This one´s of special interest to me since I recently experienced an exciting sojourn in Norway´s Arctic (though I didn´t make it to this compact city of a bit over 53,000 (second photo at top), located just above the Arctic Circle). Though there are plenty of urban amenities, here the main allures for visitors are adventure and ecotourism, starting with the Saltstraumen, a narrow strait (just 490 feet/150 meters wide) between a pair of fjords whose claim to fame is one of the world´s strongest tidal currents – up to 25 miles (40 kilometers) per hour and the kicky whirlpools it creates, up to 26 feet (eight meters) wide. You can take a tour by RIB (rigid inflatable boat), and believe it or not the strait is also great for snorkeling and diving (away from the whirlpools, obviously). Other cool stuff to do in warmer weather: the world´s northernmost via ferrata on a sea cliff near town; and enjoying local nature via hiking (including on nearby Svartisen Glacier), biking, e-biking, kayaking, and canoeing. In winter of course there´s dogsledding; various ways to experience the Northern Lights; and good skiing both downhill and cross country. And finally, year round you can book a visit to the local Sami (the Finnic herders and fisherman who predate the Norse up here) and their reindeer as well as visit the City Museum and the Norwegian Aviation Museum.
As the first ECOC to be located north of the Arctic circle, Bodø 2024 will focus on coastal culture in the entire Nordland region of Northern Norway, and especially on the culture of the Sami. There will of course be a wide variety of cultural, culinary, and sporting events throughout the year, including some in unexpected venues, such as a concert in an underwater cave. More info: Bodo2024.no.
Read more in my post European Capitals of Culture 2024: Bad Ischl, Bodø, and Tartu.
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