Welcome to Bodø
Few other Norwegian cities are encompassed by such magnificent scenery as Bodø. The city provides a fascinating mix of superb nature and an urban and vibrant lifestyle, with a wealth of places to meet your friends. Right at the heart of this is the informal and good-humoured style characterising the city's population.
The regional capital of Nordland County definitely has wind in its sails at the present time. Bodø, with a population of more than 46.000 people, is the second largest city in Northern Norway, and is also one of the fastest growing cities in the whole of Norway.
Bodø's location has made it a hub for both communications and services. Rail, air and sea communications all meet in the heart of the city. This is, however, just one of the things that has made the city one of Norway's most popular locations for courses and conferences.
Air city
Apart from tourism, the city's other important key trades are health services, commerce and, not least, the armed forces. Bodø can proudly call itself the country's aviation city number one, boasting a modern airport terminal, Norway's main air force station and an active aviation sport community.
These factors together form a major reason for the Norwegian parliament deciding to concentrate both Norwegian civil aviation and military aviation history in what is now one of the city's greatest attractions: The Norwegian Aviation Museum (www.luftfart.museum.no).
Research and education
Students also make their mark on the city. Bodø University College (www.hibo.no), with more than 5,000 students, has grown into a significant institution for education and research in Norway.
With the newly opened Center for Business in the High North, the university will play an active part in increasing the number of Norwegian companies developing new commercial activities in the northern region, especially in Russia.
Cultural diversity
The Bodø cultural scene is exciting all the year round. The city can offer everything from major music festivals and a vibrant nightlife, to art exhibitions and intimate club concerts.
Among the most recently established events is the Parkenfestivalen music festival (www.parkenfestivalen.no) attracting more than 10,000 participants.
The Nordland Music Festival (www.nmfu.no), which takes place in the late summer, is literally achieving ever greater heights. These open-air concerts on the city's "roof", on the Keiservarden mountain peak, have become an annual event pulling a large contingent of the city's population out of their armchairs.
Bodø Cultural Hall is the city's principal cultural meeting place, with around 45,000 visitors every year. Other major cultural locations include Bodø Cathedral, Bodin Church, Salten Museum, the Nordland Heritage Centre and Nyholms Skandse fort, all presenting high quality events.
The village of Kjerringøy lies just to the north of Bodø - a scenic gem in a well-preserved historical landscape. Amongst the attractions here is the old trading post, from which Norway's famous author, Knut Hamsun, received inspiration for several of his famous novels.
A new cultural quarter is now planned for the city centre, which will house concert auditoria, art galleries and a new main library. Situated by the yacht marina, this will form an exciting meeting place for Bodø's population and for visitors. The new cultural quarter is planned completed in 2012.
Spectacular nature
Bodø is also Norway's primary city for nature experience. With a location in the heart of what several international tourist organisations have declared the world's most beautiful coastline, the city offers a wide range of spectacular natural experiences - so to speak just outside its front door.
Scuba-diving in the world-famous maelstrom Saltstraumen, hang gliding from the Keiservarden mountain and a sea eagle safari to the north - this is just to mention a handful of the experiences on hand. Or what about a ski trip to the Erlingbu cabins, a bike ride around the Soløyvannet lake or a summer visit to the white sandy beaches of Mjelde?
The city of Bodø is home to a total of 15 nature reserves and areas of special scientific interest. It also lies close to two of Nordland County's nine national parks: Saltfjellet, Svartisen and Sjunkan/Misten (in the planning phase). Svartisen, which is an approximately 2 ½ hour drive from Bodø, is the largest glacier in northern Scandinavia.
We can also recommend a brisk walk along the pier in blustery winter weather, followed by a cup of hot chocolate in one of the city's many cafes.
One of the largest activity centres in Scandinavia
To those more inclined to seek indoor pursuits, we recommend a visit to Bodø Spektrum (www.bodospektrum.no). Consisting of an area of 25,000 square metres, this is one of Scandinavia's largest indoor activity centres.
Bodø Spektrum provides everything from a water sports centre with its own fitness department to a conference hall and football arenas.
Bodø has something for all tastes. Or as the local troubadour Terje Nilsen sings: "You need to have been there to understand".
You will find more information about the sights and attractions of Bodø, accommodation and the many experiences available at www.visitbodo.com
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