Blog

The mission of Sons of Norway is to promote and to preserve the heritage and culture of Norway, to celebrate our relationship with other Nordic countries, and provide quality insurance and financial products to our members.

Test Your Syttende Mai Knowledge

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.

May 9th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Easter in Norway

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.

April 22nd, 2022|Categories: Blog|

A Palace Room with Avian Flair

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.

April 22nd, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Heritage of the Future Campaign

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.

April 21st, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Kicking Back at the Hytte

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.

April 21st, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Easter Delight – Rakfisk

This Norwegian delicacy is a traditional Easter supper eaten throughout much of Norway. Rakfisk is fermented fish, commonly made from fresh trout.

April 21st, 2022|Categories: Blog|

7 Natural Wonders in Norway

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.

April 20th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

5 Cable Car Rides in Norway

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.

March 29th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Norwegian Athletes Impress at Paralympic Games

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.

March 17th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Ministry of Culture Returns Hundreds of Artifacts

In 2021, the Norwegian government returned a large collection of cultural artifacts to the countries where they originated. This operation was the outcome of cooperative efforts between European countries to quell illegal trade of cultural objects.

March 17th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Homemade Kvikk Lunsj Bars

Make your own hiking snacks for springtime outings. This recipe from meny.no shows you how to make crispy-sweet Kvikk Lunsj-like cookies in your waffle iron.

March 16th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

10 Breweries to Know in Norway

Beer brewing has been part of Norway’s culture for centuries, and it’s only continuing to grow. In the March 2022 issue of Viking, we cover the history and current state of beer in Norway and highlight a few key craft breweries. Here are 10 to put on your travel list.

March 14th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

From Precious Metal to Shining Cultural Treasures

Olav Honve walks with steady pace through the premises of Sylvsmidja in Voss. His rough working hands have pressed, soldered and polished up the most delicate silver treasures since he was 15 in 1971. Treasures from Norway’s most authentic and beautiful cultural heritage, the bunad silver.

February 14th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

A Look at the Norwegian Diet During the Year of COVID: 2020

For almost two years now, the coronavirus pandemic has affected many aspects of daily life. Social events have been postponed, activities have decreased, and people have adapted to a new “normal.” Although it has acted as an interruption to many, it has also provided the chance to step back and take a closer look at society. The Norwegian Directorate of Health did exactly that with the Norwegian diet in 2020.

February 14th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

The Great CyborGoat Invasion

Combining the age-old livelihood of farming with the newest in satellite technology, armies of “CyborGoats” have been unleashed across the nation of Norway.  

February 13th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Vaffelhjerter / Waffle Hearts

In North America, waffles are eaten for breakfast, and the waffle irons are round or square with four sections. The usual toppings are butter and syrup. The vafler in Norway are served for dessert or as a snack, in heart-shaped sections. They are richer and softer than American waffles and are almost always homemade.

February 13th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

The Amazing Arctic

How much do you know about the world’s northernmost region? In the February 2022 issue of Viking, we highlight fascinating facts about the Arctic. Grab your parka and mittens—it’s time for another icy adventure! Here are five more reasons the Arctic is so unique.

February 8th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

More Nordic Designers to Know

In the January 2022 issue of Viking magazine, we featured five Nordic designers who are making strides in their field. Nordic design’s influence on the world is always growing, and more and more of its stars are continuing to rise. Here are three more Nordic designers whose reach is expanding across the globe.

January 25th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Lessons from Liv Arnesen

Have you read the January 2022 issue of Viking magazine? In it, we cover everything from top Nordic designers, the history of ski jumping and financial resolutions you can make in the new year. Our cover story highlights legendary Norwegian polar explorer Liv Arnesen.

January 18th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Ringing in the New Year in Norway

New Year’s Eve is a joyous celebration that is widely observed around the world. In America, the New Year is rung in by the big ball drop in Times Square, popped bottles of champagne, and a kiss with a significant other. Most people mark the occasion by spending it with their closest family and friends. The same can be said for Norway.

January 14th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Olympic Hopefuls

By early January 2022, over half of Norway’s delegation of winter athletes were selected for the trip to Beijing in February 2022. More were added to the throng January 18th, including those competing at the Paralympics Games in March.

January 14th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Fyrstekake

This Norwegian cardamom-almond tart’s name translates to ‘Prince’s Cake’ in English. It’s a classic dessert to enjoy with coffee on a cold winter’s day!

January 13th, 2022|Categories: Blog|
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