Eksjö is one of Småland’s most rewarding places for photography. Its preserved wooden town centre, quiet lakes, historic streets and dramatic forest landscapes create a varied collection of photo locations within easy reach of one another. Whether you enjoy architecture, landscape photography, travel portraits or atmospheric details, these photography spots in Eksjö offer plenty to explore in every season.
Why Eksjö is a great destination for photographers
Eksjö combines the character of a historic Swedish town with the deep forests and rolling landscapes of the Småland highlands. The town is compact, so you can photograph colourful wooden buildings in the morning, walk beside the water at midday and finish with a sunset over the forest without spending hours in the car.
The biggest attraction is Gamla Stan, Eksjö’s old town. Around 50 historic wooden buildings remain in the central district, forming one of Sweden’s best preserved wooden town environments. Narrow streets, painted façades, old courtyards and small squares provide a rich mix of compositions. Outside the centre, lakes and nature reserves add a completely different visual mood.
Light changes the appearance of Eksjö throughout the day. Early morning brings empty streets and soft shadows to the old town. Afternoon light can bring out the texture of wooden façades, while the low sun of evening is ideal for forest paths and lakeside views. In autumn, the surrounding woodland becomes especially photogenic, with warm colours contrasting against red and yellow buildings.
1. Gamla Stan, Eksjö old town
Gamla Stan is the essential starting point for photography in Eksjö. The old town is a network of streets lined with timber buildings dating from different periods, many of them painted in traditional shades of red, yellow, white and muted green. The architecture is close together, which allows you to find strong compositions even on overcast days.
Walk slowly rather than photographing only the most obvious buildings. Look for repeating windows, wooden gates, weathered doors and reflections in glass. Details such as carved signs, iron fittings and old lanterns can tell a more intimate story of Eksjö than a wide street view.
What to photograph in Gamla Stan
- Rows of colourful wooden houses from a low viewpoint
- Doorways and windows with traditional details
- Quiet lanes with leading lines created by façades and paving
- Small courtyards, fences and garden corners
- Snow-covered buildings and warm window light in winter
For the clearest street scenes, visit before the shops open or later in the evening. During the day, people and parked cars can add life to the pictures, but they may also make it harder to create uncluttered architectural images. A wide angle lens is useful for streets, while a standard lens in the 35 to 50 mm range works well for natural-looking details.
2. Stora Torget and the central squares
Stora Torget, the main square, is one of the most useful photo locations in central Eksjö. The open space gives you room to step back from the surrounding architecture, making it easier to capture the relationship between the square and the wooden buildings around it.
Try photographing the square from several corners instead of taking one quick picture from the middle. Look for symmetrical façades, converging street lines and changing patterns of light across the paving. In the morning, the square can feel calm and spacious. Market days and local events create a livelier atmosphere, with people adding scale to the scene.
The nearby streets are worth exploring as well. From the edges of the square, you can frame a street so that the view moves from the open public space into the tighter historic town. This contrast is particularly effective with a moderate telephoto lens, which compresses the buildings and makes the street appear more layered.
3. Eksjö church and the historic townscape
Eksjö church stands close to the old town and adds a different architectural element to a walking route through the centre. Its size and historic character create useful contrast with the smaller timber houses. Depending on your viewpoint, you can photograph the church as a dominant subject or use it as a background feature behind the streets of Gamla Stan.
Check opening times before planning an interior photography visit, and remember that a church is an active place of worship. If photography is permitted inside, keep the camera work discreet and avoid using flash during services or quiet moments. Exterior details can be just as rewarding, including stone textures, doors, rooflines and the way the building rises above the surrounding town.
On cloudy days, the muted light around the church can suit documentary-style images. In late afternoon, side light can emphasise brick, wood and stone textures. A zoom lens gives you flexibility when the streets are busy, while a tripod may be helpful for interior or twilight photographs where permitted.
4. Eksjö Museum and its historic courtyards
Eksjö Museum is another important stop for photographers interested in local history, architecture and visual storytelling. The museum and its surrounding historic buildings provide opportunities for close-up images, interior scenes and courtyard compositions. Exhibitions can also add context to the town’s wooden architecture and the people who have lived in the region.
Historic courtyards are often among the most atmospheric photo locations in Eksjö. The buildings frame the space on several sides, creating layers of wood, brick, paving and greenery. Look for quiet corners where doors, stairs and windows overlap in the frame. A standard lens is often better than an ultra-wide lens here, because it keeps the proportions of the buildings natural.
Always follow the museum’s photography rules. Some displays may not allow photography, and flash can damage sensitive objects or disturb other visitors. Even when indoor photography is limited, the exterior architecture and courtyard details offer plenty to work with.
5. Hunsnäsen lake
Hunsnäsen is one of the best nearby choices when you want to move from historic architecture to open landscape. The lake lies close to Eksjö and offers waterside views, forest edges and reflections that change with the weather. It is a flexible location for both sunrise and sunset photography, depending on the exact viewpoint and season.
On calm mornings, look for reflections of trees and sky in the water. A polarising filter can reduce glare and make vegetation appear richer, although it may also reduce reflections, so adjust it carefully. On windy or cloudy days, concentrate on patterns in the water, reeds, rocks and the movement of the shoreline rather than waiting for a perfect mirror reflection.
Ideas for photographs at Hunsnäsen
- Wide views with the shoreline leading toward the horizon
- Reflections of trees and clouds on calm water
- Close-up images of reeds, moss and lakeside plants
- People walking along the shore to provide scale
- Long exposures that soften small waves in low light
Stay on marked paths where available and be considerate of swimmers, residents and other visitors. The lakeshore can be slippery after rain or during winter, so shoes with good grip are useful. A lightweight tripod, lens cloth and waterproof cover can make a substantial difference when working beside the water.
6. Skurugata Nature Reserve
For more dramatic scenery, travel to Skurugata Nature Reserve, a well-known natural attraction near Eksjö. The reserve is characterised by a narrow rocky gorge with steep walls, forest paths and a rugged atmosphere that feels very different from the town centre. It is one of the most distinctive photography spots in Eksjö’s surrounding area.
The gorge offers strong vertical compositions. Look upward to photograph the rock walls and tree canopy, or use the path as a leading line through the centre of the image. Moss, exposed rock and twisted tree roots provide excellent foreground details. In damp weather, the colours become deeper and the rocks may take on a rich, reflective texture.
Conditions inside the gorge can be darker than expected, even during the day. A fast lens or a tripod can help, but be careful with equipment on uneven ground. The path may be wet, icy or difficult in places, so allow more time than the short distance on a map might suggest. Do not climb fragile rock faces or leave the marked route unnecessarily.
7. Skuruhatt viewpoint
Near Skurugata, Skuruhatt provides a higher viewpoint over the surrounding woodland. The view is not a mountain panorama, but it gives a strong sense of the broad, forested landscape that defines this part of Småland. The viewpoint works particularly well when the trees are covered in autumn colour or when low mist settles over the forest.
Use the foreground to make the view more powerful. A rock, pine branch or section of lichen-covered ground can create depth, while a longer lens can isolate layers of trees in the distance. On clear days, a wide angle lens can show the scale of the woodland, but avoid allowing too much empty sky to dominate the frame.
Sunrise and sunset can both be rewarding, although the exact direction of the light changes through the year. Check the route and daylight conditions before setting out, especially in winter. Bring a headlamp for an early or late visit and tell someone where you are going if you plan to walk alone.
8. Forest roads and trails around Eksjö
Some of the best scenic views near Eksjö are found away from named attractions. The forests around the town contain quiet roads, clearings, lakes and small wetland areas that can be discovered on foot or by bicycle. Rather than looking for a single famous viewpoint, treat the landscape as a collection of changing details.
Forest roads can be especially atmospheric in mist, after rain or during the blue hour. A line of birch trees, red cottages glimpsed between branches or a narrow track disappearing into spruce forest can all become strong subjects. In autumn, search for contrasts between golden leaves and dark evergreen trees. In winter, fresh snow simplifies the landscape and makes patterns in the forest floor easier to see.
Use public roads and designated parking areas, and avoid blocking access to private homes or forestry vehicles. Much of the land may look empty, but it is still used by residents, landowners and workers. Respect signs, gates and temporary restrictions, particularly during forestry operations or hunting seasons.
9. Eksjö in spring, summer, autumn and winter
Spring
Spring brings longer days, fresh greenery and a softer appearance to the old town. The combination of pale light and newly opened gardens works well for architectural photography. Forest paths may be muddy, so check conditions before heading to Skurugata or the lakes.
Summer
Summer offers extended golden-hour light and lively streets. Early mornings are the best way to photograph Gamla Stan without crowds. Lakeside locations are attractive in the evening, when the water can reflect a warm sky. Mosquitoes may be present near forest and wetland areas, so insect repellent is worth packing.
Autumn
Autumn is arguably the most visually varied season for photography in Eksjö. Red, yellow and orange foliage surrounds the town, while damp conditions deepen the colours of wooden buildings and rock surfaces. Skuruhatt and the forest roads are excellent choices for broader scenic views, while Gamla Stan provides colourful urban detail.
Winter
Snow changes the old town into a quieter, more graphic setting. Red timber houses stand out against white streets, and early darkness makes it possible to photograph illuminated windows at a reasonable hour. Cold batteries lose power quickly, so carry a spare battery close to your body and protect the camera when moving between warm interiors and freezing air.
10. A practical photography itinerary in Eksjö
A full day can cover several of the main photo locations without feeling rushed. Begin in Gamla Stan during the quiet morning light. Photograph the narrow streets, then continue toward Stora Torget and Eksjö church. Allow time for details, because the best images often come from doors, signs and textures rather than only wide views.
After lunch, visit Eksjö Museum if it is open, then head to Hunsnäsen for waterside photography. If you have a car and enough daylight, continue to Skurugata Nature Reserve and Skuruhatt. These nature locations require more walking, so avoid planning them immediately after a long town-centre session if you want to work carefully.
For a shorter visit, concentrate on Gamla Stan, Stora Torget and Hunsnäsen. This combination gives you historic architecture, street photography and landscape images within a manageable area. A second day allows you to explore Skurugata at a slower pace and return to the old town in different light.
Photography tips for Eksjö
- Carry both a wide angle lens and a standard or short telephoto lens for architecture and details.
- Look for side light on wooden façades, especially early and late in the day.
- Use a tripod for twilight streets, lake reflections and darker scenes in the gorge.
- Take time to check the edges of the frame for parked cars, signs and modern distractions.
- Wear waterproof shoes when visiting forest trails, lakeshores and rocky areas.
- Download maps before leaving town, since mobile coverage can vary in forested areas.
- Respect private property and ask permission before photographing people closely.
- Leave natural areas as you found them and never remove plants, moss, rocks or historical objects.
Responsible photography in Eksjö
Eksjö’s charm depends on its living communities as much as its historic buildings. The wooden houses in Gamla Stan are not simply museum displays, because many are private homes, businesses or working premises. Keep a respectful distance, avoid looking into windows and do not enter courtyards unless they are clearly open to visitors.
Nature also deserves care. Stay on established paths when possible, keep dogs under control and take all rubbish with you. During the darker months, use extra caution around icy trails and roads. A beautiful photograph is never more important than your safety or the protection of the place you are visiting.
Planning your visit
Eksjö is accessible by road and public transport, although a car or bicycle makes it easier to reach Hunsnäsen, Skurugata and less central forest locations. Check opening hours for Eksjö Museum and any seasonal facilities before travelling. Local weather can change quickly, especially around the lakes and in exposed woodland.
Bring layers, water, a charged phone and a small first-aid kit for longer walks. If you plan to photograph at sunrise or after sunset, confirm your route in daylight first. The old town is easy to explore on foot, while the nature reserves require more preparation and suitable footwear.
With a little planning, the best photography spots in Eksjö can provide a complete visual journey through Småland. Start with the human scale of the wooden town, follow the water beyond the centre and finish among the rocks and forests surrounding the city. The variety is what makes Eksjö such a rewarding destination for photographers.