Looking for the best summer activities in Eksjö? This historic town in Småland combines beautifully preserved wooden streets, peaceful lakes, forest trails, local museums and easy day trips into one appealing destination. Whether you are planning a relaxed summer travel itinerary, a family holiday or an active weekend in southern Sweden, Eksjö offers plenty to do without the crowds of Sweden’s largest cities.
Why visit Eksjö in summer?
Eksjö is one of Sweden’s most distinctive small towns. Its old centre is known for colourful timber buildings, narrow streets and courtyards that have survived for centuries. In summer, the town feels especially inviting. Cafés open their outdoor seating, gardens are in bloom and the long daylight hours make it easy to combine sightseeing with time in nature.
The town is also a practical base for exploring the wider Småland region. You can spend the morning walking among historic buildings, swim in a forest lake after lunch and finish the day with dinner in the town centre. The surrounding landscape is typically Småland, with deep green woodland, rocky outcrops, clear water and quiet country roads.
- Explore one of Sweden’s best preserved wooden town centres.
- Swim and relax at nearby lakes and beaches.
- Hike through forests, ravines and nature reserves.
- Visit museums, galleries and historic attractions.
- Enjoy cycling, canoeing and other outdoor activities.
- Take day trips to other Småland destinations.
Explore Eksjö’s historic wooden town
The historic centre is the natural place to begin your visit. More than 50 wooden buildings stand close together in the old town, creating an atmosphere that feels very different from a modern Swedish shopping district. Many houses date from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, and their painted façades, decorative details and small gardens make even a simple walk feel like a cultural experience.
Allow at least two hours to explore the streets at a relaxed pace. Look for old shop signs, timber framing and inner courtyards. The area is compact, so it is easy to pause for photographs, browse a local shop or stop for coffee without following a strict schedule.
Join a guided walking tour
A guided tour can add useful context to the architecture and history. Local guides often explain how fires influenced the development of the town, how wooden buildings were maintained and why Eksjö became an important meeting place in the region. Tours may vary by season, so check with the local tourist information centre before travelling.
If you prefer to explore independently, look for a town map or a self-guided heritage route. A route is particularly helpful if you want to learn more about individual buildings rather than simply wandering through the streets.
Enjoy a Swedish fika in the old town
Fika is an essential part of summer travel in Sweden, and Eksjö has several pleasant places to enjoy coffee, cake or a light lunch. Choose a café with outdoor tables if the weather is good. Sitting in a historic square or beside an old timber building is a simple way to slow down and experience the town’s atmosphere.
Try traditional Swedish pastries such as a cinnamon bun or a cardamom bun, or choose a seasonal cake with berries. Many cafés also offer sandwiches and lighter meals, making them convenient stops between sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Visit Eksjö Museum and local cultural attractions
Eksjö Museum is a good choice when you want to understand more about the town and the surrounding region. Exhibitions typically explore local history, art, military heritage and everyday life in Småland. The museum can also provide useful information about nearby attractions and seasonal events.
The museum is especially worthwhile on a rainy day, but it is not only an alternative to outdoor sightseeing. A visit can make the historic centre more meaningful because you learn how the buildings, streets and local communities developed over time.
Learn about Albert Engström
Albert Engström was a well-known Swedish artist, author and illustrator with connections to the Eksjö area. Depending on opening hours and seasonal programming, visitors may be able to explore exhibitions or places connected with his life and work. His humorous observations of Swedish society remain an interesting part of the region’s cultural history.
Check opening times before setting out, since smaller museums and heritage attractions may have limited summer schedules. Some sites also close on certain weekdays or operate with guided visits only.
Swim at the beaches near Eksjö
One of the easiest summer activities in Eksjö is spending time beside a lake. Småland is filled with lakes, and several bathing places are within a short drive or cycle from the town. The water is often surrounded by forest, giving the beaches a peaceful setting that feels far removed from busy coastal resorts.
Hunsnäsen is one of the most convenient places to look for swimming and lakeside relaxation near Eksjö. Facilities can vary, but popular bathing areas may include a jetty, grassy space, changing facilities or a small sandy section. The lake is suitable for a refreshing swim on a warm day, while the surrounding paths are useful for a gentle walk.
Other beaches and swimming areas can be found around nearby lakes, including places used by local residents rather than international visitors. Ask at the tourist information centre for current recommendations and information about water quality, parking and accessibility.
What to bring to the lake
- A towel and swimwear, even if you are only planning a short stop.
- Water shoes if you prefer extra grip on rocky or uneven lake edges.
- Sun protection, including a hat and sunscreen.
- A picnic, reusable water bottle and rubbish bag.
- Warm layers for the journey home, as evenings can become cool.
Always follow local signs and safety advice. Many Swedish lakes are natural bathing areas without lifeguards, and the shoreline may become deep quickly. Children should be supervised closely, especially near jetties and rocks.
Hike through forests and dramatic landscapes
Hiking is among the most rewarding summer activities in Eksjö because the town is surrounded by varied countryside. Trails pass through spruce and pine forest, open clearings, wetlands and rocky terrain. Some routes are short enough for a morning walk, while others can fill most of a day.
Discover Skurugata Nature Reserve
Skurugata is one of the area’s most unusual natural attractions. The reserve is known for a narrow rocky ravine formed between steep rock walls. The landscape feels dramatic and wild, particularly when compared with the gentle streets of central Eksjö.
Walking through the ravine requires suitable footwear because the ground can be uneven, damp and slippery after rain. Take your time, especially on rocky sections, and allow extra time to explore the surrounding forest. There are also viewpoints and paths in the wider reserve, so you can make the visit as short or as active as you like.
Choose a trail for your ability
Before starting a hike, check the route length, terrain and weather conditions. Some forest trails are well suited to families, while more rugged paths demand sturdy shoes and a reasonable level of fitness. Mobile coverage can be inconsistent in remote areas, so download a map in advance and tell someone where you are going if you plan a longer walk.
Sweden’s right of public access allows people to enjoy much of the countryside responsibly, but it comes with duties. Leave gates as you find them, avoid disturbing wildlife, take rubbish with you and respect private homes and cultivated land. During dry periods, follow any fire restrictions and never light a campfire unless it is clearly permitted.
Go cycling on quiet Småland roads
Cycling is a convenient way to combine town sightseeing with outdoor exploration. Roads around Eksjö pass through forests, farmland and small villages, and traffic is often light away from the main routes. A bicycle lets you reach lakes and picnic spots that may be inconvenient to visit on foot.
For a relaxed outing, cycle from the town towards a nearby bathing area, stop for a swim and return by a different route if local maps allow. More experienced cyclists can plan a longer loop through the countryside, with a café or village shop as a midway point.
Bring a repair kit, water and a map. Some rural roads have limited services, and not every attraction is open every day. If you rent a bicycle, ask the rental provider about recommended routes, traffic conditions and whether helmets or panniers are included.
Try canoeing and kayaking on local lakes
With so many lakes in the surrounding countryside, canoeing and kayaking are excellent ways to experience Småland from a different perspective. The water is often calm in summer mornings, when reflections of pine trees and rocky shorelines create particularly beautiful scenery.
Beginners can choose a shorter paddling trip close to shore, while experienced paddlers may prefer a route linking several lakes or islands. Local outdoor companies and accommodation providers may offer equipment rental, instruction or guided excursions. Ask about launch points and whether a booking is required before arriving.
Wear a buoyancy aid, check the forecast and pack valuables in a waterproof bag. Even on a warm day, lake water can be cold, and wind can make the return journey more demanding than expected.
Plan family friendly summer activities in Eksjö
Eksjö works well for families because many attractions are close together and the surrounding nature offers plenty of space to play. Children can explore the old town, look for details on the wooden façades, swim at a lake and enjoy an ice cream without long journeys between activities.
Consider combining one structured activity with one outdoor activity each day. For example, visit a museum in the morning, have lunch in town and spend the afternoon at a beach. On another day, take a short forest walk followed by a visit to a café or a playground.
Families interested in a larger day trip can travel to Astrid Lindgren’s World in Vimmerby, around an hour from Eksjö by car depending on the route and traffic. The theme park celebrates characters and stories by the famous Swedish author and is particularly popular with younger children. Reserve enough time for the visit, as the park can take most of a day to experience.
Enjoy summer events and local life
Summer brings a lively programme of events to Eksjö and nearby communities. Markets, outdoor concerts, heritage days, exhibitions and local celebrations may take place throughout the season. The exact programme changes from year to year, so consult the official visitor website or local event listings before your trip.
Eksjö Tattoo is one of the town’s best-known cultural events and is associated with military music and large outdoor performances. If your visit coincides with the event, book accommodation early and expect the town to be busier than usual.
Local markets are also worth seeking out. They may offer regional food, crafts, flowers and vintage goods. Even when you do not buy anything, a market is a useful way to see how residents spend their summer days.
Take day trips from Eksjö
Eksjö’s central position makes it a useful base for exploring more of Småland. A car gives you the greatest flexibility, particularly if you want to combine several nature attractions in one day, but some regional destinations can also be reached by public transport with careful planning.
Visit Vimmerby and the world of Astrid Lindgren
Vimmerby is one of the most popular day trips in the region. Alongside Astrid Lindgren’s World, the town has connections to the author’s childhood and to the stories that made her famous around the world. This is a strong choice for families, although adults who enjoy Swedish literature may also appreciate the cultural setting.
Explore more Småland nature
The wider region contains lakes, nature reserves and small villages that are ideal for a slower day out. You might pack a picnic, choose a trail and stop at a swimming spot along the way. Ask local experts for current advice, since road conditions, parking arrangements and trail access can change during the season.
Where to eat and stay in Eksjö
Accommodation in Eksjö includes hotels, guesthouses, cabins and campsites. Staying in or near the centre is convenient if you want to walk to restaurants, museums and the historic town. A countryside cabin or campsite may suit you better if swimming, hiking and cycling are the main focus of your trip.
For meals, look for cafés, restaurants serving Swedish home-style food and places using local ingredients. Summer menus may include salads, fish, new potatoes, berries and grilled dishes. If you are staying in a cabin, shopping locally and preparing a picnic is an easy way to keep costs down.
Book ahead for weekends in July and during major events. Smaller properties may have fewer rooms, and popular lakefront accommodation can fill quickly during warm weather.
Practical tips for summer travel to Eksjö
- Bring layers because Swedish summer weather can change quickly.
- Wear comfortable shoes for cobbled streets, forest trails and rocky shorelines.
- Carry a card or mobile payment option, as Sweden is highly cashless.
- Check museum, café and rental opening hours before travelling.
- Use insect repellent when spending evenings near forests and lakes.
- Reserve accommodation and popular activities during July and event weekends.
- Download maps if you plan to hike or cycle beyond the town centre.
- Respect nature, private property and local fire safety rules.
The best summer activities in Eksjö are easy to combine. Start with a walk through the historic wooden town, visit a museum, enjoy fika and then head to a lake or forest trail. With a little planning, Eksjö provides the balance many travellers want from a Swedish summer escape: culture in the morning, fresh air in the afternoon and calm evenings surrounded by Småland scenery.