Going Green: What to Know About Electric Cars in Norway
In the October issue of Viking, we explored how Norway has been taking sustainable steps forward by using electric ferries. The country currently has 31 fully-electric ferries in operation, and that number is expected to grow substantially.
Three Norwegian Breweries to Discover
Norway has a vibrant brewery culture and an interesting wine history to match. In the September issue of Viking magazine, we explored the wine culture found throughout Scandinavia.
7 Places to Explore Near Oslo City Hall
Situated at a small bay at the head of the Oslofjord, Oslo City Hall brims with color, charm and history.
Agder – The Norwegian Riviera
Sometimes called “The Norwegian Riviera” for its temperate climate and abundance of “must experience” attractions, the county of Agder rests on the southernmost end of Norway. Idyllic, tree- dotted valleys are draped between rugged mountains and wooded heathland. They follow the rivers as they bend south through the hill country, emptying into the sea. The name Agder itself is mysterious. It predates the Norwegian language and is thought to be derived from Old Norse terms meaning either “the land that juts out to the sea” or “the land by the troubled sea.” Both would be appropriate.
Viking Dog: The Norwegian Elkhound
Norway’s national dog, the Norsk elghund (Norwegian Elkhound or more accurately “moose dog”) is a medium-sized dog that has hunted, herded and played guard dog since Viking times. This ancient Spitz is one of the oldest dog breeds, having originated as early as 5,000 B.C. Elkhounds have been found buried at Viking grave sites such as the Svarthola in Jæren, Norway. According to DNA research, the elkhound is descended from an extinct type of gray wolf originating in western Russia and central Europe.
Norway: The Safest Holiday Destination in Europe
In a recent analysis conducted by French travel agency Voyage Avec Nous, and data firm Flashs, Norway has topped the chart as the safest holiday destination in Europe. This analysis was structured using five criteria: health, security, road deaths, robberies, and intentional homicides. The data for these criteria came from the EuroHealth Consumer Index, Global Peace Index 2021, and Eurostat. The areas that tipped the scales to Norway were Norway’s security, as well as low levels of road deaths and murders.
What’s in a Name Day?
Use the celebration of Norwegian name days as a cultural activity! First, a little background: Each day of the Norwegian calendar year has a name or multiple names assigned to it. This tradition was created by the early Christian church and continued in the Catholic tradition of honoring saints. In Scandinavia, the creation of an almanac occurred in Sweden in 1757, and official name days were assigned. After this point, [...]
Two Frequently Asked Membership Questions
Transferring a Member into your Lodge If someone contacts you about transferring their membership into your lodge, and your lodge is happy to accept them as a member: You do not need to collect any money when a member transfers in, unless their membership is suspended or cancelled. Get their name and member number, and the names and member numbers of any other family members who are transferring into [...]
Four Stops Along St. Olav Ways
Named after King Olav II, a renowned Viking leader buried in Trondheim’s Nidaros Cathedral, St. Olav Ways is a group of historical pilgrim pathways with a variety of destinations for travelers to explore today.
Haakon Magnus, 30 years as heir
Haakon Magnus was just 17 when his grandfather died and his father became King. At that time, it was tradition for the first-born son to succeed the throne. Despite his sister Märtha Louise being 2 years his senior, Haakon Magnus was given the title Crown Prince and became heir to the throne.
Trøndelag, the Heart of Norway
The original home of most of the founders of Sons of Norway, Trøndelag county spreads across the central section of the country. Its 16,000 square miles are dominated by mountains, with slips of green valley tucked along its coasts, fjords and rivers. Its most notable natural feature is the Trondheim Fjord, which slices about 80 miles inland; first southward to Trondheim, then jagging northeast up to the town of Steinkjer.
Birthplace of Roald Amundsen Now Open to the Public
Roald Amundsen, a Norwegian explorer born in 1872, is known as one of the greatest figures in the field of polar exploration. In fact, he was the first person to reach the South Pole and the first to cross the Arctic by air.
Matpakke Wraps
This simple, healthy wrap is a take on the traditional Norwegian matpakke. Matpakke is a lunch you take to school or work and most commonly includes an open-faced sandwich wrapped in parchment paper. This wrap is a great option for children to make as they head back to school or a tasty snack for a fall hike.
Savor Summer with these Five Nordic Reads
As you soak up the remaining weeks of summer, now is the perfect time to relax with a good book. In our August issue of Viking, we shared 13 new Nordic books covering a range of genres that offer a glimpse into Scandinavian literature through captivating stories. Here are five more wonderful books from Norwegian authors to add to your list.
3 Spectacular Saunas in Norway
With famously snowy winters, it’s no surprise that Norway is home to many cozy saunas—one of which was featured in the July issue of Viking. The Telemark Canal’s stunning Soria Moria Sauna is one of six art installations in “Tales of the Waterway,” with design elements reflecting the surrounding natural beauty. Here are three more unique sauna experiences only found in Norway.