5 great bakeries in Solvang, California

This tiny town has five busy bakeries.

raspberry buttercream pastry at Danish Mill Bakery & Coffee Shop

●Birkholm’s Bakery & Cafe  

460 Alisal Rd., (805) 688-8188.  Both cinnamon bread and cinnamon crisps are available here, and don’t miss the owl eyes cookies.

●Danish Mill Bakery & Coffee Shop  

1682 Copenhagen Dr., (805) 688-5805.  With charming architecture and a cozy interior, this cute little bakery is the perfect place to enjoy a cherry boat pastry and cuppa.

●Mortensen’s Danish Bakery  

1588 Mission Dr., (805) 688-8373.  Daily 7:30am-5:30pm, to 8pm in summer.  The popular pretzel-shaped Danish Kringle coffee cake here is filled with custard, marzipan (sweet almond paste), and raisins, and you’ll also find all-butter shortbread, napoleons made with real whipped cream, and chocolate eclairs. 

●Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery  

1529 Mission Dr., (800) 621-8238, (805) 688-6314.  Operating within a large, open room and featuring little atmosphere, this bakery is known for its butter cookies and breads (it makes the delicious pumpernickel bread used at the Greenhouse Cafe).  How can you go wrong with a fourth-generation master baker in the kitchen?

counter at Olsen's Danish Village Bakery

●The Solvang Bakery  

438 Alisal Rd., (805) 688-4939.  The specialty here is Scandinavian pastries and gingerbread.  Gingerbread houses are created for holidays year-round, and do-it-yourself kits are available.  Tables are provided should you want to sit for a spell and enjoy something right on the spot. 



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images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers