This Small Washington Town Is The “Norway Of The Pacific Northwest”

While Norway has no shortage of beautiful places to visit, it is a transatlantic flight away from the United States and notoriously expensive once you’re there. So, what if we told you that there was a Little Norway right in Washington state?

Filled with calming, clear waters, a history that revolves around the fishing and maritime industries, quaint wooden timber buildings, and, of course, delicious bakeries, it’s one of the cutest small towns on the Olympic Peninsula.

Under the constant glare of Mount Rainier lies the small coastal town of Poulsbo. Known for its beautiful harbor, Scandinavian heritage, and proximity to Kitsap Memorial State Park, it’s the perfect Norwegian microcosm in the Pacific Northwest. So, why is there a random Scandinavian town in the heart of Washington state, and what can you see and do there?

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Poulsbo In Washington Is The “Norway Of The Pacific Northwest”
From folk art to the nicknames “Little Norway” and “Viking City”, the Scandi influence in Poulsbo runs deep

Nestled on the Olympic Peninsula just 17 miles away from bustling Seattle, Poulsbo is unlike anywhere else in the state. With its brightly colored timber buildings, it feels like you’re being transported to Norway.

The town’s Main Street is where the comparison is most apparent, with a ton of independent bakeries and shops selling Norwegian folk art and delicious Scandinavian sweet treats like authentic cinnamon buns.

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Front Street in downtown Poulsbo, Washington, WA, USA

A short walk down to the waterfront brings you to a tranquil harbor that historically held the fishing vessels that helped build this community. You can still walk down the promenade, take in the coastal views, and see the mighty Mount Rainier, despite its shrinking status.

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Poulsbo Harbor WA

Despite the harbor and Norwegian inspiration, Poulsbo remains one of the best small beach towns in Washington. In this small town, you can visit one of three key beaches and swim or kayak in the crystal clear waters, soaking up the sunny rays of the Pacific Northwest.

Choose from either:

Island Lake Community Beach, Liberty Bay Waterfront Park, Manitou Beach

Combine this with a camping adventure in the nearby Kitsap Memorial State Park, and Poulsbo is definitely a contender for your next outdoorsy getaway.

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Why Does Poulsbo Have A Scandinavian Connection?
Poulsbo has a Norwegian heritage that stretches back to the 1800s

With all the Norwegian flags around the town, Scandinavian bakeries, and even Viking-related murals in Poulsbo, it’s obvious that there’s a Norwegian heritage connection. This is mainly because it was settled by a Norwegian immigrant, Jorgen Eliason, in the 1880s, along with a host of other Scandinavians. As a result, you have a little pocket of Scandinavia in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, complete with some excellent breweries.

Not only that, but the name Poulsbo was directly taken from another Poulsbo that already existed in Norway. When the settlers decided to build a community here, they brought their culture, folk art, and architectural techniques to the area to make it feel like a home away from home. That heritage has been painstakingly preserved.

Even now, on the third weekend in May, the town hosts Viking Fest, which is a huge event in Poulsbo. It combines food and drink (mostly fresh seafood, baked goods, and local beer) with folk art, crafts, and traditional music and dance. It’s a huge celebration of Scandinavian heritage and the local community that Poulsbo has created.

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What Are The Top Things To Do In Poulsbo, Washington?
Poulsbo is an outdoorsy and cultural paradise on the Olympic Peninsula

There are so many fun things to see and do in Poulsbo. As one of the most whimsical towns in Washington, Poulsbo has a reputation for quirkiness and outdoor activities.

If you’re looking for great food and drink in Poulsbo, you have to visit the legendary Sluys Bakery. Serving up Norwegian pastries, baked goods, and fresh bread, alongside delicious coffee, the smell of the place alone is a reason to visit.

Fancy a pint or two? Being a Scandinavian hub, there is no shortage of breweries in Poulsbo. Choose from the following or plan a route and start a brewery crawl:

Vallholl Brewery Western Red Brewing Echoes Brewing Company Slippery Pig Brewery Rainy Daze Brewing

Feeling more outdoorsy? You can hire kayaks and explore the harbor, head out on a boat trip, or strap on your hiking boots and check out the trails at the Kitsap Memorial State Park. There’s also a great campground and beaches in this state park, so if you’re looking for an outdoorsy weekend, this is the place to visit.

If the weather isn’t cooperating, you can visit the beautiful indie bookshop, Liberty Bay Books, or get your fill of history and culture at the Poulsbo Maritime Museum, Poulsbo Martinson Cabin Museum, Verksted Gallery, or, SEA Discovery Center.

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So, if you’re looking for a small town in Washington that’s basically Norwegian, plan a trip to Poulsbo. Bring your hiking boots, bring your appetite, and maybe you’ll come home with more of a Viking spirit!