Find it hard to choose between a city break and a nature-based activity holiday? In Bodø and Salten, you don't have to! Combine the urban city vibes of Bodø and a visit to the old trading post of Kjerringøy with trips to the Svartisen glacier and the powerful maelstrom Saltstraumen.
The city of Bodø, known as Northern Norway’s 'mini metropolis', is full of quirky shops, delicious food, and major cultural events. With everything from the Nordland Music Festival to a host of events at the cultural centre Kulturkvartalet Stormen held all year round, it’s no wonder the city was named the European Capital of Culture in 2024!
The city centre is within easy reach of hiking and climbing excursions to the Børvasstindan mountain range, skiing in Bodømarka, and RIB trips to Saltstraumen, the world’s strongest maelstrom. You can also go on a sea eagle safari. In the nearby archipelago, the island of Kjerringøy is one of Norway’s best-preserved coastal trading posts.
Bodø is located in Salten, which is a natural base for exploring both the region’s beautiful coastline and its pristine inland nature.
Explore the paddling paradise of Rødøy, go island hopping, or enjoy hiking in one of several national parks, including Rago and Sjunkhatten. At Saltfjellet, you can cross the Arctic Circle, while Sulitjelma outside Fauske is the place to go for cross-country skiing.
Other highlights include the Hamsun Centre in Hamarøy, glacier hikes on Svartisen, unique accommodation options, and a drive along the Scenic Route Helgelandskysten.
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.
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Where to stay
Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.
Food and drink
Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.
Tips from the locals
Getting here and around
Plan your trip to Bodø and Salten with Entur, Norway's official travel planner.
By plane
Bodø Airport is located just 2 kilometres from the city centre. The airport express 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.
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By train
There are daily train connections between Trondheim and Bodø. The trip takes about 10 hours.
By boat
The Norwegian Coastal Express Hurtigruten calls at Bodø twice a day.
Express boats and car ferries take you from Bodø to several ports in the Lofoten Islands and along the Helgeland coast.
By road
The Rv. 80 links Bodø to the E6, the main motorway through Norway.
Another alternative is the Coastal Route Rv. 17, which follows 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.
By public transport
A bus network takes you around the city and municipality of Bodø.
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