On July 4, 1825, Restauration set sail from Stavanger, Norway, carrying 52 Norwegian emigrants aboard, marking the beginning of the organised emigration from Norway to America.

Approximately 900,000 Norwegian emigrants traveled westward between 1825 and 1920. No other Nordic country had such a high emigration rate relative to its population. Nearly as many Norwegians emigrated during this period as the total population of Norway in 1801!

Dreaming of the American dream

Many Norwegians chose to migrate to America to escape a variety of hardships, including poverty, oppression, class division, overpopulation, and strict economic regulations in Norway. Many were also inspired by a spirit of adventure and rumours of cheap farmland in America.

Norwegian settlers sent letters back home to Norway that crossed the Atlantic by ship. The post was received throughout the country, with some letters even being printed in the newspapers. People gathered at the end of the day to read them together. Tales of gold, endless cornfields, and personal freedom created a desire for adventure and travel among siblings, nieces and nephews back home. More and more people began to dream of America.

The first settlers travelled in quite basic vessels, before the first steamships were introduced. Following the dissolution of the union between Norway and Sweden in 1905, plans were laid for a transatlantic line. In 1910, Den norske Amerikalinje ('The Norwegian American Line') was founded.

The Amerikalinjen shipping company

Amerikalinjen administered the traffic between Oslo and America. In 1919, the administration building opened its doors in Oslo.

Gustav Henriksen was its first managing director, leading the company which transported thousands of people and essential goods across the sea.

Today, the building has been renovated into a posh boutique hotel, featuring an award-winning cocktail bar, Pier 42, and the Gustav Club, inspired by New York's legendary jazz scene!

Amerikalinjen's nearest neighbours are the Oslo Opera House and the MUNCH museum, and it's also close to Oslo's high street Karl Johan and the Royal Palace.

American culture in Norway

From the late 1890s through the 1960s, several thousand people traveled to the United States from Lista in Norway. This left its mark on the architecture, home decor, as well as on many people's thoughts and attitudes.

Families back home received exciting gifts from visiting emigrants, including unique foreign items that were not found in Norway.​ It was not just small gifts packed away in their trunks and suitcases, either: some brought complete kitchens, windows, and bathroom fixtures, as well as sofas and electrical appliances!

In the centre of Vanse in Lista, Southern Norway, you’ll find Norway’s first official American street, Brooklyn Square, featuring American-inspired architecture, shops, and cultural landmarks.

For a true taste of America, head to Larsen Bakery – a charming café decorated like a classic American diner. Here, you can enjoy authentic American breakfasts, including their famous pancakes.

Just around the corner, you’ll find the shop Trunken, offering a mix of American groceries, retro interior items, and fun gifts.

Vanse also has 8th Avenue, a pub-inspired venue that hosts events and gatherings with an American vibe. At the bus station, you'll find likenesses of both the Statue of Liberty and Elvis.