Luxury Scandinavian Destinations

Tor Kjølberg
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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

Tor Kjølberg
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1
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

Tor Kjølberg
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0
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

Tor Kjølberg
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0
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

Tor Kjølberg
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0
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 book ‘Remixing 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

Tor Kjølberg
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0
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

Planning a Fishing Trip to Norway? Here’s what you need to know

Tor Kjølberg
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1
Planning a Fishing Trip to Norway? Here’s what you need to know

People travel from all over the world to go fishing in Norway. The country has incredible mountain peaks and amazing rivers where you will find all different types of fish including pike, perch, and of course, trout. If you’re planning a fishing trip to Norway, here’s what you need to know.

Norway is a popular tourist destination for those who enjoy saltwater fishing too. You’ll come across salmon, haddock, and mackerel throughout the year in Norway.

Fishing season
During the summer months, people come from all over to hike, camp and bike around this unique country. Many of these tourists travel with a fishing rod because there are lots of great places to catch fish. The fishing season begins at the beginning of May. Most people who enjoy fishing visit Hardanger, while others head for the Hardangervidda.

Planning a Fishing Trip to Norway?
Although tourists don’t need a fishing license to fish in Norway, it’s of vital importance that you buy a fishing permit in the area you plan to fish in. Here from sea fishing in northern Norway.

Finding accommodation in these areas isn’t hard. There are lots of hotels and tourist lodges, but if you enjoy the great outdoors, you might want to consider camping. Preparation is key to having a good time in Norway, so if you plan on camping, invest in quality travel gear before you arrive. You will find lots of quality camping gear available on the internet on sites like Cortazu.

Planning a fishing trip to Norway? Read on.

Fishing license
Although tourists don’t need a fishing license to fish in Norway, it’s of vital importance that you buy a fishing permit in the area you plan to fish in. If you want to fish for certain types of fish like Salmon, you must first buy a national permit. Tourists can purchase a national permit on the Norwegian Environment Agency’s official site. If you didn’t buy the national permit, speak to local land owners or organizations in the area. They might be able to issue a permit for the area you plan to fish in.

If you are hoping to export some of the fish you caught while visiting Norway, keep in mind that you can only take 15kg out of the country with you.

Planning a Fishing Trip to Norway? Here's what you need to know
If you don’t want to travel with fishing gear, some tour companies have fishing rods for rent. Photo: Femund Engerdal/Visit Norway

You don’t need experience
If you are new to the world of fishing, Norway is a great place to start. Whether you have been fishing for years or you are a total ‘newbie’ to the popular activity, you should consider hiring a tour guide.

There are several fishing tour companies operating in Norway. Over the pandemic, most of these companies struggled to keep their businesses afloat, but with strict Covid-19 regulations being lifted, its business as usual.

With a local guide by your side, you will learn the different techniques needed to catch fish in Norway. They will show you unique fishing spots and the different type of bait needed to catch fish.

Planning a Fishing Trip to Norway?
Fishing equipment explained in Lofoten. Photo: Aurora Stenersen/Visit Norway

Not all tour guides in Norway speak fluent English, but most do. Consider contacting the tour agency before arriving in Norway for more information. While fishing, don’t rely on Google translate to communicate with your tour guide. In many secluded locations in Norway, connecting to the internet won’t be easy. Most tour companies have an official website, and an online presence on popular social media platforms. If you don’t want to travel with fishing gear, some tour companies have fishing rods for rent.

Planning a fishing trip to Norway? Read on.

Tips
Tourists are advised to wear a lifejacket at all times while on a boat while fishing. Consider bringing a bag for trash with you, because the locals want to keep their country clean. Under no circumstances should you litter while visiting Norway.

Planning a Fishing Trip to Norway?
Sea fishing in Norway

The weather can change in an instant, so make sure that you prepare your equipment and clothes before going fishing. The government encourages tourists to treat both wildlife and fish with respect.

If you sustain an injury while fishing in Norway, finding a medical professional won’t be easy. Tourists are advised to know first aid before they begin a fishing trip.

It’s against the law to fish for protected species. In certain areas, like Oslofjord, fishing for cod is banned throughout the year. It’s also against the law for international tourists to sell what they have caught while visiting the country.

Research online
Planing a fishing trip to Norway has never been easier thanks to the world wide web. You’ll find lots of useful content online to ensure your trip goes smoothly. Consider reading reviews about the different fishing tour agencies in your desired travel destination, and see what other travelers have to say about the areas they have visited on forums and travel websites. Honest reviews posted by tourists that have hired a fishing tour agency in Norway will give you an insight into the different tours available, the cost of the tour, what type of clothes and fishing equipment are needed, and the type of fish you can catch.

There are fishing apps available for those wanting to go fishing in Norway. These apps are free to download, and they are available in different languages including Russian and English.

Planning a Fishing Trip to Norway? Here’s what you need to know is a promotional article from Cortazu.

All images © Visit Norway, except feature image ( on top) Fishing in Reisaelva© Steinar Engeland / Unsplash

The Dune-Fringed Shores of Danish Jutland

Tor Kjølberg
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The Dune-Fringed Shores of Danish Jutland

The Danish peninsula Jutland has captured the imagination of both painters and holiday makers, while music-lovers head for Århus, ‘the world’s smallest big city’. Learn more about the dune-fringed shores of Danish Jutland.

Jutland (Jylland) is the Danish Peninsula that juts up above Germany, the “mainland” in this nation of islands. When Copenhageners talk about the provinces, they usually mean Jutland. Nuggets of Denmark’s oldest and richest history – prehistoric bog bodies and Viking runestones – are to be found here, as well as youthful attractions, like Legoland. Jutland’s rolling hills are crisscrossed with rivers, patched with forests, crusted with castles and edged in fine sandy beaches.

The Dune-Fringed Shores of Danish Jutland
The pointed spire of the Cathedral of St. Clement (Domkirken) is 93 meters (316ft) high. Photo: Store danske lex

Jutland’s capital city
Århus (population 336,411 in 2017), Denmark’s second largest city, is a lively university town known for its music, theatre, ballet, art and cafés, and its Aarhus Festival (26 August – 4 Sept, 2022). The pointed spire of the Cathedral of St. Clement (Domkirken) is 93 meters (316ft) high and offers a superb view from its belfry. Nearby are the winding, cobblestone streets of the Latin Quarter, with quirky boutiques and trendy cafés and restaurants.

Related: Your Essential Guide to Wonderful Aarhus, Denmark

The Dune-Fringed Shores of Danish Jutland
ARoS Århus Art Museum (Kunstmuseum) gives and overview of Danish art from the 18th century to the present. Photo: Anders Trærup/Aros

ARoS Århus Art Museum (Kunstmuseum) gives and overview of Danish art from the 18th century to the present.

The City Hall (Rådhus) was built in 1941, and designed by Arne Jacobsen, one of Denmark’s most notable architects and designers.

Den Gamle By (Old Town) is an open-air, national museum of culture and history with reconstructions of 75 Danish town buildings – with merchant and artisan houses and workshops, gardens, shops, stalls, streets and alleys.

The Dune-Fringed Shores of Danish Jutland
The City Hall (Rådhus) was built in 1941, and designed by Arne Jacobsen. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Related: Pure Nordic Style at Hotel Oasia in Aarhus

One of the best museum exhibits in Denmark is the 2,000-year-old Grauballe Man at the Museum of Prehistory (Moesgård Museum) at Moesgård, 9km (5 miles) south of Århus. To stand centimeters from the twisted body of this Iron Age Man, found perfectly preserved in a peat bog in 1952, is a chilling experience.

The Dune-Fringed Shores of Danish Jutland
The new building at Moesgård Museu,. Photo: Wikipedia

The ruins of Kalø Slot, built in 1313, stand on a small island north of Århus bay, linked to the island by a causeway. The nearby hills of Mols Bjerge where Vikings relics abound in beautiful nature, are well worth a visit. Several artists have set up shop on the pretty Djursland peninsula.

Related: Aarhus – The World’s Smallest Metropolis

Main attractions:
Århus
Grauballe Man – Moesgård Museum
Legoland
Ribe
Langholm Høje
Jelling stones
Blåvands Huk
Aalborg
Skagen peninsula and the Grenen Headland

The Dune-Fringed Shores of Danish Jutland, written by Tor Kjolberg

Feature image (on top): Old Town Århus. Photo: Store norske leksikon.

The Universe of a Danish Ceramics Design Company

Tor Kjølberg
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The Universe of a Danish Ceramics Design Company

The ceramics company Kähler was founded by the Danish potter Herman J. Kähler in the town of Næstvedt on the island of Zealand in 1839. Up until 1974 the company was owned by the Kähler family but since then changed hands many times before landing in the hands of architect Frantz Longhi. Learn more about the universe of the Danish ceramics design company.

For many years, Kähler was very much a one-man-show, making simple kitchenware and heating stoves. Joachim’s son Herman A, Kähler attended the Technical School in Copenhagen (1864–65) while studying privately under Herman Wilhelm Bissen. Thereafter he travelled to Germany, Switzerland and Paris, returning to Næstved at the end of 1867.

Together with his younger brother Carl Frederik Kähler took over the family business in 1872 and began searching for new and innovative ceramics techniques.

The Universe of a Danish Ceramics Design Company
Kähler Omaggio vase

Related: The Danish Glass and Ceramics Biennal

Carl became responsible for producing faience while Herman specialized in manufacturing tiled stoves. In 1875, after Carl withdrew and the original factory had burnt down, Herman built a new factory on the town’s outskirts where he produced both stoves and pottery. Inspired by Vilhelm Klein, Herman A. Kähler started to experiment with more appealing designs with glazed finishes. In 1886, he succeeded in attracting the artists H. A. Brendekilde, L. A. Ring and Carl O. J. Lund.

The Universe of a Danish Ceramics Design Company
Kähler Kontur vase

As a result of his collaboration with the artist Vilhelm Klein, Kähler became interested in obtaining the red lustre glaze known as maiolica which had been produced in Gubbio, Italy, in the 16th century. In 1888 he developed the now-famous “Kähler red,” a ruby red lustre glaze in the maiolica-tradition. This launched him and the company to global recognition when he showed at the Great Nordic Exhibition in Copenhagen, followed by the World Expo in Paris in 1889. From then on, Kähler was cemented as a ceramics brand that could not only make basic home items like tiles and kitchenware, but also ceramic art.

The Universe of a Danish Ceramics Design Company
Bowl with ducks, designed by Karl Hansen Reistrup. Uranium

Related: A Danish Ceramic Artist’s Legendary Blue House

Kähler became known for making art, but in a democratic and affordable way. This is also what’s kept them contemporary.

The designer Karl Hansen Reistrup (1863–1929) joined the enterprise and assisted in the production of finely formed, artistically decorated items, especially vases.

Kähler was sold to Næstved Municipality in 1974. Though today the ceramics are no longer made in Næstved, the brand is still dear to the city’s heart. The Næstved Museum now has the world’s largest collection of historical Kähler pieces (although they are not yet on display).

Kähler went through several hands before seriously relaunching in 2007. The brand was revitalized, most notably with the introduction of the Omaggio vase, a collaboration between Stilleben studio and Kähler, in 2007.

In 2015, the Hammershøi collection was launched. Created by Norwegian designer Hans Christian Bauer, the silhouette is inspired by the work of Svend Hammershøi. It’s both minimalist and engaging, with an all-over ridged pattern that makes it pleasingly tactile, while the shiny glaze keeps it sleek and modern.

The Universe of a Danish Ceramics Design Company
Kähler Hammershøi collection

Related: Design Museum Copenhagen Reopens June 2022

Rosendahl Design Group bought Kähler in 2018 and the ceramics company has continued to grow, bringing in more design collaborations, such as the recent partnership with Turi Heisselberg Pedersen – called the Kontur vase – that was available at Illums Bolighus from October 2019. Kähler continues to give customers high levels of craftsmanship at reasonable prices, while offering a chance to own ceramics by innovative artists.

The Universe of a Danish Ceramics Design Company, written by Tor Kjolberg

All images © Kähler

Feature image (on top): On September 27, 2016, Princess Marie of Denmark attended the opening ceremony of old ceramic art company Kähler’s historic ceramics factory at Kähler in Naestved, Denmark. Kähler was founded in 1839 and the exhibition has many of the first designs and production methods on display. Photo: newmyroyals.com

The Swedish Island of Art

Tor Kjølberg
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The Swedish Island of Art

Tjörn is known as the Swedish Island of Art. But the country’s sixth largest island is just as good for cycling, beach life, seafood and enjoyment of life.

Like the rest of Bohuslän during the summer, the island hosts tourists from around Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Germany. However, what many visitors don’t know is that a little further inland in Pilane resides a very unique sculpture park. This Swedish sculpture park is a unique combination of ancient ruins and modern art.  You do not need a map to find Pilane. Just follow the coast north and look for the big white head. That is Anna by the Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, 14 meters high, from plinth to hairline (photo on top). And she is a beauty! Her timeless face is turned to the sea while the seasons flow around her. It is one of the world’s largest and most beautiful works of art.

The Swedish Island of Art
At Tjörn one of Sweden’s most beautiful landscapes opens up before you.

Related: UNESCO Sites You Must See in Sweden

The open-air museum has several dozen sculptures spread over eight hectares, but there is no doubt about which of them gets the most attention. However, the park features a beautiful heath with undulating terrain. Around the park are around 90 different historical sites from the Iron Age such as stone circles, burial mounds, and cairns.

Together with the Nordic Watercolor Museum in Skärshamn, Pilane has made art a trademark for Tjörn.

The Swedish Island of Art
The Nordic Watercolor Museum in Skärshamn. Photo: Anders A. Rena

From the jetty at the Nordic Watercolor Museum, you can dip your paintbrush in water while you dip your toes in the sea. From the cliffs of the historic landscape of Sculpture in Pilane, you can gaze out over the sea with the sculpture Anna by your side. Across the water stands Pater Noster, the king of lighthouses, where you have a world-class design hotel that offers you a home on the horizon.

Related: A Summer Playground for Scandinavians

With its magical location by the sea on the outskirts of Skärhamn, the Nordic Watercolour Museum has an atmosphere of clarity and creativity. Since the museum opened in 2000, it has hosted a series of world class international exhibitions. Among the exhibitors have been Salvador Dali, Bill Viola, Louise Bourgeois and Swedish favourites such as Elsa Beskow, Anders Zorn and Lars Lerin.

The Swedish Island of Art
Nordic Watercolor Museum. Photo: Jonas Ingman

Hiking and cycling between your art experiences
From the Nordic Watercolour Museum in Skärhamn, way markers lead you past fishing boats and boathouses, through the charming streets of this coastal community. As you leave the village one of Sweden’s most beautiful landscapes opens up before you. The trail takes you on winding paths, over smooth coastal rocks, through wind bent pine forests, and across sea strand meadows, all the way to Sculpture in Pilane.

Paddle your way to art through the world’s most beautiful archipelago
Rent your kayak at Kajaktiv in Bleket. From here, paddle north towards Skärhamn, past salt-rimed boathouses, cobs, and skerries, to land on the beach outside the Nordic Watercolour Museum. In calm weather there is also the opportunity to paddle with a guide from Kajaktiv to the small island of Hamneskär, home of the Pater Noster lighthouse.

Related: Where to Go Kayaking in Scandinavia

 

 

The Pater Noster lighthouse
The Pater Noster lighthouse on the island of Hamneskär guided sailors for over 150 years. The masterful architecture of this legendary lighthouse is now a home on the horizon. The solitary lighthouse keeper’s residence is one of the world’s foremost design hotels, and you are welcome!

The Swedish Island of Art, written by Tor Kjolberg

All images © Visit Sweden/Västsverige

Photo (on top): Anna at Pilane

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