Choosing where to stay in Eksjö depends on the kind of trip you want. The historic wooden town centre is ideal for visitors who want cafés, museums and walkable sightseeing, while the areas around Eksjö offer lakes, forests and peaceful countryside accommodation. This guide explains the best places to stay, the main types of Eksjö hotels and Eksjö accommodation, and how to choose the right base for your visit.
Why visit Eksjö?
Eksjö is one of Sweden’s most atmospheric small towns. Located in Småland, in the province of Jönköping, it is best known for its remarkably well preserved wooden town centre. Many of the colourful buildings date from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, creating a compact historic area that is easy to explore on foot.
The town is also surrounded by forests, lakes and quiet country roads. This makes Eksjö a good destination for several types of travellers. Culture lovers can spend a day exploring museums and historic streets, outdoor enthusiasts can hike and cycle in the surrounding landscape, and families can combine sightseeing with swimming, nature walks and local attractions.
Eksjö is relatively small, so you do not need to stay directly in the centre to enjoy the town. However, your choice of location will affect the atmosphere of your trip. Central accommodation is convenient for restaurants and attractions, while rural stays usually offer more space, parking and access to nature.
Where to stay in Eksjö
The best area for you will depend on your priorities. Most visitors choose one of four options: the historic town centre, the area around the railway station and main roads, accommodation near nature and lakes, or a rural stay outside town.
Stay in Eksjö’s historic town centre
For first time visitors, the historic centre is usually the best place to stay in Eksjö. The old town is compact and attractive, with narrow streets, wooden houses, small shops and traditional cafés. Staying here allows you to begin sightseeing as soon as you leave your accommodation.
The centre is a particularly good choice if you are travelling without a car. Restaurants, cafés, grocery shops and several of Eksjö’s main attractions are within walking distance. You can also return to your room during the day, which is convenient for families or anyone planning a relaxed city break.
Accommodation in the centre often has more character than large modern hotels elsewhere. You may find a small guesthouse in a historic building, a traditional inn or a private apartment with views over the old streets. Rooms can be limited, especially during summer, so booking ahead is sensible.
- Best for historic atmosphere and walkability
- Convenient for restaurants, cafés and museums
- A good option for couples and short city breaks
- Some rooms may be smaller or less modern than those in newer hotels
Stay near the railway station and central transport links
The area around Eksjö railway station and the main roads into town can be practical for travellers who are visiting for work, passing through Småland or arriving by public transport. It is generally close enough to the centre for walking, while offering straightforward access for cars and buses.
This part of town may have more modern hotels and simple accommodation than the historic centre. It can also be a useful base if you plan to take day trips by car to places such as Nässjö, Vetlanda, Vimmerby or Jönköping. Check the exact location before booking, as the walking distance to the old town varies between properties.
Travellers with an early departure may prefer this area because it reduces the need to cross town with luggage. It is also worth considering if free parking, easy check in and practical facilities are more important to you than historic surroundings.
- Best for transport connections and practical stays
- Often suitable for business travellers and road trips
- May offer convenient parking and modern facilities
- Usually less atmospheric than the old town
Stay close to lakes, forests and outdoor activities
If you are visiting Eksjö for hiking, fishing, swimming or cycling, consider accommodation near the town’s lakes and woodland areas. These stays may be just outside the centre, but they provide a much quieter setting and direct access to nature.
The area around Hunsnäsen is popular with people who want to combine a town visit with outdoor recreation. Depending on the season, you may be able to swim, walk by the water, fish or enjoy a picnic. Other natural areas around Eksjö offer marked trails and peaceful forest scenery, although facilities can be limited.
Nature focused accommodation ranges from simple cabins and campsites to guesthouses and holiday homes. This is often the best choice for families, groups and visitors staying for several nights. A car is usually helpful, particularly if your accommodation is outside the built up area.
- Best for hiking, swimming, fishing and cycling
- Often provides more space and outdoor areas
- Well suited to families and longer stays
- A car may be necessary for shopping and sightseeing
Stay in the countryside around Eksjö
The countryside surrounding Eksjö is ideal if you want peace, privacy and a slower pace. Rural accommodation can include farm stays, cottages, apartments in converted buildings and small bed and breakfasts. Some properties are located beside a lake, while others are surrounded by woodland and open fields.
Country stays are especially appealing in summer and early autumn, when the landscape is at its most inviting. Guests can enjoy long walks, cycling routes, outdoor meals and clear night skies. In winter, a rural cottage can provide a cosy base for exploring a quieter side of Småland.
Before booking, check the distance to Eksjö, the condition of the access road and whether bed linen, towels and cleaning are included. Some holiday homes have self catering kitchens but no nearby restaurant or shop. Mobile coverage and internet access can also vary in more remote locations.
The best types of Eksjö accommodation
There is a useful range of Eksjö accommodation, from hotels in or near the centre to campsites and private cottages. The right option depends on your budget, length of stay and preferred level of service.
Hotels in Eksjö
Eksjö hotels are a convenient choice for visitors who want an easy booking experience, private bathrooms and services such as breakfast, daily housekeeping or an on site restaurant. Hotels in and around the town vary in style, from traditional properties with historic details to modern rooms designed for short business stays.
When comparing hotels, look beyond the room price. Check whether breakfast is included, whether parking costs extra and how late you can check in. Some smaller properties have limited reception hours, which is important if you are arriving in the evening.
A central hotel is often worth paying slightly more for a short stay because it saves time and makes it easy to visit restaurants on foot. For a longer visit, a hotel with parking, a larger room or access to outdoor facilities may offer better value.
Guesthouses and bed and breakfasts
Guesthouses and bed and breakfasts are well suited to travellers who prefer a personal atmosphere. They may have fewer rooms than a hotel, but often provide local advice and a more individual experience. Breakfast may include homemade bread, regional products or traditional Swedish dishes.
These properties can be found in the historic centre, in nearby villages and in the countryside. Read the facilities carefully, since some guesthouses have shared lounges or bathrooms, while others offer fully private rooms. A guesthouse is a good option for couples and solo travellers who want something quieter than a larger hotel.
Holiday cottages and self catering apartments
Self catering accommodation is a practical choice if you are staying for several nights or travelling with children. A kitchen makes it easier to prepare breakfast, pack lunches and manage meals without eating out every day. Apartments and cottages also tend to provide more living space than standard hotel rooms.
Many cottages around Eksjö are close to forests or water. They may include a terrace, barbecue area, sauna or private boat, although facilities vary widely. Ask about heating, cleaning fees, sleeping arrangements and accessibility before confirming your reservation.
For families, it is useful to check whether the property has a high chair, cot, washing machine and safe outdoor space. For groups, look at the number of bathrooms as well as the number of beds. A large cottage can still feel inconvenient if everyone must share one bathroom.
Hostels and budget accommodation
Budget accommodation can help keep the cost of a trip to Eksjö under control. Hostels, simple rooms and basic guesthouses may offer shared kitchen facilities or fewer hotel services, but they can be comfortable for travellers who spend most of the day exploring.
Always check what is included in the advertised price. Bed linen, towels, breakfast and final cleaning may be charged separately. It is also worth confirming whether the property has secure bicycle storage or free parking if you are travelling with equipment.
Camping and cabins
Camping is a natural fit for the landscape around Eksjö. Campsites and cabin parks can offer access to swimming areas, walking trails and family friendly facilities. Some provide powered pitches for motorhomes and caravans, while others focus on small cabins or tent camping.
This type of accommodation is most popular during the warmer months. In July, book early if you need a specific cabin or an electric pitch. Check the opening dates, kitchen facilities and sanitary conditions before you travel, particularly in the shoulder seasons.
Where to stay in Eksjö for different types of travellers
For couples
Couples often enjoy staying in the historic centre or in a countryside guesthouse. The centre makes it easy to explore the wooden town, stop for coffee and have dinner without driving. A rural property offers more privacy, especially if it has a lake view, garden or private terrace.
For a romantic break, look for a room with a comfortable seating area, a good breakfast and an attractive setting. In summer, a small cottage near the water can be more memorable than a conventional hotel room.
For families
Families may prefer a cottage, apartment or hotel with family rooms. Extra space, cooking facilities and laundry access can make a major difference when travelling with children. Properties near a lake or walking trails also provide simple ways to spend time outdoors without planning a full day trip.
When choosing where to stay in Eksjö with children, check the distance to food shops, restaurants and attractions. A central location is convenient, but a quiet property with safe outdoor space may be better for a longer holiday.
For outdoor enthusiasts
Hikers, cyclists and anglers should prioritise storage, parking and access to trails. Accommodation outside the centre may reduce travel time to forests and lakes. Look for properties that can recommend local routes and confirm whether bicycles, fishing equipment or canoes can be stored safely.
If you are visiting during a warm weekend, book early. Outdoor focused accommodation can fill quickly when the weather is good, especially during school holidays.
For business travellers
Business visitors usually benefit from a hotel with reliable Wi Fi, breakfast, parking and flexible check in. Staying near the centre or a main transport route makes it easier to reach meetings and find an evening meal. A quiet room and a desk may be more important than leisure facilities.
How to choose the right place to stay in Eksjö
Start by deciding whether you want a walkable town break or a nature based stay. This single choice will narrow down the options quickly. If you want to visit museums and restaurants, choose the centre. If you want outdoor space and peace, look outside town.
Next, consider transport. Eksjö is easy to explore by car, but visitors without a car should confirm walking distances and local bus connections. A property that appears close on a map may be less convenient if it is along a busy road or far from shops.
- Check the exact location rather than relying only on the town name
- Compare parking fees and availability
- Confirm whether breakfast is included
- Look for kitchen facilities if you are staying several nights
- Read the check in instructions for small guesthouses and cottages
- Check cancellation rules before paying
- Review accessibility information if stairs or mobility are concerns
When to book Eksjö accommodation
Summer is the busiest season in Eksjö, especially from late June through August. The long daylight hours are excellent for walking, cycling and exploring the surrounding lakes, but popular hotels and cottages can sell out. Book early if you are travelling during Swedish school holidays or on a weekend.
Spring and early autumn are quieter and can be ideal for visitors who prefer fewer people. May, September and October often offer good conditions for sightseeing and forest walks, although some seasonal businesses may have reduced opening hours.
Winter brings a different atmosphere. The historic centre is peaceful, and a cottage or guesthouse can provide a comfortable base for a quiet rural escape. Check opening dates carefully, since some campsites and seasonal properties close or reduce services outside summer.
Getting around from your accommodation
The historic centre of Eksjö is compact and easy to walk around. If you stay centrally, you can reach many shops, cafés and attractions without a car. Comfortable shoes are useful because the old streets and pavements are not always completely even.
A car gives you more flexibility outside the centre. It is especially useful for visiting lakes, nature reserves, villages and attractions elsewhere in Småland. If you are renting a car, confirm that your accommodation offers parking and check whether the space is free.
Cycling can be a pleasant way to explore the area during the warmer months. Ask your accommodation provider about bicycle hire, storage and recommended routes. Some rural properties are on quiet roads, while others require cycling along routes shared with motor traffic.
Best area for your trip to Eksjö
For most first time visitors, staying in the historic centre offers the easiest introduction to Eksjö. You will be close to the town’s character, restaurants and main attractions, and you can enjoy the old wooden streets at a relaxed pace.
Choose accommodation near transport links if you are travelling for work or using public transport. Select a lakeside or rural property if nature, privacy and outdoor activities are the main reason for your visit. Families and longer stay visitors may find that a cottage or apartment offers better value than a standard hotel room.
Whatever your preference, compare location, facilities and travel time as carefully as price. The best place to stay in Eksjö is the one that matches the rhythm of your trip, whether that means morning walks through the old town, evenings beside a lake or easy access to the wider Småland region.