About Norway Constitution Day (Syttende Mai)
Norway's Constitution Day, known simply as Syttende Mai (the Seventeenth of May), is the country's national day, celebrating the signing of the Norwegian Constitution at Eidsvoll on May 17, 1814. The constitution declared Norway an independent kingdom and remains one of the oldest written constitutions still in force. Unusually for a national day, the celebration is entirely civilian and non-military in character. This live countdown shows how many days remain in your timezone.
The heart of the day is the barnetog, the children's parade: schoolchildren march through every town and city waving Norwegian flags, led by marching bands, while crowds line the streets in their finest. Many Norwegians wear the bunad, the traditional regional folk costume. The largest parade winds through Oslo past the Royal Palace, where the royal family waves from the balcony. The day is fuelled by ice cream, hot dogs and cries of "Hipp hipp hurra!".
Syttende Mai is celebrated on May 17 every year, the anniversary of the 1814 constitution. The first children's parade was held in the capital in 1864, and girls were first allowed to join in 1899. When the day passes, this page automatically counts down to next year's celebration — bookmark the live Constitution Day countdown or add it to your own countdown page.
Upcoming dates
| 2027 | Monday, May 17, 2027next |
| 2028 | Wednesday, May 17, 2028 |
| 2029 | Thursday, May 17, 2029 |
| 2030 | Friday, May 17, 2030 |
| 2031 | Saturday, May 17, 2031 |
FAQ
When is Norway's Constitution Day?
It is celebrated on May 17 every year. The countdown above shows the exact days, hours and minutes remaining until Syttende Mai in your timezone.
Why is May 17 important in Norway?
It marks the signing of Norway's constitution at Eidsvoll on May 17, 1814, which declared the country an independent kingdom.
How is Syttende Mai celebrated?
With children's parades (barnetog), marching bands, flags, traditional bunad costumes and family feasting — a joyful, non-military national day.
What do Norwegians wear on Constitution Day?
Many wear the bunad, an embroidered regional folk costume, while children carry small Norwegian flags and people dress in their smartest clothes.