No visit to Solvang is complete without savoring Æbleskivers, the Danish snacks that are spherical in shape. The name literally means apple slices in Danish, although apples are not usually an ingredient in present-day versions. The crust is similar in texture to European pancakes, but with a light and fluffy innard like a popover. Oh man, yum!

Solvang, for those unaware, was founded in 1911 on almost 9,000 acres of the Rancho San Carlos de Jonata Mexican land grant, by a group of Danes who traveled west to establish a Danish community far from the midwestern winters. While we have visited this darling village several times, this was the first time we knew about a museum being in town. We do love museums.
Elverhøj Museum of History & Art is housed in the home of Viggo Brandt-Erichsen (1896-1955), a Danish-American artist and sculptor. He built Elverhøj as his dream home and studio — almost single-handedly, and without any nails, over a period of four years. It was the ideal setting for gaining local knowledge.
The Spirit of Solvang: From Danish Roots to California Colony is the current exhibition in the Museum Gallery. It celebrates Solvang’s early settlers who achieved the American Dream while honoring their Danish heritage and, in so doing, created the town we know today. Meticulously restored black and white images from the museum collection tell the story of Solvang from its founding to its transformation into a tourist destination.
Visitors to Solvang are often curious about the origins of the picturesque downtown of half-timber Old World–style buildings and windmills. The story behind these facades dates back more than a century to when the Danish colony was established as the home for a traditional folk school on the West Coast of the United States. It was this tradition of life-long learning that would educate the new town’s young adults while maintaining the heritage, culture, and traditions of Denmark.

Throughout the museum are exhibits showcasing Danish traditions, crafts and culture. It truly was a history lesson, housed in a spectacular home.


And while Elverhøj is a museum, one never forgets this was a much loved home.


This was one of those surprise discoveries that becomes a highlight of one's travels.