Eksjö is an excellent base for exploring Småland by car. Within a comfortable driving distance, you can find lakeside towns, historic villages, family attractions, national parks and some of southern Sweden’s most memorable cultural sights. These day trips from Eksjö by car are suitable for a relaxed holiday, a weekend road trip or a longer stay in the Swedish countryside.
Why Eksjö is a great starting point for road trips
Eksjö is located in the highlands of Småland, surrounded by forests, lakes and quiet country roads. The town itself is famous for its well-preserved wooden centre, but its location also makes it a practical base for discovering nearby attractions in Jönköping, Östergötland, Västergötland and the wider Småland region.
Most destinations on this list can be reached in less than two hours by car. That gives you plenty of time to enjoy a museum, walk through a nature reserve, explore a historic town or stop at a farm shop before returning to Eksjö in the evening. Driving is especially useful outside the summer season, when public transport connections can be less frequent.
Travel times are approximate and depend on your route, road conditions and the time of year. Always check opening hours, ferry schedules and current traffic information before setting out.
1. Gränna and the shores of Lake Vättern
Driving time from Eksjö: approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
Gränna is one of the most popular day trips from Eksjö by car, and it is easy to see why. The colourful town sits on the eastern shore of Lake Vättern, with steep streets, traditional wooden buildings and wide views across the water. Gränna is also known as the home of polkagrisar, the striped peppermint sweets that are made in local candy shops.
Start with a walk along Brahegatan, the town’s main street. Many sweet shops allow visitors to watch the candy being stretched and twisted by hand. You can also visit the Grenna Museum, which tells the story of the explorer Andrée’s ill-fated balloon expedition to the North Pole.
For a scenic break, drive or walk to the harbour. In summer, ferries leave from Gränna to Visingsö, the large island in Lake Vättern. A visit to Visingsö can be added to a full-day itinerary, although you should check ferry times in advance. The island is known for cycling routes, castle ruins, church history and the unusual remmalag horse-drawn tours.
- Best for: lake views, local food, history and family-friendly sightseeing.
- Allow: at least four hours in Gränna, or a full day if you include Visingsö.
- Good to know: summer parking and ferry queues can be busy.
2. Jönköping and the Vättern waterfront
Driving time from Eksjö: approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes
Jönköping is a convenient choice when you want a mixture of city culture, shopping, museums and nature. The city stretches along the southern end of Lake Vättern, and its waterfront offers attractive views toward the lake. A walk beside the water is particularly pleasant in the warmer months, when cafés and restaurants create a lively atmosphere.
One of the city’s most distinctive attractions is the Tändsticksmuseet, or Match Museum. Jönköping was once an important centre for match production, and the museum explains how the industry developed and influenced the town. The nearby city centre has shops, cafés and several places to stop for lunch.
If you prefer a quieter outing, continue to Rosenlund and the area around Elmia. You can combine a lakeside walk with a visit to the beautiful gardens at Rosenlunds Rosarium when the roses are in bloom. Jönköping is also a useful stop for families, with several indoor activities available when the weather is wet.
To turn this into one of the more scenic road trips from Eksjö, take your time on the return journey and consider stopping at viewpoints or small villages along the route. The landscape changes from forest and farmland to broad lake views as you approach the Vättern basin.
3. Vimmerby and the world of Astrid Lindgren
Driving time from Eksjö: approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
Vimmerby is one of the best nearby attractions for families. The town is the birthplace of Astrid Lindgren, the internationally celebrated author of Pippi Longstocking, Emil of Lönneberga and many other beloved characters.
Astrid Lindgrens Värld is a large outdoor theme park where visitors can meet characters, watch performances and explore settings inspired by the author’s stories. It is primarily a summer attraction, and a full day is usually needed to experience the park properly. Check the seasonal programme before travelling, since opening dates and performances vary.
Even outside the theme park season, Vimmerby has literary connections and a pleasant small-town centre. You can visit Astrid Lindgren’s childhood home at Näs, where exhibitions and gardens provide more context about her life and work. The surrounding countryside is typical of Småland, with red cottages, grazing land, woodland and narrow roads that are enjoyable to explore at a relaxed pace.
- Best for: families, Swedish literature and summer entertainment.
- Allow: a full day for Astrid Lindgrens Värld.
- Good to know: book popular summer dates ahead of time if possible.
4. The wooden town of Hjo
Driving time from Eksjö: approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes
Hjo lies on the western shore of Lake Vättern and is recognised for its historic wooden architecture. The town has a calm, old-fashioned character, with colourful buildings, small shops and streets that lead down toward the harbour.
Begin your visit in the centre and then walk through Hjo Stadspark, a spacious lakeside park with paths, mature trees and views over the water. The harbour is a good place for a coffee or an ice cream, particularly during summer. Hjo is also known for local craft traditions and small food producers, so allow time to browse independent shops rather than rushing between major sights.
Hjo works well as a slower day trip. It does not require a packed schedule, and that is part of its appeal. Bring comfortable shoes and enjoy the combination of architecture, parkland and lake scenery. If you are planning several road trips from Eksjö, Hjo offers a different atmosphere from the busier destinations around Jönköping and Gränna.
5. Store Mosse National Park
Driving time from Eksjö: approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes
Store Mosse National Park is one of southern Sweden’s most impressive wetland landscapes. The park protects a vast raised bog, open marshland, pine forest and a rich variety of birdlife. It is an excellent destination for visitors who want a nature-focused day away from towns and museums.
Several marked trails begin near the main entrances and visitor facilities. Routes vary from short walks to longer hikes, so you can choose an itinerary that suits the weather and your fitness level. Boardwalk sections make it possible to cross parts of the wetland, while forest paths provide shelter on windy or rainy days.
Bring water, food and suitable shoes. Weather can change quickly on open moorland, and some trails may be wet even during a dry spell. Binoculars are useful for birdwatching, and early morning or late afternoon often provides the best chance of seeing wildlife.
Store Mosse is one of the most rewarding nearby attractions for photographers and hikers. It also makes a good choice for travellers who have already explored Eksjö’s historic centre and want to experience a more remote side of Småland.
6. Vadstena and Lake Vättern’s western shore
Driving time from Eksjö: approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes
Vadstena is a beautiful historic town on the eastern shore of Lake Vättern. Its most recognisable landmark is Vadstena Castle, a Renaissance castle built in the sixteenth century. The castle stands close to the water and is surrounded by a town filled with cobbled streets, historic houses and religious heritage.
Vadstena Abbey and the former monastery area are central to the town’s identity. Saint Birgitta founded the religious order associated with the abbey, and visitors can learn about the site’s long history through guided tours and exhibitions. The church is also an atmospheric place to visit, even if you only have a short time in town.
After sightseeing, walk beside the harbour or find a café in the old town. Vadstena is especially attractive in late spring and summer, but its historic buildings make it worthwhile in every season. Since the drive is longer than some of the other options, leave early and plan a full day rather than trying to combine too many destinations.
7. Åsens By cultural reserve
Driving time from Eksjö: approximately 50 minutes
Åsens By is one of the closest day trips from Eksjö by car and offers an authentic look at an old Småland farming village. The cultural reserve preserves traditional red cottages, barns, gardens, fields and landscapes that reflect rural life from earlier generations.
Visitors can walk through the village and surrounding countryside, visit historic buildings and learn about traditional farming practices. The area is particularly appealing for families because it feels open and hands-on rather than formal. Seasonal events may include demonstrations, local food and activities connected with the agricultural calendar.
The reserve is a good choice when you want a short excursion without spending most of the day in the car. Combine it with lunch at a local café or a stop in one of the small communities along the route. Check the official website before travelling, as some buildings and activities have seasonal opening hours.
8. The village of Kisa and nature around Åsunden
Driving time from Eksjö: approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
Kisa and the surrounding countryside in southern Östergötland provide a peaceful option for a day in nature. The area is known for forest, farmland and lakes, including Åsunden. It is less focused on major tourist attractions, which makes it suitable for travellers who enjoy quiet roads, local cafés and unhurried walks.
Use Kisa as a base for exploring nearby nature areas and lakeside viewpoints. Pack a picnic, look for short walking trails and allow time to stop at farm shops or small galleries if they are open. The journey itself is part of the experience, with changing views across the Småland and Östergötland borderlands.
This is one of the more flexible road trips from Eksjö. You can make it a half-day outing or extend it with a longer walk. It is also a useful destination for visitors who have already seen the main historic towns and want a more local, countryside-oriented experience.
9. Nässjö and the railway heritage of Småland
Driving time from Eksjö: approximately 35 minutes
Nässjö is close to Eksjö and makes an easy short trip when you do not want to spend hours driving. The town has long been an important railway junction, and its railway heritage remains an important part of its character. Visitors interested in transport history can look for local exhibitions and railway-related sights, while the town centre provides shops and places to eat.
For a broader outing, combine Nässjö with a drive through the surrounding highland countryside. Lakes, forests and small villages are never far away, and the area is well suited to a relaxed picnic or a short walk. Nässjö is also practical on a rainy day because you can combine indoor attractions with cafés and shopping.
10. Skullaryd Moose Park
Driving time from Eksjö: approximately 25 minutes
For one of the quickest nearby attractions, drive to Skullaryd Moose Park. Moose are closely associated with Swedish forests, and the park gives visitors an opportunity to see these large animals at close range while learning more about their behaviour and habitat.
The experience is particularly popular with children, but adults will also enjoy seeing moose in a carefully managed environment. Opening times and feeding experiences can vary by season, so check details before leaving Eksjö. Since the park is nearby, it can be combined with a walk, a picnic or a visit to another attraction in the surrounding countryside.
Practical advice for day trips from Eksjö by car
Plan around the season
Summer offers the widest choice of open museums, ferries, gardens and family attractions, but it is also the busiest period. Spring and early autumn are excellent for walking and photography, while winter road trips can be peaceful if roads are clear. Some smaller attractions close outside the main season, so confirm opening hours before setting out.
Allow extra time on rural roads
Distances in Småland can look short on a map, but rural roads are often narrow and winding. You may also want to stop at a lake, viewpoint, farm shop or historic church. Avoid planning every minute of the day, especially if you are travelling with children.
Pack for changing weather
A waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes and extra layers are useful throughout the year. For nature trips, bring insect repellent, water and a packed lunch. Mobile coverage can be weaker in forested areas, so download maps or save important information before leaving Eksjö.
Choose the right destination
- For history and architecture, choose Vadstena, Gränna or Hjo.
- For families, consider Vimmerby, Skullaryd Moose Park or Visingsö.
- For hiking and wildlife, visit Store Mosse National Park.
- For a short and relaxed outing, choose Åsens By or Nässjö.
- For city culture and shopping, make Jönköping your destination.
With its central position in the Småland highlands, Eksjö makes it easy to combine a historic town stay with varied excursions. Whether you prefer lakeside walks, traditional villages, wildlife or family attractions, these day trips from Eksjö by car offer plenty of ways to explore the region at your own pace.