Solvang

Solvang is in the Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County in Southern California. The city is Danish-themed as if it were the Danishland section of Disneyland, since it was founded by Danish immigrants and quite a few Danish descendants live here. While the tourism industry does try to import genuine Danish culture and architecture, it can be just skin deep. If you have a last name that is common in Denmark, still expect the desk clerk at the hotel to be unable to spell it.

If you are vaguely interested in shops selling Danish wares, or interested in seeing Americans pretending to be Danish, by all means visit.

History
Nestled in California's Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang boasts a rich Danish heritage. Its history unfolds in two distinct chapters: the land's beginnings and the Danish settlement that transformed it.

The story starts in 1804, when the land witnessed the founding of Mission Santa Inés by Spanish missionaries led by Esteban Tápis. Named after Saint Agnes of Rome, a small community called "Santa Inés" sprouted around the mission during the Mexican era. However, this settlement was largely abandoned after California's American Conquest.

In 1911, a new chapter began. A group of Danish Americans yearning for an escape from harsh Midwestern winters set their sights on California's sunny climes. They purchased nearly 9,000 acres of land, the former Rancho San Carlos de Jonata, and christened their new community Solvang, a name that translates to "sunny fields" in Danish. Their vision was to establish a haven that echoed their Danish roots.

The early years were dedicated to building a self-sufficient community. Construction began with irrigation systems and farms, laying the groundwork for a thriving agricultural base. This was followed by the establishment of Atterdag College in 1914, a testament to the importance of education for the settlers. The Bethania Lutheran Church, built in 1928, marked a turning point. It was the first building to incorporate traditional Danish architecture, featuring a design that echoed the half-timbered facades and red-tiled roofs characteristic of their homeland. Inspired by this, residential architecture began to follow suit in the 1930s, transforming Solvang's landscape with charming Danish-style homes.

The full metamorphosis into a "Danish Village" unfolded after World War II. With renewed focus on promoting Danish culture and heritage, Solvang's architecture underwent a significant shift in 1946. The town's main street was renamed Copenhagen Drive, and a unified aesthetic approach was adopted. Buildings donned facades that mimicked traditional Danish half-timbered structures, and even faux storks, a symbol of good luck in Danish culture, began appearing on rooftops. This dedication to preserving their heritage paid off. Solvang gained national recognition in 1947 with a feature in the Saturday Evening Post, and over time, blossomed into a popular tourist destination known as the "Danish Capital of America."

Today, Solvang stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of its Danish founders. Visitors can immerse themselves in a unique cultural experience, strolling through streets lined with Danish architecture, indulging in delectable pastries at traditional bakeries, browsing shops brimming with imported goods, and perhaps even experiencing the vibrant energy of Danish Days, an annual celebration that brings Danish culture to life.

Culture
Solvang's culture is a delightful tapestry woven from its Danish heritage and infused with the Californian sunshine. Stepping into Solvang is like being transported to a quaint Danish village, a complete departure from the surrounding Californian landscape.
 * Architectural Enchantment: Half-timbered buildings with splashes of vibrant colors line the streets. Thatched roofs, reminiscent of storybook illustrations, add to the whimsical charm. Windmills, a symbolic nod to Denmark's agricultural history, dot the landscape, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for strolls and photos.
 * A Culinary Journey: Danish bakeries are a cornerstone of Solvang's culture. The aroma of freshly baked goods like aebleskiver (spherical pancakes dusted with powdered sugar) and frikadeller (savory meatballs) is enough to make anyone's mouth water. Restaurants invite you to delve deeper with smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches piled high with meats, cheeses, and pickled vegetables) and flæskesteg (crispy roasted pork belly with crackling skin) – a true taste of Denmark on a plate.
 * Celebrating Traditions: Solvang's calendar overflows with events that bring Danish culture to life. The crown jewel is undoubtedly Solvang Danish Days, a vibrant festival spanning over a week. Immerse yourself in the lively music and traditional dances, savor the flavors of authentic Danish cuisine, and witness demonstrations of age-old folk art like paper cutting and rosemaling (decorative painting). Storytelling sessions keep the cultural traditions alive, transporting you back to Denmark's rich past.
 * Treasures Beyond Food: Museums like the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art offer a fascinating glimpse into Solvang's Danish roots and the broader history of the region. Delve deeper into specific areas of interest at the Solvang Viking Museum, or explore the world of fairytales at the Hans Christian Andersen Museum.
 * Shopping Spree with a Danish Twist: Solvang's shops are a treasure trove for anyone seeking a piece of Denmark.  Browse through racks overflowing with hand-knitted sweaters, a perfect souvenir to keep you warm. Find whimsical trolls waiting to be adopted as lucky charms.  Indulge in your cheese cravings with imported Danish cheeses, and take home beautiful ceramic pieces that will add a touch of Danish flair to your home decor.

Solvang's culture is a vibrant fusion of the old and the new, the traditional and the contemporary. It's a place where you can soak in the charm of Danish heritage while basking in the Californian sunshine, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Tourist information

 * Solvang Tourism website

By car
California Route 246 is the main artery running through Solvang, where it is locally known as Mission Drive.

The fastest way to town is through California Route 154, which connects Santa Barbara and U.S. Route 101 to Los Olivos through the Cachuma Lake Recreation Area. A roundabout connects Route 154 to Route 246, passing through Santa Ynez.

An alternate route is to take Highway 101 to Buellton, where there is a direct connection to Route 246. This route is less winding compared to taking Route 154, but takes around 20-30 minutes longer.

By plane
Santa Barbara and Santa Maria are the nearest airports. Both are small; the nearest large airports are in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The Central Coast Shuttle runs daily from all three airports to nearby Buellton, where you can transfer to Santa Ynez Valley Transit buses that run to Solvang.

By train
Although Amtrak doesn't serve Solvang directly, Amtrak Thruway coaches connect the town to the train station in Santa Barbara three times daily, where the Pacific Surfliner service stops. Buses leave Santa Barbara for Solvang at 6:55AM, 2:25PM and 10:00PM, and depart Solvang for Santa Barbara at 5:15AM, 11:25AM and 2:50PM.

All buses stop in downtown Solvang at Solvang Park on Mission Drive.

By bus
The Clean Air Express connects Solvang to Goleta but is of little practical use to tourists. The bus is primarily used by residents commuting for work, with a single bus leaving Solvang for Goleta at 6:15AM, and that bus returning to Solvang from Goleta at 4:34PM.

Central Coast Shuttle runs seven times a day from Santa Maria Airport to LAX airport, with stops in Santa Barbara, Ventura and Camarillo.

Greyhound and Flixbus stop in Santa Maria and Santa Barbara.

Wine Country Express runs three times a day, weekdays, to Lompoc.

Get around
Downtown Solvang is very compact and walkable; however, it is advisable to have a car to explore the surrounding area, and because the most convenient way to get into town is by car, you are likely to have one during your visit.

Santa Ynez Valley Transit runs service throughout its namesake area. Scheduled service is provided Monday through Saturday, with dial-a-ride service provided on Sunday.

Parking throughout town is free, and even the off-the-beaten-path spaces are not too far from the action. You can also rent a surrey bike and pedal through town.

See
Keep an eye out for windmills all along the main streets. Many are shops and restaurants in thin disguise.



Buy
Downtown is full of bakeries offering pastries of all types. Be sure to splurge on a plastic tub of assorted Danish butter cookies. There are also a number of tempting candy shops offering assorted chocolates, candies, and European specialty sweets.

Toy stores also abound in the town. Many specialize in hand-crafted or Danish-style toys.



Eat
Two notable area specialties include aebleskievers (a sort of spherical pancake, often served with a raspberry jam sauce) and the smorgasbord (a Nordic-themed all-you-can-eat buffet). Both are Danish-inspired and shouldn't be missed! Most local restaurants have a version of one or the other, if not both.

Watch local menus for ostrich burgers, which taste much like hamburgers but are much leaner and lower in cholesterol.



Drink
After the hit movie Sideways, the vineyards and wineries of the Santa Ynez Valley are more famous than ever.

Go next
There are several beaches following Highway 101 South. Other California missions near Solvang include Mission La Purisima Concepcion (101 South at Lompoc), and Mission Santa Barbara (101 South to Santa Barbara).


 * Santa Barbara, approximately one hour south of Solvang, represents the quintessential California beach town.
 * Nojoqui Falls (read NAW-ho-ee) is a pleasant state park with parking and picnic facilities. A lovely 15-minute walk inclines steeply at the end but rewards the effort with a beautiful pond and waterfall.
 * Santa Ynez - Solvang's neighbor four miles to the east, Santa Ynez sits at the heart of the rural Santa Ynez valley, an area that attracts travelers to its many wineries. The valley was the setting for the 2004 film Sideways, and fans of the film are known to make pilgrimages to the inns and restaurants from the movie.
 * Buellton - Located four miles to the west, Buellton is home to several Santa Ynez Valley wineries. Visitors will also find the ostrich & emu farm interesting, with the opportunity to get up close and personal with the giant birds.