7Solvang, California
Dubbed the “Danish Capital of America,” Solvang, California, is a small town that feels like a piece of Denmark in the middle of California. The town was founded by Danish immigrants in the early 1900s, and it has preserved its Scandinavian roots. The architecture features half-timbered houses, windmills, and thatched roofs, giving visitors a true taste of Denmark. Solvang is also home to Danish bakeries, restaurants serving traditional smørrebrød, and shops selling Scandinavian goods. Walking through Solvang, with its European-style streets and quaint charm, feels like stepping into a Danish village without ever leaving the U.S.
