Looking for swimming spots near Falun? The area around the Dalarna city has plenty of places to cool off, from family-friendly beaches on Lake Runn to quiet forest lakes with jetties, rocks and open views. This guide covers the best lakes and beaches for swimming, how to reach them, what facilities to expect and how to choose the right spot for your day.
Why Falun is a great base for lake swimming
Falun is surrounded by water. Large Lake Runn stretches between Falun and Borlänge, while smaller lakes such as Stångtjärn and Varpan are close enough for a quick afternoon swim. Further out, the countryside around Sundborn and Bjursås offers additional beaches and peaceful places to enter the water.
The swimming season usually runs from late June into August, although warm weather can make the water pleasant earlier or later in the year. Most swimming areas are natural, outdoor bathing places rather than staffed facilities. That means you should be prepared to bring your own towel, food, drinking water and basic safety equipment.
Water temperatures, beach conditions and available facilities can change from one season to the next. Before setting off, check local signs and current information from Falu kommun or the relevant landowner. Always supervise children closely, even at shallow beaches, and remember that many Swedish lakes become deep only a short distance from shore.
The best swimming spots near Falun
1. Roxnäs udde on Lake Runn
Roxnäs udde is one of the most popular swimming spots near Falun, thanks to its attractive setting on Lake Runn and its easy access from the city. The area has a broad shoreline, green surroundings and plenty of space for a relaxed summer day. It is a good choice if you want to combine swimming with a picnic, a walk or time in the sun.
The large lake gives Roxnäs udde a more open feeling than the smaller forest bathing places. On a calm day, the water can be inviting and clear near the shore. The shoreline also makes it possible to find a quieter place away from the busiest section, although popular summer weekends can be lively.
- Best for: families, picnics and a full day outdoors
- Setting: open lake views with grassy areas near the shoreline
- Bring: a picnic, sun protection and water shoes if you prefer extra grip
Roxnäs udde is reached by road from Falun and is also suitable for visitors who want to cycle. Parking arrangements can vary, so follow local signs and avoid blocking access roads. Lake Runn is used for several water activities, which makes it sensible to keep an eye out for boats and stay close to designated swimming areas when they are marked.
2. Främby udde and the southern shore of Lake Runn
Främby udde is another well-known place to enjoy Lake Runn. Located close to Falun, it is convenient for visitors who do not want to drive far from the town centre. The area is associated with outdoor recreation and offers a pleasant setting for swimming, sunbathing and a walk beside the water.
The shoreline around Främby udde can suit different kinds of visitors. Some people come for a quick dip after work, while others stay longer with a blanket and packed lunch. Because Lake Runn is extensive, conditions can feel different from one side of the lake to another. Wind can make the water cooler and create waves, even on a warm day.
Check the exact access point before travelling, particularly if you are bringing a pram, bicycle or mobility equipment. Some parts of the shoreline are more natural than others. As with all the swimming spots near Falun, do not assume that every section has changing rooms, toilets or lifeguards.
3. Källviken on Lake Runn
Källviken provides another option on Lake Runn and is particularly useful for visitors staying in or near Falun. The area has a recreational character and is a convenient place to enjoy the lake without committing to a longer day trip. Depending on the season and local arrangements, you may find a beach, grassy areas or simple access points close to the water.
Lake Runn is one of the best lakes for swimming in the Falun area because it offers many different shorelines. If one bathing place feels busy or exposed to the wind, another part of the lake may be more comfortable. That flexibility is useful during the peak summer holiday period.
Use marked parking spaces and be considerate of residents and other visitors. If you are travelling by bicycle, plan your route in advance and carry a lock. The surrounding area is also suitable for combining a swim with a short walk or a stop at another attraction around Falun.
4. Lilltorpsbadet
Lilltorpsbadet is a practical choice for a classic Swedish beach day close to Falun. It is known as a local bathing area and is suitable for visitors who want straightforward access to the water rather than a remote wilderness experience. The setting is generally more compact than the broad shores of Lake Runn, which can make it easier to keep an eye on younger children.
Expect a natural outdoor bathing place rather than a large commercial beach resort. Bring everything you need for the day, including snacks, drinks and a dry change of clothes. On busy days, arriving earlier can make it easier to find parking and a comfortable place near the shoreline.
Families should still check the water depth and bottom conditions before children swim independently. A beach that looks shallow from land can become deeper quickly. If you are visiting outside the main season, facilities may be limited or closed, so rely on your own preparation.
5. Stångtjärn
Stångtjärn is one of the most appealing swimming spots near Falun for people who prefer a forest setting. The lake is surrounded by trees and outdoor trails, giving it a quieter atmosphere than the larger bathing areas on Lake Runn. It is a good destination for a swim combined with a walk, picnic or short nature outing.
The water at Stångtjärn is usually reached from a designated bathing area with a shoreline that may include sand, grass, rocks or a jetty. A jetty is useful for entering deeper water, while shallow edges can be more comfortable for children who are still getting used to swimming. Wear sandals or water shoes if you dislike uneven ground.
Stångtjärn can be especially attractive on hot days when the shade around the lake offers a break from the sun. At the same time, trees and forest surroundings mean that some parts of the shore may dry more slowly after rain. Bring a towel and an extra layer if you plan to stay until the evening.
- Best for: forest scenery, walking and a quieter swim
- Good to know: shoreline conditions may be natural and uneven
- Ideal visit: a half day with a picnic and a walk around the area
6. Varpan
Lake Varpan lies close to Falun and is another useful option when you want a local swim without travelling far. The lake has a more peaceful character than the busiest parts of Lake Runn, and its wooded shores create a pleasant setting in warm weather. Look for established bathing access and follow any local signs about parking or private land.
Varpan is worth considering if you enjoy combining swimming with a short drive through the countryside. It may not offer the same sense of space as a large open lake, but the surroundings can feel sheltered and calm. Water conditions will depend on the weather, and shady sections may remain cool even during a hot afternoon.
As the access points around smaller lakes can be less obvious, use a reliable map and avoid stopping on narrow roads. If an area looks like a private beach or driveway, choose another access point. Respecting local residents helps keep these lakes enjoyable for both visitors and the community.
7. Sundborn and the shores of Lake Toftan
The village of Sundborn is best known for Carl Larsson-gården, but the surrounding area also offers opportunities for swimming. Lake Toftan and nearby waterways provide a scenic setting for a day trip from Falun. A visit can combine cultural sightseeing, a meal or café stop and time by the water.
Bathing access around Sundborn may be smaller and more local than the main beaches near Falun. That is part of the appeal for visitors looking for a calm atmosphere. Check local directions before travelling and do not expect every shoreline to have formal facilities. Some places may have simple entry to the water rather than a wide sandy beach.
The countryside around Sundborn is particularly attractive in summer, with forest, farmland and traditional red cottages. If you plan to swim after visiting the village, allow time to find a suitable access point and bring your own refreshments. Combining several activities makes this one of the better swimming day trips near Falun.
8. Bjursås and Lake Bjursjön
Bjursås is a longer but manageable day trip from Falun and offers a change of scenery from the city’s nearest lakes. Lake Bjursjön and the surrounding countryside are associated with outdoor recreation, and the area can be a good choice for swimming, walking and a picnic away from the busiest local beaches.
The journey is part of the experience. Roads lead through the Dalarna landscape, with forests, small settlements and open countryside along the way. Check current local information before you go, as the condition of bathing facilities and parking can vary. A quieter location may have fewer services, so pack food, drinks and suitable footwear.
Bjursås works well for visitors who want to make swimming one part of a wider outdoor day. It is also a useful alternative when the weather is warm and the most popular beaches close to Falun are crowded.
How to choose between the lakes and beaches
The best swimming spot depends on the kind of day you want. Lake Runn is the strongest all-round choice if you want a larger lake, open views and several nearby recreational areas. Roxnäs udde, Främby udde and Källviken are convenient when you want to stay close to Falun and have plenty of space for a picnic.
Stångtjärn and Varpan are better suited to visitors who prefer smaller lakes and a more wooded atmosphere. These places can feel peaceful and scenic, but they may have fewer facilities and less obvious access. Sundborn and Bjursås are good choices for a day trip that includes more than swimming.
- For the easiest city escape, choose Främby udde or Lilltorpsbadet.
- For open lake scenery, try Roxnäs udde on Lake Runn.
- For forest surroundings, consider Stångtjärn or Varpan.
- For a combined culture and swimming day, travel towards Sundborn.
- For a longer outdoor excursion, explore Bjursås and its nearby lakes.
What to pack for swimming near Falun
Swedish lake beaches are often pleasantly simple, so a little preparation makes a big difference. Pack a large towel, swimwear, sun protection and a warm layer for the journey home. A picnic blanket is useful at grassy bathing areas, while water shoes can make rocky or uneven entries more comfortable.
- Drinking water and food, especially at smaller lakes
- Sun cream, a hat and sunglasses
- A spare dry layer for cooler weather
- Water shoes for rocky bottoms or jetties
- A rubbish bag so you can take everything home
- A life jacket or approved flotation aid for children who need one
- Cash or a payment option if you plan to stop at a local café
Do not rely on every beach having toilets, changing rooms, showers or a kiosk. Facilities may also be seasonal. If you are travelling with children, check the shoreline when you arrive and agree on clear boundaries before anyone enters the water.
Swimming safety and water quality
Lake swimming is one of the pleasures of summer in Dalarna, but natural water requires care. Read warning signs and follow any temporary advice about water quality. During warm periods, algae can appear in lakes. Avoid swimming in water with visible surface scum, unusual discolouration or a strong unpleasant smell, and keep pets away from suspicious water.
Weather can change quickly around open lakes. Wind and waves may make a beach feel very different from the calm conditions you saw earlier. Avoid swimming far from shore alone, and use extra caution near boat routes, steep drop-offs and unfamiliar jetties. Children should remain within arm’s reach of an adult when they are in or near the water.
If you are visiting from abroad, remember that many Swedish bathing places are unmanned. There may be no lifeguard, no rental service and no warning in English. Use common sense, watch the weather and choose a busier designated beach if you are unsure about conditions.
Getting to the swimming spots near Falun
A car gives you the greatest flexibility, especially if you want to visit Varpan, Sundborn or Bjursås. However, several swimming spots near Falun can also be reached by bicycle, depending on your starting point and fitness level. Cycling is a pleasant way to explore the lakes, but plan for hills, changing weather and roads with limited shoulders.
Local buses may serve parts of the Falun area, although routes and summer timetables can change. Check the latest public transport information before relying on a bus for a beach day. Use marked parking areas, keep access routes clear for emergency vehicles and never park on private land without permission.
Once you arrive, leave the shore as you found it. Take rubbish home, keep noise reasonable and respect signs, wildlife and private property. These small actions help protect the lakes and beaches that make summer swimming around Falun so enjoyable.
A simple summer plan from Falun
For a short afternoon, choose a nearby spot such as Lilltorpsbadet, Främby udde or Varpan. Bring a towel and a snack, swim for an hour and return to Falun before the evening. For a longer day, start at Roxnäs udde or Stångtjärn with a packed lunch and allow time for a walk around the surrounding trails.
If you have a full day available, travel towards Sundborn or Bjursås and combine swimming with sightseeing and a meal. The variety of lakes around Falun means you do not have to visit the same beach every time. A sheltered forest lake may be perfect on a windy day, while the open shores of Lake Runn can be more inviting when the weather is calm.
With its accessible lakes, natural beaches and scenic countryside, Falun is an excellent base for a Swedish summer by the water. Start with the location that matches your plans, check local conditions before you go and leave enough time to enjoy the landscape as well as the swimming.