Norwegian Independence Day

Norwegian Independence Day History

Norwegian Independence Day, also popularly known as Constitution Day or National Day, commemorates the historic signing of the Norwegian constitution at Eidsvoll on May 17, 1814, a crucial step toward Norway achieving full independence from Sweden in 1905.

The Norwegian Constitution, which established Norway as a free state, was the most liberal and democratic constitution in the world at that time. It was heavily influenced by the American Constitution and the French Revolution, signaling a shift towards democratic ideals in Europe. Norwegian Independence Day hence exemplifies not just national pride, but also the underlying values of democracy and freedom.

The day is notably marked with children's parades, lively family games, traditional outfits called 'bunads,' speeches, and an abundance of flags. Unlike many countries, military parades are rare on this day; rather the focus is on peaceful celebrations and unity. The hustle and bustle of the day end with people gathering to enjoy traditional Norwegian foods and ice cream. The grandeur and spirit of this occasion in Norway are unparalleled, and the spectacle it offers makes it a remarkable celebration to witness. Norwegian Independence Day occurs every spring, falling on the 17th of May.

Top 9 Facts for Norwegian Independence Day in 2026

• The Norwegian constitution was signed at Eidsvoll on May 17, 1814, establishing Norway as an independent kingdom and creating what remains the second-oldest written constitution still in use by a sitting government today.
• Unlike most national holidays that feature displays of military power, Syttende Mai is celebrated with massive processions of school children known as the barnetog, who march through city centers waving flags and singing patriotic songs.
• Many participants wear a bunad, which is a traditional handcrafted folk costume with regional designs and embroidery that can cost thousands of dollars and often serves as a primary indicator of a person's ancestral roots.
• High school seniors known as russ celebrate the culmination of their thirteen years of schooling by wearing distinctive red or blue jumpsuits and handing out russekort, which are satirical personal calling cards that are highly coveted by younger children.
• In the capital city of Oslo, the royal family spends several hours on the balcony of the Royal Palace waving to nearly 100,000 children as they march up Karl Johans gate.
• It is an unofficial national tradition that children are allowed to eat as many hot dogs and as much ice cream as they desire, leading to record-breaking sales of these items across the country every year.
• The city of Bergen maintains a unique 19th-century tradition of neighborhood-based youth drum brigades called buekorps, whose members march in uniform and carry mock weapons like crossbows while performing intricate rhythmic drills.
• The national anthem, Ja, vi elsker dette landet, was written by the Nobel Prize-winning author Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson, who is also credited with organizing the first official children's parade to shift the focus of the holiday toward the nation's future.
• Many Norwegians begin the day with a communal 17. mai-frokost, a lavish champagne breakfast that typically includes smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, and rømmegrøt, a rich sour cream porridge.

In the News and Trending for Norwegian Independence Day

Top things to do for Norwegian Independence Day

• Attend the Seattle May 17th Festival (Syttende Mai). As of 2018, there's a parade, music and dancing, a luncheon, events for kids and free admission to the Nordic Heritage Museum.
• Watch a Norwegian film. The Norwegian Film Institute lists recent Norwegian award-winning films here.
• Go skiing. Norwegian Sondre Norheim is known as the father of modern skiing. Ski is a Norwegian word related to Old Norse skíth ("billet, snowshoe").