Blog

The mission of Sons of Norway is to promote and to preserve the heritage and culture of Norway, to celebrate our relationship with other Nordic countries, and provide quality insurance and financial products to our members.

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.

August 30th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

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.

August 15th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

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.

August 15th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

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.

August 15th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

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

August 14th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

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.

August 1st, 2022|Categories: Blog|

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.

July 11th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

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.

July 11th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

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.

July 11th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Our Impact by the Numbers

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

July 10th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

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?

July 10th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

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.

July 6th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

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.

June 15th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

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.”

June 15th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

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!

June 14th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

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.

June 9th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Magnificent Monuments

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.

May 26th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

The Norwegian Bunad and Syttende Mai

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.

May 18th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

A Farewell to Fritz

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.

May 17th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Test Your Syttende Mai Knowledge

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.

May 9th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Easter in Norway

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.

April 22nd, 2022|Categories: Blog|

A Palace Room with Avian Flair

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.

April 22nd, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Heritage of the Future Campaign

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.

April 21st, 2022|Categories: Blog|
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