Arriving in the stories of Astrid Lindgren

We are currently in Småland , the region in southern Sweden where many of our childhood Astrid Lindgren stories are set. It is probably the most popular tourist area in Sweden and offers an almost endless variety for active vacationers and culture enthusiasts alike. Of course, we are also drawn to Lönneberga , Bullerby , and Vimmerby in " Astrid Lindgren's World ".

We cling to it
some well-known
Highlights along
through Småland

In Lönneberga itself, there's a small wooden hut with a life-size carved figure of Emil and lots of other carved figures. It's an exciting little stop for children. Lönneberga Hembygdsgård – a community and leisure center – is idyllically situated among lush meadows and ancient oak trees, dotted with a few typical Swedish farmhouses. The grounds themselves convey the typical life on a farm in Sweden in bygone days, precisely when Emil – or rather, Michel, as he's known in Sweden – played his pranks.

Image above: Our camping pitch at Hembygdsgård in Lönneberga

We explore the area and enjoy the gentle rays of the evening sun. While this wasn't the filming location – that's in the village of Gibberyd – it's still a lovely spot and, more importantly, a designated campsite for the night where you can stay for a small fee – there are even toilets. It's an ideal base for exploring the region. The Emilleden, a 40-kilometer hiking trail following in Astrid Lindgren's footsteps to Mariannelund , also passes through here. The next morning, Franzi and the kids head off to "Astrid Lindgren's World" – with a short detour to the real-life village of Bullerby – while I settle into our mobile office, as we do every day, taking turns. 

The Astrid Lindgren's World theme park, centered around the author's stories and characters, has something to offer children and adults of all ages and is definitely worth a visit despite its fame and high entrance fee. There's also a campervan site right there, but we prefer to find a peaceful spot to sleep. 

Image above: In Astrid Lindgren's World

No longer a secret, but
worth a trip:
Astrid Lindgren's World

Casper immediately grabs the park map, which follows the different sections dedicated to various book characters. From Noisy Street to Pippi Longstocking, Emil of Lönneberga, Ronja the Robber's Daughter, and the Brothers Lionheart.  Everything is so charmingly designed, entire streets in miniature , and Franzi's vintage heart almost leaps with joy, because Astrid Lindgren's World is also an open-air museum (of which there are many in Sweden, by the way). In the café, you eat off antique porcelain. There are also lots of extras and regular theater performances , unfortunately in Swedish, but the children still enjoyed it. We learned from the community – unfortunately only afterward – that there's an "all you can eat" Pippi Longstocking pancake restaurant . 

These 10 places offer the chance to experience Astrid Lindgren, Emil and Pippi Longstocking:

(They are all linked to Google Maps, simply click on them to see the location.)

1. Astrid Lindgren's childhood home is in Vimmerby.

2. Astrid Lindgren's World in Vimmerby

3. Junibacken in Stockholm is a playful museum where children's books play the main role.

4. A life-size carved figure of Emil stands in Lönneberga.

5. Villa Villekulla is located in the Kneippbyn amusement park on the island of Gotland.

6. The original Bullerby is the village of Sevedstorp near Mariannelund.

7. The Katthult farm is located in Gibberyd, where the Michel films were shot; it is inhabited by private individuals but can be visited.

8. FILMBYN SMÅLAND is a film museum of Astrid Lindgren films in Mariannelund

9. In Stockholm, at Dalagatan 46, you can visit Astrid Lindgren's apartment.

10. The Emilleden is a 40-kilometer-long hiking trail following in the footsteps of the author and leads from Lönneberga to Mariannelund. 

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