BODØ
The Gateway to Our Lofoten Expeditions
BASIC INFORMATION
Bodø is the largest city in Nordland County and serves as the region’s commercial and administrative centre. Located north of the Arctic Circle, it is an important hub for tourism, fishing, and maritime transport. Surrounded on three sides by the waters of the Norwegian Sea, the city is home to approximately 50,000 inhabitants.
Bodø is remarkably compact. The airport, railway station, ferry terminal, and Hurtigruten quay are all within a short walking distance of one another, making transport connections among the most convenient in Norway. It is also the northern terminus of the Norwegian railway network—beyond Bodø, there are no further train services.
Thanks to its Arctic location, the city enjoys the Midnight Sun from June to July, while from September through March, the skies are frequently illuminated by the spectacular Northern Lights.
The area around Bodø has been inhabited for around 10,000 years. Archaeologists have discovered some of Norway’s oldest rock carvings here, as well as the country’s oldest known musical instrument. Before the unification of Norway, the region formed the independent Kingdom of Hålogaland, whose inhabitants were renowned for their shipbuilding skills.
In 1816, Bodø was granted market town status. It was intended to serve as a major export centre for northern Norway’s fishing industry and as an alternative to the port of Bergen.
During the German invasion of Norway in the Second World War, Bodø became one of the country’s most heavily damaged cities. On 27 May 1940, the city was bombed by German forces, and on 1 June 1940, it was occupied, beginning five years of German rule.
Today, Bodø is home to an important NATO air base, making it a must-visit destination for aviation enthusiasts. The city is also home to the Norwegian Aviation Museum (Norsk Luftfartsmuseum), Norway’s national museum of aviation.
In 2024, Bodø became only the third Norwegian city ever to hold the title of European Capital of Culture. The city has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous murals decorating its streets, a lively university community of around 12,000 students, and a noticeable local passion for reading.
THINGS TO DO IN BODØ
Bodø is home to Saltstraumen, the world’s strongest tidal current, and the spectacular Børvasstindan mountain range.
Despite its location north of the Arctic Circle, the area boasts several stunning white-sand beaches with crystal-clear waters that rival many Mediterranean destinations.
Bodø is also known as the Sea Eagle Capital of Norway. Nowhere else in the world is there a greater concentration of White-tailed Eagles. These magnificent birds can be seen soaring above the city every day or perched on nearby coastal cliffs.
Around 10 km southeast of Bodø (approximately 33 km by road) lies Saltstraumen, one of northern Norway’s greatest natural wonders.
This narrow strait is an extraordinary demonstration of tidal power. Every six hours, around 400 million cubic metres of seawater rush through the channel, reaching speeds of up to 22 knots and creating the strongest tidal current on Earth. The resulting whirlpools can reach 10 metres in diameter and 5 metres in depth.
Saltstraumen is also a world-famous destination for anglers, who come here in search of Atlantic cod, wolffish, redfish, halibut, and the local favourite, coalfish (saithe).
THE STARTING POINT OF OUR LOFOTEN EXPEDITIONS
Bodø serves as the departure point for our Magical Lofoten expeditions.
The city’s excellent flight connections, the short distance between the airport and the marina where our yacht awaits, and its well-stocked supermarkets make it the perfect logistical base for our voyages.
From here, we cross the open waters of Vestfjorden, sailing approximately 50 nautical miles to the Lofoten archipelago. In favourable weather, the crossing takes around 10 hours.
If sea conditions are unsuitable, we take the opportunity to explore the surrounding mountains and coastline on some of the area’s excellent hiking trails, ensuring that every day of the expedition offers memorable Arctic experiences.
