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

The Best Sushi in Scandinavia?

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Norway is the largest producer of Atlantic salmon in the world. The salmon producer Nova Sea has bought into the sushi restaurant Alex Sushi in Oslo. Together, the raw material producer from the Helgeland coast and the sushi chefs at Alex Sushi are creating the perfect sushi salmon. Perhaps the best sushi in Scandinavia?

Nova Sea wishes to teach people about the farming industry. It is in fact possible to visit the producer’s many aquaculture facilities along the coast and that’s why the company wanted to have a ‘showroom’ in the capital of Norway. Inhabitants of Oslo as well as tourists and students can now learn about the salmon and the industry there.

The Best Sushi in Scandinavia?
Sushi chef Alex Cabiao was for a long time looking for exactly the salmon that works best for sushi. Photo: Alex Sushi

City gourmets have been a large part of Alex Sushi’s clientele since the restaurant opened in 2001. The restaurant was soon talked about in the media both in Norway and internationally as one of the best sushi restaurants in the world outside Japan. Ever since the startup, Alex Sushi has garnered great praise for its unique Japanese delicacies.

Related: The Norwegian Queen of Salmon Rivers

The Best Sushi in Scandinavia?
For the salmon producer pioneer and Nova Sea’s founder, Steinar OIaisen, the startup was extremely challenging.

Sushi chef Alex Cabiao was for a long time looking for exactly the salmon that works best for sushi. There are great variations in salmon, both in terms of size, fleshiness, color and marbling of fat. Now, Alex Sushi has farming facilities along the Helgeland coast, surrounded by cold, fresh water and wild beautiful nature. A taste of Helgeland and Japan is now possible in the heart of Oslo.

For the salmon producer pioneer and Nova Sea’s founder, Steinar OIaisen, the startup was extremely challenging. Only 174 of the original 1,200 salmon smolt survived. With focus on quality and sustainability, Nova Sea is now seeing the fruits of many years of hard work.

The Best Sushi in Scandinavia?
Salmon vessel Steinar Olaisen. Photo: Harald M. Valderhaug

Related: Positive Trend for Norwegian Salmon

Alex Sushi currently consists of two restaurants in Oslo. One at Solli Plass and another which opened in 2012 in gorgeous surroundings, right up to the water’s edge at Tjuvholmen. Inside, the walls are decorated with large modern paintings, created by Scandinavian artists. The artwork is handpicked by the owners of the restaurant, but the real artwork is made right in front of your eyes, behind the bar that surrounds the food preparation area. With Alex Cabiao in front, the experienced chef team serves fresh, delicate pieces of sashimi, nigiri and maki that melts on your tongue. You can choose from three menus in different price ranges, where the chefs have combined the freshest ingredients for a dining experience you will not forget.

The Best Sushi in Scandinavia?
Nova Sea in Helgeland wishes to teach people about the farming industry.

It was of course no coincidence that Nova Sea bought into Alex Sushi. Figures from Norway’s Maritime Council showed that turnover in the commodity market increased by 34 per cent ten years ago. Nova Sea has an annual turnover of one billion kroner and produces 230n tons of salmon every day!

City gourmets have been a large part of Alex Sushi’s clientele since the restaurant opened in 2001. The sushi at Alex Sushi is made with exclusive ingredients of everything from Norwegian salmon and halibut, to tuna, soft-shell crab and lobster. If you are experienced in the sushi world, you may want to order the more challenging dishes like gunkan maki and fried salmon skin – and the most daring moves onto both whale and sea urchins.

The Best Sushi in Scandinavia?
Nova Sea main office based in Lovund, on an island at the edge of the Norwegian Sea

Related: Smoked Fish From Scandinavia

The chefs at Alex Sushi are professionals who know the ingredients. However, many of them have never seen fish in a facility. But the knowledge of the cooperating parties literally provides an ocean of possibilities.

The Best Sushi in Scandinavia? written by Tor Kjolberg

6 Reasons to Attend eCommerce Industry Events

There are so many eCommerce events that you can attend virtually or in person, and if you aren’t already taking advantage of these opportunities, consider doing so. Learn more about 6 reasons to attend eCommerce industry events.

The following are some of the specific reasons you should think about attending at least one event this year if you’re in the eCommerce industry.

1. Hear from Experts and Thought Leaders
You can gain eCommerce inspiration from the experts when you attend events. These events will often include workshops and talks from industry thought leaders. When you learn from experts, you aren’t just winging it. There are very few people who know a lot about a specific area, and it’s easy as an eCommerce entrepreneur to think you know it all, but experts and thought leaders bring undeniable knowledge to the table.

6 Reasons to Attend eCommerce Industry Events
Entrepreneurial experts have done things that you probably haven’t, and they can share not just their successes but, sometimes, more importantly, their failures.

Entrepreneurial experts have done things that you probably haven’t, and they can share not just their successes but, sometimes, more importantly, their failures. Then, you can learn from those failures and avoid them in your own business experiences.

Attending events, even if you just get one nugget of wisdom, can then be well worth it because that can completely change your perspective or your business.

There are generally things you have to realize about experts when you run a business. First, it took them a long time to become recognized as experts. You don’t necessarily have the luxury of all of that time, so why not have them condense what they’ve learned and share it with you in a much briefer window of time?

They’re also going to have a unique perspective. They can often anticipate trends before others can, simply because of how much experience they have. You can gain access to potential upcoming trends, but you can adapt them to suit your company and needs.

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

2. It’s An Investment
One of the best investments you can make is in yourself, and the second is in your business. eCommerce industry events help you achieve both.

Unfortunately, people will worry about the investment of time, money, or both that events can carry with them. Then, they forego potentially powerful benefits.

You aren’t spending the time or money in these events—you’re investing it.

6 Reasons to Attend eCommerce Industry Events
You aren’t spending the time or money in these events—you’re investing it.

3. Identify Solutions
You might be at a place in your eCommerce business where you’re dealing with a hurdle or problem that you can’t come up with a solution to on your own. When you’re introduced to experts and vendors in your industry, you can tap into more efficient, effective ways of doing things.

If you’re facing frustration with one particular part of your business, and a solution is elusive no matter what you try, an industry event might point you in the direction of solving it. There are probably others in your industry who have experienced something similar to what you’re going through, and you can learn from them.

Related: Scandinavian E-Commerce Trends 2022

6 Reasons to Attend eCommerce Industry Events
You can find information for so many different things you might want to do in your business if you attend an event.

4. Find Inspiration
eCommerce can be an incredibly creative industry if you want it to be. You can find information for so many different things you might want to do in your business if you attend an event. For example, you could be inspired by products you offer your customers, or you might be interested in a bit of technology, like a new type of shipping technology that makes things faster for your customers and easier for you.

You might simply be feeling a little stale in your business, and attending an event can spark that sense of creativity once again that you might have had when you first started.

5. Connect with Suppliers
In eCommerce, your business is often only as good as your suppliers. Suppliers tend to attend industry events, and you may be able to find not only the newest products but you could find people to work with who are a better fit for your needs.

Related: The Scandinavian E-Commerce Market

6 Reasons to Attend eCommerce Industry Events
When you attend industry events in any capacity, it can legitimize your eCommerce business.

6. Legitimize Your Business
When you attend industry events in any capacity, it can legitimize your eCommerce business. You can demonstrate that you’re engaged in what you’re doing, you’re willing to learn from the best in the business, and you’re always striving to excel.

You can also put yourself in front of other people in your industry and network. You’re generally gaining exposure.

Finally, if you’re attending events, learning from the best, and you’re legitimizing your business, you might be able to attract the best talent to your business.  People are going to want to work for you if you’re finding fresh ways of doing things and you’re highly active.

6 Reasons to Attend eCommerce Industry Events
Susan Melony

6 Reasons to Attend eCommerce Industry Events, written dedicatedly for Daily Scandinavian by Susan Malloy. “Susan is an avid writer, traveler, and overall enthusiast.” https://twitter.com/sumelony

Popular Loan Types in Norway

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Taking out a loan is something many people do at one time or another during their lives. There can be many reasons for this, but among the most common are home loans, car loans and smaller loans such as unsecured loans for life’s many small unforeseen expenses that you may not have saved up for. In this article, we will go into a little more detail about some of the different types of loans that are popular in Norway, and not least why. Learn more about loan types in Norway.

Refinancing
There can be many reasons why you choose to take out an unsecured loan, and these are loans that can work as a nice tool if you pay back the money on time and otherwise know how to take advantage of this without paying too much in interest. . But if you don’t pay on time, or take out many small loans which mean that some may be forgotten, this can become a big financial burden instead. Refinancing is therefore a good tool. There you collect all small loans under one loan – much easier to remember to pay! Apply for refinancing if this sounds like you.

Popular loan types in Norway
Refinancing might be a good tool. Photo: Towfiqu/Unsplash

Related:What You Need To Know About Consumer Loans in Norway

Green loans
Can loans be sustainable? This title almost makes it sound like that, and it almost does. Green loans are primarily loans that are used to create a greener, or more sustainable, home, for example. This is something that we see gaining increasing popularity in Norway, especially as this turns out to be something that you can save a lot of money on, in the long term.

There are many things that are smart to think about before taking out a loan, and one of them is whether you can afford it, regardless of whether it is an investment in something that will save you money in the long term. So think about this and get financial guidance that can help you make the right choice.

Popular loan types in Norway
Before jumping into refinancing, or another loan, it is very smart to set up a budget. Photo: Tim Gouw/Unsplash

The importance of budget
Before jumping into refinancing, or another loan, it is very smart to set up a budget. There are many people who think they are setting up a good budget, but who actually do not have an overview of their actual consumption. This is something that causes problems in the long run, so here you will get some tips on how to budget for your actual consumption.

Check your online bank, not your memory. It says what you actually use – in black and white.

Make room in your budget for things you like to do or enjoy. This makes it much easier to actually stick to your budget.

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

Popular loan types in Norway
Unexpected things happen more often than you think. Photo: Konstantin Evdokimov/Unsplash

Remember unforeseen expenses.
This is something that many people forget. Because although each thing happens rarely, unexpected things happen more often than you think.

Set aside money for savings, even if you have a loan (unless the interest rates here are very high, then you should prioritize extra repayments on the loan).

Think long term, not short term. Many people fall into the trap of thinking in the short term, but having long-term financial goals helps you make good choices.

Popular loan types in Norway is a promotional article from Lånepenger.no

Feature image (on top): Photo (c) Ibrahim Boran / Unsplash

Explore the Freedom to Live Anywhere in the World With the Danish Relocation Platform MoveNation

The freedom to move across countries and geographies is a given in our modern world.  Globalization and digitalization are two forces that actively and sustainably contribute to the reconfiguration of today’s economies and societies.
Explore the freedom to live anywhere in the world with the Danish relocation platform MoveNation.

People are constantly looking for better places to live because, as time goes by, preferences and living styles change and the joy of living in the same place for the entire life fades gradually. Explore the freedom to live anywhere in the world with the Danish relocation platform MoveNation.

That’s why the citizens of Sweden, for example, might be looking for the excitement of Thai landscapes, traditional Asian cuisine and the immersion into an entirely new culture. Explore the freedom to live anywhere in the world with the Danish relocation platform MoveNation.

Innovating the relocation sector
At the moment, it is as easy to move to a new country as it is to book a plane ticket. This is made possible by a platform called MoveNation developed in Denmark.

Explore the Freedom to Live Anywhere in the World With the Danish Relocation Platform MoveNation
At the moment, it is as easy to move to a new country as it is to book a plane ticket. Photo: International Needpix

Related: 8 Things to Know Before Moving To Denmark

In Scandinavia, people are trained from infancy to think big and tackle the big problems of humanity in a way that is measurable, efficient and contributing to societal improvement. This innovative way of thinking will contribute to the reconfiguration of societies and a fairer distribution of resources. MoveNation plans to help move 1 million people in the next ten years. The company appeared as a partial solution to the $400 trillion dollar pension crisis.

Explore the Freedom to Live Anywhere in the World With the Danish Relocation Platform MoveNation
MoveNation plans to help move 1 million people in the next ten years. Illustration: Dreamtime.com

Related: Common Expenses When Moving to Scandinavia

About MoveNation

Move Nation is a powerful search engine that can process massive amounts of data that are relevant to deciding where to live and match it to each person’s lifestyle preferences and financial situation. It helps users search city data from 100.000 cities in 10 seconds and advises and helps people move abroad 50% cheaper than the market price.

Related: Is Dual Citizenship in Scandinavia Right for You? The Challenges of Being Multinational 

Explore the Freedom to Live Anywhere in the World With the Danish Relocation Platform MoveNation
Move Nation is a powerful search engine that can process massive amounts of data that are relevant to deciding where to live and match it to each person’s lifestyle preferences and financial situation. Photo: Dreamtime.com

The platform informs users if it makes sense to move abroad vs. guessing or paying 10K EUR for advice. Also, MoveNation informs users what their total savings are in cash and years saved from working (they can often inform users of savings of $100K + millions which is difficult to get similar returns elsewhere).

​​The company MoveNation was launched in 2021, in Denmark, and is supported by Antler, a venture capital fund with investor Eduardo Saverin (ex-Facebook co-founder).

Explore the Freedom to Live Anywhere in the World With the Danish Relocation Platform MoveNation, based on a press release from MoveNation.

Feature image (on top): Illustration by Depositphotos.