Our Foundation Strengthens Communities
Each year, the Sons of Norway Foundation contributes thousands of dollars to communities throughout the United States in the form of grants and scholarships. Many of the Foundation’s awards are intended to maximize the outstanding work our lodges throughout the country are doing within their communities. This year’s grant recipients exemplify this spirit, including 2017 Local Lodge Partnership Grant recipient Kong Sverre 1-482 in Story City, IA. The Sons [...]
New Kroner Designs Sport a Modern Look
The Central Bank of Norway (Norges Bank) has unveiled a series of new kroner bills that will be phased in beginning in summer 2017. The designs are a departure from the current Norwegian banknotes in several aspects. This will be the first Norwegian money that does not feature a human face. All of the motifs pay tribute to the sea, which has played a pivotal role in shaping Norwegian [...]
An Exploration to the Bottom of the World
Sons of Norway is pleased to bring you the following message from Travel Partner and International Convention Sponsor, Borton Overseas. Antarctica is. Antarctica is: a continent. Antarctica is: 5.405 million square miles. Antarctica is: primarily composed of rock, ice, and snow. Antarctica is: dry and high. In fact, it is the highest and driest continent in the world. Antarctica is: cold (although the summer averages between 32° and 40°F along the [...]
Is the Time Right to Establish a Lodge in Your Community?
It’s a fact: Not all Sons of Norway members have access to a lodge, the central place to gather and experience the fellowship that is at the heart of our organization. Many members may live in communities where the nearest lodge is quite a distance away...
Sons of Norway is Looking Forward
Sons of Norway Headquarters is pleased to announce the launch of its 2017 recruitment campaign – a revamped and expanded Founders Day Awards. With our 125th anniversary fast approaching, the new campaign reinforces the vision of Sons of Norway’s founders for an organization that celebrates its roots while continuing to look toward the future.
Festivities Across Norway Mark Royals’ 80th Birthdays
Their Majesties King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway are celebrating their 80th birthdays in 2017, and multiple events will be held across the country to convey congratulatory wishes to the beloved sovereigns. King Harald was born on Feb. 21, 1937; Queen Sonja was born on July 4, 1937. The entire Norwegian Royal Family celebrated the King’s 80th year while on holiday in South Africa earlier this year [...]
Seeking Summer Intern – Elementary Education/Norwegian Studies
Are you interested in helping young people connect with their ethnic background? Do you believe in the importance of understanding other cultures? If so, this opportunity may be for you! Sons of Norway is seeking an individual for 15 to 20 hours per week to develop learning modules on various Norwegian topics to get elementary age youth excited about Norway past and present, as well as their heritage and [...]
One-of-a-Kind Ride Along
You may not know it, but Norway has the distinction of having a one-of-a-kind police unit--the Reinpolitiet (Reindeer Police). Those unfamiliar with the duties of this group of officers may find the idea of reindeer policing a bit peculiar, however the mission of this unit is an important one. Founded in 1949, Norway's Reindeer Police are tasked with oversight and environmental protection of the northernmost counties of Finnmark and [...]
Norgesskolen Discount Available to Sons of Norway Members
hrough a partnership with Norwegians Worldwide, Sons of Norway members receive a special membership discount at Norgesskolen, and a one-year free membership in Norwegians Worldwide. Norgesskolen is a travel opportunity for youngsters to deepen their understanding of Norwegian language, culture and society. Students aged 9 to 18 from all over the world meet in beautiful Telemark, the cultural and historical heart of Norway. The students will improve their Norwegian language [...]
Slow TV Pioneer
What began as a far-fetched lunchroom idea in NRK’s Bergen office quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Continuous, live, long broadcasts are known as Slow TV. The first broadcast was a seven-hour train ride from Bergen to Oslo in 2009. From following a herd of reindeer (which will debut this spring), to watching people knit for hours, Slow TV fosters conversation and unites viewers. In the February issue of Viking, [...]
5 Facts About Norway’s King
February 21 marks the 80th birthday of His Majesty King Harald V of Norway. In honor of this special occasion, here are five facts you might not know about the monarch.
2017 Named the Year of Indigenous Art and Thought
The Office for Contemporary Art Norway (OCA) is celebrating 2017 as the Year of Indigenous Art and Thought. Established in 2001 by Norway’s Ministries of Culture and Foreign affairs, the independent nonprofit foundation aims to feature Norwegian artists from around the globe and promote worldwide collaboration among artists.
Be My Valentine
Love is in the air, and Valentine’s Day is our annual opportunity to express that sentiment. We provide for our loved ones from day one by giving food, shelter and affection—basic human instinct in the early years with our own children. As time goes on we seek to clothe, educate and further provide the pursuit of happiness. The number of people we want to nurture in this way tends [...]
Hygge Lifestyle Trend on the Rise
With recent articles in The New York Times, TIME, Forbes and more, the Nordic lifestyle trend “hygge” (pronounced HIG-geh) is gaining popularity and inspiring audiences outside Scandinavia to embrace a cozy lifestyle. A hallmark of modern Danish culture, the word hygge originates from the Norwegian word for “well-being” and first appeared in Danish writing in the early 1800s.
More With Rick Steves
In the January 2017 issue of Viking, we talked with renowned author, television host and travel expert Rick Steves about his passion for Scandinavia. His wanderlust began with a family trip to visit Norwegian relatives as a teenager.