In Ronja the Robber's Daughter by Astrid Lindgren, a curious and courageous girl grows up in the forests of Sweden. She forms her own opinions, puts people before interests, and bridges a generations-old conflict between her Mattis clan and the rival Borka clan. Truly, Ronja is a role model worth emulating.

You can step into her world—literally—by exploring the trails of the Sörknatten-Baståsen nature reserve. Parts of the 1983 feature film were shot here. From the northern parking area, a steep staircase leads up to a quartz ridge that has withstood millions of years of wind, ice, and rain.

Follow the ridge southward, between birch and wind-sculpted pine trees, toward Sörknatten. Many of the pines are stunted and twisted by the harsh conditions, adding to the wild character of the landscape. It's easy to imagine Ronja striding here, pausing to gaze out over the vast, open scenery. To the east lies the mighty Lake Vänern; in all other directions, forests and lakes stretch as far as the eye can see.

The trail often hugs the steep flanks of the ridge, where a misstep could send you tumbling into the depths below. Perhaps it was in such places that Ronja realized how vital it is to take people’s needs, feelings, dreams, and plans seriously—rather than engaging in quarrels about ownership, status, or strength. I don’t know.

But I do know this: I’m inspired by how Ronja lives and meets the world.