Wild swimming has been quietly gathering momentum for years, and where better to embrace the wellness-led travel trend than Sweden, the land of *almost* 100,000 lakes.
Lake life isn’t a novelty here, it’s woven into the fabric of Swedish culture. Each summer, many Swedes take a whole month off work, retreating to summer houses to swim, fish, kayak and picnic long into golden evenings. Unlike many coastal hotspots that become crowded in peak season, Sweden’s vast network of lakes is dispersed across the country, creating a sense of exclusivity and calm for travellers, with plenty of quiet hidden gems waiting to be found.
Summer in Sweden is defined by light. In the north, the Midnight Sun stretches from late May to mid-July, with the sun barely dipping below the horizon. This extended daylight allows for unhurried exploration, morning swims, long hikes, leisurely lunches and relaxing evenings spent around the water.
Days might be spent hiking through endless forests where moose and reindeer roam freely (with the occasional rare white reindeer a remarkable sight in the wild), foraging for cloudberries and blueberries, or paddleboarding across mirror-like lakes. Thanks to Allemansrätten, Sweden’s right of public access, nature is never gated or exclusive, it’s open to all.
Sweden’s lakes may be abundant, but the difference between a good holiday and an exceptional one lies in knowing where to go, when to travel and how to experience these landscapes responsibly and comfortably.
Off the Map Travel has specialised exclusively in the Nordics for over 15 years. Their knowledge goes beyond guidebooks, the on the ground team understand which regions shine in high summer, which lakes remain uncrowded, and how to combine Swedish nature with design-led accommodation and seamless logistics.
Every itinerary is tailored to an individual’s pace, interests and travel style, ensuring their summer in Sweden feels effortless, immersive and genuinely off the map.
How to Experience Sweden’s Lakes this Summer
Designed for travellers who want to be active without sacrificing comfort, the Swedish Summer Adventure itinerary focuses on lake-based experiences, forest landscapes and authentic accommodation, offering kayaking, hiking and time immersed in Sweden’s natural rhythms. It is a perfect introduction to why summer is one of Sweden’s best-kept secrets: https://www.offthemap.travel/itinerary/a-swedish-summer-adventure/
Off the Map’s Summer Road Trip in West Sweden is well suited to those looking to explore a region of the country that is defined by lakes, coastline and countryside, best explored by road. This itinerary invites you to travel at your own pace, stopping for swims, scenic walks and locally owned restaurants along the way and captures the essence of Swedish summer living, uncomplicated and deeply restorative: https://www.offthemap.travel/itinerary/summer-road-trip-in-west-sweden/
From Stockholm to Swedish Lapland is a journey that showcases Sweden’s extraordinary geographical range. Begin in Stockholm, a city built across islands and waterways, before travelling north through forests, lakes and rivers into Swedish Lapland. This itinerary balances culture, scenery and wilderness, revealing how water connects the country from capital to Arctic Circle: https://www.offthemap.travel/itinerary/from-stockholm-to-swedish-lapland/
Wild swimming offers far more than a refreshing dip. Immersing yourself in cold, open water has been found to stimulate circulation, boost endorphins and help reduce inflammation, leaving the body energised and clear headed. The combination of natural light, fresh air and gentle exertion works wonders for stress levels, often improving sleep and supporting overall wellbeing. Beyond the physical benefits, there’s a powerful mental shift that comes from stepping into a lake or river, a grounding, mood lifting reset that reconnects you with nature and encourages a slower, more mindful pace.
With wellness travel continuing to shift away from pampering and towards purposeful experiences that genuinely benefit you, Off the Map Travel’s lake based itineraries go beyond the ordinary and invite travellers to rest, recharge and rejuvenate, the Swedish way.
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