What to do in Eksjö? This town in Småland, known as "the unique wooden town", offers charming environments, cosy cafés and lots of history. We have now gathered our best tips for experiences and sights in Eksjö.
Tweet
Share
Share
Pin
Share
ShareInnehållsförteckning
Eksjö - the unique wooden town
In 1568 the whole of Eksjö burned down and had to be rebuilt. Many of the houses built at that time have been preserved to this day, and when you stroll through the old town centre you will see lots of picturesque wooden houses from the 17th and 18th centuries. Eksjö is one of the few wooden cities that was founded on its current site and, in parts of the city, has not burned to any great extent after its construction. In fact, almost the entire Old Town is K-labelled.
The old town of Eksjö has received a Europa Nostra award for "good building and cultural heritage conservation" and is part of the "Three Wooden Cities". We did a "Wooden city classics" - that is, visiting all three - and started in Eksjö.
Eksjö is located in Småland, about 6 kilometres southeast of Jönköping.
What can you do in Eksjö?
So, what can you see and do in Eksjö? This is a really charming and beautiful wooden town that offers everything from history and culture to wonderful nature experiences. Here are our top tips on what to see and do in Eksjö.
1. Stroll among the wooden houses in the Old Town
The first thing to do in Eksjö is of course to stroll among the fine wooden houses in the city centre. There are lots of beautiful and charming houses, as well as many lovely courtyards.
2. join a city walk
A good way to experience Eksjö, if you want to know a bit more about the history, is to join a guided city walk. Tours are mainly organised in the summer, but also sometimes on weekends. Ask at the tourist office! If a guided tour is not available, you can also go on your own with the help of a brochure or the app "Telling Eksjö".
3. Visit Eksjö Museum
In the centre of the town is the Eksjö Museum. There are three permanent exhibitions: one on the history of the town, one on military history and one on the cartoonist Albert Engström, who comes from Hult near Eksjö and who later acquired a house in Eksjö. studio in Roslagen. There are also two halls for temporary art exhibitions.
At the museum you will also find the city's tourist office, where you can get information, book guided tours and ask for a sticker for Eksjö - in case you want to do the "Wooden City Classic".
Just outside the museum you can check out the statue 'Sitting Girl' by Fred Åberg.
4. Take a guided tour of the Aschan estate
One of the more interesting things to do in Eksjö is to take a guided tour of the Aschan farm, which has been owned by the Aschan family since the 1830s. What is unique about this farm is that the entire interior has been preserved, from furniture to kitchen items.
Leo Felix Aschan was a tanner and started a successful tannery. The third and final Aschan generation consisted of five siblings. When the youngest of the siblings, Hedda, died at the age of 101 in 1984, there were no heirs. The Aschan estate was bequeathed to a foundation and most of it has remained untouched since then.
During the summer months, tours are given daily. At other times of the year, guided group tours can be booked. Enquire at the tourist office!
5. Check out Fornminnesgården
Fornminnesgården is a well-preserved farm from the 17th century, which also serves as a local history museum. There are collections of tools and crafts and a small museum of bicycles and motors.
6. Coffee at Eksjö konditori or Lennarts konditori.
The wooden town of Eksjö really invites you to have coffee in cosy patisseries. We settled down at Eksjö konditori, where we each had a really good ice cream.
Another classic and popular option is Lennart's patisserie.
7. Walk along the Eksjöån river
Eksjöån is a nice little river, and the surrounding environment makes it nice to walk here. From Vildparken to Vattenledningsparken there are nine signs that tell the history of the place in text and pictures.
8. Hiking at Skurugata or Skrôle Hie
Around Eksjö there are several fine natural areas, and one of the most popular is Skurugata - an 800-metre-long fault line often described as southern Sweden's most peculiar natural phenomenon. There is also the famous Skuruhatt viewpoint.
We chose instead to go to "Skrôle Hie" in the nature reserve Stuverydsbäcken. Although we only spent a few hours here, we got a really nice nature experience.
In the nature reserve there is a steep ravine through which a stream flows. The scenery is both dramatic and exciting, while also making the hike a bit challenging. Thanks to all the dead tree trunks, there is also plenty of life in the form of mosses, lichens, fungi and insects.
9. See the reality of Katthult
Do you like Astrid Lindgren's fairy tales? (Or for that matter: Who doesn't?) Then you are in the right neighbourhood! There are many places around Eksjö that are connected to Astrid Lindgren, and one of them is Katthult, which is actually in the village of Gibberyd outside Rumskulla.
The Emil in Lönneberga films were once filmed here, and you can recognise everything from the flagpole to the house where Alfred lived. The farm is privately owned, but tourists are welcome to look around the buildings.
10. Enjoy yourself at Filmbyn Småland.
If you want a more interactive experience around Astrid Lindgren's characters, head to Filmbyn Småland. Here you will find exhibitions and original costumes, but also plenty of opportunities to play.
While the place is very welcoming to playful children, it was fun for us adults too. What a feeling it is to step into Pippi's kitchen or the robbers' castle, or to digitally smash the soup bowl on your head and go up the flagpole...?
11. Take a trip to Vimmerby.
Another excursion from Eksjö, if you like Astrid Lindgren, is Vimmerby. As well as some charming wooden town streets here, you will also find the theme park "Astrid Lindgren's World" and the author's house "Astrid Lindgren's Näs". The house can be visited during guided tours, and next door is a museum with permanent and temporary exhibitions.
More things to do in Eksjö for culture and history lovers
There is of course even more to see and do in Eksjö, in addition to our suggestions. Here are some more tips for those who like culture and history.
- The Börje Grinding Museum is a different mouse with a couple of thousand ties (Bredagård Sanden 1).
- Bruzaholm Utility Museum tells about a mill from 1660 that is still in operation (Bruksvägen, Bruzaholm).
- Eksjö Fire Museum has a collection of everything from old fire extinguishers to emergency vehicles (Östra Bakgatan).
- Krusa farm is an open cultural farm in the centre of Eksjö's unique old wooden buildings, dating back to the 17th century.
- The equestrian statue by Alf Olsson was made to commemorate the closure of the Småland Hussar Regiment in 1927 (Stora Torget).
More to do in Eksjö with children and teenagers
Travelling with children or teenagers? Here are some more ideas on what to do in Eksjö and the surrounding area with your family.
- Cattus family walk is a guided family walk available in the 'Three Wooden Cities' app.
- Mariannelund's caramel factory demonstrates the artisanal production of caramels (Parkgatan 14, Mariannelund).
- Mellby bathing area offers lawns, a jetty and a playground.
- Skullaryd Moose Park is a safari park where you can meet moose and deer. (Skullaryd 1)
Things to do in Eksjö - on film
Here you can also get some inspiration for things to see and do in Eksjö via a small film that Peter has put together.
Where can you stay or park your motorhome?
There are of course plenty of hotels and other accommodation options in Eksjö. In the centre of the town, for example Eksjö city hotel or the charming Hotel Vaxblekaregården.
If you are travelling by motorhome, there are Motorhome park Eksjö City a short walk from the city centre, with bookable pitches and access to electricity. In addition, the Eksjö Camping both scenic and close to the city.
In the areas around Eksjö there are also more campsites and pitches. When we visited Filmbyn Småland, we stayed one night at the Spillhammar campsite, which is nicely situated on a lake.
More to see and do near Eksjö
There is of course more to see and do in the neighbourhood of Eksjö. For example, you can go to Jönköping, with the Matchstick Museum or to Huskvarna, with Husqvarna Museum. Below you will find even more tips on things to see and do in Småland.
What to do in Gränna - 9 tips for the candy cane town at Lake Vättern
What can you do in Gränna? Many would probably answer "eat candy canes" and that's...
Husqvarna museum - and more to do in Huskvarna
The Husqvarna Museum in Huskvarna tells the story of a company that started making rifles in the 17th century....
James Bond museum in Småland - the world's only Bond museum
James Bond Museum in Småland - why is it here and can it really be...
Lessebo hand-paper mill - try making paper
Lessebo handmade paper mill in Småland is something so special as a still-functioning mill where the...
Mönsterås by campervan - festival and camping site
In Mönsterås, between Oskarshamn and Kalmar, we were greeted by a blues festival, long-haired guys in leather clothes, pick-up trucks,...
Swedish Smålandsvägen - FREEDOMtravel Themed roads
The Swedish Småland Road is a themed road that takes you through beautiful Småland,...
The Kyrkö bog car cemetery - a different kind of attraction
The Kyrkö mosse car cemetery outside Ryd in Tingsryd municipality is an unusual sight, to say the least. My ...
Blowing glass - try it at the Kosta Glass Centre
Want to try blowing glass? At the Kosta Glass Centre you can create your own...
Kalmar läns museum - about the regal ship Kronan
Kalmar County Museum offers a very exciting exhibition about the regal ship Kronan, which sank in...
What to do on Visingsö - 12 tips for Vättern's largest island
What can you do on Visingsö? First of all, you can take it easy and...
Kalmar castle - 800 years of war, celebration and power games
Kalmar Castle is a powerful building, which feels both historic and fairytale-like where it travels...
Trolls in Gamleby - Friends of the Garpe Sculpture Park
Trollen i Gamleby, or Friends of Garpe Sculpture Park, is a different kind of sculpture park in Västervik....
Huseby mill in Småland - a well-preserved time bubble
Huseby Bruk is a great place to visit in Småland with old mill environments, castle, park, restaurant, shops and...
IKEA Museum in Älmhult - fascinating about a department store
The IKEA Museum tells the story of the huge furniture store founded in 1943, as a mail order company, by...
Things to do in Glasriket - 25 tips for sights and experiences
What to see and do in Glasriket in Småland? We have travelled around...
Kosta Christmas market - a wonderful Christmas atmosphere in the Kingdom of Crystal.
Kosta Christmas Market is part of the Christmas celebrations in Kosta, in the Kingdom of Glass. Here you can experience ...
Things to do in Kalmar - 17 tips for experiences and attractions
What to do in Kalmar? Well, we'll tell you! Kalmar is a...
Teleborg Castle in Växjö - a fairytale castle in Småland
Teleborg Castle is a beautiful fairytale castle just outside Växjö. Here you can enjoy the...
Things to do in Växjö - 15 tips for sights and experiences
What to see and do in Växjö? Växjö is a pleasant city that offers...
Kronoberg castle ruins in Växjö - Vasa and the Dacke feud
Kronoberg Castle Ruin is a well-preserved historical ruin that tells interesting stories about Gustav Vasa and...
Ödevata farm hotel and caravan park - sustainable in Småland
Ödevata gårdshotell in Småland is a cosy, simple and natural hotel, where you are also...
Gamleby camping - Kustcamp Gamleby
Now we have arrived at Gamleby camping, not far from Västervik. The campsite is large...
Lysingsbadets camping - Västervik Resort in Västervik
We have now travelled to Lysingsbadets camping, which is located just outside Västervik. This...
Europe's longest zipline - Sweden Zipline in Småland.
Europe's longest zipline course is in Sweden, deep in the forests of Småland. Of course...
The Matchstick Museum in Jönköping - an engaging story
The Matchstick Museum in Jönköping tells the story of a time of child labour and terrible working conditions, but also of...
What to do in Jönköping - 17 tips for the matchstick city
What to do in Jönköping? The city is famous for its matchstick history and you should...
The emigrant village in Småland - in the footsteps of Vilhelm Moberg
The Utvandrarbygden in Småland is the area that many Swedes left to emigrate to...
Granhult church in Småland - Sweden's oldest wooden church
Granhult Church in Småland is Sweden's oldest wooden church. This fine little wooden church, dating from the 1220s, survived...
Vidinge gård och ställplats - dog-friendly accommodation in Småland, Sweden
Vidinge Farm is a dog-friendly accommodation in Småland, a camping site, a fishing centre and a starting point for...
Tättö Havsbad - nice campsite by the sea
Yesterday we ended up at a campsite at Tättö Havsbad, in Loftahammar north of Västervik. We...
Kosta Art Gallery - exciting art in the Glass Kingdom
Kosta Art Gallery is an art gallery in the Glasriket region of Småland, showcasing glass art by...
Even more suggestions on what to see and do in Eksjö?
We had really nice days in Eksjö and can highly recommend a visit here. Have you been here? How was your experience? Do you have any more good tips on what to see and do in Eksjö?
Frequently asked questions about Eksjö
what is Eksjö known for?
Eksjö is full of old wooden houses from the 17th and 18th centuries, many of which are listed buildings. The city markets itself as "the unique wooden city" and is, together with Hjo and Nora, part of the "Three Wooden Cities" network.
Who founded Eksjö?
The city was burnt down in 1568, during the Nordic Seven Years' War, and had to be rebuilt. Erik XIV commissioned the Flemish master builder Arendt de Roy to draw up a new town plan.
What is the name of the river in Eksjö?
The river in Eksjö is called Eksjöån. A 1.3 kilometre long river walk runs from Vildparken to Vattenledningsparken.
Facts about Eksjö
- Landscape: Småland
- County: Jönköping County
- Municipality: Eksjö municipality
- Population: Almost 18 000 inhabitants (2023)
- Read more: You can find more information at visitksjo.se and by downloading the 'Three Wooden Cities' app.
History in Eksjö
- 14th century: The place is mentioned from this time, as "Ekesiö".
- 1403: The town was granted city rights by Erik of Pomerania.
- 15th century: Already at this time Rönneslätt was used as a military meeting and training centre.
- 1563-1570: The Nordic Seven Years' War severely damaged the city. The Swedes burned down the city in 1568, during the campaign of the Danish commander Erik XIV, and the city had to be rebuilt.
- 1602: The town got its first school.
- End of the 17th century: Military units were practising outside the city.
- 1686: The Royal Småland Cavalry Regiment was tied more firmly to Eksjö, and subsequently several regiments were stationed in the town.
- 1856: The neighbourhood south of the church burned down almost completely.
- 1860s: Eksjö's importance declined when the Southern Main Line was no longer Växjö-Vetlanda-Eksjö but instead Alvesta-Sävsjö-Nässjö. However, the town became a railway junction between two branch lines.
- 1905: The Småland Hussar Regiment moved to newly built barracks in Eksjö, and the town expanded.
You might also like:
Things to do in Kalmar - 17 tips for experiences and attractions
Söderköping - 9 tips for things to see and do
Things to do in Strängnäs - 12 sights and experiences
What to do in Trosa - 9 tips for a picturesque gem
What to do in Ystad - 12 tips for experiences and attractions
Things to do in Mariestad - 10 tips for the pearl of Lake Vänern
English (UK) 
Svenska 
Deutsch 
Suomi 
Polski
Lena i Wales och lite överallt says:
Eksjö is so nice. I can imagine returning there.
I was in Katthult when the children were small, so it is done, even if it was a long time ago.
Vimmerby is also nice.
Wishing you a great weekend!
20 May 2023 - 8:35
Bara brittiskt says:
Aaah, family traditions! Grandma's father came from the villages west of Vimmerby so there were many of grandma's cousins to visit in Rumskulla etc. in childhood.
In those corners, we of course recommend Norra Kvälls national park and the old, famous Kvilleken, which actually has living branches again this year... I also recommend Pelarne church, which is probably from the 13th century and one of Sweden's oldest wooden churches. If you like churches, the one in Ingatorp is also beautiful.
Aneby, north of Eksjö, is home to Stalpet, southern Sweden's highest waterfall.
Eksjö is an old military town and the hussars' training field Ränneslätt where Erik XIV inspected the army is still used today but is also lent out for events. If you are interested in the military or like horses and music, you should time Eksjö Tattoo with international guests. It's also fun to come on May Day (although the city is less open that early) when the equestrian association organises a battle on horseback between winter and spring down in a meadow. In summer there is music at Eksjö city festival instead. .
20 May 2023 - 10:52
Anna Nilsson Spets says:
I get homesick when I see the typical red houses... So nice that the old is preserved, anything but the 70's demolition hysteria in Enköping.
20 May 2023 - 11:57
bmlarsreseblogg says:
I can put "check" on most things in the city. Unfortunately, we were there a little too late in the autumn so guided tours were unfortunately over, but then we have a reason to return. The film studio seems fun for any grandchildren's trip this summer!
20 May 2023 - 15:46
BP says:
What a cute city! There's something about wooden cities, I think, especially if they are as well maintained as this gem. Considering that the city has less than 20,000 inhabitants, there is a surprising amount to do.
20 May 2023 - 20:08
Lena - gott för själen says:
Oh, beautiful Eksjö! We visited the city last year. A first stop on our road trip Småland and Öland. We were there for a day so we did not have much time, but coffee at Lennarts, the city museum, a guided city walk on our own and dinner at the restaurant Bron (really good!) as we show in the first picture. Stayed at the beautiful Stadshotellet.
You have much more 🙂
Hug Lena
25 May 2023 - 5:55
Anonymous says:
Wonderful little wooden town so welcoming! Attended the very nice Christmas market and stayed at Vaxblekaregården which is K labelled.
and so charming! will return to my city of birth this summer and explore more of Eksjö.
Hugs Rose-marie &Torsten
11 December 2023 - 18:07