Vågen
Bergen’s maritime celebration arena
TOGETHER FOR BERGEN · STRENGTH, TEAMWORK AND CELEBRATION
Rowing races on Vågen
Ten rowers. One boat. Everyone in time. Experience one of Bergen’s most distinctive Constitution Day events, with spirited competition and spectators close by.
17. mai 2027 · Foreløpig informasjon
The arrangements below are based on 2026. You can now register your team for consideration. Final times, deadline, participation arrangements and race places will be confirmed later.
13:00
The 2026 time, subject to confirmation for 2027
10 rowers
With an experienced cox from Sjøkrigsskolen
A Bergen tradition since 1847
The rowing races have been part of the celebrations since the Committee’s first year. They took place on Store Lungegårdsvann until around 1950, before Vågen became the venue.
Cash prizes were once substantial: four speciedaler could equal several weeks’ wages. Around 1890, medals replaced cash prizes.
“Norge” and “Eidsvold”
Cadets and law students kept the tradition alive when participation declined. The Committee’s revival led to new launches being ordered from Kristian Djupevåg in 2015. “Norge” and “Eidsvold” were named in 2016, built as replicas of Statsraad Lehmkuhl’s original lifeboats.
Bring a team together
Workplace teams, associations, students and groups of friends can find plenty to share in a boat. Teamwork matters: everyone must pull in the same direction.
Teams and ages
The provisional team requirements in the form are based on 2026: ten rowers aged at least 16. In 2026, a cadet served as cox. Final participation arrangements for 2027 will follow.
Places and qualification
In 2026, the limit was twelve teams, with possible qualifying races. The deadline was 10 May. Capacity and deadline for 2027 will follow.
Equipment and safety
Buoyancy aids were lent to participants, and cadets organised the rowing. This year’s safety arrangements will be confirmed. Always follow the responsible personnel’s instructions.
Prizes and team spirit
The three fastest teams and the most entertaining team were honoured. This year’s prizes will be announced with the programme.
Register your team for the 2027 rowing races
Use the Committee’s form. Submission is recorded as received and gives an on-screen receipt. The Committee must confirm your race place; the final programme and any qualification arrangements will be decided later.
Open the registration formWatch the rowing races from the shore
Follow the boats, cheer on the teams and enjoy the atmosphere around Vågen. Be considerate of other spectators, keep access routes clear and respect barriers along the quays.
Spectator areas, accessibility and any public-address information for 2027 will be added once arrangements are confirmed.
View Dreggekaien on the map →Contact and further information
Carl A. Harbitz-Rasmussen was listed as the contact in 2026. The coordinator and contact details for the 2027 rowing races will be updated when confirmed. In the meantime, use the Committee’s contact page for questions.
The history and previous arrangements are drawn from the Committee’s own account. The Norwegian name used on this page is Kapproning.
Read the Committee’s earlier information →