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The aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is a natural phenomenon that many wish to see in their lifetime.

Author and translator Barbara Sjoholm on uncovering and uplifting the undertold stories of Scandinavia’s Indigenous people.

The aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is a natural phenomenon that many wish to see in their lifetime.

When one thinks of Norway’s staple foods, fish, lamb, and potatoes often come to mind. However, in recent years, another food item is capturing the hearts of many: cheese!

There are a total of 212 lighthouses that dot the approximate 62,706 miles of Norway’s majestic coastline. The first and oldest of those lighthouses was erected in 1656 at Lindesnes, which sits at the southern tip of Norway, in Agder county.

Serve this delicious dessert on Christmas Eve and whoever finds the almond should receive a small prize.

Dotted with coastal islands and carved with deep fjords, Møre og Romsdal county graces Norway’s central west coast where imposing mountains end in plunging waterfalls or ease into lush valleys.  

The original artwork for this year’s limited edition rosemaled ornament was painted by Judy Ritger of River Falls, WI. Learning rosemaling mainly through studies at Vesterheim Folk School in Decorah, Iowa, Judy also studied with Ragnvald Frøysadal in Norway and in the U.S.

As a student majoring in Nordic Studies at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, one of the “requirements” was to spend a semester in Norway. I have ‘requirements’ in quotes, because it was more of a golden opportunity, as I had longed for a Norwegian experience for as long as I could remember.