Norway Flag: Nordic Cross, Fredrik Meltzer, Ratio & History
Explore Norway’s red-white-blue Nordic cross, Fredrik Meltzer’s 1821 design, exact 16:22 proportions, ‘colors of liberty’ idea and official flagging rules.
What does the Norway flag look like?
The Norwegian flag has a bright-red field crossed by a dark-blue Nordic cross outlined in white. The cross is shifted toward the hoist in the standard Scandinavian style.
Official regulations specify a width-to-length proportion of 16:22. The geometry is especially precise: the hoist fields are 6 units wide, the white borders 1 unit each, the blue cross 2 units and the outer fly fields 12 units.
Who designed the Norwegian flag?
The design was proposed by Fredrik Meltzer, a member of the Norwegian parliament from Bergen. In May 1821, the Storting considered numerous flag proposals and selected Meltzer’s red-white-blue Nordic-cross design.
Why red, white and blue?
Meltzer argued for red, white and blue as the colors of liberty, pointing to their use by countries such as France and the United States. The design also preserved a clear Scandinavian cross tradition.
What flags did Norway use before 1821?
Before 1814, Norway had been part of the Danish-Norwegian state and used the Danish Dannebrog. After the political changes of 1814 and the union with Sweden, several temporary and union-linked flag arrangements were used.
The present Norwegian commercial flag was chosen in 1821. During the union with Sweden, modified union flags coexisted with the national design. The plain red-white-blue Norwegian flag ultimately became the uncontested national emblem.
What does Norwegian law specify?
The 1898 Flag Act and associated regulations define the red field, dark-blue cross, white borders and exact proportions. Government guidance also regulates official flagging times at state institutions.
From March through October, official flags are normally raised at 08:00; from November through February at 09:00, with special winter rules in northern counties. They are lowered at sunset and no later than 21:00.
Norway flag quick facts
| Designer | Fredrik Meltzer |
|---|---|
| Selected by Parliament | May 1821 |
| Colors | Red, white and dark blue |
| Ratio | 16:22 (8:11) |
| Cross style | Nordic cross |
| Current flag law | 1898 |
Norway flag FAQ
Who designed the Norway flag?
Fredrik Meltzer.
When was the Norwegian flag adopted?
The Storting selected the current design in May 1821.
What is the Norway flag ratio?
16:22, reducible to 8:11.
Why does Norway use red, white and blue?
Meltzer described them as colors of liberty, while the cross preserves the Nordic flag tradition.
Why does Norway’s flag resemble other Scandinavian flags?
It uses the same off-center Nordic cross structure found across the region.
Storting — The Norwegian Flag
Norwegian Government — Flag Regulations
Norwegian Government — Flag Act
