Solvang–Danish in California

Did you know that there’s a little bit of Denmark, right in the middle of California? The town of Solvang is located in between San Francisco and Los Angeles and entering this tiny village you can’t help smiling. It’s bizarre and surreal – you see Denmark all around you (and a little bit of the Netherlands too, for some reason).

Copenhagen road, Arne’s Aebleskiver, Danish bakery, Julehus, Hans Christian Andersen, Runde Tårn and the little Mermaid are some of the sights. Houses built in old Danish style are dominating the city picture and people smiling everywhere, welcoming you as a fellow Scandinavian. It just so happens that I’m half Danish and I visited Solvang back in 2005. It would have been a crime not to, since we drove right through it, more or less.

Solvang means “sunny fields” and seing the picture below you get the idea. It suits both this field and the yellow ones you find all over in Denmark.

The town was founded back in 1911 by theologist Benedict Nordentoft,  pastor Jens M. Gregersen and lecturer Peder P. Hornsyld, wishing for a colony somewhere warm, far from the Midwestern Winters. The population today is just over 5000 and it became a city in 1985.

When I visited, the third weekend in September, the traditional “Danish Days” was celebrated, as it’s been since 1936. They have eating competitions, processions through the downtown area with floats, marching groups, dancing, and singing. During these “Danish Days” you can have a couple of Danish delicacies, Medisterpølser and Æbleskiver.

Buildings in the half-timbered style of Danish rural houses dominate the town, even though Scandinavians point out that these have nothing to do with the original immigrants, but rather make for a huge tourist attraction.

As mentioned, there are many copies of Danish sightseeings. One is Runde Tårn, that is orignially located in the middle of Copenhagen and is Europes oldest observatory, built in 1637. The tower situated in Solvang is 1/3 of the one in Copenhagen, and houses a pizza place.

The little Mermaid has it’s place, of course.

H.C Andersen, the great Danish writer.

Solvang

Christmas whenever you want.

Image source: flickr.com and google.com

So, do you want to have a bit of Danish extreme, Solvang is the place. Enjoy!

Country inspired and Ecological

This house, from the 1870s was bought on the Internet and moved from Nykvarn in Sweden to Falun. And the result is amazing. Check out this beautiful, cosy kitchen.

Source: Expressen

Cosy kitchen

Source: Svensk Fastighetsförmedling

Desire

Such a wonderful house with the pond in front!

Doll house

Those were the days

I think of early 1900 when I see this photo. Women in covering bathing suits, with waving hair and large hats so they won’t burn their pale faces. And then, back in and voilà; long, light, elegant dresses again and white umbrellas. Nice.

Villa tre Ville

This hotel lies in Italian Positano, by the Amalfitan coast. The Via dei Limoni that runs through here has recently been ranked on the National Geographic’s list as one of the 50 most beautiful roads in the world, and leads to many fascinating and charming places nearby the hotel.

Villa tre Ville used to be the home of the world renowned opera director, Franco Zeffirelli but has been renovated unto a beautiful property for rent.

“Villa Tre Ville offers ultimate privacy in 4 separate deluxe villa buildings. It is ideal for celebration of any kind for a group of friends or a romantic get-away. During the renovation, all 16 bedrooms were rebuilt, 3 elevators were installed, 20 bathrooms were added, kitchen and sitting rooms were remodelled. No details were over looked and every corner offers the finest quality and ambiance. The rooms/suites are beautifully appointed with spacious terraces with breath taking views, luxurious bathrooms, 3 of the villas have private pool plus one joint pool and spa. The beautiful gardens produce flowers, fruits and vegetables for all guests to enjoy. There is a heli-pad and boat landing area for guests arriving by helicopter or yacht.”

Personally, I think the interior takes the property down a notch but the outdoors are stunning. The overview over the city and the view of the Mediterranean sea is simply perfection!

Source: Villa tre Ville