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Portrait of author Astrid Lindgren in front of a book shelf.
Astrid Lindgren
Swedish author Astrid Lindgren is well known for her children's books.
Photo credit: Tobias Röstlund / TT

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

Astrid Lindgrens Värld (Astrid Lindgren’s World) will immerse you in the inspiring realm of legendary Swedish author Astrid Lindgren and her world-famous fictional characters such as Pippi Longstocking and Emil of Lönneberga.

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.

Astrid Lindgren at the filming of 'The Brothers Lionheart'

Astrid Lindgren at the filming of 'The Brothers Lionheart'

Author Astrid Lindgren together with the actors, Lars Söderdahl (Skorpan) and Staffan Götestam (Jonathan), during the filming of 'Bröderna Lejonhjärta' (The Brothers Lionheart) in 1976.

Photo: Göran Strandberg / TT

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.

Astrid Lindgrens Värld (Astrid Lindgrens World)
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Pippi Langstrumpf in Astrid Lindgrens World

Pippi Longstocking / Pippi Långstrump in Astrid Lindgren's World.

Photo: Örjan Karlsson/Astrid Lindgrens Värld

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Pippi Langstrumpf in Astrid Lindgrens World

Pippi Langstrumpf in Astrid Lindgrens World

Photo: Örjan Karlsson/Astrid Lindgrens Värld

Ronja Rövardotter in Astrid Lindgrens World in Småland

Ronja Rövardotter in Astrid Lindgrens World in Småland

Photo: Astrid Lindgrens Värld

Karlsson riding a bike in Astrid Lindgrens World, Småland

Karlsson riding a bike in Astrid Lindgrens World, Småland

Photo: Astrid Lindgrens Värld

Bullerbyn at Astrid Lindgrens World in Småland

Bullerbyn at Astrid Lindgrens World in Småland

Photo: Astrid Lindgrens Värld

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:

If I have managed to brighten even one gloomy childhood, then I’m satisfied.

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.

Pippi Longstocking

Pippi Longstocking

The books about Pippi Longstocking are some of Astrid Lindgren's most beloved and widespread stories. The first book about Pippi came out in 1945 and was followed with many more books and eventually movies. The stories about the world's strongest girl can be read in more than 100 different languages.

Photo: Lena Granefelt/imagebank.sweden.se

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.

Practical information before your trip to Astrid Lindgrens Värld

Actors dressed as the characters Tommy, Pippi and Annika stand by a yellow gate in front of a yellow house (Villa Villekulla)..

Astrid Lindgren's World, Småland

Meet Pippi, Tommy and Annika at Astrid Lindgren's World.

Photo: Astrid Lindgrens Värld