Markaryd is a town in Southern Sweden, located on the border between Skåne and Kronoberg, just on the highway to Stockholm. It may seem small and boring for many but don’t judge book by it’s cover. It’s a perfect place for holidays for the whole family.
About Markaryd – Quick Facts
Nestled in southern Sweden, was once a border town between Sweden and Denmark, its strategic importance waned following the Treaty of Roskilde in 1658. The late 19th century saw the construction of railway lines connecting Åstorp to Jönköping and Hässleholm to Halmstad, which intersected in Markaryd, transforming it into a railway hub. Markaryd’s industrial base flourished, centered around workshops and companies producing forest products. In the 1960s, the Rikspappersskolan (now KCM, Kunskapscentrum Markaryd – Markaryd Knowledge Center) was relocated to the town to provide training in the pulp and paper industry.
Markaryd holds a special place in my heart, as it was here that I found my first Swedish home and instantly felt at ease in this new country. We love returning as a family, for despite its small size, there’s plenty to do here, especially if you have children and want to provide them with a healthy and fun-filled vacation.
Family Activities in Markaryd and Area
Markaryd may be a small town, but one weekend is definitely not enough to see all the attractions it has to offer. I encourage you to visit for longer or come back often, because you can look forward to:
Smålandet – The Moose Safari
Smålandet is a moose safari that is one of the biggest attractions in Markaryd and the surrounding area. You can visit it by driving your own car through the safari park or by taking a guided train ride. Regardless of your mode of transportation, you will encounter moose (and American bison!) at very close range in this park – many of them will curiously peer into your cars.
If you are using your own car, you can make as many rounds of the designated route as you like. If you choose to take the train, the guide will not only tell you about the animals living in the safari park, but will also encourage the moose to come closer by using their favorite treats – branches (you will also receive branches an hour before the safari park closes if you are driving your own car).
On the premises you will also find a restaurant, a café, a souvenir shop and a goat enclosure. You can easily spend a few hours in Smålandet to the delight of you and your children.
Prices:
With your own car: Adult - 185 kr, Kids (age 3-12) - 105 kr
With guided train: Adult - 225 kr, Kids (age 3-12) - 135 kr
Address: Misterhult 2032, 28591 Markaryd
Opening times:
Times may very depending on the date of your visit. Check this website for updated information.
Website: https://www.smalandet.se/Vetenskaphuset – Interactive Science Museum
Vetenskaphuset is an attraction that was the biggest surprise for us, as it is definitely the pearl of the town, but so little is said about it. The facility serves as a conference center, but also a science center, where meetings, workshops and lectures are held.
What makes Vetenskaphuset unique are the interactive exhibitions – permanent and temporary, which are an attraction for the whole family. Currently, the temporary exhibition is about the Nobel Prize. It is available in English and Swedish – it tells the story of the prize and introduces the profiles of its laureates. It is a journey not only through history – on boards, tables, in films and audio dramas you will learn about interesting facts from fields such as biology or chemistry.
The permanent exhibition is called “Energi i balans” and is only available in Swedish (which I regret, but I have information that work is underway on an English version). The exhibition consists of several stations – at each of them you will learn new information about energy production and sources. Each station is also a mini-game that allows you to better understand the topic being discussed. The games are activated using large, coloured batteries, which are placed in the right place. At the end of the game, you answer questions and can check what you have learned!
Visiting Vetenskaphuset is great fun for young and old and it is worth coming to Markaryd just to visit this place.
Prices:
Adults - 100 kr
Kids (age 7-12) - 60 kr
Kids (age 0-6) - free entrance
Address: Hannabadsvägen 1, 285 31 Markaryd
Opening times:
Working days: 10:00-15:30
Long Saturday: 10:00-14:00 (last Saturday of September, October, November, Febryary, March, April)
School Holidays (25th June-11th August): 10:00-15:00
Website: https://vetenskapshuset.seMini Zoo in Traryd – Djurparken Traryd Skans
Located at the beautiful lake Tovhultsjön, the place offers a wonderful time in nature for the whole family. Your kids will be delighted to interact with farm animals: pigs, goats, rabbits, as well as poultry – chickens, ducks, or beautiful peacocks, which are probably the hallmark of this place. It is also a good starting point for a short walk by the water.
Be sure to take a picnic basket with you – you can use the gazebo right by the lake to eat and even have a barbecue in a designated area. Admission costs pennies, but you can only pay with Swish or cash. Mini Zoo in Traryd is always our must-see when we are in the area.
Prices (payment only with CASH or SWISH):
Adults - 10 kr
Kids - 5 kr
Address: Strandpromenaden, 287 72 Traryd
Opening hours:
24/7
Website: https://traryd.eu/Hiking Between Lakes
Nestled in Markaryd and its surroundings are several picturesque and expansive lakes, each adorned with hiking trails that are perfect for family adventures. Most of these trails are short and can be completed within 1-3 hours, offering opportunities for picnics along the way or refreshing dips in one of the designated swimming areas. Stay tuned for more details about these hiking trails in Markaryd and the surrounding area on my blog – follow me on social media or subscribe to my newsletter to ensure you don’t miss a beat!
Practical Information
Where to Stay in Markaryd?
Markaryd, being a small town, doesn’t offer an extensive range of accommodation options. However, the available ones are quite sufficient and you’re sure to find something that suits your preferences and budget.
Ekebacken Hotel
Ekebacken is the largest accommodation facility in Markaryd and also serves as a conference center used for business meetings. Its undoubted advantage is its location – right next to a lake complex, near hiking trails, in a quiet and peaceful area, close to nature. In addition, it is a stone’s throw from Vetenskaphuset and the Hannabadet indoor swimming pool. The hotel also offers meals in the hotel restaurant, including breakfast. Part of the facility has been renovated and guests can enjoy renovated rooms of a good standard. Pets are allowed in some rooms for an additional fee.
We have personally tested the hotel and evaluate our stay positively. On the plus side, we can also definitely count the hearty breakfast. Despite the low occupancy during our stay, it lacked nothing, and you could even fry yourself waffles for dessert.
Address: Kronobergsgatan 27, Markaryd
Website: https://ekebacken.net/Stora Hotellet
Stora Hotellet is a hotel located in the town center, just 100 meters from the train station. The hotel was opened in this location in 1934, so it is definitely a place with tradition. It offers 26 renovated rooms in various configurations of a good standard, as well as a restaurant and conference rooms.
Address: Kungsgatan 3, 285 31 Markaryd
Website: https://www.storahotelletmarkaryd.se/Camping Sjötorpets
If you want to stay overnight in Markaryd very close to nature, you can take advantage of the offer of the Sjötorpet campsite located right next to Lake Getesjön. Guests have at their disposal several camping cottages and pitches for tents and campers. In season, a small café is also open on the campsite where you can have a coffee or a hot dog.
Address: Strandvägen 4, 28531 Markaryd
Website: https://www.markarydscamping.seWhere to Eat in Markaryd?
In Markaryd you will find several places where you can sit down and eat or order food to take away, but we have our favorite restaurants that we come back to most often.
Restaurant Perrongen – Social Hub of Markaryd
Perrongen Restaurant is located right next to the train station in Markaryd and is the social hub of the whole town. It is probably the most popular place among the locals. The place offers a café, restaurant (including a special lunch offer on weekdays from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm) and a shop open during restaurant hours, where you can buy home decorations and products from well-known and respected Scandinavian brands. Our last visit was when the restaurant had a special menu for the spring market – I had a Greek salad and Thomas had a burger.
Opening hours:
Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30-14:00, Dinner 17:00-22:30 (kitchen until 21:00)
Café: closed
Shop: Same as restaurant
Address: Drottninggatan 1D, 285 31 Markaryd
Website: https://www.restaurangperrongen.seMarkaryds Pizzabutik
If you need a quick and tasty neighbourhood pizza for a Friday night with friends or a delicious kebab when you don’t feel like cooking, I recommend Markaryds Pizzabutik. It’s always been our first choice, not only for the dishes mentioned earlier, but also for their delicious salads (with chicken or kebab), which come with a delicious bread baked from pizza dough. I’m glad we were able to revisit this place after all this time – the chicken salad and that bread were a wonderful memory that was great to come back to.
Opening hours:
Mon-Thu 11:00-21:00
Fri 11:00-22:00
Sat 12:00-22:00
Sun 12:00-21:00
Address: Östergatan 9, 285 31 Markaryd
Website: https://markarydspizzabutik.comRestaurant Aroma
Aroma is a restaurant we went to when we didn’t feel like typical fast food and wanted a change from Perrongen. You’ll find dinners there – steaks, burgers, fish, salads, pasta and much more. Tomas likes their pizza. There’s something for everyone for sure. And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, be sure to try the traditional Swedish kladdkaka with whipped cream. Unfortunately they don’t have a website but Facebook Page where they upload menu regularly.
Opening hours:
Mon, Wed, Thu 11:00-21:00
Tue 11:30-14:30
Fri 11:00-22:00
Sat 15:00-22:00
Sun 14:00-21:00
Address: Östergatan 5, Posttorget, Markaryd
Website: https://www.facebook.com/AromaRestaurangPizzeriaCentral Conditioriet – When The Craving For Dessert Strikes
Central Conditoriet is a charming café that serves up delicious coffee, sandwiches, cakes, and desserts. You can also buy fresh bread there. The café has a unique retro vibe that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. It’s our go-to spot for coffee and dessert when we’re in Markaryd. And if you’re visiting during semla season, be sure to try one of theirs – they’re probably the best in town!
Address: Kungsgatan 20, 285 31 MarkarydSummary
Markaryd is an excellent choice for a family getaway lasting several days. This charming town offers a delightful array of attractions to keep you entertained, regardless of the weather (after all, there’s always the indoor swimming pool, bowling alley, or cinema to fall back on). I’m sure that once you visit Markaryd, you’ll be eager to return time and again!
