Norwegian family endures six sleepless nights as graduation party buses disrupt neighbourhood

A mother in Nordre Follo has described six consecutive nights of extreme noise and vibration from russebuss—Norwegian graduation celebration buses—leaving her six-year-old child terrified and unable to sleep, Dagbladet reports.

Magdalena Ness told the newspaper that the relentless noise from passing buses, equipped with powerful sound systems, shook her home in Siggerud and forced her child to sleep in the parents’ bed each night. “It was impossible to sleep,” she said. While Ness acknowledged the tradition of russefeiring—Norwegian high school graduation celebrations—she stressed that residents should not be subjected to disturbances in their homes at night.

Local police in Follo confirmed receiving 87 noise-related complaints about russebuss activity since 28 May, with 90 percent concerning excessive sound levels. Officer Kristoffer Haakonsen admitted the mobile nature of the buses makes enforcement difficult. “The concept itself is challenging for police. There’s nowhere we can direct them where they won’t disturb someone—the bass travels up to three kilometres.”

On Tuesday night, Øst police district responded to reports of 49 buses gathered at Gardermoen Business Park in Jessheim. Officers issued orders to lower volume levels and fined several drivers for illegal entry. Haakonsen noted that while police prioritise emergencies, they deploy resources to russebuss incidents when possible.

Ness, who filed complaints with both police and Nordre Follo municipality, said authorities had been responsive. “Police surprised me—they gave clear, helpful feedback on addressing the problem.” She observed a noticeable difference on nights when police patrolled the area.

Graduation celebrations, which vary by region, are expected to continue until mid-June.