Royal Visits from Norway
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon of Norway will visit Decorah on Monday, October 6, 2025, as part of a United States tour marking the 200th anniversary of the first organized Norwegian emigration to the United States.
Prince Haakon’s visit will highlight the deep cultural and historical ties between the two countries and promote cooperation in business, education and culture. The public is invited to participate in the main events of Crown Prince Haakon’s visit:
- 10 a.m., Street Festival Celebration, on and around the Vesterheim campus, with musical performances and folk art demonstrations. Attendees are encouraged to wear traditional Norwegian attire, such as bunader and Norwegian sweaters, if they wish.
- 11:15 a.m., Ceremony and Ribbon Cutting, Hanson Vesterheim Commons
- 1:15 p.m. Celebration Convocation, Luther College Center for Faith and Life Main Hall. Reserved seating required; doors open at 12:30 p.m. and ticket holders must be seated by 1:15 p.m.
There is no cost to attend these events, but tickets are required for the Celebration Convocation at Luther. Tickets are limited to two per person. Tickets will be available to the public through the Luther College Ticket Office starting Tuesday, Sept. 23.
Parking for the Crown Prince’s Visit
Parking changes and road closures are planned for the Luther campus from 6 p.m. on Sunday, October 5 until 4 p.m. on Monday, October 6.
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History of Norway’s Royal Family Visits to Decorah and Luther College
Members of the Norwegian royal family have visited Luther College and Decorah eight times since 1939. Luther College is the first U.S. college founded by Norwegian immigrants (1861).
Crown Prince Olav and Princess Märtha: May 6-7, 1939
Crown Prince Olav and his wife, Princess Märtha, stayed in Decorah while on their first United States tour. The Crown Prince brought gifts for the Norwegian-American Historical Museum, now the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, from the National Association of Museums in Norway. While they were in Decorah, Luther College conferred an honorary degree upon the Crown Prince.
Crown Prince Harald: Oct. 6, 1965
Crown Prince Harald visited the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum and Luther College, where an honorary degree was conferred upon him.
King Olav V: May 4, 1968
King Olav V visited Luther College and the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum.
King Olav V: Oct. 14, 1975
King Olav V visited Luther College as it laid the cornerstone for the Center for Faith and Life. The King then participated in the dedication ceremonies at the newly restored Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum.
King Olav V: Nov. 28, 1987
King Olav V visited Luther College and the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum.
King Harald V and Queen Sonja: Oct. 19, 1995
King Harald V and Queen Sonja visited Luther College and the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum.
Crown Prince Haakon: June 10, 1999
Crown Prince Haakon visited Decorah for the city’s sesquicentennial celebration. The visit included a tour of Luther College and the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum. The Crown Prince dedicated Vesterheim’s Amdal-Odland Heritage Center, and he laid the cornerstone for Luther’s Baker Village.
King Harald V and Queen Sonja: Oct. 13, 2011
King Harald V and Queen Sonja visited Decorah as part of Luther’s sesquicentennial celebration. Queen Sonja presided at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Vesterheim’s Asbjørnsen Gallery.
Images from the Luther College Archives
Luther College Ticket Office
Ticket Office Hours:
Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Show Day Hours:
9 a.m. – performance
Saturdays 1 p.m. – performance
Mail:
Luther College Ticket Office
Center for Faith & Life
700 College Dr
Decorah, Iowa 52101
Phone: 563-387-1357
Torgerson Center
Maren Johnson
Director / Endowed Chair
Assistant Professor of Nordic Studies
700 College Drive
Decorah, IAÂ 52101
Office: Olin 337
johnma29@luther.eduPhone: 563-387-1570