Bodø, located just north of the Arctic Circle, is a coastal city where dramatic landscapes meet a surprising blend of modern culture and outdoor access. As the largest town in the Nordland region of Norway, Bodø has become a key stop along the Norwegian Scenic Route and a gateway to the Lofoten Islands. Located just a short drive away, the Saltstraumen maelstrom, which is one of the world’s strongest tidal currents, visitors can watch whirlpools form in the sea with astonishing power. The best vantage point is from the Saltstraumen Bridge, especially when the tide shifts and water speeds reach up to 20 knots.

Outdoor activities around Bodø shift with the seasons. In summer, the sun never fully sets for several weeks, offering long hours to hike the nearby Børvasstindan mountains or take a coastal kayak tour through narrow fjords and island clusters. In winter, the city becomes a base for Northern Lights viewing, with dark skies and low light pollution. One lesser-known experience is taking the Nordland Railway south from Bodø, which begins above the Arctic Circle and winds its way through fjords and forests toward Trondheim.