Location
Sweden
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June to August
About Knähaken Nude beach, Helsingborg
Knähakenbadet is Helsingborg's only naturist beach, run by the city as one of its public bathing sites. It sits a short way south of the city centre on the Öresund coast, in a bay below a fairly steep slope, and looks straight across the strait towards Denmark. The beach is about 200 metres of sand, running from the pier at Högastensgatan in the south to the stone pier of the small Knähaken fishing harbour in the north, with the grassy Råå vallar area beyond its southern end. The city provides a jetty, an accessible toilet, drinking water and a kiosk, and signs mark the naturist bathing area. The sea off the beach is part of the Knähaken marine nature reserve, Sweden's first municipal marine reserve (2001), known for its rich seabed life, so anchoring boats and collecting animals or plants are not allowed. It is one of the best-known nude beaches in Skåne and is used by local naturists as well as visitors; the rocks around the piers are popular for sunbathing and swimming straight into deeper water.
Getting there
The beach is at roughly Högastensgatan 20 on Helsingborg's southern shore, about 2-3 km from the city centre. The city says there is plenty of parking and that the beach can be reached by city bus. A running and walking path follows the coast south past Råå towards Rydebäck. The descent from the road is down a fairly steep slope; the city lists an accessible toilet, but check the path gradient if you use a wheelchair.
What visitors say
Guides describe Knähaken as one of Skåne's best-known nude beaches, a convenient city beach with views of Denmark and rock bathing, and visitors value the kiosk, toilets and lawn above the beach, which are open in summer. The main complaint, reported in local news around 2013-2015, was sexual behaviour by some visitors, which led to police patrols. Little recent review material was found.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Helsingborg municipality designates Knähakenbadet as the city's only naturist beach and marks the naturist area with signs (city page, 2026). In 2013 police patrolled the beach after complaints about sexual activity, and Sveriges Radio reported on the issue in 2015. The city can advise against swimming after water-quality problems; in 2026 it issued a temporary warning for the stretch from Råå harbour to Knähaken after a sewage leak.
Naturism at Knähaken Nude beach, Helsingborg 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. 56.0061, 12.7156
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 at Knähaken?
Yes. Helsingborg city lists Knähakenbadet as its only naturist beach, with signs marking the area.
What facilities are there?
An accessible toilet, drinking water, a kiosk and a jetty, plus lifebuoys.
Can I get there by bus?
Yes, the city says the beach is served by bus, and there is plenty of parking.
Is the water clean?
Usually, but the city publishes water-quality results and occasionally advises against swimming, as after a sewage leak in 2026. Check helsingborg.se before you go.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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