Two small towns on the Kitsap Peninsula
Poulsbo and Port Gamble are the two towns most visitors add to a day on Bainbridge Island. Both lie on the Kitsap Peninsula, on the far side of Agate Pass, and both are close enough to combine in one day. Poulsbo is known as Little Norway for its Scandinavian roots. Port Gamble is a former mill town with a preserved historic center.
Neither town is a place for a packed checklist. Poulsbo works for a walk along the waterfront and a slow afternoon. Port Gamble works for a short stop in a village with a preserved historic center. If you want the wider picture of a day out from the city, see our Seattle day trips.
Day trips and tours around Bainbridge Island
Guided days out around Seattle, Bainbridge Island and the Kitsap Peninsula, with live prices and availability.
Poulsbo: Little Norway
A Scandinavian town on the water.
How the town began
Norwegian immigrant Jorgen Eliason and other Scandinavian settlers arrived here in the 1880s. Poulsbo was incorporated as a town in 1908. The nickname Little Norway comes from that heritage.
Older roots
The Suquamish lived on these shores long before European settlers came. Poulsbo's story did not start with the Norwegians, and the land was never empty. For the people who have lived here for generations, see our guide to Suquamish.
What a visit looks like
Poulsbo is a waterfront town, with boats in the marina and a promenade along the harbor. Plan it as a relaxed stop: a walk by the water, time in the town center and a meal. Opening hours of individual shops and cafes vary, so do not rely on a fixed schedule, especially on Sundays and holidays.
Port Gamble: a former mill town
Port Gamble was founded in 1853 by William Talbot and Andrew Pope as a sawmill town. The historic part of the village is a National Historic Landmark. The mill closed in 1995, so you will not see a working sawmill. What remains is the historic townscape, which is the reason to stop.
The old buildings sit among tall evergreens, and the village is small enough to walk in an hour or two. Check the current opening hours and admission for any museum or shop before you go, as these change and are set by the individual operators.
Getting there from Bainbridge Island and Seattle
By car or by bus.
From Seattle
Take the Washington State Ferries boat from Seattle to Bainbridge Island. Foot passengers pay in Seattle: the adult fare was $11.35 in autumn 2026, and paying by card adds 3 percent since 1 March 2026. Vehicle fares are charged in both directions. Check the current timetable before you go. More in our ferry guide.
By car
From the Bainbridge ferry terminal, Port Gamble is about 35 minutes by car, and Poulsbo to Port Gamble is about 15 minutes. These are rough estimates, so add time for traffic. Use a current map for the exact route.
By bus
Kitsap Transit route 390 runs daily from the Bainbridge ferry terminal to the North Viking Transit Center in Poulsbo (timetable valid from 13 September 2026). The transit center is not right next to every sight in the old town, so allow for a short walk. Buses connect with the ferries, but a late bus does not hold a boat. Port Gamble is easier by car.
Plan the day
A sensible order is the ferry to Bainbridge, Poulsbo in the middle of the day, then Port Gamble, and back to the terminal in good time for your boat. For the full picture of transport to the island, see getting there.
More to explore
Other places to add to your day.
Poulsbo and Port Gamble: frequently asked questions
Is Port Gamble still a working mill town?
No. The mill closed in 1995. The village is a preserved historic town, and the historic part is a National Historic Landmark. You will not see a producing sawmill.
How far is Port Gamble from the Bainbridge ferry terminal?
About 35 minutes by car, and about 15 minutes from Poulsbo. Treat these as rough estimates and add time for traffic.
Can I reach Poulsbo without a car?
Yes. Kitsap Transit route 390 runs daily from the Bainbridge ferry terminal to the North Viking Transit Center in Poulsbo. Port Gamble is much easier with a car.
Why is Poulsbo called Little Norway?
Norwegian and other Scandinavian settlers came here from the 1880s, and the town keeps that heritage. The Suquamish lived in the area long before them.
When was Poulsbo founded?
Scandinavian settlers arrived in the 1880s, and Poulsbo was incorporated as a town in 1908. Port Gamble is older: it was founded in 1853 as a sawmill town.