DENMARK

Nordic Wonders: HOW to get the most out of your next trip to Scandinavia

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – Nestled in the northern reaches of Europe, Scandinavia is a land of enchanting landscapes, vibrant cities, and a rich cultural heritage. Comprising the countries of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland, this region offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and modernity. To ensure you make the most of your trip to Scandinavia, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide that draws on reliable sources and insider tips to help you navigate this captivating part of the world.

Plan your timing carefully

Scandinavia experiences dramatic seasonal changes, and your trip experience can vary greatly depending on when you visit. Summer (June to August) offers long daylight hours, ideal for exploring the great outdoors and experiencing the famous midnight sun in the northern regions. On the other hand, winter (December to February) opens up opportunities for witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights, especially in Norway and Sweden. The choice is yours, but plan accordingly!

Scandinavians guide to planning the perfect luxurious getaway

ANSWER These Questions and You will find out if you are a Comfort Traveler or a Backpacker at heart

Helena-Reet: Packing for the journey to Finland… about to find out how many belongings a small car can accommodate

WHY is Scandinavia so rich? Why are Scandinavian/Nordic countries so wealthy?

Explore the majestic Fjords of Norway

Norway is renowned for its stunning fjords, including the iconic Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Embark on a cruise or hike the surrounding trails to witness the sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and serene waters that define these natural wonders.


Photo: Lovrafjorden, Sand, Norway (Unsplash)


Photo: Henningsvær, Norway (Unsplash)

North Norway’s polar night is about to begin! ALL THE FACTS you need to know about the ‘dark time’ above the Arctic Circle in Norway

TOP 12 Environmentally friendly attractions in Norway

18 common questions with answers: WHAT is Aurora Borealis? What causes the Northern Lights? Where is the best place to go and see the northern lights? Do the Northern Lights give off radiation? etc.

Popular tourist destinations in Norway are now available on Google Street View Nature

Embrace hygge in Denmark

The Danish concept of hygge (pronounced ‘hoo-ga’) embodies coziness and contentment. Explore the charming streets of Copenhagen, visit quaint cafes, and indulge in delicious pastries while experiencing the warm and welcoming atmosphere that defines Danish culture.




Photos: Copenhagen, Denmark (3xUnsplash)

HYGGE – a Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of coziness. What is Scandinavian Hygge? 10 common questions with answers

COOLEST TOPICS covered by many Scandinavian bloggers

WHAT are the most fascinating facts about Scandinavians?

Helena-Reet: Today’s Scandinavian style “hygge” Tuesday

Experience the extreme North! Travel & culture guide: WHAT to do in the Faroe Islands?

Picturesque travel destinations in Faroe Islands: Múlafossur Waterfall and the Island of Vágar

Discover Finnish sauna culture

Finland is famous for its sauna culture, with nearly 2 million saunas for its 5.5 million inhabitants. Visit traditional saunas, and if you dare, take a dip in an ice-cold lake afterward for a true Finnish experience. Helsinki, the capital, is a fantastic starting point for your journey into Finnish culture.


Photo: Finland (Unsplash)

44 COMMON QUESTIONS with answers about Finland

8 REASONS why you should go on a road trip in Nordic countries

Helena-Reet: With children on a road trip around Finland (VOL6 – Levi Hotel SPA in Sirkka, restaurant Kekäle, magnificent nature, ski slopes, etc) + MANY PHOTOS!

Helena-Reet: With children on a road trip around Finland (VOL4: Journey from Vöyri near Vaasa and through Kokkola and Kalajoki Oulu and the evening in SPA) + PHOTOS!

Venture beyond the Arctic Circle in Lapland

Lapland, which stretches across northern Sweden, Finland, and Norway, is a magical destination for winter enthusiasts. Experience the thrill of dog sledding, meet indigenous Sami people, and, if you’re lucky, encounter the elusive reindeer and Northern Lights.

Levi – one of the Finland’s most interesting tourism destinations + LINKS, PHOTOS & INFO!

Enontekiö, the Finnish part of Lapland – municipality overview and info + PHOTOS!

The Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland

Indulge in Swedish design and innovation

Sweden is known for its minimalist design and innovative technology. Explore Stockholm’s Gamla Stan (Old Town), where history meets modernity, and visit the ABBA Museum and the iconic Vasa Museum, showcasing the salvaged 17th-century warship.


Photo: Stockholm, Sweden (Unsplash)

75 COMMON QUESTIONS with answers about Sweden

Helena-Reet: Scandinavian theme parks – with children in Astrid Lindgren’s world in Vimmerby, Sweden + BIG GALLERY!

20 THINGS to know before visiting or moving to Sweden

Swedish weather and nature – Seasons and climate

Stockholm´s museums: The Viking Museum – tourist info, guides, pictures

Stockholm´s museums: The Medieval Museum – tourist info, guides, pictures and videos (FREE ADMISSION!)

Swedish history and culture: The Vasa Museum (Vasamuseet) + GALLERY!

Sweden: The Royal Palace, with the Royal Apartments, the museums and gift shop, is open year round + PHOTOS!

Take a road trip in Iceland

Iceland’s dramatic landscapes include glaciers, volcanoes, and geothermal wonders. Consider renting a car and embarking on the Ring Road journey, which encircles the island and provides access to breathtaking sights like the Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

23 COMMON QUESTIONS with answers about Iceland

WHAT IS The Golden Circle in Iceland?

Discovering Egilsstaðir: A Gateway to the heart of the enchanting East Fjords of Iceland

Iceland: Guðlaug pool nominated for Mies van der Rohe Award

Iceland adopts the WTTC global safety and hygiene stamp

Iceland: Limited Number of Tourists Allowed in Some Ice Caves

Sample Nordic cuisine

Scandinavian cuisine is experiencing a renaissance, with a focus on local, sustainable ingredients. Try traditional dishes like Swedish meatballs, Norwegian salmon, Danish smørrebrød (open sandwiches), and Finnish reindeer stew. Don’t forget to savor the famous Icelandic hot dogs and fermented shark for an adventurous palate.


Photos: 2xUnsplash

Food of Iceland: What is Laufabrauð and how to make it? + Recipe and VIDEOS!

Stay in unique accommodations

Scandinavia offers a range of distinctive lodgings, from ice hotels in Sweden and Finland to picturesque cabins in the Norwegian wilderness. Consider booking a stay in one of these unique accommodations for an unforgettable experience.

Respect the environment and local culture

Scandinavians take their commitment to the environment seriously, and you should too. Practice sustainable tourism by respecting local wildlife and nature, recycling, and conserving water. Additionally, learn about the local customs and traditions to interact respectfully with the indigenous Sami people and other local communities.

EXHAUSTIVE OVERVIEW: who were the ancient Scandinavian origin Vikings and when was the time of the Vikings?

HOW nalbinding from Scandinavia rose to glory and laid the foundations for today’s handicraft techniques

THE DARK HISTORY of witch trials in Scandinavia

From Finland to the forests: THE STORY and the legacy of the Forest Finns

Preserving Heritage and Identity: Swedish Finns (finlandssvensk) -the Swedish-Speaking Minority in Finland

A trip to Scandinavia promises an unforgettable adventure filled with natural beauty, cultural treasures, and a warm embrace of Nordic hospitality. By planning your trip carefully and immersing yourself in the unique experiences each country has to offer, you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights in Norway or indulging in Danish hygge, Scandinavia has something extraordinary in store for every traveler. So, pack your bags and get ready to unlock the wonders of this captivating region!

Featured image: Denmark (Unsplash)

 

 

$80 BILLION Weight Loss industry enters ‘Age of Ozempic’, Shares of Novo Nordisk (NVO) rally

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet –  In recent times, the popularity of Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and other weight-loss drugs has soared, causing a significant impact on the weight-loss industry. Big pharmaceutical companies are witnessing a gold rush with these drugs, which are being widely promoted in advertisements, awards shows, and headlines. The pharmaceutical alternatives have made it easier and more effective for people to achieve weight loss without the need for traditional methods like diets, exercise, and behavioral changes.

The $80 billion weight-loss industry, which includes well-known companies like WeightWatchers, Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem, and Noom, is facing a more complex landscape as customers turn to these new drugs. For decades, these weight-loss companies have thrived by promoting willpower and lifestyle changes, but the pharma-driven era is now posing a challenge to their traditional approaches.

WeightWatchers and Noom, recognizing the evolving science and changing consumer preferences, are adapting to the new trend. WeightWatchers’ CEO, Sima Sistani, acknowledged their willingness to learn and evolve by acquiring Sequence, a telehealth business that allows patients to receive virtual prescriptions for the weight-loss drugs. Similarly, Noom launched Noom Med, a telehealth platform with a similar purpose.

This transformation has the potential to revolutionize the dieting industry, with some experts even predicting the possible “demise of dieting.” As the pharmaceutical alternatives gain prominence, both WeightWatchers and Noom have faced financial challenges. The 40-year-old Jenny Craig has also experienced difficulties and recently closed down, selling its brand to Nutrisystem’s parent company.

The rise of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic is reshaping the weight-loss industry, presenting both challenges and opportunities for companies that have long relied on traditional methods. It’s not just a business story but also reflects cultural and societal shifts in how people approach weight loss.



NVO One Year Trading Chart: Shares of Novo Nordisk (NVO) are up nearly 120% since Wegovy debuted in June 2021. This makes it Europe’s second most valuable listed company after luxury brand LVMH. Danish drugmaker also ramps up production to meet growing demand in US (Yahoo Finance extract as of July 25, 2023)
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Semaglutide, sold under the brand names Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus, is an antidiabetic medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and an anti-obesity medication used for long-term weight management, developed by Novo Nordisk in 2012. It is a peptide similar to the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), modified with a side chain.

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning that it mimics the action of the human incretin GLP-1, thereby increasing insulin secretion and increasing blood sugar disposal and improving glycemic control. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation.

In 2020, semaglutide was the 129th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 4 million prescriptions.

Photo: Rybelsus tablets produced by the Danish pharmaceutical manufacturer Novo Nordisk (NordenBladet)
Source: NordenBladet.ee

Denmark: Icelandic artist Haukur Halldorsson unveiled his latest sculpture “Skydbladir” at his gallery in Tønder

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — Icelandic artist Haukur Lárus Halldórsson (85) has unveiled his latest sculpture design, “Skydbladir,” at his gallery in Tønder, Denmark. The piece is a modern interpretation of the ancient Norse ship of the same name.

In Norse mythology, “Skydbladir” was the name of the magical ship belonging to the god Frey. The ship was said to be able to fold up like a cloth and fit in a pocket and could be sailed on both land and sea. Halldorsson’s sculpture captures the sense of movement and fluidity associated with the ship. The material used will be shaped and manipulated to create the impression of waves and wind, and the overall effect is one of dynamic energy and power.

“I wanted to create a sculpture that would be both timeless and modern. I believe ‘Skydbladir’ achieves that balance, and I am thrilled to share it with the public.” said Halldorsson. “

The exhibition will be on view at the Reykjavik Art Museum until April 30th. Admission is free.

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Haukur Halldórsson (born 1937 in Reykjavík) is an Icelandic artist and illustrator. After beginning his career as a graphic designer and illustrator he developed into a visual artist. Halldórsson’s work also includes sculpture. He is a co-author of the Yggdrasil Divination Deck together with his daughter Gunnhildur Hauksdóttir.

His first art exhibition was in Gallery Djúpið in Reykjavík in 1978 with Einar Þorsteinn Ásgeirsson. His first solo exhibition was in Reykjavík in 1980 in Gallery Torg run by the composer Jóhann G. Jóhannson. Since then he has made numerous exhibitions in Europe, China and the United States. Allthough his main medium is drawing and illustrations, he works in, and explores various mediums such as painting, sculpture, and jewel making.

Halldorsson’s main subject matter revolves around themes of folklore of his home country Iceland, the Brothers Grimm, Celtic mythology and Nordic mythology. He has created numerous drawings and illustrations on the subjects. Halldórsson has travelled widely to research art, to China, various countries in Europe, and the United States. In New Mexico he encountered Navajo Indians, and observed the art of sand-casting, which he later applied in his own art practice.

His selection of works from 1978 to date combines disparate elements from the worlds of fantasy, myth and everyday experience. His artwork often contains mythical and magical entities as much of his practice revolves around North-European mythology and Nordic mythology. He has gathered information about historical pagan European calendars and myths associated with different parts of the year, which has been the basis for some of his works.

One of his most famous works is the Arctic Henge (Heimskautsgerðið), a series of circles and basalt columns that began its construction in 2004 at the village Raufarhöfn in northeastern Iceland. It has a diameter of 52 meters, functioning as a pagan calendar with numerous references to Norse mythology particularly the Dvergatal of the Poetic Edda.

Featured image: Haukur Lárus Halldórsson at work (Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 4.0)

 

Denmark and Germany to be linked by world’s longest underwater rail and road tunnel “The Fehmarnbelt Tunnel”

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — The world’s longest combined rail and road tunnel linking Denmark and Germany is expected to be built by 2029. The tunnel, called The Fehmarnbelt Tunnel, will be built of two double-lane motorways and two electrified rail tracks stretching across the Baltic Sea. The tunnel will connect Rødbyhavn on the Danish island of Lolland and Puttgarden in northern Germany.

Via the tunnel, the journey between the two countries should take seven minutes by train and ten minutes by car. The tunnel will help travelers avoid a 160-kilometer trip through Denmark’s mainland.

Furthermore, Denmark is planning on building high-speed electric rail lines to and from the tunnel, with trains continuing into the borders of Sweden, Norway, and Finland.

The project is expected to cost €10 billion.

Image: When the Fehmarnbelt tunnel is completed, the journey between Rødbyhavn and Puttgarden will take seven minutes by train and 10 minutes by car. Road users and train passengers will save about one hour each way compared to the ferry crossing. The Fehmarnbelt link will be open 24 hours a day as a tunnel is not affected by wind or weather. https://femern.com/

 

Denmark plans to instate compulsory military service for women

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — To greatly boost the size of the country’s armed forces, Denmark plans to instate compulsory military service for women. Speaking to TV2, Jakob Ellemann-Jensen, Denmark’s Defence Minister, explained that this move would be “beneficial” for the country’s military if more women were enlisted. The move would also help for Denmark to meet its requirements under its NATO membership.

As it currently stands, men are required to serve if they are called on under a lottery system for roughly around four months, sometimes longer. For women, they can join only on a voluntary basis.

The move come to provide more levels of support to Ukraine, and the measure has been backed by several women’s organizations.

In 2015, Norway became the first member of NATO to introduce compulsory military service for women.

 

Denmark registered zero bank robberies in 2022

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — According to Bloomberg, the number of registered bank robberies in Denmark hit zero in 2022 due to the reduced number of cash in the country and increased security. 

Michael Busk-Jepsen, Director of Digitalization at Finance Denmark, has stated that the country increased its camera surveillance, improved its alarm systems, reduced the number of in-person cashiers, and established stronger cooperation with the police. All of which helped prevent robberies in the country.

Busk-Jepsen added that about 20 of around 800 bank branches still have staff handling deposits and withdrawals, with the majority opting to use ATMs.

Since 2000, bank robberies in Denmark have been declining. In fact, in 2021, the country only saw one bank robbery.

However, online banking fraud has increased, choosing to target customers instead directly.

 

Denmark: Police instal new speed control devices (ATK) across Danish roads

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — Danish Police have made the decision to raise the number of automatic speed control devices (ATK) across the country from 82 to 107.

This increase in number of ATK devices will affect every region in the country, with three additional devices in East Jutland, Central and West Jutland, South-East Jutland and South Zealand and Lolland-Falster; two in North Jutland, South Jutland, Funen, North Zealand, Western Copenhagen and Copenhagen; and only one in Central and West Zealand.

These new devices have been upgraded with higher resolution cameras.

Speaking about speeding in Denmark, Deputy Police Inspector Thomas Tarpgaard, explains, “We know that speeding is a factor in four out of 10 fatal accidents. If we are to achieve our goal of fewer fatalities in traffic, it is absolutely crucial that we all take the top off the speed.”

The standard legal speeding limits in Denmark are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h outside built-up areas, and 130 km/h across the country’s motorways.

 

 

Denmark: Ban placed on Gmail and Google Workspace in schools in the Helsingør Municipality

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — A ban issued by Denmark’s Data Protection Authority has been placed on the use of Gmail and Google Workspace in schools in the Helsingør Municipality. Denmark’s move marks the fourth country in Europe to ban Google services in 2022.

The ban was declared on Google Chromebooks and Workspace for Education which process personal data. This prohibits using services such as Gmail, Google Docs, and Google Drive.

For now, the ban only applies within the Helsingør Municipality. Still, it’s been stated that with this verdict, “many of the conclusions in this decision will probably apply to other municipalities that use the same processing structure.”

Regarding the reason for the ban, the Data Protection Authority states that Google’s data collection practices and its habit of transferring the personal data of Danish citizens abroad to US servers violates both EU and Danish legislation.

In 2019, a citizen from the Helsingør Municipality complained about the area’s handling of his child’s personal data after their child had created a YouTube account without his knowledge.

 

 

Denmark: Danish commission wants to ban hijab in primary school

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – A hijab ban in primary school is one of the proposals from a Danish commission that has looked at how minority women can be guaranteed the same rights as other women.

-“When someone wears a hijab, it shows that Danish Muslims are different from other Danish girls,” says commission leader Christina Krzyrosiak Hansen to the Ritzau news agency.

“When you are a little girl and go to primary school, you should be allowed to just be a child. If someone finds out later in life, when they are adults, that they want to wear a headscarf – of their own free will – we don’t get involved,” says Hansen.

“But we have to talk openly about this happening. No one believes that an eight-year-old girl takes it on all by herself,” she adds.

The government-appointed commission has made  recommendations that apply to girls from ethnic minorities.

In addition to hijab bans in schools, it recommends, among other things, that children’s groups in day care “should reflect the population”.

They also want courses in modern Danish education to be given to “selected minority ethnic parents”, and they want to strengthen sex education.

No figures have been presented on how many wear the hijab at school or how many feel pressured to wear a headscarf.

Earlier this year, the commission announced that it would make recommendations in three stages. The first should be about children, the next two will be about young people and adults.

Immigration and Integration Minister Kaare Dybvad Bek has not responded to Danmarks Radio’s question about how the government relates to the recommendations that have been made.

Featured image: Pexels

Denmark: Flugt refugee museum opens in Oksboel

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — A new museum has opened in the Danish town Oksboel, built to recognize the contribution refugees have made across Denmark. The museum celebrates the refugees who have made Denmark their home, including the quarter of a million Germans that fled the Red Army to Denmark during World War II.

The museum is also committed to highlighting present-day refugees, including those from Vietnam, Chile, Bosnia, Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine. Across large screens erected in the museum, visitors can hear the refugees’ stories in their own words.

One video showcases Sawsan Gharib Dall, a stateless Palestinian who was born in a refugee camp in Lebanon and lived there until she fled and arrived in Denmark in 1985. “Being a refugee is not something one decides. It is not one’s personal choice, it is something that happens,’’ explains Dall.

The museum is built at the site of a former refugee camp in Oksboel, a town near Denmark’s west coast.

 

 

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