Arctic snowshoeing

Book now

Experience the wonders of nature

Since the first humans settled along the coast of Northern Norway 11,000 years ago, we have been strongly connected to lakes, rivers, fjords and the sea. The power of enormous masses of water in motion – which shape and adapt, and which give life and mystery to their surroundings.

Rampens Arctic snowshoe hike takes you to two amazing natural wonders: the tidal stream Saltstraumen and the mighty waterfall Valnesfossen.

​​Guided snowshoe tour

The adventure begins at Rampen Adventure Hub in Bodø, where we drive out into nature to experience the snowy Arctic winter with a guided snowshoe hike in the Bodø area to Valnesfossen, and a visit to Saltstraumen - one of Norway's most famous natural phenomena. The snowshoe trek is 3.5 kilometers and goes through a snowy winter landscape with streams and paths shaped over millennia. Valnesfossen is one of Northern Norway's largest waterfalls, with a drop of 60 meters and offers spectacular surroundings. The terrain is well suited for an easy winter hike, and snowshoes make traveling over the snow a safe and fun winter activity in Bodø for all age groups - also for those who want a snowshoe hike for beginners, with a pace adapted to the group.

Known as the world's strongest tidal current, Saltstraumen is at its strongest four times a day, reaching speeds of up to 37 kilometers per hour. The roaring sound can be heard all the way to shore, and you can observe the maelstrom and the many whirpools dancing in the water. Saltstraumen is home to a diverse range of wildlife, above and below water, as cod, pollack and halibut swim, white-tailed sea eagles can be seen in the sky above, and eider ducks dive down to the animal kingdom. The stop at Saltstraumen is tailored to when the current is strongest, so you can experience the amazing power of this natural phenomenon.

Important information

Meeting place and time

All snowshoeing trips start in Rampen Adventure Hub, Sjøgata 41. For guests of Wood hotel we offer pick-up outside the reception. You will find the time for the snowshoeing trek on the order confirmation sent at the time of payment.

Duration

This activity lasts 5 hours - including snowshoeing to Valnesfossen, a visit to Saltstraumen and transportation.

Included in the snowshoeing trip

  • Guide.

  • Transportation to and from Valnesfossen and Saltstraumen.

  • Small snack and hot drink.

  • Snowshoes and poles - remember to dress according to the weather in layers, and wear good winter shoes.

Additional terms and conditions apply, read more here.

Frequently asked questions

  • Snowshoes are wide “snowshoes” that you attach to your winter boots to better distribute your weight on the snow. This means you sink less and get better traction, making a snowshoe hike in Bodø’s arctic terrain easier and more comfortable, even in loose snow and on snow-covered trails.

  • No, you don't need any previous experience when using snowshoes for the first time. Before we start, you will get a short introduction to how to attach the snowshoes and how to walk with them in the snow. Snowshoes are easy to use, and make it easier to walk on snowy trails and in loose snow, perfect for hiking in snowy terrain.

  • Rampen Our snowshoe tour is suitable for children aged 8 and up , and families who want to experience the hidden gems of Bodø. Snowshoeing is a great activity to do as a family or group of up to 8 people.

  • Your and our guides' safety is our top priority. Nordland is subject to changing and varying weather – from clear weather and sun to wind and snow. We therefore recommend that you check the weather forecast before the activity, and dress accordingly. Our guides are local and very familiar with the terrain, and will make safety assessments based on experience, knowledge of the area and the weather.

    Rampen reserves the right to cancel or change planned activities if safety considerations, including weather conditions, make it irresponsible to carry out the activity, or if other unforeseen events beyond our control (force majeure) make it necessary. For bookings that are not included under “private group tours”, and if the cancellation or change occurs less than 24 hours before the planned tour, you will be given two choices:

    1. To change the time or date of the booked activity
      or

    2. To receive a full refund for the activity via our provider Nets.

  • The Arctic winter is cold and beautiful. To enjoy the experience comfortably, we therefore recommend dressing in layers with wool socks, wool underwear and comfortable midlayers such as fleece or cotton, and wearing outerwear suitable for sub-zero temperatures. A good winter jacket and winter pants are recommended for the trip, as well as a hat, scarf and mittens.

  • We encourage you to bring a small backpack if you wish to carry a water bottle, camera or a light snack on the trip. We recommend that you do not pack your backpack too heavy, but bring what you consider important for your trip.

  • Saltstraumen is the world's strongest tidal current. Four times a day, every six hours, you can experience this amazing natural phenomenon from the water in a RIB or on land.

    While the water roars and the currents dance on the surface - Saltstraumen is home to a diverse underwater wildlife. As a marine protected area, you can find large proportions of saithe, cod, halibut, monkfish and catfish in Saltstraumen, but also various species of crustaceans, nudibranchs, anemones and kelp forests. In the sky above the mysterious Saltstraumen you can often see the white-tailed eagle, Norway's largest bird of prey with a wingspan of 193 - 265 centimeters.

  • Valnesfossen is Bodø's largest waterfall, with a free fall of 60 meters. Valnesfossen is easily accessible in any season, with good trails and easy terrain - perfect for a snowshoe hike in winter or a hike in good hiking boots in summer.

  • Yes, a camera is recommended, and our guides are happy to help you capture the moments throughout the tour!

    Rampen does not allow the use of drones. Special rules apply to the use of drones in national parks and mountainous areas – always check local restrictions before use. Rampen are not responsible for the consequences of unregulated use of drones during activities.

  • The Northern Lights can theoretically appear at any time, but they are rarely visible until after 6:00 PM, even in the middle of darkness. The best chances of seeing the Northern Lights are usually between 6:00 PM and 1:00 AM.

    Do you want to hunt for the Northern Lights in Bodø? Check out the Northern Lights Safari with Rampen by clicking here!

Book your adventure!

Did you know that…

Did you know that Valnesfossen has a drop of 60 meters and is among Northern Norway's largest waterfalls?

Valnesfossen is Bodø's largest waterfall with a free fall of 60 meters. The waterfall is easy to reach all year round, in winter conditions the best hiking experience is on snowshoes. The waterfall is at its largest in the period May to June, when winter melts away and makes way for spring and summer. During this period, Valnesfossen is at its largest, and you can both hear and feel the power of the waterfall.

Did you know that Saltstraumen can be at its strongest several times a day?
Saltstraumen is at its strongest 4 times a day, with about 6 hours between each tidal current. The time varies from day to day, and the current is strong up to an hour before and up to an hour after the intensity of the current is at its highest. At full moon and new moon, Saltstraumen is at its absolute strongest.

Did you know that the current in Saltstraumen can reach speeds of up to 37 km/h?
The maelstrom in Saltstraumen is at its strongest at new and full moons, where you can experience speeds of up to 20 knots or 37 km/h. The average speed of the tidal current is approx. 7 - 9 knots or 13 km/h. This natural phenomenon can be experienced from land, but the most spectacular experience is in a boat with a RIB tour in Saltstraumen .

Did you know that Rampen offers RIB tours in Saltstraumen?

RIB in Saltstraumen is a safe and exciting experience with an experienced captain who knows the tidal currents well. RIB, which stands for “Rigid Inflatable Boat”, is an open boat - perfect for experiencing the spectacular nature of Saltstraumen and Bodø's unique coastline. The magical experience gets you as close to the natural phenomenon as possible, where you can feel the speed and rush of the water in safe surroundings.

Did you know that snowshoes make it easier to walk in loose snow, so more people can join in on winter hikes?

Snowshoeing is an ancient tradition that dates back thousands of years and allows you to explore snowy landscapes on foot – regardless of age or experience. The snowshoe, which is attached to your winter boots, distributes your body weight over a larger area, making it easier to walk on top of snow without stepping through it. The use of snowshoes has not only been human, horses in particular have also used snowshoes to transport goods and people across snowy terrain.

Did you know that the area around Saltstraumen and Valnesfossen is historic?
In the area around Saltstraumen and Valnesfossen, traces of Norway's oldest documented settlements have been found, which settled here 11,000 years ago. Many have speculated that the combination of natural resources and diverse wildlife in Saltstraumen gave the first settlements a good living environment. We do not know where they came from, but it is not unlikely that the first settlers came sailing from the northeast.

Book your adventure now!