"Sønner av Norge" (originally "Sønner af Norge", ) is the common title of the song "Norsk Nationalsang" (), which was the de facto national anthem of Norway from 1820 until the early 20th century. From the mid-1860s, "Ja, vi elsker dette landet" gradually came to occupy the unofficial position as national anthem, but was used alongside "Sønner af Norge" until the early 20th century, with "Sønner af Norge" being preferred in official situations. History 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. "Norsk Nationalsang" ("Sønner af Norge") was announced as the winner. Lyrics References Historical national anthems Norwegian anthems National symbols of Norway 1820 songs