Looking for a taste of Europe without the travel? Whether you’re traveling with a family or on a romantic getaway in the USA we have a festival for you.
If you are a Vikings fanatic and would like to have your very own Vikings experience, look no further than the Norsk Hostfest Festival located right in North Dakota.
What is Norsk Hostfest?
You may be wondering, what is Norsk Hostfest?
Norsk Høstfest is a festival which aims to educate people about Scandinavian culture and bring it to life right before your very eyes. It is run by a nonprofit organization that aims to preserve and educate about Scandinavian culture & traditions.
The festival is held annually in fall at the State Fair Center on the North Dakota State Fairgrounds. This year (2018) it is running from 26- 29 September.
The festival, now entering into its 40th year, is North America’s largest Scandinavian festival, drawing tourism from all over the world, as it features Viking entertainment, Scandinavian cuisine, culture, handcrafted Norsk merchandise, plus fine dining lead by top chefs.
Each of the Scandanavian countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) is given a hall at the festival which showcases the countries entertainment, food, clothes, art, and jewelry.
Why should you attend Norsk Hostfest in 2018?
Norsk Høstfest is perfect for anyone looking for their very own Nordic adventure! Much like Oktoberfest (which showcases German culture & festivities) Norsk Høstfest is a place for locals and travelers alike to really immerse in Scandinavian culture.
From seeing a real life Viking fight to walking back in time at Viking Village or watching artisans showcasing ancient traditions – it really is a Nordic adventure!
Things to Do at Hostfest?
There are so many fun activities and things to do at Norsk Hostfest:
General Entertainment
Have you ever wanted to witness a real life Ragnar vs Rollo Viking dual? At Norsk Hostfest, this is definetely something that can be achieved.
A general admission ticket includes access to Viking fights as well as free Stage entertainment, shopping, dining and more!
Great Hall of the Vikings show ticket
If you are looking for something a little extra, a great hall of the Vikings show ticket is definetely the way to go.
It is particularly good if you like music with a great display of bands & entertainment featured at the Great Hall including Tanya Tucker, Daniel O’Donnell & The Texas Tenors.
*Note: If you buy a Great Hall ticket, you receive free general admission for all-day festival access!
Miss Norsk Høstfest
If you are a pageant queen in the making, why not try your hand at Miss Norsk Hostfest?
This is an excellent way for young ladies to meet new friends while celebrating their Scandinavian heritage.
Plus, the prize is not too shabby too!
The Miss Norsk Høstfest title winner will not only receive the title of Miss Norsk Høstfest 2018 but a scholarship, a spot in the Miss North Dakota pageant, gifts from Laila courtesy of Geir Ness, Troentorp Swedish clogs as well as VIP tickets to all Great Hall shows!
Tromsø Cultural Village
Tromsø Cultural Village is one of the best parts of Norsk Høstfest as dancing, storytelling & interactive experiences take center stage.
At the cultural centre you can see, hear, taste, touch Scandivainian culture firsthand.
The village provides a really interactive cultural Scandivanivan experience from felting (making fabric from raw wool) and rock-trolling (making trolls out of pebbles). Guests can also try cultural dialogue held inside an authentic Chippewa tepee.
Entertainment includes trolls, musical instruments and river carts!
Viking Village
Perhaps the most interesting part of the festival is Viking village where you are able to walk among the Vikings, explore their unique crafts and learn about their livelihood.
Cool activities in the Viking Village include:
- Viking Battles performed by trained warriors (where you can hear the clash of swords hitting chainmail and shields);
- Watch blacksmiths forging hot iron into Viking Age items; and
- A first hand experience at Viking archery with hand-made longbows.
Scandinavian Dining at Norsk Hostfest
As well as seeing Scandinavian culture come to light, the festival is also a great opportunity to try Scandinavian dining first hand.
The festival features each of the Scandinavian countries with an opportunity to try each of their local cuisine.
This includes favorites such as Norwegian waffles, Danish aebleskivers, Swedish meatballs, Oofda tacos, and Viking on a Stick or lighter fare like rømmegrøt, lefse and rice pudding.
A few new other interesting Scandivanian food to try at Norsk Hostfest include:
- Augustana’s rice pudding;
- Spud Hog (Cloverdale sausage baked inside a potato);
- Viking on a stick; and
- Viking Ship fish.
Tickets, Event times & hours
Tickets may be purchased at the Norsk Hostfest with general admission prices as follows:
- $40 – Adults (18 and older) – $35 when ordered BEFORE August 1
- $25 – Undergraduate College Students (must present active college ID)
- $15 – After 4 pm special promotion
- $10 – Teenagers (ages 13-17)
- *12 and younger are free
The doors to the festival open daily at 7:30 a.m. with breakfast and hot coffee served in multiple cafes throughout the venue.
The main entertainment, activities and shopping run from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
And, if you like a good party free nightly dances begin at 6:30 p.m. and run until 11 pm nightly.
So why not try Norsk Hostfest 2018? We really like trying new & interesting experiences. This is definitely one event we would recommend to our readers who are interested in culture & adventure this year.
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This post was sponsored and made possible by Norsk Høstfest. However, that does not in any way affect our views & opinions.
