Varberg

A surfer's paradise

The west coast town of Varberg delivers summer in its purest form. There’s 2.5 kilometres of sandy beaches perfect for picnics or ocean dips (if you can bear the cold, it’s still the Kattegat strait after all ), with a side of surfing. The coastal scenery shifts here too, with vast sand strips giving way to rocky terrain as you head north.

Two landmarks command your attention immediately. First, Kallbadhuset juts from the pier – one of Sweden's most renowned cold bath houses. Its striking timber structure glows gold in the sunlight and perches over the sea, into which brave souls plunge year-round, emerging pink-cheeked and invigorated.

Then Varberg Fortress looms above town, built in the 1280s when this coast belonged to Denmark. It's enormous – part of a defensive chain stretching along the shore. Today it houses a museum exploring the region's fascinating history, from medieval warfare to local life.

Cross the fortress moat carefully. Legend claims a small lake monster lives there – likely folklore, but you never know. Summer brings visitors chasing coastal breaks and white sand beaches. Off-season, Varberg settles into quieter rhythms – locals reclaim their town and waves roll in without the line ups.