Vimmerby, Sweden and Astrid Lindgren
Vimmerby, Sweden, an old market town in northern Smaland, is better known for its association with renowned author Astrid Lindgren. Born in nearby Näs, Lindgrens’s inspiration for many of her stories came from this childhood environment. This attraction is easy accessible within one day from Stockholm or from south of Sweden. If you are planning trips for families it is a must see. I promise!
Astrid Lindgren’s World is a theme park where guests can greet many of Lindgren’s characters and relive their stories. Meet Pippi Longstocking, Kling and Klang and Karlsson on the Roof. Visit Mattis Castle, the home of Ronja the Robber’s Daughter. Explore nooks and crannies in Villa VilleKulla and perch carefully on Lilla gubben, Pippi Longstockings’s spotted horse. Yes you will get nostalgic if you are an adult bringing your children and/or grandchildren!
Astrid Lindgren’s characters stroll through the park, delighting visitors of all ages. Selected theatre programs are offered at three different scenes and new attractions are in progress. Tickets can now be purchased on- line and printed at home, reducing queue time.
A walk through the town of Vimmerby gives tourists a chance to glimpse favourite locations from the Lindgren movies. Narrow winding cobbled streets lead to the main square, where Astrid Lindgren danced in her youth. Guided tours by knowledgeable hosts are offered at Lindgren’s childhood home.
Further excursions can be made to Bullerbyn and Katthult to visit film locations for the movies. Bullerbyn, the film location for “The Children of Bullerby Village”, is a tourist paradise. Here children can hop in the hay, pet small animals, ride on a horse- drawn wagon, enjoy goodies from a café, and visit a souvenir shop.
Katthult, the setting for “Emil of Lönneberga”, is a highlight for fans of Emil and his antics. Here you will find Emil’s “snickerboa”, where he spent many hours contemplating his misdeeds and avoiding his father’s anger. A quick glance at the top of the flagpole assures visitors that Little Ida is not dangling foot- loose, gazing over the countryside. Cows, chewing their cud, laze in the pasture. A pig wallows in the mud, chickens cluck, and rabbits nibble in their enclosure. Little Emils of all nationalities scamper about the yard, wearing the traditional blue cap.
Distance from Stockholm, Sweden to Vimmerby, Sweden: 296 km/185 miles
Here is a FIT package that also will take you to Vimmerby ” 7-Days Culture & History in Sweden”. Note that I have rearranged some of the recommendations and descriptions after driving this route myself this summer.
Contact me if you want the final description in German or English!