Ever wondered what happens when medieval charm meets cutting-edge sustainability? Welcome to Växjö – the small Swedish city that’s making big waves as Sweden’s most environmentally conscious city, where carbon dioxide emissions have been reduced by half since 1993, now standing at less than a third of the EU average.
Nestled in the heart of Småland province in southern Sweden, this picturesque university town of around 70,000 residents sits like a precious emerald among countless pristine lakes. With its twin-spired cathedral piercing the skyline and glass-making heritage spanning centuries, Växjö offers an irresistible blend of cultural richness, natural beauty, and forward-thinking innovation that’ll have you planning your next visit before you’ve even left.
Top Attractions That’ll Steal Your Heart
Swedish Glass Museum & Smålands Museum
Step into the Kingdom of Crystal at this incredible double-header. The Swedish Glass 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. Right next door, Smålands Museum is Sweden’s oldest provincial museum, opening in its own building as early as 1885. Pro tip: The glass tree installation inside the cathedral is absolutely stunning!
Växjö Cathedral (Domkyrka)
Known locally as “The Eiffel Tower of Växjö”, this Gothic masterpiece features towering spires and intricate stonework. 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. Don’t miss the beautiful glass art installations inside, including works by renowned glass artist Bertil Vallien.
The Emigrants’ House (Utvandrarnas hus)
This fascinating museum tells the incredible story of Swedish emigration to America. This event holds significant historical importance considering the current population of Sweden sits just below 10 million. The museum features exhibitions on famous settlers and explores the works of Vilhelm Moberg, whose historical fiction novels captured the emigrant experience.
Kronoberg Castle Ruins
Take a scenic journey to Lake Helga (Helgasjön) where the ruins of Kronoberg Castle sit on its shore. Dating back to 1444, the castle was a stronghold for the Swedes fighting the Danes. You can even take a lake cruise aboard the steamboat S/S Thor, which has been plying Helgasjön for over 130 years.
Linnéparken
Curling around the north shore of Växjösjön is the city’s main park, perfect for lakeside strolls and summer picnics. The park features the historic Karolinerhuset from 1715, where the famous botanist Carl Linnaeus once attended school.
Unique Hidden Gems
- Dädesjö Gamla Kyrka: This impressive Romanesque church features vivid frescoes from the 1200s that remain untouched
- Granhults Kyrka: The oldest wooden church still standing in Sweden, dating to the 13th century
- The Water Tower: A quirky stop south of the city where vaulted chambers produce remarkable, prolonged echoes
Camping & Caravan Paradise
Sweden is a camper’s dream destination, and Växjö region delivers in spades! With over 1,000 campsites for caravans and motorhomes, plus the freedom to pitch a tent almost anywhere, you’ll never run out of spectacular spots.
Wild Camping Freedom
Thanks to ‘Allemansrätten’, the Right of Public Access, you can pitch a tent almost anywhere in nature. For motorhomes, you can park on hard surfaces like asphalt, gravel, or other durable ground that won’t be damaged by the vehicle.
Traditional Campsites
Pitches at campsites in Sweden cost on average €35.60, making it incredibly affordable. The region offers excellent facilities, and many sites feature stunning lakeside locations perfect for swimming and water sports.
Practical Tips for Campers
- A Camping ID is required for SCR-affiliated campsites and is free of charge
- Always check for fire bans before lighting a barbecue at Krisinformation.se
- The best time to discover Sweden with your motorhome is from June to August
Summer: When Växjö Comes Alive
Scensommar Festival – The Crown Jewel
Scensommar is Växjö kommun’s stora sommarsatsning och betyder åtta veckor med musik, dans, teater, nycirkus och stand-up (Växjö’s biggest summer event featuring eight weeks of music, dance, theater, circus, and stand-up). Running from June 25th to August 13th, 2025, this incredible festival offers free admission and outdoor performances. The festival doesn’t just hit big stages but pops up in smaller towns and unconventional venues like heritage farms, beaches, and residential areas.
Summer Activities Galore
- Lake Adventures: Walk the 3-mile (5-kilometer) boardwalk around Växjö Lake, conveniently located in the town center
- Outdoor Concerts: In summer there’s always something happening on the shore of Växjösjön at Linnéparken, with some 50 concerts and kid-oriented shows from the end of June to the middle of August
- Adventure Sports: At Little Rock Lake, 30 miles north of Växjö, you can zipline from one side of the water to the other, traversing 2.5-miles
Outdoor Dining & Shopping
Växjö boasts one of Sweden’s perhaps longest pedestrian streets, spanning 700 meters. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, traditional market trading takes place at Stortorget. For outdoor dining, Café Fontain offers stunning views over lake Växjösjön.
Winter: A Frosty Wonderland
While specific 2025 winter events weren’t detailed in our search, Växjö transforms into a cozy winter destination with plenty to offer:
Indoor Cultural Attractions
Perfect for cold days, dive into the museums, galleries, and Växjö’s true cultural city scene with theatres and concert halls. The Växjö konserthus hosts regular performances throughout winter.
Winter Sports & Activities
The numerous lakes freeze over, creating perfect conditions for ice skating and winter sports. The surrounding forests offer excellent cross-country skiing opportunities.
Cozy Café Culture
All cafés offer classic Swedish pastry such as cinnamon buns and chocolate balls and are family friendly. Try Bönan & Mustaschen for probably the best cappuccino in town or Askelyckan, probably the nicest building in town with typically Swedish yellow wood.
Year-Round Events & Festivals
Cultural Calendar Highlights
- International Food Festival: Comes to Växjö between April 19-22
- Glass Street Tours: Year-round studio visits showcasing over 300 years of glassmaking knowhow
- University Events: Regular concerts and performances at Växjö University campus
Concert Venues
Växjö has over 66 upcoming concerts, festivals, and comedy events scheduled in venues like Växjö Teater and Kafé de luxe. The city hosts diverse musical genres from rock and pop to jazz and hip-hop.
Useful Travel Info
Getting There
- By Air: Växjö Airport (VXO) serves domestic flights
- By Train: Direct connections from Stockholm and Gothenburg
- By Car: Easily accessible via E4 and other major highways
Best Time to Visit
June to August offers the lowest hotel prices and warmest weather. Average summer temperatures around 20°C with up to 20 hours of daylight make this period magical for outdoor activities.
Dining Scene
Växjö is a renowned food destination with strong focus on sustainability. PM & Vänner restaurant group has been awarded a star in the Michelin Guide. Their philosophy is based on the three cornerstones of “forest, meadow, and lake”.
Money Matters
Credit card is the main payment method in Sweden, EC cards are often not accepted. Make sure your card is activated for Scandinavia before traveling.
Language
Swedish is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas and by younger locals.
Final Thoughts
Växjö isn’t just another pretty Scandinavian town – it’s a living, breathing example of how tradition and innovation can dance together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re marveling at centuries-old glass art, cycling around crystal-clear lakes, enjoying world-class cuisine, or simply soaking up the midnight sun during Scensommar, this green gem offers experiences that’ll stick with you long after you’ve returned home.
From the eco-conscious traveler to the culture vulture, from families seeking adventure to couples wanting romance – Växjö welcomes everyone with open arms and that distinctly Swedish blend of warmth and understated elegance. So pack your sense of wonder (and maybe a good camera), because Växjö is ready to show you just why it’s considered one of Sweden’s most livable and lovable destinations.
Ready to start planning? Check out the official tourism websites, book your camping spot early for summer visits, and don’t forget to download the Scensommar program when it becomes available. Växjö is waiting to welcome you to the heart of Swedish Småland! Photo credit: Sandgärdsgatan i Växjö , Växjö station och kommunhus , Icon Växjö
