1. Arctic Wings: The Saltstraumen Maelstrom Rush

Okay, so first up is Arctic Wings. As a matter of fact, their most popular trip is a quick one, just focused on the famous Saltstraumen. This is, you know, the world’s most powerful tidal current, and seeing it from a helicopter is something else entirely. We picked this one because we were honestly a little short on time but definitely wanted that big ‘wow’ moment. The trip is pretty short, maybe 20 minutes in the air, but it’s literally all action.

Basically, you lift off from near Bodø and, almost right away, the city shrinks behind you. The pilot we had was really great, sort of pointing out landmarks as we flew. Then, you see it; the water just starts churning like crazy below. You can actually see the whirlpools forming, which is just wild. It’s a very powerful sight, and from the air, you get this complete picture of the chaos that you just can’t get from the bridge. To be honest, this tour is perfect if you want a big thrill without giving up your whole day. It is, in a way, the perfect shot of adrenaline.

“Seeing the sheer force of Saltstraumen from above was, quite honestly, humbling. You just realize how powerful nature really is, you know. The sound of the blades and the sight of the swirling water is just an incredible mix.”

2. Nordland AirScapes: The Midnight Sun Spectacle

Now, if you are visiting in the summer, this trip from Nordland AirScapes could be the one for you. They time their flights for the late evening, so you can see the coastline bathed in the golden light of the Midnight Sun. This one is obviously a bit longer, typically around 45 to 60 minutes. It’s less about a single thrill and more about soaking in this really strange and beautiful light show that nature puts on.

You sort of drift over the coastline, seeing beaches like Mjelle in this incredible reddish glow. The pilot, in our case, took us over the Børvasstindan mountains, which looked almost like they were painted gold. It’s a very calm and, in some respects, almost spiritual experience. You are just floating there as the sun hangs low on the horizon, refusing to set. Seriously, bring your camera for this one, because every direction you look is a postcard. It’s a completely different feeling from the Saltstraumen trip; much more serene and, frankly, quite romantic.

3. Fjord Explorer Helicopters: Coastal Fjord & Glacier Discovery

For those who want to go a little deeper into the wild scenery, you know, Fjord Explorer Helicopters is a really solid choice. Their “Fjord & Glacier” trip is a more extensive adventure, usually lasting well over an hour. This tour is actually designed to show you more of the hidden parts of the Nordland region. So, instead of just one main feature, you get a whole series of amazing sights.

Basically, you fly away from Bodø and head inland towards the mountains and deep fjords. The trip often includes a fly-by of the Svartisen glacier, which is just a huge river of ancient ice. Seeing the blue cracks in the ice from above is pretty incredible, as a matter of fact. The journey also takes you through narrow fjords, with waterfalls spilling down cliffs right next to you. It feels like you’ve been dropped into a nature documentary, honestly. At the end of the day, it’s a bit of an investment, but you get to see landscapes that are nearly impossible to reach otherwise.

4. Salten Sky Adventures: The Børvasstindan Peaks Tour

Okay, so maybe you are more of a mountain person. If that’s the case, Salten Sky Adventures has a trip that is pretty much just for you. Their tour focuses almost completely on the Børvasstindan mountain range, those jagged peaks that create Bodø’s dramatic backdrop. This trip is more or less about getting up close and personal with the raw, rocky heart of the region.

The helicopter literally weaves between the peaks, and it’s an amazing feeling to be looking down at ridges that hikers spend all day climbing. You get a real sense of the scale of these mountains, something you sort of miss from the city. The pilot often looks for a safe spot, perhaps a high mountain lake, to land for a few minutes. Imagine stepping out of a helicopter onto a remote mountaintop. It’s just a totally unforgettable experience, you know. To be honest, it makes you feel like a real explorer, even if it’s just for an afternoon.

“Frankly, I thought I knew those mountains from seeing them every day. But being up there, so close to the peaks, well, it was a completely new world. You just can’t get that feeling any other way.”

5. Heli-Team Bodo: The Grand Arctic Circle Experience

Alright, finally, if you just want to see it all, Heli-Team Bodo offers a premium, all-in-one experience. It’s called “The Grand Arctic Circle Experience,” and it pretty much combines elements from all the other tours. So, this is the longest and most comprehensive flight, sometimes lasting up to two hours. It’s basically the ultimate helicopter tour of the region.

You’ll get to see the powerful churn of Saltstraumen, of course. Then you’ll head over the majestic Svartisen glacier. Next, you follow the coastline, dipping into a few scenic fjords, and then you get a pass over the Børvasstindan peaks. It’s like a ‘greatest hits’ album of northern Norwegian landscapes. This is obviously the priciest option, but if a helicopter tour is a once-in-a-lifetime thing for you, this one more or less guarantees you won’t miss a thing. You will absolutely walk away with a full appreciation for just how diverse and stunning the area around Bodø truly is.