👑 Flag Day on 19 August in Norway: how to fly the flag correctly for Crown Princess Mette-Marit's birthday 🎂

On 19 August, Norway celebrates Crown Princess Mette-Marit's birthday — it is an official flag day, a clear symbol of respect and a fantastic reference point for travellers visiting the country in the summer. This article explains everything you need to know about "flag day", when to raise and lower the flag in summer, how private homes and hotels should act, whether it is possible to use both the Sami and Norwegian flags at the same time, and what to do during the "white nights". And for those who need a little extra help, there's even a handy FAQ at the end with all the practical answers and links to basic protocols.

What day is Flag Day?

Today is Crown Princess Mette-Marit's birthday. The date is included in the official list of flag days in Norway, along with public holidays and the birthdays of members of the royal family. On these days, government institutions must fly the flag. Other institutions should fly the flag too, as a sign of respect. The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a complete list of flag days.

What time should the flag be raised and lowered on 19 August?

In summer, there is a simple rule: raise the flag at 8am and lower it at sunset, but no later than 9pm, even if the sun sets later. This is the general rule for the months of March to October. Exceptions in the north (10:00–15:00) apply to winter and do not apply here. Do you need to plan a party in the morning? Set your alarm to go off at 8:00 a.m. — that way you'll make sure you follow the rules.

Do people and businesses have to fly the flag on 19 August?

No, the obligation only applies to government institutions. Local governments decide on flag etiquette. People and groups fly flags if they want to, but they should follow the rules about when to raise and lower the flag and how to behave. This logic is explained by the relevant ministry and on the Foreign Ministry's page on flag days.

How should you fly flags in your home or on your balcony?

There are three basic rules to follow:

1) The flag must be clean and intact, and long enough for the height of the pole.

2) Raise or lower the flag at the official time.

3) The flag must not touch the ground, water or sharp edges. On balconies, a short pole or angled bracket is often used, which is acceptable. If you are not sure about the length of the flag, choose a moderate size so that the flag can fly freely and does not catch on the building.

White nights: can the flag be left up at night if it is still light?

No, the flag is lowered no later than 9pm, even when sunset is late. The rule of "sunset, but no later than 9pm" applies throughout the country from March to October. This is both convenient (only one time) and neat: neighbours and services don't argue, and you follow official rules.

Can I fly the Sami flag next to the Norwegian flag on the 19th of August? How should they be positioned?

Yes, you can use joint flagging. The Sami flag has two flagpoles and is placed to the right of the Norwegian flag (as seen by the viewer), with the Norwegian flag having priority. This is especially important for public spaces and official events. For private homes, the priority rule is to follow good practice if you have two flagpoles.

What if there is only one flagpole?

To correctly display the flags, you need two flagpoles. This makes it easy to see who gets to use which flag (Norwegian flags go on the left, and Sami flags go on the right). If there is only one flagpole, use only the Norwegian flag on 19 August and the Sami flag on the relevant dates (e.g. 6 February). This way, you won't go against the idea of seniority and people won't have different ideas about it.

Can a foreign flag (for guests or partners) be flown with the Norwegian flag?

On municipal buildings, this is allowed as a sign of international respect, as long as the foreign flag is not placed higher than the Norwegian flag. For private sites, it is simply a matter of etiquette: give priority to the Norwegian flag, with the second flag on the flagpole next to it. You can find the official rules for municipal facilities on the Foreign Ministry's website.

We are a housing association and an office centre. Who has to fly the flag on 19 August?

This obligation applies clearly to state institutions. Local governments have their own rules and make their own decisions. Private legal entities (like housing associations, business centres and hotels) choose whether or not to follow the rules, but they must stick to the time of raising/lowering the flag and the order in which the Norwegian flag is flown with others. Look at the local government's website for more information.

What time rules apply in Nordland, Troms and Finnmark?

The winter "northern" schedule (ascent at 10:00, descent at 15:00) is used from November to February. In August, it's back to the usual summer schedule: I will wake up at 8:00 and leave at sunset, but no later than 9:00 p.m. This is useful for tourists: even when the days are long, you can still know what time it is.

Is it allowed to fly a flag at a hotel or guesthouse if it doesn't have official status?

Yes, as a private organisation. The most important thing is to check the time, the order of the flags and to have a general idea of how things should be arranged (do not use banners that are old and worn out, do not leave them outside overnight). If there are official ceremonies on the site, check with the local authority. They will tell you how many flags to put up and how guests/transport should move around. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and KDD set the standards for time and priority.

Where can I find all the official calendar and rules in one place?

The most important source of information is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' page "Norges flagg", which has a complete list of flag days, times for raising and lowering flags, and explanations of foreign flags. For local practices and joint flagging with the Sami flag, see the latest KDD recommendations. If you add these pages to your bookmarks, you can quickly check the schedule.

Get ready for a thrilling summer event, the perfect way to join the national tradition! On 19 August, it's time for Flag Day. Rise and shine and raise that Norwegian flag in the morning, then gently lower it at night, following the rules and the rhythm of the day. For travellers, it's the perfect way to immerse yourself in the country's vibrant culture. Flags fly proudly in courtyards and along the waterfront, cities come alive with exciting summer programmes, and squares buzz with intimate ceremonies. All you need to do is follow the simple rules of timing and priority, and your gesture will be understood and accepted in no time!

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