Located within the Arctic Circle, the Norwegian city of Bodø it is a little out of the way for most tourists. However, the city has been named European capital of culture for 2024 for its buzzing events calendar.
“Bodø, and the whole region, will be buzzing with cultural events throughout the year. The real superstar of the program is its broad diversity. With more than 1,000 events to choose from, there will definitely be something for every taste and many of the events will be free,” explained the Director of Communications and Marketing of Bodø2024, Helge Grønmo.
Aside from the overflowing cultural calendar, however, Bodø has a lot of other things to offer. From the stunning natural surroundings to the Midnight Sun or the northern lights, depending on the time of the year, below are 5 things to discover in the Arctic city.
1. The Midnight Sun and Aurora Borealis
As Bodø is located within the Arctic Circle, it is one of the best places in the world to observe two quite stupefying natural phenomena. In summertime, during the Midnight Sun period, the city enjoys daylight 24 hours a day. In winter, Bodø’s location is ideal to observe the colourful Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis, caused by disturbances in the Earth’s magnetosphere due to solar winds.
2. ArktiskMat
If you’re a culinary enthusiast and always want to get a taste of the local cuisine, the ArktiskMat food symposium is the perfect occasion to get acquainted with the Arctic specialties. The food festival takes place in Mosjøen, near Bodø, on 13 and 14 of September and promises a weekend full of expert talks, workshops and tastings.
3. Saltstraumen
When in Bodø, don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit the world’s strongest maelstrom (whirlpool). This current is created when the tide turns and flows in and out of the channel between Saltenfjorden and Skjerstadfjorden every 6 hours. The strong currents are spectacular to watch, either by for RIB-rafting, diving or even snorkelling.
4. Trading post at Kjerringøy
If you want to get a taste of what it was like to live in the region in the 19th century, you should take trip to the old trading post at Kjerringøy. Fifteen houses have survived the rough conditions and have been preserved to give visitors a glimpse of Norway’s past. Moreover, you might well recognise the location as it has been used in several movies and series, including for the series based on Knut Hamsun’s novels.
5. Tiny houses on Fleinvær
Bodø’s surrounding have a lot of islands to offer, which are ideal if you want to go for a nature-filled hike or if you want to just isolate yourself from the rest of the world for a little while. On one of those islands, Fleinvær, you’ll find nine tiny houses, which won’t just do well on your Instagram feed but are also a prime location for enjoying the Northern Lights. As there are no cars and no shops of any kind on Fleinvær, the Arctic Hideaway – as the houses are called – is perfect for a remote retreat or an art residency.
