Explore Sweden’s Best Beaches

Sweden’s long coastline and nearly 100,000 lakes provide endless opportunities for water-based fun. Much of the shoreline is rocky, often with smooth, gently sloping cliffs perfect for sunbathing, but you’ll also find plenty of beautiful sandy beaches along the coasts and lakeshores throughout the country.

At many beaches, the water deepens very gradually, which is perfect for families with children. However, be alert for strong underwater currents, which can arise in deeper water under certain wind conditions, particularly in Skåne, where stunning beaches abound.

Stenshuvud & Knäbäckshusen

The white-sand beach at Stenshuvud National Park in eastern Skåne rivals the Caribbean for natural splendor, albeit with colder water. A lushly forested headland provides a dramatic backdrop, along with broad sandy heaths and flower meadows.

In neighboring Knäbäckshusen, deep blue water contrasts with spectacular white-gold sand surrounded by a dense backdrop of trees. Although the beach’s beauty attracts many visitors, there’s generally ample room to spread out. For off-season strolls, you’re likely to have the beach essentially to yourself.

Sandhammaren & Mälarsusen

At Skåne’s southeasternmost point, a series of wide beaches with fine white sand stretches more than 15 km (9 mi) between Löderup and Skillinge. The stunning Sandhammaren, a nature reserve featuring dunes, a pine forest, and a historic lighthouse, is one of the highlights.

Just to the north, Mälarsusen beach offers sandy woodlands and shifting dunes, which can reach several feet high. Due to having fewer facilities than Sandhammaren, Mälarsusen is often less crowded.

Tylösand

Avoid visiting Tylösand in summer if you’re seeking peace and quiet. Located just west of Halmstad on the Kattegat strait, this very popular beach is known for its fine, light-colored sand and a lively summer atmosphere, complete with restaurants, bars, hotels, and a nightclub. If you desire something calmer, head to Frösakull beach at Tylösand’s northern end, which tends to be less crowded.

Skrea Strand

Among Falkenberg’s more than 10.5 miles (17 km) of beach, Skrea Strand stands out with its long, wide stretch of nearly white sand backed by towering dunes. The shore slopes very gradually, so if you prefer deeper water, head to the north end, where you’ll find the west coast’s longest bathing jetty – 248m (814 ft) – complete with wheelchair access. Various snack bars and kiosks are located along the beach, along with a spa at Hotel Falkenberg Strandbad.

Råbocka & Havsbaden

Grassy dunes separate this stretch of pale golden sand from the city of Ängelholm in west Skåne. Located on Skälderviken bay, it’s ideal for both scenic walks and swims in water that is typically among the region’s warmest. The southern end features a nature reserve with forested walking and cycling paths, while further north, a campground, beach volleyball courts, minigolf, snack bars, and a long bathing jetty with a wheelchair ramp enhance the appeal.

Sandviken

Sandviken’s long curve of white sand, soft seabed, and warm, clear water may make you feel as if you’re in the tropics, though it’s just a few miles outside Sölvesborg in Blekinge, southern Sweden. Though the beach gets busy in summer, there’s always space in the water thanks to the long shallows. Facilities include a bathing jetty, a beach volleyball court, playgrounds, snack bars, and grills.

Böda Sand

Located near Öland’s northeastern tip, Böda Sand consists of nearly 12.5 miles (20 km) of soft sand and beautiful dunes that slope down to a turquoise sea. While this part of the Baltic Sea never gets particularly warm, the beaches are popular hotspots for fun in the sun at Sweden’s largest vacation village, which boasts campsites, cabins, restaurants, waterslides, minigolf, and more. For those seeking tranquility, quieter spots can often be found further up the beach.

Tofta

Sweden’s largest island, Gotland, has many excellent swimming spots, but Tofta stands out as the most popular beach, situated about 20 km (12 mi) south of Visby. Known for its white sand and turquoise water, it attracts large numbers of beachgoers, complemented by a swimming pool, minigolf course, restaurant, and a beach club with a lively happy hour. The northern section of the beach tends to be a bit less crowded.

Sudersand

A short six-minute ferry ride from Gotland’s northeastern tip, Fårö is home to one of Sweden’s most beautiful beaches, Sudersand, which enjoys full sun throughout the day thanks to its south-facing orientation. Although windy days can feel a bit exposed, hollows among the sand dunes provide some shelter. A campground, café, and a resort complex contribute to summer crowds, but if you move away from the center of activity, you can usually find a quieter area.

Sandhamn

Sandö, one of the Stockholm archipelago’s outermost islands, features a village often referred to as Sandhamn – a hub for yachting that buzzes with energy during summer. To find Sandhamn’s best beach, follow the marked path through the woods to Trouville, a lovely stretch of pale sand framed by rocks and trees at the island’s southern end. While the water may not be particularly warm, it’s usually less chilly when the wind blows off the water.

Nåttra

A 30-minute boat ride from Nynäshamn, Nåttra features several excellent bathing spots, including one of the Stockholm archipelago’s largest beaches, Stora Sand. This beach is located on a small bay just under a mile along a wooded path from the dock. The surrounding waters are protected as a marine reserve, complete with a marked snorkeling trail for underwater exploration. On land, accommodations include cabins, a hostel, and a small campground, along with rentals for bicycles, kayaks, rowboats, and SUPs.

Pite Havsbad

A beautiful swimming beach just south of the Arctic Circle, Pite Havsbad emerges as northern Sweden’s best dip in the sea. Located south of Piteå at the mouth of the Piteälven river, this delightful beach often has some of the warmest water in Sweden, thanks to long shallows and sheltering sand dunes. A large beachfront resort complex offers various accommodations, restaurants, and a water park, making it a perfect destination for families.

Varamobaden

Renowned for its clear – albeit chilly – water, Sweden’s second-largest lake, Vättern, features Varamobaden on its eastern shore near Motala. Scandinavia’s longest lake beach is bustling with activity on warm summer days, including cafes and ice-cream kiosks, minigolf, and waterslides. If you prefer a quieter experience, the north and south ends are generally more tranquil. Regardless of where you lay your towel, Varamobaden’s west-facing aspect makes it ideal for capturing the afternoon sun or a breathtaking sunset.

Svalnäs

Lake Vänern, even larger than Vättern, also boasts swimming spots, none better than this long stretch of golden sand in a forested nature reserve at the base of Hindens Rev, a narrow spit extending into the lake. With a soft lakebed and clear, shallow, comfortably warm water, Svalnäs serves as a family-friendly beach complete with a small play area and a refreshment kiosk.