Jönköping — where water is always near

How many cities have a waterfront promenade and turquoise-blue swimming spots right in the heart of the city? Discover Lake Vättern and all the waters of Jönköping!

Sunny beaches, boating, and ice skating. Wherever you go in Jönköping Municipality, water is always present – all year round. Water is essential for life, and without it, Jönköping likely wouldn’t exist – at least not in this very place.

Across the municipality, you’ll find countless small lakes perfect for swimming, complete with piers and calm inland waters. Fishing is popular, and crayfish are caught here and there. There are great opportunities for adventure with a rented canoe or kayak, and exciting routes and waterways to explore – for example, between Ören and Bunn in the east, or on Lake Stråken near Bottnaryd in the western part of the municipality.

The city at the southern tip of Lake Vättern

The deep and mighty Lake Vättern is, of course, the dominant body of water in Jönköping.
The municipality wraps around the lake’s southern tip — from Gränna in the east to Bankeryd in the west, with Visingsö in the middle.

The E4 highway, which runs along Vättern’s eastern shore, is considered one of Sweden’s most scenic routes — anyone who’s driven it at sunset knows why.

For the people of Jönköping, Vättern is a constant presence. It’s the view from hillside neighborhoods, a frequent topic of conversation (Will the lake freeze over this year? Is it warm enough to swim?), and the source of the city’s drinking water.

A Mediterranean-style beach in the heart of Jönköping

With a sandy shoreline stretching along the entire city center (someone once said, “like Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro”), Lake Vättern becomes a shallow oasis where people gather for sun, swimming, and socializing during the summer months. The beach turns into a colorful patchwork of towels and sunbathers packed like sardines (!).

Along the waterfront, there’s a steady stream of runners, cyclists, and other exercisers, and on the eastern side, large green spaces invite ball games and barbecues.

In the city center, walking paths, the marina, and waterways all meet at “Piren” — a historic stone pier and breakwater that today hosts a row of casual restaurants and ice cream spots.

Along the Vättern shoreline, you’ll find several restaurants and cafés — perfect for those who want to enjoy a meal with a view of the water. Feeling tempted to head out on the lake? Try Kayakomaten — a self-service kayak rental you book digitally. It’s a great way to see Jönköping from a whole new perspective — from the water.

Restaurant promenade around Lake Munksjön

Just a few hundred meters from the Vättern shoreline path lies another of Jönköping’s key waters. Along the canal, you’ll seamlessly drift into the vibrant restaurant scene by Lake Munksjön. This area has played a central role in Jönköping’s transformation over the past 20 years. The number of restaurants has grown — as have the new residential buildings. A popular walking path circles the entire lake, with outdoor gyms, public art, and cozy spots to pause and relax.

Here you’ll also find Kulturhuset Spira, home to a restaurant that serves lunch, among other things.

Exciting developments are underway at the southern tip of Munksjön, with new housing, shops, and restaurants. A stroll along the newly built waterfront path toward the city takes you past the old industrial area, now being renovated for new and creative uses. For now, the former paper mill’s warehouse is home to the buzzing nightclub OPA, known for its legendary club nights right on the lakeside.

Experience nature at Lake Rocksjön

The third — and most nature-oriented — of Jönköping’s city lakes is Rocksjön, surrounded by a nature reserve. This area is a true biodiversity hotspot, where you can observe over 50 different bird species up close. Walk the boardwalks around the lake, go paddling, or throw a frisbee in nearby Knektaparken.

In summer, Rocksjöbadet is a family-friendly swimming spot close to the city. You’ll find large grassy areas, a pier, and the restaurant Hasse på Sjökanten right by the water.

There’s so much to discover around the lakes of central Jönköping — and more is always being added.
Dive into the possibilities and enjoy the lakes — your way!

Rosenlunds Herrgård och rosarium
Closer to central Jönköping, Rosenlunds Manor and its rosarium offer a charming spot with Lake Vättern just below. If you're visiting during blooming season, take a moment to enjoy the scent of the roses — and don’t miss Café Stallgården nearby.

Experiences around Gränna

Örserumsbadet
A hidden gem about ten minutes from Gränna and the E4 highway — perfect for those who want to enjoy a peaceful lake swim in a picturesque, rural setting. Nearby, you’ll find charming guesthouses and a traditional country store. The beach is well maintained, and the ice cream kiosk is often open.

Örserumsbrunn gestgifveri & konferens
A great option if you’d like to stay a little longer — and maybe try the local beer brewed on-site at the historic spa brewery.

Örserumsbrunns website External link, opens in new window.

Smålandsgården
Just nearby, you’ll find another beautiful spot with lush green areas leading down to Lake Ören.
Here, you can enjoy a wood-fired sauna and paddle out onto the lake for a peaceful adventure.

Don’t miss the canal between Lake Ören and Lake Bunn!
Now you’re deep in John Bauer country, soon paddling your way to the village of Bunn. There you’ll find Bauergården, offering magical Småland-style experiences for both body and soul.

Trolska båtturer
For a more comfortable — yet still atmospheric — way to experience this historic cultural landscape, hop aboard a Trolska båttur (Magical Boat Tour). Perfect for sightseeing, conferences, or themed activities like barbecues and crayfish parties.

Gränna Harbour
means camping, boat docks, restaurants, and shops. This is where the ferry to Visingsö departs on its frequent trips to the island, and the harbour buzzes with people strolling along the Vättern shoreline — often with a polkagris in hand.

Brunstorpsbadet, on the outskirts of Huskvarna, offers a chance to swim and enjoy a waterslide in heated water — with Lake Vättern as your scenic backdrop.

Axamobadet
Axamo Beach is another popular swimming spot, complete with a campsite, restaurant, and nearby fitness trails.
Right next to the beach, you’ll also find Högt & Lågt — an adventure park with climbing, ziplining, and fun for all ages.

Stråken
In the western parts of the municipality, Lake Stråken is a popular destination for paddling.
At the southern end of this long, narrow lake lies Stråkenbadet — an idyllic swimming spot.