Solvang

Understand

History

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. It was the first building to incorporate traditional Danish architecture, featuring a design that echoed the half-timbered facades and red-tiled roofs characteristic of their homeland. Inspired by this, residential architecture began to follow suit in the 1930s, transforming Solvang's landscape with charming Danish-style homes.

The full metamorphosis into a "Danish Village" unfolded after World War II. With renewed focus on promoting Danish culture and heritage, Solvang's architecture underwent a significant shift in 1946. The town's main street was renamed Copenhagen Drive, and a unified aesthetic approach was adopted. Buildings donned facades that mimicked traditional Danish half-timbered structures, and even faux storks, a symbol of good luck in Danish culture, began appearing on rooftops. This dedication to preserving their heritage paid off. Solvang gained national recognition in 1947 with a feature in the Saturday Evening Post, and over time, blossomed into a popular tourist destination known as the "Danish Capital of America."

Culture

Solvang is a uniquely American fever dream where Denmark meets Disneyland, piled high with every Danish cliche you can think of from Vikings to windmills.

• Architecture: Colorful half-timbered buildings, some with thatched roofs, line the streets. There is also an profusion of windmills, a symbolic nod to Denmark's agricultural history.
• Bakeries: Solvang probably has the most bakeries per capita of any American town. The main draw, obviously, is danishes of varying degrees of authenticity, but don't miss the freshly made æbleskiver (spherical pancakes dusted with powdered sugar) and savory treats like smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches piled high with meats, cheeses, and pickled vegetables).

Tourist information

• Solvang Tourism website

Get in

By car

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. This route is less winding compared to taking Route 154, but takes around 20-30 minutes longer.

By plane

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.

By train

Although Amtrak doesn't serve Solvang directly, Amtrak Thruway coaches connect the town to the train station in Santa Barbara three times daily, where the Pacific Surfliner service stops. Buses leave Santa Barbara for Solvang at 6:55AM, 2:25PM and 10:00PM, and depart Solvang for Santa Barbara at 5:15AM, 11:25AM and 2:50PM.

All buses stop in downtown Solvang at Solvang Park on Mission Drive.

By bus

The Clean Air Express connects Solvang to Goleta but is of little practical use to tourists. The bus is primarily used by residents commuting for work, with a single bus leaving Solvang for Goleta at 6:15AM, and that bus returning to Solvang from Goleta at 4:34PM.

Central Coast Shuttle runs seven times a day from Santa Maria Airport to LAX airport, with stops in Santa Barbara, Ventura and Camarillo.

Greyhound and Flixbus stop in Santa Maria and Santa Barbara.

Wine Country Express runs three times a day, weekdays, to Lompoc.

Get 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.

Go next

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).

• Santa Barbara, approximately one hour south of Solvang, represents the quintessential California beach town.
• Nojoqui Falls (read NAW-ho-ee) is a pleasant state park with parking and picnic facilities. A lovely 15-minute walk inclines steeply at the end but rewards the effort with a beautiful pond and waterfall.
• Santa Ynez - Solvang's neighbor four miles to the east, Santa Ynez sits at the heart of the rural Santa Ynez valley, an area that attracts travelers to its many wineries. The valley was the setting for the 2004 film Sideways, and fans of the film are known to make pilgrimages to the inns and restaurants from the movie.
• Buellton - Located four miles to the west, Buellton is home to several Santa Ynez Valley wineries. Visitors will also find the ostrich & emu farm interesting, with the opportunity to get up close and personal with the giant birds.