Public Holidays in Norway 2026 – National & Christian Holidays
Norway observes a set of national public holidays, many rooted in Christian tradition (especially Easter and Christmas). Unlike countries with automatic Monday substitution (such as Public Holidays in North Macedonia), Norway generally does not provide a substitute weekday when a public holiday falls on a weekend.
Travel Tip: Popular travel periods include Easter week, Constitution Day (17 May), and summer Pentecost weekends. Travelers often explore places to visit in Norway and book accommodation through best hotels in Norway during these holidays.
Public Holidays in Norway (2026)
| Date | Weekday | Holiday | Remarks / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day (Første nyttårsdag) | National public holiday |
| April 2 | Thursday | Maundy Thursday (Skjærtorsdag) | Easter-related holiday |
| April 3 | Friday | Good Friday (Langfredag) | Christian observance |
| April 5 | Sunday | Easter Sunday (Første påskedag) | Christian observance |
| April 6 | Monday | Easter Monday (Andre påskedag) | National holiday |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day | International Workers’ Day |
| May 17 | Sunday | Constitution Day (Grunnlovsdagen) | National Day (no substitution) |
| May 14 | Thursday | Ascension Day (Kristi himmelfartsdag) | 39 days after Easter |
| May 24 | Sunday | Whit Sunday / Pentecost | Christian observance |
| May 25 | Monday | Whit Monday | National public holiday |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Christian holiday |
| December 26 | Saturday | Second Day of Christmas | Also called Boxing Day |
Public Holidays in Norway (2025)
| Date | Weekday | Holiday | Remarks / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day | National holiday |
| April 17 | Thursday | Maundy Thursday | Pre-Easter holiday |
| April 18 | Friday | Good Friday | Christian observance |
| April 20 | Sunday | Easter Sunday | Christian observance |
| April 21 | Monday | Easter Monday | National holiday |
| May 1 | Thursday | Labour Day | Workers’ Day |
| May 17 | Saturday | Constitution Day | National Day (no substitution) |
| May 29 | Thursday | Ascension Day | Christian holiday |
| June 8 | Sunday | Whit Sunday | Pentecost |
| June 9 | Monday | Whit Monday | National holiday |
| December 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day | Christian holiday |
| December 26 | Friday | Second Day of Christmas | Boxing Day |
Observance & Notes
- Norway does not provide weekday substitution if a public holiday falls on Saturday or Sunday.
- Maundy Thursday, Easter Monday, and Whit Monday are full statutory public holidays.
- Constitution Day (17 May) is Norway’s most important civic holiday, marked by nationwide children’s parades.
- Christmas Eve (24 December) and New Year’s Eve (31 December) often have reduced working hours but are not statutory holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Norway have in 2026?
Norway observes 11 national public holidays in 2026.
Does Norway move holidays if they fall on weekends?
No. Norway does not provide substitute weekdays when public holidays fall on Saturday or Sunday.
Is Maundy Thursday a public holiday?
Yes. Maundy Thursday (Skjærtorsdag) is an official public holiday in Norway.
What makes Constitution Day special?
Constitution Day (17 May) celebrates the signing of Norway’s constitution in 1814 and is marked by parades, flags, and civic celebrations.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Norway are shaped by Christian traditions and national identity. From Easter observances to Constitution Day and Christmas, these holidays define the Norwegian calendar. Because Norway does not apply Monday substitution rules, travelers and workers should plan carefully when holidays fall on weekends.
