Oslo introduces quiet rooms for those overwhelmed by Norway’s Constitution Day celebrations

For the first time, Norway’s capital will offer designated quiet spaces for people who need a break from the crowds and noise of the 17 May national holiday, Dagbladet reports.

The initiative, called Pauserommet (The Pause Room), is run by the youth mental health organisation Mental Helse Ungdom and provides a low-threshold refuge for anyone feeling overwhelmed during the festivities. Two locations in central Oslo—at Dr.Dropin in Oscars gate 20 and Thorvald Meyers gate 35—will open from 10:00 to 15:00 on 17 May, staffed by trained volunteers with support from healthcare professionals.

Lars-Erik Edvardsen, project manager at Mental Helse Ungdom, told Dagbladet that many struggle silently with the pressure to participate in celebrations that are expected to be joyful. “It’s a taboo to admit you’re having a hard time, so people often keep it to themselves,” he said. “But when it becomes too much, it’s important to have somewhere to go.”

The rooms are described as “first aid for the mind”—a place to sit down, drink water, eat something sweet or salty, and regain composure. The service is free and open to all ages, with no questions asked.

Thomas Kallerud, responsible for fundraising and events at Mental Helse Ungdom, said the goal is to make it easier for people to attend public celebrations without fear of anxiety or sensory overload. “Knowing there’s a safe space nearby can be the difference between staying home and joining the parade,” he said.

The concept has already been used at festivals, concerts, and large gatherings across Norway, with around 200 Pauserom events planned this year alone. Edvardsen noted that while 17 May itself isn’t uniquely stressful, large crowds can be challenging for many. “People come in feeling overwhelmed and leave ready to rejoin the fun,” he said.