After a successful first year in 2024, the Great Northern Viking Festival in the American state of Minnesota is gearing up for a second edition this October.
The Viking Herald speaks to the event's founder, Inga Northern, about one of the newest additions to the North American festival circuit.
Exploration and connections
"It all started with a passion for all things Viking," Inga informs The Viking Herald. "Not just the battle tales or Hollywood versions people expect, but the deeper pull of community, finding purpose, and meaningful connection."
"For me, it's personal. Exploring the old ways and honoring ancestral traditions has shaped how I live and what I value. That passion grew into a purpose: to create something immersive and meaningful that brings people together."
"I asked myself, how do you share this with others?" Inga adds. "How do you spark curiosity in people who may never have explored Viking culture before? How do you blend education with entertainment and create a space where everyone feels like they belong?"
"The answer wasn't just to build another event. It was to create something real, a gathering where people can show up as they are, step into another world, and leave feeling more connected than when they arrived."
After much preparation, the first Great Northern Viking Festival was held last year in the Minnesotan city of Mankato, and it was a resounding success.
"We saw people come from all across the Midwest—Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, the Dakotas," Inga tells The Viking Herald.
"The crowd is diverse: some are deep into Viking history and reenactment, others are cosplayers or fantasy fans, and many just want something different from the typical festival experience."
Festival guests can join Viking contests, crafts, blacksmith demos, and a lively village scene. Photo: Great Northern Viking Festival
"It's about showing up with heart"
As Inga explains, the team also made a concerted effort to develop a positive spirit around the event.
"The Great Northern Viking Festival is built to feel immersive, welcoming, and alive with purpose," Inga explains to The Viking Herald.
"It's a place where the theme isn't just decoration—it's in every detail. From the garb worn by guests and participants to the sounds of axe strikes, storytelling, and song, it all works together to create a shared experience."
"You'll find Viking-inspired contests, traditional crafts, hands-on activities, music, blacksmiths, and demonstrations in our Viking Village. But that's just one part of the festival," Inga tells us.
"We also celebrate the idea of the modern Viking through cosplay, performance, and a sense of playful community. It's not about how historically accurate your outfit is. It's about showing up with heart."
"We also host something called A Night in Valhalla, a 21+ evening event with live entertainment, firelight, and limited-edition brews crafted just for the night," Inga adds.
"It's bold, it's unforgettable, and it stays rooted in the world we've built. You won't find mermaids, knights, or fantasy mashups here. We stay true to our vision: all things Viking, through and through."
The expanded A Night in Valhalla evening event will offer more entertainment and exclusive drinks crafted just for the evening. Photo: Great Northern Viking Festival
Surprises in store
Visitors can look forward to mead and craft beer, with themed Viking fare also planned for this year's event. "For those staying overnight, we also offer a rustic camping option," Inga adds.
"It's basic, but it gives guests the chance to stay close to the action and wake up surrounded by like-minded folks. Others book nearby hotels or Airbnbs in Mankato. Either way, the weekend draws people into something immersive, both day and night."
Inga has great expectations for the 2025 edition, which will take place on October 18–19.
"We didn't have international guests last year, but that's changing," she adds. "We're bringing in three special guests from outside the United States—each one has their own voice, energy, and connection to Viking culture."
"It's a big step for us, and we think our visitors will feel it. They'll be a highlight of the entire weekend. Each brings something rare and exciting to the table, offering presence and moments you won't find anywhere else."
As for other new features, Inga admits she is reluctant to reveal too much too soon.
"But what we can say is this: A Night in Valhalla is expanding, and this year, we're going all in. From exclusive brews to unforgettable live entertainment, we're building something that guests will talk about long after the fires go out."
You can find out more about the festival on the official website here.
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