The 17th of May – Norway’s National Day

Constitution Day is Norway’s national day, and it’s a public holiday observed every year on 17 May. Norwegians usually refer to the day as ‘17 May’, though it’s also known as Nasjonaldagen or Grunnlovsdagen.

Norwegians celebrate 17 May because the constitution was signed on 17 May 1814 at Eidsvoll, marking a major step towards Norway becoming an independent country.

The famous Norwegian author Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson wrote the Norwegian national anthem “Ja, vi elsker dette landet” – "Yes, we love this country". The anthem remains an important part of the celebrations, often sung during school events and parades.

Travel tip: Want to experience Constitution Day like a local? Combine a stay in Oslo or Bergen with one of our tours and be in Norway for 17 May.

Norway’s 17 May celebrations are a significant event. Everyone dresses up, often in traditional Norwegian bunads.

Kids and adults parade through the streets of cities and towns. Marching bands play while people cheer and wave flags.

A large part of the 17th of May celebration centers around the children. Norwegian kids look forward to this day for weeks. They practice songs at school and get ready for the parade and the fun.

Another unique tradition is the russ — high school graduates celebrating the end of their schooling. You can’t miss them, dressed in red or blue jumpsuits (other colors depend on their course).

The russ often party, have fun, and give out russekort. These are small cards with jokes or fun facts that kids enjoy collecting.

Alongside the parades and songs, 17 May is a significant day for wearing bunad, Norway’s traditional clothing.

Hundreds of different bunads exist across Norway. The colors, embroidery, and design reflect the region the wearer comes from. Wherever you are in Norway on 17 May, you’ll see these stunning outfits throughout the day.

You don’t need a bunad to join in – smart, festive clothing is perfect for most celebrations.

If you’re especially interested in Norwegian history and bunads, Norsk Folkemuseum in Oslo is well worth a visit. The museum showcases a wide range of bunads and offers insight into their history and cultural importance.

If you’re visiting Norway in mid-May, you’re in luck — 17 May is celebrated enthusiastically all across the country. Even small towns and villages host parades and local festivities, so there’s no shortage of celebrations wherever you go.

The biggest celebration takes place in Oslo, Norway’s capital. The Oslo parade features children from around 100 schools walking through the city center and stopping at the Royal Palace, where the royal family waves from the balcony. Around 100,000 people take part in the parade and festivities, making it a truly lively and unforgettable experience.

Planning your time in Oslo?
Explore city highlights, fjord cruises, and easy day trips that fit naturally around the 17 May celebrations.

That said, Bergen is another fantastic city to experience 17 May. The city is famous for its buekorps, youth brigades that march through the streets in uniform, playing drums and rifles in traditional style. Watching the buekorps in action offers a unique glimpse into local traditions and adds a different flavor to the national day celebrations.

Spending time in Bergen?
Get inspired by fjord journeys and coastal scenery that begin right at the city’s doorstep.

No matter where you are in Norway, the atmosphere on 17 May is infectious. Visitors are very welcome to join in by watching the parades, waving flags, and cheering along with the crowd. You may not know the songs, but you’ll quickly find yourself shouting “hurra!” (hooray) along with everyone else.