N RTHERN

LIGHTS
ISSUE 2//2021

ALSO IN
THIS ISSUE

09

17th May Celebratory

Dinner 2021

20

Fjord Norway’s
Best Kept Secrets

26

An interview with
Eivind Ringstad

IMPORTANT DATES
SEPTEMBER
3rd – Fredagspils
23rd – Fårikål

NOVEMBER
27th – Julebord
 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Message from
04 Your Board

17th May Celebratory

09 Dinner 2021

July An interview with:

8th Gin Tasting
15th The In&Out Commemoration Celebration
12 Kyrre Haugen, CEO
NBCC
22nd Cigar Dinner

August INVESTOR CORNER:

1st Argentine Club Cup Polo Global Equities – prices
6th Den Norske Klub Fredagspils 16 and earnings full steam
ahead for another
September while
3rd Den Norske Klub Fredagspils
14th The Art Circle
Fjord Norway’s
10th In&Out Beginning of Term Party
14th The Art Circle
20 Best Kept Secrets
16th Cigar Dinner
23rd Den Norske Klub Annual Fårikål Supper Music in the times of

October 26 Covid-19 – an interview

with Eivind Ringstad
1st Den Norske Klub Fredagspils
7th Latin American Club Wine Tasting Dinner
15th
21st
October Fest
In&Out Trafalgar Dinner
29 DNK MERCHANDISE

November
5th Den Norske Klub Fredagspils
4th Pol Roger Dinner
9th The Art Circle
18th Beajoulais Dinner
27th Den Norske Klub Traditional Norwegian Julebord

December
3rd Den Norske Klub Fredagspils
9th 3 Clubs Carol Serrvice
11th In&Out Club Christmas Ball
17th In&Out Members End of Term Lunch
HOW TO BOOK
Please e-mail: secretary@dennorskeklub.co.uk
EVENT CANCELLATION
Please note that cancellation of events made less than
seven days before the event will not be refunded.
Front cover photo ©Magnus Roaldset/Fjord Norway
2 www.dennorskeklub.co.uk
Although every effort has been made
to ensure accuracy, neither Den Norske
Klub in London nor the authors can
accept liability for errors or emissions.
Views expressed in this newsletter
are not necessarily those of Den
Norske Klub. No responsibility can be
accepted for unsolicited submissions,
transparencies or photographs. All
prices and information contained in
event advertisements are correct at the
time of going to press.
We know the
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With more than 160 years of Nordic Private Banking experience,
we understand the unique challenges you face as a Nordic national
living abroad. That is why we offer financial services tailored to
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To find out more, please contact Helena Whitmore or Daniel Wikehult

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This communication is made by Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ), London Branch for informational purposes only.
Our London Branch is available to introduce you to the SEB Private Banking network outside the United Kingdom. SEB London Branch
is authorised and regulated by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority. Deemed authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and limited regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Details of the
Temporary Permissions Regime, which allows EEA-based firms to operate in the UK for a limited period while seeking full authorisation,
are available on the Financial Conduct Authority’s website.
 Message from YOUR BOARD
Dear Fellow Members
Welcome to the summer edition of
Northern Lights.
Sitting 10,000 meters above ground, finally
on my way to Norway to see friends and
family, I am reflecting on the past months.
While the long periods of lockdown and
restrictions on seeing each other have
been hard, I was delighted to hear that so
many of you rushed out to enjoy drinks
and dinner in the
Courtyard as the UK
slowly opened up.
While we did not
host our traditional
black-tie 17th May
celebratory dinner
this year, we were
blessed by visits
from two honorary guests, Ambassador
Strømmen, and Military Attaché John
Andreas Olsen and consort, during the
late afternoon and evening. As you can
see from the pictures on pages 9-11, the
more informal gathering managed to draw
many of you out for the evening to enjoy
Norwegian fare, Norwegian music and
Norwegian drinks. We hope we can arrange
the same all-day celebration also next year
on our national day.
For the autumn, you will find that we
are planning the annual club Fårikål
Supper and Traditional Klub Julebord,
both listed on our calendar and both
culinary reminders of our home-country
accompanied by amazing aquavit, wine
and beer from our preferred partners. The
4 www.dennorskeklub.co.uk
monthly Fredagspilsen will be restarted
as soon as we can, and we hope no later
than August. Assuming the August drinks
can go ahead at the club in London, as an
exceptional feature, and to celebrate that
we can see each other again, please save
the date, we will host a parallel Fredagspils
in Oslo! It will be on August 6th, 2021, and
full details will be communicated nearer to
the time when we have more visibility on
government / health restrictions.
At the Klub AGM in June, I am delighted
to announce that Maria Effimova was
re-elected for another three-year term.
The work she does as our Secretary, and
her hosting of our events, particularly
Fredagspils, is excellent. Alongside the
other board members, I am very confident
that she will continue to contribute strongly
to the continued success of the club in
the years to come, and I hope you will join
me in congratulating her re-election. It is
with sadness that I accepted resignations
from Irene Garland and Mats Boesen just
ahead of the AGM. I particularly want to
thank Irene for her relentless support for
Den Norske Klub these past years as a
Board Member. Her always smiling and
warm welcome at the monthly Fredagspils,
Julebord and 17th May celebrations, and
her candour and insights during our board
meetings. On behalf of all of us, thank you!
We will be interviewing for their
replacements in the months ahead. If you
feel you would like to contribute to the
fun work at the club, please send Maria an
email stating your interest and motivation.
In the current edition
of Northern Lights, you
will find an article from
the SEB Private Bank
team on the latest
macro-outlook and
how to think of your
investment portfolio.
You will also find an
interview with the
professional musician

Eivind Ringstad and some suggestions
for hidden treasures to visit in Norway
this summer by our supporters Widerøe
and FjordNorway. Seeing the renewed
momentum within NBCC, we sat down with
NBCCs General Manager Kyrre Haugen to
hear more about his vision and ambitions
for NBCC. You can read all about this on
pages 12-14, as well as get a preview of
their forthcoming events.
The new Art Circle hosted its first online
event in May with art historian and curator
Alistair Hicks. It was a great success with
Your Board
Cecilia Luras Chair
Vegard Bringsjord Treasurer/Board
Member
Constanse Bowes-Lyon Board Member
Christian Hvamstad Board Member
www.dennorskeklub.co.uk
more than 40 attendees, and I hope we
will see many more of you for the next two
events. The next one in September will
focus on prints and etchings, and the talk
will be given by Don Christensen of Chelsea
Arts in NYC. In October, we will attempt
an outing to Frieze. And in November we
will have the pleasure of hearing about
Aboriginal art from Arts d’Australie, a
Parisian gallery specialising in Aboriginal
and Oceanic Art.
Around the club, you can enjoy the
business centre. Should you want to have
your own cup whilst enjoying a lovely
cup of club tea or coffee while you are
working, you can get a DNK Klub Cup from
reception. All fully recyclable and made
from recycled bamboo! Should you need
dressing up and feel in need of a club tie
or a pair of cufflinks, the men’s club range
is also available to purchase from the
Babmaes reception all year round and at
your leisure.
I hope you enjoy reading this issue of
Northern Lights. On my side, I am very
much looking forward to seeing as many
of you in person as possible at the next
available opportunity at the club and/or at
the Fredagspils in August in Oslo!
Stay safe and see you all very soon!
Warm regards, Warm regards,
Chair Cecilia Luras
on behalf of Den Norske Klub Board.
Maria Efimova Board Member
Bente Ottersen Co-Opted Board
Member
Patrick Jonassen IT Counsel
Patrick Moe Legal Counsel and
Company Secretary
5
 YOUR BOARD

Cecilia Luras Vegard Bringsjord

CHAIR TREASURER/BOARD MEMBER

Christian Hvamstad Constanse Bowes-Lyon

BOARD MEMBER BOARD MEMBER

Bente Ottersen Maria Efimova

CO-OPTED BOARD MEMBER BOARD MEMBER

6 www.dennorskeklub.co.uk
 A huge thank you to all our partners
and sponsors for your strong support
of Den Norske Klub i London

www.dennorskeklub.co.uk 7
 I Vo l u n t e e r
Are you keen to make
a difference, contribute
to the fun times in our klub?
A vacancy has opened up for a happy, dedicated
and fun individual to join Den Norske Klub board.
For more details and to apply please contact
Chair Cecilia Luras cecilia@dennorskeklub.co.uk
before May 15th 2021.

8 www.dennorskeklub.co.uk
 17th May Celebratory
Dinner 2021

Continued overleaf
www.dennorskeklub.co.uk 9
10 www.dennorskeklub.co.uk
www.dennorskeklub.co.uk 11
 AN INTERVIEW WITH
KYRRE
HAUGEN
GENERAL MANAGER, NBCC
We had the pleasure of sitting down with
entrepreneur and current General Manager
for NBCC, Kyrre Haugen, earlier this month.
When and why did you decide to
come to the UK?
I came to London circa 20 years ago
to pursue a degree at the University
of Westminster. A BA in Business
Management. Following graduation,
I started at the RadissonSAS Portman
Hotel. The first venue for what has now
become a great tradition among the
Nordic Chambers of Commerce; Nordic
Drinks. It was actually me and my boss
who came up with the idea of starting
Nordic Drinks and here we are nearly
20 years on.
But then you started your own
business?
Yes. I initially trained as a plumber and
before starting my university studies,
I spent a few years working for the
municipality within water management,
followed by a short stint selling parts to
the water industry in Grenland, the county
around Skien. When I decided to start
my own business, it seemed obvious to
12
continue within the water industry and I
started selling UK made industrial products
to Norway. Soon after I started a company
called ProPlan International Ltd partnering
with UK-based manufacturer Amazon
Filters Ltd selling their filtration solutions to
companies such as Aker BP and NorSun.
You were a board member with
NBCC before becoming the
organisation’s CEO, what motivated
you to take on the role as General
Manager?
A few years ago, I branched out
into a second venture focused on
environmentally friendly chemicals and
cleaning products. I built the brand,
developed the commercial proposition,
and while I had quite some success, I soon
discovered that withing this segment there
was an awful lot of competition making
the business proposal less attractive than
my previous ventures. Suddenly I found
myself and my businesses in a “prolonged
vacuum” and when the role came available
www.dennorskeklub.co.uk
it felt quite natural to apply and fortunately the UK and NBCC want and need to be
the board thought so too and I started as part of this. And while we’re talking about
NBCCs GM in October 2019. After all, I’ve the northeast let us not forget mentioning
been a NBCC member for 20 odd years. Wastefront and the founders Christian,
Vegard and Inge. Nothing but kudos to
NBCC has made some great moves them! We’ll have a hectic events autumn
in the last year. but as “tasters” I can mention NBCC’s
Thank you. I am very proud of what Continued overleaf
we have achieved for NBCC in the past
year. Since joining as its CEO in
2019, we have been re-defining
what NBCC is and where it fits
in with the other Norwegian
associations and lobby groups
in the UK market. Established
in 1906, NBCC was born the
same year Norway and the UK
established diplomatic relations.
That is special and wonderful,
and we will be celebrating
our 115th year anniversary the
26th of November with a very
special party at Unit X in the
middle of Covent Garden. NBCC
was established by and for the
shipping industry which also will
be celebrated in “a subtle and
tasteful manner”.

On that note, what are your

plans for the next year?
Working alongside Annette (Åbø)
as President is a real pleasure
and we have many plans for the
future, including events across the
UK. Following a quite quiet period,
due to Covid 19 of course, we are
launching events in Edinburgh in
October (20-21st) and in Newcastle.
One of the reasons behind this
decision, is Norwegian industry’s
historic and close work
relationship with both
Scotland and the
North East. The
North Sea Link
and the NO-UK
fiber cable will
be the start
of brand-new
opportunities
between
Norway

www.dennorskeklub.co.uk 13
 very first tech conference with IKT Norge,
Team Norway’s Opportunities 2021, Green
Shipping-Future Fuel, Investing in Arts
and several Energy Transition events.
And we will, of course, continue our
excellent cooperation with the other Nordic
Chambers.
How about on the social front?
Soft networking is incredibly important
in business and Nordic Drinks, which we
organize with the other Nordic Chambers
of Commerce, is at the heart of this.
During the past year, when most countries
were in lockdown, we started online beer
tastings. These were a huge success and
brought people together in a non-business
context. Relations cannot just be about the
money… It is about finding common ground,
common interest, and about enriching each
other with new insights and experiences.
14
And do you think beer is the way
forward?
Many things can be solved over a good
Norwegian beer from e.g. Lervig Brewery!
How do you see NBCC cooperating
with the other Norwegian
organisations in London?
We work in close cooperation with the
Norwegian Embassy, Innovation Norway
and Sjømatsrådet. We are one of the
pioneers behind Team Norway. Later this
year you will see this cooperation come
into full bloom with the Opportunities
2021 conference which will take place in
October. It will focus on the ongoing energy
transition, as Europe’s largest energy
producer, it is paramount to be part of the
solution to today’s climate crisis. With our
members we hope to be at the forefront
of the discussion. Another thematic which
is very important to Norway is shipping.
During London International Shipping Week
In September, we will be leading a seminar
on green shipping and the future of fuel. I
am very much looking forward to both of
these events.
Final words?
I am passionate about Norwegian-British
relations and I want NBCC to be at the
centre of that creative process. The enabler
that brings us all together. I want to thank
particularly Equinor and DNV, our Premier
partner members, for their relentless
support, both economic and intellectual.
Without them we would not have been able
to continue the great work we are doing.
I am also very thankful for the support
we have received from the Norwegian
Embassy, Innovation Norway, Sjømatsrådet
and Den Norske Klub! To those of you who
are not yet members of NBCC, I invite you
to come join our journey!
www.dennorskeklub.co.uk
 ESSAY COMPETITION
CURRENT GEOPOLITICS
AND CONFLICT
The In & Out Club is calling for entries to its 2021 Essay Prize.
The purpose of the competition is to encourage original thought
and analysis of current geopolitics and conflict. The competition is open
to all members of the In & Out Club and their families, and to any
person who is a member or former member in good standing of the
armed and other government services of the UK or its treaty allies.

TWO PRIZES OF £250 WILL BE AWARDED

Senior Essayist Prize (31 years of age and above), Younger Essayist Prize (up to and
including 30 years of age). Runners up will receive an encomium/commendation.

Submissions, 5-7,000 words in length are to be submitted by 28 September 2021.

Results will be declared in December; there will be a presentation dinner
for at the Club in February 2022.

For further information, please contact Librarian@inandout.co.uk

www.dennorskeklub.co.uk 15
 I N V E S TO R CO R N E R

GLOBAL
EQUITIES
Prices and
earnings full
steam ahead for
another while
Massive stimulus measures have kept the
world economy afloat while we await the
reopening of economies. Companies have
greatly surpassed earnings forecasts during
the year since the pandemic broke out,
despite a steadily rising profit outlook.
Valuations, high commodity prices,
component shortages and rising long-term
bond yields are sources of concern, but it is
still too early to slam on the brakes. When
the growth rate levels out and persistently
higher long-term bond yields are imminent,
valuations may be challenged. We are
approaching that point but are not quite
there yet.

Current market view

by SEB Private Banking

16 www.dennorskeklub.co.uk
L
ike economic growth forecasts,
corporate earnings expectations at the
global level have gradually risen over
the past 12 months. Last year’s aggregate
earnings certainly came in weak – down 18
per cent – but this was still clearly above
forecasts from last spring. Upward revisions
were then matched by corresponding
downward revisions for 2021. But this
spring, earnings forecasts for the current
year have been adjusted upward again,
back to a level of around 30 per cent on a
global basis. Sharply higher profits are part
of the picture in an economic recovery.
Given these upgraded growth forecasts
and massive stimulus measures, there is still
room for positive surprises in the coming
quarters, albeit not to the same extent. In
2022, however, profit expectations are at
more normal levels, at +11 per cent globally.
Big earnings surprises in the US, again
Source: Bloomberg
The chart shows sales and earnings among S&P 500
companies compared to market expectations. After
more than half of these companies had published their
reports, Q1 earnings provide upside surprises of more
than 23 per cent.
Now that Q1 company reports are
flowing in, the surprisingly strong
picture from earlier report periods looks
set to persist. Once again, companies
are clearly surpassing expectations
concerning profits, sales and especially
order bookings. Negative factors such as
high commodity and input goods prices,
component shortages and logistical
problems have been trumped by volume
www.dennorskeklub.co.uk
and price increases as well as successful
cost controls. The five largest companies
in the MSCI World Index, which account
for about 12 per cent of market value –
Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet and
Facebook – all delivered impressive reports
with strong growth and high profitability.
After just over half of Q1 reports had been
published in the US, earnings surprised on
the upside by 23 per cent and sales by 4
per cent. The fact that earnings forecasts
have been significantly upgraded in recent
months (which has also been reflected
in share prices) probably explains the
somewhat lukewarm stock market reaction
so far.
Valuations have fallen but remain
historically high
Source: Bloomberg
The chart shows price-to-earnings (PE) ratios for the
MSCI All Country World Index of equities, which surged
after their low point in early 2020 and have remained
historically high.
It is natural for stock market valuations
to be elevated ahead of a recovery, given
the strong earnings that are included in
forecasts. Powerful monetary and fiscal
stimulus measures support that picture. Nor
could anyone fail to notice that the TINA
argument (“there is no alternative”) – with
low interest rates/yields making traditional
alternatives to equities unattractive – will
persist as long as yields do not rise more
than expected.
There is lively discussion about whether
today’s historically high valuations are
reasonable or not. Low interest rates and
Continued overleaf
17
 yields, as well as robust corporate earnings
growth, undeniably provide support. We
do not view today’s valuations as a catalyst
for a negative stock market trend, but we
note that these valuations still assume that
the bright forecast picture for equities will
persist. Rising share prices and valuations
have also been accompanied by rising
risk appetite and positioning among the
investor community – a situation that may
very well last for a while longer but may
challenge new price upturns.
It is not often that fundamental conditions
as unambiguous as those today fuel the
stock market. Assuming no unpleasant
surprises related to vaccination campaigns
and the spread of COVID-19, there are
many indications that this summer’s
expected reopening of economies will
drive new stock market upturns. This
scenario is likely to benefit more cyclical
listed shares in such sectors as industrials,
financials and consumer durables as well
as portions of emerging markets, Europe
and Japan. Small cap stocks that have been
getting their revenge on a global basis
for the past year should now also benefit
more from an economic recovery among
relatively large companies, especially in
US and Chinese equity indices have
outperformed European ones over
the past five years
Source: Bloomberg
The chart shows the performance of European,
American and Chinese stock market indices in common
currency, including reinvestments. The performance
of these indices reflects the earnings trend in each
respective region.
18
the US stock market. European small and
medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are more
likely to be quality and growth companies,
which explains their fantastic performance
compared to traditionally-oriented large
corporations in Europe over the past five
years.
Future earnings expectations and share
prices go hand in hand. When economic
forecasts are adjusted higher, this leads to
upward-adjusted earnings as well as share
price increases. As a rule, the power of
an earnings trend is underestimated. The
stock market is forward-looking and has
discounted major earnings increases, as we
have seen during the Q1 2021 report period,
when earnings in excess of forecasts have
in many cases been punished with short-
term share price downturns. We can count
on profit-taking, but the important thing is
that the pace of earnings growth is intact
and rising, something that we expect to
continue for another quarter. After that, the
pace of upward earnings revisions should
slow down, which will be quite natural in a
more mature phase of a recovery scenario.
During the second half of 2021, global
stock markets should thus be especially
sensitive to negative news, since upward
revisions related to the economic cycle and
earnings should level off, while bond yields
are expected to rise as a result of higher
inflation. We are not especially worried
about general economic performance,
but because of sharply rising stock
markets over the past year as well as high
valuations, there is a risk of occasionally
sizeable corrections.
With stock markets balancing between
a growth scenario that supports cyclical
investments and a more subdued scenario
that can provide renewed fuel for growth
stocks, future winners might be companies
that are more stable profit generators, such
as the health care sector, which combines
favourable demographic and technological
trends with attractive valuations after a
long period out of the spotlight. Strong
underlying trends, driven by massive
political initiatives, also continue to suggest
companies with a focus on sustainability.
During 2021, many sustainability-related
companies have performed poorly, mainly
as a result of earlier large share price
www.dennorskeklub.co.uk

Faster earnings rebound in US and
China than in Europe
The above charts show 12-month earnings forecasts
expressed as index units on the S&P 500 (top), CSI
300 (middle) and EuroSTOXX 600 (bottom) equity
indices.
www.dennorskeklub.co.uk
increases and exaggerated valuations in
many cases. However, the megatrend we
are witnessing in the form of emission
control measures is in its infancy, which
means that the future is bright for
companies in this cluster.
To summarise, we believe that current
trends of a cyclical nature will persist in the
near future, but that a more defensive focus
on sectoral and company selection will be
advisable as growth rates subside during
the second half of 2021.
Cyclically sensitive equities have
outperformed the stable health care
sector this past year
Source: Bloomberg
The chart shows the performance of the MSCI World
Small Cap Index, the MSCI World Index and the MSCI
World Health Care Index in local currencies during the
past 12 months.
Disclaimer
This communication is made by Skandinaviska
Enskilda Banken AB (publ), London Branch for
informational purposes only. Our London Branch
is available to introduce you to the SEB Private
Banking network outside the United Kingdom. SEB
London Branch is authorised and regulated by the
Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority. Deemed
authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct
Authority and limited regulation by the Prudential
Regulation Authority. Details of the Temporary
Permissions Regime, which allows EEA-based
firms to operate in the UK for a limited period
while seeking full authorisation, are available on
the Financial Conduct Authority’s website.
19
 Fjord Norway’s
BEST KEPT
SECRETS Text by
Fjordnorway.com

Norwegians are pretty open people, once you get

to know us. But we have a confession to make:
We’ve been saving some of our favorite sights and
spots for ourselves … until now. We’re ready to
come clean and share the top 10 best-kept secrets
across Fjord Norway. From sunny surfing scenes
to tiny towns where goats and books outnumber
people, our best-kept secrets are out!
Photo © heitsauna.com / fjordnorway.
com

20 www.dennorskeklub.co.uk
 Karmøy beach
Photo © Ida Kristin Vollum - Vest Photo
Utsira
Photo © Karianne Klovning / Fjord Norway
1. HANG 10  rugged, rocky coast, these beacons kept
Think surfing and think Hawaii or Australia.
The beach? Caribbean or the Mediterranean,
right? Well, think Fjord Norway now, too.
Thanks to the Gulf Steam, surfing and
sunning spots from Hoddevika in the north
to Karmoy island farther south are warmer
than you’d think — year-round. Water
temps can hit 20°C/68°F, so dive right in!
Head for our white-sand beaches and cozy
coves to soak up some sun and fun. Want
to hit the waves? Jæren, Norway’s original
surfing magnet, and scenic Ervika boast
some serious swells. Beginner? Sheltered
from wind by surrounding mountains,
Hoddevika offers calmer waters. No wonder
it’s home to three surf lodges and a surfing
school. Who knew?
2. GET LIT
Shine a light on Fjord Norway’s maritime
past with a stop — or overnight stay — at
an historic lighthouse, or as we call it,“fyr.”
www.dennorskeklub.co.uk
Cheese from Tingvoll
cheese
Photo © fjordnorway.com / Tingvollost
Perched above key points along the
local shipping, and sailors, safe. Now, many
also harbor visitors for a day — or the night.
There are lighthouse accommodations to fit
every budget, ranging from barebones self-
catering to upscale pampering. For a little
illumination on what our myriad lighthouses
offer, browse the gallery below.
3.  SAY “CHEESE”! 
In Norwegian, that’d be “ost!” And we’ve
got a lot to smile about. Crafted on
700-year-old farmstead, Tingvollost’s
“Kraftkar” blue cheese won gold at the
2016 World Cheese Awards in Spain. And
Soleglad, a cheese from Skarbø — reviving
cheesemaking traditions near Alesund —
took bronze in 2018. Both farm shops let
visitors savor their creamy cow-milk wares.
Prefer a chevre? In tiny Undredal, nestled in
the Aurlandsfjord, goats outnumber people
5 to 1 … and churn out “geitost,” Norway’s
iconic brown cheese.
Continued overleaf
21
 Wild berries
Photo © Mattias Fredriksson / Fjord
Norway
Sagastad
Photo © Fjord Norway / Ruben Soltvedt
4.  BERRY INVITING
When it comes to berries, we mean
business … and summer is peak — and
picking — season. Thanks to our cooler,
longer summer days, berries thrive in Fjord
Norway, and we forage and harvest June
through October. Join in! Valldal, a day-trip
from Ålesund, is Strawberry Central. Pull
over at a roadside stand or pop into an
eatery like Jordbærstova for a berry-laden
snack. Or join our annual effort to hold onto
the world record for longest raspberries-
and-vanilla-sauce dessert at the Norwegian
Raspberry Festival in Vik. What could
be better than fresh berries? How about
fermented ones? Indulge in a tasting tour of
fruit and berry ciders, wines and spirits at
artisanal distilleries like Gardsbrenneriet in
Nordfjord.
5. VIKING VIBES  villages and mountain hamlets. These are
Unleash your inner Viking with immersive
experiences at Fjord Norway’s legion
22
Hardanger cider
Photo © Visit Hardangerfjord / Simon Sjøkvist
museums, sites and attractions devoted
to those iconic sailors, warriors and
tradespeople of the distant past. At
Sagastad, marvel at a newly rebuilt Viking
longship — the 30-meter-long, seaworthy
Myklebustskipet, displayed in a state-of-
the-art interpretation center. You know
the Vikings were expert seamen. But
are you also aware they were pioneers
of democracy, law and justice? Visit the
Gulating — western Norway’s cradle of
democracy, which served as parliament and
court for 400 years. And be sure to tour
the Nordvegen History Center and Viking
Farm at Avaldsnes, “Homeland to the Viking
Kings.” Norway’s oldest royal seat, it was
home to Harold Fairhair, first Viking king.
6. SMALL TOWN CHARM
We’ve got the antidote to your big-city
blues: Fjord Norway’s fishing ports, fjord
treasure troves of history, culture and small-
town charm. Trawl the boutiques, cafes and
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 Kalvåg
Photo © Fjord Norway / Nordlandblog
Island hopping with the local post
boat
Photo © Visit FjordKysten
boathouses of historical Bud for seaside
fun. In tiny Solvorn, on the Lustrafjord, you’ll
find a cafe, gallery, convenience store and
Norway’s oldest hotel. Stop by Sand, where
clusters of charming white homes gleam in
the Sandsfjord, to soak in historic character
— like its 168-year-old wooden church and
cemetery — and linger in inviting shops,
galleries and cafes.
7. ISLAND IDYLLS
Scores of rocky islands, islets and skerries
dot our breathtaking coast and make for
exciting day trips, enticing dining excursions
and exotic overnight getaways. Hop aboard
the postal boat in Solund and go island-
hopping with the locals between Norway’s
westernmost islands. From Alesund, cruise
to dinner at Kami Skotholmen, serving up
fare crafted from the freshest local seafood
and seasonal produce in a 19th century
island warehouse. On Selja, embark on a
guided tour of millennium-old monastery
ruins, among Norway’s oldest. Can’t tear
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Kayaking at Tafjorden
Photo © Magnus Roaldset/Fjord
Norway
Photo © Mattias Fredriksson / www.fjordnorway.com
Fjørå in Tafjord
yourself away and head ashore? Head for
“havstuer,” or sea cottages, on Smøla or
Håholmen for a taste of historical fishing
village living. Feel the ocean spray from
your seaside accommodations or set sail on
a fishing expedition or a sea eagle safari.
8. STILLER WATERS RUN DEEP
Millions of cruise passengers may have
sailed the fjords — but most have only
skimmed the surface. Dive deeper into
Fjord Norway by exploring the myriad —
and much quieter — arms and branches of
our better-known waterways.
Take to the stunning Tafjord, UNESCO-
protected like busy Geirangerfjord, for
solitary kayaking or mountain hikes
in calmer climes. Summertime reveals
stunning views of isolated mountain
lake Eikesdalsvatnet, inaccessible much
of the year due to heavy snow. Board a
fjord sailing on the tranquil Lusterfjord,
whose fruit-tree-lined shores have inspired
generations of artists. And stroll among
Continued overleaf
23
 Himakånå
Photo © Mattias Fredriksson / Fjord
Norway
Photo © Mattias Fredriksson / Fjord Norway
Pulpit rock
the wooden houses of Nauste, historic
heart of Eresfjord village, like the wealthy
19th century English “salmon lords” of
yesteryear, credited as Norway’s first true
tourists.
9. TOP ROCKS
Any hiker, casual or dedicated, worth their
salt has our famous rock formations on
their bucket list. The evocative names —
Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen), Troll’s Tongue
(Trolltunga) — easy access and legendary
views beckon thousands each year. But why
wait at crowded outcroppings, when Fjord
Norway’s packed with iconic peaks and
cliffs? Try Himakånå, perched 357 meters
above sparkling Lysevatnet lake, just west
of Haugesund. For an adrenaline rush, scale
the isolated point of 1,338-meter Eggenipa.
Up for another challenge? The 1,072-meter
hike up Mount Saksa on the Hjørundfjord,
some of it up stairs hewn from stone by
Nepalese sherpas, rewards climbers with
stunning views as far as the art nouveau
24
Dronningstien
Photo © Visit Hardangerfjord / Simon Sjøkvist
buildings of Ålesund. Or scale Europe’s
highest sea cliff at Hornelen, shooting up
860 meters straight from the sea!
10.  ENDS OF THE EARTH
Norwegians say there’s no such thing as
bad weather, only bad clothes. So be sure
to button up before heading to Vestkapp,
a seaside plateau noted for plunging cliffs,
temperamental weather and, on good
days, stunning panoramic views. Some
58 shipwrecks lie in the churning currents
below. Indulge in Nordic specialties
crafted from local ingredients at Vestkapp
Restaurant, open no matter the month or
forecast. Craving more splendid isolation?
On Runde, island home to just 150 people,
you’ll be pretty much alone — apart from
the half-million sea birds that flock there
each nesting season.
See the article here:
https://www.fjordnorway.com/inspire-me/
fjord-secrets/fjord-norway-s-best-kept-
secrets
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 MUSIC IN
THE TIMES
OF COVID-19
AN INTERVIEW WITH EIVIND RINGSTAD

Interview by
Gabriel Tarrason Risa
(February 2021)

Eivind Ringstad is a 27-year-old

Norwegian violist and one of
the most prominent musicians
of his generation. He started
playing the violin at the age of
5, later moving to the viola as
a teenager. He studied at the
Barratt Due music institute
in Oslo under Prof. Soon-
Mi Chung Barratt-Due and
plays the G. B. Guadagnini
“ex-Vieuxtemps” viola dating
from 1768, lent to him by the
Norwegian foundation Dextra
Musica.

26 www.dennorskeklub.co.uk
E
ivind made his professional
breakthrough in 2012, when he won
the Eurovision young musicians
contest. By now he has been awarded
several prices and fellowships, including the
Arve Tellefsen musician price, the Equinor
price, the Borletti-Buitoni fellowship award.
He was also selected for the BBC’s New
Generation Artists Scheme and for the
Crescendo mentor programme, led by Leif
Ove Andsnes and Janine Jansen.
In recent years, Eivind has become a
regular fixture of the classical music scene
in Europe, playing with among others: the
Oslo, Copenhagen, and Bergen philharmonic
orchestras; several BBC orchestras; the
Trondheim, Kuopio, and Kristiansand
symphony orchestras; the Norwegian and
the Vienna radio orchestras; the Norwegian
chamber orchestra; and the Italian baroque
orchestra Accademia dell’Annunciata.
About this interview
Around the same time as Eivind
transitioned to playing the viola, he and I
played together in a chamber orchestra
in Oslo. Already then, it was already
amply clear that Eivind’s talent was a
cut above the rest. Since then, we took
different paths. I became a scientist, while
Eivind dedicated himself to music. It had
been a while, and so I was elated that
Eivind readily agreed to do this interview.
Music in the times of COVID-19
Long-time no see, all quiet on the
Norwegian front?
It’s fair to say things are quiet, perhaps
quarantined.
Indeed, let’s jump right into this – how
is it to be a professional musician in
the times of COVID-19?
There’s this very distinct feeling, backed
up by now by a repeated experience, of
being cancelled. During normal times, music
makes for a fast-paced life. There’s always a
concert, a new piece, another project… And
it feels like there’s never enough time
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to truly indulge a piece before moving on
to another. The pandemic changed all of
that. Suddenly the music stopped, nothing
was happening anymore. At first, people’s
general optimism made it so that a few
concerts were still commissioned and
for once I had time to truly rehearse, but
then all the cancellations started coming.
It breaks the spirit when one works for
weeks, only to receive a sorry call telling
you the gig is off. There have been a couple
of digital concerts which have been good
and interesting experiences, but in the end
it’s really not the same as having a live
audience.
Forgive me for asking, but my friends
in England tell me the pandemic has
been particularly tough on musicians
– how was it in Norway? Was there
a while back there with only rice
stocked in your pantry?
I mean… freelance musicians are rarely
exceptionally well compensated in the first
place. And yeah, the lack of concerts did
no good to my wallet. That said, in Norway
there has been some support for freelance
musicians, and so I have been able to
continue with my profession throughout the
pandemic.
In search of a deeper sound
The virus and the lockdowns made it
critical, but a career in classical music
always seemed perilous to me. When
at the crossroad, did you not desire to
play it safe? What about job security
and a work-life balance? What now
drives you down the river?
It wasn’t planned from an early age; I tell
you that. Music grew on me. I remember
that back in the early days I didn’t always
enjoy learning complicated, virtuoso pieces
on the violin. However, when I discovered
the viola, I felt captivated and could not let
go–regardless of the risk.
The viola is known for its darker sound. The
repertoire for the instrument is written very
much for that quality, and so I found myself
embracing a different style of play and
Continued overleaf
27
 Håkonshallen, June 2021. Evind playing the Dvorak Piano Quintet with Leif Ove Andsnes, Sandra Lied
Haga, Ludvig Gudim, and Sonoko Miriam Welde, as part of the Bergen International festival.

falling in love with it. After one year with the violin and orchestra, but arranged for viola
viola, I finally found the inspiration to work (of course!) by Nils Thore Røsth.
on very challenging pieces–with a particular
appetite for Paganini’s Caprices. Thank you, I’ll go listen to them right
I also enjoy the role of the viola in chamber
away.
music. Alongside its more supportive role, Enjoy.
some of the most beautiful melodies ever
made have been dedicated to the viola. Learn more about Eivind at
https://www.eivindringstad.com
Further listening
Thank you for talking with me today.
Before you go, could you advise our
readers on some pieces by Norwegian
composers to listen to this summer?
Sure. If we’re talking Norwegian music,
there’s no way one could get past Grieg.
The violist that I am, I’d recommend the
string quartet in G minor and also the lesser
known unfinished string quartet in F major.
My personal favourite these days though is
the Christian Sinding suite in old style for

28 www.dennorskeklub.co.uk
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