Many people travel to Bodø & Salten in the winter to catch a glimpse of the northern lights. No wonder as the region offers rich and varied nature. Whether you want to watch the lights from a mountain, have a romantic evening on the beach, or spend the night at a special accommodation watching the sky from your bed, you can get it all here.

Here are the best places to watch the Northern Lights in Bodø & Salten

1. “Rønvikfjellet” in Bodø

Drive up to the plateau and park in the large car park below Keiservarden (Bodø’s most visited mountain). From the car park and the plateau, you have a view of both the city on one side, and the sea on the other side.

On a clear and dark evening, you have a great chance of seeing the northern lights from here, and you neither need to walk far or stay outside for long. If you want to keep warm, you can even sit and scout from the car. If you are up for a mountain hike, take the trip up on Keiservarden for an extra good view.

If you want a more comfy hunt for the northern lights, you can visit Wood Hotel at Rønvikfjellet. Here you can look for the aurora in the bar that has got a perfect selfie bridge looking towards the city, or from the rooftop pool outside.

2. The north side of Bodø

You most often see the Northern lights when you look to the north, and if you drive along the north side of Bodø there are plenty of good places to stop.

You find beaches, hiking spots and viewpoints with a view to the north along the entire north side of the city. From all these places you can watch the northern lights dance over the iconic Landegode mountains.

Some tips for stops along the north side of the city:

Ausvika
Ausvika is a popular hiking and camping spot for the locals in Bodø. Walk along an easy path from the parking lot to the beach, it takes about 5 – 10 minutes. Here you will also find the popular Northern Lights Chairs that gives you a front row seat to the Northern Lights.

Geitvågen Geitvågen is one of the most popular swimming spots in Bodø during summer, but also a fantastic place to catch the northern lights in winter. Northern lights photographers recommend this place, since you get a stronger effect on the northern lights via the sea and avoid all lights from the city. 

Geitvågen is 10 km from the city center, and it takes 10 minutes to drive there.

Løpsstranden A bit furthern away, 15 minutes from the city, you will find Løp. Here you can see the northern lights from the beach. The walk is short, and the beach very accessible.

Mjelle Continue further north along the road and swing left to Mjelle – a lovely beach outside of Bodø. This place deserves a visit whether you are going to see the northern lights or want a nice place to visit during the day. If you are lucky enough to see the northern lights when you are here, we can promise that it will be a magical time.

It takes around 30 minutes to drive here from the city center.

3. The Arctic Hideaway

The architectural accommodation is located on the island of Fleinvær, in the middle of the sea outside of Bodø. Here you are far away from the city lights and have a view of the northern lights straight from the bedroom.

4. Sandhornøy

Sandhornøy is the largest island in Gildeskål municipality, and is known for its white, long and clean beach – Langsanden. Here you have good conditions for seeing the northern lights. On Sandhornøy, you can also spend the night in a dome at Følvika Northern Retreat – where you can watch the Northern lights from your bed all night. 

It takes approximately 1,5 hours to drive to Sandhornøy from the center of Bodø. There is a bridge to the island, so you do not have to think about any ferry times.

5. Engeløya in Steigen (Batterie Dietl)

Several aurora photographers recommend the north side of Engeløya because of the low light pollution. If you drive to Batteriet Dietl, you have a view of the Lofoten wall. On this side of Engeløya, you can see the northern lights very well. 

Engeløya can be found in Steigen, which is around three hours from Bodø by car.

6. Tranøy Lighthouse

Tranøy Lighthouse, located in Hamarøy, offers a dramatic setting to view the northern lights. Standing on the small islet with the lighthouse as a backdrop, you can watch the aurora dance over the ocean. The location provides minimal light pollution and excellent visibility.

Tranøy Fyr also offers accommodations, allowing you to spend the night in this iconic location. It’s a two-hour drive from Bodø to Hamarøy.

7. Manshausen & Naustholmen in Steigen

Manshausen is a small island in Steigen known for its stunning glass cabins, designed to showcase the surrounding nature. The cabins face the ocean, giving you a direct view of the northern lights as they reflect on the water.

Nearby Naustholmen, another island retreat in Steigen, offers a more rustic yet equally charming experience. With cozy accommodations and pristine surroundings, it is a great spot to view the aurora while enjoying the peace of nature. You can even stay in a renovated tank.

Both destinations combine luxury and isolation, making them unforgettable for northern lights enthusiasts. Steigen is accessible by car or boat, approximately 2.5 to 3 hours from Bodø.

Guided Northern Lights Tours