Stensjö Village
Kalmar län
Stensjö Village is a unique cultural reserve located in Döderhults parish, Kalmar County, Sweden, consisting of about thirty historically valuable buildings set in an original cultural landscape by Lake Stärringen. The village is characterized by its red-painted wooden houses, narrow winding gravel roads, and long traditional fences. It has been preserved as an unpartitioned village from the 18th and 19th centuries, maintaining its traditional agricultural layout and architecture. Several buildings are open to visitors, and a small museum in a former barn tells the story of village life. The village is home to grazing livestock such as cows, sheep, and pigs, and the gardens and farming are managed organically on a small scale. Stensjö gained national attention through its use as a filming location for Astrid Lindgren's "Emil in Lönneberga" and "The Children of Bullerbyn," with scenes shot directly in the village and surrounding roads. In 2020, Stensjö Village was officially designated as a cultural reserve, highlighting its importance as a living example of Sweden's rural heritage. The village's preservation was largely due to efforts by paleontologist Erik Stensiö, who helped secure its protection and restoration through the Swedish Academy of Letters, History and Antiquities, resulting in one of the most extensive restorations of a cultural landscape in Sweden.
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Tip: The best time to visit Stensjö Village is during the warmer months when the walking trails are accessible and the livestock are grazing in the pastures. Visitors are advised to purchase tickets or book guided tours in advance during peak seasons to ensure availability. Discounts may be available for seniors, students, and groups. Exploring the five walking trails around the village offers a pleasant way to experience the cultural landscape and historic buildings. Check opening hours before visiting as some buildings and the museum have limited access.
Interesting facts
- •Stensjö Village was used as a filming location for Astrid Lindgren's famous films "Emil in Lönneberga" and "The Children of Bullerbyn."
- •The village features one of the most comprehensive restorations of a cultural landscape ever undertaken in Sweden.
- •Stensjö was officially designated as a cultural reserve in March 2020, recognizing its cultural and historical significance.
- •The village has preserved an unpartitioned farming layout from the 18th and 19th centuries due to farmers' protests against land redistribution plans in the early 1800s.
History
Stensjö Village was first mentioned in 1351 under the name Stenzöö, meaning "the stony island." Originally part of the Grönskog estate, it later came under the ownership of the noble Hammarskjöld family in 1639, who relocated the farm to its current site.
The village developed its present form during the 18th and 19th centuries through land divisions that preserved its clustered layout.
A planned land redistribution in 1815–1816 was protested by farmers and never fully implemented, which helped keep the village intact.
By the mid-20th century, traditional farming ceased, with the last farms closing in 1945 and 1951.
The village was nearly abandoned but was saved through the efforts of Erik Stensiö, who facilitated its acquisition by the Swedish Academy of Letters, History and Antiquities in 1963, leading to extensive restoration work over almost 30 years.
Place Guide
Historic Red-painted Houses18th-19th century
A cluster of traditional red-painted wooden houses that exemplify rural Swedish architecture and the village's agricultural heritage.
Village Museum
Located in a former barn, the museum showcases exhibits about the daily life, farming practices, and history of Stensjö Village.
Walking Trails
Five scenic trails wind through and around the village, allowing visitors to explore the cultural landscape, pastures, and historic buildings.