Norsk Hostfest
Trolls in the streets, meatballs on sticks, and Vikings fighting in full steel combat gear are normal sights during Norsk Høstfest; North America’s largest Scandinavian festival. Every September for the past 40 years tens of thousands of people from all over the world travel to Minot, North Dakota to experience an epic display of Scandinavian culture.
I absolutely love traveling for specific experiences, and this one is going straight to the top of my list. Visiting Iceland this past year gave me a new appreciation for Scandinavian culture, and I’m not the only one. New airlines are making it easier than ever to visit Nordic countries, and they are quickly becoming travel hotspots.
Norsk Høstfest celebrates them all. Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden are all represented by food, art and entertainment. There are so many fun things to do, but whatever you pick, make sure not to miss these top five!
Among all the booths of comfort food is a fine dining restaurant serving a 6 course Nordic dinner, prepared by prominent Norwegian chef Kent Arntzen. The dinner sells out every year and after looking at the menu I can see why! All 6 courses feature traditional ingredients elevated into something truly memorable. Scandinavian favorites like smoked salmon, fish soup and sautéed duck all make appearances throughout the meal.
This is one of the coolest parts of the festival. It’s normal to watch demonstrations but rarely do the artisans actually teach classes to the festival goers. At Høstfest University masters of their craft teach Scandinavian folk art. Participants get the materials and instructions to make their own souvenirs to take home. I would be signing up to make Viking Era Arrows and a needle felt Tomte. Tomte’s are found in Scandinavian folklore. They are said to be mischievous domestic sprites that provide protection for your home and belongings. Not to mention they are cute and fuzzy!
It’s a rare treat to hear authors speak about their books and personal experiences. Norsk Høstfest brings together famous authors who specialize in Nordic culture for live readings and book signings. The long list of authors includes Lauraine Snelling, the writer behind a popular series of novels.
No “no-name” bands here! A festival this big draws the real talent. Don’t worry, there will be plenty of traditional music and dancing but also stay for the headliners. The Beach Boys, Michael Bolton and Alabama are just a few of the acts at this year’s festival.
On the way home from Iceland my suitcase was packed with comfy knit sweaters, mittens and hats. I knew I loved them but I had no idea about the cultural traditions behind the intricate patterns. Norsk Høstfest pulls together outfits from each country for a spectacular show. Models walk the runway in traditional folk costumes while the MC entertains the audience with the origins and meaning behind each garment.
This is a festival not to be missed.The rise in popularity of Scandinavian culture in America has found its mecca at Norsk Høstfest. Held in a place where the original settlers from these lands called home, it is the ultimate gathering for all of us interested in Nordic culture. I plan to visit next year, until then it will just have to hold a place on my travel bucket list!
Skål! (Cheers!)
Hailey
For more info, check out- Norsk Høstfest
Post sponsored by Norsk Hostfest
Travel planning shouldn't be stressful, but with life these days getting busier and busier, it…
Along a hiking trail in the middle of the forest lies a ruined stone house…
Why should someone use a travel agent in 2021? When asking that question I still…
Arizona is one of the most historic and naturally beautiful states in the United States.…
When the sun comes out, so do we. Summer means traveling to new places, soaking…
Arizona is a state renowned for its wide open, rugged, and untamed landscapes. Adventure-lovers come…
View Comments
This festival looks like lots and lots of fun. Love the culture and the food and everything about it. Such a great post. Really enjoy your travel tips content also :)
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it :)
I love festivals! Especially ones that teach you about different cultures :)
Me too! They are a great way to experience lots of different things.
This festival sounds like a lot of fun! And it's in North Dakota, which is a state I have never been to! I like the last bit about the Icelandic sweaters and mittens! I know EXACTLY what you are talking about too! While I didn't buy any of that stuff while I was there (I had a suit case packed full of ris buffs, and pretty much all of their chocolate), I did purchase a small 'ugly monster' type stuffed animal with that type of knitting from Thingvellir National Park.
Norsk Høstfest sounds like a fest we want to to attend. 6 course Nordic dinner sounds yummy and the variety is awesome. We would love hear all the amazing experiences at the Authors corner . Being Authors ourselves, we just love this space and love to exchange thoughts with like minded people! Thanks for introducing this fest to us and it goes on our bucket list, till we make it!
I love folk art! The Høstfest University part would definitely be my favorite. Looks like a fun time.
Norsk Høstfest sounds like a really great festival! I would love to attend this and I have the perfect sweater to wear that I picked up on my trip to Iceland a few years ago!
Arn't Icelandic sweaters the best? They are pricy but totally worth it.
Never been a festival guy but reading your post is kinda giving me second thoughts on that. If only every festival had a 6 course Nordic dinner ;)
This is such an interesting festival.. I first time heard of this festival... must be fun and mysterious...
Festivals always offer a great time. I would want to be able to experience this Scandinavian festival in North Dakota, but I live way too far away. I can just imagine how awesome it would be to be able to sample the cuisine, immerse in the culture and learn more about the history all in one place!
Your trip sounded amazing. I would love to visit one day especially to meet some of my favourite authors and attend some of those festivals. Your pictures were great by the way.
-Young Writers Pro