🎉 Flag Day on 17 May: how to fly the flag without mistakes on Norway's main day 🚩
17 May is Constitution Day and Norway's most popular holiday. It's a day of celebration, with a sea of red, blue and white flags, children's parades, bunad and morning breakfasts. For travellers, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness a living tradition from the inside, with clear etiquette and respect for the country's symbols. This article is a must-read for anyone looking to get to grips with the flag rules for 17 May. You'll find a comprehensive breakdown of the exact times for raising and lowering, who's responsible for the task, and how to combine Norwegian, Sami and foreign flags like a pro. Plus, we've got you covered with essential tips for the "white nights" and when you can carry foreign flags in the parade. So, dive in and let's get you ready to master the flag rules on 17 May! And don't worry, we've got you covered with links to our handy guides on parades, crossings and dress codes. With this, you'll be all set for a day of fun and excitement!
What is 17 May and why is it an official flag day?
17 May is Grunnlovsdagen, the main national holiday and an "officially solemn day". It is also an official flag day: government agencies are required to fly flags, and individuals and businesses can join in if they wish, observing the general timing and etiquette. Parades and festive breakfasts do not change the flag rules: the schedule and priority remain standard. The list of official flag days and the status of 17 May is published by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the day itself is enshrined as a "highly solemn" day in a separate law.
At what time should the flag be raised and lowered on 17 May?
For May dates, the "spring rule" applies: raise at 08:00, lower at sunset, but no later than 21:00. This is a guideline for both government agencies and private homes/organisations that have decided to fly the flag. If sunset is earlier, the flag is lowered at the actual sunset time; if later, the 21:00 limit is used as a guideline. These times are part of the official recommendations for "heising og firing av flagg".
I live in the north. Are there special hours for Nordland/Troms/Finnmark?
Yes. During the winter months, there is a shorter window in the north (usually 10:00–15:00), but in May, the usual spring rule applies. If you are unsure because of the light nights, a safe rule of thumb is to raise the flag at 08:00 and lower it no later than 21:00. This follows directly from the official "Flaggtider" and applies regardless of the "white nights".
Can you leave the flag up at night during the white nights?
No. Even if it is light outside, the flag is lowered at sunset and no later than 21:00. Leaving the flag up at night is a typical mistake on 17 May. If you want round-the-clock decoration, use small decorative elements instead of a flag on a pole, for example, but this is outside the official flagging protocol. The rule of "lowering by 9 p.m." is clearly stated in the state regulations.
Are private individuals and businesses required to fly flags on 17 May?
There is no legal obligation for private homes and companies — it is a voluntary practice. But if you do fly the flag, observe the times for raising/lowering it and the priority of placement. The obligation to fly the flag on official flag days applies to state institutions; municipalities and the private sector act according to their own rules/wishes, while maintaining general etiquette.
Which flag should you use at home? Can you use a "split flag" (splittflagg)?
Private individuals and organisations use the regular Norwegian flag. The "spleis/splitt og tunge" (split and tongue) version is the state standard and is intended for government institutions and ships. Therefore, at home, use a standard flag on a flagpole or a facade pole. This will help you avoid stylistic and protocol errors.
How to fly the Norwegian and Sami flags together on 17 May?
When flying flags together, the Norwegian flag takes precedence. The Sami flag is placed to the right of the Norwegian flag (from the viewer's perspective), and when flying a group of flags, the Norwegian flag occupies the "place of honour". This rule applies to both official flag days and Sami flag days. If there is only one flagpole, the flags are not raised together on the same pole. The recommendations are given by the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development and refer to the relevant regulations.
What about foreign flags — at home and on municipal buildings?
There is a special rule for municipal buildings: foreign flags may only be flown alongside the Norwegian flag and when required by "international courtesy" (visits, delegations, etc.); foreign flags may not occupy a more prominent position, and separate flagpoles are required. There is no formal obligation for private properties, but the etiquette is the same: the Norwegian flag must be in a place of honour, on separate flagpoles, and cannot be "combined" with any other flag.
Is it permissible to carry foreign flags in the children's parade on 17 May?
This is not prohibited in Oslo: the committee's regulations allow foreign flags in the children's parade (often with a recommendation to give priority to the Norwegian flag). The issue has been discussed in the media, but there is no legal prohibition; it is up to the parade organisers and schools to decide. Check the local instructions for your city/school, but in the capital, the practice is permissive.
How should several flags be arranged in the yard or on the balcony?
A quick reminder:
— The Norwegian flag — in a place of honour (centre/highest pole).
— Foreign and Sami flags — on neighbouring poles, no higher and no more prominent than the Norwegian flag.
— One flag per flagpole; "sandwiching" flags together is not permitted.
— Raise flags simultaneously in the morning and lower them simultaneously by 9 p.m.
This reflects the general priority and "international courtesy" enshrined in the official rules.
What to do in case of rain and strong wind? Is a wet flag acceptable?
A wet, worn or heavily soiled flag is a sign of disrespect. If it gets wet, take it down, dry it and only then put it away for storage. In a strong storm, it is better not to fly the flag at all: there is a risk of damaging the pole/flag. These points follow from general flag etiquette: respect for the flag is more important than "at all costs". The time for raising/lowering the flag remains the same (08:00 and until 21:00 maximum).
Three typical mistakes on 17 May — and how to avoid them
- Left overnight — lower at sunset, but no later than 21:00.
- Incorrect priority — the Norwegian flag always has the place of honour; foreign and Sami flags are next to it, but not higher/more prominent.
- Inappropriate flag — splittflagg for the state; at home — the usual one.
By following these three points, you will automatically be in the "green zone" of flag etiquette.
The flag on 17 May is not just a decoration, but a living symbol of freedom and unity. Master the simple rules of time, priority and joint flagging and you're sure to fit right into the festive atmosphere, whatever your role – be it guest, resident or parent at a children's parade. Plan your route, check out local recommendations, and bring your good mood with you: Norway is especially beautiful on this day — from historic squares to small streets decorated with flags.
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!
I am thrilled to tell you that this is based on the excellent official recommendations and clear explanations from the Norwegian government about flag days, raising/lowering times, joint flagging and municipal rules.
