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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.

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.

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.

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.

Sons of Norway lodges diligently support their communities and members by hosting events, offering volunteer opportunities and providing funds.

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?

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.

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.