“Beaches? In Sweden? That doesn’t sound right.” You’d be forgiven if these are the words floating through your head when you came across this blog. A Swedish adventure conjures up images of strolls through crisp, colourful cities and Arctic adventures in Swedish Lapland, not days spent lazing on white-sand beaches. Yet Sweden is blessed with a long coastline with plenty of beaches, varying from those with a backdrop of vibrant, cosmopolitan city life in Malmö and Stockholm, to those that rival the finest of the Caribbean in the country’s south. And with temperatures hovering between 20°C and 30°C in the spring and summer months, it might just be time to pencil in Sweden as your next coastal destination. Read on to discover our top picks for the best beaches in Sweden.
- Sandhammaren, Skåne
- Boda, Oland Island
- Ribersborg, Malmö
- Smedsuddsbadet, Stockholm
- Svalnäs, Lake Vänern
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Sandhammaren, Skåne
With driftwood boardwalks winding through floury white sand dunes towards a long pristine beach stretching out for miles in either direction, Sandhammaren appears to be the long-lost lovechild of the Hamptons and the Caribbean. This perhaps explains why it is so often voted Sweden’s best beach; or perhaps it’s thanks to the feeling of windswept wilderness provided by the breeze riding over the Baltic Sea; or maybe it’s owing to the backdrop of a sweeping pine forest with unusual flora and fauna. Whatever the reason, we have to agree: this is one of the nation’s finest beaches. Despite its fairly remote location on the southern coast’s “Swedish Riviera”, Sandhammaren is a popular summertime spot for city-dwelling Swedes keen to soak in the sun, take barefoot walks along the beach and splash around in the sea. But do be warned: the currents in the ocean are strong and unpredictable, so be sure to stay close to shore.
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Boda, Oland Island
Located on the east coast of the fairly remote island of Oland, Boda Beach has, over the years, become one of the nation’s most adored summertime destinations. And it’s not hard to see why: Boda offers over 12 miles of pristine, white-sand beach and calm, shallow waters perfect for families with young children. Outdoorsy travellers who can’t sit still and sunbathe for too long can join locals in a game of beach volleyball, kick a ball around on the nearby football pitch, rent a boat to whizz across the calm ocean or go scuba diving to explore the aquatic world below the surface. The facilities around the beach are just as excellent; there is a heated pool near the beach for those less tempted to brave the cooler temperatures of the Baltic Sea, welcoming campsites for travellers keen to truly disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and waterparks, farms and playgrounds to keep little ones entertained.
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Ribersborg, Malmö
It might come as a surprise that some of the best beaches in Sweden can be found in the heart of urban cities. But it’s true - and Sweden’s bustling third city, Malmö, contends with the Sydneys, Barcelonas and Cape Towns of the world as a city that offers a world-class beach in the heart of its vibrant downtown. So, if you’re someone after a cosmopolitan city break with a sprinkling of beachfront relaxation, Malmö is the destination for you. The beach of Ribersborg - or ‘Ribban’ as it’s known as among locals - stretches along the northwest of the city and offers lovely views across the Öresund Straight to Copenhagen. During the summer you can enjoy plenty of family-friendly outdoor activities, such as circus-style shows and floating obstacle courses, and during the colder winter months you can have a go at plunging into the icy sea-water pools at the beach’s open-air bathhouse, Ribersborgs Kallbadhus, before warming up in one of their cosy wood-fired hot tubs.
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Smedsuddsbadet, Stockholm
Keeping with the beach city theme, the capital of Stockholm is also home to its fair share of coastal gems, including those right in the heart of the city and those scattered across the 30,000 islets that make up the Stockholm Archipelago. And while there is plenty we could write about, our top pick goes to Smedsuddsbadet Beach (or simply just ‘Smedis’), a quaint, sandy cove nestled on the west side of a small headland of the same name. You can rent kayaks and stand-up-paddle boards on the east side of the beach, perfect your dive from the wooden pier and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the surrounding parkland. Barbecuing is permitted on the beach, so if you’re coming for the day, make sure to bring a disposable grill and all your favourite BBQ ingredients. Smedsuddsbadet is particularly popular during the summer months, owing to the long, sunny days and pleasant water temperature, so it’s a good idea to arrive early enough to claim a prime piece of waterside real estate.
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Svalnäs, Lake Vänern
For our final pick, we’d like to make an honourable mention to the nation’s collection of idyllic lakes (there are nearly 100,000 lakes in total), many of which are bordered by some of the best beaches in Sweden. And while it is hard narrowing it down to just one, our top pick for lakeside lounging goes to Svalnäs Beach on Lake Vänern. Often described as an inland sea, Vänern is the largest of the Swedish lakes, making it possible to enjoy a dizzying range of activities on the calm waters, such as sailing, fishing and canoeing. Svalnäs - also known as Vänern’s Riviera - is adored by locals for its miles of sandy beach, shallow waters and child-friendly atmosphere.
