What to do in Jönköping - 17 tips for the matchstick city

What to do in Jönköping? The city is known for its matchstick history and you should not miss the Matchstick Museum, but there are also many other experiences and attractions. Here are our top tips!

Jönköping

Jönköping is an interesting and beautiful city on the banks of Lake Vättern, and within the municipality you will also find Huskvarna and Gränna. We have been to the area many times and recently spent a lot of time here, which resulted in this post.

Jönköping is located on the southern shore of Lake Vättern, in the province of Småland. The city is about 15 kilometres east of Gothenburg.

What can you do in Jönköping?

What can you see and do in Jönköping? All sorts of things actually! We have collected our best tips here in a list.

1. Discover Jönköping on foot

It is always interesting to discover cities on foot! Jönköping is an interesting city with many historic buildings and beautiful sites. For example, you can go to Rådhusparken, which was laid out as a school park in the 1860s, in the English park style.

There are also many beautiful old buildings. For example, you can stroll past the old town hall or the Old Fire Station, which has actually been named Jönköping's most beautiful building.

It is also interesting to take a look at the "Slottsrummet". A Franciscan monastery was built in Jönköping in the 13th century, but after the Reformation the building served as a royal castle and an important border fortress. In 1737, the entire castle burned down and was never rebuilt. All you can see today are some small ruins behind this window - a window to history.

2. Admire the Sofia Church

The Sofia Church is a well-known landmark in Jönköping, and is clearly visible over the city with its tall towers. The church was inaugurated in 1888 and is named after Oscar II's consort, Queen Sofia. We enjoyed this beautiful church very much, even though it was not easy to capture its beauty in pictures.

The church is built in Gothic Revival style and feels large and spacious inside.

3. Cycling along Lake Munksjön

We stood with our motorhome in the parking lot at "Din Husbil Jönköping", and it therefore became natural to cycle along Munksjön to the centre. What a nice bike path! We cycled all the way along the water and had a view of buildings, boats and canoeists.

On the way we also saw a bunch of ducks swimming with their little ones. So sweet!

4. Get a dose of industrial history at the Matchstick Museum.

Once upon a time, match production was a large and important industry in Jönköping, but although there were times when the business flourished, for most people the work was an existence far from gold and green forests.

Initially, the matches were dipped in phosphorus, and the women and children doing the work often suffered from the terrible disease phosphorus necrosis, which often led to death. Even the great financier Ivar Kreuger, who was behind the great matchstick empire, finally met his death after the great stock market crash. He was found in his home in Paris with a firearm next to him.

In the museum, you can learn about the industry and the manufacturing process, but above all, you will meet people and human destinies from the time of the matchstick empire. A visit to the museum is very interesting and gives insight into a time of child labour and completely different living conditions, which is not so far back in time after all. Outside the museum, you can also check out the Matchbox area, where today there are shops and restaurants.

5. Experience animals, nature and culture in the City Park.

Jönköping City Park is a park that surprises. There are large green areas but also an open-air museum, playground, women's paths (paths dedicated to different women), café, miniature golf course, bird museum, animals and the football stadium Stadsparksvallen. When we came here, a group of children performed with violins, very nice!

The open-air museum was created back in 1901 when engineer Algot Friberg bought and transported the medieval wooden church of Bäckaby. Sadly, the church was burned down in 2000, but there are many other old buildings in the park today.

In addition to old buildings and fences, you can see various animals here, and we saw goats and alpacas among others. A visit to the city park is something you don't want to miss in Jönköping!

6. Get nostalgic at the Husqvarna museum

The Husqvarna Museum in Huskvarna tells the story of a company that started making rifles in the 17th century and is now a world leader in forestry and gardening products. Here you can take a look around with a lot of products that can make you remember times from the past and become nostalgic.

Nearby, you can visit the charming Smedbyn, built for the factory's blacksmiths in the 18th century and now used by artists and craftsmen. You can also walk the Pustaleden trail or admire the view from Huskvarnaberget.

7. Eat candy canes in Gränna.

Gränna is a wonderfully charming little town in Jönköping municipality, beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Vättern. Here you can stroll through charming neighbourhoods, hang out in cosy restaurants and cafés, and simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Of course, you shouldn't miss tasting the traditional candy canes, once created by single mum Amalia Eriksson. You can also watch them being made, or even take part in a workshop where you can try them yourself.

When you're in Gränna, don't miss the Grenna Museum, where you can see a fascinating exhibition about the André expedition. The engineer André, who in 1897 embarked on the dramatic hot air balloon trip to the North Pole, grew up in Gränna. In the museum you can see photos and equipment from the expedition.

8. Take the boat to Visingsö

There is a ferry from Gränna harbour to the cosy island of Visingsö. Visingsö offers beautiful nature, peaceful countryside and a lot of historical sights such as Visingsborg castle ruin, Näs castle ruin, Brahe church, Kumlaby church and a long list of ancient monuments. You can also check out the charming nostalgia museum, take a 'remmalag' (horse and cart) ride or visit the island's fine alpacas. There are also several restaurants and cafés on the island.

9. Walking in natural areas

There are many beautiful natural areas in Jönköping municipality. We walked around in Västanå nature reserve and at Röttle village, which was fantastic. At Röttle village you can see Rasmus Mill and Jerusalem Mill, the latter of which dates back to the early Middle Ages.

Other nature areas include Dumme mosse, Komosse, Grännaberget and Vista Kulle nature reserve. There are also hiking trails such as John Bauerleden, Klevens naturstig, Södra Vätterleden and Tabergs-å-leden.

10. Take a magical boat trip in the footsteps of John Bauer.

"Troll Boat Tours" takes tourists on the canal between lakes Bunn and Ören. Here you can experience the magical environments where the artist John Bauer, who was born in Jönköping, found inspiration for works such as "Among gnomes and trolls". The boat tours are organised in the summer and take about two hours and 45 minutes.

11. Attend a trade fair at Elmia.

Elmia's exhibition halls are located on the banks of Lake Vättern, and under normal circumstances, when there is no pandemic, many large exhibitions are organised here. Everyone who travels with a motorhome or caravan is familiar with the "Elmia Husvagn Husbil" fair, which is usually held in September each year and has attracted around 35,000 visitors in recent years.

The fair is popularly known as "the campers' Christmas Eve", and in addition to exhibition halls you can expect lectures, shrimp feast, dancing and Oktoberfest. Of course, Elmia also hosts many other fairs, including gardening, technology, food, climate and motorsport.

12. Make an excursion to Habo Church and Bottnaryd Church.

To the west and north-west of Jönköping are two fantastic wooden churches from the 17th century. Habo church is decorated with paintings illustrating Luther's catechism and Bottnaryd church is adorned with paintings from the New and Old Testament. Both churches have baptismal fonts from the 13th century and beautiful altar cabinets and other furnishings.

13. Sunbathing and swimming at Wätterstranden

Wätterstranden is not far from the city centre and not far from Rosenlund's Rosarium. There you can enjoy the sun and swimming in Jönköping on fine-grained sand or grass more to the east. In the summer, there is a lot of swimming in Jönköping and there is something for most people with footpaths, cycle paths, beach volleyball and street basketball. The pool is also adapted for the disabled with a ramp to the clear waters of Lake Vättern.

14. Take a selfie at Huskvarna Mountain

The nature reserve Huskvarnaberget offers a magnificent view of Huskvarna and Jönköping. It is definitely worth going up to the viewpoint and a nice thing to do in Jönköping. Many people use the trails as walking paths or exercise loops in the beautiful nature.

15. Enjoy Rosenlund Manor and Rosarium

The 18th century Rosenlund Manor and Rosarium is located on the shores of Lake Vättern, and is home to around 600 varieties of roses. Rosenlund Manor and Rosarium is a beautiful historical site that attracts visitors with its charming atmosphere and beautiful roses. Rosenlund Manor and Rosarium offers visitors a quiet and peaceful environment where they can walk among the colourful flowers and enjoy a lovely view of Lake Vättern.

16. Shopping in Asec's shopping centre

Jönköping's largest shopping centre is called Asecs, formerly known as A6. There are 100 shops and restaurants here and you will find most of the things you need for shopping. Shopping can be done in Jönköping when the weather is bad.

17. Take a boat ride on Lake Sommen

Since 1904, Lake Sommen has been home to the magnificent, historic steamship S/S Boxholm II. This ship is one of Sweden's last remaining wood-fuelled steamships. You now have the opportunity to join a cruise, a theme trip or a storytelling tour and enjoy the beautiful greenery that surrounds you. By stepping aboard S/S Boxholm II, one of Sweden's oldest and last wood-fired steamboats, you will experience something out of the ordinary.

More things to do in Jönköping for culture and history lovers

Here you will find more suggestions for things to do in Jönköping, for those interested in culture and history.

• Björkenäs Moped and Motorbike Museum is a seasonal museum outside Gränna with a large collection of old mopeds and motorcycles. (Björkenäs Mellangård, Gränna)
• Brahehus was built by Per Brahe the Younger 1638-1651, and is located along the E4 motorway, overlooking Lake Vättern.
• Jönköping County Museum is an art and cultural history museum. (Dag Hammarskjöld Square 2)
• Blacksmith village is a neighbourhood of small red cottages in Huskvarna, home to craftsmen and artists.
• Tabergsgruvan offers guided tours during the summer. There is also Sweden's only bat museum (Fladdermuseet).

More things to do in Jönköping for those who like food and shopping

Do you like food, drink and shopping? Then you will find even more tips here on experiences and things to do in Jönköping.

• Asecs is a shopping centre with shops, restaurants and playgrounds (Kompanigatan 36).
• Jönköping City offers more than 200 shops.
• Market trading in the Western Square is an event every Saturday, including flowers, vegetables, fresh fish, charcuterie and sweets.
• Apple Valley is described as the Tuscany of Småland, with walking and cycling and farm shops selling cider, food and drink.

More things to do in Jönköping for nature lovers

Here are also some more suggestions for things to do in Jönköping for those who like nature.

• Cycling can be done in Jönköping along various cycle paths. You can also rent a bike or MTB.
• Golf you can play in several places, such as Jönköping Golf Club or Gränna Golf Club.
• Kayak you can paddle in Vättern, Munksjön, Landsjön or Bunn.

More to do in Jönköping with children

Travelling with children or teenagers? Then you will find some more tips on things to do in Jönköping here.

• The playground in Jönköping city park is the largest playground in the city.
• Escape House Jönköping is a challenge to escape from a room, with the help of clues. (Östra Storgatan 3)
• Polka dots baking can be tried at several polka-dog restaurants in Gränna.
• Prison Island Huskvarna is a "prison adventure" with challenging tasks (Kungsgatan 35, Huskvarna).
• Rosenlundsbadet is Jönköping's largest swimming centre with a water park, diving pool, relaxation area and more. (Elmiavägen 4)

Where can you stay or stay overnight with your campervan?

There are of course many different hotels and other accommodation options in Jönköping to choose from. We usually travel by motorhome, so we can't recommend too many hotels. However, we have stayed one night at First Hotel Jönköping. This hotel is located just outside the hotel centre and is a simple hotel that is suitable when travelling by car and wanting an affordable accommodation.

During our last trip by campervan we stopped at the car park at Din Husbil Jönköpingwhich turned out to be an excellent place to visit Jönköping. Here you stand at a motorhome shop, where you can look at motorhomes and accessories. The site also has all the services you need, such as electricity, the possibility of emptying tanks and filling water and fresh service buildings.

There is a nice and easy cycle path from the site to the centre of Jönköping, along Lake Munksjön. The price is currently SEK 250 / day and you pay either in the store or via Swisch. Here we stood very well!

If you are visiting other parts of Jönköping municipality, there are also more pitches and campsites that may be suitable:

• RC Motorhome parking is located at the RC Hotel, Elmia, and has seven seats.
• RV park Elmia offers 20 seats at the Electricity Fair.
• Vätterstranden Huskvarna is located between Huskvarna and Jönköping.
• Bauergården in Bunn offers well serviced pitches in a beautiful natural setting.
• Gränna camping is located by the harbour, and there are also cottages here.
• Getingaryds camping & cottages is located just north of Gränna.
• Visingsö car park is located in Ekskogen just next to the ferry terminal on Visingsö.
• Hyltena car park suitable for those who want to make a stop for the night.

More to see and do in Jönköping - nearby

When you are done with Jönköping, there is of course a lot to see and experience nearby. For example, you can visit the tree city Hjo, the tree city Eksjö or the theme park High Chaparral. If you like fishing, we can recommend First Camp Hökensås - Tidaholm, and nearby is the beautiful hembygsdgården Brandstorp. If you're travelling west, it's also not too far to the arts and culture centre. The textile city of Borås.

More suggestions for things to do in Jönköping?

Have you been to Jönköping? Tell us about your experiences and your relationship with the city! Do you have even more tips on things to see and do in Jönköping?

Facts about Jönköping

• County: Jönköping County
• Landscape: Småland
• Population: Just over 142 000 (2021)
• District: Jönköpings Kristina, Jönköpings Sofia, Huskvarna, Ljungarum, Norrahammars, Hakarps, Barnarps, Rogberga and Järstorps.
• Lakes: Munksjön and Rocksjön
• The name: The first part of the name is probably the same as in Junebäcken. The prefix may come from "æwinn" (constant/permanent/never ending). The suffix is köping, in the sense of a trading centre.
• Read more: You can find more information at JKPG.com

History of Jönköping

• Early history: There are about ten ancient monuments preserved, dating from the Bronze Age and the Iron Age.

13th to 14th century

• 13th century: Jönköping was probably founded during the time of Magnus Ladulås, as a trading centre and border town with Denmark.
• 1283: A Franciscan monastery was founded at Lillesjön (later Munksjön) which contributed to the development of the town. After the Reformation, the monastery became a castle.
• 1284: The town received its first known town privileges, in a document that is now Sweden's oldest surviving letter of privilege.
• 14th century: The name 'Junakøpunger' was replaced by 'Jonakøpunger'.

15th to 16th century

• 1400: The name becomes 'Jønakøpung', and then Jönköping. It was a medium-sized town with around a thousand inhabitants, and it exported animal products to Bergslagen.
• 1503: Sten Sture the elder died in Jönköping.
• 1524: Gustav Vasa extended the city's staple rights (the right to import and export).
• 1567: The city was burned during Daniel Rantzau's campaign.

17th to 19th century

• 1612: Faced with an expected siege during the Kalmar War, the inhabitants burned their town themselves. The city was rebuilt and moved a bit to the east.
• 1737: Jönköping Castle was destroyed in a fire.
• 1845: The Jönköping match factory was founded.
• 19th century: Expansion of the harbour and rail links with Falköping and Nässjö made it easier for industries to grow, such as Jönköping Mechanical Works and Munksö Paper Mill.