You probably have heard about Solvang. It is a Danish city in the middle of California’s Santa Ynez Valley (close to Santa Barbara).
Yes, you may have negative connotations about Disneyfied places like this. After all, you can find the following in Solvang:
- Danish architecture
- A replica of the Little Mermaid Statue
- A bust of Hans Christian Andersen
- A replica of Copenhagen’s Round Tower
- Stores selling Danish dishes and sweets
- Windmills
- A giant clog (shoe)
But let me tell you something, Solvang is different. On 1911, a group of Danes (some of them educators) escaping the harsh Midwestern winters, founded the town on a land grant. They wanted to maintain their heritage and spread Danish culture. And, you know what? They have accomplished their goal. In 2011, Solvang celebrated its 100th anniversary. The city is home to a number of bakeries, restaurants, and merchants offering a taste of Denmark. Museums showcase history, art and culture. Folk traditions are celebrated during annual festivals. World famous plays are presented at the open air theater. Even the Queen of Denmark has visited the city!!! If the town is good enough for the royals, I guess we mere mortals can enjoy its many offerings.
I have to admit my knowledge about Danish culture is minimal. Solvang helped me to immerse myself (at least a little bit) thru the veins of a beautiful country. I ate a smorgasbord. I tried cookies and pastries. I saw the windmills moving to the rhythm of the wind. The visit has piqued my interest for all things Danish. Who knows? Maybe I can visit the actual European country one day.
For now, I will not bore you will more details of how fascinated I ended up with Denmark after visiting Solvang. Here are some pictures showing why this town is a must for Old World lovers. Ahhh, and by the way, Solvang means “sunny meadows” in Danish. That is the perfect name for a town which can make visitors so happy.
Buildings on Alisal Road
Building in Copenhagen Drive
Old world style tower
Unique door
Mortesen’s Bakery
Becoming a soldier
Windmill
Unusual roof
Cultural Scene
Windmill in front of hotel
Red Door
Viking Boat
Plaza
Typical street scene
Common style for buildings in town
Hamlet Square
Flowers everywhere
Cottage
Book Store
Copenhagen Drive
Have you visited Solvang? Let me know in the comments section below.
********
Remember, I am giving away a $50 Amazon Gift Card. To have a chance to win it, you just have to like my Facebook fanpage. I am posting cool stuff daily. So come and share the fun on that side too. Like me here: http://www.facebook.com/tanamatales. Tell all your friends about the giveaway. I will give you an additional entry if you refer someone.
Note: I can deposit the $50 in the winner’s PayPal account. The giveaway will run till the end of July 2012.
I lived in Denmark, and when my friend was visiting me in San Francisco from Copenhagen, we went down to LA and wound up passing through Solvang. We found it absolutely delightful and kitschy–even though she’s Danish by birth and I had lived there, it was still fun to visit!
Camels & Chocolate recently posted..Above the Treetops in Panama
Cool to know you enjoyed Solvang even though you know how the real deal looks and feel.
Ruth recently posted..Solvang: A Piece of Denmark Close to Home
My sister lives in California and visited Solvang years ago. Every time she mentions it, I think I would like to visit and, now that I have seen your pictures, I know I want to! Thanks for sharing.
Jan Ross recently posted..How To Cruise as Frugally as Possible
California has so many great places!! You have to come and visit Solvang and many other neat towns.
Ruth recently posted..Solvang: A Piece of Denmark Close to Home
Love it! Seems like a great place to hang out and take a pretty walk. Never herd of it before.
Pop quiz, Ms. All-Things-Denmark: Where was the Cheese Danish invented?
-Rich
Rich Polanco recently posted..You Don’t Have to Be Rich to Stay at The Most Beautiful Lake in The World
Cool you learned about it here? I have no idea how to answer your question.
Ruth recently posted..Solvang: A Piece of Denmark Close to Home
I looks like such a charming town! I am going to make a pit stop there next time I go to Santa Barbara
Annette | Bucket List Journey recently posted..My First Pintxos Experience | 9 Toothpicks
Definetly, check Solvang. There are a lot of pretty towns to check in the Santa Ynez Valley. The place is a destination in itself.
Ruth recently posted..Solvang: A Piece of Denmark Close to Home
Wow, what a fun place that I wouldn’t have expected to find in California!
Scott – Quirky Travel Guy recently posted..Lost luggage and frozen tents: lessons in perseverance from Alaska
Me neither Scott!!!
Ruth recently posted..Discovery of the Week: Cuenca, Spain
It doesn’t look like Denmark to me, but it does sound like fun and a great way to introduce people to Danish culture.
Emme Rogers @ Roamancing recently posted..A Rainy Day Adventure at the Museum of Vancouver
Emme,
I haven’t been to Denmark so I can not give my opinion on if the town looks Danish or not. However, I did some research on the architecture of the city and found it was built on a “Provincial Danish Style”. So, the buildings should look like the buildings in some areas of Denmark. Now, I am not sure if the town plan is true to Danish towns.
Ruth recently posted..Discovery of the Week: Cuenca, Spain
I’ve always wanted to visit Solvang and almost planned a trip there for my birthday this year. This post makes me want to go even more! I had no idea about the history or what the name means.
Christy recently posted..A Taste of Summer – Celebrating a Movement Beyond Farm to Fork
You have to plan a trip to the area at some moment. I went for two days and fell in love with the region. It is not just Solvang. The little towns and the landscapes are really beautiful.
Ruth recently posted..Most Insane Moments I Have Experienced in my Travels (Part 3)
Wow, never heard of Solvang! Looks pretty awesome in the center part, but then all the copy cats kind of give it a Disney effect, still cool!
Jeremy recently posted..Welcome to Top Spot Travel!
Even though it can have a Disney effect, I believe the place tries to gives visitors a feel of Danish culture. Of course, there are going to be visitors who only care about the architecture and windmills. However, there is more behind the facade.
Ruth recently posted..Most Insane Moments I Have Experienced in my Travels (Part 3)