Viking’s Trash, Historian’s Treasure
Every spring, Vikings who wintered in settlements along the Otta River in south central Norway would gather together their livestock, pack up their sledges, and traverse snow-covered mountain passes through the Jotunheimen mountains to their summer farms at Neto, heading down again in the fall. Along the way, items would inevitably be lost or discarded.
Lodge Anniversaries in 2021 (25, 50, 75 and 100 Years)
6-052 Nordahl Grieg San Jose, CA 2/16/1946 75 Years 4-488 Nordlyset Bottineau, ND 4/24/1971 50 Years 3-432 Hudson Valley Kingston, NY 5/10/1946 75 Years 7-053 Eidsvold Victoria, BC 5/25/1946 75 Years 3-514 Gulfstream Fort Pierce, FL 5/29/1971 50 Years 5-642 Ostestaden Monroe, WI 6/14/1996 25 Years 3-646 Blå Fjell Bedford, VA 10/12/1996 25 Years 3-215 Nordkap Baltimore, MD 10/15/1921 100 Years 5-513 Vennelag Mount Horeb, WI 11/19/1971 50 Years 1-509 [...]
Oslo Opera House Welcomes Sandy Beach
The construction of the Oslo Opera house in 2008 was a significant moment in Norway’s architectural history. The building, which was designed by Snøhetta, features the roof of the building angling to ground level so that pedestrians can walk up and enjoy the city’s panoramic view.
Retired But Not Resting
On the eve of the 2004 Athens Summer Olympics Viking magazine interviewed Gunn-Rita Dahle about how she became a pro mountain biker. She mentioned her favorite racing fuel (grilled salmon with rice and vegetables) and discussed her goals for the season. A few weeks later, she took the gold in Athens as well as in the World Championship. In the years that followed, she became world champ six more times, for a total of 10 years on top.
Nikolai Astrup’s Time to Shine
Known for his unique depictions of western Norway’s lush landscapes and traditional ways of life, Nikolai Astrup (1880-1928) was one of the country’s most innovative painters, printmakers and horticulturalists.
Bicentennial for Norway’s Flag
Last month the Norwegian flag turned 200 and a historical installation was erected on Storting Square in Oslo. President of the Storting Tone Wilhelmsen Trøen and historian Marthe Hommerstad spoke at the opening of the exhibit, commemorating the beloved emblem and celebrating the democratic process that led to its choosing.
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.