NSB logo and wordmark set in Skiltskrift, from the NSB design manual.

Store Norske Skandia – Norwegian Modernist Typeface Inspired by NSB Skiltskrift.

Skandia Design Information

History and Inspiration of Store Norske Skandia Typeface

Store Norske Skandia is inspired by Skiltskrift, a long-lost Scandinavian neo-grotesque typeface originally created for the redesign of the Norwegian National Railway (NSB) in 1977. In 1973, Knut Skuland became director of NSB at a time when the company’s communication was eclectic and lacked cohesion. Seeking to unify NSB’s visual identity, Skuland initially pursued the rights to use the British Rail identity. During this process, he consulted with the director of the Danish National Railways, who had adopted the same British Rail identity several years earlier. The Danish director cautioned Skuland about the significant impact such an identity could have on Norway’s visual culture. As a result, Skuland decided to assemble a team to adapt and reshape the British Rail identity to better suit the Norwegian context and mindset.

Trains and other vehicles with the NSB logo.

He commissioned a multidisciplinary group comprising industrial designer Odd Thorsen, art historian Alf Bøe, and designers John Engen, Knut Harlem, Paul Brand, Ruedi à Porta, and Arild Eugen Johansen. This team undertook a comprehensive redesign, addressing elements ranging from trains and uniforms to typefaces and colour palettes. Notable among these efforts was Paul Brand’s collaboration with a paint factory in Nittedal to produce a specific blue colour. This blue was carefully formulated to be dark enough to provide adequate contrast with white type, yet light enough to still be perceived as blue under Norway’s unique and often dim lighting conditions.

Colour system for NSB, designed by Paul Brand.

Despite the extensive documentation and consultation with various team members—including John Engen, Halvor Thorsen (son of Odd), Paul Brand, Ruedi à Porta, and Arild Eugen Johansen—there are no clear answers as to who precisely designed the Skiltskrift typeface. Nevertheless, if a Norwegian grotesque font from the modernist era ever existed, Skiltskrift would be the definitive example.

Example of Skiltskrift from the NSB design manual.

Design Principles and Features of Skandia Font Family

The Skandia project is based on the core principle established during NSB’s redesign: to create a typeface reflecting a northern, Norwegian frame of mind. While it borrows cultural cues from Skiltskrift, Skandia has developed a distinct identity of its own. Its design—simple, functional, and aesthetically appealing—has led to its popularity in branding, advertising, and digital projects. Skandia’s contrast and proportions are optimised for readability, particularly in digital environments. What originated as a basic character set in a single style has since evolved into an extensive superfamily, comprising Skandia, Skandia Mono, Skandia Narrow, and Skandia Condensed. Each family includes eight weight classes, each with corresponding italics, offering flexibility and consistency across a wide range of typographic applications.

The Store Norske Skandia Typeface font is designed by Arve Båtevik

Store Norske Skandia is designed by Arve Båtevik.