Looking for the best hotels in Vimmerby? This small town in Småland is one of Sweden’s most popular family destinations, thanks to Astrid Lindgren’s World, its storybook countryside and the author’s strong connection to the area. The best place to stay depends on your plans: you may want a central hotel, a family friendly resort, a peaceful countryside guesthouse or accommodation within walking distance of the theme park. This guide compares the main Vimmerby hotels and other places to stay so you can choose the right base for your trip.
Where to stay in Vimmerby
Vimmerby is compact, but the town centre, Astrid Lindgren’s World and the surrounding countryside offer very different experiences. Staying in the centre makes it easy to reach restaurants, shops and the railway station on foot. Accommodation near Astrid Lindgren’s World is convenient for families planning one or more full days at the park. Rural hotels and guesthouses are better suited to visitors who want quiet surroundings, gardens and easy access to Småland’s lakes and forests.
Before booking, consider how you will travel. Vimmerby is accessible by train and regional bus, while a car gives you more flexibility for visiting nearby attractions. During the main summer season, the most popular places to stay can sell out well in advance, especially around school holidays. Booking early is particularly important if you need a family room, a cabin or accommodation for a larger group.
The best hotels in Vimmerby
Best for a central stay: Best Western Vimmerby Stadshotell
Best Western Vimmerby Stadshotell is one of the most convenient choices for travellers who want to stay in the heart of town. Its central position puts shops, cafés and local restaurants close by, and the railway station is within easy reach. This makes it a practical option for visitors arriving without a car or for anyone who enjoys being able to explore on foot.
The hotel is a good fit for couples, business travellers and families who prefer a traditional hotel rather than a cabin or holiday village. Rooms generally provide the straightforward facilities expected from a full service town hotel, and a breakfast service is useful before a day of sightseeing. Some rooms and packages may be aimed at families, but it is worth checking the exact room layout before booking if you are travelling with children.
Its main advantage is location. You can have dinner in central Vimmerby, return to your room without driving and use the town as a base for visits to Astrid Lindgren’s World and other Småland attractions. If you want one of the most convenient Vimmerby hotels for a short town break, this is a strong option.
Best for families and resort facilities: Björkbackens Karaktärshotell
Björkbackens Karaktärshotell is a popular choice for families looking for more than a basic room. The property is associated with Björkbacken, a larger holiday and leisure area with family friendly facilities. Depending on the season and the package you choose, guests may have access to features such as outdoor play areas, a water park or other activities designed for children.
The setting offers more space than a typical town centre hotel, which can make a difference when travelling with young children. After a day at Astrid Lindgren’s World, children can have room to play while adults enjoy a more relaxed evening. Accommodation options can vary, so check whether your booking is for the hotel, a cabin or another type of unit.
Björkbackens Karaktärshotell works especially well for families planning a longer stay. You can combine a day at the theme park with time at the property, rather than filling every day with driving and sightseeing. It is also worth comparing the total price of a room, breakfast and any activity access, since packages and seasonal inclusions may differ.
Best for a cottage style stay: Oxgården
Oxgården offers a different type of Vimmerby accommodation, with cottage style units and a relaxed holiday atmosphere. It is a popular choice for families and groups who want more independence than a conventional hotel room can provide. Having extra living space, a private kitchen or cooking facilities can make it easier to manage meals, bedtimes and longer visits.
Cottage accommodation is often a practical choice when you are travelling with several children or sharing a trip with friends. It may also provide outdoor space where children can play. At the same time, you should check what is included in the booking. Linen, towels, cleaning and breakfast may be charged separately or may not be available in the same way as at a hotel.
Oxgården is particularly suitable for visitors spending several nights in Vimmerby. A self catering setup can help control food costs, and the additional space gives everyone more room to relax. Before reserving, confirm the distance to Astrid Lindgren’s World and whether you need a car for your daily plans.
Best for countryside tranquillity: Fredensborgs Herrgård
Fredensborgs Herrgård is a peaceful countryside option outside central Vimmerby. The historic manor setting offers a more traditional Swedish experience, with rural surroundings and a slower pace than you will find in town. It can appeal to couples, adults and families who want accommodation with character.
A stay at a herrgård, or manor house, is often as much about the setting as the room itself. Guests may enjoy gardens, nearby walking routes and the feeling of being surrounded by woodland and open countryside. The rural location can also be useful for exploring the wider area by car, including lakes, nature areas and small villages in Småland.
Fredensborgs Herrgård is less suitable if you want to walk to shops and restaurants every evening. Check dining arrangements and opening hours before arrival, particularly outside the busiest summer period. For a quiet weekend or a scenic base after visiting Astrid Lindgren’s World, however, it is one of the more distinctive places to stay near Vimmerby.
Best for staying close to Astrid Lindgren’s World: accommodation near the park
For many visitors, the main reason to visit Vimmerby is Astrid Lindgren’s World. The open air theme park brings characters and settings from Astrid Lindgren’s stories to life, including Pippi Longstocking, Emil of Lönneberga and the children of Bullerbyn. Staying close to the park can simplify your trip, especially if you are travelling with young children.
Nearby accommodation may include hotels, holiday cottages, family rooms and camping options. Some properties offer themed rooms or packages connected with the park, while others simply provide a convenient location. Availability and package details can change from one season to another, so check the official information for both your chosen accommodation and the theme park.
A nearby stay is most valuable when you plan to spend a full day or several days at the park. You can avoid repeated journeys and return more easily if children need a rest. If your visit also includes town restaurants, the railway station or other attractions, compare the location with central Vimmerby before booking.
Other places to stay in Vimmerby
Vimmerby Camping
Vimmerby Camping is worth considering if you prefer an outdoor holiday. Camping accommodation can include pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, as well as cabins or other rental units, depending on the season. This type of stay is especially popular with families who enjoy having outdoor space and a more informal atmosphere.
Camping can also be a good value option for longer trips, although the final price depends on the unit, number of guests and facilities included. Check whether the accommodation has a kitchen, private bathroom and heating if you are travelling outside the warmest summer weeks. Campsite facilities, reception hours and activity areas may also be seasonal.
Bed and breakfasts and guesthouses
Small guesthouses and bed and breakfasts can offer a more personal alternative to larger Vimmerby hotels. They may be located in the town or in the surrounding countryside and often suit travellers who value a quiet atmosphere and a homemade breakfast. Room numbers are usually limited, so early booking is sensible during summer.
When comparing a guesthouse with a hotel, look carefully at check in times, bathroom arrangements and cancellation conditions. Some smaller properties have shared bathrooms or limited reception hours. These details are not a problem for every traveller, but they are important to know before you arrive, especially with children or late evening travel plans.
Holiday homes and self catering accommodation
Holiday homes are among the most flexible places to stay around Vimmerby. A house or apartment can be a good choice for families, two couples or groups who want separate bedrooms, a kitchen and space to spend time together. Many rural properties also offer gardens, terraces or access to nearby walking routes.
Self catering accommodation is often best for stays of three nights or more. It allows you to prepare breakfast and some evening meals, which can be useful when restaurants are busy or when children have different routines. Remember to check whether final cleaning, electricity, bed linen and towels are included in the advertised price.
How to choose among the best hotels in Vimmerby
Choose your location first
The right location depends on how you want to spend your days. A central hotel is convenient for restaurants, shops and public transport. Accommodation near Astrid Lindgren’s World saves travel time during park visits. A countryside property gives you more peace and often more outdoor space, but a car is usually helpful.
- Town centre: Best for walkable access to restaurants, shops and the railway station.
- Near Astrid Lindgren’s World: Best for families planning one or more full days at the theme park.
- Outside Vimmerby: Best for quiet surroundings, nature and scenic accommodation.
- Camping and holiday villages: Best for outdoor space, self catering and longer family stays.
Compare room types carefully
Hotel room names do not always tell you how practical a room will be for your group. Check the number and size of beds, whether children can share the room comfortably and whether there is space for a cot. A family room may be good for a short visit, while a cabin or apartment can be more comfortable for several nights.
Also check whether the bathroom is private, whether air conditioning is available and whether the room has a fridge or cooking facilities. These features can be useful during warm summer days or when travelling with babies and young children.
Look at the total cost
The cheapest nightly rate is not always the cheapest overall stay. Add breakfast, parking, cleaning fees, linen, activity access and local transport to your comparison. A hotel in the centre may cost more per night but reduce the need for driving. A cottage may have a higher starting price but work out well for a family sharing one unit.
In the high season, prices can change according to weekends, school holidays and special events. If your dates are flexible, compare several arrival days. Booking directly with the property may also reveal family packages or conditions that are not shown on every booking website.
Visiting Astrid Lindgren’s World from your accommodation
Astrid Lindgren’s World is the main attraction for many visitors, and the park can easily take a full day. Performances, play areas and storybook environments are spread across the site, so comfortable shoes and a realistic schedule are useful. Families with younger children may appreciate accommodation that allows a midday break.
If you are staying in central Vimmerby, check the walking route or local transport options before your visit. From accommodation further away, driving may be simplest. Parking arrangements can vary, so confirm whether parking is included at your hotel and review the theme park’s current visitor information before travelling.
The park is seasonal, with opening dates and performance schedules changing during the year. Always check the official calendar before choosing your travel dates. A hotel package can be convenient, but compare it with booking accommodation and park tickets separately to see which option suits your family.
What else to do in and around Vimmerby
Vimmerby is more than a theme park destination. You can visit places connected with Astrid Lindgren, explore the town centre and enjoy the forests and lakes of Småland. The area is well suited to relaxed road trips, particularly in summer when the countryside is green and outdoor cafés are open.
- Visit Astrid Lindgren’s childhood home at Näs and learn more about her life and work.
- Explore central Vimmerby and look for local cafés, shops and historic buildings.
- Take a walk in the surrounding forest or plan a day by a nearby lake.
- Use a car to discover small villages, nature areas and other family attractions in the region.
- Enjoy a slower evening at your accommodation after a busy day of performances and sightseeing.
Best time to book Vimmerby hotels
Summer is the busiest period in Vimmerby, especially from late June through August. Families visiting Astrid Lindgren’s World often reserve accommodation several months ahead. The same applies to weekends and Swedish school holiday periods. If you want a specific hotel, cabin type or family room, do not wait until the last minute.
Spring and early autumn can offer a quieter experience, although some attractions and accommodation services may have shorter opening hours. These seasons can be appealing for couples, walkers and visitors who want to explore the countryside without peak summer crowds. Winter stays may suit travellers interested in a peaceful rural break, but check which restaurants and facilities remain open.
Practical booking tips
Before confirming your reservation, read the property’s policies and make sure the location matches your plans. Vimmerby is easy to understand on a map, but the difference between staying in town and staying in the countryside can affect every journey. If you arrive by train, confirm how you will reach the property and whether taxis or local buses operate at your arrival time.
- Book early for summer, weekends and Swedish school holidays.
- Confirm the distance to Astrid Lindgren’s World rather than relying only on the property name.
- Check if breakfast, parking, linen, cleaning and activity access are included.
- Ask about cots, extra beds and family room layouts before paying.
- Review cancellation terms in case your park dates or travel plans change.
- Check seasonal opening hours for restaurants, reception desks and leisure facilities.
Finding the right place to stay in Vimmerby
The best hotels in Vimmerby cover several different travel styles. Best Western Vimmerby Stadshotell is a practical central choice, Björkbackens Karaktärshotell suits families looking for leisure facilities, and Oxgården offers the flexibility of cottage accommodation. Fredensborgs Herrgård provides a quieter countryside setting, while camping, guesthouses and holiday homes add more options for different budgets and group sizes.
For a short visit focused on restaurants and the town, choose a central property. For a family holiday built around Astrid Lindgren’s World, look for accommodation nearby or a resort with child friendly facilities. If you are staying several nights, compare cottages and self catering places to stay with traditional hotels. By matching the location, room type and total cost to your itinerary, you can make your Vimmerby trip more comfortable from the moment you arrive.