I visited Solvang, California, dubbed Little Denmark, to see how the knockoff European town compares to the original

Anneta KonstantinidesDec 22, 2021, 19:35 IST

A windmill in Solvang (left) compared to a windmill in Denmark (right).Anneta Konstantinides/Insider/Michal Fludra/NurPhoto via Getty Images

I recently went to Solvang, a California town known as the "Danish Capital of America."
Solvang is embedded with Danish history and has many replicas of famous landmarks found in Denmark.

I recently spent a weekend in Solvang, California a small town known as the "Danish Capital of America."

I went to Solvang, a California town nicknamed "Little Denmark."Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

The influence of Denmark can be seen throughout the town, from its architecture and food to the shops and statues.

Solvang is located 30 miles north of Santa Barbara.Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

Solvang was founded in 1911 by three Danish immigrants.

Statues of Solvang's three founders.Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

The Bethania Lutheran Church, built in 1928, was the first building in Solvang that was modeled after traditional Danish architecture.

The Bethania Lutheran Church in Solvang.Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

I learned that the church's structure was actually inspired by the famous Grundtvig's Church in Copenhagen.

Grundtvig's Church is seen here in 1990.Winter/ullstein bild via Getty Images

Wanting to preserve their native culture, the founders also built a Danish school, which is now the Bit O'Denmark restaurant.

Bit O'Denmark restaurant in Solvang.Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

A 1947 newspaper article turned Solvang into a Danish destination.

Authentic Danish pastries have always been part of Solvang's appeal.Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

The new popularity prompted a total remodel of the town.

Solvang's architecture was modeled after buildings in Denmark.Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

Windmills also began popping up around the town, where they still stand today.

A windmill in Solvang.Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

There are also replicas of popular Denmark landmarks scattered around Solvang, including the Little Mermaid statue.

The Little Mermaid Statue in Solvang (left) and the Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen (right).Anneta Konstantinides/Insider/Giovanni Mereghetti/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

You'll also find a copy of the Rundetaarn, one of Copenhagen's most iconic buildings.

The Rundetaarn in Solvang (left) and the Rundetaarn in Copenhagen (right).Anneta Konstantinides/Insider/myLoupe/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

There's even a building inspired by The Old Stock Exchange, an important part of Copenhagen's skyline.

The spire on Solvang's King Christian Tower (left) was inspired by the Old Stock Exchange in Copenhagen (right).Anneta Konstantinides/Insider/Gimmi/REDA&CO/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Perched on a number of Solvang's buildings are life-sized replicas of the European White Stork, which are symbols of good luck in Denmark.

A wooden European White Stork on top of a building in Solvang (left) and a European White Stork seen in Denmark in July 1946.Anneta Konstantinides/Insider/Ivan Dmitri/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

In Solvang's main park, you'll find a replica of Copenhagen's Hans Christian Andersen statue.

The Hans Christian Andersen statue in Solvang (left) is a replica of the one in Copenhagen (right).Anneta Konstantinides/Insider/Loop Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Andersen's fairy-tale legacy is strong throughout Solvang, including at the park that bears his name.

The Hans Christian Andersen Park in Solvang.Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

I continued to immerse myself in Danish culture at the Elverhøj Museum of History and Art.

Inside the Elverhøj Museum of History and Art in Solvang.Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

The entire museum is located in a home that was hand-built by an artistic couple in 1950.

The front door at the Elverhøj Museum of History and Art.Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

In Solvang, there's plenty of shopping too. You can even buy authentic Danish clogs.

Just trying on some clogs at The Solvang Shoe Store.Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

But my favorite part of Solvang was getting to try so many authentic Danish dishes. Prior to my trip, I'd never heard of many of them.

The flaeskesteg at Bit O'Denmark.Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

And every pastry I tried was incredible.

The Danish, Kringle Slice, and Princess Mocha from Olsen's Danish Village Bakery.Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

Solvang is definitely worth a visit, especially if you're missing Europe.

Solvang is still a hidden gem in California.Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

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