Sweden has a first-class selection of beaches and sandbanks. Choose between seaside baths with white dunes and clear inland lakes with golden beaches.
Here are nine of the best beaches in Sweden, listed from north to south.
Pite Havsbad, Swedish Lapland
Pite Havsbad has a hotel, an indoor water park and concerts are often held on the beach.
Photo: Anders Westergren/Pite Havsbad
Swedish Lapland may be best known for the Northern Lights and winter activities, but it's just as good a destination in the summer thanks to its beautiful beaches and bright summer nights. Summer here brings warm temperatures and plenty of swimming opportunities. One of the most popular beaches in Swedish Lapland is Pite Havsbad, outside Piteå. Its shallow waters make it perfect for families with children. In addition to this kilometre-long sandy beach, Pite Havsbad includes a large campsite, hotel, spa, playland and an indoor adventure water park. During the summer there are also concerts with famous Swedish artists.
Nulltjärn, Vålådalen
In Nulltjärn, you can swim in clear water, surrounded by green forests and beautiful mountain peaks.
Photo: Tobias Nordahl/Vålådalen
About 40 kilometres south of the town of Åre are the Nulltjärnarna Lakes, the largest of which offers a sandy beach in the Swedish mountain environment. Here, you can swim in clear waters while enjoying the view of the mountain peaks – which can have snow on them even in summer. If you take an evening dip, you can watch the sun set behind the mountains. This mountain lake has picnic tables, a barbecue area and a shelter. Thanks to the Swedish Right of Public Access, you can also camp by the beach free of charge. There is no bus from Åre to the Nulltjärn Lakes, so you need a car to get here. A car park is located 100 metres from the lakes.
Siljansbadet, Dalarna
The 1.2 kilometres long beach in Rättvik in Dalarna consists of fine-grained sand with perfect places to swim and sunbathe.
Photo: Per Bifrost/Visit Dalarna
Siljansbadet, Dalarna
Photo: Per Bifrost/Visit Dalarna
Siljansbadet, Dalarna
Photo: Anna Holm/Visit Dalarna
If you are looking for a good beach in Dalarna, Siljansbadet in Rättvik is a safe bet. The beach is shallow, and the sand is fine-grained. If you want to go further into the water, you can go via Långbryggan, a long wooden pier straight from the shoreline. Next to Siljansbadet is the campsite Siljansbadets Camping. The area also has a playground, mini golf and restaurants. Central Rättvik is within walking distance, and Rättvik Station is only 50 metres from Siljansbadet – so you can almost take the train or bus directly to the beach.
Varamobaden Beach, Lake Vättern
Varamobaden Beach is located at Lake Vättern, Sweden's second-largest lake.
Photo: Tillväxt Motala AB
Along Lake Vättern, Sweden's second largest lake, you’ll find Varamon. This golden beach stretches over 5 kilometres and the protective bay keeps the water warm. The water is shallow, which makes Varamon a child-friendly destination. There is a paved walkway along the shoreline, but if you want to be more active, you can play miniature golf and beach volleyball or rent a pedal boat, kayak or SUP. From the nearest town of Motala, you can take a free bathing bus to Varamon Beach during the summer weeks.
Bredsand at Gotska sandön
Gotska Sandön National Park, is a solitary island and part of Gotland county.
Photo: MattiasVejlens
Bredsand at Gotska sandön
Photo: MattiasVejlens
Gotska Sandön National Park
Photo: Mattias Vejlens
Just north of Gotland, Sweden's largest island, lies the small island Gotska Sandön. It’s only 8 kilometres long and 5 kilometres wide, and almost the entire island is a nature reserve. Here, you will find white sandy beaches with rolling dunes and clear water. The best beaches are said to be the French Bay in the south and Bredsandsudde in the north. You may spot wild grey seals at the Seal Cape sanctuary, but stay on the marked boardwalk to avoid disturbing them. Remember that pets are not allowed on the island (except for assistance dogs). You can go to Gotska Sandön by ferry from Nynäshamn on the mainland or from Fårösund on Gotland.
Böda Sand Beach Resort, Öland
Böda Sand Beach Resort is located on the northernmost part of the island of Öland.
Photo: Press photo/Böda Sand Beach Resort
Böda Sand Beach Resort, Öland
Photo: Press photo/Böda Sand Beach Resort
Böda Sand Beach, Öland
Photo: Alexander Hall
On the northeastern part of the island of Öland is Böda Sand, a white beach often voted one of the best beaches in Sweden. It stretches for 20 kilometres, making it one of the longest beaches in Sweden. In the south part of Böda Sand is the large campsite Böda Sand Camping with an outdoor water park, a golf course, and a range of water sports and children's activities. Böda Sand is a popular place for Swedes on holiday, meaning it can be pretty crowded during the high season. Are you looking for a quieter and more relaxing swimming experience? The northern part of Böda Beach is less crowded than the southern part.
After Beach at Tylösand, Halland
After-beach parties are organised every day throughout the summer at Tylösand Beach.
Photo: Destination Halmstad AB
After Beach at Tylösand, Halland
Photo: Destination Halmstad AB
Tjuvahålan Beach, Halland
Photo: Destination Halmstad AB
If you want to visit a party beach in Sweden, head to Tylösand Beach near Halmstad. This is a popular spot for those who wish to combine sunbathing with festivities. Every day throughout the summer, After Beach is organised at the club Solgården, a part of Hotell Tylösand. You can either enjoy the music standing in front of the stage or sitting (or dancing) on the dunes. If you want a quieter experience, visit Tjuvahålan, a small sandy beach in a bay on the south side of Tylösand. The name Tjuvahålan translates to 'Thief's Nest' and comes from the fact that pirates and smugglers used the bay for their lawless activities in the past.
Sandhammaren Beach, Skåne
Sandhammaren is located in the idyllic area of Österlen, often referred to as Sweden's Tuscany.
Photo: Apelöga/Visit Skåne
If you're looking for the best beach in Sweden, many Swedes would tell you to go to Sandhammaren on the east coast of Skåne. It's considered by many to be one of Sweden's best beaches thanks to its fine white sand, rolling dunes and clear waters. Sandhammaren Beach is located in the idyllic area of Österlen, often called Sweden's Tuscany. Österlen is a popular holiday destination during the summer, so if you want to get a parking spot at Sandhammaren, you must be here early in the morning. You can also take a bus from Ystad, Kåseberga and Skillinge, or why not cycle? There is also a kiosk that is open from June to August.
Skanör-Falsterbo Beach, Skåne
The long beach in Skanör-Falsterbo has chalk-white sand and clear water.
Photo: Apelöga/Visit Skåne
On a small peninsula in the southernmost part of Skåne, about 30 kilometres south of Malmö, are the intertwined villages of Skanör and Falsterbo. A long beach with chalk-white soft sand and clear water runs along these coastal towns. Skanör-Falsterbo Beach is perhaps best known for the cute, colourful bathing huts above the shoreline. Several restaurants and kiosks are adjacent to Skanör Harbour, and public toilets can be found along the coastline. It’s also possible to hire kayaks and try kite surfing. During the high season (July-August), Skanör-Falsterbo can be very crowded. Cycling here is a good idea to avoid long car queues and crowded car parks. There are also many other, less crowded beaches in Skåne worth visiting.
