Beat the heat: Stockholm’s best swimming spots

What is it? Stockholm’s swimming paradise and recreational island, located between Hornstull on Södermalm and Kungsholmen. Perfect for families and summer dates alike.

Why go? Långholmen is the perfect place to pack a beach bag and spend the whole day by the water. This leafy island beneath Västerbron, now known for its scenic walking and cycling paths, was once home to a prison before it closed in the 1970s. The beach is family-friendly, with plenty of grassy areas to spread out on. A little further along you'll find a larger jetty for swimming, and if you're after a secluded cove or a smooth rock to sunbathe on, simply follow the shoreline. If you fancy a coffee, Henriksvik’s Garden Café is right next door. You can also play padel, hire a SUP or catch a theatre performance on the island.

Time Out tip: If you're arriving from the Kungsholmen side, there's a small street food market behind the DN Tower where you can pick up a simple lunch on your way to the beach.

Changing rooms? No

Toilets? Yes, portable toilets.

Food and drink nearby? Yes

Långholmen can be reached either via the bridge from Hornstull or across Västerbron from Kungsholmen. Open 24 hours.

What is it? The city's newest swimming spot, opened in July 2026, is a natural swimming pool surrounded by a spacious sun deck. A similar pool has also been built across the water at Söder Mälarstrand.

Why go? Bring a book, pick up an ice cream and stretch out on the floating wooden deck before taking a deep plunge into Riddarfjärden. The pool itself measures 8 by 19 metres and is open down to the lake bed. Depths vary, with the shallowest point at 2.5 metres. There are plenty of benches around the pool, as well as a couple of inviting sun loungers. The stroll here along Norr Mälarstrand isn't bad either.

Time Out tip: Settle in next door at Orangeriet for antipasti and a spritz, or continue a little further to the floating summer café Mälarpaviljongen, where you can also take a swim.

Changing rooms? No

Toilets? No, although one of our readers pointed out that there are public toilets at City Hall, just a five-minute walk away.

Food and drink nearby? Yes. As well as several restaurants, you'll also find an ice cream kiosk and a convenience store at the nearby petrol station.

Norr Mälarstrand 20, Kungsholmen. Open 24 hours.

What is it? A small sandy beach and rocky swimming spot in Tantolunden Park on Södermalm, with everything close at hand.

Why go? Tanto is one of the city's busiest parks. If you're looking for a lively atmosphere filled with groups of friends getting ready for a night out, joggers with dogs and new parents pushing prams, this is the place for you. With Hornstull's shops and bars just around the corner, everything you need is within easy reach. The park is also home to several food trucks and kiosks, as well as a small diving platform and a boules court with a café.

Time Out tip: Don't miss the chance to enjoy a sauna with Tanto Sauna Association during one of their sessions open to the public. Advance booking is required.

Changing rooms? No

Toilets? Yes, portable toilets.

Food and drink nearby? Yes.

Tantolunden, Södermalm. The nearest metro station is Hornstull.

What is it? Dramatic cliffs that have drawn rebellious teenagers, sun-seeking Stockholmers and loved-up couples for generations.

Why go? Sadly, the view, now largely dominated by the major construction site on Lilla Essingen, isn't quite what it once was. And yes, the roar of the motorway is hardly birdsong. It's not the easiest place to reach either, and if you're unlucky, especially in the middle of July, you'll find yourself sharing the rocks with what feels like half the inner city, squeezed shoulder to shoulder across every exposed slab of granite. But for those who get it, there's still something undeniably appealing about these cliffs. It's swimming at your own risk, completely free, and offers a rare sense of raw nature in the middle of the city's concrete landscape.

Time Out tip: If you prefer something a little more organised, head to the next spot on the list.

Changing rooms? No

Toilets? No

Food and drink nearby? No, although there's a convenience store on Rålambsvägen and several casual takeaway spots nearby.

The cliffs are accessed via an opening in the wall on Atterbomsvägen. The nearest metro station is Kristineberg.

What is it? A purpose-built oasis on the western tip of Kungsholmen, complete with a small lawn, wooden deck and ladder leading straight into Lake Mälaren, with views across to Traneberg.

Why go? You'll be surrounded by charming scenery, where a steep wooden staircase winds its way down beneath twisted pine trees and towering rock faces. The site is owned by the city but run by a long-established bathing association, giving it a welcoming, well-kept feel. It's the perfect compromise if you love the atmosphere of a rocky swimming spot but would rather climb into the water via sturdy ladders than scramble over slippery rocks.

Time Out tip: Don't miss the historic restaurant Solstugan, just a short walk from the bathing area. Grab a table on the sunny terrace after your swim for a cold beer or a coffee while taking in one of the city's best panoramic views. Also keep an eye out for the townhouses on Snoilskyvägen, a fantastic example of Stockholm's Functionalist architecture.

Changing rooms? Yes

Toilets? Yes

Food and drink nearby? Yes. There's a small café by the bathing area.

Snoilskyvägen 34. Open to the public from June 1 to August 31, daily 09.00-19.00.

What is it? A spectacular newly opened swimming jetty with outstanding views across Riddarfjärden towards City Hall.

Why go? With its contemporary design, Doppbryggan is undeniably striking. As a place to spend the whole day, though, it's perhaps not the most practical option and is better suited to a quick dip on your way home from work. One particularly thoughtful feature is the underwater habitat that has been created to provide a welcoming environment for the city's fish. Here, you swim inside a metal enclosure designed to protect bathers from currents and passing boat traffic. One small word of warning, however: when Time Out visited, the bottom, which quickly collects fallen leaves and other debris, wasn't especially inviting.

Time Out tip: You can book one of the two sauna pods installed here by Lilla Sauna. At SEK 680 for two hours, it's best value if you come with a group and split the cost.

Changing rooms? No

Toilets? No

Food and drink nearby? No

Söder Mälarstrand (below Münchenbryggeriet), Södermalm.

What is it? One of the inner city's most popular beaches, with a shallow sandy shoreline and expansive lawns beside Rålambshov Park.

Why go? If you're looking for plenty of space to spread out your towel, the vast grassy areas are hard to beat, while the gently sloping shoreline makes it easy to dive straight into the water. It's an easy-going, unpretentious place where the city meets Lake Mälaren. If you get restless after a while, you can hire a kayak nearby and head out onto the water, or simply continue your stroll along the waterfront.

Changing rooms? No

Toilets? Yes (temporary toilet facilities during the summer season)

Food and drink nearby? Yes, including an ice cream kiosk.

The beach is easily reached on foot via Rålambshov Park or Norr Mälarstrand. The nearest metro stations are Fridhemsplan and Thorildsplan.

What is it? One of Kungsholmen's most popular waterfront promenades and swimming spots, with long wooden jetties, stepped sun decks and direct access to Lake Ulvsunda.

Why go? If it didn't feel quite so far away from, well, everything – although that's obviously subjective – this would rank even higher on the list. There's plenty of space here, with several jetties and swimming ladders for anyone wanting to take a dip. Nearby you'll also find several excellent places to stop, including Restaurant Piren and the charming Mariedal Garden Café. For younger visitors there's also a lovely splash pool overlooking the water. On some summer evenings, the air fills with Latin rhythms as salsa dancers gather by the small gazebo on the waterfront.

Time Out tip: We've said it before, but a refreshing cocktail on Piren's waterside terrace is rarely a bad idea.

Changing rooms? No

Toilets? Public toilets are available in Kristineberg Strandpark and along Hornsbergs Strand.

Food and drink nearby? Yes, with several kiosks and restaurants.

The swimming area stretches along the entire waterfront promenade. The nearest metro station is Stadshagen.

What is it? A classic municipal outdoor swimming pool on the edge of Gärdet.

Why go? There are three outdoor public pools in central Stockholm: Vanadisbadet in Vasastan, Eriksdalsbadet near Skanstull and Kampementsbadet in Gärdet.

While Kampementsbadet itself isn't particularly remarkable, the surroundings are wonderfully inviting. Gärdet's wide open parkland is right on the doorstep, along with a playground, outdoor gym, an obstacle course for hobby horse riders and the leafy Tessin Park, while the Fältöversten shopping centre is just around the corner.

Time Out tip: Combine your swim with a picnic in the park or take a walk along the Djurgården Canal afterwards.

Changing rooms? Yes

Toilets? Yes

Food and drink nearby? Yes

Sandhamnsgatan 64, Gärdet. Open daily until August 23. Admission: SEK 95 for adults, SEK 20 for children.

What is it? A leafy, scenic swimming spot where students from the nearby university campus and Lappis mingle with families beneath the shade of the trees.

Why go? This is the place to come if you want to get close to nature and make a day of it. Pack fresh fruit, water and a picnic blanket, as there are no shops or cafés nearby. One word of warning, though: make sure you end up at the right beach if you'd rather avoid an unexpected encounter with naturists. Just a couple of hundred metres further around the bay lies the well-known nude bathing area at Brunnsviken Cliffs.

Time Out tip: You can easily get here by bus or the Roslagsbanan railway, but cycling or walking is by far the nicest option. If you visit early in the summer, the woodland paths are lined with wild strawberries. It's also worth combining your beach trip with a visit to the nearby Bergius Botanic Garden and Edvard Anderson's Conservatory.

Changing rooms? No

Toilets? Yes, portable toilets during the peak season.

Food and drink nearby? No, although the nearby Bergius Botanic Garden has both a café and a restaurant.

Frescati Hagväg 18, 114 19 Brunnsviken. Open 24 hours.