Solvang
Discover 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.
What to Experience in Solvang
Taste of Solvang...
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. After the hit movie Sideways, the vineyards and wineries of the Santa Ynez Valley are more famous than ever. 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).
Culture & Religion
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. 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. 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.
A Rich Past
Explore the historical roots that shaped Solvang into what it is today.
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....
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsCalifornia 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. 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....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting 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. Keep an eye out for windmills all along the main streets. Many are shops and restaurants in thin disguise. 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.
Where to Stay
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).
Money & Budget
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. 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.
Safety Information
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Solvang
A piece of Danish culture in the American west
A sign that is on the side of a building
a white building with a tower
without having been to Denmark and basing my opinion purely on the fact that Solvang is supposedly a recreation of a Danish town—the place apparently resembles
a brick building with a red door and a black roof
Lets find the great pumpkin
a black and white photo of a building
a black and white photo of a building
a sign for a restaurant with a windmill in the background
Into the cornfield
A piece of Danish culture in the American west
A sign that is on the side of a building
a white building with a tower