Beach
Långholmen
in Stockholm, Sweden
A leafy former prison island close to central Södermalm whose rocky western shores, reached by walking past the old jail and up onto the cliffs, hold a popular spontaneous nude-friendly bathing area.
Where it is
Långholmen is a small green island in Lake Mälaren, just northwest of Södermalm and reachable on foot by footbridges.
Address: Långholmen
What it is
The old prison is now a hotel and hostel, surrounded by walking trails, meadows and the popular Långholmsbadet sandy beach on Lake Mälaren. Close to the centre yet relaxed, the island is a favourite summer spot for swimming, picnicking and sunbathing.
History
A workhouse was founded here in 1724 and grew into Sweden's largest prison; the central penitentiary was built in 1874–1880 and closed in 1975. Over decades inmates spread dredged mud across the island, creating the fertile greenery that defines it today.