Location
Sweden
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June to August
About Sandhammaren
Sandhammaren is a long, open white-sand beach and nature reserve in Österlen, in the far south-east of Skåne, between Kåseberga and Skillinge. It is one of Skåne's most popular beaches, with fine sand and dunes backed by pine forest, heath and grassland. A 19th-century lighthouse stands near the main car park. The sand keeps growing eastward as sea currents deposit it. The Local includes Sandhammaren in its roundup of Swedish beaches for swimming and sunbathing nude. There is no designated nude section. A visitor at Backåkra, the Dag Hammarskjöld property at the beach's western end by the Tygeå river, reports that many, though not all, people there sunbathe nude along the stretch towards Sandhammaren. A German FKK guide lists Backåkra as a naturist spot. Nude use is therefore concentrated on the quieter western part, away from the lighthouse car park. Currents can be strong and dangerous here. Do not swim in onshore wind or high waves.
Getting there
Sandhammaren is off road 9 between Ystad and Simrishamn, about 25 km east of Ystad. The main car park is near the lighthouse and fills up on summer days. From there, walk about 500 m to the beach. Long motorhomes and overnight stays are restricted. For the quieter western end, turn off towards Backåkra and walk down to the shore. There are toilets, and a kiosk serves coffee and light meals in high summer.
What visitors say
Visitors praise Sandhammaren for its soft white sand, dunes and space, but say the main car park and the area near the lighthouse get busy in summer. Nude sunbathing is reported mainly at the western end near Backåkra, where many but not all beachgoers are nude. Nobody describes it as a designated area. Repeated advice is to respect the strong currents, wade in first, and avoid swimming in onshore wind or surf. Motorhome drivers find the parking rules restrictive.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Sandhammaren is a nature reserve with no designated nude area. Nude use is customary only on the quieter western stretch towards Backåkra. Sweden has no general ban on nude bathing, but conduct that offends others can be prosecuted. Reserve rules ban dogs and horses from 1 April to 30 September (checked 2026).
Naturism at Sandhammaren 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. 55.3803, 14.1862
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
Where do people sunbathe nude at Sandhammaren?
Mainly on the quieter western part of the beach towards Backåkra and the Tygeå, away from the lighthouse car park. It is not a designated area.
Is it safe to swim?
Currents can be strong. Avoid swimming in onshore wind or high waves, and if a current pulls you out, swim parallel to the shore rather than straight back.
Are there toilets and food?
There are toilets, and a kiosk serves coffee and light meals during the peak summer months.
Can I bring my dog?
No, not between 1 April and 30 September, when dogs and horses are banned from the reserve's beach.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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