Summary
Few cities offer as serene an environment as Jönköping in southern Sweden. This locality is situated alongside three distinct lakes, including Vättern, the second-largest lake in Sweden and the sixth by area in Europe. With expanses of waters, wooded areas, and charming historical towns, the scenery exudes a sense of enchantment, reminiscent of the works of the artist John Bauer, renowned for his illustrations of trolls and woodland fairies.
Within the town, visitors can engage with the Matchstick Museum, which contains more historical significance than its outward appearances suggest. Additionally, you will encounter a remarkable wooden cathedral and Visingsö, an intriguing island in the lake adorned with ruins.
Let us delve into the best activities to experience in Jönköping:
1. Matchstick Museum
Did you know that the safety match was invented in Jönköping? This museum provides insights into the innovation that transformed the city into a leading match production center from 1845 to 1970. The exhibits recount the narratives of prominent individuals such as the Lundström brothers, who operated the factory that currently houses this museum.
By 1858, the factory was producing 12 million matchboxes annually.
Another notable figure featured is Ivar Kreuger, who elevated the industry in the early 20th century by establishing a global match empire.
The galleries host thousands of matchboxes and matchbooks, alongside all equipment utilized in match production. The comprehensive history of Jönköping’s match industry is presented through an engaging film.
2. Habo Church
A breathtaking structure, Habo Church possesses the scale of a cathedral yet is entirely constructed from wood. Situated approximately 15 minutes north of the city along the western shore of Vättern, it is an image recognized throughout Sweden, often gracing postage stamps.
The church, dating back to 1680, has undergone minimal alterations since 1723. Its interior showcases paintings that were crafted between 1741 and 1743, depicting Martin Luther’s Catechesis.
The altar, made of sandstone, dates back to the 1300s, and the baptismal font, also crafted from sandstone, originates from the preceding century.
3. Jönköping Stadspark
Located west of the city center, Stadspark is not your typical urban park; it functions as a green city district featuring a variety of facilities and attractions within an arboretum established in 1900. Jönköping’s open-air museum resides here, showcasing ten historic buildings relocated to the park to prevent their demolition.
Among its features are a 17th-century bell tower and a Soldattorp, a soldier’s residence from the 19th century corresponding to the conscription known as the Allotment System.
Children will delight in the mini-farm, which houses lambs and baby goats, in addition to a bird museum housed in a charming brick building from 1914, featuring a vintage collection of 1450 birds from 330 different species.
4. Sofiakyrkan
Characterized by its lofty spire, this 19th-century church is one of the city’s significant landmarks celebrated for its prominence in Gothic Revival architecture. The architect, Gustaf Dahl, significantly influenced the architectural landscape of Stockholm during this period.
The exterior displays an appealing contrast of red brick and whitewashed stone moldings that accentuate the rose window, portal, and lancet windows.
The carved wooden altar features a crucifix by artist Carl Johan Dyfverman, alongside a beautiful Italian Baroque painting of the Supper at Emmaus, procured from Rome in the 1600s.
5. Jönköpings Läns Museum
This small museum chronicles the cultural heritage of Jönköping County, primarily focusing on art. Enthusiasts of John Bauer’s fantastical illustrations will be pleased to discover that the museum houses the largest single collection of his sketches and drawings.
The illustrations are displayed within a room designed to replicate the ambiance of his works, mimicking a Småland Forest with accompanying ambient woodland sounds.
Children can indulge in dressing up as characters from his illustrations, wearing troll and fairy costumes. The remaining permanent exhibition offers a comprehensive overview of Swedish art movements, encompassing Romanticism, Expressionism, Naivism, and the Gothenburg Colourists from the early 20th century.
6. Radiomuseet
This museum documents over a century of advancements in radio and communication technology. Whether you are a dedicated enthusiast or merely passing through, it represents an engaging attraction housed in a beautiful industrial brick building near the train station.
Among the diverse collection are pieces such as Edison’s phonograph and various corresponding wax rolls, military radios spanning all eras, gramophones, and a chronological display of mobile phones from the past 50 years. The collection was initiated by 20th-century radio aficionado Erik Karlson, who constructed his first wireless device in 1923.
7. Rosenlunds Rosarium
Situated near the lakeshore, just steps from the city’s beach (Vätterstrand), is a delightful garden boasting over 500 varieties of roses. As one may expect, it is highly recommended from May to July, especially for those with a botanical interest.
Established on the grounds of a mansion from 1788, this garden features hundreds of rose bushes in addition to a wealth of perennials and exotic trees, such as hickory and golden rain trees. All roses are clearly labeled, and the garden is meticulously maintained to ensure that only varieties thriving under these conditions are cultivated.
Like many attractions in the city, access to the garden is completely free, and a café is available during the summer months.
8. Kristine Kyrka
This sandstone church, dating from the latter half of the 17th century, bears the name “Kristine” in honor of Christina, Queen of Sweden, who reigned during that time. It presents a solemn sandstone façade in an understated Baroque style.
On the north wall of the nave, you can find an oil painting of the crucifixion by 18th-century artist Edvard Orm, while the altar painting, created around the same time, is attributed to French artist PC Cazes. Moreover, the church’s organ, assembled in 1912 by the Swedish company Åkerman & Lund, is recognized as one of Sweden’s best-preserved instruments from the National Romantic period of the early 20th century.
9. Gränna
This picturesque town is located along the eastern coastline of Vättern and serves as the departure point for the ferry to Visingsö island. Gränna rests on the lower slopes of a steep hill, Grännaberget, featuring narrow winding lanes and numerous charming wooden structures.
Beloved for its polkagris, a peppermint rock candy, visitors can observe confectioners as they craft this traditional treat. The candy gained popularity in the 19th century, thanks to a talented baker, Amalia Eriksson, who devised a secret recipe that remained undisclosed until her passing. A statue of her is now erected at the foot of the hill.
Additionally, this mountain features a small open-air museum that showcases a soldier’s village and serves as the starting point for the John Bauerleden trail, which meanders through landscapes depicted by the famous illustrator.
10. Visingsö
Vättern’s largest island offers a charming rural setting rich in historical significance. In the 1100s and 1200s, Näs Castle acted as a military stronghold, and its remnants await exploration on the island’s southern coastline. It was established that only the crown would have access to the island’s abundant oak timber, which was cultivated over centuries to build ships for the Swedish navy.
Additionally noteworthy are the ruins of Visingsborg Castle, which welcome visitors upon crossing from Gränna. The remnants, following a devastating fire in the 18th century, present the picturesque vestiges of a substantial Renaissance palace that served as a prison during the Great Northern War in the early 1700s, housing 2,000 Russian soldiers.
11. Husqvarna Industrial Museum
The renowned manufacturing company Husqvarna has diversified its operations across various sectors over the past 400 years. Originating as a weapons manufacturer, it later expanded into sewing machines, bicycles, motorcycles, and is presently most recognized for its power tools.
Located just ten minutes outside Jönköping, its former weapons workshop displays an overview of the brand’s intricate history. Each era is represented, showcasing a fascinating collection of vintage motorcycles, sewing machines, retro kitchenware, antique ovens, 17th-century muskets, modern revolvers, forging equipment, chainsaws, and lawnmowers.
12. Österängens Konsthall
For a cultural experience on a rainy day, consider a visit to the city’s contemporary art center. This venue is part of an initiative in Sweden aimed at making art more accessible to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. The facility thrives during the summer months, organizing numerous children’s activities throughout July for ages 6-16. During the remainder of the year, workshops led by qualified art instructors encourage youth to unleash their creativity.
The gallery hosts around nine exhibitions annually, featuring both local and international art.
13. Vätterstrand
When confronted with the vast expanse of Lake Vättern, one might easily mistake the view for a sea shoreline. The long sandy beach along Jönköping’s waterfront does little to dispel this notion. On sunny summer days, it serves as a welcome retreat, conveniently situated just a short distance from the city center.
The view back towards Jönköping is delightful, and the beach is enhanced by lush lawns, a playground, and a volleyball court. Several cafés and restaurants are positioned along the beach, all while remaining close to various shops and amenities should any needs arise.
14. Taberg
The landscape surrounding the city is predominantly flat, with Taberg presenting a notable rise to the south of Jönköping. This geographical feature has long intrigued geologists, as it comprises an ancient mass of iron ore that cooled approximately 1.2 billion years ago. The renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, in the 18th century, described this mountain as “Småland’s Miracle,” given the more than 400 species of ferns and flowering plants thriving on its slopes.
Taberg attracts visitors for hiking in the summer and cross-country skiing during winter months. The former iron mine on this site opens for tours, providing insights into 500 years of ore extraction and the bats that have since made it their home post-closure.
15. Outdoor Recreation
With three lakes, gentle elevations, and vast expanses of oak and coniferous woodlands at the city’s periphery, the opportunities for outdoor activities in Jönköping are virtually limitless. Numerous hiking paths are available, and visitors can rent canoes, sailboats, or participate in guided kayak tours, while the adventurous might delight in “wild swimming.” Additionally, those who prefer an environmentally-friendly alternative can rent Lill-Nanna, a four-stroke boat, to explore Vättern or Lake Munksjön.
One notable aspect of the Swedish countryside is the general access rights extended to the public, permitting access to almost all areas, save for private residences and gardens. Respect for the environment and foreknowledge of one’s route are paramount. Cyclists also enjoy similar freedom, with five MTB courses located within minutes of the city.
