Social experience

The Arctic town of Bodø has a lot to offer, both when it comes to experience of nature and cultural experiences. As a participant of the conference, there is a social programme for you to enjoy and participate in, if you wish to. These events are open to all conference delegates and their partners who have registered for participation in the cultural programme.

Scheduled activities

Hike to Bestefarvarden

Sunday 5 May, 2024 | 12:00-14:30 | Free | Preregistration compulsory

One of Bodø’s shorter hill walks, Bestefarvarden offers magnificent views over the Norwegian Sea and the Islands. This rocky coastal path can be very windy, and you will need hiking shoes as the path crosses large boulders typical of the area. A bus will pick you up at the Quality Hotel Ramsalt at 12.00 and drive you to the beginning of the footpath. There will be a guide to take you to the summit and the bus will pick you up between 14.00 and 14.30 to take you back to the hotel. If you prefer to walk back, this is possible as Bestefarvarden is less than an hour from the Quality Hotel Ramsalt. This activity is free of charge. Conference participants will have the opportunity to register in early March – there are a limited number of seats on the bus. (Please note, this event is dependent on the weather).

Photo source: Tursiden Salten

Photo credit: Heather McKendry

Visit to Mjelle Beach

Sunday 5 May, 2024 | 12:00-14:30 | Free | Preregistration compulsory

How about a stroll along one of Bodø’s most beautiful beaches? A bus will pick you up at the Quality Hotel Ramsalt at 12.00 and drive you on a scenic route to Mjelle Beach, 30 minutes by bus north of the city centre. You will spend 60 minutes at the beach and then the bus will drive you back to the hotel. This activity is free of charge. Conference participants will have the opportunity to register in early March – there are a limited number of seats on the bus. (Please note, this event is dependent on the weather).

RIB boat tour to Saltstraumen

Sunday 5 May, 2024 | 16:30-18:30 | Payment with conference discount | Preregistration compulsory

How about an Arctic experience on water? Saltstraumen is one of the strongest tidal currents in the world and located close to Bodø. The area has a diverse wildlife, and is a very popular destination for anglers across the world. We leave the harbour (a 10-minute walk from the Quality Hotel Ramsalt) at 16.30 and return to the same place at 18.30. Conference participants will have the opportunity to register in early March – there are a limited number of seats on the boat.

Photo credit: Meike Zylmann

Photo source: Visit Norway

Photo source: Scandic Hotels

Networking evening drinks at Roast

Sunday 5 May, 2024 | 19:30-21:30 | Individual payment on location

To end the day, come and enjoy a late sundowner, and dinner, if you wish, at the Roast Restaurant and Skybar at the top of the Scandic Havet Hotel. Continue networking or simply enjoy the late sunset over the harbour from the rooftop terrace. Please note the restaurant and bar is reserved for conference participants between 19.30 and 21.30, but all drinks and food are to be paid individually.

Conference dinner at Roast

Monday 6 May, 2024 | 19:45-23:00 | Preregistration compulsory

The conference dinner will be held at Roast, a restaurant / skybar located on the 17th floor of the Scandic Havet Hotel. With fantastic views over the harbour and the city, the fjord and the islands and Keiservarden to the north, this is a great place to see the midnight sun while you dine. The dinner is 700 NOK and the menu will consist of fresh fish (the catch of the day) from the Norwegian Sea. There will also be a vegetarian option. Drinks are not included in the price above but the restaurant has a wide selection of wines and other classic beverages, as well as non-alcoholic drinks.

Photo credit: Haakon Brox

Photo source: Scandic Hotels

Photo source: Turgruppa Keiservarden

Closing sunset hike to Keiservarden

Wednesday 8 May, 2024 | 20:30-23:00 | Free | Arrange own transport

Keiservarden, Bodø’s local mountain, is an easily reachable hiking destination, 366 metres above sea level. We have organised a climb up Keiservarden in the evening, but in broad daylight! In May, the days are long and you will be able to enjoy the late night sunset over the harbour and the magnificent 360° panoramic views of the northern coast and the islands. This activity is free of charge, but you have to arrange your own transport, such as sharing a taxi to the foot of the mountains. (Please note, this event is dependent on the weather).

Excursion to Kjerringøy old trading post

Thursday 9 May, 2024 | 08:45-15:30 | Preregistration compulsory

Excursion by coach (from Quality Hotel Ramsalt at 8:45) and then ferry (outward ferry from Festvåg 9:30, return from Misten 13:35) to Kjerringøy, with its beautiful historical trading post in the far north. The coach and ferry are free of charge. Price per person for the guided tour of the indoor and outdoor museum with introductory film in English is 230,- NOK; coffee and cake in the museum café is 120,- NOK per person. Payment by card is accepted by the museum and café (card payment is much preferred in Norway, cash is very seldom used).

Open activities (with special conference discount)

Norwegian Jekt Trade Museum

Opening hours: 11:00-17:00 | Direct payment with conference discount

If you enjoy culture and history, you might prefer to spend the afternoon at the new national Jekt Trade Museum. This museum tells the story of the raw coastal culture and how the ships, called a jekt, were responsible for almost all freight of goods from Northern Norway and large parts of the west coast for over 400 years. The Jekt Trade was central to Norway’s largest export before the oil and fishing exports. The trade that the ships were responsible for was a vital lifeline in the communities. The museum is a short bus trip on line #2 from the city centre. It is also a top spot for taking photos of the Børvasstindan mountains across the fjord and for a coffee break in their oceanside café.

Photo credit: Ernst Furuhatt

Photo source: Jektefartsmuseet

Photo source: PUST badestue Bodø

PUST sauna

Opening hours: 06:00-23:00 (most days) | Individual booking | Direct payment with conference discount

After a strenuous conference day, take a hot sauna and dive into the cold, invigorating harbour waters of the Norwegian sea – in the centre of Bodø! As a participant of the conference, you get a 40% discount. You will receive the discount code when you book your spot on the PUST website. The conference discount is available for the days 4-8 May. Individual bookings via app or website. Payment is made directly to PUST.

For more information about things to do and see on Bodø, consult Visit Bodø and BODØ2024 European Capital of Culture!

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Phone: 755 17 000

E-mail: postmottak@nord.no

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Post box 1490

8049 Bodø

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