Photo via Pexels. The Norwegian flag, a general image rather than a photo of a specific 17 May event.
Most countries mark their national day with tanks, jets and speeches. Norway marks it with ice cream, hot dogs and several hundred thousand children singing at the top of their voices. On 17 May the whole country wakes early, pulls on its best clothes, pins a ribbon to its chest and walks out to wave a flag. It is the most joyful day in the Norwegian calendar, and it is worth understanding before you try to join in.
What is being celebrated?
17 May commemorates the signing of the Norwegian Constitution at Eidsvoll in 1814. After centuries in union with Denmark, Norway was handed to Sweden in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars. A group of representatives gathered at Eidsvoll, north of Oslo, drafted a liberal constitution in a matter of weeks and signed it on 17 May. Norway was soon pulled into a union with Sweden anyway, but it kept its constitution and its own parliament, and that document became the foundation of independent Norway when the union ended in 1905.
That history explains the tone of the day. It is not about conquest or military victory. It is about a written promise of self-government, which is why the celebration belongs to ordinary people, and especially to children. For the wider picture of how the Nordic neighbours relate to one another today, see our guide to the Nordic Council and the Nordic passport union.
The children’s parade
The heart of 17 May is the barnetog, the children’s parade. Schools march through their local neighbourhood behind a band, with classes carrying banners and every child waving a small Norwegian flag. The tradition took shape in the 1800s, with the first big parade in Christiania (now Oslo) in 1870, and the idea that the day belongs to children has never left. In Oslo the main parade passes the Royal Palace, where the royal family waves from the balcony for hours.
Notably, there is no military parade. It is a point of national pride that the day is led by schoolchildren rather than soldiers.
Bunad: the costume that decides the dress code
If you see someone dressed in elaborate embroidered wool, silver brooches and a decorative belt, you are looking at a bunad. These costumes are tied to specific regions and valleys of Norway, and each pattern has its own details in colour, embroidery and silver. Many families own one that is passed on or built up over years, and it is a serious investment.
A bunad is not a historical costume in the museum sense. It is worn with pride, usually at confirmations, weddings and, above all, on 17 May. Those without one wear their best formal outfit, and a small flag pin or ribbon in the national colours finishes the look. If you are a visitor, you are not expected to own a bunad, but a smart outfit is appreciated. Our look at the Nordic Cross and the flags of the region explains the design that fills the streets on this day.
What people eat on 17 May
The day starts with a long breakfast, often shared with friends or colleagues: scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, bread and sparkling wine. After the parade, the children are rewarded with ice cream and hot dogs, which are practically a national tradition by now. Later in the day, families gather for a larger meal, and dessert is a good time for a classic such as multekrem, Norway’s cloudberry cream, alongside cake and coffee. Many people also visit a kafé or neighbourhood party for the traditional games: sack races, egg-and-spoon and tug-of-war for children and adults alike.
The russ: Norway’s graduating students
You will also see groups of young people in bright red, blue or black overalls. These are the russ, students in their final year of upper secondary school, who spend April and May celebrating. 17 May is the high point of their season, and they often have their own parade or party, complete with decorated vans and loud music. Many Norwegians have strong opinions on the russ, but they are part of the picture.
Songs and sayings
The day is full of music. The national anthem is Ja, vi elsker dette landet (“Yes, we love this country”), and many people sing it, along with other patriotic songs, at the parade and at the breakfast table. The cheer you will hear everywhere is Hipp hipp hurra!, and the greeting of the day is Gratulerer med dagen!, which means congratulations on the day. Say it to anyone you meet and you will get a warm reply. If the language is new to you, our overview of how Scandinavians understand each other is a good starting point.
Where to celebrate
- Oslo: the biggest event, with the parade along Karl Johans gate and the royal family on the palace balcony. Arrive early and expect crowds.
- Eidsvoll: the village where it all began, with its own local events around the historic building.
- Bergen: famed for one of the largest children’s parades in the country, and a very good place to see bunads in large numbers.
- Smaller towns: often the most charming option, with a local brass band, a neighbourhood parade and a village party. Even a historic mining community like Røros turns out in full.
To plan your trip around festivals and events, browse the Norway event calendar.
Tips for visitors
- Book accommodation and restaurants well in advance in Oslo, as many shops and attractions are closed or on reduced hours.
- Dress smartly and warmly. Mid-May weather in Norway can be sunny or cold and wet.
- Wave a flag. Small paper flags are given out and sold on the street, and joining in is the point.
- Be respectful of the bunad. It is a serious piece of heritage, not a costume.
Why it matters
Norwegian national feeling is often described as quiet, but 17 May shows another side. It is a day when the country celebrates itself openly, generously and without arrogance. If you want to understand what Norwegians value, a morning on a street full of children with flags will tell you more than any guidebook. For more background on the country itself, read what Norway is known for and our piece on Norwegian stereotypes.
