Nostalgia dominates in Norway’s real-life storybook town where childhood memories come to life. Based on Thorbjørn Egner’s beloved tale, this recreation in Kristiansand invites visitors to step inside one of Norway’s most treasured literary worlds.
What springs to mind when you think of your own childhood? Perhaps a favourite bedtime story, a beloved TV show, or a place that felt magical in its own way.
For me, growing up in Britain, it was ‘Button Moon’ and ‘Rainbow’, with their quirky characters and simple, whimsical worlds. Even now, decades on, I still catch myself occasionally humming the Button Moon theme tune!
But for many Norwegians, childhood nostalgia is often tied to ‘Kardemomme by’—a town that doesn’t just exist in the pages of a book, but in real life too.
What Is Kardemomme By?
‘Kardemomme by’ (Cardamom Town) is the setting of Folk og røvere i Kardemomme by (published in English as ‘When the Robbers Came to Cardamom Town’), the beloved 1955 children’s book by Thorbjørn Egner.
The story follows the peaceful residents of this fictional town as they navigate life under the simple but charming ‘Kardemomme Law', which states:
“One shall not bother others, one shall be nice and kind, and otherwise one may do as one pleases.” Sounds pretty good to me!
Characters of Kardemomme By
Among its most memorable characters are Kasper, Jesper, and Jonathan, three hapless but endearing robbers who cause trouble for the town but eventually mend their ways.
There’s also Tante Sofie (Aunt Sofie), the strict but well-meaning guardian, Tobias the watchman, and a tram that chugs through the town—an iconic detail that remains a favourite with Norwegian children to this day.
Like many classic children’s books, ‘Kardemomme by’ is more than just a story. It has become deeply ingrained in Norwegian culture, with songs from the book known by heart and stage adaptations performed regularly across the country.
But what truly makes it unique is that you can step inside this storybook world for yourself.
Visiting the ‘Real’ Kardemomme By
Nestled within Dyreparken (Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park) in Southern Norway, a real-life version of ‘Kardemomme by’ has existed since 1991.
Here, Egner’s whimsical illustrations are brought to life in a fully recreated town, complete with cobbled streets, colourful buildings, and a real bakery. Of course, I had to try an iconic cardamom bun while I was there. Purely for research purposes, you understand!
Visitors can stroll through the town, step inside the characters’ homes, and even stay overnight in themed accommodation (between May and mid-October).
On my recent visit, I was struck by just how faithful it felt to the book. Walking past the cheerful pastel houses, it was easy to imagine Kasper, Jesper, and Jonathan lurking around a corner, plotting their next (not-so-sinister) scheme.
I climbed the stairs inside Tobias' tower, allowing me to see how Tobias lives. What a great view from the top!
Something important to say: I visited on a cold day in the winter when the attraction was very quiet. There were only 15 or 20 other visitors, although thankfully the bakery was open.
In the summer, ‘Kardemomme by’ is a very different place! It’s much busier, features a working tram, and live performances bring the characters to life. I'd love to pay a visit then. Perhaps later this year!
A Place of Pure Nostalgia
For Norwegian visitors, this is more than just a theme park attraction—it’s a deeply nostalgic experience.
Many adults who grew up with the book now bring their own children, passing on the magic of ‘Kardemomme by’ to a new generation. And while the town is small, its charm is enormous.
For anyone visiting Norway, especially those with children, ‘Kardemomme by’ is a must-see—a place where nostalgia, storytelling, and Norwegian culture come together in the most delightful way. I'll be back in the summer, for sure!
Have you been to Kardemomme by, perhaps in the summer? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences down in the comments.
