My husband and I are going to Sweden and Norway May 10 - 28. We randomly happened to make the Oslo days of our trip over May 15-18! We're staying near the train station (Thon Hotel Terminus). Really looking forward to exploring Oslo -- being there for the national holiday is an amazing bonus. Does anyone have experience being there on this day? I understand there is a big parade ... anything else we should know / take advantage of?
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Vancouver, BC
936 posts
Yes I have been in Oslo on May 17th, with my cousins who were dressed in their regional costumes (in our family’s case, the Hardanger fjord). The parade is quite extensive and the central area of the city very crowded during that time. After it was over we ate at a local cafe and later in the day there was a family meal at my cousin’s. The Royal Family viewed the parade from their balcony and we were able to get close enough to see them in the distance. The range of costumes makes it a particularly colourful and vibrant parade and occasion. I am not sure to what extent museums etc are open that day as we were with family the entire time but you would likely have time to enjoy another activity on the same day if you wanted. Norwegians are generally a pretty reserved bunch but on May 17 they enjoy celebrating their country and heritage and all it offers.