By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
Set in a surreal landscape encircled by glaciers, forests, and lakes, this formerly tranquil town has evolved into a premier gateway to the outdoors. Pangea, with its gumdrop colored lights, world maps, and bamboo bar, exudes the trendy feel of a Mexican beach bar rather than a restaurant situated 120 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle in Bodø, Norway. On a recent summer evening, with the sun still visible behind the clouds, stylish couples and singles enjoyed Cuban sandwiches and local craft beer at outdoor tables, overlooking the cobalt blue Norwegian Sea.
After a few locally brewed Nordlands beers, I stepped onto the pedestrian only Storgata street as the sun sparkled off the sea. It was 23.45. From early June to mid July, the sun barely sets in Bodø . As I walked from Bodø's old town to the modern Stormen Concert Hall, no streetlights were on. Even in the newly opened Smarthotel, where many rooms were booked for the summer, my curtains were almost as thick as iron gates to block out the midnight sun.
Simen Steinbakk, the 31 year old manager of Pangea, grew up in Bodø when it was the butt of Norwegian jokes. Unlike the bustling Tromsø to the north or the culturally rich Oslo to the south, Bodø was known for its military air base and was dubbed "Boring Bodø." "The city has grown up," Steinbakk noted. "There's a lot more international people now, and many who moved away are returning, bringing new industries and passions."
Today, this once sleepy town of 53,000 is one of Norway's fastest growing areas. The ultra modern Stormen Concert Hall attracts international artists like Bryan Adams, high end restaurants offer picturesque views of the sea, and this year Bodø was named a European Capital of Culture for 2024. This is the first time a place above the Arctic Circle has received this honor. The city and the surrounding Nordland region are hosting over 1,000 events throughout the year, celebrating its Indigenous history, cultural transformation, and stunning Arctic landscapes.
Around 20,000 people celebrated the start of Bodø's European Capital of Culture designation on February 3. In March, Norwegian jazz musician Hakon Erlandsen performed in Pluragrotta, a cave diving spot 240 kilometers south of Bodø. The Bodø City Museum, established in 1904, has been revamped to showcase the art and culture of Scandinavia's Indigenous Sami people. On June 22, 4,500 people attended the Midsummer Mystery folk festival at Breivika beach, where traditional Sami games were held alongside bonfires. Maria Hernes Baer, a Sami in traditional attire, emphasized the importance of visibility for Sami culture.
Bodø, the capital of the Nordland region, spans nearly 800 kilometers along Norway's northwest coast. Despite being the least populated region in Norway, its breathtaking fjords, nine national parks, Norway's longest train ride, and proximity to Europe's most accessible glacier made it an ideal base for Arctic adventures.
Twelve years ago, Bodø implemented a strategic plan called "Artic," a play on "Arctic" and "articulate." The goal was to create pride in the city and attract European attention. The strategy has paid off, with a 25% increase in visitors in 2024 compared to the previous year. Restaurants featuring Bodø's signature tørrfisk are thriving.
Mayor Odd Emil Ingebrigtsen, who grew up in Bodø, noted the town's transformation, especially since the military air base closed in 2012, resulting in the loss of 1,000 jobs. This crisis spurred development, leading to the creation of the Stormen Concert Hall and Library, the Svømmehallen Scene concert hall, the Jekt Museum, and other attractions. The town was named Norway's most attractive city in 2016, and new projects, including a stadium for FK Bodø/Glimt and a new airport, are underway.
Hanne Kristin Jakhelin, a long time resident, observed the drastic changes in Bodø, from empty streets to a vibrant, bustling town. Bodø has also become an IT center, and its population has grown by over 20% in 18 years, offering ample opportunities to enjoy nature.
During my visit, I took a bus to Festvag, a ferry across a fjord to Misten, and another bus to Kjerringøy, a community of 350 people surrounded by forests and mountains. Since 2007, Kjerringøy has hosted the Kjerringøy Land Art Biennale, where artists from around the world create art from natural materials.
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