👑 20 July in Norway: how to fly the flag on Crown Prince Haakon's birthday and what it means for travellers 🎂

Come and join the party in Norway on 20 July! The whole country will be celebrating Crown Prince Haakon's birthday, and you can see red, blue and white flags flying from the town halls, schools and government buildings. For tourists, this is not a parade or a holiday, but an important and thrilling part of the Norwegian ritual of respect for the monarchy and the state. This article is a short, practical guide that will delight you with its enthusiasm for all things Norwegian. Learn what Flag Day means, who is required to fly the flag, at what time to raise and lower the flag in summer (even during the "white nights"), how to correctly combine the Norwegian flag with others, and what it all means for your day in Oslo, Bergen or above the Arctic Circle.

What does Flag Day on 20 July actually mean?

It is an official flag day, so government buildings fly the flag to celebrate Crown Prince Haakon's birthday. For people living and visiting, it is more of a symbolic marker — there are usually no special ceremonies, but you will definitely notice the flags on the buildings. The Norwegian government publishes a complete list of flag days, including the date, and this list includes 20 July.

Is it a public holiday? What will be open or closed for tourists?

No, 20 July is not a public holiday. During the summer, shops, museums, cafés and transport all follow their normal summer timetables. If you are planning to visit popular museums, check the opening hours on the website of the specific venue, and book tickets in advance. July is high season, so book well in advance. It's a flag day, but you can still come in as normal.

When should the flag be raised in summer and when should it be lowered?

The basic rule is to raise the flag at 8 a.m. and lower it at sunset, but no later than 9 p.m. This applies to the period from March to October. Even if it is light until late at night (something you often see in the north in summer), the flag is lowered no later than 9 p.m. This is the official time protocol from the UD.

But what about the "midnight sun" and very late sunsets?

The rule is still the same: the flag must be lowered by 9pm at the latest during bright northern twilight. The flag can't be left up all night; if you want to keep the "festive feeling" longer, use a narrow flag, which can be left on the mast 24/7.

Who has to fly the flag on 20 July? Does this apply to the state, local councils, or private individuals?

Schools and other public buildings fly flags on special days. Local governments decide on the rules for using flags. The law lets them choose their own rules and use different flags for important events. People don't have to fly flags, it's up to them.

Can people fly flags from their houses or balconies?

Yes, it is appropriate and welcome, as long as it is done respectfully: a clean and intact flag, a proper flagpole/mounting, raised in the morning and lowered in the evening (before 9 p.m. in summer). If the house is managed by an OSMD/TSZH, check their rules (there may be restrictions on mounting on the outside of the building). Don't leave the flag up at night; you can keep a pennant instead.

A guide to arranging several flags: Norwegian, Sami, municipal?

The most important rule is that the Norwegian flag is always shown first. You can put more than one flag on a flagpole, but the Norwegian flag must always be on the same side as the other flags. The government sets out detailed guidelines for municipal buildings. The Sami flag can be used together with the Norwegian flag, but the national flag takes precedence.

What about foreign flags, for example, when a group of people from another country visits?

On municipal buildings, a foreign flag may be raised next to the Norwegian flag as a sign of international courtesy. However, it must not be given a more important place than the Norwegian flag, and a separate flagpole must be used. The government has set out these rules in other laws.

Can the flag be kept up if it's raining or if it's wet?

The rules say that you should not use a flag that is clearly wet, worn out or dirty. Keep it dry and well-maintained, and if it's raining heavily or windy, take it down earlier — but do it safely and respectfully. If you want to leave a "festive signal" overnight or in bad weather, use a pennant.

Are there any ceremonies on this day that tourists would be interested in seeing?

20 July is a normal summer's day, and there are no parades held across the country. Sometimes there are local celebrations or cultural events in museums and squares. You can find out about these on your municipality's or tourist office's website. A good idea for a photo is flags on town halls, ships and university buildings against the backdrop of the summer sky.

What do photographers and drone enthusiasts need to know?

You can take photos of flags on the street and in public squares, but there are rules about taking photos of government buildings and near airports. There are strict rules about the distance and height that drones can fly at in Norway. You must always check the local no-fly zones (NFZ) and recommendations from the local government or aviation authorities before you fly a drone.

I am a tourist. How can I "support" the day if I don't have a flagpole?

Just be aware of the situation and follow the rules: don't make noise in the evening near official venues, don't block entrances during local celebrations, and add a small flag icon to the frame. If you live in a rented house, ask the owners if you can put a flag on the balcony.

Flag days in Norway are not about noise and loud marches, but about quiet respect for people and dates that are important to the country. On 20 July, Crown Prince Haakon's birthday, you will see flags on facades and flagpoles everywhere — as a beautiful sign of unity. Master the simple rules of time (raising at 08:00, lowering by 21:00), the Norwegian flag's priority and basic etiquette, and you'll fit into the local rhythm like a pro – whether it's a stroll along the Oslo waterfront or a cosy evening in Tromsø.

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!