Norway (NO)
Norway is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy in Northern Europe — one of the three Scandinavian nations, occupying the western and northern portions of the Scandinavian Peninsula.
Capital: Oslo
Region: Europe
Language: Norwegian Bokmål
Currency: NOK (kr)
Cost of living: Very expensive (index 88)
Emergency: 112
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Public Holidays 2026
12 holidays in Norway. Some may vary by region.
January 2026
Thu 1
New Year's Day Public Holiday
Første nyttårsdag
Public holiday. Celebrated with fireworks on New Year's Eve (nyttårsaften) — Oslo hosts impressive fireworks over the Oslo Fjord. Most shops and businesses are closed.
April 2026
Thu 2
Maundy Thursday Public Holiday
Skjærtorsdag
The Thursday before Easter. Public holiday in Norway. Many Norwegians travel to their hytte (cabin) for the Easter long weekend (påskeferie) — this is one of Norway's most important holiday traditions.
Fri 3
Good Friday Public Holiday
Langfredag
Good Friday — public holiday. Norway's Easter holiday (påskeferie) begins in earnest. Most Norwegians are at mountain or coastal cabins. Ski resorts are at their busiest. Shops closed.
Sun 5
Easter Sunday Public Holiday
1. påskedag
Easter Sunday — public holiday. Central to Norwegian Easter celebrations along with the surrounding days. Påske (Easter) is the most popular holiday period for Norwegians — traditionally spent in the mountains skiing or in a hytte.
Mon 6
Easter Monday Public Holiday
2. påskedag
Easter Monday — public holiday. The end of the traditional Norwegian Easter holiday. Return journey from mountain cabins begins.
May 2026
Fri 1
Labour Day Public Holiday
Arbeidernes dag / 1. mai
International Workers' Day. Public holiday in Norway. Political marches and demonstrations by trade unions (LO and others) take place in all cities. Oslo holds a large parade. A politically significant day in Norway's social-democratic tradition.
Sun 17
Constitution Day Public Holiday
Syttende mai / Grunnlovsdagen
Norway's National Day — the most important public holiday. Commemorates the signing of the Norwegian Constitution on 17 May 1814. Children's parades (barnetog) march through every town wearing bunads (traditional folk dress). Oslo's parade passes the Royal Palace where the Royal Family waves from the balcony. Festivities include bands, hot dogs, ice cream, and enormous national pride. NOTE: 17 May in 2026 is a Sunday — check if additional day off applies in your workplace/collective agreement.
Thu 14
Ascension Day Public Holiday
Kristi himmelfartsdag
Ascension Thursday — 39 days after Easter. Public holiday. Often creates a long weekend if the following Friday is taken off (klemmefri). Many Norwegians use this for a short trip.
Sun 24
Whit Sunday (Pentecost) Public Holiday
1. pinsedag
Whit Sunday — 49 days after Easter. Public holiday.
Mon 25
Whit Monday Public Holiday
2. pinsedag
Whit Monday — public holiday. Creates a Whitsun long weekend. Spring is typically at its most beautiful in Norway at this time.
December 2026
Fri 25
Christmas Day Public Holiday
1. juledag
Christmas Day — public holiday. As in Scandinavia generally, the main Christmas celebration is Christmas Eve (julaften, 24 December) — when families gather for the traditional Norwegian Christmas dinner (typically pinnekjøtt, ribbe, or lutefisk depending on region), dance around the Christmas tree, and open gifts. Julenisse (Father Christmas) visits families on the 24th.
Sat 26
Second Christmas Day Public Holiday
2. juledag
Second Christmas Day — public holiday (equivalent of Boxing Day). Often used for visiting extended family, outdoor walks, and recovering from Christmas Eve celebrations.
Note: Some holidays in Norway apply only to specific regions or states. Check local regulations for your area.