Flag raising and wreath-laying at Akershus
Ceremonial flag hoisting and laying wreaths at the fortress; watch soldiers and officials in procession
~8:00
Norwegian Constitution Day (Oslo Children’s Parade ‘Barnetoget’)
17. mai (Nasjonaldagen)
Oslo, Norway
May 17, 2026ExpectedSource
Each May 17, the streets of Oslo fill with thousands of schoolchildren in traditional bunad for the barnetoget, the great children's parade that is the heart of Norway's national day. Waving flags, they march from the old fortress past the Royal Palace, where the royal family greets them, in a joyful celebration of the 1814 constitution.
Key moments
Children's Parade
Spectators line the streets waving flags; children in bunads march by with bands. (Free street viewing; reserved seating in front of the palace requires ticket.)
~10:00
Salute at Akershus Festning
Listen to the salute from fortress grounds; part of official ceremony
~12:00
Where it happens
Akershus festning (hovedport)
Oslo, Norway
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Plan the timing
Norwegian folk costume (bunad)
Read the local rhythm
Thank-you greeting 'Gratulerer med dagen'
Respect local boundaries
Line up respectfully, stand to one side, do not obstruct marching routes. Show respect to s...
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowd level: high.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Reviewed mediaMAJOR COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Norwegian Constitution Day (Oslo Children’s Parade ‘Barnetoget’)
17. mai (Nasjonaldagen)
Oslo, Norway
Each May 17, the streets of Oslo fill with thousands of schoolchildren in traditional bunad for the barnetoget, the great children's parade that is the heart of Norway's national day. Waving flags, they march from the old fortress past the Royal Palace, where the royal family greets them, in a joyful celebration of the 1814 constitution.
AnchorCultural anchor
May 17, 2026Expected dates
Verified this year
Saved locally on this device. A free account keeps your shortlist across devices.
The story behind it
This holiday commemorates the signing of Norway’s constitution in 1814 after centuries under Danish rule. It symbolizes national identity and independence (especially reinforced after the union with Sweden ended in 1905). The 19th/20th-century rise of national romanticism and especially resistance to Nazi occupation (1940–45) further cemented 17 May as a core expression of Norwegian culture.
Key moments to know
~8:00Expected
Flag raising and wreath-laying at Akershus
Ceremonial flag hoisting and laying wreaths at the fortress; watch soldiers and officials in procession
~10:00Expected
Children's Parade
Spectators line the streets waving flags; children in bunads march by with bands. (Free street viewing; reserved seating in front of the palace requires ticket.)
~12:00Expected
Salute at Akershus Festning
Listen to the salute from fortress grounds; part of official ceremony
~13:00Expected
Royal Anthem at Slottsplassen
At the palace square, hear the guard band and people joining in 'Gud signe vårt dyre fedreland'
~15:30Expected
Festkonsert at Akershus Festning
Outdoor music concert; local talents and orchestra play national songs (free admission)
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Plan the timing
Norwegian folk costume (bunad)
Read the local rhythm
Thank-you greeting 'Gratulerer med dagen'
Respect local boundaries
Line up respectfully, stand to one side, do not obstruct marching routes. Show respect to symbols (stand when a...
Essentials at a glance
Date window
May 17, 2026
Provisional
City / Area
Oslo
Eastern Norway
Cost
Free public events available
Good for
Families welcome
Very High visitor welcome
If you go, go with confidence.
Save this celebration to keep the date correct, get planning guidance, follow key moment updates, and build your trip around what matters.
Plan with confidence
Get your Attendance Blueprint
Travel solo with ease
Find tips and support that make it simple
Stay date-correct
We'll watch the date so you don't have to