Celebrate 17 May in Tromsø

17 May is Norway’s National Day, and in Tromsø it is celebrated with a true public festival. The city fills with marching bands, parades, flags, and people dressed in their finest clothes. It is also the one day of the year when hot dogs, candy floss, ice cream, and cakes are considered absolutely essential.

Celebrations take place all across Tromsø, but the city centre is especially lively from morning until evening. Here you will find stalls selling classic 17 May treats, marching bands performing in the streets, and several parades throughout the day – including the children’s parade, the school parade, and the public parade ("Folketoget"). You will also hear marching bands performing in many neighbourhoods around Tromsø.

If you spot people wearing colourful overalls or dungarees, you have met the “russ” – graduating secondary school students. They celebrate the end of their school years with their own traditions during May and June and often add even more colour and energy to the atmosphere on 17 May.

Many Norwegians also wear bunads, Norway’s traditional national costume. Bunads come in many different styles rooted in various parts of the country, and the streets fill with beautiful embroidery, colours, and patterns. Admiring the many different bunads is almost an experience in itself.

Most restaurants and cafés stay open on 17 May, but many become fully booked quickly. We therefore recommend reserving a table in advance if you would like to dine out.

If you would like to spend Norway’s National Day surrounded by Arctic nature, both Hello Tromsø and Explore the Arctic offer fjord tours on 17 May. If you would rather join the boat convoy and experience the city from the water, you can buy a ticket and join aboard Hermes II.

As 17 May is an important public holiday in Norway, most attractions are closed for the day. Polaria remains open, however, and offers half-price admission on 17 May. Here you can meet the seals and visit the café on the second floor.

Highlights on 17 May in Tromsø

11:00 – Boat Convoy

The Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue, Tromsø Boat Association, Hermes II, Tromsø Sailing Association, and other local seafarers invite everyone to join the traditional boat convoy. All are welcome to take part, whether by boat, sailing vessel, kayak, canoe, or similar.

The rescue vessel leads the convoy from Skattøra towards the city centre.

• Meeting point: Outside Arcos/The Oil Spill Response Centre at Skattøra
• Departure: 11:00
• Arrival: Approx. 12:00 in the harbour basin in the city centre
• Tickets for Hermes II: NOK 350

Free Children’s Films at Aurora Kino Fokus

Aurora Kino Fokus will show free children’s films on 17 May at 13:00 and 16:00. The programme will be announced on the cinema’s website, and free tickets will become available on Friday 15 May at 09:00.

14:00–15:00 – Celebration Concert at Tromsø Kulturhus

The Arctic Philharmonic invites guests to a free celebration concert at Tromsø Kulturhus. Tickets must be collected in advance, either online or at the ticket desk.

16:00 – Public Parade ("Folketoget")

The public parade makes its way through the city centre in the afternoon, bringing together clubs, associations, and organisations in one large and colourful procession.

See the full programme for 17 May 2026 in Tromsø here (in Norwegian).