How to spend a fun day in Solvang

Happily nestled in beautiful Saint Ynez Valley is a pocket of Danish culture that will make you wonder if you are still in California! In this guide you’ll discover how to spend a fun day in Solvang.

Founded by Danish immigrants in 1911, Solvang’s rich Danish heritage is seen all throughout the town. The northern European feel of this town draws tourists from all over the world. From traditional architecture to bakeries and restaurants, and even horse-drawn carriages you’ll be instantly transported!

You’ll enjoy the village-like town center as you walk down streets lined with windmills, thatched-roof buildings, old-world craftsmanship and vinery.

Solvang which means sunny field began as a farming community. Today it has grown into one of the quaintest destinations to visit from all over the world. Read on for how to spend a fun day in Solvang.

How to spend a fun day in Solvang

We arrived mid-morning and strolled through the town exploring boutique shops, book stores, museums, and coffee shops. There’s no shortage of yummy treats, especially pastries, to be had. I’m such a foodie when it comes to visiting a new place and Solvang does not disappoint!

First stop? Picking up a pastry from one of the many Danish bakeries in town! We recommend Mortensen’s Danish Bakery. Start your day with a bear claw, share a butterring or get adventurous with a Danish kringle or pistachio square. And be sure to pick up a container of Danish butter cookies to bring home!

Next get your coffee fix at Good Seed coffee and get ready to shop! In addition to their thoughtfully roasted beans, you’ll also find Vegan and gluten free treats and heritage grain sourdough bread.

Stroll up and down the streets to admire the amazing architecture of the Danish windmills and half timbered houses as you pop in and out of the many shops and boutiques.

Where to eat

We had lunch at The Succulent Cafe and it was delicious! Although it’s not traditional Danish cuisine, their menu of American comfort food really hit the spot. We ordered the tuna melt and spicy fried chicken salad. And since it’s wine county, a rosé was the perfect pairing with my salad!

For a traditional Danish meal check out Bit O’Denmark Restaurant for Frikadeller (meatballs), Wienerschnitzel, or Flaeskesteg (stuffed roast pork). Located in the oldest building in Solvang, built in 1911, it was originally used as a school. In 1963 it was remodeled and turned into the famous restaurant!

For delicious breakfast and lunch options try Solvang Restaurant famous for their Aebleskiver. From pans to cookbooks, jams and even Aebleskiver mixes be sure to pick up everything you need to make your own Aebleskiver!

Order a Danish pancake at Paula’s Pancake House or check out Viking Garden Restaurant for great patio dining, sausage and hot dogs and deli sandwiches.

Shops to explore

There are so many shops to explore in Solvang! You’ll find antiques, boutiques, apparell, accessories, gifts and lots of Danish goods to bring home. With over 150 shops there’s something for everyone.

You’ll definitely want to check out Jule Hus Inc. Known as Solvang’s Christmas House, you can shop Christmas ornaments and decor year round.

Into antiques then check out A Piece of the Past Antiques and Vintage for darling vintage and antiques, Solvang Antiques for high quality products and one-of-a-kind pieces. At Renaissance Antiques you’ll find amazing antique clocks, furniture and jewelry.

For traditional and Danish finds visit Rasmussen’s for quality Scandinavian products and Edelweiss for collectible dolls, jewelry and fine gifts. Then check out THE COPENHAGEN HOUSE for a blend of modern and traditional items including amazing brands brought to you from Denmark.

Check out Esko Esko – Gift, apparel, and accessories and don’t pass up the chance to bring a pair of clogs home from the Solvang Shoe Store. Then get your photo opp on in front of the Solvang Shoe Store in thier giant red clog.

Get your fill of sweet treats at Swedish Candy Factory for authentic Swedish candy and bring home fudge from the Old Danish Fudge Kitchen. Looking for chocolates? Check out Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolates Inc.

Landmarks to see

And be sure to visit the Round Tower and Danish rural church. Completed in 1991, Round Tower, is a smaller replica of the Rundetaarn in Copenhagen, Denmark. You can find the tower at 436 Alisal Road. The Round Tower also houses Tower Pizza, where you can grab a slice of the best pizza in town!

Bethania Lutheran Church was dedicated in 1928 and built in the traditional style of Danish rural churches from the 12-14th century. Complete with corbie-stepped gables and a wooden ship hanging in the center of the church, it is a beautifully preserved piece of Danish culture!

At the Elverhøj Museum you’ll discover the rich history of Solvang that dates back to its founding in 1911. Elverhøj which means Elf Hill is the Danish name of a Scandinavian ballad. Exhibits include Widening Circles (September 18, 2021 – January 9, 2022) a collection of landscape paintings of Solvang, Elverhøj Around Town (ongoing) a pop-u pgallery that appears around town, and a Viking Exhibit (ongoing) featuring these Scandinavian ancestors of long ago. The Elverhøj Museum is housed in a beautiful hand-crafted home that once belonged to Viggo Brandt-Erichsen and his wife, Martha Mott.

You’ll definitely want to check out The Book Loft and the Hans Christian Andersen Museum located upstairs. The Book Loft carries new, used and antiquarian books.

True to Solvang they stock books about all the Scandinavian countries and even have books in the various Scandinavian languages!

At the Hans Christian Andersen Museum you’ll learn all about Hans Christian Andersen and his work.

In addition to the five windmills you’ll see as you stroll through Solvang be on the lookout for the Little Mermaid Fountain! The Little Mermaid statue is a half-size bronze replica of the one in Copenhagen’s harbor from theHans Christian Andersen tale. In the tail the little mermaid hopelessly gives up everything for her love of a prince. You can find her at the northwest corner of Mission Drive and Alisal Road.

Take a ride on a horse drawn carriage

Visit Solvang Trolley and hop on a horse drawn carriage! Board the trolley at the Visitor’s Center on Copenhagen St. and Second St. and take a 25 minute tour throughout downtown Solvang. On your ride you’ll learn the history of Solvang, including the origin and significance of the surroundings and buildings, as well as enjoy folk tales from Denmark. For ice cream before or after your ride, look no further than the Solvang trolley ice cream parlor.

Public Parking and Restrooms

Find public parking and restrooms at Solvang Public Parking located at 1556 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA 93463. At any point in the day take a relaxing break at Solvang Park. You’ll find benches, restrooms and plenty of shade.

Have fun visiting Solvang!

Solvang is such a quaint town, full of rich history, with plenty to do and see. Use this guide on how to spend a fun day in Solvang and get ready to enjoy your trip to Solvang.

xo Naomi

Looking for a fun side trip to take from Solvang? Check out Santa Barbara’s hip Funk Zone for fabulous eateries and wine tasting!