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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.

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.”

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!

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.

The cover of the May issue of Viking magazine features a stunning image of one of Norway’s most awe-inspiring monuments—Sverd i fjell (Swords in Rock). Read our story to find out the meaning behind these giant bronze swords. Here, we rounded up some of Norway’s most magnificent monuments to add to your bucket list.

Syttende Mai, Norway’s national day, is of course a day to commemorate the signing of Norway’s constitution, however it is also a day to celebrate heritage, through a traditional folk costume known as the Norwegian bunad.

Learn to bake Kvæfjordkake – Verdens Beste Kake. Presented by Connie Aiello of Nordlyset Lodge 5-183, Racine, WI.

Photo Credit: Emily Dunker, via mndaily.com An American reporter asked King Haakon VII a very delicate question: Who is the most famous immigrant from Norway living in America? King Haakon replied, “The best Norwegian is a good American.” At a memorial service in Minnesota, those words about being a good American came home to describe Walter F. Mondale, who died a year ago at the age of 93.

This delectable baguette sandwich incorporates two 17. Mai brunch favorites as toppings: salmon and eggs. Enjoy this light savory dish at home or pack and bring on picnic.

May 17 (Syttende Mai) is Norway’s national day. The day marks the signing of the Norwegian Constitution in 1814, making Norway an independent country. As you prepare for the holiday, check out the May issue of Viking magazine to test your knowledge with our fun and festive quiz. Here are some bonus questions.

When thinking about one of the longer holiday celebrations during the calendar year, Christmas is top of mind for many. Most other holidays come and go as they occupy a quick 24 hours. This is not quite the case though in Norway. Yes, citizens of Norway certainly do take time to celebrate Christmas, but they also take advantage of the Easter holiday, something not quite as common in the United States.

In 1814, Swedish King Karl Johan III commissioned a new palace in Oslo. He wanted a lavish place to stay during his many visits to his new territory of Norway. Though the French-born sovereign was not a fan of Norwegian Nationalism, those who designed, built and decorated his new home most definitely were. Their commitment to their homeland is showcased in the unusual décor for the king’s antechamber, or waiting room, known as the Bird Room.

Sons of Norway is proud to announce the “Heritage of the Future” campaign to support the Sons of Norway Foundation. This naming campaign will offer the naming rights to different areas of our new home office for a wide range of donation amounts.

Easter vacation is when one tenth of Norwegians head for the hytter- cabins that dot the countryside, on a lake, a mountain, the coast or in the forest. Many will spend their time skiing, and others go hiking in remote areas.

This Norwegian delicacy is a traditional Easter supper eaten throughout much of Norway. Rakfisk is fermented fish, commonly made from fresh trout.

Want to explore some of Norway’s most breathtaking sites? In the April issue of Viking, we highlight one of the country’s most incredible natural wonders, the Saltstraumen. Read more about it and add these other unique places to your bucket list.

Are you looking to see Norway’s natural beauty from new heights? In the March issue of Viking, we highlight some of the country’s top cable car rides. Here are several that will give you a new perspective as you hitch a ride to the top of Norway’s peaks.

Trade, culture, and exploration are among the list of items to cross the globe for centuries now. But what helped facilitate this list? The answer is wooden sailboats.

Not long after the Olympic Games concluded in Beijing on February 22nd, there was another competition ready and waiting to commence. The Winter Paralympic Games happen immediately following the conclusion of the Winter Olympic Games in the same host venue.

In 2021, the Norwegian government returned a large collection of cultural artifacts to the countries where they originated. This operation was the outcome of cooperative efforts between European countries to quell illegal trade of cultural objects.

Make your own hiking snacks for springtime outings. This recipe from meny.no shows you how to make crispy-sweet Kvikk Lunsj-like cookies in your waffle iron.

Beer brewing has been part of Norway’s culture for centuries, and it’s only continuing to grow. In the March 2022 issue of Viking, we cover the history and current state of beer in Norway and highlight a few key craft breweries. Here are 10 to put on your travel list.

Olav Honve walks with steady pace through the premises of Sylvsmidja in Voss. His rough working hands have pressed, soldered and polished up the most delicate silver treasures since he was 15 in 1971. Treasures from Norway’s most authentic and beautiful cultural heritage, the bunad silver.

For almost two years now, the coronavirus pandemic has affected many aspects of daily life. Social events have been postponed, activities have decreased, and people have adapted to a new “normal.” Although it has acted as an interruption to many, it has also provided the chance to step back and take a closer look at society. The Norwegian Directorate of Health did exactly that with the Norwegian diet in 2020.

Combining the age-old livelihood of farming with the newest in satellite technology, armies of “CyborGoats” have been unleashed across the nation of Norway.