The weather gods are setting the stage for one of the most important games for Bodø/Glimt – facing Manchester City and their Norwegian giant, Erling Braut Haaland, at home.
Only 53,000 people live in the small Arctic city of Bodø – just enough to fill up a standard football stadium in Europe. Aspmyra, the home stadium, has space for just 8000 fans. There are no billionaires financing these players, just pure passion.
So how can a small team above the Arctic circle qualify for the best League in Europe? Is it the coastal landscape and harsh winds that made them strong? Is it the fresh water or access to sea food? Or is it the local people and culture that has bred these strong and talented players?
Owned by the members
Norwegian football club Bodø/Glimt brought UEFA Champions League north of the Arctic Circle for the very first time. The club’s success is not only a story about how greatness can grow in the most unlikely places, it’s also a story about a progressive city, full of determined and creative people. The city went wild when Glimt fulfilled its dream of making it to the UEFA Champions League.
Watch the film here: Bodø Glimt in Champions League:
On the verge of bankrupcy
Back in 2010, the club was on the verge of bankruptcy, players sometimes went months without salary, and the Northern Norwegians were forced to get creative to save their favourite team.Locals roamed the city for empty bottles to collect for deposit money, fishermen donated fish to the club to sell for profit, the local handball team donated its ticket revenue to Bodø/Glimt, and a massive fundraising push was announced on the local radio.
Fast-forward to 2025, and the team stands as the richest club in the Norwegian league, all thanks to its focus on developing local players and sporting success.
With Haaland to the World Cup 2026
The Norwegian men’s football team has qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 28 years, following a historic qualifying campaign.
Norway dominated, winning all eight of its qualification matches and setting a new European record for goals scored in a single qualifying group! Erling Haaland scored twice in the decisive 4–1 victory over four-time world champion Italy, which was consigned to the playoffs.
Explore Bryne, the home town of Haaland HERE
Read also: Welcome to Haa-Land – the home turf of Erling Braut Haaland
It’s not just the football culture that brings colour and energy to the city – its vibrant arts and culture scene adds even more life. In 2024, the city proudly held the title of European Capital of Culture.
Bodø has lots to offer, from great food to restaurants, hotels, lots of outdoors activities and stunning nature.The city centre is within easy reach of many nature experiences, including several national parks and Saltraumen, the world’s strongest maelstrom. The Nordland Railway line has its end station in Bodø, and the Norwegian Coastal Route, Hurtigruten and Havila Kystruten, calls in the city every day. The airport is very close by, actually within walking distance of the city centre.
Read more about Bodø and Arctic Football HERE
Whether you you want to see football or want to explore this amazing region – a warm welcome to Bodø!
For more related news, articles and travel tips – click on the links: BODØ – ENGLISH NEWS – FOOTBALL – NORTHERN NORWAY – SPORTS EVENTS – TRAVEL TIPS – VISIT NORWAY
