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 [...]
Munch Painting Hides in Plain Sight
An unfinished painting of violinist Eva Mudocci has discreetly hung on the wall of St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn. for nearly 20 years—until now! Recent discoveries have led experts to believe the painting may be the work of iconic Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. The mystery painting was donated to the college by alumnus Richard Tetlie, as part of a gift of 2,000 pieces of artwork after his death in 1999. It [...]
An Eye for Detail
With more than 40 years of experience, Nancy Bundt has photographed a range of subjects—from food and travel to fashion and music. The Minneapolis native currently lives in Norway with her husband. Learn more about her in Viking’s October issue and see more from the interview below. What is your favorite thing to photograph? I’ve created 18 cookbooks, four of them with major Norwegian publishers. I style most of [...]
Meet a Clever Canine with a Penchant for Puffins
Norwegian Lundehund What has 24 toes, ears that can fold closed, forward or backward at will, and was saved from near extinction after World War II? The Norwegian Lundehund, of course! The breed’s unique characteristics, including six toes on each foot, came in handy when retrieving puffins – that’s right, puffins – from the crevices of its homeland’s steep vertical cliffs. Also known as the “puffin dog,” [...]
Making A Big Splash
From cross country skiing to biathlon races, Norwegians are known for their love of winter sports. However, more and more Norwegians head for the high dive as the unusual sport of dødsing gains popularity. Dødsing, or “death diving” in English, is a Norwegian extreme sport where competitors hurl themselves off a 10-meter-high diving platform and land in what looks like a giant belly flop. Sound intense? It is, and most [...]
Motor to Minot for Norsk Høstfest
The largest Scandinavian festival in North America is preparing to welcome you! Join in all the activities that await you at Norsk Høstfest: free stage entertainment, multiple dining experiences, cultural attractions and much more. Enjoy your first “Viking-on-a-stick,” take in outstanding music from The Texas Tenors, Tanya Tucker, Michael Bolton, Alabama and others. Crafts, art and artisans will draw your attention and tempt your pocketbook. Learn more now about [...]
Grand Designs
Norway is a hot spot for architectural innovations. And its libraries are no exception! Check out these impressive libraries in Norway. Vennesla Library & Cultural Center Vennesla, Norway This award-winning building is comprised of a library, café and administrative areas that link to a community house and learning center. The Huffington Post ranked the library as one of the most beautiful in the world. Created by Norwegian architecture firm Helen [...]
Test Your Royal Knowledge
In the September issue of Viking magazine, you’ll find a story that combines Norway’s war history and the royal family. “The King’s Defiance” recounts King Haakon VII’s wild escape from Oslo and refusal to surrender to Nazi forces. It was pivotal moment in Norway’s entry into World War II. The King, Crown Prince Olav, Crown Princess Märtha and their children, Ragnhild, Astrid and Harald all escaped Norway. Need a refresher [...]
Congratulations and Welcome to Our New International Board of Directors
At the 2018 International Convention held this month in Bloomington, Minn., 155 delegates from Canada, the U.S. and Norway elected officers and directors to serve on the Sons of Norway International Board. Newly elected officers are International President Ron Stubbings and International Vice President Mark Agerter. Reelected are International Secretary Marci Larson and International Treasurer Elaine Nelson. New International Directors are Christine Hicks, District 2; Robin Fossum, District 5; [...]
Norway Keeping Trash out of Nature
It’s no secret that Norwegians want to protect their natural wonders from garbage. While recycling is commonplace for Norwegians, other countries are looking to Norway as the recycling expert. The U.K. is looking into starting a recycling program based on Norway’s, after stats came out showing that Norway has the world’s most effective bottle recycling program. Through this program, 97 percent of all plastic bottles are recycled. Less than [...]
Kvikk Lunsj and the Candy Bar War
Norway’s Kvikk Lunsj and England’s Kit Kat have long been the subject of comparison - Which came first? Which tastes better? Who has cooler packaging?
Berry Cool
Looking to beat the heat with some sweet treats? In Viking’s August 2018 issue, Norwegian baker and food stylist Paul Lowe (aka Sweet Paul) shows us how with his blackberry and raspberry striped ice pops.
August 15 Leadership Conference: A Time to Embrace Dugnad
Join us for the 2018 Leadership Conference to be held August 15 in Bloomington, Minn., and prepare to Motivate—Maximize—Mobilize to benefit your community and your lodge. Conference participants will leave with new resources and tactics to build awareness of their lodge and its activities and will be inspired by volunteer success stories and ideas to take back to their communities. Sign up today for the Leadership Conference and learn [...]
August is for Family
Happy National Family Fun Month! With school almost back in session and fall just around the corner, August is the perfect time to make lasting memories with your kids and loved ones before busy schedules take over. Here are a few family-favorite activities - with a Norwegian flair - to help you celebrate all month long. Norwegian Bingo – Use a pencil and ruler to draw a grid on [...]