How to celebrate 17. mai (Constitution Day) in Norway like a local
Every year on the 17th of May, Norway comes alive with music, flags, traditional clothing, and community celebrations. Known as Syttende Mai, this day marks the signing of the Norwegian constitution in 1814 and is considered the most important national holiday in Norway.
Whether you’re new to the country or just looking to understand what’s actually going on, here’s a practical and culturally informed guide to celebrating Norway’s Constitution Day like a local!
A truly special day
The 17th of May is one of the most fun days to experience as a foreigner in Norway! Enjoy the experience of heading outside, talking to strangers, and the festive atmosphere around you.
What does the 17th of May celebrate?
Norwegian Constitution Day commemorates the 17th of May 1814, when Norway signed its constitution at Eidsvoll, a town about 60km north of Oslo. At the time, Norway had been in a union with Denmark for over 400 years, and the constitution marked Norway’s attempt to become an independent kingdom after the Napoleonic Wars.
Though the political situation remained complex (Norway entered a union with Sweden shortly after), the 1814 constitution laid the foundation for Norway’s democratic development and national identity. Today, the holiday celebrates Norwegian independence, democracy, and national pride, and it’s considered one of the most uniquely civilian-led national holidays in the world. Many countries celebrate their independence day or national holiday with military parades, fireworks, or political speeches. Norway does things differently.
Here, the focus is on children’s parades, community celebrations, traditional dress, and spending time with friends and family. It’s a non-militaristic, inclusive celebration that highlights Norway’s peaceful values and civic spirit.
What happens on 17. mai in Norway?
Celebrations vary slightly by city and region, but here’s what most people experience on 17 May:
Children’s parades (Barnetoget)
The biggest tradition is the children’s parades, held in towns and cities across the country. These parades usually involve local schools, marching bands, scout groups, and flag bearers. In Oslo, the main parade starts at Karl Johans gate and passes by the Royal Palace, where the royal family stands on the balcony to wave to the public.
This isn’t a performance with floats or spectacle—just a joyful, proud procession of kids waving Norwegian flags, singing songs, and celebrating their country.
Don’t forget to look out for the russ, the students soon graduating from high school, wearing red (or sometimes blue) jumpsuits!
To find information about local parades, most municipalities publish programs in advance on their official websites.
Bunads and formal dress
Many people wear their bunad, Norway’s traditional folk costume, which varies by region and can be quite elaborate. Others dress up in suits or nice dresses. It’s one of the most formal days of the year in Norway—and a great excuse to wear something special, even if you’re just watching the parade.
Flags, music, and talking to strangers
Expect to see a sea of Norwegian flags throughout the day, often accompanied by live brass bands and traditional songs. Many apartment buildings hang flags from their balconies, and kids carry hand-held flags in the parade.
The 17th of May is also one of the rare days when strangers will strike up conversation, smile at you on the street, and truly share a collective feeling of celebration. If you’ve recently moved to Norway, it’s a great way to feel more connected to the culture, even just by observing or joining in with friends.
Champagne breakfast and other food traditions
There’s no official Constitution Day meal, but many people often meet up with family and/or friends for a ‘champagne breakfast’ which often starts early in day before the parades and other festivities. A typical breakfast feast includes smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, pålegg, and sparkling wine.
Syttende Mai is also known for ice cream, hot dogs, and cake—especially bløtkake, a layered cream cake with strawberries.
Community activities
In smaller towns and neighborhoods, you might find games for children and adults alike (like sack races), community speeches, choir performances, or historical reenactments. In Oslo, expect bigger crowds and more formal programming, including a televised flag-raising ceremony in the morning and speeches by public officials.
What is Oslo like on the 17th of May?
Oslo is one of the best places to experience the 17th of May in Norway, if you don’t already have a personal invitation to someone’s home for brunch or a specific event!
The main children’s parade begins around 10:00am and travels from Oslo Cathedral to the Royal Palace. Expect crowds, lots of flag-waving, and a generally upbeat, festive mood. The palace balcony appearance by the royal family is one of the day’s highlights and is broadcast live on TV.
Later in the day, Norwegians gather in parks, homes, and restaurants. Many restaurants offer special 17. mai menus, but it’s also common to see people bringing picnic blankets and champagne to green spaces like Frogner Park or Slottsparken. (Note that drinking in public and public intoxication are not legal in Norway, though on some occasions it’s more accepted if you’re not causing a public nuisance.)
Public transport runs on a holiday schedule on the 17th of May in Norway, but extra service is usually added in big cities like Oslo to help manage crowds. Be sure to plan ahead if you’re moving around the city!
Oslo comes to life
Every year, the royal family greets people from their balcony, which is broadcast live from Oslo around the country. The parades in Oslo head down Karl Johans Gate toward the royal palace.
Tips for celebrating 17th of May as a newcomer
Don’t worry if you don’t own a bunad, most people wear nice clothes; you’ll blend in just fine!
Bring a small Norwegian flag if you’re attending a parade or heading out for a walk in the streets. They’re easy to find in shops leading up to the holiday.
Join a brunch if you’re invited, or host your own with friends or fellow internationals.
Dress for the weather, which can be unpredictable in May (i't’s a good idea to have layers, even if the sun is shining in the morning).
Watch the local parade in your area, or head to central Oslo early if you want a good view of the royal balcony.
Whether you spend the day at a local parade, enjoying brunch with friends, or simply people-watching in a park, 17. mai can easily be the most joyful day of the year in Norway (assuming that there’s nice weather and everyone goes outside!).
And if this is your first year celebrating Syttende Mai, we hope you have fun, jump in, and experience it for yourself.
