“We’ll meet again in Nangijala.”
Stop 1: Dalby Söderskog National Park
After crossing the Øresund, your first stop is the Dalby Söderskog National Park. This national park is practically a fairy-tale forest, so it’s no wonder why they filmed “Ronia, the Robber’s Daughter” here. It’s just the kind of place where trolls, forest gnomes and harpies could hide behind every tree, waiting to accompany you on your stroll through Matt’s Forest. From here, the journey continues on to the east of Skåne County, to the village of Brösarp. The village is surrounded by green hills that are covered in gorgeous flowers in the spring and summer, and in 1978, it was a filming location for the film, The Brothers Lionheart. This is where the fight between Jonatan Lionheart and the dragon, Katla, takes place and which eventually ends with victory over the monster and freedom for Nangijala. After an exciting first day, the Kiviks Camping campsite is the perfect place to rest up and prepare for the adventures that await.
The dense forests of "Ronia, The Robber's Daughter" © pixabay/grizzlybear-se
“She’s got a house, an older funny house.”
Stop 2: Småland
After a nearly 300 km drive due north, you’ll arrive at the historical Småland province. Your first Småland-stop is the medieval city of Vimmerby, where Astrid Lindgren was born in 1907. While you’re here, you can visit her birthplace and learn all sorts of things about the author's life, as her childhood home is now a museum. The real highlight, though, is the tree in front of the house: Fans of Pippi Longstocking should instantly recognize it as the Lemonade Tree. Will you really find lemonade at the bottom…? You’ll have to go and find out for yourself! The "Astrid Lindgren's World" theme park is an absolute must for all Lindgren fans, too. Here, you can see settings from all the stories, and playing, exploring and laughing is strongly encouraged! From here, head to the Vimmerby Camping campsite, about 10 minutes away, where you can spend the night resting up for another exciting day following the trail of Astrid Lindgren.
Katthult © pixabay/efraimstochter
“Emil of Lönneberga is what a boy who lived in Lönneberga was called.”
Stop 3: Mariannelund
You’ll start your third day in Sweden with a stroll through the beautiful town of Mariannelund. The “Mariannelund Karamellkokeri” has decadent, hand-made sweets and offers several tastings for hungry foodies. Mariannelund is largely known among Astrid Lindgren’s fan base because of the “Emil of Lönneberga” stories, as this is where the little rascal destroyed the famous soup bowl. The “Emil-Leden” (Emil Trail) takes you on a leisurely walk from the town to Katthult in the small town of Gibberyd. The original backdrop of the film, complete with carpenters’ sheds, is open to visitors, and guests of all ages are invited to play. Another place that you won’t want to miss is the 10-person village of Sevedstorp, not far from Mariannelund. Based on her own childhood and inspired by the idyllic surroundings, Astrid Lindgren’s books about “The Six Bullerby Children” takes place here. In 1986, the film adaptation, The Children of Noisy Village, was filmed here, and the villagers were incorporated into the movie as extras. You’ll dream of Lasse, Bosse and Lisa as you drift off to sleep at the Spillhammars Camping campsite.
Lakeview pitches © Spilhammars Camping
“As soon as my papa has built himself a boat, he will come and get me.”
Stop 4: Gotland
From Småland, you’ll take the ferry from Oskarshamn to the island of Gotland, where there’s lots to see, especially for fans of Pippi Longstocking: Numerous scenes from the beloved movies were filmed here. Pippi frequently is shown riding on the back of her spotted horse through the city gate of the historical city of Visby. After an extensive stroll through town, you’ll continue on to Kneippbyn, where you’ll find Villa Villekulla at the Kneippbyn Resort! The house was only used for exterior scenes, however, and the interior scenes were shot in a studio. Nevertheless, it’s quite spectacular to stand in front of the coolest house from your childhood! Finally, you should go on an excursion to the Tofta beach, which you might recognize from “Pippi in the South Seas.” The church in Tofta was also the victim of a Pippi-attack: She used it as a landing spot for her hot air balloon. While you can’t spend the night in Villa Villekulla, the Snäcks Camping campsite is just as beautiful!
Bullerby © pixabay/efraimstochter
“...the World’s Best Stunt Flyer!”
Stop 5: Stockholm
The next stop brings you to the Swedish capital, Stockholm. The backdrops of numerous Lindgren films await you here, as does the Junibacken children’s museum. Astrid Lindgren actively co-designed this museum, and it's also home to other Swedish characters like Pettson and Findus. In Långholmen, you’ll find scenes that were used in The Brothers Lionheart, such as Knights Farm and the burning kitchen. In Vaxholm, you’ll discover the pirate castle of Blood-Svente and Jock the Knife, where Pippi goes to free her father. And in the Vasastan city district, the stories of Karlsson-on-the-Roof took place in the Vulcanusgatan, in house number 12. After a long day that has brought you across all of Stockholm, you can relax and recharge at the Långholmen Husbilscamping campsite.
The Pippi Longstocking Theatre at Junibacken © Junibacken
“...none of us had ever been on Seacrow Island before.”
Stop 6: Norröra
For the last leg of your journey, you’ll head from Stockholm to the Stockholm archipelago, to the island of Norröra. The best way to get to the island from Stockholm is via boat, and the island is great for both day trips and longer stays. Seacrow Island is a fictitious island of Astrid Lindgren’s own invention, but if you’ve always dreamed of a holiday there, your childhood dreams will come true on Norröra, where the beloved movies were filmed. The island is like a picture book come to life, and it almost seems possible that Tjorven, Pelle and the dog, Boatsman, spent their summer here. The Melcherson family’s holiday home still stands today and is a popular café as well as a photo motif for many travellers. Unfortunately, there are no campsites on Norröra, only holiday homes… But since Sweden gives everyone the “freedom to roam”, you can spend a night on the island in a tent (but not in a motorhome).
Of course, the campsites we've mentioned here are just suggestions. There are hundreds of Swedish campsites to choose from here.
