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

PostNord/Direct Link has published a report on E-commerce in which we can learn about a growing proportion of consumers annually who shop for beauty and cosmetics online. E-commerce and beauty products is a perfect match in Scandinavia.

The industry has developed strongly in terms of the way to expose and market their offer visually online. In addition, most of the products bought online are light in weight and volume and can often be delivered directly to the recipient’s mailbox.

E-commerce and Beauty Products – A Perfect Matchin Scandinavia
Direct Link – part of PostNord is handling global B2C deliveries to some of the biggest e-commerce players within the beauty segment.

Direct Link – part of PostNord is handling global B2C deliveries to some of the biggest e-commerce players within the beauty segment.

Related: Latest Ecommerce Trends for Holiday Season 2022

The Nordic region’s leading cosmetics chain, Kicks, aims to reach customers through all channels. The physical store works together with the online store, iPad and mobile app to make the buying process go as smoothly as possible.

E-commerce and Beauty Products – A Perfect Matchin Scandinavia
The mobile channel is important.

Omni-channel is all about creating a seamless purchasing experience as consumers move between physical stores, online stores and mobile apps. Kicks has approx. 250 stores in Sweden, Norway and Finland, and paved the way for successful omni-channel collaboration prior to the cosmetics chain’s launch of its online store four years ago.

“When we launched the website, we had already thought about what we wanted. A vision was in place of how we wanted things to be going forward, and that’s really important,” says Jenny Vesterlund, director of Business Omichannel Logistics at Kicks.

Related: What Do You Know About BNPL?

How Kicks works with Omni-channel
The common vision made it possible to bring along the whole organization. “It is very important to bring the physical stores along with you too. We have around a thousand salespeople; that’s quite a lot of people.”

E-commerce and Beauty Products – A Perfect Matchin Scandinavia
The Nordic region’s leading cosmetics chain, Kicks, aims to reach customers through all channels.

At all the physical Kicks stores in Sweden and Norway, an iPad is used both to display reviews and ratings of products online and to order items on the internet if the store has run out.

“Then the customer can pay at the checkout and decide for themselves whether they want to have the item sent to their home or pick it up from one of our stores,” says Jenny Vesterlund.

E-commerce and Beauty Products – A Perfect Matchin Scandinavia
“A vision was in place of how we wanted things to be going forward, and that’s really important,” says Jenny Vesterlund, director of Business Omichannel Logistics at Kicks.

Mobile phones play an important role
The mobile channel is important too. Kicks’ mobile app includes a scanning function. For example, if you run out of shower gel, you can scan the bar-code on your empty bottle, log into the app and smoothly complete your purchase.

“You have the option of saving your bank card details so you don’t need to enter any card numbers. Then you go through checkout in three clicks and you can have your shower gel in your hand the next day.”

Arne Andersson, e-commerce expert at PostNord, believes that the driving force behind Omni-channel is the consumer’s exacting demands when it comes to comfort and accessibility.

E-commerce and Beauty Products – A Perfect Matchin Scandinavia
Kicks’ mobile app includes a scanning function.

“The buying experience at Kicks is an example of this. It is streamlined, and, as a customer, I can choose whether I want to collect something from a store, a pick-up point or have it delivered to my mail box.”

Related: Scandinavian E-Commerce Trends 2022

What challenges are connected to starting to use Omni-channel?
“Often it’s the warehousing issue. Should you have a separate e-commerce warehouse or a hybrid warehouse combined with your ordinary central warehouse? This is very closely connected to business systems and how these are linked to the stock system, the ordering system and the checkout system in the stores. The checkout system is important because it often functions like a hub when it comes to managing this flexibility of choice,” says Arne Andersson.

E-commerce and Beauty Products – A Perfect Matchin Scandinavia
Omni-channel is all about creating a seamless purchasing experience as consumers move between physical stores, online stores and mobile apps.

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

How Kicks’ channels work together

Physical stores: Approx. 250 stores in Sweden, Norway and Finland

Online stores: In Sweden and Norway.

Mobile app: Kicks has a mobile app that allows the consumer to scan the barcode on an empty product’s packaging and then easily order a new product.

iPad: In every physical store in Sweden and Norway there is at least one iPad on which it is possible to view a product’s ingredients, ratings and reviews, as well as order it online if the store has run out.

Delivery options: PostNord manages flows to e-commerce customers in Sweden. “Consumers can decide for themselves whether they want to collect their package from one of Kicks’ physical stores, from a PostNord pick-up point or have it sent to their home address.”

What may be sent?
If you send contents that are not permitted, the mail item may be stopped by PostNord or customs if it is being sent outside the EU. Here you will find examples of what you are and are not permitted to send.

​If you send contents that are not permitted, the mail item may be stopped by PostNord or customs if it is being sent outside the EU.

You are not permitted to send items or substances classed as dangerous goods. With certain services, what is known as a limited amount of dangerous goods may be sent. Shipments sent by air may be subject to particular limitations.

The sender is responsible for ensuring that it is permitted to send the contents of a shipment.

What are dangerous goods?

Here are a few examples of content that you are not permitted to send.


Cold and heat

Goods that need cold storage so as not to shorten their shelf life. Exceptions: Goods packed in dry ice as per IATA’s packing instructions.

Dead or living animals

Read more about general exceptions and dead animals to be sent to SVA – the Swedish National Veterinary Institute and the Swedish Museum of Natural History.

General exceptions: Bees, leeches, silkworms, fruit flies of the Drosophilidae family, and parasites and destroyers of insect pests being sent between officially recognized institutions.

Exceptions – PostNord Parcel: Dead animals to be sent to SVA – the Swedish National Veterinary Institute and the Swedish Museum of Natural History. They should be packed as per the instructions on the respective website and sent using the PostNord Parcel. If approved packaging is not sent as per the instructions, the parcel is returned to the sender.

Instructions SVA
Instructions, Swedish Museum of Natural History

Valuables

Valuables include gold, silver, gemstones, coins, notes and securities.

Weapons and weapon components, and copies of these

Exception – Värde: Weapons and weapon components sent within Sweden using the Värde service.

Narcotics and drugs

You are not permitted to send items or substances classed as dangerous goods. With certain services, what is known as a limited amount of dangerous goods may be sent. You can get more information on dangerous goods from MSB – Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency.

Examples of contents classed as dangerous goods:

Explosives

Ammunition

pyrotechnic materials

lighters

fuses

blasting caps for toy guns

Compressed, condensed gases

Fire extinguishers that contain gases under pressure

Aerosol products/spray cans

Butane

Gas lighters

Flammable liquids

Gasoline

Solvents

Cleaning agents

Paint

White spirit

Perfume

Flammable solids

Spontaneously combustible substances and substances that emit gas on contact with water, e.g. matches

Nitrocellulose film

Material that becomes dangerous when wet

Oxidizing agents and organic peroxides

Substances easily ignited by oxygen

Hair and textile dyes

Some bleaching agents/powders

Some glues and binders

Poisons, medicines and toxins, including drugs

Toxic and infectious substances

Category A infectious substances, UN 2814 and UN 2900

Exceptions: UN 3373 Biological substances Category B may be sent provided they are packed in accordance with ICAO-TI and IATA-DGR packing instruction PI 650.

Radioactive substances

Medical samples or research samples that contain radioactive substances

Corrosive substances

Corrosive cleaning fluids

Corrosive rust prevention and removal agents

Instruments containing mercury or battery fluids

Miscellaneous hazardous materials

Materials that have soporific, harmful, toxic or other properties and that can cause major discomfort if they leak

Materials that are strongly magnetic

Mail items that contain batteries

Exceptions – International mail: Max. 2 lithium batteries or 4 lithium cells may be sent in international mail, and they must then be installed in the equipment and packed as per PI 967 or PI 970, section II in the ICAO regulations.

Please note that the following countries do not accept lithium batteries or lithium cells: China, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Laos, Madagascar.

E-commerce and Beauty Products – A Perfect Match in Scandinavia, adapted from PostNord’s website.

Experience Scandinavian Capitals With Sightseeing City Cards

The Copenhagen Card, the Oslo Pass and Stockholm Pass are sightseeing city cards that allow visitors to experience everything the Scandinavian capitals have to offer while saving both time and money. Get hold of the cards and experience the Scandinavian capitals with sightseeing city cards.

Experience Scandinavian Capitals With Sightseeing City Cards
The Copenhagen Card

The Copenhagen Card
Make the most out of Denmark’s vibrant capital with a money saving Copenhagen Card.

Free entrance to 89 attractions, including free public transportation in the Capital Region of Denmark. Free to bring two children between the ages of 0 – 11.

Copenhagen Card is offered both as a digital and a physical card. You can buy the digital Copenhagen Card through the app ‘Copenhagen Card’. The physical card can be purchased as voucher here.

Please note that the card entitles the cardholder to one visit per attraction regardless of the card type.

FROM DKK 439 / EUR 60

Seven Sights To Go With Kids In Copenhagen

Experience Scandinavian Capitals With Sightseeing City Cards
The Oslo Pass

The Oslo Pass
The Oslo Pass saves you both time and money while you explore Norway’s beautiful capital.

The Oslo Pass gives you free admission to 30 museums and sights in Oslo. Explore great art, discover interesting and fun museums or take your family for a day out  – the Oslo Pass get you covered.

With the Oslo Pass, you also get unlimited travel with the public transport system throughout Oslo and the immediate surroundings. Hop on and off any tram, subway, bus or public ferry just as you like, without having to worry about tickets.

In addition, you can enjoy rebates on sightseeing, concert tickets, climbing, ski rental, Tusenfryd Amusement Park and special offers in restaurants, shops, entertainment and leisure venues.

The physical card can be purchased as voucher here.

From NOK 445 / EUR 43

Explore The Oslo Fjord Island

Experience Scandinavian Capitals With Sightseeing City Cards
The Stockholm Pass

The Stockholm Pass
Enjoy incredible savings at top Stockholm attractions with the All-Inclusive Pass. From archipelago adventures, to Viking treasures…
Visit as many attractions as you like on a 1, 2, 3, or 5-day pass. You’ll save far more compared to buying separate attraction tickets.

Let the sightseeing begin! Some attractions welcome visitors on the day and some need to be booked in advance, so be sure to check our All-Inclusive Pass reservations page before you travel.

When you get to each attraction, tour, or activity, show your pass for entry. You’ve got total control of your sightseeing – plan ahead, or choose attractions as you go!

Learn more here.

Prices from SEK 2615 / EUR 239

Seven Reasons To Visit Stockholm

Experience Scandinavian Capitals With Sightseeing City Cards, compiled by Tor Kjolberg

Top Reasons To Fall In Love With Bergen In Autumn!

Autumn brings colors with its arrival. The yellow and red falling leaves seem to be happy with the arrival of this season. Although spring has its charm, beauty, and colors autumn brings versatile changes in the environment. Learn more about the top reasons to fall In love with Bergen In autumn!

But autumn in Bergen is beyond imagination. Yes! On the Atlantic coast, in the west of Norway, Bergen welcomes autumn in a different style that attracts everyone. It is about a 2-hour flight from France, Germany, and the UK.

It is the second biggest city in Norway serving as an important seaport for European trade. It is also known as the Fjord Capital of Norway & the City between the 7 mountains.

Its scenic beauty touches the soul of the visitors. After reading this article, you would love to travel to Bergen and bless your eyes with its majestic autumn scenes. So let’s dive into the article.

Top Reasons To Fall In Love With Bergen In Autumn!
View from Fløyen Photo: Wikipedia

Magnificent View Of 7 Mountains
Seven great mountains surround Bergen and increase its beauty. You will get great hiking opportunities there. Not only this, but you can also enjoy the blissful natural beauty of Bergen and autumn from the top of the mountains.

Mount Fløyen is a famous and accessible mountain from all these mountains. You can also access this mountain on foot or by a railway that runs from the core of the city. However, hiking on these mounts will take up to 6 hours with proper food and gear.

Mount Ulkiren is the tallest one at 643m. Other mountains are Mount Damsgardsfjellet, Lyderhorn, Lovstakken, Sandviksfjellet.

Top Reasons To Fall In Love With Bergen In Autumn!
You will experience a diverse selection of bars, clubs, and pubs. Here from Allmuen. Photo: Wammen Photo.

Joyful Night Time
Unlike other major European cities with one main bar street, Bergen is versatile with scattered nightlife across the different parts of the city. You will experience a diverse selection of bars, clubs, and pubs. However, on Saturday and Sunday nights the excitement level of the citizens and visitors is up to the mark.

Skostredet is well known for its trendy restaurants and bars. A wide variety of sports bars, traditional pubs, and beer gardens along with living music are found around Bryggen.

Related: Bergen – Norway – An Appealing Mix of the Cosmopolitan and the Outdoors

Top Reasons To Fall In Love With Bergen In Autumn!
UNESCO World Heritage site Bryggen. Photo: Girish Chouhan/Visit Bergen

UNESCO’s World Heritage Site
The famous landmark, Bryggen, offers a picturesque sight. It is also known as UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.

This landmark has played a significant role in the Hanseatic league which dominated trade in Europe for more than 400 years.

The landmark offers a beautiful view of colorful wooden houses that are used as cafes, bars, or souvenir shops. The small shops in the narrow alleys sell local crafts and jewelry. VAN Rental Bergen Norway is there to help you drop at your destination safely. Check out to find out more about their services.

Now you can visit Norway without any stress about transportation. Budget Burgen County van rental has made trips to Norway easier.

Visit Bergen photo: © Maciej Ducxynski / www.fjordnorway.com

Top Reasons To Fall In Love With Bergen In Autumn!
In western Norway, lots of companies are offering full-day or half-day cruises. photo: © Maciej Ducxynski / www.fjordnorway.com

One-Day Fjord Cruise
In western Norway, lots of companies are offering full-day or half-day cruises such as Næroyfjorden, Sognefjorden, and Osterfjorden. Sognefjorden stands as the most spectacular and longest open fjord in the world.

These all are accessible within hours from Bergen’s city center. Take the Norway car rental facility to get there. The Norway vacation package is also a great way to explore the beauty that lies in Norway.

Top Reasons To Fall In Love With Bergen In Autumn!, continue reading….

Bergen As A Great Student City
Bergen has approximately 30,000 students from 110 countries of the world. The University of Bergen – the largest university – is situated above the city center.

The Museum of Natural History is a botanical garden that is home to more than 3,000 plant species. These plants are grown from the seeds of wild species of Norway or somewhere in the world.

It is worth visiting as it brings us close to nature and trees. Avail of Norway car rental services to discover most of the famous places in Bergen.

Top Reasons To Fall In Love With Bergen In Autumn!
From Kalvåg. Photo: David Zadig/go-fjords

The Rainy Season In Bergen
There is a high percentage of rain as compared to other major cities in Europe. On average, Bergen has 239 rainy days in a year.

The presence of seven majestic mountains and the sea explains the reason for so much rain in the city. However, the locals are well equipped to cope with the rainy weather in the city. The trendy raincoats and rubber boots are the main requirements of locals in Bergen.

Top Reasons To Fall In Love With Bergen In Autumn!
Bergen is worthy to visit throughout the year. Photo: Visit Bergen

The Greenery In Bergen
You can find lots of parks and trees in the city. In spring these trees offer beautiful sights with beautiful pink flowers fully blossomed.

The bikes are also painted green color and can be easily observed throughout the city. There are more than 97 parking stations in the city. The Bergen light rail is a new mode of transportation in the city and can take you anywhere from the airport to the city center.

Check out the culture trip to get to know more about Bergen and Norway.

Explore the Bergen:
Bergen is a great city with plenty of options to spend time with. The art galleries and museums, coastal areas, bars, cafes and beautiful streets decorated with art provides everything for a perfect trip to Norway.

Bergen is worthy to visit throughout the year. You do not need to fear the cold winter and snow here. You can enjoy your winter trip as much as your summer trip to Norway. All that matters is the choice of dresses.

There is an old saying, “there is no such thing as bad as weather, only bad clothing.”

Top Reasons To Fall In Love With Bergen In Autumn! is a promotional article from VAN Rental Bergen

Feature image (on top) Source: staticflickr.com

American Gallerist in Oslo Supporting Young Norwegian Artists

When the American gallerist Esperanza Rosales came to Oslo in 2011 to write an article about the Norwegian capital’s art scene, she fell head over heels in love with the city. The gallerist just established her own gallery in the capital. Learn more about the American gallerist is Oslo supporting young Norwegian artists.

She left her position as leader of Gallery Dépendance in Brussels and Gallery VI, VII (or Sixes and Sevens) in Oslo was founded in 2012. Prior to opening the gallery in Oslo, Rosales lived in London, Brussels, Rotterdam, Frankfurt and Berlin, and draws on those international connections and experiences in developing her gallery program. The name VI, VII comes from a British idiom describing a state of recklessness, confusion, or disarray, embodying the spirit of risk and the refusal of conventions that guides the gallery’s program.

American Gallerist in Oslo Supporting Young Norwegian Artists
The story of how Esperanza Rosales ended up as a gallerist in Norway is rich and exciting. Photo: Julie Anett Spangebu Frieze

Related: Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art in Oslo 20 Years

The story of how Esperanza Rosales ended up as a gallerist in Norway is rich and exciting. Rosales has a solid background in the contemporary art world, which she has been an active part of in various ways over the past two decades, first as an art student in her hometown of New York in the late 1990s, and then as a freelance art critic, gallerist and art advisor. She has also been an active artist herself.

Rosala says that she received many warnings from friends and acquaintances. They thought it was crazy to open a new gallery in such an expensive city.

American Gallerist in Oslo Supporting Young Norwegian Artists
The name VI, VII comes from a British idiom describing a state of recklessness, confusion, or disarray, embodying the spirit of risk and the refusal of conventions that guides the gallery’s program.

Related: Oslo Welcomes a New Edvard Munch Museum

However, over the past five years, VI, VII has exhibited the work of over 50 international artists, and currently represents 14 emerging artists, most under the age of 35.

The international art gallery represents 17 artists, five of whom are Norwegian, and regularly participates in international art fairs. VI, VII is known for promoting young and promising artists from home and abroad.  Rosales lives and breathes art and is passionate about lowering the threshold for people to enter the gallery.

The gallery has hosted the first Norwegian solo shows for many international artists, including Eloise Hawser, Lars Laumann, Jochen Schmith, James Hoff, Benjamin Crotty, Mark van Yetter, and Amy Yao, and recently presented American sculptor Eva LeWitt’s first European gallery exhibition.

American Gallerist in Oslo Supporting Young Norwegian Artists
Over the past five years, VI, VII has exhibited the work of over 50 international artists.

Related: The New National Museum in Oslo

The gallery is based in the Oslo Bay where great attention is paid to detail. Here you will find stunning architecture, greenery and a sense of openness, which is both welcoming and inviting. Oslo Bay has the energetic aspects of a city center with a rare and unbeatable access to the water, but it is also a neighborhood. This mix of housing, business and access to the outdoors as well as training activities have been shown to work very well.

“The most important thing for me”, says Esperanza Rosales, “is that the gallery should not have a very local focus. I want to support the artists over a longer period of time and create an understanding of, and a context for, their work for a wide audience.”

American Gallerist in Oslo Supporting Young Norwegian Artists, written by Tor Kjolberg

10 Scandinavian Life Habits That Everyone Should Have

For those who don’t yet know, Scandinavian countries include Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. But what’s exactly so special about these countries, and why are people, companies, and governments from all over the world talking about them? Well, the answer is pretty simple. It’s because these Scandinavian countries have consistently flourished across several of the most important surveys in the world. Learn more about the 10 Scandinavian life habits that everyone should have.

Some of the surveys in which most Scandinavian countries rank highest are –

But before we jump into the topic, students reading this should also remember to keep their academics in check along with learning better ways of living. Studying a whole new heritage, culture, and way of life of the people is an intensive process and can take a significant period. However, in the meantime, students shouldn’t dismiss or neglect their pending tasks and work.

Thankfully today, students can use a number of online services to get some of their extra work done for them. For example, students can use a top platform like Studyfy for their essay writing service, essay editing service, and a lot more. Using such task-related services from a leading platform ensures the timely submission of high-quality work from experts.

Getting back to the topic, the numerous country-wide surveys and their results only give us half the picture. In reality, it’s all about the people, how they are, how they conduct themselves, and what we can learn from them.

In no particular order, here are 10 Scandinavian life habits that everyone should have.

1. Embrace the Cold or the Sometimes – Harsh Weather Conditions
A big reason behind Scandinavians being strong and tough people is that they sometimes have to experience the most torrid weather conditions on the planet. During several parts of the year, it can get not only cold but also dull and gray. But instead of it depressing them, they still look to make the most of their time and life. To Scandinavians, these times are the best to restore appetites, speed up metabolism, and regulate sleep.

10 Scandinavian Life Habits That Everyone Should Have
Embrace the Minimal Nature of Being & Living. PhotO. Bea Fladstad/Unsplash

2. Less is Always More – Embrace the Minimal Nature of Being & Living
According to Scandinavians, one of the best ways to absorb more life and be happier is through needing, owning, and using less. The way of life of needing less of everything and still prospering is known as lagom in the Nordic region. This philosophy basically says that one doesn’t do anything in excess to live a great life. But at the same time, one should try everything too – but in healthy moderation.

3. Switch or Integrate into a More Nordic-Style Diet
A Scandinavian diet is among the most delicious and sought-after cuisines in not just Europe but also the world. One of the main ingredients in this diet is fish or, specifically, salmon – which is super-rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Other main highlights of this cuisine are berries, mushrooms, root vegetables, wheat, oats, rye, and more. These foods are healthy, non-fatty, nutritious, and still delicious.

4. Try Some Heat Therapy or Sauna
Everyone knows that Scandinavia is the land of fire and ice. The reason behind this is that Scandinavian countries can get extremely cold. And the best way of counteracting it is through soaking in some heat. Most Scandinavian countries aren’t just blessed with several hot springs but are also abundant with sauna rooms. Heat therapy opens pores, relaxes muscles, improves skin, and cleans one’s system.

5. Live in Closer Harmony with Nature
With the contrasting seasons in the Scandinavian region, it is impossible for anyone to live apart from nature from the get-go. Thus, instead of fighting it, Scandinavians embrace it. The region is decked with beautiful landscapes in the form of mountains, snow hills, forests, lakes, and a lot more. And no matter the season, Scandinavians have always found a way to go out and lead free-spirited lives.

10 Scandinavian Life Habits That Everyone Should Have
Instead of fighting nature, Scandinavians embrace it. Photo: Agnieszka Boeske/Unsplash

6. Enjoy the Littlest Things Life Has to Offer
Scandinavians aren’t known for going over to the top to celebrate anything. But this doesn’t mean that they don’t enjoy everything just as much as those who spend a lot or do a lot to show their happiness. Most Scandinavians are content and happy with minor things like sunshine on a sunny day, hiking through parks, exploring landscapes, or meeting friends over some food and drinks.

7. Eat Your Biggest or Heaviest Meal of the Day as Early as Possible
The phenomenon of eating the biggest meal early in the day is known as middag in Scandinavia. Unlike most other regions, the people here prefer to eat their meals not at noon but around four – late afternoon. The theory of eating most early and eating lightest later in the day is backed by science to provide several health benefits.

10 Scandinavian Life Habits That Everyone Should Have
Walking or cycling not only improves one’s health but is also cost-effective and beneficial to the environment. Photo: Robert Thiemann/Unsplash

8. Walking and/or Cycling More Than Anything Else
Scandinavian countries are some of the most bike-friendly countries in the world. And this is despite their extreme weather conditions. In fact, when it is colder or even raining or snowing, one can still find people either walking or riding to their destinations. Walking or cycling not only improves one’s health but is also cost-effective and beneficial to the environment.

9. You Don’t Need to Intoxicate Too Much to Enjoy Your Life
The truth is that the dark, gray, and cold weather can accelerate depression, alcoholism, and substance abuse rates. This is another space where the less-is-more philosophy of lagom comes back into play. Most regions in Scandinavia also regulate the sale of alcohol. Drinking too much has historically been known to create several immediate and long-term problems in people’s lives.

10. Exercise!
Exercise is an integral part of the lives of most Scandinavians. Even those who want nothing to do with it simply cannot avoid it as it’s out in the open, at work, and in social scenes. Scandinavians love challenges, and exercising when the weather isn’t too great is one of their go-to challenges. Regular exercise keeps one’s body healthy and more immunized to weather changes or illnesses.

10 Scandinavian Life Habits That Everyone Should Have – The Bottom Line
Just observing Scandinavian life is fascinating and alluring in itself. The mental toughness, the emotional stability, the simplicity, the joy in everyday life, and a lot more never stops ringing out from its people. With help from the above points, one can integrate some of the best and healthiest aspects of the Scandinavian people and community.

10 Scandinavian Life Habits That Everyone Should Have is a promotional article from studyfye.com

Feature image (on top): © Hans M / Unsplash

Danish Samsø Island – A Haven for Artists, Farmers and Nature Lovers

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West of Mols Bjerge is in the immediate town of Ebeltoft, with a its small, unaltered town hall from 1789, The Samsø island can be seen from here, but it must be reached by ferry from Hovu, 25km (15 miles) south of Århus. The Danish Samsø island is a haven for artists, farmers and nature lovers.

A haven for artists, farmers and nature lovers alike, Samsø is renowned for its new potatoes and cheese – and wind turbines. In 1997, Samsø won a government competition to become a model renewable energy community. Now 100% of its electricity comes from wind power and biomass. The Baltic island is one of the first industrialized places in the world to be entirely energy self-sufficient.

Danish Samsø Island – A Haven for Artists, Farmers and Nature Lovers
Samsø Hotel. Photo: Bookings.com

Ballen’s beach and village are popular with visitors. The island is served by a bus service which runs around the island, including the two ferry terminals in Sælvig and Ballen. In clear weather, the peninsula of Helgenæs to the north is visible.

The shallow lagoon Stavns Fjord houses most of the smaller islands of Samsø municipality. The largest of them is Hjortholm and most of the rest are just small islets really, but have been named individually. The lagoon is separated from the sea of Kattegat by the 7 km long sandbar of Besser Re.

Danish Samsø Island – A Haven for Artists, Farmers and Nature Lovers
Tha Samsø labyrinth. Photo: Visit Samsø

Nordby on the northern tip contains a wealth of colorful crossbeam houses, as well as small art galleries. Also, worth a visit in Nordby is the Samsø Labyrinth, the world’s largest permanent maze. Its 5km (3 miles) of passages wind through a dense fir forest covering 6 hectares (15 acres) (60,000 m2) equivalent to 12 soccer fields. The Samsø Labyrintth is approved as World’s Largest Maze by Guinness World Records.

Related: Viking Strongholds in Denmark

People have lived and hunted on Samsø from the earliest of times, when the ice receded at the end of the last Ice Age. Samsø first became an island approximately 9,000 years ago and there are several traces like dolmens, burial mounds, passage graves, kitchen middens, etc. from the Stone Age and Bronze Age cultures across the landscape. Excavations at Tønnesminde and Endebjerg, for example, show evidence of human habitation from the Stone Age through the Viking Age.

Danish Samsø Island – A Haven for Artists, Farmers and Nature Lovers, written by Tor Kjolberg.

Feature image (on top): Photo Tripadvisor

We Love Scandinavian Design

October is soon here and Scandinavia is an abundance of color. As the fresh air and rain sweep up in the dust and clean our gardens, we celebrate homemade apple pie and new additions to the home from our favorite Scandinavian designers. We love Scandinavian design!

VP Globe Verpan is an innovative pendant lamp. The lamp consists of five hand-polished reflectors made of brass-colored aluminum which hang inside a transparent acrylic globe resulting in this unique ceiling lamp. Designed by Verner Panton. We found it here.

We Love Scandinavian Design
VP Globe Verpan lamp is designed by Verner Panton.

The Connect Modular Sofa brings a modern perspective to the typology, allowing for its user to customize the sofa for their exact spatial and aesthetic needs with 11 different modules. Designed by Andersen & Voll with long, elegant lines, the Connect Modular Sofa’s details of its small feet underneath for a hovering, light sentiment and pointy corners allows for the design to bring character to any space, all while complementing and enhancing its surroundings. Use the Connect Modular Sofa for a deep, modern comfort in any home, workplace, lounge area or hospitality setting.

We Love Scandinavian Design
The Connect modular softa is designed by Andersen & Voll with long, elegant lines.

Related: Scandinavian Design & USA: People, Encounters and Ideas, 1890–1980

We Love Scandinavian Design
The C lounge chair is inspired by old wooden tennis rackets, and designed by Danish design duo Hvidt & Mølgaard.

After experimenting for years with the concept of a laminated wooden frame inspired by old wooden tennis rackets, Danish design duo Hvidt & Mølgaard released X in 1959, a lounge chair with a distinctive sloping silhouette and understated aesthetic.

We Love Scandinavian Design
Show off what you desire, and hide what you need! Everyone’s storage needs are different, but Copenhagen organizer can fulfill them all. Designed by Morten Georgsen.

Show off what you desire, and hide what you need! Everyone’s storage needs are different, but Copenhagen organizer can fulfill them all. As functional and flexible as it is beautiful – Copenhagen is every organizer’s dream. Show off your treasures or hide your secrets with this modern shelving system. Organizing will never feel like a boring chore again. Designed by Morten Georgsen. We found it at BoConcept.

Related: 10 Scandinavian Design Lessons to Help Beat the Winter Blues

We Love Scandinavian Design
Whether it fulfills a function or is a sculptural feature, Rise & Shine is a centerpiece full of balance and movement. Designed by Hunting & Narud.

The Rise & Shine wall mirror consists of strong shapes with an asymmetrical composition and functions as an activating object in the room. An oak center allows the mirror and the brass component to push and pull against each other, allowing the mirror’s position to be adjusted according to the user. Whether it fulfills a function or is a sculptural feature, Rise & Shine is a centerpiece full of balance and movement. Designed by Hunting & Narud. We found it at newworks.

We Love Scandinavian Design
In 2014, Mia and Torben Koed launched WOUD and introduced a unique take on Nordic design

In 2014, Mia and Torben Koed launched WOUD, after having each worked for other furniture brands for 30 years. Their aim is to create beautiful homes through their interesting, unique take on Nordic design. WOUD’s homewares offer uncomplicated visual appeal in their design while delivering on the functionality front too. We found it at softervolumes.

Related: Talking Scandinavian Design

We Love Scandinavian Design
Caroline Wetterling designed the Grow greenhouse.

Caroline Wetterling is a designer based in Stockholm, who works with products, furniture and interiors. With her work, Caroline aims to encourage the users participation and awareness of details in everyday life. She is educated at Konstfack and Beckmans College of Design. We found her Grow Greenhouse at Design House Stockholm.

Scandi Style is a trend that really no interior lover can ignore. Because the northerners from Denmark, Sweden and Norway impress people around the globe not only with their clean designs, but also their love for nature.

We Love Scandinavian Design, compiled by Tor Kjolberg

Feature image (on top) Photo © Arch Daily

How to Take a Loan to Buy an Apartment in Scandinavia

If you are looking for an apartment and you are considering buying one, you will most likely need to take a loan. Before you jump into it, you should be aware to take it in the right order and to consider every step. Here are some guidelines on how to take a loan to buy an apartment in Scandinavia.

If you are considering buying an appartement in Scandinavia, you should make sure to investigate your options and get some assistance to read the market as it can be difficult to do if you have little knowledge of real estate and loans. Housing is expensive in most parts of Scandinavia, especially in the Capital city and the bigger cities. This is naturally an indication that it is popular to live in Scandinavia.

Related: How a Loan Intermediary in Scandinavia Can Help You Find the Best Offer 

Taking a loan is a big decision and you should really consider all the pros and cons as well as looking into all the possibilities you have. Maybe you have another loan and if you want to gather your loans this would probably not be a bad idea. Wherever you stand, there is a lot of decisions to be made. And if you want to get off to a good start, you can read these guidelines to help you get an overview.

How to take a loan to buy an apartment in Scandinavia
How much you can loan naturally depends on your income as well as the market you want to buy into. Photo: Scott Graham/Unsplash

Settling for a maximum

Before you fall in love with a specific apartment, you should naturally make sure that your possibilities. You will need to take a chat with your bank to find out what amount of money is sensible for you to put into an apartment. How much you can loan naturally depends on your income as well as the market you want to buy into. It makes a big difference how the market will potentially evolve in the future. If you have a partner, you will most likely be able to loan more but you will also be liable for the loan.

Related: Common Expenses When Moving to Scandinavia

Finding an apartment

The specific apartment naturally has an impact on the loan as it is valued to a certain amount. And this also reflects how much you will be able to sell it for at some point in the future. There are always unknown factors in this, and you cannot be sure that it plays out as planned. The economy can be influenced by inflation or other factors as well as the real estate market can both rise and fall. Taking a loan and buying an apartment takes guts and you will need to let go of your worries when everything is done. And you should off course make sure that you can afford living while paying of you mortgage monthly and this is a process that the banker can assist you in.

Related: Tips for Buying a Home in Sweden

How to take a loan to buy an apartment in Scandinavia
The economy can be influenced by inflation or other factors as well as the real estate market can both rise and fall. Photo: Andrew Neel/Unsplash

Choosing the loan

Choosing a loan can be complicated depending on how many options you must choose between. Things that are important to consider are the interest rate of the loan, which has a great impact on how much you will need to pay each month as well as the loans running time, meaning the time in which you will have paid all the loan back. These factors are important to consider thoroughly as they make a big impact on your everyday life and economic situation.

How to take a Loan to Buy an Apartment in Scandinavia, is a promotional article from Loanspotter.

Feature image (on top): Photo © Razvan Chisu / Unsplash

Concrete Waves Are on The Rise in Scandinavia

A concrete skate wave has reached Scandinavia. Here, small wheels roll on gray concrete and accelerate in soft curves, roll towards new ones, lose speed on the way up before the wheels roll down again. New speed. New tricks. The skaters float, absorbed in the moment. They hunt for fluency, constantly searching for those they haven’t learned yet. Here you can learn about the best skateparks in the Scandinavian capitals. Concrete waves are on the rise in Scandinavia.

Whenever you go skateboarding, you need to protect yourself.

Stockholm
In Stockholm, there are many really good skateparks. Here we’ve put together a list of the 10 best skateparks in Stockholm.

Highvalley Skateworld
A skatepark in the suburb Högdalen.

The skatepark has a large bowl area in three different heights, a Mega Ditch, a mini ramp and a small area for street.

Area: 5500 sqm (59200 Square feet)

Here you can go: skateboarding (not BMX or kickbike)
Inaugurated: 2012. Designed by: Pillar Studios. Built by: Artisan Skateparks.

Concrete Waves Are on The Rise in Scandinavia
Highvalley skateworld, Stockholm. Photo: Visit Stockholm

Brotherhood Plaza
A skatepark in Skarpnäck. A large and creative street has become a unique skatepark. Here you find a skatepark like no other, a must go when visiting Stockholm. There is also a bowl with spine.

Skateboard Plaza park project designed by skateboarder David Krug and the skateboard company Brotherhood for the city council of Stockholm and Skarpnäck.

The park is a live ongoing project that was started in 2004. Brotherhood Plaza includes interesting looking skateable architecture, art objects and monuments combined with beautiful scenery like Swedish trees, grass, rocks and nature. A place for skateboarders to skate, all people to chill in the sun and kids to play.

Concrete Waves Are on The Rise in Scandinavia
Rålis skatepark, Stockholm

Rålis skatepark
In the Rålambshov Park (Råklmbshovparken) you find the large skatepark situated under the bridge ”Lilla Västerbron”. This is a very popular and well-known skate park (with many kickbike riders), which means that it often gets crowded. If you want some space, visit early mornings.

Area: 1400 sqm (15069 Square feet).
Inaugurated: November 2010

Fryshuset skatepark
This legendary skatepark, named ”Stockholm Skate Park”, is the best indoor arena for skateboarding in Stockholm. The skateparks has two halls covering a total of 1600 square meters with street, miniramp, pool and vert ramp.

Gubbängen skatepark
Large bowl area with nice flow. The skatepark was designed and built by Evergreen skateparks.

Vårby skatepark – Ravinen
A concrete park with large flow bowl and inner smaller bowl connected by a spine.

Designed by Sub Surfers Johan Sandström and Stefan Hauser /Placed To Ride(PTR) and built by Nord Skateparks. Initially Ants Neo and stand up comedian Thomas Oredsson were involved.

Åva skatepark, Täby
A skatepark with street, bowl and kidney pool with separate space for kickbikers.
Area: 800 kvm.
Inaugurated: 2013

Kristineberg Bowl
Kristineberg Bowl features many sweet transition lines for all abilities. There are also some nice little ledges incorporated as benches into the park that provide a good variety. The bowl fits both beginners and professionals. A successful collaboration with Nord Skateparks, where the end result was one of Stockholm’s funniest bowls. The heights in the bow are between 1.4m to 2.1m with a couple of “roll-ins” that make it easy for beginners to drop in.
Area: 750 kvm

Drakenbergs skatepark – Tantolunden
Small but nice street skatepark located in Södermalm near Zinkensdamm and Hornstull. The skatepark featurs a wallride, curbs and manual pads. Fun spot for street skaters.

Norrköping Skatpeark
A couple of hours’ drive south from Stockholm, Norrköping municipality has invested in a concrete park just west of the city center, close to the city’s sports hall. From the highway, the park looks like a sculpture folded out in the grass, an almost iconic installation of 1,000 square meters.

Copenhagen
Individuals that are trying to find skate parks in Copenhagen can unearth a countless number of choices to consider. Here are our recommendations for Copenhagen.

Superkilen
A skatepark in Nørrebro with unique benches, playgrounds and trails, incorporating aspects from its diverse neighborhood. There’s a fountain inspired by Morocco and areas for skateboarders and bikers.
Inaugurated: 2012.

Concrete Waves Are on The Rise in Scandinavia
Superkilen, Nørrebro Copenhagen. Photo: Wikipedia

Fælledparken Skatepark
The 4600 square meters large skatepark is one of the largest skate parks in Denmark. It’s also one of the most used and loved parks.

The park is divided into three levels and thereby targets both the six-year-old boy who has never tried skateboarding before, as well as the skilled skater.

For the professional skater, we recommend using the park in the late afternoon and evening hours to get an undisturbed skating experience.

Concrete Waves Are on The Rise in Scandinavia
Fællesparken, Copenhagen. Photo: skateparks.dk

Nørrebroparken skatepark
Nørrebro Skatepark is one of the most popular street parks in Copenhagen and offers a lot of challenges for the street-oriented skater. The park is rectangular and provides a natural flow throughout the park with several obstacles along the way, including ledges, banks, rails and stairs.

Easy for beginners, technically challenging for experienced skaters.
Inaugurated: 2007.
Designed by Teit Andersen.

Concrete Waves Are on The Rise in Scandinavia
Enghave skatepark, Copenhagen. Photo: Myskatesports

Enghave Skatepark
This concrete park is located only about a 1/2 mile from Copenhagen’s main train station and has some really fun lines and good hips as well as some street obstacles. It’s mostly concrete with a couple wood ramps but very fun for a city center. Enghave skatepark is a good place for kids and beginners.

Related: Extreme Artists and Extreme Sports in Norway

Oslo
Skateboarding was first introduced to Norway in 1978 when the first boards were sold. It was banned from 1978–1989. These days, however, there are skate parks in almost every suburb.

Concrete Waves Are on The Rise in Scandinavia
GSF skatepark, Oslo. Photo: Brettstedet.no

Gamlebyen Sport Og Fritid (GSF Skatepark)
The park was officially founded in the summer of 1999 at the intersection of one of the main arteries leading out of Oslo, nearby a massive railway. Today it is one of the best known “spots” for skating and graffiti art in Norway. Skaters and artists roll in from all around Scandinavia to visit the park.

Alto Braveboy, who has been the spokesperson of GSF for all these years and lives right next to the park, recalls when he first found out that kids were using the area for skateboarding.

Alto and his friends put in years of work to concretize their first ideas. Funding was scarce and public interest low, so GSF recurred to the direct help of close friends and direct actions.

Today GSF has expanded both spatially and in outreach. The park now extends to the other side of the road, where an abandoned railway bridge was repurposed to include various practice areas, a “flying” playground, and public toilets.

Hausmania Bowl
The bowl is a private indoor bowl inaugurated in 2012 and built by Skate Fight Club.

Frognerkilen minramp
The miniramp contains hip, rainbow corner and extentions and a microramp with bumps and spine.
Inaugurated: 2014.

Concrete Waves Are on The Rise in Scandinavia
Oslo skatehall. Photo: Arkitektur

Oslo Skatehall & Skatepark
The skate hall at Voldsløkka is an important meeting place for young people, and help meet the growing need for low-threshold services and self-organized sports.
The skatehall contains 2300m2 indoor and 840m2 outdoor skatepark

Inaugurated: 2017. Designed by Glifberg+Lykke with architects Darkarkitekter.no. Built by IOU Ramps.

There is a large floor space for street skating, One bowl, a micro ramp and a full size vert.
The bowl looks nice and you can carve it very fast. Corners are a bit “square” and the coping is challenging; it sticks into the bowl, but not up, it is granite and, in my opinion, real concrete pool coping is easier, but you can get used to it and you can make long grinds.

Concrete Waves Are on The Rise in Scandinavia
Jordal skatepark, Oslo. Photo: skatesite.no

Jordal Skatepark
The skatepark was opened at the end of August 2022. Today’s facility, which is built in wood, has been replaced by a new skate facility in concrete. The skate park has different skate elements for varying skill levels and new LED lighting.  With 2,200 m2, it is Norway’s third largest skate park in terms of area.

Skur 13 indoor skatepark
This skatepark with 1,500 square meters of rails, pipes and ramps, open seven days a week, offers some equipment which can be borrowed free of charge.
The park is normally free to use on weekdays 2–6 pm, but after 6 pm and on weekends you have to pay 30–50 NOK to get in.

The skate park in Skur 13 was built for X Games 2016,  and is now operated by the Oslo Skateboarding Association.

Concrete Waves Are on The Rise in Scandinavia compiled by Tor Kjolberg

Feature image (on top): Photo © Devin Avery / Unsplash

From a Norwegian Local to an American Icon

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The Swedish fashion brand Acne has created its versions of the penny loafer with glitter and oversized tassels. Tommy Hillfinger has made several variants with colored soles and checkered wool fabric. Comme des Garcons has collaborated with the traditional shoe manufacturer Trickers and made shoes with white rubber soles. Burberry has been inspired by the Incan Indians, while Yves Saint Laurent has created it’s own twist with a 10.5 centimeter high stiletto heel. But behind all the unique creations and exciting designs is the true father of penny loafer moccasins, a Norwegian farmer named Nils Gregoriussen Tveranger. Learn more about the Aurland shoe – a journey from a Norwegian local to an American icon.

The penny loafer originated in the early 1900s when a Norwegian farmer named Nils Gregoriussen Tveranger wanted to improve the design of the teser, a traditional laceless shoe that was worn by local fishermen and peasants. The teser was a tough yet lightweight slip-on style that was made from leather. After going to America to study the art of cordwaining, he created the Aurland moccasin when he returned to Norway, which combined elements from the teser and the Iroquois Native Americans’ moccasins.

From a Norwegian Local to an American Icon
The penny loafer originated in the early 1900s when a Norwegian farmer named Nils Gregoriussen Tveranger wanted to improve the design of the teser, a traditional laceless shoe that was worn by local fishermen and peasants. Photo: DigitalMuseum

Related: Norwegian High-End Shoemaker with High-End Interior

The easy appeal of the loafer was that it was comfortable as well as smart. The strap on penny loafers was originally a design feature, there to add intrigue to an otherwise simple silhouette. It was the Aurland shoes that inspired the American shoe manufacturers to make moccasins, now also known as “Weejuns”, named after “The Norwegians” because of their origin from Norway.

But why are they called penny loafers?
The strap had a small slit was the perfect size to hold a coin, and back in the days when using payphones was the norm, many young men and women would keep money in their shoes in case they needed to make an emergency call.  Years later, preppy Americans adapted their loafers and added silver coinage to their shoes to make a statement. And so, the penny loafer was born.

From a Norwegian Local to an American Icon
The strap had a small slit was the perfect size to hold a coin, and back in the days when using payphones was the norm, many young men and women would keep money in their shoes in case they needed to make an emergency call.

Related: Born Out of Scandinavian Weather

The most common legend about the coin is about the practical value of carrying around extra capital. These coins could save a fashionable lion home from a party. With the 25 “øring” (Norwegian coin) from one shoe, you could call home for a ride, and with the other 25 øring, if you didn’t get a ride, you could just afford to take the last bus home.

Likely the first pair of dress shoes that you owned as a child, the penny loafer is akin to a pair of khakis or a polo shirt – it has transcended seasonal trends and is regarded as a timeless essential. One of the particular appeals of penny loafers is that they can be worn as both formal and casual wear, for men and women. From high-flying lawyers and accountants to sharply dressed Yale students, the penny loafer has been a style that defies subculture and has truly stood the test of time.

Perhaps it is the versatility of the penny loafer that has resulted in its unshakeable popularity throughout the years. After all, it can be argued that no other shoe style can offer as many styling possibilities: the penny loafer can elevate the most laidback looks while also being the perfect finishing touch to smart casual ones – equally at home whether paired with tapered trousers or linen shorts.

From a Norwegian Local to an American Icon
. It was the Aurland shoes that inspired the American shoe manufacturers to make moccasins

Penny loafers are an incredibly versatile shoe that can be worn all year round when paired with the right outfit.

Related: Tailor Made Galoshes

Penny loafers go great with skinny fit jeans or chinos, don’t forget to roll up the ankle to show off your shoes and create a great casual look.

Try wearing penny loafers without socks to create a clean, minimalist silhouette from head to toe. Suede penny loafers offer a versatile option that can be dressed up and dressed down for any situation

Wealthy sportsmen and the well-traveled elite wore the Aurland shoes back home in fashionable places like Palm Beach, where an Esquire magazine staffer spotted the first pair in 1935. According to Esquire, the Aurland shoes were usually paired with light-colored suits and a Panama hat or a fedora.

From a Norwegian Local to an American Icon
FROm Aurland, Norway. Photo: See Norway

Penny loafers can be worn with suits; pair a light-colored suit with a similar tone of loafer for a great summer look and a dark suit with a patent loafer for a more formal look.

Shiny jewelry and fast money don’t just belong to the hip-hoppers of our time. Throughout the moccasin’s history, there has always been room for a cheeky decoration. The old Aurlandskoen was not only used for dancing, but was also part of several Norwegian national costumes (bunad).

From a Norwegian Local to an American Icon
Penny loafer outfit

And today you can’t go wrong with Cromwell Loafer
Pair it with pretty much anything in your closet and you’re good to go. Want to look sharp on a hot summer day? Go for Cromwell in navy or dark brown suede to spruce up a pair of shorts and a linen button-down. For a more formal setting, you can’t go wrong with pairing the dark brown full-grain leather Cromwell with a navy suit or blazer.

From a Norwegian Local to an American Icon, written by Tor Kjolberg