For a lot of folks, the Kitsap Peninsula is just a way to get between I-5 and attractions to the north, such as Olympic National Park or Port Townsend. But if you’ve just been driving through without slowing down to check out some of the towns along the way, we can confidently say that you’ve been missing out!
Gig Harbor and Bainbridge Island are relatively well known, but there is one town that is very much worth a stop on your next trip along this scenic stretch of road.
That town is Poulsbo, also known as Little Norway.
Upon arriving at this bayfront haven, you’ll quickly realize why it holds that moniker. With Norwegian flags adorning the buildings, Scandinavian-themed shops lining its downtown core, and, if you show up in mid-May, the annual Viking Fest featuring a parade, street fair, and even a Viking-themed strongman competition, the town fully embraces its Nordic roots.
But that’s not all there is to do in the scenic spot. Located along the head of Liberty Bay, it is an outstanding spot for paddleboarding or kayaking, as the waters are well protected from the rest of Puget Sound.
Things to do in Poulsbo
Poulsbo makes for the perfect day trip from the south sound or Seattle area. From Tacoma it is only an hour drive and the trip over from Seattle can be done on any number of ferries as Kingston, Bremerton, and Bainbridge are all less than 30 minutes away.
There is no shortage of things to do while you’re in town, either. Whether it’s a sunny summer or a drizzly fall day, Poulsbo has you covered.
Grab a Donut at Sluy’s Bakery
Perhaps the most well-known location in Poulsbo is the famous Sluy’s Bakery. Here, you’ll find a huge assortment of fresh-baked breads, donuts, and pastries. The Maple Dough Boy is usually our go-to, but really, you can do no wrong here.
The bakery’s location in the heart of downtown Poulsbo makes it the perfect first stop on any visit.
Explore the Waterfront
After filling up on donuts, it’s time to burn off a little energy by exploring the town’s waterfront. Adjacent to downtown is Liberty Bay Waterfront Park.
Here, you can look out over the town’s marinas and watch the boats and even seaplanes come and go. From there, head north along the water, and you’ll quickly connect onto a tree and water-lined boardwalk that takes you up towards the head of the bay.
This is a great spot to stretch your legs and get away from the crowds of the city center.
Browse the Town’s Antique Shops
Poulsbo is home to half a dozen antique shops, each with its own perfect little treasure begging to be brought home.
These are great spots to escape on rainy days (or hot days as well, for that matter) and get lost in uncovering long-forgotten finds.
Paddle Liberty Bay
During the warm summer months Liberty Bay beckons visitors with its cool and calm waters. While there can be a decent amount of pleasurecraft traffic within the bay, you won’t see many large boats, so waves are typically not an issue.
This makes it a great spot for new paddlers to get their sea legs under them before braving bigger challenges out on the open waters of Puget Sound.
Stop by the Olympic Outdoor Center, where you can rent a kayak or paddleboard and get tips on places to explore around the bay.
Sit Down for a Latte
Like any good Pacific Northwest town, Poulsbo is home to its fair share of coffee shops that serve solid lattes. One of our favorites is Poulsbohemian Cafe, which sits on the north end of town just before you hit the downtown core. (Hint: look for street parking just north of the cafe. It can often be easier to find spots here than downtown during busy summer weekends.)
With its slightly elevated location above the bay, you can enjoy great views of the water while sipping on your coffee or tea.
Wander Through Downtown
This one should seem obvious, but Poulsbo is a great spot to just wander around downtown. With a variety of antique shops, boutiques, restaurants, and more, there are plenty of places to explore. The town’s Nordic-themed decor, including flags draped across alleyways and giant murals of Viking ships, makes it a visually interesting place to see.
