20. From Lofoten to Bodø: Campers, Ferries, and Guinness by the Fjord

From Lofoten to Bodø: Campers, Ferries, and Guinness by the Fjord

Today, we wrapped up our ride through the Lofoten islands, making our way down to Moskenes. We didn’t manage to hit all the islands, but we covered a good stretch, and man, what a beautiful chain of islands! The roads, the bridges linking the islands, and the jaw-dropping views made this ride something special.

Lofoten Islands

Lofoten Islands

Lofoten Islands

Even though it’s only June, the roads were already getting busy with a parade of slow-moving campers. Most of the drivers were older folks who seemed to hit the brakes hard on these narrow roads whenever there was oncoming traffic. I can only imagine how this place turns into a camper traffic jam during peak season, with long waits at the bridges controlled by alternating stoplights. Probably not much fun in the summer rush.

Ferry from Moskenes to Bodo

We made better time than expected and arrived at the ferry to Bodø ahead of schedule. Luckily, we could squeeze onto the 14:45 ferry and made the crossing, arriving in Bodø around 18:15 after a 3.5-hour boat trip. Onboard, we grabbed a quick bite, more like a snack than dinner, and spent some time dozing off to pass the time.

Waiting for Ferry Moskenes

Ferry Moskenes

Lofoten Islands

View Ferry Moskenes-Bodo

View Ferry Moskenes-Bodo

Once off the ferry, the first priority was fueling up the bikes, and then heading straight to our next campsite. According to the weather apps on our phones, rain was in the forecast, but it stayed dry. As we got closer to the coast, it looked like the rain clouds dissolved behind the mountain range, and we were lucky with sunny skies—hopefully, it stays that way!

We rolled into Camp Saltstraumen, just outside Bodø, which offers a great view of the Saltenfjord… for those lucky enough to get one. The campsite was packed, so we were placed at the entrance, but honestly, it wasn’t a bad spot at all—just no fjord view this time.

The tent’s up, and we’ve cracked open a can of Guinness to celebrate the day’s ride. If hunger strikes later, we’ve got our trusty emergency rations of noodles and bread ready to go. For now, we’re just enjoying the evening and hoping the weather stays on our side. Sidekick, our neighbors had pizza, way too much. So we could have some too.

Camping near Bodo, see the clouds

Pizza