Nicknamed “Little Norway,” Poulsbo is a sweet waterfront town nestled into the coast of Liberty Bay. Established in the 1880s, Poulsbo was settled by Scandinavian settlers, who found the area reminiscent of the fjords of Norway. Today, the town brings its history to life with festivals, murals, and more.
Poulsbo is just a 20-minute drive from the Kingston Ferry Terminal or a meandering drive over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge depending on where visitors are coming from.
Historic downtown Poulsbo is full of charming shops, bakeries, delicious restaurants, murals, and a boardwalk on which to stroll. Visitors with a yen for authentic Norwegian treats will want to stop at Sluys Bakery for all manner of treats, including Swedish fruit rolls, Viking cup pastries, Fattigman, and some Lefse to bring home. Stop at any of the restaurants or breweries for a variety of delectable food and Northwest beer.
Views of Liberty Bay and the Olympic Mountains will not disappoint, whether tourists are looking out their car window, walking downtown or enjoying balcony seating at a local restaurant. Great shopping can be found in Poulsbo Village, strolling along Viking Avenue, as well as in College Market Place.
There is no shortage of parks or greenery in Poulsbo. Liberty Bay Waterfront Park will take visitors along the water via boardwalk. Lions Park is the perfect place to bring energetic kiddos. The 40-acre Fish Park is a pocket of natural wonder in the midst of an otherwise bustling city. Fish Park will provide nature lovers with trails, viewpoints, and wildlife, along with educational signage. Adventurous visitors may even find themselves gearing up at the Poulsbo Pump Track.
The Viking Festival is an annual celebration of Poulsbo’s heritage. Every May, the Viking Festival fills downtown Poulsbo with festivities, including a parade, carnival and street fair, a road race, live music, brew fest and bike ride. Poulsbrew Beer Festival will be taking place on September 16 and the Poulsbo Art Festival will be held August 19-20 this year. Winter visitors will not want to miss the Lighted Ships Parade. For more information on events like these, see page 62.
On July evenings, Poulsbo holds Summer Nights at the Bay, which are free family concerts that begin at 6:30 p.m.
Visitors stepping onto Front Street for the first time will feel like they have stepped into the pages of a Norwegian storybook. Get pulled into Scandinavian history for the day or the weekend. As they say in Poulsbo, Velkommen!
For more information visit cityofpoulsbo.com.
