Things to do in Växjö – 13 tips for attractions and experiences

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: October 2026 | Växjö is a pleasant town in Småland with beautiful lakes, exciting museums and plenty of history. Here you can discover everything from glass art and medieval churches to romantic castles and old mill environments. We have explored both the city itself and the surroundings, with bike rides, museum visits and excursions with the camper. Here are our 13 tips for things to see and do in Växjö!

Things to do in Växjö – attractions and experiences

We start in Växjö and the city's immediate surroundings. There is much to discover here, whether you like history, culture, nature or just want to stroll around and enjoy the environment.

1. Strolling in the centre of Växjö

A good way to start your visit is to stroll around the centre of Växjö. Stortorget is home to the Residenset and Stadshotellet, and at various times during the year there are market stalls, markets and other events.

You can also continue along Storgatan, the city's long pedestrian street with shops, cafes and restaurants. For even more shopping, there is the Grand Samarkand shopping mall a bit outside the city center.

2. Visit Växjö Cathedral

Växjö Cathedral is a beautiful red brick church dating back to the 12th century. The church has been rebuilt many times over the centuries, but its long history is still evident. The interior also features modern glass art, which fits nicely in a city with such strong connections to the Kingdom of Glass in Småland. Among other things, Bertil Vallien created the church's large glass altarpiece.

Outside the church you can see statues of Saint Sigfrid and the bishop and poet Esaias Tegnér.

Don't miss the 11th century runestone, which was found embedded in the church in 1813. It was erected in memory of a man named Gunnar and is an exciting reminder of the place's long history.

3. Discover the Museum Park

In the middle of Växjö lies the Museum Park, where several old cultural and historical buildings have been gathered. Here you can stroll past, among other things, a loft shed from Långaskruv, a windmill from Sirkö and a high-loft cottage from Sundranäs.

The area also contains significantly older remains, including rock coffins from the end of the Stone Age. The museum park is also a natural starting point for a visit to both Småland Museum and the House of Emigrants.

4. Learn about the emigration at the Emigrants' House

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, around 1.3 million Swedes left their homeland to seek a new life in America. Many came from Småland, where poverty and difficult living conditions drove people to leave.

In the House of Emigrants you can delve into this important part of Sweden's history. It is a story about dreams and faith in the future, but also about breakups, loss and difficult decisions. If you want to continue on the same theme, you can also take a trip to the Emigrant Village in southern Småland.

5. Visit the Småland Museum and the Swedish Glass Museum

Right next to the Emigrants' House is the Småland Museum, where you can discover, among other things, the Swedish Glass Museum. Here you will find large collections of glass, from older everyday objects to modern glass art, and you will gain an insight into the craft tradition that has made Småland known far beyond Sweden's borders.

We were also particularly drawn to the exhibition 13,000 years – ancient times close to us. It is a beautiful and engaging exhibition where you can follow the history of people in the area from the Stone Age onwards. A museum that offers much more than just glass!

6. Cycling along Växjösjön and Trummen.

One thing we really appreciated in Växjö was the proximity to the lakes. We set out on a bike ride along Växjösjön and Trummen, with the Linnaeus Garden as our destination, but there were many stops along the way. There were plenty of nice views to photograph!

It's a great way to discover Växjö at a leisurely pace, with water, greenery and walking paths close to the city center. If you don't have a bike, it's also possible to explore parts of the area on foot.

7. Enjoy the Linnaean Garden

By Lake Trummen lies Linnaeus Garden, a small but beautiful garden where plants meet art, architecture and design. The garden is a tribute to the Småland botanist Carl von Linné and was created by landscape architect Ulf Nordfjell. In 2007, it was awarded a gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show in London.

We stopped here during our bike ride and enjoyed the beautiful surroundings. The garden is not very large, but that doesn't make it any less worth seeing. A nice little stop for those who like flowers and gardening!

8. Visit the fabulous Teleborg Castle

A few kilometers south of the center of Växjö lies Teleborg Castle, a real fairytale castle with towers, battlements and a romantic history. The castle was completed in 1900 and was built by Count Fredrik Bonde af Björnö as a morning gift to his wife Anna Koskull. The people of Växjö are said to have joked: ”What wouldn’t a Bonde do for his Koskull?”

We took the opportunity to have lunch at the castle and also had a spontaneous tour of some of the beautiful halls and hotel rooms. We could definitely imagine spending a weekend here, even though we are very comfortable in our camper! Don't miss the beautiful castle park by Lake Trummen, where the rhododendron bushes were in bloom during our visit.

READ MORE: Teleborg Castle in Växjö - a fairytale castle in Småland

9. See Granhult's church - Sweden's oldest wooden church

About forty kilometers northeast of Växjö lies Granhult Church, which is usually described as Sweden's oldest preserved wooden church. It was built as early as the 1220s and is therefore around 800 years old. The fact that the church is still standing is not a given. During the 19th century, there were plans to replace many old churches with larger buildings, but the locals in Granhult fought to save their church from demolition.

When we visited the church, we were particularly impressed by the interior. Behind the simple wooden facade are hidden fantastic paintings, beautifully carved details and several medieval furnishings. A particularly interesting detail is the hagioscope, a small viewing window where people who were not allowed to enter could still follow the service. A very nice and interesting church visit!

READ MORE: Granhult church in Småland - Sweden's oldest wooden church

10. Discover the paintings in Dädesjö Old Church

Another small medieval church worth a visit is Dädesjö Old Church, northeast of Växjö. The church was built in the 13th century and is particularly famous for its well-preserved ceiling paintings.

The paintings are from the Middle Ages and depict scenes from the life of Jesus, among other things. The painted wooden ceiling is considered one of the best preserved in northern Europe and has never been painted over. For those who appreciate history and old church environments, this is a fascinating place. The visit can also be combined with Granhult Church.

11. Experience history at Kronoberg Castle Ruins

On an islet in Helgasjön lies the ruins of Kronoberg Castle, once a mighty fortress with a dramatic history. The castle began to be built in the 15th century and later found itself in the middle of the conflict between Gustav Vasa and the Småland rebel leader Nils Dacke. During the Dacke Feud, the castle was captured by Dacke's men, but the rebellion was eventually crushed and Gustav Vasa had Kronoberg expanded into a powerful defensive castle.

When we visited Kronoberg, we could still walk around inside the old walls and imagine life at the castle during the 16th century. We also spent the night with our camper in the parking lot next door and had an unexpected evening of music and dancing from a festively dressed group that had gathered there. One of those spontaneous travel memories that stays with us!

Note: The castle ruins themselves are closed due to landslide risk and renovation. The goal is to reopen them for the summer of 2027. Check availability before visiting.

READ MORE: Kronoberg castle ruins in Växjö - Vasa and the Dacke feud

12. Be fascinated by the Bergkvara castle ruins

Bergkvara Castle Ruins, west of Växjö, are the remains of a powerful manor house from the 15th century. During its heyday around 1500, the estate included up to 1,500 farms, making Bergkvara one of the largest estate complexes in the Nordic countries.

Today, an impressive ruin remains, reminding us of how important the place once was. We find it fascinating to imagine the power and wealth that was concentrated here more than 500 years ago.

Note: The castle ruins themselves have been closed to visitors. Please check current availability before you go here.

13. Visit Huseby Mill – a historical time bubble

About twenty kilometers south of Växjö lies Huseby bruk, a well-preserved mill environment with a manor house, historic buildings, park and gardens. An ironworks was operated here from the 17th century, but the place is perhaps best known for Florence Stephens and the notorious Huseby affair. Florence was defrauded of large sums of money and was declared incompetent, but remained at her beloved Huseby until her death.

We came here after closing time, before the high season and during a period of corona restrictions. Therefore, we were not able to experience all the exhibitions and tours, but we walked around the old buildings. Among other things, we were fascinated by the strange Transmission House, which looks like an oriental gazebo but houses an old Archimedes screw. We also had perfect timing for the rhododendron park, which was in fantastic bloom!

READ MORE: Huseby mill in Småland - a well-preserved time bubble

Accommodation, camping and motorhomes in Växjö

There are several options for staying overnight in Växjö, whether you prefer a hotel, camping or a camper. If you want to stay centrally, you are close to restaurants, shopping and several of the city's attractions. A slightly more special option is Teleborg Castle, where you can spend the night in a beautiful castle setting.

Camping and motorhomes

We stayed at Evedal campsite, which is beautifully situated by Lake Helgasjön a little outside the centre of Växjö. There are campsites and cottages here, and there is a nice swimming area nearby. There are also opportunities for activities such as boating and fishing.

We really enjoyed our stay here and especially appreciated the quiet, scenic environment and the friendly service from the reception staff. A great option for those traveling with a camper or caravan and wanting to combine the city's attractions with nature and swimming.

Another camping option is Öjaby camping. For those who prefer a central parking space, there are also motorhome spaces at Askelövsgatan, without electricity.

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