The charming town of Solvang is located in the Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County in California. It is often referred to as the “Danish Capital of America”. With its traditional architecture and replicas of monuments in Denmark, it feels like being transported to Europe.
Danish Founders
Solvang was founded in 1911 by Danish immigrants, Solvang was established to create a Danish community far from the harsh Midwestern winters. The town’s name, “Solvang,” means “sunny field” in Danish, reflecting its picturesque setting. The Danish-Americans were seeking a place with fertile land and a warmer climate than the harsh Midwestern winters many Danes had settled in.
Danish-Themed Architecture
Solvang is renowned for its Danish-style buildings, including windmills, thatched roofs, and half-timbered houses. Notable landmarks include the Mission Santa Inés, a historic mission dating back to 1804, and the Bethania Lutheran Church, which resembles a 14th-century Danish church. Solvang pays tribute to the country’s history with its own windmills. You’ll find four within four blocks of each other, and they make for popular photo opportunities for tourists.
There are also half-timbered buildings, and replicas of iconic Danish landmarks like Copenhagen’s Rundetårn (Round Tower), a re-creation of the 17th-century tower that still stands in Copenhagen, and the Little Mermaid statue, which pays tribute to the Danish author Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale of the same name..
Everything from the restaurants and shops to the public restrooms and bus stops has Denmark’s distinct bindingsvaerk architecture, making you feel like you’re in a different era — or at least outside of the US.
Bakeries and Cuisine
The town is famous for its Danish pastries, particularly aebleskiver, which are round pancake balls served with jam and powdered sugar. Many bakeries serve Danish butter cookies and restaurants offer authentic Danish dishes. Popular spots to try these treats include Solvang Restaurant and various local bakeries like Danish Mill Bakery and Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery.
Five authentic Danish bakeries are within five blocks of each other, making it extremely easy (and tempting) to indulge in the many incredible pastries on offer.
Wine Tasting
Solvang is part of the Santa Ynez Valley, a renowned wine region. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings at numerous local wineries and tasting rooms, many of which are conveniently located in downtown Solvang.
Solvang is a walkable town, making it easy for visitors to explore its charming streets and attractions on foot. The town is also a short drive from Santa Barbara, making it a convenient destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway.
All of these factors combine to make Solvang a unique cultural hub and the most prominent representation of Danish culture in the United States.
The Danish Capital of America, written by Tor Kjolberg