Take a Yuletide Trip Through Time
If you are traveling to Norway for the upcoming holidays and have time to squeeze in one more activity, it’s a perfect time to visit the Norsk Folkemuseum, located in the heart of Oslo. Prepare to embrace the holiday spirit and be dazzled by “A Christmas Tale,” an exhibition about past and present yuletide traditions. You’ll see displays of customs from the old rural community, take in the trends [...]
Outstanding Line-up for the 2018 Nordic American Thanksgiving Breakfast
Last year’s event sold out, so purchase your tickets to the 34th annual Nordic American Thanksgiving Breakfast before it’s too late! Ticket sales end Wednesday, November 14. In one setting, you’ll hear thoughtful messages on the topics of freedom, faith, family and friends from the Ambassador of Iceland to the U.S.A. Geir H. Haarde; Executive Director to the Minnesota Trade Office Gabrielle Gerbaud, also serving as chief of protocol [...]
Viking Magazine Earns Top Awards
Viking magazine had an impressive showing at the 2018 MMPA (Minnesota Magazine & Publishing Association) Awards last week. Viking took home six awards for editorial and design in the Association category. In addition to the awards for design and editorial coverage, Viking also received three honorable mentions at the 2018 Folio Awards, which are national awards. Viking magazine won the following awards: Gold: Feature Article Ties that Bind Silver: [...]
Gift Guide
Christmas is right around the corner! In the November issue of Viking, we’ve rounded up some Nordic-inspired gifts. Here are a few more editor’s picks. This adorable Reindeer Wool Ornament will look great hanging on your tree. $12, scandinavianshoppe.com Children and adults alike will have fun with this Carl Larsson Coloring Book, which contains 22 reproduced coloring pages of the artist’s original works. $7.95, ingebretsens.com Inspired by retro [...]
Minnehaha Academy Madrigal Singers to Perform November 20 at the Nordic American Thanksgiving Breakfast
Kick off the holiday season with your Nordic community, a line-up of outstanding speakers and the exquisite choral music of the Minnehaha Academy Madrigal Singers, under the direction of Karen Lutgen. Minnehaha Academy, located in Minneapolis, was founded in 1913 by Swedish immigrants and continues to advance the ideals and heritage of its founders. The ensemble will provide musical selections to inspire the spirit of togetherness as the holidays approach. [...]
How Much Do You Know About Norway Today?
It’s time to find out! In the October issue of Viking magazine, we test your knowledge about topics from pop culture, innovative companies and the royal family. Below, check out some additional questions. 1. What Norwegian film has been chosen as the country’s entry for the 2019 Oscar nominations? “U – July 22” “What Will People Say” “Now It’s Dark” “Going West” 2. In August, Oslo hosted the 2018 [...]
Celebrate the Cinnamon Roll this Fall
October 4 is Kanelbolledagen, or Cinnamon Roll Day. These beloved pastries are known by many names, such as kanelbolle (cinnamon bun), kanelsnurr (pinwheel), kanelknute (knot) or skillingsbolle (shilling bun). The latter is how they are known in Bergen, named for their original price. Skillingsboller are traditionally a snail shape, with high butter content and granulated sugar on top, rather than glaze or frosting. Other parts of Norway prefer their [...]
Wooden Skyscraper Rises in Norway
If all goes according to plan, Mjøstårnet will become the world’s tallest wooden skyscraper in March 2019. The 18-story high-rise is being built in Brumunddal, about 90 minutes north of Oslo. At 81 meters tall, the building will include apartments, a hotel, a restaurant, offices and common areas. Up until 1997, buildings taller than three stories were not allowed to be made of timber in Norway. A fire devastated [...]
Munch Painting Hides in Plain Sight
An unfinished painting of violinist Eva Mudocci has discreetly hung on the wall of St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn. for nearly 20 years—until now! Recent discoveries have led experts to believe the painting may be the work of iconic Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. The mystery painting was donated to the college by alumnus Richard Tetlie, as part of a gift of 2,000 pieces of artwork after his death in 1999. It [...]
An Eye for Detail
With more than 40 years of experience, Nancy Bundt has photographed a range of subjects—from food and travel to fashion and music. The Minneapolis native currently lives in Norway with her husband. Learn more about her in Viking’s October issue and see more from the interview below. What is your favorite thing to photograph? I’ve created 18 cookbooks, four of them with major Norwegian publishers. I style most of [...]
Meet a Clever Canine with a Penchant for Puffins
Norwegian Lundehund What has 24 toes, ears that can fold closed, forward or backward at will, and was saved from near extinction after World War II? The Norwegian Lundehund, of course! The breed’s unique characteristics, including six toes on each foot, came in handy when retrieving puffins – that’s right, puffins – from the crevices of its homeland’s steep vertical cliffs. Also known as the “puffin dog,” [...]
Making A Big Splash
From cross country skiing to biathlon races, Norwegians are known for their love of winter sports. However, more and more Norwegians head for the high dive as the unusual sport of dødsing gains popularity. Dødsing, or “death diving” in English, is a Norwegian extreme sport where competitors hurl themselves off a 10-meter-high diving platform and land in what looks like a giant belly flop. Sound intense? It is, and most [...]
Motor to Minot for Norsk Høstfest
The largest Scandinavian festival in North America is preparing to welcome you! Join in all the activities that await you at Norsk Høstfest: free stage entertainment, multiple dining experiences, cultural attractions and much more. Enjoy your first “Viking-on-a-stick,” take in outstanding music from The Texas Tenors, Tanya Tucker, Michael Bolton, Alabama and others. Crafts, art and artisans will draw your attention and tempt your pocketbook. Learn more now about [...]
Grand Designs
Norway is a hot spot for architectural innovations. And its libraries are no exception! Check out these impressive libraries in Norway. Vennesla Library & Cultural Center Vennesla, Norway This award-winning building is comprised of a library, café and administrative areas that link to a community house and learning center. The Huffington Post ranked the library as one of the most beautiful in the world. Created by Norwegian architecture firm Helen [...]
Test Your Royal Knowledge
In the September issue of Viking magazine, you’ll find a story that combines Norway’s war history and the royal family. “The King’s Defiance” recounts King Haakon VII’s wild escape from Oslo and refusal to surrender to Nazi forces. It was pivotal moment in Norway’s entry into World War II. The King, Crown Prince Olav, Crown Princess Märtha and their children, Ragnhild, Astrid and Harald all escaped Norway. Need a refresher [...]