Vimmerby: following Astrid Lindgren’s footsteps
The charming town of Vimmerby in the north-east of Småland owes its fame to the town’s most famous daughter: Astrid Lindgren. Sweden’s most famous author was born here and took inspiration for her stories – so it’s no surprise that Vimmerby is fully orientated towards Lindgren when it comes to leisure activities. Here you can find out everything you need to know about a trip to the cosy little town.
Why go to Vimmerby?
The name Vimmerby is inextricably linked with Astrid Lindgren. The creator of childhood heroes such as Pippi Longstocking, Emil from Lönneberga and Ronja the Robber’s Daughter was born on a farm near the small town and has repeatedly given the town a place in her works. A holiday in Vimmerby is an immersion in the magical world of the author and her characters, as there are many attractions in and around the town that revolve around Lindgren and Co., such as the Astrid Lindgren’s Värld theme park, as well as many other exhibitions and museums dedicated to her life and work.
A stay in Vimmerby has a nostalgic flavour outside of the themed worlds around Astrid Lindgren as well. The landscape around the small town is typical for Småland, with its many tranquil forests, lakes and red houses – the ideal image of Sweden for many people. The idyllic nature, such as the Norra Kvill National Park, invites you to explore – whether on a leisurely stroll or a longer hike, on land or on water.
Where is Vimmerby located?
Vimmerby is located in the south-east of Sweden, in the historic province of Småland. The small town is roughly halfway between Malmö and Stockholm, about 330 kilometres from the port city in the south and about 300 kilometres from the Swedish capital. It is approximately 265 kilometres from Gothenburg to Vimmerby. The nearest larger towns are Jonköping at the Vättern (approx. 120 kilometres) and the university town of Linköping (approx. 95 kilometres). It is also not too far to the Baltic Sea, the distance to the coastal town of Västervik is about 55 kilometres.
Weather in Vimmerby
Vimmerby is located in southern Sweden and therefore has pleasantly mild and warm temperatures. The best time to visit is from May to September, as it is often very sunny and warm – but not too warm. The warmest month is July, when the average temperature is 22° Celsius. During other summer months temperatures are around 20° Celsius. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t forget your umbrella or rain jacket, as rain tends to fall out of nowhere in the summer, even if only for a few minutes a day.
Sights and activities in Vimmerby
Astrid Lindgren’s World
The most famous attraction in Vimmerby, Astrid Lindgren’s World, is located on the outskirts of the town. Since 1981, the theme park has been centred around the characters from Astrid Lindgren’s most famous works, and visitors can experience the stories at first hand. The park is divided into different areas (Pippi Longstocking, Emil from Lönneberga, Ronja the Robber’s Daughter, Madita, Karlsson on the Roof, The Brothers Lionheart and Rasmus and the Tramp), each dedicated to one of the iconic tales: On open-air stages, there are theatre performances re-enacting well-known scenes from the books, and actors in costumes walk around to pose for a photo with visitors.
Culinary delights are also catered for, as instead of the usual theme park fare of ice cream and chips, Astrid Lindgren’s Värld offers regional and nutritious dishes such as potato pancakes and waffles. The park is open all day during the main season from the end of May to the end of August, and at the weekends until September, as well as during the weekends of the Swedish autumn holidays in October.
Astrid Lindgren Museum: Astrid Lindgren’s Näs
Astrid Lindgren’s Näs is the farm where the author was born and spent her childhood. Where Lindgren’s literary activities began many decades ago, there is now a museum dedicated to her life and work. The farm consists of the family home, which can be visited on a guided tour, and various other buildings, as well as the gardens.
In the other buildings – the vicarage and the pavilion – there are various exhibitions, a main exhibition about the life of the author, as well as changing exhibitions focussing on her works or their impact. The garden of the grounds is lovingly laid out and a place to relax, meet, play and discuss. The courtyard is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from the end of May to the end of August and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursdays to Sundays in September. Guided tours of the farm and the parents’ house can be booked in Swedish, English or German.
Småland film village
The Småland film village is located in Mariannelund, about 20 minutes’ drive from Vimmerby. Here, too, everything revolves around Astrid Lindgren’s characters, as the village is, so to speak, representative of all the film locations in the region where the authors’ works were filmed and shot. In the main exhibition you can see film clips and original props, or alternatively you can visit one of the twelve film locations where “Emil from Lönneberga”, “Pippi Longstocking” and “We children from Bullerbü” were filmed, such as the real village of Bullerbü, which lies 10 kilometres east of Mariannelund, and where not only Astrid Lindgren’s father grew up, but where the famous film was shot decades later.
Vimmerby Moose Park
If you want to get a close-up view of the impressive animals that are at home in Sweden and throughout Scandinavia, you should plan a visit to Virum Älgpark. The park is located around 30 kilometres from the city centre and is home to fallow deer and sheep as well as moose. On one of the moose safaris on offer, during which you are driven through the park on an open-sided wagon for 30-40 minutes, you can meet a total of eight moose. There is also a playground and a cable car, as well as a moose shop, a café and a quiz walk.
Accommodation in Vimmerby
Camping in Vimmerby
The area in and around Vimmerby is perfect for a camping holiday. Camping in Sweden is very popular as it is a very nature-loving way to spend a holiday. Many campsites are located in the middle of nature and often by the water. There are several campsites in the region around Vimmerby, for example in Mariannelund, which is about 20 kilometres away. Modern campsites nowadays offer a lot of comfort and services. However, if you want to experience an adventure in the country’s beautiful nature instead, you can go wild camping in Sweden – an exciting alternative to a normal holiday, especially in summer.
Holiday cottages in Vimmerby
Renting a holiday home is a popular option for a holiday in Vimmerby. In and around the city, there are a number of options in different variations and price ranges. A holiday home is particularly attractive for families with children, whether big or small, or other larger groups due to its size, independence and cooking facilities.
Travelling to Vimmerby
By plane to Vimmerby
It is also possible to travel by plane, if you prefer a more relaxed journey. The major airports in Stockholm and Gothenburg are served by flights from many British airports. Once there, you can either continue your journey in a rental car or alternatively by public transport: Linköping is served by direct trains or long-distance buses from many Swedish cities, and you can change trains to Vimmerby there.
