The big children's parade and an abundance of flags are the central elements of Oslo's 17 May celebrations. The parade, which is greeted by the royal family from the balcony of the Royal Palace, includes thousands of children from around 100 schools as well as marching bands.
Some 100,000 people, many dressed up in national costumes in honour of the day, travel to the city centre to participate in the main festivities.
Parade route
The children's parade starts at Festningsplassen by the Akershus Fortress, enters the main street Karl Johans gate at Stortorvet by Oslo Cathedral, passes the Parliament and the Royal Palace and ends up at the City Hall square. Best view: along Karl Johans gate and in front of the Royal Palace.
See the parade route here.
17 May – Norway's National Day
Norway's Constitution, declaring the country to be an independent nation, was signed at Eidsvoll on 17 May, 1814. Despite independence not being fully achieved until 1905, this date remains Norway's National Day, and is a national holiday.
Last modified: 01/30/2026
Source: VisitOSLO as
