4 Great Reasons to Move to Scandinavia from the USA (and 5 Practical Tips)

Tor Kjølberg
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4 Great Reasons to Move to Scandinavia from the USA (and 5 Practical Tips)

Scandinavia is one of the best places to live in; for many Americans, it’s a dream come true. As one of the most prosperous regions in Europe, Scandinavia offers plenty of opportunities for those looking to start anew. Whether you’re a student, professional, or retiree, there are many great reasons to move from the USA to Scandinavia. Below you find 4 Great Reasons to Move to Scandinavia from the USA (and 5 Practical Tips).

1. Quality of Life

The region is considered one of the happiest and most livable places, with people enjoying many social benefits, such as free healthcare and education. Scandinavia offers an outstanding work-life balance, with shorter working hours than many other countries.

2. Cultural Richness

Scandinavia is home to some of the world’s most exciting cultures, with its unique blend of Nordic and Viking heritage. In addition, its vibrant cities offer plenty of modern attractions such as galleries, museums, and live music venues. Scandinavia also has a robust outdoor culture, with skiing and sailing popular in the region.

3. Stability & Safety

While the United States enjoys good safety standards, Scandinavia is known for its exceptionally high political and social stability levels. This is further enhanced by the region’s strict gun laws, which ensure that firearms are rarely used in criminal activity. For people with families or young children, this is a significant plus.

4 Great Reasons to Move to Scandinavia from the USA (and 5 Practical Tips)
The region is full of stunning scenery. Photo: Raimond Klavina/Unsplash

4. Nature

Think of the Northern Lights, and you’ll have a good idea of just how spectacular Scandinavia’s natural beauty can be. The region is full of stunning scenery, from its breathtaking fjords and snow-capped mountains to its beautiful forests and lakes. There are also plenty of wildlife reserves for those who want to experience nature up close.

4 Great Reasons to Move to Scandinavia from the USA (and 5 Practical Tips)… read on

5 Tips for Moving to Scandinavia

1. Research the Legal Aspect

Immigration and visa laws can be complex, so make sure you do your research before making a move. Find out what visas are available and what documents you need to apply for them. Work permits are also important to consider if you plan to find a job.

4 Great Reasons to Move to Scandinavia from the USA (and 5 Practical Tips)
Scandinavian countries have their languages, and English is not widely spoken.

2. Learn the Language

Scandinavian countries have their languages, and English is not widely spoken. To make the most of your time in Scandinavia, learning at least one of its native tongues will be necessary. There are many programs available that can help you become conversational in no time.

4 Great Reasons to Move to Scandinavia from the USA (and 5 Practical Tips) … read on.

3. Hire a Moving Company

International moves can be hard to manage. It’s best to hire a professional moving company to handle the logistics of transporting your belongings. Make sure you ask for referrals from friends or family and read reviews online to select the best one for your needs.

4 Great Reasons to Move to Scandinavia from the USA (and 5 Practical Tips)
Make sure you have sufficient funds to cover all costs before proceeding. Photo: Freepik

4. Prepare Financially

Moving from one country to another can be expensive, so make sure you have sufficient funds to cover all costs before proceeding. Having an emergency fund set aside is also a good idea, just in case something doesn’t go as planned.

If you plan on moving on a tight budget, you may want to consider taking a personal loan. You can compare different rates of personal loans to find the best deal for you. Remember, this is a long-term commitment, so ensure you’re comfortable with the loan amount and terms.

Related: 5 Ways to Meet True Friendship in Scandinavia

4 Great Reasons to Move to Scandinavia from the USA (and 5 Practical Tips)
Make as many connections as possible before you leave. Photo: REMI Network

5. Make Connections

Starting afresh in a new country can be daunting, so make as many connections as possible before you leave. This could mean joining local groups or events in the US that are connected to your new destination. You may also want to reach out to people who have already moved to the region and ask them for advice.

Moving to Scandinavia can be a rewarding experience if you plan and prepare for it. The region has a lot to offer with its high quality of life, stunning nature, and vibrant culture. Just make sure you take the time to research your options and understand what’s required before relocating.

4 Great Reasons to Move to Scandinavia from the USA (and 5 Practical Tips)
Nadine Westwood

4 Great Reasons to Move to Scandinavia from the USA (and 5 Practical Tips), written exclusively for Daily Scandinavian by Nadine Westwood. Nadine is a registered dietitian, travel blogger & fitness lover. In her spare time, she helps save stray animals. Nadine really does enjoy sharing her fitness journey with others who might need help with weight loss or finding a stress reliever.

Feature image (on top) © Pixabay

This Year’s Best Christmas Present Ideas From Norway

Tor Kjølberg
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This Year’s Best Christmas Present Ideas From Norway

Daily Scandinavian’s Christmas Gift Guide presents this year’s best Christmas present ideas from Norway.

Let’s get started with a versatile digital gift that can be a nice complement to the “tangible” ones listed below. A Christmas slideshow is a nice gift idea among the others. Just upload your best photos to the ready-made Christmas templates, and your unique holiday gift is ready! Click on the link to find some ideas, examples, tips, and a step-by-step guide on how to create such a gift.

The Mikkel cushion series by Roros Tweed was launched at the ICFF in New York back in 2015, and was awarded best textile at the ICFF editors awards.

This Year’s Best Christmas Present Ideas From Norway
Mikkel cushion from Røros Tweed

Bikes, apparel and accessories from Fara Cycling.

This Year’s Best Christmas Present Ideas From Norway
Fara bike

Lamps from Northern Lightning.

This Year’s Best Christmas Present Ideas From Norway
Salto table lamp from Northern Lightning designed by Chris Tønnessen

Run and Relax yoga tights.

This Year’s Best Christmas Present Ideas From Norway
Run & Relax gradient seamless tights

Related: Have Yourself a Truly Scandinavian Christmas

This Year’s Best Christmas Present Ideas From Norway…more ideas below

This Year’s Best Christmas Present Ideas From Norway
Merino and wool blend underwear from Le Backhand

Le Backhand is a merino wool and silk blend underwear range of clean lines and neutral colors best described as sophisticated, high quality wardrobe basics inspired by everyday Nordic living.

This Year’s Best Christmas Present Ideas From Norway
Livid Jeans is a Norwegian apparel company

Livid Jeans is a Norwegian apparel company that adheres to the Japanese finesse within fabric construction while maintaining the classic silhouettes of contemporary Scandinavian design.

This Year’s Best Christmas Present Ideas From Norway
Spekenhus face cream

Sprekenhus combines high quality ingredients and materials and focus on creations that contribute to their surroundings, including a selection of skin care, fragrances and accessories.

Headquartered in Switzerland, Punkt. was established by Norwegian Petter Neby in 2008 with the idea of bringing a breath of fresh air into the consumer electronics market with outstanding, timeless products designed to do their job, without intruding on their owner’s time and attention.

This Year’s Best Christmas Present Ideas From Norway…more ideas below

This Year’s Best Christmas Present Ideas From Norway
Punkt mobile

Related: Cheering Scandinavian Christmas Gifts

This Year’s Best Christmas Present Ideas From Norway
EAM bifold vallet

EAM is all about daily necessities we can all relate to – no matter who, where and when.

This Year’s Best Christmas Present Ideas From Norway
Mohair sweather from Cathrine Hammel

Discover Cathrine Hammel’s handpicked Christmas gifts online.

This Year’s Best Christmas Present Ideas From Norway
Raglan coat from Berg & Berg

For more than a decade Berg & Berg have been quietly building what they consider to be the perfect wardrobe.

This Year’s Best Christmas Present Ideas From Norway…more ideas below

This Year’s Best Christmas Present Ideas From Norway
Dusty pink tableware from Annette Krogstad

Annette Krogstad tableware has been commissioned by a number of restaurants and pop up events – including Noma in Copenhagen, Pjoltergeist, Lysverket, Alex Sushi and Bruket Oslo.

This Year’s Best Christmas Present Ideas From Norway
Blue tartan wool cap from Vasity

The Cap specialist Varsity Headwear.

This Year’s Best Christmas Present Ideas From Norway
Gloria collection by Annie Berner

Handmade jewelry by Annie Berner to order in Norway.

This Year’s Best Christmas Present Ideas From Norway
EVI custom made skis

EVI ski is built around evolution as a product development model. The skis are produced in a way that let the factory do continous alterations to the models. The company’s website works like an eco-system that will sort and present the ski models as species in a natural eco system. All EVI skis are made to order, there is no stock of pre made skis.

Related: Twas the Night Before Christmas

This Year’s Best Christmas Present Ideas From Norway
Handbag from Cala Jade

A Cala Jade Christmas tradition – for every pair of mittens you buy, the company donates a pair to Fattighuset and someone who needs to stay warm. Fattighuset is an Oslo-based organization that helps people in difficult situations by offering food and warm clothes among other activities.

90-95% recycled metals.

Established in 2012 by a small group of creative individuals, Fall Winter Spring Summer makes clothes to be seen in, and to believe in. The label is unmistakably Scandinavian, with an aesthetic that values practicality and decisive cuts. Instead of focusing on seasonal trends, FWSS collections stay true to the founders’ philosophy, four seasons, never out of style.

This Year’s Best Christmas Present Ideas From Norway
Garments from FWSS

We wish you a Merry Christmas!

This Year’s Best Christmas Presents From Norway, compiled by Admin

Feature image (on top): © Wikipedia

2022 Nobel Peace Prize Winners are Long-Time Partners of the Norwegian Helsinki Committee

Tor Kjølberg
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2022 Nobel Peace Prize Winners are Long-Time Partners of the Norwegian Helsinki Committee

When Natalia Estemirova, the head of Memorial in Chechnya, was killed in 2009, Memorial realized that neither investigators nor documents were safe in Russia. Today, the work continues in Norway, and the 2022 Nobel peace prize winners are long-time partners of the Norwegian Helsinki Committee.

The 2022 Nobel peace prize is a prize for civil society, democracy and human rights. As far back as 2010, the Norwegian parliamentarian Erna Solberg, the Conservative party leader, nominated the Russian NGO ‘Memorial’ and Svetlana Gannushkina to the Nobel Peace Prize that year.

Related: Controversial Nobel Peace Prize Winners

2022 Nobel Peace Prize Winners are Long-Tome Partners of the Norwegian Helsinki Committee
The 2022 Peace Prize is awarded to human rights advocate Ales Bialiatski from Belarus, the Russian human rights organization Memorial and the Ukrainian human rights organization Center for Civil Liberties.

The 2022 Peace Prize is awarded to human rights advocate Ales Bialiatski from Belarus, the Russian human rights organization Memorial and the Ukrainian human rights organization Center for Civil Liberties.

An incredible gratifying peace prize

Last Saturday, the Norwegian Nobel Committee once again faced an empty chair at the ceremony in the Oslo City Hall since one of the three co-winners, human rights advocate Ales Bialiatski, currently is being held as a political prisoner without trial in Belarus, while others actively promote civil rights and oppose neighboring Russia’s war on Ukraine.

2022 Nobel Peace Prize Winners are Long-Tome Partners of the Norwegian Helsinki Committee
“This is an incredibly gratifying peace prize that we for many years have been hoping for,” said Berit Lindeman, secretary general of the Norwegian Helsinki Committee.

Related: Danish Nobel Winner Foiled the Führer

Memorial did not believe in Putin’s anti-terror operation, but was among the few who engaged against the atrocities committed by Russian soldiers.

“This is an incredibly gratifying peace prize that we for many years have been hoping for. This is an important recognition of the importance of civil society, democracy, and human rights in creating peace,” said Berit Lindeman, secretary general of the Norwegian Helsinki Committee.

Fighting for human rights and civil liberties

Memorial is one of the most efficient activists in Russian civil society today, who works with the most sensitive issues often at great danger to themselves, engaged in the victims of the conflict in Chechnya back in February 2000, a year which some called “Sundown for Russian Freedom”.

2022 Nobel Peace Prize Winners are Long-Tome Partners of the Norwegian Helsinki Committee
“We are urging the authorities (in Belarus) to release Mr Bialiatski,” Nobel Committee leader Berit Reiss-Andersen told Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK).

“We are urging the authorities (in Belarus) to release Mr Bialiatski,” Nobel Committee leader Berit Reiss-Andersen told Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK). Only then could he also be free to travel to Oslo to receive his Nobel Peace Prize along with the Russian human rights organization Memorial and the Ukrainian human rights organization Center for Civil Liberties.

Memorial has worked to establish a tribunal for Chechnya. The aim is to bring out the truth about the war and convict those responsible for serious crimes such as disappearances, mass killings of civilians, torture and killing of prisoners of war. The work continues in Norway.

“The Helsinki Committee warmly congratulates Bialiatski, Memorial and Center for Civil Liberties with the Nobel Peace Prize,” said Lindeman.

Memorial is a grassroot organization that helps people take care of their human rights. Their work has been so controversial that some of its activists have been abducted and killed.

2022 Nobel Peace Prize Winners are Long-Tome Partners of the Norwegian Helsinki Committee
The 2022 Nobel Peace Prize winners.

Risks involved

There are also risks involved in awarding the Peace Prize to advocates of freedom and liberty in authoritarian countries. It took 12 years before Nobel Laureate Aung Sang Suu Kyi, who was under house arrest in Burma/Myanmar at the time, to travel to Oslo to collect her prize, and now she’s back in prison again. Chinese human rights activist Liu Xiaobo was also jailed and Chinese authorities refused to release him, too. He later died while still in custody.

2022 Nobel Peace Prize Winners are Long-Tome Partners of the Norwegian Helsinki Committee
Human rights advocate Ales Bialiatski is , currently being held as a political prisoner without trial in Belarus,

The demand for justice unfortunately received little support from Western countries. Chechnya had no legal, political or economic consequences for Putin. “The awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Memorial, Center for Civil Liberties and Ales Bialiatski is an important mark in these times. We must end the war started by Putin’s regime and build democracies where civil society can be active in improving society,” said Lindeman.

2022 Nobel Peace Prize Winners are Long-Tome Partners of the Norwegian Helsinki Committee, written by Tor Kjolberg

Ryanair Owner Hates Norwegian – Norwegians Hate Ryanair

Tor Kjølberg
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Ryanair Owner Hates Norwegian – Norwegians Hate Ryanair

In a podcast presented by the Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund’s manager Nicolai Tangen, Ryanair owner Michael O’Leary stated that he wouldn’t accept Norwegian Air Shuttle as a gift if it was given to him. Obviously, the Ryanair owner hates Norwegian. But Norwegians hate Ryanair too. Why?

Last month, I booked a cheap Ryanair fare without knowing what I was in for. I learned the hard way why Ryanair has such cheap fares. I should have known better, but who could imagine it was so bad.

Ryanair Owner Hates Norwegian Norwegians Hate Ryanair
Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund’s manager Nicolai Tangen

I arrived at the counter in Vilnius, Lithuania to book into my flight with hand luggage only. The girl at the counter asked me friendly, “Have you checked in, sir?” “No,” I said, “that’s why I’m standing here.”

It turned out that new rules from Ryanair coming into effect for departures from June 13, 2018 state that you’ll have to check-in from your hotel using the app or on the Ryanair website. If not, Ryanair will charge you 55 euros for the privilege.

It wasn’t the counter girl’s fail, so I paid the fee, but I had my own thoughts about Ryanair, as so many other flyers. On the Trustpilot website 84% said that they were not at all pleased with Ryanair.

Ryanair Owner Hates Norwegian Norwegians Hate Ryanair
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary

Investing in Norwegian is like catching a falling knife

Although Ryanair is notorious among European travelers for henpecking its customers with extra fees – they view it as a necessary evil if you’re desperate for savings. Not everyone in the world knows about just how bad the airline can be.

It is also not the first time that the Ryanair owner has made a critical statement about Norwegian. In a 2018 TV interview with Bloomberg, in connection with Ryanair’s annual report, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said, “Some compare investing in Norwegian to catching a falling knife.” He singled out the rise in oil prices as the central factor in Norwegian’s problems.

Ryanair Owner Hates Norwegian Norwegians Hate Ryanair
Ryanair is notorious among European travelers for henpecking its customers with extra fees.

For a number of years, O’Leary has made predictions about when Norwegian would go bankrupt.

In 2007, he said that Norwegian is too small internationally to manage on its own. Same year, the Norwegian Consumer Council questioned that Ryanair advertised using the claim, “Guarantee for the lowest price – If you find a lower price than with Ryanair, we will refund double the difference”. At the bottom of the ads it said in small print, “Price guarantee is according to rules and conditions, as described on ryanair.com.”

In 2009, he predicted Norwegian bankruptcy within five years.

Ryanair Owner Hates Norwegian Norwegians Hate Ryanair
2015 – A profitable year for Norwegian

2015, A profitable year for Norwegian

In 2017, he stated that Norwegian is groping around blindly and will run out of cash within four to five months.

In 2018, he stated the same. It was the same year that Ryanair dropped its physical check-ins at all airports.

Does Ryanair care about its passengers?

Professional travelers as well as private consumers have for many years complained about Ryanair’s behavior.

Ryanair Owner Hates Norwegian Norwegians Hate Ryanair
Queuing for Ryanair

In 2004, a member of the Flightsim forum wrote, “Fortunately, there are many different types of low-cost companies. Personally, I will probably never use Ryanair. But there are companies such as Sterling and Norwegian which actually have very competitive prices.”

In 2012, the German group Siemens was boycotting Ryanair demanding better safety for the passengers of the Irish airline.

In 2013, the Norwegian Trade Union claimed that ‘as wages and working conditions are so bad, Ryanair should not be allowed to start up domestic routes in Norway.”

In 2017, a member of an Internet forum on flying wrote, “The worst airline I have ever been on. NEVER again that airline. Unbelievably rude and extremely uninterested. Waited for hours to book in, and when it was finally my turn, she said at the counter that I was in the wrong place, but that was the only place you could book in. And then there was another forever long queue, and I had to pay a lot of money even though I had paid money a long time ago for the booking.”

Ryanair Owner Hates Norwegian Norwegians Hate Ryanair
You have to check-in by using the Ryanair app or on the Ryanair website.

Last month a post on Facebook said, “As close to fraud as it is possible to get. On the booking side, Ryanair appears flexible with the option to change tickets almost up to departure. It does not say that such a change triggers a fee, which in our case would have been far higher than what the new tickets would have cost.

This is hidden away in the terms that very few people read, and only appears when you try to change it. For us, the financial loss is not significant, but it is very provocative that such a large company is actively trying to deceive its customers. We therefore dropped Ryanair and chose to use a serious player. Steer clear if you don’t like being scammed.”

Simultaneously, a review on Tripadvisor uttered, “Pure fraud. Have a house in Abruzzo and planned to test out Ryanair on the return to Norway as they are one of the very few companies that fly to/from Pescara. One attempt was not carried out, and unfortunately, we must continue to use the airport in Rome.

On the booking page of Ryanair, it appears that they are flexible and that you can change the ticket almost all the way up to departure. That this triggers a fee that is far higher than the ticket price, you will only be told if you familiarize yourself with the details of the conditions, or if you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having to change the ticket. Now I understand why Ryanair has such a bad reputation. The company clearly emphasizes deceiving its customers as much as possible. Miserable!»

Ryanair Owner Hates Norwegian Norwegians Hate Ryanair
Norwegian 787 interior

Legally airtight

This article is full of warnings about Ryanair, but everything boils down to how the airline tackle the criticism. It first slyly tries to blame European airline regulation for the disservice, but ultimately, the response is as legally airtight as it is repugnant:

“As you did not comply with our Terms and Conditions, this penalty was correctly charged.”

Have a pleasant flight!

Ryanair Owner Hates Norwegian – Norwegians Hate Ryanair, written by Tor Kjolberg

Feature image (on top) © Sandefjord Lufthavn

Aerial View of Pulpit Rock in Norway Stunned Netizens

Tor Kjølberg
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Aerial View of Pulpit Rock in Norway Stunned Netizens

The Pulpit Rock in Norway has no railings around it and poses a natural beauty and an element of risk. It offers a breathtaking cliffside view as a backdrop and an aerial view on Twitter leaved visitors amazed. Read the whole story, Aerial View of Pulpit Rock in Norway Stunned Netizens.

A screengrab from a viral video showed the aerial view of Norway’s Pulpit Rock and was shared on Twitter. It is the same location where the climactic fight in the sixth Mission Impossible film was shot.

This is one of Norway’s most visited attractions and this creation can be scary and fills visitors with a sense of wonder. However, the plateau in the southwestern tip of Norway offers incredible views over Lysefjord.

Flat plateau-like surface

 

What also makes Pulpit Rock special is its flat surface which measures approximately 82 feet by 82 feet (25 meters by 25 meters). Tourists often hike up to this point to rest on this plateau-like surface and take in the views. A few of the braver ones even go to the edge of the cliff and dangle their feet.

Late November, a popular Twitter account, Science Girl, posted an aerially shot video of Pulpit Rock, showing groups of people standing over it. The undated clip gathered over two million views and over 20,000 likes and over 4600 retweets and quote-tweets. While many people expressed awe at the scenic location, some also spoke about how the steep cliff sparked anxiety within them.

Over 4,600 retweets

Aerial View of Pulpit Rock in Norway Stunned Netizens
“One of the best places I have visited.” Tweet

The 16-second video caused thousands of netizens to share their experiences of hiking up to Pulpit Rock and also post more breathtaking pictures of the scenic location.

“I love all the people commenting on the crack, as if they somehow think that Norwegian geological experts never think to check and the public are let up there without any thought for their safety,” commented DrKevGuitar (@DrKevGuitar).

“I’m freaking out, literally, just watching and reading this. I can feel it in my legs. I have the urge to lie flat on the floor. Of my living room,” wrote snoozrooz (@snoozrooz).

“When I was there, there were 20-30mph winds. I didn’t dare approach the edge, but some people did, sitting with their legs dangling,” remarked Tapu Shaikh (@taputechnic).

“Futher into Lysefjorden you’ll find this baby – Kjeragbolten. A big rock wedged between two near vertical walls about 1000(!) meters above sea level,” stated Bjørn Gressetvold (@BGressetvold).

“One of the best places I have visited. Although probably wouldn’t jump on Kjeragbolten again!” posted Andrew Turnbull (@ajt55)

“In the US it would have ugly railings, EXIT signs, and a porta-potty. I’m Europe, they’re like “if you fall over the edge, it’s your own fault,” uttered Austin Purkeypile (@austinpurk).

Popular attraction

However, the location is pretty popular, attracting plenty of people every day during peak months. According to VisitNorway.Com, the hike to Preikestolen (the Norwegian name) is a total of eight kilometers, and the round trip takes four hours. The hike is graded as medium difficulty.

Aerial View of Pulpit Rock in Norway Stunned Netizens, written by Tor Kjolberg

The Noise of a Norwegian Jazz Guitarist

Tor Kjølberg
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The Noise of a Norwegian Jazz Guitarist

Norwegian jazz guitarist Hedvig Mollestad Thomassen was titled ‘Young Jazz Talent of the Year’, in 2009, 27 years old. Listen to the noise of a Norwegian jazz guitarist.

Since then, she and her trio, Hedvig Mollestad Trio, has released a series of albums, and nobody can make a noise quite like this power trio. Her last album, the seventh full-length recording, ‘Ding Dong. You’re Dead’ was released last year. The trio is Hedvig Mollestad Thomassen, guitar; Ellen Brekken, bass and Ivar Loe Bjørnstad, drums.

Ding Dong, You’re Dead

The Noise of a Norwegian Jazz Guitarist
Thomassen was born in Ålesund and is a graduate from the Norwegian Academy of Music.

On this record the band seems to prefer to stomp rather than swing. Or, put another way, use the swing and shuffle of jazz to add texture and dynamics to its loud, high-octane compositions in the manner of the Jimi Hendrix Experience or the James Gang.

Thomassen was born in Ålesund and is a graduate from the Norwegian Academy of Music. She has performed with a variety of rock and jazz bands, including her own Hedvig Mollestad Trio, Bronco Busters, Songs and Sweet Potatoes. She also has a central role in the bands of Jarle Bernhoft and Hilde Marie Kjersem, and has performed with Trondheim Jazz Orchestra.

Related: Norwegian Jazz Trio Remixing European Jazz Culture

“So cool that she deserves her own harstag”

The Noise of a Norwegian Jazz Guitarist
The Hedvig Mollestad trio is blending hard rock swagger with jazz harmonic precision and a psychedelic atmosphere.

The Hedvig Mollestad trio is blending hard rock swagger with jazz harmonic precision and a psychedelic atmosphere. When they released the album ‘Black Stabat Mater’ in 2016, the Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet wrote, “The trio accelerates with the same gruff feel as a snappy sports car.” “In the modern guitar trio tradition, where Schorch Trio, Krokofant and Bushman’s Revenge have set up signs, Hedvig Mollestad’s trio hatch-parks smoothly and loudly, with a good distance from the others,” wrote Aftenposten, while Dagens Næringsliv believed that “Mollestad’s playing is so cool and characteristic that it deserves its own hashtag.”

The trio has received numerous appraising reviews internationally, for both their studio albums and live performances. Their music is inspired by ’70s heavyrock, but creates a peculiar musical mixture of ingredients like free jazz, prog and psychedelia. On its website the band describes their own music as “Outgoing & progressive instrumental rock”. Since the trio’s formation in 2009, HMT has played many concerts and jazz festivals in both Norway and abroad and they have toured in Europe, Malaysia, Japan and the USA.

Related: The Power of Norway’s Best-Selling Jazz-Artist

Made music since she was very little

The Noise of a Norwegian Jazz Guitarist
The Hedvig Mollestad Trio makes clear that the music is recorded live in the studio.

Fusion is a much-maligned word. But it’s appropriate for HMT music, as it draws so many elements – jazz, hard rock, psych – into a unified whole. Although Hedvig is the owner of one of Norway’s most characteristic guitar voices, for a long time she was not at all sure if it was music she should devote herself to. When she grew up on Bogneset just outside Ålesund, she enjoyed both playing volleyball, reading books, and was above average interested in fishing.

But she has made music since she was very little. She can even remember the very first songs she made. Hedvig also made a short theatre piece, with music, when she was very young.

The Noise of a Norwegian Jazz Guitarist
The trio has received numerous appraising reviews internationally. Photo: Stavanger Jazz Forum

When the trio released the album Enfant Terrible in 2014, one critique wrote, “Many bands use the studio as something different than live performance — and there’s no doubt that there’s better control over sound — but Hedvig Mollestad Trio makes clear, on all its recordings, that it is recorded live in the studio. It’s a challenge to make records that capture the sheer energy, monumental power and flat-out attitude of live performance, but as much as Hedvig Mollestad Trio kicks serious butt onstage, it manages to do the same thing in the studio.”

The Noise of a Norwegian Jazz Guitarist, written by Tor Kjolberg

Norwegian Witchcraft

Tor Kjølberg
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Norwegian Witchcraft

London-based Norwegian Elisabeth Krohn defines herself as a witch. She is the editor of Sabat, a magazine about modern witchcraft. The girl from Oslo is fascinated by the dark female characters out there. Read more about Norwegian witchcraft.

Elisabeth is Founder, editor-in-chief and creative director at Sabat Magazine, co-founder and managing director at Dreadful Press and editorial advisor for Suspira Magazine. Formerly fashion writer for Glass Magazine. She was also art director for the free newspaper Again Magazine for the charity Love Your Clothes in 2015.

You may also like: Norwegian New York-Based Author, Feminist and Philosopher About Art and Gender

Norwegian witchcraft

Elisabeth Krohn explains that today’s witches do not necessarily cast curses or do magic, but use crystals, tarot cards and meditation in an attempt to develop themselves and others. Some years ago, she was inspired by the esoteric inclinations of Swedish painter Hilma af Klint and curated an exhibition and catalogue where six artists presented their visions of modern Witchcraft and feminism. With disciplines ranging from photography to sculpture and painting to performance, each of The Six presented their personal Witchcraft for the future.

International living witches

Norwegian Witchcraft
Elisabeth Krohn explains that today’s witches do not necessarily cast curses or do magic.

American rapper Azealia Banks caused a Twitter storm when she declared in 2015 that she was a witch. Banks elaborated in later interviews that she practiced purification rituals that involved hatching eggs on herself.

Norwegian Witchcraft
Azealia Banks

When pop icon Beyonce released her symbol-heavy record “Lemonade” In 2016, she embraced strong, wild female figures and black magic.

You may also like: Leaders in Gender Enlightment

Sabat Magazine

Norwegian Witchcraft
Elisabeth launched Sabat Magazine in March 2016.

Elisabeth launched Sabat Magazine in March 2016. The magazine was shortlisted for the Stack Magazine of the Year Award in 2016 and 2017, and commended in the category Art Director of the Year 2017, and took home a Pencil in the Independent Magazine category at the D&AD Awards 2017. The full Le Tarot de L’étoile Cachée – Major & Minor Arcana – was a finalist in the Antalis Creative Power Award (Packaging & Promotional) in 2022.

Living Scandinavian witches

“I don’t feel quite at home in the concept of witchcraft and the modern new age movement. It is the connection to nature that stands out the strongest for me. I look back to the Norse, to Sami religion and western esoteric theory,” says Swedish Mimmi Strinnholm @thislemilk.

Norwegian Witchcraft
“I look back to the Norse, to Sami religion and western esoteric theory,” says Swedish Mimmi Strinnholm @thislemilk.

“I don’t know if I want to call myself a witch, but I’m part of a movement of people dressed in black who look back on our history and believe in spirituality, intuition and the forces of nature,” says Norwegian Sara Hestetun @sarapest

You may also like to read: Norwegian Film Director Creates American Women’s History

The last person to be executed for witchcraft in Central Norway

The case of Lisbeth Pedersdatter Nypan and her husband Ole was brought to international attention with the publication of Rossell Hope Robbins’ Encyclopedia of Witchcraft and Demonology (1959).

The ageing couple, who owned a farm at Leinstrand in the modern-day municipality of Trondheim, had their estate confiscated and were both executed in September 1670. Then the case was closed.

Norwegian Witchcraft
Lisbeth Pedersdatter Nypan was memorialized with her own statue in front of Nypvang primary school in Trondheim.

However, the memory of Lisbeth Nypan has survived in the public imagination, and she is something of a Norwegian ‘national witch’, surrounded by numerous myths and stories.

In recent years fictional tales, local historical and genealogical books, yearbooks, and encyclopedia articles have told her story; in 2005, she was even memorialized with her own statue in front of Nypvang primary school in Trondheim.

Norwegian Witchcraft, compiled by Tor Kjolberg

Feature image (on top): Kirsten Iversdatter (Norwegian Scitech News)

Two Swedish E-Commerce Companies Merges

Tor Kjølberg
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Two Swedish E-Commerce Companies Merges

Two Swedish parcel delivery companies, Budbee and Instabox, have announced a fusion combining the two companies under the new holding company Instabee. The two Swedish e-commerce companies merges and the new holding company is valued at 1.7 billion euros.

The two companies, which were both founded out of the Stockholm area in 2015, serve as the delivery and logistics partner for major brands, including multinational clothing retailer H&M, offering delivery services directly to people’s homes as well as automated lockers in strategic locations.

The deal has been approved by the Swedish Competition Authority and this combination creates a new company that aims to take the European market by assault.

Two Swedish E-Commerce Companies Merges
Instabee main goal is to combine Budbee and Instabox’s pooled resources, expertise, and know-how to keep transforming last-mile deliveries and challenge traditional players across Europe.

Related: E-commerce and Beauty Products – A Perfect Match in Scandinavia

Instabox launched in 2015 and reached unicorn status in April this year. The logistics tech company Budbee was founded a year later and raised 40 million euros to expand its network of parcel lockers in May this year.

Instabox operates in Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway and Germany, while Budbee serves Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Finland and Belgium.

Instabee main goal is to combine Budbee and Instabox’s pooled resources, expertise, and know-how to keep transforming last-mile deliveries and challenge traditional players across Europe.

Related: Important Issues in the Booming Scandinavian E-Commerce Market

Two Swedish E-Commerce Companies Merges
Fredrik Hamilton, founder of Budbee. He will become Instabee’s CEO.

Though the trajectories each company has taken since their foundations have been a little different, they have arrived in roughly the same place in terms of the types of services they offer and the markets they operate in. On top of that, in what has become an increasingly competitive industry in a turbulent economic landscape, we’ve seen a growing push toward consolidation and purse-string tightening, with the likes of U.S. grocery delivery giant Instacart recently slashing its valuation by almost 40% to around $24 billion, and closer to home Netherlands-based Just Eat Takeaway is scaling back in some markets and offloading its international ventures in pursuit of “more sustainable, profitable growth.”

“Since the beginning, I have always kept the long term in mind in my plans, and this step is a fantastic opportunity to create something substantial together. I have always followed Instabox and I am impressed with their growth. This combination feels like a perfect match and I look forward to getting to know all my new colleagues. We are going to achieve great things together”, says Fredrik Hamilton, founder of Budbee. He will become Instabee’s CEO.

Two Swedish E-Commerce Companies Merges
Alexis Priftis will become Instabee’s Executive Chairman of the Board.

Related: Scandinavian e-commerce trends 2022

Two Swedish E-Commerce Companies Merges
The biggest investors are Budbee, Instabox and Kinnevik.

Priftis will become Instabee’s Executive Chairman of the Board. “I’m extra happy that we are now working together to further transform ecommerce deliveries with a strong focus on customer experience and sustainability. I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together. I think this is a very good match between two companies that share a lot of values. Mutual respect and admiration for each other has only increased in recent years”, said Alexis Priftis”

The biggest investors are Budbee, Instabox and Kinnevik. They were joined by other European investors with a smaller share.

Two Swedish E-Commerce Companies Merges, written by Tor Kjolberg

Swedish School of Geneva

Tor Kjølberg
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Swedish School of Geneva

The non-profit association Swedish School of Geneva was created during the autumn of 1972 by the first School President Bo Mårsäter and his wife Ulla. From the very beginning, parents and school staff have worked hand-in-hand to make the school a wonderful place for children to learn.

With an ethos of teaching for the individual, the Swedish School of Geneva prides itself of its small classes. Teachers support each student’s continuous learning and knowledge development. The school combines a high level of education with a safe and creative environment, ensuring students are well-equipped for the next level of education anywhere in the world.

The school offers bilingual classes (Swedish-French or English-French) for children between one and eight years old, and an extensive array of language courses.

The non-profit association Swedish School of Geneva was created during the autumn of 1972 by the first School President Bo Mårsäter and his wife Ulla. From the very beginning, parents and school staff have worked hand-in-hand to make the school a wonderful place for children to learn. With an ethos of teaching for the individual, the Swedish School of Geneva prides itself of its small classes. Teachers support each student’s continuous learning and knowledge development. The school combines a high level of education with a safe and creative environment, ensuring students are well-equipped for the next level of education anywhere in the world. The school offers bilingual classes (Swedish-French or English-French) for children between one and eight years old, and an extensive array of language courses. Related: The Top 3 Secrets to Scandinavian Innovation in Education From the beginning, In 1973, the school operated out of classrooms in other schools. At first, there were 37 Swedish-speaking children taking classes in Swedish, math and English outside regular school hours at a school called Collège de Budé. Then, the primary school was established with just 12 students at the Collège des Coudrier. In January 1974, the Swedish School of Geneva moved to the current premises in Meyrin, and Stina Lagergren became president. A group of 30 parents decorated and fitted out the interior during evenings and weekends ahead of the opening after Easter. The official inauguration was held in June 1974 in the presence of the Swedish Ambassador Sven-Eric Nilsson, Consul General Patrik Falkman, Geneva school minister André Chavanne, the Headmaster of Collège des Coudriers and Swedish pastor Lennart Söderström, among others. Related: 6 Reasons Why Swedish School Education is Better As the school was not yet financially secure at this time, Monica Sagnell, the school’s accountant, paid the first rent privately. To save money on postage, she ordered books in 5kg packages from Föreningen för Svenskhetens Bevarande i Utlandet (Association for the Preservation of Swedishness Abroad). During the first summer, the postman arrived almost every day to drop off another package and ask for a glass of water! By the mid 1980s, the school had developed to offer preschool, primary and secondary (by distance learning), and had grown to 60 students and 10 teachers. However, budgets and enrolment fluctuated year on year. The Swedish International School of Geneva is today an international school using the Swedish Approach to help students develop a love for learning, build their self-esteem and spark their curiosity so they can find their unique way to thrive in the world. Excellent results Albert Einstein once said that logic will take you from A to B, but imagination will take you everywhere. Children are naturally original and creative, which is why the school encourages pupils to be curious, explore their own interests and think for themselves. Innovative teaching methods, tailored by a talented team to small student groups, allow the pupils to progress with excellent results to top schools anywhere in the world. Related: Understanding the Scandinavian Language Inspiring values With around 140 pupils and 40 teaching staff, the Swedish International School of Geneva is small enough to feel like a home away from home, where everyone knows each other and children can be themselves. Above all else, the focus is on growing a child’s self-esteem – valuing and respecting them for who they are. When pupils have a sense of security and community at school, it helps them develop a lifelong desire to learn. The school is located in Meyrin, about 5kms from central Geneva. In the summer of 2017, the school moved to a new building in the eco-neighbourhood of Les Vergers, ready for the school start in August. The new premises give the children more space, and there are horses, chickens and rabbits living next door! Les Vergers has been built with respect for the environment, and is surrounded by natural beauty. There is also easy access to a lake, swimming pool, ice rink and sports fields. Swedish School of Geneva, edited by Tor Kjolberg All images © Swedish International School of Genova
The school offers bilingual classes (Swedish-French or English-French) for children between one and eight years old.

Related: The Top 3 Secrets to Scandinavian Innovation in Education

From the beginning, In 1973, the school operated out of classrooms in other schools. At first, there were 37 Swedish-speaking children taking classes in Swedish, math and English outside regular school hours at a school called Collège de Budé. Then, the primary school was established with just 12 students at the Collège des Coudrier.

In January 1974, the Swedish School of Geneva moved to the current premises in Meyrin, and Stina Lagergren became president. A group of 30 parents decorated and fitted out the interior during evenings and weekends ahead of the opening after Easter.

Swedish School of Geneva
The school combines a high level of education with a safe and creative environment.

The official inauguration was held in June 1974 in the presence of the Swedish Ambassador Sven-Eric Nilsson, Consul General Patrik Falkman, Geneva school minister André Chavanne, the Headmaster of Collège des Coudriers and Swedish pastor Lennart Söderström, among others.

Related: 6 Reasons Why Swedish School Education is Better

As the school was not yet financially secure at this time, Monica Sagnell, the school’s accountant, paid the first rent privately. To save money on postage, she ordered books in 5kg packages from Föreningen för Svenskhetens Bevarande i Utlandet (Association for the Preservation of Swedishness Abroad). During the first summer, the postman arrived almost every day to drop off another package and ask for a glass of water!

Swedish School of Geneva
In January 1974, the Swedish School of Geneva moved to the current premises in Meyrin.

By the mid 1980s, the school had developed to offer preschool, primary and secondary (by distance learning), and had grown to 60 students and 10 teachers. However, budgets and enrolment fluctuated year on year.

The Swedish International School of Geneva is today an international school using the Swedish Approach to help students develop a love for learning, build their self-esteem and spark their curiosity so they can find their unique way to thrive in the world.

Excellent results

Albert Einstein once said that logic will take you from A to B, but imagination will take you everywhere. Children are naturally original and creative, which is why the school encourages pupils to be curious, explore their own interests and think for themselves. Innovative teaching methods, tailored by a talented team to small student groups, allow the pupils to progress with excellent results to top schools anywhere in the world.

Related: Understanding the Scandinavian Language

Swedish School of Geneva
The Swedish School of Geneva is ensuring students are well-equipped for the next level of education anywhere in the world.

Inspiring values

With around 140 pupils and 40 teaching staff, the Swedish International School of Geneva is small enough to feel like a home away from home, where everyone knows each other and children can be themselves. Above all else, the focus is on growing a child’s self-esteem – valuing and respecting them for who they are. When pupils have a sense of security and community at school, it helps them develop a lifelong desire to learn.

The school is located in Meyrin, about 5kms from central Geneva. In the summer of 2017, the school moved to a new building in the eco-neighbourhood of Les Vergers, ready for the school start in August. The new premises give the children more space, and there are horses, chickens and rabbits living next door!

Les Vergers has been built with respect for the environment, and is surrounded by natural beauty. There is also easy access to a lake, swimming pool, ice rink and sports fields.

Swedish School of Geneva, edited by Tor Kjolberg

All images © Swedish International School of Geneva

Nordic Hotel Chain Launches Climate Fund

Tor Kjølberg
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0
Nordic Hotel Chain Launches Climate Fund

Nordic Choice Hotels launches its Climate Fund to accelerate its sustainability work. The fund is intended to finance the development of climate-friendly solutions for the hotel industry with the aim of creating a greener future. Now, the Nordic hotel chain launches climate fund.

“For us, sustainability has always been at the top of the agenda. We want to pave the way, be a rebel and a challenger in the industry. We do not want to sit and wait for the EU to come up with new climate regulations, we want to drive the development of these instead,” says Harald Bjugstad-Holm, sustainability director at Nordic Choice Hotels.

Related:  Portrait of Scandinavia’s “King of Hotels”

Green Stay Project

Nordic Hotel Chain Launches Climate Fund
Harald Bjugstad-Holm, sustainability director at Nordic Choice Hotels.

Money to the climate fund comes through various initiatives – including the Green Stay Project, where you as a guest can choose to say no to room cleaning and donate money to the climate fund. On average across all Nordic Choice Hotels, each room cleaned generates 23 liters of water, energy consumption of 1 kwh and 6 ml of chemicals, in addition to the climate impact from dry cleaning of sheets and towels. By renouncing cleaning, guests therefore contribute in two steps to a more sustainable world.

Related: Sweet Dreams in Scandinavian Hotels

Driving the technological innovations forward

Nordic Hotel Chain Launches Climate Fund
“With a clearer goal and management of the climate fund, we will be able to run larger and more successful sustainability projects, ” says Bjugstad-Holm.

“With a clearer goal and management of the climate fund, we will be able to run larger and more successful sustainability projects. We will be able to work more actively with hotels to reduce their climate footprint, and work more strategically and long-term with suppliers to reduce our carbon dioxide emissions. And by doing so, we drive technological innovations for the hospitality industry forward,” says Bjugstad-Holm.

Related: Classical Post Office in Copenhagen will be converted into Luxury Hotel

Nordic Choice Hotels

Nordic Hotel Chain Launches Climate Fund
Nordic Choice Hotels, Fredrik Stangs gate, Oslo.

Nordic Choice Hotels is one of the largest hotel groups in the Nordic region with over 200 hotels and 15 000 employees in the Nordic and Baltic countries. The company markets the Comfort Hotel, Quality Hotel, Clarion Hotel and Clarion Collection chains, as well as 39 independent hotels and the long-stay brand Strawberry Living.

Nordic Hotel Chain Launches Climate Fund, based on a press release from Mynewsdesk.

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