Norway’s National Day! Celebrate May 17th at the Edge of Norway

A day of tradition and joy

May 17th is Norway’s Constitution Day – a national holiday that marks the signing of the Norwegian Constitution in 1814. Across the country, it’s celebrated with flags, music, parades, and a strong sense of community.

In Stavanger, celebrations begin early with cannon salutes from Valbergtårnet and flag-raising ceremonies at various locations throughout the city. Streets are decorated with flags, and the city centre quickly fills with cheerful crowds ready to take part in the day’s events.

Parades that bring the city to life

Parades are at the heart of May 17th traditions. The festivities kick off with the children’s parade, where schoolchildren march with banners and flags, accompanied by marching bands and crowds cheering from the side.

In the afternoon, you can watch the “folketog” (people's parade), where local organisations, sports clubs, choirs, and cultural groups walk together with banners, posters and gimmicks to show what they are all about in innovative and creative ways.

Enjoy the atmosphere from Vågen and Fargegaten

Vågen in Stavanger is one of the most popular places to gather on May 17th. The harbourfront restaurants and cafes buzz with activity, and many offer outdoor seating. If the sun is shining, the area fills up fast – locals often book tables well in advance to enjoy a festive lunch or dinner while watching the parades pass by.

If you’re wandering through central Stavanger on May 17th, don’t miss Fargegaten – the city’s most colourful street. With its rainbow-painted buildings, quirky cafés and festive atmosphere, it’s a popular spot for snapping photos, grabbing a coffee, or simply soaking up the day. On this day, it's especially lively, with people spilling into the street to celebrate in style.

Celebrations across the region

The whole region joins in on the celebrations. In Sandnes, Sola, Egersund, Bryne and others, the day is marked with their own children’s parades, speeches, and festivities. Flags line the streets, and local centres become gathering spots for families and friends.

“How many ice creams have you had today?”

Ice cream is practically a requirement on Norway's national day. It's one of the few days when eating multiple cones isn't just accepted – it’s expected. To many, the day simply isn’t complete without at least one ice cream.

Another essential May 17th snack is the classic hot dog. It might seem simple for such a grand celebration, but somehow, it’s just right. As you move through the festive crowds, you’ll hear joyful shouts of “Gratulerer med dagen!” (Congratulations on the day), “Hipp hipp hurra!”, and “How many ice creams have you had today?”

Start the day off with a sparkling breakfast

The day often begins with a festive breakfast shared with family or friends. A traditional 17 May breakfast includes fresh bread, scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, cold cuts, cheeses, fruit, and something sparkling to drink, whether it’s champagne or mineral water. It’s a cheerful and social way to start the day before heading out for parades and celebrations.

The beauty of the bunad

The bunad is a traditional Norwegian costume, and many people wear them on May 17th. Each bunad is tied to a specific region and features unique embroidery, colours, and silver jewellery that reflect local heritage. Wearing a bunad on Constitution Day is a way of showing your roots, and you’ll see people of all ages dressed in these beautiful, handcrafted outfits.

Spot the "russ" and catch a "russekort"

If you see groups of young people wearing bright red or blue overalls covered in writing, patches, and quirky accessories – those are the "russ. These graduating students are celebrating the end of 13 years of school, and on May 17th, they join the party in full force. One of their traditions is handing out personalised russekort – playful cards featuring jokes or silly facts. Don’t hesitate to ask for one!

Ready to celebrate?

Whether you're watching the schoolchildren walk through town, grabbing a hot dog or ice cream by the harbour, or just enjoying the atmosphere, May 17th is all about coming together. Join the festivities at the Edge of Norway!