Swimming in Swedish lakes

Swim in Swedish lake if you are looking for a great way to cool off this summer? Why not try take a nice swim in a lake? Swimming in a Swedish lake is fun, relaxing and a wonderful way to experience the Swedish nature. Lakeside is also the perfect place to enjoy a Swedish Sauna, winter or summer.

Picture from Ödevata Countryside hotel

In Sweden there are over 100 000 lakes. Some are with easy access with your car.  Others are forest lakes, and you might have to hike a distance to reach them. However, on a warm summer day, or even when in cooler seasons,  there is nothing like jumping into a lake to cool off.

There are a series of large lakes such as the lake Vänern, which Sweden’s largest lake and the third largest in Europe covering an area of around 5600 square kilometers. Other big lakes are Vättern, Hjälmaren, Mälaren, Ivösjön, Lake Siljan, Torneträsk and Storsjön. In many of these lakes you can find a beautiful archipelago.

The smaller lakes often have more visitors and water sports and activities going on than the bigger lakes, as the water temperatures are slightly higher.

Swim in a Swedish lake during your roundtrip in Sweden. A true nature and outdoor experience. Great for relaxing in nature or if you are into fitness and sport.

Most of the lakes are clean and safe to bathe in. You can even swim in lakes close to big cities. In Gothenburg and in the neighbouring municipality of Mölndal there are lakes and recreational areas where you can swim. 

For more information on lakes and water quality check the website of the Swedish Water and Ocean board. 

Temperatures 

• The lakes are often cool in the beginning of the season, June, and are slowly heating up towards August.
• With a warm spell of at least 13-16 degree Celsius in the night, and 22-25 during the day the temperatures in the lakes might reach 20 degree Celsius and over. The temperatures in the bigger lakes seldom reaches 20 degrees. Therefore, it is suggested to swim in smaller warmer lakes.
• If the wind conditions are right and the surface water is blown towards the shore then it will be warmer in the waters.

Safety

• The Swedish lakes are often murky, the sunlight does not reach the bottom. The ground is mushy and along the shores you will find different vegetation.
• To go from a predictable swimming pool to a Swedish lake can be a bit strange and scary at first. It is also very different than swimming in the ocean. If you are not an experienced outdoor swimmer you should take this into consideration.
• In some lakes you have boats, water scooters, canoes etc, so if you are planning to swim far out it is recommended to wear a colorful cap, making sure others can see you. You may see the boaters but that does not mean they can see you!
• It is also recommended to not swim alone, in case of emergencies, especially if you are not an experienced swimmer.
• Keep an eye on your children. Make sure that your family and friends know how to swim and basic rescue techniques.The lakes in Sweden, even the ones close to urban centres, do not have lifeguards present.

Wildlife, environment and crayfish

The lakes are full of wildlife. The lakes host different species of fish, amphipods and bird life.

The Swedish crayfish is also a delicacy. The fishing of Crayfish starts in August. It is regulated and it is important to know the fishing rules and restrictions.  You have to be a licensed fisherman/person.

Nevertheless, if you are a landowner with fishing waters, you can also fish crayfish on your land. The one exception to the rule is in fishing on lake Vättern. Here, the general public can fish crayfish without special permission from the second Friday in August to the second Sunday in September.

Allemansrätten is a unique Swedish institutions allowing you to enjoy the nature. It is important to read and follow the rules and regulations  set to respect nature and wildlife

Swim in Swedish lake- training and workout in a Swedish lake

If you are an experienced swimmer and want to do some training, then we recommend you to contact a local endurance club. They might take you to your along for a run, a cycling trip and to their favourite lake.

Be sure to bring swimsuits, check out the access to the water first and start swimming in the often dark but clean water.

Stay overnight lakeside and enjoy outdoors

South Sweden

• Ödevata Countryside hotel & Campsite. Enjoy a wood-burned Swedish Sauna before taking a dip.
• Coastal camping in Bohuslän or lakeside camping in south of Sweden. For example Tiraholm in the Lake district Bolmen. Another great South Sweden lakeside experience is the National Park Åsnen.

Central Sweden

• Check with your local guide for camping or outdoor resorts in Furudal Dalarna. This location is on the shores of the lake Ore and part of the Siljan Lake District. Join a local sports aficionado in Furudal. If your kid plays ice-hockey the local club hosts every year a summer lakeside hockey camp.

North Sweden

Outside Luelå in Norbotten you will find Stora Antnästräsk. It is part a series of lakes, part of the rivers “Luleälven and Alån´s ” coastal area. Lule River is a major river in Sweden.

 Another Träsk- a Northern name of lake- is Torneträsk. It is Sweden’s largest mountain lake, but also the second deepest – at 168 meters. Torneträsk flows into the Torne river

Hornavan is another lake in Lapland ( in the municipality of Arjeplog). It is the deepest lake in Sweden.

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