Location
Sweden
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Rock
Best season
June to August
About Smithska Udden nude beach
Smithska udden, known locally as 'Smitten', is a rocky cape on the Askim shore of southern Gothenburg, looking out over the outer archipelago. It is one of the city's favourite bathing spots, with wide areas of smooth granite, small beaches, lawns, bathing jetties with ladders and a playground, so it draws everyone from families to older regulars. Nude bathers use the south-western part of the point, and the city's tourism office tells visitors who want to bathe nude to head there. The cape is mostly a large area of rock slabs, with bathing ladders for getting in and out of the sea and only small patches of sand. The main bathing area is shared with clothed visitors, so the nude rocks are a tolerated corner of a public bathing place rather than a fenced naturist beach. There is room for many people, and on warm days the cape is busy.
Getting there
Take a bus from central Gothenburg to the Näsbovägen stop; the city's tourism office puts the trip at about 40 minutes, followed by roughly a 20-minute walk to the cape. Paths to the main area are suitable for pushchairs, and there are toilets for women, men and disabled visitors. From the main bathing jetties, walk over the rocks to the south-western end of the point for the nude area; the rock is uneven and slippery when wet.
What visitors say
Local guides and bathing round-ups rank Smitten among Gothenburg's best rock bathing places, popular with all ages, with jetties, ladders and lots of room. The nude bathers keep to the south-western part of the point, beyond the clothed main area. Points raised by visitors and guides are the 20-minute walk from the bus and the advice to check water quality after heavy rain or algal bloom before swimming.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Swedish law does not forbid nude bathing; only behaviour likely to cause offence or sexual harassment is punishable. Smithska udden is a municipal bathing place where Göteborg & Co, the city's tourism company, directs nude bathers to the south-western part; it is not signed as a naturist beach. Local guides advise checking water quality after heavy rain or algal bloom.
Naturism at Smithska Udden nude beach sits under Sweden's rules for de facto tolerance — usually left alone if you keep it non-sexual and low-drama.
Full country law: Sweden public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 57.6099, 11.8869
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 bathe nude at Smithska udden?
On the south-western part of the cape, on the rocks beyond the main bathing jetties. Göteborg & Co points nude bathers there.
How do I get there by public transport?
Bus from central Gothenburg to Näsbovägen, about 40 minutes, then around 20 minutes on foot.
Is it sandy?
Mostly not. The cape is a large rocky area with bathing ladders and only small patches of sand.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes. The cape has a playground and accessible toilets, and families use the main area; the nude rocks are a short walk away.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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