Marsbäcken

For swimming, I’d take the easy walk through the woods to the lake. I wouldn’t swim beside the hostel because the water looked murky and I don’t like seaweed, though other people seemed fine with it. There’s a toddlers’ paddling spot and a football field for older kids, plus canoes and bikes to rent. The setting is quiet and wooded by the water, yet surprisingly close to the attractive, busy harbour town of Västervik. You can camp, bring a caravan, or stay in the wooden dormitory, which has private or family rooms but shared showers and toilets. The shared kitchen and common room are in another building. Bring your own towels, and expect to clean your room before leaving. Summer staff, possibly volunteers, were cleaning the shared areas. I found it overpriced for a campsite/youth hostel, but we couldn’t find anything cheaper in town, only B&Bs or hotels more than 50 km away, some in the archipelago. This place is just 10 minutes by car from town. They only take Swish or cash, not credit cards.