Explore the wooden town of Eksjö through its museums, historic buildings and themed walks. There are also routes through the town and around lakes, offering a different perspective on local discoveries.
Wooden Town and Town History
Eksjö Museum is located in Gamla stan along the Eksjöån River and offers guided tours of the wooden town. Its three permanent exhibitions cover Albert Engström, the town’s history and the military history of Småland. QR codes in the Albert Engström exhibition and the military museum link to audio content in Swedish, English and German. The museum also offers educational programmes for all age groups.
Another way to explore Gamla stan is the Smaka på historien tour. It focuses on taste and links selected stops with stories from the past: samples related to the stories are offered at each stop. Check the arrangements before your visit. Gamla stan has 48 historic buildings; in 1997, Eksjö received the Europa Nostra Diploma for the outstanding preservation of its architectural and cultural heritage.
Eksjö Church at Stora Torget also reveals different historical layers. The present church was built in 1887–1889 in the Neoclassical style, based on plans by architect J F Åbom. Items from the previous church, including an altar and a pulpit dating from the late 17th century, have been preserved. The same church therefore brings together 19th-century architectural history and older furnishings.
Gamla stan is also home to Fornminnesgården, a local history museum in a 17th-century copper-smith’s courtyard. Its attractions include a bicycle museum, a motor museum, a shoemaker’s workshop, and a gold- and silversmith’s workshop. Krusagården also dates back to the 17th century and has served, among other things, as a trading post and tannery over the course of its history. Aschanska gården is a preserved middle-class residence from around the turn of the 20th century. It welcomes pre-booked groups throughout the year; arrange your visit in advance.
Routes Through the Town and by the Water
Vattenledningsparken lies between Eksjö town centre and Lake Hunsnäsen. The town’s old water tower stands in the middle of the park. The Gå längs Eksjöån walking route runs from Vildparken to Vattenledningsparken, passing nine historical information boards along the river. You can follow the Eksjöån for guidance; no map is needed.
For a longer circular route through Eksjö, try Hälsans stig: the route is five kilometres long and follows lit cycle and walking paths. Each kilometre is marked with a distance sign so you can keep track of how far you have travelled. Another way to explore the area is the cycle route around Hunsnäsen, close to town. It is about 5.7 kilometres long and runs along asphalt, gravel paths, trails and cycle paths. The descriptions distinguish the two routes by both their length and their surface types.
Outdoor Activities in Skedhult and Vildparken
Skedhult outdoor recreation area is located in Eksjö between Persö, Skedhult, Fiskaretorpsåsen, Borgmästarängen and Breviksvägen. Lakes Gyesjön and Norra Vixen border the area to the east and west, respectively. Facilities include shelters and barbecue areas, as well as a launch point for kayaks and canoes. There is also a mountain biking trail, a hunting museum and historic buildings. Skedhultsspåret is a 4.6-kilometre hiking trail marked with yellow posts and arrows; geocaching is also possible along the route.
Vildparken has a modern, accessibility-adapted playground and an accessible toilet. A boules court, picnic tables and large lawns round out the facilities. For a family-friendly introduction to the town’s history, take the Cattus tour: children and adults discover Eksjö and its history together. Cattus is available in the free Tre Trästäder app. The app can be downloaded from Google Play or the App Store; check that it is available on your platform beforehand.
Culture at Specific Times of Year
The Eksjö vaktparad is an annual traditional parade that has been held for more than 20 years. It features mounted hussars and musical performances by the Hemvärnet band. The exact programme depends on the season; check the dates if you are planning to attend. Eksjö Fire Museum also opens every year during the Christmas market, whose exact dates vary from year to year. Its collection ranges from fire pumps to old emergency vehicles, offering insight into how firefighting has changed and modernised over the course of history.
Discover more destinations: Bruzaholm, Värne, Hjältevad, Hult, Mariannelund, Höreda, Eksjö, Ingatorp.
For the main travel overview: Jönköping.
