Vimmerby Travel Guide
Plan your next trip to Vimmerby, Sweden with our comprehensive travel guide featuring tips on places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.
- Introduction to Vimmerby
- List of Places to Visit in Vimmerby
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Vimmerby
- Best Things to Do in Vimmerby: Activities and Tours
- Astrid Lindgren Tour
- The Emigrant Trail
- Week-Long Itinerary for Vimmerby
- Food and Drink Scene of Vimmerby
- Where to Stay in Vimmerby: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Best Luxury Hotels
- Best Budget-Friendly Hostels and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Vimmerby: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Vimmerby
- Best Time to Visit Vimmerby
- Do’s and Don’ts of Vimmerby
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Vimmerby: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Vimmerby
- Where to Go Next from Vimmerby: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Kalmar
- Öland Island
- Conclusion
Introduction to Vimmerby
Located in the stunning region of Småland in southern Sweden, Vimmerby is a charming town filled with natural beauty, rich cultural attractions, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The town is widely known as the birthplace of Astrid Lindgren, a famous Swedish author, and creator of beloved children’s characters such as Pippi Longstocking. With its picturesque surroundings and endless entertainment possibilities, Vimmerby has become a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.
List of Places to Visit in Vimmerby
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Astrid Lindgren’s World
This world-renowned theme park is based on Astrid Lindgren’s famous books. The park is filled with various rides, interactive exhibits, and live shows that bring the author’s beloved characters to life. Visitors can explore the iconic Villa Villekulla, play within the boundaries of the Noisy Village, and listen to stories narrated by actors dressed as Astrid Lindgren’s characters.
Nils Holgersson’s World
Nils Holgersson’s World is another theme park where visitors can experience the magical world created by the Swedish children’s author, Selma Lagerlöf. This park is perfect for families with young children as it marks the magical journey of a young boy who is turned into a pixie and travels around Sweden on the back of various animals.
Vimmerby Church
This historic church is a must-visit for anyone interested in architecture and historical sites. Built-in the 13th century, the Vimmerby Church is an iconic landmark of the town. Visitors can explore the intricate carvings and impressive paintings within the church’s walls.
Natural Attractions of Vimmerby: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Stora Hammarsjö Nature Reserve
The Stora Hammarsjö Nature Reserve is a breathtaking site located in the heart of the town. The reserve is filled with numerous hiking trails and provides an excellent opportunity to explore the spectacular views of Lake Stora Hammarsjö, as well as the surrounding forest and meadowlands.
Långasjönäs Nature Reserve
This natural gem offers visitors a plethora of outdoor activities all-year-round. Located south of Vimmerby, Långasjönäs Nature Reserve is a vast park with beautiful hiking trails that range from easy to challenging. Visitors can also enjoy bird-watching, fishing, swimming, and canoeing.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Vimmerby
Vimmerby is home to dozens of hiking trails and biking routes that offer visitors an excellent opportunity to explore the pristine beauty of the region. The most popular hiking trails include Stora Hammarsjö nature reserve trail, Långasjönäs nature reserve trail, and Främby udde trail. Visitors can also explore the iconic Vimmerby sightseeing route, a 22-kilometer trail that takes visitors to some of the city’s most notable points of interest.
Best Things to Do in Vimmerby: Activities and Tours
Astrid Lindgren Tour
Fans of the famous Swedish author can take the Astrid Lindgren Tour, a guided excursion that takes visitors to the most iconic landmarks of her life and work.
The Emigrant Trail
For those interested in history, The Emigrant Trail is the perfect activity that offers visitors an opportunity to experience the lives of Swedish emigrants, who moved to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Week-Long Itinerary for Vimmerby
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit Astrid Lindgren World |
| 2 | Hike the Stora Hammarsjö nature reserve trail |
| 3 | Explore Vimmerby Church and the city’s historic sites |
| 4 | Take the Astrid Lindgren Tour |
| 5 | Visit Långasjönäs nature reserve and enjoy various outdoor activities such as canoeing, bird watching and fishing |
| 6 | Experience The Emigrant Trail |
| 7 | Explore the town’s local art scene and markets, and end your trip with a delicious Swedish meal |
Food and Drink Scene of Vimmerby
Vimmerby is famous for its traditional Swedish cuisine and local delicacies that should be on every traveler’s must-try list.
Must-Try Dishes
Some of Vimmerby’s must-try dishes include ‘Krusbärssaft’, a traditional Swedish berry drink, ‘Småland meatballs’, served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce, and ‘Raggmunk’ which is a type of Swedish potato pancake.
Local Beverages
Vimmerby is home to a range of local beverages, including flavored craft beers, locally produced ciders such as “Gutta Forsberg”, and ‘Punsch’, a traditional Swedish liquor.
Where to Stay in Vimmerby: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Vimmerby has an excellent array of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious hotel or a budget-friendly hostel, there’s something for everyone.
Best Luxury Hotels
- Best Western Vimmerby Stadshotell
- Björkbacken Hotell and Konferens
- Villa Flora Viola
Best Budget-Friendly Hostels and Guesthouses
- Lilla Hotellet Bed and Breakfast
- Krusbärsgården Hostel
- Astrid Lindgrens Värld Stugbyar
What to Buy in Vimmerby: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Vimmerby offers a range of local souvenirs and products that are unique to the region, including handmade Swedish glassware, traditional wooden clogs, locally produced cheeses, and Swedish sweet treats such as ‘Pepparkakor’, the famous Swedish gingerbread cookie.
Local Culture and Customs of Vimmerby
Vimmerby is a town rich in cultural traditions that date back centuries. The town is known for its colorful annual festivals, such as the Book Fair, Folk Music Week, and Autumn Market celebrated each year in October.
Best Time to Visit Vimmerby
The best time to visit Vimmerby is during the summer months of June to August, when the weather is warm, and most of the attractions are open for visitors. The spring months of April and May and the autumn months of September and October are also a great time to visit the town, as the crowds are smaller, and the weather is still pleasant.
Do’s and Don’ts of Vimmerby
Do:
- Try local Swedish cuisine, including traditional meatballs and lingonberry sauce.
- Plan a visit to Astrid Lindgren’s World and Nils Holgersson World.
- Attend an annual festival or event.
- Explore the scenic views of the nearby nature reserves.
Don’t:
- Forget to dress appropriately for the weather, especially in the winter months.
- Be rude to the locals or disregard Swedish customs and culture.
- Forget to try local beverages such as flavored beers and ciders.
Safety and Health
Safety in Vimmerby
Vimmerby is generally a safe town, and crime rates are relatively low. However, visitors should still take general safety precautions, such as staying aware of their surroundings, not leaving valuables unattended, and using common sense.
Health in Vimmerby
Vimmerby has excellent health facilities, including hospitals and clinics, and visitors can access any medical assistance they may need. Visitors should also take general personal precautions to stay healthy, such as drinking bottled water and washing hands frequently.
Getting to Vimmerby: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Vimmerby
The nearest airports to Vimmerby are Kalmar Airport, which is located approximately 56 miles away, and Norrköping Airport, which is about 85 miles away from the town.
Bus Stations Near Vimmerby
Bus travel is an affordable and convenient option to travel to Vimmerby. The town is well connected with other cities in Sweden, and travelers can access various bus stops in the town center.
Other Options
Other transportation options to Vimmerby include train travel or driving, with several car rental agencies operating in the town.
How to Get Around in Vimmerby
Vimmerby is a small town, and most of the attractions are within walking distance of each other. Visitors can also rent bicycles or use local buses to explore the town’s outskirts and nearby nature reserves.
Where to Go Next from Vimmerby: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Kalmar
Located just an hour’s drive from Vimmerby, Kalmar is a beautiful town known for its picturesque streets, colorful architecture, and rich historical sites.
Öland Island
Öland Island is just a short drive from Vimmerby and is home to some of Sweden’s most stunning beaches and natural sites, such as the famous Alvaret limestone plain.
Conclusion
Vimmerby is a truly unique town that offers visitors a plethora of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and one-of-a-kind dining experiences. Whether you’re traveling solo or with your family, there’s something for everyone in this charming town. With friendly locals, breathtaking scenery, and an endless list of entertainment options, it’s no surprise that Vimmerby has become one of Sweden’s most popular tourist destinations.
