Ingatorp
The village of Ingatorp lies on the sunny side of the valley at the foot of Valbacken Hill. Its sheltered position in the rugged Småland Uplands attracted early settlers and evidence of its long history is still visible in one of its main historic treasures, a medieval tithe barn, which is one of the two oldest wooden buildings in Sweden.
Ingatorp is located in northern Småland between Eksjö and Vimmerby. The village’s history extends back to 800 years when farmers from the Småland Uplands would gather in the valley carved out by the roaring Bruzaån River to attend church and pay their taxes – or “tithes” as they were known. Each farmer would store their tithes in the Tiondeboden, the ancient, rather plain-looking and windowless building situated by the lake next to the church.
Ingatorp’s tithe barn is one of the oldest wooden buildings in Sweden. There is only one other wooden building that can claim to be older than the Tiondeboden. A wood analysis proved that the trees used in the construction of the barn had been felled between 1219 and 1239.
The spire of Ingatorp Church is visible from miles around. This pretty building is situated right next to the plain-looking Tiondeboden and dates back to 1914. It was built in the Nordic Art Nouveau style after the church that stood there before had burned down completely.
The village of Ingatorp is part of the Eksjö municipality and is the home of a few hundred people. Eksjö is famous for its historic town centre which boasts many well-preserved wooden buildings. The town has been recognised many times over for its conservation work. Eksjö lies 28 kilometres to the west of Ingatorp. 
If you drive east on road 40 from Ingatorp, you will arrive in Mariannelund. Lovers of Astrid Lindgren’s stories will know that this melodic-sounding place name is associated with her series of novels Emil of Lönneberga. The films based on the books were shot around the village of Mariannelund. The interactive exhibition centre at Film Village Småland offers visitors the chance to enjoy a range of experiences based on the stories and film locations. And there are also many wonderful bike trails that will take you through the countryside where the films were made.
Ingatorp is known across the region for its ski slopes. The Valbacken ski resort offers four downhill runs. Valbacken Hill also provides a popular viewing point when there is no snow on the ground. From the summer café on the Valbacken, you can enjoy a wonderful view over Ingatorp and the forests of the Småland Uplands.
Film Village Småland
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Eksjö
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Valbacken
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Attractions, places to stay, cafés and activities…
Cycling tours around Småland’s filmn locations
Tours around Mariannelund taking in locations used in the film adaptations of Astrid Lindgren’s books
Karamellkokeri Mariannelund
Sample Swedish confectionery, such as delicious “Godis”– which is Swedish for candy – made with loving care in Mariannelund from traditional recipes.
Tiondeboden
Visit the second oldest wooden building in Sweden located in Ingatorp Cemetery.
Spillhammars Campsite
Stay at this beautiful campsite situated between two lakes near Mariannelund. There are also cabins available to rent.
Eksjö Campsite
Eksjö Campsite is located by the lake and is open all year. You can also rent cabins here.
Eksjö Stadshotell
| Eksjö Stadshotell is situated on the town’s large market square. It makes the perfect base for exploring Eksjö and the surrounding area.
Regnbågsdalens Café u0026 Guesthouse
This small guesthouse and café in the centre of Ingatorp also offers family rooms.
Ekhaga
This delightful holiday cottage is located in Hultåkra between Ingatorp and Mariannelund.
Trakt Forest Hotel
Stay in a designer floating room in the forest and enjoy a unique sensory experience.
Gamla Mejeriet
Enjoy delicious cakes or a hot meal at the old dairy in an idyllic rural setting in Karlstop. Overnight accommodation is also available.
Stjernbergs Skafferi
This charming café, patisserie and restaurant (lunch only) is located in Mariannelund.
Levanders Lanthandel
Experience this small grocer’s shop in Alseda as it was in bygone days. Visit the museum and then sample homemade cakes and simple dishes.
Skuruhatt and Skurugata
Hike up the Skuruhatt near Eksjö and take in spectacular views of the Skurugata Gorge.
Gold panning
With a little patience, you might find some real gold nuggets during this gold panning experience at Ädelfors near Holsbybrunn. Fun and adventure for the whole family.
Kleva Gruva
This historic copper mine near Alseda is now an exciting mining museum where you can also visit an underground lake.
Hiking along the Höglandsleden
The 440-km Höglandsleden hiking trail leads you through Ingatorp and the Småland Uplands.
Ljungströms Tomteverkstad (Workshop)
Tomtar are mythological creatures from Nordic folklore. In this charming workshop, which has been selling Swedish handicrafts for over 70 years, you can find Tomtar for all seasons and occasions, including Christmas.
Ljusboden
Discover woodcarvings, Swedish handicrafts and candle making at the Ljusboden in Hult. The Waffel Café is also open here in the summer.