Looking for swimming spots near Borlänge? The town is surrounded by lakes, rivers and quiet woodland shores, so it is easy to find a place for a refreshing dip during the Swedish summer. From family friendly beaches on Lake Runn to peaceful bathing areas outside the town centre, this guide covers where to swim, what to expect and how to plan a safe day by the water.
Why Borlänge is a great base for summer swimming
Borlänge sits in the heart of Dalarna, a region known for forested landscapes, clear lakes and long summer days. You do not need to travel far from the town to find good swimming. Some beaches are close enough to reach by bicycle, while others are best visited by car as part of a day trip.
The local swimming season usually runs from June into August, although the water can remain cool well into the summer. July is generally the most comfortable month for swimming, especially after several warm days. Early in the season, shallow beaches warm up faster than deeper lakes, making them a better choice for children or anyone who prefers milder water.
Conditions vary between locations. Some beaches have lawns, jetties, toilets and parking, while more natural lakeshores may have very few facilities. Always check local information before setting out, particularly if you are travelling with young children or want accessible changing rooms and toilets.
Lake Runn and its swimming beaches
Lake Runn is one of the most popular places for swimming near Borlänge. The lake stretches between Borlänge and Falun and has a varied shoreline with beaches, rocky edges, islands and small bays. Its size means that different parts of the lake can feel completely different. One area may be busy and lively, while another offers a quiet place to spread out a towel.
Runn is also a good choice if your group wants to combine swimming with other activities. The lake is used for boating, paddling and fishing, and the surrounding roads make it possible to visit several shorelines in one day. Families often appreciate the shallower water at established beaches, while experienced swimmers may prefer a jetty or a more open section of the lake.
Ornäs and the eastern side of Lake Runn
Ornäs is a convenient starting point for exploring the eastern part of Lake Runn. The area is known for its historic setting and attractive shoreline, and local bathing areas can provide a pleasant place for a summer swim. Facilities and access may differ from one spot to another, so check signs on arrival and avoid blocking access roads or private driveways.
A visit to Ornäs works well as a half day outing from Borlänge. Bring a picnic, take time to walk near the water and look for a quieter bay if the main beach is busy. The combination of cultural sights and lakeside scenery makes this one of the more rewarding swimming trips in the area.
Roxnäs and beaches closer to Falun
If you are happy to drive a little farther, the southern and western shores of Runn offer additional swimming possibilities. Roxnäs, on the Falun side of the lake, is a popular recreation area with open landscapes and access to the water. It can be a practical option when you want more space for outdoor games, a walk or a relaxed picnic.
Travel times depend on where you start and which access point you choose. During warm weekends, popular beaches around Runn can fill up quickly. Arriving earlier in the day is often the easiest way to find parking and a comfortable place near the shore.
Tjärnasjön, a convenient local option
Tjärnasjön is one of the swimming spots near Borlänge that is useful when you want a shorter outing. The lake is close to residential areas and is often considered a practical choice for a quick afternoon swim. Its local setting means it may feel less like a remote nature excursion, but that convenience is a major advantage for visitors without a car.
Look for the designated bathing area and follow local signs regarding parking, waste and water access. Depending on the season, the beach may have basic facilities, but it is sensible to bring your own towel, drinking water and snacks. The water near the shore is usually the easiest place for children to enter, while adults may prefer swimming from a jetty when one is available.
Tjärnasjön can also be a good choice late in the day. Evening light over the water often creates a calm atmosphere, and a short swim is an easy way to cool down after sightseeing in Borlänge.
Dammsjön and woodland lake swimming
Dammsjön is another option for travellers who prefer a quieter natural setting. Surrounded by woodland, the lake offers the type of scenery many visitors associate with summer in Dalarna. Rather than expecting a large resort style beach, come prepared for a simpler bathing experience with forest, open water and a more peaceful atmosphere.
Natural lakeshores can be uneven, muddy or rocky in places. Water shoes are useful, especially if you are entering from a rough shoreline. A lightweight picnic, insect repellent and a dry change of clothes will also make the visit more comfortable.
Before swimming in a less developed area, look carefully at the entry point. Do not jump from rocks unless the depth is known, and keep children within arm’s reach near unfamiliar water. Wind can also make a small lake feel more exposed than expected, so use caution with inflatables and paddleboards.
Mellsta and the Dalälven area
The Dalälven river passes through the Borlänge area and creates several attractive places for walking and outdoor recreation. Mellsta and nearby riverside areas are worth considering if you want to combine a swim with a park visit or a cycle ride. However, river swimming requires more care than swimming in a sheltered lake.
Flow, depth and underwater conditions can change quickly. Only enter the water where swimming is clearly permitted and where local signs indicate a suitable bathing area. Avoid swimming close to weirs, bridges, boat routes and areas with strong current. A river can look calm on the surface while still moving quickly below.
For a relaxed day, use the riverside paths and green spaces for walking, then choose a clearly marked bathing area rather than entering wherever the bank looks accessible. This is especially important after heavy rain, when water levels and currents may change.
Family friendly swimming spots near Borlänge
Families usually value more than attractive scenery when choosing a beach. Shallow water, easy access, toilets, parking and space to play can make a significant difference. Established bathing places around Lake Runn are often a good starting point because they tend to offer clearer entry points than undeveloped shores.
- Choose a gently shelving beach if younger children are swimming.
- Check whether there is shade, especially during the warmest part of the day.
- Bring swim shoes for stony or uneven lake bottoms.
- Keep children close to the water’s edge, even when the beach appears shallow.
- Do not rely on lifeguards being present at Swedish lake beaches.
- Pack food and drinks if the bathing area does not have a café nearby.
Swedish beaches often have an informal atmosphere, but visitors are still expected to keep noise reasonable and leave the area clean. Take rubbish with you when bins are full or unavailable, and avoid lighting fires unless a designated barbecue area is provided.
Quiet lakes and natural swimming places
One of the pleasures of swimming in Dalarna is that you do not always need a large beach. Small lakes and forest ponds can provide beautiful places for a dip, particularly on weekdays. These locations may have no changing rooms, toilets or marked swimming zones, so they suit independent travellers who are comfortable with basic conditions.
Use maps and local signs to identify public access. In Sweden, the right of public access allows people to enjoy nature responsibly, but it does not mean that every shoreline is open for swimming or parking. Respect private homes, cultivated land and signs that restrict access. Park only in designated places and leave enough room for emergency vehicles and local residents.
Before entering an unfamiliar lake, inspect the shore for broken glass, sharp stones, fallen branches and aquatic plants. Avoid swimming alone in isolated locations. Even confident swimmers should tell someone where they are going and carry a phone in a waterproof pouch.
Best time of year to swim in Borlänge
Summer is the main season for outdoor swimming around Borlänge. In June, the days are long and the landscape is bright, but lake temperatures can still be low. July usually offers the best balance of warm air and more comfortable water. August can be excellent too, although evenings become cooler and some seasonal facilities may reduce their opening hours.
Morning swims are often peaceful and give you the best chance of finding an empty beach. Afternoon is popular with families, while warm evenings are ideal for a quick dip and a picnic. Check the weather forecast before travelling, since wind can make exposed beaches uncomfortable even when the temperature is high.
Water quality can be affected by heavy rain, high temperatures and local conditions. If official signs or local authorities publish a bathing warning, follow the advice and choose another beach. Never swim where there is a visible warning about algae or unsafe water.
How to reach the swimming spots
Borlänge has useful cycle routes and local bus connections, but not every swimming area is easy to reach without a car. Tjärnasjön and some nearby recreation areas are the most practical for a short local trip. Lake Runn, Ornäs and more rural lakes usually require closer planning, particularly if you are carrying picnic equipment or travelling with children.
A bicycle can be a pleasant way to reach nearby water during good weather. Allow extra time for hills, unpaved sections and the return journey after swimming. If you are driving, arrive early on sunny weekends and use only marked parking areas. Congested verges can create hazards for pedestrians, cyclists and emergency services.
Visitors staying in central Borlänge can ask their accommodation for the latest information about beach access, road conditions and public transport. Local knowledge is especially helpful when a bathing area has temporary closures or limited parking.
What to pack for a day by the water
- Swimwear, a towel and warm layers for the journey home.
- Sun protection, including sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
- Drinking water and food, particularly for natural lakes without nearby services.
- Water shoes for rocky or muddy lake entrances.
- A waterproof phone pouch and a small first aid kit.
- A picnic blanket, rubbish bags and a reusable water bottle.
- Insect repellent for still woodland lakes and evening visits.
A portable changing robe or large towel can be useful because many natural swimming places do not have changing cabins. If you are bringing an inflatable, remember that wind can carry it away quickly. Keep it close to shore and never use it as a substitute for a life jacket.
Swimming safely in Swedish lakes
Lake swimming is enjoyable, but cold water and changing depths deserve respect. Enter gradually, particularly at the start of summer or after a long period out of the water. Cold shock can affect breathing and movement even when the air feels warm.
- Swim with a companion whenever possible.
- Stay within your ability and avoid long crossings of open water.
- Use marked jetties and entry points where provided.
- Keep away from boats, fishing lines and areas with strong current.
- Watch children continuously rather than relying on flotation toys.
- Leave the water if thunder or lightning approaches.
Many Swedish bathing areas do not have lifeguards. If an emergency occurs, call 112 and provide the name of the beach or the nearest road. Knowing your location before swimming is a simple but important part of planning a visit.
Make a full day of your swimming trip
The best swimming spots near Borlänge can easily become part of a wider Dalarna itinerary. Pair an outing to Ornäs with a look at the historic environment, or combine a Lake Runn beach with cycling and a lakeside picnic. A visit to a natural lake can also work well after a morning walk in the surrounding forest.
For a flexible day, choose two possible beaches before leaving. If the first location is crowded, windy or difficult to access, you can move on without losing time. Keep food, towels and dry clothes in a day bag, and check return transport if you are not driving.
Whether you want a quick local dip or a quiet afternoon beside one of Dalarna’s lakes, Borlänge offers plenty of ways to enjoy outdoor swimming. Start with an established beach if you want convenient facilities, or explore a quieter shoreline when you are prepared for a more basic and self sufficient experience.