Växjö

Växjö is the heart of Småland and the county seat of Kronoberg. It is a small global city defined by contrasts. On one hand, there is vibrant city life, shopping, and entertainment. On the other hand, there are cozy side streets, urban gardening, cobblestone streets, and culture. The name “Växjö” originated from the city’s location on an old marketplace by the lake, where many roads converged, “Vägsjö,” which later became Växjö. Several major markets and annual events such as MAT, Karl-Oskardagarna, and Scensommar invite both Växjö residents and visitors to join in the delightful party atmosphere and community spirit.

City buzz and food destination

Växjö boasts one of Sweden’s perhaps longest pedestrian streets, spanning 700 meters. Adjacent to it, you’ll find several other pedestrian streets, offering a mix of small, unique shops, chains, second-hand stores, specialty shops, and glass art – a truly varied selection. The shops are open every day of the week, and on Wednesdays and Saturdays, traditional market trading takes place at Stortorget. The Cathedral, with its two spires and vibrant colours, is a distinct landmark for the city, often glimpsed over the rooftops of the city centre. It is also open to visitors and features beautiful glass art inside.

Växjö is a renowned food destination with a strong focus on sustainability. The restaurant group PM & Vänner, along with its associated gastronomy hotel, showcases the region in a tasteful way through its philosophy based on the three cornerstones of “forest, meadow, and lake.” The restaurant has been awarded a star in the Michelin Guide, and its wine selection has received a Grand Award from Wine Spectator. In addition to several restaurants, the deluxe family also has an organic urban garden that supplies them with vegetables, allowing for farm-to-table dining experiences through Picknick deluxe on-site. Moreover, you can find a diverse range of cuisines from around the world in this small city – Japanese, Asian, Mexican, and more.

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Cultural city

Not to be forgotten, Växjö is also a true cultural city with galleries, museums, theatres, and concert halls. Smålands Museum is Sweden’s oldest provincial museum, opening in its own building…

Not to be forgotten, Växjö is also a true cultural city with galleries, museums, theatres, and concert halls. Smålands Museum is Sweden’s oldest provincial museum, opening in its own building as early as 1885. In the permanent exhibitions, you’ll find highlights from the museum’s extensive collection that has grown over the years. Adjacent to it is the Swedish Glass Museum, displaying a selection from Sweden’s largest collection of art and utility glass. There is also the Utvandrarnas hus (House of Emigrants), which portrays the great wave of emigration to America in the 19th and 20th centuries. Additionally, you can take a ride on Sweden’s oldest wood-fired steamboat, the Ångaren Thor. The boat operates on Lake Helga outside Växjö, with Kronoberg Castle ruin as its homeport.

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Close to nature

The proximity to nature from the city centre is immediate, and just a stone’s throw from Stortorget (the main square) and shopping streets lies Lake Växjö, a natural meeting place where you c…

The proximity to nature from the city centre is immediate, and just a stone’s throw from Stortorget (the main square) and shopping streets lies Lake Växjö, a natural meeting place where you can hang out by the dock for a coffee with friends or engage in outdoor activities. To discover more of the city, you can bike (or walk!) along the over 40-kilometer-long trail Växjö Runt, which connects Växjö’s natural environments, six lakes, and residential areas.

Experience nature