Crown Prince Haakon’s Day for the year 2024 is celebrated/observed on Thursday, July 20th. There are until the next observance.

Crown Prince Haakon’s Day is a national holiday in Norway on July 20 each year. It marks the birthday of H.R.H. Crown Prince Haakon, the heir apparent to the Norwegian throne. The Crown Prince was given the name Haakon Magnus at birth, but he prefers the name Haakon. He was named after his mother’s uncle, Haakon Haraldsen, and his paternal great-grandfather, King Haakon VII. Crown Prince Haakon joined the Royal Norwegian Navy after graduating from the Norwegian Naval Academy in 1995. He graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1999. The Crown Prince studied at the University of Oslo before finishing his studies at the London School of Economics in 2004. He got a master’s degree in Development Studies, with a focus on trade within Africa and within the country.

📆 When is Crown Prince Haakon’s Day?

This year, Crown Prince Haakon’s Day is on July 20th. It is the 3rd Thursday in July; in 2024, it is on Saturday.

Countdown to Crown Prince Haakon’s Day

Did you know: Polar bear populations outnumber people in Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago.

You can also learn all fun things you didn’t know about and facts about July 20, 2023.

📜 History of Crown Prince Haakon’s Day

Although Norway has a long history, its freedom only came about recently. In 1380, a single monarchy was established over both Denmark and Norway. On the other side, Norway played a smaller role in the union and was more ruled by Denmark.

The Napoleonic Wars in 1814 led to the dissolution of this union with Denmark. Norway briefly developed a constitution while regaining its independence.

Only a few months later, however, was Norway compelled to ally with Sweden. Even though it shared a monarchy and a foreign policy with Sweden during this period, Norway continued to be an independent nation.

The union between Norway and Sweden was dissolved in 1905. This was due to the fact that Norway had no embassies abroad and was totally dependent on Sweden for all its foreign policy needs. This indicated Norway’s lesser role in the union.

King Oscar II declined to ratify the establishment of a consular service for Norway after the Storting, the Norwegian national legislature, agreed to do so. The Norwegian government resigned as a result. The two nations’ union under a common king was no longer legal because the King was unable to nominate a new administration. Following the dissolution of the union, Norway elected King Haakon VII as its monarch.

☑️ Crown Prince Haakon’s Day facts

Never setting sun
As the summer solstice approaches in June, the sun does not set in certain areas, including the northern city of Troms.

Norway’s knighted penguin
Sir Nils Olav, the King Penguin, was knighted in 2008 at the Edinburgh Zoo.

No dying here
Because of permafrost, deceased remains in Svalbard must be brought back to the mainland for burial.

Things to do on Crown Prince Haakon’s Day

Send your birthday wishes
Why not greet the Crown Prince on his birthday? Post your message on your preferred social media network so that others may learn about it as well.

Eat some Norwegian food
On this day, indulge in some typical Norwegian treats. Your tastes will be left wanting more, whether it’s “rmmegrt” (sour cream porridge), “raspeball” (potato dumplings), or “pinnekjtt” (dried lamb ribs).

Travel to Norway
If you have the opportunity, take a holiday in Norway. There are several natural treasures to appreciate, like snowcapped mountain peaks, deep fjords, and the Northern Lights.

📅 Crown Prince Haakon’s Day Observances

YEAR DATE DAY
2023 July 20 Thursday
2024 July 20 Saturday
2025 July 20 Sunday
2026 July 20 Monday
2027 July 20 Tuesday

You can view all July holidays, including Cultural and other Appreciation holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about Crown Prince Haakon’s Day. So be sure to check back soon.