Danish Language Immersion
What can you expect from attending a session at Skovsøen? Watch this video to find out more!
Learning Danish at Skovsøen, our Danish language immersion program, will be an experience you’ll treasure for a lifetime. Learn the language and culture of Denmark in the North Woods of Minnesota!
What can you expect from attending a session at Skovsøen? Watch this video to find out more!
Lunchtime conversation and smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches).
Danish food traditionally offers a variety of meat and potato dishes from Denmark’s agricultural heritage. This tradition carries on, although Danes throughout history have always welcomed foods from other countries, particularly French cuisine. Popular food you’ll see at Skovsøen includes frikadeller (Danish meatballs), smørrebrød (open-face sandwiches) and rødgrød med fløde (traditional Danish pudding). Learn more about food at Skovsøen
Singing during storgruppe (morning group time).
We combine traditional Danish games, such as Viking kubb and rundbold, with current trends in outdoor activities. Enhance your Danish language skills while staying active in the beautiful outdoors. You’ll enjoy canoeing, hiking, orienteering, swimming, fishing, water games, volleyball, badminton, soccer and cycling. Learn more about activities you’ll experience at Skovsøen.
Villagers recreating a Hans Christian Andersen story as a puppet show.
Painting, paper crafts, weaving, knitting, cross stitch, woodworking and beading are all activities offered in our arts center, Christiania. At Skovsøen we also enjoy singing, theater, storytelling and dancing. Learn more.
De cyklende danskere on the trail to Bemidji State Park.
De Cyklende Danskere (The Biking Danes) is an optional adventure program for villagers ages 13-18. Cycling culture is an important part of the Danish lifestyle, whether you live in the city or the country. But Danes especially love to be out in naturen (nature), so Skovsøen offers a group bicycling trip. Learn more about biking.
We have multiple scholarship opportunities for those looking to attend a Virtual Village session at Skovsøen:
*Both scholarships can also be applied toward Virtual Village sessions.
Danish connects you with the past. Whether you want to explore your heritage, converse with grandma in her native tongue, or just get an insider’s view of the rich history of northern Europe, at Skovsøen, you’ll learn words, phrases, and the history and traditions of Danish-speaking people as you immerse yourself in a fun, culturally authentic learning environment.
Liz Lis Klages is interim dean of Skovsøen, the Danish Language Village. Lis has 20 years of experience, serving as senior counselor, business manager, assistant dean and dean for 11 years. Lis earned her Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Minnesota; her M.A. in European Studies and International Economics from the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, D.C., and Bologna, Italy; and her B.A. from Carleton College. Lis has spent several years living and studying in Denmark. Lis teaches Political Science at Augsburg University and Normandale Community College. She received the Global Citizenship Award in 2017.