🎅 26 December in Norway: transport, food and plans for Romjul ❄️
26 December is Andre juledag, the second day of Christmas and an official public holiday in Norway. It's so much quieter than during the 24–25 December period, but it's absolutely perfect for walks, cafés and cinemas! This article contains a handy table showing what is open and what is closed, how public transport is running, where you can eat without having to book in advance, and how to make the most of the rest of Romjul (27–30 December). For your information: What an amazing thing, the Andre juledag church holiday! It's one of those Norwegian public holidays that everyone looks forward to.
The great thing about public holidays is that they vary by network and municipality, so you can always be sure of something different each time! Before you come, check the opening hours for your chosen location and the latest news from your transport provider or municipality.
📅 What is Open on 26 December (Guidelines)
| Category | Status on 26/12 |
|---|---|
| 🛒 Supermarkets / shopping centres | Mostly closed (public holiday). Small kiosks/shops up to 100 m² may be open. |
| 🍷 Vinmonopolet | Closed on all public holidays (incl. 25–26 December). |
| ☕ Restaurants / cafés | Partially open: mostly hotel restaurants, some bistros with reduced hours. Check in advance. |
| 🎭 Museums / cinemas / spas | Partially: some open on holiday hours; check posters on venue websites/city portals. |
| 🚍 Public transport | Holiday/Sunday schedules (søndagsruter) for city and regional operators. |
| 📦 Post office / services | Usually closed or on-duty/pick-up only — check locally. |
⚠️ Schedules and openings vary widely between municipalities and providers — always double-check before your visit.
Transport and timetables: how to get there without surprises
● City buses/trams/metro. On 26 December, they usually run according to Sunday schedules (søndagsruter). Example: Skyss (Bergen/Hordaland) runs on Sunday schedules on Christmas Day and Boxing Day; in Oslo, Ruter publishes an annual "Jul og nyttår" plan with holiday schedules. Check your operator's website for the latest information.
● Trains (Vy) and Flytoget. As a rule, there are holiday schedules and/or reduced frequency; there may be increased demand in the evening hours of the 26th. Check by flight number/route.
● Airports (Avinor). Airports are operating, but there are fewer flights than usual; allow extra time for check-in/weather conditions.
● Car and parking. Holiday/Sunday rules and closures of certain streets near tourist areas may apply in the city centre — check the signs on site or the municipality's website.
Where to eat on 26 December without complicated reservations
● Hotel restaurants are a reliable option: they often serve set menus/buffets for guests and non-residents; check opening times and cuisine by phone.
● Cafés/bakeries — some open in the afternoon; look for "Sunday hours" and check social media.
● Ethnic cuisine and bistros — often open on public holidays, but with reduced hours.
● Cinemas/spas/aqua centres — many open after lunch with holiday hours; it is best to book tickets in advance.
Life hack: if there are no places available, choose areas around the largest hotels/tourist hubs in your city (there is a higher chance of finding open kitchens there).
Plans for Romjul (27–30 December)
Romjul — the days between Christmas and New Year's Eve: 27–31 December. During this time, cities become quieter, but transport and services switch to "weekday" or "mixed" schedules — check timetables. This is a great time for quiet walks, museums with "winter hours," co-working/working in coffee shops, and short trips "after work."
Ideas:
● During the day — parks/embankments/museums;
● Evenings — cinema/spa/Scandi dinners;
● Workation — libraries, coffee shops with Wi-Fi and power outlets; plan meetings taking into account the reduced hours.
Where to go on the 26th: five ideas to avoid the crowds
● Oslo: Aker Brygge/Tjuvholmen waterfront, the ring road around the Opera House; evening cinema in the city centre.
● Bergen: Fløyen on foot/funicular (check the timetable), baths/spa after lunch.
● Trondheim: Nidelv waterfront and Bakklandet, coffee shops with "Sunday hours".
● Tromsø: walk along the waterfront + northern sky, aquarium/polar museum (check opening hours).
● Stavanger: Old Town (Gamle Stavanger) + evening dinner at a hotel restaurant.
Mini FAQ
Yes. Andre juledag is an official helligdag (second day of Christmas). Most shops are closed by law on public holidays; there are exceptions for small retail outlets.
No. Vinmonopolet is closed on public holidays, including 25 and 26 December.
Usually according to Sunday/holiday schedules. For example, Skyss runs søndagsruter on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and Ruter publishes a separate Jul og nyttår plan with holiday schedules for Oslo. Check your route in the app or on the operator's website.
Yes, but the choice is limited. First, check hotel restaurants and areas around large hotels; some cafés/bistros open in the afternoon with reduced hours.
Often yes, with holiday hours and fewer showtimes. Book in advance and check the "holiday hours" on the venue's website.
Romjul begins on 27 December: many operators return to weekday/mixed schedules (varies), and museums/coffee shops switch to winter weekday hours.
They usually start on 27 December. On the 26th, most retailers are closed as on a public holiday; check the hours of specific shopping centres/chains.
Holiday/Sunday schedules and local restrictions apply. Check signs on site and your local council website (rules vary).
