Guides

Things to do in Växjö in winter: glass, cathedral and lakes

What to do in Växjö in winter: the Swedish Glass Museum, Växjö Cathedral and a short lakeside walk.

You don't need snow to enjoy winter in Växjö. The glass museum and cathedral give you two different ways to explore the region's glass art, and a short walk beside Växjösjön adds some time outdoors. Keep the walking flexible and build your day around these four stops.

1. Explore the Swedish Glass Museum

This is a good anchor for a winter day: take your time with Swedish glass, from older objects to contemporary studio work. The displays make room for both practical glassmaking and artistic experiments. Rather than rushing through, pick a few pieces and compare their colour, shape and technique.

Good to know

  • Find it inside Smålands museum at Södra Järnvägsgatan 2.
  • September–May hours are Tuesday–Friday 10 am–5 pm and weekends 11 am–4 pm; closed Mondays. Check holiday exceptions before going.
  • Admission also covers Utvandrarnas hus. Ages 0–18 enter free; see current adult prices online.

2. Step inside Växjö Cathedral

Carry the glass theme into the cathedral, where the works have a different purpose and setting. Look for Bertil Vallien's altarpiece, Kjell Engman's font and Erik Höglund's light tree. It's a quieter stop that works well alongside a longer museum visit.

Good to know

  • Find the cathedral at Linnégatan 2A, beside Linnéparken.
  • Check the church calendar before visiting and leave sightseeing until worship has finished.
  • Lifts and accessible toilets are available.

3. Take a short walk beside Växjösjön

You can reach the lakeside without making a countryside excursion. Växjö Art Site adds public art to the walk, giving you a reason to pause rather than just complete a circuit. In winter, choose a stretch that feels comfortable and turn back whenever you've had enough.

Good to know

  • The complete promenade is nearly five kilometres; you do not need to walk all of it.
  • Use the official route map to choose your stretch before setting off.
  • Wear shoes with good grip and shorten the walk if the footing or weather is poor.

4. Visit Utvandrarnas hus

For another indoor stop, explore the story of Swedish emigration to North America. Det nya landet follows the move between two countries, while the Moberg exhibition connects the history with his emigrant novels. It's a useful alternative when you'd rather spend the afternoon with a substantial exhibition than extend your walk.

Good to know

  • The address is Vilhelm Mobergs gata 4; admission is shared with Smålands museum.
  • Winter hours are Tuesday–Friday 10 am–5 pm and weekends 11 am–4 pm; closed Mondays.
  • The operator lists closures on 24–26 December, 31 December and 1 January. Recheck the holiday schedule for your visit.

Quick tips

  • Plan the museums first: both are closed on Mondays, and Christmas and New Year bring extra closures.
  • Keep the lakeside walk optional and pair it with one indoor visit rather than committing to a full circuit.
  • Want company? Check upcoming events in Växjö on Socroo below and find someone to go with.

Upcoming events

Things to do in Växjö (all year) Swedish Glass Museum Kulturparken Småland: hours and admission Utvandrarnas hus Växjö Cathedral Växjö: lakeside walking routes