Cool Coffee Shops in Oslo
Attention coffee lovers! Have you read the March issue of Viking? Our cover story shows how coffee is a dynamic and versatile ingredient that can perk up both sweet and savory recipes. If you’re traveling to the Sons of Norway International Convention in August, be sure to check out page 8 for three café recommendations in Hamar.
Behind the Scenes of a Viking Photo Shoot
Have you ever wanted to know what goes into a Viking magazine photo shoot? Here’s your chance! The Viking team shot the March cover story in early January with recipe developer and food stylist Betsy Nelson, and photographer Terry Brennan. But planning for it started months earlier. Read on for a look at the process.
Smart and Sustainable Cities
Cross-country skiing is a favorite Norwegian pastime. Norwegians will definitely be following our ski team as they participate in the World Cup race hosted in Minneapolis mid-March – the first time in two decades such a race has been held in the United States. This is a unique opportunity to showcase the sport to a broader audience. I’ll be there, and look forward to days filled with sports, debates and seminars.
Norwegian Mountain Code: 9 Rules for Summit Safety
Norway is an incredible place to get outside and explore seaside coasts, majestic woodlands, plunging fjords and snow-capped mountains. Speaking of snow, check out the February issue of Viking magazine to read about Norway’s top ski resorts.
A Night of Celebration
It was an evening filled with celebration, toasts, rosemaling and lots of Norwegian food: On January 16, about 150 Sons of Norway members and prominent figures from the community gathered to commemorate our 125th anniversary.
Svalbard Seed Vault Gets a New Neighbor
Situated halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, the Svalbard Islands make up one of the world’s northernmost populated areas. In recent years, they have gained some notoriety as the home of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, where seeds from around the world are locked away in case of global catastrophe.
Top Norwegian Songs From 2019
Here’s a look back at some of the top songs by Norwegian artists in 2019.
Earn Your 2020 Recruiter Pin—Ask a Friend to Join!
These are only a few of the many new member Recruiter Pins we’ve offered to members in the past 25 years. Now you can begin or expand your collection of these unique pins.
Adventures in Kirkenes
Located in the northeast corner of Norway near the Russian and Finnish borders, the small Arctic town of Kirkenes is brimming with unique activities. From discovering Arctic wildlife to learning about the area’s storied war history, Kirkenes is worth a visit any time of year.
New Norwegian Cuisine: The Future of Seafood
Imagine sitting on the ocean floor, surrounded by aquatic life. It is dim and dark, but the ocean light that shines in front of you draws you into a sea of wonders. You are beneath the surface, and this is your dining room. Here in Lindesnes, at the southernmost point of the Norwegian coast...
More Bucket List Adventures
It’s no secret that Norway is a dream destination for travelers. It’s brimming with breathtaking scenery, one-of-a-kind experiences, natural wonders and strong Viking history. Check out the ultimate bucket list of travel ideas in the January issue of Viking magazine. Here are three more must-see places to add to your list.
A Grand Milestone for Sons of Norway
On January 16, 1895, the original 18 members of Sons of Norway gathered for their first official meeting. Today we celebrate the 125 years that have passed since that meeting, as well as the fact that we have grown to become the largest Norwegian organization outside of Norway.
The “Prince of Fun” Turns 14
Prince Sverre Magnus, the youngest child of Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, turned 14 in December. The young prince was born December 3rd, 2005, in Rikshospitalet in Oslo. He is third in line to succeed his grandfather King Harald V, after his father and his 15-year-old sister, Princess Ingrid Alexandra.
Scandinavian Wine? Yes Indeed!
With their notoriously cool climates, Denmark, Norway and Sweden have never been thought of as contenders for winemaking—until now. With the warming weather in these countries, entrepreneur winemakers are keying in on the potential for a new Scandinavian wine industry.
Living Norwegian Heritage at Any Age
Did you know that educational scholarships are an important way of sharing our heritage and Nordic values with younger generations? It feels great to help young Sons of Norway members explore their Norwegian roots though the exciting and educational life experiences made possible by our generous donors.
Norway, a Strong Trading Partner of the United States
Ever since Norway’s independence in 1905, the relations between Norway and the United States have created a wealth of economic opportunities for both countries. A report prepared by the Norwegian Embassy shows that trade with and investments from Norway support almost half a million jobs across the United States.
Longyearbyen Fast Facts
Did you know that the world’s northernmost town is in Norway? Perched high above the Arctic Circle on Spitsbergen island lies the polar village of Longyearbyen. It’s inhabited by approximately 2,000 residents from 50 countries.
Ways to Practice Norsk
Snakker du litt norsk? If you are looking to learn the basics of Norwegian, Sons of Norway’s online language lessons get you going with 37 installments, including how to pronounce a few julesanger (Christmas carols - Lesson 26) and how to decipher a Norwegian cake recipe (Lesson 28).
Norway’s Julehefte Tradition
Classic Norwegian Christmas traditions include decorating the tree, baking cookies, visiting family—and sitting by the fire with a big stack of comic books. For two centuries, Norway has had a tradition of releasing julehefter, or Christmas booklets, in late November.
Norwegian Folk Music in Pop Music
Throughout the last two centuries, Norwegians have taken great pride in their heritage. In fact, Norway has created a patriotic identity that encompasses its values, customs and traditions. However, this has not always been the case; leading up to the 19th century, there was much discontent regarding Norway’s independence.
Sámi Culture Represented in Frozen 2
After a debate on social media about how the Sámi culture was represented in the 2013 box office hit movie “Frozen,” Disney took the time to address the audience’s concerns and looked to the experts. The animators collaborated with a group of Sámi people to get their input on the film.
5 Norwegian Christmas Traditions
It’s Christmastime! Are you looking for some Scandinavian-inspired food gifts make for loved ones on your list? Check out the December issue of Viking magazine, which features sweet treats from Brontë Aurell.
Fixed Annuities: A Stable Option for Retirement
Perhaps you are saving for retirement, or maybe you have already hit your goal for retirement savings. Either way, if you are a conservative investor who is wary of market fluctuations, but you still want to build assets for the future, then a fixed annuity may be a good option for you.
It’s Good to Have Friends—the Norwegian-American Security Relationship
If you were to google “U.S. military and Norway,” the top video result would be footage of very cold and wet U.S. Marines struggling to clamber out of a hole in the ice on a frozen lake. It can be entertaining. But more important, it is an example of the excellent Norwegian–American security relationship and the close partnership between democracies on both sides of the North Atlantic.
Charming Christmas Markets
‘Tis the season for merriment—and Christmas markets! We spread some yuletide cheer in the December issue of Viking by sharing some julemarkeder worth checking out this holiday season in Norway.