Immersed in Sami Culture – A Unique Culture at the Edge of the World

Tor Kjølberg
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Immersed in Sami Culture – A Unique Culture at the Edge of the World

When you arrive in Tromsø, you are instantly captivated by the wild and pristine beauty of the Arctic. Yet, what makes this region truly extraordinary is undoubtedly the Sami people, their ancient traditions, deep connection to nature, and fascinating way of life. Read on and become immersed in the Sami culture – a unique culture at the edge of the world.

Many operators, like Ophelix Scandinavia, give visitors  opportunity to dive into this remarkable culture in an authentic and respectful way. Explore the world of the Sami and learn about their history, lifestyle, and their incredible resilience in the face of modern challenges.

Immersed in Sami Culture - A Unique Culture at the Edge of the World
Tromsø harbor and city center. Photo: Yngve Olsen-Sæbbe/Wikipedia

Who are the Sami ?

To begin with, it’s important to understand who the Sami are. This Indigenous people have lived for thousands of years in the Sápmi region, which stretches across northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and part of Russia. Their way of life is deeply intertwined with nature, and their culture is a celebration of the rhythms of the seasons.

Moreover, the Sami have their own languages (yes, plural!) and a rich cultural heritage that includes colorful traditional clothing, spiritual practices, and storytelling. Thanks to efforts to preserve their traditions, they continue to thrive despite historical pressures.

Immersed in Sami Culture – A Unique Culture at the Edge of the World, article continues below image.

Immersed in Sami Culture - A Unique Culture at the Edge of the World
This Indigenous people have lived for thousands of years in the Sápmi region. Photo: Orjan Bertelsen – Hurtigruten

Reindeer Herding: A Living Tradition

It’s impossible to talk about the Sami without mentioning reindeer. These animals are central to their culture, providing food, clothing, and even tools. But beyond that, they represent the Sami’s deep connection to their environment and nature.

During excursions you can visit a Sami reindeer farm and will immediately be struck by the serene atmosphere. The sound of hooves crunching on the snow and the quiet presence of the animals create a magical experience.

Furthermore, you can learn that reindeer herding is not just a job, but a way of life. Although this tradition has been passed down through generations, it is now facing modern challenges, such as climate change and shrinking grazing lands. After feeding the reindeer, take the opportunity to sit around a crackling fire and enjoy a traditional Sami meal while listening to stories about life in the Arctic.

Immersed in Sami Culture - A Unique Culture at the Edge of the World
During excursions you can visit a Sami reindeer farm Photo: Wikipedia

Joiks: The Soulful Music of the Sami

The joik is far more than just a traditional song, it’s a profound expression of the Sami spirit and their deep connection to the world around them. Unlike conventional music, a joik isn’t simply “about” something; it embodies it. Whether created for a loved one, a place, or even an animal, each joik is unique and personal, evoking emotions and memories in a way that words alone cannot capture.

Experiencing a live joik is a powerful moment. Imagine sitting by a crackling fire, under a blanket of stars, as a Sami performer sings a joik that resonates with the very essence of the land. It’s not just a performance, it’s an unforgettable, spiritual journey into the heart of Sami culture.

Immersed in Sami Culture – A Unique Culture at the Edge of the World, article continues below image.

Immersed in Sami Culture - A Unique Culture at the Edge of the World
Experiencing a live joik is a powerful moment. Photo: iFinnmark

Traditional clothing: The Gákti

The gákti is an essential part of Sami identity, representing not just clothing but a deep connection to their cultural heritage. Made from materials like wool, linen, and reindeer hide, the gákti is carefully crafted and tailored to the needs of the wearer. Its colors, patterns, and designs vary by region, family, and social status, making each garment unique and symbolic of the wearer’s personal and cultural story.

During a visit, you can have the chance to see the stunning craftsmanship up close. The intricate embroidery, vibrant colors, and the use of natural materials were truly remarkable. The gákti is not just for special occasions many Sami still wear it for ceremonies, festivals, and even everyday life in the Arctic. If you’re lucky, you may meet local artisans who create these garments and other traditional items, offering an opportunity to learn about the art of making the gákti and purchase handmade pieces, such as jewelry, scarves, and reindeer leather goods, as a lasting souvenir from your journey.

Immersed in Sami Culture – A Unique Culture at the Edge of the World, article continues below image.

Immersed in Sami Culture - A Unique Culture at the Edge of the World
The intricate embroidery, vibrant colors, and the use of natural materials in tha gakti are truly remarkable. Photo: Wikipedia

Why is it important to preserve Sami culture?

However, it’s crucial to remember that while Sami culture is incredibly resilient, it is also vulnerable. From climate change, which threatens grazing lands, to ongoing struggles for land rights, the Sami face many modern challenges.

Immersed in Sami Culture – A Unique Culture at the Edge of the World, based on a press release from Global DMC Alliance.

Feature image (on top): © Visit Narvik

Nordic Noir – Crime Scene Iceland

Tor Kjølberg
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0
Nordic Noir – Crime Scene Iceland

With a remarkable low crime rate, Iceland seems to foster the type of literature that can chill you to the bone. The Icelandic crime writer Vilborg Yrsa Sigurðardóttir’s first crime novel translated into English in 2008, was The Day is Dark. Learn more about Nordic noir – crime scene Iceland.

Vilborg Yrsa Sigurðardóttir (born 1963) has been writing since 1998 but it’s interesting to recall that she began her writing career with books for children and young readers. She scooped the Icelandic Children’s Book Prize in 2003.

Nordic Noir – Crime Scene Iceland
Vilborg Yrsa Sigurðardóttir (born in 1963) has been writing since 1998.

Her début crime-novel “Last Rituals” was published in Scandinavia in 2005, published in the US in 2007, and the UK in January 2008. It was translated into English by Bernard Scudder,

Yrsa is the rare author who truly gets better with each new book, but then nothing about Yrsa Sigurdardottir is typical. As director at one of Iceland’s largest engineering firms, Yrsa’s second job just happens to be as a bestselling crime novelist with a growing international readership and fantastic movie adaptations of two of her novels, the first one being I Remember You. So far, she has written 20 crime-fiction books.

The central character in her first crime novels was Thóra Gudmundsdóttir, a lawyer, and Yrsa was soon hailed as “Iceland’s Queen of Crime”.

Nordic Noir – Crime Scene Iceland
Two of Yrsa’s novels have lead to fantastic movie adaptations.

Yrsa has a confident command of the crime novel form, and she invariably spins together a heady combination of tension and unease, with a mixture of ironic humor. The lack of criminals in Iceland might do little to inspire gruesome plots, but the country’s small population (about 300,000 people) and the dramatic landscape might be a perfect backdrop for imaged crime.

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Related: Exploring Nordic Noir
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The personal life of the protagonist plays an important role in her books, but it is never allowed to overwhelm the crux of a good crime story: a gripping plot. She has brought a breath of fresh air to Nordic crime-writing, by turning away from the Scandinavian gloom of her confrères in favor of a light touch of irony. The scenes she loves to write most are the ones where characters have no safety net.

Nordic Noir – Crime Scene Iceland
The lack of criminals in Iceland might do little to inspire gruesome plots. Photo: Wikipedia

Yrsa makes use of themes from Icelandic tradition and history: in Last Rituals, for instance, Norse prehistory and Icelandic magical traditions are brought into a contemporary murder case, while in My Soul to Take, folk legends of ghosts and infanticide complicate a gruesome murder. But Yrsa does not confine her heroine to Iceland: in her fourth book, Veins of Ice (2008), Þóra investigates a mysterious disappearance in Greenland.

Nordic Noir – Crime Scene Iceland
Yrsa Sigurdardottir’s latest book.

Her 20th consecutive crime novel, Can’t Run, Can’t Hide, is a tense tale set on a secluded fjord, a typical book in the Nordic noir genre.  On a cold winter evening a neighbor visits the house of a family that has not been seen in a week. No one comes to the door when he knocks. After breaking down the back door, his worst fears are realized. Their home is now a horrific crime scene.

Policeman Týr and forensic pathologist Iðunn are called to the house to investigate. As the case advances, harrowing secrets about the family are revealed. Along with a young policeman Karó, the investigative team quickly realize that the case forces them to face their own suppressed past and opens a Pandora”s box to much darker crimes.

Sigurðardóttir now lives with her husband and children in the small suburb of Seltjarnarnes, a ten-minutes-drive from Iceland’s capital. Her novels are all set in her home country.

Nordic Noir – Crime Scene Iceland, written by Tor Kjolberg

Timeless Relevance: Classical Landscape Art from the North

Tor Kjølberg
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0
Timeless Relevance: Classical Landscape Art from the North

Knut Ljøgodt, Dr. Philos in Art History and co-founder of the Nordic Institute of Art (since 2017), has brought Northern Norwegian landscape painting back into the spotlight, including exhibitions of Peder Balke and Lars Hertervig both in Norway and abroad. “Timelass Relevance: Classical Landscape Art from the North” is about the Institute’s latest exhibitions.

On Friday, February 21 this year, the exhibition Hertervig-Hill, Dream and Reality opened at the Stavanger Art Museum, showcasing selected works by Lars Hertervig (1830-1902) and Carl Fredrik Hill (1849-1911).

Timeless Relevance: Classical Landscape Art from the North
Lars Hertervig: Marine (Oil)

This exhibition was previously displayed at Prince Eugen’s Waldemarsudde in Stockholm in the fall of 2024 until January 25 this year. It is organized by the two art museums in collaboration with the Nordic Institute of Art. The project curators are Karin Sidén, Hanne Beate Ueland, and Knut Ljøgodt.

The exhibition featuring Hertervig’s expressive nature paintings and Hill’s visionary landscapes attracted more than 36,000 visitors when it was displayed at Prince Eugen’s Waldemarsudde in Stockholm last autumn.

Timeless Relevance: Classical Landscape Art from the North, article continues below image.

Timeless Relevance: Classical Landscape Art from the North
Lars Hertevig:Primeval forest (Watercolor and gouache on paper)

The Nordic Institute of Art was founded in Oslo as an independent organization aimed at stimulating research on Nordic art history, including from the Arctic, within an international context. It is led by Dr. Knut Ljøgodt, a Norwegian art historian with extensive experience from institutions such as the National Gallery in Oslo and the Northern Norwegian Art Museum in Tromsø. The institute’s core activities include collaborating with museums and other institutions both in Norway and internationally to organize exhibitions, conferences, and other events.

Timeless Relevance: Classical Landscape Art from the North
Lars Hertevig: Moorland landscape with carriage.

The Nordic Institute of Art has been involved in exhibitions such, Edward Burne-Jones: The Pre-Raphaelites and the North at Prince Eugen’s Waldemarsudde, Stockholm (2019), Visionary Romantics: Balke, Lucas, Hertervig at the Museo Lázaro Galdiano, Madrid / Stavanger Art Museum (2023), Peder Balke, The Spell of the Arctic at the Finnish National Gallery – Sinebrychoff Art Museum (2023), as well as The Atlantic: Myths, Art, and Science at Henie Onstad Art Center (2024). Previously, Dr. Ljøgodt has also initiated and co-curated projects like Peder Balke at the National Gallery in London (2014-15).

Daily Scandinavian meets art historian Knut Ljøgodt at the Nordic Institute’s library in Oslo for a brief conversation about his interest in Northern Norwegian art, just before he leaves for Seville in Andalusia.

Timeless Relevance: Classical Landscape Art from the North, article continues below image.

“To succeed in bringing 19th-century Norwegian painting abroad, you need a solid project and must think outside the box,” says Dr. Philos. Knut Ljøgodt.

Ljøgodt’s interest in Peder Balke intensified after living in Northern Norway for many years while serving as the director of the Northern Norwegian Art Museum in Tromsø. He led the museum for eight years and also worked as a curator for five years, connecting him to the museum for a total of 13 years.

In 2014, under the auspices of the Northern Norwegian Art Museum, an initiative was taken to organize a Peder Balke exhibition in London at the National Gallery, with Knut Ljøgodt as the driving force behind the project. At the Balke exhibition in London, Finnish museum director Kirsti Eskelinen was in attendance and was highly impressed. Several years later, in the fall of 2024, in collaboration with the Nordic Institute of Art, Peder Balke’s paintings were exhibited in the Finnish capital. The Balke exhibition in Helsinki focused on Arctic paintings, with several of the displayed works belonging to the Gundersen collection in Norway.

In connection with this exhibition, the book Peder Balke, Förtrollad av Arktis (The Spell of the Arctic) was published by the Finnish National Gallery, Sinebrychoff Art Museum.

Timeless Relevance: Classical Landscape Art from the North
“Balke was the first Norwegian artist to travel to Northern Norway in 1832 to paint the Arctic landscape,” says Ljøgodt.

The back cover of the book describes Balke as follows:
“The Norwegian painter Peder Balke (1804-1877) is one of the most fascinating pioneers of Romantic painting in Northern Europe. In 1832, he traveled to Norway’s northernmost regions, which inspired him for the rest of his life. Balke worked with impressions from the Arctic landscape, the mountains, the bright summer nights, and the Northern Lights. His paintings depict a world that few people, even today, are familiar with and which is threatened by climate change.”

What is it about Peder Balke’s art that inspires you, Knut Ljøgodt?

“Balke was the first Norwegian artist to travel to Northern Norway in 1832 to paint the Arctic landscape. He traveled by ship and experienced hurricanes. He was also attacked by swarms of mosquitoes. Balke was concerned with depicting the Northern Norwegian landscape as part of nation-building after 1814, which was a central issue in society at the time. Art and literature were important tools in creating a shared understanding of Norway as a strong and distinct identity.

Balke never visited Svalbard,” Ljøgodt explains. “He painted Arctic nature in Finnmark with a visionary and somewhat abstract expression. Balke had a distinctive artistic style, which he developed early in his career. Originally, Balke was the son of a servant from Helgøya in Mjøsa, and grew up in Toten. He attended the Royal Drawing School in Oslo and was an art student in Stockholm. Later he also studied with the famous Norwegian painter J.C. Dahl in Dresden.”

How do you organize this work?

“The Nordic Institute of Art has an Advisory Board and several profiled colleagues abroad – organized as Associate Fellows – with whom I maintain close dialogue and who support our work.”

What are your success criteria for promoting Balke and Hertervig art?

“To succeed in bringing 19th-century Norwegian painting abroad, you need a solid project and must think outside the box. By sharing knowledge and considering new perspectives, it is possible to gain support for projects. I was an advisory curator for the Balke exhibition in New York in 2017 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and together we also organized a conference at Scandinavia House. Later, the Institute helped organize a Balke exhibition in Paris at Cháteau de Fontainebleau, which provided me with many valuable contacts that have helped increase attention around Balke. As director of the Nordic Institute of Art, I also maintain a good dialogue with the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, collaborating with individual embassies abroad.”

The Hertervig – Hill, Dream and Reality exhibition runs until May 18, 2025.

Timeless Relevance: Classical Landscape Art from the North
Dr. Philos. Knut Ljøgodt

Facts about Knut Ljøgodt:
Dr. Philos, Norwegian art historian, and director of the Nordic Institute of Art. He has previously served as curator at the National Gallery in Oslo, director of the Northern Norwegian Art Museum in Tromsø, and founder and director of Kunsthall Svalbard in Longyearbyen (now “Nordover”). He studied art history at the University of Oslo, The Courtauld Institute of Art in London, and the Norwegian Institute in Rome and earned his doctorate from the University of Tromsø. Ljøgodt’s research focuses on Nordic and European art from the 19th and 20th centuries, including Romantic landscape painting, history painting, and Symbolism. His publications include the monograph Peder Balke: Sublime North (Skira, 2020).

Timeless Relevance: Classical Landscape Art from the North
Anne Marit Muri

Timeless Relevance: Classical Landscape Art from the North, written by written by Anne Marit Muri. Muri is a former editor of, among others, Magasinet Kunst, and has written reports on art and culture for a number of years.

She is the author and initiator of the book, Kunstnerliv, portraits of 19 contemporary artists, which was published in 2018, voted the year’s most beautiful art book in 2019 by Grafill. She is also the author of the book, Det gåtefulle lyset, Svalbard, which was published in autumn 2022, by the publisher Utenfor Allfarvei in Harstad.

Muri is educated at the University of Oslo and Bergen. She is currently working on a master’s degree in media development, under the auspices of Oslo Met, in addition to developing new book projects and is a writer for several magazines. She is a regular writer on fine arts, culture and lifestyle for Daily Scandinavian.

Recent articles published on Daily Scandinavian by Anne Marit Muri:
Ramme Gård: A Magical Estate Near Hvitsten
Happy Foods in Oslo: Colorful & Refreshing

Images of all paintings © Dag Myrstrand/Stavanger kunstmuseum/MUST
Feature image (on top): Autumn by Lars Hertevig
Portraith photos of Dr. Philos Knut Ljøgodt © Tor Kjolberg/Daily Scandinavian

 

Redefining Arctic Hospitality in Northern Norway

Tor Kjølberg
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Redefining Arctic Hospitality in Northern Norway

Norway’s outermost luxury boutique hotel, Ytri, will open in spring 2026 on Træna, on the coast of Helgeland. Ytri is redefining Arctic hospitality in Northern Norway.

On one of the most remote island communities along the Helgeland coast, Ytri Hotel will feature 38 rooms, including six luxury suites, each with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide unobstructed views of the ocean and surrounding mountainous landscape.

What began as a vision for a unique hotel has evolved into a landmark project that will be part of transforming Træna’s tourism, infrastructure, and development.

Ytri comes from an Old Norse word that means “outermost,” which fits because Ytri Hotel is located at the edge of the horizon, on the Arctic Circle. The ambitious project was first initiated in 2016 through a community-lead development program run by local resident Moa Björnson. Over time, it evolved into a more formal investment initiative, leading to the creation of Træna 365 AS. By 2021, investors joined the venture, and in 2024, Mikael Forselius took on the role of working chairman of the hotel’s board.

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Helgeland is also one of the best places to experience the midnight sun in Norway.
Norway’s longest stone staircase with 3,000 steps sculpted into the highlands, called the Helgeland steps is found at the town of Mosjøen. ****************************************

Redefining Arctic Hospitality in Northern Norway
Mikael Forselius has taken on the role of working chairman of the hotel’s board.

“We are not just building a boutique hotel; we are creating an experience. Ytri will be a combination of nature, gastronomy, and high-end hospitality while working closely with the local community,” says Forselius.

Sustainable Growth: A Community-Centered Vision

Ytri is a commitment to sustainable tourism that integrates Træna’s culture, history, and landscape into the hospitality experience. From the ground up, it has been developed in close collaboration with the local community to ensure that it strengthens, rather than strains, the island’s economy and social fabric.

Redefining Arctic Hospitality in Northern Norway
Ytri Hotel will feature 38 rooms, including six luxury suites

“Ytri is being developed in harmony with Træna’s existing way of life, not at its expense. By supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and strengthening the island’s economy, Ytri will help Træna thrive while safeguarding the unique identity that makes it so special,” says Moa Björnson, CEO of Træna 365 AS.

Sustainability remains at the heart of Ytri’s philosophy. Locally sourced materials, energy-efficient architecture, and a commitment to minimizing environmental impact define the project. A minimum stay policy of three days during peak seasons will encourage deeper engagement with the island, ensuring tourism benefits both visitors and residents alike. The hotel will operate with a strong focus on reuse, durability, and seasonal scaling, adjusting its operations to align with seasonal demand and optimizing energy use to maintain a balanced ecological footprint.

Redefining Arctic Hospitality in Northern Norway
Locally sourced materials, energy-efficient architecture, and a commitment to minimizing environmental impact define the project.

Redefining Hospitality at Træna

The hotel will offer more than just accommodations. Featuring a high-end restaurant focused on locally sourced seafood and Arctic ingredients, being located right above one of the region’s best crab spots. The wellness center will include two saunas, a relaxation lounge, and outdoor hot tub along the shoreline, as well as a unique Northern Lights lounge, offering guests a relaxing connection to nature.

Træna’s remote location is a key part of its charm and uniqueness. Alongside the hotel, a new dock and port will offer boat and seaplane access, improving connectivity while preserving the island’s peaceful atmosphere.

Elevating Helgeland’s Global Appeal

Ytri is set to make Helgeland an exclusive and popular destination for international travelers, especially from the U.S. and Central Europe. The development aligns with broader regional growth initiatives, including the opening of the new airport in Mo i Rana in 2027, which will improve accessibility to the region.

“This will not only elevate Helgeland’s global profile but also amplify our appeal to travellers who are seeking authentic, sustainable, and one-of-a-kind experiences in nature. By strengthening our visibility, we aim to position Helgeland as a must-visit destination for those who appreciate both the beauty of unique landscapes and the commitment to sustainability in one of the world’s most unique locations,” says Tina Østrem, Marketing Manager at Visit Helgeland.

Redefining Arctic Hospitality in Northern Norway, based on a press release from ytri.no

Nordic Sushi Cup in Oslo

Tor Kjølberg
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Nordic Sushi Cup in Oslo

Nordic Sushi Cup Competition will be held in LIllestrom, outside Oslo, on 18-20 March. The celebrated Japanese chef Gentaro Yamazaki will judge Norwegian and Nordic sushi chefs at the UMAMI Arena. Welcome to the Nordic Sushi Cup in Oslo.

The winner of the Nordic Sushi Cup will be awarded with the title World Champion. The Nordic Sushi Cup is a spectacular competition and a culinary journey that combines technique, creativity and taste! “We invite you to our competition during the days at UMAMI Arena. Here we will crown the very best sushi chefs in the Nordic region in the prestigious Nordic Sushi Cup – a spectacular competition you definitely don’t want to miss,” says the organizer.

Main judge Gentaro Yamazaki graduated from culinary school and dedicated himself to mastering the art of sushi. Over the course of a decade, he honed his skills and deepened his knowledge through rigorous training. In search of a broader perspective, he spent two years in the United States, where he explored the fusion of ingredients and creativity in New York and witnessed the global appreciation of sushi in Washington, DC. This experience opened his eyes to the enormous potential of Japanese cuisine on the international stage.

Nordic Sushi Cup in Oslo
Main judge Gentaro Yamazaki

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Related: The Sushi Invasion in Norway
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Upon his return to Japan, Mr. Yamazaki established his own sushi restaurant in Tokyo, where he embraced both the joys and challenges of restaurant management. Over time, his passion for sharing sushi culture grew, leading him to focus on training the next generation of sushi chefs. In 2015, he moved to Geneva, working with the Japanese government and local schools to promote sushi culture. Recognized as a WSSI certified instructor in 2023, he now conducts seminars around the world, sharing his expertise and passion for authentic sushi craftsmanship.

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Related: Sushi in Oslo
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Nordic Sushi Cup in Oslo
Vladimir Pak welcomes you to the Nordic Sushi Cup 2025 at UMAMI Arena. (Photo: Adrian Leversby)

At the UMAMI Arena you can experience:

March 18 – World Sushi Skills Institute Certification

An exclusive introduction to sushi techniques! Experts will give demonstrations, and there will be exciting tastings. At the same time, you can watch the participants prepare for the big day of competition.

March 19 – Nordic Sushi Cup Competition

The competition begins! 12 talented participants will start making amazing sushi plates. Take a seat and follow this nerve-wracking battle to become the best in the Nordics.

March 20 – Nordic Sushi Cup Competition

The grand finale! The winner will be announced and celebrated with an exciting prize giving ceremony. The prize ceremony will take place at approximately 4 pm. As an added bonus, you can enjoy tastings from master chefs and amazing suppliers.

Nordic Sushi Cup in Oslo, based on a press release from UMAMI Arena

Feature image (on top) © Mamibtites

Bangkok-Based Danish-Armenian Artist’s Odyssey

Tor Kjølberg
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0
Bangkok-Based Danish-Armenian Artist’s Odyssey

Thailand-based artist Elizabeth Romhild is now launching her new art book, “Odyssey”, offering a retrospective of her 40-year artistic journey. Learn more about the Bangkok-Based Danish-Armenian Artist’s new book Odyssey

Odyssey showcases the artist’s diverse artistic influences, particularly from her experiences in Thailand, where she has spent much of her career.

Bangkok-Based Danish-Armenian Artist’s Odyssey“Odyssey” is a captivating visual journey through the richly textured life and career of self-taught Danish-Armenian artist Elizabeth Romhild. Spanning more than four decades, her art is a living tapestry woven from her diverse experiences living across multiple cultures. This collection presents a unique blend of styles and media – from oil paintings to bronze sculptures and design – where each work is deeply personal, yet universally recognizable.

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You might also like to read Look Feel and Play with Berlin-Based Danish Artist
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Bangkok-Based Danish-Armenian Artist’s Odyssey
“Odyssey” is a captivating visual journey through the richly textured life and career of self-taught Danish-Armenian artist Elizabeth Rømhild.

“The joie de vivre and sensuality of confidence, the female form, and the playful mysticism of music and theatre, are all great sources of inspiration and influence in my artwork,” says Romhild. “This book is not just a retrospective—it is a narrative of my life’s journey, expressed through the universal language of art,” she continues. “Each piece tells a story of joy and sorrow, hope and despair, strength and vulnerability—emotions that connect us all.”

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You might also like to read The Childish World of a Canadian-Scandinavian Artist
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In this beautifully curated coffee table book, Romhild reflects on the emotions, cultures and people that have shaped her work. More than just a retrospective, “Elizabeth Romhild’s Odyssey” is a testament to artistic exploration and personal discovery. It offers art lovers and ordinary viewers alike an immersive visual experience that will inspire, challenge and resonate long after the last page has been turned.

Bangkok-Based Danish-Armenian Artist’s Odyssey
“This book is not just a retrospective—it is a narrative of my life’s journey,” says Romhild.

Romhild has lived and worked in Bangkok, Thailand since 1988.  Her artwork is part of private collections in several countries around the world including Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Holland, Italy, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, and the US.

Bangkok-Based Danish-Armenian Artist’s Odyssey, written by Tor Kjolberg

Swedish Architects Shaping the Future of Cities

Tor Kjølberg
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Swedish Architects Shaping the Future of Cities

Kjellander Sjöberg are a diverse community of architects, urban designers, and planners with exceptional talents collaborating closely across Sweden and the UK. The Swedish architects are shaping the future of cities.

Swedish Architects Shaping the Future of Cities
Kjellander Sjöberg

“Cities and architecture should be for everyone,” says Stefan Sjöberg, co-founder of Kjellander Sjöberg, a company reknown for urban sustainability applying the fundamentals of Nordic architecture to their architectural work.

Kjellander Sjöberg focuses on delivering creative architecture and masterplans, and participates in the innovative urban discourse of three vibrant cities in which the company’s studios are based: Stockholm, Malmö and London.

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Related: Swedish Architecture at its Best – World Wide
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The architects work has been featured in several national and international prestigious magazines. The company’s work with the regenerative masterplan Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community for Latimer by Clarion Housing Group in the UK was featured in a recent issue of Arkitektur – the largest architectural magazine in the Nordics which has been analyzing, evaluating and documenting Swedish architecture and urban design since 1901.

Swedish Architects Shaping the Future of Cities
Kjellander Sjöberg featured in Casabella magazine

Kjellander Sjöberg is one of the leading Scandinavian agencies of a new architectural generation – one they describe as an era where extensive variation and creative living combinations are preferred in lieu of white drywalls and deferred borders. According to the company, “these places champion the future of liveable environments and good growth development and allow us to drive new thinking which supports thriving communities based on the quality of life, social equity, and resilient, sustainable models.”

In the comprehensive article in Arkitektur ‘Big plans for small-scale cities’, Ylva Frid explored how garden cities of today can be designed, through four interviews with architects about the ideas for their current projects.

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Related: Creating Architecture Based on Nordic Values
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Since its inception in 1998, Kjellander Sjöberg has kept to a clear vision to engage and involve people, companies and communities at large to sustainable living and working solutions. “We want to see what happens when you let the public sphere into the private room,” said Sjöberg.

Swedish Architects Shaping the Future of Cities
Earlier this month was the grand opening of Styrmansbron in Malmö

Collaborative by nature, the architects can also successfully fashion bespoke teams comprising leading UK practices to bring specialist expertise to large scale projects. The company’s Swedish and UK partnerships are valuable assets allowing it to combine the best experiences of both creative cultures to bring unique new perspectives to architecture, urban design, public realm strategies and spatial narratives.

Earlier this month was the grand opening of Styrmansbron in Malmö – the new pedestrian, cycle, and public transport route to the Varvsstaden neighbourhood. This awaited milestone designed by Kjellander Sjöberg marks a significant step in the ongoing regeneration of the area.

More than just a bridge, Styrmansbron is intended to be a lively new public space by the water and to serve as a vital connection between different parts of the city, while also symbolizing Malmö’s dynamic evolution. Where Kockums shipyard workers once cycled to their jobs, residents and visitors can now cross a bridge linking the city’s past with its future.

Swedish Architects Shaping the Future of Cities, reported by Tor Kjolberg

All images © Kjellander Sjöberg

Brunost in Seoul

Tor Kjølberg
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Brunost in Seoul

“Brunost” (Norwegian) simply means “brown cheese” and is made from goat’s and cow’s milk. The taste starts with a salty, rich caramel, and under the sweetness there’s a pleasant funk. Why has brunost become so popular in Seoul?

Eating brunost is momentarily overwhelming, as it sticks to the roof of your mouth before melting away. Its dense, sticky texture even requires a cheese plane, a special spatula-shaped tool for shaving off long pieces, invented by the Norwegian carpenter Thor Bjørklund.

Norwegian brown cheese is often hard to find outside of Norway, but times are changing. Dairy factories in Norway are struggling to keep up with demand from a surprising export market with very few Scandinavian connections.

In South Korea, they love brown cheese. They use brown cheese in their waffle iron and on their pizza. Norwegian dairy producer Tine is selling more than ever. Brunost is now everywhere across the nation, from cafes to street food stands. Interestingly, Koreans have made brunost their own, by adding its salty richness to all kinds of treats and confections.

Dating back to the 17th century, Norwegian brunost is made from leftover whey during the cheese-making process, so it isn’t technically a cheese. In Norway, it’s still popular on waffles, crisp bread and rolls. Last year, Tine exported 130 tons of brown cheese to South Korea.

Brunost in Seoul
There are three “Synnøve” cafes in Busan, with brunost as the main draw. Phot: Synnøve Finden

“We like to eat brunost and ice cream together. It’s savory and salty,” says Irang Choi, who lives in Busan. “We eat it with croiffle too.” The croiffle is a hybrid pastry made by pressing croissant dough into a waffle iron. Brunost is then shredded on top, which is the preferred way for Koreans to eat it. Brunost is grated onto desserts, on coffee, and even on steak. It’s also used as a flavoring in treats like cookies, macaron fillings, and donut glazes.

It’s not just Tine enjoying success. Another Norwegian dairy producer, Synnøve Finden, has also exported several tons of brunost to South Korea. “There is a strong tradition of combining sweet and salty in our country, and this goes very well with brown cheese,” says Heesook Shin.

Brunost in Seoul
Heesok Shin, brand manager Seoul Dairy. Photo: Private

She is global brand manager at the cooperative Seoul Dairy, and says they expect further growth in brown cheese sales in the coming years.

While brunost is just as common as white cheese in Norway, its traditional uses are pretty narrow: sliced thinly and served on bread or a soft waffle alongside butter is about as far as it goes.

The person deserving the credit for turning brunost into a Korean phenomenon is Jeonmi Eom. “They call me Brown Cheese Lady,” she laughs. Through her family, she was introduced to the Norwegian dairy Synnøve Finden, and four years ago, she set up her own company as an independent brunost importer, with an exclusive license with Synnøve to develop their products and branding for use in Korea. Eom’s company now has three “Synnøve” cafes in Busan, with brunost as the main draw. “My Norwegian friends are shocked by how we use brown cheese,” she says.

Brunost in Seoul
Korean street food: Brown cheese waffle. Photo: YouTube

South Koreans sure must have a taste for the stuff, because import of brown cheese is steadily growing! Personally, I can’t imagine enjoying a brown cheese pizza, but each to their own.

Brunost in Seoul, written by Tor KJolberg

Best Year Ever for Norwegian Seafood Exports

Tor Kjølberg
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Best Year Ever for Norwegian Seafood Exports

A total of 2.8 million tons of Norwegian seafood worth NOK 175.4 billion was exported in 2024, best year ever for Norwegian seafood exports.

This corresponds to 38 million meals every single day – all year round. Paul T. Aandahl, Seafood Analyst at the Norwegian Seafood Council, noted that “the US was the largest growth market for both fresh and frozen salmon fillets, with export value to the US increasing by NOK 99 million ($8.9 million), or 11%, compared to the same period last year.” This rise reflects broader economic trends, with the US showing increases in GDP, real wages, and household consumption in the third quarter.

Best Year Ever for Norwegian Seafood Exports
“Several factors are contributing to increasead purchasing power supporting consumers’ willingness to pay a premium for Norwegian seafood.” says Christian Chramer, CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Council.. Photo: Intrafish

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Global popularity

While seafood remains a cornerstone of Norwegian exports, it’s less popular on home dinner tables, where red meat consumption outpaces fish nearly threefold.

“2024 was characterized by quota cuts for cod, significant production challenges for salmon, geopolitical fluctuations and economic turmoil in the global market. When the value of seafood exports nevertheless rises to a historically high level, it is incredibly strong,” says Christian Chramer, CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Poland and the Netherlands remained the largest European destinations for Norwegian salmon, absorbing a substantial portion of Norway’s total exports. Exports to Poland continued to rise in value as Norwegian suppliers catered to growing demand for processed and fresh salmon products.

Best Year Ever for Norwegian Seafood Exports.
Norwegian mackerel. Photo: Mynewsdesk.

China emerged as the largest growth market, with exports increasing by NOK 886 million (+10%), driven by demand for salmon and mackerel. Thailand and Vietnam also saw notable growth, with export values rising by 13% and 20%, respectively. The Norwegian Seafood Council is working to boost local consumption through campaigns promoting quick and versatile dishes like sushi and poke bowls. The success of Norwegian sea food abroad underscores its global reputation, with Asia leading the way in 2024.

Consumer willingness to pay a premium for Norwegian seafood

“Once again, Norwegian seafood exports have set new records, and I am impressed by everyone who has contributed. The Norwegian seafood trade is a fantastic example of how sustainability can be combined with economic value creation,” says Marianne Sivertsen Næss, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy.

Best Year Ever for Norwegian Seafood Exports
Paul T. Aandahl, Seafood Analyst at the Norwegian Seafood Council. Photo: Mynewsdesk

“Economic conditions in the EU continue to support demand for Norwegian salmon, with record-low unemployment and real wage growth driving household consumption,” said Chramer. “These factors are increasing purchasing power and supporting consumer willingness to pay a premium for Norwegian seafood.”

“Norwegian seafood exports have experienced marvellous growth. In the period from 2020 to 2024 alone, the value increased by around NOK 70 billion. This shows what a strong global position our seafood has. Last year, we exported more than 60 different species to over 150 countries around the world,” he adds.

Best Year Ever for Norwegian Seafood Exports, Tor Kjolberg reporting based on press releases from the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Nordic Culture in the Digital Age

Tor Kjølberg
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Nordic Culture in the Digital Age

A new report from the Nordic Council of Ministers highlights the crucial role of digitalization in Nordic cultural policy, focusing on opportunities and challenges. Read on and learn more about Nordic culture in the digital age.

Digital tools and platforms have become central not only to how culture is created and consumed, but also to the design of the political governance of culture. The publication underscores that the effects of digitalization are far-reaching, influencing everything from artistic expression to democratic accessibility and the economic structures within the cultural sector.

The report reveals that digitalization has presented both opportunities and challenges for culture in the Nordic Region. On the one hand, technology has created new arenas for artistic creation and participation, enabling people to interact and engage in ways that were previously impossible. Virtual exhibitions, streaming platforms, and digital concerts are just a few examples of how culture has moved into the digital sphere.

Nordic Culture in the Digital Age
The report reveals that digitalization has presented both opportunities and challenges for culture in the Nordic Region. Photo: Johannes Jansson/norden.org

On the other hand, the digital transition has also raised new questions about copyright, digital equality, and how cultural practitioners can sustain themselves in a world where content is increasingly distributed for free. Digital tools and platforms have become central not only to how culture is created and consumed, but also to the design of the political governance of culture. The publication underscores that the effects of digitalization are far-reaching, influencing everything from artistic expression to democratic accessibility and the economic structures within the cultural sector.

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You might also like to read: New Initiative to Boost Freedom of Movement in Nordic Region
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“Digital platforms have become central to the cultural infrastructure and changing cultural habits in the Nordic countries. The policies of these platforms and their automated recommendation systems can influence the content and distribution of culture. This presents new cultural policy challenges, as a few global platform companies dominate the market, and their priorities don’t necessarily align with the cultural policy goals of the Nordic countries,” says Anna Gavanas, researcher at Kulturanalys Norden.

Nordic Culture in the Digital Age
One of the great advantages of digitalization is its potential to improve access to culture. Digital exhibition at the National Nordic Museum.

A more inclusive cultural sector

One of the great advantages of digitalization is its potential to improve access to culture. The report highlights how digital solutions can break down physical and geographical barriers, offering opportunities for individuals who may not have previously had access to cultural experiences. This is particularly important in sparsely populated parts of the Nordic Region, where distances to cultural institutions such as theatres and museums can be significant.

Furthermore, the report emphasizes how digital tools can be used to amplify marginalised voices and create a more diverse cultural sector. Through social media and other digital platforms, artists and cultural practitioners can reach a wider audience without relying on traditional distribution channels.

Nordic Culture in the Digital Age
The report also points to the challenges posed by digitalization.

Shared challenges require co-operation

However, the report also points to the challenges posed by digitalization. A key issue is the digital divide – the gap between those who have access to and knowledge of digital tools and those who don’t. To ensure that everyone living in the Nordic Region can benefit from cultural opportunities, both as consumers and creators, efforts are needed to reduce these disparities.

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You might also like to read: 10 Major Scandinavian Trends in Educational Environments

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Another challenge concerns copyright and the financial conditions for cultural practitioners. As cultural content becomes digital and widely accessible, questions arise about how artists and creators can be fairly compensated. The report highlights the importance of establishing common guidelines and laws at the international level to protect the rights and income of creators.

Read more about the Voice of the Nordic region on a global stage.

Read the report here (in Swedish)

Feature image (on top) © Aline Lessner/​Image Bank Sweden

Nordic Culture in the Digital Age, a press release from Nordic Council of Ministers.

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