«Gratulerer med dagen» – Even If You’re Not Norwegian

On the 17th of May Norway bursts into life with parades, traditional clothes, flags, a festive mood and loads of food. For students — whether local or international — it’s the perfect chance to dive into Norwegian culture and experience the country even more. But how do you celebrate in a way that feels meaningful, fun, and not too expensive?

We’ve gathered tips from students and locals to help you enjoy the day to the fullest — whether you're in Bergen, a small town, or a cabin in the mountains.

«Gratulerer med dagen!» – Join in the Celebration

Nahid Daneshvar, a 29-year-old master’s student in design from Iran, is celebrating her second 17th of May in Norway. 

This year she plans to organise a Norwegian-style breakfast for her friends and then head into town and celebrate the day with everyone.

 ⁠– I have friends visiting from Germany, and we have rented a cabin near Odda. I am very excited to see how the small towns celebrate the 17th of May.

 For those staying in Bergen, Nahid recommends going to the parade early:

 – The parade is my favourite part of the day – it’s so fun and exciting to see all kinds of things there!

Plan your day

 Line Martinsen is also planning a cabin trip with friends, but the 25-year-old governance student, who originally comes from Bærum, near Oslo, doesn't want to miss out on the parade either.

 – I find it very important to watch the 17th of May on television and eat many small dishes – for example salmon rolled in lomper!

 For those celebrating this day for the first time she recommends finding out a programme for the whole day in Bergen.

 – Make sure to dress up, travel downtown, watch the parade and eat tons of ice cream and sausages!

 Dress up, go to the parade and eat ice cream.

 If you are struggling finding a programme for the day, Anja Bjørkheim, president of the Erasmus Student Network in Bergen (ESN), has some recommendations for you:

– I recommend joining the parade, visiting the fun fair, and ending the day with the evening concert and fireworks at Festplassen.

 Asked about the dresscode, Anja recommends dressing up, because people often feel a bit underdressed when everyone is wearing a traditional bunad.

 – We always tell the internationals that they should wear something nice, since everyone will be dressed up,and get yourself a small Norwegian flag on a stick, they can be bought in all stores soon!

Her personal favourite part of the day?

 – The joyful atmosphere, and seeing all the different bunads. Each region has its own, so you can often tell where people are from just by what they’re wearing.

What If You Don’t Know Anyone?

 If you feel alone on this day, because you haven’t managed to find a friend group yet, Anja suggests joining the ESN section in the parade.

 – Everyone is welcome to join the parade with ESN – it’s not just for members! The group meets at 9:30 at Koengen, where they’ll walk together under the ESN flag.

Line also encourages students to reach out to others, especially on a day that can feel lonely.

– It’s unfortunate that many people feel left out, so I think it’s really important to include others and show them that they’re seen! If you feel alone, it's important to know that you are for sure not the only one.

She recommends getting outside for a walk or hike, talking to a friend you trust, or using a mental health helpline such as mentalhelseungdom.no.

 You are in Norway so it’s your day as well!

Last year, Nahid had a small encounter that left a big impression.

– I remember when I started talking to a random person and he said: «Gratulerer med dagen»! I said, «Oh thanks, but I am not Norwegian, congrats to you». Then he responded: «You are in Norway so it’s your day as well». I think it’s the best day to open a conversation with Norwegians, most of them are very happy and including.

17th of May is one of the most widely celebrated days in Norway, and something every student — international or not — should experience at least once.

Line adds that she heard from earlier Erasmus students, that some of them travel to Norway only to experience the 17th of May.

– It’s such a unique day. Norwegians are much more open, and everyone is in a great mood!

So whether you’re in a cabin, with friends, or wandering the city solo — don’t miss out. Dress up, join the crowd, eat some ice cream, and say «Gratulerer med dagen»! It’s your day too.