At 07:00, the Royal Norwegian Navy’s salute from Skansen wakes Bergen for Constitution Day. A solemn tradition with cannon fire echoing across the city.
The salute that wakes Bergen
At 07:00 on 17 May, the ceremonial salute sounds from Skansen. The Royal Norwegian Navy performs the salute to mark the beginning of Constitution Day in Bergen. From the hill above the city, cannon fire announces that the celebrations are under way.
The salute guns and ceremonial greeting
A gun salute is a ceremonial greeting, and the cannons at Skansen are among the most recognisable features of Bergen’s Constitution Day celebrations. Their sound, smoke and flash make the salute an experience both for those watching nearby and for those hearing it across the city.
Royal Norwegian Navy personnel carry out the ceremony. The cannons and surrounding area are a working site during the salute; spectators must respect barriers and follow the crew’s instructions.
A long Bergen tradition
Bergen’s Constitution Day salute tradition goes far back. The 17 May Committee’s historical account cites newspaper reports of gun salutes from Bergenhus as early as 1827. Salutes have accompanied the celebrations for generations, although locations and arrangements have changed over time.
The programme for the first Constitution Day after liberation in 1945 also began with a ceremonial salute from Skansen. Today, the morning salute remains a familiar fixture: a powerful and ceremonial signal that Bergen is celebrating freedom, community and Constitution Day.
From the salute to the Morning Procession
At Dreggen beside Mariakirken, Asbjørn Hodnekvam opens the day at 06:45. At 07:00, “Ja, vi elsker” is sung as the Skansen salute sounds. The Morning Procession then sets off to Bergen’s city anthem, with Krohnengen Brass Band and Lungegaardens Musikkorps.
Read about the opening of the day and the Morning Procession from Dreggen to Festplassen.
Be aware of the loud noise
Gun salutes produce extremely loud bangs. Keep a safe distance, respect barriers and follow the Navy’s instructions. Use hearing protection near the salute area, especially for children. For a quieter experience, listen to the salute from further away.
Time: 17 May 2027 at 07:00. Location: Skansen. Find Skansen on the interactive map.
Historical sources: The 17 May Committee’s account of the salute tradition and Bergen City Archives on 17 May 1945.