Vimmerby is an excellent base for exploring northern Småland. Beyond its storybook connection with Astrid Lindgren, the town is surrounded by historic villages, forested landscapes, lakes, coastal towns and family-friendly attractions. With a car, many of the best day trips from Vimmerby are easy to reach, while a few can also be visited by bus or train with careful planning.
Planning day trips from Vimmerby
Vimmerby is located in Kalmar County, close to the border between Småland and Östergötland. The surrounding countryside is made up of deep forests, clear lakes, traditional red cottages and small towns with well-preserved wooden buildings. This makes the area especially rewarding for visitors who enjoy combining sightseeing with outdoor activities.
Driving is the most convenient way to explore nearby Vimmerby. Roads are generally quiet, distances are manageable and a car allows you to combine several stops in one day. Public transport is possible for some destinations, including Linköping and parts of the coast, but services may be limited outside the main summer season. Always check current timetables before setting out.
Travel times below are approximate and depend on the route, road conditions and your chosen starting point in Vimmerby. In summer, allow extra time for popular attractions and busy roads near the coast.
1. Astrid Lindgren’s World and the centre of Vimmerby
Although Astrid Lindgren’s World is in Vimmerby rather than outside the town, it is one of the most popular excursions from Vimmerby for families. The open-air park brings scenes from Astrid Lindgren’s stories to life with theatre performances, detailed settings and characters from books such as Pippi Longstocking, Emil of Lönneberga and The Brothers Lionheart.
The park is best suited to a full day, especially during the main summer season when the programme includes several live shows. Younger children can explore play areas and familiar storybook environments, while adults often enjoy the craftsmanship and atmosphere of the recreated villages and farms.
After visiting the park, take time to explore central Vimmerby. Stora Torget, the main square, is surrounded by historic buildings and cafés. The town also has the Astrid Lindgren museum, which offers a more personal look at the author’s life and work. For visitors staying nearby, this combination makes an easy first day before heading farther into Småland.
2. Sevedstorp and the filming locations of Emil of Lönneberga
Sevedstorp is one of the most appealing short excursions from Vimmerby for anyone who grew up with Astrid Lindgren’s stories. The village provided the inspiration and filming setting for Bullerbyn, known in English as The Children of Noisy Village. Its traditional farm buildings and rural setting still evoke the quiet world described in the books.
Nearby Katthult is associated with Emil of Lönneberga. Visitors can see the red farmhouse, the woodshed and other buildings used in the films. The setting is private in parts, so follow signs and respect any access restrictions. The location is most enjoyable when visited slowly, with time to walk along the surrounding country lanes and appreciate the landscape.
These villages are close enough to combine into a half-day outing. Add a stop at a local café or farm shop, or continue to one of the area’s swimming lakes during warm weather. Since opening times vary, especially outside summer, check local information before travelling.
3. Eksjö, a beautifully preserved wooden town
About an hour’s drive northwest of Vimmerby, Eksjö is one of the finest historic towns in Sweden. Its old town contains an unusually large collection of wooden buildings, many dating from the seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Narrow streets, painted façades and small courtyards give the centre a distinctive character.
Begin at the Eksjö Tourist Office, where you can pick up a map or join a guided walk when available. The town is easy to explore on foot, and many buildings have signs explaining their history. Look out for the traditional wooden houses around the old quarter, along with independent shops, galleries and cafés.
Eksjö also has a strong military history. The town is home to a historic regiment and a military museum that explains the area’s connection with Sweden’s armed forces. If you enjoy architecture, local history or photography, Eksjö is one of the most rewarding day trips from Vimmerby.
Adding nature to an Eksjö visit
For a longer day, combine the town with a walk in the surrounding forests or a stop at one of the nearby lakes. The region is particularly attractive in autumn, when the woodland changes colour. In summer, an early start leaves time for a relaxed lunch in the old town before heading back to Vimmerby.
4. Hultsfred and the lakes of Småland
Hultsfred lies south of Vimmerby and is a good choice for visitors who want a relaxed day surrounded by water and woodland. The town is known internationally for its music festival history, but its natural setting is the main attraction for many travellers today.
Lake Hulingen is close to Hultsfred and offers opportunities for swimming, fishing, kayaking and peaceful walks. The lake’s shoreline is especially pleasant in summer, when long daylight hours make it easy to enjoy an outdoor lunch or an evening picnic. Conditions and access points vary, so use designated bathing areas and follow local fishing rules.
Music fans can explore local references to the Hultsfred festival and learn more about the event’s importance in Swedish popular culture. The town is also a practical stop for supplies before continuing into the surrounding countryside.
Who will enjoy Hultsfred?
- Families looking for lakeside swimming and simple outdoor activities
- Visitors interested in Swedish music history
- Travellers who prefer quiet landscapes to busy attractions
- Anyone planning a picnic, fishing trip or short forest walk
5. Västervik and the Tjust archipelago
Västervik is one of the most popular coastal day trips from Vimmerby. The drive takes roughly an hour, making it possible to enjoy the seaside without changing accommodation. This lively summer town combines a historic centre, a marina, rocky shorelines and access to the Tjust archipelago.
Start with a walk around the harbour and central streets. Cafés, restaurants and small shops create a lively atmosphere in summer, while the waterfront offers views across the islands and boat traffic. The ruins of St. Gertrude’s Church and the old town provide glimpses of Västervik’s medieval and maritime past.
For a more active visit, follow a coastal trail or take a boat trip into the archipelago. Boat schedules are seasonal, so check departures in advance. Some trips stop at islands where you can swim, walk or enjoy a packed lunch. If you prefer to stay on land, visit one of the rocky bathing spots outside the centre.
Useful tips for Västervik
- Arrive early in July and August, when parking and boat trips can become busy.
- Bring a light jacket, even on sunny days, because coastal winds can be cool.
- Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to walk over smooth rocks or uneven island paths.
- Check boat timetables before leaving Vimmerby, particularly outside the high season.
6. Astrid Lindgren’s Näs in Vimmerby
Astrid Lindgren’s Näs is another attraction within Vimmerby, but it deserves a separate mention because it offers a different experience from Astrid Lindgren’s World. Näs is the author’s childhood home and includes exhibitions, gardens and cultural spaces focused on her life, writing and ideas.
The gardens are designed as places for reflection and exploration, with plants, paths and installations that connect to themes from Lindgren’s books. Indoor exhibitions provide background on her childhood, career and social engagement. The visit is suitable for adults and older children who want to understand the person behind the stories.
Because Näs is close to the town centre, it can be combined with a visit to the main square, a local lunch or the Vimmerby church. It is also a useful option on a rainy day when outdoor plans need to change.
7. Oskarshamn and the Baltic coast
Oskarshamn is farther away than Västervik, but it can still work as a full-day excursion from Vimmerby for visitors who want to experience the Baltic coast. The town has a working harbour, maritime traditions, a pleasant waterfront and access to coastal nature.
One of the town’s highlights is the Döderhultarn Museum, dedicated to Axel Petersson, a famous Swedish woodcarver known as Döderhultarn. His expressive wooden figures offer a fascinating look at everyday life and local character in earlier Sweden. The town’s maritime museum provides another perspective on the region’s relationship with the sea.
Oskarshamn is also a gateway to islands and coastal nature reserves. Depending on the season, boat trips may be available to places such as the island of Blå Jungfrun. This national park island is known for its unusual geology, forest paths and folklore. Boat excursions depend heavily on weather and timetable availability, so they require advance planning.
If you choose Oskarshamn, plan a focused itinerary rather than trying to see the whole coast. A museum visit, harbour walk and seafood lunch can make a satisfying day without rushing between locations.
8. Linköping for museums, history and urban culture
For a change from rural Småland, travel north to Linköping. The city is a longer drive from Vimmerby, but it offers museums, shopping, restaurants and historic sights that are very different from the smaller towns nearby.
Gamla Linköping is the city’s best-known attraction for many visitors. This open-air museum recreates streets and neighbourhoods from earlier periods, with wooden houses, craft shops, gardens and cafés. Some buildings contain exhibitions, while others host working businesses and workshops. It is an easy place to explore at your own pace and works well for families.
Linköping Cathedral dominates the historic centre and is one of Sweden’s most impressive medieval churches. The surrounding streets include older buildings, restaurants and cultural venues. Aviation enthusiasts can visit the Swedish Air Force Museum, located outside the city centre, which displays aircraft and explains the history of Swedish military aviation.
Making the most of a Linköping day trip
Choose one main area rather than attempting every attraction. Gamla Linköping and the city centre make a good combination for history and food. The Air Force Museum is better paired with a shorter visit to the centre, especially if you are travelling with children who may want plenty of time for the interactive displays.
9. Gränna and the shores of Lake Vättern
Gränna is a longer option for day trips from Vimmerby, but its colourful streets and lakeside setting make it memorable. The town is famous for polkagrisar, traditional red and white peppermint sticks that are still made in many small shops. Visitors can often watch the candy being pulled and shaped by hand.
Walk along the steep streets of the town centre, visit a candy maker and enjoy the views over Lake Vättern. The harbour below Gränna is a pleasant place for a break, with ferries departing for Visingsö during the boating season. If you have enough time, a trip to Visingsö adds historic ruins, cycling routes and a peaceful island atmosphere to the day.
Gränna is best suited to travellers who do not mind a longer drive and want to combine food, views and history. Check ferry times carefully if Visingsö is part of your plan, as missing the last return boat can significantly change your schedule.
10. Store Mosse National Park for a day in the wild
Nature lovers may prefer Store Mosse National Park, one of southern Sweden’s largest areas of raised bog. It is farther from Vimmerby than the local forests and lakes, but the landscape is remarkably different from the farmland and woodland around town.
Boardwalks and marked trails cross open bog, pine forest and wetland habitats. The scenery can feel expansive and quiet, with wide skies and excellent opportunities for birdwatching. In colder months, the landscape has a stark beauty, while summer brings flowering plants and long evenings for walking.
Wear waterproof footwear and bring food and water, as facilities are limited compared with an urban attraction. Stay on marked routes, particularly where the ground is wet or fragile. Before travelling, check the park’s current information about trail conditions, parking and closures.
What to pack for Store Mosse
- Waterproof walking shoes or boots
- Layers suitable for changing weather
- Drinking water and a packed lunch
- Binoculars for birdwatching
- Insect repellent during the warmer months
11. Short outdoor excursions from Vimmerby
You do not always need to travel far for a rewarding day outdoors. The countryside nearby Vimmerby has countless lakes, forest roads and walking paths. Ask at the local tourist office for current recommendations, as access and conditions can change from one season to the next.
Black cycling routes and quiet country lanes are suitable for relaxed rides, while more ambitious walkers can look for sections of the Småland hiking trails. Many lakes have simple bathing areas where you can swim during summer. Remember that some shorelines are privately owned, so use marked public access points and leave no litter.
For a flexible day, pack a picnic and choose a lake or nature reserve rather than following a strict itinerary. This is often the best way to experience the calm landscapes that make the Vimmerby area special.
Choosing the right excursion from Vimmerby
The best destination depends on your interests and the time of year. Families with young children may prefer Astrid Lindgren’s World, Katthult and Sevedstorp. Couples and culture-focused travellers can spend a day in Eksjö, Linköping or Västervik. Hultsfred and the local lakes suit visitors who want an informal outdoor day, while Store Mosse is ideal for hikers and birdwatchers.
- For history: choose Eksjö, Linköping or Oskarshamn.
- For the coast: visit Västervik or Oskarshamn.
- For families: consider Astrid Lindgren’s World, Katthult and Sevedstorp.
- For nature: explore Hultsfred, the lakes near Vimmerby or Store Mosse National Park.
- For food and local traditions: Gränna is a fun choice, especially for its handmade polkagrisar.
Whether you stay close to town or drive towards the coast, the variety of excursions from Vimmerby makes it easy to build a trip around your own interests. Plan the longest journeys carefully, keep an eye on seasonal opening hours and leave room for unplanned stops along the forest roads and lakes of Småland.