Solvang

The basics

The true flavor of Solvang lies in its quiet, tree-lined streets, half-timber Danish-style buildings, and ample shops, restaurants, and bakeries, not to mention its annual Danish Days festival. Other cultural attractions include the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, dedicated to Denmark's most famous author. Solvang is also a popular stop for cyclists, with numerous cycling-related events held in and around town—the Tour of California often passes through, too.

Things to know before you go

• This unique attraction is a must-visit for anyone interested in Danish culture in North America.

• With good facilities for cyclists, the town is a popular stop for cycle tours.

• Parking is free across Solvang, with free daytime RV parking at Veterans Memorial Hall.

• Most of the town's shops and attractions are wheelchair-accessible.

How to get there

Solvang is located roughly 35 miles north of Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara County, and the journey between the two cities takes around 45 minutes to an hour during moderate traffic. The surrounding area is full of vineyards and wineries and is a popular destination for wine-tasting tours from Santa Barbara; Santa Ynez is under a 10-minute drive away. As public transportation in the area is spotty, the easiest way to visit the town is by renting a car or coming as part of an organized tour.

When to get there

Solvang is a year-round destination, though it's at its most crowded during the summer months. While summers here can be quite hot, things start to cool off in September, just in time for the Danish Days cultural festival. Solvang’s winters are generally mild, and the town sees fewer visitors then; visit around Christmas to learn how the Danes celebrate the holiday.

Danish Days

Solvang is at its most exciting during the annual Danish Days, a 3-day celebration of all things Danish. The festival features free concerts, a crafts market, historical reenactments, and a variety of culinary events, from eating contests to traditional breakfasts. There's also a beer-and-wine garden and plenty of special activities for kids.

Is it worth visiting Solvang?

Yes. Solvang is located in central California's Santa Ynez Valley wine country. The town is known for Danish-themed architecture, European bakeries, wine tasting, and its cameo in the 2004 wine-themed movie, Sideways. This Danish Capital of America offers wine tasting, windmill chasing, aebleskiver (a traditional Danish pastry) sampling, and boutique shopping.

What is the best time of year to visit Solvang?

With great weather year-round, there's not a bad time to visit Solvang. However, April, May, and June bring pleasant weather and not too many visitors. Several annual events draw tourists, including December's Julefest and fall's Grape Stomp. The town celebrates its Danish heritage in mid-September for Danish Days.

What types of tours can you do in Solvang?

Typical Solvang tours involve visiting local wineries or doing wine tasting at local tasting rooms, by foot, sidecar, shuttle, or e-bike. Other ways to enjoy the beauty and Danish heritage of this quaint town include horseback riding, cycling, historic walking and Segway tours, and downtown scavenger hunts.

Do I need a reservation to enter Solvang?

No. You don't need a Solvang ticket to enter this town in central California's Santa Barbara Valley. The Danish village features European architecture and bakeries, a giant clog statue, a Little Mermaid statue, and windmills that dot its quaint downtown area. Some attractions do require admission, including Ostrichland and museums.

Where can I park in Solvang?

Solvang offers visitors free parking at three public parking lots. These can be found at 1639 Copenhagen Drive, 464 Alisal Road, and 1616 Oak Street. The Solvang tourism website offers a downtown walking map to help you choose the best parking lot for your visit.

How do you spend a day in Solvang?

Many visitors make wine tasting their focus in Solvang as it has 20 downtown tasting rooms and 125 area vineyards. Be sure to take time to stroll the downtown, dotted with windmills, and seek out places to try Aebleskiver, museums about the town's Danish heritage, art galleries, and unique boutiques.

Ways to explore

Under an hour away from Santa Barbara, Solvang is an easy pit stop on a road trip up California’s Central Coast. Pop in for Danish pastries and a visit to the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art, or learn more about the town’s Danish heritage on a guided tour. Santa Barbara wine-tasting tours often stop by Solvang, either via e-bike or private vehicle, so you can spot the town’s historic churches and Little Mermaid statue between vineyard visits. Solvang food tours take you to local-approved bakeries and wine-tasting rooms, while ghost tours show you village landmarks after dark.

Accessibility

Some Solvang tours are wheelchair accessible—just contact the provider to make sure before booking.

Age limits

While wine-tasting tours may only be open to travelers 21 and older, Solvang has plenty of activities for all ages.

What to pack

Camera, sunscreen, water bottle, ID for wine tasting

What to wear

Sunny Solvang is best explored on foot or by bike, so dress for the weather and wear sunglasses and comfortable, closed-toe shoes. Bring a jacket if you’re visiting in the early morning or evening.

Not allowed

Rules vary by tour, but most don’t allow smoking, outside alcoholic beverages, or non-service animals.

Amenities

The Solvang Visitor Center has information on bike rentals and other activities. Parking is free throughout the town.

Address 

Solvang is roughly 35 miles (56 kilometers) northwest of Santa Barbara. Public transportation is limited; instead, rent a car or join a tour. If you’re coming from Santa Ynez or nearby wineries, cycling is a popular way to get around.

Driving

From Santa Barbara, take US 101 to State Route 154, which passes picturesque parks and vineyards and gets you to Solvang in about 45 minutes, depending on traffic. Park anywhere in town—it’s free.

Public transportation

There are a few daily Amtrak buses from Santa Barbara to Solvang, but your ticket must also include a train ride. If you don’t have a car, it may be easiest to get around by taxi, rideshare, or bike.

Best times to visit

Aim to arrive in Solvang in the morning, when parking is plentiful, pastries are freshly baked, and the day is open for you to continue exploring the Santa Ynez Valley.

Best days to visit

The small town fills up with day-trippers on weekends, so visit on a weekday for a quieter experience.

Best months to visit

Solvang has sunny weather year-round, making it the ideal escape from colder cities in the fall and winter.

Special events

Danish Days spotlights Solvang’s cultural roots with food festivals, folk music, and family activities every September. In December, the town transforms with lights, holiday markets, and Scandinavian festivities for Julefest.