Make Merry Memories with Norwegian Traditions
From decorating the Christmas tree to leaving milk and cookies out for Santa Claus, Christmas traditions are a great way to embrace your heritage in unique ways and enjoy the holiday season. Here are a few surprising or unusual Norwegian Christmas traditions you can try with the whole family. Almond hunt One of the more popular Norwegian customs is to serve rice porridge on little Christmas Eve (Dec. [...]
Journey Across Norway on the World’s Most Scenic Train Ride
Known for being northern Europe’s longest stretch of railway, the Bergen Railway in Norway is a seven-hour trip crossing one of Europe’s mightiest mountain ranges. Voted one of the world’s best train rides by Lonely Planet, you’ll get to travel alongside snow-covered mountains and waterfalls as you make your way to Oslo. Built between 1875 and 1909, the Bergen Railway runs approximately 310 miles with roughly 60 miles of [...]
Courage, Confidence and Character Gained through Nordic Sports
Barneloppet (youth ski race) season is coming up fast, and young Sons of Norway members who live in snowy regions are preparing to participate. Should the seeds of competition be planted, their dreams of an Olympic or World Cup podium could become a future reality. The good news: There’s an entity as enthusiastic as Sons of Norway is about fresh air, fitness and embracing Nordic sports that is helping [...]
It’s Cookie Time!
Christmas is right around the corner. It’s time to make some sweet memories in the kitchen. Here’s a roundup of some of Viking magazine’s favorite holiday cookie recipes. Gingerbread Cookies Check out this recipe from Beatrice Ojakangas that was featured in Viking’s December 2014 issue. She also shares her Cranberry-Orange Cookie recipe. Gingerbread Sticks If you don’t want to use cookie cutters but still want that wonderful gingerbread taste, bake the dough into sweet sticks [...]
Nordic Community Embraces its Heritage, Gives Thanks, Gives to Others
The 34th Annual Nordic American Thanksgiving Breakfast was a wonderful success. In fact, nearly 900 attended the event, and funds raised for the event’s charities, Second Harvest Heartland and the Minnesota Military Family Foundation, currently total more than $ 22,000. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, patrons and sponsors, these outstanding organizations will have more resources to help sustain their programs and aid those in need. If you would like [...]
Great Norwegian Adventure to Cast its 10th Season
The world’s nicest reality show, Alt for Norge—known in English as The Great Norway Adventure—is about to cast its 10th season. In this heritage-based reality show, a dozen Norwegian-Americans fly to their ancestral homeland to compete in a variety of culture-related challenges. The challenges range from culinary feats such as eating sea urchin, to the adventurous challenge of spending a proper Påskeferie (Easter break) atop a snowy mountain. Most [...]
Meet Bård Ludvig Thorheim
In the November issue of Viking magazine, we highlight Norwegian Political Adviser Bård Ludvig Thorheim. Throughout his career, he’s held positions with the Norwegian Embassy in Sri Lanka, Washington D.C. and Norway. Currently, he’s the political adviser to Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs office works to promote Norway’s interest internationally and safeguard the country’s prosperity. Cooperating with like-minded countries, such as [...]
Take a Yuletide Trip Through Time
If you are traveling to Norway for the upcoming holidays and have time to squeeze in one more activity, it’s a perfect time to visit the Norsk Folkemuseum, located in the heart of Oslo. Prepare to embrace the holiday spirit and be dazzled by “A Christmas Tale,” an exhibition about past and present yuletide traditions. You’ll see displays of customs from the old rural community, take in the trends [...]
Outstanding Line-up for the 2018 Nordic American Thanksgiving Breakfast
Last year’s event sold out, so purchase your tickets to the 34th annual Nordic American Thanksgiving Breakfast before it’s too late! Ticket sales end Wednesday, November 14. In one setting, you’ll hear thoughtful messages on the topics of freedom, faith, family and friends from the Ambassador of Iceland to the U.S.A. Geir H. Haarde; Executive Director to the Minnesota Trade Office Gabrielle Gerbaud, also serving as chief of protocol [...]
Viking Magazine Earns Top Awards
Viking magazine had an impressive showing at the 2018 MMPA (Minnesota Magazine & Publishing Association) Awards last week. Viking took home six awards for editorial and design in the Association category. In addition to the awards for design and editorial coverage, Viking also received three honorable mentions at the 2018 Folio Awards, which are national awards. Viking magazine won the following awards: Gold: Feature Article Ties that Bind Silver: [...]
Gift Guide
Christmas is right around the corner! In the November issue of Viking, we’ve rounded up some Nordic-inspired gifts. Here are a few more editor’s picks. This adorable Reindeer Wool Ornament will look great hanging on your tree. $12, scandinavianshoppe.com Children and adults alike will have fun with this Carl Larsson Coloring Book, which contains 22 reproduced coloring pages of the artist’s original works. $7.95, ingebretsens.com Inspired by retro [...]
Minnehaha Academy Madrigal Singers to Perform November 20 at the Nordic American Thanksgiving Breakfast
Kick off the holiday season with your Nordic community, a line-up of outstanding speakers and the exquisite choral music of the Minnehaha Academy Madrigal Singers, under the direction of Karen Lutgen. Minnehaha Academy, located in Minneapolis, was founded in 1913 by Swedish immigrants and continues to advance the ideals and heritage of its founders. The ensemble will provide musical selections to inspire the spirit of togetherness as the holidays approach. [...]
How Much Do You Know About Norway Today?
It’s time to find out! In the October issue of Viking magazine, we test your knowledge about topics from pop culture, innovative companies and the royal family. Below, check out some additional questions. 1. What Norwegian film has been chosen as the country’s entry for the 2019 Oscar nominations? “U – July 22” “What Will People Say” “Now It’s Dark” “Going West” 2. In August, Oslo hosted the 2018 [...]
Celebrate the Cinnamon Roll this Fall
October 4 is Kanelbolledagen, or Cinnamon Roll Day. These beloved pastries are known by many names, such as kanelbolle (cinnamon bun), kanelsnurr (pinwheel), kanelknute (knot) or skillingsbolle (shilling bun). The latter is how they are known in Bergen, named for their original price. Skillingsboller are traditionally a snail shape, with high butter content and granulated sugar on top, rather than glaze or frosting. Other parts of Norway prefer their [...]
Wooden Skyscraper Rises in Norway
If all goes according to plan, Mjøstårnet will become the world’s tallest wooden skyscraper in March 2019. The 18-story high-rise is being built in Brumunddal, about 90 minutes north of Oslo. At 81 meters tall, the building will include apartments, a hotel, a restaurant, offices and common areas. Up until 1997, buildings taller than three stories were not allowed to be made of timber in Norway. A fire devastated [...]