THERE are plenty of theme parks across Europe, which means holidaymakers probably haven’t heard about every single one.
The spring weather has people planning days out, with theme parks being a great choice for families and thrill-seekers
AlamyAstrid Lindgrens Värld is home to over 100 settings from the world of Astrid Lindgren[/caption]
AlamyThe Swedish theme park is set in Vimmerby[/caption]
Located in Vimmerby in Sweden, Astrid Lindgrens Värld is home to over 100 settings from the world of Astrid Lindgren – the Swedish author who wrote Pippi Longstocking and other children’s books.
Despite having no rides or rollercoasters, the Swedish theme park attracts plenty of visitors each year.
Throughout the theme park, young park-goers can meet their favourite characters from children’s books like Pippi Longstocking, Emil i Lönneberga and Karlsson-on-the-Roof.
Children can play tag with Pippi Longstocking or join Emil in Lönneberga as he hoists Ida up a flagpole.
The theme park is designed with children in mind, allowing them to become part of their favourite stories.
There are also plenty of play areas for children to explore too, including the Play Barn in Katthult, which has a small toy shop, clothes for dressing up, secret passages and old farm equipment.
Other play areas include the Noisy Village, Mattis Forest and Little Troublemaker Street.
The Swedish theme park is also home to the country’s largest outdoor theatre, with more than 30 performances taking place during the summer season.
Each of the performances is based on a story from the world of Astrid Lindgren.
Visitors who want to stay overnight will be able to book an overnight stay in the theme park’s guest accommodation.
There are several accommodation options to choose from, including houses in Tiny Town.
Inspired by early 20th century Vimmerby, the tiny houses are located on charming backstreets and quaint streets.
Guests can also book to stay in small cottages close to the forest and there are also pitches for caravans and motorhomes.
Astrid Lindgrens Värld has a 4.5/5 star rating from nearly 1,000 reviews on TripAdvisor.
One person wrote: “The stories of Astrid Lindgren are presented with great attention to detail.
“Even if you don’t speak Swedish, you can spend a great day there with the children and reminisce about your own childhood.”
Another person added: “It’s just a great place. There are no amusement parks or rides, rather it’s a place for the family to enjoy being together.”
Someone else described the theme park as “magical” and “charming”.
Entry tickets to Astrid Lindgrens Värld in the summer season cost SEK 495 (£37) for a full-paying adult, while tickets for children aged between 3 to 14 cost SEK 375 (£28).
From Stockholm, it’s a 3 hour and 30 minute drive to Astrid Lindgrens Värld.
Ryanair operates direct flights from London to Stockholm, with prices starting from £18 for a one-way ticket.
It also takes three hours to reach the Swedish theme park from Gothenburg.
Ryanair operates direct flights between Manchester and Gothenburg with prices starting from £14 for a one-way ticket.
Other little-known theme parks
There are plenty of other little-known theme parks dotted throughout Europe.
One of those places is Walibi Holland – one of the largest theme parks in the Netherlands.
The Dutch theme park has more than 30 rides and attractions, including its brand-new rollercoaster Untamed, which can reach a top speed of 92 km/h.
Walibi Holland is also set to open another new rollercoaster next year too as well as another new indoor area, which is expected to open between 2026 and 2029.
Entry tickets cost €42.50 (£37) for a full-paying adult, while tickets for children under the age of 11 cost €32.50 (£28).
Theme Park Tips
Go to the back of the theme park first. Rides at the front will have the longest queues as soon as it opens.
Go on water rides in the middle of the day in the summer – this will cool you off when the sun is at its hottest.
Download the park’s app to track which rides have the shortest queues.
Visit on your birthday, as some parks give out “birthday badges” that can get you freebies.
If it rains, contact the park. Depending on how much it rained, you may get a free ticket to return.
Set in Zator in Southern Poland, Energylandia is thought to be one of the largest amusement parks in Europe.
Energylandia first opened its doors in 2014 and is now home to more than 123 rides and attractions, which sit across six different zones.
AlamyIt is home to the largest outdoor theatre in the country[/caption]
AlamyEntry tickets to Astrid Lindgrens Värld cost £37 for a full-paying adult[/caption]“}]]