Join us on a bike ride straight into the world of fairy tales through the heart of Småland, where deep forests meet flowering meadows, picturesque wooden towns and the places that inspired Astrid Lindgren's beloved stories.
The journey starts at rural Ullinge by Lake Södra Wixen, nestled among the pines. From there you cycle to the historic wooden town of Eksjö, further along the Astrid Lindgren trail to Mariannelund and Vimmerby - home to Emil, Bullerbyn and Pippi. The road is lined with red cottages, lush green pastures and the smell of summer in the forest.
In the evenings, you will eat local food and stay in selected hotels. Luggage will be transported between accommodations so you can cycle lightly and enjoy the experience at your own pace.
The trip ends at Hotel Ullinge, where you can unwind with a dip in the lake, a sauna bath or a quiet evening in the garden while the sun sets over the oak hills. The trip stretches over 8 days, of which 4 days by bike and 2 days with optional activities.
Day 1 - Arrival in rural Ullinge by the lake
Hotel Ullinge, Eksjö
Dinner
After your trip to Småland, you will be greeted by the tranquillity of the forest and the calm of Lake Södra Wixen. At Ullinge you live with nature just around the corner. Here you can land, take a cooling dip and enjoy a moment in the sauna.
A delicious dinner prepared with local flavors awaits you in the restaurant. With a view of the water, you eat well and plan tomorrow's cycling adventure towards Mariannelund. Your rental bike is ready at the hotel, adjusted and ready.
Day 2 - Through wooden towns and fairytale landscapes
Pensionat Solhöjden, Mariannelund
Breakfast and dinner
63 km
Pensionat Solhöjden - Mariannelund
After breakfast you cycle towards Mariannelund. You follow the Astrid Lindgren trail for the most part, but also make some detours from the trail to experience extra beautiful stretches of road through the Småland landscape past rolling fields, grazing animals and shady forest areas.
Once you arrive in Mariannelund, you check in at Pensionat Solhöjden. You have time to take a walk before the evening is rounded off with dinner in the guesthouse dining room.
Day 3 - In the footsteps of the movie
Karaktärshotellet, Vimmerby
Breakfast and dinner
30 km (+ 5 km for guided tours)
In Mariannelund you step straight into Astrid Lindgren's world. At Filmbyn Småland, the classic films are brought to life through set designs, props and interactive exhibitions.
If you want to deepen the experience further, you can book a guided bike tour, where you visit the places where stories like Emil in Lönneberga and The Children of Bullerbyn were filmed. If you'd rather discover the area on your own, there's a beautiful tour to follow, perfect for a leisurely day on the bike.
Once you arrive in Vimmerby, check in at the charming Karaktärshotellet, where you can relax and enjoy the evening in peace and quiet. You'll be staying here for two nights, so unpack and make yourself at home.
Day 4 - A day in Astrid's world
Karaktärshotellet, Vimmerby
Breakfast and dinner
Flexible distance
Today you choose the pace and content - cycling, culture or both. Visit Astrid Lindgren's Näs, the place where it all began, and be inspired by the environments that shaped her stories. Or experience Astrid Lindgren's World, where the fairy tales come to life on stage and among the well-known houses.
If you want to cycle more, you can follow a longer tour to Katthult, Bullerbyn and Lönneberga, classic places from Astrid's fairy tale world and landscapes recognized from film and book. In the evening, a nice dinner awaits.
Day 5 - Through the heart of Småland to Wallby Säteri
Wallby Säteri, Vetlanda
Breakfast and dinner
60 km
Sauna and three-course dinner - Wallby säteri
After a leisurely morning in Vimmerby, you continue south through the rolling landscape of Småland. You leave the Astrid Lindgren trail behind you and follow winding roads lined with stone fences, lakes and green pastures. Feel free to pack swimwear, along the way there are several beautiful places for a refreshing dip.
Once you arrive at Wallby Säteri, you can enjoy the lake sauna, the tranquil garden and dinner in the manor's restaurant. You stay in small charming cottages on the farm, with the lake right next door.
Day 6 - Rest, hiking and the charm of Wallby
Wallby Säteri, Vetlanda
Breakfast and dinner
Hiking and resting
Overnight stay at Wally Säteri with dinner, bathing lake and wood-fired sauna.
Today you take the day as it comes. After a rich breakfast buffet, you can choose between a short bike ride, a leisurely hike or simply enjoying the peaceful manor setting.
In the evening, another dinner awaits you in the manor's restaurant, while you gather the impressions of the trip and get ready for the last day of cycling. The luggage is picked up in the morning, you cycle easily back towards Ullinge.
Day 7 - Back through the landscape of stories
Hotel Ullinge, Eksjö
Breakfast and dinner
55 km
The last day of cycling offers another dose of Småland nature with forests, open meadows and sparkling lakes. You follow small roads via Vetlanda and Björköby, where you can stop for a break at the small zoo and café.
Back at Ullinge, a well-deserved sauna awaits and perhaps a last dip in the lake before dinner. A perfect end to a week filled with nature, culture and fabulous experiences.
Day 8 - Back to Reality
Breakfast
After breakfast, it's time to pack up and say goodbye to Småland for this time. If you have rented a bike, simply leave it at the hotel before departure.
You start your journey home, filled with impressions, tranquillity and memories of a week in a fairytale landscape.
Included
- 7 nights in selected hotels, guesthouses (price per person in double room)
- 7 x breakfast
- 7 x noon
- Luggage transport
- Personal information meeting before the start of the trip (digital)
- Personalized support 24/7 throughout the journey
- Digital maps (GPX files) and recommendations along the route
- Safe long-term parking for your car at Hotel Ullinge with access to charging stations
Add-on Extras
- Extra nights, the package is easily supplemented with one or two nights
- Single room supplement: 2 500 SEK
- Touring bike 18 gears: 2 795 SEK for the whole week
- Electric bike: 3 995 SEK for the whole week
- Transfer from/to Eksjö Travel Center can be arranged on request
- Guide can be arranged on request
Getting Here
The easiest way to travel is by train to Nässjö. From there, there are regional trains or buses to Eksjö several times a day, travel time about 20 minutes. Once in Eksjö, you can book a transfer to Hotel Ullinge (about 15 minutes travel time).
Confirmation and invoice are sent directly from the local tour operator. No payment is made to Sweden by Bike.
Registration fee:
15 % of the total amount is payable within 10 days of receiving your confirmation.
Final payment:
The remaining amount must be paid at least 30 days before the start of the trip (the registration fee is deducted from the final amount).
If you need to cancel, the following applies:
More than 30 days before departure:
You only pay the registration fee (15 % of the trip price).
30-21 days before departure:
40 % of the price of the trip will be charged.
20-15 days before departure:
60 % of the price of the trip will be charged.
14-8 days before departure:
80 % of the price of the trip will be charged.
7 days or less before departure:
No refund will be given.
