Astrid Lindgren's Värld (world)

Looking for something fun to do on your Scandinavian vacation?  Head to Astrid Lindgren's Värld (world) also known as ALV in Småland.  I haven't been to the place on the island of Gotland that is also a Pippi place, but I can highly recommend the "real one" in Vimmerby.  

Stadshotellet in Vimmerby, Sweden

This is where Astrid Lindgren grew up and you can see how this quaint village greatly influenced her work as a children's book writer and her attitudes about childhood.  There are plays throughout the park, like this one from Emil's world (Emil in the Soup Tureen).

Lots to do at ALV!

This play at the castle was based on Ronja Rövardotter (Ronja the Robber's Daughter) and had the boy riveted to his seat and used real horses!  The action was incredible.

 Below is a scene from one of Karlsson på Taket (Karlsson on the Roof) - a very funny story about a naughty boy who lives on the rooftops.  It had the kids in stitches.  You might think that the park was just plays, and although it is Sweden's largest outdoor theater, it has a lot more than that.  My daughter on the raft is an example of one of the fun play areas that the kids were tempted to try.  It's based on another of Astrid Lindgren's fine stories called "Rasmus and the Vagabond" as is the music that we heard in another part of the park.  

Then there is another place to really learn more about the amazing women that Astrid Lindgren was in the town of Vimmerby called "Astrid Lindgrens Näs", which is her fomer home.  This musuem focuses on her life, and her work including the time in which she lived.  It was an interesting place for both my the grown-ups and children to explore and they also had a nice cafe.  If you love Pippi Longstocking, Ronja Robber's Daughter, Mio, or The Children on Troublemaker's Street as I do, you'll enjoy getting an inside view on their creator's past.  

Here's the updated info for Näset as of 2015:

13 June to 6 September: open daily 10:00 to 18:00
Visit our gardens and the second chapter of the garden saga at 

Astrid Lindgren's Näs.
See our permanent Astrid Lindgren exhibition and summer theme exhibition “The whole world is burning!” Additionally, you can of course visit the museum shop and restaurant. Daily guided tours in Astrid Lindgren's childhood during the high season as an additional charge of 95 SEK per person and 50 SEK for children below 16 Yrs.
Admission:
Adults 140 SEK
Children under 16 free