The bathing temperature in Stockholm may not entice you to spend hours splashing and snorkeling in the water. But for those who want a refreshing swim there are plenty of great bathing places, and the city is known for its clean and clear water. We have handpicked Stockholm’s best bathing jetties, rocks, diving towers, and sandy beaches for both families and friends. And don’t forget to swim carefully!

Smedsuddsbadet

On the southernmost part of Kungsholmen, next to the bridge Västerbron and and the park Rålambshovsparken, you’ll find one of Stockholm’s finest bathing areas. Jump in the water from the bathing jetty, grab a spot on the popular sandy beach, or settle down on the big lawn. Smedusddbadet is adapted for the disabled, has a public toilet, and grilling is allowed.

Where: End of Smedsuddsvägen, Kungsholmen
Subway: Fridhemsplan + 950 meters walk

Tanto Strandbad

Tanto Strandbad is Södermalm’s most recently built bathing place and is located at the end of the park Drakenbergsparken close to Hornstull. Here you can throw yourself in Årstaviken from diving towers and bathing jetties, try the climbing wall or relax on the beach. It’s s adapted for the disabled, and has both toilet and shower.

Where: Skarpskyttestigen 6, Södermalm
Subway: Hornstull + 450 meters walk

Långholmens strandbad

There’s more than the Bellman Museum and an old prison on the island Långholmen, north of Södermalm. Here you can also find a beautiful beach with rocks. Toilets and ice cream are within easy reach in the beach’s kiosk. And if you get restless, you can always follow the lovely walking paths around Långholmen.

Where: Skarpskyttestigen 6, Södermalm
Subway: Hornstull + 1,100 meters walk

Flatenbadet

A bus ride south takes you to Stockholm’s largest open-air bathing place, located in Skarpnäck. The lake Flatensjön is one of the cleanest in Stockholm and you can impress with your skills from the diving tower, dip your toes from the jetty, and sunbathe on the beach. Flatenbadet is very family friendly with a climbing frame, miniature golf and boules. Stroll around the lake and experience the untouched Swedish nature. Flatenbadet is adapted for the disabled, has toilets and you’re allowed to grill.

Where: Badplats Stora Flaten, Skarpnäck
Bus: No. 811 or 816 from Gullmarsplan; no. 401 from Slussen

You can go for a swim right in the middle of Stockholm – Photo credit: © Tove Freiij/imagebank.sweden.se

Brunnsvikens strandbad

On northern Djurgården, next to Brunnsviken, you’ll find Brunnsvikens strandbad. Here you’re bathing from floating jetties and bathing rafts, or use the handrail to get into the water. Choose whether you want to sunbathe on rocks, the beach in the grass. There is a toilet next to the bathing place.

Where: Frescati hagväg 18, Norra Djurgården
Subway: Universitet + 800 meters walk

Lilla Essingebadet

On the island Lilla Essingen, south of Kungsholmen, you can go for a swim just a stone’s throw from Essingeleden. The swimming area is perfect if you think sunbathing is a waste of swimming time. Lilla Essingebadet has a jetty with a ladder, a lawn and two toilets, but neither a beach nor a shower.

Where: Primusgatan 18-20, Lilla Essingen
Bus: No. 1 against Stora Essingen

Fredhällsbadet

On the southwest of Kungsholmen, against Tranebergssund, you’ll find Fredhällsbadet. Here you cool down from the rocks or jetties, and enjoy the sun in the grass or on the wood deck while enjoying the great view of summer Stockholm. Since the rocks are steep, you must be able to swim – the bathing place is not the best choice for children. There are three toilets and a summer-open café in the area.

Where: Kungsholms strandstig 602, Kungsholmen
Subway: Kristineberg + 650 meters walk

Eriksdalsbadet – Photo credit: © David J/Flickr

Eriksdalsbadet

For those who want to swim outdoors, but not necessarily in nature, there’s always Eriksdalsbadet on Södermalm. Pay entry and enjoy four outdoor swimming pools, nice lawn areas and a sauna. In the area you can also play beach volleyball and barbecue.

Where: Hammarby Slussväg 20, Södermalm
Subway: Skanstull + 350 meters walk

Have a great summer in the city and enjoy the best bathing places and beaches in Stockholm!