Visit the well-known settings of Astrid Lindgren’s stories
Marianne Wie visits the country’s Pippi Longstocking-inspired theme park with her family
Crossing the bridge that divides Denmark from Sweden, we are coming towards the end of our drive, heading past fields and farms in Småland, Sweden. This is the area where Scandinavia?s much-loved children?s author and creator of Pippi Longstocking, Astrid Lindgren, was born and raised. And it was here she found much of the inspiration for the 50 books she wrote during her lifetime.
Una and Elin, both 11, and Monty, seven,  are full of excitement as we head through the gates of Astrid Lindgren?s World. Suddenly, we have stepped into a retro fairytale full of colourful wooden villages. Mrs Prysselius, the hilariously eccentric character from the Pippi books, is pedalling past us on her bicycle, inviting us to join her for coffee and cake. The children fell in love with the park’s characters
Nevertheless, not to be sidetracked, we head towards Villekulla Cottage ready to catch Pippi?s first performance of the day. The happy, red-haired, freckled girl gives the audience a lively show, as she rescues her dad from a group of dancing pirates. We are invited into the house to join the actors, who remain in character, singing Pippi songs.
When it comes to lunch, we are spoilt for choice. There are lots of cute restaurants selling the local dishes mentioned in Lindgren?s stories; from meatballs and mash to salmon with ...