Sweden is home to tens of thousands of lakes, many perfect for a refreshing summer swim.
Whether you're near the big cities or deep in the countryside, there's almost always a lake nearby, offering a cool dip and a great day trip escape.
READ MORE: The best things about spending summer in Sweden
Despite the tough competition, we've selected some of the best lakes in Sweden to swim in this summer.
Hänger vid och badar i Arriesjön! pic.twitter.com/BEpn1kB8gh
— Alexander Svedberg (@Svedberg_Alex) July 31, 2022
Arriesjön, near Malmö, southern Sweden
Arriesjön, located just outside Malmö, is an accessible lake well worth a visit.
The lake is also known as a haven for bird watchers, with ducks, geese, gulls, grebes and many other bird species populating the area.
The area is also perfect for cycling, fishing, swimming, grilling, and even horseback riding on a designated horse trail.
For those driving from Malmö, take road 101 south until you reach Arrie.
Just before the Qstar gas station, make a left, and then another left to get to the north parking. Alternatively, continue straight to reach the south parking.
Arriesjön offers several parking spots and easy access, making it a convenient choice for a quick swim or a day-long outing.
Styrgruppen för Skogsriket Västerbotten har möte i skogen vid Bäcksjön idag. Svårslagen mötesplats! #skogsriket pic.twitter.com/B8spuSXO3n
— Länsstyrelsen Västerbotten (@LstVasterbotten) June 2, 2014
Bäcksjön, Umeå, eastern Sweden
Bäcksjön outside Umeå is a beloved spot among locals when it comes to swimming and other outdoor activities, as the lake is also a recreational area.
Surrounding Bäcksjön are nature trails, berry and mushroom fields, and fishing spots.
On a nice day, you can enjoy the green surfaces for sunbathing. There's also a small sandy beach for children to play on and a jetty for swimming.
Additionally, the site features rest areas with wind shelters and fireplaces, perfect for a full day of family activities.
Vittsjö, Scania
Located in the town of the same name, the Vittsjö lake is synonymous with outdoor fun.
You'll find boat and canoe rentals at the campground, as well as the unique opportunity to book historical tours on the lake.
READ MORE: 'Coolcations': Is Sweden becoming a magnet for tourists looking to escape the heat?
For water sports enthusiasts, Cafe Sjöstugan Vittsjö, home to the Vittsjö Water Ski Club, offers water skiing and wakeboarding for all skill levels.
The lake has numerous secluded beaches perfect for swimming, with the main swimming area featuring a floating dock.
Sjö, sandstrand och fjäll. I närheten av Tärnaby. pic.twitter.com/LraqnfgxZO
— inverted yield curve market 💥🤖 (@bollingertrader) July 28, 2018
Laisan, Lapland
Laisan, located just outside Tärnaby in Lapland, offers a great swimming experience in northern Sweden.
The Solberg bathing area on Laisan is a shallow, kilometre-long beach with stunning views of the Norra Storfjälls mountain range and the Laxfjället mountain. It's also a popular spot for northern lights spotting!
You can cross the suspension bridge over the Tärnaån River during your visit and explore multiple hiking trails.
You'll also find a campsite and café nearby.
Vissa dagar på jobbet känner man sig som kulturarvarbetare ganska privilegierad ändå... Lunch vid sjön Trehörningen på gamla kronoallmänningen, sedermera kanalbolagsskogen Fägremo i Västergötland. pic.twitter.com/MGU6VgEidM
— Pär Connelid (@connelid) October 4, 2018
Trehörningen and Ramsen, Fjällnora, near Uppsala
The Fjällnora open-air recreation area near Uppsala is a summer paradise surrounded by lakes, wooded hilltops, and vast forests.
The area features two lakes, Trehörningen and Ramsen, both of which offer extensive swimming areas. There is also a naturist beach and a dog-friendly beach.
Fjällnora is also an activity hub where visitors can rent rowing boats, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, pedal boats, cross-country skates, saunas, hot tubs, and cottages.
The on-site Fjällnora Café serves light lunches and coffee, and several barbecue areas with firewood are available on site.
Today is a good day to admire Odensjön (Lake Odin) in Skåne, the southernmost province of the Kingdom of the Swedes. The lake was named for its uncanny resemblance to Odin’s single eye. pic.twitter.com/hzSDygZsWg
— Rowdy Geirsson (@RGeirsson) May 9, 2020
Odensjön, Söderåsen National Park, Scania
Odensjön is a circular lake in Söderåsen National Park, surrounded by 30-metre-high cliffs.
The lake, about 150 metres in diameter and 20 metres deep, boasts clear water fed by groundwater sources, making it a pristine swimming spot.
Visitors can park at the national park entrance and enjoy a scenic walk to the lake through beautiful surroundings.
Odensjön is quite popular with visitors, as it offers a picturesque setting for memorable Instagram photos.
There is a wind shelter at the lake, which is a great place to relax and have some coffee.
Psst! Looking for reasons to visit Sweden this summer?
A fantastic festival and event lineup, the weak krona making trips more affordable, new ways to get to Sweden, and an escape from the heat are just some of the reasons why you should definitely consider a trip.
Did we miss your favourite lake? If so, please tell us about it in the comments below:
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