Public holidays in Norway are a topic of interest not only to residents, but also to people planning to move there for work. Knowing the Norwegian holiday calendar makes it easier to plan time off, trips back home, or simply rest after intensive weeks at work. In 2026, as in other years, Norway offers several statutory public holidays which—if planned well—can significantly extend your recovery time.
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How Norwegians spend public holidays
Free time in Norway very often means spending time close to nature. Norwegians are happy to travel to the mountains, fjords, or holiday cabins (so-called hytte), or simply go for long walks. Activities such as hiking, fishing, and cycling are also very popular. Even short public holidays in Norway are used actively, regardless of the weather. For many people, it is a great opportunity to take a break from work in peace and quiet, away from the city and noise.
Public holidays in Norway in 2026
In Norway, the public holiday calendar is largely based on Christian tradition. In total, there are 12 statutory public holidays that are observed nationwide. These include both religious holidays and key state events, including Norway’s National Day. An up-to-date list of public holidays allows employees to plan their rest time in advance or combine holidays with annual leave, which is a common practice in Norway.
- January 1 (Thursday) – New Year’s Day (Nyttår)
- April 2 (Thursday) – Maundy Thursday (Skjærtorsdag)
- April 3 (Friday) – Good Friday (Langfredag)
- April 5 (Sunday) – Easter Sunday (Påskedag)
- April 6 (Monday) – Easter Monday (Andre påskedag)
- May 1 (Friday) – Labour Day (Første mai)
- May 14 (Thursday) – Ascension Day (Kristi himmelfartsdag)
- May 17 (Sunday) – Constitution Day (Grunnlovsdagen)
- May 24 (Sunday) – Whit Sunday (Første pinsedag)
- May 25 (Monday) – Whit Monday (Andre pinsedag)
- December 25 (Friday) – Christmas Day (Jul)
- December 26 (Saturday) – Boxing Day (Andre juledag)
Norway’s National Day – May 17
The most important public holiday in Norway is National Day, celebrated on May 17. It is a unique and joyful day, very different from national holidays in many other countries. Norwegians celebrate the anniversary of the signing of the constitution with parades, children’s processions, and local festivities. Traditional folk costumes—bunad—and national flags are visible literally everywhere. Importantly, this is a family- and community-oriented celebration rather than a military one, which creates a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. For foreign workers, it is a great opportunity to see Norway “from the inside” and experience local culture.
How to plan your leave and create a long weekend
When planning your leave in Norway in 2026, it is worth paying attention to how public holidays fall in the calendar. Some holidays occur during the working week, making it possible to take just one day off and enjoy a long weekend. This year, during Easter, we can count on a long weekend including as many as five days off. By taking leave on Friday, May 15, you can gain four consecutive days of uninterrupted rest.
Public holidays in Norway and work
It is worth remembering that public holidays in Norway are respected by employers, and working on holidays is often associated with higher pay rates. For many people, this means a choice between time off and higher earnings. Knowing the holiday calendar helps make informed decisions and better plan both work and private life.
Finally, it is worth adding that anyone interested in legal work abroad can use our europa.jobs platform. You will find many up-to-date job offers in Norway there, including positions for manual workers, with clear employment conditions and the possibility to adjust work schedules to public holidays.
