"Northern Exposure à la Bodø" Top 5 Page for this destination Bodø by yooperprof

Bodø Travel Guide: 102 reviews and 262 photos

'Round Midnight

Looking at the northern horizon at midnight - across the sound at Bodø - I am mesmerized at the sun in retrograde motion. What is the sun doing _there_ in the sky? I guess it is really true after all - the earth _is_ a globe.

Twilight's glow at harborside

Bodø in the gloaming

Bodø is the chief administrative center for the Nordland, one of Norway's northern provinces. It has all sorts of important regional things: a major air force base (which doubles as a commerical airport), a big hospital, various governmental agencies, etc. The town is really dominated and defined by its location. Bodø wasn't founded until the middle of the 19th century, and anyhow was largely destroyed by the Luftwaffe in the early days of World War II. As a result, there's not much historic feel to the place. Nonetheless, its surroundings make Bodø an excellent base if you are interested in exploring arctic Norway.

Churning Waters

force of nature

Saltstaumen - the famous maelstrom - is an easy daytrip from Bodø. Cold oceanic waters mix with warmer inland waters in a narrow fjord, and the rapid tidal currents create powerful whirlpools. See more pictures of this beautiful area on my Saltstaumen travelogue.

Pros and Cons

Pros:the amazing northern light
Cons:the after-effects of 1940
In a nutshell:67 degrees north latitude

Last visit to Bodø: Jun 2003
Intro Updated Aug 20, 2003
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Reviews (20)

Bodø Airport Transportation (3)

Bodø airport is only a short shot from the center of town. As long as you don't have too much luggage, it's an easy walk... more travel advice

Midsummer Mood Off The Beaten Path (5)

great skies. . . more travel advice

Norwegian modernism Off The Beaten Path (5)

There is a an interesting and well-designed non-denominational chapel in the Bodin Churchyard - the clean lines and... more travel advice

Memorial at Bodin Kirke Off The Beaten Path (5)

A Reformation-era Norwegian pastor - he must have been associated with this church. Very fashionable clerical garb! more travel advice

Local Customs (1)
Scandinavian Essence
Things to Do (5)
See All Nordlands Museet - Open-air folk museum
Favorites (3)
See All Bodø Town Hall

Travelogues (2)

1 - 2 of 2

Comments (6)

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Pinat Aug 1, 2009 at 1:43 AM

I was about to write a postcard to an anonymous friend that lives in Bodø and felt like checking out some VT pages. Seems to be a pretty nice place to visit. Cheers from Ankara, Pinar
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vejasnb Jun 17, 2008 at 8:08 AM

how much does it cost to go to lofoten for 2 adults and 2 children with car?
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dracko Feb 8, 2004 at 10:12 AM

Wonderfully written tips about a fascinating place. Thanks! You're right, there seems to be something uniquely scandinavian about the mood of a lot of the architecture there.
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kaloz Sep 14, 2003 at 10:18 PM

The Spire is neat, and the sea eagles is pretty cool.
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sambarnett Sep 2, 2003 at 8:53 PM

Now that is something I want to see before I leave this Earth: the sun in the sky at midnight. Great pic!
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zrim Aug 27, 2003 at 9:33 AM

Did you try any lutefisk?