Salten, Norway – Mountains, fjords, beaches, national parks

The many sides of Arctic nature

Experience the cultural hub of Bodø as well as untouched nature, the world’s strongest tidal current, and remarkable, windswept mountains. The scene is set for memorable adventures.

Bordering Helgeland in the south, Ofoten in the North, Sweden in the east, and the Vestfjord (and Lofoten) in the west, Salten is a nature-blessed district in Arctic Norway. Boasting wild nature, a myriad of mountain tops, scenic fjords, islands, white beaches, and famous national parks, Salten is nothing but a true gem for outdoor enthusiasts.

Home to around 50,000 people, Bodø is the main population center of the district, and a natural starting point for exploring the region. Because of its urban scene, Bodø is often referred to as the cultural hub of the north. The city has a diverse community of local artists, as well as a developed music community which has produced and continues to discover new talents on local, national, and international stages. In the month of August, Bodø hosts the large music festivals “Parkenfestivalen” and “Nordland Musikkfestuke”.

Dynamic Variation:

The author Knut Hamsun lived in Salten for much of his life. Many of his books, including Pan, Vagabonds, and Growth of the Soil, for which he received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1920, are strongly influenced by the surroundings. At the Knut Hamsun Centre, located by the banks of Glimma in Hamarøy, you can get an insight into the famous author’s life, as well as a unique view of Hamsun’s own realm.

Kjerringøy is a picturesque coastal-alpine peninsula overlooking the Vestfjord and protected from the ocean by a garland of small islands, islets and reefs. Here you can experience Norway’s best-preserved seaside trading post, strongly evocative of the late 19th century. You should also visit Kjerringøy Gårdsysteri (Farm & Cheese Factory) and try some of the locally produced cheeses and organic specialities, or simply soak up some sun on one of the white sandy beaches. And if you feel like going for a swim, we can guarantee you it will be a refreshing one …

You can get to Salten in several ways. If you want to extend your trip, the National Tourist Route Helgeland to Trondheim starts in Bodø and runs through Meløy and Gildeskål in Salten, and just across the Vestfjord by boat lies the world famous Lofoten Islands.

Get more inspiration on The realm of Hamsun’s official website.

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hamsuns-rike.no

Caving in Svarthamahola.
Photo: Johnny Haglund / www.nordnorge.com / Fauske

Hamsunsenteret at Hamarøy.
Photo: Ernst Furuhatt / Hamsunsenteret

Engabreen glacier in Meløy.
Photo: Bård Løken / www.nordnorge.com / Meloy

Midnight sun in Steigen.
Photo: Ernst Furuhatt / www.nordnorge.com

Leif Ove Andsnes playing at Keiservarden.
Photo: Bjørn Erik Olsen / www.nordnorge.com/Bodø

Hiking in Gildeskål.
Photo: Arne Sklett Larsen

Things to do in Salten

Where to stay in Salten

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Getting here and around

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By train

The Nordlandsbanen railway is part of the Norwegian state railway and runs from Trondheim via Mosjøen, Mo i Rana and Fauske to Bodø. The journey from Trondheim to Bodø takes about 10 hours.

Lonely Planet named this line one of the world’s most beautiful night train journeys.

Ad: Check out NSB’s webpage for prices and timetables.
By car

Rv80 links Bodø to the E6, which is the main road through Norway.

If you want to take the scenic route, National Tourist Route Helgelandskysten hugs the coast a few kilometres to the west. Note that this route includes seven ferry rides before you reach Trondheim.

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By bus

Local bus companies operate bus routes in Salten, making it easy to travel around within the region.
By boat

The famous Hurtigruten calls in Bodø on both its northbound and its southbound journey.

Several fast boats connect different destinations in the Salten area.

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By plane

A flight from Oslo to Bodø takes 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Bodø Airport is located near the town centre. The airport bus has many daily departures and covers the distance in about 5 minutes.

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Seasons and climate

Due to the temperate waters of the Gulf Stream, Salten has a much milder climate than other parts of the world at the same latitude, such as Alaska and Greenland.

January and February are the coldest months, with an average temperature of -2°C. July and August are warmest with an average temperature of 12°C. April and May are the driest months, with an average 50 millimetres of rainfall.

You can experience midnight sun from May 30th to July 12th.

The weather can change quickly in the mountain areas, so read up on safety in the mountains.

Get the latest weather forecast on yr.no.

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Salten

The many sides of Arctic nature

Things to do in Salten

Where to stay in Salten

Food and drink

Get inspired

Getting here and around

By train

By car

By bus

By boat

By plane

Seasons and climate

Salten also offers …