Visit when the tide is at its highest and marvel at the forces of nature. Every six hours, 400 mill m3 of water at speeds up to 20 knots rush through the 150 metres wide and 3 km long sound connecting the Saltenfjord and the Skjerstadfjord. The powerful whirlpools can be up to 10 metres in diameter and 4-5 metres deep.
Saltstraumen is famous for its abundance of fish, including cod, saithe, wolffish and halibut. The world record for saithe caught with a fishing pole was set here, an impressive 22.7 kg! The catth is exhibited at the Saltstraumen Experience. Saltstraumen offers a wide range of activities and exciting experiences. If you want to try your luck fishing you can either rent tackle for fishing from the shore, or you can fish from one of the boats. You can hire a boat on the spot, or join a group going out on one of the deep-sea fishing charter boats.
The Saltstraumen Experience has details and tide tables for Saltstraumen. This is also a great starting point for rambling and trekking in the beautiful mountains, such as Børvasstindene, or for wandering through areas with in arthaeologital remains. Traces of 10 000 year old human habitation have been found here.
The Saltstraumen Experience is located at the foot of Saltstraumen bridge, 33 km from Bodø, strategically lotated by trunk road Rv 17. The centre overlooks the strongest maelstrom in the world, Saltstraumen.
Raud den Rame once ruled this historic area, until he was defeated by Olav the Holy. Picnic and barbecue areas, paths and plantings naturally and harmoniously merge into a whole.
SALTSTRAUMEN CENTER
At Saltstraumen there is a hotel with a restaurant and cafeteria, a campsite with spaces for tents and campers, as well as cabins, rorbu and flats. You can rent fishing tackle and small boats. There is an art gallery, a local museum, a handicrafts shop, cafe, ancient monuments, a hairdresser, a grocery, a petrol station, etc.
The centre is divided into two adjoining buildings, “Hvirvelen” and “Arken”. Exhibitions, models and a modern multimedia show describe life in and around the maelstrom and the surrounding history and culture. The multimedia show lasts 15 minutes, and uses laser, tableaux, music, smoke generators and moving air to treate an extiting scenario. The centre also houses a cafe, a souvenir shop and an information desk.