May 17 (Syttende Mai) is Norway’s national day. The day marks the signing of the Norwegian Constitution in 1814, making Norway an independent country. As you prepare for the holiday, check out the May issue of Viking magazine to test your knowledge with our fun and festive quiz. Here are some bonus questions.
When thinking about one of the longer holiday celebrations during the calendar year, Christmas is top of mind for many. Most other holidays come and go as they occupy a quick 24 hours. This is not quite the case though in Norway. Yes, citizens of Norway certainly do take time to celebrate Christmas, but they also take advantage of the Easter holiday, something not quite as common in the United States.
In 1814, Swedish King Karl Johan III commissioned a new palace in Oslo. He wanted a lavish place to stay during his many visits to his new territory of Norway. Though the French-born sovereign was not a fan of Norwegian Nationalism, those who designed, built and decorated his new home most definitely were. Their commitment to their homeland is showcased in the unusual décor for the king’s antechamber, or waiting room, known as the Bird Room.
Sons of Norway is proud to announce the “Heritage of the Future” campaign to support the Sons of Norway Foundation. This naming campaign will offer the naming rights to different areas of our new home office for a wide range of donation amounts.
Easter vacation is when one tenth of Norwegians head for the hytter- cabins that dot the countryside, on a lake, a mountain, the coast or in the forest. Many will spend their time skiing, and others go hiking in remote areas.
This Norwegian delicacy is a traditional Easter supper eaten throughout much of Norway. Rakfisk is fermented fish, commonly made from fresh trout.
Want to explore some of Norway’s most breathtaking sites? In the April issue of Viking, we highlight one of the country’s most incredible natural wonders, the Saltstraumen. Read more about it and add these other unique places to your bucket list.
Are you looking to see Norway’s natural beauty from new heights? In the March issue of Viking, we highlight some of the country’s top cable car rides. Here are several that will give you a new perspective as you hitch a ride to the top of Norway’s peaks.
Trade, culture, and exploration are among the list of items to cross the globe for centuries now. But what helped facilitate this list? The answer is wooden sailboats.
Not long after the Olympic Games concluded in Beijing on February 22nd, there was another competition ready and waiting to commence. The Winter Paralympic Games happen immediately following the conclusion of the Winter Olympic Games in the same host venue.
