This entry is part [part not set] of 8 in the series All Norway from North to South

We are traveling to Bodø! it is called “the gateway to the Norwegian North” and it is almost on the edge of the Arctic circle. The coastal roads will bring us to fjords, we are going to see a glacier, a large maelstrom and more things to do in Bodø.

Bodø, first impressions

As soon as I stepped down from the ferry, I saw that Bodø is different from all the cute wooden towns, typical for the Arctic circle. It looks industrial.

The shoreside is lovely, especially in the evening. You can just stay there, have some drinks, chill and see the ships passing by (feels almost like in St. Petersburg). I actually liked just going along the shore and see the ships, there are not just private yachts, but a big variety.

Buy some shrimps right from the boat. They are cheap and really tasty.

Bodø, fast facts

Bodø is located just a bit up north of the Arctic circle
It is the second largest Norwegian city in the Arctic Circle after Tromsø (7th in the world)
Bodø was founded as a hub for the fishery in Northern Norway
Now the city is highly related to the aviation industry, there is the museum on Norwegian aviation
Norwegian railway goes up to Bodø, it is the last station
During the War, Bodø was destroyed, now the central area is dominated by modern architecture

5 things to do in Bodø and “nearby”

Most of the travel activities are at the coastal roads nearby. So it is things to do in Bodø and things you can find along the coastal road.

1. Drive along the coastal road RV17

That is enough, you can just rent a car, and drive along RV17! Almost at every corner, I wanted to ask to stop so I can take some photos. You pass by many fjords and go through many long tunnels. Each time you drive out of the tunnel – the view is completely new. I really regret not going there early in the morning, when the light is good for photography. This place made me wish I traveled to Norway in a motorhome.

This made me think about getting a drone. (If this photo doesn’t inspire you to get a drone – this post with drone photos will)

2. Maelstrom Saltstraumen

They tell it is the biggest one in the world! Yes, that is what you see.

It is interesting, but somehow, I was expecting something more from the loud name. It is actually large, but, in my opinion, compared to gigantic waves, that occur in a sea, the turbulence does not look so impressive. The boats with tourists get on top of the maelstrom and stop the engine to let the maelstrom carry them.

The maelstrom is located in the place called Saltstraumen. The best time to see it is during the low and high tide. You can check the schedule at the local tourist office or online.

3. Glacier Svartisen

This is the second largest glacier in Norway. Seeing it from the distance isn’t probably the most impressive sight.

But getting up to it and touching the ice is a great experience. It is a few kilometers uphill. The glacier has an interesting, light blue color and is constantly melting. The water in the lake, formed from its waters also has similar, unusual color.

To get to the glazier you need to drive around 150 km. Then, you need to take a boat, to get you across the fjord. Check the schedule on Visitnorway (the link I used was deleted)

4. Norwegian Aviation Museum

We are back to the city. And, oh god! That is the best aviation museum I have ever seen! (engineer talks) There are two enormous sections, dedicated to civil and to military aviation.

This place deserves a separate article, but as a summary, you can find expositions about:

Early development of aviation, as well as few things about balloons and zeppelins
Role of the Norwegian aircraft in WWI and WWII
Anti-aircraft weaponry
Pilot’s suits and equipment
Air traffic control rooms
Role of aviation during the cold war
Ambulance and rescue flights
Meteorology, airport noise reduction, many other aircraft-related issues

Next are some random shots: