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War, union, and a blue field: The making of Sweden's flag
The blue and gold of Sweden's flag is as synonymous with the Scandinavian country as ABBA, kjotboller, or IKEA. Yet the history of the Swedish flag may reach back deep into the medieval period, to an era when Vikings had not long left the world stage.8 months ago -
Colors of fire and ice: The story of Iceland's flag
Despite the human settlement of Iceland stretching back more than a millennium to the Viking Age, its national flag is a little over half a century old. However, despite its youth, the flag has become a powerful unifying symbol for all Icelanders.1 year ago -
The history and impact of the Hanseatic League on Scandinavia
Long before much of Scandinavia became part of the European Union, many of its towns and cities were part of an influential and powerful trading network: the Hanseatic League.2 years ago -
Exploring Denmark's national flag and its tale of divine intervention
Carlsberg, a sense of "hygge," Lego, licorice, and pølse i brød are things that Danes of all ages, cultures, or creeds are proud of. Add to that list the famous "Dannebrog" - Denmark's national flag.2 years ago -
The top 5 reasons why you need to visit the Sagastad Viking Center in Norway
Perched at the northern tip of a fjord is the charming Norwegian town of Nordfjordeid. Despite its picture-perfect setting, this small town has a long and proud history that stretches back to the early medieval period when Vikings roamed the area.2 years ago -
The evolution and significance of Finland's national flag
Finland might be famous for its ice hockey team, vodka, and saunas, but nothing swells national pride more than the sight of the siniristilippu – the Finnish term for the national flag. Though officially only a little over a century old, its origins lie deep in the past.2 years ago -
How King Magnus VII shaped the medieval kingdoms of Norway and Sweden
Since 1905, when Norway voted for its independence, the political ties between Norway and Sweden were peacefully severed. The unification of the kingdoms of Norway and Sweden under one monarch can be traced back to the ambitions of Magnus Eriksson.2 years ago -
A Viking history of Oslo
Today, Oslo is an uber-cool, bustling, and confident metropolis, having undergone a cultural blossoming of late. Its origins, however, date back more than a millennium to the early medieval period, when Vikings roamed and established a small trading place at the mouth of the Oslo fjord.2 years ago
