Nordland
Nordland is a county in northern Norway that crosses the Arctic Circle. Its coast of fjords and islands, the Saltstraumen tidal current and the Svartisen ice field draw visitors, and trains and ferries set the pace.
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Nordland is a county in northern Norway that crosses the Arctic Circle. Its coast is cut by fjords and islands, and inland it reaches Svartisen, one of mainland Norway's largest ice masses. Bodø, the county's largest town, is the usual base for reaching the rest of the county by air, rail or road. The best-known natural sight is Saltstraumen, a tidal current outside Bodø that runs strongly as the tide changes.
Getting around takes time. The Nordland Railway runs from Trondheim to Bodø, and the Helgeland coast road follows much of the shoreline, so your route sets the pace. Ferries link Bodø with the Lofoten islands. Summer brings the midnight sun to parts of the county, and winter is the season for northern lights. Plan several days rather than a single stop, and build each day around ferry and weather schedules.
Nordland in five
- Time Saltstraumen to the new or full moonVisit Norway says the current is strongest around new moon and full moon and up to three days after, when tides can differ by 3 m. Walk the bridge to look straight down into the whirlpools.
- Choose between the coast road and the railwayVisit Norway says the Helgeland coast road can be driven in two days but recommends 3 to 7. The Nordland Railway ends at Bodø, where Hurtigruten also calls daily.
- Add one wild stop: Svartisen or TorghattenVisit Norway describes Svartisen as Norway's second-largest glacier and Torghatten as a mountain with a hole you can hike through, 12 km from Brønnøysund.
- Choose your Lofoten gatewayBodø is the sea gateway to the islands and Narvik the road and rail approach. Compare both in the Lofoten and Narvik guides before you set dates.Lofoten
Things to do in Nordland
See all attractions in Nordland
Need to know
- Airport
- Bodø (BOO), within walking distance of the center
- Getting there
- Nordland Railway to Bodø; Hurtigruten calls daily
- Getting around
- A car for the coast road; express boats from Bodø to the islands
- Best base
- Bodø for Saltstraumen and Svartisen; Brønnøysund for Helgeland
- Time needed
- 3 days around Bodø; 3 to 7 for the coast road
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryDark, mild
- FebruaryNorthern lights
- MarchSkiing
- AprilSpring
- MayLight nights
- JuneMidnight sun
- JulyMidnight sun
- AugustLong days
- SeptemberAutumn color
- OctoberDark returns
- NovemberDark, wet
- DecemberPolar dusk
Right now in Nordland
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
5
- Feels like
- 1°
- Humidity
- 92%
- Wind
- 17 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 100%
Nordland
09:48 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today6°2°100%Monday: Rain. High 6°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Tue8°3°100%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 8°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Wed8°5°100%Wednesday: Rain. High 8°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Thu5°3°100%Thursday: Drizzle. High 5°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Fri6°2°93%Friday: Rain. High 6°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 93%.
- Sat4°1°100%Saturday: Drizzle. High 4°, Low 1°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Sun6°1°86%Sunday: Drizzle. High 6°, Low 1°. Chance of rain 86%.
Updated 06:31 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 9.213 NOK
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Saltstraumen33 km from the Bodø centerThe world's strongest tidal current, seen from the bridge or a boat at the right tide.
- Kjerringøyby road or boat from BodøA trading post that Visit Norway calls the best-preserved seaside trading post in Norway.
- Svartisen glacierjust south of BodøNorway's second-largest glacier, with guided walks on the ice in season.
Before you go to Nordland
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Rules for Nordland, checked
- Saltstraumen is strongest around new moon and full moon and up to three days after, when the tide difference can reach 3 m.Checked Oct 3, 2026 · Source
- Midnight sun in Bodø runs from 4 June to 8 July, and at the Arctic Circle from 12 June to 1 July.Checked Oct 3, 2026 · Source
- FCDO warns that emergency medical assistance and search and rescue are limited in the remote Arctic parts of Norway.Checked Oct 3, 2026 · Source
Plan around Nordland
The Ofoten Line port town in northern Nordland
Read the guideLofotenPeaks, villages and ferries west of Bodø
Read the guideCentral NorwayRøros and Dovrefjell south of Helgeland
Read the guideTrondheimThe southern end of the Nordland Railway
Read the guideTromsøThe next Arctic city to the north
Read the guideRenting a car abroadInsurance and excess for a Norway road trip
Read the guideAll of NorwayHow the Arctic Circle county fits the whole country
Read the guideNordland FAQ
Where do you cross the Arctic Circle in Nordland?
On the coast road the Arctic Circle lies between Helgeland and Salten; Visit Norway says the route crosses it into Salten and continues to Bodø. The midnight sun at the circle itself runs from 12 June to 1 July.
Is Saltstraumen worth the trip from Bodø?
Yes if you can time it for new or full moon, when the current is strongest and the tide difference can reach 3 m. At weak tides it is a quiet strait, so check the tide table before you go.
How do you get to Bodø?
By air to the airport, which Visit Norway says is within walking distance of the center, by the Nordland Railway, which ends in Bodø, or by Hurtigruten, which calls daily. Check Entur for current train times.
How many days do you need for the Helgeland coast road?
Visit Norway says the road can be driven in two days but recommends at least 3 to 7. Ferries and island stops such as Træna, Lovund and Vega are what make a longer stay worthwhile.
Can you see the northern lights in Bodø?
In winter, if you are lucky, says Visit Norway. Lights need clear, dark skies, and Bodø is only just north of the Arctic Circle, so Tromsø or Alta give better odds for a dedicated lights trip.