Saltstraumen

The basics

Every six hours, more than 105,000 gallons of water rush through Saltstraumen’s 1.9-mile (3-kilometer) long and 490-foot (150-meter) wide strait, reaching speeds of up to 20 knots, almost 25 miles (40 kilometers) per hour. This creates whirlpools that can reach up to 33 feet (10 meters) in diameter and 16 feet (5 meters) in depth. One of the most popular viewpoints over Salstraumen is the Saltstraumen Bridge (Saltstraumen bru), which passes directly over it.

Guided tours provide insights into the science behind the natural phenomenon. Local tour operators can take you to various viewpoints on land while more adventurous options include rigid inflatable boats (RIB), snorkeling, and diving tours.

Things to know before you go

• Keep a safe distance from the water when viewing, as Saltstraumen has claimed dozens of lives.

• Some shoreline paths are wheelchair-accessible.

• Saltstraumen’s marine life is fragile, so fishing in the current is discouraged.

• Wrap up warm on the bridge: it can get windy.

How to get there

Saltstraumen is around a 30-minute drive from Bodø or a 50-minute bus ride on route 200 or 300. You can get to Bodø by air or by water on Hurtigruten’s Norwegian Coastal Express. Guided tours typically pick you up from your accommodations in Bodø.

When to get there

For the best experience, time your visit with the high tide. The current is influenced by the moon and the sun, so if you want to witness Saltstraumen at its most powerful, visit around the days of the new or full moon, when the difference between high and low tide is greatest.

Where to learn more about Saltstraumen

You can learn more about the tidal phenomenon and the 11,000-year history of Saltsraumen, one of Norway’s oldest human settlements, at the Saltstraumen Museum, just a short stroll away. Artifacts on display include Norway’s oldest musical instrument and a Viking ship.