Viking longship excavation yields unexpected findings
Norway’s first Viking longship excavation in over a century is nearing its final stages, with work expected to conclude in early 2021 following an extension of the project. It has been a source of fascination among academics and casual enthusiasts alike, with findings that may shed new light on early Viking society.
Uplifting streaming from Norway
Much of the content that makes its way to North America may give you the feeling that Norwegian TV and movies are either gruesome (think Norsemen, Borderliner) or dead serious (Occupied, Beforeigners) or both (The 12th Man, 22nd July).
Inside the Faroe Islands’ “revolutionary” underwater roundabout
Living on an island nation has its challenges, not the least of which is transportation. In the year 2000, the government of the Faroe Islands approved construction of the country’s first underwater commuter tunnel.
A joik renaissance
This month, on February 6, we celebrate National Sámi Day. For the indigenous people of the Sápmi region, which spans the northernmost parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia, storytelling through song has been part of their culture for centuries.
Coming Home to the Fjords
The January 2021 edition of Viking featured member David Ellingson’s kayak adventures through the fjords of Norway. The self-described “water spirit” tackled epic mileage while receiving help from “fjord angels,” communing with the spirits of his ancestors, and learning some life lessons along the way.
Norway’s rising star winter athletes
With its snowy climate and ample trail access, Norway is an ideal place for athletes to train and excel at winter sports. The country is home to some of the world’s greatest winter athletes.
February = 14 days of friluftsliv
As a fervent hiker, Henrik Ibsen gave name to a concept already deeply rooted in the Norwegian psyche: friluftsliv (free-loofts-leave). Roughly translated as “life in the free air,” the idea is to immerse yourself in nature, resulting in benefits to mind, body and spirit.
In Norway, it’s Taco Friday
In the United States, many people take part in a fun custom known as “Taco Tuesday.” It’s a day where people come together to enjoy all kinds of tacos, as well as the discounts many restaurants offer on Tuesdays.
Embrace simple koselig pleasures with a good book!
Have you wondered what the immigrant experience was like for those who left Norway to make a new life in North America? Here are three authors who’ve written books to satisfy your curiosity.
5 must-see Norwegian films
Attention movie buffs! If you’re looking to cozy up and watch some Norwegian films this winter, here are five classics to check out.
Favorite Viking magazine articles from 2020
As 2020 comes to a close, so does another year of Viking magazine. What a year it has been! Our 12 issues from 2020 include 37 feature stories that span topics such as Scandinavian food, travel, history, modern culture, genealogy and more. Here’s a look back at some of this year’s must-read articles.
Hygge-Inspired Gifts for the Holidays
Winter is the best time to embrace the hygge way of life. In the December issue of Viking magazine, we show readers how to celebrate the Scandinavian lifestyle concept of hygge by getting cozy, crafty and inspired by nature.
Christmas Carols and Cultural Skills
With Christmas right around the corner, why not take time to enjoy some seasonal music? Here are a few selections you might enjoy on your own, in your lodge, or with your family:
A special gift—Christmas Traditions of Norway
Exclusively for members, our newest publication is Christmas Traditions of Norway. This interactive, 16-page PDF includes Christmas customs, fun activities, and recipes with embedded links and video content.
Norsk winterwear—more than just warm
Norwegian wool sweaters are something we associate with tradition, cozy warmth and, if we’re lucky, the people who knitted them. But did you know that they were made to protect us not only from cold, but also to ward off malicious spirits?
Studded tire subsidy is a hit with Oslo’s winter bicyclists
Norway is well known for its ambitious—and successful—efforts to encourage greener, healthier lifestyles among its residents. But the latest of these efforts may come as a surprise even among those who are accustomed to Norway’s overachieving outdoorsiness...
For the birds, and good fortune
The tradition of putting up a julenek (Christmas sheaf) at Christmastime goes back a few centuries. It was supposed to be a large cut of a farmer’s best grain, and the last thing to be harvested in the autumn.
Princess Märtha risks it all to defend Norway in new drama
Norway’s royal family thought that neutrality would protect their nation from hostile takeover, but they were caught unawares when the Germans invaded in 1940. A new historical dramatization, Atlantic Crossing, recently debuted on NRK, Norway’s National Broadcasting Corporation.
Surviving winter like a Norwegian
As much of the United States and Europe brace for a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us worry we’re facing our darkest time yet and wonder how we’ll cope with the long winter nights. Our answer might be to look at the Norwegian lifestyle.
Celebrate a merry Norwegian Christmas!
Christmas, known as jule in Norway, is a magical time. Norwegians enjoy getting into the spirit of Christmas, or julestemning, with loved ones.
With demand skyrocketing, Norway expands citizenship processing
Ever since Norway began allowing dual citizenship in January 2020, applications have been pouring in from people seeking to become Norwegian citizens. The influx of applications has far outpaced expectations, prompting lawmakers to propose expanding Norway’s citizenship processing capacity by NOK 61.5 million in 2021.
Norway’s fortresses bring History to life
Norway’s fortresses all hold secrets of the past. They were built as far back as the 1100s and as recently as the German occupation. Once built to keep invaders out, today they invite people in.
Neither COVID nor border closure could stop this couple from getting married
Throughout this COVID era, many situations have become more uncertain and challenging than ever before. One thing that has become extra stressful for many couples is wedding planning.
Norway’s popular dog breeds reflect human lifestyles
In Norway, there are around 200 dog breeds of all sizes and temperaments. Each year, the Norwegian Kennel Club releases a list of the country’s most popular dog breeds. A look at this list reveals a bit about what Norwegians look for in a pet.
A 1,200-year-old sword
Vegard Høystad-Lunna was roaming the fields of Innlandet County in Norway with his metal detector when suddenly he heard a loud series of beeping sounds. His device was hovering over an iron object buried about three inches below the surface of the ground.