From award-season buzz to cozy cultural connections, March brings a fresh lineup of Nordic-inspired events. Whether you’re curious about Norway’s Oscar-nominated film, eager to explore Sámi storytelling, ready to try your hand at Swedish baking, or looking to connect through language, history, or genealogy, there’s something this month for you. Read on for highlights of virtual gatherings that will carry a bit of the Nordics into your early spring days.
Norway’s Sentimental Value
Have you seen Norway’s Sentimental Value (“Affeksjonsverdi”) directed by Joachim Trier yet? It’s been nominated for 9 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, which is big for little Norway. The film’s description is as follows: Gustav (Stellan Skarsgård), an estranged father and once-celebrated director eager to reclaim his former glory, reconnects with his daughters Nora (Renate Reinsve) and Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas). When Gustav offers Nora the lead role in his new film, she refuses and learns he has given the part to a Hollywood star (Elle Fanning). Currently, it is screening at select theaters nationwide and available to stream via premium video on demand, such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Will you be watching The Oscars on March 15 to see how Norway’s film fares?
VIRTUAL EVENTS in MARCH and a bit beyond
Nordic Book Club Meetings: March 2026
Online book clubs continue to meet and provide ideas for reading and opportunities to discuss. Visit Nordic Book Club Meetings: March 2026 to see details about book selections and meeting dates coming up.
15 Weeks of Friluftsliv
Gnome Matter the Weather’s 15 Weeks of Friluftsliv wraps up this month. Read the final newsletter which has ideas “to keep you on the friluftsliv path through whatever wild weather comes our way.” Find activity suggestions such as Rosemaling Rocks, recipes, and friluftsliv-inspired books to cozy up with. This is not a typical virtual event attended online, but rather an online community dedicated to embracing the outdoors during the darkest days of the year. Inspired by the Norwegian concept of “friluftsliv” — which translates to “open-air living” or “free-air life” — the hosts, Tacy Quinn and Lauren Theis, inspire families and friends to get outside and welcome winter from December through March.
ASI Language Programs: Intro to Swedish with Jean Hanslin (Sunday, 3/8)
Are you curious about the Swedish language but not ready to commit to a multi-date class yet? Are you looking for a quick and low-pressure way to get excited and prepare for an upcoming visit to Sweden? This two-hour introductory workshop taught by Jean Hanslin is the perfect way to get a feel for Swedish—pick up a bit of grammar and learn how to pronounce some words as part of basic conversation. No materials required. This class meets virtually.
Pioneering Pages: Forming the New American Woman – Presentation with Dr. Nancy Coleman (Sunday, 3/22, Free)
Dr. Nancy Coleman joins Vesterheim for an online presentation in connection with the Vesterheim exhibit, Pioneering Pages: Forming the New American Woman. Learn about Norwegian immigrant sisters Ida Jensen Hansen and Mina Jensen who started a magazine for women in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in the late 1880s. The publication offered information to help immigrant women learn customs and skills to adapt to American ways of life. But the magazine was much more, advocating for women’s education, equality, and suffrage. Dr. Coleman has worked with a team of Norwegian scholars to shed light on this important part of Norwegian immigration history through the “Pioneering Pages” exhibit at Vesterheim, open through May 18, 2026.
ASI Food Programs: Swedish Caramel Treats with Kristi Bissell (Thursday, 3/19)
Join Kristi Bissell for a crash course in incorporating tempting caramelized flavor into two classic Swedish baked goods. Kristi will demo a caramelized-almond-topped toscakaka (Tosca Cake) and kolasnittar, a delicious but straightforward caramel cookie, both approachable ways to incorporate caramel into baked goods at home. This class is presented as a demonstration, so students can watch the entire process and ask questions before tackling the dishes later. The recipe packet will be available for download one week in advance.
Book Talk with Sámi Writer Tina Harnesk Boström (Saturday, 3/21)
Join Swedish American Museum for an online book talk with Tina Harnesk Boström, a celebrated Sámi writer from Northern Sweden. Born and raised in Jokkmokk, she comes from a family rich in storytelling traditions, particularly on her mother’s side, which is Sami. Now living with her family in a village outside Arvidsjaur, Harnesk draws deeply on her upbringing and cultural heritage in her writing. Her latest novel, The Secret of Snow translated into English by Alice Menzies, follows a reclusive elderly couple whose lives intersect with younger newcomers in a small mountain town, unfolding a layered tale of shared history, grief, and cultural memory rooted in the Sámi experience. Combining warmth, humor, and emotional depth, The Secret of Snow has been praised as a poignant family drama that invites readers into the heart of Harnesk’s richly imagined world.
Cooking Class with Swedish American Museum: Swedish Easter Foods (Monday, 3/23)
Participants are taught Swedish recipes in this online cooking class. You can cook along with the group and ask questions along the way. In March, you will make different Swedish Easter foods.
Genealogy Session: Researching and Writing Your Family History with AI (Saturday, 3/28)
Join the Swedish American Museum for an engaging Zoom program focused on the importance of your family history for future generations. Learn how Marilyn Fettinger used AI to write the life story of her 4x great grandfather, Sven Magnus Ström and his family. We’ll begin by examining AI prompts to read, translate, and understand Swedish historical records followed by examples of how to use AI to transform the historical facts into captivating family narratives.
ASI Nordic Handcraft: Needle Felted Easter Egg with Laura Berlage (Sunday, 3/29)
Create the cutest felted easter eggs in this afternoon-long virtual class. Led by instructor Laura Berlage, students will follow step-by-step instructions to transform hand-dyed wool from the instructor’s own sheep into a felted easter egg that will fit in the palm of your hand. Needle felting is fun, easy, and therapeutic–and as your woolly creation takes shape, enjoy conversation with other students and learning more about wool and the sheep who produced the kit materials! The finished egg will be perfect for displaying ahead of the easter holiday.
Norwegian Language for Travelers (On-Demand)
Whether you’re planning a trip to the stunning fjords, the vibrant cityscapes of Oslo, or the charming coastal towns, learning Norwegian will enhance your experience and help you connect with the locals in a more meaningful way. Join Dr. Maren Anderson Johnson and learn Norwegian words and phrases. A kit of materials including workbook that supports the video instruction and a sweet treat from Vesterheim is included in the cost of registration. On-demand class content is available for 90 days from the time of purchase.
ASI Food Programs: Spring Finnish Standards Demo with Kristi Bissell (4/23)
Celebrate spring, Finnish style, with two stand out dishes. Kristi will demonstrate a light but cozy salmon soup, perfect for cooler spring days. Then she’ll turn to tippaleipä, a classic funnel cake recipe made for May Day in Finland. These delicious desserts are fun to make at home and a worthwhile project to celebrate the return of spring! While Kristi demos making the funnel cake batter and her preferred approach to deep frying, she will discuss some of the traditions around May Day in Finland.
ASI Food Programs: Nordic Cardamom Bread Demo with Kristi Bissell (5/14)
Whether you call it pulla, kardeumumabröd, or coffee bread, a classic Nordic bread combines floral cardamom, a crunchy sugar topping, and a beautiful braided presentation into a show-stopping yeasted loaf. Finland and Sweden’s answer to a challa, Cardamom Bread is commonly enjoyed as part of a fika or coffee hour, but is equally at home on the breakfast table—it makes especially stellar french toast! Since it’s hard to find in bakeries, your best bet is to tackle it at home, and luckily Kristi Bissell of the blog True North Kitchen is ready to walk through each step in this hourlong tutorial. From kneading to proofing, shaping, and baking, this demo will cover all steps for students to tackle this recipe at home.
Which events or experiences look interesting to you?
In other film news, Norway’s 
Gnome Matter the Weather’s
This adventure starts March 1 and will be available all month. Step into the world of kings, queens, palaces, and crowns! All Things Royal is a month-long, online language adventure designed especially for families. Learn about the Norwegian royal family while building vocabulary and exploring royal-themed crafts, games, and cultural activities right from home. Each family will receive a kit packed with fun supplies, creative activities, and everything you need to bring the royal experience to life. Instructor-led videos will guide families through royal vocabulary and cultural traditions—like learning how to say “king” in Norwegian and discovering what a “slott” is.
Now in its 8th year, the annual Sámi Film Festival celebrates the rich storytelling traditions of the Sámi, an Indigenous people of the northernmost parts of Finland, Norway, Sweden, and the Kola Peninsula of Russia. This year’s program is curated by acclaimed director, writer, artist, and composer Elle Márjá Eira, whose work in mediums from TV to classical opera has captivated audiences across the globe, and whose directorial debut Stolen reached the Top 10 list in 71 countries following its Netflix premiere in 2024. Virtual screenings will be available nationwide from February 6 through 13.
Join Vesterheim for an hour of traditional Norwegian stories, told by interdisciplinary artist and storyteller Laura Berlage! Tricksters abound in the old stories, and the tales of the Norse have a special one — Loki. Learn who Loki is and follow him on adventures of thievery, shapeshifting, and trickery, as he both helps and hinders the ancient gods of the north. Loki has a special way to make us laugh and cringe, and his adventures are tales to charm all ages.
Join Nichole Accettola, author of 
Beets may be a divisive ingredient, but beet lovers know they can provide great color, flavor, and nutrition in a range of recipes, and they become especially valuable in the colder months. Join Kristi Bissell as she demonstrates two Nordic-inspired recipes from her blog True North Kitchen, featuring both golden beets in a surprising soup and red beets in a tasty open faced sandwich. Students are sure to leave with new ideas and skills for putting this underutilized northern vegetable to good use!
Join the Swedish American Museum for an engaging Zoom program focused on the importance of archiving and preserving your family history for future generations. This online presentation will guide participants through practical ways to protect and organize family photographs, gather and record meaningful family stories, and safeguard treasured heirlooms such as wedding certificates, college diplomas, and birth or hospital records. Whether you are just beginning your family history journey or looking to better preserve materials you already have, this program offers valuable tools and inspiration. Sign up online to attend and take an important step in ensuring your family’s legacy is preserved and passed on.
Join Kristi Bissell of 
This experience starts February 1 and will be available all month. Join woodcarving instructor and Vesterheim Gold Medalist Rebecca Hanna in exploring the art of kroting, cutting lines into wood after it has been painted or stained. Inspired by work in the Vesterheim Folk Art School as well as the instructor’s personal work, students will be taught how to start kroting and given a simple design to try themselves. Note: This program has been designed for families to experience on their own schedules. There is no live Zoom event and no scheduled class time – your family can participate anytime during the month when it works for your schedule! Kit includes all folk art materials needed, some images as inspiration from the Vesterheim collection, and a treat.
Explore the traditional and beautiful Norwegian decorative painting known as rosemaling. In this beginner-friendly class, you will be introduced to and gain confidence in the essential strokes used in rosemaling. We’ll use a very limited color palette to keep the focus on clean, consistent linework and smooth brush control. Step-by-step practice will cover the basic C- and S-strokes and teardrops, tips for brush loading and pressure, and the chance to explore using both a flat, round, and detail brush. By the end, you’ll have a completed piece that highlights your growing skill and understanding of rosemaling fundamentals.
Create a sweet felted chickadee inspired by Minnesota’s Northwoods in this afternoon-long class. Led by instructor Laura Berlage, students will follow step-by-step instructions to transform hand-dyed wool from the instructor’s own sheep into a felted chickadee that will fit in the palm of your hand. The kit contains enough wool to make a second chickadee, perfect for continuing with this craft beyond class. Open to all skill levels. Suitable for ages 16+.
Enjoy the cold dark months by embracing hygge and making hyggelig (nice) moments by cozying up with some delicious hot beverages. Hyggelig is a Danish word that suggests a sense of coziness and comfortable contentment or well-being. We will explore some flavorful hot toddies, glögg, and a spiked hot chocolate. So grab a drink and your warmest blanket and enjoy yourself during the winter.
Join textile artist Kayla Ann for an evening of creativity and hands-on fun while learning the art of needle felting a 2-D felted folk flower bouquet. Using a piece of felt as the canvas and wool roving as the paint, Kayla will guide students through the fundamentals of this relaxing craft, teaching how to “paint” with wool and sculpt beautiful blooms from fiber. Whether you’re new to needle felting or looking to expand your skills, students will leave with the skills, tools, and inspiration to keep needle felting beyond the online workshop. Open to all skill levels. Suitable for ages 16+.
Begin your day with breakfast smørbrød, pyttipanne, and cardamom coffee bread in this New Nordic Brunch class. Menu also includes a signature cocktail called the Salty Hund and a signature coffee mocktail. This Vesterheim cooking class is designed as a small-group cook-along, and we invite exchange between the instructor and students in order to build community around food traditions. Enrollment deadline is January 17. Class is sold out but you may request to be added to the waitlist.
Collect a new set of go-to recipes with Kristi Bissell from the blog 
Celebrate the light during the darkest time of year with a cozy and festive baking class featuring St. Lucia Buns (lussekatter), the golden, saffron-scented pastries traditionally served on December 13 for St. Lucia Day. In this online hands-on class with Kristi Bissell from the blog 
Himmeli-making is a Nordic tradition brought to the U.S. by immigrants from Nordic and European countries. Traditionally hung above a table or dining area, these geometric straw mobiles are a Christmas tradition with a link to old folk farming beliefs for ensuring a bountiful harvest. You will gain experience working with natural material (straw) as you construct a medium sized himmeli mobile. Focus will also be on the cultural and historic significance of this craft found in Finland, Norway, Sweden, the Baltic countries, and beyond. Enrollment Deadline: 11/22
Spend an evening exploring Scandinavian silver work through the creation of your own silver and gold-washed earrings. Ever wonder why sølje pins have those shiny dangles with silver disc drops? These discs are called “spoons” or “shells” in Norwegian. Historically, silver has long been seen as a protective element against evil and abduction by the hulder folk (hidden folk) in Scandinavian folklore. Legend has it that should you run into the devil wearing your sparkling sølje, he would see his own reflection and run away! Don’t run away from a chance to create your own earrings in this short class designed to introduce you to the beauty of Scandinavian silver work. Students will assemble up to two pairs of earrings using multiple disc elements suspended from sterling silver French hook ear wires.
Make a cozy and cute heart embroidered with wool yarn and stitched onto a piece of curly sheepskin from the instructor’s flock. Learn how to work satin and stem stitch “in the hand” on washed wool fabric, as well as how to assemble the finished ornament. The finished piece is approximately 3.5 inches wide. This class includes a kit shipped to your home with wool fabric, stitch guide, hand-dyed wool embroidery yarn, red ribbon, white roving for stuffing, sheepskin heart for the back, embroidery needle, glover’s needles, and faux sinew for stitching, plus a PDF photo essay for additional instructions (a $70 value). Enrollment Deadline: 11/26
Create a festive ornament using needle felting techniques alongside teaching artist Kayla Ann. This fun project utilizes cookie cutters you may already have at home to create a felted ornament and/or gift topper with clean lines, even shape, and adorable details. This class is ideal for beginners looking to learn more about needle felting and Nordic culture. These delightful ornaments and gift toppers are the perfect way to step up your gift-giving or decorate your home. You will leave with both a finished project and the knowledge to continue needle felting outside of class. Registration for this kit-based class closes on 11/24.
The holidays aren’t just about meatballs, lutefisk, and lefse! In this class, you’ll prep for the season with a beautiful and scrumptious variety of holiday-inspired open-faced sandwiches. A signature cocktail and non-alcoholic beverage will also be included in the menu. This Vesterheim cooking class is designed as a small-group cook-along, and we invite exchange between the instructor and students in order to build community around food traditions. Enrollment Deadline: 11/29
In a twist on Vesterheim’s monthly bokprat discussions, join Vesterheim in December for a discussion of the Norwegian television series The Commoner, 
Plan now for this family experience that starts February 1 and will be available all month. Join woodcarving instructor and Vesterheim Gold Medalist Rebecca Hanna in exploring the art of kroting, cutting lines into wood after it has been painted or stained. Inspired by work in the Vesterheim Folk Art School as well as the instructor’s personal work, students will be taught how to start kroting and given a simple design to try themselves. Note: This program has been designed for families to experience on their own schedules. There is no live Zoom event and no scheduled class time – your family can participate anytime during the month when it works for your schedule! On the first of the month, you will receive an email with the links and information about how to access. Kit includes all folk art materials needed, some images as inspiration from the Vesterheim collection, and a treat.
Extended into October, while supplies last! Join the global virtual challenge that blends fitness, fun, and the Nordic spirit! Chart your own course (5K, 10K, or half-marathon), choose how you want to move (walk, run, hike, row, skateboard – it’s up to you!), and receive a custom participant t-shirt featuring a Viking longship crewed by herring!
A recording of this event will soon be available at 
Just in time for Sweden’s Kanelbullensdag (Cinnamon Bun Day) on October 4, take a page from Nichole Accettola’s recent cookbook 
In this auction, you’ll have the opportunity to bid on a tremendous selection of rosemaling (Norwegian decorative painting), weavings, Norwegian clothing, and creative woodworking items. Included in the auction is the chance to bid on a Viking 8-day European River Cruise for two as well. Proceeds from the auction benefit Vesterheim’s Folk Art School, which has provided classes since 1967 in fiber arts, woodworking, painting, cooking, jewelry, blacksmithing, knifemaking, and more.
While not as popular as it once was in Sweden, a Thursday dinner of yellow pea soup and Swedish pancakes is still a great cold-weather meal. Join Kristi Bissell to demo these two classic dishes from her blog, 
This experience starts November 1 and is available all month. Join artist Derek Brabender in an exploration of birchbark weaving using recycled Vesterheim Folk Art School catalogues. Inspired by Nordic folk art, as well as the re-use of materials, this program will show families how we can still continue the folk art tradition using recycled materials. Note: This program has been designed for families to experience on their own schedules. There is no live Zoom event and no scheduled class time – your family can participate anytime during the month when it works for your schedule! On the first of the month, you will receive an email with the links and information about how to access.
Maree Hampton is a knitting instructor for Vesterheim Folk Art School and one of the first recipients of a research grant from Vesterheim to study Norwegian knitting in Norway. While in Norway in the fall of 2024, Maree visited textile and folk art museums, attended a three-day knitting festival in Bergen, toured Norway’s long-standing yarn factories, and met everyday Norwegian knitters in the areas where she traveled. She will share what she learned in her month-long study in Norway, show images from her travels, highlight current trends in Norwegian knitting, and show how the experience has inspired her knitting, teaching, and more.
Join Kristi Bissell, founder of 
Raise a glass to the gods with this fun, history-infused class inspired by Norse mythology and Viking-era drinking traditions. We’ll create imaginative cocktails using ingredients like mead, herbs, and smoke, each paired with a mythological figure or story – from a thunderous drink for Thor to a mysterious one for Loki. This class is equal parts storytelling and hands-on cocktail creation, designed to bring ancient legends to life in a glass. This Vesterheim cooking class is designed as a small-group cook-along and we invite exchange between the instructor and students in order to build community around food traditions.
Join celebrated cook and author 
Join carver Charles Banks as he guides you through the creation of your very own flat plane ornament. This class will center around the creation of some festive stylized ornaments. Following the tradition of flat plane figure carving, you will use only a single knife to carve. You will receive an overview of the history and traditions of this style of carving, be introduced to the cuts and techniques of the reductive carving process, and learn finishing techniques – all culminating in your very own carving. Live instruction and video tutorials will be utilized as educational tools. This is a beginner friendly class. Enrollment deadline: October 22
“Crepe cakes” have been all the rage for a few years now. Join us to create two Nordic versions of this fun celebratory treat. We’ll make one savory version and one sweet, with plenty of creative ideas to get your entire family into the kitchen. This Vesterheim cooking class is designed as a small-group cook-along, and we invite exchange between the instructor and students in order to build community around food traditions. Enrollment Deadline: October 31
