Saltstraumen

marine channel, Norway

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 19, 2026

Quick Summary

Saltstraumen is a narrow marine channel in Norway, located near the town of Bodø at the southern entrance to Salt Fjord. It is renowned for its powerful tidal currents and whirlpools, comparable to the Maelstrom. This natural phenomenon is a significant feature of the Norwegian coastline, which is characterized by numerous fjords and islands. The Norwegian Sea, where Saltstraumen is situated, is a section of the North Atlantic Ocean known for its rich fishing grounds.123

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Bodø
…narrow marine channel known as Saltstraumen, famous for its strong tidal current and its whirlpools, which rival those of the Maelstrom, to the northwest. Bodø’s far northern site enables the midnight sun to be seen for about a month (early June–early July). Pop. (2007 est.) mun., 45,575.
Read More
…narrow marine channel known as Saltstraumen, famous for its strong tidal current and its whirlpools, which rival those of the Maelstrom, to the northwest. Bodø’s far northern site enables the midnight sun to be seen for about a month (early June–early July). Pop. (2007 est.) mun., 45,575.
Read More