Kristen Birkeland, Utah artist and Sons of Norway member, has been named a Gold Medal Winner at the 2026 National Norwegian-American Folk Art Exhibition in Decorah, Iowa. This award recognizes Kristen's lifetime accomplishments as a rosemaling artist and her consistent performance as a contributor at Vesterheim's biennial exhibition. Gold Medal winners are also expected to help mentor future generations of rosemaling artists. Having first learned her craft nearly 40 years ago

You couldn't ask for better weather Saturday high in the mountains above the Heber Valley at Troll Hagen. Amid the cool air, wildlife, and scenery, we hunted for trolls, burned our names in wood using runic characters, and learned nålbinding. And to top it off, we had an amazing lunch of vafler, smørbrød, pølse med lompe, Ukrainian shuba (herring salad), and more. Thank you to LoriAnne, Anita, and Lisa for all the work they put into preparing the activities and food that made

Saturday's weather was perfect for Constitution Day: Cloudy and cool enough to wear a bunad! That may be the reason record numbers of participants showed up to honor the founding of the Norwegian Consitution and celebrate their Norwegian connections.

Who knew Scandinavian dancing could be so much fun?! Tom Oesleby and Gwen Trefts managed to overcome the double-left-footed and rhythm-challenged among us to actually produce something like a dance--and we had a blast learning from them! Thank you to Tom and Gwen and also to June and Mary, who accompanied us on violin and had enough faith in us to speed up the tempo when they thought we could handle it (we sort of did). They taught us the Allemansmarsj, the Titityy Jenkka, an

We had a great turnout for our presentation on the Nordic Heritage Center, a proposal to establish an institution for the Nordic countries in Utah and the Mountain West where the past can be honored, the present explored, and the future anticipated. Chanel Myers also demonstrated how to make lefse and share tips from her experiences making this quintessential Norwegian staple. Special guests for the evening included: Niels Valentiner, honorary consul of Denmark in Utah Ceceli

In 1968, a young U.S. Air Force navigator named Carl J. Olsen gave the tale for dagen at the 17.mai celebration in Utah. In his remarks, he reflected on the dilemma that arises for anyone who comes to love two countries and two cultures. Watch this Minner fra Norge to understand how he resolved the dilemma. Text by Carl J. Olsen from his tale for dagen given at the International Peace Gardens in Salt Lake City in 1968, as recorded in The Explorer, Sons of Norway Leif Eriks

Experience a compelling journey through the sounds of the North with “Stunning Scandinavia”, a vibrant showcase of Scandinavian masterpieces. The evening features the stirring Piano Concerto in A minor by Grieg, brought to life by Scott Holden, professor of piano at BYU’s School of Music, whose expert artistry and rich interpretation give new depth to this Romantic cornerstone. Sibelius’s haunting tone poem “The Swan of Tuonela” follows, with Stephanie Simper delivering the l

Come and celebrate your Norwegian mission service or your Norwegian heritage on Friday, March 27 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 2350 S. 2100 East in Salt Lake City.

Locating your ancestral farm in Norway can be as difficult as finding a needle in a haystack, but professional genealogist Torhild Shirley walked us through the intricacies of matrikkels , gårds , and løpenummer in this fascinating presentation. With the right understanding of how Norwegian farms have been identified over the years, as well as how those identifications have evolved, you too can find "grandma's house" and set the stage for one day visiting the places where yo

Saturday's presentation on the first 60 years of Sons of Norway in Utah was a nostalgic look back at the people and events that have helped the lodge fulfill its mission to preserve and protect Norwegian culture in Utah.

Artist and long-time Sons of Norway member/historian Randi Bjorge compares the humble "fjord" at the Norway Garden in Salt Lake City with the majestic fjords of her native country.

It's difficult to summarize last night's Jul i Norge event in just one word, but koselig comes closest. Between the rosemaling , the stabbur , the pine trees, the lights, and the amazing food, you couldn't get closer to a cozy Norwegian Christmas in Utah! Thank you to all who brought food to share or bid in the silent auction or just came out in support. Thanks also to Luke Stager for sharing his talent on the hardingfele (and sense of humor) with us. Most of all, thank you t

We love this tradition of gathering friends and family around to start the Christmas season off with baking! What could be better than sampling fattigman, krumkaker, rosetter, sandkaker, and brunepinner?

6 egg yolks 4 teaspoons of sugar 1 T melted butter 1/2 teaspoon salt 6 T cream 2 teaspoons dried orange peel 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom 1 1/2 to 2 C flour or enough to make a soft dough Beat egg yolks well. Add sugar and mix well. Add remaining ingredients, adding the flour a little at a time, just enough to make a soft dough. Keep dough light and fluffy. Handle as little as possible. Form flat discs about 6 inches across and 1 inch thick. Wrap each disk in cling wrap, st

The first Scandinavian Christmas Market at BYU was a smashing success! We were able to talk to many students and families about the scholarships and grants available from the Sons of Norway Foundation and enjoy the festive (and crowded) atmosphere inside the Joseph F. Smith Building courtyard. More than double the estimated number of attendees showed up to sample Scandinavian treats and entertainment from vendors like these : Grandma's Norwegian Lefse Rebecca’s Baked Bliss To

What could be more Norwegian than...

Stewart and I went to Norway in October 2024 and I can't wait to go back! This is the Bergen train station...so clean...so efficient. I am about equally divided between Dutch, Welsh, Danish, and Swedish, so I was a bit reluctant to join the Sons of Norway because I am not a 'SON' of Norway, nor am I Norwegian. I had no idea how fun it would be when I chose to whole-heartedly participate. I'm bumbling through Norwegian on Duolingo, learning how to bake Norwegian cookies, an

My dream farm on the cover of "Farms in Berg, Rokke and Asak." When I was a boy, I spent many happy hours at my grandparents home in Lindon, Utah. Through my grandfather's stories of his time in Norway as a missionary, I grew to love Norway and its culture. I don't remember that my grandfather talked much about the farms in Norway, but I do remember a simple painting he and my grandmother displayed on their living room wall. It was an idyllic farm scene, complete with rolling

Liv Marit Haakenstad is researching and writing a book about Norwegian immigration Utah--and now you can help!

Many thanks to the Vikings of Utah Historical Group and the fantastic work they do to share their knowledge of authentic Viking age history and artifacts.