44 PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM Museum, which displays a replica of a circa-900 Viking ship, rebuilt by Denmark’s Roskilde Boatyard in 2022 using ancient techniques. Check out its exhibits on Viking history, plus costumes from the Netflix series Vikings: Valhalla. Gerda’s Iron Art Gift Shop sells Danish glassware and blue-and-white dishware, tablecloths, Norwegian rosemalingpainted items, German cuckoo clocks, souvenirs—and even some items made of iron. The eclectic collection at The Home Connection features colorful handpainted pottery from Poland (the Danish owner’s husband is Polish), handmade Amish furniture, beds with hand-forged iron designs and artisan glassware. For locallygrown lavender items like candles, bath products and essential oils, head to Lavender Societe. If outdoor adventure is what you crave, catch a bird’s-eye view of the Santa Ynez Valley with a ride on the longest and fastest zipline in California at PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF: THE VINLAND / LENA BRITT PHOTOGRAPHY - PEASANTS FEAST / THE WINSTONWINERY {due west} Top Shops Copenhagen House stocks an array of Danish brands ranging from George Jensen silverware, shoes and wood animal-shaped toys to watches and jewelry. “Danish design is modern, sleek, clean lines, but not industrial, and always brings an element of nature in from outdoors,” says Kirsten Klitgaard, my guide from the Solvang Visitor Center. Copenhagen House also has a Viking Highline Adventures in Buellton. After you’re unharnessed, take a leisurely hike through its eight acres of protea flowers. To see the world’s biggest birds, over 150 ostriches and emus await at OstrichLand USA. I asked Kirsten to explain the concept of hygge to me. It’s “a way of life, enjoying the simple things like family and friends and good food,” she says. “You use your Royal Copenhagen China even if it’s not a special day, and don’t take work home with you.” While the holiday season is heavenly, you can enjoy hygge year-round at Solvang’s frequent events, from Danish Days in September—with a wine and beer garden, people in folk costumes and concerts—to summer concerts in Solvang Park to a classic car show in October. hygge haven visitsyv.com
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