How to Spend a Weekend in Solvang
Come visit the Danish Capital of America located in the Central Valley of California, Solvang!
I spent 4 days in Solvang after Thanksgiving and enjoyed every minute of my trip. This is a perfect place to stop for a day on the way to LA or SF. If you’re planning on staying overnight, you can see everything in a day or two.
If you’re like me and a little obsessed with Europe, this will satisfy your craving for a European getaway. I highly recommend visiting during the Christmas season as this little town gets all dressed up for the festivities.
Click here to see my Christmas in Solvang
Fun Facts:
The town has 5,000 residents with about 12% of the population being Danish.
There are little elf houses located on various buildings. The Danes believe if you lose something (an earring, button, etc.) that an elf has taken it. The houses are there to keep the elves happy.
All the buildings (new and old) have to adhere to strict traditional Danish Architecture.
Where to Stay in Solvang
There are a number of boutique hotels to stay at in Solvang. Most of the hotels are Danish-themed and located within walking distance of the local activities.
Options:
- Hotel Corque
- Wine Valley Inn & Cottages
- Hotel Ynez
What to Do in Solvang
Do a little boutique shopping at First Street Leather or The Right Gift for your custom engraved mug.
Visit the local museums like Elverhoj for Solvang’s history or the Hans Christian Anderson Museum after the famous author.
Go on a Windmill hunt because you can’t visit Solvang without taking a picture with a Windmill. Supposedly there are 5 in total, can you find them all?
Since Solvang is located in the Santa Ynez Valley, no trip is complete without going to a wine tasting. There are plenty of wine tasting rooms located in downtown Solvang that you can pop into. Ask your hotel if they have any wine tasting coupons to save some $$$.
Take a ride in a horsedrawn carriage throughout the downtown area where the guide will tell you the local history and best places to visit. You can also rent a segway or a moke.
Go feed some ostriches at Ostrichland located just outside of downtown Solvang. For $7 per person and $1 per bowl of feed, you can see these amazing creatures up close and personal. Be sure to keep two hands on the handles.
Where to Eat in Solvang
I happened to stay in a room with a kitchen so I made some of my own food but there are so many great places to check out.
- Solvang Bakery – get a Danish of course.
- Solvang Brewing Company – if you’re tired of wine, this is the place for a casual bar vibe
- Birkholm’s Bakery & Cafe
- Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery – buy the bucket of Danish cookies and I promise they won’t disappoint
- Copenhagen Sausage Garden
- Solvang Trolley Ice Cream – if you take the horsedrawn carriage ride, you do get a discount
- Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolates – get the dark chocolate baklava
- Paula’s Pancake House
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2 Comments
Clazz - An Orcadian Abroad
Solvang looks so adorable! I’m gutted I’ve actually passed quite close to Solvang and had no idea it was there! Hopefully I’ll get another chance as it looks great. It reminds me (in a mis-placed Europe in the USA kind of way) of Leavenworth in Washington, which is a Bavarian town. Love places like this! (As long as they’re not tacky!)
Rhea Rupani
Before I got a chance to visit, I’ve heard so many great things about this small town. I want to check out Leavenworth after seeing plenty of Christmas TikToks.