Your Norwegian homecoming
A voyage that shaped millions of lives
On July 4th, 1825, a small wooden sloop named Restauration left Stavanger, Norway, carrying 52 emigrants in search of religious freedom and new beginnings in America. Over three months later—after storms, trials, and even the birth of a child en route—they arrived in New York as 53.
Norwegian emigration
Norwegian immigrants on their way to America on the SS Hero in 1870. Hulton Archive/Getty Images
The story of Restauration
A moment in history
Postage stamp from 1925, featuring the sloop Restauration, symbolizing the first organized Norwegian emigration to America in 1825. © United States Post Office Department / U.S. Post Office
- Built in Hardanger in 1801; later adapted for ocean travel.
- Carried 52 Norwegians seeking religious freedom
- Led by Quaker Lars Larsen Geilane
- Passengers came from Tysvær, Rogaland, and Stavanger
- Detained in New York for exceeding legal passenger limits
- Ship was sold at a loss, but the group stayed
- Supported by American Quakers and guided by Cleng Peerson
- Marked the beginning of organized Norwegian emigration
From 53 to 4.5 million
This voyage marked the start of organized Norwegian emigration, setting in motion a movement that would see hundreds of thousands cross the Atlantic in the decades to come.
These early pioneers, often referred to as the "sluppefolk", laid the foundation for one of the most enduring cultural bridges between Europe and North America.
Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons
Their bravery inspired what became known as "America fever," leading nearly 900,000 more Norwegians.
Quick facts about Norwegian Americans
More than 4.5 million people in the U.S. have Norwegian roots.
North Dakota has the highest share of Norwegian ancestry in the U.S. — over 1 in 5 residents have Norwegian roots.
Minnesota has the largest number of Norwegian Americans — over 712,000 people (about 16.5% of the state’s population).
Wisconsin, California, Washington, Iowa, Illinois, Oregon, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Florida and South Dakota also have large Norwegian-American populations.
These communities preserved language, food traditions, and folkways—many of which are still celebrated in festivals, museums, and family stories across the U.S.
An invitation to return
It’s been 200 years since the first Norwegians set sail for America. Now it’s your turn to return and experience the beauty they left behind.
The Round Voyage takes 12 days, starting in Bergen and covering 2,500 nautical miles along Norway’s coast to Kirkenes and back. With 34 unique destinations, this is a rare opportunity to see Norway the way few others do.
Travel to the small coastal villages people once left behind, and to the vibrant cities that still thrive today. It’s a voyage of contrasts, offering an authentic experience like no other.
The best of Norway with Havila Voyages
34 unique coastal destinations
Norway from Bergen-Kirkenes-Bergen
Four seasons and endless experiences
Daily stops for guided excursions
Bucket list experiences
You can experience the timeless wonders they last saw:
- Geirangerfjord
- North Cape
- Arctic Circle
- Northern Lights
- Lofoten Islands
- Hjørundfjord
- Sámi culture
- Midnight Sun
- Helgeland Coast
Looking for your Norwegian story?
Special anniversary offer
Travel from $200 per guest, and receive up to $200 per person to spend on board: dining, drinks, excursions and more.
Quiz & win a 12-day Round Voyage
Take our quiz to meet your Norwegian alter ego – based on real stereotypes, kind of. Accurate? Maybe. Fun? Definitely.
