🎉 Your Guide to Bergen’s 17 May Parades – A Day Full of Celebration! 🇳🇴

🎉 Your Guide to Bergen’s 17 May Parades – A Day Full of Celebration! 🇳🇴

Bergen truly comes alive on Norway’s National Day – and there’s something magical about watching the city light up with smiles, flags, music, and marching feet. Whether you’re an early riser, a proud parent, or just love a good torchlight procession, there’s a place for everyone in this year’s 17 May celebrations. Here's what you need to know!

🌄 Morning Procession – A Bright & Early Tradition

Starts at 7:00 AM from Dreggen (Mariakirken)

We kick things off at sunrise with the traditional Morning Procession.

Gather at St. Mary’s Church (Mariakirken) at 7:00 AM, where we’ll start the day with the national anthem “Ja, vi elsker”, a 21-gun salute, and our beloved Bergen city song “Udsigter fra Ulriken.”

This procession, led proudly by the Norwegian flag, winds through the city with marching bands, cheers for sailors and historic figures, and ends at Festplassen with uplifting speeches. It's a beautiful way to welcome the day – and everyone’s invited to join!

🚩 Flag Procession – For Schools, Scouts & More!

Starts at 10:40 AM from Festplassen

Next up is the colorful Flag Procession, featuring school groups, boys’ drill corps, scouts, and the festive “russ” (our graduating upper secondary students). Each group gathers at their school and marches to Festplassen, before continuing through the city and passing the Main Procession.

The route ends at Koengen, where a large, safe children's area lets parents enjoy the rest of the festivities while their little ones are looked after. It keeps everything moving smoothly and makes for a neater, more enjoyable experience for all.

🎖 Pro tip: The most creative and spirited groups can win a plaque! Check the official guidelines to see what the jury is looking for – winners will be notified by phone and honored at 11:00 PM at the Viking Ship, right before the grand fireworks finale!

🎭 Main Procession – The Heart of 17 May

Starts at 10:15 AM from Koengen

The Main Procession is Bergen’s big event of the day – a vibrant display of the city’s diversity, energy, and community pride. Groups representing everything from sports teams and cultural clubs to government offices and humanitarian organizations take part.

All participants should meet at Koengen and follow their assigned starting routes. Wearing uniforms or themed costumes (sports kits, dance costumes, etc.) is strongly encouraged – it adds so much color and character to the day!

The procession ends at Festplassen, where inspiring speeches will be held by the Viking Ship.

Line-up Includes:

• Firefighters, City Council, and Armed Forces

• Trade, maritime, and industrial groups

• Cultural and youth organizations

• Humanitarian and philosophical societies

• Sports clubs

• Schools and scientific institutions

🔥 Torchlight Procession – A Glowing Finale

Starts at 10:15 PM from Bergenhus Festning

As night falls, we end this unforgettable day with the Torchlight Procession.

Meet at Borggården in Bergenhus Fortress at 10:15 PM to light your torches. The glowing parade begins at 10:30 PM and makes its way to Festplassen, arriving just in time for the 11:00 PM fireworks.

It’s a magical sight – flickering torches, music in the air, and the city aglow in celebration. Don’t miss it!

🎆 Whether you're marching, cheering from the sidelines, or lighting up the night – Bergen’s 17 May celebrations have something for everyone. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 🇳🇴❤️

Billy