Norwegian Constitution Day 2027

Across Norway, the day follows a shared rhythm: bunad (national costume), flags, school breakfasts, parades, ice cream, hot dogs and family gatherings. Thousands of school children march through every Norwegian town and city, led by school bands, waving flags and wearing their best clothes.

Barnetoget — children march through city centres; in Oslo past the Royal Palace.

On 17 May 1814, Norway's founding fathers gathered at Eidsvoll and signed the constitution — one of the most liberal in the world at the time. The date marks the birth of Norway as a modern independent state, even though full independence from Sweden did not come until 1905.

The day quickly became the most important national celebration in Norway. Children's parades — Barnetoget — were established in the 1800s and are now the defining feature of the day. Thousands of school children march through every Norwegian town and city, led by school bands, waving flags and wearing their best clothes.

In Oslo, the parade passes the Royal Palace, where the royal family appears on the balcony to greet the crowds for hours. It is a rare occasion where the celebration belongs entirely to children and ordinary citizens rather than military displays.

Across Norway, the day follows a shared rhythm: bunad (national costume), flags, school breakfasts, parades, ice cream, hot dogs and family gatherings. The celebration is local and personal — every town does it slightly differently, but the spirit is the same everywhere.

• 1814Constitution signed at Eidsvoll
• 1905Independence from Sweden
• YearlyChildren's parades on 17 May

• Celebratednationwide
• CapitalOslo
• Time zoneCET (UTC+1)

• Currency: Norwegian krone
• Language: Norwegian
• Driving: on the right
• Capital: Oslo
• Phone: +47
• Emergency: 112
• Electricity: 230 V, 50 Hz, plugs C/F