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 park in Oslo. Image credit: AFP As the Easter season approaches and winter prepares to melt away, Oslo residents are bustling to escape into marka, the wooded hills surrounding the city, to enjoy one of Norway’s most favored forms of recreation: cross-country skiing. This final pilgrimage of the season typically results in vacationers crammed elbow to elbow in commuter [...]
3 more nature walks to explore in Norway
Norway is known for its abundant natural beauty, with glaciers, fjords, mountains and lush greenery. Even metropolitan areas like Oslo offer hiking opportunities and breathtaking views nearby. The March issue of Viking highlights five accessible hiking spots near this area, with scenic trails, spectacular views and interesting cultural landmarks. Here are a few more beautiful places to explore in Norway for hikers of all levels. Easy/Moderate: Åkrasanden. This sandy [...]
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.
Order Lodge Supplies Online
Sons of Norway recently implemented a new, streamlined process for ordering supplies. This change applies to most supply orders, including Sports Medals and Cultural Skills pins, as well as general lodge supplies like table flags, placemats and napkins.
Email Scams Announcement
We’ve recently had a number of complaints of what seemed to be spam emails from various district or lodge leaders. These emails would typically seem as if they were coming from a lodge leader and would ask for money, a gift card, etc.
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.
Norway’s rising star winter athletes
With its snowy climate and ample trail access, Norway is an ideal place for athletes to train and excel at winter sports. The country is home to some of the world’s greatest winter athletes.
In Norway, it’s Taco Friday
In the United States, many people take part in a fun custom known as “Taco Tuesday.” It’s a day where people come together to enjoy all kinds of tacos, as well as the discounts many restaurants offer on Tuesdays.