This Eksjö travel guide introduces one of Småland’s most atmospheric towns, where colourful wooden buildings, quiet lanes and surrounding forests create a memorable Swedish getaway. Whether you are planning a day trip, a weekend in the countryside or a longer journey through southern Sweden, Eksjö offers history, culture, nature and relaxed small town charm.
Why visit Eksjö?
Eksjö is best known for its exceptionally well preserved wooden town centre, known as Gamla Stan. More than 50 historic wooden buildings remain within the old quarter, many dating from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Walking through the narrow streets feels very different from visiting a modern Swedish city. Timber façades, painted doors, small courtyards and traditional details create a strong sense of place.
The town is also a practical base for exploring the Småland countryside. Lakes, forests, walking trails and historic attractions are all close by, while the centre is compact enough to explore on foot. Eksjö tourism is particularly appealing to travellers who enjoy heritage, architecture and outdoor experiences without the crowds found at Sweden’s largest destinations.
There is enough to see for a full day, but staying overnight gives you more time to appreciate the old town in the evening and visit nearby attractions at a relaxed pace.
Explore Gamla Stan in Eksjö
The historic centre is the main reason many travellers include Eksjö in their itinerary. Gamla Stan developed around the town’s medieval trading history and survived several fires and periods of redevelopment. Its wooden buildings are arranged along streets that retain much of their historic character.
Begin your walk at the town square and continue through the lanes around Norra and Södra Kyrkogatan. Look closely at the façades as you go. Some buildings have decorative wooden details, traditional windows and muted colours, while others contain small shops, cafés or local businesses. The area is not an open air museum in the usual sense. It is a living neighbourhood where people still live and work.
Best things to notice in the old town
- Traditional timber façades in shades of red, yellow, white and brown.
- Historic courtyards and wooden gates visible between buildings.
- Small streets that open unexpectedly onto squares and wider lanes.
- Local shops and cafés inside buildings with centuries of history.
- Architectural details such as carved doors, painted panels and decorative trim.
Allow at least two hours for a leisurely walk, especially if you enjoy photography or want to stop for coffee. An early morning visit is often peaceful, while late afternoon light brings out the texture of the timber buildings.
Visit Eksjö Museum
Eksjö Museum is a useful stop for understanding the town and the surrounding region. Exhibitions explore local history, art, architecture and daily life in Småland. The museum also helps place the old wooden town in context, explaining how people lived, traded and built in earlier centuries.
Check current opening hours before visiting, as schedules can vary according to the season. The museum is especially worthwhile on a rainy day or when you want a deeper introduction to Eksjö before exploring Gamla Stan. Families may also find the exhibits a good way to add variety to a sightseeing day.
See Eksjö Church and the town centre
Eksjö Church stands close to the historic centre and is one of the town’s important landmarks. The church has a long history, although its appearance has changed over time. Its interior contains details connected with local religious and artistic traditions.
After visiting the church, spend time around the central square and surrounding streets. This is a convenient area for combining sightseeing with lunch, shopping or a Swedish coffee break. Eksjö is small enough that most central attractions can be reached within a few minutes on foot.
Discover the military history of Eksjö
Eksjö has a strong connection with Sweden’s military history. The nearby Ing 2 regiment remains an important part of the town’s identity, and the region has long been associated with military training and defence. The city also has museums and collections that explain this background.
The Smålands Militärhistoriska Museum, when open, presents military equipment, uniforms and historical material. It can be particularly interesting for visitors travelling with older children or anyone interested in twentieth century history. Because opening times and exhibitions may change, check local information before making it a central part of your plans.
Spend time outdoors around Eksjö
Visiting Eksjö does not have to be limited to historical sightseeing. The town is surrounded by the forests and lakes that make Småland popular with walkers, cyclists and anyone seeking quiet landscapes. Trails vary from short woodland walks to longer routes through rural scenery.
Walking and hiking
Several walking routes can be found in and around Eksjö. Some paths lead through pine and spruce forest, while others pass lakes, open farmland and small villages. Local trails may be marked with coloured signs, but conditions can vary, particularly after rain or during the shoulder seasons. Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to leave paved paths.
For a short outing, look for routes close to town or around nearby lakes. Longer walks require more preparation, including water, a snack and a map or reliable offline navigation. Swedish countryside access rules generally allow responsible recreation, but visitors should respect private property, close gates and leave no litter.
Cycling in Småland
The quiet roads around Eksjö are suitable for relaxed cycling, although some routes include hills and stretches without dedicated cycle paths. A bicycle can be a good way to combine the town centre with nearby nature and villages. Ask your accommodation provider or the local tourist information service about rental options and recommended routes.
Lakes and swimming
During summer, local lakes provide opportunities for swimming and picnics. Facilities differ from one bathing place to another, so do not assume that every location has changing rooms, toilets or lifeguards. Bring a towel, drinking water and sun protection, and follow signs at each site.
Take a trip to Skurugata
One of the most distinctive natural attractions near Eksjö is Skurugata, a dramatic rocky ravine surrounded by forest. Its steep walls and narrow passage create a striking contrast with the gentle woodland landscapes elsewhere in the area. The site is popular with hikers and photographers.
Paths around the ravine can be uneven and slippery, especially in wet weather, so suitable footwear is important. Allow extra time if you want to explore the surrounding trails rather than simply viewing the ravine. Skurugata is a good choice for travellers who want to add a more adventurous nature experience to an Eksjö itinerary.
Explore nearby villages and attractions
Eksjö’s location makes it useful for exploring more of the Jönköping County countryside. Nearby villages and smaller towns offer craft shops, local food producers, historic churches and traditional rural landscapes. A car gives you the greatest flexibility, particularly if you want to visit several places in one day.
Vimmerby, associated with author Astrid Lindgren, is within reach for a longer day trip, although travel time depends on your route and transport. Jönköping and Lake Vättern are also possible additions to a wider Småland journey. If you are travelling by public transport, plan carefully because rural services are less frequent than trains and buses in larger cities.
Food and fika in Eksjö
Food is an important part of the experience when visiting Eksjö. Independent cafés and restaurants in or close to Gamla Stan provide opportunities to try Swedish favourites in historic surroundings. Look for seasonal menus, locally made cakes, sandwiches and traditional lunch dishes.
A classic fika stop is easy to fit into any sightseeing route. Order coffee or tea with a cinnamon bun, cardamom bun or another pastry, then take time to enjoy the slower pace. Some cafés also sell locally produced jams, chocolates, baked goods and handicrafts that make useful souvenirs.
Restaurant opening hours can be limited outside the main summer season. If you are staying overnight, check whether your chosen restaurant accepts reservations, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays. Grocery shops are available for picnic supplies, which is helpful if you are heading into the forest or travelling between nearby attractions.
Where to stay in Eksjö
Accommodation in Eksjö ranges from centrally located hotels and guesthouses to campsites and countryside cabins. Staying near the old town is convenient if you want to walk to restaurants, museums and the main sights. It also allows you to see Gamla Stan before the busiest daytime period.
Cabins and rural accommodation are a better choice for travellers who want access to forests, lakes and outdoor activities. These options often provide kitchens or outdoor areas, making them suitable for families and longer stays. During summer, school holidays and popular local events, book early because the supply of accommodation is limited compared with larger Swedish destinations.
Choosing the right area
- Stay in the centre for easy access to Gamla Stan, cafés and museums.
- Choose a countryside cottage for privacy, walking and lake access.
- Consider a campsite for a budget friendly summer trip.
- Check parking arrangements if you are travelling by car.
- Confirm whether breakfast, bed linen and final cleaning are included in the price.
How to get to Eksjö
Eksjö is located in Småland in southern Sweden, between Jönköping and the east coast. The town is easiest to reach by car, especially if you plan to explore natural attractions outside the centre. Roads through the region are generally scenic, with forest, farmland and small settlements along the way.
Public transport is also possible. Regional buses connect Eksjö with nearby towns, while train services are available from stations in the wider area. Travel times and connections vary, so check the latest information with Jönköpings Länstrafik or Sweden’s national travel planning services before departure.
If you are travelling from Stockholm, Gothenburg or Malmö, expect a journey that requires planning and possibly a change of transport. Eksjö works particularly well as part of a road trip through Småland rather than as a quick stop between major cities.
The best time to visit Eksjö
Summer is the most popular season for Eksjö tourism. Longer days make it easier to combine the old town with outdoor activities, and cafés, museums and attractions often have their fullest opening hours. July can be busy, but the town usually remains calmer than Sweden’s main urban destinations.
Late spring brings fresh green forests and comfortable temperatures for walking. Early autumn offers colourful woodland, crisp air and a quieter atmosphere. This can be an excellent time for travellers who prefer nature and photography without peak season crowds.
Winter gives the wooden town a different character, particularly when snow covers the roofs and streets. However, daylight hours are short and some attractions operate limited schedules. Check opening times carefully and plan outdoor activities around the weather.
A suggested one day Eksjö itinerary
Start with breakfast or coffee near the central square, then spend the morning exploring Gamla Stan. Take your time rather than rushing between individual buildings, since the atmosphere of the streets is one of the main attractions.
Continue to Eksjö Museum and Eksjö Church before stopping for lunch. In the afternoon, choose between a second walk through the old town, a local history attraction or a short excursion into the surrounding countryside. If the weather is good, pack a snack and visit a nearby lake or take a forest trail.
End the day with dinner in the centre. An overnight stay is worthwhile because the town becomes particularly peaceful after day visitors have left. It also gives you a better chance of fitting in Skurugata or another nearby attraction the following morning.
Practical tips for visiting Eksjö
- Wear comfortable shoes because historic streets may have uneven surfaces.
- Check museum, café and restaurant opening hours before travelling.
- Carry a card, but keep a small amount of cash for occasional rural purchases.
- Download maps or save directions if you plan to hike outside the town.
- Pack layers and rain protection, as weather can change quickly.
- Book accommodation in advance for summer weekends and local events.
- Ask the local tourist information service about current trails, events and transport.
- Respect the quiet character of residential areas in Gamla Stan.
Eksjö rewards travellers who slow down. Its appeal lies not only in a list of attractions, but also in the relationship between the historic town, the surrounding forests and everyday Swedish life. Give yourself time to walk, pause for fika and explore beyond the central streets, and this small Småland destination can become one of the most distinctive stops on your journey through Sweden.