Stockholm's five best bathing spots

Summertime is here and Stockholm has been experiencing some record high temperatures. But there is no need to leave the the big smoke to beat the heat - the city is teeming with hot places to take a cool dip, whatever your style might be. Emy Gelb has been checking them out.

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View Stockholm's best bathing spots in a larger map

1. The classic city swimming spot is Långholmen, a tiny island located just off of Sodermalm. The island, which is also home to an old converted jail, is a go-to spot for balmy summer days. The island features a family friendly sand beach, with stunning views of the Västerbron bridge and Kungsholmen. Ice cream and showers add to the allure of the easily accessible escape, and the packed island draws a diverse, all ages crowd. If a busy scene isn’t your thing, take a walk towards the end of the island and explore the quiet cliffs, peaceful parks, and calm coves that are much more private and relaxed. Långholmen offers something for everyone, and is the perfect place for an afternoon dip after work. T-Bana: Hornstull.

2. Another popular spot for families is Smedsuddsbadet, a large sandy beach found on the shores of Rålambshov Park, in Mariaberg. It’s also easily accessible, just under Västerbron bridge on the Kungsholmen side. T-Bana: Fridhemsplan.

3. There is also an abundance of smaller docks around the city that draw a younger, hip crowd. One spot that is particularly cool is Reimersholme, another island right off of Södermalm. Tattooed teenagers and trendy twenty-somethings take advantage of the island’s green space for sunbathing and the several docks for diving into busy canals. It is a spectacular spot, with views of Liljeholmen and Söder. Boats and people pass by often; and unlike the peaceful beach at Långholmen, Reimersholme truly feels like swimming in the middle of the city. T-Bana: Hornstull.

PICTURE GALLERY OF STOCKHOLM'S BEST BEACHES

4. Another great spot for young people looking not only to swim, but to also scope out a hot scene, are the cliffs of Fredhäll in Kristineberg. The Metro paper ranked this spot the best place to mingle, it a flirt friendly and fun atmosphere. The lack of a sandy beach keep most families with younger kids away; there are only high cliffs to dive from, so make sure that you are a good swimmer if you go here. T-Bana: Kristineberg.

5. For those looking for an adventure of another sort, take the bus out towards Drottningholm, get off before the palace on the island of Kärsön, and walk across the golden fields into the nature reserve where private cliffs and coves await you. This spot is off the beaten path and recommended for those wanting something out of the ordinary; beware though, there is a rumored nudist colony hidden out there as well.