On lille julaften (December 23), Norwegian families typically decorate the juletre (Christmas tree), adorning the branches with handmade woven baskets, lights, Norwegian flags and figures made from straw. One of the traditional straw ornaments is the julebukk, or Yule Goat. Many of Norway’s Christmas symbols stem from pre-Christian times, and the Yule Goat is no exception. It was believed that the [...]
Photo Credit: Helge Høifødt Oslo, the relatively small capital of Norway, has suddenly captured the attention of food enthusiasts from around the world. Historically known for its cutting edge architecture, amazing skiing opportunities and unique coffee shops, Oslo can now proudly add “established foodie destination” to its resume after recently placing high in two major culinary best-of lists. The city even managed [...]
Every once in a while, late-night television viewers might be lucky enough to harken back to the early days of film-making while enjoying snowy and lush Nordic panoramas, courtesy of the 1929 Norwegian silent film, Laila. Laila is the charming heroine and central character of the film. In addition to spectacular scenery (notably the extreme Northeastern mountains of Finnmark), the film [...]
Biri native Even Sigstad received his first pair of alpine skis at six years old. Today, he’s turned his passions of skiing and making films into a cool career. His award-winning production company, Field Productions specializes in outdoor movies. Check out Viking’s interview with Sigstad in the December issue and see more here. What’s one of your favorite memories from growing [...]
Did you see our 2017 Gift Guide in the November issue of Viking? Here are five additional gifts to inspire your Christmas shopping. For a short hike or trek around a new city, consider the Norrøna bitihorn Hip Pack 6L. Spots for a water bottle and multiple zip pockets keep you organized, wherever your adventure takes you. Swedish designer Estrid Ericson [...]
The name Doug Warne may sound familiar to many of you. After all, he serves on the Sons of Norway Foundation Board of Governors and is the voice behind the Seattle-based radio show “Scandinavian Hour,”which he has hosted for 55 years. Today, Warne is the proud holder of a St. Olav Medal, bestowed by His Majesty King Harald V in recognition [...]
The phenomenon known as “Northern Lights” is most commonly seen in the northern hemisphere of our planet between the months of October and March. The lights are described to be magical, dramatic and utterly dazzling. If you are fortunate enough to experience the display, you’ll see a ray of dancing greens, yellows, violets and reds; on a rare occurrence, you could [...]
Flashback: It’s the glory days between the World Wars, when King Haakon and Queen Maud maintained a handsome and complete royal stable of horses along with all the trappings of the day. Carriages, harnesses and other tack, a shoeing forge and even infirmary stalls were part of the state-of-the-art facility. The Royal Stables included an equestrian arena and viewing gallery. Thirteen [...]
Only a few tickets remain for this year’s Nordic American Thanksgiving Breakfast to be held on November 21. With an irresistible line-up of speakers, it’s not surprising! Where else, in one setting, can you enjoy the company of legendary author, storyteller and radio personality Garrison Keillor; professor of religion at Hamline University Deanna A. Thompson, writer on topics including being the [...]
Photo Credit: visitnorway.com Norway’s most famous play, Henrik Ibsen’s Peer Gynt, celebrates its 150 year anniversary in 2017. The drama, which paints the vibrant and outrageous adventures and misdeeds of Peer Gynt, was finished on October 14, 1867, while its stage premiere opened exactly one month later. To mark this milestone anniversary, Norway has been celebrating all year, both on and off [...]
