From a new hotel with breathtaking views to solid choices in the heart of the city, these are your best hotels in Bodø at all price points.
For a long time, many travelers treated Bodø as a transit point. A night before Lofoten. A stop between flights. Somewhere practical rather than memorable. That mindset is changing.
Bodø has grown in confidence over the past few years, and its hotel scene reflects that shift.
You’ll still find reliable, central business-style hotels, but you’ll also find places that lean into the city’s dramatic setting, with architecture and views that feel properly Arctic.
Having stayed in Bodø several times now, here’s my take on where to stay, starting with the hotel that made the biggest impression on me.
Wood Hotel Bodø
If one hotel signals Bodø’s new confidence, it’s the Wood Hotel Bodø.
Perched on a hilltop just outside the city centre, this is not a “roll your suitcase off the ferry and check in” kind of place. You come here deliberately. And that’s part of the appeal.
The first thing that struck me was the view. From up here, Bodø unfolds below you, the harbour, the sea, and the distant mountains layered into the horizon. On a clear evening, the light stretches endlessly across the water. On a stormy one, you see exactly why this coastline has such a reputation for wind.
The building itself makes a statement. The timber construction gives it warmth that contrasts with Bodø’s exposed setting. Inside, it feels contemporary without being cold. It’s sleek, but not trying too hard.
There’s a spa, a restaurant, and generous communal spaces that encourage you to linger rather than retreat immediately to your room.
If you’re visiting in autumn or winter, this is also one of the better places to base yourself for northern lights spotting, simply because of the elevation and reduced light pollution compared to the harbour area.
It’s far from the cheapest option in town, and you’ll need to factor in transport to and from the centre. But if you want a stay that feels memorable rather than functional, the Wood Hotel Bodø is the standout choice.
Radisson Blu Hotel Bodø
The Radisson Blu Hotel Bodø is my default when I’m in town. Why? Partly the Radisson Rewards program, and partly location.
It sits right by the harbour and Stormen Library, so it's within easy walking distance of the cathedral, the museum, and the main shopping streets. If you’re arriving by coastal ferry or bus, it’s straightforward and convenient. It's even just a 20-minute walk from the airport terminal.
The rooms are modern and reliable in that familiar Radisson way. You know what you’re getting. Some might call it predictable. I’d call it dependable.
The real highlight here is Bar 13 on the top floor. Even if you’re not staying overnight, it’s worth heading up for a drink. From here, you get a clear view across the boats and water toward the islands beyond. On a calm evening, it’s hard to beat.
The Radisson Blu Bodø is a practical choice, especially for shorter stays or business trips, and it works very well if your priority is being central.
Scandic Havet
The Scandic Havet is another harbourfront option and one of the tallest buildings in town.
Its strength lies in the views. Higher floors offer sweeping panoramas across the sea and mountains, particularly dramatic in winter light or during long summer evenings. The rooms are clean and contemporary, and like many Scandic properties, breakfast is a strong point.
If you want to stay central but slightly removed from the immediate ferry traffic area, this can be a good balance.
Thon Hotel Nordlys
Overlooking the marina, Thon Hotel Nordlys offers one of the most appealing waterside settings in the city centre.
The interiors lean brighter and more colourful than some of the other options, which gives the hotel a lighter feel. It’s also well placed for coastal walks and easy access to transport links.
This is a comfortable mid-range choice that works well for both short stays and longer visits.
Budget-Friendly Hotels In Bodø
If you’re looking to keep costs down, consider the Smarthotel Bodø. Rooms are compact and functional rather than luxurious, but the location is central and practical.
For solo travelers or short stays, it can make financial sense, especially in a city where accommodation prices can climb during peak season.
If you prefer something smaller and a little more traditional, Bodø Hotell is worth considering. Located right in the city centre, it offers easy access without the scale of the larger chain hotels.
This is the sort of place that suits travelers who value location and simplicity over facilities. You won’t find rooftop bars or spa complexes, but you will find a central base that allows you to step outside and immediately be part of the city.
For shorter stays or off-season visits, these two accommodation options can represent good value, especially in a city where hotel prices can fluctuate significantly depending on demand.
Choosing the Right Hotel in Bodø
Bodø is compact, which simplifies the decision. Stay near the harbour if you want walkability and easy access to restaurants and cultural attractions. Choose the hillside if views and atmosphere matter more to you.
Either way, the setting will play a role in your experience. This is a city where wind rattles windows, light shifts constantly, and the sea is rarely far from sight.
Bodø’s hotel scene mirrors the city itself. Practical, yes. But increasingly confident. For years, many visitors stayed only because they had to. Now, it’s worth choosing a hotel here because you want to.
And if you’re unsure where to start, stand somewhere high, look out across the water, and imagine waking up to that view. In Bodø, the setting is always part of the experience.
