Experience Bodø, the 2024 European Capital of Culture

Bodø will be the European Capital of Culture in 2024. This is the year to visit this Arctic jewel, and when you can combine memorable cultural events with Bodø’s spectacular scenery.

The 3rd of February is the starting date for Bodø2024, kicking off a year in which you can take in hundreds of exciting art exhibitions, concerts, festivals and cultural events in the Bodø region. The opening ceremony will be conducted by Queen Sonja, with a spectacular show on the agenda from the floating stage in the marina followed by a ‘cultural night’.

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The cultural programme this year has been named ARCTICulation and the objective of Capital of Culture status is to put Bodø on the map, showcase and celebrate the Arctic qualities it has, and to show the region’s unique relationship with the land, sea and nature. The culture programme uses light as its theme and is divided into five seasons: Here Comes The Sun, Spring Optimism, Midsummer Madness, Autumn Storms and Arctic Light.

The light in Nordland Norway is unique and Bodø has the highest number of daylight hours in the world. This will be reflected in the culture programme for 2024. Director of Bodø24, André Wallann Larsen

What’s on the programme in Bodø for 2024

Apart from the impressive opening ceremony, a major musical event will be held in March, “Ren musikk” (pure music), in partnership with the established Parken Festival in the town. The main event of the summer season will be on St. Hansaften (midsummer day), when the entire county of Nordland will gather to celebrate together. The biggest event will be a party for the people at Breivika, Bodø.

Other events worth noting are the Bodø Jazz Open music festival, Samisk kulturuke (Sami culture week) and the “Feeding Europe“ food project with tasty food from the Arctic. The Marcialonga ski race will also be moved north of the Arctic Circle, starting in Rådhusplassen (the town square) in March. Gymnasts from all over Europe will be arriving in Bodø in July for the Eurogym meeting.

Fancy a mouth-watering food experience at one of the most spectacular lighthouses in Norway during the year of culture? Visit PopUp Norge’s unique popup restaurant at Landegode Fyr lighthouse. No fewer than eight kitchen teams from renowned restaurants all over Norway will be guesting the lighthouse during the summer season. Diners will be served a 7-10 course menu, based on local ingredients from the Nordland region. An incomparable food experience.

Over 1,000 events of all sizes will be held throughout the county in 2024, and we look forward to being able to showcase what the stunning Nordland has to offer. André Wallann Larsen

Nature at its best

If travelling to Bodø for the first time, make sure you don’t miss out on the spectacular scenery. Take an adrenalin-charged RIB boat trip to experience the Saltstraumen, one of the strongest tidal flows in the world. You might even spot the majestic white-tailed eagle in this area.

A mountain hike in the area is also recommended, such as trip to Keiservarden or Junkerfjellet. One of the best-known mountains in the area is Per Kalsatinden in the Børrvasstindan range, if you want to try some serious climbing.

You might also fancy a day trip to Svartisen, Norway’s second biggest glacier? Otherwise, the Bodø region has innumerable stunning paradise beaches, with brilliant white sand worth a visit, such as Hovdsundet or Langsanden. However, the sea temperature may be a little on the chilly side for a swim.

Read about our top 10 experiences in Bodø

Where to stay in Bodø

Bodø offers a wealth of accommodation, and thanks to its small, compact size, most of them are within walking distance of the centre.

Scandic Havet close to the wharf and is a relatively new hotel with conference facilities. The highest building in Northern Norway houses a fine restaurant and sky bar on the 17th floor. Comfort Hotel Bodø opened in 2022 right in the town centre. Features excellent conference facilities and a fitness room. Radisson Blue Hotel can be found down by the marina, with the Asian restaurant Omha in the basement and a sky bar on the 13th floor.

The latest addition is the Wood Hotel Bodø, billed as an ‘experience hotel’, opening in the spring of 2024. It’s located at the Rønvik Hotel just 15 minutes from the centre of Bodø, with a fantastic view over the town, Vestfjord and Børrvass peaks. It will feature a luxury wellness department and outdoor service on the roof.

Kjerringøy Bryggehotell is situated just under an hours’ drive out of Bodø in fantastic surroundings. A place where you can really find peace and quiet, if you like being outside town.

Where to eat in Bodø

Bodø has gained a justified reputation as an exciting dining destination in recent years and features a number of excellent restaurants supplying the highest dining experiences. Check out Lystpå for quality Nordic food, prepared according to Northern Norway traditions. Go to the Pangea Kitchen & Bar for an informal atmosphere and street food from around the world. If you prefer Asian food, head for Ohma for a menu inspired by meals form Sichuan and Japan, with dishes to share and a wide selection of sushi.

And don’t forget Brødrene Berbusmel café for wonderful bread rolls and salads, or Craig Alibone Pâtisserie & Champagneria for delicious home-made chocolate.

The gateway to Lofoten and the Helgeland Coast

Bodø is also the perfect gateway to stunning Northern Norway, especially Lofoten and the Helgeland Coast. Why not combine a stay in Bodø with island-hopping on the Helgeland Coast?

Hurtigruten makes a stop in Bodø if you fancy experiencing more of the spectacular coast running north or south by sea. Prefer to travel by rail? Disembark in Bodø, the end of the Nordland Line. Driving the Kystriksveien scenic route from Bodø to Steinkjer is also an unforgettable experience.

Visit Bodø during its year as European Capital of Culture

So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Bodø, the European Capital of Culture 2024 now.

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Written by: Susanne Lindeberg