Looking for things do in Jönköping? Jönköping is a beautiful city located next to Lake Vättern and it’s one of the biggest cities in Sweden.

Here you’ll find a mix of beautiful nature and museums to fun activities and historical sites. Down below you can read more about the best things to do in Jönköping as a tourist:

Go kayaking

If you like being out in nature and stay active during your travels, then I can recommend renting a kayak.

It’s very refreshing to go kayaking on Vättern and see Jönköping from a different angle. You can rent a kayak at JKPG Outdoor Activities or at Kajakpaddla in the city center.

Visit the Match Museum

Did you know that the match museum in Jönköping is the only match museum in the world? Yes, it is true, and here you can learn more about the history of the match and the match industry.

It is no doubt one of the best attractions in Jönköping if you enjoy visiting museums.

Match Museum jönköping

Photo: Polarpx / Shutterstock.com

Visit Smedbyn

Smedbyn is located in Huskvarna, an area in eastern Jönköping. It’s a beautiful and cozy little village with red cottages that was built during the 18th century by the Husqvarna factory.

The best time to visit the village is during the summer when all the cottages are open and filled with both craftsmen and artists.

Go shopping at Smedjegatan

Jönköping may not be the world’s best shopping destination, but there is actually a small shopping street where it’s nice to stroll around.

Along this street you will find shops like Tiger, Cervera, Granite, Guldfynd, and some underwear shops and textile shops.

things to do in jönköping

Photo: Petr Ya / Shutterstock.com

Visit Husqvarna Museum

Husqvarna factory museum has manufactured everything from sewing machines and weapons to vehicles and lawnmowers over the years.

There are many interesting things to have a look at inside this museum. If you enjoy strolling around at museums during your travels, this is one of the best things to do in Jönköping for you.

Stop by Habo Church

Habo Church is one of the most beautiful buildings in Jönköping. The church was built in 1680 and is located 15 minutes outside Jönköping.

Here you can see beautiful floor-to-ceiling paintings illustrating Martin Luther’s catechism. The church is very beautiful on the inside, so make sure to stop by during your stay in the city.

habo kyrka

Photo: TTphoto / Shutterstock.com

Visit Tabergsgruvan

In the mountain of Taberg you’ll find a mine, also known as Tabergsgruvan. During the summer you can go on guided tours and visit the theatre inside the mine to see various shows.

Near the mine you will also find the world’s only bat museum, which is also worth a visit.

Explore Visingsö

If you have a few days to spend in Jönköping then it can be nice to go on a day trip to Visingsö outside Gränna.

It’s a beautiful island that’s home to old farms, churches, and castles. Some of the most popular attractions on the island include Näs Borg and Visingsborg Castle.

things to do in jönköping

Photo: Shutterstock

Go on a boat tour

Experience John Bauer’s inspirational environments with beautiful canals surrounded by lush nature. 

Through a boat tour you can experience the enchanting environment on the channels Bunn and Ören. It costs 280 SEK and the tour also includes a Swedish fika (coffee and sweets).

It’s no doubt one of the best things to do in Jönköping. This boat tour is popular among both adults and kids.

Make a reservation: +46 707 -91 78 10

Eat candy canes in Gränna

If you’re craving some sweets, I can recommend visiting Gränna and eat some candy canes. Cabbe Polkagrisar Gränna is one of my favorite places and is located next to the hotel and restaurant Gyllene Uttern. 

Here you can see how they’re made and go shopping for candy canes. There are so many delicious flavors to choose from.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Stroll around in Jönköping stadspark

West of the city center you’ll find Jönköping city park. It’s a large green area where you can stroll around and visit various attractions.

Jönköping Open Air Museum is one of the most popular where you can see 10 different historic buildings. The 18th-century bell tower and Soldatorp from the 20th century are some of the most impressive.

This is no doubt one of the best things to do in Jönköping with kids.

Visit Sofiakyrkan

This is one of Jönköping’s biggest attractions and is a beautiful church from the 19th century.

The church is known for its neo-Gothic style, which was designed by the architect and professor G.G Dahl who also designed the Royal Library in Stockholm.

The Sofia Church is incredibly beautiful on the inside, so make sure to stop by and visit when you’re in town.

sofiakyrkan

Photo: Tommy Alven / Shutterstock.com

Things to do in Jönköping with kids

Jönköping is an excellent city if you’re traveling with your kids. Here you can visit both museums and historical sites, eat candy canes, jump on trampolines, go hiking and much more.

Here are some tips on things to do in Jönköping with kids:

  • Go to Äppledalen for hiking or apple picking
  • Experience Prison Island in Huskvarna
  • Go to a museum
  • Visit Yoump trampoline park
  • Make your own candy canes in Gränna
  • Explore Jönköping city park
  • Experiment, discover, play and learn at Upptech Jönköping

Things to do in Jönköping when it rains

If you’re in the city when it’s bad weather, do not worry, there are several things to do in Jönköping when it rains.

You can visit several museums, eat delicious Swedish food, have a Swedish fika in cafés, go shopping, and much more.

  • Visit the Match Museum
  • Visit Habo Church
  • Eat delicious food at a cozy restaurants
  • Go see Sofiakyrkan
  • Visit Husqvarna Museum
  • Go shopping at Smedjegatan
  • Visit Jönkoping County Museum
  • Buy an umbrella and stroll around in the rain

Recommended hotels in Jönköping

Below you have two recommended hotels in Jönköping. One is perfect if you’re traveling on a budget, and the other one is a bit more modern and luxurious.

Jönköping hotel


What are your favorite things to do in Jönköping? Leave a comment below!