If all goes according to plan, Mjøstårnet will become the world’s tallest wooden skyscraper in March 2019. The 18-story high-rise is being built in Brumunddal, about 90 minutes north of Oslo. At 81 meters tall, the building will include apartments, a hotel, a restaurant, offices and common areas. Up until 1997, buildings taller than three stories were not allowed to be [...]
An unfinished painting of violinist Eva Mudocci has discreetly hung on the wall of St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn. for nearly 20 years—until now! Recent discoveries have led experts to believe the painting may be the work of iconic Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. The mystery painting was donated to the college by alumnus Richard Tetlie, as part of a gift of 2,000 pieces [...]
With more than 40 years of experience, Nancy Bundt has photographed a range of subjects—from food and travel to fashion and music. The Minneapolis native currently lives in Norway with her husband. Learn more about her in Viking’s October issue and see more from the interview below. What is your favorite thing to photograph? I’ve created 18 cookbooks, four of them [...]
Norwegian Lundehund What has 24 toes, ears that can fold closed, forward or backward at will, and was saved from near extinction after World War II? The Norwegian Lundehund, of course! The breed’s unique characteristics, including six toes on each foot, came in handy when retrieving puffins – that’s right, puffins – from the crevices of its homeland’s steep [...]
From cross country skiing to biathlon races, Norwegians are known for their love of winter sports. However, more and more Norwegians head for the high dive as the unusual sport of dødsing gains popularity. Dødsing, or “death diving” in English, is a Norwegian extreme sport where competitors hurl themselves off a 10-meter-high diving platform and land in what looks like a giant [...]
The largest Scandinavian festival in North America is preparing to welcome you! Join in all the activities that await you at Norsk Høstfest: free stage entertainment, multiple dining experiences, cultural attractions and much more. Enjoy your first “Viking-on-a-stick,” take in outstanding music from The Texas Tenors, Tanya Tucker, Michael Bolton, Alabama and others. Crafts, art and artisans will draw your attention [...]
Norway is a hot spot for architectural innovations. And its libraries are no exception! Check out these impressive libraries in Norway. Vennesla Library & Cultural Center Vennesla, Norway This award-winning building is comprised of a library, café and administrative areas that link to a community house and learning center. The Huffington Post ranked the library as one of the most beautiful in [...]
In the September issue of Viking magazine, you’ll find a story that combines Norway’s war history and the royal family. “The King’s Defiance” recounts King Haakon VII’s wild escape from Oslo and refusal to surrender to Nazi forces. It was pivotal moment in Norway’s entry into World War II. The King, Crown Prince Olav, Crown Princess Märtha and their children, Ragnhild, Astrid [...]
At the 2018 International Convention held this month in Bloomington, Minn., 155 delegates from Canada, the U.S. and Norway elected officers and directors to serve on the Sons of Norway International Board. Newly elected officers are International President Ron Stubbings and International Vice President Mark Agerter. Reelected are International Secretary Marci Larson and International Treasurer Elaine Nelson. New International Directors are [...]
It’s no secret that Norwegians want to protect their natural wonders from garbage. While recycling is commonplace for Norwegians, other countries are looking to Norway as the recycling expert. The U.K. is looking into starting a recycling program based on Norway’s, after stats came out showing that Norway has the world’s most effective bottle recycling program. Through this program, 97 percent [...]
