Sweater Detective Uncovers Secrets
Today, beautiful woolen sweaters are emblematic of Norwegian culture. However, the art of knitting is relatively new to Norway. Sweaters were originally a luxury imported from Europe until the early 1800s. When faced with shortages precipitated by the Napoleonic wars, Norwegians embraced the challenge, grabbed some needles, and began entwining their own traditions into this formerly exotic art form.
Dreaming of Travels to Come?
Whether you will be a first-time traveler to the Nordic countries or are eager to continue exploring, here are a few unusual destinations for you to consider visiting.
Plums with Blue Cheese, Walnuts, and Crispbread
This delicious summer appetizer is a mix of tart sweetness, savory goodness, and a satisfying crunch.
4 Nordic Hotels in North America
Enjoy Norwegian architecture and lifestyle right here in North America with these four luxurious hotels. Whether you’re seeking to spend time in nature, recharge with simple living or relish in a stunning space with Scandinavian food and design, there’s a Nordic hotel that will be sure to delight. Here are four to explore.
Eldbjørg Hemsing’s New Podcast
Are you looking for a Nordic podcast to listen to? In the May issue of Viking, we spotlight a new podcast about Nordic music hosted by Norwegian violinist Eldbjørg Hemsing.
All of Norway is Dancing
Last year, for the first Syttende Mai during coronatiden (the time of Corona) kids, celebrities, musicians, politicians, athletes and members of the Royal Norwegian Navy put on their festive clothing and broke out the flags to tell the story of Syttende Mai on NRK Super.
Haukland Beach Ranked #1 in Europe
Vestvågøy municipality in the Lofoten Islands is home to Hauklandstranda, a beach that was named #1 in Europe by LonelyPlanet.com. Described as otherworldly with smooth sand and clear sapphire waters, it is a shining gem located within polarsirkelen, the Arctic Circle.
Norway Forecasted to Top Medals Table in 2022 Winter Olympics
Though the 2022 Winter Olympics seem far in the future, Norway is already predicted to top the medals table. The next Winter Olympics are to be held in Beijing, China and the countdown has already begun. An agency by the name of Gracenote Sports, known for their hand in statistical analysis, has released their projections, which favor Norway’s athletes.
Scandinavian Sow Hits the Big Screen
A litter of charismatic Norwegian piglets and their mum are the break-out stars of a new film, “Gunda,” by famed Russian director Victor Kossakovsky. The film captures the daily lives of sow Gunda and her family as they sleep, snort and play on their organic farm in Undrumsdal, Norway, about 50 miles south of Oslo. The movie co-stars a plucky one-legged chicken and pair of cows.
Brunost Cream Pie (brunostkrem-pai)
Brunost Cream Pie (brunostkrem-pai) Makes one 9-inch / 23 cm [...]
Writing Atlantic Crossing
A conversation with screenwriter Linda May Kallestein A new historical [...]
Lille Lørdag
Looking for a way to cope with still being stuck at home as we pass the one-year mark of the pandemic? We need to look no further than the Norwegian tradition of lille lørdag.
Film Fest for One Lucky Viewer
Would you be happy to ditch your phone and the [...]
Savory recipes for Spring
After winter’s heavy meals, many of us crave fresh ingredients as Spring arrives
Mythical creatures of Scandinavia
Trolls, elves, dwarves and gods. These are just a few of the many fabled creatures that are deeply embedded in our popular culture, from comic books to movies to video games. But where did they originate?
Volcano adventures in Iceland
Did you know that the Arctic region is home to volcanoes? Iceland is actually one of the most volcanically active places in the world thanks to its location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet.
Norway counters Super Bowl ads with creative cheek
Part of the Super Bowl experience is enjoying the creative ads that punctuate the game. At $5.5 million per 30 second ad, they’ve got to be memorable. A common way to garner attention is through celebrity appearances.
A look at Norway’s coffee culture
In a recent list of the top ten coffee-consuming countries reported by WorldAtlas, half were Nordic countries. In fact, Norway claimed second place right behind Finland. Although it is very apparent from this list that Norwegians love their coffee, that has not always been the case.
Oslo gets creative to save a springtime tradition
Ski trails made of artificial snow in the Voldslokka [...]
3 more nature walks to explore in Norway
Norway is known for its abundant natural beauty, with [...]
Viking longship excavation yields unexpected findings
Norway’s first Viking longship excavation in over a century is nearing its final stages, with work expected to conclude in early 2021 following an extension of the project. It has been a source of fascination among academics and casual enthusiasts alike, with findings that may shed new light on early Viking society.
Uplifting streaming from Norway
Much of the content that makes its way to North America may give you the feeling that Norwegian TV and movies are either gruesome (think Norsemen, Borderliner) or dead serious (Occupied, Beforeigners) or both (The 12th Man, 22nd July).
Inside the Faroe Islands’ “revolutionary” underwater roundabout
Living on an island nation has its challenges, not the least of which is transportation. In the year 2000, the government of the Faroe Islands approved construction of the country’s first underwater commuter tunnel.
A joik renaissance
This month, on February 6, we celebrate National Sámi Day. For the indigenous people of the Sápmi region, which spans the northernmost parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia, storytelling through song has been part of their culture for centuries.
Coming Home to the Fjords
The January 2021 edition of Viking featured member David Ellingson’s kayak adventures through the fjords of Norway. The self-described “water spirit” tackled epic mileage while receiving help from “fjord angels,” communing with the spirits of his ancestors, and learning some life lessons along the way.