BERGEN’S CONSTITUTION DAY
Traditions, history and the people who organise Bergen’s Constitution Day celebrations each year.
17 May 2025 · Photo: Anna T. Takle
A CELEBRATION FOR BERGEN
Constitution Day in Bergen is known for its processions, buekorps youth brigades, marching bands, flags and lively streets. The celebration evolves from year to year while building on traditions passed down through generations.
BERGEN’S 17 MAY COMMITTEE
The Committee works on the programme, processions, safety, accessibility, partnerships and coordination of activities in the city centre.
Contact the Committee
A Bergen Constitution Day icon
The Viking ship is an iconic platform for speeches and performances during Bergen’s Constitution Day celebrations. It gives speeches, ceremonies and cultural events a setting that is uniquely ours.
We preserve moments from the Viking ship through photographs and, over time, recordings of speeches and ceremonies. This allows visitors and future generations to revisit the celebration, year by year.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CELEBRATION
Meet the 31 Committee members from 2026, with head of the secretariat Tove Olsen in addition. The overview will be updated with the 2027 Committee after the election in November.
Bergen Handelsreisendes Forening
Bergen Veteranvogn Klubb
Salgs- og Reklameforeningen i Bergen
Norges Musikkorps Forbund Hordaland
Foreningen Fjordabåtane
Bergen Kommune – Bystyret
Bergen Skipperforening
Det Felles Innvandrerråd
Politipensjonistene i Bergen
Bergen Brannvesen
Bergen Forsvarsforening
Bergen Brannkorps Historielag
Norges Speiderforbund Hordaland
Det Glade Bergen
Bergens Elektriske Sporvei
Bygdelagsnemdi
Buekorpsmuseet
Håndverkslaugene
Amatørkulturrådet i Bergen
Bergen Militære Samfunn
Idrettsrådet i Bergen
Bergens Historiske Forening
Bryggens Venner
Bergen Kommune – Bystyret
Studentersamfunnet i Bergen
Norges Korforbund Hordaland
Utdanningsforbundet
Bergens Kjøpmannsforening
Bergen Næringsråd
Sjøkrigsskolen
Bergen Teknikersamfund – Høgskulen på Vestlandet
The Executive Committee leads and coordinates the Committee’s work. The chair leads both the full Committee and the Executive Committee. The heads of the four subcommittees are members of the Executive Committee.
Plans and delivers the processions, including assembly, marching order, routes and coordination of participants.
Works on concerts, stage programmes and cultural experiences to create a festive day for all ages.
Works on supporters, advertising sales, information, the website and communication about the celebration.
Looks after the Viking ship, grandstands, equipment and practical infrastructure needed for the celebration.
Bergen Næringsråd provides the Committee’s secretariat. Head of the secretariat Tove Olsen manages administration and serves as secretary to the Executive Committee (AU).
Explore articles, stories and memories of earlier Constitution Day celebrations in Bergen.