Swimming around Lönsboda
One lake is good.
A few more won’t hurt.
From a small natural swimming spot to a long afternoon at Möckeln: our suggestions for days by the water.
A towel, something to drink and a day that is not too fully booked. Often, that is quite enough.
Living beside a lake has not made us any less curious about the others. Around Lönsboda, there is a surprising choice of places to go for a swim. Some are little more than a quiet spot on the shore. Others come with a jetty, a playground and room for a whole afternoon.
Here are our picks for different sorts of swimming day, alongside current information from the local councils. Driving times from Rågeboda are rough guides, not promises timed to the minute.
Close by
Gylsboda.
For a spontaneous dip.
When we do not fancy a long drive, Gylsboda is an obvious thought. This small natural swimming spot is just a few minutes from Rågeboda. Think an uncomplicated visit to the water rather than a beach day with all the facilities.
That distinction matters: we do not treat Gylsboda as a managed bathing beach. Pay attention to access, signs and property boundaries. Whether a particular way into the water suits you is something to judge on the spot, not from a lovely photograph.
To make more of the outing, check the current programme at Sliperiet Gylsboda beforehand. Art and a short visit to the water go well together. That does not, however, mean you should expect a café open every day.
Woodland and water
Ubbasjön.
Without the extras.
About ten to fifteen minutes away by car, Ubbasjön is our suggestion for anyone who would rather find a small, quiet swimming spot than a long list of facilities. Woodland, water, a picnic: a perfectly serviceable programme.
Here, we would rely on our own preparations. Bring drinks, provisions and something to sit on; do not count on toilets, a kiosk or other facilities. Again, look at the way into the water first, then decide. These little natural spots are lovely precisely because they are not all the same.
A whole afternoon
Hjärtasjön.
The practical choice.
For a longer swimming day, we would put Hjärtasjön near Lönsboda on the list. It is around fifteen minutes from Rågeboda. The council lists jetties, a toilet, an outdoor shower, a barbecue area and a playground at Hjärtasjöbadet. That makes for a slightly more comfortable afternoon than an entirely natural shoreline.
If you would rather not spend the whole time sitting on a towel, add a walk. Visit Osby also lists the circular route by Hjärtasjön. We like places where the question is not ‘What shall we do afterwards?’ but rather ‘Do we have to leave already?’
A shallow shoreline is, of course, no substitute for supervision. Especially with children, the water, the weather and your own attention matter more than any list of facilities.
On Lake Immeln
Breanäs.
With a wider view.
Breanäs is on Lake Immeln, about a quarter of an hour’s drive away. The lake feels rather larger here. A good spot if you would like a little scenery with your swim.
Östra Göinge Council lists Breanäs as a swimming spot and tests the water during the bathing season. There is also a nature playground nearby. Before a swimming day, the latest water information is more useful than an old review on the internet.
We would allow plenty of sitting time here. Not every outing needs another stop afterwards. You are quite entitled to stay beside Immeln and see how long the flask of coffee lasts.
Lake Immeln at Breanäs. Our own photograph from the original swimming-spots article.
Towards Älmhult
Möckeln and Bökhult.
For a longer swimming day.
We drive about half an hour to Möckeln near Älmhult. It is particularly worthwhile when swimming is the day’s plan rather than a quick interruption. According to the council, Möckelns badplats has a sandy beach, a shallow shoreline and a jetty, along with play facilities, a barbecue area and a toilet.
Another option is Bökhult by Sjöstugans Camping. The council describes sunny and shady spots, a jetty, volleyball, waterside play facilities, a shower, a barbecue area and a toilet. The bathing area has also been adapted for accessibility. Check with the council and on arrival to see which facilities are currently available.
Both places are a different sort of outing from Ubbasjön: a little further to go, but more possibilities for a long afternoon. We would still pack provisions. Hunger rarely chooses the most convenient moment.
At Möckeln near Älmhult. Another of our own photographs from the live website.
Before you go in
A natural lake is still
a natural lake.
A lovely place to enter the water can look different after a change in the weather. Check the lake bed and depth, do not jump into unfamiliar water and follow local advice. Children must be supervised by the water. In a thunderstorm or poor conditions, we would rather postpone the swim.
Take your rubbish home, remember that a private jetty is not automatically public, and do not mistake a barbecue area for permission to ignore a current fire ban. A quick look at the council information is therefore part of getting ready.
And, if we are quite honest, sometimes the lake outside the house wins after all. Not because the others are not lovely. Simply because the towel is already on the terrace.
Our verdict
Our best swimming spot? That depends on whether five minutes in the water will do today, or whether you want to make a whole day of it.
Read on
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