Fairy Tales fromSmåland

In southern Sweden, in the heart of Småland, in the town of Vimmerby, Astrid Lindgren’s World is just a stone’s throw from the beloved children’s book author Astrid Lindgren’s childhood home. Nearly half a million visitors come every year to meet Pippi Longstocking, Emil of Lönneberga, Ronja the Robber’s Daughter and all the other characters. Here visitors can step directly into the world of the stories and experience scenes and environments taken straight from Astrid Lindgren’s tales. In the park there are carefully recreated settings such as Villa Villekulla, Katthult and Mattis Castle, where both children and adults can see performances and interact with their favorite characters.

Here you can meet the adventurous and strong Pippi Longstocking, who lives in Villa Villekulla together with her horse, Little Old Man, and the monkey, Mr. Nilsson. Visitors can also meet the mischievous Emil of Lönneberga, who often gets into funny adventures on the farm in Lönneberga, or the brave and lovable children in Ronja the Robber’s Daughter. All the characters come to life through fun and interactive shows in the park, giving visitors a chance to experience Astrid Lindgren’s magical world up close.

In southwestern Småland there is something truly magical. A Saga Museum and an entire Land of Legends that hides countless exciting and fun stories – and these are about oral stories from times when the written word was not common. Until the 1800s stories were passed orally from house to house and down through generations. When people gathered during long dark winter evenings in front of the hearth, adults told the stories and children listened. Many times the stories were not meant for children’s ears, but that’s how it has been throughout history.

The Sagomuseet in Ljungby is the heart of the Land of Legends. It is a fun and exciting museum for both big and small. Here the oral storytelling tradition is brought to life and you can walk around on your own and look or follow a storytelling guide.

Visit the legend sites in the Land of Legends. You’ll find them in the landscape, placed where the event is said to have taken place and several of the sites have legend cabinets. The cabinets contain the story written in Swedish, English and German. Taste the cold spring water, crawl into the Troll Mountain passages, enjoy the view from Blood Mountain or try to climb Karin’s stone!

In the summer Kalmar Castle is transformed into the children’s very own castle and filled with knights, princesses and jesters. Here children can take on the ten challenges of the Castle Campaign, go on a princess walk or join a treasure hunt. On the inner and outer castles there are historic play environments built with adventure and challenges. Meet King Erik XIV, Princesses Sofia and Cecilia, The Black Knight, the Jester and many more!

• The Castle Campaign

• The Jester’s Quest

• Crafts and Dress-Up

• Theatre with Astro

• The Princess Guides

• Dubbing