Things to do in Bodö - tips for experiences and excursions

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated June 2026 | After our trip to Bodö, we can really recommend this beautiful place! In addition, we ourselves have become eager to see more of Northern Norway. Here is our guide to Bodö, where we have collected tips on things to do, excursions and places to stay. If you want to get here, you can drive by car or camper – or fly directly from Stockholm in 1.5 hours.

Things to do in Bodö

Bodö is located in northern Norway, just south of the more famous Lofoten. The advantage of this location, especially in the summer, can be that it's not as crowded as Lofoten. So, what can you do in Bodö? Yes, we have experienced a lot. Here are our tips!

1. strolling in the harbour

When we arrive in a coastal town, we are almost automatically drawn to the sea. Just below the big hotels in town is a charming harbour full of different kinds of boats. It's cosy just to stroll around!

2. Test flight simulator

If you haven't tried flying in a flight simulator before, you can try your hand at Newton Flight Academy. Flying in the simulator is just like flying for real (except for the small detail that you are always safely on the ground). Taking off was quite easy, but landing was more difficult. Luckily we got some guidance so we came down safely (albeit a bit bumpy and crooked...).

3. visit the aviation museum

Right next to the flight simulator is the Norwegian Aviation Museum. This is a large and fine museum, with a section for wartime aviation and a section for civilian aviation. Here we found films about early flights to Antarctica and old photos of zeppelins. There are also many well-preserved aircraft from different times in history.

4. ride a rib boat

Down in the harbour in Bodö you will find the company Explore Saltenwhich offers tours by rib boat into the Salt Stream. In addition to seeing the world's strongest tidal current, you can see sea eagles and special rock formations. Wet, fast-paced and a lot of fun!

5. go on a boat trip around islands

Outside Bodö there are many small islands, where you can go by Hurtigbåt. We went one day to Arnoy to stay at a fishing camp, but you can also take a trip just to look around. Many of the islands are supposed to be really charming, such as the island of Givær, with its 15 permanent inhabitants. The timetables (which are not easy to read) can be found at thn.no.

6. Check out street art

Bodö is unexpectedly full of street art! The travelling festival UpNorth has left its mark on the houses in the town centre, and if you want to check out the street art you can follow a digital map of the artworks.

7. visit the Heart Room café

If you want a nice break in a cosy café, feel free to head to Café Hjerterommet, located at the Nordland Cultural Centre. Here you can eat homemade cakes in a cosy environment with odd tables and chairs from grandma's time. We were hungry ourselves and ate cheese and ham pie!

Six excursions around Bodö

When travelling to Bodö, it is probably not only the town that attracts you, but perhaps above all the magnificent nature around it. Here are tips on six exciting excursions. We have written about them before, so click on the links if you want to read more!

Hiking

Around Bodö, there are good opportunities for hiking, whether you prefer a short hike to a beach or if you are looking for challenges in the form of peak climbing or cave exploration.

Salt currents

Just south of Bodö you will find the world's strongest tidal current. It is an experience to watch the strong currents, and there are also opportunities for fishing and guided tours.

Kjerringøy

Kjerringøy is located just north of Bodö and can be said to be a little gem. In addition to beautiful nature, you will find an interesting shopping centre and a nice hotel with good food.

Fishing at Arnøy Brygge

If you're curious about sea fishing, book yourself into the Arnoy Brygge fishing camp on Arnøy outside Bodö. Here you can fish for halibut, and see seals and sea eagles.

Hamarøy with the Hamsun Centre

Located between Bodö and Lofoten, Hamarøy is where Norwegian author Knut Hamsun grew up. Today you can visit both the Hamsun Centre and the author's childhood home.

Tranøy

Tranøy is located south of Lofoten, not far from the Hamsun Centre. Here you can stay in the charming Tranoy lighthouse and perhaps visit the art exhibition by the sea.

Living in Bodö

Where to stay in Bodö? In the town centre, right next to the harbour, there are several large hotels, including the Scandic Havet (which we stayed at) and the Grand Hotel. Another option is to stay a little outside of town. We stayed one night in Tuvsjyen, not far from Saltströmmen.

Scandic Havet

Scandic Havet is a tall white hotel that rises above everything else in Bodö. There are also great views of the harbour from the rooftop bar. The hotel may not feel very personal, but the rooms are excellent and there is a huge breakfast with everything you could want, including salmon, mackerel, pancakes and a wide range of gluten-free products.

Tuvjan

I Tuvjan we stayed really cosy in the apartment Frøya, in a house by the sea. It felt really luxurious to wake up in the morning with a view of the sea, and enjoy a cosy breakfast in the kitchen. We did not have time to see more of Tuvsjyen than this, but afterwards we were told that you can also experience Stone Age meals in Stone Age huts by the sea.

Travelling to Bodö?

By air. SAS has just started flying directly from Stockholm to Bodö three times a week. The route will initially operate during the summer, and the flight takes only 1.5 hours.

By car or motorhome. Another option for travelling to Bodö is of course to bring your car or camper van. The fastest route from Stockholm takes about 14 hours, according to Google.

Travelling around Bodö

If you do not have your own car/camper, you can of course rent a car. The roads around Bodö are very nice, and wind around in beautiful environments. Curvy roads combined with low speed limits mean that it is good if you are not in too much of a hurry ...

If you drive a motorhome or take a caravan with you, you can be prepared to find plenty of campsites. Free camping is also allowed in Norway, as long as you respect local rules. If you prefer to travel around by bus and boat, you can get the following Travel Pass Nordland, which is a card valid on all buses and Hurtig boats.

Would you like to travel to Bodö? Or maybe you've been to or around Bodö and have even more tips to share?

Things to do in Bodö - on film