Saltstraumen – Currents, Nature and Cultural History

Saltstraumen reveals what makes it special through its movement: the tides flow in and out through the strait between the Saltenfjord and the Skjerstadfjord. The current is strongest around the days of the new and full moon. The water is therefore a defining natural experience of the place. You can watch the whirlpool current or choose activities that take you right into it. This gives you a clear starting point for planning your trip: consider whether you would most like to discover Saltstraumen as a natural area, through experiences on the water, or through its history as well.

The whirlpool current from different perspectives

Saltstraumbrua runs directly over the whirlpool current. There are walkways on both sides of the bridge, where you can look straight down at the powerful current. This makes it possible to observe the natural phenomenon from the bridge. There is also a coastal path at Saltstraumen that leads down from the hotel to the whirlpools. If you want to experience Saltstraumen on the water, you can take a RIB rafting trip in the current; diving in the powerful waters is also possible. The perspectives are quite different: looking down from the walkways, riding through the current in a RIB, or diving in the waters. If you are travelling with others, you can discuss during the planning stage whether observing the current or taking part in an activity on the water should be the main focus.

Natural area and cultural history

The Saltstraumen marine protected area is also part of the natural environment. It was established in 2013 to preserve rare, sensitive and threatened nature. This conservation purpose adds another perspective to the immediate experience of the tidal current: here, it is not only the moving waterscape that matters, but also the preservation of nature.

The cultural history also reaches far back in time. Several cultural heritage sites from the Stone Age and Viking Age have been found along Saltstraumen. Some archaeological finds are estimated to be up to 11,000 years old. At the Saltstraumen Museum, you can learn about local history from the Stone Age through the Bronze Age, Iron Age and Viking Age to the present day. The natural history of the area is covered as well. The museum therefore offers its own way to explore the different periods and subjects that define Saltstraumen.

Saltstraumen Stories offers nature and cultural history experiences around Saltstraumen, mainly historical walks in the landscape near Saltstraumen. If you enjoy discovering history in its landscape setting, you could consider these experiences as a complement to a museum visit. The museum and walks have different focuses: the museum centres on local and natural history, while the historical walks take place in the landscape.

A cycling route as another trip idea

Cycling is another option: you can ride from Saltstraumen to Godøynes on Route 17. This gives you a specific cycling route with a named destination, in addition to experiences around the current. You can make this ride a focus of your trip planning or include it alongside nature and cultural history. When choosing a holiday rental in Saltstraumen, it helps to first consider which of these aspects of the area matters most to your trip.

If you would like to discover other places at the same level: Skivika, Kjerringøy, Bodø, Skjerstad, Tverlandet, Ljønes, Breivik i Salten and Løding.

Back to the main travel overview: Bodø.