Brookings Rotarians Marcia and Larry Jansen. Larry is wearing a sweater from a recent Scandinavian trip, and Marcia is holding a replica of a street in Bergen,Norway.
Rotarians Marcia and Larry Janssen
The Brookings Rotary Club traveled vicariously through Sweden, Denmark, and Norway during this week’s program as Rotarians Larry and Marcia shared highlights from their recent journey across Scandinavia—blending history, geography, and unforgettable scenery.
“Sweden, Denmark, and Norway are remarkably prosperous and well-organized, but what struck us most was how livable the cities felt,” said Larry. “Stockholm spans 14 islands with cruise ships docking right downtown, Copenhagen’s historic core still hums with civic life, and Oslo balances outdoor culture with world-class museums.”
The presentation opened with a snapshot of the region: Sweden as the most populous, Copenhagen and Oslo as dynamic capitals, and Norway’s high per-capita income. Larry walked members through Stockholm landmarks—from City Hall to the Vasa Museum, where a 1628 warship famously sank on its maiden voyage and was raised and restored in the 1960s. He also noted Kronborg Castle in Denmark—Hamlet’s legendary setting—and Copenhagen icons such as The Little Mermaid and the royal guard at Amalienborg.
“Seeing the past brought to life was a theme everywhere,” Larry added. “At the Viking Ship Museum we learned how faithfully reconstructed longboats proved those epic voyages were possible.”
Marcia then guided members through Norway’s natural grandeur. “The Flåm Railway’s steep descent is breathtaking, and the fjords are simply otherworldly—sheer cliffs, waterfalls, tiny farms clinging to green slopes,” she said. “Bergen charmed us with St. Mary’s Church, the Rosenkrantz Tower, and its postcard-perfect waterfront—while open-air heritage sites stitched together buildings from across the country to preserve local traditions.”
Stops also included Oslo’s Vigeland Park—home to more than 200 stone and bronze sculptures and over a million annual visitors—plus views from the city’s famed ski-jump ridge. Along the way, the presenters reflected on Scandinavia’s evolving economies and the role of tourism, culture, and natural resources.
Club members joined in with observations and questions on literature, history, and maritime exploration, connecting Shakespeare’s Hamlet to Kronborg and recalling classic adventure reads inspired by long-distance voyages.
About Brookings Rotary
Founded to advance Service Above Self, Brookings Rotary brings together community leaders to take action locally and globally—supporting youth, education, public health, and humanitarian projects through hands-on service and the Rotary Foundation.
Founded to advance Service Above Self, Brookings Rotary brings together community leaders to take action locally and globally—supporting youth, education, public health, and humanitarian projects through hands-on service and the Rotary Foundation.