SALTSTRAUMEN MÄLSTRÖM

In a nutshell An excursion entirely dedicated to one of Norway’s most extraordinary and peculiar natural phenomena - the mälström, a sudden water vortex that forms in the Saltstraumen strait which illustrates the irrepressible force of nature with its exceptional strength and impetuosity.

Main stops

• Saltstraumen strait
• Mälström

The programme

• We leave the port of Bodø behind us and head out on a 40-minute transfer takes us to Saltstraumen strait, which separates Saltfjorden from Skjerstad Fjord among the islands of Straumøya and Knaplundsøya and is crossed by a bridge.
• Once at the Strait, we admire a truly unique natural phenomenon: the mälström, i.e. a sudden strong water vortex that forms in this area and even manages to suck down ships.
• Every 6 hours, four times a day, over 400 million cubic metres of water flow through a passage that is 150 metres wide, 3 km long and 25 metres deep creating currents that reach a maximum speed of around 15 knots. The powerful whirlpool can reach a diameter of 10 metres and be 5 metres deep.
• In addition, the stronger the influence of the tide, the stronger the mälström, which reaches its peak when there is a full moon.
• After this fantastic experience and with the images of the strength of nature still in our minds, we return to Bodø and to the ship.