Northern lights in Bodø

Bodø by light

With its dramatic surroundings and ever-changing light, Bodø is a sought-after holiday destination for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Bodø is situated on a peninsula in the middle of Nordland county’s beautiful coastline and has good light conditions all year round, even during the darkest months. From dark blue via shimmering gold to deep pink – the ever-changing light has become a favourite subject for photographers from all over the world. It is easy to get to Bodø and around.

The northern lights can be seen on dark, clear evenings from September to April. You can spot it from the pier in the harbour or from one of the city’s rooftop bars, but for the best northern light experience, go to Rønvikfjellet mountain just a few kilometres outside the city centre or take an organized bus tour to a more desolated area.

In the daytime you can visit the world’s strongest maelstrom Saltstraumen. Every six hours, up to 400 million cubic metres of seawater forces its way through the 3-kilometre long and 150-metre wide strait that connects the Saltfjord and the Skjerstadfjord, and forms whirlpools up to 10 metres in diametres.

Cross-country skiers can choose between prepared tracks in the Bodømarka forest or make their own across the mountainious landscape around the city. In recent years, randonnée skiing from the area’s many mountain tops has also become increasingly popular. Just remember to stay safe.

Find more inspiration on Bodø’s official website.

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visitbodo.com

Northern lights over Landegode, Bodø

Kent Even Grundstad / www.nordnorge.com / Bodø

Winter light in Bodø

Rune Nilsen / www.nordnorge.com

Saltstraumen and Børvasstindan

Rune Nilsen / www.nordnorge.com / Bodø

Kjerringøy in Bodø

Roger Johansen / www.nordnorge.com

Hunting the northern lights with Polar Tours

Join a one day northern lights adventure. Departure by bus from Bodø city center in the morning. On board the bus you will get a northern lights introduction as well as a movie about the phenomenon. Upon arrival, you will be served a hot beverage and snacks to keep warm while witing for the aurora borealis to dance across the sky. The return to Bodø city centre will be around midnight.

Clothing: important to wear warm clothes, hat, gloves and scarves as well as winter boots to protect against cold temperatures and wind.

Price from NOK 690 per person

Included: bus transport back and forth, hot drinks, snacks, guiding from driver, movie on bus and head lamps.

Where to stay in Bodø

Northern lights forecast

The NorwayLights app will give you the best prediction for when to see the northern lights in your area.

Getting here and around

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

By train

There are daily train connections between Trondheim and Bodø. The trip takes about 10 hours, and Lonely Planet has named the 729 kilometre long railway one of the world’s most beautiful night train journeys.

Ad: Check out NSB’s webpage for prices and timetables.
By road

Rv80 links Bodø to the E6, the main road through Norway.

Another alternative is the Coastal Route Rv17, 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.

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By ferry

The Norwegian Coastal Voyage 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.

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Local travel

A bus network takes you around the city and municipality of Bodø.
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 flight to the Lofoten Islands.

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