Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon Celebrates 200 Years of Emigration

Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon is commemorating the 200th anniversary of organized emigration from Norway to the United States with a visit to key locations in the Upper Midwest. His tour underscores the enduring ties between Norway and the U.S., particularly within communities that identify as Norwegian American.

Exploring Norwegian Heritage in America

The crown prince’s visit includes stops in Minnesota, home to over 800,000 residents claiming Norwegian ancestry, the largest concentration in the United States. This number is significant, although North Dakota has a higher percentage of Norwegian descendants relative to its population. The region has seen multiple royal visits over the years, with Haakon participating in the Crossings 200 commemorations occurring across North America this year.

On Monday, Haakon visited Vesterheim, a museum in Decorah, Iowa, dedicated to the history of Norwegian immigrants in America. There, he met descendants of passengers from the Restauration, a ship that carried 52 Norwegians and departed for the U.S. on July 4, 1825. One traveler gave birth during the voyage, resulting in 53 arrivals in New York. This event marked the beginning of a significant wave of Norwegian emigration, with over 800,000 following in the years to come.

At Luther College, founded by Norwegian immigrants in 1861, Haakon was awarded an honorary degree. He expressed gratitude for the institution’s role in preserving the stories that connect the two nations. “I will carry it as a symbol of the close friendship between the United States and Norway,” he told students and faculty.

Engagements in Minnesota and Upcoming Events

On Tuesday, the crown prince was scheduled to visit Norway House, a cultural center in Minneapolis focused on promoting contemporary Norwegian culture through various mediums. He planned to cut the ribbon on the new Saga Center, an interactive exhibit designed for families to explore Norway’s cultural heritage. The exhibit includes 3D landscapes that illustrate Norway’s friluftsliv (outdoor life) and byliv (city life).

Haakon also intended to speak at a business forum concentrating on health care and defense, and meet with Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, at the state capitol in St. Paul. Additionally, he was to visit Mindekirken, the Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church that still conducts services in Norwegian. This church was previously visited by Crown Princess Mette-Marit in 2022 for its centennial celebration.

The prince’s itinerary also includes a visit to St. Olaf College in Northfield, another institution founded by Norwegian immigrants, which has hosted several members of the royal family throughout its history.

On July 4, 2025, the actual anniversary of the Restauration’s arrival, Haakon is expected to welcome a replica of the ship at Pier 16, near the South Street Seaport Museum. This event will be accompanied by a celebration of Norwegian culture, further emphasizing the historical significance of the emigration.

Haakon’s trip comes during a time of scrutiny for the Norwegian royal family. Crown Princess Mette-Marit did not accompany him due to health issues, and recent controversies involving his sister, Princess Märtha Louise, have drawn public attention. Despite these challenges, Haakon’s visit aims to strengthen the cultural and historical bonds between Norway and the United States.