Vimmerby

The charming hometown of beloved Swedish author Astrid Lindgren, featuring her childhood home and the whimsical Astrid Lindgren's World theme park. The town offers a nostalgic journey into Swedish literature and childhood imagination.

Things to do

• Astrid Lindgren's World — Immerse yourself in the magical theme park based on characters from Lindgren's beloved books, with playgrounds, performances, and recreated scenes from Pippi Longstocking and other classics.
• Astrid Lindgren's Childhood Home — Visit the modest house where the author spent her early years, now a museum that offers intimate insight into her formative years and literary inspiration.
• Vimmerby Town Centre Walk — Stroll through the historic town square and charming streets lined with traditional Swedish architecture, local shops, and cafés reflecting the town's literary heritage.
• Växjö Glass Kingdom — Located nearby, this attraction showcases Swedish glass-blowing traditions with live demonstrations and a shop featuring locally-crafted glass art.
• Linnés Värdshus Historic Inn — Experience a traditional Swedish countryside inn that has operated since the 18th century, offering authentic regional hospitality and period architecture.
• Local Library and Literary Museum — Explore Vimmerby's collection dedicated to Astrid Lindgren's works and Swedish children's literature with original manuscripts and illustrations.

Food to try

• Småland Pancakes — Enjoy thin, delicate Swedish pancakes served with lingonberry jam and whipped cream, a regional specialty of the Småland province where Vimmerby is located.
• Gravlax — Sample cured salmon prepared using the traditional Scandinavian method, reflecting Sweden's strong fishing heritage and available at local restaurants.
• Vimmerby Meatballs — Taste locally-prepared Swedish köttbullar served with creamy sauce, lingonberries, and pickled cucumber, a hearty comfort food central to Swedish cuisine.
• Eel Stew — Try this traditional Småland dish, particularly popular during summer months, featuring freshwater eel in a rich, creamy sauce served with boiled potatoes.
• Cinnamon Buns and Fika Culture — Partake in Sweden's beloved fika tradition by enjoying freshly-baked kanelbullar (cinnamon buns) with coffee at a local café during mid-morning or afternoon break.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect for Literary Heritage — Vimmerby's identity is deeply rooted in Astrid Lindgren's legacy, so visitors should appreciate the town's celebration of children's literature and Swedish storytelling traditions throughout their stay.
• Seasonal Visiting Patterns — The Astrid Lindgren's World theme park operates primarily during summer months (late April to mid-September), so plan visits accordingly for the full experience.
• Swedish Fika Tradition — Embrace the local custom of fika, a cherished Swedish coffee break taken mid-morning or afternoon, by joining locals at cafés for genuine social connection and relaxation.
• English Language Availability — While Swedish is the primary language, most tourist-oriented businesses and attractions in Vimmerby have English-speaking staff, though learning basic Swedish phrases is appreciated by locals.