A Taste of Denmark in California: Things to Do in Solvang 🏰

Step into a fairytale, right in the heart of California wine country. Solvang is a Danish-inspired village where windmills spin, bakeries smell like butter and cinnamon, and red-roofed buildings look straight out of a storybook. Whether you’re here for the pastries or the picturesque charm, this hidden gem offers a sweet slice of Europe without the jet lag.

@katelynngyen

📍Solvang in California! #danish #solvang #solvangbarber #solvangcalifornia #santabarbara #thingstodoinsantabarbara #ostrichlandusa #thingstodo #santabarbaracalifornia #santabarbaracounty #solvangca #solvangusa #solvangbakery #solvangthingstodo

♬ original sound – Hillel Barak

🏰 Explore the Danish Delights of Solvang

Stroll through Danish Village Square
Half-timbered buildings, flower boxes, and cobblestone walkways — it’s giving storybook realness.

Indulge in Danish pastries
Try an æbleskiver (fluffy Danish pancake balls) at Solvang Restaurant or a kringle at Olsen’s Bakery. Your taste buds will thank you.

@kanainlosangeles

All the bakeries in Solvang are great but this one is my favorite 🥨💙 #solvang #solvangcalifornia #solvangca #solvangusa #danishbakery #aebleskiver #buttercookies #californiacoast #santaynez #santaynezvalley

♬ Coffee Shop – Late Night Luke

Snap a selfie with the windmills
There are five charming windmills sprinkled around town — the ultimate backdrop for your whimsical weekend.

Visit the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art
Learn about Solvang’s roots and Danish-American culture in a quaint historic home turned museum.

Tour Old Mission Santa Inés
Just steps from town, this peaceful mission offers a glimpse into California’s colonial past and gorgeous valley views.

@baeareaaa

Old Mission Santa Ines in Solvang, CA right across from the famous Danish area! #fyp #foryoupage #museum #mission #cali #southerncalifornia #oldmissionsantaines #solvangca

♬ Nacho Libres I am I am – Slompy

Sample local wines at boutique tasting rooms
This is Santa Ynez Valley, after all — expect bold reds and easy-going pours from spots like Lucas & Lewellen and Royal Oaks.

Catch a live show at Solvang Festival Theater
An open-air venue where you can watch Shakespeare or musicals under the stars.

Rent a surrey bike and cruise the village
Nothing says “vacation mode” like pedaling a four-wheel bike past windmills and fudge shops.

@cynnc17

can’t believe this place is only 2 hrs away from LA 🫶🏻 #solvang #bikeriding #ostrichland #danish #danishcapitalofamerica #santabarabarafhingatodo #fyp #coupledate

♬ original sound – Blue Nightmare

Solvang is where cozy European charm meets California sunshine — a dreamy weekend getaway that feels like a passport-free escape. Whether you’re sipping wine or savoring Danish cookies, one thing’s for sure: you’ll leave with your heart (and camera roll) full.

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