Bodø – European Capital of Culture 2024
For the first time, a city north of the Arctic Circle will hold the title of European Capital of Culture. It's undoubtedly the biggest cultural project for Norway in ten years, and the biggest ever for Bodø and the Nordland region. Let Bodø inspire you!
Bodø – Culture Capital of Europe, 2024
For the first time, a city north of the Arctic Circle will hold the title of European Capital of Culture. It's undoubtedly the biggest cultural project for Norway in ten years, and the biggest ever for Bodø and the Nordland region. Let Bodø inspire you!
The City – Bodø
Admittedly it's challenging to venture across the Arctic Circle. That's why Bodø in northern Norway is not the typical city trip on a traveler's bucket list. Yet this tranquil little town with just over 50,000 inhabitants has a wealth of options that you won't find elsewhere. Chief among them is the unique natural setting, with a sea that shines in the most amazing shades of blue. Bodø's airport is what makes the city the gateway to the Arctic Circle and an important cultural center in the Nordland region of northern Norway. Looking for the northern lights and midnight sun? Check! Nature buffs will love Bodø since it's easy to get to the surrounding national parks, whose highlights include Norway's second-highest glacier, Svarten, or the impressive Saltstrauen, the strongest tidal current in the world.
The Lofoten and Vesterålen archipelagoes are within driving distance, linked to the mainland by bridges, tunnels, and ferries. And the airport is well-connected – the airlines Widerøe, SAS, and Norwegian fly to Bodø several times a day from Norway's capital Oslo. Taking Widerøe from Bodø will unlock the smaller islands and towns in northern Norway. Bodø can also be reached by train, you just need to budget your time for it since it takes around 19 hours from Oslo via Trondheim.
The Accolade – European Culture Capital 2024
The European Union has been awarding this title since 1985. Athens was the first, followed by Florence, Amsterdam, and West Berlin. Back then the award was known as the "European City of Culture." Since 1999 the title has been "European Capital of Culture," and is usually given to several cities each year. In addition to Bodø, Bad Ischl in Austria and Tartu in Estonia have been awarded the title for 2024. Undoubtedly proud to have the first city north of the Arctic Circle to hold the title, the Norwegians will host numerous events and activities that focus on cultural richness, diversity, and commonality to promote mutual understanding among their fellow European citizens.
It all kicks off at the marina on February 3rd with the big Opening Ceremony at the iconic stage on the water (top photo). The show must go on, as they say, and it will run regardless of the weather so have your clients come prepared. It's also highly official, as Norway's Queen Sonja will open Bodø 2024 and give the starting signal for the program in the Stormen concert hall. The first day also includes a concert, open galleries, a Sami market on the town hall square, and the European Night of Culture. Around 20,000 visitors are expected.
Key Events
February: Árran 360°
In the world's largest lávvu, a traditional Sami tent, films are shown on a 360-degree screen. It is, of course, about the Sami culture and its unique features. The visitors sit in the middle as if around a fireplace, called Árran by the Sami.
Place: Bodø City Center
March: Ski Marathon
The iconic Italian cross-country race comes to Bodø from March 7-10th. Watch, or participate! Packages can be booked through the DMC Norwegian Adventure Company, including VIP packages upon request.
Contact: Sales Office of the Norwegian Adventure Company
June: Midsummer Mischief
On June 22nd, Midsummer Night will be celebrated with a big outdoor event. In Bodø's year of honor as European Capital of Culture, the British performing arts company "Walk The Plank" will be performing.
Contact: send questions to the Bodø 2024 Team.
Million euros
... is the budget for Bodø 2024, with a focus on youth, sustainability, and international cooperation. All of this should help to make the region a better place to live.
Events
... are planned over the course of the year to celebrate as a cultural capital, including art exhibitions, festivals, concerts, dance, and theater performances.
Guests
... are expected to attend Bodø 2024 for the duration of this immense cultural event. The Opening Ceremony on February 3rd alone is expected to attract 20,000 visitors.
Hotel Tips
Wood Hotel
The name says it all: the property, which is scheduled to open in May 2024, is made entirely of wood. From its special location in the mountains around Bodø, the view is a 10 outta 10, and particularly beautiful from the rooftop, which houses the Wellness Club. Guests can enjoy overnight accommodation in 177 rooms. The heart of the hotel, which is part of the Preferred Hotels portfolio, will be the restaurant on the 7th floor. Large glass fronts will provide a view of the surrounding Rønviksfjellet, with award-winning chef Christian André Pettersen serving culinary delights. Event areas are also planned.
Contact: Raymond Limstrand Jakobsen, Sales Manager, Wood Hotel by Nordic Hotels & Resorts
Manshausen
The resort is located off the coast of Lofoten on Manshausen Island, just north of Bodø. Guests can enjoy overnight accommodations in seven Sea Cabins or two new Sea Towers. What's cool about it is that the glass walls bring nature literally right to your doorstep. A restaurant, hot tubs, and a sauna are on site. During the day, guests can go kayaking or fishing. They can get there by ferry from Bodø. It's a 15-minute walk from the airport, and the journey takes about an hour and a half. What's particularly beautiful about the area around Manshausen is that it's home to the world's highest population of white-tailed eagles.
Contact: Alfonso Petrirena, Reservations and Sales Manager, Manshausen
Arctic Hideaway
If your clients consider minimalism combined with sensational nature to be the ideal luxury break, this is the right place for them. Arctic Hideaway is located about an hour's ferry ride west of Bodø on a small island in the Fleinvær archipelago. There are eleven houses on the island, five of which are simply-furnished sleeping cabins. As conceived, Arctic Hideaway was founded as a creative place for young artists who want to be inspired by nature. However, all other guests are just as welcome to come and relax, since stress, stores, and cars do not exist here. Meals are simple and are eaten as a community.
Contact: Håvard Lund, Founder and Project Manager, Arctic Hideaway