Astrid Lindgren’s World Review: A Must-Visit for Families in Sweden 

Are you an expat family in Sweden looking for ways to connect with local culture? Wondering if Astrid Lindgren’s World is worth the trip? As a Venezuelan mom raising two Swedish-born boys, I recently explored this iconic theme park. 

In this review, I’ll share our recent summer visit to ALV (as the locals call it). We’ll explore the park’s highlights, what we enjoyed the most, and some tips to help you make the most of your own family adventure. 

The world of Astrid Lindgren is full of magic and adventure, perfect for families of all backgrounds. Come explore this enchanting place and discover the heart of Swedish childhood!

About Astrid Lindgren’s World

Astrid Lindgren’s World (ALV) is a beautiful theme park in Vimmerby, Sweden. It is about a 3-hour drive from Stockholm and Gothenburg.

In this park, you won’t find roller coasters. Instead, you’ll find beautiful storybook settings and characters from classic Swedish books.

They loved exploring Pippi Longstocking’s house, Villa Villekula. They also enjoyed walking around The Tiny, Tiny Town and talking to characters from the books.

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What I love about ALV is how it encourages play and imagination. The kids had so much fun in the “don’t touch the ground” course and exploring Mattis Castle. There’s always something happening, whether it’s a live show or a chance to join in on an adventure.

Even if you’re new to Astrid Lindgren’s world, like me, you’ll still love the park’s fun and happy atmosphere. Believe me, you and your family will remember this trip for a long time.

Our ALV Adventure 

We hit the jackpot by visiting ALV on the first September weekend during their “Late summer weekends.”

We visited on Friday and Saturday, which was ideal. The park was noticeably less crowded on Friday, especially since school was back in session. Even Saturday, which you’d expect to be busier, was comfortably filled without feeling packed.

The weather was also on our side. September in Sweden can be hit or miss, but we lucked out with fantastic sunny days.

If possible, include a weekday in your visit. Fridays are golden with fewer crowds and weekend vibes!

Our adventure was extra special because we met up with friends from Gothenburg. The kids had a blast playing together, giving us parents a chance to catch up and relax (with maybe a glass of wine or two in the evenings 😉).

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We went for the two-day pass, and I’m glad we did! The park is big and with so many performances to watch, that one day won’t feel enough. There’s so much to see and do!

Family Favorites:

• Ollie (5) was captivated by Mattis Castle. He couldn’t get enough of exploring its secret passages and towers, proclaiming it his favorite spot countless times!
• Theo (2), was all about Villa Villekulla and the Pippi Longstocking area. The bright colors, interactive elements, and the chance to splash around in the water play area were perfect for his age.

Pack an extra set of clothes! The water play area in Villa Villekulla is irresistible, and your little ones are bound to get soaked.

As a Venezuelan raising Swedish-born kids, this visit was more than just fun. It was a beautiful way to connect with the local culture and share a piece of Swedish childhood with my boys. ❤️

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So, even if you’re unfamiliar with Astrid Lindgren’s stories, don’t worry! The park is incredibly enjoyable for everyone. But if you have time, reading a few stories before your visit can add another layer of depth and understanding to the experience.

Park Attractions

Astrid Lindgren’s World is full of magical places that make your favorite stories feel real. Here are the attractions our family loved the most:

Villa Villekulla: Pippi’s Playground 

Pippi Longstocking’s iconic house was an instant hit with both boys. This three-story adventure playground is packed with details:

• Ground floor and Pippi’s bedroom: Filled with upside-down furniture and other silly surprises.
• Attic: Brave explorers can venture up to Pippi’s attic to find out treasures from her sea adventures. We actually lost track of Ollie for a bit, only to find him happily playing (or at least attempting to play!) the piano in the attic.
• Garden: Features a water play area perfect for splashing (pack extra clothes!) And don’t miss the boat platforms, even my husband and I couldn’t resist giving them a try!

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Don’t miss the slide from the second floor to the garden. It’s a quick escape route that kids absolutely love!

Mattis Castle: Ollie’s Favorite 

This amazing castle, straight out of the pages of “Ronja the Robber’s Daughter,” was the absolute highlight of our trip for 5-year-old Ollie. He didn’t want to leave! On the first day of our visit, he only agreed to go because we promised to come back the next day.

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He loved running through the secret passages and tunnels, climbing the tall towers, and jumping around. There are a lot of rooms full of objects and details he was playing with, even  Theo took some “vegetables” from the kitchen and was running around with them!

Mattis Castle is full of small, interesting details that make it feel very real. When we were there, it felt like we were inside one of Astrid Lindgren’s stories.

Both kids and adults will love to explore the castle and how real it seems. It made you feel like you were part of the story.

The Tiny, Tiny Town: A Toddler’s Paradise 

This miniature version of old Vimmerby, Astrid Lindgren’s childhood town, was a big hit with Theo. 

He was over the moon finding doors and windows just his size! He had a blast running through the tiny streets and peeking into the little houses.

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Watch out for the cobblestones in the Tiny, Tiny Town. Theo got a little too excited and tripped, but thankfully, it was nothing serious.

Karlsson’s Roof 

Karlsson’s Roof was a big hit with both boys, with its quirky house and thrilling slides. My boys loved climbing to Karlsson’s yellow house and going down the slides. 

We parents got a chance to rest while the kids went up and down the slides endlessly!

We met characters from Lindgren’s stories throughout the park, adding an extra layer of magic to our visit.

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What truly sets ALV apart is how it encourages imagination and free play. Some of our best moments were simply watching the kids create their own adventures in these storybook settings.

Performances 

Astrid Lindgren’s World offers many performances throughout the day. During “late summer,” there are fewer shows than in regular summer, but we still really enjoyed them.

We prioritized seeing Pippi and Emil, and I’m glad we did, it was a highlight for us! My kids absolutely loved them.

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The shows were super good! They have great music and dancing, and the actors are fantastic.

What impressed me most was how the houses transformed for each show. They open up and transform to perfectly suit each scene, making you feel like you’re in a theater.

I highly recommend attending these shows – they’re not to be missed! Just prioritize what your kids want to see and be sure to arrive on time. The performances happen throughout the day, so check the schedule carefully. Try to be there 10 minutes before the scheduled time to get good seats.

There are many other things to do around the park, and I’m sure you’ll find your own favorites when you visit. If you can, I recommend going for two days. On the first day, start from one side of the park, and on the next day, start from the other side. That’s how we did it, and I think it worked really well for us. This way, you don’t miss anything.

Practical Information

Here are some essential tips to help you make the most of your visit to Astrid Lindgren’s World:

Tickets and Timing 

• Book your tickets in advance online.
• Try to include at least one weekday for for smaller crowds.
• Late Summer Weekends: We highly recommend visiting during the “Late Summer Weekends” in September, like we did. The crowds are smaller, the weather is still pleasant (though it can vary!), and you can snag discounted tickets.
• Opening Hours: The park’s opening hours vary depending on the season, so check their website for the most up-to-date information.

Getting There and Around 

• Location: Astrid Lindgren’s World is in Vimmerby, Sweden, about a 3-hour drive from Stockholm and Gothenburg. This central location makes it perfect for a weekend getaway from either city.
• By Car: If you’re driving, the park has ample parking available.
• Public Transport: You can also reach Vimmerby by train or bus. From the town center, there are regular shuttle buses to the park entrance.
• Strollers and Wagons: The park is stroller and wagon-friendly, and you can even rent carts at the entrance if you need.

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🚙 Planing to rent a car in Sweden? Check out this post with everything you need to know before Renting a Car in Sweden!

​​Food and Refreshments 

• Variety of Options: ALV offers a good selection of dining options, from quick bites to sit-down restaurants. We loved the pancake restaurant one day (a hit with the kids!) and the delicious meatballs at Bysalen the next.
• Picnic Areas: There are plenty of lovely picnic spots throughout the park, so feel free to pack your own lunch or snacks. Many visitors bring their food and have a picnic.

Take advantage of the picnic areas, especially if you’re on a budget or have picky eaters. It’s also a great way to take a break and recharge amidst all the excitement. Don’t forget to pack some snacks, too, for those moments when hunger strikes between meals.

Accessibility

• ALV is committed to providing an inclusive experience for all visitors. Most areas of the park are accessible for wheelchairs. There are also special parking spots and restrooms for visitors with disabilities. You can find more information about accessibility on the park’s website.

Essential Packing List

• Comfortable Shoes: You’ll walk a lot, so make sure everyone has comfy shoes.
• Sunscreen and Hats: The Swedish sun can be surprisingly strong, even in September. Protect your family with sunscreen and hats.
• Extra Clothes: As mentioned earlier, pack additional clothes for the kids, especially if they plan on enjoying the water play areas.
• Water Bottles: Bring refillable water bottles to stay hydrated. There are plenty of water fountains throughout the park.
• Your phone for pictures: I’m sure you won’t leave the house without your phone, but just in case. Don’t forget your phone or a camera to capture all the magical moments!

Language

Don’t worry if you don’t speak Swedish! Most staff members speak English. It’s a great opportunity for kids to experience a bit of Swedish culture.

Is Astrid Lindgren’s World Worth the Trip? Absolutely! 

Astrid Lindgren’s World was such a fantastic experience! We spent two days there and left feeling like every kronor and every kilometer traveled was worth it. It exceeded all our expectations.

The park offers plenty of places and opportunities for your kids to run around and explore, use their imagination, and play, play, play.

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As an expat mom raising Swedish kids, ALV was a perfect cultural bridge. It helped me appreciate the stories shaping my children’s childhood in Sweden.

My kids totally loved the park. Ollie was so happy in Mattis Castle, and Theo enjoyed a lot in Villa Villekulla. We had a really great time together as a family.

It doesn’t matter if your kids already know Pippi Longstocking and Emil in Lönneberga or if these Swedish classics are new to them. Astrid Lindgren’s World has something for everyone, from lifelong fans to those just new her stories.

Have you visited ALV or another literary-themed park? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!