Sweden preserves its Old World charms

Step into a time tunnel in Tallberg, in the country's heartland, where residents, crafts, architecture and ambience are like something out of a fairy tale.

As I examined a map of central Sweden, place names seemed oddly familiar: Siljan … Leksand ... Rattvik. ... Had I been here in another life?

No. I'd simply been shopping at Ikea. A number of the firm's wares are named after Swedish cities. And yet, that wouldn't be the strangest sensation I'd encounter here in Tallberg.

This village of 217 souls is tucked into the Dalarna region, in the country's heartland.