Things to do in and around Bodø

Planning to extend your stay in Bodø during the 3E Conference 2026? Whether you’re interested in research, nature, or cultural experiences, Bodø offers something for everyone. Below are some highlights to help you make the most of your visit.

For those eager to dive even deeper into entrepreneurship and small business research, Nord University will host the 23rd NCSB conference the days prior to 3E. A perfect opportunity for a full week of scholarly exchange in Northern Norway.

Only 33 km outside Bodø city center, you can experience the spectacular natural phenomenon that has thrilled so many.

The maelstroms are created when the tide turns and flows in and out of the strait between the two fjords Saltenfjorden and Skjerstadfjorden. Every six hours, 400 million cubic meters of water will cross the 3km long and 150m wide strait at a speed of up to 20 knots. This creates enormous forces in the form of whirlpools that can be up to 10 m in diameter and 4-5 m deep. We recommend trying a RIB-tour (Zodiacs)!

Saltstraumen
Norwegian Aviation Museum

The Norwegian Aviation Museum is Norway’s national aviation museum. The museum conveys an intimate experience of aviation and its fascinating history, with the help of impressive exhibitions spread across an area of approximately 10,000 m2.

Come right up close and sense the smell of the real flying machines. You can experience the exciting history of aviation at close quarters. You can see famous and illustrious military aircraft such as the Spitfire, CF-104 Starfighter, Ju 88 and the famous U-2 spy plane.

Brazil has its carnival, and Ireland has Saint Patrick’s Day. But what does Norway have? On the 17th of May, we celebrate the signing of the constitution in 1814. In Norway, Constitution Day is huge.

While many countries celebrate their national day with a military parade, Norway’s 17th of May is a party for everyone, especially children. Before heading out to the parades and festivities, many like to get together to share a huge breakfast – often a pot luck with friends, family, and neighbours – with freshly baked bread, scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, and (for the grown-ups) some bubbly.

If you arrive early, don’t miss Norway’s vibrant national day celebrations!

Hike to Keiservarden

The Norwegian Aviation Museum is Norway’s national aviation museum. The museum cKeiservarden is a real classic for the people of Bodø. This mountain plateau is Bodø’s most visited year-round hiking destination and is renowned for the wonderful views of the city and the sea. Keiservarden is also one of the best places to see both the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights.

Keiservarden is 366 m above sea level and climbing to the summit is not a very demanding hike.

When the weather is clear, you can enjoy a panoramic view. Once you have reached the highest point of Keiservarden, you are rewarded with a scenic view over the city of Bodø (if there are no clouds in the way).

At Bratten Via Ferrata you can experience spectacular climbing at a cliff above the sea just minutes outside Bodø.

Our Via Ferrata is the world’s northernmost Via Ferrata, and as far as we know the only one that lets you climb over the open sea. All climbing is done with a breathtaking view of the Vestfjord and Landegode island, and if you’re lucky you might even see dolphins and whales while climbing, they visit us regularly.

No previous climbing experience is needed to join us for an exhilarating climb with our experienced guides.

Bratten Via Ferrata

From Bodø, you can reach the stunning Lofoten Islands via a 3.5 hour ride. Known for dramatic peaks, fishing villages, and breathtaking coastal landscapes, it’s a perfect post-conference getaway.