Best of Bodø

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Bodø

The lively city of Bodø boasts close proximity to a slew of memorable experiences. Northern Norway’s second-largest city sits just above the Arctic Circle, offering scenic strolls, a classy culinary scene, and a great starting point to explore Lofoten, the route along the Helgelands coast to Trondheim, and other parts of the region.

Kimkim travelers can join a guided Arctic coastal walk to learn about the area’s geology and history, including some of the many Viking graves discovered in the area. Check out the world’s strongest tidal current on a guided tour in Saltstraumen, surrounded by scenery and coastal heritage, or chase the Northern Lights on an autumn or winter visit.

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Escape to northern Norway's remote Lofoten Islands for a luxurious winter adventure

Luxury Winter Adventures in Norway's Lofoten Islands - 7 Days

Winter adventures above the Arctic Circle await on this luxurious weeklong escape to northern Norway. Your destination is the UNESCO-listed Lofoten archipelago, known for its fjords, rugged peaks, white-sand beaches, and rocky shores. Start with an exclusive culinary experience at a high-concept hotel/restaurant known as the "Kitchen at the End of the World," then hop over to remote Gimsøya for three nights of horseback riding and northern lights hunting from your own private oceanfront lodge.

Explore remote beaches on both archipelagoes

Vesterålen & Lofoten Islands Road Trip - 13 Days

This self-guided summer road trip travels at a relaxed pace through gorgeous scenery above the Arctic Circle in Northern Norway. Explore two distinct archipelagos offering hiking trails, peaceful beaches, guided excursions, and a seaside teeming with whales—not to mention constant daylight hours during the 'Midnight Sun' to soak it in. Start and end the trip in Bodø, a cool little city with street art and a charming harbor.

Northern Norway Arctic Adventure - 5 Days

In less than a week, experience snow-covered scenery and the Northern Lights with this photogenic road-trip through the Lofoten Islands. The trip begins with a car ferry from Bodø, where you'll drive across the coastline at your own pace and explore some of Norway's oldest and most colorful fishing towns hugging the shore with traditional red 'rorbu' (fishermen's huts). Conclude the adventure with an overnight coastal steamer to Tromsø for a slice of Northern Norway's biggest city.

Lofoten Islands, Tromsø, the Hurtigruten & Bodø: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that about five days is perfect for a well-paced Norway trip with stops in the Lofoten Islands, Tromsø, spending the night on the Hurtigruten coastal ferry, and Bodø. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Vesterålen or Oslo. See more ideas for the Lofoten Islands, Tromsø, the Hurtigruten, and Bodø itineraries below.

Spend 10 endless summer days in Norway's far north (photo courtesy of Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge)

Luxury Under the Midnight Sun in Northern Norway - 10 Days

Escape to Norway's far north this summer for 10 days of luxury and adventure under the midnight sun. The journey begins above the Arctic Circle in Bodø, a scenic coastal town where you'll zip across fjords in a Zodiac and soar over glaciers in a helicopter. Continue the Arctic expedition to the snowcapped Lyngen Alps and the UNESCO-listed Lofoten Islands to visit the world's northernmost whisky distillery, go surfing (that's right), and meet the local Sámi Indigenous people and their trusty reindeer.

Look for the Northern Lights while driving through the Lofoten Islands

Lofoten Islands & Tromsø Winter Excursion - 6 Days

Dramatic, snow-covered mountains and the Northern Lights are highlights of this 6-day adventure above the Arctic Circle. Starting in Bodø, you'll ferry to the stunning Lofoten Islands and drive at your own pace through some of Norway's oldest and most colorful fishing towns. Then, exchange your rental car for an overnight coastal steamer where you'll travel to Tromsø for some urban culture and dog sledding.

Fjords and Islands Adventure: Oslo, Aurland, Bergen, Vesterålen, Lofoten, & More - 14 Days

Take in some of Norway's most impressive natural landscapes on this two-week adventure through the country's western fjords and northern islands. You'll start with a city tour of Oslo before you venture out into nature, riding the steep and scenic Flåm Railway. Dip back into city life in Bergen, then head to the wild Vesterålen and Lofoten islands to kayak, hike, whale-watch, and more.

The village of Reine stays golden under a Midnight Sun

Best of Norway's Arctic Islands - 13 Days

This fun and fast-paced itinerary explores the best of Norway's stunning Arctic coast. Starting from Tromsø, the 'Paris of the North', you'll head to Senja island, the Vesterålen Islands, and Lofoten Islands, respectively. Choose between a number of scenic outdoor activities as you travel by rental car and Hurtigruten cruise—all under the extended daylight hours of the 'Midnight Sun'—for the ultimate summer adventure.

The breathtaking scenery of Norway's Lofoten Islands

Hidden Lofoten: Explore Norway's Secret Islands - 8 Days

Discover Norway's remote Lofoten Islands on this scenic 8-day itinerary. Set off from the northern mainland town of Bodø and make your way south across the magical archipelago to end your journey on the breathtaking shores of Værøy. Along the way, you'll explore the secluded beaches, rugged mountains, and charming villages of this extraordinary region. With evenings spent in cozy, traditional accommodations and days devoted to a selection of memorable hikes and excursions, this relaxed itinerary is perfect for travelers looking for an intimate, off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Summer Road Trip: Helgelands Coastal Tour - 10 Days

Road trippers will cover a great deal of scenic ground between southern Norway and the tip of the Arctic Circle with this 10-day itinerary. Start the adventure in Bergen's colorful wharf city before you make your way to Fjærland on Norway's biggest fjord. From here, continue towards the mighty Geirangerfjord and city of Trondheim, and finally, the Helgeland Coast—named one of the world’s top undiscovered island gems. This Norwegian Scenic Route (the longest in the country) runs from Holm to Godøystraumen with detours in Svartisen glacier and the Seven Sisters mountain range, to name a few. In other words, outdoor opportunities aplenty!

Oslo to Tromsø Winter Tour -13 Days

Not for the faint of heart, this epic 13-day trip through Norway's wintry north includes a dizzying array of destinations, travel modes, and activities that are highly unique to the Arctic. Start in the capital of Oslo and then take a train to the UNESCO-listed village of Røros. From here, dog sled in the mountains and walk through Trondheim before sailing to the Lofoten Islands. Finish with an overnight cruise to Tromsø for more dog sledding and sophisticated dining options in the 'Paris of the North'.

Discover the Lofoten village of Reine as you wind your way north on this 16-day road trip

Discover Norway's Southern Fjords & Northern Islands - 16 Days

Take advantage of Norway's long summer days with this self-drive adventure from the fjords of the south to the unspoiled nature and idyllic fishing villages of the Lofoten Islands. Set out from Bergen to kayak and cruise through the iconic fjords as you skip between charming towns like Flåm, Balestrand, and Geiranger. Then, fly north into the Arctic Circle to reach the Lofoten archipelago—where you'll hit the road again for island hopping, horseback riding, and whale watching in the land of the midnight sun.

Other popular travel destinations in Norway
Fjord Region · Oslo · Bergen · Northern Norway · Tromsø · Aurland · Flåm · Lofoten Islands · Balestrand · Mountain Region · Ålesund · Senja · Svolvær · Alta · Fjærland · Stavanger · Vesterålen · Lusterfjorden · Trondheim · Geiranger · Geilo · Reine · Åndalsnes · Lom · Odda · Voss · Røros · Gudvangen · Kalvåg · Kirkenes · Florø · Karasjok · Sørlandet · Finse · Værlandet · Lyngen · Honningsvåg · Haugastøl · Valldal · Øye Norangsfjorde · Hjørundfjord · Dovrefjell

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