Welcome to Little Norway!
Poulsbo, Washington is the hidden gem of the Pacific Northwest. Nestled along Liberty Bay and bristling with charm and authentic Scandinavian culture and heritage, Poulsbo is the perfect destination for history, shopping, and family-friendly outdoor activities!
Discover Poulsbo, WA—affectionately known as “Little Norway”—on this immersive walking tour through its delightful waterfront downtown. Originally home to the Suquamish Tribe, this coastal town later welcomed Norwegian settlers in the 1880s, drawn by the bay’s fjord-like landscape.
Explore Poulsbo’s layered history, from its Indigenous roots to its thriving days of logging, farming, and shipbuilding. Highlights include vibrant Viking-inspired murals, historic landmarks like the Hostmark and Eliason Buildings, and insights into the town’s resilience after the 1914 fire. We’ll honor Suquamish heritage, delve into Norwegian culture, and admire the beauty of Liberty Bay.
Stops include the Poulsbo Heritage and Maritime Museums (viewed from outside), the historic Sons of Norway Lodge, and the active Port of Poulsbo. End with a taste of local flavor at a nearby artisan shop. Perfect for history lovers, this one-hour tour brings Poulsbo’s story vividly to life.
Tour starts and ends at the Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park where your guide will be holding a Norwegian flag and eagerly awaiting your arrival next to the Austin-Kvelstad Pavilion.
Other Landmarks that we will see include:
- Poulsbo Heritage Museum: Housed in a century-old building, this museum tells the story of Poulsbo’s early families, industries, and artifacts from daily life.
- Poulsbo Maritime Museum: a beautifully curated space highlighting the town’s deep connection to the water.
- Sons of Norway Lodge: Still active today, this organization has preserved Nordic culture and hosted countless community events for over a century, even hosting King Olav!
- The Hostmark Building: The oldest commercial structure in Poulsbo, once home to a general store and the town’s first post office.
- The Eliason Building: A key structure in the rebuilding of downtown after the 1914 fire, now representing early 20th-century architecture in Poulsbo.
- The Port of Poulsbo: Get a waterfront view of this active marina, which remains central to Poulsbo’s identity as a coastal town and sailing destination. -Many other sights that highlight the town’s Nordic culture and vibrant history!