Freediving in Sweden
Including Djurö Archipelago, Gullmarn Fjord, and Kosterhavet National Park. On the map.
The vibe
Freediving here is a breath‑hold meditation amid clear, silvery water where the horizon blends with the sky, giving a sense of spaciousness you rarely find in crowded reefs. The calmest conditions arrive in midsummer, when the water is most stable and the nights are bright. Most freedivers head out on their own gear, slipping into the water with minimal fuss and no formal organization.
Djurö Archipelago
Västra Götaland County
Torbjörn Einarsson from Stockholm, Sweden / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Located in the middle of Lake Vänern, this freshwater archipelago offers surprisingly clear water and unique underwater rock structures. It is a favorite for local freedivers looking for a calm, lake-based environment to practice breath-hold skills in a vast, open-water setting.
Access. Accessible by private boat or local transport from the mainland. Best visited during the calm summer months.
Notes. Freshwater buoyancy differs from saltwater; adjust weighting accordingly. No significant currents, but weather can change quickly.
Gullmarn Fjord
Västra Götaland County
W.carter / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Gullmarn is Sweden's only true threshold fjord, reaching depths of over 100 meters, making it a premier location for deep-water freediving training. The steep, rocky walls provide a stable, protected environment for line-based depth sessions away from open-ocean swells.
Access. Shore access is available at several points near Lysekil. It is a hub for Swedish freediving clubs and technical diving training.
Notes. The fjord has a distinct halocline and thermocline; deep dives require proper thermal gear and safety protocols.
Kosterhavet National Park
Västra Götaland County
Petr Vodička / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
As Sweden's first marine national park, Kosterhavet provides a protected environment with high salinity and excellent visibility. The area features dramatic underwater rocky slopes and deep trenches that are ideal for constant-weight practice and exploring the unique cold-water reef ecosystems.
Access. Accessible by ferry from Strömstad. Guided freediving excursions and equipment support are available through local dive centers on the Koster Islands.
Notes. Marine park regulations apply; no disturbing the seafloor or protected species. Currents can be strong in the Koster Fjord.
Västervik Archipelago
Kalmar County
Mr.choppers / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The Västervik archipelago offers some of the clearest Baltic Sea water, featuring granite rock formations that drop off into deep, calm channels. Freedivers frequent these sheltered bays for the unique combination of cold-water training and the serene, labyrinthine topography of the Swedish coastline.
Access. Accessible via boat charters from Västervik. Several local freediving clubs organize group outings and training sessions in the summer months.
Notes. Water temperatures are low; high-quality thermal protection is mandatory. Be aware of boat traffic in narrow channels.