Summary
Situated in a landscape abundant in lakes, Växjö is a small yet innovative city within the Småland Province. In this picturesque environment, Växjö has embraced the title of Sweden’s most environmentally conscious city. Since 1993, carbon dioxide emissions have been reduced by half, now standing at less than a third of the EU average.
For cultural enthusiasts, Växjö lies in the Kingdom of Crystal, where its glassblowing traditions are showcased at the Swedish Glass Museum. Visitors have the opportunity to explore glassblowing workshops within the region and witness over 300 years of craftsmanship in practice. The city features an exquisite twin-spired cathedral, an appealing lakeside park, and ample inspiration for spontaneous day trips and excursions into its stunning countryside.
Let us delve into the most noteworthy attractions in Växjö:
1. Swedish Glass Museum
Despite its name, this attraction also functions as a county museum, dedicated to Småland and established in the 18th century.
The museum retains a significant exhibition focused on the county’s cultural heritage and historical narrative.
Since the 1930s, however, its emphasis has shifted towards Sweden’s glass industry, fitting considering Växjö is recognized as the capital of the Kingdom of Crystal.
The museum showcases over 40,000 pieces of glassware, crafted at more than 100 Swedish glassworks, with some of the oldest artifacts dating back to the 1580s.
Visitors can find comprehensive insights into glassmaking processes, ingredients, and techniques. Moreover, the museum hosts a variety of exhibitions for contemporary glass artists annually.
2. Växjö Cathedral
The history of the city’s red brick and ashlar cathedral dates back to the 13th century, when a stone church replaced a wooden edifice that had burned down.
Fire has significantly influenced the cathedral’s history, and much of the current architecture stems from a restoration effort in the mid-19th century following a fire in the previous century.
Within the well-lit interior, one should find the Gustavian organ case from the 18th century.
The altar, pulpit, and baptismal font are the works of contemporary sculptor Jan Brazda, who contributed to several of the vibrantly colored stained-glass windows as well.
A Viking runestone was discovered in the choir during excavations in the 1800s and has since been positioned against the cathedral’s eastern exterior wall.
3. Swedish Emigrant Institute
Between 1843 and 1930, approximately 1.3 million Swedes emigrated to North America.
This event holds significant historical importance considering the current population of Sweden sits just below 10 million.
The Swedish Emigrant Institute conducts research on this wave of emigration and hosts a museum featuring exhibitions documenting the causes and repercussions of this demographic shift.
There’s rich background on several notable settlers and their contributions in regions such as Minnesota.
Visitors can also explore the works of Vilhelm Moberg, a Swedish author renowned for his series of historical fiction novels addressing emigration after he traveled through America’s Swedish communities.
4. Linnéparken
Meandering along the northern shore of Växjösjön is the city’s main park.
Visitors may relax by the water or embark on a leisurely exploration of the natural surroundings.
Notably, the Karolinerhuset offers historical interest.
This building, which dates back to 1715, served as a high school until 1850, and its most renowned student was the pivotal taxonomist, Carl Linnaeus.
To commemorate Linnaeus, a garden with species representing each of his 24 classes in the Sexual System is planted.
A seasonal cactus garden is also present, featuring a different theme each year.
5. Kronoberg Castle
On an island in Helgasjön lake lie the remnants of a 15th-century fortress.
For about 200 years, this stronghold guarded the border between Sweden and Denmark, subsequently enduring numerous significant conflicts.
It was besieged, captured, and destroyed by the Danes no less than three times, only to be rebuilt after each siege.
Ultimately, following the Treaty of Roskilde in 1658, which established peace between Sweden and Denmark, the fortress fell out of use and was abandoned.
Accessed by a wooden footbridge, informative boards provide insights into the fort’s tumultuous past.
The stout walls of the fort create picturesque views against the lake, best appreciated with a meatball sandwich from the nearby café.
6. Ångaren Thor
Docked near the castle is the steamboat S/S Thor, which marked its 130th anniversary in 2017. Thor offers regular sightseeing excursions around the lake during the summer months, with additional services available on weekends.
Owned by the Småland County Museum, the vessel previously transported freight and passengers between Räppe and Asa until the 1930s.
Since then, it has provided tourists and locals with leisurely tours around the lake, showcasing stunning views of Kronoberg.
During the cruise, guests will hear about the boat’s historical significance while learning about the natural and cultural history of the lake.
7. Teleborg Water Tower
Located just outside the city’s southern boundaries is a seemingly unremarkable water tower that offers surprising entertainment. This is due to the vaulted chambers producing remarkable, prolonged echoes, attracting visitors from the city who come to hear their voices reverberate off the walls.
While the tower may seem merely a whimsical detour, it offers unique enjoyment, especially for families with children.
On a clear day, visitors can walk there, enjoying the sights of Växjösjön and Trummen lakes along the way.
8. Dädesjö Gamla Kyrka
Travel to the nearby village of Dädesjö to view this impressive Romanesque church.
This monument is overseen by the Swedish National Heritage Board and remains open daily.
Within, you will discover the nave of a 13th-century church.
Although modest externally, the interior is adorned with vivid frescoes from the 1200s that remain untouched.
These depict scenes such as the Nativity and various episodes from the life of Jesus, including the Massacre of the Innocents.
After the church was decommissioned in 1795, much of its ornamentation was relocated to the neighboring “New Church,” which displays 13th-century imagery of Mary and St. Olaf.
9. Växjö Konsthallen
Should inclement weather arise, spending an hour or two exploring art at the municipal gallery is an excellent alternative.
Admission is complimentary, and the exhibitions encompass both Swedish and international art.
The displays are diverse and aim to provoke thought and conversation about art among visitors of varying ages and backgrounds.
For instance, in the summer of 2017, an exhibition focused on graffiti and urban art, examining the motivations behind its creation and assessing graffiti’s recognition as an art form.
10. Little Rock Lake Zipline
Venture north into the Småland wilderness, where an exciting adventure center awaits.
This facility features several zipline courses elevated above the forest floor via towers.
There are three routes: Light Green/Blue, Black, and Kamikaze.
Each offers varying lengths, challenges, and speeds.
All routes, however, provide breathtaking views of the four surrounding lakes and vast stretches of coniferous forests.
The shortest route typically requires around two hours to complete, while the longest can take up to five hours, and participants will be accompanied by a trained guide throughout the duration.
A particularly memorable segment is the crossing of “Sawcreek Canyon” on the Black and Kamikaze routes, spanning a fast-flowing stream between two cliffs.
11. Granhults Kyrka
A visit to this stunning wooden church, located in a village just north of Lenhovda, is not to be missed.
Granhults Kyrka, the oldest standing wooden church in Sweden, dates back to the 13th century.
The villagers have preserved the structure since it was decommissioned in 1829, ensuring its survival. The interior showcases elaborate paintings by the 18th-century Växjö artist Johan Christian Zschotzscher.
Additionally, various artifacts can be appreciated, including a wooden statue of Mary with Child from 1475, a cabinet bearing a polychrome image of St. Olaf from the same period, and a beautifully patterned pulpit from the 17th century.
Adjacent to the church stands a typical Nordic timber bell tower, erected in the 18th century.
12. Scensommar
During the summer months, various events unfold along the shores of Växjösjön in Linnéparken.
This area serves as a venue for Scensommar, a program featuring around 50 concerts and performances aimed at children, running from late June to mid-August.
For live music, visitors can come down on Wednesday evenings at 19:00, and it’s recommended to bring a picnic basket and a blanket.
Children will enjoy puppet theatre performances, while street entertainers add to the festivities with comedy, magic, and acrobatics.
13. Kingdom of Crystal
Växjö is located on the western edge of a designated region (Glasriket) renowned for crafting fine glassware and artworks since the 1740s.
Those captivated by the Swedish Glass Museum can explore Glasriket and visit numerous operational glassworks.
The town of Nybro serves as the epicenter of production, allowing visitors to observe glassblowers at work and purchase exquisite crystal and glassware at factory prices.
For those interested in experiencing the craft firsthand, Målerås Glassworks, situated outside Nybro, offers the opportunity to create a personalized glass bowl.
Once cooled, participants can retrieve their creations the following day at the gift shop or opt for postal delivery.
14. Huseby Bruk
Approximately 20 kilometers southwest of Växjö lies an estate that became a center of industry starting in the 17th century.
Huseby primarily operated as an ironworks, extracting iron from limonite sourced from the region’s lakes.
The former ironworks now hosts a museum along with various other artifacts of light industry preserved as they were a century ago.
The estate, now home to peacocks, showcases an exhibition of antique wagons, a scenic watermill, a functioning Archimedes’ screw, and workers’ cottages.
Visitors can explore the elaborately decorated manor house, where King Oscar II was once a guest during the 19th century.
Throughout the year, Huseby Bruk hosts a variety of events, with the highlight being one of Scandinavia’s largest Christmas fairs in November, featuring approximately 150 stalls.
15. Outdoor Fun
It is difficult to overstate the abundance of water surrounding Växjö.
And where there is a lake, there are swimming beaches and piers.
Countless designated bathing areas are available nearby, ensuring at least one at every lake.
Therefore, visitors heading to Helgasjön, Lädjasjön, Barnsjön, Åredasjön, or any number of additional locales will find swimming, changing facilities, and tranquil spots to unwind by the water.
Canoe and kayak rentals are offered in Växjö, while the flat terrain is conducive to biking.
Bicyclists can rent bicycles and embark on a variety of excursions.
If time permits, the Åsnen Runt presents a four-day trail around the intricately indented coastline of Åsnen, featuring strawberry patches and apple orchards.
