Planning day trips from Vimmerby by car is an excellent way to explore the forests, lakes, villages and coastal towns of Småland. Within a comfortable driving distance, you can visit storybook farms, historic wooden towns, quiet nature reserves and the Baltic Sea. This guide covers the best nearby attractions, suggested routes and practical tips for making the most of your time in southern Sweden.
Why explore Småland by car from Vimmerby?
Vimmerby is a convenient base for discovering northern Kalmar County and the surrounding parts of Småland. The town is compact, but the most interesting places nearby are spread across a rural landscape of narrow roads, deep forests and small communities. A car gives you the flexibility to combine several stops in one day and reach locations that are not well connected by public transport.
Many of the best road trips from Vimmerby take between 20 minutes and 90 minutes each way. That makes it possible to enjoy a relaxed breakfast in town, visit a historic village or nature reserve during the day, and return to Vimmerby for dinner. Driving times can be longer in summer when popular attractions are busy, so allow extra time for parking and slow rural traffic.
1. Katthult and Mariannelund
Visit the setting of Emil of Lönneberga
One of the easiest day trips from Vimmerby by car leads to Katthult, the farm used as the filming location for the beloved Swedish stories about Emil of Lönneberga. Katthult lies near the village of Gibberyd, approximately 25 kilometres from Vimmerby. The drive takes around 30 minutes through classic Småland countryside.
The red farmhouse, wooden barns and surrounding fields are instantly recognisable to anyone familiar with the films. The site is privately managed and opening arrangements can vary, so check current visiting information before setting out. Even when the buildings are not open for a full visit, the surrounding landscape provides a memorable stop for photographs and a short walk.
Continue to Mariannelund, a small community known for its connection with Astrid Lindgren and its traditional confectionery. Filmbyn Småland in Mariannelund offers exhibitions about Swedish film and television productions, including sets and stories connected with Astrid Lindgren. It is particularly suitable for families, but adults interested in Swedish culture and film history will also find plenty to enjoy.
- Driving time from Vimmerby to Katthult: about 30 minutes
- Driving time from Katthult to Mariannelund: about 15 minutes
- Best for: families, film fans and short scenic drives
2. Sevedstorp and Bullerbyn
Discover the real village behind The Six Bullerby Children
Sevedstorp, known to many visitors as Bullerbyn, is another essential stop for fans of Astrid Lindgren. The village inspired the setting for The Six Bullerby Children, and its small group of red wooden houses captures the rural atmosphere described in the books.
Sevedstorp is roughly 15 kilometres from Vimmerby, making it one of the shortest and simplest nearby attractions to reach by car. The village is surrounded by fields, woodland and quiet country lanes. It does not require a full day on its own, but it combines well with a visit to Astrid Lindgren’s World, Norra Kvill National Park or other local stops.
Keep in mind that Sevedstorp is a lived in village rather than a large theme park. Visitors should respect private property, keep noise low and use designated parking areas. A brief visit is enough to appreciate the setting and take a peaceful walk nearby.
3. Astrid Lindgren’s World and central Vimmerby
A full day close to home
Although Astrid Lindgren’s World is located in Vimmerby itself, it deserves a place in any itinerary built around day trips from Vimmerby by car. The open air theatre park brings characters and settings from Astrid Lindgren’s stories to life through live performances, interactive environments and family activities.
The park is highly seasonal and usually operates most extensively during the warmer months. Check the official schedule before visiting because performances, opening days and ticket arrangements change from year to year. During peak summer, arriving early is helpful, particularly for families who want to see several shows.
You can also explore central Vimmerby, where Astrid Lindgren was born. The town has a pleasant main square, cafés, small shops and streets lined with historic wooden buildings. A visit to Astrid Lindgren’s childhood home, Näs, adds more context about the author’s life and the landscapes that influenced her writing.
4. Norra Kvill National Park
Ancient forest and quiet walking trails
Norra Kvill National Park is one of the best nature focused day trips near Vimmerby. The park is about 30 kilometres away, and the drive takes approximately 35 to 40 minutes. It protects an old-growth forest with moss covered rocks, tall spruce trees and several small lakes.
The most popular walk leads towards Stora Idegölen and the viewpoint on Idhöjden. Trails are relatively short, but the terrain can be uneven and slippery after rain. Sturdy shoes are recommended, especially if you plan to leave the main paths or continue towards the higher viewpoints.
Norra Kvill is a good choice when you want a quieter day away from family attractions and busy towns. Pack a picnic, bring water and allow time to sit beside the lake. There are limited facilities inside the park, so it is best to arrive prepared.
- Approximate distance from Vimmerby: 30 kilometres
- Typical driving time: 35 to 40 minutes
- Best for: hiking, photography and peaceful forest scenery
- Good combination: Norra Kvill and Sevedstorp
5. Eksjö
A historic wooden town with a distinctive character
Eksjö is one of the most rewarding longer road trips from Vimmerby. Located approximately 60 kilometres northwest of Vimmerby, the town takes around one hour to reach by car. Its old centre is famous for well preserved wooden buildings, narrow streets and colourful façades.
Take time to walk through the historic district around the main square and along streets such as Norra and Södra Storgatan. Many buildings date from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, giving Eksjö a strong sense of continuity. Small museums, independent shops and cafés make it easy to spend several hours exploring without following a strict schedule.
Eksjö also has a military history connected with nearby regiments and training grounds. Depending on the season, you may find local exhibitions or guided walks that explain more about the town’s development. The journey itself is pleasant, passing through wooded Småland landscapes.
6. Västervik and the Baltic coast
Combine a historic town with sea views
If you would like to include the coast in your itinerary, drive to Västervik. The distance from Vimmerby is approximately 65 kilometres, with a journey time of about one hour. Västervik is a lively summer town set among islands, rocky shores and sheltered bays on the Baltic Sea.
Begin with a walk through the town centre and harbour. Restaurants, cafés and boats create a lively atmosphere during the warmer months, while the waterfront provides attractive views in every season. The ruins of St. Gertrud’s Church are another interesting stop in the older part of town.
For nature and sea views, head towards the coast and explore one of the nearby bathing areas or viewpoints. The Tjust archipelago is best experienced by boat, but even a car based visit can provide a taste of the landscape. If you have extra time, look for a short coastal walk or a quiet swimming spot outside the centre.
Västervik works especially well as a summer day trip. Leave early if you are travelling during July, when roads, parking areas and restaurants can be busy.
7. Oskarshamn
A coastal escape with maritime history
Oskarshamn is farther from Vimmerby than Västervik, but it is still possible as a full day trip. The drive is approximately 100 kilometres and normally takes around 90 minutes each way, depending on your route and traffic.
The town has a strong maritime identity, with a harbour, waterfront paths and museums that explore local seafaring history. The Döderhultarn Museum is dedicated to Axel Petersson, a famous Swedish woodcarver whose expressive figures provide an unusual insight into rural life and popular art.
Oskarshamn is also a gateway to the island of Gotland, although a ferry trip requires a separate plan and cannot normally be added to a one day drive from Vimmerby. For a simpler visit, enjoy the harbour, explore the town centre and spend time along the coast before driving back through the Småland countryside.
8. Kosta and the Kingdom of Crystal
Glass, design and forest landscapes
For travellers interested in Swedish design, Kosta offers a different type of day trip. The journey from Vimmerby takes around 90 minutes to two hours, depending on the route. Kosta is part of the Kingdom of Crystal, a region in Småland known for its historic glassworks.
Kosta Boda’s glass production, exhibitions and factory shop are the main attractions. You can see colourful Scandinavian glass, learn about traditional techniques and browse contemporary designs. Some facilities offer opportunities to watch glassblowers at work, although schedules vary by season.
The surrounding forest makes the drive enjoyable, particularly in autumn when the trees turn bright shades of yellow and orange. Because Kosta is one of the longer day trips on this list, check opening hours carefully and plan a specific lunch stop before leaving Vimmerby.
9. Linköping and Gamla Linköping
A larger town and an open air museum
Linköping is approximately 100 kilometres north of Vimmerby, usually requiring around 90 minutes to two hours by car. It is a good option when you want more restaurants, shopping and urban culture than the smaller towns in the surrounding countryside.
The most atmospheric part of the visit is Gamla Linköping, an open air museum with historic wooden buildings, small gardens, workshops and cafés. The environment shows what a Swedish town might have looked like in earlier centuries, while museums and demonstrations explain traditional crafts and everyday life.
Linköping Cathedral is another notable attraction in the city centre. The medieval church has an impressive interior and stands close to other historic buildings. Families may also enjoy the railway museum or the Swedish Air Force Museum, although the latter requires additional time and is located outside the central area.
Because Linköping is a longer drive, it is best suited to visitors who want a complete day away from Vimmerby rather than several short stops.
10. Kalmar and Kalmar Castle
History beside the Baltic Sea
Kalmar is one of the most ambitious day trips from Vimmerby by car, at roughly 120 kilometres and around two hours each way. The reward is a historic coastal city with one of Sweden’s most impressive castles.
Kalmar Castle dates back to the medieval period and is known for its towers, defensive walls and Renaissance interiors. Guided tours and seasonal exhibitions often add extra detail to the visit. Allow at least two hours for the castle, especially if you are travelling with children who enjoy historical stories and interactive activities.
After visiting the castle, explore Kalmar’s old town, cathedral and waterfront. The city also has beaches and parks that are pleasant in summer. This route is best chosen when you are comfortable with a longer drive and want to focus on one major attraction rather than fitting in several small stops.
How to plan day trips from Vimmerby by car
Choose one main destination
Småland’s roads invite spontaneous detours, but a realistic plan usually includes one main destination and one or two short stops. For example, combine Katthult with Mariannelund, or pair Norra Kvill with Sevedstorp. Trying to visit Västervik, Eksjö and several villages in one day will leave little time to enjoy each place.
Check seasonal opening hours
Many attractions in this region operate mainly from spring to early autumn. Museums, historic homes, glassworks and family parks may have reduced hours outside the summer season. Always check official websites before leaving, particularly for ticketed attractions and guided tours.
Allow extra time on rural roads
Distances can look short on a map, but winding roads, farm vehicles and wildlife can slow your journey. Avoid rushing, especially at dawn and dusk when deer are more active. A navigation app is useful, but download maps in advance because mobile coverage can be inconsistent in forested areas.
Pack for changing weather
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a waterproof layer and water even when the forecast looks dry. Nature reserves may have limited facilities, and coastal weather can change quickly. A picnic is a practical addition to any of these road trips, particularly when travelling with children.
A simple three day trip plan
- Day one: Visit Sevedstorp and Katthult, then continue to Mariannelund for Filmbyn Småland.
- Day two: Spend the morning hiking in Norra Kvill National Park and the afternoon exploring Eksjö.
- Day three: Drive to Västervik for the harbour, old town and Baltic coast scenery.
This plan balances short local drives, nature and a coastal destination. If you are travelling with young children, replace one of the longer excursions with a full day at Astrid Lindgren’s World. If history and design are more important to you, consider Eksjö, Linköping, Kosta or Kalmar instead.
Where will your Vimmerby road trip take you?
The best nearby attractions depend on the kind of Swedish experience you want. Katthult and Sevedstorp offer literary nostalgia, Norra Kvill provides quiet forest trails, Eksjö showcases historic wooden architecture, and Västervik brings you to the Baltic coast. Longer drives to Linköping, Kosta or Kalmar add museums, design and major cultural landmarks.
With a car, Vimmerby becomes more than a destination in its own right. It is a practical starting point for exploring the varied landscapes and stories of Småland, one manageable day trip at a time.