7 U.S. Destinations That Capture Norway’s Charm

The US is a unique melting pot of cultures from around the world. As immigrants from various countries made America their home, they brought with them their unique cultures, traditions, and ways of life.

While the US and its population is ever-changing, many of these original immigrant influences have been preserved in towns across the country. With Scandinavian art, architecture, and cuisine, places like Norway aren’t nearly as far as they seem.

In addition to the unique cultural hubs in the US, several of America’s natural landscapes bear a striking resemblance to the Nordic region, with glaciers, fjords, mountains, and alpine lakes that feel far removed from the standard US “look.”

Whether looking to experience the best natural attractions in Norway or hoping to get a peek of historic Scandinavian towns, here are seven places in the US that feel just like Norway.

7

Kenai Fjords National Park

Alaska

For those looking to experience the natural wonders of Norway a little closer to home, look no further than this Alaskan national park. Kenai Fjords National Park is the most underrated national park in America, and an excellent state-side dupe for Norway.

Thanks to their similar positions on the Earth’s longitudes, both Norway and Kenai Fjords National Park feature similar formations, including massive glaciers. Norway has over 2,500 glaciers, and while Kenai Fjords doesn’t have quite that many, it manages to have 35 named glaciers in its small bounds.

Additionally, dramatic fjords and unique wildlife can be found throughout both Kenai Fjords and Norway, creating similar remote outdoor experiences perfect for nature lovers.

6

Poulsbo

Washington

Dubbed the “Norway of the Pacific Northwest”, Poulsbo, Washington is an idyllic mix of small-town charm and European scenery. Not far from the big city of Seattle, Poulsbo features strong Scandinavian influences in both its culture and appearance.

A waterfront town, the ports of Poulsbo are reminiscent of the small fishing towns of Norway, complete with foggy shorelines and gently swaying paddleboats.

Poulsbo was originally settled by Norwegian immigrants in the 1880s, and those roots have been well preserved in bakeries, architecture, and art throughout the town.

Whether exploring the Viking-inspired murals or sipping some Scandinavian brew, Poulsbo looks and feels just like Norway in America.

5

Sisters

Oregon

Oregon is full of underrated mountain towns, including Sisters, which also happens to be one of the best ways to experience Norway in the US.

Situated squarely between the outdoor adventure town of Bend and the hip college center that is Eugene, Sisters, Oregon is a bit of a blink-and-you-miss-it experience. For those who are paying attention, however, Sisters is just like Norway, especially in winter.

Similar to Norway, Sisters is full of public art, including large statues in the town’s roundabouts. Surrounding the town, snow-capped peaks covered in evergreens create an atmosphere similar to Norway’s rolling landscape.

4

Washington Island

Wisconsin

A nation of immigrants, European influences can be felt all across the country. This is particularly apparent in the Norway of Wisconsin, Washington Island, where Viking influences from early Norwegian settlers still dominate the town.

Great care has been taken throughout the island to preserve historic buildings and build new structures that follow the same Scandinavian architecture style.

Surrounded by water, the scenery on Washington Island feels like Norway year-round, with warm summer days and snowy winter nights illuminated by the Northern Lights.

With such a strong Norwegian history, the residents of Washington Island have also worked hard to preserve the culture and traditions of their European ancestors.

3

Voyageurs National Park

Minnesota

If Norway is on the bucket list specifically for a perfect view of the Northern Lights, then opting for the far closer Voyageurs National Park may be the ideal alternative.

An often overlooked national park, Voyageurs offers incredible Northern Lights displays that even Norway would be jealous of. Aurora Borealis is most commonly seen in Iceland, Finland, Canada, and, of course, Norway, but the US has several remote areas with common displays as well.

The peak season for the Aurora is December through March, making it the best time to visit Voyageurs National Park. The remote Minnesota destination is also ideal for stargazing, and while the constellations might look a little different from those in Norway, the views are equally breathtaking.

2

Decorah

Iowa

The Midwest has a variety of towns with strong Nordic and Scandinavian ties, as immigrants who made their way to the US were drawn to areas with similar climates and landscapes to their home countries.

Decorah, Iowa is a prime example of this influence, and the entire town serves as a celebration for Norwegian immigrants in the US. The Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah is the largest museum in the US dedicated to a single immigrant group, and displays artifacts, historic architecture, and paintings.

If that wasn’t enough, the annual Nordic Fest celebrates the town’s Norwegian ties with a day of cultural dances, food, and arts. Surrounded by the same types of landscapes that appealed to the Norwegian immigrants, Decorah, Iowa feels just like Norway.

1

Glacier National Park

Montana

Over two-thirds of Norway is still in its natural state, unaltered by human developments, so some of the best places in the US to experience Norway are its national parks.

Glacier National Park is one of the few places in the contiguous United States where active glaciers can still be found, and they are a great way to experience the wonder of Norway on a smaller, more local scale.

Amongst the glaciers are towering mountains topped with snow, much like the wild landscapes of Norway. While Glacier National Park doesn’t have the coastal fjords of Norway, the alpine lakes and deep valleys are a great insight into inland Norway.

References: Britannica; US Census; National Park Service