Looking for free things to do in Eksjö? This historic town in Småland offers much more than charming wooden houses and quiet streets. You can explore one of Sweden’s best-preserved town centres, walk beside the Eksjöån river, visit peaceful parks, hike through unusual rock landscapes and enjoy lakeside views without spending a krona. This guide covers the best free attractions Eksjö has to offer, along with a few cheap activities for travellers who want to see more while keeping costs low.
1. Wander through Eksjö’s old town
The most rewarding free activity in Eksjö is simply walking through the old town, known in Swedish as Gamla Stan. Its narrow streets are lined with colourful wooden buildings, many of which date from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The town survived major redevelopment better than many other Swedish settlements, so you can still see a remarkably complete historic centre.
Take your time rather than following one direct route. Look up at the wooden façades, notice the different shutters and doorways, and watch how the streets open into small squares. Many buildings have small signs explaining their history. The area is compact enough to explore on foot, making it ideal for a slow morning or an evening stroll.
Gamla Stan is also one of the best free attractions Eksjö offers because it works in every season. Summer brings flower boxes and outdoor café seating, autumn adds colour to the surrounding trees, and winter gives the old wooden streets a calm, atmospheric appearance. You do not need to enter a museum to appreciate the town’s history.
2. Follow a self-guided historic walking route
Turn your visit to the old town into a self-guided history tour. Before setting out, check the local tourism information for a town map or look for information boards around the centre. Create your own route between the main squares, old streets, churches and river crossings.
As you walk, compare the different types of wooden architecture. Some buildings are painted in traditional red, while others use yellow, white or muted pastel shades. You may also notice that historic homes often stand close to the street, creating a more enclosed and intimate urban landscape than modern housing areas.
This is one of the easiest cheap activities in Eksjö because the only thing you need is comfortable footwear. Allow at least an hour, or longer if you stop to take photographs and read the signs.
3. Visit Eksjö Church from the outside and inside
Eksjö Church, or Eksjö kyrka, is a prominent landmark near the historic centre. The current building has a long history, and its interior reflects several periods of Swedish religious and artistic heritage. When the church is open, visitors can usually enter quietly without paying an admission fee, although opening times and access may vary.
Even if you find the doors closed, the exterior is worth seeing. Walk around the church and look at the surrounding churchyard, stone details and views towards the older parts of town. If you enter, be respectful of services, funerals and private ceremonies. A quick visit can add a cultural dimension to a low-cost day in Eksjö.
4. Walk along the Eksjöån river
The Eksjöån river runs through the town and provides a pleasant change from the historic streets. Follow the paths near the water and look for small bridges, trees and views of the old buildings. The river is especially attractive in spring and early summer, when the greenery is fresh, but it remains a peaceful place for a walk throughout the year.
You can combine the river walk with Gamla Stan by starting in the town centre and following the water before returning through the older streets. The route is flexible, so it suits both a short break and a longer afternoon walk. Bring a drink or a packed lunch and stop on a bench if you want to turn the stroll into one of the simplest free things to do in Eksjö.
5. Relax in one of Eksjö’s parks
Eksjö has several green spaces where you can rest between sightseeing stops. Parks near the centre are useful for a picnic, reading or simply watching everyday life. During warmer months, lawns and shaded areas offer a comfortable place to eat food bought from a supermarket or bakery.
Look for quiet corners rather than focusing on one particular park. A short walk away from the busiest streets often reveals small gardens, benches and paths used by local residents. Families can let children take a break from sightseeing, while solo travellers may appreciate a calm place to plan the rest of the day.
6. See the town squares and public spaces
Eksjö’s squares provide some of the clearest views of how the modern town and historic town fit together. Walk through the central areas and notice the mixture of older façades, shops, public buildings and everyday local businesses. These spaces may host markets or events at certain times of the year, but they are free to enjoy even when nothing special is taking place.
Public squares are also useful starting points for photography. Try visiting at different times of day, since morning light and evening light can give the wooden buildings a completely different appearance. You may find that a short circuit through the centre reveals details you missed on your first walk.
7. Discover Skuruhatt’s dramatic viewpoint
For a memorable nature experience near Eksjö, travel to Skuruhatt in the Skurugata area. Skuruhatt is a rocky viewpoint surrounded by forest, with elevated views across the Småland landscape. Access to the natural area is free, although you will need to arrange transport from Eksjö and should check current parking information before travelling.
The walk to the viewpoint can be uneven, with exposed rock, roots and sections that become slippery after rain. Wear sturdy shoes and allow extra time if you are not used to hiking on natural trails. Once you reach the higher ground, pause to enjoy the forest horizon and the sense of space.
Skuruhatt is one of the best free attractions Eksjö has nearby, particularly for travellers who want something beyond architecture. Pack lunch and water so that the outing remains inexpensive. A visit can easily take several hours when combined with the nearby Skurugata trail.
8. Hike through Skurugata nature reserve
Skurugata is a striking geological formation with a narrow, rocky ravine through the forest. The landscape feels different from the gentler woodland paths around town. Large rock walls, moss, roots and shaded sections create a rewarding route for walkers and photographers.
The trail is free to access, but it is not a flat urban stroll. Some parts can be challenging, especially when wet, icy or covered with fallen leaves. Read local signs, stay on marked paths and avoid climbing areas that appear unsafe. Good shoes are more important than expensive equipment.
Nature lovers should bring a small picnic, water and a rubbish bag so they can leave no trace. If you are travelling by public transport, check the distance and transport options carefully, since reaching the reserve may be less straightforward than visiting the town centre. The hiking itself costs nothing, making it an excellent option for budget travellers.
9. Take a forest walk around Eksjö
Småland is known for its forests, and you do not need to reach a famous reserve to experience them. Paths and quiet roads around Eksjö lead through pine and spruce woodland, with clearings, rocks and seasonal berries. Ask at the local tourist information office about current walking routes, or use a reliable hiking map before leaving town.
Forest walks are especially appealing in late summer and autumn, when the undergrowth changes colour and wild berries may be visible. Follow Swedish access rights responsibly: stay respectful near homes, avoid damaging vegetation and never leave rubbish behind. If you plan to pick berries or mushrooms, make sure you can identify them safely and follow any local restrictions.
10. Spend time beside Hunsnäsen
Hunsnäsen is a lake close to Eksjö and a good place to slow down after exploring the centre. Depending on the season and access point, you may find paths, open areas and places to sit near the water. A lakeside walk is free, and the scenery makes a simple packed lunch feel like a proper day out.
In warm weather, the lake can be suitable for swimming at designated areas, but always check local signs and water conditions. Do not assume that every shoreline is safe for bathing. In colder months, the lake remains worthwhile for views, birdwatching and quiet photography.
11. Look for local public art and memorials
As you move through Eksjö, pay attention to sculptures, plaques, memorials and decorative details on public buildings. Smaller towns often have local stories presented outdoors, where they can be enjoyed without an entrance fee. You may find works connected with regional history, forestry, military traditions or notable residents.
There is no fixed route for this activity, which makes it easy to combine with other free things to do in Eksjö. Keep your eyes open around parks, squares, the railway area and public buildings. A town map or local walking guide may help you identify pieces that would otherwise be easy to miss.
12. Browse the railway surroundings
Eksjö’s railway connection has played an important role in the town’s development. The area around the station offers a different atmosphere from Gamla Stan, with transport history, practical architecture and views of local life. You can include it in a longer walking circuit without spending anything.
Do not enter restricted railway areas, and take care near platforms and crossings. Instead, enjoy the public spaces around the station and consider how rail travel shaped the growth of towns across Småland. For visitors arriving by train, this is an easy first or last stop on a budget itinerary.
13. Visit during a local market or open-air event
Markets, seasonal celebrations and open-air events sometimes take place in central Eksjö. Entry to public areas is often free, although food, crafts and activities cost extra. Check the local events calendar before your trip so you can match your visit with a market day or cultural programme.
Even when you do not buy anything, markets are a good way to observe local traditions and sample the atmosphere of the town. Set yourself a spending limit if you are travelling on a tight budget. Browsing, listening to music and watching demonstrations can all be enjoyed without turning the day into an expensive outing.
14. Photograph Eksjö’s wooden architecture
Eksjö is an excellent destination for casual photography. You can make a simple photo walk by choosing a theme such as doors, windows, painted façades, street signs or reflections in the river. Early morning is often quieter, while late afternoon can produce warmer light on the old buildings.
You do not need professional equipment. A phone camera is enough, and the compact centre means you can experiment with different angles without covering a long distance. Remember to respect residents’ privacy and avoid blocking entrances. Photography is one of the most accessible free attractions Eksjö provides, especially for visitors who enjoy creative activities.
15. Have a low-cost picnic outdoors
A picnic can turn several small free activities into a complete day. Buy bread, fruit, cheese or ready-made food from a supermarket, then find a suitable park, lakeside spot or rest area. This is usually far cheaper than eating every meal at a café, while still allowing you to enjoy the outdoor setting.
Pack a reusable bottle, napkins and a bag for rubbish. If you are hiking outside town, avoid leaving food scraps and check whether fires or barbecues are permitted. A picnic beside Hunsnäsen or in a town park is particularly practical for families and travellers with limited time.
16. Explore Eksjö in winter
Many visitors associate Småland with summer, but winter gives Eksjö a quieter character. Walk through Gamla Stan after fresh snowfall, look at the wooden buildings under winter light and warm up with a drink bought from a shop when your budget allows. The town centre is often less crowded outside the main holiday periods.
Winter walking requires sensible planning. Daylight is limited, paths may be icy and nature trails can be difficult. Stay in the centre if conditions are poor, wear shoes with good grip and check opening hours before planning indoor stops. The old town itself remains one of the most reliable free things to do in Eksjö throughout the year.
17. Build a free or cheap one-day itinerary
You can see a lot of Eksjö without paying for an attraction ticket. Start with a morning walk through Gamla Stan and the central squares. Continue to Eksjö Church and follow the river before stopping in a park with a packed lunch. In the afternoon, choose between a lakeside walk at Hunsnäsen and a longer trip to Skurugata or Skuruhatt.
If you have only a few hours, stay within walking distance of the centre. If you have a car or are comfortable planning local transport, dedicate more time to the surrounding forests and rocky landscapes. The most important point is to check distances, trail conditions and opening information in advance, since the cheapest itinerary can become inconvenient if transport is not available.
Practical tips for budget travellers in Eksjö
Start with the tourist information centre
Local staff can provide current maps, event details, walking suggestions and information about trail conditions. This can save you from paying for an unnecessary tour or taking the wrong route. Ask which attractions are free on the day you visit, since access and opening arrangements can change.
Bring food and water
Supermarket supplies make a major difference to a travel budget. Carry water during walks, especially if you plan to visit Skurugata or Skuruhatt. Cafés are tempting in the old town, but combining one affordable treat with a packed meal keeps costs under control.
Wear suitable shoes
Comfortable shoes are enough for the town centre, but forest trails require better grip. Wet rock and tree roots can be slippery, and some routes are uneven. Good footwear is one of the most useful investments for enjoying cheap activities around Eksjö safely.
Respect nature and local neighbourhoods
Keep noise low near homes, use marked paths where available and take all rubbish with you. Follow signs about parking, fires, swimming and access. Responsible behaviour helps preserve the landscapes and historic areas that make these free attractions Eksjö so appealing.
Planning your visit
Eksjö is easy to enjoy at a relaxed pace, particularly if you combine the compact historic centre with one outdoor excursion. Spring and summer offer long days for walking, while autumn is ideal for forest colour and photography. Winter visits can be peaceful, but always check weather and daylight conditions before heading into nature.
Whether you have a few hours between train connections or a full weekend in Småland, the town offers plenty of ways to keep spending low. Focus on the old wooden streets, the river, local parks, nearby lakes and forest trails. With a little planning, the best free things to do in Eksjö can fill an entire trip without making your travel budget feel restricted.