Dive into the heart of Sweden’s natural beauty with Vidösternsimmet, an open-water swimming race that challenges swimmers from around Europe and beyond. Since 2011, this iconic event has taken place on serene Lake Vidöstern, located just south of Värnamo in Småland. Vidösternsimmet offers a range of distances to cater to all levels of experience: - +42 km Viking: For the true adventurers and endurance athletes, this is the ultimate test. Swimmers will cover twice the length of Lake Vidöstern, including an arduous night leg guided by kayak teams, making it a race for only the most dedicated competitors. - +21 km Classic: Experience Sweden’s legendary long-distance swim with a full crossing of Lake Vidöstern. This challenging yet rewarding distance is perfect for those seeking to push their limits in open water and create lasting memories. - 6 km: Ideal for swimmers looking for a serious challenge without the commitment of the marathon distances, this tough but achievable course offers twice the Vansbro race length, providing both reward and satisfaction. - 0.5 km LiLLa Vidösternsimmet: Perfect for beginners or anyone seeking an introduction to open-water swimming in a safe and supported environment, this shorter distance allows participants to feel the excitement of the event without overexerting themselves. The race is renowned for its excellent organization, with feed stations providing real energy boosts throughout. Live GPS tracking ensures that every swimmer’s journey can be followed closely by friends and family back home. Dedicated safety teams are on hand at all times, ensuring a secure environment where swimmers can focus solely on their performance. Once you cross the finish line in Sundet, treat yourself to the legendary post-swim waffle and coffee, a much-loved tradition among participants who return year after year for this unique experience. Join Vidösternsimmet for an unforgettable day of swimming amidst one of Sweden’s most breathtaking natural settings.
Races Offered
Vidösternsimmet Viking 42 km
Aug 13, 2027
straighten
Distance —
42K
terrain
Type —
Water sports
timer
22:00
sell
€0.00
LiLLa Vidösternsimmet 0,5 km
Aug 14, 2027
straighten
Distance —
0.5K
terrain
Type —
Water sports
timer
11:30
sell
€27.27
Vidösternsimmet 6 km
Aug 14, 2027
straighten
Distance —
6K
terrain
Type —
Water sports
timer
14:00
sell
€130.91
Vidösternsimmet 21 km
Aug 14, 2027
straighten
Distance —
21K
terrain
Type —
Water sports
timer
17:00
sell
€272.64
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for August in Värnamo.
thermostatTemperature
12.3° / 19.7°
wb_sunnyFeels like
10.8° / 18.0°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
10h 15m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
3.1 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
11.4 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Moderate
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Moderate (4.9)
humidity_mid
Humidity
80.0%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
05:31
nightlight
Sunset
20:40
About Värnamo
Learn more about the host city, Värnamo.
Värnamo is a city in Småland with just above 18,000 inhabitants. 33,000 people live in Värnamo kommun, the municipality.
