With charming northern European and Danish architecture, a wide variety of boutiques, shops and museums, plus top-notch restaurants and authentic Danish bakeries, the village of Solvang, California, ”The Danish Capital of America,” is a worthy destination for any traveler. Founded in 1911 by Danish immigrants, today the town is still home to many Danish residents and with its location roughly 30 miles north of Santa Barbara county, also offers the perks of the surrounding Santa Ynez Valley wine country.
Though Solvang’s downtown district is quaint and walkable, for a fun alternative, sign up for a horse-drawn carriage ride. The Solvang Trolley & Carriage Company has been in business since the 1970s and offers a laid-back way to take in the town charm while learning about the area’s Danish culture.
For a dose of culture, visit one of Solvang’s many museums, which range from art and nature to literature and Viking history. For a crash-course on Solvang’s Danish roots, check out the Elverhoj Museum of History & Art. A quiet draw, the museum focuses on the town’s history, Danish culture and the Danish-American immigrant experience.
Inside The Copenhagen House, which is located in an old bank building originally established by Danish immigrants, you’ll find the Solvang Amber & Viking Museum. Peruse an impressive collection of ancient Viking artifacts, like swords, coins and arrowheads, plus amber antiques and artifacts, including some that date back 80 million years. The Wildling Museum of Art & Nature blends diverse works of art with natural themes like dunes, fire and ice.
Book lovers won’t want to miss the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, an endearing homage to the life and works of the renowned Danish fairytale author. Stop in The Book Loft, an independent bookshop located above the museum for a collection of Nordic-focused books on the hygge lifestyle, Viking history, recipes, mythology and more.
Love architecture? Head over to the Bethania Lutheran Church on Atterdag Road; it’s one of the oldest structures in Solvang.
Next to The Copenhagen House, you’ll find Aebleskiver. Here you’ll find Aebleskiver (a sphere-shaped Danish fried pancake), plus handmade ice cream.
One of the newest members of Solvang’s restaurant scene, Campo del Sol offers Mexican fare in a buzzy space often filled with the sounds of live Mariachi. At PARc Place, a shopping and dining hub, check out the wine tasting rooms for Alma Rosa Winery, McClain Cellars, Dascomb Cellars and Cordon of Santa Barbara, plus sweet treats at Via Gelateria and dairy items at Cailloux Cheese Shop.
Peasants Feast serves plus chef’s daily specials like mussels in a spicy Thai curry sauce and local halibut tacos. Its sister venture, Peasants Deli & Market, offers great takeaway options for any wine-country lunch trip.
Newer additions to the town’s food science, and other standouts, include Ramen Kotori and Coast Range & Vaquero Bar, for high-end fare and a hot bar scene. Good Seed Coffee Roasters offers not just a great cup of joe, but quality gluten-free and vegan baked goods. For a trendy breakfast spot, try Brekkie’s by Chomp, which serves up Danish-style pancakes, French toast, egg plates, and Mexican breakfast fare.
European expat-owned Arrowsmith’s Wine Bar offers a dynamic mix of local and international wines and beers, with an accompanying menu of small bites. High Roller Tiki Lounge features tiki-style drinks including the “Suffering Scandinavian” made with a wine base. The kitschy bar is owned and decorated by a Disneyland alum. In addition to over 20 wine-tasting rooms and bars downtown, Solvang also boasts its own vineyard settings Buttonwood Farm Winery & Vineyard and Rusack Vineyards.
Bakeries are a category all their own in Solvang. In all, the town has five Danish bakeries, referred to as the “fab five.” Birkholm’s Bakery & Cafe is now 71 years old and offers fresh breads, sandwiches, salads and more. Opt for Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery for a slice of butter-ring coffee cake, Scandinavian dark limpa bread and more. Danish Mill Bakery, Mortensen’s Danish Bakery and Solvang Bakery are other popular options.
The holidays are a great time to visit Solvang, with Julefest running from late November to early January each year. A tree-lighting ceremony in Solvang Park and a parade the first week of December, plus visits from Santa, a nativity pageant and candlelight tours are all at play this time of year. For the foodie, holiday food tours are a popular draw.
Since 1936, the annual Danish Days festival has been a time of celebrating and learning about Danish heritage and culture. Held in September annually, the city packs dancing, eating contests, live music, a parade and more into the three-day festival.
Book your stay at Best Western Plus South Coast Inn.
