About Solvang Trolley
Our family celebrates the local history of the Santa Ynez Valleys past by traveling Solvang streets in a remarkable Danish conveyance known as a Honen.
It is truly a family affair: Parents, Lorena and Sal Sr., and daughter, Claudia, and son, Sal Jr. all work in several capacities for the family business.
Pulled by two Belgian horses named Rita and Claire, the Honen, or trolley, slowly glides past Solvangs landmarks. Claudia, Sal, Jr., and other employees in costume take turns guiding the tours, each spicing the narrative with historical facts and local lore. The Honen is a great way to see Solvang, it gives you the opportunity to notice many things you miss while driving or walking and looking in windows. In the Honen, its a completely different effect.
Plus, it is also a great way to learn about where we are, the history of the Santa Ynez Valley, and how it relates to the history of America.
The Honen (which translates from Danish as the hen, after a trolly line in Denmark known by the same name) travels a similar route each day, depending on traffic and passenger requests.
The horse-drawn-trolley can seat 20 riders and its open-air construction affords a wrap-around view of the sights.
Enhancing the Old World feel, the Oronas dress in Danish-style clothing, much of it designed and stitched by Claudia, a theater major.
