Top 7 Lakes around Östhammars kommun

Östhammars kommun offers several excellent spots for swimming and relaxation. Österbybruk Camping & Lake is popular for swimming and has a campsite. Other notable child-friendly natural bathing areas include Lake Vällen (Vällenbadet) with its sandy beach, Gimo Damm (Gimobadet) featuring large grassy areas and barbecue spots, Aspbo (Aspbobadet) within a nature reserve, and Hammardammen. Krutudden, near central Östhammar, also offers a child-friendly bathing spot and a designated dog swimming area. Berkingebadet and Gräsöbadet provide additional options for a refreshing dip.

For fishing enthusiasts, Gimo Damm (Gimodammen) is highly regarded for its diverse fish population, including perch, pike, and walleye. You can book boats for fishing there, and children up to 14 years old can fish for free. The Östhammarsfjärden area, which includes Sandikafjärden, Granfjärden, and Hunsaren, also offers extensive fishing waters with a wide range of species. Berkingebadet is another restored mill pond where you can both swim and fish.

Yes, many lakes in Östhammars kommun are ideal for families. Hargshamn Bath & Camping offers a small beach with facilities. Österbybruk Camping & Lake is also family-friendly with swimming opportunities. Lake Vällen (Vällenbadet), Gimo Damm (Gimobadet), Aspbo (Aspbobadet), Hammardammen, and Krutudden are all highlighted as child-friendly natural bathing areas, often featuring sandy beaches, grassy areas, and amenities like changing rooms and barbecue spots.

The lakes around Östhammars kommun are set amidst diverse natural landscapes, including forests and coastal areas. You can find interesting landmarks like the Red and White Teepee Marker, an intriguing structure near a lake that serves as a viewpoint. For wildlife spotting, the Birdwatching Tower at Tegelsmorasjön offers excellent views and a chance to observe local fauna. Many bathing areas also provide scenic views over the water, such as Gräsöbadet with its views over Öregrundsgrepen.

Beyond swimming and fishing, the region around Östhammars kommun's lakes offers various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous running trails, with options like a 5.7 km loop from Östhammar or a 10.9 km loop from Öregrund. Cycling is also popular, with easy routes such as the 30.6 km Västra Banken loop. For mountain biking, there are moderate trails, including a 27.4 km loop from Gimo. You can find more details on these activities in the dedicated guides for Running Trails, Cycling, and MTB Trails around Östhammars kommun.

Yes, some lakes have historical significance. Gimo Damm (Gimodammen), for instance, was historically a mill dam used for timber transport and supplied water power for the Gimo ironmill. The Red and White Teepee Marker is an interesting man-made monument near a lake, likely used as a marker for travelers. Berkingebadet is a restored mill pond set in an old mill environment, offering a glimpse into the region's industrial past.

The summer months are generally the best time to visit the lakes in Östhammars kommun, especially for swimming and water-based activities. During this period, the municipal open-air swimming areas undergo regular water quality testing, and amenities like barbecue spots and changing rooms are typically open. The pleasant weather also makes it ideal for exploring the surrounding nature, including forests and coastal areas.

Yes, some bathing areas are designed with accessibility in mind. Lake Vällen (Vällenbadet) is noted as accessibility-adapted, offering facilities for visitors with reduced mobility. Gimo Damm (Gimobadet) also provides accessibility for individuals with reduced mobility, ensuring a wider range of visitors can enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

Yes, Krutudden, a child-friendly natural bathing spot located about 500 meters from central Östhammar, has a designated dog swimming area. This allows visitors to enjoy the lake with their canine companions.

Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse recreational opportunities, from tranquil swimming spots to productive fishing grounds. The family-friendly amenities, such as clean service buildings at campsites like Österbybruk Camping & Lake, and the scenic views from places like Hargshamn Bath & Camping, are frequently highlighted. The blend of natural beauty, historical context, and well-maintained facilities makes the lakes a popular destination for various interests.

Yes, camping is a popular option near several lakes. Hargshamn Bath & Camping offers a camping area with a view. Österbybruk Camping & Lake provides a nice campsite with clean service buildings right by a lake suitable for swimming. Additionally, Aspbo 3, one of the bathing areas at Aspbo, also functions as a camping area, making it convenient for those who wish to stay overnight.