Bunad anticipation: Traditional costume gate at Oslo Airport for the national holiday!

Bunad anticipation: Traditional costume gate at Oslo Airport for the national holiday!

On May 16 and 17, 2025, a new special gate for travelers in traditional national costume, known as Bunad, will be opened at Oslo Airport. This facility comes just before Norway's National Day on May 17, a day when many Norwegians travel to take part in celebrations across the country. The initiative for the so-called Trachtengate originally came from a single traveler and has now developed into a consolidated tradition. The Bunadsslusa, as the gate is called, is festively decorated with Norwegian flags to highlight the cultural significance of the costume. [businessportal-Norway] reports that the insurance company Tryg Forsikring recommends traveling in a Bunad and taking silver as hand luggage during the flight.

In the bunad, the connection to the local traditions and identity of Norwegians is strongly represented. Over 80% of women and 20% of men in Norway have a bunad, with more than 450 regional variations. These traditional garments are often made of wool and include hand-embroidered designs. While women typically wear an embroidered white blouse, a woolen apron and matching accessories such as headdresses and silver jewelry, the men's version consists of a white shirt, a colored vest and wool trousers, complemented by a hat and leather shoes. The Bunads are not only fashion but also a significant cultural identity, often chosen for special occasions such as the national holiday, weddings or baptisms.

Special baggage regulations

The above recommendations from Tryg Forsikring also contain important guidelines regarding what to take with you in hand luggage. Traditional knives are not allowed, and cakes cannot be transported in hand luggage because cream is classified as a liquid. For Bunads over NOK 40,000, it is advisable to take out special Bunad insurance to minimize the risk of loss when shipping as checked baggage. There are often reports of lost costumes, which is why it is safer to carry them in your hand luggage.

Cultural significance of the Bunad

The Bunad has deep-rooted cultural significance in Norway. Many people wear them for sentimental reasons or to represent their heritage and identity. Bunads are not only articles of clothing but also symbols of various cultural concepts, including strength and the Holy Trinity. Particularly popular are bunads such as the East Telemark bunad, which has become popular with red shirts and varying embroidery, and the Hardanger bunad, which includes a distinctive white apron and red vest. The cost of making a Bunad varies between NOK 20,000 and NOK 80,000, depending on the origin and materials used.

The national holiday on May 17 remains the most common occasion to wear a bunad. Whether at parades or private celebrations, the wearers of the traditional costumes express Norway's rich cultural heritage. [norwaytoday] emphasizes that the traditional costumes of different regions also have emotional values ​​for the wearers.