Eksjö: Wooden Town, Museums and Walks by the Water

Wooden buildings, riverbanks and green spaces reveal different sides of Eksjö. Gamla stan brings together historic houses and museums; walking paths follow the Eksjöån, while nature and cultural history meet in the Skedhults friluftsområde. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, you can first consider whether you would like to spend most of your time exploring the town’s history, taking walks or enjoying outdoor activities.

Gamla stan and its history

Gamla stan in Eksjö includes 48 listed historic buildings. Eksjö received the Europa Nostra Diploma in 1997 for the outstanding preservation of its architectural and cultural heritage. The Tre Trästäder app offers a self-guided tour of Eksjö’s wooden town. Check availability in the relevant app store in advance.

Eksjö Museum is located in Gamla stan along the Eksjöån river. Its three permanent exhibitions cover Albert Engström, the history of Eksjö and the military history of Småland. In the Albert Engström exhibition and the military museum, QR codes link to recorded content in Swedish, English and German. The museum also offers guided tours of the wooden town.

Individual historic buildings also tell stories of different periods and uses. Aschanska gården is a preserved bourgeois home dating from around the turn of the 20th century and welcomes groups with advance bookings throughout the year. Confirm availability before your trip. Fornminnesgården is a local heritage museum in a 17th-century coppersmith’s yard. Highlights include a bicycle and motor museum, a shoemaker’s workshop, and a gold- and silversmith’s workshop. Krusagården dates back to the 17th century and has served, among other things, as a trading post and tannery over the course of its history.

Eksjö Church is located on Stora Torget. The present church was built in 1887–1889 in the Neoclassical style, based on plans by architect J F Åbom. Among other items, an altar and a pulpit from the late 17th century have been preserved from the previous church. If you would also like to experience local history through food, you can choose the Smaka på historien tour in Gamla stan: tastings related to the stories being told are offered at selected stops. Check the arrangements before your visit.

Walks through town and by the water

The Gå längs Eksjöån walking path runs from Vildparken to Vattenledningsparken and features nine historic information boards along the river. You can follow the river and walk the route without a map. Vattenledningsparken lies between Eksjö town centre and Lake Hunsnäsen; the town’s old water tower stands in the middle of the park.

For a walk, there is Hälsans stig: this five-kilometre circular route follows lit cycle and walking paths, with a sign marking each kilometre. Another route option is the Hunsnäsen cycle route, close to town. It is about 5.7 kilometres long and follows asphalt, gravel paths, trails and cycle paths. The stated distances and variety of surfaces give you a concrete basis for choosing between a walk and a cycling route.

Leisure in the Skedhults friluftsområde and Vildparken

The Skedhults friluftsområde is located in Eksjö between Persö, Skedhult, Fiskaretorpsåsen, Borgmästarängen and Breviksvägen. Gyesjön borders the area to the east and Norra Vixen to the west. Facilities include shelters, barbecue areas and a launch site for kayaks and canoes; there is also a mountain bike trail, a hunting museum and historic buildings. The 4.6-kilometre Skedhultsspåret is marked with yellow posts and arrows. Geocaching is also possible along the route.

At Vildparken, you will find a modern, accessibility-adapted playground and an accessible toilet. A boules court, picnic tables and large lawns complete the facilities. The Cattus family trail lets children and adults discover Eksjö and its history together. The Cattus family trail is linked to the Tre Trästäder app. Check in advance whether the app is available in the relevant app store.

Parades and seasonal museum visits

The Eksjö vaktparad is a traditional parade held annually and has been running for more than 20 years. Mounted hussars perform alongside musical contributions from the Hemvärnets musikkår. The detailed programme varies by season; check the event dates in advance. The Eksjö fire museum opens every year during the Eksjö Christmas market, whose exact dates vary from year to year. Its collection ranges from fire engines to vintage emergency vehicles and offers insight into how the fire service’s work has changed and modernised over time.

Discover more destinations: Höreda, Värne, Hjältevad, Hult, Mariannelund, Eksjö, Ingatorp, Bruzaholm

For the main travel overview: Jönköping.