Bodø is a city above the Arctic Circle where nature and urban life meet. Surrounded by mountains, sea, and the world's strongest tidal current at Saltstraumen, it is a gateway to the Lofoten Islands and a destination worth exploring in its own right. From artisan chocolate makers to breathtaking fjord views, Bodø surprises visitors with its growing food scene and accessible wilderness.
Where to go
1. Try the best pastries at Craig Alibone Pâtisserie
Bodø might not be the first place you would expect to find world-class French pastries, but Craig Alibone Pâtisserie & Champagneria proves otherwise. Situated in the heart of central Bodø on Torvgata, this artisan pâtisserie and champagne bar has become one of the city's most beloved culinary spots since it opened in 2016.
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What to expect
The display counter is a feast for the eyes: colorful macarons, cakes with names like "Red Fruits & Pistachio" and "Passion Fruit & Lemon", seasonal tarts, croissants, and selection boxes of handmade chocolates. Everything is produced in small batches using fresh, local ingredients and premium Valrhona chocolate. What makes the experience special is that the pastry kitchen is visible behind glass. You can watch the pastry chefs pipe, fold, and decorate in real time while you enjoy your coffee or dessert. It is an experience that immerses your sight, smell, and taste simultaneously: the visual beauty of the colorful creations, the aroma of fresh baking, and of course the flavor. The macaron selection changes regularly, but you will often find flavors like raspberry, salted caramel, blueberry tea, dark chocolate, passion fruit, brunost caramel, and lime and tonka.
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More than pastries
Beyond the pastries, Craig Alibone is also a champagneria. Featured on the Star Wine List, they offer a carefully curated selection of high-quality champagne and wine. On weekends, they serve brunch, and in the evenings the venue sometimes transforms into "Klubb Craig", an underground nightlife concept that has quickly become one of Bodø's most popular Saturday night destinations.
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A little bit of history
Craig Alibone is a British pastry chef from Leicester, England. After completing his culinary education in the UK, he moved to France to study at the prestigious Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie in Yssingeaux, where he trained under some of the world's finest pastry chefs. He then moved to Norway and opened his chocolaterie in Bodø in 2016, starting small with artisan chocolate before expanding into a full pâtisserie. Today, the company is recognized as one of the top confectionery producers in Norway.
Type C and Type F (standard European plug, 230V, 50Hz)
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Is tap water drinkable
Yes, Norway has some of the cleanest tap water in the world, perfectly safe to drink
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Some words
Hei 🔈(hay/hæɪ/)→ Hi / Hello Takk 🔈(tahk/tɑk/)→ Thank you Vær så snill 🔈(veh-rah sneel/ʋæːɾ ʂoː snɪl/)→ Please Ja 🔈(yah/jɑː/)→ Yes Nei 🔈(nay/næɪ/)→ No God morgen 🔈(goo mor-gen/ɡuːd ˈmɔr.ɡən/)→ Good morning God kveld 🔈(goo kvel/ɡuːd kʋɛl/)→ Good evening Beklager 🔈(beh-kla-her/ˈbɛk.lɑ.ɡəɾ/)→ Sorry / Excuse me
