Solvang

Orbitz Worldwide Travel named Solvang one of the Top 5 "US Domestic Destinations with International Flair" and the city has been recognized by Sunset magazine as one of the “Ten Most Beautiful Small Towns in the Western United States.” As proud host of the 2007 and 2008 Amgen Tour of California Individual Time Trial, Solvang is thrilled to welcome the Stage 6 Time Trial on February 20, 2009. Click here to see special events in Solvang »

Solvang and the surrounding Santa Ynez Valley host Pro Tour cycling team training camps as well as some of the largest amateur cycling events in the USA. Solvang is located 132 miles north of Los Angeles and 297 miles south of San Francisco. Set in scenic Santa Barbara County on the Central Coast of California, Solvang attracts over a million visitors annually with its thriving Danish community, unique shopping, distinctive architecture, award-winning bakeries and regional wines. With the majestic Santa Ynez Mountains as a backdrop and near perfect climate, this Northern European-style enclave has retained its charm for almost 100 years.

Visitors to Solvang enjoy the Mission Santa Inés, established in 1804, now a national historic landmark and open for self-guided tours. The Elverhoj Museum of History and Art showcases Solvang’s heritage along with an Art Gallery featuring regional and traditional Danish folk arts. Beloved storyteller Hans Christian Andersen is celebrated with a museum exhibiting hundreds of first editions and a park is named in his honor. Solvang is also home to the acclaimed Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts Theaterfest performing in an alfresco theatre during summer months. Nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara County’s Santa Ynez Valley wine country, Solvang also features more than a dozen wine tasting rooms and was the location for the award-winning film "Sideways" featuring area wines and attractions.

Here’s what the pros say about the area:

Lance Armstrong, 7-time Tour de France winner:
“Solvang is a fantastic place and we have been blessed with the weather. I like the people here, the way they act."
JoE Silva; cycling journalist/broadcaster:
“You can’t imagine the Tour de France without Alpe d’Huez, so you may not be able to imagine the Tour of California without a stage in Solvang, which is the cycling capital of this state.”
Tony Cruz, pro-cyclist, Team BMC:
"This is the biggest race for all the teams in the U.S. This is what all the teams are gunning for, to win a stage here. It’s equivalent to any tour in Europe of the same amount of days. We’re pleased to see the race returning to Solvang.”


"Velkommen! A hearty welcome back to Solvang on behalf of the city council, city manager and staff. I would like to express our great delight that ATOC has chosen our fine city for the third time to host the prestigious time trial stage. We trust you will enjoy the European-style charm of Solvang as well as the challenging and scenic cycling environment that we offer in the Danish Capital of America."
— Mayor Jim Richardson