Poulsbo

This Norwegian town is nestled along Liberty Bay with the snow-capped Olympic Mountains as a panoramic backdrop. This one-time timber and fishing village offers residents and tourists a community rich in charm and history. Scandinavian-themed Front Street runs through the heart of downtown and hosts a variety of restaurants, cafes, gift stores, antique shops, bookstores and clothing boutiques. But the city also is home to several high-tech businesses, including Paladin Data Systems and Boxlight, a supplier of digital projector systems. The original Norwegian settlers were beckoned to Liberty Bay and found in Poulsbo, the fjords of their homelands. Little Norways downtown is careened with salt-laced breezes that exhale off Liberty Bay displays a prominent; Scandinavian cross and Poulsbo’s own influence of a bold Viking ship, calling to all visitors, enticing them to discover this town’s charming and hospitable nature. Velkommen til Poulsbo, also known as Viking City and Little Norway was a home away from home for the weary Norwegian. Every May the Viking Fest festivities usher in the summer season. The festivities begin with an adored lutefisk eating contest and Miss Viking Fest pageant. With full clad Vikings ruling the streets, creating fun entertainment for the innocent bystander, this is a true Nordic celebration of the Summer Solstice. Poulsbo celebrates Independence Day on the Third of July and has been doing so for the last 20 years. In the fall, the Classic Yacht Association holds an annual rendezvous of historic boats in September at Waterfront Park next to the Port of Poulsbo. Waterfront Park is a place of boats and for boat lovers. Deep in autumn the lutefisk returns for the First Lutheran Church’s & Sons of Norway’s annual lutefisk .Sons of Norway also offers a traditional Kaffe Stua Norwegian lunch every Wednesday. Poulsbo turned two open spaces into their neighborhood parks. Centennial Park on Iverson Street gives way to shoppers to the Poulsbo Village plaza. Built for Poulsbo’s centennial in 2008 this park features a commemorative 100-year statue. Fish Park is situated on Dogfish Creek, along Lindvig Way. Local Boy and Girl Scouts, churches, schools, city and philanthropic groups have worked together to plant trees, create trails and add benches. Also on Lindvig Way is the revitalized historical Martinson Cabin. In 2006, the Poulsbo Historical Society restored this cabin to its original pioneer days. Added to the cabin were antiquities from Poulsbo’s past, making this a hands-on learning opportunity for history enthusiasts of all ages. With a population of almost 9,000, Poulsbo is still growing. College Marketplace at Olhava supplies some consumer necessities, like Wal-Mart, Petco, Home Depot and others are accessible from State Route 305. This year will mark the completion of a new City Hall, located at Third Avenue and Moe Streets, in the heart of downtown. A smorgasbord of Scandinavian history, bustling small businesses and port city living, Poulsbo will delight you at every turn.