🚩 6 February: Sámi flag and joint flag flying
6 February is Samefolkets dag, Norway's official flag day. On this day, government agencies are required to fly the Norwegian flag; a list of official flag days and basic rules is published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the Regjeringen portal. Municipalities are not considered "government agencies" in the sense of the flag regulations and decide for themselves whether to fly flags on their buildings (many follow the government calendar). The municipality may additionally raise the Sami flag during events.
Protocol: how to fly the Norwegian and Sami flags together
On official flag days, it is permitted to fly the Sami flag together with the Norwegian flag. When flying the flags together, the Sami flag is placed to the right of the Norwegian flag (from the viewer's perspective). The Norwegian flag has priority; the Sami flag ranks after it and above municipal/regional flags. If several flagpoles are used, the flags should not have a more "honourable" place than the Norwegian flag. Separate flagpoles are usually used for correct placement; it is not customary to use one pole for two flags. Detailed explanations of priority and placement for municipalities are provided by KDD.
When to raise and lower the flag on 6 February (in winter):
— In Norway in winter (November–February), the flag is raised at 09:00 and lowered at sunset.
— In Nordland, Troms and Finnmark in winter — 10:00–15:00 (short daylight hours).
These times and general rules are published by the Norwegian government in the section "Norges flagg / Flaggtider".
Private homes and businesses: practical advice
Private individuals and companies are not required to fly the flag — it is a recommendation and a matter of etiquette. If you decide to support the holiday, observe the official times for raising and lowering the flag in winter and the rule of priority (the Norwegian flag should be in the place of honour). In strong winds, use a smaller flag or refrain from flying it to protect the flag and the safety of those around you — this is in line with the spirit of the official recommendations. If you plan to fly the Sami flag alongside the Norwegian flag at your home, follow the same rule of placing the Sami flag to the right of the Norwegian flag. For details on communal areas (bridges, squares, schools), please refer to your local regulations.
Where is it appropriate to fly the Sami flag on 6 February?
On municipal buildings, the decision is made by the municipality: the law allows the Sami flag and other flags to be flown during "events/commemorations of public interest." Municipalities have more freedom of choice on city squares with free-standing flagpoles than on "parts of a building complex." The recommendation is the same: the Norwegian flag in a place of honour, with the Sami flag next to it on the right. If your city has additional Sami dates, they may follow the recommendations of the Sami Parliament (Sametinget); 6 February remains a national holiday.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
In winter, raise the flag at 9 a.m. (in Nordland/Troms/Finnmark at 10 a.m.) and lower it at sunset (in northern latitudes, around 3 p.m. in winter).
All government agencies are required to fly flags on the list of official flag days. Municipalities and counties are not subject to this requirement; they establish their own flagging practices. Private individuals and companies fly flags at their discretion.
Use two flagpoles. The Norwegian flag should be in the place of honour, with the Sami flag to its right (from the viewer's perspective). Do not place multiple flags on a single pole.
If you are a private individual, yes. For government institutions, 6 February is Norway's official flag day, so the Norwegian flag is mandatory; the Sami flag is permitted alongside it and is placed on the right. Local regulations apply to municipal sites.
On municipal buildings, foreign flags may be flown alongside the Norwegian flag as a sign of international courtesy and only if there are separate flagpoles; foreign flags must not be given a more prominent place than the Norwegian flag. This is a general rule that does not depend on the specific date.
