Bodø in summer

The gateway to the Arctic

The midnight sun, the world's strongest maelstrom, and cultural experiences in the city. In this mini metropolis, you get a little bit of everything.

Located just north of the Arctic Circle, Bodø is one of the largest cities in Northern Norway. In 2024, it was named European Capital of Culture.

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 so close, it's actually within walking distance of the city centre. Bodø is also a popular gateway to the Helgeland coast, Salten, and the Lofoten islands.

People at a concert at Nyholmen Skandse during the festival Nordland Musikkfestuke

With Bodø as your base, you can easily fill a whole week with fun activities, cultural events, good food, and nature experiences in the Salten region.

And between June and July, the midnight sun provides an incredible backdrop!

Start by exploring the city centre, which has developed rapidly in the last few years. The Kulturkvartalet Stormen cultural centre is well worth a visit.

Stormen’s library was named one of the 10 most beautiful in the world by WIRED, and its concert hall attracts internationally renowned stars.

Thanks to its thriving cultural scene, Bodø was the European Capital of Culture in 2024.

Discover new music and make friends at the nightclubs, or at the annual festival Nordland Musikkfestuke.

Another highlight in Bodø is the huge, family-friendly Norwegian Aviation Museum. It has a great collection of both civilian and military aircrafts, including the famous U-2 spy plane that put Bodø on the map during the Cold War.

Do take your time in the city's niche boutiques, including Studio EBN, which sells designer handbags made of salmon skin!

Top things to do

Don't miss these highlights.

Bodø
Northern Norwegian Art Museum
Explore the world of art at the Northern Norwegian Art Museum. This exciting addition to the city’s art and cultural scene offers exhibitions from a unique collection and borrowed works of both historical and contemporary art.
RIB to Saltstraumen with Sea Eagle Safari - Explore Salten
Experience the force of the world's strongest tidal current – Saltstraumen. Explore Salten takes you and your group out in a RIB boat when the current is at its strongest. Get ready for a wild experience!
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Bodø
Bodø City Museum
Located in the heart of Bodø, the iconic City Museum is one of the oldest buildings in the city. Built in 1903, it is a protected cultural heritage site designated by the Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage. In the museum’s basement, you’ll find the historic dry aquarium, established shortly after World War II – an exhibition that has also been protected for its cultural value.
Bodø
Silent Coastal Cruise to Kjerringøy
Experience Majestic Fjords and Historical Kjerringøy Explore the spectacular highlights of the Bodø region on an unforgettable half-day tour with Brim Explorer and our hybrid-electric boats. This tour seamlessly combines natural beauty, history, and culture into one incredible journey.
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Pust Sauna
Pust sauna in Bodø is an arena for well-being, socialization across age and social class, and has become a respite in people's hectic everyday life. Should be experienced, if we do say so ourselves.
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Bodø
Norwegian Jekt Trade Museum in Bodø
Right by the sea with the view of the majestic mountains as a backdrop, nestled in the spectacular landscape of Bodøsjøen Outdoor Museum, you’ll find the Jekt Trade Museum. A Museum that tells the story of the raw coastal culture, and how the jekts (traditional cargo vessels) connected Northern Norway to the rest of Europe. At the heart of the exhibition stands the only original preserved jekt from Nordland and invites you to dive into a world that is unrecognizable today.
Bodø
Norwegian Aviation Museum
The Norwegian Aviation Museum is Norway’s national aviation museum.
RIB-safari in Saltstraumen - Stella Polaris
A must-do in Bodø!
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Bodø
Beiarfjorden and Saltstraumen Cruise from Bodø
Combine peaceful quiet Beiarfjorden, a real hidden gem of the region with the famous Saltstraumen, the world’s strongest and most powerful tidal current. Throughout the trip our passionate guides will share stories and knowledge about the area.
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Saltstraumen
Snorkeling in Saltstraumen
Go snorkling in Saltstraumen with NORD&NE and experience Saltstraumens underwater life.
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Arctic Costal Walk in Bodø
Come join us walking across white beaches, through a landscape in constant change.
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Kjerringøy
Kjerringøy Old Trading Post
Kjerringøy Old Trading Post is idyllically situated at beautiful Kjerringøy and is well-known for, amongst other things, the filming of Knut Hamsun’s novels. The 15 authentic buildings at this traditional North Norwegian trading post are exceptionally well kept.
Bodø
Rampen Via Ferrata
At Rampen Via Ferrata you can experience spectacular climbing at a cliff above the sea just minutes outside Bodø.
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Bodø
Mørkvedhallen climbing center
Try climbing at Mørkvedhallen – one of the 10 largest indoor climbing centres in Northern Europe.

Find more activities and attractions

Be sure to pop into the confectionary paradise which is Craig Alibone Pâtisserie, and try its delicious salted caramel chocolate, made with Arctic salt from the Saltstraumen maelstrom.

And of course, fresh seafood is a must while visiting Northern Norway. Local clipfish, grilled stock fish, and mussels should be on your list!

Have a tasty experience in restaurants like LystPå, Bjørk, and Bryggerikaia, and in the popular bakery Brødrene Berbusmel.

Food and drink

Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.

Bodø
Restaurant ATTME
On the 7th floor at Wood Hotel Bodø, you will find Restaurant ATTME. Inspired by old cooking methods, infused with an innovative take on the comfy bistro tradition.
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Bodø
Nabolaget Food and Wine bar
Nabolaget is a food and wine bar located in the heart of Bodø city center. We opened in June 2024 and proudly serve local ingredients from both sea and land.
Bodø
Top13 Bar & Lounge
The city’s finest bar view with a fantastic 360 degree panorama of Bodø and the local district. You find it on the top floor og Radisson Blu Hotel, Bodø.
Bodø
Bryggerikaia
Here you can sit right on the harbor and enjoy fine dining outdoors or indoors. Overlooking Bodøs piers.
Bodø
Ohma Asian Cooking
Urban and stylish restaurant with an exciting menu where every dish has its "touch" of Asia. Sushi of best quality based on local products.
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Bodø
LystPå
Bodø´s fine wine and food institution with laid back atmosphere. Welcome to LystPå Restaurant!
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Bodø
Bådin - 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.
Bodø
Craig Alibone Pâtisserie & Champagneria
Situated in the heart of central Bodø lays an artisan pâtisserie and champagne bar.
Hundholmen Brygghus
Our Brew-House is over two floors, and we have space for around 450 guests.
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Bodø
Restaurant 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.
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Find more restaurants

People hiking to Keiservarden in Bodø, Northern Norway

A woman standing on Litltind mountain in Bodø in midnight sun.

The beautiful scenery of Kjerringøy in Bodø, Northern Norway

The island of Fleinvær in the midnight sun.

A hike in Bodømarka or in the mountains close to the city is pretty much mandatory while you're here. A local favourite is Keiservarden, an easy hike with great views!

The Salten region is home to as many as five national parks, so you will have plenty of space to explore.

Travelling with children? Sjunkhatten is known as 'the children's national park', with hikes for all levels.

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, you can’t go wrong with a RIB cruise to the world’s strongest maelstrom, Saltstraumen. It's also easy to reach by car from the city!

Thanks to the midnight sun you will have plenty of time to go swimming, fishing and golfing. What do you want to do first?

A trip to the paradise island of Kjerringøy, located just an hour's drive (including a ferry trip) north of Bodø, is also recommended.

This idyllic trading post is one of the best-preserved in the country. It was also the inspiration for the fictional town of Sirilund, a setting that features in many of Norwegian Nobel laureate Knut Hamsun's novels.

If you want to explore more of the coast, modern express boats are the way to go! They are like the 'metro' of the north, and offer excellent sightseeing opportunities.

Go island hopping along the Helgeland coast or travel to hidden hotel gems in Steigen and Hamarøy, with or without a bike.

These boats can also take you to the fantastic archipelago with islands like Givær, Bliksvær, Landegode, Helligvær and Karlsøyvær, and Fleinvær (pictured). Great for a day trip, and even better if you include an overnight stay.

You can also have a great stay at Wood Hotel Bodø, located on the urban mountain Rønvikfjellet.

Beautiful views of the Vestfjorden and the Børvasstindene mountains are included!

Where to stay

Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.

Nordarnøy
Arnøy Brygge
This idyllic island offers a great restaurant, traditional accommodation in "rorbu" and have boats and equipments for rent if you like fishing. If you are in Gildeskål, be sure to visit this place.
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Café and Accommodation at Bjørklund Farm
In our barn you can have lunch, coffee with freshly baked goods - or enjoy dinner. Why not take a look at the strawberry -or raspberry fields and learn about the history of the farm!
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Bodø
Comfort Hotel Bodø
In the middle of Bodø you will find Comfort Hotel. The hotel is a “rock throw” away from everything you need, from nightlife to shopping and also to the concert arena “Stormen”.
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Sandhornøy
Følvika Northern Retreat
Travel business that offers cosy accommodation, delicious home made cooking and outdoor activities at Sandhornøya.
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Bodø
Geitvågen Bad & Camping
Geitvågen Bad & Camping has cabins and caravan / motorhome / tent / hammock pitches and is located in a scenic area, with a midnight sun view and a salt water bath which is naturally heated.
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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.
Leines
Helnessund Brygger
Experience a genuine fishermans village along one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world.
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Kjerringøy
Kjerringøy Rorbusenter
Enjoy relaxing days or a vacation packed with activites in a traditional norwegian "rorbu"!
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Leinesfjord
Manshausen - Where sea and mountains meet
In our award-winning seaside cabins, you can enjoy the feeling of being close to nature while staying warm and comfortable behind the large glass windows.
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Leinesfjord
Nordskot brygge
Nordskot Brygge is a modern, high-quality sea sports center located in the idyllic Nordskot in Steigen. Situated perfectly at the quayside, we embrace you with panoramic views towards Lofoten, Grøtøy, the shipping lane, and the majestic Skotstindene mountains.
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Bodø
Quality Hotel Ramsalt
Quality Hotel Ramsalt is one of the newest hotels in the city center of Bodø, with walking distance to the train station, shopping opportunities and cultural- and city life.
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Bodø
Scandic 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.
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Storvik
Storviksanden Camping
Storviksanden Camping is a brand new camping site along Kystriksveien in Gildeskål. This is primarily a camping site for caravans, but also offers tent sites.
Fleinvær
The 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.
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Tranøy
Tranøy lighthouse
Tranøy is a magical place for peace of mind and pleasure. To just be there either in good weather or in a storm and experiencing the mighty mountains, the ocean, the birds, the midnight sun, the northern lights leaves deep traces in your body and soul.
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Leinesfjord
Villa Haugen Boutique Hotel
Villa Haugen is an exquisite and luxurious property in Steigen where you can embrace arctic adventures as wells as direct view of Lofoten - while enjoying world class cuisine with full board catering. It’s probably one of the best places in the area to experience both the northern light and the midnight sun.
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Bodø
Wood Hotel Bodø
The city's newest and most historic venture by Nordic Hotels & Resort is located on Rønvikfjellet, just a 15-minute drive from Bodø city center.

Find more places to stay

A woman and a child enjoying a sunset on the beach.

For more tips on this wonderful region, see the highlights of Salten.

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.

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

Discover more

A football player celebrating at Aspmyra in Bodø.

Arctic football fever: Bodø/Glimt

Plan your trip to Bodø and Salten in Northern Norway and visit Saltstraumen

Saltstraumen – The world’s strongest maelstrom

Midnight sun

Northern lights
Salten
Go island hopping along the Helgeland coast
An island escape that says WOW!
Kystriksveien – the coastal route

Take advantage of top offers

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

NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.
NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
Fjord Travel NorwaySleep in an ice hotel, hunt the northern lights, and discover the magical fjords. Book your tour now!
CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
Rent-A-Wreck of Scandinavia ASThe smart and affordable car rental alternative.
Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
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.
Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
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.
StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
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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.
Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
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.
Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.