Aebleskiver in Solvang
Aebleskiver are round Danish pancake balls — crispy outside, pillowy inside — served with powdered sugar and jam. They're the one food that's specific to Solvang, and eating them fresh from a bakery window is one of those things every visitor should do. Here's where to find the best ones and what to know before you order.
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What is aebleskiver?
Aebleskiver (pronounced AY-bleh-skee-ver) are round Danish pancake balls cooked in a special cast-iron pan. The batter — similar to pancake batter but slightly richer — is poured into circular molds and rotated while cooking to form perfect spheres. The result: a crispy shell with a soft, eggy center.
In Denmark, aebleskiver are a Christmas and winter tradition. In Solvang, they're served year-round and have become the definitive local food — you can get them at nearly every bakery and several restaurants. They're eaten fresh, dusted with powdered sugar, and dipped in jam. Four or five is a filling breakfast; two or three is a great snack.
Where to Get Aebleskiver in Solvang
Listed in rough order of fame — all are worth visiting.
Solvang Restaurant
1672 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang
Daily 6 AM – 9 PM (aebleskiver served all day)
The classic. Outdoor service window where you order aebleskiver to go, eat at the benches outside. Been doing this for over 50 years. Lines form on weekends but move quickly.
Olsen's Danish Village Bakery
1529 Mission Dr, Solvang
Daily 7 AM – 6 PM
The most-photographed bakery in Solvang. In addition to aebleskiver, they have kringle (Danish pastry ring), kransekage (almond ring cake), and the best selection of traditional Danish baked goods. Busy on weekends; go early.
Paula's Pancake House
1531 Mission Dr, Solvang
Daily 7 AM – 3 PM
The longest lines in Solvang — and usually worth it. Paula's makes aebleskiver in bulk and serves them fresh with a choice of toppings. Sit-down breakfast restaurant, not a walk-up window. Arrive before 9 AM on weekends to avoid a 30–45 minute wait.
Mortensen's Danish Bakery
1588 Mission Dr, Solvang
Daily 7 AM – 5 PM
A smaller, less-crowded alternative to Olsen's. Family-run, with a more old-fashioned feel. Good if Olsen's has a long line. Danish cookies, butter cakes, and traditional pastries alongside the aebleskiver.
Solvang Bakery
460 Alisal Rd, Solvang
Daily 7 AM – 6 PM
Walk-up window on Alisal Road, steps from the famous Juliane Marie windmill. Good aebleskiver and a strategic location if you're starting or ending a walk at that end of downtown. Less crowded than the Mission Drive spots.
How to Eat Aebleskiver
Fresh is essential. Aebleskiver are best in the first 5–10 minutes. They lose their crispy exterior as they cool. Eat them right at the bakery or at a nearby bench — don't save them for the drive home.
The classic method: Roll a ball in powdered sugar, then dip in lingonberry (or strawberry) jam. One bite. Repeat.
How many to order: Three makes a light breakfast or snack. Five or six is a full meal. They're rich — most people don't need more than four or five even if they feel small.
Insider variation: Some bakeries sell aebleskiver filled with apple (as the name suggests — "æble" means apple in Danish) or jam. Ask if the spot you're visiting has filled versions.
Take the Experience Home
Aebleskiver pans are available at most Danish import shops on Mission Drive and Copenhagen Drive. They come in non-stick aluminum (easier for beginners, $25–35) and traditional cast-iron (better results, $40–60). Most batter recipes are simple — similar to pancake batter with a little extra egg — and can be found online. The pan is one of the few Solvang souvenirs that gets used at home.