🗳️ Flag Day in Norway: how to fly the flag without mistakes (and understand what is going on around you) 📊
Election day in the Storting is a rare opportunity to see Norway in its "democratic" rhythm: calm queues at polling stations, concise ceremonies and national flags on government buildings. For travellers, this is not a day off, but a normal weekday, but with one important feature — it is an official flag day. If you are in Norway in September of an election year, this guide will help you quickly figure out who raises the flags and where, at what time to raise and lower them, how to correctly combine the Norwegian flag with the Sami and foreign flags, and what is appropriate at polling stations. Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions to help you feel confident and respectful of local rules.
Is election day to the Storting an official flag day? Is it a public holiday?
Yes, Storting election day is an official flag day in Norway. However, it is not a public holiday: shops, museums and transport usually operate according to their standard schedules. Official flag days are published by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and include both fixed and "floating" dates, which includes election day. On flag days, government agencies are required to fly the flag in accordance with regulations, while private entities may do so at their discretion.
Who is required to fly the flag on this day — the state, municipalities, private individuals?
The obligation applies to government agencies: they fly flags on official flag days according to the rules of the time. There is no such requirement for municipalities — they can approve their own local regulations or follow the national list at their own discretion. Private individuals and organisations may fly flags voluntarily, observing the general times for raising/lowering and basic etiquette.
What time should the flag be raised and lowered on election day?
From March to October, the flag is raised at 08:00 and lowered at sunset, but no later than 21:00. In November–February, it is raised at 09:00 and lowered at sunset. These rules are national; they also apply to movable flag days, including election day. Since the election takes place in September, follow the schedule "08:00 → until sunset/no later than 21:00".
And what about the north — in Nurland, Tromsø and Finnmark?
For northern latitudes, there is a shortened window during the winter months (ascent at 10:00, descent at 15:00), but elections are held in September, when a single summer-autumn regime applies. If you are flying the flag in the North on other flag days in late autumn/winter, please refer to the shortened hours and lower the flag at sunset.
Can the flag be left flying because of the "white nights"?
No. Even when sunset is late, the flag is lowered no later than 21:00. This rule helps to maintain a uniform and respectful protocol throughout the country, regardless of latitude and daylight hours.
Do polling stations have to have flags?
There is no uniform requirement: the decision is made by the municipality. Many municipalities fly flags at polling stations or municipal buildings on election day as a sign of the importance of the event, but this is their right, not their obligation. If you are organising an event at a municipal venue, check with the local regulations.
How should the Norwegian and Sami flags be displayed together?
When flying flags together, the Norwegian flag takes precedence. The Sami flag is placed to the right of the Norwegian flag (from the viewer's perspective) — this is the official order of precedence prescribed by . It is important to observe the same time for raising/lowering both flags on Flag Day.
Are foreign flags allowed next to the Norwegian flag on election day?
On municipal buildings, a foreign flag may be raised next to the Norwegian flag as a sign of international courtesy — however, the foreign flag must not occupy a more honourable place than the Norwegian flag. These guidelines are enshrined in municipal regulations. Different practices apply to private buildings, but respect for the priority of the Norwegian flag is a good norm.
Can I fly a flag on my balcony or outside my house if I don't have a tall flagpole?
Yes. The law does not prescribe a specific type of mounting for private homes; the main thing is neatness, stable mounting and observance of the timing. Balcony holders and slanted poles are common practices. If there are several flags nearby, maintain the priority of the Norwegian flag and avoid visual "imbalance" (for example, when another flag appears more prominent).
What is not allowed: "splitt og tunge", wet or worn banners?
The state splittflagg (with "cut and tongue") is intended for state institutions; private individuals use a regular flag without "splitt og tunge". The flag itself should be clean, intact, and without fading: this is a matter of respect for the symbol. In bad weather, use common sense: do not leave the flag to get wet or tangled.
Where can I find the official list of flag days and basic rules for timing?
The government publishes a complete list of flag days and the times for raising/lowering the flag on the Regjeringen portal. The same portal also provides details on the priority of the Norwegian flag and special features for the northern regions. If you are preparing a public event on municipal grounds, please also check the local regulations.
Election Day in Norway is a weekday, but it is a very significant date when respect for the procedure and the symbols of the country is evident in the details: from the flag raised precisely at 8 a.m. to the calm queue at the polling station. By following a simple protocol of time and priority, you will support an atmosphere of respect and notice what makes Norwegian democracy so "quiet" and confident.
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