Film Journeys Through Sweden: Crime Stories and Bullerby
Written and translated by Katharina Selich
Tracing Swedish Stories
What do Astrid Lindgren’s idyllic Bullerby and Wallander’s dark crime worlds have in common? The answer lies in Sweden: many films and series that have enjoyed international success are shot here. From Småland to Ristafallet and on to Ystad, Sweden’s settings offer picturesque nature, charming wooden houses, mystical castles, and an incomparable sense of openness.
Bullerby: Astrid Lindgren’s Childhood
Whether as a tranquil backdrop or the heart of the story, nature is always present in Swedish films and series. This is particularly evident in the film adaptations of Astrid Lindgren’s books. Hardly any other author has shaped Sweden’s image abroad as strongly as she has. One of the most beloved adaptations of her work is The Children of Bullerby (Swedish: Alla vi barn i Bullerbyn). The film is set in Sevedstorp in Småland, a tiny village with only three houses. Lindgren drew inspiration from places of her own childhood in Vimmerby during the 1920s.
Ristafallet: Experiencing Wild Sweden with Ronja
Sweden is known for its unspoiled nature. It also provides the backdrop for films that take place almost entirely outdoors, such as the adaptation of Lindgren’s book Ronia, the Robber’s Daughter (Swedish: Ronja Rövardotter). One filming location of this more than 40-year-old success, which has sold 11 million copies worldwide, is Ristafallet. The waterfall in western Jämtland is considered one of Sweden’s most beautiful. It is therefore no surprise that Tage Danielsson chose it as a central filming location for his 1984 film.
Crime Mysteries in Ystad: Wallander’s Sweden
The brooding detective Kurt Wallander from the crime series of the same name lives in Ystad, in Skåne County. Although actor Krister Henriksson lives in Stockholm, he now describes the small town of Ystad as his second home, where he spends several months each year filming. The harbor town has a distinctive charm: it lies on Sweden’s southern coast and features picturesque cobbled streets lined with traditional half-timbered and wooden houses.
Luleå: A Small Place for Big Emotions
Another Swedish small town provides the setting for the romantic and socially critical film As It Is in Heaven (Swedish: Så som i himmelen), in which a burned-out conductor takes over a small choir in a conservative Swedish community. One of the filming locations used for the fictional village of Ljusåker was the scenic town of Luleå in Norrbotten County.
Excursions Along Swedish Film Locations
A Fika at Lilla Kafferiet
In Luleå you will find Lilla Kafferiet, a cozy café known for its coffee from local roasteries. A major highlight is the homemade cinnamon buns (kanelbullar). In its relaxed atmosphere, visitors can enjoy a typical Swedish fika.
Strolling Through Eksjö
Near “Bullerby” in Småland lies Eksjö, a well-preserved wooden town with a medieval character. Strolling past listed historic houses, visiting cafés and restaurants, or browsing local shops makes for a wonderfully relaxed day. The local museum and the Karamellkokeri branch from Mariannelund, famous for its handmade sweets, are also a delight for children. Another nearby highlight is an elk safari in the Skullaryd Moose Park.
Visiting Filmdorf Småland
Filmdorf Småland in Mariannelund is an interactive museum with outdoor areas for children and adults alike. Everything here is inspired by the film adaptations of Astrid Lindgren’s books. Visitors can dress up, ride Pippi Longstocking’s horse, carve small artworks, or take an audio tour. The museum shop offers souvenirs, and the café serves Swedish treats.
A Walk Through Ystad
Wallander’s Ystad is not quite as gloomy in reality. The cozy harbor town offers ferry connections, including one to the popular Danish island of Bornholm. A stroll through Stortorget, a visit to St. Mary’s Church, or to the Gamla Rådhuset (Old Town Hall) are true highlights. An outing can easily be combined with browsing quaint shops or enjoying lunch in the idyllic courtyard of Bäckahästen Kaffestugan. At the eastern end of Stora Östergatan, visitors will also find Per Helsas Gård, where a charming mix of cafés, renovated half-timbered houses, and local crafts awaits.
Dining at Restaurant Werséns in Åre
Not far from the Ristafallet waterfall lies Werséns—a restaurant, brasserie, and bar with a Scandinavian-French flair. The menu features specialties such as Toast Skagen and reindeer meat. For an even more traditional experience, pair the meal with a local beer from the region. In and around Åre, travelers can enjoy winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. The après-ski in the village is relaxed and cozy. In summer, hikers and cyclists are drawn to the region.
Cinematic Places in Sweden
Sweden’s landscape is the perfect backdrop for memorable film scenes in which nature and charming villages play a central role. Anyone who loves Sweden can set out on a journey of discovery and experience Astrid Lindgren, Wallander, and the idyllic Bullerby up close.