Logo

1929The birkebeiner logo

The logo is a birkebeiner, a symbol of mountain endurance and known as “the lifeguard of the king”.

Jørgen Jørgensen started the company J.J. Norrøna Sporting Goods and leather factory in Oslo the 29th of April, 1929. Norrøna is a slang name of a language spoken during the viking age.

The logo is a birkebeiner, a symbol of mountain endurance and known as “the lifeguard of the king”. The birkebeiners are known for a historic ski expedition to exile the king’s son from the Baglers. The initials of the company and founders name, Jørgen Jørgensen, were incorporated into the skis and shield.

1929The birkebeiner logo

1950Modernizing the Birkebeiner logo
After two decades, the Norrøna birkebeiner receives its first modernized update.

1969Colorful update of logo
The Norrøna logo receives a colorful update with embroidered details.

1976Bruno Oldani redesigns logo
Third generation owner, Ole Jørgen Jørgensen, takes over the company and changes its name to Norrøna Sport AS. He hired Bruno Oldani, a well-known designer in Norway to redesign the logo.

1977Return of the Birkebeiner
Kjell Witberg is hired to create a new minimalistic logo with the birkebeiner included.

1983A new version of The Birkebeiner
Kjell Witberg drew a new version of the birkebeiner and took inspiration from a realistic painting he had previously made based on the 1977 logo.

1991Simplified logo, brighter colors
Using newer techniques of the time, the logo was simplified and the colors were brightened.

2000Embroidery-friendly Norrøna branding
Well-known design company GRID was hired to simplify the Norrøna logo.

2001Minimalistic logo for freeride category
In the design process with GRID, a logo with only the head of the birkebeiner was developed.

2005A new minimalistic and timeless logo
Ole Sletten and Levi Bergqvist were hired to design a more minimal and timeless logo which was easy to recognize, visually strong and characteristic of Norrøna’s design philosophy.

Related

1950Modernizing the Birkebeiner logoAfter two decades, the Norrøna birkebeiner receives its first modernized update.

1969Colorful update of logoThe Norrøna logo receives a colorful update with embroidered details.

1976Bruno Oldani redesigns logoThird generation owner, Ole Jørgen Jørgensen, takes over the company and changes its name to Norrøna Sport AS. He hired Bruno Oldani, a well-known designer in Norway to redesign the logo.

1977Return of the BirkebeinerKjell Witberg is hired to create a new minimalistic logo with the birkebeiner included.

1983A new version of The BirkebeinerKjell Witberg drew a new version of the birkebeiner and took inspiration from a realistic painting he had previously made based on the 1977 logo.

1991Simplified logo, brighter colorsUsing newer techniques of the time, the logo was simplified and the colors were brightened.

2000Embroidery-friendly Norrøna brandingWell-known design company GRID was hired to simplify the Norrøna logo.

2001Minimalistic logo for freeride categoryIn the design process with GRID, a logo with only the head of the birkebeiner was developed.

2005A new minimalistic and timeless logoOle Sletten and Levi Bergqvist were hired to design a more minimal and timeless logo which was easy to recognize, visually strong and characteristic of Norrøna’s design philosophy.