Saltstraumen Maelstrom in Norway 2023-2024

Saltstraumen is a strait renowned for having one of the strongest tidal currents in the world. The name "Saltstraumen" translates to "salt stream," while the word "maelstrom" – meaning a powerful whirlpool – has its roots in the Nordic language. This term gained global recognition thanks to Edgar Allan Poe's captivating tale, A Descent into the Maelström.

Highlights

The tidal current in Saltstraumen is so powerful that it forces 400 million m³ of seawater through the narrow strait at speeds of up to 37 km/h, creating vortices up to 10 meters wide and 5 meters deep.

This phenomenon occurs as the tide flows toward the Skjerstad Fjord, where a height difference of nearly one meter between the sea and fjord levels accelerates the current to over 30 km/h. When the tide shifts, the waters temporarily calm, allowing boats to pass through the strait.

Getting There

Saltstraumen lies at the end of one of Norway's most scenic drives, the Kystriksveien Coastal Route, just 33 kilometers from Bodø city center. To reach it, you can take a local bus or taxi from Bodø.

For a more active adventure, consider renting a bike or joining a guided cycling tour from the city center or the airport to Saltstraumen.

For an unforgettable experience, take an RIB tour from Bodø, which brings you up close to the powerful tidal currents. These tours run year-round, even in winter, and offer the chance to spot sea eagles along the way.

Best View

Take a walk across the Saltstraumen Bridge, which stretches right above the swirling waters. Footpaths on both sides of the bridge offer clear views straight down into the powerful currents below. For a closer view of the stream, head to one of the many viewpoints along the shoreline. You can see, hear, and even feel the immense force of the water as it crashes against the coast. Keep in mind that the maelstrom changes direction with the tide. For the best views, stand on the east side of the bridge when the tide comes in from the west and switch to the west side when the tide recedes.

Activities

There are plenty of exciting and safe ways to experience the Saltstraumen maelstrom. One of the most thrilling activities is snorkeling in the strait. Local companies provide dry suits, snorkel masks, and all the necessary equipment to let you drift along with the powerful currents near the whirlpools. Still, diving in Saltstraumen is an adventure reserved for experienced divers.

Saltstraumen is a protected marine area where the nutrient-rich waters create a unique environment that supports an abundance of wildlife, both above and below the surface. The marine ecosystem here is delicate, so it's best to avoid fishing in the current to help preserve its natural balance.

For a unique local treat, visit the small smokehouse overlooking the current, where freshly produced salt is carefully smoked. You can find this specialty salt in local shops and farm stores around the Bodø area.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is during the new moon or full moon and for up to three days afterward when the tidal current is at its peak. During this time, the difference between high and low tide can reach up to three meters.