Things To Do
in Vimmerby

Vimmerby is a picturesque town in Småland, southern Sweden, set among forests and lakes that foster an outdoorsy, family-friendly atmosphere. It is best known as the home of Astrid Lindgren's World, a beloved theme park that brings Pippi Longstocking and friends to life for visitors of all ages. The town preserves charming wooden architecture, inviting plazas, and easy access to pristine countryside.

With a calm pace, Vimmerby makes for a cozy base to explore Småland’s natural beauty and literary heritage.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore Astrid Lindgren's World
morning
:

Start your adventure in the magical world inspired by Astrid Lindgren's beloved stories. Immerse yourself in the enchanting landscapes and meet characters like Pippi Longstocking and Emil of Lönneberga. Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the park's café before your fun-filled day begins.

afternoon
:

Spend your afternoon enjoying the various attractions, including live performances and themed playgrounds that bring the stories to life. Capture magical moments as you engage with the vibrant atmosphere and enjoy lunch at one of the park's charming eateries. Don’t forget to take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful gardens.

evening
:

As the day winds down, find a cozy spot in Vimmerby to savor a hearty Swedish dinner. Reflect on the day's adventures while enjoying local cuisine at a family-run restaurant. Spend the evening sharing stories and laughter with your companions, perhaps visiting a local café for some traditional Swedish pastries.

day 2
Visit the Vimmerby Museum
morning
:

Begin your day at the Vimmerby Museum, where you can delve into the local history and culture. The museum showcases exhibits highlighting the town’s development and its connection to Astrid Lindgren. Enjoy a peaceful breakfast at a nearby café, savoring local delicacies.

afternoon
:

Post-lunch, take a guided tour through the museum to learn fascinating stories about Vimmerby's past. Explore artifacts and displays that depict the town during different eras and understand how it transformed over time. Engage with friendly staff who can enhance your knowledge about the region.

evening
:

After your visit, stroll through the charming streets of Vimmerby, soaking in the atmosphere as the sun sets. Choose a cozy restaurant to wind down, perhaps trying some regional specialties like meatballs or herring. End your evening with a relaxing walk along the nearby river or through local parks.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-20
Coffee in a café$3-5
🏨One night in a mid-range hotel$90-150
🧀Souvenir and small gifts$8-30
🚗Gasoline per liter$1.75-2.50

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Family-friendly attractions and a calm pace
  • Easy access to Småland’s forests and lakes
  • Strong tradition of fika and warm hospitality
  • Proximity to Astrid Lindgren’s World and literary heritage
  • Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
  • Smaller town amenities may require day trips for certain services
  • Seasonal crowds around popular attractions can affect queues
  • Some attractions have seasonal hours
  • "Hej" - Hello
  • "Tack" - Thank you
  • "Ursäkta" - Excuse me
  • "Var ligger toaletten?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Hur mycket kostar det?" - How much does it cost?

Places to Visit in Vimmerby

Visit one of these nice places.

Stadsparken (City Park)

A tranquil green space in the town center with mature trees, paths, and seasonal blooms—great for landscape and street photography.

Vimmerby Church and historic streets

Classic Swedish church architecture and charming wooden facades along cobbled lanes.

Astrid Lindgren's World entrance area

Colorful, storybook-inspired exteriors and playful details that photograph beautifully in daylight.

Culinary Guide

Food in Vimmerby

Småland’s cuisine in Vimmerby emphasizes hearty Swedish flavors, farm-fresh ingredients, and simple, comforting dishes. You’ll find meat dishes, fish, potatoes, berries, and classic fika pastries, with ample opportunities to sample local specialties in cozy cafés and family-run restaurants.

Vimmerby Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Köttbullar (Swedish meatballs)

Traditionally served with creamy gravy, potatoes, and lingonberry sauce.

Must-Try!

Raggmunk med bacon

Crispy potato pancakes topped with fried bacon and lingonberries.

Gravad lax with dill sauce

Cured salmon served with dill-scented cream sauce and rye bread.

Småland apple cake (äppelkaka)

Warm apple cake with vanilla sauce, a staple at many cafés.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Town center farmers market (seasonal)

Seasonal stalls selling berries, mushrooms, dairy, and homemade treats from local producers.

Street-side fika stalls

Casual vendors offering cinnamon buns, coffee, and light snacks near the town center.

Climate Guide

Weather

Vimmerby experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are mild to warm with long daylight hours; winters are cold with snowfall and icy conditions; springs are fresh and wet; autumns are cool with colorful foliage. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with occasional heavy rain in autumn.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

General conduct

Politeness and quiet behavior are valued. Wait to be seated in dining venues, and greet people with a friendly 'Hej' (hi) or 'God dag' (good day).

Queueing

Swedes typically queue patiently; form lines and respect personal space.

Punctuality

Being on time is appreciated for appointments, tours, and events.

Safety Guide

Safety

Vimmerby is generally very safe with low crime rates. Practice standard travel precautions: keep valuables secure, be mindful of traffic when near lakes, and dress appropriately for winter conditions. Emergency number in Sweden is 112 for police, fire, and ambulance.

Tipping in Vimmerby

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping etiquette

Tipping is not mandatory in Sweden, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for exceptional service is appreciated in restaurants and cafés.

Payment methods

Cards (including contactless) are widely accepted; cash is still usable, but some places prefer card payments. Many places also accept mobile payments.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Long days, mild to warm temperatures, and many outdoor events. Expect crowds around Astrid Lindgren's World and the town center; bring sun protection and water.

Winter

Cold to very cold with possible snowfall; magical for snowy landscapes and winter walks. Dress in layers, waterproof boots, and be prepared for shorter daylight hours.

Spring

Mild weather with blooming trees and quiet trails. Trails may be damp, so wear sturdy shoes and enjoy early season cultural activities.

Autumn

Colorful foliage and cooler temperatures; great for forest hikes and photography. Pack a warm layer and anticipate shorter days.

Nightlife Guide

Vimmerby at Night

Vimmerby offers a calm, family-friendly nightlife scene focused on cafés, pubs, and occasional live music. Most activity centers around the town square and hotel lounges, especially in the evenings. For more vibrant nightlife, nearby larger towns like Kalmar or Linköping provide a wider range of bars and clubs.

Hiking in Vimmerby

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Store Mosse National Park

One of Sweden’s largest bog landscapes, offering extensive walking trails and birdwatching opportunities.

Forest and lakes trails around Vimmerby

A network of forest paths and lake rims ideal for day hikes and nature photography.

Airports

How to reach Vimmerby by plane.

Kalmar Airport (KLR)

Main local gateway within roughly a couple of hours’ drive, with several seasonal and domestic flights.

Linköping City Airport (LPI)

A larger regional option accessible by road from Vimmerby, suitable for connecting flights via major hubs.

Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN)

Sweden’s primary international hub, about a few hours’ drive or rail journey away, offering extensive connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

Vimmerby's town center is compact and walkable, with most sights and cafés within a short stroll. Parking is available but can be limited in peak times near the square. A comfortable choice for a relaxed, pedestrian-friendly visit.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families with children

A key demographic in Vimmerby, drawn by family-friendly attractions and outdoor spaces.

Local residents

Longtime residents who enjoy a close-knit community feel and seasonal events.

Tourists and visitors

Domestic and international travelers attracted by Astrid Lindgren’s World and Småland scenery.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

A popular local pastime with community clubs and weekend matches.

Ice hockey

Common in the region; indoor and outdoor rinks are used in winter.

Cross-country skiing

Accessible on snowy days in nearby forests and fields.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Vimmerby is generally light, with smooth roads around the town and straightforward access to main highways. Local buses connect the town center to surrounding villages; car rental is common for exploring Småland. In winter, plan for slower travel on icy roads and in rural areas.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Vimmerby.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most places in Vimmerby offer vegetarian options; ask for local veggie dishes, cheese-based plates, or fish-free mains. Fika pastries and sides can be vegetarian-friendly; inform staff about any dietary needs to avoid hidden animal products.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Sweden provides universal healthcare through the regional system. In Vimmerby, you’ll find primary care centers; for emergency care, call 112. Visitors from abroad should carry health insurance documentation; many services may require an ID and payment at time of service, with possible reimbursement through their home country or travel insurance.

Discover Sweden

Read more in our Sweden 2025 Travel Guide.

Sweden Travel Guide