Our weekend trip to Solvang, a quaint Danish village in the Santa Ynez Valley, was full of pastries, wine and window shopping.
We stayed at The Landsby, a luxury hotel whose central location and upscale amenities made it the ultimate home base to experience all that Solvang has to offer.
The Landsby
The hotel boasts elegant interiors and a convenient location near downtown Solvang, making it a perfect match for our getaway. The chic rooms were a peaceful sanctuary after a day of sightseeing, and just steps from Solvang’s hub. Because of the prime location, we were able to easily walk to bakeries, tasting rooms, and shops to take in the beauty of Solvang.
Bakeries Galore
No visit to Solvang is complete without having some Danish pastries. We went on a tasty tour of the bakeries, trying some treats as we went from a few local favorites.
- Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery: We loved every pastry, but the apple Danish and Kringle Slice were the great hits.
- Mortensen’s Bakery: They’re famous for their Danish waffles, and they did not disappoint.
Wine Tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley
With more than 100 wineries and vineyards in the area, Solvang is a wine lovers paradise. Downtown Solvang alone has over 20 wine tasting rooms and all are within an easy stroll. We spent an afternoon tasting local Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah at a local wine shop, Clean Slate Wine Bar.
What to Do in Solvang
In addition to the food and drink, there is a variety of cultural and historical attractions in Solvang.
- Solvang Windmill: The most famous of the town’s windmills, inspired by a mill outside of Copenhagen.
- Hans Christian Andersen Museum: Small, free museum dedicated to the famed author.
- Little Mermaid Fountain: A replica of the statue in Denmark, in front of the museum.
- Old Mission Santa Ines: One of the original 21 Spanish missions founded in 1804.
- Elverhøj Museum of History and Art: Focused on the history of Solvang and of Danish culture.
Before You Go, Here Are Some Things to Know
- Location: Solvang is situated in the Santa Ynez Valley about a two-hour drive from Los Angeles.
- Parking: Street parking is free but scarce during peak season.
- Best Time to Visit: Solvang has a number of annual events, including Danish Days in September and Julefest in December.
- On Foot: Solvang is a walkable village.
Solvang, the Danish village in the heart of wine country, was a delightful mix of Scandinavian charm, food fun and wine country relaxation for us this weekend. So that lovely hotel, The Landsby became our luxurious home-base for the next couple of days that we spent soaking up the town’s charm for the most memorable experience ever. So with that in mind, we wholeheartedly endorse Solvang as your next getaway.
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