When the temperature drops below zero in winter, the ice-skating fever rises. Can't wait to glide over the natural ice in Sweden? We have listed a range of beautiful Nordic ice skating spots in Sweden, from north to south, and where to book them.
Ice skating in Swedish nature cannot be compared with skating in an indoor skating rink. For Nordic ice skating or tour skating, the distances are usually longer, and skates with longer blades are used. Hence, long-distance skating ('långfärdsskridskor'). Ice skating season typically runs between mid-November and the end of March, depending on the location in Sweden. November is usually the peak season due to less snow-covered ice.
Sweden is an ice skater’s dream, with crisp, cold winters and an enormous number of lakes (almost 100,000) and rivers, many of which freeze over in winter.
Photo: Håkan Wike/Visit Sweden
Photo: Håkan Wike/Visit Sweden
Photo: Håkan Wike/Visit Sweden
Photo: Leif Wikberg / HK Dest
Photo: Niclas Vestefjell/imagebank.sweden.se
Photo: Luleå Kommun
Photo: Håkan Wike/Visit Sweden
Piteå: The ice rink on Lake Nördfjärden in Piteå has been prepared for ice skating and sledding for more than 20 years in a row. The length of the track depends on the current ice conditions. There’s a beach where you can rent skates and buy something to eat and drink.
Luleå: From December to March/April, you can enjoy a prepared ice track of about 10 kilometres in Luleå. The track extends from Norra Hamn to Gültzauudden, Södra Hamn and on to Gråsjälören. There are barbecue areas where you can grill sausages.
Umeå: Lake Tavelsjö, about 25 kilometres from Umeå, is ideal for long-distance skating and recreational day trips. The prepared track (some 10 kilometres) has two loops that cross each other so that you can choose your distance. Every year they organise the race Tavelsjörännet. Skates are also available for rent.
Åre: The area around Åre is a natural paradise for long-distance skaters. Lake Ånnsjön is a large but shallow lake. You skate surrounded by, among others, Bunnerfjällen and Snasahögarna. On Lake Ottsjön, you can usually skate quite early in the season. With the Ottfjället mountain as a backdrop, this is one of the most beautiful skating locations in the region. Nearby, you'll also find some frozen ponds where you can ice skate.
You can rent your equipment at Fjällsport in Duved.
Nyänget: In Örnsköldsvik, a track is being prepared on Bäckfjärden between Nyänget and Fjälludden. The track is approximately 3 kilometres long and is a popular excursion destination for visitors and locals alike. You can take a break and warm up at Fjälludden, where you also find a sauna.
Härnösand: In Härnösand, a figure-of-eight track is prepared on Godstjärn at Bondsjöhöjdens IP. The trail is about 1 kilometre long, and there are benches and barbecue areas around the lake.
Long-distance skating on Sweden's frozen lakes is a popular winter activity.
Photo: Anna Holm/Visit Dalarna
Photo: Anna Holm/Visit Dalarna
Photo: Anna Holm/ Visit Dalarna
Photo: Jocke Lagercrantz/ Visit Värmland
Photo: Helena Wahlman/imagebank.sweden.se
Runn/Ösjön, Falun-Borlänge: Lake Runn is probably Sweden's most famous skating spot. You will find up to 50 kilometres of prepared tracks, and you can use the loop system to map out your desired distance. There are dozens of cosy picnic spots along the trail. Every winter, they host activities and events, such as Runn Winter Week with World Cup races.
Väsman, Ludvika: On Lake Väsman, you can skate on a 19-kilometre-long prepared track between the marinas of Ludvika and Dröverka. You can also start in between. Around Bärholmarna, you will find a loop of about 1 kilometre. This is also the perfect place to take a break and enjoy a ‘fika’, the Swedish coffee break.
Glafsfjorden, Arvika: Lake Glafsfjorden is an excellent place for wild skating. This lake in western Värmland is connected to Lake Vänern via the river Byälven. Lake Glafsfjorden is popular amongst locals, but there are no prepared tracks.
Vänern: Fancy ice skating on Sweden's largest lake? You can! Just be extra careful. Because the lake is so large, it takes a bit longer for the ice to thicken, and there are also more treacherous spots. There is no prepared track here, but you can, for example, join the tours of Nordic Eco Tours or, if you are near Karlstad, go to Solstaskäret.
Västerås: Close to the town of Västerås you can ice skate at Björnön on Lake Mälaren. At Aktivt Uteliv in Björnögården, you can rent skates and join courses on ice skating.
Malingsbo: On the border between Västmanland, Dalarna and Örebro, you will find the nature reserve Malingsbo-Kloten. You can book a guided tour with Nordic Discovery.
Sweden is an ice skater’s dream; crisp, cold winters and a ridiculous amount of lakes (almost 100,000) and rivers, many of which freeze over in a mirror of natural ice in wintertime.
Photo: Helena Wahlman/imagebank.sweden.se
Photo: Helena Wahlman/imagebank.sweden.se
Photo: Gustav Dalesjö/ Destination Uppsala
Photo: Sigtunarännet
Photo: Agence les Conteurs
Uppsala: In the Uppsala area, you can put your skates on at Fjällnora Friluftsområde. Weather permitting, you'll find a prepared track on Lake Trehörningen. And at Hammarskogs Friluftsområde, a 15-kilometre-track between Dalbyviken and Skarholmen is provided.
You can also put on your skates in the Swedish capital. Trekanten in Liljeholmen is closest to the city if you opt for skating on natural ice. Drevviken, Magelungen and Långsjön are also popular skating spots in Stockholm.
Half an hour from Stockholm, you can skate on natural ice at Hellasgården. The ice season typically begins at the end of January here. Some organisations that offer guided tours are True Nature Sweden, Green Trails and Stockholm Adventure.
And finally, you can also find several ice rinks in the heart of the city. At Kungsträdgården, you can even rent skates.
Gnesta: One of the most popular skating routes near Gnesta is between the Visnaren and Sillen lakes. Here, you skate on a 39-kilometre-long waterway that connects both lakes. You can also skate on Lake Båven and Marvikarna.
