Location
Sweden
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June to August
About Hökafältet
Hökafältet is the official nude beach at the northern end of Mellbystrand, the long sandy shore of Laholm Bay about 7 km west of Laholm. The beach is split: the main Mellbystrand stretch is for clothed bathers and the northern part, close to Mellbystrands Camping, is set aside for nude bathing. Behind it lies the Hökafältet nature reserve, 417 hectares of dunes and pine forest between Mellbystrand and the mouth of the river Lagan; the pines were planted in the 1800s to stop drifting sand and now cover much of the old open dunes. The beach is fine sand and the bay is shallow, which makes it well suited to children, but the county board warns that strong currents and sudden changes in the seabed can occur on windy days, and the soft sand at the shifting river mouth can behave like quicksand. There are bins and a toilet but no drinking water. The local club Naturistföreningen Gränsbygden uses the beach as a meeting point. The area has a history of complaints about public sex in the dunes, which led Laholm municipality to review the beach in 2015-16.
Getting there
Leave the E6 at Laholm and drive toward Mellbystrand; pass the supermarket, turn right at the T-junction and continue about 2 km. The county board lists a large car park at the southern end of the reserve by the exercise track and more parking before a barrier mid-reserve. The federation says the nude beach is about 500 m from the parking. By bus, use the Mellbystrand (Strandhotellet) stop, about 1 km away (roughly 20 minutes on foot). The Kattegattleden cycle route passes through the reserve; a 2.5 km trail is adapted for wheelchairs and prams, but the beach itself is soft sand.
What visitors say
Coverage in Swedish media and naturist sources gives a mixed picture. The federation and the local naturist club describe a child-friendly sandy beach used by families and club members, and the club chairman said in 2016 that members had few complaints. Local reports from 2006 and 2015-16, however, describe sexual activity and flashing in the dunes behind the beach, which upset nearby campers and led to political debate. Visitors who want a relaxed day are best staying on the open beach near the water rather than in the dunes.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Naturistriksförbundet's map describes Hökafältet as an official nude beach owned and run by Laholm municipality, with the northern part reserved for nude bathing. After complaints about open sex in the dunes, the municipality considered in 2016 keeping, moving or closing it and the sign was temporarily removed; check current signage on arrival. Nature reserve rules ban camping, driving off roads and unleashed dogs.
Naturism at Hökafältet sits under Sweden's rules for officially designated nude beaches — explicit protection inside the marked area.
Full country law: Sweden public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 56.5379, 12.9466
Visitor tips
- 1 Official designation: nudity is protected inside the marked area.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Sweden
Frequently asked questions
Is nude bathing official here?
Yes. The national naturist federation lists Hökafältet as an official nude beach run by Laholm municipality, covering the northern part of Mellbystrand.
How far is the walk from parking?
About 500 m from the car park, or around 20 minutes on foot from the bus stop.
Is it suitable for children?
The sand beach and shallow water suit children, but watch for currents on windy days and avoid the soft sand at the Lagan river mouth.
Are there toilets?
There are bins and a toilet near the beach, but no drinking water, so bring your own.
Has the beach had problems?
There have been complaints about sexual activity in the dunes, and in 2016 the municipality reviewed the nude beach; stick to the open beach.
Sources
- Naturistkarta - Naturistriksförbundet (map data: Hökafältet - Mellbystrand Naturistbad) Official
- Hökafältet naturreservat - Länsstyrelsen Halland Official
- Nakenbad kan flyttas på grund av öppen strandsex - SVT Nyheter (2016)
- Sex på stranden 'inte en kommunal fråga' - Sveriges Radio (seen in search results)
- 'Group sex' protests over Swedish nudist beach - The Local (2006, seen in search results)
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
Members’ reviews
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