The strongest sea beliefs in the world
Saltstraumen is a place with an absolutely fascinating natural phenomenon, about which Julius Verne and Edgar Allan Poe also wrote. It is located not far from Bodø. The tide through the 150m wide strait here causes the flow of sea water reaching speeds of up to 40km / h, which creates giant vortices, often up to 10m wide and 5m deep.
Sleeping under the bridge
You have to wait for the right moment. We arrived at a time when the direction of water flow was yet to be reversed and we had about 4 hours. An ideal place to relax is offered directly under the bridge by the parking lot.
View from the drone
The flow direction changes every 6 hours due to the tides. It is possible to hit 4 times a day, when the vortices will be stronger and when the water stops completely. There are plenty of mobile applications that help determine when tides are strongest. I use the „Tide charts“ application, which I can recommend.
View from the bridge
However, no drone is needed. Saltstraumen can also be observed from the high bridge of the same name.
Beliefs
The size and strength of the vortices depends on the speed of the water flow caused, as already mentioned, by the tides. These are created by the gravitational forces of the moon and sun. The moon has a slightly greater influence and a lot depends on their mutual position. When they are in a row, the flow force is greatest, when they are perpendicular, it is the smallest. The period of their position is about 15 days. Some days the beliefs will be bigger and stronger, other times smaller and weaker.
Mountains
In addition to amazing sea whirlpools, there are also beautiful mountain panoramas in the area.