The world of Astrid Lindgren – a vital part of Sweden’s cultural heritage

Astrid Lindgren is more than a writer of children’s books. Her books (75 in total) have sold roughly 165 million copies globally, and her most cherished stories are woven into the fabric of Swedish cultural history. Holding a remarkable longevity, they have been enjoyed for generations, handed down from parent to child.

‘Pippi Långstrump’ (Pippi Longstocking) is perhaps the biggest celebrity in Lindgren’s sizeable hall of fame. Pippi aside, Lindgren dreamt up a host of other characters – naughty but nice Emil, adventurous ‘Ronja Rövardotter’ (Ronja the Robber’s Daughter) and the delightfully surreal ‘Karlsson på taket’ (Karlsson on the Roof) to mention but three. All have leapt from page to screen, appearing in TV-series, cartoons and feature film adaptions alike.

You can watch them come alive at Astrid Lindgrens Värld (Astrid Lindgren’s World) via some 100 actors, performing scenes from the books. Located in the idyllic south Sweden county of Småland, in Lindgren’s birthplace Vimmerby, this theatre park lets you discover the writer’s legacy as her stories come to life all around you.

No matter your age, this interactive wonderland is sure to delight and inspire anyone interested in Swedish cultural history. Run by Astrid Lindgren’s family, this unique theme park’s every aspect is true to Lindgren, her vision and her unforgettable stories.

The inspiration that brought Astrid Lindgren’s stories and characters to life

So, what inspired one of the world’s most revered children’s book writers? Astrid Anna Emilia Lindgren – who was born in 1907 and passed away in Stockholm 2002 – was a passionate advocate for equality, children’s rights and the environment. Via her literature, she managed to convey her moral stance with humour and warmth and famously said:

As for the awe-inspiring Pippi Långstrump, she’s a thoroughly independent orphan who is strong enough to lift a horse above her head. Pippi broke and revolted against many norms, for instance related to gender, age and class. The ginger-haired 9-year-old feels as relevant today as she did when she made her first fictional appearance in 1945 – not to mention during her heyday in the 1970s, when gender equality in Sweden was heavily debated.

Ronja Rövardotter – daughter of chief robber Mattis – is another strong female character who typifies Lindgren’s portrayal of compelling young people who are relatable yet heroic. Set in early medieval times, Ronja lives in Mattisborgen (Matt’s Fort) but spends much of her time seeking adventure in the enchanting forest that surrounds it, reflecting Lindgren’s love for nature and belief that it should be respected and enjoyed.

Astrid wrote about children but also had the gift of writing for children. In all her stories, children are the protagonists: strong-willed, adventurous and compassionate. They are capable yet retain their youthfulness and curiosity. Her main theme is the fight for children's rights and their right to be themselves.

Eat, drink and relax in beautiful natural surroundings

Astrid Lindgrens Värld is an adventurous, fun-filled affair, but there’s plenty of opportunity to relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings in which it is set. You can have a picnic in the area’s lawns and meadows or in designated spots such as ‘Picknickstigen’ (Picnic trail).

The park collaborates with celebrity chef and restaurateur Fredrik Eriksson of Långbro Värdshus to create dishes with regional character, using (mostly) locally sourced produce. You’ll find both restaurants, cafés and kiosks – including ‘Stadsmästargården’, ‘Hamnmagasinet’ and ‘Majkens Mat’ – many of which serve local classics prepared from scratch, such as raggmunk (potato pancake) and isterband (coarsely ground smoked sausage).

Astrid Lindgrens Värld is more than just a family-friendly day of fun. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in a part of Swedish cultural heritage, no matter your age.