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.
Explore all the options below, or go directly to:
Top things to do
Don't miss these highlights.
HamarøyThe Hamsun Centre museum
BodøBodø Golf Park
RøklandNordland Nationalpark Center
Where to stay
Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.
Glamping at Bliksvær
Experience glamorous camping—glamping—amidst beautiful natural surroundings with high standards. Our modern tents feature cozy interiors, wood-burning stoves for warmth, tables, chairs, and large comfortable beds. Located on the idyllic Bliksvær, our glamping site is at Bliksvær School, owned by Explore Salten.
Book nowBodøScandic Havet
Right on the waterfront in the heart of Bodø city center, you'll find Scandic Havet, an eco-labeled experience hotel and the largest conference hotel in Northern Norway. You don’t have to go far up the floors before you get a spectacular view of the city, the sea, and the mountains surrounding Bodø. On clear days, you can see all the way to Svartisen and Lofoten from the hotel's upper floors.
Book nowFleinværThe Arctic Hideaway
Out in the ocean west of Bodø, you can find Fleinvær. In the Island group of Fleinvær initiator Håvard Lund has built a pearl of a plant of nine small houses facilitated for concentrated work, peace and quiet; Fleinvær has no cars, no shops but high skies and a broad horizon.
Book nowLeinesfjordVilla Haugen Boutique Hotel
Villa Haugen is located at 67,8° N and 14,8° E on an island in Steigen - Nordland – at the edge of the ocean with fantastic views of Lofoten and Vesterålen. Grøtøy used to be one of the most important and influential trading posts in Norway for more than 200 years and our main house was part of this. One can surely say that it is a place of great experiences and big contracts – historical as well as nature wise.
Food and drink
Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.
BodøBådin - Open brewery, beer tastings and beer sales
Bådin Brewery was founded in 2012 and has grown from a small local producer into a modern brewery with increasing production capacity and a growing team. Today, Bådin offers beer tastings, brewery visits and tailor-made events, and also hosts its own beer festival.
Book nowBodøRestaurant Bjørk
Restaurant house, with several departments, centrally situated in the glass arcade, Glasshuset. We have a pleasant and informal atmosphere, equally as suitable for every day use as for the more important occasions. Our menu is extensive and varied, adapted to suit our lunch, dinner and evening guests.
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 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.
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.
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.
Local travel
A bus network takes you around the city and municipality of Bodø.
Travel through Northern Norway
More travel ideas
Take advantage of top offers
See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.
Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
Rent-A-Wreck of Scandinavia ASThe smart and affordable car rental alternative.
SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
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.
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.
CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.
