From sweeping seaside beaches to golden stretches of sand beside clear inland lakes, Sweden offers plenty of inviting places for a swim. Discover nine beautiful beaches from Arctic Sweden in the north to Skåne in the south.
Pite Havsbad, often called the ‘Nordic Riviera’, is a lively seaside resort in Arctic Sweden, where long sandy beaches meet summer events and waterfront activities.
Photo: Anders Westergren/Pite Havsbad
Arctic Sweden may be best known for the Northern Lights and snowy winter adventures, but its bright summer nights and beaches are equally worth discovering. Just outside Piteå, Pite Havsbad has a kilometre-long sandy beach with shallow water, making it particularly suitable for families with children.
The resort also has a large campsite, hotel, spa, playland and indoor adventure water park. Concerts featuring well-known Swedish artists are held here during the summer.
In Lake Nulltjärn you can swim in clear water, surrounded by green forests and beautiful mountain peaks.
Photo: Tobias Nordahl/Vålådalen
Around 40 kilometres south of Åre, the Nulltjärnarna Lakes bring a sandy beach to the Swedish mountain landscape. Swim in clear water while taking in views of the surrounding peaks, which may still be topped with snow in summer. Come for an evening dip and you can watch the sun set behind the mountains.
The largest lake has picnic tables, a barbecue area and a shelter. Thanks to the Swedish Right of Public Access, you can also camp beside the beach free of charge. There is no bus service from Åre, so you will need a car to get here. The car park is located 100 metres from the lakes.
The 1.2 km long beach in Rättvik in Dalarna consists of fine-grained sand with perfect places to swim and sunbathe. It is also home to Långbryggan pier that goes 628 metres out on the lake.
Photo: Per Bifrost/Visit Dalarna
Photo: Per Bifrost/Visit Dalarna
Photo: Anna Holm/Visit Dalarna
Siljansbadet in Rättvik, Dalarna, is a relaxed spot for swimming and sunbathing beside Lake Siljan. Its fine-grained sand and shallow water make it a good choice for families. To reach deeper water, follow Långbryggan, the long wooden pier stretching out from the shoreline.
A campsite, playground, miniature golf course and restaurants can all be found nearby. Central Rättvik is within walking distance and Rättvik Station is just 50 metres from the beach, making Siljansbadet easy to reach by train or bus.
Varamobaden Beach is located on Lake Vättern, Sweden's second largest lake.
Photo: Tillväxt Motala AB
Set beside Lake Vättern, Sweden’s second-largest lake, Varamon Beach offers more than five kilometres of golden sand. The sheltered bay helps keep the water warm, while the shallow shoreline makes the beach well suited to families with children.
A paved walkway follows the shore. You can also play miniature golf or beach volleyball, or hire a pedal boat, kayak or stand-up paddleboard. During the summer weeks, a free bathing bus runs between Motala and Varamon Beach.
Gotska Sandön National Park, is a solitary island and part of Gotland county.
Photo: Magnus Lepschi
Just north of Gotland lies Gotska Sandön, a remote island measuring eight kilometres long and five kilometres wide. Almost the entire island is protected as a national park, with white sandy beaches, rolling dunes and clear water.
French Bay in the south and Bredsandsudde in the north are among the island’s best-known beaches. Grey seals can sometimes be seen at the Seal Cape sanctuary. Stay on the marked boardwalk to avoid disturbing them.
Pets are not permitted on the island, with the exception of assistance dogs. Ferries travel to Gotska Sandön from Nynäshamn on the mainland and Fårösund on Gotland.
Böda Sand Beach Resort is located on the northernmost part of the island of Öland.
Photo: Press photo/Böda Sand Beach Resort
Photo: Press photo/Böda Sand Beach Resort
Photo: Alexander Hall
Böda Sand stretches for 20 kilometres along the north-eastern coast of Öland, making it one of Sweden’s longest beaches. Its pale sand and open shoreline have made it a popular summer destination.
At the southern end, Böda Sand Camping offers an outdoor water park, a golf course, water sports and activities for children. This part of the beach can become busy during the high season. For a quieter swim, head to the less crowded northern section.
After-beach parties are organised every day throughout the summer at Tylösand Beach.
Photo: Destination Halmstad AB
Photo: Destination Halmstad AB
Photo: Destination Halmstad AB
Near Halmstad in Halland, Tylösand combines a long sandy beach with a lively summer atmosphere. Visitors come here to swim, sunbathe and enjoy the music at Hotell Tylösand, where After Beach events are held throughout the summer.
For a quieter setting, continue to Tjuvahålan on the southern side of Tylösand. This small sandy beach sits in a sheltered bay. Its name means ‘Thief’s Nest’, a reference to the pirates and smugglers said to have used the bay in the past.
Sandhammaren is located in the idyllic area of Österlen, often referred to as Sweden's Tuscany.
Photo: Apelöga/Visit Skåne
With fine white sand, rolling dunes and clear water, Sandhammaren is often considered one of Sweden’s finest beaches. It lies on the coast of Österlen in eastern Skåne, an area sometimes described as Sweden’s Tuscany.
Österlen is a popular summer destination and the car park can fill up early. You can also reach the beach by bus from Ystad, Kåseberga and Skillinge, or arrive by bicycle.
The long beach in Skanör-Falsterbo has chalk-white sand and clear water.
Photo: Apelöga/Visit Skåne
Around 30 kilometres south of Malmö, the neighbouring coastal villages of Skanör and Falsterbo share a long beach with soft, pale sand and clear water. The colourful bathing huts above the shoreline are a distinctive feature of this part of the Skåne coast.
Restaurants and kiosks can be found around Skanör Harbour, while public toilets are available along the coast. You can also hire a kayak or try kitesurfing.
Skanör-Falsterbo can become busy during July and August. Travelling by bicycle is a good way to avoid queues and crowded car parks. Skåne also has many other beaches to explore if you prefer a quieter spot.
