Vimmerby is an excellent base for exploring Småland by public transport. Although the surrounding countryside is easiest to reach by car, several attractive towns, museums, lakes and coastal destinations can be visited by train or bus. This guide to day trips from Vimmerby without a car explains where to go, how to get there and how to plan a relaxed day without relying on your own vehicle.
How to plan day trips from Vimmerby without a car
Vimmerby is served by regional trains on the Tjustbanan line, which connects the town with Linköping to the north and Västervik to the east. Regional buses provide additional connections around northern Kalmar County, including routes towards Hultsfred, Oskarshamn and nearby villages. Travel times and departure patterns change, especially at weekends and during school holidays, so check the latest timetable before setting out.
The most useful journey planners are Kalmar länstrafik for local and regional buses, Östgötatrafiken for trips towards Linköping, and Resrobot for comparing public transport across Sweden. The SJ app can also be helpful for checking longer train journeys, although not every regional service is sold through SJ.
For a smooth day out, look for a morning departure and check the final return connection before buying tickets. Some rural services run only once or twice a day. A packed lunch can also be useful because smaller stations and bus stops may not have cafés, particularly outside the main summer season.
Västervik: a coastal day by train
Västervik is one of the most rewarding train day trips from Vimmerby. The journey follows the Tjustbanan through wooded Småland scenery and ends in a lively coastal town on the Baltic Sea. The trip takes roughly one and a half hours, depending on the service, making Västervik suitable for a full day rather than a quick afternoon visit.
From Västervik station, the town centre and harbour are within walking distance. Begin with a stroll along the waterfront, where fishing boats, sailing vessels and small islands create a distinctly maritime atmosphere. The central streets contain independent shops, cafés and restaurants, while the harbour is a pleasant place to sit with an ice cream in summer.
What to see in Västervik
- Walk around the harbour and central waterfront.
- Visit the ruins of St Gertrud’s Church and explore the older parts of town.
- See the exhibits at Västervik Museum, if open during your visit.
- Take a local boat excursion into the Tjust archipelago during the summer season.
- Follow a coastal walking route near the town if you have several hours available.
Boat trips are seasonal and departure times do not always fit neatly with the train timetable. If an archipelago cruise is your priority, check both schedules before travelling. Otherwise, Västervik works very well as a low-stress walking day trip from Vimmerby.
Linköping: museums, cafés and an open-air village
Linköping is the largest city that can be reached directly from Vimmerby by regional train. The journey usually takes around one hour and 45 minutes to two hours. It is a good choice when you want a change from forests and small towns, with museums, shopping, historic streets and a wider choice of restaurants.
Gamla Linköping is the city’s most distinctive attraction. This open-air museum recreates a historic town environment with wooden buildings, small shops, workshops and cafés. It is free to walk around, although individual museums and activities may charge admission. The area is especially appealing for families and anyone interested in traditional Swedish architecture.
Things to do in Linköping
- Explore Gamla Linköping and its historic buildings.
- Visit the Swedish Air Force Museum, reached by local bus from the city centre.
- See Linköping Cathedral and walk through the old centre.
- Browse shops and cafés around Stora Torget and the pedestrian streets.
- Take a walk beside the Stångån river and through the surrounding parks.
The Swedish Air Force Museum is outside the central walking area, so allow time for a local bus connection. If you prefer to keep the day simple, Gamla Linköping, the cathedral and the city centre provide more than enough to fill a visit without using further transport.
Hultsfred: lakeside walks and music history
Hultsfred is a practical choice for a shorter trip by bus or train. It is best known for its long association with Swedish music festivals, but the town also offers access to forests, lakes and relaxed walking routes. The journey from Vimmerby is generally around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the connection.
Hultsfred’s music heritage is presented through exhibitions and local cultural sites, although opening hours can be limited outside summer. The town is also close to Lake Hulingen, a popular place for walking, swimming and birdwatching. The lakeshore gives you a chance to enjoy the landscape without needing a car or a complicated rural bus connection.
Ideas for a day in Hultsfred
- Walk towards Lake Hulingen and spend time along the shore.
- Look for music-related exhibitions or events at the local cultural venues.
- Enjoy lunch or coffee in the town centre.
- Bring swimming clothes in warm weather, while following local bathing advice.
- Use Hultsfred as a starting point for a pre-planned hiking route.
Hultsfred is a good destination when you want a flexible half-day or an easy full day. Check whether the bus or train is more convenient on your travel date, since services can vary between weekdays and weekends.
Eksjö: one of Småland’s most beautiful wooden towns
Eksjö lies north of Vimmerby and is famous for its remarkably well-preserved wooden town centre. It is not always the fastest destination by public transport, but it can be visited as a day trip with a careful connection, usually involving a regional bus and sometimes a change in Hultsfred or another nearby town. Because routes vary, use a journey planner for the exact date rather than assuming that the summer timetable operates all year.
The historic centre is the main attraction and is easy to explore on foot. Narrow lanes, painted wooden façades and small courtyards create an atmosphere quite different from modern Swedish town centres. Look for guided walks or local exhibitions if you want more historical context.
What to do in Eksjö
- Follow a self-guided walk through the old wooden town.
- Visit Eksjö Museum for local history and changing exhibitions.
- Stop at a bakery or café in the historic centre.
- Walk around the town’s parks and green spaces.
- Check for seasonal events, craft markets and guided tours.
Eksjö rewards slow sightseeing. It is better to allow plenty of time for the journey and enjoy the town at an unhurried pace than to plan several distant attractions on the same day.
Oskarshamn: a bus trip to the Baltic coast
Oskarshamn is a larger coastal town south of Vimmerby and can usually be reached by regional bus, often with a change depending on the service. The journey may take around two hours or more, so it is most suitable for travellers who want a full day beside the Baltic Sea.
The town has a harbour, a compact centre and coastal walking opportunities. It is also associated with the island of Blå Jungfrun, although reaching the island requires a separate boat excursion and careful planning. Boat services are seasonal and weather dependent, so do not assume that an island visit will be possible on every date.
Highlights of Oskarshamn
- Walk along the harbour and explore the central waterfront.
- Visit Döderhultarmuseet, dedicated to the woodcarver Axel Petersson Döderhultarn.
- See local exhibitions at the cultural history museum if open.
- Enjoy a seafood lunch or Swedish fika in the town centre.
- Look into coastal boat trips before travelling.
Oskarshamn works especially well in summer, when the waterfront is lively and more boat excursions operate. In the low season, focus on the museums, cafés and town walks, and check opening hours in advance.
Kalmar: history, architecture and the castle
Kalmar is one of the longer day trips from Vimmerby without a car, but it is possible by a combination of regional train and bus, or by a longer direct regional connection on some dates. Allow approximately two to three hours each way, depending on the route. An early start is essential if you want to see the castle and explore the centre in one day.
Kalmar Castle is the city’s major attraction. The well-preserved Renaissance castle stands beside the water and contains exhibitions about Swedish history and royal life. From the castle, you can walk towards the old town, the cathedral and the central shopping streets.
Best things to see in Kalmar
- Tour Kalmar Castle and its historic rooms.
- Visit Kalmar Cathedral in the old town.
- Walk through the cobbled streets and older residential areas.
- Spend time by the harbour and the coastal parks.
- Choose a café or restaurant in the centre for lunch.
Kalmar is a better option for travellers who want a substantial historical destination rather than a short countryside outing. Confirm the return connection before visiting the castle, especially on Sundays and outside the summer season.
Nearby places for simple bus excursions
Not every worthwhile outing needs to be a major town. Several villages and nature areas around Vimmerby can work as bus excursions when you are prepared to walk from the stop. These trips require more timetable research because rural services may be infrequent, but they can offer a closer look at the landscapes associated with Astrid Lindgren’s Småland.
Sevedstorp and the countryside around Vimmerby
Sevedstorp is associated with the setting that inspired Bullerbyn in Astrid Lindgren’s stories. Public transport options are limited and may not operate at convenient times, so treat this as a carefully planned excursion rather than an easy spontaneous trip. Check the walking distance from the bus stop, bring water and avoid relying on a same-day taxi unless you have arranged one in advance.
Katthult and rural Småland
Katthult is connected with the filming locations for Emil of Lönneberga. It is a charming rural destination, but it is not well served by frequent public transport. If you want to visit without a car, investigate seasonal buses, local tours or organised bus excursions from Vimmerby. A guided trip can be the most practical solution because it combines transport with information about the filming locations.
Näs and Astrid Lindgren’s literary world
Astrid Lindgren’s Näs is close to Vimmerby and is easier to reach than many of the rural filming locations. Depending on where you are staying, you may be able to walk or use a local bus. The site includes exhibitions, gardens and information about the author’s life and work. It can be combined with a visit to the town centre, making it a convenient low-car outing rather than a full-day journey.
Easy no-car attractions in Vimmerby itself
If you have only a short stay, some of the best experiences are within Vimmerby. Astrid Lindgren’s World is a short walk or local bus ride from the centre and can occupy most of a day during the main season. The theme park brings settings and characters from the author’s books to life through theatre, play areas and outdoor environments.
Vimmerby town centre is compact and easy to explore on foot. Visit the church, browse local shops, stop for fika and look for public art connected with the town’s literary heritage. You can also use Vimmerby as a base for short walks through nearby woodland, provided you select a route that begins close to town or is accessible by local bus.
Public transport tips for travellers
- Check the timetable for your exact travel date, not only a typical weekday.
- Compare train and bus routes because the fastest option can change by season.
- Buy regional tickets through the relevant transport authority where possible.
- Leave extra time when changing between bus and train services.
- Carry a bank card and a charged phone, since smaller stops may have no ticket facilities.
- Pack lunch for rural destinations and check café opening hours.
- Wear comfortable shoes because many attractions are reached on foot from stations.
- Save the last return departure before starting a walk or boat excursion.
Choosing the right trip from Vimmerby
For the easiest train journey, choose Västervik or Linköping. Västervik offers a relaxed coastal atmosphere, while Linköping provides more museums, shopping and city life. Hultsfred is the simplest option for a shorter outing, particularly if you want a lakeside walk without spending most of the day travelling.
Eksjö is ideal for historic architecture, Oskarshamn suits travellers looking for the Baltic coast, and Kalmar is the strongest choice for castles and major cultural sights. Sevedstorp and Katthult are appealing for Astrid Lindgren fans, but they demand more preparation than the larger towns. With realistic planning and current timetable checks, public transport opens up far more of Småland than many visitors expect.