Scan Magazine

The Trondheim Sound

After a small Norwegian orchestra with a distinctive sound bagged a string of rave reviews, music journalist Andrew Mellor went in search of its secrets…

Room for thought: Finland gets it just right

Choosing the right location for a convention can be essential to the outcome for both host and participants. Of course, one wants the experience to be out of the ordinary, but it is also necessary to ensure that the quality of facilities and equipment allows for top efficient arrangements. One place that can provide both long lasting impressions and highly professional arrangements is Finland. Scan Magazine has looked into some of the country’s many different possibilities.

An island utopia materialises

Many visitors are taken aback by Finland’s astonishing nature and, just like Finnish expats, feel downhearted to leave after what they often experience as way too short a visit. But while getting their very own haven in the middle of it may seem like utopia to most, it is actually exactly what the Island of Strömsö offers.

Tranquil, Thrilling Tampere

With Scandinavia’s largest congress and concert centre and numerous smaller facilities surrounded by Finland’s beautiful nature, Tampere is the perfect place to hold any international convention. The town’s own airport has low-price connections to many major European cities, including London and Stockholm. Besides Tampere is located just a 25 minute flight or under two hours’ drive from Helsinki airport, which has connections to virtually all parts of the world.

The Human Journey: Finding your African roots – in Stockholm

The collection of reconstructions is one of the world’s largest and has been very popular with both children and adults. “We have done a lot to make the exhibition accessible for all age groups, and we see many families here,” says the manager of the project Christina Ritzl. “But in contrast to some of our other exhibitions where many adults come mostly because they want their kids to see it, our experience is that for this the adults come because they want to.”

Ulriken

“Ulriken is not just a mountain with a great view for the citizens of Bergen, but an important landmark and recreational area for the locals,” says Eirik Hokstad, marketing manager for Ulriken643, a panoramic tour that takes in Ulriken and surroundings, starting out from Bergen´s fish market. Open year-round, the tour adjusts its contents and activities according to the seasons and there are many options to choose from. “The Ulriken643 Panaorama Tour starts by the fish market, where our characteristic double decker bus takes you to the lower station in approximately 15minutes,” Eirik continues. The cable car journey, in a so-called gondola, will take about 5 minutes, depending on the weather.

Fjord hotel fit for a Prime Minister

Norway might not spring to mind as the best place to visit for a relaxation holiday. But do not be fooled. Combine a visit to the city of Bergen with a jaunt to Solstrand Hotel & Bad, where you can experience some of Norway’s most beautiful countryside, the fjords, waterfalls, glaciers and the ocean.

Hardangerfjord – Time to Explore

Just southeast of beautiful Bergen rests Norway’s second longest Fjord. Starting at the Atlantic Ocean, Hardangerfjord penetrates in a northeasterly direction until, 179 km (111 miles) inland, it meets the grand mountain plateau of Hardangervidda. With its striking contrast of snow-covered mountains, rich flora and fauna and deep blue water, it is easy to understand why so many of the romantic national symbols originate from here, including the Hardangerfiddle.

Fjellferie – Get active in Norway’s Mountains

Norway may be best known by ski-enthusiasts for its majestic snow-covered peaks, but under the summer sun the frosty cliffs turn up the charm and melt away, not only most of the snow, but any doubt about Norway’s qualities outside the skiing season as well.

Bergen – Gateway to the Fjords

Many nationalities have come to Bergen over the centuries – some to visit, some to make this place their home – and the city has an international vibe, perhaps even more so than the capital, Oslo. The German influence is evident in the old Hanseatic quarter and the city’s location by the sea gives it a laid-back feel. A sense of history is very palpable here and historical walks through old Bergen are one of the best ways to experience the city.