Public holiday in Norway
Maundy Thursday in Norway
Thursday, April 2, 2026
Nationwide public holiday
Maundy Thursday is a nationwide public holiday in Norway and part of the Easter period. It marks the Thursday before Easter Sunday and is one of the days when many people prepare for the long holiday weekend.
About Maundy Thursday in Norway
In Norway, Maundy Thursday is observed nationwide and sits within the cluster of Easter holidays that shape the spring break period. It is part of the standard public-holiday calendar, so it has practical importance for people planning travel, family time and Easter-related arrangements. The day leads directly into Good Friday and the weekend before Easter Sunday, making it one of the key reference points in the Norwegian Easter week.
History
Maundy Thursday comes from the Christian commemoration of the Last Supper and the events of Holy Week. In Norway, its place as a public holiday reflects the country’s long-standing Easter calendar and the continuation of Christian feast days in the national holiday system.
Traditions
Many Norwegians use Maundy Thursday as the start of the Easter break and head to cabins, mountains or other holiday destinations. Easter-related food such as lamb and small sweets is commonly associated with this period, and families often spend the day in a quieter, more domestic way than on ordinary weekdays.
How Maundy Thursday is celebrated in Norway
Because it is a public holiday, the day is generally quieter than an ordinary Thursday. Many workplaces and schools are closed, and public life slows as people travel, gather with family or spend time at holiday homes before the rest of the Easter weekend.
Interesting facts
Maundy Thursday is usually one of several consecutive spring holidays in Norway, which is why many people plan a longer break around Easter. The holiday falls on a different date each year because it follows the movable date of Easter Sunday.
Dates in published calendars
| Year | Holiday date | Observed date | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 Apr 2026 | — | Nationwide |
Import sources
- Generic ICS feed
An import is not an independent verification.