Solvang, a charming small city with a population of around 5,000, is nestled in Santa Barbara County, California. Founded in 1911 by Danish immigrants seeking to establish a vibrant Danish colony far from Iowa, Solvang has become a cultural gem. To preserve and promote their rich heritage, the founders constructed notable landmarks including a Danish folk school, church, and college.
Solvang (Danish for “sunny fields”) is a Danish Capital of America: over 1 million visitors come each year to experience the northern European culture, cuisine and unique boutique shopping. Well, for a European visitor this looks like a Disneyfied version of some European/Danish town with a lot of Danish flags, kitschy façades and buildings, a copy of the famous Little Mermaid statue from Copenhagen, windmill …
Solvang gained fame as a filming location for the acclaimed movie Sideways, which showcases both Solvang and nearby Buellton. The film follows two men in their forties—played by Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church—on a week-long road trip through Santa Barbara County Wine Country. One character seeks one last taste of freedom before his wedding while the other indulges in the pursuit of wine perfection.
My journey to Solvang was primarily motivated by my admiration for Sideways, prompting me to take a detour while traveling from Los Angeles to San Francisco specifically to explore this iconic location featured in the film.
One of the reasons to visit Solvang was the restaurant that appeared in Sideways. To be honest it’s nothing special and unfortunately it was closed when we arrived.
Solvang is one of the most famous cases of movie tourism. Sideways was a surprise hit at the box office that also won numerous awards. Tourists coming to the wider Santa Barbara area is just an additional boost for the region, while showing an incredible power of motion pictures.
Visiting Solvang offers more than just cinematic nostalgia; it immerses you in Danish culture through its festivals, bakeries serving authentic pastries like æbleskiver, and charming architecture reminiscent of Denmark. Whether you’re exploring local wineries featured in Sideways or enjoying traditional Danish cuisine at local eateries, every corner of the town invites you to experience its unique charm.
The original article was first published on BrandsAndFilms.com in November, 2013.
