A charming tradition once flourished among Norwegian women where handcrafted tin lanterns were essential for survival during long, cold winter nights. These lanterns, referred to as "skirt warmers," symbolized light, warmth, and life. A Quick Historical Overview of Lanterns and their Use Lanterns have shone their light for countless generations, serving many purposes and roles in human history. They have brightened the interiors of humble dwellings and majestic castles, the pathways of dark and spooky alleys, busy unlit streets, churches, shops, horse carriages, and much more. They also played an important role in navigation, communication, signaling, and storytelling. Lanterns are available in various shapes and sizes. Their design and materials reflect the creativity and culture of their creators. Some lanterns are simple and utilitarian, whereas others are complex and ornamental. For millennia, lanterns have provided light to humans and played a leading role in almost all celebrations. But most importantly, they have offered heat and protection. Even Santa Claus depends on them! So what are Skrit Warmers? Skirt warmers are cone-shaped candle holders usually made of tin with a metal skirt around the base to protect the flame from wind and reflect the light. The skirt is traditionally decorated with punched holes or patterns, allowing candlelight to shine through. But they were not just decorative; they were a vital source of light that pierced through the darkness of the harsh winter nights, keeping the cold at bay and spirits warm. The Artistry of Norwegian Skirt Warmers Each lantern was a unique piece, often reflecting the personal style of its maker or owner. The patterns cut into the tin would cast beautiful shadows, turning each lantern into a moving piece of art. The creation of tin lanterns was a craft that required skill and an artistic touch. Each lantern was a unique piece, often reflecting the personal style of its maker or owner. The patterns cut into the tin would cast beautiful shadows, turning each lantern into a moving piece of art. How the skirt warmers were made Skirt warmers were especially popular in rural areas without electricity. They were often made of tin, a thin metal that was easy to shape and cheap to produce. The skirt warmers had a handle that could be attached around the waist with a strap or a belt. This way, one could have their hands free to carry things or do other tasks. The lanterns also had a small chamber where one placed a candle or a small paraffin lamp. The light from the lantern was not very strong, but it was enough to see a few meters ahead in the dark, and they provided warmth when hung under skirts. Legacy of the Skirtwarmers In the past, women carried tin lanterns under their skirts to keep themselves warm and dry while avoiding tripping on uneven terrain. These lanterns also provided a sense of safety and security, as women could see where they were going and be visible to others. This was particularly useful for women walking on dark forests or mountain paths. Norwegian skirt warmers, dating back to the 17th century, were more than just light sources; they were intricately crafted pieces of metalwork. Often adorned with cut-out patterns and glass panes, these lanterns cast a warm, dancing glow on the snow-laden paths. Women would carry these lanterns to church, their light guiding the darkened streets and their warmth comforted in the unheated pews. Warmth in Worship During long church sermons, these handcrafted lanterns served a dual purpose. They provided a light source in the dimly lit sanctuaries and a heat source. Women would place their lanterns beneath their skirts, the heat rising to ward off the chill. This practice earned the lanterns the endearing name “skirt warmers,” which encapsulates their practicality and the coziness they brought to sacred spaces. A Pathway of Light Beyond the church walls, skirtwarmers were companions in Norwegian women's daily lives. In an era before electric streetlights, these lanterns were essential for evening chores and social visits. The light from a skirtwarmer was a beacon of safety, guiding women through the dark, icy evenings. Norwegian Folk Art and its Heritage Today, tin lanterns are a significant part of Norway's cultural heritage. They represent a time when life was more challenging than it is now. Skirt warmers also showcase how people used what was available to create functional and practical objects. They are valuable to Norway's cultural heritage and folk art and should be remembered and appreciated. These beautiful lanterns can be found in museums, old houses, and private collections. They are not hard to find. Even I have one! I found one for sale online, and being the museum rat I am, I couldn't resist. I don't know how old this one is, but it's been used, and I love the moon and star shapes. And boy, do they get hot, so I understand how they must have been lifesavers during the winter.

Even though I live in Norway, I have much to learn about my heritage, traditions, and the ancient history of these Nordic lands. And I'm not kidding when I tell you I'm practically learning something new every day! Photo: Modified with permission from Norsk Folkemuseum My latest adventure to learn more about my own Norwegian heritage has put me on a path of discovery I'm genuinely enjoying. And by a fortunate turn of events, I stumbled upon a part-time job at Ringerikes Museum that further sparked my search for knowledge. Every old object has a story to tell, a story that reveals something about my Norwegian roots, my ancestors’ beliefs, values, and customs. That’s why I love researching old objects and applied art. They are like windows to the past, showing me Norway's rich and diverse heritage. There is so much to uncover that I had to write a list of objects to dig deeper into, like how to smooth laundry with the mangle board and why the porridge ambar had Norse protection symbols. And now it's the calendar sticks' turn, also known as a runic calendar, ringstav, rimstav, rune staffs, or "primstav." How The Primstav Kept Track of Time and Seasons in Norway The name primstav comes from the Latin word prima, meaning “first”, and the Norwegian word stav, meaning “stick”. Prim also meant “new moon” in Old Norse. Photo: public domain The primstav was a clever device that marked the changing seasons. It was a wooden stick with carvings on both sides: one side for the dark winter months and the other for the bright summer days. Twice a year, on October 14 and April 14, they would turn the stick over to welcome the new season. These dates were also important for the farmers who hired or fired their workers on these days. Before Norway fully embraced Christianity in 1020 AC, people celebrated these days with great sacrifices, along with the midwinter day on January 14. These customs varied from region to region. However, most primstavs that survive today have the exact dates engraved. Fun Fact: Easter is not marked on primstavs because it falls on different days every year, which would make it useless. Primstav: The Everlasting Calendar A primstav is a timeless calendar from the 15th to the 18th century. Crafted from wood or other durable materials, it reveals the secrets of the days and seasons with intricate symbols and notches. The details of the aks symbol signal the start of Olsok on June 29th. Photo: Modified with permission from Norsk Folkemuseum Each week is marked by a unique sign that honors the cycle of life. Some days are adorned with special symbols that commemorate the sacred and festive occasions of the year. In addition to keeping track of the year by turning the primstav over on October 14th to welcome the winter season and April 14th to welcome the summer season, it served as a reminder of the start or end of specific work tasks related to agriculture and fishing. One such task was shearing the sheep on May 3rd. Another interesting one is November 25th, which was spinning wool day. The primstav is a fascinating relic of the past and a descendant of the original rune calendar. The rune calendar was a practical and powerful way of writing and reading the signs of nature and time. It's an important artifact because it shows us how our ancestors celebrated the marked days and tracked their traditions and culture. Example of a rune calendar from Gubrandsdalen in Norway Photo: public domain Fun Fact: Before Christianity came to Norway, people followed the old pagan ways and worshipped the ancient gods. They had three holy dates when they offered great sacrifices to please the gods and seek their blessings. These were October 14 and April 14, when the sun crossed the equator and marked the change of seasons. The third date was January 14, the middle of the dark and cold winter, when they hoped for the return of the sun and the renewal of life. From Pagan Sacrifices to Catholic Masses: How the Primstav Shaped Norway's Religious Traditions The Primstav may have inherited some features from the old pagan calendars, but none have survived. Since "prim" in Old Norse means new moon, it's commonly believed that the primstav as we know it today is based on an even older runic calendar. And there are a couple of symbols that support this theory. One such symbol is the drinking horn marked on Christmas Day (December 25th), which perhaps says everything about what the Vikings thought Christmas was about :) The Drinking Horn Photo: Modified with permission from Norsk Folkemuseum The primstav was full of holy days, too, many of them dedicated to Catholic saints. However, after the Reformation in 1537, the original meaning of many signs associated with Catholic saints was forgotten. Many marked days on the primstav probably combine pagan and Christian symbols. But not all signs on the primstav relate to the church. For instance, the leafy tree marks on April 14th symbolize the beginning of summer. Photo: public domain As time passed, the symbols evolved to reflect the seasons, weather, and work tasks, showing how people adapted their beliefs and traditions to their environment. The primstav basically turned into a farmer's almanac. But the funny thing is that Primstavs kept many markings commemorating the Catholic saints because they were often feast days, and who doesn't like a good party once in a while? Fun Fact: From ancient times, it was also required by law to brew Christmas beer in Norway :) Primstavs are Spellbinding Calendar Sticks I love the mysterious and ancient primstavs because they reveal a lot about Norwegian culture and history. And I find it remarkable that this wooden stick served as a calendar for centuries, and maybe even millennia. After researching and looking at many examples of primstavs, it's clear that these calendar sticks had a very practical function. But I believe it also gave people something to look forward to. After all, staying alive was no easy feat. Counting down the days to special occasions and feasts must have given them hope. Photo: public domain At Ringerikes Museum, just outside of Oslo, you can see Jørgen Moe's primstav on display and other interesting relics his family donated. Jørgen Moe was a famous author, storyteller, and bishop in Norway. He most likely received this primstav as a gift since its use had become outdated before his birth. Jørgen Moe's primstav displayed at Ringerikes Musuem Video: AK Magraff Fun Fact: The primstav used the old Julian calendar. But when the new Gregorian calendar came along in the 1700s, the primstav became outdated and useless, lagging behind the new calendar by 11 days. If you want to see more examples of primstavs, you can visit The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History in Oslo or its digital museum. Opening Hours Ringerikes Museum: Email: ringerikesmuseum@buskerudmuseet.no Telephone number: +47 32 13 50 50 Website: https://buskerudmuseet.com/ringerikes-museum/ Address: Norderhovsbakken 8, 3512 Hønefoss Open for the public: during the summer. Check the website for details.

On the outskirts of Oslo in Norway lies an old 17th-century red-painted vicarage that was once bustling with life. The stories and curiosities inside its walls could, without doubt, fill the pages of a spell-binding novel. Perched on a hilltop, the old vicarage offers a breathtaking view of an endless sky, rolling hills, fertile farmlands, and sparkling lakes. This is a place where history and legend intertwine, where the infamous Vikings once worshipped their mighty Norse gods, and monks prayed to their Saints in the neighboring 12-century Norderhov Church. Join me as I reveal an old vicarage's captivating history and secrets, now a museum full of curiosities, stories from bygone eras, and possibly some ghosts... What Makes Ringerikes Museum a Unique Historic Attraction? Now, let's start with the museum. I will get straight to the point and tell you that the vicarage, now Ringerikes Museum, was built in 1635. And the adjacent medieval stone church was built in 1170! This alone makes the surrounding area, where countless people have lived, laughed, loved, argued, prayed, and died, along with the buildings themselves, irresistibly intriguing. Imagine living in a village where the history of different eras is intertwined in every corner. Norderhov village is not just a place but a living history book that you can explore while learning about ancient cultures, medieval traditions, and Victorian life. Believe me, if you want to experience the thrill of time travel, this an excellent place to do just that because this land has seen it all. Ringerikes Museum and Norderhov Church are places full of old relics, like this stone slab with rune inscriptions. And what if I told you that the sacred ground where people kneel and pray today was once the domain of fierce and fearless Viking warriors? Long before the cross and the altars were swords and shields, axes and helmets, runes, Norse gods, and rituals. This is the naked truth that lies beneath the soil of this ancient place. A place where history and legend, faith and myth, collide and coexist. A place that will mesmerize you. The vicarage and church are not just ordinary buildings but monuments of a diverse and rich past. Here, you can follow in the footsteps of the people who lived here thousands of years ago, from the farmers who tilled the land in 4000 BC to the craftsmen who made exquisite jewelry in 400 AD. You can immerse yourself in the stories, people, and legends that shaped this place, from the big battle of 1716 to the invasion of Nazis, from famous artists to pompous priests. Norderhov is full of delicious mysteries and tales. History of the Vicarage: How a Historic Building Became a Hub of Culture and Learning The Norderhov Vicarage is a place where history comes alive. For centuries, it's been the heart of the community, serving as a farm, a school, a church, and a cultural and administrative center. The curiosities in the Ringerikes Museum in Norway will instantly trigger your imagination! Some of the priests who once preached at the Norderhov Church and lived in the vicarage The vicarage also provided jobs and income for many people in the area. Locals and tenant farmers tended to its crops, herbs, and flowers, making the vicarage beautiful and prosperous. Many priests who lived on lands with fertile soil became wealthy and influential because the revenue from the lands went into their own pockets, not the church. And that's because it was a part of their salary. Lucrative farms like this were often referred to as the "fat calling," which I find pretty funny. Built in 1635, the Norderhov Vicarage has witnessed many changes and transformations over the centuries. It's been home to numerous priests and their families, who have all left their mark on its architecture and style. The vicar's office But it wasn't only the priest's home; it was also home to many other talents and personalities, such as the organist, the chaplain, relatives, friends, governesses, and most likely some sour old aunts, too. I can almost hear them complaining about some trivial everyday occurrence. All these people, even the grumpy ones, have played an essential role in keeping the vicarage alive, maintained, and loved. The vicarage has also grown and changed over time. In 1729, new rooms were added on the first and second floors, including a cozy kitchen with a corner hearth. In 1745, it expanded its second floor with more new rooms, which may have replaced the original ones from 1635, when the vicarage was first built. The Norderhov Vicarage is like a living and breathing being, constantly adapting while trying to find its place in history. Scenes from the 1729 kitchen There were obviously more structural and decorative changes as time passed, and all the way up until the last priest moved out in 1958. Yes, you heard it. People lived in this historical building until the late nineteen fifties! Remarkable. So, when you visit, ask for a guided tour to hear about why the priest and his family moved and how the building became a museum. How Ringerikes Museum Brings History to Life: From the Swedish Room to the Homefront Museum Have you ever wondered what life was like in Norway from the 17th to the 20th century? Do you want to see unusual relics and hear unforgettable stories from the past with your own eyes and ears? Well, then, read on :) And if you visit Norway, you can explore the museum on your own or join a guided tour. You will be flabbergasted (love this word) by the impressive collection of oddities, from ancient relics to 20th-century war equipment. And boy do the Swedish Room and Homefront Museum have a lot to reveal! The Turquoise Swedish Room with a painting of Anne Colbjørnsdatter (red dress) and a pair of old WW 2 boots Wandering through the rooms while letting the building share its secrets is nothing but an adventure. It's the next best thing to a time machine. And I guarantee you will walk away a little bit wiser and more knowledgeable about Norwegian culture, too. The 7 Most Fascinating Highlights and Curiosities at the Ringerikes Museum in Norway Working at the museum has been a wonderful opportunity for me to release my nerdiness. It's been so much fun discovering, researching, and learning about my heritage and Norway's colorful past. And it's been a true privilege meeting people, especially my smart and witty colleagues, who are willing to share their knowledge. I love sharing this incredible place's fascinating stories, curiosities, and history. Of course, I know that only a few lucky readers of this article will be able to visit the museum. Therefore, I wrote this article to reveal some of its hidden secrets while transporting you to a different world for just a moment. Sharing is, after all, caring. I hope you enjoy it! 1. One of the Ringerikes Museum's Major Highlights is the Swedish Room Meeting people who once walked these halls and listening to their chats would undoubtedly be amazing. I know some remarkable characters who made this place their home and workplace. One of them was Anna Colbjørnsdatter, the wife of the Vicar at Norderhov Church. The Swedish Room shows the bullet holes in the walls and the weapons used in the battle of Norderhov, which took place on March 29, 1716, during the Great Northern War. The room celebrates Anna Colbjørnsdatter’s heroism and cleverness, contributing to Norway’s defense against the Swedish assault. This historical room also showcases portraits of Anna Colbjørnsdatter and her husband, Jonas Ramus, as well as furniture and objects related to 18th-century life. Here, you can relive a moment of exhilaration and drama in Norwegian history. Fun fact: Anna Colbjørnsdatter and her husband were naturally mummified and buried in Norderhovs Church crypt. Not many people know about the crypt, which is not officially accessible to the public. But you can request to be taken down the worn stone staircase to view the coffins. 2. Another Museum Attraction is the WW2 Homefront Museum The Homefront Museum on the second floor of Ringerikes Museum tells the story of Norway’s resistance during World War II. You can see authentic weapons, uniforms, documents, and photos that illustrate the courage and sacrifice of the Norwegian people. One of the most riveting exhibitions is The Hoho Cell. The Hoho Cell was a group of Norwegian resistance fighters that operated in the Ringerike region during World War II. They were part of Milorg, the leading underground military organization that resisted the German occupation of Norway. The authentic primitive wood cabin displayed in the museum is just one of the many examples of how Milorg contributed to the liberation of Norway in 1945. The Homefront Exhibition from WW 2 displays a compelling collection of memorabilia From 1942 to 1945, the brave men of Milorg carried out various missions such as intelligence gathering, sabotage, supply deliveries, prisoner releases, and escorting refugees to Sweden. Fun Fact: The cabin was named The HOHO Cell after the group leader who woke up his men in the morning by saying “hoho.” 3. The Monk’s House: A Hidden Gem of Norderhov’s History Adjacent to the vicarage stands the Monk’s House, a mysterious building with an intriguing name. However, no evidence supports the idea that monks ever inhabited it. The house as it stands today is from 1712, while the second floor was added in 1766. A second-story building like this in the 18th century was a pretty big deal and signaled to all the status of its owner. However, what intrigues me most is the foundation wall’s recent dating, which revealed that it dates back to the 1100s—the same era as the neighboring Norderhov Church. Norway was, after all, a Catholic country before the Reformation of 1537, so perhaps the building's name reflects an earlier structure where monks gathered, practiced their crafts, or produced goods. Fun Fact: The pink wall color is an authentic color from the time period of the building. Wealthy people, such as the Vicars of Norderhov, used pigment mixed with linseed oil to brighten their rooms and flaunt their wealth. 4. The Icon Collection: A Miraculous Gift from a Famous Painter You can find a remarkable collection of icon art hanging on the stone walls of the old basement at the Ringerikes Museum. In fact, it's the second-largest collection of icons in the world, next to the Vatican! Icons are sacred images of the Christian faith and are meant to be windows to heaven, inviting the viewer to contemplate the divine through images. They are usually painted on wood panels with tempera, which uses egg yolk and pigment. Icons typically depict biblical scenes, Saints' lives, the baby Jesus, Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the Orthodox Church's legendary mysteries. The icon collection at Ringerikes Museum was donated by Hans Ødegaard (1876-1943), a painter and art collector who lived in Hønefoss. He acquired most of the icons from antique dealers in Italy, Greece, and Russia. He was fascinated by the beauty and spirituality of icon art and wanted to share his passion with his hometown. He generously left his extraordinary and valuable collection of 18 icons to the museum in his will. Fun Fact: Orthodox icons portray the Christ Child as a miniature adult man, not as a baby. This is a deliberate choice by the icon painters to emphasize the divinity of Christ and his incarnation as fully human and God. By showing him as a mature man, they invite the viewers to contemplate the mystery of God becoming flesh. 5. How Norwegian Folk Art Reflects the History and Culture of Norway Norwegian folk art is a rich and diverse tradition that reflects the history and culture of Norway. From the prehistoric rock carvings of Alta to the colorful rosemaling paintings of the 18th and 19th centuries, Norwegian folk art showcases the creativity and skill of the people who lived in this land of fjords and mountains. The mangle board is one of the most interesting and unique forms of Norwegian folk art. A mangle board is a wooden board with a carved handle used to smooth and press laundry. It was also a symbol of love and courtship. The handle was usually shaped like an animal head, representing strength and protection. The mangle board was a practical tool, a work of art, and a token of affection. Another form of Norwegian folk art that combines functionality and beauty is the ambar. An ambar is a wooden box typically used to store dairy products such as porridge. They were usually carved and painted with elaborate designs, like floral patterns, religious symbols, or scenes from everyday life. Various Norse protection symbols were also quite common to decorate with. These symbols aimed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. Fun Fact: Alta, Norway, has the largest prehistoric rock art collection in Norway and Northern Europe. You can see petroglyphs and pictographs and how ancient people lived and thought at these five sites: Hjemmeluft Kåfjord Amtmannsnes Storsteinen Transfarelv 6. The 1729 Kitchen: A Cozy and Charming Room with a Hearth Have you ever wondered how people cooked in the past? How did they prepare their meals, keep warm, and socialize in their kitchens? Well then, read on, and I'll give you a glimpse of kitchen life from the 1700 hundreds. The 1729 kitchen at Ringerikes Museum is an authentic, cozy, and charming space with a stone hearth proudly displayed in the corner, copper cookware, iron cauldrons, practical furniture, and everyday objects like plates and wooden troughs. The enormous corner hearth, crowned by a stone chimney, was not just a fireplace in the 1729 kitchen. It was the heart of the room, where all the cooking, heating, and lighting took place. The kitchen was the cook's realm, where he or she had to handle the fire and its embers with skill and finesse. The cook's responsibilities required more than knowing how to prepare tasty food, but also the science of adequately regulating heat and correctly using the embers. Believe me when I tell you this is a lost art to most of us today. The cookware used in the 1729 kitchen was mostly made of copper or iron. Copper pots and pans were shiny and durable, but they had to be lined with tin to prevent poisoning. Iron cauldrons were heavy and black but could hold much more food and water. They were usually hung over the fire by hooks or chains or placed on trivets or stands. One of my absolute favorite exhibitions at the Ringerike Museum The furniture in the 1729 kitchen was simple and sturdy. It was made of wood, such as oak, pine, or birch. There were tables, chairs, benches, cupboards, shelves, and chests. The tables were used for preparing food, eating meals, and doing other tasks like ironing. The chairs and benches were used for sitting and resting. The cupboards, shelves, and chests were used for storing food, utensils, plates, and other items. The 1729 kitchen was a place for cooking, eating, meeting, and socializing. It was where people gathered to chat, gossip, play games, read books, or play instruments like the fiddle. It was where families celebrated birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions. It was where guests were welcomed and entertained. It was where warmth and comfort were found. The 1729 kitchen was a cozy and charming space that reflected the lifestyle and culture of its time. It was a place where history was made, and stories were told. If I were a ghost from that era, I would choose this comfy room to haunt. Fun Fact: Drinking water every day was not the standard. Instead, people drink beer because waste or sewage dumped in rivers or streams often pollutes the water. 7. The Norwegian Folklorists Jørgen Moe’s Furniture Collection Jørgen Moe was a man of many talents who lived in Norway from 1813 to 1882. He was a folklorist, a bishop, a poet, and an author. He and his friend Peter Christen Asbjørnsen created the popular "Asbjørnsen og Moes Folkeeventyr," a collection of oral stories they gathered by traveling around Norway, particularly around the Ringerike region, where the village of Norderhov lies. And why is there a separate exhibition about these two gentlemen, you ask? Well, they met at the vicarage when they attended summer school in the Monk House, where they were preparing for exams. This chance meeting sparked a vast literary collaboration between Jørgen Moe and Peter Christen Asbjørnsen, who became renowned for their collection of Norwegian folk tales. When you enter the door of the two furnished rooms containing Jørgen Moe's furnishings, you are immediately transported years back in time: low under the ceiling, with low door openings. All the furniture, photographs, paintings, and decor bear witness to a life of elegance but also austerity. I can only imagine all the conversations that have taken place in and around the chairs and tables of these memorable rooms. Jørgen Moe’s furniture was kindly donated to the museum by his granddaughter Marie Ringerikes Museum in Norway: Explore 400 Plus Years of Amazing Stories and Relics It's effortless to immerse yourself in the stories and people who lived in and around the old Norderhov Vicarage and Church. I can't stop wondering about things like who drank from the wood tankard displayed in the Swedish Room or who stoked the embers in the stone hearth in the wee hours of the morning. There is just so much history still alive inside the walls of this place, and there is so much to research and learn. This enchanting spot in Ringerike, Norway, could, without question, inspire a whole novel or a non-fiction book. And the fact that the heavenly medieval Norderhov Church, built in 1170, still towers across the street from the vicarage, as if guarding it against harm, is a bit mind-blowing. I just know more stories are waiting to be told, so I hope somebody someday will grab the opportunity to sit down and write about them. As I mentioned in the introduction, the vicarage has a rich and fascinating history that spans over 400 years. However, despite the bloodshed and violence that occurred there in the past, the atmosphere is light and peaceful. I honestly believe that this is because some really good souls must have lived there. They must have filled this place with laughter and kindness, even though life was challenging compared to today’s standards. This historical site is more than just a building; it is a place where memories are preserved and cherished. And I'm sure some "people" have decided to linger on in the corners of the rooms, and I can understand why. They, too, want to guard the memories of what this historical site has meant to the locals and the Norwegian people. That’s why I’m not afraid when I occasionally hear the odd sound or get the eerie feeling of being stared at. I know they are just traces of history. Opening Hours and Contact Information for the Ringerikes Museum and the Norderhov Church in Ringerike, Norway The Norderhov Chruch: Email: post@ringerike.kirken.no Telephone number: +47 48 13 41 57 Website: https://www.ringerike.kirken.no Address: Norderhovsbakken, 3512 Hønefoss Open for the public: Saturdays and Sundays during the summer. Check the website. Ringerikes Museum: Email: ringerikesmuseum@buskerudmuseet.no Telephone number: +47 32 13 50 50 Website: https://buskerudmuseet.com/ringerikes-museum/ Address: Norderhovsbakken 8, 3512 Hønefoss Open for the public: Check the website for opening hours.

VIKING LIFE Be Part of the X perience! Subscribe to my monthly newsletter to enjoy behind-the-scenes video clips, perks and sneak peeks. Enter your email here Sign Up Welcome To The Norway Xperience! Discover & Xperience Norway Traditions Curiosities Adventures Folk Art Viking Life Destinations Museums & Parks Norway on a Plate Off the Beaten Path Hotels Discoveries Nordic Living Check back soon Once posts are published, you’ll see them here. FOLLOW THE JOURNEY Follow on Instagram

Welcome to the Norway Chronicles Join me on a visual journey through majestic fjords, charming villages, outdoor activities, exhilarating road trips, and discover the magic of the land of the midnight sun. FOLLOW THE JOURNEY Follow on Instagram

Photo Journal Address Hole, Norway Website www.akmagraff.com Email ak@akmagraff.com Connect My Story The Short Version I'm officially a middle-aged woman with greying hair, but that fact hasn't really caught up with my brain yet. I have so much to learn and so much to do before I wander yonder. I plan on sticking around for a long time while enjoying myself fiercely. ​ I live in Norway, on the outskirts of Oslo, and I'm currently on a mission to learn more about my heritage. So my master plan now is to go on lots of adventures, visit historical places, uncover curiosities and have fun along the way. My favorite form of transportation :) "I NEVER TRIED THAT BEFORE, SO I SHOULD DEFINITELY BE ABLE TO DO IT." - Pippi Longstocking Be Part of the Xperience! Subscribe to my monthly newsletter to enjoy behind-the-scenes video clips, perks and sneak peeks. Enter your email here Sign Up Welcome To The Norway Xperience! The Long Version I was born on a hot August night in Oslo to a beautiful mother and a kind father. After a year, my, at times annoying, little sister was born, and we all moved to Sweden. Four years later, we flew over the pond and moved to Connecticut, US. ​ My childhood was full of adventures around our suburban neighborhood, creative outdoor endeavors, and homemade perms. There were no cell phones or access to the worldwide web, so we got good at writing notes and reading dictionaries and took pride in our penmanship. We have lost those skills now, though. ​ I moved back to Norway before graduating high school and started working. I tried school, but it just didn't work out. I was fortunate and got a job in the ski museum and kiosk at Holmenkollen, a very famous ski jumping arena. Lots of young people worked there, and it was a blast. ​ A couple of years later, I started my office career as a receptionist in a tech firm. One of my jobs was to allocate cell phones. They looked like small suitcases, and I remember how we all thought carrying one of those around was the coolest thing ever. ​ I had some other office jobs before I took a backpacking trip to Thailand with some friends and caught the travel bug for real. But then... I got pregnant and gave birth to a beautiful baby daughter in 1990. And today, she has blessed me with two grandkids! Lucky me. I love being a granny. And yes, I do knit :) ​ While my daughter was growing up, I worked my way up the corporate ladder without a high school diploma and eventually became an executive with a salary to match. However.... as the years passed, I realized corporate was not for me. It was not fulfilling, and I lived for the weekends. ​ It took another couple of years before I took the plunge and quit. It was the best decision I ever made because it gave me an opportunity to travel. I bought a ticket to the magical island of Bali and spent five months living and breathing karma. It was great! Afterward, I went to New York before heading home to see what life had in store. ​ I didn't know what to do; I knew I didn't want to return to corporate. And the universe heard me. Suddenly, I accepted a job as a manager for a ski lodge in the mountains of Norway. I moved to an old wooden house and spent nearly five years living in breathtaking nature. Then, corona hit, and other things got in the way, so once again, I took my savings and headed to Bali and New York. ​ True to form, I find myself back in Norway, wondering what I will do. But it looks like the universe has my back this time, too. Right now, I'm working part-time as a marketing coordinator for a museum, which is right up my alley, while I'm looking into creating new opportunities. So much to learn! FOLLOW THE JOURNEY Follow on Instagram