Nestled in the charming town of Vimmerby, Kalmar län, Astrid Lindgrens Värld invites families and fans of all ages to step into the beloved stories of one of Sweden’s most treasured authors. This child-friendly theme park is a lively tribute to Astrid Lindgren’s timeless characters and settings, offering an immersive experience that brings fairy tales to life through beautifully detailed sets and engaging live shows.
Unlike traditional amusement parks, Astrid Lindgrens Värld focuses on spectacular live shows filled with music, dance, and enchanting performances—all delivered in Swedish. Even if you’re not fluent in the language, the expressive storytelling and familiar tales ensure joy and wonder for visitors. Wander through authentic recreated cottages and towns where you can meet your favorite storybook heroes, making it a magical experience for small children and adults alike.
What sets this park apart is the opportunity to interact closely with the characters and explore every detail of the meticulously crafted settings. Visitors often highlight the friendly actors who engage warmly with guests after the shows, enhancing the feeling of stepping inside a beloved storybook.
Open from mid-May through mid-August, with extended weekends in late August and September plus autumn school holiday openings, the park is ideally enjoyed on a sunny day to truly appreciate its outdoor charm. While the shows are all in Swedish, knowing the stories beforehand enhances the experience. The park is equipped with restrooms and offers several picnic and barbecue areas for those who prefer to bring their own food—an unusual and delightful option not often found in theme parks.
For dining, visitors can savor traditional Swedish dishes made from fresh local ingredients at the park’s restaurants, cafés, and kiosks. Guests also appreciate the availability of themed houses and cottages nearby, perfect for families who want to extend their magical stay right next to the park. Pets are welcome too, including in outdoor dining areas, making it a truly inclusive destination.
- What are the opening hours of Astrid Lindgren's World? The park is open daily from May 16 to August 17, with additional openings on weekends in August and September, and during the autumn school holidays.
- Are pets allowed in the park? Yes, pets are allowed in the park and in the outdoor dining areas.
- Is there accommodation available on-site? Yes, there are themed houses and cottages available for booking, located right next to the park.
- What dining options are available? The park offers several restaurants, cafés, and kiosks serving traditional Swedish dishes prepared with local ingredients.
- Are there picnic areas available? Yes, there are designated picnic and barbecue areas where visitors can bring their own food.
The overall sentiment from visitors to Astrid Lindgrens Värld is overwhelmingly positive. Families appreciate the park's dedication to authenticity and the immersive world it creates, with many praising the quality of the live shows and the chance to meet fairy tale characters in person. The detailed craftsmanship of the buildings and environments adds to the magic, making it easy for guests to lose themselves in the stories.
While some visitors note the higher cost of meals and souvenirs inside the park, many find the experience well worth the expense, especially for families seeking a unique cultural outing that blends entertainment with literary heritage. The park’s policy allowing guests to bring their own food and pets enhances convenience and comfort, adding to the welcoming atmosphere for diverse visitors.
Astrid Lindgrens värld, located in the charming town of Vimmerby, Sweden, opened its doors in 1981 as the beloved Fairytale Village, or Sagobyn. This unique theme park has since expanded impressively to cover 180,000 square meters, immersing visitors in the magical worlds created by the iconic author Astrid Lindgren. Known for its vivid recreations of her stories, the park offers an enchanting experience that appeals to families and fans of all ages.
Since its inception, Astrid Lindgrens värld has seen significant expansions and additions that continue to delight visitors. Here are some of the key milestones in its history:
- In 1981, the park opened as the Fairytale Village (Sagobyn), establishing a foundation for family-friendly storytelling experiences.
- In 2009, Villa Villekulla, the iconic home of Pippi Longstocking, was reopened near the puppet theater, adding a beloved centerpiece to the park.
- The addition of Mattis Castle in 2011 expanded the park’s settings, bringing more of Astrid Lindgren's enchanting tales to life.
- In 2016, the Brothers Lionheart area was introduced, further enriching the park’s narrative landscape with even more of Lindgren’s cherished characters and stories.
Unlike traditional amusement parks with rides, Astrid Lindgrens värld focuses on live shows, detailed settings, and interactive experiences that bring stories to life. Visitors can explore carefully crafted environments, meet beloved characters, and enjoy performances full of music and dance. This focus on storytelling and immersion has made it a beloved destination for families, especially those familiar with Astrid Lindgren's timeless books.
Since opening over four decades ago, Astrid Lindgrens värld remains a top tourist attraction in Sweden’s Kalmar län region, drawing visitors from around the world. The park’s charm lies in its dedication to preserving and celebrating the rich literary heritage of Astrid Lindgren through immersive environments and engaging performances. It’s a place where children and adults alike can escape into a world of fantasy, making lasting memories.
Nestled in the charming town of Vimmerby, Astrid Lindgrens Värld offers an immersive journey into the beloved stories of one of Sweden’s most cherished authors. This thematic amusement park is not centered around thrilling rides but rather focuses on creating a magical world through live performances and intricately detailed settings inspired by Astrid Lindgren's classic characters.
Astrid Lindgrens Värld shines as a fantastic destination for families, especially those with small children who are fans of classic tales like Pippi Longstocking. The park's unique appeal lies in its live shows, filled with music and dance, which bring stories to life in Swedish. Even if you don’t speak the language, the engaging performances and charming actors make it a joy to watch and interact with after the shows. The carefully crafted buildings and play areas invite children to dive into a world of fantasy, offering a variety of interactive experiences.
Visitors can enjoy meals made with local ingredients, enhancing the authentic Swedish experience. While food and merchandise tend to be on the pricier side, the park offers the unique option to bring your own snacks, including grilling your own sausages at designated spots, a rare feature among theme parks. For those planning a longer stay, on-site accommodation options provide added convenience, allowing families to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere without rushing.
While the park offers a rich cultural and entertaining experience, potential visitors should be aware of a few limitations. The entire park operates cashlessly, which might require preparation, and its seasonal opening means planning your visit during the active months is essential. Additionally, the focus on performances over rides may not engage very young toddlers fully, as some families with two-year-olds have found the experience less captivating. The sunny outdoor stage areas can also pose challenges during hot weather, making timing and sun protection important considerations.
- Pros : immersive experience with beloved characters, family-friendly atmosphere, variety of performances and play areas, on-site accommodation options, use of local ingredients in dining
- Cons : higher costs for food and merchandise, limited opening season, cashless payment system
