12 Things to Do in Bodø, Norway’s Most Underrated City (+ Free Map)

Bodø might be one of the most underrated and underappreciated cities I’ve ever been to! This is a guide to the best things to do in Bodø, Norway, including where to eat, what to see, and the amazing natural areas surrounding Bodø. You will also find a few day trips in the guide that are worth doing if you have a car and want to make the most of the region!

Bodø surprised me in so many ways, and it was a wonder that no one ever mentioned how cool it was when I was living in Norway. I am glad I got to find out for myself in person!

This guide is broken up into a few sections. You will find a short section introducing Bodø before you get into what to do, where to eat, and the other fun stuff.

If you have any suggestions for what to do in Bodø, please drop them in the comments!

Introducing Bodø, Norway

Bodø is a city located just above the Arctic Circle in Northern Norway. Situated in Nordland county, it has just over 50,000 residents and has been an important fishing community, especially since it was granted ‘town status’ in 1816.

One of the main attractions nearby is Saltstraumen Maelstrom, the world’s largest whirlpool. There are RIB boats and tours that go out that way, and it is worth the trek for those visiting. You will also find an old trading post called Kjerringøy just north of Bodø that was historically important to the city.

But, interestingly, what has given Bodø its fame in recent years has been its football team, Bodø/Glimt. It was a European Capital of Culture in 2024.

Bodø is easy to reach, even though it takes a long time! It is the furthest north you can go with the Norwegian train system. You can also get there easily with Widerøe, Norwegian, and SAS airlines.

Best Things to Do in Bodø

This list contains historical things to do, cultural things to do, places to eat and drink, and local day trips or nearby sights that I deem worthy of a visit.

Hopefully, this gives you a better idea of what to do in this colorful Norwegian city.

1. Step back in time at Kjerringøy trading post.

One of the most famous places to visit outside of Bodø is Kjerringøy Trading Post. Located around 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the city center of Bodø, you will most likely need a car to visit here if you want to do so independently. 

Kjerringøy Trading Post (Kjerringøy Handelssted) is the country’s best-preserved trading post (there were hundreds of them spread throughout the country and particularly in Northern Norway).

This trading post dates back to the 19th century and has a history that goes into the 20th century. I had a guide show me around (thanks, Lise!), and she gave me insight into the many buildings that dot the area that make up the historic trading post.

Ticket prices are 150 NOK for adults, and if you’re keen to also have a tour, the ticket price is 195 NOK per person. You can find more on their official website here.

There is also a cafe on-site where you can grab a fresh coffee and a delicious Norwegian waffle.

Kjerringøy Trading Post is open daily from 11am until 5pm during the high season (May 19 until August 31) and on Saturdays from September until December from 11:30am until 3pm.

How to Get to Kjerringøy

To get to Kjerringøy Trading Post from Bodø, you will need to drive north on the RV834 until you reach Festvåg, where you will need to hop on a ferry across the narrow Mistfjorden. 

The ferry crossing is only 10 minutes long, and you don’t even get outside of your car. The ferry is currently free and you can see more about crossing times here.

Alternatively, you can take a tour to Kjerringøy! This Nordfjord cruise heads up that way and is a good option for those who don’t want to rent a car.

You can also reach it by public transportation, but I wouldn’t recommend it unless you have a lot of time on your hands and are on a budget.

2. See the world’s largest whirlpool at Saltstraumen.

I knew that the Bodø area was home to the world’s largest whirlpool (maelstrom) at Saltstraumen, but I wasn’t sure if it would live up to the hype. The phenomenon happens every six hours, so you need to plan your trip accordingly and make sure to get out there at the right time.

Once I arrived, I was blown away. It was way cooler in real life than what I had seen in photos! You can get there by car, like I did, or you can take a tour on a RIB boat!

The RIB boat tour will take you from Bodø to Saltstraumen, where you’ll get to see the whirlpool and sea eagles. I also saw a lot of common eiders when I was out there.

If you opt for taking a tour out there on a RIB boat, it will take 2 hours. You will be leaving from the Bodø Harbor, so it is a pretty easy trip.

3. Visit the Nyholms Fort and Lighthouse.

If you’re in or around the Bodø harbor, you will easily see the Nyholmen Fortress and Lighthouse across the water.

This protective fort dates back to 1810 and was later abandoned in 1835. What currently stands was reconstructed in 2000. 

It is easy to get out there since only one road drives you to the area, but if you have clear skies, you can see it fairly well across the harbor area. The lighthouse sits atop a 7.4-meter-high (24 feet) structure, and the original lighthouse was built in 1875.

4. Immerse yourself in nature at Sjunkhatten National Park.

One of the unexpected highlights from my trip was stumbling upon Sjunkhatten National Park. To be honest, I didn’t really know that the park was on my way to Festvåg and near Mjelle Beach, so I was excited when I saw it and was eager to stop!

Sjunkhatten National Park gained its national park status in 2010. Today, it is popular for hikers, cross-country skiers, backcountry skiers, and birdwatchers.

5. See WW2 history at Batterie Dietl.

Batterie Dietl is one of the largest coastal forts from WW2 in Europe. It is quite a large complex and worth visiting if you’re a history lover. It can be found at Bø on Engeløya (Engel island), and you will need a car to get out there.

This WW2 site is NOT that close to Bodø. I am simply listing it on this guide because history buffs will enjoy a day trip out there (and the scenery along the drive will be mind-blowing). I also want to include it because it is not near any other major city and I think it is worth visiting.

Batterie Dietl is a little over 3 hours from Bodø by car. Its opening hours for 2025 are as follows:

• June 14-27: 11 am to 4 pm daily
• June 28 – August 3: 11 am to 6 pm daily
• August 4-17: 11 am to 4 pm daily

You can request a visit outside of the season… just contact them with the information given on their website. Tickets are 90 NOK ($8.60) for adults and 70 NOK ($6.70) for seniors.

I visited in winter and was not able to go inside the complex or see the entirety of it since it started snowing (and was a bit icy). But I can assure you it is massive. It is one of the largest fortifications in Europe, after all.

6. Camp on or near Mjelle Beach.

I decided it would be a brilliant idea to camp at Mjelle Beach for a night. I had planned to trek out that way when the rain decided to make an appearance… and never leave. 

I quickly and sloppily set up my tent and camped underneath the rain that was incessant throughout the night, but it was an experience I will never forget (partly because I did a poor job putting the tent up and it collapsed on me throughout the night).

To reach Mjelle, you must walk about 30 minutes from the parking lot. I only walked for 5 minutes due to the rain and pitched the tent as fast as I could to avoid getting even more soaked.

Click here to read more about my experiences camping in Norway.

7. Hike to Hovdsundet Beach.

Hovdsundet is a double beach near Bodø where you will see water on both sides of the beach. You can reach it by boat, but hiking is far more fun! The trail is of medium difficulty and an 8km round trip (about 5 miles).

It will take you around 3 hours, and you’ll hike across rocks and hilly paths before making it to the viewpoint. Find out more about the hike to Hovdsundet here.

9. Check out the Bodø Domkirke.

The Bodø Domkirke is a recognizable site in Bodø. You will undoubtedly see it when you’re perusing the streets of the city, and it is one of the best things to see in Bodø if you’re into architecture and history. 

The church was originally built in 1888 and was later destroyed during WW2. Bodø Domkirke was rebuilt in the 1950s and stands as you see it today. 

10. Marvel at Bodø’s street art.

I was intrigued when I found out that Bodø was home to some colorful and immense street art murals. Even Atle Østrem, one of the most famous Norwegian street artists whose work is recognizable to many, can be found gracing the facades of buildings in Bodø. 

There was a street art festival called UpNorth held in Bodø some years ago, and much of the urban art you’ll find can be attributed to that.

My favorite one was this one- “A Kiss Between Cultures” by Argentinian artist Graciela Gonçalves Da Silva, but it was removed a few years back, which I am sad about (yet still want to share how beautiful it is).

11. See the Stormen Library and Concert Hall.

The Stormen Library and Concert Hall is kind of the epicenter of several of the city’s activities, from theatrical performances to urban art.

It seats around 900 people and while I just walked around it, I am still putting it on this guide for you to see for yourself.

12. Check out the Norwegian Aviation Museum.

There are many things to do in Bodø, and one of those things is to visit the Norwegian Aviation Museum. You can find relics from WW2, the Cold War, and civil aviation inside. The Norwegian Aviation Museum also has interactive experiences for visitors, including specialized ones for children.

They are open Monday to Friday from 10am until 4pm and weekends from 11am until 5pm. Tickets are 195 NOK for adults, and you can purchase them ahead of time directly on their website.

Where to Eat in Bodø

LystPå

LystPå was one of my highlights on my trip to Bodø! The restaurant opened in December 2016 and has been serving the locals of Bodø and the city’s travelers ever since. I had the chance to try their stockfish signature, as well as a monkfish dish, when I was there.

They also had a great array of cheeses, including local ones from Norway. You can also pair your cheese with a wine from their 150+ labels in-house!

LystPå is open Monday to Thursday from 4pm until 11pm, Friday from 11am until 11pm, Saturday from 12pm until 11pm, and Sunday from 4pm until 10pm. On Sundays, the only offering is Neapolitan-style pizza. Please note that the kitchen closes an hour before the restaurant closes.

I would recommend booking a table ahead of time to avoid disappointment. You can do so here.

Hundholmen Brygghus

Soon celebrating its 10th anniversary (in 2026!), Hundholmen Brygghus is one of the best places to visit in Bodø for beer enthusiasts and those looking for a good bite to eat.

They produce anywhere from 10,000-15,000 liters of beer annually, and they love to experiment and try new products and flavors, but they keep a handful consistently on draught. As for food, they have insanely good fish soup, burgers, and more.

The brewpub also offers fantastic views of the midnight sun and the harbor during the summer. It is one of my favorite places in Bodø, and I highly recommend a visit!

Melkebaren

Melkebaren is a fantastic stop on a Bodø itinerary and a place where you can try a local favorite, møsbrømslefse. Møsbrømslefse is lefse that is made with melted brown cheese and sugar. I have an obsession with brown cheese and was determined to enjoy this Bodø favorite.

Both were delicious, and I enjoyed my time at Melkebaren and think it is a cafe worth checking out when in Bodø. They recently moved to a new location off of Storgata, so I’m keen to check out the new space when I get back to Bodø.

Craig Alibone Patisserie

I first saw Craig Alibone when I was at a cafe called Brødrene Berbusmel in Bodø. Truth be told, I have never been much of a chocolate lover, but I am slowly emerging into one in recent years.

I tried a Sichuan pepper and sea buckthorn chocolate as well as the best-seller, Saltstraumen salty caramel. My life is forever changed. 

Even if you’re not a huge chocolate fan, head in and grab a small one just for taste. And they even offer bars that you can take home, which are such great gifts for your loved ones back home.

Brødrene Berbusmel

I ended up at Berbusmel on my first evening in Bodø, and what a great introduction the cafe was! 

The Bodø cafe is located right in the city center and offers everything from the tastiest, freshly-baked bread to local oils, meats, and cheeses.

Places to Visit in Bodø (On a Map!)

How to Get Around Bodø

How to Rent a Car in Bodø

While a lot of the things to do on this guide can be done on foot, some of the day trips and places on the edge of the city are best visited with a rental car!

I picked up one from the Bodø Airport, and it allowed me to get to Saltstraumen, Kjerringøy, and Mjelle Beach with ease. Check rental car prices for Bodø here.

Renting a Bike in Bodø

Another option for getting around, particularly in the Bodø city center, is to rent a bike. You can rent a bike in Bodø by going to the Opplev Nord center in the city or from the airport (as long as you’re in touch with the tourism office beforehand).

To arrange this, contact them at Opplevnord. The rental price includes a bike, helmet, pump, and basic tools. All bikes are unisex.

Taking a Tour from Bodø

One of the top ways to get out of Bodø without having to commit to a rental car is to book a tour! Tour offerings have expanded throughout the years (thank goodness!), so it is easier than ever to see some of the region’s main sites with one!

Here are a few recommendations:

• Saltstraumen sea eagle safari by RIB boat (world’s largest whirlpool)
• Cruise through the Beiarfjord (great option on the Brim Explorer)
• Nordfjord cruise up to Kjerringøy (you’ll visit a 19th-century trading post)

Where to Stay in Bodø

There are several places to stay in Bodø. I stayed at Scandic Havet and had a fantastic time. The hotel was located on the sea and it has a bar at the top that offers panoramic views of Bodø. 

This is the perfect place to grab a drink and check out the midnight sun. The rooms were cozy and comfortable, and it easily had one of the best hotel breakfasts I have had in ages. The staff was also extremely friendly. Click here to check rates and availability for Scandic Havet.

I also recently stayed at Wood Hotel Bodø, a newer design hotel with a rooftop pool and epic views over the city. Unfortunately, the place was not one I would like to recommend on this blog (it was a party place for locals, and the cleaning was poor). If things change there, I would like to recommend it as the breakfast and views were out of this world!

I hope this post gives you an idea of things to put on your Bodø bucket list, especially if you’re a first-time visitor! Let me know if you have any questions or comments below. Thanks!

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