Skjerstadfjorden, Coastal fjord in Fauske and Bodø Municipality, Norway.
Skjerstadfjorden is a deep passage that extends inland about 40 kilometers with steep mountain slopes rising on both sides. The waterway connects several small settlements and is paralleled by the E06 highway and a railway line running along the eastern shore.
These fjord waters have served as maritime trade routes since the Viking Age, connecting inland settlements with coastal communities. The natural waterway was crucial for the region to develop as an important maritime hub.
Local fishing communities along the shores have adapted their way of life to natural rhythms for generations, with boats still using traditional catching methods. Visitors can sense this connection to the sea in small harbors and landing spots, where daily life is shaped by tides and fish stocks.
Access is easiest via the E06 highway or the Nordland railway, which run along the eastern shore and connect several viewpoint locations. The best time to visit is during warmer months when weather is more stable and more activities are available.
At its northern end, the fjord connects to Saltfjorden through the narrow Saltstraumen strait, where water currents become extremely fast during tidal changes. This natural phenomenon makes it a remarkable spot for anyone wanting to observe the raw power of ocean currents.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.