What’s Better than Summer in Norway?
… Summer school in Norway! Or, for that matter, any semester at the American College of Norway (ACN) is sure to be a fascinating and fulfilling educational experience. The friendly and scenic coastal town of Moss, Norway, just 40 minutes by train from Oslo, is home to the college. For 26 years, ACN has welcomed Norwegian, American and other international students. Registration is now open for the summer session [...]
P. S. I Love You …
While it was extremely hard to lose my uncle Buddy, of whom I was very fond, his memory will live on forever in my mind. I will also remember all the care and thought my mother put into preparing for Buddy’s end-of-life celebration. He was an accomplished trumpet player who served as a band member for the Shriners for many years. Buddy often blessed our small congregation with his [...]
The Magnus Effect Grips Norway
Image Credit: Andreas Kontokanis Norway’s chess superstar Magnus Carlsen has done it again. Aside from taking victory in the recent 2018 World Chess Championship, and being the world’s top ranked chess player since 2013, he’s managed to accomplish the incredible: making chess popular. Carlsen’s continued success has sparked fascination in the game all over Norway, with many calling it The Magnus Effect. The effect can be seen [...]
If Our Founders Could See Sons of Norway Today
Founders' Day: January 16 No doubt: Those hearty Norwegians who founded Sons of Norway back in 1895 can be considered visionaries for forging the cornerstone of what would become a 50,000-member financial and international cultural organization. The 18 founders would be exceedingly proud of today’s members who collectively log hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours each year in service to their communities. They would be amazed at the breadth [...]
Viking Magazine: Articles to Enjoy Again or for the First Time
As we ring in the New Year, let’s take a look at some of our favorite Viking magazine articles from 2018. Inside Ålesund In the November issue we share the charming Art Noveau-inspired town of Ålesund. Spread across several islands, Ålesund provides an easy access to fjords, mountains and the coast. Members can access the full article here. The King’s Defiance Featured in the September [...]
Oslo For History Buffs
If you’re making plans to visit Norway, check out the January issue of Viking magazine. It’s brimming with travel advice, expert tips and recommendations for exploring Norway from north to south. Whether you’re looking to take a spectacular train journey, search for polar bears in Svalbard or explore Norway’s vibrant capital city, there are ideas for every type of traveler.
Happy “Norwegian” New Year
As the New Year’s celebrations end, standard resolutions quickly come to mind. They may include getting back on track with fitness goals or gaining better control of your finances. But this year, why not keep Norway at the heart of your New Year's resolutions? To help get you started, here a few ways you can add a little more Norway to your daily life. Embrace Hygge Hygge (HIG-geh) is [...]
Celebrating Vigeland
As 2019 approaches, the city of Oslo is preparing for the 150th birthday celebration of Norway’s most famous sculptor: Gustav Vigeland. Institutions around Norway are preparing to celebrate with a lineup of installations and celebrations. Keep an eye out for these events: Anniversary Exhibition Vigeland Museum Opens April 11, 2019 Traveling Exhibition Norway’s National Museum On display though 2020 Summer Vigeland Showcase Thielska Gallery June Want to learn more about [...]
Make Merry Memories with Norwegian Traditions
From decorating the Christmas tree to leaving milk and cookies out for Santa Claus, Christmas traditions are a great way to embrace your heritage in unique ways and enjoy the holiday season. Here are a few surprising or unusual Norwegian Christmas traditions you can try with the whole family. Almond hunt One of the more popular Norwegian customs is to serve rice porridge on little Christmas Eve (Dec. [...]
Journey Across Norway on the World’s Most Scenic Train Ride
Known for being northern Europe’s longest stretch of railway, the Bergen Railway in Norway is a seven-hour trip crossing one of Europe’s mightiest mountain ranges. Voted one of the world’s best train rides by Lonely Planet, you’ll get to travel alongside snow-covered mountains and waterfalls as you make your way to Oslo. Built between 1875 and 1909, the Bergen Railway runs approximately 310 miles with roughly 60 miles of [...]
Courage, Confidence and Character Gained through Nordic Sports
Barneloppet (youth ski race) season is coming up fast, and young Sons of Norway members who live in snowy regions are preparing to participate. Should the seeds of competition be planted, their dreams of an Olympic or World Cup podium could become a future reality. The good news: There’s an entity as enthusiastic as Sons of Norway is about fresh air, fitness and embracing Nordic sports that is helping [...]
It’s Cookie Time!
Christmas is right around the corner. It’s time to make some sweet memories in the kitchen. Here’s a roundup of some of Viking magazine’s favorite holiday cookie recipes. Gingerbread Cookies Check out this recipe from Beatrice Ojakangas that was featured in Viking’s December 2014 issue. She also shares her Cranberry-Orange Cookie recipe. Gingerbread Sticks If you don’t want to use cookie cutters but still want that wonderful gingerbread taste, bake the dough into sweet sticks [...]
Nordic Community Embraces its Heritage, Gives Thanks, Gives to Others
The 34th Annual Nordic American Thanksgiving Breakfast was a wonderful success. In fact, nearly 900 attended the event, and funds raised for the event’s charities, Second Harvest Heartland and the Minnesota Military Family Foundation, currently total more than $ 22,000. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, patrons and sponsors, these outstanding organizations will have more resources to help sustain their programs and aid those in need. If you would like [...]
Great Norwegian Adventure to Cast its 10th Season
The world’s nicest reality show, Alt for Norge—known in English as The Great Norway Adventure—is about to cast its 10th season. In this heritage-based reality show, a dozen Norwegian-Americans fly to their ancestral homeland to compete in a variety of culture-related challenges. The challenges range from culinary feats such as eating sea urchin, to the adventurous challenge of spending a proper Påskeferie (Easter break) atop a snowy mountain. Most [...]
Meet Bård Ludvig Thorheim
In the November issue of Viking magazine, we highlight Norwegian Political Adviser Bård Ludvig Thorheim. Throughout his career, he’s held positions with the Norwegian Embassy in Sri Lanka, Washington D.C. and Norway. Currently, he’s the political adviser to Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs office works to promote Norway’s interest internationally and safeguard the country’s prosperity. Cooperating with like-minded countries, such as [...]