Adventures in Kirkenes
Located in the northeast corner of Norway near the Russian and Finnish borders, the small Arctic town of Kirkenes is brimming with unique activities. From discovering Arctic wildlife to learning about the area’s storied war history, Kirkenes is worth a visit any time of year.
New Norwegian Cuisine: The Future of Seafood
Imagine sitting on the ocean floor, surrounded by aquatic life. It is dim and dark, but the ocean light that shines in front of you draws you into a sea of wonders. You are beneath the surface, and this is your dining room. Here in Lindesnes, at the southernmost point of the Norwegian coast...
More Bucket List Adventures
It’s no secret that Norway is a dream destination for travelers. It’s brimming with breathtaking scenery, one-of-a-kind experiences, natural wonders and strong Viking history. Check out the ultimate bucket list of travel ideas in the January issue of Viking magazine. Here are three more must-see places to add to your list.
A Grand Milestone for Sons of Norway
On January 16, 1895, the original 18 members of Sons of Norway gathered for their first official meeting. Today we celebrate the 125 years that have passed since that meeting, as well as the fact that we have grown to become the largest Norwegian organization outside of Norway.
The “Prince of Fun” Turns 14
Prince Sverre Magnus, the youngest child of Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, turned 14 in December. The young prince was born December 3rd, 2005, in Rikshospitalet in Oslo. He is third in line to succeed his grandfather King Harald V, after his father and his 15-year-old sister, Princess Ingrid Alexandra.
Scandinavian Wine? Yes Indeed!
With their notoriously cool climates, Denmark, Norway and Sweden have never been thought of as contenders for winemaking—until now. With the warming weather in these countries, entrepreneur winemakers are keying in on the potential for a new Scandinavian wine industry.
Living Norwegian Heritage at Any Age
Did you know that educational scholarships are an important way of sharing our heritage and Nordic values with younger generations? It feels great to help young Sons of Norway members explore their Norwegian roots though the exciting and educational life experiences made possible by our generous donors.
Norway, a Strong Trading Partner of the United States
Ever since Norway’s independence in 1905, the relations between Norway and the United States have created a wealth of economic opportunities for both countries. A report prepared by the Norwegian Embassy shows that trade with and investments from Norway support almost half a million jobs across the United States.
Longyearbyen Fast Facts
Did you know that the world’s northernmost town is in Norway? Perched high above the Arctic Circle on Spitsbergen island lies the polar village of Longyearbyen. It’s inhabited by approximately 2,000 residents from 50 countries.
Ways to Practice Norsk
Snakker du litt norsk? If you are looking to learn the basics of Norwegian, Sons of Norway’s online language lessons get you going with 37 installments, including how to pronounce a few julesanger (Christmas carols - Lesson 26) and how to decipher a Norwegian cake recipe (Lesson 28).
Norway’s Julehefte Tradition
Classic Norwegian Christmas traditions include decorating the tree, baking cookies, visiting family—and sitting by the fire with a big stack of comic books. For two centuries, Norway has had a tradition of releasing julehefter, or Christmas booklets, in late November.
Norwegian Folk Music in Pop Music
Throughout the last two centuries, Norwegians have taken great pride in their heritage. In fact, Norway has created a patriotic identity that encompasses its values, customs and traditions. However, this has not always been the case; leading up to the 19th century, there was much discontent regarding Norway’s independence.
Sámi Culture Represented in Frozen 2
After a debate on social media about how the Sámi culture was represented in the 2013 box office hit movie “Frozen,” Disney took the time to address the audience’s concerns and looked to the experts. The animators collaborated with a group of Sámi people to get their input on the film.
5 Norwegian Christmas Traditions
It’s Christmastime! Are you looking for some Scandinavian-inspired food gifts make for loved ones on your list? Check out the December issue of Viking magazine, which features sweet treats from Brontë Aurell.
Fixed Annuities: A Stable Option for Retirement
Perhaps you are saving for retirement, or maybe you have already hit your goal for retirement savings. Either way, if you are a conservative investor who is wary of market fluctuations, but you still want to build assets for the future, then a fixed annuity may be a good option for you.
It’s Good to Have Friends—the Norwegian-American Security Relationship
If you were to google “U.S. military and Norway,” the top video result would be footage of very cold and wet U.S. Marines struggling to clamber out of a hole in the ice on a frozen lake. It can be entertaining. But more important, it is an example of the excellent Norwegian–American security relationship and the close partnership between democracies on both sides of the North Atlantic.
Charming Christmas Markets
‘Tis the season for merriment—and Christmas markets! We spread some yuletide cheer in the December issue of Viking by sharing some julemarkeder worth checking out this holiday season in Norway.
Seeking Accounting Manager
We are looking for an Accounting Department member to drive, track and evaluate day-to-day activities for Sons of Norway. This position will oversee the financial reporting cycle for the foundation and play a key role in the financial reporting cycle for the life insurance company.
20 Fun Facts About Canada
The second largest country in the world by area, Canada is home to more than 2,000 Sons of Norway members. Its unique combination of natural beauty and unusual history makes it a truly magical place. These illuminating facts about Canada will make you see the country in a whole new way.
Norway Launches Digital Driving Licenses
In October, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA) launched an app to replace traditional driver’s licenses. The app, Førerkort (or Driving License), allows users to display their ID digitally. Residents of Norway who already have a valid Norwegian license can simply download the app and digitally display their license on their smart phone.
Natural Disaster in Norway Causes a Big Sigh of Relief
For over five years, residents of the Rauma Valley in Norway have nervously awaited the collapse of an unstable section of mountain known as Veslemannen (Little Man). On the evening of September 5, their nightmare turned into a happy dream come true.
American College of Norway Offers Students a Taste of Both Worlds
At American College of Norway, students from the United States and Norway take part in a cross-cultural exchange designed to help both groups grow and achieve their educational goals.
Norway’s First Biosphere Reserve
Encompassing the coastal landscape between Bergen and Sognefjorden, Nordhordland became Norway’s first biosphere reserve earlier this year. Read about it in the November issue of Viking. Here, we highlight more fun facts about Nordhordland.
Good News: Membership Dues Now Included in Some Insurance Products
We know the passion you have for your local lodge and for your family, which is why we have upgraded our Guaranteed Issue and Simplified Issue Whole Life products to include your future membership dues.
The Arctic–A Frozen Region Warms Up
This November, millions of families will visit an Arctic fairytale land when Disney’s “Frozen 2” opens in movie theaters across the United States. With its snow-covered mountains, fjords, trolls and reindeer, the movie will surely remind many Norwegian-Americans of their ancestral homeland.