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Vikings sailed the seas as master sailors and explorers. But you may be surprised to learn that a Viking sword unearthed from a grave in Oslo, estimated to be forged in 900 A.D., can be found on the grounds of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. How did it get there? In late 1943, then General Dwight Eisenhower became the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe during World War [...]

The April issue of Viking highlights Norwegian folk singer, artist and radio host Arna Rennan. She hails from Duluth, Minn., but has spent a lot of time in Norway throughout her life. Rennan currently hosts the radio program Nordic Roots Music for KTWH Two Harbors Community Radio. Here, we feature more from her interview. Tell us about spending time in the United States and Norway as a child. My [...]

District 5 is the proud recipient of the 2018 Shellie Milford Spirit of the Birkie Award, given to a volunteer, race chief, vendor, community member or skier whose selfless, thoughtful or heroic act contributes to a successful race and a positive experience for participants in the Birkie. Members of Sons of Norway District 5 have provided more than 30 years of service to the American Birkebeiner, the largest cross-country [...]

Have you checked out the March issue of Viking magazine? For a little travel inspiration, we highlight the small and beautiful Norwegian town of Tromsø, known as the “Gateway to the Arctic.” It brims with natural beauty and many opportunities to see the Northern Lights. Whether you want your home base to be in the city’s center or on the outskirts of town surrounded by nature, here are some [...]

In the March issue of Viking magazine, we talked with Hollywood stuntman and coordinator Alex Terzieff. Hailing from Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood, he has worked on projects such as “The Dark Knight Rises,” “Thor,” “Twilight” and “Big Little Lies.” Terzieff is also a Sons of Norway member. Here’s more from the interview. Q: What’s the most impressive stunt you’ve ever done? A: My proudest stunt was probably a car wreck [...]

Member Discounts Apply Norgesskolen is a two and a half week summer school that takes place in Telemark, the cultural and historical heart of Norway. The school provides an opportunity for children and youth aged 9 to 18 to deepen their understanding of Norwegian language, culture, and society. The students also participate in a wide range of sports and outdoor activities and make life-long friendships. An excursion to the [...]

Emma Ångström is a woman of many talents. She’s an architect, journalist, songwriter and author. She’s turned her passion for writing into a career as a crime novelist. Her books include “And All Is Distorted,” “The Man in the Wall” and “The Last Experiment.” Learn more about her in Viking magazine’s February issue and see more from the interview below. How did you discover your passion for journalism? Growing [...]

A project funded by the European Union is making it possible to convert centuries-old handwriting into typed text. Transkribus is a software program that can scan, transcribe and search historical documents that are in English or Norwegian. The program is supported by the READ project (Recognition and Enrichment of Archival Documents), an international collaboration involving 14 countries. The ability to scan an image into printed text has existed for [...]

An extreme dining destination will soon be submerged under the sea near a village on the southernmost coast of Norway. While other underwater restaurants exist in exotic locations like the Maldives and Dubai, Under will be Europe’s first underwater restaurant and the largest in the world. Oslo-based architecture firm Snøhetta plans to construct a 6,500 square foot three-level structure with a 36-foot-wide panoramic window. Immersed more than 15 feet below [...]

Sons of Norway is pleased to bring you the following message from Travel Partner and International Convention Sponsor, Borton Overseas.  Photo credit: Jens Henrik Nybo, Visitnorway.com Svalbard, Norway, a remote Arctic archipelago found along the 80th parallel, is halfway between Norway and the North Pole. It is home to the Seed Vault, and is an important research center for scientists from all over the world. Svalbard is an excellent [...]

Every year February 6 marks Sámi (SAH-mee) National Day, a day when thousands of individuals join in celebrating the vivid culture and history of Scandinavia’s indigenous people. The day wasn’t officially recognized as an ethnic national holiday until 1992, but its significance stems back to the first Sámi Congress held in Trondheim, Norway over 100 years ago. The Sámi have inhabited northern Scandinavia for thousands of years, and reside [...]

January 16 is a day of celebration for Sons of Norway members. It’s the day we commemorate the 18 Norwegian immigrants who established our organization to assist members and their families when they experienced financial hardships. Today Sons of Norway is the largest Norwegian cultural organization outside of Norway. Here are 10 more facts about our founders and Sons of Norway. Sons of Norway founders lived in the Norwegian [...]