Ingebretsen’s is in Minnesota and we love the Vikings — the football team and the historical warriors. This post is about the latter. The era known as the Viking age lasted for more than 300 years, from the late 8th century to the late 11th century. The history of the Vikings is closely linked to… More The Vikings and the Viking Era
One of the most recognized examples of Norwegian history and culture is the stave church (“stavkirke”). Unique to Norway, they are medieval yet elegant symbols of Christianity’s initial foothold into a country whose Viking era and ancient gods were a recent memory. Architecturally the stave churches are quite impressive. Made only of wood, some of… More The Stavekirke (Norwegian Stave Churches)
For many people all across the Midwest the first snowfall means layering on the warm clothes, getting out the hats and mittens, waxing the skis, and braving the cold for a day or a weekend of cross-country skiing. Whether you’re a die-hard skier preparing for the 50-kilometer Dyno American Birkebeiner race held in Hayward, Wisconsin,… More The Nordic Origins of Skiing