Flagday

Flag rules · NO

Flag rules in Norway

The flag regulation governs flag flying by state bodies; its official days and times are not binding on private individuals. For a private flagpole, the times and other advice in this guide are established flag custom. The flag's design and certain public uses are, however, regulated by law.

08:00hoist Mar–Oct
09:00hoist Nov–Feb
21:00lower latest

Hoisting and lowering

  • The flag is hoisted at 08:00 during March–October and 09:00 during November–February.
  • It is lowered at sunset, but no later than 21:00.
  • In Nordland, Troms and Finnmark the hours are 10:00–15:00 during November–February.
  • The flag must not touch the ground.

Half-mast

  • The flag is first hoisted to the top, then lowered so its upper edge sits about a third of the way down the pole.
  • When lowering, first hoist to the top, then lower fully.
  • On a funeral day the flag flies at half-mast until the ceremony is over — then it is hoisted to the top.

Pennant

  • The pennant in Norwegian colours may fly around the clock and does not need to be lowered at sunset.
  • A pennant is never flown at half-mast.

Condition and size

  • The flag's length should be about a third of the pole's height on a freestanding pole.
  • The flag must be intact and clean.
  • A worn-out flag is burned or unpicked into its colour fields — not discarded visibly.

Folding the flag

  • Fold or roll the flag without letting it touch the ground, and store it dry.
  • Dry a damp flag before storage so the colours and cloth are not damaged.

Funerals and deaths

  • On a death, the flag flies at half-mast on the day of death or the day after, and on the funeral day.
  • After the funeral the flag is hoisted to the top for the rest of the day or lowered at the ordinary time.
  • Mourning takes precedence over official flag days.