Few capital cities can match Stockholm’s extraordinary gift of so many swimming spots scattered throughout the urban core. Built across 14 interconnected islands, Sweden’s capital transforms into Europe’s most swimmable city, where you can dive from medieval quays, sunbathe on sandy beaches, and cliff-jump into pristine waters, all within minutes of world-class museums and restaurants.
Your Stockholm swimming adventure includes unique floating harbor facilities with city skyline views, genuine sandy shores in the heart of the city, and historic jetties where you can dive from 700-year-old quays in Gamla Stan. For the more adventurous, dramatic rock formations offer perfect cliff jumping opportunities, while families will discover safe, shallow areas ideal for children to splash around safely.
What makes Stockholm truly special? These aren’t just any swimming holes – they’re pristine Nordic waters where locals have swum for generations, now easily accessible to visitors staying in the city center. Every location on our list is completely free and reachable by metro in under 20 minutes, making it effortless to combine sightseeing with refreshing dips in the city’s waters.
While brave locals swim year-round (winter swimming is having a major moment!), visitors will find June through August perfect for comfortable outdoor swimming, with long daylight hours and temperatures ideal for both swimming and sunbathing. During these peak summer months, you’ll experience Stockholm at its most vibrant, with locals and visitors alike making the most of the city’s unique aquatic playground.
This is our pick of the most accessible and visitor-friendly swimming spots, each offering something unique, from Instagram-worthy Old Town backdrops to family-friendly areas where kids can safely enjoy the water alongside parents seeking their own Nordic swimming adventure.
Munkbrokajen Urban Bathing Jetty
Gamla Stan’s secret waterfront retreat with Old Town views
Escape the tourist crowds of Gamla Stan’s cobblestone streets at this quiet pocket – a modern waterfront deck built right into Stockholm’s historic heart. While you can’t swim in the open water here, this stylish urban hangout offers something even better: the chance to sunbathe and relax with unbeatable views of Stockholm’s medieval Old Town rising directly behind you.
The compact facility features sun loungers, a small artificial beach area, and a refreshing dipping pool perfect for cooling your feet on hot summer days. It’s designed for relaxation rather than serious swimming. Think of it as Stockholm’s answer to a small urban beach club, complete with foosball tables for entertainment.
This is a “dipping” experience rather than swimming. The small pool has a ladder for easy access but isn’t designed for laps or diving. The real draw is the unique combination of historic architecture and modern waterfront relaxation that you simply can’t find anywhere else in Europe.
Visit in the late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds, when the medieval buildings create dramatic shadows across the water.
Getting there: 3 minutes from the Central Station. Take the metro to the station Gamla Stan. Use the Riddarholmen exit (turn right after the ticket gates). Step outside and the waterfront deck is immediately to your right, you literally can’t miss it.
Address: Munkbrohamnen
Fredhällsbadet
Rocky waterfront swimming spot on Kungsholmen Island
Located at the southwestern tip of Kungsholmen Island, Fredhällsbadet is one of Stockholm’s most popular natural swimming spots. This scenic rocky shoreline offers direct access to the clear waters of Lake Mälaren, making it a perfect escape from the city heat during summer months.
The swimming area is managed by the local swimming club, Fredhälls Badklubb, and is open to the public daily from 9 am to 7 pm during the swimming season (June through August), this popular spot attracts both locals and visitors seeking an authentic Stockholm swimming experience. It also features a traditional Swedish sauna (available to club members only).
Fredhällsbadet is built on natural rock formations with wooden jetties extending into the water. Think of it as swimming from smooth granite “beaches” rather than sand. The water is quite deep, so you’ll need to be a confident swimmer and comfortable climbing in and out over the rocks. This makes it better suited for adults and older children rather than families with young kids.
The expansive area can accommodate plenty of visitors, though it gets particularly busy on warm summer days when Stockholm’s residents flock here for their daily swim. During peak season (mid-June to mid-August), you’ll find a small café serving refreshments and snacks, plus restroom facilities near the entrance. The setting is quintessentially Swedish. Imagine sunbathing on smooth granite while watching sailboats drift by on the sparkling water.
Getting there: 19 minutes from Stockholm Central Station. Either take the green metro line (T-bana) toward Hässelby strand and go straight to Kristineberg (6 stops) or take the blue metro line (T-bana) toward Hjulsta and get off at Fridhemsplan (2 stops). Transfer to the green line toward Hässelby Strand and ride one stop to Kristineberg. (The later option is slightly faster, but requires a platform change.) From the station, it’s an easy 8-minute walk southwest toward the water. Look for the distinctive swimming club building that marks the entrance.
Address: Kungsholms strandstig 602
Tantobadet Beach
Södermalm’s favorite summer hangout with sandy beach, saunas, and diving tower
Discover Stockholm’s most beloved urban beach on the southern tip of Södermalm island. Tantobadet offers the perfect combination of city convenience and seaside relaxation, with expansive grassy lawns for sunbathing, a genuine sandy beach, and crystal-clear waters overlooking the scenic Årstaviken bay.
This isn’t just a swimming spot – it’s a complete summer destination. Challenge yourself on the diving tower, unwind in one of two traditional Swedish saunas built right on the jetty, or simply soak up the sun on the spacious lawn areas. The beach works perfectly for families with children thanks to its gentle shoreline and safe swimming areas.
Getting there: 15 minutes from Slussen (18 min from T-centralen). Take the red metro line toward Norsborg or Fruängen to Hornstull station (5 minutes, 3 stops). Walk toward the waterfront and follow the staircase down to the beach. You’ll spot the grassy lawn and sandy shore immediately.
Address: Skarpskyttestigen 6
Marievik Waterfront Swimming
Stockholm’s first harbor swimming facility with stunning Södermalm views
Escape the city heat at Stockholm’s pioneering waterfront swimming spot, located in trendy Marievik just south of Södermalm. This unique facility features three unheated pools built directly into the harbor, offering a refreshing Nordic swimming experience with panoramic views of Stockholm’s Södermalm island.
The facility caters to all ages with dedicated areas for serious swimmers, casual splashing, and a shallow children’s pool – perfect for families. Its standout feature is the blend of urban swimming and scenic harbor views, all just minutes from central Stockholm.
Right beside the swimming area, Plåtparken restaurant offers a truly Swedish experience with four private saunas (100 SEK/hour). There is room for up to 4 people per sauna pod. These glass-fronted sauna pods provide harbor views while you sweat, and you can cool off with a quick dip in the swimming area just steps away. No reservations needed, just ask at the restaurant bar for availability.
Getting there: 13 minutes from Slussen (16 min from T-Centralen). Take the red metro line toward Norsborg or Fruängen to Liljeholmen station (6 minutes), then walk 7 minutes toward the water.
Address: Årstaängsvägen 11
Norr Mälarstrand Bathing Jetty
Waterfront swimming dock along Stockholm’s most scenic waterfront promenade
Right in the heart of Stockholm, along the beautiful Norr Mälarstrand waterfront promenade, you’ll discover a charming swimming dock that perfectly captures the city’s commitment to urban waterfront living. This intimate wooden jetty extends directly into Riddarfjärden bay, offering swimmers a front-row seat to one of Stockholm’s most photographed views.
The real draw here is its prime location on Stockholm’s premier waterfront walkway, a stunning pedestrian promenade that stretches from the iconic City Hall (Stadshuset) all the way to the park Rålambhovsparken. The recently installed swimming ladder makes the water easily accessible, transforming what was once just a sunbathing spot into a proper swimming destination. It’s a perfect example of Stockholm’s innovative approach to urban planning, where the city actively creates more opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy the waterfront.
The swimming experience here is uniquely urban. Picture yourself taking a refreshing dip while gazing across the water at Stockholm’s historic skyline. The jetty itself is compact and intimate, making it ideal for a quick cooling swim during a waterfront stroll rather than an all-day beach experience. The surrounding promenade bustles with joggers, cyclists, and walkers, creating a vibrant atmosphere that feels distinctly metropolitan.
This location represents Stockholm at its most livable, where city life seamlessly blends with natural beauty. After your swim, you can continue exploring the promenade’s cafés, outdoor exercise equipment, or simply enjoy one of the many benches that offer postcard-perfect views of the water.
Getting there: 12 minutes from Stockholm Central Station. Take the blue metro line (T-bana) toward either Hjulsta or Akalla and get off at Rådhuset – that’s only one stop! From the station, enjoy a scenic 10-minute walk toward the waterfront.
Address: Norr Mälarstrand 40
Oxhålsbadet
Local go-to on peaceful Stora Essingen Island
Tucked away on the tranquil residential island of Stora Essingen, Oxhålsbadet feels like Stockholm’s best-kept secret. Connected to the city by elegant bridges linking to Kungsholmen and the mainland near Södermalm, this idyllic spot offers a refreshing contrast to the busier swimming areas closer to the city center.
What sets Oxhålsbadet apart is its park-like setting, with sprawling green lawns perfect for picnicking, shaded by mature trees that create natural cooling spots on hot days. The facility has three spacious wooden jetties that extend into the calm waters, providing ample room for both swimming and sunbathing without feeling cramped. Unlike the rocky terrain of some of the other Stockholm swimming spots, here you’ll find convenient swimming ladders that make getting in and out of the water effortless. Ideal for families or anyone who prefers easy water access.
The surrounding waterside park enhances the experience with its wooden boardwalks and well-maintained gardens, creating an almost resort-like atmosphere within the city. During summer months, you’ll find basic facilities including restrooms, though the charm here lies in the unspoiled natural setting rather than extensive amenities. The protected waters around Stora Essingen tend to be calmer and slightly warmer than more exposed locations, making it particularly appealing for leisurely swimming sessions.
This often missed location attracts mainly locals who appreciate its peaceful atmosphere. The island’s residential character means lovely walking paths if you want to explore beyond the swimming area.
Getting there: 20 minutes from Stockholm Central Station. Take bus 1 toward Stora Essingen (a scenic 16-minute ride through 13 stops) directly from the station. From the bus stop, it’s just a 4-minute stroll to the waterfront, follow the road toward the water and you’ll spot the wooden jetties.
Address: Gammelgårdsvägen 4
Kristinebergsbadet
Expansive wooden deck swimming platform overlooking a bay in Lake Mälaren
Stretching along the northwestern shore of Kungsholmen, Kristinebergsbadet showcases Stockholm’s mastery of waterfront design with its impressive multi-level wooden deck that cascades toward the shimmering waters of the bay Ulvsundasjön, which is a part of Lake Mälaren. This isn’t just a swimming spot, it’s an architectural experience where form meets function in true Scandinavian style.
The facility’s crown jewel is its expansive terraced wooden platform, designed to accommodate swimmers and sunbathers across different levels, creating intimate spaces within the larger structure. While its popularity means summer weekends can get lively with Stockholm families and friend groups, the generous size ensures there’s usually space to claim your own corner of Swedish summer bliss.
What elevates Kristinebergsbadet above typical swimming spots is its integration with Kristinebergs Strandpark, transitioning seamlessly from parkland picnics to waterfront swimming. The adjacent pier restaurant adds an unexpected touch of sophistication, where you can enjoy a meal literally suspended over the water after your swim. This urban oasis perfectly balances nature and city convenience, with nearby kiosks ensuring you’re never far from refreshments or essentials.
The location offers something for everyone: families appreciate the park’s playground areas and convenient facilities, while adults enjoy the restaurant’s terrace for evening drinks with water views. The water, however, is deep, and not suitable for small children. The terraced design means you can find both sunny spots for bronzing and shaded areas for cooling off, making it ideal for longer visits.
Getting there: 20 minutes from Odenplan. Take the green metro line (T-bana) toward Hässelby Strand and ride just 4 stops to Kristineberg (about 10 minutes). From the station, enjoy a pleasant 10-minute walk northwest through the charming park. Simply follow the paths toward the water and you’ll spot the wooden deck structure.
Address: Kristinebergs Strand 2
Långholmen beach
Island escape with Stockholm’s most picture-perfect swimming views
Långholmen feels like Stockholm’s secret garden – a small, wooded island nestled between Södermalm and Kungsholmen that somehow maintains an untouched, natural character despite being minutes from the city center. The official swimming area, Långholmsbadet, sits on the island’s northern shore and offers what many consider Stockholm’s most scenic swimming experience.
What makes this spot special isn’t just the swimming – it’s the postcard-worthy setting. From the water, you’re treated to sweeping views of Stockholm’s elegant bridges arching between the islands, with Kungsholmen’s waterfront creating a stunning backdrop across Lake Mälaren. It’s the kind of wide-angle view that reminds locals why Stockholm is sometimes nicknamed the “Venice of the North”.
The island itself has an interesting history as a former prison, but today it’s transformed into one of Stockholm’s most beloved green spaces. Dense forests of pine and birch create natural shade and privacy, while walking paths wind through the interior for those who want to explore beyond the beach. The combination of wilderness feel and urban proximity makes it particularly popular with locals who treat it as their weekend escape without leaving the city.
The swimming area tends to attract a mixed crowd – families during the day, young adults in the evenings, and those seeking a more natural swimming experience than the wooden decks and jetties found elsewhere. The shoreline is a mix of rocky outcrops and gentler entry points, so there’s flexibility in how you approach the water.
Getting there: 20 minutes from Slussen. Take the red metro line (T-bana) toward either Norsborg or Fruängen and get off at Hornstull (just 3 stops). Exit the station, turn right, and walk north toward Kungsholmen for about 15 minutes. You’ll cross one of several bridges connecting to Långholmen, and once on the island, follow the paths north to reach the swimming area.
Address: Långholmsmuren 21
Smedsuddsbadet
Stockholm’s central sandy beach and active recreation hub
In a city famous for its rocky swimming spots, Smedsuddsbadet stands out as one of Stockholm’s rare sandy beachs, tucked alongside the popular Rålambhovsparken in Kungsholmen. It’s one of those places where you can actually feel sand between your toes rather than navigating granite rocks, something that surprises many visitors to Stockholm.
The beach flows naturally into the surrounding park, creating a genuinely active atmosphere throughout the summer months. You’ll find beach volleyball courts that see regular use, a skate park that draws local teens, bouldering walls for climbing enthusiasts, and an outdoor gym where fitness-focused Stockholmers get their workouts. There’s also a shallow pool specifically designed for small children, making this one of the more family-friendly swimming options in central Stockholm.
What works well here is the variety, you can have a completely different experience depending on when you visit and what you’re looking for. Early mornings tend to be quieter with joggers and swimmers, while afternoons bring families and the volleyball crowd. The sandy entry makes getting in and out of the water much easier than at most Stockholm swimming spots, and the large grass areas provide plenty of space for picnics or simply relaxing with a book.
The combination of actual beach sand and comprehensive facilities (showers and restrooms included) means you can comfortably spend several hours here without feeling like you’re roughing it. It’s not pristine wilderness, but it offers a genuine slice of how Stockholm residents spend their summer days.
Getting there: 13 minutes from Stockholm Central Station. Take bus 1 from Cityterminalen (the bus terminal at Central Station) toward Stora Essingen. Get off at Fria Ukrainas Plats after 8 stops (about 13 minutes), then walk 8 minutes through the neighborhood to reach the beach.
Address: Smedsuddsvägen
Brunnsviksbadet
Sandy beach in the Royal National City Park with palace views
Hidden within the expansive Frescati area – part of Stockholm’s remarkable Royal National City Park – Brunnsviksbadet offers a tranquil sandy beach experience with a fascinating royal backstory. This scenic spot sits on the shores of Brunnsviken bay, where swimmers enjoy unobstructed views across the water to the magnificent Hagaparken and Haga Palace, home to Crown Princess Victoria and her family.
The Frescati area itself carries centuries of royal history. Named after the Italian city of Frascati that King Gustav III visited during his grand tour of Italy, this parkland was once home to Villa Frescati, an elegant retreat designed by court architect Louis Jean Desprez in the 1790s for diplomat Gustaf Mauritz Armfelt. Today, that aristocratic legacy lives on in the area’s preserved natural beauty and refined atmosphere.
This beach stands out for its setting within one of Europe’s first national city parks, a vast green corridor that stretches through Stockholm, protecting ancient forests, meadows, and waterways. The beach itself offers genuine sandy shores, a rarity in Stockholm, making it particularly welcoming for families with children who appreciate easier water access than the city’s typical rocky coastlines.
The location feels wonderfully removed from urban bustle despite being easily accessible by metro. Beyond the main beach area, the coastline extends into natural rocky swimming spots for those seeking more secluded experiences. The entire setting embodies the Swedish concept of allemansrätten, the right to roam freely in nature, even when that nature happens to include royal palaces in the view.
Getting there: 20 minutes from Stockholm Central Station. Take the red metro line (T-bana) toward Mörby Centrum and get off at Universitetet. From there, enjoy a scenic 12-minute walk through the beautiful Frescati park area, follow the paths toward the water and you’ll find the beach.
Address: Frescati Hagväg 18
Ormbergets bryggbad
Scenic cliff-top swimming along one of Stockholm’s most beautiful waterside promenades
Venture just beyond Stockholm’s southern edge to discover Gröndal, a neighborhood that feels like a well-kept secret among locals who know where to find the city’s most stunning natural coastline. Ormbergets bryggbad sits dramatically along these southern cliffs, offering swimming from wooden jetties that jut out into pristine waters with views that rival any Stockholm postcard.
What transforms this from just another swimming spot into something memorable is the spectacular waterside promenade that stretches along Gröndal’s entire northern coast. This wooden boardwalk creates one of Stockholm’s most picturesque walks, winding along the clifftops with constant water views and natural rocky formations. It’s the kind of place where you understand why Stockholm residents are so passionate about their city’s relationship with water.
The swimming itself is from traditional Swedish jetties with ladder access, definitely suited for confident swimmers rather than families with young children due to the deeper water and cliff-side setting. But the real appeal here extends beyond just the swim. The promenade makes this an ideal destination for combining a refreshing dip with a scenic walk or jog, experiencing a side of Stockholm that feels more like a coastal village than an urban neighborhood.
Come prepared for a more authentic, less touristy experience. There are basic facilities including summer restrooms, but no cafés or kiosks nearby. Pack your own refreshments and settle in for a few hours of enjoying what many Stockholm locals consider one of their favorite summer retreats. The slightly longer journey here filters out casual visitors, leaving you with a genuinely peaceful Stockholm experience.
Getting there: 30 minutes from Slussen. Take the red metro line (T-bana) toward Norsborg or Fruängen and get off at Liljeholmen. Transfer to the tram toward Solna Station, ride just 2 stops to Gröndal, then enjoy an 8-minute walk toward the water to reach these cliff-top jetties.
Address: Sjöbjörnsvägen 33