17th of May – The official programme in Oslo
See the official 17 May programme for the city of Oslo. Time and place for memorial services, children's parade, concerts and dance performances.
Why and how we celebrate 17 May?
17 May is the Norwegian Constitution Day and an official public holiday. Most shops and offices are closed, except for cafés and restaurants.
On Constitution Day we commemorate the signing of the constitution on the 17th of May 1814.
The official programme in Oslo includes memorial services, a salute, a concert and the children's parade.
The most important part of the celebration is the children's parade in Oslo city centre. The parade in Oslo includes over 120 schools led by brass bands. The parade attracts a large crowd and most of the city center will be closed for traffic. We advise everyone to travel by foot or public transport.
Read more about 17 May - the Norwegian Constitution day.
The children's parade
The children's parade starts at 10:00 from the main gate of Akershus Fortress, and ends at Rådhusplassen around 13:30.
Only children are allowed to join the parade, and participation must be administered by their school, but visitors are more than welcome to join the celebration and watch the parade.
You can get a ticket to watch the parade at the square in front of the Royal Palace. The tickets are free, but limited. Get tickets here (information in Norwegian). You do not need a ticket to watch the parade from other places in the city centre.
See the order of the Children’s Parade (in Norwegian)
Salute
- 12:00: Akershus Festning, salute and ringing of the Liberty Bell.
The 17 May Committee concert
- 15:30: Free entry to the concert at Karpedammen Scene, Akershus festning.
Music, theatre and song by young talents from Oslo performing with Oslo Symfoniorkester and a guest artist.
More information about the 17 May Committee Concert (in Norwegian).
Memorial services
The memorial services is carried out with speeches, music and wreath-laying. The speeches are held in Norwegian.
Torshovparken
- 08:00: In front of the bust of Fernanda Nissen
Slottsparken
- 08:00: In front of the statue of Camilla Collett
Vår Frelsers gravlund
08:00–09.20:
- Ole Vigs grave
- Henrik Wergelands grave
- Bjørnstjerne Bjørnsons grave
- Henrik Ibsens grave
- Viggo Hansteen og Rolf Wickstrøms joint grave
- Anna Rogstads grave
- Johan Sverdrups grave
- Ivar Aasen monument
- Johan Gottfried Conradis grave
Gamlebyen gravlund
- 08:30: Christian Magnus Falsens grave
Stensparken
- 08:30: Sigrid Undset's sculpture
Norsk Maritimt Museum – Bygdøy
- 08:30: Seafarers at War Monument