Solvang, a Cute Danish Village in Wine Country

In my opinion, one of the greatest treasures you can find around the world is a small-town village. Especially when traveling throughout the United States, it’s always a complete joy to discover little European-type villages scattered across the countryside. One of the most famous and most enjoyable of these little towns in California is Solvang, a small Danish town located in wine country.

If you’re looking to take a nice visit into wine country and are located in Southern California, I encourage you to make the day trip to Solvang. Located just 40-minutes or so from Santa Barbara in the Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang is a little Danish village that looks as if it came directly from a storybook. This is fitting for a town that contains little nods and monuments to Hans Christian Andersen.

As you step out of the parking lot and begin walking through the small, family-owned shops, you’ll find windmills, small wooden fences, book stores filled with antique treasures, and hand-painted artistic signs.

If this charming little architecture and small-village feel isn’t enough for you, the distinct shops will surely satisfy. There are little danish desert and chocolate shops, ice cream parlors, specialty wine and cheese shops, toy shops that contain vintage toys, and much much more. And, of course, who doesn’t love a little family-owned bakery. My personal favorite place is either the metaphysical shop or the old bookstore with the little museum dedicated to Hans Christian Andersen upstairs.

In fact, if you are on the lookout for old books, you must visit Solvang’s bookstore. They sell used books, and many are so old that they have their own exciting stories to share with you. While I was visiting with a friend this year, I found an old fairytale book that dates back to the early 1900s; unfortunately it was in Danish. So, I wasn’t able to read it. But still, what a cool, collectible treasure! But it’s a place where you can be on the hunt for books of this nature for hours if you have the time.

All-in-all, the next time you have a day off and want to have a nice brunch, stroll through the park, and visit many independently-owned specialty stores, this is the place for you. I make an effort to head out to Solvang at least once a year.

If you want my advice, I’d start your day out in Solvang, go shopping, and have a nice brunch. Then, think about leaving Solvang in the afternoon and heading to Santa Barbara for dinner. It’s a great way to have a fulfilling day complete with both small town and large town feels all in one.