The 10 Best Things To Do In Bodo, Norway

Welcome to Bodo (BodØ in Norwegian). For many people, Bodo is just a small city you pass through on your way to Lofoten. It is a quick stop that cannot be avoided but that is not worth your time. Well, let me tell you that Bodo is much more than that. In this blog, I will share the best things to do in Bodo and nearby!

After this blog, you might even consider spending a few extra nights in the area just so you can visit all there is to do here. Are you intrigued? Then keep reading to find out all there is to do in Bodo!

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT BODO

Bodo is a small coastal city located in Northern Norway. It is not very well known by people living outside of Norway and those who know of it, it is mostly because they have to stop in it on their way to the beautiful Lofoten Islands. However, even though it is not very famous, it offers a rich art and cultural scene with many things to do in the city and near it.

Here are some interesting facts about Bodo:

Bodo is Northern Noway’s second biggest city, just behind Tromso with a population of 53,000 people.
Bodo has Norway’s sixth busiest airport, with most flights operated by the Norwegian company Wideroe.
The city has some of Norway’s best chocolate. This is all thanks to Craig Alibone’s work.
Bodo had to be almost completely rebuilt after World War II.

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED TO VISIT BODO?

The answer to this question will depend mostly on what you want to do and how much time you have in your Lofoten itinerary. The city center of Bodo is quite small so if you only have one day, you will be able to see the city and maybe add one of the visits nearby. However, if you want to do everything listed in this blog, you’ll need to spend at least 3 days in Bodo.

THE 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN BODO

Let’s not wait anymore and start with the list of the 10 Best Things To Do In Bodo! These are listed in no particular order, just choose the ones you like the best and include them in your itinerary.

1. GO FOR A WALK ALONG BODO'S HARBOR

Bodo’s harbor is just like any other harbor and leisure port, with boats docked. However, it is the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful walk, especially on a sunny summer day.

There’s nothing better than enjoying the sea breeze while you look at all the boats and their reflections on the water. You’ll find yourself immediately relaxing.

2. VISIT NYHOLMS FORT AND LIGHTHOUSE

Right across Bodo’s harbor, you’ll find Nyholmen Fortress and Lighthouse. This is a protective fort dating from 1810 that was built to protect the grain houses in Bodo from raids.

Right next to the fort, you’ll find a lighthouse built in 1875 to guide the boats into Bodo’s port.

3. CHECK OUT THE BODO DOMKIRKE

Bodo’s Domkirke is the most recognizable landmark in the city. It is impossible to miss and it really pops out with it particular architecture of its bell tower.

The church was originally built in 1888 but was destroyed during the bombings in World War II. It was later rebuilt in the 1950s in the Gothic style as you see it today. The church was one of the first in Norway to have a detached bell tower.

4. VISIT THE BODO CITY HALL

The city hall is the main municipal building in Bodo and it is where the municipality’s political and administrative headquarters are located. The building standing today was also rebuilt after the war and was designed by Gudolf Blakstad and Herman Munthe-Kaas. These are the same architects who designed the Domkirke too.

5. DISCOVER BODO'S STREET ART

Walking around Bodo, you’ll be able to find a lot of colorful and immense street art murals. This is mostly due to the street art festival UpNorth that was held in Bodo in 2015. During this festival, international artists were given the freedom to paint many of Bodo’s walls.

If you’re interested in doing a walking tour of Bodo’s street art, just head to the tourist information office in Bodo, and they will hand you a map with the location of the most impressive murals.

6. hIKE TO HOVdsundet BEACH

Hovdsundet Beach is a relatively hidden gem near Bodo, mostly known by locals although lately, it is becoming more popular due to social networks.

This hike is not very difficult (for an average hiker) but the trail is not marked so finding the right way among the rocks can be a bit challenging. A GPS will be very handy to help you stay on the right path.

Important: This hike goes through some pastures and bird nesting areas. Please be a responsible tourist and stay on the trail to protect the habitat.

Photo by Daniel Uvegård on Unsplash

7. SEE THE WORLD'S BIGGEST WHIRLPOOLS IN SALTSTRAUMEN

A short drive away from Bodo, in Saltstraumen you can find the world’s largest natural whirlpools (maelstrom). Water flows through the narrow 150-meter strait at an immense speed (approximately 150 km per hour) creating these impressive whirlpools.

The ideal time to visit Saltstraumen is around new moon or full moon, when the tidal current is at its strongest and the phenomenon is the most impressive. However, if you’re in the area at a different time of the month, don’t worry the whirlpools are still visible and impressive!

To see the whirlpools, you can choose from two options. You can either go on RIB boat cruise departing from Bodo to see them up close or just drive to Saltstraumen and see them from the Saltstraumen Bridge.

Book your Saltstraumen RIB boat cruise here.

8. VISIT SALTSTRAUMEN CHURCH

Right next to the famous Saltstraumen whirlpools, you can find the Saltstraumen Church. This is a cute small church buitl in 1886 by Eliseus Hansen. However, because of poor foundations, in 1903 it was dismantled and moved to its present location.

9. GO ON A DAY TRIP AND VISIT SVARTISEN GLACIER

Svartisen is the second largest glacier in Norway and it is the most accessible glacier that you can visit in Europe.

The name Svartisen comes from the term “Svartis” which means black ice. The glacier is called like this because of the deep blue color of the ice which contrasts with the white snow.

Svartisen glacier is located 3 hours driving south of Bodo, which means that you will have to spend a whole day if you want to visit it.

10. HOP ON A FERRY TO THE LOFOTEN ISLANDS

And, of course, the last thing to do in Bodo and the main reason many people visit this city is to get on a ferry to visit the Lofoten Islands!

The ferry ride to Moeskenes takes approximately 3 hours from Bodo and if you’re lucky and get to do it on a sunny day it is a very pleasant ride.

WHERE TO EAT IN BODO

Despite being a relatively small city, the gastronomic offer in Bodo is quite big! During the almost two days we spent in this city we got to try a few restaurants and coffee places and we were very pleasently surprised.

Here are the places you should check out during your stay in Bodo.

Olivia Ramsalt. Delicious italian restaurant where we had some really good pasta, risotto and foccacia.
Burgasm. Looking for some delicious burgers in Bodo? Then, this is just the place for you.
Craig Alibone Patisserie. This is the best place to get a special sweet treat with your coffee.
Brodene Berbusmel. Best place to get some coffee and a light lunch.

ACCOMMODATION IN BODO

There are many options where you can stay in Bodo. We stayed at these two and both were really good hotels.

Radisson Blu Bodo. This is an excellent hotel located right in Bodo’s harbor. The hotel room was really comfortable and even though we could not try the breakfast buffet, they were really kind to prepare us a breakfast box to take with us on our ferry to Lofoten.
Thon Partner Hotel Skagen. This is a more budget hotel but really comfortable too. We stayed here on our way back from Lofoten and it was a reasonable price-quality hotel.

MAP WITH ALL LOCATIONS

HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Click the star next to the map title to add this map to your google maps account. To view it on your phone while traveling, open Google Maps, click on the menu button and go to “Your Places”, click on Maps and you’ll see this map in your list.

INFOGRAPHIC

No time to read the full blog post? Here’s an infographic I’ve created with the most important information about it.

And that’s it for this week’s blog. I hope you liked it and found it useful. Let me know what you think in the comments!

Happy travels!

DISCLAIMER: Did you know? This blog uses affiliate partnerships. When you click and book or make a purchase through one of my blog posts, I may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting The Travelling Hiker!

THE 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN BODO, NORWAY

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