To register follow this link: https://givebutter.com/hCIoKs
Spring Grove Koselig Helg
An immersive weekend of Norwegian-American language and culture experiences
March 20–21, 2026
Join Giants of the Earth Heritage Center for a “helg” (weekend) of “koselig” (cozy/hygge) fun for Spring Grove locals and visitors alike!
Pricing:
$175 General
$150 Members of Giants of the Earth
Price includes:
6 fun class sessions
Lunch and dinner on Saturday
Light refreshments on Friday evening
5% discount in our gift shop to all participants (additional to the 10% member discount)
Once you’ve registered on Givebutter https://givebutter.com/hCIoKs don’t forget to make your class selections here: https://forms.gle/Gv3saCCbZF2teS2SA
Schedule:
Friday, March 20th
7pm-9pm Social hour
Includes light refreshments, a Norwegian-style sing-a-long, and a brief musical program featuring vintage Norwegian instruments
Saturday, March 21st
9am-4pm class sessions
AM Session 1: 9:00 AM
Norwegian Ridge: Historical Snapshot
This is a shared session for all attendees. Spring Grove locals and visitors alike are sure to learn something new.
AM Session 2: 9:45 AM
Learning Norwegian for Adults with Joe Grødahl
OR
Kolrosing with Darlene Fossum-Martin
Looking for something Nordic to take home with you? Take home not only a Nordic craft you made yourself, but the knowledge and skills that you can use for years to come. And you can use it in your kitchen daily! So let’s get koselig and learn the craft of kolrosing (coal-rose-ing). The techniques and designs that I will be teaching are centuries old and have their roots in Viking, Saami and Norwegian tradition.
Kolrosing, fine line decorating, consists of one cut with the tip of a sharp tool, rubbed with a ground bark or coffee, then oiled to enhance the design. You will start out with the basics of knife control, move from cutting straight lines to curved lines and techniques of shading to give your design depth.
Kolrosing was often used on wooden utilitarian objects, like spoons, cups, bowls and boxes. After practicing on a practice board you will move on to your main project, a butter spreader. Remember it’s only a one hour class. Uff da!
Kolrosing knives will be available for use or you may purchase your own for $32.00
Students will choose two patterns and they can kolrose on both sides of spreader with patterns which will be included in their kit. The spreader cost is $3.50.
Students should bring a mechanical pencil preferably with thin lead.
Kaffepause 10:30 AM
AM Session 3: 11:00 AM
Oral Histories: Sampling and Scripting with Bill Fried
OR
Papercutting – Lynn Susag
In this beginning papercutting class, students will learn the basics of cutting and folding paper using Scandinavian designs such as hearts, nisse and trees. This is a unique way to make personalized cards or interesting paper decorations for your home. The materials fee is $5 a person.
Lunch (included): 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Smørbrød (Norwegian open-faced sandwhiches)
PM Session 1: 1:00 PM
Cemetery Walk and Historical Figures with Bill Fried
Norwegian friluftsliv principles apply to our outdoor activities: there is no bad weather, only bad clothing!
OR
Skinnfell part 1 with David Susag
In this skinnfjell ornament class, the students will be sewing sheepskin leather with a pre-printed pattern to create a heart shaped ornament. The materials fee is $25 per kit.
Kaffepause (Coffee and Snack Break): 1:45 PM
PM Session 2: 2:15 PM
Public Art Tour
Norwegian friluftsliv principles apply to our outdoor activities: there is no bad weather, only bad clothing!
OR
Skinnfell part 2 with David Susag — Participants may choose to sign up for just one of these skinnfell sessions if they prefer, but to have enough time to complete the ornament, it’s ideal to sign up for both sessions.
PM Session 3: 3:00 PM
Peter Rosendahl’s Ola and Per: A Language All Their Own with Bill Fried and Joe Grødahl
OR
Making Fårikål: Norway’s National Dish with Heidi Eger
Happy Hour 4:00 PM
Dinner 5:00 PM — we will be having fårikål, Norwegian lamb and cabbage stew. If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know when you fill out your registration form and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Info for Locals:
Hosting
If you’re interested in hosting any fellow participants visiting from out-of-town, send us an email at info@giantsoftheeearth.org or call us at 507-498-5070 and let us know what you have available and what you’d like to charge.
Local history
Several of our class sessions have a local history focus. We are very confident that locals will learn new things in these sessions. If you don’t learn anything new, we’ll have Ola and Per give you an apology hug. Or if you’re too Norwegian for a hug, then a firm apology handshake from a respectful distance.
Info for Visitors:
Lodging
Note that program registration does not include lodging. See here for a listing of local lodging options. We may be able, but cannot guarantee, to pair you with a local program participant able to host. To inquire about this option, send us an email at info@giantsoftheearth.org or call us at 507-498-5070.
Additional Activity Options
Genealogy sessions
12pm-5pm Friday at Giants of the Earth Heritage Center
Free
Sign up for a 45-minute initial genealogy consultation to explore your Spring Grove roots. Send us an email at info@giantsoftheearth.org or call us at 507-498-5070 to register.
Church tour
10:30am Sunday at Trinity Lutheran Church
Free
Following the 9:15am service, join for a tour of the historic Trinity Lutheran Church. Need not attend service to participate in the tour.
Friluftsliv (Norwegian outdoor lifestyle) opportunities
Nature Trails (Website)
Parks (Website)
Local food options
The Phattest Breakfast pop-up restaurant (Facebook)
Fat Pat’s Barbeque (Website or Facebook)
Fiesta Rosita (Facebook)
Ivy Grove Cafe (Google Maps)
Local beverage experiences
Rockfilter Distillery (Website or Facebook)
Fat Pat’s Brewery (Website or Facebook)
Spring Grove Soda Pop Factory & Store (Website)
Lion’s Pub (Facebook)