1814
01 / 20
A date to bring us together
The Constitution gives Norway its national day. In Bergen, the celebrations gradually develop a character all their own.
Read the full story →BERGEN’S 17 MAY · 1814–2026
One day. More than 200 years of stories.
From the first cannon salutes to a whole city celebrating. Travel through the history of 17 May in Bergen.
Begin your journey ↓Choose an era or follow the years down the page. Select a photograph to enlarge it.
1826
02 / 20
Pupils lead the way
Pupils from the Latin school celebrate at Nygaard. The following year, Bergen holds its first official celebration.
Read the full story →1827
03 / 20
A boom that echoes through history
Newspapers report cannon salutes from Bergenhus. A resounding Bergen tradition has begun.
Spesialsamlingene, Universitetsbiblioteket i Bergen
1847
04 / 20
A committee and a celebration
Bergen forms a celebration committee. Contributions help fund rowing races and climbing poles — traditions that endure.
Read the full story →1859
05 / 20
Bjørnson gets Bergen celebrating
As committee chairman, Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson brings Bergen together for a grand celebration. His speech at Engen becomes legendary.
Spesialsamlingene, Universitetsbiblioteket i Bergen
1866
06 / 20
Skansen joins the salute
A salute from Skansen, then privately owned, is reported for the first time.
Spesialsamlingene, Universitetsbiblioteket i Bergen
1877
07 / 20
Here come the children!
The boys’ flag parade sets off from Skansen. The children carry red, white and blue pennants and sing as they march.
Spesialsamlingene, Universitetsbiblioteket i Bergen
1888
08 / 20
A Viking ship appears
A Viking ship is built as a ceremonial platform at Engen for the first time. It becomes one of Bergen’s most recognisable 17 May symbols.
Spesialsamlingene, Universitetsbiblioteket i Bergen
1916
09 / 20
The youth brigades step up
After the city fire, Bergen’s buekorps youth brigades organise the children’s flag parade. Their efforts earn them new standing in the celebrations.
Spesialsamlingene, Universitetsbiblioteket i Bergen
1917
10 / 20
A statue that stirs emotions
Gustav Vigeland’s statue of Bjørnson is unveiled outside Den Nationale Scene. Both the enthusiasm and the comments live on.
Foto: Atelier KK · Universitetsbiblioteket i Bergen
1929
11 / 20
Festplassen and the ship
Festplassen opens, and the Viking ship returns as a gathering place. Cars appear in the processions that same year.
Spesialsamlingene, Universitetsbiblioteket i Bergen
1938
12 / 20
50,000 at Festplassen
King Haakon unveils the Christian Michelsen statue. Around 50,000 people attend one of the city’s largest public gatherings.
Ukjent fotograf · Billedsamlingen, Universitetsbiblioteket i Bergen
1945
13 / 20
Free at last!
Morgenavisen estimates more than 30,000 procession participants. Departure takes 45 minutes. Children receive vouchers for genuine Bergen cinnamon buns.
Foto: Leon Berge · Marcus, Universitetsbiblioteket i Bergen
1962
14 / 20
A new ship and a stubborn bottle
A new Viking ship is ready. At its christening, the champagne bottle takes three strikes against the hull before it breaks.
Spesialsamlingene, Universitetsbiblioteket i Bergen
1983
15 / 20
Room for one more?
Graduating students’ russ vehicles fill the streets. This photograph from 1983 captures improvised solutions and a changing youth culture.
Spesialsamlingene, Universitetsbiblioteket i Bergen
1992
16 / 20
Girls join the ranks
Vågens bataljon joins the children’s flag parade for the first time, with 106 girls in its ranks.
Foto: Ø. Deiz / A. Nilsen · BT-arkivet · B. A. Bagge, En velsignet søttendes (2014)
2014
17 / 20
One city, many flavours
The stalls reflect Bergen’s growing diversity. Photographs from 2014 show traditional treats alongside a rich variety of food.
Foto: W. Hetland · 17. mai-komiteens arkiv, Universitetsbiblioteket i Bergen
2019
18 / 20
The ship grows again
Parts of Olav Kyrre are used in a new Viking ship, more than twice the size and with improved facilities.
17. mai-komiteen i Bergen
2025
19 / 20
The stories continue
Eighty years after the liberation celebrations, the Committee shares stories large and small from Bergen’s 17 May history.
Spesialsamlingene, Universitetsbiblioteket i Bergen
2026
20 / 20
History lives on
New generations carry on the processions, music, salutes and sense of community. Explore this year’s photographs and join the next chapter.
See photographs from 2026 →AND THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING
An endless source of stories.
The city’s stories live on in archives, photographs and the people who pass them on.
Explore all historical articles →Back to 1814 ↑