Saturday market — an experience for all the senses

Many in Jönköping start their Saturday off with a visit to market. just saying “the market” is enough, even though there are several in the city center — because at Västra torget, trading has been going on for nearly 100 years, and the market is said to be one of the largest still active in Sweden.

And what a lively scene it is! as early as 4 in the morning (or night, depending on who you ask), the first vendors begin arriving to prepare their spots on the large cobblestone square.

Shortly after 7, stalls and sales vans are open, packed with everything from fish, vegetables, and cheese to oilcloths, curtains, and clothes. often at prices so good they leave out-of-town visitors amazed — and it doesn’t take long before your bags are full of treats for the evening and the week ahead.

Local produce and seasonal variety

Much of the selection is locally grown and changes with the seasons. That means an abundance of flowers and plants in spring, along with the arrival of asparagus, mackerel, new potatoes and strawberries. In autumn, harvest season brings even more berries, vegetables and seafood to the market aisles.

Experience a vibrant and historic meeting place

A Saturday visit to the square isn’t just a treasure hunt for food lovers. The whole event is a show, with colorful and early-rising vendors promoting their goods at varying volumes. Many have a long tradition of traveling to Jönköping with their products, while others are newer — and you’ll start to notice influences from the food cultures of new Swedes as well.

The square has also been an important social meeting place for many years — like in the crowd in front of the fish vans, where the relaxed weekend chatter of customers blends with queue numbers, shrimp prices by the kilo, and cooking tips in cheerful Gothenburg dialect. Most people in the bustle are locals, of course, but some travel many miles just to visit — and for the atmosphere.

Some of the market vendors advertise weekly deals in local media, and a few are active on social media. But the best tip is simply to head to Västra torget on a Saturday morning — “taajet” is a fairground for all the senses and has to be experienced in person!

Three musts at the market

Search social media for updates on upcoming market days!

Gigeryds gård

A true market classic and a reliable source for vegetables and eggs — come rain or shine. Here you’ll find juice and jam made from their own strawberry fields, along with asparagus and potatoes — and a cheerful crew of “Gigerydare”.

Visit Gigeryds Gård’s website External link, opens in new window.

Söderlinds ekologiska grönsaker

Local tomatoes are a luxury to savor, and Söderlind’s harvest comes in a variety of colors and sizes. Don’t miss the elongated San Marzano tomato — a classic in Italian cooking, now grown right in Habo. There’s plenty more too, including seedlings for anyone eager to kick-start their garden.

Söderlinds facebookpage External link, opens in new window.

Fish over the counter

A couple of loyal fish vendors are ready to serve market visitors with fresh delights on Saturday mornings. EK Fisk and Bohus Fisk park their vans side by side, making it easy to compare the day’s prices on seafood and fish. Prices vary depending on the catch — and may drop as the market’s 1 PM closing time approaches.

Smålands lokal fishing truck webpage External link, opens in new window.

Smålands lokalafishing truck Instagram External link, opens in new window.

Bohus fisks webbpage External link, opens in new window.