The most beautiful beaches in Sweden
There's truly nothing like the Swedish summer. All year long, Swedes wait impatiently for the magic moment when the days finally grow longer, the sun shines brighter, and the cities empty out. People flock to natural areas to spend some well-earned time in nature and go on vacation for weeks at a time. Summer in Sweden means slowing down, spending time with our families, and gathering with friends to go swimming, kayaking, hiking, or camping.
Most people head towards the coast or bodies of water, since Sweden has so many. The country boasts 221,800 islands, of which 30,000 are skerries near Stockholm. That means sandy beaches are never far away, whether lakeside or by the ocean. And when the weather plays along, all the pieces are in place for an idyllic summer vacation.
Lea, a member of our MYMARINI community, moved from Germany to Sweden a few years ago and has fallen in love with the Scandinavian summer and way of life. She's given us her expert guide to which must-visit beaches are best for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing, as well as for families. Read on to learn more about the MYMARINI community's ten most beautiful beaches in Sweden, from sandy dunes to rocky coves, and plenty of insider tips.
The most beautiful beaches on Sweden's islands
A beach for camping: Sudersand on Fårö
The small island of Fårö is accessible via ferry from Gotland. The sandy beach of Sudersand, with its white sands and shallow water, extends for kilometers along the northernmost tip of the island. This beach is a popular destination for families with small children. The Sudersand Resort is located only a stone's throw away from the beach, so it's just a short walk to reach this all-in-one camping site, restaurant, and resort. The beach is open to everyone, not just guests of the resort. There are also several kiosks and cafes along the beach. Although it's definitely no secret – this is a popular spot, especially during the high season – it's a particularly family-friendly destination for holidaymakers.
Wilderness and a World Heritage site: Tofta Strand on Gotland
Sweden's largest island, Gotland, is extremely popular among the locals. From the ferry dock in Visby (a stunning medieval city and UNESCO World Heritage site), it's only a 20-minute drive to Tofta Strand, a famous beach on the island's west coast. The fine white sand stretches as far as the eye can see, unbroken except by rugged dunes and wildflowers. There are shallow waters for swimming and plenty of opportunities for water sports. Surflogiet, located right on the beach, is a combination burger restaurant, beach club, and glamping resort. Sink into one of the beachside hammocks and enjoy the sunshine and beautiful ocean views.
A unique swimming spot: the Blue Lagoon
There are turquoise waters in Sweden, too – for example, the famous Blue Lagoon, also located on the island of Gotland. This lagoon, known as “Blå Lagunen” in Swedish, is an idyllic natural paradise. Originally a limestone quarry, over the years this place has developed into a vivid teal lake surrounded by rugged rocks and lush vegetation as the groundwater rose. Especially in the summer, the lagoon is a popular destination for swimmers and nature lovers who want to enjoy the serenity and beauty of this unique site. With its crystal-clear water and picturesque surroundings, the lagoon is a wonderful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The island of the sun: Lyckesand and Böda Sand on Öland
This beloved island can be found to the south of Gotland, between that island and the east coast of Sweden. Öland is sometimes referred to as the "sun island" and is the country's second biggest island. It's the perfect place for sunbathing. The north of the island boasts two beaches, one seamlessly merging into the other: Lyckesand and Böda Sand. Both are located in a nature reserve, Bödakustens västra. This idyllic coastline has plenty to offer for adventurers of all ages, from ancient, windswept pine forests to scrubland and sand dunes.
Popular beaches on the mainland: Skanör-Falsterbro, Stora Sand, Lomma Strand
Stunning vistas: Skanör-Falsterbro
Skanör-Falsterbro can be found in Skåne, south of Malmö, at the southwestern tip of the country. In addition to the white sand and clear water that's so characteristic of Swedish beaches, this place is particularly worth a visit to see the picturesque and colorful bathing houses dotted along the 4.5-km-long beach. Like our two other recommendations in Skåne, it can get very crowded here in July, when many Europeans are on vacation. The best way to get here is by bike.
Close to Stockholm: Stora Sand
Here's an insider tip for anyone starting their trip to Sweden in Stockholm or planning a visit to the capital with a day out. Stora Sand, in Värmdö, is just a 30-minute drive from the city and offers a south-facing 200-meter-long beach with fine, white sand and shallow water, making it particularly worth a visit with kids. The restaurant and bistro Björkvik is a four-minute drive away and the perfect watering hole to cap off a day in the sun with a hot meal or coffee and cake.
A family-friendly beach: Lomma Strand
On the west coast, north of Malmö, lies Lomma Strand – another top tip for families with small children. It's so shallow here that you can wade a good 500 meters into the water without it getting deeper than knee-deep.
The Swedish Riviera: Skåne
Famous for its beauty: Sandhammaren
Sandhammaren, in Österlen, should take a top spot on any list of Sweden's best beaches; it's been named the country's most beautiful beach several times. Here, in the southernmost part of Sweden, the dunes stretch for miles along the coast alongside the finest white sand and crystal-clear salt water. The Österlen region is one of the country's most popular vacation destinations and is also known as the Swedish Riviera, or sometimes the Tuscany of the North.
The coastal southwest: Halland
Sweden's best beaches for surfing: Träslövsläge, Skrea, and Apelviken
Like Skåne, the Halland region has a handful of picturesque white sandy beaches to offer, the most famous being Tylösand, Skrea Strand (particularly suitable for families with children), and Apelviken. Apelviken is considered one of Sweden's surfers' paradises. Another well-known surf spot in Halland is Träslövsläge, which, like Apelviken, is located south of the town of Varberg. You can rent surfing equipment on site in the high season.
A historic coastline and unique spa: Badplatsen Långa Bryggan
A little further south than Lomma Strand is where you'll find Badplatsen Långa Bryggan (“Long Bridge”), where you can swim in the sea, enjoy a meal on the long pier jutting 600 meters into the water in Bjerreds Saltsjöbad, or relax in the (members-only) sauna.
These top Swedish beaches offer more than just relaxation – they invite you to experience the Scandinavian flora and fauna in its most authentic form. Whether in the golden light of summer or in their quiet winter splendor, the coasts and islands of Sweden are a fascinating vacation destination at any time of year. So make sure to pack your swimsuit before you head out into the Scandinavian wilderness, where you can enjoy the tranquil setting and the gentle sound of the waves lapping against the shore.
After the tranquil beaches of Sweden with their endless sand dunes and fresh northern breeze, spending time in warmer climes might come as a refreshing change of pace. Swap the gentle waters of the Baltic Sea for the rougher waves of the Atlantic and discover our Azores Beach Guide – a detailed travel guide to this Portuguese archipelago and its impressive landscape of volcanic cliffs, lush greenery, and natural hot springs.
When to travel to Sweden: Scandinavian weather and geography
With days averaging 22 degrees and seemingly endless sunshine, it's easy to understand why Swedes rarely travel elsewhere in the summer. The days are long; the sun rises before five o'clock in July and doesn't set until around 10 p.m. The Swedish summer is synonymous with light and warmth.
July is the peak travel season in Sweden. After the Swedish Midsummer festival around June 20, schools let out for summer vacation and families abandon the cities for the coast, where they can swim, relax, and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. The beaches can become very crowded at this time, especially in Skåne, in southern Sweden, and on Gotland. In June and August, the most popular destinations should be emptier, yet (with a bit of luck) no less sunny and warm. Those who generally prefer warmer temperatures are better off in southern Sweden, in Halland and Skåne, than further north, where the weather is somewhat cooler, even in the summertime.
Natural beaches ranging from sandy beaches to rocky coastlines can be found throughout the country from north to south, as well as cold, clear bodies of salt- or freshwater.
Contributors
iStock: Bastian Linder, Elena Sistaliuk, Clara Nila, sjoeman
Unsplash: Drahomír Hugo Posteby-Mach, Jonas Jacobsson, Peo Hedin
