What's open and what's closed in Norway on Labour Day 2025?
rød dag
in Norway, which, in short, means most people can look forward to a day off from work.
It's covered by the same laws that make May 17th a public holiday, but not the same laws for religious public holidays such as Easter.
The reason for this is to allow public demonstrations, such as parades and processions, which would not be permitted on a religious public holiday.
Essentially, all this means that you can expect closures on May 1st as the same strict rules that close stores at Easter and Christmas apply here.
Shops
When it comes to groceries, all but small convenience stores will be closed on May 1st. Furthermore, shopping centres and other kinds of stores will also be shut for the day.
However, one slight caveat to the rules is that garden centres will be open. May 1st can be a popular day for gardening, although the use of loud machinery like lawnmowers is frowned upon.
Furthermore, the sale of alcohol (outside of bars and restaurants) will not be permitted on May 1st, even from the shops that remain open.
Norway's wine monopoly will also close, meaning it will not be possible to purchase any alcohol stronger than 4.75 percent for home consumption after 6pm on Wednesday until 10am on Friday.
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Banks
It will be best to sort out your banking needs on Wednesday, or earlier if better, as banks will be closed on Thursday. This means you won't be able to pop into your nearest branch.
Transferring money between banks may also take longer if you try to do it on Thursday.
Banks will reopen as normal on Friday.
Healthcare and pharmacies
Doctor's offices will close on Labour Day, as will pharmacies.
If you need medical care, you can try the out-of-hours medical service. The number for this service is 116 117.
Every local authority in Norway has its own out-of-hour medical room if you need to see a doctor. Alternatively, if you find yourself in a life-threatening situation, you should contact the medical emergency number in Norway, 113, and the service will send an ambulance to your location.
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Bars, restaurants and coffee shops
While shops and businesses will be closed, you can expect plenty of bars, coffee shops and restaurants choose to remain open on May 1st.
In the big cities, plenty of bars in the city centre may even be quite busy as it's normal for unions to lead parades, marches and processions through the streets.
For example, the bars around Youngstorget in Oslo will be quite busy on May 1st.
Booking ahead may also be useful, given that plenty of people will be free during the day
Attractions
Most gyms and other exercise centres, like swimming pools and saunas, will remain open.
However, things will be more up in the air when it comes to museums. The National Museum and the Munch Museum are closed, while The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History will be open on Labour Day.
Things like zoos and theme parks may also choose to remain open. Tusenfryd near Oslo is a theme park that will remain open on Labour Day.
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