Ascension Day
Nationwide public holiday in Svalbard and Jan Mayen · Kristi himmelfartsdag
Dates
| Year | Date | Weekday | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 14 May | Thursday | Nationwide |
| 2027 | 6 May | Thursday | Nationwide |
Where it applies
Everywhere in Svalbard and Jan Mayen.
Is it a day off?
Yes. It is an official public holiday, so most employees have the day off. Government offices, schools and many businesses are usually closed; shops, restaurants and public transport may keep reduced hours. Check local announcements for opening times.
Make it longer
Take Friday 7 May off and get 4 days in a row (Thu 6 May – Sun 9 May).
Plan more breaks with the leave planner.
Typical weather in Longyearbyen around 6 May: high -4°C (24°F), low -9°C (16°F), rain on 30% of days.
Averages for 2015–2024, 3 days either side of the date, for the area around Longyearbyen. Past averages, not a forecast.
Forecast for Thursday 6 May in Longyearbyen: (MET Norway)
About Ascension Day
Ascension Day commemorates the ascension of Jesus into heaven, which according to the New Testament took place forty days after the resurrection. It is therefore observed on a Thursday, 39 days after Easter Sunday. Because it depends on Easter, Western and Orthodox churches often observe it on different dates.
Traditions
Church services are held to mark the feast. In some countries the holiday is used for family outings or a long weekend, and various regions have their own local customs connected with the day.
Editorial summary by Public Holidays World. Dates on this page come from the data source; customs vary by region and family.
Coming up next in Svalbard and Jan Mayen
Sunday, 16 May 2027
Ascension Day in other countries
Åland Islands
Austria
Belgium
Denmark
Faroe Islands
Finland
France
Germany
Iceland
Liechtenstein
Luxembourg
Monaco
More for Svalbard and Jan Mayen
Holiday dates are for general information and can change. Official government announcements take precedence.