Asatru Groups Asatru Info & Merchandise Cultural Groups & Events Pubs Parks
Asatru Folk Assembly
Though not affiliated with the AFA, the Ulfhethnar Kindred has visited some of their gatherings in the past and found them to be enjoyable and attended mostly by good people. AFA leader Steve McNallen has been involved in American Asatru since the early days and runs a quality organization. This AFA website is full of articles and essays, making it a great source of information for both newcomers to the religion and veterans.
Asatru Alliance
At one time we were a member kindred of the Asatru Alliance but we decided being a part of an umbrella group was no longer right for us for a number of reasons, and we haven't regretted our decision to become independent. However, Some kindreds feel that being part of a larger organization is beneficial. If this is the case for your kindred the Asatru Alliance is worth exploring. Through their site you can also link to World Tree Publications, a great source for merchandise (books, Thor's Hammers, etc.).
Asatru Related Information, Merchandise, Etc.
Runa-Raven Press
Another organization we've never worked with, but one which does an outstanding job of publishing works vital to our religion. Many of the books published by Runa-Raven are must reads for Asatruar.
TYR Journal
The homepage of the TYR Journal, an excellent publication geared toward "radical traditionalists." The Ulfhethnar Kindred highly recommends this journal, finding all three volumes to be very thought provoking and well-written.
Freya Aswynn's Homepage
The homepage for the author of Leaves of Yggdrasil (among other works). Freya Aswynn is an authority on runes, and is a dedicated priestess of Odin. Though we do not know her, we respect her work and recommend her books to all Asatruar. Her female perspective adds a new wrinkle to subject matter that has been well covered by other writers and her opinions are well worth considering.
Jesse Byock's Viking Site
The website of scholar, UCLA professor, and author Jesse Byock (Medieval Iceland - Society, Sagas, and Power, etc.). Read about his books and exciting projects in Iceland, plus very interesting essays, such as the one on Egil.
Wodensharrow
A website full of useful information. It's one of those sites where you can get lost exploring the various interesting sections. Naturally, there is much to read on Odin - which we thoroughly enjoyed. There are also sections on Thor and Skadi, as well as many other informative pages.
BBC Viking Page
The BBC's website on the Viking Age. Worth checking out, especially if you have children old enough to go online, because this site is very child friendly while still managing to be informative and interesting to adults. For example, play the Viking game!
Gaelsong
Celtic merchandise. Some of it is pricey compared to the other sites on this links page, but they do have some really nice stuff. As an example, check out their ring selection.
Heidrun Meadery
Unfortunately, sometimes your mead supply runs out. Don't panic and buy Chaucers! Here is an excellent commercial mead brewery located in Northern California who will ship mead to you directly. Order today...
Any European cultural group wishing to have its event or website listed here can contact us at webmaster@ulfhethnar.com
Bock Bier Fest (Bock Beer Fest) - TBA
Sacramento Turn Verein Hall, 3349 "J" street, Sacramento, CA. The Turn Verein Hall is an excellent location for German events and we've always had a great time at the Bock Beer Fest. Food, music, traditional dancing, and of course - Bock Beer! They also hold an annual Oktoberfest.
Sacramento Valley Scottish Games and Gathering - April 24 - 25, 2010
Held at the Yolo County Fairgrounds in Woodlands, California.
Norway Day Festival - TBA
A yearly celebration of Norwegian culture. This event is usually held the first weekend in May in San Francisco. Check out their website for details. We've attended in the past and had a good time.
Campbell Highland Games - June 19, 2010
Scottish Highland Games scheduled for June 28th, 2005.
Oakland Highland Games/Dunsmuir House and Gardens - TBA
A great setting for this event. If you haven't been to the Dunsmuir games you might want to check it out.
139th Annual Scottish Gathering and Games, Pleasanton - Sept. 4-5, 2010
Caledonian Club of San Francisco puts on this huge event at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton. The biggest Scottish games in California. A great event. We highly recommend it, though be prepared to spend a lot of money because there are so many great things to buy, eat, drink, etc.
Solvang's "Danish Days" - TBA - usually the 3rd weekend in September
(800) 468-6765
"A treasured celebration of Solvang's rich Danish heritage since 1936...Danish folk dancing, music, food, and entertainment."
Oktoberfest By The Bay - TBA
"Bringing Munich's autumn festival to San Francisco, Oktoberfest features non-stop singing, dancing, music, German food and beer." Fort Mason Center, Festival Pavilion.
Our kindred has been known to frequent a pub or two, or to meet at a local restaurant. Below are some links we feel merit listing.
Britannia Arms - South Bay
English style pub with various locations in the South Bay. Good food and beer.
Irelands 32 - San Francisco
Though just one of the many Irish pubs in San Francisco that we've frequented, we like this one because we tend to always have fun there. Great place to meet a few friends.
The Plough and Stars - San Francisco
Another great Irish pub in San Francisco. A great place to go to see traditional Irish music and bluegrass.
The Pig and Whistle - San Francisco
English Pub with a great atmosphere and excellent food. Great place to hang out with friends.
Streets of London Pub - Sacramento
Sacramento area English pub - 3 locations (Downtown, West Sac, and Folsom). Good food, good beer, good atmosphere. What more could you want? Worth checking out if you find yourself in the Sacramento area. Our kindred has been known to show up in the downtown location on occasion.
Suppenkuche - San Francisco
Simply the best German food in the Bay Area - and we've tried them all. The drawback for some is that the place is relatively small so you may have to wait or share a table with strangers if your party is small. They have a great website too, with many good links (for example, check out their beer links).
Speisekammer - San Francisco
One of the partners from Suppenkuche opened this German restaurant in Alameda. Great food and beer. The place is fairly large and they have a nice bar area and a patio/beer garden. Well worth visiting if you live in the East Bay.
Teske's Germania - San Jose
Located in San Jose, this German restaurant makes for a fine meeting spot in the South Bay. Lots of seating plus a large outdoor patio area allow big groups to be easily accommodated. The food isn't as great as the other German restaurants listed on this page, but it's still good and worth trying.
Gourmet Haus Staudt - Redwood City
If you find yourself on the peninsula, this is a fine place to stop for a bite or some beers in the upstairs beer stuße. Friendly people, good food, and a good selection of German beers.
Parks, Campgrounds, and Outdoor Areas
Links to some of the places where we hold gatherings.
Lake Chabot
campground map
Great place to go if you don't feel like driving for hours to go camping. We always have a good time here.
Pinecrest
http://gorp.away.com/dow/pacficsw/stancmp.htm#pinecrest
Nice campground. Relatively close to the Bay Area.
Yosemite National Park
Everyone should visit this park at least once. Very scenic. Can be Very Crowded in the summer.
