Saltstraumen

Saltstraumen is a narrow strait southeast of Bodø in Nordland and is considered one of the strongest tidal currents in the world. It links the Saltfjord with the Skjerstadfjord and is about 3 km long and 150 m wide. Up to 400 million cubic metres of water are said to squeeze through every six hours. Sources differ on the distance to Bodø: about 10 km as the crow flies, or roughly 33 km by road.

When the current is strong, whirlpools up to 10 m across and 5 m deep form. Speed figures vary widely: one source gives up to 40 km/h, while the Norwegian Pilot lists only about 13 to 15 km/h. You can watch the whirlpools from the Saltstraumen Bridge on Rv 17. Around the turn of the tide the water becomes almost still, and boat trips are possible then. Without a car, a local bus runs from Bodø. Tide times are listed on local websites, so check them before you go.