The guide to great swimming spots in central Stockholm

Fredhäll's bathing spot is on the island of Kungsholmen and the water quality here is generally better than the other inner city swimming spots. There's a wooden bathing hut surrounded by rocks and jetties surrounded by a high wooden fence. The bathing hut is open during the daytime, but closes in the evenings. So if you fancy an evening dip, you'll need to swim from the rocky shore outside the official bathing area. Fredhäll gets gorgeous evening sun.

Långholmen's beach is a popular bathing spot among local city-dwellers. There's a kiosk near the beach, and if you don't want to swim from the beach you can launch off from the pontoon jetty or cliffs a short walk away. Långholmen also has great views over Riddarfjärden and Stockholm City Hall.

Smedsuddsbadet, also known as Smedis, is in Rålambshovsparken in Kungsholmen. There's a beach, large grassy area and a jetty with a bathing ladder as well as a shower. There's also a nice walking path along the beach. You can rent kayaks and SUPs nearby. Smedsuddsbadet is particularly popular with families and young people.

The swimming beach in Tantolunden became an official public bathing spot in 2010 thanks to its improved water quality and since then it's had a major upgrade with a diving platform and jetties. If you want a break from swimming, there's also a climbing wall, minigolf and kiosk on site, as well as grassy areas for picnics.

Brunnsviksbadet in Frescati Hage is a popular sandy swimming spot on Lake Brunnsviken. Its proximity to Stockholm University's campus means you'll often find plenty of students here, as well as young families.

Close to the Lappkärrsberget, or "Lappis", area of northern Djurgården, you'll find Ekhagens beach bathing spot, also known as Lappis Beach. The swimming area is run by the crown estate and is surrounded by forests and rocky outposts.

Lilla Essingen is surrounded by water, and anyone who fancies a dip while on the island will find a jetty with a bathing ladder close to the boat clubs. There are two portaloos in the summer, and nice grassy areas to sunbathe on next to the bathing spot.

Vinterviken's swimming place is a real summer draw with beautiful views over the bay. Most swimmers jump into the water from the jetty, but there's also a little sandy beach hidden away. The rocks above are a great spot for a picnic spot.

Flatenbadet is south of Stockholm close to Älta and Skarpnäck. There's a swimming beach as well as rocks you can jump and swim from, from various different heights. You can also jump from the diving platforms. As well as swimming, there's minigolf, a climbing wall, a kiosk and grill and parking spots.

Söderbysjön is a swimming lake in the Nacka nature reserve, right next to Björkhagen. It has a child-friendly sandy beach and large grassy areas, which fill with swimmers and sunbathers on sunny days. If you get hungry or just fancy a coffee, the golf club's restaurant is close by. There are also toilets available during the summer season.

This child-friendly swimming spot is on the western side of Lake Trekanten in Liljeholmen. Swim from the beach or the jetty, and have a wander in the lovely surrounding park area.