Things to do for a few hours in Bodø

RIB-safari to Saltstraumen

🕥 2-3 hours

Experience the world’s strongest maelstrom up close. This is guaranteed to be a couple of hours you will remember for the rest of your life!

Explore Salten takes you directly from the harbor in the middle of the city, and Stella Polaris offers trips from Hurtigruten Quay.

You can also take the bus here if you just want to admire the phenomenon from land. You can get between Saltstraumen and Bodø city center on bus no. 200 or 300.

Street Art Walk

🕥 1 hour

Explore the city center of Bodø and experience the fantastic street art that decorates large buildings around the city. You will find graffiti artworks, but also the art project NorlandiART is worth checking out – here several artists have had their works hung outside various buildings in the city. Spend as much time as you want, but the city is compact so you get a lot in one hour.

Shop Local Souvenirs

🕥 How much time you spend depends entirely on your shopping stamina!

Bodø and Salten have several creative and talented people who design and create raw and beautiful products. You can buy most of them in the center of Bodø – and there is a short distance between the shops.

• The clothing brand FOGG Gildeskål by the design sisters Gøril and Frøydis (can be bought at O´Johanson in the center)
• Sustainable designer bags, keychains and other accessories in salmon leather from Studio EBN (you will find their shop in the city center)
• Handmade chocolates or macaroons from Craig Alibone pâtisserie & champagneria (sold at the champagneria in the city center. Feel free to set aside some extra time to enjoy a glass of bubbles while you are there.
• Beer from the local brewery Bådin that has gotten their names from beautiful places in the region (can be bought at the liquor store, in selected grocery stores or at Bådin’s own brewery)
• Arctic Salt from the world’s strongest maelstrom Saltstraumen (sold in selected stores).

Northern Norwegian Art Museum

🕥 1 – 2 hours

This brand new museum opened in 2025 and is a must-visit for art lovers.

Step inside a world of Arctic-inspired art, thought-provoking exhibitions, and cultural treasures that celebrate the North.

From contemporary masterpieces to historical gems, this is where creativity meets the wild beauty of the north!

Visit Idyllic Kjerringøy

🕥 3 – 6 hours

If you want to get out of the city and experience northern Norwegian nature and coastal culture, then this is the place. Kjerringøy is a beautiful sight, with chalk-white beaches, blue sea as far as the eye can see, and sheep and cows that roam freely. It is a must to visit Kjerringøy old trading post.

Calculate an hour’s drive each way. Also add a ten-minute ferry ride from Festvåg to Misten/Kjerringøy. Check the ferry routes before leaving, or hop on the local bus. It is also possible to cycle from Bodø to Kjerringøy. Bicycles can be rented at Opplev Nord.

Climb the World´s Northernmost Via Ferrata

🕥 3 – 5 hours

Ready for a bit of a challenge? Rampen Via Ferrata offers an exciting and safe climbing adventure just outside the city.

With fixed steel cables and steps, you’ll ascend a steep cliff face with the help of experienced guides and proper equipment. No prior climbing experience is needed, but a reasonable fitness level is recommended.

The climb takes you high above the coastline, with stunning views of the sea, surrounding mountains and the raw northern landscape.

Visit the Jekt Trade Museum

🕥 1 – 2 hours

The jekt trade museum is a new national museum where you can learn about norwegian coastal history and the importance of fish trading for Norway. It offers gripping stories of unity, shipwreck, powerlessness and prosperity. You get close to the main attraction – the big yacht Anna Karoline.

The museum also has an open museum shop and café.

Go for a Hike

🕥 2 – 4 hours

Bodø is surrounded by beautiful nature and there are endless hiking opportunities close by. Take a trip to Linken, Keiservarden or Junkerfjellet with a view of the entire city and its surroundings. Or walk up to Bestefarvarden – a nice trip for everyone no matter the age.

Pust Sauna

🕥 1 hour

How about a swim north of the Arctic Circle? At Pust Sauna, you can combine heat and cold in the most refreshing way. Step into the hot sauna, then cool down with a dip in the sea — all year round.

This is a unique chance to feel alive and energized, surrounded by crisp northern air and salty ocean water.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and get ready for a memorable experience.

Games & Fun

🕥 1 – 2 hours

Looking for something fun and active to do indoors? Bodø has great options for games, action and friendly competition!

At Bodø Action Hall, you can try laser tag, escape rooms, axe throwing, and other activities that get your pulse up. If you prefer a more relaxed vibe, head over to Royal Bowling for a round of bowling or billiards – or just hang out with snacks and good company.