A Northern Approach to Preserving
Have you read the July 2020 issue of Viking magazine? In addition to tips on tracing your genealogy and providing information on Norway’s folk high schools, we dive into the wonderful world of preserving and canning.
Home at Last: Thomas Wærner, Iditarod Champion and Pilot Extraordinaire
On March 18, Norwegian Thomas Wærner was crowned champion of the iconic Iditarod dogsled race. Wærner’s victory made him the third Norwegian to win the race, following in the footsteps of Joar Ulsom in 2018 and Robert Sørlie in both 2003 and 2005.
Norway: A Great Spot for Birds (and Birders)
In many ways, Norway can be seen as something of a well-rounded overachiever – the nation routinely ranks at or near the top of a wide range of categories, from public safety and green energy to raising children and general life satisfaction. Here’s one more addition to that ever-growing list: birdwatching.
What Do These Famous People Have in Common?
They are all Americans with Norwegian ancestry! You may not have realized that there were so many Norwegian-Americans who have become household names. Read on and find out how each person is connected to Gamle Norge.
A Viking Era During the Bronze Age in Norway
There is growing consensus among archaeologists that there was a Viking era in Norway, including exploration through maritime travel, a full 2,000 years before the established Viking Age.
Multilateral Cooperation in Times of Crisis
At this time of great uncertainty and global disruption, a coordinated international response through a functioning multilateral system is needed more than ever—a system where countries work together as members of international organizations. We are all affected by the coronavirus, and no country can overcome this crisis alone.
A Design Lover’s Guide to Norway
Brimming with cultural hotspots, eye-catching hotels, cool galleries, scenic viewpoints and bold architecture, Norway is a haven for design inspiration. Check out the May issue of Viking magazine to learn more about some of our favorite places, including...
A “New” Form of Northern Lights Identified
The northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, are a dazzling natural phenomenon that occur when charged particles from the sun enter the earth’s atmosphere and collide with gaseous particles.
As Norway Slowly Reopens, What’s Next for Tourism?
For the past 10 years, Norway’s tourism and travel industry has been booming. Going into 2020, the nation was setting all-time records for overnight stays—and that’s without counting small, private rentals like Airbnb. Then the coronavirus hit, and travel ground to a halt.
10 Norwegian Artists Appear in Quarantine Music Festival
Over Easter weekend, when Norwegians tend to have vacation getaways planned, ten Norwegian artists helped raise spirits by playing quarantine concerts for Norway’s largest “streaming festival,” “Somewhere Else // Et Helt Annet Sted”
Norway’s Syttende Mai Celebrations Go Virtual
Historically in Norway, the 17th of May is a day filled with ceremonies, singing, dancing, parades and overall celebration. However, this year Norway’s Constitution Day will be a bit different. Because of Covid-19, major events including Syttende Mai celebrations have been banned.
Norwegian Startup Fights Loneliness by Bridging the Technology Gap
For many people waiting out the Covid-19 crisis from their homes, the sense of isolation and loneliness can be just as difficult to manage as their fears of the virus itself. To make matters worse, those most at risk of serious illness are often the most isolated—especially the elderly...
Announcing the 2020 Sons of Norway Foundation Grant Recipients
Whether by creating a virtual reality game that puts children in the shoes of polar bears, developing an educational gardening program at a local school, or hosting a virtual Scandinavian Festival, the 2020 Sons of Norway Foundation grant recipients are...
Celebrate Syttende Mai at Home
Syttende Mai is a celebration of Norwegian culture and coming together with family and community. In a time when in-person parades and parties are on hold, you can find ways to celebrate Syttende Mai while maintaining a safe physical distance. Here are some ideas for a home-based celebration:
5 Must-Have Nordic Cookbooks
The New Nordic cooking philosophy is all about no-fuss recipes with seasonal, fresh ingredients. Here are some of our favorite Nordic cookbooks.
Sons of Norway Quarantine Bingo
This game can help you have some fun, stay active, and maybe try a few new things while sheltering in place! Members AND non-members are eligible to play.
Will Regional Reform Result in New Bunads?
As of January 2020, Norway’s 19 previous fylker (counties) have merged into 11, following a 2017 decision by Stortinget (the Norwegian parliament). Now that this regional reform has taken effect, does it follow that bunader (region-specific Norwegian folk costumes) will undergo a transformation?
Unwind With Yoga: Popular YouTubers and Norwegian Retreats
We are living a time when the future is particularly unknown, and many of us are longing for stress relief and relaxation. If you’ve been yearning for a way to unwind and destress, yoga offers many wonderful benefits to help guide you through difficult times.
Cool New Buildings in Oslo
Oslo is filled with unique and stunning architecture, and a few new buildings will soon be adding to the city’s cultural cache. While many beautiful new building projects have gone up in Oslo in recent years, here are a few noteworthy highlights to check out.
Royal Fun
Have you read the April issue of Viking? Royal enthusiasts should check out our “Royal Tour of Norway” feature. The 1,000-plus-year-old Norwegian monarchy is one of the oldest in the world. Throughout the years, more than 60 kings have claimed the throne.
Lær deg litt norsk!*
Finding yourself with extra free time lately? This is a great opportunity to *learn some Norwegian or improve on the language skills you already have. Beginners can learn the basics on our website. (Members, log in to hear phrases pronounced by native speakers.)
Gender Equality = Smart Economics
Women’s empowerment lies at the heart of Norway’s economic policies. Gender equality means realizing the potential of both halves of the population. For Norway, women’s participation is a pillar of our welfare state and has played a key role in our economic growth.
The Coolest Place in Oslo
There’s a new cultural hub on the east side of Oslo. You’ll definitely want to visit, but you probably can’t get in. Biblo Tøyen is a recently revamped youth library exclusively for kids ages 10 to 15. In 2019, the library was named one of the 50 coolest places in the world by TIME [Magazine] for Kids.
Norway Ranked Best Place to Raise Kids
In a recent report released by The Lancet, Norway was ranked the best country in the world to raise kids. Following Norway were South Korea, the Netherlands, France and Ireland. The study was based on a variety of criteria including children’s education, nutrition and health.
Skijoring: A Thrilling Nordic-inspired Winter Sport
If you’re looking for a unique way to enjoy Nordic-inspired outdoor winter fun with friends and family, consider skijoring! Blending elements of dogsledding and waterskiing, this thrilling sport involves being towed on skis behind a horse, dog or other animal—or in some variations, even a motor vehicle.