10 must-do's in Jönköping

Make candy canes, hike through magical forests or take a dip in Lake Vättern. Jönköping and its various destinations are full of unforgettable adventures. Here we list 10 wonderful experiences you shouldn’t miss out on, and of course, there are many more than just these to explore.

Jönköping city

Jönköping, the largest city in Småland, has a lot to offer. You’re bound to enjoy delightful days exploring its charming restaurants, bustling shopping streets, vibrant cultural spots, and scenic park hangouts. The proximity to our three lakes and to the 1.5 km-long sandy beach along the shore of Lake Vättern means that you are never far from a refreshing swim.

Rosenlunds rosarium

Not far from the centre of Jönköping you'll find Rosenlund Rosarium. This garden is recognized as one of the world’s most visited rosariums, a distinction earned when it became the first Swedish rosarium to receive the ‘Award of Garden Excellence’ in 2022.

You will find Rosenlund Rosarium scenically located in an area of Jönköping that has both cultural and historical importance, and within walking distance to the beach by Lake Vättern. There are lots of beautiful roses to find here, but also exotic trees and perennials. Guided tours are also on offer.

Tändsticksområdet

Immerse yourself in an authentic cultural experience in this beautifully preserved historical area of the city. With its shops, art gallery, brewery, and restaurants, the area fosters a unique atmosphere where passionate enthusiasts and creatives come together. Don’t miss the Match Museum, where you can journey back in time.

Gränna

Stroll through the charming streets and narrow alleys of Gränna and watch artisan confectioners make candy canes at one of the ‘polkagris’ kitchens. Stop by the Grenna Museum and take a deep dive into Andrée's polar expedition. You can get a stunning view of Gränna, Visingsö and Vättern from the top of Grännaberget - choose between climbing the 243 steps up the mountain or driving up by car.

Tabergsådalen

The area around the Taberg river is a place where nature, entrepreneurship and creativity meet. It has also played an important role in Sweden’s industrial history.

You can book a guided tour of the caves that lie beneath Taberg’s mountain or take in the view from the summit. For those interested in outdoor activities, there is also a hiking centre in Taberg.

Another popular destination in the area is Bruket in Norrahammar. In recent years, Bruket has developed into a creative hotspot, with vintage furniture stores, second-hand boutiques and a ceramics workshop.

Äppledalen

Just north of Huskvarna, you'll find Äppledalen, the Tuscany of Småland. In this valley you’ll find orchards with long rows of apple trees, and whilst you enjoy this beautiful setting, you can find places to sit and have a cup of coffee or something to eat, or you can visit one of the small enterprises that sell locally produced food and unique design goods. Äppledalen is a well worth the trip all year round.

Huskvarna

In Huskvarna, it is clear to see how much of a mark one of the world's most versatile industrial companies, Husqvarna, has left on the place.

At the Husqvarna Museum, you can explore over 300 years of industrial innovation. This fascinating museum brings the past to life, showcasing everything from historical weapons to vintage kitchen equipment from over the years. Directly across from the museum is Smedbyn (Blacksmith's Village), once home to skilled gunsmiths, now transformed into a hub for art and craft studios.

Huskvarna Folkets Park, established a century ago with a loan from the Husqvarna factory's coffee fund, has become an integral part of the local cultural scene. The park hosts a variety of cultural events, including live music, car enthusiast meet-ups, fairs, and more. Artists often praise the park for its beautiful design and welcoming audiences.

Upplev Vättern

You can't miss Lake Vättern when you visit us. It is ever-present whether you're taking a stroll along the shore or speeding past on the E4 motorway.

A dip in Lake Vättern is a refreshing way to awaken all your senses, no matter the time of year.

You can also experience Jönköping from Lake Vättern by taking a kayak or paddleboard trip.

Viewpoints

‘Beautiful and full of experiences’ are good words to sum up Jönköping and its surrounding destinations. So naturally you can't leave the area without having visited a scenic viewpoint or perhaps ticking several off on our viewpoint bingo. Magnificent views await you in Jönköping and Huskvarna as well as in Gränna, Äppledalen, Tabergsådalen and on Visingsö.

Have a taste of Jönköping

What does our place actually taste like? The traditional Småland flavours of ‘ostkaka’ (Swedish cheese cake) and ‘isterband’ (smoked sausage) have been joined in recent years by newer traditions of celebrating the first Thursday in march with a marzipan cake, and the city's very own kebab sauce recipe.

Two of Jönköping’s top specialities have also been protected with place-of-origin labels. The European Commission has decided to protect Äkta Gränna Polkagrisar (authentic candy cane made in Gränna) and Rökt Vättersik (smoked whitefish) under the EU's quality scheme for protected designations of origin.

Polkagris
This red and white candy cane has become one of the main symbols of Gränna. The widow Amalia Eriksson started making candy canes in the latter half of the 19th century to support herself and her daughter. The candy canes are made by hand from sugar, water, vinegar and peppermint oil. Visiting Gränna and seeing polkagris production with your own eyes is a unique experience and the icing

Rökt vättersik
Rökt Vättersik is a local speciality that has recently been designated as a protected product. The whitefish is caught in Lake Vättern and smoked in a smokehouse that is fired by alder wood. You can buy this fish delicacy from Bengtsgården on Visingsö, or from Habbes Fiskgross and Vätterfisk in Jönköping.

Fössta tossdan i mass - The first Thursday in March
The first Thursday in March has become a special day in Jönköping, celebrated with marzipan cake. This tongue-in-cheek tradition stems from the local dialect’s tendency to drop the ‘r’ sound in certain words, making the Swedish phrase for ‘the first Thursday in March’—‘första torsdag i mars’—sound like ‘fossta tossdan i mass’. The phenomenon was created by the Svenningson siblings, inspired by their aunt, who would say ‘fössta mass’ in her distinct Smålands accent. On 25 February 2010, Jonas Svenningson launched a Facebook page called ‘Fössta tossdan i mass,’ and since then, the tradition has only grown. Today, the day is also known as Småland's national day.

Äpplemust a juice made from apples
In the lovely Äppledalen valley between Gränna and Jönköping, apple orchards stretch over the landscape, and fruit has been grown here for almost 100 years. You will find a variety of companies producing juice and cider in the area, several of which have won awards.

At Rudenstam's farm café you can sample the home-grown products in the café and buy some to take home. You can also book a juice tasting as well. Vistakulle Fruktodling also sells its own farm-grown products and has a café open in the summer.

Smålans "Ostkaka"
In addition to raw milk and cheese rennet, this Småland cheese cake (not to be confused with American cheesecake) contains sweet almonds, bitter almonds, eggs, cream and granulated sugar. It is grainier in texture than the Hälsingeostkaka made in Hälsingland.

The cheese cake is best eaten lukewarm with jam (usually sour cherry) and whipped cream. You can eat homemade Smålands "Ostkaka" at Svengården and Kleven 7.

Kebab sauce
The question of which city makes Sweden’s best kebab sauce is a topic of constant debate. Jönköping’s version stands out with its pink hue and a secret ingredient—Fanta. Some of the classic pizzerias serving this distinctive sauce include Alcamo, Prima, and Evergreen.