SOLVANG, CALIFORNIA Danish Village in Santa Barbara County
 

California's "Little Denmark" or Solvang is east of U.S. Highway 101 near State Highway 154. Danish immigrants established the town more than 50 years ago in 1911 and chose to adorn the village and homes with architecture reminiscent of their native land. Dedicated to the teachings of crafts and values of their ancestors, Danish is still spoken amongst locals. 

This picturesque city is set amidst gently sloped hills and mountains, a 30 minute drive from the Pacific Ocean in nearby Lompoc. Tourism is very popular here with bus loads of travelers stopping in the city for overnight stay.  Ranches and farming are also part of the Solvang landscape, as well as wine, gaming, ranching and retirement living in this scenic region of the Central Coast California.

Giant clog shoe sidewalk display.

There's a miniature pony ranch, several wineries, art galleries in nearby Los Olivos where Elizabeth Taylor stayed on a visit to see Michael Jackson at his Neverland Ranch, antique shops in Los Alamos and Santa Ynez, a carriage house museum, two missions, Chumash Indian Casino and several golf courses, all within a 15 minute drive. 

Authentic Danish architecture was integrated  in the town's four windmills, half-timbered buildings and weathered, green copper roofs visitors enjoy while strolling flower-lined streets. Solvang is a shopper's paradise, with its multitude of Danish craft shops offering porcelain, antiques, clothing, books, jewelry, souvenirs, and tasty treats such as AEbleskivers.
 

A favorite way to tour the town is on the "Honen", a replica of a 1915 Danish streetcar drawn by two, blonde Belgian draft horses. 

 

Danish Days Festival celebrates Denmark's Independence Day with costumed folk dancers and three days of street activities held in September.  Solvang's nightly Festival Theater program, from June to September, offers contemporary and classic stage productions in an open air theater. 

The Denmarket Square on the corner of Mission and Alisal features a Little Mermaid fountain and a three-quarter replica statue that stands in Copenhagen Harbor, honoring Hans Christian Andersen.  He was a Danish author who wrote children's fairy tales nearly 200 years ago.