Poulsbo, Washington, also known as "Little Norway on the Fjord," celebrates its Scandinavian history every year. During the third weekend in May, they host the Viking Fest for three awesome days, featuring Viking-themed fun, a parade, a carnival, and a street fair with lots of delicious food. This might be the most unique and festive event on the Kitsap Peninsula! Let’s go!
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How to get there
The drive from Seattle to Poulsbo takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by car.
Admission
Viking Fest is completely free of charge.
Where to Park: Viking Fest
- Address: 3rd Ave NE
We were lucky to find parking within walking distance, right behind Poulsbo City Hall, near Valholl Brewing.
More Parking Spots
- North Kitsap High and Middle School
- Address: 1780 NE Hostmark St, Poulsbo, WA 98370
- Poulsbo Village: Shopping and Medical Center Lot
- Address 19351 8th Ave NE, Poulsbo, WA 98370
- Jensen Street: Street Parking, Post Office and Bank of America lot (closed hours ONLY)
- For more parking information: Viking Fest
Viking Parade
Location: starts at the intersection of 6th and Fjord and concludes at Martha and Mary on Front Street.
Position yourself along Fjord Drive or Front Street for the best viewing experience.
Viking Fest Carnival
Location: King Olaf Parking Lot
Wristbands and individual tickets can be purchased at the carnival during all three days of the festival.
The Street Fair
Location: Anderson Parkway
Viking Fest Carnival
Location: King Olaf Parking Lot
Wristbands and individual tickets can be purchased at the carnival during all three days of the festival.
The Street Fair
Location: Anderson Parkway
The street fair is held at Anderson Parkway, offering stunning views of Liberty Bay. The parking area is closed off and transformed into a lively part of Viking Fest. Many vendors are selling handmade crafts, unique art, specialty goods, food booths, and even a photo booth.
What to Eat: Top Street Fair Favorites
- Lumpia at LBee's Filipino Deli: The lumpia was crispy, and my little one wanted it all to himself! They also serve popular Filipino street foods and deli favorites.
- Tri-tip at Pedro's Santa Maria Style BBQ: Famous for their great grilled meats, they were at the Tree Lighting Festival in Port Orchard, and we were happy to see them at the Viking Fest—they're the best!
- Churros at La Churreria JJ: The churros were hot and fresh! They also have marquesitas, crepes, funnel cakes, and refreshing drinks.
- Ice Cream at Viking Feast Ice Cream: We tried Arctic Vanilla and Dark Elf Delight, and it was so good—rich and creamy! Dark Elf Delight is made with three types of cocoa and skyr, while Arctic Vanilla features pure vanilla and skyr. This spot is a local favorite for its Nordic-inspired desserts made with traditional Icelandic skyr (a thick yogurt) and A2 milk.
Discover more: Awesome Things To Do in Poulsbo
Local Treats and Dining
For Coffee
- Hot Shots Java
- Address: 18881 Front St NE, Suite B, Poulsbo, WA
I ordered the café francais, and it came with a chocolate stick bar, which was delicious. The staff were nice here, one even sliced the apples for my little one, which was such a genuine gesture that put a smile on our faces.
- Caffe Cocina Coffee Roasting Co.
- Address: 580 NW Finn Hill Rd, Poulsbo, WA
Another great spot for coffee is Caffe Cocina. The cozy atmosphere and brown wooden furniture make it feel warm and inviting. I tried the matcha latte and loved it, and I'm picky about matcha after trying the real thing in Japan.
Right next to Café Cocina, this famous red telephone booth is a perfect place for photos and adds to the town's unique charm.
For Pastry
- Sluys Poulsbo Bakery
- Address: 18924 Front St NE, Poulsbo, WA
A visit to Poulsbo isn't complete without stopping at Sluys Poulsbo Bakery. If you're visiting during peak season, head here first because it gets jam-packed—people line up for this bakery! You have to try their blueberry cake donut, and my little man loved the gingerbread and smiley cookies. They also offer a Viking donut to match the town’s theme.
For Dessert
- Boehm's Chocolates of Poulsbo
- Address: 18864 Front Street NE, Poulsbo, WA
If you love sweets, you have to try their chocolate ice cream—it's my favorite and a real treat. I also enjoy the big painting of Viking heritage on the front of the store; it's very eye-catching and meaningful.
- Island Cool Ice Cream
- Address: 18801 Front St NE, Poulsbo, WA 98370
For Meals
- Impossible Burger at Juicy J’s Smoked Burgers 100% Plant Based!
- Address: 18779 Anderson Pkwy, Suite 100, Poulsbo, WA 98370
Impossible Burger at Juicy J’s Smoked Burgers 100% Plant Based! When our little one needed the restroom, this was a perfect stop. We love the fresh-tasting burgers and the relaxed atmosphere. For parents with a baby, take note that there is no diaper changing station available.
The Paella Bar, JJ’s Fish House, and The Loft are also popular choices for lunch or dinner. Let us know in the comments which one you think lives up to the hype!
Unwind with the Kiddos- SEA Discovery Center
- Address: 18743 Front St NE, Poulsbo, WA 98370
- Diaper Changing Station Available
If you have kids, the Sea Discovery Center is closed until 4 PM, with admission at 2 USD. It’s a nice place to relax and learn about marine animals with the little ones.
Vikings on the move!
We got to see the Vikings march to open the Viking Fest! It was so cool to hear the horn, their roars, and see their Viking costumes.
We are excited to make this a family tradition, and we can’t wait for next year! Discover more: Awesome Things To Do in Poulsbo
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Explore Washington:
- Seattle: Discover the Vibrant Capital of Washington
- Leavenworth – The Bavarian Village That Brings a Touch of Europe Right Here in the U.S.
- Poulsbo - Discover Washington’s "Charming Tiny Slice of Norway"
- Port Orchard - Charming Waterfront: A Perfect Weekend Getaway from Seattle
- Cherry Blossoms - Discover Less Crowded Spots in Seattle
- Oscar the Bird King - Meet His Royal Majesty on Vashon Island
- Pia the Peacemaker - Explore Bainbridge Island, try Washington's first coffee roaster!
- Frankie Feetsplinters - Located at the National Nordic Museum in Ballard
- Bruun Idun: Found in Lincoln Park, West Seattle.
- Jakob Two Trees: Located along the Rainier Trail in Issaquah.
Do you want more adventure?
Where am I going next?
- For my next adventure, we’ll be exploring Singapore’s Flower Dome - Guinness World Record Holder for the Largest Glass Greenhouse!
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