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.

Oslo Opera House Welcomes Sandy Beach

The construction of the Oslo Opera house in 2008 was a significant moment in Norway’s architectural history. The building, which was designed by Snøhetta, features the roof of the building angling to ground level so that pedestrians can walk up and enjoy the city’s panoramic view.

July 14th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

Retired But Not Resting

On the eve of the 2004 Athens Summer Olympics Viking magazine interviewed Gunn-Rita Dahle about how she became a pro mountain biker. She mentioned her favorite racing fuel (grilled salmon with rice and vegetables) and discussed her goals for the season. A few weeks later, she took the gold in Athens as well as in the World Championship. In the years that followed, she became world champ six more times, for a total of 10 years on top.

July 14th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

Nikolai Astrup’s Time to Shine

Known for his unique depictions of western Norway’s lush landscapes and traditional ways of life, Nikolai Astrup (1880-1928) was one of the country’s most innovative painters, printmakers and horticulturalists.

June 17th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

Bicentennial for Norway’s Flag

Last month the Norwegian flag turned 200 and a historical installation was erected on Storting Square in Oslo. President of the Storting Tone Wilhelmsen Trøen and historian Marthe Hommerstad spoke at the opening of the exhibit, commemorating the beloved emblem and celebrating the democratic process that led to its choosing.

June 15th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

Sweater Detective Uncovers Secrets

Today, beautiful woolen sweaters are emblematic of Norwegian culture. However, the art of knitting is relatively new to Norway. Sweaters were originally a luxury imported from Europe until the early 1800s.  When faced with shortages precipitated by the Napoleonic wars, Norwegians embraced the challenge, grabbed some needles, and began entwining their own traditions into this formerly exotic art form.

June 15th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

Dreaming of Travels to Come?

Whether you will be a first-time traveler to the Nordic countries or are eager to continue exploring, here are a few unusual destinations for you to consider visiting.

June 14th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

4 Nordic Hotels in North America

Enjoy Norwegian architecture and lifestyle right here in North America with these four luxurious hotels. Whether you’re seeking to spend time in nature, recharge with simple living or relish in a stunning space with Scandinavian food and design, there’s a Nordic hotel that will be sure to delight. Here are four to explore.

May 27th, 2021|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

All of Norway is Dancing

Last year, for the first Syttende Mai during coronatiden (the time of Corona) kids, celebrities, musicians, politicians, athletes and members of the Royal Norwegian Navy put on their festive clothing and broke out the flags to tell the story of Syttende Mai on NRK Super.

May 17th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

Haukland Beach Ranked #1 in Europe

Vestvågøy municipality in the Lofoten Islands is home to Hauklandstranda, a beach that was named #1 in Europe by LonelyPlanet.com. Described as otherworldly with smooth sand and clear sapphire waters, it is a shining gem located within polarsirkelen, the Arctic Circle.

May 16th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

Norway Forecasted to Top Medals Table in 2022 Winter Olympics

Though the 2022 Winter Olympics seem far in the future, Norway is already predicted to top the medals table. The next Winter Olympics are to be held in Beijing, China and the countdown has already begun. An agency by the name of Gracenote Sports, known for their hand in statistical analysis, has released their projections, which favor Norway’s athletes.

May 16th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

Scandinavian Sow Hits the Big Screen

A litter of charismatic Norwegian piglets and their mum are the break-out stars of a new film, “Gunda,” by famed Russian director Victor Kossakovsky. The film captures the daily lives of sow Gunda and her family as they sleep, snort and play on their organic farm in Undrumsdal, Norway, about 50 miles south of Oslo. The movie co-stars a plucky one-legged chicken and pair of cows.

May 15th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

A look at Norway’s coffee culture

In a recent list of the top ten coffee-consuming countries reported by WorldAtlas, half were Nordic countries. In fact, Norway claimed second place right behind Finland. Although it is very apparent from this list that Norwegians love their coffee, that has not always been the case.

March 7th, 2021|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Viking longship excavation yields unexpected findings

Norway’s first Viking longship excavation in over a century is nearing its final stages, with work expected to conclude in early 2021 following an extension of the project. It has been a source of fascination among academics and casual enthusiasts alike, with findings that may shed new light on early Viking society.

February 16th, 2021|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |
Go to Top