Gateway to the Arctic, Bodø packs midnight sun, sea eagles, and the planet's most powerful tidal current into a compact, walkable city just north of the Arctic Circle.
⚓ Docked (deep-water quay)🕒 Typical call: 7-10 hrs💵 Norwegian Krone (NOK)🗣️ Norwegian / English widely spoken☀️ Midnight Sun: early June – mid July
Cruise ships dock directly at the Port of Bodø's deep-water quay, placing you a short stroll from the compact city center — no tenders, no shuttles needed.
Getting Ashore in Bodø
1
Walk to City CenterThe quay is about 5–10 minutes on foot from Bodø's main shopping streets and cathedral. Follow the harbourfront north.
2
Book Saltstraumen Tours EarlyThe maelstrom is 33 km southeast of the port. Cruise-line coaches and independent minibuses fill fast — book before you sail if possible.
3
Rent an eBike or Take a TaxiBike rentals are available in the city center for viewpoint climbs like Keiservarden. Taxis wait near the port for longer day trips.
💡 Pro move: Bodø's city center is compact and easy to navigate on foot. Norwegian English proficiency is high — communication is rarely an issue.
Piers & Tendering by Cruise Line
Bodø has one main deep-water cruise quay right in the harbour, a short walk from everything.
Bodø punches above its size — the world's strongest tidal current, sea eagle colonies, a preserved 19th-century trading post, and sweeping Arctic panoramas all within a half-day.
Nature
Saltstraumen Maelstrom
The world's most powerful tidal current churns through a narrow strait 33 km southeast of Bodø, generating massive whirlpools up to 10 m across. View from the bridge or get up close on a RIB boat safari.
The skerries and coastline around Bodø host one of the world's highest concentrations of white-tailed sea eagles. Boat tours weave through islands while guides hand-feed eagles off the stern.
A beautifully preserved 19th-century coastal trading station north of Bodø, reachable by bus and a short ferry. Period buildings, costumed guides, and dramatic fjord scenery.
High-speed inflatable boats launch from the harbour for an adrenaline ride through the coastal skerries, often combined with sea eagle spotting or Saltstraumen entry.
One of the largest aviation museums in the Nordic countries, the Norsk Luftfartsmuseum sits a short bike ride or taxi from the port, tracing Norway's flight history from early biplanes to Cold War jets.
Bodø is compact and flat near the waterfront — the city stroll is easy, and Keiservarden rewards those willing to climb.
Harbour to Cathedral Walk
1.5 km · 20 min · flat · easy
Stroll from the cruise quay along the harbourfront to Bodø Cathedral, a striking postwar structure with modernist stonework and a detached bell tower. Continue to Stormen Library for the city's best coffee.
Hike or eBike the trail up to Keiservarden for a sweeping 360° view of Bodø, the surrounding fjords, and on clear days the peaks of the Lofoten Islands across the water.
Climate normals for Bodø, Nordland, Norway (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
Month
Avg High
Avg Low
Rainy Days
Sunrise
Sunset
Jan
29°F / -2°C
21°F / -6°C
16
10:18 AM
2:05 PM
Feb
32°F / 0°C
23°F / -5°C
15
8:15 AM
4:19 PM
Mar
35°F / 2°C
25°F / -4°C
19
6:22 AM
6:01 PM
Apr
41°F / 5°C
31°F / -1°C
18
5:15 AM
8:51 PM
May
49°F / 9°C
38°F / 3°C
17
–
–
Jun
57°F / 14°C
46°F / 8°C
16
–
–
Jul
63°F / 17°C
52°F / 11°C
14
–
–
Aug
61°F / 16°C
50°F / 10°C
18
4:30 AM
9:40 PM
Sep
55°F / 13°C
45°F / 7°C
18
6:21 AM
7:31 PM
Oct
44°F / 7°C
36°F / 2°C
17
8:04 AM
5:30 PM
Nov
36°F / 2°C
29°F / -2°C
16
9:06 AM
2:26 PM
Dec
32°F / 0°C
25°F / -4°C
19
11:24 AM
12:31 PM
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Insider Tips
🌊
Tidal timing matters at Saltstraumen. The maelstrom is most dramatic at peak tide — check tide tables and try to time your visit within 2 hours of high or low water.
💳
Norway is nearly cashless. Cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere; Norwegian Krone cash is rarely needed.
☀️
Midnight sun season runs early June – mid-July. If you're visiting then, sunset simply doesn't happen — bring a sleep mask and embrace it.
🧥
Layer up even in summer. Arctic coastal weather changes fast; a wind layer is essential even on warm-looking days.
🦅
Sea eagle safaris book out fast. Reserve your boat tour before departure — operators at the harbour may have spots, but availability is limited.
Getting Around
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
🚗 Ride-share: ✅ Uber, BoltUber expanded to Bodø in June 2025; Bolt has operated in Norway since 2021. Both require licensed taxi drivers under Norwegian law.🚍 Hop-on hop-off: ❌ No HOHO bus
🚶 Walk
Free
The cruise pier is approximately 1 km from Bodø city center — an easy flat walk of about 10–15 minutes along the waterfront.
🚕 Taxi
100–150 NOK
Taxis queue near the port. Base fare is ~100 NOK plus ~14.5 NOK/km; the short hop to the center costs roughly 100–150 NOK.
📱 Uber / Bolt
Varies
Both Uber and Bolt are available in Bodø as of 2025. Drivers hold full commercial taxi licenses; prices are comparable to or slightly below metered taxis.
🚌 Local Bus
40–50 NOK
Nordland public buses serve Bodø city center and surrounding areas. Useful for reaching the train station or further neighborhoods.
🚲 Bike Rental
150–250 NOK/day
Bodø is a compact, flat, and bike-friendly city. Rental bikes are available in the city center and ideal for exploring the coastal paths and Bodø Cathedral area.
Cruises Calling Here
Upcoming cruises that call at Bodø, Nordland, Norway. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
MS Richard With
Hurtigruten
Tromso → Trondheim
⚓ Calls 02 Oct 20262 nights16 portsDeparts 2026-10-01
View itinerary · 16 ports
2 days, one-way from Tromso to Trondheim
01 OctTromso, Norway
01 OctFinnsnes, Norway
01 OctHarstad, Hinnoya Island Lofoten Norway
01 OctRisoyhamn, Andoya Island Norway
01 OctSortland, Langoya Island Norway
01 OctStokmarknes, Hadseloya Island Norway
01 OctTrollfjord, Norway
01 OctSvolvaer, Austvagoya Island Lofoten Norway
01 OctStamsund, Vestvagoy Island Lofoten Norway
02 OctBodo, Norway
02 OctOrnes, Norway
02 OctNesna, Norway
02 OctSandnessjoen, Norway
02 OctBronnoysund, Norway
02 OctRorvik, Norway
03 OctTrondheim, Norway
$611from / pp
MS Richard With
Hurtigruten
Tromso → Bergen
⚓ Calls 02 Oct 20263 nights25 portsDeparts 2026-10-01
View itinerary · 23 ports
3 days, one-way from Tromso to Bergen
01 OctTromso, Norway
01 OctFinnsnes, Norway
01 OctHarstad, Hinnoya Island Lofoten Norway
01 OctRisoyhamn, Andoya Island Norway
01 OctSortland, Langoya Island Norway
01 OctStokmarknes, Hadseloya Island Norway
01 OctTrollfjord, Norway
01 OctSvolvaer, Austvagoya Island Lofoten Norway
01 OctStamsund, Vestvagoy Island Lofoten Norway
02 OctBodo, Norway
02 OctOrnes, Norway
02 OctNesna, Norway
02 OctSandnessjoen, Norway
02 OctBronnoysund, Norway
02 OctRorvik, Norway
03 OctTrondheim, Norway
03 OctKristiansund, Norway
03 OctMolde, Norway
04 OctAlesund, Norway
04 OctTorvik, Leinoya Island Norway
04 OctMaloy, Vagsoy Island Norway
04 OctFloro, Norway
04 OctBergen, Norway
$1,222from / pp
MS Richard With
Hurtigruten
Round-trip from Oslo
⚓ Calls 03 Oct 20267 nights37 portsDeparts 2026-09-29
View itinerary · 36 ports
7 days, round-trip 9 Night Discover Norway with Summer Arctic Cabin Adventure Cruise and Land Tour
29 SepOslo, Norway
29 Sep - 30 SepKirkenes, Norway
30 SepVardo, Vardoya Island Norway
30 SepBatsfjord, Norway
30 SepBerlevag, Norway
01 OctMehamn, Norway
01 OctKjollefjord, Norway
01 OctHonningsvag, Mageroya Island Norway
01 OctHavoysund, Havoya Island Norway
01 OctHammerfest, Norway
01 OctOksfjord, Norway
01 OctSkjervoy, Norway
01 OctTromso, Norway
02 OctFinnsnes, Norway
02 OctHarstad, Hinnoya Island Lofoten Norway
02 OctRisoyhamn, Andoya Island Norway
02 OctSortland, Langoya Island Norway
02 OctStokmarknes, Hadseloya Island Norway
02 OctTrollfjord, Norway
02 OctSvolvaer, Austvagoya Island Lofoten Norway
02 OctStamsund, Vestvagoy Island Lofoten Norway
03 OctBodo, Norway
03 OctOrnes, Norway
03 OctNesna, Norway
03 OctSandnessjoen, Norway
03 OctBronnoysund, Norway
03 OctRorvik, Norway
04 OctTrondheim, Norway
04 OctKristiansund, Norway
04 OctMolde, Norway
05 OctAlesund, Norway
05 OctTorvik, Leinoya Island Norway
05 OctMaloy, Vagsoy Island Norway
05 OctFloro, Norway
05 Oct - 06 OctBergen, Norway
06 OctOslo, Norway
$3,115from / pp
MS Richard With
Hurtigruten
Round-trip from Oslo
⚓ Calls 03 Oct 20267 nights37 portsDeparts 2026-09-29
View itinerary · 36 ports
7 days, round-trip 9 Night Discover Norway with Summer Snowhotel Stay Cruise and Land Tour
29 SepOslo, Norway
29 Sep - 30 SepKirkenes, Norway
30 SepVardo, Vardoya Island Norway
30 SepBatsfjord, Norway
30 SepBerlevag, Norway
01 OctMehamn, Norway
01 OctKjollefjord, Norway
01 OctHonningsvag, Mageroya Island Norway
01 OctHavoysund, Havoya Island Norway
01 OctHammerfest, Norway
01 OctOksfjord, Norway
01 OctSkjervoy, Norway
01 OctTromso, Norway
02 OctFinnsnes, Norway
02 OctHarstad, Hinnoya Island Lofoten Norway
02 OctRisoyhamn, Andoya Island Norway
02 OctSortland, Langoya Island Norway
02 OctStokmarknes, Hadseloya Island Norway
02 OctTrollfjord, Norway
02 OctSvolvaer, Austvagoya Island Lofoten Norway
02 OctStamsund, Vestvagoy Island Lofoten Norway
03 OctBodo, Norway
03 OctOrnes, Norway
03 OctNesna, Norway
03 OctSandnessjoen, Norway
03 OctBronnoysund, Norway
03 OctRorvik, Norway
04 OctTrondheim, Norway
04 OctKristiansund, Norway
04 OctMolde, Norway
05 OctAlesund, Norway
05 OctTorvik, Leinoya Island Norway
05 OctMaloy, Vagsoy Island Norway
05 OctFloro, Norway
05 Oct - 06 OctBergen, Norway
06 OctOslo, Norway
$3,115from / pp
MS Richard With
Hurtigruten
Round-trip from Oslo
⚓ Calls 03 Oct 20268 nights43 portsDeparts 2026-09-29
View itinerary · 40 ports
8 days, round-trip 11 Night Best of Norway Cruise and Land Tour
29 SepOslo, Norway
28 Sep - 29 SepOslo, Norway
29 Sep - 30 SepKirkenes, Norway
30 SepVardo, Vardoya Island Norway
30 SepBatsfjord, Norway
30 SepBerlevag, Norway
01 OctMehamn, Norway
01 OctKjollefjord, Norway
01 OctHonningsvag, Mageroya Island Norway
01 OctHavoysund, Havoya Island Norway
01 OctHammerfest, Norway
01 OctOksfjord, Norway
01 OctSkjervoy, Norway
01 OctTromso, Norway
02 OctFinnsnes, Norway
02 OctHarstad, Hinnoya Island Lofoten Norway
02 OctRisoyhamn, Andoya Island Norway
02 OctSortland, Langoya Island Norway
02 OctStokmarknes, Hadseloya Island Norway
02 OctTrollfjord, Norway
02 OctSvolvaer, Austvagoya Island Lofoten Norway
02 OctStamsund, Vestvagoy Island Lofoten Norway
03 OctBodo, Norway
03 OctOrnes, Norway
03 OctNesna, Norway
03 OctSandnessjoen, Norway
03 OctBronnoysund, Norway
03 OctRorvik, Norway
04 OctTrondheim, Norway
04 OctKristiansund, Norway
04 OctMolde, Norway
05 OctAlesund, Norway
05 OctTorvik, Leinoya Island Norway
05 OctMaloy, Vagsoy Island Norway
05 OctFloro, Norway
05 Oct - 06 OctBergen, Norway
06 OctGudvangen, Norway
06 Oct - 07 OctFlam, Norway
07 OctBergen, Norway
07 OctOslo, Norway
$3,947from / pp
MS Richard With
Hurtigruten
Kirkenes → Bergen
⚓ Calls 03 Oct 20265 nights36 portsDeparts 2026-09-30
View itinerary · 34 ports
5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen
30 SepKirkenes, Norway
30 SepVardo, Vardoya Island Norway
30 SepBatsfjord, Norway
30 SepBerlevag, Norway
01 OctMehamn, Norway
01 OctKjollefjord, Norway
01 OctHonningsvag, Mageroya Island Norway
01 OctHavoysund, Havoya Island Norway
01 OctHammerfest, Norway
01 OctOksfjord, Norway
01 OctSkjervoy, Norway
01 OctTromso, Norway
02 OctFinnsnes, Norway
02 OctHarstad, Hinnoya Island Lofoten Norway
02 OctRisoyhamn, Andoya Island Norway
02 OctSortland, Langoya Island Norway
02 OctStokmarknes, Hadseloya Island Norway
02 OctTrollfjord, Norway
02 OctSvolvaer, Austvagoya Island Lofoten Norway
02 OctStamsund, Vestvagoy Island Lofoten Norway
03 OctBodo, Norway
03 OctOrnes, Norway
03 OctNesna, Norway
03 OctSandnessjoen, Norway
03 OctBronnoysund, Norway
03 OctRorvik, Norway
04 OctTrondheim, Norway
04 OctKristiansund, Norway
04 OctMolde, Norway
05 OctAlesund, Norway
05 OctTorvik, Leinoya Island Norway
05 OctMaloy, Vagsoy Island Norway
05 OctFloro, Norway
05 OctBergen, Norway
$1,989from / pp
MS Nordlys
Hurtigruten
Bergen → Svolvaer
⚓ Calls 03 Oct 20263 nights11 portsDeparts 2026-09-30
View itinerary · 9 ports
3 days, one-way from Bergen to Svolvaer
30 SepBergen, Norway
01 OctAlesund, Norway
01 OctMolde, Norway
02 OctTrondheim, Norway
02 OctRorvik, Norway
03 OctOrnes, Norway
03 OctBodo, Norway
03 OctStamsund, Vestvagoy Island Lofoten Norway
03 OctSvolvaer, Austvagoya Island Lofoten Norway
$1,004from / pp
MS Nordlys
Hurtigruten
Bergen → Tromso
⚓ Calls 03 Oct 20264 nights14 portsDeparts 2026-09-30
View itinerary · 12 ports
4 days, one-way from Bergen to Tromso
30 SepBergen, Norway
01 OctAlesund, Norway
01 OctMolde, Norway
02 OctTrondheim, Norway
02 OctRorvik, Norway
03 OctOrnes, Norway
03 OctBodo, Norway
03 OctStamsund, Vestvagoy Island Lofoten Norway
03 OctSvolvaer, Austvagoya Island Lofoten Norway
04 OctHarstad, Hinnoya Island Lofoten Norway
04 OctFinnsnes, Norway
04 OctTromso, Norway
$1,601from / pp
MS Nordlys
Hurtigruten
Bergen → Kirkenes
⚓ Calls 03 Oct 20266 nights25 portsDeparts 2026-09-30
View itinerary · 23 ports
6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes
30 SepBergen, Norway
01 OctAlesund, Norway
01 OctMolde, Norway
02 OctTrondheim, Norway
02 OctRorvik, Norway
03 OctOrnes, Norway
03 OctBodo, Norway
03 OctStamsund, Vestvagoy Island Lofoten Norway
03 OctSvolvaer, Austvagoya Island Lofoten Norway
04 OctHarstad, Hinnoya Island Lofoten Norway
04 OctFinnsnes, Norway
04 OctTromso, Norway
04 OctSkjervoy, Norway
05 OctHammerfest, Norway
05 OctHavoysund, Havoya Island Norway
05 OctHonningsvag, Mageroya Island Norway
05 OctKjollefjord, Norway
05 OctMehamn, Norway
05 OctBerlevag, Norway
06 OctBatsfjord, Norway
06 OctVardo, Vardoya Island Norway
06 OctVadso, Norway
06 OctKirkenes, Norway
$3,092from / pp
MS Nordlys
Hurtigruten
Bergen → Trondheim
⚓ Calls 03 Oct 202610 nights50 portsDeparts 2026-09-30
View itinerary · 48 ports
10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim
30 SepBergen, Norway
01 OctAlesund, Norway
01 OctMolde, Norway
02 OctTrondheim, Norway
02 OctRorvik, Norway
03 OctOrnes, Norway
03 OctBodo, Norway
03 OctStamsund, Vestvagoy Island Lofoten Norway
03 OctSvolvaer, Austvagoya Island Lofoten Norway
04 OctHarstad, Hinnoya Island Lofoten Norway
04 OctFinnsnes, Norway
04 OctTromso, Norway
04 OctSkjervoy, Norway
05 OctHammerfest, Norway
05 OctHavoysund, Havoya Island Norway
05 OctHonningsvag, Mageroya Island Norway
05 OctKjollefjord, Norway
05 OctMehamn, Norway
05 OctBerlevag, Norway
06 OctBatsfjord, Norway
06 OctVardo, Vardoya Island Norway
06 OctVadso, Norway
06 OctKirkenes, Norway
06 OctVardo, Vardoya Island Norway
06 OctBatsfjord, Norway
06 OctBerlevag, Norway
07 OctMehamn, Norway
07 OctKjollefjord, Norway
07 OctHonningsvag, Mageroya Island Norway
07 OctHavoysund, Havoya Island Norway
07 OctHammerfest, Norway
07 OctOksfjord, Norway
07 OctSkjervoy, Norway
07 OctTromso, Norway
08 OctFinnsnes, Norway
08 OctHarstad, Hinnoya Island Lofoten Norway
08 OctRisoyhamn, Andoya Island Norway
08 OctSortland, Langoya Island Norway
08 OctStokmarknes, Hadseloya Island Norway
08 OctTrollfjord, Norway
08 OctSvolvaer, Austvagoya Island Lofoten Norway
09 OctBodo, Norway
09 OctOrnes, Norway
09 OctNesna, Norway
09 OctSandnessjoen, Norway
09 OctBronnoysund, Norway
09 OctRorvik, Norway
10 OctTrondheim, Norway
$4,123from / pp
MS Nordlys
Hurtigruten
Round-trip from Bergen
⚓ Calls 03 Oct 202611 nights59 portsDeparts 2026-09-30
View itinerary · 55 ports
11 days, round-trip 11 Night The Coastal Express Roundtrip Cruise
30 SepBergen, Norway
01 OctAlesund, Norway
01 OctMolde, Norway
02 OctTrondheim, Norway
02 OctRorvik, Norway
03 OctOrnes, Norway
03 OctBodo, Norway
03 OctStamsund, Vestvagoy Island Lofoten Norway
03 OctSvolvaer, Austvagoya Island Lofoten Norway
04 OctHarstad, Hinnoya Island Lofoten Norway
04 OctFinnsnes, Norway
04 OctTromso, Norway
04 OctSkjervoy, Norway
05 OctHammerfest, Norway
05 OctHavoysund, Havoya Island Norway
05 OctHonningsvag, Mageroya Island Norway
05 OctKjollefjord, Norway
05 OctMehamn, Norway
05 OctBerlevag, Norway
06 OctBatsfjord, Norway
06 OctVardo, Vardoya Island Norway
06 OctVadso, Norway
06 OctKirkenes, Norway
06 OctVardo, Vardoya Island Norway
06 OctBatsfjord, Norway
06 OctBerlevag, Norway
07 OctMehamn, Norway
07 OctKjollefjord, Norway
07 OctHonningsvag, Mageroya Island Norway
07 OctHavoysund, Havoya Island Norway
07 OctHammerfest, Norway
07 OctOksfjord, Norway
07 OctSkjervoy, Norway
07 OctTromso, Norway
08 OctFinnsnes, Norway
08 OctHarstad, Hinnoya Island Lofoten Norway
08 OctRisoyhamn, Andoya Island Norway
08 OctSortland, Langoya Island Norway
08 OctStokmarknes, Hadseloya Island Norway
08 OctTrollfjord, Norway
08 OctSvolvaer, Austvagoya Island Lofoten Norway
09 OctBodo, Norway
09 OctOrnes, Norway
09 OctNesna, Norway
09 OctSandnessjoen, Norway
09 OctBronnoysund, Norway
09 OctRorvik, Norway
10 OctTrondheim, Norway
10 OctKristiansund, Norway
10 OctMolde, Norway
11 OctAlesund, Norway
11 OctTorvik, Leinoya Island Norway
11 OctMaloy, Vagsoy Island Norway
11 OctFloro, Norway
11 OctBergen, Norway
$4,123from / pp
MS Richard With
Hurtigruten
Svolvaer → Bergen
⚓ Calls 03 Oct 20263 nights18 portsDeparts 2026-10-02
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.