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 pie Image Credit: Nevada Berg, North Wild Kitchen For the pie crust: 2 1/2 cups (300 g) all-purpose flour 1 1/2 Tbsp. granulated sugar 1/2 tsp. salt 1 cup (224 g) cold butter, cut into small cubes 4 Tbsp. ice water, plus more as needed For the brunost filling: 4 large egg yolks 3/4 cup (150 g) [...]
Cultural Skills and Sports Medals update
What is the new process for lodge leaders to order pins for the Cultural Skills and Sports Medals Programs? Sports Medals and Cultural Skills pins have now moved to our Lodge Supply Store. Lodge officers can order pins by logging into sofn.com, and searching for “lodge supply store” or by clicking this link: https://sofnlodge.logoshop.com/ Place an order for Cultural Skills pins and/or Sports Medals What is the new process [...]
Writing Atlantic Crossing
A conversation with screenwriter Linda May Kallestein A new historical dramatization, Atlantic Crossing, recently debuted on PBS Masterpiece. The epic Norwegian-American production finds Crown Princess Märtha and her three children fleeing Norway to find political refuge in the White House. Märtha forges a close friendship with Franklin Delano Roosevelt and helps steer Norway’s destiny. Photo Credit: www.pbs.org Series co-screenwriter Linda May Kallestein knows well what it’s like to have [...]
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 internet for a whole week? What if you were destined to spend that week completely isolated, marooned on a tiny windswept rock, barely protruding above the icy waves off the western coast of Sweden? To more than 12,000 film buffs from 45 different countries, this prospect sounded like an absolutely perfect way to enjoy the first week of February. The [...]
Savory recipes for Spring
After winter’s heavy meals, many of us crave fresh ingredients as Spring arrives