Location
Sweden
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Mixed
Best season
June to August
About Östra Holmen Nakenbad
Östra Holmen is one of the most visited islands in the Västerås archipelago on Lake Mälaren, about 15 minutes by boat from Västerås harbour. Its public bathing area has a sandy beach and smooth rock slabs. Facilities include changing rooms, showers, toilets, drinking water and barbecue spots, and a café runs by the beach in summer. Sveriges Radio and the Arrivalguides city guide both say the island has nudist bathing alongside its family beaches. Neither source says exactly where on the island the nude area is. The record is pinned at the main bathing place, so look for the quieter rocks and coves away from the sandy family beach and café. Because the island is reached only by boat, it is calmer than mainland beaches, but it fills with day-trippers on hot summer weekends. The water is fresh, sheltered lake water, which warms up earlier in summer than the Baltic coast.
Getting there
In summer, regular passenger ferries run from Västerås harbour to Östra Holmen, and the crossing takes about 15 minutes. Check the current timetable, because service runs only in the summer months. Paddlers can follow a canoe route from Björnön to Östra Holmen. Once you are ashore, the beach is a short walk from the jetty. Outside the ferry season, you need your own boat.
Amenities
Legal context
Sweden has no general ban on nude bathing, but conduct that offends others can be prosecuted. We found no municipal designation or signage for a nude area on Östra Holmen. The County Administrative Board's bathing-place listing does not mention one, so use discretion near the family beach (checked 2026).
Naturism at Östra Holmen Nakenbad sits under Sweden's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
Full country law: Sweden public nudity guide.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 59.5848, 16.5762
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 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 there an official nude beach on Östra Holmen?
No official designation was found. Media and travel guides say the island has nudist bathing areas, but the County Administrative Board's listing does not mention one.
How do I get there?
Take the summer ferry from Västerås harbour, about 15 minutes, or paddle out from Björnön.
What facilities are there?
The main bathing place has changing rooms, showers, toilets, drinking water, barbecue spots and a summer café.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
Members’ reviews
Write a review →Loading member reviews…