Bodø

The mini metropolis up north

Are you finding it hard to choose between a city break and a holiday in nature? In Bodø, you don't have to!

Combine urban city life with outdoor activities, year round.

A map of Norway with Bodø marked on the map.
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Bodø is the second-biggest city in Northern Norway, located just north of the Arctic Circle. In 2024, it was named a European Capital of Culture.

Between early June and mid July, the midnight sun provides an amazing backdrop to the city. If you're lucky, you may experience the northern lights in winter.

The city centre is within easy reach of many nature experiences, including several national parks and Saltraumen, the world's strongest maelstrom.

The Nordland Railway line has its end station in Bodø, and the Norwegian Coastal Route Hurtigruten calls in the city every day. The airport is very close by: within walking distance of the city centre!

People bathing under the midnight sun at the Mjelle beach in Bodø, Northern Norway
Bodø centre at dusk, Northern Norway
A football player celebrating at Aspmyra in Bodø.

Bodø in summer

Music festivals, the midnight sun and plenty of outdoor fun.

Plan your holiday

Bodø in winter

Art experiences, the northern lights and steamy hot saunas await.

Plan your winter break

Arctic football fever

Discover how the football team Bodø/Glimt made it to UEFA Champions League.

Experience Bodø/Glimt

Top insider tips

Explore Bodø like a local! Discover hidden gems, historical sites, and natural wonders with our local experts.

  • Bodø city, Northern Norway, a sunny summer day

    The locals’ guide to Bodø: top insider tips

    Bodø is a lively city located just above the Arctic Circle where you’ll find the perfect mix of cultural events and fabulous hiking trails.
    Hiking in the mountains surrounding Tromsø in Northern Norway

    Tips from locals: Things to do in Northern Norway

    Fishing trips. Chasing the northern lights. Being outdoors, under the midnight sun. Here, 13 locals share their favourite things to do in Northern Norway.
Ferry in Bodø
The Nordland railway running over a bridge in Northern Norway

Saltstraumen: The world's strongest maelstrom

Powerful forces are in play in the water between two fjords outside Bodø. Click below to learn more.

Experience Saltstraumen

Explore the region by boat

Ride "the coastal metro". Modern express boats bring you directly from the city centre to the Helgeland coast and numerous gems in the archipelago.

Go island hopping on the Helgeland coast

Holidays on rails

The Nordlandsbanen Railway has its end station in Bodø. Find all the highlights along the line between Trondheim and Bodø.

The best stops on the Nordland Railway

Itineraries and excursions

Regional buses and express boats take you directly from the city to loads of adventures. Find inspiration for where to go near Bodø.

  • A bus in the summer landscape in Lofoten, Northern Norway.

    4 stunning round trips in Northern Norway

    Learn how to explore the most remote areas of Northern Norway with public transportation: By train, bus express boat and ferry. Discover the Helgeland Coast, Lofoten, Tromsø, the North Cape and more!
    Manshausen island drone view

    An island escape that says WOW!

    Your choice of travel can make a difference! Come along to the island paradise of Nordskot in Steigen, a short, scenic express boat ride from Bodø! Stay in one-of-a-kind  places like Manshausen, Naustholmen or Villa Haugen, and support the local community.
    Go island hopping on the Helgeland coast. Aerial photograph of Træna in Helgeland, Northern Norway

    Go island hopping along the Helgeland coast

    Norway’s best-kept secret: The express boat trip along the Helgeland coast! Spend the night at magical islands like Træna, Støtt, Lovund and Myken for unforgettable island adventures
Woman biking in Lurøy, Aldersund

Kystriksveien

The Kystriksveien coastal route extends from Steinkjer in Trøndelag to Bodø in Northern Norway, a total of 650 kilometres!

Explore the Kystriksveien

Bodø has achieved the certification Sustainable Destination. Although this does not mean that the destination is completely sustainable, it does mean that it has made a commitment to work systematically to reduce the negative effects of tourism, while strengthening its positive ripple effects.

Get in-depth travel information and inspiration on Bodø’s official website.

Visit Bodø logo, Norwayvisitbodo.com

Getting here and around

Plan your trip to Bodø and Salten with Entur, Norway's official travel planner.

  • By plane

    Bodø Airport is located 2 kilometres from the city centre. The airport bus has many daily departures and covers the distance in about 5 minutes. A flight from Oslo to Bodø takes 1 hour and 20 minutes.

    Transfer in Bodø for your trip to the Lofoten Islands.

    Ad: Norwegian – cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European airports

    By train

    There are daily train connections between Trondheim and Bodø. The trip takes about 10 hours.

    Ad: Check out Vy’s website for prices and timetables

    By road

    Rv. 80 links Bodø to the E6, the main road through Norway.

    Another alternative is the Coastal Route Rv. 17, which hugs the coast a few kilometres to the west and takes you all the way to Trondheim. Note that there are several ferry crossings on this route.

    Ad: Auto Europe – always a smooth rental experience

    By ferry

    The Norwegian coastal express Hurtigruten calls at Bodø twice a day.

    Fast passenger boats and car ferries take you from Bodø to several ports in the Lofoten Islands and along the Helgeland coast.

    Ad: Hurtigruten – the world’s most beautiful sea voyage

    Local travel

    A bus network takes you around the city and municipality of Bodø.

Explore top destinations near Bodø

Woman looking at the midnightsun in Lofoten, Northern Norway
Northern Norway
  • "Spisshusene" in Longyearbyen, Svalbard

    The Svalbard Islands

    Four persons having a drink at the bar of the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in Alta, Northern Norway

    Alta

    Northern lights over Elgenes in Harstad, Northern Norway

    Harstad

    A bridge connecting Herøy to another island in Helegeland, Northern Norway. In the background, the mountain range The seven sisters.

    Helgeland

    A couple in a sleigh pulled by a reindeer, held by a Sami man

    Heart of the Sami – Kautokeino and Karasjok

    The fishing village Hamnøy in Lofoten in winter, Northern Norway

    The Lofoten Islands

    Three people summer biking at the Narvikfjellet with midnight sun

    Narvik

    The midnight sun shining over the North Cape

    The North Cape

    Three kids on a beach at Senja, Northern Norway

    Senja and Central Troms

    Two women are hiking up the Sherpa staircase to Mount Storsteinen in Tromsø, Northern Norway

    Tromsø

    Whale safari in Vesterålen, Northern Norway

    Vesterålen

    Tyven i Hammerfest

    Hammerfest

    Vegaøyene in Nordland

    The Vega Islands

    Two people hiking in Nordkyn

    Nordkyn

    People in hammocks in front of the Svartisen glacier in Helgeland, Northern Norway

    Salten

    Woman biking in Lurøy, Aldersund

    Kystriksveien – the coastal route

    Two people walking hand in hand in the scenic mountain landscape of Lyngenfjord, Northern Norway

    The Lyngenfjord region

    Restaurant at Snowhotel Kirkenes in Northern Norway

    Kirkenes

    Seabirds at the Hornøya island in Varanger

    Varanger

    Cable car and view over Tromsø and the fjord

    Summer in Northern Norway

Take advantage of top offers

See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

  • Food - Brim Explorer
    Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
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    CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
    Blazerbu - Norgesbooking
    NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
    Scandic Holmenkollen Park Hotel in Oslo, Eastern Norway
    Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
    The Thief - A lifestyle boutique hotel in Oslo
    StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
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    Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
    Valevåg Camping
    CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
    Hotell Refsnes Gods - fasade
    Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
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    50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
    Family in outdoor pool in winter at Radisson Blu mountain resort & residences in Trysil, Eastern Norway
    Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
    Hardangerfjord - Authentic Scandinavia
    Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
    Lit-up tent in snow with colorful northern lights and mountains behind it
    Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
    Two women viewing scenic Norwegian fjord from a boat, with dramatic mountains reflected in calm water under blue sky.
    Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
    Eidfjord village - Go fjords
    Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
    The Hurtigruten ship MS Nordkapp in Geirangerfjord in Fjord Norway
    HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
    Skiing on finnmarksvidda
    Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
    Sykkeltur i Hardanger
    Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
    Happy family taking a selfie in an airport after arriving to Norway
    Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
    Hop on hop off bus - Stromma
    StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
    Hikers approaching a small wooden cabin with grass roof in mountainous landscape
    Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
    Aurora borealis Tromso - Fjord Travel
    Fjord Travel NorwaySleep in an ice hotel, hunt the northern lights, and discover the magical fjords. Book your tour now!
    Woodward - Arctic Campers
    Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
    Auto Europe
    Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
    Buss bilde - NOR-WAY
    NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
    Raumabanen - SJ Nord
    SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
    A bus driving along the coast in Norway, Vy express route vy146
    Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
    Vy Train travelling on a scenic railway line between Bergen and Hønefoss, Norway
    Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
    Van 4 - Cabin Campers
    Cabin CampersExperience the road trip of a lifetime with our cabins on four wheels.
    Malangen resort - My nordic travel
    My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
    Campanyon - Arctic Dome Smiberget
    CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
    Airplane
    NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
    Elegant wooden hotel in mountain valley beneath snow-capped peaks.
    De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
    A woman hiking in the summer mountains by the fjord.
    CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
    Two women waving out the windows of a campervan with Benzini Campers on the hood
    Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.