35 Cities That Feel Like a Different Country Without Leaving the U.S.

25. Astoria, Oregon – A Taste of Scandinavia by the Sea

Perched at the mouth of the Columbia River where it meets the Pacific Ocean, Astoria, Oregon, is a misty, maritime town that feels like a Nordic village by the sea. Known for its strong Finnish and Norwegian heritage, this historic port city was once a thriving hub for Scandinavian fishermen who brought with them a rich cultural legacy that continues to shape life in Astoria today. The town’s weathered clapboard houses, maritime museums, and seafaring traditions echo the coastal towns of Norway or Finland. You’ll find smoked salmon, pickled herring, and buttery lefse in local cafés and shops, and don’t be surprised to hear a Scandinavian language spoken by older generations at community centers or during family gatherings. The heritage is proudly celebrated each June at the Scandinavian Midsummer Festival—a lively event filled with traditional folk music, maypole dances, Viking reenactments, and craft markets featuring Nordic woolens, wood carvings, and holiday ornaments.