For the birds, and good fortune
The tradition of putting up a julenek (Christmas sheaf) at Christmastime goes back a few centuries. It was supposed to be a large cut of a farmer’s best grain, and the last thing to be harvested in the autumn.
Princess Märtha risks it all to defend Norway in new drama
Norway’s royal family thought that neutrality would protect their nation from hostile takeover, but they were caught unawares when the Germans invaded in 1940. A new historical dramatization, Atlantic Crossing, recently debuted on NRK, Norway’s National Broadcasting Corporation.
Surviving winter like a Norwegian
As much of the United States and Europe brace for a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us worry we’re facing our darkest time yet and wonder how we’ll cope with the long winter nights. Our answer might be to look at the Norwegian lifestyle.
Celebrate a merry Norwegian Christmas!
Christmas, known as jule in Norway, is a magical time. Norwegians enjoy getting into the spirit of Christmas, or julestemning, with loved ones.
With demand skyrocketing, Norway expands citizenship processing
Ever since Norway began allowing dual citizenship in January 2020, applications have been pouring in from people seeking to become Norwegian citizens. The influx of applications has far outpaced expectations, prompting lawmakers to propose expanding Norway’s citizenship processing capacity by NOK 61.5 million in 2021.
Norway’s fortresses bring History to life
Norway’s fortresses all hold secrets of the past. They were built as far back as the 1100s and as recently as the German occupation. Once built to keep invaders out, today they invite people in.
Seeking a Chief Underwriter and Claims Manager to join our team
This position is responsible for all risk selection activities, including the underwriting and approval of applications, working with Reinsurance companies, the Medical Director and various vendors used in the underwriting process.
Neither COVID nor border closure could stop this couple from getting married
Throughout this COVID era, many situations have become more uncertain and challenging than ever before. One thing that has become extra stressful for many couples is wedding planning.
Norway’s popular dog breeds reflect human lifestyles
In Norway, there are around 200 dog breeds of all sizes and temperaments. Each year, the Norwegian Kennel Club releases a list of the country’s most popular dog breeds. A look at this list reveals a bit about what Norwegians look for in a pet.
A 1,200-year-old sword
Vegard Høystad-Lunna was roaming the fields of Innlandet County in Norway with his metal detector when suddenly he heard a loud series of beeping sounds. His device was hovering over an iron object buried about three inches below the surface of the ground.
Nordic Designers to Know
Admired worldwide for its simplicity and understated elegance, Nordic design is a balance of functionality and aesthetics. With a respect for nature, love of light and desire to juxtapose classic styles with contemporary accents, Scandinavians design their homes for logical living.
Must-See Libraries in Norway
Attention book lovers! Scandinavia is home to some of the world’s most impressive libraries. Not only do they house thousands of books, they are designed to impress. Here are three to put on your bucket list.
Norwegian companies pay employees to bike to work
With Norwegian society gradually re-opening since May, many offices are open for business again. To ensure that public transportation in Oslo can allow for proper distancing, authorities have asked residents to work from home, and to only use buses, trains and trams for essential travel.
How Norway’s evolving dugnad tradition keeps the pandemic in check
Dugnad (pronounced doog-nahd), literally, “voluntary work,” is a Norwegian cultural tradition where members of a community work together toward a common goal for the greater good.
Oslo’s traditional (and sustainable) blanket coats shine at fashion week
In an era when sustainability and eco-consciousness play a growing role in people’s purchasing decisions, the fashion industry is facing new scrutiny—and pressure to change its notoriously wasteful ways. With its emphasis on timeless style, natural fibers and made-to-last construction, Norway’s fashion scene is ahead of the curve.
How Well Do You Know Norway’s Explorers?
From historic polar pioneers to modern-day adventure seekers, Norway is home to some of the world’s bravest explorers. Do you think you know them well? Read the September issue of Viking magazine to test your knowledge about some of these brave men and women. When you’ve finished, check out these bonus questions below.
Lise Davidsen, live recital from Oscarshall in Oslo
After causing a sensation with her triumphant Met debut as Lisa in The Queen of Spades last season, soprano Lise Davidsen offers a program of the soaring arias and songs that have rocketed her to stardom around the world: selections from Wagner’s Tannhäuser...
5 Must-Have Nordic Cookbooks
The New Nordic cooking philosophy is all about no-fuss recipes with seasonal, fresh ingredients. Here are some of our favorite Nordic cookbooks.
Ancient fishing artifacts found on Norwegian farm
In the 1930’s, a farmer in southern Norway wanted to cultivate new land, so he set about draining a wetland near his farm. During the process, he discovered several strange items on the wetland: fish hooks and harpoons carved from bone, as well as killer whale bones and bluefin tuna bones.
Step up your game with our new sports medals
If you’ve been craving new fitness goals, we are here to help! These two medals are now available for anyone aiming to set the bar higher in the Sons of Norway Sports Medal Program.
Relaxing Escapes in Norway
Have you read the August issue of Viking magazine? Check out page 7 for an amazing place to spend a relaxing getaway. Fuglemyrhytta is a self-service cabin located in Oslo’s Nordmarka forest. It’s a perfect spot for unwinding, enjoying a meal or staying overnight.
Dramatic landslide in Northern Norway
A massive landslide caused a huge swath of land and several houses to be swept into the sea near the town of Alta in northern Norway the afternoon of June 3. The landslide was 2,133 feet (650 meters) wide and 492 feet (150 meters) deep.
3 Crime Novelists to Know
These award-winning Scandinavian authors have written some of the most popular crime novels in the genre.
Cultural Solitaire
Sons of Norway is excited to share our new game, Cultural Solitaire. This is the perfect tidsfordriv (pastime) as well as a tool for learning about famous Norwegians and North Americans with Norwegian heritage.
Seven Years as Norway’s Ambassador
I have served as Norway’s Ambassador to the United States for the past seven years. It has been a privilege and an honor to work every day on further developing the already excellent relationship between our two countries. In a few weeks I will leave Washington, D.C., and move on to new challenges.