While it was extremely hard to lose my uncle Buddy, of whom I was very fond, his memory will live on forever in my mind. I will also remember all the care and thought my mother put into preparing for Buddy’s end-of-life celebration. He was an accomplished trumpet player who served as a band member for the Shriners for many years. [...]
Image Credit: Andreas Kontokanis Norway’s chess superstar Magnus Carlsen has done it again. Aside from taking victory in the recent 2018 World Chess Championship, and being the world’s top ranked chess player since 2013, he’s managed to accomplish the incredible: making chess popular. Carlsen’s continued success has sparked fascination in the game all over Norway, with many calling it [...]
Founders' Day: January 16 No doubt: Those hearty Norwegians who founded Sons of Norway back in 1895 can be considered visionaries for forging the cornerstone of what would become a 50,000-member financial and international cultural organization. The 18 founders would be exceedingly proud of today’s members who collectively log hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours each year in service to their [...]
As we ring in the New Year, let’s take a look at some of our favorite Viking magazine articles from 2018. Inside Ålesund In the November issue we share the charming Art Noveau-inspired town of Ålesund. Spread across several islands, Ålesund provides an easy access to fjords, mountains and the coast. Members can access the full article here. [...]
If you’re making plans to visit Norway, check out the January issue of Viking magazine. It’s brimming with travel advice, expert tips and recommendations for exploring Norway from north to south. Whether you’re looking to take a spectacular train journey, search for polar bears in Svalbard or explore Norway’s vibrant capital city, there are ideas for every type of traveler.
As the New Year’s celebrations end, standard resolutions quickly come to mind. They may include getting back on track with fitness goals or gaining better control of your finances. But this year, why not keep Norway at the heart of your New Year's resolutions? To help get you started, here a few ways you can add a little more Norway to [...]
As 2019 approaches, the city of Oslo is preparing for the 150th birthday celebration of Norway’s most famous sculptor: Gustav Vigeland. Institutions around Norway are preparing to celebrate with a lineup of installations and celebrations. Keep an eye out for these events: Anniversary Exhibition Vigeland Museum Opens April 11, 2019 Traveling Exhibition Norway’s National Museum On display though 2020 Summer Vigeland Showcase [...]
From decorating the Christmas tree to leaving milk and cookies out for Santa Claus, Christmas traditions are a great way to embrace your heritage in unique ways and enjoy the holiday season. Here are a few surprising or unusual Norwegian Christmas traditions you can try with the whole family. Almond hunt One of the more popular Norwegian customs is to [...]
Known for being northern Europe’s longest stretch of railway, the Bergen Railway in Norway is a seven-hour trip crossing one of Europe’s mightiest mountain ranges. Voted one of the world’s best train rides by Lonely Planet, you’ll get to travel alongside snow-covered mountains and waterfalls as you make your way to Oslo. Built between 1875 and 1909, the Bergen Railway runs [...]
Barneloppet (youth ski race) season is coming up fast, and young Sons of Norway members who live in snowy regions are preparing to participate. Should the seeds of competition be planted, their dreams of an Olympic or World Cup podium could become a future reality. The good news: There’s an entity as enthusiastic as Sons of Norway is about fresh air, [...]
