👑 4 July in Norway: how to fly the flag correctly on Queen Sonja's birthday 🎂

4 July is one of Norway's official flag days, when the whole country celebrates by raising red, blue and white flags on their buildings to congratulate Queen Sonja! For travellers, this is an unobtrusive yet quintessentially Norwegian detail of the urban landscape: flags on town halls and schools, embankments bathed in summer light, intimate ceremonies. This article is a must-read for anyone looking to learn about the flag and its significance. You'll discover who's responsible for flying it, the ideal times to raise and lower it during the summer, and how to combine it with other flags, including the Norwegian and Sami flags. And don't worry, you'll find all the answers to the most frequently asked questions right at the end, so you can be sure you're doing everything right on this important day for the kingdom.

What exactly is celebrated on 4 July and where is it written?

This is an official flag day in Norway — the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sonja. The list of flag days is maintained by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: in the section "Norges flagg", 4 July is listed among the public holidays for flagging at institutions. The day itself does not automatically make it a public holiday — it is specifically the date of the official raising of the flag.

Who is required to raise the flag on 4 July?

All government institutions are required to fly the flag on official flag days — this is directly stipulated in the flag regulations (flaggforskriften). Private individuals and organisations are not required to do so by law: they may join in if they wish and follow the general temporary rules for raising/lowering the flag.

Are municipalities required to fly the flag on 4 July?

No. Municipalities and counties are independent bodies and are not considered "public institutions" within the meaning of the flag regulations, so they are not required to fly the flag on all public flag days. Many follow the state list voluntarily or adopt their own regulations. Confirmation is published by the KDD (Ministry of Municipalities).

What time should the flag be raised and lowered in summer?

The summer rule is the same for the whole country: from March to October, the flag is raised at 08:00 and lowered at sunset, but no later than 21:00 if the sun sets later. This is the basic formula for all summer flag days, including 4 July. In northern latitudes with "white nights," the "no later than 9:00 p.m." restriction remains in effect.

Can the flag be left up at night because of the "white nights"?

No. Even if it hardly gets dark, the regulations clearly state that in summer the flag is lowered at sunset, but in any case no later than 9 p.m. There are no exceptions for the "polar day" for civilian flagpoles. This is the correct practice for both private homes and organisations.

What if you want to raise the Sami flag together with the Norwegian flag?

They can be flown together, but with priority given to the Norwegian flag. When flying both flags simultaneously, the Sami flag is placed to the right of the Norwegian flag (from the viewer's perspective) and uses a separate flagpole. This rule is specified in the official KDD clarification and refers to separate regulations on the use of the Sami flag.

Is it mandatory to use the Sami flag on 4 July?

No. 4 July is a royal day from the national list; the obligation applies to the Norwegian flag on government buildings. The Sami flag is raised by decision of the institution/municipality (or private individual) in addition, observing the order of placement and a separate flagpole. The rules on the Sami flag are laid down in the relevant instructions.

Can a foreign flag be raised nearby (e.g., in honour of guests)?

On municipal buildings, this is permissible "for reasons of international courtesy" — strictly on a separate flagpole and without a more honourable place than the Norwegian flag. This is regulated by a special "Forskrift om fremmed flagg"; decisions are made at the municipal level. For private owners, the general logic is the same: courtesy — yes, priority for the Norwegian flag — mandatory.

What should a private homeowner do: is there a "mandatory minimum"?

There is no legal obligation, but it is "good form" to raise the flag according to the same temporary rules as government institutions (08:00–sunset/no later than 21:00 in summer), to ensure that the flag is clean and dry, and not to leave the flag up at night. In stormy weather, it is better not to fly the flag so as not to damage the pole and fabric. The time standard is from flagforskriften.

Can I fly the flag from my apartment balcony?

Yes, if the house rules do not prohibit it and the mounting is safe. The point is to observe the time and priority (if you are raising other flags nearby: the Norwegian flag is the main one). For multi-storey buildings, it is practical to use a wall bracket and a small flag that does not interfere with neighbours or passageways. The time is the same for everyone: in summer, from 8 a.m. until sunset/max. 9 p.m.

Do you need to get approval from the local council to fly the flag?

Not for private individuals. Municipalities regulate their own buildings, squares and "free" municipal flagpoles (on bridges, embankments, etc.). When it comes to municipal property, the order and list of flags is determined by local regulations; it is possible to expand it (for example, for Pride or local events) within the framework of the law.

Are there any ceremonies on 4 July, and how should one behave if attending an official event?

Sometimes municipalities organise small receptions or concerts. The universal etiquette is simple: arrive a little early, do not block the aisles, stand behind the official rows, do not use drones or loud speakers without permission. If hymns or speeches are being played, remove your headgear and do not talk. The Norwegian flag takes formal priority.

Flag days are a quiet but expressive ritual in Norway. This is especially noticeable on 4 July: summer light, flags on town halls and schools, attention to detail — and respect for tradition. By following simple rules of timing, priority and accuracy, you will easily "fit in" with the local rhythm — whether it's a balcony, a flagpole at a summer cottage or a visit to the town hall. Come and see how this country speaks for itself without unnecessary words — colours and lines will do the rest.

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