Presented by
Your Business Name
Your tagline — reaching visitors planning their trip to Solvang
Solvang Bakeries
Solvang's bakeries are not a tourist afterthought — they are one of the primary reasons people drive two hours from Los Angeles. Founded in 1911 by Danish immigrants, the town has maintained a genuine Scandinavian baking tradition: aebleskivers (round, puffy pancake balls served with jam), kringle (oval-shaped layered pastry), wienerbrød (what the world calls "Danish"), and dark rye breads.
On a busy Saturday, the most popular bakeries open before 7 AM and have lines by 8:30. Weekdays are notably calmer. Most bakeries are concentrated on Mission Drive and within two blocks of the main pedestrian core — walkable from any parking lot in town.
Upcoming in Solvang
Full calendar →Tomorrow
1 PM
Live music in Solvang with Jez Blacker
Kaena at the Ranch
Tomorrow
1 PM
Kaena's Live Music By Jez Blacker
Kaena 800 E. Hwy 246Free
Tomorrow
5 PM
Last Light of Summer with Yacht Rock in Solvang
Lucas & Lewellen Estate Vineyard Tasting Room
Tomorrow
5:30 PM
Live music in Solvang with Les Rose
McClain Cellars
Tomorrow
6:30 PM
Rideau Vineyard's Movie Night
Rideau Vineyard 1562 Alamo Pintado Road
Tomorrow
7:30 PM
Solvang Theaterfest: The Caverns Present Led Zeppelin II
Solvang Theaterfest 420 Second Street Solvang, California 93463
Tomorrow
7:30 PM
Live music in Solvang with The Caverns performing Led Zeppelin II
Solvang Festival Theater
Tue, Sep 1
Elverhøj Museum's Through the Eyes of Bjørn Wiinblad Exhibit
Elverhoj Museum of History & Art 1624 Elverhoy Way Solvang, CA 93463
Established in 1970, Olsen's is the most visited bakery in town. Order the aebleskivers at the walk-up window, the layered kringle, butter cookies, or a loaf of Danish rye. Ships select items nationwide via their online store.
1529 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA 93463 · (805) 688-6314
Mon–Fri 7 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun 7 AM–7 PM
Operating since 1951, Birkholm's is the oldest continuously operating bakery in Solvang. Known for aebleskivers, cream puffs, bear claws, and fresh-baked cinnamon rolls. One of the few spots in town with café seating.
460 Alisal Rd, Solvang, CA 93463 · (805) 688-3373
Mortensen's Danish Bakery
$A Mission Drive institution. Mortensen's specializes in traditional Danish pastries, bread, and cookies alongside aebleskivers. Located in the heart of downtown, directly across from the main public parking area.
1588 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA 93463 · (805) 688-8373
Danish Mill Bakery
$On Copenhagen Drive near the windmills, Danish Mill Bakery offers traditional Danish baked goods — rolls, pastries, and seasonal treats — in a landmark location with a distinctive storefront.
1682 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang, CA 93463 · (805) 688-5805
Good to Know
Aebleskiver pronunciation: AY-bleh-skee-ver. They're round, golf-ball-sized pancakes cooked in a cast-iron pan, dusted with powdered sugar, and served with raspberry or strawberry jam. Most bakeries make them fresh throughout the morning — ask if they're hot.
The word "Danish" as a pastry name is a Danish-American term (Danes call it wienerbrød, or "Viennese bread," reflecting its Austrian origins). In Solvang, both terms appear on menus.
Parking: the main public lot behind Mission Drive (accessed from 1st Street) is free. On Danish Days weekend (third weekend in September) and holiday weekends, arrive early — lots fill by 10 AM.
Most bakeries are walk-up or counter service. Birkholm's has café seating; the others are grab-and-walk. Olsen's is the only bakery currently shipping nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are aebleskivers?
Aebleskivers are a traditional Danish breakfast pastry — small, round pancake balls cooked in a special cast-iron pan with round molds. They're fluffy inside, slightly crisp outside, dusted with powdered sugar, and served with jam. In Solvang, every major bakery sells them, often from a walk-up window in the morning.
What is kringle?
Kringle is a traditional Scandinavian pastry made from layers of buttery dough filled with almond paste, cinnamon, or fruit. In Solvang, the oval-shaped kringle is a signature item at Olsen's and other bakeries — best eaten the day of purchase.
What is the best bakery in Solvang?
Olsen's Danish Village Bakery is the most consistently praised by visitors and locals. It has been operating since 1970, ships nationwide, and typically has the longest lines. Birkholm's (since 1951) is known for café seating, cream puffs, and cinnamon rolls. Each bakery has its own character — sampling one item from two or three is a common Solvang morning.
Are Solvang bakeries open year-round?
The major bakeries operate year-round. Hours may vary seasonally; weekday hours are typically shorter than weekend hours. Olsen's is open Monday–Friday 7 AM–6 PM and Saturday–Sunday 7 AM–7 PM.
Can I buy Solvang pastries online?
Olsen's Danish Village Bakery ships select items (kringle, butter cookies, specialty breads) nationwide through their website at olsensdanishvillagebakery.com. Other Solvang bakeries do not currently offer nationwide shipping.
More Guides
Last reviewed: August 2026. Business details change — verify hours and status before visiting.