Bodø, Norway

Last Updated on 31 August 2025 by Johan

Bodø is the second‑largest town in Northern Norway, serving as the administrative centre of Nordland County. Located at latitude 67°17′N, it sits just north of the Arctic Circle, surrounded by dramatic landscapes: the Børvasstindene Mountains to the south, Landegode Island and the Lofoten Islands to the north, and the Skjerstadfjorden flowing into the Saltfjorden and onward to the Vestfjorden. The municipality covers 1,385 km² and has around 49,000 residents, including the villages of Misvær, Skjerstad, Saltstraumen, Løding, Løpsmarka, Kjerringøy, Sørvær, and Fenes. Bridges connect nearby islands such as Straumøya and Knaplundøya to the mainland, while lighthouses like Bjørnøy, Grytøy, Landegode, Nyholmen, and Tennholmen guide ships through the Vestfjorden. The midnight sun is visible here from 2 June to 10 July, while the low winter sun disappears behind southern mountains from early December to early January. Locals are known for their warmth, directness, and pride in sharing the area’s natural and cultural treasures.

Explanation of the Name

The name Bodø is believed to derive from Old Norse, with “Boði” referring to a sunken rock or reef and “øy” meaning island — a fitting description for a settlement surrounded by skerries, islets, and coastal waters. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation evolved, but the maritime connection remains central to the town’s identity.

History

Bodø’s origins trace back to the early 19th century, when it developed from the fishing settlement of Hundholmen. The construction of Nyholmen Bastion (Nyholms Skandse) in 1810 protected the area’s fish exports and grain storage from British naval threats during the Napoleonic Wars. Although never used in battle, the bastion symbolised the town’s strategic importance.

In the 20th century, Bodø became a hub for fishing, trade, and later aviation, with the Norwegian Aviation Museum preserving its role in both civil and military flight history. World War II brought German occupation and fortifications, but post‑war reconstruction transformed Bodø into a modern Arctic city. Today, it is a gateway to the Salten region, the Lofoten Islands, and the Svartisen Glacier.

Tourist Highlights

Nature & Wildlife

Sea Eagle Capital
Bodø is renowned for having the world’s largest concentration of white‑tailed sea eagles. These majestic birds can often be seen soaring above the coastline or perched on rocky outcrops. The Sea Eagle Society promotes conservation and offers membership only to those who have seen the bird in its natural habitat. Membership is available at Destination Bodø and the Norwegian Aviation Museum.
Local tip: Join a guided RIB boat safari for close‑up photography opportunities.

Saltstraumen
Located 33 km from Bodø, Saltstraumen is the world’s strongest tidal current, where 400 million m³ of seawater rush through a 150‑metre‑wide strait every six hours, creating whirlpools up to 10 metres wide. It’s a hotspot for fishing — the world record for coalfish (22.7 kg) was set here. The Saltstraumen Experience Centre offers exhibitions, tide tables, and a multimedia show.

Saltfjellet–Svartisen National Park
Home to Svartisen, Norway’s second‑largest glacier (375 km²), stretching from the Saltfjellet mountains to the coast. Accessible from multiple municipalities, including Bodø, it offers hiking, glacier walks, and fjord views.
Local tip: Late summer offers the safest glacier hiking conditions.

Bodømarka
A vast outdoor recreation area with 35 km of floodlit trails, ski slopes, horse‑riding, fishing lakes, and cabins managed by the Bodø Mountain Touring Association.
Local tip: Try the Bestemorenga recreation park for skiing and model airplane flying.

Beaches & Swimming
Popular spots include Geitvågen (with an artificial lagoon), Ausvika, Mjelle, and Sandvika on Sandhornøya.

  • Geitvågen Café: Open in summer, with playground and parking.
  • Google Maps: Geitvågen

Cultural & Historical Attractions

Norwegian Aviation Museum
Showcases civil and military aviation history, from early flight to modern jets, with aircraft like the U‑2 spy plane and Spitfire. Includes a control tower, simulators, and cinema.

Nyholmen Bastion
Restored coastal fort from 1810, never used in combat but vital for Bodø’s defence history.

Kjerringøy Old Trading Post
A preserved 19th‑century trading post with 15 original buildings, linked to author Knut Hamsun. Offers cultural history exhibits and seasonal events.

  • Season: 23 May – 23 August
  • Google Maps: Kjerringøy

Misvær
Village known for the “Misvær boat” and brown cheese “Misvær Osten,” with nearby Vestvatn Alpine Centre.

Storm Cultural Quarter
Modern complex housing a theatre, concert hall, library, and literature house, hosting festivals like the Park Festival and Bodø Hardcore Festival.

Arctic Phenomena

Midnight Sun
Visible from 2 June to 10 July; best viewed from coastal viewpoints or mountain summits.

Northern Lights
Best seen from August to April, with peak activity between 10 pm and midnight.
Local tip: Head to dark areas outside the city for clearer skies.

Polar Night
From 30 November to 12 January, the sun stays below the horizon, creating a unique blue twilight.

Sports & Recreation

Nordlandsbadet – Indoor water park with pools, slides, saunas, and outdoor play area.
Spektrum Velvære – Spa with multiple saunas, jacuzzis, and relaxation rooms.
Kongsbadet – Family‑friendly warm‑water pool in Mørkved.
Bodø Hestesenter – Riding centre by Lake Soløyvannet.
Go‑Kart & Laser Drome – Indoor track at Langstranda beach.
Royal Bowling – 12 lanes, billiards, and murals of old Bodø.
Aspmyra Stadium – Home of Bodø/Glimt football club.
Nordlandshallen – Northern Norway’s largest sports hall.
Fishing – Abundant sea and freshwater fishing; licences required.
Salten Golf Club – 6‑hole course near Saltstraumen Church.

Transport & Scenic Routes

Hurtigruten Coastal Steamer
Daily departures from Bodø on “the world’s most beautiful voyage.”

Coastal Road (Kystriksveien)
Scenic drive through the municipality, linking fjords, islands, and beaches.

Electric Car Travel
Norway offers incentives like free tolls and parking for EVs; Bodø has 46 charging points.

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