🎆 1 January in Norway — a quiet New Year: what's open and how to get there🎉
In short: 1 January is a public holiday (helligdag) and an official flag day. Life in cities slows down: most shops and Vinmonopolet are closed, restaurants are open sporadically and with reduced hours, and transport runs on a holiday schedule. Plan your day as a "slow day": light walks, peaceful views, late brunch/
"Holiday hours" vary greatly depending on the chain and municipality. Before visiting, be sure to check the "hours" of a specific location and the current schedule of the transport provider.
| Category | Status (guideline) | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Supermarkets | Mostly closed | Some exceptions in tourist centres; check chain maps |
| Vinmonopolet | Closed | All shops closed on public holidays |
| Restaurants/cafés | Limited, reduced hours | Hotels & city-centre cafés more likely to open |
| Museums/culture | Partially | Exhibitions closed; some museums/ice rinks open |
| Public transport | Holiday service | Reduced intervals, Sunday-type schedule |
| Post/services | On duty / closed | Couriers & post mostly closed; rare on-call duty |
Transport: how it works on 1 January and how to plan your journey
Public transport. Operators switch to a holiday/Sunday schedule: services are less frequent, some routes are shortened, and night services are reduced. Check the planner and the status board before you leave.
Trains (Vy). The schedule changes on public holidays; use the official Vy planner and allow extra time for transfers.
Airports. Flights operate according to airline schedules; ground services and shops operate according to holiday hours. Allow extra time for transfers to/from the airport — public transport runs less frequently.
Booking and timing tips:
● Choose daytime flights/trains — there is less risk of delays due to the morning "holiday rush".
● For Flytoget/airport buses, check the current intervals and the last departure before the night break.
● If travelling by car, check parking in the city centre and winter tyre/chain regulations.
"Quiet routes" on 1 January — by city
Below are some ideas without brands and with minimal logistics. All locations are "open" and, as a rule, accessible on 1 January. Check the lighting/ice conditions and dress for the weather.
Oslo
● Ekebergparken → Ekeberg: sculptures on a hill + panoramic view of Oslofjord.
● Sognsvann circle: flat trail around the lake; popular for family walks.
● Bygdøy coastal trail: from Dronningen to Huk — quiet views, access to the water.
● Aker Brygge — Akershus festning (outer contour): short city loop by the water.
Bergen
● Bryggen and Vågen: morning promenade without crowds.
● Nordnesparken and the waterfront: circular walk around the peninsula.
● Fløyen (lower trails): easy trails without a peak at the top.
● Nygårdsparken: a peaceful city park.
Trondheim
● Ladestien: a long but flat trail along the fjord.
● Bakklandet — Gamle Bybro — Nidelva loop: a "postcard" loop in the centre.
● Ila — Marinen: a short walk along the river.
Tromsø
● Prestvannet: a loop around the lake on the island, the trail is often cleared.
● Telegrafbukta: coastline with views, sunset colours.
● Bridge → Arctic Cathedral (outside): a short walk through a landmark.
Stavanger
● Gamle Stavanger: historic white houses, slow walk.
● Mosvatnet: lake trail not far from the centre.
● Hafrsfjord/Swords in the Rock (outside): viewpoint by the water.
Where to eat without a reservation
● Hotel restaurants and lobby bars. Often open 1/1 with reduced hours. Call ahead before visiting.
● Coffee shops in tourist areas. In historic centres, there are sometimes 2-3 places open per district — expect queues and early closing times.
● World cuisine (Asian, Middle Eastern, Indian). In large cities, you are more likely to find open places among independent cafes/bistros.
● Food courts/centres may be partially closed — focus on individual outlets rather than the entire food hall.
● Cinemas and bowling alleys sometimes operate on a holiday schedule — a good option for a quiet family day out.
Tip: if it's very important to eat at a specific time, have a late breakfast/brunch and check the opening hours of two or three places at once.
Useful information about the status of the day
● 1 January is included in the "helligdager og helligdagsfred" law — an official public holiday. This explains the "quiet" mode of the city and the reduced opening hours of services.
● It is also an official flag day. Flags are flown primarily by government institutions; private individuals may fly them at their discretion, observing the times for raising and lowering the flag. For more information, see our hub on flag days.
Finally, here is a ready-made plan for a "quiet day"
- Late rise and brunch (choose 2–3 places in advance and call ahead).
- 60–90-minute walk: lake/embankment/historic district.
- Coffee and dessert in the city centre (shortened hours!).
- Movie/skating rink (if open) or board game/book at home.
In the evening — light dinner at home and planning for the first week back at work.
FAQ
Some restaurants/cafes in the city centre and at hotels, some museums/attractions (rarely) and cinemas; most shops and Vinmonopolet are closed. Check the opening hours for specific locations.
Holiday schedule: longer intervals, fewer morning and evening services. Always check your operator's schedule (e.g. Ruter) and Vy for trains.
Airports and airlines are operating, but ground services and transfers are running on a "holiday schedule." Allow extra time and check the latest flight information with your carrier.
Look for hotel restaurants, independent cafes in tourist areas, and international cuisine. Call ahead: on 1 January, almost everything is open on a reduced schedule.
Parking rules are indicated by signs or your local app. Some areas have special Sunday rules, but there is no universal rule for free parking on public holidays — check locally.
Some museums and spas are closed, but there are exceptions (especially in large cities and at hotels). Check the holiday hours for a specific location.
Choose short walks (around lakes, along embankments), ice skating with skate rental (if open) or a movie in the afternoon. Have a brunch at home with board games.
You can, but you don't have to. Observe the basic times for raising and lowering the flag and place it correctly (see the flag day hub for details).
