“Norges Skaal” was written as drinking song for the Norwegian Literary Society (Norske Selskab) by the bishop Johan Nordahl Brun in 1771, at a time where Norway was under a personal union with Denmark. Due to the patriotic and revolutionary nature of the lyrics, Danish authorities banned the song.

The song quickly gained popularity, soon becoming known as the “Norwegian Marseillaise”, serving as one of Norway’s unofficial anthems throughout the 19th century. The recognizable tune of the song is often attributed to another popular drinking song, “Gaudeamus igitur”.


Performed by the Christiania Mannskor Choir, 2016.

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