May 17th in Svalbard

Celebrating Norway’s national day in Svalbard is an experience that’s well worth a visit! Even though you may have to put on some extra warm clothes underneath your finery, we can guarantee a social gathering with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The whole of Longyearbyen gathers to celebrate Norway with hurrahs and in the customary May 17th parade, with the midnight sun and snow-covered landscapes as perfect backdrops for the festivities.

May 17th is Norway’s national day. This is a highly celebrated day, and many Norwegians use the occasion to wear the finest outfit they own – their bunad. The bunad is a traditional Norwegian folk costume, and different versions of the bunad can be found in almost every district in Norway.

Svalbard has its own bunad, both for women and men, with embroidery that displays various motifs from Svalbard. The women’s bunad is decorated with the Svalbard poppy, Saxifraga, Arctic Chickweed and icebergs. The men’s bunad is decorated with mountains, the sun, miner’s helmets, mining lamps and tools.
Both versions include jewellery decorated with polar bears.

The May 17th traditions in Svalbard are very similar to the ones in mainland Norway. Residents in Longyearbyen gather together in the town centre for a parade and to eat as much ice cream as they can manage. In the evening they enjoy a festive meal together with friends and family in one of Longyearbyen’s many restaurants.
The programme for Longyearbyen's May 17th public celebration in 2022 can be found on Longyearbyen lokalstyre's website. 

Nevertheless, there are certain local traditions that reflect how special both Svalbard and its residents that have chosen to live here are. Some of the locals choose to celebrate in a way that is very much a part of the traditional Norwegian spirit – by being close to nature.

How does it sound to you to get a panoramic view from above of the May 17th parade? A guided hike to Platåfjellet or Sarkofagen leaves you with a fantastic view both towards Longyearbyen and the wilderness surrounding it. Enjoy the view and learn more about Svalbard’s history from one of our local guides that will also make sure that you’re safe to enjoy the nature and experience. Should you wish to add in some action as well we very much recommend joining a guided ski touring trip close to Longyearbyen!

Have you perhaps visited the North Pole Expedition Museum and gotten some inspiration to celebrate May 17th similar to how the polar explorers of old may have done?
Try joining a guided dog sledding trip close to Longyearbyen, and enjoy the Arctic silence! The sled dogs would be eternally grateful for you to celebrate with them, and they’re not shy in offering plenty of cuddles afterwards to thank you for the trip.

From the end of April the midnight sun once more rules the skies over Longyearbyen and Svalbard, meaning that the celebration does not have to end right away!

Learn more about what other activities that you can join while celebrating May 17th in Svalbard here.