Sons of Norway - Bernt Balchen Lodge

09/02/2026

Tonight! Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

Hurtigruten Talk and Potluck Dinner at Viking Hall
8141 Briarwood Street
6:00-8:00pm

Learn about next summer’s upcoming trip aboard the MS Nordlys sailing from Kirkenes to Bergen on July 19, 2027. See photos from last year’s northbound trip from Bergen to Kirkenes, enjoy freshly-made Norwegian waffles, krumkake, and conversations with last year’s Hurtigruten travelers.

08/29/2026

There's still time to register for the Sons of Norway District 2 Adult Heritage Retreat! Held annually at Trollhaugen Lodge in the beautiful Cascade Mountains in Easton, WA, this is a great opportunity to get away and learn a new craft.

For further information or to register:
https://www.sonsofnorway2.com/events/

08/28/2026

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of His Majesty King Harald V of Norway, who passed away after a lifetime serving his country. We have fond memories of King Harald’s visit to Anchorage and to Viking Hall in 2015 and appreciate the time he spent engaging with our young members.

The members of Sons of Norway – Bernt Balchen Lodge 2-46, Anchorage, Alaska, extend our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family, the people of Norway, and all those mourning his loss.

‘It is with great sorrow that I received the news that His Majesty King Harald V has died.

A whole nation is in mourning and the people of Norway are left with a deep sense of gratitude for a long life in the service of Norway.

For more than three decades as monarch, Harald V demonstrated an unwavering faith in the Norwegian people. He helped us to see the best in ourselves – and in one another.

King Harald found the words to bind us together when we needed them the most. He grieved with us after the attacks 22 July 2011. He cheered with us when Norwegian athletes excelled. And he guided us, with warmth, wisdom and openness, towards a society with a place for everyone. King Harald had a profound love for Norway. And Norway had a profound love for King Harald.
My thoughts and deepest sympathy are with the Queen and the entire Royal Family at this difficult time,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on learning of the death of King Harald V.

King Harald V was born on 21 February 1937. He died at the age of 89.

The Government will be convening soon for a government conference at the Office of the Prime Minister, and after that an extraordinary meeting of the Council of State will be held at the Royal Palace with the new King.

05/17/2026

Gratulerer med dagen, Norge! 🇳🇴🇺🇸

Join us in celebrating Norway's Constitution Day! 5pm at the Park Strip!
https://www.facebook.com/events/2193970638087971

05/15/2026

What a wonderful story on past lodge president, Eva Bilet, who turned 100 in December.

Editor's Note: National Centenarian's Day is Sept. 22. The day honors those who've celebrated 100 birthdays or more. We're publishing profiles of people who have hit this milestone. The Alaska Commission on Aging is working with the Governor's Office, Pioneer Homes and Long Term Care Ombudsman to ce...

05/10/2026

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother’s Day from Sons of Norway!

Celebrating all the amazing moms and mother figures today. Thank you for the love, strength, and traditions you share every day.

05/09/2026

Head on over to the Anchorage Museum this afternoon for the Explorers Symposium and more Norge celebrations!

Norge 1 Centennial Program
Anchorage Museum
2-4 p.m. Saturday, May 9

On May 14, 1926, the airship Norge 1 touched down in Teller, Alaska, completing the first trans-arctic voyage. Join us for a program focused on arctic aviation, cartography and the journey of the airship and its crew on this 100th anniversary of the event. This program was curated by historians, scientists and enthusiasts and will feature 10-20 minute presentations followed by a Q & A. Free; registration recommended.

Scheduled Presenters:
Casey Pape – Explores Club Alaska Chapter
Natalie Treadwell – GIS scientist/artist
Christine Ericson – UAA
Andrew Smallwood – Commercial pilot/enthusiast

Recorded Remarks/Presentations:
Anders Bache - Curator of Amundsen House, Svartskog, Norway
Mead Treadwell – Chapter Chair, Explorers Club: North Pacific Alaska Chapter
Charlton Shackleton - Shackleton Trust and The Explorers Club

https://www.anchoragemuseum.org/visit/calendar/event-details/?id=kst5q5bh8ur6kt06jh45d2g9eo

05/08/2026

Liberation Day, known in Norwegian as “Frigjøringsdagen”, is observed every year on May 8 and commemorates the liberation of Norway after five years of German occupation during World War II.

05/07/2026

Head on over to the Alaska Aviation Museum for a fun night of celebration!

Join us at the Alaska Aviation Museum on Thursday, May 7th, for a fun, family-friendly evening celebrating the centennial of the Norge Flight! ✈️

Force 10, LLC is hosting the Centennial Norge Flight Game Night. Enjoy Norge-themed board games, light food, and refreshments in a relaxed setting.

🕠 5:30–7:30 PM
📍 Alaska Aviation Museum
🎟️ Free event

Be sure to check out their other events celebrating the Norge centennial!

05/03/2026

Spring Friluftsliv: Trash Pickup at Jewel Lake Park

Sunday, May 3rd from 2-4pm
4342 W 88th Ave - The playground side!

Help clean up our community! “Dugnad” is an age-old Norwegian tradition that refers to voluntary work done collectively for a common cause. Join us on Sunday to pick up trash at Jewel Lake Park--what could be more rewarding than knowing you have had a part in keeping our city looking its best. Trash bags will be supplied, however tall boots, gloves, and buckets/trash pickers are recommended.