It was my first time doing the 21k (longest distance till then 13km) and I have to say that this is a demanding event, especially the middle stretch between 8th and 13th kilometer, and when the wind gets stronger. But the atmosphere is one-of-a-kind, with participants supporting and encouraging each other, I particularly cherished the chats at the feeding stations. Will definitely come back!

I have swum in many waters around the world, and I can confirm this is one of the best-organized events anywhere. Why? Because here you feel like Superman. The coordination and spirit of the whole event are outstanding and very friendly. Even after 8–10–14 hours of swimming, when you might feel disoriented, there is always someone to guide and help you. For example: Kajakers: Thor and his wife Analine were always there at night, providing food, drinks, pacing, and orientation. Medical support: Doctors are on site and attentive. If you stop for too long, they gently send you back into the water so you don’t get cold — after all, you came here to swim, not to hang around 😉. At every stop: There are people offering drinks, blankets, and a warm smile. Again, you feel like Superman but this time you don’t need to save the world — all you need to do is keep swimming 🏊‍♂️. Christer is a fantastic organizer and truly cares. You can see this in how his wife and son are part of the coordination team. The entire crew knows exactly what to do. This year I returned to complete the double: 21 km by night + 21 km by day = 42 km — and I made it 💪. I may well be back next year to this fun-tastic place to meet these wonderful people again! Thank you so much — 1000 tak!

Review of Vidösternsimmet 2025 A massive thank you to Vidösternsimmet 2025! This was my third time returning—this year with even more friends from the UK to share the experience. Having previously completed the 21km and 42km swims, I thought it was a good idea to return and take on the 21km again, while my friend completed the 42km alongside the rest of the UK gang in the 21km. Once again, the swim weekend did not disappoint. Communication was excellent throughout—from the race briefing to the swim start, right through to beers at the bar after. The organisers were fantastic, as always. Even though I now know how to get to Värnamo with ease, I really appreciated the detailed FAQ guide they created this year, which made it easier for newcomers travelling just for the swim. Their quick responses to emails also showed how much they care. The race briefing on Friday was clear and informative, with plenty of time for questions. It created a real buzz of excitement for the next morning and allowed swimmers from all over the world to meet, share experiences, and build anticipation. The pasta party that followed was brilliant—long tables, everyone mixing, and a fantastic community atmosphere. On race day, everything was smooth and well organised. Pick-up and departure to the swim start were prompt, volunteers were everywhere to help, and all tow floats were inflated and ready. Toilets and water were available at the start, and swimmers were gradually guided to the water before the cannon signalled the start. The course was superbly marked, with large yellow buoys every kilometre, perfectly placed to guide swimmers along the best line. Safety support was visible but never intrusive, with plenty of boats on the water. Feed stations were excellent—well stocked with sweet and salty options—and each one even had medical support and Vaseline on hand if needed. The finish was magical. After the last bridge, you’re greeted by food, massage tents, and hot tubs to warm up and recover. The atmosphere was incredible, with swimmers swapping stories about their swim lines, the chop when the wind picked up, and how they pushed through. The organisers were right there at the finish line, chatting with swimmers and gathering feedback—showing just how much they care about making the event a success. A lovely new addition this year was the post-swim evening gathering, giving everyone a chance to celebrate together—a fantastic touch. Overall, Vidösternsimmet remains faultless in its organisation, safety, and the incredible atmosphere created by both the organisers and the swimmers. There’s just something magical about this lake and this event that keeps drawing me back. Thank you once again for another unforgettable swim—I’m sure I’ll be back!

The organisers created a fantastic event. This was my first time swimming the Vidösternsimmet 21+K (22.1K on my Garmin) with 22 yellow buoys bringing me home. I enjoyed the feed station meet ups with my family. This was the best distance swim I have achieved, but also the pasta pre-swim party, water conditions, nutrition and atmosphere on the day made this very special. I appreciated the attention to safety, which increased my confidence and feeling of well being. Swimming with 3 friends, Fiona 21K FWS champion, Amna 42K FWS champion and Andy 21K MWS fastest british male, added to the occassion. Swimming with Amna home from Ekens was my absolute highlight, including going under the finish bridge together, swimming 2 strokes of butterfly for Andy "the ninja's" benefit and touching the wall. Fantastic finish area and welcome excellent food and shoulder massage. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the best of days!

Great event for open water swimmers. Lake is amazing with large variety of circumstances. Organization makes life fun and easier for the swimmers with well thought through safety and logistic measures. And by offering free carbs and drinks along the way via the boats and the jetty’s. So all focus can be on swimming. Go for it and have fun!

This was the best swim! starting from the perfect organization, ending with the smiling participants! The course is very fun! It was my first such long (21 km) swim, which left the warmest memories and experiences! This is my second summer when I swim OW, before that I swam only max 2km in a marathon in Lithuania... This year I decided to accept the challenge and participate in this swim! We were very lucky with the weather, although there were waves! It was a really great experience!!! I really hope that one day I will come back and repeat my 21 km swim, and if I go completely crazy, maybe I will try to participate in the 42 km swim🌊🏊‍♀️ ... someday🤔... I told a lot about this swim to my friends, who were so excited that they promised to come to Sweden next year and participate! Once again, I thank the organizers for the opportunity to be a participant in their event! Greetings from Lithuania!