Pippi turns 80 years old
In Småland, there is reason to celebrate: Pippi Longstocking, perhaps Sweden’s most famous adventures girl, turns 80 this year. In 1945, the first book about the strong girl with red braids, who lives alone in Villa Villekulla with her monkey and horse, was published. The author, Astrid Lindgren, is from Vimmerby in Småland, where you can still visit her childhood home and experience Pippi’s world up close.
Who is Pippi Longstocking?
It all began in 1941, when Astrid’s daughter Karin, who was seven years old at the time and had fallen ill with pneumonia, asked her mother to tell a story. Spontaneously, she invented the name “Pi…
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It all began in 1941, when Astrid’s daughter Karin, who was seven years old at the time and had fallen ill with pneumonia, asked her mother to tell a story. Spontaneously, she invented the name “Pippi Longstocking,” and Astrid brought it to life by creating a unique and quirky girl. Over several years, she told Karin and her friends new Pippi stories. Eventually, she wrote down the tales – and the rest is literary history!
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Astrid Lindgren’s childhood home
Welcome to Astrid Lindgren’s Näs, the childhood home of Sweden’s most famous author, where she was born and found inspiration for her stories. Here, you can take a guided tour of the house where Astrid grew up, explore exhibitions about her life, and enjoy the beautiful gardens. Let yourself be inspired by Astrid’s deep connection to nature, the power of play, and the joy of creative expression. End your visit with a coffee break at the café and experience a place full of life and history.
Meet Pippi!
Another place you must not miss on your journey in the footsteps of Astrid Lindgren is, of course, a visit to Astrid Lindgren’s World. Here, stories come to life! You’ll find the settings from Astrid’s beloved tales, lovingly recreated and inhabited by real characters. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet Pippi in person!
Pssst! Did you know that you can stay right next to Pippi’s house, Villa Villekulla? In “Lilla Staden,” right next to Astrid Lindgren’s World, there are many cozy houses perfect for playful visitors.
Filmbyn Småland – Step into the world of Astrid Lindgren’s stories
In Filmbyn Småland, childhood memories come to life. This interactive film museum takes you behind the scenes of the classic films based on Astrid Lindgren’s beloved stories, including Emil of Lönneberga, Ronja the Robber’s Daughter, and Pippi Longstocking. See original costumes, step into iconic film sets, and even record your own scene in a magical world of storytelling. A must-visit for families, film enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to relive the magic of these timeless tales!
Astrid Lindgren
Most people have strong feelings for Astrid Lindgren and her books. She constantly meets new readers and continues to shape our view of humanity and the world. Her literary work transcends all borders – she is read by all generations on all continents.
Most people have strong feelings for Astrid Lindgren and her books. She constantly meets new readers and continues to shape our view of humanity and the world. Her literary work transcends all borders – she is read by all generations on all continents.
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Caramel factory & The Kingdom of Crystals
Have you ever read or seen Pippi visit a candy store? It will instantly make you crave caramels! That’s why we’d like to recommend a traditional caramel factory near the film museum. We also have another tip for you: the Glass Kingdom, where you can blow your own glass – maybe for a message in a bottle or a beautiful candy dish!
Mariannelund’s Caramel Factory – A sweet stop on your journey
No adventure through Småland is complete without a visit to Mariannelund’s Caramel Factory. This charming candy factory, with a history dating back to 1929, gives you an insight into the art of traditional Swedish caramel-making. Watch as golden caramel is poured, stretched, and hand-formed, while a delicious scent fills the air. Treat yourself to handmade delights – from classic candies to rich, buttery caramels – a sweet taste of Småland that you can take home with you!
Creates your own candy bowl
Gold coins and caramels deserve a very special bowl, right? In Småland, the home of Sweden’s famous Kingdom Of Crystal, visitors can try glassblowing at traditional glassworks. Visits the Kosta Glassworks, where the glowing hot glass, shapes and blows into a bowl.
Sweden Zipline – An exciting adventure in the heart of Småland
In the deep forests of Småland, you will find the perfect place for your next thrill – the Sweden Zipline. You will hold on to the steel cables and zoom through the air – over 400-meter-long stretc…
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In the deep forests of Småland, you will find the perfect place for your next thrill – the Sweden Zipline. You will hold on to the steel cables and zoom through the air – over 400-meter-long stretches at a speed of more than 70 km/h. And as if that weren’t exciting enough, you will fly 52 meters above the ground, over sparkling lakes and winding streams.
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Film sets from Astrid Lindgren’s films
Here are some tips for more Astrid Lindgren-themed activities. One option is to cycle through the film sets and explore the landscapes featured in the adaptations of her stories. Another option is to hike in the national park outside of Vimmerby, which resembles the wild and mystical landscapes from “Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter.”
Cycling through a movie-worthy landscape
Experience the magic of Småland by bike, where breathtaking nature and famous film locations come together in perfect harmony, offering a mix of adventure and nostalgia. This tour takes you through picturesque landscapes, dense forests, and charming villages that served as the backdrop for some of Sweden’s most iconic films.
Hiking in Norra Kvill National Park
Experience the wilderness in an untouched primeval forest with moss-covered rocks, ancient pines, and enchanted forest lakes. Norra Kvill is one of the oldest national parks in Sweden, founded as early as 1927. Join our guides on a hike through this fairytale-like natural landscape, which inspired the writer Astrid Lindgren for her stories.
Become a thing finder like Pippi
Pippi searched everywhere for things – and we’re kind enough to give you some tips on where to go treasure hunting at flea markets in Småland! Småland is the perfect destination for a secondhand tour. Grab a car, train, bus, or bike and embark on a flea market journey along idyllic gravel roads and red Swedish houses. Here are three special tips for great secondhand finds in Småland:
Östregård Antiques and Loppmarknad: In the old barn and on the yard in Moheda, every flea market lover will find true treasures.
Erikshjälpen in Jönköping: One of the largest second-hand stores in Europe with a huge selection.
Busfrö New and Swap: Founded by Stina Qubti from Västervik, with branches in Västervik, Oskarshamn, Kalmar, Jönköping, and Växjö – perfect for sustainable shopping!
Ride a horse
Everyone knows that Pippi has a spotted horse. If you also want to ride a horse like Pippi, we have some great tips for you on where you can do that. However, we can’t promise that the horse will be spotted!
Everyone knows that Pippi has a spotted horse. If you also want to ride a horse like Pippi, we have some great tips for you on where you can do that. However, we can’t promise that the horse will be spotted!
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Pippi Longstocking turns 80 years old
“Who is strong must also be good.”
In 2025, our beloved superhero, Pippi Longstocking, turns 80 years old. More than ever, it seems important to see the world through Pippi’s eyes – with stre…
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“Who is strong must also be good.”
In 2025, our beloved superhero, Pippi Longstocking, turns 80 years old. More than ever, it seems important to see the world through Pippi’s eyes – with strength and courage, questioning norms, and standing on the side of the weak against tyrants and abuse of power.
Pippi shows us that we always have the opportunity to help others and make the world a little better and fairer.
Pippi may be very strong, but even she can’t do it all alone. In the anniversary year, we want to use Pippi’s strength to inspire everyone: Be more like Pippi!
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Kids & family
Småland is a natural playground for all ages, with …
Astrid Lindgrens World
Welcome into the fairytales!