The Norwegian Bunad on UNESCO’s Cultural Heritage List: A Recognition of Norwegian Wool

Norway’s national costume, the bunad, has recently been inscribed on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage. This is a recognition of Norway’s rich cultural heritage, traditional craftsmanship – and not least, Norwegian wool.

The Norwegian “bunad” is not merely clothing – it represents identity, belonging, and pride. It fosters connection and dialogue and can be worn by anyone. The combination of diversity, tradition, creativity, and cultural expression has now earned the Norwegian bunad tradition a place on UNESCO’s prestigious list.

Behind every bunad lies hours of skilled craftsmanship and high-quality materials. Wool from Norwegian sheep offers strength, shine, and durability – qualities that make it ideal for garments intended to last for generations.

At Norilia, all wool is graded according to the Norwegian Wool Standard by experienced professionals. We ensure top quality and full traceability from farm to finished textile. We manage wool from across the country with care for both the environment and animal welfare – delivering a raw material that supports longevity and excellence in textile production.

Norwegian wool is a plus-product – a high-value resource from Norwegian meat and sheep production. At Norilia, we work to increase the value of wool and other plus-products through advanced processing and circular thinking. Our goal is to ensure that raw materials from Norwegian agriculture are utilised to their full potential – both culturally and commercially.

We are proud to provide high-quality raw materials used in traditional bunads and wool craftsmanship around the world.