Bodø Municipality

Bodø Municipality is an administrative division in Nordland county, sitting north of the Arctic Circle between two major fjords. The center lies in the town of the same name, serving as the main hub for surrounding villages and coastal areas.

The settlement received formal town status in 1816, growing quickly into a trading center for the region. Two years later, an incident involving British merchants, known as the affair, created political tensions.

The name derives from Old Norse 'boðr,' meaning shallow water or hidden rocks, reflecting the coastal geography that shapes daily life here. Locals fish, sail and work in harbors that have defined the settlement for generations.

Visitors reach the area by plane, train at the northern terminus of the railway, or ferry connections that run regularly to islands and coastal communities. Infrastructure is well developed, with roads leading to mountains and fjords.

Between early June and mid-July, the sun never sets, extending daylight considerably and changing the rhythm of everyday routines. Despite the far northern location, winters stay relatively mild due to proximity to the Atlantic.

Location: Nordland

Inception: 1816

Capital city: Bodø

Elevation above the sea: 12 m

Shares border with: Sørfold Municipality, Fauske Municipality, Saltdal Municipality, Gildeskål Municipality, Beiarn Municipality

Website: https://bodo.kommune.no

GPS coordinates: 67.28306,14.38306

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:01