Located in Solvang, California, the Danish capital of America, Ingeborg's Danish Chocolate Factory was first opened in 1961. The traditional chocolate recipes were first brought to Solvang by Ingeborg Larsen, a chocolate dipper in one of Denmark's largest chocolate factories. Prior to moving to Solvang, Ingeborg had opened and ran her own chocolate shop in Copenhagen, Denmark. When Ingeborg came to America, she brought with her from the Old Country many of her original recipes, some of which are now over 70 years old. Ingeborg was joined in Solvang by her sister, Carla, and the two of them began Solvang's new tradition of handmade chocolate artistry.
...Over 50 Years Later, It Is a Tradition!
The tiny shop was opened in a downstairs location, and many old timers remember her always saying “you are only 13 steps from chocolate heaven.” In 1976, Bent Pedersen and his wife Inge-Lise purchased the chocolate factory from Ingeborg and Carla. “We worked with Carla for many years learning and perfecting Ingeborg’s art. We also added to those original recipes as time went by,” Bent said. “Today we still proudly create these wondrous treats right on the premises. We now feature over 70 different outstanding chocolates to choose from.”
