Vimmerby: Astrid Lindgren and Historic Traces

Vimmerby brings together the world of Astrid Lindgren’s life and its visible urban history, with opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The gardens of Astrid Lindgren’s Näs, the old town and historic sites reveal different sides of the destination. There are also theatre performances, cycling and hiking trails, and water activities at Nossen. Depending on your interests, you can shape your stay around Astrid Lindgren’s stories, cultural history or time outdoors.

Astrid Lindgren’s Vimmerby

Astrid Lindgren’s Näs is a visitor attraction in Vimmerby, in the area where the author grew up. The gardens form a garden park inspired by her life and works. Astrid Lindgren’s childhood home in Näs is a private residence and can only be visited as part of a guided tour. Be sure to book a tour and check the visiting conditions before you travel.

Astrid Lindgren’s World also brings her stories to life: it features recognisable settings from stories about Pippi, Emil and other characters. The open-air theatre is the largest in Sweden. Performances based on Astrid Lindgren’s stories take place daily; many combine singing, music and dance. Individual performances and schedules vary. If you want to see a particular show, check the dates and times for your visit.

The Astrid Lindgren statue stands in Vimmerby’s main square, Stora Torget. Opposite it is a chair where visitors can sit. The statue was unveiled on 1 June 2007, a century after Astrid Lindgren’s birth. Vimmerby cemetery is also part of her story: she is buried there with her parents, Hanna and Samuel August, and two siblings. Before her death, she had decided to be buried in Vimmerby.

Old Town and Cultural History

Alleys and cobbled streets characterise the historic old town around the square, along Storgatan and in Båtsmansbacken. The market square has been here since 1604, when Vimmerby regained its town privileges under Charles IX. These places make the town’s history tangible in its streetscape, while museums, the church and archaeological traces reveal further layers of history.

The cultural history museum Stadsmuseet Näktergalen is housed in a listed wooden building dating from the 18th century. Original Baroque paintings have been preserved on the ceilings and walls. The building is located between Vimmerby Church and Stora Torget. The church’s history dates back at least to the mid-13th century: a church is documented from no later than this period, and the baptismal font dates from the late 12th century. The present-day church was rebuilt on the same site and inaugurated on 4 September 1859.

Källängsparken is also part of the town’s historic character. This unique park from the 1950s is in central Vimmerby and was listed as a historic monument in 2010. At Gästgivarehagen, the history stretches back even further: the stone cist there dates from the Neolithic period. Two burial grounds contain about 300 graves in total. They were in use from around the transition between the 7th and 8th centuries until the first church was built in the late 12th or early 13th century. Finds from Gästgivarehagen point to Vimmerby’s Vikings having extensive trade contacts oriented towards the east.

Cycling, Hiking and Water

For outdoor exercise, Vimmerby has more than 170 kilometres of hiking and walking trails through forests and fields. Norra Kvill National Park is also in Vimmerby Municipality, one of the municipality’s two national parks. Its trails pass through coniferous forest with moss-covered boulders and mysterious little ponds. From the highest point, Idhöjden, you can see across large parts of the area.

The cycling routes in Vimmerby range from 9 to 50 kilometres. They pass through varied forest and cultural landscapes, mainly along gravel and forest roads that are mostly traffic-free. Routes near the town are 9 to 21 kilometres long and use gravel and forest roads wherever possible. Route length and surface give you different factors to consider when planning a ride; conditions may change.

Nossen is a swimming spot in Vimmerby’s built-up area, with large grassy areas and a sandy beach. Water activities there include canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding and pedal boating; availability may vary seasonally. The facilities at the swimming spot may also change. Check which services are currently available before your visit.

Regional Connections and Local Experiences

Regional bus services run from Resecentrum Vimmerby to destinations including Storebro, Hultsfred, Rumskulla, Ydrefors, Eksjö, Nässjö, Gullringen, Södra Vi, Djursdala, Snokebo, Backa and Kisa. For specific journeys, it is advisable to check the timetable, as route details may change.

Bookable experiences in Vimmerby include gin tastings and guided distillery tours at Vimmerby Spritfabrik. Åbro Brewery offers guided tours covering the entire brewing process, from malt to finished beer. Astrid Lindgren’s World serves simple dishes and hearty home-style Småland food, such as meatballs with mashed potatoes or fried pork belly with raggmunk. Many ingredients are sourced locally. Food options and ingredients may change; check what is currently offered before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Storebro, Vimmerby, Pelarne, Gullringen, Solnehult, Tuna, Södra Vi, Borgholm.

For the main travel overview: Kalmar.