Outdoor swimming is one of the best parts of any Swedish summer, and in Stockholm you can do that close to the city centre.
Here are ten of the best spots for a dip, in no particular order. Don't forget your towel!
1. Vinterviken
In Vinterviken, you can find two swimming spots: Örnbergsbadet and Trekantsbadet. Örnbergsbadet is located by the cliffs near Hägerstenshamnen and next to a marina. Trekantsbadet is on Lake Trekanten in Liljeholmen. The lake is close to roads and apartment blocks, but feels like an oasis of nature.
How to get there: The closest tunnelbana is Örnsberg on the red line, or Liljeholmen if you want to go Lake Trekanten.
Photo: Helena Landstedt/TT
2. Långholmsbadet
Långholmens strandbad is located on the northern part of Långholmen near the Långholm prison museum. It offers sand and lawn areas for sunbathing, as well as several public toilets and a café, an ice cream shop and restaurant. This beach offers stunning views of the Västerbron bridge and Kungsholmen across the water.
How to get there: The closest tunnelbana station is Hornstull, then cross the bridge to Långholmen
Photo: Niklas Larsson/TT
3. Blå Lagunen
The Swedish Blue Lagoon in Ekerö is an old quarry that has been filled with water. The colour of the water earned the spot its nickname, and it's a tranquil area surrounded by trees and woods with a large and sloping sandy beach on one side. But you've been warned: the water is usually quite cold here!
How to get there: Take the bus from Brommaplan (which can be reached on the tunnelbana's green line)
4. Hellasgården
This nature reserve in Nacka offers beautiful scenery and good facilities as well as some spots to get food. There are hikes to take around the water, or you can try out the sauna, work out in the outdoor gym or even join a yoga class. Because the lake is small, it gets warm earlier in the year.
How to get there: Bus 401 from Slussen
5. Oxhålsbadet
Located on the residential island of Stora Essingen, Oxhålsbadet is a calm place surrounded by nature. You'll find three large piers with bathing ladders and seating. There are also grassy areas and a barbecue area.
How to get there: Take a bus to Flottbrovägen
6. Brunnsviksbadet
Facing Hagaparken north of the city centre, this rocky beach has four small grassy areas. There, you'll find a small fixed platform with ladders to ease yourself into the water.
How to get there: The closest tunnelbana station is Universitetet on the red line
7. Fredhällsbadet
On the western shore of Kungsholmen you'll find Fredhällsbadet. It's a rocky bathing spot with a small lawn and a wooden deck. During the summer season, you can visit the café by the swimming area.
How to get there: The closest tunnelbana station is Kristineberg
Photo: Claudio Bresciani/TT
8. Solviksbadet
Solviksbadet is a large swimming area adjacent to Alviksvägen in Bromma. There is a sandy beach, a lawn area and lots of facilities such as changing cabins, showers and toilets.
How to get there: Take the tunnelbana Alvik and then the tram to Smedslätten
9. Tanto strandbad
This beach spot is extremely close to the city centre, at the south end of Drakenberg park in Södermalm. It's the perfect place to go for a dip during lunch breaks although it gets crowded easily due to the prime location and small size of the beach. There are plenty of cafes and bars nearby for after your swim.
How to get there: The closest tunnelbana station is Hornstull
Photo: Jessica Gow/TT
10. Ängbybadet
Finally, this spot offers a large swimming area with two sandy beaches and large lawns. The bathing area is accessible to disabled people with two concrete ramps allowing wheelchair users to easily reach the water.
How to get there: The closest tunnelbana station is Ängbyplan
Photo: Tomas Oneborg/TT
This article was first published in May 2018 and updated in July 2019
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