Take a winter dip in Tanum
Join the booming health trend with an invigorating cold dip. The health benefits are many. When you step into the icy water, your body releases a burst of endorphins. These natural chemicals help reduce pain, and they also give cold bathers a noticeable boost in mood. In short — you can quite literally dip yourself happy!
In Tanum, you can ‘winter‑bathe yourself happy’ — from Gerlesborg in the south to Resö in the north, and all the way to Bullaren in the east. At several spots, you can also enjoy a warming sauna after your dip.
Långekärr, Gerlesborg
An invigorating swim awaits from a jump‑friendly jetty and a large concrete pier with a bathing ladder.
Boviken, Hamburgö
On the northwest side of Hamburgö, Boviken offers a sandy beach and a bathing jetty that’s accessible all year round.
Norra Ejgde – “Pluret”, Hamburgsund
A family‑friendly bathing spot with a sandy beach and a ladder from the jetty deck.
Badholmen, Fjällbacka
Right in the centre of Fjällbacka, next to the hostel on Badholmen, you’ll find sand, rocks, a ladder, and a diving tower.
Skredfors, Kämpersvik
The bathing area in Kämpersvik has a ladder, beaches, and a diving tower, but the jetties are removed in winter. A traditional changing hut and a wood‑fired sauna are available here, and the sauna can be rented via Föreningen Framåt.
Grebbestad Beach Area, Grebbestad
Grebbestad’s main bathing spot offers a sandy beach, a bathing jetty, and a diving tower located a few hundred metres away.
Hamneholmen on Resö provides swimming from cliffs, a jetty, and a diving tower.
Oljeskär on Resö features a sandy beach, smooth cliffs, grassy areas, and a bathing ladder set into the rocks.
Östads bathing area, by Lake Södra Bullaresjön, is a designated winter swimming spot with a jetty maintained by the municipality. The site also has a sauna that is heated every other Sunday. For more information, contact Östad Community Association.
Havstenssund Bathing Area, Havstenssund
In Havstenssund you can jump from the diving board, use the jetty ladder, or wade in from the sandy/gravelly beach.
At Sannäs bathing area you can jump from the diving tower or climb in from the bathing jetty.
A newly built jetty from 2024, equipped with a good ladder and benches perfect for a post‑swim coffee break.
Edsviks Bathing Area, Grebbestad
Located at Edsviks camping area, this spot offers a bathing jetty, sandy beach, and diving tower. The bathing area is accessibility‑adapted.
Grunnevattnet, between Rabbalshede and Tanumshede
At the lake Grunnevattnet you’ll find a sandy bottom, a bathing jetty, and benches — plus floating jetties in two different locations.
Maps and useful information
Want to learn more about the swimming areas and find your way there? Explore our map portal:
More information about all swimming areas in Tanum Municipality
Warming sauna and/or hot tub near the water?
At several places in Tanum you can enjoy a warming sauna or hot tub as part of your winter bathing experience. Here are our top recommendations:
Väderöarnas Värdshus, The Weather Islands
Väderöarnas Värdshus has two bathing ladders accessible year‑round. You can also book their popular granite sauna and/or one of the warm seawater hot tubs. Sauna and tub reservations are made at info@vaderoarna.com or +46 (0)525 320 01.
At BJK in Vadskär you’ll find a jetty with a bathing ladder and a newly renovated sauna. On Thursday evenings the sauna is open for both members and trial members. It can also be rented for private groups.
GrebbestadFjorden campsite also offers a sauna. For bookings, contact the reception at 0525‑612 11 or info@grebbestadfjorden.com.
The bathing area offers a sandy beach and bathing ladder throughout winter.
TanumStrand Spa & Resort features a heated seaside sauna open daily from 07:00–21:00. Next to the sauna is a jetty with ladders. Sauna access is included with a Spa Horisont day pass, and drop‑in is available subject to space. Book via hotel reception: 0525‑19000 or bokning@tanumstrand.se.
Tips for your cold‑water dip
From Kallbad.nu – tips on how to ease into cold‑water swimming safely:
- Cold‑water swim regularly, about 2–3 times per week, to acclimatise your body.
- Immerse your whole body up to the neck to activate brown fat and the body’s natural heat production.
- Don’t dip your head unless you’re an experienced winter bather.
- Stay in just long enough to regain control of your breathing and overcome the “fight‑or‑flight” sensation — but don’t push your limits. In very cold water, 2–3 minutes is enough.
- If you’re new to winter bathing, start training with cold showers at home, alternating warm and cold to strengthen your blood vessels.
- Swim with a friend and keep an eye on each other.
- Bring a mobile phone with the Swedish 112 emergency app installed.
- Be cautious if you have high blood pressure or heart conditions — consult your doctor before you start winter bathing.
All tips are available in a downloadable PDF for printing.