The Royal Norwegian Navy fires a salute from Skansen at 10:30 as the main procession leaves Koengen. A ceremonial moment with cannon fire echoing across Bergen.
The salute marks the start of the Main Procession
At 10:30 on 17 May, the ceremonial salute sounds from Skansen. The Royal Norwegian Navy performs the salute to mark the Main Procession setting off from Koengen. Cannon fire over the city connects Skansen with the great procession below.
A ceremonial greeting over Bergen
A gun salute is a ceremonial greeting. At Skansen, the cannons are a familiar part of Constitution Day: their sound, smoke and flash create a spectacle that can be experienced at the salute location and from a distance 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.
The Main Procession from Koengen
The Main Procession leaves Koengen at 10:30 and follows its designated route through central Bergen to Festplassen. The Skansen salute is a ceremonial part of the departure and a clear signal that the procession is under way.
See assembly details, route and information about the Main Procession. Skansen is the salute location; Main Procession participants assemble at Koengen.
A long salute tradition
The 17 May Committee’s historical account records gun salutes from Bergenhus as early as 1827. Salutes have accompanied Bergen’s Constitution Day celebrations for generations. Bergen City Archives also describes the Skansen salute as part of the 1945 celebrations.
In 2027, salutes are fired from Skansen both at 07:00 to open the day and at 10:30 as the Main Procession departs.
Practical information
Time: 17 May 2027 at 10:30. Location: Skansen. Performed by: The Royal Norwegian Navy.
Gun salutes produce extremely loud bangs. Keep a safe distance, respect barriers and follow the crew’s instructions. Use hearing protection near the salute area, especially for children. You can also experience the salute from further away.
Find Skansen and the Main Procession route on the map.
Historical sources: The 17 May Committee’s account of the salute tradition and Bergen City Archives on 17 May 1945.