Norway’s gateway to the Arctic
Executive summary by darmansjah
Flying into Bodø, the plane descends over a seascape covering thousands of
isles, while the final approach offers a close-up view of the majestic glaciers
and peaks guarding this small capital of Norway’s
Nordland Province. Arriving by sea (often and deservedly called “the world’s
most beautiful sea voyage”), the famous Hurtigruten coastal ships give
passengers a glimpse to the northwest of the imposing 62-mile chain of spiky
mountains that forms the mythic-seeming Lofoten archipelago.
Bodø is less than one degree north of the Arctic Circle. Without the warming
effect of the Gulf Stream, the landscape would be a frozen, inhospitable waste
at this latitude. In fact, Bodø offers cycling, skiing, hiking, caving,
climbing, and fishing. Many visitors come here for the unique Arctic light,
whether the soft pastels of winter that crescendo in a display of aurora
borealis or the orange glow of summer’s midnight sun (the best viewpoint for
both is from the Landegode lighthouse). Don’t leave without seeing the
Saltstraumen sound, where deep, swirling eddies form every six hours with the
change in tides as the equivalent of 160,000 Olympic-size pools of water surge
through a narrow passage. Above all, northern Norway has this to offer: the
absence of distractions and the chance of an intimate encounter with
awe-inspiring nature. —Arild Molstad
Travel Tips
When to Go: Early June-early July for the midnight sun;
September-April for northern lights.
Where to Stay: The waterfront Rica Hotel Bodø and newly renovated Clarion
Collection Hotel Grand Bodø (breakfast and a light evening buffet included)
are conveniently located near shops, restaurants, and museums.
How to Get Around: In town, walk (airport is less than a
mile from the city center) or take the local
bus. Hop a fast ferry for island and coastal day trips. Take the Nordland Railway
south to Trondheim, or a bus for destinations north.
Where to Eat or Drink: Try harborside Bryggerikaia
for grilled tørrfisk (cod), fish soup, and fresh prawns. For drinks,
panoramic mountain and sea views are included at the Radisson Blu Hotel’s Top 13 Rooftop Bar.
What to Read Before You Go: Out
Stealing Horses, by Per Petterson (2007). The award-winning
novel by the acclaimed Norwegian novelist is a hauntingly mesmerizing
introduction to the quiet, stark beauty of remote, northern Norway.
Fun Fact: Norway is home to Europe’s largest breeding
population of white-tailed eagles, an estimated 3,500 to 4,000 pairs. The
massive raptor (Europe’s biggest) has eight talons, a wingspan of over eight
feet, and can live 20 to 25 years.
Helpful Links: Visit Bodø, Bodø Tourist
Information
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