Expert-verified surf spot database with detailed swell/wind parameters, hazards, and travel information
Varberg is Sweden's unlikely surf capital—a beach break on the west coast that catches North Sea swells and has developed a passionate local community against all odds. The waves are small but consistent during autumn and winter, the water is cold, and the tide is minimal. But Swedes are determined, and Varberg has become the hub for Scandinavian surfing. Proof that surfing culture can thrive anywhere with enough commitment and stoke.
🇸🇪 Sweden's surf capital • Cold determination • Scandinavian stoke
Works best with swells from 270° (W). Workable range: 240°-310°.
Ideal size: 1.3m. Too small below 0.6m, too big (closeout) above 2m.
Needs at least 6s period. Ideal: 10s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 90° (E). Offshore range: 45°-135°. Best window: both.
Autumn-winter storms. Minimal tide. Cold water year-round.
Cold water (8-18°C). Thick wetsuit required most of year.
Swell direction must be within the workable range AND within the spot's coastal orientation. A south-facing beach cannot receive north swells, no matter the size or period.
Offshore wind (blowing from land toward ocean) grooms the wave face. Onshore wind (blowing from ocean toward land) destroys wave quality. Wind tolerance varies by wave type.
Apelviken is Sweden's most famous surf spot—a sandy bay south of Varberg that catches W-NW winds funneling through the Skagerrak strait. The beach break offers soft, forgiving waves perfect for beginners, though bigger days can challenge experienced surfers. "A-Bay," as locals call it, is also a renowned windsurfing destination, and the dedicated surf center on the beach provides rentals, lessons, and warm drinks for frozen surfers. When autumn storms roll in off the Atlantic, Apelviken delivers surprisingly consistent surf in an unlikely Scandinavian setting.
🇸🇪 Sweden's best-known spot • Soft beach breaks • Scandinavian soul
Works best with swells from 270° (W). Workable range: 225°-315°.
Ideal size: 1.1m. Too small below 0.3m, too big (closeout) above 2m.
Needs at least 4s period. Ideal: 6s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 90° (E). Offshore range: 45°-135°. Best window: morning.
Autumn and winter storms. W-NW winds produce best conditions.
Very cold water. Baltic Sea = low salinity means less buoyancy.
Torö Stenstrand is Sweden's most surfed spot—an exposed beach on Torö Island about 80km south of Stockholm where the Swedish surf scene truly established itself. The annual national surf competition has been held here since 1991, cementing its place in Scandinavian surf history. When SW to S winds exceed 10 m/s, waves stack up along the sandy beach with occasional rocky sections adding variety. The proximity to Stockholm makes it the capital's go-to wave when conditions align. Cold, committed, and surprisingly consistent.
🏆 Sweden's most surfed • National contest venue • Stockholm's go-to
Works best with swells from 180° (S). Workable range: 135°-225°.
Ideal size: 1.1m. Too small below 0.3m, too big (closeout) above 1.8m.
Offshore wind from 0° (N). Offshore range: 315°-45°. Best window: morning.
SW-S winds produce waves. 10+ m/s winds needed.
Torö Island, 80km south of Stockholm. Easy beach access.