Newly Released Translations of Norwegian Books
Gone are the days when you’d have to buy a plane ticket or take language lessons to read recent books by Norwegian authors. Titles from many genres are being translated into English and brought to the North American market. Here are a few 2019 releases that are now available in the US and Canada...
Two women. One hut. Nine months.
Sunniva Sorby and Hilde Fålun Strøm are two women who have taken climate change to heart and are embarking on a nine-month venture, Hearts in the Ice, to survey rapid climate change escalation in Svalbard, Norway.
Why My Three Daughters Have Life Insurance
When my children were born, the last thing I wanted to think about was the possibility that I might outlive these beautiful treasures. I was so caught up in the awe of being a parent to these healthy little dears that, for years, I thought only about the bright and wonderful futures each of them would have.
Simplifying Our Dues Structure
I enjoy talking to prospective members about the many benefits of belonging to Sons of Norway. We have so much to offer, including gathering with others to celebrate Norwegian heritage and culture, participating in the cultural skills and sports medal programs, enjoying Viking magazine and opportunities to make our communities better through volunteer service.
More on Thor Heyerdahl
Ethnographer, experimental archaeologist and author Thor Heyerdahl sailed into history with his many discoveries and excavations. The August issue of Viking highlights several of his expeditions, from the revelations of the lava tuff moai on Easter Island to the fiery conclusion of the Tigris.
Social Welfare Services—A Good Investment
Every now and then I meet people who ask me about the level of social welfare services available in Norway. Many are impressed by the coverage, which includes health care benefits for everyone, one year of parental leave, unemployment benefits and a minimum retirement payment—even for people who have never worked.
Did You Know? 15 Facts About the Norwegian Royalty
Throughout Norway’s history, the royal family has played a significant role in shaping the country. Think you know everything about the Norwegian royalty? Here are 15 facts about the monarchy that might surprise you.
Step Up Your Cultural Skills Game
Want to feel more connected to your heritage while having fun? Members who participate in the Sons of Norway Cultural Skills Program tell us that they feel engaged and energized. Here are a few ideas to get you going.
Beach Fun in Lofoten
Ready for a beach vacation? Make sure Norway on your list! As mentioned in the July issue of Viking, Norway is brimming with beautiful beaches. In fact, it’s home to the second longest shoreline in the world and 239,057 islands.
Quick Kaffe Quiz
How much do you know about this lodge favorite?
Don’t Make My Mistake
I was so proud of myself when I purchased my first life insurance policy 26 years ago. Just getting ready to tie the knot and start a life with my sweetheart, I felt the grown-up thing to do was to get life insurance.
Top Honors for Viktor Hovland
In the July issue of Viking, we highlight golfer Viktor Hovland, an Oslo native who won “low amateur” at the 83rd Masters Tournament this past April. And success keeps on swingin’ in for the 21-year-old.
50 Years of Oil and Gas
This year, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the first commercial oil and gas field, Ekofisk, in the Norwegian part of the North Sea. Growing up in Oslo in the 1960s and ’70s, I saw how oil and gas transformed Norway.
Rhythm Among the Roses
Moldejazz, which also goes by Molde International Jazz Festival, was founded in 1961 and is the second-oldest jazz festival in Europe. The festival is held during the 29th week of the year.
World Recognition for Nordic Culinary Excellence
Scandi sweep the 2019 Bocuse d’Or - At the 17th Bocuse d’Or, a prestigious culinary competition in France, Scandinavian countries swept all three podium spots.
CEO Eivind Heiberg Supports “Viking” WWII Memorial
Sons of Norway CEO Eivind Heiberg, acting in his dual capacity as Honorary Consulate General for the Kingdom of Norway, made an appearance at Fort Snelling on May 21, 2019, in support of an effort to memorialize the 99th Infantry Battalion, an elite unit of Norwegian-speaking soldiers who fought for the U.S. Army in World War II.
“The Farm” Puts Celebrities to Work
Imagine a competition where you have to milk a cow, wrestle, or build and start a bonfire for a chance to win big. Norwegian reality TV series Farmen Kjendis (Celebrity Farmer) is the celebrity spin-off of another Norwegian reality TV series, Farmen (The Farm).
Reduce Your Tax Liability With This Easy Fix
If you have assets like a CD, money market account, stocks or bonds that you have been planning to transfer to the next generation as a legacy, here is something you should know: These types of assets often pass to your beneficiaries with either tax or probate consequences.
Rye & Banana Bread
In the June issue of Viking, entrepreneur and author Brontë Aurell shared recipes from her book, “ScandiKitchen Summer.” And while banana bread might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of traditional Scandinavian eats, Aurell has a cooking mind of her own. Check out her banana recipe with a special Scandi twist.
Sons of Norway Foundation Announces 2018 Grant Recipients
We are pleased to announce that the Sons of Norway Foundation awarded more than $18,000 in grants to 33 lodges last year. Three types of grants are available to assist lodges in the following areas.
Pride—Human Rights for All
Last year we celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. While most people probably have a vague idea of what fundamental human rights are, we live in a part of the world where many—myself included—probably take them more or less for granted.
Day Trip: Oslo to Lillehammer
Ahh, day trips. A time to recharge and discover a town’s cultural allure, heritage and quaint quirks. In the May issue of Viking, we took readers on quick day getaways from Oslo and Bergen...
Norwegian-Sami Music Group on the Rise
In the International Year of Indigenous Languages, Sami-influenced music group KEiiNO has been selected to represent Norway at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest this month. The group, consisting of Sami songwriter and rapper Fred Buljo and Norwegian singers Alexandra Rotan and Tom Hugo...
Prison Prizes Respect
Halden Fengsel, Norway’s second-largest prison, is a facility that emphasizes respect and focuses on the rehabilitation of its inmates. The prison opened in 2010 and although considered a high-security prison, it has no conventional security devices.
Summer Travel Notes
If your travels take you to Norway this summer, be ready to experience all the drama and beauty the country has to offer: Intricacies of a vast coastline. Mesmerizing waterfalls. Diverse species of native birds. Hiking trails. Glorious beaches.