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Solvang Trolley "Honen" History

Site Title

 Solvang Trolley, also known as "The Honen" ("The Hen" in Danish), was introduced when Axel Nielsen hired Chris Kleebo to build a motorized, Danish-style Streetcar in 1964 that would pick up shoppers from the Solvang Lutheran Home to take them to Nielsen's Market, and would also deliver groceries around the Santa Ynez Valley.

 

In 1973, H.H.H. Rasmussen took over the trolley and made it available to Solvang visitors, giving tours of the Danish town pulled by  8 Belgian horses.

We operate Friday-Monday during the summer, winter and early spring, starting trips at 12 PM and ending at 6 PM.

Trips run every 35 minutes.

 

Cost:

  • Adults: $14.

  • Children 3-11: $9.

  • 3 and under: Free

  • Seniors 65+: $12.

 

The Honen's Timeline:

  • 1973 - 1974 Owned by H.H.H. Rasmussen

  • 1975 - 1989 Owned by Gerald Gim (Gerry) Harris

  • 1989 - 2004 Owned by David Esdaile (Gerry's 2nd cousin)

  • 2004 - 2006 Owned by Leonard Prowse

  • 2006 - 2007 Owned by Jim Begg

  • 2007 - Presently Owned by the Orona Family

 

Aside from the regular service that the Honen Trolley provides, tours may be booked on the bus-style trolley for large private parties visiting Solvang. Aside from the regular tour. Please contact us to book a tour!

 

Note:

If it is 95 degress FH or higher, we use the Bus Trolley.

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