk og dans
Translation:
How could anyone think
who has natural sense
that we may serve our God
with sinful drinking and dance
In most cases there will be booze. Alcohol-free julebord do exist, but they certainly are the exception.
If the event takes place in a restaurant, it is not uncommon for some alcohol to be included. This usually means a predetermined number of drinks will be served either at the table, by a waiter, or at the bar. In the latter case, the accounting for this is done with the help of tokens or tickets for free drinks. If you want anything extra, you’ll have to pay for it yourself. At the other end of the scale, everyone brings their own alcohol.
While it certainly isn’t very common, it is not unheard of to witness people blackout completely, or lose control of most motor functions. And there is that cute colleague you’ve been flirting with all year who has that red dress, so why not go for it since as all Norwegian know, what happens in Julebord stays in Julebord. These incidents are usually not spoken of afterwards.
Julebord literally translated means “Christmas Table” and is also a term used to describe the office seasonal party. Photo: Sult.no
The concern about the extravagance of the Christmas table is, however, not just Norwegian. We have found the same concern in Swedish, Danish, German, British, American and Australian media. As Kiwis and Aussies celebrate Christmas in the summer, it may indicate that extravagant Christmas celebrations are not weather-dependent, rather a common Protestant blowout.
There is so much more to say about Norwegian Christmas parties, from Advent to Santa Lucia, but for now this is all, God jul!
The Norwegian Office Christmas Party Tradition, written by Tor Kjolberg
Winter can be super challenging for drivers, especially those who travel long distances. It’s vital to be extra careful and ready for anything. This article will talk about the tricky things that happen when you drive in winter and give you some tips from us to help you handle these challenges better. Learn more about coping with challenges of winter driving in Scandinavia.
Ice forms on roads when it’s wet and freezing outside. The road may appear wet when a very thin layer of ice known as “black ice” appears. It happens at night or in the early morning when temperatures are at their lowest. It’s difficult as you risk missing it and having your car slide if you’re not focused.
If you drive onto black ice, try to stay calm. Keep your steering wheel straight and avoid hitting the brakes suddenly. If you brake too hard, your car could start sliding.
Ease off the gas pedal slowly and change to a lower gear if you can. Doing this might help you regain control while you steer where you want to go.
As winter gets closer and the weather gets colder, drivers deal with different difficulties while driving. Photo: Unsplash
The temperature affects how safe it is to brake and drive on ice and snow. As it grows warmer it becomes more slippery.
It approximately takes more time to stop your automobile when the temperature rises from freezing (-18°C) to just above freezing (0°C). Winter driving offers a great chance to assess road conditions regularly. So, when driving in winter, it’s a good idea to check how the road feels sometimes. But remember, only do this when moving slowly.
Extreme Snowstorms:
When snow blows around your car and you can’t see well, it’s called a ‘whiteout.’ This makes it hard to see the road. Numerous automobiles colliding with one another is a serious risk in this situation.
Reduce your speed and keep a safe space behind the car in front of you when driving in a snowy area. Make use of the automobile as a navigational aid. It’s safest to slow down and wait for improved visibility if the storm is so miserable that you cannot see anything.
It is more difficult to see clearly when driving in snow, ice, sleet, or freezing rain. You face the risk of collisions because you can’t see everything when you go if you don’t completely clear the snow and ice from your automobile.
In cold weather, tires can lose air for a few reasons.
Tire Pressure:
In cold weather, tires can lose air for a few reasons. First, the cold makes the air inside the tires shrink, so there’s less air in them. Also, water in the air can stick to the tires and make the pressure go down, creating a light turn-on in your car. Lastly, when it’s cold, the car’s engine works more to produce heat, which can also decrease tire pressure. Before driving, consider having your vehicle’s tires inspected by an expert using specialized tire store software.
Weather Effects on Vehicle Brakes:
Cold weather can harm your car by affecting the brakes! Low temperatures cause increased friction, making brakes hotter and less efficient. Brake fluid can thicken, leading to potential leaks, while road salt can corrode brake parts. Regular washing helps prevent salt buildup, ensuring safer driving in winter.
Drivers deal with different difficulties while driving in wintertime. Photo: YouTube
Tips to Overcome These Challenges
As winter gets closer and the weather gets colder, drivers deal with different difficulties while driving. To handle these challenges in a better way, there are some ways drivers can change how they move.
Speed Matters:
When there’s a winter storm, driving slowly is crucial, even though it might seem tempting to go fast. Remember, taking it slow and steady is essential when there’s ice and snow on the road.
Keep Up Maintenance:
Experts advise checking your car every 6 months or 8,000 km, whichever happens first. If you stick to this schedule all year round, your vehicle will perform great in any season.
Identifying Black Ice:
When driving in cold conditions, watch out for areas that seem darker than usual on the road, especially in low-lying spots, bridges, or underpasses lacking sunlight exposure. Temperatures below freezing usually create black ice overnight, making it crucial to stay vigilant.
Precautions for Safe Driving:
Ensure your tires are in top condition, particularly with winter tires, for better traction. Utilizing tire center management software can assist in keeping track of tire maintenance schedules and ensuring timely replacements.
While four-wheel drive adds safety, it maintains a reduced speed regardless. Avoid tailgating and allow other vehicles to pass safely, reducing the risk of accidents caused by speed disparities.
Get Roadside Help:
You can’t predict the weather, road, or other drivers during winter driving. But if you’re ready for surprises, you’ll feel more confident and calm whenever you drive in winter. Therefore, find the best repair services provider to help you.
Emergency Kit:
Ensure you’ve got an emergency kit ready in case you get stuck sooner rather than later.
Pack non-perishable snacks (like cereal bars)
Carry water in sturdy plastic bottles
Include extra clothes and a blanket
Equip with first aid, tools, and essentials
Brake Early in Snowy Conditions:
Leave plenty of space when you need to stop your car. Brake gently and start slowing down early, especially if the road is slippery. If you hit the brakes when slippery, your vehicle could start sliding, and that’s super dangerous for everyone on the road.
Cars driving on a highway are stuck in traffic because of a snow storm .
Challenges of Winter Driving in Scandinavia –Wrapping Up!
Prepare for winter driving hazards with caution and readiness! Equip your vehicle with winter tires, ensure proper visibility and lights, carefully navigate icy patches, handle snowy obstructions cautiously, and maintain your vehicle against cold weather strain. Stay vigilant, prioritize safety, and remain informed to combat the unique challenges winter driving presents.
Emma Stone
Challenges of Winter Driving in Scandinavia, written dedicatedly for Daily Scandinavian by Emma Stone. Emma is a seasoned digital marketing expert and the senior content lead at Torque360. With years of honing strategies and crafting compelling narratives, she is all about sculpting brands’ stories into captivating digital tapestries. She thrives on weaving words that spark connections and ignite engagement, leveraging the power of content to fuel brand journeys. From brainstorming boardrooms to the click-happy realms of cyberspace, her passion for crafting impactful narratives propels brands to resonate in the bustling digital landscape. Armed with creativity and a knack for strategy, she navigates the ever-evolving digital sphere, shaping brands into vibrant, memorable entities.
Swedish Railways (SJ) has modernized most of its sleeper car fleet. The coaches meet the International Coach Regulations (RIC) standards, which allow passenger coaches to be used for international services within Europe. Climate-conscious travelers are now taking advantage of the night-train revival to comfortably get around all of Europe without having to fly. Sleeper trains are back on track in Scandinavia.
SJ Group (Swedish Railway) is a public company with a workforce of 5,400 which operates the majority of Sweden’s rail network, connecting Stockholm with the other Scandinavian capitals, Copenhagen and Oslo. Providing transport to in excess of 150,000 passengers daily, the company is renowned for its highly efficient and environmentally friendly services. This is evidenced by SJ being named Sweden’s most sustainable brand and the country’s best transport company, as well as Europe’s leading digital transport company.
Scandinavian night trains are an example of how railway companies in small countries can make a difference. Map: backontrack.eu
On 1 September 2022, a comfortable EuroNight sleeper train started linking Hamburg with Stockholm every night. Procured by the Swedish government to improve rail links between western Europe, the train is run by SJ. It was extended to/from Berlin over the summer in 2023, this proved so popular that SJ have decided to run it from Berlin via Hamburg to Stockholm all year round. The train often leaves fully booked, especially in sleepers!
Swedish sleeping car. Photo: SJ
The Swedish – German overnight market is growing. More than 120,000 passengers have travelled on its Stockholm – Malmö – Copenhagen – Hamburg – Berlin service since it was launched on June 27 2021, a 500% increase compared with the Malmö – Berlin service it replaced.
How does dinner overlooking Hamburg’s harbor or a rooftop dinner at the Käfer Restaurant Reichstag in Berlin, followed by a good night’s sleep and then waking up in the world capital of architecture 2023, Copenhagen, ready to seize the day sound?
SJ has been named Sweden’s most sustainable brand and the country’s best transport company. Photo: SJ
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Related: The Swedish Inland Railway
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Night trains of Norway (Nattoget) are night sleeping car services on four domestic routes: Oslo – Bergen, Oslo – Stavanger, Oslo – Trondheim and Trondheim – Bodø (The Nordland Line). All services are provided using WLAB-2 sleeping cars. All night trains offer both sleeper cars with closed apartments with one or two beds in addition to regular sitting cars with individual seats in an open configuration.
If you want to go by train in Europe, check out Trainline.
Scandinavian night trains are an example of how railway companies in small countries can make a difference. Scandinavia can be a role model for other countries to follow. All aboard!
Sleeper Trains Back on Track in Scandinavia, written by Tor Kjolberg
A recent study of the outdoor adventures of pet cats in Norway has revealed that, while the majority spend their time close to home, some cats travel several kilometers once they are outside.Learn more about getting out and about with pets in Scandinavia.
With 770,000 domestic cats in Norway alone, cats are the most popular pets in Scandinavia. Cats can be fiercely independent and spend over three quarters of their time away from home, but there are many opportunities for cat lovers to spend quality time with them in the numerous cat cafes found in cities throughout the region.
There are also plenty of pet-friendly establishments that will welcome dog owners when they’re out and about with their furry friends. While short outings with pets can be enjoyable experiences, longer journeys involving travel abroad or moving house may be more difficult. However, by taking the time to plan trips carefully and adhering to entry requirements and regulations of each individual country, the potential stress of traveling with pets can be minimized.
Moving home is an exciting prospect, but it can also be stressful for both humans and animals.
The pet travel market has grown significantly in recent years, but moving animals to a new home is certainly not a new phenomenon. Archaeologists in Britain have recently found evidence that the Vikings took animals with them when they originally traveled from Scandinavia over a thousand years ago. Bones of dogs and horses have been discovered in Viking burial mounds alongside humans, signifying the animals were considered as household pets rather than just farm animals.
These days, although moving home is an exciting prospect, it can also be stressful for both humans and animals. Booking a boarding kennel or cattery for the day of the move, investing in a comfortable carrier for the journey, and ensuring pets are immunized and microchipped can all help to ensure that a house move with a pet runs smoothly.
The pet travel market has grown significantly in recent years
Traveling Abroad with Animals
A record of vaccinations is also important for any foreign travel within Scandinavia. When arriving at the airport, pets will need proof of protection against rabies, be identifiable with a microchip or an inked tattoo, and have a valid pet passport. However, travelers are also advised to check the entry requirements of individual Scandinavian countries as these may differ. For example, dogs traveling from Sweden to Finland require treatment against the parasitic disease echinococcosis at least 24 hours before their arrival back in the country.
The Scandinavian culture places a high value on outdoor activities. Photo: Camden Olson, Princeton university class of 2018
Days Out with Dogs
The Scandinavian culture places a high value on outdoor activities, nature and an active lifestyle, and dogs often fit seamlessly into this lifestyle. With a reputation for being animal-friendly and having strong welfare laws, Scandinavia provides a positive environment for pet ownership and dogs are frequently seen accompanying their owners on walks, hikes and outdoor adventures. In Sweden, there are numerous restaurants, hotels, and campsites that welcome travelers with their dogs and dogs on a leash are allowed in most city and national parks. Getting around the country is relatively simple too. While it is necessary to reserve a seat in a special pets allowed section on long distance trains, generally, dogs travel free on local public transport in Sweden’s major cities.
Travelers enjoying a visit to a cat cafe will all receive a pet-friendly welcome in Scandinavia.
Meeting Cats in Cafes
While there is plenty of information about the benefits of owning a pet, research from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences uncovered how pet ownership also makes a significant contribution to the economy. Meeting the needs of animals and their owners through the use of veterinary and grooming services, training and doggie daycare creates economic activity in the form of employment, income and tax revenue. As well as allowing animal lovers to spend time with their pets or meet new furry friends, small businesses such as dog-friendly restaurants in Norway or one of the popular cat cafes in Sweden and Finland also boost economic growth. Enjoying a coffee or paying a small fee helps to cover the cost of care for the cats and supports future rescue and adoption efforts.
With a little preparation, traveling with pets or enjoying a day out with animals doesn’t need to be stressful. In fact, locals on a hike with their dog, families relocating with their pet or tourists enjoying a visit to a cat cafe will all receive a pet-friendly welcome in Scandinavia.
Karoline Gore
Getting Out and About with Pets in Scandinavia, written dedicatedly 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.
The traditional spirit Akvavit or Aquavit is principally produced in Scandinavia destilled from grain or potatoes and flavored with a variety of herbs. In Norway, several new versions are launched every year. And when it’s Christmas time in Norway – it’s time for Aquavit.
One of the most popular Aquavits in Norway is Gammel Opland (Old Opland) made using the original recipe from 1872. It has been extensively matured in old sherry casks, which tones down the caraway seeds and gives it a character that is still rich and complex with citrus, anise, caraway and oak aromas. Gammel Opland is well suited to traditional Norwegian Christmas food, or it can be enjoyed on its own.
Lillehammer’s prime rap crew, called Dirty Oppland, was established in 2001 by leading rappers Jaa9 & OnkelP.
Lillehammer’s prime rap crew, called Dirty Oppland, was established in 2001 by leading rappers Jaa9 & OnkelP.
Christmas Time in Norway – Time for Aquavit, continues below image.
Dirty Opland Aquavit
This fall, the band launches new music followed by a limited edition of the old classic aquavit branded, of course, Dirty Opland, and the group is pictured on the label!
Gammel Opland is the classic that tops the Norwegian wine monopoly’s sales lists every year.
Gammel Opland is the classic that tops the Norwegian wine monopoly’s sales lists every year. A limited number of the bottles, 2624, is labeled Dirty Opland. The number is not random, because it coincides with the postcode of Lillehammer.
The aroma is described as spices and barrel notes, well balanced with caraway, anise, as well as traces of citrus and vanilla.
Gammel Opland and Dirty Opland is stored for 26-28 months. The aroma is described as spices and barrel notes, well balanced with caraway, anise, as well as traces of citrus and vanilla.
Christmas Time in Norway – Time for Aquavit, written by Tor Kjolberg
In the competitive landscape of higher education, securing financial support is often a pivotal factor for students worldwide. GlobalScholarships.com emerges as a beacon, providing diverse scholarship opportunities to empower aspiring scholars. Learn more about scholarship opportunities for students worldwide.
This article delves into the programs and services offered by GlobalScholarships.com, guiding potential applicants in navigating this valuable resource.
Programs and Services
GlobalScholarships.com is a leading platform that provides a wide range of educational opportunities through its scholarship program. With an impressive offering of over 3,418 scholarships across 1,183+ universities and accessible to applicants from 247 eligible nationalities, GlobalScholarships.com is dedicated to supporting students globally in their pursuit of academic excellence. The estimated total funding of $81.3+ million reflects the organization’s commitment to creating diverse educational opportunities internationally. Aspiring scholars are encouraged to explore GlobalScholarships.com to unlock possibilities for their academic endeavors.
An impressive offering of over 3,418 scholarships across 1,183+ universities and accessible to applicants from 247 eligible nationalities are available from Global Scholarships.
If you’re interested in applying for the various scholarships available through GlobalScholarships.com, the process is straightforward and tailored to each scholarship’s unique requirements. Visit our website at GlobalScholarships.com to explore the extensive list of opportunities. Select a scholarship that aligns with your academic goals and qualifications, taking note of the specific application guidelines outlined on the scholarship page. Remember that each scholarship may have a different application method, involving online form submissions or following detailed instructions.
Rest assured that our trained professionals rigorously verify all scholarships and their application processes. Be mindful of the unique application deadlines for each scholarship; these details can be found on the respective scholarship pages. Should you have any inquiries or require assistance during the application process, our dedicated support team is ready to help.
The application process is straightforward and tailored to each scholarship’s unique requirements.
About GlobalScholarships.com
Founded in 2017, Global Scholarships emerged as a dedicated platform designed to facilitate the scholarship search process for international students worldwide. The organization’s primary mission is to offer an accessible and streamlined method for students to discover comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date scholarship information.
Before establishing Global Scholarships, navigating the landscape of scholarship opportunities involved scouring various university and organization websites for details such as eligibility criteria, deadlines, and eligible nationalities. Recognizing the challenges inherent in this approach, Global Scholarships was founded to simplify the search for international students. The platform introduces a user-friendly scholarship search engine, allowing students to efficiently filter through criteria such as degree level, subject area, nationality, and application deadlines.
The overarching goal of Global Scholarships is to cultivate the premier scholarship platform for international students. This ensures that scholarship information is transparent, accurate, and easily accessible, empowering students to pursue educational opportunities worldwide.
Our dedicated support team can assist you with your questions.
Astrit Morina
Scholarship Opportunities for Students Worldwide, written for Daily Scandinavian by Astrit Morina. Astrit, born in Kosovo in 1996, is a dynamic professional passionate about language and education. Armed with a master’s degree in English language and literature, he began his journey in the educational field.
Currently serving as the Email Outreach Leader at globalscholarships.com, Astrit is on a mission to connect students with life-changing opportunities. His role involves bridging the gap between aspiring scholars and valuable educational resources, meaningfully impacting the pursuit of knowledge.
With over three years of experience as a freelance writer, Astrit has honed his craft in education and business. His writing delves into the intricacies of these fields, offering insightful perspectives and valuable information to a diverse audience.
The gentle quiet of the Dalarne region in Sweden opens its summer farms, or fäbodar, during summer and offers a taste of back-to-the land living. Planning a visit to the farm cottages in Sweden’s folklore province for a good family experience is worth considering.
A lot of the summer farms are open to the public and some even offer guided tours. These pasture cottages and surrounding buildings dating from the 15th and 16th centuries are found all over Sweden but are most often associated with Dalarne.
A lot of the summer farms are open to the public.
A lot of these places are made up out of small barns, chalets, and houses and create like a micro village. The animals are free walking and we believe that they reflect the past. This is how it used to be. Used to be before the world got so crowded and before we started mass consuming meat. It makes for a nice excursion for both children and adults to visit a fäbod in Dalarna.
The cows are milked, butter is churned, messmor (a type of goat’s cheese) is made and tunnbröd (thin bread) is baked. Many fjällbodar also sell products and serve food.
The summer farms are open from Midsummer and over peak summer. One worth visiting is Ljusbodarnas Fäbod about 20km (12 miles) south of Leksand on route 70 towards Mockfjärd, where children are encouraged to pet the cows, hens, sheep and pigs.
A long time ago in the olden self-subsistent household days there were 20.000 “chalet” villages in Sweden. During the summer the cattle were brought to the forest.
If trying your own hand at 15th century farming appeals, Prästbodarnas Fäbod, near Bingsjö, has a variety of native Swedish farm animals, and offers one-day courses in butter-churning, milking and cheese-making. The farming life seems a natural accompaniment to the breathtaking scenery of the province.
This summer holiday was of great importance to the animals and they were taken good care of by the shepherds and the women (kullor). The animals helped keeping the landscape free from brushwood. Grejsans fäbodar is a unique survivor of this kind of village.
A lot of fäboderna are made up out of small barns, chalets, and houses and create like a micro village.
At the northern extremity of Dalarne is the deceptively gentle start of the mountain range which marches north, gaining height all the time until it culminates in the snow-topped peaks of the Kebnakaise range in Lapland.
Dalarne is a transition zone between the softer landscapes of southern Sweden and the more dramatic, but hasher north.
Farm Cottages in Sweden’s Folklore Province, written by Tor Kjolberg.
The vehicles of the future are being electrified, autonomous and connected. The vehicles of the future will also be more environmentally friendly than current ones. Gothenburg in Sweden is the hub of automotive industry with long roots in manufacturing and innovation.Two famous automotive neighbors are residing in Sweden’s Motor City – Volvo and Polestar.
On the morning of 14 April 1927, the first Volvo car drove out through the factory gates in Gothenburg on the west coast of Sweden. The car was officially called the ÖV4 and it was an open tourer with a four-cylinder engine. The world’s first Volvo was ready to hit the road.
The first Volvo car drove out through the factory gates in Gothenburg on the morning of 14 April 1927.
When the Volvo XC90 was launched in 2002, it became an instant success all over the world. It redefined the segment for big SUVs and became Sweden’s most important export product within a few years.
The Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, based in Hangzhou, took over ownership of the Volvo brand in 2010.
For the first time, in 2013, Volvo operated a complete manufacturing plant outside Europe. It was inaugurated in the city of Chengdu, where the company initially produced the Volvo S60L and XC60.
Today, the vast majority of Volvo vehicles are assembled in Sweden, mainly at the Torslanda and Skovde facilities. Volvo cars for the Asian market are assembled across four facilities in China. Volvo Cars recently opened a plant in Ridgeville, South Carolina, where all American market Volvo S60 sedans are made.
The Polestar name originates from the STCC Polestar racing team-
The Swedish automotive brand Polestar was established in 1996 as Flash Engineering. It was later rebranded Polestar Racing, then acquired in 2015 by Volvo Cars. It is also headquartered in Torslanda outside Gothenburg, Sweden. Its vehicles are produced in China, home to Volvo’s corporate parent Geely.
Polestar 1
The Polestar name originates from the STCCPolestar racing team which spawned Polestar Performance AB, in turn acquired by Volvo Cars in July 2015. The racing team changed its name to Cyan Racing, while maintaining close ties to Volvo.
In 2017, it surprised the automotive world with a limited run of its hybrid sport coupé, Polestar 1. Two years later came Polestar 2, a battery-electric five-door fast-back.
Polestar 4
In September 2021, Polestar announced an intention to go public and Polestar shares began trading on the Nasdaq exchange under the symbol PSNY on 24 June 2022.
The Polestar brand is one of many to enter the global automotive market over the past few years.
Polestar head of design Maximillan Missoni
Head of Design, Maximilian Missoni, talks about the optimized headroom, low roofline, sleek silhouette, and other design details of the Polestar 3 that give it its distinct expression, unique in the world of SUVs.
Polestar 4, out next year, will be a “crossover SUV-coupe” with sharp hips and an extended glass roof without rear window. Polestar 5 is said to be a sexy, low-slung four-door grand tourer, based on the company’s first dedicated platform, created at its R&D base in the UK.
Polestar headquarters in Gothenburg
Polestar was never destined to become the electric division of Volvo. Both are distinct companies under the Geely Holding umbrella, and Volvo Cars’ electric range is fast evolving with ambitions to be all-EV by 2030.
Two Famous Automotive Neighbors in Sweden’s Motor City, written by Tor Kjolberg
Danish furniture and design company Hay has launched its new Holiday & Winter Accessories Collection, including new logo bags and laptop covers, extensions to different rug styles, as well as exciting additions to its candles collection. Find out more about theHoliday & winter accessories from the Danish design company.
Hay creates contemporary furniture and design products with an eye for modern living and has a great stake in Copenhagen’s position as a city of world-class design.
The Danish interior design shop Hay House is located on the second floor in Østergade street, also known as Strøget pedestrian shopping street, in central Copenhagen.
However, you don’t need to go to Copenhagen to purchase your Holiday gifts. Hay’s products are only clicks away. Below are just a few gift ideas.
Candy stripe shopper bag
Candy Stripe Shopper & Wash Bag
For those on the go, the Candy Stripe series is a collection of colorful and practical bags for carrying shopping and other everyday items. Thoughtfully made in a strong and durable material with 80% recycled plastic, the designs vary from a small, hand-held bag to a super-sized shopper.
Prices: Candy Stripe Shopper from 9 EUR / 8 GBP / 10 USD / 59 DKK / 89 SEK / 85 NOK
Candy Stripe Wash Bag from 7 EUR / 7 GBP / 10 USD / 49 DKK / 75 SEK / 69 NOK
All prices are recommended retail prices.
Hay door mats
Rugs & Mats
Crafted from a jute-wool blend with a two-tone design and eye-catching contrast trim, HAY’s Door Mat now comes in three new colors and an extended version named Door Mat Long. Comprising bold vertical stripes in contrasting colors, the Stripes Rug collection features a clean, graphic design that creates the illusion of extra length. They come in durable and traceable New Zealand wool on a cotton warp in a variety of lengths and color combinations.
Prices: Door Mat from 55 EUR / 55 GBP / 369 DKK / 589 SEK / 579 NOK Stripes and Stripes from 79 EUR / 79 GBP / 549 DKK / 869 SEK / 859 NOK
All prices are recommended retail prices.
Tint coupe glass
Indulgent Tableware
Made from borosilicate glass, the new Tint Coupe Glass in pale pink and Tint Wine Glass in pink and green are elegant and simple designs suitable for serving wine, water, juice, other beverages, and even desserts. The Glass Spoon is a HAY kitchen essential now available in two new colorways. Crafted in flexible and durable silicone, the compact design of the Ice Cube Tray is now also available in yet more colors to brighten the kitchen.
Hay glass spoons
Prices: Glass Spoon (set of 2) 45 EUR / 39 GBP / 299 DKK / 479 SEK / 469 NOK Tint Coupe Glass (set of 2) 49 EUR / 45 GBP / 349 DKK / 549 SEK / 549 NOK Ice Cube Trays 19 EUR / 20 GBP / 149 DKK / 239 SEK / 229 NOK Tint Wine Glass 45 EUR / 39 GBP / 299 DKK / 479 SEK / 469 NOK
All prices are recommended retail prices.
Tann toothbrushes
Bathroom Essentials
HAY has applied new colors to the fun and functional Tann Toothbrush designed by Norwegian designer Andreas Engesvik and manufactured by tooth care professionals Jordan in post-consumer recycled polypropylene. To go with it, HAY’s Toothbrush Holder has been updated in matching colors.
Prices: Tann Toothbrush 5 EUR / 5 GBP / 35 DKK / 55 SEK / 55 NOK Tann Toothbrush Holder 10 EUR / 10 GBP / 69 DKK / 109 SEK / 109 NOK
All prices are recommended retail prices.
Column candle family
Candles Galore
With their selection of original colors, shapes and sizes, HAY candles aren’t just for burning, they are decorative objects that can be used alone or in clusters to create unique compositions. The candles come in a variety of twisted, conical, or spiral designs in different colors and lengths. The Pattern Candle, Gradient Candle, Column Candle and Column Candleholder are added to the growing assortment this season.
Scandinavian night trains are an example of how railway companies in small countries can make a difference. Scandinavia can be a role model for other countries to follow. All aboard!
