Right

Right
at the northernmost tip of Norway’s railway system, Bodø
is the gateway to the Arctic Circle. Almost entirely destroyed
after a Luftwaffe bombing in the Second World War, the city has
been gradually rebuilt as a cultural hotspot in Nordland county.
Shortlisted as one of the European Capitals of Culture for 2024,
Bodø is gradually building up its cultural repertoire. The annual
calendar is packed with festivals such as the Nordland
Musikkfestuke, Parkenfestivalen and the Bodø Hardcore Festival –
and be sure to visit cultural centre Stormen, which houses a
library, concert hall and theatre.

One for nature lovers, Bodø is brimming with flora and fauna.
Known as the Sea Eagle Capital, the city has the world’s most dense
concentration of white-tailed sea eagles. Drive along the
Kystriksveien Coastal Route on Highway 17 to witness the region’s
glacial beauty. It’s the perfect basepoint for expeditions into the
dramatic landscape, glimpsing the Northern Lights and escaping into
the arctic wilderness.

Spend days wandering through the town centre to admire post-war
architecture, stumble upon street art and chat to fishermen and
locals. Pop into Bodø Cathedral (built in 1956) and follow with a
trip to the Bodin Church to compare – just outside the city centre,
this church dates back to the 13th century.

Don’t miss…

Immersing yourself in Nordic history. Head to the Port of Bodø
to catch a glimpse of the Nyholmen fortress and lighthouse across
the water. Dating back to the 19th century, the fort was once
abandoned and stood empty, eerily overlooking the city. More
recently, it was rebuilt as a tourist spot. Too spooky for you?
Instead, visit Kjerringøy Handelssted. The country’s most
well-maintained trading posts, these authentic Norwedian buildings
make for an intriguing visit.

Who to take with you

Someone eager to spend all day outside – Bodø has a great
expanse of nature to explore. Hike through Sjunkhatten National
Park or opt for a trek – Skånland’s coastal pine forest are
ethereal, Børvatnet has birch trees and orchids, and Bliksvær is
the ideal route for twitchers keen to spot some birds.
Alternatively, ramble over the mountains of Børvasstindene.

Nevertheless, Bodø’s natural pièce de résistance is undoubtedly
Saltstraumen, the world’s strongest maelstrom. Visit to witness the
mighty whirlpools caused by water rushing in at speeds reaching 20
knots. If history is more your thing, stop by Bodo’s famed
archaeological site where evidence of human habitation dating back
10,000 years has been found.

When to go

Go in March
to see Saltstraumen at its strongest point.

Where to stay

As is expected for such a small place, hotel choices are
limited. Book into Thon Hotel Nordlys to stay right on
the harbour, just a 10-minute drive from the airport.

Most likely to bump into…

Travellers looking to escape into the wilderness.

Essentials to bring with you

This Acne Studios fringed wool scarf
will keep you toasty in sub-zero temperatures.

How to get there

Flights to Bodø airport take just over five hours from London,
via Oslo
or Gdansk.