Håndslag

Håndslag was a Norwegian political magazine published every two weeks in Stockholm from June 1942 until June 1945. It operated in the context of Norway's occupation during the Second World War and was intended for Norwegian readers, including audiences inside occupied Norway. The publication was issued by the Norwegian writer Eyvind Johnson and edited by Torolf Elster. Its contributors included Willy Brandt and Helge Krog, among other journalists and political writers. The magazine's distinguishing feature was its clandestine distribution network. Copies were secretly transported and circulated in occupied Norway, where independent political publishing was subject to severe restrictions and censorship under the occupation regime. Håndslag therefore functioned not merely as a periodical but also as a vehicle for political communication and resistance-oriented information. Its Stockholm base placed the publication outside the immediate control of the occupation authorities while allowing it to maintain a direct connection with Norwegian political debate. Toward the end of the war, Håndslag reportedly reached a circulation of approximately 15,000 to 20,000 copies. This circulation indicates a substantial readership for an underground or clandestinely distributed wartime publication, although the available reference material does not provide a detailed breakdown of its distribution, financing, political affiliations, or editorial positions. The magazine continued publication until June 1945, shortly after the end of the German occupation of Norway, and is consequently a defunct historical publication rather than an active contemporary brand.

Håndslag was established as a Norwegian political magazine in Stockholm in June 1942, during the German occupation of Norway. It appeared on a bi-weekly schedule and was produced outside occupied Norwegian territory, a location that allowed its publishers and editors greater freedom than was possible for openly independent political publications inside Norway. The magazine was issued by the Norwegian writer Eyvind Johnson and edited by Torolf Elster. Its journalistic circle included Willy Brandt and Helge Krog. The participation of writers and political journalists associated with public debate in Scandinavia gave Håndslag a broader intellectual and political character than a purely local news sheet. However, the available reference material does not specify a formal publisher, political party ownership, detailed editorial platform, or financing structure. Håndslag was secretly distributed in occupied Norway. This clandestine circulation was central to its historical role: the periodical connected an externally produced Norwegian publication with readers living under occupation and censorship. Its distribution required concealment and informal networks, although the surviving reference description does not identify the particular couriers, organizations, or routes involved. The magazine's intended readership and circulation environment distinguish it from an ordinary expatriate publication. By the latter part of the war, Håndslag had reportedly achieved a circulation of between 15,000 and 20,000 copies. That level suggests that it had become a significant channel for political and journalistic material among Norwegians despite the risks associated with underground distribution. The magazine continued through the end of the occupation and ceased publication in June 1945. Its end came in the immediate postwar period, when the conditions that had necessitated an externally produced and clandestinely distributed political magazine had changed. Håndslag is therefore best understood as a historical Norwegian wartime periodical and resistance-era communications brand, not as an ongoing publishing enterprise.

• 1945

  Reported wartime circulation

  [1]Håndslagen.wikipedia.org

  Toward the end of the war, Håndslag reportedly circulated between 15,000 and 20,000 copies.

• 1945

  Publication ends

  [1]Håndslagen.wikipedia.org

  Håndslag ceased publication in June 1945, shortly after the end of the German occupation of Norway.

• 1942

  Launch in Stockholm

  [1]Håndslagen.wikipedia.org

  Håndslag began publication in Stockholm in June 1942 as a Norwegian bi-weekly political magazine.

• 1942

  Clandestine distribution in occupied Norway

  [1]Håndslagen.wikipedia.org

  The magazine was secretly distributed among readers in occupied Norway, extending its reach beyond its Stockholm production base.

A Norwegian wartime political magazine based in Stockholm and distributed clandestinely in occupied Norway.

• Political periodical · 1942

  Håndslag political magazine

  The magazine's core and apparently sole offering was a Norwegian political periodical issued every two weeks from Stockholm between June 1942 and June 1945. It combined political journalism and commentary and was distributed clandestinely in occupied Norway. The available reference material does not identify separate editions, supplements, or product lines.

1. 1Håndslagen.wikipedia.org