Why is everything closed? Where is everybody? For many of us, planning a trip is about avoiding big surprises. A public holiday you weren’t aware of, can certainly be one of them. Here’s everything you need to know about holidays and important dates in Norway.
Norwegians are serious about their leisure time. We’re also a fairly traditional bunch. This affects when we work, what we eat, where we are – and probably you as a visitor. But don’t get us wrong, this isn’t a list of dates to avoid. Some of our holidays are even worth a visit by themselves!
Public holidays in 2024:
1 January 2024: New Years Day
24 March 2024: Palm Sunday
28 March 2024: Maundy Thursday
29 March 2024: Good Friday
31 March 2024: Easter Sunday
1 April 2024: Easter Monday
1 May 2024: International Workers Day
9 May 2024: Ascention Day
17 May 2024: National Constitution Day
19 May 2024: Whit Sunday
20 May 2024: Whit Monday
24 December 2024: Christmas Eve (shops close early)
25 December 2024: Christmas Day
26 December 2024: Boxing Day
Tell me more about these public holidays
So what do these Norwegians actually do whenever there’s a public holiday? Well, that depends on the holiday (we like our traditions, remember?). Norwegians are very fond of their cabins, and Easter is an especially good time to go skiing in the mountains. Weather is getting warmer, but the snow isn’t gone yet.
Stores are closed Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, and some restaurants and attractions can also be closed for some of these public holidays, so check opening hours.
A complete list of opening times during Easter in Bergen here!
Like most places where Christmas is celebrated, Christmas time is family time. That means most stores and businesses are going to be closed. In Norway they are typically closed from noon and out Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, and all day Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
An overview of Christmas in Bergen here!
Note: Most stores being closed usually doesn’t mean all. For example, it rarely extends to gas stations, where you can buy (pricey!) essentials if you’re in need.
The public holiday worth experiencing
The most obvious mention is May 17th – the Norwegian Constitution Day. This celebration is something truly unique, and well worth scheduling your trip around. Tens of thousands of red, white and blue flags, hundreds of thousands of people out in the streets – in every nook and cranny of our country. Children’s parades, marching bands, russ, all dressed up in uniforms, suits and our national costumes - bunad.
17th May celebrations from Bergen. Photo: Visit Bergen / visitBergen.com - Robin Strand
Note: Planning a trip to Norway in May? Great pick! Just know that most businesses and stores are closed on May 17th. Same goes for May 1st (Labour day). Whit Sunday and Whit Monday are also public holidays that sometimes fall in May, so check your calendar!
School’s out for summer, autumn and winter
In addition to Easter and Christmas, and the typical Norwegian summer vacation from late June to mid-August, schools have winter and autumn breaks. These last for a week, but the exact dates vary from county to county. Winter breaks are around February/March and autumn breaks are around September/October.
Wait, does that mean stores are closed?
No, not at all! But parents of school-aged children usually take a week off during this time, so urban areas tend to get a bit more lively. Events and happenings are often scheduled for these breaks for that specific reason. So if you’re looking for an off-season vacation with the added bonus of more company, put that in your itinerary!
A last good tip - roads can be closed
During winter time, roads crossing the mountains can be closed, either closed for the season or due to severe weather conditions. Don’t make the mistake of renting a car for a perfectly planned road trip, only to find that the scenic mountain route is closed.
Take note: Winter can be as late as May, sometimes even June, and as early as October.
You can check out this map from Statens Vegvesen to find out if that winter road you were planning on taking is closed for the season. Always check this map, or ask a local, before crossing the mountains during winter. There are usually options that are open,but it will save you a lot of time to know before you start driving.
Want to know more about what to expect in Norway and where to visit? Check out these top 3 places to visit in Norway.
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
