Lyckesand

Lyckesand is one of four bathing spots on the Bödabukten bay on Öland's north coast, alongside Fagerör, Homrevet and the well-known Böda Sand. The beach adjoins Böda Sand to the north: fine sand, gently shelving water and, behind it, dunes and pine forest. Thanks to its shallow bathing profile and quick-warming water, it's considered especially family-friendly.

Beach & swimming

The continuous sandy beach of the Bödabukten bay, which Lyckesand is part of, is Öland's longest and is sometimes called "Öland's Riviera", nearly two kilometres of unbroken sand. No official length or width figure is published for the Lyckesand stretch specifically.

The water stays shallow for a long way out (långgrunt) and only deepens gradually. That's exactly what makes Lyckesand appealing for families with young children: you can stand safely far out, and the shallow water warms up noticeably faster than at more steeply shelving beaches.

Nature beach & naturist section

Lyckesand lies within the Bödakustens östra nature reserve (Länsstyrelsen Kalmar län). The beach itself is free and open year-round; only the car park is regulated. The Bödaleden hiking trail runs through the reserve, through open pine forest.

North of the textile beach lies Öland's only naturist beach (Lyckesand Nakenbad). It starts about 400 metres from the car park; a large rock in the water marks the transition. The section is considered semi-official, there's no formal official designation, and the separation rests on convention. On such a wide, open beach, though, everyone finds their own spot.

Clear rules apply within the reserve: dogs must be kept on a lead year-round, and wild camping, open fires and picking plants are banned. Picking berries and mushrooms, however, is allowed.

Visiting & practicalities

• Beach free, car park chargeable in season: From 15 June to 15 August, parking costs 10 SEK per hour between 4:00 and 21:00 (pay by app or SMS), with no parking allowed between 21:00 and 4:00. Cars and motorhomes have separate areas. The fee funds supervision and the upkeep of toilets and bins.
• Facilities: A dry toilet, picnic spots with tables and a bin; in summer a small seasonal kiosk with drinks, ice cream and snacks. There are no showers or lifeguards.
• Getting there: Lyckesand lies in the north-east of the island; the nearest place with shops and services is Böda, with Löttorp and Byxelkrok further north. From Böda the beach is a short walk or cycle away.
• Duration: Half a day is enough for swimming and a walk on the beach.
• Best time: June to August, when the water is warmest and the seasonal kiosk is open.

Combine with nearby spots

• Böda Sand, the main beach directly to the south, with a resort, kiosk and full infrastructure.
• Trollskogen, the "troll forest" at the northern tip, with wind-bent pines.
• Byrums raukar - Öland's only field of raukar (limestone sea stacks), around 120 pillars, on the west coast.

Other nearby destinations include the Ekopark Böda, Skäftekärr and the guest harbour at Böda hamn. For an overview of Öland's finest coastline, see the Öland beaches hub; travellers with a dog will find tips in the dog guide.