Erecting new buildings by the water’s edge is heavily regulated but you will still find plenty of boat houses, jetties and old summer houses from the early 20th century scattered along the coastline and on the tens of thousands of islands across the country. And that’s before you even consider almost 100,000 inland lakes.

Interest from abroad in buying summer houses in Sweden is increasing, and it's the waterfront properties that are most sought after. So for inspiration, here is a gallery of classic Swedish boat houses and jetties.

1. Boat houses and saunas in the Stockholm archipelago. Swimwear prohibited.

2. Boat house from around 1900 near Waxholm in the Stockholm archipelago

3. Boat house à la Gotland

4. Boat house with beds and small kitchen

5. Boat house north of Stockholm

6. Newly built beach and dining area

7. Boat house on a jetty built on cribs filled with stone (a type of construction called “Stenkista” in Swedish)

8. Jetties and red cottages in the Gryt archipelago

9. House in the Stockholm archipelago built on a dock.

10. Jetty built on a crib construction filled with rocks

11. Light floating jetty in Sveg in Norrland

If you are lucky enough to own a house by the water and you are planning to build a jetty (“brygga”) or boat house (“båthus”) think carefully about what you intend to use your jetty for. Is it a place to moor your boat or a swimming platform? Do you plan to host midsummer dinner parties on your jetty or is it a spot for a winter sauna?

However you plan to use your dream jetty, you'll need to start with the planning regulations in your part of Sweden. After that, the fun begins.

All images from Allabryggor.se.