Summer by the Water: Uppsala's Best Lake Beaches and Swimming Spots

While technically not a lake beach, no discussion of Uppsala's swimming spots would be complete without mentioning Fyrishov. This expansive recreational complex along the Fyris River combines the best of natural and built environments in that distinctly Swedish practical manner I've come to admire.

The outdoor area features several pools catering to different ages and swimming abilities, including a delightful children's lagoon with water play features that had my friend's six-year-old twins utterly enchanted for hours. What makes Fyrishov special is how it seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings—tall pines create natural shade areas, and the entire complex feels integrated with the landscape rather than imposed upon it.

On particularly hot days (and yes, Uppsala can get properly warm in summer, often reaching 25-30°C), the outdoor pools become a community gathering spot. I witnessed multi-generational Swedish families setting up for entire days here, bringing impressive picnic spreads and creating temporary homesteads on the grassy areas between swims.

For families with younger children, I'd recommend bringing a pop-up beach tent to create a shaded base camp. The Swedish sun can be surprisingly intense during summer months, and having a cool retreat makes the day more comfortable for everyone.

Just a 15-minute cycle from Uppsala's center lies Lyssnaängsbadet, a hidden gem that remains curiously absent from most tourist itineraries. This small, sheltered beach on Lake Mälaren exemplifies what I love about Swedish swimming spots—thoughtful amenities without compromising the natural setting.

The beach itself features fine, clean sand that's regularly maintained, gradually sloping into clear, shallow waters perfect for younger swimmers. What struck me most was the temperature—Lake Mälaren warms surprisingly well during summer months, making it much more inviting than one might expect from a Swedish lake.

Families should appreciate the well-maintained facilities: clean changing rooms, basic but functional toilets, and—in true Swedish fashion—excellently designed playground equipment that integrates with the natural environment. The wooden play structures, partially shaded by mature birch trees, kept the children I observed happily occupied between swimming sessions.

I spent a peaceful Tuesday afternoon here last July, watching local families interact in that distinctly Scandinavian way—giving each other ample space while maintaining a collective eye on all the children. There's something profoundly reassuring about Swedish beach culture, where safety and consideration seem woven into the social fabric.

For families spending a full day here, I recommend bringing a insulated cooler bag for drinks and snacks, as there are no food vendors on-site—a small trade-off for maintaining the beach's unspoiled character.

For families seeking a more adventurous swimming experience, Hammarskog Recreation Area about 10km southwest of Uppsala offers a glimpse into Sweden's wilder side. This expansive nature reserve features multiple swimming spots along Lake Ekoln, ranging from small, hidden coves to more developed beach areas.

What separates Hammarskog from Uppsala's other swimming destinations is the sense of immersion in nature. Tall reeds sway along portions of the shoreline, fish occasionally jump in the distance, and the forest comes right to the water's edge in many spots. It's the perfect introduction to friluftsliv for families ready to venture slightly beyond the convenience of city beaches.

During my visit, I hiked the well-marked Uppland Trail for about 25 minutes from the main parking area to discover a secluded pebble beach that I shared with just two local families. The children alternated between building stone towers at the water's edge and brave swimming expeditions to a large, flat rock about 15 meters offshore.

The water here tends to be slightly cooler than at Lyssnaängsbadet, but on warm days it's perfectly refreshing. What's particularly appealing for families is the gradual depth change—you can walk quite far out before the water reaches adult waist height.

For this more adventurous outing, I'd recommend bringing a waterproof backpack to protect cameras, extra clothes, and picnic supplies during the walk to the more secluded beaches. The investment proves particularly valuable when summer rain showers make surprise appearances.

If you're seeking the complete Swedish summer experience, Fjällnora—about 20km east of Uppsala—delivers it in spectacular fashion. This expansive outdoor recreation area centers around Lake Trehörningen and offers perhaps the most comprehensive family beach experience in the region.

What immediately struck me about Fjällnora was how thoroughly the Swedes have thought through the family experience without overcommercializing the natural setting. The main beach area features fine sand imported and maintained to a standard that would impress even Mediterranean beach aficionados. Swimming platforms at various distances from shore create natural goals for children developing their swimming confidence.

Beyond swimming, Fjällnora offers an impressive array of complementary activities that make it worth the slightly longer journey from Uppsala. Canoes and rowboats are available for reasonable hourly rates, hiking trails circle the lake, and the adventure playground kept every child I observed thoroughly engaged.

During my visit, I rented a canoe and paddled along the shoreline, discovering several smaller, more private beaches accessible only by water. This would make an excellent adventure for families with older children who might appreciate a swimming spot they've 'discovered' themselves.

The facilities here are exemplary by any standard—clean changing rooms, well-maintained toilets, and a small café serving simple but satisfying Swedish summer fare like hot dogs, ice cream, and the essential kanelbullar (cinnamon buns) that fuel seemingly every Swedish outdoor adventure.

For families planning a full day at Fjällnora, I'd recommend bringing a portable hammock to string between the lakeside pines. There's something utterly magical about gently swinging in the dappled shade after a refreshing swim, listening to the subtle sounds of Swedish summer—children's laughter mixing with the gentle lapping of lake water against the shore.

Perhaps the most fascinating of Uppsala's swimming spots is Sunnerstaåsen, which undergoes a remarkable seasonal transformation that epitomizes the Swedish relationship with nature. During winter, this area serves as a popular ski hill (modest by international standards but beloved by locals). Come summer, the same slopes become walking trails leading down to a delightful swimming area on Lake Ekoln.

The beach itself is smaller than Fjällnora's but possesses a certain charm in its simplicity. A mix of sand and grass creates natural divisions where families establish their territories for the day. What particularly impressed me was the floating jetty that extends quite far into the lake, allowing more confident swimmers to dive directly into deeper water while keeping the shoreline safe for paddlers and younger children.

Sunnerstaåsen's location, just 6km south of Uppsala's center, makes it particularly convenient for families relying on public transport, with city buses stopping nearby throughout summer months. This accessibility, combined with its more modest scale, creates a friendly, community atmosphere—during my Wednesday afternoon visit, I observed several groups of apparent neighbors who had coordinated their beach outings.

A short walk from the main beach area, I discovered a small kiosk serving what might be the best glass of flädersaft (elderflower cordial) I've tasted in Sweden—the perfect refreshment after a swim in the surprisingly warm waters of Lake Ekoln.

For families with varied age ranges, Sunnerstaåsen offers excellent compromise—teenagers can enjoy the deeper water and diving platform while younger children remain safely visible in the shallows. I'd recommend bringing a waterproof phone case to capture underwater photos of your children's swimming adventures without worrying about electronics damage.