Heading to the Seaside Beaches

Saltsjöbaden, where you can...

We have had some really hot days over the past week here in Stockholm (around 28-30 degrees Celsius) and it looks like it will hold for this week as well. Thankfully it hasn't been as hot as certain parts on the Continent where the temperatures have soared to over 40 degrees (Paris, London, etc.). At any rate, when it gets this hot, nothing beats a dip in the sea or lakes around Stockholm to cool down.

...head to the water and...

As it has been elsewhere in the world, beaches have gotten crowded when temperatures have soared which isn't a good thing during a pandemic. Unfortunately, that has been true here in Sweden as well. So, in order to avoid the crowded beaches, my friends and I have gone outside of the city where we could enjoy the sun and sea, but without the crowds. On one occasion we went to the town of Saltsjöbaden and on another day we went to the beach Erstaviksbadet (near Solsidan). Both are actually located in the same vicinity, just east of Stockholm, on the Baltic Sea.

...find your own sliver of beach, or...

It is just a 40 minute trip with public transportation from Slussen (around the corner from the Hotel Rival). And while there are plenty of bathing opportunities in the city, it is nice to get out and see the countryside & archipelago as well as being easier to keep a proper social distance from others. The only little hiccup is that they are currently renovating the Slussen area. This just means that you have to take a short, connecting bus ride from Slussen to the station Henriksdal as the train can't get all the way to Slussen right now. Not a big hassle (the buses are very regular and just take 8 minutes), but good to know.

...visit the yacht club for food and drinks. 

At Henriksdal, you have two choices... one train goes to Saltsjöbaden and the other to Solsidan. Both are good choices and will get you to the water. I would say that the main difference is that there is more civilization in Saltsjöbaden and more nature around Solsidan. Saltsjöbaden was actually developed as a resort back in the late 1800's and you will find a yacht harbor, restaurants and bars in the area. Besides a sandy beach, there are lots of small rocks and coves where you can get away from people and enjoy the sun. Solsidan, as I mentioned, is less civilized with lots of nature... though you might need to hike a bit to find a good spot.

At Erstaviksbadet in Solsidan, you have a beach...

So grab your swimsuit and towel, maybe pack a lunch, and head to the sea! Now, if you don't have a whole day to spend, you have lots of choices within the city to sunbathe and swim. Stockholm, after all, is made up of 14 islands, with the Baltic Sea on one side and Lake Mälaren on the other. In fact, just yesterday I went swimming with a friend in the Kungsholmen area. We had to walk 10-15 minutes to find a quieter area, but it was great! If you will be staying at the Hotel Rival, come talk to me or my colleagues for more swimming tips.

...and stones (more private), as well as lots of...

...beautiful nature!