California's 'Little Sweden' Offers European Charm Halfway Between LA And Sacramento

Välkommen to Kingsburg. Though the small city is in California, halfway between Los Angeles and Sacramento, it has a delightful European vibe. It is full of Swedish architecture, art, restaurants, and shops. No wonder Kingsburg is affectionately known as "Little Sweden."

Kingsburg straddles State Route 99, a major north-south highway that runs through California's Central Valley. The city, originally called Kings River Switch, was established in 1873 when the Central Pacific Railroad completed its Valley Line. Swedish immigrants quickly followed the railroad. Within a few decades, 94% of the community had Swedish heritage. Kingsburg's downtown was even created with distinctly Swedish architecture, such as red-tiled roofs. The buildings were then painted in bright colors with Swedish folk-art designs. The nickname "Little Sweden" swiftly caught on.

For a real taste of Scandinavia, you only have to head 20 miles south of Fresno, one of the sunniest places in the world. Its Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), the closest airport to Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks, receives nonstop flights from cities throughout the United States and Mexico. Kingsburg is also about a three-hour drive from both Los Angeles and Sacramento. The former is full of places where you're most likely to spot celebrities, while the latter is a spot to enjoy historic architecture and amazing food. Kingsburg is a perfect stop on a road trip between California's largest city and its state capital.

Kingsburg's buildings with red-tiled roofs are not the only things that reflect its Swedish background. Before even noticing those, you will undoubtedly see a large water tower as you drive into the city. A water tower is by no means unusual, but the shape of this one certainly is. When Kingsburg remodeled its water tower in the 1980s, it was redesigned to look like a huge Swedish coffee pot. The vessel holds 60,000 gallons of water and rises 122 feet tall. It is painted with folk art and lit at night. Plus, it is visible all over the city. This giant coffee pot has become the symbol of Kingsburg and a loving nod to coffee-loving Swedes.

Closer to the ground, you will find Dala horses all around Kingsburg. A Dala horse is a traditional wooden statue, which has been carved and painted in the shape of a horse, in Sweden. Large versions of them now stand around the city. A five-foot red one on Draper Street has become the mascot of Kingsburg. While smaller, though no less colorful, Dala horses are scattered throughout "Little Sweden."

You will also find a replica of a Viking rune stone and the Three Crowns Fountain as you walk around. Rune stones are ancient monuments with inscriptions to honor achievements and loved ones. This one features animals and Norse symbols,while the Three Crowns Fountain in Memorial Park does, indeed, have three crowns, which are the national emblem of Sweden.

Though Kingsburg's Swedish legacy is always on display, Swedish traditions take over the entire city during annual events. The Kingsburg Swedish Festival is held the third weekend of May. The three-day festival offers a variety of Swedish food, including pea soup, a pancake dinner, and a smörgåsbord (a buffet of cold and hot dishes). It features a parade, maypole dances, Swedish folk music, and other dance performances. People even wear traditional Swedish clothing.

The holidays are a special time in Kingsburg, as well. Julgransfest, the Swedish Christmas Tree Lighting Festivity, kicks off the holiday season the Friday after Thanksgiving. People sing Christmas carols as they walk down Draper Street to the community Christmas tree. The tree's lighting is followed by Swedish folk ring dancing and live music.

The Santa Lucia Celebration follows Julgransfest on the first Saturday of December. In Sweden, the holiday season begins on Santa Lucia Day, when the oldest daughter of a house awakens her family with breakfast and songs while wearing a white gown, a red sash, and a candle crown. In Kingsburg, the celebration includes the Festival of Lights Parade and a gingerbread house contest. Restaurants serve traditional Swedish breakfasts in the morning, while Dickenscarolers sing in the afternoon. Plus arts, crafts, and delicious treats line the sidewalks. It is hard to believe this is only "Little Sweden." This charming city certainly feels like you have been transported out of California and straight to Europe.