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Photographer: Jesper Anhede

Public swimming areas maintained by Hjo Municipality

  • Visit Hjo, Hjo turistinformation

Here we’ve gathered all the public bathing areas that are maintained and operated by Hjo Municipality. In addition to these, you are welcome to swim in other places around our lakes, in accordance with the Swedish Right of Public Access (Allemansrätten). At the end of this article, you’ll find more information about how Allemansrätten applies to swimming in our lakes.

WHAT IS A MUNICIPAL BATHING AREA?

  • These are official public bathing spots that Hjo Municipality is responsible for maintaining.

  • Water quality is tested annually by the municipality.

  • Each bathing spot is equipped with a life buoy.

 

WHERE CAN YOU FIND MUNICIPAL BATHING AREAS?

There are five official public bathing areas maintained by Hjo Municipality:

  • Varpet, Mullsjön

  • The Promenade along Jönköpingsvägen (just south of the town square)

  • Guldkroksbadet’s sandy beach, Lake Vättern

  • Guldkroksbadet outdoor pool

  • Hjo Camping, Lake Vättern

🔗 Explore our interactive map here:
👉  [View our bathing map]

 

 

1. Swimming in Mullsjön – Varpet Bathing Area

Too cold for a dip in Vättern? Then Mullsjön might be a great alternative. On the southern shore, you’ll find Varpet with its sandy beach, jetty, and nearby playground – perfect for families with children.

📍 Location: Southern shore of Mullsjön, accessible via Varpetsvägen

 

QUICK FACTS

WHAT: Small sandy beach on the southern shore of Lake Mullsjön
SEASON: Open all year round
JETTY: YES
TOILETS: YES
CHANGING ROOMS: NO
DOGS ALLOWED: NO (30 April–1 September)
ADMISSION: Free
WHEELCHAIR RAMP: NO

 

 

2. The Promenade, Lake Vättern

The bathing area along the shoreline promenade is located just south of the town square, following Jönköpingsvägen.

📍 Location: Along Jönköpingsvägen, south of Stora Torget in Hjo

 

QUICK FACTS

WHAT: About 1 km walking path featuring what might be Sweden’s longest bench
SWIMMING JETTIES: YES, 2
BEACH: YES – small beaches and grassy areas for sunbathing
WATER TEMPERATURE SENSOR: YES – at the northern jetty
BBQ AREA: YES – southern part of the promenade
TOILETS: YES – southern part of the promenade
DOGS ALLOWED: YES

 

 

3. Guldkroksbadet’s Sandy Beach

Right in the harbour area, this popular beach offers rental changing huts, a wheelchair-accessible ramp into Lake Vättern, and direct access to the Guldkroksbadet facility with showers, changing rooms, a paddling pool and playground for younger children.

📍 Location: Central Hjo harbour, by Guldkroksbadet, Lake Vättern

 

QUICK FACTS

WHAT: Sandy beach by Lake Vättern, right in Hjo Harbour
SEASON: Open all year round
JETTY: NO
BEACH: YES 
CHANGING ROOMS: YES – changing huts for hire
TOILETS: YES – inside Guldkroksbadet and in the harbour
DOGS ALLOWED: NO (30 April–1 September)
ADMISSION: Free 
WHEELCHAIR RAMP: YES – into Lake Vättern

 

 

4. Guldkroksbadet Outdoor Pool Area

In the centre of Hjo harbour, you'll also find Guldkroksbadet’s outdoor pool area – complete with heated pools, a paddling pool for little ones, nearby playground, showers, toilets and changing facilities.

📍 Location: Next to the sandy beach in Hjo harbour, Guldkroksbadet

 

QUICK FACTS

WHAT: Outdoor pools in Hjo Harbour
SEASON: Open in summer (mid-June to mid-August)
JETTY: NO
TOILETS/SHOWERS: YES
CHANGING ROOMS: YES
DOGS ALLOWED: NO – not allowed inside the pool area
ADMISSION: Free
WHEELCHAIR RAMP: YES

 

 

5. Swimming at Hjo Camping

Hjo Camping offers access to a smaller sandy beach by Lake Vättern. The campsite is located about 1 kilometre north of the town centre.

📍 Location: Hjo Camping, approx. 1 km north of Hjo town centre

 

QUICK FACTS

WHAT: Small sandy beach by Lake Vättern, located at Hjo Camping
SEASON: Open all year round
JETTY: YES
TOILETS: YES – in the service building at Hjo Camping
DOGS ALLOWED: NO (30 April–1 September)
ADMISSION: Free
WHEELCHAIR RAMP: NO
CHANGING ROOMS: NO

 

 

OTHER PLACES TO SWIM

Besides the official public bathing areas, you are allowed to swim in most places, thanks to Sweden’s Right of Public Access (Allemansrätten). This right gives everyone access to nature – including lakes and coastlines – but also includes rules to protect wildlife and private property.

Please keep in mind:

  • You must not swim directly next to a private residence.

  • Respect any signs that prohibit access or swimming.

  • Think about how you get to your swimming spot – you may not cross private gardens, planted fields or drive where there is no road.

👉 [Check today’s water temperature in our lakes]