The massive children's parade and an abundance of flags are the central elements of Oslo's 17th of May celebrations. The parade, which is greeted by the royal family from the balcony of the Royal Palace, includes some 60,000 children from around 100 schools as well as marching bands.

Some 100,000 people, many dressed up in national costumes in honour of the day, travel to the city centre to participate in the main festivities.

Parade route
The children's parade starts at Festningsplassen and Youngstorget, enters the main street Karl Johans gate at Stortorvet by Oslo Cathedral, passes the Parliament and the Royal Palace and ends up at the City Hall square. Best view: along Karl Johans gate and in front of the Royal Palace.

17th of May - Norway's National Day
Norway's Constitution, declaring the country to be an independent nation, was signed at Eidsvoll on 17 May, 1814. Despite independence not being fully achieved until 1905, this date remains Norway's National Day, and is a national holiday.