The lyrics were written by Henrik Anker Bjerregaard (1792–1842) and the melody by Christian Blom (1782–1861), after the Royal Norwegian Society for Development had announced a competition to write a national anthem for Norway in 1819.

Mandige Skarer Bølgen befarer, Norriges Ros bær til fjerneste Kyst; Hjemme er Kæmpere nok som forsvarer Arvede Frihed med modige Bryst.

Konninger bolde Scepteret holde, Røgte med Viisdom det hellige Kald; Gjennem Aarhundreders Nat deres Skjolde Gjenstraale klart i Erindringens Hal.

Fuglen i Skove, Nordhavets Vove Friere er ei end Norriges Mand; Villig dog lyder han selvgivne Love, Trofast mod Konning og Fædreneland.

Mandige skarer bølgen befarer, Norriges ros bær til fjerneste kyst; Hjemme er kjempere nok som forsvarer Arvede frihed med modige bryst.

Konninger bolde septeret holde, Røgte med visdom det hellige kald; Gjennem århundreders natt deres skjolde Gjenstråle klart i erindringens hal.

Fuglen i skove, Nordhavets vove Friere er ei end Norriges mand; Villig dog lyder han selvgivne love, Trofast mot konning og fedreneland.

Our spirits fly to the foregone ages, Beholding our fatherland's glory; Warriors walked along the peaks of Dovre, to Ledingefærd they hiked like a dance.

Crowds of men bring by the waves, Norway's pride to distant coasts; At home, we have warriors who will defend Inherited freedoms with brave hearts.

While the steel-clad test their strength, While they in fighting rows stand, Poets and storytellers cultivate their art, Carving in runes the finest of verses.

The fowl in the forest, the inlets of the North Sea None are freer than the Norwegian; Willingly though he followeth self-given laws, Faithful to King and Fatherland.