Are you itching for a trip to the far north of Norway? We don’t blame you and you’re not the only one! we wholeheartedly advise you to make a stop in Bodø a part of your travels, especially if you’re a fan of discovering underrated gems across the world.
Although it is best known as the entry point to the Lofoten Islands, this settlement just north of the Arctic Circle deserves a visit in its own right.
Bodø offers everything that a great city should, including eye-catching stores, delicious eateries, and a dynamic cultural scene. It is also conveniently close to the world’s strongest maelstrom, the Brvasstindan mountains, and the majestic Svartisen glacier, making it a paradise for outdoor adventurers.
Not only that, but its northern latitude makes it a good place to look for the Aurora Borealis (if you go between September and April). Just imagine witnessing all of that beauty and being able to take as many pics as possible. Sounds awesome, right?
Below we’ll represent six of the best things to do in Bodø, a city you won’t ever forget once you go back home!
Are you ready for a time travel experience?
We’re here to tell you that Kjerringøy is like stepping into another era. So if you ever wanted to travel back in time, visiting this village will come close to that experience.
Located 30 kilometers north of Bodø, the picturesque village of Kjerringøy is a must-see for every enthusiastic traveler. The stunning coastal-alpine landscape will leave you speechless with its combination of pristine beaches and towering mountains.
Kjerringøy Trade Post, a significant part of Norwegian history, may be found in this village as well. It was established in the nineteenth century and is one of Norway’s best-preserved fish trading sites.
We also want you to know that there are 15 unique buildings on the site, all of which have been preserved as part of the museum’s open-air exhibits. You’ll learn something special about the culture of the north Norwegian coast as you wander the buildings and watch the 20-minute audio-visual program. To quote Tolkien “Not all who wander are lost.” So, wander as much as you can!
Marvel at the most powerful whirlpool
Strong whirlpools are known as maelstroms. Yet the strongest one on the planet can be located just 30 minutes away from Bodø’s central business district, in the Saltstraumen Strait. Wild, huh?
Because of the tides, one fjord drains into another, creating a beautiful natural phenomenon. This causes a whirling vortex that rotates every six hours, moving 400 million cubic meters of water in one direction and then the other. The sight is very breathtaking.
You may get up close and personal with Saltstraumen aboard a RIB speedboat if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush. Yet, we believe that viewing it from above is optimal. So why not treat yourself with a helicopter ride over Bodø and Saltstraumen? You deserve it champ!
Have a picnic on the shores of Mjelle
Do you feel like spending the day at the beach? We advise you to take a peek at Mjelle Beach. Scratch that! A peek won’t cut it. You need to spend at least a day on this magnificent beach. The most breathtaking scenery is just a half-hour drive from Bodø and a 15-minute stroll along a scenic seaside trail.
The beach in Mjelle can be low-key described as a wonder of wonders. And no, we’re not exaggerating this! Have you ever seen dunes of white and crimson sand before? So what are you waiting for? The wind and the sea constantly shift the sand, altering the color as they do so.
Mjelle is one of the nicest beaches in Norway and a great place to have a picnic on a sunny day. Bring your family members, friends, and even your dog for a day of relaxation and a memorable experience! You won’t regret it!
Adventure on the Svartisen Glacier
Amazingly enough, Svartisen glacier is another must-see destination close to Bodø. You would be surprised to know that it’s the most accessible glacier in Europe, and at 370 square kilometers, it’s the second largest in Norway. Sounds wild, right?
We also want you to know that during a guided glacier hike, you can reach even closer to Svartisen than on foot or by bicycle (you can rent bikes at the dock). It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance, but it’s not for the faint of heart: you get to step on an Ice Age artifact.
Instagrammers listen up! Don’t forget to bring your camera if you decide to go this route. Svartisen is among the most gorgeous spots in all of Norway, so taking awesome pictures of it will basically be a piece of cake!
Wanna know what else is great? The views from Brestua café of the glacier and Svartisvannet are magnificent, especially if you’d prefer to see the glacier from a distance, preferably with a warm drink in hand. Please keep in mind that the café is closed during the winter and spring.
If you’re short on time, a scenic helicopter flight over Svartisen Glacier is an excellent way to get a bird’s-eye view of the glacier. Witnessing a marvel like that will definitely be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you! So what are you waiting for, huh?
Savor the local cuisine
For all of you foodies out there, Bodø is definitely a city you shouldn’t miss out on! Among Bodø’s many delicious seafood options, the local specialty of Trrfisk stands out the most in our humble opinion.
Trrfisk is a traditional Norwegian delicacy made from dried, unsalted Atlantic fish (skrei) that has been hung on massive wooden racks to dry in the frigid Norwegian air.
You might be surprised to hear that drying the fish naturally is one of the oldest ways to preserve it, and it results in a longer shelf life and a unique texture.
There are plenty of eateries where you can order trrfisk, but Bryggerikaia has some of the greatest. The grilled stockfish is out of this world. Yum!
Awesomely enough, if you’re looking for a classic Norwegian sweet snack, Kjelen Kafe serves møsbrømlefse, which consists of a lefse flatbread filled with melted goat’s cheese, syrup, buttermilk, and flour. It’s low-key the stuff fantasies are made of!
Car rental options
When you visit a new destination, surely you want to explore it to the fullest! Therefore, a wise idea is to go for a leiebil i Bodø to have the best experience possible.
Why does this matter folks? Well, it matters a lot because not all people are comfortable with relying on public transport all the time, and we don’t blame them.
Taxis are typically overpriced, busses have weird schedules, and there’s a chance you won’t be able to see everything on your list, on top of everything else. This can really dampen your spirits which is not something we want for you.
So, don’t sweat it and get yourself a rented car to explore the quirky beauty of Bodø. When it’s time to go back, you’ll definitely want to visit the city as soon as possible again!
