Ice Skating on Natural Ice in Stockholm: Swedish Winter Adventure

Skate wild ice instead of a rink, with a guide who reads the conditions and picks the route.

An introduction to ice skating on natural ice in and around Stockholm, led by an expert guide who teaches safety and technique before a half-day skate through winter landscapes. You'll experience different types of natural ice (from smooth black ice to snow-covered surfaces) on a small lake, Lake Mälaren, or the Baltic Sea in the Stockholm Archipelago, depending on conditions that day. The outing includes transport, all equipment, and a picnic lunch with hot drinks and an open fire.

The experience

Your guide starts with a safety briefing and equipment introduction, then teaches you the best techniques for gliding on natural ice with a few practice exercises before you set off. The location isn't fixed. It depends on ice conditions on the day you go. You could skate on a small lake, Lake Mälaren (the fifth-largest lake in Europe), or the Baltic Sea in the Stockholm Archipelago. Your guide selects the route and destination to give you the best possible skating experience based on what the weather has made available.

You'll skate for approximately 3–4 hours through winter landscapes, moving across different types of natural ice: smooth, hard black ice; ice covered with water; ice under snow. The outing ends with a picnic lunch and hot drinks around an open fire. Transport to and from the starting point is included, either by private minivan or public transport depending on group size and conditions.

Minimum age is 15, and you'll need at least a moderate level of physical fitness. Maximum weight is 130 kg. When you book, you'll receive a list of suggestions on how to dress for the day. Check in 15 minutes before departure. Arriving later will likely mean missing the tour. The experience runs in all weathers unless your guide deems it unsafe, and a minimum of two participants is required to operate.

What’s included

• Transport to and from the starting point.
• professional guide in English.
• all skating and safety equipment including skates.
• classic outdoor lunch with hot and cold drinks.
• open fire for warming.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 28 Dec

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (15 to 17 years) · Under 15: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Stockholm Adventures ICEguide

Is this one for you?Small groups work best for this experience, since your guide adjusts the route and pace based on the group's comfort on wild ice and the conditions available that day. If you're looking to skate a rink with fixed hours and a set location, book a rink instead. This one is built around what the weather and ice make possible.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 17 years). Children under 15 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between skating on natural ice and a rink?

Natural ice varies in texture and thickness across the surface (smooth black ice, water-covered sections, snow-covered patches), so your guide teaches you how to read and move across each type safely. A rink is uniform and predictable. Wild ice demands attention and adapts your technique to the conditions.

Where exactly will I skate on the day I book?

The location changes based on ice conditions that morning. You could skate on a small lake, Lake Mälaren, or the Baltic Sea in the Stockholm Archipelago. Your guide picks the safest and best option available, so you won't know the exact spot until closer to the day.

How long does the actual skating take?

You'll skate for approximately 3–4 hours through winter landscapes before stopping for lunch and hot drinks around an open fire.

Do I need to have skated before?

No previous experience on wild ice is needed. Your guide begins with a safety briefing and teaches you the best techniques for gliding on natural ice, followed by practice exercises before you set off.

What should I wear?

When you book, you'll receive a list of suggestions on how to dress for a full day of outdoor winter activity. Appropriate winter clothing is not included in the package, but the guide will advise you on layers and gear.