Are you looking forward to having fun in Norway? Bodø, located just at the north of Arctic Circle, hosts the most powerful tidal current in the world, the Saltstraumen Maelstrom, which is something you should not miss. Well, there is something more for this Scandinavian destination.
There are so many things to do in Bodø, from getting lost in the wilderness, covered by snow with the backdrop of Midnight Sun to enjoying kayaking in the bone-chilling temperatures, it welcomes curious wanderers.
Located on the coastline of Norway and the border of Arctic Circle, Bodø is a charming city. In 1816, Bodø got the city status, and it has been full of landmarks and history to fill up the most of urban addresses of Nordland County.
Bodø is a peaceful city with vivid shopping streets, post-war architecture, panoramic mountain views, and a grand marina. In this travel guide, we will cover some of the best things to see in Bodø.
Experiences and top things to do in Bodø
Bodøgaard Art and Culture gallery
To delve deeper into the arty side of Bodø, you must visit this art gallery. It houses the most extensive collection of private artifacts of Northern Norway’s art and culture, and it is also ranked as Norwegian Cultural Heritage. Unlike any other art gallery, it is worth for those who are looking for unusual artifacts.
This museum houses the art collection of Oskar K Bodøgaard (1923-2011), along with other attractions, such as an extensive ethnographical exhibition and a holy shrine with which you can explore Northern Norway over the ages.
It seems to be like a basement with olden paraphernalia. The shrine of holy artifacts will amaze you. It has a lot of objects which look pretty bizarre and trippy. So, one doesn’t have to be a religious person to enjoy this view.
[irp]
Go hiking
The hilly municipality of Bodø has some of the fantastic hiking opportunities in the wilderness for sightseeing. Thirty peaks are towering up to 1000m and 120 peaks standing over 700m. Therefore, it is up to you as to whether to go for challenging rock climbing or leisurely walks.
Located in the proximity to Bodø, Keiservarden, standing 366m, is one of the best hiking paths. It goes along Mount Ronvik.
You will be rewarded with a breathtaking view after an easy walk. You may witness the open stretch of the ocean called Vestfjord and Landegode. This is one of the best things to do in Bodø that should be added to your bucket list.
[irp]
Norwegian Aviation Museum
Visiting this museum is one of the most interesting things to do in Bodø. Even if you are not interested in aircraft, the Norwegian Aviation Museum is still worth a visit. You might be wondering how an aviation museum can be so interesting. You have no idea what you can find interesting in this great museum.
It has a vast collection to explore the rich history of the aviation industry, and the effort it took makes this place deserving to be on No.1 spot in Trip advisor.
It houses a beautiful collection of civil aviation and military history. You can delve deeper into the history of Norway as it takes you back to the era of World War II.
It presents incredible and fascinating vintage aircraft. Founded in 1994, this huge complex is beautifully carved like a propeller. Its design alone is enough to make you curious.
[irp posts=”41197″ name=”Best Time to Visit Norway: 12 Months Ultimate Travel Guide”]
Greet the Lady of Kjerringøy
There is something in Bodø that makes every local rooted in his or her traditions and history. You can get back in the history in the Old Trading Post of Kjerringøy in a live environment and building so you can feel how their forefathers were drowned in the sea and women left in control.
One of those foremothers who were left in control of the household was Anna Elisabeth while the men went traveling. She ran Trading Post for some years on her own, when her first husband died in the late 1800s.
COOL READ → Do you want to know something interesting about Norway? Here’s our post about the fun facts about Norway!
Ausvika
Bodø has a connection with beaches. Locals visit the nearest beaches whenever the work and weather call for it. Even in the case of weather, which is not so ideal for swimming or sunbathing, it is still a relaxing and beautiful escape from the buzzing city life of Bodø.
It is an easy getaway where you can feel the sea and see the shore. You can enter this stunning archipelago by walking for 10 minutes from the city center and the main road.
[irp]
Street Art of Bodø
You may not be expecting to find street art in the Arctic. However, Bodø is unlike any other city in Norway. If you have some time to get around, you can find a lot of amazing places famous for street art, so keep your eyes peeled carefully.
Be sure to join a traveling art festival named UpNorth, which is based on urban art. The festival arrives with international artists who paint the sides of the buildings.
You can also tour Bodø city center to check out UpNorth murals.
[irp]
Pamper yourself at Nordlandsbadet Jacuzzi
If you are feeling exhausted. Treat your tired body to a relaxing Jacuzzi. Nordlandsbadet is a family-friendly place full of water adventure and fun where you can enjoy different activities like water sliding, swimming, wave pool, and floating on a calm river. Sip wine in the spa while getting some special treatments.
[irp]
Visit Bodø Domkirke
Bodø is also known for Bodø Cathedral or Bodø Domkirke, one of its famous holy places. This basilica style sanctuary stands well in the heart of town and has some of the major points of interest, such as Petter Dass sculpture, created by Kristoffer Leirdal, a famous Norwegian artist and Age Storstein, a beautiful stained glass.
[irp]
Hike to Mount Ronvikfjellet to catch the midnight sun
Bodø is such a unique and wonderful place to visit and observe the midnight sun, which you can catch only in the Arctic region.
If you are heading there from a tropical country, do not miss this jaw-dropping view of the unique natural phenomenon.
Imagine how amazing it is to catch the shining sun at midnight? Mount Ronvikfjellet is one of the best viewing spots you should visit in June and July.
[irp]
Tan in the red sand of Mjelle Beach
Bodø may not be an ideal destination for beach holidays, but you can still have some picnic time in the dazzling white and red sands of Mjelle Beach.
You can find the beautiful red shore covered with snowy white and mesmerizing particles.
[irp]
Do you want to travel around Scandinavia? Start here!
Can’t decide where to go? Check out these posts!
- Top 15 STUNNING Places to Visit in Scandinavia
- Top 15 BEST Places to Visit in Northern Europe
- Top 17 UNIQUE Places to Visit in the Nordics
- Northern Lights Holiday: Top 10 Destinations to Spot Aurora Borealis
- Where to See the Midnight Sun: Top 8 Places Where the Sun Never Sets
Top countries in Scandinavia
- Top 18 BEST Places to Visit in Finland
- Top 15 BEST Places to Visit in Sweden
- Top 15 BEST Places to Visit in Norway
- Top 10 BEST Places to Visit in Denmark
- Top 10 BEST Places to Visit in Iceland
Useful guides to get you started
- Tips and Tricks on How to Save Money on Accommodation
- Top 5 Tips on How to Save Money for Travel
- 15 Cheap Hostel Meals You Can Make in an Instant
Are you on Pinterest? Pin this for later read!
