🎉 Norway holidays without surprises: a complete guide for travel, living and planning all year round 🇳🇴
Get ready for the most amazing holidays in Norway! Not only do we have spectacular parades and bonfires on the beach, but we also have a special rhythm of life that you won't want to miss. In some places, shops close earlier than usual, in others, the city suddenly comes to a standstill, and school marches take over the main streets. This guide will help you plan your trip or everyday life safely and comfortably: we explain how public holidays differ from the "highly solemn" dates of 1 and 17 May, when helligdagsfred ("holiday silence") is in effect, how flag days work, what is usually open or closed, and where to find official transport schedules and road closures. From the joyous celebrations of Easter and May Day to the summer bonfires, Romjul and the "small" gastro days — everything is gathered in one place with internal links to detailed materials and city mini-guides.
What is Halloween and what is the difference between it and a "high holiday"?
Helligdag is a public holiday, which means some shops and services are closed. There are also separate "official high holidays" on 1 May and 17 May. They are the same as Sundays because they are also days off, but helligdagsfred (see below) does not apply to them. In simple terms: 1 and 17 May are public holidays when there are parades and demonstrations, and some restaurants are open. Classic public holidays (e.g. 25–26 December, Easter) are "quieter", with shops closed and public transport running on a holiday schedule.
What is usually open/closed on public holidays?
On public holidays, most supermarkets are closed or have shorter opening hours. Vinmonopolet is usually closed too. Cafes and restaurants are open, but only for takeaway or by pre-order. They also have special menus and slots. Museums are open some days and some times, and sometimes they are closed on public holidays. Public transport will run less often, and roads may be closed in the centre of big cities (). On the "highly festive" days of 1 and 17 May, the situation is similar, but there are more catering and city events.
What is the meaning of 'helligdagsfred' and when does it apply?
This is "holiday silence" — a rule that makes the holiday atmosphere even stronger. This law applies to all public holidays in Denmark. It is also in effect on Christmas Eve (24 December), the eve of Easter (Påskeaften) and Pentecost (Pinseaften) from 4 p.m. In practice, shops and services close earlier, and loud events are restricted. If you arrive on 24 December in the afternoon or if you want to buy your Easter eggs, remember this information.
Now, let's talk about flags and flag days, which happen throughout the year.
How do flag days work and who has to raise the flag?
Flag days are special days in the official calendar when flags are raised. Government agencies must fly the flag, while municipalities and private individuals can choose to do so according to their own rules. The time for raising or lowering the flag depends on the season (in summer, it is lowered at sunset or in the evening). Important dates: 6 February — Samefolkets dag (the Sami flag is also raised), 1 and 17 May — flag days and public holidays.
Now let's talk about the most important times for planning: Easter and May.
Planning for Easter: shops, transport and the "long week"
Easter is the most important holiday of the year. Skjærtorsdag and Langfredag are public holidays, påskeaften is a short working day starting at 4 p.m., and the first and second days of Easter are public holidays. Shops close early, trains and flights are full, and there are too many people at mountain destinations. Plan ahead: book tickets in advance, check public transport schedules for the holidays, and do your shopping before Saturday. If you are going on holiday, make a list of things you need to buy, take quick meals and chargers for your devices.
What's important to know about 17 May, Constitution Day?
In the morning, there are parades for children (called barnetog), and by midday, the city squares are full of people. On 17 May, many restaurants offer special menus and serve at set times, so it's best to book in advance. The rules for what to wear:
- Wear a complete, neat outfit.
- Do not mix elements from different regions.
- If you do not have a bunad, a suit or smart casual attire is acceptable. In the city centre, there will be road closures and transport problems. So, arrive early and choose a place that is suitable for children and easy to get to.
What about 1 May? There's a different logic to that — demonstrations and early closures.
What's the deal with 1 May? And how can you avoid getting stuck in the city centre?
1 May is a public holiday when there are demonstrations and rallies. Supermarkets are often closed or have shorter opening hours, and Vinmonopolet is closed. Restaurants and museums are open, but transport is running a weekend schedule. There may be closures in the centre. To avoid getting stuck in traffic, plan your route before the demonstrations start, choose alternative stops and check the municipality's closure maps.
After spring comes summer with bonfires, Olav and general holidays.
How is summer organised? Sankthans, Olsok and Fellesferie?
Sankthans (23/24 June) — have fun with bonfires on the beaches, but be careful of wind and drought restrictions and choose official sites. Olsok (29 July) — St. Olav and festivals in Trondheim, with services and concerts. Fellesferie is when the cities are empty in July and services change to "summer hours". Book your accommodation and transport in advance, check the ferry and suburban train schedules, and choose "quiet" departure times.
What is Romjul and why do "quiet" tourists love it?
Romjul is the period from 27 to 30 December, when offices and streets take a break. There are fewer people in museums and parks, it is easier to find a coffee shop that is open late, and transport runs on holiday schedules without rush hour. Here are some ideas for things to do:
- Easy city walks
- Ice skating/spas
- "Workations" in the city centre
- Short trips to the countryside Remember: 25–26 December and 1 January are
Where can you find official road closure maps and holiday schedules?
Your local government and city transport operators are responsible for the final decision. Our hubs have links to city websites with maps showing when services are closed (17 May/1 May), information about operators (Ruter/Vy/Bybanen/Flytoget/Avinor) and parking services. Algorithm:
- Check the closure map.
- Select the nearest open station/stop.
- Allow 15–20 minutes extra. At busy times, there are "safety corridors" to help you. It is best to walk the last 500–800 metres.
As well as the "big" dates, there are important cultural highlights, including the Sami theme.
What is Samefolkets dag and how can it be celebrated respectfully?
6 February is Sami National Day. In northern cities and Tromsø, there are concerts, food fairs, and the Sami flag is raised. The rules of etiquette:
- Only take close-up photos of people or children if they have given you permission to do so.
- Respect the traditional crafts of the region and buy from the people who make them. When the Sami flag is flown together with the Norwegian flag, the Sami flag goes next to the Norwegian flag. This is because of a rule about precedence.
At last, here are some nice "small" events that everyone loves.
What are the "small" food festivals, Vaffeldagen and Fårikålens dag?
These are unofficial but popular media events. On Vaffeldagen (25 March), there are waffle bars, family brunches and "working coffee shops". On Fårikålens dag (the last Thursday in September), people eat classic lamb and cabbage stew at home or in restaurants. A good plan is to spend the day doing things or working, and then have a meal with a theme for dinner, or buy food and cook in your cabin or apartment.
Norway is an absolutely amazing place to celebrate holidays! It has this incredible way of doing things, where sometimes it's all about taking it slow and enjoying the quiet, and then there are these amazingly vibrant and festive moments where the whole country comes together for parades, bonfires on the beach and family rituals. Knowing what's open and when is a sure-fire way to make your trip or life here even more comfortable and full of amazing experiences. And with a little know-how about official maps, helligdagsfred and flag etiquette, you'll be a pro in no time! Save this guide, bookmark the themed hubs, and start planning your "Norwegian" days — from Easter and 17 May to Romjul and the "small" gastro holidays.
We would absolutely love to hear your thoughts in the comments! If you have any interesting photos, personal experiences or questions about the topic of the article, we would love to hear from you – please leave a comment! We can't wait to hear from you, because we're on a mission to create the most popular and useful blog about Norway!
