If you ever wanted to experience Denmark but can only travel as far as California, boy do I have the town for you! Solvang is known as one of the prettiest towns in California, with a unique history and an old-world charm. From exciting festivals to ostrich farms, Solvang has something for everyone.
Solvang is known for being the Danish capital of America. Solvang is also famous for its wide selection of bakeries and unique artisanal shops. Solvang’s fabulous year-round weather, dedication to Danish culture, and stunning architecture make it the perfect European escape without leaving the States!
Let’s walk through the 16 things that make Solvang one of the neatest towns in California.
Table of Contents
1. Danish Capital of America
Solvang was established in 1911 by three Danish educators who wanted to create a Danish community in the United States far away from harsh Midwestern winters. They settled on a beautiful 9,000 acres of land in the Santa Ynez Valley, just northwest of Santa Barbara.
At first, Solvang consisted of only a few buildings: a school, a church, and a college. It wasn’t until the end of World War II that the idea of creating an entirely Danish village was born.
The town was redesigned to replicate an authentic Danish village, focusing on architecture and promoting Danish pride.
Nicknamed the “Danish Capital of America”, Solvang’s current population is slightly over 6,000 according to the 2020 census. However, the small town sees over one million people every year!
2. Danish delights
When wandering the streets of Solvang, it’s important not to get too distracted by the tantalizing smells of freshly baked goods, or else your wallet will be empty before noon!
Solvang is famous for its authentic Danish food. It’s especially known for its world-famous aebleskiver, a spherical Danish snack made from fried batter.
The name directly translates to “apple slices”, although not every aebleskiver contains apples. Its crust is similar to that of a crispy pancake with a fluffy interior that’ll melt in your mouth.
Danish Mill Bakery is one of the many famous bakeries in town. It’s owned and operated by the Petersen family and is most well-known for providing baked goods for King Christian X in Copenhagen!
Not feeling sweets? Solvang has a plethora of fantastic bites. Visitors are encouraged to try Danish sausage medisterpole, a sweet Danish pork sausage filled with incredible spices.
Since Solvang is located in the Santa Ynez Valley, famous for hundreds of wineries, there are many tasting rooms to try out. Say skål as you say cheers with a Danish red lager or drink a selection from one of the 125 vineyards in the area!
3. Famous people
With such a small population, it’s fascinating to learn that Solvang has a handful of notable people who used to call it home.
Ska-punk band Mad Caddies members hail from Solvang. They even formed their band in town!
Professional cyclist Alison Tetrick was born in Solvang. She’s most known for riding in the 2014 UCI Road World Championships. After cycling around the world, Tetrick made her way back to Solvang, where she currently resides.
Al Gionfriddo, a hero for the Brooklyn Dodgers in the 1947 World Series, lived and, sadly, died in Solvang. Gionfriddo is most famous for his daring catch during the World Series, where he raced across the field and caught an important ball right before crashing into the bullpen gate.
Not every notable person from Solvang is famous for the right reasons. Serial killer Thor Nis Christiansen grew up in Solvang before going on to take the lives of many around the Santa Barbara area. Fortunately, he was caught and placed in Folsom Prison, where he carried out the rest of his days.
4. Name of the game
It’s no secret that Solvang is stunning. There’s never a bad day with its consistent sunny skies and quaint scenery. It was even named one of the “10 Best Small Towns in California” by Travel + Leisure Magazine.
Solvang was named aptly, as it directly translates to “sunny field.” In a town swarmed by sunshine, it’s the perfect spot for golf lovers.
Solvang has five nearby golf courses and an excellent climate year-round, so you can pretty much golf here almost every day.
Alisal River Course is one of the most famous golf courses in Solvang. It’s a jaw-dropping fairway on the banks of the Santa Ynez River with the Santa Ynez Mountains in the background. Golfers journey past four lakes and can find shade underneath the various oaks, sycamores, and elderberry trees.
Rancho San Marcos Golf Course boasts that it is “golf the way it used to be.” With miles of open land and perfectly polished fairways, golfers can enjoy the new 18-hole course.
Other well-known courses include La Purisima and Zaca Creek.
5. Shop ‘til you drop
I know I’m not unique in saying this, but I LOVE shopping, especially in mom-and-pop shops. Finding a perfect trinket, a cute vintage shirt, or a unique art piece that will have you respond with “oh, I got it in a little shop” when your friends ask you where you bought it.
Solvang is flooded with one-of-a-kind boutique shops full of treasures. On top of that, every Wednesday there’s a Farmer’s Market that features fresh produce, flowers, and food.
Gaveaesken is one of Solvang’s famous boutiques. They specialize in Scandinavian, European, and American gifts. With products ranging from Canadian pottery to Finnish Itaala glass, and more it’s the ideal spot to shop for accenting home goods.
The Mystic Merchant is a fan favorite, specializing in crystals and minerals from all over the world. If you’re done looking at the finely crafted jewelry and spiritual books, get an intuitive palm reading or aura imaging photo instead!
Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolates Inc. is a staple of Solvang and has been for over 60 years. Chocolate lovers can delight in the handcrafted, traditional Danish recipes created daily. Pick up some chocolate treats and head to one of the many bookshops around town for the perfect afternoon.
Perhaps my favorite shop in Solvang is Jule Hus. If you’re like me and wish that Christmas joy didn’t have to end after December, then you’ll love this year-round Christmas shop!
For over 50 years, Jule Hus has brought the best of old-world traditional decorations to Solvang. There are numerous blown glass ornaments, delightful wooden nutcrackers, and many Scandinavian decorations. Who says you can’t buy Christmas decorations in June?
6. Come one, come all!
Solvang is the perfect weekend getaway, full of rich history, otherworldly charm, and countless things to do. People especially flock to Solvang to enjoy authentic Danish food made with love and served in friendly, exciting restaurants.
With its 548 businesses, Solvang’s leading industry is accommodation and food services. In 2022, Solvang’s other leading industries also include health care, banking, and finance.
7. Little Mermaid
Copenhagen’s most popular tourist destination is a statue of the Little Mermaid, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s character from a short story of the same name.
While Disney’s Little Mermaid had a happy ending, this Little Mermaid commemorates the tragic tale of a woman who has a hopeless love for a prince. In the end, she doesn’t get to live happily ever after and turns into cold sea foam. Her melancholic look is haunting, leaving onlookers to feel her pain of unrequited love.
In 1976, as a bicentennial gift to the city of Solvang, a half-sized bronze replica of the original statue was erected in Denmarket Square as a civic symbol of America’s “Little Denmark.”
It’s the only replica statue authorized by the heirs of the original sculptor, Edvard Eriksen! The replica is so important to the town of Solvang that it’s the logo of the city.
8. Hans Christian Andersen Museum
Famous writer Hans Christian Andersen is thought of as the Shakespeare of Denmark with his countless, complex tales exploring universal feelings.
Solvang is famous for having the only museum dedicated to Andersen in the United States. It’s tucked away on the second floor of The Book Loft, a hidden gem for wanderers to stumble upon.
The museum focuses on his life and work. Visitors can view his world-loved stories like The Ugly Duckling, The Little Mermaid, and The Emperor’s New Clothes.
The museum also showcases his friendship with singer Jenny Lind. Andersen’s deep love for Lind was widely known, though it wasn’t returned. He channeled his emotions into his story The Nightingale, in honor of her stage name.
One of the most beautiful parts of the museum is the collection of Andersen’s paper cuttings. He would cut folded paper, like when creating a snowflake, while telling tales. As his story furthered, he cut more and more so that by the end, he’d open the paper up and reveal a poetic scene in paper lace.
9. Royalty
As the United States’ most famous Danish town, Solvang receives many visits from Danish royalty.
In 1939, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Ingrid came to Solvang to attend a Good Friday service, visit the college, and be honored by the town at a reception.
In 1960, Princess Margrethe visited Solvang to attend several functions and tour downtown. A few years later in 1976, she returned as Queen, accompanied by her husband, Prince Consort Henrik of Denmark.
The most exciting visit was when Prince Henrik returned on June 11th, 2011 to celebrate the city’s centennial and reaffirm the historical, cultural, and business ties between Denmark and Solvang.
Coincidentally, June 11th is the Prince’s birthday as well. The town celebrated 100 years with the Prince on his 77th birthday! Prince Henrik expressed gratitude towards the residents of Solvang, honoring those “who have made a new home without forgetting the old nation of their ancestors.”
10. Festival fun
Solvang’s rich culture and warm spirits give way to an abundance of well-known, fun festivals.
Solvang is most famous for Danish Days, California’s #1 Danish festival, which started in 1936 and has been running strong ever since.
It first started as a way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Solvang and has grown into a celebration of Solvang’s heritage equipped with authentic food, music, dance, parades, and more.
Head over to the ax-throwing station to get some anger out. Grab a spot in one of the many food-eating contests if you’re feeling lucky. Stumble upon a Hans Christian Andersen impersonator for all of your burning questions. Or wait eagerly to hear who has been chosen as the Danish Maid of the year.
Solvang Grape Stomp is another fan-favorite festival. Established in 2018, festival attendees can stomp grapes barefoot in vats and sample wines from local vineyards.
If you’ve ever seen the TV show I Love Lucy, you might remember the famous grape stomping episode. In honor of that iconic moment, people dress up like Lucy or Ricky Ricardo for a look-alike contest. All “Solvang-Stompers” can enjoy live music, an “I Love Rosé” lounge, and more!
Other festivals include Taste of Solvang, where 30+ businesses offer bite-sized tastings along the Tasting Trail, and Julefest, a holiday celebration full of dancing ballerinas, candlelit strolls, and the annual tree lighting ceremony.
11. Theater
Solvang is famous for its beautiful, community-built outdoor theater.
Constructed in the 1970s, the theater started as a passion project to attract visitors and enrich the lives of residents. With the community’s full support, builders worked around the clock to complete the 700-seat amphitheater in only 58 days!
The mission of Solvang Theater soon became clear. According to their website, they aim to “connect and enrich the community while encouraging the understanding, learning, and appreciation of diverse ideas and cultures”.
The theater serves as a summer home for the professional theater company PCPA, which puts on countless productions like Beauty and The Beast, which I was lucky enough to see a few years ago.
Sitting high up, nestled in by the warm summer breeze and captured by the voices of actors bouncing off the acoustics, I immediately fell in love with this performance space. I can’t recommend seeing a production here enough!
Nearly 53 years later, the Solvang Theater is the only performing arts facility of its kind on the Central Coast, providing moving, fun, exciting entertainment for more than 40,000 patrons annually and generating an estimated $1 million for local businesses.
12. Windmills
Solvang wouldn’t really be a Danish town if it didn’t have windmills, would it?
There are five windmills throughout Solvang, four of which are located within four blocks of each other. While only one functions as an actual mill, the others house businesses like ice cream shops, tasting rooms, and brewing companies.
First built in 1922, the windmills add a charming quirk to the town’s atmosphere and have become a favorite photo destination among tourists (peep my friend and me above). The brightly colored buildings add to the idyllic, quaint atmosphere of Solvang.
13. Location, location, location!
What happens when Hollywood needs to film in a Danish town? They head to Solvang, of course!
Solvang is known for being the spot to film if traveling to Europe is out of the question. Solvang has been the setting in many TV shows including Travels with Darley on PBS and Vanderpump Rules on Bravo, which had an iconic three-episode arc of the girl’s getaway.
Aside from television, numerous movies have used Solvang as a set location. Most famous is Sideways, a unique character study set in wine country that showcases many notable areas of Solvang.
Other films such as the horror flick Homicidal by cult film director William Castle, and The Unseen used the town in several iconic scenes.
14. Horsin’ around
One of the best things to do in Solvang is to catch a ride on the famous Solvang Trolley, also known as Honen (“the hen” in Danish). It was first designed in 1964 as a way to pick up shoppers from the Lutheran Home and take them to Nielsen’s Market.
By 1973, it was made available to visitors as a way to tour the town. Today, visitors can enjoy the 25-minute tour around downtown with guided audio.
Vino Vaqueros Horseback Riding is another famous horse attraction in Solvang. Guests enjoy a private, guided horseback ride through the gorgeous countryside, touring Estelle Vineyards, and sampling wine through the Ride and Wine package.
One patron on Tripadvisor reviewed the intimate experience, writing that it was “like you’re being shown around a gorgeous property by a friend”. With countless glowing reviews, this is a must-do in Solvang!
15. Ostrich farm
If you’re looking for a unique adventure during your time in Solvang, look no further than OstrichLand USA.
I’ll admit, I’ve been to OstrichLand and it does not disappoint. It’s pretty barren, you couldn’t really call it a zoo, with large patches of dirt and thin metal gates separating you from the big birds.
You can purchase ostrich and emu food and feed them with your hand! The gift shop has tons of ostrich-themed merch, including ostrich eggs and meat for sale (don’t worry, it’s not meat from birds on the farm).
16. Santa Ines Mission
Santa Ines Mission, built in 1802, is the 19th mission in California. It was created as a way to introduce the Spanish way of life to the Chumash tribe who occupied the Santa Ynez Valley.
Over the years, the Santa Ines Mission saw many hardships, including the great earthquake of 1812 and the Chumash revolt of 1824.
Now, the mission sees many tourists who attend religious services, educational classes, or just walk about the garden.
Wrap up
Though Solvang is small, it’s mighty. I’ve never met someone who didn’t have a positive thing to say about their time in the Danish town. With loads of things to do, so much beauty to take in, and perhaps too much food to eat, Solvang is the place to be.
Have you been to Solvang? Let us know in the comments below!
