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Vimmerby
View on WikipediaVimmerby (ⓘ) is a city and the seat of Vimmerby Municipality, Kalmar County, Sweden with 10,934 inhabitants in 2010.[1]
Key Information
Overview
[edit]Stångån is a small river running through the city.
Vimmerby had its charter as early as the fourteenth century. The main street, Storgatan, still has the shape in which it was built in the medieval time. There are also many old wooden houses in the city.[2]
Vimmerby is currently a tourist attraction due to historical links with Swedish author Astrid Lindgren (1907–2002). The Astrid Lindgren's World is a theme park for children that has themes from her books and is visited by fans from around the world. When Astrid Lindgren wrote her books about the country boy Emil of Lönneberga she used much information from her own upbringing in the rural areas of Vimmerby.[3] [4]
Another well-known person from Vimmerby is Swedish record international goalkeeper Thomas Ravelli.
Gosta Holmer, A Decathlete, is also from Vimmerby
Vimmerby Church
[edit]Vimmerby Church (Vimmerby kyrka) was built in 1854-1855. The church is built in a neoclassical style with a church tower to the west. The baptismal font is carved in granite and dates from around the year 1200. The pulpit was made in 1713 by the sculptor Olof Jonasson Wiström (1666- 1720). The altarpiece was added in 1877 and was painted by artist Sven Alfred Thörne (1850-1916). [5] [6]
Gallery
[edit]Sports
[edit]The following sports clubs are located in Vimmerby:
Twin towns — sister cities
[edit]The following cities are twinned with Vimmerby:
Fargo, North Dakota, United States[7]
Joniškis, Lithuania[8]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Tätorternas landareal, folkmängd och invånare per km2 2005 och 2010" (in Swedish). Statistics Sweden. 14 December 2011. Archived from the original on 27 January 2012. Retrieved 10 January 2012.
- ^ "Vimmerbys Historia". vimmerby.com. Retrieved December 1, 2019.
- ^ "Astrid Lindgren, 1907-2002". publishersweekly.com. Retrieved December 1, 2019.
- ^ "Astrid Lindgren's World in Vimmerby". visitsmaland.se. Retrieved December 1, 2019.
- ^ "Sven Alfred Thörne". athenaeum.org. Retrieved December 1, 2019.
- ^ "Vimmerby kyrka". svenskakyrkan.se. Retrieved December 1, 2019.
- ^ "About Our City". City of Fargo. Archived from the original on 2010-03-05. Retrieved 2010-03-01.
- ^ "International Relations". joniskis.lt. Retrieved 29 April 2014.
External links
[edit]- Vimmerby Municipality - Official site
- Astrid Lindgren's World Archived 2005-09-23 at the Wayback Machine - Theme Park
Vimmerby
View on GrokipediaGeography
Location and Topography
Vimmerby is situated in Kalmar County within the Småland province of southeastern Sweden, serving as the administrative seat of Vimmerby Municipality. The town's geographic coordinates are 57°40′N 15°51′E.[1] This positioning places it in a region characterized by its rural, forested expanse, approximately 84 kilometers south of Linköping and about 225 kilometers southwest of Stockholm as the crow flies.[7][8] The topography of Vimmerby centers on its location along the Stångån River, a 185-kilometer waterway that flows through the eastern Småland highlands and influences the local terrain with gentle valleys and watercourses.[9] The urban area spans roughly 8.31 square kilometers, encompassing a compact settlement with a preserved medieval street layout, notably Storgatan, a cobblestone thoroughfare lined with colorful, listed historic buildings that reflect the town's early urban planning.[2][10] Beyond the urban core, Vimmerby is enveloped by the quintessential Småland landscape, featuring dense old-growth forests, numerous sparkling lakes, and expansive green meadows that dominate the surrounding rural environment.[11] The Vimmerby Municipality borders Norra Kvill National Park to the north, a protected area of ancient pine forests just 25 kilometers northwest of the town center, enhancing the region's natural topographic diversity.[12]Climate
Vimmerby experiences a humid continental climate classified as Dfb under the Köppen-Geiger system, featuring mild summers and cold but not severely harsh winters due to the moderating influence of the nearby Baltic Sea.[13] This classification reflects consistent precipitation throughout the year and relatively temperate conditions compared to more continental areas farther inland. The proximity to the Baltic Sea helps temper temperature swings, preventing extreme heat or cold from dominating the region.[14] Average annual temperatures hover around 7°C, with seasonal variations providing distinct but moderate shifts. Summers from June to August bring average high temperatures of 20–23°C, offering comfortable conditions for outdoor pursuits, while winter lows from December to February range from -5°C to 0°C, often accompanied by frosty mornings and occasional clear days.[14] These patterns contribute to a growing season that supports local agriculture and enhances the appeal of summer attractions like parks and trails. Precipitation averages 700–800 mm annually, distributed relatively evenly across the months, though autumn sees slightly higher amounts with increased rainfall. Winters bring occasional snowfall, typically light and melting quickly due to mild spells, resulting in about 61 snowy days per year on average.[15] This even distribution ensures reliable moisture for the surrounding landscapes without prolonged droughts. Temperature extremes in Vimmerby are moderated by the Baltic Sea's influence, with record highs reaching approximately 32°C during summer heatwaves and lows dipping to around -25°C in severe winter cold snaps. Such events are infrequent, underscoring the region's stable oceanic regime.[16]History
Medieval Origins
Vimmerby's earliest documented reference dates to 1253, when a priest named Henricus Erici is recorded as serving at the local church, indicating the presence of a Christian settlement by the mid-13th century.[5] The town itself likely emerged as a rural village with surrounding farms, one of which, Näs, was donated to the clergy in 1411.[5] Evidence suggests Vimmerby obtained its charter as a market town in the mid-14th century, positioning it among Sweden's oldest urban centers and establishing it as a key commercial hub in the Småland region.[17] As a market town, Vimmerby served as the economic center of the Sevede district, where local peasants traded agricultural products such as butter, meat, and vegetables for imported goods like leather, metal items, salt, spices, beer, and wine.[18] Merchants facilitated this exchange by transporting commodities from the nearby port of Figeholm, connecting Vimmerby to broader trade networks under the Kalmar Union, including routes to Kalmar and northern German towns.[18] The town's original medieval street plan remains largely preserved, with Storgatan retaining its historical layout lined by wooden houses, some of which are listed buildings dating back to the period.[17][5] Key events shaped Vimmerby's medieval development, including a devastating fire in 1454 when the town was burned by the army of King Kristian I of Denmark amid conflicts over the Kalmar Union.[18] Such incidents, part of a pattern of frequent fires due to the prevalence of wooden structures, prompted repeated rebuilding efforts that reinforced the town's resilient market role through the early modern period.[18] This preserved medieval layout continues to underpin Vimmerby's appeal in contemporary tourism.[17]Modern Development
During the early modern period, Vimmerby's status as a market town continued, though it faced challenges including the revocation of its privileges by King Gustav Vasa in 1532. The town charter was renewed in 1604 by King Charles IX, who stipulated that Vimmerby would hold three annual markets, a tradition that persists today and solidified its role as a regional commercial center.[5][19] In the 19th century, Vimmerby underwent significant reconstruction following devastating fires that prompted the development of key public infrastructure. The Town Hall, designed by architect Jacob Wilhelm Gerss, was constructed between 1824 and 1825 as one of the town's first architect-designed buildings, serving initially as both administrative center and courthouse in a timber structure with wooden paneling.[10] This period also saw the erection of Vimmerby Church between 1854 and 1855, replacing an earlier structure from 1685; the new edifice adopted a neoclassical style featuring a low nave and western tower, while incorporating a baptismal font dated to the late 12th century from a prior church on the site.[5] The early 20th century marked further modernization with the opening of Vimmerby Warmbadhus in 1906, a multifunctional facility that combined public bathing amenities with an electrical power station to support the growing community's needs.[5] By mid-century, Sweden's post-World War II economic expansion influenced local development, as Vimmerby, situated in the forested Småland region, experienced growth in forestry operations and small-scale manufacturing, aligning with national trends in resource-based industries that emphasized self-sufficiency and export-oriented production.[20] A pivotal administrative change occurred in 1971 through Sweden's municipal reform, which merged surrounding rural parishes like Locknevi into Vimmerby Municipality, expanding its administrative scope and integrating agricultural and forested hinterlands to foster balanced regional governance.[21] In recent decades, Vimmerby's expansion has been closely linked to a tourism surge in the late 20th century, particularly from the 1980s onward, which stimulated infrastructure improvements and economic diversification in the Småland area, including increased hotel capacities and visitor services.[22] This growth has contributed to relative population stability, reflecting modest annual changes amid broader regional stability. Such developments have bolstered the local economy, particularly through the tourism sector.Demographics
Population Trends
The population of Vimmerby municipality reached a peak of 16,096 residents in 1995, following steady growth from 15,867 in 1990 driven by rural-to-urban migration within the region.[23] By 2010, the figure had declined slightly to 15,473, reflecting broader trends of net out-migration in rural Swedish municipalities.[23] The urban core of Vimmerby, defined as a tätort (locality), had 10,934 inhabitants in 2010, concentrated in an area of about 10.4 km². As of the first three quarters of 2025, the municipality's population stood at 15,372, marking a modest annual decline of approximately 0.5% from 2020 levels of 15,672.[24][23] The city proper accounted for around 8,200 residents in recent estimates, with a population density of nearly 984 per km² in the urban area, compared to the municipality's overall density of 13.6 per km² across 1,140 km².[2][13] This low municipal density underscores Vimmerby's rural character, with higher concentrations in the central locality. Demographic trends indicate an aging population, with an average age of 44.2 years as of recent data, above the national average and contributing to slower growth rates.[25] Projections from Statistics Sweden forecast a continued gradual decline, with the municipality expected to reach about 15,200 residents by 2030 (interpolated from 2021 projections) before decreasing to 14,700 by 2040, influenced by negative natural increase and persistent out-migration patterns.[26]Composition and Migration
Vimmerby's population is predominantly Swedish-born, accounting for approximately 87% of residents as of 2023, while foreign-born individuals comprise about 13% of the total. This includes small immigrant communities primarily from Finland and other Nordic countries, the Middle East (notably Syria and Iraq), and the Baltic states such as Latvia and Lithuania, often drawn by employment opportunities in local industries or family reunification.[27][28] In terms of age and gender, Vimmerby exhibits a balanced gender ratio, with males constituting 51% and females 49% of the population. The age structure highlights an aging demographic typical of rural Sweden, featuring a significant elderly cohort where 25% of residents are over 65 years old, supported by local healthcare services. Conversely, the youth population under 18 years represents about 20%, bolstered by family-oriented amenities and educational facilities that retain younger families.[25] Migration patterns in Vimmerby reflect both internal Swedish mobility and modest international inflows. There is notable in-migration from surrounding rural areas in Småland (primarily within Kalmar County) and urban centers like Stockholm, driven by lifestyle preferences for smaller communities and remote work trends. For the first three quarters of 2025, net migration stood at +30, with 149 arrivals from the same county, 290 from the rest of Sweden, and 49 from abroad, partially offsetting a natural population decrease of -49 due to higher deaths (126) than births (77). This dynamic helps sustain the local population amid broader rural depopulation challenges.[29]Economy
Primary Industries
Vimmerby's economy relies heavily on agriculture and forestry as cornerstone industries, particularly in its rural areas, where these sectors embody Småland's longstanding traditions in timber harvesting and crop cultivation. Agriculture, including livestock and organic farming, has seen growth in value, with organic land comprising 13.6% of utilized agricultural area by 2016, surpassing national trends. Forestry complements this by leveraging the region's abundant woodlands for sustainable timber extraction, supported by initiatives like the Småland Wood Strategy aimed at boosting innovation and competitiveness. Together, these primary activities accounted for about 7% of local employment as of 2016, a figure notably higher than Kalmar County (4%) and Sweden's national average (2%), underscoring their dominance in the municipality's non-urban workforce.[28] Manufacturing forms another vital pillar, with small and medium-sized enterprises driving activity in wood processing, furniture production, and precision equipment. Local firms like Bergs Timber operate sawmills focused on softwood, processing regional timber into sawn goods for domestic and export markets. Furniture manufacturing draws on this wood resource base, while precision equipment sectors contribute specialized components, often tied to forestry and engineering needs. This sector employed approximately 28% of Vimmerby's workforce as of 2015, exceeding county and national benchmarks by 10% and 16%, respectively, though it faced a 20% decline during the 2008 financial crisis before stabilizing. The Åbro Brewery, founded in 1856 as Sweden's oldest family-owned brewery, is a notable example of local manufacturing. Forestry product exports, including processed wood, play a key role in GDP contributions, aligning with Sweden's broader forest industry that exported SEK 185 billion worth in 2024, about 85% of production.[28][30][31][5] The energy sector emphasizes renewable sources, exemplified by Vimmerby Energi & Miljö's biomass-fired combined heat and power plant at Tallholmen, operational since 2014. Fueled by local bark and wood chips from forestry residues, the facility boosted the company's capacity by 50%, generating 90 GWh of heat and 20-25 GWh of electricity annually to support district heating and reduce CO2 emissions. Retail and services cluster in the urban core, providing essential support to these industries and the broader community. Unemployment stood at 5.8% in 2016, below Sweden's average, with national rates around 8.5-9% as of 2025. While tourism serves as a secondary economic driver, primary industries like these sustain Vimmerby's foundational growth.[32][28][33]Tourism Sector
Vimmerby's tourism sector serves as a cornerstone of the local economy, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year primarily through its association with Astrid Lindgren's cultural heritage. The industry attracted over 500,000 annual visitors pre-pandemic, with the flagship Astrid Lindgren's World theme park alone welcoming up to 500,000 guests during peak periods, underscoring its role as a major economic driver. In 2024, the park reported near-record visitor numbers. This influx significantly bolsters local commerce, contributing substantially to revenue through visitor expenditures on accommodations, dining, and related services.[34][35][36] The infrastructure supporting tourism includes a variety of hotels, such as the Best Western Vimmerby Stadshotell, and campsites like Vimmerby Camping, which offers year-round facilities including cabins, tent sites, and family-oriented amenities near natural attractions. Transport links, including regional buses and proximity to Kalmar Airport (about 60 km away), facilitate access, though rural road connectivity remains a noted challenge. Visitor numbers peak seasonally from June to August, aligning with summer holidays and favorable weather, when family travel surges and occupancy rates at accommodations reach their highest.[28][37][38] Economically, tourism generates vital employment in hospitality, guiding, and ancillary services, while producing revenue streams from theme park admissions and events that represent a key portion of municipal income. Recovery from the pandemic has been robust, aided by Sweden's overall tourism resurgence and targeted local promotions. This sector also intersects briefly with agriculture through farm-based experiences, enhancing rural appeal without dominating primary production activities.[28][39]Culture and Attractions
Astrid Lindgren's Legacy
Astrid Lindgren, one of Sweden's most celebrated authors, was born on November 14, 1907, at the Näs farm on the outskirts of Vimmerby in the Småland region.[40] Growing up in a close-knit family on the farm, she experienced a childhood filled with freedom, play, and rural adventures that profoundly shaped her storytelling. Her early life in Vimmerby provided key inspirations for many of her works, including the mischievous escapades in Emil i Lönneberga (1963), which drew elements from her brother Gunnar and the local farm life, as well as the imaginative settings in other tales like Pippi Långstrump (1945), though Pippi's character originated from a bedtime story for her daughter.[41] Lindgren left Vimmerby as a young woman but maintained strong ties to the area throughout her life, returning often until her death on January 28, 2002, in Stockholm.[40] Vimmerby's connection to Lindgren is preserved through key cultural institutions that celebrate her legacy. The Näs childhood home, now a museum, offers guided tours of the preserved farmhouse where she was born, featuring original furnishings such as her birth bed, family harmonium, and embroidered items that evoke the daily life of her youth.[42] Adjacent exhibitions, like "Astrid Lindgren and the Power of Stories," explore how her Småland upbringing influenced her global impact on children's literature.[43] Nearby, Astrid Lindgren's World, a expansive theme park opened in 1981, spans 180,000 square meters and immerses visitors in recreated scenes from her books, including Pippi's Villa Villekulla and Emil's Katthult farm, with live performances and interactive environments faithful to her narratives.[44][45] Lindgren's enduring fame has transformed Vimmerby into a global destination, with Astrid Lindgren's World attracting approximately 500,000 visitors annually, many from abroad, fostering a deep appreciation for her stories worldwide.[46] This international draw is complemented by local memorials, such as the interactive bronze statue of Lindgren at her typewriter in Vimmerby’s central square, unveiled in 2007 to honor her centennial.[47] Additionally, the annual Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, established in 2002 by the Swedish government, recognizes outstanding contributions to children's literature and underscores her lasting influence, with ceremonies often highlighting her Vimmerby roots.[48]Historical and Natural Sites
Vimmerby boasts several well-preserved historical structures that reflect its architectural evolution from the 19th century onward. The Vimmerby Church, constructed between 1854 and 1855, exemplifies neoclassical design with its low nave and prominent western tower, replacing earlier iterations on a site Christianized around the mid-13th century.[5] Inside, a baptismal font dating to the late 12th century serves as a tangible link to the town's medieval ecclesiastical past.[5] Nearby, the Town Hall, built from 1824 to 1825 following a devastating fire, stands as Vimmerby's first architect-designed building, featuring timber construction with wooden paneling and historically functioning as both a municipal seat and courthouse until 1948.[5] Along Storgatan, the town's main street retaining its medieval layout, clusters of old wooden houses contribute to the historical ambiance; notable examples include the early 18th-century Tenngjutaregården at number 16 and the pre-1700 Grankvistgården at number 32, the latter boasting preserved baroque interior paintings and listed for protection since 1963.[5] The surrounding natural landscape offers accessible sites emphasizing Vimmerby's connection to Småland's rugged terrain. Norra Kvill National Park, located approximately 20 kilometers northeast and established in 1927, preserves an untouched ancient forest with towering pines over 300 years old, moss-covered boulders, and serene lakes, ideal for hiking on its two marked trails—a 2.5-kilometer loop through varied old-growth terrain and a 4-kilometer route exploring deeper wilderness areas.[49][50] The Stångån River, winding through the municipality, supports leisurely walks along its banks, where visitors can traverse broader footpaths and narrower tracks amid open countryside and forested edges, often integrated with cycling routes for a multifaceted outdoor experience.[51] Further south, Ingebo Hagar represents a preserved historical village site dating back centuries, with farmsteads and paths evoking rural life from the 1600s onward, complemented by four local hiking trails ranging from 1.2 to 4.2 kilometers through mixed Småland forests.[52][53] Preservation efforts safeguard Vimmerby's medieval core, including grave fields from 700–800 AD and early church sites from the mid-1200s, through designated listed buildings and protected zones like Näktergalen and Källängsparken.[5] Access to these historical and natural features is facilitated by an extensive network of over 170 kilometers of hiking trails, guided tours, and interpretive signage, ensuring public engagement while maintaining ecological and architectural integrity.[54]Events and Festivals
Vimmerby hosts a variety of annual cultural events that emphasize family-oriented activities and connections to local Småland heritage. One of the most prominent is the summer season at Astrid Lindgren's World, where daily theater and music performances bring Astrid Lindgren's stories to life through about 30 shows featuring characters like Pippi Longstocking, held from mid-May to mid-August.[55] These events draw over 500,000 visitors annually, creating an immersive experience in a theme park setting that celebrates storytelling and childhood imagination.[56] The Vimmerby Marknad, a traditional market fair dating back to the 1500s, takes place each July and fills the town's streets with vendors offering local crafts, produce, and entertainment such as live music, fostering community gatherings that reflect Vimmerby's historical market traditions.[57] In March, the Cultural Festival in Storebro, part of Vimmerby municipality, features shadow theater performances for children alongside songs and music for adults, scheduled for March 12 at the local library to promote accessible cultural engagement.[58] Additional recurring events include seasonal flea markets, such as the summer flea market on July 19, where locals and visitors browse bargains and exhibitors in community spaces.[59] Concerts occur regularly at venues like the town square or cultural centers, showcasing local musicians and bands.[60] Midsummer celebrations, observed around June 20 with Småland customs like maypole dancing, wreath-making, and traditional music, are highlighted at sites such as Rumskulla Hembygdsgård, emphasizing communal festivities tied to the summer solstice.[61]Sports
Local Clubs and Facilities
Vimmerby hosts a vibrant sports scene centered around community-based clubs that promote recreational and youth development activities. The largest and most prominent is Vimmerby IF, founded on September 27, 1919, which primarily focuses on football with teams spanning youth to senior levels, alongside historical sections for athletics and handball that continue to support local training and competitions.[62] Other notable clubs include Vimmerby HC, established in 1993, which competes in the HockeyAllsvenskan league and emphasizes ice hockey for all ages through its junior and senior teams.[63] Floorball is represented by Vimmerby IBK, actively engaging community members in indoor team sports. In total, the municipality supports numerous sports clubs with dedicated youth and children's programs, fostering inclusivity and skill-building across various disciplines. Key facilities managed by the municipality include the Vimmerby Idrottshall, a multi-purpose indoor hall used for handball, floorball, and gymnastics, accommodating both school and club activities. The Ishallen serves as the primary venue for ice hockey, public skating, and winter training sessions. Outdoor options feature Ceosvallen, the municipal stadium with artificial turf for football and an adjacent track for athletics events. Swimming facilities are provided at Gullringens Simhall, located about 15 minutes north of central Vimmerby, offering a 25-meter pool, children's pool, and recreational areas for community use. The tradition of swimming in Vimmerby traces back to the Warmbadhuset, originally built in 1906 as a public bathhouse and power station, though it now functions as a cultural venue following the cessation of bathing operations in 1977.[64][65][66] Community participation in sports remains robust, supported by demographic trends of stable local residency. Youth programs across the clubs prioritize outdoor activities reflective of Småland's natural landscape, including cross-country running, orienteering, and nature-based fitness, with statistics indicating high engagement—such as 27 participation occasions per capita for ages 7-25 as of 2023, one of the higher rates in Kalmar County.[67]Notable Figures
Thomas Ravelli, born on August 13, 1959, in Vimmerby, is a former professional footballer renowned as a goalkeeper for the Swedish national team.[68] He holds the record for the most caps by a Swedish player, with 143 appearances between 1981 and 1997.[69] Ravelli gained international fame during the 1994 FIFA World Cup, where his crucial penalty save against Romania in the quarterfinals propelled Sweden to a third-place finish, marking one of the nation's best performances in the tournament.[70] Gösta Holmér, born on September 23, 1891, in Djursdala near Vimmerby, was a versatile track and field athlete and coach who competed for Sweden at the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm. Specializing in multi-events, he earned a bronze medal in the javelin throw with both hands and placed fourth in the pentathlon, showcasing his all-around prowess across disciplines like high jump and decathlon.[71] Holmér later became a pioneering coach, developing innovative training methods that contributed to Swedish successes, including multiple Olympic medals for his athletes in the 1910s and 1920s.International Relations
Twin Towns and Partnerships
Vimmerby Municipality maintains several twin town partnerships, known as vänorter in Swedish, with municipalities in other countries to foster international collaboration. These relationships emphasize exchanges in education, culture, and youth programs, originating from post-World War II efforts to promote peace and understanding across borders.[72] The current active twin towns include:| Twin Town | Country | Established | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kauhava | Finland | Post-WWII (oldest partnership) | Agriculture, cultural exchanges; Kauhava has approximately 15,000 inhabitants and is located in Southern Ostrobothnia (as of 2024).[72][73] |
| Moss (formerly Rygge) | Norway | 1988 | Municipal cooperation; Rygge merged into Moss in 2020, with Moss now serving around 52,600 residents in an area of 128 km² (as of 2025).[72][74] |
| Þorlákshöfn | Iceland | 2001 | Environmental and community projects; located in the Ölfus region, about 50 km south of Reykjavík, with an economy centered on fishing, renewable energy, aquaculture, and its port.[72][75] |
| Joniškis | Lithuania | 1994 | Education and youth initiatives; a northern Lithuanian municipality with about 30,100 inhabitants, prominent in agriculture and food production (as of 2024).[72][76] |
| Mukono | Uganda | 2007 | Children's rights and development projects, supported by the Swedish International Centre for Local Democracy (ICLD); Mukono has approximately 929,200 residents in the district and lies 20 km east of Kampala (as of 2024).[72][77] |
| Tønder (formerly Skaerbaek) | Denmark | Pre-2007 | Nordic cultural exchanges; Skaerbaek merged into Tønder in 2007, with Tønder municipality serving around 36,400 residents; contacts continue actively through the Nordic association Föreningen Norden (as of 2025).[72][78] |