A garden park inspired by Astrid Lindgren’s life and work offers a special way to discover Vimmerby: the gardens of Astrid Lindgren’s Näs reflect both. Astrid Lindgren’s Näs is a visitor attraction in Vimmerby, in the area where the author grew up. Her childhood home in Näs is a private residence and can only be visited as part of a guided tour. Check the latest visitor information in advance.
Astrid Lindgren’s stories on stage
Astrid Lindgren’s Värld also brings the author’s stories to life: daily performances based on her tales take place at this open-air theatre, described as Sweden’s largest. Many feature singing, music and dance; individual productions and schedules vary. Recognisable settings from the stories of Pippi, Emil and other characters add to the theatre experience. This lets you encounter the books both on stage and in specially created settings.
Old town and architectural history
Vimmerby’s historic old town can be seen in the lanes and cobbled streets 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. The Astrid Lindgren statue stands in Stora Torget. It was unveiled on 1 June 2007, a century after Lindgren’s birth. Opposite it is a chair where visitors can sit.
Stadsmuseet Näktergalen is located between Vimmerby Church and Stora Torget. The cultural history museum is housed in a listed wooden building from the 18th century; original Baroque paintings adorn its ceilings and walls. The church also spans a long period of history: it is documented from at least the mid-13th century. Its baptismal font dates from the late 12th century. The present church was built on the same site and consecrated on 4 September 1859.
Archaeological traces and urban green spaces
Gästgivarehagen is home to a well-preserved Neolithic stone cist and two burial grounds. Together, the burial grounds contain about 300 graves. They were used from around the transition between the 7th and 8th centuries until the first Vimmerby Church was built, in the late 12th or early 13th century. Finds from Gästgivarehagen indicate that Vimmerby’s Vikings had extensive trade contacts oriented towards the east.
Källängsparken in the centre offers a different perspective: this unique park dates from the 1950s and was listed in 2010. Together, these places trace Vimmerby’s history from archaeological remains to a post-war park.
Water, routes and nature
Nossen is a swimming spot in Vimmerby’s urban area, with large lawns and a sandy beach. Water activities include canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding and pedal boating; availability may vary by season. If you would rather explore on land, Vimmerby’s cycling routes pass through forest and cultural landscapes, mostly along gravel and forest roads that are largely traffic-free. Cycling loops in Vimmerby range from 9 to 50 kilometres; routes near the town are 9 to 21 kilometres long and use gravel and forest roads wherever possible.
Vimmerby has more than 170 kilometres of trails through forests and fields for hiking and walking. Norra Kvill National Park is also in Vimmerby Municipality, one of two national parks in the municipality. Its trails lead through coniferous forest with moss-covered boulders and small ponds. From Idhöjden, the highest point, you can see across large parts of the area.
Visitor experiences and regional cuisine
Food is another part of what you can discover. Astrid Lindgren’s Värld offers simple dishes and hearty home cooking from Småland, such as meatballs with mashed potatoes or fried pork belly with raggmunk; many ingredients are sourced locally. Dishes and ingredient origins may change, so check the current offering before your visit. In Vimmerby, Spritfabriken offers gin tastings and guided distillery tours. At Åbro, tours cover the entire brewing process, from malt to finished beer.
Regional connections
Regional bus services run from Resecentrum Vimmerby to destinations including Storebro, Gullringen, Södra Vi, Hultsfred and Eksjö. Check the timetable before travelling, as route details may change. Depending on your interests, you can combine your stay with local history, Astrid Lindgren’s work, nature trails or a visitor experience.
Discover more destinations: Storebro, Vimmerby, Pelarne, Gullringen, Solnehult, Tuna, Södra Vi, Mörbylånga.
See the main travel overview: Kalmar.
