Skip to main content
Top Bodo activities
Beyond Bodo
Bodo trip ideas
Panorama of the Norwegian city of Bodo with snow-capped mountains in the background.

Things to do in  Bodo

Cultured cool

It wasn’t so long ago that travelers would make little more than a pitstop in Bodø, the gateway to the dramatically beautiful Lofoten Islands. But now, largely thanks to its 2024 stint as a European Capital of Culture, Bodø has earned a reputation as one of Norway’s coolest cities—in both senses of the word. From checking out the little city’s outsized cultural scene to hiking in the surrounding mountains and savoring fresh-off-the-boat seafood, you’ll find no shortage of things to do in Bodø.

Why you are seeing these recommendations

Top 1 attractions in Bodo

Explore Bodo by interest

Top activities in Bodo

See all Bodo tours

All about Bodo

Local Currency
Norwegian Krone (NOK)
When to visit

The best time to visit Bodø is during the summer months (June through August). This period offers mild temperatures, typically ranging from 59°F to 68°F (15°C to 20°C), that are ideal for hiking in the mountains and other outdoor activities. From June 1 to July 13, you can experience the phenomenon of the midnight sun, where the sun remains visible for 24 hours a day.

Getting around

Bodø is a small city around 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) wide and more than 6 miles (10 kilometers) long, which makes it easy to get around on foot—you can even stroll into town from the airport—or by using the city’s network of electric buses. If you’re heading for Saltstraumen, jump on bus lines 200 or 300, both of which run from the city center; the trip takes around 50 minutes.

Traveler tips

Make the time to soak up Bodø’s thriving cultural scene. Begin at the Stormen Concert House and Library, housed in two sleek buildings on the waterfront; on Fridays, lunchtime concerts are held in the lobby. Then, stroll around the city and discover a colorful collection of murals painted by street artists during the 2016 UpNorth festival. You can also seek out sculptures created for the Artscape Nordland public art project.

en
52513090-eae2-40b2-9cee-361db4ee05ed
attraction_list
People Also Ask
Q:Is Bodø a good place to see the northern lights?
A:

Yes, Bodø is a good place to see the northern lights, especially from late September to early March. Optimal viewing spots include the plateau of Rønvikfjellet and areas north of the city, such as the beaches of Ausvika and Geitvågen, where light pollution is minimal.

Q:What are the top attractions in Bodø?
A:

Some top attractions in Bodø include the Stormen Concert House and Library, collectively known as a cultural quarter, and Bodøgaard gallery, which houses a large collection of work by the landscape painter Oscar Bodøgaard. For outdoor adventures, hike Keiservarden mountain and visit the nearby Saltstraumen maelstrom, one of the world's strongest tidal currents.

Q:How can I travel from Bodø to the Lofoten Islands?
A:

You can travel from Bodø to the Lofoten Islands by flying from Bodø (BOO) to Svolvær (SVJ) or Leknes (LKN) or by taking the car ferry from Bodø. Some ferries go directly to Moskenes in the Lofoten Islands, while others stop at Værøy and Røst islands before arriving at Moskenes.

Q:Is Bodø safe for solo female travelers?
A:

Yes, Bodø is generally safe for solo female travelers. The city has a low crime rate and well-lit public spaces, and many travelers say that locals are respectful. That said, female travelers should always be aware of their surroundings and keep an eye on belongings and drinks.

Q:What outdoor activities are available in Bodø?
A:

A number of outdoor activities are available in Bodø, including thrilling rigid inflatable boat trips to Saltstraumen, hiking in the surrounding mountains, kayaking, and fishing. In the winter months, you can also go cross-country skiing on groomed ski trails and set out on a northern lights safari.

Q:Are there any cultural events or festivals in Bodø?
A:

Yes, there are several cultural events and festivals in Bodø. A couple of the most notable are centered around music: the Parkenfestivalen and the Nordland Musikkfestuke (Nordland Music Festival), both held over the summer. The former largely features pop artists, while the latter offers a range of musical genres, including classical, jazz, and folk.

More Tours in Bodo

Things to do near Bodo

Popular on Viator