🎖️ 8 May in Norway: liberation ceremonies, flag etiquette and what's open 🌟
8 May is Frigjørings- og veterandagen. It is an official flag day: the country commemorates its liberation in 1945 and honours its veterans. It is a working day, but many cities hold ceremonies at memorials.
8 May is an important date in the Norwegian calendar: there are no parades or noisy celebrations, but there are moments of silence, wreath laying and a general feeling of gratitude. For travellers, this is a chance to see a respectful part of the local culture: restrained ceremonies, small columns of veterans, flags on buildings. In this article, you will find answers to practical questions: what time to raise and lower the flag, how to find out the programme of ceremonies, what is usually open, how to behave respectfully, and how to plan your travel taking into account specific closures.
| Day | Supermarkets | Vinmonopolet | Restaurants/cafés | Museums/culture | Transport | Post/services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 May (weekday) | Normal mode | Normal mode | Open | Open | Normal schedule; local closures near memorials | Normal service |
⚠️ Always check local “hours” and announcements from your operator/municipality.
🚩 Flag Etiquette (Brief)
- Time: Raised at 08:00, lowered at sunset (latest 21:00). In the North, the 21:00 rule applies even during white nights.
- Who: Government institutions are obliged. Private homes are not required, but encouraged.
- Priority: Norwegian flag in the place of honour; other flags must be on separate poles and no higher. Two flags on one pole are not allowed.
- Condition: Flag must be clean, not torn or wet; never touch the ground; stored neatly.
Ceremonies: how to find out and how to behave
Where to find the programme. The websites of the municipality and local museums/memorials publish the times of flag raising, wreath laying, orchestra performances and moments of silence.
Etiquette. During the wreath laying, remove your headwear, turn off your phone, do not stand in front of the column, and keep your distance from the flag groups. Take photos unobtrusively, without flash or drones, respecting the participants and guests.
What is Frigjørings- og veterandagen and why is it celebrated on 8 May?
Today is Liberation Day and Veterans' Day. This is the day we remember the end of the occupation of Norway during World War II. It is also a day to say thank you to all those who have served in the armed forces. The format is simple: short ceremonies at memorials, flags on buildings, and a minute of silence. The holiday is not a day off, so most services operate as on a normal weekday. Travellers will have the chance to experience a respectful and unobtrusive part of Norwegian culture that is all about remembrance.
Is it a day off? What can tourists actually visit?
It is a working day. Supermarkets, Vinmonopolet (the state-owned liquor store), museums, cafes, and transport usually operate as normal on weekdays. The only times when this doesn't apply is when roads are temporarily closed near memorials for 30 to 60 minutes. Make sure you leave plenty of time to travel to the event centres. You can walk or take public transport, and check the local announcements in the morning.
What time should the flag be raised and lowered on 8 May?
In spring, the rule is simple: raise the awning at 8 a.m. and lower it at sunset, but no later than 9 p.m. If the sun sets later, lower it by 9 p.m. anyway. In the north, where it is light almost all night, the 21:00 rule also applies. This is because it is considered good manners and part of the culture of the flag. Look at the weather forecast. If the flag is wet and messy, it is not suitable. If it is very windy, do not fly the flag.
Do people have to fly the flag?
No, the rule is for government organisations. It is a suggestion, not a must, for people's homes and businesses. If you decide to fly the flag, check the time, priority and condition of the flag. On the balcony, you will need a sturdy bracket, the correct angle (about 45°), and a street flag of the right size (usually 100×150 cm for a standard pole bracket).
Can you fly the Norwegian flag with a foreign flag or the Sami flag?
Sometimes, foreign and regional flags can be used on municipal buildings for international events or local events. But they must be kept separate from the Norwegian flag, and the Norwegian flag must always be in the best place. The same rule applies to private homes: they must not be flown on the same pole as the Norwegian flag. The Sami flag does not have to be flown on 8 May. When flags are flown together, it is placed next to the Norwegian flag and after it in order of seniority.
What is the programme of ceremonies for my town?
Check the local government's website for details of where and when the wreath-laying ceremonies will take place, who is taking part (veterans, orchestras, government officials), whether roads will be closed and how people with accessibility needs can get there. War museums and memorials often offer themed tours. Some events require you to arrive early because there is only a limited number of places.
What is the correct behaviour at ceremonies? Is it okay to clap and take videos?
The most important thing is respect and not getting involved. During the national anthem and the minute of silence, please stand quietly, remove your headwear, and stay still. Applause is fine at the end of a show, but not when people are laying wreaths. Take the photo without using the flash and from a distance; drones are not allowed. Explain the format to the children in advance to avoid them running around in the ranks.
Are children and dogs allowed?
Yes, if you are ready. For children, choose a side position where you can see well, bring warm clothes, water and snacks. Dogs are allowed in open areas, but keep them on a short leash. Avoid busy places like orchestras – loud noises can be scary for dogs. If your pet is anxious, it is better to leave it at home.
Where is the best place to watch the ceremonies and how can I get there without a car?
The best places to stand are the sides of the square or any spots where there are low barriers around the memorial. Get there 15–20 minutes before you need to be there to find a good spot. Take the tram, bus or walk instead, as nearby car parks may be closed and you may not be able to get in. You will need to allow 10–15 minutes for the crowd to leave on your way back.
What are the most important things to remember when taking photos? Are there any rules you should always follow?
Please don't take close-ups without asking, especially of veterans and honor guards. Also, please don't put a tripod in front of the formation or cross the path of the banners. Don't take close-up photos of documents or awards. Take a photo and write a caption about the event to help keep the memory of it alive.
Are museums open, and are there any special exhibitions?
Yes, many museums are open during the week and often have special events or longer tours on the day. A nice plan for the day: a ceremony in the morning, a museum or a walk along the embankment/fortress in the afternoon, and a cosy café in the evening. It's best to buy tickets in advance on popular websites.
What should you do if the forecast is bad – rain and wind?
Ceremonies usually go ahead, but some activities may be reduced. Make sure you're wearing clothes that will keep you dry and windproof, and wear your shoes and gloves. When making the flag, make sure the fabric doesn't get wet or torn if there's a lot of wind. If you have young children, think about leaving early and taking a break at the nearest cultural centre or library.
Frigjørings- og veterandagen is the day when Norway says "thank you" to those who made peace and kept it afterwards. It is a calm and thoughtful day, without much fanfare, but with a deep significance — and therefore just as memorable for travellers as the most lively holidays. Come early, raise the flag the right way, and spend time with the people for whom this day is especially important.
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