In the Footsteps of Astrid Lindgren
Time: around two to three hours (excluding stops for bathing and eating).
Approx. 50 km.
Travel along Road 33 towards Jönköping. After about 10km, at Pelarne, follow the signs towards Bullerby. Visit the real Bullerby where Astrid Lindgren found most of her inspiration, where the films were made, and where her father Samuel August grew up. Here you'll find a café, a small store and a shop.
Drive back out onto Road 33. Turn left and you will soon come to Mossebo were you will be able to rest and enjoy some food. At the old manor farm Albert Engström once worked as a private tutor.
Continue all the way until you get to Mariannelund. On the way you will see the most fantastic of views before you drive into the town. Do you remember what Emil said when he pulled Ida up the flagpole?. "Ida, can you see Mariannelund?" You also find a café and a bite to eat in Mariannelund, but don't miss the sweet shop. Only real sweets, the type on sale at markets, are made here.
Return in any easterly direction on Road 33. Immediately after Mariannelund, it says "Katthult 9" on a sign. Turn off there and continue through the forest for a while. Just as you enter Rumskulla you will find a small lake. Maybe it's time for swim?
On the left behind a church there is a sign which says Katthult. Follow the signs along the road and soon you will end up in Katthult, famous from the film. The real name of the village is in fact Gibberyd. Park and walk up to the house.
In Katthult, it just looks like it was in the films about Emil from Lönneberga. Emil's little woodshed, Alfred's house and the flagpole. There is also a shop where you can buy souvenirs or perhaps all you need is a nice icecream.
Drive back to Rumskulla. When you get to the church, you can choose to drive back the same way that you came, out onto Road 33 which will take you to Vimmerby, otherwise turn left and you will come onto the old main thoroughfare which will take you back to Vimmerby. If you choose the latter alternative, you can add to it the "North-West tour" and finish off at the crossroads towards Ydrefors.