Looking for things to do in Eksjö? This charming town in Småland combines one of Sweden’s best-preserved wooden town centres with museums, cafés, outdoor adventures and fascinating military history. Whether you are visiting for a few hours or planning a longer stay, Eksjö offers plenty of ways to experience historic Sweden at a relaxed pace.
Explore Eksjö’s Historic Wooden Town
The most famous of all Eksjö attractions is Gamla Stan, the old town. Its narrow streets, colourful wooden buildings and quiet courtyards make it one of the most atmospheric places to visit in southern Sweden. Much of the town centre survived the major fire of 1856, while other buildings were rebuilt in a style that complements the older architecture.
Walking through Gamla Stan is one of the best things to do in Eksjö because the area is easy to explore without a strict itinerary. Look closely at the façades, wooden gates and decorative details. Many buildings have distinctive names and stories, and some date back several centuries. The combination of residential homes, small shops, restaurants and public buildings gives the district a lived-in feeling rather than making it feel like an open-air museum.
Start your walk around the main square, Stora Torget, then follow the streets leading through the oldest part of town. Streets such as Norra Storgatan and nearby lanes reveal a variety of architectural styles. Tourist information in town can provide walking maps and details about guided tours, which are particularly useful if you want to learn how merchants, craftsmen and military families shaped Eksjö’s development.
Visit Eksjö Church
Eksjö Church stands close to the historic centre and is an important part of the town’s heritage. The church has medieval origins, although it has been altered and restored over the centuries. Inside, visitors can see historic furnishings and artwork that reflect the long religious history of the area.
The church is also a useful landmark when exploring the old town. Take a few quiet minutes to look around, but check opening times before visiting, as access may vary during services, concerts and special events.
Stop at Aschanska gården
Aschanska gården is a historic merchant’s home in Gamla Stan and one of the most interesting places for visitors who want to understand everyday life in old Eksjö. The house provides a glimpse into how a prosperous family lived, worked and entertained guests during the nineteenth century.
Guided visits may include rooms, household objects and stories about the people who lived there. The opening schedule can be seasonal, so check local information before making it a fixed part of your itinerary. Even when you cannot go inside, the courtyard and exterior help explain the character of the old town.
Learn About Local History at Eksjö Museum
Eksjö Museum is one of the essential Eksjö attractions for anyone interested in local culture. The museum presents the history of the town and the surrounding region through exhibitions, photographs, objects and changing displays. Its collections help connect the impressive wooden buildings outside with the people who built, owned and used them.
Depending on the current programme, exhibitions may cover local crafts, social history, art, military life and regional traditions. A museum visit is a good choice on a rainy day, but it is also worth including in a sunny itinerary because it adds context to a walk around Gamla Stan.
Families may find the museum especially useful because indoor exhibitions offer a break from sightseeing while still being educational. Allow at least an hour, or longer if you enjoy reading exhibition texts and exploring temporary displays.
Discover Eksjö’s Military Heritage
Eksjö has a strong connection with the Swedish armed forces. The town and surrounding area have long been associated with military training, and this history remains visible in local museums, public spaces and nearby military facilities. Visitors interested in Sweden’s modern history will find this one of the more distinctive things to do in Eksjö.
Local exhibitions and heritage sites often explain how military service affected the town, from the arrival of soldiers and officers to the development of training grounds and supporting businesses. Events connected with the garrison can also bring extra activity to the town at certain times of year.
Some military areas are active facilities rather than visitor attractions, so follow signs and local guidance. For public exhibitions, confirm opening hours in advance. If you are travelling with children, look for family-friendly displays and scheduled activities rather than assuming that every military site is open for general access.
Spend Time Outdoors at Skurugata
One of the most memorable Eksjö activities is a trip to Skurugata, a dramatic natural ravine in the forest outside town. The narrow gorge has steep rock walls and a rugged character that makes it feel very different from the calm streets of central Eksjö. Nearby Skuruhatt offers a viewpoint over the surrounding landscape.
The reserve is a popular destination for walking, photography and nature observation. Trails can be uneven, rocky and slippery, particularly after rain or during colder months. Wear sturdy shoes and allow enough time to move carefully through the terrain. Families should assess the route based on children’s ages and hiking experience.
Skurugata is especially attractive in autumn, when the forest changes colour, but every season offers a different experience. Spring brings fresh greenery, summer provides long daylight hours and winter can create a stark, quiet landscape. Check weather conditions before travelling and bring water, as services are limited in the nature reserve.
Tips for visiting Skurugata
- Wear hiking shoes with good grip, especially if you plan to enter the ravine.
- Bring drinking water and snacks because there may be few facilities nearby.
- Keep to marked paths and take care around steep rocks and wet surfaces.
- Leave no litter and avoid disturbing plants and wildlife.
- Allow extra time if you want to combine the ravine with the viewpoint at Skuruhatt.
Enjoy Parks, Lakes and Gentle Walks
You do not need to plan a demanding hike to enjoy the outdoors in Eksjö. Several green spaces and walking routes around the town provide easy opportunities to slow down. Strolling near the water, sitting in a park or taking a short walk through the surrounding woodland can be a pleasant change after visiting museums and historic buildings.
Eksjö is surrounded by the forests and lakes typical of Småland. This makes it a good base for visitors who enjoy swimming, fishing, cycling and informal nature walks. Ask at the local tourist office about current conditions, accessible trails and nearby bathing places, since facilities and water access vary by season.
Cycling is another enjoyable way to explore the area. Quiet roads and forest routes lead beyond the town centre, although you should plan your route carefully and carry basic repair supplies. A bicycle can also make it easier to visit attractions outside central Eksjö without relying entirely on a car.
Visit Nearby Mariannelund and Filmbyn Småland
If you are staying in Eksjö for more than one day, consider taking a trip to Mariannelund, a small locality associated with Swedish film and literary culture. Filmbyn Småland is a popular regional attraction that explores the world of films connected with Astrid Lindgren’s stories and other productions made in Småland.
Interactive displays, costumes, film sets and behind-the-scenes material make Filmbyn Småland particularly appealing to families. It offers a different type of experience from the historical attractions in Eksjö and can be a good choice when travelling with children who need a more hands-on activity.
Check the current programme and opening hours before travelling. Some activities may be seasonal or require separate tickets. The journey also gives you a chance to see more of the Småland countryside, with its forests, small villages and red wooden houses.
Explore Hult and the Albert Engström Heritage
Hult, located in the wider Eksjö area, is connected with the writer and artist Albert Engström. Visitors interested in Swedish literature, illustration and cultural history can look for local sites and exhibitions related to his life and work. The Albert Engström Museum is located in the nearby town of Hult and presents the environment associated with the artist.
This is one of the more specialised things to do in Eksjö’s surrounding region, so it may appeal most to visitors who enjoy museums with a strong personal and local focus. Combining it with a countryside drive or another nearby attraction can make a rewarding half-day excursion.
Try Local Food and Swedish Fika
No list of Eksjö activities is complete without time for fika. The historic centre has cafés and restaurants where you can pause for coffee, tea, pastries or a light meal. Look for traditional Swedish favourites such as cinnamon buns, cardamom buns, cakes and open sandwiches.
Eating in Gamla Stan allows you to enjoy the setting as well as the food. In summer, outdoor seating brings the old streets to life, while cafés provide a cosy refuge during colder weather. Restaurant menus often reflect modern Swedish cooking alongside familiar everyday dishes, and local staff can recommend seasonal specialities.
For a more practical approach, buy supplies from a local shop and arrange a picnic near a lake or in a designated outdoor area. Remember to check local rules and take all rubbish with you. A simple picnic can be an excellent way to combine sightseeing with a peaceful break.
Look Out for Events in Eksjö
Events can add extra energy to a visit, particularly during spring and summer. The town hosts markets, concerts, cultural programmes and seasonal celebrations. Eksjö International Tattoo has traditionally been one of the best-known events associated with the town, bringing military music and performances to the area. Dates and formats can change, so check the official programme before planning a trip around it.
Local markets are also worth looking for. They may include regional food, crafts, antiques and seasonal produce. During an event weekend, cafés and accommodation can become busy, so booking ahead is sensible if your travel dates are fixed.
Even when no major event is taking place, the town’s compact centre makes it easy to find small exhibitions, live music and community activities. Ask locally for current listings, since smaller events may not appear in international travel guides.
Plan a Weekend in Eksjö
A weekend gives you enough time to enjoy the principal attractions without rushing. On your first day, explore Gamla Stan, visit Eksjö Church and spend time at Eksjö Museum. Leave room for fika and dinner in or near the historic centre.
On the second day, head into the countryside. Choose Skurugata for a more adventurous walk, or select a gentler lake and forest outing if you prefer an easier pace. If you are travelling by car and have a full day available, continue to Mariannelund and Filmbyn Småland or visit a nearby cultural site connected with Albert Engström.
Visitors arriving by train or bus can focus on central Eksjö and arrange local transport for excursions. A car provides greater flexibility for Skurugata, Mariannelund and the surrounding countryside, but it is not essential for enjoying the old town.
Practical tips for your visit
- Wear comfortable shoes because the old town is best explored on foot and some outdoor routes are uneven.
- Check museum, historic house and attraction opening hours before travelling, especially outside the summer season.
- Bring a rain jacket and layers. Småland weather can change quickly, even during warmer months.
- Book accommodation early if you are visiting during a major event or a busy summer weekend.
- Use local tourist information for current details about guided walks, transport, events and nature conditions.
- Respect private homes in Gamla Stan, since the historic district is also a residential neighbourhood.
Why Eksjö Is Worth Visiting
Eksjö brings together several sides of Sweden in one manageable destination. Its wooden town centre offers architecture and history, its museums explain local life, and the nearby forests provide space for walking and outdoor exploration. The town is large enough to offer good cafés, restaurants and cultural activities, yet small enough to discover at a comfortable pace.
For first-time visitors, the strongest itinerary combines the old town with one museum and an excursion into nature. Add a traditional fika, a local event or a trip to Mariannelund, and you can experience a broad selection of the best things to do in Eksjö. The result is a varied Småland visit with history, culture and fresh air at its centre.