Eksjö is one of Småland’s most atmospheric towns, but its location also makes it an excellent base for exploring southern Sweden. Within a comfortable drive are historic wooden towns, peaceful lakes, forest trails, family attractions and cultural landmarks. These are some of the best day trips from Eksjö, with practical ideas for planning your journey and making the most of the nearby countryside.
Why Eksjö is a great base for exploring Småland
Eksjö sits in the Swedish province of Småland, surrounded by forests, lakes and small communities with their own distinct character. The town itself is famous for its preserved wooden centre, but travelling a little farther reveals a varied selection of attractions.
Most destinations on this list are easiest to reach by car. Public transport can work for larger towns such as Jönköping and Nässjö, although rural attractions often have limited services. Travel times are approximate and depend on your route, road conditions and the season.
For a relaxed itinerary, choose one main destination and add a short stop along the way. Many of the best excursions from Eksjö combine an attraction with a walk, a lakeside picnic or a visit to a local café.
1. Jönköping and Lake Vättern
About one hour northwest of Eksjö, Jönköping is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Eksjö. The city stretches along the southern end of Lake Vättern, one of Sweden’s largest lakes, and offers a combination of water views, museums, shopping and restaurants.
Begin with a walk along the lakeside promenade. The open views across the water are particularly beautiful in the morning or around sunset. In the city centre, you can browse independent shops, stop for coffee and explore the historic areas around the old churches.
Jönköping is also home to the Match Museum, which explains the history of Sweden’s match industry and the importance of match production to the city. The museum is a good choice on a rainy day or for visitors interested in industrial history.
- Approximate drive: 55 minutes to 1 hour
- Best for: lake views, museums, shopping and restaurants
- Good to know: combine Jönköping with a stop at Huskvarna or the village of Gränna
2. Gränna and Visingsö
Gränna is one of the most recognisable small towns in Sweden, known for its colourful striped peppermint sweets called polkagrisar. Located on the eastern shore of Lake Vättern, it is around 1 hour and 15 minutes from Eksjö by car, depending on the route.
The town is built on a hillside, with narrow streets, wooden houses and views over the lake. Visit one of the traditional sweet shops to see polkagrisar being made, then stroll through the centre before heading down to the harbour.
From Gränna, ferries travel to Visingsö, a long island in Lake Vättern. A day on Visingsö can include cycling, walking and sightseeing among old ruins and churches. The island is also famous for its horse drawn tourist buses, which offer a gentle way to see more of the landscape during the warmer months.
- Approximate drive to Gränna: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Best for: traditional sweets, lake scenery, island adventures and history
- Good to know: check the ferry timetable before travelling to Visingsö
3. The wooden town of Hjo
Hjo lies on the western shore of Lake Vättern and is a rewarding destination for visitors who enjoy historic architecture and small town atmosphere. The drive from Eksjö takes roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes, making Hjo suitable for a full day out.
The town has a well preserved wooden centre with colourful houses, quiet streets and traditional gardens. Hjo Stadspark, the town park beside the lake, is an especially pleasant place to walk. Its mature trees, flower beds and open views make it a good setting for a picnic.
Hjo also has a small harbour and a waterfront promenade. On a warm day, you can combine sightseeing with a swim or an ice cream beside the lake. The town is less busy than larger tourist destinations, which makes it a good option when you want a slower pace.
- Approximate drive: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Best for: wooden architecture, parks, swimming and a quiet lakeside day
- Good to know: allow time to explore the streets around the central square and harbour
4. Nässjö and the railway heritage of Småland
Nässjö is one of the most convenient places to visit nearby Eksjö. The town is less than 30 minutes away by car and has long been an important railway junction. Its railway heritage gives the town a distinctive identity and makes it an interesting stop for travellers curious about Swedish transport history.
The Railway Museum in Nässjö presents locomotives, railway equipment and stories about the people who worked on the railways. Exhibitions and opening hours can vary, so check current information before visiting.
After the museum, explore the town centre or take a walk around one of the nearby lakes and green spaces. Nässjö is also practical for visitors travelling without a car, since it has regular rail connections from Eksjö and other parts of southern Sweden.
- Approximate drive: 25 to 30 minutes
- Best for: railway history, a short cultural outing and easy public transport
- Good to know: Nässjö works well as a half day trip or as part of a longer route
5. Vetlanda and Kleva Gruva
Vetlanda is around 40 minutes southeast of Eksjö and is a useful gateway to several attractions in the surrounding countryside. The town offers shops, cafés and local services, while the nearby landscapes are characterised by forests, lakes and old industrial sites.
One of the most unusual excursions from Eksjö is to Kleva Gruva, an historic mine near Holsbybrunn. Visitors can explore underground passages and learn about the area’s mining past. The mine is a memorable choice for families and anyone looking for an experience that differs from traditional museums.
Wear sturdy shoes and warm clothing for the mine, since underground temperatures remain cool even in summer. Guided tours, activities and opening times vary by season, so advance planning is recommended.
- Approximate drive to Vetlanda: 40 minutes
- Approximate drive to Kleva Gruva: about 55 minutes
- Best for: mining history, family outings and rural Småland scenery
6. Vimmerby and the world of Astrid Lindgren
Vimmerby is one of the most popular family friendly destinations in the region and lies around 1 hour and 10 minutes east of Eksjö. The town is the birthplace of Astrid Lindgren, the Swedish author whose stories include Pippi Longstocking, Emil of Lönneberga and Karlsson on the Roof.
Astrid Lindgren’s World is an outdoor theatre park where visitors can meet characters and see settings from her books brought to life. Performances are mainly scheduled during the warmer months, and the park can become busy during school holidays.
Outside the theme park, Vimmerby has a pleasant historic centre and several cafés. Families with younger children may want to spend the entire day at Astrid Lindgren’s World, while other visitors can combine the town with a short countryside stop.
- Approximate drive: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Best for: families, Swedish literature and live performances
- Good to know: book tickets and check the performance schedule during the high season
7. Mariannelund and the countryside around Bullerbyn
Mariannelund is a small community east of Eksjö, roughly 35 minutes away by car. It is closely associated with Astrid Lindgren’s stories and makes a good addition to a Vimmerby itinerary or a quieter alternative for travellers who want to explore rural Småland.
The surrounding countryside features red cottages, pastures, stone walls and forest roads. Nearby Sevedstorp is often linked with the setting that inspired the village of Bullerbyn in Astrid Lindgren’s books. The area is not a conventional theme park, so visitors should treat it as a living rural environment and respect private property.
Mariannelund also has a long tradition of confectionery production. A visit to a local sweet shop can add a simple but enjoyable stop to your route. The town and its surroundings are best explored at a relaxed pace, with time for photographs and a picnic.
- Approximate drive: 35 minutes to Mariannelund
- Best for: countryside scenery, literary connections and quiet village stops
- Good to know: combine with Vimmerby, Sevedstorp or a forest walk
8. Store Mosse National Park
Nature lovers should consider Store Mosse National Park, approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes southwest of Eksjö. The park protects one of southern Sweden’s largest areas of raised bog and offers a striking landscape of open wetlands, pine forest and wide skies.
Several marked trails lead through the park, ranging from short boardwalk walks to longer routes. The Kävsjön area is particularly popular for birdwatching, while the nature centre provides information about the bog, wildlife and conservation work.
Bring waterproof footwear, especially after rainy weather, and pack food and water if you plan to spend several hours on the trails. Mosquitoes can be noticeable in summer, so insect repellent is useful. The park is also an excellent place for quiet observation, with cranes, birds of prey and other wildlife sometimes visible.
- Approximate drive: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Best for: hiking, birdwatching, photography and peaceful natural landscapes
- Good to know: follow marked trails and check weather conditions before setting out
9. Åsnen National Park
Åsnen National Park is farther south, usually around 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours from Eksjö, but it is worth considering for a full day in nature. The park surrounds parts of Lake Åsnen and protects a rich mixture of water, islands, deciduous woodland and wetlands.
Walking trails and birdwatching areas allow visitors to experience the landscape without a demanding hike. The lake is also associated with paddling and cycling, although equipment and services should be arranged in advance, particularly outside the summer season.
Åsnen suits visitors who prefer unhurried outdoor experiences. Pack a picnic, allow extra time for scenic roads and avoid trying to cover too much in one day. The journey itself passes through attractive rural parts of Småland.
- Approximate drive: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours
- Best for: forests, lakes, birdlife and outdoor activities
- Good to know: plan carefully because services are limited in some parts of the park
10. High Chaparral in Kulltorp
High Chaparral is a western themed amusement park in Kulltorp, around 1 hour and 30 minutes from Eksjö. The park recreates an old American frontier town with shows, historic style buildings, trains, markets and activities for children.
It is designed as an immersive experience rather than a traditional museum. Visitors can watch staged performances, explore the town and take part in seasonal events. Families often spend a full day here, especially when the programme includes several shows.
High Chaparral generally operates most actively during the warmer months, so check the calendar before making the journey. Some attractions and performances may have separate schedules or additional costs.
- Approximate drive: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Best for: families, live shows and an unusual themed attraction
- Good to know: arrive early if you want to see several performances
11. The village of Gränna and Omberg
If you are looking for a longer scenic route, combine Gränna with Omberg, a forested mountain and nature area on the eastern side of Lake Vättern. The drive from Eksjö to Gränna takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, followed by roughly another hour to Omberg.
Omberg has walking trails, viewpoints and areas of rich woodland. The view from Hjässan, the highest point, reaches over Lake Vättern and the surrounding plains. The area also has cultural sites, including Alvastra monastery ruins at the foot of the mountain.
This itinerary works best in late spring, summer or early autumn when the trails are easier to enjoy. Start early, since combining both destinations creates a long day. Alternatively, choose either Gränna or Omberg for a more relaxed schedule.
- Approximate drive to Gränna: 1 hour 15 minutes, with additional travel to Omberg
- Best for: viewpoints, hiking, history and a scenic road trip
- Good to know: wear proper footwear on forest trails and check parking information
12. Eksjö’s own surroundings
You do not always need to travel far to enjoy the area nearby Eksjö. The town is surrounded by forests, lakes and small roads that are ideal for a half day of gentle exploration.
Start in Eksjö’s historic centre, where timber framed buildings line quiet streets and courtyards. Then continue to Eksjö Museum to learn more about local history, architecture and daily life. Depending on the season, you can finish with a walk beside a lake or through one of the forest areas outside town.
For a more active outing, look for local hiking routes and marked trails in the municipality. Sweden’s right of public access allows people to enjoy nature responsibly, but visitors should avoid disturbing wildlife, damaging vegetation or entering private gardens. Always follow local signs and leave no rubbish behind.
- Travel time: several options within 10 to 30 minutes of the town centre
- Best for: a flexible day, walking, local history and low travel time
- Good to know: ask the local visitor centre for current trail and event information
How to plan day trips from Eksjö
Choose the right season
Summer offers the widest choice of open attractions, ferry services, outdoor performances and cafés. Spring and early autumn are excellent for walking, with cooler temperatures and fewer visitors. Winter can be atmospheric in the towns and forests, but daylight is limited and some attractions close or operate on reduced hours.
Check opening times
Small museums, mines, ferries and family attractions often have seasonal schedules. Check official websites before leaving, particularly if your itinerary depends on a guided tour or a specific performance. This is especially important for Visingsö, Kleva Gruva, Astrid Lindgren’s World and High Chaparral.
Pack for changing weather
Småland weather can change quickly. Bring a waterproof layer, comfortable walking shoes and extra clothing for outdoor attractions. A packed lunch is useful on nature trips, since cafés and shops may be limited outside towns.
Allow time for the journey
The distances may look short on a map, but rural roads can be slower than major highways. Build in time for photo stops, parking and unexpected discoveries. The most enjoyable excursions from Eksjö usually leave room for a relaxed coffee break rather than trying to visit too many places.
Choosing the best excursion for your interests
Families with children may prefer Vimmerby, High Chaparral or Kleva Gruva. Travellers interested in architecture and local culture can choose Jönköping, Hjo, Gränna or the historic centre of Eksjö. For walking and wildlife, Store Mosse, Åsnen and Omberg offer the strongest experiences.
If you are travelling without a car, start with Nässjö or Jönköping and investigate current train and bus connections. For rural destinations, renting a car gives you much more flexibility and makes it easier to combine several smaller stops.
Whether you want a peaceful forest walk, a lakeside town or a full day of family entertainment, the region around Eksjö offers plenty of variety. With a little planning, day trips from Eksjö can reveal a quieter and highly memorable side of southern Sweden.