Bavarian specialist company designed parts of the "Astrid Lindgren’s World” in Sweden
Related: KaGo & Hammerschmidt GmbH Company Profile/ KaGo & Hammerschmidt GmbH: ZOO OF THE FUTURE – 7000 SQUARE METERS OF ROCK ART
"Where fairy-tales come to life“ is the slogan of "Astrid Lindgren´s World“ in Swedish Vimmerby. Around 450, 000 people visit the theme park every year. It’s a place full of theatres, music and exciting encounters with the heroes from the books of the popular children´s book author. In order to stage this animated figures one have to have the right scenery.
In this regard the adventure world has gained one more attraction. A gigantic stage for theatrical performances for the famous novel "Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter“ has been completed in June. Company KaGo & Hammerschmidt from Wunsiedel/Germany, one of the leading artificial rock designers in Europe, is responsible for the extensive rock replica of approx. 5000 square meters. The core of the new venue is the “Robber’s castle”, known from the book and numerous film adaptations.
In addition, paths passing artificial battlements, deceptively real looking historical facades, columns and stair towers were created. They offer the perfect setting for the performances. Even after the final curtain call the landscapes offer plenty of thrill and exciting discoveries to the visitors. Not only the exterior facade was caringly crafted also was the interior to achieve a realistic as possible appearance of the venue.
After the performances the doors open for the visitors to see the bedrooms of the robbers, as well as a dark dungeon and a fearsome crypt. The bear den, the wolf canyon, a waterfall and a rock pond enhance the “live-feeling” of the visitors. It’s less about a visit or a performance – it’s about the experience and staging.
A children’s playground designed as a castle ruin, who among other things offers the opportunity of digging for stamped into the floor finds, completes the Ronja theme world.
According to the saga a lightning struck the castle and split it into two halves the night Ronja was born. The replica of the castle also has a gap which can be opened up to 1.20 meters by a hydraulic system. Despite adverse weather conditions KaGo & Hammerschmidt and all other parties mastered this and other challenges in only six months. "We only achieved this due to the exceptional close and trusting cooperation with all parties by the responsible Swedish construction group“ states Klaus Gohl managing director of KaGo & Hammerschmidt.
Artificial rock is available in various shapes, colours and designs. Whatever rock type the experts replicate – for the observer there will be no difference to the heavyweight real rock detectable. Unlike the originals, the artificial items though have numerous pros amongst other things due to their weight: transport and delivery will be eased, there are less statically issues and modifications are easier and more cost effective to carry out.
"It’s a brilliant challenge, turning a literarily fantasy world into reality, “ as Klaus Gohl describes the specifics of this project. Other major projects of the company include redesigning works for Zoos across Europe, film sets and the new scenery for the Karl May Festival in Bad Segeberg.
About KaGo Hammerschmidt GmbH
KaGo & Hammerschmidt GmbH was founded in 1992 by managing directors Klaus Gohl and Kai Hammerschmidt. The medium-sized company had its origin in the design of living space habitats with artificial plants, rock imitations, water and light effects. The leader in the field creates zoos and complete bath and sauna landscapes with its products. In 2010 the company received for the second time the award "Mittelstandslöwen” for product innovation.
