Alaska's 'Little Norway' Is An Underrated Gem Full Of Culture And Scenic Kayaking

Simply put, Alaska is enormous. Two cities might appear close together on a map, when really they're a 10-hour drive apart. That's the case with Juneau (Alaska's capital) and Petersburg, a coastal town on the state's Mitkof Island (one of many islands). Over the years, it's earned the nickname "Little Norway," most likely as a tribute to Peter Buschmann, the Norwegian settler and fisherman who opened a cannery here in the late 1800s which many credit with growing Petersburg into a fishing village.

Today, Petersburg locals continue to celebrate the "Little Norway" concept. The town hosts an annual Little Norway festival and maintains its status as an active fishing village and port. Visitors can enjoy all the fishing Petersburg has to offer along with some of the best scenery that nature and community alike provide, making it a must-see place in Alaska for first-time visitors. In many ways, Petersburg truly does resemble Norway. Its location along the Wrangel Narrows mirrors Norway's own historic fishing villages which sit along fjords and narrow waterways.

Long before Petersburg earned its name, the area was (and still is) home to the indigenous Tlingit people, who have their own fishing practices. In fact, Petersburg's Indigenous name, "Séet Ká Kwáan," means "people of the fast-moving waters." Indigenous communities account for at least 10% of Petersburg's population. Visitors are encouraged to acknowledge and respect their history, lineage, and contributions to the land, as observed locally through Indigenous festivals and the presence of millennia-old native art and fishing traps.

It might seem unnatural to imagine a town bustling with culture when hearing the words "fishing village." In reality, Petersburg is full of culture, especially during the Little Norway Festival. It's a celebration of Norwegian culture where participants are treated to traditional dress, foods, and dances as the event plays out. Year-round, however, tributes are paid to Nordic culture throughout the town, including with the name of a main road that runs along its waterfront (Nordic Drive, north and south).

Petersburg's "downtown" is essentially its waterfront district and is impressively well-appointed for its small size. Though it only spans a few blocks, it houses bars, multiple restaurants (some of which are only open seasonally, so be aware of dining challenges in Alaska), an art gallery, and a memorial museum. Patrons can purchase native art, apparel, and gifts from the neighborhood's Cedar Box shop and learn about Petersburg's indigenous presence from the Petersburg Indian Association.

Beyond the confines of the waterfront district lies the stunning scenery that Petersburg offers. Here, visitors have the opportunity to learn more about the area's native history with Indigenous Adventures, a Tlingit-owned outdoor charter company that hosts fishing and whale-watching outings. The water offers some of the best views of Petersburg's wildlife and natural beauty. That helps explain the wide range of paddling tours along the area's creeks, sounds, and glaciers from local kayak companies. Petersburg also has plenty of nature-watching by foot. The Nature Boardwalk Trail, for instance, is endorsed by Audubon Alaska for offering some of the state's best bird-watching.

Now, for the million-dollar question: Can you see the Northern Lights in Petersburg? The short answer is yes. Here's the catch, though. You have to know the best time to visit Alaska for views of the Northern Lights (or anything else it has to offer, really, like all the outdoor activities). For the Northern Lights, the ideal months are the end of August through mid-April, when there's more darkness. Of course, that means skipping a visit in the late spring and summer, when the weather is the mildest and most ideal for hiking and kayaking. Remember, much of Petersburg's tourist economy is seasonal, so always check to see what's available in terms of lodging that time of year.

When lodging is available, there are several options in Petersburg. Within the waterfront district, Scandia House receives good reviews (rates hover around $145/night in the summer). Just outside of that district (a two-minute drive) is the Nordic House, where rates start at $200/night.

Part of what makes Petersburg such a gem is the lack of easy access to it. There's no way to drive to Petersburg, so only boats and aircraft can reach it. Alaska Airlines services flights to Petersburg James A. Johnson Airport and the Alaska Marine Highway System offers ferries to Petersburg. However, service can be intermittent, so check schedules in advance. Waterways to Petersburg are too small for major cruise liners, though some smaller ships (usually those with a maximum of 200 passengers) do stop there.