"Old Norwegian Settlement turned Tourist Attraction" Poulsbo by glabah

Founded in the 1880s by Norwegian immigrants, and thus attracting more Scandanavian (but mostly those from Norway and Finland) settlers as time went on, Poulsbo started off with a Scandanavian appearance and feel to it.

Today, the old downtown retains part of that old world feel, though the fact that hundreds of tourists drive through town every day and try to find a parking place doesn't add too much to that environment.

Even so, you will find some unique features here.

Unlike Leavenworth, which created its Bavarian appearance over several decades of building effort, Poulsbo started off with that appearance.

None of this, however, is evident from highway 305 though the upper part of town. There you will find strip malls and suburban development that looks like any other city.