👑 Flag Day on 21 January: Princess Ingrid Alexandra's birthday 🎂
Status of the day — what does it mean
21 January is an official flag day in Norway according to the government's list. It is not a public holiday: it is a normal working/school day, but government institutions raise the flag in honour of Princess Ingrid Alexandra's birthday. Private individuals may fly the flag if they wish. The list of official flag days is published by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (UD); 21 January is included in the list "forskrift om bruk av flagget".
The legal list of public holidays (which are days off work) is approved by a separate law, and 21 January is not included in it, hence the "non-working" status of this royal date.
When to raise and lower the flag on 21 January
In winter, the general flag times from the UD apply:
● November–February: raise at approximately 09:00, lower at sunset.
● Northern counties (Nordland, Troms, Finnmark) in winter: guideline 10:00–15:00.
● During the polar night, follow local recommendations and the rule of "late raising, early lowering".
These rules are clearly stated in the official memo "Norges flagg – forskrift".
Who is required to fly the flag
● Government agencies are required to fly the flag on official flag days.
● Municipalities/counties are not bound by federal obligations: they decide for themselves where and when to fly the flag (many follow a common list in practice). This is clarified by the Ministry of Local Government (KDD).
● Private individuals and organisations fly the flag at their discretion, observing the general times for raising and lowering and the order of placement if several flags are displayed.
If you have a private home or balcony
● Where to fly the flag. On a separate flagpole next to the house or on a bracket/balcony is fine. Keep the flag clean and secure in snow/wind. (Raising/lowering times are as above.)
● Combination with other flags. If a Sami or other flag is flown next to the Norwegian flag, the Norwegian flag takes the place of honour; the Sami flag is placed to the right of the Norwegian flag (from the viewer's perspective). For municipalities and public places, this rule is established by the government; private individuals are advised to follow the same principles of etiquette.
● Strong wind/snow. In bad weather, it is permissible not to raise the flag in order to avoid damage to the fabric and flagpole; wet or torn flags should not be used — this is generally accepted flag etiquette. (General regulations can be found in the UD guidelines on flag use.)
Royal dates
Flag days on the birthdays of members of the Royal Family are a gesture of respect for the institution of the monarchy. On government buildings, the flag is raised according to the UD list; for others, it is voluntary and a matter of good taste.
FAQ
No. 21 January is a flag day, but not a public holiday. Working hours are as usual (exceptions are determined locally). Confirmation of status can be found in the UD list; the list of "public holidays" is defined separately in "Helligdager og helligdagsfred".
Guideline: raise at 09:00, lower at sunset. In Nordland/Troms/Finnmark, 10:00–15:00 is often used in winter. If in doubt, raise around 09:00 and lower before dark. These guidelines are provided by UD.
No. Even on days with short daylight hours, the flag is lowered in accordance with the winter rule (at sunset/according to local custom). Continuous night-time flagging with a regular flag is not practised for . The basis for this is the UD guidelines on flagging times.
Government agencies — yes (this is an official flag day). Municipalities — according to their own regulations (there is no federal obligation). Private individuals — at their discretion.
No. Royal flags (kongeflagget/crown prince flag) are markers of the presence of the monarch/heir and are used by the Royal House at residences/on ships and transport. Private individuals use the regular Norwegian flag.
On private property, yes, provided that the etiquette is observed: the Norwegian flag is in the place of honour; the Sami flag is placed to the right of the Norwegian flag (from the viewer's perspective). For municipalities and public spaces, these rules have been confirmed by the KDD; it is advisable for private individuals to follow the same order. Foreign flags are raised on municipal buildings only out of "international courtesy" and if there is a separate flagpole; for private individuals, this is not regulated, but the order of precedence is maintained.
