This week, we’re heading to Iceland—well, kinda. We’re actually exploring the Viking hearts of New Icelanders, from Gimli, Manitoba to Mountain, North Dakota. Two towns divided by a border, but forever linked by their surprisingly storied and deep Icelandic roots. 

Liz Beatty, host of the North Americana podcast, will be our guide to foam swords, Icelandic folk songs no child should hear, and an epic Viking battle reenactment at Gimli’s annual Icelandic festival. We’ll also meet a real, live fjallkonan. Want to know what that means? Tune in to find out.

Bonus: This week, we’re hosting travel trivia at the end of the episode!

Resources:

• Read this week’s show notes, including a full transcript of the episode.
• Look at photos and listen to the full tracks of the songs featured in the episode. 
• Visit Íslendingadagurinn, the Gimli Icelandic Festival, which takes place this year from August 4–7.