Like so many Scandinavians who has  immigrated to America, I have begun to explore various aspects of my Norse Roots. I believe it is very important to have deep roots and a strong sense of cultural identity…especially today in our rapidly changing world.

Norwegian’s, for the most part feel close to land and I have always had a great sense of place. As far back as I can remember I would wander alone deep in the hills around my small home town in southern Norway. I would never feel alone or lost, but rather I would feel inspired and energized, because nature was my teacher and closest companion.

I would draw strength from the cultural landscape where I grew up – from the woods, the old farms and the rich architecture. And I loved celebrating the seasons and the cycles of the natural world – just like my Norse ancestors did – and just as traditional people from all over the world have done.

In August 2015 I visited Midgard Historic Center in southern Norway with my brother Morten and his son Jørgen. Most of the photos are from the great viking hall at Borre  – an amazing reconstruction of a great mead hall built for the viking aristocracy. The remains of two similar halls have recently been discovered just next to the Borre park, indicating that Borre was a center of power in the early Viking Age.

The Borre Park near the city of Tønsberg features the largest collection of great mounds from the later Iron Age in the Nordic region.

Long House Detail