Smaland Show Segment

Smaland is renowned for its thrifty and determined people who have the knack of finding ingenuous solutions to the problems. Many well-known people have their origins in Vaxjo.

THE COUNTRYSIDE OF WILHELM MOBERG: The author Wilhelm Moberg described the countryside around Vaxjo in his writings. It was from here that Kristina and Karl-Oskar began their long journey over the Atlantic to fulfill their dream about life in America.

Many North Americans come to Vaxjo to find their roots. The House of Emigrants in Vaxjo provides a picture of the barren and poverty-stricken Smaland that more than 200,000 emigrants left in the 19th century. There, it is possible to follow the migrant’s journey. fully laden horse-drawn carriages carried their “America trunks” from the stony landscape to meet the emigrant line’s steamers for the passage over the vast ocean. A journey full of adventure for those that reached the promised land, where success as well as disappointment awaited them.

The Concert Hall: In the very center of Vaxjo in the park adjacent to the old theater if the new Concert and Congress Hall. This fascinating and beautiful building was completed in 1991. Nordic colors have been used for the interior light. The complex also houses a hotel, restaurant and a pub. The theater park features a glass sculpture by Vicke Lindstrand, the glass designer, which commemorates St. Sigfrid, the patron saint of Vaxjo.

The House of Emigrants: The House of Emigrants in central Vaxjo remembers the great period of emigration from Sweden. Between 1840 and 1930, 1.3 million Swedes left for America. Amongst the exhibits is “The Dream of America” as well as the archives, library, research room and a cafe.

The Kingdom of Crystal Glass Shopping / Hyttsill: Most glassworks are open every day. You can go into the works, see the glass blowing and then make a bargain in the factory shop. Or maybe you would like to stay for the evening and try the traditional glass blowers meal of herring baked in the glass furnaces (Hyttsill). Of course typical Smaland curd cake is served for dessert. Music and a sing-along all help to make it a night to remember. Hyttsill- Herring in the furnace hall- Traditional festivity! Evening in the Glass region - the glassblowers have gone home, now the table in the furnace hall is being set with herring and potatoes.