Danish and Spanish Influences



Solvang Locator Map

Danish Tradition at Solvang

Today we rented a car and drove to the Danish town of Solvang located northwest of Santa Barbara near the Santa Ynez Mountains.  Solvang was founded in 1911 by a group of Danes who traveled westward.  Between 1850 and 1930, a considerable number of Danes left Denmark which was suffering from poor economic conditions.  According to some estimates, as many as one in ten Danes emigrated during this period, mostly to the United States. 


Shops and Cafes at Solvang

Around 1906 Pastors Nordentoft and Gregersen along with lecturer Hornsyld discussed creating a new Danish colony with a dedicated Lutheran church and school on the west coast of the United States far from the harsh mid-western winters.  In 1910, together with other Danish Americans, they created the Danish-American Colony Company in San Francisco.  Later that year, suitable land was found in the Santa Ynez Valley and a contract was signed to purchase 9,000 acres of the Rancho San Carlos de Jonata land grant, paying an average of $40 per acre. 


The Clock Tower at Solvang

The city today offers visitors the taste and feel of Denmark through its architecture and cuisine.  Many of the facades and buildings reflect the traditional Danish style and one can’t resist all the good bakeries and cafes.  

Solvang Countryside

The Santa Ynez Valley was originally inhabited by the Chumash, and the Spanish missionaries were successful at getting the Chumash to adopt the Spanish way of life, including Mission Santa Ines located near the center of today’s Solvang.  

Mission Santa Ines

Mission Santa Ines was founded in September of 1804 and it was the Chumash who built the aqueduct for the Mission.  A pipe made from tiles brought water to the Mission from the Alamo Pintado River located one and a half miles to the north.  

Courtyard at Mission Santa Ines

Franciscan Alexander Buckler arrived at the Mission in 1904 and began to restore many of the buildings; and his niece, Mamie Goulet, began restoration of the vestments.  The bell-tower was rebuilt after collapsing in 1911 with the help of some of the newly arrived Danish settlers.  Later the Capuchin Franciscan Fathers from Ireland were assigned to Mission Santa Ines and they began a massive renovation in 1947.  They also created the museum and began cataloging the art and artifacts discovered at the Mission.  

Mission Cemetery

The Capuchin Franciscans continue today to serve the needs of its parish members and the community of Solvang.  The Cemetery located on site is dedicated to the memory of over two thousand Chumash who built, lived, and died at Santa Ines.  It also serves as the final resting place of close to five hundred early settlers and five Friars who served at the Mission.