Discover Solvang, California: The Danish Village in Wine Country You Need to Visit

Solvang was founded in 1911 by a group of Danish-American educators who wanted to create a settlement that preserved their heritage. They bought 9,000 acres of land in the sunny Santa Ynez Valley and called it Solvang, which means "sunny field" in Danish.

In the 1940s, Danish-style architecture was introduced to reinforce the town’s identity. Over time, Solvang blossomed into a tourist destination with authentic bakeries, folk traditions, and festivals—especially Danish Days, held every September since 1936.

The town gained broader fame in 2004 after being featured in the wine-soaked road movie Sideways, which put Santa Barbara wine country—and Solvang—on the map for many travelers.

 

✨ Why Solvang Is So Special

What sets Solvang apart is its perfect blend of Old World charm and California cool. You’ll find:

• 🍷 Wine tasting rooms next to Danish bakeries
• 🛍️ Quirky boutiques and traditional wood shops
• 📸 Instagrammable architecture on every block
• 🚶♀️ A totally walkable town center
• 🌿 Surrounded by vineyards, ranches, and rolling hills

It’s a spot where you can sip locally made Syrah, nibble on flaky kringles, and ride in a horse-drawn carriage—all in the same afternoon.

✅ Top Things to Do in Solvang

🌬️ 1. Snap Photos of the Windmills

There are four charming windmills throughout the town, perfect for photos and selfies. The most iconic one is on Alisal Road at Copenhagen Drive—don’t miss it!

🖼️ 2. Explore the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art

This museum tells the story of Solvang’s founding and celebrates Danish-American culture through exhibits, crafts, and traditional architecture.

🍰 3. Taste Authentic Danish Pastries

You must try aebleskiver—round pancake balls traditionally topped with raspberry jam and powdered sugar. The top bakeries include:

• Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery
• Mortensen’s Danish Bakery
• Birkholm’s Bakery & Cafe

🍷 4. Go Wine Tasting

Solvang is in the heart of Santa Barbara Wine Country. You don’t even need a car—there are multiple tasting rooms within walking distance. Try:

• Lucas & Lewellen

Bonus: Many tasting rooms are dog-friendly and include art galleries or patios.

🐴 5. Ride in a Horse-Drawn Carriage

The Solvang Trolley, pulled by draft horses, offers a narrated tour through town. It’s kitschy in the best way.

📚 6. Visit the Hans Christian Andersen Museum

Located above The Book Loft bookstore, this hidden gem celebrates the life and works of Denmark’s most beloved storyteller. Kids and adults alike will appreciate it.

🍽️ Where to Eat and Drink in Solvang

🥞 Best for Breakfast or Brunch

• Paula’s Pancake House – Known for Danish-style crepe pancakes topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream.
• Succulent Café – Southern-style comfort food with a California twist and a killer mimosa flight.

🍽️ Best for Lunch or Dinner

• Mad & Vin – Located in The Landsby Hotel, this is your go-to for elevated California cuisine and local wine pairings.
• Solvang Restaurant – A must for traditional Danish fare like frikadeller (meatballs) and red cabbage.
• Copenhagen Sausage Garden – Outdoor beer garden with bratwurst, pretzels, and European beers on tap.

🍻 Best Bars and Nightlife

• The Good Life Cellar – Relaxing wine and craft beer bar with live music nights.
• High Roller Tiki Lounge – A quirky wine-based tiki bar (yes, wine-based cocktails are a thing here).
• Solvang Brewing Company – Cozy, welcoming, and ideal for a pint of Danish-style ale.

 

🚶♀️ A Self-Guided Walking Route Through Solvang

Want to explore Solvang on foot? Here's a loop that takes about 1.5 to 2 hours at a relaxed pace:

• Start at Mission Santa Inés – One of California’s original 21 Spanish missions. It offers a peaceful garden and sweeping views of the valley.
• Walk west on Mission Drive (CA-246) and spot two windmills and various photo spots.
• Turn onto Copenhagen Drive, the heart of Solvang. Pop into shops like The Book Loft and Jule Hus (Christmas all year round!).
• Stop at the Elverhøj Museum (just off 1st Street).
• Visit the Hans Christian Andersen Museum upstairs in The Book Loft.
• Finish with a treat from Olsen’s Bakery, then relax in Solvang Park.

 

🚗 How to Get to Solvang

From Los Angeles:

• Driving time: ~2.5 hours
• Route: US-101 N → CA-154 W
• Scenic option: detour through Santa Ynez Mountains for views

From Santa Barbara:

• Driving time: ~45 minutes
• Route: CA-154 through the mountains (recommended for views)

From San Francisco:

• Driving time: ~4.5 hours
• Route: US-101 S (or pair Solvang with a Highway 1 coastal drive!)

By Bus:

• Amtrak Thruway Buses stop in Solvang and connect with trains in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo.

With a Tour:

• Several Santa Barbara-based wine tours include stops in Solvang.
• Great option if you want to taste without worrying about driving.

 

🧭 Solvang Travel Tips

• 📅 When to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Weekends can be busy, especially during wine events.
• 📸 Instagram tip: Shoot early in the morning for empty streets and soft lighting.
• 🍷 Plan ahead: Book tastings on weekends, especially during high season.
• 🧳 What to pack: Layers, a reusable wine tote, comfy shoes, and your sweet tooth.

🌼 Final Thoughts

Solvang is more than just a tourist town—it's a living piece of cultural heritage, surrounded by some of California’s most beautiful countryside. Whether you're here for the pastries, the wine, or the photo ops, this Danish village will surprise you with its depth, charm, and hospitality.

👉 Add it to your California bucket list—you won’t regret it.

 

📥 Get Your Free Solvang Guide!

Planning your visit? Don’t miss a single pastry or photo op.

👇

👉 Download your FREE Solvang Guide – includes a mapped route, top attractions, bakery stops, and photo spots!

 

🛣️ Driving the California Coast? Don’t Miss This!

Solvang is one of the most charming stops on the iconic Highway 1 road trip.

👇

👉 Get the Highway 1 RoadBook – packed with local tips, Google Maps routes, must-see stops, photo locations, and time-saving hacks.