Bazar / Ráfky

Rain is present in the atmosphere. I perceive both the tactile sensation and visual geometry dash perception: A gray drapery is gradually traversing the water with the intention of descending into Bodø. Fortuitously, it happened to surface during my designated rooftop time at Wood Hotel Bodø. Once the first fat drops occur, the personnel hastily move the loungers inside, while the few remaining guests in this area withdraw to their rooms. I have a strong affinity for the concept of swimming in rain, so I steadfastly choose to stay in the comforting warmth of the pool, relishing the expansive vistas — and seclusion — while the rain descends.

The weather in Arctic Norway is characterized by its unpredictability, however, an evening of precipitation has little impact on my experience at the latest hotel in the area. Although it has temporarily halted my intentions to enjoy the midnight sun with Champagne, it has not diminished the attractiveness of my current surroundings. At an elevation of eight stories at a hotel situated on Rønvikfjellet, there is an unparalleled vantage point over the Bodø peninsula, Saltfjorden, and the Norwegian Sea, even when somewhat concealed by a layer of rain.

A recurring motif at this establishment is the presence of breathtaking vistas, which are offered by every guest room, the spacious Finnish sauna, and the glass-front elevators. The snow-covered mountains of Straumøya beat elevator music being played for enjoyment between floors. The emphasis on outdoor spaces aligns with the hotel's objective to integrate nature into its architectural design, resulting in a mostly indoor-outdoor hotel that clearly reflects Norwegian cabin culture.

The hotel's location, the historic Rønvikfjellet tourist cabin site, is the definitive connection to this culture. Prior to its abandonment, the public cabin served as a refueling kiosk for hikers in the nearby mountains, offering coffee, pastries, and amicable discussion. Today, the hotel honors the traditional tourist cabin by including it in the ground-floor café and fully embraces cabin culture by extensively using wood throughout.