Solvang is a little Denmark in the heart of California.
Solvang is known as California’s historic Danish village, with a laid-back and relaxed environment that makes it an ideal vacation spot.
This small city is a Danish city in Santa Barbara county. And it is founded by Danish immigrants in 1911.
Solvang has a rich Danish heritage, authentic architecture and traditional windmills.
“Danish capital of America” is one of my favorite cities in CA, if not the most favorite.
You can visit the city for a single day or stay for a weekend.
Though, I’ve been to Solvang twice, both times were during the Covid 19 pandemic , so there weren’t that much activities that you can find in a normal conditions.
So we couldn’t visit the must see places in the city. For example, The Elverhoj Museum of History & Art, The Hans Christian Andersen Museum, The Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum, Wildling Museum of Art and Nature, Solvang Amber Museum or just taking a town tour by horse drawn carriage.
Solvang is 2.5 hours south of Los Angeles and 4.5 hours north of San Francisco.
Usually people traveling to this city combine the trip with Santa Barbara.
This small city has more than 35 restaurants and 18 hotels.
Wineries are also well-known here. If you enjoy wine, Santa Barbara County is the place to visit. Despite the fact that Santa Barbara County has around 300 wineries, this Danish city made it easy for us to limit ourselves to only 20.
A number of Danish icons can be seen while wandering down Mission Drive, the town’s main boulevard. For example, Little Mermaid Fountain, Five Windmills, the Giant Red Clog & Round Tower.
From cobblers selling colorful boots to handmade Christmas castles, the village of Solvang seemed to have everything you could possibly need.
Buildings have Danish architecture, eateries provide Danish food, businesses sell Danish style items, a few huge sandals can be spotted in town, fake birds hang out around chimney, and there are, of course, multiple windmills all across the area, making it the Danish Capital of California.
As soon as you arrive at Solvang, you will be transported to another world.
From the Los Angeles region, this city is a great day excursion. Solvang is one of our favorite Southern California spots, with so much to see and so many places to try.
Solvang is loved by shopping lovers too, because there are about 150 boutique shops waiting for you.
10 things to do in Solvang
- The Windmills
In Solvang, there are five windmills in various sites. Four of these wooden constructions are placed in the city’s four blocks, while the fifth is in a residential neighborhood.
2. Wine Tasting
Here are most visited wineries that you should visit throughout your trip.
- Sevtap Winery Tasting room
- Sanger Family of Wines
- Rusack Vineyards
3. Hans Christian Anderson Museum
It’s on the second floor of the city’s most famous bookstore, The Book Loft, which is worth a visit in and of itself.
4. Wildling Museum of Art and Nature
Its mission is to motivate others to care about wildlife and natural habitats, and most people believe it has succeeded.
5. Horse-Drawn Carriages Tour
6. Elverhoj Museum of History and Art
It is a community-based museum dedicated to showcasing the true heritage of Danish-American pioneers, Denmark’s history, and the Danish people’s vibrant and passionate cultural passion.
7. Boutique Shopping
Explore high-end stores, European goods, and art galleries while strolling in the Danish village of Solvang and making unforgettable memories.
8. Entertainment
Live bands and solo musicians perform in wine and beer tasting rooms.
9. Bethania Lutheran Church
The Bethania Evangelical Lutheran Church, which was built in 1928 in the country-region architectural style of Denmark’s Bishop Grundtvig churches.
10. Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum
The Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum houses 95 of the most highly prized vintage and classic motorcycles that few people will ever see.
Where to eat in Solvang
Here are the most popular and loved eateries of the town.
- Cafe Dolce: 475 First St, Solvang, CA
- Belgian Cafe: 1671 Copenhagen Dr.
- Birkholm’s Bakery&Cafe: 460 Alisal Road
- Bit O’ Denmark: 473 Alisal Road
- Copenhagen Sausage Garden: 1660 Copenhagen Dr
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