Smålands Museum

Top choice in Småland


Among the varied exhibits at Sweden's oldest provincial museum is a truly stunning exhibition about the country’s 500-year-old glass industry, with objects spanning medieval goblets to cutting-edge contemporary sculptures. It even houses a Guinness World Record collection of Swedish cheese-dish covers – 71 in total. There’s a great cafe and the ticket price covers the adjacent Utvandrarnas Hus.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Småland attractions

1. Utvandrarnas Hus

0.06 MILES

Boasts engrossing displays on the emigration of more than one million Swedes to America (1850–1930) and includes a replica of Vilhelm Moberg’s office and…

2. Växjö domkyrka

0.22 MILES

Looking like an ode to Pippi Longstocking, the bizarre domkyrka has been struck by lightning and repeatedly ravaged by fire – the latest renovation was in…

3. Växjö Konsthall

0.36 MILES

Växjö's art gallery showcases contemporary work by local and national artists; expect anything from minimalist ceramics to mixed-media installations.

4. Kronobergs Slott

4.61 MILES

In 1542, Småland rebel Nils Dacke spent Christmas in Kronobergs Slott, now a ruin. The 14th-century castle is on a small island (reached by footbridge) in…

5. Kosta Glascenter

22.39 MILES

Not to be confused with the Kosta Glassworks, but within its grounds, the Kosta Glascenter offers demonstrations, workshops and classes in glass blowing…

6. Kosta Boda Art Gallery

22.4 MILES

The factory's own gallery has some stunning pieces but feels at times like a front for its nearby retail outlets. You can see even more exquisite pieces…

7. Kosta Glassworks

22.4 MILES

The site of one of Sweden's original glassworks, established in 1742, the Kosta Boda complex continues to reel in coachloads of visitors. It’s touristy,…

8. Grönåsen Älg- & lantdjurspark

24.29 MILES

For a close encounter with a beautiful bandy-legged elk, head for Sweden’s biggest elk park, located 4km southeast of Kosta, towards Orrefors. You can…