Bodo, located on a peninsula in northern Norway, is just above the Arctic Circle and is home to both the world’s largest concentration of white-tailed sea eagles and its most powerful tidal current. Depending on the season, excursions are offered to both. In town, there are a few museums and churches to explore, but the port's main attraction is the wilderness just outside of town. Many itineraries combine a visit to Bodo with a call on the Lofoten islands.
Nordland Museum: Located in one of the oldest buildings in town (built in 1903) and well worth a visit, this museum has exhibits such as “Our City,” which details Bodo's history from 1816 to today.
Bodo Cathedral: Stop by this Gothic-style cathedral built in 1956 to admire the gorgeous stained-glass window, tapestries from Nordland, and detached steeple.
Sea Eagles: Scores of white-tailed sea eagles dot the coastal landscape and the islands around Bodo, which is known as the Sea Eagle Capital of the world. They can be seen year-round, so keep your camera handy.
Saltstraumen: This tidal current, or maelstrom, is something to behold, with approximately 1.3 billion cubic feet of water being forced in and out four times a day through a passage that is about 492 feet wide and 16 feet deep.
Nature Lovers: With the eagles, the maelstrom, the nearby glaciers, the midnight sun, and the Northern Lights, Bodo is a great jumping-off point for outdoor adventures.
Northern Lights Hunters: People come here between September and April hoping to catch a glimpse of the glowing aurora borealis. Bodo lies beneath the auroral oval, a belt of light that centers around Earth's geomagnetic poles, so the odds of seeing the lights are excellent.
It's Not Known for Its Architecture: To be fair, the Nazis burned the city to the ground in 1940, and although Bodo's citizens rebuilt, the town is not the focal point of any visit. You’re better off eagle watching or enjoying other outdoor activities than taking a city tour.