Solvang: Ghost Hunting Tour with a Paranormal Investigator — An Honest Review
If you’re wandering through the charming Danish-style streets of Solvang and are even slightly intrigued by the paranormal, this ghost hunting tour might just be the quirky experience you’re looking for. We’ve come across this tour from The Haunt Ghost Tours and thought it’s worth sharing what makes it stand out — and what to keep in mind before booking.
What really caught our attention are the use of professional ghost-hunting gear and the informative, engaging guides who make the spooky stories come alive. Plus, the tour’s ability to create a sense of connection with Solvang’s haunted tales, without pushing into too-over-the-top territory, makes it accessible for most curious travelers.
However, a potential consideration is that this tour is only about 1.5 hours long at a pretty reasonable $55 per person. If you’re hoping for an extended ghost adventure, this might feel a bit brief. But if you’re looking for a late-evening activity that combines history, a little adrenaline, and some fun gadgets, it’s a solid choice. This experience is especially good for those who enjoy a mix of storytelling and hands-on activities — and it’s suitable for anyone comfortable with walking through the town after dark.
This tour seems ideal for those intrigued by ghost stories, history buffs, or even small groups seeking a unique way to spend an evening in Solvang. It’s not a heavy scare, but enough to get the adrenaline going and spark some interesting conversations afterward.
Key Points
- Interactive Ghost Hunting: Use professional tools like EMF meters, Spirit Boxes, and dowsing rods during the tour.
- Engaging Guides: Knowledgeable, lively guides share stories that blend local history with paranormal tales.
- Accessible and Well-Organized: The tour is 1.5 hours, easy to join after sunset, and suitable for most visitors.
- Authentic Experience: Real stories of hauntings and true crime in Solvang make this more than just a ghost story.
- Affordable Price: At $55, it offers a nice balance of value for a guided, hands-on experience.
- Good for the Curious: Perfect for those who like a bit of thrill, history, and a touch of the supernatural.
What to Expect from the Tour
Starting near the big Solvang sign, right next to the Visitor Center, your adventure kicks off as twilight paints the town in a soft glow. The guide, seasoned in paranormal investigations, will set the tone with some spooky stories and explain how the ghost-hunting tools work. You’ll get to hold and operate EMF meters, dowsing rods, and the Spirit Box radio sweeper — all designed to make contact with spirits or at least amplify the fun factor.
Throughout the 1.5-hour walk, you’ll explore some of Solvang’s historic streets and buildings, which are said to be haunted. The tour takes you past locations with documented hauntings and tales of true crime, giving a genuine sense of the town’s mysterious side. The guide’s storytelling is a highlight — as one reviewer put it, John was “fantastic,” making the experience both fun and informative, with some even claiming to feel a spirit’s presence or have a loved one visit during the tour.
After the main walk, the tour wraps up with a protective ritual, leaving you with only memories and stories. The experience is designed to be safe and enjoyable, with a focus on entertainment and intrigue rather than pure fright.
Planning more time in Solvang? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The Itinerary Breakdown
The tour begins at the Solvang sign, where your guide will introduce you to the town’s haunted history and explain how the ghost-hunting equipment works. From there, you’ll stroll through the streets, possibly stopping at key locations with reported paranormal activity or chilling stories. These might include sites linked to documented hauntings or true crime.
Expect the guide to share local tales, including some of Solvang’s spooky legends and real-life ghost encounters. Using tools like the EMF meter, you might notice fluctuations that add to the atmosphere, while the Spirit Box attempts to facilitate communication with spirits. The dowsing rods add an extra layer of fun, making the experience interactive and engaging.
As the night wears on, the eerie ambiance of the town, combined with the tools and stories, creates a memorable experience. The tour concludes in the same spot, leaving you with a sense of the town’s haunted charm and maybe a few chills down your spine.
What Do the Reviews Say?
Feedback from previous participants is overwhelmingly positive. Many describe it as “the BEST part of their Solvang trip,” with guides like John and Ash getting high praise for their knowledge and humor. One reviewer mentioned, “We even had a visit from a loved one who had passed,” highlighting how some participants might feel a personal connection or a sense of reassurance during the experience.
Others appreciated the “interesting history” combined with the fun of using ghost-hunting tools, calling it a “very fun evening.” The guides’ ability to make everyone feel comfortable, even when discussing ghostly encounters, adds to the overall appeal.
Some reviews also mention that the tour isn’t overly scary, making it suitable for those who want a spooky experience without being frightened out of their wits. The group size is manageable, and the tour is accessible, including wheelchair-friendly options.
The Value of the Experience
At $55, this tour offers a hands-on exploration of Solvang’s ghostly stories, complemented by professional equipment and a friendly guide. It’s a reasonable price for a memorable, interactive experience that combines history, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural. It’s especially worth considering if you’re in town for a few days and want a unique activity that’s different from the usual sightseeing.
While it’s not a long or intense investigation, it’s packed with enough thrill and storytelling to satisfy most curious minds. Plus, the post-tour email with recommendations helps extend the experience by suggesting local spots to eat or drink, rounding out the evening nicely.
More Great Tours NearbyWho Is This Tour Best For?
This ghost hunting tour is perfect if you enjoy stories of haunted places, have a playful curiosity about spirits, or just want a fun, slightly spooky activity after dark. It’s suitable for most adults and older teens comfortable walking around after sunset. If you’re traveling with people interested in true crime, history, or paranormal phenomena, they will likely find it engaging too.
It’s a laid-back experience rather than a scream-inducing scare, so don’t expect high-intensity fright. Instead, anticipate a lively, interactive stroll through a charming town with some ghostly surprises along the way.
Solvang: Ghost Hunting Tour with a Paranormal Investigator
FAQs
Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the experience is generally approachable for older children and teens who are comfortable walking around at night. It’s more about fun storytelling and hands-on ghost hunting than scares, but younger kids should be prepared for some spooky stories.
How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 1.5 hours long, making it a manageable evening activity that won’t overextend your plans.
Where does the tour meet?
It meets at the big Solvang sign and benches next to the Visitor Center, located at 1635 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang, CA 93463.
What tools will I get to use?
Participants are provided with an EMF meter, dowsing rods, and a Spirit Box radio sweeper. These tools enhance the experience by allowing you to try to make contact with spirits firsthand.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, so you can book with confidence, knowing you can adjust your plans if needed.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, it’s noted as wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for more visitors.
What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers the ghost hunting tools, the tour guide, and a post-tour email with recommendations. Food and drinks are not included.
In essence, this ghost hunting tour in Solvang offers a playful, engaging way to experience the town’s spooky side with knowledgeable guides and hands-on tools. It’s a great pick for anyone curious about the paranormal, looking for a memorable evening, or just wanting to mix a little mystery into their trip. If you enjoy stories, history, and a bit of a thrill, this could be a highlight of your time in Solvang.
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