Discover what’s new before everyone else:

Get our free on-the-go Nordic hotspot map!

Search
Close this search box.

The Nordics

The Nordic hot list
February 2025

What we’re loving in February 2025 (and you will too)

Stay informed and stay inspired! The Nordic hot list is your monthly dossier of what’s shaping the cultural and creative landscape across the Nordics. From smart new openings and design-forward projects to events worth pencilling into your diary, we spotlight the ideas and initiatives that matter. Whether you’re a local with a keen eye on your surroundings or a traveller seeking authentic inspiration, this is your curated guide to the things that are getting our attention (and deserve your’s, too). 

Be the first to know. Get on the list.

Top photography courtesy of Bar el Guiri

Bar el Guiri Gothenburg Sweden restaurant review
Bar el Guiri Gothenburg Sweden restaurant review

01

Bar el Guiri: authentic Spanish food in Gothenburg

Bar el Guiri brings the energy of a Spanish pintxos bar to Gothenburg with an all-day menu of tapas, cocas, and seafood paella. Founded by Peter Segerdahl, who spent over a decade in Spain, the space is designed for casual bites at the bar, leisurely meals in the dining area, and even shuffleboard in the courtyard. Copenhagen-based architect Ludvig Holtenäs and Olivia Segerdahl have infused the interiors with warm wood, sculptural ceilings, and Spanish Gothic touches. With sangria on tap, Spanish beers, and churros con chocolate to finish, Bar el Guiri is a vibrant, unfussy slice of Mediterranean culture in Gothenburg.

Bar el Guiri
Kungsportsplatsen 1
Gothenburg
Sweden

Photography courtesy of Bar el Guiri

02

Guesthouse Nýp: remote escape for creatives in Iceland

Studio Bua, an architectural practice based in London, is known for its ambitious and concept-driven projects. Founded in 2017 by Mark Smyth and Sigrún Sumarliðadóttir, the studio has realised several notable works, including the renovation of Guesthouse Nýp, an Icelandic farmhouse and cultural centre. Nýp, located in western Iceland, features a jet-black cabin built on the foundations of a former sheep shed, containing an artist’s studio for the residency programmes and guesthouse overlooking the Breiðafjörður fjord. The cabin’s simple volume and off-centre pitched roof nod to the area’s agricultural buildings and mountain peaks.

Guesthouse Nýp
Nýp
Iceland

Affiliate link (what is it?)

Photography courtesy of Studio Bua and Guesthouse Nýp

Ravinen Café Bistro Båstad Skåne Sweden restaurant review
Ravinen Café Bistro Båstad Skåne Sweden restaurant review

03

Ravinen Café & Bistro: food and art in Båstad

Ravinen Café & Bistro, located within Ravinen Kulturhus on the Bjäre Peninsula, brings together locally sourced ingredients, seasonal flavours and a passion for craftsmanship. Led by head chef John Moberg, the kitchen team works closely with regional producers, ensuring a menu shaped by the freshest vegetables from Bjäre’s farms. The bistro’s small, dedicated team embraces sustainability, minimising waste and highlighting local specialities. Wines from Arilds Vingård and carefully selected alcohol-free alternatives complement the dishes. With an open kitchen and a philosophy of continuous innovation, the bistro extends the cultural experience of Ravinen’s art exhibitions onto the plate.

Ravinen Café & Bistro
Kattviksvägen 231
Båstad
Sweden

Photography courtesy of Ravinen

Noura Residency Copenhagen Denmark hotel review
Noura Residency Copenhagen Denmark hotel review

04

Noura Residency: urban art stay in Copenhagen

Noura Residency, founded by photographer Michael Falgren, is a multidisciplinary concept in central Copenhagen. It offers a customisable space that blends the tranquility of a natural habitat with urban convenience. The interiors feature a minimalist design with natural materials, creating a serene atmosphere. The space is versatile and is meant to be suitable for city breaks, product showcases, photo editorials, meetings and small gatherings. Collaborations with designers like Kristina Dam Studio enhance the aesthetic appeal.

Noura Residency
Sankt Peders Stræde
Copenhagen
Denmark

Affiliate link (what is it?)

Photography courtesy of Noura Residency

05

Bouchon Carême: Lyonnaise cuisine in Helsinki

Bouchon Carême, opened in 2024, resides in the iconic Aleksanterinkatu 13, a landmark building completed in 1900 as Finland’s first commercial property. Its revolutionary design, inspired by 19th-century German and Viennese business architecture, played a key role in shaping Helsinki into a modern European capital. Today, this historic site hosts a culinary experience that blends rustic Lyonnaise traditions with refined modernity. Led by renowned chefs Hans Välimäki and Maria von Graevenitz-Välimäki, the menu dazzles with dishes like cauliflower cream profiteroles with truffle and grilled oysters with green apple and beurre blanc. Finnish studio Fyra’s elegant interior design complements the building’s legacy.

Bouchon Carême
Aleksanterinkatu 13
Helsinki
Finland

Photography courtesy of Fyra Design Agency and Bouchon Carême

CF Hill Stockholm Sweden art gallery
CF Hill Stockholm Sweden art gallery

06

Mats Gustafson and Liselotte Watkins at CF Hill: fashion as art

At CF Hill, the dialogue between fashion and art unfolds through the evocative works of Mats Gustafson and Liselotte Watkins. Gustafson’s ethereal watercolours distil haute couture into fluid, abstracted forms, most notably in his long-standing collaboration with Dior. His work captures the essence of Maria Grazia Chiuri’s designs with expressive minimalism, a practice that has placed him at the forefront of fashion illustration. Watkins, known for her bold compositions and Italian-inspired narratives, explores femininity through intricate, sculptural forms. Together, their works transcend documentation, transforming fashion into a timeless visual language.

CF Hill
Riddargatan 13
Stockholm
Sweden

Photography courtesy of CF Hill

W.B. Samson Oslo Norway bakery review

07

W.B. Samson: Oslo’s timeless bakery sports new look

W.B. Samson’s flagship bakery at Egertorget, established in 1894, has recently undergone a thoughtful renovation that celebrates craftsmanship and history, blending historical charm with contemporary design. The interior features warm golden oak wall panelling, custom brass lamps and pleated curtains which all work together to create an inviting atmosphere. The bakery is renowned for its kanelboller – cinnamon buns celebrated for their perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Another highlight is the skolebrød, a soft bun filled with custard and topped with icing and coconut. The bakery’s long standing commitment to quality and tradition has made it a beloved institution in Oslo.

W.B. Samson
Karl Johansgt. 20
Olso
Norway

Photography courtesy of W.B. Samson

Kalevala Helsinki Uusimaa Finland store review
Kalevala Helsinki Uusimaa Finland store review

08

Kalevala: a new chapter in Helsinki design

Founded in 1937, Kalevala has long been a symbol of Finnish craftsmanship, drawing inspiration from mythology and Nordic heritage. Its new Helsinki flagship, designed by local practice Yatofu Creatives, reflects this legacy with a refined yet tactile interior. Raw materials, sculptural elements and soft lighting create an immersive space that highlights the artistry behind each jewellery piece. Sustainability remains central, with locally sourced materials reinforcing the brand’s commitment to responsible design. More than a store, it serves as a cultural hub, celebrating both tradition and contemporary Nordic artisanship.

Kalevala
Keskuskatu 3
Helsinki
Finland

Photography courtesy of Kalevala

Camour Copenhagen Denmark restaurant review
Camour Copenhagen Denmark restaurant review

09

Camour: Copenhagen’s new take on European flavours

Camour, located in Copenhagen’s happening Kødbyen-district, is a culinary homage to the rich flavours of France, Spain and Italy. Helmed by chefs Marcus Thomey and Andreas Lek Kirchheiner, the restaurant presents inventive dishes like turkey wing au vin and pulpo tonnato, offering fresh takes on European classics. The interior is modern but feels intimate and it complements the menu’s sophistication. A notable dessert is the Basque cheesecake suzette, a delightful fusion of traditional Basque and French flavours. Camour is open seven days a week.

Camour
Høkerboderne 16B
Copenhagen
Denmark

Photography courtesy of Camour

Share this

Book your stay

Stay in the know

Sign up for the latest hotspot news from the Nordics.

Bespoke partnerships

Before you rent: the must-read car rental guide for the Nordics

Before you book: the must-read guide to Norwegian fjord cruises

Insider guides

48 hours in Malmö, Sweden

48 hours in Copenhagen, Denmark

48 hours in Stockholm, Sweden

26

things every Scandophile must experience once