A unique feature in Bergen is the city's many traditional and special "Buekorps" - the traditional drummer brigades.
In addition to the Norwegian flags, people typically wear red, white and blue ribbons. Norwegians wear traditional outfits, called bunad.
The graduating class from the Norwegian equivalent of high school - known as russ - is also a big part of the celebrations. You'll see them wearing special red or blu overalls and generally being a lively addition to the parades and festivities.
The Morning parade: Starts at Dreggen at 07:00
The first parade takes place already at 7:00 from Dreggen, with a salute, our national anthem and of course the Bergen song. The Morning parade ends with a speech at the Festival Square.
The main parade: Departure from Koengen approx at 10:30
As the name says, the main parade is one of the biggest events on 17th of May. It involves the city's "associations, corporations and government agencies." The parade ends at Festplassen Square.
The Flag parade: Starts at the Festplassen Square at 10:40
The Flag parade starts from different schools and march to the gathering at Festival Square. The route goes through the center and pass the main parade and ends at Torgalmenningen. The Flag parade is the children's parade! The parade ends at Koengen.
Fireworks round off the day at Festplassen at 23:15
Please note that the whole city center will be closed for ordinary traffic during the celebrations and public transport will have special routes and stops. The Bergen Light Rail to and from the airport will not stop at the two last stops in the city center (Nonneseter and Byparken) in the morning until 15:00 in the afternoon. Bergen Buss station is then the last stop in the city center. If you are going from the city center to the airport on the 17th May, we recommend you plan your means of transport well in advance.
Last modified: 19/05/2025
Source: Visit Bergen
