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 metropole”, is full of quirky shops, yummy food, and major cultural events. From the festivals Parken and Nordland Music Festival to all the events in the cultural centre Kulturkvarteret Stormen all year round – it’s no coincidence that the city was the European Capital of Culture in 2024!
The city centre is within easy reach of hiking and climbing tours in the Børvasstindan mountain range, skiing in Bodømarka, and RIB trips toSaltstraumen, the world’s strongest maelstrom. You can also go on a sea eagle safari. In the archipelago, the island of Kjerringøy is one of Norway’s best-preserved coastal trading places.
Bodø is located in Salten, which is a natural gateway to explore both the region’s beautiful coastline and the unspoilt nature inland.
Explore the paddling paradise Rødøy, go island hopping, or enjoy hiking in one of many national parks, for example Rago and Sjunkhatten. At Saltfjellet you can cross the Arctic Circle, while Sulitjelma outside of 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 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.
Want more tips? Check out the band Kråkesølv’s guide to their hometown and local insider tips for a long weekend in Bodø.
Get in-depth travel information and inspiration on Bodø’s official website.
Explore all the options below, or go directly to:
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
Get in-depth travel information on Bodø’s official website.
Plan your trip to Bodø and Salten with Entur.
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.
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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.
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.
Plan your trip and buy tickets for public transportation with Entur, Norway's national travel planner.
Travel through Northern Norway
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