Poulsbo_02

Little Norway

Visit Poulsbo "Little Norway" in Washington State

There aren’t many small towns in America that look and feel like Europe, but Washington State sure seems to have a few! Lesser known among them is Poulsbo, an easy drive north from Bainbridge Island on the Kitsap Peninsula. Dubbed “Little Norway” (Poulsbo was founded by a Norwegian named Jorgen Eliason), this hamlet on the waterfront of Liberty Bay is charmed with Scandinavian influence.

Stroll the waterside boardwalk and watch the boats bobbing in the marina or quietly coasting across the water—a particularly sublime scene at sunrise and sunset. Surrounded by the Olympic Mountains to the west and the Cascades to the east, it’s an eye-max of outdoor scenery.

Wander Poulsbo’s historic downtown and stop in at bookstores, artisanal shops, galleries, and more. Sluys' Poulsbo Bakery is a staple of tasty tradition, featuring handcrafted delicacies like the famous handmade donuts; try the Choc Viking or Maple Doughboy, or dare to attempt the massive King Olaf!

For a quick afternoon extra stretch of the legs (that’s also dog-friendly) head to Fish Park just north of downtown (map). It’s got a varied network of trails through its 40 acres, so you can choose from a woodsy walk or something closer to the Liberty Bay estuary. Picnic tables, benches, and viewing platforms let you relax and take in the birdsong (there’s a meadow of birdhouses). Fish sculptures add ecological artistry to the surroundings. The parking area’s kiosk has a map of the park.

Eat + Drink: Craft brews pair with nice views at Valholl Brewing (map). Overlooking historic downtown and the Liberty Bay Marina, Valholl pours on the charm with tasty creations and a dog-friendly patio. Try the Norseman Hazy IPA or Thunderbolt Stout; or go for the crisp and classic Bavarian beer, Maibock.

For an up-close seat by the bay and the “Best Wings in North Kitsap” (three years in a row!), the Brass Kraken Pub is a good stop with plenty of drafts and a creative cocktail menu.

Dinner with a waterfront view is delightful at The Loft, where drunken prawns and halibut tacos are a few of the fresh and flavorful menu choices. Pair your dish with a Washington State wine like the Pacific Rim Riesling from the Columbia Valley.

Tip: On Saturdays from March 30 to December 14, check out the Poulsbo Farmers Market.

Stay: With its premier location in historic Poulsbo, Hotel Scandi is unique, boutique, quiet, and elegant. It’s also Poulsbo’s first hotel. Around since 1892, Scandi has undergone some glow-ups over the years.

The remodeled nine-room gem has a beautifully appointed main area and rooms integrating vintage architecture with modern features and furnishings. The artwork is carefully curated, the beds are amazingly comfortable, and rooms are generously spacious with beautiful windows looking out to big vistas of Liberty Bay.

Visit Kitsap

Visit Poulsbo

Visit Washington State

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  2. Surfboards and tents for shade are set up on the beach at Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area in the Swim Lagoon Area

    Switchbacks and Swimming Holes

    Hike hard, play hard! This 7-mile out-and-back in Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area is a great workout with payoff vistas and a relaxing post-hike picnic and dip in the water.

    View
  3. Hike the Rainbow

    Catch all the colors of a rainbow at Calero County Park on this 10-mile hike currently showcasing the season’s best blooms.

    View
  4. Hike Purisima Creek Open Space Preserve

    Purisima Charisma

    Hundred-foot redwoods, a shaded canyon, and views overlooking Half Moon Bay. This 10-mile loop hike in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is a roller-coaster of uphill and downhill along with easygoing stretches through some of the Bay Area’s most beautiful landscape.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. People on a guided horseback tour with Central Coast Trailrides at Santa Margarita Ranch near Paso Robles

    Saddle Up with Central Coast Trailrides

    Untouched and sweeping, the mountainous scenery and deep valleys of Santa Margarita near Paso Robles are just begging to be explored. So saddle up for a scenic adventure with Central Coast Trailrides (CCT) at the 14,000-acre Santa Margarita Ranch.

    View
  2. A woman on a hiking trail with huge open space and yellow flowers around her at Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks

    Going Wildwood

    Consider this your invitation to get a little untamed. In just one walk through Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks, you can chase the sound of a cascading waterfall, duck into a shadowy cave, and soak in big hillside vistas. The mostly flat 4.25-mile loop makes wild feel wonderfully accessible.

    View
  3. Two people fly fishing on the Truckee River with guides from Reno Fly Shop

    Zen and the Art of Fly Fishing

    Learning to fly fish is one of the most fun and beautiful ways to connect with nature, family, friends, and yourself. It’s also a great way to truly experience the magic of a place. Make that place Reno Tahoe, where a fly fishing adventure with Reno Fly Shop is like being planted in a plein air painting of dreamy outdoors.

    View
  4. A woman on the overlook deck overlooking the Truckee River at Oxbow Nature Study Area in Reno

    This Way to Oxbow and Dickerson Road

    Just west of downtown Reno—tucked right alongside the Truckee River—is a nature haven for wildlife spotting and waterside relaxing. The 22-acre Oxbow Nature Study Area is ideal for those seeking solitude and a short hike. Afterwards, explore the creative hub of Dickerson Road.

    View