Apelviken
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.
Apelviken surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (270°)
- Direction range
- 225° - 315°
- Size range
- 0.3m - 2m
- Ideal size
- 1.1m - 1.6m
- Height multiplier
- 0.95×
- Ideal period
- 6s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 45° - 135°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
8°C
Wetsuit
6/5mm + boots, gloves, hood
Difficulty
3/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: South of Varberg. Surf center on beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Apelviken?
Apelviken is a beach break in Varberg, Sweden, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Apelviken?
Apelviken picks up swell from the SW round to the NW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the W. It starts working at around 0.3m and handles up to about 2m, with the sweet spot around 1.1 to 1.6m. Period matters too: aim for 6s or longer, as anything under 4s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Apelviken?
An E wind is dead offshore at Apelviken, and anything from the NE round to the SE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Apelviken?
Apelviken isn't especially fussy about tide and generally works through the cycle, so swell and wind matter more here. Big tides can still change how it breaks, so it's worth checking before you paddle out.
When is the best time of year to surf Apelviken?
The most reliable run of swell at Apelviken comes Oct to Mar. There's a second window in Apr and Sep too. Autumn and winter storms. W-NW winds produce best conditions.
How cold is the water at Apelviken?
The water at Apelviken averages around 8°C, so you'll want a 6/5mm with boots, gloves and a hood. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Apelviken good for beginners?
Yes, it's one of the friendlier waves around, rated 3/10 for difficulty. Expect a moderate crowd (4/10) when it's on. Very cold water. Baltic Sea = low salinity means less buoyancy.
How do I get to Apelviken?
The nearest airport on our list is GOT, then it's roughly a one-hour drive. South of Varberg. Surf center on beach.
What other surf spots are near Apelviken?
The closest breaks we track are Varberg (2.6 km), handy when Apelviken isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Sep, Apr
Autumn and winter storms. W-NW winds produce best conditions.