Bodø

Bodø

Norway

Witness the dramatic midnight sun dance above jagged Arctic peaks and pristine fjords during summer's endless daylight.

Currency Norwegian Krone (NOK)
Language Norwegian
Time Zone CET (UTC+1)
Best Time to Visit May for midnight sun experiences and Arctic wildlife viewing; September-March for northern lights (aurora borealis).
Typical Duration 12 nights
Price Range $7,530 per person
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port No

Gateway to the Arctic with access to dramatic Norwegian fjords, northern lights viewing opportunities, and pristine wilderness experiences in the High North.

Cruises that visit Bodø

Build Your Day in Bodø

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 4:00 PM
Usually about 8 hours ashore
Getting around:
City Nord Good parking, lots of shop and dinning options. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 3k Open · Closes 9 PM
Norwegian Aviation Museum Guided tours are included in the price, so it's very much worth visiting! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 2k Closed · Opens 11 AM Fri
Trekanten Kjøpesenter Some good shops but it looks a little small building!! Shopping mall · ★ 3.9 · 1k Open · Closes 10 PM
Hundholmen Brygghus Great food and beautiful location Gastropub · ★ 4.4 · 1k Open · Closes 12 AM
Orion Pizza og Restaurant Good food quality, fast service and relative cheap! Pizza restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 1k Open · Closes 10 PM
Koch Shopping Beautiful shops, sales on when I went so a few bargains bought 😊😊. Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 1k Closes soon · 8 PM
Bryggerikaia Delicious food in a cosy restaurant with great service. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k Open · Closes 11 PM
BURGASM BODØ Stylish cozy place with great service and perfect food. Hamburger restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k Open · Closes 9 PM
Restaurant Bjørk Creative menu, great service and amazing atmosphere! Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 1k Open · Closes 10 PM
Gatsby Open till midnight. Bar · ★ 4.1 · 1k Open · Closes 12 AM
Obs Bodø Great selection, big store. Hypermarket · ★ 4.3 · 1k Open · Closes 10 PM
Hunstadsenteret There are necessary shops, ATM, chemists, toilets. Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 1k Closes soon · 8 PM
Annas Gatekjøkken Decent food, good prices, friendly/helpful staff. Fast food restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k Open · Closes 11:45 PM
Ohma Asian Cooking We had amazing food, great atmosphere outside and extremely friendly staff! Japanese restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k Open · Closes 11 PM
Glasshuset Centrum and stores are affordable good ; Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 1k Open · Closes 9 PM
Tiger Sushi Bar Really good,fresh and tasty food for a decent price 😉 Highly recommend!! Sushi restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k Open · Closes 9 PM
Dama Di AS Great music, and a big bonus is the charming American bartender. Bar · ★ 4.1 · 1k Opens soon · 8 PM
Kaptein Larsen The beers are nice ,a lot of tv screens,and the food ,is very nice. Sports bar · ★ 4.2 · 1k Open · Closes 12 AM
Olivia Ramsalt The food was authentic and tasty - service and atmosphere, was great. Italian restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 1k Open · Closes 10 PM
Bodø Cathedral Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 9 AM Fri
Mon Ami Restaurant Service and food are good. Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open · Closes 9 PM
Cafe City Nord Good price for some lovely food! Cafe · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open · Closes 9 PM
LystPå Restaurant Vinbar & Pizza Neapolitana The best fish soup and the best salmon I have ever had. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open · Closes 11 PM
Nordlandsbadet The wave pool and “lazy river” my 5yo especially loved. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Fri
Melkebaren Good cortado, good fruit tea, nice place, minimal service. Coffee shop · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM Fri
Jektefartsmuseet (Nordlandsmuseet) There are free guided tours in English and Norwegian every 2 hours. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Fri
Norlænningen Best place to drink some good beer and listen to good music Pub · ★ 4.1 · 0k Open · Closes 2 AM
Café boiler Great view of the river and nice coffee ☕️ Cafe · ★ 4.1 · 0k Closed · Opens 12 PM Fri
Berbusmel Prices are reasonable for the quality of the food. Cafeteria · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Fri
Bodø Spektrum Arena · ★ 4.2 · 0k
Pangea Kitchen & Bar Highlights from our dinner included the halibut ceviche and asparagus tacos. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open · Closes 11 PM
ROAST Restaurant & Bar The bartender was very friendly and welcoming and we had a wonderful time! Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM
Piccadilly pub Great atmosphere and ale. Pub · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open · Closes 1 AM
Rampen - Via Ferrata Fantastic guides, astonishing views and, most importantly, lots of fun! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closes soon · 8 PM
Nyholmen Skandse Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open 24 hours
Brasilia Bodø Great meat, great view and cosy atmosphere! Brazilian restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open · Closes 11 PM
Public Propably the best pub in Bodø, good music, great atmosphere. Bar · ★ 4.4 · 0k Opens soon · 8 PM
Tiger Ramen Bodø Great food, great prices, fast service and really nice and cozy place. Ramen restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open · Closes 9 PM
Craig Alibone Pâtisserie Incredible atmosphere, cakes, chocolate, and coffee! Cafe · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri
Moloen Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open 24 hours
Stormen bibliotek Visited the library in Bodø and was thoroughly impressed! Library · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closes soon · 8 PM
Top 13 Bar & Lounge Amazing views and drinks. Bar · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM
Maloca Coffee & Food Incredible coffee art, good service,cozy and such a good vibe. Coffee shop · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri
Bodø City Museum Wonderful exhibits and super friendly staff, well worth a trip Tourist attraction · ★ 4 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Fri
Langsand 12km of narrow road is rewarded with 2km beach. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k Open 24 hours
XXL Bodø The shop is great for many sports and outdoor life with very good prices! Sporting goods store · ★ 3.9 · 0k Open · Closes 9 PM
Sports Outlet Bodo Great shop with a variety of items at reasonable prices. Sporting goods store · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closes soon · 8 PM
Nytbar Very nice staff and the food is also very tasty for a good price ! Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 0k Open · Closes 10:30 PM
Salmon Center Bodø They give a free guided tour. Tourist attraction · ★ 3.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 12 PM Fri
Baker Olsen Super welcoming and friendly staff, delicious pastries and food in general. Cafe · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Fri
Bodø Storsenter In-store shopping Shopping mall · ★ 3.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Fri
Nordlandsmuseet Bodøsjøen friluftsmuseum Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open 24 hours
Samfunnet i Bodø Great cocktails·Doesn't accept reservations·Live music Bar · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open · Closes 1 AM
Explore Salten AS I kindly recommend this experience while visiting Bodø and surroundings. Tour agency · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open 24 hours
Bådin Bryggeri Super friendly and helpful staff and an extensive range of fabulous beer. Brewery · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Fri
Sjøbaren Insanely good food in a cozy restaurant with a lovely view. Fish restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Tiger Cafe Bar Bodø The service was ok, the staff were lovely, and the cake was delicious Cafeteria · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closes soon · 8 PM
Påpir BibliotekBar The only place in Bodø you can have egg benedict and crouqe madam. Cafe · ★ 4 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri
Bodø Bunkermuseum This is well worth a visit if you are in Bodø. History museum · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Fru Orø Delicious food and generous portions for reasonable prices. Fish and chips takeaway · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Fri
Bodo Street Murals Must see in Bodø for anyone passing by. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 0k
Noor by M Bodø In-store shopping·In-store pickup·Delivery Women's clothing store · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri
Bodø kajakklubb A stunning beach that has all the hallmarks of a Norwegian authenticity. Sports club · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Tiger Streetfood Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 0k Open · Closes 9 PM
The Social Bar& Bistro Highly underrated restaurant in Bodø. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Brømnessanden Beach · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Visit Bodø Marketing agency · ★ 3 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Fri

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Bodø

About Bodø

Bodø stands as a remarkable gateway to Norway's Arctic treasures, offering cruise passengers an unforgettable introduction to the dramatic landscapes and unique wildlife of the far north. This vibrant port city serves primarily as a port of call on carefully curated Arctic itineraries, making it an ideal stopping point for travelers seeking authentic Nordic experiences without the commitment of a full cruise departure. Swan Hellenic brings discerning explorers to Bodø as part of extended 12-night voyages that venture deep into the Arctic Circle, typically during the luminous May season when the midnight sun begins its enchanting display.

From Bodø's welcoming waterfront, you'll find yourself perfectly positioned to explore some of the region's most spectacular attractions. The nearby Saltstraumen maelstrom—one of the world's strongest tidal currents—creates a mesmerizing natural phenomenon just minutes from the port. Cruise itineraries featuring Bodø typically continue onward to iconic destinations including Tromsø, the legendary northern lights capital, as well as Iceland's stunning Dynjandi Waterfalls and charming towns like Ísafjörður and Grímsey Island.

The port itself offers excellent facilities and a welcoming atmosphere, with knowledgeable local guides ready to share stories of Arctic life, fishing heritage, and the region's remarkable bird populations. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, photography lover, or simply seeking adventure at the edge of the world, Bodø delivers an authentic Arctic experience that lingers long after your ship departs.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Saltstraumen: World's Strongest Maelstrom

Witness one of Earth's most powerful tidal currents just 30 kilometers from Bodø's port. The Saltstraumen maelstrom creates dramatic whirlpools and rushing waters that attract adventurous visitors for boat tours and photography. This natural phenomenon occurs multiple times daily, offering an unforgettable Arctic spectacle.

2

Fresh Arctic Seafood at the Harbor

Savor locally-caught cod, halibut, and king crab at harborside restaurants and fish markets near the cruise terminal. Bodø's fishing heritage shines through in traditional Norwegian seafood preparations and contemporary Nordic cuisine. Sample fresh fish soup or grilled Arctic char while overlooking the working waterfront.

3

Bodø Cathedral and City History

Explore this striking modernist cathedral, rebuilt after World War II destruction, showcasing Bodø's resilience and architectural innovation. The nearby city center reveals fascinating WWII history and charming Norwegian architecture. A short walk from port reveals how this Arctic community has thrived through centuries of change.

4

Midnight Sun and Arctic Light Shows

Experience the ethereal quality of Arctic daylight during peak season, when the sun barely dips below the horizon. Bodø's northern latitude creates magical golden-hour lighting perfect for photography and exploration. The unique atmospheric conditions transform the landscape into something truly otherworldly and unforgettable.

5

Local Markets and Nordic Crafts

Browse Bodø's markets and boutiques for authentic Norwegian handicrafts, traditional knitwear, and local art. The city center shops offer unique souvenirs reflecting Arctic culture and design. Support local artisans while discovering handmade goods you won't find elsewhere on your cruise itinerary.

Cruise Lines at Bodø

Cruises Departing From Bodø

Cruises Visiting Bodø

Ship Schedule at Bodø

Bodø Location

Other Cruise Ports in Norway

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bodø known for?

It's a coastal city in Nordland with NATO Cold War history, Saltstraumen maelstrom, and the Norwegian Aviation Museum.

What can I see in Bodø?

Visit the Norwegian Aviation Museum, witness the Saltstraumen maelstrom, and explore Nordland's maritime city.

When is the best time to visit Bodø for Northern Lights?

Winter months offer the best chances to see the Northern Lights over Bodø.

How do I reach Bodø as a port?

Bodø serves as an official port in Norway; accessible via road, sea, and regional transport networks.