🚩 Flag Day on 1 May in Norway: how to raise the flag correctly and not get lost in the demonstrations 🧭

1 May in Norway is a rare and special day: it's not only an official flag day, but also a non-working "highly solemn" day when vibrant demonstrations fill the streets and majestic red, blue and white crosses adorn the flagpoles. For tourists and expats, this is an amazing cultural experience: flags on government buildings in the morning, daytime marches, and a really peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere in areas further away from the city centres. This article is a must-read for anyone interested in flying the flag! You'll discover who needs to fly it, the exact times for raising and lowering it, the rules for private homes and balconies, how to combine flags (like the Sami flag), what to consider during evening demonstrations, and what to do in northern latitudes.

When should the flag be raised on 1 May and when should it be lowered?

The general rule is that from March to October, the flag is raised at 8 a.m. and lowered at sunset, but no later than 9 p.m. (even if the sun sets later). From November to February, it is raised at 9:00 a.m. and lowered at sunset. In Nurland, Tromsø and Finnmark, there is a shorter window in winter (usually 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.). On 1 May, the "spring" regime applies from 8am to sunset, but no later than 9pm. The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has published these guidelines on its official flag page.

Who has to fly the flag on 1 May – the state, local councils or private people?

On official flag days, state institutions must fly flags. Local governments don't have to fly flags according to the state list. Each local government decides for itself what to do. People and organisations can fly flags if they want to – it's just a suggestion, not a legal rule.

I live in a flat that is shared with other people. Can I fly the flag on my balcony?

Yes, as long as the house rules (board charter) allow it and you follow the times for raising and lowering the flag. For private flagpoles, it is customary to follow the same time rules as for government buildings; the flag is not left up overnight. Check the rules of your housing association. Make sure you do not use fixings that could damage the outside of the building or put people walking by at risk. The Foreign Office publishes the time frame.

Can the flag be left up all night or should a pennant be used?

The official flag is not left up all night: it is lowered at sunset, but no later than 9 p.m. between March and October. Many people use a pennant (a narrow, long flag) instead of a flag outside of official hours, but the temporary rules only apply to the flag. If you're not sure, it's best to follow the simple rule of raising it in the morning and lowering it by 9 p.m.

What do you do when you want to combine the Norwegian and Sami flags on 1 May?

If the Sami flag is raised with the Norwegian flag, the Norwegian flag takes the place of honour. The Sami flag is placed to its right (as seen by the viewer). The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development has explained these rules. Local governments also have their own rules about joint flagging.

Is it OK to fly a foreign flag next to the Norwegian flag on 1 May?

There are separate rules about using foreign flags on local government buildings (for example, when foreign officials visit). The Norwegian flag is the most important and is flown first. Foreign flags are flown on a separate flagpole. For private individuals, the rule is simple: if you fly a flag, give priority to the Norwegian flag, and use other national flags respectfully and appropriately.

What should you do if it's windy or raining? Can you fly the flag?

It's better not to raise a flag that's wet, heavy or might get damaged. If you do raise it, check the flag and the flagpole regularly. Replace any flag that is worn or damaged. This is part of how we should behave when we see a flag: we show respect for the symbol. If you are not sure, it is safer not to fly the flag on a particular day. (The general framework is the government's recommendations for the proper handling of the flag.)

How is the statsflagg different from the regular flag? Can I use the splittflagg?

Government agencies use special versions of the flag, including statsflagg (which includes a "split and tongue" — split og tunge). Individuals and organisations should use a normal rectangular flag without a "tongue". This is one of the standard rules outlined in government materials on the Norwegian flag.

The local government has decided not to fly the flag. Is this against the rules?

No. Towns and cities decide for themselves when to fly flags on their buildings and may choose other important days in their area. The law on flagging on local buildings sets out the rules, but does not make national flag days compulsory for local authorities.

We have a demonstration in the evening. Can we keep the flag up for longer?

On days when there are demonstrations, there is a temporary rule. The flag must be lowered at sunset, but no later than 9 p.m. (in spring and summer). If the event is later, follow this rule: lower the flag at the right time. You can use a pennant or other symbols to help you, but these don't have to follow the strict rules about when flags should be lowered.

What should you do if there are going to be commemorative events on 1 May?

The "half-mast" procedure is the same for all days: the flag is first raised to the top, then lowered to one-third of the flagpole's height; at the end of the ceremony, it is raised to the top and lowered at the usual time. This is the basic technique, as shown in the most reliable reference books.

I am a tourist. Where can I find out who is flying the flag and what closures there will be on 1 May?

Look at the information from your local council and city transport companies. They will have road closure maps and holiday schedules. Remember: 1 May is a public holiday, and some services run differently on this day. For information about logistics, see the May dates in the hub and the article about the day itself.

Are there any special rules for the northern latitudes in May?

There is a special "northern window" (e.g. 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) that officially applies to the winter months in Nurland, Tromsø, and Finnmark. On 1 May, the spring schedule will apply (rise at 8:00 a.m.; set at sunset/until 9:00 p.m.). If you have "white nights", the "until 21:00" rule still applies.

I live in a house without a flagpole. What is considered a suitable alternative?

The easiest option is a wall bracket with a small pole or flag. Look at the times when the flag should be raised or lowered, and make sure it looks neat. If you're living in an apartment building, check the rules to see if there are any restrictions on mounting things on the outside of the building and when you can do it. The most important thing official sources say is that there are time limits and that the Norwegian flag is the most important.

Can local flags (municipal flags) be flown next to the Norwegian flag?

Yes, but the national flag is more important. Local flags are placed on a separate flagpole lower down. This means they do not compete for the place of honour. The rules for municipal buildings are set out in their own regulations and the current law on flagging on municipal property.

Get ready for an amazing experience as you celebrate Flag Day on 1 May! This is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the "civilian" rhythm of Norway. You'll be amazed by the neat flags adorning the streets in the morning, the vibrant parades that fill the streets at noon, and the peaceful courtyards that come alive in the evening. Following simple rules is a piece of cake! All you have to do is raise the flag at 8 a.m. and lower it by 9 p.m. Make sure you give priority to the Norwegian flag and always show respect for the Sami flag. By doing this, you will fit in with local etiquette and feel the atmosphere of solidarity and respect for symbols. Planning a day in the city? Check out our awesome guide to May dates and our fantastic feature article on 1 May, which includes routes, road closures and tips on what is open and closed.

We would absolutely love to hear your thoughts in the comments! If you have any interesting photos, personal experiences or questions about the topic of the article, we would love to hear from you – please leave a comment! We can't wait to hear from you, because we're on a mission to create the most popular and useful blog about Norway.