Constitution Day, 17 May in Oslo
Experience Oslo on this most festive of days: 17 May, Norway's Constitution Day! The streets will be filled by parades, people in traditional costume and an all-around merry atmosphere!
We are currently working on updating the information for 2026.
Our constitution, declaring Norway an independent nation, was signed on 17 May, 1814. Despite independence not being fully achieved until 1905, this date remains Norway's National Day, and is a national holiday.
The highlight of the day is the big children's parade, and Norwegian flags and national costumes dominate the streets. The parade inn Oslo includes some 60,000 children as well as marching bands.
You may also read about the 17 May celebration on Oslo Municipality's website.
Highlights from the official program
If you want to experience the Children's Parade up close, get free tickets to the seated area in the square in front of the Royal Palace here, or drop in for standing spot. For the standing spots, it is first come, first served! Please note that some entrances close at 10am. This means that you will not be able to access them later than 10am, nor leave them before the end of the parade.
Open museums and attractions
Some advice for use of public transportation om 17 May in Oslo.
- Expect delays and plan accordingly
- Trams, buses, boats and metro lines are following their Saturday schedule on 17 May
- Parts of the city centre will not be serviced by trams or buses. Use Ruter's journey planner either on Ruter's website or in the Ruter app.
- Purchase your tickets in advance
- Every adult with a ticket may bring up to four children between the ages of 6 and 18 years old on this day. Children under 6 always travel for free.
- Nationaltheatret metro station and the surrounding area will be particularly crowded on 17 May. It is recommended not to use this metro station, but rather travel to Jernbanetorget or Stortinget. Do not set Nationaltheatret as your meet-up spot, choose another, less crowded location.
Celebration on the fjord
What's on?
There are many family events as well as concerts and club nights on 17 May. You can find them in our event calendar.
Remember that 17 May is a public holiday in Norway. Shops and offices are closed. The Oslo Visitor Centre is open from 10am to 2pm.
Where you can celebrate
The list is continually updated. You'll find more detailed information about booking on each restaurant's or bar's website. We cannot provide information about which places are already fully booked, nor can we provide information about which places are open to drop-in.