King of Fjords
That’s another name given to the Sognefjord, and with good reason. It is the largest and deepest fjord in Norway, with a length of 128 miles and a staggering depth of over 4,000 feet.
An Arctic Ghost Town
At the outskirts of civilization, not far from the North Pole, lies the town of Pyramiden. It’s located on the remote Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard. At first glance, this is a desolate-looking place, surrounded by towering mountains and glaciers and vast open skies. You will find more polar bears and arctic foxes here than people. For much of the year, you can count the number of permanent human residents on two hands.
Foundation Scholarships Available
High school seniors and current college students- it's time to start thinking about 2023! If you are a member of Sons of Norway or have a parent or grandparent who is a member, you can apply for a scholarship from the Sons of Norway Foundation.
Problematic Seagulls in Tromsø
An interesting problem has left the city of Tromsø, Norway, searching for solutions. This issue has been compared to the rat infestation in Paris, but these “rats” in Tromsø can fly, and are known as seagulls.
Bærums Verk – Haunted by History
In the western suburbs of Oslo, the historic village of Bærums Verk straddles the cascading Loma River. Many buildings here date back to the iron works which were established here in 1640. Throughout the centuries, its dedicated workforce has manufactured everything from salad forks to lighthouses.
Troll Toe Cookies
Looking for something unique and spooky for your Halloween party? We found this recipe on www.christinascucina.com and were inspired to share, adding a few touches of our own.
Vestland: When People Dream of Norway
Commanding over 13,000 square miles of majestic mountains, meandering fjords, and historic habitations, Vestland is a dreamscape of a county. A land of giants, it features the largest glacier in Europe which feeds Norway’s tallest waterfall. The westernmost point of Norway proper is on a tiny island far out to sea from the mouth of the Norway’s longest fjord, Sognefjorden. It is less than 200 miles east of the Shetland Islands of Scotland.
Norwegian Refugee Council Awarded Conrad Hilton Humanitarian Prize
The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation is a family foundation that strives to improve the lives of individuals living in poverty by providing funds to nonprofit organizations working hands-on for this goal. The Foundation was established in 1944 and has since become one of the larger philanthropic foundations in the world.
Northern Survivors: Polar Bears
Polar bears are native to the lands and waters in the Arctic Circle. Several physical adaptations to preserve heat and help them in their hunt for their prey have allowed them to dominate one of the least hospitable climates on the planet.
Where to Eat in Oslo
Calling all foodies! In the September 2022 issue of Viking, we share Oslo restaurant recommendations from Norway’s top food bloggers, Anders Husa and Kaitlin Orr. Here are some more delicious restaurants to put on your Oslo must-try list.
The Arctic Hideaway
Above the Artic circle and about 40 minutes off the coast of Norway lies a small fishing village by the name of Sørvær. This island is so remote that the next nearest piece of land is the east coast of Greenland. So, what is the significance of such a small, remote island, you ask? The answer lies within the confines of a tiny hotel on the island, featuring four sleeping cabins.
A New Look at Lemmings
Norwegian lemmings inhabit the tundra and fells of Norway, the northern reaches of Sweden, Finland and the Kola Peninsula of Russia. These round, six-inch rodents—called lemen in Norwegian—do not hibernate.
Sons of Norway Book Club
All Sons of Norway members are invited to join this virtual book club, regardless of where they live. The popular book club is rapidly growing and in most months, we’ve added an additional meeting time so more members can take part.
Discover Svalbard
Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago of unmatched Arctic beauty at the very top of the world. Located in the Arctic Ocean about halfway between Norway and the North Pole, it is a rugged and harsh environment
More Great Escapes
From treehouses to igloos, Norway has amazing one-of-a-kind stays across the country that combine modern luxuries with breathtaking scenery. Check out the July issue of Viking to read about some of our favorites. If you want to stay like a royal, add these ideas to your list.
Summer in the Land of the Midnight Sun
A special time is here for the people of Norway. It is a time for getting away with family and friends, for long summer nights stretching into weeks of rest and rejuvenation, for reflection and relaxation. This magical period is called fellesferie.
Norway’s National Museum Opens Its Doors
Standing proudly in the center of Oslo, next to the harbor, Norway’s Nasjonalmuseet (national museum) is now ready for visitors. This project took nearly 30 years to come to fruition, with the idea first being discussed in the 1990s. The building, which was designed by German firm Kleihues + Schuwerk, opened its doors on June 11 and is a massive 584,480 square feet. This makes the institution one of the largest art museums in Europe, right behind the State Hermitage Museum in Russia and the Louvre in Paris.
Norwegian Climber’s Peak Performance
You may have heard of people exaggerate that they ”walked to school up-hill, both ways, in three feet of snow,” but 36-year-old Norwegian Kristin Harila may soon have them all beat. She is undertaking an epic endeavor to climb up 14 full-sized mountains. These summits are the tallest in the world– each peak reaching up through the atmosphere at over 8,000 meters. To make it even more of a challenge, she intends to conquer them all in a short span of only six months.
Our Impact by the Numbers
Sons of Norway lodges diligently support their communities and members by hosting events, offering volunteer opportunities and providing funds.
Norwegian New Potato Salad
Potato salad is hugely popular in Norway, particularly in midsummer when new potatoes are in season. Why not try this light, delicious Norwegian recipe at your next barbecue?
Travel Favorites
Have you been dreaming of a trip to Scandinavia more so than ever? In the July 2022 issue of Viking, we’re celebrating travel once again. In addition to rounding up some of the coolest one-of-a-kind stays across the country and an insider’s guide to Iceland, this issue dives into practical information for traveling in this new era.
Celebrating Midsummer in the Nordic Countries
Midsummer is known as the time in the middle of the summer, often celebrated on or close to the summer solstice – the longest day of the year. Traditionally, Midsummer is on June 24th and is quite popular in the Nordic nations.
Norway, The Long Way
A through-hike of the Appalachian Trail. Riding the Great Divide. Among the ranks of these epic treks is Norge På Langs, or “Norway lengthwise.”
American Party Time
Every summer, a small village just west of the southern tip of Norway explodes into “Four Days of Happiness,” a celebration featuring camping, concerts, parades, and exotic foods, which culminates with a citywide street dance. Get out your Uncle Sam hat, your classic Ford Mustang, and your love of Elvis and rock out at the American Festival in Lista, Norway, running June 23 -June 26, 2022!
Midnight Sun Adventures in Bodø
Nestled between the mountains and ocean, Bodø is a small town in Northern Norway that boasts some of the country’s most beautiful scenery. Now, all eyes are on the town in a new way, as it was recently named a European Capital of Culture for 2024. It’s the first time this recognition has been given to a city north of the Arctic Circle. Check out the June 2022 issue of Viking to learn about how Bodø is preparing for a full year of culture and arts celebrations.