World
Norway Cracks Down as Wild Graduation Bus Parties Spiral Out of Control
Weeks of all-night partying by Norwegian school leavers on custom buses trigger national debate over noise safety and tradition
What started as a long-standing graduation tradition has now turned into a nationwide controversy in Norway. School leavers—known locally as russ—are taking to the streets in custom-decorated party buses, celebrating the end of their studies with weeks-long midnight raves. But authorities say this year, the wild festivities have gone too far.
Across the country, dozens of towns and cities are reporting noise complaints, vandalism, and safety risks as these “russ buses” blast music into the early morning hours. Some buses are equipped with full DJ setups, flashing lights, fog machines, and even stripper poles, turning public roads into rolling nightclubs.
The parties often begin in April and continue non-stop until the national Constitution Day on May 17th, becoming a rite of passage for Norwegian teens. But this year, local officials and residents have raised concerns about the scale and intensity of the celebrations.
“Some buses are on the road until 5 a.m. every night for weeks,” said one Oslo city official. “We’re not trying to ruin the fun—but it’s gotten out of hand. People can’t sleep, accidents are increasing, and it’s putting enormous strain on police resources.”
Even Norway’s education and transport authorities have stepped in, calling for new rules to regulate the russ culture, including time limits, noise restrictions, and possible licensing for these mobile party vehicles.
Many parents are also voicing worries about underage drinking, drug use, and safety on board the buses, which can cost up to $200,000 to build and operate, often funded collectively by students and their families. For some, the escalating costs and party intensity are turning a cultural celebration into a competition of excess.
Still, many young Norwegians defend the tradition fiercely. “It’s our last big freedom before adulthood. We’ve worked hard, and this is how we celebrate,” said one 18-year-old russ participant from Bergen.
Sociologists say the russ culture reflects deeper cultural values of freedom, youth identity, and rebellion in Norway. But with the increasing public backlash, there’s growing pressure to find a balance between celebration and control.
Whether these party buses will be tamed or continue to rule Norway’s roads in coming years remains to be seen—but for now, the country is grappling with how far is too far when the wheels of tradition keep spinning all night long.