Saltstraumen

Just 33 km from downtown Bodø, you can experience a spectacular natural phenomenon that has thrilled visitors from near and far. The maelstrom occurs when tidal waters flow in and out of the narrow strait connecting the outer Saltenfjord with the Skjerstadfjord.

Every sixth hour, 400 million m3 of water forces its way through the 3 km long and 150 m wide strait at speeds of up to 20 knots. This forms mighty whirlpools up to 10 m in diameter and 4-5 m deep. Visit at high tide and marvel at the immense forces of nature. The tide times vary from day to day, so check the tide table on visitbodo.com. This way you can plan to be at Saltstraumen when the current is at its strongest.
Saltstraumen is famous for its marine life. The abundant stocks of cod, saithe, halibut, monkfish and wolffish make it an Eldorado for anglers and seabirds such as eider ducks and white-tailed eagles. The world record for a saithe (coalfish) caught with a fishing rod was set here. Besides the huge shoals of fish, you will discover shellfish, crustaceans, sea anemones, coral reefs and much more. An incredible underwater world awaits sports divers but diving in this current is not something for novices.