A calm city in southern Sweden with numerous lakes and forests. Home to Linnaeus University and known for its eco-friendly initiatives and cultural landmarks.
Växjö, a city of around 70,000 residents in southern Sweden's Småland province, is a leader in environmental innovation. In the city center, you'll find a twin-spired cathedral and the Swedish Glass Museum. The surrounding lakes and forests provide opportunities for hiking, cycling, and canoeing. Växjö's culinary scene includes the Michelin-starred PM & Vänner restaurant, which focuses on local ingredients from the forest, lake, and meadow.
Exploring Växjö's Green Spaces
Växjö's eco-friendly initiatives are evident in its many green areas. A 5 km promenade encircles Lake Växjösjön in the city center, where you can walk or cycle. In Linnéparken, named after famous botanist Carl Linnaeus, you can observe seasonal flowers and plants or enjoy a picnic. For a longer nature experience, visit Åsnen National Park, where you can hike through forests and go canoeing on the lakes.
Discovering Småland's Glass Industry
At the Swedish Glass Museum, part of the Smålands Museum, you can examine over 40,000 pieces of glassware from the 16th century to the present day. The collection includes historical goblets, everyday items, and modern art glass. To observe glassmaking in action, take a day trip to the "Kingdom of Crystal" region near Växjö. You can watch artisans at work in historic glassworks like Kosta Boda and Orrefors, and even try glassblowing yourself.
Savoring Växjö's Culinary Scene
Despite its small size, Växjö has a varied food scene. The city's most acclaimed restaurant is PM & Vänner, which has earned a Michelin star for its innovative use of local ingredients from the "forest, lake, and meadow". For more casual dining, walk along the pedestrian-friendly Storgatan, where you'll find many cafes and restaurants. Try local specialties like kroppkakor (potato dumplings) or lingonberry jam to taste traditional Småland flavors.
Experiencing Växjö's Sustainable Initiatives
To understand Växjö's environmental efforts, visit the biomass power plant that supplies most of the city's heat and electricity. The city buses run on biogas produced from food waste. You can rent an electric bike to explore Växjö's extensive network of cycle paths. There are also urban gardens and energy-efficient buildings throughout the city that demonstrate Växjö's commitment to sustainable living.
Visiting Växjö Cathedral
Växjö Cathedral, with its twin spires, is visible from many parts of the city. The church dates back to the 12th century, though it has been rebuilt several times after fires. Inside, you'll see stained glass windows and a modern altar piece made of glass, reflecting the region's glassmaking tradition. For a view of Växjö and its surrounding lakes, you can climb one of the cathedral towers.
Taking a Day Trip to Kronoberg Castle
North of Växjö, on an island in Lake Helgasjön, you'll find the ruins of Kronoberg Castle. This 15th-century fortress was an important defensive structure during conflicts between Sweden and Denmark. Today, you can walk among the ruins and imagine life in medieval times. There's a cafe near the castle where you can have a traditional Swedish fika (coffee break). In summer, you can take a tour of the lake on the historic steamboat S/S Thor.
