Up, Up and Away With Norwegian Spaceship

Have you ever dreamt about going in space? Most of us will never be able to, but there’s a way to find out how it would feel. You can go up, up and a away with Norwegian spaceship at Andøya Space Center.

You can bring your family or friends along on a “Journey to Mars!” In a virtual role play you will travel to Mars as a research crew of six to investigate the possibility of life on our neighboring planet. The use of VR-technology really gives you that extra-terrestrial feeling!  Recommended from 10 years and up. Duration: 70 minutes.

Related: Sweden – A Hub For Commercial Staellites

Up, Up and Away With Norwegian Spaceship
Andøya for kids

Spaceship Aurora is an educational and activity center linked to Andøya Space Center and located in Vesterålen in Northern Norway. In the Visitor Center it’s possible to explore activities suitable for space enthusiasts of all ages. A visit to Andøya can provide insight on the northern light, the universe, Norwegian space exploration and the research activities at Andøya Space.

Related: Norwegian Scientist Solved the Mysteries of Spectacular Aurora Borealis

Find out how the Northern Lights affect our planet. Take part in scientific experiments, launch virtual probes and discover what life is like at a space center. When you’re inside the Escape Room, the Earth is under attack, and only you can save it!  Through logic, creativity and cooperation you must find the clues and solve all the puzzles within one hour in order to save our planet. Suitable for youths and adults. Maximum number of participants: 5 per group. It’s a fun and educational experience.

Up, Up and Away With Norwegian Spaceship
Artists view of a nighttime liftoff of a launcher for small satellites at Andøya. Photo: Trond

When in Vesterålen, you can also experience the Kingdom of Whales.

Up, Up and Away With Norwegian Spaceship
Take part in scientific experiments, launch virtual probes and discover what life is like at a space center.

Andøya Space is an aerospace company which enables scientists, engineers, students and government entities to achieve mission success and move our world forward. The company provides the services and technologies that enable the science communities to explore our atmosphere and space environment, and it has a long and proud history of successful missions.

Up, Up and Away With Norwegian Spaceship, compiled by Tor Kjolberg

All images © Andøya Space Center

Danish Family Trip: 7 Sights to Go with Kids in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is truly a fabulous city. This is one of the best destinations in Europe for traveling with children. Good ecology and a rather mild climate contribute to a successful trip. However, the main reason to visit the Danish capital is the abundance of all kinds of entertainment for kids. Here’s our suggestion for a Danish family trip: 7 sights to go with kids in Copenhagen.

The main magnet in the city, of course, is Tivoli Garden, beckoning with the lights of numerous rides. Also, hundreds of museums, playgrounds, and other children’s joys will add excitement to your vacation.

Do you want to enjoy it all? Rent a van Copenhagen and get ready for some adventure! A rental van makes it easy and comfortable to travel with the whole family. You can visit your favorite places at your own pace and choose where to go. If you haven’t made a travel list yet, consider the following family-friendly spots:

Danish Family Trip: 7 Sights to Go with Kids in Copenhagen
Founded in Copenhagen in the middle of the 19th century, Tivoli is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Photo: Hasibe Salim/Unsplash

Tivoli
Founded in Copenhagen in the middle of the 19th century, Tivoli is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. The atmosphere of joy and kindness created by the actors of the theater of pantomime and the children’s guard never disappoints. Here you can find countless attractions for children and teenagers.

The youngest travelers can try the Nautilus, The Dragon Boats, and The Little Pilot rides. The braver kids will be happy to try The Demon Roller Coaster, The Golden Tower, and The Skyship. If you get hungry, head to one of the 9 restaurants on site.

In Tivoli, you can ride a carousel and attend a ballet, or watch the life of marine creatures in the local aquarium. Especially for parents traveling with children, the park has organized a “family amenities center” with comfortable places for changing babies, comfortable chairs for feeding, and a microwave oven for warming bottles. Also, the service center near the main entrance offers a special cart for transporting children.

Tivoli is open from April to September. The entrance ticket costs 95 DKK, while children under 8 years old can enter the park for free.

Address: Tivoli A/S, Vesterbrogade 3, 1630 København V

Danish Family Trip: 7 Sights to Go with Kids in Copenhagen
Opened back in 1538, the old Danish amusement park gave way to Tivoli in terms of popularity. Photo: staticflicr.com

Bakken
Opened back in 1538, the old Danish amusement park gave way to Tivoli in terms of popularity. However, today it’s no less attractive place for children and adults. Throughout the summer in Bakken, you can see the traditional character of the Italian commedia dell’arte – the white clown Piero, telling funny stories and performing magic tricks in front of his house.

In addition to Piero, you will find many attractions, such as the Mine Train Wolf roller coaster, Octopus, Hullabaloo, and Ladybird carousels. Mister Deer, Peter the Hedgehog, Robert the Fox, and Earl the Badger greet you in the park and perform every day in the open area. So, walk through the woods, have a picnic, and enjoy the true folk spirit of Denmark!

Address: Dyrehavevej 62, 2930 Klampenborg

Danish Family Trip: 7 Sights to Go with Kids in Copenhagen
Fælledparken is widely known for its festivals and rallies held by the adult population of Copenhagen. Photo: staticflickr.com

Fælledparken
Fælledparken is widely known for its festivals and rallies held by the adult population of Copenhagen. However, there are plenty of other things to do here as well. For example, you can visit the children’s pool, and find numerous places for picnics and ball games, a football field, giant chess, a café, a children’s playground, and real traffic lights and road signs.

Directly behind the Trianglens Post Office is a huge “Garden of Senses” with touchable sculptures, a fountain, and an alphabet maze – all designed to stimulate children’s imaginations. All in all, you and your children will have a great time at Fælledparken.

Address: Edel Sauntes Allé 5, 7, 2100 København

Danish Family Trip: 7 Sights to Go with Kids in Copenhagen
The playground in Orstedsparken is a green oasis in the center of Copenhagen. Photo: Wikipedia Commons

Orstedsparken
The playground in Orstedsparken is a green oasis in the center of Copenhagen. Part of the playground looks like an interactive area, where computer games have moved from the indoors to the outdoors.

Orstedsparken offers everything you need for entertainment, and the game takes place with the same light and sound effects as in computer games. However, unlike a computer game, where you press the buttons on the joystick or keyboard, here you will need to jump, dance, and move your body in different ways to play.

In addition to the computer games zone, you will also find traditional attractions on the site: bicycles, moon rovers, and slides. Next to the park is a Torvehallerne shopping center, where you can have a quick bite to eat and buy something for dinner.

Address: Nørre Voldgade 1, 1358 København, Denmark

Related: Designmuseum Copenhagen Reopens June 2022

Danish Family Trip: 7 Sights to Go with Kids in Copenhagen
At National Museum of Science and Technology you and your children will get answers to all your questions about electricity, cars, airplanes, old crafts, patents, computers, and many other things. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

National Museum of Science and Technology
Here you and your children will get answers to all your questions about electricity, cars, airplanes, old crafts, patents, computers, and many other things. Museum exhibits include DASK – the first Danish computer, a Starfighter flight simulator, and Dane Ellehammer’s famous “Super DC-3” aircraft which was the world’s first powered airplane that could actually fly.

The National Museum of Science and Technology covers an area of ​​about 8,000 square meters in the southern part of Helsingør, together with the Danish Aviation Museum and the Transport Museum. So, this is a great place for the whole family.

Address: Prince’s Mansion, Ny Vestergade 10, 1471 København K

Danish Family Trip: 7 Sights to Go with Kids in Copenhagen
In the Zoological Museum, you can touch a seal, a fox, a badger, a hare, a squirrel, and many other animals. Photo: Kafai Liu Do/Unsplash

Zoological Museum
In the Zoological Museum, you can touch a seal, a fox, a badger, a hare, a squirrel, and many other animals. But be careful with the hedgehog!

As a rule, touching the animals is prohibited, but the museum has a few stuffed animals you can touch. When walking around the museum, don’t forget about the rules and don’t hesitate to ask the museum staff questions.

Address: Universitetsparken 15, 2100 København

Danish Family Trip: 7 Sights to Go with Kids in Copenhagen – read on….

Danish Family Trip: 7 Sights to Go with Kids in Copenhagen
The Beach at Experimentarium. Photo: David Trood/Experimentarium

Experimentarium
Experimentarium is a place where you can “touch” science and technology. Moreover, employees encourage such actions. Your children will enjoy many hours of play, experimentation, and learning. Children’s Puddle will tell stories about water, ships, pumps, and locks in a playful way.

Children will be able to sail on a ship upstream through the locks, pump up water with a pump, just like grandfather did in the village, and build a bridge. In the Children’s Pavilion, designed for children aged 3-6, children can dance among the light and sound effects in the Poppy Forest, use a large crane to build a house or look at their reflection upside down in the mirror.

Address: Tuborg Havnevej 7, 2900 Hellerup

Danish Family Trip: 7 Sights to Go with Kids in Copenhagen – Summarize
Summing it up, Copenhagen is a perfect place for a family trip. You and your children will have a good time in the local amusement parks, and learn a lot of interesting things in the Science Museum and Experimentarium. If you like, you can always find other great family-friendly attractions in the area.

The article is a promotional contribution from Rental24h.

Feature image (on top): Nyhavn, Copenhagen © Nick Karvounis / Unsplash

How to Decorate Your Home with Flowers Like the Scandinavians

Scandinavian home décor is praised worldwide for various good reasons. Besides being finely crafted, simple, and gorgeous, Scandinavian décor incorporates carefully chosen natural materials to bring out a strikingly appealing design. It is simply timeless! Learn how to decorate your home with flowers like the Scandinavians. 

And speaking of natural elements, flowers are often a staple in Scandi homes when it comes to decoration at various times of the year. If you’re looking for ways to decorate your home with colorful petals as the Scandis do, you’re in luck.

Read on to discover a few tips you could borrow from Scandinavians when decorating your home with flowers.

How to Decorate Your Home with Flowers Like the Scandinavians
Scandinavians are known to be huge fans of houseplants. Photo: Kari Shea/Unsplash

Leverage Potted Plants
Scandinavians are known to be huge fans of houseplants, perhaps even more than flowers. In most Scandi homes, you will hardly fail to notice several species of indoor plants, from monsteras to orchids, rubber figs, aloe, snake plant, and dracaena.

In these homes, especially in summer, you will occasionally spot a plant on a bookshelf, another on the window sill, and a few hanging on the walls even. The best part is that some houseplants like orchids, peace lilies, and begonias produce flowers as well, so you don’t really have to stick to non-flowering species if you’d rather have some colorful blooms in the vicinity.

Related: Easy Breezy Scandinavian Home Decor Tips

How to Decorate Your Home with Flowers Like the Scandinavians
Scandinavian homeowners also make sure their rooms smell nice. Photo: Sergey Schmidt/Unsplash

Choose Flowers That Smell Good
Instead of just adorning rooms with flowers, Scandinavian homeowners also make sure their rooms smell nice.

To do this, they prefer choosing flowers with nice fragrances that help create an inviting atmosphere. From peonies to lilacs, roses, and gardenias, nicely-scented flowers can help enhance your space in various ways, creating a more inviting and relaxing vibe.

How to Decorate Your Home with Flowers Like the Scandinavians
Go for flowers that bloom in your home area around the season you’re decorating your interior. Photo: Gerome Bruneau/Unsplash

Pick Blooms That Are In Season
Here, it means going for flowers that bloom in your home area around the season you’re decorating your interior. Very few flowers tend to bloom all year round, and even then, this might depend on the climatic region or environment you’re in.

In-season flowers also tend to be cheaper to order from florists, so this is something you can take advantage of.

Related: Ways To Embrace Viking Inspired Décor

How to Decorate Your Home with Flowers Like the Scandinavians
Scandinavians aren’t averse to using dried flowers. Photo: Agalma

Use Dried Flowers and Branches to Create a Unique Vibe
Scandinavians aren’t averse to using dried flowers as well. They add a unique flair to many of their traditional decorations and Nordic home décor. They particularly love using dried orchids and leave some dried branches at the places where they spend most of their time, such as the coffee table, a shelf, or a reading corner.

Above all, Scandinavian homeowners find dried flowers calming, plus they won’t need a lot of maintenance.

How to Decorate Your Home with Flowers Like the Scandinavians
Scandinavians love and appreciate having flowers in their homes as part of interior (and exterior) décor. Photo: Timo Vijn/Unsplash

Use Freshly Cut Flowers
Scandinavians also love and appreciate having flowers in their homes as part of interior (and exterior) décor. Besides showing great affection for the likes of orchids and Amaryllis, they also deeply understand the value of a beautiful bouquet of flowers like tulips or peonies in elevating interior design.

This is all the more reason to order some fresh cuts of peonies or your favorite blooms from a site like Bouqs.com that can send them in bud form to help you enjoy them much longer. Just place the bouquet in a Scandinavian-style vase with water preferably in a cool area with indirect light in your home.

Related: Practical Swedish Aquarium For Small Homes

How to Decorate Your Home with Flowers Like the Scandinavians
Floral fabrics are a fun way to combine other textures to add a personal touch to décor. Photo: Spruce/Gettyimages

Try Floral Fabric Too
Floral fabrics are a fun way to combine other textures to add a personal touch to décor. What’s more, floral fabrics can come in different designs and styles depending on the ones you choose and the preferences you have. Whether as mats, pillow covers, cushion covers, curtains, or other types of upholstery, flora prints can go a long way in enhancing your decor and giving it a Scandi vibe.

There you have it! Decorating with flowers has never been easier and more exciting. All you may need is to brace yourself up with these handy Scandinavian tips.

How to Decorate Your Home with Flowers Like the Scandinavians, a promotional article from The Spruce.

Feature image (on top): Photo © Amy Shamblen / Unsplash

7 Things To Know Before Going to Denmark

With its rich history, culture, and high standard of living, Denmark is a top destination for tourists and expats. Millions of tourists flock to the Scandinavian country each month, eager to explore its Viking past, among many other things. However, here are 7 things to know before going to Denmark.

There’s a lot to learn about Denmark. If you’re planning to visit the Nordic Kingdom anytime soon, here are seven things you should know before going:

7 Things To Know Before Going to Denmark
Denmark is considered the third-most expensive Nordic country. Photo: Alexander Mils/Unsplash

1. Denmark is expensive
We’ve all heard about the free healthcare and thriving economy, but there’s another thing Scandinavian countries are known for – they’re expensive. Denmark is considered the third-most expensive Nordic country, after Norway and Iceland. It’s also the eighth most expensive country to live in in 2022.

The price shock can throw many people off when visiting Denmark, so it’s good to know upfront that you should expect it. You may notice the pricey-ness even before you enter the country when booking a hotel. Hotel prices are through the roof, which is why many people opt for Airbnb. Some other things people find pricey are transportation, dining out, and coffee.

Related: 8 Things To Know Before Moving To Denmark

7 Things To Know Before Going to Denmark
In Denmark, there are winds year-round. Photo: Khamkeo Vilaysing

2. It’s very windy
Travelers know Denmark won’t be a sunny holiday like Italy or Spain. But many underestimate just how frequent and powerful the winds are in the Scandinavian country. There are winds year-round. Summer winds are warm, so you don’t have to worry about them too much. But if you go in the winter you should bring a good coat.

7 Things To Know Before Going to Denmark
If you want to travel to the countryside or visit smaller towns, be prepared to carry some cash. Photo: Denmark’s National Bank

3. It’s good to have some cash at hand
If you plan to stay in Copenhagen or another large city, a credit card is all you need to make payments. But if you want to travel to the countryside or visit smaller towns, be prepared to carry some cash. In some places, you will have to use cash to pay for public transport and other necessities.

Related: 3 Best Denmark Travel Guides You Can Get For Free

7 Things To Know Before Going to Denmark
Cyber threats are always a little more prevalent when traveling, no matter where you go. Photo: FLY D/Unsplash

4. Stay vigilant about cyber threats
It isn’t that Denmark is notorious for cybercrime. In fact, it’s quite the opposite, as it has very strict data protection laws. With that said, cyber threats are always a little more prevalent when traveling, no matter where you go.

The easiest way to stay safe while traveling is to use a VPN. This will allow you to use public wifi networks safely and prevent your devices from getting hacked. If you don’t have a subscription already, a VPN free trial may be all you need to get through your trip.

7 Things To Know Before Going to Denmark
cycling is the best way to get around most cities in Denmark. Here from Copenhagen. Photo: Febiyan/Unsplash

5. The best way to get around is with a bike
Unless you’re making a cross-country trip, cycling is the best way to get around most cities in Denmark. The cycling infrastructure is in many ways better than the walking infrastructure, so cyclists often have priority over pedestrians. Bikes will also be quicker and cheaper than cars, so renting a car doesn’t make much sense.

Related: Top 10 Free Things To Do In Denmark

7 Things To Know Before Going to Denmark
Christiania is a hippie commune in the central part of the city. Photo: Annie Spratt/Unsplash

6. Be careful when visiting Christiania
Christiania is a major tourist attraction in Copenhagen. It’s a hippie commune in the central part of the city. Many residents consider it separate from Denmark, and you will have to abide by some different rules while you’re there.

For one, there’s no filming. If someone notices your camera, there’s a good chance they’ll approach you and ask you to put it away. Taking photos is generally OK, but always ask for consent if other people are in your frame.

You also need to remember that Danish laws still apply to Christiania. Marijuana is still illegal; it’s just less likely to get caught due to lower police presence in the area.

7 Things To Know Before Going to Denmark
Denmark has a pant system where you can return used bottles for coins. Photo: Katrine Lunke/Infinitum

7. Don’t throw away used bottle
Denmark has a pant system where you can return used bottles for coins. Most supermarkets have pant machines, and you can use your returns as store credit. Most street trash cans also have a pant bin next to them. Leave your bottles there so that other people can return them to get some cash.

7 Things To Know Before Going to Denmark – Final thoughts
Denmark is a beautiful country, with a green countryside and many historic cities. It’s easy to see why tourism has been growing steadily for years.

With that said, Scandinavia is a bit different from more popular European destinations like Italy,

France, or Spain. Knowing the stuff in this list before you go to Denmark will help you have a better trip and return home with fond memories.

7 Things To Know Before Going to Denmark is a promotional article from Nord VPN.

Feature image (on top): Photo © Ava Coploff / Unsplash

Luxury Scandinavian Destinations

There are several luxury Scandinavian destinations to explore. Read on to find out about the most luxurious Scandinavian destinations to visit by private jet.

Luxury Destinations in Scandinavia to Visit by Private Jet
Scandinavia has often been credited with having some of the best scenery and most welcoming people in the world. Whether you’re in the baron landscape of Iceland or the bustling city of Sweden, you always feel like you are somewhere special.

Private jet travel allows you to explore even better and more luxurious locations, places most people will never get to see. Here are the most luxurious places to visit in Scandinavia by private jet.

ION Adventure Hotel
The ION Adventure Hotel in Iceland is found on the slopes of a dormant volcano. The luxury hotel is proudly eco-friendly and gives visitors a base to explore Iceland’s Golden Circle.

Fitted with enormous windows, guests can gaze into the vastness of Iceland’s harsh terrain, or you can venture out into it. A few steps from the Thingvellir National Park, guests can enjoy incredible natural wonders, hiking paths, and ice climbing expeditions.

ICEHOTEL
Found in Swedish Lapland, the ICEHOTEL is a type of luxury you didn’t know you needed. The accommodation is self-explanatory, with the entire hotel being made out of ice. This is certainly not your regular hotel experience.

With rooms being as cold as -5 degrees celsius, guests can sleep in one of the many vast rooms in a thermal sleeping bag under a reindeer-skin blanket. You will then wake up to a steaming hot cup of Lingonberry tea. Staying at the ICEHOTEL is almost a rite of passage in the area and is a must-try for any visitors.

Luxury Scandinavian Destinations
Northern lights. Photo by David Becker/Unsplash

Treehotel
Luxury meets youthful memories with this treehouse. Found in the Harads in Swedish Lapland, the Treehotel sits high in the trees and gives visitors an almost 360-degree view of their surroundings.

Your private treehouse is incredibly comfortable and cosy, and to top it off, if you visit at the right time of the year and get lucky, you will be able to stare out of your window and see the Northern Lights.

Levin Iglut Glass Igloo
The glass igloo rooms in Finnish Lapland are world-famous at this point, and for good reason. Visitors can enjoy their own private igloo made from glass, allowing them to lie in bed and look up at the stars and the Northern Lights.

You get far more than just amazing views too. The hotel offers delicious local and international meals, ski-shoe walking, skiing, and reindeer rides. There are very few hotels in Scandinavia that get you this close to nature.

Deplar Farm
Found in the Troll Peninsula in the North of Iceland, Deplar Farm is truly remote. The turf-topped hotel is an exquisite combination of luxury and farm life. While you can do all the usual snow activities like skiing and snowmobiling, Deplar offers so much more.

You can go salmon fishing in one of the many surrounding lakes and go whale-watching too. You can also visit one of the famous Icelandic hot springs, where you’re surrounded by ice and snow while you relax your mind and body.

Arctic TreeHouse Hotel
Back in Finnish Lapland, the Arctic TreeHouse is a combination of a wood cabin and a glass igloo and then perched in a tree. The cosy and warm interior is protected from the outside by an enormous panoramic window surrounding the house.

The nearby Rakas restaurant offers freshly made Lappish food daily, with guests being able to enjoy dinner by the fire once the sun goes down. You can spend your day exploring the forest, relaxing by the lake, or reading by the window and watching the snow fall on the seemingly never-ending landscape.

Luxury Scandinavian Destinations
Juvet landscape hotel. Photo: hanen.no

Juvet Landscape Hotel
If you want to be plunged even further into nature, then you want to stay at the Juvet Landscape Hotel. Set right into the forest, the ultra-modern architecture of the rooms and interiors are offset by the raw nature that surrounds them.

The hotel is such a contrast that it was the site for the filming of the 2014 movie Ex Machina, a truly unique piece of architecture in the heart of Norway.

Luxury Scandinavian Destinations
Milk Tea. Photo: Unsplash

Dragsholm Slot
Why settle for just a room or a treehouse when you can have a castle? Dragsholm Slot in Denmark is a luxury castle that aims to make every guest feel like royalty. Surrounded by rolling hills and enormous forests, Dragsholm is easily one of the most romantic spots in all of Denmark.

Luxury Scandinavian Destinations
Dragsholm Slot. Photo: Wikipedia

Private Island Camping
Found in the Swedish archipelago, this may be a camping trip, but not the type of camping you have ever done. Visitors can enjoy their luxury campsite on their own private island, with the closest person being a boat ride away.

While you may need to make a fire and a meal or two, you will be doing it in a tent that may as well be an upscale hotel room.

Luxury Scandinavian Destinations is a promotional article from Aircharter Service.

Feature image (on top): Black sand beach, Iceland. Photo by Adam Jang/Unsplash.

Although Iceland and Finland are not Scandinavian countries, we’ve included the destinations here, since they belong to the Nordic region. Many people, including Scandinavians, are confused about this fact. (Editor’s note).

12 Short Scandinavian Jokes That Will Have You Laughing Your Socks Off

Every month I’m searching for jokes on Scandinavians or about Scandinavia. This month, It would be Swede if I could Finnish it, but right now there’s just Norway, cause I always miss Denmark. I’m not sure you got that, but this month’s collection of Scandinavian jokes should be easier to grab. Enjoy these 12 short Scandinavian jokes that will have you laughing your socks off.

A Swede was walking down the street with a duck under his arm.

“Where did you find that money?” asked the fellow pedestrian.
“It happens to be a duck.” claimed the Swede.
“Shut up, Swede! I am talking to the duck.”

*
Ole (Norwegian) and Sven (Swedish) went on a fishing trip to Canada and come back with only three fish.
Ole says, “The way I figger it, Sven, each of them fish cost us $400.
Well, at dat price it’s a good ting we didn’t catch any more of em than we did,” says Sven.

Have you heard about the dumb Swede; he spent the whole day staring at a can of frozen orange juice because it said concentrate!

*
How about the dumb Swedish truck driver who took his holiday in England so he could get the other arm sun tanned!

*

10 Short Scandinavian Jokes That Will Have You Laughing Your Socks Off*
A Swede and a Dane were sitting on a park bench smoking a cigarette.

It started raining and then the Swede pulled out a condom and covered his cigarette so he could continue smoking.

Now the Dane was wondering what it was because his cigarette was drenched and he couldn’t smoke it anymore. He asked the Swede what it was and where he could get some.

“They’re called condoms, and you can get them in that pharmacy over there.”

The Dane went off to the pharmacy and asked for some condoms.

The pharmacist asked him what size he would like. The Dane thought for a while and then replied: “Ones that fit on a Camel.”

*
A Norwegian went to a museum. The tour guide was explaining: “This sword is over 2500 years old.” The Norwegian paused for a second to think about it and then asked: “How is that possible? We are only in the year 2022.”

*
The Danish man had a problem. His wife was coming home on the train but he could not remember if she was coming at 8:40 or 4:80

10 Short Scandinavian Jokes That Will Have You Laughing Your Socks Off*
Question: What’s the difference between Swedes and mosquitoes?
Answer: Mosquitoes are only annoying in the summer.

12 Short Scandinavian Jokes That Will Have You Laughing Your Socks Off compiled by Tor Kjolberg

Feature image (on top): © Photo by Dan Cook / Unsplash

Norway’s Most Sustainable Brands 2022

Sustainable Brand Index is Europe’s largest independent brand survey on sustainability. The study has been conducted annually in Norway since 2013. In the 2022 study, a nationally representative sample of 11,600 Norwegians aged 16-75 were interviewed between December 2021 and February 2022. This year, Finn.no took over the position as Norway’s most sustainable brand. Consumers rank the digital shopping site higher than IKEA. Here’s the list of Norway’s Most Sustainable Brands 2022.

2021 was the first year Finn.no was included in the study’s brand selection. Then, it ended up in a strong fourth place, but this year, it passes giants like IKEA and Tine. According to the study’s founder, a key reason for Finn.no’s win is an increased focus on Circular Economy in Norway.

Related: Norwegian Coastal Vessel Received Next Generation Ship Award

Norway’s Most Sustainable Brands 2022
Erik Elvingsson Hedén, founder of Sustainable Brand Index.

“The Circular Economy, especially sharing and buying second-hand, has climbed higher on the agenda in recent years. Awareness of services like Finn.no has therefore increased and Norwegians are clearly positive about the difference they can make themselves by using them,” says Erik Elvingsson Hedén, founder of Sustainable Brand Index.

Norway’s Most Sustainable Brands 2022
Finn.no, the winner 2022

Among the brands increasing the most in the study since last year are Swedish fashion chains KappAhl (+115 rankings) and Lindex (+103 rankings), Swedish e-tailer Lyko (+103 rankings), coffee brand Joh. Johannson Kaffe (+101 places) and white goods chain Elon (+92 places).

Related: Responsible Investing in Norway

The brands that lose the most are Peppes Pizza, which drops 145 places, and Agder Energi and NorgesEnergi, which drop 133 and 130 places respectively since last year.

A total of 265 brands in 25 industries were assessed on their perceived performance across the 17 global sustainability goals.

Related: Sustainable Shipping in Norway

Other significant changes are that Q-Meieriene beats dairy giant Tine in the food industry, whereas Coop pushes down Kiwi from the top among the grocery stores.

Norway’s Most Sustainable Brands 2022
Q-meieriene beats Norwegian dairy giant Tine

TOP 10 SUSTAINABLE BRAND INDEX 2022

  1. Finn.no
    2. IKEA
    3. Q-Meieriene
    4. Tine
    5. Coop
    6. Stormberg
    7. Vipps
    8. Rørosmeieriet
    9. Kiwi
    10. BAMA
Norway’s Most Sustainable Brands 2022
Ikea Almhult. Photo: Wikipedia

INDUSTRY WINNERS – SUSTAINABLE BRAND INDEX 2022

Finn.no – E-commerce
IKEA – Furniture & decoration
Q-Meieriene (NEW) – Food
Coop (NEW) – Grocery Stores
Stormberg – Clothing & Fashion – Brands
Vipps – Banks
Quality Hotel (NEW) – Hotel
Flytoget – Transport
Apotek 1 – Pharmacies
Posten – Logistics
The Body Shop – Beauty
Telenor – Telecommunications
Clas Ohlson (NEW) – Hobby & Leisure
NorgesGruppen – Consumer Goods Companies
BKK (NEW) – Electricity & Heating
Miele – White Goods & Electronics – Brands
KLP – Insurance & Pension
Volvo (NEW) – Automotive
Joh. Johannson Kaffe (NEW) – Beverage
Lindex (NEW) – Clothing & Fashion – Stores
Kaffebrenneriet (NEW) – Restaurants, Cafés & Take-away
Elkjøp (NEW) – White Goods & Electronics – Stores
Fjord Line (NEW) – Travel & Tourism
Widerøe (NEW) – Airlines
Shell (NEW) – Fuel

Norway’s Most Sustainable Brands 2022
Kappahl – women’s fashion

THE 10 BRANDS CLIMBING THE MOST – BRAND + NUMBER OF POSITIONS

KappAhl +115
Lindex +103
Lyko +103
Joh. Johannson Kaffe +101
Elon +92
Waynes Coffee +85
Fanta +85
JaFs +85
Finnair +77
Byggtorget +75

THE 10 BRANDS LOSING THE MOST – BRAND + NUMBER OF POSITIONS

Peppes Pizza -145
Agder energi -133
NorgesEnergi -130
Circle K -121
Fjordkraft -111
SAS -106
KiMs -102
Byggmax -100
Kremmerhuset -98
Pierre Robert -92

Sustainable Brand Index™ B2C is a brand study on sustainability within the business-to-consumer market in Norway. The study is based on research among Norwegian consumers and shows how brands are perceived within environmental and social responsibility. Download the official report of 2022 to discover this year’s brand ranking and key sustainability insights into industries, consumers and brands.

You can download the full report here.

Norway’s Most Sustainable Brands 2022, based on a press release from Sustainable Brand Index

Feature image (on top): © Sustainable Brand Index

Sweden’s Flying Electric Ferry – World’s Fastest

The world’s fastest electric ship, Candela, will navigate the archipelago around Stockholm and make public transport by water more attractive. Learn more about Sweden’s flying electric ferry – world’s fastest.

Across the world, traffic congests metropolitan areas while at the same time waterways remain mostly unused for high-speed transportation. The main reason for this is pollution and the high cost of conventional vessels.

Sweden’s Flying Electric Ferry – World’s Fastest
The 12-meter (40 ft.) catamaran is designed to carry 30 passengers and will be water-born at the end of 2022 and enter Stockholm city’s fleet of public transportation ferries early 2023.

However, recently, Swedish marine technology company Candela was showing off the first images of its P-12 Shuttle flying electric ferry that is expected to begin production later this year. Its makers are claiming the vessel to be not only the fastest of its kind with a speed of 30 knots, but also the most energy-efficient electric ship ever. “The electric hydrofoiling Candela P-12 is unlocking the true potential of our waterways,” says the producer.

Related: World’s Largest Electric Ferry Now Operational In Norway

Sweden’s Flying Electric Ferry – World’s Fastest
The water-borne shuttle has three carbon-fiber wings that extend from under the hull, allowing the ship to lift itself above the water. Illustration: Studio Alpha

The technology has already been proven on the company’s existing leisure boats and is now headed for commercial maritime use.

The P-12 Shuttle is designed to be a highly attractive alternative to land based public transport such as cars or buses. Thanks to hydrofoils, it uses 80% less energy than conventional ships. The water-borne shuttle has three carbon-fiber wings that extend from under the hull, allowing the ship to lift itself above the water, thus decreasing drag and increasing speed and stability.

The efficient electric watercraft has reduced energy usage per passenger kilometer by 95% compared to current commercial ferries. “Flying” across the water, the shuttle will transport commuters between Ekerö – a rapidly-expanding neighbourhood in Stockholm’s suburbs – and the city center “faster than the subway and bus lines it competes with, as well as to car-travel during rush hour,” said the company in a statement.

Sweden’s Flying Electric Ferry – World’s Fastest
Candela P-12 interior.

Related: World’s Largest E-Ferry Operating in Denmark

Candela P-12 flies above the surface without generating harmful wakes. It’s the fastest electric ship to date with a service speed of 30 mph, which allows for more frequent departures and up to 60% faster commuting times in urban areas compared to the diesel vessels it’s designed to replace.

The P-12 Shuttle uses the equivalent of just 0.1 kWh of electricity per passenger kilometer. The vessel offers a range of 50 nautical miles at service speed from its 180 kWh battery and uses DC fast charging to recharge its battery in under one hour.

“There’s no other ship that has this kind of active electronic stabilisation. Flying aboard the P-12 Shuttle in rough seas will feel more like being on a modern express train than on a boat: it’s quiet, smooth and stable,” Erik Eklund, Vice President of Commercial Vessels at Candela, said.

Sweden’s Flying Electric Ferry – World’s Fastest
recently, Swedish marine technology company Candela was showing off the first images of its P-12 Shuttle flying electric ferry that is expected to begin production later this year.

Related: Self-Driving Electric Ferries in Norway

The 12-meter (40 ft.) catamaran is designed to carry 30 passengers and will be water-born at the end of 2022 and enter Stockholm city’s fleet of public transportation ferries early 2023 as a pilot on one of its main routes. The pilot will run until the end of the year and evaluate the P-12’s performance, including issues like maneuverability, comfort, chargeability, wake and noise.

Sweden’s Flying Electric Ferry – World’s Fastest, written by Tor Kjolberg

All images © Candela

Norwegian Jazz Trio Remixing European Jazz Culture

The musicians represented in the trio Gurls are exponents of a new generation in Norwegian music life. The music is so rich and intangible, and the presentation methods so fresh, that the label ‘Norwegian jazz’ is hardly adequate anymore. The Norwegian jazz trio is remixing European jazz culture.

In her book ‘Remixing European Jazz Culture’ Kristin McGee writes that “GURLS has gained a reputation for both their compelling live performances and for the originality of their newly composed material as represented on their last album ‘Run boy, run’ (Grappa 2018). The compositions and lyrics of this trio, composed primarily by saxophonist Paulsberg, reflect these relatively young musicians’ experience of jazz labor, music desire, media and global culture in the new Europe.”

Norwegian Jazz Trio Remixing European Jazz Culture
The compositions and lyrics of this trio, are composed primarily by saxophonist Paulsberg

Related: The Norwegian Wizard of Recorded Jazz

“Run, boy run” is in fact the trio’s debut album and a playful collection of songs full of humor and irony, addressing gender, sexuality and life as as single, among other subjects. In their performances the three ladies appear as a very original (and funky) unit with their combination of vocals, saxophone and double bass. Each of them is rising stars in the Norwegian jazz scene.

Norwegian Jazz Trio Remixing European Jazz Culture
GURLS. Photo by Julia Marie Nagelstad/Norsk Filminstitutt

Hanna Paulsberg, Ellen Andrea Wang and Rohey Taalah have each managed to leave their mark in Norway and abroad, and will most likely tickle our ear canals for decades to come. With the whimsical instrumentation of tenor saxophone, double bass and soul jazz vocals, Gurls does not have particularly tough competition in the market. Paulsberg’s saxophone harmonizes the other two voices to form eight minor triads progressing from tonic to dominant and back to tonic.

Related: Grammy to Norwegian Sound Engineer

The ensemble’s arrangements take full advantage of the unique timbres and colors afforded by no drums, piano, or guitar. Sometimes Paulsberg and Wang sing backup harmonies to Taalah’s main vocals, and other times only one voice casts in harmony with the bass and tenor saxophone. As band leader and composer, Paulsberg fluently adapts her instrument to reconfigure the quintessential and expected ‘jazz voice’ of live instrumental jazz culture.

Norwegian Jazz Trio Remixing European Jazz Culture
Rohey Taalah with GURLS at the DnB-stage at Grefsenkollen. The concert was part of Over Oslo and took place on 23. June 2018 in Oslo. ..Lineup:.Ellen Andrea Wang (double bass).Hanna Paulsberg (saxophone).Rohey Taalah (vocal).Elias Tafjord (drums). Photo: Wikipedia

In particular moments, the saxophone momentarily relinquishes its role as the solo instrumental object to become a harmonized and mimetic human voice. At other moments, Taalah adapts her vocal timbres and textures to promote her instrumentalism as established within jazz performance practice.

Singer Rohey Taalah celebrates success in Norway with the soulful jazz of her band Rohey. In Gurls she reveals a remarkably adventurous and challenging side of her talent. Saxophonist Hanna Paulsberg is also making name with her own jazz group and she has previously played with international greats such as Chick Corea, Bugge Wesseltoft and Bobo Stenson. Double bassist and singer Ellen Andrea Wang has already performed at the BIMHUIS with her band Pixel and she has collaborated with, among others, Sting and Manu Katché.

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

Paulsberg is known for writing songs about boys, also in her other bands, and she likes to talk about them between the songs, live. Just listen to her wonderful jazz hit “Catalan Boy”. So, she is something as rare as an autobiographical singer/songwriter who operates in an instrumental jazz format.

According to JazzFlits ‘Gurls operates in the area between jazz, pop and hip-hop, in songs with an urgency and fierceness that will lift you out of your seat. Gurls makes music that cannot be ignored’.

Norwegian Jazz Trio Remixing European Jazz Culture
Ellen Andrea Wang has already performed at the BIMHUIS with her band Pixel and she has collaborated with, among others, Sting and Manu Katché. Photo: Ole B. Steinsvik/Moldejazz

Paulsberg’s solos captures the moody, millennial malaise of her jazz aesthetic when arranged and filtered through Taalah’s lyrical voice, and although Paulsberg exhibits much virtuosity and technical control, her improvisational approach resides an unbridged, indulgent style or an earlier Northern European jazz collectivism.

GURLS is performing at the Molde Jazz Festival in Norway just now.

Norwegian Jazz Trio Remixing European Jazz Culture, written by Tor Kjolberg, inspired by the album ‘Run boy, run’ and the bookRemixing European Jazz Culture’ by Kristin McGee.

Feature image on top photographed by Julia Marie Nagelstad/Norsk Filminstitutt.

5 Perfect Travel Destinations to Go Near Stockholm

Stockholm is a city that always has something to surprise you with. Whether it’s a new pizzeria, a gallery, a trendy club, a golf course, or just one of the classic attractions, one thing is clear – you will definitely not be bored there. However, what if suddenly you have a desire to change the scenery and see the other side of Sweden without spending crazy money? Fortunately, we have something to offer you. Learn about 5 perfect travel destinations to go near Stockholm.

Pick up a car rental Stockholm and drive outside the city! Visiting a few notable places off the beaten tourist track will give you a different understanding of the Swedish spirit. In addition, traveling by car will give you the freedom to move you have long dreamed of.

This map was created with Wanderlog, the best trip planner app on iOS and Android

Thus, book a rental car, pack your lunch, and expect incredible adventures. In the meantime, we will tell you about some amazing places within a short drive from Stockholm.

Related: 7 Reasons To Visit Stockholm

5 Perfect Travel Destinations to Go near Stockholm
Örens nature reservoir. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

Toro, Nynashamn – 67 km, 55 minutes drive
The main feature of the area is the white pebble beach. You can’t walk barefoot on it, as your legs will hurt. However, it looks beautiful, especially when combined with waves, the sea, pine trees, and private villas.

Speaking of waves, this is perhaps the only place in Sweden suitable for surfing. Even on cold days, you can see rare people swinging on the waves. The town comes to life during the warm season, when summer houses are filled with guests from Stockholm and other cities. During the rest of the year, it’s usually quiet and calm, but this is more of an advantage for those who just want to wander among the forest houses, walk along the white pebble beach, and watch the waves. In addition to the beach, there’s also a tiny church, a pier where you can rent a kayak, as well as a couple of cafes and restaurants.

Related: Top Fishing Spots in Stockholm

5 Perfect Travel Destinations to Go near Stockholm – read on….

5 Perfect Travel Destinations to Go near Stockholm
Tiresta National Park, Tyreso

Tiresta National Park, Tyreso – 25 km, 30 minutes drive
This national park is suitable for those who like to spend the night in a tent, enjoy a short hike in the mountains, or just take a walk in the forest. The main entrance is available in the village of Tyresta By, so it’s best to start from here. Here you can get all information about hiking trails, travel tips, buy food, and get water.

The village itself also deserves attention – the 18th-century buildings have been preserved in their original form. Hiking and camping in the park are free of charge. If you wish, you can order a basic tour, which costs € 6 per person.

The park really has something to see, including 8 lakes, 55 kilometers of hiking trails of varying length and complexity, and a wide variety of animals and birds. If you want to stay longer, book a room at a local hotel.

Related: Stockholm: Combining Natural Landscapes with the Urban Bustle

5 Perfect Travel Destinations to Go near Stockholm
Artipelag is one of the largest contemporary art centers in Sweden. Photo: statflickr.com

Artipelag, Gustavsberg – 23 km, 25 minutes drive
Artipelag is one of the largest contemporary art centers in Sweden. Its main feature is a kind of fusion of art and nature. The gallery is located on the rocks, surrounded on one side by a forest, and on the other by a bay.

The top of the mountain overlooks the bay, while the water in the bay looks clean and clear. Naturally, you can swim there or sunbathe on the bedspreads right on the rocks when the weather allows. Also, you will find a café with a spacious terrace on the spot.

The Arts Center often hosts exhibitions related to nature or climate, but topics such as fashion or architecture also appear from time to time. Also, the whole area is full of large and small sculptures and installations.

5 Perfect Travel Destinations to Go near Stockholm
Solna is a huge area located on the north side of Stockholm. Photo: Unsplash

Solna – 8 km, 10 minutes drive
Solna is a huge area located on the north side of Stockholm. Basically, it represents residential buildings, but, apart from that, you can find several interesting objects there.

Firstly, here is the Mall of Scandinavia, the second largest shopping center in Scandinavia. Nothing fancy, but it’s a great option if you want to enjoy shopping. It houses most of the popular brands, both local and foreign, and many places to eat and have fun.

Nature lovers can visit Brunnsviken Lake and Haga Park, located near the mall. The surrounding area offers to see almost any landscape, including cliffs, cliffs, forests, parks, and beaches. Also, the park hosts the Haga Palace, built in the 19th century, and two museums – a park museum and a museum of zoology.

5 Perfect Travel Destinations to Go near Stockholm
Vaxholm is part of the Stockholm archipelago. Photo: Erwan Hesry/Unsplash

Vaxholm – 36 km, 35 minutes drive
Vaxholm is part of the Stockholm archipelago. This is a very cozy town surrounded by water. Its main feature is wooden houses, which are usually empty during the cold season and filled with life in summer.

Vaxholm exudes its own special atmosphere, which resembles a resort town, placed in Scandinavian nature. And on a tiny island nearby is the Vaxholm fortress, built in the 16th century. At one time, the fortress served to protect Stockholm, and now it’s a hotel and a museum. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to get to the island for free unless, of course, you have booked a hotel room. However, you can be satisfied with the breathtaking view of the fortress from the bank of Vaxholm.

As you can see, the surroundings of the Swedish capital hide many travel gems. Thus, you can greatly diversify your trip if you pick up a rental car and go to explore the area around Stockholm!

5 Perfect Travel Destinations to Go Near Stockholm is a promotional article from 14cars.com

Feature image (on top): Photo © Anna Hunko / Unsplash