The Norwegian flag is hoisted from public buildings and private homes several times every year. Here's what you need to know about Norway's flag days, updated for 2025.
In some parts of Norway, you may see the Norwegian flag flying proudly from buildings. But unlike in some countries, it's not typically something that's done everyday.
The most flags you'll see without doubt will be on 17th May, the Norwegian Constitution Day. But there are other days when government buildings and private civilians fly the flag. These are Norway's designated flag days.
Most Norwegian buildings have brackets built on to balconies designed to hold flagpoles. Sometimes you'll see people flying football flags, especially Liverpool, Manchester United or a local Norwegian football team on matchdays.
Otherwise, they are usually used to fly the national flag. This is often done when Norway is competing at international sporting events, and also on designated flag days.
What is a flag day?
Not to be confused with Norway's public holidays, flag days are typically declared on the birthdays of a member of Norway's Royal House, on some religious-based holidays and on anniversaries of some historical events.
The flag flying days may sound arbitrary, but they are actually laid out as part of a Royal Resolution in 2004, that modified the regulations concerning the use of the state flag.
Flag days apply to all branches of government and state agencies. Civilians are also encouraged to display the national flag on these days, although participation in this practice varies.
So if you're new to Norway and you're wondering why your neighbours are flying the national flag, you might find the answer below.
The dates of Norway's flag days
The following dates are Norway's designated flag days. Some flag days are fixed, such as historical anniversaries and royal birthdays, while others vary each year, particularly religious holidays and election days.
Fixed flag days
1 January: New Year's Day. The start of the new year is celebrated across Norway, and it's an official flag day.
21 January: Birthday of Princess Ingrid Alexandra. The daughter of Crown Prince Haakon and second in line to the throne will one day become Queen of Norway.
6 February: Day of the Sami People. On this day, both the Norwegian flag and the Sami flag are encouraged to be flown. The day commemorates the first Sami congress held in 1917 and celebrates Sami culture across the region.
21 February: The birthday of King Harald V. Norwegians fly the flag to honour their reigning monarch, who has been King of Norway since 1991.
1 May: Labour Day, a public holiday dedicated to workers’ rights and social progress, is often marked by parades and demonstrations.
8 May: While not a public holiday, Liberation Day marks the end of the German occupation of Norway at the end of World War II.
17 May: The most important flag day of the year, 17th May celebrates Norway’s independence with parades, traditional dress (bunads), and nationwide festivities. It is virtually impossible to walk through a Norwegian town without seeing flags everywhere on this day!
7 June: Union Dissolution Day. Although not a public holiday, this day commemorates Norway’s independence from Sweden in 1905, marking the end of nearly a century of union between the two nations.
4 July: The birthday of Queen Sonja. The wife of King Harald V, was born in 1937.
20 July: The birthday of Crown Prince Haakon, who will be the next King of Norway.
29 July: This day honours St. Olav, the medieval King of Norway and the country’s patron saint. It is particularly significant in Trondheim, where the St. Olav’s Festival takes place around this date at Nidaros Cathedral, the site of his burial.
19 August: The birthday of Crown Princess Mette-Marit. Born in 1973, Crown Princess Mette-Marit is the wife of Crown Prince Haakon.
25 December: Christmas Day. A national holiday marking the celebration of Christmas in Norway.
Variable flag days (2025)
In addition to the fixed flag days, certain holidays and events have varying dates each year. The flag is also flown on parliamentary election days. Here are the dates for 2025:
17-21 April: The Easter holiday period includes multiple flag days. Typically, Maundy Thursday (17 April), Good Friday (18 April), and Easter Monday (21 April) are all public holidays and designated flag days. Many Norwegians take an extended vacation during this period, often heading to the mountains for skiing and relaxation.
8 June: Pinse. Pentecost is a significant Christian holiday in Norway, marking the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. The Sunday of Pentecost (first day of pinse) is a designated flag day.
8 September: Parliamentary Election Day (Stortingsvalg). Norwegian parliamentary elections take place every four years, and election day is a designated flag day. The next election is scheduled for 8 September, 2025.
