🎉 How Norway celebrates its national day (17 May): traditions, rules and tips for tourists

17 May is a special date for every Norwegian, a day of national pride and unity. On this day, Norway celebrates Constitution Day, one of the most vibrant and significant holidays of the year. The streets of towns and villages are filled with a festive atmosphere, colourful parades take place, residents dress up in national costumes (bunad) and organise festive events. In this article, you will find a detailed description of how Norwegians celebrate 17 May, learn about key traditions, and get practical tips on how to make this day as interesting and comfortable as possible for tourists. Answers to 10 questions and links to blog sections: ‘Culture, history and traditions’, ‘Etiquette and Janteloven’, ‘Events and festivals’, ‘Useful tips for tourists’.

❓10 FAQs about celebrating 17 May in Norway

1. Why is 17 May a special day for Norway?

On 17 May 1814, the Norwegian Constitution was adopted — a crucial document that marked the country's independence and the formation of its democratic traditions.

This day symbolises freedom, unity and patriotism for Norwegians. Since the 1820s, the holiday has been widely celebrated throughout the country, and today it is the largest and most emotional event of the year. On this day, residents wear traditional costumes (bunads), march with national flags and sing patriotic songs. The holiday reflects the pride Norwegians have in their history, culture and traditions. For more information about Norwegian traditions, see the section ‘Culture, history and traditions’.

2. What does a traditional 17 May celebration look like in cities?

In cities, 17 May begins with morning parades, in which schoolchildren and students actively participate. The main part of the holiday is children's parades (barnetog), in which schoolchildren with flags and musical instruments march through the main streets, greeted by thousands of spectators. The central parade traditionally takes place in Oslo at the Royal Palace, where the parade participants are greeted by the royal family. Concerts, cultural events and fairs are organised in the streets. City residents gather with their families and friends for picnics and communal feasts. For more information about city events, see the section ‘Events and festivals’.

3. What is a ‘bunad’ and why is it worn on 17 May?

A bunad (Norwegian: bunad) is a traditional Norwegian costume and an important part of the country's cultural heritage. Each region of Norway has its own unique style and patterns of bunad.

On 17 May, most Norwegians wear bunads as a sign of respect for their country's history and traditions. The costume is a symbol of national identity and pride. Bunads are passed down from generation to generation and worn on special occasions such as holidays, weddings and other important events. Tourists can also rent bunads or simply enjoy the sight of beautiful national costumes on the day of the holiday. Read more about traditional clothing in the section ‘Culture, history and traditions’.

4. What dishes are traditionally prepared on 17 May?

The festive table in Norway always includes traditional dishes: smoked salmon, fish appetisers, sausages (pølser), cakes and pies with national symbols. The most popular dish among children is hot dogs and ice cream, which are sold on almost every corner. Adults tend to choose fish dishes, shrimp, smoked meats, and festive cakes such as bløtkake, a creamy sponge cake with berries. In many families, it is customary to have a festive breakfast where relatives and friends gather. For more information about the national cuisine, see the section ‘Cuisine and gastronomy’.

5. Can tourists participate in the 17 May celebrations?

Yes, tourists can actively join the celebrations and experience the unique atmosphere of the holiday. Visitors to the country usually enjoy participating in parades as spectators, attending concerts, picnics and fairs. The main thing is to respect national symbols and traditions. You can buy a small Norwegian flag, wear festive clothes and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the day. Tips for participating in events can be found in the ‘Events and Festivals’ section.

6. What traditions and rules of conduct are important for tourists to observe on this day?

A national holiday is a day of pride and respect for the country, so it is important to be especially polite and positive. It is not recommended to criticise national symbols, flags, traditions or costumes. It is important to respect queues, not to interfere with parades and processions, to be moderate in your consumption of alcohol and to respect the personal space of those around you. For more information on cultural norms of behaviour, see the section ‘Etiquette and Janteloven’.

7. Where is the best place for tourists to spend 17 May in Norway?

The most colourful and large-scale celebrations take place in major cities such as Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim and Stavanger. The central celebration in Oslo, where parades take place at the Royal Palace, is particularly popular with tourists. In Bergen, the parades have a special atmosphere, while Trondheim is famous for its unique music programme. For tips on choosing a city, see the City Guides section.

8. Can I take photos of the parades and celebrations on 17 May?

You are free to take photos of the celebrations and parades, but please respect people's personal space and avoid taking intrusive close-ups without their consent. For more information, see the ‘Useful tips for tourists’ section.

9. Are museums, shops and restaurants open on 17 May?

On 17 May, many shops and museums are closed, and restaurants often have special opening hours. Plan your museum visits and shopping trips in advance. For more information, see the ‘Events and festivals’ section.

10. What should tourists wear to celebrate 17 May?

It is best to wear elegant, festive clothing, avoiding everyday styles. You can use accessories with Norwegian symbols. For more information, see the section ‘Useful tips for tourists’.

17 May is the day when Norway opens its heart to everyone who wants to join in the celebrations. Be part of this colourful event and experience the true Norwegian atmosphere!