Bodø: Saltstraumen, the Coastal Path and Culture

Bodø brings together nature experiences, paths with viewpoints and rest areas, and aviation and city history. Saltstraumen is particularly distinctive: its channel is 3 km long and 150 m wide, and the current reaches speeds of up to 20 knots.

Currents, coastal path and views

You can experience Saltstraumen, for example, by going rafting on an RIB boat in the current. If you prefer an outing on foot, the Kyststien offers a 6.5 km route from Bodøsjøen to Mørkvedbukta. Viewpoints, rest areas and benches are located along the route; the Kyststien is designed to be accessible.

Keiservarden offers 360-degree views across the city and mountains. A bus runs from central Bodø to the Vollen sykehjem stop; from there, the route continues to the destination. You can also consider using public transport to reach this viewpoint.

Aviation and city history

The Norwegian Aviation Museum (Norsk Luftfartsmuseum), located in Stormyra in Bodø near the city centre, covers 10,000 square metres and is devoted to the history of military and civilian aviation. Aircraft on display include the U-2, Starfighter and Spitfire. The interactive “Bli pilot” (“Become a pilot”) exhibition invites visitors to try it out for themselves and compete against family or friends—a shared activity for anyone interested in flying.

The Bodø City Museum (Bymuseet i Bodø) is housed in a listed building dating from 1903, one of the oldest buildings in central Bodø. A historic dry aquarium is located in the basement. It was established shortly after the Second World War and is also listed. The building and aquarium therefore offer two different ways to explore the city’s history.

Kjerringøy and winter trails

Kjerringøy combines steep mountains, white sandy beaches and protected natural areas. It is also home to Kjerringøy handelssted, one of Norway’s best-preserved 19th-century trading posts. The landscape and the trading post offer different focuses: when planning your trip, you can decide whether you would particularly like to explore the natural surroundings or the historic trading post.

Winter also offers its own activity: more than 100 km of cross-country ski trails are groomed in Bodø municipality during the season. Bodø municipality is responsible for grooming the trails in Bodømarka. If cross-country skiing is part of your planned trip, this seasonal option offers a different focus from the coastal paths, museums and experiences at Saltstraumen.

Getting there and connections to Kjerringøy

Bodø Airport offers domestic and international flights. Bodø is also the northern terminus of the Nordland Railway. For onward travel between central Bodø and Kjerringøy, bus route 400 runs several times a day; the journey includes a ferry crossing. If you plan to visit Kjerringøy, you can take this bus connection into account when choosing your accommodation and planning your stay.

More local pages

More local pages to help you find your way: Bodø, Ljønes, Skivika, Kjerringøy, Skjerstad, Løding, Saltstraumen, Tverlandet and Breivik i Salten.

For the main travel overview: Nordland.