Disclaimer: Public holiday information is based on Norwegian government guidance. Always refer to official sources for updates.

Norway’s public holidays, known as helligdager (public holidays) and røde dager (red days), reflect the country’s long-standing traditions, deep seasonal rhythms and national celebrations. These days shape how Norwegians travel, gather and enjoy the outdoors, and they influence what visitors can expect during different times of the year. Understanding Norway’s public holidays in 2026 helps travelers plan around closures, crowds and some of the most memorable cultural experiences the country has to offer.

Norway Public Holidays 2026

Below is the official list of Norway’s national public holidays in 2026, sorted by date for easy planning.

These are the official røde dager that influence opening hours, travel patterns and cultural celebrations throughout the year.

How Public Holidays Shape Travel in Norway

During røde dager, Norway often slows down. Shops reduce opening hours, public transport shifts to holiday schedules and many Norwegians head outdoors or return to their hometowns. Easter brings one of the country’s largest travel movements, with mountain cabins filling up for skiing and long spring days. Constitution Day floods cities with parades and music, while Christmas introduces calm, candlelit streets and the warm traditions of julaften (Christmas Eve).

For visitors, these changes in rhythm can be part of the experience, offering insight into Norwegian culture and seasonal life.

Constitution Day: Norway’s Biggest Celebration

17 May, known as grunnlovsdagen (Constitution Day), is Norway’s most important national celebration. Cities fill with children’s parades, brass bands and flags. Many Norwegians wear the bunad, a traditional embroidered costume that varies by region. The atmosphere is joyful and welcoming, with gatherings in parks, family meals and long lively mornings. For travelers, experiencing 17 May offers an unforgettable window into Norwegian pride and community spirit.

Easter in Norway

Easter, or påske, is not just a long weekend but an entire cultural season. Many Norwegians travel to ski cabins for the final weeks of snow, enjoy long days outdoors and relax with traditional food and warm gatherings. A unique tradition, påskekrim, has people reading crime novels during the holiday. Because many shops close from Maundy Thursday through Easter Monday, visitors should plan ahead, especially in smaller towns.

Sankthansaften: Norway’s Midsummer

On 23 June, Norwegians celebrate sankthansaften (Midsummer Eve) with coastal bonfires, picnics and long hours of daylight. While it is not a public holiday, it marks an important seasonal moment when communities gather outdoors. Travelers visiting northern regions may experience the midnight sun, with sunlight stretching deep into the night, creating a magical atmosphere along fjords and mountain ridges.

Seasonal Travel Guide

Spring

As fjords thaw and waterfalls surge, Norway’s landscapes begin to open. Spring is a refreshing time for city visits and early hikes, with longer daylight returning each week.

Summer

Summer brings warm days, clear fjords and bright evenings. This is the season for hiking, boating and road trips. Midsummer celebrations and the midnight sun create unforgettable travel experiences across northern Norway.

Autumn

Autumn colours the country in gold and red. Crisp air and quieter towns make this an atmospheric time for exploring fjords and rural landscapes. It is also a favourite season for scenic photography.

Winter

Winter offers northern lights, skiing and cosy evenings indoors. Julaften (Christmas Eve) is the main celebration day, followed by romjul, the quiet period between Christmas and New Year when families relax and cities slow down.

Long Weekends in 2026

Long weekends in Norway often signal travel across the country.

• Easter (2 to 6 April)
  A major travel period marked by cabin life, skiing and time spent with family.
• Labour Day (1 to 3 May)
  Early signs of spring make this a popular time for short city breaks.
• Constitution Day weekend (16 to 18 May)
  A festive weekend filled with parades, flags and celebrations.
• Ascension (14 to 17 May)
  Many take the Friday as a bridge day, creating a peaceful long weekend for outdoor travel.
• Whit Weekend (24 to 25 May)
  Early summer brightness encourages coastal trips and hiking excursions.

What’s Open on Public Holidays

• Grocery stores often close during major røde dager
• Shopping centres and liquor stores are typically closed
• Museums and major attractions remain open with reduced hours
• Restaurants operate with holiday schedules
• Public transport runs reliably but with modified timetables

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Expect closures during Easter and Christmas
• Book early for mountain cabins and long-weekend travel
• Digital payments are widely accepted across Norway
• Weather varies significantly between coastal and inland areas

Seamless Connectivity for Exploring Norway

Traveling in Norway often means moving between very different landscapes in a single journey. One moment you are stepping off a ferry onto a quiet fjord-side village, the next you are boarding a train that winds through mountain tunnels toward a brighter stretch of daylight. Reliable connectivity brings ease to these transitions. It helps you check ferry timetables when the weather shifts, follow a hiking route through unfamiliar valleys or book last-minute museum tickets on a slow winter afternoon.

With an Eskimo Norway eSIM, travelers can activate mobile data the moment they arrive, without searching for a physical SIM or adjusting devices along the way. Unused data rolls over on future top ups, and data can be shared with family or friends traveling with you. New users can try 500 MB of free global data, offering a simple, risk free way to feel how the connection fits into their trip.

For those exploring beyond Norway, Europe plans make it easy to move across borders without reinstalling anything. And if your journey continues even farther, Global plans offer the same seamless experience across multiple regions. It keeps the focus on the places you are discovering, not the logistics behind staying connected.

FAQs

Is 17 May a public holiday?

Yes, Constitution Day is a national public holiday and the biggest celebration of the year.

Is sankthansaften a public holiday?

No, but it is widely celebrated with bonfires and gatherings along the coast.

Do shops close on røde dager?

Many shops close, especially grocery stores, though museums and restaurants are more likely to remain open.

When is the best time to visit Norway?

Summer for hiking and fjord trips, winter for northern lights and skiing, and spring or autumn for mild weather and quieter travel.

What is romjul?

Romjul refers to the days between Christmas and New Year, a peaceful period when Norwegians relax with family.