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Active and Adventure Europe

The best wild swimming spots in West Sweden

Whether you’re looking for a quick dip or a day spent sunbathing and splish-splashing, West Sweden’s stunning coastline won’t disappoint.

The rugged coastline of West Sweden may not immediately scream ‘beach’ to you, but miles of unspoilt golden sands, crystal-clear waters and the occasional private creek may just convince you to take the plunge. Here are the best places to give in to the temptation:

Dalsland 

Wild swimming Dalsland West Sweden by Roger Borgelid vastverige.com
Dalsland has more lakes per square kilometre than any other region of Sweden © Roger Borgelid, vastverige.com

Serenely beautiful Laxsjön in Dalsland is perfect for a quick dip and even forms part of the Dalsland Canal.

Sydkoster

Sydkoster, Sweden © Goran Assner
Rural Sydkoster boasts one of the best and biggest sandy beaches on the entire west coast © Goran Assner, vastverige.com

Beaches aplenty are found on this pretty island off Strömstad on the the Bohuslän coast, big enough for you to find your own smultronställe.

Kinnekulle

Läckö Slott, Sweden © Roger Borgelid
The fairy-tale castle of Läckö Slott is another major attraction on Lake Vänern © Roger Borgelid, vastverige.com

A heavenly dip in the warm waters of Lake Vänern makes Kinnekulle particularly alluring.

Vrångö

Vrångö, Gothenburg archipelago, Sweden © Västgöten, Wikimedia Commons
With an otherwise rugged landscape, you may be surprised to find that Vrångö has the best beaches of all the islands in the Gothenburg archipelago © Västgöten, Wikimedia Commons

Choose your very own creek on this craggy island in the Gothenburg archipelago.

More information

Ready to dip your toe in? Pick up our guide to West Sweden: