Are shops open on Sundays in Norway?
Which shops may open on Sundays, and why most stay closed.
Short answer
Most shops in Norway must close on Sundays by law, but small grocery shops, petrol stations and shops in approved tourist areas may stay open. The rule comes from the Public Holidays Act of 1995, and a grocery shop may open only if its sales area is no more than 100 m². Larger supermarkets and shopping centres therefore stay closed.
Why
- Norway has had no law on weekday opening hours since 1 April 2003, but the Public Holidays Act (helligdagsfredloven) of 24 February 1995 requires shops selling to consumers to close on Sundays and public holidays.
- The act exempts grocery shops of up to 100 m², petrol stations of up to 150 m², shops selling mainly flowers and garden goods, tax-free shops at airports, restaurants and cafés.
- Shops may also open in areas that the county governor (statsforvalteren) has approved as typical tourist places.
Details
Large shopping centres such as Oslo City are open Monday to Saturday and closed on Sundays. On the last three Sundays before Christmas Eve, shops may open from 14:00 to 20:00. In 2015 the government consulted on a proposal to allow shops to open on ordinary Sundays, but Sunday closing is still the main rule.
Tip
Do your weekly shop on Saturday: supermarkets sell beer only until 18:00 on Saturdays and not at all on Sundays.
What may differ
The same closing rules apply on public holidays, and on Christmas Eve, Easter Eve and Whitsun Eve shops must close at 16:00.
Common misconception
Everything in Norway is closed on Sundays.
What actually happens
Only most shops close. Small grocery shops, petrol stations, restaurants and cafés may open, and Visit Oslo writes that most museums are open on Sundays.
People also ask
- Are supermarkets open on Sundays in Norway?
- Are shops open on Sundays in Oslo?
- Why is almost everything closed on Sundays in Norway?
- Why are shops closed on Sundays in Norway?
Sources
- Store norske leksikon: Closing times (lukningstid)Checked at:
- Government of Norway: Consultation on Sunday opening for shops (2015)Checked at:
- Oslo City: Opening hoursChecked at:
- Visit Oslo: One day in Oslo on public holidaysChecked at:
- Visit Norway: Travel tips A–ZChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check the opening hours of the shop before you go.
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