List of flags of Norway

The following is a list of flags of entities named or related to Norway.

The Flag of Norway hoisted in Mandal.

Kingdom of Norway

National flags
FlagDurationUseDescription
13 July 1821 – presentFlag of NorwayA red field with a blue Nordic cross and white fimbriation. Fredrik Meltzer, a member of parliament (Storting) designed the national flag in 1821.

Civil pennant
FlagDurationUseDescription
– presentHousehold pennant of Norway.

Royal standards
FlagDurationUseDescription
15 November 1905 – presentRoyal Standard of NorwayThe coat of arms of Norway in banner form featuring a golden lion on a red field.
26 September 1924 – presentStandard of the Crown Prince of Norway, may also be used by the Crown Princess.Royal standard with a swallowtail.
– presentRoyal PennantRoyal standard in pennant form.

Flags of the Government
FlagDurationUseDescription
1899 – presentState flag of NorwayFlag of Norway with swallowtail and tongue. Used on government buildings like the Storting Building.
1937 – presentFlag of the Minister of DefenceState flag with a white lion from coat of arms in canton.
1905 – 1937Flag of the Minister of Defence

Other flags
FlagDurationUseDescription
1905 – presentThe postal flag of Norway
1905 – 2000The Harbor Police flag of Norway
– presentFlag of the Royal Norwegian Yacht Club
– presentFlag of the NRK (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation)Light blue field with the NRK logo in white.
1990 – presentFlag of the Church of Norway
Flag of the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue

Flags of the Military
FlagDurationUseDescription
15 November 1905 – presentNavy ensign/War flagSame as the state flag.
– presentFlag of the Chief of DefenceState flag with a golden lion from coat of arms in canton.

Flags of the Navy
FlagDurationUseDescription
– presentNaval JackNorwegian flag in 1:1 proportions.
2010 – presentFlag of the Chief of the NavyKnown as Inspector General until 2017.
– presentRank Flag of AdmiralsNaval ensign with 4 white stars in canton.
– presentRank Flag of Vice AdmiralsNaval ensign with 3 white stars in canton.
– presentRank Flag of Rear AdmiralsNaval ensign with 2 white star in canton.
– presentRank Flag of CommodoresNaval ensign with 1 white star in canton.
– presentRank Flag of CaptainsSwallowtail with Norwegian stripe.
– presentRank flag of a Norwegian Squadron Commander or Senior OfficerPennant with Norwegian stripe.
– presentRank Flag of Petty officersRed pennant.
– presentRoyal Norwegian Navy pennant Is a commissioning pennant and is used as a rank flag by those officers not possessing a separate rank flag.Norwegian swallowtailed pennant.
1905 – 2010Former flag of the Inspector General of the Navy

Flags of the Army

The rank flags are also used by the Air Force and Home Guard.

FlagDurationUseDescription
– presentFlag of the Norwegian ArmyRed field with the emblem of the Army in the center.
1905 – presentFlag of the Chief of the ArmyKnown as Inspector General until 2017.
1982 – presentRank Flag of GeneralsWar flag with 4 golden stars in canton.
General Officers flag had 3 stars from 1905 to 1982.
1982 – presentRank Flag of Lieutenant GeneralsWar flag with 3 golden stars in canton.
Lieutenant General flag had 2 stars from 1905 to 1982.
1982 – presentRank Flag of Major GeneralsWar flag with 2 golden stars in canton.
Major Generals flag had 1 star from 1905 to 1982.
1982 – presentRank Flag of BrigadiersWar flag with 1 golden star in canton.
1901 – 1905Former flag of the Inspector General

Flags of the Air Force

The Air Force uses the same rank flags as the Army.

FlagDurationUseDescription
– presentFlag of the Royal Norwegian Air ForceLight blue field with the logo of the Air Force in the canton and the roundel of Norway.
2010 – presentFlag of the Chief of the Air ForceWar flag with golden winged coat of arms in canton. Known as Inspector General until 2017.
– 2010Former flag of the Inspector General of the Air Force

Flags of the Home Guard
FlagDurationUseDescription
– presentFlag of the Chief of the Home GuardKnown as Inspector General until 2017.

Flags of the Coastal Artillery

The now obsolete Coastal artillery of Norway used to have separate rank flags.[1]

FlagDurationUseDescription
1919 – 2002Flag of the Inspector General
1919 – 2002Flag of the Brigadier
1919 – 2002Flag of the Commodore
1919 – 2002Flag of the Commander Senior Grade
1919 – 2002Flag of the Commander
1919 – 2002Flag of the Captain
1919 – 2002Pennant of Subordinate officers

Other flags
FlagDurationUseDescription
– presentFlag of the Telemark Battalion
– presentFlag of the Vardøhus Fortress
– presentFlag of the Norwegian Cyber Defence Force
– presentFlag of the Norwegian Artillery Battalion

Army Standards

Historical Army Standards
  • Standard of Hans Majestet Kongens Garde (Olav V)
    Standard of Hans Majestet Kongens Garde (Olav V)
  • Standard of the Norwegian Military Academy (Olav V)
    Standard of the Norwegian Military Academy (Olav V)
  • Standard of the 6th Division
    Standard of the 6th Division
  • Standard of Brigade Sør
    Standard of Brigade Sør
  • Standard of the 5th Brigade
    Standard of the 5th Brigade
  • Standard of the 6th Brigade
    Standard of the 6th Brigade
  • Standard of the 12th Brigade
    Standard of the 12th Brigade
  • Standard of the 15th Brigade
    Standard of the 15th Brigade
  • Standard of the Oppland Regiment
    Standard of the Oppland Regiment
  • Standard of the Finnmark Regiment
    Standard of the Finnmark Regiment
  • Standard of the Søndenfjeldske Dragoon Regiment
    Standard of the Søndenfjeldske Dragoon Regiment
  • Standard of the Artillery Regiment
    Standard of the Artillery Regiment
  • Standard of the Engineer Regiment
    Standard of the Engineer Regiment
  • Standard of the Signal Regiment
    Standard of the Signal Regiment
  • Standard of the Medical Regiment
    Standard of the Medical Regiment
  • Standard of the Logistic Regiment
    Standard of the Logistic Regiment
  • Standard of the Weapons Technical Regiment
    Standard of the Weapons Technical Regiment
  • Standard of the Command School
    Standard of the Command School
  • Standard of Hans Majestet Kongens Garde (Haakon VII)
    Standard of Hans Majestet Kongens Garde (Haakon VII)
  • Standard of the Norwegian Military Academy (Haakon VII)
    Standard of the Norwegian Military Academy (Haakon VII)
  • Standard of Østfold Infantry Regiment No.1
    Standard of Østfold Infantry Regiment No.1
  • Standard of Vestre-Akershus Infantry Regiment No.2 (Merged into Jegerkorpset)
    Standard of Vestre-Akershus Infantry Regiment No.2 (Merged into Jegerkorpset)
  • Standard of Jegerkorpset Infantry Regiment No.2
    Standard of Jegerkorpset Infantry Regiment No.2
  • Standard of Telemark Infantry Regiment No.3
    Standard of Telemark Infantry Regiment No.3
  • Standard of Akershus Infantry Regiment No.4
    Standard of Akershus Infantry Regiment No.4
  • Standard of Østoppland Infantry Regiment No.5
    Standard of Østoppland Infantry Regiment No.5
  • Standard of Vestoppland Infantry Regiment No.6
    Standard of Vestoppland Infantry Regiment No.6
  • Standard of Agder Infantry Regiment No.7
    Standard of Agder Infantry Regiment No.7
  • Standard of Rogaland Infantry Regiment No.8
    Standard of Rogaland Infantry Regiment No.8
  • Standard of Hordaland Infantry Regiment No.9
    Standard of Hordaland Infantry Regiment No.9
  • Standard of Fjordane Infantry Regiment No.10
    Standard of Fjordane Infantry Regiment No.10
  • Standard of Møre Infantry Regiment No.11
    Standard of Møre Infantry Regiment No.11
  • Standard of Sør-Trøndelag Infantry Regiment No.12
    Standard of Sør-Trøndelag Infantry Regiment No.12
  • Standard of Nord-Trøndelag Infantry Regiment No.13
    Standard of Nord-Trøndelag Infantry Regiment No.13
  • Standard of Sør-Hålogaland Infantry Regiment No.14
    Standard of Sør-Hålogaland Infantry Regiment No.14
  • Standard of Nord-Hålogaland Infantry Regiment No.15
    Standard of Nord-Hålogaland Infantry Regiment No.15
  • Standard of Troms Infantry Regiment No.16
    Standard of Troms Infantry Regiment No.16
  • Standard of the Alta Battalion
    Standard of the Alta Battalion
  • Standard of the Varanger Battalion
    Standard of the Varanger Battalion
  • Standard of the Akershus Dragoon Regiment
    Standard of the Akershus Dragoon Regiment
  • Standard of the Oppland Dragoon Regiment
    Standard of the Oppland Dragoon Regiment
  • Standard of the Nordenfjelske Dragoon Regiment
    Standard of the Nordenfjelske Dragoon Regiment

Air Force Standards

Home Guard Standards
  • Stardard of the Home Guard
    Stardard of the Home Guard
  • Standard of the Oslofjord Home Guard District 01
    Standard of the Oslofjord Home Guard District 01
  • Standard of the Oslo and Akershus Home Guard District 02
    Standard of the Oslo and Akershus Home Guard District 02
  • Standard of the Telemark and Buskerud Home Guard District 03
    Standard of the Telemark and Buskerud Home Guard District 03
  • Standard of the Opplandske Home Guard District 05
    Standard of the Opplandske Home Guard District 05
  • Standard of the Agder Home Guard District 07 (disbanded)
    Standard of the Agder Home Guard District 07 (disbanded)
  • Standard of the Agder and Rogaland Home Guard District 08
    Standard of the Agder and Rogaland Home Guard District 08
  • Standard of the Bergenhus Home Guard District 09
    Standard of the Bergenhus Home Guard District 09
  • Standard of the Møre and Fjordane Home Guard District 11
    Standard of the Møre and Fjordane Home Guard District 11
  • Standard of the Trøndelag Home Guard District 12
    Standard of the Trøndelag Home Guard District 12
  • Standard of the Sør-Hålogaland Home Guard District 14
    Standard of the Sør-Hålogaland Home Guard District 14
  • Standard of the Nord-Hålogaland Home Guard District 16
    Standard of the Nord-Hålogaland Home Guard District 16
  • Standard of the Finmark Home Guard District 17
    Standard of the Finmark Home Guard District 17
  • Standard of the Øst-Finmark Home Guard District 18 (disbanded)
    Standard of the Øst-Finmark Home Guard District 18 (disbanded)

Historical flags

These flags are no longer in use, except the merchant flag of 1821–1844, which was also used from 1899 until the present. Note: The Royal Standard of Norway is seen as the official flag of the Old Kingdom of Norway.

Raven Banner (9th - 11th century)
FlagDurationUseDescription
9th - 11th centuryRaven bannerWar flag flown by several Viking chieftains and warlords in Scandinavia.

Kingdom of Norway (872 - 1397)
FlagDurationUseDescription
13th centuryLikely royal banner of NorwayThe flags of Norway, Denmark and Sweden, as depicted in Ernst von Kirchbergs; Mecklenburgske Rimkrønike from the 1370s.
Banner of arms with golden lion on red canvas. Regarded as the predecessor to the current Royal Standard of Norway.

Kalmar Union (1397 - 1537)
FlagDurationUseDescription
1397 - 1523The "Banner of the realms", flag of the Kalmar Union.The flag of the Kalmar Union was used in the triple union lead by Denmark, which included Norway and Sweden. In a letter written by Eric of Pomerania dated from 1430, the "Banner of the realms" is described as "a red cross in a yellow field".
1427Maritime flagA flag captured from a Danish ship by Lübeck forces in 1427 showed the arms of Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Pomerania. The original flag was destroyed in World War II during an Allied bombing raid on Lübeck, but a 19th-century copy remains in Frederiksborg Palace, Denmark.

Denmark-Norway (1537 - 1814)
FlagDurationUseDescription
1537 - 1814Dannebrogen, flag of Denmark-Norway.From 1748 the only approved merchant flag.
1731 - 1814Royal Standard of Denmark-Norway.
1696 - 1814State flag and naval ensign of Denmark-Norway.
1757 - 1814Denmark-Norway merchant flag used on distant waters.Used south of Cape Finisterre. Flag was made to distinguish Danish-Norwegian ships from those of the Maltese Order.
1796 - 1848The canton flag of Denmark-Norway.Used by Danish and Norwegian ships sailing to the Danish West Indies.
1600sNorwegian Royal Standard used by some shipsDanish-Norwegian ship with royal flag in 1644 painting.

Kingdom of Norway (1814)
FlagDurationUseDescription
1814 - 1821Flag of NorwayUnofficial alternative merchant flag used by some shippers to distinguish it from the flag of Denmark.
Based on the Dannebrog but with the lion from the Norwegian coat of arms in the canton. Merchant flag of Norway (1814–1821) during Sweden-Norway. On ships only north of Cape Finisterre, Spain. On longer distances the Swedish flag was used.
1814State and naval ensign of Norway
1814Naval pennent of Norway

Sweden-Norway (1814 - 1905)
FlagDurationUseDescription
1815 – 1821Flag of Sweden, the alternative merchant flag of NorwayUsed on ships south of Cape Finisterre, Spain.
1818 – 1838 / 1838 - 1844 (optional)Flag used by Norwegian ships south of Cape Finisterre, Spain.From 1821 it was also used by Swedish ships there.
1815 – 1844State flag, war flag and naval ensign of Norway and Sweden
1815 – 1844Royal standard of Norway and Sweden
1844 – 1905Union mark of NorwayCommonly informally referred to as the "herring salad". Removed from Norwegian merchant and state flags in 1899.
1844 – 1905Naval Jack and diplomatic flag of Norway and SwedenAlso used as union mark in Swedish flags until 1 November 1905.
1844 – 1898Merchant flag of NorwayThe union mark was removed from the state flag after 1898.
1844 – 1905War flag and naval ensign of Norway
1844 – 1905Royal Standard of Norway

Other flags of Sweden-Norway (1815-1844)
FlagDurationUseDescription
1815 - 1824Customs flag of Norway and Sweden
1824 – 1842Customs flag of Norway and Sweden
1836 – 1844Rear Admiral rank flag of Norway and Sweden
1836 – 1844Vice Admiral rank flag of Norway and Sweden
1836 – 1844Admiral rank flag of Norway and Sweden
1815 – 1844Commander of a Squadron rank flag of Norway and Sweden
1815 – 1844Commodore rank flag of Norway and Sweden
1815 – 1844Commissioning Pennant of Norway and Sweden

Other flags of Sweden-Norway (1844-1905)
FlagDurationUseDescription
Image Missing1844 - 1899Customs flag of NorwayNorwegian state flag with union jack in canton and customs emblem on cross.
1844 – 1854Commanding Admiral rank flag of Royal Norwegian Navy (separate from Royal Swedish Navy).
1875 – 1905Vice Admiral rank flag of Royal Norwegian Navy (separate from Royal Swedish Navy).The State flag/Naval ensign was used as rank flag between 1858 and 1875.
1844 – 1854Command (all admirals) rank flag of Royal Norwegian Navy (separate from Royal Swedish Navy).
1875 – 1905Admiral rank flag of Royal Norwegian Navy (separate from Royal Swedish Navy).The State flag/Naval ensign was used as rank flag between 1858 and 1875.
1875 – 1905Vice Admiral rank flag of Royal Norwegian Navy (separate from Royal Swedish Navy).The State flag/Naval ensign was used as rank flag between 1858 and 1875.
1875 – 1905Rear Admiral rank flag ofof Royal Norwegian Navy (separate from Royal Swedish Navy).The State flag/Naval ensign was used as rank flag between 1858 and 1875.
1844 – 1858Commodore rank flag of Royal Norwegian Navy (separate from Royal Swedish Navy).
1858 – 1875Commodore rank flag of Royal Norwegian Navy (separate from Royal Swedish Navy).
1844 – 1858Detachment Commander rank flag ofof Royal Norwegian Navy (separate from Royal Swedish Navy).
1858 – 1875Detachment Commander rank flag of Royal Norwegian Navy (separate from Royal Swedish Navy).
1875 – 1905Detachment Commander rank flag of Royal Norwegian Navy (separate from Royal Swedish Navy).
1844 – 1858Commissioning Pennant of Royal Norwegian Navy (separate from Royal Swedish Navy).
1901 – 1905Flag of the Minister of Defence of Norway (separate from the Swedish Naval Ministry
1875 – 1905Flag of Harbor Police of Norway

German occupation of Norway
FlagDurationUseDescription
24 April 1940 – 8 May 1945Flag of the Reichskommissariat NorwegenSame as the flag of Germany (1935-1945).
5 February 1942 – 8 May 1945Possible alternative state flag or minister flag of the Quisling regimeState flag without the NS eagle insignia was more commonly flown. It was used as a car flag during the first parliament meeting in 1942.

Nasjonal Samling and collaborationists

Party Flags
FlagDurationUseDescription
1933 – 8 May 1945Party flag of Nasjonal Samling.Golden Nordic cross on red field. The flag of Nasjonal Samling was used by the party Nasjonal Samling between 1933 and 1945 and by the collaborationist Quisling regime from 1942 to 1945. Flags of NS were called Solkorsbanneret ("The sun cross banner"), the colors were based on the color scheme of the Coat of Arms of Norway. The party describes the sun cross as the symbol of the sun, which was carved into stone for several millenniums as a sign of the victory of light over darkness and the Nordic people's struggle for survival. The red field on the cross represents Nordic blood.

The flag is almost identical to the Flag of Scania and the Flag of the Swedish-speaking Finns.

1930s – 8 May 1945Nasjonal Samling party flag pennantUsed as a small car flag.
1930s – 8 May 1945Ordinary NS Pennant, design 1Sun cross in gold on red canvas. Was used as car flag. It is also described as having the same conditions as Hirden's Sveit flags.
1930s – 8 May 1945Ordinary NS Pennant, design 2Was used as car flag. Could also be used by any NS organisation.

Rikshirden (Hird of the realm)
FlagDurationUseDescription
1930s – 8 May 1945Rikshirden's fylking flag (Raven Banner)Black raven on yellow canvas. Raven banners were used by Rikshirden and Unghirden as "Fylkingsflagg". "Fylking" means a group of people with a shared goal, either politically or militarily. The word is derived from a Shield wall.

The NS party was heavily nationalistic and were inspired by symbols from the Viking Age, this included the raven banner which had been used by several Viking chieftains in Scandinavia.

1930s – 8 May 1945Rikshirden's Sveit flag (Sveitflagget)Sun Cross with swords in gold and red on black canvas which represents the black soil of Norway. The swords in the sun cross represent that the Hird is a militaristic organisation. The word "Sveit" is from Old Norse, meaning a team, gathering or herd of troops or Hirdmen.

The flags of NS organisations sometimes contained text showing their division and location. The flags of Rikshirden used letters written in gold.

1930s – 8 May 1945Rikshirden's Troop flag (Troppsflagget)
1930s – 8 May 1945Rikshirden's Team flag (Lagsflagget)
1930s – 8 May 1945Rikshirden's Staff banner (Stabsbanner)

Unghirden (Youth Hird)

Unghirden was a branch of the youth organisation specialized for boys between 14 and 18. The flags of Unghirden was also used by the Guttehirden (Boys hird).

FlagDurationUseDescription
1930s – 8 May 1945Unghirden's fylking flag (Raven Banner)Black raven on green canvas.
1930s – 8 May 1945Unghirden's Sveit flag (Sveitflagget)Sun cross with swords in gold and red on green canvas. The flags of Unghirden officially used letters written in silver, yet some flags used gold lettering.
1930s – 8 May 1945Unghirden's Troop flag (Troppsflagget)
1930s – 8 May 1945Unghirden's Team flag (Lagsflagget)

NS Ungdomsfylking (Youth organisation)

NS Ungdomsfylking was Nasjonal Samling's youth organisation for children and youth from 10 and 18. The flags of Ungdomsfylking was also used by the Gjentehirden (Girls hird) and the Småhirden (Small hird).

FlagDurationUseDescription
1930s – 8 May 1945Ungdomsfylking's Sveit flag (Sveitflagget)Sun cross in gold and red on green canvas. The flags of Ungdomsfylking used letters written in silver.
1930s – 8 May 1945Ungdomsfylking's Troop flag (Troppsflagget)
1930s – 8 May 1945Ungdomsfylking's Team flag (Lagsflagget)

Kvinnehirden (Women's hird)

Kvinnehirden was a branch of the NS Kvinneorganisajonen. Despite being named a Hird, they were not officially part of the hird did not serve any military function, therefore their flags lacked the swords in the sun cross.

FlagDurationUseDescription
1934 – 8 May 1945Kvinnehirden's Sveit flag (Sveitflagget)Sun cross in gold and red on yellowish-white canvas.
1934 – 8 May 1945Kvinnehirden's Troop flag (Troppsflagget)
1934 – 8 May 1945Kvinnehirden's Team flag (Lagsflagget)

Kvinneorganisasjon (Women's organisation)

NS Kvinneorganisasjonen was an organisation for women connected to the party.

FlagDurationUseDescription
1934 – 8 May 1945Kvinneorganisasjon's Fylkes flag (Fylkesflagget)Sun cross in gold and red on sky blue canvas.
1934 – 8 May 1945Kvinneorganisasjon's Krets flag (Kretsflagget)"Krets" is a Norwegian word for a circle of people.
1934 – 8 May 1945Kvinneorganisasjon's Team flag (Lagsflagget)

Hirdmarinen (Hird Navy)

Hirdmarinen was the Hirden's naval branch meant to form the basis for the future Norwegian navy under Quisling's rule.[2]

FlagDurationUseDescription
1942 – 8 May 1945Hirdmarinen's EnsignNorwegian Ensign with Hirdmarinen's insginia inside blue on the cross.
1942 – 8 May 1945Hirdmarinen's Naval JackHirdmarinen Insignia on a blue square field.
1942 – 8 May 1945Hirdmarinen's Command Leader rank flagHirdmarinen Insignia on a blue field.
1942 – 8 May 1945Hirdmarinen's District Leader rank flagHirdmarinen Insignia and 4 pointed star in canton on a blue field.
1942 – 8 May 1945Hirdmarinen's Regional Leader rank flagHirdmarinen Insignia on a blue Triangular swallowtail.
1942 – 8 May 1945Hirdmarinen's Sveit Leader rank flagHirdmarinen Insignia on a blue pennant.
1942 – 8 May 1945Hirdmarinen's Masthead pennantHirdmarinen Insignia on a blue swallowtailed pennant.
1942 – 8 May 1945Hirdmarinen's Senior Officer rank flagAncor on a blue pennant.
1942 – 8 May 1945Hirdmarinen's Troop and Team flagHirdmarinen Insignia on a blue triangular pennant.

Nasjonal Samling Labour Service

The NS Labour Service (NS Arbeidstjeneste) was one of the Nasjonal Samling party's special organisations. The Labour Service was meant to combat unemployment in Norway, similar to the German Reich Labour Service.

FlagDurationUseDescription
Summer 1940 – September 1940Administrative Councils Labour Service flagThe Labour Service in Norway during the occupation was started as a voluntary service by the Administrative Council in the summer of 1940.
September 1940 – 8 May 1945NS Arbeidstjeneste flagThe Labour Service was renamed and taken over by Nasjonal Samling in September 1940 and later made compulsory for young men in 1941.
September 1940 – 8 May 1945NS Arbeidstjeneste pennants
1940 – 8 May 1945NS Kvinnelig Arbeidstjeneste flagThe women's Labour Service was branch of NS-AT for females.

Flags of other Norwegian collaborationists
FlagDurationUseDescription
1942 – 8 May 1945Flag of Germanic SS NorwaySame flag as the Schutzstaffel.
29 June 1941 - March 1943Standard of the Norwegian LegionNorwegian flag with "The Norwegian Legion" written in Norwegian.
1942 – 8 May 1945Standard of the Viken Battalion of the Norwegian Legion.
29 June 1941 - March 1943Standard of the Police Company of the Norwegian Legion.

Political flags
FlagDurationUseDescription
Storting parties
 ? – currentFlag of the Labour Party
 ? – currentFlag of the Conservative Party
 ? – currentFlag of the Red Party
 ? – currentFlag of the Liberal Party
other
1997 – currentFlag of the Nordic Resistance Movement
1998 – currentFlag of Serve the People
 ? – currentFlag of Communist Party of Norway
– currentFlag of the Workers' Youth League
former
1934 – late 1940sFlag of the Norwegian Labour MovementUsed by the Norwegian Labour Party, AUF and the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions.
1925 – 1940Flag of the Fatherland League

Subnational flags

Most of the Norwegian counties and municipalities have their own flag. They are based on the respective coat of arms of the subdivision. However they are seldom used. Most public buildings and private homes use the National flag. Note: As of 2020, many municipalities and counties have been merged. Because of this many of the new regions do not have a current flag and instead the coat of arms will be used for the new regions until a flag is made.

Flags of the former counties

Flags and Coat of Arms of the current regions

Although Finnmark and Troms are officially merged, they still use their old county flags as the merging is disputed by locals and officials in Finnmark. The region of Trøndelag uses the old flag of Nord-Trøndelag as it has historical value and connection to king Olav II of Norway.

Flags of the municipalities
Main article: commons:Flags of municipalities of Norway

This is just a number of municipalities with their own flags, there are however many more municipalities that do use a flag.

Agder

Flags of municipalities in Agder county.

Innlandet

Flags of municipalities in Innlandet county.

Møre og Romsdal

Flags of municipalities in Møre og Romsdal county.

Nordland

Flags of municipalities in Nordland county.

Oslo
  • Flag of Oslo
    Flag of Oslo
  • Former flag of Oslo (1924–2000)
    Former flag of Oslo (1924–2000)

Rogaland

Flags of municipalities in Rogaland county.

Troms og Finnmark

Flags of municipalities in Troms og Finnmark county.

Trøndelag

Flags of municipalities in Trøndelag county.

Vestfold og Telemark

Flags of municipalities in Vestfold og Telemark county.

Vestland

Flags of municipalities in Vestland county.

Viken

Flags of municipalities in Viken county.

Ethnic group flags
FlagDurationUseDescription
15 August 1986 - CurrentFlag of the SámiThe Sami flag is also commonly flown in pennant form.
The colors of the Sámi flag are based on traditional Sámi costume, these colors are considered the Sámis (national) colors. The circular motif is derived from a sun/moon symbol which appears on many shaman's drums.
1962 - 15 August 1986unofficial
Today associated with the Alta controversy.
2007 – currentFlag of the Kven peopleThe flag was designed by the Swedish artist Bengt Johansson-Kÿrö. The flag shows a sun-rose, which is a common motif found on objects in Kvenland.
29 December 2022 – currentFlag of the Forest FinnsDesigned by the Norwegian couple Frédéric M. Lindboe and Bettina Gullhage. The flag depicts a traditional fertility symbol on a nordic cross design.
1978 – currentFlag of the Republic of Finnskogen (Republikken Finnskogen)Republikken Finnskogen is a pseudo state which comprises the area known as Finnskogen in Solør, Norway and Värmland, Sweden. The Republic is established annually for 3 days in Svullrya, Norway in commemoration of the Skogfinndagene (Forest Finn days) cultural event.

Proposed flags of Norway

1814 proposals

[3][4][5]

FlagDateProposed byDescription
1814Christian Frederick[6][7][8]Alternative flag proposal meant to visually contrast against the Danish and Swedish flags. The colors are said to have represented the green spruce forests and grey mountains of Norway.
1814Carl Johan
October 1814AnonymousSketch 1
October 1814AnonymousSketch 2
October 1814AnonymousSketch 3
October 1814AnonymousSketch 4
October 1814AnonymousSketch 5
October 1814AnonymousSketch 6
October 1814AnonymousSketch 7
October 1814AnonymousSketch 8
October 1814AnonymousSketch 9
October 1814AnonymousSketch 10
October 1814AnonymousSketch 11
October 1814AnonymousSketch 12
October 1814AnonymousSketch 13
October 1814AnonymousSketch 14
October 1814AnonymousSketch 15
October 1814AnonymousSketch 16
October 1814AnonymousSketch 17
October 1814AnonymousSketch 18
October 1814AnonymousSketch 19
October 1814AnonymousSketch 20
October 1814AnonymousSketch 21
October 1814AnonymousSketch 22
October 1814AnonymousSketch 23
October 1814AnonymousSketch 24
October 1814Anonymous
October 1814Anonymous
20 October 1814Gregers LundhProposal 1 by captain Lundh.
20 October 1814Gregers LundhProposal 2 by captain Lundh.
November 1814Svend Busch Brun

1815 proposals
FlagDateProposed byDescription
17 August 1815Peder Jacobsen Bøgvald
16 October 1815Niels Aall
16 October 1815Flag committee of the Storting

1820 proposals
FlagDateProposed byDescription
1820Gabriel Schanche KiellandIn 1820, Storting representative Gabriel Schanche Kielland started a signature campaign in order to adopt a new Norwegian merchant flag, in accordance with his interests as a merchant and ship owner in Stavanger. He also put forth his own design proposal alongside the signature campaign.

1821 proposals

In 1821, a flag committee was deducted in the Storting to find a new merchant flag of Norway. 18 Proposals were put forward to be judged by the committee. On May 4, The Storting discussed and held the vote on what would become the Norwegian flag.

The original documents of 14 of the 18 flag proposals are stored in the Storting Archive. Proposal 4, 5, 9, and 17 are missing.

FlagDateProposed byDescription
March 1821Jan Rasmussen SandeProposed by ship captain and Storting representative Jan Rasmussen Sande from Jarlsberg. The flag was based on Christian Frederick's alternative flag proposal from 1814, although Sande's proposal had a white cross instead of the grey cross. This flag was not put forth by the flag committee before the Storting in May.[9]
Proposals chosen by the Storting flag committee
May 1821Flag committee of the StortingProposal 1
Based on Proposal 12 from Grimstad, the additions of the lion and stars or crosses were added by the flag committee. The 5 stars or crosses represented the 5 dioceses of Akershus, Bergenhus, Christiansand, Trondhjem and Tromsø. Proposal 1 was the flag originally preferred by the flag committee, although it received no votes by the Storting.
May 1821Fredrik MeltzerProposal 2
May 1821Fredrik MeltzerProposal 3 (Chosen)
Proposal 3 by Fredrik Meltzer won on the Storting with 40 votes out of 59 and was thus chosen.
May 1821UnknownProposal 6
May 1821UnknownProposal 7
May 1821Christian Magnus FalsenProposal 8
May 1821UnknownProposal 10
May 1821Commission of BergenProposal 11 (A)
May 1821Commission of BergenProposal 11 (B)
May 1821Commission of BergenProposal 11 (C)
May 1821Citizens in GrimstadProposal 12
Based on Kielland's 1820 proposal, using red instead of blue.
May 1821Poul HolstProposal 13
May 1821Andreas Martin SeipProposal 14
May 1821Christian Magnus FalsenProposal 15
May 1821Citizens in TønsbergProposal 16
May 1821UnknownProposal 18

1836 union flag proposals
FlagDateProposed byDescription
7 April 1836Jonas Anton HielmProposed union mark of Sweden-Norway.
7 April 1836Jonas Anton HielmProposed merchant and state flags of Norway with union mark.
7 April 1836Jonas Anton HielmProposed merchant and state flags of Sweden with union mark.
2 May 1836Peter PetersenProposed union naval ensigns for Sweden-Norway by minister of mining (Bergråd) Peter Petersen, who was Storting representative of Jarlsberg and Larvik.
2 May 1836Peter PetersenProposed state flag and customs flag of Norway.
2 May 1836Peter Petersen

Dependent territory proposals
FlagDateProposed forProposed byDescription
1930Flag for SvalbardNorwegian Agrarian AssociationNorwegian lion on heraldic Vair fur pattern.

House flags of Norwegian freight companies
FlagDateUseDescription
1969-–presentHouse flag of Royal Caribbean International.
c. 1855–presentHouse flag for Det Stavangerske Dampskibsselskap
1941 - 1958House flag of Nortraship.This flag was flown ashore from Nortraship offices, ships flew the regular Norwegian merchant flag.
- 2006House flag for Ofotens og Vesteraalens Dampskibsselskab
1866? - 2006House flag for Troms Fylkes Dampskibsselskap

See also

References
  1. Flags of the World. "Norway - Coastal Artillery, 1914-2002". crwflags.com.
  2. National Library of Norway. "Organisasjonsinstruks for hirdmarinen 1944". nb.no (in Norwegian).
  3. Stortinget (28 April 2021). "Forslag til norsk flagg". Stortinget.no (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2022-09-10.
  4. Store Norske Leksikon (9 March 2022). "Norges flagg". snl.no (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2022-09-10.
  5. Flags of the World. "Norway - flag proposals". crwflags.com.
  6. Eidsvoll 1814. "Flagghistorien". eidsvoll1814.no (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2022-09-10.
  7. Fedrelandsvennen (2013-01-21). "Dette kunne blitt Norges flagg". fvn.no (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2022-09-10.
  8. NRK (2014-05-03). "Det norske flagg kunne vært grønt". nrk.no (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2022-09-10.
  9. Vest-Agder-museet. "Flagget - Et nasjonalt symbol blir til" (PDF). vestagdermuseet.no (in Norwegian).
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