There are many hiking opportunities spread over the region of Nordland, Norway and of course Bodø. My best advice is to just start looking at google view to see if you like the location and just biking over to that place and start exploring from there. If you are planning to use Ryde, then be aware that there are certain parking locations and areas where you are not allowed to park. Make sure you get close enough to the location but are still able to park your Ryde and bike. If you want to do more hikes like Keiservarden then it is good to plan your trip (considering time, other hikers and transport).
Waterfalls: Spectacular waterfalls closer to Bodø are Bringslifossen, Litlverivassforsen and Valnesforsen, which are perfect day trips.
Skyline hikes: Spots like Ramnfloget Bodø and Keiservarden offer 365 views of the nature surrounding Bodø and the city skyline itself. These hikes are closer to the city and you will be able to bike to the starting point in about 20 minutes.
Beaches: There are many white, grey and red beaches across the Nordland region. Gildeskål is only one ferry ride away from Bodø. A red sand beach that is very known amongst tourist and locals is Mjelle and it is definitely worth the while to hike up there. A small black sand beach that is not so known and perfect for an evening walk is Innervika and the stunning view at Jektefartsmuseet. These locations are close to the Nordland Kultuurscenter and easily available by foot, bike and Ryde.
Kjerringøy: This village is located about half an hour of Bodø. This sight is best seen by car, but is also available by bus during the weekdays. The trip is follow by a ferry ride since that is the only way to reach Kjerringøy. One of the sights to see there is the local Church, located in the village. One of the most special parts of Kjerringøy is the trading post, a part of the Nordland Museum. The trading post is well-preserved, with around 15 authentic buildings filled with decor from the past. It is even possible to take a peak in the houses when you are within certain opening times. However do not shy away from the village if this is not possible, since roaming around the buildings and admiring the architecture is something fun to do as well. Do not just stay in the village center, also walk around the many beaches and nature surrounding this area. Did you know that this special place is also used to film popular movies and series.
Misvær: Is a small village 1 hour away from Bodø and it only has about 214 civilians. No matter the small amount of people living there Misvær is very active and a good hiking and fishing spot. In the winter Misvær is the perfect place for skying, because of the many slopes and artic huts nearby.
Beiarn: Is a small village almost the same size as Misvær. Not only are they comparable by size, they are also close to each other. However they both offer very different surroundings. If you are looking for a good road trip by car with a good view, fishing spots and caving opportunities, then Beiarn is the perfect place for you. With the fish filled river flowing through the area and in the middel of the small town it is the perfect place to spend your afternoon. There is also a good hike that leads to a small waterfall on the side of the road and a majestic staaf church is also on the road close by.
lofoten svolvær: A town in the middle of the lofoten island group, that offers many restaurants and overnights stays, that are perfect for a couple of days discovering Lofoten. There are a couple of ways to roam around the scenic Lofoten. The best and fastest way to discover the islands is by car. However for some this is not the best option and you will most likely have to trust the public transport (which is not very reliable) or hitchhike with locals.
We recommend making a bucket list before you come here to get the ultimate view about what life is like in Norway and how it could look like for you. Many of the interns also recommend coming here a week or 2 weeks before your internship starts, to get the know the city and the nature surrounding it.
Visit Lofoten: And go whale watching, Artic surfing, kayaking, canoeing, dog sledding and horseback riding on the beach. Or simply enjoy the nature surrounding the beautiful land by hiking, driving and swimming at one of the many beautiful beaches.
All around Bodø: You can see waterfalls, visit artic salmon centures, go ice fishing, spend a cold night in a sauna, spend a night in a cabin or a treehouse in the middle of the woods, watch the northern lights, listen to a concert in the concert hall, go salmon fishing and educate yourself about Norways history. Learning more about the history of a certain place is something you will never regret and could only be helpful and interesting! We recommend learning about the Sami people and the viking era.
Northern Norway: If you are planning to spend a couple of days al the way up north you might want to pend a day with a Sami reindeer herder, go whale and dolphin watching, go skying, go caving and snowmobile riding. If you get the chance we really recommend visiting the northern parts of Norway, since this is a once in a lifetime experience.
The city: Walk around the city and discover known hotspots like the graffiti, that is so carefully painted across the neighbourhoods. If you are a football fan then cheering for one of Norway’s best football teams is not so bad as well. At Aspmyra Stadion in the middle of the city center you will get the change to cheer Bodø Glimt on many times and maybe watch one of your favourites teams battle against them, if you are lucky it might just be a hometeam.
Cold and rainy days: If you are looking for something to do on a cold rainy or snowy day then Bodø Spektrum, might be the place for you. Wind down at the spa and enjoy the many saunas, Jacuzzis and pools at your service. Are you looking for a more educational way to wind down? Then visiting Stormen the public library might be something for you. There are many books available, in many different languages. If you are looking for some more musical entertainment then visiting one of the may artist performing at Stormen is more than an experience.
Adventure: Are you looking for some indoor adventure? Then Morkvedhallen is a place for you. The climbing company offers fun, dangling and safe adventures for a rainy day. If you want a full day of outdoor fun, then Bratten aktivitetspark is the perfect place to go. They offer activities that range from golf to frisbee, something for everybody. A beautiful location that everybody needs to know about when they are in Bodø and that is perfect for watching sunsets and the northern lights is the Bodøsjøen Lekeplass and the city harbour.