Discover Bodø, the vibrant capital of Northern Norway, before heading to Saltstraumen, home to the world's most powerful tidal current.
Enjoy a guided tour around the town of Bodø
View the Saltstraumen tidal current from shore
Take home a pack of salt flakes produced at Saltstraumen
Look out for sea eagles which inhabit the surrounding area
Today’s tour begins in the town of Bodø, just north of the Arctic Circle. With around 50,000 inhabitants, this is the second-largest town in Northern Norway. From there, we’ll continue on to Saltstraumen, passing fantastic scenery on the way.
Saltstraumen has existed for about three thousand years and has never failed to amaze its visitors. Here, the water speeds reach up to 20 knots, and up to 400 million cubic meters of seawater forces its way through the 150 metre-wide-strait every six hours.
After you’ve admired the strongest tidal current in the world, you’ll be given a box of salt flakes produced here. It takes 48 hours to separate the unique minerals from the water. Just like snow crystals, salt crystals are unique, shaped by the combination of water temperature, season, and humidity at Saltstraumen. Take the salt back home with you and impress your friends with an Arctic addition to your cooking.
Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.
Activity level
Moderate: Some mobility needed
Group size
Groups up to 96 guests
Availability
Year-round
Transport
Bus
Food & drink
No food or drink included
What to bring
Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing
Good to know
There is an automated audio guide available in multiple languages The strength of the Saltstraumen current depends on the tide and cannot be guaranteed.
This excursion is available on selected Hurtigruten voyages along the Norwegian coast. Explore all voyages.
Available: Year-round
Oslo - Honningsvåg - Rovaniemi - Helsinki
Guided land & sea tour with Flåm Railway, glass igloo & aurora experiences
Oslo - Honningsvåg - Rovaniemi - Helsinki
Sail, rail and explore the Arctic with glass igloos, ice fishing and Santa Claus Village
Bergen – Kirkenes – Bergen
The original Norwegian coastal voyage – connecting fjords, towns & people since 1893
Answers to the questions our guests ask most often
If an excursion is not fully booked, any remaining slots will be available for purchase on board through your Expedition Team. These will be charged in Norwegian Kroner at your ship’s exchange rate.
However, to ensure yourself a spot, we recommend booking in advance.
You will be able to view them all by logging into your booking here.
If you booked through a travel agent, you can reach out to them for this information.
Yes, you will get a full refund to your original payment method. If that's not possible, we will reach out to check your payment details.
Each of our excursions has a rating to illustrate the level of fitness required. There are four categories, with 1 being the easiest and 4 the most difficult.
Level 1 = Easy: suitable for most
Excursions at this level are physically undemanding and suitable for most people. Level 2 = Moderate: some mobility needed
Excursions in this category involve a small amount of physical activity, but on easy terrain with few major challenges. Level 3 = Active: good mobility needed
Excursions in this category are more active and involve outdoor pursuits that require a decent level of fitness. You may be expected to carry your own backpack and equipment. They are not suitable for those with limited mobility.
Level 4 = Challenging: good mobility and fitness needed
These are our most challenging excursions, and require a good level of fitness. They may involve hiking or biking on uneven terrain and may also require specialist equipment. You would be expected to carry your own backpack and equipment. Excursions in this category are not suitable for those with limited mobility.
Prices can vary depending on the season you travel. Costs such as exchange rates and local prices may change from year to year, so we show a “starting from” price as a guide. The exact price will be confirmed when you book.
Discover more ways to explore this beautiful coastal destination
Take a guided coastal walk to seek out Viking graves and Arctic wildlife.
Year-round
Ride a RIB to the world’s most powerful tidal current, watching for Sea Eagles on the way.
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Meet the Sámi Oksal family near Bodø, hear joik music, drink chaga tea and feed reindeer.
Winter, Spring