A hip town with Scandinavian roots and magnificent water views
Known as the “Little Norway” of Washington state, the town of Poulsbo is an artsy, happening town that takes immense pride in its origins. In the 1880s, Norwegian and Scandinavian immigrants embraced the area, charmed by the land’s similarity to their home country. Now, many years later, the town still rejoices in that heritage. Poulsbo has an adorable downtown area full of unique shops, restaurants, and cafes and is the center of the city's cultural and social life.
Part of what makes Poulsbo special is its laid-back, outdoorsy lifestyle. Here, locals can explore the beauty of the Kitsap Peninsula, grab a bite at a one-of-a-kind restaurant, shop artisan goods, and watch the sunset over the waters of Liberty Bay, all on the same day. The upbeat outlook, unparalleled beauty, and affinity for Viking culture make Poulsbo an exciting tourist destination, and locals are lucky to be a part of it permanently.
This quirky town is full of personality and charm, and the area is praised for its incredible art and antique stores. Red Plantation and Abigail’s Artful Abode are two local favorites, each fully stocked with vintage and handcrafted items ideal for decorating your home or giving as a gift.
The town is also studded with unmissable restaurants, such as The Loft at Latitude Forty Seven Seven, which serves an eclectic menu in a stunning waterfront setting. Whether you choose the butter-seared halibut, the ribeye steak, or the butter chicken curry, this spot won’t disappoint. Burrata Bistro is a charming Italian restaurant that serves authentic, homemade Italian cuisine. The menu features a wide range of traditional dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Crabtree Kitchen + Bar is another great option. This trendy, upscale restaurant has modern, industrial-style décor, and they prioritize ingredients from local farmers, even raising their own beef for the steaks on their menu. Poulsbo foodies are lucky to have Molly Ward Gardens just a few minutes away. This adorable farmhouse has been transformed into a charming, upscale restaurant that allows visitors to dine on incredible dishes in a quaint, candlelit atmosphere. This restaurant is truly special, with the family’s piano filling the space with music and the option to sip a glass of wine while roaming the garden.
Poulsbo has enough happening year-round to keep both locals and tourists on the edge of their seats. Celebrated in Poulsbo for over 50 years, Viking Fest is a local celebration of Norway’s Constitution Day, and it’s a summer event that can’t be missed. Festivities include a carnival, a parade, live music, street-wide dancing, and a beer, wine, and cider tour. This event brings locals together in celebration and draws in tourists who want to see the best that Poulsbo has to offer.
Sons of Norway is a waterfront lodge with panoramic views. Its members work hard to celebrate and uplift Norwegian culture through lutefisk and meatball dinners, pancake breakfasts, and Nordic markets. Members of the organization get access to an exclusive Sons of Norway bar, plus the ability to take classes like wood carving or Norwegian dancing.
For outdoor activities, Liberty Bay Waterfront Park is perfect for roaming alongside the water with any coffee or snacks you’ve picked up as a treat. The paved boardwalk runs alongside Poulsbo’s main road, making it a popular park for locals and tourists to convene on sunny days. Poulsbo’s Fish Park is another great outdoor option, with gentle trails that lead around the park. Catch a sight of the salmon swimming through the creek or bring the whole family and point out the fish-themed art installations scattered throughout the area.
Poulsbo is served by the North Kitsap School District, which has many top-rated schools for about 5,700 students.
11,652 people live in Poulsbo, where the median age is 43.8 and the average individual income is $42,950. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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Poulsbo has 4,931 households, with an average household size of 2.34. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Poulsbo do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 11,652 people call Poulsbo home. The population density is 2,459.58 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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