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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 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.

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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.

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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.

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