Norwegian flag types: flag, swallow-tailed flag, pennant and more

The Norwegian flag exists in several variants. Some are set out in the Flag Act, others were decided by royal decree, and some, like the pennant, are not regulated at all. Which variant is used depends on who is flying it and where.

Overview

The national flag

The ordinary Norwegian flag is called the “koffardiflag” in the Flag Act and otherwise often the merchant flag. Under section 1 of the Flag Act, it is bright red, divided into four right-angled fields by a dark blue cross with a white edge, and its width relates to its length as 16 to 22. This is the flag used by private individuals, businesses, associations and municipalities. Under the Act on flag flying on municipal public buildings, municipalities use the Norwegian flag without swallow tail and tongue.

The swallow-tailed flag

The swallow-tailed flag is the same flag with a swallow tail and tongue. According to Store norske leksikon, it was introduced as the naval ensign in 1844 with the union mark, and without the union mark on 9 June 1905. As the state flag, it was introduced without the union mark by the Flag Act of 10 December 1898. Its proportions are 16:27. Under section 3 of the flag regulation, it is used on buildings owned by the state, or rented by the state and mainly used by it, and at Norway’s missions abroad. It is not used on state property mainly let to private parties, nor at exhibitions, agricultural shows and festivities not organised by the state.

Post and customs flags

Under section 2 of the Flag Act, the post and customs flags have a white field in the centre with the words “Post” or “Toll” and a crown above. Under section 3 of the flag regulation, mail-carrying vessels can use the post flag only when the ship is Norwegian and the shipping company has a contract with the state to carry mail.

The royal standard

According to Store norske leksikon, the royal standard is a modern version of the first Norwegian flag from the Middle Ages: the Norwegian lion on a bright red field. The current royal standard was introduced in 1905. The Crown Prince’s standard from 1924 also has a shallow swallow tail.

The pennant

According to Store norske leksikon, the pennant (vimpel) is a narrow, usually triangular flag. The pennant in the national colours is used more informally than the flag and can stay hoisted day and night. It is not regulated, and sizes and proportions vary between makers. It usually has only horizontal stripes. The maker Flaggfabrikken also describes the cross pennant, which has a cross near the pole and according to the maker is most common in Western Norway, and the “flyndrevimpel”, which hangs from an arm and lies flat in the wind.

Table flags, hand flags and banners

Table flags and hand flags usually follow the ordinary flag’s proportions. Banners hanging vertically from a pole or an arm are more common at events and businesses than on private flagpoles. Which size suits a pole is covered in the guide to flag sizes, and the flag size calculator works out the size for a given height. The cross and the colours are covered in the guide to flag symbolism.