Hotels in Bodø, Norway — Where the Fjords Meet the Northern Lights (and the Road to Lofoten)
View from the Radisson Blu Bodø
Bodø doesn’t shout the way Tromsø or Lofoten do — it whispers. The Arctic city sits between mountains and sea, where the light changes by the minute and ferries glide toward the islands like floating postcards.
It’s easy to think of Bodø as a stopover, but spend a night or two and it becomes something more: a place where the Northern Lights dance over modern hotels, and where fjord air seeps into every plan.
Here’s where to stay, rest, and recharge before heading deeper into the Arctic. And we absolutely love the vibe.
🗓️ When to see the northern lights in Bodø
The aurora season in Bodø runs from late September to early April, with the best viewing usually between December and February, when nights are longest and skies clearest.
On a calm night, you can often see the lights right from town and by the water — though it’s always better a little outside the glow of streetlights.
For photo settings, gear advice, and the best Northern Lights destinations across Scandinavia, check out our full 👉 Northern Lights Hub.
Best Bodø hotels
Bodø’s harbor
Radisson Blu Hotel Bodø ★★★★
Our go-to stay — we’ve been here twice (booked it for a steal in October), and the staff remembered us and gave us a free upgrade. Takk!!! The breakfast buffet is legendary and totally worth it considering high prices in the Nordics — That’s actually one of our tips tips to save when traveling up North! Ask for a high-floor sea-view room, and you might catch the Northern Lights in your slippers.
👉 Book it here
Smarthotel Bodø ★★★
Compact, modern, and efficient — like Norway itself. It’s perfect if you’re catching early tours or ferries. Rooms are small but cleverly designed, and the beds? Like clouds that never freeze.
👉 Book it here
Thon Hotel Nordlys ★★★★
Set right on the marina, with panoramic windows and hearty breakfasts that feel like a warm hug. Their reindeer sausage and pastries deserve their own review. Ideal for travellers who want style without fuss.
👉 Book it here
Saltstraumen Hotel & Camping
Want to wake up by the world’s strongest tidal current? This spot sits near Saltstraumen, where ocean and fjord twist into roaring whirlpools. You’ll find cosy cabins, hot saunas, and views that belong on a desktop wallpaper.
👉 Book it here
Scandic Havet
Modern, contemporary decor, stunning water views and a delicious buffet.
Gateway to the Lofoten Islands
Sitting on top of the world at Mt Ryten, one of our favorite hikes
Bodø isn’t just a destination — it’s the gateway to the Lofoten Islands. The ferry to Moskenes leaves right from the harbour, crossing one of Norway’s most cinematic stretches of sea.
It’s worth spending a night here before or after — you’ll board rested, full of waffles, and maybe a few aurora photos richer.
Penguin Trampoline tip:
If you’re traveling to the Lofoten Islands, it’s usually cheaper to rent a car in Bodø and drive or take the ferry to the islands.
If you’re heading that way, don’t miss our full guide 👉 Lofoten Islands — Travel & Hiking Guide
Whales in Bodø — and a way to follow them
Pust floating sauna, in Bodø’s harbor — such a cool (well, not literally) place!
Between November and January, the fjords around Bodø fill with orcas and humpbacks chasing herring. Sometimes, you can spot them right from the pier.
If you fall in love with these Arctic giants, you can actually follow one’s journey through our partner Fahlo — their Whale Bracelet supports marine research and lets you track a real whale’s migrations in the North Atlantic.
💙 🐋 Our readers get 20% off through this link: Track a real whale with Fahlo
FAQ: Staying in Bodø
We got so excited to walk to our hotel from the airport in just 15 min!
Is Bodø worth visiting in winter?
Yes — it’s less popular than Tromsø or Lofoten and is one of Norway’s most underrated Arctic cities. Between the Northern Lights, floating saunas, and whale-filled fjords, it’s pure magic without the crowds.
Do I need travel insurance?
Absolutely. Winter weather can delay ferries or cancel flights in a blink. We use Heymondo, which covers cancellations and outdoor activities — totally worth it for Arctic trips.
Can I see the Northern Lights from town?
Yes! The best spots are Rønvikfjellet lookout, the city pier, or any dark corner along the waterfront after 9 p.m.
How to get to Bodø?
You can fly directly from Oslo in about 1.5 hours or take the train north through the Arctic Circle. Ferries also connect the Lofoten Islands to Bodø.
Did you know?
Get some cheap outdoor gear at Sport Outlet Bodø. You’d expect Norway to be pricey, but Norwegians live and breathe nature — and some brands are even cheaper here than in southern Europe. Bonus: some stores have second-hand racks full of barely used gear at half price.
Pic: I got this awesome wool sweater for less than 30€ in Bodø!
Bodø feels like Norway in miniature — mountains, sea, northern skies, and really kind people.
It’s not flashy, it’s real. You can spot whales at breakfast, sweat it out in a floating sauna, and watch the aurora flicker over the harbor lights.
Spend one night and you’ll understand why we keep coming back.
Planning a trip to Northern Norway? Check out our guides:
🧖♀️ Bodø, Norway — Things to Do — Floating saunas, sea eagles, and the Arctic city everyone skips (and shouldn’t).
⛰️ Lofoten Hiking Guide — Dramatic ridges, secret beaches, and cod-drying racks in Arctic Norway.
❄️ Alta, Norway — Ice hotels, rock carvings, and one of the best places on Earth to spot the aurora.
🌌 Northern Lights Tours in Alta, Norway — Clear skies, quiet roads, and a front-row seat to the aurora.
🏨 Best Hotels in Tromsø — Cozy stays, fjord views, and a front-row seat to the Northern Lights.
🦌 Alta vs. Tromsø — How to choose the perfect Norwegian Arctic getaway.
🧊 Svalbard & Jan Mayen — Polar bears, ghost towns, and next-level Arctic mystery in Norway’s far north.
🏠 Best Hotels to see the Northern Lights in Europe — Watch the aurora from your bed.
✨ Northern Lights for Dummies — How to actually see the aurora (without freezing your butt off or waiting 12 nights in vain).
