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Bodø has proven that it has more to offer than just majestic scenery. Situated on a peninsula in the Norwegian Sea, the remote town has been designated as the European Capital of Culture for 2024, making it the first destination above the Arctic Circle to receive the distinction.
A decade ago, John Henderson said about BBC Travelthe “sleepy” town was known to Norwegians as “Boring Bodø”, and its biggest “claim to fame” was its military base. Now Bodø (pronounced “buddha”) has transformed itself into “one of the fastest growing places in Norway“, dotted with chic restaurants and galleries.
This is no coincidence. After his NATO air base moved elsewhere, the city had to “create a new identity” through tourism, Andrew Eames said at the i news site. Without a historic city center (much of Bodø was “wiped out” by the Luftwaffe during the WWII) it wasn’t easy. But the city has gradually developed into a vibrant cultural hub, a journey that was spurred by the construction of the gleaming white Stormen Concert Hall and Library on the waterfront in 2014.
The winning combination of nature and culture certainly sets Bodø apart. Throughout the year, the city and the surrounding region will host over 1,000 exhibitions, concerts and events, including Nordland’s first ever light festival in November. If you’re lucky, you might even see the Northern Lights.
What must we do
Consider getting a tour boat to Saltstraumen – one of the strongest tidal currents in the world. A few minutes after leaving the harbour, things get “seriously swirly”, said Susan d’Arcy in The timesas 400 million cubic meters of seawater flows through the strait every six hours. “Hydrotherapy pools will seem terribly tame after the experience,” but don’t worry: “It’s more enchanting than scary.”
It is also definitely worth visiting Beddingen Culture House. The former boat showroom has been transformed into a prime location for live music and theatre, attracting a “trendy crowd that looks like the recall audition for a Scandinavian noir thriller”.
Be sure to try one of Bodø’s saunas (preferably at sunset). The “architecturally striking” cat and more “rustic” Fauna sauna are the best options, Ben Olsen said in Conde Nast TravelerBoth have wood burning stoves and windows overlooking the harbour.
The “heavyweight candidate” of Bodø’s museum landscape is the Norwegian Aviation Museumaccording to the i news site. Among the “remarkable collection” of military aircraft is a famous U2 spy plane that once “nearly wiped Bodø off the map by Russia”.
Where to eat and drink
Go to Bjork to try the traditional dish of Northern Norway: stockfish (cod that has been air-dried on giant wooden racks). Served with “lardons dripping with oil” and “fried potatoes smeared with aioli”, it is “the bank of comfort food to sink into”, according to The Times.
If you are looking for a breathtaking view, you have come to the right place Roasted. Located on the 17th floor of the Scandic Havet Hotel, the restaurant offers sweeping views over Bodø, along with “culinary fireworks”. Expect “wickedly rich” dishes; the cod with a beurre blanc is “worth the digestive workout”.
For something a little more casual, Conde Nast Traveler said, go to Bridge keeper for a hearty bowl of fish soup, washed down with locally brewed beer. Housed in a former brewery, the “stylish spot” has become a “local institution” thanks to its tasty seafood menu and prime waterfront location. In the summer months, there’s also an outdoor terrace and barbecue – one of the best places to soak up Bodø’s “vibrant harbour atmosphere.”
Where to stay
Manshausen consists of a “spectacular” collection of seaside huts that promise a “secluded retreat” in the middle of the Grøtøyleia Strait, Conde Nast Traveler said. You’ll have to take a scenic ferry ride or drive four hours to get here, but the journey is well worth it. Days are easily filled; nearby activities range from kayaking and diving to hiking and fishing.
“By far the best place to stay” in Bodø is the Wooden Hotelaccording to The Times. Less than a 10-minute drive from the city centre, the hillside property features “sleek minimalist” rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of Bodø, Vestfjorden and the Børvasstindene mountains.
