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Nordic tastemakers

My Nordics, as told by designer Anna Maria Øfstedal Eng

An insider’s guide to the Nordics with Anna Maria Øfstedal Eng

Meet Anna Maria Øfstedal Eng, a Norwegian designer whose work is redefining the boundaries of functional art and design. With a unique blend of natural inspiration and a keen eye for material innovation, Øfstedal Eng has carved a niche for herself in the design world. Born and raised amidst Norway’s captivating landscapes, her creations echo the textures and forms of her surroundings, bridging the gap between the organic and the man-made.

From her Fjellhamar studio close to Oslo, Øfstedal Eng crafts pieces that tell a story, using ceramics, wood and metal to explore the limits of design. Her collaborations with renowned brands and contributions to prestigious projects highlight her role as a tastemaker in contemporary design. Here, she shares her favourites around the Nordic region.

Portrait photography courtesy of Johanne Nyborg

Denmark
Gamla Stan Stockholm Sweden

“Interestingly, coming from Norway, the flatness of Denmark is quite exciting …”

In the Nordics, my favourite country is …

Denmark. I really love and enjoy it for its free culture, the always positive atmosphere and the generosity of its people. Interestingly, coming from Norway, the flatness of Denmark is quite exciting; not seeing a single mountain allows for easy cycling from A to B. Denmark’s fantastic architecture and great design tradition are truly fascinating. There’s always good food, plenty to see and be inspired by and wonderful people to meet!

For a dose of urban pulse, I head to …

Stockholm. This Nordic city captivates me with its perfect blend of vibrant urban life and historical charm. The city’s restaurants, cafes, shops and galleries offer a contemporary cultural experience, while the Old Town, Gamla Stan, invites exploration with its ancient cobblestone streets and colourful buildings dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. In the evenings, the area comes alive with a variety of great bars, among which Pharmarium stands out as my favourite. Housed in a former 17th-century pharmacy, Pharmarium is renowned for its innovative cocktails inspired by old pharmacy techniques, crafted with local and seasonal ingredients, offering a unique and delightful experience.

Gudbrandsdalen Innlandet Norway

“It’s a forest panorama that brings peace to the soul.”

For the perfect close-to-nature experience, I visit …

… Gudbrandsdalen in Norway, extending my journey to Rondane and Dovre. Driving through Gudbrandsdalen leads to Rondane, where you’re greeted with expansive, rounded mountains and peaks, including ten different peaks over 2,000 metres high. It’s an unparalleled high-mountain adventure that has left me with many cherished memories. The beautiful landscapes, rich in history and culture, provide countless opportunities to immerse oneself in nature, whether it’s through hunting and fishing (within regulations), camping out in a tent or staying in local cabins and mountain lodges for those seeking a touch of luxury. From Høvringen, numerous hiking trails offer magical encounters with the natural world.

For a memorable getaway, I check myself into …

… Laagen. Laagen offers various glass cabins embraced by stunning nature, with a river slowly flowing past the cabin, providing luxurious indoor comfort combined with outdoor experiences that truly give you a zen feeling. The cabins are delicately designed with a Nordic minimalist interior and large floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing you to enjoy the surrounding nature right by Lågen, a river flowing right next to the cabins. It’s a forest panorama that brings peace to the soul.
Smalhans Oslo Norway restaurant review
Andre Til Høyre Oslo Norway bar review

“Smalhans focuses on natural ingredients and goes to great lengths to find the best of the best while also challenging traditional cooking.”

For a great meal, I go to …

… Smalhans in Oslo, an absolute favourite restaurant that serves absolutely delightful dining experiences. Smalhans focuses on natural ingredients and goes to great lengths to find the best of the best while also challenging traditional cooking. Their concept revolves around small dishes, and when dining here, you can choose between two set menus, Krøsus or Smalhans. I often opt for Krøsus, which is a 9-course menu consisting of local flavour sensations. Smalhans excels in natural wines and beers, and I love the beer on tap.

For a fun night out, I head to …

… Andre Til Høyre in Oslo, a retro-modern cocktail bar designed like an apartment consisting of three rooms: a living room where you can relax in designer chairs and sofas that transform into a lounge area, the library, which serves as the bar with 24/7 service, and the fully functional kitchen with a focus on wine and mingling. Personally, I often sit in the living room on a Bollo chair from Fogia, designed by Andreas Engesvik, and enjoy a spicy lemony gin drink called Ticket to Tokyo.

Valkyrien Oslo Norway retail shop review
Munch Oslo Norway museum

“The best art exhibitions I’ve attended have been at Kunstnernes Hus, showcasing the best of contemporary art.”

For a dose of retail therapy, I shop at …

… Valkyrien at Majorstua, Oslo, a modern retail concept consisting of various stores gathered under one roof, providing a seamless shopping experience since the stores are in an open layout. There are cafes and excellent restaurants on the ground floor, and you are also close to Bogstadveien, which is a very nice shopping street with beautiful architecture.

For a dose of culture, I head to …

… either Kunstnernes Hus, Astrup Fearnley Museet, Henie Onstad Kunstsenter and the Munch museum in Oslo, which are among the most interesting museums in the city. The best art exhibitions I’ve attended have been at Kunstnernes Hus, showcasing the best of contemporary art. The Oslo Opera House is an absolute must for experiencing theatre; the entire atmosphere, location and architecture are beautiful, providing an unforgettable experience.

Brimi Seter Garmo Innlandet Norway

“We Norwegians excel at making use of the nature around us and are connoisseurs of life … ”

For a hidden gem, I recommend …

… Brimiland and Vianvang, located in the heart of Vågåmo and Lom in Gudbrandsdalen. At Brimiland, immerse in the traditions of mountain farm life, staying in a rustic cabin where world-class traditional cheese is crafted on-site. Weekends offer unique culinary adventures, such as dining under the stars or indulging in gourmet meals at top-notch restaurants. Additionally, at Vianvang, indulge in wine tastings and cuisine by one of Norway‘s renowned chefs, with breathtaking views of the Jotunheimen mountains. All dishes use locally-sourced ingredients from Gudbrandsdalen, celebrating the essence of Norwegian mountain farm life, known as seter liv.

For me, a quintessential Nordic experience is …

… all about being close to nature, savouring delicious meals made from local ingredients and appreciating traditional craftsmanship both in products and architecture. Taking hikes in the forest, experiencing the towering mountains on skis with a Kvikk Lunsj (the Norwegian version of Kit Kat) and grilling sausages over a campfire behind an old log cabin epitomise a classic Nordic experience for me. We Norwegians excel at making use of the nature around us and are connoisseurs of life, so nothing is closer to my heart than spending outdoor adventures in Norwegian nature with good friends and good food – it brings a tranquillity that is truly unique.

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